The Rise Of A Dynasty
Riverrun – 301 A.C
Two weeks later…
"Where are they?" said Garlan Tyrell dressed head to toe in shiny steel armour.
He was riding at the head of a 40,000 strong Reach and Dornish army nearly half of whom were on horseback as they rode between the ends of the two trenches into the seemingly deserted campsite.
It was completely dark with the a new moon while there was a light chill in the air.
Willas Tyrell rode up alongside him also dressed in shiny steel armour.
"Search the tents, hopefully Lord Tully might have an idea as to what happened to them" said Willas Tyrell as they rode in between the tents.
"He better do… its not like that many Soldiers could have just vanished into thin air" said Garlan Tyrell.
The two Brothers rode all the way up to the raised drawbridge and dismounted their horses.
"Ser Willas Tyrell and Ser Garlan Tyrell… to see Lord Hoster Tully" shouted Willas Tyrell.
"Lower the bridge!" shouted one of the Guards.
After several seconds the drawbridge started to lower before the two Tyrell's.
Once it was completely lowered Hoster Tully and the ageing Lord Jeremy Mallister walked out to meet the Tyrell's.
"They fled in the night like cowards" said Hoster Tully proudly.
Garlan Tyrell chuckled.
"Cowards the lot of them… one whisper of a real army coming their way and they flee like green boys" said Garlan Tyrell amusedly.
Willas Tyrell sighed.
"Maybe… but it is strange that we did not come across them on our way here" said Willas Tyrell warily.
Meanwhile…
Theon turned away from his view of the Crown's army from the edge of the tree's west of Riverrun and quickly made his way back through the trees to where Edric Baratheon was stood with his three man strong Kingsguard along with Ned, Arron, Randyll Tarly, Yohn Royce, Gendry and Selwyn Tarth at his side.
Edric Baratheon's Kingsguard consisted of Barristan Selmy, Robar Royce and Martynn Hightower.
"They have arrived Your Grace" said Theon.
"How many?" said Randyll Tarly gruffly.
"40,000 at least, half of whom are on horseback" said Theon.
Ned nodded.
"Good lad… go and get ready for the next part of our plan" said Ned.
Theon nodded and left them.
Ned turned to Randyll Tarly and nodded.
Randyll Tarly nodded.
"Archers… get into position" said Randyll Tarly.
Ned unsheathed his new freshly forged greatsword and held it in both hands.
Meanwhile…
"I do not like this" said Willas Tyrell warily watching from the lowered drawbridge as their infantry searched the tents in small groups of four or five.
Most of their infantry had entered the campsite while their cavalry waited outside the campsite casting wary eyes over their surroundings.
Garlan Tyrell chuckled.
"They ran away Will… a shame really, I would have wanted the chance to kill that bastard boy pretending to be a King, and that traitor who keeps our Sister far away in the North" said Garlan Tyrell amusedly.
Willas Tyrell was about to reply before his eyes widened in shock.
"Oh no" said Willas Tyrell in shock as he watched a dozen flaming arrows fly out of the trees into some of the tents.
More than a dozen more flaming arrows followed them landing in the trenches which quickly ignited with monstrous orange flames that danced around them effectively trapping their army in the campsite.
Moments later there were several almighty bangs as the ignited tents exploded spewing oil, flames and large pieces of wood into the Crown's infantry wounding and killing hundreds of them in seconds.
Unfortunately this had an adverse effect on their cavalry as the horses started to get spooked by the loud noises. Some of the horses even bucked their riders and fled as more flames ignited alongside them preventing them from charging into the woods in search of the northern archers.
Willas Tyrell drew his sword and shield ready for a battle while Garlan Tyrell did the same.
"Get back inside!" shouted Hoster Tully as arrows started to rain down on their army from the trees.
Several soldiers were struck down by the arrows before they managed to get their shields up to block the arrows.
"Stand and fight… fucking fight you fools!" shouted Jeremy Mallister as several of the Crown's infantry turned tail and fled towards the river jumping into it.
Willas Tyrell scowled as flaming arrows started to hit their men again breaking through the shield wall.
"Surely they do not have enough arrows to kill even half of us" said Garlan Tyrell as the House Tully Soldiers charged out of Riverrun to join up with the Crown's army.
"We are trapped here you bloody idiot" shouted Hoster Tully as he unsheathed his longsword holding it in both hands.
The men braced themselves for a fight as the drawbridge raised behind them.
They stood there in silence gripping their weapons for several minutes before the arrows ceased firing.
Garlan Tyrell smirked.
"See… now the fools are out of arrows" said Garlan Tyrell amusedly.
Willas Tyrell sharply turned to him with a scowl before his heart froze as the sounds of several horns rang out from around the trees.
They looked around the campsite and the woods expecting to see cavalry or infantry charging towards them but saw nothing.
"Where the fuck are they?" said Hoster Tully.
That question was answered as several more bangs could be heard from where their cavalry was still stuck by the flames before war horns could be heard from even further away from there.
Greatjon Umber pushed the last barrel of oil down from the trees towards the flames before pulling his greatsword out.
