Highgarden 298 AC.
Margaery.
She had dozed off some, though to call it sleep would be a lie, instead, she had shut her eyes and leaning against the white fur of the wolf, tried to let her worry for her husband not envelop her. She had managed somehow, and now it was time she got up from the bed, Ghost looking at her all the while as she called for her maids. Dressing quickly, she placed the crown on her head and walked from her room, the two Kingsguard waiting outside for her. The Lords and her family would need to be told and she knew he wished for her to be the one to do so.
All eyes looked to her as she walked in, her grandmother, mother and father already sitting at their table, Garlan and Loras beside them. Her goodmother and new cousins too, though their father was not there, around the room she saw the lords look at her inquisitively, noticing both that Ser Gerold and Ser Oswell walked behind her and that Jae was not with her. She walked to where her grandmother was sitting and then she turned to face the room.
"My Lords, as you can no doubt see my husband the king is not with me at the moment, he left early this morning to prepare for the fight to come." she said and heard the mumbling from certain lords.
"Your grace, when will he return?" Lord Mathis Rowan said.
"He will not my lord, we are to join him outside Kings Landing. We are to begin our march as soon as we can, his own duties and preparations require his full attention my lords, as you can well imagine, but the fight begins now and so we march." she said as strongly as she could.
It seemed to work, and with chants of "Your Grace." and "Fire and Blood," the room quickly emptied, lords, their retainers, their leading knights, all making their way outside to begin to prepare for the march ahead. Margaery looked to see her grandmother smile at her, her father, torn between rising to prepare and waiting to see if he was needed here. She took her seat, and a meal was placed in front of her and while she ate some, she found she had little appetite.
"You did very well your grace." Lyanna said and she heard Arya and Sansa speaking to each other, the younger girl angry that Jae had left.
"Thank you." she said as her grandmother looked to her for more information.
"Your grace?" her father said and she shook her head.
"God's, I'm still Margaery, please." she said a half-smile on her face when Lyanna laughed.
"Now you know how I felt Margaery." Lyanna said and she nodded.
"You are the queen of the seven kingdoms now granddaughter, even we must call you by your title, lest we forget in public." her grandmother said and she reluctantly agreed.
"The king your grace?" Garlan asked.
"My husband is off winning this war, with luck by the time we arrive at Kings Landing it will be over." she said and saw both her brothers look to each other and then their father.
"But our armies?" her father said.
"Were never needed, my lord." Lyanna said and Margaery was thankful for the interruption.
"I don't understand." her father said and the confused look on his face was a clear example of that.
"It doesn't matter father, we march and we make our way to Kings Landing, if Jae is right it'll be to secure the city and for us both to be crowned, should he be wrong then we need to be there to help win the fight, either way we march." she said and a moment later her father and brothers were racing off to make their own preparations.
"You handled that well your grace." her grandmother said with a smirk.
"We must be prepared for both grandmother, there is nothing between us and Kings Landing but the ground we need to cover and we must cover it quickly." she said and saw Ser Gerold and Ser Oswell nod in agreement.
"His grace really believes he can win this without us?" her grandmother said looking to the knights and Lyanna.
"The king planned for every contingency my lady, every possible outcome, this is but one of them." Ser Gerold said and Margaery looked to see if the knight showed any sign of worry.
"Eat your grace, then we will make ready to leave." Lyanna said to her and she smiled, feeling a little less nervous.
In the end, it took them almost a day and a half to actually be ready to set off, and even then it was a staggered line that left Highgarden. Jae's cousin Arya had insisted on coming along, Jeyne Poole too as she'd serve as one of her ladies, they had also been joined by the Frey's and she'd been surprised by Lady Roslin. The woman perhaps the least Frey looking person ever, along with both her brother's, who certainly took after their Rosby side of the family.
Olyvar was a little annoyed the king wasn't here for him to squire for, though that soon changed when Ser Gerold allowed him to squire for him until they met up with Jae and the others. Her Grandmother rode in the wheelhouse and so would Margaery at various points along the journey, but for now, she, her goodmother and Arya all rode surrounded by both Kingsguard and Loras, who it seemed was acting unofficially as one.
She looked back at Highgarden in the distance and wondered when she'd get the chance to return, she didn't expect it to be soon, Kings Landing would be her home from now on. It would take them over a moon to reach the capital and given what Jae had said by that time it would be done with, she hoped he was right, but more importantly, she hoped he was safe.
"He will be fine my queen, my son will return to us both, of that I have no doubt." Lyanna said noticing her worried look, Margaery smiled in return.
"I look forward to seeing him again." she said her smile broader now as she realized just how much she meant every single word.
The Riverlands 298 AC.
Dany.
She had been woken far earlier than she wished and when she saw Jae's face she knew it was time, she felt Ellanys flying towards them, her dragon flying with her brothers and all three of them knowing what was to come. After dressing in her armor and tying her sword to her side, she walked to the kitchen and grabbed some food, eating along the way, she packed the rest and waited for Jae and his uncle.
Once they took to the air, she was glad Jae had taken his uncle with him, not that she'd have minded doing so herself, but spending time alone on Ellanys was so much more fun for her. She could relax more, not have to worry about the person behind or in front of her, though looking to see Jae with three passengers and she with none she did feel somewhat guilty.
When they saw Riverrun though she felt much better, they landed and immediately guards were taking a knee when they saw Jae, he though quickly waving them back to their feet. They walked towards the gates and it wasn't long until Lord Edmure and Lady Catelyn came running. Seeing the look on the lady's face made Dany look around to see if Lakoes was nearby, happily it didn't take her long to find her.
"My queen." Lakoes said smiling as she walked to her, Missandei walking alongside her.
"It's good to see you too." she said leaning forward to kiss her and hoping it wouldn't be for the final time.
"Come, you must be tired." Lakoes said and she shook her heard.
"I can't stay, it's time Lakoes." she said and saw the worried look she was given by both Lakoes and Missandei.
"Do you have to go too my queen?" Missandei asked.
"I do, what we're about to do requires all three dragons." she said and Lakoes looked to where Jae was saying his goodbyes to his aunt and uncle.
