Dorne. Torrentine Valley. Starfall. Day after the battle.
The victorious host and those of the pitiful remnants of the Martell's forces that surrendered and pledged themselves to Ulric Dayne returned through the passages to Torrentine Valley and to Starfall. Though this was not a victory to them technically, they had survived and were untouched by the two massive Dragons, and this was already cause for celebration, and Lady Ashara with Allyria had prepared a welcoming feast for all in Starfall and Torrentine, where most of the men-at-arms and soldiers stayed. Another important, at least for Daynes and Velaryons, cause for celebration was the fact that Jayce has finally woken up and was and about, despite having spent nigh three months doing nothing but lying in the bed.
Though his muscles felt weak and his had lost a good amount of weight, it was clear to those that looked in his eyes, that Jayce was somehow better than he was before, on a different level, and he assured all, that he would recover quickly, and Maesters also stated, that it was quite possible so. Before the feasting truly commenced though, Lord Ulric had publically proclaimed Jayce Stark as Hero of the Torrentine Valley and the Sword of Twilight, while Ser Arthur Dayne personally anointed Jayce as knight, finally making him one. Thankfully, Jayce wouldn't have to stand vigil in the Sept, as Dorne's traditions didn't include it in their own code of chivalry and knighthood, and used a rather simple ceremony with oaths and vows that all knew. And in addition to knighthood, fame and glory, Lord Ulric didn't forget about the Dreadwolves, and has given them an extremely rich reward in coin, one that came from the coffers of Blackmonts, so formally, Jayce's contract was complete.
The feast wasn't as lavish and rich in foods and drinks, but still enough to celebrate the victory and survival of them, and for at least now, the people had forgotten about their problems and enjoyed themselves. Once the feasting was done and most lords and ladies have gone to bed and rest, a small group of chosen found themselves in the spacious solar of Lord Ulric, with those included being Lord Laenor, his wife and her sister, Benjen Stark, Lady Cassandra Yronwood, Lord Ulric and Visenya Rogare, along with Ser Arthur Dayne.
And with these people, Jayce held what appeared to be his own council, and revealed to them all what had happened to him in between life and death, along with his magic and how he was able to guide the Dragons. Coming from anyone else, this would've been found as nothing more than senseless hogwash of a madman, but these people knew Jayce, and who he was, and could clearly see, that he was in no way lying to them. Once Jayce was finished, he allowed them all a few minutes to process what they had just learned from him, to make certain conclusions and to finally settle with the knowledge they had just obtained. The first one to speak was Lord Ulric, as he turned to Jayce and asked him one question that was on everyone's mind.
"So… Does this mean that you can command those two Dragons, like a skinchanger?" Ulric asked of Jayce, who was dressed in the colors of Dayne, with his grown out hair made into a tail behind him, with the young man shaking his head.
"No, I can't. All I was able to do was give them a request, and they've obliged it, and after that, they've left. I can still sense them, but I can't fully reach them." Jayce said with a sigh. "Queen Visenya told me that one can bond with only one Dragon and only if they are in this living world. What I have now with them is more of an awareness of them, but a not clear one. All I know is that they live now, and are out in the east, somewhere where Caraxes was hiding all this time, and if you want to know, then my guess would be Valyria."
"Old Valyria? You mean that all this time, that Dragon was surviving in one place that no living thing would ever think of living, if it were sane?" Benjen asked of Jayce. "And are you even sure that it is the Caraxes and Vhagar? Those two had both died in the Dance."
"Believe me, Uncle, I know it is them, and I thought that Vhagar was dead, from what I saw in one of my first Dragon Dreams." Jayce added. "However, it would appear that these Dragons are stronger than they appear, or rather, closer to magic than most think. It was Vhagar, and she had been healed and strengthened through the magic of the Old Gods in the God's Eye, which had kept her alive all this time. I imagine the same was done to Caraxes in Valyria, but I know that it is them."
"The Targaryen Glory and the Blood Wyrm… Two of the fiercest and deadliest Dragons in all of history, alive again and stronger than ever." Ser Arthur commented, while still reeling from shock of having witnessed them. "I am still having doubts that all we saw was true, and not a dream from which we'll now wake up."
"Well, it is not a dream, though I imagine Robert Baratheon and Tywin Lannister will want it to be so." Laenor remarked, with all supporting his words. "I imagine the Red Keep is in a state of panic, as is all that is north of Red Mountains from such a revelation. The Dragons are back, and they've destroyed House Martell in its entirety…"
"Not just the Martells, but a great deal many other Houses as well that had deigned to support the Martells, in addition to Archon of Tyrosh." Jayce corrected Laenor, deciding to change the topic of the discussion. "I know that this a spectacular day for us all, but there is a certain matter that we need to discuss, and sooner we do it, the better. House Martell, every single it's member, along with Yronwoods, while Vaith, Godsgrace, Gargalen and every other family that supported them, has been decapitated and reduced to a sliver of what they were. In short, the Dorne is now leaderless and there is not a single lord or lady east of Prince's Pass that can unite it. Only one House now stands as the strongest one in Dorne."
"Daynes." Ashara stated, with Jayce nodding to her, as she eyed her adopted son with careful eye. "You… You've planned for it?" She asked of him, with Jayce letting out a sigh.
"All I planned for was to ensure that House Dayne was saved for good and that Martells were punished and never again would pose a threat to all. I didn't plan to leave Daynes in such interesting position, but I won't cry about it." Jayce told her, with Ashara satisfied with the answer, as Jayce turned to Lord Ulric, who was contemplating it all. "I can attest to the fact that Doran, his family and all others who held claim to Sunspear through lineage of Nymeria are gone, Lord Ulric. With the laws of inheritance and titles as they are, this means…"
"That my House has now become the Great House of Dorne, and I am now Prince of Dorne, in all but official name." Ulric finished for Jayce. "This… This was not what I had ever wanted or even dreamt of, despite all the animosity towards Martells I held, usurpation of their titles and lands was never in my mind. But... Jayce is correct- Dorne is leaderless, without a ruler, it will descent into anarchy and chaos. I shall claim the Kingdom of Dorne as my own, and lead it as its Prince, and seeing as Fowler and Allyrion Lords have already been nudging me about it, I can at least expect them to be loyal."
"After what those two Dragons have done, I imagine that there won't be anyone left to oppose us." Allyria stated. "But what about Yronwood and Sunspear? Are all of the Yronwoods gone too?"
