Casterly Rock 296 AC.
Jaehaerys Targaryen.
Domeric and Beric arrived within days of each other and because of that he and Jaime almost had to force Tyrion to leave. Both of them telling him that they would deal with this and that there was nothing for him to do here, certainly nothing as important as what he was going to. So reluctantly his uncle agreed and after he and Jae spent the night with the dragons, Tyrion arranged to leave in a day or so.
Beric didn't come alone and when Thoros saw not only Melisandre but the two members of the Fiery Hand he was stunned. Jae quickly arranging for Melisandre to speak to her fellow red priest. The last of Beric's immediate circle was his squire and Jae cursed himself for forgetting that Edric Dayne was squiring for his future gooduncle.
With Cregan and Ashara still at Castamere they were spared some awkward conversations for now, but they would be arriving back at the Rock before Ned left, and while Jae longed to see Joy, he wondered how to handle this. Arthur felt that his nephew could be trusted to keep it to himself, and saying that it was Beric they needed to bring onside anyway. Something he was trying his best to do now as he and the Lord sparred while the others looked on.
"You've gotten better my lord." he said as he dodged a quick thrust.
"I've need to, I still owe you for my defeat, Jon." Beric said smiling as he parried one of Jon's blows.
"So that's why you came, hoping to gain your revenge my lord." he said with a smirk.
"Seeking it Jon, not hoping." Beric said as he aimed two quick blows at him.
While a part of him wondered if losing would endear him to Beric or annoy the lord, the completive spirit he had and his friends looking on didn't allow that. So he began to pick up the pace and saw Beric begin to falter, with a riposte as quick as the bolt of lightning on Beric's sigil, Jae disarmed the lord and a moment later accepted his yield, Beric smiling broadly as he did so.
"I thank you, Jon, for not holding back. Lord Jaime's training has paid off but I'm not sure he could have ever wished for a better student." Beric said as they drank some water.
"I thank you, my lord, perhaps later we can speak on trade?" he asked and Beric nodded.
"Indeed, now go easy on young Ned, give him some pointers Jon, he can only benefit from your instruction." Beric said as he took a seat.
"Ned, you wish to spar?" he shouted to the young lad who nodded eagerly.
Ned was actually more skilled than Beric and while Jae didn't put in as much effort as he did with the Lightning Lord, he was forced to put in some effort. Winning wasn't his goal though and so halfway through he stopped much to Ned's chagrin, only for the boy to quickly smile when Jae started giving him pointers. He corrected little parts of his stance, showed him how to work more on his footwork, and told him to begin using a heavier sword for practice against the dummies.
"Why Jon?" Ned asked when Jae ruffled his hair as they stood in front of a dummy, Jae showing him where and how to strike.
"You see my sword." he said pointing to his thin sparring sword.
"Aye, it's so thin." Ned said and then blushed when Jae nodded back, the boy's natural shyness something he would need to work on.
"It is, but when I started Lord Jaime had me practice with a thicker heavier one, then when I switched to this my arm was trained to wield and expect more resistance from the heavier blade. What do you think happened when it found the blade lighter?" he asked.
"It made your swing faster?" Ned said his eyes alight.
"It did, try it for a while, and see if it has the same effect for you Ned.".
"I will Jon, thank you, can we spar again sometime?" Ned asked nervously.
"Aye, we can." he said and Ned beamed at him, his smile big and bright and much like their aunt's Jae thought.
Domeric was a different sort, sparring was something he did because it needed to be done and even lance work and jousting seemed more something expected than enjoyed by the older boy. Apart from talks of trade and explaining how things worked, Jae found himself almost at a loss as to what it was that interested the boy, until they were eating one night and the bard was playing his harp terribly.
"You play Lord Domeric?" Jae asked looking at the way he scowled at the bard.
"I do Jon, better than he anyway." Domeric said.
"You have a harp?" he asked and Domeric nodded before looking at him carefully.
"You play?" Domeric asked and he nodded.
"Well maybe we should play then my lord, we can provide some better entertainment at least." he said and Domeric seemed eager for the opportunity.
With a nod to Jaime and Tyrion, Jae walked with Domeric to his room, and once he reached it rushed off to his former one, the harp Jaime had gotten him to practice on still being there. Being in the vaults had allowed him to play his father's harp when he wished and he had taken full advantage as often as he could, happy to hear the sounds come from it. While the one in his hands now was a poor substitute for that one, it would do for now and so as they made their way back to the hall he looked forward to playing, leaving the singing out for now at least.
They began with songs everyone would know, the Dornishman's Wife, the Bear and the Maiden Fair, Domeric smiling when Jae suggested Alysanne,. It was when Jae began to play Brave Danny Flint though that Domeric really brightened up, insisting on Iron Lances and finishing with The Winter Maid, both of them feeling the North in them come through as they played.
"Thank you, Jon, I've not enjoyed playing so much in an age, you wield that harp as well as you do the blade." Domeric said as they were saying their goodnights.
"Only as good as the partner who played with me, my lord." Jae said.
"Dom, Jon, call me Dom.".
"Dom.".
He spent the night with the dragons, Tyrion spending his final night at the Rock before heading to Done, the Lion's Tooth soon to be ready to take him to see Arianne. They didn't speak too much on it, Tyrion knew where he stood and that he had his backing and there were no more words needed. Instead, Jae telling him that he'd look after Lygaron and Tyrion promising the dragon he'd not be gone for long and that when he came back they'd go on a longer flight.
Tyrion had taken to dragon flight as well as he had, keen to be up in the sky even more than being on the ground, Lygaron too eager to be with his rider always. With Rhaenix back though his son's loneliness was lessened and he was far more accepting of Tyrion's departure.
"I'll be back soon Jon, Jaime, I.." Tyrion said and Jon nodded, Jaime too knowing just how important this trip was to Tyrion.
"Go, I'll see you on your return." he said and gave Jaime and Tyrion a longer moment, the woman in red departing the ship four down grabbing his attention.
Nodding to Walder, he the giant guard and Ghost made their way to where the woman was standing looking around, her smile when seeing him removing all the worry that just been on her face.
"My lady." he said softly as he looked at the beautiful woman, his eyes roaming her face as keenly as hers were his.
"My..Jon Snow?" she said changing her words halfway through, after looking around at the number of people on the docks.
"I am, Lady Kinvara?" he asked.
"Kinvara, Jon, is there somewhere we can speak in private?".
"We have horses awaiting my lady, can you ride or would you prefer a carriage?".
"I can ride, we're heading to the Rock?" she asked and he nodded.
"We are, there is much we must speak on I believe." he said.
"Much indeed." she said as he directed her to where Jaime was standing looking at him, Tyrion walking up the gangplank along with Bronn and some more guards.
"Lord Jaime, this is Lady Kinvara, she'll be accompanying us back to the Rock.".
"Of course, my lady a pleasure." Jaime said as they turned to walk to their horses.
Bear Island 296 AC.
Arya.
The journey to Bear Island was almost as exciting to her as the island itself would be once she got there. Nymeria too enjoyed the freedom of being able to run through the Wolfswood and of sleeping out under the stars. Lady Maege and her girls were so different than any other ladies she knew, she could be strict when she wished to be, and yet she allowed her far more freedom than her father did.
She and Lyanna were allowed to sit up late, to listen to the stories as they sat around the fire, while they weren't allowed any of the ale, they were given a small mug of hot cider each on one of the colder nights. At no point was she asked to ride in a carriage or to pull her shirt in when it came loose as she rode. Instead Maege would simply look at her or Lyanna and she soon found that she began to do it herself, just as it Lyanna always seemed to.
"We'll be arriving at Deepwood Motte on the morrow, no doubt Glover will wish us to stay and the boats won't be here for a day or so either, so you two." Maege said looking to her and Lyanna "Will behave." she said and Arya found herself nodding.
Deepwood Motte was made of wood, that was her only thought as they were led through the outer rings, each one taking them higher and higher into the keep itself. Lord Galbart was a gruff man but friendlier than his brother and Arya found herself liking him far better, especially when she found out about Larence being his ward. The bastard boy and how he was treated making her think fondly on her brother.
