Chapter 5: No More Mr. Nice Guy
Year 6: Day 331 - 296 AC - Harry POV Con't
Lord Harry Peverell, Lord of Harrenhal and the Trident
Harry looked at the now furious Jon Arryn. Having to find out that your only Heir was actually not yours would be hard on anyone, especially someone as old as Lord Arryn. Harry stood and called for a guard. When he appeared, Harry quickly healed the injured hand of Robin and sent him back to his mother with the guard.
"So, Lord Arryn, what does your revenge entail?"
"I'll kill them. Lysa, Petyr… I am Hand of the King, it would be easy." Jon spat, causing Harry to be surprised. He never in a million years thought that Lord Arryn was this vindictive. A boon for Harry though.
"I am willing to help you, Lord Arryn. I'll help secure your families rule of the Vale… But it comes at a cost… When King Baratheon passes, the Vale will support me in seizing the Throne from his bastard children." Harry said as he waved his hand at the Lord, using magic to make him feel more comfortable and willing to accept his demands.
"So, you believe me?"
"Yes, Lord Arryn. I do. I'll help you secure the Vale and you help me when the time comes…" Harry replied greedily expending his hand.
"Deal." Jon shook Harry's hand and felt a slight chill pass over his body. Harry smiled as the magical oath kicked in on the Lord, no take backs.
"Let us begin then." Harry took out a map of the Vale from his desk and spread it across the surface, "First, we alert your most faithful bannermen. We'll send out the ravens tonight and I'll throw Lady Arryn in my dungeons. Have your Lords meet you at the Eyrie for a quick questioning. I will ensure that Lady Arryn confesses to her crimes, so there will be no need for anything more than a formality. You can do with her what you wish. Her son, presents more of a challenge."
"I agree, Harry. I'll have her pushed out the moon door for punishment for attempted line theft. I'll order Petyr to accompany us to the Eyrie and when she confesses, ill have him killed as well. Robin... I'll ask Cat if she wants him. I don't know what to do other than that. He doesn't deserve punishment since he didn't do anything." Jon said, his anger mostly subsiding to calm intelligence.
"If Lady Stark refuses, you can leave him here. We have an orphanage for children the parents don't want." Harry responded.
"That is kind, thank you Lord Peverell."
Harry nodded in acceptance of his thanks, "Now, we must find a new wife for you, my Lord. Not trying to be offensive, but you are not as young as you once were."
Jon chuckled softly, "Yes, a young girl for an old man. Another marriage for the old man of the Vale. I'm too old for that, Harry. My Great-Nephew, Harrold, can be Lord of the Vale."
Harry looked at him skeptically, "I will need assurances…"
Jon snapped at Harry, "Yes, yes. You will get your throne. I always said you were a upjumped bastard, but I guess I made my bed." Harry raised his hand in surrender, "You'll have to fight Stannis and Tywin for it at the least. I do hope you have a plan?"
"Of course, Lord Arryn, I stole the Riverlands from the Tullys, I always have a plan." Jon laughed and nodded.
"Yes you did… Succeeded where Lord Baelish failed didn't you?" Jon replied, bitterly.
"Lord Baelish used his dick to get what he wanted, I used my armies. I trust armies better than that." Harry smiled, joking with his now 'ally'.
Year 6: Day 332 - 296 AC -
Lord Harry Peverell, Lord of Harrenhal and the Trident
In the end, Lady Tully, as she was known now, kicked and screamed down to the dungeons. Stupid whore. Lord Arryn and I are departing for King's Landing later today. I am bringing a small force of 1,000 men-at-arms to escort us to King's Landing, in case Baelish found out about what happened here. We will grab Baelish at the Keep using Jon's position of Hand of the King. Jon said that the city watch may be in the pocket of Baelish, so I will be taking a pretty heavily armed force for his arrest.
