And here's the fourth chapter, please do enjoy and make reviews.
Alert; Spoilers from the DLC Legacy Of The First Blade.
"BARNABASSS!?"
(Impossible, I thought only those selected in the interface could be summoned)
It seems there's still things I need to learn from this 'cheat' of mine.
"Hahaha. Oh Alexios you really are a messenger of the gods. This is the second time I pray so ardently at them for someone to save me and you appear again" He told me while patting my shoulders as a greeting.
"Truly a saviour. But perhaps you could have done so a few weeks ago. I'm afraid our time chained up while in the ship has not been well received by my body" Another voice spoke. This one with a more calm and serene tone than that of Barnabas.
"Herodotus? It's great to see you as well, but could someone tell me what happened to you all?"
(No, seriously, what the hell happened to them?)
It was Barnabas who answered me.
"Well, while you were battling that supposed Cyclops in Nysiros a great storm like nothing I have ever seen sweep the ocean. It was as if Poseidon and Zeus were having something far more serious than a family quarrel. Then the ship overturned. By the time I woke up we were already chained up inside the pirates' ship. At first none of us understood a word they said, but thankfully your sister and your mother learnt some of it while beating up any brave enough to go near them." He made a pause and I hurried to ask before he started again.
"What about my family, are they well? And what did they get out of those malakes?"
"Ha, your family is too stubborn to let them do as they pleased. Your sister herself made a few eunuchs out of them that tried to force themselves on her, and your mother as well, though I don't pity those men"
"As for your father and brother" carried on Herodotus this time, "they have been planning our scape route ever since we were captured, their weapons and armours taken. They even got the key to open our chains and were about to recover their equipement to fight those pirates. But since you are here i'm afraid all that planning has gone to waste"
"Hmm" I nodded, thinking if they had indeed gone through all that or if it was just information implanted in their brains.
(Well, at least now I know that they have self conscious and are not mindless puppets)
Just as I was thanking and cursing the gods for these fortunate (yay! I could converse with the actual people) and unfortunate (It's going to be a pain to make sure they don't find I'm an impostor) situation, my attention was diverted by the sight of a tanned and balding head with strands of black hair, matching the colour of the beard that the heads owner spotted.
"Alexios? Is great to see you again my friend. It seems you always take care of our troubles, or are our troubles consequences of being with you?" He took my forearms and I took his in greeting.
"Oh please Hippokrates I already have enough with one Socrates in my life. How have you been? Not treated too bad by that pirate scum I hope?"
"Well, we weren't treated too rough thanks to your family and a few of the crew taking the brunt for us. But still, I have been tending to the men since we were set free by Nikolaos and Stentor. The men don't have many injuries, and those they have are minor and will heal themselves, they just have to clean them and there won't be a problem. But the true problem is their nutrition, the men haven't eaten enough since we were captured, they lack strength and need to eat urgently to recover their energy"
"I understand" I turned to Barnabas, "Barnabas, there are supplies in one of the rooms below the deck, near where you were imprisoned, can you please make inventory and tell me how long it will last for the lads?"
"Aye, I'll get to it captain" Just as he was going he turned his head. "it's great to have you back" he continued walking.
"I'll go help him, gods know we have to hurry with this" Offered up Herodotus.
I just nodded.
Right as I was going to carry on my conversation with Hippokrates a few more people appeared on the deck, they looked slightly haggard, their cheeks sunken. Now that I think about it, so did Hippokrates, Barnabas and Herodotus.
Lost in thought I didn't notice when one of them came at me and suddenly wrapped me in a strong hug.
"I always believed you would come back. That you would make your way to us. And so you've done my son" cried Myrrine while still hugging me, Nikolaos already walking towards us and enveloping Myrrine and me in another hug, not really saying much when he could convey all his feelings this way.
"You really are someone hard to get rid of, you know?" Remarked Stentor making himself comfortable sitting on the rail.
Freeing myself from the hug that my 'parents' were using to crush my bones I turned to Stentor.
"And I see your time with the pirates hasn't dulled your tongue. Your blade however, I'm not so sure about it. But still, we'll need it on the days to come"
He made a 'Hmph' noise but stayed quiet otherwise.
"Well, it would have been terribly boring without you around. Honestly you are the only one capable of fighting me in an all-out fight, so it wouldn't have been interesting without you among us. But now that we are together, you should tell us how you got here yourself. Last I remember you were not aboard the ship. And were are we by the way, the people here don't talk greek, nor persian, and they use armours and swords of designs I have never seen"
(The time has come to test how good I am at bullshiting)
"You are right little sister-" she scowled a little but didn't interrupt "But this is best talked when the crew is rested and everyone is listening" She nodded reluctantly agreeing with me.
