The Rise Of A Dynasty
Runestone – 301 A.C
Two weeks later...
The castle of Runestone sat on the slopes of a steep rocky mountain with patches of dark green grass. The castle was made up of a large dark grey square shaped tower and a smaller building attached to it. The castle was surrounded by dark grey walls and battlements with a single gate. Outside of the castle was a small village containing a forge, stables and several smaller houses for the smallfolk.
Ned, Ser Wendel Manderly, Hugo and Thor Wull, Lord Marlin Dormund of Dormund Keep who served as one of the Starks most loyal minor Houses, Ser Robar Royce and their twenty Guards followed Andar and Rodrik Royce towards the gate.
Ser Rodrik Royce was around 20 years of age standing at 6'3 tall with short black hair. He was dressed in a leather tunic and breeches with a longsword strapped to his hip.
They rode through the gates into the courtyard where Lord Yohn Royce was waiting for them.
"Lord Stark… we were thrilled to hear of your escape from Kings Landing" said Yohn Royce.
Ned nodded and dismounted his horse along with the others.
"His Grace sends his apologies for his absence… but he is preoccupied with other matters" said Ned as the stable boys made their way over to them and took the reins of their horses.
Yohn Royce nodded.
"The others are waiting for us in the hall" said Yohn Royce.
Ned nodded and walked alongside Yohn Royce.
"Who stands with us Lord Yohn?" said Ned turning to him as they approached the doors.
"The Waynwoods, Hardyngs, Redforts, Graftons and the Corbrays are with us… if we are all in agreement about what must be done then we ride for the Eyrie on the morrow" said Yohn Royce.
"And the Hardyng Boy… he has a claim of House Arryn, is he pressing it?" said Ned solemnly.
"If he seeks to press his claim… then he is being rather tight lipped about it, not that it matters anyway, he is not the rightful heir" said Yohn Royce gruffly.
Ned nodded as they walked through the doors.
"We will cross that bridge if it comes to it" said Ned solemnly.
They walked through the castle until they arrived in the great hall where a large group of Vale Lord's and Ladies were sat around a large table.
As Ned and the others walked towards them the Vale Lords and Ladies stood to their feet and bowed their heads to them.
"Lord Stark" chorused the Lords and Ladies.
Ned nodded to them before they sat down once again.
He spotted Sansa Arryn sat at the head of the table and made his way towards her.
"Lady Arryn" said Ned bowing his head.
Sansa nodded to him.
"Its Lady Royce now Lord Stark" said Sansa dutifully.
Ned bowed his head with a small smile.
"My congratulations My Lady" said Ned.
Sansa bowed her head to him as Rodrik Royce stood next to her.
Yohn Royce took his seat by her side.
"Now that we are all in attendance… we should get down to business" said Yohn Royce.
Sansa nodded and stood up.
Before she could open her mouth Harald Hardyng stood up.
He was a young dark blonde haired man who was around 22 years of age standing at 5'10 tall with shoulder length hair dressed in a fancy light green tunic and breeches.
"We cannot allow Lysa Arryn to continue ruling the Vale… as the only legitimate male Heir of House Arryn I stake my claim to be Lord Of The Vale" said Harald Hardyng confidently.
The rest of the Lords and Ladies around the table made noises of disappointment and anger.
"You are not Jon Arryn's Heir Boy… Lady Sansa is his Heir, named in his letter to Lord Stark which was written on his deathbed" said Andar Royce.
"I am a male with Arryn blood in my veins, she is a Daughter… who has the stronger claim Lord Royce?" said Harald Hardyng.
Sansa had a neutral look on her face.
"You swore to stand behind me as I press my claim Lord Hardyng… or were you speaking falsely at that time?" said Sansa.
"No" said Harald Hardyng gritting his teeth.
"You are speaking to the Lady Of The Vale… use respect, or you will lose your tongue" said Lord Lyonel Corbray sternly.
Harald Hardyng straightened up.
"No… I was not speaking falsely My Lady" said Harald Hardyng flatly as he sat down.
Sansa nodded before looking out at the other's.
"Shall we begin?" said Sansa.
The Eyrie – 301 A.C
Six days later…
Yohn and Andar Royce led Ned, Marlin Dormund, Wendel Manderly, Hugo and Thor Wull through the main gates into the Eyrie followed by Sansa, Robar and Rodrik Royce, Brienne Of Tarth, Ellaria Waynwood, Horton Redfort, his Son's Jasper and Creighton Redfort, Harald Hardyng and Lyn Corbray along with eighty Vale Guards from Houses Royce, Waynwood, Hardyng, Redfort and Corbray.
As planned Ned had his hands tied behind his back and his sword hidden by the Guards. They had planned to pretend to deliver Ned to the Eyrie as a prisoner to gain entrance into the impregnable Vale stronghold so Lysa Arryn could be peacefully removed and taken prisoner.
The other Northerners also had their hands tied behind their backs to keep up the illusion.
Upon entering the main hall of the Eyrie they spotted Lady Lysa Arryn sat atop of the old wooden Vale Throne at the top of the balcony with her Son Robyn Arryn in her lap suckling from her teat.
Twenty or so Guards were stood around the room and on the winding staircase leading up to the throne.
The balcony overlooked the famous moon door which was currently opened revealing the thousand feet drop onto the cliffs.
Lysa Arryn was around 37 years of age with long brown hair down her back and milky white skin.
