"It is an honor to meet you at last, Mother of Dragons," Wendel Manderly bowed low before Daenerys. She looked over at his right arm, where only an empty sleeve remained. "Lost this fighting alongside Lord Robb at the river. Nearly killed me, but I managed to fight through."
"I'm sure it was quite a tale, Lord Manderly," Daenerys wouldn't have guessed a man his size so capable of fighting. Easily twenty stone, his belly and arms were far bigger than anyone around him. Drogon and Viserion flew above White Harbor, having recovered from the previous battle.
Her bloodriders and Unsullied crowded around her, having seen too much treachery to take their words for granted. "My Father is most anxious to meet you, Your Grace," Manderly bowed again. "If you will please follow me."
"What of Rheagal?" Her heart had shattered when she'd seen the full extent of her dragon's injuries. He had not moved from the boat since landing on it. Daenerys attempted to treat his words, for he would not let anyone else near him, even for medicine. Rheagal closed his eyes two days ago, faint breathing the only indication he was still alive. Three scorpion bolts had yet to be removed from his scales.
"Rest assured, I will look after him to the best of my ability. You have struck a heavy blow against the abomination and that we will not forget."
"Only the beginning of reclaiming my rightful throne." Even if Rheagal did survive, which was far from a guarantee, he wouldn't be suitable for combat in the near future.
Her damaged ships sailed into port, some of whom would never sail again. Even from a distance, Daenerys spotted wildfire scars and bloodstains, a reminder of how many she'd already lost.
Every Dothraki and Unsullied capable of walking departed from the ships, not wishing to spend another moment on them. Daenerys hid a shiver, despite the warmest clothing available in Essos. "My Lord, could we trouble you for some warm furs?" She hated negotiating from weakness, but without it, half her remaining troops would die from exposure alone.
Wendel broke out into deep laughter. "I apologize, Your Grace. I had forgotten how warm Essos was, even in winter. You will find it to be very different here."
"How do you live in such a climate?" Daenerys had never seen so much snow. Grey Worm steadied her to keep her from slipping on ice patches. The Dothraki not part of her immediate party huddled together for what little warmth they could muster.
"This is a hard place, no doubt of that. But I have survived numerous winters, and my father survived more. We will endure them, as we always have."
Both septs and other religious buildings Daenerys didn't recognize littered the landscape. She remembered Viserys telling her that the Northerners worshipped their own gods, denouncing them as foolish savages for doing so.
"Sad to see so many turned away from the true path," Beenero remarked, wearing nothing but thin cloth, unlike everyone else.
"I don't recommend attempting to convert them, Beenero," Tyrion spoke up for the first time. "Men get antsy when their gods are questioned, and the Northerners are notorious for their stubbornness." He lowered his voice until only Daenerys could hear. "Tread lightly, Your Grace. They are proud of their independence, and above all else, will not accept a foreign conqueror. Best not appear as one."
Daenerys gave a nod. If marrying a Stark was necessary to gain the Iron Throne, she would do so. No matter what, however, she would not yield her authority, even to a husband.
Manderly took them through New Castle in the center of White Harbor
"Father, what are you doing here feasting?" Wendel's lips curled with disapproval. "The Maesters say this is likely to be the worst winter in a century."
"All the more reason to enjoy myself while I can," Wyman's belly shook with laughter. "I have prepared for even a severe winter. I am merely. . . having one last indulgence before the lean times." He looked toward Daenerys for the first time, her eyes catching the subtle insult. "And this must be our long-awaited visitors."
"I am Daenerys Stormborn of the House Targaryen, Mother of Dragons, Breaker of Chains, and rightful ruler of the Seven Kingdoms." Daenerys ignored Tyrion's shaking head. "Instead of welcoming me, you choose to snub me. Not a wise move on your part."
"I apologize, Your Grace," Wyman gave a mocking nod. "When surrounded by such food as this, I do occasionally forget my manners. Please, sit and partake in this bounty." He looked at her with steel eyes, and Daenerys knew he was being tested.
"Most kind of you," She began to wonder if White Harbor was a good idea after all.
"I see you've brought the Imp along with you," Wyman Manderly's genial tone disappeared. "I've heard many tales of your depravity, dwarf. I would be sorry to believe half of them."
"So the time I brought a honeycomb into a brothel has traveled even this far," Tyrion spread his hands out. "No doubt you've heard worse, but on this day, I come here as a friend and ally."
"And a Kinslayer," Father and son spat together. "You would align yourself with a man such as this?" Wyman added.
