A/N: I hope you all are continuing to be safe. The last few days have been busy for me due to the conclusion of my time as a graduate student and looking for jobs. But there's not much to cover in this chapter, but I hope this is sufficient.
RHAENYS X
Rhaenys sat along with the Mormont sisters and Brandon Snow across from Sijurn, one of the leaders of the Moon Brothers clan but the only one who had agreed to meet them. As expected, Sijurn, along with the other members of the clan that had accompanied him, were dressed in dirtied furs, worn-out belts and boots, and rusty helmets. Whatever garments and shoes that seemed newer compared to the rest looked to be salvaged off of whatever Vale knight was unfortunate enough to become a victim.
At the same time, Rhaenys saw the importance of dealing with the mountain clans of the Vale, as they were the only ones who had the potential to help them and were most likely to possess intimate knowledge of the many passes of the seemingly unreachable mountain kingdom of House Arryn. Their enemies in the Vale, led by Sharra Arryn, would expect a strike into the Vale proper, as that was the only part of their lands where large-scale combat could commence and where the clearest approach to the Eyrie could be seen. Visenya, Lord Umber, and Maerys Tarareon were all too eager to oblige them, and won a great victory near Ironoaks, seat of House Waynwood and very close to the Eyrie itself. Hopefully, her victory will force the other Vale houses to start pouring their strength into the proper, where Vis can keep them preoccupied while we approach the Eyrie from where they least expect it.
After departing with a combined force of fifteen thousand northmen and loyal rivermen from the Green Fork, they sent a thousand cavalry in the direction of the Blood Gate, in order to make the Arryns think that they would try to assault the Eyrie from the most logical and obvious directions. However, if they wanted to achieve surprise and overwhelm the Vale overlords, they had to approach the center of power from the most unlikely course.
After deliberating on the matter, they decided that they would cross into the Vale by way of the river that led to Strongsong, seat of House Belmore. Taking that castle, which commanded one of the other extensive rivers in the Vale, would also allow them to secure the banks closest to the Eyrie, in which there were no known tracks for good reason. Directly north of the seat of House Arryn was a tall massif that was said to be impenetrable, allowing the Kings of the Mountain and the Vale could focus on reinforcing the Bloody Gate.
Or tracks not known to the Arryns, according to Brandon. Going back to the mountain clans, he said, "They had two thousand years to know every pass and every rock in the Mountains of the Moon. How else do you think that they were able to evade the knights of the Vale for so long?"
"It's still risky. After all, they'll just see as another lowlander people invading lands that used to belong to them," Bethany Mormont responded.
"It's either we approach them, or we lose thousands of men assaulting the Bloody Gate and we cannot afford serious losses at this stage," Brandon was adamant. "Most importantly, you won't be in any risk."
"What do you mean?" Bethany asked.
"Meaning that I will approach Moon Brothers, who are near where we need to cross. They might be persuaded to talk if they Autumn here," he scratched his direwolf's head.
"And if they try to harm you?" Lyanara was worried.
"You know me. I can get out of danger myself, especially with Autumn by my side," Brandon assured her.
"Brandon, how soon can we expect a dialogue to start between us and the Moon Brothers?" Rhaenys wanted to proceed and make headway as soon as possible.
"It won't take long. You have my word," Brandon promised.
"While we wait, I will fly on Meraxes and see what pathways can be taken from above," Rhaenys stood up. "It won't hurt to seek out courses we can take ourselves."
Brandon nodded, as did the Mormont sisters. "That sounds logical, Your Grace. Allow me two weeks at the most and I shall return with an emissary from the Moon Brothers."
"You have your two weeks," Rhaenys gave her consent. "But be prepared for when we have to move out soon. We don't want to keep my sister and Lord Umber too busy, otherwise they might take all the credit for themselves."
The Mormont sisters chuckled at her jest, as did Brandon. "Plenty of glory to go around once this war is over, Your Grace, and all of us will get our share."
So, for two weeks, Rhaenys observed the Mountains of the Moon very closely as she flew on Meraxes. Starting from the Green Fork, she glided above a tributary that started from the various Vale glaciers, which then separated into three smaller ones. The northern most tributary was closest to the river where Strongsong was located and thus had the shortest width of mountain range that could be crossed. However, they didn't know which passes to take and if it could even be traversed at all.
