Thank you for reading and please leave me feedback and I will respond promptly. I sure hope you enjoy this new chapter of war.
Chapter 4
Anger traveled through the woman as if it traveled upon steed causing her emotions to bounce off the walls. Sitting in the council she could only do nothing as the Master of Ships Jasper Sol proposed that...nothing. Dutch Tour'e would occasionally look over at the woman but kept his attention more on his great nephew Jimmy helping him along the conversation.
"So from King Torrhen's own mouth we are to set up the defenses and just wait? Not three days ago we were readying an attack. I wish our liege would make up his damn mind." Lord Roland said shaking his head. The husband of Lady Madison Searidge sat in his chair twirling a dagger through his fingers. His wife getting agitated with the motion grabbed it from his hand and threw it deep into a pillar.
"Aye that is what the king said. With the death of Balon there should be a kingsmoot and he wants to see the results before striking. Theon seemed ready and happy to strike the North but who knows where the winds blows the others. Maybe Lord Farwynd will get the throne." Jasper said causing the ironborn heir to slam her fist hard on the table. Some cups shook but her own tipped over.
"Do not jest with my home Captain Jasper. I will happily plant my axe into your head."
Yara now stood up angrily and her chair went crashing to the ground. Jasper instead of even rising leaned farther back into his chair now propping his foot on a wooden bar beneath the table.
"Go ahead and try it cunt, you would not get be able to get an arm lengths near me let alone close enough for that. Queen Rhae specifically told me to make sure you stay in line, something about not trusting you to follow orders." Jasper said feinting a bad memory looking into the grey stone above.
"I am Lady Reaper by rights and Queen…"
"In her own mind or you will to deal with the actual queen's dragons. You're a landlocked prisoner that no one trust but our king and me and that was only because you gave me your second in command. Do you know how many distrustful eyes I had to dodge because I was the second to a Greyjoy during the Stepstone War?" Madison yelled causing Yara to calm enough to not launch herself at Jasper and kill him. Jasper started to look smug until he saw the glare of Madison.
"And you the oh great Captain Jasper Sol, you will calm your tongue. Just because you are the son of the actual great Marcus Sol and sit on the small council does not mean shit to me if you are starting battles in my own castle. You both will act like grown adults or it will be the cells for the both of you, I will answer to King Torrhen himself."
The outburst and the fire that danced cause Yara to storm out of the room while Jasper grunted but continued to deliver his reports from Winterfell.
Yara making it back to her apartments threw the door open startling her bastard sister and cousin. Amelia Pyke looked concerned at her sister while Melissa still held onto the baby blanket her baby used. Mentally she never quite recovered from the death of Sygfryd and not even a stop by her lover Torrhen had been able to help her. Having refused multiple request to stay in Winterfell she chose to wither away in Port Lyanna.
"Sister you do not look happy. What of our father's death?" Amelia asked moving over some items on the two seater couch. Begrudgingly Yara sat next to her.
"It seems the lions planned to eliminate our whole family on Pyke. Unfortunately for them Lord Harlaw was visiting with a few lords and ruined their plot. Only our father was killed although my cunt of a brother nearly was killed before his salt wives. Now there is to be a kingsmoot and the rightful heir will not be there to take her place as queen… lady of the Iron Isles."
Yara in her anger threw a chalice against the wall near Melissa but she did not even jump at the noise or turn their way.
"I need to be on Pyke sister but they will not respect me if I do not have any ships." Yara thought outloud walking towards the window where she had a clear view of the large docks. Across many of the 900 or so had the banner of the wolf but an easy smile crossed her face seeing some bared the sigil of Greyjoy.
"Sister are you still good at forging documents?"
Amelia looked over worried.
Two nights later under the cover of night Yara walked to the docks with her bastard kin and 500 men. Walking up to them was the dock commander and Roland's younger brother Reymund. The young man of 21 was going over the reports of his dock captains when she walked up with a slip in her hand.
"Ser Reymund, we have an order from your good sister Madison herself that you are to release my ships. We are sailing south to Flint's Fingers, apparently Lord Robin Flint is worried about the Lannister blockade nearby."
Reymund looked up at her doubting the story but glanced at the sheet nonetheless. Inspecting the notes and stamp for deceit he was ready to hand it back when he noticed the capital "S". Getting suspicious he inspected it once more and found a few more errors. As he looked up to call for the guards the men behind her were swarming the docks and the back end of her axe connected with the face knocking him out cold.
One of his men seeing this started to run towards the warhorn.
Yara knowing she had little time to get to open waters she ordered her men to the ships they had been preparing in secret for departure since the morning. Running up the docks a large man bearing the ship and bow of Searidge was running at her with a warhammer. A few of her men tried to give her a clear passage by him only to recieve cracked skulls. Drawing her cutless Yara now ran at the man ready for battle.
Caught off guard by his speed Yara crumbled to the ground as the hammer connected with her armored chest after only a few parries. Deeply inhale fighting for air she saw the killing blow high above her ready to come down. Amelia jumped to her sister's side and slid a blade into the armpit of Roland's oldest cousin and best friend, James. With the help of Amelia, Yara stumbled to her ship still fighting for air as James Searidge laid dying on the deck having had his lungs pierced by the blade.
Finally making it to the ship they pushed their ships into the open water and the blockade ships for the port did not spot any trouble since the lighthouse was not lit so allowed the kraken ships through.
With pain in her chest screaming at her and the ships now sailing south with a good three hours lead before even the quick scout ships Yara calmed down looking at Port Lyanna disappear into the distance. She let out a yelp of pain when Amelia walked beside her and gently pressed onto her ribs.
"Come down below sister, we need to take off that armor."
"Aye but make sure none of the ships slow down at all. Work the rowers and the sails to they give out. I will not lose the Seastone Throne to that cunt of a brother Theon or even my uncles."
Melissa who was sitting quietly on a barrel with lifeless eyes walked up to the captain steering the ship and relayed the orders as the sisters walked down the steps below deck. The crew that had become loyal to her through all their missions in the south watched with concern as she passed. Making it to the mess room a boarding captain named Samuel poured her some ale while Amelia cut away her armor.
"It only looks to be bruised sister, you are lucky. You remember James during the Stepstone war? He would crush a fully armed man's chest with a single blow with his hammer. But we certainly murdered him and you remember how close him and Roland were. Are we going to lose our heads sister?" Amelia said with a worried look rubbing her neck protectively. Yara smiled after wincing as the bandage was placed around her rib.
"We are too important to King Torrhen's control in the Iron Isles so he will not take our head. The punishment will not even be severe because we will threaten to keep our home destabilized. With his war in the north and against Robert he will have no choice but to cave and give us complete mercy. Plus we will deliver the Iron Isles to him." Yara said shrugging as the maester helped her put on the shirt once more. Amelia did not look convinced but still accepted it.
Deciding it was time to get some rest she departed leaving her sister in command and walked towards the backroom to rest her eyes. The next day she awoke walking onto the deck using her eyepiece to look behind the ship and looking past the waves of ships she was bringing with her was a few ships bearing the sigil of Searidge. She estimated the rest of the fleet was only an hour behind them, the nearest was only a scout ship.
Her concern about the ships to her rear could not linger her on her mind as Melissa came running up.
"Cousin we have ran right into a Lannister blockade. I spotted the banners of the lion and of House Banefort. Shall we slow the sails and allow the ships of House Searidge to reach us? They will help us defeat them."
