CHAPTER 21. WARS WON AND LOST
PART 1. MAKING MOVES
DRAGONSTONE – SEVERAL MONTHS AGO
LORAS
Loras Tyrell floated among the wreckage of his fleet for hours. Eventually he swam to the hall of a ship sticking up out of the water. There is a barrel of ale leaning against what was left of the ships hall. He opens it and uses the bottom of a piece of shattered jar as a cup. He hears many men begging for help on the water. Then there is a ship, Loras sees themassive ship as it shadows flashes in between the boards of the wreckage.
He takes a rope and slips into the water holding his breath. Soon a long boat is launched and the Baratheon men search the wreckage. Loras swims toward and overturned longboat and rises up to get some badly needed air. "What about that longboat over there its turned over…" He hears a man scream.
"I'm sick of this shit…Let's go…"
"The King said to do a thorough search for Loras Tyrell he may have survived…"
"The little prick is dead lets go…"
So Loras waits and waits for hours until the men leave. Then he has to wait until the ship departs. He swims back to the wreckage and starts drinking again. Then he swims back to the overturned longboat to try and flip it over. When he cannot Loras takes the rope and ties one end to the side of the longboat, then he takes the rope and places it around a crate. Using his legs with his back against the beam he pushes the crate and it sinks. The longboat flips over and just as it does he cuts the rope with a sword.
Then Loras rests, when he is well rested he takes the barrel of ale and places in the longboat. Then he searches for anything he could salvage for food. He finds dried meat in a crate and some fruit in another. Then he searches for paddles. The area is still crawling with Baratheon ships but the men are doing a thorough enough search. So Loras waits and waits several days. He rations his food by eating two bananas in the morning and then some meat in the evening and one cup of ale.
STANNIS
Stannis stands on the balcony watching as his possessed wife burn prisoners of war. "My King this needs to stop…" Sir Davos Seaworth says from his side.
"If not for Lady Selyse we would not be standing here…"
"I was smuggler your Grace…A man of the sea…I fought for you and if I ever die in battle I will die in peace…But to win a battle the way she did is not natural…"
Stannis looks at Davos, "Neither was the way Aegon the Conqueror took the seven Kingdoms or how the Targaryens held power for nearly a thousand years…"
"Still men ought to be free to worship whatever god they please…"
"I will speak with the Queen…" Later they sit at war council. "We need more ships…Especially if we are to take the Iron Throne…"
"I was thinking on this my King…The Lannisters owe the Iron Bank much coin…Now if we go to the Iron Bank for a loan we can recuperate our losses faster…"
"You mean hire sell swords…"
"We have suffered losses my King but so have the Lannisters and the Tyrells…"
"Sir Davos is right…we take one ship across the sea and make our case before the Iron Bank of Braavos…They will lend us the gold…"
"What news of the Targaryens?" Stannis asks.
"They have are marching on Yunkai as we speak…Sixty Thousand Dothraki Eight thousand Unsullied…Prince Oberyn is with him and has bought a Dornish fleet…They say Aegon has three Dragons…"
Stannis looks at Selyse, "Am I still the chosen one…"
"You are my King…these wars mean nothing…Go east to Braavos and we shall have what we need to wage war…"
KING"S LANDING – TWO WEEKS AFTER THE ROYAL FLEET WAS DESTROYED
VARYS
"Magic!" Varys curses as he reads a letter from his agents on Dragonstone. There were three things Varys despised in the world; the suffering of the small folk when their lords went to war, ignorance, and magic. Above all he hated magic and the people who used it the most, as magic cost him his manhood as young boy. Selyse Baratheon had taken the Red Priestesse's place after she died. Sir Loras was still missing and now Queen Selyse was burning prisoners.
"Time to leave…" Varys says to himself. Aegon Targaryen had exceeded all expectations and accomplished much without help from him or Mopatis. "One more small council meeting…then I leave…" Varys whispers. He would leave for Pentos and see Mopatis, get a letter of introduction for Aegon and then head to Meereen. Varys sends a messenger to the port captain to see if any Pentoshi ships were in King's Landing.
