DISCLAIMER: Chapter one.
Chapter rating: M
Chapter Fourteen: Marching for Treason
(Vaes Dothrak)
Daenerys laughed as she walked through the market in Vaes Dothrak with Irri and Ser Jorah, Doreah was trailing behind carrying some flowers and herbs.
"Khaleesi! Khaleesi!" A boy ran up as Rakharo laughed while hoisting the boy up as the child giggled before he offered the parchment as Rakharo set him down before Ser Jorah tossed an apple making the boy smile. Daenerys paused as she read the letter, another in her hand.
"Khaleesi?" Doreah asked, leaning over before gasping. She could read Westerosi as she learned but seeing this made her want confirmation.
"What is it?" Ser Jorah asked, worried.
"This parchment is from Robert Baratheon," Daenerys answered as Ser Jorah looked surprised. "He apologizes, and...and is dead," the young girl looked to her guard who watched her with shock.
"Congratulations, Khaleesi. Your tormentor is finally gone," Ser Jorah smiled as she started to grin to herself at Robert's end. She quickly read her sister's as they continued, bypassing the wine seller at Irri's insistence.
XIV
(Winterfell)
Rhaenyra quickly walked into their chambers as Robb turned to her. He smiled at seeing her engrossed in her letter, but as Rhaenyra knew their chambers well she could walk around without trouble. Quietly, he snuck around as she continued to her looking glass as she laid some other papers down. Robb playfully wrapped his arms around her waist as she laughed lightly, Rhaenyra smiled as she set the papers down.
"Who are those from?" Robb asked as he snagged a piece of parchment.
"From Doran, Tyene, and Dany," she answered as she moved away from the desk to undress. He watched her after fingering through the papers as she pulled free her hair. She undid her strings before Robb came to help her, softly pulled her dress free of her body before kissing her neck as Rhaenyra leaned back against him. His hands cupped her breasts as a moan left her throat before Robb turned her kissing the woman harshly as she helped untie his breeches when Robb yanked her slip off. Quickly, he picked her up before pushing her into the fur bedding, her fingers tangling in his thick curls. The room was quickly filled with passionate noises as they continued into the night.
XIV
Rhaenyra laughed as she chased Rickon and Shaggydog through the yard with a few maids and guards as the maester watched solemnly as he clutched a letter before Robb called out to him.
"Maester Luwin?" The young lord was seen helping his brother walk a bit more for the day. "Is something wrong?" he asked as the maester paused.
"It's a letter, from King's Landing," his tone worried Robb as he took the parchment from the maester as Theon helped Bran walk to Rickon who held his hand as they continued with the maids and guards before the Greyjoy pulled Rhaenyra closer. The message was important, Theon could tell by the maester's look. "We should go inside, this is a sensitive topic, My Lord," Maester Luwin suggested as he nodded. The four walked in as Baela and Valaena were helping Lynara set up food for the Starks.
"Girls, stop that. Come, listen," the maester claimed to their confusion as Baela sat next to Rhaenyra while Theon snagged some food as Robb read the message. His face fell into one of horror before Rhaenyra quickly took the paper as Robb looked to Maester Luwin.
"Treason? Sansa wrote this?" he asked as the elder frowned.
"Your sister's hand, but the queen's words," he reminded him. "Your sisters have always written in High Valyrian when in King's Landing sending letters," Maester Luwin explained while Rhaenyra agreed.
"Joffrey is demanding you bend the knee?" Valaena questioned furiously, refusing to use the royal titles for the bastard who imprisoned her good-natured lord. The man who sheltered her and gave Baela a position with her and the child she once imagined sitting on the Iron Throne.
"He imprisons my father, now he wants his arse kissed?" Robb snarled as Rhaenyra quickly took his hand to try to help keep him calm.
"This is a royal command, My Lord. If you refuse..."
"Oh, I won't refuse. I'll go to King's Landing, but not alone," he spoke looking to Rhaenyra who furrowed her brows in confusion. "Call the banners," Robb ordered as everyone tensed. Some were worried, others were eager for battle.
"All of them, My Lord?" Maester Luwin asked, needing to be sure.