Her Son Robyn Arryn was around 8 years of age and rather thin for a boy of his age. He had milky white skin like his Mother and neat black hair.
"Lord Stark… welcome to the Eyrie, my congratulations on capturing this traitor My Lords, I will see to it that you are suitably rewarded by the Queen" said Lysa Arryn in an excited voice.
Yohn Royce and the others ignored her and led Ned and the others into the centre of the room.
"Have him placed in the Sky Cells" said Lysa Arryn.
"You will do no such thing Mother" said Sansa confidently making her way to the front of their party as the Guards discreetly cut Ned's ropes and handed a short sword to him.
Lysa Arryn gritted her teeth.
"Sansa… we had not expected you to be here" said Lysa Arryn icily.
Sansa glared at her.
"I thank you for leaving me in Kings Landing… since it led me to the truth" said Sansa bitterly.
"What truth?" said Lysa Arryn icily as mumbles started to be heard around the room.
"The truth, is that you murdered my Father, and then you fled Kings Landing before anyone could question you" said Sansa bitterly causing gasps of shock before the mumbles began to increase in volume.
"Whoever has told you this is lying, your Father succumbed to fever" said Lysa Arryn quickly.
"It is no lie… your own Sister admitted the truth to me, about how you gave him Tears Of Lys, aided by Lord Petyr Baelish, I made sure to tell Lord Royce of your treachery, and he in turn told the men and women stood behind me" said Ned stepping forwards sword in hand.
"You murdered our Lord, who was one of the finest people we had ever met, now you will be brought to justice… Ser Vardis Egen, you are loyal to House Arryn are you not?" said Andar Royce drawing his sword.
The Captain Of The Guard at The Eyrie stepped forwards from his place by the Moon Door.
He was a 6'0 tall man in his early 30's with medium length brown hair dressed in shiny grey steel armour with his bastard sword and dagger strapped to his hips.
"I have always been loyal to House Arryn Ser Andar" said Vardis Egen dutifully.
Sansa Arryn cleared her throat.
"That woman up there is the person who murdered my Father, your late Lord Ser Vardis… I ask that you do what is right and take her into custody" said Sansa dutifully.
The others readied their swords while Brienne moved over to Sansa protectively.
Lysa Arryn shot to her feet.
"Guard's, kill them, kill all of them" shouted Lysa Arryn holding Robyn Arryn close to her hips protectively.
Unfortunately for Lysa Arryn not one of the Guards made a move to aid her before turning to face her several seconds later with their weapons drawn.
"Kill all of them I command it" demanded Lysa Arryn.
"Ser Vardis… take my Mother and Brother into custody" said Sansa Arryn.
"Yes My Lady" said Vardis Egen.
He nodded his head to the two Guards stationed at the top of the staircases. The two Guards bowed their heads and moved closer to Lysa Arryn who was stood on the edge of the balcony overlooking the moon door.
"No… you cannot do this" said Lysa Arryn in a panicked voice.
"Give it up Mother… you have lost, come peacefully, or blood will be spilt" said Sansa bitterly.
Lysa Arryn glared at her Daughter one last time.
"You will not take us!" screamed Lysa Arryn as she held Robyn Arryn close to her.
The Guards shot forwards but were too late to stop Lysa Arryn.
She leaned backwards falling through the moon door dragging a screaming Robyn Arryn with her.
Sansa sighed as her Mother's and Brothers screams fell silent before she walked up the steps onto the balcony.
"My Lady" said each of the Guards dutifully as she passed them before sitting down on the old Vale Throne.
Ned and the others knelt down showing their respect for the new Lady Of The Vale.
Ned stood up as Rodrik Royce walked up the steps before coming to a halt besides Sansa.
"Lord Stark" said Sansa Arryn confidently.
"My Lady" said Ned dutifully.
"My Father swore to follow you into war against the Targaryan's… he was a good loyal man" said Sansa.
"He was My Lady" said Ned humbly.
Sansa nodded.
"The Vale will fight alongside you once more Lord Stark, we will fight for the one true king Edric Baratheon" said Sansa confidently.
"His Grace will be grateful for your support My Lady" said Ned.
Sansa nodded.
"Lord Royce" said Sansa Arryn.
Yohn Royce stepped in front of Ned and knelt before her.
"My Lady" said Yohn Royce dutifully.
Sansa straightened up.
"You have served my Father faithfully for nearly 40 years… you will lead our armies into war" said Sansa.
Yohn Royce bowed his head.
"I will not fail you My Lady" said Yohn Royce dutifully.
"And how many men do we have?" said Sansa.
"We will have some 25,000 at our back, with another fifteen to twenty thousand reserves, but it will take time to prepare an army that size" said Yohn Royce.
Sansa nodded.
"Strategically… what is the best place to make camp in the Riverlands?" said Sansa.
Yohn Royce stood up.
"Harranhal would be the best place to camp in the Riverlands, even as ruins the castle is still fortified and can house our army, and that is where the Northerners will be garrisoning" said Yohn Royce.
"Take our army and ride for Harranhal, give the River Lords something else to worry about during this war" said Sansa.
Yohn Royce nodded.
"Yes My Lady" said Yohn Royce.
Sansa nodded and leaned back in her seat.
Later that night…
Ned finished writing on a scroll before picking it up and reading it.
Jon
I pray that this letter reaches you before too long.