"First the small council meeting…" When he arrives for the council meeting Lord Tywin, Jaime Lannister, and King Tommen are already there. At least Tommen wasn't his brother Joffrey. The little animal got what he disserved especially since he was the one who tried to have Bran Stark killed. Maester Pycel showed up then Olenna Tyrell. The Queen of Thorns had come for her Granddaughter's wedding and for news of her Grandson. Mace Tyrell entered with them, then came Cersei Baratheon the Queen Regent.
"Shouldn't we begin?" Cersei asks.
Tywin grunts, "We are waiting for your brother…"
The door opens and in he walks with Bronn current Lord of the City Watch. "Sorry for tardiness…It could not be helped…"
"Lord Varys…"
"Where is my Grandson?" Olenna demands before Varys could speak.
"He has not been found yet my lady…and all we can do is hire merchant ships to go near Dragonstone…But many are afraid…News has spread far and wide that Selyse Baratheon is burning men every night to her lord of light…"
"Do we know how Stannis destroyed the fleet?" King Tommen asks.
Varys smiles, he is becoming more of a man everyday under his Grandfather's thumb. Varys just hopes Tywin doesn't drive all the good nature out of him. "Yes your Grace my agents saw it with their own eyes…Selyse Baratheon had Edric Storm kidnapped and bought to Dragonstone where she proceeded to burn the boy alive…The ritual she used fueled the magic that destroyed the Royal navy…Penrose was heartbroken as he has raised the boy like his own…He offers his friendship if the crown names him Warden of the Stormlands and Lord of Storm's End…"
"Done!" Tommen says before anyone can offer him advice.
"If I may your Grace…We should also demand that Penrose start building new ships for the Royal Navy…" Cersei says.
"Anything else…" Tywin asks.
"Stannis is heading East to convince the Bank of Braavos to loan him gold to rebuild his navy and add on to his army…"
"The crown owes three million Dragons to the Iron Bank…" Mace Tyrell says.
Tywin sighs and looks at Mace Tyrell, "I would ask House Tyrell to help pay this loan off once and for all…"
"Our House is already paying for the Wedding…Now you want is to pay off the crown's debt…"
"Your daughter is marrying my Grandson the King…His debt will become hers as well…"
Mace leans over to his mother, "We will give the crown five hundred thousand to pay the debt…"
"House Lannister will pay the rest…"
"I hope there will be no more loans made from the Iron Bank…"
"Paying off the debt is only half the problem…How do we stop them from loaning Stannis the Gold…" Tyrion says.
"We hire a merchant ship and send Lord Tyrell with the gold…" Tyrion says speaking up.
"What news of the East and the Targaryens?" Tywin asks.
"As we speak the Young Dragon marches on Yunkai…The Other Free Cities are mustering an army…House Martell is supporting the Targaryens with a large fleet and there are rumors that Aegon Targaryen has chosen a bride…"
"Who?"
"On the Sand Snakes Tyene Sand now Tyene Martell…"
Cersei smirks, "A bastard! The fool…"
"Apparently he fell in love with the young lady the first time he laid eyes on her…" Varys prepares himself to see their reaction to this news. "Also Daenarys Targaryen has married her nephew Jon Targaryen…"
Everyone exchanges looks, "There is no Jon Targaryen…" Tywin says breaking the silence.
"Ah he chose to use the Targaryen name…You may know him by the name he used before he was kidnapped…Jon Snow…"
"Eddard Stark's bastard…"
"The boy is actually Lord Stark's nephew by his sister Lyanna…She was not raped as many believed…She was in love with Rhaegar Targaryen and willingly went with him. She gave him a son and died in childbirth…"
"Well I'll be damned!" Tyrion says causing Tommen to smirk, but he recovered after a look from his Grandfather.
"Didn't you befriend the bastard?" Cersei asks.
"Yes I did…I never would have guessed though…His hair the color it is and all…"
"Three Taragreyns…three Dragons the same as their sigil…" Maester Pycel says.