Jon Arryn is an old man, I will need to get this Harrold Hardyng into the same oath as Lord Arryn. At that point, I will have one kingdom locked into supporting me for the Throne. Next, I need to figure out a good solution for the North. While Arya gives me leverage, I need the armies of the North. Lord Stark and his son are too honorable. If there is a squabble over the throne, they will support the rightful King which would be Stannis. But if Stannis was... removed from the scene, Renly would be next, then no-one? A bastard of Robert's? Me?
As I write this, I remembered that I possess the Resurrection Stone. Maybe I can find out something from the former Kings of this Land some insight? Or maybe I can just meet historical figures? Perhaps someone from his past life?
Year 6: Day 332 - 296 AC -
Lord Harry Peverell, Lord of Harrenhal and the Trident
Harry stood silently, staring at the well-groomed, regal man before him. Not exactly what he had envisioned the Dark Lord would look like in the afterlife.
"Hello there, Lord Grindelwald..." Harry said with a smile, "It has been some time since we spoke. I have missed your council..."
The old man chuckled softly, "Hello Harry, indeed it has been. Although, I am unsure of the land to which you have called me? I seem to remember after my passing you decided to go to America with Ms. Greengrass."
Harry frowned at the memory, "I did, Gellert. We were killed there by Hit Wizards of some sort. Assassins perhaps. It matters not now, we have found outselves on 'Planteos' on the continent of Westeros." Harry chuckled, "Eventive names..."
"Ah yes, the knowledge comes to me. You have been busy, my young apprentice. Became Lord of a Petty Kingdom? Impressive. But I struggle to see why you have not used the power I have taught you to control these Seven are not some muggle that needs to use cunning to steal your way to the top! You are a wizard! Better than all in this land!" Gellert's eyes flashed with anger towards his former apprentice's lack of action.
"It is not that simple... I must..." Harry began, in an attempt to placate the ghostly figure before he was cut off.
"You trapse around this country, waving your banner and sigil, acting like this is a game to be played. A Game of Thrones?! Harry, I have told you time and time again, inaction is an action! You have created enemies here yet you act like your family is invincible."
Harry's eyes flickered red for a moment before narrowing, "How dare you speak to me this way? I am Lord of the River..." He was cut off again by the figure.
"See! You have adapted to this land. When I knew you, you would have destroyed this land and remade it into your families image. But you have become weak..." Gellert sneered, "I am disappointed in you."
Harry returned the glare, "Should I just use my magic to cause earthquakes and raze castles to the ground? Call upon the storms to destroy my enemies with lightning? Lay waste to armies with inferi?" He raged at the dead dark lord.
"You must Harry! You are the most powerful being on this planet, even more powerful than the Dragon you have bred! Use it." Gellert replied, "Cause chaos in the realm. Do not wait for the muggles to act. You have been provided the perfect opportunity with the King's children being found to not be trueborn. Take that and act."
"And do what? The King still lives!" Harry replied, his angry clouding his thinking.
"Kill the King, Harry. It would be easy to make it look like some other family did it. Expose the children as Lannister spawn. Take your forces and seize King's Landing. And when the armies come to force you out, show them why you were the greatest Dark Lord in history!" Gellert laughed manically, causing Harry to lose a bit of anger.
"Your plan has merit..."
Gellert ceased laughing once Harry spoke, "Of course it does, you fool. One does not conquer all of Europe without a plan having merit."
"Yes, but you also lost all of Europe."
"That was not my fault and you know it. I cannot fight a three front war against the muggles by myself. Hitler was a fool to fight so many. If he had only not invaded the Soviets so early..." Gellert trailed off before returning to his points, "Use your advantages, Harry. Neville and Susan are wasted just managing a castle. Neville was your best fighter when you were Dark Lord, let him fight your battles."
"Perhaps... Perhaps you are right, my old friend. It is time for me to change the way I am acting..."
"You are beginning to see, my son. You are treating this as a game. Yes, your stone lets you live forever naturally and your Horecrux prevents your death by being killed, but your family? James? He is just a boy. You and Astoria are protected, he is not."
Harry's eyes went wide for a moment, he had not thought about his children. He had been enjoying the game of thrones, the cunning and intrigue but had forgotten that this was no game. Death is ever present...