She found herself being held tightly by Lakoes, neither of them willing to say goodbye just yet, but when she felt Jae walk behind her she moved from her embrace.
"I will bring her home Lakoes, trust in that." Jae said and she saw the blond breathe a little easier.
"I trust in you both." Lakoes said and Jae smiled, before saying goodbye to Missandei.
They walked quietly back to the dragons, she, Ellanys and Rhaegon would fly off first, Jae, Arthur, Barristan flying in the opposite direction.
"Remember Dany, you are a dragon, Fire and Blood." Jae said hugging her tightly.
"Fire and Blood." she said as she kissed his cheek.
She was airborne a few minutes later, Ellanys eager to fly with her brother, both of them playing in the air, in the distance she saw Jae and Brankardix, her nephew's dragon flying faster as it had further to go. While she flew over Harrenhal she looked down, the large castle almost looking like a blade of grass so far below her was it. She flew further south and eventually, she saw the Lannister army marching, there were far more than she expected and she hoped Jae had timed this right.
In the Kingswood she felt them, through Ellanys more than seeing or hearing them, she knew they were there and so she landed where she could and waited. It didn't take too long for Grey Worm to make his way to her, the unsullied leader moving with a group of his men. When they saw her they bowed as she walked to them, guarding her then as they led her to the rest of the men.
"My queen this one is happy to see you well." Grey worm said.
"And I you Torgho Nudho." she replied "The men are ready?"
"As you command my queen, the unsullied stand and await your orders."
"There's been no trouble?"
"Some men came to burn the woods, orders from the false king, they were no trouble though." Grey Worm said and any other man would have laughed or smirked, but the unsullied leader was a stoic as ever.
"Are any left alive?"
"No my queen." he said and she nodded.
When they reached the men she was impressed as always, they stood at attention, their spears and shields held ready for action, eight thousand unsullied, and one thousand of the Company of the Dragon's archers along with their own guard unit and a protective cavalry force, all ready to do her bidding, to do Jae's will.
"Dovaogēdy, vali hen zaldrīzes, tubī mazemi arlī ñuha lentor's dēmalion, vīlībagon sȳrī, yn māzigon arlī ȳgha, syt aōha dāria kessa emagon jorrāelagon hen ao arlī.
Perzys Ānogār"
"Unsullied, Men of the Dragon, today we take back my family's throne, fight well, but come back safe, for your King and Queen will have need of you again.
Fire and Blood."
"Perzys Ānogār" the chants roared out, the spears smacking on the ground.
"Torgho Nudho, fight well, fight safe, when you see the signal attack, protect the innocent and accept surrender, but do not put yourself more at risk than you need." she said and Grey Worm nodded.
"Be safe my queen." he said and she walked back towards the dragons, looking to the sky, she watched as it began to get dark, before she climbed on Ellanys and looked to Rhaegon and then took to flight.
The Black Betha, 298 AC.
Davos.
They had set sail and as night fell they were close. Mathos standing beside him, he looked to the armada they had and knew it should be larger. The lord's of the Narrow Isle had refused the call, there were no Velaryon's here, no Sunglass, or Celtigar, all had deserted the rightful king. But in taking the Stormlands back, in bringing in his bannermen, in his wife's family, they had enough, just.
He looked out to see the Fury leading the way, his king no doubt standing beside the red woman, Maric giving the Oarsmen their orders, while Devan squired for his king. Somewhere out there, the Lady Marya and the Wraith carried his other two sons, almost his entire family here to support the man who raised him up from nothing. He said a silent prayer to keep them all safe, to bring them all home to Marya and the rest of his boys.
"Father is that it?" Mathos asked excitedly and Davos looked, they were still a distance away but he could see the Red Keep in the distance and Blackwater Bay beckoned them forward.
"It is son. We should be upon it within the hour." he said reaching up and touching the pouch which contained his finger bones, hoping the luck would rub off one more time.
"His grace will win a great victory tonight, Lady Melisandre says her god has foreseen it."
"Maybe she has boy, but I'll tell you what I know, we're in grave danger here and will be for some time and when the arrows start flying and ships start coming towards us, the only god you'll care for is the man standing next to you."
"Father that's blasphemy." Mathos said shocked.
"I believe not in her god son. I believe in Stannis Baratheon, it wasn't a god who raised me up, nor one who gave me my lands, it was a man, a king and it's he who I owe my allegiance and faith to, he and he alone." he said walking to grab a drink.
Truth be told he wasn't one for drinking while sailing, he preferred a clear head and while he wasn't averse to drinking, he'd much rather do it in a tavern on land, but for some reason his throat felt dry. Walking down to his cabin he found the bottle quickly, opening it and drinking a large swallow. The wine was a gift from Saan, a good vintage the pirate declared, though for Davos all wine was a good vintage, especially when you were more used to the slop called ale they served in Pisswater Bend.
"Captain we're getting close." Arlo his first mate said and Davos put the wine back and walked back onto the deck.
They were almost there, he looked out onto the bay and immediately felt something was wrong, it took him a few minutes to realize what it was, there were no ships. Where was the fleet? True Stannis controlled it mostly, but there were others, and yet not all of them were here, Where were they?.
He looked closer, seeing some of the ships he recognized, but it was the one's that were missing that worried him, one in particular. The only ship in the split fleet which had a chance against the Fury was King Robert's Hammer and it was nowhere to be seen. He began to hurriedly look around as the ships sailed further into the bay, night falling making it harder for him to see, but he did begin to notice things and his worry increased.
"Those towers, are new." he said pointing to the two watchtowers at the mouth of the Blackwater Rush, and as they continued to sail he noticed the large chain.
"Father?" Mathos said noticing his worried expression.
Before he had a chance to say anymore though, before he had a chance to think what this all meant, the battle itself had started.
"To arms, get to your positions, Hard to Starboard." he began shouting orders as they moved deeper into the bay, the first of the royal ships coming upon them.
Some of his men began firing flaming arrows, though they were far too far away from anything to cause damage, ordering them to make ready and keep their arrows unlit, he looked around trying to assess the situation. Behind him Saan's ships were left to guard the rear and he cursed Imry for his stupidity, he should have sent the pirate first, if anyone would know or smell a trap it would be Saan.
