This chapter has a fight I've been looking forward to for an age!

Chapter 107: The Falcon and the Viper

At the break of dawn …

Walls of the Red Keep, King's Landing, Seat of power of House Baratheon (Lannister, Arryn), Crownlands, Capital of the Seven Kingdoms

"I always thought I would die first out of my siblings, that Cersei would have killed me somehow, Jaime would be upset, my father would be glad and I would just be gone."

"You might be seeing them again very soon," Kenna replied, her eyes tracking the combination of Dothraki, Unsullied, Dornish and Northerners that were gathering before the gates of the Red Keep as the sun began its rise.

"I think it is time to ignite the wildfire in the catacombs."

"Are you sure?"

The outline of Daenerys's two dragons could be seen landing on buildings on either side of the main street leading up to the Red Keep and both gave out intimidating shrieks.

"I'm sure," Kenna replied, spotting the colourful yellow tunic and armour of Oberyn and Trystane at the front of the gathering men.

"And the Throne room?" Tyrion asked in an unusually serious voice.

Kenna turned to give Tyrion a sorrowful look, "Go, set it up and when the time is right igniting that too."

"It would mean our deaths and most likely everyone else's inside the Red Keep. You hold no hope of a victory?"

Kenna glanced back at the partially burning city and marching men coming to take away everything she had fought to keep then her eyes settled on the two beasts that had truly been the difference in the end.

"The dragons are alive and I doubt the dozen balistas here will change that or your wildfire plots. The best we can do is render them motherless and hope they return to Essos. The Seven Kingdom should not have to suffer through a Targaryen's madness again and especially not one that has dragons to impose her tyranny."

"You don't need to be here when I ignite the wildfire. Why don't you run, there are tunnels that lead-"

"I will not condemn thousands of people to death then run from it myself."

"It was my plan, not yours."

"Yes, but I'm making the decision, aren't I?"

"You want to die at the end of Oberyn's spear or consumed by wildfire instead of seeing your children again or giving birth to your third?"

"I love them with all my heart but I can't change who I am. I'm not a coward and you never know Oberyn might find himself on the end of my hidden blades before the wildfire gets us."

"Just let go … leave. Give that child inside you a chance at life. It may not be as a noble but it will be something."

"You really see me blending in with the peasants and what? Becoming a farmer's wife in the Reach? Working the land, milking a cow, selling wool at the market?"

"It could be a peaceful life."

"I know what you are asking but I don't know how to let go. I never have."

"You are an infuriating woman," Tyrion shook his head. "But I have enjoyed our friendship over the years even if it started a little rocky."

"You call me wanting to throw you out the Moon Door rocky?" Kenna laughed, despite the situation looming below them.

"It isn't about how it starts, it's about how it ends," Tyrion said, curling his fingers around her own and placing a chaise kiss on top of her hand, "Kenna, I will miss you."

"And I you dear friend," she said, lowering and giving Tyrion an unexpected hug.

Tyrion fully leaned into the embrace until his lips were a whisper away from her ear, "I think my father also liked you. Well, liked isn't the right word–'"

Kenna chuckled into Tyrion's neck, "You just couldn't resist, could you? Couldn't let this end on a sincere, graceful moment."

"One last jape for old times' sake," Tyrion smirked as Kenna shook her head playfully and stood up, "I wouldn't be me if I let an opportunity to torment you about your poor choice in lovers go."

"Very true, now off with you. I've got a siege to defend against and a viper to kill."

Kenna watched the dwarf slowly pad away from her for the final time before returning her focus to the growing problem in front of her.

"Are the ballistas ready?" she asked the archers surrounding her.

The sun was rapidly covering the city in light and the dragons were now entirely visible and targetable once they were in range.

A few minutes after dawn …

"What do you think it means?" Trystane asked.

"I'm not sure," Robb said, staring up at the smoking fire visible on the roof of the Tower of the Hand.

"Can't be anything good," Oberyn chipped in before banging his spear down onto the stone street, "Why are we waiting? We just need Daenerys's dragons to take down the gate and we can rush in."

"I'm unsure," Robb admitted, "Perhaps our Queen wants to give those inside the Red Keep the opportunity to surrender?"

