The fire was everwhere, all consuming. Screams filled the air as men fought and died in the mud below. Tyrion looked on in horror at the green flames that licked away at Stannis' fleet. The burning ships were slowly sinking into the Blackwater, and Tyrion's massive chain had cut the fleet in half. Stannis' other men could only watch as their comrade's screamed for help as they burned. Tyrion felt sick as the scent of burning flesh washed over him in the sweltering heat. He could hardly believe that he had contributed so single-handedly to all these men's deaths.
He could hear the terror in his troop's voices as they were abandoned by their king. Joffrey was a coward and a fool and he might well have cost them this battle. When the Hound had deserted, it had hurt morale, but watching the man they were fighting for flee had crushed what was left of their fighting spirit. Tyrion inwardly cursed his nephew as he climbed the steps. Someone needed to give these men some inspiration.
Sansa winced as a particularly loud crash reverberated through the keep. Her fingers tightened painfully around the goblet of wine that the queen had forced on her. Cersei was getting thoroughly drunk as the battle waged outside and seemed to find it necessary to give Sansa biting advice for when she became queen. She was getting more and more antagonizing, making snide remarks about most the noble women staying with them.
She snorted drunkenly as one small girl burst into tears. Sansa set her goblet down and ignored Cersei's glares as she made her way to the small girl. Kneeling down to be eye to eye with her, Sansa gave the child her sweetest smile.
"Hello there sweetling. What is your name?"
The girl looked at her hesitantly, shrinking into her mother's skirts, clearly terrified. Sansa tried not to grimace as Cersei barked out a cruel laugh behind her. She sank to her knees and then sat on the ground next to the little girl, arranging her skirts modestly. She gestured towards the mother who joined her on the ground, drawing her daughter into her lap.
"Her name is Moyra. Moyra Sarwyck, from Riverspring." Another Lannister bannerman. They sure did like to surround themselves with Westerlanders.
"It's a pleasure to meet you, Lady Moyra. And you as well Lady Sarwyck" the little girl smiled at the formal greeting, before shyly pushing her head into her mother's shoulder.
"Her father is out there, in the vanguard." Lady Sarwyck frowned worridly, looking out towards the green flames the ladies could make out through the window.
"I'm sure your husband is fighting bravely", Sansa assured the woman. She noticed the attention from the other women in the room as well. "As all your husband's are. Now we are safe and sound in here and your father-" the tweaked Moyra's nose, "-is fighting to make sure we stay that way. Why don't we sing a hymn?"
Sansa ignored Cersei's murderous looks as the noblewomen smiled and joined her group.
Tyrion stood before the men, beseeching them to fight with him. His voice was raspy from smoke inhalation, but he powered through, knowing if these men didn't give it their all, they would all be dead come sun up. Hell, even if they did, they might still be rushing to their death. He looked at their faces and knew that these men didn't care for Joffrey-who had left them at the first sign of danger- or for any glory.
"Don't fight for a king. Don't fight for his kingdoms. Don't fight for honor, or glory or riches because you won't get any. This is YOUR city Stannis means to sack. That's YOUR gate he's ramming. If he gets in it will be YOUR house that burns, YOUR gold he steals, and YOUR women he rapes." He could see the change in their demeanor as they thought about the personal losses that would come if the city fell. Could see the thoughts of their children burning, their wives bleeding on the ground, the homes pillaged. He watched as their grips tightened on their weapons and the fire return to their eyes. Another crash of the battering ram rang through the air, but this time, there was less fear in the men's faces.
"Those are brave men knocking at our door. Let's go kill them!" His words were met with a roar of approval as he walked down to meet them before signaling for the door to be opened. He took a moment to take a deep breath, closing his eyes and focusing on the task at hand. If he met his end out there, he would die knowing he had done everything he could to protect his family and the people of King's Landing. A certain maid with eyes as blue as the sea flashed through his mind. Perhaps her prayers would be answered and he would live to see the dawn.
A/N: This was originally a very long chapter, but I ended up cutting it into two short ones. Not to worry though, as I will be posting the other half very soon. It's almost completely written already, so as soon as put the finishing touches on it, it will be up. Hopefully by the end of the night!
