Riverrun 298 AC.

Cat.

She woke up to find she was not alone in her bed, looking beside her to see Petyr was asleep and finding herself shocked as she'd not remembered going to bed the night before. What she did remember was the overwhelming sense of relief she had felt when Petyr had arrived. How he'd made her feel as if the world wasn't completely against her, and that someone cared about her. Was that the reason why? Had that been enough to? She looked at herself and saw she was naked and looking to him she could see that so was he.

It was clear what they'd done and a part of her felt shame at the thought, not at the act itself, though there was some of that too. She was, he was, she never would have had she been thinking straight. Not unwed she wouldn't have though she had wished to marry him, so there was that at least. Some of her shame though was that she couldn't remember the act itself, not any of it at all, though very quickly a new thought hit her.

"Petyr, Petyr, wake up, wake up." she said shaking him awake.

"Cat?".

"Petyr, you can't, we can't, people can't see us like this." she said worriedly.

"Cat my love, we are to be wed, to be man and wife, there is nothing wrong with us being together, not now, not anymore. Nothing to stop us being together." he said as he kissed her.

She allowed the kiss, happy that he wished to marry her and that they would be together to face whatever was to come. It was then the thought came to her, so quickly and suddenly that she couldn't stop the panic that hit her. Cat pushing him away and not noticing the look of hurt and briefly the one of anger that appeared on Petyr's face.

"I can't, moon tea, I can't Petyr, I can't have a bastard, I won't." she said her worry so strong that she cared not that she was moving around the room naked.

"Cat, Cat my love, we're to be married, we can do so today, tomorrow, you have nothing to fear. Should we have a child together they'll be trueborn and we'll see they rise high Cat." he said as he climbed out of the bed and walked over to her, embracing her and she felt herself begin to relax.

"Truly Petyr? You wish to marry me today?" she asked needing to know it was to happen.

"I do, more than anything in this world Cat, I've loved you all my life, just you, my love, my sweet Cat." he said kissing her once more.

She welcomed this kiss, even more, enjoyed it even, she was to be married and with Petyr's help, she'd see the bastard and all those who had wronged her dead. They dressed quickly and when Petyr left to find out what he could about events in the Riverlands, Cat walked to the Sept. She found Septa Mordane there and told her the news, asking the woman to make the arrangements for the ceremony. Given the way, things were shaping up in the realm a large wedding was out of the question and she tried not to feel put out by that.

It seems she was destined never to have the wedding she deserved, war once again forcing it to be smaller and quicker than she would have wished. As a girl she had dreamed of her wedding day, the large feast they'd have, and the great and good of the realm coming to see her marry the man of her dreams. Tall, dark, handsome, and wild, Brandon was everything she deserved and just like with her wedding before, she was still being forced to settle for lesser.

"Tomorrow, my lady, are you certain?" Septa Mordane asked.

"It must be Septa, we don't have the luxury of planning things, soon we could be besieged or under attack and I'll be wed before then." she said and the woman nodded to her and ran off to speak to the Septon.

With that done she hurried back to her rooms and went looking for a suitable dress to be married in, finding her old wedding gown amongst her things. She tried it on and despite it being a little tight it still fit, Cat smiling at herself that even after five children she'd kept her figure, unlike some women she knew. Taking her sewing kit she began to make alterations loosening it out around the waist and adding in some decorative symbols so the dress looked somewhat different.

By the time Petyr came back she was done and when she told him she'd arranged the wedding for the morrow, the smile he gave her was blinding. His own happiness fuelling hers and making her think back just a little to the sullen almost nervous way Ned had looked on their wedding day. She had been as reluctant as he was for the wedding that day and it was nice to have a man actually look forward to marrying her, something Petyr certainly was.

"Where exactly did Edmure go, Cat?" Petyr asked.

"He took his men to deal with some of the bannermen Petyr, to bring them in line before the King and Jon Arryn get here." she said as she asked Pearl to bring them some tea.

"When did he leave?" he asked.

"A few days ago, do you think we should be worried?" she asked, it hadn't even crossed her mind to think so until now.

"No, of course not, if he's only gone to deal with some of the bannermen all should be well, perhaps he's met up with Lord Jon or with the King's own forces and they'll be here presently. I was just, for you, I'd have hoped he'd be here to see us wed." he said and she felt her heart soar that he was thinking of her feelings so much.

"I'd like him here too, Petyr, But I fear we cannot wait to wed, I'd not like to do so under a siege or were we to be attacked and I fear that no matter what we'll not be able to stop the lions from at least coming to our door." she said fearfully.

Petyr got up from his seat and walked over to her, sitting beside her and taking her hands in his.

"They'll not be able to take Riverrun Cat, all we need to do is hold out until the king's army arrives and then we'll see them fall." he said with a smile.

"Will they be enough Petyr, The Vale, The Stormlands will they be enough?" she asked trying her best not to sound panicked.

"They will Cat." he said moving closer to her "We also have something that no one knows about, The Golden Company is landing in Duskendale Cat, 20,000 of the finest soldiers in Essos. Professional soldiers, no army comes even close to them." he whispered.

"Truly?" she asked hopefully.

"Truly my love, we'll see them all fall and then together, we'll rise Cat, you and I, we'll rise higher than any of them." he said and she kissed him herself this time, so deeply and passionately that the knock on the door almost went unheard.

She asked him to forgo a night in her bed that night, to allow them to have a true wedding night the next night and she was happy he agreed to it. Sleep though was hard to come by and she once again found that the dreams tormented her.

Edmure was brought to the front of the keep, Cat looking down at him as the men held him. The knife to his throat and the threats being made to her to give up the keep or see her brother dead. Petyr telling her that she could not, that she risked the lives of everyone inside, of her and him and of their child. She shook her head and told the men no and then looked on in shock as Edmure was released, as he walked into the keep and surrendered it.

Petyr was dragged out kicking and screaming, the men being rough with him, and then it was her turn. She looked on in horror as first Edmure lost his head, then Petyr. The man with the sword not even having to turn and look at her for her to recognize the bastard's face. She begged, she told him she was sorry, she pleaded for the life and for that of her babe.

"What care I about your babe Tully, you cared so little about mine own life, why would I see you bring another you into this world."

The tears fell and she felt him grab her hair, turning her head so she could see that Riverrun was in flames, her family's home burning away.

"I told you that your house would end, you think I'd allow you to bring another fish into this world." the bastard said and she was forced down to the block and saw the sword raised.

She woke up sweating and terrified and as she swallowed the water down she realized that she'd slept a dreamless sleep the night before. With Petyr in her bed, the dreams were kept away and as she looked at the sun rise up she welcomed it, knowing that after today she'd not need to sleep alone again. She broke her fast in her room and then called in her maids to ready her for the day ahead.

By the time they were done she was herself once more, staring into the looking glass she looked a completely different woman. Her hair was arranged in a style she'd have never worn in the North, her cheeks were flushed and there was a lightness in her eyes, in her heart too. She practically danced into the Sept and when she saw him there she felt that this was right, that this was what she deserved and she was happy.

"Father, Smith, Warrior, Mother, Maiden, Crone, Stranger. I am his and he is mine from this day, until the end of my days." she said feeling a little shiver run down her spine as she reached the end.

Hearing Petyr say the same vows and seeing the look in his eye at least made the day far happier than the one with Ned had been. There was no nervousness or doubt in his eyes, only love, and for that she was thankful. When the ceremony was ended they walked together to the small celebration she'd organized, not so much a feast but more a fancy dinner and yet even that was to be denied to her.

"My lady, my lady." Ser Desmond said running to her.

"Ser?".

"Banners my lady, banners approach." Ser Desmond said.

"Whose banners?" she asked worriedly.

"Lion's my lady, Lions, and Dragons." the knight said worriedly.

"Close the gates, close the gates." she said panicked as she and Petyr moved to the keep.

She ran up through the courtyard, her dress being splattered by the puddles and the muck and she found she cared not. Once inside she almost raced up the stairs and soon found herself looking out onto the hills in the distance and at the army that approached. The army that was far too large and stretched as far as the eye could see, she looked and felt the fear almost overtake her. Her tears beginning to fall and even Petyr holding her in his arms couldn't assuage that fear now.

The North/Seagard 298 AC.

Tyrion.

Beneath him the ships sailed carrying his army, over 12,000 men and a fourth of them mounted. Lord's Broom, Lefford, Westerling, Serret, and their men, plus some of their own making up the force he had been given command of. There were good men down there that he trusted and cared for too, the Strongboar had volunteered to join them, looking for his own glory away from his father.

Satin was serving as his squire and the boy though saddened by Loras leaving was as dutiful as ever. Ser Jors had a new brother as Ser Richard Horpe had arrived and accept the offered white cloak, Tyrion happier to see his niece than to gain a Kingsguard, but the man was loyal and worthy. Eight Pinnacle ships carried the men and it was a majestic sight to see the fleet in such a formation. Though this was truly only part of the fleet and that sight was possibly slightly diminished in its majesty by the one above it.

Lygaron flew over the ships, his dragon eager to face their enemies and Tyrion feared what the dragon would do should anything happen to him. Though the chances of that on dragon back were pretty slim. Dragonriders had fallen in the past but mainly to other Dragonriders. There was no Daemon to jump from Caraxes for him to face and while the Martells had gotten lucky with Meraxes and Rhaenys, they had known of the dragons, the crown did not.

For Tyrion the last few moons had been strange, he was a Targaryen, a Dragonrider, uncle to a future king, and betrothed to a princess. It had taken a lot to get used to and had his nephew not constantly reassured him that he was both his lines, then he may not have been able to. It had made him dig deeper into his Targaryen roots too, look more closely at the stories of the dragons of old and their riders, knowing now they were his kin.

"Tegun Lygaron." (Land Lygaron) Tyrion said as they reached Banefort, the dragon landing a fair distance from the keep itself.

"Jikagon ipradagon, nyke'll sagon ȳgha." (Go eat, I'll be safe.) he said to the dragon as he grabbed his own food and then watched as Lygaron took to the sky.

In all his reading of dragons and Dragonriders, of the tales of his kin, he'd never found out much about the bond between dragon and rider. It was actually through his nephew that he learned far more than any book, though Lygaron helped at times too. It was odd to hear a dragon in your head and that it only happened occasionally with his dragon actually made him grateful, Jae saying that he had to listen to it constantly with Rhaenix.