"He served me well in Slaver's Bay, ensuring the slaves I freed would not have hope robbed from them yet again," Daenerys spoke diplomatically. "Slavery is outlawed in Westeros, I believe, and I would think you pleased to see it eradicated elsewhere. While I disagree with Tyrion on certain matters, his assistance has already proved valuable."
"I'm afraid you are wrong, Lord Manderly," Tyrion waddled toward them. "While I did have the pleasure of poisoning him at his grandson's wedding, I am no Kinslayer, for Tywin Lannister was not my father."
"What sort of jape is this?" Wendel looked ready to draw his sword. Daenerys' guards stood ready.
"My first memory when I was but a little child was Tywin telling me I was not his son. And who am I to disagree? I was a disgusting dwarf waddling around in colors that didn't belong to me, as they never grew tired of reminding me. Tywin earned his fate; will a man in this room tell me he did not?" No one spoke. "I know I robbed you of a chance for revenge, but there are few in the realm who did not wish Tywin Lannister dead."
"Whether you claim him or not, he was your father," Wyman stood up with no trouble despite his bulk.
"Oh, I wouldn't have said that in his presence. He refused to speak to his own sister for a year after she made such a preposterous claim. The Lannisters are not my family and revenge is no kinslaying. Not only that, I've delivered a blow no one else managed. Fear of him kept the realm united behind Joffrey. With that gone, all it'll take now is a single good blow to bring down the Lannister regime. Helped along by a trio of dragons, of course."
They argued for close to an hour before the Manderlys grudgingly accepted Tyrion's presence. "Do not turn your eyes away from a creature like that," Wyman warned, uncaring that Tyrion could hear him. "He has no one's interest in mind but his own."
"So what kind of support can you offer to overthrow Lord Bolton?" Daenerys changed the name at the last second. "Lord Stark must have been an honorable man for him to earn such loyalty."
"He is, and such things do not go forgotten," Wendel's voice echoed. "We had enough food for an expedition, but the arrival of your troops and dragons complicates that immensely. Our reserves might be enough for a journey to Winterfell, if we subsist on tree bark as well, but not a siege."
"A siege won't be necessary," Daenerys smirked. "My dragons can lay waste to an entire army in hours. The full might of Slaver's Bay crumbled before them. Is Bolton any less vulnerable?" She refused to allow the likes of them to frighten her.
"Winterfell has never fallen to anyone, even with your family at the height of its power," Wyman cautioned. "But already the North is rising up against Bolton. He chose poorly when he betrayed our people, and I intend to make him answer for it. His bastard has already perished, and he possesses no other children. I've been waiting for this opportunity since the beginning."
"Then why did you not say so?" Daenerys kept her face expressionless. "Why waste time with defiance when you intended on helping me all along?"
"You offer to be an ally to us, not asking anything in return. Few give help out of kindness. And we have not forgotten your father's cruelty."
"I am not my Father, if that's what you're implying."
"Winter has arrived and yet you still seek to launch your campaign. Once Bolton is finished, you still have not convinced me to assist you in taking back your throne. Joffrey will forever be an enemy, as will the rest of the Lannisters. . ." Wyman narrowed his eyes at Tyrion. "However, The North will not replace one tyrant with another.."
She fought back the impulse to burn White Harbor as a display of her power. Even if her dragons could burn cities, they could not occupy a continent. "I am willing to prove my words, Lord Manderly. I will assist you in overthrowing Lord Bolton. Consider this a gesture, and an attempt to mend the wounds of the past. I was but a babe when I departed Westeros and know little of the u. . . Robert's Rebellion."
It took hours before the Manderlys reluctantly agreed to her proposal. Tyrion kept quiet once it was apparent his presence only further infuriated them, settling for whispering into Daenerys' ear.
Is this what I'm going to have to spend my entire life as Queen doing? Daenerys hoped to improve lives of the common people, not bickering with men who possessed short tempers and fragile egos. If not for Tyrion, she would have been completely out of her depth. I cannot rule by fear alone, not if I wish to show Westeros a better future.
XXXXXXXXXX
"I'm not interested in speaking to you, Kingslayer," Stannis snapped the moment Jaime arrived in his chambers. He had been ordered to stay behind and make sure King's Landing didn't fall apart in his absence.
"Well, you have little choice in the matter." Jaime leaned against the wall. "I'm looking for an answer as to why you removed your banners and swore fealty to Joffrey. Of all the moves I expected from you, that's not one I ever imagined."
"I have not sworn fealty to you, or any Lannister. There is an agreement between us." Jaime noted Stannis had never referred to Joffrey by his name or title, an often fatal breach of etiquette under other circumstances.