Ahead of him, some ships were sailing faster, the royal fleet was retreating and Davos felt his stomach twist and turn.
"I told you, father, Lady Melisandre promised us a great victory." Mathos said and he saw them then.
The ships were sailing too slowly to be manned, which could only mean, oh by the gods.
"Fireship." he said and less than a moment later he was proved, right and wrong.
It was fire all right, though not any normal one, normal fire didn't burn green, as ships around him began to blow up, as the green fire came close, he ran to the wheel, hoping to turn around. Looking behind him he saw the chain raised, saw the ships crash into it, to the side the fleet was being decimated and he could only hope Devan and Maric were safe far ahead.
As for Allard and Dale, he feared the worst and when he looked at Mathos's scared features he shouted.
"Abandon ship, to the water, to the water."
But it was too little, too late, the fire was upon them, as the force of the explosion sent him flying, he thought he saw his son engulfed in the flames, thought he saw his men burn. As he hit the water though he believed he must be meeting his gods, as he swore he saw a white dragon fly overhead.
Crownlands 298 AC.
Tywin.
He felt the excitement build, it was an unusual feeling for him, he was normally more dispassionate, more subdued, it was what needed to be done, and so he rarely enjoyed it. After when it was done, when he had beaten another enemy, when he had achieved his goals, he would feel satisfied, he could enjoy a glass of wine, a jape with his brother, though it was usually Kevan who made the jokes.
But now, he had marched his army over miles, yet they had encountered no resistance, their march had been uninterrupted, he had managed, yet again, to catch his enemies by surprise. He'd love to be a fly on the wall of Stannis's ship when he realized it, when he came to realize he'd fallen into the lion's jaws. But for now, he let himself enjoy the ride, Kevan riding alongside him, Addam off scouting ahead, soon he'd know what he'd face and then he could prepare.
With the Reach on the march too, or soon to be anyway, he'd soon be able to squash the wolf also, but for now, he was hunting and unlike Robert, he'd not fall to a woodland animal. He almost chuckled at his own humor, when he saw the riders began to return, Addam leading the way and riding straight towards him.
"My lord, the ships have been spotted close to the bay and there are men riding to siege the gates."
"How many?"
"Two thousand I'd say, my lord, give or take, but no more than that." Addam said.
"He thinks he can take Kings Landing with two thousand men, does he really believe his naval strength that much an advantage?" Kevan said and he looked to his brother.
"In some ways he's right, should he land that's where they're at their weakest, unless Tyrion does his job." He said and both Addam and Kevan looked at him.
"I saw new watchtowers my lord, at the mouth of the river, and a chain in the water." Addam said.
Tywin tried to figure out the mind of his son, the chain would be to trap the fleet and the watchtowers to protect the chain, but apart from that he couldn't figure it out, whatever it was Tyrion had planned was beyond him and that worried him. Knowing however they would be facing a small force and attacking them unawares filled him with joy though.
"Onward." he said and the march began once again in earnest.
Passing by the Kingswood at his left he sent some men in to make sure he would not be flanked, they marched forward though and soon saw the men setting up their siege equipment. He looked to Kevan and didn't even need to give the order, his brother and a detachment of cavalry quickly began riding down the men in front of him. It, in the end, was a slaughter, the men, mainly Florent's caught completely by surprise.
Suddenly the explosions started, the sky lighting up in green and he smirked, he had never expected this, but now his son's plan was clear and he found himself more than impressed. Wildfire, Tyrion had used Aerys greatest desire against Stannis's ships, he looked out to the sky, they still had some distance to travel, but it was a glorious sight and sound.
"Wildfire?" Kevan said when he returned, his brother's lance still bloody.
"It seems Tyrion had a surprise of his own waiting on Stannis." he said and Kevan laughed.
"Perhaps we should bring our own to him too brother, end this false king's usurpation attempt once and for all."
"Ready to roar brother." he said and Kevan laughed.
"Always."
There were some more skirmishes and finally he saw the walls of the city in front of him, the Lannister banners being cheered by the men on the walls and he tried not to remember the last time that had happened. Out in the distance the fires still burned, the green giving the night's sky an eerie glow. When they reached the Dragon Gate, the Gold Cloaks opened it, Bywater coming running to welcome him in.
"My lord, it's god you've come." The man said stating the obvious.
"Indeed it is, Lord Bywater, the situation if you please?"
"The Mud Gate my lord, Stannis's ships and some others have landed and the Mud Gate is under attack, the men are fighting but there are more to come and soon they'll be overrun."
He gave the order to proceed and together with the cavalry he began to ride hard through the city, thankfully given the attack it was empty and they rode quickly. Soon they were riding down the Street of the Sisters and there in front of them was the Muddy Way. When the men in front of them heard the horse they cheered, and he saw the colors raised in front of him, the riders moving quickly into formation.
"Hail to the king."
"Hail king Joffrey."
"Gods bless Lord Tywin."
"Hear them roar."
He smirked as he rode, his golden lion's helm covering his face so no one but he would know, when they rode out of the gate it was into a scene from one of the seven hells. On the water in front of them were countless burning ships, Stannis's fleet all but destroyed, but still some had managed to make it to the shore, and men were piling forward.
Lances raised he watched as his men cut down those in front of him, he looked to see the fiery stag banner fall in places, they had done it, he had arrived at the perfect time. Tyrion had done his job well and he would finish it, the stag would fall once and for all this night. Around him he heard cheers and then quiet, far too much quiet and then the shouts began.
"Dragons."
"Dragons."
"The Targaryen's are here."
"Fire and Blood."
He thought he was in a dream, a nightmare, it couldn't be, surely it was a joke, a jape, a mistake, then he heard it, the roar and as he looked above, he saw it, a white dragon and the man who rode on it's back was wearing the most amazing armor he'd ever seen. He looked to the gate behind him and saw another one, this one black as the night, though unmounted and then he saw the third, this one blue with a smaller figure riding it, silver hair flying out behind them and he knew the truth.
"One-day lion I'll burn you, I'll burn you all." Aerys voice cackled as Tywin threw the pin on the table.
