Hello again! Another chapter for you all.
I still don't own anything.
276 AC
Roland was in the High Hall, dodging a rogue sausage that Robert had thrown at him in a jest. The last three years had been great, and Roland truly felt that he had found some true friends in Ned and Robert, even though he was a bastard they treated him almost like a brother. They were closer, as they should be being the trueborn sons of two Great Lords, but Roland always felt included.
"Your aim is useless Baratheon." Roland laughed. "No wonder you're a shit archer."
"Who would use a bow, when you can crush them with a hammer and feel your enemies life leave them as you cave in their chest." Robert laughed loudly.
"And you'd know about killing, how?" Ned asked with a smile.
"Piss on that Stark, I just need the Mountain Clans to play up again, then I'll beg Jon to take me with him." Robert grinned.
"The Mountain Clans know not to travel this far into the Vale, they mainly stay either to the Northern Mountains or before the Bloody Gate." Roland told him.
"Alright Stone, no need to use logic." Robert grinned. "I don't learn too much about the Vale with Maester Ryman, he's from Blackhaven originally, so we talk about the Stormlands."
"I can't imagine you being an actual Lord." Roland laughed, before dodging more food that Robert had thrown.
"Enough of that boys." Jon's voice came from the doorway, and the three boys all stood respectfully as Jon entered the Hall.
"Lord Arryn, forgive us, we were…"
"I know exactly what you were doing, Robert." Jon smiled. "It's no matter, just pick it up once I'm done. I need to tell you all something. Queen Rhaella has given birth to a healthy baby boy. Prince Viserys."
Roland grinned, he had always felt bad for the Queen and her bad luck in childbirth, but finally she had had some good news.
"That's wonderful news." Ned smiled.
"We can only pray to the Gods that Prince Viserys lives longer than Prince Daeron did, but all the signs so far bode well according to Grand Maester Pycelle." Jon told them. "Lord Tywin is hosting a grand tournament in honour of his birth at Lannisport."
Roland immediately lit up, he'd been waiting for ages for a tournament to come so he could go and watch, but then remembered that it was Lannisport, and they weren't allowed back. Robert was equally as excited.
"A tournament? Will my father be attending?"
"Write him and find out, I know the invitations were sent to all the Great Lords." Jon smiled, and Robert ran off to find the Maester so he could write a letter. "Ned, I know you have no real interest in tourneys, so if you wish to return to Winterfell for a few months, then that's alright by me."
"Are you sure, Lord Arryn? Won't you need a ward, or squire?" Ned asked.
"I'll have Robert lad, go and write your Father." Jon smiled. Ned ran out of the room too, leaving Jon with Roland. The Lord noticed the half sad look on Rolands face. "I thought you'd be happier."
Roland smiled sadly. "I am happy My Lord, but Lannisport, am I allowed to go? Lord Tywin…"
"Lord Tywin invited Lord Royce and his sons as well, Ser Yohn will be travelling with us, and you are still his squire. Lord Tywin cannot complain." Jon explained. "And, if Ser Yohn agrees, I'd have you participate in the squires melee."
Roland was surprised. "Thank you, My Lord."
"It is my pleasure son." Jon smiled. "Now go on, Ser Yohn is out in the training yard."
Roland nodded, running out of the hall grinning as he dreamed about winning the squires melee in front of Tywin Lannister's home.
The time of the tourney had come, and Roland looked around at the familiar sights of Lannisport. They were to make their way up to Casterly Rock, where they would all be staying for the duration of the Tourney due to Lord Arryn's status. They met Ser Stafford at the entrance of Lannisport, and Roland was pleased to see his uncle again.
"Lord Arryn, Lord Robert, Ser Yohn, welcome to Lannisport." He said to the people with titles in their small group. "And nephew, it's good to see you again, welcome back." Roland just grinned back at his favourite uncle.
"Thank you for welcoming us, Ser Stafford." Jon smiled.
"It is my pleasure, My Lord. Please, follow me." Stafford said, turning and leading them into the city. They took a bit of a different route than the quickest one up to the castle, Roland noticed, but the reason why was clear soon enough. Stafford had stopped in front of his old house.