"The Targaryens grow more powerful by the day while we are weakened by this war…"
Now Varys could drop this last bit of information on them, "And more war is yet to come my Lord…stirrings on the Iron Isles…Balon Greyjoy is dead and Euron Greyjoy has returned to claim Lordship of the Pyke."
"And with Lannisport defenseless…Lord Mace fetch me ink and parchment…" Varys looks at Olenna who is offended that Tywin Lannister would give him such an order. It could have gone to Bronn the Lord Commander of the City Watch. "Maester Pycel send this to Lannisport the city defenses must be reinforced at once…"
"You expect an attack?" Jaime asks.
"Yes I do…"
"He won't attack the North…" Varys says speaking up, "Eddard Stark would crush him and the Northerners are building a fleet one in White Harbor and another on Bear Island…"
"All the West coast from the Crag to the Arbor is vulnerable…" Olenna says in a voice of doom.
"One of the reasons I was against sending the fleet against Stannis in the first place…"
They discuss other matters then everyone is dismissed. When Varys returns to his quarters he is informed that there is a ship from Pentos in the Harbor. All the Pentoshi ship Captains know him by reputation and his friend Mopatis has standing orders to give him free passage. So Varys sends a message to the Captain, then he disguises himself and leaves the castle at midnight.
THEON GREYJOY
WINTERFELL
The Starks were home once again and all the family except for Jon are there. Theon could not believe it when Robb told him about Jon Snow now Jon Targaryen. It was no surprise he chose to stay in the East and accept his Targaryen heritage. Lady Catelyn Stark Stark had not made life easy for Jon. Theon and Jon were not as close as Robb and Theon, but he still missed Jon and wished him well with his new family.
Winterfell was like ant hill turned over as Robb is preparing to Marry a young woman named Talisa Maegyr. At first Theon thought she was a commoner, but it turned out that Talisa is from Volantis and is member of one of the richest families in Volantis. Her father is one of the Triarchs that rule the city. When her father Jordan Maegyr learned of his daughter's upcoming marriage to the Prince of Winterfell he quickly turned on the other Triarchs and took over the city in the name of King Aegon. With the slaves and his own private army the Maegyrs were able to defeat the other Triacrhs.
House Maegyr had sent Talisa's mother and brother to represent the family at the Wedding. Some of it made Theon jealous and he started rethinking his life. Perhaps it was time he settled down and took a wife. He thinks back to his first days at Winterfell as a little boy. His father had bent the knee, his brothers dead. Eddard Stark had not treated him unkindly, he ate and even fought beside them against the Lannisters. But he was still Iron Born and had not forgotten the Iron way.
"Can you make it?" Theon asks to Mikken the castle blacksmith.
"Of course I can make it…"
"Thank you…" Theon had decided to get Robb fancy new armor . it would have a Direwolf head for the helm and two for each shoulder. With a gift for the groom Theon now needed one for the bride. He thought on this long and hard. Then he smiled when it came to him. The Wedding day had finally come and Catelyn Stark insisted on it being held in the tradition of the seven. So Robb and Talisa are married in the great hall.
After the vows are said they feast and give gifts. Theon is finally able to give his gift and everyone smiles at the new set of armor fit for a Prince of the North. Then Theon give Talisa a brand new set of healer's tools since she is a healer. Her brother had bought her dowry, which was four chests, two of gold, one of silver, and the last of precious jewels.
A few days later Theon and Robb decided to go hunting, "I thought you stay in your room until Winter was over…" It had started snowing.
"I was tempted…"
There hunt is interrupted by a rider from Winterfell. "Your Grace you wanted to see me…"
Eddard Stark sighs, "Sit down Theon…A message just arrived from Pyke…Its from your sister Yara…Here read for yourself…"
He stands up, "My Father is dead…"
"I am sorry Theon I can only imagine what you are feeling. A ship is waiting at the Stoney Shore…You leave tomorrow…Time for you to be a man Theon…You have been with us for eleven years now almost twelve…Whatever happens you have the support of House Stark…You need any help just ask…"
"Thank you my King…" Theon spent the rest of the day in his room. He did not pack anything remembering the words of House Greyjoy, 'We Do Not Sow'. Everyhthing he owned at the moment was given to him and he had not paid the Iron Price. He would take his sword the one Mikken made for him at Eddard Stark's request for his sixteenth name day. Eventually Theon fell asleep and was up just as the cock crowed.
