Golden company: Commander tend
Arthur was in the command tent, still thinking about the contents of the chest. Then he saw the Captains of the Golden Company enter.
"Welcome captains. I know that all of you will be troubled by recent events, and by the change of command. But I guarantee you that nothing will change for now for the Golden Company. But I would also like you to introduce yourself, to know the role of each captain."
"Black Balaq. I command the company of archers" responded the first one "and this one" pointing to a man with brown hair and beard, "is Lagus. Command the elephants. He does not speak only valyrian. But make a good job with the elephants."
"Jon Lothston, I command the swordsman."
"Michael Blackbourn, captain of the spearmen."
"Lysono Maar, spymaster."
"Brandon Rivers, paymaster"
"Why did you gather us, Dayne?" Asked a man with long blond hair.
"And you are?" Arthur asked, not appreciating the interruption.
"Falco Ethenaine, second in command of the Golden Company, and Captain of the Knights."
"I have to tell you something very important and you cannot leave the tent." Arthur saw that the captains looked at each other "But first. Is there anyone who opposes my hiring of the Command? "
Arthur saw two approaching.
"We are Rolly Duckfield and Watkyn, squires of Strickland and his friends, and we do not accept your command."
But before they could draw their swords he cut off their heads.
Cleaning his sword, he said, "Is there anyone else?"
Everyone shakes their heads.
"Good! Now gather around the map table." Everyone approached.
"The prophecy regarding the Golden company says "A dragon will Take us Home"."
Everyone nodded.
"But it does not say if the dragon is Black or Red. Because a dragon is a dragon ."
Enough with the little ridells Arthur. Spit it up.
"I would like to ask you to help me reclaim the Iron Throne."
"Everyone gasped. Who is it, Arthur?" asked Falco.
"His name is Aenar Targaryen, and he is currently in one of the tents with my sister."
Falco glanced at everyone and then said "We will do it. We will help the dragon take what's his with fire and blood."
Arthur node "Thank you, captains. Now I would like to discuss more important things, regarding our camp."
"What do you mean, commander?"
"When I arrived from the hill I saw that your field is not a motion defended by walls or a small fort."
"It is because we are never very united, we must accept contracts, get gold and pay men."
"But when you finish the work and get together, wouldn't you like to have a better and more widespread place to rest?"
"Yes," they all said.
"Then we build a fort, with the gold accumulated by you and that of Strickland. It must not be made of stone, since it would cost too much, but of wood, with a moat around it with wooden or iron spikes."
"Yes commander," said Falco "We will use part of the gold and start building. I'll send some men to the ports of Myr and Pentos to obtain the necessary timber to create the walls, the palisades, and the barracks and added, smiling, "after all, the little one must grow somewhere."
"Brandon you have to go looking for contracts with cities or other things. Then come back here and report."
He nodded
"Good! You can go Arthur said.
As they were leaving he said "Balaq. Can I ask a favor?"
"Yes, commander," said Balaq.
"I am the best with the sword, but I am bad with the bow. This is why I want to ask you if you can train Aenar, to shoot with the bow."
"It'll be my honor, commander" Balaq responded.
Arthur nodded and Balaq left.
"Guards!" he shoots and two guards entered. "When someone named Torrhhen arrives at the camp to me. And I feel no for my sister and her son."
"Yes, Commander," And they left.
After a while, he saw his sister enter Ashara. "Where is Jon?"
"He wanted to go see the elephants," answered Ashara, smiling. "Don't worry you, Arthur is not a problem. Lagus and Balaq are with him. He is also some guards."
"Arthur nodded. So what do you think? Can you live here for a year, sister?"
"Yes. And I need to teach Jon."
After a moment of silence, Ashara said "Do you think Torrhen will find the Targaryen children?"
Arthur sighed "I don't know. I trust Torrhen. I know he will do everything he can but Robert Baratheon has certainly already sent the Assassins before we received the crow."
"If the princess is alive, we could combine the marriage between her and Jon, thus reinforcing her claim to the throne. After all, they will be the same age."
"Yes, it would be a good match. But the main problem would be Viserys. He would oppose everything. He is only twelve years old, but he has the Valyrian appearance. He sighed and continued One step at a time."
Then, smiling, he added, "However, I have an ace up my sleeve, and above all, we have the golden company with the Elephants. The last time they invaded Westeros they didn't have it. And the lords of Westeros won't know how to fight them, if used well and with strategy. "
She nodded. Arthur handed two cups of wine and offered it to Ashara.