"Ba," Oberyn grunted, "If they were going to surrender, they would have done it by now. Besides Kenna and Tyrion Lannister know a more glorious death awaits them in battle than at our mercy."

Robb nodded, understanding that Oberyn's rage at the Lannisters was the only one that burned brighter than his own.

Suddenly the street cobbles started to shudder beneath them.

"What in the Seven Hells?" Trystane muttered, looking at the shaking ground.

Robb's eyes snapped to the smoking fire on the roof of the Tower of the Hand then behind him just in time to see the beginning of a green river of destruction eating the distance along the King's Way towards them, consuming all the soldiers in its way.

"Get to the side streets!" Robb yelled.

All the soldiers at the front of the combined army scrambled to get off the main street. It was chaos, with men going in all directions.

Robb sprinted into his chosen street with Oberyn and Trystane ahead of him and a mix of Northerners and Dornish behind him. His lungs burned at the sustained effort and all he could hear was the thumping of his own heartbeat but the wildfire making its deadly way towards them spurred him on.

A minute later he felt the preceding heatwave hit him and he thought it was all over as he heard the explosions come closer and closer until the loud noises just faded away.

He turned back, placing his hands on his knees and panting hard after his sprint.

"It stopped?" Trystane questioned a couple of metres in front of him with wide eyes.

"Yes," Oberyn said, curiously stepping back towards the still visible street they had vacated.

Once they cautiously jogged back to the street with near a hundred men behind them, they saw the damage. The street they had been on carried backwards for a couple of hundred meters then suddenly dropped into a deep chasm. The King's Way was no more and in its place was a wide crevasse that divided half of King's Landing. Buildings that had been among many were now on a cliff edge and all those men that had been marching between the Guildhall of the Alchemists and the intersection of the Hook were now ash, floating in the wind.

More of their troops were appearing from other alleyways but there was no getting over the fact that the majority of their remaining forces had just been wiped away in one devastating act.

"We need to regroup," Robb stated slowly, still in shock and taking in their new situation.

"We need to attack now!" Oberyn thundered, perhaps feeling his opportunity for revenge on Kenna slipping through his fingers.

His Queen must have agreed with his sentiment because in the next moment her two dragons took off and concentrated their fire on the Red Keep's gate before spewing fire all around the walls as they flew.

"Attack!" Oberyn shouted to the mixed army around him encouraging the charge at the now smouldering debris that had been a gate.

Robb had no time to argue as he was swept up in the advancing rabble of Dornish, Northmen, Unsullied and Dothraki.

Arrows started to rain down but not in a considerable amount that would trouble their advancement. The balistas managed to send a few dozen bolts into the air no longer hampered by eternal darkness before the dragons ruthlessly dowsed all the weapons in fire as they circled the Red Keep.

Half an hour later …

Gardens, Red Keep, King's Landing, Seat of power of House Baratheon (Lannister, Arryn), Crownlands, Capital of the Seven Kingdoms

Kenna ran through the gardens occasionally loosening an arrow at the unsullied chasing her. She threw herself behind a bush of roses as a Dothraki rider swiped down at her. Flat on her back she released an arrow that struck the horse, causing it to fall on top of its rider.

She quickly got back to her feet. More Dothraki riders and unsullied spearmen were spilling into the gardens and the paltry amount of Lannister and Arryn men with her wouldn't be able to withstand them.

"Follow me," Kenna yelled to the surrounding men as she sprinted across the garden that was being well watered in blood to a gate hidden well behind tall shrubbery that she knew was there courtesy of a past walk with Varys.

She hastily turned the key in the lock and opened the gate, ushering the men that had heard her shout before locking the gate behind her and moving a few steps away to disappear behind the bend of the staircase the gate gave access to.

The dozen or so men hugged the stone wall behind them and sucked in deep breaths as they faced the open water of Blackwater Bay. Dawn had come and the light reflecting off the waves was a beautiful sight to behold in contrast to the terrible reality they faced.

"What now?" a Lannister soldier gasped as they all listened to the horrible sounds emanating from the garden behind them.