Though he found at times he'd have enjoyed that too, he thought chuckling to himself as he ate the meat and bread. He was still laughing when Lygaron landed, the dragon disturbed about something, and Tyrion leaving his food on the ground to rush over to him.

"We must go, you must see." Lygaron said his voice annoyed and angry.

"Where?" he asked.

"North." the dragon said.

Grabbing his pack Tyrion climbed back up the dragon's wing and strapped himself in the saddle, Lygaron waiting until he was secure before he took to the air. He had expected to see the ships below him once more but Lygaron flew over the water heading North and soon he saw where they were going and why. The Iron Islands was a place he'd never expected to see in his life and was there another reason for seeing it now, he'd have wondered about that.

The idea of seeing places he'd only just dreamed about had been something he'd thought of since his first dragon ride and when he read the tales of other Dragonriders. Of how Alysanne flew to the wall or how Rhaenys wished to cross the Sunset Sea. He had smiled at the thought of being like Visenya and landing in the Vale just to see their faces. Or the idea of flying over the Hightower and seeing it from Dragonback, now though he looked angrily at the scene below him and knew what he must do.

"Jelmor, Lygaron, Jelmor." (North, Lygaron, North) Tyrion said as the looked back at the ships and resisted the urge that Lygaron was feeling too, they'd burn them if need be he thought.

He found them just south of Moat Cailin, the Northern army marching hard and he wondered at first about landing the dragon so close. Deciding now wasn't the time for hiding and that it would be better to do this as quickly as possible, he flew over the front of the army and then landed a little distance in front of them. Waiting until they came to him and he didn't have to wait long.

"Lord Tyrion?" he heard Ser Wylis say.

"Prince actually." he said with a smirk and Wylis looked from him to Lygaron.

"Forgive me, my prince." Ser Wylis said and Tyrion looked to the others with him, some he recognized, the Smalljon, Jory and Lady Maege, others he did not.

"I need to speak to Lord Stark, is he with you?" he asked.

"Aye, he rides behind us, has something happened, the king?" Maege asked worriedly.

"Is well and safe, no, this is something which concerns the North." he said and Jory bid him join her on the horse.

It was embarrassing to ride with her Tyrion felt but without his saddle, he couldn't properly ride a horse and so he accepted the embarrassment and told Lygaron he'd be back as quick as he could. His dragon not accepting that for an answer and taking to the sky above him, following them all the way, the threat not so subtle. Hurt my rider and feel my wrath, Lygaron was basically saying and it warmed Tyrion's heart to know he cared so much for him.

They arrived at where Lord Stark and some other lords had stopped their march. Tyrion seeing the Greatjon, Ser Wendell, and Lord Wyman among others. After being helped off the horse he noticed them seeing what he was wearing for the first time. The black armor was almost identical to Jae's except in its material. The Three-Headed Dragon standing proud beside the Lion and he could see some look at him oddly while others just nodded.

"My prince, it surprises me to see you here, my nephew is well?." Lord Stark asked with a note of concern in his voice.

Tyrion wondered had he known of what Jae intended regarding him or was it just the armor he wore, though it really didn't matter and so he put it out his mind for now.

"Our nephew is safe and well my lord. I had intended to meet you further along the way, with my army. They should land in Seagard within the week and are to join with your own against the Vale, Lygaron too." he said.

"Lygaron?" the Greatjon asked.

"My dragon my lord." he said to smirks.

"Why have you come, my prince?" Lord Stark asked.

"Iron Born my lord. On our way to escort the ships to Seagard, Lygaron flew to the Iron Islands, they have a fleet which looks ready to sail. I believe they mean to attack, us, the Reach or yourselves, I know not for certain who. Lannisport and the West are well protected. My uncle Kevan will see to that. I intend to send a raven to Lady Olenna from Seagard but since I was coming to meet you anyway." he said and saw the Lord's nod.

"How many men do you bring with you my prince?" Lord Stark asked.

"12,000 my lord." he replied.

"I have or will have 25,000 by the time I reach you. The North is well protected from an attack but a large scale one is not one we expected." Lord Stark said "Maege, Jorah, Galbart, Helman, can you join me for a moment."

Tyrion waited while the lords and lady spoke and was on the verge of suggesting using Lygaron when they came up with their own plan.

"Should we need the dragons, my prince, they will come?" Lady Maege asked.

"We are kin my lady, joined by marriage, should you need my dragon he will come and I know my nephew will feel the same." he said and she nodded.

In the end, they sent some men to reinforce keeps and said they'd send ravens once they got to Moat Cailin. Lord Stark explaining that they had left many men to guard the trading routes as it was. Tyrion was asked to stay and eat with them but declined, eager to both see to the ships and to warn Seagard to be on the alert also. He wished to send his own ravens too, though after saying goodbye and walking to where Lygaron had now landed, he was joined by a young man and was soon laughing when he was in the air. Apparently Richard's lips could get a message to those who needed it far quicker than he, even with his dragon.

Seeing the walls of Seagard in the distance, he was glad to see the Three-Headed Dragon flew there now. So he landed Lygaron some distance away and walked to the keep, the guards opening the gate and Castellan rushing to meet him.

"My lord?" the old grey-haired man said.

"Prince Tyrion Targaryen, I wish to speak to Lord Mallister." he said his voice firm and direct.

"He marches my prince, Lord Jason, and Ser Partrek both march to join up with the king's army." the man said.

"I need access to your ravens and some warm food and a bath would be welcome, Ser?".

"Ser Lymond, my prince, I'll see to it at once." the man said and Tyrion nodded, glad for the chance to sleep in a bed tonight and to wait for his men to arrive and the real work to begin.

The Vale 298 AC.

Jon Arryn.

He arrived in Gulltown to a mixed reception, Lord Grafton welcomed him but even Jon could sense it was reluctant and he was glad to accept guest rights. The house had risen for the dragons in the past and though he'd not done so this time, he'd not risen for him either, telling him to his face they'd not fight for him. He did though offer him an escort to Runestone which he declined.

It was there the first piece of bad news hit him, he'd missed Lord Yohn who'd left to gather the rest of the Knights of the Vale at the Bloody Gate. Meaning he'd have to ride hard and fast to catch up with them. Jon had considered not coming to the Vale, instead meeting the Knights at the Crossroads or sailing to Wickenden or the Saltpans. But it would have left him cut off and he needed to ensure that the men he spoke to were his and not the dragons.

Lomas had told him privately just how dire the situation was in the Riverlands and it seemed they'd need to put some rebellious lords in their place there before the Lions and Dragons arrived. Something which had also put paid to him traveling through those lands to get to his army.

"My lord, do you wish another?" Lady Ysilla asked, his friend's daughter had grown up to be a remarkable young lady.

"No, thank you, my lady, I think I'll retire for the night, I've a long hard ride ahead of me." he said and she smiled at him as he bid her goodnight.

Lord Yohn and Lady Yara had done a fine job with their children, Andar, Robar, and Ysilla were fine examples of Vale chivalry and grace and young Waymar had taken up the noble calling of the Wall. His friend was a lucky man, a wife who loved him, a fine young daughter to build alliances with, and not only a good a true heir but a second son should the worst happen.

He tried not to feel jealous or angry that he'd not been so lucky, a wife who had never cared for him and an heir that wasn't his. He needed to speak to Lady Anya most urgently, young Harry cannot ride in this war, his line had to continue and he was his heir now. Sleep came difficultly that night, his mind full of plans for the days to come and the thoughts of facing men he'd once called friends.

Ned Stark had disappointed him greatly, to perpetrate such a lie on him, on Robert, to put them in the position they now were in was bad enough. To actually come to arms against them, willing to fight against him and the man he had called his brother once. Jon felt his anger rise and bemoaned the fact that heathen wolves threatened everything once more.

"My lord, my lord, you wished to be woken." the young girl said and he looked to see day just dawning and yet he felt as if he'd not slept at all.

"I thank you, Elena, I'll ready myself now." he said when the girl nodded and turned to leave.

Jon quickly dressed and headed for the courtyard and his horses, only for Lady Yara to stop him, the raven scroll in her hand addressed to him personally. He opened it and almost collapsed to the ground, unable to believe what he was reading. Thanking her, he declined breaking his fast, and instead they set off, the news he read only making his ride that much more important.

Dorne had risen for the Dragons, Stannis defeated and held prisoner and Robert's Stormlands army in disarray. That they'd not been completely defeated and that they may actually move to join up with them, was the only piece of comfort the news brought. But how had this happened he wondered, Dorne, surely not?. They camped that night and he tried to make sense of it and the best he could figure it out was vengeance still being Dorne's motivation.

He cursed at that, Tywin Lannister had put them in this situation and while he'd welcomed the children's deaths, especially at them not being on his hands, Elia could have been used to placate Dorne. Now it was like all those things he'd assumed handled had instead just been biding their time, a hidden dragon, hungry lions, and Dornish snakes all coming to take what he had built, no he'd not allow them.

"My lord." one of the men said handing him the plate with the warmed meat on it, Jon eating for strength and not out of any sense of hunger.

The next week was some of the hardest riding he'd ever done and by the time he saw the Gates of the Moon in the distance he felt only fit for bed. Though seeing the lack of knights around it he knew he'd not get much rest here tonight either. He was welcomed in by Nestor who seemed surprised to see him and the offer of a warm bath was far too good to turn down. Jon feeling somewhat refreshed when he sat down to eat much nicer fare with Nestor that night, and trying not to think that this may the nicest he'd eat for quite some time.

"You look tired my lord?" Nestor said.

"Aye, I am, Lady Anya was she here, Nestor?"

"She was, she came to wave young Harry off." Nestor said and Jon sighed.

"I'll be sending him back Nestor, he's to be my heir, that song, you've heard it right?" he asked and Nestor nodded slightly "It's the truth, heard it from her own damn lips, should Littlefinger arrive back here, you take him Nestor, you place him in the Sky Cells and I'll deal with him upon my return." he said and Nestor looked at him with what looked like pity in his eyes.

"I'll see it done my lord. This war, can we win it?" Nestor asked.

"We must, lest we all burn in Dragonfire." he said.

