—The Vale of Arryn—
The Bloody Gate…
With morale running so high following their victory over the Royal Army at Riverrun, most remained behind under Colonel Vargo's command to begin preparations for a campaign south to reclaim lost territory. Stone Hedge, Atranta, Stone Mill, Lambswold, Harroway, and Darry have so far been retaken by the river lords. Soon, more would gain back what was previously lost.
But with a summit called at the Eyrie, most heads of the Great Houses who sided with the rebels either went to attend or their heirs represented them in their place. With his bastard daughters behind in Riverrun managing things for him, General Willem Tully - the new Lord of Riverrun - accompanied them; Rodrik Stark placed his younger brother Brandon in command of the North's military in his stead; and Asha Greyjoy decided to take part for her amusement whilst her brother Commodore Harwyn Greyjoy led the Iron Fleet on a naval campaign along the western coasts raiding supply lines, disrupting operations after seizing Lannisport.
Along the High Road, Gawain and his men followed behind the main host - headed by Daemon, Samson, and Petyr – all of whom were en route to the Eyrie. In the middle were Broden and Baelor Farrin; Gawain and his men were in the rear. The area was filled with mountains and hills, making it perilous for the uninitiated. Luckily for them, with the Vale soldiers and Brotherhood of Winged Knights leading the way, they would feel safe that they would reach the regional capital of the Vale.
"Wooow," Kay admired the view. "So, this is the Vale... Captain! Look over there!"
From on high, Gawain could see Gulltown from below them - and the main bulk of the rebel fleet anchored. Yet, everywhere they looked, Vale sharpshooters and crossbowmen were armed to the teeth and always on guard. So far, the rumors were indeed true. The only way to reach the Eyrie on foot was heavily defended and the only access by sea was also heavily defended. No one would be getting in either way.
"I have heard stories about the Vale. They said the mountains here are impassable unless you travel along this road," Broden glanced over his shoulder to explain to Gawain.
While pressing on, they eventually arrive to see the battlements ahead; long parapets built into the very stone of the mountains on either side of them. Where the pass shrank to a narrow defile scarce wide enough for four men to ride abreast, twin watchtowers clung to the rocky slopes, joined by a covered bridge of weathered grey stone that arched above the road. Silent faces watched from arrow slits in towers, battlements, and bridges. When they had climbed to the top, they were met by the arrival of the local garrison.
"Who would pass the Bloody Gate?" demanded Lieutenant General Jarred Royce.
"Major Petyr Hardyng, and our entourage," Petyr answered. "We've come to deliver a report to my cousin Sharra Arryn, Lady of the Eyrie, Defender of the Vale, and Wardeness of the East."
"Ah yes, welcome home, major. Let them pass!"
The Eyrie…
Once the gates were opened, they were all allowed entry on the narrow road to the Eyrie before they all heard the gates sealing up behind them. Farm wagons and merchants' carts and riders from lesser noble houses moved aside to let them pass.
But through, they saw the Eyrie up close from the foot of the Giant's Lance. The ancestral seat of House Arryn, one of the oldest lines of Andal nobility, although small by the standards of the other Great Houses, the Eyrie was still considered impenetrable as its seven slender white towers bathed in the morning light. From there did the drawbridge descended to allow the weary travelers entry. Among them, the powerful Vale nobles had gathered in the main hall. In the middle, Gawain saw the ruler of the Vale standing in the center of the assembly. She must have been at least the same age as Daemon: eighteen years old. So, this is Sharra Arryn! But by the gods, the rumors surrounding her reputation did her no justice. "The Flower of the Vale", they called her.
In what felt like a separation lasting an eternity, both Daemon and Sharra momentarily broke an etiquette in protocol and rushed to embrace one another. They had missed each other terribly. Once they pulled apart from the hug, they noticed much had changed since their parting. While Daemon was happy to see her again, he noticed a slight fading shade of purple on her ankle.
"Sharra!" Daemon said with worry, examining her ankle. "Seven hells, what happened to your leg?"
"Never mind me; what happened to your face?" Sharra replied with equal worry upon noticing the wound on Daemon's cheek.
Broden and Kay blinked with surprise. Talk about a drop in protocol; both Daemon and Sharra were examining each other all over checking their respective injuries with concern on their faces.
"Ooooh, look at the tits on her...~"
Gawain quickly turned to see some of his men leering at Sharra Arryn inappropriately.