"Captain!" Just in time, Barnabas appeared with Herodotus in tow
"We bring news, good news!"
"Well then, speak man"
"We have enough food to feed the men for a fortnight to a month if we ration it" That was good, very good.
"That is indeed great news, use them to treat yourselves and the men to a feast tonight. I wont have you work half starved"
"As you say captain"
A few hours later
Now a full and rested crew of the Adrestia laid on the beach, mostly dozing off. Between them one could distinguish figures like Bayek of Siwa, Aya, Evie Frye, Pegaso, Odesa, Roxana, and many other lieutenants that could be recruited through missions or defeating them.
(Now, how the hell am I going to deal with the future trio? Bayek and Aya are more close to the ancient greece era, but still…. And Evie isn't even from Before Common Era. Whats more is that Aya is a descendant of Alexios, or should I say myself?, through his only son Elpidios)
*Sigh*
(I am too busy right now to deal with this shit, I must focus on the present situation)
*Ehem*
Everyone's attention turned to me and those dozing off were woken up to hear what I had to say.
"NOW I KNOW ALL OF YOU MUST BE CONFUSED IN REGARDS TO OUR CURRENT WHEREABOUTS OR AS TO WHY THE PEOPLE HERE DON'T SPEAK GREEK, SO I WONT BEAT AROUND THE BUSH.
I DON'T KNOW WHERE WE ARE IN RESPECT OF GREECE, I HAVE MAPS IN MY POSSESSION ABOUT THE LAND WE ARE CURRENTLY IN, AND DESPITE THERE BEING DESCRIBED MORE LAND AND TERRITORY THAT THERE IS IN THE WORLD KNOWN TO US, THERE ARE NO SIGNS OF GREECE BEING ANYWHERE NEAR US. AND I AM AFRAID THAT WE CAN NO LONGER RETURN"
I let it ring in their heads for a moment so as to let them assimilate their current plight.
"NOT ONLY WE DON'T KNOW HOW TO RETURN, BUT WE ALSO DON'T KNOW THE COMMON TONGUE HERE.
BUT DON'T DESPAIR, I HAVE BEEN HERE FOR A TIME AND HAVE ALREADY LEARNED THEIR TONGUE AND SOME OF THEIR CUSTOMS AND I WILL TEACH YOU.
ASIDE FROM THAT OUR SUPPLIES ARE LIMITED TO LAST AT THE MOST A MONTH. THE LEAST A FORTNIGHT. SO I SAY WE UNFOLD THE SAILS AND HUNT THE REST OF THOSE MALAKAS WHO CAPTURED YOU. WHAT SAY YOU SPARTANS?"
They all got up and stomped on the ground, hard
"AU! AU! AU!"
"THEN BACK TO THE SHIP. WE DEPART NOW"
Just as I was going back to the ship with the lot of them I was stopped by Nikolaos.
"Those are good plans, but only for the short term. Do you have any for the long term?"
"Aside from going back to being a misthios?"
"Alexios. We are, as you said in a new land, far from everything that we have known. You could start anew. After all, the life of a misthios is not the best one"
"It is the only one I know"
And with that we boarded the ship, our bellies full, our future uncertain and with a thirst for pirate blood.
Two months later – Near Feastfires – Aboard the Adrestia
It's been two months since I got the ship, and in the meantime I have already taught enough English to the lieutenants so that they won't have trouble with day to day conversations, and since the most specific matters concern me, they just use Greek when talking to me. A good part of the reason for their fast improvement came from Evie, who already knew English and helped me teach the others. And although a few were suspicious about that none called her on it.
Aside from that, I have managed to make them all believe I am the true Alexios. Of course most of it is thanks to bullshiting my way and relaying in the scenes shown in the game.
We have also solved the supplies problem for a while. With the Greyjoy Rebellion in full swing there were no lack of ironborn pirates, we have been making our way south of the continent attacking every ship from the Iron bastards that we sighted, taking both their supplies and their bountiful loots.
So far we have already sunk ten ships and rising, but ever since two days ago we have only sighted ships with flags depicting grapes, a crowned stag and a tower with a fire on top. None of them tried to fight with us, and they seemed to go at full speed.
(I bet they are the ones sent to destroy the Iron fleet)
If this was true then I need to find their commander and offer my services.
For a price of course.
"Fleet ahead captain! What do we do? Do we change course?"
"No, take us to the flag ship, the biggest one, I will talk to their commander"
"You sure that's a sound decision? Not to spoil your mood but what if they attack us?" Asked a worried Herodotus.
"Then we send them all to Hades" Interrupted Kassandra
(Oh sister, I wish I had your confidence when it comes to naval battles one against almost two hundred)
"Shut up, we have come to see if they will buy our services, not to fight them and certainly not to send them to Hades. Is that clear"
"And why should I do as you say brother?"
