And The Sky Was Set Ablaze

by Aldon Blackreyne

Westeros and Essos have played a big part in the game of power. But what of Sothoros? What if the houses from the Southern continent decided to make their mark on history. After the Long Night , but before the Andal invasion. A new power arrives in Westeros. They are House Blackreyne, and they have a weapons with wings of their own. MAJOR AU.

10. Terms

Argilac

King Argilac Durrendon, clenched his fist in anger as he read Aegon's declaration

"INSOLENT PUP," Argilac roared. "That silver-haired sprite dares to to order ME to bend the knee. I, Argilac Durrendon.

Around him Argilac's councillors sat silently as their king ranted. The Lords gathered at Storm's End were Argilac's most trusted advisors and they made up his Inner circle. Among them were Lord Buckler of the Bronzegate, The Marcher Lords Swann, Dondarrion and Caron, Lord Errol of Haystack Hall, Lord Fell of Felwood, and the Evenstar of Tarth. Sitted directly to his left and right were his closest confidants. To his left was his most trusted advisor and finest battle commander Dickon Morrigan

To his right sat his only heir and daughter Argella and her betrothed. With her ebony black hair and bright blue eyes, Argella was regarded a a great beauty in the Stormands. Beside her sat her future husband, Tyron Blackreyne. Tyron had served faithfully as Argilac's ward for 13 years. He was close friends with the bastard of Blackhaven ever since they defended Blackhaven against a dornish attack from the red mountains. During the secnd dornish invasion led by Wyl of Wyl, Tyron dueled the Widow-lover and nearly succeeded in killing him. But thanks to Dornish spearmen, Tyron was only able to cripple him, talking his left leg off.

Argilac had his resevations when Tyron asked permission to train Argella in the art of fighting, but Argella was adament about it. Besides Argella would become the Stormlands very first Storm Queen. He knew his bannermen would be reluctant to follow a woman Argella would need to prove to them that she was worthy."

Argilac turned to his ward who was studying a map, "it seems your brother was right about the dragonlord."

Tyron looked up from the map to address the Storm King. "Yes it seems," he said quietly.

"M-my King," Lord Balon Tarth began, perhaps it would be wise to be cautious about this. Lord Aegon is more dangerous than we realize."

Argilas laughed, "Ha, I turned back an invasion into my kingdom from Meria Martell, the Yellow Toad, TWICE. I defeated Garse VII Gardener even though he had three times my numbers. Tell me my Lord Tarth, What has this valyrian done that should fear him?"

"He has three Dragons," Lord Hoster Swann pointed out. "How do you suppose we defeat such a foe."

Argilac scoffed. "dragons can die just like any other animal. Dragons have great protection but according to Dalton Blackreyne a well placed shot to the eye will kill them." He turned to Lord Morrigen, I want you to gather the finest archers we have, Dickon. If we are to face Aegon's dragons we will need them."

Dickon bowed, "it will be done my king."

After making the nessessary arrangements, Argilac dismissed his war council and called Tyron in to discuss a personal manner."

Tyron entered Argilac's personal solar and bowed respectfully. "How may I be of service," he asked.

Argilac studied the young man before him, since he had come to storms end as a boy Argilac had grown fond of him and had treated him as the son he had wanted. "I will be marching with my army to jojn your brother at the Gods Eye," he said. "I need you to stay here as acting stewerd of Storms End."

Tyron didn't bother to hide his surprise "h-here your grace,"he asked confused. "Am I not coming with you?"

Argilac gave him an apologetic smile. Argilac rarely smiled to anyone with the exception of his daughter, who could always make him smile. "I know you miss your siblings," he said gently. "But I need you to protect my daughter if anything happens to me."

Tyron's face softened, "I swear I won't let any harm befall her so long as I draw breath." The idea of finally having quality time with Argella made Tyron smile inwardly.

"I do not trust her safety to my castellan," Argilac continued. "Ser Penrose had always been defiant of me and I fear he will make a move as soon as I am gone."