He ate in his room and then decided it was time to leave. When he got to the main hall an honor guard stood at attention and saluted him. "Hail the Young Cracken!" They all said. In the courtyard all the Starks were waiting and they hugged him goodbye and wished him well.
"Jorey and these men will see you safely to the Stoney Shore…" The King says to him. "Write us when you arrive on Pyke." Theon rides out of Winterfell with Jorey Cassel and a hundred men.
After two weeks of hard riding they come to the shore where a ship is waiting nearby. A row boat is on the shore, Theon recognizes his sister immediately, mainly because she is the only female in the rowboat. "Brother!" They hug.
"Yara it has been too long…"
"Come we will talk on my ship…"
Theon makes his goodbyes to Jorey Cassel before boarding the ship. Then they row out to Yara's ship the Sea Queen. "How did father die?" He asks when they are in the cabin.
"Pushed from the rope bridge by that bastard Euron Greyjoy…He is demanding that Captains and Lords name him King…"
"I am eldest and only son of Balon Greyjoy…I am his heir and I should rule the Iron Isles…"
"Well you sound like an Iron Born, but your…our heritage means shit…If they choose a King a King's Moot must be called. I have the support of three Houses and fifty Captains…But Euron bought a fleet with him and has an army called the Lost Legion…"
"Where did he get the money to buy an army?"
"I heard stories from spies I planted amongst the Iron Born who support him…He has traveled the old lands of Valyria…He carries a Valyrian sword…Much of his time in exile was spent as a pirate captain…"
"How strong is this Lost Legion?" Theon asks as the ship starts moving.
"Two Thousand heavy Calvary, Three Thousand archers, and four thousand infantry…"
"I was away at sea when father died…Captain Greybeard came and fetched me…I told Lord Stark the letter was from Pyke I actually sent it from Harlaw…Our Mother's family is with me and so is House Blacktyde…"
"If Euron killed our father then we must marshal what men we can and fight!"
"First we must see who else will support us…"
Theon decided to keep Eddard Stark's offer to himself for now. Soon they came to the Island ruled by House Harlaw. There are ships everywhere and standing on the dock waiting to greet them is Victarian Greyjoy their uncle. They meet in the Main Hall of Harlaw Castle. "Euron is making threats…many are afraid…Others support him…" Victarian looks at Theon, "If you challenge him you will die…"
"It is my right…especially since that bastard killed my father…"
"Your uncle the Damphair will support him…"
"We can't stay here either…" Yara says, "he will name himself King at the Moote and come after us…"
"And where we would go?" Victarian asks.
Theon sighs, "Before I left Winterfell the King told me that I needed help to ask him…We send a Raven to Bear Island and one to Winterfell maybe we take sanctuary on Bear Island…" Theon convinces his sister, uncle, and allies to sail to Bear Island before even receiving word from Eddard Stark. When they reach the Island they are given sanctuary.
EURON GREYJOY
Euron was exiled by his brother after the Balon's rebellion against Robert Baratheon. He traveled across the sea and became a pirate. Eventually he became the captain of the ship. Then he traveled to the Island of Old Valyria and discovered many artifacts of the Island. He even found a Dragon Horn and a Valyrian sword. Then he traveled to the island Yi Ti, while on Yi Ti Euron learned how to use the Dragon horn then he set sail for Braavos and hired the Lost Legion.
Now Euron returned home and confronted his brother on the rope bridge. He shoved his brother and took over Pyke. Now he summons a King's Moote to chose him as King. "There are no challengers the drowned god has spoken…I now name Euron Greyjoy the King of Salt and Rock…"
"Make ready my Iron Brothers we go to war!"
PART 2. THE WAR OF THE THREE KINGS
LANNISPORT
The city of Lannisport was buzzing with activity, as orders had been received from the Hand of the King Tywin Lannister to sure up the defenses in case of a Greyjoy attack. Night had fallen, but the city was still on heavy alert. Two Iron Born men sneak into the city, and climb the lighthouse which watches the waters around Lannisport. The two men make it up to the top and slit the throats of the men on duty. They lock the door to the stairs and signal the fleet.
