Coming of Red Anchor
Plans and Declarations
299AC
Jon
Riverrun
It had been almost two days since he'd been told the truth of his parentage and he had gone through them in mostly a daze, barely answering those who spoke to him and spending much of his time by the Weirwood tree in the godswood, pondering the words he had heard but also trying to figure out who he was. 'Who am I? A dragon, as the voice said or am I a wolf?' He sighed. He truly did not know and what's more he suspected that who he was was going to be important to the meeting that was to be held after noon. He had seen his fath- no his uncle look at him sadly, as if regretting what he had done or was about to do. The only other that seemed to react similarly was Lord Warrington, the wealthy and powerful lord of Stoney Shore.
Jon had by now also realised that due to his parentage, his father specifically, he now had a strong claim to the Iron throne. The very throne they were currently rebelling against. He was wasn't sure what they were fighting for currently to be honest. The Lannisters had been forced down to the southern regions of the Riverlands and had suffered a humiliation at Casterly Rock. So what his Uncle and the Riverlords planned to do next he wasn't entirely sure on. He sighed again. Life would be simpler at the Wall, though colder than he'd like. Just the cold and wildlings to worry about.
"Jon" came a deep rumbling voice behind him. He stood up and turned to see his father wearing a dark grey gambeson with a fur cloak over his shoulders, Ice at his side with its tip only a foot from the ground.
"Un- father" he said, catching himself before finishing the word. His uncle nodded with a sad smile before beckoning Jon nearer.
"You have come here often over the last day or two. Have the gods eased your mind at all?" the older man said carefully.
"Aye though it does not make things easier or simpler" Jon replied slowly. In truth he was uncertain, that he didn't know what his father, and he truly was his father despite bing his uncle by blood, had planned. "What do we do now?" His father seemed to age slightly and looked down at his feet uncomfortably.
"Jon, as you know, like most here do now, Joffrey and his siblings are not Robert's get. They have no claim to the throne. I met with Stannis, the eldest living Baratheon, about the claims we could support. I went there with the intention of supporting Stannis as heir since he's Robert's brother. However my vassals in house Britanican," and here his father seemed a bit bitter and angry, "spoke out of turn, and with the aid of Ser Barristan, suggested...you." Jon gasped and looked about worriedly.
"Me? But why? Doesn't Lord Stannis wish it?" Jon asked confusedly. Ned seemed to nod slowly, agreeing with the assumption.
"Aye you'd think so, but he is...reluctant to do that and would only have done so out of a sense of duty due to Robert having no trueborn heir. When your name was suggested and the truth of you brought to light he was hesitant. You have less lordly training compared to Robb, though more than most bastards as I had wished to give you a keep so you'd have needed it, but he also had concerns about the fact your family lost the rebellion. By Right of Conquest you had no claim, or so most would argue he said." Lord Stark paused there, letting Jon absorb what he was being told.
"What did he say in the end? Will Lord Stannis claim the throne? If he wishes I can swear before him I do not want it and take the black or some keep up here in the North?" Jon suggested, preferring the keep to the Black given that he had experienced life in Stoney Shore and found it desirable. His uncle smiled proudly down at his 'son'.
"Aye that is admirable of you Jon but that is not what will happen. Stannis decided after a few days deliberation, by himself and discussing it with advisors, that he would support you being placed on the throne. I think that if it got out that he had chosen not to his own vassals would have rebelled against him. Considering that the houses sworn to Dragonstone are predominantly Targaryen loyalists or being of Valyrian descent themselves it would have been foolish not to take that into account. I believe that he was convinced of your legitimacy and that much of the realm would unite under you. More than would if he tried."
"Father?" Jon asked in confusion, not quite seeing how he'd have much of the realm behind him.
"Think for a moment, right now you have the North and Riverlands plus Stannis and the forces around Dragonstone" Ned explained to his son in all but blood. "With your family name we can bring Targaryen loyalists in the Reach and Stormlands. There is a slight chance that we can bring the Dornish onside with the offering of The Mountain and Loch for punishment. The Vale is sadly out currently due to Lysa being stubborn and foolish and obviously the Westerlands are also out. There is a chance the Crownlands might swear to you but Tywin is between us and them so they may just sit it out till he is removed." Jon nodded seeing where is 'father' was going with this. The Reach would fracture which could give them a chance against Renly or leave him floundering and then vulnerable to a Lannister counter-attack, thus dealing with two birds with one stone.