"Because I am the captain"
"If one of them so much as touches me, he's dead meat"
"Fair enough. Now go and raise the white flag"
Once we were near enough the other ship for them to hear us Nikolaos took the lead to speak to them. With my permission of course.
"Good day, we are the crew of the Adrestia and we wish to talk with the commander of this fleet, is he within this ship?"
"He is. And he wishes to know what you seek here" Replied a tall, broad shouldered man, with short black hair and a close-cropped beard of the same colour. He seemed younger than my body is. Wearing boiled leather armour with a few pieces of metal in vital areas, a stag sigil on his chest and an antlered helmet in his hands. By the way he spoke, he clearly was the commander.
"We would like to be under your employ if you are going to destroy those ironborn bastards, they captured us a few months ago, and we would like to return the favour"
"We already have enough ships to destroy them. Why should I hireyou when I have no need of you?"
"Because we already have experience dealing with them, lots of it" I said suddenly
He looked at me for a moment, before going back to Nikolaos.
"If you can't keep your men in their place, I will do it"
"Sorry to say this Ser, but he is the captain" Retorted Nikolaos, leaving the man with no way to retort.
"Look, we just want to shove our blades so far up the ironborn's asses, that they exit from their throats. I wont ask you for a large reward, just twenty dragons for every sunken ship as well as your word that you wont attack us and that we can keep whatever loot we find. Besides, you wont find a better ship than ours, and we will at least send ten of those ships to the bottom of the sea. Deal?"
He looked at me frowning, like he had been all the time. His hand in his chin, clearly to seem he was thinking more than he was capable of.
Finally he returned his gaze at me, those deep blue orbs staring at me gave me the creeps.
"Fine, but if you damage one of us, you will sink with the Iron fleet"
"We are grateful, but when are you going against them?" I asked the man
"We wont go against them, they will come for us. Anyway, from now on you shall refer to me as deemed fit by title, as Lord Stannis Baratheon, Lord of Dragonstone and Master of Ships of the King Robbert Baratheon First of His name, King of the Andals and the First Men, Protector of the Realm"
"….Do I really have to say all of that to address you?"
"Lord Stannis will do"
"….."
Two days later
True enough the Ironborn came for us.
Not long after meeting us, Lord Stannis explained that he had gotten small squads of ships to the other side of Fair Isle to make a pincer move on the Iron fleet. And boy are they falling now for that move. Also, he gave us one of his men to make sure we didn't lie about the number of ships we had destroyed.
As for us. Well, we have our hands full dealing with the ships three by three.
"Full speed ahead!"
"Captain, they are trying to board us!"
"Use the Javelins, shake them off!"
"Now! Use the Chimera's Breath!"
"Now board them, don't forget to take all their loot"
We have only been fighting twenty minutes and we already are on our fourth ship boarded, looted and sunk. It takes time to board enemy ships and take all their loot while looking out for our own ship.
"Go back to the ship. Prepare the fire arrows, destroy their sails, we don't want them to run away!"
I am grateful that the ship doesn't have a stamina bar as I do and instead it just requires fuel to be used in the braziers for the flames to be used in the arrows and javelins. The Chimera's Breath uses a special mixture, but Barnabas has that under control so I am at ease.
(I wonder if I could sell it for a sky high price to Stannis)
No, that would be a disaster. After all the allies of today could be the enemies of tomorrow.
"Ship incoming!"
Throwing me out of my thoughts, the ship shook with a great intensity and almost made me land on my arse had I not grabbed the rail to keep myself standing.
"Kill them lads. Send them to the bottom of the sea!" Yelled a voice from the enemy ship.
"Fuck! Men to arms. Send those bastards to Hades!" I called the men to resist the assault.
(Shit, I can't use AOE attacks in case I injure my own men)
*Tch* I cliqued my tongue in frustration.
(Seems like I will have to do it the hard way)
Without a second thought I gripped the Achilles' Bow and used both Slow Time and Rapid Fire, to kill fourteen of them, before the one who had yelled before lunged at me with his short axe, dressed boiled black leather, heavy grey chain mail, and lobstered plate, and a helmet styled as a kraken as well as a golden cloak sewn like a kraken. Clearly he was no ordinary captain if he was able to wear such an armour, and even dress himself with the symbol of the Iron fleet.
(Oh, a big fish has appeared. A shame I can't kill this squid do to Stannis asking me take anyone that seemed important. Oh well, that just means a part of the ransom is mine)
With my resolve ignited to the thoughts of more coin, I struck him with all the strength I had, making him stagger and nearly fall to the ship, if not for the railing.
(Honestly, which idiot wears full plate and mail when in the sea)
"You are strong, but the Drowned God gives me strength, and I shall obtain your ship, your treasures and have your women as salt wives" He proclaimed as once more he pounced on me but I just side stepped and struck him in his back making cracks on his armour and no doubt breaking a bone or two.
