Royce
The Wall, he had stared at the monstrosity countlessly as a new member of the black brothers. Royce had always thought it a sight to be beheld. A monument to the ingenuity of men that stood guarding the Realm from dangers worse than Wilding raiders. Northerners told tales of Bran the Builder who built the wall and established House Stark. Using Magic and Giants to make the Wall and after the things Royce had seen. The sotries became less farfetched the more he stared at it. Tormound came up to him clapping his shoulder and handing him a pair of climbing shoes spikes at the toes to dig into the Ice.
"She ain't weeping today" he said as clouds covered the sun and the temperature was colder than before. Royce nodded and founded a knocked over tree to sit on and put the climbing shoes on.
"Ever climbed the wall crow?" Royce suppressed the sigh as Orell walked from around behind him. His hawk on his shoulder its black eyes staring into Royces own black ones.
"No we have an elevator" Royce grunted making sure his shoes where strapped on well. He didn't need dying now, his brothers had to be warned. Forgive me val, I change alligances more than my socks.
"No fancy 'elevator' here crow, a climb like this is dangerous…lots of thing can happen" Orell had been one of the most vocal protestors to his presence. Weather just because he was a 'crow' or because he had lost personally to them? Royce was none the wiser but he was getting tired of the bastard.
"Aye try not to let frost fall in your eye, might slip" Royce grumbled secured his sword and pack and joined Tormound by the edge of the Haunted Forest.
"Ready to climb boy?" grinned the massive man.
"Aye, as ready I can be" shrugged Royce. Thruth be told he was nearly shitting himself inside. Lord Commander Mormmont had always told him. The Wall defends itself. The ice constantly melted and chunks fell off. By night that sheet was replaced by a new one as winds kicked up snow and frost sticking to the wall. However The Wall was not weeping today, with the sun behind clouds at least insuring somewhat better structural stability. Val came to him and squeezed his hand making him feel better about the entire situation and he threw a grateful smile to her.
"Alright tie urselves up! let's start this bloody climb!" Tormound grinned and tied a rope to his waist and passed it Royce. He followed the lead and handed to Val. Another wilding tied himself behind Val and the rest of their group began doing the same. Checking ropes Tormound from his furs handed Royce picks to climb the wall. The picks handles where curved along with steel curved to better grip the ice with.
"Good looking steel" mumbled Royce.
"Aye picked it off a dead crow patrol some time back" Tormound said and Royce merely nodded. Tormound was first. He stabbed a pick checking the ice and gave it a yank the pick stuck and no ice fell off. Turning and grinning he began the climb pick after pick, Royce was next following the secure path being set by Tormound. Gritting his teeth he felt like his ears would fall off as they reached higher and the winds started to barrage them with cold and frost. The climb was going well nothing wrong until the group next to their right ran into a soft patch of ice and their lead climber fell.
"GYAAAHH!" his scream sent a chill to Royce but his other two climbers caught him as they held on to the ice the rope taught and the only thing saving him from death.
"Fucking hell! Pull me up Ric!" yelled the wilding.
"Yer picks you still got em!?" yelled Ric.
"No they fell come on don't let me fall damn it!" he pleaded and Royce could hear the desperation setting in. Ric looked to Tormound. He in turned looked to Ric.
"Shit" growled Tormund. "To the right lads! Val hook em up to you we can carry him if there's five of us pulling!" Royce nodded and they synced to climb to the right careful to avoid any tricky ice and end up like the hanging Wilding. After a few minutes they made it looking to Val, Royce saw her stab a pick on the Ice and reached to her waist she loosened some of the rope and swung it to the Wilding. Catching it he began attaching himself. Safely secured the Widling let out a sigh.
"The Old Gods looked out for me today" he said.
"The fuck they did, you're lucky I need the men!" yelled Tormound grinning and the group laughed off the tense moment. Royce grunted the added weight even if distributed was making it harder to climb, the top was still obscured by frost being blown into the sky. Climbing up higher they stopped, for a moment as they heard the distinctive cracking of ice. Royce looked to his pick and from his right pick he saw a crack start spreading. To his right a few inches from Rics well dug picks. The Wall rumbled and the Ice gave out and Royce felt the huge piece of Wall yank his feet downward for a second but luck was on his side and he still had his left pick in. the piece of wall fell and Ric was left dangling his picks the only thing keeping him and his climber up.
"Seven hells! Brace!" yelled Royce as he felt his arm was going to be pulled from his socket.
Val screamed along with the other two climbers now dangling as dead weight.
"Is too much!" Yelled Ric. "I can hear the damn wall cracking!" his hands where trembling desperately trying to hold on.
"Hold on Val!" Royce gripped his right pick with determination and dug it and grunted trying to pull up.
"Stop! You'll tire yourself out you damn idiot!" Val yelled as she dangled. Royce breathed and his mind raced and only one solution was clear to everyone but one had the balls to yell it yet.
"Fuck, fuck! You finish this!" the first Wilding that had fallen yelled.
"The Old Gods if you don't kill those crows I'll come fucking hunt you!" Royce looked down as he unsheathed his ugly short sword and began sawing the rope connecting him to Ric and his mate.
"Damn it!" crused Ric and closed his eyes after a few seconds the weight was lessen and the Wilding accepted his death wouth a single scream. He thanked the Gods they had climbed high enough that the kicked up frost prevented from seeing far below. With the burden gone Royce looked to see Tormound climb grunting lifting up Royce and Val. Royce himself as well helped using his upper body strength to pull up Val. With Val able to secure herself on the wall they sighed a breath of relief.
"I can't hold you up Greg!" Ric yelled. Royce watched as Ric did his best but did not have the strength to pull himself up.
"Shit…okay, okay I have cut myself off or well both" Greg didn't finish the ice gave out and both men plummeted.
"FUUUUUUCCKKKKK!" where the last they heard along with the after echo as Ric and Greg plummeted after their fallen mate.
