Chapter 45
Daenerys had a growing problem in Mereen.
Her troops were working on training for battle and the Dothraki were learning a bit of the common tongue so that they could understand orders more clearly during battle. Although, Daenerys knew that did not ensure they would follow the orders by simply understanding them. Her problem was that they were in a desert, making lumber to build more ships difficult to find.
They had barely enough ships to take a quarter of her total forces with her across the narrow sea. They were discussing whom to send word to in order to form alliances. It seemed that most of the people hated the usurper's wife, who was using her youngest son as a puppet for her own purposes. However, it seemed that distance was Daenerys' greatest enemy right now. Many of the houses who were against Cersei seemed to be aligning with each other simply for the sake of convenience.
This lack of ships was indeed causing a great problem for her. She was pacing in the meeting room they had established in the great pyramid. She heard her advisors enter but did not turn to look at them. "What new alliances have formed that do not include me because we are 'too far away to be of help'?" She asked immediately with frustration in her tone.
Tyrion paused for a moment before sighing deeply. "It seems that House Martell and House Tyrell have formed an alliance, and they seem to be gathering in Highgarden. It is possible they might work to reclaim the lands south of King's Landing."
Daenerys sighed and gave a nod of her head. "Well, at the very least they will lessen the fight to retake King's Landing."
Varys cleared his throat softly. "Your grace…House Tyrell is also strongly aligned with House Bolton in the North. I have heard that the Tyrell army is split between their two alliances evenly. I suspect King's Landing will be attacked on two fronts."
Tyrion poured a large glass of wine for himself. He did indeed hate his sister, but the thought of her falling into the hands of the new Lord Bolton felt too cruel a punishment…even for her. They had heard the news of the heads Hannibal Bolton had sent to Cersei. A man who could flay and behead young girls was quite the monster indeed.
At this news, Daenerys finally turned to look at her advisors. "Are these the last great houses with military strength in the Seven Kingdoms?"
Tyrion nodded his head. "Yes, your grace. The Houses of Lannister, Martell, Tyrell and Bolton represent the largest militaries on foot from a single house. The army of the Vale is strong, as is the Frey army. However, those two will likely be pulled into the battle whether they desire to fight or not."
Daenerys nodded her head. "Then let us hope for bloody battles to weaken their forces so that when we finally have enough ships to cross the Narrow Sea, it will be a simple task of over-running them."
Varys bowed his head. "Indeed. I do hope Ser Jaime Lannister is up to the task to cause serious damage to Lord Bolton and his men."
Tyrion turned his head at that. "You think Lord Bolton will march directly upon King's Landing? You do not think the Twins will put up a fight?"
Varys turned to Tyrion. "Ser Jaime is at Riverrun with the Lannister army. That is his base to hold the North back from marching further south."
Tyrion felt his stomach drop at this news and he drained his goblet dry. His brother was a good strategist, but he had heard of this Hannibal Bolton before…he was worried for Jaime.
Daenerys listened to the interaction and found it curious that Tyrion seemed concerned for his brother, but not for his sister. She then looked to all of her advisors. "While they fight amongst themselves and make my task easier…what is being done to gather more ships?" She asked with a demanding tone.
Varys gave a bow of his head. "I have been sending messages to a variety of seafaring folk to see if any of them will align with us so that we may make use of their ships."
Daenerys nodded at that. "When do we expect responses? And how long until the ships arrive if they agree?"
Varys paused for a moment before answering. "We expect to hear from them presently. A week at most upon receiving their responses."
Daenerys nodded her head and sent them off as she turned to look at Jorah once the two of them were alone. "Do you think we will be too late if we are unable to get extra ships?"
Jorah sighed as he approached her and wrapped his arms around her to pull her close. "We will find a way across the Narrow Sea. We could consider a plan of taking waves of troops across to Dragonstone and mustering all troops there before moving to the mainland. Once we know the responses from those tribes Varys has contacted."
Daenerys nodded slowly. Jorah had suggested this before. She did not like the plan, because she would not know the order of when to take certain groups of her men across. She sighed as she relaxed in his strong arms for a moment. "Let us wait another week before presenting that plan before the rest of the council."
Jorah nodded and kissed her temple tenderly. "Very well. Now, our daughter has demanded our presence for a special treat." He said to get her mind off of these things for a few moments.
Daenerys laughed at that. "Demanded? Are you quite certain it was a demand?"