Yelping in pain, he put his knee on the floor of the deck and just as quick he threw his axe at me while drawing a dirk out it's sheath, and prepared to stab me.
But I was quicker, rolling out of the way I used the handle of my axe to parry his attack, and just as he was regaining balance I brought down the axe upon his arm right at the joint of the armour in his elbow.
He just stood there watching in silence as blood spurted like a fountain from his lost arm.
"AAAAAAAAAAaaaaaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhh" He screamed as he brought his only hand to the stump that was his right arm, as he rolled in pain on the ground.
Hearing his screams most of his crew looked our way and immediately paled. Being distracted however, gave the crew an opportunity to finish off most of them without resistance.
Once they were finished I called for a few men to restrain our captive and for Hippokrates to heal him as best as he could. No way in hell I ain't getting that reward.
(It would be nice once this is all over to have some scorpions and maybe a spitfire installed on the Adrestia, they are a stronger long range weaponry compared to bows and arrows, and although they take longer to reload, if they are use in conjunction to the bows for long range, we could finish the battle way earlier. And thanks to this battle I have learned that if the ship is damaged it will be repaired automatically following the same rules as the game and not even the residents of this world will think it is strange, let alone my own men)
With the toughest battle of the day over, we resumed hunting and looting enemy ships reaching fourteen by the end of it. Once the battle was over we were called to his ship The Fury.
"You have done us a great service. You alone have destroyed a tenth of the Iron fleet in this battle and not only that, but you also captured Victarion Greyjoy, the Lord Captain of the Iron Fleet, brother to Balon Greyjoy" he began, tossing a bag full of coins towards me.
(mmmh, two hundred and eighty dragons. Everything is in order)
"That is for the number of ships you took care off. And this" he said tossing a much heavier pouch, "is for half the ransom Balon will pay for his brother"
(a thousand gold coins huh)
"But, your stay here with us is no longer necessary. With the Iron fleet all but destroyed, they wont put up too much resistance in most of their strongholds. We are now headed to Great Wyk. You are welcome to help but know this time you wont be paid for your services."
"Thank you for offer, but we will be seeking more profitable ventures. Speaking about it, where is going to strike the king now that we have paved the way for him to anchor in the ironborns shores?"
He seemed like he wanted to go away but stayed still and replied nonetheless. "My royal brother shall lead the attack on Pyke, where the rebel Balon Greyjoy has proclaimed himself King. You will find him aboard King Robert's Hammer, at the back of the fleet where he and the warriors not experienced in sea battles are waiting to disembark. Farewell" He disappeared inside his cabin with a few of the other captains, no doubt to discuss their next move.
Well, my next destination seems pretty clear to me.
When I returned to the Adrestia I told everyone of our next course.
"You sure you want to participate in a siege? Battling in an open field is very different than attacking a fortress or a castle, they are made to resist against higher numbers and you alone cannot slaughter the whole castle"
He was right, the only reason I killed that many in Seagard was because the came at me all at the same time and I could kill them all with AOE skills, and then the rest run away but if they had stayed I would have to be careful not to get surrounded too quickly and pay attention to the cooldown of the skills, specially Ares Madness. Also need to be careful not to waste my stamina all at once, if I don't want to be on the ground with my life ready for the picking.
(So in conclusion, I am kind of overpowered when it comes to one on one or small numbers, but I am not invincible against whole armies of more than a hundred)
With that line of thought I answered my step-father.
"Don't worry, i'll stay as an archer until the castle is breached and then i'll go for this Balon. Wonder what kind of reward i'll get If I can capture him"
"Who said you'll be going alone"
"Kassandra?" I said, a little shocked she would like to come.
"I tire of battling at sea, and this is also and opportunity to compete with you, what do you say, do you dare to try and see who kills the most" She challenged me
"Why not. I'd like to see whether or not you have improved since the last time we fought" I accepted not minding that she'll accompany me when we arrive.
"We are going as well" Said Stentor right after I finished talking to Kassandra.
"You as well Stentor? Wait, did you say 'we'?"
"The men say they wish to help you in battle, besides, I believe It will more appealing to this King Robert if we add a hundred spears to his army, and not only you two."
"Can't say you are wrong. Very well." Indeed, it will help me persuade the king to let us join him.
"We'll go as well"
(Oh gods, who else next the whole crew?)
"Hippokrates? Well, all right I suppose we will need a healer to help the injured"
It was at that moment that Myrrine chose to talk.
