Hi there.
It has been quite the wild ride. I started this story back in... God, 2017? Jesus, I better kick it in high gear.
Anyway, I wanted to thank everyone who has been following the story. Thank you all for every follow, every favorite, and every review whether it was praise or critiques I have enjoyed reading and replying to them all.
It has been a pleasure and an honor to entertain you all.
Chapter 60: When the White Winds Blow
Arthur
Arthur rose from the bed scratching his head aggressively, finding it hard to get used to being back inside the city after so long at sea and riding horses across the country.
"Arthur?" Allard, one of his men called, "The Dragon Queen and Prince Jon's requested everyone's presence in the throne room." He nodded and rose to his feet, moving his arms back and forth.
The King of the North and Trident strapped his sword to his hip, Dawn and Ice on his back and left joined by his four guards started to make his way out of Maegor's Holdfast and towards the throne room.
The dragon banners flew proudly around the Red Keep, groups of Unsullied and Dothraki roam the halls accompanied by the everyday Goldcloak who looked uncomfortable being around so many foreign soldiers.
Mya waited for him but he eyed her sternly, remembering his shameful display shortly after the battle of King's Landing.
Daenerys sat on the Iron Throne, Tyrion to her right and Jon to her left. A table, large and round was at the foot of the steel chair, and seated around it was Donnel Waynwood, Rickard Karstark, and Daenery's man Grey Worm and Qhono and her Small Council.
The tension was thick and he knew why.
It was on the day of Jaime and Cersei's sentencing, he was being stupid and sentimental in his friendship with the Kingslayer.
Taking away the table, he stood before Daenerys with his people and direwolves at his side. The Dragon Queen was shocked by his suggestion and Arthur matched her temper with his own defiance.
"He murdered my father, his King. He is complicit in the deaths of your own father... Why ask me this?" He doesn't quite know himself, maybe he was guilty or maybe he felt he needed to pay Jaime back for freeing him so long ago.
Arthur's face softened, "I was his squire once, your grace. When he attacked my father, he took me captive to use as a token to bring my family to heel for Lady Stark's capture of Lord Tyrion Lannister." Tyrion smiled, maybe glad that he is championing his brother. "Along the way to the Golden Tooth, he set me free, and doing so led me to free my father and one of my sisters and join my brother in his war of justice and to free Sansa."
Varys was confused, "So you believe you owe a debt, King Arthur?"
Arthur sighed, looking at the floor before speaking again, "I am saying that we need every man and woman to fight the Night King, Jaime is a warrior and an experienced commander and his oath will help you bring more Westermen to your side... Or have him take the Black, live out his days at the Wall and Castle Black."
Daenerys was stern, "... Fine, take your pet but I will not have him in my city or my Kingdoms."
"Then the Watch, then. Thank you for your mercy, Daenerys." He left and went to release the Kingslayer from his prison.
Jaime was actually shocked when he and Tyrion appeared at his cell, the gaoler removing the Young Lion's shackles. The former Lord Commander of the Kingsguard wasn't happy about his sentencing but accepted it, before getting on the ship sailing for Eastwatch, Jaime and Arthur stopped to say farewell.
"Thank you, my pupil." Jaime looked at the Red Keep, and Daenerys three dragons circling around it or flying towards the ruined Dragonpit. "Cersei told me I'm one of the stupidest Lannisters... And Tyrion, shortly before telling me goodbye said I wasn't."
"He's right, Ser." He told his teacher, "You are without a doubt the luckiest, survived being a prisoner of war twice and was sentenced to death but now the debt is paid, Jaime, no more chances to be a good man."
Jaime eyed him suspiciously, "Are you a good man?"
Arthur had to ponder that for a long moment.
He's attempted to kill the King. Killed numerous men and Lannisters during Robb's war, and tortured men as well. He's nearly annihilated more than a few Houses and his sins on the oaths of marriage are beyond counting.
Mya is with child again, his child and he is sure as the Old Gods are cruel not to tell Val about it when he returns to the North but a little part in the back of his mind was happy and glad that he and his first love, his first wife can try again after losing their first to the Freys and Roose Bolton.
Violet eyes met emerald ones, "Perhaps when the war against the Night King is over, we will both be good men. Good luck, Ser Jaime Lannister." He shook Jaime's hand and paid little attention to his missing one.
