Chapter 7: Will's first war

William

The days following Prince Oberyn's departure hadn't been the easiest. For the first time, Will felt the realization of facing a war with Danaerys and her dragons. He even had a couple of bad dreams where he was burnt alive by her large dragons along with his family. His plans with Oberyn had gone terribly wrong. The red viper didn't strike the Mountain with a surprise as he had hoped but rather challenged him to single combat. This ended with both men getting seriously injured and the Dornish men taking Oberyn back to Dorne. However, they had received no word of Myrcella and she had not arrived back to Kings Landing.

Upon his mother's request, he had appointed Qyburn as the master of whisperers but he still hadn't chosen a hand of the king. For now, he was the one carrying out the duties of one with the help of his uncle Jaime. He had also granted his mother a seat on the small council. He thought about making his uncle Tyrion the hand of the king given he had the experience during Joffrey's reign but that idea was shot down immediately by his mother. Running the kingdoms was more difficult then he had expected. Till now he hadn't known the extent of his responsibilities with his grandfather doing most of the work. Now, most of his days were spent listening to endless petitions from commoners and arguing about tax rates with lords who all wanted compensations and cutbacks due to the damages they faced during the war. Once a mother of four had come before him and asked help to feed her children as her husband had died fighting for the crown. He had given her a job in the castle and also provided her with food and some coins. After that, his court was flooded with people from Flee Bottoms asking for food and money. He had to stop hearing petitions for some time after that. He now understood his grandfather's insistence on making the people fear the king.

Margaery had been great to be around, always happy and cheering him up when he came back to his chamber after a hard day of trying to keep the kingdoms together. He found he was enjoying being married to her. Marriage wasn't as bad as he thought it would be at all. Perhaps, it was because he hadn't seen any successful marriages growing up. He had lately found himself wanting to spend time with his wife even outside of their bed. They would take walks around the gardens in the evening, they would break their fast in the morning and of course, spend the nights together. He found out that she was quite clever and often discussed the political matters of the court with her. She also started joining him when he held court much to the complaints of his mother. She was a big help to him when he would listen to the problems of the common people. Normally, their trivial problems would frustrate him and he would rush through them as fast as possible which sometimes resulted in him making errors in judgement. Margaery, however, had a real heart in it. The way she interacted with people – calmly, politely, and with interest inspired him to do the same. The commoners loved her, the high born lords and ladies adored her. She went to orphanages every month and also helped the poor. He couldn't have asked for a better queen and a wife.

While the people of Kings Landing loved their queen, Will knew that they still didn't like their king very much. He had grown quite paranoid after Prince Oberyn's informed him that the faceless men were behind his Grandfather's assassination. He had the streets filled with gold cloaks who had permission to stop, search, and also arrest anybody they found suspicious. The gates of the city were closed and only people with prior permission could enter. He had also increased the taxes for both the commoners and the nobles in order to build more naval ships and buying better weapons and armors for his armies. The people of Kings Landing were losing belief in their King and rightfully so since the King was losing belief in himself. The people also were losing faith in the High Septon after that idiot was seen by many after returning from a brothel. They had started following a cult called the 'sparrows'. He was a little worried about them since they made their disdain of the king and the lords very public.

For now, all his attention was focused on one thing. He spent hours every day thinking of ways to defeat Danaerys Targaryen when she invaded Westeros because he was sure that she was going to do so one day. So far he had nothing. He had already lost two kingdoms, the Vale and Dorne, and Stromlands was a mess after the defeat of Renly and Stannis. They were loyal to him but not strong enough to provide substantial support in case of a war. The North was technically loyal to him but he knew that there was no way that they would send men to fight for his cause. So naturally, Will felt that things were getting away from him with each passing day and his paranoia was increasing until one day a raven arrived to Qyburn bringing him the best news he had heard in a while.


The Small Council

"Are you absolutely sure about this?" he asked with great enthusiasm.

"Yes, your grace. Her dragon took several blows and was injured but was able to fly her away. She hasn't been seen in days and her people are still searching for her. There are rumors that she has been taken by the Dothraki. Lord Baelish rules Meereen while she is away," replied Qyburn with a straight face. The man's face showed no emotions at all.