"Don't look down damn it climb! Just climb!" yelled Tormound and so they did. By the time made it they had lost seven men. Tormound climbed over the wall lost from sight by Royce, the older man like a bloody Ox pulled Royce and Val up as Royce climbed with his picks. Over the Wall Royce grunted turning he tossed one pick aside and grabbed the taught rope. Using his weight he pulled Val up as Tormound was exhausted having done a lot of work keeping them during that dreadful moment the Wall had given out. Val grunted as she neared the top and Royce was able to get ona knee and pull her head came over first she picked her way up and Royce grabbed her arms and pulled one last huff and he landed on his back Val over him. He hugged her, like she would disappear if he let go. She buried her face on the crook of his neck her cold nose stinging a little against his warmer skin.
"I love you" he said. He felt he had too because he nearly lost her.
"Me too Will" she said out of breath as she hugged his body to hers. Tormound grunted and sat up looking at the other side of the Wall. Westeros was before them green a stark contrast to the frozen ice lands they left behind.
"Now comes the easy part, stairs nearby here" sighed Tormound.
"I don't think I'd survivce the bloody climb down" chuckled Royce.
"No you wouldn't Walls softer on this side" Tormound gasped for breath. They rested as the groups made it up. a good hundred feet walking left of the wall they found old stairs that had seen better days.
"You can still fall so mind the first step" laughed Tormound back to his marry ways. The climb down was thankfully uneventful and without casualty. Royce would have thrown himself to the ground when they reached down below, if he didn't think Val would never let him live it down. After some time they set up camp and made a fire with what little timber they could find. Sitting down by the fire as the sun began dying down Royce sat with a small smile as Val leaned against him half asleep. Orell joined him and Tormound around the camp fire.
"How many did you lose in your end?" asked Orell.
"Seven….you?" answered Tormound before asking his own question.
"One…fucker nearly took me with him" Orell grunted though a bit of a melancholy look passed over his eyes. "Mah eagle cut the rope without me telling it to…save me life but not the poor bastard that fell" Orell shrugged. Royce felt pity for a clearly guilt ridden man, well until he opened his bloody mouth again.
"Glad you made it crow" he shot accusing eyes at him.
"Same to you" Royce drawled. Before he turned his eyes to the fire he noticed Orell looked at Val with something aching to jealousy. Pursing his lips Royce turned carefully to not disturb Val and brought up his pack to use as a pillow. He leaned back on his hand and then elbow with Val halfway on top of him. She awoke briefly only to adjust herself and press further into him. Her lips brushed up the side of his mouth as she mumbled something incoherent to Royce. Orell growled something and left. He and Val slept under the shadow of the wall that night using each other for warmth. By morning they readied to do what Wildings did best. Raiding. Tormound ordered scouts to find game or any settlement a few reported to finding a farm with a stable with some horses. Others a hunting party armed with bows and knives and spears. Picking ten men Tormound led them to the farm with plenty of food and other supplies. Sword at his hip Royce growled that Orell was part of the raiding party. They marched past Brandon's Gift into the New Gift, stopping short for a break. Orell used his eagle to scout the farm the only population was an old man with two small girls and an old woman. Using brush to hide in they rested for a moment. Royce gathered dry brush for a small fire to cold the crisp morning climate of The North.
"You think he's ready?" Royce rolled his eyes as Orell spoke to Tormound. Royce was sure he wanted him to hear. He was getting real tired of the damn raider taking every chance he took to question him.
"He's a killer that one he can do the job" Tormound grunted.
"He can kill us aye, but will he kills his crow brothers?" Orell said. Royce dropped the gathered brush stood and unsheathed his sword pointing it at Orell. The others went for their blades Tromound stepped away from Orell.
"Don't draw your blades!" order Tormound. Royce snarled as Orell sent him a nasty glare and unsheathed his ugly short sword.
"Tell me what will happen with your eagle when I gut you here?" Royce threatened pointing his valyrian sword at Orell. "Will it fly away? Or will it come down like a crow" Royce said crow mockingly "and eat your innards that I spill?" Royce flipped his sword once and Orell roared attacking Royce first.
"You little shit!" Orell yelled and nearly charged Royce.
"Engouh! I will kill both of you shits!" Tormound roared.
"I don't fucking care why you hate each other but were here to kill crows not each other!" Tormound growled. Royce gritted his teeth and lowered his sword, spitting on the ground.
"Fine, but tell him to keep his fucking mouth shut about me next time, or I will find out what happens to his eagle when I spill his innards" Royce sheathed Longclaw and stormed off to cool off. He shoulder past some Wildings that tried to glare him down. Vaugly he heard Tormound in that odd way of his back to his jolly manner laugh boomingly.
"That boy has a giant's pair of balls!" a few joined in the laugh.
After they rested they returned to taking the farm the men spread around to cut off any escape routes. Taking to the Farm Royce stayed low with Tormound to his left and Val to his right to reach a small stone wall near the house. The old man was facing away from them leading a horse to drink water. The horse was settled and the old man was wearing traveling clothes a brown coat a fur cloak made of what looked like a Night's Watch cloak. Royce guessed this was probably the old man that provided the Watch horses for protection.
"I'm going to the Wall Aly!" Royce peeked to see two small girls in boots and furs run to him. The family must have been provided the fur by the Watch.
"Granda! Can we come? We want to see the Wall!" the smallest one said.
"No you two stay here and keep Alys company, protect the home from Wildings eh?" the old man gave a toothless grin.
"Alright, Granda" the taller one snickered and swung a branch Royce didn't notice she had. Ducking he looked to Tormound.
"What do we about the family" Royce said. Tormound looked at him with a hard gaze.
"If we leave them theyl go to the crows, or one of your lords" Tormound said. Royce pressed his lips together his shoulder slacking.
"Damn must we kill the children and the elderly?" Royce muttered.
"We are still too far from Castle Black if they go to one of your Lords they will come out here with a whole army just to kill us" Royce said. "Make it quick so they don't suffer" was the only comfort Tormound offered. A shrill yell interrupted them and the yells of their men followed soon, with a curse in his mouth Royce hopped the stone fence and ran to the confused family. Someone moved without the signal. His eyes scanned as in the chaos three of their men went into the barn two into the house the other five went for the children and the old man. The old man must have been a soldier once as he mounted the horse and pulled one of the girls up the older one over his saddle like a sack. He reached for the other girl but an arrow ripped through the girls throat and she fell clutching her neck and arrow shaft.