"Sister. How are things going with Torrhen?"
"Good," she said with a smile. "Why?"
"Nothing, I only asked," said Arthur smirking.
"If there is nothing else brother, I would like to go to Jon."
"No, it's all. But until Torrhen returns, I want you and Jon to sleep in my tent."
"I thought you trusted them."
"Oh, I trust them. I'm sure they will be loyal. But they are also men. And you are the only woman in this camp. When we do the fort, things will change. But for now, I want you to be with me. At least until Torrhen returns.
Ashara nodded and left.
Seagard
After it regained the cities and villages along the North West coast, which were occupied by the Ironborn, Eddard and his army arrived at Seagard, and defeating the garrison, spread by the Ironborn.
From the south, Eddard saw Robert arrive with his army.
"Ned," Robert said, getting off the horse.
"Your grace."
"The villages and the cities of the south have been retaken. And we've returned those damned Ironborn to the sea they came from."
Eddard nodded and then asked, "How is the prince?"
"He's fine. And as such to me. For the gods Ned. Five years. You know, to reign is really boring. I want blood, I want war. I was born a warrior, I am not made to sit on a throne. But no matter what, I have to get used to it. "
"Yes. Many years have passed, but we had to recover from the rebellion."
Then laughing, he said, "Jon is washing my head when I spend too much gold on Putane and Vino. But I do it anyway, especially if I have to spend money on the Lannisters. You know, I really needed this war.
However, it will be the last war that I will fight for that damned throne. "
"There will always be wars to fight, your grace."
"No. Not after this. The Targaryens are extinct. There will be no one to claim the Iron Throne."
"They were already, for 5 years, Robert. You killed Rhaegar at the Trident, the Lannisters killed his family, Queen Rhaella died in childbirth at Dragonstone and her children died in the Narrow Sea."
"No. They survived and hid in Braavos. With Willem was a boy, which I can't remember the name, and a not for long. I sent assassins."
"You really have such great fear of two orphaned children with nothing. Nobody will support them, Robert. If you kill them, you will make them martyrs. Everyone will laugh at you because you were afraid of children."
"Tell me, Ned. And when The little girl will grow up and get the legs of a powerful Essos warlord or someone from Westeros, like the Dornishmen, what happens?"
Stopping and turning to him, looking at him with fury and seriousness, he said, "They will attack us. Kill before being killed. I'm assuring the future of Orys without pretenders, Ned. "
Ned sighed and nodded. He didn't know what else to say. It seems that Robbert will also kill the last two family members of his nephew by his father.
"You know that if your sister was alive, our families would be united." Eddard heard Robert say, "But we can still do it. I can't offer you a wedding with Orys, because I've already made a deal with those damn Tyrells, but I offer you my secondhand for your daughter's hand, Sansa. "
Eddard knew this was going to happen, but he had a back-up plan, and he replied, "Sansa is still just a child. I want to wait a few years. And even your second son is still a child. "
"Yes. You have reasons. Then you gave yourself too much to do," Robert said, laughing. "Already two children"
"Yes, and a third one coming. And my brother got married too. I thought you were coming, but I never received your answer.
Robert sighed "Already this throne suffocate me. I have no time to leave my room, that everyone, seeks my attention for favors or complaints. I heard he has a boy. "
"Yes. Rickard."
Robert laughed.
"So! Let's go kill these damn Ironborn."
They went to the ships of the fleet, commanded by Lord Stannis, and saw that the army was embarking.
Turning to Eddard, Robert said, "So. We will first attack the cities around, and then we will attack the final attack on Pyke. I want that city destroyed. You attacked Boutley and the nearby port. I land in Pyke and begin the siege. "
"We'll arrive at the Iron Island in three hours with the wind in favor," said Ned.
Five hours later ...
After destroying the fortress of Botleys and the harbor they headed for Pyke.
Landed in Pyk, Eddard saw that Robert's troops were already deployed, and the ships blocking exits from the port.
"Ned, you came finally," said Robert, laughing. "Botleys?"
"Destroyed, your grace."
