A/N: We see Ned from the last chapter in full swing of grief and fury but we all know inherently that's not his style, but here in this story the characters can be raw and gritty. Certain pieces of the rebellion are different in this story from canon because those pieces have a part to play for development down the line. I've introduced some passages in this chapter of dialogue in High Valyrian, translations into English are provided at the end of the chapter. Enjoy :)
Chapter Six: The Urge to Kill
Ned sat in his chambers at Riverrun in front of the fire, a glass of liquor in his hand. He felt deflated after Stoney Sept while his allies were on a high, the feasting and celebrations continued in the halls of Riverrun. Ned had quietly slipped away to be alone, the sick feeling in his gut had never dissipated since their victory. He knew deep down that nothing could fill the hole that was left behind by losing his family. It didn't stop him wanting to drown his sorrows though. Everything had changed so fast, even following the battle he had been swiftly wed to Lord Tully's eldest daughter. A woman who until recently was meant to marry his brother, Ned only agreed because Hoster Tully had been unwavering in his support and it was the best way to continue receiving his support. It didn't sit well with Ned though that he was now wed to his brothers intended, it seemed everything that was Brandon's was now Ned's. This is what led Ned to be sitting by the fire, he wasn't sure he wanted what was meant to be Brandon's. The fire crackled in front of him, warming his legs and combined with the liquor making Ned tired. Catelyn stirred in the bed behind him, Ned glanced over from the fire to make sure his new wife was still sleeping. Her bare back was exposed, the blanket draped across the lower half of her body and her auburn hair sprawled across the bed behind her. Ned smiled slightly, he really didn't have anything against this woman she had been willing to lay with him as soon as they wed and every night since. That wasn't the problem though, the problem was she didn't have dark hair and purple eyes, Neds heart truly wasn't in the marriage. But he did what was needed to be done, he had accepted that he needed to do what would secure a future for his House. Ned took a long sip of his drink as he looked over her sleeping form, on impulse he stood and quietly sat his drink on the mantelpiece. Slipping on his wolf cloak and fastening the wolfs head clasp at his chest, Ned silently slipped into the night. The air was fresh, which was a dramatic change from the sleepy warmth of his chambers. Instantly Ned felt refreshed and he walked the castle grounds for a short period of time before he diverted to the only place he might find solace.
It didn't take him long to find what he was looking for, the Godswood. Ned had made a conscious choice to leave behind the sounds of celebration and festivities to seek some time with the Old Gods. They had never led him the wrong way before, his faith had only deepened over the years. Entering the Riverrun Godswood felt instantly like the right choice to Ned, the quiet and the energy of the trees was welcoming. Ned reverently walked through the enormous red woods and elms which stood proudly overlooking bubbling streams. Ned took the time to take in everything he saw in the Godswood which was illuminated by the moonlight and reflected in the streams. Momentarily Ned felt overwhelmed being here, inside he had felt like he had gotten so far away from what he knew of himself. Being here in the Godswood was like a reset, there was only one thing left to do if he was in a Godswood. Pressing further on through groves of hanging flowers Ned parted vines hanging from low branches of a grove of elms and came across the Weirwood tree. It was smaller than Winterfell's, much smaller and thinner with a sad, mournful face etched across its trunk. Slowly and carefully Ned picked his way forward and knelt amongst the bone white roots that swirled around the ground underneath him. Gently he caressed the bone white root and smiled, dropping his head he closed his eyes and recited his silent prayers.
Ned knelt in silence for the longest time, his eyes closed, his mind deep in prayer and replaying everything he had seen, done and said recently. He poured everything he was feeling out to the tree, even the raw and uncomfortable things he was thinking that he didn't dare vocalise to anyone. After a long period of time Ned opened his eyes and looked all around him, he wasn't at Riverrun anymore. The Godswood was lit up all around him with twinkling blue lights floating through the air and through the branches of the trees. How was this possible? He thought to himself. Standing and bracing himself on the trunk of the massive Heart Tree Ned looked all around him. He was back in Winterfell standing by the Heart Tree and looking out into the garden. Ned walked around the side of the tree and his breath caught in his chest, she was sitting there waiting for him. Ned edged closer towards her, still looking all around him in awe. How was this happening and how was she here?
"Lyanna?" he asked softly, unsure she was real.
Immediately she turned to look at him and smiled, standing she ran to throw her arms around him. Ned couldn't believe it, he could see and touch her, he felt her hair brush against his face. He pushed out of their embrace so he could look at her face, searching her eyes for any signs of abuse, distress or discomfort.
"How are you here?" he said
"Ned-" she started, "I'm sorry, I'm sorry I pushed you away. It wasn't meant to be like this, I felt trapped-"
Ned shook his head, "Trapped? You left us and everything fell apart"
"I-I-" she stuttered, "I know"
Tears fell from her eyes and Ned felt his heart break. He hugged her close and cherished the feeling of having her there with him. Being apart from his sister he realised how much he needed her. Even despite everything that happened he couldn't be angry with her.
"Ned listen I don't have much time, the magic that brought us here we don't have much control over"
"Where are you? I'm coming to find you" he interrupted her.