Yara now looking forward saw the report was true and saw nearly 200 ships of westerland design before them. Surprised they had moved their blockade that far north she only shook her head.
"We have the superior ships thanks to the wolf and the superior crews thanks to me. Not all ships will make it to Pyke but we will get as many as we can there. Blow the attack horn, they will feel the wrath of the kraken."
Melissa who was in her battle leathers finally had life flowing through her as she truly smiled for the first time since the laugh of her baby walking with a purpose to the horn. Amelia and Yara quickly ran down and dressed in their armor and prepared for battle.
The problem with the battle was she underestimated the battle prowess of Lord Quenton Banefort's second son, Tygett. The ships she went against had been rebuilt with finer wood and she could only watch in anger as it seemed the enemy knew her attack pattern during the war for the Stepstones. It had been a longer battle than she anticipated as her ships could not gain the flanks.
Praying to the drowned gods she watched as the ship The Hooded Hero rammed the side of the Sea Bitch causing her to fall onto the floor off the upper deck. On the main deck Amelia was organizing her boarding party for defenses as the ship pulled alongside them bearing the hooded man of Banefort.
Looking to the sea her captains adapted and were sinking and capturing the enemy ships but with her down to 15 ships it was not looking good. Back on deck she saw a young man with blonde hair bearing the lion of Lannister jump on the deck. She surmised this was Ser Daven Lannister, the only son of the deceased Ser Stafford. Roland had warned them he was very dangerous with a blade in their meetings since he was born with the brain his father lacked.
Soon for the second time in her life she was boarded and whether it was Banefort or Captain Julius Stonehouse it humiliated her. Drawing her dual boarding axes two men ran up on her only to be cut down by her boarding captain Jorah. Leaping the deck below Yara quickly engaged with large knights of the westerlands and slashed her way with quick precision through the lines.
The battle was in their favor until Tygett Banefort who was locked in a fight with Amelia drove his sword through her throat when she was distracted dodging an enemy. Pulling the blade out Yara could only watch as her sister who became her closest family bled out on her deck. It was not Yara who went into a rage though, Melissa feeling a new fire to life cut the head off a Banefort knight and ran behind Tygett slicing her blade across his neck. He fell over dead.
Devan seeing his old friend die went after the lover of King Torrhen. Yara running towards the fight to help her cousin out was soon embroiled in battles along the way. With cuts up and down her body she finally reached two. Melissa was on her knees with a large gash on her face and her right arm lying on the deck beside her. Devan strutted up to the woman with only minor damage and his sword in hand. Raising his sword he looked up at Yara and smiled. Then he winced in pain.
Extending her only remaining arm out Melissa with a dagger in hand drove the steel into the weak part of his armor taking advantage of a design flaw. Devon looked down and saw a dagger sticking out of his gut and drove his sword through her sternum causing Yara to yell in anger.
With her cousin and sister now dead along with many of the captains she trained personally she attacked the Lannister with an anger she did not know she had. Ignoring the Searidge ships around her that were taking over the battle she clashed steel with the Lannister.
Her boarding captain Jorah tried to come over and help but a noose was wrapped around his neck and the rope was pulled tight. The man loyal to Yara tried to fight his captures but his body was flung over the railings where the rope was tied off. Soon most off her captains met a similar fate.
Moving slower from the dagger still lodged into his gut Yara ducked under a hard swing and brought her axe down on the man's knees causing him to hell in pain as she heard the knee cap cut in half. Only the armor on the other side of the knee prevent dismemberment.
Attempting to fight on one leg they took their fight to the railing side where the lead ship of House Searidge was now pulling up. Ser Devan was now in visible pain and sweating profusely with anger retching across his face seeing the once proud fleet around him of the lion now being captured. He did not even bother put up a defense seeing Yara walk towards him. With a hard kick to his chest Ser Devan in full armor went flying into the sea and met the drowning gods.
Exhausted from the battle Yara fell to the ground as Roland and his men were boarding her ship as his fleet captured the remaining Banefort ships. Crawling over to her sister she grabbed the hand that would never move again only to be yanked up by her hair. Looking up she saw Roland looking at her in anger.
"Stript her nude and tie her to the front of my ship. If she dares utters one word until Port Lyanna take her fucking tongue. Am I clear?"
Understanding the threat she did not even yelp when her bruised ribs connected hard on the deck. She now turned bright red as before her whole crew she was cut out of her clothes and armor being dragged to the front of the ship. The men who knew James well spat at her as she was dragged onto his ship. She could only watch with great sadness as the bodies of her kin and the slained were left on the ship as is, Melissa being the once lover of their king was carried off the ship along with the weapons, supplies, and food below.
She was confused when she was on the back of the ship looking at her ship now 40 feet away.
"Light it on fire Rob, let her watch the ship her own king that gave her trust gifted her with burn in flames. Remember not a word or unlike Leraria you will be raped after your tongue is taken out." Roland warned with venom in his voice as fire arrows landed on the deck. With them placing the mattress and sheets on top deck it did not take long before the ship went a blaze.
All she could do was watch her very own ship that was made specifically for her eventually sink into the sea. Now on the ground kneeling refusing to let tears fall from her eyes she was dragged to the front of the ship and lashed in place. With the memories of her cousin and sister behind her she let out a single tear but never said one word.
(Scene Change)
The last moon which had been miserable for the girl was starting to look better seeing what looked to be ships bearing the direwolf on a red background, on the wolf's head was a crown. The girl having met the king when he visit her home in the Vale prior was looking forward to being free from her abusive betrothed. Her betrothed Heir Garlan Borrell was pacing their room ready to strike her once more if she dared spoke highly of the wolf especially with his fleet nearing Sweet Sister. The town of Sisterton below had Lord Sunderland's heir Ser Jon defending it while his father and 6 brothers sailed off to meet the wolf invaders.
"You just watch bitch our liege lord will crush the precious king your grandmother is so fond off. You know why Lady Arryn betrothed you to me Anya?" Garlan said stalking towards Anya Waynwood. She had attempted to fight back multiple times but each time only resulted in rape so she kept quiet praying to the old gods King Torrhen saved her.
"I see you are learning my precious wife. That is why, you and your group need to learn who is your true lord and king. It is not the pup but the mighty stag. Now how about a kiss or a fuck for good luck before I go to fight?" The cocky ugly man with webbed hands asked walking towards her. The only saving grace in his sisters Gemma and Gella were not around to save her this time.
She attempted to yell for help but a fist connecting on her lips caused her head to spin. Anya had her blond hair moved lovingly as a sick smile crossed the face of Garlan. He took his time undressing her as the yells below of captains told him the sea battle had begun. Taking off his own clothes he covered her mouth and lined up with her cunt.
The more she cried the more he seemed to enjoy it until a satisfied looked cross his face leaving her a naked mess with juices running out of her. Feeling refreshed Garlan pushed his hair out of the way and walked towards the window looking concerned as the evenly matched sea battle took place. From the distance it looked as if the wolf was momentarily winning but trusted Lord Triston Sunderland to defend their home.
Looking down into the moat below he let out a sigh and saw his men in the heart of the town getting ready for defenses. He went to turn around and get dressed until the unsheathing of his sword sounded behind him. His confusion was alleviated when the taste of blood filled his mouth and agony entered his chest. Looking down sticking through the back to the hilt of the blade his own sword gifted to him by his father now pierced the ugly chest of Garlan.
He leaned over in pain but was helped over the railing as Anya bent down and grabbed his feet. To weak to fight he went flying into the moat below. All attention turned towards the docks no one noticed or even heard the body hit the water.
