(Three Moons since arriving at the Wall and Two and a Half since the long night fell.)
Casterly Rock 301 AC.
Arya.
The journey to Lannisport annoyed her greatly, the idea of leaving their island uninhabited was not one she took pleasure in. Lord Jorah, Lady Maege, Lady Alysanne, Jory, Lyra, and Lyanna were all not best pleased either, and other than Lady Lynesse, none wished to leave. That they were ordered to do so by Jon was the only reason they had, although she'd heard Nymeria make her own wishes clear more than once. Her wolf and herself were at odds for the first time she could remember. Nymeria growling at her each time she had raised up the possibility of staying on Bear Island.
In the end, she'd gone with the wishes of everyone else, as truthfully what choice did she have. Though she would admit that the thoughts of her and Lyanna staying there and protecting the island by themselves were ones that brought a smile to her face. Watching it as it disappeared in the darkness of the night made her fear that she'd not see it again. Which in turn made her fear for her family who were fighting while she was not. Arya spending the first night on the She-Bear holding onto Nymeria as Lyanna slept blissfully unaware of her concerns.
It wasn't that she hid them or that Lyanna didn't share them, it was more that Arya had played them down and hadn't wished for both of them to worry so. As they sailed they were soon joined by other ships of the North, those leaving from Deepwood Motte and Sea Dragon Point and it made her hope that Larence was on one of them. The young boy was one of the few who wasn't a complete fool and both she and Lyanna had enjoyed his company each time they'd traveled to Deepwood Motte. As she stood on the deck of the She-Bear and watched the reflection of the lights from the ships shine on the sea, their lights the only light around for miles to see, she was joined by Lady Maege and Lyanna.
"We'll be reaching Lannisport in a few hours. Arya, your belongings are packed?" Lady Maege asked.
"They are, Lady Maege." Arya replied, she'd seen it so herself and hadn't really taken much from her chest while they sailed.
"I know you both wish to be elsewhere, as do I. But our king has tasked us with seeing our people safe, girls, and I know both of you will play your part in that." Lady Maege said touching her shoulder and doing likewise to Lyanna.
"What's Lannisport like, Lady Maege?" she asked curiously as she turned to look at the woman she admired most in the world.
"Dark." Maege said confusing her before all three of them began to laugh, in that it would be the same as everywhere else since the Long Night had fallen "It's a large city, Arya, bigger than White Harbor and almost of a size with King's Landing."
"Does it smell the same?" Lyanna asked as she scrunched up her nose, Arya remembering how both of them had thought that way about King's Landing though apparently, it was better now.
"No, it's far better managed." Lady Maege said.
"Do you think we could…could we visit Casterly Rock?" Arya asked hopefully.
"I'm sure we'll get the chance, now off you go the both of you, we'll eat and then make ready to dock." Lady Maege said and Arya nodded as she and Lyanna raced off to see to their things and to then join everyone in the cabin they ate their meals in.
She hoped she'd get to see the Rock as Jon always called it, the place her brother had spent most of his younger years and had learned so much. Perhaps see his room and the vaults he'd told her about as well as some of the people who'd meant so much to him. It was to this thought that she ate her meal and just as Lady Maege had said, no sooner had she done so than they were being told that land had been spotted.
Arya waited for permission to run back to the deck rather than simply doing so and once she received it, then she and Lyanna raced off. The sight they were presented with was one that she found incredibly beautiful. Lannisport was illuminated by thousands of lights. Torches that burned high on top of buildings and on large poles, as well as some that stuck out from windows. Though it was the lanterns that really took her breath away. They were just like the ones that had been used for the weddings in Winterfell. Someone had placed what seemed to be hundreds of them around the city and in the darkness of the night's sky, they shone like a beacon.
"I had not thought." she heard Alysanne say and after a few moments of looking at the city as they drew closer to it, she and Lyanna hurried off to grab their chests and make ready to leave the ship.
When they docked it was to find some people already there waiting for them, Lord Kevan Lannister wasn't there himself nor was his son, Lancel she believed his name was, instead it was a blond-haired man with a trimmed beard and a face she recognized and who bore a smile when he saw her. Tommen was Jon's squire and it was he who stood forward to welcome them to Lannisport after they had made their way off the ship.
"Lord Jorah, Lady Maege, Lady Lynesse, my ladies, on behalf of my great-aunt Genna and great-uncle Kevan I'd like to welcome you to Lannisport." the young lad said, his voice more firm than she remembered it being when last they'd spoke, "Aye, you too Nymeria." he added laughing a moment later when her wolf walked over to lick his hand.
"I thank your Great-aunt and Great-uncle, Tommen, and you yourself. I needs must see to my people though, so any assistance you can give us would be most welcome." Lady Maege said as Tommen smiled at her.
"My Great-aunt sent some men to help your people settle, my lady. We've organized buildings and rooms for them and there is warm food and soup ready for them when they arrive. I've been tasked with escorting you to Casterly Rock, my Great-aunt wishes to speak to you, Lord Jorah, and to the Lady Arya." Tommen said and Arya felt her worries rise.
"Is it, Jon, has something happened to my brother?" she asked almost panicking.
"His grace and the rest of your family are well, my lady, you have my oath on that." Tommen said and once again it surprised her just how confident and composed he was.
"Alysanne, you and your sisters go with the Lannister men and see our people settled. We'll ride on to Casterly Rock and will return as soon as we're able." Lady Maege said and no sooner had she done so than the man with Tommen nodded to some other men and the docks quickly became a hive of activity.
Lord Jorah, Lady Maege, and she and Lyanna rode with Tommen and the man she'd found out was Ser Daven Lannister while Lady Lynesse and Gerold and the babe rode in the carriage that they'd brought with them. Arya hating that while the men they rode with brought torches there still wasn't enough light to see the road they took or the lands they rode in. She did however see the Rock as it loomed in front of them, it too was illuminated as Lannisport had been and she felt her excitement rise as they rode inside and as they then took the lift to the family wing.
