Hey, everyone newest chapter for Reyne of fire. Sorry, it's a bit late but it's here now. It might not be the best, but I hope you all enjoy it. Thanks to Aizen and the bros in the discord. Especially theflyingdutchman and Mustard all of your help was brilliant.
Let us begin.
Naruto's Fleet had finally left Saltcliffe island, the war fleet was now approaching the last island of Pyke. the capital was under heavy siege as ships from the Numenorians and House Reyne surrounded it. The war fleet that the Greyjoys had put together had been burned and sunk, barely anything of the once mighty fleet remained floating, the large finger-like islands protruding from the sweeping seas; long rope ladders connected each island to the main larger island which allowed for travel between them.
It was on this main Island that Eric Tudor had landed his forces, occupying the crucial Lordsport, the Lord of House Reyne had occupied one of the large buildings which were situated within the small town that surrounded the large port. This is where Naruto's fleet was aiming to dock, knowing full well that his father would wish to hear the reports within-* Naruto guided his flagship through the harbour smaller ships moving out of the way of the large warship, Naruto stood on the bow, beside him the Enormous former mercenary Cuhullin stood the man's eyes scanning the bay and harbour.
A small company of men awaited the Lordling as his ship pulled in next to the dock. Naruto stepped off the warship as the deckhands began tying it off, Cuhullin stepping off right behind his mighty crimson spear attached to his back.
"My lord, your father wishes to see you within the tower overlooking the port." the Captain of the company said as he bowed, Naruto nodded at the man's words.
"Let us be off then, it's no use keeping my father waiting any longer." His golden eyes flashed over the guard as he spoke, the entire group straightening up at the eyes of their prince.
The Captain turned and began to walk into the town, men in leather armour patrolled the streets as they marched through, and citizens kept to their houses watching the strange invaders move through the streets. Only the most curious or the bravest exited their homes following their daily activities. At the edge of the town sat a small squat castle, more of a fort really basic and cheap in its design.
It was there Naruto's destination lay.
"I wonder how Sansa and Margaery are doing, hopefully, they will not be caught up in this mess. Arianne should be safe, Prince Doran is much too sly to get himself caught up within this mess." Naruto was broken from his thoughts when a small figure bumped into him.
A child, a little boy who seemed to be hungry. The Captain apologised profusely and grabbed onto the child seemingly ready to drag him away however Naruto simply raised a hand.
"Leave the child Captain, we are liberators. We cannot make them suffer beneath our hands as they did beneath the Greyjoy." He said his voice soft yet chastising.
The captain bowed. "I apologise my lord. It's just that we've been on edge lately, a couple of ambushes were started with them seeing lonely children." Naruto waved off the apology knowing full well how hard it had been.
"It is fine captain, Cuhullin give the Boy some food from my pack enough to share." the Giant nodded, reaching into one of the bags he held on his back and withdrawing some bread, the man offered it to the child who took it readily.
"Thank you, Kind sir." the boy said quickly before running off.
Naruto smiled a bit before returning to his neutral facade he and his men continued their trek to the castle arriving only a handful of minutes later, guarding the castle stood men that belonged to both Numenorian and Tudor companies. Even to Naruto's surprise, a handful of men from the small House Botley who were known for their loyalty, so for his father to have gotten them onside it must have cost a fortune.
Naruto stored that nugget of information in the back of his mind as he approached the Great Hall's massive doors, the two guards saluted him and pushed them open revealing the long hall and table which ran down its centre. The rear of the hall where a large throne would usually be situated was filled with a smaller set of chairs which formed a semi-circle.
On these chairs sat several older men, some Naruto knew to be the different commanders of the invasion force while others he realised were Numenorians. There was a handful he did not know however he could tell they were Iron islanders.
"Ah My son, welcome. Your right on time." His father practically bellowed as Naruto walked down the hall toward him.
Naruto grinned at the older man. " Father, it is great to see you alive, however, you told me we have things to discuss?"
Eric the red nodded, his eyes suddenly turning stormy and annoyed. He waved away the men of his council, all of which stood and left the room still discussing the previous topic.
"Sit my boy, we have much to discuss." Eric waved to the empty seat which sat before him, Naruto quickly took the seat Cuhullin standing behind him resolute as always.
"So what did you wish to discuss father?"
The man paused for a moment, chewing his lip as he thought.