"If I get so much as a whiff of treason from that snake he will par with his life. Tyron replied his hands fingering his dual maces.

Argilac nodded, he knew that some of his men disapproved of his daughter's marraige to the Blackreyne. It was more than likely that not only would they over throw his daughter should he die. But Tyron's own life would be at risk as well. But Dalton was no fool ha had sent a force of 200 men to serve as Tyron's personal guard. Argilac knew that while his own bannermen would have fickle loyalties to his daughter, Tyron's own men were had absolute loyaltiy to Tyron. The fact that Tyron's men were capable veterans made Argilac confident that his heir was safe.

Argilac marched from Storm's End a two days later. Argella hugged her father good bye and said she would pray for his safe return. The Storm King clasped hands with Tyron and pulled him close. "Remember your promise," he insisted, "look after my daughter."

After Argilac departed, Tyron returned to his chambers and found Argella lying on his bed, Tyron smiled as he joined her and planted his lips to hers. 'Argilac would kill me if he found out what we have been doing,' he thought. But as her warmth sent a thrill through his body He realized that he cared little for that as the two made love. After they finished, Tyron layed his head on Argella's lap as she stroked his sleek blonde hair.

"Father would be fuirous with us," Argella said smiling down at her love.

"Well you've always been such a bad influence on me."

Argells broke into a grin, "You were even worse."

That made both of them laugh as the locked lips. "Do you think father will be okay?" She asked him as they broke apart.

Tyron looked at her, he never could sugar coat anything he said and the last thing he would be was dishonest with his future wife, at least not about this. "Your father has always lived by his own terms," he said after a while. Should he fall in battle today then he would have died the way he lived. I don't think he would want it any other way."

Argella ceased her stroking, "you think father will die?" She asked her vioce filled with worry.

Tyron sighed, "anything can happen Argella. I hope he lives, I'm not too fond of becoming Lord Regent just yet."

Agella's smile returned as she traced the lining of his muscles. "Lord Regent Tyron Durrandon," She said to herself, "it does have a nice ring to it."

"Almost sounds as good as Queen Argella," Tyron replied with a smile.

"It's rather odd though," Argella pointed out. "I think this will be the first time a man taked the family name of his wife."

Tyron sat up and shrugged, "in exchange for such a fierce and beautiful woman as my wife. It is more than a fair trade."

The two smiled and kissed, unknown to the couple, Captain Penrose stared at their chambers with a gleam in his eye.

Torrhen

Torrhen Stark sat with his bannermen in the great hall of Moat Cailin. The aging stronhold was the gateway into the North uarding it only safe path. Thanks to House Blackreyne, the Fortress remained intact. Over the years, the Blackreynes improved on it's fortifications making it stronger than ever with each passing century. The basalt curtain wall has been replaced with onemade of granite. The Wooden keep was torn down and a stone keep now stands in it's place. Using magic from the Children of the Forest the ground around the stronghold was made firm to prevent it from sinking into the earth.

As Torrhen met with his council, his assembled host was camped just north of the Stroghold ready to march south at the given order. Under different circumstances, it would have taken Torrhen months to gather such a force. But thanks to Dalton Blackreynes foresight. He was able to call his banners early and by the time Aegon had sent out his proclaimation his lord were ready with the men.

"Tomorrow we march past the neck and into Troyad," Torrhan annonced to his council. From there we shall meet with King Dalton Blackreyne Host here at the gods eye. Torrhen's finger pointed at the large lake in the center of westeros. The gathered lords nodded.

"Is it true about the dragons?" Willas Manderly asked.

Torrhen nodded, Our scouts have reported as such. Lord Aegon has three dragons, fully grown according to King Dalton."

This caused murmuring amonst the lords, "How can we stop dragons?" Domeric Dustin wondered his face filled with worry.