The Vale has sworn to fight for their rightful King and Queen. Take our army into the Riverlands and capture every castle bar Harranhal and Riverrun.
Give each of them a chance to surrender and a chance to pledge fealty to their rightful King in exchange for avoiding bloodshed. Should any of them refuse I want you to take their castles and their Lord's and Ladies as hostages.
We will regroup at Harranhal once we are ready to march on Riverrun and remove the Crown's support from the Riverlands.
Eddard Stark
Ned sealed it before turning to Lord Marlin Dormund who was stood watching him with his hands behind his back.
"Ride for the Crossroads Inn Lord Dormund… be sure that my Son receives this" said Ned solemnly.
Marlin Dormund bowed his head.
"Yes My Lord" said Marlin Dormund.
Ned nodded and dismissed him.
Once the door had shut Ned stood up and walked over to the balcony.
He placed his hands on the stone railing as he looked out at the starry night sky.
"And now it begins" said Ned.
Kings Landing – 301 A.C
Two days later…
Two Gold Cloak's escorted Kyle Mooton, Walt Manderly, Theo Wull and three Stark Guards through the Red Keep to the Small Council Chambers.
Kyle Mooton had been escorted to Kings Landing to deliver Edric Baratheon's demands of surrender to the Crown before resuming his captivity.
As they entered the Small Council Chambers they saw Catelyn, Littlefinger, Varys, Grand Maester Pycelle, Brynden Tully, Prince Quentyn, Minisa and Oberyn Martell sat around the table.
The Small Council turned to face them as they approached.
"Mooton" said Brynden Tully gruffly.
"In the company of Northmen I see" said Oberyn Martell amusedly.
Kyle Mooton glanced at Walt Manderly and Theo Wull.
"Their King has a mesage for you" said Kyle Mooton flatly.
"King Edric Baratheon gives you the terms for your surrender" said Walt Manderly.
"And why would we surrender?" said Catelyn amusedly.
Theo Wull scoffed.
"I doubt you southern twats would surrender… and it would be better for us if we were just to kill all of you, after you killed many of our own" said Theo Wull.
Walt Manderly pushed Kyle Mooton forwards towards the table.
"Get on with it" said Walt Manderly sharply.
Kyle Mooton glared at him before turning back to the Small Council.
He cleared his throat.
"King Edric Baratheon demands your surrender and that you swear fealty to him as the rightful King of the Seven Kingdoms… he also demands that the Queen Mother Catelyn Baratheon denounce all of her titles and admits to her role in the death of Lord Jon Arryn, that the false King and Queen Quentyn and Minisa of Houses Martell and Baratheon denounce all claims to the Iron Throne and return to Dorne to live out the rest of their days, if you do not agree to these terms then your Brother Edmure Tully will be executed and hung from the battlements of Moat Cailin, as a permanent reminder of his foolishness to march on that castle" said Kyle Mooton flatly.
"Mooton here will suffer the same consequences if these terms are refused" said Theo Wull.
Brynden Tully sighed while Catelyn and Minisa scowled.
"The bloody fool… marching on that ruin" said Brynden Tully in a tone of annoyance.
"Uncle" said Catelyn warily.
Minisa locked eyes with Theo Wull.
"If you execute my Uncle and Lord Mooton… you will have no valuable hostages to use against us" said Minisa.
Walt Manderly smirked.
"How right you are… very well then, Edmure Tully, Kyle Mooton and any other Lord's who become our prisoners will remain as our hostages until the war ends, either by your surrender or your defeat, depending on which end that is will decide their fate" said Walt Manderly.
"Those are rather unfavourable terms from your false King" said Littlefinger.
"Maybe… but our King had to watch as his Uncle was killed before his eyes, along with many good men when you attacked him in the Red Keep, so you can understand his reasons for making terms that are unfavourable to you" said Walt Manderly.
"Your terms are still unfavourable… and we do not accept them, instead we ask that you deliver terms to the bastard who calls himself King" said Minisa.
"Let us hear them" said Theo Wull.
Catelyn straightened up.
"Edric Baratheon and his bastard Queen renounce all titles and claims to the Iron Throne, he will take the Black along with Eddard Stark and his three eldest Sons, his two Daughters and youngest Son will become wards at Kings Landing, any who follow them will have a chance to surrender or they will die" said Catelyn.
"Not very favourable terms either, even more unfavourable than ours" said Walt Manderly.
"If they are accepted no more bloodshed will occur" said Catelyn.
"Our King spits on those terms" said Theo Wull gruffly.
"I think that is all there is to discuss… think on our terms" said Walt Manderly.
As they turned to leave with Kyle Mooton several Gold Cloaks stepped in front of them.
Theo Wull chuckled.
"If we fail to return North in two weeks… then Edmure Tully will be executed without second thought, so you can either let us go and spare him, or kill us and him, your choice" said Theo Wull cockily.
Catelyn rose to her feet.
"Let them go" said Catelyn bitterly.
Walt Manderly and Theo Wull left the room followed by Kyle Mooton and their Guards.
Winterfell – 301 A.C
Two days later…
Margaery smiled as she walked out into the courtyard holding Ellara in both her hands.
Myranda Royce, Walla Umber, Melessa Cerwyn and Alys Hornwood were stood besides her with the latter still draped in a black northern style dress and a thin black veil in mourning of her late Husband and Brother.
They stood watching as Bran rode into the courtyard along with a dozen House Stark Guards and Summer.