"Gloir!" the old man yelled in pain but snapped the rains heading North. One hand on the girl to keep her from falling. The unknown archer shot another arrow getting the old man on the shoulder but he kept going. The old woman screamed once before a thud and the sound of what sounded like a metal pan hitting the ground.
"After them!" yelled Tormound Royce went to the barn and grabbed a horse. Val followed right behind him. Unexpectedly Orell on a horse galloped out of the barn first. Royce cursed he found reins and clamped it on the horse's mouth he chose and set after them. Val wasn't far behind with two other raiders, they caught up with the slightly more weighted down horse near Queenscrown. The Old man with an old woodsman axe was standing before the girl who cowered by the rubble of a ruined tower. Royce dismounted and joined the others sword drawn.
"Stay away damn raiders" the old man growled.
"Easy old man put it down and we'l make it quick for the both of ya" Orell snarled his sword at hand. Royce felt his heart pounding his fingers opening and closing around Longclaw. The Watch promised these people protection yet here they were two of them left and Royce had to stand and watch them die. I am the watcher on the wall, the words that had been obscured from him when he met Val became clear. Will, Graves and, Qhorin's death came back to Royce full force. Grabbing Val by the arm he pulled her back her sword drawn.
"It's now Val…we need to kill these guys and go" muttered Royce her eyes widen.
"Our supplies" she hissed. Royce instantly understood how much she loved him that she would betray her people like so. I must be a monster in a man's skin, Royce thought's grimly said to him for he could imagine what monster would take advantage of some one's love like this.
"We can return to the farm tell them the others died and send them to recover the bodies" Royce said and kissed her fiercly pouring all the love he could muster into the final kiss he would give Val. Going to the one at the end Val drove her blade into his back. Orell and the other turned shocked.
"Val fucking hell she's with the crow!" yelled Orell. Royce still with the element of surprise went for Orell. Hand hurt he put up a fight. The remaining Wilding turned get Val but the old man lunged at him. The Wilding snarled at the old man catching the old mans wrist and driving his sword into the old man's gut.
"Granda!" yelled the girl horrified. Royce did not dare look at Val because the enraged Orell would strike him down if he so much as looked away. Val got the other wilding and they traded sword swipes before Val closed the distance and drove her sword through his neck.
"Royce!" she yelled.
"Kill the horses!" Royce yelled before parrying an attack to the side. Val ccursed and took to cutting the throats of the horses they used to get there. She saved hers and the old mans with the saddle. Royce growled he needed to finish it quick. He pressed his advantage with his bastard sword being longer. He attacked blow after blow Orell parried locking swords Royce used his better knight training he stepped up and hooked his leg around Orells a pull against the back of Orells knee and he buckled he raised his hand and Royce knocked the short sword from his hands. Grabbing Orell by his hair the older man glared with all the hatred he could muster at Royce.
"You were right the whole time" snarled Royce and drove Longclaw through his neck as small vengeance for the family that murdered. Orell gargled blood spurting out of his mouth staining the ancient sword, slowly Royce relished the look on his face as he choked on his blood holding his pierced neck.
"Should brought your bird" spat Royce. Val finished off the horses taking Longclaw he carefully swiped the sword through his enclosed arm between his forearm and bicep. He walked to the bleeding old man the girl was crying by him. She ignored him and Royce picked up the old man's axe and flipped it in his hand so the blade was inward and the back of the axe was facing outward. Closing his eyes he walked up to Val.
"Val look there I think more are coming" he pointed down the way they came and stepped back a little.
"Where I-ACK!" she yelped Royce hit her with the back of the Axe on the back of the head and she went down unconscious. He looked at her fallen form and he nearly knelt to wake her up and beg for forgiveness. By her unconscious ear he kissed her cheek and whispered.
"I love you" one last time and stood. He dropped the axe and walked up to the old man.
"Will you live?" the girl cried and ignored Royce holding the old man's hand.
"No…he poked me in the bowels I won't make it" he told man grunted in pain filled responses.
"Who are you" choked the old man.
"A brother of the watch, I was spying on these Wildings" Royce said.
"That so" he said matter of factly.
"Aye" Royce mumbed.
"Thea…spare her please" the dying man was grasping at straws now.
"I won't hurt her…I can take her to Caslte Black, shell be safer there" Royce said. The old man looked desperate with tears in his eyes.
"Fine….just end it then" the old man resigned himself to his fate and the fate of the girl left to Royce.
"Okay…turn away don't look" he addressed the girl. The girl cried shaking her head.
"Is okay Granda will stay here and sleep" the old man tried.
"No, no Granda don't leave me!" she cried.
"Shhh now just close y-yer eyes and cover yer ears" the old man gasped through pained breaths. She nodded and closed her eyes hands pressed against her ears. Taking his knife pressed it over the old man's heart. He looked to the old man who stared him in the yes.
"Do it" he whispered Royce nodded and drove his knife into the old man's heart who gave a final breathy grunt and was no more. Pulling the knife out Royce cleaned it in a similar manner as his sword, he picked up the girl guiding her to her horse by her hand. Picking the girl up Royce sat her in the front of the saddle. He gave her a small smile Thea looked to him before yelling a shrill yell, Royce grabbed Longclaw and was about to turn when pain exploded on his back.
"GGGRRAHHH!" Royce yelled and turned to see Val look at him angry tears in her eyes. He let go of Longclaw and pushed her away. He reached across his back and pulled the axe she buried near his shoulder blades. He yelled in pain dropping the axe he mounted his horse and snapped the reins he turned galloped to Val's horse. Val got up and with short sword in hand ran at him. Royce slapped the remaining horse ass and it galloped away from them. Royce galloped around and left Val behind who threw her short sword at him in vain. He looked over his shoulder to see her fall to her knees.
"CCCRRROOOWWWW!" she yelled in grief and fury, she yelled that name that set him and her apart. He called her Wilding and she called him Crow. They had been killing each other for generations it was foolish to think he could have escaped with her. Not daring to look back Royce rode forward not daring to look back less he breaks.
