Gyles Snow

Winter was different in the south than the north Gyles had noted whilst in the north the snow lay some five feet deep on the ground, in the south there was barely any indication of snow, for it was so small and narrow on the ground it was hard to tell where it was. It was also a lot warmer in the south than in the north, the men he'd brought from the north had worn furs and wool in the north put had found them to be far too hot and cumbersome here in Dorne and as such had had them removed, and replaced with much cooler garb.

Things in the north were much different now than they had been in his childhood. Gyles' brother and grandfather had reached some sort of accord now and there was no longer that much tension between the two of them. This tension had characterised much of Gyles' teenage years, with Daemon desperate for some form of approval from their grandfather and their grandfather not really paying all that much attention to them, and giving more attention to that idiot Lucerys Blackfyre. Gyles knew that his brother had been deeply hurt by that, and that he had become very, very angry with the Blackfyre family because of it and had deeply resented Lucerys and all he stood for. Something had happened though, before Samaira and Jorelle had been murdered there had been a change in the dynamic between Daemon and their grandfather, it seemed as if they had finally discussed what it was that had been bugging them down, and as a result of that they were now working as a team, a rather formidable one at that. Gyles for his part had never really been all that bothered by the lack of attention his grandfather had shown him, he knew his grandfather cared for him and that was enough for him, he didn't really want any sort of day to day interaction with the man.

That was why when the southerners led by Lord Massey had invaded Gyles had been a part of his brother's army that had fought at Moat Cailin and had driven back the southerners or in most cases slaughtered them and bled them dry. Once that was done, he had ridden to White Harbour under the force that Lord Dreadstark had assembled to fight the Targaryen army that held the city, and once they had driven that army back to King's Landing with their tails between their legs, he had boarded a ship and gone under the cover of darkness to land of his mother, Dorne. Growing up Gyles had heard a lot about Dorne from his grandmother and from the lessons he had had with maester Grollick. He had learnt about the people and the history, and of course when he had turned eight he had received a letter from his mother's brother Lord Berros Yronwood and since that day had been in constant contact with his Dornish relatives.

His uncle had written to him some moons ago about his hope to try and retake Dorne for the Dornish and drive the Martells and their Targaryen influences out of the kingdom. Gyles knew just how destructive the Targaryens could be having seen it with his own two eyes in his own family and as such had been more than happy to oblige and aid his uncle in his mission. With this in mind he had taken a ship from White Harbour that had docked off the coast of the Dornish Sea, near that prison Ghaston Grey and from there is uncle had met him and they had taken a small fishing boat onto the mainland and Yronwood castle. At Yronwood Castle, Gyles had met his extended family, aunts, uncles and cousins a plenty, Lord Berros explained that Gyles' great grandfather had married more than once and had sired many children all of whom had had children of their own, and as such had become Lord Berros' responsibility when he had inherited his lordship. His uncle was a proud man, big and tall with blond hair and blue eyes, and a deep sense of honour and anger at the wrongs he thought the Martells had inflicted upon Dorne. That his own cousin was the prince consort to Princess Loreza did not seem to bother him, and he had an answer for everything, every question Gyles threw at him about Dorne and its people he answered.

When news had reached them of the fighting in the Stormlands and in the Riverlands that was when Lord Berros had called his banners and his allies together and they had begun the war for Dorne. House Dayne of Starfall had assembled some 3,000 men and had fought and burnt High Hermitage down to the ground, a blow to the Yronwood cause, but after that the Daynes of Starfall had been beaten at the battle of the Mound, when Gyles commanding his uncle's vanguard had slaughtered their men by the dozens. Only a boy named Edric had escaped the slaughter and where he was no one knew. From the mound, Gyles led the van and met up with the host being commanded by Lord Manwoody and they laid siege to Skyreach the seat of House Fowler, eventually the Fowlers had dipped their banners and surrendered to them, recognising Gyles' uncle as their new overlord and king.

From Skyreach they moved their host to Sandstone, where they had had word Lord Qorgyle meant to move against them, there had been a short battle there and after it, Qorgyle's heir had bent the knee and added his remaining men to their host. The hosts commanded by Gyles and Lord Manwoody met up with the main Yronwood host at Hellholt where they sat and planned their next move. Word was coming in thick and fast about the war raging in the north. Prince Duncan had led a host that had defeated the men from Volantis, killing his cousin in the process. Tytos Lannister had been defeated by Daemon on the Blue Fork, and had retreated to the Westerlands. Lord Tully had assembled a battered host and had had it smashed by Daemon's force in the Whispering Wood, leaving Riverrun open for siege.