Jorah nodded his head enthusiastically. "Absolutely. She used the same tone you do when you give me commands." He said with a grin. He then pulled back and offered her his arm to lead her back to their room where their daughter was waiting.
…
Hannibal kissed Margaery's temple tenderly to wake her up once the glow of the sun began to light the tent. He began dressing in his armor for the upcoming battle. He had commanded a few of his men to bring an extra set of armor to the tent. He had an idea for Margaery to watch him toy with Jaime Lannister without giving the game away.
Margaery hummed softly as she felt Hannibal moving around the tent. She rubbed her eyes a bit and sat up slowly. She was a bit stiff after all of their vigorous lovemaking during the night. Apparently taking a few days off from her husband resulted in soreness once they were reunited. She saw him getting dressed and sighed softly. "Is it almost time already?"
Hannibal turned when he heard her moving and gave her a smile. "Indeed. If you would like to watch…I have an extra set of armor here you could wear as a disguise." He said with a slight smirk. "Although, that would depend on if you can walk this morning."
Margaery's eyes lit with excitement at the idea of watching Hannibal firsthand during this battle. A bit of fire filled her eyes at the tease. "I am perfectly capable of walking today."
Margaery took a moment to collect herself before swinging her legs over the side of the bed and standing up slowly. She dressed in a few undergarments that would allow her to wear the armor before going to check on their children. Rhys and Reina had slept well through the night. They were awake, but waiting for their mother. Both of them stood up and reached out their hands to hug her.
"Mama!" They both exclaimed cheerfully. Margaery smiled as she kissed each of them before hugging them close. She was overjoyed to see them again, and was proud that they had done so well.
Hannibal finished strapping on his armor as he went to his two children. "Now, are the two of you ready to play a little game?"
Both Rhys and Reina nodded their heads eagerly.
"Game! Game! Game!" Reina chanted.
Hannibal smiled as he leaned down to speak as if it was a secret. "You are going to help me set a trap. The trap is…that the bad man who took Mama thinks he still has her. The secret is…that she is here with us. Mama is going to be wearing armor just like Papa so the bad man doesn't see her. I need the two of you to act like the bad man still has her."
Rhys and Reina listened intently to what their father said. Rhys spoke first. "Mama safe the whole time…but we trick bad man into thinking she not?"
Reina didn't want to be bested by her brother. "We play Mama not here!"
Hannibal smiled with pride as he kissed the tops of both their heads. "Exactly, you are both so clever. Now, why don't you put on your capes while I help Mama into her costume?" He lifted Reina up and set her on the ground to get her cape.
Margaery picked up Rhys and set him down as well. She looked to Hannibal as they moved towards the armor. "Are you certain they will be safe?" She asked with a bit of worry.
Hannibal began helping her to put on boots and the leg armor as he listened to her question of concern. "I am certain they will be quite safe. The men with Jaime are not the monsters tucked away in King's Landing. Besides, with them there…it will be an even better tactic to stay their hands. I don't think there is a man in that keep with the balls to fire arrows with children in the area."
He paused to look into her eyes. "They will be in a cart that is well-armored. There is a special cover that can be put in place to fully protect them should something go sideways. You will be standing right next to them along with Brienne and two others. One will assist with keeping the children safe, the other is charged with keeping you safe." He explained to her.
Margaery listened to what he said and slowly nodded her head in understanding. He had thought this out well, as usual. She was still worried, but this was war. How could she not be worried? "I trust you husband." She said as she set aside her fears for the time being.
Hannibal smiled as he finished putting the armor on her. He kissed Margaery deeply before putting all of her hair up so that it was tucked inside the helmet. There was a sword belt put around her waist to complete the disguise. Hannibal looked to his children who were also dressed. "How does Mama look?"
"Strong!" Rhys replied.
"Man." Reina said.
Hannibal chuckled as he scooped Reina up. "You are both right. This is part of the game Reina, for Mama to look like a man so that the bad man won't know she is there." Reina nodded her head in agreement as Rhys toddled over to Margaery and hugged her leg.
"Mama smell flower." He said.
Margaery laughed at that. "I still smell like flowers?" Rhys nodded his head and Margaery reached down to pick him up. It was a bit more difficult in this heavy armor, but she managed it.
Hannibal smiled to his family. "All right, once we step outside the game begins. Laughing or smiling will give the game away. Are we all ready?" He asked. Rhys and Reina nodded their heads and smiled as big as they could. When Margaery nodded in agreement, Hannibal moved to step out of the tent and slowly make his way to the overlook setup for the parlay with Jaime.