"Come on Boys… lets finish these fuckers off" roared Greatjon Umber.
Ned, Maege Mormont and the rest of the northern infantry roared and raised their weapons before charging out of the trees running alongside the flames to attack the cavalry which had become disorganised and depleted after all of the explosions.
At the same time they watched the Knight's Of The Vale charge towards the Crown's cavalry.
Ned ran past the flames and gutted one of the still mounted knights with his greatsword causing him to fall from his horse as the Knight's Of The Vale crashed into the Crown's cavalry.
Ned and the others broke through the cavalry and entered the campsite with the infantry through the large gap in the flames as he heard several howls come from the trees from the Direwolves.
"Break their lines!" shouted Ned.
He wielded his greatsword in one hand as the Crown's infantry charged towards them led by Jeremy Mallister, Willas and Garlan Tyrell.
As the two sets of infantry clashed together Ned beheaded one of the Tyrell Soldiers as Greywind leapt up besides him latching onto the throat of another Tyrell Soldier.
One hour later…
"Now" said Arthur quietly.
Theon nodded and started to row the long row boat towards the cleverly hidden alcove under the castle.
Riverrun's only weakness.
It was well hidden but it was still a weakness.
Arthur, Jon, Robb, Beric, Theon, Vorian Dayne, Edwin Glover and Dacey Mormont were crammed into one boat which was followed by another seven boats containing the other Lord's and their Men.
Thankfully in the midst of the battle they were able to quietly row up to the castle and gain entry since the archers manning the battlements were too preoccupied with the battle in front of them.
Upon reaching the alcove they quickly exited the boats onto the small dock located in the alcove.
Once all of them had exited the boats they drew their weapons before quietly making their way up the steps.
They quietly made their way up the steps into the courtyard where they spotted no more than two dozen Guards stationed in the courtyard.
Arthur turned to Medger Cerwyn and nodded.
"Now" whispered Arthur.
Medger Cerwyn nodded and led the charge out into the courtyard catching the Tully Guards by surprise.
Jon and the others charged into the courtyard and engaged the Tully Soldiers as more ran into the courtyard from the battlements and barracks outnumbering them for a short time.
"Get up onto the battlements!" shouted Arthur.
Jon decapitated one of the Tully Soldiers with Ice before turning and following Theon, Edwin Glover, Smalljon Umber and Dacey Mormont towards the steps leading to the battlements as more Tully Soldiers charged down the steps to meet them.
They moved up the steps killing the Tully Soldiers in their way.
Unfortunately as they burst onto the battlements Jon and the others had to watch in shock and anger as a crossbow bolt pierced the throat of Edwin Glover causing him to drop to the floor clutching his bloody throat as he cried himself to death moments later.
Jon and the others roared and charged the remaining Soldiers on the battlements throwing them over the walls and killing them for the next few minutes before they were the only ones remaining on the battlements.
Jon glanced back at Edwin Glover's body and growled before looking down at the battle below them where their army had pushed the Crown's army back towards Riverrun outnumbering them.
"Fucking cowards the lot of them" said Dacey Mormont bitterly.
Hundreds of the Crown's Soldiers were either leaping into the river or making a break for the gap in the flames to flee the battle which had been lost for some time now.
"Lower the drawbridge… lets get out there and finish these fuckers off" shouted Jon.
He held Ice in one hand as he ran along the battlements and back down the stairs followed by the others.
One hour later…
Ned was walking through the field looking down at the dead bodies which numbered in the thousands.
Every now and then he would pass the body of someone he knew whether it be friend or foe including Galbart Glover who had half a spear stuck into his chest, Jasper Redfort who had more than a dozen crossbow bolts in his chest, Garlan Tyrell who's throat had been ripped out by one of the Direwolves and finally Hoster Tully who had a deep slash across his chest what Ned had inflicted on him after the Tully Lord had cut down four House Stark Men along with Theo Wull before Ned could reach him.
Ned sighed.
As he passed more bodies for the next several he saw Edric Baratheon approaching him with blood on his bastard sword and steel armour while an equally bloodied Barristan Selmy and Gendry were at his side.
"Your Grace" said Ned solemnly.
Edric Baratheon nodded and looked down at the bodies.
"How many men did we lose?" said Edric Baratheon flatly.
Ned sighed.
"We have not finished the count yet Your Grace, not even half way done yet… but at the moment it is at least 2,000" said Ned solemnly.
"Songs will be sung of their bravery Lord Stark" said Edric Baratheon.
"Aye that is true… but the dead will not hear them" said Ned sadly.
He bowed his head before turning around and leaving the others.
In the distance he spotted Jon, Robb, Lyra, Theon, Arya and Beric stood talking amongst themselves and cleaning their swords while Vorian and Edric Dayne also made their way over to them.
Later that night…
Edric Baratheon stood up from his seat at the high table to look out at the Lord's in the hall as they feasted and drank in silence.
Ned, Baelor Hightower, Randyll Tarly, Selwyn Tarth, Yohn Royce and Barristan Selmy were sat beside him while the rest of the Lord's and their Son's sat below them.