"Mayhaps a distant cousin or two have survived, but anyone who had a claim to Yronwood name and lands are now ashes." Jayce confirmed, as he turned to Lady Cassandra. "Well, Lady Cassandra, I would say my congratulations, but given the circumstances…"
"You need not fret about it, Jayce. The moment my brother chose to ally with Doran and wed his daughter to that frog son of his, he stopped being my family." Cassandra assured him, before she turned to Ulric. "But that also means that our little Ned is now an Heir of Yronwood too, along with Starfall…"
"It would appear to be so." Ulric said. "We will deal with this, Cassandra, do not worry. And as for Sunspear, then it belongs to Arthur…"
"I'll not claim it." Arthur simply responded. "I've long since chosen my path, and it is not one where I hold lands and titles. Apologies, brother, but I best stand with Jayce."
"Then after you, it is Ashara who inherits it, and given that Jayce is officially her son and a legitimized one, he stands to inherit it." Ulric turned to Ashara and then to Jayce, who was surprised at hearing it, while Ashara immediately answered.
"Then I pass the Sunspear and all of its lands and titles immediately onto Jayce, as my eldest son and heir." Ashara surprised all, most of all Jayce, while she smiled to him. "For all that he has done for us, a mere knighthood and a fancy title I feel are miserly rewards. And besides, I far more prefer Driftmark and High Tide to Sunspear, for the local climate agrees with me."
"That's… That's all very generous of you, mother, but… I do not really intend to stay for far too long, given that I'm still…" Jayce was still processing what his mother had said, when Lord Ulric spoke up.
"If you are concerned about your exile, then you may rest easy. Robert Baratheon had granted you official Royal Pardon some two months ago, after hearing of your deeds in the Torrentine." Ulric told Jayce with a smile. "He restored your rights and status in fullest, though I imagine none had opposed him only because they believed you wouldn't live long enough to exercise your restored privileges and rights. And with all that in mind, there is no reason for me not to grant you the title of Lord of Sunspear. Congratulations, milord." Ulric told him with a smile, while Jayce processed it all and spoke up.
"Well, not that I am unhappy with all that, but…" Jayce collected his thoughts and stood up, drawing attention to him from all. "I've asked you all here not simply because I wished to discuss politics, not entirely. I… I asked you all here, because I have something to tell you, a confession of sorts. When I first found out about who I was over two years ago, I… I was shocked, confused, but mostly scared, scared for my life, for the fact of who my real parents were and that I may end up worse than Aerys. All I ever wanted, was to make something of myself, to be more than just Ned Stark's bastard, to prove to that horrid bitch Catelyn that I could be more than just another Snow, but after I learned the truth… I think I got lost, because I wasn't a bastard, and yet the people that were my parents… I could never bring myself to love or care for them, because to me they never that, parents, and I know that it may sound cold and wrong, but to me, they are little more than strangers, and after what they tried to do, I'd rather never to speak of them again ever in my life."
"And yet, at the same time after learning of who I was, I felt pride, admiration and more of my bloodline, and it made me believe that I could make something out of myself. And as the time went by, I felt as from mere admiration became the feeling of belonging to it, like… I wasn't merely its descendant, but I was Targaryen in blood, name and deed." Jayce said to all, with everyone listening to him carefully, as he turned to Arthur Dayne. "Arthur, back then in Braavos, I told you that I did not wish to take the Iron Throne and that I wouldn't claim the name of Targaryen, and yet you still chose to follow me."
"Aye, I did, and I still stand by my word." Arthur assured him.
"But if I were to claim my birthright, to stake my claim to the Seven Kingdoms and the Iron Throne, to take the name Targaryen as my own, would you follow me then?" Jayce asked of him, all surprised at his words, with Arthur quickly recovering and answering.
"I swore my oath to the one true King of Westeros, and none are truer than you. My oaths and loyalty are forever yours, Your Grace." Arthur and others began to realize what it all meant, as Arthur stood up and knelt before Jayce. "I, Ser Arthur Dayne, Sword of the Morning, pledge myself to you, my King." Jayce smiled to him and motioned him to stand up.
"I've run away from my lineage before, but now… Now I choose to embrace it and honor it, not for the sakes of Rhaegar Targaryen and Lyanna Stark, but for the sake of golden age that Westeros enjoyed under the rule of my ancestors. It is for this same now forgotten dream that I shall strive for with all my heart and strengths that I can muster." Jayce proclaimed it officially to them. "From now on, I shed my former name, Jayce Stark, and take on the name that I was born with. I, Jacaerys Targaryen, Heir of Ice and Fire, Scion of Aegon the Conqueror and Head of House Targaryen, declare that I will see House of the Dragon restored to its rightful place. With Fire and Blood, I shall reclaim the Seven Kingdoms from those who took it, punish the oathbreakers and traitors, and restore Westeros to the true peace and prosperity its people yearn for. And I ask of you, those most dear and closest to me, will you stand with me on this path? Will you assist me in this quest?" Jayce asked of them all in official manner, and for a moment the silence filled the room, until Ulric and Laenor rose up, walked closer to Jayce, and then knelt before him.
"Where House Targaryen leads, House Velaryon follows, and so it has been since the days of Old Valyria. Ours is the blood of Old Valyria, and it runs thick, and we remember who we are." Laenor spoke in official manner, as he looked up to his former ward with pride in his eyes. "House Velaryon will always command the tides for the Dragons, my King. You have my loyalty, Driftmark, it's sailors and ships, at your command."
"House Dayne's history stretches ten thousand years, and never before had we come so close to losing all that we had than now, and yet it was not Robert Baratheon who saved us. It was you who delivered my family and me from this nightmare and now saw us rise to be the Great House." Ulric said to Jacaerys. "House Dayne and Dorne stand with the House of the Dragon, and when you call, our swords and spears shall be ready to answer, Your Grace." Jacaerys smiled to them and nodded them to rise up.
"I am glad to have you with me." Jayce told them, as he looked towards Visenya, who remained silent up until now, and all eyes turned to her, as she stood up. "And what of you, Visenya?" Jayce asked of her, but before the girl could speak up, Ashara raised her voice.
"Jayce, Visenya, she is…" She tried to speak up, but Jayce stopped her with a hand motion.
"I know, mother." He assured her, before he turned to Visenya. "You knew who I was from the very start, and yet you still chose to stand and fight at my side, even revealing who you were to me. Never would I have thought that a Blackfyre would choose to die alongside me." Visenya wasn't at all surprised with the fact that Jayce knew who she was.
"When did you guess?" She merely asked of him.
"I've had my suspicions when you said your family name, but in the town… I knew for certain from then on." Jayce told her, with Visenya smiling to him and speaking up.