He left the next morning, rested, refreshed, and ready to fight. It took him two days to catch up with his army, the Knights of the Vale had come out in force, he estimated between 20,000 to 30,000 men. Finding out later he had 27,000 at his command. He was pleased to see the lords all assembled too, Lord Yohn, Lord's Melcolm, Hunter, Corbray, Egen, and Belmore, though it surprised him to see some that were missing.

"Lord Yohn." he said smiling as he greeted his friend.

"Lord Jon, I hadn't expected to see you so soon, my lord." Yohn said surprised.

"Aye, I know Yohn, I'd thought of meeting you further on but I felt it for the best to meet you here, damn hard ride though." he said and Yohn laughed as he brought him to speak to the others.

"Lord Redfort?" he asked and Yohn shook his head.

"Horton didn't rise my lord, I can't understand it." Yohn said his voice full of disgust.

"We'll deal with him after the dragon, Yohn." he said "First I need to let you all know something.".

He gathered them together in a hastily arranged tent and looked to see Harry standing with the Waynwood men, his new heir he thought and though he was his blood, he wouldn't have ever been his choice. But at least he's my blood he thought as he looked at the boy, his blond hair and blue eyes evidence enough of that.

"Firstly, some of you may have heard that damnable song." he raised his hand when some went to protest "I thank you my lords, but it pains me to say it's true, Robert is not my son, Lysa and Littlefinger have been involved behind my back." he said shamefully.

"My lord, your heir?" Lord Hunter said.

"Is standing in this very tent, Harrold, step forward young man. My great-nephew Ser Harrold Hardyng is hereby named officially as my heir. Nestor has the paperwork and a copy has been sent to Lady Anya." he said.

"I thank you uncle, I shall endeavor to make you proud of me." Harry said and Jon had to bite his tongue not to tell the boy that a good way to do that would be to stop fathering bastards.

"I'm sure you will nephew, for now, though I need you to ride back to Nestor and to with him take control of the Eyrie, you cannot ride with us. I've already lost far too much blood I cannot risk my line ending." he said and Harry looked like arguing "I cannot Harrold, go, take some of Lady Anya's men, but go, for House Arryn, you must."

"As you say uncle." Harry said leaving the tent.

He waited for some time, making sure the boy had actually set off and to give him time to think about what to say. Lomas had sent word of the Stormlords loss but to him personally, for now, he felt it best for his lords to be unaware of the odds they faced. So deciding to keep that to himself and concentrate on the positives, that's exactly what he did.

"We ride to the Riverlands my lords, to put that to rights and await the king and his reinforcements." he said.

"Reinforcements, the Stormlords ride?" Yohn asked.

"Under Lord Stannis yes, the king rides with a different larger army, the Golden Company, my Lords." he said to gasps and then smiles.

"They've come from Essos my lord, why?" Lyonel said and Jon looked to the Corbray lord.

"Our dealings with Magister Illyrio have been most helpful, thanks to his own arrangements with the Golden Company they fight on our side." he said seeing the nods around the room.

"The North my lord?" Lord Belmore asked.

"May have their own troubles soon enough, I've heard the Iron Born mean to take advantage of the armies of the western shoreline marching, surely they'll attack the North first." he said "However, we'll need outriders behind us just in case, it may come down to us having to face the Northern army.".

"Then we'll cut through them my lord, savages are no match for the Knights of the Vale." Lord Egen said.

Jon agreed with him though kept quiet for now, some of these men considering the Northmen friends and though he knew they'd fight against them, he didn't wish it to look like he bore a grudge.

"If it comes to that aye, we will. We ride my lords, for our king, we ride." he said and heard the sounds of agreement and was glad when the lords left the tent.

As they rode past the Bloody Gate he looked back and wondered if he'd not be best served by just staying on the other side of it. The odds they faced were so far against them and he wasn't sure they would actually win. To do so relied on them having better luck than they had so far and lately he'd wondered had the gods abandoned them.

They couldn't afford more setbacks and yet he knew they'd face some, but staying behind those gates wasn't truly an option either. The letter had made that clear, the dragon was coming for him, he had but one choice, face him or die. As they rode through the doubts crept into his mind, maybe the option wasn't truly one at all, maybe no matter what, he was facing death either way. If so then he had only one thing he could do, see that as many of those who had forced him here died too.

Dragonstone 297/298 AC

Jaehaerys Targaryen.

Rhaenys wanted him to explore the island with her, to sleep out on the cliffs beside her and Jae wanted to do it more than anything though he knew he could not, not yet. Instead he looked at the map and began to ponder what to do about the Golden Company. That they were so close to the city didn't truly allow him to use Rhaenix and should they march then he knew that would be the best opportunity.

But which way would they march? He looked to the map and saw the Trident and Harrenhal, but if they marched that way there was a chance they'd join up with the Vale forces, something he couldn't allow. He needed them to march to him, to come to him and then he could deal with them. But how to make them march where he wanted rather than where they wished to go?.

"Arthur." he called and the knight walked in.

"Your grace?".

"Arthur, I need to run some things by you, I want you to doubt me, to challenge what I say if I'm wrong, can you do that?" he asked.

"If you insist, your grace." Arthur said looking at him, Loras standing further back.

"Robert has the Golden Company, I can only think it's something to do with the Magister as there's no way he'd have hired them himself?" he said.

"I agree."

"So he's here." he said pointing to Duskendale "If he marches he'll march to here." he said pointing to the Crossroads "Joining up with the Knights of the Vale and then moving here." he pointing to the Riverlands and Riverrun.

"No your grace, he'll march here." Arthur said pointing to the Stormlands.

"Arthur?"

"If he hears you've attacked his homeland he'll march there, if he loses the Stormlands it's finished for him, he needs those men." Arthur said.

"He has the Golden Company, Arthur.".

"He needs those men." Arthur said simply.

Jae looked at the map, Tumbleton would be sacked, Grassy Vale, Robert may even decide to head into the Reach after winning some victories there. Bitterbridge and Highgarden itself could fall, especially if the lords he sent with Lord Tarly were absent.

Looking down at the map with horror he saw the Reach falling and Highgarden in flames. Should Robert get close to Margaery, gods he didn't even wish to think of it. Closing his eyes he reached out to Ghost, watching as Margaery and Sansa read and laughed in the garden, a small smile reaching his face as he felt the ice from Ghost cool him down.

"Should the Stormlands have already fallen by then, he'd go to join with the Knights of the Vale?" he asked when he opened his eyes.

"He would, should it have fallen." Arthur said looking at him oddly.

"So he marches that way." he said tracing the route on the map, how do I make him march towards me, what makes him march towards me?" he asked and held his hand up "Me, I'm the key for him."

"You are your grace."

"Should Jaime march here, should it be known that I march with him, Robert will come at me, won't he?" he asked.

"He would." Arthur said.

"Good." he said with a smile.

He got up from the seat and began to drum his fingers on the map, his eyes looking to the God's Eye.

"Good, Loras, ask Lord Monford to join me." he said and walked to the open window and looked down on the island below.

He felt her in his mind and knew he'd end up going to her later that night, his mind clearer now that he had a plan to deal with the Golden Company. He heard the footsteps and turned around to see Lord Monford and Loras enter the room, bidding the lord to take a seat.

"My lord how many does it take to garrison Dragonstone?" he asked.

"I believe Lord Stannis garrisoned it with less than five hundred your grace." Monford said.

"How many men do the Lords of the Narrow Sea bring my lord?"

"A little over 4,500 your grace."

"How many mounted?" he asked.

"Half."

"Good, I wish you to take the mounted men, my lord, leave the infantry here for now. When the Golden Company leaves Duskendale I'd ask you to sail there and to ride after them, slowly, I don't wish you to engage just be ready to ride down any who retreat." he said.

"Your grace?" Monford asked.

"I intend to bring them to me, to show them a true dragon, men, when faced with such a thing, may find their courage tested my lord, should they, then on their retreat I'd like them to face an unexpected threat." he said and Monford smiled.

"Of course your grace, how will you know when they've left?"

"I'll know my lord, Ser Richard is most accomplished." he said and watched the lord chuckle.

At dinner that night he met with the rest of the Lord of the Narrow Sea, Lord Celtigar giving him the once over and Lord Sunglass seeming unsure that even with the numbers they could win.

"My Lords, I'd direct you to the windows." he said and watched their faces when Rhaenix flew by "My uncle's dragon is with him as they engage the Knights of the Vale. I believe Rhaenix wishes to see what lies beneath the gold my lords." he said to laughs.

Once the lords had seen the dragon and Jae had talked to some of them individually, he told Loras to get some rest, Arthur too though the knight refused, saying he'd sleep when Jae did. He then walked from the castle telling Aurane that he'd be back on the morrow. He found her not on the cliffs but on the beach near a cave, walking to her Jae could already feel her emotions from a fair distance away.

After telling Arthur to gather wood for a fire, Jae lent down beside Rhaenix and felt her almost curl up around him, soon they were both asleep and the island felt a much different place.

He could hear the laughter up ahead of him and as he looked he saw her hand in his, Rhaenys almost dragging him to the sounds. His sister was almost of a height with him, her long dark hair blowing in the wind, and her purple eyes full of excitement the closer they go to the sounds.

"Come Jae, they've been waiting for us." Rhaenys said her voice happy and light.

"I'm coming." he said to her and tried not to laugh when she frowned at him.

"You're too slow, I bet you can't even catch me." she said as her hand left his and she ran on ahead.

He chased after her, her laughter now joining the others as they entered a glade to find his family there waiting for him. Jae stunned to see it was more than he had imagined. His mother and father were there, Elia, Egg, but so was a slightly older man than Egg, one it took him a moment to recognize as Viserys, though he looked much different, happier. Beside him stood an older silver-haired woman who smiled at him as she embraced Rhaenys.

"Come, grandson, I've wished to meet you for some time." Rhaella said and Jae felt his tears flow as she let go of Rhaenys to embrace him.

When he felt her arms around him, he thought nothing of it, nor when his uncle and brother embraced him also. Feeling his father's arms or Elia's after that almost felt natural to him. But when he felt his mother, when she held him in her arms, Jae broke down, the sobs making him shake and tremble so powerful were they.

"There, There, my little Dragonwolf, let it out, let it all out." his mother said as Jae sobbed against her.