"King Dalton has a plan for them," Torrhen explained. "But he refuseds to tell me what it is. I suspect that he fears the wrong ears hearing it."

"LET THEM COME," roared Hosteen Umber. "We did not fall to the Andals and their wrong gods, we shall not fall to this purple eyes princess, dragons or not." This earned shouts and roars of approval from Torrhen's council.

To Torrhen's right sat his bastard brother Brandon Snow. Though he was a bastard, Brandon was an vicious fighter and Torrhen's most cunning battle commander. Beside Brandon was Torrhen's ward Ciron Blackreyne. He stayed quiet most of the time and his hand often stroked his streak of dyed black which stood out against the rest of his golden hair. During his time in the north he had formed a bond with Torrhen's sons often took part in training them in the absence of the master of arms. But his closest friend in the North was Brandon Snow. Sometimes it was hard to tell if he was Torrhen's ward or Brandon's.

Unlike Aegon, the Andals didn't have dragons to answer any complaints Lord Umber," Ciron pointed out.

Lord Umber nodded grimly and looked away. "Your brother isn't trying to prove anything is he?" Ronald Bolton asked quietly as he stroked his goetee.

Ciron turned on him his eyes flashing, "my brother is not one to grasp petty things like pride of ego Lord Bolton. But he will not have us enslaved like the Rhoynar were."

"He's right Lord Ronald," Rickon Karstark replied. "We must be prepared in case this Aegon plans to suburgate us."

"Well if his intentions are anything like the andals we will be more than ready for him." Brandon declared confidently.

"With this alliance between the North, Troyad and the Stormlands, none of the other kingdoms can stand against us." Ciron commented quietly.

Ronald looked down. "I don't think that we will be able to stand against three dragons plus the whole might of the Reach, Vale Dorne and the Westerlands."
Ciron shook his head, Dalton if confident that Aegon will not gain the support of dorne soon if ever. Most of the Dornish are of Rhoynar Blood tand they haven't forgotten what Aegon's people did to their own."

Brandon nodded, Three kingdoms plus three dragons against us?" He let out a laugh, "sounds like excelent odds."

After the meeting Torrhen spoke with Ciron privately. Torrhen didn't know what Ciron's brother had planned, when he confronted Ciron about it Ciron simply said he couldn't tell him and that Dalton will explain everything when the right time came. No matter how much Torrhen would pry Ciron remained loyal to his elder brother.

"Are you sure about this?' Torrhen asked.

Ciron's gaze met The King in the Norths and shook his head, "no," he admitted. "But my brother is sure and that's good enough for me

Torrhen sighed, "I'm taking a huge risk Ciron, whatever your brother has planned I hope he knows what he is doing."

Ciron turned to Torrhen with a rare smile. "Your grace, my brother always knows what he's doing."

Aegon

A week had passed since Aegon sent forth his decree, within that week reports came pouring in. As expected the seven rulers chose defiance and rallied their bannermen. But not all the lords and ladies declined, Marla Sunderland, ruler of the Fingers sent her brother with her forces, pledging fealty to Aegon in exchange for protection from the Starks and Blackreynes. The forces she sent greatly increased Aegon's fleet by 2/3rds. With this Aegon now felt that he had the substantial armada to challenge the Blackreyne river fleets.

As Aegon pondered his next move Visenya entered the room. "Lord Brother two lords are here to see you."

"Who would they be?" Aegon asked

"Lord Triston Massey and Lord Janos Bar Emmon," She replied.

Aegon gave a curt nod and two men entered the room, one had a sordfish on his jerkin and the other had three different coloured spirals on his. Both men bowed to Aegon before Lord Massey spoke, "King Aegon as the lords of Massey's hook we humbly swear fealty to you and pledge our troops to your cause."

Aegon studied them for a moment before asking the question. "Why do you wish to join my cause?" He asked out of nessessity. "If I recall you are sworn bannermen to the Durrrendon's of Storm's End."