For the first time he could remember Tywin Lannister felt genuine fear, he was unable to move, unable to think, unable to plot or plan his way out. He tried to come up with something, anything, some way out of this and in the end, he found the only one he could think of was to run. Turning his horse back towards the gate he prepared to ride out and then looked on in shock as arrows began to fly, as men wearing dark armor and carrying spears moved forward as one.
Melisandre.
Standing beside her king, she knew how close she was to seeing the first part of the prophecy come true, they would take this city and Stannis would be crowned as King of Westeros. With that done she could then ensure that R'hllor would be the pre-eminent god in these seven kingdoms, surely that would be enough for her god to allow her to make the rest of the prophecy happen.
The armada her king had gathered far outstripped the pitiful defense the false king had, victory was all but assured, she had seen it, Stannis standing on the walls, the city's defenders falling to their knees. Though the image of the white dragon confused her, were there two visions? Two times they would fight in this city and if so, then who were they fighting in the second one?.
She didn't know, couldn't be sure and that was the only doubt she carried in her mind this night. They passed the first ranks and the ships in front of them retreated, their cowardice and loss of faith restoring and enhancing her own. Her king stood stoically beside her, the beachhead up ahead of them getting closer every minute and then there was fire.
"My king?" she said turning as the explosions ripped through the sky.
"We need to make land." she heard one of the sailors say.
Men rushed around the ship behind her, while she stared at the green fire and knew in a heartbeat what it was, wildfire, they were using wildfire. She closed her eyes and prayed, looking for guidance, trying to control the uncontrollable, but it was to no end. The ships of her king's fleet burned as he looked at her angrily, when she opened her eyes he was gone and she felt alone, abandoned, both by her king and her god.
"Lady Melisandre." Devan said and she barely heard him over the noise "Lady Melisandre." he said a little louder forcing her to look to the king's squire.
"What?" she asked.
"You need to get below deck my lady, archers." he said pointing ahead of him.
She looked to see they were close to shore, almost in range of the archers, though she doubted their arrows to be much of a threat, not when behind her a fleet burned. She took one more look at the green fire, watching as it devoured everything in its path, why hadn't she seen this? Why had R'hllor hidden this from her? Was this part of the plan? It didn't make any sense.
Devan led her to her quarters, around her men were putting their armor on, she looked but couldn't see the king and perhaps that was a good thing. She took a seat in her cabin and waited, she had no fire here, no flames to look into, no way to know what it was her god wished from her. As she felt the ship crash into the shore, she rose to her feet, this was not where she should be, not where she would be needed.
"Ser Godfrey." she said leaving the room and seeing the knight rush to the stairs.
"My lady, you must stay inside, we'll clear the way."
"The king Ser Godfrey?"
"His grace is on the beach my lady, it is time." the knight said and ran up the stairs.
She followed behind him, as she reached the deck she looked out into the chaos, some of the ships had landed and most of their accompaniment had made it to the beach. There were no more than twenty men left on The Fury, some of them sailors, with a few soldiers to protect it should it come under attack. On the beach in front of them, men wearing her King's sigil fought with men in gold cloaks, men in Lannister Red and men wearing no sigils at all.
"His grace?" she asked one of the soldiers who drew her attention closer to the walls.
Stannis was fighting through men like an unstoppable force, Lightbringer shining a path to the city, she looked on as he climbed a ladder. The flaming sword cutting down men as if they were nothing, she smiled, his plan, it was his plan, all she had seen until now, the wildfire, an offering perhaps? She wasn't sure, but it was his plan surely she thought as Stannis fought on the walls, just like he had done in her visions.
"My lady, we need to sail." one of the men said suddenly and she looked at him like he'd lost his mind.
"Why would we do that, we are winning." she said her smile clear.
"No my lady we are not." he said and drew her attention to the gate.
Men were pouring through wearing the Lannister colors, far more than they had, she saw the golden armor of the man leading it, the old lion had managed to make it here, how? Why had she not seen this? She looked to the walls and saw Stannis still fighting, men still falling, then looking back to the gate she saw the king's men fall. This was wrong, this was all wrong.
"My lady." the sailor said as she almost crumbled.
She heard it then and it was glorious, the roar forcing men all around to stop and look to its sound. Even above the still exploding ships, it was louder and far more impressive and when she looked up, she fell to her knees. R'hllor had sent them his gift, he had delivered them just as he had said he would, he had sent his chosen his greatest weapon.
"Look above, your king's mount has arrived." she said her voice full of awe as the white dragon flew over, she saw the flames come from its mouth and smiled, knowing it was just as he had shown her.
Had she not been so lost in her rapture she would have noticed the other two dragons, she'd have noticed the rider on the white one, the rider on the blue, but for now, she was lost in prayer and thanks, even as the flames rained down around her.
Tyrion.
The wildfire was placed on the ships, the chain ready to be used and all they could do was wait, wait and hope they had done enough. He watched as the king walked the battlements, his armor shinier than any he had ever seen, even his brother's and father's would look dull in comparison he thought. Yet he needed Joffrey here, the men needed to see the king here, to see him with them, to fuel their courage, even though his nephew had none of his own.
Bronn was off ready to fire the arrow, off ready to give the order for the chain, thankfully his own men were close by, he'd need them before this night was done. He tried to ignore the nonsense his nephew was spouting, of how with his new sword he'd take Stannis's head himself. If the gods were good tonight, then before they gave him the victory, perhaps he'd be lucky enough for Joffrey to face Stannis, this realm needed a new king anyway.
"Uncle, what say you?" Joffrey said his sword out as they looked out to the bay.
"I say a stag is no match for a lion your grace." he said and Joffrey smiled, even though he wasn't the lion he spoke off.
"I'll mount his head at pride of place uncle, then keep it there until the rest of the traitor's heads are ours, Wolves and Stags uncle, I'll see them all dead."
'The rest of us too' he thought but said nothing and just smiled at the king glad when he walked off to bother someone else, his Kingsguard following in his path.
"My lord." Podrick said handing him the water.
"Thank you Pod." he said draining the jug.
"Do you think we'll win my lord?" Podrick asked nervously.
"Did you not hear Pod, mine own nephew will bring us the head of Stannis Baratheon, how could we lose." he said rolling his eyes as Podrick smirked despite his nervousness.