Margaery gazed at the convoy before walking towards Bran as he dismounted his horse.
"Where is your Mother Brandon… and the Queen?" said Margaery.
"They left for White Harbour the day before we left My Lady" said Bran sadly.
Margaery looked at him curiously before stepping back.
"Come… you must be tired after your long ride, chambers have been prepared for you, and there will be a small feast in six hours" said Margaery softly.
Bran allowed her to guide him into the castle.
Near High Heart – 301 A.C
Three weeks later…
Beric sighed as he walked through the field that was littered with bodies with Shadow at his side.
They had ambushed a small Riverlands army near High Heart in the early hours of the morning and decimated it sending Lord Jeremy Mallister retreating back towards Riverrun with his tail between his legs.
He approached three healers holding down a Riverlands Soldier who was struggling against them.
The healers were dressed in blue and cream dresses with gloves and cream veils covering most of their faces.
"Please... its not that bad, its not that bad" shouted the Soldier as one of the healers pulled his boot off.
"If we do not cut it off the rot will get worse" said one of the Healers in a heavy female Essosi accent.
"I'll be a cripple, I cannot be a cripple" shouted the Soldier with tears in his eyes.
She turned to Beric.
"Hold him down" said the Healer quickly.
Beric did not move.
The Healer pulled her veil down exposing her face.
She was around 19 years of age with tanned olive skin, striking blue eyes and dark brown hair.
"Hold him down... I have to amputate his foot" said the Healer forcefully.
Beric nodded and walked up to the Soldier.
He dropped to his knees gripping the Soldiers shoulders forcing him down to the ground.
"Stay still, you do not want to see this" said Beric quickly.
"Please" pleaded the Soldier as the Healer pulled a saw out of her bag.
Beric winced before giving the Soldier a drink of wine from the wineskin around his neck.
"For the pain... and bite down on this" said Beric quickly as he put a piece of leather in the Soldiers mouth.
The Soldier nodded before screaming into the leather gag as the Healer started to cut his infected foot off while Beric held him down.
After twenty minutes Beric approached the Healer once again as she packed her medical supplies into a sack.
"Here... let me help you" said Beric kneeling beside her and helping her pack her bag.
She looked at him curiously before slinging her bag over her shoulder.
"Thank you... for your help at least, though if it was not for you then that poor boy would not have lost a foot in the first place" said the Healer haughtily.
Beric stood up along with her.
"War is war My Lady, he had a choice" said Beric.
"Did he?" said the Healer as she pulled her Veil down exposing her long dark brown hair.
She caught Beric's eyes on her and paused.
"Did he have a choice My Lord?" said the Healer bluntly.
Beric composed himself as the two walked towards a wagon on the edge of the battlefield.
"Every man has a choice My Lady, no one forced him to fight" said Beric.
The Healer let out a harsh laugh.
"He was a farmer's son from Darry... conscripted to fight in an army against you... he probably never held a sword in his life before they pushed one into his hands" said the Healer.
Beric sighed.
"What is your name My Lady?" said Beric.
She turned to him with a wary look on her face.
"Talisa... Maegyr" said the Healer after several seconds of silence.
Beric nodded.
"And what do I call you My Lord?" said Talisa.
"Beric My Lady... Beric Stark" said Beric as they reached the wagon.
Talisa nodded to him before he helped her climb onto the wagon.
"Thank you" said Talisa warily as she sat down on the wagon with her bag next to her.
Beric nodded to her.
"Where are you from My Lady?" said Beric as the wagon started to pull away.
"Volantis" shouted Talisa.
"Volantis, you are very far from home" shouted Beric.
"Unlucky for that boy you are far from your own home" shouted Talisa.
"He was lucky that you were here" shouted Beric as he watched her leave.
Once she was far away Beric turned around and walked away.
Astapor – 301 A.C
Two weeks later…
"And you are sure this was where she was headed?" said Visenya.
"Her ship was headed this way so yes… and Astapor is the home of the Unsullied, an army for her to buy" said Ashara.
She and Visenya were walking along the market streets on the way to the docks along with Rhaenys, Lyanna, Ser Rodrik, Arthur and eight Stark Guards.
As they turned onto the walkway above the docks Ashara spotted two figures walk down the steps onto the docks.
One was a slender silvery blonde haired young woman who was around 18 years of age dressed in a light blue two piece dress.
Ashara realised that the girl was Daenerys Targaryan when she recognised the older man walking beside her.
Jorah Mormont.
He had not aged well since Ashara had last seen him with short slightly thinning brown hair and wrinkles on his ageing face making him look older than the 47 year old man he was. He was dressed in dark grey House Mormont plate armour with his longsword and dagger strapped to his hips.
Ashara turned to Arthur.
"Its her… she is the spitting image of her Mother" whispered Ashara.
Arthur nodded and turned to her.
"Wait here" said Arthur before walking away from her.
Ashara watched him walk down the steps onto the dock pulling the hood of his cloak up before Lyanna followed him moments later.
Meanwhile…
"You will not order them to murder babies, or put innocent people to the sword, you will see that they are properly fed and sheltered" said Jorah Mormont.
He and Daenerys Targaryan were walking along the dock while the latter of the two kept glancing at a young girl running along the dock holding a wooden ball in her hands.