"What do you know of House Reynes Valerian sword?"
"Red Rain?" Naruto responded, slightly confused as to why the man was asking such a question.
"Yes, Red Rain, the blade of the First Reyne. Are you aware of what happened to it?" This made Naruto think for a moment.
"One of our ancestors lost it after a battle… at least that's what I was told." His father nodded knowing that was the general story that was told.
"It is wrong. Our ancestor lord Hystern Reyne lost the blade to an Ironborn Dog." Erics' voice was filled with hatred. "This dog's name was Hilmar Drumm. The Drumms have passed down our blade for centuries barely using it and defiling a weapon used by demigods."
"Demigods?" Naruto asked, this whole conversation had confused him, his father's anger had practically boiled over and turned into a rant.
His father turned back to him his bright gold eyes locking with Naruto's own. "The age of heroes, a story we used to tell you when you were younger. Our lineage comes from the ancient Heroes their names are lost to us however their titles are still known. The Red Lion General was thought to be able to hold the stars themselves within the place." he paused as Naruto's eyes widened.
"The Blade of Miquella, also known as the one-armed Valkyrie. She was said to be able to cleave the very skies asunder. It is her; the Blade Red rain descends from. It was her personal blade and what she used to slay the first to slay those beyond the wall." he paused again watching Naruto slowly reabsorb the information.
"Naruto. I need you to reclaim the blade, Return our Honour. For when you become king it shall be your shield and your wrath." his father finally trailed off as he stood, Naruto looked through the now reopened doors and saw that the sun was beginning to set. His father nodded to Cuhullin as he left pausing only for a single moment.
"Remember my son. A King never bows his head. Yield only to the seven and death itself." Then he was gone, off to sleep and prepare himself for the coming fight.
Naruto left the great hall himself, Cuhullin following behind as they followed a servant to their rooms. The man had been uncharacteristically silent, Naruto had wondered why.
"Cuchulain, is everything alright? You haven't made your usual quips today." Naruto asked the more giant man, who at first grunted in response. His thinking expression did not change in the slightest.
"My ancestry, I know most of it however it is concerning." Naruto nodded, understanding the man's plight.
"Do not worry Cu, we have many tomes we can search through once we return to Castle," Naruto responded as he stood outside his door. Cuhallin nodded, opening the door as he began to walk into his room pausing only once to release a quip before finally closing his door.
"Don't hold ya breathe. My family were probably larger assholes than I am."
Naruto laughed as he entered his room, however, his attention was quickly garnered by the letter which sat on his bed.
A letter which bore the symbol of a snarling wolf. He was hesitant to open it knowing that it could hold anything. Finally, his courage broke through, he sat on the bed taking the letter up and quickly tearing it open.
Dear Naruto.
It has been many days since we last saw each other. Many things have changed; the wolf no longer holds court with the lion. The lion tried to have me and my family killed, however, your men saved me. My father while safe was not so lucky, he was heavily wounded in the fighting and we know not if he shall survive the coming months. He and Rodrick are preparing Robb for the title of lord, however, the other lords wish for him to become something more.
Maybe there will be more than one King in Westeros.
However, the main reason why I sent this letter. My father wishes to initiate a marriage contract… I know it is sudden and we do not know each other well, however, i and I hope you believe that we could work. I am willing to make it work.
I hope you are too. May my love forever protect you.
Sansa.
Shock. He knew this was coming sometime soon but he didn't expect it this early, nor did he expect the full agreement of her father. A marriage contract practically united the North and the West.
Naruto grinned, his smile practically splitting his face in half.
"It's all coming together."
The next morning.
The sun hadn't even crossed the island yet, but the Tudor and allied army had already risen and practically crossed the island. Naruto's father led the way as Malekith did the same by sea, almost 15,000 men had prepared for combat and now stood outside the initial gates of Castle Pyke seat of the Greyjoys.
The said Greyjoys had remained within the castle grounds refusing to sally out despite the attacker's knowing that the raiders would want to be in the most advantageous position possible, however, with their fleet being turned to tinder there wasn't much they could do.
Naruto turned as his father rode up next to him, the man wore brigandine and leather with some small sections of plate knowing that anything more would be too restrictive against the raiders.
"Naruto, Prepare yourself. This will be our most challenging fight so far. And remember your mission."
