My Kingdom Awaits Chapter 9
"Jon she would not go to Summerhall." Sansa said as they flew to the ruins of The Sept of Baelor. "It was a lightly fortified castle even before it's fall. The rebuild has not even started on the walls you ordered built." Sansa added as they landed. Daenerys landed beside them on Viserion, who was adapting to a rider, his first rider. Rhaegal landed and roared at the Lannister Army. Jon was not surprised to see that that Jaime had not continued on the Casterly Rock and his wife.
"It's only a stop for Cersei before she continues on to Storm's End. A castle she knows all too well. "Part for your King!" Jon demanded from the back of Drogon.
"Please Your Grace. Spare my brother, force him into the Black Cells, and allow him to take the Black. He saved this City more than once. " Jaime begged. "I cannot stand by while he is executed. I gave you Cersei! Give me my brother."
"Where are the rest of your troops Kingslayer?" Arya asked as she rode up with the Northern Army and Daenerys' army following in.
"They are marching on. I only have 300 men with me." Jaime said.
"300 men, most of them archers." Daenerys said. "Seems a odd choice for a battle in the closed quarters of the city square.
"I remember how well my archers faired against you on the King's Road." Jaime said.
"We cannot allow confessed traitors to remain unpunished. Tyrion released your sister to continue a war that was won. We've had peace everywhere except of one of the Iron Islands. Now we have to resettle the Stormlands." Jon said as he dismounted. He slapped Drogon twice and the Dragon roared and took to the skies, taking Sansa to safety, away from the archers. Rhaegal leaped forward baking off the archers with a roar. Dany seemed poised to take to the air and burn the 300 to the ground but Jon continued on. "Lords of the West if you are willing to die for a confessed traitor, to defy your king by all means keep your arms bared." The soldiers on the front line looked to each other, hesitating slightly. "You came when I called to wipe out the Freys, you pledged our swords to me. You will not be seen as cowards if you yielded now." Slowly the swords and bows were dropped to the ground.
"You fool bow to your King!" Tyrion commanded. "Jaime I will not be responsible for the death of my brother." Jaime slowly dropped his blade and turned on his horse. He rode out of the city, knowing that Jon let him leave.
"Send a few skilled riders to follow, make sure he is making for the West." Jon said. "Tyrion of House Lannister, Hand of the King, I sentence you to death for Treason." Jon said as he drew Longclaw. A screech filled the air and Jon looked behind him, Drogon had landed on the top of the Hill of Rhaenys. Sansa had a clear view of him, she had come back to watch him do his duty. Rhaegal took off, clearly wanting to be with Sansa, or more importantly their unborn baby who he had clearly already bonded with. Tyrion had kneeled on the steps and hung his head to expose his neck. "Any last words?"
"You must eliminate all your enemies to bring the reign of peace that Aegon first brought to The Realm. No half measures." Tyrion replied, only loud enough so that Jon heard his message. "And Cersei is not at Summerhall." Jon brought the blade down knowing Tyrion would not tell him where she was headed.
"Take his body and head to the Silent Sisters. Then send him on his way to Casterly Rock. Sam, please write a letter informing who ever receives his remains that he is to rest with his ancestors in their crypts." Jon looked to the Hill and nodded his head; Drogon took flight landing in front of Jon and kneeling so he could mount. Rhaegal screamed out again and took flight to The Blackwater, both dragons refused to fly out over the water, choosing instead to hover close to the shore. "What in the name of the Gods is going on?" Jon asked again circling back and attempting to follow. Suddenly Rhaegal released a breath of fire and the whole bay erupted.
"Cersei's favorite trick. Wildfire." Daenerys said. "She had hoped that we'd be over the water when the dragons ignited it."
"We need to know if she has more. She used barrels full to kill her enemies in the Sept, Tyrion had used what was thought to be all of it against Stannis. How much more did Qyburn find?"
"We will not ignite the kingdom in an attempt to find it." Jon said turning the dragons back towards The Red Keep. "We will meet with Varys in the small council room. His little birds will know of the supply. The Pyromancer will know if anymore Wildfire was made, and how much would have been used to ignite The Bay."
"And if he has made more?" Sansa said pulling herself closer so she could whisper in his ear. "He will be thrown into The Dark Cells for not coming forward with this knowledge to His King." Jon nodded his head and landed in the courtyard, Rhaegal and Viserion landed with him. Dany slipped down and waited while Jon helped Sansa down.
