I own nothing

Ok sorry but this chapter is super long I just couldn't make it into two different one cause so much happens and I didn't want to. I also got an idea from a youtube video " how Sherlock Holmes game of shadows should have ended" so enjoy.

Chapter 25

Shane watched the small tournament rage on in the last two days she had taken to watching all the men including her new acquaintance Brianne of Tarth the lady knight. The lady knight had entered this very tournament and out of all the men here Shane knew that Brianne would win even against Renly's lover Loras Tyrel, the two were currently fighting before her. She watched from the shadows of the tents as the two slammed each other from different sides their swords not stopping or slowing Renly was smiling but his eyes never left Loras while Margery watched with false intensity for all Shane knew she could be staring at a hunk of meat or a dress that didn't look like a swatch of fabric.

Jokes aside this was the last day that Renly had to make the decision to leave and she hoped he made the right one or she would let what the witch was planning to happen and that would leave more people hurt than they realized. Yes, she did know what the witch was going to do and to say she was disgusted didn't even fully describe it the witch would give birth to her shadow monster this night since the creatures conception Shane's demon had been itching to just go kill the witch but she found that if things didn't go as planned she would let the creature have him it didn't matter really because if Renly lived or died the witch would die by her blade.

The sound of steel meeting steel caught her attention returning her focus to the battle between Brianne and Loras. The young man lay on the ground the lady knight had gotten him to yield just like Shane knew she would the younger knight was very much sulking he had thrown his helmet on the ground and didn't even look up to Renly thinking his lover would be disappointed.

"remove your helmet and name your request I shall grant it" called Renly standing from his chair Brianne did as she was told earning many gasps but she stood tall not even taking notice.

" I wish to be part of your guard if you will have me my lord"

Renly looked a bit shocked but smiled none the less "than on my guard you shall be Brianne of Tarth"

Brianne bowed in respect to her new lord off to the side Loras shook his head turning away he left the small crowd Shane felt sorry for the knight but this was what Brianna had worked so hard for him but this was a step forward and Shane would have offered her a place in her own house it was plain to see that Brianne was loyal and trustworthy she would never betray her lord or lady.

" that concludes the tournament let us retire for the rest of the day"

Renly's eyes darted to the tents Shane shook her head it was useless for him to try and find her. Following the lord as he started walking past the tents Margery on his arm he looked uncomfortable to say the least Brianne not far behind the couple already falling into her role as his loyal guard waiting a moment she fell into step with him .

" I assume you want to talk then?"

Her sudden appearance shocking Margery and making Renly jump a bit still the young lord quickly composed himself nodding to the assassin he continued his walk .

" yes about what you said I think … it would be for the best if I did but what about the others they will not leave simply to say goodbye to there families they will want more of an explanation"

Shane smiled happy to know that the young lord would not be getting himself killed this night.

" tha is why they are not going home I glanced at your map and found that we are close to a handful of lanaster ports if you were to split up your men you could send them in groups to take those ports by going with one group you could easily get a boat"

" what are you two talking about?" Margery looked from Renly to Shane not liking being out of the know.

" when we get to my tent I will tell you now demon what about this witch how is it you intend to kill her I know that things will be different but she will die right?"

" yes she has been a bad influence on your brother since she got here till she dies I don't think your brother will be right in the head again not with him hanging on her every word anyway" Shane nodded the witch would die but not before she sent her shadow creature after Renly. Arriving at Renly's tent Shane paused letting the others go in before her she waited for the flap of cloth that was the door to fall closed before speaking again.

" I would suggest getting your plans made and have your men attack this night the sooner you and Loras leave the better"

" wait why are they leaving ?" demanded Margery

Renly stood over his map table looking at all the pieces Brianne stood at far behind him giving Margery the space needed to throw her little tantrum.

" do you not know your brother Margery?" asked Shane if this idiot didn't see what her husband and brother were up to than she was the biggest idiot Shane had ever met and she had met many.