"Did you spend much time here with my brother, Tommen?" she asked and he shook his head, Arya only remembering then that he spent most of his life in the Red Keep and that it may not be something he wished to talk about.
"Not until his grace took me to squire no and even then it was only a few moons, I enjoyed it though, Arya, very much so and I've enjoyed my time here since, though I wish I was elsewhere." he said and she smiled at that, both at him using her name as she'd asked him to and that he felt as she and Lyanna did and wished to be fighting with her brother.
Reaching the family wing you'd never know there was nothing but darkness outside. It was lit just as well as it had ever been and it took a few moments for her eyes to adjust. They were met by Tommen's sister Myrcella, the girl that was to one day wed Bran and Arya hoped she'd be able to get to know her a little while they were here. Though they weren't officially presented, something she knew Lady Maege and Lord Jorah appreciated, they were made welcome and she heard Lady Genna speak to them about the news she'd received about the war. Arya's ears pricking up as what Tommen told them was confirmed and then even more so when the mention of letters was made.
"From your brother, Lady Arya." Lady Genna said handing her a letter and she wished so much to read it and yet not at the same time, deciding to hold it for now.
They were given dinner and were told that there were rooms in the keep put aside for them. Lady Genna telling Lady Maege and Lord Jorah that they could ride to and from Lannisport in less than an hour and that ravens had been set up to bring news should they be needed. Arya had wished to ride back when Lady Maege did, but she and Lyanna were bid to stay and Lady Maege said she'd return on the morrow. Tommen and Myrcella then escorted them to their room and told her and Lyanna that they'd give them a tour of the Rock on the morrow if they wished.
"Can we see the vaults?" she asked eagerly.
"Of course, you wish to see his grace's rooms?" Tommen said and she nodded before he and his sister bid them goodnight and once inside the room, she and Lyanna wasted no time taking to their beds.
She then waited until Lyanna had gone to sleep and taking her candle in hand, she opened the letter and began to read it.
To the She-Wolf of Bear Island,
I miss you little wolf, though it comforts me to know where you are and that you'll be reading this letter. It comforts me to know that our people are in the care of She Bears and a She-Wolf. That should they need protection then they'll have no more Leal and True guardian than Arya Stark of Bear Island. That's why I'd not have you by my side, not because I doubt your courage and fear you'd not be useful, far from it. For it's knowing the fire that burns within you that cheers me so. Knowing that you and Lyanna, that her sisters and mother and Lord Jorah, that all of you will see not only the people of the North but those of the West safe and well.
Go easy on my squire little sister, though not in the sparring yard as he too is just as fierce as you and Lyanna are. Know that I think of you often and that when I feel worried and doubtful, one thought soon chases those doubts away. Just like the Rhoynar, the people of the North have their very own Nymeria to guide them in the days to come. For my little sister has the heart of a warrior princess in her chest and there is none I trust more than she.
Your loving brother,
Jon.
The tears that fell as she lay down to sleep were less than she feared, the pride that swelled in her chest more so and as she offered up her prayers to the old gods to see her family safe and well, she felt Nymeria climb into bed beside her. For now, the pack was apart, but there were no lone wolves amongst them and they would survive the white winds that blew.
Hornwood 301 AC.
Dany.
She was tired and welcomed the feel of the sheets as she lay down on the bed. The comfort of the soft mattress and the warmth of the bath that she'd just had both soothing her sore muscles. Beside her on the table rested the empty plate of the meal she'd just eaten and with her stomach full, Dany closed her eyes and sought her sleep. Earlier she and Tyrion had laid down flames and taken more from the Night King's army and yet it was not enough, not even close to enough. Given what he'd taken from her, until she finally saw him fall, nothing would be.
As her eyes closed she hoped to dream of Aurane and that he'd gotten her message, Missy too she hoped had received her own and that Rhaegal was doing well on Dragonstone and his brother had joined him. The ravens when they'd arrived to her and Tyrion had borne the news that Jae had sent Aemon's dragon away just as he had Shiera's. Dany missing them as much as she did their riders and not even Jae's words that he'd see Shiera live again was enough to comfort her.
It was not that she'd didn't believe her nephew would do all he could, more that she was beginning to be certain that her aunt, just like her uncle, was lost to her. Still, the idea that Aurane would soon be reading a letter from her and that with luck she'd soon be reading one from him did at least put a smile on her face. Dany was not sure how Jae was able to do half the things he was, but she did know that just like her, Tyrion too would welcome hearing from his love and that the letters back would raise their spirits somewhat. Sleep quickly came and it was to that thought that she sought her dreams.
She looked as they marched, the elk leading the way and beside him the dead horse and the thing that had once been her aunt sitting on its back. Dany called out and yet no sound came from her and as she looked around she found herself surrounded by dead men and women. None of whom seemed to see or even notice her presence and so rather than run and seek safety, she walked and felt no fear.
The ground they covered was unfamiliar to her and as she looked to the white walkers and the Night King, to her aunt and to the dead themselves, she felt there was purpose in their walking. Soon she saw that purpose as she looked on to see men being swarmed by animals and other things, while in the air Rhaenix flew and laid down flames that didn't hit home. Where the storm had come from she knew not, only that it had come and had cost her nephew the advantage.
Though both he and Rhaenix escaped unharmed, the men they brought with them did not and Dany now found herself walking over bodies of men she recognized. Northmen, good men, men who rose and joined the army, and soon they were marching again. Looking to her aunt she was surprised to see the shudder she made, the involuntary movement catching her by surprise and it struck her then that he aunt, her true aunt was still inside this thing. Trapped and fearful and more so now for some reason, Dany looking on as the Night King looked at her aunt and then turned his gaze her way.