Lyanna paused and hesitated, "You'll know soon enough"
Ned pursed his lips together and breathed out in frustration, "I know he didn't take you, tell me what's going on"
"Ned, You'll know everything when it's the right time" she said firmly and cryptically.
"Tell me!" he yelled, grief and frustration boiling over, "you don't understand the things I've done to avenge our family!"
"I know what you've done Ned, I can see some things in my dreams" she replied quietly.
Ned huffed in frustration and paced the clearing while Lyanna watched him with sad eyes.
"I really am sorry Ned"
"I know," he admitted after a moment of standing with his eyes closed struggling to grasp how this is happening, "I'm struggling here Lyanna, they want to make me King. But I don't want it, I just want to go home, I want my family back, I want us all to be safe again. I hate being in the South, this place isn't for me" he finished bitterly.
"We all have our parts to play Ned, just remember the pack survives. Even though we're apart now, one day we will be back together"
"I don't believe in happy endings Lyanna, nothing good has happened for the longest time" he returned with an edge of hopelessness and bitterness.
Lyanna grabbed Neds face and turned it to look at her in the eyes, "Ned you know what's within us, embrace the Wolf"
"Lyanna-" he started with resistance in his voice.
"Ned," she cut him off firmly, "stop being someone you're not. You're not Robert, you don't butcher people for fun, don't lose who you are in this war"
Ned hung his head, "And what about you? What are you being at the moment? Why won't you tell me anything about you? I won't rest until I find you and I know you're safe"
"You'll know when the time is-" she started with a sigh.
"Right? Stop brushing me off with cryptic comments and tell me...just tell me something"
Lyanna smiled and cupped her brothers face with one hand, "All is well dear Brother, better than you expect. Our pack is changing but it's still our pack. Don't be who you think they want you to be, stay true to you"
Ned nodded, she was right he was trying to be the person he thought everyone would want him to be. But that wasn't him, he'd let the grief of recent events change him. He felt some anger rise within him directed at himself for being such a fool.
"We all make mistakes Ned" she said in a forgiving tone.
He looked into her soulful eyes, "Did you make a mistake Lyanna?"
She smiled without breaking eye contact, "No Ned, I didn't"
"By the Old Gods if anything happens to you..." started Ned which made Lyanna laugh a little.
"The Old Gods and more are protecting me now, you need them more than I do. Stay safe in the wars to come dear brother"
She faded from the clearing quickly, the magic dissipating and had cut them off. The Godswood in Winterfell faded and Ned was left standing in front of the sad, slender Weirwood in Riverrun. He stood there stunned for several minutes using his hand to steady himself. Was that real? Or was he dreaming? Surely he hadn't drunk that much whiskey...all these questions raced through his mind.
Ned slowly sat amongst the roots gazing out into the unfamiliar Godswood and thought of what Lyanna had said to him, it was too late to stop the rebellion. Too much had happened especially after Stoney Sept. Yet for the first time in what felt like forever Ned didn't have that sick feeling in his gut. In fact he didn't feel worried or confused about what lay ahead, whatever magic had just been worked and hearing Lyanna's words had reset Neds focus. She was right it was time to be himself again, no matter what anyone said.
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A lone rider cut the desolate horizon, the dust kicking up all around him and in his wake. The horizon shimmered under the blistering Dornish sun but the rider grew bigger as Rhaegar watched. As he got closer his focus sharpened as he noticed a white cloak streaming behind him. Lyanna looked on with concern beside Rhaegar, but said nothing, she protectively cradled her swollen stomach.
Rhaegar rode out to meet the KingsGuard and receive his messages, which must be of the utmost urgency if he made the perilous journey through the Dornish ranges. Lyanna felt anxiety in the pit of her stomach, it had been so easy to forget that her people had rebelled against her husbands family. Rumours had turned into fact and now the country they had left behind was in complete upheaval. Despite being removed from the drama unfolding, Lyanna knew the part her actions had played and felt tremendous guilt. After what felt like the longest time, Rhaegar returned looked pale and worried.
"What is it?" asked Lyanna unable to contain her curiousity.
She heard Rhaegar exhale loudly and brace the bridge of his forehead as if just merely thinking was painful.
"Your brother executed thousands of soldiers and sent their heads to Kings Landing. My father has retaliated in kind and ordered the slaying of any man, woman and child from the North. It's a bloodbath up there!" he replied heatedly.
"I know, I see visions of what's unfolding. What can we do?" asked Lyanna, her voice sounding small but resolute.
Rhaegar turned and looked over her worried face, "Please Rhaegar we need to stop this war somehow, I know we are only two people but surely we can do something? I can go home and calm the people, you can calm your father..." she spoke desperately and pleadingly, he reached out and grasped her hand dragging her to him. Wrapping his arms around his wife he kissed the top of her head gently.