"This is the greatest news I have heard in a while. We must take advantage of this opportunity. Does anybody have any suggestions?" said Will with more enthusiasm than he had shown in weeks.

"We should seize this opportunity to take control of the Vale, your grace. With Danaerys' absence, the Dornish would not risk any action. Stannis is marching against the Boltons in the north. We can now finally attack the Vale without the fear of being caught between two armies," replied Uncle Jaime. Everybody seemed to agree with the idea including his mother.

"Well then Uncle, prepare for war. We march towards the Vale as soon as possible. We don't know when Danaerys will be back and I want to be ready when she does."

"You surely don't mean to go yourself. You are the king. Let your men fight your battles while you stay here and rule," his mother said. He knew she was concerned about his safety. He understood that especially after what happened to Joffrey.

"I have to. I am the King. I can't ask people to die for my war if I'm not willing to do the same," he replied. He knew his responsibilities. This was a part of being a king. He had to accept that even if he was scared.

"You are not a soldier. You can't fight that well. What if you get hurt? Or worse?"

"I have to take that risk. Besides, I will have the Kingsgaurd protecting me."

"The kingsgaurd might not be enough. All it takes is one blow, one arrow.

"Enough. I have made my decision. I won't repeat it. Summon our banners."


He could feel his hands shaking. The fear of his first battle had given him goosebumps. His first instinct to deal with the stress was to go straight to his wife and that's what he did. He rushed to the chambers and found his wife among her ladies, drinking tea and eating cake. He made a hastened apology and asked for some privacy. As soon as they left, he jumped on his wife as a lion jumps on its prey.

"What has gotten into you today?" she asked giggling as he rushed to remove his clothes. He pulled her close and pulled her into a deep kiss.

"I want you. I need you," he said as soon as he broke the kiss hoping it was enough to make her understand and it was. She didn't ask any more questions instead she took his hands and led him towards their bed. She always understood him and was able to make him feel better and this time was no exception. He had a feeling that he was starting to fall in love with her.

After they were both exhausted, Will told Margaery all about what happened in the small council meeting. She was understanding like always. She even offered to write to her grandmother and ask for a significant portion of the army from the reach. She asked if she could call her grandmother to the capitol as Ser Loras would be leaving with him for the battle and she didn't want to feel alone. He agreed thinking it was the least he could do for her. They both lay in bed next to each other talking about random things till it was time to leave for dinner.

"I worry about your mother," she told him as he was getting dressed. "She looks so sad and tired. She is drunk half the time, yesterday she snapped at a servant for no reason at all. Maybe the stress of the small council meetings is getting to her. Don't you think she would be happier at Casterly Rock? Being next to the sea in her childhood home will make her feel better."

"Don't you worry about my mother. She is a lioness," he said kissing her and they left their chambers for dinner. He wanted to believe that Margaery was just worrying for his mother but he couldn't. His wife and mother had shown no love for each other. She wants to invite her grandmother to the capitol and send his mother to the rock. His uncles would be with him at the Vale which would leave the capitol in the hands of the Tyrells. He felt sad thinking about how his wife was still trying to increase the influence of her house in these tough times while he was trying to keep his throne.


His mother was still drinking when he entered her chambers. Margaery was right about her looking tired and sad. He went to her and snatched her cup from her hands.

"You shouldn't drink so much mother," he told her as he said beside her.

"Give it back. I am your mother. I need it," she said as she reached for it again.

"You don't need it. You've had enough," he replied taking his hand out of her reach.

"I do need it. I need it to sleep. My eldest son his dead, my daughter is in the pit of vipers who have in all but name rebelled against us and my son is going off to war. I had 4 children and now I will only have one. I need the wine not because I like it but because it's the only way I can go to sleep."

"Myrcella will be fine. I will see to it. I promise. I'll ask the maester to get you something to help you sleep. No more getting drunk now. You need to remain sober."

"Why?"

"Because you have the seven kingdoms to run," he replied and her head turned towards him. Nobody said anything and he slowly stood up.

"Cersei Lannister, I name you Queen Regent. To rule in my stead till I return from the war or if I die then till Tommen comes of age." He handed her the letter with his seal which proclaimed her the regent.