"You thought you were invincible on Earth, but you were struck down. I don't know if you will continue to have second chances..." Gellert looked sadly at the young man, smiling softly, "My time is short, Harry. Call my again when you have time. Goodbye, my son." He faded into oblivion only a second later, leaving open air in his wake.
Year 6: Day 340 - 296 AC -
Lord Harry Peverell, Lord of Harrenhal and the Trident
Gellert was correct. I had been treating this as some sort of game. I have created a family here and I cannot pretend any longer that this is fun. My children and Astoria deserve better...
When we arrived at King's Landing, Renly told us that Baelish had left the city in quite a hurry almost a week ago and had attempted to steal from the Royal Treasury, but the Baratheon and Lannister guards had stopped him. A boon for the Crown, even with how meager the treasury is at the moment.
I have heard rumors that much of the treasury had been moved to Dragonstone during the war and was hidden there, leaving King Robert with little unlike the rumors that persist of Robert starting his reign with large wealth. I will asked King Aerys about that at some point. At least, now I understand why they needed the loans.
Jon was upset with Baelish escaping, thus he placed a 10,000 dragon bounty on his capture and branded him a traitor to the Realm. He also informed Robert that his son, Robin, was not his and Robert seemed saddened for his old friend. We communicated with Lady Stark and she was willing to take in the boy, at least for the sake of her sister. The trial of Lysa will take place in a fortnight and will likely be a trial by combat. I doubt Lysa has the sanity left to sit through a trial without demanding one. I hope that a champion for her cannot be found and we can just execute her and be done with it. Jon has also called his Lords to King's Landing so they know what is going on and Harrold will be among them. I will ensure his support for the Throne while he is here.
I finally met Stannis Baratheon. He is a harsh man, martial. Would make an excellent general but a poor King. He also seems to keep the company of a strange woman. A Red Priestess. I have sensed a aura of magic around her, but I cannot place why yet. She worships the Red God, R'hllor, some sort of fire god which immediately causes a problem with the religion of the rest of Westeros. He mentioned that he is traveling back to Dragonstone soon, a shame really.
A new plan has arrived in my thoughts about Jon Snow. I cannot name him as Aegon Targeryen and then just relegate him to Dragonstone. He has a stronger claim to the Throne than me and, eventually his family may rise against me. No. Instead, I have decided to get him legitimized by King Robert and named the Stark of Dragonstone. Would solve a lot of my problems. I will speak to Robert about this soon after I call Jon to make his way here.
Year 6: Day 353 - 296 AC -
Lord Harry Peverell, Lord of Harrenhal and the Trident
Lysa Arryn's trial had taken place three days prior and was a 'shit show' in Harry's opinion. Lysa spent most of the time screaming about how it wasn't fair and that Jon couldn't get her pregnant so she had to look elsewhere. In the end, she did not request a trial by combat and had been found guilty by the King of attempted line theft and other medieval crimes. The King wanted to behead her there and be done with it, but Jon wanted to throw her out the Moon Door in the Eyrie. A terrible fate in Harry's opinion.
Harry sat quietly in a room in the Tower of the Hand, attending to some business from the Riverlands while he was in King's Landing. The road construction was progressing well and Neville had informed him that there was a House that was proving most loyal near Riverrun who might be able to take over the Lordship of that place. Neville seemed to grow more eager to leave with every passing day. He was a martial man, not a cushy Lordship type and Riverrun was grating him. He would see to it that, once he returned to the Riverlands, Neville was by his side once again.
Harry was also waiting for Jon Snow to arrive with his party so that he could introduce Jon to the King and perhaps get him legitimized as a Stark. It was a bold plan and could easily backfire on someone who is non-magical, but Harry could influence this decision. But first, they needed a fief for Jon, Dragonstone.
Harry was writing a response letter to Astoria when he saw a flash out of the corner of his eye. A green flash... He looked out the large window and saw a large fireball in the Blackwater Bay as the concussive wave and 'BOOM' reached the castle and shook the building. The green flames of the fire lit even the water on fire as the ship's pieces rained down onto the bay. It was beautiful in Harry's opinion.