"You cannot leave here Lyanna you're close to birthing. I won't have you birth on the road where you're vulnerable to attack, my Fathers soldiers won't know you're my wife. Your life and the babes life will be in danger. I instructed the KingsGuard to seek assistance from the West, Tywin pledged loyalty to me last time we met. I'm hoping he will defend the capitol in time for me to put this rebellion to rest," he breathed out in exasperation, "I will have to meet Robert in battle"
Lyanna looked up at Rhaegar fearfully, "Rhaegar, please no. He is jealous, cunning and strong. He's never been beaten in hand to hand combat, he will kill you"
Rhaegar cupped Lyannas face in his hands and smiled slightly, he kissed the crease of worry in her face.
"This is the way it has to be"
Lyanna looked deflated, "Am I saying goodbye to you Rhaegar? Forever?"
"You tell me, you're as strong as I am and only getting stronger. You can't tell me you haven't seen the threads of time"
Slowly Lyanna sat, yes she had seen the threads of time but they weren't threads to her they were leaves on weirwood branches. Some of those leaves fall as decisions are made and that future becomes redundant, others grow and take on life as one steps forth on that path.
"I've-," she started speaking with eyes closed and wrinkling her face to stop the tears, "I saw you lying dead in a river, rubies all around you, battle raging on while your life slips away. They trampled you into the river bed and you were never found"
Rhaegar swallowed thickly letting his wife's words wash over him, "And the alternative?"
Lyanna shook her head, "All I saw was darkness, felt cold all around me and smelt earth like you were buried. It seemed as if you were still," she paused not wanting to say the words, "Rhaegar I'm sure you were dead either way you went. This path leads to death either way"
She looked at him sadly, in her heart she knew what choice he would make and she was afraid what she would lose.
"You know I have to do this, this will end the war. People will stop dying and your family will be safe"
"I don't know if I believe that Rhaegar" replied Lyanna, "if you're gone we will never be safe"
He wrapped his arms around her and held her close, he committed everything to memory, the scent of her hair, the warmth of her skin, her body pressed up against him.
"We can't hide here forever," he said gently looking down into her worried face, "whatever happens when the babe is born you must leave here. Your safety is only assured with those loyal to me, when the babe arrives leave for Starfall. Your passage will be organised from there, Ashara will put you on a boat to reunite with Rhaenys and Aegon"
Lyannas head swirled, she knew reality had to hit home soon but everything was becoming overwhelming to her. She stood and slowly ambled around the room, her growing stomach making movement difficult.
"Where are we going Rhaegar? I want to know"
"Somewhere no one will look for you"
"That's not enough for me, I want to know where"
"You'll know when you get there, you'll be safe"
Lyanna huffed and turned away from Rhaegar, they had never really disagreed but it was inevitable they would clash. They were both strong and wilful.
"Why do you have to rush straight into a battle? Why can't you go to Kings Landing, receive Tywin and offer peace to the rebels? Have you ever thought of ending the war without blood?" she asked heatedly, fire crackling from her fingertips. She had to be careful now as the pressure of the babe on her body tired her easily and working magic now had become dangerous for Lyanna. The last time she worked magic she had collapsed and slept for three days after which had worried Rhaegar sick and forced him to halt their practices.
Rhaegar came up behind Lyanna, "War is bloody even when we make peace. If I don't meet Robert head on you know him as well as I do, he will always be a problem. I have to deal with the problem and that is Robert, whether I sit on that throne or not I need to face the problem head on. You think he'll play the nice Lord when you're seated beside me on the Throne as my Queen? Think about what that future will be like past the end of the war. The Stormlands will be in conflict with us from there on, a constant enemy and thorn in our side. That man doesn't know how to make peace"
Lyanna hung her head, Rhaegar was right. Robert had to be beaten in battle for the war to truly end.
"You're right," conceded Lyanna, "I just wanted to find another way"
Rhaegar smiled at her effort as he embraced her from behind as they looked out of the Tower together as the wind blew sand from the Sandhills outside.
Lyanna leaned back into her husbands embrace and closed her eyes, feeling his strong arms embrace her and his hands lid across her pregnant stomach. Inside, their babe swirled and kicked as if responding to Rhaegar's touch and the magic pouring from his hands. Sometimes the babe was so active in her stomach she was sure she had a kraken inside of her instead of a human child. So many movements and kicks, she rejoiced at every sensation the pregnancy gave her.
After a time of being silent Lyanna turned and looked up at her husband, "If you're going to battle I only have two things as your wife I want from you"
"Anything for you," he said tracing a finger along her jaw, "what are these things?"
"Come back to me once you kill Robert and lay with me one more time before you go"
Late that evening when the moon was high in the sky and the heat of the day had been devoured by the icy cold of night, several riders galloped across the sandy terrain towards Westeros. Several remained behind standing guard at intervals around the tower and the door leading to the person they guarded with strict instructions. Let none pass, let none harm the future of House Targaryen. Protect Lyanna and the babe above all else.
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Rhaegar arrived at the Trident and surveyed the battle as it unfolded in front of him. It had started before his arrival and the loyalist commanders had done a good job of seeming to contain the rebels so far. A slight breeze blew which directed the distinctive smell of battle directly toward them. Rhaegar could smell blood, piss and shit which was characteristic of a battle. He was intrigued that Robert Baratheon and Ned Stark weren't in the midst of the battle. His keen senses felt their presence but their location was difficult to pin point. The clash of steel and screams of dying soldiers punctuated the air, the commanders sent out messengers in a ceaseless flow of directions.
