Journey to Troyad
Aegon sat atop a chair forged from the swords of his conquered enemies, by his side Balerion laid with his head next to his master, Aegon placed his hand on the dragon's head as he overlooked a great city where millions of people cheered and screamed his name. He watched as the High Septon and a hundred lords bowed their heads to the new king.
Suddenly the sky grew dark. grey clouds blocked the sun as lightning flashed like mad across the sky. As the lightning flashed Aegon thought he saw the silhouettes of men on horseback, Aegon mounted his dragon and flew up to get a closer look. as he drew near to the silhouettes, they became sharper. Suddenly the shadow riders turned towards him and charged. Instinctively Balerion saw them and let loose a stream of flame. When the dragon had finished the flames seemed to brush the clouds away as well as the riders leaving only their steeds, One shadow horse, trotted slowly towards him he seemed to grow bigger and biggeruntil Balerion seemed like a hatchling in comparison. It reared up and from its flanks, a pair of wings spread out and shadow steed's eyes flashed with fire and a blue light erupted from its mouth straight at Aegon.
Aegon bolted awake, his forehead beading with sweat. Beside him his sister wives were awakened by the sudden movement and they placed their hands on his shoulders.
"Same dream," Rhaenys asked.
Aegon nodded his breathing starting to level out. "Ever since I planned this invasion I keep having the dreams every night."
"I think your dream is trying to tell you something," Visenya remarked. "It most likely has something to do with the Blackreynes."
Aegon nodded, "I have a terrible feeling about this, the sooner we end it the better."
At Oldtown Aegon and his sisters met with their war council Those present were his sister wives Visenya and Rhaenys, Orys Baratheon, the High Septon, Loren Lannister and Harlen Tyrell.
"How are the preparations going?" He commanded
Loren looked solemn as he spoke, "Your grace, I regret to inform you that House Reyne has chosen defiance and has marched to join House Blackreynes cause."
"Then the Reynes shall pay for their disloyalty," Aegon snarled.
"I fear it gets worse brother," Visenya said, everyone turned to him as the queen gave her report, "I received word from Sharra Arryn that House Royce has also rebelled and is marching to Join the Blackreynes."
Aegon slammed his fist into the table causing goblets to spill and plates to shake. "TREASON," he roared, "HOW CAN THESE HOUSE DEFY THEIR LORDS HAVE THEY NO CONTROL OVER THEM?!"
"Considering who they are it is not very surprising," Orys said quietly, everyone turned to him and he continued. "The Royces and Reynes have been friends with the Blackreynes for thousands of years, their bond with them is as strong as the Starks. Not even war has been able to sever it, especially given their blood ties."
Harlen Tyrell and Loren Lannister could not help but agree, "Indeed in fact the Reynes themselves are a cadet branch of the Blackreynes and have strong blood ties." Loren added
Aegon sighed and shook his head, "how many men?"
"About 10,000 each brother," Visenya replied
Aegon waved it off, "it no longer matters how many allies come to their aid," he declared. They will pay for their treachery in time."
The lords nodded as Aegon turned to Orys, "how are the preparations going?"
"We are still equipping the men moreso now that the faith militant has joined us, Thus far they have given us 70,000 poor fellows, and 7,700 Warriors Sons."
He frowned and Aegon did the same. "Is that a problem?"
Orys's lip curled, "The Warriors Sons seem capable enough, but the poor fellows-" Orys shook his head, those are not soldiers, just little more than peasants."
The High Septon looked offended, "the swords and stars are the soldiers of the seven. They will dispence justice to all and bring an end to the heresy that has plagued Westeros."
Before he could rant any further, a squire came in, "Your grace Lord Daemon is here."
"What is it Daemon? Aegon asked urgently, realizing something was wrong
"Your grace," Daemon panted, "our fleet is gone."
Aegon's eyes narrowed, "what do you mean it's gone."
"Longboats came in the dead of night, they boarded our ships before we could raise the anchor. At first I was confused that they had not burned many ships, that was when I realised. They didn't come to destroy our fleet, they came to steal it. soon we were fighting for possession of our own ships."
"Was Dalton Blackreyne leading them?" Visenya asked.