"A great injustice has been done to them, they are not men any more… but closing your eyes to what is happening will not make it get better or go away" said Jorah Mormont as the two turned onto a larger section of the dock.
Daenerys managed a small smile when she saw the young girl kneel down and roll the wooden ball towards her.
Daenerys knelt down and picked the ball up in one hand looking at the girl curiously.
Sensing danger Arthur quickly drew his knife and walked towards the two as Daenerys started to twist open the top of the ball.
He quickly knocked her to the ground causing the ball to bounce away from her before Jorah Mormont seized him from behind.
Arthur fought him off and pushed him back as Lyanna quickly moved towards them.
Arthur darted forwards as he noticed the ball open up to reveal a small black and sickly green coloured manticore.
Daenerys froze up in fear as the manticore looked at her and screeched.
Suddenly it charged forwards towards her before Arthur stopped it by stabbing his knife into it while Lyanna disarmed a shocked Jorah Mormont who looked at her as if he had seen a ghost.
Arthur pulled the knife up with the now dead manticore skewered to the blade.
He looked down the dock to where the girl looked at him and hissed where he could see her black teeth.
Arthur shook the manticore off of his blade and moved towards the girl who jumped off of the dock into the sea.
Strangely enough when he looked down at the water the girl was nowhere in sight.
He sighed and turned around where he spotted the girl stood atop of the high walls looking down at them.
"The Warlocks" said Daenerys in slight shock as she and Jorah Mormont looked up at the girl who turned and fled.
Arthur walked towards Daenerys and Jorah Mormont who turned back to him in shock.
"I owe you my life Ser" said Daenerys breathing a sigh of relief.
"We have been looking for you for some time… Daenerys Targaryan" said Arthur as he lowered his hood.
Lyanna moved away from Jorah Mormont sheathing her sword before coming to a halt at Arthur's side.
Daenerys turned to Jorah Mormont in confusion.
"Do you know these people Ser Jorah?" said Daenerys in surprise.
Jorah Mormont slowly nodded.
"Aye… that's Ser Arthur Dayne, one of the greatest fighters in Westeros… and still loyal to Lord Eddard Stark I see" said Jorah Mormont in shock.
"And who is this woman who disarmed you?" said Daenerys.
Jorah Mormont sighed.
"He knows exactly who she is Princess… just as he knows who I am" said Ashara.
Daenerys and Jorah Mormont turned around to see Ashara walking towards them with Visenya, Rhaenys, Ser Rodrik and their Guards.
Ashara lowered her hood.
"That woman besides my Brother is his Lady Wife… Lyanna of the Houses Stark and Dayne" said Ashara.
Daenerys turned back to Lyanna who curtly nodded her head to Daenerys.
"Lyanna Stark is dead" said Daenerys in shock.
"Yet here I stand" said Lyanna.
Daenerys looked at Jorah Mormont in shock who could only nod to her.
"It is true Khaleesi… and this woman is Lady Ashara Stark, Wife of Eddard Stark" said Jorah Mormont in a resigned voice.
Ashara nodded her head to them.
"And I doubt you have forgotten who these two are Ser Jorah, with the vow you swore to my Husband many years ago" said Ashara flatly.
Jorah Mormont remained silent for once.
"Many years have passed since he saw either of them… but allow me to introduce" said Ashara moving over to Visenya.
"Queen Visenya of the Houses Baratheon and Targaryan, Daughter of Lyanna Stark and Rhaegar Targaryan" said Ashara.
She moved over to Rhaenys.
"And Princess Rhaenys of the House Targaryan, Daughter of Elia Martell and Rhaegar Targaryan, your Nieces Princess" said Ashara.
Daenerys stepped back in shock as Visenya and Rhaenys stepped forwards.
"Please Princess Daenerys, it would do you well to speak to us, and hear our proposition" said Visenya.
Jorah Mormont stepped in front of Daenerys.
"We should go Khaleesi" said Jorah Mormont quickly.
Daenerys started to turn away from them as Visenya pulled a scroll from her belt.
"My Husband King Edric of the House Baratheon has a proposition for you, granted at our request" said Visenya gesturing to herself and Rhaenys.
She stepped towards Daenerys and handed the scroll to her.
"Khaleesi" warned Jorah Mormont.
Daenerys slowly took the scroll and unrolled it.
After several moments of reading Daenerys looked up from the scroll.
"A royal pardon, from the Usurper's Son" said Daenerys bitterly.
"A royal pardon from the rightful King fighting for his crown… who is offering you peace terms and a safe return to Westeros, to be with your family once again" said Rhaenys.
"And how do I know that you are who you say you are?" said Daenerys.
"Because the man besides you knows who we are… he was there in the Tower Of Joy when my Brother Eddard Stark found me at the end of Robert's Rebellion, where my newborn Daughter and her Sister were hiding there with me" said Lyanna walking towards Daenerys.
Daenerys looked at Jorah Mormont who nodded after several seconds.
"It is true Khaleesi… they are your Nieces, the last surviving children of Rhaegar Targaryan" said Jorah Mormont.
Daenerys remained silent looking back and forth between Jorah Mormont and the others.
"Though I must say Princess… you have a very peculiar choice in your advisors" said Ashara turning to Jorah Mormont with a knowing look on her face.
Jorah Mormont gulped which did not go unnoticed by Daenerys.
"What is she talking about Ser Jorah?" said Daenerys in shock.
Jorah Mormont sighed.