Her legs gave out and she crumbled to the floor as a concerned Gemma and Gella ran in five minutes later. The twin sisters who had their brown hair in similar buns looked with concern on the balcony seeing the crying nude Anya.
"My brother did it again. I am so sorry Anya, I wish I could do more than protect you. Where is he at now?"
The panicked look of Anya disappeared knowing her secret was still safe and ran towards the twins before they could look into the moat below. She embraced them both in a hug and started crying.
"He said something about needing proper armor and left in his small clothes to the armory afterwards. I did not mean to get him mad."
Anya thought she was laying it on thick but both girls bought in and wrapped her up in a blanket. Gemma sat with her on the bed while Gella started wandering around picking up the clothes. From the door came in Ser Harry the Heir who had refused the order not to travel with her along with some 200 of his personnel men. Them being Vale still were allowed to keep their weapons even during the siege since Lady Anya Waynwood pledged herself to Jon Arryn via raven to King's Landing accepting the betrothal. Gella walked to the balcony to see the wolf ship starting to swarm and take the flanks and looked down.
She ran to the room and went to scream for help seeing a dead man below but only saw Harry with a few of his men in the room and a blade to the neck of Gemma courtesy of Anya.
"You have helped me out so much in the past but I swear on the only true gods, the old gods that if you so as much yelp out I will cut her throat. Are we clear?"
Gella looked into the eyes and saw terror in Gemma before nodding.
"We will act as loyal servants Harry but when the time is right and the wolf is ready to strike close the gates keeping the warriors trapped in the city. Once the wolf has slaughter our host you will raise the gates giving them Breakwater Castle."
Harry impressed, almost turned on by the presence and wisdom of Anya nodded and ordered his men to act out the plan. Two men bearing the sigil of Waynwood came over and would act as guards over the twins.
Floor by floor death found the guards of Borrell as House Waynwood struck from the shadows hiding the bodies in the storage closets. Soon inside the room with the freshly dressed Anya was five armed guards, Lady Nymella Borrell, the twins, and a handful of servants. Lady Sunderland had been kept in her own guest room.
Lady Nymella who born in dorne watched on as the wolf fleet overtook the large fleet of the Three Sisters. The wolf fleet divided and started moving towards a different island. The mermaid of Manderly could be seen headed to Littlesister which housed House Torrent. Breaking off and headed to Longsister and home of House Longthorpe was the sigil of Locke. That meant headed towards the home of Sunderland and her husband's house Borrell was the Savage Wolf himself.
"Do not fear him Lady Borrell, you were friends with Elia in your youth so just mention that when you are kneeling before him." Anya said with a shrug hoping King Torrhen himself was on one of the ships.
"If it was only that simple young one. Why betray us like this? We only treated you as family and this is how you repay us." Nymella spat at her but received a hard slap across her face.
"So my future husband raping me twice a day for the past moon is being treated like family. Apologize right now and I will speak kind words to King Torrhen for you."
Nymella with her sandy brown hair a mess after being dragged to the room and her tan skin bruised from the rough treatment went to spit at the young girl for her disrespect. Looking out to the sea she saw the ships getting closer. The massive drawbridge of Breakwater Keep and the steps up would occupy them for a while but with the wolf's siege equipment and what looked to be siege ladders on the ships it would only be a matter of time. The only thing keeping them safe was the large portcullis but with time that would fall as well.
Sucking up her pride the dornishwoman stood before Anya looking at her with defeat in her clear.
"I apologize for my sons…" She was stopped by the slap of Alison Redfort who had been sent to Sweetsister to marry the heir of Sunderland, Ser Jon. Nymella now looked up at the girl with shock as she remained on the ground.
"I do not know what you were taught in dorne Lady Nymella but we were talk to curtsy before your betters."
Nymella now rose and dipped into a deep curtsy fully humiliated.
"I am sorry Lady Anya, I apologize for my sons behavior and never curtailing it from the beginning. I hope you accept my apology."
She did not rise right away but rose seeing Anya walk to the balcony. Harry the heir walked behind her and spotted nearly the whole of the armed troops marching towards the town across the drawbridge.
"Do we still have the surprise?"
"Aye Anya, we have men guarding the closets where the bodies are and as you can see maids and ladies are sent her every few moments. They think we are coralling them for their safety. There is maybe 200 troops left in the castle including guards."
Anya nodded and walked over to the risen Nymella. She felt the materials of her expensive dress and frowned. The twins and many of of the ladies had similar dresses.
"I want you to start working your way down to the lower levels and close the portcullis once they are far enough away trapping them in city. If they surrender to the wolf raise the portcullis then they may survive, if they fight they can only go forward cause we blocked their exit to the rear. Also I want all the ladies to dress in rags when they are presented to the king. I want to make a good impression on his grace with my leadership." She said with admiration in her eyes towards the wolf king.
"The twins can dress a little better and they will be at my side since they helped me afterwards and even stopped him a few times. I am sorry Gemma, Gella."
Nymella yelped as she was ripped out of her dress by an overeager Waynwood guard. The rest stript down themselves as Allisons ladies went to find the servant dresses. Harry disappeared through the door to allow his king's first major offensive to become a win.
(Perspective Change)
The ugly and veteran Lord Godric Borrell marched his men that had trained with him since Robert's Rebellion through the gate house to defend their home from the wolf invaders. In a rousing speech to the departing army only three hours prior he reminded them of the Rape of the Sisters by the northern savages, many nervous captains and foot soldiers now were ready to defend their home to the last.
Looking behind him he saw the defenses of the drawbridge and the portcullis they had at least two opportunities to regroup before defending their keep directly. Comforted by this he looked upon the city of Sisterton and saw the common folk now running past him to make it to the keep for safety.
In the distance fires at the docks could be seen as the last sea defenses were starting to fall. Godric went over the techniques taught to him through his life seeing the Pandora pull into his docks. Everyone in Westeros knew this meant the Savage Wolf himself was at their home. Calming his breaths he turned around hearing some marching come to his rear.
Smiling at the backup he saw Harry the heir coming to his senses to help him defend the city. The 150 or so troops had blood all over their armor and Godric slowly started to weave his way through his troops to cross the 300 feet he was away from the gatehouse. Confusion grew into anger as he saw Harry ordered his men to slaughter the troops at the gatehouse. With a smirk Harry waved for the gate to be lowered.
With anger leading him he ran his men back towards the massive gates. He was nearing gates when a few determined captains ran ahead of him only to be crushed by their own iron gates. His bastard brother made it through in time but received a sword in his throat.
Shock hit him seeing the iron gate before and he now shook in anger seeing his escape to the rear had been blocked by a traitor. This was his only escape with the Savage Wolf destroying the fleet of the Sisters. Some 3,000 men now gathered around the gates looking in bewilderment while the citizens now already kneeling waited against the wall for their new liege.
"Open this gate immediately and I will not have you thrown through the moon door Ser Harry!" The fat ugly lord with webbed hands yelled slamming his hammer against the iron. Harry with a smile pushed the hair out of his face looking at all the trapped men.
"Fine, be sure to first drop your weapons and surrender to the true king of Westeros. Funny we never planned to betray House Arryn but strange how life works out. It is a good thing Lady Anya is visiting Redford. I better raven her to not go to the Eyrie, I imagine Robin would throw her through the moon door once they hear of this." Harry said thinking tapping his chin.