Daemon shook his head, "No my queen, but the man leading them was a giant, larger than my stallion. He brought down the mast of one ship with his bare hands and used it as a bridge to cross over to another ship."
Lord Lannister and Lord Tyrell looked at each other and nodded, "Malgus."
"Who?" Rhaenys asked.
"Dalton Blackreyne's second youngest brother," Loren explained. "The size bear and just as strong. He's a madman in combat, only Dalton surpasses him."
"Great," Daemon threw his hands in the air, "our entire fleet taken by a hulking brute."
Lord Lannister shook his head, "make no mistake Lord Velaryon, he may be a brute but he's no imbecile. Malgus has a good mind for war albeit not nearly on the same level as Dalton but enough to be a threat.
"It doesn't matter," Aegon declared, "let Dalton enjoy these meager victories while he still can. Now that half of Westeros is under our rule we can now march on Troyad."
"They still refuse to surrender?" Visenya wondered.
Aegon nodded, "I sent him a raven and he sent one back simply stating that I have his answer. The only condition he will accept is a marriage pact between our two families. So our only option is to take it by force."
"The Blackreynes have never been conquered, some say they can't be conquered." Lord Tyrell pointed out.
"Anyone can be beaten," Aegon insisted. "The Blackrerynes will fall like the Rhoynar and Ghiscari did before my ancestors."
"All the same my king do not underestimate them," Lord Lannister agreed. "The Blackreynes have many powerful friends and they are loyal to each other as we have already seen. the Houses of Blackreyne, Stark, Yronwood, Royce and Reyne are more than just allies they are a brotherhood."
Lord Tyrell nodded, "Lord Lannister speaks the truth. Those houses made a blood pact after our Andal forebears migrated here. It was an oath to never war against each other and to come to each other's aid in a time of need."
"If that is so than why don't they rule their respective kingdoms?" Aegon wondered.
"The oath binds them to protect each other not to directly aid in ambitions," Lord Lannister explained. "Such things must be taken themselves. Even in turmoil House Blackreyne does it's best to aid its allies. When House Teague drove the Blackreynes further and further into the sea it seemed to be their end. Yet when the Warrior Queen Nymeria, came to Dorne and battled the Yronwoods, House Blackreyne though badly weakened kept their oath and King Roger Blackreyne sent his own brother Theodred with 3,000, all he could spare to aid their friends. Though Theodred was eventually slain and King Yorick Yronwood V submitted, because of Theodred, Nymeria's War lasted thirty years. If the Blackreynes mean to defy you that must mean they have a plan to beat you."
Aegon sighed and nodded, If I'm going to conquer Troyad, I must first learn about them and the best thing to do is to travel to Tridenton, not as a conqueror but as a traveller
"You mean to visit Tridenton?" Lord Tyrell wondered.
"Tridenton is meant to be the crown jewel of Troyad," Aegon explained. "Perhaps I may take it as my capital city depending on what I see. Besides it will give me a better understanding of what kind of people these Arnorians are."
As Aegon walked through the camp ne noticed that many of his allies men were quiet. Aegon learned later that they were all nervous about the invasion of House Blackreynes kingdom, they understood the danger it posed despite the fact that they had dragons fighting for them not it did not stop them from worrying.
Moving further he heard a conversation between a grizzled Lannister knight and two of his own men one from house Velaryon and another from House Celtigar. "We'll show those Blackreynes what Valyrians are made of," the Velaryon man said confidently.
The Lannister glared at him, "what do you know about Blackreynes?"
The Velaryon shrugged, "a bunch of warmongering barbarians right?"
"Hmph," the Lannister scoffed, "tell me boy how far can you march in a day."
The Velaryon rubbed his chin, "I don't really know 15, 20 miles I think."
The Lannister smirked, "a Blackreyne regiment can march 50 miles a day for four days straight, AND fight all day on the fifth."
The Celtigar waved it off, "so they can march far it doesn't prove anything."
The Lannister laughed, "I like to hear you say that when you loose an arm. If a Blackreyne got his arm cut off he wouldn't notice until he tried to use it."
"I'm more worried about their archers to be honest," a Tyrell soldier said as he sat next to the Lannister.