The two lords looked at each other before Lord Janos spoke. King Argilac in his youth was a good ruler," He explained, "he held off forces from the Reach and defeated every raiding band the dornish have sent. But he has aged since then, and in his old age he has grown bitter and arrogant."

"Plus there is the matter of seccesion," Lord Massey added. "Argilac has no sons only a single daughter."

"Are you implying that a woman cannot rule as well as a man?" Visenya asked dangerously.

The ords were about to argue but they noticed that Aegon was glaring at them waiting for their reply. They realized that they were on thin ice and the wrong slip of tongue could spell their ends

"N-no Queen Visenya," Lord Masey said hurriedly." It's just that She is betrothed to a Blackreyne and we feel that they are gaining to much power for our comfort."

Aegon nodded given the Blackreyne's already considerable influence it seemed like a good reason. The strength these houses provided bolstered Aegon's forces to 6,000 strong. Aegon bidded these men to take a seat as he accepted them into his council.

Daemon Velaryon delivered the news as it came. "Two alliances have been formed against us," he reported. "One comprised of the Reach and the Westerlands , the other is comprised of the North, Troyad and the Stormlands."

Aegon nodded grimly, though these alliances could potentially cause problems for him these petty rulers were only prolonging the inevitable. "It doesn't matter if they all unite against me. Aegon declared, "their armies will be bathed in fire."

Daemon nodded, "of course your grace."

"Even with these alliances it will take time for them to gather their armies," Orys Baratheon reasoned. "Especially the north."

Daemon and Crispin Celtigar looked at each other and spoke once more. "You haven't heard my lord but that is not entirely accurate. Dalton has gathered a force of 70,000 at the God's Eye. Torrhen Stark has reached the neck with 40,000 strong. Argilac has mustered his own army 30,000 strong. I believe he intends to march north to Join Torrhen and Dalton's forces."

The Targaryen were silent how can this have happened. "That is not possible," Aegon roared. "I sent my decree just a week ago how can the North have come up with such numbers so quickly?"

"My brother is right Lord Daemon," Rhaenys spoke softly, her voice was throaty and lovely as she was. "This must be a ruse Lord Daemon."

Daemon shook his head. "I checked my sources multiple times I'm afraid they all say the same thing."

Aegon rubbed his chin, though such a force would pose no threat to his dragons, it would most certainly pose a threat to his army which was severly outnumbered. With the Houses of Bar Emmon and Massey behind him Aegon knew where he would strike first. Now that decision was more crucial than ever. "I have decided where we should land," he declared. His councillors gathered to hear what he had planned. "Our first target will be the Stormlands. We shall land here at Massey's hook and march along the coast as we make our way to Storm's End."

"Shouldn't we use the Kingswood to cover our advance?" Orys asked uncertain.

Daemon shook his head, "We do not know the Kingswood like the stormlanders do." He explained, The Kingswood is a perfect place to be ambushed."

"But by hugging the coast we give Argilac the window he needs to join up with King Dalton and King Torrhen," Orys countered.

This got the other lords murmuring, they all turned to Aegon leaving the final decision to him. After a moment Aegon spoke up. "We cannot fight such a force so early in out invasion," he said finally. Regardless of the risk we must stop Argilac before he crosses the Blackwater.

Everyone present nodded and Aegon continued with the rest of his plan. "Once the Stormlands have been subdued, we'll then march east to the Reach and deal with this Lannister/Gardener alliance."

Just then a messanger came in, "pardon the interruption my king, but a letter from the Vale has arrived for you."

Aegon gestered for the messanger to enter. The man handed Aegon a scroll with the Arryn seal on the wax. Aegon broke the seal and read the contents.

King Aegon Targaryen

I have recieved your declaration to all of westeros. As Queen Regent of the Vale I am compelled to write to you in the hopes that we can negotiate a peace between us. I shall pledge the full might of the Vale to your cause against your rivals, I also offer myself as your wife. I was once known as a great beauty but I have sent you a portrait so you can judge for yourself. All I ask in return is the lands east of the green fork and for you to name my son Ronnel as your heir. I hope you will consider my proposal and avoid any unnessessary bloodshed.