Dany woke up with a start, jumping from her bed and feeling the pain in her shoulder from where the ice arrow had hit home. She cried out and soon enough Grey Worm and Ser Bonifer were in the room beside her, Tyrion and Loras joining a few moments later.
"Dany, Dany, what is it, speak to me, Dany, please.." Tyrion said kneeling beside her and wearing a look of despair, one that she hoped to take off his face when she threw her arms around him and though her shoulder pained her still, she forbore it.
"I'm well, I'm well. A bad dream, brother, it was just a bad dream." she said though she knew it was more than that.
She broke her fast with them and her hunger and appetite seemed to relax them some. Dany however was using the eating of her food more to allow her to think and not need to speak than because she was hungry. Though she did welcome the warmth and the fullness of her stomach when she was done. Deciding not to speak about what she had seen, for now, she readied for the day ahead and after Loras and Garin had left to prepare the men for the march ahead, she and Tyrion then made their way to the dragons.
"You're sure you're well?" Tyrion asked and Dany nodded before moving to speak to Ellanys and making sure her dragon's own concerns for her wellbeing were addressed.
Once she'd done so, she then climbed up onto Ellanys back, and together with Lygaron they flew North once more. It took them the same amount of time to find the dead as it had the previous day, Dany happy to see that they'd not gained too much ground while they had rested. Tyrion had worked out the pace they were traveling at and together with Loras, Garin, Bonifer, Grey Worm, and Ser Symond, he had then applied that to their own marching and resting.
Five days was what they had between them and each day their men would march for an hour or more longer than the previous one, or thereabouts. The plans they'd made was to put a week between them before they reached the White Knife, as the last thing they wished for was to bring the dead down upon the other half of their army. She had no doubt that Jae was seeking to do the same, to put as much ground between them and their men so not only could they not be taken by surprise, but when the battle actually needed to be fought their men would be rested enough for it.
"Dracarys." she said as Ellanys flew from east to west, her flames soon catching the dead beneath them and the arrows they aimed at her didn't come close to either her or her dragon, Dany had learned that lesson the hard way.
The pain in her shoulder was a dull throb now, enough for her to ignore it, and yet what she'd seen was something she very much could not. It was why when she saw the bird in the sky it brought a smile to her face. Why when she bid it towards her as she flew away from the dead, she was happy to see it follow. The eagle was not like the crows or ravens that they used to send messages, its task was very different and she knew it was even more watchful than it had been up to now.
Losing Aemon and what had happened to Shiera would ensure that, her nephew would be ever more vigilant and the guardians he sent to look over those he loved, ever more alert. When she landed it was closer to the dead than to their army, something that Tyrion was much confused by and yet her brother kept silent when Dany climbed down off Ellanys and he simply followed her lead. By the time he reached her, she was speaking to the bird, telling it all she'd seen and knowing that her nephew would receive the information faster than were she to simply write him a note. Dany looking on a moment later when the bird took to the sky and went searching for a tree to watch over them from.
"Dany?" Tyron asked, his lack of understanding clear in his expression.
"There was something I needed to tell, Jae, come we should return to our men."
"Dany?"
"We'll speak later, Tyrion, Come I've no wish to be here any longer." she said determinedly as he nodded and turned to walk to Lygaron.
They caught up with the men a few hours later and marched with them the final few miles of the day. Over the next few days, they repeated all they had done and soon saw the White Knife in the distance. Something that brought good cheer to the men as they'd made it this far without needing to engage in a pitched battle. Setting up camp that first night she found herself in a much better mood when the eagle and the ones that Jae had left behind for Loras and Tyron all began to make chirping sounds. The news they carried was good and though the others worried at first, soon enough they shared her good cheer. As they did after the next day's flight when upon their return it was to find letters from Aurane and Arianne and one from her nephew too.
The Riverlands 301 AC.
Yohn Royce.
Not since Robert's Rebellion had the Knights of the Vale marched in the force they did now. True they'd taken part in the Greyjoy Rebellion, but that had mainly been infantry and few knights. They had, he supposed fought in the War of the One True King, but in that fight some houses including his own had stood down. Now as they rode through the Riverlands and towards an army of a size he knew not, they were fully united.
Beside him rode Lord Gerold Grafton and Lord Horton Redfort, two men who'd not answered Jon Arryn's call. Lord Lyonel Corbray who was now his goodson, Lord Benedar Belmore, Lord Melcolm and Ser's Morton Waynwood, Gilwood Hunter, Robart Hersy, and even Ser Vardis Egen all representing their houses and riding behind him. Yohn was happy to have men of the caliber of Ser Morton with him and he looked to see the knight speaking jovially with Andar and Lyonel. While Ser Vardis didn't seem in as good cheer as the others, the knight had come around some since the full truth of Jon Arryn had been revealed. That he was willing to answer the king's call without being cajoled or forced into it was enough to show him Leal, for now at least.
"Do you really think we'll be needed, Yohn? I mean his grace and Prince Tyrion pretty much saw the Realm brought to heel quite easily when we stood the other side." Lord Gerold asked as they rode, Yohn finding himself agreeing partly at least.
"The king called and we marched, Gerold. I fear given what it is we're to face that we're needed so, but face it we will, and at least this time we fight on the true side." he said as both Horton and Gerold nodded.
They were a few miles past the Twins when the riders approached, Horton smiled to see Mychel amongst them and Yohn was surprised to see Ser Richard Lonmouth and Ser Hugo Vance to be riding with them.
"Lord Royce, it's good to see you and the Knights of the Vale, his grace will be most pleased with your arrival." Ser Richard said a smile on the man's face as he spoke.
"His grace is here?" Lord Gerold asked only for Ser Richard to shake his head.
"Not as of yet, though the day draws closer I fear." Ser Richard said as Horton spoke to Mychel and Yohn was happy to see both father and son in good cheer.