...
Bran had gone back in his visions to see Jon's birth, and tried to hear what his true name would be. He was having a difficult time hearing his aunt speak. He left the past to return and looked to the three-eyed raven.
"I want to tell him."
The three-eyed raven shook his head. "It is not your place to tell of everything you see to those it affects. Uniting the three is your only job, if you are even needed to unite them. Telling them why they are connected is not necessary. Simply saying that the three of them must fight him together to save mankind." He explained.
Bran huffed at that. "I don't like it."
The three-eyed raven sighed softly. "It matters not if you like it. Interfering too much could change too many paths and create a very different future that ends in the death of mankind."
Bran shook his head in frustration before he called for Hodor to move him once again. Now he had to puzzle out who the third head was before beginning his journey South again.
Chapter 46
Hannibal set the children in their fortified cart and set the guard, now it was time to toy with Jaime.
Margaery moved with the other two guards and made no moves towards the children other than speaking softly for them to keep their eyes on the wall and not to look at her.
Both Reina and Rhys looked up at the wall, but did not nod their heads…they wanted to be good at the game for Papa and Mama.
Hannibal removed his helmet and stood near three wooden crosses that had been set up specifically for this parlay. He paced a bit angrily before looking up at the wall and speaking plenty loud enough to be heard within the castle.
"I demand to see that my wife is alive and unharmed." He roared. He would give Jaime five minutes before beginning.
Margaery felt quite safe where she was with the children. She watched as several minutes passed without a response from within Riverrun. She smirked a bit to herself, they were probably realizing by now that she was no longer in the cells.
Jaime was indeed scrambling to find Margaery. There was nothing left in the cell. He had his guards searching the dungeons for any tunnels and found absolutely nothing. How in the Seven Hells had she disappeared!?
After five minutes had passed, Hannibal roared an order. A dozen of his best wolves came and sat around the three crosses. Three Lannisters were brought out naked and strapped to the crosses. Hannibal had confirmed that these three were cousins to Jaime and should be easily recognized by the troops within the castle. The wolves growled and nipped at the three men, but never got close enough to actually bite them. Hannibal gave a whistle command and all of them moved into a straight line behind the bound men and sat down. They would still growl, but obeyed their master and remained seated. Hannibal wanted to let his captives see that he could command both men and beasts.
Margaery found herself struggling not to smile as she watched her husband show such fearless command. The fact that he had a dozen fully-grown wolves at his absolute command should strike fear into any man. Margaery felt like a young bride again as she watched her husband with pride.
Hannibal looked up at the wall once again. "For every minute that you make me wait, I will flay a little of your kin to feed to my pets." He was presented with his favorite flaying knife and held it so that every man looking out from the castle could see the blade gleaming in the sunlight.
Jaime was pacing in the dungeons when a runner came and told him that Lord Bolton was threatening three of his cousins outside. He left orders for the guards to find whatever tunnel existed that she had escaped from as he left to go to an outlook atop the wall near the main gate. The sight that met his eyes caused darkness to cross his face.
"Lord Bolton, I have treated your wife with the respect due to her status. Is this how you would repay that kindness?" He would need to stall as his men searched for a woman who might pass as Margaery from this great of a distance.
Hannibal smirked inwardly when Jamie Lannister finally showed his face. His first point of argument was a poor choice indeed. He focused his gaze upon Jamie from across the moat.
"You are requesting that I treat your cousins in the same manner you have treated my wife?" He asked.
Jaime hesitated just for a moment, something in Hannibal's gaze made him uneasy. "I am indeed."
Hannibal gave a slow nod of his head as he turned to the Lannister closest to him. He began by punching the man savagely in the chest until there was an audible crack as the bones of his ribs were broken. Hannibal then took the blade in his hand and began to carefully cut the screaming man open. He tossed some pieces of flesh to his wolves as he cut the young man open and pulled broken bones out of the way until his rapidly beating heart was easily visible. Hannibal turned so that Jaime Lannister and every man atop the wall could see the beating heart as Hannibal reached in to wrap his hand around it. He slowly crushed it until it stopped beating and tore it out of the man's chest. Hannibal held it out towards Riverrun before speaking.
"That is what you did to my wife when you kidnapped her like a thief in the night away from her young children." He said with a dark, cold tone.