As he watched, Jon entered the room quickly, obviously shaken by what he was seeing, "My Gods, did you see that? That was Stannis' ship."
Harry turned back to the man, "I did. Astounding. I wonder what could have caused such and explosion? And the green flames?" Of course, Harry knew exactly what happened. The plan had been hatched not three days prior.
Stannis, his wife, and his daughter were all due to return to Dragonstone for some marriage between his vassals and he was going by boat obviously. Harry had contacted Susan and portkeyed her to King's Landing to hatch a plan. It was a simple one: with the knowledge of the wildfire beneath the city from Susan's spies, a stash would be placed aboard Stannis' ship concealed as rum. As they left, Susan would be waiting on the shore for the perfect opportunity to cast a bombarda spell towards the ship. Simple plan really with the only failure coming from the wildfire being discovered.
Jon continued looking towards the burning bay, "I have not seen green flames like that since the reign of the mad king. Wildfire..."
Harry stood to stand next to the old man, "I have never heard of wildfire, perhaps I need to brush up on my history..."
"Indeed, Lord Peverell. Wildfire is the most dangerous substance in the whole realm. Creates an all consuming fire that can only be snuffed by depriving it of air or it running out of fuel. Like dirt. I wonder if this is a message from the Beggar King from across the Sea..."
"I would doubt that, Lord Hand. The Beggar King is a beggar. I doubt this could be afforded by him..." Harry responded, returning to his seat.
"Are you not concerned with this development? The King's rightful..." Jon looked back towards Harry who had returned to writing his letters.
"Be careful, Lord Arryn. The walls in this castle have ears." Harry said, continuing to write. The Lord nodded in understanding, "A funeral will need to be prepared and the King notified, Lord Hand." Jon began to turn to inform the King, "Actually, I will accompany you." Harry stood and made his way to the King's Chambers with the Hand. It took a few minutes as the King's chambers was no where near the Tower of the Hand, however they did run into Lord Varys, the Master of Whisperers. Lord Arryn quickly acknowledged the man before continuing, leaving Harry to converse with the man.
"Lord Varys, Lord Peverell. A pleasure to make your acquaintance." Harry said, extending a hand to the spymaster who took it softly and shook.
"Lord Peverell, I have heard many whispers about you and Harrenhal." The man said slyly, smirking at Harry.
"All good things?" Harry smirked as he raised his eyebrows.
"You manage the Riverlands with intelligence that was lacking under the Tullys."
"I am sure that is high praise from you, Lord Varys." Harry chuckled as Varys cracked a small smile.
"Indeed it is. Although, your entrance into the political sphere is concerning to some in the capital."
"I definitely do not belong in the Capital. It is a snake pit here. I prefer the Riverlands..." Harry replied, looking for the hidden meaning in Varys' words.
"Many prefer their homes to this place, Lord Peverell. Perhaps that is where you belong?" Varys said, looking like he was far away in his mind.
Harry looked at the man, "If only I could, but I am needed here now. Maybe someday..." Harry smiled forlornly and bowed to the man, leaving the spymaster in the hall... Did Lord Varys know something of his origins? Dangerous... Very dangerous...
Year 6: Day 355 - 296 AC -
Lord Harry Peverell, Lord of Harrenhal and the Trident
The news of the death of Stannis' Baratheon and his family spread quickly through the Kingdom. The King had demanded that every effort be made to find the cause of his brother's death, however there were scant clues. Wildfire had been used, but nobody saw the barrel taken onto the ship. There was one old man who stated he thought he saw a orange beam of light shoot from the shore towards the ship which caused the explosion. He had been quickly written off as a loon by most but there were some that believed witchcraft was a foot. This had caused some to remember the speed at which Harrenhal had been rebuilt, thus unfortunately connecting some dots. Because of that, Harry was now arguing with Renly Baratheon in the Tower of the Hand. The young stag was becoming more of a problem than it was worth, but he was still the King's brother...