"My old house!" He exclaimed, and Robert looked on in surprise.
"You lived here? Not in the castle?"
"My cousin is a prickly man, and thought that when the King came to Lannisport that my half sister and Roland here would be better off here, they made it work though." Stafford explained.
"I liked it there, just me and mother." Roland smiled. "We still visited the castle occasionally, but it was nice."
"Of course, come on then, let me show you to your rooms. Lord Tywin would normally greet you, Lord Arryn, but the King arrived unexpectedly yesterday."
"The King is here?" Jon asked.
"The Queen and Prince Viserys have stayed in King's Landing, but yes the King travelled with Prince Rhaegar."
Roland looked excitedly with Robert, they'd heard stories about how good Rhaegar was, and they would get to witness it first-hand. Stafford led them into the castle, and Roland had a small room directly next to Ser Yohn. He got to work polishing the Knight's armour, carefully scrubbing the bronze plate when suddenly the door burst open. He looked up and saw his cousins, Jaime and Cersei. The ten-year olds beaming at him.
"Roland! Uncle Stafford told us you were here!" Jaime exclaimed.
"Jaime! Cersei! It's good to see you both!" Roland smiled, putting down the armour and grabbing them in a hug. It was at that moment he noticed what must have been his other cousin Tyrion behind them, nervously chewing gently on his hand. Roland let go of the twins before bending down to hug Tyrion. "You must be Tyrion, it's good to finally meet you."
"Hi." Tyrion said shyly.
"Why did you follow us?" Cersei snapped.
"Cersei please." Jaime said quietly, taking her hand. "Not now."
Roland was confused, but dangerously ignored Cersei and picked Tyrion up to put him on the bed. Tyrion noticed the armour and the polish. "Can I help?" He asked shyly.
Roland was sceptical, knowing that it was likely that he would have to stay up even later fixing the armour, but wanted to bond with his cousin so nodded. Tyrion happily grabbed the cloth and started rubbing at the armour. Jaime was watching in awe. "Is this the Bronze Yohn's armour?"
"Bronze Yohn?" Roland chuckled. "Yes it is, it's awful to clean."
"You have to clean it?" Cersei looked horrified. "Can't you get a servant to do it for you?"
"I am basically a servant cousin, I'm his squire. I have to empty his chamber pot, make sure his meals are ok and mend his armour and weapons. Sort his horse out and do everything he requires of me."
"Why?" Tyrion asked quietly.
"Because one day, I want to be exactly like him." Roland smiled. "I want to be a knight."
"Well I hope you've improved your swordplay, I always beat you and I've gotten better." Jaime boasted, puffing out his chest.
"You shall see, I'm to enter the squires melee." Roland grinned.
"Awesome!" Jaime exclaimed. "I wanted to but father said I was too young."
"And you're not even a squire yet." Roland grinned.
"I will be soon, father wants to send me to Lord Crakehall." Jaime said, and Roland noticed the angry look on Cersei's face, before she shook it off.
"And Aunt Genna told me that father has gotten the King to agree that I will wed the Prince." Cersei said happily.
"Prince Rhaegar? Wow!" Roland exclaimed. "You'll be Queen someday."
"I know." Cersei smiled, the door opened again and Robert was standing in the doorway.
"Come on Stone! Stop grabbing your cock, your father wants to see you!" He bellowed, before noticing that Roland had company. "I'm sorry, I didn't know you had company."
Roland flushed red with embarrassment, before introducing everyone. "Jaime, Cersei, Tyrion, this is Lord Robert Baratheon, heir to Storms End. Robert, this is Lords Jaime and Tyrion, and Lady Cersei Lannister."
Robert smiled at them all, before looking at Tyrion. "You're a small man!" Tyrion looked up at the booming 14-year-old shyly. "Nice to meet you all, but I need to borrow Stone here."
"Of course, we shall catch up soon Roland." Jaime smiled, picking up Tyrion and placing him on the floor before taking his hand and leaving with a nod to Robert. Cersei curtseyed politely to the Baratheon before leaving Robert and Roland alone.
"A few years and some man will be very lucky." Robert grinned, earning himself a slap from Roland.
"That's my cousin!" Roland exclaimed.