"Khaleesi" said Jorah Mormont in a resigned voice.
"We have a ship docked in the next port… where we can speak more privately, instead of here where many ears are listening" said Ashara.
Daenerys froze up for several seconds before she slowly nodded.
"Fine" said Daenerys.
Ashara nodded and offered her arm to Daenerys.
"Walk with me Princess… we have much to discuss" said Ashara.
Daenerys slowly took her arm and started to walk away from the docks.
Half an hour later…
"And why should I trust your Husband… his Father destroyed my House and my Family with the help of his dog Eddard Stark" said Daenerys frostily.
She was sat in the cabin with Ashara, Visenya, Rhaenys, Arthur, Lyanna and Jorah Mormont.
Ashara laughed.
"Yes… I have heard my Husband being referred to as the Usurper's dog more than once, usually from the Dornish people" said Ashara amusedly as she sipped her wine.
"A fitting name" said Daenerys.
Ashara sent her a small glare.
"My Husband is many things… but the Usurper's dog, no… is this what your Brother whispered into your ear, did he also tell you that the people of Kings Landing cry out for your return, that they toast to your House in their halls?" said Ashara flatly.
"My Brother was a fool" said Daenerys.
Ashara nodded.
"A mad fool… just like his Father before him, mad as mad can be" said Ashara.
Daenerys glared at her.
"You spout the lies my enemies spread throughout Westeros, and yet here you sit asking me for an alliance" said Daenerys bitterly.
"Lies… Princess, if you believe my words are lies then you know absolutely nothing of your Father, I served as a handmaiden to Princess Elia Martell when she married Rhaegar Targaryan, my Brother served on his Kingsguard… and the both of us watched your Father beat your Mother at court, my Brother heard him rape your Mother over and over again" said Ashara.
Daenerys froze up in shock.
"And then Robert's Rebellion started… I remember that day at Winterfell when Brandon Stark rode off for Kings Landing, and I remember the names of every man who went with him… and not a single one of them came home" said Ashara icily.
Daenerys sipped her wine in silence.
"Do you want to know who they were?" said Ashara.
Daenerys slowly nodded.
"Ser Mark Ryswell, Willam Dustin, Karlon Karstark. Martyn Cassel, Theo Snow, and their Guards… Mason, Edric, Howard, Rodrik, and William, Brandon Stark was taken prisoner, and the others were butchered like animals" said Ashara icily.
Daenerys tensed up.
"And then Rickard Stark arrived in Kings Landing, to demand the return of his eldest Son and his Daughter" said Ashara causing Lyanna to look slightly guilty.
"Brandon Stark threatened to kill my Brother Rhaegar" said Daenerys quickly.
"Whom we had all believed had abducted Lyanna" said Ashara.
Daenerys sighed.
"My Brother told me they were burned alive" said Daenerys.
Ashara nodded.
"They were, Rickard Stark was burned alive with Wildfire… while Brandon Stark strangled himself to death trying to save him, your Father got what he deserved, he lost five of his Kingdoms that day, four united in rebellion against him, and the fifth sacked his city" said Ashara flatly.
Daenerys sighed as Visenya placed her hand on Ashara's arm.
"But we are not here to discuss the morbid side of our family history, we are here to discuss peace" said Visenya softly.
Visenya nodded to Daenerys who sipped her wine.
"His Grace has offered to name you Princess Of Dragonstone, and a place on his Small Council at the end of the war" said Visenya.
"His Father has sent assassins after me for years, why should I believe one word of what he says?" said Daenerys hotly.
"Because men are not their Father's, nor are Daughter's… which will please you knowing what your Father was now" said Rhaenys.
Daenerys leaned back in her seat with her wine.
"I have little reason to trust you" said Daenerys.
Ashara sighed and looked at Jorah Mormont who shifted nervously.
"Perhaps we should leave you and Ser Jorah to discuss this amongst yourselves for a moment, and from what my Husband told me he has something very important to tell you" said Ashara standing up.
Daenerys glanced at Jorah Mormont who sighed.
Visenya and the others got to their feet and left the cabin.
The Narrow Sea – 301 A.C
Five days later…
Ashara walked towards Daenerys who was stood at the front of the ship looking out at the Narrow Sea.
Daenerys turned around to look at her as she approached.
"Lady Stark" said Daenerys bowing her head.
Ashara nodded and stood next to her.
"Your Dragons will be your responsibility when we arrive at Winterfell… and I doubt my Son wishes to hear pleas from farmers about how your dragons take their livestock" said Ashara.
Daenerys turned back to where her three dragons were contained in cages.
Two of them were black and red while the other was a slightly green grey colour. However they were no larger than cats or small hounds but they would grow much larger in the future.
Daenerys nodded.
"I will make sure that they do not cause trouble… but they are dragons, they take what they want when they want it" said Daenerys flatly.
"Then perhaps it would be better for you to set them free… they are not mere hounds that can be trained to serve you" said Ashara solemnly.
"They are my Dragon's… I brought them into this world, I will not have them anywhere but by my side" said Daenerys bitterly.
Ashara sighed.
"Her Grace is so glad you agreed to accept our offer, though we wish there had been a different way for you to learn about what Ser Jorah did" said Ashara.
Daenerys frowned.
"I thought he was loyal… he was always there for me, he told me he would protect me until his last breath, all lies… and now I wish you had killed him instead" said Daenerys sadly.
Ashara sighed.
