On the Targaryen Camp
Before the fated trial by combat King Daeron II Targaryen called for his men to assemble at the front of his tent, with him is Palantir's father, Ar-Gimilthôn, who the boy can't help but envy his father as the man stood tall and proud as the king of Westeros addresses his people concerning the victory they had won in the field "if not for the assistance of our friends from the seas, then we would see Westeros on the brink of chaos where fathers fight against their sons, and brothers fight against brothers what promises Blackfyre could give are all but falsehoods as he only wants the Iron Throne and not responsibilities that come with it" Daeron said as everyone cheers and he holds up a hand to stop them.
"As the Adûnâim had make haste to come to our aid, it is only fitting that as they leave once more to the seas that we give them a proper farewell" Palantir saw servants carrying a medium box, clinking as they move dropping it before the feet of his father, Ar-Gimilthôn, as Daeron tried to put a hand on his shoulder but cannot because of the height difference "in the service you have done for the Iron Throne and House Targaryen we give you this boon, a part of our treasury, and our oath of friendship and grace, a fitting reward to such acts" the Westerosi cheered as Daeron smiles to Ar-Gimilthôn who returns it with a smile of his own.
The men at the camp once more went silent as Numenorean servants began to come in front bearing a farewell gift of their own "we are a people on the move, but that doesn't mean we would have leave without returning proper graces, we are not savages after all" Palantir's father declares as he gestures for one of the servants to present a cage that has a cat on it "I had heard, King Daeron, that your wife and children had complained the lack of life in your halls despite the gardens and the other children that visit, so I will not give this to you but to your children, this tomcat that was raised and bred in our cities" the servant hands the cage to Ar-Gimilthôn who presented it to Daeron who opens the cage and then scoops the cat out of it and then with a meow and a purr the cat settles to him.
"You should have given me the cat my friend, he has already taken to me!" Daeron quips as the whole camp laughs while Palantir's father smiles in glee at the jape.
"But it is not a gift fit for a king, my friend" with a gesture another servant approaches with a horn, a bearskin rug, tapestries, and a suit of resplendent armor fit for a king "the horn and armor is of our making my friend, the armor itself should fit you and also your children once they had grown, the bearskin rug a hunting mishap when I was on the march to the field..." a chorus of laughter came as he said the tale of the bearskin "...and the tapestries we take from the cities at Slaver's bay when they tried to shackle us" he said as the gift were then given to the king of Westeros.
"We would have given you the shackles they try to put on us but they are of poor quality and would make us poor gift givers" Ar-Gimilthôn quips and a new chorus of laughter came as the gift exchange has ended and Daeron and Palantir's father retired to the main tent to further discuss their agreement of friendship and also prepare for Daemon's trial.
The whole affair itself is rather a blur for Palantir, one in which he couldn't help but wish to be faster "come young Phazân, we must prepare ourselves to sail away again" Alatar said as they went back to their tent and fix them up to carry back to the ships while also gathering the loot and the reward they have for fighting with the red dragons against their black-kin.
"Istari?" Palantir calls out as Alatar and Pallando look at him, "why do all men regardless of reason go to war?" the question was innocent and yet it took the two wizened blue wizards of guard, people around me had been going to war, my father had lost his father and brother in battle, the young Phazân thought as he looks at the two Istari.
"War and conflict has always been a part of all peoples young Phazân not even animals are shy to the calls of conflict" Pallando explains as he bent to the level of Palantir, "what is important Phazân is your reason for fighting and that you fight to secure those reasons" the boy nods and Pallando smiles at that and the three went on to their side of the camp where everyone was busy in packing up for a new journey ahead.
Palantir hands over a tent rug as a shanty caller began to sing a song and everyone began to follow his tune, it was a system that they took from the Dwarves to make every work as enjoyable and also efficient as the rhythm and tempo of the songs makes every person follow whatever it is they are doing from hoisting the sails of ships to dismantling their camp or even when marching to and away from battle, it was enjoyable for a boy of six years old to help with the army as they prepare for travelling, Phazân-Palantir and his friend, Börte, sing along passing stands, tent rugs, and digging up nails before handing them to the quartermasters who puts it on a pack-mule it was already afternoon when they finally finished with packing up for travel.
"Western lands are strange" Börte said as Palantir looks at her.