"Then Nikolaos, Aya, Bayek, Evie, Pegaso and I will stay with Barnabas to protect the ship"
I nodded," Then it's decided"
Sometime later – aboard the King Robert's Hammer
"I tell you Ned, I haven't got so excited in years. Just you wait till we smash that dumb fucker Balon. Hehe" Laughed a boisterous voice within the cabin of the ship.
Said voice belonged to King Robert who, at the moment, was enjoying a cup of wine while talking excitedly with a long faced man garbed in mail and leather armour and cloaked with wolf furs, long brown hair and steel grey cold eyes. He is Lord Eddard Stark Lord of Winterfell, Warden and Lord Paramount of the North.
"Come on Ned smile a little, there is still time till we arrive to Pyke and destroy the damned ironborn" Said the king while drinking yet another cup of wine.
"Sorry Your Grace, but I don't think I will partake of your celebrations until we have won" Answered Ned, smiling bitterly at his best friends antics.
"Bah, always so strict, be careful not to-" Before finishing his sentence he was interrupted.
"Your Grace" called a soldier clad in Baratheon colours.
"Fuck! didn't I tell you lot not to fucking interrupt" Raged the pissed off King throwing his empty goblet at the new arrival.
"Your Grace, if you will please let him talk, I'm sure he has news for you" Tried to reason Ned.
"Fine" Grumbled the King, with his mood clearly having made a turn for the worse.
"Your Grace, a ship waving the white flag has approached us, they claim to have news from Lord Stannis as well as an offer for you. Their leader is currently outside waiting for your orders" Having said his piece the soldier tried to make his presence as small as possible so as to not being thrown another object.
"Fine, bring him in. And tell him if he doesn't have anything worthwhile he can say goodbye to his head" Growled the stag.
"Yes Your Grace" And with that he went outside to bring the second non desired guest.
Said guest arrived quickly, garbed in a one piece cloth that he wore underneath the sleeveless armour he use to protect only his upper body, he also wore a red cloth around his neck as well as golden bracers and greaves, with leather sandals instead of normal boots, and was that a battle skirt?
As a final touch he wore a golden helmet with a red and black plumes.
Just as he entered the eyes of the king froze and-
"You, you, you seven be damned fucker! You know just how much troubles you caused me with the Lannisters!" Yelled the king, though unlike his words he did not really care about the matter.
"It's good to see you? King Robert" courtesied? The man, though he didn't really seem to show much respect to the king.
"Ha, that's all you gotta say? Though I have to thank you for what you did, never have I seen Tywin Lannister's face twist so much in anger. I spent laughing the whole day just from seeing that" Grinned the man remembering the moment.
"Ah Ned, allow me to introduce you to, Alexios of Sparta was it? Anyway, this is the man that the made the Mountain that Rides into the Mountain that Rode. Alexios this is Lord Eddard Stark, Lord of Winterfell, Warden of the North and Lord Paramount of the North" both men nodded to each other as a sign of respect to one another.
"So what has brought you here man, I never would have thought I would see you in the war"
"Well, I am a sell-sword so of course I would be in the war. Been wining a lot of coin in the last months" shrugged the misthios.
Ned frowned at this. He was a man of honor, he didn't like mercenaries who exchanged their loyalty for coin, but he had killed the Mountain, the monster of Tywin Lannister that had killed young Aegon and as he raped and then killed his mother Elia Martell, as well as many unknown others. For now he will observe him and make a conclusion about him at a later time.
"Ha I am sure you did. So, tell what you have been doing ever since you got out of King's Landing." Inquired the man eager to listen to the tale.
"Well, I spent a few weeks travelling north until I arrived to the Riverlands, and eventually helped Lord Tully in an animal problem in his territory. Once I finished that he received news of the attack on Seagard and sent me to help by sabotaging their ships and killing Balon's son. In the end I ended up killing a hundred of them before they run to the remaining ships with their tails between their legs, then-"
"Wait, you mean to tell me you are the hundred man slayer, the demon of Seagard?"
"Is that what they call me? I really prefer my nickname as the eagle-bearer misthios, but anyway yes that was me. Where was I? Eh, yes, I remember. After I took the only remaining ship as my prize, I discovered that my former crew as well as my family had been taken prisoners by those squids. Freeing them, we set out to the sea to hunt ironborn. Just days ago I met your fleet and your brother Stannis, stern man, convinced him to hire us to smash the Iron fleet. Took Victarion Greyjoy as prisoner and now here I am reporting our complete victory to you."
"So your family was captured by them, damn they must have had a hard time. No wonder you are so set on hunting them"
"Well we want to hunt them to the last. But apart from malnutrition my family and my crew as a whole, didn't really suffer too much. And all thanks to my sister"
"Your sister, don't tale she sold her body to-"
"i would appreciate if you don't finish that sentence. My sister crippled a few ironborn so much, that they are men no longer, and scared the rest of them so much that they dared not touch a single strand of their hair"
"Wow your sister must be strong then" inquired the ruler.