He stood there patiently as the rest of the Lord's slowly turned to face him.
After several seconds he cleared his throat and raised his cup of wine.
"Tonight we drink to those we lost, song will be sung for days of their bravery and sacrifice in the battle for Riverrun" said Edric Baratheon fondly.
While most of the Lord's raised their drinks to toast him a few grumbles could be heard around the hall.
When the Lord's had finished their toast Robbett Glover stood up and turned to Edric Baratheon with a frosty look on his face.
Edric Baratheon sighed.
"Speak My Lord" said Edric Baratheon confidently.
Robbett Glover gritted his teeth as the hall fell silent.
"Do not speak to us of songs about bravery and sacrifice, the dead cannot hear the songs that we will sing about them, I lost my older Brother and my eldest Son taking this castle, Lord Karstark and Lord Hornwood lost a Son each fighting the Tully's… do you think songs will bring them back?" said Robbett Glover frostily.
Edric Baratheon sighed.
"No My Lord, I do not" said Edric Baratheon.
Ned sighed and stood up looking at Robbett Glover.
"Lord Glover, we all grieve for our dead in different ways, you will grieve for your Brother and your Son as will I" said Ned flatly.
Robbett Glover sighed and nodded.
"Aye Lord Stark… you grieve for your dead in your way, the same for you Your Grace… and let me grieve for mine in my own way, but only fools think that songs are a good way to honour their dead" said Robbett Glover flatly.
Some of the other Northern Lord's made noises of agreement while Edric Baratheon nodded to Robbett Glover.
"Of course My Lord" said Edric Baratheon flatly.
Robbett Glover sat down and returned to his food before Edric Baratheon slowly sat down after him.
Edric Baratheon sighed as Barristan Selmy turned to face him.
"You handled that well Your Grace" said Barristan Selmy.
Edric Baratheon sighed.
"One would think I had insulted him by honouring the dead" said Edric Baratheon.
"He is grieving for his Brother and his Son Your Grace, and no man should ever outlive his Son… men who are grieving will say just about anything to anyone, no matter if he is a King or a commoner" said Barristan Selmy.
Edric Baratheon nodded.
"How long will we stay here for?" said Edric Baratheon.
"Our men need to rest Your Grace… as do you… then we must decide on our next course of action" said Ned solemnly.
"And how long will that take?" said Edric Baratheon.
"A few days at least Your Grace… it was a hard battle that we all fought, our men must be fully rested before we move on" said Ned.
Edric Baratheon sighed.
"Very well" said Edric Baratheon before they all returned to their food.
Winterfell – 301 A.C
Four days later…
Margaery was sat at the high table in the hall with Ashara, Visenya, Bran, Maester Lewin and Ser Rodrik as they listened to the pleas of the smallfolk.
"My farm is in need of repairs My Lord… and I am not able to make the repairs myself in time for the coming Winter" said an elderly grey haired Man.
Margaery sighed and leaned forwards.
"Your farm is your responsibility… including its repairs, surely you have able bodied men to help you repair it" said Margaery sternly.
The Man bowed his head to her.
"All my men answered your Husband's call for war Lady Stark, and the men who are left are either too young or too old to carry out the repairs" said the Man.
Bran sighed and leaned forward.
"We can spare a few men to help you… but you will be responsible for feeding them and giving them suitable accommodation" said Bran.
The Man bowed his head to Bran.
"Thank you My Lord" said the Man.
He turned around and left the hall.
Bran turned to Maester Lewin.
"Send three of our Builders with him" said Bran.
Maester Lewin managed a small smile and bowed his head.
They continued to listen to the pleas of the smallfolk for the next half an hour before Talla Tarly approached Margaery with a raven scroll in her hands.
Margaery looked up at her and took the raven scroll before thanking her.
She looked down at her lap as she broke the Stark sigil seal and unrolled the scroll.
She gasped with traces of tears in her eyes as she read it.
Ashara glanced at her and placed her hand on Margaery's arm.
"Go on… we can finish up here" said Ashara solemnly.
Margaery nodded and stood up before walking out of the hall followed by Talla Tarly.
The two walked all the way back to Margaery's chambers where Margaery sat down on her bed with a sad look on her face.
"What did it say My Lady?" said Talla Tarly worriedly.
Margaery sighed and wiped her eyes.
"My Brother Garlan… is dead, unfortunately my Husband was kind enough not to tell me how he died" said Margaery bitterly.
"I am sorry My Lady… I shall pray for him" said Talla Tarly kindly.
Margaery let out a harsh laugh.
"You will pray for him" said Margaery amusedly.
She turned to face Talla Tarly.
"Your Father and Brother are fighting against my Family… because my Father and my Grandmother were stupid enough to declare House Tyrell to traitors, and my Brother paid the price for their stupidity" said Margaery harshly.
Talla Tarly flinched before bowing her head.
"Forgive me My Lady… I should leave you" said Talla Tarly.
Margaery sighed and stood up.
"No… I am the one who should be asking for forgiveness, I should not have spoken so harshly towards you" said Margaery regretfully.
Talla Tarly nodded.