Jaime took a step forward. "Your red witch isn't around to protect you now, so I suggest you come up with something better. You've refused to work with us and I don't believe you've suddenly thrown your ambition aside after spreading lies about my family."
"You killed Jon Arryn to hide them, and then attempted to do the same to Bran Stark. Do not insult my intelligence, Kingslayer." Stannis put a hand to his sword despite knowing how it would end should it come to blows.
"You've always been incapable of compromise. I want to know why that's changed. Ambition drives you, Stannis, however much you wish to deny it."
"There are things more important than whoever sits the Iron Throne. More than that, you have no need to know."
"Consider your position before answering again," Jaime drew his sword.
"Expected nothing less of you, Kingslayer." If Stannis was frightened, he didn't show it. "Were it up to me alone, your entire family, son included, would be my enemies. Even if I told you the truth, your mind could not comprehend it. The fate of everyone in Westeros is at stake. Everyone on Omelos, even. Killing me will accomplish nothing and doom all your efforts to stay in power. You should have had that white cloak stripped from you."
"The Mad King had ordered me to bring back my father's head. What would you have done, were you me?" For a moment, Jaime considered telling Stannis the whole story, how Aerys intended to burn the city with wildfire as a final act of spite. Why do I even bother keeping the secret? Everyone knew he was a monster.
Stannis paused before answering: "I faced the same choice: my brother or my King. Robert cared little for the throne, and loved someone he never truly knew. Even if he loved me but little, Robert was my brother. In your position. . . I do not know." He looked at Jaime with something other than contempt for the first time.
"What is this threat you speak of? You're telling me you two knew from the beginning Daenerys would cross the Narrow Sea?"
"She's only a part of it. You would need your eyes forced open, as I did. I'd intended to deliver justice to everyone, from those in the slums to the abomination on the throne. Do not lie to me about your children's true parentage." His tone lacked its previous viciousness. "What I saw, what she revealed. . . there are no words sufficient to describe it."
Ever consider she may have been lying? Jaime held his tongue, sheathing his sword. He gave Stannis reluctant credit for not flinching. "If it could shake the most stubborn man in the Seven Kingdoms. . . must have been quite something. But this doesn't mean I trust you, or that I'll stop watching you."
"Do as you like. Hard as it might be for you to believe, there are more important things than that damned chair."
He's like a completely different person. How my son achieved that, I have no idea. Or perhaps it was the red woman. "I hope you have some plans for dealing with Daenerys. With dragons, many are going to think her invincible."
"Dorne held Aegon the Conqueror when he possessed far more strength than she currently does. We will be able to do the same, assistance of the Storm Lords or not."
Jaime jumped at the door knocking. "My Lords, a letter has come from Dragonstone." The page bowed deeply, refusing to look them in the eye. Jaime could not remember his name, but he couldn't have been more than ten.
"So soon?" He snatched the letter faster than Stannis. The boy made no reply, scurrying away. Jaime opened it without a word.
Uncle:
Get my men and as many troops as you can assemble into the courtyard. I will arrive in King's Landing within the power, complete with something new that will allow us to win the Great War. Under no circumstances are any of them allowed to fire their weapons.
While I am aware my arrival was not expected for weeks, circumstances have changed this. I will say no more until I arrive.
Joffrey Baratheon,
King of the Seven Kingdoms
Has the boy gone mad? Although Jaime supposed his son was no longer a boy, not after spending more than three years on the Iron Throne. However, he couldn't see any way for him to travel from Dragonstone to King's Landing in such a short span of time. Is he turning into another Aerys?
Jaime prayed that was not the case. The realm did not need another Mad King, but many in court wondered the same thing, with his erratic decisions and ludicrous orders, such as building dragonglass spears and daggers. The red woman spent most of her time with him, almost entirely forgetting about Stannis.
"It seems his gamble has worked," Stannis read the letter beside him. "I was unsure it would, but if he is arriving so soon, we have little time to delay."
Seeing few other options, Jaime hastened to assemble Joffrey's personal troops, alongside whatever Lannister bannermen were in the immediate vicinity. Most responded with similar confusion, though none questioned a direct order.
He ignored the curious looks those at court gave him. If it was truly as impressive as Joffrey claimed, they'd know the details soon enough. At least Cersei was not there to see it. In the early days, it had taken all his willpower not to join her in Casterly Rock, where Uncle Kevan was busy building the devices Joffrey demanded. After a couple weeks, however, his brain began to work for the first time.
What has she done to me? Jaime had never questioned it in his life, committing horrible acts to protect the woman he loved. Yet she'd armed the Faith Militant, a group of utter fanatics. Had the rebellion not been crushed, it could have led to countless deaths, perhaps the destruction of House Lannister.