"Indeed she is, she is the only person I am not confident enough to defeat. Her and my mother, though for different reasons"
"Ehhh, I would like to meet them both"
"Don't worry about it, if you agree to my proposal you will meet us both my sister and I on the battlefield. Though I wouldn't recommend meeting my mother, she has a history of punching kings. Broke the nose of one of them" he laughed at a that
"So you would have us hire you" Interfered the -until now-Quiet Wolf
"Not just me, but a hundred men of my crew, all experienced archers and shield and spear infantry. Led by my brother Stentor, who was a general back home, and they are all spartans, the best warriors you will ever find in Greece. You will also get my help, a man worth a hundred in battle and my own sister, that equals to me. Are you interested Your Grace"
"If, and only if, I was willing to hire you how much would we be talking about?"
"Well, considering we have already taken a generous payment from your brother, another I have yet to collect for Lord Tully, and all the loot we have taken from ironborn, we already have quite a fortune to last us for a time. Then there is also the matter of Your Grace allowing me to have a trial by combat, given my dubious background. So consider this a favour King Robert, I will only require of you a single gold dragon for our participation in the siege of Pyke"
"A single gold dragon?! Oh I must have misheard. I thought for a moment that you would be willing to risk the lives of a hundred men, two of them family for a measly gold coin"
"And I would do it for free. Yet my principles as a sell-sword force me to ask for something in return"
Eddard was agape, silently wondering how could this man make such an offer just for a favour done to him.
(Perhaps he is a man of honour. In his own way) He quietly thought to himself.
"Very well then. You are hired"
"Thank you. You wont regret it" and with that he was gone.
"You sure that was a good idea" said the northerner.
"No clue"
A moth later - on the terrain before the castle of Pyke
Alexios POV
It has been an uneventful month. We sailed for Pyke and the Lords' armies finished with Lordsport before we ever had a chance to help. Same went with the Botley castle, but I suspect that is because most of their forces went to reinforce the castle of Pyke.
Speaking about it, i've never seen such a strange castle. Keep by keep separated do to the erosion of the cliff it once stood atop, only kept together by stone or rope bridges. It surely must be scary as hell to go through that rope bridge in the middle of a storm.
Now we are currently besieging the only part of the castle that is connected to the rest of the island by land. And as agreed with the King, our men serve as archers, under the leadership of Stentor, harassing the men atop the castle's walls waiting for the siege engines to make a dent in the castle's defences. So far, they have only destroyed a tower or part of one.
As for me and Kassandra, well we are as of this moment waiting with the King and Lord Eddard for said breach to be made.
"Haha, so this is your sister? She certainly looks like a warrior, but I must say that your choice of armour is quite puzzling. Isn't it quite easy to strike you in the armour-less parts? You don't even have leather to protect you. I wonder how you have survived until now"
"By killing anyone that tried to kill me, you should try it. It works always"
"Hahaha. That is certainly one way to do it. Though you should watch your tone, many would reprimand your lack of courtesy when talking to me. I don't really care about etiquette and all that shit, but you should learn it from when in front of others." advised the king
(I will need to watch out for her lack of manners when talking to Lords and Ladies. I have no doubt she doesn't give a rat's arse about it, but for the possible future employers I better have her learn and use norms of etiquette. Or at least make her shut up when talking to a Lord)
"No way. If they want me to respect them, they'll have to earn it"
"Hey, how come you don't show me respect then. I am your brother, and I even defeated you once" I complained.
"Eh, as if you call wining to a tree falling and trapping your opponent" sneered the only woman in the tent.
"Need I remind you that before that happened it was me who had the upper hand. And that I stayed to help you"
"Only to be knocked out and imprisoned in enemy territory"
"I escaped on my own"
"Really. And here I thought you had help from that old man that accompanies you everywhere and a certain maddening sophist"
As we were bickering with each other, Robert suddenly laughed and even Eddard showed a rare amused smile.
"Hahaha. You really get along with each other"
Looking at each other. I could only smile bitterly at my new sister who I had bonded with for the past months. She for her part turned her head and snorted.
"I wish I could get along with my brothers like you do. But you have already met Stannis, there's no way I could get along with someone who does nothing but frown, grumble and grind his teeth all day long, every day. And Renly, gods know I love him, but he behaves nothing like a man should, spending more money on clothes than most ladies at court do, and he only trains when he thinks I am watching, we don't have much in common save our looks. Oh, I wish I could have a brother to bicker with like you. But instead I got Ned, all silent and with the humour of a block of ice. But I thank the seven for such a good, loyal friend" He went on talking dramatically as how his life with his brothers had been and it was the seven hells on earth. Eddard just smiled amused at his friend's antics.