"What news do we have on Robert Baratheon and Ned Stark?" questioned Rhaegar to one of his commanders between messages being sent out.
"Ned Stark has been proclaimed King" replied the commander shortly not taking his eyes off the battle.
Rhaegar scoffed a little, "King? Of what?"
"Westeros, your Highness"
Rhaegar laughed, "Well they have to kill me first"
It was hard to tell in the chaos who was winning or losing, but Rhaegar's presence on the field boosted the morale of the fighters and bodies of rebels were dropping fast. The dead were trampled into the ground as if they never existed, horses were screaming in agony as they were injured and killed. Joining the dead in the ground to be trampled over for the next kill.
Rhaegar grew impatient, where was Robert?
As if answering his thoughts suddenly a cry sounded from behind the commanders and a group of rebels on horseback charged Rhaegar's group. In an instant Rhaegar wheeled his horse around and swung his sword around his head high in the air. Several balls of fire whizzed from the blade and knocked several attackers from their rides, they were trampled and killed instantly by the horses of their comrades riding behind them.
Robert was in the rear of the attackers, flanked by Ned and Howland Reed. Rhaegar didn't care who was by his side, he was not falling today. Taking a note from watching Lyanna, Rhaegar swung his sword like a whip and a stream of fire hissed from his blade. Swinging his arm downward the fire sliced straight the the torsos of the attackers closest to Rhaegar. Cutting them clean in half, their bodies split sideways and fell to the ground. Robert and Ned looked stunned, but advanced anyway.
Rhaegar smiled grimly and prepared another attack, but with no commanders focused on protecting him an archer managed to strike an arrow into the space near his armpit. He felt the blade sink into his side, his armour blocked the worst of it but he was wounded nonetheless. Rhaegar sought out the archer and attacked him with fire, he fell from his vantage point, a ball of flames. Not wasting a moment Robert and Ned rushed Rhaegar while he was focused on the archer. Rhaegar turned back just in time to block the swing of the War Hammer. The force of his block reverberating throughout his whole body, the sounds of the battle died away. Rhaegar knew Ned had flanked him and he was surrounded, he waited for a blade to sink into him from behind. But it never came.
"Where's Lyanna?" screamed Ned.
Rhaegar pushed forward mustering his magic to increase his strength and pushed the enormous form and strength of Robert backward. Robert recovered and growled like an animal, raising his hammer and driving his horse to clash with Rhaegar's horse.
Rhaegar's horse stumbled down the rise of the land into the battle, Robert pursued and with a decisive strike smashed his hammer into Rhaegar's horses skull. The horse crumpled under Rhaegar and he just pulled his feet from the stirrups in time to leap from the horses back. Landing in the battle was the last place Rhaegar wanted to be but he knew how to fight, so he attacked rebels all around him. Dropping rebel soldiers was easier than righting Robert, Rhaegar sent balls of flames into the fight which spread and ignited a group of rebels all around him. The men dropped to the ground screaming and were subsequently trampled by the fighting around them. They did not rise.
Rhaegar heard a scream of fury and looked up to see Ned Stark advanced with his sword at the ready, Rhaegar grimaced. He really did not want to kill his wife's brother, so Rhaegar threw up a powerful wind which blinded Ned with dust and sent his horse scared in the opposite direction. It would only work for a short time, as he was focused on Ned he missed Robert flanking him from the side. The strike from the Hammer was powerful and painful, he had moved at the last minute so instead of his head the hammer had struck his dominant shoulder. Immediately he dropped his sword, but he opened his opposite hand and it flew to meet his open hand. Rhaegar directed a wall of flame at Robert but his horse turned away from it before impact. Seeing a spear near his feet Rhaegar picked it up and hurled it at Robert's horse as he wheeled it around for a charge attack. The spear whizzed through the air with speed so fast it was a blur, it struck the horse through one of its eye sockets and the horse shrieked and fell instantly. Taking Robert with it, Rhaegar smiled in satisfaction as Robert seemed to be engulfed by fighters as he fell underneath his horse.
Rhaegar assisted his soldiers who seemed to be gaining the upper hand, but one can never be too sure in the heat of battle. Pulling his sword from the body of an enemy Rhaegar was shoved and struck from the side, it was Ned. Rhaegar shook his head and defended himself, the Northern leader looked furious. But Rhaegar matched his moves and had a better speed, plus fighting with Neds sister gave Rhaegar an unknown advantage. Ned slashed at Rhaegar but he missed and was caught off balance. Rhaegar shoved Ned into a crowd of loyalist soldiers and watched him fall beneath their feet, inside he felt some guilt as he did this but this was a life or death situation. They were ready to kill him, he had to do the same.
