I am sorry about the delays in my other stories but between real life problems, writers block and so on I didn't have time to write things about my other stories as of now the next chapter of How a locked box changes everything is about 25% done and the next chapter of Special Agent Franks is about 20% done.
Now this particular thing wouldn't stay quiet in my mind so I had to put in on paper...
I currently don't have a beta and am looking for one, please excuse the somewhat poor endlish as it isn't my mother language.
Disclaimer : I don't own A Song Of Ice And Fire nor Game of Thrones that belong to George R.R. Martin and HBO.
"Speaking"
'Thinking'
Letters and Flashback
Tower of Joy Dorne 283 After Aegon's Conquest.
The sword fight between the three Kingsguard led by their commander Gerold Hightower and the seven Stark's soldier led by the new lord of Winterfell Eddard « Ned » Stark was still going when a piercing scream coming from the tower interrupted the fight.
Lord Stark disregarding the fight he was engaged in with Arthur Dayne the sword of the morning rushed inside the tower screaming his sister's name.
"Lyanna !"
Strangely the only Kingsguard left alive didn't take advantage of the fact that his opponent turned his back to him and ran after him worry etched on his face.
The remaining Stark men that were left alive Howland Reed and Lord William Dustin looked at each other and ran after their Lord and his opponent fearing for their commander and lord's life.
Inside the tower.
Ned came barreling inside the chamber from where the screams came from, and what he saw inside it left him stunned : his sister was laying on a bed wich covers were drenched in blood and she held a screaming babe at her bossom.
"Is that a way to come into a lady's room dear brother ?" asked the pale Lyanna trying to lift the spirits of everyone in the room.
"Lyanna…. " whispered Ned who was still trying to figure out what had happened, his toe of voice made his sister cry.
"I am sorry Ned so Sorry … Father and Brandon …. it's my fault…. " cried the young mother.
" No ! the only one at fault is the Mad King and he is dead….But Lyanna I need to know why ? " said the young Lord of Winterfell.
" I loved him, Rhaegar…..Robert is a whorelover and no matter how much you told me to leave him a chance I couldn't do it, and so when Rhaegar came looking for me I went willingly with him, and we were wed here in Dorne, this babe is his son, Rhaegar named him Jaehaerys but I like to call him Jon….. Promise me that you will take care of him Ned promise me. "
" Lyanna you will take care of him yourself. " pleaded the elder brother to his youger sister.
" Don't be a fool brother even I know that I won't last much longer without a maester and there isn't one nearby. Please Ned I need this, Promise me you will take care of him…. " pleaded Lyanna her strenght beginning to leave her body.
" Yes I promise…. " whispered Ned as his sister died smiling knowing her child would be well taken care of. Ned cried with his young nephew in one arm and his sister hand in his other hand.
Time passed and no one dared to say anything, then Howland Reed came besides his crying lord and pulled the siblings hands apart.
" My Lord you must decide what to do about the bodies outside and about the child. " said the heai of Greywater Watch.
" Dayne, Was everything true ? " asked the lord of Winterfell to the kingsguard who was also one of Rhaegar's best friend.
" ….Yes After the birth of Aegon, the maesters said that a new birth could be extremely dangerous for Elia, Rhaegar knew that while he had a son he needed another since the succession was still endangered considering Aerys' state of mind. And so like Aegon I Rhaegar felt that he needed a second queen, and since the first one came from the south, the second would come from the north to show the realm that he didn't do favoritism. After the tourney at Harrenhal The prince was supposed to go north and tour the northern famillies looking for a worthy bride but during th tourney he met and fell in love with your sister. The prince did all that in secret because of the king highly paranoid mind and so he took your sister to be his second wife, but what worries me is that your sister was supposed to have left a message in Winterfell about her leaving and why…. " explained Arthur Dayne.
" ….I see, I was in the Vale during that time and Brandon was in Riverrun getting ready for his wedding, then he rushed to King's Landing demanding Rhaegar's head then the King called father and then we all know what happened…..Damm you Brandon why didn't you wait for confirmation before rushing head first. " recalled Ned about the timeline before the rebellion.
" I see it was a misunderstanding and the actions of the Mad King that caused the rebellion, what shall we do now because there is noway that I shall bend the knee to your brutish friend. The only king I shall recognise is in your arms. " said the last loyal Kingsguard.