Those who littered the courtyard muttered amongst themselves, wondering what all the fuss was about. Joffrey's personal troops huddled together, doing their best to ignore the disdainful glances many nobles sent their way. Stannis moved in the corner, where few noticed him.
"Maybe we've beaten the dragon queen, sunk her ships," Someone declared.
"If we did, why the announcement to come here? Wouldn't he have declared it in the message?"
"Maybe it's a trap. . ."
"Or the King's gone mad. . ."
Jaime wore his usual smile, which only a master could see through. He knew how to listen to conversations without appearing to do so. More mutters echoed about the Dragon Queen.
"Heard she killed everyone in Slaver's bay. . ."
"People like that deserve what they get. No one's lower than a slaver."
A loud screech sent chills through his heart. "It can't be. . ." Jaime raised his sword, for all the good it was likely to do him. He'd never heard such a sound before, not in all his life, but knew there was only one possible source.
A dragon.
Lannister bannermen and Joffrey's troops all scrambled away, dropping their weapons in their haste to flee. "Run for your lives!" Others tripped over each other, wearing terrified expressions. More than a few pissed themselves in terror.
Only a handful stood their ground, Jaime among them. "You know your duty! Get to your posts!" His voice squeaked while he looked around for possible weapons.
A second screech forced Jaime's eyes into the sky, where he caught his first sight. He found himself frozen in place, transfixed by what unfolded before him. Blue in color, teeth as long as swords, the dragon circled the Red Keep, wingspan more than a hundred feet in length.
"Wait, does Daenerys have a blue dragon?" Addam Marbrand stood beside Jaime, calmness in his eyes. "Our spies reported them to be black, gold, and green, nor are they this size."
"They could be wrong," Jaime did not so much as glance in his direction. For all the preparations, he didn't see any way for them to fight back against a creature like that. It'd be the Field of Fire all over again.
On its next pass, Jaime made out two people riding on its back, neither of whom looked anything like Daenerys Targaryen. His heart nearly stopped, sweat pouring down his face at the implications. The dragon flew lower, nearly smashing into the stone, allowing everyone to get a clear look at them.
Jaime trembled at the sight of his son riding a dragon alongside Melisandre, more confident than he'd ever seen him before. This can't be possible. He's brought back a bloody dragon?! Those who hid behind doors and walls cautiously stuck their heads out, hope and fear warring within them.
Joffrey landed his dragon in the center of the courtyard, the creature standing up to its full height. He unfastened crude riding chains, while Melisandre seemed to require no assistance at all. "It seems your nephew has once again achieved the impossible," Marbrand stated, awe in his eyes. "I never imagined I'd witness something like this."
"An honor I can do without," Jaime felt naked with just a sword for protection.
"It is at least on our side, for the moment, but I do not think the return of dragons will herald anything good," Marbrand continued as though Jaime hadn't spoken. "Many in the city already believe in the Lord of Light, with numerous septons denouncing them as heretics. What's going to happen now?"
Joffrey allowed his men to witness the dragon, his arms crossed, lip possessing a slight curl. The dragon stared them down, an unreadable expression across its jaw. "This can't be possible!" One of the commanders screamed, having pissed himself in front of everyone. "How could you create a dragon?"
"Impossible? Renly Baratheon had the largest host Westeros had seen since the invasion of Dorne, yet I broke them upon these walls. Robb Stark was unbeatable in combat until I. . . no, we. . . crushed his host on the river. Already one of Daenerys' dragons has fallen.
"You have faced dark days, and more are on the way. There are more dangers the realm races, but life's greatest battles are given to its strongest soldiers. I couldn't be prouder to call you my men. Each and every one of you have earned my esteem through trials of blood. So I ask you: will you follow me into fire, will you follow me into darkness, will you follow me into death?"
"Yes, Your Grace!" Everyone in the courtyard bowed before Joffrey, packed like sardines around the King and his dragon.
"I have utter confidence in all of you." Joffrey gave a slight bow to them, something Jaime never would have imagined. "Together, we will make Westeros a place where all of us have a bright future to look forward to, with justice for everyone, from the lowest beggar to the King himself." This time, cheering from the nobles was much more restrained.
Men parted as he and Melisandre walked through the courtyard, Jaime tempted to end her threat where it stood. Even if he succeeded, however, he expected the consequences would be even worse. Not that many would believe I consider such things. Jaime had learned his lesson after Stark lured him into a trap.