"So? Her parents were cousins; Neds parents are cousins." Robert shrugged. Roland conceded the argument. "Come on, your father wants to make sure you know how to use a proper sword himself before you sign up for the squire's tournament, not that you'll win of course. I'm entering too."
The squire's melee was on the morning of the last day of the tourney, as a bit of a breather before the main event. Roland had been lucky that Ser Yohn had been knocked out relatively early, as it allowed the squire extra time to practice all kinds of swordplay with the Knight. Roland felt confident, the only real challenge he thought would be Robert, who was fighting with a hammer.
"One, two, three, four, DUCK!" Ser Yohn shouted in the early hours of the morning before the melee, counting off his parries before swinging, and Roland knowingly ducked out the way before going back on the attack, with Yohn coaching him again. After a few more minutes they stopped, and Yohn shook Roland's hand. "You've done well, you're ready."
"Thank you, Ser Yohn." Roland panted.
"Now your father had this made for you." Yohn announced, turning towards his satchel and pulling out a white surcoat. He threw it at Roland, who caught it and unfolded the fabric. It was the inverted colours of House Arryn again, but this time the blue crescent moon and falcon were the centrepiece of the fabric.
"He had this made for me?" Roland asked emotionally.
"Aye, he did." Yohn smiled. "Well what are you waiting for, put it on then!" Roland did as bid, and put the surcoat on over his chainmail. Yohn produced a small mirror, and Roland looked at himself in awe. "You may not be an Arryn, but you're a true Valeman now my boy."
"It's magnificent." Roland whispered.
"And don't forget your shield." Yohn said, handing the boy a circular Arryn shield.
"Thank you, Ser Yohn."
"Just don't make a fool of yourself, it reflects very badly on me." The Knight said with a twinkle in his eye.
Finally it was time for the squire's melee, only 14 squire's had entered, but Roland was still nervous. He saw Robert talking with his father on the edge of the small arena and was slightly jealous. Jon couldn't do that for him, as he was only a bastard. Shaking the thought from his head he sorted his helmet out, before getting into place. When everyone was gathered, they all knelt towards the box where the King, Prince Rhaegar and Tywin Lannister were surprisingly sat. Tywin stood, and so did the combatants.
"Begin!" He said loudly, and the crowd that had gathered roared in anticipation. Roland focused then, and set his sights on a squire for House Brax. They circled eachother for a moment before the Brax squire arched an attack with his sword. Roland knelt, protecting himself with a push of his shield, distracting his opponent for a moment before swinging his sword, connecting with his opponents shield. They fell into a routine of bashing shields and swords together before Roland found an opportunity. He waited to defend, parrying the sword blow downward with his sword before jabbing his shield in the Brax squire's face. The squire went down, and Roland held his sword against the squire's chest.
"Yield! I yield" The Brax squire said, and Roland backed up, holding his sword up in victory as the crowd cheered. Looking around he noticed 9 squires still standing, including Robert. Grinning, he charged at a squire wearing the sigil of House Plumm, who could barely defend himself before he was disarmed and yielded.
Next he was being attacked by Miles Mooton, the squire for Prince Rhaegar, who Roland would admit was very good. It took all his skill to deflect all of the blows and he didn't know where he could get an attack in. Roland was being backed up against the edge of the small arena when he knew he had to break for it. He parried an attack sideways with his shield, before punching Mooton with his sword hand and switching positions so Roland was on the attack, attacking the squire so ferociously Mooton managed to lose his shield. Roland used his advantage, and after parrying sword blows, spun around 360 degrees and smashed his shield against Mooton's head, sending the lad tumbling, unconscious.
The crowd were applauding his latest move, and Roland noticed that he and Robert were the only two left. Grinning, he swung his sword skilfully in his hand, watching Robert flex his hands on the Warhammer.
"You sure you want to do this?" Robert bellowed happily. "You can yield now and I won't think any less of you!"
"Why yield when I can put your arse on the ground!" Roland grinned. And with that he walked towards his friend, looking for the telling sign Robert always gave when he was going to attack.