The Lannister nodded, "aye the archers. They can pick the wings off a butterfly at 300 meters without killing it. Worse is the ones on horseback, the Arnorian Rangers, they can get you at 500 meters. Gods you have to be dothraki to match them half way."
"Visenya Targaryen was wounded by a mucky shot," the Tyrell added. How much more for them when 50,000 archers will be aiming for them, their dragons may be impervious but they aren't."
This caused Aegon worry, at the Field of Fire the Lannister/Gardener host had only a few thousand archers at best and Visenya was wounded. they came too close to the ground and it was a lucky shot. How much more when the Blackreynes are reputed to have the finest in the world, and they had tens of thousands who will be aiming to kill."
Aegon needed to think carefully about how he was going to handle the King Dalton. He was careless at the field of fire and nealy lost his sister. He vowed not to be so careless again.
And so Aegon his sisters and Orys entered the city, disguised as traveling couples. Tridenton was unlike any city he had ever seen before. It had to be at least thrice the size of Oldtown and what Aegon noted was how organized it was.
The curtain wall was roughly rectangular, 100 feet high and 20 feet thick. While the landlocked walls were perfectly straight, the once facing the river and bay followed the coastline along the sturdy ground. There were towers every 50 feet with huge gatehouses on each side and a maingate that faced Northwest. Aegon then noticed that the gatehouse also served as a barracks for the city guards which by Aegon's estimate numbered 10,000 strong.
Within this curtain wall was an inner wall one that separated the west and north hills from the one overlooking the Rush. When he asked bout it, a man claimed it was the core district, it was where boys marked as soldiers were sent to train. The Core protected the smithies, armories, stables, storehouses, and a library. The core even had temples for the Old Gods, the Rhoyne, R'hllor, and the Triumvirate a dedication to the nationalities that lived under the Blackreynes. Each temple was guarded by men from their respected nationality and anyone who wanted to enter had to set aside their weapons. The core was sparsely populated, and there was room plentiful for more development, Aegon guessed that was the point.
The main port which took up the entirety of the eastern side was meant for the larger ships, 100 such vessels could dock here easily. The river port which took up the south side was reserved for the smaller vessels such as fishing boats, transport barges and sailboats.
None of the buildings were cobbled together like most cities but instead followed a uniformed pattern, and not one was wrought in wood. Every street, every building followed a straight line giving the city a checkered-like look from above. It seemed that the residences occupied the lower parts of the city while the buildings of businesses, Taverns, markets, stores, shops, and brothels were located in the two hills. The houses build against the wall so in a sense they were part of the wall were no lower that 2 stories and each house was large enough to comfortably seat 4 people. There were even larger homes for extended families.
There were no back alleys, narrow corridors or winding streets. The roads were wide enough for two carts to ride side by side. There was also a decent number of wells in fact many residences surrounded them. Large, square and wrought in stone, they were accessable to anyone.
Overall, Aegon was mildly impressed by what he saw, it had no style. But it was clear that this reflected Blackreynes creeds, Efficiency and practicality were the key focuses when building this city. This city wasn't built to look pretty it was build to last.
After visiting Troyad Aegon made his way through Troyad studying the terrain and the people. For a warrior society it seemed that the Arnorians were more developed civilization wise as oppose to it's neighbors. As Aegon made his way through the Troyad towards the God's Eye, Aegon couldn't help but notice a lack of isolated farms or keeps. The keeps he did come across was usually surrounded by a settlement of certain size which is in turn surrounded by farmland.
The other Kingdoms had dozens of different houses, The Troyad mainland once boasted over 90 houses now they had been reduced to 13. Much of this was due to the Teague Uprising which led to the annihilation of many houses including Darry, Ryger and Rosby. The 13 had remained loyal to the Blackreynes and so were named the Faithful. While the other houses still existed in a sense their influence spanned no greater than the walls of the settlements they ruled. Each of the Faithful governed one of the larger settlements and was allowed a small army to act as a watch.