Margaery felt a surge of pride when Hannibal came to her defense like that. Even though it was a game. She felt pride that he cared so deeply for her. She felt no sympathy for the poor soul who had died. She kept her eyes fixed on the ramparts and could see a few men turn to retch at the sight of the now-dead body. She continued to speak lowly to the twins, encouraging them as they continued to watch their father and the bad man.
Jaime watched in horror as the first of his cousins was so grotesquely killed. He gave an order for his men not to fire and held his hands up in apology.
"You make a fair point, Lord Bolton. Now, why don't you let my other cousins go? They are just boys after all." There was serious doubt that Hannibal would, but Jaime had to at least try.
Hannibal spoke with full volume so that as many of the Lannister army that were close enough could hear him. "How you must hate these cousins of yours. I did not know you had the capability to hate your own blood so much. Especially with how much you love your dear sister…"
Margaery glanced at their children and was proud to see them quietly watching the bad man. She felt that they were indeed quite safe.
Hannibal moved to the Lannister in the middle. He had pissed himself out of fear. Hannibal tapped the flat side of his blade across the man's chest teasingly.
"Perhaps I could use some of your cousin here to give you breasts like the Queen. Then perhaps Ser Jaime will care enough for you to stop toying with me like a child." He then turned back to Jaime. "I ask again, where is my wife? You are stalling and it makes me suspicious that she has not been treated well at all."
Margaery watched as Hannibal toyed with Jaime, continuing the game as an expert player. Margaery was ready to swoon. Truly she had married a man with power and wit enough to bring the world to its knees. He would give her anything she wanted at her whims, and she loved him for it. He was her King, now more than ever.
Jaime frowned at those bold words from Hannibal. He heard some rumblings from his men behind him. "Those words could be considered treasonous, I will remind you to watch your tongue when speaking of the royal family."
Hannibal allowed his face to twitch in anger. He turned to the man in the middle and took a full ten minutes to flay him expertly from head to toe. The man screamed in absolute agony as he was flayed alive. He wanted to die, but had not suffered a severe enough injury to actually die. Hannibal tossed the skin to a servant and faced Jaime so that he could hear his command.
"Clean and tan his hide. We will send it to the Queen Mother with a message so that she knows how little her lover cares for their kin other than her." He paused as the servant bowed and set to work. "I ask again, Ser Jaime: Where is my wife?"
Jamie visibly blanched when his cousin was flayed and remained alive. All of his men turned and retched around him when they realized that he was still alive since he did not stop screaming. It was at that moment that Jaime realized this parley was a mistake. He had allowed Hannibal to strike fear into his men without going into direct battle. He tightened his jaw as he looked down at Hannibal.
"You are quite impatient Lord Bolton. I did not think you would be as rash as your half-brother." He said as a jab. Margaery's eyes lit within her helmet. That was the last mistake Jaime Lannister would make in his lifetime.
Hannibal's eyes filled with genuine rage at that. He saw all of Jaime's commanders by his side trying to keep the men standing tall along the wall. He saw how Jaime was leaning over the edge of the castle. The trap was set perfectly.
"Vhagar!" He roared.
Vhagar roared as he shot out of the hidden tunnel and took to the air. He flew towards the man with the golden hand and grabbed him with his front claws. Vhagar then twisted in the air and flew back towards the camp to drop the man in the center where his master slept. Vhagar then flew to Hannibal's side and sat next to him to wait for further commands.
The twins had stood and were cheering Vhagar on when he flew into sight.
As Vhagar took to the air. Hidden archers fired a volley right at Jaime's commanders. They all fell and left the forces within the castle without a leader. The rest of the men in the castle were scurrying about in a panic at the sight of a dragon and no commands being yelled out.
Guards were waiting to disarm and strip Jaime before tying him to a cross set up just outside Lord Bolton's tent. They would pay with their lives if the prisoner got away.
Hannibal then spoke loudly so that the men in the castle could hear him clearly. "All of those who lay down their arms will be shown mercy." He said as he moved to stand by the third Lannister cousin who was so far unharmed and cut him free. The man scurried off in a hurry. Hannibal had a pack of wolves at the perimeter of the camp who would end him once he broke for the woods just beyond the camp.
Hannibal then shifted to stand between the dead man and the flayed man. "Those who wish to fight…I do wonder how many beds in the Red Keep could use a nice hide rug." He mused for a moment. "I give you one hour to lower the drawbridge and surrender. After that…" he stepped away from the two bodies. "Dracarys."
Vhagar heard the order and shot a burst of fire at the dead man to roast him before consuming him whole. He then moved to eat the flayed man one limb at a time, eating his head last.
