Chapter 26: Deaths
In the south...
Edmure Tully POV
Edmure was in his room reading the letter his sister Catelyn sent him.
My dear Edmure,
I know that we haven't heard or seen each other for a very long time, brother, but know that you and our father are always in my thoughts and prayers, especially in these dark times.
The death of my husband, the king, has caused chaos in this kingdom, and a bastard sits on the throne that rightfully belongs to Brandon, your nephew.
My sources have informed me that the bastard has illegally disinherited my children and this can not go unpunished. That is why I ask you, dear brother, to call the banners of Riverlands, and march on the North. Except for the Targaryen, all the Lords of the North Umber, Bolton, Maderley, Karstark, agree with me and are ready to support us.
I await your news, dear brother, and give my regards to my father the king, and I pray that the Seven Gods will heal him.
Your beloved sister,
Catelyn of House Stark and Tully, rightful Queen of the North.
Edmure sighed, and getting up from his desk, headed towards the Great Hall. Upon entering, he saw his father sitting at the big table, looking at some documents.
Edmure said, "What are you going to do, Father?"
"About what?" asked his father, without looking up from the papers.
"About the North."
"Nothing," his father replied with indifference.
"Nothing!" Edumre exclaimed. "But it' s about your daughter and the legitimacy of your grandchildren, how can you be like that?"
"My nephew is on the throne?" asked his father raising his eyes for the first time from the papers.
"No."
"Is the young King dead?"
"No, but..."
"Then there's nothing our kingdom can do. King Tywin Lannister, on the other hand, is a lion who will soon be knocking on our doorstep. I have to defend this Kingdom before fighting a war for your sister," his father replied coughing.
"Father The Northern Lords are on the verge of rebelling. Bolton, Umber Karstark, Manderley and many others have enough men to break the Unsullied of the king and the Targaryen. If..."
"Who told you these names?"
"Cat. She wrote in the letter she sent me," replied Edmure, showing him the letters.
"So you only have words but no deeds."
"Father..."
"I have found a bride for you." said his father changing the subject, "A daughter of Lord Frey. But first I have to consider other options as well."
And when his father said Frey, Edmure felt his stomach collapse. He knew how ugly Walder Frey's daughters were, and to think that his father wanted him to marry one and live with her all his life, his stomach turned upside down.
"But regarding the North. Father if Catelyn will rule she will back us against the Lannister.
"Maybe. Or maybe we will lose thousands of men without achieving nothing."
"But..."
"Now go Edumer. I have many other things to do than think about what your sister wants."
Edmure retired, and swore to himself, that as soon as his father exhales his last breath, he will help his sister to take her rightful throne.
Harrold Hardyng POV
Harrold had brought together in a secret place the most important lords of the Valley, to plan the taking of the Eyre and the deposition of Lysa Arryn and Robin Arryn.
"I think you can imagine why I called you here, my lords," said Harrold.
"Yes. We are aware of your ambitions and your aims for the throne, Lord Hardyng. But the throne rightfully belongs to Robin Arryn, son of King Jon Arryn," said Royce, one of the most influent lords of the Vale, and above all one of the most powerful, and that's why Harrold wanted to bring him to his side.
"I would agree with you if Robin Arryn was King Jon's son. But he's not. King Jon has no children, and Robin Arryn is the bastard son of Lord Petyr Baelish, the Hand of the King." Harrold saw how Lord Royce turned up his nose at the mentioning of Baelish. He had the ambition to become the King's Hand, but he didn't have the qualities. He was a great lord, a great commander, but his honor prevented him from making unhonourable actions, unlike Baelish.
The lords who were present began to murmur among themselves, in a low voice and then also in a high voice, "My lords, Robin Arryn is not only a bastard but also a sickly boy, and his mother is a mad one. Baelish's plan is to manipulate them and gain even more power."
"If we try to turn against the crown, chaos will break out and in these dark times it is better that there is peace," said Lord Redfort.