"They have all sworn to defend my father, have they not?" Robb asked as the maester nodded.
"They have, My Lord," he confirmed as his lord nodded.
"Now we see what their words are worth," Robb decided as the dragons flew into the great hall, shrieking and squealing.
"Are you afraid?" Theon asked as the maester left.
"I must be," Robb said as he stared at his shaking hand. Rhaella nudged him in confusion as she purred softly.
"Good," Theon nodded.
"Why is that good?" Rhaenyra asked confused.
"Because it means he's not stupid," Valaena said as they looked to her before ravens started flying from the castle. Her look was one of anger and a plot was already forming in the Velaryon woman's mind.
XIV
(Vaes Dothrak)
Daenerys frowned as she read the letter, her happiness was completely gone at Robert's death. But now as she read what her brother-in-law was doing as her sister's recent letter said he called his banners and plans to go to war.
"Khaleesi?" Irri asked in worry.
"My sister's husband has called his men for battle, his father was falsely accused of treason," Daenerys said as Irri, Doreah, and Jhiqui gasped, Ser Jorah frowned.
"I am sure his men can talk..."
"If his father is innocent and at the Lannisters mercy then he is as good as dead," Dany said, knowing how much her sister and the Stark children loved Ned. Despite his part in her family's downfall, she knew why he was a part of it. His sister, Lyanna. Ned Stark was a good man, one who should not have been arrested.
"I will go retrieve the Khal," Irri spoke as she stood to go and find her Khal who was talking with his ko who greeted the handmaiden eagerly. Brushing them off by saying their Khaleesi needed their Khal, all four backed off instantly as Drogo quickly stood to follow as the smaller girl swiftly led her Khal while his ko followed. They quickly situated themselves outside with a few of Dany's kos. Rakharo told them what he overheard and soon they were discussing what their Khal could do from across the poison water. Drogo listened as both Dany and Jorah explained, his wife's brother-in-law was in a situation where his father would be the boy's guiding hand. But Robb is going to war for his father's innocence, and quite possibly his life, from what he's heard about the Lannisters. So, Drogo made a decision he will give Robb the guidance he needs, for the help they've been in keeping Daenerys known about Robert's decisions. He and the Khalessar cheered at hearing that Robert was dead, he had caused the Targaryen family's downfall. But now his son, who by the west's laws, should be removed. The title would be given to Robert's younger brother who saved Rhaenyra's life.
"Moon of my life. I will need you to write a letter for me," Drogo spoke as his wife nodded. Quickly, as her large belly abled her to she pulled free a parchment and quill.
XIV
(Winterfell)
Rhaenyra felt crazed as she ran around with Maester Luwin and her maids. They've been waiting for responses as the Starks prepared for families of the North to come into their home. Rhaenyra's dragons have now grown to reach the top of Gael's head if they stretched their heads up a bit. She was going to have Baela stay with the dragons in their chambers until the meeting, now trying to keep talk of the dragons down and keep them from sight. Theon had suggested that he and Baela could stay in the woods with them. Rhaenyra might take them up on that if they needed them to.
"My Lady!" A voice called as Raynor spotted a guard covered in wood shavings.
"Aye?" she asked, curiously.
"I finished the bow for your sister's husband," he beamed as Rhaenyra smiled.
"I will finish this, go on," Maester Luwin urged as she and Raynor followed the guard who had also called her husband as well.
"I hope it is to your liking, My Lady, My Lord." He quickly showed the beautiful white bow that the thick branch was, it had a magnificent horse carved on it.
"Such beautiful work," Robb praised as Rhaenyra agreed. There was an entire quiver of weirwood arrows, the fletching of the arrows was dyed red to match the tree sap they came from.
"They're perfect," Rhaenyra praised as the man gave a happy smile as Raynor took the bow and arrows. There was an agreement of Raynor taking the items himself. He could defend himself and could find the right person to take him to Vaes Dothrak.
"And the dagger is already done. So you will just need to buy salt, silver, and silk to give the Dosh Khaleen," Robb reminded as Raynor agreed.