Naruto nodded at his father's words of encouragement, slightly fixing his own brigandine and putting his helmet on his head. Eric's golden eyes hardened, the sun began to rise, and he signalled the initial assault.
A signal flag was raised. Four massive balls of fire were launched from the port city, soaring toward the Castle. They struck.
Hard.
The first of the artillery struck left of the gate, slamming heavily into the curtain wall and practically crushing it and the guards that were stationed on it. The second struck one of the towers which jutted from the secondary island sending it crashing into the courtyard below and sending many of the Ironborn scurrying away like the rats they were. The third and fourth struck home damaging the small town within and the small harbour on the far side of the castle.
The allied forces cheered, seeing that the castle had been softened, a second signal flag was raised, this flag signalled the vanguard.
Thirty men hefted a large log, slowly moving to the castle's main gate. These men were protected by the shields of their peers, however, the rain of crossbow bolts and arrowheads that the Ironborn sent was truly heavy, slowing down the advance. However, they continued to push forward, unceasing knowing that their lord was counting on them. Finally reaching the gate they began their tiring work.
"Heave!" they pulled back the large. "HO" the first swing shook the gate, rattling its hinges and forcing those defenders behind it to take a step back. The soldiers swung the log again, grunting with effort. The Gate buckled once again, the hinges and locks groaning from the sheer pressure of the blow.
"Heave!" the soldiers pulled back, pooling all their strength into the final blow. "HO!", the log buckled the gate crushing the men holding it up. The Ironborn began to retreat as Numenorian and Tudor forces charged into the courtyard of the first island, cutting their way through the meagre defences that had been set up. Naruto and Cuhullin led the charge, both men wielding mighty spears, Naruto wielding a golden shield which seemed to glow in the rising sunlight. Around them, the gallowglass fought beside the household soldiers scything through their opponents.
Naruto continued to push, his spear Asger flashing as he thrust and parried the sloppy strikes of the few remaining ironborn, behind him a Cuhullin simply walked through his enemies his spear cutting through and poisoning his enemies. None could touch him as he deflected shots or crushed the Ironborn.
Those who had managed to cross the draw bridge had cut it. Taunting the allied forces as they stood on the other side of the chasm. Naruto looked down into the chasm seeing the waves crashing within did nothing to comfort him. Eric walked up beside him, great bow in hand.
"This my son is how you ford a chasm. Watch and learn." He fired an arrow across the chasm, a long piece of rope attached to it as it soared through the air landing just before the jeering Ironborn, they continued to jeer and curse at the allies unaware of what was happening.
Then their jeers started to die down as the allies parted, revealing a long log bridge, a temporary measure but one more sturdy than that of the rope bridges which were used beforehand. The Ironborn began to pelt the allied forces with rocks and arrows as they pushed the bridge across, the sharpened edges of the logs cut into the cliff face and held fast, despite the efforts of the Ironborn trying to cut it down.
Eric was the first across, the large man dashing across the gap at speeds that shouldn't have been possible. Behind him, Naruto and Cu Chulainn followed quickly behind. Crossbow bolts flew towards them as they crossed the impromptu bridge, Eric was practically untouched however as he grabbed one of the wounded Ironborn and used the poor saps' body to absorb the hits. After a couple of seconds, he was in amongst the ironborn. his son and sellsword were with him cutting through the weaklings as if they were never truly there, the allied footmen followed behind quickly overwhelming the secondary defences.
As Castle Pyke came into view, barely a hundred feet away. A large ornate stone bridge connected the island to the castle itself. However, between the castle and the Tudor-Numenorian forces stood 300 grey armoured men. Their armour was carved and salted to show their reverence for the seas.
These were the Drowned Legion. The cream of the crop, the best sailors and raiders the Ironborn and those who pledged themselves to serve their dead God, each wielded twin ornate boarding axes in each hand. At their front stood a tall man, well over 6' he wore greenish grey armour covered in etched tentacles and barnacles. One hand a massive, wicked axe with a long-sharpened silver blade, in the other a massive shield which covered most of his body.
A dark green helmet etched with silver, taking the form of an ugly Kraken covered his head hiding his face.
However, one did not need to see his face to know who he was. This was Victarion Greyjoy. The Iron Captain.