Deciding to descend a little lower, Rhaenys was able to see in more detail the small valleys between the towering peaks, from the trees that dotted each of them to the small streams and even a hint of snow. But so far, she couldn't find any obvious routes that the army could take as they penetrated the Vale.
After getting all that she could from her flying, she returned to the army on the Green Fork and waited for Brandon's arrival. As promised, Brandon returned, but with ten members of what presumably were the Moon Brothers.
After offering them bread and salt, as even the Vale mountain clans treated guest rights as inviolable since they were descended from the First Men and would not treat with strangers without it, Rhaenys invited them to the command tent, where other lords such as Lord Poole, Lord Darry, and Lord Ryswell among others had also joined since they were the senior commanders left in the region.
"You are currently in the presence of Rhaenys of House Targaryen, Queen of Westeros and Shield of Her People. Caretaker of the Valyrians, the First Men, the Andals, and the Rhoynar. Lady of the Seven Kingdoms, the Silver Dragon, and the wife of King Aegon of Westeros, first of his name," Brandon introduced her to the Sijurn and the other nine members of the Moon Brothers, which also included four women.
After hearing Lord Snow list her titles, Sijurn yawned as he held his hand over his mouth which was surrounded by a bushy black stubble and unkempt black hair. His actions caused some displeasured looks among the other lords, but Brandon and Rhaenys merely shrugged it off, as the current situation outweighed whatever value they placed on ceremony, which wasn't very much. "Your Grace, may I present Sijurn, one of the chiefs of the Moon Brothers alongside his brother, Mathin," he continued.
"Welcome, Sijurn," Rhaenys greeted them. "Thank you for taking the time to see us, despite us being unfamiliar."
"We only came because of that man's wolf creature," Sijurn was being blunt. "Where else can you see such a beast in these parts?"
"Right," Rhaenys nodded. "I also assume that you saw my dragon, Meraxes."
"You mean the scaly bird that can breathe fire? Yeah, we saw it," one of the Moon Brother women answered.
"Not a bird," Rhaenys suppressed a laugh. "It's a creature unlike any other you've seen, besides Autumn. It can grow large enough for people to ride them and we can go long distances in a single day because of them."
"Are they like the dragons of the sea?" Sijurn asked eagerly.
"No," Rhaenys shook her head. "They're very different creatures and unlike sea dragons, the dragon that I ride is very real and can cause much damage if threatened."
Sijurn groaned, disappointed.
"But that's not why we're here," Brandon stepped in. "Sijurn, I asked you to come because Queen Rhaenys is in a position to offer back something that was taken from your people thousands of years prior to today."
"Spare the promises, Snow," Sijurn waved off. "It's not the first time that lowland lords tried to trap us with empty promises, and we've learned long ago not to trust any words that might come from their mouths, especially since they have tried to eliminate us many times."
"If you're talking about the houses in the Vale that have persecuted you for thousands of years, then I wouldn't disagree," Rhaenys gave them that. "But… I am not a lady. I am Queen of Westeros, only one of two that can ride a dragon, and promises don't work only when one of us decides not to keep our end of the bargain. You can ask anyone here. Whatever promises I make, or my husband, or my sister, or goodbrother, it'll be kept. No matter the circumstances, we make guarantees."
"I don't believe that," Sijurn scoffed, making a few of the lords ground their teeth in outrage.
But Rhaenys raised her hand, calming them down. "Okay. You came here with Lord Snow, but you seem to not be interested in what we have to say. So, what is it that you want to say?"
"Well… you may have a dragon, but all I see is a soft woman who is incapable of holding her own. You look like all of the lowland ladies that have come and gone, whose only interest is in song and moving your bodies around wantonly like whores," Sijurn held no bars back, earning more angry stares from the lords in attendance, even from the Mormont sisters. "And what doesn't help is that you don't look like you're from Westeros. Those Seven thumpers came with fair hair and bright eyes, which you also seem to have, and that's how we're able to know who's who. All of that considered, you have nothing to offer us and we have no reason to accept anything from you."
"Outrageous!" Lord Darry stood up. "Is this how barbarians speak? By using words as liberally as they would when they kidnap women?"