"Well, you know," I spoke once he had finished his rantings, "We did in fact not start with the best of relationships"
"True" Confirmed her.
"How so?" The northern lord was curious.
"Well we hadn't seen each other for many years"
"Since I was a baby" Added Kassandra.
The two men were now caught in our story.
"And by the time we met again it was under very special circumstances"
"I wanted to kill this idiot brother of mine" they gaped at that
"And with reason" I said smiling in remembrance, not at the memories of that video, but at how far it seemed that life was, where I was just a normal person, despite the short time spent here.
"How true. But anyway things happened, I did a lot of bad things to him, and he forgave me."
"That is… a pretty summary story" commented the King
"Sorry, but it is a sensitive topic" I explained
We kept chatting for a while until we heard a loud boom.
Going out of the tent we saw that the one of the watchtowers had fallen and the debris had taken with them a part of the wall that stood between us and the enemy.
"Remember sister" I said making Kassandra pay attention to me, "try not to kill our allies"
She smiled, "I'll try"
It was then we started running, and made our way to the breach so fast we overtook that flaming sword priest that was Thoros of Myr that I had become acquainted with during our time with the royal fleet, as well as Jorah Mormont.
Sprinting through the castle, killing whoever got between us and our prize.
"We should head to the throne room. That bastard Balon should be there" I said as I stabbed a man in the gut.
"Twenty!" I shouted to her, letting her know the number I already had killed.
"Twenty-two! It seems I have the advantage" She replied as she hurled a fallen soldier's axe to another.
"Lets go!"
We fought our way into the depths of the keep, being careful not to use any skills that could end up hitting one of our own. So I stuck to using Bull Rush, since we were at the very front, Second Wind, Sparta Kick, Devastating Shot and Hero Strike. Also most of them didn't really stand out or were flashy, so most didn't really find it too strange being occupied with their own fights.
By the time we had arrived at the throne room we were joined by others, among them the King and Lord Stark, who were bloodied, but save a few scratches were altogether uninjured. Besides them there were men in Stark, Baratheon, and Lannister colours.
The King advanced the first entering to the throne room where Balon Greyjoy sat upon the Seastone chair, an ugly throne made to look like a kraken.
(Seastone huh. How nostalgic, makes me wish I could catch up with my favourite manga right now)
"Surrender Balon and I may give you mercy for starting this rebellion. To you and your family. Or by the seven I swear I will put you all to the sword, you hear me!" Threatened Robert holding his war hammer in one hand.
"You may take my head, but you cannot name me traitor. No Greyjoy ever swore fealty to a Baratheon." Spoke Balon defiantly rising from that ugly chair he called a throne.
"Swear one now or lose that stubborn head of yours" Declared Robert fully intent on carrying out his words.
Slowly Balon approached Robert and knelt while all could see him.
"Now the oath of fealty. The same you swore to the Targaryens"
Gritting his teeth so hard I could swear I heard something crack, he spoke the oath spitting word for word.
"I Balon of House Greyjoy, Lord of the Iron Islands, swear my fealty to King Robert Baratheon, First of His Name, King of the Andals and the First Men, to keep his peace and to aid him in times of need. So I swear"
"Good!" Exclaimed Robert who helped the kneeling man back up.
"Robert..." Began the Lord of Winterfell
"What is it Ned" Replied the King happy for his victory.
"We should make sure that this does not happen again, we should take his heir as ward to someone who could teach him honor, and not the ways of raiding and raping. Like Jon taught us"
"WHAT! You have already taken two sons of mine. Do you wish to take now the only one left. I will not stand for this!" Raged the defeated man, trying to at least keep his last son besides him to teach him their way, and to one day repay this humiliation
"Lord Stark is right. And It shall be him who will ward your son to teach him honor and loyalty, not how to pay the Iron price. And it is final"
Balon just nodded and kept his head low, his hands forming into fist that shook wildly as he tried to contain his fury.
With that out of the way, King Robert started handing out rewards be it monetary or titles and started knighting people as soon as the victory was announced.
The first ones were Jorah Mormont and Jacelyn Bywater. Though I was surprised when he came our way just after knighting them.
"Kneel"
"What? You can't mean-"
"Kneel damn it. How do you expect me to knight you if you stay standing"
"But-" I tried to protest, not really knowing why. Maybe it's just that humble stick everyone has for formal occasions.
"Seven hells. You protected Seagard. Killed raiding ironborn seeking to loot entire villages. Helped get rid of the Iron fleet and demonstrated your bravery being the first ones to throw yourselves to breach the castle. If anyone here should be knighted is you two"
I didn't know what to say so I kept my mouth shut.
The King took out a sword and pressed the flat of the blade to my shoulders.
"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. Now rise as a knight Alexios"
Once I did I was about to give him my thanks but Kassandra spoke.