"Don't say that. You will come back to me. I know you will. You are meant for great things my son and you will accomplish them," she replied standing up as well.

"Olenna Tyrell is coming to the capitol. You should be wary of the Tyrells. They are a real conniving bunch," he warned her.

"Don't you worry. I'll show them their place."


The Vale

Their host had arrived at the outskirts of the Vale early in the morning. They had rested, slept, got dressed, and now were ready for the war council meeting. It was his first war council. He stepped inside to find all his generals waiting for him. There were his uncles Jaime and Tyrion, Randal Tarly, and other Lannister generals. Everybody stopped their discussions and stood up and sat only after he had taken his seat. They all turned to him and waited for him to say something. It was probably the first time while he was the king that he felt intimidated and at a loss of words. Everybody here was experienced and war veteran while he was still a green boy.

"It's good to see you, your grace. You look well," greeted Uncle Tyrion. His words snapped Will out of his thoughts.

"Good to see you too uncle. My condolences on your father's death. He was a great man and the world will forever remember his name," he said.

"They sure will," replied Tyrion.

"Let's begin, shall we? I was informed that we sent a messenger to Lysa Tully asking for her surrender. Has there been any response yet?" he asked.

"No, your grace. Our messenger hasn't returned. He was probably murdered."

"All right. It's war then. What's our position?" he asked Randal Tarly who had arrived before them trying his best not to let his voice shake.

"It will be a difficult battle. The Vale has a strong army that hasn't seen any losses in the recent wars as ours have. The number at full strength can be as high as 45000 men which is about the same as we have brought. Their men will be experienced and used to these lands. The knights of the Vale consider themselves the finest in the seven kingdoms. The terrain will prove to be a big disadvantage for us. They will be at a higher ground. Hundreds of our men will die even before we reach the gates. The passage to the gate is quite narrow which will..."

"That's enough!" snapped William stopping Lord Tarly in between. "All I am hearing are problems. Do we have any solutions? Uncle Tyrion, you have been here for months. Is there any good news?"

"You will be pleased to learn that all the time and gold I spent here hasn't been a total waste. Father asked me to arm the mountain clansmen to the teeth and let them loose to create havoc in the entire Vale. I did that. Also, I met with Lord Yohn Royce. Lord Royce commands the seat of Runestone which is the biggest house in Vale after the Arryns of course."

"I am aware of that. What of it?"

"Well Lord Royce is not too pleased with the current Lady of the Vale and her husband Lord Baelish. He has disliked her actions since she refused to help Robb Stark in the war of five kings."

"She refused to help Robb Stark so he would help us?"

"Well, you also promised to make him the Warden of the East after House Arryn is destroyed. He will offer his men and also convince some other minor houses near his house to join our cause."

"So, what is the plan Uncle Jaime?" asked Will.

"The Lannister army will attack the Bloody Gate with all its might. Lord Royce has been called along with the rest of the houses by Lysa Arryn to protect the Eyrie. The most difficult part of the battle will be our attempt to breach the walls. During the heat of the battle, the mountain clan will descend the mountains and attack the knights of the Vale from behind. Taking advantage of the commotion, Lord Royce will open the gates. Once we enter the gates his men will turn and the battle will be won. Eyrie would be yours."

There was a scoff from the table and William turned his heads to see that it was Randall Tarly. He stared right at him and the man had the courtesy to at least look-down.

"You have something to say my lord?" asked Will, his eyes not leaving Tarly.

"Backstabbing. Why aren't I surprised that this is the plan the Lannister brothers came up with? You can move forward with this plan without losing any night's sleep over it but I am a Tarly. That name means something. We aren't backstabbers, we aren't oathbreakers, we fight with honor," he replied proudly staring right back towards him. The table had become silent and everybody looked at him.

"If you have trouble sleeping, my lord, we can provide you with the essence of nightshade. If the problem persists then we can increase the dosage significantly. We march tomorrow morning, I want you leading the vanguard. Leave now and get some rest. I will send the maester to your tent to help you sleep. Leave now," he said calmly.

"The rest of you can leave as well. Try and get some rest. We have a big day tomorrow," said Jaime and the table became empty except him and his uncles.