"Why is that?" he asks as he looks at the girl.
"I've seen some of the Western men boast over men they slain as they drink their cups over the campfires, even my father never boast of killing, to him it was just that killing because they come from a way to victory" Palantir shakes his head and then gestures for her to follow him on their march to the port of King's Landing.
"I don't know Börte why they do that" the boy honestly states as Ar-Gimilthôn, on horseback approaches them with a horse.
"Come we cannot have the Braavosi waiting for us my son" he simply said as he went to march at the column, Phazân-Palantir began to rub the horse's side and then looked at his friend Börte.
"Come on Börte, I'll help you ride on the horse" he said as the Variag girl did so, he held her feet then boosted her to the big saddle of the courser and then let himself be helped by his friend to the saddle, with one last look at the now growing noisy Targaryen camp, Phazân-Palantir urges his courser to ride away.
In the middle of the Redgrass field
The Redgrass field it was now called, and a monument were being built by the soldiers, where the red dragon banners fly instead of black, Daemon thought as he was led to the center of the field where a makeshift arena was made for his trial by combat, this field was supposed to be his field of glory if not for those event that led to the Adûnâim supporting his brother, Daemon could only sigh as his captors removed his bonds "try to run my lord and we will make sure that you will die like the rebel scum you are" a man-at-arms said as he was led to the field, what's done is done, Daemon thought as they stopped at the arena and people began to make way for him to enter it, like a sheep that was led to a slaughter.
Daemon Blackfyre was given an ordinary castle-forged steel arming sword and a shield, he tested its balance then found it sufficient enough, it seems one of the White Cloak was chosen by my coward of a half-brother, he thought as he saw Ser Gwayne Corbray come at the front with his Valyrian sword, Lady Forlorn, oh how I wish for Blackfyre to be at my hand, Daemon grimly thought as a helm was handed to him "thank you good squire" he said as the squire just nods to him and then backs away, Daemon puts on his helm, Daenerys, Rohanne I'm so sorry and I hope you forgive me, especially you Daenerys, but Daemon knew that prayers and wishes were for the weak as he looks at Ser Gwayne Corbray who stood with his sword on the ground and his stance at the ready, what's done is done.
"In the sight of gods and men let this contest of arms prove who is the just and the righteous!" Daeron his brother announced as everyone cheered and he raise his hand for everyone to be quiet, "let the trial by combat begin" both of the men began to assume a combative stance as Daemon began to raise his shield and keep his sword behind while the King's guard knight had his sword in an upper guard.
He is waiting for me to attack, Daemon thought as he stepped forward feigning a shield charge to which it seems to have worked as Ser Gwayne tried to sidestep and make a side-slash with his sword "Ahhh!" he screams as he tried to slam his shield into the knight, but it seems the man was smarter than Daemon could give him credit for as Ser Gwayne began to half-hand his two-handed sword and then parried his shield before twisting his sword and then locking themselves when he attempted to slam Daemon with his guard, Daemon attempted to attack once more with his arming sword making an over head stab to which Ser Gwayne despite the heavy armor effortlessly dodged by pushing himself away from the shorter blade's range before putting his hand to its handle once more and assuming an upper stance.
Both of them are on the same position at the start of the trial by combat once more.
"Come on, Ser Gwayne! Kill him!" came the cheers of the men.
"Death to Daemon the traitor and usurper!" came a jeer as his brother began to restore order by calling for them to be silent and let the duel be, an order that was followed as everyone fell silent, but still there was tension around them that could cut a Valyrian steel.
Daemon once more charged but this time his charge was met by Ser Gwayne who slashed his sword downward which forced him to raise his guard up, the Valyrian steel sword connects and Daemon's shield was destroyed and he fell to the weight of the blow itself "Arghhh!" he grunts as he tries to recover from his mistakes, what's done is done, he thought as he tried to stab the man who quickly parried his sword doing a half-hand grip once again and then forcing Daemon Blackfyre on the ground as he looks up at the looming armored figure of Ser Gwayne Corbray with his sword pointed at his chest.