He later found himself laughing and japing with Egg and his uncle, listening in as his grandmother gave advice. Speaking to Elia about her nieces and brother before his father asked him to walk with him. Soon he was strolling on the beach he Arthur and Rhaenix had slept at. Walking past where Rhaenix had lain and to the cave up ahead of them and through into the cave itself.

"You'll find it in there son, you'll need it for the fight to come." his father said as he led him deep into the cave "Only you can enter, only your blood is able to unlock the door."

"Father?"

"It's time for me to go, son, remember always I love you and I'm proud of you, your mother is proud of you. I'll see you again, but not today Jaehaerys, not today." his father said as he faded from his view.

"Not today." Jae said as he woke up.

Arthur watching him as he walked to Rhaenix's head, her eyes open as she looked at him.

"You saw them too?" he asked.

"I did, grandmother too Jae, Viserys, I'd not seen them before." she said happily.

"Why now?" he asked.

"Dragonstone, it's us Jae, it's our home, this is where Dragons belong," she said and he nodded, leaning in and closing his eyes when she did hers.

He stayed like that for some time before telling her to go eat and that they'd need to leave soon. Rhaenix making him promise to fly with her so she could show him the island before then and Jae agreeing. Once she took to the air he walked to Arthur and told him what he'd seen, what he'd felt, the knight not saying anything about it which he was glad of.

"The cave, Arthur, we need to go in there." he said pointing to the cave.

"You're certain of this, Jae? "Arthur asked.

"Aye, I am.".

Together they walked in and he saw Arthur look at him as he moved through the narrow passages as if he'd been here before. They entered a large open space and Jae looked around seeing the shiny rock the cave was made off. Leaning closer he touched it and knew what it was and how important it could be.

"Dragonglass." he said.

"Jae?"

"Obsidian Arthur, a whole mountain of it." he said happily and Arthur just nodded.

They moved further in, the cave getting darker and then he felt the heat, or to be more precise Arthur did. Grabbing a piece of wood from the floor beneath him, Jae moved to the source of the heat, the burning rock from the Dragonmont flowed thankfully through a cut passage.

After lighting the wood he held it up and what he saw was amazing to him, the Dragonglass sparkled. Black, Red, Green, more shades than he ever thought possible and Arthur too seemed amazed.

"I thought it only came in black?" Arthur said.

"Aye, me too." he replied.

He saw the drawings then too, images of battles from a millennia ago, blue eyes fighting against men, children even giants, and they looked so much like the ones he'd seen in the cave in Winterfell that they had to have drawn by the same people. As he was about to move to look at them more closely, he saw the door and all else paled in comparison to that.

Jae almost running to it as he asked Arthur to hold the burning wood. His hand automatically went to his knife and he had cut it and held it to the door before Arthur could say anything. Not even hearing the knight's voice as he felt the stone begin to give way. He watched from inside the room as Arthur tried and failed to enter, mouthed he was alright to him when he couldn't hear the words he had tried to say and moved further into the room. Watching on as the torches on the wall began to light up.

The room was full of chests which Jae opened, some contained jewelry, some clothing, others had scrolls and books. But it was the one chest alone in the middle that he felt drawn too. He tried to open it and it wouldn't at first, Jae then moving his still bleeding hand to it, the blood dripping down the side and the chest making a clicking noise. Jae opening it to see the book inside and he didn't need to read the words or the name to know what this book was.

"Daenys." he said softly as his fingers of their own accord traced the dreamer's name on the cover.

He closed the chest and wiped the blood away, unsurprised when he tried to open it once more that it remained locked. Debating whether to take the book with him or not, in the end, he decided not to, here it was safe and he couldn't risk it being lost, nor it falling into another's hands. As he went to walk from the room he saw another chest with a symbol he recognized on it, the Three-Headed Dragon though wrought in the same fashion as his pendant.

He was torn between looking at it or going back and felt it best left for now, he'd be back here soon enough. Stepping out of the room he had moved no more than a few feet when the door closed and Arthur looked at him in relief. The knight telling him later that he'd stepped into darkness and all Arthur saw was Jae telling him that he was unharmed.

"Come, let's go break our fast, I've much to do today." he said and Arthur nodded, seeming relieved to be leaving the cave.

After washing and bandaging his hand, they ate and Jae sent Arthur to rest. Loras guarding his back as he spoke more to the Lord of the Narrow Sea and then walked to the rookery to speak to the Maester that Monford had brought with him. The man had served Driftmark for some time and Monford trusted him which earned him Jae's trust, for this anyway.

"I need a raven to send to the Reach, Maester."

"At once your grace, where in the Reach if you don't mind me asking?"

"Anywhere will do, it won't be going to a keep." he said as the Maester picked out a raven.

"Is it well fed?" he asked and the Maester nodded.

Jae took the raven from the man and held it in his hands.

"Thank you Maester." he said as he walked from the room still carrying the raven.

"Your grace?"

"I'll take it from here." he said as he left the rookery, soon walking into the solar of the room he'd been given.

Sitting down at the table he looked into the raven's eyes and then closed his own, he found the door and the raven accepted him in with no hesitation. Soon the raven was standing on the desk and Jae was feeding it small pieces of corn that he'd asked for. Jae then went looking for a different door, finding the eagle feeding near Summerhall. He brought it east and soon found Oberyn's army marching, flying further east he found the Stormlords.

Grabbing a scroll he wrote the message to Randyll Tarly and attached it to the raven's leg, letting it fly free a few moments later.

He waited an hour before he went looking for the door again, the raven flying over the water and heading south. He'd check in on it from time to time and direct it to the Reach army himself. The orders he gave he knew Randyll would follow and he turned his attention back to the eagle and the Stormlands. For the next two days, he alternated, warging from raven to eagle, both of them eagerly accepting him when he did so.

By the time Oberyn's forces reached Stannis's, Jae felt his plan could work. The eagle was his as was the raven and he could enter either at will. The raven now flying over the area where he expected Tarly's army to be, though he had underestimated the lord and he was actually some distance further ahead than he had thought. He was in the raven when he felt the nudge on his shoulder which knocked him from it.

"Your grace, you must eat, you look pale." Arthur said and he nodded taking the plate when the servant brought it and eating and drinking almost ravenously.

"Thank you Arthur." he said when he was done.

Closing his eyes he warged first back into the raven and saw he'd found the army, Jae allowing the raven to rest and eat before he sent him to Tarly himself. He then warged back into the eagle to see that the two sides were lining up and that Oberyn had the high ground. Without leaving the eagle he asked the question and heard Arthur's voice answer though the knight sounded as if he was far off in the distance to him.

"What happens if you charge uphill Arthur?".

"You lose your grace.".

He smiled as he saw them lined up, looking down with an eagle's eye he sought out the commanders of Stannis forces and found the one he needed. Leaving the eagle he went looking for the doors and found enough of them, three, four, five, six, all of them welcoming him inside. He readied and gave them the command, the horses own natural instincts to run free something he knew well from Winter, it took no more than a prod and they were off.

From the horses to the eagle he went and watched as the battle took place. Seeing Oberyn beat a large man and Stannis being brought before him and Jae smiled as he went looking for the raven.

Later that night he spoke to Richard about the Golden Company, his Master of Whisperers saying his lips would get close and Jae telling him not to get too close. He told him what he wished him to do, the messages he wished sent, and asked him if he could see it done. Then he went to his bed and slept for almost two days straight, the power required, the loss of blood, tiredness, all of it combining to leave him exhausted.

"Lord Monford, House Rykker awaits you, the Golden Company have left." he said a few days later and the lord nodded telling him they'd set sail immediately.

Jae, Arthur, and Loras walked to the cliff and mounted up on Rhaenix, his sister was unhappy to leave but glad they'd be ending this fight soon, so eager was she to come back and show Lygaron this place too.

"We are done here, my king?" Loras asked.

"We are, it's time to go hunt a stag, Loras." he said as Rhaenix took to the sky.

Casterly Rock/The Stoney Sept 297/298 AC.

Jaime.

It had taken him longer to march than his uncle and in a way, he'd been glad of it. Seeing Myrcella arrive at the Rock safe and well was a welcome sight. The girl was happy to be with her family and to see Tommen again. Jaime had wished to march then, once he knew she was safe. But Tommen he knew needed to be on this march and though he'd see no fighting, he needed to see Robert pay and to know he played a part would mean everything to him.

The argument he'd had with Daven had been worth it, first telling him that he couldn't march with them, giving him the reasons why and allowing him time to spend with his son and daughter. Then when he'd come to beg him not to allow Tommen to march with them, Jaime pointing out that it was what the boy wanted, needed, Daven not accepting and storming off.

In the end, it had been Tommen and Myrcella who'd gotten him to agree, Daven giving the children what they wished for and Myrcella showing a resilience beyond her years. It was his niece too who convinced Ser Richard Horpe to don his white cloak in service to Jae also. The knight suggesting that he'd guard her back and Myrcella telling him there was no need, that it would be for the best if he guarded the king and that no one deserved the white cloak more than he.

"You've proved it Ser, you're worthy of that cloak and anything less would be an insult to you. I am not a princess any more Ser Richard, I thank you for always making me feel one." Myrcella said.

"You are my princess, you've always been so and you always shall." Ser Richard Horpe said and Myrcella hugged him to hide her tears.

As hard as all that had been though, nothing came close to having to say goodbye to his wife and daughter. Joanna was old enough to realize he was going away and she wasn't happy about it, Dacey too though she was more worried. His daughter though was growing and each day the little babe he'd held in his arms was further away. She had learned to walk, to speak, the lessons she now took much harder, each turning her into a little girl and not a newborn babe.

"Papa, don't go stay with me and mama." Joanna said her green eyes staring up at him.

"I must, for Jon, for Gerion and Tyrion, but I'll be back before you know it my little cub, I promise." he said kissing her on the nose to try and get her to giggle though she did not for once.

"On the moon and stars?" she said looking to him.

"On the moon and stars, on the sun too, I promise you my little lioness, my baby bear, I swear it. I'll see you and mama soon." he said trying not to cry when she wrapped her arms around him and smiling when as he kissed her nose once more and this time she laughed.

He walked from her room to his and his wife's, finding Dacey sitting on the bed. His wife's belly was beginning to show and so he sat down beside her.

"How did she take it?" she asked.

"As well as can be expected, I…she doesn't wish me to go but I must, you know why?" he asked.