That was all well and good, but it seemed as if Sunspear had finally recognised the true threat that Gyles and his uncle were to them, and as such rumours were they had finally assembled a host to meet them in battle. That was why Gyles' uncle had called a war council to discuss what their next point of action should be, apart from Gyles and his uncle Lord Berros, Lords Manwoody, Blackmont, Fowler, Qorgyle and Lady Uller were all present. The heat was becoming unbearable as they all sat in silence waiting for Lord Berros to begin speaking, when he did so, Gyles nearly sighed with relief. "My lords and lady, you all know what the situation is. We hold all the castles south of the Prince's Pass right up till the beginnings of the Vaith. We all know that, Princess Loreza has called her remaining banners to Sunspear, but that Lady Vaith has refrained from sending her men. Lord Manwoody I would hear how the negotiations with the lady went."

Lord Dickon Manwoody was a stout man who was more a diplomat than a warrior Gyles had found, though a very useful ally to have. He spoke softly in response to Lord Berros' question. "Negotiations were underwhelming Your Grace. Lady Vaith has refused the terms you have offered her and insists on keeping the passageway through the Vaith blocked to our men. Her men have been instructed to fire at will if we so much as try and move round the moat of her castle."

Gyles heard his uncle sigh. "Is there no other way we could get passed the Vaith without needing to engage in mindless combat?"

"We could always head south and march on for Salt Shore Your Grace." Lord Blackmont said.

"And risk having Lady Vaith bring her strength down and attack us from behind? I think that foolish my lords." Lady Uller said.

"House Vaith has only some 1,000 men to call together my lady." Lord Qorgyle said. "His Grace has some 9,000 men not including the reserves the Tor has promised us. I say we march not south but north and follow the Scourge to where it will lead us."

Lord Berros was silent for a moment, and then he asked. "Gyles my lad, what do you think we should do?"

At first Gyles had been surprised that his uncle would ask for the opinion of a mere bastard, but as time had worn on he had come to find that all the lords and lady gathered here took his opinion very seriously. He supposed being a skilled warrior and a proven commander helped, even if he still felt green as grass. He chose his words carefully in response. "I believe Lord Qorgyle's suggestion is the wisest course of action for us at this moment in time Your Grace. Marching south would seal our death warrant, marching north and then following the Scourge will bring us to Godsgrace, a castle empty of men that will fall easily enough. From there we shall have enough men and the sight to see where the Martells move their men."

They marched for Godsgrace the next morning, and they took the castle easily enough. No blood was shed, the minute the castellan of the Godsgrace saw their banners he opened the gates of the castle and formally acknowledged Lord Berros as his king and overlord. From Godsgrace they learnt of the host that was commanded by Berros' cousin Prince consort Corben Yronwood that was at Shandystone. Lord Berros upon learning of this smiled with glee and simply said. "It seems my cousin has fallen for an old trap of ours. That shall be his downfall and my crowning glory."

The host moved out, 9,000 strong against the 7,000 men that Prince Corben had under his control. They met on the ridges of Shandystone, a small town upon a hill that provided cover in night and full view of the armies during the sun. The battle would go down as the bloodiest during the Yronwood rebellion. Men died screaming in pain, Gyles fought like a man possessed, some would later describe him as fighting like a god like his grandfather had during the first Blackfyre war. Many men died to his spear and to his sword, and it was he who dealt the killing blow to Prince Corben, swing and then a hack that took the man's head off and broke the Martell's remaining forces and sent them scampering in all directions.

From Shandystone the Yronwood host marched for Sunspear, where after a brief struggle outside the city gates, they entered the town and found the place filled with people all of whom were singing the praises of Lord Berros and of Gyles. When they entered the Palace of the Sun, they found it nearly empty the men there were dead, slain or poisoned, the Martells fled, to King's Landing. They had left a skeleton garrison to hold the castle, and there was some fighting within the castle, Gyles pushing through the men that stood in his path like they were nothing more than sacks of meat, his spear was red and bloody by the time he was done. All was not finished yet, they held Sunspear but there was a chance that there might something of use in the Water Gardens, and so it was that Gyles rode hard for the Water Gardens and returned some days later with Princess Daenaerys Targaryen, a frail old woman but one that would give them a sign of authority and legitimacy, the dragon princess was forced to accept Yronwood sovereignty and with her so did countless others.

The Martells had lost their authority, they had lost Sunspear and they had lost Dorne. Four thousands of years the Yronwoods had thought that they were the rightful rulers of Dorne, not the Rhoynar influenced Martells. On the first day of the third month of the 250th year after Aegon's Landing, the day that Lord Berros Yronwood was crowned King of Dorne, and his lords pledged featly to him, their dream was finally recognised.