"I already have it packed, it was cheaper than buying it across the sea," Raynor claimed as he tied the wrap for the set. "I am also able to meet with a Dornish woman warrior, why do I have a feeling it might be a daughter of Prince Oberyn," he muttered as Rhaenyra nodded. She had told Doran and Oberyn that she was sending something to Daenerys. So if someone is waiting to go with him would not be surprising.
"Very well, there is a good chance you will be coming back when the army will be marching," Rhaenyra commented as he nodded.
"I will send a letter before I leave Vaes Dothrak. I will catch up to the march," he said as they nodded.
"Alright, let us continue in our preparing for the lords coming," Robb decided as his wife agreed.
XIV
"Farewell, Raynor. Please be safe," Rhaenyra begged as her guard for so many years readied to leave.
"Of course, I will stay true to my path, My Lady." He bowed as Rhaenyra nodded. She quickly offered a rolled parchment as she had a hidden message in it. But Baela came into view with a bundle of furs, Raynor perked up at seeing them. "What do we have here?"
"Mother and I made something for Daenerys and her husband. Wolf pelts, we sewed the furs into blankets for them and Lynara created a beautiful pelt from a Shadowcat for the new baby they will have," Baela offered the furs as he tied them to his mare. She was to get him to White Harbor to go to Essos, he would get someone to go with him to Vaes Dothrak.
"I will miss you, Raynor. I hope for your speedy return. Though please express my love for my blood for I do hope to lay eyes on her one day," Rhaenyra expressed as he nodded with an understanding. Twins shared an unbreakable bond no matter if they have been separated since birth.
"I will, My Lady," he promised as Robb bid the loyal distant cousin farewell as he swore to return as quick as possible. Rhaenyra prayed to the Old Gods and New for her guardian's safe travels, he was a mixture of being her brother and father figure. Rickon had been unhappy about Raynor leaving and refused to see him off. Raynor did not hold it against the child as the boy was upset and everyone he knew was leaving. His father and sisters, then his mother left, now Raynor. And if Robb went through with his plans, he would be leaving soon as well with Rhaenyra. Robb had sent word to Drogo that his wife's guard was coming to deliver the gifts and would return soon after. Raynor would give gifts to honor their people and retrieve the gifts for Rhaenyra and Robb.
XIV
(Vaes Dothrak)
Daenerys was reading the letter as she told Ser Jorah who prepared himself along with two other Dothraki to retrieve Raynor Karstark from the docks, Drogo felt his two men would ensure a safe and quick arrival and Ser Jorah so he could be a translator.
"Ser Jorah-"
"I have everything. I will be careful and do everything to get him here safely," Ser Jorah swore as Dany smiled. She was eager to meet another Northern man, a Karstark from what she read.
"Go in safety and return with our gods' blessings," Dany wished as her handmaidens agreed. He bowed before leaving as she cradled her growing belly, her son kicked quite a bit in the last few days. Irri says that's a good sign and that he will indeed be strong. Her sister's whip was ready and a knife with a wolf head for Robb. Ser Jorah had explained that Arakhs were not common for men across the sea, knives, and swords were more traditional for the men. Daenerys could not wait to give the gifts to her sister and Robb.
"Khaleesi?" Doreah asked as her leader turned. "Why is he coming here?" the former whore said as Daenerys smiled.
"So our gifts may be swapped freely and he can take them back to my sister," the expecting mother explained simply. "I cannot wait to meet him. I wish to learn more about her from someone who helped raise my twin," Daenerys said as she set up the area she'd receive Raynor, Drogo would come when the man will arrive. Rhaenyra told Dany that a Martell might come with him, Doran's show of respect for the young Dothrak pairing, so the young Khaleesi was curious as to what she could receive from Rhaegar's wife's family.
It was a few days before a large man was presented to the expecting Khaleesi who studied the man. He was thick like her husband in size, dark brown hair that made him burly, and he was dressed in his northern attire with a sunburst on his coat of arms. Ser Jorah had explained the close relations between the Starks and Karstarks, so she could understand why he was her twin's guard. And beside him was a beautiful girl with olive skin and full, wine-red lips, Dany could easily see the Dornish beauty her striking blue eyes mesmerized Dany. She was eager to talk with both, Raynor respectfully bowed to her and gave her the three gifts for the Dosh Khaleen.