"Oye and me what, I could do with becoming a knight" She said, though I had my doubts concerning if she knew what a knight was.
*Cough* "Lady Kassandra, I'm afraid that women cannot become knights, in all history there has been many a warrior woman, but none of them were knights" explained awkwardly the King.
"Why not, I can fight better than anyone with a cock here" she opened her arms wide signalling to those around us.
"This, my Lady is a matter of tradition, not one of can or can't" said Lord Stark trying to help his friend out this awkward situation.
"Fuck tradition! If my brother can so-" This was getting out of hand.
"Perhaps" I interrupted her "the King may see it fit to reward you with something else for your efforts" I tried to calm her down.
"I will" Agreed the King not willing to stand my sister's fury.
"A home" she said out of nowhere.
"Sorry? But you said you want lands?"
"What I want is a home. I like the Adrestia but I can only stand being at sea for so long. I miss our home at Sparta. And I'm sure many of the men would like to have somewhere to settle down. Or do you expect them to work for you forever." she reasoned.
I honestly had not thought about that. I was so focused in what was happening in the now that I did not stop to ponder about the future, of how Myrrine and Nikolaos, and the whole rest of the men included my new siblings would eventually age and die. That they could not spend all their time at sea, and neither could I.
"I agree with her Your Grace" I put a serious tone "We have lost our homeland, and now we require houses for everyone of them to settle down"
"Mmh. Very well, your not many anyway, King's Landing will welcome-"
"Not King's Landing. My family may not have visited it. But I can't stand it's stench. So I will have to decline" I told him while bowing my head.
"Then perhaps you will find Lannisport more to your liking Ser." Spoke an aged voice said from behind us.
Said voice belonged to a man in his fifties, with a blonde hair that was turning white. His hair was kept short and slicked back and had a white, short well-groomed beard with spots of gold and his eyes an emerald green that hid his cunning. Even I, who hadn't watched the TV series knew who he was just by the descriptions of a few fanfics i've read.
He was Tywin Lannister, the most feared man of Westeros and for a good reason. He is an exceptional politician, manipulator with a great mind for plots and conspiracies, as well as an experienced general. He was Westeros's Haytham Kenway. Only older and less skilled in swordmanship.
(And that voice! Gods don't tell I'll have to listen to the voice of Emhyr var Emreis whenever I talk to him)
"And you must be Lord Tywin Lannister I presume" I said trying to calm my nerves.
"And you would be right. Now to present matters. I have heard you wish to establish yourself and your men within the Seven Kingdoms, and I would like to welcome you to the Westerlands" He stated as if it was a fact that I would do as he said.
"And why should we old man?"
(Kassandra! Would it kill you to show a little respect?!)
"First I am not some old man. I am Lord Tywin Lannister and you girl will show me proper respect. And second, the Westerlands are the richest of the Seven Kingdoms, and if you go and swear fealty to me, I shall overlook the issue regarding one of the knights in my service, Ser Gregor Clegane. Maybe if you perform well I shall reward you with a keep of your own." his voice was cold, and displayed no hint of anger when he mentioned the death of the Mountain at my hands.
Of course Kassandra was fuming when he shut her up, but I stomped on her foot and whispered to her not to say anything stupid.
"I thank you for your generous offer Lord Tywin. But I treasure my freedom and I would rather have my ship anchored in a harbour closer to the free cities. After all I have plans to visit them in the future and having the ship in the Westerlands will make such a voyage longer by months. So I will have to refuse your good intentions" I talked in the politest tone I have used ever since coming here.
Tywin frowned but otherwise stayed silent as we locked gazes. Then he stopped looking at me, bowed to the King and disappeared amidst his army without saying a word.
"Well. It seems you have successfully pissed off the old lion. Don't worry, he wont go out of his way to kill you, but he will make things difficult for you when can" Said Robert.
"I would also like to offer you a stay in Winterfell. They weather is cold and it snows most of the year, but the people are warm and straightforward. You will not find court politics in the North if that is something you dislike. And I wont ask you fealty to my house, just to aid my family when in need in exchange for a place at my hearth, a bed beneath my roof, and food and mead by my table. Of course I am sure the crown will be happy to pay for the building of your houses." Said Lord Stark.
"Of course I will, it is me who has to reward them after all"
I looked to Kassandra.
"What do you say sister. Do we choose the people or the weather?"
She looked at me and gave that smile.
"I say we choose….."
"Why would you offer them a place at your home"
"He killed the Mountain did he not? Besides you've heard reports of his strength and saw him in battle. He is stronger than any man, his sister as well. And if he keeps his word, I wont have to fear for the safety of my children should anything happen to me"
"Lord Eddard Stark. Who new you could be capable of some degree of cunning. hahaha"