" yes but what does there… relations have to do with them leaving? once Renly is king we can figure something out"

" Margery ,the demon has offered us safety in the free cities we would not be safe here once someone finds out then what they could kill us , rebellions could break out, or my brother would send his witch to kill us" Renly spoke with an eerie calm Margery looked from Renly to Shane in desperation.

" and what of me ? while you and my brother are off in the free cities I would be left for the men to have there way with me the unwanted wife of Renly baratheon as he leaves me for my brother!"

Shane shook her head this mans sister was a viper really she was and it was time she learned of shane's plan.

" no you would not be left to the men although with all your whining I think I should this is your brothers safety we are talking about now are you going to let me explain or are you going to start screeching again?"

Margery was trembling with rage she didn't seem to like being treated like a child even if she was acting like one. Taking a few deep breaths Margery nodded letting Shane continue.

" while they are on their way to the free cities I will take you to Stannis since you claim to be pure he might buy it and accept you to be his wife"

"hey!"

" its true the women at the pleasure houses wear more than you " said Shane catching the short nod from Brianne.

" Renly she just called me a whore and all your going to do is stand there?"

" yes because that was funny" chuckled Renly fake coughing to cover it up composing himself he looked to Shane.

" what if the witch doesn't let you into his camp?"

" she will want to know if here little shadow creature worked and while there I can kill her and secure Margery's future "

"so I'm just marrying his brother?" Margery stared at Shane her mouth a gape.

"careful your mouth could get stuck like that" sighed Shane

"why you-"

" yes you will be safe and since he has a daughter you will not be expected to produce and heir right away so be happy you will probably only have to give him two children" Shane explained silencing the annoying woman. Renly took this moment to speak.

"I wanted to ask you who is this person that you said will offer us shelter and safety in the free cities?"

" that would be some one from a house forgotten when your brother took the thrown his " wife's" family destroyed many who would go against them one of which was my friend's house ,some managed to escape to the free cities l happened to come upon them during my travels and they have become good friends of mine and they would help any one I vouched for so you are safe" Shane promised Renly nodded before speaking once more.

" what was this house called?"

" not to be rude but it is considered bad luck to speak of this houses name it tends to scare people away rather than make them feel welcome"

Noticing Brianne's suspicious stare Shane sighed " fine you want to know their name fine the house of which you are gaining safety from is that of house mortem "

Everyone in the room shivered Renly's eyes darted about trying to see if it was a wind that caused his chill Margery hugged herself.

" what was that?"

" that is the effect one gets when the name of that house is spoken they were known for being the bringers of death till the lions destroyed them or most of them anyway" Shane didn't want to give away too much .

"well I hope that they aren't as cold as their name suggests" mumbled Renly

" they are actually quite kind they have lost most of their coldness through out the years if you would believe it they will welcome you and Loras the wont pry your privacy will be your own and you will not have to hide your relations so much in the free cities it is very different"

Renly looked at her with hope and suspicion in his eyes he seemed to want to believe her but couldn't make up his mind.

" I suggest you have your men start preparing for battle the sooner they start taking those ports the sooner you and Loras can leave and Margery can prepare to leave I have a feeling that his witch is going to send her shadow soon"

" what can we do to stop it ?" asked Renly fear in his eyes.

" leave that to me just know that I won't leave your side till its dead"

"Then it is best we prepare" Margery murmured looking one last time at Renly she left the tent. The next few hours Renly's commanders came in and out of the young lords tent making plans and taking orders preparing for battle. The men were rushing to dress in full armor and saddle their horses not wanting to miss anything all of them brave and loyal it would be a shame that by the next day they would be without a lord and leader in which to follow.

Loras had stuck by his lords side along with Brianne the two would definitely make a good team in battle or in Renly's battle plans they pointed out weak spots and collaborated on what could be done to strengthen them or replace them all together. Shane stood at the far side of Renly's tent not caring or noticing what went on around her she was waiting. The witch would birth her creature soon and once that happened she would be alert and let her demon take care of the little monster there was no man or woman that could harm it. The rules of such things didn't apply to Shane's demon she could harm things seen and not seen though it was part of her she was still left to figure out how its power worked on her own the thing never made things easy.