"Greetings and seven blessings to you, Khaleesi. Princess Daenerys of House Targaryen," Raynor started. "My name is Raynor Karstark, my uncle is Rickard Karstark of Karhold. I am your sister's guard and protector. Beside me is Prince Oberyn's daughter the beautiful Lady Nymeria Sand, I had to pleasure of getting to know her on the boat ride here," he smiled as Nymeria chuckled softly, her eyes showing her happiness.
"Yes, it is an honor to meet you as well, Khaleesi. And Lord Raynor truly was a pleasant traveling companion," she praised as Doreah urged them to sit as the girl prepared some drink Daenerys had wished to get them drinks they'd enjoy. But Ser Jorah claimed Northerners enjoyed ale, and that was near impossible to find outside the North continent, except their spiced beer the Khal enjoys. But he said most Dornish wines were spread even in the North, so she had him go find a good barrel for her guests.
"I do hope you enjoy the wine, most here drink fermented mare's milk," Daenerys started as Raynor smiled.
"Worry not, I can drink anything," he spoke as Nymeria agreed. They drank and ate horseflesh, he had never eaten horse before, but he liked it as the Dothrak beamed. Soon long, the three fell into a conversation as Daenerys listened to the elder man who told her about Rhaenyra, even some times when the young girl's 'dragon temper' that many named in a joking manner, Nymeria laughed and shared many stories of her own, Daenerys enjoyed hearing about Dorne, many of her ko enjoyed hearing about the Dornish steeds. It brought a smile to both visitors, Drogo entered and praised some horses he found outside. Nymeria got a nudge as she stood, respectfully bowed to Khal Drogo as he nodded to her, Raynor stood and repeated as he introduced himself, Drogo spoke as Ser Jorah translated for him.
"We welcome you to Vaes Dothrak," Jorah started as Drogo continued. "For however long you stay, you will be protected as you have offered a gift to our Dosh Khaleen. There is no bloodshed within our sacred city nor can you bear steel," Jorah spoke as both nodded.
"The horses you noticed outside are gifts to Khal Drogo two beautiful sand steeds. I am not sure if the Khaleesi takes more than one horse as we saw your magnificent Red stallion and her gorgeous Silver," Nymeria started as she led the leading pair out to see Jhogo and Rakharo holding a mare and stallion. The pair stood with their half braided manes, the mare's white hair gleamed off her beautiful golden coat. The stallion was black with an orange mane of fire, Nymeria had personally chosen from her father's horse sireline. His stallion was the pride of her uncle's horse herd, so he had wanted to show respect by offering horse lords something they like, horses. Drogo said something that Ser Jorah translated quickly.
"They are beautiful, they will mix well within my herd," he spoke as Nymeria smiled and bowed her head in gratitude.
"The Sand steeds can run for a day and night and another day without rest," she spoke as the Dothrak praised the strength it meant to them. Daenerys beamed seeing the approval across Drogo's face as his men quickly added them to the Khal's herd.
"And for you Khal Drogo and Khaleesi. I have your gifts inside," Raynor spoke as the large Khal nodded and called for someone to bring the gifts for Rhaenyra and Robb. Ser Jorah directed a eunuch to bring Rhaenyra's gifts into the tent, Dany perked up at a beautiful white-silver fur pelt that Irri helped Raynor free it as Nymeria also helped. She knew what the gifts were and thought they were interesting, Nymeria carefully freed the bow for Khal Drogo.
"These are beautiful," Dany praised as she pulled free the Shadowcat fur. "What is this?" she questioned as Irri examined the pelt.
"It is a Shadowcat, Khaleesi. They were very common further North, like the direwolves your sister's husband has," Ser Jorah spoke as Raynor commented.
"But they are all past the Wall, except the six wolves the Stark children have. The only other wolves are the smaller 'cousins' to the direwolves. It startled many to see the she-wolf who whelped them, dead," Raynor revealed as Irri translated for her Khal.
"Is it not bad omen?" Drogo started as the northerner perked up.