Margaery smiled in pride as Hannibal so expertly used his threatening presence and tone. It was such a swing of power to him that she felt herself melt a bit. She watched every move he made and never looked away. She was curious how the men inside Riverrun would react.
The Lannister army didn't need an hour. They dropped the drawbridge immediately and began to cross with their hands above their heads. Many of them had stripped down to their smallclothes to prove that they were completely unarmed, they did not want to be killed like the two Lannisters had been.
Hannibal's men moved all of the Lannister army into a circle and had them surrounded on all sides. Once no one else set foot outside of the castle, the Blackfish and his forces moved in to ensure the castle was cleared. They were ordered to kill anyone still within the castle walls slowly.
Hannibal went to assist Margaery with removing the extra armor and assisting her into her armored dress now that the trap had been sprung.
Jaime was in absolute shock at what was happening around him. He had been securely in Riverrun just moments ago. Now he was trussed up as a prisoner of Hannibal Bolton…a chill raced down his spine at that.
Margaery felt much better once she was in her armored dress again and had that heavy armor off. She smiled as she picked up the twins and moved with Hannibal to Vhagar.
Hannibal lifted Margaery onto Vhagar's back before climbing on behind her. Vhagar walked to where the Lannister army had been forced into a circle with Bolton men surrounding them with shields out so that no man could escape.
"Kill them." Hannibal ordered.
Hannibal's men laid their spears out to rest on top of their shields as they slowly began to press into the Lannister army. The men of the Lannister army cried out in alarm and screamed that they had surrendered. The Bolton army continued to press in slowly. With their lowered spears in this circle, every man within the circle would be dead within an hour. The wolves were mixed amongst the middle ranks of Bolton men to help kill off any Lannister man who wasn't completely dead as they were trampled.
Hannibal then directed Vhagar to go to the center of the camp. Hannibal had upheld his promise to the Blackfish. Riverrun had been reclaimed without the castle being damaged and the Lannister army was completely destroyed.
Once they reached the trussed up Jaime Lannister, Hannibal looked down at him coolly. "I promise to make you suffer more than I made your man suffer." He said before dismounting and assisting Margaery down.
She looked down upon Jaime Lannister with a smug smirk. "My good Ser Jaime." She said with a theatrical bow.
Jaime's eyes were fixed on the dragon again, wide with shock when he saw Margaery sitting atop the great beast. It did not take long for him to realize that he was staring into the eyes of death before him and he felt fear grip his heart. "Be done with it and kill me."
Hannibal took Rhys into his arms and carried him close to his prized prisoner. "Look, my son. This is what a defeated warrior looks like. Soon you will see what a broken man looks like." He said as Rhys looked at Jaime.
Margaery held Reina up so that she could see. "You look too, my love." She whispered. "Look and see, that is what an enemy looks like. This is the fate of all who stand against us."
Reina watched with interest and wiggled a little as she looked over to Jaime and her father.
Hannibal focused on Jaime. "You will die Jaime; however, your grievances are far too great to earn you an honorable or quick death. No…I will take my time to kill you. You will beg for death long before I grant it. You and your whore of a sister will be used as examples of my wrath."
Reina pointed to Hannibal. "Papa."
Margaery smiled and kissed her forehead to quiet her down. "Yes, my love."
Hannibal turned to his wife. "What piece of him should we send to Cersei as a present?"
Margaery considered his question and smiled. "Something she'll recognize immediately. If not his head, something that will make her feel the pain of loss that she has made others feel. His cock? His remaining hand? His face perhaps?"
Hannibal smirked as he nodded in agreement. "I think you are right my dear. We should send her his other hand. Then her great protector won't be able to save or hold her anymore." He then looked to Rhys. "Which part of his face should we send as well my son?"
Rhys was happy that his father was letting him help. He pointed. "Eye!"
Hannibal chuckled with pride. "Very good, son! I think one eye along with his other hand is perfect."
Reina fussed at being left out and pointed. "Ear!"
Margaery kissed Reina's head and smiled, wanting to encourage her daughter. "Ear, love. You think we should send her an ear as well?"
Jaime felt a lump in his throat at the entire conversation. He had never felt fear like this before in his life...he hoped he would die quickly.
Hannibal nodded his approval as he passed Rhys back to Margaery. He then turned to collect the items from Jaime…slowly.