Jorah Mormont had confessed the truth of his spying to Daenerys including how he knew of the wine merchant who attempted to poison her in Vaes Dothrak. In the end he had given himself up asking to be taken to Castle Black to join his Father at the Night's Watch instead of remaining in exile or facing the executioner's blade. A request that was granted in the end.
"He was loyal to you… the fact that he warned you of the wine merchant proves it, if he was not loyal he would have let you die that day" said Ashara flatly.
"And now he returns to Westeros anyway, to take the Black" said Daenerys.
"He was a good man once… my Husband counted him as one of his most loyal friends not so many years ago… but he made poor choices, and now he will suffer for them, you join the Nights Watch for life, only death releases you from your oath" said Ashara flatly.
Daenerys sighed.
"What will become of me… while the war rages on?" said Daenerys.
"You will return to Winterfell with us… the war will be long, but you will be safe at Winterfell" said Ashara.
Daenerys leaned over the railing slightly.
"I thought I would be returning home with an army at my back… I never imagined I would be returning to Westeros like this" said Daenerys flatly as she looked down at the waves.
Ashara smiled.
"My Brother went looking for you in Pentos when you were a small girl… so he could bring you back to Dorne and keep you safe, from your Brother and from your enemies" said Ashara softly.
"Why did you not bring me back then?" said Daenerys turning to face her.
Ashara sighed.
"He could not find you… he found your protectors instead, and they refused to reveal your whereabouts to him, so he had to let you go" said Ashara.
Daenerys nodded.
Ashara paused for a few moments.
"You know, in the end… Robert Baratheon wanted to spare your life" said Ashara solemnly.
Daenerys just looked at her in silent shock.
"On his deathbed… Robert told my Husband that he was right to ask for you to be spared, and that he finally believed that ordering your death was wrong… he asked my Husband to stop the order, but he had realised he was wrong too late, I guess that was when the Wine Merchant tried to poison you" said Ashara solemnly.
"I doubt I will find comfort in that… but if you are right and this King is nothing like the last, then I will not have to live in fear any longer" said Daenerys flatly.
Ashara sighed.
"We should go back inside" said Ashara.
Daenerys nodded and followed Ashara back towards the cabin.
Harranhal – 301 A.C
Two weeks later…
Ned walked through the hallways heading for the Hall Of A Hundred Hearths followed by Edric Baratheon, Barristan Selmy, Arron, Vorian and Edric Dayne, Yohn, Andar, Robar and Rodrik Royce, Ellaria Waynwood, Lyonel Corbray, Jasper and Creighton Redfort.
They walked into the command tent to see Ser Baelor Hightower, Artos Hightower, Ser Martynn Hightower, Randlyll Tarly, Dickon Tarly, Lord Raymond Cuy and Lord Ronnel Beesbury stood around a large table containing maps and wooden sigils of various houses.
They all turned to them and bowed their heads at the sight of Edric Baratheon.
"Your Grace" chorused the Lords.
"My Lords" said Edric Baratheon nodding his head.
He stepped towards the table and looked at the other Lords.
"Progress report?" said Edric Baratheon.
Randyll Tarly stiffly nodded.
"Our Scouts report that Tywin Lannister is marching his army towards Storms End… to join up with Stannis Baratheon for an assault on Kings Landing we assume… the majority of the Tully army is also marching on Kings Landing along the Kings Road, leaving the Riverlands at half strength" said Randyll Tarly gruffly.
Edric Baratheon nodded.
"Majority of the Tully Army?" said Edric Baratheon warily.
Baelor Hightower nodded.
"Our Scouts report some 8,000 men garrisoned at Riverrun, along with Lord Hoster Tully" said Baelor Hightower.
"Not very well defended then?" said Edric Baratheon.
Randyll Tarly gritted his teeth slightly.
"Your Grace… Riverrun is nearly impregnable as it is on the water, and I would expect them to be able to withstand a siege for three years at most" said Randyll Tarly sternly.
"Even so… the other castles in the Riverlands have neither the men nor the provisions to resist sieges for nearly as long, and we have just received word that High Heart and Acorn Hall have surrendered to the Northerners, and hostages have been taken to ensure their compliance" said Ned.
"And what now Lord Stark?" said Randyll Tarly gruffly.
"You will accompany me to Riverrun with your armies and lay siege to the castle Lord Tarly, while Lord Stark and Lord Dayne remain here with the armies of the Vale to await the arrival of the other Northerners" said Edric Baratheon.
"Of course Your Grace" said Baelor Hightower.
Edric Baratheon nodded.
"Is that all My Lords?" said Edric Baratheon.
The others bowed their heads.
Winterfell – 301 A.C
Six days later…
Visenya was stood in front of the large mirror in her chambers as Myranda Greyjoy helped her into her smallclothes.
Myranda was six moons pregnant which could be clearly seen on her body.
The older girl froze up slightly as she touched Visenya's stomach.
"When was the last time you bled Your Grace?" said Myranda in shock.
Visenya sharply turned to her.
Myranda locked eyes with her with a serious look on her face.
"You are with child Your Grace, I am certain of it" said Myranda seriously.
Visenya sighed realising that she had in fact missed her moon's blood two weeks ago.
"Help me get dressed… then find Maester Lewin and my Sister, bring them here" said Visenya.
Myranda nodded and walked over to one of the chests to get a dress for Visenya.