"Aye. The mother's death, my young lady claimed it to be. A stag antler to the throat, the bitch though got the last fight. The stag died not too far from her," Raynor spoke as the Khal smirked with a praising nod. He was carefully given the bow as he examined its red pigment of the white wood. Khal Drogo started to study it while speaking with Ser Jorah translating.
"It is a beautiful work, the wood is smooth with its red veins." Ser Jorah had explained to the curious Dothrak about the weirwood trees back in the North. Now the Khal could see what the knight meant as he looked at the red.
"We are happy you like it Khaleesi, this is for you," he offered the dragon head knife to the amazed Dany. The beautiful piece of steel the handle was unique, it had a closed grip with a dragon head on the end.
"It is beautiful," she spoke in awe, she heard merchants claim northern blades were dull, or crude metalwork, but this wasn't. It was beautiful to Dany she quickly laid it down as Raynor gave the two pelts.
"Your cousin, Baela, and her mother, Valaena, made these for you. The Shadowcat pelt came from Lynara, for the babe you will have soon," Raynor spoke as Daenerys giggled softly while feeling the wolf pelt. "My uncle had sent the bodies when they sent their food reserves to Winterfell. Lady Rhaenyra had told him you were expecting, my aunt had a pelt made for her when she was pregnant. So she wished for you to have the same," he said as she smiled.
"That was very sweet," Dany complemented as Drogo agreed. Irri and Jhique came in with a rolled-up whip and a wrapped cloth over something long. Irri offered the whip to Raynor who thanked them, admiring the design of the handle, it was sleek and made for a woman's delicate grip.
"My Lady will very much cherish this, and may I ask what My Lord receives?" Raynor questioned as Drogo had Jhique hold it while he pulled the sword free. Ser Jorah had helped describe what the men of Westeros used. The knight had personally gone to go receive the weapon they had wanted for Robb. Drogo started to talk while Ser Jorah translated. "I had Jorah the knight tell him what you use, I hope he accepts my gift," Drogo offered the sheathed sword as Nymeria took it.
"He will, I can promise that," Raynor swore, knowing Robb would try to practice with Drogo's gift, rather than his original sword. Drogo nodded before ordering more drink and food for their guests, Dany was given a letter that Raynor asked she read a bit later, the young Khaleesi agreed, finding no problem with it. She was not prepared for what she read or what fell from her sister's parchment, she stared in disbelief at the cracked ridged stone that matched her stone eggs.
XIV
(Winterfell)
"My Lady," Maester Luwin called as Rhaenyra turned from talking with a maid who curtsied before leaving with her duties.
"Aye, Maester Luwin?" she asked as Osha was seen walking with Bran and Summer trailing them. Rickon was, of course, nowhere to be seen, he has been angry since learning of his brother's march and Rhaenyra going with him.
"The Lords will be arriving soon," Maester Luwin reminded as she understood. The dragons were already settled in the Wolfswood, a guard already came from the woods with a message that the dragons would stay during the meeting with the Northern Lords.
"Very well," Rhaenyra spoke as she followed him as they came across Robb trying to control Rickon, who fought against his brother. "Rickon!" She marched to help her husband but the boy shoved past both as Valaena scolded the child, chasing after him. Robb helped his unsteady wife as she sighed softly.
"Are you alright?" Maester Luwin asked as she nodded.
"Aye. I am fine," Rhaenyra spoke as she gave a sad smile while Robb frowned. "He's angry, Robb. He is not even five and everyone has gone, now his father is held prisoner by the King," Rhaenyra spat as Robb agreed.
"We will get him back, Rhae. I promise," he swore as she nodded.
"I know." Rhaenyra smiled. "I just fear for him and the girls, they're in danger. And there was no mention of Arya, I can only imagine how long Lady will be safe there," Rhaenyra claimed, fearing for the sweet direwolf's safety.
"We will get them all. If my sister's safety at all is in danger, I will bring all the force of the North against them," Robb swore as Rhaenyra sighed softly, praying for their safety.