Signed Lady Sharra Arryn, Queen Regent of the Vale of Arryn

Aegon couldn't help but be amused by the letter as he took a look at the portrait she had sent him. 'She is beautiful,' Aegon admitted, 'in a westerosi sort of way, unfortunately Sharra Arryn is ten years older than I am.' Besides Aegon already had two wives, who far outshined this woman. and he had no intention on taking a third.

"What is so amusing brother?" Rhaenys asked innocently.

Aegon set the letter down. "Queen Sharra Arryn offer herself as a wife to me on the condition that I mname her son my heir.

Rhaenys gave him a pouty look. "Aww Egg, are we getting to old for you, now you wish for a taste of the Western fruit?" She batted her eyelashes flirtatiously, behind her Visenya rolled her eyes.

Aegon smiled and cupped Rhaenys hand on her cheek. "I swear there will be no one else, I have my queens and that is all I'll never need."

Rhaenys grinned, obviously delighted at the proclaimation. Aegon returned the smile just as two guards escorted a tall young woman into the room flanked by two others. "This woman claimes to be an emmissary from Dalton Blackreyne," one of the guards declared.

Aegon gave a wave of his hand and the guards left. The woman was quite young no older than four and twenty. She had a dark beauty to her with a form fitting armour that hugged the curves of her body. Strapped to her waist was a Jian sword from Yi-Ti. Her midnight black hair was tied in a long braid that went down to her knees and haunting green eyes that seemed like hooks to the soul. The two women beside her were simularly dressed and armed with dual swords on their hips. "Those must be Valkerans, Aegon said to himself. Her face showed no emotion as she approached Aegon and bowed stiffly. "Lord Aegon," the woman began her voice throaty and smooth, "My name is Daala Blackreyne, I come here bearing an offer from my brother king Dalton Blackreyne, Warlord of Arnor, The Trident King, Shield of the Ancients and Defender of the Free People."

"King Aegon," Visenya corrected her, "and you should kneel when you approach a king.

Daala turned her head towards Visenya and gave her a mischevious smile. "With respect Lady Visenya, my allegiance is to my brother alone. I sure you can understand that. Whether your brother becomes our king remains to be seen."

This causes an angry stir amongst Ageon's council, but Daala did not flinch. as Aegon raised his hand to diffuse the situation. "No need for that sweet sister," Aegon replied calmly, "This lady is obviously loyal to her family and won't do anything to disrespect that." Aegon rubbed his chin before continuing, "so what does King Dalton have to say to me."

Daala gave a single nod and spoke. "Dalton Blackreyne admires your ambitious goals, something he is no stranger to. A week ago you sent him a proclamation, My brother has sent me here to give you an offer of his own. King Dalton will surrender his crown and bring his forces to your cause."

This surprised everyone present, of all the kings they did not expect the Blackreynes to surrender so easily. But Aegon suspected that there was a condition to it. "And what does your brother want in return for his support?"

"A betrothal," she replied. Aegon and his sisters looked at each otherin silence and waited for Daala to continue. "A simple pact sealed in matrimony. In exchange for his support in your campaign, King Dalton offers a marraige pact between himself and your younger sister Lady Rhaenys Targaryen. With the consent of both you and her of course."

This took all the Targaryens off guard. When Aegon heard the word betrothal, he expected that Dalton would offer one of his sisters to him. What he didn't expect was the offer to be presented to his sisters. "Why does he present this offer to my sisters?" he asked her. "What does your brother hope to gain from such a match."

"A wife," Daala said simply. "Dalton is six and twenty yet is still unmarried. If it is your wish to rule Westeros, it is a good start to begin forming bonds with the great families. Dalton understands that you are already married and do not wish to take another wife. He hopes that you will be more open to this offer."