As the sky began to darken he saw it then, the fleet Stannis had amassed was impressive, he had no idea of the number of men coming to face them, but he did know they vastly outnumbered his own. He waited and waited, knowing Bronn would follow his orders, the king coming back just after he sent the order for his men to harry the forces of the ships who would no doubt soon land.
"Why are we not attacking, are those men craven." Joffrey said as he looked out seeing their ships disengage and retreat "Where is the rest of my fleet." the boy king whined.
"All is in hand your grace."
"Don't lie to me Imp, this was you, you're in league with my enemies, just like mother always said." Joffrey said and Tyrion saw his hand go his sword.
The explosions rocked the walls and Joffrey turned from him and looked out as the wildfire took hold. For the briefest of moments, Tyrion saw the green fire reflected in his nephew's eyes, saw the smile on his face and could almost hear it in his head 'Burn them All' he shuddered as Joffrey laughed.
"Look at them, my uncle's men, look at them." Joffrey laughed and Tyrion decided not to point out that some of their own men were inevitably burning too, not that his nephew would care.
"I'm going to the trebuchet's uncle, it's time we gave them their men back." Joffrey said and Tyrion shook his head at the image of Joffrey and his two Kingsguard and what they intended to do with the Antler Men.
He looked back out, the ships burned in the bay, but more than he planned for had or would soon land, he felt Ser Mandon move beside him and looked to see how many of his men were ready to fight.
"My lord, my lord." a man said running towards him.
"What it is man." he said looking to him as the man struggled to catch his breath.
"Stannis's men my lord, they've landed at the tourney grounds, they're attacking the King's Gate."
"Men with me." he said and left with some of his own and some volunteers.
When he arrived at the Mud Gate he saw Clegane standing there, drinking wine and moving away from the gate, the men behind him clearly waiting to follow.
"Clegane, what is the meaning of this?".
"I'm done,"
"Done, what do you mean you're done, get out there and fight."
"Fuck off." the Hound said.
"Clegane fight for your king, for your city."
"Fuck the city." the Hound said walking away "Fuck the King."
He looked on as the Hound walked away, the men turning to follow, he took his axe and climbed up onto a step.
"Men of King's Landing, why do you flee, this is your city, your home, the men who are attacking it are coming for your families.
Should they break through it will be your wives, your children they put to the sword, your houses they loot and destroy,
Fight with me, I'm only half a man but my courage will not fail me this night.
Fight with me and we'll send the stag back to the forest he belongs in.
Fight with me and I promise you, we shall win."
The more he spoke the more men turned and faced the gate, he raised his axe and pointed at it.
"These men come to take our homes, what say you? Should we send them to their false god" he said to cheers.
"For the seven."
"For Kings Landing."
"For King Joffrey."
"For the Half Man."
The men began slamming their pikes into the ground, as they opened the gate he stepped out into a battle proper for the first time, before he had a chance to think of it, to worry about it, he was fighting for his life. He swung his axe and the surprised look on the man's face as it hit his chest would stay with him for a long time, whether it was the axe or the dwarf who wielded it, he'd never know.
He fought like a man possessed and when he had his attention brought to the ships and saw how they were being used, he gathered what men he could and moved towards them. Ser Balon leading a different group, once again he swung and then out of nowhere he felt it, the pain, unlike anything he'd felt before, he turned and through his blood-soaked eyes, he looked on as Ser Mandon was impaled on a pike.
Drifting in and out of consciousness, he felt Podrick or who he hoped was his squire, holding his hand, the boy, holding Tyrion's axe in his other. He looked on as fighting seemed to him to go very strangely, as men came from where he knew not and it seemed they may actually win. As he finally closed his eyes and slept though he felt he must be dreaming, smiling as he looked up at the white dragon in the sky.
Cersei.
The banquet played out as the sounds of the explosions around them intensified, she drank her wine and looked at the worried sheep in front of her. Looking to the musicians she asked them to play louder, to raise the noise level and drown out the battle taking place. The food was far better than they'd been eating for some time, Tyrion's rationing overruled by her for this, morale more important than supplies.
Ser Illyn stood ready for when he was needed, should he be needed, and she was glad her children were elsewhere, though where the imp had secreted her son she had no idea. Myrcella, oh sweet dear Myrcella, stuck in that Viper's Den, but away from her and so safer than she would be perhaps. Not that she could ever or would ever forgive him for it, she sipped her wine, knowing that whatever happened, he'd pay with his life tonight.
"Dance." she shouted as the music played.
"Your grace, there are no men to dance with." one of the ladies said.
"Dance with each other." she said smiling as she sipped her wine.
Only two of them did so and she glared at the others, though their fear of what was happening outside seemed far more than their fear of her at this moment. Lancel came running in, his armor glorious, though compared to her son's or Jaime's a pale imitation of what a real lion should look like. But one made do and did what one needed to do, even if at times it was laying with pale imitations of who she really wished to be with.
"My queen, the fleet burns, Stannis's fleet is done for." Lancel said and there were cheers in the room, her own smile beaming.
"How?"
"The wildfire your grace."
My wildfire, my idea, my plan that the imp stole from me, no, he'd not have the credit, it was her who ordered it, her who came up with the plan, father would know the truth, she thought as she smiled more.
"The King?"
"On the battlements, your grace, leading the men."
Of course, he was as brave and gallant as his father, a true lion, just like her and Jaime and the rest of their children.
"Go Ser Lancel, go and bring me more news." she said refilling her glass.
"As you command my queen."
The mood changed and suddenly more people wished to dance, she looked on as the floor was slightly more filled, women laughing as she sat at the high table alone. This was it, this was how it should be, her as queen above all her subjects. As the night went on she found herself bored, a feast without men was dull, women talking about their husbands was dull, a battle dull, why was it that men lived for such a thing she wondered.
"My queen." a soldier said running towards her the panic clear in his voice and she almost gave the order for Ser Illyn to take his head.
But looking around Ser Illyn was nowhere to be seen, nowhere in sight, she glowered at the empty space where the King's Justice had stood and then remembered, she'd sent him to deal with people trying to flee, people trying to escape. Mere servants who thought they had the right to abandon their queen, no, they would find they did not.