"You should know" Lord Stark continued, "that I will be informing the other lords and formally declaring for you after noon. I will then send a raven to Stannis and he will declare as well. He will in turn send ravens to his vassals informing them of his pledge and any orders." Jon gasped in surprise, he thought he'd have longer and now he was being made a king, or claimant at least.
"Father, er, a-are you sure? I mean, w-what do I know about being a king? I was raised a bastard and have limited lordship training, how can I then be a king to these lords?" Jon started to panic, and began breathing heavily before he felt a hand grab his shoulder comfortingly.
"Relax Jon, myself and Robb will advise you and Lord Stannis will as well. Indeed I would suggest you name him your Hand as he is an excellent naval commander and a rather good army one too. He takes his duties seriously and would therefore be an excellent candidate for the role. He knows Kings Landing far better than I. I disliked being there and being Hand though I did my duty."
Jon nodded in understanding. Everything he'd heard about the city made him think he'd dislike being there as well. And now he was being made to live there. Gods, it was like some joke; first he was a bastard then he was not and now he is told he is king. Who would ever have believed it? If he had been told sooner he'd have said they were mad.
"Get some rest and a good meal, then join us for the meeting in the great an hour after mid day meal is over. Now I just need to go tell Cat about all this and hops she doesn't throw me to the fishes" Ned japed weakly before giving Jon a long look and leaving him alone to the comfort of the gods.
Warrington
He watched as the various lords entered the hall for the meeting including, he noted, Ser Barristan Selmy, the famed knight of the Kingsguard. He saw Ned seated up at the high table with his sons, Robb and Jon, to his left and Lord Edmure and The Blackfish to his right. The incoming lords took their seats accordingly with the North to the left side of the hall and the Riverlands to the right. When everyone was in and the last seated Ned waited a few minutes for the lords to grab cups of wine or water that servants had left on the tables that were scattered around the room. He then stood and banged his fist on the table he and the others were sat at, looking down upon the assembled lords and commanders. "Quiet!" Lord Stark bellowed, his deep northern voice rumbling through the room silencing many as the various lords turned to the warden of the north. "I thank you my lords for coming here to hear my words. As you now know the supposed children of Robert are not his get nor share his blood. Renly has risen in rebellion with the reach and much of the Stormlands supporting him. The Lannisters have the Westerlands and the Crownlands for now. However they have suffered great blows, with losses outside these very walls that my son Robb led," cheers from the many lords sounded at this which made Ned smile at the praise they had for his son. "As well as being struck a critical blow by Lord Warrington and his navy by the seizure of Casterly Rock." More cheers sounded along with some insults to the golden headed family and James bowed his head to Lord Stark in acknowledgement. "But now we must decide what we are to do."
"Bah! I spit on that golden inbred bastard and the southron fool Renly" came the gruff voice of Lord Umber. "The Starks have looked after us for centuries, I say we declare them kings and be done with those southron pricks and that iron monstrosity. The North for the North!" he yelled and many northern lords rumbled their agreement. The Starks seemed to smile slightly at the praise heaped upon them by their bannerman though Warrington didn't cheer since he felt no true feeling either way.
"And what of the Riverlands Lord Umber?" Lord Stark asked rhetorically. "While I appreciate your loyalty we have the Riverlands and possibly the Vale to think of. Not to mention Dorne and Dragonstone. When I spoke with Lord Stannis I had planned to pledge to him as the eldest brother of Robert. The Gods it seemed had another plan for me as Lord Stannis and I came to a different arrangement. As you know the rebellion started because in part it was believed Lyanna, my sister, was kidnapped by Prince Rhaegar and my brother and father were then burned alive when they demanded her return."
There were a few nods but many looked puzzled by the change in topic and the short history tale. "Her kidnapping was a lie unknowingly told" Ned said regretfully which caused a few cries of outrage from the assembled lords. "My lords please let me explain" Ned said much louder in order to be heard over their grumbles and he banged his fist on the table a few times to get them to quieten down.
"As I was saying, the lie was only revealed as such when I got to Dorne and found my sister, dying in a lonely tower in the Red Mountains. She was dying of fever. Birthing fever. Upon entry to her room, after meeting Lyanna, I was presented with a child, hers and her husband's" Ned said softly but clearly. Again more cries of outrage filled the room, even Edmure and Brynden seemed shaken by the news. James just looked on calmly though he got a few glances from Lord Glover and Maege Mormont for his lack of reaction. He just smirked knowingly at them which subtly told them he already knew.