The panic on the men was contagious as the men bearing the spider of Borrell saw a massive black wolf enter the city and start tearing through the last lines of Sunderland defenses. The sixth son Rolland Sunderland had attempted to fight the king himself only to knocked out with a spear shaft by a dornishwoman in a silver cape.
Godric also saw his twin nephews freshly knighted fall in two on one combat with a female warrior that had bright blue face paint across one half of her face. Reginald laid slain on the ground while Boris tried to crawl away. With the cruel smile she killed her defenseless victim on the ground like the great eagles did dragging goats off the mountains.
Then all his men and captains saw who she was protecting. That said the man needed no protection as his blade danced through arms, necks, and even one person screamed as the front of his face was cut off before receiving the death blow. Many tried to become a legend and slay the wolf king in battle but even Lord Sunderlands' most experience son in battle, Baelor tasted the end of the dornishwoman's spear as he attempted to approach the king with his war hammer.
The green men in the Borrell lines were throwing their blades down and running to the gates begging for safety. The some 600 veterans while not doing so looked to consider the option as well.
The fat lord looked around seeing his men were losing the mental battle before the physical one even began. Nodding knowing he lost the battle already he threw down his war hammer and the veterans almost sighed knowing they would at least serve on the wall rather than lose their lives.
They did not have to wait long as walking up to the group after the quick battle and his men starting to secure the city of Sisterton King Torrhen walked forward with his massive beard and the distinctive scar across his face. To his sides were the two fierce looking females with silver capes on and a black wolf the size of a horse behind him. All four had blood all over them including a short skinny man.
"I Lord Godric Borrell yield my home to King Torrhen Stark the second of his name." Godric saying almost spitting. Torrhen who had a vicious smile on his face walked up to the war hammer on the ground picking it up adding it to his collection of conquered foes. He looked to almost relish the look of fear in the green boys as they spotted the horse sized wolf behind him.
"You said they would not be reasonable Asheffi. I mean it took the destruction of their fleet but through death comes reason. Now why do I see a closed gate before me? It seems this young man is trying to anger me. Tell me Mance this young man does not seem that foolish does he?" The Wolf King snarled and with a growl from Artos which made a few of the veterans piss themselves Harry the heir quickly had his men raise the gates.
With the gate now open Harry approached the king but stopped feeling Obara's spear pressing lightly to his chest armor. Placing his blade at the feet of the king he knelt down.
"I Ser Harrold Hardyng hereby swear my blade to that of House Stark of Harrenhal."
Harry who was not easily intimidate could feel the eyes boring into him as if it were 1,000 spears. The mother of his daughter who had turned into a fat cow during pregnancy had always called him "Harry the Brave", now he did not feel so brave.
"Rise Ser Harry, Lady Anya had spoken highly of you and hope I do not have the loyalty that you shared with House Borrell. I assure you those who betray me will wish they never befriended me to begin with."
"Your Grace, Lady Anya has only spoken highly of you and I wish to serve you rather than the old fool Jon Arryn. I…"
"Never insult the name Jon Arryn before me again or it will be the last insult you do with that tongue of yours. Aye he is my adversary but I will not have the honor of Jon Arryn questioned in front of me. Mock Robert, Lysa, Robin, even me when we are drinking but never mock Lord Arryn. Lord Arryn rules the Vale now and they will after I claim the Eyrie. Am I clear?"
Torrhen grabbed the man by his collar meeting him eye to eye. It took everything in Harry to not recoil but nodded.
"I apologize King Torrhen. May I lead you to your new holdings?"
Torrhen nodded as the prisoners were secure. It was two hours later but in the small throne room where the King of the Sisters once sat Torrhen sat there while Asheffi and Obara stood not moving. Ser Blackfish was walking through the crowds looking for suspicious activity. All the nobles present stood to the side as the doors were opened and in walked the beautiful Anya Waynwood who almost became paralyzed by the eyes of her king on her. Allison Redford smiled and pushed her friend along.
Behind them in maid clothes was the twin Gemma and Gella while their mother and the other noble ladies of Borrell and Sunderland walked in peasant rags. Anya walked before her king and dipped low into a curtsy along with Allison.
"If it pleases you Your Grace I am Anya Waynwood of Ironoaks and besides me Allison Redfort of Redfort. May I present to you the noble ladies of Sweetsister dressed how they should be."
Still in her curtsy Anya's legs shook threatening to topple her as she felt the eyes upon her and then scanned to the crowd behind them.
"I hear you are the architect behind capturing the castle. It seems I owe you that dance we never accomplished when your grandmother invited me to your home. Now I see all nobles of Gorrell accounted for except the heir himself. Ser Blackfish, I want you to have men scoured the castle for him."
Saluting from the crowd Brynden started to leave until Anya spoke up.
"Actually Your Grace look at the moat around the castle. You will see a naked body floating with his ancestral sword in his back."
"It seems you owe her two dances Khal Torrhen." Asheffi jested as the twin sisters look shocked and their father stormed forward in his chains only to receive a fist to the face by the gauntlets of the Blackfish.
"You dare kill my son you cunt! I will see that you are raped by every man in the Vale before you are given the mercy of death."
Godric spat while laying on the ground spitting out a tooth.
"I will not allow the rape of the Sisters to happen a second time while I do nothing and my son lays dead by a traitor. I demand a combat by trial against you the puppy king."
Both men looked at each other intensely before Torrhen broke out into loud laughter angering the now disgraced lord.
"Do you think a king can answer every challenge thrown his way? If I did then over half the kingdom would challenge me and no work would get done. I will allow you your combat by trial and if you win your wife and daughters will be given transport to Braavos to start a new life there. If not you die and your wife and daughters become citizens of the North and will serve those I deem fit."
Godric angered by the disrespect shown to him agreed without looking once towards his wife who had a look of fear on her face. Gemma and Gella looked a little more calm seeing Anya turn around towards them and saying "I will get you two in my service."
Godric sending a smile his wife's way felt the shackles come off him as he was picked up by the massive Greatjon. He was given a bastard sword and confidently swung it getting a feel for it.
"Since I cannot face the wolf king I want to face his chosen champion. How about you woman?" He now walked up to Asheffi smirking as she growled at him. "I saw you slaughter my nephews but I assure you I will give you a quick death and not toy with you too much. Or how about the infamous Sand Snake herself?" He now sauntered over to Obara gripping her spear tight.
Anya and everyone else was escorted out of the center as Rodrik Forrester walked in with a fresh wave of prisoners being escorted by Greatjon and his own men. Lord Alesandor Torrent of Littlesister had fell immediately and after the death of his brother in the surrounding town of Hardwaves he surrender his castle. His 16 year old son James was killed in the battle in the town but with five more children breathing he gladly surrendered.
"Ah old friend, shall I save your family along with mine? How bout it Alesandor?" He said with a cocky smile as Lady Torrent and their remaining children were escorted in. Many of the lords around them still look defiant to their new Stark overlords. This changed though and Godric seeing Alesandor tense up, even one of the captured Sunderland children turned around seeing the king himself holding Vengence in his hand.
"Now I said I cannot accept every challenge but you insulted a new friend of mine and a future Lady of Ironwood shall Rodrick accept."
A bright smile appeared on Anya's face hearing she would actually get to marry a northern warrior and looked towards Rodrick. He was tall with dark hand and as handsome as a newborn mare was adorable. He placed a small smile on his lips and nodded towards her accepting the match.
