RAIN OF FIRE

PART 1. THE ATTACK

SANDOR

The sweet kisses of Sandor's wife Willamena, still lingered on his lips. He could still smell her body in his nose and the feel of her breasts echoed on his hands. He had her several times, before leaving for Lannisport to join Lord Tywin, who would take command of the armada heading to New Valyria. The Lion's roar will serve as flagship.

They sail around the coast passing the arbor which is ruled by House Redwyne. They sail five miles out from the Dornish coast and turn north entering the narrow sea. They sail through the steps stones and up for another four hundred miles before turning towards black water bay. The Bay is filled with warships. The fleet is made up of two hundred royal ships, three hundred Lannister ships, and five hundred Baratheon ships.

The Commander of the royal navy boards the Lion's War with the Commander of the Baratheon fleet. The men enter Tywin's cabin after being announced. "How soon will the wildfire be loaded?" He asks after offering them wine.

"We will be done within the next two days my Lord. The wildfire is being loaded onto the ships of the royal navy."

"As soon as it is done we set sail." They salute and leave. A few hours later Tywin is visited by his daughter, son and grandchildren.

Later Sandor inspects the fleet Lord Tywin. "What do you think Lord Clegane?"

"I think myself and the men would be a lot more confident if we knew what awaited us on New Valyira."

"Hopefully victory."

TYWIN

Two days later the fleet sets sail. In private Cersei had begged him to send someone else in his place. He could not as Tywin Lannister wanted another victory under his belt before he left the world behind. The fleet sails out of Blackwater and heads south towards New Valyria. The ships carrying the wildfire are in the vanguard.

As they travel some men fall ill to sea sickness. The men pass the time by drilling, telling stories, playing card and dice games. After two months at sea they near the broken continent of Valyria. It is night and a fog covers the waters around the islands. To counter the situation, row boats are sent out with rope attached to the ships to guide them in. "This fog is a problem." Sandor says to Tywin.

"As much as a problem for us as it is for them."

Soon they receive a signal that the ships are in position. Just before the command signal to attack is sent the fog is lit up y enemy fire. Huge explosions, flash through the fog. The voices of dying men echo through the fog. "This is not good." Sandor says.

After a while a few ships come out of the fog fleeing the battle. Tywin shakes his head, "Signal the fleet. Give the order to retreat." As the ships turn to leave they are flanked by warships bearing the Targaryen sigil. One ship is blown in half, another is blown apart, as balls of fire are shot from the Targaryen ships. They are fired in a straight line, rather than an arc as if from a catapult are trebuchet.

The entire Baratheon fleet is obliterated, with the exception if the Lion's Roar. The ship is surrounded and boarded. Sandor and the men aboard fight back, but are overwhelmed. Sandor is shot in the leg with an arrow. Both Tywin and Sandor are taken alive. The Lion's roar is sailed back to New Valyira. Tywin is taken to a dungeon. To his surprise he is given a bath and clean clothes.

Many hours pass before a servant brings him food with a guard watching. After he eats Tywin is taken by the guard to a large solar. He enters and sits down. Tywin recognizes Viserys immediately. The young woman looks like her mother Queen Rhaella. "Why keep the mask on? I am your prisoner."

"When I reveal myself Lord Tywin it will be on my terms."

"The balls of fire that destroyed my fleet came at us horizontally. They were not fired from a trebuchet or catapult. What were they?"

"The Dragon Lords of old Valyria were masters of war. They called them cannons."

"How did you rebuild this place?"

"The words of our House are Fire and Blood."

He stares at all three of them, "What will you do with me?"

"The three of us would like nothing more than take your head. But we are indebted to your son Ser Jaime Lannister for the service he did for our family."

Tywin frowns, "What service?"

The Masked Dragon looks at Viserys, "My father was a mad man. As you know Lord Tywin he was obsessed with fire. His pyromancers had been making tons of wildfire that they hid beneath the city."

The Masked Dragon takes up the story, "After you tricked your way into the city, my grandfather ordered your son to bring him your head. He also ordered the pyromancers to set off the wildfire…Ser Jaime killed the pyromancers and the mad king…While your men were killing raping and plundering, your son saved your life and the lives of your men…Your son was hero in our book."

After hearing that story Tywin had never been more, proud of his son. "If you're not going to execute me, then what?"

"If you willing take the black…" Daenarys says speaking for the first time, "House Lannister will remain as the Lords of the West."

PART 2. THE MESSAGE

SANDOR

He had been taken to a luxurious room to his surprise. The servants had bought him roasted chicken with all the fixings. He had received clean clothes and allowed to bathe. But Sandor's thoughts were on his son Jorran and his wife. From his treatment, Sandor considered that there is a very high chance he will see his wife and son again.

Two days after the battle, the door to his room opens and in walks the Masked Dragon. "Sandor Clegane…We meet again."

"Yes…what happens now?"

"I will send you back to King Robert with a message. Also I have a favor to ask. I want you to watch over Tyrion Lannister."

He frowns, "Why?" Sandor had been sworn to secrecy. He could not believe it. After agreeing Sandor is escorted to the docks by the Masked Dragon himself. He hands him his sword.

"Good journey Sandor Clegane."

He stares down at him, "I hope you become King. You would be a good king and I would be honored to live under your rule." Sandor offers his hand and they interlock arms. Then he boards a merchant ship heading for King's Landing. After two months at sea Sandor disembarks and heads straight to the Red Keep. He waits in the council chambers near the throne room. His wait is short, the King arrives with Jon Arryn, Lord Varys, Petyr Baelish, Ser Jaime, and Ser Barristan.

"Lord Clegane…What happened?"

Before he can say anything Queen Cersei enters, "Your Graces, my Lords…The fleet was obliterated by the enemy's defenses."

"Where is my father?" Cersei emotionally asks.

"Lord Tywin was taken prisoner…He has agreed to take the black." They all listen to the tale of how Jaime Lannister killed the Mad King, the pyromancers and saved King's Landing.

"You never told me that." Cersei says as if offended.

"Ser Jaime…I…" Robert says trying to find the right words. "…From now on you will be hailed as a hero…throughout Westeros."

"I'd rather you not Your Grace."

"Lord Tywin took the offer. I'm shocked." Baelish says.

"The Masked Dragon sends his regards. He is coming for the Iron Throne. House Targaryen will rise higher than ever…That is the message he asked me to deliver." The King was angry and rightly so, but Sandor did not care. All he wanted was to get home to his wife and son.

They question him, about the Targaryens, the city defenses, their military strength and such. After answering their Questions Sandor leaves for home. He sends a raven ahead to let her know that he is alive and well; and on his way home.