Chapter 47
Beck had finally managed to earn himself a position within the great pyramid in Mereen as a servant. He kept his head down and acted as if he were a mute. He never spoke to anyone and only ever responded with a bow followed by completing any task given to him. He had earned enough trust that no one questioned what he was doing. He had managed to slip the special herbs into the water of the royal family for an entire month. He had even managed to drug Tyrion Lannister as well for the same period of time. He would continue to deliver the herbs to them until he ran out. To ensure there was enough of a dose for them to suffer the effects his master intended. He looked forward to reporting back to his master after completing his full mission.
…
Jaime Lannister was panting heavily, he wanted to simply die. There were three soldiers around him that had forced water down his throat once again. He knew they would soon force food down as well. Even if he somehow made himself throw up, they would make him eat again. They were keeping him alive…he shuddered to think of why.
He hoped one of his many wounds would fester and kill him, but there were men sent to keep the wounds clean. He had been beaten severely and he missed his left hand very much now. He had difficulty seeing anything with his remaining eye, and everything sounded odd with only one ear. Jaime had been looking for anything sharp he could try to fall on to die. Unfortunately his guards were very careful and kept him tied up very securely. They kept him awake for two full days without sleep on top of forcing him to eat and drink.
Jaime looked up at the sky and began to pray to the Stranger for death.
…
A messenger rode into King's Landing and moved quickly to the Red Keep. He had a message sealed with the flayed man of house Bolton and a small box with tokens hidden within. He was finally allowed entrance into the Red Keep after he was thoroughly searched by a dozen Gold Cloaks, and made his way towards the Iron Throne where the King was sitting. The Small Council was standing around the throne with the Queen Mother off of the King's right.
The messenger bowed low. "Your grace, I come bearing a message from my Lord Bolton. I also have a token of peace he has sent. If I may be permitted to read his message…" He requested.
Tommen nodded his head. "You may read it."
Many members of the Small Council coughed and tried to stop Tommen from saying that. They were all suspicious of the contents of this letter. Cersei was the most suspicious, since she had not heard any news from Jaime since he sent a raven that his spies had kidnapped Lady Bolton a fortnight ago.
The messenger bowed his head as he opened the parchment. He was well aware that what he was about to say would most likely end with his head on a spike. It would be a far cleaner death than if he did not follow through on his Lord's commands. He cleared his throat before reading clearly the message from his master.
"My Lord Bolton sends tokens of peace to her grace the Queen Mother. He has soundly defeated the Frey clan and destroyed every brick of the Twins. Riverrun has been restored to house Tully and every last member of the Lannister army has been killed and left in a mass grave. If her grace wishes for mercy upon her people, she will send tokens in kind from her bastard son who falsely wears the crown."
The Small Council saw the message going very badly once it seemed directed towards Cersei and not the King.
Tommen grew terrified as he listened, had he lost his uncle and the entire Lannister army? How could a castle like the Twins be completely destroyed?
Cersei's anger grew with every word read off of the piece of parchment. She didn't believe a word of it and was ready to send the Mountain to rip the man's head off. She heard the accusations and it just made her angrier.
The messenger then opened the small chest to reveal Jaime Lannister's left hand, one of his eyes, and his left ear. "These are bits from the bastard's father. My master looks forward to reuniting the two of you one final time, your grace."
The Small Council cried in outrage and guards moved in to arrest the messenger who was grinning like a mad fool after he opened the box. A few of them even gagged at the sight.
Tommen was confused by the accusations made in the letter and was about to ask about them when the box was opened. His eyes widened and he turned his head before retching on the floor.
Cersei went pale as she instantly recognized the pieces of Jaime before her. She heard that final threat and a small shiver of fear rolled down her spine. It wasn't until the man had been properly arrested that she realized her sweet boy had seen that monstrosity too. She turned to look at Ser Gregor and gave a head tilt for him to wait outside to kill the messenger.
"Take him to the black cells. He will rot there for this atrocity." She ordered - just to save face.
The guards dragged him out of the audience chamber and to his waiting death. The messenger had a wicked smile on his face. He had done as his master had asked. He had struck fear into the heart of the Red Keep. His fate was worth seeing fear on Cersei Lannister's face.
…
The head guard in charge of Jaime Lannister watched him carefully. His master had given very special orders about this prisoner. He was to be kept alive and deprived of sleep until he passed out from utter exhaustion. The guard was to listen in case the prisoner gave up any information about the defenses at King's Landing. Specifically he was to listen for any word about the rumored stores of Wildfire beneath the city.