"I know, I'd not stop you or ask you to stay, were I not with child I'd be marching off with you." she said and he laughed, though truth be told he was relieved she was not coming with him.

"I know.".

"Promise me you'll take no risks, fight and fight well Jaime, but promise me you'll take no risks, don't do anything stupid." she said.

"No more than usual." he said with a laugh.

"Jaime." she said her voice trembling.

He looked at her and leaned forward kissing her deeply.

"I swear it, I'll take no risks and leave my stupid at home where it belongs. I'll be back to see our babe born my love, to see Joanna grow, nothing, no one will stop me returning to you and our children, I swear it on the old gods and the new." he said and she kissed him back.

"Come back to me my love, that's all I ask." she said looking into his eyes.

"I love you Dacey Lannister."

"Aye, I love you too Jaime Lannister." she said, the kisses longer now as neither wished them to end.

End though they must and so he set off and began the march to the Golden Tooth, his lords eager for the fight to come and Jaime eager for it to be done. 25,000 men he had under his command, 10,000 of that horse and the march was slow. Each day only making him more and more nervous, about the battles to come and that he was not marching quickly enough to them.

This sense of urgency only increased once he got to Ashemark, the letter waiting for him changing all of his plans and his route. Jaime opening it to find that his direction now was no longer the Golden Tooth but it was to the Stoney Sept he was to march.

Lord Hand,

Somehow Robert has gained the allegiance of the Golden Company, our king orders you to change tack, march to the Stoney Sept and he'll meet you there. Make haste my lord for your movements will affect theirs and our king wishes that to be so. I've sent some friends your way, forgive their piety, and accept their loyalty, my lord, for they too have a score to settle with the usurper.

Worry not about the Lords of the Storm as our Dornish friends have seen to them, as for the Reach, Lord Tarly rides your way. Good fortune my lord, perhaps when next we meet it'll be to see our king crowned.

Richard.

He informed the lords that night in the Great Hall in Ashmark, Lord Brax, Lord Banefort, Lord Marbrand, and Ser Barristan all having differing reactions. His lords looking forward to facing the Golden Company, seeing them as a worthier foe while Barristan preached caution and told tale of the Blackfyres and what it cost to put them down.

He spoke to him after the others had left, the march to continue on the morrow. Barristan happy that they'd won a battle but as always worrying more about the war and the king.

"I wish he was with us Jaime, I know, I know, Arthur and Loras are with him and he has a dragon, I know Dragonstone belongs to us once more and yet I fear being apart from him. To not see him safe with mine own two eyes." Barristan said.

"As do I Barristan, I believe though he'll be waiting for us at the Stoney Sept, so I say we make haste as Ser Richard suggested, that way we'll put both our minds at ease." he said as Barristan nodded.

"I worry about the Golden Company Jaime, they are men who fight for a living, they've been doing it for longer than even I. Our men are good, your army is as well trained as any and I'd match them against any army of Westeros." Barristan said.

"But not Essos?

"A different world Jaime, let's hope our king has a plan."

"He has a dragon Barristan, that's his plan." he said and Barristan smirked before nodding and leaving him alone with his thoughts.

He wondered if he was right, if so then why hadn't he already used the dragon? but as he lay down to sleep he thought about it some more. A hammer needed an anvil to be fully effective and so Jae needed an army to break the other on. Waking the next morning they began their march and marched more quickly, the anvil would be ready to be struck.

After passing Hornvale and marching more miles than he cared to think of, his outriders brought them news when they were a day or so from the Stoney Sept.

"Riders my lord, bearing the Dragon banner." one of Lord Damon's men said, the orange burning tree sticking out on his armor.

"Ser Walder, Ser Barristan, form up an escort, lets ride and greet our new friends." he said and the knights and their squires hurried off to do just that, Tommen standing beside him looking to him for something to do.

"Go ready Glory for me nephew." he said and the boy smiled as he ran off.

The rode out to meet the men and he heard Barristan gasp beside him, though it took him some time to figure out why. The men wore well armed and armored and briefly Jaime worried that this would be a perfect trap. Dacey's words ringing in his ear and he looked to see they were outnumbered.

"Ser Barristan it's good to see you old friend." the tall man at the lead of the group said.

"You too Ser Bonifer." Barristan replied and Jaime instantly relaxed, this particular man the last who'd ever spring a trap or play a mummer.

He watched as the knight dismounted and nodding to his men they all did the same. The knight walking to him and looking him in the eye. They heard it then, the dragon's wings as it flew over them, Barristan's smile as big as his own when he saw the three men on it's back. As Jae climbed down and walked towards them, he heard Ser Bonifer gasp, and as they reached him, as one all the men who rode with the knight and the knight himself took a knee.

"The hundred pledges itself to you, your grace, for now until the end of my days I and my knights will fight for you, my king, for you, for her grandson." Ser Bonifer said looking at Jae with an almost reverence in his eyes.

"I vow that you shall always have a place by my hearth and meat and mead at my table, and pledge to ask no service of you that might bring you into dishonor. I swear it by the old gods and the new. Arise Ser Bonifer for there is much to be done." Jae said before turning to him.

"Your grace." he said with a nod.

"Lord Hand, we have much to discuss. Lord Commander, can you see to Ser Bonifer and his men. I should very much like to speak to you later Ser about my grandmother." Jae said and nodded to the knight before looking to him to walk with him.

They had only walked a few yards when Jae turned to him, a smile on his face and the serious king that had just spoken a moment ago seemed to have been an illusion.

"Jae?" he asked.

"I found many things in Dragonstone Jaime. I saw them, my family I saw them again, all of them, I…I...felt my mother's embrace." he said smiling as he looked off into the distance before looking to him with a more serious expression "We'll speak later Jaime, we've work to do.".

Casterly Rock 297 AC/Riverrun 298 AC.

Gerion.

It was a small ceremony, just him, Joy, Cregan and Ashara herself, the Septon saying the words and Gerion for once in his life felt this was something he'd wished for. He had never thought he'd wish to marry, never imagined it and now he wanted it more than anything else in this world. They'd have a true wedding when he came back, a proper celebration at Castamere, this was for them, for Joy and Cregan and for him and Ashara.

They made love to each other that night and it was different, to him it was much different and yet to Ashara he felt she didn't feel the same way as he did, as if she felt saddened somewhat. Something it took her some time to explain to him and when she did he almost kicked himself for not understanding it earlier.

"When Brandon and I were married, we knew, both of us that we'd never be man and wife, that our time was short and soon to come to an end, less than a day later Aerys...Aerys…" she said as she began to choke up.

"I'm sorry my love, I didn't think." he said holding her tight.

"Promise me that you'll come back to me, that you'll bring Cregan back to me." she said.

"I will promise Joy I'll return, I make you the same promise, I'll return to you my love, we'll have a full and happy life together, we deserve it." he said kissing her.

"We do." she said kissing him back.

He watched as Joy said her goodbyes to Cregan, as Ashara did too. As Jon spoke to his cousin before coming over to speak to him, telling him to take no chances and to listen to the damn birds, which made him chuckle.

"Keep Dusk close at all times Gerion, you and Cregan, watch him. The wolves know better than we do, if his heckles are raised for any reason, then pay attention." Jon said.

"Aye I will, you be careful Jon.".

"I have a dragon, a wolf, and a Kingsguard, you be careful Gerion, Joy needs her father." Jon said and Gerion nodded.

He had said his goodbyes to Ashara the night before, and to his family. Now he walked over to do so to his daughter, glad to see that Jon stood close by.

"I'll be back soon princess, then we can travel to Castamere, you can bring your friends too, Ashara doesn't need to hide any longer." he said smiling.

"Soon? You promise?" she asked trying to be brave.

"Soon princess." he said hugging her and kissing her cheek.

He hugged Ashara and watched as Jon walked over to speak to Joy, Jaehaerys Targaryen he may be but to him, he would always be Jon, the boy who made his daughter smile, Gerion looking to see him do just that now. Their march would be long and they had to be quick, once they joined up with those in the Riverlands that had declared for Jon they'd be a very sizable army. Gerion had 15,000 men under his command, he expected close to 10,000 to join him in the Riverlands. The Tully's were finally to get what they deserved.

They made good time, reaching the Golden Tooth days earlier than he had expected. Gerion finding ravens and letters waiting for him. House Mooton, Mallister, Blackwood and Bracken, House Whent and House Darry all declaring for Jon. Days later as they marched down the River Road he began to be joined by some of them, outriders first and by the time he'd entered Tully lands he could see the full forces arriving. He'd been conservative in his estimate and it ended up being close to 12,000 men that swelled his army.

Gerion happy to see Lord Jason and Ser Patrek Mallister, to see Lord Raymun and Lord Mooton's eldest son Myles a boy of no more than six and ten who led his father's forces. Seeing Jonos Bracken and Tytos Blackwood riding together was a sight he'd never have expected, seeing them laughing even more so. Though later as they set up their siege around Riverrun and tightened the noose he found out the reason why.

"On the damn privy, apparently he'd been constipated for days, we soon fixed that." Tytos said laughing.

"Gods what I'd have given to see it, Edmure running looking for his horse while his breeches kept sliding down, the man had run so fast that he never even got to tie them back up." Jonos said and Gerion too would have loved to see that.

"Where is he now?" he asked.

"Probably still chasing after his army or trying to tie up his breeches." Jonos said still chuckling.

"We sent outriders to find him, last we heard he was near Atranta." Tytos said.

"What have they inside?" he asked motioning to Riverrun with his head.

"Knowing Edmure not must, less than three hundred men." Lord Jason said.

"Hard to besiege though my lord, the sluice gates will open and the rivers will run." Ser Patrek said.

"Aye I know, but besiege it we will. My lords, see to the pickets and spikes, tomorrow I go treat with a trout." he said to laughs.

After the lords had left he called Cregan into the tent, the boy needing to stick close to him and it would be helpful on the morrow.

"You sure you wish to do this?" he asked.

"I am, I wish to see her, besides her seeing me will hurt her and she deserves to be hurt for what she tried to do to Jae." Cregan said.

"She does, come apparently there are some new songs we need to hear." Gerion said as they left the tent.

There were and he had to admire Ser Richard, the man certainly did his work well. The Hidden Dragon, The Greedy Falcon, and the Rutting Stag, The Mockingbird Who Fooled a Falcon, though it was the latest one which seemed to garner the most interest. The others having been heard before many times it would seem while this one had not. Gerion listening on eagerly as the bard began to sing a song he called The Fall of the Trouts.