Lloyd
Lloyd was settling well into Casterly Rock, using his grandfather's room. Though his other Grandfather Kevan had protested against it Lloyd insisted as he was to be Lord of the Castle one day. He was in his room on the highest tower, his chest bare clad in dark grey trousers and black boots. The strings to his trousers loosened. Cup in hand he took a swig of the finest wines gold could buy, as he leant on the window overlooking the castles courtyard. Like clockwork he watched the young Prince practice his swordplay with one of Lloyd's knights. He watched with a sense of guilt with the news of the death of his aunt things had…changed. Whispers where already spreading that the Targeryens would rule again in the castle alone. Then came the news that the Ironborn where attacking his home, the North and rumors of a large force marching for Winterfell had been spread as well. Lloyd was pressed for time he didn't know what to do. He chose to play the game and when they had hit the Golden Road he sent Dacey and some Northmen to kneel before Aegon in his sted. He trusted Dacey and though she cared little for the game of thrones he decided to play she trusted him and the men with her where loyal. His thoughts where interrupted as he felt slender hands slide around him and bare breast press against his back. He chuckled shaking his head his golden locks bobbing lazily.
Lloyd put his cup down and turned to Margaery closed his arms around her slim waist and smiled at her devilishly. He kissed her and cupped her ass in his hand. With a pop of their lips they parted with Lloyd patting her behind as he looked to dress. "I should speak to our Prince" Lloyd said throwing on a white cotton shirt.
"Really? I hear he spends his time with a sword or getting angry with the servants" Margaery sipped the last of his wine before turning to him leaning against the stone table.
"Which is why I should speak to him, I do not know much about losing a mother, but she was my aunt. We hold family very dear in the North" Lloyd explained and threw on a leather doublet. Rolling his shoulders Lloyd stood grabbing his sword by the door.
"Are Northerners paranoid as well, to carry sword in their family's home?" Margaery raised a fine brow at him.
"No, that's just me" he grinned and Margaery chuckled as she moved to dress herself as well.
"We should break our fast together, perhaps after we can plan about what to do with Aegon" Margaery said as she put on the dress she had the night before.
"We? Already planning to be into my plans?" asked Lloyd as he strapped his sword to his waist.
"Well I got into your trousers, it would be the logical progression" she smirked and Lloyd laughed a hearty Northern laugh at that.
"Gods though you are right, I will keep my pieces on my side of the board for now" Lloyd left Margaery behind to join his sisters to break their fast. The dining room in their side of the quarters was big and like the rest of the castle decorated in Lannister red and gold.
"Lloyd!" in a brand new dress Myrcella hopped from her chair and ran to hug his waist. Lloyd patted her head and hugged his sister. I wish you would never have seen death Myrcella she had become very attached to Lloyd as of recently and she shared a bed with Halena. Lloyd patted her head and urged her to return to the table.
"Good morning brother" smiled Halena if she had pure blonde hair and green eyes, one would confuse her for their mother. Lloyd greeted his sister as well and sat beside her.
"Good morning, are you two settling in well?" Lloyd already knew that Myrcella had never left Winterfell. She would tell him of her adventures with Lysa in Kings Landing. Halena herself had taken to Kings Landing like she was born there. She told her of how she talked up visiting Lords and talked of politics with the men. Though sweet as Halena had always been she said how she was insulted by a girl from a lesser house when the war started. When word reached of what he did to House Frey, Halena began to spread whispers around the Red Keep of a ballad that did not exist. The rains of the Trident, for the house that slighted the future lord of the North. Halena was proving good at the game their mother loved so much.
"So what do you two have plan for today…after your studies Myrcella" grinned Lloyd as Myrcella pouted. Chance are she would tag along behind him until she grew bored of seeing him go to meetings and cause mischief in the castle.
They spent their time talking of their youth again and the future of seeing their family together again. Lloyd went to meet his Grandfather Kevan in the War room where a table with Westeros carved on it. Lloyd entered and greeted his Grandfather, shaking hands with Kevan Lannister. Shaking hands they gathered with their commanders including Lloyds own companions, Ser Hosteen Frey and, Ser Brynden.
"Will you still pursue this folly?" his grandfather asked his grey hair was swept back and green eyes staring at Lloyd.
"I am grandfather, this is the only way I can safely secure the safety of my mother" Lloyd said. He had to make sure Aegon believed he would bend the knee to keep his mother safe.
"The Ironborn could very well raid our shores as well, Grandfather if we do not take the opportunity to strike now then Aegon will have little reason to believe and see through our ruse" Lloyd insisted. His grandfather sighed swiping a hand over his grey once blonde hair.
Very well Lloyd, if you can get the Redwyne fleet on our side I shall allow you use of the Lannister Fleet to deal with these reaves" the doors to their meeting room burst open a frantic soldier came in out of breath.
"Long ships my lords! They bear the Kraken of House Greyjoy they are heading for Lannisport!" the Soldier bent over trying to catch his breath.
"Well looks like they came to you my lord" shrugged Ser Hosteen, at Lloyd.
"Ah shit, well it was bound we killed something other than Freys" Lloyd left to gather the men and march to Lannisport.
Eddard
Their men gathered outside the range of the archers, Storms End was buzzing with life as torches where lit and big fires lit at the camp. Robert was before them Warhammer in hand walking before the lines. Robert locked eyes with Eddard hair sticking to their faces as the rains poured on them. Ned hoped his son would be fine in the siege tower, the ground wasn't getting any lesser hard to push a five ton tower filled with men. Robert slicked his head back keeping it from his face frowning he looked to them all now and he addressed them. "I know many of you have seen me today in a lesser light" Robert began he nodded and shook his head with a grin.
"Well I don't know that I have met any man who would not grief the loss of their beloved, however I have turned that grief into something else" Robert pointed his hammer at the wall.
"I am angry and I want blood to satisfy this anger and before me stand men who have takne my home from me and taken it as their own" growled Robert.
"These men have killed your brothers and friends, they sit there claiming kingship for a man who does not even join them in the battlements!" everyone roared their approval.
"So why don't you join me so we can show these spineless fools HOW A REAL KING WINS A WAR!" the once dropped moral was instantly replaced. Robert did what he was always best at leading men into war. Putting on his antler helmet he yelled his command to his men again.