Beside him stood a smaller weaselly man he did not wear a plate but wore boiled leather and chainmail. This was the son of the late Lord Dunstan Drumm, Hollister Drumm the last of his once prestigious house. On the man's side sat Naruto's target, the pommel of a blade peaked from his side revealing a red lion head bejewelled with two golden gems.
Red rain.
Naruto's eyes narrowed as he watched the man's hand rest on the blades pommel, he probably didn't even know the true history of the blade or even what it was.
A tall figure from behind caught Naruto's eye, turning to face him the man inquisition was tall. Easily taller than Doran the forger, he wore pitch black armour that was edged and marked with golden accents. His face was covered by a golden mask which seemed expressionless yet also seemed to draw one in.
This was the Numenorian king. Malekith the deathless. The man seemed to have an air of respect around him that forced even those who disliked him to begrudgingly accept his power, he came to a stop beside Eric Tudor.
"Eric, it seems Balon is still within the keep. We must smoke the squid out, although first, we should deal with these bastards." the man's voice was light and melodic similar to that of a young man.
Eric said nothing, simply pointing his blade at the Iron captain. The other man responded by banging his axe against his shield and then began to walk forward crossing the bridge, his men followed behind slowly picking up the pace from a quick walk to a light jog.
Then from a light jog into a flat sprint, the allied lines braced as the drowned ones launched themselves into their lines. Victarion and Eric locked weapons, Eric locking the beard of the Ironborns axe with his sword then launched a heavy kick into the man's chest knocking him back.
Around them the Drowned ones locked blades with the allied forces, doing their best to hold them back. Naruto clashed with the newest lord Drumm; his spear thrust being barely blocked by a fast draw of his house sword. The blood-red blade of Red Rain flashed in the daylight, Dunstan withdrew the sword sloppily spinning it before swinging at his opponent, the blade simply clanged off the shield screaming as it did so from the metal-to-metal contact. Naruto spun swinging his spear around and knocking some of the Drowned around him back, then he lept forward tucking the spear close as he leapt into the guard of the Last Drumm, the man swung his sword wildly trying to keep the young heir back his fear practically palpable.
Naruto savagely sneered beneath his helmet, his golden eyes flashing with anger as he saw how the usurper wielded his ancestral sword. He twisted punching out with the shield, catching Dunstan off-guard and knocking out a fair few teeth, the man's face was almost pulp as he stumbled back a couple of feet.
As he was about to approach the dazed, a small voice told him to duck. Quickly stepping away he heard the tell-tale swish of an axe swing, turning to where the sound had come from, he faced new foes.
3 drowned ones, their armour slick with blood and their axes practically bathed in the red liquid. Naruto cursed. He could take them on, that wasn't a doubt however getting out unmolested and then killing Drumm for his ancestral blade would be quite difficult.
He crouched, placing his spear across the back of his shoulders so that the tip pointed toward the drowned ones, the tip of the spear resting lightly on the top of the shield. The drowned ones didn't even hesitate, the first came at him his swing timed and powerful. Naruto took the swing to his shield raising it and catching the blow. It jarred his arm heavily, the second drowned came at him from behind as the first gave a second swing, he jabbed Asger forward forcing the Drowned to step back out of its range. The second swing barely missed his head as he weaved around its strike.
However, he forgot about the third.
The third drowned rammed into him, knocking him over and nocking his shield from his grip. Naruto rolled into a crouch, his legs tensed like those of a predator, and his hands tightened around Asger as he clenched his teeth. Leaping into the air he descended upon the first drowned, the man swinging his axe in response to bisect the younger man. However, in a bold show of agility, Naruto slammed Asger into the axe forcing it down as he stomped on the man's armoured head sending him tumbling to the now torn-up ground, behind him a second drowned tried to slam his axe into his head.
A blood-red spear blocked the strike.
"We can't be letting you have all the fun." a voice Naruto knew well called out.
Naruto looked out of the corner of his eye, spotting his saviour. Cu Chulainn himself, the man was covered in blood and cuts however he still stood strong. The mercenary pushed off the Drowned one, flourishing his spear the man ran the armoured Ironborn through, the red barbed tip of the spear punching through his armoured chest and being visible from his back.
"Go kill that bastard I'll hold these ilk's off." He called back to Naruto as he stood between the Drowned and the lordling. Naruto nodded and rushed toward where Dunstan was limping away, the man using Red Rain as if it were a crutch, Naruto's rage pushed him to act.