"And without the revolt, what do you think will happen, Lord Redfort?" asked Harrold as he approached. "I will tell you what will happen to my lords. Baelish will make a deal with the Lannisters, our men will fight for the King, and when he has gained enough influence at the king's court, he will betray him for his purposes. And to do that, he will betray you, and you will not be able to oppose it."
"There will be many Lords loyal to the throne that will oppose this," Royce said.
"Together we can win and we can. Together we can gather more men than anyone in this kingdom"
"Then let it be so. But if Baelish finds out about us. He could use this against us,"
"He won't because tomorrow we'll take The Eyrie when the crown opens the doors for the subjects, we'll step forward and expose our facts, and I'll challenge them."
The next morning, all the lords who were previously present went to the Eyrie. Upon entering, they saw Robin Arryn, Lysa Tully and Baelish next to the throne as they listened to the people, and Harold could see the queen's indifference, and that she was still breastfeeding her son. What a disgust at that age.
"Is that the king who should defend this Kingdom from Tywin Lannister?" Harrold asked Royce, with a whisper.
"No, of course not. And they will hear us today. Our men are already inside so if anything happens they will intervene."
Harold smiled, more to himself than to the others and nodded. Everything was going according to his plan. And if Baelish opposes Harrold, he's ready to challenge Robin for the throne.
When all the people finished their audiences with the regent, Lord Royce and the other Declarant Lords, stepped forward.
"Lord Royce. To what do I owe your presence outside of council meetings and with the lords behind you?" asked Baelish.
"I am here to accuse you, the Hand of the King, of the murder of King Jon Arryn and of having sired Robin Arryn, the bastard of Lysa Tully."
"It's a lie," said the queen, rising.
"What evidence do you have, Lord Royce?" Baelish asked.
This time Harrold came forward and confidently said, "Witnesses who accuse you of having used Tears of Lys to poison the king." And when he said that, Harrold saw Baelish's smirk disappear. He hit the target, and Baelish was about to give up.
"And what have you against the regent and the prince?"
"First, the traits. He doesn't look like King Jon at all, neither in appearance nor in personality," Royce said proudly.
"Many children of kings do not resemble their fathers," said Baelish, with his smirk.
"Funny said by you, since he looks more like you, Lord Hand."
"You have not..."
"The deposition of the queen will take place right now, and the council will decide your destiny," said Royce
"You can't do that," Baelish said.
"Yes. Since the Council decided. If you do not wish to renounce the throne, Queen Lysa, you may request a duel for the throne."
"Yes. Vardis Egen, captain of the household guard of the Eyrie, will be the crown champion.
"Then I, Harrold of House Hardyng, will be the opponent, and the pretender to the throne. The duel will take place at sunset, at the Moon Door," said Harold.
He held Ser Vardis in high regard, he knew his style, and he knew he was fighting with honor. But Harold will have to use his advantages very carefully.
When the sunset came, Harrold after preparing, headed to the throne room. There were many people inside, and the Lords who supported him were present.
As he approached the center, he saw that Vardis was already there, with his full armour on him. Two people opened the Moon Door, and the two challengers took positions. Then Lord Royce stepped forward and said loudly. "In the presence of the court and before the new and old Gods, Harold of Hardyng House and Ser Vardis Egen, in the name of Dowager Queen Lysa Tully, challenge each other in the duel, for the throne."
When Royce finished, Vardis charged against him, striking him with heavy attacks. And Harold parried, with his round shield. He opted for a light, leather armor with a chainmail underneath, while Vardis was all in iron and this slowed him down and was tiring him.