"I would fly to Dragonstone and take men to inspect the grounds to insure that it is safe Your Grace. I could send word once we are sure that no harm will come to us there and then we can plan out our next move."
"First I mean to make sure the Red Keep and Kings Landing are in order. That means I need council with my wife and my small council. And I am short a Hand of the King." Sansa placed her hand on Jon's arm and gave him a reassuring squeeze. "I name you Daenerys Stormborn Hand of the King. Do not make me have to find a new one." Dany smiled and hugged both Jon and Sansa. The Dragons oddly did not take off for their lairs in The Dragon Pit, choosing instead to lounge in the inner courtyard of Red Keep. "Guards!" Jon bellowed. The King's Guard and Sansa's own guards assembled around them. "There may be danger lurking, there may be nothing. The Keep, including all of the places little birds may lurk need to be searched. Bring out refreshment—"
"I'll not eat or drink anything from the kitchens." Sansa said. "It must be thrown out if it cannot be tested. There is a strong possibility that it has been poisoned. Qyburn is a Maester without a chain. He knows all the poisons."
"I'll inspected the kitchens, if I feel anything is out of place I'll report back and we can go from there." Arya said taking off with 20 good men and Nymeria and Ghost.
"You need refreshment and food. To rest." Jon said sitting down on a bench and pulling Sansa down. "The Glass Gardens. We could go pick fresh produce from there. Fill our pitchers from the fountains that the citizens get their water from."
"She may have poisoned the wells." Dany said. "In Yunkai the first thing they did to try and stop my reign was attack the water supply. We know Cersei cares not for the people of Kings Landing. She killed innocents in her destruction of the Sept and in her escape."
"I can wait on Arya's report. Send out Hunters to the King's wood. Have them hunt fresh fowl. I am sure there will be roasted fish along the Blackwater should we get desperate."
"My Queen I would not eat anything cooked with Wildfire. It does not agree with the human body." Varys said as he made his way up from the Pit. "We could have a Royal food tester put in place."
"I will not have any more risk their lives. My protection is the only risky job I'll allow." Sansa said. "My father never had a need to worry about poison."
"I was almost poisoned when I was pregnant." Dany said. "Cersei watched her son die from a poisoned pie, Jon Arryn was poisoned by his own wife at the urging of one of heads of a house sworn to him. It is a real risk. I would advise using the prisoners in the black cells to test a barrel of Ale or Wine before it is consumed by anyone."
"We have improved the conditions that our prisoners endure while awaiting the Kings Justice, they could serve in this way until we know our food is safe." Varys added. Sansa closed her eyes and nodded her consent.
"You will draw up maps of all Maegor's secret passageways." Sansa said. "Remember that Arya will know if you are lying when you present them. Lead our men through them in search of rats." Sansa said dismissing Varys and 50 or so from the City Watch and 15 Northern Men. "Maester Jorgon what news do you bring us? Sansa asked as the older man approached with scrolls.
"News from Winterfell, The Reach and The Iron Islands." He said handing off the scrolls. "Will you need my council?"
"Once we know the castle is secure we will meet with the entire council. Including our new Hand." Jon said motioning to Dany. "Please meet The Princess of Summerhall, Daenerys Targaryen Hand of the King."
"Your Grace forgiven me, but should you not consult your council before choosing new members?"
"I'll forgive you questioning me once. Do not make it a habit." Jon said leaving no question he was not pleased. "Now tell me of the news from Winterfell."
"Yes, Your Grace. Your brother Lord Brandon Stark sends but one word. Dorne." Jon raised his brow.
"Dorne?" Sansa said.
"He's telling us where to find Cersei." Jon said. "Of all the kingdoms it will be the easiest one for Cersei to conquer. She also wants revenge against Olenna and the Sand Snakes for her children."
"But Dorne hates the Lannisters. They will not support her."
"They are not fond of Ellaria and her brood and what they did to Doran and his children. They may not be so opposed to them being punished." Dany said thinking over her history. "Nor will they appreciate any Targaryens, especially Targaryens that finally made them bow."
"Should we go to war we will not go through the Dornish Marshes. We will fly along the cost. Should we be meet with any resistance we will remind them why they bowed." Jon said signaling for the next letter to be reviewed.