XIV
(King's Landing)
Sansa sat in her chambers with Lady and her handmaidens, she worked on her stitching out of boredom. Her father sat in the Black Cells and her sister was missing, if she was without Lady she truly would be alone. Her handmaidens have tried to have her dressed in southern attire but Sansa refused by having another dress her in her northern dresses. Many refuse to talk about the outside with her, she heard many things regarding King's Landing, but nothing of Winterfell or Casterly Rock, all her letters are sent from the Queen's mouth and by her hand, Varys is the only one able to smuggle her real letters to her from Rhaenyra and Robb. Sansa did not know why he was helping her. Arya had told her once he made her nervous. Cersei had promised Lady would remain unharmed so long as Sansa did what she was told. Send letters to her brother and Sansa did so, knowing he'd know the difference.
A knock to her doors made her sigh silently as Lady growled lowly. One of the girls stood to answer, it was Lord Varys. He entered before the girl could stop him and Sansa sent them away, they looked quite perturbed at her order before the she-wolf's snarl made them flee.
"Very menacing," Varys commented as Lady laid back down with a huff. He sat beside her, pulling a rolled parchment free from his sleeve.
"Kirimvose," (Thank you,) Sansa spoke in High Valyrian.
"Hen rhinka, ñuha riña," (Of course, My Lady,) Varys responded, he had learned that the Stark children could speak and understand High Valyrian. It intrigued the Master of Whispers who would greet the young woman in the old language.
"Skorkydoso gaomas ñuha kepa litse?" (How does my father fair?) Sansa questioned while moving the letter away.
"Ziry umbagon kostōba, dōna riña," (He remains strong, Sweet Lady,) Varys spoke as Sansa gave a gentle sigh. "Istin jikagon. Gūrogon care ēva ñuha māzis," (I must go. Take care until my return,) Varys said as Sansa nodded with understanding.
"Kirimvose," Sansa thanked him as she read her sister by law's letter. Varys had been smuggling letters to Sansa by posing as trying to get 'control' over Sansa. But he knew the queen was having them spied on to ensure of their cooperation, though it would be hard for the handmaidens to relay the conversations. As no one but the highborn who learned of the language could understand the dialect, even if they could remember the complex twist of words. When Sansa read her letters, she quickly burnt them to ensure no one reads them. Rhaenyra had told her that the banners of the North were summoned and will be marching for the remaining Starks. It was only rereading this one that Sansa realized they thought Arya was still in King's Landing Sansa frowned before feeling Lady lay her head on her mistress' knee.
"I know, Lady. I know what to do," the northern girl spoke as Lady sat up straighter. She gave a huff before standing up with Sansa as her lead was attached before they walked out with the Lannister guard following to keep an eye on her. He followed her usually everywhere even to the Godswood with her wolf. The guard did not see his reason as the she-wolf could act faster than him. He would accompany her everywhere, watch her with the queen and princess. But he would always stand watch over her when Sansa would stare out North with Lady beside her. Missing her home, such he missed Casterly Rock, he had grown up there before following his lord's command to come to the castle Cersei Lannister lived in. The young knight never rushed her, so he stood by, his commander suggested that he should at least talk with her, or there would be silence in his charge for quite some time.
XIV
(Winterfell)
Rhaenyra sighed softly as the cooks delivered the food, it felt odd with her dragons not with them. Grey Wind looked around a bit, used to the dragons shrieking and scorching their food.
"Are you alright, Love?" Robb asked as he took her hand softly. He knew she felt odd without her 'daughters' nearby, but he knew she loved the northern people just as she loved the Starks. The lords and their heirs; such as Greatjon and Smalljon who were boisterous and very lively. She also knew Rickard had wanted to see his nephew but knew he was in the east seeing Daenerys. Raynor would meet up with them when they're marching South.
"I am fine, Robb," Rhaenyra reassured as Bran gave her a small smile as he picked at certain foods.
"Have you been unwell, My Lady?" Roose asked as he noticed the tired expression on his future lady's face.
"Aye, My Lord. I just have been tired from preparing the march and Winterfell for winter," Rhaenyra spoke as he nodded. He was the one who prepared his march to Winterfell from the Dreadfort and adding an extra ration to the winter supply.