A shout of anger rang in the air beside him and Robert ran at full speed and pushed Rhaegar hard, he flew through the air and crashed into the water of the Trident. Robert waded into the water his eyes wild with anger and battle adrenaline. Rhaegar stood and braced for attack, the ache of the wound under his arm and shoulder getting more painful the longer he fought. Robert snarled as he approached and lifted his arm to swing the Hammer, Rhaegar smiled and raised a wave of water to knock Robert from his feet. Rhaegar panted, the toll of his injuries starting to slow his movements. Robert waded through the water also panting but determined to get to Rhaegar. Rhaegar looked strange to Robert as he approached, flames danced in his eyes and he had a small smile on his face. He looked the most rugged and handsome he had ever looked, covered with mud and blood. This enraged Robert further, jealousy and hatred for his cousin boiled over and he charged Rhaegar ready to strike. The Hammer hit his sword and water surged around Robert as he struggled to fight against the current that sprung up around them. Robert noted Rhaegar didn't seem fazed by the water, where were the fucking archers? Rhaegar was exposed here, a stray arrow could win the battle for the rebels if Rhaegar was taken out.
Rhaegar felt Robert's thoughts and smiled, Robert looked astonished as fire leapt from within Rhaegar and swirled around the battle. The flames burned the archers from their vantage points, Robert saw this and didn't let it stop his ceaseless desire to extinguish this cunt.
He reached Rhaegar and struck straight for his head, but Rhaegar deflected but with some difficulty, the Hammer had wounded his shoulder. As he raised his arm Robert also saw a wound under his arm and smiled, a weakness means a way to win. As the men's weapons clashed and water splashed all around them Robert waited and timed his surprise attack carefully. He told himself not to even think about it, and as Rhaegar blocked the Hammer again Robert dropped the hammer and stabbed a dagger with great force into Rhaegar's wounded side. Rhaegar shouted with the force of the hit and grimaced his teeth together hard as the blade brushed against his lung. It almost got punctured but luckily nothing vital was struck, Rhaegar's first reaction was to send fire. He heard Robert shout but the dagger remained in his side, then it was out of Rhaegar's wound but as he opened his eyes the Hammer was being swung over Robert's head and came crashing down into Rhaegar's chest.
Lyannas words rang in his ears as everything moved in slow motion, the crunch of the hammer breaking his breast bone and the rubies flying out of his armour through the air. Robert's bellowing laugh of victory, which Rhaegar cut short by rising a wind and with it fallen weapons to send Robert flying onto the bank of the Trident. Robert's body was peppered with flying weapons as he fell into the muddy terrain. The force of the Hammer sent Rhaegar flying backwards into the water, the last thing he saw before everything went black was the rubies glittering and coloured like blood flying all around him. The sound of water in his ears was accompanied by the darkness engulfing him and dragging him to the bottom of the Trident.
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Aerys cackles with incessant madness as he consults with the remaining advisors and pyromancers in the throne room. Tywin Lannister was at the gate of the city, ready to come in and give aid to the crown.
Aerys cackled and rubbed his hands together, looking the maddest he's ever been, muttering and mumbling as his greedy mad eyes looked over them all.
"Open the gates," he commanded, "and when they're inside ignite the wildfire"
The pyromancer looked pleased, the advisors and Jamie standing behind Aerys looked horrified.
"Burn them all? They're our allies we can't burn our allies!" the advisors immediately opposed what Aerys was commanding.
"I'm the King and I order them all to burn" he spat with violent malice.
"You'll kill millions of your people and destroy the capitol. What will Rhaegar do after you destroy the government? He has to rule after you detonate yourself and the city" the advisors argued their point but were ignored.
"Leave me! Youre relieved of your service to the Crown" yelled Aerys as he cackled and rubbed his hands together.
The advisors looked shocked and promptly left, once the throne room doors were shut their footsteps can be heard turning into a run as they raced to escape.
Jamie stood alone in the room except for the pyromancers, they ringed the King as he muttered orders to them.
"Once Tywin Lannister reaches Baelors Sept, ignite the wildfire, that will take care of Tywin and the entire barbarian army!" commanded Aerys, laughing as he spoke sounded very mad and deranged.
"We will have time to escape my King" cackled the pyromancer, "if we leave now"
Jamie's mind began to sharpen, escape? Why was the pyromancer talking about escape?
"Our forces will reach the shores of the barbarians and take the war torn regions with ease, with Kings Landing gone we raise a new capitol" continued the pyromancer who Jamie realised had glowing red eyes. He stepped forward to hear their low conversation clearer when through the doors to the throne room burst a group of KingsGuard led by Barristan Selmy. Swords were drawn and blades already covered in blood, who's blood? Jamie froze, unsure of what was happening he moved closer to protect the King. Aerys flinched as Jamie stepped closer to him and smiled evilly as he saw who it was.
Barristan stepped into the room flanked by his men, everyone in the room froze except Barristan who stepped closer. He began to speak a foreign tongue, "Nyke se egros hen ōños se sȳz. Ao jāhor daor spread aōha evil kesīr, ao jāhor daor ossēnagon issa people. Bisa iksos se lenton hen zaldrīzoti, se ānogar hen valyrio jāhor daor ropagon tubī!" *1
One of the pyromancers hissed in reply and Barristan lurched forward, "Issa egros iksos nykeā instrument hen justice, aōha magic iksos daor match syt valyrīha korzion se se magic contained iemnȳ!"*2
Before they had a chance to react Barristan cut the pyromancer from throat to pubic bone, blood gushed over the floor followed by organs as the pyromancer fell to his knees. As soon as the body hit the floor the glamour dropped and the whole room saw the red robes of the Red Priests. Aerys screeched like a demon and scratched his nails down his face, on and on he screeched as the KingsGuard chased down the remaining pyromancers and brutally executed them. There were six in total and when their bodies fell, the glamour also fell revealing six red priestesses. Barristan strode forward and picked the woman who was their first kill up by the hair, her beautiful face was unmistakeable.