"You spar?" she asked Larence early the next morning and he nodded running off to find some sparring blades.
"To three?" he asked when he came back and she nodded eagerly.
Though he beat her two to one she had done well and it was his size and strength which had forced her to lose, nothing else. Lyanna and she broke their fast with Larence, Arya showing him the knife her father gifted her and the bow Jon had made for her and Lyanna doing likewise, all three of them laughing and japing as they ate. When she left the next day she was a little sad to go, though Maege told her that they'd be coming back and forth to Deepwood Motte a fair bit in her time on Bear Island.
Despite the keep almost being ready for them to stay in and the fact that Maege and her girls stayed there already, it was to the main keep on Bear Island they were taken. They'd be staying there for the first moon until more work was done and only then moved to the keep near the docks. Arya found that Lyanna seemed just as miffed as she was by this, though soon they cared not, both of them more eager to play with Gerold than anything else.
"Tomorrow you'll begin your lessons with Maester Alaric." Lynesse said as they sat down to eat that night, Arya nodding when she saw both Maege and Lyanna look to her.
"No Sept?" she asked a moment later just to be sure.
"We follow the true gods here Arya, no septa will set foot on Bear Island." Lynesse said and Arya was about to bring up that Lynesse was from the south when she thought better of it, besides if it meant she didn't have to suffer a septa then who was she to complain.
Sitting in the lessons the next morning with Lyanna, she certainly wasn't going to complain. The Maester taught them sums and then began to speak on the history of the North, the northern houses, and the wars fought here. Though not as good a storyteller as Elle, he was good enough Arya thought and she enjoyed the lesson a lot.
The next one even more as she and Lyanna were put through their paces by Lyra and Jory. Archery, swords, even wielding a mace. Arya was exhausted when they finally finished, eating her dinner that night and falling asleep almost as soon as she hit the pillow.
She soon found herself creeping carefully through the woods, avoiding caves because of the smell that came from them, the knowledge that something lived in those caves keeping her away. The deer didn't see her coming and when she pounced it was taken down quickly, the meat tender against her tongue and she swallowed hungrily.
"Arya, Arya, wake up." she heard Lyanna shake her awake and she immediately jumped up and tried to spit the taste of the blood from her mouth.
"What is it?" she asked as she drank down some water.
"You missed breaking your fast, gods you were tired." Lyanna smirked.
"Does that mean I won't be fed?" she asked worriedly.
"What? Of course not, come I waited." Lyanna said and Arya smiled as she dressed, both of them eating their meal together.
They went riding that day and Arya was able to take them to where Nymeria had killed the dear, it was clear the carcass had been torn apart by something bigger than the wolf though.
"Bears, we should ride on." Alysanne said and Maege nodded.
"There's a cave a little bit up to the left, they're in there." Arya said and Maege looked at her oddly.
"You saw them?" Maege asked.
"Smelt them." she said and Maege smirked.
"You and your wolf are going to enjoy it here Arya child." she said as they rode on.
Arya couldn't agree with her more, she already was, this was what she had wished for all her life, a friend and people who didn't judge her for how she was or who she was. As they rode back to the keep she looked to Lyanna who nodded and soon they were both racing over the ground, the sound of their laughter matched by the laughs from Maege and her girls behind her, yes she would enjoy it here she felt as she let her horse jump over a fallen tree.
Essos 296 AC.
Dany.
The dreams came every night, she was in the air flying over lands she didn't recognize, a worrying thought in her head. She was alone, scared, and worried she'd never find the others, but she flew on and on, east always east. It was almost a week into it that she managed to see it more clearly, see that it wasn't Ellagon she rode on it was Sandorix and it was then she spoke to Shiera on it.
"I see him fly, but he's behind us, not ahead. We're going in the wrong direction." she said as they broke their fast.
"Are you him?" Shiera asked.
"No, I'm me, I can feel me, but I can feel his worry, his concern, it's like, it's like sometimes with Ellagon only it's different." she said.
"Different?" Shiera asked.
"Lesser, with Ellagon it feels more real, with Sandorix it's like being really sleepy, like a dream but not a dream." she looked to Shiera expecting to see her look at her as if she was mad.
"I feel it with Rhaegal too, it's hard to explain. I think you did it better than I can, but it's like I can feel what he feels sometimes.".
"Should we turn back?" she asked.
"It's up to you Dany, we're following your lead.".
"Where are we, is there a city near?".
"Qarth is a few moons away I'd imagine, but Hesh, Lhahosh, or Kosrak can't be more than a week or so away." Shiera said.
"We need supplies, we should go to a city before turning back." she said and Shiera nodded.
They told Sandor of their decision and despite his grumbling they made their way to the nearest of the Lhazar cities, Missy telling all about the Lhazareen they rode. How the Dothraki called them lamb men and how they were preyed upon by those stronger than them. They were riding one day when the dragons got excited and by the time Dany and the rest had come across them, they found the reason why.
The herd had scattered but a lot of them hadn't been lucky enough and both Ellagon and Rhaegal had feasted on the sheep. The closer they got to the city the more she began to worry about the dragons, so she and Shiera spoke to them and asked them to feed further away for now, to not come too close to the city. Ellagon wasn't happy with this, Rhaegal either, but they listened and Dany watched sadly as they flew off to the west, back to where they had found the sheep earlier.
"It's for the best Dany, they're still growing and until we fly with them we can't truly control them." Shiera said.
"You think they'll accept us both?" she asked, knowing in her heart that Ellagon would accept her but feeling happy at the thought that Rhaegal too would have a rider.
"I do, I can feel him almost willing me to accept it." Shiera said with a smile.
Sandor and Grey Worm seemed to have built up a good relationship too by the time they arrived at Hesh, the gruff Sandor, and the stoic Grey Worm being complete opposites not seeming to be an obstacle at all. Though she did notice that Sandor was quieter and more sullen on this trip than ever. This was why not long after they arrived she and Shiera organized a treat for him.
Noticing the chickens on their way into the town and how Sandor looked longingly at them, she, Missy and Shiera along with Mossador, Marseleen, and some of the other unsullied who served as her guards, bought as many as the man was willing to sell. That night as they sat down to eat in the large open space they'd taken up, she and Shiera carried the dishes out, placing them in front of the now happier Sandor.
"Did you not make any for anyone fucking else." he said and she saw Missy look worriedly at him.
"No, this is all for you, so fucking eat it and shut the fuck up you greedy fucker." she said smirking when he grabbed a leg of chicken and began to eat greedily.
She saw Missy breathe a sigh of relief, the girl being so conditioned to keeping her masters happy that she didn't know how to react around someone who was angry, even if that anger was not directed at her. The girl was getting better though, understanding more but well Sandor confused even her at times Dany thought with a giggle, looking to him she saw him lick his fingers happily.
It took them almost a week to gather the supplies in Hesh, Dany offering to use her gold to pay for it, and Shiera objecting, before Sandor swooped in and used his own.
"See it's simple, you pay the man and then you fucking leave." he said as he walked past them, both of them trying not to laugh until he was gone from their sight.
They bought carts, tents, food, and horses, the unsullied able to ride instead of walk and so they would be able to make better time. Soon they were leaving Hesh behind them and heading east, the road was smooth and the travel quick, Dany happy to be heading in what she felt was the right direction. By the time they reached the dragons, the herd she suspected was long gone and she felt bad for the shepherd, though he was nowhere to be seen.
At one point on their journey she noticed Missy getting nervous, though the girl would say nothing to her about what was on her mind. Later that night as they bathed in the nearby river she helped Missy dry herself and asked her what was wrong, the girl again saying nothing for quite some time.
"Have I displeased you Dany?" Missy finally said softly.
"What? No of course not, why would you think that?" she asked horrified that she may be the reason for Missy's quietness.
"We travel to Meereen, you are bringing me back to Master Kraznys." Missy said looking down to the ground.