"Now that everyone is here will we be planning our march?" Greatjon suggested as the men joined in, wanting to get to the plans. Robb gave a small sigh before conceding as Bran settled himself, ready to listen to their plans. "Will our Lady be marching with us?" Greatjon questioned as Robb nodded.
"Aye, my wife loves my lord father more than her own. She refused to stay and wishes to help," Robb spoke as many cheered while some nodded in approval.
"Bran will stay to run Winterfell until Catelyn's return, he will have Maester Luwin to help him Rickon is going to reside here as well, but there will be someone else joining us," Rhaenyra stood as Robb took a breath before moving some things with Bran aiding. The lords looked confused before shrieks came as everyone stood to prepare when the dragons flew in, slamming down on the large table. Rhaella shrieked the loudest, growling and spitting at many. The men all stood as Grey Wind rose, snarling sharply when one almost went for his sword.
"Stand down! Any one of you is branded traitors if you raise a sword to these dragons!" Robb snarled as many froze.
"The dragons will not harm you," Rhaenyra spoke as they all hesitatingly sat down while the dragons stalked around the large room. Rhaella, though refused by laying in front of her mother who started to pet her to soothe her frazzled nature. "So long as you do not show them harm the dragons will leave you be," Rhaenyra said as Alysanne smelled a man before hissing as Rhaenys growled. The men all nodded their agreement, they were surprised by the direwolf of the Starks but the dragons amazed them.
"My Lady..." Rickard Karstark paused at her nod.
"Aye, Raynor knew and helped keep them silent so Robert would not find out," she announced, the men instantly understood her secret-keeping.
"Rumors were going around about dragons being born, but I assumed you may have had a child," Roose spoke as Rhaenyra tensed. She felt Robb's hand on her's under the table, the young woman still felt the pain that her unborn child left when she lost it.
"No, My Lord. The dragons were born half a year ago," she claimed as the man chattered to one another about the size of the creatures. They were the size of a large dog, maybe bigger if they could stay still. Rhaella though was bigger as her tail dangled off the table while her mother stroked her. A wench brought out a platter of bloody meat for the creatures. Grey Wind stood first and started to eat some as the dragons perked up. Rhaella tried to take some before the wolf snarled sharply, they were now the same size, but it was their chest that was large on their slender dragon-forms. The dragons back up as Summer joins, snagging a few pieces as Grey Wind finished his portion before allowing the dragons to eat their pieces. The men eagerly watched as Rhaella fought her sisters to eat first and started to burn pieces before eating as the girls joined, snatching some from each other and the floor as the men kept watch. Quickly, the dragons flew around while snatching pieces from one another as they avoided the hanging lights, the lords looked up before they started their talk of the march. Rhaenyra mostly watched her dragons but resumed her conversations with the lords, many asked her some questions about her dragons, how she hid them from others. Rhaenyra kept some information to herself, such as how they were born. Her conversation with Roose Bolton and Rickard Karstark when Greatjon's booming voice made her jump along with Rhaella, who had been resting with her head on Rhaenyra's hand, shot her irritated eyes in the large man's direction. It was obvious they were not used to the loud men, it would take some time for the girls to get used to them. Rhaenys and Alysanne were laying draped over Grey Wind and Summer, they locked eyes on the man who growled to his lord's son.
"I have been making corpses for 30 years boy, I will be leading the Vanguard," Greatjon spoke as Robb sat there. Rhaenyra felt his anger at being called 'boy,' it was disrespectful to his future lord.
"Galbart Glover will lead the Van," Robb decided as he stroked Alysanne when she clambered up to the table for his attention.
"The bloody Wall will melt before an Umber marches behind a Glover!" Greatjon bellowed which made Rhaella lift herself away from her mother with the direwolf, making Rhaenys move away from her 'bed.' "I will lead the Van, or I will march my men back home," the Greatjon threatened, thinking he could intimidate the younger. But it had the opposite effect on both his future lord and lady of Winterfell.
"You are welcome to do so, Lord Umber. Then when I am done with the Lannisters, I will march back North, root you out of your keep, and hang you for an oathbreaker," Robb spoke, calm and careful as Rhaenyra tensed. 'Oathbreaker' was a sensitive term for Northern people, man or woman, it was a word that triggered many.