A House of fish, consumed by pride

From vanity, their honor died.

The Old Trout's son, a Floppy Fool

His daughters hateful, vain, and cruel.

The Floppy Fool, sent men to slay

A Hidden King, of ten namedays.

For piercing boy, and murd'ring knight

Reaped Dragon's flame, and White Wolf's bite.

The Black-Scaled Uncle clenched his fins

Could not forgive his nephew's sins.

The Old Trout died, the Fool arose

He kept few friends, and made new foes.

Scheming sister, with slimy cad

Sent hired knife, to kill the lad.

False word of death, was cunning bait

Tricked foolish trouts, to celebrate!

The Floppy Fool, so drunk and crass

Laughed at a feast, and raised his glass.

King's Quiet Uncle, sad truths faced

His Trout wife exiled, and disgraced.

The Hidden King, warred for his throne

The Trouts in dread, began to moan.

The new King's rule had scarce begun

He brought justice to Riverrun.

But what of the Trouts I hear you say,

Their fate's a tale for another day.

So listen carefully one and all,

As I sing a song of trouts and their fall.

Gerion found himself smiling listening to the song, though around the tent others didn't seem so happy. As the songs finished more than one of the Riverlords came to ask him if the song was true. Gerion telling them it was, the attack in the Riverlands, the assassin sent to the West, all done on orders of Cat and Edmure and that Littlefinger played his part in it too.

Were these men not already motivated to see House Tully fall then they were now. After eating and drinking some more, Gerion bid them goodnight and with Cregan and Dusk walked back to his own tent. Leaving Lord Crakehall and Ser Addam to discern what they could about the Riverlords. Both men had been dismissive of their use, if not their numbers. He saw Dusk move and so reached for his sword only for the wolf to step back as Ser Richard Lonmouth stepped out of the shadows.

"Lord Gerion."

"Ser Richard I had expected you to be In King's Landing still."

"Good, I'm supposed to be where you don't expect me to be." the man said with a chuckle.

"What brings you here Ser?" he asked surprised that it was to him the knight had come and not Jon.

"A passing visit, here." he said handing him the piece of paper.

"What's that?" he asked.

"Your way in, make sure your men don't become monsters inside Gerion, I have people in the keep I'd see protected." Richard said and then almost as quickly as he appeared he was gone.

He walked into his tent and looked at the piece of paper, shaking his head, surely it couldn't be this easy he thought. Though as he read and saw more of it he realized that it actually wasn't and required work and brave men to see it done. Still, as he slept that night he felt far more relaxed and it was not thoughts of Riverrun that he dreamed of, but of violet eyes and dark skin.

After breaking his fast the next morning he sent the message under a white flag asking for a parley. Something which took far longer than he had anticipated for them to agree to. Eventually, though they did and Gerion, Cregan, and Ser Addam made their way to the gates of Riverrun watching as the trout and the mockingbird walked out to meet them. The woman wearing a superior smile on her face as if her castle wasn't besieged and her house on the brink of falling.

"Lord Gerion, my wife and I are most upset to see you in such circumstances." Littlefinger said with a smirk on his face "Most upset to see you go against the king's peace in such a way.

"My king trumps yours mockingbird, just as our army trumps yours Lady Baelish." he said and watched as Cregan and Dusk stepped forward, the lady hesitating to answer as she looked at Cregan with narrowed eyes.

"As my husband says, my lord, we're most distressed you've come here under false pretenses, serving a bastard pretending to be king." Catelyn said looking from Cregan to him.

"You should be careful what you say, my lady, my king is the one person who wishes you to keep your head. Me I'm perfectly fine with seeing a woman who tried to kill a child twice, lose her life." he said enjoying the gulp the woman made.

"The bastard will lose this war and his head." Catelyn said angrily.

"I doubt that very much, but I've come not to insult you Lady Baelish, you do enough damage to your name and reputation with your actions and the company you keep. There's no need for me to say more than that. I've come here to offer you my king's terms.".

"Which are?" Littlefinger said.

"House Tully is to be stripped of all lands and titles, Lord Baelish, Lord Edmure will lose their heads for their parts in trying to kill the king. For the love he bears for his brothers and sisters, Lady Catelyn may choose between the faith and the silent sisters and her son Brandon will take over as Lord of Riverrun." Gerion said and saw Cregan smile from the corner of his eye, something Lady Catelyn did too.

"We reject these terms my lord, We…" Littlefinger said.

"Who is that boy?" Catelyn asked loudly interrupting him.

"My name is Cregan Stark, trueborn son of Brandon and Ashara Stark." Cregan said stepping forward.

"You can't, he wouldn't, you lie." Catelyn said her eyes moving rapidly from Cregan to the wolf he was stroking.

"No my lady I do not, my father never wished to marry you, even your own father knew of this. My father married another, a woman he actually loved." Cregan said.

"Lies, lies, you're a bastard, just like the other one." Catelyn said as Littlefinger tried to calm her down.

"Funny you mention bastards my lady, did your new husband tell you about his?" Gerion said and that seemed to do the trick, Catelyn going rigid and staring from him to Littlefinger.

"Cat, let's go inside, this man is a liar, just look at who sent him, the bastard." Littlefinger said trying to almost drag the woman inside.

"Ask him who the father of your sister's babe is Lady Catelyn? Ask him why Jon Arryn seeks his head? Why Lysa and he babe are locked in a cell in the Red Keep? Then ask yourself if this the man you wish to lose your head over? You have until noon to decide, then we attack."

"Cat, Cat." Littlefinger said running after the woman who was screaming as she ran from him.

"Well that went well, what do we do now?" Ser Addam said with a chuckle.

"We attack when they refuse to surrender and then we take the keep." Gerion said handing Addam the note from Richard, turning to walk away with Cregan and Dusk he began to sing.

And so he spoke, and so he spoke

That Lord of Castamere

And now the rains weep o'er their halls

With no one there to hear

A/N: Firstly for those who hate my notes, this is going to be a doozy, secondly I'd like to thank my good frien Anonmg for coming up with the song, he owns it not I. Up Next with everyone in their place the two sides ready for the battles ahead, as the Iron Born look to the North and Edmure plots his next move. Robert marches and Jon Arryn has a not so friendly reunion with his former foster son and while Jae prepares to face off against his father's killer, Margaery awaits news nervously in Highgarden. In Dorne Doran receives a letter and ponders a move While in Essos we see the House of Black and White.

Chapter 112 Reviews.

Vdwade: Mace as you say has to be sidelined and because he and Jae are to be family you can't go full-on against him, Garlan will march. I had thought about having a quick ceremony between Jae and Marge but in the end I think after they had one in front of the old gods, they'd make the next one a much bigger affair. Jon C will get some more, he's about to find out who Jae has with him too. Stannis really didn't expect to lose the battle, certainly not that way. The IB especially under Balon seem to have that arrogant thing down pat and you kinda wonder why as they got their asses handed to them last time, Theon is in for some surprises. Rhaenix as you say really did, the fact of them being so near the town is what stopped it.

The sphinx: And the poems return, yay.

Jessicanightmarewolf: The IB are in for some surprises, the North is not as easy a touch and well now they know too. Rhaenix will probably feel it even more than Jae with fAegon pretending to be her brother, she out of both them truly knew Aegon.

Guest: I wanted to give Stannis a larger battle originally, but well as you see above Jae's plans changed that. I think he cared for his family, just didn't know how to show it and of course by the time we get to see him, Mel has him totally hoodwinked.

Biohazrd: Thanks so much, glad you liked it.

Daryl Dixon: We need her to hurt a little first.

Mystkjl: Theon will get some surprises, on Stannis one of the things he liked/respected about Jon was he was a stickler for duty, it annoyed and impressed him and I think he saw some of himself in him, so here I feel with positions reversed we'd get a Stannis who was more like that.

Mrs Potter: I wanted them to play some sort of a role here and Stannis was exhausted when they got to him, so it was easier for them to take him.

Dirtycat: Thanks so much, I felt that with Dany the right time was now, just as the war started we hear from her.

Jman: You get your wish for the bonus, Arya is very well trained here, we'll see some of that soon.

Andrews: No worries, I had, it just confused me for a second.

Lady Octarina: One of the things with Mace and even with his plans for battle, I think a lot of them would be things he's had time to think on, where now we see him more having to think on his feet. I had thought about him bringing Ghost into battle and was 50/50 on it, one it's awesome seeing Ghost kick some arse but in the end I think Jae would worry about Marge too much, had he been able to leave Barry or Arthur with her he would, Ghost he can and it allows him to check in easily.

Jon C is going to get more evidence that Jae is true next. Hmm we'll see with Arya As for Doran he's up next.

As you say Stannis not fighting would be ooc, while I've no problem with ooc characters if they're explained in story as to why, here Stannis was always going to fight for his brother and I think knowing it's Jae he's fighting against he'd have to worry that he'd do to their families what Robert allowed happen to his, Jaime too since Robert killed Cersei/Joff. So he'd make sure they had a plan to be safe just in case. Glad you liked the battle, I think if you show it from one perspective it can get boring kinda quickly, so I hope to do a couple of different things with them to keep them interesting.

Wishitweretrue: You're very right, if anything this could solidify him to an extent, foreign invaders and all that.

Zyrus: Illyrio as you say it's a decent plan, he's being forced to adapt a lot, fAegon being young and arrogant can't see that, but for Illyrio Robert is useful for now. Jon C will get even more reason to think that way soon. Lol, he may know soon enough. Renly is acting as king, we'll see him in a little while, he's out of the war technically but he's also got possession of King's Landing, so well see. Stannis is too dutiful to abandon Robert, plus being heir doesn't allow it either, so here he just couldn't accept it, it means that while he's kept his life, he's lost everything else. As for Shireen, well we'll see.

Vfsnake: I don't mind book Stannis, far better than what they did with him in the show, you're right though, rock and hard place for him and he made the wrong choice, so we'll see what punishment he faces. Glad you liked the battle.

Dion Benn: Doran is not on Jae's side, the real question is what is he going to do about it, some of while will be answered next chapter. They really do and people need to bloody wear them and then perhaps the world can begin to return to normal. DSSS will be back next Monday, updating it on 31st of august for certain.