"Missy, Missy, look at me, please." she said and the girl looked up "You are free Missy, no one, not me, nor any master decides your fate anymore. I did not know this was that road, truly I did not, we shall leave it on the morrow, I swear it." she said and the girl hugged her tightly, the smile on her face almost breaking her heart.
"Thank you, Dany." Missy said the next day when she directed them to head north from now on.
That night she dreamt again of being in the air, this time though she recognized where she was, Norvos and heading east. Her son was coming towards her and she him, north, she must go north she thought and when she woke the next morning it was further north they headed.
The Wall 296 AC.
Benjen.
He had found nothing out in the wilds, the wildings raided when they did and moved quickly and on this ranging it had been strange, he had felt as if he was being watched and yet whatever it was never came close to him. Frost gave him a sense of protection he'd not had before, he could rest easy at night, he ate better, and he moved with less worry.
Though whether the wolf scared the wildings away or there was something else going on, Benjen couldn't be sure which, only that he encountered none of them no matter how far he rode. Bypassing Craster's on the way back for a variety of reasons, not needing the man's food or protection, not liking what he saw there and Frost needing to almost be held back from gutting the man, Benjen soon found himself in Whitetree.
He and the people there had always had a good relationship and seeing him with Frost it seemed to have if anything gotten better. Dropping off the extra deer he had caught, he was given ale and soup and Frost and he slept indoors by a warm fire that night. They left early the next morning and arrived at the wall a day or so later, the horn blowing once to announce his return.
"How fared you out there Benjen?" Ser Alliser asked as he helped stable his horse.
"There's nowt out there Alliser, moons I traveled and found nothing, not a sign." he said and Alliser nodded.
"Well, at least you returned hale and hearty, Aemon wishes to speak to you." the knight whispered and he nodded slapping the man on the back as he and Frost went to make his report to the Lord Commander first.
Among the many things he needed to thank his nephew for was the difference in Alliser Thorne, he had been aghast when Aemon had told him that Alliser and Jaremy knew the truth. Even more so when he heard that Jon had promised to pardon them when crowned, only for Aemon to explain why the men should be pardoned and why their nephew needed to do it.
Since then though the man had gone out of his way to be friendly, he'd become a better trainer to the new recruits also, showing them a far different hand than he used to. Aemon had said the man had been bitter at his lot in life and seeing him now he could tell that was true, Jon had changed that though. Knocking at the Lord Commander's door he made his report and cursed what he told him, accepting it before heading to the Maester's rooms.
"Is that you Benjen?" Aemon said as soon as he and Frost walked into the room.
"Aye Aemon it's me." he said and was about to ask how he knew when he saw Aemon reach out to rub Frost's neck, the wolf's footsteps having given him away.
"This is Marwyn and the quiet man in the corner is Loamara, they are here at Jon's request Benjen." Aemon said letting him now he could speak freely.
"For what?" he asked.
"We seek answers about the long night Benjen, are directed to do so." Marwyn said and Aemon nodded.
"Our nephew has a request for you also." Aemon said handing him the note.
He opened it eagerly, almost ripping it so keen was he to see what Jon had wrote, the note though was brief and to the point.
Uncle Benjen,
I need to find out if there are any books on the Long Night in Winterfell, any information that may help in the future. When next you return I suggest you bring Aemon with you, together with Maester Luwin I think it may be helpful if you search for such works.
Marwyn and Loamara will continue their work in Castle Black until you return, I wish you luck uncle and I count the days until I to can travel North once more.
Your nephew,
Jon.
"It seems you and I are going on a trip Benjen." Aemon chuckled.
It was almost a week later when Jeor gave permission for Aemon to leave the wall, not only did he find it curious but he thought it a liberty, what with him leaving also to cover for Ned's trip to the Moat. That the trip his brother was taking was to protect the North being the only reason for him allowing him to leave once again, something he almost refused when he found out Aemon would be leaving too.
"I like this not, your duties are here, both of you." Jeor said.
"Aye they are Lord Commander, but should I wish to travel to the Citadel you cannot stop me, I'm sworn to the Watch aye, but I'm a Maester first and foremost, what would you do were I recalled?" Aemon said and Benjen hid the smirk at Jeor's annoyed look.
"You think that a good tactic Aemon, telling me how powerless I am to stop you." Jeor grumbled.
"I think at times Lord Commander, you forget the needs of the order come before the desires of any man, you could deny Benjen of course, but you risk upsetting the Warden of the North, as for me, I leave on the morrow." Aemon said as he walked from the room.
"By the old gods I don't know what's gotten into him" Jeor said shaking his head.
"I think he wishes for the trip Lord Commander, after all he's done for us who are we to deny him a little something for himself." he said and Jeor nodded.
"Aye, you have the right of it, tell Ned no more for a year at least. Aemon is right I can't refuse the Warden of the North, but I'll not have people think I play favorites." Jeor said.
"Perish the thought." he said before he looked at the old bear and they began to laugh.
"Go, before I change my fucking mind." Jeor said and Benjen nodded.
Their escort was something else, Ser Jaremy volunteering and Jeor accepting, Edd being allowed to join and grumbling about not being able to sleep without an ice wall to lean on. A half dozen brothers to accompany the Maester, each of them looking forward to being housed in Winterfell for a moon or more. For Aemon though each day they traveled it was as if he was getting younger and younger, the enthusiasm he showed for every aspect of their days on the road was incredible.
He laughed more, joked more, around the fire at night he told tales of the Targaryen kings and it was only at the men's reaction, other than Edd who just groused, that Benjen realized these were loyalists. Handpicked men, those who'd been sent for serving his nephew's house and those that Jon wished to free when he was crowned.
"Egg was a good man, let no one say different, and a good king." Aemon said and Benjen saw the nods.
"Aye that he was." Jaremy said.
"One day should we be lucky we may see another in our lifetime." Aemon said and blind or not Benjen saw him look to him.
"Should we be lucky." Benjen said to ayes.
"That counts me out, I'm never lucky." Edd said to loud laughs.
He felt excited when he saw Winterfell in the distance and chuckled when Frost looked at him and waited for his nod, once getting it the wolf was gone and covered the ground far quicker than they would. Arriving at the courtyard he found Ned and Lady Jonelle waiting to greet them, Ser Rodrik, Jory, and Harwin with them along with Maester Luwin who looked excitedly at Aemon.
"Welcome back brother." Ned said as he embraced him warmly.
"Back, I feel like I've not left." he said to laughs "Lady Cerwyn an honor." he said and she shook his head.
"You've known me since I was a girl and I've just got through with telling you to call me Elle, Benjen Stark" she said.
"Elle, Ned may I introduce Maester Aemon." he said and saw Ned reach out to the old Maester.
"Maester, I'm honored to welcome you to Winterfell." Ned said.
"I'm honored to be welcomed Lord Stark." Aemon said.
"Come, I'm sure you'll all wish to get settled and have something warm in your bellies." Ned said as they walked into the keep, Luwin helping Aemon navigate his way.
Disputed Lands 296 AC.
Torrhen Snow.
A thousand men he had with him on foot, Brandon in charge of the five hundred cavalry, Artos the one hundred archers with Hugo left in Myr in charge of the rest of the men. Almost half the company he had brought with him to wipe out the Brave Companion's, way too many men as both Brandon and Artos had said, but better too many than too few.
Given the coin the Lannister's were paying they'd bought the entire company, so Torrhen felt they should get their coins worth. The march was slow and unhurried, he knew exactly where they would set up and only needed to arrive there a few days before the Brave Companions passed through. Though not as disciplined marchers as the Golden Company, his men were like the unsullied when compared to Hoat's.
They camped by the stream and went over their plans once again, Artos would have the high ground and he and Brandon would box them in, once they had done their job his own would finish it. His men were in good spirits, none of them questioning his orders or thinking twice about what they were about to do. After Kevan had left Torrhen had set Hugo to work, both on finding out the location of the Brave Companions, and on what had happened to the Lannister men.
"He spoke true Torrhen, Northmen fell also." Hugo said.
"And what he said of Jon Snow?" Torrhen asked.