"Where do you wish us to set up, Ser Richard?" he asked as Richard brought his horse closer to them.
"If you'll all follow Ser Hugo, I'll ride with you and we can speak some more."
"Aye, I'd like that Richard." he said warmly.
As they rode he listened while Richard told him that the entirety of the North had been evacuated. Yohn looking just as shocked as Gerold and Morton Waynwood was. The knight had ridden up to speak to Richard about their own preparations in the Vale and to tell the king's Master of Whisperers that his mother and Yohn's own wife were overseeing them. Along with Ysilla and some of the men they'd left behind.
"All of them, Richard?" he asked dumbfounded, the idea that they'd done so as quickly as they had was not one he truly understood the logistics of.
"Aye, Lady Elle and those from Winterfell and Wintertown arrived a few days ago and mine own people were among the last to leave from White Harbor." Richard said and then Morton spoke of their own work.
"The Mountain Clans have marched Richard, not with us, not joining us but they've marched and will continue to do so. One of their holy women had a vision and we were stunned when they requested a parley, more so when they asked for leave to march through the Bloody Gate." Morton said and Richard for once looked surprised.
"You gave them leave, Yohn?" Richard asked.
"I did. Made them kneel and swear and I promised them what would happen should they seek to cause any disruption on our and any other lands. Had to bloody promise them that when this is over we'd seek no retribution against them and allow them safe passage back to their lands, something not all agreed with, but they gave me their oath and name me a fool, but I believe them." he said and waited for Richard to do just that, something he did not, instead, the man just laughed catching him by surprise.
"Richard?" Morton asked after a moment.
"I spoke to the king about them., wondered had he a plan for them should it come to pass that the Vale like the North needed to evacuate. His grace just smiled at me and said the Mountain Clans would be no trouble and so I left it at that." Richard said as Yohn looked to Morton in disbelief.
"He knew?" Morton asked when he could not.
"What the king knows boggles my mind at times, Morton. I had almost expected him to treat with them himself, but it seems the gods had their own plans and our king is very much a servant of the gods." Richard said to nods from both he and Morton.
It was something he was even more certain of when they reached the army of the Riverlords and he saw how they were laid out. He hadn't known they could count on such numbers, the sigils showing that every house had come when called, even the Freys and in numbers too. Though it wasn't even the men and the sheer number of tents, horses, and how far they stretched that took his eye. It was the fires that burned and the torches that shone, the wind wheels that had been erected, and the line of scorpions that littered the ground in front of them.
Alongside each, he saw countless arrows, scorpion bolts, fire pits, and to one side more barrels than he could count. The spaces between each scorpion and wind wheel was full of said barrels and yet he could only make out their shapes, as it was the one place where no torch or fire burned. There were fifty or more men stationed at each and were he to guess the number of scorpions, then he'd name it in the hundreds. Yohn looking curiously at the piles of broken dragon glass and the balls of pitch and then at the ground in front of them.
"You expect it to be here?" he said when the realization dawned upon him.
"Not I, Yohn, I just carry out my king's orders as are the men here and as soon so are you." Richard said and Yohn nodded.
Taking to his tent that night, he found himself looking forward to his sleep. Ale had flowed though no man had gotten drunk, food had been eaten, though there was no feasting. Songs had been sung and he was happy to see that spirits were high and as he looked to the bird in the cage that Richard had bid him take, he smiled. The king had a plan and he would play his part, as would the Knights of the Vale. What they were fighting for was more important than any throne or any birthright, no that wasn't quite true. They were fighting for the right of birth for those to come, for the children yet to be born and it was a fight that he knew they must win.
The Wolfswood 301 AC.
Cregan.
He had begged, pleaded, and finally Jae had relented, only to then argue when Robb had done likewise. His cousin had then bid them join him away from the camp and he, Robb and Dusk, and Grey Wind did just that. They walked for some time, Jae in silence while he and Robb spoke to each other. Both of them were determined to play their part and told each other that they'd not back down should their king suggest it to them.
Behind them, his uncle walked and listened, Arthur just like Jae staying quiet until they reached the hill that overlooked the Wolfswood itself. Rhaenix rested on top of it and it was to her that Jae went to first. Cregan watching as he spoke to the dragon just how he himself would speak to Dusk and how he'd seen Robb speak to Grey Wind. Their wolves were not pets, not just beasts that walked with them, they were more than that to them all, Jae included. What Rhaenix was to him though was more again, Cregan not truly understanding it and yet believing those who named her Jae's sister.
"I didn't wish you to take part in what was to come, not simply out of a sense of worry for you both." Jae said and it was Robb who interrupted him.
"You think we don't worry about you, brother. That we don't fear for your safety each time you take to the sky?" Robb asked and Cregan watched as Jae moved to him and placed his hand on his brother's shoulder.
"Aye, I know you do. But I'm in the air, Robb. Upon a dragon's back, it's the only reason that Arthur lets me leave each day." Jae said and Cregan turned to see the small smile on his uncle's face and the slight nod of his head.
"I wish to play my part, brother. As does Cregan. Men have fought and while we were with them, I feel we've not done as much as we should." Robb said and he saw Jae sigh.
"I'd have none of you do what you should for as long as I could make it so. Though you're both men grown and I'll not stand in your way. Just don't expect me to explain to your wives that it was by your choice that you rode today." Jae said with a smirk on his face.
"No, cousin, we'll not." he said as Jae nodded.
"I'll have your oaths though, both of you, I'll have your word or I'll see that you're forcibly taken from here and to your wives. No jest, I'll see it done should you not speak the truth and do as I bid." Jae said, all joviality gone from his voice now.
"You have it, brother, I swear it on the Old Gods and the New." Robb said clasping Jae by the arm.
"Aye, me too, cousin. I swear it as well." he said as he did likewise when Robb moved away.