Aegon sat back into his chair to ponder, beside him Rhaenys seemed to be thinking on it with what seemed to be interest. Most men would have accepted this offer, but Aegon was not like most men. Dalton Blackreyne was offering his allegiance, but the price he was asking for was nearly unthinkable. Rhaenys was his favorite wife, everyone knew this and the one person that Aegon held dearest to his heart. 'No', he decided, he would not sell his wife to some Warmongerer. Rhaenys was a woman who loved music and poetry, she would hardly fit with a man like Dalton Blackreyne.

After a long moment Aegon gave his answer. "Tell your brother that Rhaenys is already married to me and I will not break my vows to her and sell her off like cattle at the market to anyone not even one with your brother's reputation."

Daala's face betrayed nothing as she turned to Rhaenys, "do you feel the same way Lady Rhaenys?"

Rhaenys stood up and replied. "I love my brother, "Lady Daala, i will not orsake our marraige."

Daala bowed deeply, "as you wish, thank you for taking the time to speak with me."

Your not offended? Visenya wondered.

Daala shook her head, "no Lady Visenya, in truth my brother figured as much. Still it was worth a try. Well I best be on my way, war tends to be a messy business."

As she turned to leave one of the guards put his hand on her shoulder. "You are not permitted to leave," he said.

Daala looked at him with a bemused smile, "Darling are you sure you want to ride this horse?" The guard grabbed her arm, and that was his mistake. It happened so fast Aegon wasn't sure if he caught it. Daala moved with such speed and grace it was almost like she was dancing around the guard. By the time Daala stopped the guard was on the stone floor groaning in pain and clutching his crotch.

All those present stared at her in shock. Four other guards moved to sieze her, but they were knocked out by Daala's valkeran guards. before anyone else could react. Aegon raised his hand, "leave her be," he demanded. The guards backed off and Daala smiled mischeviously before leaving. But not before sharing a look with Visenya.

Two days later Aegon woke between his sisters to find a letter and a box on his bedside table. Curious Aegon opened the letter and read.

Oh say can thou see

The Ghis Empire's light

When so proudly they caved

To the Dragon's last scheming

Who rained Fire and spilled Blood

Across the lands they burned black

And the Rhoynar they squashed

Were so gallantly screaming

And the Dragonlords stare

Soaring high in the air

If you don't have a dragon

Then your freedom is stripped bare

Oh say does that red and black banner deprave

Over the land of pure power

And the home of the slave

Lord Aegon Targaryen, While you will be able to bring the other kings into submission, your threats will not work on us. We are not the Ghiscari or the Rhoynar, ours is the blood of Arnor. You will not be able to bully us into submission with those pets of yours. I'm sure they have grown into magnificent beasts, but I warn you, I have dealt with it's kind before. In the box is proof of how serious I am, something Balerion's siblings have been missing for a long long time.

Aegon finished reading the letter and his siblings exchanged looks. "He says he's dealt with dragons before," Visenya said. "How it that possible?"

Rhaenys ever curious opened the box and gasped in surprise. Inside the box was four dragon fangs. Aegon picked one up, "judging by their size these came from ones fully grown."

A thought occurred to Aegon. Dalton had mentioned Balerion's 'siblings' perhaps he was talking about the four older dragons the targaryens brught with them to Dragonstone. A generation later, they mysteriously died and no one knew how it happened. The only clue they had were several dozen burn marks that scarred the corpses.

Together, Aegon, Orys and his sister wives headed towards the great hall. Here the skulls of the four dragons were hung. Veraxes, Malerion, Tyrax, and Caserion. One trait worthy of note was that each skull was missing one of it's main fangs. Aegon took each fang and discovered that they matched perfectly

"How does Dalton Blackreyne have the missing fangs of our old dragons?" Visenya wondered to on one in particular. The question was met with silence but the silence told how seriously they took it.