Sister's Keeper
Edited by xXFallenSakuraXx52
Disclaimer: I do not own Game of Thrones
Chapter 75: The True Enemy
Alysanne's POV
After three days out at sea, I no longer felt cold. I assumed that by now Viserion reached Dragonstone and was spending his time in Dragonmont. No doubt taking the warmth of the volcano to warm his body. Also, back on the ship, Jorah has been helping me in staying warm. It was a good thing I packed a vial of the Lys elixir. It was clear this will be a long trip back to Dragonstone.
Everyone has been resting and I don't blame them. Daenerys and I spent three long days on the dragons, meanwhile the expedition team spent slightly over a week out in the snow. On occasion I would check in on King Snow, seeing how his stiches were. He mainly slept, having the milk of the poppy to ease his injury. I even checked on the others, well most of them, the Hound was being distant. Daenerys, she was either asleep or tending to Jon Snow. I was still cautious about the King in the North due to his striking resemblance to Rhaegar.
Damn you, Rhaegar, I thought again.
So, with nothing else to do, I was in my cabin writing some documents as a precaution. Writing down my will, orders for the Unsullied, and everyone if I were supposed to die. It was a rough draft; once the ideas were settled, I will go over with the Small Council to finalize the documents. Jorah was out on the deck. His Northern blood singing in his veins, enjoying the Norths cold air since he spent over a decade out in desert weather.
There was a knock on the door.
"Who is it?" I called out.
"It's Daenerys," my sister replied.
Daenerys opened the door and came inside.
"How are you feeling?" Daenerys asked.
"Much better, I'm no longer cold," I answered.
"And your back?"
"Still bruised, as if somebody stabbed me there," I muttered.
Daenerys nodded as she came over reading the documents on my shoulder, "What are you writing?"
"A draft on the line of succession," I answered.
My sister scowled as her violet eyes darken, "Why?"
"I need to set the foundations so if anything were to happen to me-"
"Nothing will happen to you," she promised.
"Dany," I sighed.
She grabbed the paper reading my plans for the line of succession. Being unmarried and without children makes Daenerys my heir. If Daenerys were to die and not have children, then House Martell through Prince Quentyn Martell's bloodline. If his bloodline were to go extinct then House Velaryon, Daenerys scowled at this.
"Why not leave a political government if something were to happen?" she asked. "We left Bay of Dragon's with a Council."
"Because Westeros is accustomed to a monarchy," I answered. "The nobles won't accept democracy, and aristocracy will be a powerplay of men stabbing each other in the back if Seven Lords of Westeros were to be elected. And it would be a political play for autocracy."
"But Alysanne, don't you have faith in me if I were to be Queen?" She asked.
I paused, remembering the vision Good Queen Alysanne showed me in the Veil when I died, what the potential future held if I were to die before sailing to Westeros. Once more, I felt like I was drowning under the secrets Visenya forced me to keep. Telling Jorah the truth saved me from a breakdown, but Daenerys. Her ignorance and taste of power was getting on my nerve.
"I can't do this anymore," I growled.
Don't tell her about me, Visenya whispered in my head.
"Do what?" Daenerys demanded. "This campaign?"
"No, not that, the secrets," I confessed, rubbing the conqueror ring.
Daenerys knelt on the ground, taking my hands, "Please tell me. You don't have to be my keeper anymore. What is it that troubles you?"
"I told you what happened when the Warlock's poisoned me," I stared.
"Yes, as your body was dying, they put your spirit in the Veil to obtain your fire through your deepest desire." She reminded.
I held her hand, "In the Veil, I saw a possibility…one that almost happened if you had died with Rhaego. They made their version of Jorah, a new identity for me as Alys Mormont. Similar events in Qarth, but the dragons were never born. We made a life in Braavos, after abdicating giving the Ring of Kings to the Small Council. Jorah and I were married and had a son…his name was Joren."
Daenerys eyes widen as she held my hands tightly. She knows I crave for a child, how I lost my first child by Viserion's wrath. She was there holding my hand, as the healers and midwives helped me deliver a stillborn child only a few months old.
"They took what I had desired, a family and…any longer the Warlocks would have gotten what they'd wanted. If our Jorah hadn't crossed paths with a Shadowbinder name Quaithe, I would surely be dead. Of course, he had a bit of help…"
"I don't understand," she whispered.
"The Veil is where those who are dying and the spirits await," I explained. "We…we saw our ancestors. Our Great Grandfather Aegon V was there, along with Rhaenyra, Daeron the Young King, Good Queen Alysanne, so many and…Rhaegar. I saw Rhaegar, Dany. He helped Jorah to save my soul from being lost."