Samson frowned. "Captain," he said to Gawain sternly, "get your rabble in line. It is inappropriate for your soldiers to make such derogatory remarks at a highborn lady."
Gawain didn't answer Samson, instead, he walked right over to the soldier who had commented on Lady Arryn's breasts, quick as a snake his hand shot out and grabbed him by the ear and twisted it.
"Arrrrgh!" the soldier cried and tried to break free, but Gawain had his ear in a vice grip.
"Did you say something, sergeant?" Gawain asked, his voice cold as steel as he twisted the ear against.
"Arrrgghhh! Noooo, captain!" the sergeant said between gritted teeth.
"Really? Are you sure about that? Could have sworn I heard you say something about the lass up there, whose men saved helped save our worthless hides."
"No, captain, I swear I dinna say nothing!" The sergeant said rapidly with a pained expression. And with that Gawain released him. The sergeant gingerly rubbed his red and throbbing ear, wincing at the sharp pain.
Gawain looked at his men, his face and voice stern. "Clean the shite out of your ears and listen; that woman up there is Lady Arryn; you show her all the respect you would show your own mother, or I will personally kick your arse so hard you cannot sit for a season. That understood?"
"Aye, captain!" all the men said in unison.
"Now go on. You want a woman? Then march back down the mountain and find a tavern or brothel." At that, Gawain tossed the sergeant a purse full of coins. Most of the men immediately went off to follow their captain's advice. He turned and looked at Samson. "Sorry, general. They are a rowdy bunch, but they did not mean anything by it. When the rest of the Royal Army was raping and pillaging the Riverlands up to Riverrun, no one in my platoon was having any part of it. I told them any that did…" he patted the moonstone pommel of Nightfall.
"See to it that unruly behavior doesn't happen again," Samson warned.
As soon as the realization set in, both Daemon and Sharra quickly pulled away. Sharra, being the more courteous, was the fastest to regain her noble composure. "Ahem!" she cleared her throat. "Pardon me. We were wondering whether you would return. How fares your mission? Did you—?"
"Ambassador Tycho is dead," Daemon announced. He unveiled House Corbray's pendant from his pocket. "Colonel Loreon's men ran him through and butchered everyone at the Crossroads Inn. I am sorry."
"By the Gods..." gasped a stunned Lady Waynwood.
Sharra turned to the new arrivals. "And your... compatriots, I don't recognize," she turned to Willem. "You're not Lord Edmyn."
"Nah, lass!" Willem blathered. "I'm his brother, Willem Tully. So, like it or not, girl, I am the new Lord of Riverrun and Lord Paramount of the Trident. The boy here said you needed my help."
"That's one way of putting it," Daemon rolled his eyes. "Anyway, Sharra... I believe we may have solved one problem that might help turn the tide in our favor. Three, in fact."
"Three?" Sharra said confused.
"You needed Tully support, but they needed the ironborn. Once a few loose ends were tied up, the Starks arrived and slowed down my brother's army long enough to make it back to Riverrun to break the siege."
"It's true, cousin," Petyr vouched. "Houses Tully, Stark, and Greyjoy have agreed to join us. Our victory in the Riverlands was a win for us and our cause."
Sharra could scarcely believe what she was hearing. She had sent them to investigate the whereabouts of the Vale's missing diplomat and acquire Tully support, but this? This was more than we bargained for. "That's... This is… I cannot even begin to..."
"Lady Arryn," Samson beckoned, "does this report satisfy you?"
"I... yes. Yes, more than I thought possible, General."
Daemon took one step forward. "So does this mean you'll help us?" he asked hopefully.
"Hold your horses, Prince Daemon," Lady Waynwood interjected. "We will have to discuss this in a committee and inquire as to—"
"No," Sharra interjected.
"Lady Arryn—!" Ser Tavion tried to interject.
"Enough!" Sharra said firmly. "We were wrong to withhold aid to our allies long enough. Furthermore, to hold up in our castles and do nothing while the country burns are against everything our honorable ancestors stood for. And honor demands what honor is due."
Daemon looked hopefully at Samson.
"As Lady of the Eyrie, Defender of the Vale, and Wardeness of the East, House Arryn and all the Vale will stand amongst our revolutionaries in the fight against the wicked tyrant Argilac! From this day until the end of time, I commit my homeland's resources to see you on the Andalosinian Throne… Daemon of the House Baratheon, the Sixth of His Name, rightful King of Westeros and Protector of the Realm."