Back to now, Arthur took his place at the end of the table and sat down with his bronze and iron crown not too far.
Jon cleared his throat, "We are all here for one reason, and one reason only." His cousin gestured to the table.
It was a map of the entire continent, Jon took a piece and laid it on the far North beyond the Wall.
"The Night King is marching almost one hundred thousand undead warriors, giants, and any other creatures on the lands of men. His aim is one thing, he wants to rule it and kill every living person here." Mya addressed the room and Arthur kept his gaze on the Dragon Queen and Jon.
"The forces of the Vale and North numbers slightly over fifty-thousand, the Northern army weary from fighting too many campaigns number less on its own." It was true, and Arthur nodded. "The islands of Skagos and Dragonstone, and the Mountains of the North offer the only weapons that can kill Wights and White Walkers."
Jon placed a spear tip of dragonglass on the table, and passed between those present who haven't seen it yet. "That isn't all," Jon set Longclaw on the table, unsheathed so the steel shimmered to the sunlight peering through the windows. "Valyrian steel works as well, I killed one back at Hardhome... And fire works as well." Jon eyed his betrothed as he said the last bit.
Addam Marbrand and Baelor Hightower looked worn, and Addam more so as he cleared his throat to speak, "How many fighting men would you need, Jon Snow?"
Tyrion smiled and took a step down to meet the others, "The Dornish army and the Queen's forces number sixty-thousand with the majority being Dothraki riders. To fight this threat, we will need a further forty-thousand to make a difference."
Addam bristled, "The Westerlands has been spent since the Battle of the Whispering Wood and the Camps, and the raids within the territory by the Young Wolf and you." Marbrand addressed him with little respect. "We can offer 4,000 men if any, the rest are old or children and women."
Shireen, the new Lady of Storm's End and the Stormlands nodded, "The Battle of the Blackwater broke the Stormlands army, and the Northern venture destroyed the rest." Shireen shyly eyed him with spite as Addam did. "I can spare 5,000 because since my father's absence, Myrish raiders have come and seized Griffin's Roost and then there is a Bastard of Nightsong who proclaimed himself King of the Marches."
Baelor seems to be the only one willing, even going as far as smiling. "House Hightower will back House Targaryen in her graces brave campaign. I will write to father and prepare 40,000 men that were originally gathered to fight for your throne. I will command them personally."
"Thank you, Lord Baelor," Daenerys said with a smile, finally speaking after so much time has passed. "Westeros is crippled in many territories, from North to South and I am sorry for the toll it has taken on you and your people." She rose from her throne and brushed her hands on her finely made silver dress. "This will be the last war in all of the Seven Kingdoms, and bonded by the pact between my House and House Stark through marriage... To Jon Stark."
The Small Council congratulated the Queen on her new consort.
Jon eyed him specifically, still upset he pulled a move without his consent but Arthur remained silent about it.
After the war council was adjourned, Daenerys announced that Tyrion would remain South and coordinate responses to this would be King in the Marches and the Myrish pirates hold up in the Stormlands.
Howland and his mother found him in the Keeps godswood, looking at the weirwood stump and pondered when it had been cut down and settled that it had to have been done during Baelor the Blesseds time.
"Mad cunt, to harm what must have been a beautiful tree... " He whispered to himself and turned to face the two. "I already decided not to say anything, my father kept the secret for twenty years, better to let it die too." He said and assumed that was what they were going to corner him about.
Howland agreed, "It would bode well if he doesn't know, but, what if he hears it from someone else?"
"Who? Sansa swore to keep it secret, we three did, and Bran? No, one who was there knows or will know." He said and pushed past the two, "It'll be some time before we march to Winterfell, gathering soldiers and food to fight is work so enjoy the South whilst you can."
Arthur smiled, there is also a wedding to cement the time before they leave.
Daenerys
Daenerys Targaryen. First of Her Name and Queen on the Iron Throne walked into the Dragonpit with Jon Stark, her future husband, and brother to the Dread Wolf King of the North.
She was itching to fly, but hadn't been able to since she flew in with her three dragons and fleet when the Battle of King's Landing was being fought.
Her eyes scanned the great ruin of the pit, thinking it had been so large before it was destroyed back during the Dance.