Robert had begun to use his Warhammer more in the last year, and he had gotten good with it. His powerful blows were causing Roland's arm to ache as he blocked them with his shield. Unfortunately, Robert knew him just as well, and all of Roland's tricks weren't working. Robert was blocking everything with his hammer, before powerfully going on the attack. Blow after blow was raining down on Roland, and he knew he couldn't win. Robert was just a man possessed when it came to actual combat. He took a chance at knocking the hammer to one side with his shield, and came off worse as he heard the shield crack in two, and a searing pain shot up his arm. Howling in agony, he took a wild swing with his sword, before being knocked flat on his arse by the handle of Robert's hammer.
"Yield!" Roland grimaced, before the pain consumed him and his vision faded to black.
He woke up not long after apparently, as a Maester was strapping his arm up. Robert, Jon and Yohn were stood around him worried.
"Roland!" Jon breathed, relieved. "Thank the Gods you're alright."
"I guess I lost." Roland chuckled weakly.
"I'm so sorry." Robert said.
"Don't be, you won fair and square, it was my foolishness that tried to meet your blow with my shield." Roland said happily. "I'm just happy I made it to the final two."
"You impressed the King." Jon stated.
"I did?"
"Yes, he found me after you'd been stretchered off and congratulated me on my 'conquest beneath the sheets.'" Jon said bitterly. Roland blushed. "But you did me proud today, both of you did."
"Thank you, My Lord." Roland smiled, wincing as the Maester was slightly rougher.
"Once this is set, you will join me in my box." Jon smiled, and Roland was surprised.
"You can come and meet my father and brother!" Robert grinned.
"Thank you." Roland smiled, and it wasn't long before his arm was strapped and he was on his way to the central tourney ground, where Prince Rhaegar and Ser Arthur Dayne were due to ride against one another in the final. Rhaegar was in his first tourney and had acquitted himself well, beating numerous Westerlander Knights including Tygett and Gerion Lannister, as well as Ser Barristan Selmy in the semi-finals. Rumour had it that no matter the outcome of the final, Ser Arthur would knight the Prince in front of the entire crowd.
They made their way to the box, but not before they passed the Prince, who stopped them.
"Lord Arryn, how good to see you again." Prince Rhaegar smiled warmly.
"My Prince." Jon bowed. "I'm surprised you remember, you were very young."
"Of course I remember, I wanted to show my father what I'd found out about Visenya, warrior sister-wife to Aegon the Conqueror, but he was preoccupied being crowned, I realise now." Rhaegar grinned, before turning to the others. "Lord Robert, congratulations on your win earlier, you fought well."
"Thank you, My Prince." Robert smiled.
"And Roland Stone, isn't it?"
"Yes, My Prince." Roland bowed nervously.
"My squire isn't your biggest fan at the moment, it seems you gave him a nasty blow to the head." Rhaegar said, before laughing. "It will show him humility, he won't be my squire forever. Well fought."
"Thank you, My Prince." Roland smiled. "Good luck out there."
"I fear I'll need it, I threatened Ser Arthur with joining me on one of my Summerhall expeditions if he went easy on me, he does hate the calm that the ruin shares." Rhaegar explained. "I shall try and find you all at the closing feast tonight, good day to you all." And with that, Rhaegar walked towards his tent at one end of the grounds.
"He will make a fine King one day." Jon Arryn noted.
"Aye, he will." Yohn said, and they made their way up to their box. Robert introduced Roland to Steffon and Stannis Baratheon, and they all made small talk until the King appeared in the Royal Box. The crowd was packed, and they all started applauding and cheering Aerys, but Roland felt nervous when the crowd seemed to double their efforts as soon as Tywin stepped into view.
"Why would they cheer Tywin louder than the King?" Roland whispered to Yohn.
"I don't know lad."
Shrugging, Roland listened as Tywin introduced Ser Arthur, and Roland was in awe of the man. He was outrageously handsome, with a stern, yet kind face. He held his Kingsguard helmet in his hand as he waved to the applauding crowd with the other, before mounting his horse and putting on his helmet. Tywin then introduced Rhaegar, who appeared in fine black and ruby armour. The noise was deafening, and Roland was one of the loudest. The handsome Prince waved to the crown, before putting on a helm, with three dragons on it's top. He also mounted his horse, and the joust began.