Once Visenya was dressed Myranda sought out Rhaenys and Maester Lewin and had them come to Visenya's chambers. Once there the latter of the two confirmed that Visenya was almost two moons along.
Near Pinkmaiden – 301 A.C
One week later…
Beric was walking through the campsite giving greetings to his friends as he approached Talisa who was sat on a large log by a crate writing on a piece of parchment.
"My Lady" said Beric as he approached her causing her to turn around.
Talisa bowed her head slightly.
"My Lord" said Talisa flatly.
"Who are you writing too?" said Beric.
Talisa chuckled.
"I am not a spy in case you are wondering" said Talisa amusedly.
Beric chuckled and stopped next to her.
"That is what a spy would say when they are being questioned" said Beric.
Talisa smirked and picked up her letter.
"I confess… I am writing to the Tully's informing them of your next plans" said Talisa jokingly.
Beric chuckled as she stood up.
"It is a letter to my Mother" said Talisa.
Beric smiled and watched her roll the letter up before placing it in her pocket.
"Walk with me… if it pleases you My Lady" said Beric.
Talisa looked at him for several moments before smiling.
"Okay" said Talisa.
Beric nodded and walked towards the woods with Talisa at his side.
"I bet you never thought you would find yourself in the middle of a war camp My Lady" said Beric glancing at her.
"I cannot say I thought so either… though I am surprised you keep calling me My Lady" said Talisa.
Beric smiled and slowly offered his arm to her which she nervously took.
"Women of noble birth are referred to as My Lady, except for Queens and Princesses of course" said Beric.
"And what makes you think I am of noble birth?" said Talisa.
"Call it a good judge of character" said Beric.
Talisa raised her eyebrow at him.
"And what if I told you that my Father was a tavern owner, and my Mother was a seamstress… that I grew up above his tavern along with my little brother" said Talisa curiously.
Beric smiled.
"Then I would say you are lying?" said Beric.
Talisa mock glared at him.
"Its rather discourteous to call a Lady a liar My Lord" said Talisa.
Beric chuckled.
"Maybe… but I would say you are a poor liar My Lady, and it is unwise to lie to a Lord" said Beric sternly.
Talisa smirked.
"And here was me thinking that I was a good liar" said Talisa.
Beric chuckled.
"At least you are a better healer than a liar My Lady" said Beric.
Talisa laughed.
"Lucky for some… perhaps you should keep that in mind if you ever need such treatment" said Talisa.
Beric smiled.
"Oh I will" said Beric.
Talisa smirked.
"I come from one of the old families in Volantis… does that sound better?" said Talisa amusedly.
Beric smiled.
"Much better" said Beric.
The two carried on walking through the small forest for another half an hour before returning to the camp.
As they entered the campsite Talisa turned to him.
"You are riding to the Stoney Sept to try and negotiate a surrender?" said Talisa.
Beric nodded.
"We are… why?" said Beric slightly warily.
Talisa sighed and pulled a small scrap of parchment out of one of the pockets on her dress.
"I am running rather low on supplies… some are easy to find in the fields if you know where to look… but others are not" said Talisa handing the scrap of parchment to him.
Beric looked down at the parchment.
"Things like silks for bandages and Milk Of The Poppy are difficult to come by… and you saw what it was like to amputate a foot without the latter, I need these supplies" said Talisa flatly.
Beric nodded.
"And you want me to get them for you… from the Maester's at the Stony Sept?" said Beric sternly.
Talisa locked eyes with him.
"Only what they can spare, no more than that" said Talisa.
Beric sighed and placed the parchment in his cloak pocket.
"Perhaps you should come with us… then you can speak to the Maester's yourself" said Beric.
As she was about to answer she suddenly let go of his arm when she spotted Robb and Arya making their way towards them.
"My Lady" said Robb nodding his head to Talisa.
Talisa bowed her head before walking away from them.
"Your needed in the command tent" said Robb.
Beric nodded and walked towards them.
As they started to walk through the campsite Beric glanced towards Talisa who had just sat down on a log in front of the campfire.
Ten minutes later…
"Lord Umber and Lord Karstark will attack the southern gates with 6,000 men… I will take 8,000 men and attack the western gates, the rest of our men will attack the northern gates" said Galbart Glover causing the others to nod in agreement.
Jon, Robb, Lyra, Beric, Arya and Theon were stood around the table with Greatjon and Smalljon Umber, Galbart, Robbett and Edwin Glover, Roose Bolton, Rickard and Harrion Karstark, Gregor Forrester and Maege Mormont.
"A sound plan… but it will take us some time to get through the gates, they will be well guarded, and we have to make sure they do not call for reinforcements" said Beric.
"Once we are through the gates it will not be too difficult" said Jon.
"There is another way Lord Stark" said Roose Bolton flatly.
Jon and the others turned to him before Jon stiffly nodded.
"Speak of it" said Jon flatly.
Roose Bolton nodded.
"Send my bastard and 20 good men into the Stoney Sept… he will make sure that no calls for reinforcements leave the Stoney Sept" said Roose Bolton flatly.
Jon sighed and turned to the other Northerners who did not react.
"Very well… send 20 of your best men with him" said Jon solemnly.
Roose Bolton nodded his head before walking out of the tent.
Jon looked at the other Northerners.
"I think that is all there is to discuss… you can go" said Jon solemnly.
The Northerners bowed their heads to him and left the tent.