The assembled Vale lords were somewhat divided in their response. Half of them had a look of smug satisfaction on their faces. For four years they had to suffer their southern counterpart's arrogance and contempt, but now they had a chance to show that it was the Vale of Arryn that was the true backbone of military prowess in the kingdom. The other half, however, had worry and suspicion etched on their faces. The Crownlands, Westerlands, Reach, and Stormlands still outnumbered them by at least 2:1. Rumors were already spreading that new levies were being marshaled and warships constructed.
One of the nobles, wearing the colors of House Hardyng, stepped forward. "If Daemon Baratheon truly is the rightful King as our lady states, then I ask him to restore parliament by royal decree here and now. Or does the son of the Sea Dragon intend to rule as an autocrat like his brother?"
"Done," Daemon immediately responded. "Spread the word among your houses, my lords and ladies, and choose your representatives."
"I grew up with the royal family at court, ser," Sharra noticed. "My mother—our dearly departed Lady Alayne Arryn—was handmaiden to Queen Shiera the Pure. Daemon is nothing like Argilac at all. Now the fact that he has issued a decree reinstating parliament shoved at least demonstrate the vast difference."
As she once represented the Vale in parliament, Sharra still demonstrates the gift of navigating the political field. And she was good. Gawain observed the vast loyalty Sharra demonstrated to Daemon but suspected something deeper than that on an emotional level.
"In the meantime," Rodrik Stark interjected, "we all need to have a word with Lady Arryn to discuss what comes next."
Asha rolled her eyes. "Can't wait," she groaned.
"Beh!" Willem scoffed. "Well, at least the boy kept his end of the bargain. So now I will keep mine."
Sharra nodded. "Daemon," she said to him. "I'll see you tonight once things have settled here. We will talk more later, I promise."
Daemon nodded and watched Sharra leave with Rodrik, Asha, and Willem.
"While the politicians gossip," Samson stated, "get some rest in the meantime before they call for an assembly again. You must be exhausted."
"I could sure use a quick nap," Daemon agreed.
"I will coordinate our military strategy with your uncle in the meantime. We will do the heavy lifting for a while."
Daemon then left for one of the guest rooms.
One of Gawain's troops approached him.
"I heard rumors that Prince Daemon and Lady Arryn are lovers. You think it is true, captain?"
Gawain shook his head, and spoke in a low tone, just above a whisper. "I would not call them lovers, not the right word for those two. I doubt they have shared a bed. But I can see it in their eyes the way they look at each other, they are in love."
The Eyrie – Guest apartments…
Daemon had settled into his own room within the Eyrie. His cheek stung slightly from the wound he sustained nearly three weeks ago, but he had learned on the battlefield to grow accustomed to pain. Maybe it was his Baratheon instincts for battle or the voices warning him over – or was it guiding him? He still wasn't certain about anything these days since this civil war began.
"Can I get you some tea, Your Highn— erm, I mean, Your Grace?" Jarger offered.
I guess he's also not used to calling me that now. "Hmm? Oh. No, no thanks, Jarger," Daemon shook his head. "I'll be fine for now." Can't say I blame him, of course. It'll take time to get accustomed to it.
"As you desire. By the way, how's your cheek? I heard that you got injured on the battlefield."
"Most likely exaggerated, I'm sure. Nothing serious. House Tully's maester Lawsen tended to them back at Riverrun. It stings like hell, but I'll live. And I won't let it slow me down." Pffft! Yeah, right. 'Won't let it slow me down' my ass. The hell am I saying? Chances are I'm going to gain a couple more by the time the war ends!
"Still, I worry that you throw yourself in harm's way. Just do try to be a bit more careful in the future, if it's not too much to ask."
"Don't worry. I wouldn't take any unnecessary risks unless I wasn't given any other option."
"I'm glad to hear it. Well, if nothing else, I'll be taking my leave now."
"All right. Goodnight, Jarger." Daemon turned to his dog. "And you, boy, time for you to hit the kennels."
"*Whining!*" the dog put his ears down.
"I know, buddy, I know. But the nobles here are rather picky on who stays where at this time of night. Hey! Next time someone gives you a hard time, be sure to leave quite a surprise for them."
"*Woof!*"
"Good boy! Now try not to get into too much mischief if you can, okay?"
"*Woof!*"
"Come along now," Jarger whistled to the hound. The dog barked once more and followed the old servant out of the guest room, leaving Daemon alone to his thoughts.