"We move forward," Kenna replied sternly, looking to the sky where Daenerys's dragons flew overhead, menacingly letting out screeches occasionally but not unleashing any more dragonfire.

"There'll just be more savages up those steps," the same man expounded, pointing to the stairway that winded back up the side of the garden.

"You are welcome to go back to the gardens but this path leads to a secluded courtyard; from there I know of a passageway towards a private dock which should have a cog you can use to escape."

"You won't be joining us, Your Grace?" a Knight of the Vale asked beside her.

Kenna tightened her grip around the handle of her bow to stop the urge to rub at her stomach, "This is my fight, win or die I need to stay and finish it."

"I am a Knight of the Vale, I swore to protect you always," the Valeman declared.

"What is your name?" she asked, taking in his thick sandy hair and bushy beard.

"Jonas Elesham, Your Grace, I come from the Paps and wear my armour proudly."

"Thank you but I release you from that vow. I'd rather you live and help rebuild the Vale than sacrifice your life for mine."

"Can we please get moving," the Lannister man strained, his gaze darting to where they had come from.

The rest of the Westerland and Vale group grumbled their agreement and Kenna brushed past them to lead them up the steps.

She peaked around the corner to see the courtyard was empty before gesturing for the men behind her to follow. The relief in them as they saw no enemy combatants was palpable.

"How do we get to the docks?" the blond Lannister man asked instantly.

"Go down that hallway, it will take you there."

"Come with us," Jonas tried as the rest of the men started to jog away from them.

Kenna just sadly shook her head.

The sorrow in his eyes portrayed how he felt about her decision but he didn't get another chance to convince her as Dornish spearmen charged out from one of the entrances causing the rest of the men to sprint down the corridor to the docks leaving only Jonas and Kenna left in the courtyard.

"Don't worry they won't get far," a rich voice said as Dornishmen started to chase after the scarpered men.

"Prince Oberyn," Kenna greeted as she notched an arrow and pointed it at him. "Let this man go and I will surrender peacefully."

"I don't care much for your surrender," Oberyn said, flicking his hand.

An arrow could be heard slicing through the air before it thudded directly into Jonas's vulnerable neck. Kenna didn't flinch she let her arrow fly but her retaliation only impaled itself on the shield of a Dornishman that had stepped in front of Oberyn.

Kenna reached behind her back but her fingers were left wanting. Her quiver was empty. She threw her bow on the floor.

Kenna looked at Oberyn with resentment, "There was no need for him to die."

"There is no need for anything really," Oberyn grinned back as his spearmen started to circle Kenna with their long weapons pointed straight at her. The sharp tips only a small thrust away from her burdened stomach.

At Oberyn's command, they raised their spears to the sky but Kenna was still trapped inside their circle. The Dornish parted to let their prince inside.

"You want to fight me yourself? How brave of you to challenge an unarmed lady to a duel."

"You aren't unarmed and I'd argue you aren't a lady but a highborn whore with a penchant for Martell blood but you're right. I have an advantage," he said, throwing his spear to one of his men before pulling out two short knives from his belt. "Better?"

Kenna flexed her hands so her hidden blades protruded out but didn't respond as Oberyn started to stalk her around their makeshift arena. When she got too close to one of the spearmen, she received a push in her back that sent her stumbling forward nearly tripping over Jonas's collapsed form but Oberyn didn't capitalise, content to soak up her building panic and fear.

"Do you think I will make your death easy?" Oberyn said, his eyes blazing.

"My life hasn't been easy so why should my death be any different," Kenna replied, keeping her eyes on her opponent's hands as she moved from the dead body at her feet.

Oberyn's smile grew so wide it reached his eyes, "Why indeed."

Oberyn was a great warrior, famed for his speed and graceful movements. She wasn't a helpless woman but their experience and skills were incomparable.

Kenna narrowly avoided the lunge from Oberyn, she wasn't foolish enough to think she could attack herself and not feel the vipers bite in return but maybe she could keep one step ahead and dodge his attacks until he grew frustrated and made a reckless mistake.

"When I killed Tywin Lannister he pleaded for his life," Oberyn goaded, "Will you do the same?"