"Then I can ask no more. Very well, when the bird's chirp and the signal is given, you ride. Both of you, ride and ride hard and you don't bloody stop riding until you're well away from the attack. No matter what happens you ride and ride hard." Jae said and he nodded, seeing Robb do likewise.
Before he then got a chance to ready his horse, both he and Robb were called to his uncle's tent. Cregan entering to find all three of his uncles present and Robb looking very sheepish as he took a seat beside his cousin. The look on his uncle's face was as if it had been carved out on a Weirwood, Cregan shrinking under the glare as Ned looked at first him and then at Robb.
"You volunteered?" his uncle Ned said and Robb tried to speak, only for no words to come out, Cregan instead doing the talking for him, or starting to at least.
"Aye, uncle, we did. Men have ridden and fought for the king, for the North and we wish to do the same. Not out of a search for honor or glory, but so we can sit and look those men in the eye and not feel as if they'd been asked to do what we were not." he said, Robb then joining in.
"I can't do it, father. I can't sit with men who fought when I have not. Aye, I know it's a good thing that we've not been forced to do so, but men from Essos have given their lives for the North, fought for the North and for Jae. You, yourself have done so and while we fought some at the Wall, I wish to play my part too so that I can hold my head up high." Robb said his voice growing firmer by the end.
"Should you have a head to hold up, nephew." Benjen said though it was Arthur who answered.
"I've said my piece. Both lads have made their promises to the king, I believe they'll hold true to those promises." Arthur said and he and Robb looked on as his uncle Ned nodded.
"Very well, I'll not stop you. I will ask you both to be careful and to take no more risks than are needed."
"We will, father." Robb said.
"Aye, uncle." he said as they rose to walk from the tent.
"I'm proud of you both, we all are." his uncle Ned said, and looking to see both Benjen and Arthur nod, he felt ten feet tall as they left the tent.
It took two days to ride to where Jae bid them form up. His cousin joining them each night after he'd spent the day with Rhaenix bringing the fight to the dead. As they'd eat they'd speak of their wives, Jae of his child and Robb of the hope of his own, something that Jae told him would come in time. Each of them took comfort in the fact that they were far from here. Robb and he were both happy to learn that not only had Alys and Wyanfryd left the North, but they were settled and safe in Seagard.
When the day came, he and the others lined up on the ridge with bows in hand, Cregan looking to men of the North, from Sea Dragon Point, Winterfell, and even further afield. The best archers from the Company of the Rose, the West, and the Reach lined up with them as did men and women of the Free Folk. While his and Robb's skills weren't on a par with theirs, they had their own role to play and he watched Jae take to the sky. He turned to see Dusk and Grey Wind with the horses and the birds resting in the trees of the Wolfswood behind them. In the distance, they soon saw the flames and then he heard the birds call out loudly and the wolves both howled, the first signal coming and making them ready their bows.
"NOCK." the voices shouted out and he pulled back on the bowstring.
"AIM." he leaned back and aimed his bow to the air.
"LOOSE."
The arrows flew and were it not for the ones that were flaming he'd not have been able to see them in the night sky. As it was he hadn't even seen who it was he was aiming at, only to see the fires begin to catch as they hit home, and to then wish it was darkness that he looked at once again.
"NOCK."
"AIM."
"LOOSE."
Again the arrows flew and this time he heard some cheers as a large group of dead fell, Cregan, seeing a man from the Company of the Rose being patted on the back and then seeing Rhaenix lay down her flames once more, this time a little closer to them.
"NOCK."
"AIM."
"LOOSE."
"NOCK."
"AIM."
"LOOSE."
Over and over the call rang out and he let loose his Dragonglass tipped arrows, the flames showing more and more of the sight in front of him and he was happy to see them hitting home and dead men falling. When the sounds of the birds screeching came, he looked to Robb and to the others and wondered if any would not carry out Jae's orders. He heard another cheer as yet more dead fell and then he and the others were moving towards the horses. In the trees, the birds looked down at him and he saw that Robb was looking at them too as he took his reins and mounted.
Then as one, almost two hundred horses turned from the field behind them and began to ride and ride hard as their king had ordered them to. Turning to look behind him, he saw the dead begin to crest the hill and then fade from view. The flames soon covering them as Jae and Rhaenix went about their work and as more ground was put between the riders and the dead. When his cousin joined them he looked worn out and was not very talkative. Though he did thank each and every one of them before he went to his bed and told them that they were to ride and join the others on the morrow.
As for Jae, his own work it seemed wasn't done as after they broke their fast and began to ride South, his cousin once again climbed onto Rhaenix's back and flew North.
Dragonstone 301 AC.
Perwyn Frey.
Watching his sister get married was something that brought a tear to his eye, even if the man she married wouldn't have been his first choice for her. If he was being honest with himself then the Smalljon may have been among the last people he'd ever have wished Roslin to even speak with, let alone lay with. Yet the man himself was very different than he expected a Northman to be and there was genuine affection and perhaps even this soon, love, between him and his sister.
So much so that since they'd marched from Last Hearth and then been forced to evacuate and go even further, Roslin had missed her husband terribly. Both he and Olyvar had done their best to be there for her, but with his sister, just like with the captain of the ship they sailed on, it wasn't in anyone onboard's power to make either feel better. Aurane Targaryen too was missing his love and only a blind man wouldn't be able to see so, given that he spent so much of his time alone on deck as they sailed to Dragonstone. That his love was the princess was something that had at first confused both him and his brother. The idea that a bastard could or would be allowed such a match was not something that either of them understood. Though given the King's own experiences and his nature, perhaps that shouldn't be the case.