Roland couldn't remember how long the actual joust lasted, but he remembered the final tilt. Rhaegar was tiring, you could see that clear as day, and at the vital moment he dropped his shield slightly, and Ser Arthur capitalised sending the young Prince sprawling on the floor. He got up quickly, applauding Ser Arthur, who had been given a crown of red and gold flowers. Roland didn't see who the knight gave it too, and it wouldn't matter either, for as soon as the crown had been given away he asked for his sword.
It was the first-time Roland had ever seen Dawn, and it was magnificent. Arthur strode up to Rhaegar and bid him to kneel, and the crowd fell silent.
"By your leave, Your Grace. Prince Rhaegar here has performed nobly in the face of men twice, even thrice his age! He made it all the way to the final in his first tourney, and deserves the rewards that should come from that." Arthur shouted, so all could hear. Aerys only nodded, and Arthur Dayne unsheathed Dawn, laying it gently on Rhaegar's shoulder.
"In the name of the Warrior, I charge you to be brave. In the name of the Father, I charge you to be just. In the name of the Mother, I charge you to defend the young and innocent. In the name of the Maid, I charge you to protect all women…" Roland was in awe as the other three Gods were called out, with each change of God being represented by a tap on the other shoulder, until finally. "Arise, Ser Rhaegar of House Targaryen."
The entire arena erupted in applause, as the people's Prince was now officially a knight.
The closing feast was a tenser experience than Roland had ever thought he'd witness. He was sat with the rest of the Squires on a far table from where the King, Rhaegar and the Lannisters were. His father was sat with Lord Baratheon and Robert. After the meals, Rhaegar stood up and moved to a corner, where his harp was. Roland had heard about the Prince's musical talents, but actually hearing it first hand was a different experience entirely.
It was beautiful. The music and Rhaegar's singing was the best that Roland had ever heard in his life. He noticed that the song had even put tears into Cersei's eyes. It was what happened after the singing however, that Roland would remember most about the night.
Tywin and Aerys were obviously having a close discussion, as the pair were leaning into one another whispering, but all of a sudden Aerys threw his chair back and stood, announcing to the entire room.
"It seems that my loyal friend Tywin here wishes to conclude this tourney with a betrothal! Isn't that right Lord Hand?"
Tywin begrudgingly got to his feet, and spoke. "With your agreement, Your Grace. House Targaryen and Lannister have long been allies, and we have long been friends. I have a daughter, Cersei, who would be a dutiful wife to Prince Rhaegar."
Aerys grinned. "You are correct of course, we have been friends for such a long time. And you have served well as Hand for the last 14 years. You are my most able servant, Tywin, but a man does not marry his heir to his servant's daughter." He snapped towards the end, and all hell broke loose. Rhaegar tried to calm his father down, while Tywin looked on absolutely furious. Cersei ended up running from the hall in tears, and nobody was following her. Roland immediately got up and ran after his cousin, catching up with her as she neared her rooms.
"Cersei! Cersei wait!" Roland called. A red faced, teary eyed Cersei turned round.
"What do you want?" She snapped.
"To see you, to ask how you were." Roland tried to soothe, taking a step towards her, only to be halted by a sharp slap to his cheek.
"I don't need your comfort, bastard." Cersei snarled, and she slammed her way into her room, leaving Roland shocked in her wake.
277
It had been a difficult year. Jon had been tense for the past half a year as news had slowly filtered in of King Aerys being held hostage by Denys Darklyn at Duskendale. Tywin Lannister had surrounded the castle, but couldn't attack in fear of the King's life. Silently, Roland hoped that the king would die, so Rhaegar would come into the throne, but he would never say that aloud.
His duties were going well too, Ser Yohn was training him hard, and he was already a lot better than he had been at the Tourney in Lannisport. It was while they were training that Jon Arryn came and interrupted them.
"Good news everyone! Ser Barristan Selmy has rescued the King!" He said, but his eyes weren't showing any happiness. "Roland, go and find Robert for a moment, I need a word with Lord Yohn here." Jon said sadly. Roland nodded, and ran off to his friend's room, to which he found Robert packing.
"Where are you going?" Roland asked.