House Justinian of Fairmarket
House Darklyn of Duskendale,
House Mallister of Seaguard
House Mooton of Maidenpoole
House Tully of Mummerton (Mummer's Ford Town)
House Frey of The Twin Towns
House Blackwood of Blackbuckle,
House Bracken of Stone Hedge
House Brune of Crackclaw Point
House Shawney of Paxton
House Butterwell of Saltpans
House Strong of Rosby
House Piper of Pennytree
The Other settlements included Tumbler Falls, Mudgrave, Nutten, Wendish Town, Godsdale (Gods Eye town), Harrowton (Lord Harroway's Town), Moontown, Longtown, Sherrer, Sallydance, Riverbend, Ramsford, , Mousedown Mill, Lambswold, Brindlewood, Hags Mire, Fieldstone, Donnelwood, Crossing Elms, Honeytree, Cairns, Buckle and Sevenstreams. These were rules by lesser houses who answered to the Faithful. Each had a city guard whose size depended on the population and could draft a militia should the need arise.
Two things surprised Aegon about these settlements, one was the way they were built. Most of them were square-shaped. The notable exception was those located near water in which case one wall would follow the shores. These settlements are protected by 20 foot high walls. There was a gate for each side, and 12 guard towers, one at each corner and two flanking the gates. In addition to the walls the settlements were additionally protected by trench and spike and watchtowers stood in the farmland. It seemed more like a military encampment than a anything. But considering the hardcore military society the Arnorian were this was hardly surprising and admittedly there was some sense to it. After all they didn't have to worry about brigands and raiders and it could repel a small army for a time.
Next was their size and quantity. The largest settlements (not counting Tridenton) Paxton, Maidenpool, Duskendale and Seagard were bigger than Gulltown. Able to house over 200,000 people. Even the smallest settlement was at least the size of Selhorys. If you were to disregard the settlements on the Blackreyne ruled islands, Troyad still had more settlements than the rest of Westeros combined with at least 40 spanning the region.
The farmland Aegon noted was different from that of the Reach. While the Reach grew all manner of fruits, vegetables and orchards. Troyad was mostly grain based. From corn, potatoes, oats, barley, wheat and rye. Indeed Troyad seemed to be the continents main supplier of bread and flour.
The final quality that Troyad had was the existence of actual roads. the other kingdoms simply had a clear path with no grass growing and traces of cart tracks. Troyad roads like all Arnorian structures were wrought in cobblestone. It also slimmed the chances of getting lost since the roads connected the settlements together so if you stayed on the road you were bound to come across a settlement eventually
Aegpn had wanted to integrate the town guards into his army but Rhaenys convinced him not to since they were no threat to him. "These men are simply doing their duty to protect the people in these settlements," she said, "it isn't right to take them away from that."
As Aegon talked to the people, he learned more about his enemy. When he asked them how the Blackreynes ruled, the answer was generally the same. Firm but fair, they could hardly be considered kind but they were far from cruel aside from their enemies. Their society was strict but considering the circumstances it was understandable.
Parents told a different story considering their militant ways, fathers were happy about that Arnorian education 'beat the softness out of their sons, while mothers expressed grief that their darling boys fates were being chosen the moment they were born.
It seemed that Dalton had anticipated that Aegon would want the coffers in the cities to fill his own, but asking around he learned that Dalton had already emptied them in preparation for Aegon's arrival.
Despite the claim of being against the faith, Troyad boasted a number of houses that did worship the seven notable of which were Frey, Mooton, Piper and Strong. whos towns seemed to consist of andal citizens who followed the Seven. They claimed that as long as the septons and septas were allowed to preach so long as they were kept in line.
It seemed that their feelings towards the Blackreynes ranged from love to begrudged respect. small wonder they were willing to fight for them now. But he did find a few houses that were interested in joining him though he suspected that it was out of fear od his dragons than out of disloyalty. Houses Towers, Harroway, Lothston and Whent had sent ravens to Aegon declaring their allegiance. With this new information Aegon and his siblings returned to Bitterbridge were his main host was camped. This was it what happened at the Gods eyes would decide everything.
Calm before the Storm
Dalton and his sisters arrived at Paxton to see the massive host of Blackreyne and Stark already assembled. Flying their Thestrals during the night allowed them to go unexposed to the encampment. They landed inside the Isle of faces and took a boat to the shore.