"Renly, I do not understand what has you in such a mood! House Peverell does not have the ability to even find wildfire, let alone use it! Tell me: where would you go about finding wildfire?" Harry asked heatedly, he was not happy with Lord Baratheon's tone or his accusations. He had marched into his private room demanding to speak with him, threatening to go to the King with his suspicions.
"You admit it was wildfire! How did you know that if you didn't have a direct connection to the assassination?" Renly smiled like he had tricked him into revealing some information that she meant to conceal.
Harry looked at him dumbfounded, how could this Lord be that stupid, "I saw the explosion, Baratheon. I was with the Hand of the King at the time! Perhaps you should question Lord Arryn? He can confirm my whereabouts."
The Storm Lord seemed flustered for a moment before glaring at him, "So you are telling me, your family had nothing to do with Stannis' death and it was a coincidence that your family built Harrenhal at such speed that some call it magic and there are some that say they saw magic destroy my brothers ship?"
"Well, of course! I can't control what the loon on the beach says! But i was with the Hand, not on some beach performing some sort of magic to kill your brother! Tell me, what benefit does his death offer me? I have scarcely met Lord Stannis, let alone want him dead."
"I have heard that you wish to name your ward, Jon Snow, as Lord of Dragonstone... Someone loyal to you..." Renly sneered at Harry as Harry's eyes widened with slight surprise. This information was much more dangerous. Who was able to find out this info. He had barely mentioned this to anyone... He recovered quickly, however, and quickly deflected.
"Lord Stark would be a suspec
t then, would he not? It is his bastard." Harry asked, looking at the angry Lord.
"No, he is too loyal. You did it. I dont know how or why, but i will ensure that I tell the King about my suspicions." Renly turned to leave, but Harry's face crumpled into an image of rage and his eyes turned a shade of deep red. The Elder Wand shot out of his sleeve into his hand.
"I don't think you will, Lord Baratheon. Obliviate!" Harry stabbed his wand towards the young lord, causing him to become slack and his eyes to glaze over, "You will forget your suspicions. You will report to the King that you believe Petyr Baelish to be behind the assassination." Harry said as he played with the mind of the Storm Lord. It was over in an instant and Harry allowed the spell o ending, causing Renly to shake his head.
"What am I doing here?" the Lord asked, looking back at Harry.
"What do you mean, Lord Baratheon. We were just discussing that Petyr Baelish was likely behind the assassination?" Harry looked at the man, concerned for him.
"Oh yes, of course... My mistake." Renly shook his head again, before turning back towards the door and leaving behind a smirking Harry.
Year 6: Day 355 - 296 AC - Small Council
Lord Harry Peverell, Lord of Harrenhal and the Trident
"My King?" Lord Arryn asked with a look of suspicion of his face, surprised by the sudden appearance of the King to the small council chambers.
"Oh don't give me that. I wish to know the progress on the investigation of my brother's death." The large King said, taking his empty seat. Harry had been attending the meetings to help run the Kingdom with both the Master of Ships and Coin positions being vacant. He really could change much since he planned on vacating these positions soon, but might as well help.
Lord Arryn shifted his papers to his report on the investigation, a report he had already given but would do so for the King, "The investigation is progressing slowly, my King... The city watch reports nothing strange around the docks any time before Stannis' departure and the only witness states a 'Orange beam impacted the ship causing an explosion that set off another one on the ship itself' from a local loon. We don't put too much stock in his statements."
"What of my brother's enemies? Who would have benefitted?" the King asked, his face barely hiding his anger.
"As you well know, your Grace. Your brother's appointment to Lord of Dragonstone was not the most popular of choices by the local Lords..." Harry began, in a placating voice trying not to offend the King.
"Are you suggesting that Lord Celtigar or Velaryon killed my brother?" the King spat, "Once again the Dragonspawn continue to haunt me!"
"Your Grace, I don't think Lord Peverell is suggesting that..." Lord Arryn shot Harry as questioning glace to ensure that was not what he meant. Harry shook his head no, "Your brother had enemies. It could have been anyone. There is no evidence to suggest the Dragonstone Lords caused this."