"As I've said to Lady Ashara, I lay my fate in your hands, and I stand by my words." Visenya told him. "Yours is the choice to make, of what to do with it."
"Then I'll ask you, what is it that you yourself want?" Jayce asked of her.
"To see the House of the Dragon restored, old wounds mended and House Targaryen restored to its rightful place." Visenya told Jayce, who looked her directly in the eye. "Westeros needs to stand strong and united if it is to survive what is coming. Even with Bloodraven dead, you know that there is a far worse foe coming, and that this foe cares naught for the petty games of men."
"Shiera told me, and Visenya also made it clear, that you and I are not so dissimilar from each other." Jayce smiled to her, as the two knew what he meant, before Jayce offered Visenya his hand. "I would have you at my side, Visenya Blackfyre, if you would follow me." Visenya stepped closer and shook his hand.
"I will follow you, Jacaerys Targaryen." Visenya told him with a smile. "Though I must warn you, that there are forces on the move, who too wish to claim the Iron Throne, under the guise of restoring the Targaryen Dynasty. Their pretender is little more than a puppet, raised to believe that he is Aegon Targaryen, miraculously saved son of Rhaegar and Elia, yet in reality he is not."
"And what is he, and who are his patrons?" Jayce asked of Visenya.
"He is Bittersteel, hiding beneath the cloth of a dragon, and his patrons are the man you call the Spider, and his very own father, Illyrio Mopatis, a powerful magister of Pentos, who desires to see his seed on the Iron Throne, as a way to fulfill the wish of his dead wife." Visenya revealed to him. "To that end, they've eliminated all other Blackfyres, my family included, and are now scheming to take Daenerys Targaryen for their Aegon, while removing Viserys. And with the return of the Dragons, their aims shall be even grander, yet already they have the Golden Company on their side, though unofficially."
"Then we'll ensure that they do not get them, and as for the Golden Company, they'll follow us, one way or the other." Jayce told her, as he turned to others and spoke up again. "Even though the Dragons are back and Westeros doesn't fully stand for Robert, now is would be ill time to stake my claim. We will need to prepare for what is to come, and we will need men, ships and loyal allies aplenty if we are to topple the Baratheons and the Lannisters, and most importantly, we will need Dragons. Because of this, I shall return to Essos and start their search, and while there, I will make certain to secure us additional help, but before that, there are some things that need to be settled, and first amongst them is the stance of the North." With this said, Jayce turned to Benjen with telling look.
"Jayce… The North had gone to war for Lyanna, and Ned promised her to protect you at all costs." Benjen told Jayce.
"I know, but will he help me when I decide to move against his supposed best friend?" Jayce asked of Benjen. "Will the North stand for me, when the time comes?" Benjen sighed and spoke up.
"You know us Northerners better than anyone, and to them you already are a hero, so of course they would stand for you, but Ned… Ned has always been somewhat blinded by his love for Robert." Benjen told Jayce. "To him, Robert as much of a brother as I am, and he does believe that he deserves the throne."
"And what do you believe in, Uncle?" Jayce asked of him, before adding. "Not as a Brother of the Night's Watch, but as a Stark of the North. Who would you sooner support?"
"I've already broken my vows to the Night's Watch for you, when I pledged to defend you with my life from the Martells, and I would follow you into war over that whoring stag." Benjen said with clear confidence, before letting out a sad sigh. "But… I'm now a deserter, officially, and Ned knows that I chose to stay here with you over getting out of here. I do not doubt that the news will soon reach Old Bear Mormont in the Castle Black of my decision." Jayce and others understood what he meant, with Jayce thinking on it, before an idea struck him.
"Uncle, didn't the Night's Watch have an ancient tradition, which allowed for the man of the Watch to officially leave it. A ransom, or something, you called it?" Jayce asked of Benjen, who looked up to him with confusion.
"Aye, that's as it is known, the ransom of the Night Brother, but that tradition hasn't been invoked in over a thousand years. Not to mention that it has quite steep requirements." Benjen reminded Jayce.
"And what are those requirements?" Jayce asked of Benjen.
"The weight of the Night Brother in question in gold, silver and gems." Benjen said, with Jayce making a thoughtful face, before turning to Laenor, who understood what he meant and also looked at Benjen, who was confused by their actions. "What are you two thinking about?"
"I'm thinking of how good it is that you've kept yourself in such a lean and fit form, Ser Benjen. "You mind telling us what is your weight, exactly?"
"About 13 or so stones, last I checked at Castle Black." Benjen answered, still oblivious as to what they were discussing, with Laenor turning to Ulric.
"It would be prudent to measure him again, since he was in captivity for a long time, without sufficient food and water, and Dornish climate does like to burn stones on a person." Ulric commented, with Benjen finally catching on what Jayce meant.
"You… You can't be serious, Jayce." Benjen said in shocked disbelief.
"And why is that? Was that tradition removed from your Order?" Jayce asked of Benjen.
"No, but…" Benjen tried to speak up, but Jayce interrupted him.
"Then it's settled, and do not try and argue about it, Uncle. I know all about you vows, but I much rather have you in Winterfell than out on that Wall. And as to sweeten the deal and to uphold your new duties, I'm sure Lord Ulric would be happy to send some of those who surrendered to the Wall. I imagine that there is quite a large number of those who you would rather not see in Dorne." Jayce turned to Ulric, who nodded to him.
"Quite a large one indeed, and you need not worry about the ransom, Lord Laenor. Lady Blackmont will be more than happy to accommodate the cost from her deep coffers." Ulric assured Benjen with a humorous smile, who tried to argue, but gave up and faced grinning Jayce.
"You are worse than Lyanna and Brandon were, Jayce." Benjen said with a chuckle, with Jayce chuckling back. "Alright then, I'll be sure to see that Ned sees things as they really are, but I do believe he will stand with you, Jayce."
"I do believe in it too." Jayce told him. "We have a general idea on what we need to do, so for now I'd say we best bring Dorne fully under Lord Ulric's control. And as for Sunspear, I'm not gonna be around to govern and manage it, and until I reveal who I am to the realm, I guess it will need a steward to act in my name. What do you say, Allyria?" Jayce turned to Allyria, who looked at him with surprise.
"Me? You want me to rule Sunspear?" She asked him, with Ashara smiling at the idea.
"An excellent idea, it won't cause any issues among the nobles and with the Crown, and will give Allyria time to get used to the idea of running the Sunspear and inherit it officially, once you claim the Throne." Ashara supported, with others agreeing with her.