The speech over, most did everything in their power to not be anywhere within the dragon's clutches. Despite it providing a major advantage, few would want to be within its sight for long. The blue beast flapped its wings, forcing Jaime to grip onto a stone post to keep his footing. It took off into the sky with another screech.
"All of you now witness the power of the Lord of Light," Melisandre's voice was a mere whisper, but it carried throughout the Red Keep nonetheless. "Is there any among you who still doubt?"
"Are you trying to start a religious war?" Joffrey hissed in her ear. Jaime kept the relief from showing on his face, grateful his son considered the repercussions after all. Melisandre stared at him for a moment before falling silent.
He moved to his son's side as the only member of the Kingsguard still in King's Landing. Melisandre stared at him with curiosity, Jaime jumping several inches with her hand on his shoulder. "You are afraid."
"Don't try to intimidate me. It won't work." Jaime wore his usual smirk, hoping it would make her as uneasy as most felt seeing it.
"You should be afraid, Kingslayer. But not of me." She stood four inches above him, running a finger along his cheek. Jaime knew Melisandre had sensed his thoughts. "It would not be the first time you have made such a decision, sacrificing your honor for the greater good."
Once she departed, Jaime's legs weakened under him, his stomach churning. He'd never told a soul what Aerys had intended to do. How could she possibly have discovered it?
"I think the tide of war's finally turned in our favor," Joffrey practically strutted down the stone floor.
"Do you know what you've just done?" Jaime grit his teeth, ignoring the instincts telling him to shut up. "Bringing back a dragon is going to destroy everything you've built! King's Landing is about to tear itself apart with religious strife, and having that woman claim it the Lord of Light's gift. . . maybe it won't happen this year, or even in your lifetime, but I am certain of it."
"I knew the danger, but it was a necessary action." Joffrey planted his eyes to the floor. "Dragons were the keystone of Targaryen power for a reason. Their presence alone was enough to deter rebellion in most cases. I needed to show everyone this was a battle we could win. Admittedly, I had my own doubts about this working." He raised his head. "But we have more than Daenerys to worry about. Our real enemy is beyond the Wall."
He's gone as mad as Aerys. Jaime never imagined anyone worse than Aerys, but with a dragon, his son could cause untold destruction. "Your Grace. . . Daenerys is a danger, but there's nothing beyond the Wall but bands of wildlings."
"The greatest trick the devil ever pulled was convincing the world he did not exist." Jaime expected Joffrey was quoting someone but was at a loss as to whom. "We've got enough obsidian to deal with them, I hope."
Cersei would never forgive him if he raised a blade against his own son. Neither would the rest of his family. He'd seen no sign of Joffrey wishing to burn the city down, though he now possessed the ability to do so. The new inventions did work, against all odds. Melisandre's the one doing this to him. No matter how dangerous she is, we've got to act.
"You don't believe me, do you?" Joffrey stopped walking. Jaime had no chance to respond. "I don't blame you. This knowledge has been nothing but a burden to me. Still, it's mine to carry and I will do my utmost to keep Westeros safe."
Jaime scrambled to change the subject, forming plans to move against Melisandre and Stannis. "So what exactly did you name that dragon? Such a creature's not going to be easy to support."
"It's a her," Joffrey rebuked. "And I named her Trinity."
Jaime had not found himself so alone since Robert's Rebellion. I'll stay focused on the witch. Once she's done, the spell she's case over him should be broken. If she could summon a dragon, however, it would be no easy task to free King's Landing. He'd had his worries about the Red God from the beginning.
Stories of Joffrey's dragon spread almost immediately. Most at court did everything possible to look away from them, Jaime considering which of them would attempt to overthrow his son.
He lead Joffrey to his chambers, where Margaery would be waiting for him. "So when will the rest of the Kingsguard return?" Jaime asked to break the silence.
"However long it takes to sail back," Joffrey shrugged.
My brother's a traitor, my father is dead, my son's mad, and my sister's been banished to Casterly Rock. If this is what things are like with a Lannister victory, what would defeat look like? Jaime hadn't anticipated Tyrion's actions until it was too late to act. Too many had already paid for his shortsightedness.
The witch had a dragon, along with control over Stannis and his son. If she wasn't stopped, religious war would spread across the land. "What I wouldn't give to see the look on her face when she discovers this. With one dragon already dead, her aura of invincibility has been broken."
"I don't intend to count her out yet. Make sure Lady Sansa and Catelyn are well guarded. We've already been framed for one assassination attempt, and Varys is still out there somewhere."
As Jaime turned around to carry out the order, Joffrey muttered almost too quietly to hear: "Now I have become death, destroyer of worlds."