"It is alright My Lady" said Talla Tarly.
Margaery sighed and looked down at the scroll once again.
"You can go now" said Margaery flatly.
Talla Tarly bowed her head before leaving Margaery alone in her chambers.
Once the door shut Margaery threw the scroll onto her bed and wiped her eyes once again.
She sat there in silence for several moments before finally kneeling in front of her bed to pray.
Kings Landing – 301 A.C
One week later…
Willas Tyrell burst through the doors into the new Small Council chambers where Catelyn, Prince Quentyn, Oberyn Martell, Brynden Tully, Varys, Mace Tyrell, Grand Maester Pycelle and Littlefinger were sat around the table.
Mace Tyrell jumped to his feet as the rest of the Small Council looked on in shock and surprise.
"Willas… you did not send us word of what happened at Riverrun" said Mace Tyrell in shock.
Willas Tyrell was breathing heavily.
"Did you defeat the Rebels at Riverrun Ser Willas?" said Catelyn in a not so convincing hopeful voice.
Willas Tyrell scowled.
"Half of our men fled the battle, the rest were slaughtered by the Rebels… my Brother too, he had his throat ripped out by one of those beasts that decorate the Stark banners… and the traitor Ned Stark killed your Father before I managed to get away" said Willas Tyrell bitterly causing Mace Tyrell to drop back into his seat in shock and sadness.
Catelyn growled and shot to her feet.
"Send every man we have into the Riverlands… hunt them all down and kill them" snarled Catelyn.
"With respect Your Grace that is what they want us to do… we would be chasing shadows if we marched on them now" said Oberyn Martell flatly.
"And what do you suggest we do… sit here and wait for them to come for us?" said Catelyn angrily.
Brynden Tully sighed.
"The Vale has sided with the rebels… as have half a dozen Houses from the Stormlands… they have not lost a battle since this war started… and our forces are severely depleted to the point where the balance of troops is even" said Brynden Tully bitterly.
"They will not stay at Riverrun for long… eventually they will turn their attention elsewhere" said Quentyn Martell.
Catelyn growled.
"They will turn their attention to Kings Landing… because my Husband's bastard wants to steal the throne from its rightful ruler" growled Catelyn.
"The Usurper won the throne through conquest… now his Son seeks to do the same, and he has a large battle hardened army at his back, we should prepare for an attack on Kings Landing" said Oberyn Martell bitterly.
"I will die before he sits on that throne" growled Catelyn.
Brynden Tully sighed.
"Uncle… you are the Queen's Hand, what do you suggest we do?" said Catelyn bitterly.
Brynden Tully paused for several moments.
"We solidify our hold on Kings Landing, as long as we hold this city the Usurper cannot defeat us, not when our numbers are as even as they are, we have the advantage of a strong defensive position" said Brynden Tully flatly.
"Who knows… maybe Stannis Baratheon will do us a favour and keep the Rebels occupied while we gather our strength" said Littlefinger amusedly.
Catelyn sighed before dismissing the Small Council.
Twenty minutes later…
Catelyn entered Minisa's chambers to find her pregnant Daughter sat on a rocking chair holding onto her sleeping Son.
Her Son Prince Lewyn of the Houses Martell and Baratheon was nearly a year old with olive skin and short dark brown hair.
Minisa looked up at her Mother.
"What news Mother?" said Minisa flatly.
Catelyn sighed and walked over to Minisa.
"The Tyrell's were defeated at Riverrun, most of their men managed to escape including Ser Willas but others were not so fortunate" said Catelyn solemnly.
"Grandfather?" said Minisa fearing the worst.
Catelyn sighed and wiped traces of tears from her eyes.
"Dead, by the traitor Ned Stark's hand… Ser Garlan too" said Catelyn sadly.
Minisa just frowned and went completely silent.
"Are we going to lose this war?" said Minisa sadly.
Catelyn rounded on her Daughter kneeling down in front of her.
"No… we will crush the Rebels and make sure your throne is secure, and see that it remains secure for your Son to rule after you" said Catelyn reassuringly.
Minisa sighed and turned away from her.
"Come… join me and your Sisters for supper" said Catelyn softly.
Minisa remained quiet only standing up with her Son in her arms before she followed Catelyn out of her chambers.
Near Harranhal – 302 A.C
Three moons later…
Jon and Robb were riding at the front of the infantry along the River Road with Ghost and Greywind at their sides while Smalljon Umber, Torrhen Karstark, Benfred Tallhart and Walt Manderly rode behind them as Harranhal came into view from more than a mile away.
Most of their army had already reached Harranhal along with Ned and Edric Baratheon as they were returning there following their latest victory at Stone Hedge.
They had spent the last three moons besieging and capturing nearly every castle in the Riverlands in an effort to turn the Riverlords against the Crown. Now only two castles remained unopposed in Seaguard and The Twins.
Jon was about to speak up when Walt Manderly shushed him as they stopped their horses.
"Can you hear that?" said Walt Manderly in a slightly nervous tone.
"Hear what?" said Smalljon Umber.
Walt Manderly sharply turned to his left.