"Was that a wise choice nephew? Threatening to poison a noble lord who has brought his army for you to command," said Uncle Tyrion.

"I think it was a great decision. Tarly was trying to measure him. He was thinking that he can intimidate the king because of his young age. This will shut him up till the battle ends and then he can take his high horse and go fuck himself," replied Uncle Jaime.

"Maybe. I have greater things to worry about than what Tarly thinks of me," he said.

"Don't worry about tomorrow. If all goes to plan it will be over before you know it. You probably would have to stab a corpse to bloody your sword. There will be 4 kingsgaurd around you and they would be so close to you that you might have trouble breathing. Surrounding them will be 30 of our best men. No matter what happens these men will not break formation. You will only enter the battle after the gates have been breached. If anything goes wrong, you'll be immediately led out of the battle where our fastest horses will take you to Harroway's town," he concluded.

"Wow! Never have I felt more like a coward. Shouldn't I be the one leading everybody? The one who shouts 'for House Lannister' and runs at the enemy with his men following him," he said.

"No offense your grace but you would be the first man to die. We have been practicing every day for the past few weeks and I can beat you in seconds. And I am a cripple," replied Uncle Jaime.

"What kind of a king would I be if I am not risking my life like I am asking our men to do?"

"A smart one," replied Uncle Tyrion. "Don't do anything restless tomorrow your grace. I will now take your leave."

"Where are you going?"

"I have to fight with the mountain clansmen. It might be my last night. I am going to find a drink and a whore," he replied.

"Where is your wife? Isn't Sansa supposed to be with you?" he asked. He was hoping that he could meet her before riding off to war. They hadn't exactly parted on a good note.

"I left her at an inn along the way. This is no place for a lady. Surely you will agree?" answered Tyrion and Will nodded. Maybe he could meet her after the battle is won.


Jaime

Their plan had worked better than expected. The mountain clan had descended and distracted some of the knights of the vale and Lord Royce had opened the gates. His army charged with such an enthusiasm which could only be due to the fact that the King was riding with him. He kept looking back to check on Will. He had turned out to be a man that Jaime was proud to be a father to. He cut a few soldiers from his sword and turned back to see that Ser Meryn Trant was killed by some knight. He thought about turning his horse back towards his King but to his surprise, Will had caught that knight by surprise and jammed his sword in that knight's neck. He felt a smile forming on his face and he moved forward. At that moment he decided that he would tell Will that it was indeed Jaime who was his father instead of Robert. Cersei be damned. He was Will's father and he wanted his son to know it.

It all happened in minutes. The knights of the vale realized that they had been betrayed and had no choice of winning except killing the king. They had all banded together and rode towards the King in a narrow formation while clearing their path with ease. Jaime realized this last-ditch attempt to win. He had himself tried to kill Robb Stark in the battle of Whispering woods when he realized that he would lose. He barked commands on his men to turn around and attack the knights from behind. Tarly would have to understand and control the rest of the men.

He didn't know how he long it took for him to reach Will and how some soldier hadn't killed him because he didn't stop his horse or even looked anywhere but straight ahead where his son was. When he was about to reach there, the bells started ringing. Eyrie had fallen and the battle was won. But Jaime felt no joy, he had to see his son with his own eyes. The remaining men from the vale threw their swords away. Jaime walked over the bodies of dead men and made his way in the crowd that had gathered around. He reached the center and saw his son lying on the floor with his helmet off. Ser Loras and Ser Boros were kneeling by his side.

"We won, Uncle. We won," Will said. His voice was barely audible and there was a big smile on his face.

Jaime looked down on saw the Kingsgaurd trying to try a cloth around a wound on Will's body. There was a puddle of blood forming near Will's body.

"He got hit in his stomach," said Ser Boros and Jaime felt that he was about to faint.


Author's note:

Thanks for reading guys. This was a very difficult chapter to write. Let me know in the reviews what you thought about it. Reviews give me the motivation to write more.

I need your help guys. I am very confused about where to take this story. So, I thought why don't I ask you guys.

So who do you want Will to end up with:

a) Sansa

b) Margaery

c) Danaerys

Tell me your answer in reviews or better if you can pm me. Follow and favorite this story if you liked this chapter. Follow and favorite me if you want notifications for my stories.