"Valraya" he muttered, he should've known, her sudden disappearance had gotten many rumour spread around the kingdom. Many whispered Aerys had killed her in a fit of madness and their babe too, as she was suddenly not present at court with her protruding stomach displaying her pregnancy for all of court to see. Barristans hand brushed down her neck and found the Ruby necklace that had been damaged during his attack. Grimly Barristan held it up and chanted some high Valyrian words before he threw it onto the ground and slammed a black glass dagger deep into the depths of the Ruby. A wall of fire exploded outward and quickly dissipated, the Ruby lay shattered across the floor and Aerys eyes widened in shock.
Aerys sprung forward to attack Barristan with a deafening screech, Jamie without a thought plunged his sword deep into Aerys back to which the King still painfully. Black thick blood spewed from the wound in his body, and pooled around him. An enormous black puddle, he fell to his knees covered in the black blood. Aerys mouth opened wide and a screeching black wind exploded from Aerys mouth, it looked like millions of swirling shadows spewing from inside Aerys and swirling around the room. The soldiers all stood shocked and watched as this unfolded in front of them. Suddenly Barristan fell to his knees and shielded his face, he signalled the others to all do the same.
"Men! Get down shield yourselves! Do not open your mouth!" Screamed Barristan.
The shadow demon whirled around the room, swirling around the soldiers screeching and smashing the windows as it flew. When it found no one to control it screeched so loudly the entire room shook violently. It was deafening and rubble from the ceiling shaking violently crashed to the ground through the throne room. The Shadow Demon finally smashed through the enormous window above the iron throne destroying the Targaryen sigil and disappeared into the night. Glass shards fell all around them and Jamie still had his sword in Aerys, he slowly turned the body of the King over.
Jamie was shocked, Aerys was not dead, he stared up at Jamie with a strange look in his eyes. It became clear to Jamie he was indeed dying but for the first time in decades he actually looked at Jamie instead of straight through him.
Not knowing what to say Jamie grabbed Aerys behind the head and cradled him as he lay dying, he was trying to speak. Jamie leaned forward and managed to catch one word before Aerys life drained from his body.
Jamie was stunned to hear that word and sat staring at Aerys for several minutes, he had never expected that to be Aerys last words.
"Did he say anything to you?" commanded Barristan as he stood over Jamie cradling Aerys body.
Feeling numb Jamie just nodded while still staring at the dead King.
"What did he say?" asked another KingsGuard
Without breaking his gaze from Aerys body Jamie simply said, "He said...thank you"
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Elia paced the room, the city had been breached and the allies had streamed into the city. Instead of marching to the castle to protect the King the looting and sacking of Kings Landing begun.
Elia knew Tywin wouldn't uphold any promises to Rhaegar while Aerys was still living, she thought Rhaegar a fool for trusting him. Across the room the maid tried to settle the children Elia was passing off as her own. Elia glanced across to the babes, innocent and trusting. They didn't know how perilous it was for them to be in the castle right now. Elia felt a pang of guilt, who did she think she was to sentence them to die? She kept pacing, heart racing and anxiety rising in her chest. It wouldn't be long before the castle erupted in fighting, there might still be time.
Elia clicked her fingers and the maids eyes shot up, Elia frantically signalled for the maid to come. She obeyed without question and listened to Elias hushed and urgent commands. Elia pushed a note into her hand and ordered her to take refuge in one of the places she thought they would all be safe.
"Take them, now. Hurry because your chance of survival diminishes with every second you waste"
The maid, wide eyed and frightened scooped up the children and scurried from the room, Elia yelled after her.
"Ensure that note is delivered"
The maid did not reply, she disappeared down the corridor both babes tightly held in each arm. Elia watched her leave down the hall with her head sticking out from the doors to her suites. She exhaled deeply, that was one weight off her mind. It had been her intention to let the babes perish to take her children's place, but she couldn't let them die. Her motherly instincts had grown to care for them as well in the short time she had spent with them. The hall was empty now, KingsGuards stood on either side of the door. Elia looked to the men protecting her, "They're coming, be ready"
Silently the men nodded and gripped their grasp on their weapons as the sounds of fighting could be heard in the distance.
"I'll be ready as well" she said as she brushed her hand across the daggers at her hip.
"My Lady," said one guard quietly, "there is time, escape"
Elia shook her head as she slowly closed the door, "No the window for my escape has closed"
Elia retreated to the room she had shared with Rhaegar and birthed and raised their children. The memories of happy years washed over her, she felt many emotions as she reminisced. All the while the sounds of fighting grew louder and louder, her anxiety and heart rate elevated exponentially as she wondered had she been a fool to remain. The decoy children were gone, why was she still here? Shaking her head to try and shake off the thoughts she began to recite the Valyrian prayers she had seen in Rhaegar's book. The ones that had risen her power and ignited something within her.