What's done is done, Daemon thought as he looks defiantly at the knight, he might be defeated but he will not give his brother satisfaction by dying pathetically in front of the people of Westeros "do it!" he snarls as the King's guard did so driving the sword to his heart, Rohanne, Daenerys, and Aegon, their faces stayed to his eyes as he felt pain to his chest and he could feel his warm blood turning cold what's done is done, thus ends the life of Daemon Blackfyre, son of Aegon IV Targaryen and head of House Blackfyre, killed in his trial by combat.
197 after Aegon's Conquest
It took a long while but it was the new year in this world that finally brought them to Braavos "impressive" Alatar the Istari said and Börte could agree with the wizened old man as she saw the gargantuan statue that was called the Titan of Braavos, what a large statue, Börte thought as they passed through its striding gaze and finally arrived at the harbor of the city of Braavos where a group of old men wearing purple and yet the hue is almost black to her eyes awaited them with expectant gazes and welcoming smiles which shows teeth that is clean and white, while hers and the Adûnâim have clean teeth it still has coloring or as Börte remembers looking at a mirror whenever she cleans herself in the morning before meeting up with Palantir.
"Greetings Ar-Gimilthôn, ruler of the Ar-Adûnâim fleet and master of the waves of the seas, we of Braavos welcomes you in our most fair city" one of the Braavosi greets Palantir's father who returned the gesture with a slight bow of his own along with his wife, Lyssandra, who is carrying Palantir's siblings Bêlzagar and Azrâindil.
"I accept your greetings and invitation my lord" Ar-Gimilthôn said translated by Pallando as the Braavosi just laughed and waved off his greetings and the king of the Ar-Adûnâim looked to Pallando and Alatar who both shrugs at such an unexpected mirth given to them.
"We apologize your grace but here in Braavos we have no kings, or even lords, here in Braavos her people rule" that is surprising, Börte thought as even Ar-Gimilthôn was surprised by it, usually kings rule people not themselves, for how can a people thrive without someone leading them, her father used to say, "but of course as you have traveled far, the Sealord and his council have prepared a banquet for you and your people, before we proceed with negotiations" with that said they were led to the Sealord's Palace as presented by their guide, who is a member of the council, she and Palantir were led to a big garden where three children were playing games.
"You have an impressively large home" Chagatai simply states as he looks at every wall of the Sealord's Palace until they find themselves at a large garden where all kinds of flowers dwell.
The man didn't know how to respond to Börte's father's statement and was even taken aback when he takes note of the figure of Chagatai, "excuse my friend over here" Pallando said taking over the conversation, "the only houses he usually saw are small huts, as his peoples are always on the move" the Istari said as the man quickly recovered himself and then fix his collar
"Of course I meant no offense" the man said as he presents the garden to them. "Your children can remain here, these are the Sealord's children" the man said as Ar-Gimilthôn hesitated but was then reassured by Pallando that Alatar and her father, Chagatai could stay and watch over them and so Palantir's father left to feast with the Sealord and his council while they are left with the Sealord's children.
"Come along Palantir let your father and the adults talk" Lyssandra said as she leads him to the garden followed by Börte, her father, and Alatar.
"You are tall" one of the children, a girl of four years of age, remarked to Palantir pointing at him before looking at Börte "she is small and dirty" she remarks before being stopped by a servant.
"Bellegere you shouldn't be saying that to your father's guest!" the servant scolds the child while her siblings who were a bit older than her and Palantir just continued observing them with curious eyes, even I am curious, Börte thought as she remembers her uncle Bór's tales of the many peoples beyond the steppes of their tribe she observes them as they observed them as well.
"I am Tycho and this is my brother, Syrio, and of course you know my sister Bellegere we welcome you here as sons of Sealord Ferrego" a boy of ten presented himself and his siblings to Palantir as he looks at them while Lyssandra was smiling at their interaction.
"I am Palantir, this is my friend Börte" Palantir said presenting her to them although both Tycho and Syrio seem to back away as she presented herself, is there something wrong with what I did? Börte thought as she looks at Palantir who steps in for her sake, "is there something wrong with my friend, Börte?" Palantir asks as the two brothers looked at each other before sighing in varying degrees of uncertainty before Tycho decided to be the one to tell of their hesitation towards her.
"She looks like a Dothraki" Tycho said looking at Börte up and down that she herself felt uncomfortable, "we mean no offense if you are not but it's just that your clothing and looks reminds us of the savages" he continues as she shakes her head, no need to be offended, when its unintentional.