"Of course, you lowland lords would think that. We've only been doing what we did for thousands of years," Sijurn spat back.
"Enough!" Brandon stopped the argument from going further, which was helped by Autumn growling. Afraid of red direwolf, Sijurn and the others backed down.
As for Rhaenys, she took in all of the insults that the chief of the Moon Brothers threw at her. In another time, she would have lashed out and had Meraxes burn whoever said it. However, times were now different, and she needed to show that she was capable of operating on her own. Then, she found a way to get Sijurn to engage her without the rudeness.
"Do you shoot, Sijurn?" Rhaenys asked.
That confused the chief of the Moon Brothers and the rest inside of the tent. Brandon and the Mormont sisters immediately understood where she was going with this.
"I have to know how to shoot a bow and an arrow if I want to survive," Sijurn stated after a moment.
"Then, you wouldn't mind showing us your skill with the bow before us and showing me how fierce a chief of a mountain clan can be," Rhaenys crossed her arms.
"Why would I do that?"
"It's true. I like song and I like dancing, although I wouldn't know how a whore would move her body," she shrugged. "But, you're wrong about one thing. I know how to take care of myself and I have killed men before."
"I doubt it," Sijurn scoffed.
"So, I have a proposition," Rhaenys ignored him. "We both shoot bows and different targets. The one who scores the most hits in the center and in the fastest time wins."
Brandon and the Mormont sisters smiled, while the other lords became more puzzled.
"And what is the wager?"
"That you apologize for your insults and hear what we have to say, but you have to demonstrate polite behavior when we do," Rhaenys declared.
"And if you lose the wager?"
"Then, you can have as much food and ale as you want, and you are free to leave."
Brandon and the Mormont sisters weren't worried, even though the former had to put in the actual effort in approaching a potentially hostile group of people with or without Autumn.
"Done," Sijurn stood up eagerly. "I like to see you cry like all lowlander women do if you lose."
"If," Rhaenys merely answered with.
Soon enough, two targets were set up, with both Rhaenys and Sijurn readying their bows for the contest.
"First one to land fifteen arrows in the center," Brandon patted his hands on the straw targets. "Wins the wager. May the best archer win," he eyed Rhaenys, which she knew was his way of saying "Go get him."
Sijurn won't know what hit him, she promised to herself.
Nocking arrows, Sijurn and Rhaenys released them at the same time and hit their mark. But considering that this was their first arrow, no one was surprised.
"Come on, Sijurn. Beat the lowland woman!" some of the Moon Brother women cheered.
"Get him, Your Grace!" cheered some of the northmen and rivermen.
Rhaenys nocked another arrow and released it, hitting her mark again. Then the next arrow, the one after that, and the one afterwards.
But the thing about releasing many arrows over time is that the aim will gradually become off, as the muscles will get tired and the eyes lose focus after staring at only one thing for a long time. The more arrows released, the more chances an archer has in missing the target and tiring out.
Fortunately for Rhaenys, she had the benefit of being taught archery by Konno Haru and both of his sons. Harsh as they were, they knew how to instill discipline and taught her many techniques that would allow her to keep releasing arrows without losing her aim. But more importantly, they taught her to control the hot blood that would come whenever one was involved in battle, as hot blood led to rash decisions and easily avoidable mistakes, both of which could kill a person very quickly.
One of the techniques that Rhaenys used was to control her breathing, inhaling through her nose and exhaling through her mouth. Konno said to her, "Before you raise your bow, take a deep breath from your belly and think about what you want to achieve with that shot. Keep your breathing even as you shoot the arrow and stay focused on your movements. Don't focus on the target, which is a common mistake. By keeping your mind calm and focused on your technique, you're much more likely to hit the target over long periods of time."
And that was what she did. Breathing from her belly, she focused on how her arms held the bow and arrow and let it loose once she calmed herself. She didn't focus on what Sijurn was doing, as he was not her.
Unfortunately for the mountain clan chief, he didn't have the benefits of the Haru training and as he released his seventh arrow, he started to lose concentration and his arms began to tire. Seeing how calm the "lowland women" was, he began to worry and just let loose his arrows at his targets, which started to go off mark with each one afterwards.