For a while, silence filled the room. Daemon had changed into a proper nightwear, but he couldn't sleep. He felt restless. The Eyrie wasn't the same as his room in King's Landing. He knew couldn't go back home while Argilac still controlled the capital, but he missed the life he had—his father, his mother… all of them were gone. The old life he had was gone. And here he was fighting against his own brother in a war that he had started. For too long Daemon had lived in fear of Argilac's brutality, but enough was enough.
So far, we've made good progress. Now, all we need is a bit more luck and maybe then things will change. Will they? They must. We've come too far to look back now. No… I can't hide behind others to fight my battles for me. The professor believes in me. Jarger, Broden, Baelor, Sharra… Sharra.
Again, his thoughts turned to Sharra. The last time they parted she had seemed… hesitant. Almost fearful.
"No… I-I shouldn't have done that…"
"But… I love you, Sharra. Don't you feel the same for me?"
"But I don't… I mean… The stress of it all, it-it… You-you mean it, don't you? But how can I be sure you aren't making a mistake? When you kissed me… I-I… no. I'm so sorry."
"Sharra…"
"Please, Daemon, I know we both wanted it – but… I'm sorry. I don't blame you… I-I have to go before somebody sees us."
Daemon shut his eyes and shook his head. She's still haunted by what the Kingsguard did to her on that day, and I ended up being too pushy. Triggered a lot of bad feelings caused by her trauma. All I did was harm her more than protect her… Damn it, Daemon Baratheon, what have you done? I'm sorry, Sharra. I didn't mean to put you on the spot like that, nor did I intend to… Oh shit, how can she look at me the same way after that?
But then his thoughts were interrupted by a knock outside his door.
"Daemon?" a woman called. "It's Sharra. Can I come in?"
Sharra? What's she…? Shit! Daemon scrambled off his bed in a hurry. "Ah, y-yes! It's open."
The door opened to reveal the visitor was indeed Sharra carrying a lit candle in one hand. By the Gods, Daemon thought she was the most beautiful thing he'd ever seen. Her hair was let down, she smelled like fresh-scented mint – indicating she just had a bath recently. But that wasn't what captivated him tonight. No, it was her smile and her eyes – the way she looked at him. Sharra hadn't gone to bed yet as she was still wearing a white nightgown.
"I'm sorry to intrude like this. Did I wake you?" Sharra apologized.
"No," Daemon shook his head. "I just couldn't sleep."
"You too, huh?"
"I suppose none of us can sleep well at night given the current state of affairs." Daemon turned to sit on the edge of the bed. He was surprised when Sharra joined him. "Your ankle… how did that happen?" he pointed to the faded bruise.
Sharra looked down at her bare feet. The swelling had gone down, and the coloration was almost back to normal. It somewhat caused her some degree of discomfort, but she was learning to manage carefully with her handmaiden's assistance. "Someone just tried to kill me," she answered.
"What?" Daemon stood there shocked. His voice was almost silent to not wake anyone up. "When did…? How did this happen?"
I knew he was bound to know sooner or later. "We heard conflicting reports of Argilac's fleet making a move towards Gulltown. I hurried what men as I could to the area, but it turned out to be misleading. We were ambushed on the outskirts of the city. My guards were killed, and I barely escaped by tumbling down the hill. Rocks, trees, I hit everything on the way down."
"Did you get a look at the assassin?"
Sharra nodded. "I did," she confirmed. "If it wasn't for Captain Jasline, I would have been killed. He was with many of the Vale's various mountain clans. He was… dressed in what I think was golden armor. Too fancy for an assassin. Said his last regards were from—"
"The Talons," Daemon finished. His tone had changed from concern to serious.
What? How did…?
"Yeah, I ran into two of them before. One at Wayfarer's Rest and another at Pyke."
Now that surprised Sharra. "The Talons? Is that what they're called?" she asked.
"From what Rodrik and Brandon told me, they're a guild of highly trained assassins specializing in their field of expertise: espionage, infiltration, sabotage, assassination to open warfare. The higher the bounty on their target, the more dangerous the Talon is. One of them almost killed me; disguised themselves as a rebel and pointed a gun at me point blank. If the Northmen hadn't arrived, I'd be dead already."
"By the Gods," Sharra gasped.
"The other one, the one on the Iron Islands? He was after Asha Greyjoy and Commodore Harwyn. Gave me this," Daemon pointed to the scar on his cheek. "It took all three of us to take him down." He turned to Sharra. "Some have imbedded themselves within our ranks and laid low long enough waiting for a chance to strike."