There are troops on the beach manning catapults. They spot the rowboats and start firing at the men on the water. Meanwhile a second force attacks the city from the south. Thirty feet from the city men start falling into pit traps. As the battle unfolds several men swim up to the cliff that holds the great castle of Casterly Rock. They dive and swim to an underwater cave that leads to a secret passage beneath the Castle.
The fighting lasts all night and as the sun rises the Iron Born retreat. "Send a Raven to King's Landing…" LorasLannister says after being awakened from his sleep.
Unbeknownst to Loras, a force of one hundred men are already in the keep. Fifty men storm the castle and take Kevan, his wife, and children hostage. The other fifty use a secret passageway that goes all the way to Lannisport. They come up near the docks and make their way from shadow to shadow to open the gates. After two days of fighting Euron Greyjoy walks through the streets of Lannisport. He walks up to the statue of a gold lion in the square and looks at it.
"Melt it down and cast me a Cracken…" He says with Aeron walking beside him. Euron wanted to hunt down his niece and nephew to kill them, but they had fled to Bear Island. Aeron counseled him to attack Lannisport because the Starks are building a fleet and are too powerful to challenge at the moment. Euron takes the tunnel from Lannisport to Casterly Rock, it had been forgotten long ago.
"Euron Greyjoy…My Uncle will wear your guts for a coat…"
"Maybe…maybe not…I am the Lord of Casterly Rock now…And the King in the West…" He draws his sword and impales Loras on it. Then he snaps the necks of Martyn and Willam Lannister. Dorma falls to her knees sobbing, then Euron grabs her by the hair and drags her to the bedroom. Later Euron stands in the war vault, "Well…"
"As I said My King…" Maester Basard nervously stands beside Euron, "This is the war vault…This gold is here for Lord Mace Tyrell to pick up and deliver to the Iron Bank to pay off the crown's debt…"
He looks at him, "Are there any secret passages from this vault to the others…"
"None I am aware My King…If there are they are known only to the Lord of Casterly Rock…As for the other vaults they can be only opened by two keys…Lord Tywin keeps one on his person at all times…The other is held by the House Steward whom your men killed…If it wasn't on his person he either hid it or threw it away…The Vaults are booby-trapped as well…If your men force them open they will die…"
Euron sighs, "Well this gold is mine…" They plunder the castle melting down candle sticks made of gold, picture frames, and eating utensils. They also strip the golden ballroom as the walls, floor, and ceiling are layered with sheets of gold.
KING'S LADING
TYWIN LANNISTER
He sits at his desk in the Tower of the Hand reading the latest report. Euron Greyjoy or King Euron as he calls himself has taken Lannisport and Casterly Rock. He summons Jaime and Tyrion to show them the message. "I am leaving to deal with the Iron Born…"
"He may leave before you arrive…" Jaime says.
"No I think not…He wants me to come drive him away…"
"I should go with you…" Jaime says.
"No I need you here with your brother to keep your power mad sister in check…" He looks at Tyrion, "You will serve once again acting Hand of the King…"
BRAAVOS
STANNIS BARATHEON
While Stannis marches out of King's Landing with 40,000 men Stannis sails toward Braavos. The seas are choppy because of the changing weather, but after Selyse Baratheon makes a sacrifice to the lord of light the seas calm down. By the time they reach Braavos Aegon has taken Yunkai. "How long must I wait…" Stannis asks impatiently. They had been waiting for several hours. "I have had enough of this…"
"My King…" Davos says.
Then a door opens and the Lords of the Iron Bank walk out, "I am Tycho Nestoris…Lord Proprietor of the Iron Bank and with me are Korone Xan Chief Procurement Officer and La Min Chief of Records…How may I help you…"
"This is Stannis Baratheon First of his name…King of the Andels and the First Men…Lord of the Seven Kingdoms and Protector of the Realm…His Queen Selyse Baratheon…I am Davos Seaworth Hand of the King…"
"Impressive titles…"
"We come to make a substantial loan…To buy ships and men to fight a war…"
"Do you have any collateral?"