Jon and the others followed his gaze and gasped slightly as they could make out the figures of incoming cavalry a quarter of a mile away from them.
Jon growled and turned around riding alongside their infantry.
"Spears and shields, spears and shields" shouted Jon as the sights of the golden lion on red banners of House Lannister appeared ever closer.
"Get in line now… or those Lannister cunts are going to fuck us in the arses Boys" shouted Benfred Tallhart.
Jon and the others took their positions behind the infantry as they moved into a defensive position holding spears and shields.
"Archers" shouted Jon.
As their archers got into position they got a good look at the Lannister army.
Jon scowled as he realised that their nearly 20,000 strong army was outnumbered by nearly 30,000 Lannisters all of whom were on horseback as far as they could tell.
He turned to Benfred Tallhart.
"Get to Harranhal… get reinforcements" said Jon.
Benfred Tallhart nodded his head before riding away from them.
He watched Benfred Tallhart ride away for a few seconds before unsheathing Ice.
"Archers… notch" shouted Torrhen Karstark as he drew his sword.
The Archers notched their arrows and readied their bows to shoot.
They waited in silence for the Lannisters to get closer.
"Loose" shouted Torrhen Karstark.
Jon turned to Robb as the Archers fired at the Lannister army cutting them down in droves.
"Mobilise the rest of our infantry and flank them… we have to hold out until reinforcements arrive" said Jon quickly.
Robb nodded and rode away from him towards the infantry at the back of their army with Walt Manderly.
Jon turned to Smalljon Umber who leapt from his horse and moved over to the infantry as the Lannisters got closer.
Jon spotted two familiar faces riding at the front of the cavalry in Jamie Lannister and Steffon Baratheon.
"Hold the line" shouted Jon.
As the Lannister cavalry crashed into their shield wall which thankfully held firm against the cavalry Medger Cerwyn and Halys Hornwood rode up alongside him.
"Stay back My Lord" said Medger Cerwyn sternly as he drew his sword.
Jon turned to him.
"I will not sit back like a coward" said Jon.
"Your Lord Stark's eldest Son… we have to protect you" said Halys Hornwood.
"I can protect myself Lord Hornwood" scowled Jon.
He turned to the infantry amassing behind him.
"With me men… lets kill these child murdering fuckers" shouted Jon as he jumped down from his horse.
The infantry behind him roared as they charged to the right along their shield wall.
As they rounded the shield wall some of the Lannister knights turned to them.
Jon slashed his sword across the Lannister knights chest toppling him from his horse.
Half an hour later…
Jon slashed the throat of one of the Lannister Soldier as he moved towards the centre of the battlefield where Jamie Lannister was currently holding his own against Torrhen Karstark, Halys Hornwood and Dacey Mormont.
Half a dozen bodies surrounded Jamie Lannister's feet including Lord Gerold Grafton of Gulltown and Lord Gulian Swann of Stonehelm.
Jon quickly defeated another Lannister Soldier before moving towards the infamous Kingslayer as he cut Dacey Mormont and Halys Hornwood down without hesitation.
Jon growled as Jamie Lannister turned to face him with a cocky look on his face.
"Ready to die little Stark?" said Jamie Lannister mockingly.
Jon looked down at the bodies at Jamie Lannister's feet and growled.
"Are you?" growled Jon as Torrhen Karstark moved into position next to him.
Jamie Lannister smirked and swung his longsword hard at Torrhen Karstark who instinctively blocked it.
Jon attacked Jamie Lannister almost immediately as the two Northerners forced Jamie Lannister onto the defensive.
The two fought against Jamie Lannister for several minutes before Torrhen Karstark was stabbed through the heart by Jamie Lannister.
Jamie Lannister smirked at Jon as he pushed Torrhen Karstark off of his sword.
"All alone little Stark" said Jamie Lannister mockingly.
Jon remained silent before lunging at Jamie Lannister locking blades with him.
He slashed, jabbed and parried with Jamie Lannister for what felt like forever before he finally got his reward.
Battle horns rung out from behind them momentarily distracting Jamie Lannister who only just managed to raise his sword in time to block Jon's incoming attack.
The two clashed blades with a deafening shatter as Jamie Lannister's blade broke off at the hilt under the Valyrian Steel blade of Ice.
Jon cracked Jamie Lannister in the side of the head with the hilt of Ice knocking him out cold.
He breathed heavily for a second or two before turning around watching as the Knight's Of The Vale rode through the rest of the Lannister Soldiers cutting them down with ease.
After a few minutes the battle ceased to a halt when the remaining Lannister Soldiers threw down their weapons in surrender.
Jon felt someone grab hold of him and shake him. He sharply turned to his left and saw that it was Smalljon Umber.
"Jon, Jon… the Baratheon Boy is escaping" said Smalljon Umber breathing heavily.
Jon looked across the battlefield and saw Steffon Baratheon riding away alongside half a dozen House Baratheon Guards.
Jon sighed.
"Let him run… we have an even better hostage" said Jon flatly.
He glanced down at Jamie Lannister who was still out cold.
Smalljon Umber smirked.