Jaehaerys Targaryen had actually come to his sister's wedding, he'd sang and played his harp and honored Roslin with both his presence and with a dance. He'd talked to him and Olyvar and asked them how they saw their own futures. Perwyn was surprised both that he took an interest and that he then suggested if he could help in any way then he would. It had made him consider speaking to him about his mother's granduncle, the man was suffering and he'd heard so many things about the king and what he was able to do, that he wondered if they could help Gyles. In the end, he hadn't needed to as Roslin took it upon herself to raise the matter and had been told the king would send some of his own healers to Rosby.
Yet for all the unexpected things his journey North and then back South had brought him, none were more so than Munda. Perwyn looking at the red-headed girl as she lay beside him in their tent. She'd stolen him, or that's what she called it, and he supposed in a way it was true, his heart was hers after all. He could only imagine what his father would have thought had he lived still. How he'd have reacted to see Roslin married to a northern savage and Perwyn finding love with a wilding. No Free Folk, that's what they were and how the king of the eight kingdoms saw them, and who was he to name them anything else. The smile on his face was warm as he watched her sleep and though he wished he could stay abed all day, he had work to do.
"You were going to leave me sleeping?" Munda asked angrily as she woke while he dressed.
"You looked so peaceful I felt it for the best." he said with a chuckle and then ducked the small stone she threw at him, wondering where she got it from and then feeling the larger one hit him and noticing it was some pieces of Dragonglass that she had thrown at him "Wear your dagger." she said softly and he nodded before leaning down to place a kiss on her lips, one she returned most eagerly.
Walking from the tent he looked around at the rows upon rows of them that stretched as far as the eye can see, admittedly not that far even in the light of the countless torches that burned day and night. Or whatever passed for a day in this new world they lived in. He nodded to some of the Free Folk as he walked, soon finding Toregg sitting by the fire and stopping to speak to his goodbrother. Munda and he had not been wed in any ceremony of note, but she was his wife and he was her husband all the same.
"My sister sleeps still?" Toregg asked and Perwyn could see the smirk on his face.
"She does, she likes her rest." he said taking the offered piece of bacon from Dryn and though he didn't take a seat. He did stay to speak to each of those who were sitting there before he then bid them his farewells and made the long trek to the keep itself.
As an anointed knight he'd been tasked with more and more duties since they'd arrived at the island. While there were many men to help guard and protect all who'd been brought here, most of the knights and lords were elsewhere and so by default his own stock had risen. That Aurane had taken a liking to him and to Olyvar, even going so far as to name his brother as his squire, only making that even more true. It was something he was very proud of and given his ties with the Free Folk, he'd become a liaison of sorts between them and those who held the island in the princess's name.
Entering the great hall he was surprised to find people in a much happier mood, people who'd not been that was. Both Aurane and Missandei seemed to almost be floating on air and it took him speaking to Olyvar to find out the reasons why. His brother quickly telling him that they'd received letters from the princess and others and that Roslin too had received word from her husband. Perwyn smiling broadly at the thoughts of that as he knew just how much it would please his sister. More so when Olyvar said they had written back and the birds had already flown.
His day was spent going over the Free Folk's needs and making sure their stocks were holding. There was no true hunting on Dragonstone and while they could and did catch fresh fish daily, had the island not been prepared for their arrival then people would have starved by now. Perwyn was not able to wrap his head around how they'd managed to prepare so well and though their supplies wouldn't last forever, they did have moons of them to go. Aurane asked him to see to more of the men's training and then told him that he'd be heading to Driftmark in a day or two and so would need him to take on even more responsibility.
Later he found out that he had a letter of his own from Lord Gyles and just reading the contents of it brought him such relief. His granduncle was feeling so much better and looked forward to seeing him, Olyvar and Roslin once again. Turning down the offer to eat with his brother and sister in the keep, he made his way back to the camp to find Munda among those making their own meals for that night. The smile she gave him almost stilling his heart and he knew then what path his life would take in the future. It would be Olyvar and not him that Gyles could call on as Rosby's heir. His place was not in the south and he took comfort in the fact that he'd be near Roslin and her husband. He like the rest of the Free Folk had no doubt their king would be victorious and as he sat down, it was to tales of the Winter Dragon and to the feel of Munda's arm wrapped around his own that he ate his meal.
The Wolfswood 301 AC.
Jaehaerys Targaryen.
The army would reach Winterfell either today or tomorrow, Jae knowing they'd enjoy the rest that was to come even if it would only last a day or so. His own rest was further away than that as what Dany had told him or to be more precise what she'd had told the eagle, had completely changed his plans. He should have guessed the Night King would adapt, that his tactics would change based on his own, and yet be it hubris or something else, he had not. Jae was happy that his cousins had played their part and that they'd rode with him on the first ambush and not on another, not that there would be another, that way at least.
No, he couldn't risk men falling and being raised again, even two or three hundred of them given which men he'd have used for his ambush. His best archers, the quickest riders, he'd need those men later and so it had been back to what he'd been doing before. He and Rhaenix bringing the flames and laying them down on the dead men that walked beneath them. Or at least it had until they'd reached the Wolfswood, as from there he'd not been able to. To do so would risk the trees themselves and while survival was the most important thing, in time people would need to come back and live in the North and those trees were part of the wealth they'd need to thrive.
It left him in a quandary, the Wolfswood would give the dead cover all the way to the Barrowlands if they wished and he needed them to face him and not to hide from him. So much so that he'd not flown back to the camp and had instead slept beside Rhaenix, close to the large forest itself. Offering himself up as a target and hoping they'd take the bait, which up to now they had not. What was worst of all though was that he couldn't truly see them, couldn't track their movements and so he was relying on what he believed them to be. That was a dangerous game to be playing when the stakes were so high.
"You should sleep." Rhaenix said and he nodded as he called the eagle to him and went looking for the door.
"You too, Rhae. I know you worry given where we are, but you need to rest too. I'll know long before we're in any danger." he said as he stroked his hand close to her eyes, feeling her as she leaned into him.