"Ah the wolf rips our ladies from the Vale and rewards traitors. Is this the type of person you seek to serve?" Godric bellowed out to the all the lords. Some looked defiant still but many looking around seeing the Ice Warriors line the wall looked to already submit to the Wolf Throne.
"After I deal with this upstart king I will return with an army to save you all."
As Godric turned around he grew more serious seeing a fire grow inside his opponent's eyes. The eyes spoke of death, war, and conquest while the smile showed his love for all no matter how much he fought it.
Both men circled each other eyeing each other carefully with Godric taking the offensive advantage first. The problem was he underestimated the speed of the king and overestimated the speed he had left.
The fight if you could call it one was a miserable performance by a man who thought himself a great warrior going against someone who eyed the whole of Westeros for himself.
Eventually was thrown hard on his back having fought the hardest fight in his life and lost. His sword slid towards Asheffi as the cut up lord now rose into the kneel position. Looking over he saw his wife wiping tears away beside her Stark guard while the twins stood obediently behind Anya ready to serve her. Both had the look of submission in their eyes and even his old friend and overlord Lord Triston Sunderland looked to submit as well.
He tensed feeling sharp steel press against his neck and the memories of his father being beheaded in battle during Robert's Rebellion and the death of his brothers replayed in his head. Then something happened that even surprised him, he cried.
"Please do not kill me Your Grace, send me to the wall but spare me please. I will do anything you require but just spare me."
The man now wept with tears rushing out and feeling the steel leave his neck he leaned forward and kissed the steel boots of King Torrhen begging like a common street whore begging for cock to be able to pay for the nights meal.
The defiant lords and knights in the crowd all looked in shock as the proud Lord Borrell now humiliated himself. It started with one knight but soon all the captured knights and lords took the knee. Then it started Anya who knelt low and Allison followed giving her new king an eye full of her bust. Then soon only a few defiant knights remained standing.
"Lord Sunderland you and your unwedded sons will go to the wall and the same thing goes for you Lord Torrent. I have it on good authority that House Longthorpe is dead so Longsister remains lordless. Your son Lord Torrent will become lord and submit himself to the rule of Wildstark and my new wife Val."
At this a beautiful blonde walked in with a little baby cradled in her arms. Behind her was some men bearing a new sigil to them all, the direwolf with the wall in it's background. Mance Rayder stood to her right while his wife was behind him.
"And as thanks for helping us come to a peaceful resolution of the western wildling tribes and since you were born on the Wall with no choice I hereby free you of your service and give you Lord Mance Raydor some lands here on Sweetsister. Help my wife rule these islands."
Mance nodded thankful he worked with the wolf king.
"Lord Godric you will go to the Wall and you will serve faithfully defending Westeros from the undead." A few scoffed at the mention while those who had already fought them paled slightly. "If your service is lacking or you betray your brothers in anyway your daughters will not live the protected lifestyle you want for them so much and your wife may share the same fate as Mina Tyrell. Now I am off to my chambers, Val?"
Torrhen now held out his arm and she gladly walked up taking it while their son wiggled in her arms and they disappeared through the doors. Asheffi following her khal just smiled seeing the defeated looks on everyone's face while those whose did not kneel were dragged out of the other door like common cattle.
(Perspective Change)
The two women sat in comfortable silence watching the moon high in the air as their hair was being braided. A small snore emitted from Anya's bed as the exhausted Rodrick who came up with the purpose to learn more about her slumbered soundly. She looked to reward the noble knight and heir to Ironwood in the morning for his brave fighting while Allison looked down see long lines of prisoners down in the bailey being escorted to the docks.
"Ahh." A screech emitted from Anya as Gemma backed away quickly, almost scared.
"I am sorry My Lady, please forgive me." She begged knowing her life of privilege and being respected was at an end.
"It is fine but not so damn tight. I want my future betrothed to see me at my best in the morning. You may continue."
Gemma nodded and stepped behind her once more and continued. They talked for a little longer until the door was opened.
"Who the fuck dares bother me…" She yelled turning around but nearly fell out of her chair seeing a smiling Asheffi. The look of dominance over Anya's face became one of utter submission. Asheffi strode over to her and bent her over the balcony. Anya wept as she looked down at the moat below only being held up by Asheffi grabbing her loosly tied braid.
"Please Dame Asheffi do not punish her for her words. Speak to her I will." A voice behind them said as Rodrick who woke up to the commotion and the screams of his betrothed. Asheffi seemed to study his face before nodding and throwing her back onto the balcony.
"She will learn we are all not two pathetic twins that she can order about. You will teach her that her place is beneath the wolf always or else I will do it. I expect to see fifteen fresh lash marks on her in the morning for punishment or I will deliver it personally. Am I clear?" Asheffi asked getting nose to nose with Rodrick who to her approval did not shutter back. He simply nodded as Anya was now being comforted by Allison.
"I was told to fetch Lady Allison, you are to meet him in the lord's chambers right away. Follow me, oh and Rodrick I expect a proper lashings not light ones to get your dick up." Asheffi said turning her head as Allison had a fearful look on her face but nodded and followed the Wolf Guard out of the room. That night Rodrick saw the first sight of his betrothed nude but it was for punishment purposes, after that Anya rewarded him for his bravery in defending her honor.
Allison entered the chamber but did not see her king there, rather saw a nude and bald dothraki cleaning the room. Her body was littered welts and she looked as if she would have submitted to the mouse in the corner of the room had the person who broke her commanded. Rising she walked over and dipped into a curtsy.
"I am Izzi and I am here to prepare you for a show that me and you will put on for King Torrhen and Lady Wildstark. Have you had relations with females before?" Even her voice had sounded defeated.
"Aye but performance?" Allison said but then it dawned upon her and her cheeks colored red.
"We shall make love for the king's entertainment and if he should choose he will take one or both of us as well. Lady Wildstark seems to like the show."
Izzi now rose and started undressing the lady from Redfort. That night with the rush of battle still flowing the Wolf King took all three ladies and strangely Allison did not mind it. In fact the maiden until her king entered her started to love the feeling wishing it would never end.
(Scene Change)
The dripping of the water echoed through the cell and the stale air of filth filled the air as the once fat lord started to loose his gut thanks to a strict diet of beans and corn. Finishing off the last of the beans he wiped his mouth with the dirty tunic and marked another day on the wall. The flower lord now looked at the 15 marks on the wall wishing he was in a 5 course meal drinking his exotic wines and ales once again.
With the taste of Arbor wine dancing in his memory the man saw the large door open for the first time since he was stript of his clothes and jewelry before finding a hopeful temporary home in the Black Cells. Standing there was the new Captain of the Watch Ser Alyn Rykker having been given that mantle with the death of the former in a riot. His father Lord Renfard was excited for a high position being offered towards his third son but Alyn for obvious reasons was not as anxious.
"Lord Tyrell, you are to be presented before court." Alyn waved to his side and two servants came in with a bucket of water that had a sponge in it and beside it was a fresh tunic not containing a single stain. "You will bath yourself and be ready in fifteen minutes. You are still a prisoner so walk with humility or his grace will surely show you some."
Mace did not have a chance to respond as his cell door was slammed shut. Like he said 15 minutes later Alyn walked in with shackles in his hands and Mace now placed thin sandals on his bare feet. Utter humiliation filled him as shackles were place around his wrist and dragged through the black cells like a common thief. In front of him a woman he recognized as Jeyne Fossoway was walking in similar clothes and chains. They stopped at one more cell and emerging from the cell with bruises all over his body was Gunther Hightower. Jeyne went to run at her husband in joy but was halted by her guard. Conflicted emotions danced across his face looking towards his wife before they were chained together and marched through the cells and upon reaching the steps they were handed off to court dressed guards bearing the crowned stag.