" I am not sure about my friend, even if he didn't order I the was pretty glad about the attack on the Red Keep and the actions of the false knights Gregor Cleganne and Amory Lorch, they were the one to butcher and kill Elia, Rhaenys and Aegon on the order of Tywin Lannister no doubt. " grumbled Eddard.
" If he acted like this I wonder how he will react of knowing about his Grace. " said Arthur.
"My Lord, Ser Dayne the young lad look like a northerner, we could all say that he is a bastard to one of us northern men…. " proposed Howland Reed, with Lord Dustin nodding along.
" We could always say he is from Brandon's seed, we all know how the wild wolf was with the girls back home." said Lord Dustin.
" No, He is mine, his name is Jon Snow, Robert will understand why I wouldn't speak about the mother considering how he knows I view honor. If we say he is from another Robert will want to know who the mother is if only to entertain himself. " said Ned. " So we all agree about this. This boy is know my bastad Jon Snow and no one will ever speak about what happened here. "
"Lord Stark two things, first I will go with you to Winterfell under disguise, say I was killed alongside my brothers to anyone who asks but I swore a vow to the boy's mother and father to be his Kingsguard. Second should the realm needs it I would like to rise for your nephew, I know where the proofs of his legitimacy are so there shouldn't be any problems. "
" Agreed. " swore Lord Stark.
And that's how the combat of the Tower of Joy ended, from the three Kingsguards only one survived Lord Commander Gerold Hightower died killed by Lord Dustin, Ser Oswell Whent died killed by Ser Martyn Cassel. From the seven Northmen only three survived, Ser Martyn Cassel was slain by Gerold Hightower, Ser Mark Rysswell died slain by Ser Arthur Dayne, Theo Wull did slain by Arthur Dayne Ethan Glover died slain by Arthur Dayne.
Winterfell 289 After Conquest
Six years have passed since Robert's Rebellion and the event of the Tower of Joy, the young Jon Snow now aged six was exploring some of the older parts of Winterfell's keep. His father Lord Eddard Stark had answered the call to arms of the King Robert I in answer of the Greyjoys' Rebellion. This left the caslte of Winterfell in the hands of Lady Catelyn Stark who didn't like Jon since he wasn't her son but a bastard of his father. His half brother and sister, Robb and Sansa were waiting for their mother t give birth to their youngest sibling. Jon wasn't with them since he knew Lady Stark wouldn't like it.
Normally jon wouldn't have been able to explore the castle as his minder a Dornish bastard by the name of Damon Sand would normally watch over him in his father absences but the man was asked to go with his father since apparently Damon was gisted with the sword.
Jon kept going in his exploration and entered an old part of the keep left unhabited form a long time ago judging by all the dirt and cobwebs on the walls and roofs, Jon knew that it wasn't lived in since Lady Catelyn asked the servants to keep the castle the cleanest possible and sometimes Jon was even asked to help cleaning.
Jon entered what looked like his father's office, and went through the usual hidden spots and when he opened a closet, he found an old chest with a yellowed piece of parchement on it, curious Jon went to see what was on it. What he saw on the letter made his eyes go round.
Dear Descendant and Lord of Winterfell
Inside my office you will find something King Aegon I gave our familly in thanks for me saving his life and the life of his dragon Balerion the black dread from the hands of Wildings. I write this letter in the third year after the conquest but I got the gifts four years earlier. At the times there wasn't an Iron Throne and the Targaryens weren't kings but Lords of Dragonstone, they were seven kings at the time, Argilac Durrandon the Storm King, Mern XI Gardener King of the Reach, Loren I Lannister King of The Rock, Ronnel Arryn King of the Mountain and the Vale, his regent Shanna Arryn, Harren the Black Hoare, King of the Isles and the Rivers, Meria Martell Princess of Dorne and me.
Before long we heard rumours of the fall of Harrenhal and the Fields of Fire, three of the kingdoms had fallen in a very shortime, I knew that sooner or later Aegon would turn his attention on the North and soon enough scouts reported that an army was camping just south of the Neck. I immediatly called the banners but before we could march south words came from the Night's Watch of a King Beyond The Wall and that the wall would soon fall to the wildlings. The choice came easily we marched North because should the wall fall then all Westeros would have been in danger from what's lying further north.