"The lad's well thought of both in the West and the North. The Mermen and the Lannisters are the only ones with those giant ships, the Merman's flagship is named the Western Wolf after the lad.".
"And he helps the North still?".
"Mormont, Umber, Glover, Stark, Karstark, Manderly and even Bolton earn coin from these deals, aye he helps the North, and there's something else." Hugo said smiling.
"What?".
"Direwolves Torrhen, the lad brought Direwolves back to the North, each of the Stark children has one, even Stark himself and the lads own is a white wolf with red eyes." Hugo said.
"The old gods have spoken?" Brandon said looking at them both.
"The old gods have spoken." Torrhen said smiling.
Once word had spread through his ranks that Northmen had fallen to Hoat that was it, had he not accepted this contract then he'd have faced a challenge. When word had spread that the contract came from the white wolf, he'd have been gutted, not replaced, had he turned it down. As it was he'd only reinforced his own position, he only hoped that he'd set this up right and wouldn't lose too many men this day.
Artos lined up his archers on each side of the pass, at the end of it he and his infantry took up their positions, the stakes were planted and his men held their shields ready. A few miles down from him ready to block off the escape and drive them towards him, Brandon and his cavalry waited. Standing there his greatsword in his hand he looked behind him, the lookout poised and waiting for the signal.
The hours stretched on and on, the sun beaming down on them forcing his men into swallowing their water and eating their meat and hardtack, far behind him fifty men guarded their supplies and once this was done they'd eat well, for now, it was time to wait. When the whistle came he raised his hand and those at the front held their spears out, the front line was as close to an unsullied phalanx as his men did and it would be more than enough.
"We are of the North and these men killed our brothers, The North Remembers." he said to silence, the men not giving their positions away and Torrhen smiled when he heard the horses in front of him.
Artos Snow.
These men were poor marchers, they almost strolled and made so much noise it was annoying. Looking down at the carts and cages he shook his head. Bears, exotic animals, and prisoners, Hoat's reputation for torture all on show. He could feel the disgust from his men as they too looked down, these men had killed their countrymen and their bowstrings were now taut and ready to let loose on his order.
Artos waited though, he wanted as many to fall here as possible, to limit what Torrhen and his men would face, not that he feared his commander would have any trouble even were he to face them all. Still, it was his job to take out as many as he could with his men and he'd see his job done. When he felt the time was right he gave the order, his hand raised in a fist, and then he turned it in the air, the arrows flying as one.
He aimed his own arrows at those who were around the edges, using them to box them in even more. Below him, screams rang out and horses, bears, men, all made panicked noises, and even as they did so the arrows fell. The group soon split, some racing forward and others turning to go back, all the while he and his men fired and below then more men died.
Brandon Snow.
They lined up three abreast, lances at the ready, and waited for the signal. He'd watched as the Brave Companions marched by them, not even bothering to send scouts ahead or to check their sides or rear. Were he dealing with better forces he'd have sought a much better hiding place. As it was if Hoat had sent scouts over the hill and into the trees they'd have seen him.
Once the last of the men had passed him, he and his began to move out, the horses walking as they lined up to make their charge. When the flaming arrow was seen they began to trot and were soon in a canter and finally a gallop. They would cut through whatever was in front of them easily he knew. He'd seen heavy cavalry charge and also the Dothraki's version, his men were neither, truth be told they were truly infantry on horseback.
But here in Essos they were extremely effective, they wouldn't charge unsullied and break their lines nor would they be a match for Dothraki on an open field, but against the forces, they usually faced they were more effective than any other cavalry would be. Feeling his mare's eagerness to be let fully go, he did so and dropped his own lance down.
The first men they encountered were riding away from the fight, some had arrows in them and he almost felt sorry for them when they tried to pull their horses up, almost. His front line cut through them as if they were nothing, their own momentum adding to his attack, lances almost ripping them apart from the impact. He felt the crushing of bones beneath his mare's hooves and yet she never slowed, just kept racing forward.
By the time they reached the main group most were already dead or had moved forward towards Torrhen, few were on horseback and fewer yet were uninjured, Artos had done his job well and Brandon felt proud of his brother. Men were rode down as they tried to get out of the way, others simply rode over, and just as he'd commanded the rear one hundred stopped and began to form up. Above him, Artos and his archers began to move along the top of the cliffs toward Torrhen.
"Forward." he shouted and they began to move again, the time had come to end this.
Torrhen.
The sound of death was all around him, men crying out in pain, horses making their worry and pain clear, them he felt sorry for, the men riding them not so much. Artos had done his job well and he knew Brandon would by now be behind them. A little over fifty men had rode towards them and they rode so hard they'd not been able to stop. His shield wall easily held and there would be no second charge to face this day.
He gave the order and his men began their work, the wall opened as his men stormed through. Those who'd managed to stay ahorse soon were unable to. His men pulling them down and their axes, maces, swords, and halberds doing their deadly work. He moved through them looking for a worthy opponent, his greatsword not finding any as it cut through men as if they were nothing. By the time he found Hoat, the man was already injured, unable to fight, and trying to crawl away.
"Torrhen?" Hoat gasped as he spat out blood from his mouth.
"Vargo." he said moving towards him.
"Why?" Hoat asked and Torrhen didn't answer, instead having the man dragged from where he was.
Around him, his men went about their work and he heard the sounds of Brandon's cavalry slowing down, Artos and then the rest of their men arrived. It took them an hour to make sure that every last Brave Companion was dead, some of his men enjoying their work, even more, when they saw the state of some of the prisoners Hoat kept caged up. Men were mutilated and the girls terrified, Torrhen ordering that some of Hoat's gold be given to them, and they be allowed ride back to Myr with them should they wish.
He, Brandon, and Artos walked to where they had Hoat tied up, the man looking at him still clueless as to what he'd done to bring them down upon him. A part of Torrhen wished to send him to the black goat he worshiped like that but in the end, he told him.
"You pulled on the lion's tail Hoat and killed Northmen when you did so, did you not think there would be a reckoning?" he said and Hoat looked at him.
"The Iron Bank, the Iron Bank was my employer, they will avenge me." Hoat said and all three of them laughed.
"Even were it true that they were, they would not, but it wasn't the Iron Bank who gave you this contract, they make far too much gold from the Lion's to do so." Brandon said.
"The fat man, I can take you to him?" Hoat pleaded.
"The fat man is not our concern, Hoat." Artos said.
He had the man dragged to the small wooden box that would had to do for now and leaned his head over it, raising his greatsword he got ready to pass sentence.
"For crimes against the North and its allies, I sentence you to die." he said as he raised his sword "The white wolf sends his regards." he said as he took the man's head.
White Harbor.
Robb.
He and Grey Wind had been off on a hunt with Ser Wendell and some of the others when he learned of the plan to travel to the west. Each day it came closer he found himself more and more excited for the journey. That Wynafred was coming with him only making him happier for it. Since the betrothal had been confirmed they had become ever closer, he had reluctantly, as had she made sure he did, kept to his word and behaved like a gentleman, though their kisses grew ever more passionate.
His training had come along even more, on his last visit to Braavos he had met with Syrio again and offered him the chance to come to White Harbor, and even to Winterfell to help train him or their men. The first sword refusing but suggesting that in the future anything was possible. Robb found one lesson with Syrio was the equivalent of months of training with anyone else, if he had him training him full time he knew there' be no limit on how good he could become.
But only Syrio could decide that, coin or pleas didn't work on the man, he did as he wished and Robb was just grateful to have any chance to work with him at all. While in Braavos he had negotiated his first trade deal, a sale of wood to Norvos, and both Wylis and Wyman were happy with his efforts. Wynafred too was proud of him when she heard. He'd even written of it to his father and mother, though he had received no replies as of yet.
"Have you not packed yet?" Wynafred said as they were standing in his room.
"We're not leaving for days Wynafred." he said as she laughed.
"Boys" she said with a snort.
"Oh let me guess, my perfect future wife is already packed and ready to go." he chuckled.