"From Palantir's people's view we are savages, so I am not offended" she said much to the surprise of Palantir and also the other children with her, it was true after all, from her father's stories concerning the men from the west, they seem to think of them as nothing more than brutes that are good for raising the horses they ride to war and also to provide fodder for them so that the sons of Numenor wouldn't die but them instead.
"Börte..." Palantir sighs as Tycho decided to change the subject as he is the older person to them all in the room.
"We can show you a game we have been playing before you arrive" Tycho suggested leading them to a table where she saw that table itself resembled a map separated by tiles, and are either occupied by a piece of animal, a siege equipment, a person holding weapon or riding a horse and holding a lance or sometimes it is empty "this is cyvasse, its a game from Volantis" Tycho said as he presented it to them, "the game is played by two people, each player had to capture the other's king or decimate his whole army" he gestures for the two of them to seat and Börte looks at the ornately carved pieces of the cyvasse as Tycho explains the rules of the game and then let Palantir and her play the game albeit being coached by both Syrio and Tycho while Bellegere cheers either of them.
"That is an interesting game" Alatar remarks as he approaches them as they play cyvasse, the Istari watching how the game progresses with such an interest that she believes that he was actually the one playing the game himself.
"It is my lord, a lot of people here often play it because they said that its a mark of a civilized man" Tycho said while warily looking at her as they continue to play, in which she won when she moved her cavalry on the flanks and then capture Palantir's king much to his surprise and to the amusement of the people around them as Tycho and his siblings congratulates her win alongside Palantir.
"Can we play again?" Palantir asks smiling at Tycho who nods.
"You can play another round, if the other players assent to it" I don't mind, playing again, Börte thought as once more Syrio began to coach her on how to position the her pieces while Tycho did so with Palantir who is now more eager in having a go against her at the simple board game that plays at war.
Börte looks around the gardens then found Chagatai, her father, who has slept on a couch probably had grown bored or tired with having to travel in the seas for too long or waiting around here, Lyssandra was busy in making sure that Palantir's siblings are not making a fuss by laying them on a soft pillow while singing a lullaby in a language that the young Variag girl couldn't understand, and of course their whole day proceeded with the game of cyvasse with Palantir getting beaten again or beating Börte once before getting beaten again, they played more until a servant had brought them food, a feast that was rarity even at their ships because of rationing and the fact that they mostly eat fish, finally I am starving, she thought as she saw chicken, goat, and venison glazed and cooked with honey and their taste an explosion of flavors that she had never tasted before or maybe it is because she had never tasted anything but hardtack, porridge, and dried fish or meats.
At the court of the Sealord
Pallando watched the proceedings as after the many formalities and food that was given to them had been fulfilled and the Sealord, his council and also some representative from their bank had finally requested their presence to meet with them. "We understand that you have been sea-bound for many months your grace and that you have been looking for land to settle into" Sealord Ferrego said and Ar-Gimilthôn nods in agreement in the ruler of Braavos' words.
"Indeed Sealord, we have been sea-bound ever since arriving from south of a place called Old Ghis, where cities filled with slaves and slave masters live, although whether by mistranslation or their own greed they tried to shackle us themselves which forced us to liberate the slaves and harry their coasts before sailing to the great black walls of Volantis who has undoubtedly heard of our exploits on Old Ghis, and out of fear tried to obliterate or enslave us themselves, we fought of course but at a cost of my father and my brother" it was a good thing that they had learned the history of Braavos, letting them view us as peoples who didn't wish to be shackled would be a good way to foster ties with a city created by slaves who freed themselves, Pallando thought as Sealord Ferrego seem moved by their tale and then held his hand up stopping Gimilthôn.
"Braavos gives condolence to your people, your grace, although I must be straight to the point as time is oft a commodity" the Sealord said as he stood up and then approaches them, "as much as we would like to do what the sunsetlanders did the same for you, allowing you harbor and refuge we know that you are proud, strong, and free if your accounts says" he gestures to a man, a representative of the Iron Bank who approaches them.