"How could she and the Prince be married?" cried one river lord
"What became of the child?" barked Maege who threw a glance at James as if wondering if he knew that too. That he knew what happened he didn't show on his face but he grinned internally at her knowing her good-son so well.
"Prince Rhaegar used the Targryen Exceptionalism to declare Lyanna a second wife as his first, Elia, could no longer bare children. Thus they married near or on the Isle of Faces and again in a local sept by High Septon Maynard. As for the son Lady Mormont, why he sits beside his cousin, protected by his widely known status as my bastard son." Everyone then turned to stare at Jon, and James almost felt pity for the boy as he was stared and gawped at by lords far older than his eighteen years. He saw Jon at first shy away from the looks before a nudge from Robb made him sit more upright, square his shoulders and look down upon the lords. 'Yes that's it, look a bit more lordly like that lad and you might pull of a kingly look too' James though with a wry smile.
"You mean that the boy, your bastard is a Targaryen?" Lord Jason Mallister of Seagard asked incredulously. "He looks more Stark than Valyrian." That got a few nods from the assembled lords while others studied the boy closely.
"He has the Valyrian high cheek bones and Rhaegar's slender build" Ser Brynden admitted slowly.
"Lord Stark tells the truth my lords" James said rising to his feet, he knew someone else would need to back Lord Stark somewhat since Lord Reed was not present. The lords turned to him, startled by his voice.
"Who in seven hells are you?" exclaimed a riverlord.
"Lord James Warrington at your service" Warrington replied with a bow and flourish, exaggerated of course because where was the fun in not doing so. "Lord of Stoney Shore and Lord of Casterly Rock. As I said Lord Stark is correct. I'm sure the stories tell how how advanced my people are so I shall simply say that we have a way of using blood, or hair, to determine family relations between people. Jon Snow does not match Lord Stark to the degree that Lord Robb or any of Lord Robb's siblings do. In fact he matches Lord Stark only slightly, thus indicating a further relation than father and son or mother and son. Logically he is therefore a nephew from either of Lord Stark's siblings. Before any claim that perhaps he is Brandon's by Ashara Dayne we have taken a blood sample from Aemon Targayen, Maester of Castle Black and compared the two samples. Jon matched to Aemon enough to indicate that he was a nephew. Thus he is logically Lyanna's and Rhaegar's child.
"We also found out, using similar methods, about Prince Joffrey and his sibling" James further explained. "Any of you who have seen them know they are gold of hair and green eyed with no features of the Baratheons in them. Robert's bastard children however had strong builds, were dark haired and had blue eyes. All Baratheon traits" he reported to them succinctly before returning to his seat. The lords grumbled and some looked at him as if he were a devil or magic user for his analysis of the blood but none could deny the lack of resemblance the supposed royal children had to King Robert. That Brynden had pointed out some Valyrian features in the boy and that Lord Stark was a man of honour, along with the timing of events it led them to, after much grumbling, accept the truth; Jon was Rhaegar's trueborn son and last surviving heir.
"So the plan is to place this boy, the Prince's son, on the throne Lord Stark?" Ser Brynden asked with a side glance to Jon.
"Aye, that is the plan myself and Lord Stannis have decided upon. Lord Stannis will blockade the Blackwater and rally what Stormlanders he can while also trying to get the Reach and Dorne onside. Meanwhile I will attempt to gain the Vale to ours, though given what I am hearing from the Vale we may only insure their neutrality" Lord Stark said grimly.
"What news is there from the Vale that has you troubled my lord? Surely they would wish to seek justice and vengeance for their former lord?" asked the soft cold voice of Lord Bolton. Ned glanced at Brynden who shrugged and gestured for him to continue.
"Lady Lysa Arryn acts as regent it is true but she has become rather… unstable" he finished delicately. "She imagines plots and tries to keep her son close but smothers him. Lord Royce has said he would try what he could to get her to side with us but said neutrality is likely all that will be gained" Ned finished sadly. "Still we are more than able fight this war and win my lords. The Westerlands is in chaos thanks to Lord Warrington and soon the Blackwater will close and further foods will cut off. With Tywin being forced further south we shall no doubt end besieging the capital shortly."