"As is your perfect future goodsister." Wynafred said laughing.
"I'll pack today." he said and she kissed his cheek.
Dinner that night made his packing even more hurried, it would be just one more day they'd have in White Harbor and not the three or four he had thought he'd have. The next day he spent both packing and searching for gifts to bring with him, one for Jon and one for Cregan, another for Ashara. While he'd not spent much time with his aunt or cousin, he had enjoyed what time he did spend with them and was looking forward to more.
When Wyman told them they'd be stopping off in Braavos for a day or two both Wynafred and Wylla became even more excited about the trip, both girls asking him to show them around while they were there. Robb feeling happy that he would be able to, that he knew enough of the place to show them some of the more interesting stalls while they'd be there.
Standing on the Merman's Trident a day or so later he wondered what the west was like, Jon seemed to love it and in a way, his brother was more northern than he or had been at least. Yet he spoke so fondly of Lannisport and the Rock that Robb wondered what it was he liked so much, was it the place itself, or the people who lived there? He was eager to find out and to see where his brother had spent the past few years of his life.
"Father wishes to speak to you Robb." Wylla said and he nodded and followed her below deck.
"Did he say what about?." he asked and Wylla shook her head "Wynafred still unwell?" he asked.
"She's better, just tired." Wylla said smiling to Robb's relief.
"You looking forward to seeing the West?" he asked.
"Very much so, I want to see how different it is, to see how they do things, plus I may get someone to dance with." she said rolling her eyes at him.
"I dance with you." he said pretending to be affronted.
"You call that dancing?" she giggled as she moved out of his way when he went to bump against her.
"I'll remember that when next you're sitting alone." he said and she laughed.
"I never sit alone Robb." she said almost skipping away from him.
He was still smiling when he walked into Lord Wyman's cabin, the lord looking inquisitively at him and then smirking when he bid him sit.
"My daughter feeling better is she?" Wyman asked.
"Wylla said she is, just tired and resting." he said.
"Good, I wished to speak to you about this trip Robb, I know you wish to spend time with your brother and I'll see you do, but I also want you to be with me when I speak to Kevan and to Lord Jaime. To sit with me when I discuss the trade deals." Wyman said.
"Of course my lord." he said.
"You've come along a lot Robb, it's time you learned even more, so think of this as the first chance of that. I'll give you time with the girls in Braavos, it's more a check on things I'm there for, but once we're in the West, when I work you work, understand?.".
"I do my lord, thank you.".
"Good, now come let's eat." Wyman said and Robb smiled as he followed the lord to the cabin for their meal.
Wynafred was up and about the next day, his betrothed was a little unsteady on her feet but feeling better and so he spent most of the day on deck with her and Wylla, doing his best to ensure she was comfortable. When they reached Braavos both girls stared in awe at the Titan, Robb finding himself in the role that Wendel had been on his visits, soon explaining what it was and how it worked.
They stayed only two days in the city and he never got to see Syrio, he did however get to buy some presents in the stalls and Wylla especially was excited by some of the things she was able to buy. Watching as the Titan faded into the background though Robb could only smile. When next they stopped he'd be in the west and he'd see his brother again.
Kings Landing 296 AC.
Ser Barristan.
He had been off duty when it happened, Ser Arys telling him later on what he'd seen, how the king had needed to be pulled off Viserys and had almost strangled him where he'd stood. Only Jon Arryn being able to get through to the man and to make him see sense, Viserys was carried to the cells rather than walked to them. Barristan though was at a loss what to do, it was hours until he was to be back at his post, and so he couldn't go there and see for himself just yet.
Instead he headed to the tavern to speak to Richard's man, he needed direction, a plan, was he to rescue the prince, were others to do so? What did his king wish him to do? What was the right thing to do? All these thoughts raced through his head as he practically did the same through the streets. He was almost out of breath by the time he arrived at the tavern and had to wait some time for Richard's man to arrive.
"Come." the man said as he moved up the stairs, Barristan following behind him.
"You heard?" he said when they entered the room, the door quickly closing behind him.
"I heard?.".
"What are we to do?" he asked and the man shook his head.
"Alayn is not back yet, he won't be for some time, he's sailing and so can't be reached.".
"I, what do we do?" he asked and the man shook his head again, his confusion as clear as Barristan's was.
"I've sent a message west, hopefully, an answer will come or Alayn will arrive back before the king tries again.".
"He really tried to kill him in the throne room?" Barristan asked shocked.
"Four men it took to drag him off Ser, one got a busted lip, had the falcon not been there then it'd be too late already.".
Barristan felt his disgust rise and though they talked some more, it was soon clear they were going around in circles, Richard's man had no idea what to do and Barristan couldn't fault him, as he too was lost on this. Heading back to White Sword Tower he changed and got ready to go on duty, finding himself for once glad he was to guard the king.
The mood in the Red Keep was strange, some were giddy that the dragon was in chains, others seemed either shocked by what the king had done or what he would do. As for Robert, there had been few times that Barristan had seen him in a better mood and fewer times over the years when he'd wished for nothing more than to just take his knife and plunge it into his belly.
"Ah, you heard, we have him Ser Barristan, Viserys fucking Targaryen, as mad as his father, we have him and by the gods I'll enjoy taking his head myself." Robert said happily when Barristan relieved Ser Arys, his brother seeming just as happy to get away from the king's company.
"I have heard rumors your grace." he said trying to keep composed.
"Rumours, hah, it's no fucking rumor Barristan, he's in my fucking dungeon thanks to my good friend Illyrio." Robert said draining a mug of ale.
"That's good news your grace." he said and saw Robert' turn and look warily at him.
"It is isn't it, for me anyway, but is it truly good news for you?" he asked and Barristan knew he was on shaky ground.
"Your Grace?" he asked with mock confusion.
"Don't be coy Barristan, I know where your loyalties lay." Robert said.
"I swore an oath and have never broken one in my life your grace, nor would I now.".
"Good, I'll have no one gainsay me on this, the Dragonspawn will lose his head.".
"As you say, your grace.".
He knew he needed to see him, to find out if it was truly Viserys and to try and figure out what to do, how to get him free from here? It seemed he wouldn't have to wait long to find out the first part, Robert keen to go visit the Dragonspawn in his cage as he called him, laughing as they walked down to the dungeons. When they got there he saw that any plan he would have to rescue Viserys was a nonstarter, the guards had been trebled, almost fifty men now guarded this place and it would take an army to get past them.
"Look at him Barristan, the man who would be king." Robert said laughing and Barristan looked into the cell.
Viserys was chained to the wall and as soon as he saw them he began to rant and rave, the words coming out of his mouth filling Barristan with dread
"Ser Barristan I am your king, I order you to release me and to place the usurper in chains, I shall see him burn, I'll see you all burn." Viserys said "Burn in my name, in the name of Aerys Targaryen I'll burn you all." Viserys said before laughing.
The sound was as familiar to him as the rhetoric and he shook his head trying to make the image disappear, straggly hair, long nails, scabs everywhere. Looking again he could see that while Viserys was not Aerys, he had not strayed far off his path and as they walked away and Robert laughed once again, he found himself wondering what it was he should do.
Casterly Rock 296 AC.
Jaehaerys Targaryen.
Thoros was shocked to see Kinvara, far more so than he had been when he saw Melisandre and her guards. Jae asking her to speak to the red priest before he spoke to her himself, wishing to have her add to Melsiandre's own take on Thoros before he spoke to him.
Instead he spent some time with Domeric, going over the trading deals and telling him some things which would benefit House Bolton even more, things which would come across as Domeric's ideas. He helped him so much that Domeric got suspicious as to his motives and Jae was forced to speak to him a little more clearly. So asking him to go with him to the Godswood, the two of them walked and sat down in front of the Rock's Weirwood tree.
"It's pitiful." Dom said looking at the gnarled tree.
"Still a Weirwood though and here in the south they're few and far between.".
"Aye, you got that right, even in the Vale there are only one or two.".
"The home of the Andals, you don't say." he said as they both chuckled.
"Jon, I.".