"Bind him… I am sure Lord Tywin will do anything to get his precious son back" said Smalljon Umber.
Two House Umber Guards immediately moved over to Jamie Lannister and hoisted him up before dragging him away.
"Give him a cell on his own, with plenty of Guards… so he does not get any ideas" shouted Smalljon Umber.
Jon sighed.
"We lost so many… because we ignored our other enemy, thinking they would be too preoccupied with the Crown to bother us, what fools we were" said Jon solemnly.
"Aye… but we killed more of them than they did us, and now we have Tywin Lannister's prized jewel, a very valuable hostage" said Smalljon Umber as he sheathed his sword.
Jon sheathed Ice and looked down at the familiar bodies near him.
"He killed all three of them" said Jon bitterly as he and Smalljon Umber looked down at the bodies of Halys Hornwood, Torrhen Karstark and Dacey Mormont.
Smalljon Umber sighed.
"Lord Karstark will demand justice for this" said Smalljon Umber.
Jon sighed.
"He is right to make that demand… but the Kingslayer is a hostage now, his place is in a cell where his fate can be decided by the King" said Jon flatly.
The two young men stood there watching over the bodies of their fallen for several minutes before the Guards came to remove the bodies.
Twenty minutes later…
Beric and Shadow were walking through the battlefield looking down at some of the bodies of their fallen enemies.
After a few minutes something caught Beric's eye and he knelt down.
A torn banner by the side of one of the dead Soldiers who was dressed in cheap boiled leather armour that looked out of place among the black and gold trim plate armour and red cloaks of the Lannister Soldiers.
The banner was grey in colour with two blue towers joined together by a blue bridge showing that it belonged to House Frey of The Twins.
Beric picked the banner up in one hand before standing upright and walking towards where Ned was walking along the battlefield with Jon, Robb, Theon, Arya, Arthur, Lyanna, Edric Baratheon and Barristan Selmy.
"Father… Your Grace" said Beric bowing his head.
Ned gave him a one armed hug as did Jon, Robb, Theon, Arya, Arthur and Lyanna while Edric Baratheon looked at him with a cool look on his face.
"What is that?" said Lyanna looking at the banner in Beric's hand.
Beric sighed and unfolded it holding it in both hands.
"House Frey have sided with the Lannisters" said Beric flatly.
Ned sighed.
"Old Walder Frey has always been particularly close to the Lannisters… and his loyalty has been paid for by them, he must be dealt with" said Arthur.
Jon turned to Ned with a steely look on his face.
"Father, let me take half of our men and sack that shit castle… and I will bring Waldar Freys head back with me" said Jon.
Ned sighed and nodded.
"You can have 18,000… but your Aunt and Uncle will lead them" said Ned.
Jon glanced at Lyanna and Arthur and nodded.
"Fine… what will you do while we are gone?" said Jon.
"We will ride to Seaguard and take it… so the next time the Tully's think about the Riverlands they will realise that they have failed their own people" said Edric Baratheon.
Jon nodded.
"With Your Grace's permission we will leave on the morrow" said Arthur stepping towards Edric Baratheon.
Edric Baratheon turned to him and nodded.
"Very well" said Edric Baratheon.
The Twins – 302 A.C
One week later…
Jon slung his axe behind his back and helped push the wheeled battering ram towards the gates as arrows rained down on them.
They had laid a short siege to the tower backing onto the Riverlands waiting until the cover of darkness to make their move.
Once they reached the gates Jon and Greatjon Umber pulled on the ropes pulling the battering ram back before letting it slam forwards into the gates making a deafening bang as the gate shook.
After a few minutes Jon heard a grunt come from Greatjon Umber and turned to face him.
The Umber Lord pulled an arrow out of his shoulder before throwing it to the floor and smirking.
"It will take more than that to put me down" said Greatjon Umber amusedly as he pulled the battering ram back once again.
"Archers, cover them" shouted Lyanna.
She picked up one of the spare bows and grabbed a quiver of arrows before joining the mobilising archers at her side.
Three hours later…
The gates smashed backwards as the battering ram finally broke through them.
They had broken through the outer gate of the first tower little over half an hour ago before marching across the bridge killing a small Frey army on the way before they reached the inner gates of the second larger tower on the northern side of The Twins which housed the Frey's.
Eventually the gates gave away and Arthur and Lyanna led the charge into the courtyard where around 300 House Frey men were waiting for them along with Sandor Clegane.
Arthur charged the younger Clegane Brother as their infantry charged into the courtyard to engage the Frey's.
While focusing more on strength than skill Arthur could not deny that Sandor Clegane was a capable fighter as he met each one of Arthur's strikes returning many of his own.
After several minutes Arthur and Sandor Clegane were the only ones left fighting in the courtyard as Jon, Robb, Theon, Vorian and Edric Dayne charged into the castle along with ten of their Soldiers.
The two men kept fighting for a good few minutes before Arthur parried Sandor Clegane's latest strike with Dawn before burying his dagger up into Sandor Clegane's chin.
Sandor Clegane dropped his sword and grabbed hold of Arthur's throat squeezing it as his life slowly faded away causing him to drop to the floor.