Celexs: Thanks so much, it was a really setup chapter an easy victory, we'll see of the others work out so well.

Adgedless: I will be doing something with the Long Night, either in terms of all the setup and a sequel covering it itself and just rolling on through and having it here, either way this Jae will face the WW in some fashion. Stannis I felt it was a waste to kill him, his death wouldn't really serve any purpose. Jon C is about to find out even more of who is on Jae's side so the seeds will flourish.

I won't say much about Dany, but we'll see. As you see Cat had a brief moment of happiness only for it to be taken away, we'll see how she reacts to it. FAegon and Jae will meet, that's all I'll say, he won't for example be killed without them actually standing face to face at some point.

Dunk: As you see it wasn't by choice, Jae played his part in the battle to move pieces how he wished. Jae has no real wish to see House Baratheon extinct, not like the Tullys, so Shireen will be safe enough from him. Faegon's issues is exactly as you say, he's being compared to Jae now, and he'll come across badly, one of the things with the GC, I've seen a lot of stories have Jon in Essos and come back leading them to reclaim his throne. The optics as you say are totally wrong, it's hard to explain that to Targ supporters, now it can be done, but not when someone else is offering an alternative. Jon C is starting to see the truth ever more clearly and about to get more news that only proves Jae even more true. The fleet of the GC are not theirs, they're sell sails and so they'll not stay around, the GC expects this to be a one way trip, just not in the way it may be.

Oh them seeing Rhaenix is going to be a moment lol.

The North is more prepared and now they are almost expecting it, so the element of surprise is actually on their side. Balon's plan was dumb and while Euron was nut job at least he picked valuable targets, Asha to me always seemed the most ground of the IB. Thanks so much, I couldn't make the TDP update, but all will return back to normal next week.

Agreco: We'll see my take on them next but you're right they play by a different set of rules and have their own agenda too. Good or bad doesn't matter to them and the price is non negotiable, but once they take a job they do it. Most people just make them simple very talented assassins and they're much more than that.

Sovietgod: Thanks, the GC I had thought of having them land in the Stormlands like in canon but felt it best they landed elsewhere, it allows for more room for them to manoeuvre. FAegon was always entitled and arrogant, the dragon attack has hit him hard and caused him to spiral a little. Jon C has an issue with obviously seeing fAegon show signs of Aerys which causes some worry, the burning has in a way taking some of the shine of Aegon's face so to speak, but it's also made him see him more clearly too, rather than the infatuation he had because he's to his mind Rhaeagr's son. What is causing him distress though is these doubts and fAegon saying he would kill Jae, he wrapped his head around it with Rhaegar's sister needing to die, Rhaegar's son, not so much. Doran we'll see next, as you say he's a thinker, so we'll see. LF I won't say, but he's a cockroach and you know what they say about them.

Remi: Dragon size is Lygaron about 75 feet snout to tail and Rhaenix about 125, so Rhaenix is about the size of a 737. The GC put a spanner in the works yes, it forced him to completely change some of his plans. As you see Jae played his part with Stannis too.

Whitedragonwarrior: He got a somewhat happier life here in a way, we'll see if that means he'll get a happier or sadder fate. As you see, Aemon didn't make the choice.

Supremus: I don't think you can truly use the argument that the canon actions of a character were forced on him, like it's clear for a long time with Theon that he has certain traits and I don't think anyone but his biggest fan ever went, you know what, he'd not do that when he betrayed Robb in canon.

Regardless of that, he did, that's his canon actions, so that's who he is, which means that Ned's canon actions have to be looked at as wrong because had he not treated him so then Theon never would have been in a position to do what he did. Theon walked around WF thinking himself an heir and that it made him above other people, Jon mainly, but others too. He never thought himself a hostage and was still unhappy with not being thought of as a Stark, he lies, cheats, behaves like a spoiled heir all the way through the books and then goes home and is basically torn down, and told he's not enough of an IB to be the heir. His actions from there fit within the character that's defined.

Either way, to suggest that his canon actions are forced as a defence against them really isn't a defence, it's a way to simply disagree with how a character is portrayed.

You and I have clear differences of how certain characters are portrayed or how their actions can be interpreted, which is cool, I've said before I have no intention of trying to change anyone's mind. What I do intend is to over the course of a number of stories, portray certain characters in different ways, so far because of plot lines I intend I've had Theon act in certain ways, in a future story his portrayal may be more to your liking.

Anja: Thank so much.

Prince loki: Sidious is that you lol.

Flame55: So glad you liked it.

Scarila: We'll see some more Jae/Marge next as she reflects on their time at HG and why they'll marry in the Sept of Baelor. As you see that wasn't the only thing Cat forgot in relations to LF lol.

Anarchicmind: ooh feel the burn Faegon, feel the burn, Anarchic just burned you lol. I do think LF has an escape plan in mind, he's just that sort of guy.

Guest: We'll see more of Jon C and fAegon next and Edmure too so you'll get some of those reactions you want. Jon C is about to learn even more truth in relation to Jae.

Outcome: I hope you enjoyed the bonus chapter.

Dievalgo: Doran we'll see next, his hesitancy with Jae will be explained and he'll be getting the letter from Illyrio.
Iridium: We'll see Theon next but Robb is elsewhere.

Sy94: he's leaning that way and about to receive some news which will only make it even more clear.

Xand007; Thanks my friend: Mel is on Jae's side in this, he has the Red Priests so Stannis was on his own. Robert can fight and plan, mainly fight but he's not clueless but losing Stannis and his men is a big blow. The North is prepared for the IB. They have a few different reasons and in the books seem to have their own agenda too, there is a whole citadel plot going on with the faceless men in canon too so we don't know exactly why they do what they do. They are said to charge exorbitant prices and yet they also kill simple, normal people too, so it's interesting to delve into that and we will. Jon C is seeing things and realizing them now, we'll see where it leads, the wolves will feast but not on the fat man. You too my friend, stay safe and well.

Forgotten prince: Thank so much, glad you liked it.

Tony Warrior: Muchas gracias amigo, espero que te gusten algunas de las sorpresas que tengo guardadas, buenas y malas.

Ace Venom: Randyll as you see has been sent elsewhere, in terms of the Stormlords, most men are practical, like in the war of the rebellion, a lot kept their lordships, no real lord ever gets sent to the wall, but Stannis might. We'll see Davos in a chapter or two. I hope you liked the explanations on Essos in the bonus chapter.

Irish Hermit: Not so much that, more Strickland was using that as the excuse, the coin has been cleared, more a figure of speech as the second part of the arrangement involves land and titles. Exactly, he can't afford Mace out there but he can't go too heavy against him as he's his future father in law, so sideline him with an honorific. Stannis if he knows his family is safe is easy to manage, its just here he fears they may not be, so we'll see, I agree he's the smarter of the three. Robert we'll you'll see him in his next pov and it'll explain his mindset. They think the North only has a couple of Pinnacle ships and they may be able to steal one, with Arya it's a couple of things. He'd probably prefer to take Sansa, but he knows he can't get to HG and he knows that Arya is Ned's fave so he knows it'll hurt him. He pretty much blames Jon and Ned for his life being changed so they're who he'd wish to suffer.

Yayforjae: Some events happen no matter the universe is a nice theme and well Theon may find himself in a world of hurt, cocky lol.

Silverglow: On Cat, one of the things I believe GRRM tried to portray her as and it was to lead to her end fate and it's something I've taken on here a little is that Cat can be smart but also easily emotionally compromised and when she is, she makes terrible choices. Like I've said the deal with the Freys is terrible, its' a Lando deal lol. But she's so desperate to get Ned and the girls back she makes that choice, she releases Jaime without thinking of the consequences because Ned is dead and she wants her girls back. Even her taking of Tyrion is done like this, she sees him and can't let him walk, doesn't think of the consequences and off we go, war he we come.

With Jon, she can't let go of her hatred from him, right up to when Robb wishes to name him heir, it's her unable to think unemotionally. Which then leads to her becoming LSH a thing which only has one emotion, hate. Here I've tried to do something similar in that her feelings for Jon cloud everything else and almost lead to bad decision after bad decision.

Garlan has his orders and will follow them and at least it's him doing so and not another lord, so Mace keeps face so to speak. Jon C needed time to change to grow and in a way being put with Faegon limits that growth as instead of glory it's almost revenge he seeks. With Barry it was a regretful thought, Aerys dies, Rhaegar is crowned king, the Starks never get burned and the world is a different place, so it's more a wishful thing. Rykker we'll see, lets just say that he and his brother have been in contact. Illyrio's plan dies when Jae is revealed, Varys knew this way back and had resolved to see Jae dead only for Richard to act first, but now he hopes to win the war and then claim Jae as false, proving fAegon true and well if he's the only one standing it's easy to sway people.

Asha did the whole pine cones and turnips thing about the North at the Kingsmoot in canon, so she's well aware the north brings them nothing. Theon once he's given command of his own ship in canon embraces the IB life, he rapes, murders and thinks nothing of it, so yep two years at sea he's an IB true and true. Cause and effect is a big thing, Massey is also a Dragon supporting house at heart so Robert may have lost them anyway, but what he did certainly lost them. In canon Stannis struggles with his duty, is to his brother/liege lord or his king and in the end picks Robert, here he may hate what Robert did and have no love for him, but he's always going to go with duty.

Oberyn as you say was helped by Jae a lot here, the GC landing changed what Jae had planned for the Stormlands forcing him to play a bigger role in it, action/reaction so to speak. Aemon is a capable soldier but he had no control over his mount. Robb has to march with Ned, he can't leave his grown heir behind so we get Bran/the Blackfish in WF.

Thanks for pointing those out my friend, will look them over and change what needs to be.

Xan Merrick: We'll see Renfred play a different role soon enough. I think Mace once you figure him out is pretty easy to manage. In a way yes, but each piece of evidence chips away at that with Jon C. Glad you thought so about Randyll and the other lords. Stannis as you say is who he is, we hope for more with him but he's going to be stubborn no matter what lol. The GC as you say it's lucky he saw them, it allows them to plan and limits any surprise. The IB are who they are, this is really the plot they've been working on since the rebellion, so nothing would make Balon give it up. As you say, yep Jon was emotional on Dragonstone.