"I know, these deals Dom, they're not part of some plan to force you to do something, they're more, your father is a complicated man." he said and Dom nodded.
"He is.".
"Our houses are allies and yet this was not always the case, wars have been fought and while there is no enmity now, it may not always be that way." he said.
"My father won't rebel Jon." Domeric said affronted.
"Not if we don't give him a reason to Dom." he said and Domeric nodded.
"You wish to buy loyalty?".
"Loyalty is only earned Dom, all I'm doing is trying my best to show the benefits of it." he said and Domeric nodded before laughing.
"What?".
"You're not what I expected Jon, it's benefited you coming here, the north too, and now my house also.".
"Has it not benefited you going to the Vale?".
"Aye it has" Domeric said looking down and then back up "I had someone there, met someone I cared deeply for, but it could never be." Domeric said sadly.
"Why not?".
"My father will seek another match for me, one more advantageous.".
"Will he?" Jon said before shaking his head when Domeric went to speak "Who was she?".
"Jon I'd rather not speak of her name." Domeric said and Jae looked at him and saw just how hard it was for him to bring her up.
"I've found it best to seek what you want, to reach for it, forget your father for a moment, if you could, if it were up to you then would you wish this girl?" he asked.
"Jon I can't, my father.".
"Forget your father for a moment at least, if it was your choice?" Jae asked.
"Aye.".
"Then perhaps I could help." he said and Dom looked at him as if he was mad "Let me try." he said and Dom nodded.
Both of them knelt and prayed before they headed back to the keep, Myranda Royce was the girl in Domeric's heart. Jae deciding he'd speak with Jaime and Genna on her and find out from Richard what he could, he'd learned one thing though, Domeric would be a far better lord than his father was.
Later that day he met with Beric, the trade deal he and Jaime offered him being most welcome to the lord and even Arthur approved of it. Jae had worried that the knight may see him play someone who would be marrying into his family and yet Arthur had said it was better the man was on the right side than the wrong one. Jaime agreeing, saying that houses who fought against you needed to be seen to be treated as such. So if he could keep Blackhaven out of the war or better yet an ally, then it was all for the best.
"I thank you for this my lord, you too Jon." Beric said when they signed the deal.
"Think nothing of it, I wish you and your betrothed all the best my lord." Jaime said.
"Aye me too Lord Beric." he added both Beric and Ned smiling.
"Come Ned, let's go find whatever tavern Thoros is in, it's time we made our arrangements." Beric said standing up, shaking Jaime's and then his hand.
He did the same to Ned before promising the lad he'd spar once more with him before he left, the boy's smile true and almost stuck to his face when he left. Once they'd gone he turned to Jaime who seemed happy enough with the deal, they'd given him favorable terms allowing him to make even more coin, though they'd not lose out either.
"A good deal Jon.".
"A better one if we can turn him." he said and Jaime nodded.
"The priest?" he asked and it was Jon's turn to nod.
"Aye, I'm meeting with Melisandre and Kinvara later, I'll find out then.".
"Do you know why Kinvara is here?" Jaime asked.
"Only that she wishes to speak to me, I'll know later. Why is the Rock starting to feel like a red temple." he said with a laugh.
"A little, Genna is uncomfortable with them all here, feels we may look as if we're converting.".
"They won't be here for long, I doubt Kinvara's come to stay." he said and Jaime nodded.
He found the red priestesses standing by the cave with Sarella, Kinvara looking on with awe when Rhaenix and Lygaron came out. More so when Jae walked to them and leaned into them both, despite his sister's wishes he told her she must fly alone tonight and so she and Lygaron took to the sky.
"They are incredible my prince, even more so then your aunt's." Kinvara said.
"Daenerys hatched hers?" he asked and she nodded with a smile on her face.
"You saw?" she asked.
"I had a vision of flames and fire and my aunt walking from it with three dragons.".
"As you saw it, this is what happened." Kinvara said.
"She is well, safe?" he asked.
"She travels with her companions, her journey not yet complete.".
"Companions?" he asked worriedly.
"The Hound and another of your kin, Shiera Seastar lives my prince." Kinvara said and he looked at her to see if she was jesting, soon seeing the truth in her words.
"How?".
"Magic my prince, just the same as the dragons themselves." Kinvara said.
"Where are they?".
"To go west they must travel east, for now their journey is not yours my prince.".
"Why?".
"Because my God wills it so." Kinvara said.
"I don't serve R'hllor." he said and she smiled.
"Yet his chosen you remain. I came here because there are things you must know my prince, threats you must be wary of and places you must travel to when the time is right.".
"What threats?" he asked and she told him of the false dragon, a mummer dragon pretending to be his brother, Jae could feel the anger rise in him and for a moment it felt uncontrollable to him until he realized it wasn't his but Rhaenix's fury he felt.
'Calm sister, calm, we'll deal with this impostor together.' Jae said in his mind, feeling Rhaenix's rage recede for now.
"What other threats?" he asked.
"The threat beyond the wall, blue eyes, and the army you must defeat. The long night comes my prince, only you can lead those who fight against it, only you are able to bring the dawn." Kinvara said.
"I, others have spoken to me of this, I've sent people to find out more." he said and Kinvara smiled.
"Good my prince, it's good that you prepare already, I too will seek to serve you. There are allies who will aid in this fight, I go to them, I'll travel beyond the wall and seek them out, prepare them for your coming.".
"The Free Folk?" he asked.
"Is that what they're called, I see no names my prince, only a people who will fall without your help." she said and he nodded.
"What else?".
"I saw visions in the flames my prince, a Kraken in the sea, a cloth dragon on fire, a snake impaled on a spear, a lion roaring, black birds as far as the eye could see, and beneath them a white wolf struggling to break free. An army of gold marched forward, a city burned and a woman cried out ." she said and he looked at her and asked her to repeat them so Sarella could write them down.
Once she had he began to try and discern what they meant, a Kraken was Iron Born, a cloth dragon could be this mummer, a snake and a spear meant something to do with Dorne, black birds were crows and a white wolf was him. An army of gold could be the Lannisters, but he doubted it for some reason, and as for the city and the woman crying he couldn't make heads nor tail of them for now.
"You understand some of these?" she said happily when he began to tell her.
"Some aye, others I need to check against some of my own, or to use the glass candles to check them.".
"They work?" she asked surprised.
"Aye, they do.".
He was about to ask her and Melisandre of Thoros when Jaime arrived, the look on his lord's face making it clear he was needed and so he excused himself and walked over to Jaime.
"My lord?".
"A letter Jon, from King's Landing." Jaime said worriedly, Jae only noticing that Arthur had come with him.
"What does it say?" he asked.
"Viserys, they have Viserys in their cells." Jaime said.
"What, how?" he said reaching out and taking the note.
Alayn,
Viserys Targaryen rests in the king's dungeon, a gift from Illyrio Mopatis, I await your orders.
Darron.
Jae closed his eyes and reached out and soon she was on her way, he began pacing the beach shaking his head, the dragon in his heart had fully risen now. His family, they had another of his family and he would die if he didn't do something. He'd burn the Red Keep to the ground if he wasn't released, Robert and every single member of his family would die at his hands.
His hands were balled up into fists and both Jaime and Arthur looked at him, neither saying a word though, allowing him to deal with this on his own for now. Rhaenix and Ghost both arrived at the same time, the dragon and the wolf, and it was to his sister he looked, to her he went and she who calmed him down.
"Daor."(No) she said to him in Valyrian.
"ēzi īlva ānogar" (They have our blood) he shouted back to her.
"Se nyke'll daor risk tolī hen ziry naejot save zirȳla" (And I'll not risk more of it to save him) she said back.
"Sīr īlon're naejot henujagon zirȳla naejot morghūljagon" (So we're to leave him to die) he argued.
"Sȳrkta zirȳla than ao, pendagon valonqar, pendagon. " (Better him than you, think little brother, think) she said.
He felt Ghost come to him the wolf leaning against him as he did Rhaenix, Lygaron landing behind them and moving closer. Finally deciding he turned and walked back into the vaults Ghost, Arthur, and Jaime walking by his side, Kinvara and Melisandre behind him.