Thankfully, there won't be such a dance again. The Kingdoms won't have a choice this time, there is only one dragonlord standing. Her smile widened, her brothers were dead, but she survived and took back the throne defying centuries of oppression due to sex.
"What do you think of this place, Jon?" She asked her intended and Jon looked at Viserion and then Rhaegal who paid attention to him with great interest, Drogon however must have known why she was there and lowered his neck for her.
"It's a ruin, but it is steeped in history... And blood, your grace." Yes, fire and blood.
"Something like the Dance won't happen, not in my lifetime, and hopefully," She placed a hand on Jon's arm, "Our own children will ensure it doesn't happen in theirs or the lifetime of their own children." His deep blackened eyes softened and agreed.
It's been a month and she and Jon have spoken to one another, gotten to know one another, and were used to holding hands and being closer.
Tyrion said Daario wouldn't be the last man who loved her, she couldn't say that she loved Daario. She loved Drogo, her moon and stars but the way Jon makes her feel and how he must feel towards her... It's equal love and affection.
Turning her attention back to Drogon, now outfitted with a saddle made by Mya's smith, Tobho Mott. "He's large enough to ride two, Jon." She said, a sly suggestion, and Jon gulped.
"I uh, don't know, I've never flown a dragon." His tone was nervous and Daenerys brushed his shoulder gently.
"If you cannot learn how to ride him, how will you ride me?" Even she blushed at how vulgar she sounded, Gods she should've thought that through more before speaking. "I am sorry... " She said softly with reddened cheeks.
It seemed to work, though as Jon nodded but before they could attempt to get atop Drogon's back, a pair of Unsullied approached and she looked at them a little puzzled. "What is the matter?" She asked in the Valyrian tongue.
"Two visitors await, my Queen. One of them is Jorah the Andal."
Immediately she took off following the guards to the Dragonpits entrance, Jon called after her but she was far too excited to hear, and when she made it to the steps leading down the hill of Rhaenys and beamed.
Jorah Mormont, healthy and cured from what afflicted him bowed his head to her, "I returned to you, my Queen." The Knight knelt to her and she quickly walked down the steps and tripped but instead of hitting the ground, Jorah reached out and took her in his arms as he had done when she went into labor.
"Sam?" Jon called and Daenerys turned to see Samwell Tarly and another woman standing beside him, a child in her arms.
Both brothers of the Night's Watch embraced one another, Jorah set her down and she smiled. Samwell and the woman bowed, "Your grace, I am Samwell Tarly and son of Randyll Tarly."
"Good to meet you, your father fought well and I am sorry for your loss. Your brother, Dickon is here and Lord of Horn Hill should you wish to see him." She said and the large man was a little shocked to hear the news, but he smiled and nodded.
Jon got serious then, "Did you find anything out, Sam? Anything more about the Long Night or the White Walkers?"
"I am sorry, Jon... There were some things but are altogether unimportant."
Daenerys smiled sadly, "You did your best, Lord Samwell."
"Actually, my Queen." Jorah stepped forwards, "This man saved my life, and in return, I would ask you pardon him and permit him to join the Small Council as the new Grand Maester."
Daenerys wanted to cry, she didn't realize how close she was to losing Jorah. "Yes, I will pardon him."
Jon bristled, "Your grace, maybe this should be consulted with Arthur? He is the King- " She shot Jon a look and he stopped speaking.
"The Night's Watch serves the Realm, not one single King." A usurping one at that, "I will permit a pardon."
Together the group started making their way back to the Red Keep as it was a time to celebrate the return of her greatest supporter, and the addition of a new Grand Maester though some believed she should inquire about this with Oldtown but Lord Baelor said his father can pull some strings to make it happen.
Later that night, she was resting in her chambers and dreamt of cold things in snow and fire burning, and between them was a single tower and the crying of a babe.
AN: I do hope you all enjoyed this intense chapter as we get a glimpse at future cracks within the fragile alliance between the North/South plus the debut or return of House Hightower in the mainline story, Baelor is probably my favorite out of the current generation. Sam is also there as well, so, dun dun dun!
I know it's been a minute, and I apologize for that. I will try to get new chapters out sooner but the Old Gods are fickle and throw stones to block the path.