"Take any high born looking Tyrell cunt alive, kill anyone else who knelt to that prancing fool Renly!" they yelled and Robert slammed his visor down.
"TO VICTORY!" Robert yelled and charged, Ned with his helmet and wolf visor down. Ned charged after Robert like they were young men again. Backs against the Wall they waited for the ladders as they got near the wall.
"Come on get the ladders up already!" yelled Robert.
"FOR ROBERT!" yelled the assembled men getting the ladders up. Holding Ice underhanded Ned began climbing up. Making it up Ned gritted his teeth as he left axes and Swords pound on his armor. He thanked the Old Gods no one had a battle axe or mace with a swing underhanded swing the valyrian steel sword cut through the men on his left. Flipping his sword up with Ice he began hacking through men. Ned was angry himself he hated this damn war all he wanted was to love his wife and see his children grow and make families of their own. Instead he was here in the Stormlands far from home his wife a hostage and he was knee deep in blood and bodies. Ned roared the wolves' blood on him as he hacked men apart with Valyrian great sword. His armor was battered now but the axes and swords on the defenders was not the best to fight a fully armored man. Robert himself had fought up to join Ned and started to control the battlements.
"Forward! Don't fall back men take this keep as heroes do not run to live craven whoresons!" more of the men yelled over the clash of steel. Ned followed Robert down the battlements as they fought their way down stairs into the first courtyard. Tyrell and Renly's men poured from the keep being led by none other than Randyl Tarly and some of Renly's guard. In the courtyard below the battlements fighting broke out.
"The Towers lads! Get the Towers come on Ned our glory awaits us!" Robert was again repeating his engagement with Randyl Tarly from the battle of Ashford. Ned joined to back up his friends but was cut off by a knight Ser Cuyard Morrigen in green armor. Ned cursed and spat on the ground, he would have slay kingsguard again it would seem.
Jon
Jon had been in the Siege tower inching towards the battlements when it got stuck in the mud. They had to abandon it and ran for the wall climbing over the ladders Jon having ran through his white leather clothing he was in in his black leathers. He took his usual crew now to fight, Rowan, Roger and, Merek. They fought their way into the keep and it was mostly empty and they were able to sit for a second. The Great Hall had their men in the wounded being piled up there while most of the defenders fought in the battlements. Jon wiped a gloved hand on his cheek wiping some blood off it. "We got to end this" Jon said standing up from his seat looking to his friends and comrades.
"We need to find Renly"said Merek using a rag to clean his sword.
"Aye we should try the tower that's always where these high and mighty types stay." Shrugged Roger picking arrows off his shield.
"Alright let's move if we're lucky the gate will be open by then" taking his sword Jon thought of Tyene before battle. They fought their way up the tower up to sitting room, the furniture moved aside for space. The sitting room led to the Lords Solar Renly had to be there. Jon led his band and was face to face with knights in colored armor.
"You are the woman knight" Jon said.
"I am Ser Brienne of Tarth, of King Renly's Rainbow guard I believe we crossed swords before good ser" Brienne said.
"He's no Ser that's Jon Snow Ser Brienne, Eddard Stark's bastard" Jon sent a frozen glare at Ser Loras.
"Aye I'm a squire under Ser Barristan Selmy" Jon span his sword once.
"I looked for you at the Battlements" Jon addressed Ser Loras.
"We have been here, for if we had been there Renly would sit the Iron throne and Robert would be dead" Jon shook his head. He did not understand why Ser Loras held such loyalty towards Renly, who betrayed his family for power.
"Ser Loras, my brother has captured Highgarden a pardon awaits you if you surrender" Jon tried to dissuade the situation.
"Robert will find our knees do not bend so easily" Ser Brienne said Ser Loras hesitated for a moment but unsheathed his sword regardless. The other knight
"Now it begins" Ser Brienne said her long sword ready.
"No…now it ends" Jon said sadly at more pointless death. He motioned for Merek, Rowan and, Roger to try and surround the knights. The fight was five on three trained knights against a squire and four men at arms.
"Ser Loras, Lord Caron please handle Jon Snows men, meand Jon have a battle left unfinished" the knights spread out helmets on Ser Brienne kept hers off.
"I have a score to settle with him aswell Ser Brienne, Ser Barristan is not here to save you this time Bastard" Ser Loras said his helm stared forward but Jon could guess his eyes were on him.
"Ser Brienne left our battle unfinished if you live through this you shall have your chance Ser Loras" Rowan began the fight shield raised he charged for Lord Caron. Ser Brienne attacked Jon and he countered Ser Loras was engaged against Merek and Roger. Jon grunted as he traded blows with Ser Brienne parrying swords strikes and Jon kept from entering any sword struggles. The woman's prowess in martial arts was impressive that Jon had to use all of his wits not be killed by her their last encounter. Jon cursed as they locked swords, however he reacted quicker this time he brought their swords up and got under the struggle and bent his arms back and turned his sword so Ser Brienne's sword would slide off and Jon got a shot at her back. Ser Brienne showed her skill with the sword and instantly brought her sword over her head so Jon's blade would bit her blade not her exposed back. She swung wide Jon ducked under it and stepped back with a blind swing to keep her back.
Rowan was on the defensive against Lord Caron proving his shield saving his life from all the skill full knight. Jon cursed and fought harder he needed to help Rowan Ser Loras was being kept in control with his two assailants. Jon grunted as he crossed swords again, again and, again with no ground gained or given as Ser Brienne pressed her lips together and her eyes stared into his grey ones. Jon groaned as they locked swords and an armored shoulder hit his side making him double over slightly.
Ser Brienne capitalized on his weakened state and pushed him off leaving him staggered. Ser Brienne pressed her advantage, she went for a stab but Jon parried it to the side with the sword harmlessly passing over his leather. Twisting his sword up Jon swung for her exposed head, Ser Brienne leaned back her head enough to miss. They were back to square one as they circled each other keeping with their surroundings with their allies.