"How can we fight a war if we can't even trust our own people?"
"I don't know. But I think we don't have a choice in the matter."
"I'll ask Lord Jaqoros to do a thorough background check to root out spies, but I think that might breed a wave of suspicion and sow the seeds of distrust amongst our allies." Sharra turned to notice Daemon had been staring off into the distance, but she seemed to notice the few scratches on his body though she tried not to stare. Did he always have those muscles? Or were those grown over time? No, it's impolite to linger. "Your scar," she points to his cheek. "Does it hurt?"
Daemon felt his face flush a little bit. "Not… really, I… it comes and goes occasionally. Could've been worse. I could've lost my head out there."
"Daemon, this isn't funny. I almost…" she quickly shut her mouth.
"What?" Wait, something's not right here.
Sharra was worried she may have overstepped her boundaries. Her thoughts raced on what might have been—whether to Samson, her cousin Petyr, or… Daemon. Given what he described as in regard to the new enemy they face, the Talons, the thought of any of her loved ones getting seriously hurt or killed worried her greatly. She tried to hide it, but she felt a hand on hers and turned to see Daemon's worried look.
"Sharra?" Daemon looked into her eyes.
He's worried about me. Daemon…
"Today's young love reminds me of what might have been if I had not simply been more honest about myself. […] You have your duties to the Vale and all of its people, but do not close yourself off because of the trauma. Learn to know who you can trust to help ease your burden, and those who care about you."
Sharra's mind reflected on Teressa's words. Being more open and honest about herself in terms of balancing her responsibilities as ruler of the Vale and her personal life. Of course, practicing them wasn't easy as the horrifying trauma she endured at the hands of Argilac's Kingsguard still haunted her. Had Daemon not intervened to protect her the way he did, who knows what might have happened to her. And what came of it was her pushing him away, running away from her problems. She knows it was wrong and thought of ways to make amends. But how? She couldn't keep putting it off forever and had to be more open to those she trusted.
"Forgive my outburst," Sharra began, slowly trying to choose her words carefully. "But Daemon… I didn't come here to talk about my bruises. We… about what happened between us earlier—"
"I'm very sorry, Sharra," Daemon immediately blurted out. "I hadn't considered your feelings. I-I didn't mean to—" he was silenced when he felt a finger on his lips.
"No! No, no, you didn't do anything wrong," she interrupted. "Daemon, please, just hear me out. The last five years of our relationship have been a joy. I couldn't have asked for more love or a better friend. I'm just… I'm still scared of what happened. What those brutes did to me at the throne room. I can still feel what they did and hear what they said in my head," Sharra turned to look at Daemon. "But that doesn't justify what I did to you these past two months! I didn't mean to hurt you. I never meant to push you away."
"Sharra—"
She slowly started to calm herself down. Breathe in, and out. In and out. "What I'm trying to say is… I want this, us, what we have shared… to work. Nothing's ever going to be easy, yes, I agree, but I'll always want you in my life."
Daemon felt speechless. His throat was suddenly dry, and he felt his heart beating a few tics faster. "Sharra?" he stuttered.
"Daemon," Sharra placed a hand on his chest, "I do love you. I just… give me some time. When I'm ready, I'll come. Okay?"
Holy shit… she does love me, Daemon thought. He had plenty of time since their last encounter to reflect on their relationship and his personal growth out there on the battlefield. And there were indeed lessons he needs to learn and words he needed to hear, even if he didn't agree with them. But for Sharra's sake, he would do anything to make their relationship work. He loved her and she loved him. He just needed to be more patient with her. "Sharra," he finally spoke up. "You know I love you, and I won't force you into anything if you don't feel comfortable with it. Take the time you need. But I'll always be there for you. No pressure."
Daemon… you're so sweet, Sharra smiled. "Thank you… for understanding. It means a lot to hear it."
Daemon placed a hand on her cheek, rubbing his thumb gently. He was tempted to, but he didn't move out of concern he might mess up again. To his surprise, he saw Sharra place a hand on his and slowly moved closer to him, her lips making a soft connection with his. This action caught Daemon off-guard, under normal circumstances he would be the one to initiate any sort of affection. But the moment he felt Sharra kiss him, he could feel the emotions she poured into it.
She's serious! She still wants to be with me!