"Ben!" And looking towards the fortress he said "Look at these cursed ones. Ballon Greyjoy called himself Harren the Black, reborn. But he should learn what happened to him. The Targaryens used to defeat him with the dragons and a smaller army. They are really crazy if they think they will stop with only 6000 men. I'll drive the charge. "
Placing the helmet on his head, Robert said "Stannis to you the command of the siege machines." And fighting towards the men PREPARE THE ASSAULT! "
Stannis immediately put the catapults into action and started throwing the Watchtower on the southern wall, and killing a lot of soldiers.
After breaching the walls, the attack began. The first one to enter was a man with a Flaming sword, who struck right and left making men burn, followed by Jorah Mormont, a madman who sought glory.
Once inside the courtyard, Ned said "Run and open the gate."
He saw that GreatJon ran with some men to open them. But looking towards the entrance of the fortress he saw the army of the Ironborns running towards us.
"ARCHERS!" Ned shouted "LAUNCH!" And the Ironoborns fell like flies. Then he saw that Robert and his men were running against him, and he also launched himself into the fray.
After a bloody battle the Ironborn surrendered, and Balon Greyjoy left the fortress. He was brought before Robert in chains.
"Balon Gryjoy you are accused of being rebellious against your King, Robert of the House Baratheon first of his name, king of the Andals, of the Roynari and of the first men. You will have to pay an annual tribute for military expenses for the next ten years. Your remaining child will be given as a ward to Lord Eddard of House Stark. Now, you swear loyalty to the House Baratheon, "said Stannis, placing the banner of the crowned Stag in front of him.
"You may take my head, but you cannot name me as a traitor. No Greyjoy ever swore fealty to Baratheon."
"Swear one now or lose that stubborn head of yours." Robert roaring said.
After glaring at Robert once more time Balon put the hand on the Baner and said "I, Balon, of House Greyjoy, in the presence of the abyssal god and the false seven gods, I swear allegiance to the crown and House Baratheon, in perpetuity."
"Good! Now free him and take him out of my sight," said Robert and then shouting at the soldiers "JORHA MORMONT! COME HER! "
Eddard saw Jorah of House Mormont lord of Bear Island come forward.
"You fought well during the battle, and for the courage shown I guarantee you the knighthood. Kneel Jorah," said Robert, drawing his sword.
Jorah kneels and Robert begins "In the name of the Warrior I charge you to be brave." In the name of the Father, I charge you to be just. In the name of the Mother, I charge you to defend the young and innocent. In the name of the Maid, I charge you to protect all Ser Jorah of House Mormont. Knight of the Seven Kingdoms "And Ser Jorah raised.
But Eddard was thinking between himself 'Some words and the title of Ser does not' make you a knight, and Gregor Clegane is a proof. He disrespects the title of Knight. "
"Ned, come on we need to talk," he heard Robert call him and followed him "I intend to celebrate this great victory with a tournament at Lannisport in five months. I intend to invite all the Lord of the Seven Kingdoms to the tournament. "
"Robert you know that after the Tournament of Harr..."
"Don't mention it."
"You know that after that episode, I hate tournaments. They remind me of memories I would like to forget."
"Anyway. I order you. You must come with all your family."
Eddard sighed "I'll come."
"Good! Now let´s drink."
Winterfell
Some weeks later ...
Eddard arrives at Winterfell. He was greeted by his wife, his son Robb, his daughter Sansa and the little baby.
As he approached Robb, he said "Robb this is Theon Greyjoy, and he will live here.
He saw them shaking their hand.
Then turning to his wife, he kissed her lips and took the newborn baby.
"It's a girl, Ned," said Catelyn, smiling.
Eddard smiled cradling her in his arms, so he wouldn't cry, but when he looked at her well his smile disappeared, and he became serious. Feel that some tears fall from your eyes.
She was almost identical to her sister Lyanna.
"Ned. What happens?" asked Catelyn worried.
"She looks like my sister Lyanna. Same eyes, same hair. A real Stark. And I see in her eyes the same wildness."
"How do you want to call her?"
"Arya."
And he went to the keep, without leaving the child, who gave him much joy and pain. He only hoped that she didn't have the same fate.
King's Landing
Robert arrived at King's Landing. Everyone was waiting for him in front of the Red Keep, and when he came down Orys immediately ran to meet him "Father!"
"Orys" He hugged him and then put him on the ground.
"Jon."
"Your grace."
"I want to do a tournament in Lannisport to celebrate the victory. Any response from the Tyrells?"
"Yes. They said they want to negotiate the deals with you and I think they will do it at the tournament. Ned?"