"Oathbreaker?" The large man snarled, surging to his feet, causing Rhaella to tense as Robb sat still. "I won't sit here and take insults from a boy so green he pisses grass!" Greatjon shouted as he grabbed his sword. The men jumped to either stop him or help the lord before Grey Wind leaped over a snarling Rhaella who flashed her wings with her pink frills rising like an angry cat with her sisters joining. But the wolf did it himself as he tackled the large man. The wolf was quick to bite his overstretched hand, but the angry wolf returned to his master's side as the Rhaenyra and Theon watched in shock. The man screamed as the dragon shrieked and spat in anger as Grey Wind hunkered his head low. The Greatjon stood as Robb watch, silent and steady as Rhaenyra had a hand against Rhaella's hide, trying to keep her calm. The stubborn old man shook everyone off when they attempted to help him while Rhaenyra listened to Robb, having shared looks with Bran from the animals' reactions.
"My father taught me it was death to bare steel against your liege lord," Robb spoke as he pets an agitated Rhaenys who was growling, her cat-like green eyes lit up with fire. "No doubt the Greatjon only meant to cut my meat," Robb spoke as the large man held up his bloody hand missing his two fingers.
"Your meat. Is bloody tough," the man claimed before laughing as everyone joined in, some nervous and some in astonishment. Rhaenyra soothed her dragons, all the while accepting the apologetic nod from the man as he did the same to Robb who laughed with the men. Bran gave her and Theon a look as they started to laugh softly at the tension being driven off now.
XIV
"You will have to march soon, My Lady. Or the snow will delay the army, our stores cannot hold and to also bare our oncoming winter," Maester Luwin spoke as Rhaenyra nodded. She knew to start soon, Rickon was worse than before and now Shaggydog was locked up in the woods after biting the cook and a man of the Karstarks. It greatly upset the boy who locked himself away in his chambers.
Rhaenyra stood in the crypt staring into the statue eyes of Lyanna Stark, sighing gently as she retrieved the feather that had blown out of her hand before laying it back down. Continuing to stare at the stone before feeling arms wrap around her waist as she leaned against his front while he kissed her temple.
"Is everyone ready?" she asked as he hummed a positive answer.
"The dragons?" he asked as she thought.
"They'll fly above, they're big enough to keep up and will rest if they grow tired," Rhaenyra spoke, thinking of the girls still growing.
"Can't wait to see that," Robb mused looking at his aunt's statue as well. "Come on," he ushered as she took his hand to walk side by side.
"Robb," she stopped him before they left. "I do thank you for bringing me. I know most would prefer their wives stay home to rule," she smiled as he grinned and pulled her into a heavy kiss.
"Together we rule, equals," he demanded as she beamed and hugged him before pulling him to exit the tombs. They decided to leave in the dead of night so the scouts couldn't see them coming. Osha was waiting for them as she watched them and beside her were Summer and, to her surprise, Shaggydog, both calm as she stood with Maester Luwin and Hodor, Lynara was saying goodbye to her brother as he frowned.
"Safe travels My Lord and Lady," he bowed his head before smiling as he gave Rhaenyra a bound book. "My findings, you should ask if someone could record the dragons' growth and developments. I would like to read it when finished," he smiled as she grinned and took the journal.
"I'll do what I can," she promised as he nodded. "Did you send it?" she asked quietly when Robb moved further away as the maester nodded a serious look upon his face. "Osha," she called as the woman looked to her. "Please, protect them," she asked as the wildling nodded.
"I swear it," she promised as the pair went to their horses waiting with two stable hands.
"Alright, let us get started," The Greatjon encouraged as the men cheered while a guard aided Rhaenyra in mounting her mare, she soothed Gael before joining the march. Baela was beside her, Valaena and Lynara behind them. Her dragons started to fly around as Grey Wind ran ahead. Robb smiled softly as he watched them, Rhaella flew with no fear as she flew over the men, Rhaenys and Alysanne flew around the army marched on. Shrieking and squeals that would soon deepen to terrifying snarls and deafening roars as they flew off.
XIV
It is the end of the chapter and they're off to march! I hope you enjoy~
~Rusty14~