"Uēpa ones, hen perzys se spirit sīmonagon iemnȳ issa. Uēpa ones surround issa rūsīr aōha protection, mazverdagon se power iemnȳ issa. Perzys se power issi aōhon naejot udrāzma sīr sīmonagon zirȳ hen deep iemnȳ se ivestragī issa udrāzma these forces isse aōha brōzāt" *3
She repeated the prayers as the fight arrived at her door, and as she heard the bodies of her guards drop to the floor the doors to her suites blew open. The force of so many attackers splintered the doors from their hinges. Elia continued to chant the prayer with her eyes closed, and as she chanted she heard flames explode from the torches around the room, a fire materialised in the fireplace. Her attackers froze at the sight they were confronted with, the flames cast eerie shadows across the room and Elia was chanting in a strange tongue in the middle of the room Fury burned within Elia and her eyes flew open, they glowed a bright orange with the fire magic that had built up within her.
"Where are the children Elia?" grinned one attacker, "I'd very much like to meet them"
Elia screamed in fury and ran at her nearest attacker, she didn't know how to fight but she had seen enough to know she just needed to aim right. Jumping high into the air she drew her dagger as she soared over her first attacker, he slowed his pace and looked up in shock at her fiery fury. Screaming an unearthly scream she slammed the dagger down into his skull which exploded on impact. He fell to the floor blood pooled all around him, his head unrecognisable. The remaining attackers showed some hesitation but her size they underestimated and she was attacked regardless of her ability to kill one man.
Laughing as they advanced on her three rebels stepped forward, daggers drawn, their faces dirty and bloody. Elia smelled their putrid scent of body odour and mud as they got closer, she watched them approach making herself seem vulnerable. They were mere moments from ending her life when she screamed again in fury and lashed out, aim for the throats she heard in her mind. Elia felt an energy rise within her like a furious dragon and she flicked her dagger at the nearest attacker. His advance was cut short by a dagger penetrating his throat, Elia pulled it from his neck and got covered in a spray of blood. She kicked him to the ground blood still gurgling from his throat as she slashed at the next soldier who grabbed her and tried to force her to the ground. She opened his throat up and almost lost her footing, somehow she managed to throw him over herself and across the room. He crashed against the wall, lifeless, blood spilling out from the gash in his throat. Elia laughed as the last one advanced, with one swift movement flicked her dagger across his throat and kicked him into the remaining rebels.
One from the group ran towards her as she heaved from the exertion of fighting and working magic, as he got closer she simply twirled away from his advance, tripping him as she spun. He grimaced as he rose to his feet but she was right there ready to slam her dagger straight through his eye. In the same motion she used his bent knee to launch herself up into the air to somersault over the group of rebels. She threw balls of fire into the group and countless soldiers fell screaming in pain as they began to burn alive. The magical flames couldn't be put out by falling to the ground and there was no water in the room. A group of flaming soldiers ran from the room screaming before they collapsed in the hall. Their skin burning and bubbling from the heat of the magical flames, they fell through the hallway which was permeated with the horrific smell of burning flesh.
Elia landed and immediately launched an attack against the men who sought to rush her, caught off guard by her speed she reached around the first attacker and opened his throat. His warm blood spilling over her hands, she screamed in fury as he fell at her feet. The remaining soldiers turned and raised their weapons to strike her, she slashed at one but he deflected her stroke sending her dagger into the flesh of her thigh. She howled in agony as she reefed the blade from her leg. But in that split second they barged her to the floor and began stabbing their blades into her body. Her arms were free still able to attack so she slashed down one of their faces through an eye socket and stabbed the other through the neck. But it didn't matter, she still had a dozen or more sinking their blades into her body, she felt the steel penetrate her and hit the floor underneath her. The energy within her wouldnt let her quit, with a primal scream she threw her head back and roared in pain, agony and fury which sent powerful flame magic pouring out of her body. The attackers closest to her screamed in agony as they were reduced to piles of dust, the second wave of attackers screamed in shock as their faces and bodies were melted with the heat of her anger. Despite being wounded she grasped her dagger and got to her feet, blood was gushing from her wounds and also somewhere on her face she was wounded, she could taste the blood that poured from her wound. Staggering forward there was a new wave of attackers, getting exhausted from her injuries instead of fighting physically this time she conjured flames in her hands and flung them around the room. Knocking her attackers down one by one, a group of them tried to rush her but she raised a wall of fire and they burned alive on the floor, screaming and kicking trying to stop the flames. But they too could not stop the magical flames, several more fleed the room to escape her scared of the unexpected flame magic she wielded. Terrified they trampled over the burned bodies of their comrades who had died from their burns in the hallways.