"You…saw…Rhaegar?" She asked. "What did he say? What was he like?"
"Well…I kind of punched him in the face," I answered.
Daenerys chuckled slightly trying to imagine that, "Really?"
"He regrets what he did, unable to explain why he did it and begged for my forgiveness," I said. "He wasn't sure it was madness seeping into his mind, but the prophecy about the Prince who was promised through our parents' bloodline and the obsession to have three children consumed him. But that wasn't the only thing the ancestors warned us about. Good Queen Alysanne gave us a warning…"
"And what was the warning about?" she asked.
I took a deep breath. "There are evil beings in the world. Some are born evil, while others are driven to it."
She looked at me, confused.
"I saw a possible future if I were to die… you continued the conquest, however, only you and Grey Worm remained, and everyone else was dead. You emotionally went Mad, destroying King's Landing…killing innocent people, and continued onward for the rest of the world."
Daenerys' eyes widen in horror as she stood up and walked over to the window. She was quiet for some time. I feared that I offended her. But it is time she knows how serious I am in this conquest and the Great War. I need her entire support and understand that the Dothraki method is not the answer to everything. Brutality and strength are not the only things in being a ruler. One cannot use fear for everything.
"That's why you have been hard on me during my lessons," she whispered.
"Dany," I sighed. "You are not born with madness. Even Viserys was made mad because of the upbringing we went through. Our father…he dealt with so much heartbreak from mother's miscarriages, and traitors conspiring against him, if not jealousy as well. That possible future of you is something I don't want for you. A ruler may be feared, but they are also respected when love is not there. But I am the one who will wear the crown, and you must trust me in what I am doing. Why are you getting worked up because I made the Martells third in line?"
Daenerys turned around to speak but stopped realizing she was overreacting. She was still second in line to the throne. Let alone she is already a Queen, a Khaleesi to the greatest khalasar known to man. Practically the Dothraki Sea was her Kingdom, so why is she getting worked up in the line of succession? I wouldn't dare disinherit her so easily. The only thing that can make her inheritance for the Iron Throne farther is if I had children or a trueborn son, which is why I am wary about Jon Snow. A second reason why I am letting the North have its independence. Daenerys and I fought hard to take back our home.
"I'm sorry, I keep rushing to conclusions," she apologized.
I got up and walked over to embrace her, "I know. But you need to stop and think. Ask questions before rushing to a conclusion. That is how many wars are started. The same with the Usurper's rebellion."
Daenerys nodded as she changed the subject, "Was anyone in our family was there…other than Rhaegar?"
"Sadly no, as much as I would've loved to see Mother again," I sighed. "Or Rhaenys, Little Aegon, Elia, or even Father."
"You truly are a spiritual person," she murmured.
'You have no idea,' I thought, as I could hear Visenya chuckling in my head.
I hope this voyage ends soon. Otherwise, cabin fever might cause a mutiny between the two dragons. Let alone Dany was treating King Snow. I need to figure out King Snow's parentage without exposing the possible secret.
.o0o.
Dragonstone
Tyrion stood at the shores along with Varys, Ser Barristan, and the War Council. Two weeks ago, they received a letter from Eastwatch-by-the-sea, stating that they have survived and are sailing south. The Queen and Khaleesi were safe, no injuries. Along with Jon Snow and Ser Jorah Mormont. Tyrion had sighed in relief. He still doesn't understand how the Queen knew both men were in danger. Ser Barristan advised him not to ask. The visions of Qarth probably did more than expected. Even before the letter arrived, the dragons had returned without their rider. Immediately all three went straight to the volcano. Only Drogon and Rhaegal had come out, bringing food to Viserion who remained inside.
Earlier they received a raven stating that the ship was arriving. So up head at the bay was the ship as two boats were coming to shore. The letter stated they will be arriving and to have the War council together on the beaches along with the prisoners. So, they stood on the shores, with the War Generals that were captured and the Tarly's. Lord Willas thought Randyll Tarly could be of use and allowed the traitor to remain as Queen Alysanne's prisoner. Tyrion was pleased the recent Lord of Highgarden showed mercy.
"Why are we here?" Lord Randyll demanded.
"Patience, my lord," Varys replied.
Lord Randyll scoffed, scowling at the Dothraki, his xenophobia highly noted in those glares. Dickon stood by his father keeping guarded, making sure his father was safe, despite being shackled. Lady Olenna sat in a chair, somewhat cold, wondering why she is here. She prefers this meeting to be taken in the throne room.