"Lord Stark are you sure about putting a Targaryen back on the throne? How can we be sure another Aerys will not recur?" Lord Karstark asked gruffly and a few others murmured in agreement.
"My nephew is not his grandfather. If all of us were held to the sins of our fathers we would never have lived as long as we have" Ned argued back with a glare and Karstark backed down under the cold grey eyes of the Stark patriarch. "Good, so we are agreed, my nephew will sit the throne and replace these upstart lions?" a chorus of ayes were heard around the hall from the various lords as they took to the news of a fresh Targaryen sitting upon the Iron Throne.
"Does he have a more Targaryen sounding name Lord Stark?" Edmure asked from beside the Starks. Jon cleared his throat before speaking.
"My name is Jaehaerys Targaryen Lord Edmure, and I thank you all, my lords, for your support and I swear that I will not let you down nor ask something of you that I would not ask myself. I will protect and serve all under my banner and in my realm and I hope I shall have you support in doing so" Jon, or Jaehaerys, said nervously but clearly and without any stutter. The lords banged their cups on the tables in reply.
"He may be a Targareyn but he's a Stark from the North too, he is of the North. So I still say I spit on those southrons and their tourney but lets give them a taste of Winter!" Lord Umber called and he drew his sword and pointed it at Jaehaerys. "The king from the North!" he shouted and knelt.
"Aye, the king from the North!" shouted Maege next and she too knelt.
"The king from the North!" came subsequent calls and soon the whole hall was full of lords who knelt as they declared Jaehaerys King of Westeros. Jae stood there seemingly stunned and overwhelmed by the support, a small smile on his face at such recognition. James knelt amongst the others and me the eyes of Jae has he looked out at the kneeling lords. Their eyes met and James gave him a respectful nod and Jae returned it, indicating the thanks he had for the people who had trained him in war beyond that which he might have at Castle Black or with his uncle.
xxxxx
The lords began to disperse after the main announcement was done though the senior lords and commanders remained behind and began discussing plans for the war. As they did James slipped out and went to his quarters where he opened up a trunk he had brought with him from Casterly Rock which held a long leather wrapped package which he'd had delivered from Stoney Shore to Seagard in time for his arrival there. He picked it up and returned to the great hall. Jaehaerys noticed him arrive and approach him and ned looked up to at the growing quiet.
"Your grace" James said with a small bow. "House Targaryen is known for many things including madness and incest, but it is also known for the Valyrian steel swords it possessed. Both Dark Sister and Blackfyre were long thought lost however during our time in these lands my people rediscovered one of them, hiding under the noses of many with the last surviving member of its house." James held the long package up to Jae to take who softly picked it up from Warrington's hands and placed it on the table to unwrap. He slowly undid the small ties which held it together and then unravelled the leather covers which slowly revealed a hilt and scabbard. The grip was a silvery gold colour ending in a golden pummel in the shape of a dragon's head with eyes of red rubies. The cross guard itself was a pair of twisted gold quillons with pointed tips while another ruby sat in the centre of the cross guard. The blade was long and sender, fitting the category of a longsword, and may have been designed for a female hand given its slender form. "Dark Sister Your Grace, fully restored and sharp as ever." Warrington informed them and many gasped as the king claimant drew the sword and held it aloft for all to see, its rippled steel appearance giving away its Valyrian creation. He then moved away from the table and tested the weight of the blade and practising a few forms.
"I'm partial to the bastard sword in all honesty but I shall train hard to make my self worthy of this blade." He sheathed the blade in its with three headed dragon decorated black scabbard. He nodded happily to himself and seated himself back at the table, content to have the new sword by his chair.
Warrington took his seat at the table again as they discussed their plans. "We need to drive the Lannisters back" said Lord Tytos Blackwood from his seat along the table.
"No, we need to round up the rest of the Riverland armies first and drive out the various raiding bands before we take on Tywin" Lord Bracken retorted.
"We should do both" Ned intervened before the two rivals could get going and bicker profusely. "How many more troops can we rally?" he then asked to Lord Edmure.
"I believe we can bring a total of ten thousand or so Ned. We might scrounge up a few thousand more as time goes on" Edmure explained to his good-brother after a quick whispered conversation with his uncle, The Blackfish. Ned nodded in acknowledgement.