Finally, both of the bowmen used their fifteen arrows, but Rhaenys was able to get all of them on mark while Sijurn got only ten.
Brandon, the Mormont sisters, and the northmen and rivermen all cheered for their queen, who humbly bowed, while Sijurn just stood there, shocked at how he was bested.
Putting her bow and quiver aside, she turned to the mountain clan chief. "I believe you owe me an apology."
Sijurn sighed before nodding. "Very well. I am sorry for calling you soft and for comparing you to a whore."
Rhaenys smirked. "If you are truly sorry, you will keep your mouth shut while we give you our proposal. I can promise you that it'll be an offer worth your while."
"If you say so," Sijurn grudgingly said.
"That was amazing, Your Grace," Lyanara Mormont couldn't stop her excitement after what she saw today.
"I'm glad you think so, Lady Lyanara. But I'm pretty sure that my abilities on the bow cannot compare with your talents with the mace and your sister's with Longclaw," Rhaenys felt like she was about to go red from all of the praise that was coming her way.
"Nonsense, Your Grace. I appreciate you being humble about your achievement, but you should take it in more stride. You've accomplished a big thing today," the youngest of the Mormont sisters said.
Rhaenys bobbed her head, accepting her advice. After besting Sijurn on the bow, the negotiations between them and the men and women of the Moon Brothers went more smoothly. Applying the strategy that they used so far, she promised Sijurn and the Moon Brothers their choice of land as well as receiving recompense from any Vale houses that have wronged them.
"I will also ensure that the practice of the old gods will spread through the lands that you'll reclaim and whatever lands that will surround yours," Rhaenys added. "You have much to gain by supporting our efforts against the houses that oppose us, and you can finally obtain retribution against the ones who stole your homes and made you live like savages."
"Many houses, those who were here before those Seven thumpers came and took what they saw, were wiped out. How would you bring back the numbers our people used to enjoy before we were so reduced?" Sijurn asked.
"That will take time, but I'm sure that you can help bring back the power of the First Men to the lowlands, given your people's determination in the face of difficulties," she stated.
"What about the Arryns, in their tall castle? How would you deal with them?"
"First, we have to break their strength. Then, we have to show them that the mountains will not protect them. After both have been achieved, then we will make our moves on the Arryns. But considering that the current king Ronnel is but a boy, I might not punish him as severely as his mother Sharra. I can't blame him, since he is probably too young to understand the affairs of those grown," Rhaenys explained.
Sijurn nodded, accepting her reasoning. "But I would suggest not letting your feelings influence how you go about things. I can see that you are about to be a mother."
Rhaenys rubbed her belly, which had grown considerably. "Yes. And I hope that my children will enjoy the fruits of the labor from myself and my family."
"Understandable, but don't let your maternal instincts make you soft on this boy Ronnel. You never know what children are capable of," Sijurn warned.
Rhaenys exhaled. "That's probably what you still don't understand. Dragons have feelings that cannot be bridled except by other dragons, but we are also protective of what we love. And one of the consequences of that is the ability to understand others without being unduly influenced by inconsequential matters, which extends to children. The difference between my family and the other lowland lords you fought is that we kill those who need to be killed and no more. And Ronnel Arryn has done nothing to use, as far as we're concerned, so I see no need to harm him."
"What about your actions against Black Harren?" Sijurn questioned her, bringing back memories to Rhaenys on how she and her siblings burned that castle and wiped out House Hoare except for Darvin. "Even amongst us clansmen, your actions against the ironborn are well known."
"You really think that the ironborn could be trusted, after what they do?" Rhaenys asked rhetorically. "But we're digressing. Once the Vale is ours, you and your people will be rewarded with lands and titles, a step towards the resurgence of the First Men in the Vale after Artys Arryn swathed through your ancestors' homes."
"And must we abide by the chains that come with being lowlanders?" Sijurn narrowed his eyes. "One of the few benefits of how we live is that we answer to no old men in castles because theirs fathers and their fathers before them were there."
"Those customs that you refer to don't have to be chains," Rhaenys responded. "After all, the ways of the First Men didn't place so much importance on lordships, but that is the way throughout the rest of the continent. And whether you wish to accept it or not, you won't be seen as nothing more than landless brutes if you have nothing to your name."