"You lie. Lord Tywin wouldn't beg for anything," Kenna instantly shot back with indignation rising in her cheeks at the thought.

"Oh, come now I'm sure you've heard him beg between the sheets or perhaps you were the one always begging," Oberyn said, with a coy smile on his lips.

Kenna ignored the scandalous bluntness that was on show for all to hear. She didn't care what these men thought of her and neither did she have the ladylike sensibilities a woman of her position should have.

"But I fear you are right. Perhaps he did only in one of my dreams," Oberyn said before his features became more menacing and he continued to prowl around Kenna, "However, I'm sure I'll be able to make you beg instead."

"I never set out to harm your daughters."

"You did more than harm them," Oberyn growled launching himself forward, "You killed them!"

Kenna jumped backwards and swiped out with her own blades but she wasn't quick enough to elude Oberyn's attack. She felt metal tear through the fabric near her neck and cut through her skin over her collar bone but she ignored the blossoming pain, keeping her focus on the fight.

"I know you will never forgive me or believe me but that is the truth," she said, experimentally rolling her shoulders to assess the damage.

"Forgiveness is between you and the Gods but I am more than happy to arrange that meeting," Oberyn said, striking again but this time Kenna darted forward, knowing defensive moves would only delay the inevitable.

Oberyn eyes lit up and he swiftly sidestepped her thrusting hand before hooking his arm around hers and bending it backwards in one powerful tug that was followed by a popping sound. Kenna screamed out loud before falling to her knees holding her shoulder.

"That move never fails," Oberyn chuckled in triumph, coming to a stop a few metres in front of Kenna.

Kenna sucked in breath after breath as she tried to control the trembles of pain reverberating around her body. Her arm was limp by her side. She could feel blood dripping down from the wound on her collarbone but still, the fight wasn't over so she dragged herself upwards and was surprised when Oberyn didn't intervene.

"The Bloody Falcon arises!" Oberyn announced in an excited tone that had a hint of mania creeping into it, "You must know you can't win against me now so why bother?"

"I don't accept defeat," Kenna rumbled, blinking to straighten her blurred vision.

Oberyn placed his knives back in his belt before brushing a hand through his slick black hair, "I dislocated your shoulder. You should be in an excruciating amount of pain."

Kenna took an unsteady step forward and lashed out but Oberyn effortlessly grabbed her swinging arm. He drew her to him and easily unfastened the hidden blade from her wrist and threw it to the floor.

Kenna wrestled against his manhandling but with one arm useless it was a losing battle. It ended with Oberyn straddling her torso on the sun-soaked stone floor. He had her pinned down with one hand on her wrist and another around her throat.

Kenna registered the predatory grin above her, "Are you going to strangle me to death?"

"I wouldn't be opposed to that idea," Oberyn replied, rubbing his thumb over her pulse point, "but I thought it might be more poetic if I hung you from the Tower of the Hand for all to see."

"Very poetic," Kenna murmured trying to keep the fear from her voice and shutting her eyes to block out Oberyn's suffocating presence.

"But your death alone isn't justice for all the sins you have committed."

Kenna's eyes snapped open when Oberyn grabbed her limp wrist and brought the blade attached to it towards her face. The pain that shot through her arm was enough to get her to use the last of her strength to start wiggling violently to free herself but it was no use.

The point of her own hidden blade dug into her cheek. Kenna could only scream to alleviate the pain as Oberyn's hand kept steady and dragged the blade slowly down to her chin before dropping her wrist.

He placed his fingers around the newly inflicted wound feeling warm blood flow around them and leaned down, "That was for Cersei."

Kenna clamped her teeth shut to stop any more cries from escaping her mouth and stilled to concentrate on that effort. The throbbing pain of her injuries and the continuing blood loss were sapping her energy and she barely noticed when Oberyn's hand wrapped around her braided hair and gently turned her head before smashing it into the stoned ground.

Author's Notes:

Surprisingly no one died this chapter … well no named character died anyway … well not one you knew beforehand (Jonas doesn't count) xD

That Kenna Oberyn fight was so much fun to write! Oberyn battered her :( If anyone is wondering the cheek cut is a call back to when Kenna cut Cersei's cheek in Chapter 41 and the relationship that occurred between Oberyn and Cersei in this story.