"I will, little brother."
Sleep wasn't hard to come by and for once he didn't go looking through Ghost's eyes. The longer he'd been away from Margaery and Elia, the harder it was to not lose himself in the wolf when he opened that particular door. Thoughts of just watching them as they slept would fill his mind and he knew he was in danger of wiling away the hours doing just that when he really should rest. How long he'd been asleep before he woke, he knew not, he felt them though as they moved towards him and calling out for Rhaenix he looked on as she let loose her flames. The Night King had sent a large group towards him and as he watched them fall he was surprised to see the White Walkers amongst them.
"We should go, now, Jae." Rhaenix almost shouted at him and though a part of him wished to stay and fight, in this she was in the right.
With one more letting loose of her flames, he hurriedly climbed onto her back, and then they were in the air. Jae looking back and as he looked to the trees he swore he could see the Night King himself. He had come for him and yet had not sought to face him, why? He knew he wished him dead, yet he'd not sought to end this here and now, why? Was he afraid of him? Did he fear that he'd not be able to beat him? Or was something else going on that he couldn't see? The questions kept coming as they flew away from the Wolfswood, Rhaenix only landing by the stream when he bid her because it was flat ground and so it made it impossible for them to be snuck up upon.
As he washed in the stream and felt the cold water on his face, he pondered on those questions, and the more he did the more he became certain of one thing. While not scared of him, the Night King was fearful of him, he had doubts and doubts were something that he should exploit. The only problem was that he wasn't sure how and even if he found a way, would Rhaenix go along with it. Jae knowing that it would need to be him and not the dragon that the Night King became even warier of. Walking back to Rhaenix he knew she'd argue with him and so he tried to keep it to himself, the inklings of a plan that he had come up with, he tried and failed.
"No, I'll not." Rhaenix said as he stood in front of him.
"I don't even know if it can be done, Rhae, but if it can, then I must, mustn't I?" he said softly as he stood in front of her.
"You risk too much, Jae, far too much." his sister said, her worry beating anger for now.
"I don't even know if it can be done, Rhae. I think it can, but I don't know and I won't until I'm sure." he said to no reply "I'll have Arthur by my side." he added a moment later and though it didn't get her to agree, it did at least get her to calm somewhat.
The flight to Winterfell took no time at all and when he arrived it was to find he was the first. The army was further back on the road and would take a few more hours before it too reached the keep. It was eerie to say the least, walking through the empty courtyard and then into the silent keep. Jae carrying Lightbringer in his hand to illuminate the way. Reaching the Great Hall he was glad to see the wood had been laid beside the fires and so after lighting some torches and then the fires themselves, he then made his way to the crypts to pay his respects.
After speaking to his mother, uncle, and grandfather, he thought about going further inside and heading down to the drawings below but he knew he had no need to. Instead, it was to the Godswood that he went, passing Rhaenix along the way as she rested by the pool. His sister sleeping far more comfortably and truly than she had for days. Kneeling in front of the tree, he offered up his prayers to the old gods and placed his hand on the bark, soon finding himself to be walking in a glade full of them and seeing Leaf and Lady Malora beckoning him forward.
"You've done well, my prince, I had prayed it would be so and though I'm pained by your loss, I take comfort in your resolve." Malora said her voice almost seeming different to him, firmer more true, and less like the lady she had been.
"My aunt?" he asked and saw Malora smile.
"I had thought to speak to you, to tell you what you must do to bring her back, and yet I had no need. Your actions showed that you already walked the path." Malora said.
"She can be brought back?" he asked, though he'd hoped so, declared so, a part of him had feared it beyond him.
"She can. You've weakened him, my prince. Each one you take from him weakens him, his generals most of all. Had you not then by now she'd be lost, even to you. She is not, though time runs out eventually, and should he grow stronger…" Malora said, her words sounding worried and yet her tone was still the same.
"You seem different." he said looking at her, the small smile she wore now changing into a fuller one.
"I am who I'm meant to be, my prince. The Three-Eyed Raven sees once more." she said and before he could ask her to help him see, he felt her hand upon his forehead and the images flashed through his mind, the inkling of a plan he had, now been shown to him and improved upon."
When he opened his eyes it was to the sounds of the army arriving and so he made his way to the gates so that they could see him here. Jae noticing immediately how the sight of him relaxed Jaime and his uncles, though they weren't alone in seeming pleased to see him. Mance wearing a large smile as did Tormund and Arthur and Jors relaxing perhaps most of all.
"Your grace." Jaime said as he reached him, Jae nodding to him and then joining them as they walked inside.
"You set the fires?" Benjen asked with a smirk, the warmth of the Great Hall hitting them as soon as they entered it.
"Aye, I figured you'd most welcome it after your march."
"That we would, nephew, you didn't happen to cook too, did you?" Oberyn asked and Jae enjoyed the pout he made when he told him he'd not.
Later after they'd eaten and others had taken to their bed, the march tiring them out and none really wishing for anything more than rest, Jae sat in his uncle's solar and readied to tell them what he'd seen.
"He's using the Wolfswood, daring me to set it alight." he said and saw his uncle Ned look at the Greatjon and Rickard Karstark concernedly "Don't worry uncle, I'll not." he added seeing the relief on all three of their faces.
"Would it not be best to do so, your grace?" Garlan asked "I mean should they be inside would it not be best to set it alight, to allow the trees themselves to do what needs must be done."
"It would not only be a wasted effort but a costly one too, Garlan. When they attacked the Wall, I tried to do so with the Haunted Forest only to watch the flames Rhaenix laid down be extinguished just as quickly. Were it for that alone it would give me pause, but the Wolfswood is too important to the North to be set ablaze." he said seeing his goodbrother's look of agreement.
"Then you'll be flying with us, marching with us, your grace?" his uncle Ned asked hopefully and Jae shook his head.