They were currently marching to Highgarden. He was to ensure that Jaime Lannister was alive upon arrival there with plenty of health left for slow torture.
…
Sansa had summoned Thomas to the library. She was alone as she waited for him to arrive. She felt her heart flutter a bit in her chest, a feeling she had not experienced for a very long time.
Thomas arrived promptly and bowed to Sansa. "My Lady, I have not yet heard if the first phase of the campaign was successful. I can assure you that the trap will be laid with great care."
Sansa nodded her head, "Thank you for the report. However, that is not why I asked you here."
Thomas seemed confused for a moment. "You summoned me My Lady, I will never keep you waiting if there is something you need of me."
Sansa bit her lower lip at that. "There is a need…a need I hesitate to ask of you Thomas." She said with a bit of nerves.
Thomas noted her nervousness and shut the door behind him before approaching her slowly and speaking in a lower tone. "I can get you to Castle Black and back safely if you wish to see your half-brother again."
Sansa smiled softly at that thought, but shook her head. "Perhaps once the campaign has begun properly and a victory has been won. That is also not what I need." Sansa kept staring at his face and strong arms. A light blush colored her cheeks as she tried to glance away.
Thomas was confused before he caught the blush and how she looked away. She was a fair woman and they were not far off in age. It would be a lie to say that he had not imagined being with her a few nights while he was on watch alone. He closed the distance between them to kiss her deeply and passionately.
Sansa was worried that he had been offended by her request. Then he was kissing her and she felt herself melting against him. Oh Gods…this must be what kissing should feel like! She felt her heart beginning to race and her body beginning to move against him as instinct began to take over.
Thomas pulled back from the kiss slowly and looked into her eyes. "I will fulfill every need you have Lady Sansa, and I will stop whenever you desire."
Sansa was panting softly when he pulled back from the kiss. She nodded her head to agree with his words. "Continue until I say otherwise. Do what you feel is necessary to satisfy my needs."
Thomas gave a nod before he kissed her deeply again. He then lifted her up and moved her to a wall so that he could press into her slightly. He was not going to stop until she said so or they both fell asleep, whichever occurred first.
Chapter 48
Hannibal had finally heard an update from the head guard overseeing Jaime Lannister. It was far better than he could have ever hoped. He was going to place his family in Highgarden and keep them there until he was finally able to unseat the whore Cersei Lannister…until she was dead or locked away with her tongue removed she remained a danger to them all. Margaery was too great with child to attack King's Landing now; he would wait for her to give birth to their third child before he went to King's Landing to claim the Iron Throne.
So far they had not met any true resistance. Lesser lords arrived to pledge their allegiance to Hannibal and to add their men to his growing forces. Many of the northern tribes had stayed to fight after the victory at the Twins and at Riverrun. Those who wished to return north were allowed to do so upon their promise to send a gift once he claimed the Iron Throne.
Hannibal had sent a variety of troops to surround King's Landing slowly. He had the northern tribes, the army of the Vale, the Tully army, and he had mixed some of his officers and groups of elite Tyrell men with those troops surrounding the northern half of the city. The southern half contained the rest of the Tyrell army, the entire Bolton army, the warriors of Dorne, and the small groups of men he had picked up along the way. The Iron Fleet should be creating a blockade around King's Landing as his troops began to settle in for a seige.
He smiled to Margaery and kissed her temple tenderly as he watched their children sleeping soundly.
"The orders have been sent. All troops will set up camp and display both their sigil and ours as they dig in trenches. I want the residents of King's Landing to fear that they will be held hostage in a siege by their 'King'."
Margaery smiled and leaned into the kiss. "I am relieved to hear that. Do you still intend to offer sanctuary to those who escape and swear allegiance to you?"
Hannibal nodded his head. "I do, but I will let the siege be underway for a week before I extend that offer." He looked her over slowly. "How are you feeling?"
Margaery smiled as she looked up at him with a weary smile. "I will rest in a few moments to save up my energy. I want to hear what you intend to do with all of your troops."
Hannibal smiled as he slid an arm around her to help support her. "I just got a report about our prisoner. It would seem he was assigned to Riverrun because he had upset his lover. The fool has destroyed every ounce of Wildfire within the city. I'm assuming he did this after she used it to destroy the Faith Militant and the Sept."
Margaery sat up and looked at him with hope written plainly across her face. "Truly? Do you think it is the absolute truth? Was he lying perhaps to lure us in closer?"