"Come," said Robert, walking towards the fortress, "I proposed him the marriage between Joffrey and his daughter."
Jon nodded.
"I need some fun after a long time. Tell Baelish to send me some whore and I want a lot of wine."
"Robert. Continuing this way you are spending money on the Seven Kingdoms in debts."
"I leave that matter in your hands," said Robert, laughing, "Now go to Baelish."
Jon sighed, bowed and left.
But before entering his room, he said laughing "And after all, it's Cersei's money."
Golden Company's camp
Arthur was training Jon, and he saw that he was improving a lot.
"It 'enough for today, Jon" and he stopped. "I heard you went to see the elephants.
"They are beautiful animals."
"I know Jon but you have to be careful next to them. They are trained for the war and you never know what's on their mind. Don't ever get close to them alone."
"Yes, Arthi."
"Come, I have a gift for you." And they went to the tent. Once inside, Arthur went to his desk and took the contents from the bag on the table.
Then I go back to Jon. This is an object that belonged to a dear friend of mine. It's a harp.
Jon took it and started playing with his little fingers, giggling.
Then he asked, "What mean R.T?"
In time, you'll know. Now go to Ashara. "
Arthur then heard two guards say "Torrhen Snow had arrived, commander."
Tell him to come."
After a while, he saw Torrhen enter.
"Give me good news Torrhen."
"I'm afraid I don't have, Arthur. When I arrived it was late. The Assassins have killed all those that were inside. And they cut off Darry's head. Then they set the house on fire."
He really wanted to save the tow Targaryen but nothing could be done now.
Wait. If they cut Darry's head why not take also that of the children, as proof. I would have done that.
"Maybe the King didn't want his image ruined, or he didn't want to expose the children's heads."
"No. There is something that escapes us. Maybe they are still alive." Arthur said with still hope.
"Arthur. Inside were the bodies of the children. I saw him take them out."
Arthur nodded and sighed "Anyway. I want men to go looking for them, but with discretion. But without attracting attention."
"So, now you're the commander of the Golden Company."
"Yes. Torrhen I don't want you to leave my sister's side. The camp is full of men and she's the only women here."
"You know I'll be by her side."
"Good! You'll be the third in command until Jon grow up. Tomorrow I'll present you the captains."
Torrhen nodded and left the tent.
Tyrosh
Rhaella was serving in the inn and heard some very interesting conversation.
"Did you hear what happened in the Golden Company? One asked."
"What do you want to happen? One killed the other for gold or because he cheated at the dice answered the other bored."
"No. I'm talking about the commander. Harry Strickland. The other one laughed the eyebrow. A cavalier challenged him to a duel and now he commits the Company. I know he offers work for the construction of the fort.
Yes, but we don't have to mix in their business, I prefer to stay in Tyrosh and work here. "
"And in Westeros, there is the rebellion the other said."
Now the conversation was getting interesting, Rhaella thought. Finally, someone is rebelling against that stag.
"Yes, but the Greyjoy'll lose. The North and the South are too strong. Anyway, let's change the subject. Why don't we go to Braavos? I heard that there is a lot of work."
"Nah. It's too dangerous. You didn't hear about the recent news? There were attacks of assassins, a lot of dead and a house was burnt.
"Who was the house?"
"I don't know. Some knight of Westeros, I think. But it doesn't matter."
Braavos that may be the house of Darry. I need to go there. She then heard them calling for her.
"Women come here." She went, and they began asking with a drunk voice "Would you like to fuck with us?"
"What?" She gasped for the question.
"We'll pay you well."
"I'm not a whore that you can fuck" she spat at them.
"Why not becoming one. A lot of people will pay a lot of gold for you. You are a beautiful Valyrian woman. Why waste your time at this inn, when you could earn a lot more that way. And with more pleasure. "
She took the wine borax and poured it over his head. He flung himself at her, wanting to hit her, but she took the knife from his boot and confiscated it in her foot saying "If you try to touch me I'll be lifeless. But I'll first cut your cock."
He walked away and she left.
"Marry like. We leave this place and this city."
She knew that the money she had would not be enough to get to Braavos and have money for an inn to sleep.
Arrived at the house where they lived in these years, she said "Marry. We have to go to Braavos, to look for my children. But we don't have much money. For this, we take the ship to Pentos. We work there a little and after we have gathered money we leave for Braavos. "
Marry nodded.
'I'll find my children.'