" every thing is set start sending out troops immediately I want them all ridding it is almost night fall the sooner we take their ports the sooner we can get their supplies"

The commanders left the tent in a hurry Renly leaned heavily against the map table Loras rubbed his back soothingly it must have been stressful to make such a spontaneous decision but he was leaving his home so that he and his love could live.

" don't worry lord baratheon things will work out" Shane assured him

" how? When we take the lanaster port we cant just load up a boat and leave they are going to wonder what were doing they wont just let us leave" said Renly not lifting his head

" that is where I come in all I need is two men and when the time is right all you need to do is follow my signal " Shane said.

" and that would be?" asked Loras

" when the siege is close to ending I will set fire to the biggest lanaster boat so watch the harbor when that happens run towards it I will take care of the rest" Shane stepped forward about to offer the distraught lord a word of assurance when she felt it. The shadow had been born she froze letting her demon take over a bit coming back she drew her blades ready to strike it would be no more than five minutes this thing was coming fast.

" Renly"

The man looked to her in confusion she knew her voice had a bit of a raspy ness to it that was what happened when she let her demon tale over for even a moment.

" yes?"

" stay close to me Loras you and Brianne stay where you are it will not care who is in its way and I will not have one of you die when you are so close.

Renly pushed off the table walking cautiously to her side though she didn't move she could feel it his fear was growing as was loran's worry she didn't have time to worry now the thing was-.

A screech filled the air Shane felt her demon roar in response Renly looked all around them till the back of the tent was ton away and a shadowy figure lunged for Renly . Shane pulled the man behind her letting the demon with in her take the reins her blade's burst into flames hissing she met the shadow head on she slashed it with her blades earning a screech as it swiped at her with its dagger dodging she sliced it across the chest making it flinch in pain as the Smokey shadows that were it's skin knitted back together. Taking her chance Shane grabbed its throat thrusting her burning blade into it the creature froze letting out a low growl it faded away.

No one moved . there was no telling what would happen now none of them had a clue shane didn't move. A raspy laugh filled the air Shane stood from her defensive stance shaking her head.

" if that is the best the beldam can do than this will be easy" the demon laughed clutching her chest Shane came back blinking she didn't see red ant more which was good but her demon was happy and that could be bad.

" demon?" Renly's voice caught her attention.

" leave we need to leave now the sooner you're on that boat the sooner I can kill the witch " Shane walked past Renly not stopping once outside she whistled for nightmare the black horse trotted to her pulling herself on to his back she took a deep breath.

" Renly! Loras! we need to leave now!"

Both men came running from the tent joining her as she rode out of the camp keeping a close eye on the two through out the ride Shane made sure to spot two knights that could be replacements. They rode for hours never slowing their hooves sounding like thunder the port could be seen from afar the torches and boats were the first thing Shane saw then all hell broke loose . Renly's men charged forward like a great swarm destroying everything that moved Shane knew time was short ridding past one of the two men she needed she used her dagger to kill him out yanking him on to her horse she took off to find the other luckily he was close to a building. using nightmare she herded him in to a corner killing him she pulled him onto nightmare as well making sure they were secure she knew what she had to do. grabbing the closest torch she rode nightmare to the lanaster ships spotting the biggest one she threw the torch at its sails the torch grazed the fabric catching fire to the whole thing.

Loras was the first one to come running he spotted her and came skidding to a stop getting off her horse she took loras's face in her hands.

" what are you doing?"

"this is part of the plan"

Taking the blonde man on her horses face he looked like Loras making the real Loras stare in shock by then Renly had joined them Brianne close on his heels.

" what are we going to do?" he panted looking from Shane to Renly.

" hold on"

taking Renly's face in her hands she turned back to the other man on her horse making him a perfect copy of Renly. Dropping his head she whispered to nightmare to stay she lead a good sized ship a small crew were just finishing putting supplies on it.

"go I will handle the rest from here go!"