Among the banners were the houses of the Iron Islands, Redwyne of the Arbor, Farmen of Fair Island and Woodfoot of Bear Island. Hoare, Greyiron, Blacktyde and Stonetree of the Misty Isles and Houses Codd, Humble and Dryland from the newly acquired Triplets, formerly the Three Sisters. He also saw the Red Lion of House Reyne and the Bronze Runes of House Royce.
Dalton made his way to the stronghold where the commanders were. Along the way he was greeted by Lord Ronald Reyne and Lord Yonaton Royce.
Dalton smiled, "my lords," he clasped their hands, "I'm delighted to see you will be fighting with us on this historical moment."
The two lords returned the smiles, and Lord Royce spoke. "Your grace, we are here at your disposal, as you know we have never renounced our creed."
Lord Reyne nodded in agreement, "indeed." He looked around and continued, "will Lord Yronwood be joining us?"
Dalton shook his head, "Dorne has successfully defied the dragons, so they will stay and defend the homeland should Aegon return.
The other lords nodded as the three men headed for the council chamber. The King of Winter was already with his main lords and his base-born brother in a heated discussion.
"It is unwise to set ourselves out in the open like this," said Lord Manderly. "We should fall back to Moat Cailin and make our stand there."
"nonsense," roared Lord Umber, "we will fight him here, Northern Valor shall carry the day."
"Not just Northern Valor Lord Umber," Brandon Snow pointed out. "Do not forget the North does not fight alone this time."
"Of course he has not forgotten," Dalton spoke up causing all heads to turn to him. "The North Remembers after all." Torrhen smiled at his friend as Dalton walked up to him and gave hin a curt nod, "King Torrhen."
Torrhen returned the nod, "King Dalton."
"I trust your journey south wasn't too exhausting."
Torrhen shook his head, "it took me some time but, thanks to your warning I was able to gather my full strength and march south without incident."
Dalton nodded in approval, "excellent we will need all the strength we can muster to stop Aegon. But before we discuss further, I must inquire about my brother."
Torrhen nodded understanding, "of course he is in one of the guest chambers." He shook his head sadly, "the poor boy has not taken well since his brother's death."
'That was to be expected,' Dalton thought, as he followed a servant to where Ciron was. Once they were at the door, Dalton dismissed the boy and knocked sharply before heading in without permission.
Ciron was sitting on the railing of the balcony sharpening his sword with a whetstone. He turned upon hearing the noise, his eyes blazing, but they softened somewhat at the sight of his brother. His younger brother had changed since he last saw him, Ciron had become gaunt and his dark gold hair had lost some of its colouring hung limp, but one thing he definitely noticed was that his dyed lock was no longer there. "You cut off your lock," Dalton said.
"I still have it," Ciron muttered reaching into his surcoat and pulling it out braided and tied together. "I just don't need it anymore."
"I sorry we couldn't save him," Dalton replied grimly. "you should know that Orys Baratheon apprehended the men responsible for their mistreatment of Argella, and are currently at Arnor awaiting whatever punishment you see fit."
Ciron shook his head and jumped off the balcony landing on the stony floor, "not good enough, not nearly good enough. I want that usurper Orys dead, he took Tyron's wife his inheritance and even his child's birthright."
"Orys is not to blame for Tyron's death." Dalton reasoned.
"I DON'T CARE!" He roared. "I WANT BLOOD!"
"You will get it brother," Dalton promised but not is not the time for anger, remember we have task at hand and vengeance shall be yours.
Ciron glared, "I'd better," he replied before storming off.
Dalton sighed, "I hope my sisters have better luck than I."
As his sisters went to comfort Ciron, Dalton left to talk to Torrhen. Along the way he heard that a fleet of ships was approaching. Malgus had come again.
After docking Malgus disembarked and clasped hands with his elder brother when he arrived to greet him, he had a grin on his face. Dalton chuckled, "welcome to the camp brother I take it that you enjoyed yourself."
Malgus laughed loudly, "those valyrian underlings offered me no challenge at all. Honestly who taught them how to fight? If I had not fought poor fellows before I would have felt sorry for them."
Dalton smiled, "so how did it go?"
Malgus retold the tale of how he was able to take the Targaryen fleet. "Honestly someone should teach those men how to set up a proper watch. I could have marched in there blowing a trumpet."