Along the way, Arthur and Kinvara told him of his uncle, of what he was like, and why he could not risk himself for him. That he was too important, to the realm and the world itself. Arthur speaking of his house and Kinvara of a war to come in the future, thankfully Jaime shutting them both up before he reached his room. All of them followed him inside and watched as he grabbed the glass candles.
Placing them on the table he reached for his knife and cut his palm, allowing the blood to pool in his hand before he reached out to the green candle and felt it absorb the blood. Closing his eyes he pictured King's Landing, the king, and his uncle, watching as the other candles light up as he did so. Seeing the crowds lined up he knew he would have been too late and despite every instinct in his body telling him not to, he looked on anyway.
Kings Landing 296 AC.
Ser Richard Lonmouth.
The crowd lined up and he took his place amongst them, he'd been back a week and had gone over every plan he could and dismissed them all. A full-scale attack was the only hope for Viserys and they needed time to organize one, time they no longer had. When word came to him he felt sick, that it was Barristan who brought it making it even worse.
As he stared at the fat man though he had made another plan, one he would speak to his king on. But Illyrio Mopatis would die for this, that was no longer the question, instead, it was the when and where of it, and as soon as Jae gave him the word he'd see it done. Looking to the crowd he could see the eager anticipation in their features, happiness even, to see a man lose his head brought out the savage in the meekest of men, women too, even the children were grinning happily.
The fat stag and his queen took their time to arrive, the falcon and the fat man already waiting for them, and the way the king so warmly greeted Mopatis only made the bile rise more in Richard's throat. Seeing Ser Ilyn Payne make his way to the raised platform had the crowd cheering, the tongueless Knight not even acknowledging them, just removing his greatsword to more cheers.
"We are here today to witness the execution of Viserys Targaryen for Treason, let it be known that this is carried out under the order of Good King Robert Baratheon the first of his name, the King of Andals, the Rhoynar and the First men, Lord of the Seven Kingdoms and Protector of the Realm." Jon Arryn said.
"Bring out the Dragonspawn." Robert said laughing.
Viserys was dirty, his hair matted, the prince thin and half-mad, Richard watching as he looked every inch his father's son.
"I am your king, you all should kneel before me." Viserys shouted and Richard shook his head.
Fully mad he thought and this was even clearer at what the prince said a moment later, his laughter echoing through the silence of the crowd.
"I am Aerys Targaryen, The True Dragon, and I will burn you all." Viserys said laughing even as he was brought to his knees.
Ser Ilyn stepped forward, his hands on the blade and his stance ready to take Viserys's head when the shout came.
"Stop." Robert said but for a moment none of them knew who had spoken, not until the king moved forward and asked Ilyn for his sword.
"It's my crown he wants, it's my blade he'll get, he should be grateful he's not getting my hammer as his brother did." Robert said as the crowd cheered.
Richard watched as Ser Ilyn reluctantly handed over his sword and the king stepped forward. The blow was firm and true and the crowd cheered loudly when not only did Robert take his head from his body, but then he walked over and picked it up, holding it high for all to see.
"The Last Dragonspawn." the king shouted as he laughed.
Casterly rock 296 AC.
Jaime.
He watched as Jon got up and walked from the room, the candles going out as he did so, he and Arthur standing up and following while Melisandre and Kinvara walked to the priestess's room. They followed him out to the beach and down to the water's edge, Jon standing there just looking out into the sea.
The scream was loud and haunting, Arthur moving to go to him but Jaime holding him back, the next one was more pained and the last was one of rage. He watched as Jon knelt down on the ground, as the sun beamed off the water. Then Ghost walked past him and stood beside Jon, the wolf just like them standing guard and allowing him to deal with it as he wished.
For almost an hour they stood there and when Jon turned he could see the redness of his eyes, the tears almost dry on his cheeks. He walked slowly towards them and looked them both in the eye and nodded, not saying a word and just passing them by. Arthur looked to him and turned as did he as they then followed him up the beach, Jon walked slowly and them even more so. The die had been cast, the table was set, and the war was now soon to follow.
A/N: Thanks to all who've read and reviewed. Up Next Jae plots and orders a proposal made to the Company of the Rose, Wyman arrives in the west to find a subdued mood, in the North Ned fortifies Moat Cailin and makes plans for it's future and a king orders a tourney held to celebrate inviting the realm to attend while Beyond the wall Bloodraven makes plans and reveals truths.
Chapter 94 reviews.
Svenion: We'll see how badly burned he is soon.
Hunterofaramis: We'll see Cat in a chapter or two, events may mess up her planning somewhat though, on fAegon it just to me he gets the opposite of Jon as a starting point, a bastard thinking himself a king and it's like they're on two opposite journeys to me. Doran will be up soon, maybe next chapter.
Ajgranger: You're right about Olenna and this was a little of her being annoyed they married without her consent and also just making sure that now they are Jon doesn't think he can go further, one of the things you need remember is that to most of the realm a northern marriage is suspect, so should they give into temptations and say Marge got pregnant, it could create doubt later on, better to ensure they're officially married just in case. In terms of Cat, pretty much her mindset is LF being MOC trumps Warden of the North, she's not really got great options, age-wise, she's had children, even widows didn't do well in ASOIAF, let alone someone set aside. Glad you liked the sellsword convo, they'll be back. On the Jaime/Tyrion Hand situation, we will see that play out as we go.
Orthang: Sorry you felt that way and it's totally my fault, I wanted Kevan's pov to be more based on what he did rather than what he feels, but we will see how he feels about events as we go on, his next pov will be more introspective. That's one of Cat's problems, she's so focussed on a certain path she misses almost everything else along that path if you get me, she thinks do this and all will be well, but it's almost tunnel vision, she isn't seeing just how much damage this would do.
I wanted with Dany to show canon but not canon, she's hitting some of the same spots, people etc, but all in different ways, we'll see more of that as we go, a certain blue-haired sellsword is about to pop in. Sandorix won't be parted from mommy for long.
Liza: Don't worry about it my friend, I would never think that of you. That's Cat's plan, in a nutshell, the small council role being more important than Ned's she's wrong, but well we'll see, glad you liked the Kevan bit. You may be onto a little of the plan Doran may settle for, we'll see though, it's not quite that, but you're close. Sandorix is free and off to find mommy and fAegon lives but is in no condition to chase him just yet. As for Drogo, I wanted to introduce him a little differently we'll see what happens when next he and Dany meet.
Denoltdn: You're more than welcome and I promise hand on heart this fic will not be abandoned, love me some Maester Wolf too btw. Glad you've come around to the Jon/Marge fic, my thought on it is simple, if Jon goes south then she's the best match, if he goes East or stays North then Dany and others come into the equation, but if he makes a move for the throne first, then it's really only Marge who works for me. On the Theories, one of the things that has me doing some of them is they never get finished, so we see them started off and then that's it, I wanted to follow them through to the end.
Vwchick: Nothing wrong with that, I'm glad you liked that part.
Spartan: It needs fuel lol, seriously though I wanted to put some sort of block with it, same as the Glass Candles, Jon is Op enough with dragons and the forces, not to mention the warging, giving him the magical devices that can always be used is a bit much, plus it feeds into the idea that magic feeds off magic.
Chapter 95 reviews:
DarylDixon: So glad you liked it.
Jayods: Really glad you enjoyed it.
TheShpinx: love the riddles lol, Mopatis is on slippery ground.
Harperlovesalex: Thanks so much.
Biohazard: Really glad you liked it.
Sankar: Lol, I like romance, it adds something, and yes Dany is way underage, but just because Drogo wants her, don't mean he gonna get her.
Zyrus: They could try, but Edmure would soon find a very small force answering his call.
Ajgranger: One of the issues with Dany is take the throne from her and what does she want? So she's kinda a little trying to find herself here, a family is really her goal for now. Glad you liked the Sansa/Willas, we'll see Willas get a pov in a bit and see his thoughts. The family moments to me, the character moments are key, it's what we were robbed of in the show, nine years we waited to see Jon reunite with Arya and they gave us that, like seriously. This fic pretty much started as a response to that.