"My queen, the River Gate is under attack, it's sure to fall." the man said and the panicked scream of the women gave her a headache.
"The King, where is the king?" she asked worried for the only one she cared for.
"He is near the gate my queen."
"Find him, bring him to me, find my son now."
The soldier nodded and ran off to find her precious boy, he would be safe, he must be safe, they needed him, she needed him. Time seemed to stretch on, the panicked women had calmed some but their fear was not hers, they feared death or rape, she did not. She was a lioness, the top of the food chain, they would hear her roar before this night was done, she smiled when she saw Lancel come in, though his expression was one of fury.
"What did you do?" Lancel said angrily and for a moment she felt aroused.
"You are speaking to your queen Ser." she said as her guards stepped forward.
"You called the king away, we've lost because of you, you stupid woman."
"I could have your head for this." she said rising to her feet.
"We'll all lose our heads for this, gods' what were you thinking?" he said his voice full of disgust as he moved to walk away.
"My son?" she shouted after him as he neared the door.
"Cowering somewhere no doubt, perhaps you should join him, your grace. I'm sure Stannis would prefer to find you together." Lancel said as he left.
This was wrong, this was all wrong, it couldn't be, they couldn't lose, they were Lannisters, the greatest of all the houses, the richest, the most beautiful, the cleverest, they couldn't lose. She walked from the hall leaving the panicked women to worry about their fate, walking down the corridor she came to the Throne Room. She walked up and looked at it, the Iron Throne, the prize they all sought.
Taking her seat she smiled, this was where she belonged, this was where she should have been, not Rhaegar, not Robert, not even Joffrey, it should have been her, should have been her that was crowned. She closed her eyes as the room filled, as people cheered, she felt their eyes on her, felt the pride as she looked around.
"All hail Queen Cersei, the first of her name."
"Long Live the queen."
She opened her eyes, they were gone, she was alone, they had abandoned her, her guards, her family, all of them, even him.
"Jaime where are you, my love, where are you." she said loudly as the tears began to fall.
"I need you, please my love, come take me from this place, take me in your arms and away from here." she cried out as the doors opened.
She looked on, strange men wearing strange armor, carrying spears and small shields, she reached in and took the vial, they'd not see her fall, not see her humbled, she swallowed quickly as more men entered the Throne Room.
"Jaime." she said falling to the floor, the blood streaming from her nose.
'Valonqar.' she thought as she drew her last breath.
Stannis.
The battle raged around him, he had lost track of how many men he had killed, how many men he had waded through to get here. Ahead of him though were the walls, Kings Landing beckoned and he could almost taste it, behind him carnage reigned, but he moved forward. His sword lit the way and behind him people followed, eager to both protect and to claim glory with their king.
When he reached the walls he began to see the victory in front of him, take this and he would have access to the city beyond and Kings Landing would fall, he looked back out to the burning ships, hoping some of those he cared for still survived. Davos and his son's, the man's loyalty deserving a better fate than to burn here, there were others too, but shaking his head he concentrated on what it was he, himself, had to do.
The ladders were placed against the walls and he began to climb, his own archers taking down those who attempted to stop him, reaching the top he thrust his sword at the man who came towards him. Before slashing another man and moving forward along the battlements themselves, he heard cheers from his own men and then saw defenders throw down their arms.
"It is ours my king." Ser Rolland said and he looked at the giant, a bastard he may be, but a good man and true he believed.
"Forward, the Red Keep is our objective, not the walls of Kings Landing." he said to cheers.
As they moved though things began to fall apart, he heard cheers and not from his men, he heard a battle he had almost thought won, looking back to his horror he saw the Lannister army riding towards his own. For the briefest of seconds, he swore he saw Renly riding at their van, but he closed his eyes and when he looked back it was the old lion he saw.
"My king we must retreat." someone said and he turned to glare at them.
Things went from bad to worse or is it better, he finds he knows not, another army arrives, attacking both the Lannister's and his own and he tried to make sense of it all. A man rushes him in his distraction only for Ser Rolland to beat him down, Stannis keeping his eyes focused on the battle below.
"My king, those men, they are ours?" someone asks though Stannis is sure they're not.
The new army is made up of men in brown leather armor, men carrying spears and shields, and some men on horse, Stannis finds himself perplexed as the men move forward. Their formations, the way they fight marks them as something they cannot be, why would they fight like unsullied? Who did they fight for?.
"My king." someone said but his voice was drowned out by another sound, one he found himself searching the sky for.
"It can't be?"
"A dragon."
"The prince that was promised."
"Azor Ahai."
He heard the cheers and looked to see his men on their knees, to see others surrender, he had won, she had come through, the dragons had awakened, he was the chosen.
He turned to see where the dragon had landed, seeing the whiteness of its wings and for the first time in many years Stannis smiled. He turned to see more, two of them, one hard to make out, it's wings black as the night, the other a blue brighter than any he'd known. The white dragon landed on the ground and Stannis found himself climbing back down the ladder, moving towards it, ready to claim his mount.
The men in brown leather began to move into the city, as he walked he saw Lannister men kneel, disarmed, he saw his own men disarmed and he would have bid them rise, but so focused was he on the dragon ahead of him, that he could concentrate on nothing else. He moved quicker now, seeing it clearly, the dragon's beauty drawing him in, behind him he didn't see the flames the other two spewed, didn't see the woman on the blue ones back.
"My king."
"The dragon rider."
"The Dragon."
He heard the voices as he moved passed them all, before finally, he saw the dragon turn to look at him, his sword raised high he moved forward. In front of him, Lord Tywin was being dragged away by some of the men in dark armor, on the ground Lord Kevan and others were being tied up. But his eyes were focused on the dragon and as he moved closer he looked on as a man climbed off it's back.
"Who are you?" he said confused.
"Ser Arthur, relieve Lord Stannis of his sword." the man said and Stannis shook his head, readying his stance, but the blow came from behind him forcing him to his knees.
A man moved forward carrying a white sword, his armor unlike any he'd ever seen, his white cloak pristine, behind the man stood another man wearing a white cloak, but unlike the ghost who came towards him, this one he knew.
"Ser Barristan, I am your king, do your duty." he said expecting the bold to join his side.