"I am a representative of the Iron Bank, my name is Illynoh Hennah" the man called, Illynoh bows to both Gimilthôn and Ferrego, "our proposal to you Ar-Gimilthôn and your people are simple, we would like you to defeat and capture Pentos, not for Braavos, but for yourselves as Pentos has been at war with us ever since our unmasking and has been threatening our freedoms with frequent border clashes and a battle that resulted in our defeat last month, we the Iron Bank are even willing to invest in such an endeavor should you accept" with a gesture a servant approaches them with a chest full of gold, silver, and rare jewels.
They want us to be a shield against their other neighbors farther south, Pallando thought as the large chest was put at the feet of Ar-Gimilthôn who looked at it without any sign of interest "you want us to capture this city called Pentos and take it for ourselves?" he clarifies as Sealord Ferrego nods, "as much as I would be happy to finally give a home to my people, but this endeavor that you had proposed to us would be hard as we only had a hundred and fifty ships not to mention that fifty of those ships contain all folks that cannot fight, another fifty cannot even be siege-worthy" Ar-Gimilthôn argues as he looks at the Sealord then to the representative of the Iron Bank, "if you want this endeavor of yours to be successful then I would suggest that you would have to give us more than just your investment" whispers among the council came but then was halted when the representative of their bank raises a hand to speak.
"We understand your worries your grace concerning such an endeavor, which is why we gave you the chest of valuables for they are not just an investment but our support" he hands the king of the Ar-Adûnâim a paper, "this is a contract from two mercenary companies that we had hired for this endeavor, they are the Company of the Rose and the Wolf Pack, all of them experienced mercenary companies" Ar-Gimilthôn reads the paper and then hands it to Pallando who looks at the paper then reads the details of the contract the Iron Bank signed with the mercenary companies joining their campaign.
Usual promises of gold and land, a joint settlement with a newly established kingdom with the Adûnâim should we succeed in taking the city, Pallando would have to discuss this further with Gimilthôn who was suspicious at the fact that the Iron Bank and Braavos were willing in giving them money and manpower for their campaign to get a new home to this new world that is beyond Eru and the Valar's reach.
"Can those mercenary companies be trusted that they will not desert me or betray me in any way" mercenaries are loyal to their gold after all, the representative of the Iron Bank looked at Ar-Gimilthôn straight in the eye.
"We assure you your grace, that there is a reason why we Braavosi are not just measured by our coin, our words also had worth, a lot of mercenary companies had learnt of it and never had the chance to speak to it with their colleagues" that was the assurance we need, Pallando thought as he could tell that Illynoh was speaking the truth, for no man can tell truth if he doesn't look at a king straight in his eyes, but still suspicious of them to be these generous, Ar-Gimilthôn turns to Pallando who nods at the hidden message he was saying, we had to watch out for them, they can prove to be useful allies for now but they will strike against us when an opportunity comes.
"Then I would graciously accept this opportunity to finally give my people a land to call their own" Gimilthôn said as he and Pallando slightly bowed to him and the Sealord, "thank you good people of Braavos, my people and I will remember this once our banners flew at the walls of Pentos" he said with the same assurance given to him by Illynoh before leaving the halls of the Sealord of Braavos.
"They spare no expenses for us to take down their enemy" Gimilthôn said in Adûnâic to Pallando who nods thoughtfully.
"They want us to be a shield to their southern neighbors that is why they are not sparing any expenses in helping us take the enemy city" Pallando replied in Adûnâic, "but still it is suspicious that they would have to hire two mercenary companies, such things are unwise and expensive if they just want to capture a city regardless of it being their age old enemy" unless the Braavosi wanted to relieve itself of having to support two sellsword companies within it, Pallando thought and Ar-Gimilthôn nods at the words that he had said as they turn to the gardens where at its entrance they were met by a tall, hawkish man, pale, long faced, and black of hair unlike most who lived here who are tan and would often dye their hair as was the custom of their people.
"Are you the king of the Numenoreans?" the man asked his accent thick as he said the name of their people, Ar-Gimilthôn nods "I am the Captain of the Company of the Rose, Karlon Snow we are at yours to command" the man said and Gimilthôn looks at Pallando who shrugs.
"It is good to meet you Captain Karlon Snow" he said as they walked towards the gardens of the Sealord's Palace "what are the odds that we are being sent to a suicide mission?" Gimilthôn asks and Karlon smiles at the question, and his smile reminded Pallando of a wolf.