When he saw an uncovered side, Harold counter-attacked, although his plan was to make him tired, and because of a small distraction Vardis sliced him over the chest, but it was for nothing. After another attack, Vardis began to give ground, and Harold, after a dodge, made a somersault, and then cut him, at the heel, which was not covered in armour. Vardis fell to his knees, and also dropped the shield, but didn't give up. Harrold was now behind him, ready to attack, but as he was about to do so, Vardis, even if on the ground, turning cut him on the legs. Harrold then backed for a will toward the Moon Door
Taking off his helmet, Vardis tried to get up and attack with a lunge, but Harold managed to grab him by the hand and stick his sword into Vardis necks. Blood was pouring down the armour, and Harold let Vardis fall into the void, through Moon Door.
"The Old and the New gods have spoken. Harrold Hardyng will become the new king of the Kingdom of the Vale. Guards escort the Queen and Robin to their rooms. While Lord Baelish to the cells."
But when they turned Baelish was no longer present. He runs away. Harold sighed and headed toward the exit in search of Baelish, even though he felt dizziness, and before falling to the ground, he saw everything becoming black.
Jaime Lannister POV
Jaime was in the command tent in front of Goldengrove Castle. His father gave him the command to start the invasion of the Reach. And it was three days since they were besieging it, and waiting for Lord Rowan to surrender. Jaime knew that the castle was well-equipped with at least 7,000 men, perhaps even more, if they didn't retreat to the capital.
As the siege continued, with enemy towers falling, Jaime read the letters from his wife informing him of the latest events at court. Gerion and Myrcella got married, and on one hand, he felt guilty for not being present on that beautiful day for his son and his niece. But on the other hand, he was happy not to have been present, because he knew that he would have been forced to attend the wedding ceremony, which was held in the presence of all the Lords. He still remembered his wedding night, and how uncomfortable Ellyn was when they did it. She even cried that night after the Lords retired. She was so young, even younger than Myrcella. Maybe it was that what created the strong woman that he had beside him because he knew that she for sure challenged the king regarding that. Jaime too had a tough fight with his father, the next day, but at the time, King Tywin was younger.
Another letter contained the most important news that he was waiting for. Ellyn was pregnant again, and this brought him joy on one side and sadness on the other because he will not be able to see how the child grew inside her. Jaime did not know how much time he would spend on the conquest of the Reach, or if he will return.
When he saw his second in command enter, Jaime put the letters aside, and standing up he said, " Well?"
"Lord Rowan arrived in the field, under the white flag."
"Good, Let's see what he has to say. Any news from the Shield Islands?"
"Not yet," replied his second, and Jaime nodded to then get out of the tent and head toward the Lord.
Once he was in front of the Lord, who was kneeling, Jaime made him stand up, and said, "Lord Rowan, are you here to surrender?"
"Yes. House Tyrell betrayed us. I asked for reinforcements to break the siege, but they didn't respond. Too many people in my castle died to defend this pass. I don't have enough men to challenge your army, and I know your reputation in battle."
"Where are your 7,000 men?" said Jaime, who couldn't tell if the Lord was serious or lying to save his own skin and attack them from behind.
"In the city. Or those who remained. Your siege machines have destroyed the towers and walls of our castle. Their collapse has caused many deaths.
"Swear allegiance to my father, and to him who will be the Warden of the South."
Kneeling, the Lord said, "I, Mathias, of House Rowan, Lord of Goldengrove, Marshall of the Northmarch, pledge my loyalty to King Tywin of House Lannister, the King of the Rock, in perpetuity."
" Stand, Lord Rowan. I, Prince Jaime of House Lannister, accept your oath on behalf of my father, the King, Tywin of House Lannister."
When the Lord was standing Jaime added, "I'll leave 5,000 men at your castle while your men will march with me toward the next castle."
The Lord lowered his head and nodded, "Captain. Take 5 000 men and enter the city. If there are wounded, help them," Jaime said and saw how the Lord looked at him.
Then turning to those who were there he said, "Start dismantling the camp and prepare to march on Highgarden. We have a long march to make."
Jaime, after giving the order, headed for his tent to prepare for his departure.
In the North...