The King huffed in anger before pounding his fist, "Fine then. Tell me who I should name in his place? If I cannot trust those on the islands, then who?"
The assembled Lords looked around the room before Lord Renly spoke sheepishly, "Perhaps Loras Tyrell?" This caused Lord Arryn and Harry to roll their eyes.
Lord Arryn spoke not a second later, sounding like he was speaking to a small child, "See Loras is third son. A knight. He doesn't know the first thing about running a castle let alone a Kingdom. He would quickly suffer the same fate as Stannis."
They all sat for a moment thinking while Harry waited until the right time to speak, "I have an idea. Do you know of Jon Snow, your Grace? Lord Stark's bastard?"
The King smiled at the mention of his closest friend, "Of course, Ned treats him like his own son."
"Well, he has been fostered at my castle for some moons and I have been teaching him how to manage a castle. I am much more open with Bastards in my Kingdom than others and I intended him to manage a castle for me at some point." Harry began, smiling.
"A commendable effort, Lord Peverell." Lord Arryn said, "Ned is an intelligent man. A good Lord of the North". Harry nodded in agreement.
"Yes, he is. A strong lad. Definitely Northern blooded. Perhaps he could be Lord of Dragonstone? Legitimize him as Jon Stark of House Stark of Dragonstone? I would place Riverlands troops and I'm sure Lord Arryn would allow for Vale Knights to be used to secure his Lordship." Jon nodded in agreement, "I would also send my Steward, Neville, to assist him in managing the islands. He has spent the last couple years lording over Riverrun."
"I am unsure. Lady Stark would not appreciate that." The King began, looking over the group.
"Perhaps a Lannister, your Grace? They have been proud supporters since the Rebellion..." Grand Maester Pycelle said, looking much too old to be of any use in Harry's opinion. King Robert sneered for a moment before laughing.
"I would quicker name another Targaryen to Dragonstone than a Lannister!" Robert chuckled, "I didnt ask for your opinion Pycelle, keep it to yourself." THe old man bowed his head in understanding and promptly said nothing else for the rest of the meeting.
"Your Grace," Varys began as Harry internally cringed, "I believe Lord Stark may not view his bastard on Dragonstone as the best course of action. He has always hid the boy away and i think it is likely he will caution you against it..." Damn Spider, Harry thought.
"I would still support Jon, my King. He is a smart lad, strong. Definitely a Stark. He would be loyal to you and with our support, he can rout out the traitors to the Crown on Dragonstone." Harry tried to convince the man, with words only. It was dangerous to use magic in front of others in such a close setting.
"I wish to meet the lad before I make a decision." Robert said, looking at Harry seriously.
"Good thing he is here, your Grace. I will arrange for you to meet him at your leisure." Robert just grunted and stood, causing a loud screeching of his chair and he lumbered off to where ever he goes...
Year 6: Day 356 - 296 AC
Lord Harry Peverell, Lord of Harrenhal and the Trident
The meeting between King Robert and Jon went better than I expected. They seemed to have a kinship and I believe Jon reminded Robert of Ned when they were younger. Robert regaled Jon with stories of his 'father' for hours while Jon told Robert of his ambition, something I ensured he became more okay with at Harrenhal. Lord Stark had attempted to prevent Jon from having any sort of ambition for if he was to tell the young man about his heritage, he wished to prevent him from leading a rebellion to reclaim his Throne. I understand that, however he was foolish to not see Jon's talents. He is a bright boy. One that can easily rule. Robert signed the papers after their meeting, naming Jon Snow to Jon Stark, Lord of Dragonstone.
I have invited Lord Stark to the oath ceremony, however I doubt Catelyn will let him come. Plus, it is a long distance to travel... I will be there to support the boy, along with Astoria, Neville, and Susan. The Lords of Dragonstone will also be in attendance, so that will allow Neville and I to scare the lords into compliance. I really don't want to permanently station Riverlanders on those islands, so the sooner they support Jon, the easier it will be.