They were eventually marched to the throne room where the crowd was large and King Robert who looked frustrated sat on the Iron Throne. Having been given royal cells in a tower Eddard looked better standing at the foot of the throne.
Robert nodded and a guard walked towards Gunther who was ready for anything, until he wasn't. Confusion filled him and some of the lords when the shackles from his wrist fell to the ground.
"What is the meaning of this Robert?" Cersei boomed looking up at her husband.
"He was an innocent party when his own overlord invaded his home. He committed no crimes not even raising his blade to our forces so he shall be treated as no criminal. That being said Ser Gunther you shall remain here in King's Landing under my hospitality and not be allowed any weapons. Is this clear?"
Gunther looked up confused towards the throne trying to process it when his thoughts were interrupted by a voice behind him.
"How could you be so stupid Robert…" Mace started to boom until he was silenced by and angry Robert getting off his throne and marching towards him.
"How could I be so stupid to trust a useless cunt like you with a single man let alone the main army of the Reach. You struck without permission or cause. No your punishment will be to lead the three thousand men that took Hornhill allowing the rape of Lady Tanya who is now heavy with child. I wonder what Lord Tarly will do once he hears this."
"Command Your Grace?" Mace said smiling now but it quickly dimmed seeing the bright smile on Robert's face.
"Aye command Mace. You will be leading the charge to take on Lord Tarly himself. I know some birds have escaped King's Landing so I assume Randyll will find out in short order."
Cersei who had devised the plan hating the very existence of Tyrell was smiling in the corner while dread filled Mace.
"This is a death sentence Your Grace."
Robert now lifted his head back laughing.
"The great Mace Tyrell cannot beat the man who… how did you put it? Oh yea could not beat anyone with the high ground and all the valyrian blades. Now stand there and shut up." Robert boomed at the fat former lord now disgraced before all of court. He now turned towards Gunther once again.
"Now that he has been dealt with do you understand the terms of your release?"
"Aye I do but what of my wife? She only killed the Redwyne boy because he was breaking an oath."
Robert nodded and walked back to his throne as a blond man walked in holding a few missives. Most recognized him as Lyle the Green instantly. With his name and reason for travels known to Westeros he had turned from spy in enemy territory to messenger with in ally territories.
Robert now waved them forward towards the throne once seated. He looked down at the woman who looked with great guilt.
"Aye I have received the proof that Ser Horas did intend to break his oath but she still killed a knight in my service. If she wounded him I would dismiss it but cannot let this go by. I will give her a trial by combat though. Ser Alekyne Florent seeks a spot on the kingsguard and volunteered to act as champion for the crown. Does anyone seek to be her champion?" He asked of the court. Gunther went to step forward until her cousin from Cider Hall stepped forward. Ser Tanton Fossoway who was heir to Cider Hall stepped out eyeing Alekyne Florent.
"I Ser Tanton Fossoway hereby swear to be Lady Jeyne Fossoway's champion. Shall I have some time to stay with my cousin to discuss things with her?"
"Aye just stay over there since court is almost at and end. After that Jeyne will be placed in the noble cells where you will have till night meal. Now Lyle I saw you slink in you, what is it now?"
Lyle heard his king's voice directed towards him and stepped before the people now bowing low.
"As a humble servant of the crown it is a great honor…."
"Just get to the point or it will be an honor to be a tongueless messenger." Robert said annoyed causing the slick tongued Lyle to smile nodding.
"Very well Your Grace. Lord Redwyne can you please step forward?" He asked turning towards the crowd and perplexed Paxter stepped forward. Hoping it was more information on his taken home he listened closley.
"I know you already posses the information your daughter now controls Redwyne and sits there now with her husband, Lord Ajax. Ser Garlan took the Tyrell forces west and conquered the empty Cuy. Someone tipped Lord Edric Dayne that they were coming and by the time Ser Garlan reached the town the last ship was just reaching Redwyne. They have sured up defenses on the island and without your full fleet and with the destruction of the Hightower fleet they can only sit and watch the island without taking action. Also it seems as the Bloody Skulls now control Whispering Sound and the bay entrance into Oldstown since they captured Blackcrown and Three Towers."
Gasp sounded throughout the crowd since they knew Lord Jon Buwler of Blackcrown had been one of the toughest lords in all the Reach. Lord Tommen Costayne of the Three Towers was a known coward so none were surprised there.
"It seems Lord Buwler escaped with his son and daughter but his wife Lady Victoria was not so lucky. Her caravan route was closed off by a captain of the Bloody Skulls named Arnold. It seems he is the nephew of the founder. Lord Costayne and his wife both died after their ship was sunk trying to ride up to Oldstown. Only their newborn daughter Layla survives in the enemies custody."
The information was sinking into everyone when Lord Rosby with his cane walked forward.
"Your Grace, since we control Cuy we can build some ships. They have a large dock and unlike the Oldstown docks they are not in complete disarray."
"Actually let me correct you Lord Rosby." Lyle now said quickly. "Before they left every single last piece of wood and nails was burnt on the docks. We could not land a rowboat on the docks now. The best bet would be Highgarden since the Shield Islands will be their next target. In one moon we could lose the whole coast of the Reach ladies and gentlemen."
"Gods damn you Lyle why do you not ever bring good news." Robert said frustrated rubbing his beard wishing he was on the battlefield today rather than in four days.
"Actually the news gets worse Your Grace."
Lyle now flinched at the look of anger by Robert and had to dodge the almost full chalice of wine.
"The Warrior's Sons of the Faith Militant attempted regain the Riverlands and burn down the weirwoods but nearly half of them died taking Acorn Hall from House Smallwood. Lord Theomar's 7 year old son died in the battle but he escaped with his wife and daughter. Lord Theomar came back with Lord Tarly though and the battle did not last an hour before the commander of the Warrior's Son Theodan Wells was beheaded by Lord Tarly himself and his head sent to King Torrhen."
The high septon now stood up angry.
"Your Grace we demand revenge on those who follow the heathen gods. I hereby arrest Eddard Stark, Eddard Karstark, and Gregor Forrester in the name of the seven for the criminal acts that their family started against the seven."
As he yelled this some of the Poor Fellows surround the three along with moving towards the cells to gather the other twenty of his household. Robert went to maintain order in the court but soon Ned was in chains and his namesake named Karstark was throwing people off of his lord. Grabbing a blade Edd killed four men before he was struck in the back of the head. Now unconscious he was dragged off with Ned.
"The great Robert Baratheon, once the greatest knight in all the kingdoms is nothing but fat useless shit who does the bidding of the faith and the lions. I told my friend Ned not even his old foster brother had an ounce of honor in him. Do you not dare touch me you cunts. The old gods smile upon me while I piss on your seven." Gregor spat leaving an angry Robert fuming at the high septon who walked out as Gregor was beat nearly to death.
"How dare you give those cunts that much power Cersei! Do you know how many Stark supporters roam our own streets? Unless you have anything else to add Lyle get the fuck out of here." Robert boomed but rubbed his head when Lyle did not move.
"We have found out what happened with Mina Tyrell Your Grace."
At this Paxter stepped forward glad news of his wife finally leaked out. He did not feel good looking at the face on Lyle. Mace hearing of his sister also stepped forward.
"Well you know what she told her twin boys to do in Harrenhal?" Robert nodded and Lyle continued knowing they called her a "disowned whore" before all of court in Harrenhal.