Although the kiss started unexpected, the initial shock wore off and Daemon promptly reciprocated as his lips naturally curl into Sharra's. He leans in further, wanting to taste more of her again. His hand wandered to her waist to bring her closer to him. The two slowly collapsed onto the mattress. Pressing in, the heat of her flushed cheeks warm his, only making this closeness even more encompassing.
"Mmmm…~" Sharra let out a small moan against Daemon's lips, sending goosebumps across their skin.
The two pull apart – both on the bed with Daemon hovering above Sharra, both red in the face and taking a moment to catch their breath.
"Daemon, I… I missed you."
"I missed you too, Sharra. I love you."
"I love you too."
Her confessions, making him feel very happy, prompt Daemon to lean down to kiss Sharra again. She lets out a small whimper as she melts into his kiss again, wrapping her arms lovingly around his neck. In the middle of the affection, Sharra feels something poking the edge of her lips—something warm and slimy. It was Daemon's tongue! She opens her mouth slightly and allows her tongue to meet with his, softly tasting each other at first before slowly entangling with one another.
"Mmm… mmph…~"
Both couples felt their heartbeat increasing and their faces getting warmer. Just as Daemon had lowered his left hand down Sharra's side towards her thigh, he abruptly stopped and pulled back.
Shit! Not now!
"Wha…? Daemon? What's wrong?" Sharra asked worriedly.
Daemon, feeling a sudden sense of discomfort in his loins, looked very embarrassed. "I… I think I got a bit too carried away," he explained nervously.
"What are you—?" Sharra took a moment to catch her breath. In the moment of confusion, she was concerned about her lover. But what prompted him to look away? She suddenly trailed down and her eyes widened. "OH! Oh, I, uh… I-I see," she realized what Daemon was suggesting. He was getting an erection! Blushing furiously, she immediately stood up, fixed her hair, and adjusted her nightgown.
"S-Sorry," Daemon apologized again. "I-I swear it wasn't on purpose…"
"It-it's okay. It's only… natural," Sharra replied nervously herself. "M-maybe we should stop."
"Yeah, I think that would be for the best."
"Yes, it would. I, uhhh… I got to go back to my room now. See you in the morning?"
"Yeah, g-goodnight, Sharra."
"G-goodnight, Daemon."
Sharra stood up, took the lit candle, and quickly left the room before closing it behind her – leaving Daemon alone once more… only this time, although he was happy to know that Sharra reaffirmed her feelings for him, the three words he waited to hear from her for so long, the romantic moment was ruined by his primal urges that nearly overtook his self-control. He was rather embarrassed than tired.
Yup. Romantic moment… destroyed. Way to go, Daemon.
The Eyrie – War room…
The following morning was proving to be rather lively.
Daemon had seen many political debates during his visitation to the Westerosi Parliaments before, but this? This was much smaller, but it was just as lively as it was back then. A whole different case in and of itself. Formally presenting himself at the head of his own council, which grew larger by the day with the addition of Asha Greyjoy as Mistress of Laws and Baelor Farren as Master of Coin, he only had to prove that he was indeed taking this matter seriously in comparison to his older brother.
Gathered around the table having a discussion stood the heads of the Great Houses who sided with the rebels or representatives who stood in their place. Sharra of House Arryn, Willem of House Tully, Rodrik of House Stark, and Asha of House Greyjoy. Beside Daemon stood Samson along with the rest of his newly formed Small Council.
"If you want the Andalosinian Throne, take it," Asha beckoned. "We have half the country on our side, we have the advantage at sea… We should attack King's Landing now while the Iron Fleet keeps the enemy occupied on the western coast. Fast and hard. With everything we have. The city should fall within a day if we have the momentum on our side."
"No," Rodrik disagreed. "That is what Gerion Lannister will want us to do if we charge in unprepared. More likely he had already anticipated a move like that. He would crush us in a day."
"So we sit here and do nothing, Stark?"
"I am saying we need to fight smarter, Lady Greyjoy. We can attack them where they are at their weakest, but we must avoid them where they are strong. So long as the entire south forms a defensive perimeter around the capital, it will be difficult to even mount an offensive yet."
"What about the Dornish?" Willem pointed to the map. "They are still the wild card here. Maintaining a policy of isolationism and neutrality would certainly raise suspicions if poked in a certain way."