"Now that this is settled, and after we've secured Dorne, I imagine we would need to pay a visit to Robert to King's Landing, and while we are there, I'll have to deal with some loose ends." Jayce told them. "But before all this, there is one small, but urgent matter we should see to."
"What matter?" Laenor asked of Jayce.
"Oh, nothing much, just another assassination attempt soon to be made on me." Jayce answered in a slightly carefree tone, surprising all. "Don't look so surprised, I've already dreamt it and know everything. They'll be making their move tomorrow at the dawn, when I wake up and will try to end me, so all you need to do is be there when it happens and prevent it all. There are four cutthroats after me this time, three sellswords and one catspaw, you can kill them however you want, but do take care not to loot the catspaw. He has something I really want to have."
"And what would that be?" Benjen asked of Jayce.
"A relic of the past, one that belongs to my House and me." Jayce simply replied, and then laid down the plan he had in mind for this entire affair.
Next morning.
The dawn was breaking out in the east, and Jayce had already arisen and walked onto the training yard, dressed and ready for the training, having already gotten his breakfast and now preparing to spend a good amount of time training. Having spent three months in a near dead state didn't do any favors to his body and he had lost both the weight and muscle mass that he previously had, so he will need to correct that if wished to regain his previous strength. Add to that, he grew slower and more sluggish, with his hands having forgotten the weight of steel in them, so he would need to correct that as well.
Picking up the training sword from the table nearby, Jayce felt the weight of it and swung around, ascertaining its weight and how to best swing it, and once he had a good enough feel on it, he went to the training dummy to practice. Starting from the very basics, Jayce worked on those, and then moved on to more advance techniques, literally going through everything that Arthur Dayne had taught him over the near four years they've known each other. And there was a lot of things that Arthur had taught Jayce, for a man who was still hailed as the greatest Sword of the Morning in centuries certainly was a master of the blade, along with been a demanding and very strict teacher. Not that Jayce ever complained, he may have had a lot of cheek towards a lot of people and things, but Arthur was one man he respected and admired, and who always delivered on his promises and words.
For about two hours, Jayce had worked on his strikes until he felt like it was good enough exercise, and decided to stop, only now noticing that he was the only one in the training courtyard. That, however, soon changed, when three similar looking men walked from the shadow of the pillars, armed and armored like knights, followed by who can only described as a catspaw of Braavosi origin, holding a certain blade that Jayce noticed, with a small smirk appearing on his face. He already knew what this was, and so without any reservation, fear or even hurry, he simply turned to face them with a look of victor, speaking up.
"So, I take it this another one of Lady Tully's presents for me?" He asked of them with a smile. "That woman sure likes to spoil those she hates. First it was one catspaw, but now it's four."
"You've made some very dangerous enemies, you bastard, and our employer has made it clear to us, that you are not to leave Dorne alive." One of the sellswords said with a smirk, while the catspaw removed his dagger from the holster.
"You should not have woken up. It would've been better to die in bed for you." The catspaw said, while Jayce smirked to him.
"Believe me, I'd rather die in battle than go through what I did in that bed." Jayce answered. "But I am curious, so would you mind fulfilling the final wish, so to speak? How much is my head worth, exactly?"
"Twelve hundred golden dragons." Another sellsword answered, with Jayce whistling in surprise from it.
"Twelve hundred golden dragons? Just for me alone?" Jayce asked rhetorically in a humorous way. "And here I was getting ready to complain that I'm worth a bit more, but… I think I might actually worth that much."
"Yes, Lord Lannister was quite generous with us, having paid half in advance already." The third brother spoke. "Now all we have to do is collect the rest." The three withdrew their swords and began to move towards Jayce, who didn't even make a notion to move or flee.
"He should've paid you all the coin in advance, at least then you would be able to spend it, before my arbalests put you out of your misery." Jayce told them, and then snapped his fingers, and from the battlements above them appeared twenty arbalesters, with their weapons primed and ready, with the would be assassins looking up with shock and fear clear in their eyes. "I survived after being hit by five bolts, so I wonder if you can do the same. Loose." Jayce commanded, and the arbalests loosened their ammo at the four, each being hit by five bolts and succumbing to their demise and dying.
"I guess we can say that you are of stronger stock and then all the rest of us." Ulric, along with Arthur and Ashara walked out from the shadows, with guards and servants, getting rid of the bodies, while Jayce walked to the catspaw, and relieved him of his weapon. "However, what confuses me is why Tywin Lannister would be helping the Tullies to get rid of you? I do not recall you ever having any quarrels with him, or is he bitter about the fact that you've beaten all the Lannisters in the squires' melee in Lannisport?"
"Lannisters have nothing to do with this, milord. This was something that they were told to say, in order to direct the blame on someone else, sow seeds of the conflict and cover his own tracks." Jayce responded, as he took the peculiar dagger in his hands and cleared it of the mud, before continuing. "It would appear that this Petyr Baelish, who had sent these four and the last one in Braavos after me, is playing his own little game, and seems to want the Great Houses to be at each other's throats."
"Yet for what purpose would that little man be so interested in a war?" Arthur asked.
"Hard to say, but my best guess is that it is his way of using war to grow and strengthen his own position, somewhat like I did." Jayce said as he turned and walked to them. "After all, yesterday I was merely an exiled sellsword captain, and now I am Lord of Sunspear and one of principal vassals of the new Prince of Dorne. War and conflict do tend to break the established order of things, and in such chaotic times, men can rise to greatest of heights, if they know how."
"That would explain why he would want to create conflict between Dorne and Westerlands, and if this assassination had been successful, the North too would've gotten involved, along with Riverlands, I imagine." Ashara added, as she eyed the dagger that Jayce picked up. "Is this Valyrian steel? Who equips their catspaw with such a weapon?"
"Someone who would want their assassin to be noticed, so to speak, but that is not merely why I wanted it." Jayce spoke up, as he held the curved dagger in his open hand. "This dagger had belonged to my House since before the Doom of Valyria, and was the personal regale of the Heads of our Houses, before we were Kings and Queens, though Blackfyre was the true symbol of power. However, this dagger's importance one may say is even greater than both Blackfyre and Dark Sister's, for it carries on its own steel a message from Aegon the Conqueror to his descendants. One that tells of a responsibility that is greater than the Iron Throne, all of Seven Kingdoms and all of the possible ambitions desires and lusts that any Targaryen may possess in them... And all of it forgotten in the Dance of the Dragon, the moment that King Viserys breathed his last breath and his children unleashed hell upon Westeros." Jayce said with sadness in his tone, with the three looking at him with surprise, as they did not expect such a reaction to this weapon.