"How many ships did you get?"
"Around 40, the fighting got intense so some were destroyed."
Dalton nodded "good, now the Targaryens will be stalled until they find another way to cross the Blackwater." It was nighttime, when Dalton met with the Stark King. Torrhen was on the shores of the Gods Eye with a thousand mile stare.
"Are you scared?" Torrhen nodded and Dalton exhaled, "Good."
Torrhen turned to him, "how is that good?"
Dalton smiled, "it means your not a fool."
Torrhen's eyes narrowed, "You are not frightened, does that mean you are a fool."
Dakton smirked, "No, most likely just out of my mind." This caused both of them to chuckle softly.
Torrhen shook his head, "it's so quiet."
Dalton nodded, "it's always calm before the storm."
Torrhen scratched his head, "Why here Dalton, why not at any of out strongholds?"
Dalton was silent and simply pointed to the island in the dead center of the great lake and Torrhen finally understood.
The Isle of Faces was easily the most sacred place in Troyad it had no temples or statues but it served a much greater purpose. Once the place where the ancients and the humanity made peace soon became a sanctuary. Not only did it have weirwood trees but was also a home for rare animals Aurochs, Little Valyrians, Phantom Tortoises, White ravens, dwarf elephants unicorns and even Old Men of the River. The Blackreynes of old had brought a couple of these massive tortoises to westeros to honor their Rhoynish citizens and give them a piece of home.
To protect the island itself the Children raised a great wall of natural rock at completely surrounded the island. The steep incline and the sharp jagged rocks made scaling it impossible. The only way in was through a huge tunnel big enough for a giant turtle to pass through. Defending the island were children who would act as the guardians and men that dedicated themselves to the gods this small army wielded weirwood bows, tall spears, obsidian daggers with bone hilts, turtle shell shields, forest armour and silver scaled armour. This order which included Water Wizards, Wood Dancers and giants was called the Sacred Band. And if that didn't stop them than the thestrals living there certainly will. Thestrals are unusually intelligent and do not eat the creatures living in the God's Eye
"Aegon's army is composed mostly of Andals," Dalton explained, he even forsakes his own gods to gain the support of the Faith Militant."
Torrhen laughed, "fanatics with sharpened sticks. You'll make meat out of them as your ancestors always have."
Dalton chuckled, "yes, poor little fellows indeed. Tha faith holds the Targaryens in their hand if the get what they want they can use the Targaryens dragons to destroy The Isle of Faces. Peace was made there a santuary was made there and I will not allow it to be destroyed."
Torrhen nodded, the Isle of Faces and High heart were the last places in the south where weirwoods grew freely as well as the last bastions for the Children. The same thing had been done for High Heart, after Jerricoe Blackreyne slew the Andal King Erreg Kinslayer, High Heart Hill was raised into a mesa too high for attackers to reach the weirwood groves at the top.
"Besides my new sword hungers, I should bleed it soon." He drew the sword with it's gleaming black blade and horse carved pommel.
"What happened to Fury?" Torrhen asked.
After I got this one I gave Fury to Lord Ronald," He explained, "Ronald decided to rename it Red Rain because of the blade itself. "He raised his new ont into the air. "Behold, Twilight forged from a blazing meteor sent by Bellicore himself."
Torrhen smiled, "you really think the Titans gifted that to you?"
Dalton nodded, "of that I am certain. As sharp and strong as Valyrian steel, perfectly balanced and just as light."
"Like House Dayne's Dawn," Torrhen realized.
"Precisely, except my blade is black and his is white, hence the name Twilight."
Torrhen turned fully towards him, "Tell me true, Dalton. You truly believe we can win?"
"No," Dalton replied causing Torrhen to falter before he continued. "I know we will win."
"You say these things, but what makes you so certain?"
Dalton placed a hand on Torrhen's shoulder. "Because Master Torrhen, you should never underestimate a Blackreyne."
Note, House Blackreyne is based on elements from Sparta, Rome, Vikings, Mongols and Zulu. House Whitehall is based on Bretonnia from Warhammer, France, the Holy Roman Empire, Athens and Reavers as well. Next Chapter, we will finally have the confrontation. Don't worry it will be up shortly