Arthur looked down at the fallen Sandor Clegane and spat on him.
Meanwhile…
Jon, Robb, Theon, Vorian and Edric Dayne walked into the hall with their weapons drawn along with 10 of their Soldiers.
When they arrived they saw Smalljon Umber and Thor Wull stood with a dozen Umber Soldiers who were stood behind Lord Walder Frey, his eldest Sons Black Walder Rivers, Lothar Frey and Joffrey Baratheon.
Jon moved towards Joffrey who spat at him with an angry look on his face.
"Joffrey Baratheon… we meet again" said Jon passively.
Joffrey snarled.
"Fuck you Stark" said Joffrey.
Jon sighed and looked at Smalljon Umber and Thor Wull.
"Lets take a walk My Lords… and bring that blonde haired shit with us" said Jon.
Smalljon Umber smirked as he and Thor Wull walked over to Joffrey hoisting him up by his arms.
"My Lord… what about the others?" said one of the Umber Soldiers.
Smalljon Umber turned to him.
"Behead each one of them… then throw them in the river, but save old Walder Frey's head" said Smalljon Umber.
The Umber Soldier nodded and drew his sword as Jon, Robb, Theon, Vorian and Edric followed the others out of the hall.
They walked through the castle and up the stairs until they reached the roof.
Jon sheathed Ice and walked across the roof towards the edge looking down at the bridge below.
He smirked and turned to Edric who was pointing his sword at the kneeling Joffrey Baratheon's neck.
"Hey Edric… what was that story Grandmother told us… about what the old Kings of the Torrentine used to do to their prisoners?" said Jon.
Edric glanced at the wall and smirked.
"They used to throw them from the top of the Palestone Tower down into the Torrentine… where they would either drown or die on the sharp rocks" said Edric.
Jon chuckled and stepped back towards the wall looking over it once again.
He turned to Smalljon Umber and gestured his head towards the wall.
Smalljon Umber smirked as he and Thor Wull hoisted Joffrey up by his arms before dragging him towards the wall.
"No… no… do not do this, PLEASE!" screamed Joffrey in pure fear as he was dragged closer to the wall.
His screams increased in volume when the two men threw him over the wall only to be silenced by a sickening thud as he hit the bridge.
Jon and the others looked over the wall to see a bloody mangled Joffrey lying face down on the bridge surrounded by his own blood and guts.
Theon whistled.
"I bet that hurt" said Theon amusedly.
"Given the rumours about Joffrey Baratheon that have travelled through the Seven Kingdoms… I doubt many will miss him, not even his Father" said Vorian.
"He was that bad?" said Jon as they stepped away from the wall.
Vorian nodded.
"Worse than bad… you should hear why his Father sent him away from Kings Landing all those years ago… he murdered three servants with a crossbow in his chambers" said Vorian as one of the Stark Guards walked through the door.
"Lord Stark" said the Guard bowing his head.
Jon looked at him and nodded.
"Yes?" said Jon.
"Lord Frey's Daughters have been assembled in the hall My Lord, where Ser Arthur and Lady Dayne are waiting for you" said the Guard.
Jon nodded.
"Very well… and any male Frey's?" said Jon.
"Dead My Lord… if any still live we have not found them yet" said the Guard.
Jon nodded.
"Have some men search the castle again, we do not want any of them getting away" said Jon.
The Guard bowed his head and walked back through the door.
Jon turned to the others and nodded before they followed the Guard back through the door and down the stairs.
When they arrived in the hall they saw Arthur and Lyanna looking at them with frosty looks on their faces while the female Frey's were seated at the tables in silence and under guard.
"The Boy would have been a valuable hostage" said Arthur flatly.
Jon sighed.
"I doubt Tywin Lannister cared much for that Boy… when he disgraced himself by murdering whores and attacking Moat Cailin" said Vorian Dayne amusedly.
"Even so… he would have been a valuable hostage, in death he is worthless to us" said Lyanna frostily.
"What's done is done" said Theon.
Arthur sighed.
"Clean up your mess Boys" said Arthur flatly.
Jon and the others walked out of the small hall.
Near Wendish Town – 302 A.C
Eight days later…
Jon, Robb, Arthur and Lyanna walked into the command tent in the middle of the campsite where Ned and some of the other Lords and Edric Baratheon were stood around the table pondering their next move.
"You took your time" said Arya.
"We had hostages to deal with… and Lord Bolton took one of the Frey Girls for a Wife, so we had to stay at The Twins for a little while" said Jon.
"And where are these hostages now?" said Ned sternly.
"On their way to Winterfell Father, with two going to the Dreadfort with Lord Bolton's new Wife" said Robb.
"And who holds The Twins now Lord Stark?" said Edric Baratheon.
Robb straightened up.
"Willard Manderly and Roose Bolton's bastard Your Grace, with some 2000 men" said Robb.
Ned nodded.
"Come… there is much to discuss" said Ned solemnly.
Jon and Robb nodded and approached the table with Arthur and Lyanna.
Storms End – 302 A.C
Three weeks later…
The mighty stronghold of House Baratheon sat at the edge of a rocky cliff overlooking Shipbreaker Bay.