"There is more I can do and so... Not for the now, uncle." he said to some worried looks.
Waking early the next morning he made his way to Mikken's forge, smiling when he found the boxes and calling for some men to pile the Dragonglass into sacks. Then after saying his goodbyes to his uncles, cousins, goodbrother, and to Jaime, he and Arthur made their way to Rhaenix and took to the sky. Their flight took what felt to be no time at all and though he didn't see them beneath him, he felt them. The space he had Rhaenix land in was perfect and before she did so, he had her fly in a circle while he and Arthur emptied out the Dragonglass, only when the bags were almost empty did he then tell her to land.
"I don't agree with this, it's too dangerous, Jae." she said and he knew his words wouldn't be as comforting as he wished.
"I know, Rhae, but I have faith that I'm doing the right thing, for us and for Shiera." he said and he found himself looking into her deep purple eyes, the worry she had for him clear to see "This is not my day to die, Rhae, and I swear it to you that we'll be flying together soon, trust me, please."
His sister didn't say anything as she took to the air, her concerns were soon mirrored by Arthur's as the knight told him that he too didn't agree with this. Jae just nodded as he reached into his shirt and took out the pouch containing the blood. It took him a few moments to coat the blade and though the light was dim it would not be for long.
"When I tell you, close your eyes, Arthur, close them and keep them closed no matter what." he said firmly.
"Your…"
"That's an order, Arthur." he said and saw the reluctant nod that Arthur gave him to signal he'd comply.
They came in force, the dead first of all and as they moved towards him, he looked to Arthur and bid him close his eyes. Jae then kneeling down and beginning to sing. The stones moved first, the rocks that made this a place where trees couldn't grow were plentiful and they were large and as he sang they crashed into the dead. Crushing them, breaking them and as his song grew louder, more and more of them flew through the air.
Even after they had landed and done their work, they never stilled, his song soon taking them back into the air and finding more and more targets. Above him and Arthur, Rhaenix flew and it was through his sister's eyes that he saw them. How many he couldn't tell, five, six, perhaps even more but they moved past the stones as if they were gliding across the snow. Their speed was more than a match for how fast the stones flew in the air. They would not be a match for what flew next, as Lightbringer shined even more brightly and Jae looked to the Dragonglass.
The sound of ice breaking was not the loudest sound he could hear, nor was the dead that fell or even the song itself. That honor belonged to the loud screeches the White Walkers made when they realized they'd walked into a trap. Their pained screams as the Dragonglass that he'd spread all around the open space now flew through the air and hit home. Stones they could dodge, though there were many of them they were lesser than the pieces of Dragonglass that Jae had chosen. Small pieces, broken pieces, cracked and damaged pieces. None good enough for weapons and yet perfect for what he needed them for.
Looking through Rhaenix's eyes he could see the Dragonglass fly as if it was black snow in a snowstorm. He watched as it hit home and as White Walkers and dead alike were struck by it. Somewhere further back where it was safe, the Night King himself stood, and were he a man, he'd have ranted and raved. What he did do though was fear, something that Jae welcomed and then wished him to feel even more of.
"We move, Arthur, we move now." he said as he sang the last note and watched the Dragonglass fly from the empty space and through the trees themselves.
"My king." Arthur said pointing to his nose and Jae welcomed the handkerchief he handed him as he bid Rhaenix land.
He allowed the blood soak into it and put Lightbringer back in its sheathe, then he and Arthur ran to the dragon and within a moment were flying away. How many he'd killed he knew not, but he knew he'd struck a big blow today. The Night King could keep to the trees while he for now marched with his own army and brought comfort to his men as best he could. There would be fewer chances to limit his numbers from here on in, the true fight drawing ever closer, and yet as they flew towards Winterfell, Jae felt he'd done enough, he hoped he had.
Losses.
The Armies of those who fight to Bring the Dawn.
None.
The Night King.
40,000 Dead to the flames.
50.000 due to the loss of the White Walkers.
7 White Walkers.
A/N: Thanks to all who've read and reviewed. Up Next. Jae, Tyrion, and Dany are reunited. In Dorne, a princess welcomes a baby dragon into the world while in the Riverlands Kevan arrives with the rest of the Western Army. King's Landing receives the Lord of White Harbor and its people while Margaery and Jae speak face to face and finally, two armies come face to face as the War for the Dawn's final battle readies to begin.
Daryl Dixon: I get that, we'll see if he makes it through the battles to come.
Celexys: That's the one thing I think takes us away from the story, I mean it's great to see the battles and to hear and see the losses or wins, but without the time to reflect upon them they just wash over each other and almost make you not feel. It's the same with the rest of the realm IMO, not seeing what it is they're fighting for kind of makes the fight feel lesser.
VfSnake: That's one of the key things, the NK is pretty much going with the might is the right strategy and while that does give you an advantage in a straight-up fight, it limits you in fighting against what Jae is doing. With the Traitors they were always going to fall, too many eyes and too big a stakes to allow them the chance to do anything against Jae.
Guest: So very glad you liked it, I've been hinting at what's to come, which I hope when it does will make all these chapters click and tie things up. Sheira has her part to play as do others, so I hope now we're pretty much at the endpoint, it'll all pay off. The War ends next week.
Nina: Thanks so very much and I'm so pleased that you've given my story a chance and are enjoying it, especially since it's not in your native language, Thank you.
Shivang: Tuesday, Thursday, next week I aim to bring 3 chapters to end the war and so the third will be Saturday/Sunday.
The Sphynx: So very happy to see another great poem from you, my friend, truly.
Xan Merrick: Thanks my friend, glad you liked it.
Creativo: Es decir, podrían haberse ocupado de ellos antes, pero nunca fueron una amenaza, así que ¿por qué no dejarlos vivir un poco más?.