Lady Octrarina: Very good for him, that's like bucket list stuff lol. That was one of the things I wanted to show with the Jaime/Jon thing, that here he's grown and so we don't get the full-on emotion of maybe a year or so earlier, though we will see that very soon too after the events in this chapter. The Pendant is important, it wouldn't have been there otherwise and the idea of the magic is just to put it out there, not saying he'll see the negative consequences but more he'd be aware there could be. With Richard it's kinda like with Varys way earlier, if Jon didn't tell him no then Cat, LF, Jon Arryn, Edmure would be dead too, so when it comes to someone like Ramsay he's not being held back and so just does it.
The slave plan was actually a canon Jon plan, this is something he planned to do as LC in the books, buy the slaves in Myr, bring then to the north and free them and employ them to work and teach others to do it and therefore cut out the middle man and the travel costs.
I know exactly what you're saying about Sansa, don't think I've not thunk it lol, In canon Jeyne Poole who's 11 declares she'll marry Beric when she sees him at the Hands Tourney, the whole way of thinking is different and strange. Like any noble girl is pretty much told from a young age she'll be married to a man, not of her choosing, so Sansa in a way is kinda doing it for herself. Even Ned has a conversation with Arya who's nine telling her she'll be married and be the lady of a keep and we get the "No that's not me" line. The problem with Illyrio reaching out is a little like Jon had earlier, it's dangerous, but he would still reach out if he can.
Reikson: Thanks so much.
Jessicanightmarewolf: He almost did, Rhaenix stopping him for now.
Jman: One of the things with Illyrio is he's kinda used to threats against him, assassination attempts etc, so he's a hard man to get to. He'll find out about fAegon soon enough, the faceless men are an odd bunch, they seem to charge more based on the target and the person paying and have a weird other aspects where is they don't wish to take a contract they either don't or charge way too much, so they're not really an option. Glad I caught you with the Vis twist.
Ob1292: The reaction will be in the next chapter.
Badwolf: So glad you liked it.
Dirtycat: With Drogo, it was more to introduce him differently than to really portray him as Dany's love interest, there is of course interest and this Drogo and Dany are different, but I don't know if I'm going there with this, other than they will meet again.
Creativo: Es cierto, aunque a Robert no le importa.
Guest: So glad you liked it.
Bellaswan: Oh this won't go unanswered but the timing was off, had he been able to gather his men and get there or even had he had time to fly there he would have, but here he was powerless, it's only strengthened his resolve though and he will begin to ramp up preparations, houses will be called.
WhiteDragonWarrirr: For Illyrio it was once he decided to hand over Viserys to Robert he risked being found out, so he had them drive him mad so anything he said wouldn't matter.
Anja: So glad you liked it.
Celexs: We're heading into the beginning of the war so I hope you like it.
Battlemage: It is yes, with Jon Scrambling what I meant was that upon finding out about Vis, he'd almost be willing to lay down all these carefully laid out plans and just go, not really think of the consequences, now it's a bit of the wishing to save everyone, but it's also in a way the final lesson for him. With Dany/Drogo, It's not the pairing I had in mind for her, that's someone else, but sometimes things happen and you go a different way, so with that in mind, I wanted to leave it open-ended but mainly to show their first meeting to be completely different.
Illyrio is taking a more hands-on approach than Varys, so in a way is a bigger villain and being from Essos, no matter how good Richard is, they can't figure him out as some of his moves are distance-wise miles away. We'll see if that keeps being an advantage for him. I think Ramsay or Euron are weak villains personally, they're shock value, the more cold calculating plan based villains are more interesting to me.
Princeloki: No he cannot, we'll see more of the onion knight soon.
Dunk: With Viserys, Illyrio drugged him so much and convinced him, almost brainwashed him and Vis was already heading down the slippery slope as it was, so it was kind of easy to go from I'm the rightful king, to you're the deposed king Aerys, for Illyrio it was cover as he intended to hand him over to Robert. Cant be clever or subtle because Cat wrote it is so true, she in a way with Ned doesn't have to be as though he's grown he still doesn't really get subtle either. Ramsay is just annoying, it's GRRM loving monsters that make him and Euron more than what they are, so he can have his torture porn. On Jae it's the idea of Vis more than Vis himself, the COTR will be back, as for Kinvara hope this cleared it up, she's going North.
VFSnake: You'll see next chapter more of what Illyrio got, but it's step one in a few step plan for him, more will be clear, in terms of Viserys himself, he outlived his usefulness to him a long time ago, once Varys was dead that plan was over with and so this is part of Illyrio's new one.
Liza: I believe there was some issue with the reviews, they weren't there for a couple of days but then later all came up at once, so it was the site and not you my friend. You've pretty much nailed it with LF that and the fact that Lysa would throw a spanner in the works too, we'll see what happens if Cat suggests it to him. Khal Drogo and Dany may not be endgame, or they may I've not fully settled as I do have another idea for Dany, but I wanted them to have this different meeting and to take it from there, we'll see what happens when they meet again.
Aegon the Burnt indeed, on Sandorix, he's on his way. In terms of action, I do intend there to be a war and a war needs enemies, so without spoiling too much Illyrio won't die anytime soon, though perhaps not from lack of trying. With Ramsay it was different, I just couldn't see how Richard would leave him alive and I'm so not a fan of just having Ramsay in a story to abuse people, to me he's not a good villain, we hate him because he does terrible things, but he's never imo a threat. Stay Safe and well and again it was them and not you, so stay happy.
Grammaton: So glad you liked it.
Guest: With LF and Cat that's a good read, for LF it's power first and Cat in a way threatens his, we'll see if he goes along with her plans. Cat has kinda snapped, but it's more she's focussed on one thing, Jon, she could come back if he was gone, but she's so focussed on making him suffer that he's unable to see anything else but that, tunnel vision to a point. We will see more of the COTR and this was Illyrio's goal for some time.
Sprartan: Tyrion's taken well to dragon riding we'll see him in Dorne soon, as for Vis, totally boned lol. Don is a good sort, with no Ramsay it gives him so many options.
Anarchichmind: I'm a big Willas fan, he's never shown enough, he'll have his pov in a little bit too. Arya and Lyanna have a big chapter coming up. As for Ari, well she's a snake and so her fangs are retracted for now lol.
Outcome: Aegon did burn, he lives but he burned, Drogo and Dany won't meet again for a few more chapters, we'll see how they interact with each other then as for Edmure/Cat/LF we're getting close to the war, once that starts all bets are off on them.
Xand007: Thanks my friend: With Illyrio he's well used to threats at land and sea so he knows how to keep away from them. The Iron Born are kinda overrated in terms of the threat they carry, they don't really hit Essos as much as you think they do. But yes I have a good end in store for him. As for the other's, it's getting closer is all I can say.
Nightshade stalker: Myrcella and Tommen aren't Jaime's children, they're Daven Lannister's, we will see him again later, but Jaime never slept with Cersei post the rebellion because she told him she knew Tywin was going to kill Rhaenys and Aegon. On Faegon he messed up and we'll see the extent of that soon.
Starkkiller: Thanks so much, Yeah he is, the problem Garlan has is that Loras is involved in the wars and Willas is the smart one and he does kinda get lost in the shuffle, it's hard to bring him in and even in the books he's kinda the third of the brothers so to speak. As you see that's been referred to here by Jaime, one priest is one thing, three you start having questions asked.
On Ramsay, no way Richard leaves him alone, he took out some of his people, that alone was a death sentence, it does allow for Dom to play a larger role. Ned finally stepped up, Benjen will find out soon about it too. With their mother the children other than Sansa would be happy if she was happy, it ended up being LF though Sansa would be so done with her. The same thing happened with my uncle and his sister, we must be related. Glad you liked the Sansa/Willas, it's hard to write them as the cute couple given the age gap. As you see Vis is no more. Stay safe and well.