"I am my lord."
"Not a lord, I am your king."
"You are a traitor my lord, not our king." the wraith said and he looked up at the purple eyes of a long-dead man.
"Ser Arthur?" he said shaking his head.
"Indeed Lord Stannis." the sword of the morning said.
"Who are you?" he said looking to the man who was touching the dragon, his dragon.
The man took his helm off, his dark hair tied back behind his head, his dark indigo eyes shining in the night, and then he looked at him, the men coming behind him to take his arms in their own and lead him away.
"My name is Jaehaerys Targaryen, and I am your king my lord." the man said and Stannis ground his teeth as he was led away.
Jae.
He had flown with Arthur and Barristan to where Ser Clarence and his men lay in wait, three thousand cavalrymen quick and mounted and ready to attack. Brankardix landed and all three of them dismounted and walked over to speak to the men of the company, and the loyalists who made up the rest of his force. House Celtigar, House Bar Emmon, House Sunglass, and his own men were the ones he had chosen.
Most of them were from the Crownlands and beyond, most of them knew this area the best of all his men. Grey Worm would lead the unsullied, their archers and some cavalry to protect them. While Arthur and Barristan would lead these men, and he and Dany flew, he could already feel the excitement of the dragons at what was soon to come.
"Good Sers, it is time for us to once again ride, to once again show those who doubt, that the dragons rule here once again. Be safe, be well, do your duty and come back Sers, for this war is only the beginning." he said as the men began to cheer.
"Arthur, Barristan, you know what to do. I'll not land until it's safe, nor will Dany, but you two protect yourselves, protect each other and I'll see you on the other side."
"Be safe my King." Barristan said.
"Be safe Jae." Arthur said and he nodded as he climbed back onto Brankardix's back.
"Fire and Blood." he shouted as Brankardix readied to fly.
"Fire and Blood." the men shouted back as he took to the air.
The flight took no time at all, the ships below him sailing straight into the trap, he flew high and looked for Rhaegon who along with Dany was coming in from the other side. Ahead of him Syrax flew over Tywin's men, they would reach the gates soon, timing, timing, all this planning, all this effort, all these years, and now it would come down to timing.
The victory was assured, they would win this night, that was never in doubt, he had the men, the dragons, he could if he wished to, wait and use the Reach and its lords, use its resources. He could if he wished to, use the North and the Riverlands, use the men of the company, Jon and Richard, Martyn and the others all eager to be part of things. But no, if this was to work this was how it would happen, he closed his eyes and reached out for the white wolf.
They were marching, Margaery riding beside her brothers, his queen leading their men, he smiled as the wolf looked up at her, smiled more when she looked back down at Ghost. Be safe, keep her safe, he said and the wolf he knew would do so, opening his eyes he concentrated on his own job. He saw the ships and flew higher as the trap was sprung, the explosions were loud and Brankardix looked down on the unnatural fire with disdain.
"Come my son, we have much work to do." he said and the dragon began to fly lower.
They released their flames in an arc surrounding men, only hitting those who fired upon them, in front of him Dany did the same while Rhaegon roared at any who dared fire upon his father or his father's kin. Jae reached out to the black dragon, scare them my son, scare them and make them kneel and Rhaegon took his words to heart.
While he and Dany flew around the edges, Rhaegon flew closer, his flames even more precise than their own, his movement unhindered with worry for those on his back. The Unsullied and his archers, aimed to wound not kill, to subdue not destroy, though some men would lose their lives regardless. Soon the fight began to go out of those on the ground, the danger from their men, from their dragons, more than they wished to face.
Jae watched as the Unsullied moved into the city itself, taking the key areas over and maintaining control, he flew close to Dany and pointed down to Grey Worm's men, sending Dany to fly over them, while he flew over the beachhead. Seeing Arthur and the men enter, seeing Barristan lead the charge, took the remaining fight from their enemies and the battle of Blackwater Bay was finally over with.
Landing he watched as Lord Tywin was carried off, unsullied doing their jobs well, he saw Arthur and Barristan take up position in front of him, saw a man move towards them with his sword aflame. Though his mind told him it was a mummery and not real, he looked closer, seeing the fiery stag, the antlered crown, another false king it seemed. As he climbed from the dragon's back, he looked around, he had no idea how many men died here, but he felt it was far less than should have.
Once Arthur dealt with Stannis and he was taken as their prisoner, he turned to the men who had thrown down their arms, walking in front of Arthur and Barristan, he had Brankardix roar just for effect.
"Men of the West and Stormlands, your war is done, soon it will be time to rebuild, time to move on from this war. For now, you are prisoners, give me your fealty and you shall not be for long. You have served false kings, bad kings, and worse men, serve me, serve a true king and your oaths will be rewarded." he said and heard mumbles.
"And should we not." a man said the red fox marking him out as a Florent.
"Then you suffer the same fate as any traitorous lord. On the morrow you have your chance, until then you remain prisoners. Think good and hard my lord, good Sers, men of the West and the Storm, for the choice is yours alone to make."
He turned and with Arthur, Barristan and Ser Clarence made his way through the gates and on to the Red Keep. He saw some men carrying a dwarf on a stretcher and sent some of his own to see to him, guard him, for he knew who he was. As they walked, men and women came out from their doors, looked down from their windows, eager to see, he could see the surprise on their features, the awe on their faces when Arthur's sword was seen.
The whispers of "Sword of the Morning" and "Dragonking" being heard as he passed. As they reached the Red Keep he was pleased to see Lord Varys speaking to Dany, pleased to see Grey Worm's men surrounding it showing it to be theirs.
"Your Grace, the Red Keep is yours, King's Landing is yours, Westeros is yours." Lord Varys said as he took a knee.
"Rise, my lord, for now, the real work begins." he said as Varys joined him and they walked into the keep Aegon built.
A/N: Thanks as always to those who've read and especially those who've reviewed. up next see the fallout from the battle of blackwater and Jae travels to meet his queen, while in Riverrun Ned and Catelyn speak on past events.
Iridium: Glad you liked it, I wanted to ensure it was seen.