Hannibal smiled to her. "He did not lie. He mumbled his concerns about leaving the city defenseless when he was finally permitted to sleep."
Margaery smiled and felt relief flood through her. "Thank the Gods. That makes the upcoming battle much more manageable. Although, there is still that beast of hers she has as a bodyguard."
Hannibal nodded his head in agreement to that. "I am working on a plan to draw that creature out so that Vhagar can destroy him." He feared his wolves would not be able to overpower the reanimated Mountain.
Margaery relaxed into Hannibal once again when he said that. "The world will be safer without that creature wandering about."
Hannibal began to massage the small of her back to ease any discomfort she might be feeling. "There is someone who has shown interest in becoming our top assassin. I have sent her to take care of our aquatic friend's family problems."
Margaery raised an eyebrow as she looked up at him. "When precisely did this conversation happen?"
Hannibal looked into her eyes. "The night I destroyed the Twins she appeared inside our tent. She had made it past all of our best guards and had even calmed our wolves."
Margaery stiffened at that as she looked into his eyes. "She got that far? Did she touch our babies?"
Hannibal looked into her eyes with a hint of a smirk on his face. "This young assassin is none other than Arya Stark. She is now a faceless man. She thanked me for ridding the world of the Freys. I told her of Sansa's health and that she should go to visit her sister. She agreed and is on her way to visit Winterfell. She will also bring the heads of the last remaining male Greyjoys as her proof that she is a skilled assassin."
Margaery's eyes widened a bit at this news. "Arya? She is alive after all...but a faceless man. Are you certain she can be trusted?"
Hannibal kissed Margaery's temple tenderly. "I would rather have her as my assassin than have to guard against her."
Margaery nodded slowly in agreement. He was right...it was better to have a skilled assassin working for them. She rubbed over her large belly as she closed her eyes and fell asleep in Hannibal's strong arms.
…
Yara Greyjoy looked out past the bow of her warship to see the harbor before her. She gave the command to set anchor in three rows around the harbor. All ships were to anchor and prepare to sink any ship trying to leave the harbor and reave any trying to come into it. She felt confident that her fleet could keep the harbor locked down. She was prepared and eager for battle. All of her men were ready to do their part and claim their spoils.
Yara looked forward to claiming the Salt Throne.
…
Olenna was fussing at all of the servants to make certain everything was prepared. She would not have the future royal family staying in rooms that were not perfect. She had plenty of honey cakes being made in the kitchens as she continued bustling about to ensure everything was prepared.
Willas chuckled as he approached his grandmother giving orders as pillows were being fluffed in the room she had prepared for them. "You are doing this for both rooms you have prepared for them?" He teased.
Olenna rolled her eyes to look at him. "I want everything perfect for them no matter which room they are in. Now, get on with it, you did not come to me to discuss pillows."
Willas shook his head. "You still have an opportunity to join in the house bet of how many mattresses will be ruined this time."
She turned and gave him a sharp look. "There are far more important things to discuss than that. I doubt they will have time to do such things with this war going on and with how far along she is with their third child. If that is all you have to say then off with you. I have more important things to attend to."
Willas chuckled as he shrugged his shoulders and turned to leave. He paused to look over his shoulder. "Oh, their caravan has been spotted. They will be here within the hour."
"You should know better than to play such games with an old woman. I lack the patience and time to deal with such things! Go and fetch their gift, and tell your oaf of a father to be at the gates to greet them with me." Olenna said before bustling off towards the front gates to wait for them to arrive.
…
Bran woke with a start. He looked around and saw Meera watching him with concern. He looked at her, "Did you sleep?"
"Enough, we are almost there Bran. We need to get to the other side of The Wall before the sun goes down. I think they will find us if we stay another night here." She answered.
Bran felt guilty that she hadn't slept and he had. He sighed, "You need to rest Meera. I don't want to lose you too just to get through The Wall."
It was still painful that they had lost both Jojen and Hodor when they left the three-eyed raven. Those losses had been hard for both of them. It was now just the pair of them as they worked to get back to The Wall. They had to get through it today, he knew she was right.
Meera tried to stifle her yawn. "I will rest once we get through The Wall. Until then, we need to keep moving."
Bran gave a nod of his head. "Fine, but you have to promise me that you will rest when you need to."
Meera nodded as she picked up the straps to pull the sled that Bran was lying on. "I promise." She said before beginning to walk towards the towering Wall she saw in the distance. It looked massive from where they were. She hoped that it was close.