"What… What was the message?" Arthur asked of Jayce, making him raise his head, before gripping the blade tightly and putting it away.
"It is one that only the King of the Seven Kingdoms can know, Arthur." Jayce told him, as he breathed out a sigh. "And if I'm to be one, then I must have it." Jayce replied, as they headed back to the great hall.
Four months later. The North. The White Harbor.
Lord Eddard Stark and the vast majority of his vassals, along with his family, were feasting and being hosted by Lord Wyman Manderly, who decided to hold a celebration in honor of one of his granddaughters' nameday, Wynafryd. He had summoned most of the North to attend, with Ned also being among those present, who also wished to use this opportunity to discuss pressing matters of North's growth in power with his vassals. While so far things were progressing better than he had expected and already there were positive results, such as increase in wealth and goods produced, with new fields, farms mines lumberjacks and more being opened, as well as trade within and without increasing. Even the new policy of allowing entry of the Southerners into the North was seen more or less favorably by the other Lords, given how the vast majority of the new settlers quickly converted, while the rest either soon followed, or remained quiet about their faith.
Ned recalled Jayce's words about the North, when they shared words before his departure, stating that the North couldn't simply go on and exist isolated from all, but it couldn't cave in to the South, so a solution had to be found. This was what Jayce proposed and so far it worked, and Ned once more had to thank Jayce for opening his eyes to the reality of the world and the situation surrounding the North, for after the Rebellion, when all the other victors were reaping rewards, the North was left with nothing but the dead. There were no trade concessions, no reduction in taxes or anything like that, not even cheaper grain and food from the Riverlands, and while Ned at first didn't give much attention to it, now he understood how foolish he was in not noticing it, not seeing how he was being basically robbed by Hoster Tully.
Now things were different, and instead of maintaining relations with the Tully, Ned has strived to make contact with Blackwoods, who were right now the strongest House in the Riverlands, and given their shared history, it was relatively easy to regain contact. Lord Tytos himself was more than willing to renew relations with House Stark, and given that House Stark would also now hold Riverlands, letter exchange about a potential betrothal began almost immediately, and the result was a satisfactory one for all. House Blackwood now provided all of the grain and food to the Starks and North, along with his allies Mallister and Vance Houses, at a cheaper price than Hoster did, along with other products. Hoster Tully was furious about it, naturally, and did try to prevent it, but all he achieved was further alienation of his vassals, which forced him to further look for friends that would support him and his failing House.
From what Ned knew, Hoster had no luck in that, and so he left those thoughts and turned to his family, seeing them complete again after over a year apart, and while he was glad to see them all together, not all was as perfect as he had hoped it would be. According to Greatjon Umber, Robb proved to be a capable and able ward, as well as a warrior, when they dealt with the incursions from the Wildlings, but Lord of Last Hearth had noted, that while Robb did manage to more or less get rid of his less savory qualities, he was not yet past his resentment of Jayce. Greatjon stated that Robb reacted sharply and with anger at every time Jayce's name was mentioned, and when the news of new feats displayed by Jayce reached the last Hearth, it appeared clear, that Robb further grew to resent and hate him. Eddard knew the source of it, and he wished to make Robb see reason, though he feared that the poison that Catelyn whispered into his ear about Jayce seeped to deep.
Sansa took to the loss of her mother worst of all, and it was clear that she was never going to be able to adjust to the life as a Northern lady, despite all the teachings she received. Ned pondered if it would be for the better to marry Sansa to a Southern lord, one that would be a loyal husband to her, and a good friend to the North, and he found that it was a good idea. At least Arya and Brandon were doing better than he had hoped and were proving to be promising future Lady and Lord, but Ned also realized that he required a new Lady of Winterfell, since he was now officially divorced.
And strangely enough, the most favorable candidate to this position was none other than Lady Barbrey Dustin, widow of his slain friend Willem Dustin and cousin of Mark Ryswell, and once possibly the one person who hated him the most in the North. However, ever since the end of the Greyjoy Rebellion, relations between Starks, Ryswells and Dustins have been growing warmer, partially due to Jayce's heroics in the Pyke, and because Ned had requested Lord Ulric Dayne to excavate the cairns and return the remains of his fallen brethren back to the North. This, along with some diplomacy and feasting, helped smooth the edges and restore good relations between them, and after Catelyn Stark left Winterfell and the North, Lady Dustin began to pay semi-regular visits to Winterfell, officially on behalf her family and son Brandon, future Lord Dustin.
Over time, coldness retreated between them and they've grown into amicable friends, and now it was clear to Ned and others that Lady Barbrey, if proposed, was not too opposed to the idea of marrying into House of Stark. There were talks of their betrothal and marriage before the Rebellion and Harrenhall Tournament, and now Lord Ryswell was eager to reopen them again, and Ned was not too opposed to the idea. He found Barbrey to be quite comely and a more pleasant company than Catelyn was, and she also had a good opinion of his children, most favored among them clearly being Jayce. Ned made a mental note to privately discuss this union with Lord Ryswell, but for now he settled on feasting. Soon enough, Lord Wyman rose up with a cup in his hand and spoke up.
"Dear friends, I thank you all for coming here today, to such a special occasion for me. I know what some of you may think, that a nameday may not of much important, but to me… To me, after losing both of my sons and nearly losing my granddaughters to those bastards from Three Sisters, time spent with my family has become a much greater treasure than any silver." Wyman said, as he raised his cup. "To our family, may they live long and happily!" The toast was supported by all, but then Wynafryd rose up with her own cup and spoke up.
"To Jayce Stark, The Sea Wolf of the North, the man who sadly is not here, and to whom I and my sister owe the chance to once again celebrate our nameday with our dearest grandfather. To the Sea Wolf!" Wynafryd raised her cup, and the lords and ladies bellowed out loudly.
"TO THE SEA WOLF!" Joyful shout was heard among all and the cups were emptied, with Ned openly supporting it, emptying his cup.
"Aye, it is a shame that Jayce ain't here today with us." Wyman said, as he turned to Lord Stark. "Say Ned, what is your lad up to these days? We've heard little since those news of his recovery in Starfall, and I'll admit, that I, and I bet many others, are rather surprised that he has not decided to return back North."
"From what he and Benjen have written to me, after the death of all the Martells, Jayce had inherited Sunspear and its surrounding lands through Ashara, and had set out to restore order in Dorne for Ulric." Ned revealed to all, surprise and shock coming upon all who heard it, while he smiled. "So I fear he may not return to the North any time soon, despite his pardon. He now has quite a lot of work on him."