Guest: I'm no more forgetting she's a subject than you seem to be that she's also a grandmother and therefore would care about her family too. You bring up Robert but forget Joffrey, she cares for Margery more so than any of her grandchildren, she yes knows Margaery is her greatest asset, but she still cares.
The Robert plan was by all accounts more Renly's than hers anyway, it was dumb, which is why I doubt she was involved, Tywin accepting Cersei being set aside would never have happened. With Joff, she wished the crown, but she wouldn't have let Margaery suffer being married to him, so it's clear she cares.
Here yet again, even going with your assumption, she would still ask the question, now Jae could have told her to do one and that would have made her position clear, but there's is nothing wrong with asking the question.
Circumstances are different here, she sees Marge cares for Jae too, so she wishes the best, she asks and is told, she doesn't demand, she doesn't do it in public.
Would she have done so with Robert, no, but then it's clear who Robert is, she doesn't need to, here with Jae, even taken away any concern she may have for Marge's happiness, she would still wish to know just exactly what kind of a person Jae is, as long as she doesn't overstep in public, as long as she's not been told she cannot ask such a thing, she would naturally ask, even if only to establish a baseline in learning of the king.
As for Arya and Jae, I could respond simply with a my story, i'll push what i want to push lol, Instead I'll say this, if you read between the lines here you can see certain things, certain truths, certain facts, certain ideas.
Some of these ideas have actually been spelt out almost overly so, others hinted at, Arya/Jae and their relationship makes perfect sense to me because i know where my story is going, i know all of these ideas, i have a plan perhaps, a plot that I'm sticking to.
We'll see the truth of it when I show the truth of it, until then if it bothers you that much, then sorry, because that's what's happening.
TimeParadox: We've spoken on this and we seem to be at an impasse in relation to Jaime, on other issues I think we're clearer, if not feel free to speak on them again.
On the dragon at least I think I explained it, if not again feel free.
On Shireen/Arya I ask you bear with me, everything has a reason, we'll see if mine works.
Biohazard: Thanks so much.
Carolus: SO glad you liked that, it was a gruesome way but I think it needed to be.
Salshuman: On Jae/Arya, I've hinted why in the story, certain elements which I believe when added up will show it, apart from that, people can connect, she's family, for a boy who has lost so much of his, he would connect easier and quicker with those who are still left. Arya reminds him of the stories he'd heard of his mother, reminds him of his mother herself, so that adds to it.
But that's not the only reason, the other is there written among the story, it's been hinted at and in a couple of cases almost spelled out, it will be shown in story in an explanation too.
As for the lore, all i've shown is that Rhaegon has connected with Arya, again why that is, what that means, what the explanation for it is, all of that has to be shown too, it's not like she's bonded with the dragon or is the dragon rider, again it's been hinted at and will be shown in a way I think doesn't break the lore, we'll see if people agree.
Lord Viallareal: Jae had the notes sent from LF's seal and the Tyrell's sent their own, both if you read tell the truth, not a lie, just for Tywin they don't mean what he thinks. But Tywin's own hubris is one of his biggest weaknesses, he believes in some way his own hype. On the dragon, if you read Jae's first contact with Rhaegon, back when he just returned from the North, you have a good idea of who the dragon is seeing.
On Arya getting a dragon, that's not exactly what's been hinted at, again that very first convo between Jae and Rhaegon on his return to Astapor makes it far more clear.
Paulies: The great game is no match for dragons, Tywin, the Lannisters without plot armor fall, it's that simple. Cersei is made out in the last two seasons as being in such a strong position, yet in the end we saw she really wasn't, all it requires is the will and the plan to do it right.
Princess: Thanks so much.
Huntsmann: in canon Princess Aerea suffered this death, it's speculated they were firewyrms, creatures who lived in the volcanoes of Valyria.
Xand007: Thanks so much my friend. That's what I thought, Jae has really spent a lot of time looking at the history of his family, so for LF it was either Aerea's death or Aerions, but he'd never have used Wildfire, so Aerea's works better. Hope you liked the battle, Mel was kinda all over the place here.
Adamieeri: Jae in someway kinda expected that he'd not live through what's to come, so he always planned to place Marge in a position of power, now he actually does, he'll make it even more so, but also it's needed for what's to come too.
Outcome: On the more exaggerated things, your right it has, it's the gods working through Jae to try and get a different outcome to the ones that have come before it, a do-over if you will and to ensure that happens, Jae is almost being overpowered, because in the previous tries, he was underpowered.
On Arya, on the dragon, it will be explained, it's not how it seems, i do have a plan and it has been hinted at. I've not just decided to go completely against lore and go, you know what wouldn't it be cool to give Arya a dragon, this isn't that, it's more thought out than that, hopefully when it's shown people will get that.
Zenjack: It's funny you post that, then i miss a week lol, but we're back to normal now.
Nagiten: Meant cousin, sorry.
Dunk: That's kinda the thing, the war for the crown itself wasn't a big thing, personally I've said this before, but Dany with her army and dragons wins the war in a heartbeat, a competent military plan wins in a heartbeat, Instead the Lannister's in canon got plot armor, LF and others plans work no matter what and everyone else is incompetent, etc. Here Jae has been working on this for so long, planning, counter planning etc. he was always gonna win the war, it's the peace and what comes which is where things get tricky, leading to the war for the dawn.
On LF, they were firewyrms, in canon, it's how Princess Aerea dies, we'll not see them again, they're native to Valyria and more it was Jae after studying his family history, picking the worst death he could for him.
I do like the symbolism of a parasite being killed by parasites though.
Davos will play a much larger role going forward.
Aussie: Thanks so much.
Vwchick: I felt so too, best ending for him is a painful one. So glad you liked the wedding and we'll see Tywin's fate soon enough.
Sanem: Infelizmente, sofri uma perda de família, então levei uma semana para lidar com isso. As coisas voltaram ao normal agora e eu estarei postando semanalmente mais uma vez. Realmente feliz por você estar gostando da história e espero que continue.
Xan Merrick: Thank you my friend: I think Arya could have easily been made to do certain things if Cat used the carrot and stick, instead it was always the stick, Dany is far more clever. I'm a big Davos fan and he will have a role here. As for Tywin well, we'll see his fate, but he basically felt that way.