Elia looked around the room her breath heaving her chest, she was alone, except for the countless bodies of those who attacked her. Some were slashed and had gashes across their throats and others were burned horrifically. She let out a ragged sob when she saw the extent of her injuries, dozens if not more stab wounds were through her body gushed blood. Slowly she limped from the room, her face was covered with blood and one eye was so swollen it was shut. Various wounds from her body streamed blood, but her mind was still clear and sharp. Dagger in hand she limped down the halls past the bodies of guards and rebel soldiers, making her way to the secret passage. If only she could get there in time she would make it to the bay and could escape. There was still time, she knew Varys told the captain to remain there until the rebels had raised their flags in the Keep. He was only to leave when hope was lost for her, Elia prayed hope was not lost. On and on she dragged her bloodied and pained body, she started to slow even more. She swore to herself, how? How the fuck was she slowing? She remembered during the frantic fight she had been cut with her own blade, she looked at the wound where the blade had plunged into her leg and swore. Fuck, fuck, fuck. Her time was running out, the blades were coated with poison and swiftly would be coursing through her body. In a short space of time her body would start shutting down, she didn't care though she wanted to feel the fresh breeze on her face. She just wanted to see the ship she was to escape on, she would die happy knowing she'd tried and succeeded. At least her body could be returned to her family, but every step was painful, and slow. She limped through the halls like a bloodied zombie, leaving a trail of blood behind her. The door to the secret passage was just ahead of her when her vision started to blur, no no no! I can't fail now, I've come so far! She screamed to herself in her mind. Desperately she pushed forward as she lost all sight, everything just suddenly went black. It wouldn't be long now and the poison would paralyse her, she crawled forward feeling the gust of wind from under the crack of the secret passage. It was only slight but she knew what it was, she just wanted to die free. Free from Aerys, free from the cage she'd been confined to for too long.
In her heart she knew Rhaegar was right and she heard his words begging and pleading with her the last time they saw each other. She did regret not escaping earlier but she also knew that she was right. The Usurpers would never stop looking for them, as she crawled along the floor desperately trying to reach the passage she knew this was still the better way.
In the distance loud, heavy footsteps rang through the halls and bounced around Elias mind, her sense of hearing had heightened now she couldn't see. Someone was approaching her from behind, their heavy footsteps getting closer but she still tried to clamber towards the passage. Just as she was about to make it her fingers grasped the underside of the passage door, she felt a huge strong hand grip her slender ankle. A loud laugh boomed all around her as she felt her body being pulled in the opposite direction. Internally she screamed and tried to struggle, but her body was paralysed now. She was at the mercy of whoever had found her.
The Mountain was pleased with his find, that was at the end of the trail of blood that he'd followed through the castle. Elias room was empty except for the dead soldiers, someone had fought bravely in that room. He was interested to know who it was, he never expected it to be Elia Martell. A woman so small and considered frail, he wanted to see just how strong she was now. Thundering back to her chambers he dragged her body which had gone limp. She must've died the moment he grasped her, he dragged her into her suite and shut the door. He dropped her leg to the floor and it hit the floor with a thud, she was dead. He smiled maliciously, he could still have fun. He just wouldn't get to hear the screams he so enjoyed, it didn't matter now. Looking around the room there were burn marks like a fire had burned all around, shrugging it off the Mountain raped Elia brutally as she lay helpless. He struck her as he penetrated her, his punch hard enough to shatter the teeth in her mouth and crush her eye socket.
He didn't know though that Elia wasn't dead, just paralysed and severely wounded. The poison would kill her but it worked slowly and painfully. She was unable to show she was in pain but it felt like her body had ignited with fire. The Mountains heavy form pushed on her as he raped her over and over his strikes on her face shattering bones and teeth, afterward she felt the frantic stabbing of his blades entering her torso and body. The cold blades penetrating her skin adding to the pain that she couldn't scream out for or pull away from. Her death would come so slowly and painfully she was begging inside for it to end.
Satisfied, the Mountain stood and spat on Elias body, laughing evilly he had followed the orders he was given. Make it brutal, make it bloody, send the message this is the payback for what you did to me. Wiping the blood from his hands the Mountain swung his sword high above his head watching the helpless and vulnerable form of Elia sprawled on the ground. Broken and bloody. In one swift motion, he brought the sword straight through the midline of her body, cutting her in half. At the point of impact a powerful wave of flame burst out from her body knocking the Mountain across the room and severely burning a large proportion of his face and body. From the point of impact and the shock of the burns, the Mountain lay unconscious across the room sprawled out with his sword in his hand, Elias blood dripping onto the floor from his blade. Her blood dripped slowly, one drop, one drop, two drops, one drop and formed a small pool under the sword. Each drop singed the floor, smoke rising from the point of impact and sizzling loudly echoing around the room. All was quiet, except for the sizzling sound of Elias blood hitting the floor.
BTWBTWBTWBTWBTWBTWBTWBTWBTWBTW
1 Translation from High Valyrian: I am the sword of light and good. You will not spread your evil here, you will not slay my people. This is the home of the Dragons, the blood of Valyria will not fall today!
2 Translation from High Valyrian: My sword is an instrument of justice, your magic is no match for Valyrian steel and the magic contained within!
3 Transaltion from High Valyrian: Ancient ones, of fire and spirit rise within me. Ancient ones surround me with your protection, grow the power within me. Fire and power are yours to command so rise them from deep within and let me command these forces in your names