Alexander: the Stag Ascendant
Chapter 1
It was summer in Westeros, and in King's Landing, King Robert Baratheon was sitting upon the Iron Throne. Walking into the throne room was a young man clad in elaborate black armor. The helmet was in the form of an eagle's head, and the heads of eagles formed the shoulderpads. The man removed his helmet, revealing a face topped with a head of jet-black hair. A scar ran across each of the man's cheeks, and they looked, in fact they were, fresh. "There he is!" Robert exclaimed. "Alexander Baratheon, my trueborn son!"
"This armor was worn by Lord William of House Zentaren, and I decided to keep it as a spoil of war, along with his shield. I'd show it to you, but… one never turns one's back on the king."
"I give you permission to show me your back. Go on, let me see the damned thing!"
Alexander turned around, revealing a red kite shield. It was lined with blackened steel, and a black eagle with gold talons and beak, displaying its bright red tongue, served as its large, elaborate boss.
"Did you use that new sword I gave you for your last name day?" Robert asked. The sword in question, with its gold swept hilt and double-edged Valyrian steel blade, was hanging on Alexander's hip.
"Of course I did," Alexander replied. "No other sword in the world will do. Now, then… you had something to discuss with me? Other than the rebellion of course."
"This is going to sound strange, boy," said Robert, "but you're to marry the Targaryen girl. Apparently Viserys believes he'll gain the Iron Throne by indirect control. He thinks, evidently, that he'll control Daenerys, who will control you."
Alexander scoffed. "I'll marry her, but I most assuredly will not be controlled. My name is Baratheon, and we have more spirit than that." He smiled. "We certainly didn't adopt the words 'Ours if the Fury' because we're passive. In fact, I do believe that if he tries anything when I become king, I shall send him to the Wall!"
"Viserys Targaryen, taking the black?" Robert said with a chuckle. "I like the way you think, my boy! Talking of the Wall, I'll be visiting Winterfell. And I'll be taking your friend Ser Victor Connington with me for protection. Also because he needs to get acquainted with the women." The assembled nobles laughed, if only out of politeness. All knew King Robert was disinterested in ruling. "They've landed in Dragonstone. Your ship will be waiting for you at the docks, Alexander." Alexander nodded and left the throne room.
When he arrived at the docks in a small wheelhouse, he boarded his ship and leaned over the starboard rail, watching King's landing get further and further away when the ship began to sail. Alexander hated sailing. The pitching and rolling of the ship made him sick. One thing was certain: Alexander was no Greyjoy. He would arrive at Dragonstone in three days' time, and in the meanwhile, he'd pray to the Seven that he wouldn't wind up feeding the fish his previous meal.