"You must be pulling my leg, Ned! Our own Sea Wolf is now Lord of Sunspear? How the bloody hell did that happen?!" Greatjon Umber asked aloud, though not of anger, but out of amazement.
"It happened because Lady Ashara's mother was of House Martell, and she herself was cousin to Doran Martell, as are her older brothers." Vaemond Velaryon, who was in the White Harbor on trade business, spoke up. "Our Lady of Driftmark has decided to pass on her claim to Jayce, and he accepted it, though not without surprise and shock, I might add." Vaemond added with a smile.
"You were in Starfall when it happened, Ser Vaemond?" Barbrey Dustin asked who nodded to her. "Tell us, how does he fare so far down in the South? We all had thought him long lost and dead, but he yet surprises us."
"Aye, so did all of us, but as he himself told me: "All Seven Hells tried to break me, yet all they did was irritate me." Vaemond quoted Jayce, causing a laugh across the table. "When I left Sunspear with Lord Laenor, the young new Lord of Sunspear had officially assumed his position, took stock of his new lands, riches and the rest, before setting off to bringing order to Dorne in the name of his uncle, Prince Ulric Dayne. By the time I've reached Driftmark before setting off for here, I heard he and his Dreadwolves had pacified and restored all of Eastern Dorne to order."
"Not like there is much to pacify after what those Dragons have done." Eddard Karstark spoke up, with others agreeing with him, before turning to Vaemond. "Say, Ser Vaemond, did you see those monsters? Are they as real as all those rumors say?" Vaemond recalled the past, and it clearly appeared on his face.
"Aye, they are as real as they can be. I myself saw only one of them, but by the Gods…" Vaemond let out a ragged sigh, as sweat came upon him as if he had been bathed in heat. "The one I saw… It was lean and mighty, red as blood, as long as a river, while it's wings blocked out the sun, and his roar was unlike anything I could think of, but when it breathed fire upon those Tyroshi… All I can say, is that I and all my friends who were there are still grateful to all the Gods to be alive."
"Sounds like it was one mean fucker." Greatjon said uncouthly. "But what bugs me still is how is that ya all still alive? Shouldn't you all have roasted with those Martell bitches, no offence?"
"None taken, and I… I've not an answer for you." Vaemond responded, and all decided to settle on it, with Barbrey deciding to change the subject.
"Tell us, Ser Vaemond, what are them Southerners think of our Sea Wolf? Is that old falcon Arryn still spouting nonsense about how Jayce Stark had tricked him and everyone else?" Barbrey asked.
"I've not been to King's Landing in a long time, milady, but I do know that he is still missed and well-loved on Driftmark and in my family. You won't find a single sailor, fisherman, trader, or anyone on our isle speaking ill of him, and out in Essos, especially in Braavos, he is famed as the Dreadwolf, Slayer of the Black Goat and the Mountain." Vaemond responded, with other northerners approvingly grumbling about it. "I myself do miss him, he was a good company to keep, and one I would take with me into the storm. I must say that I'm a little jealous of Prince Ulric, seeing as he has such a reliable and competent vassal to rely upon."
"Aye that he does." Greatjon said. "I myself wouldn't mind having that lad in my Last Hearth for a few moons at least. Ha, he would probably teach 'em wildlings the proper Northern welcoming!" Lord Umber laughed, with many other supporting him, while Robb remained silent and sullen.
"I too wouldn't mind having him on our Bear Isle, though I fear if I were to let such a wild wolf into my house, I'd soon have a whole new pack of bears nine moons later." Lord Jorah added, with everyone laughing, with Maege louder than all of them.
"Aye, you are right on that, nephew!" Maege supported him with a laugh. "Knowing my girls, we'd have at least a dozen or so new cubs before he gets bored with 'em!"
"How can she talk such… vulgarities about her own daughters like this?" Sansa asked of Wynafryd. "Doesn't she understand that those… cubs would all be bastards? The Seven punish such behavior."
"Yet this is the North, Lady Sansa, and there are no bastards on Bear Island." Wynafryd reminded her, while she herself smiled at the joy at the table. "Lady Maege herself said that she bore all her daughters from a bear, so I imagine she wouldn't much mind if her grandkids came from the Dreadwolf."
"Then all of her daughters are nothing more but baseborn bastards." Sansa said that a bit too loud, and drew the attention of nearly all around the table, and Sansa immediately felt herself quite uncomfortable.
"Forgive me, milords. My eldest daughter is not yet used to wine, and it has confounded her." Ned apologized on her behalf. "She clearly needs some time to clear her mind." Ned motioned the governess to take Sansa with her, and as soon as she left, the festivities resumed.
"Your Sansa has grown quite comely, Lord Stark, though forgive me my forwardness, but with that Southern nonsense she has in her mind, I fear she'll not find happiness here in the North." Barbrey Dustin spoke up. "She might flourish in the South with the right husband, but here… She'll wither away."
"Speaking of marriages, your eldest lad's near the right age for it, Ned." Lord Galbart Glover noted, pointing at Robb. "Have you found him the right lass, or has old Karstark here already married his girl off to your Robb?" Galbart laughed, as did others, while Alys Karstark blushed, but Robb merely hid his face.
"And why's you suddenly asking, Glover? Thinking of how to hitch some of your own wenches onto him?" Greatjon asked of him daringly with a laugh, before turned and elbowed Robb in the side. "Let at least the lad have some fun before he's all tied up. He's yet to learn what to use that small sword in his breeches!" Robb grew crimson from embarrassment as many laughed.
"That's quite enough, Greatjon. Remember where you are." Ned decided to cool his hearty friend.
"Ah, apologies, milady." Greatjon understood and apologized to Wynafryd.
"No offence taken, Lord Umber." Wynafryd said.
"But in all seriousness, Ned, both Robb and Jayce are soon to be of age fit for marriage." Rickard Karstark spoke up. "Don't tell us you haven't thought or even decided on who's gonna be fit for your sons."
"I've thought and made decisions, Rickard, and I'll leave it at that." Ned decided not to continue that conversation, as he drank from his cup.
"Leave him be, Rickard. We all know that it's your lass who are to be the next Lady of Winterfell." Greatjon supported Ned, before turning the conversation to his personal favorite wolf. "But I do not envy you now, Ned, 'cause if before Jayce at least was your second son, but now he is a Lord! I imagine there must a line of wenches lined up before his keep a mile long, eager to be the new Lady of Sunspear."