King Aegon V Targaryen

Winter was a time for more woe than joy Aegon Targaryen had come to find. His father had died during the last winter to hit Westeros, and now his whole plan was coming to pieces. He had thought that by sending the assassin to deal with Daemon Stark's wife and daughter, he would further splinter the relations between Daeron and Daemon Stark. Instead all that it seemed to have done was make their relationship stronger and anger the north and Daemon Stark that the north had not immediately marched south was an indication that Daeron Stark was once more thinking rationally and it was driving Aegon mad with anger and grief. He knew very well what had happened to Lord Mallister and his men at Moat Cailin, and that Duncan had just about managed to escape with his life at White Harbour. There was more and more information coming through about the progress the north was making during this war.

Tytos Lannister continued to cower at Casterly Rock afraid of his own shadow, Lord Tully was a captive of Daemon Stark, and Riverrun under siege, and the remenants of the Riverlands host that had fought at the Whispering Wood had either fled into the night or had turned themselves over for a brand of harsh northern justice. All these victories were accredited to Lucerys Blackfyre, but Aegon was no fool his spies had told him the truth of the matter. It was Daemon Stark, the angry wolf who was leading and planning these battles and victories, the man was nearly as unstoppable as his grandfather. These victories had served to bring more support out for the Black Dragon, in the Reach lords led by Lord Costayne had been causing problems for the Tyrells, raiding and fleeing into the woods when the man tried to give open battle. The Ironborn continued to raid along the coast of the Reach and when the Redwyne Fleet had engaged them in battle they had burnt some of the ships and then gone raiding along the Westerlands, the Redwyne Fleet had returned to the Arbor, hindered and burnt.

The only good piece of news had come from the Stormlands, his goodson Lord Edric Baratheon had managed to drive off the sellsword companies who had invaded. Duncan had also managed to destroy the Volanteene army that Aegon's traitorous brother had sent from Volantis. The question that still plagued Aegon though was where the Golden Company was. His spies had reported that they had left Tyrosh, their ships had been sighted leaving the port some months ago, but none knew where they were or where they would land. Some thought that they might invade the Stormlands and that the sellsword companies that had been sent before was just a probe, Aegon was not convinced of that, Haegon Blackfyre was far too smart for that. Others thought that they would land in the Riverlands and fight alongside Stark to bring Riverrun to heel, Aegon did believe that might be plausible option, though another option could be that they invaded the Vale, the kingdom that since Duncan's retreat from White Harbour had done nothing of note, not since Lord Jon Arryn had been taken hostage. Aegon's attempts to bring them back into the war had failed and it was beginning to drive him mad.

A knock on the door saw Grand Maester Justin enter and give him a letter, he looked at the seal and saw that it was the sigil of Lord Mooton, not his son Aelix and he felt a small drop in his stomach as his fear grew. He dismissed Justin and broke the seal and read the letter, and felt his hands shake afterwards. Rhae had been right; Aelix was too young to be commanding a host into battle, Aegon himself had not done something like that until he was thirty years old. And because of his own stubborn insistence that both of his sons lead men into war, Aelix had gotten himself killed. A great battle had been fought between the Tyrell men and the rebel reacherlords, Aelix had joined his strength to that of the Tyrells and at the Whispering sound the men had clashed in a duel of steel on steel, and his son had been slain by Ser Arthur Ambrose. Brought down due to Aelix attempting to be a hero and bring the man down himself. The Golden Company it appeared had landed in the Reach and had aided the traitors in their fight.

His son was dead, his baby boy was dead, and it was his fault, his quest to bring the north back into the realm had cost him one of his son's. Duncan was still out in the field fighting off the rebels who had somehow made it to Maidenpool. Jaehaerys was at Dragonstone, dealing with things there, but might be susceptible to the place being captured, nowhere was safe not now. He called for Ser Gerold Hightower to get his wife. When Rhae entered the room she was shaking, the fever was strong within her, and Aegon passed her the letter and watched the light leave her eyes. She said nothing but he knew that she blamed him she had warned him of what folly his desire was, and now their son lay dead in some field in the Reach because of it. It was his entire fault. She simply took the letter and then stormed out.

Aegon stood staring at the place where his wife had been moments before, and then shook his head and asked Ser Gerold to get Lord Bolton, Dunk and his goodbrother Lord Maegon Velaryon. When the three men entered the room Aegon waited for them to be seated before he said. "My son Aelix is dead. Slain in battle by Ser Arthur Ambrose. It appears the Golden Company has decided to find a place with which to begin their place of operations as well. The Tyrell host was scattered to the winds by the company's elephants Lord Mooton writes."