Sijurn took a moment to think about it, the thought of becoming a lowlander bothering him. "I might be inclined to accept your offer, but I'm not sure if the other clans will take it. After all, if we take your offer, they might not join you because we have blood feuds with others."
"Leave that to us," Rhaenys brushed his concern aside. "And I am sure Lord Snow will be able to work wonders with the other clans, given that you and he come from the First Men."
"Coming from the same people might not be enough, but it's a start," Sijurn then turned to leave. "I'll let my brother know of your offer and you'll be hearing from me soon."
"I look forward to it."
Going back to the present, Rhaenys took in the praise from the Mormont sisters and especially from the northmen who had accompanied, all of whom did not expect the youngest of House Targaryen to be so skilled with the bow and demonstrating an understanding for First Men culture.
"Just curious, Your Grace. How did you know how to make Sijurn talk to you without him throwing insults?" Bethany asked.
Rhaenys tapped her fingers on the table, trying to find the right words. "Well… I learned a lot by observing how you, your sister, Torrhen, Brandon, Jocelyn, and other northern houses interacted with one another. The words about how the north was ruled rang true, as all of you did not do things how we did in the south. As you might have expected, the south is operated by certain rules that speak of how those live. My father said that from his experience, the lords of Westeros are always seeking to undermine one another in the pursuit for more lands, more coin, more power. And they present friendly faces when they approach you, but they hide their true intentions until the last moment. Lying and sabotage are just among the many things that define how lords and kings interact with one another."
"The same can also be true in the north," Bethany said.
"But here's what I learned," Rhaenys continued. "And correct me if I'm wrong, but the ruggedness and cold of the north stripped away all of the unneeded pomp and concerns that the rest of Westeros have become so consumed by. The only concerns that occupy the northern houses are all centered on basic survival, because what comforts can be found in the north besides those around a hearth and under a roof? Whatever worries or struggles that the northern houses face, it's all rooted in making it through the cold and thus their means of ensuring their own survival are more earnest in my mind."
Bethany's and Lyanara's eyes widened, not expecting Rhaenys to be so observant.
"And what I've also noticed is that harshness doesn't allow for some people to see themselves as better than others, of which you two are good examples. The northern houses heed your council, and they heeded Jocelyn, which is more than what the houses in parts such as the riverlands and the Reach can say," she carried on. "While I will not shy away from dealing with lords who seek more than they have, it's refreshing to see when houses are not engaged in some quarrel over something trivial. And I also feel invigorated when disagreements can be ended quickly, instead of prolonged and thus causing more pain. I wish for those ways to return to Westeros. That's what I have to say."
Lyanara grinned. "You've just spoken how northmen would describe their home. And it shows how much you admire our traditions."
"What's not to admire? In the north, I saw women exercise real power, while the same couldn't be said. You could point to Lady Argella, who was only able to survive because of my brother Orys being rescued in time. And I hope for her sake, that will change."
Bethany nodded in agreement. "At the same time, it'll be hard to uproot the Faith from the lands that we'll have to subjugate and rule, as all of the traditions are centered from that religion. We might discredit the Starry Sept, but people will believe in it no matter what happens."
Rhaenys had to admit that was true. Many of the people in Westeros would not let go of their beliefs even if presented with other options, as people are generally afraid of change. "And that's why our first step is to show that we can fight our own struggles on our own strength, as while the dragons are our source of power, we cannot use it every time or they'll see it a weakness to exploit. Even the most powerful things in the world can be taken down if people are smart enough to observe any sources of disadvantage."
"Very true," Bethany replied. "And that's why we must show the Arryns, the Gardeners, and the Lannisters that their armies, their mountains, and their gold will not protect them, as we will show them how meaningless they are in the grander scheme of things."
"Agreed," Rhaenys concurred. "We should be ready to march when the Moon Brothers come with their response. Once they accept our offer, we'll being moving into the mountains."
"Yes, Your Grace," Bethany and Lyanara dipped their heads as they left the tent. As for Brandon, who was merely listening to the discussion between the women, he let his presence be known again."
"I hope you remember about my suggestion in approaching the First Men houses of the Vale, since they might not have the best relationship with the Arryns given how they were thrown from power thousands of years ago," Brandon started.