"Well Lady Mina is now a literally disowned whore. Lady Desmera has disowned her from House Redwyne and she is on her way to taught to be a whore from Lionel the Black. She is now in Ghaston Grey being forced the ways of a bed slave servicing all the men of the prison."
Silence now filled the arena. Cersei's uncaring voice broke it.
"Who is this Lionel the Black?"
"Cersei do you remember I told you of that slave trader Torrhen captured trying to kidnap northerns some years back?" She nodded and recalled it was about 4 years prior. "Well Lionel the Black was Lysini's most renown bed slave trainer who could break anyone he got his hands on. I would say we will get back Lina but we will never get back the same Lina. She will now have the mindset of a bed slave for her master."
Mace now fell to his knees not believing his sister was being passed around to all the prisoners.
"I do not care if you have anything else Lyle, get the fuck out of here. We are dismissed." Robert commanded and slowly people started to file out and Paxter who lost his sons, home, daughters, now his wife walked slower damning himself for betraying the dragon's word.
Robert just stared at the ceiling while his hand Jon walked up. Cersei still looked on while Jaime stood in the corner.
"I know you need me in King's Landing Robert but my Vale lords refuse to move unless I give them the order personally. Of all the women in the seven kingdoms I had to marry Lysa."
Robert now stepped off his throne and walked down the steps.
"What is happening to my kingdom Jon? Now even the high septon walks around with more power than me it seems. I would never do it but sometimes I wonder if it would be better if I just opened the damn gates threw down my war hammer and surrendered."
"We both know Robert that we have come too far now. Tarly and these Bloody Skulls ravish the Reach and it is only a matter of time before our tan neighbors to the south get involved. That is why I am off to the Vale and you are ready to swing your war hammer once more. Now Lyle has more information for me on our spy, I can feel I am so close Robert."
Robert now grunted rising from his seat. "You are sure it is not going towards Harrenhal Jon? We know the wolf has agents hidden in our capital."
"We have traced it back to Volantis Robert, as much as it is convenient to blame our enemies to the north I think it is the third player."
Robert drained his wine and crossed the room stopping at the door.
"I pray to the gods that the report is false because if Aegon survived and has Connington as his hand the Stormlands will be their first target. Gods be damned Jon, why did I not walk away from that throne and stop Ned from storming out the Red Keep. I must find out what the cunt wife of mine has got my foster brother into now. Be safe old friend."
"You too Your Grace."
Robert now sat finishing his wine preparing how to deal with the Ned situation. Glancing at the reports a knock on his door alerted the old man. Looking up Lord Jaylon Pyror of the Pebble was standing just outside his door. The lord and his family had controlled the island of Pebble for the past century and it lied a half day sail east from the Sisters.
"Your Grace." The elderly lord bowed which Robert returned with a simple nod of his head, Lord Jaylon now looked towards the Warden of the East. "Lord Arryn, we have the ships loaded and we are ready to sail off to Gulltown at a moment's notice. Also we have reports of the wolf fleet sailing from White Harbor, we suspect the sisters will be the destination but lack no evidence yet."
The elderly lord who had always been Jon's closest advisor in court asked. The 70 year old now had knees that screamed at him with the steps and hands that ached with every grip but still he performed his duty to the last day. A missive now rested in his ancient hand.
"I told you, send your son on these errands old friend. We are not young men anymore and is that not why we have the young around us. But I hear much of the same from the Sisters old friend. Do you bear news?" Jon asked looking at the missive in his hands. Nodding he passed it over and Jon read it. His eyes bulged wide open before Robert snatched it out of his hands reading it himself.
I hope this message finds the hands of the Hand father. I have seen the beast with my own eyes father. My brother sent me to the North to act as a merchant to get the lay of the land and I made it all the way up to Winterfell. James had heard many strange reports coming from the land north of us and wanted clarity. Standing before me like in the stories of old were three large dragons who if I were to guess were nearing fully grown.
From the accounts of the local blacksmith King Torrhen and his queen went before the old gods already declaring themselves rulers of the lands from the Wall to the Stepstones. From the same blacksmith it seems that since Ser Arthur Stark was given the title Warden of the North the queen was preparing a trip north to the Wall, I was there when they departed north.
One rider was the queen and the other was the exile Daenerys but it was the third rider who even shocked me father. The son of Rhaegar Targaryen and Lyanna Stark, Jon Targaryen. He even wears the same armor that his father died in. It is said both married when it was thought Lyanna was kidnapped.
At an inn the Greatjon confirmed it in a drunken state that Lord Eddard protected his nephew under the illusion of his own son.
Ser Dawin Arryn
Robert reread it over and over before anger filled the man as he flipped the table in anger.
"This must be a lie Jon! I loved Lyanna and she loved me. You find our spy Jon and find out why your cousin would lie about this."
Robert now stormed out of the room leaving Jon to think alone with his old friend to plan out the war.
Jaime having picked up Robert's protection halfway to the Black Cells was confused by the anger of his king but dared now question why. Lords asking for advice tried to stop Robert but as if they were born mute Robert just stormed on.
Reaching the Black Cells Robert glanced in and spotted the Quiet Wolves chained to walls and even spotted Lord Gregor being interrogated by the High Sparrow himself in a small cell no larger than a closet. The Lord of Ironwood simply ignored the old man even under the threat of torture refusing to admit to any crimes.
Walking one cell over it was opened with a wave of his hand. Sitting in the corner with shackles to his feet was his foster brother who was stript of the court clothes he had on before in exchange for prison rags.
"Tell me it is not true Ned. Just tell me Jon is your child and I will damn the faith and protect you. It was always meant to be me and Lyanna." Robert roared but in a begging voice. His heart nearly dropped from his body seeing Ned shake his head and look away.
"You just approved of the murder of Princess Elia, Aegon, and wanted the same fate for Rhaenys and the just born Daenerys. I will gladly take my place at the block knowing my nephew was able to live a life past his first namesday Robert. I loved you like a brother Robert but Jon is my nephew. I take it he finally took his father's name?"
As Ned asked this he attempted to readjust on the cold stone wincing his face in pain being thrown into place by his captures. Robert did not answer though, he simply walked over to the chair where the high sparrow sat just minutes ago "convincing" him to convert and looked defeated.
"Just surrender Robert and no one else will die for yours or Torrhen's ego. There is an enemy to the north that we should be fighting as an united front. I told you before Robert Winter…."
"Is Coming. I know you and all the damn Starks I have ever met have said the same thing but what am I supposed to do just because Torrhen thinks he is a northern king of old? You northerners live with your heads in the fairy tales Ned. Not to mention I have possibly another Targaryen departing Essos landing only the gods know where and the kraken drains my war accounts daily to keep them from attacking us. Four godsdamn kings on our tiny stretch of land."
Looking out the door he saw the man of the faith militant looking at them through the hole in the door.
"Sometimes I think your religion is easier Ned, no leaders that want their own military or septs to spend gold on to build it for them. All you have is old woman who need seeds and a shelter over their head. I will try to fight to help you Ned but I am off to war in two days time. I will have Jon figure a way to protect you and your men."
Ned simply nodded a thanks and Robert left the cell and entered the hallway to hear the screaming of Eddard Karstark as he refused to convert to the seven.
Deciding he needed time to think the journey was up to the nursery rather than the bedroom of his wife or into town for his whore. Walking into the large room where one of Cersei's Lannister cousins were putting Joanna down to bed he smiled seeing her struggle in the woman's arms.