Lord Domeric Bolton speaks then his voice soft. "What would you have of us Your Grace?"

Aegon sighs and runs a hand through his hair before replying. "I know not, my son's men have either melted away or have joined the Blackfyres Lord Mooton says. He was trying to get Tyrell to muster more men when he sent that letter. Duncan continues to deal with threats in the Riverlands, but how long he can do that before he too comes up against a major opponent I do not know."

"Perhaps it would be best to ask Prince Duncan to return to capital and then write to Lord Royce and remind him of his duty to the throne?" Lord Maegon says.

Aegon looks at his goodbrother and shakes his head. "No, if I ask Duncan back then the rebels and the Blackfyres will see that as a sign of fear. No matter what happens Duncan must continue leading the fighting in the Riverlands. Lord Bolton I want you to ride out with the remaining men we have from the Crownlords tomorrow and join up with my son at Maidenpool, and tell him that he's to attack the north's siege forces at Riverrun."

Lord Bolton bows, and then leaves. Aegon looks at his goodbrother then and says. "Lord Maegon I want you to take the remainder of the Royal Fleet and join up with Lord Redwyne at the arbor, and I want you two to take the Iron Islands. Take Pyke and we hit the strength of the northern sea power." His goodbrother nods and then leaves.

That leaves just Dunk in the room with him, and his oldest friend merely looks at him for a long moment before asking. "How did Rhae take it lad?"

"Badly Dunk. Very, very badly. I know she blames me for his death. She has not said as much but I know she blames me, I could see it in her eyes when I gave her the letter. And I cannot say I blame her, if it were not for my foolish insistence that the north learn a lesson and be brought back into the fold this war might not have happened and Aelix would still be alive."

"You cannot know that Your Grace." Dunk replies. "Sooner or later war would have broken out in Westeros. As long as the Blackfyres remain alive, Daeron Stark would have tried to seat one of them on the Iron Throne. That the man might be saner than he has been in sometime, but he still would have wanted a black dragon on the throne. There was little to be done about it Your Grace."

Aegon sighs and runs a hand through his hair once more. "Aye I suppose you're right Dunk. Still, why is it that the gods always seem to favour the bloody Blackfyres during these wars? Why is that they continue to have such good fortune and we can only find fortune in small measures?"

"Aye they might have fortune in the early stages Your Grace, but they have never won the wars that they have fought. No Blackfyre sits on the throne, and none shall ever sit the throne. That much I can tell you." His friend replied.

"How do you know that though Dunk?" Aegon questioned. "I do not know whether we shall be able to hold the line down against all of their forces and allies this time round. Winter truly has put a stranglehold on my plans, and with Aelix dead and his men scattered there is not all that much we can do in the Reach."

His friend was about to reply when there was a knock on the door and in walked Grand Maester Justin clutching a letter. "A raven from Dorne Your Grace." Aegon's interest immediately perked up then, they had learnt about the civil war in Dorne sometime ago and though some part of him had wanted to send aid, they could not truly spare more men than they already had.

Aegon took the letter and read and felt his mood sour, and any hope of a lasting peace was squashed. "What does the letter say Your Grace? " Dunk asked.

Aegon looked at his friend and in a voice choked with fear said. "Dorne has fallen. The Yronwoods have taken Sunspear and Lord Berros has been crowned King of Dorne and has declared it a free and separate state. The Martells have fled from Sunspear and are heading for gods alone know where."

"And what of Princess Daenaerys?" Dunk asked.

"She was left behind in the Water Gardens, and was used by the Yronwoods as the symbolic acknowledgement of their right to rule. We will need to deal with them soon enough. For now, send word to Ser Everett I want the port made aware of any possible ships that might come in from Dorne soon." Aegon replied.

Sure enough roughly a month after the letter arrives from Sunspear, the Martells Princess Loreza Martell, and Prince Doran Martell and their cousin Ser Manfrey Martell arrive in King's Landing, dishevelled and beaten but not broken. Princess Loreza thanks Aegon for his help in sheltering them from the cold and the winter, and Aegon in returns promises the princess that he will do all he can to ensure that she and her son get what is rightfully back from the traitorous Yronwoods. Alongside the Martells they bring with them Edric Dayne the boy lord of Starfall, who is clutching Dawn when presented to the king and court. King Aegon decrees that the Martells shall be housed in a manor house on the outskirts of King's Landing until a force can be mustered to reconquer Dorne.