It was during a battle between the wildings army and ours that he flew in, riding on his dragon Balerion, Aegon Targaryen was alone he obviously wanted to use his flying pet to scout our armies but not knowing the geography of the North he got lost and ended up further north that what he intended. The wildings seeing such a creature immediatly targeted him and soon a giant sent a huge rock right at the dragon head, both creature and rider fell on the ground, the man was uninjured and got ready to defend both his life and his dragon's from the wildings. I suppoose I could have left him all alone therefore ending his conquest here and there, but I didn't, I went and fought alongisde him Ice and Blackfyre bathing together in wilding's blood.
It was after the battle during the talkings that followed that he offered me these priceless gifts in thanks, I then bent the knee to him and got him to understand the importance of the Night's Watch, we signed a treaty where all the criminals and volunteer of the south would take the black instead of being merely executed.
In the box you will find the gifts of Aegon but no one was able to open them maybe you will be able to.
The last King of Winter Torrhen Stark.
After reading the letter Jon opened the chest to see what these mysterious gifts were, inside he found three stones one was whiter than the snow, one was darker than the blackest night and the last one was redder than blood. When the young boy touched the stones he undertood that te stones weren't mere stones but fossilised eggs and even better dragon eggs. Knowing he couldn't move the eggs now the boy swore to do it once he grew up a little.
After his discoveries Jon returned to the main part of the keep when an excited Robb ran into him.
" There you are ! We have a sister ! " yelled the heir of Winterfell happy to see his pack grow.
" Really ?! " asked Jon his eyes brightening at the thought of another younger sister.
" Yes, She is with Mother right now. Wanna see her ? " asked the young Stark.
" I can't your mother would have my hide. " grumbled the young bastard.
" I forgot….Sorry. " said Robb looking quite guilty to have forgotten the current relationship between his mother and his half brother.
" Young Robb, Young Jon, there you are Now that Lady Stark brought young Arya into this world I am free once more to teach you your lesson come along your sister is aready in the classroom. " said maester Luwin coming from behind Robb.
With that said the maester escorted the two young boys back inside the keep for more lessons about the history of Westeros and all the great famillies.
Soon after the birth of their little sister a raven came bearing the news of the victory over the Greyjoys and their rebellion. Lord Eddard and the army of the north were to return sooner rather than later.
Two weeks later.
As it was announced Lord Stark returned to Winterfell roughly two weeks after the letter came, but he wasn't alone a young boy was with him.
Lord Stark introduced the boy as Theon Greyjoy youngest son of Balon Greyjoy yet his only living son as his two elder brothers were killed during the siege of Pyke.
During the next ten years Robb grew closer to Theon while Jon remained distant as he and the young Grejoy didn't like one another. The Stark family also grew during these ten years with two new brothers Bran, born one year after Arya and Rickon born in 293 After the Conquest.
During all these years Jon kept the dragon eggs he found a secret, many times he was tempted into revealing this secret to someone, mainly Robb his closest brother as he may be the only one of his family not to reveal anything about them but since the Stark heir grew close to Theon Greyjoy, Jon kept his mouth shut.
Essos City State of Pentos 298 After the Conquest.
Far away from Westeros and King's Landing the remainig member of the house Targaryen hid in the house of magister Illyrio Mopatis.
In the great hall of the house, four people were in a meeting, the owner of the house the rotund Illyrio Mopatis, the angry king Viserys Targaryen, his sister Daenerys Targaryen and their niece Rhaenys Targaryen, the fact about her is that all of Westeros think she died in the sack of King's Landing when in fact thanks to luck and the action of several men she was able to escape with her life and join with her family in Essos.
Viserys was growing angrier the longer he remained in hiding from the Usurper and his assassins.
" How long as it's been since the Usurper and his dogs butchered our familly and took away what was ours !? And both of you are happy hidding here like cowards ! " roared the would be king.
" Your Grace, I understand what your saying but we currently don't have any armies and I don't think the great houses of Westeros will rise for you if you can't bring some armies on the table. " stated Illyrio trying to keep the young false king from making rash decisions
" I wasn't talking to you fool, I was talking to my sister and my niece ! But I fear you are right, those sheep and dogs won't move a finger content as they are. "
" I don't agree with that, My Uncles the Prince Doran and Oberyn would rise for us should they learn I am alive and if you promise them the Lannister's heads. " stated the young Rhaenys.