" thank you!"

Renly and Loras climbed the small docking bridge Brianne followed not caring that both men starred at her in confusion.

" I vowed to protect you and I intend to keep that promise my lord"

" I thank you " Renly took her hand smiling in gratitude.

" go! you don't have much time go!"

The small bridge was removed and the ship started sailing walking back to the two unconscious men feeling sorry for them she had put them some where both but the knowledge that the sooner she could take Margery to Stannis and the witch would die.

"time for things to start moving again"

…

To say that Renly baratheon's men were devastated was an understatement they had all fought valiantly for the man they thought would be king and now were paying last respects to the wrong dead man even Margery managed to shed some fake tears. Shane found her performance second to her sister Gabby's when they were children and she managed to convince their mother for a split second that she hadn't broken her favorite vase if she hadn't stuck her tongue out at her siblings.

The whole army realized that they might as well join Stannis giving Shane a reason to follow with the excuse of a last promise to take Margery to Stannis if Renly died. It was another week till they were within view of Stannis's army the men's swords at their throats.

" what do you think your doing here?" called on Shane assumed was a commander or caption.

" we have come with news of Renly baratheon's death and his sister in law Margery baratheon would like to call on him" Shane spoke with a well-practiced confidence that her mother and sister had taught her.

" let them through"

With swords and spears still pointed at them they were lead through a camp of battle hungry men Shane at the head Margery at her right in case something happened she could protect her even if she was annoying. Shane's demon was starting to grow restless it didn't like being stuck here anymore than she did.

Being lead to the center of a large camp swords at the ready the biggest tent had red flags on it making Shane's demon growl she cleared her throat waiting with the rest of them. The tent opened and the serious man that was Stannis baratheon stepped out and as expected the red witch came right after him her black eyes looking over every person in their group till they came to Shane she stood frozen her the stench of her fear filled the air Shane fought the smile that was trying to come .

" what do you want ?" barked Stannis looking from Margery to Shane.

" I come to tell you of your brothers death" spoke Margery at least she looked distraught keeping her eyes on the ground.

"that is news" Stannis murmured he seemed to be lost till the witch touched his shoulder then he steeled himself.

" but what else could they want ?" the witch whispered

"why are you here? What more could you want?" Stannis's voice had a harshness to it Shane shook her head.

" that we can speak of inside if you would let us go inside" Shane watched Stannis look to his witch before nodding turning he left them the witch eyed Shane before following Stannis. Shane slipped off nightmare walking to Margery she offered the woman a hand Margery was evidently surprised by the gesture she hesitantly took Shane's hand when climbing off her horse leading the way Shane held open the tents flap. The two cautiously walked inside not wanting to take a chance of a surprise attack Shane kept Margery close.

" why are you here Margery?" Stannis was leaning against his own map table while the witch stood only an arm's length away. Keeping her puppet on a short string thought Shane.

"as you know I married your brother but he never made me a woman I am still pure" Margery said

The witch's black eyes widened she must have figured out the reason why they came leaning forward the witch pressed herself to Stannis's side. Shane needed to distract them quick.

" she only offers herself so that Renly's men can join your cause my lord"

Both looked at Shane in surprise luckily Margery kept a blank face but Shane knew she was just as surprised as the rest of them seeing the wheels turn in Margery's head she let her take the reins.

" I know it may seem a bit late but if we were to join you , you would have not only Renly's army but with me at your side you would get my family as well as the others of my families courts behind you increasing your men and gold you need to buy supplies"

The witch looked between the two before whispering in Stannis's ear he had that lost look again before regaining his hard glare.

"fine I will marry you but you demon my trusted advisor Melissandra wants to speak with you come Margery I will take you to my tent"

Margery looked to Shane who gave a small bow again surprising her with the formality and respect she was being shown.

" till we meet again lady baratheon"

Margery nodded to the assassin before taking Stannis's offered arm they walked out of the tent leaving Shane with the witch it would be almost sad that a person who had a lord wrapped around her finger as much as Melissandra did would have to die. Almost.