Stannis speaks before Davos can, "If you haven't heard the West is at war…The Iron Throne occupied by a pretender…"
"We have heard this…"
"Have the crown or the Lannisters paid you any gold since Robert's assassination?" Davos asks.
"No they haven't, but we did receive a message that the entire sum is about to be paid plus all interest…"
"We have heard the Iron Born have taken Casterly Rock and Lannisport…"
"Lend me the gold I need and I will take back the Rock and Lannisport…" Stannis says, "I will also give the Iron Bank deed and title to one of the mines in the Westerlands…The crown cannot pay its debt if Euron Greyjoy holds his lands…"
"Give us a day to discuss this and we shall get back with you…"
"Unacceptable!" Stannis screams, "I have beaten the Iron Born before and I can do it again…if I fail the Iron Bank can take all the Stormlands…The Stormlords will pay their incomes to you their new lords…"
"Fine you can have your gold…If you fail us we will collect our debts through your daughter…"
Stannis grabs for his sword, but Davos stops him, "Thank you we leave in peace…"
Over the next few weeks Davos uses the gold to buy warships from nearby cities and hires the Golden Company. With the troops he has at Dragonstone Stannis has an army 32,000 strong. They set sail and have clear skies and favorable winds all the way to Lannisport. Fires burn and people die screaming as Tywin Lannister lays siege to his own city. Arrows fly back and forth between the Eastern gate and the Golden Road.
The battle had been going on for the past five days neither side letting up. "STANNIS!" An Iron Born man screams from the lighthouse. By the time Stannis makes it to Lannisport Aegon Targaryen had taken Meereen.
"Can't you destroy them as you did the Royal Navy…"
"I am with child my King…I cannot use my gifts…The Price would be too high…"
"You are having my child…"
"I told you your grace a strong son to carry your name…"
He kisses her on the lips not caring who is watching, "I am going to have a son!" His men cheer.
It is easy for Stannis to take the beach and enter the city as the majority of Euron's forces are defending the main gate towards the Golden Road. They immediately gain entrance to the city and when they do some of the Iron Born start to retreat. "How did your men get into Casterly Rock?" Stannis demands from an Iron Born soldier on his knees.
"Fuck you!"
Stannis nods, "Take his cock…"
"No my King I beg you…Spare me and I will tell all…"
"Speak!" Stannis sends Sir Davos towards the main gate while he makes his way to the tunnel. Before Stannis arrives the Commander of the Lost Legion approaches him. He offers to fight for Stannis since the Iron Born are abandoning them.
"My men have never lost a battle…Who do you think my King is holding the Main Gate and the Lannisters at bay, but we need reinforcements…"
"You shall have them…Sir Daven go with him as my witness…"
Meanwhile Tywin sends the Mountain to one of the mines which has a secret tunnel that goes all the way up to the Casterly Rock. When he reaches the Castle the Iron Born are trying to burn it to the ground. At the same time Stannis enters and fights his way through the castle. "STANNIS!" Gregor screams.
"The Mounatin!"
The two face off, Gregor swings high, Stannis blocks and counters. Gregor has strength and height on his side, Stannis has his sword Lightbringer. He ignites his sword, when Stannis' sword bursts into flames Gregor just laughs and keeps fighting. One of Stannis' men tries to help him only to receive a severed head for his folly. Finally Gregor manages to wound Stannis. His men pull him from battle and the others sacrifice themselves so that he can escape.
Tywin looks in great expectation as the crowned Cracken is taken down, then he smiles as the Proud lion is raised in its place. Euron Greyjoy and most of his men escaped by jumping into the waters below the Rock. A ship is able to scoop them up and they withdraw back to the Iron Isles. Tywin moves his forces into Casterly Rock while Stannis takes the city. A few days later Tywin attacks the city, but the Lost Legion holds him at bay. The tunel from Casterly Rock to Lannisport had been sealed by Stannis' men.