"Here let me try Serra." Robert said holding out his large arms. She obeyed quickly and placed the tiny child into his large arms. The whole time while little Joanna wiggled in his arms the only thoughts that passed through the mind of the stag was the betrayal of his true love. Surely Ned must have been wrong, Lyanna would never fall Rhaegar when it was their destiny to be together.
Sleep started to find both father and daughter until the sound of steel boots on stone echoed outside of the room. Waking up fully to the crying of Joanna, Robert saw Lancel fling the door open with Kingsguard Meryn Trant coming in as well.
"Thank the gods you are alright Your Grace." Lancel said relieved seeing father and daughter. Jaime who stood behind them looked affronted that his cousin would dare question his skills.
"Of course I am alive. What is all this ruckus Lancel. It had better be good to wake up your princess from her slumber." Robert growled walking the baby over to the crib.
"Lord Arryn found the spy Your Grace, the one feeding information to Aegon. Before he could find you though the spy struck killing both him and Lord Jaylon Pyror. He attempted to steal the maps and notes but was interrupted by Ser James Arryn Your Grace and fled."
Robert hearing this started to feel lightheaded like this was a bad joke Tyrion would tell him. He waited for someone to counter his words but no one ever did. His foster father now laid dead.
"Who is the spy? I want him found and strung up by his fucking throat!" Robert boomed now walking towards Lancel who flinched back a little bit.
"Varys Your Grace, your Master of Whispers had been the spy the whole time. Shall I lead you to the room Your Grace?"
Robert nodded gruffly and the group now departed for the Tower of the Hand while you could see guards everywhere trying to find other locations to the secret tunnels.
Entering the room the sight was a gruesome sight and a hidden stone door behind his foster father still remained open. Jon had not seen it coming as witnessed by the knife in the back of his wicker chair. Looking at the face it was a look of utter shock that he was dying this way. Lord Pyror was a much more messy affair.
The old man looked to have cuts all over his hand showing he must have struggled with Varys and his second knife. A blood trail now led to the passageway showing the old battle veteran injured his killer but the old lord now had the second blade lodged into his eye.
"I tried to give chase Your Grace but he lost me in the corridors below. It is like a Lorath maze down there." The young James Arryn said distraught looking at Jon once more.
"If only I was not so distracted by their bodies I could have caught him."
Robert walked over padding the man who was clearly angry with himself.
"He was your kin, it is a normal reaction James. I will have the maesters prepare the body for travel and you will take him back to the Eyrie. I need your father to get your homelands under control or else we already lost the war. Now find a pub and a whore drinking and fucking your problems away for the night. We will have Baratheon men scoured the castle all night."
James looked unsure but eventually gave him departing the room. It took a chaotic three hours but eventually they traced the blood down to a hidden dock where the boat had already disappeared into the fog of the Blackwater Bay. Posting permanent guards in the tunnels now Robert now sat around the small council table where the spot reserved for the hand remained empty.
The future good father of Tommen, Lord Nathaniel Caffaren sat in his new seat as the Master of War while a tired Petyr Baelish let out a yawn having gone to bed not an hour prior thanks to his newborn. The spot for the Master of Ships was empty but with a runner on his way to Dragonstone as they sat Stannis would be there within three days or so.
"May I say Your Grace how sorry I am that some that close to you has died. I know he was a father to you after the death of your actual father." Petyr said raising his cup for some wine.
"Yes Jon was a close friend but in a time of war we must be ready for anything and father was ready for this. If it would please you husband my I bring in a candidate for your new hand until we gain control of the situation?" Cersei asked still in her nightgown only with a housecoat over. She hate distractions, especially those that took her away from Lancel in the night.
"Of course you have a candidate woman. Tell me who it is and if you say Mace I will flip this table." Robert warned but Cersei simply smiled and waved for a lion guard to open the door. In came her uncle who had been in King's Landing for the past moon. Kevan Lannister strode before the king and stood at the end of the table. Robert was actually impressed by her choice.
"Your Grace, if it would please you I will take up the position of Hand until you find a suitable replacement. My brother has not called for me yet so I would like to help out here."
Robert looked at the man who followed in the shadows of Tywin Lannister his whole life and waved his hand toward the chair. Kevan walked quickly over with some notes in his hand and took the seat.
"Well what advice would you give to me when we now have four kings in Westeros? If anyone has any kind of plan I would love to hear it. How bout it Master of War?"
Lord Caffarren grunted gruffly and shuffled a map around.
"The bigger threat to your reign is that off the wolf. Lord Tywin has been ready for the kraken offensive for some time now and we do not know if Aegon will truly land in the Stormlands. Prince Quentyn maybe be taking them to Dorne to reclaim his home first which some sources have claimed. The wolf though has already struck the Reach coastline with the Bloody Skulls and may soon set his sight on securing the Riverlands as a whole. That is the enemy we should fear most and that you should attack first."
"How dare you just let the coastline of the Westerlands burn!" Cersei roared slapping her drink out of the way. "Not to mention we all know the pup king has an incentive to take the Golden Tooth. My father funds and aide to King's Landing yet when our lands are in dire need you send your aide to the Reach."
"Enough wife, we are not here to talk attack strategy until my brother gets here. Do we still control the Saltpans? If we are too make Torrhen feel any pressure we must take the port so near his capital." Robert questioned but received a shake of the head by his Master of War.
"Lord Cox still controls the keep Your Grace but the surrounding town and docks are now in the control of House Umber. The old man Mors Umber went with 2,000 men and the head of house Ser Quincy Cox ran inside the gates while his sons and grandsons defended the city. Now the kin of Cox lies captured or dead while Quincy refuses to open the gate with his granddaughters."
"Do they not siege the castle though?"
Lord Caffarren shook his head to the question posed by the new Hand.
"They have no need to. Inside the city is an ancient keep in fair condition that House Umber uses as headquarters while they simply starve out those in the castle. Once Ser Quincy is captured he will turn his loyalty, all we will control in northern Riverlands is Maidenpool."
Robert now glanced on the map farther looked grimly seeing the archer of Tarly now on the Stoney Sept.
"I am tired of waiting while my lands fall to invaders, prepare your men Master of War, once my brother arrives we will march by land and sail by sea. To a united Westeros." Robert held up his glass and those with glasses and those without now toasted,
"To a united Westeros."
A/N:
Just like in canon these Arryns are the ones that reside in Gulltown although GRRM never adds names to them. And Robert and Jon survived this far because Petyr had no reason to poison Jon since he married his true love and Cersei knows how useful her husband is at war.
In Canon Sunderland rules over the whole of the Sister Islands while Borrell rules over only the island of Sisterton, although Sunderland resides on Sisterton.
The fall of the Sisters is to grab a foothold near the Vale and to divide the Vale once more with marriages between nobles in the Vale and the North. Mance Rayder was born on the Wall in canon so he never had a chance at anything else, and I believe that is all.
Please leave a review on what liked/didn't like or messed up the canon in anyway other than my writers liberties.
Chapter 4
Garlan Borrell
Heir to Sisterton
Ser Jon Sunderland
Heir to House Sunderland and the Sister islands
Gemma Borrell
Gella Borrell
Twin sisters to Garlan
Lady Nymella Borrell
Lady of Sweetsister
Lord Godric Borrell (Canon)
Lord of Sisterton on Sweetsister
Baelor Sunderland
Dead son of Lord Triston Sunderland who died protecting the city by Obara