"so demon you have come why?"

Shane turned to face the witch keeping her face blank and her demon down. No matter how much it wanted to come out and no matter how much she wanted to give in she had to hold back. Stay inside for a bit we have work to do still.

"I came to see what all the ruckus was about now that I have seen you I can tell you're a force to be reckoned with"

The witch stepped closer. Shane didn't move she felt her demon hiss it didn't want scum like her near them.

" now that you know what will you do? you are surrounded by men on all sides and if anything were to happen to me Stannis would kill you he needs me"

" if he needed relief he could get a lady from a pleasure house though from your little shadow you sent to Renly I would say your taking care of Stannis alright"

The witch glared at her Shane couldn't hold back the smirk the witch started moving again. Walking closer to Shane her demon was really not liking this.

"I do many things for the man who thinks himself the chosen one but for one with true power like you "

The witch started circling Shane making the assassin freeze the witch's voice was strange almost soothing but Shane knew better. The witch stepped closer still circling her calming voice and alluring thrall trying to pull Shane in.

"imagine what you can do with your power with me by your side I can do so much to help you I can calm that demon of yours "

The witch stopped right behind her whispering her voice a silky tone into the assassin's ear.

" just let me and I can make it so you never fear its strength you would be in complete control never fearing the great gift you have been given"

" how would you know of such fears?" the witch smiled before speaking with false concern.

"all those with gifts such as yours fear what you do not understand let me help you I know I can"

Shane thought for a moment before murmuring.

"that would be nice"

The witch circled to Shane's front smirking in triumph before her smirk turned in to a soft smile she stepped closer still cautious of the girls demon the witch slowly took the assassin's hand letting go of her thrall letting full effect fall over the girl. The thrall was like a warm blanket Shane could feel the comforting warmth leaving her in a daze no wonder so many fell to the witch.

" see I am already helping you"

Shane bit her lip nervously Melissandra put on a concerned mask secretly rejoicing at the new power that would soon be under her control.

" what is it? You can tell me anything that troubles you and I will make it all go away"

"yes but I fear there is something you should know"

"yes?"

Shane's free hand shot out punching the witch right in the throat hitting her three times before she pulled away leaving the witch gasping for breath she let go of Shane's hand falling to her knees gasping for breath. Shane smiled sweetly kneeling to the gasping woman.

" I don't take orders and I can't work with more than one conniving power crazed wench at a time and cersei lanaster has already filled that slot so your out of luck and you forget that with that power of yours if Stannis has a different object of affection your power is useless"

The witch opened her mouth to speak but nothing came out her eyes widened she coughed but no words came. Something was wrong.

" that's another thing I can I just hit some important spots on your wind pipe so you have a good week of no talking that would give Margery enough time to gain Stannis's affections she is an intelligent female besides the fact that she wears less clothes than a local lady of pleasure"

The witch grabbed Shane's cloak pleading with her eyes when Shane did nothing she fisted her hands in the cloak pulling hard till her and Shane were face to face again. The witches black eyes filled with rage as she drew a dagger Shane grabbed the witch's throat squeezing it till the witch dropped the blade Shane picked it up with her free hand examining it till she smelt the poison laced in the steel.

" that would leave a nasty scratch and a surprise for the poor soul you killed with it now" standing Shane hauled the mute witch to her feet.

" I suggest you go to Stannis and leave him a note telling him your leaving and then you're going to go to the shore and use this blade " Shane held the poisoned blade to the priestess eye making her flinch.

" you're going to stab yourself in the gut and I will know if you do it or not the darkness that you carry will fade and when its gone I will know your dead so I suggest you get to it because if you don't then I will let my demon have you and if that happens then there won't even be a corpse to bury let alone find"

The witch swallowed her eyes filled with fear Shane put the dagger back in its sheath before letting go of the shocked witch.

" now if you'll excuse me I have a pup to help"

Leaving the shocked witch in the tent the warning ringing in the red headed woman ears she swallowed in fear watching the girl with the demons eyes fade in to the shadows.