Daario Naharis POV
He was heading towards his meeting with Ramsey Bolton, in a tavern near the Dread Fort. Upon entering, he saw that there were a lot of o people inside, mostly Bolton soldiers, and saw Soren nodding him to climb the stairs.
Entering the room, Daario saw a girl lying next to Ramsey, beaten and perhaps worse, while he had a smirk on his face and hands behind his head.
"I thought this only happened in brothels, and only with whores and not with normal girls."
"This whore challenged me. I went to her father's house to collect the debt he had with us, but this whore told me that he had already been paid it, in a challenging tone, and she even called me a bastard."
"Well, here's the end of the bold ones."
"And the father?" asked Daario, already knowing the answer.
"He is food for dogs," Ramsey answered smirking.
"Why did you call me here, Ramsey?" asked Daario, sitting on the bed.
"It's time to put our plan in motion and kill Domeric. I want to become lord of the Dread Fort before the king returns. And you must prove to me your loyalty."
"Loyalty? You know I am always, Ramsey," said Daario. He knew what kind of psychopath Ramsey Snow was, and he was terrified of him. Daario did not know if Ramsey was afraid of anyone, even if he might have a suspicion.
"You will kill my brother, proving this way your loyalty to me. I will tell you the place of the attack." he said and, then he added, "If you want you can take your turn with this whore, even if she's already dead," Ramsey said, but he didn't answer, because he didn't intend to do it with a dead woman.
After some silence in which they drank the wine, Daario asked, "Are you afraid of him?"
" Of who?"
"Of the king," Daario said, but Ramsey just laughed, and then added, "I'm not afraid of anyone," even though it could be heard from his voice. No matter how much he hides it, Daario was sure, that deep down Ramsey feared the king especially because of the recent news.
"In addition to what happened at Astapor, I heard that recently the King tortured and slaughtered killers. Are you sure you want to do what you want?"
"The little brat doesn't have the balls to rule a kingdom, let alone do those things. Astapor and the torture of the assassins are just stories invented to make the South tremble. He isn't a Bolton. He has to much honor to do that," I said angry Ramsey, standing up and dressing.
While he was doing it, Ramsey asked, "Do you still think about that Targaryen bitch?"
"No. Never did. She was nothing for me. I just wanted to fuck her for revenge, but that bitch didn't want to open her legs. When we were about to do it in the woods near the Dragon Keep, she always rejected me.
"Why didn't you just take her with the force?"
"Do you think I'm that crazy? The father was a friend of the king and was a very powerful man, he would have wanted my head if he had found out."
"Well, soon you'll be able to do it. When the king is dead and I will rule the North, you can have a good time with her. Of course after me. Now go and wait for my instructions for the plan."
Three days later...
Ramsey has told him where Domeric Bolton and his men will pass when they headed to the capital. Daario didn't know why Domeric was going there, and he didn't care.
"Get ready", Daario said to his men who were standing in their positions. In the distance, it could be heard the galloping of the horses arriving, and when they were near, Daario gave the signal. The first tree fell, blocking their advance, then the one behind fell, blocking their retreat. Now Domeric and his men were trapped and arrows rained down on them.
After a while, Daario ordered the charge against Domeric's men. The battle was quite bloody but in the end, Domeric was wounded. All the time Daario was on the back, watching. He did not want it to be known that it was him.
Once Domeric Bolton was on his knees disarmed, Daario saw the man he had chosen to put his face on, approaching Domeric.
"Domeric Bolton. You are accused of having left behind you a trail of dead women in the brothels of the kingdom. In the name of the king, and by the authority conferred upon me, I, Robb Snow, Commander of the Royal Army, sentence you to death, right now." And he cut off his head with his sword. Daario laughed. It had gone better than he had expected.
"You, take the body back to the Dread Fort and told them what happened."
After the survivor rode away, with the body Daario headed to his father's castle. Their revenge on the Targaryen is getting closer and closer.