Eddard
Ned growled as Ser Guyard Morrigen had intercepted Ned before he could join Robert as he fought against Randyl Tarly. Ned had the knight on the defensive until another man in colorful armor joined him Ser Emmon Cuy, and now Ned was on the defensive. Ice was coated in blood from all the men he had killed, his armor fared no better blood and dents all over him. Ned parried one more strike to the left from Ser Morrigan and Ned turned in time to block a strike from Ser Cuy. "Grah!" Ned bared his teeth as Ser Cuy stabbed between Neds legs to hit the inside of his left leg. Adrenaline still on him Ned brought the back of his left gauntlet to the side of Ser Cuy. Turning with the impact Ned swung strongly against Ser Morrigan who caught the strike. Ned surged forward and brought his wolf helm down and head butted Ser Morrigan.
"Morrigan!" yelled Ser Cuy Ned felt his strength leave him he felt almost six inches of steel through the gap of his armor on the left dove into him. Ice left his gauntlet and grabbed his knife Truning Ser Cuy pulled backhis sword and swung for Ned's head. Ned's free hand shot out and grabbed Ser Coys wrist. Ned drove his knife into the gap of his helmet and armor. Ned heard Ser Coy gargle on the blade. Ned turned as Morrigan scrambled to strike at Ned throught gritted teeth ran and ducked tackled Ser Morrigan down. Ned reached and groped Ice Ser Morrigan wild he grabbed his sword by the blade to better aim and stabbed at Neds throat. Nel lowered his head so the blow slid up his wolf helm, however the blade sit into the eye slits on Ned's helm cutting above his left eye. Ned batted the sword away and with ice firmly on his hand Ned stabbed him through his helm.
"AAAHHHH!" yelled a desperate Morrigan with a final push Ned was able to fully reach his brain ending him. Being ignored for the moment Ned removed his helm wiping his palm over the cut. The bleeding wound made his left eye useless.
"Shit…" Muttered Ned looking around the battlefield Ned grabbed Ice and used it for support to stand his hurt leg throbbing. The cat had been deeper than he thought. A man at arm looked at him charged him with an axe. He flipped to the pike on the back of the axe and swung for Ned. Ned cursed parrying the overhead swing, he parried another side blow but his wounds were slowing him down. Ned parried another swing and swung down leaving a nasty gash across the man's chest as he jumped back.
"Die!" Ned turned leveling Ice parallel and stabbed.
"Guh!" another man at arms drove the pike of his axe his right arm but Ned had stabbed with Ice and drove it into the man's face. The man fell limp, pulling his sword back Ned bent over forward slightly breathing heavily. He shifted his weight to his right leg Ned turned and his eyes widen with dread.
"ROBERT!" Ned's now gravelly voice didn't reach Robert. Robert was fighting wildly, a man at arms had gotten behind him and drove the pike of his axe into Roberts back. Randyl Tarly took the given advantage as the much older man drove his sword into Roberts exposed armpit almost halfway through. Roberts face was obscured as he fell backwards Randyl retrieving his sword. With new found strength Ned went after Robert and clashed swords with Randyl!
"Yield!" yelled Ned as he delivered blow after blow on the older man who's age had begun to catch up to him. Wounds forggote Ned fought with the fury of a hundred men blow after blow until he managed to knock the sword out of Randyl's hand the old man however did not yield. He retrieved his knife from his waist but Ned did not hesitate he swung Ice horizontally and the Valyrian sword cut through his neck cleanly decapitating the old man. Ned was about to yell that the enemy commander was dead but the wind was knocked out of him. A crossbow bolt dug into the top right of his chest through his armor. Eyes widen Ned fell back his body went limp Ice slipped from his fingers and Ned fell on the flat of his back. Lifting his head to the right he looked Robert's fallen form as men began fighting for him. Renly's men tried to get to Robert but the Royal forces pushed back. Flipping himself to his belly with a grunt Ned crawled towards Robert.
"Robert!" Ned grunted crawling over bodies and wet bloodied ground. The rain had not let up and turned the ground to thick mud. Ned almost reached Robert when a boot to his armored toros turned him over. Ned grunted axe in hand a man at arms swung down to Ned.
GAAAHH!" A Great Sword took the man's arms off a huge man in soot black armor stepped over Ned and brought the great sword down over the man at arms shoulders the sword went down to about his midsection. With a big armored boot the black knight kicked the body off his sword he turned and Ned stared into an equally black dog helm. Ned squinted his good eye from the rain his vision began turning fuzzy. Blood loss his mind thought fuzzily and Ned's eyes closed.
"Cersei" he muttered his beloveds name and Ned felt nothing at all.
Jon
Jon groaned he parried a left swipe from Ser Brienne and he stepped forward sword raised before his body. Their swords slid creating sparks switching positions Jon turned in time for his eyes to widen in horror. Lord Caron parried a stab from Rowan and batted Rowan's shield to the side before stabbing Rowan through the belly.
"Ro!" yelled Merek looking away from his opponent. Jon cursed and went to Lord Caron before swiping his sword to Ser Brienne's head she swung for his mid-section the mail rings cluttered to the floor as Ser Brienne's sword bit into Jons left side. His swipe to her head cut her cheek.
"Damn Ro!" yelled Jon he went for Lord Caron with all the killing intent he could muster. Lord Caron turned swinging above head Jon parried to the side and drove his shoulder into Lord Caron. Pulling his sword back Jon brought his free arm and put his sword over it to steady his aim. With practice accuracy Jon stabbed lightning fast like a cobra and stabbed Lord Carons neck in the gap between his helm and breast plate. He drove the sword enough to pocured from the back of Lord Carons neck. Rowan stood mouth again and brought his shield getting between Jon and Ser Brienne who was about to cleave Jon's head in two. The powerful two hand swing of hit Rowan's shield from above and the wounded Rowan did not have the strength to hold the shield up and Ser Brienne's sword cleaved rowans skull in half.
"Rowan!" yelled Jon as he staggered to the room's wall holding his wound. Ser Brienne went for Jon but Roger abandoned Merek to intercept Ser Brienne. The woman knight turned parrying Rogers attack, Jon closed his eyes momentarily and he felt as if he suddenly was in an entirely different place. He could see lots of boots and bodies as his vision traveled across a bloodied courtyard before entering a bricked structure. Opening his eyes shaking his head Jon returned to fighting Ser Brienne who was hacking at Roger behind his shield. Jon attacked Ser Brienne and put her on the defensive she backed off in a defensive stance.