It was tall and monstrous with high thick black stone walls manned by hundreds of archers and a single raised drawbridge granting entrance into the castle. Behind the walls of the castle stood the large circular tower stretching high into the sky that served as the main keep of Storms End.
Olyvar Frey rode towards the raised drawbridge with panic coursing through his body.
"State your business!" shouted one of the Guards from the battlements.
Olyvar Frey gulped and brought his horse to a halt.
"State your business now… or fuck off!" shouted the same Guard from the battlements.
Olyvar Frey cleared his throat.
"Olyvar Frey… Son of Walder Frey, here to see His Grace Stannis Baratheon" said Olyvar Frey loudly.
Several minutes of silence followed before the drawbridge started to lower for him.
Half an hour later…
Stannis Baratheon was stood around the large table in the hall looking down at the large map with various sigils on it situated around the Riverlands, Westerlands, Crownlands and Stormlands.
Ser Davos Seaworth also known as The Onion Knight was stood next to him along with Steffon Baratheon, the Red Priestess Melisandre Of Asshai, Lord Eldon Estermont, Narbart Grandison and Jon Mertyns.
Ser Davos Seaworth was a 6'0 tall kind faced man in his late 50's with short greying black hair and matching grey stubble.
Melisandre Of Asshai was a slightly tall curvy woman with milky white skin and dark red hair. She was dressed in a dark red gown with a strange necklace around her neck which housed a glowing red gem.
They were talking over the maps when Olyvar Frey was led into the hall by two Baratheon Guards.
Stannis Baratheon and the others looked at him.
"Who is this?" said Stannis Baratheon icily.
The Baratheon Guards pushed Olyvar Frey forwards.
"Olyvar Frey, Son of Lord Walder Frey" said Olyvar Frey nervously.
"Your addressing your King Boy" said Davos Seaworth.
Olyvar Frey gulped as one of the Baratheon Guards who escorted him into the hall placed a blood soaked sack on the table.
Stannis Baratheon slowly walked over to the sack and opened it before sighing.
"It was the Northerners Your Grace" said Olyvar Frey nervously.
Stannis Baratheon pulled the top of the sack back revealing the bloodied and battered head of Joffrey Baratheon.
Most of the others hung their heads in sorrow as Stannis Baratheon turned to Olyvar Frey with a stony look on his face.
"They let you go?" said Stannis Baratheon flatly.
Olyvar Frey nodded.
"They sent me here Your Grace… to deliver a message to you" said Olyvar Frey nervously.
"And what message was that?" said Stannis Baratheon flatly.
"To either renounce your claim to the throne and support King Edric Baratheon… or die a traitor" said Olyvar Frey nervously.
Stannis Baratheon looked at him with a frosty look on his face.
"You were my Brothers Squire, correct?" said Stannis Baratheon flatly.
Olyvar Frey nodded.
"I was Your Grace" said Olyvar Frey.
Stannis Baratheon gritted his teeth.
"I thought so" said Stannis Baratheon.
He turned to the Baratheon Guards.
"Prepare our army for travel… and hang the boy" said Stannis Baratheon flatly.
The Baratheon Guards bowed their heads before dragging Olyvar Frey backwards out of the hall as he kicked and screamed for mercy.
Davos Seaworth walked towards Stannis Baratheon with a look of concern on his face.
"Is this wise Your Grace… to march away from Storms End?" said Davos Seaworth.
"Its time I dealt with my traitorous Nephew Ser Davos… we ride for Casterly Rock on the morrow, once I have joined my forces with the Lannister's I will put an end to my Nephew's claim, and any man who fights for him" said Stannis Baratheon bitterly.
"I still think this is unwise Your Grace" said Davos Seaworth sounding increasingly concerned.
Stannis Baratheon sharply turned to Davos Seaworth.
"Steffon will hold Storms End in my absence, you will remain here with him… as his advisor" said Stannis Baratheon flatly.
Davos Seaworth looked like he was about to protest before bowing his head.
"If that is your command Your Grace… I shall follow it" said Davos Seaworth dutifully.
Stannis Baratheon turned to the Others.
"Your all dismissed" said Stannis Baratheon flatly.
The Other's bowed their heads and left him alone in the hall except for Melisandre.
Stannis Baratheon turned to her as he placed his hands on the table.
"I said your dismissed" said Stannis Baratheon curtly.
Melisandre approached him.
"You are doubting yourself?" said Melisandre.
"You said you saw me sitting on the Iron Throne when you looked into the flames, yet that vision seems so far away right now" said Stannis Baratheon bitterly.
Melisandre placed her hand on his arm.
"You will be King… the Lord Of Light sent me to you to make sure you take your rightful place on the throne, the road is long and hard but you will claim your throne at the end of it" said Melisandre.
Stannis Baratheon sighed.
"You will remain here when we march" said Stannis Baratheon flatly.
Melisandre nodded her head.
"If that is your command" said Melisandre.
"It is… now get out" said Stannis Baratheon curtly.
Melisandre turned around and left him alone in the hall.