"Home! Storm's End! My parents have written from Volantis, they couldn't find the Prince a bride so they're coming back home. I'm to meet them." Robert explained. "I'll be gone for around a year."
"A year?" Roland asked, surprised.
"Aye, hand me those clothes over there." Robert requested, pointing to a pile in the corner, Roland picked them up and handed them to Robert, but not before noticing something. Roland grabbed the thin shift that would usually be a ladies, and laughed.
"You never said you were trying women's clothes now."
"Piss off, it isn't mine." Robert laughed, snatching the shift.
"Are you telling me that you…" Roland began, but the grin on Robert's face gave it away. "You did! Who?"
"You know Bessie?" Robert grinned.
"Bessie? The kitchen girl?"
"Yes! The young one with the massive tits." Robert chuckled, using his hands as props to show just how big they were.
"Father is going to be furious." Roland laughed.
"Lord Arryn is never going to know." Robert grinned.
"He knows everything." Roland grinned back.
"True…" Robert sighed. "Ah well, what a night!"
"I have to say, I'm jealous." Roland chuckled.
"You're a good looking lad, I'm sure there's someone around the castle looking for a go on Lord Arryn's only child." Robert laughed.
"Oh there is." Roland smiled. "I just won't."
"Why not?"
"I won't have a third generation of bastard." Roland sighed. Robert nodded sadly, before smacking Roland with Bessie's underclothes.
"Well, you can give this back to Bessie anyway, that'll cause a scandal." Robert howled with laughter.
It turned out that Robert wasn't the only one leaving on short notice. Roland was to travel with Yohn to Runestone, to take up the mantle of Lord Royce after his father had passed away. And after an upsetting farewell with Ned, Jon and Lynora, Roland rode out of the Gates of the Moon nervous about the future for the first time in a long time.
This was another fun chapter to write, the whole thing about the 276 Tourney of Lannisport was interesting because of the whole Rhaegar/Cersei thing. This of course is when Cersei was told that she would die at the hands of the valonqar too.
I would have gone into more detail about the Defiance of Duskendale, but I can't see any records that the Vale were actively involved. So I included the death of Lord Uthor Royce, who died in 277 according to CK2.
I'm trying to keep it as canon as possible, but I couldn't find anywhere that mentioned how or where Rhaegar got knighted, so I thought this was a perfect opportunity.
Thanks again for all the reviewers, please, please leave one on this chapter and let me know what you think and I shall see you soon for the next chapter!
Reviews:
onyxhaider98: The Knights of the Vale are what they are in the show, this is still predominantly a 'show' fic. Roland does follow the Seven yes.
GM12: This fic is going to be like my last, in the sense of he won't marry a 'popular' character. I already know who he will marry, and it won't be for another 10 chapters going by the plan now.
J.F.C: He would still be third in line for the Vale though even if he was legitimised, with Elbert and Denys coming before him. I thought about it, but if Tywin honestly cared that little about his wife's memory he would have killed Tyrion by drowning him.
jean d'arc: The thing is, Ned learned his honour from Jon. The Starks are fairly honourable but the Arryn's have it as their words. That's what I was trying to portray in Black Wolf, and I will continue on the other side of things in this fic, Roland will be very honourable.
C.E.W: Because most of the story for now is based on the book information, except the descriptions of places etc, I'm going by that timeline and just starting the main series 2 years later, so the kids of season 1 are as old as they were in the start of the show. That includes using Jaehaerys in this fic. He will be 18 at Harrenhal.
Guest (Tyrion): In this chapter!
LadyKatherine29: It was quite fun writing the Tywin/Aerys scene, purely for that dynamic of Aerys not trusting Tywin, and Tywin trying to 'one up' the king. I personally think Jon is a bigger man than that, preferring to thank Tywin for allowing his son to come to the Vale, rather than actively try and anger the man. Remember Jon was the one that pushed for Robert to marry Cersei straight away after Lyanna's death, and was the one pushing the crown further into the Lannisters power.
sexybutcreepy: I may be writing him OOC, but I honestly think the only way he would accept Roland is if he was from his branch of the Lannisters, not his Uncle's grandson.
Bane Of Snow: I agree, it was emotional to write.