"Roger help Merek" Jon said. As he held his sword at the ready not taking his eyes off his opponent.
"Your wonded Jon, squire or not you" Jon interrupted him.
"He can't handle Ser Loras alone just go!" Jon demanded. He charged ser Brienne and he exchanged blows with Ser Brienne again.
"You care your comrades" Ser Brienne said Jon briefly glanced at Roger and Merek. His compnaions held Ser Loras at bay.
"I have the honor of calling these men my friends, and the death of Rowan will be avenged" Jon's melancholy voice responded.
"Hah, I wish we could have fought side by side Ser Jon" Ser Brienne offerd an almost apologetic smile.
"I am no knight" Jon brought his sword up changing his stance to a more aggressive stance.
"No you embody what a knight should, honor, duty and, loyalty" Ser Brienne said.
"I have never met a woman knight before, the men of the Kingsguard I met I can only fondly say I call Ser Barristan and ser Jamie are the only ones to show knightly qualities." Jon thought of the now dead Mandon Moore and Boros Blound. "I agree, I wish we could have been comrades in arms Ser Brienne" Jon said.
"Agreed, enough words now let us speak like knights with our blades" Jon roared and traded blows again. Blow after blow Ser Brienne aimed to his injured side where he was giving ground to. Nex to him his friends got into a worst circumstance. Roger was knocked away with a shield bash from Ser Loras Merek stabbed trying to stab into Ser Loras neck. Ser Loras parried and brought his shield up and hit Merek who did not back away in time on his face.
"Shit!" cursed Merek staggered Ser Loras drove his sword with a roar into Merek's belly.
"Roger!" Merek yelled, he dropped his sword and grabbed onto Ser Loras shield holding him in place. Roger charged for Ser Loras but the young knight was ready he slid his hand from the shield and kicked Merek off his sword. Ser Loras parried a hack from Roger meant for his head and brought his gauntlet up to block Merek trying to knock him on his back with his shield. Merek however did not allow himself to be taken off commission yet and he grabbed Ser Loras sword arm.
"Ser Loras" Ser Brienne striked hard and quick overhead Jon could not parry and instead grabbed the blade of his sword. Bringing the blade up parallel to the ground he took the full force his wound throbbed and Jon gritted his teeth and was knocked aside by Ser Brienne to the ground. Jon's sword slid from his grip and slid across the wooden floor. Jon looked up only to see Roger stab Ser Loras under the armpit making the young knight cry out and drop his sword. Merek went down with the knight, Roger turned and Ser Brienne with both hands swung at a stunned Roger taking his head clean off.
"Fuck!" Jon cursed and scrambled for his sword. Standing up he charged Ser Brienne and their sword clashed both warriors gritting their teeth. Jon swung with fury and lessening strength from his wound that was still bleeding. Parrying a lower slash Jon stabbed for Ser Brienne's face she parried it aside and slashed in an arc upwards on his right arcutting Jon's bycept through the chain mail.
"RRAGH!" Jon with adrenaline pumping tackled Ser Brienne down her armor clanked loudly Jon brought his sword up to cleave Ser Brienne's had in two. She threw her free hand up catching his blow. And she hit him with the pomel of her sword across the face. Knocking him off to the side. Ser Brienne lifted herself up swinging down on Jon's prone form. With his sword Jon parried the attack knocking the sword from her hands. Ser Brienne threw herself over regardless Jon struggled with her and they rolled around grappling. Jon manged to wrestle on top of her and went for her neck trying to strangle her. Choking Ser Brienne punched his wounded side with surprising strength.
"AGH!" Jon yelled and he was knocked off Ser Brienne, she retrieved her knife and dove for Jon. Jon brought his leg up stopping her from stabbing him by planting his boot right on her bicep. Before he could kick her off with his other leg Ser Brienne straddled it. Though arm held back Ser Brienne used her free arm to move his leg and stabbed the blade fully through Jon's leg.
"AAAAHHHH!" yelled Jon his leg batted aside he felt the full weight of Ser Brienne over his waist. Holding the bloodied knife she went tried to stab his neck. Crossing his arms Jon caught her blade, but his strength was failing him and she put her weight onto the knife. Jon's nostrils flared as he breathed through gritted teeth and the knife got closer and closer. Rapid patting caught them both off guard Ser Brienne's eyes widen as Jon's massive wolf ran to her blood all over its wet white fur and muzzle. Ghost dove at Ser Brienne knocking her off Jon she screamed bloody murder as she was mauled by the massive Direwolf.
"AAAAAHHHHHH!" her scream was cut short as Ghost mauled her before ripping her throat clean off and sickening gurgling was all the woman knight could must now. Jon watched with sick fascination as the armored body contorted the hands of the dying Ser Brienne clawing fruitlessly and increasingly weakly at Ghost. Her body went limp and Ghost growled at the body bared fangs blood dripping on the corpse. Jon groaned looking at his bloodied leg Jon lifted himself and groped for his sword to use as a support.
"Gods, I have to end this" Jon stood weakly bleeding on the wooden floor and limped himself to the door where Renly was hiding. I'm going to end up dying here, but I will make sure Ghost ends this. Jon limped to the door and Ghost walked up to Jon and whined licking his wounded leg making Jon wince.
"Come on Ghost…we are finishing this" Jon grunted out. The sounds of battle was distant in the background. Jon heard a loud click and he stopped to look at the door. The door the Lords Rooms opened and Ghost crouched baring his deadly teeth growling at the door. Jon tried to stand as best as he could heavily relying on his good leg. He lifted his sword painfully with his wounded arm throbbing. The door opened an old Maester looked at Jon and his wolf. He looked scared when he spotted Ghost and he was frozen in place and could not even close the door.
"Is that a d-daemon?" the Maester asked frightened.
"Direwolf" Jon groaned. "He won't hurt you if you let us through" Jon said. The Maester momentarily looked uncertain but his old eyes soften and opened the door fully.