"Possibly," Sharra shook her head, "but manage our strategies poorly, and we are sure likely to lose key allies. Princess Arianne Martell is merely evaluating both sides, betting on who would likely emerge as the victor before making her move. Call it cowardice if you must, but in tactical terms…"
"It presents an opportunity," Samson observed.
"We need more allies before we can surround Argilac on all sides," Daemon traced a finger across the map. "The Reach is the most fertile region in the kingdom, the Westerlands provides the money, and the Stormlands its military might." He turned to Asha. "Any word of your brother, Lady Asha?"
"From all reports, Harwyn's already disabled Gerion's fleet at anchor and currently occupies Lannisport. Don't worry about us. We are already prepared for the Redwyne's fleet to sail north, but they will be in for quite a surprise."
"What kind of surprise?"
"An unexpected one."
"Hmmm," Samson subbed his chin. "Then while Commodore Harwyn's keeping the enemy bogged down in the Westerlands," he points at Casterly Rock, "another unit should be dispatched to disrupt logistical supply trains here at key areas in the Reach," he points to castles and the roseroad. "But be warned: we only get one try. Do not underestimate General Gerion. We have his son in our custody. He will go to certain lengths to kill this war in its crib."
"Then we'd best be careful now, shouldn't we?" Willem snorted.
"General Samson is correct, Lord Willem," Sharra interjected. "One slight misstep and we could lose everything."
"You sound as if you know war, my lady."
"I did not mean to insinuate—"
"Ah, but you did there. I have been fighting battles and wars since before you were born. Leave the heavy lifting to us… as usual."
"Lord Tully!" Rodrik spoke up.
"ENOUGH!" Samson interrupted. "I do not think you would want to keep this train of thought. Wars can be won or lost whether on the battlefield or in court. As our revolution's top diplomat, Lady Arryn is just as vital to this rebellion just as much as you or me in this matter."
Seven hells, father. Mother. What exactly did you see in these people? Daemon shook his head. "Regardless, we're all here under a common cause: to remove my brother from the throne and hold him accountable for his crimes." He inhaled and exhaled. "But we cannot do this alone. We can't bicker amongst ourselves like a band of children. Only together do we have a chance of seeing another dawn." He scoured the table. "You all named me your king, but can I count on your support to help end this nightmare?"
"Of course, you do, Your Grace," Sharra nodded.
"The Iron Islands will support whatever means necessary to eliminate Argilac," Asha agreed.
Rodrik stood tall. "And the North will always be with you, cousin."
"Then we've agreed on that much," Samson stated. "The time for diplomacy and politics has passed. Now is the time for action. Therefore, let this be an official declaration of rebellion. Today, we all vow to change the kingdom, and one day all within our kingdom will live without fear and be free." He turned to Daemon. "And our king will fight tooth and nail to make it happen. Won't he?"
"On my mother's honor, I swear I will not rest until the people—nobles and commoners alike—are free from my brother's tyranny. And I will do what it takes to restore peace and justice to this world," Daemon vowed. "The Master of Coin, Baelor Farren, will fund the rebellion while the Master of War, General Samson, provides us our soldiers." Armies, ships, money, spy networks… They contribute much, but we will need more than that. He turned to Sharra. "Lady Arryn, can I task you with gathering allies at home and abroad as our chief ambassador?"
"I will do what I can."
"So, it's settled then."
Some of Samson's soldiers marched into the room waving a new banner. Flying in the breeze, the rebel's sigil consisted of a crowned stag of Baratheon with falcon wings of Arryn on a blue field.
"From this moment forward, we are known as… the Winged Stags."
Chapter End
Author's Note: Another chapter is complete. The gathered leaders of the rebellion have issued an official declaration of rebellion and have named themselves the Winged Stags. The sigil of the rebel faction can be found at wiki/Winged_Stags – mirroring the Greens and Blacks when the Targaryens fought amongst themselves when it was between Rhaenyra and Aegon III.
And finally, Sharra Arryn has confessed her feelings to Daemon! Although they did have an intimate moment, let's just say that someone's urges was what ruined it all – they were really embarrassed! Was it funny? What do you think their relationship will head soon? Find out soon.
simonbagal: and I thought that Asha was going to ask Deamon as part of the deal to marry her to become queen to take revenge for what they did to her sister by putting the Greyjoys in the royal family and that was going to bring problems with Sharra or that later on she was going to fall in love with Deamon and she was going to have tension with Sharra because Asha reproaches Sharra that while she makes Deamon wait, she would have no problem loving him at that moment but even so Deamon still loves her more to her