Astoria wrote me saying that Hedwig continues to grow and is becoming harder to hide from the locals. I should have thought about that, however a rumor of a Dragon in the Riverlands would be kind of interesting. Entertaining to say the least.
There have been rumors about the Targaryens in Essos taking refuge with some man in Pentos, however I am not concerned just yet. Jorah Mormont continues to be a vital spy for the Realm and Susan. Petyr Baelish is also in the wind. Even Varys' large spy network has yet to discover his location. I suspect he travelled to the Targaryens, but I could be wrong. He really is just an annoyance to my plans, I dont think he is that big of a threat. Smart and cunning, yes. Powerful, no.
I need to stir the pot in Westeros and create an opening for my Conquest to begin. With Jon Stark as Lord of Dragonstone, Jon Arryn as Lord of the Vale, and myself as Lord of the Riverlands, I have three Kingdoms of the Seven. I can count out the Lannisters. The Stormlands are likely to fall to chaos if I were to kill off the King and Renly. I would guess they would support whoever controlled the Throne, but I am unsure. I need the North, but the solution remains illusive to me besides just imperiousing Lord Stark. Arya would be a good hostage, but they would be quicker to use those armies against me rather than fight the crown. Perhaps the Boltons? Cunning, evil people, yet are likely to support me rather than the Starks. Arya is meant for my son as a witch rather than her family connections. If anything, I could use the Boltons to get the North's support and then put the Starks back as the Lords after the war.
I don't know what to do about them, but I know what is next: I need to tell the Queen that Renly suspects her children as being bastards... That will start the problems. Granted Renly doesn't suspect them just yet, but an 'intercepted' raven could easily make him suspect...
Year 6: Day 364 - 296 AC
Lord Harry Peverell, Lord of Harrenhal and the Trident
"Lord Peverell!" The King yelled over the crowded feast for Jon's naming, "Tell us, when was your first kill? Do you remember?"
Harry had been speaking with his son when the King called. It really wasn't an appropriate conversation in front of children, but it was the King. Harry nodded to Astoria to distract James as he spoke, "I do, your Grace."
"Well, who was it?"
"A man from a foreign land, your Grace. I believe his name was Tom Riddle." Harry replied, telling the real truth.
"How did you do?" Robert smirked, wanting to here the violence.
Harry looked around, making sure his words would not be heard by his children, "It was when I was a young man, no older than six and ten. My father and mother had been murdered by him when I was a child and I guess he was coming back to finish the job. Luckily, I wasn't a weak child. I slit open his guts and cut off his head. It was easy, your Grace. I got revenge for my family."
Robert looked morbidly curious, "Brutal, not unlike you, Lord Peverell. Mine was a Tarly boy at the Battle of Summerhall. I was on foot, slogging through the mud and he came running at me, the dumb high-born lad. He thought he could end the rebellion with a single swing of his sword. I knocked him down with the hammer. Gods, I was strong then. Caved in his breastplate. Probably shattered every rib he had. Stood over him, hammer in the air. Right before I brought it down he shouted, "Wait! Wait"." Robert chuckled as the feast had quieted down, everyone listening to the King.
"They never tell you how they all shit themselves. They don't put that part in the songs. Stupid boy. Now the Tarly's bend the knee like everyone else. He could have lingered on the edge of the battle with the smart boys, and today his wife would be making him miserable, his sons would be ingrates, and he'd be waking three times in the night to piss into a bowl." Robert didn't look as happy recounting that story as he did when hearing from others, "I still see him sometimes in my dreams. Shouting 'Wait!'..."
Harry nodded, "They never truly leave you. I see the surprised face of Tom when I cut him open, then the hatred. He sneers at me yelling, 'Finish it then! Do it!' So I did and it gave me nothing. No satisfaction. Just a sudden ending of my life's mission. It didn't bring back my parents..." Robert just nodded in agreement.
"Isn't that life, Harry? I fought a rebellion for Lyanna Stark and now I can't even remember what she looked like. I only know she was the one thing I ever wanted and seven kingdoms couldn't fill the hole she left behind."