" I won't have anything to do with those cowards who bent the knees instead of fighting, Unbowed Unbent Unbroken, is that right, Well Dorne Bowed to the Usurper, Bent the Knee and Broke ! So keep your foolish idea to yourself you Dornish Whore ! " scoffed the child of the Mad king who missed the looks his sister and his niece gave one another.
" Your Grace, I may have an idea or two that could help you but bear in mind that it will take time to prepar either plans. " said the magister trying to coerce the king into listening to him, something that was obvious to anyone but the king.
" Go on…. "
" As you know wu currently lack any intel on the situation in the Seven Kingdom of Westeros it is why I took the chance to convince an exilee into joining us he is here waiting to swear fealty to you. As for the other thing as you know we lack an army so I have been looking for one and it seems that Khal Drogo leader of the Dothraki's largest Khalassar is looking for a bride we could offer either your sister or your niece in exchange for his help in retaking the Iron Throne. " explained the rotund man.
" Interesting proposals my friend how long would it take to go with option two ? "
" Merely a year Your Grace. "
" Very well engage in talks to make this wedding a reality we will let him choose wich one he wants, as for me I will go talk with this westerosi man. " stated Viserys earning himself the silent ire of his niece and of his sister.
In the room next to the hall stood Ser Jorah Mormont, formerly Lord of Bear Island of the North and only knight of the northern kingdom before his exile.
The man was pacing back and forth showing his nervousness, shortly after his exile by the lord of Winterfell for owning slaves, something that have been outlawed since Aegon I, he had been approached by the Master of Whisperer of the King of Westeros : Lord Varys who told him that in exchange for informations on the Targaryens the king would allow him to return home.
" There is the Westerosi man I told you about Your Grace. Ser Jorah Mormont here is King Viserys the third of his name, King of the Andals, The Rhyonar and the First Men, King of the Seven Kingdom and Lord Protector of the realm. Your Grace this is Ser Jorah Mormont. " said Illyrio introducing the two man to one another.
" Tell me Ser Mormont who are you and why are you here ? " asked the king to the knight.
" I am Jorah of house Mormont, I am here to swear fealty to ou the rightfull king of Westeros, I bring you news of the realm. " said the knight.
" Great but do your swear in your own name and do you swear house Mormont ? " asked the king.
" Sadly I can only swear fealty to you in my own name as House Mormont is currently headed by my aunt Lady Maege since my father took the black and I have been exiled. " explained Jorah.
" I see, very well I shall accept it, now tell me the news of my Kingdom. " ordered Viserys.
" The situation of the real mis quite simple your Grace, The Usurper does nothing but drink and whore his way into an ealy grave, the Hand Lord Jon Arryn is the one that does the ruling " said Jorah to his new king.
" I see and who would support my claim if I were to do it now ? "
" No one, I advise you to wait until the Usurper is dead something that will happen sooner rather than later as he does nothing but drink and whore all day. "
" No one would help me as ong as that dog yet lives ?! That is unforgivable ! " roared Viserys.
" Your Grace wait ! The thing is when the Usurper will die the throne would go to his eldest Joffrey Baratheon but the thing is Joffrey listen only to his mother Cersei Lannister and Cersei obeys her Father Tywin Lannister. The brother of the Usurper probably won't like it, the Martell's would hate it The Tyrell would have to be bought but by then you could stake your claim while all of them will bicker amongst one another. "
" Oh ?! But I will need an army for that, thankfully I may have one sooner rather than later that is good. Thank you Ser Jorah you have done a great service to your King. Illyrio contact that Dothraki as soon as you can I want that army to be ready to go to war when the Usurper's body is still warm. " said Viserys
" Yes Your Grace I will begin right away. "
Over the year Illyrio contacted the Dothraki and talk about the wedding began, The Khal would come to Pentos the next year to make his choice then the wedding will happen.
In Westeros things have changed to as the Hand of the King Jon Arryn died, Leaving the king Robert to choose his friend Eddard ''Ned'' Stark as the next Hand so the court would make it's way from King's Landing to Winterfell.
To be continued….
I am again sorry for the delays in my other stories nevertheless reviews are welcome!