He stopped mid-run, changing the grip on Asger he flung the spear with all his strength the spear practically cut through the air, it was airborne for a couple of seconds as it arced above the battlefield, and then it hit home.
The spear had cut straight through Dunstan, punching through his spine and slamming into the ground pinning him in place, there was a gurgle as blood poured from the dying man's mouth, Naruto approached him. To the man's eyes, Naruto resembled nought but the spirit of death itself.
Naruto picked up Red Rain from where it lay beside the dying man, the double-edged sword seemed to hum as Naruto rolled it in his hand. The red jewel which sat on its cross guard seemed to shine in the daylight. Naruto leaned down to the dying man, his groans once again becoming gurgles as blood poured from his mouth.
"Your family is gone. And as such the Blade of Miquella is freed from your disgusting grasp." Naruto sneered into the man's ear, he stood and pushed the dying body off of the spear wiping it clean on the clothes of the now deceased Dunstan. He looked over scanning the now slowing down battlefield for his father.
His blood ran cold.
His father was locked in combat with Victarion Greyjoy, however, the large Ironborn had lodged his axe within his father's stomach. Blood gushed from the wound, but his father did not yield. ramming his longsword through the large man's skull killing him immediately. The world seemed to slow down for Naruto as he watched his father collapse. The Lord of the Reyne's falling to his knees.
Naruto rushed over to him; his achievement forgotten as his father lay dying before him. He dropped down next to his father, his hand trying to stimy the blood coursing from his wound.
"No No No No No!" he shouted as he tried his best to stop the blood pouring, Eric Tudor weakly grabbed his son's shoulder.
"My son." His voice was practically a whisper, Naruto hardly noticed when members of the Tudor regiment surrounded them shielding them from the eyes of the last of the enemy.
"You have come a far way. I may not have been the best father, but I hope you are prepared for what is to come." He took another wheezing breath, his chest barely rising.
"Lord Malekith is a good friend, trust him well." Naruto looked around for the tall Numenorian, but it seemed the man had already entered the castle, obviously hunting down the last of the Greyjoys.
"Become King…. Let none, stand in your way…" his final words rattled in the ears of the Now Lord of house Reyne. His father's cooling body sat in his lap as tears fell from his eyes.
One by one, the men remaining on the field took a knee, bowing to their new lord.
Highgarden
Lady Ellaria sat in her quarters within Highgarden, the powerful woman had been moved there for her safety, and she was planning the future campaigns with Lady Olenna and Naruto's future wives. She knew however that something was wrong. The letters she had been receiving from both her husband and her son told her that the campaign was going well, and they were close to winning.
But she just couldn't shake the feeling that something had happened.
She was knocked from her thoughts by a subtle knock on her door.
"Who is it?" she called out.
"My lady, it is Ser Relmy. I have a message for you from the Port and another letter from the steppes of Essos." Ellaria Nodded knowing of the letter from the steppes however the second one from the harbour confused her slightly.
"Thank you, Ser Relmy. You may be dismissed now." the man bowed and left, closing the door as he did so.
Ellaria took up the letter she knew the least about first, the letter was signed by the Harbour Master and seemed to be hastily written.
Lady Ellaria.
200 Dornishmen in 2 longships have arrived within the port and have been detained on board their ships. They say they come in peace and are here to serve under the red rose on orders of the desert princess. Please confirm if these men may stay within the Tudor barracks.
Harbour master Keith.
Ellaria read the letter with a triumphant grin across her face. "It seems Dorne is making their play, very good," she said to herself as she drafted up a return letter to be sent later on in the day. She turned to the second letter which had come from the steppes.
"We live to serve those of the Red Lion. Our oaths are yet to be completed. We set sail in two weeks."
The letter was unsigned, but she knew who sent it. Her golden eyes practically overflowed with glee.
It was all coming together.
Fin
Thanks, everyone for reading to this point. Maybe you liked this chapter maybe you didn't but a review always helps. Next month I'm going on a holiday to a pretty remote area so updates will be sparse to non-existent as a 10-hour flight pretty much kills you.
I got some new stuff planned especially for the new GoT prequel. And some other stuff that history buffs and anime fans should find fun.
One clue. It has to do with Gates.
All praise Neptune and I will never abandon you as long as you all love my stories.