The boats arrived as Ser Jorah got out, offering a hand to help Alysanne and Daenerys off the ship. Jon was there, much better than he was two weeks ago. Along with Ser Davos, who remained on the boat with another individual who was heavily tied up and had a sack over his head. The sounds of growling heavily noted, not sounding at all human.
Jon and Alysanne came over with a serious look. One of equal agreement, as Alysanne took the lead addressing to the War Council.
"My Lords and Lady, thank you for coming to the beach as we discuss an important matter at hand," Alysanne said.
"And what is more important than fighting Cersei Lannister?" Prince Quentyn asked.
"Fighting for the living," Alysanne answered. "Our history made it that of a legend, one that the North only remembers. The purpose of building the wall."
"To keep the wildings out," Lord Randyll said.
"So, we thought in the past few hundred years," Jon agreed. "But my ancestors built the for the sole intentions of keeping the Others out during the Long Night."
"The Long Night?" Lady Olenna scuffed. "That was eight thousand years ago."
"The others are no more than legends," Lord Paxter agreed with his aunt.
"The Others, the White Walkers are real my lords and lady," Alysanne disagreed. "The past eight thousand years, they lied in wait. Waiting until the world of men has been fighting each other forgetting who the true enemies are."
Lord Randyll scoffed as his son nodded in agreement.
Alysanne looked at Jon who nodded as he went over to the boat helping Ser Davos bringing over the supposed prisoner. They held onto the rope before Jon removed the sack revealing the decompose practically skeleton head. It thrashed and shrieked trying to break free from Jon and Ser Davos. The War Council gasped in horror, as the men drew their blades. Lord Paxter stood between Lady Olenna as did Ser Terrance and Captain Aurane Waters. The Dothraki rushed in as well while the prisoners stepped back. Lord Randyll's eyes widen, not expecting such a thing.
Quentyn came closer, being the bravest one, Jon and Ser Davos keep a firm hold on the Wight.
"How is this possible?" Prince Quentyn asked, just as the Wight tried to bite him.
"Magic from the Night King," Alysanne answered.
"Is there any way to kill it?" Ser Terrance asked, observing the Wight thrashing about.
Jon Snow came forward, "We can destroy them by burning them or by using dragon glass. If we don't win this fight, then that is the fate over every person in the world."
Jon walked over to the creature, grabbing it by its shoulder and in one sharp swoop, he stabbed it in the monster chest. It shrieks one last time until finally becoming what it indeed was. A corpse. All its limbs stopped moving.
"If your house has a Valyrian Steel weapon they too can kill wights," Jon added.
Tyrion was still baffled, he believed Jon and Alysanne about the wights, but to see one. He looked at the War council who were either fascinated or terrified. The only one who remained neutral was Lady Olenna.
"How many are there?" Ser Barristan asked.
"Thousands," Alysanne answered, then turned to the War Council. "My Lords and Lady, I ask of you to hold off on our war against the Lannisters and focus on the primary threat that lies beyond the Wall. If we do not, this will be our fate." As she gestured to the rotten corpse.
The War Council glance at each other. The two Valyrians descendants nodded, although they have a navy, they will be able to transport supplies and evacuation. If the North should fall, they can get the citizens out. Now for the forces, they need the Reach, Dorne, and the Westerlands if they are going to survive.
Alysanne then walked over to the prisoner, to Lord Randyll, who stared at her.
"Lord Tarly, shall we put our differences aside and fight for the living," She asked offering a hand.
Lord Randyll Tarly glared at her hand and back at the owns indigo eyes. For a moment, he thought he was looking at the once Crown Prince. He doesn't see the power of the Mad King in the young woman's eyes. No, he saw someone who was filled with obligation and duty. Despite her being of the weaker sex, she was strong and powerful. As Lord Tarly remembered, she brought savages and dragons, yet she did not burn them all.
"I believe white walkers are far worse than the Dothraki," Alysanne added.
Lord Tarly sighed in defeat, knowing the Army of the Dead is far worse than a Dothraki horde. So, lifting his chained hand, he shook Queen Alysanne's hand. An alliance was forming without bending the knee.
Tyrion sighed in relief.
"I assume you would like to send word to Queen Cersei?" Varys spoke.
All eyes turned to Alysanne.
"Yes." She answered. "It's time to have a word to form an armistice."
It was time.
Hey guys sorry for the long wait. Work and the worse writers block for this story. So basically, it is a filler chapter. Not my best. I promise the next chapter will be better.
Thanks for reading and please leave a review!