Orthankg: Hope this chapter made more sense of the battle for you. You're right with Illyrio, as for the GC well yes but Robert is in a far worse position too, he has very few men to actually make them do anything, so he can order but only Illyrio or Harry Strickland can make them. It may very well be, the problem is of course that emotions play a part, he's pretending to be their dead brother, even if Jae held off, Rhaenix may not.

Chapter 113 reviews.

Jumpingmanatee: So glad you think so, I like the idea of Aemon on a dragon, he never seems to get one.

Biohazard: So glad you liked it.

Andromedanea: Kinvara already told her she had a nephew who was in Westeros hiding and planning to take the throne back, she saw a vision of a man and what she thought was young boy riding dragons and Shiera has spoken of Jae to her, though not who he was. So Dany knew she had a nephew and the letter lines up with that, where with fAegon she was suspicious because her nephew was supposed to be in Westeros not Essos.

Jman: Really glad you liked it.

Zyrus: I love Aemon and wanted him to play a larger role here. As for why they look like how they look, we'll see soon enough and they have a part to play so we'll see.

Daryl Dixon: She will.

Dunk: I always wished to see Aemon ride a dragon, we usually only see Val especially will help with Mance. On Dany she'll have an obstacle to overcome first, Hope you liked Cat's reveals. The Dragonstone secrets are only just beginning.

Vfsnake: Thanks much.

Anja: Really glad you like it.

The Sphinx: now that deserves a poem.

Ilena: Yep, though really only three play a certain role.

Farfusane: So glad you liked it.

Dread guy: He didn't see the Free Folk with the Glass Candles, both Nan, Aemon and Kinvara spoke to him about that so that's why he doesn't know of the Iron Born.

Debator max: So glad you enjoyed it.

Tony Warrior: Muchas gracias, me alegro de que te haya gustado la carta. Veremos más adelante con el Nk pero se podría escribir.

Lady Octarina: So glad you liked that, I've always wanted to see Aemon get a dragon and he never got the chance to. The sap is to block Bloodraven from seeing them, so he just sees what he wishes to see. We'll see a little more back story on the COTR a little about Brandon Snow and Aegon's meeting. As for Dany, she's coming.

Dirtycat: Thank so much, Dany's are just a little smaller than that, almost big enough to ride.

Victoria: It's good to hear from you my friend. You're more than welcome and a belated happy birthday to you. With Dany she's readying to play her part and as for the IB well the north is ready for them. Jae has set up his plans now and so we'll see just exactly how they play out over the next few chapters, the Faceless Men are up next. I hope you continue to like where we're headed, you take care my friend.

Guest: I wanted them to be more than just they left because of dragons, it just doesn't seem enough to me, I also like the play on the Golden Company, they think a dragon will take them home, here for the COTR it's always been a wolf. Illyrio really has all his eggs in one basket regarding the HOBW, it's them or no one, he really can't just buy another set of assassins, Jae is far too protected. On Aemon we'll see. On Jon C he's getting closer and closer to the truth.

Flame: So glad you liked it.

Guest: They are, as for the children only Leaf knows. Not sure who else if any will join, but Jon C is learning the truth and We'll find out about Illyro's deal next chapter.

Ronincav: On Cat well here you see what Jae is offering her, we'll see if she takes it. The others well we're getting so close to their fates being revealed.

Cheryl Pollock: I hate that, seriously annoying when tech messes up. Leaf knows the problem is that she can't truly do much about it and needs to free the rest of them. I don't think here I'll do anything with the Sunset sea, maybe in a sequel though. Jae took all of Robert's bastards, we'll hear from him what he did and where they are soon enough.

Guest: So happy to hear that, the letter was really important as it gave Dany the final push to want to come home, so we'll be seeing her again soon.

Zarkan: So glad you liked it.

Irish Hermit: Couldn't agree with you more, I hated the fact that he had Jon who is family and yet neither ever knew the truth, just them knowing of that could have made each of their lives better at the wall. The COTR don't play a role in the fight for crowns, you'll see more of that as we go but they are coming. Dany as you say, once she read that letter then she's on her way, we'll see if she makes it in time or just after the war.

Hell of sounds: You're more than welcome.

Ezu: Really glad you enjoyed it.

Cretivo: Ella está a punto de hacerlo.

Paulinep: So glad you felt that way about Aemon, he really deserves a dragon imo. Strong is a fun character, he'll play a role. Dany already knew of Jae, just not who or what he was like, Shiera too so getting the letter and seeing it almost in a direct contrast to how fAegon acted when he met them, it both convinced them and hit them where they lived, making them want to make sure they saw their nephew survived. I had thought of Stannis dying but other than giving a death, it really served no purpose.

Kunochi: Welcome back my friend. It really is that for Mace, allow him think himself important but limit that importance. Faegon's situation is a hard one, it's right to feel some sympathy for him, though he also owns his actions too, Jon C is realizing it and you're right there is no way to prove it now. Less so with Jae alive. Robert in that respect yes it's a sad situation, though his actions again are his and he owns them and so what happens to him is his own fault too. One of the things with the IB was that Jae here didn't even try to bring them on board, he knows they'll not listen, not with Balon in charge and so he didn't even bother trying.

I'm a firm believe in cause and effect, Jae with Edmure pretty much planned this out, it makes the odds against him much easier to handle, Robert's actions have forced some to leave his side, again only helping Jae's position. On Ballon he's alive, I wished his death to be a thing and I can't do it within the confines of all that's happening.

Aemon will be a dragon rider yes. On Robert we'll se his thoughts in the next pov but you're right he kinda thinks that way. Dany doesn't have the unsullied here, only about twenty of them, but she does have three dragons to add to Jae two and so that's more than enough, glad you liked the letter.

We'll be seeing some of the small folk in the battles and in the aftermath of them.

Anarchichmind: A little bit yes, A round the world chapter will show them again next week though. Kevan is basically holding the West so to speak, Lannisport, the Rock et al. Tyrion as you see sailed with his own army.

Remi: So glad you liked the letter, we'll see more on the formation of the COTR. Leaf has to now free her brothers and sisters so she has her own little plot. You're right the WW and Bloodraven are the true threat.

silent mayhem: I hope people like what Aemon will be able to do, as for Dany you're right, she wants to get to Jae as soon as possible, though she'll face an obstacle in her way.

: So glad you liked it.

Xan Merrick: Thank you my friend. That's the thing something's people just aren't ready to hear, Kinvara knows this. Leaf has her work cut out for her, but her being with Kinvara does help her with the Free Folk and Mance, glad you liked the letter and it's edging close to that meeting.

Xand007: Thank you my friend. That's the main thing, on this war he while being glad of help, doesn't need it truly, the next one he needs everyone. You too my friend stay healthy.

Tanather: Thank so very much and I'm more than happy to hear you say that, this story in a way was an answer to just how terrible the last season ended up being, so I'm glad you're enjoying it.

Dion Benn: Well now she knows, she'll hear the son soon.

Silverglow: Glad you liked it and hope you liked this one.

Denoltdn: Should Robert find out about fAegon then damn, that would be interesting. That's a very unique take on Lightbringer, a rather cool one I may add. On the COTR and Brandon/Aegon we'll see that convo here at some point. I really wanted to show some Dany and not really interrupt the flow of the chapters, so this worked well for that.

Yayforjae: So glad you're enjoying this.

Kinvara as you say is not adverse to lying and stretching the truth, she knows that her words won't convert the Free Folk, but her help, bringing Jae to them, giving them a possible future may indeed speak far louder. Sometimes it needs an outsider to notice those little things, as you say others were more interested in other things so Kinvara is able to give a more balanced view. The Bear Island men kinda had to fall, once Kinvara meets with the Free Folk they'd have caused trouble. Kinvara saying that her god protected her men wasn't far off. Leaf has her own little mission now, she knows the truth her brothers and sisters do not.

Well we'll find out later about Daenys, Jae has her book now. There are women in the COTR yes, northern wife's and mothers. On the Jae letter to Dany, I figured he'd be thinking this may be the only time he'd get to speak to her, where she'd hear his words and so it was heavy emotion from him, I can live with cheesy when it's the right time for it lol. No my giving Jae a lot of titles is not a reaction to the show lol. Ok so it is, I read a cool fic once where he went with Mel to that meeting and once Missy was done reeling off Dany's then Mel started, Jon and Davos there rolling their eyes when she reeled off a longer list lol.

On Aemon, that's almost spot on yes. That thing with the dragons is part of the thing also, the bastards plus the legitimised ones, it's something that will come up.

On Randyll as you see he's been directed elsewhere, with the LOTNS they were so focussed on DS that they never even looked the other way, almost celebrating that the island was back in Targ hands too much so to speak. Duskendale is too hard for them to attack given the people around it, plus, I really wanted one thing with Robert.

"On an open field Ned" lol.

Liza: Thank you my friend. So glad to hear you say that, I really like the contrast, fierce dragon and a mild man, it's interesting to see them both play off each other's emotions. I will explain my three heads later on. On Dany. she's trying to get there we'll see if she makes it, Aemon won't leave the wall until Sandorix arrives. That's kinda the thing, even if the IB move a small portion of Jae's attention it helps them, unfortunately as you see here, it's Tyrion's they got so it doesn't' actually help them much. With the battle they will get longer, one of the reasons I didn't do it long drawn out was that it was to play into the plotline here and another was because by doing so much in that one, the next ones would almost feel anti climactic, I think they should build up to them rather than start heavy if you get me. Stannis I don't think was the worst father, we just saw the worst part of him, so I liked the idea of without outside influence him being better, since we don't really see that. You too, stay safe.

Orthankg: For Kinvara and Mel, you have to remember they have a god's favor so to speak, think in canon of how easy it was for the Red Priests to move about and pretty get where they want and not face any real hardship in doing so. Moqorro travels with Victarion with no trouble, Mel rides with Stannis and faces no problems, never once does she fear herself to be in danger, even when she's in dangerous places. The show actually goes into this even heavier, she rides to Winterfell alone with no guards, travels to Dragonstone to meet Dany alone and with no guards, hell she meets Arya and the Brotherhood meaning she travelled through a war zone unharmed.

So here it was a little of that I was going for.

Vdwade: That's exactly it, let her know that she's cared for which means a lot to Dany. The COTR really have a key role to play, you'll see why later on. I so wanted that, to have them play their part as envoys.