"Where exactly have the Lannisters retreated to?" Jon asked while glancing at the map of the Riverlands.
"They are currently based at Harrenhal Your Grace" the Blackfish said while pointing at the castle by the Gods Eye on the map. "My scouts indicate the army is just under twenty thousand strong so assuming we rally enough here we have enough to force him out. Costly though, despite being a ruin it is still highly defensible." Jon hummed thoughtfully before looking at his uncle.
"How many do we have Uncle?"
"Four and Twenty thousand northmen Your Grace"
"And they're worth double that in southrons Your Grace" Lord Umber boasted to many shouts of agreement from the other northern lords and scowls from the river lords.
"I'm sure they will prove so Lord Umber, I know how tough us northerners can be. And please, uncle, call me Jae or Jon."
"Of course Your Grace. And we have five thousand Riverland soldiers at the moment, though as Lord Edmure said another ten could could be found. Ned replied and Jae frowned at him though without heat.
"Lord Warrington are you able to strike out from Casterly Rock at all? Perhaps delay any actions to rally a new host out there while we deal with Tywin?" Jae asked after consulting the map.
"Not easily. The former Lannister garrison has placed a few hundred men outside the Lions Mouth while the rest have retreated to a nearby castle to call for reinforcements. We are currently digging in and preparing to repel an assault which we expect within the next sennight or so."
"Could you not destroy that small force and then raid around the Westerlands?"
"We could" James admitted slowly, "but we lack the numbers to do large attacks. We only have just under four thousand men. To be fair we didn't go all out in terms of using our firearms when we attacked Lannisport whereas we will be when defending the Rock. The Mouth will be impregnable" James replied to the young king claimant. "As for raiding, it would be like pinpricks, enough to annoy them but not enough to delay. They will come to Casterly Rock regardless as Tywin will want it re-secured." Jon nodded sadly at the news before sighing and turning back to the map.
"Then we take Lord Stark's suggestion and Lord Blackwoods and move on Tywin. Lord Edmure will rally additional Riverland forces to clear out any raiding party of the Lannisters and restore any taken keeps to their rightful lords. Meanwhile Uncle Ned and the Northern host can besiege Harrenhal, thus keeping Tywin contained while Edmure clears out the Riverlands of raiders. Once the Riverlands are secured Lord Edmure can bring all the remaining forces to Harrenhal which we will then assault. We need only besiege on three sides as the fourth faces the Gods Eye correct?"
"Aye that's it Your Grace though the section besieging from the south side will need to be alert to any Lannister aid from the Crownlands" Ser Brynden advised.
"That's unlikely since they can ill afford to send more men here when Renly is marching north with a large host" Ned quickly retorted. Brynden nodded and others seemed to relax at the news Lannister reinforcements were unlikely.
"Lord Edmure I suggest taking a large force to deal with certain raiding bands. I've had word from various assets that The mountain is leading one group, be cautious and keep at a distance. I'd recommend crossbows with rope or chain to hold him down while you shoot his legs and arms. A few to the chest can't hurt either given who he is" Warrington recommended and to his surprise Edmure looked angry before the Blackfish put a calming hand on the man's arm and spoke quietly to him.
"He's right nephew, do not underestimate that beast. I would do just as he advised and would have given you the same advise" Edmure nodded stiffly and shrank back in his chair. Ser Brynden gave James a respectful nod who then returned it.
"On my end we will keep the Westerlands focused on Casterly Rock, that should stop them bringing fresh troops through the Golden Tooth since they will need them when the fail to take the Rock" Warrington added after a moments pause. Jon nodded gratefully and with that the group of lords dispersed to begin their war against the Lannisters.
An hour later a dozen ravens headed out from the rookery to deliver declarations of loyalty and intent while another headed off to Dragonstone to begin the next phase of the war.
AN: Hope you enjoyed it and sorry for the delay in putting it out. Just got a bit carried away reading other stories and forgot to write my own. Bit of a filler and continuation of the last but hopefully things should move on in the next part as the war kicks off.
For reference the armies stand at this:
Jon/Jae
24,000 northerners at Riverrun
5,000 Riverlands at Riverrun
3,900 northerners at Casterly Rock
5,000 with Stannis at Dragonstone
Lannisters
18,500 with Tywin at Harrenhal
1,500 scattered around raiding Riverlands
2 – 3,000 Goldcloaks in Kings Landing