"Oh, you are wrong there, Greatjon. It must at least be two miles long, given how famous the lad is." Wyman added with chuckle, before he drank from his cup. "But in all seriousness, I myself would've gladly betrothed either of my dear girls to him before his exile. Now I wouldn't be surprised if he had Lords and Ladies from Oldtown to the Twins interested in marrying off their own daughters to him, since he's now one of strongest and wealthiest Lords in Dorne. The Martells held the wealthiest lands in the Eastern Dorne, and most populated ones outside of the Torrentine Valley, so Jayce is now set for his life. Old Walder Frey alone would ship every one of his wenches in crates to him." Wyman joked, with some others supporting him in.
"No, that lad needs the right woman for himself, someone who can rein him in good and proper." Maege said.
"You don't know Jayce, Maege, for if you knew, then you would know that there is no reining him in." Ned said with a smile. "I doubt Jayce would have much problem finding himself the right wife."
"Well, when I left Dorne, he was more focused on ensuring that his holdings were safe and sound, and that none of the locals rebelled." Vaemond decided to add. "Thankfully, the smallfolk of Dorne sees him as a hero, like yours does here, so I think they much prefer him to that old snake Doran and his mad viper of a brother."
"Well then, let's raise our cups to Jayce Stark, Lord of Sunspear and the true Son of the North!" Greatjon raised his cup and others supported him in it, but then the doors into the Mermaid's Court opened suddenly, and in walked men-at-arms with Baratheon colors. "What in the Seven fucking Hells is that?!" Following those soldiers, in stepped Jaime Lannister, dressed in white and gold of the Kingsguard, strutting in as if he was the Lord of White Harbor, drawing in attention from all.
"Well, looks like we are just in time for a feasting, lads." Jaime said flippantly to his men, as he eyed the Northern Lords with a smirking eye. "No bread and salt for your guests? And I thought you Northerners treasured your traditions." Jaime said in a near mocking tone.
"We reserve that rite for the guest that are wanted and welcomed, not sudden and poor in attitude." Wyman Manderly and many others rose up from their seats. "Now, what the hell are you doing in here, Kingslayer?" Wyman asked immediately.
"Careful now, you are addressing one of the order of the Kingsguard and a trusted messenger of King Robert Baratheon." Jaime stated, many looking at him at surprised. "I've come bearing a message to Lord Eddard Stark, and I was told that he and most of his rabble could be found here."
"Aye, I am here, Ser Jaime. Now, what message do you bear, and choose your words carefully, for you are not under the protection of the rite of hospitality." Ned reminded him, having had enough of the Lannister's arrogance, with many also incensed at his flippancy and arrogance.
"King Robert Baratheon, First of His Name, King of the Andals, the Rhoynar, and the First Men, Lord of the Seven Kingdoms and Protector of the Realm, announces the betrothal of his daughter, Princess Myrcella, to the son of Sealord of Braavos." Sir Jaime announced. "He extends his invitations to the celebration of this event to you and your vassals, Lord Stark, hopeful that you and your leal bannermen will appear to pay your respects and offer congratulations on the event." Ned and many others were surprised when they heard it, with many looking at Ned, awaiting his reaction.
"You may relay our collective congratulations and wishes of all the best to the Princess, Ser Jaime, however I see not the reason for our presence on that occasion." Ned stated to Jaime, knowing that the betrothal celebration didn't warrant as much attention as royal wedding.
"Even though the King has expressed his deepest desire to see you personally come, Lord Stark?" Jaime asked of him in a challenging tone. "Some may interpret your absence as a show of disloyalty, mayhaps even treason and rebellion…"
"Watch your bloody tone and mouth, Kingslayer! This here is the North and White Harbor, not your King's Landing and South, and we here know how to make a man answer for their false accusations!" Greatjon boomed with anger, with many supporting him.
"Well, if you are that reluctant to answer this summon, then at least could you accept this?" Ser Jaime said with false modesty, producing a letter. "A personal letter from the King, for your eyes only, Lord Stark." Jaime gave it to one of the servants, and he delivered it to Eddard Stark, who broke the seal, opening it up and reading it.
"Ned,
Sorry for this mummer's farce and sending the Kingslayer to you, but this is too important to trust to a raven. You've undoubtedly heard of the Dragons, and I tell you- they are real, and they've indeed destroyed the Martells for good along with a good bunch other lords and ladies. I need not tell you what can happen if anyone of those Targaryen spawns gets their hands on either of those two, or both at the same time, but if it happens, it will be same as if Aegon the Conqueror returned.
Old Lion thinks that Targaryens do not have it in them to control them, but I'll not risk the Seven Kingdoms to prove him right or wrong. There is a war coming, Ned, and I'll need you and the North more than ever, so I ask you to come to King's Landing for this celebration. I need to know who I can trust when the time comes and Viserys lands in Westeros. Remember what his rapist brother did to Lyanna, do you wish the same for your daughters, for I certainly don't wish it for mine.
I need you and the North more than ever, Ned, so please come to King's Landing. I've also sent a letter to your lad, Jayce, and he assured me, that he and his uncle, new Prince of Dorne, will come too, so you'll at least be able to see your lad again.
I am counting on you, brother.
Robert."
Ned read the letter and understood the intent behind it, and he could clearly see that the Dragons have indeed installed Robert with great enough fear to make him plead to Ned and use the past. He personally wished to do nothing with the South anymore, but this was personal, and if Jayce indeed was going to be there, than at least it would be worth going South to see him again. In his last letter Jayce did say, that when they meet next, they shall have a very important conversation, in regards to his heritage, and Ned feared what it could mean. However, he also knew that if Jayce had made up his mind on something, there is nothing he could say or do that could stop his nephew, but before he made any conclusion, he needed to see Jayce first. Letting out a sigh, he looked at Jaime and spoke up.
"I and my family will travel to attend the celebration, as will those of my Lords and Ladies that are available." Eddard stated, with Jaime nodding to him, with Lords and Ladies of the North looking with surprise at Ned.
"Ned, why did you decide on that?" Wyman asked of him.
"Robert asked me to come personally, and I'll answer his summon. Along with that, it is well past time to remind the South that we exist and that we are to be respected." Ned told them, and others agreed with him. "Not to mention that Jayce himself is coming too, and I'll not miss a chance to raise my cup to him." Ned added with a smile, knowing that this many too would wish to do the same.
And he was proven right, for within a month, nearly all that were present in the White Harbor set off for King's Landing via ships, with Ned Stark more wishing to see his nephew, than his old friend.
Three months later. King's Landing. Red Keep.