"Come lad you are wounded let me see to your wounds" Jon staggered forward using his sword as a crutch again and they enterd the room.
"What is your name lad?" the Maester asked.
"Jon…yourself?" Jon asked feebly. The old Maester sighed with sad eyes before ensuring Ghost wouldn't hurt him to help Jon walk.
"I am Maester Cressen, I have been the loyal Maester of House Baratheon for fifty years before Lord….King Renly asked for me from Dragonstone" Maester Cressen spoke.
"Where's Renly" Jon asked without threat, the old man knew Ghost would rip him apart if the word was given. His companion walked to Jon's side his blood red eyes scanning room curiously.
"Gone" the Maester said sadly.
"Shit…tell me where" Jon insisted now a little more demaning, or as much as he could in his wounded state. His head was starting to get fuzzy he had lost plenty of blood now after being filled with more holes than he needed.
"No lad, he is gone…dead" Jon's eyes widen.
"What?" Jon grunted his legs acting up and leaning on the old man heavily.
"these old bones can't hold you up lad let me help you to a sit" he looked for a sofa.
"No…take me to Renly" Jon insisted and regained his footing. Sighing the old man helped him to Renly's Solar. Entering the room he found Renly's body laying peacefully on his massive bed arms folded on his chest holding his sword.
"Why are they fighting? Then Renly's dead" Jon said not believing what death had taken place over a dead body.
"the Rainbow Guard kept his critical condition secret, he received a wound after leading a raid on King Robert's camp" Maester Cressen said.
"The wound got infected on the way here, he refuse treatment as he chose to ride hard back to Storms End" Maester Cressen explained sadly. He walked to the side of the bed and tenderly tucked some hair on Renly's body.
"He died today an hour or so when the Siege began" Maester Cressen said.
"Why did you not tell anyone? We could have spared so many lives" Jon was angry now and the grip on his sword was deathly white.
"I tried but no one would listen to me Ser Loras denied it with every part of his being. Ser Brienne said the Queen and the heir she bares is their king now" Maester Cressen shook his head no doubt he understood the foolishness of it as well.
"A foolish mistake, King Renly never bedded the queen" Maester Cressen's sadness probably had loosened his lips, or he understood the pointless deaths of today. "I did my best to Raise Lord Steffons and Lady Cassana's children. I could not make these three brothers and I have outlived the youngest brother" Maester Cressen began to tear up and Jon sighed not sure how to feel. "I'm so sorry, Lord Steffon I have failed you" the Maester cried into his old hands, Jon gritted his teeth he hated this.
"Maester theyre dying out there, there is only one way to end this" Jon grunted and leaned heavily on his good leg and stood by Renly's side Jon hovered the sword over the bodies neck.
"Look away Maester" Jon's low voice said. The Maester wailed louder and stood and left the room as fast as his old bones would carry him. Gripping his sword with bloodied gloves Jon brought his sword up and brought it down with his fading strength.
"RAAH!" his sword bit into the bodie's neck blood splattering the white sheets. "Shit AAHH!" Jon brought his sword up and down once more his blade bit into the tattered neck further. "AAAAAHHHH!" Jon hacked down again and cut through the bone and another cut finally severed the head. Jon gritted his teeth teeth and took Renly's head by the hair and began limping as fast as he could. Jon exited to the room walking past the corpses of his friends and enemies to the hallway before sitting room. Looking to where he had originally come from with his men. Looking to the right sword gripped tightly and gripped Renly's head tighter and limped to the right. Jon leaned against the wall limping to a balcony. The storm raged outside Jon grunted as he limped to the balcony and leaned on the doorless frame. Jon stumbled out the rain soaking him instantly his blood and Renly's head washing away on the stone ground. Jon thrusted Renly's head out holding it before the warring men below him with all his might he yelled.
"RENLY IS DEAD!" Jon yelled he gasped and gasped before yelling once more "RENLY IS DEAD!" battle continued. Jon yelled again and agai until his voice was horsed.
"THE KING IS DEAD!" the call started to go out Jon watched gasping looking on below.
"THE KING IS DEAD!" the yells grew louder and louder, the clash of steel faded and yells of victory reached Jon like the sweetest music. Swallowing Jon lifted Renly's head for a moment before just dropping on the balcony and slowly making his way back to Renly's Solar. Jon slunk into the room to find Merek leaning against the wall holding his wound. He had Ser Lora's helmet by his side, and the knight in question was barely breathing laying a pool of his own blood. Jon let his sword go clattering as he finally limped his way to Merek and slid down next to him stretching out his wounded leg with a hiss.
"Bugger is still alive" Merek said to Jon pointing at Ser Loras.
"I guess he is" Jon said back.
"How bad is your wound?" Jon asked looking over the punctured leather and chain mail. Merek uncovered his wound his hand bloodied.
"Bad, I'm going to bleed out soon…Jon I have no right to ask you this" Merek started. "I have a son, Peter I didn't tell you sooner because, well" Merek growled. "I wanted to ask you this, can you take my boy? Make him your squre. Give him a better life than mine?" Merek asked. Jon laughed painfully shaking his head.
"We are friends, aye If I live through this I can do that much" Jon agreed with a small grin.
"Thank you, my friend it was an honor to fight with you" Merek said his voice fading. Jon did not turn to look at Merek he could barely stand to watch the dead bodies of his friends. Fatigue set in and no doubt the loss of blood Jon slid to the right away from Merek. He was tired oh so very tired. Ghost trotted to him and bent down his bloodied muzzle sniffing round his face. Jon brought his arm up to pet his faithful companion. Ghost nuzzled his hand before laying down by his head and Jon pushed himself over to and laid on his companions' wet fur.
The End.
To be continued in A Song of Ice and fire: The Longest Night.
Well this is the end of part one, just want to let you guys know I appreciate every view review and favorite and everything. I hope you continue this Journey with me when I post part two of this story that I planned three parts for. So I will leave you with this I will post an epilogue/preview chapter of the next story. Also you guys probably hate me for leaving you in that clift hanger, lol.
Is Ned dead? Is Robert dead will Jon bleed out? Renly died from an infected wound who knows? Who knows… ;)
READE AND REVIEW LADS!