The Red Keep isn't destroyed as in canon but the gate and walls have been heavily damaged from dragonfire. The length of the wildfire explosion on the streets of King's Landing is important (please look up the layout of King's Landing if interested) because it didn't quite reach the main characters who were at the front of the army, beyond the Hook, or the prisoners who were at the back, before the Guildhall of the Alchemists but it did basically obliterate a roughly 10,000 strong army into just over 2,000 men. Specific numbers will be below because I know BlackWatcher1234 will want them:

Army Numbers after the Battle of King's Landing: Those in brackets are captured

House Targaryen – Daenerys, Daario, Grey Worm, Melisandre

Rhaegal & Viserion; 500 Dothraki; 500 Unsullied

House Martell – Oberyn, Trystane, Myrcella, Myriah [over a month old]

500 Dornish spearmen

House Stark – Robb, Sansa

750 soldiers

House Baratheon – Shireen, Davos

House Tyrell – Loras, (Margaery, Steffon [one year old])

4,000 calvary

House Arryn – Artys, Qyburn, Yohn & Jorge [both nearing four years old], (Kenna)

House Lannister – Tyrion, (Tywin, Tommen, Genna)

Reviews:

Supremus85 – All will be revealed eventually. Sansa will definitely be telling Robb the truth when they meet but I don't think his reaction will be as tactless as you have stated. I agree with the ease at which Daario killed Jon so I tweaked that but I do think both their minds would've been on the battle not on allies stabbing them in the back. Keep adding to your list! Yes, you were correct, nice one!

Ser Dorito of Aisle 13 – Yes it really does. Dany was imagining no one would know of her deceit so the backstabbing made sense in her mind. He isn't the King in the North anyway; he bent the knee to Dany when he joined his forces as is technically the Queen's consort right now. I see death being the only thing making Robb abdicate leadership over House Stark. That is a sneaky idea! It won't happen in this story though.

Antares Graceford – Indeed. Now you put it that way it is really messed up lol but I imagine Sansa gets to Robb soon. I know but he had to be captured :(

Mister LaGuardia – I'm happy with that description :) The line of succession for Dany in canon and in this story is an interesting one, if we assume she is actually barren, because that means her sole legacy will be what she achieves (who she liberates or frees in her mind) and her dragons I guess so that might explain why she goes to such lengths to achieve want she wants because she has limited time in the sense she can't pass her goals down to her children because she thinks she can't have any. Oh! That would be tragic and a bit of history repeating itself. I mean, I like killing characters but I've got to keep you lot on your toes!

Kawaibabies – The anti-Targaryen sentiment is strong in this one :P

WTFGOT – He really does! I can confirm that Dany's head won't be going on a stick but Sansa will spill the tea xD

IOUcomment – Let's see if your prediction of Robb killing Dany comes true!

Onuce89 – I think he will, can't see Sansa keeping the truth to herself.

David Daniel B – It does not :( She's in a tight spot at the moment for sure! Dany's betray and killing of Jon is right up there for Robb with the Red Wedding in terms of emotions and political catastrophe. What would be the best move for the North?

Krasni – I've been setting up the motivations for an attempt on Jon's life for a while so I think most people saw it coming just not the way it happened. Daario isn't useless … he killed Jon xD Not everyone gets a glorious death :( Not quite a resurrection in the traditional sense just a cheeky cliff-hanger from me with a RIP section trick but you are absolutely right that if Grey Wind hadn't been on top of Artys he would be dead. It's Tyrion's plan and he set it up but Kenna technically gave the order but then Daenerys's march forced her hand so the responsibility is an interesting topic … Thanks, you for reading :)

Tohka123 – She didn't :P Sansa does and Robb's reaction is going to be exciting! The Qyburn question is an interesting one …

Next Up: The returning dynasty settles some old scores, blood is spilt, wrongs are righted, and secrets are revealed.

If you are enjoying this story, please *Toss a coin to your writer, Oh valley of readers* and review, follow and favorite!