"I do. Once we cross the mountains and onto the river where Strongsong is located on, I will send word to the Belmores, but only after we surrounded their castle and cut off any chance of retreat or reinforcement," Rhaenys responded. "While we move to strike the Eyrie from the north, we must also move to secure Heart's Home, home of the Corbrays. If we don't, we'll be forced to contend the enemy from two directions."
"And that'll probably be our first real battle, but one I don't expect to exert much effort on considering that the Corbrays are not exactly powerful despite possessing a Valyrian steel sword," Brandon added.
Rhaenys only knew just a little bit on the sword that was reputed to have killed Robar Royce. But them having a Valyrian steel sword despite being a poor house indicated to her that they at least had a legacy to be proud of. They might be useful, given the right direction and under the right rulership.
"How is your babe holding up?" Brandon changed topics.
"Oh, he or she is doing fine," Rhaenys rubbed her belly lovingly. "But honestly, I can't wait when I get to hold it in my arms."
"But will it be a hindrance to the campaign ahead? I wouldn't want you to have your water broken while you come down and save the day on the back of Meraxes," Brandon lightly jested.
"Oh, stop it, Brandon," she chuckled. "But given that Egg fathered this babe, he or she will be eager for battle and thus wouldn't mind being born in combat."
"I really do hope that it's a boy, for I've just heard that Jocelyn is with child again," Brandon scratched Autumn's head while Rhaenys was struck.
"Really?"
"Yes. I've just got word from Dragonstone. She is expecting and I hope that the child is a girl, for there are already three boys to carry on the Stark name," Brandon revealed.
"I should," Rhaenys walked over to a piece of parchment and quill. "Send my congratulations to her. The gods have blessed with strong children already, so let's pray that this child will be healthy also."
"I'm sure she'll appreciate the gesture," Brandon smiled in appreciation.
"And so, our Pact has been taken one step closer."
"It shall be. As I said, I hope that your child is a boy and Jocelyn's new one is a girl."
"Can't you see what the children will be with your sight?"
"The gods have been vague with me on the details, but maybe because they don't want to keep our hopes up. They can be cruel that way, when our hopes reach feverish heights," Brandon shrugged.
"That's reassuring," Rhaenys said dryly as she finished writing on the parchment.
"With the children on the way, we now have more reason to fight. It'll be this land that they'll inherit, so we have to make it as peaceful as possible."
"No truer words have been spoken. Which reminds me. Have you found a lady yet?"
"Not yet."
"If you want, I can ask around and see which houses are willing to give you a woman to marry," Rhaenys offered. "Even though you are not legitimized and given your abilities, I'm sure that the brother of Torrhen Stark will be an attractive option."
"You don't have to do that, but thank you," Brandon responded thankfully. "My time will come."
Rhaenys rolled up the parchment. "Well, I hope it won't be long." But before she could call a messenger, she felt a pang in her belly. "Oooh…"
"The baby kicking again?"
"He or she is strong, like Aegon," Rhaenys gently touched her womb.
"And you. The babe will be good hands, with an able father and mother in its life."
"Thank you, Brandon," she hugged him, startling him even as she withdrew.
"What was that for?"
"We're friends. I thought it'll only be natural we share a hug."
"I'm glad you see us that way," Brandon managed while still surprised as he left the tent with Autumn.
"Gods, he's funny," Rhaenys giggled to herself. "Might have to hug him more if that will not make him look less withdrawn, just like with Jae."
A week later, Sijurn came back and told him that his brother accepted their offer. Departing from the Green Fork, the fifteen thousand force of northmen and rivermen began the push into the mountains and towards the river where Strongsong was at. Meanwhile, Rhaenys flew above the army on Meraxes. Let's not take long here, for Egg, Jae, Vis, and Orys need us back soon.
A/N: Rhaenys is really coming into her own here, as she showed an understanding of how the First Men do things and revealing her deep appreciation. She got the respects of the first Vale mountain clan she came across, while gaining more from the northmen who had accompanied her. She's not the soft woman that many see her as, which would only make her surprising those who underestimate her all the more enjoyable.
Next, we see how things are going in the Reach.