"Your grace suicide mission or not we the Company of the Rose has always won on impossible odds, we will ensure that your banners will fly over the walls of Pentos before winter comes" Karlon states, his words itself is a statement of the fact that Ar-Gimilthôn couldn't help but look at the man approvingly, clearly impressed with the man's bravado.
"I like your confidence Captain Karlon" the king of the Ar-Adûnâim states, "I just hope that you are not all talk" with that said they took the other members of their party to meet with the other mercenary company that is to help them with the war against Pentos.
The Numenorean slums in the ports of King's Landing
Aegor Rivers, Rohanne, and Daemon's remaining children hid past the guards as they were now attempting to flee Westeros, if only those Numenoreans kept to the sea, Aegor bitterly thought but the world doesn't deal with what ifs, neither does he ever believe that anything is predestined. A child cries and Aegor glares at Rohanne who quickly tries to silence the babe, after their decisive defeat at the now famous Redgrass field and the death of Daemon Blackfyre on an unfair trial of combat, Aegor managed to escape the dishonorable envelopment done by Daeron and his new pets from across the sea.
He had also seen his half-brother Brynden who led an archer contingent to a flank, shooting down those men who were escaping at their side, it was a good thing that Aegor's helm protected him from getting skewered by the craven's arrow, one day Brynden and I will have a reckoning, and one of us would have to remain standing, Aegor swore but for now he had to make sure that Daemon's family escape from King's Landing to Tyrosh, Rohanne's home.
"Have you heard about it? Rohanne of Tyrosh, the wife of Daemon the traitor has escaped" came the loud voice of a city watch patrol, "I've heard that good-king Daeron is pissed that the traitor's family had escaped his clutches" there were whimpers now as Rohanne had finally managed to silence her child.
"Wouldn't blame them though, traitors and their kin don't get to live comfortably, they might try to launch a rebellion again" the man's partner said as they went pass them, a little turn and they would have seen us, Aegor thought as he returned his dirk to its sheath, Aegor loathed skulduggery but he had to do this if only for the future of the Blackfyre cause.
"Come on, no time to lose!" he orders the wife of Daemon who quickly gestures for her other children to follow and before the city watch could catch a glimpse of them they had taken a quick turn with none the wiser, they finally arrived at the end of the port dodging the city watch, with close calls here and there they had finally reached their destination a small yacht that would take them to Tyrosh. Aegor approached first as the watchmen began to draw their swords "I am a servant of the rightful king of Westeros" he declares as the men stopped.
"We know no king but Daemon Blackfyre, eldest son of Aegon IV Targaryen" one of the men said as Aegor then presented Rohanne and her children, they quickly took them into the yacht with such haste that Rohanne almost dropped the babe she was carrying if not for a man who help her "we must be quick your grace" one of the men tells of Rohanne, "as much as we had made sure that we are not revealed, we still look suspicious" the man said as he removed his hood revealing himself to be Ser Eustace Osgrey.
"We owe you our lives Ser" Rohanne said and the man just nods to him before looking at the two men with him before nodding and returning the hood to his head, "Ser? Are you not coming?" Rohanne asked as the man shook his head, smiling at her while bowing slightly.
"Someone should stay your grace and welcome you once more when the rightful king of the Seven Kingdoms has returned, gods keep you" the man said as he quickly ran away while the yacht has been pushed away, and its sails had been raised the morning winds carrying it to Tyrosh. Aegor Rivers looked to the rising sun and then at his half-brother's queen and their children.
"I swear by Daemon's name your grace, I will not rest until a blood of Daemon Blackfyre sits on the Iron Throne" Aegor declares as Rohanne nods accepting his pledge and he once more turns to the rising sun, proud and tall as he was during his youth, and so my struggle has begun.
Author's note: concerning Börte and Palantir, as much as I was once a child, I never had any experience concerning introductions and first impressions as a child since I was a quiet kid then so yeah I apologize for this pathetic attempt in delving to the mind of a child. Another thing also about Aegor 'Bittersteel' Rivers, the successive Blackfyre rebellions and also the Golden Company will still happen albeit with a different twist and yes the whole story would also extend towards the Long Night but first the foundations of the Ar-Adûnâim would have to come first.
My other stories would be continued as well so yeah this is it for this story for now.
Criticisms and Praises are appreciated
Miko 56