It has been a long time since the Red Keep and the King's Landing as a whole has been filled to the brim with all the lords and ladies of the Seven Kingdoms like it is today, and it surely is the first time in history so many nobles, merchants, and magisters with Sealord of Braavos himself have come to King's Landing, and it most definitely the first time in history that the royal princess is to be betrothed to the foreign ruler's son. Never before anyone would've imagined that House Baratheon would seek alliance with Braavos like it does now, but things and times have changed the moment that the dragons have once again reclaimed their skies, and Robert Baratheon, along with Tywin Lannister and many others, understood that if Targaryens were to get to those dragons, then their time was as good as over.
So far none had been able to find those Dragons, having last been sighted nigh seven months ago flying east of Volantis, towards Old Valyria, and since then it appeared as if they've disappeared in that hellish place. Only fools and madmen would be foolish enough to tract those beasts there, but Targaryens were desperate and most of them were madmen, and Robert and others could clearly believe that Viserys would seek those beasts. And while the Old Lion was firm in his opinion that the time of Targaryens ruling Westeros through Dragons was gone, even he was of the opinion that they needed strong allies, if Targaryens were to regain their means of power.
Because of this Tywin had entered into negotiations with Sealord of Braavos, ruler of the richest, mightiest and most influential Free City in Essos that was in close enough proximity to Seven Kingdoms, and one that could cooperate. While for most it appeared to be a bizarre move, to betroth the Princess of Westeros to Sealord's youngest son, Robert was aware as to the true reasoning behind that move: the Crown and the Seven Kingdoms were desperately in need of coin, sinking lower and lower in debts. An alliance with House Antaryon, as Old Lion explained, could help solve their issues with the Iron Bank of Braavos and provide them with the strongest navy in Essos, along with entire armies of sellswords. Although it took a very long time to arrange it, with Ferrego Antaryon adamantly insistent on the royal betrothal and official celebration of it on the same level as a royal wedding, as well as public announcement of it, Old Lion did manage to get his agreement to it, and the moment the betrothal was made official, Braavos would stand along with Westeros.
Under normal circumstances, Robert would never have agreed to this, but he was assured that this was an alliance of convenience, and the betrothal was not to last for long, only so long as Braavos provided them the needed aid. Tywin had assured him that Myrcella would be betrothed to someone worthy of her. Jon Arryn was already offering his son for Myrcella, but from what Robert understood, the Old Lion was more inclined to bind the Dorne to the Crown, and Robert knew that this was a sensible move. Despite all instability in Dorne, its new Prince Ulric had relatively quickly managed to take the situation under control and restored peace and order to Dorne, with the new Lord of Sunspear personally seeing to the Eastern Dorne. And if there was at least one good thing that was coming out of it all, it was Ned and his son Jayce coming to King's Landing, though he hopped that at there would not be any trouble, given the fact that Tully and Arryn were also here.
As Robert sat and contemplated it all, herald announced Lord Stark and his entourage entering the great hall, with Robert looking from the Iron Throne, rising up and descending to meet him. Deciding to forego the formalities, as Ned tried to kneel, Robert went to embrace his name brother.
"Your Grace." Ned bowed his head, but Robert motioned him to stand up.
"Ah, piss on the protocol, Ned. Come here!" Robert said to him with a joyful chuckle, embracing his good friend. "Four bloody years, Ned! Where the fuck have you been all this time?"
"Guarding the North for you, and now I'm here with it." Ned told him with a mirthful smile, showing his entourage.
"Aye, I see that alright. But what took you so bloody long? You wrote you were coming by sea." Robert asked of him.
"We did at first, but we got caught in storm off of Gulltown and it nearly shipwrecked us. We've made landfall and made it here on foot, so to speak, hence why it took us so long." Ned explained himself, with Robert accepting the apology. "Allow me to introduce my family. My son and heir, Robb, my daughters, Sansa and Arya, and my youngest and future Lord of Riverrun, Brandon." Robert paid them some attention and nodded to them, before turning to Ned.
"Ah, they do look like you, at least some of them." Robert said to him. "But I was hoping you would be arriving with Jayce in tow. He and the Dornish have yet to arrive themselves."
"I had hoped that he and Benjen would also be here by now." Ned admitted, but then he, Robert and everyone else in the great hall heard herald make another announcement.
"Prince Ulric of House Dayne, Prince of Dorne and Lord of the Torrentine Valley. Accompanying him are Ser Arthur of House Dayne, The Sword of the Morning, and Lord Jayce of House Stark, Lord of Sunspear and The Sword of Twilight." All eyes were turned to the entrance, as the gates opened and in walked the procession from Dorne.
Leading them was Ulric Dayne, dressed in a noble purple velvet and silk with embroidery, walking as if a true Prince of Dorne would, with Ser Arthur Dayne, donning purple and white with his Dawn on his back, walking at Ulric's left, yet it was not them that the most of the attention was turned. It was the man at Ulric's right that drew the most of the attention, Jayce Stark, the new Lord of Sunspear and hero of the Torrentine and Dorne, and the man who had even cheated the Stranger somehow. Like the man he was accompanying, he too dressed in accordance with his new station. The 14 year old man looked as if he was fully grown, standing shoulder to shoulder in height with Lord Ulric, who was just a few centimeters shorter of his tall brother. In garments, Jayce chose a white silk tunic, with a sleeveless long blue cotte with golden ornamentations, displaying his own coat of arms, followed by black boots and blue breeches.
At his sides were his Dark Sister and the dagger of Aegon, displayed as items of pride, and he walked in with grace and power that most of those who were present had not expected to see, while his piercing indigo eyes already scanned the entire room, and he could see everyone present, from Starks to Lannisters, from Arryn to Tully, and he knew that from now, the Game was on. And he made a show of his entry, choosing to walk in not as a mere retainer of Prince of Dorne, but as someone who was ready to play to win, and he demonstrated it all today.
What they didn't realize yet, was the fact that the Dragon has once again stepped into the Red Keep, and soon enough, all of Westeros and Essos will know, that there is a new Targaryen present, and he was not here to play their petty games.
He was here to remind them all of his House's words, of Fire and Blood, and this was what Jacaerys Targaryen has come to bring and reap those in full.
Well, looks like Jacaerys has made up his mind, and has chosen to fight for what is rightfully his, so all I can say is that Robert and others will not know what hit him.
Not much to add to what I've already written, safe for the usual, that you can support this story by giving it a review, posting a comment, asking a question about it or making a suggestion, for your support helps me make it better.
Next time: Dragon plays the Game of Thrones; The North Remembers; Fire and Blood
See ya!
PS: Sorry, I really didn't notice that I typed Targaryen, when I should've typed Stark, I was writing late into the night. Sorry!