"The Tyrells have closed their gates. Horn Hill and the Tarly's have pledged their swords and land to Cersei, naming her the true Queen." Jon looked to Sam. "They are surrounded by Lord Tarly and ask for Crown assistance."
"A trap and nothing more. A poorly laid trap at that. Cersei clearly has already taken High Garden, only Jon and the Dragons would be able to reach them for any help."
"They are the richest house situated on the richest lands. They would have the water supply and food for a siege. An army could be there in 2 weeks." Jon said. "I will fly to High Garden and burn the fields to the ground on my way to Dorne."
"You will do no such thing." Dany said. "Cersei without a doubt has armed herself and her army with scorpions. The Kingslayer and Lord Tarly had one with them when I met them on the open field. They shot one into Drogon. I was lucky that they hit the meaty part of his arm and did not shoot a bolt through his eye. They will be better prepared and ready to attack and shoot before we even arrive." Sansa nodded her head.
"What news from the Iron Islands?" Sansa asked trying to remain seated as a queen should, but her back and exhaustion were fighting her posture and strength.
"Euron reunited with his brother Victarion before coming in to rescue Lady Lannister. Theon and Yara were captured and the rest of the Iron borne followed their newly re-crowned King."
"So Cersei has a Navy and the best commander in the 7 kingdoms to her cause." Jon said rubbing at his beard.
"The second best commander. I defeated Lord Tarly. He bent the knee to save his son and heir." Dany said with a smile. "And we will defeat him and these Iron Born again."
"All looks clear in your apartments and the kitchens." Arya said as she made her way back. "I can accompany you back Sansa. You need rest." Arya all but insisted. "You can fill me in on anything I missed."
"We wait on Varys." Sansa explained. He will no doubt take longer than you did clearing our rooms. What do you know of High Garden and Horn Hill?" Sansa asked. "You were always Maester Luwin's best pupil."
"And I have seen almost all of 7 of your Kingdoms." Arya said with a smile. "If we are going to go to the Reach, and I assume on to Dorne," Arya added after skimming the letters, "We go by sea and we meet the Iron borne where they are strongest. But we also go by land and decimate Randall Tarly and his army. We attack from the sky as Aegon attacked Harrenhal, from so high up they do not see you swoop in and burn them to the ground."
"And then send in the Dothraki and Wildlings across the land and take Gendry and the troops from Storm End with Davos by ship. Keep our Northern Army and Unsullied here with Sansa."
"You can try to keep me here all you want. I know I am pregnant but I will be flying on Rhaegal's back either across the land or over the Sea." Sansa said. "You will not keep me here."
"You will not fly alone." Jon said
"Three Dragons together have never been defeated. Rhaenys going off to Dorne alone was a mistake. Viserion was almost taken out by the Night King but Drogon and Rhaegal were there to save their brother. We will not separate them either."
"Lord Varys you had better have good reports from me." Jon roared ignoring Sansa and her stance choosing to discuss it more when they were alone.
"It seems after her little trick with the Sept, Cersei commissioned for more Wildfire. However only 5 barrels are missing and the Pyromancer estimates that 20 were used in the Bay. That means she had a catch somewhere in the Keep. There is none to be found in the Holdfast. She may have only been able to part with the 5."
Jon looked to the Pyromancer. "Seize him and take him to the dark cells. Go to his guild and take all the rest as prisoners as well I will decided their faith after consulting with Gods and my council." Jon said
"Your Grace—"
"Silence you chose to serve the wrong Queen." Daenerys said. She nodded her head and the Unsullied walked off with Varys.
"Lord Baratheon send word to your Castilians, make sure all is well in the Stormlands."
"My Lord I do not read or write well yet. I am still taking lessons." Gendry said.
"The Maesters will write the parchment for you stupid." Arya said pushing him on his way. "I swear you get more bullheaded every time I hear you speak. Youre to call him Your Grace."
"Arya." Sansa said sternly. "Gendry go with Sam he will help you compose your letter." Arya glared at her sister. "I would like very much for you to take me to my rooms now Arya. " Sansa said wearily. Jon rose and helped her to her feet. "Met with your council and then inform of your decisions. I trust in your judgment, you know my thoughts now." Sansa said and in rare moment of public affection she raised her hand and caressed his cheek. "Before I retire to birth the babe, we need stability in the Realm." Arya and the Queen's guard lead their queen away.
"My Mother, your Mother, more Targaryen women then I care to count all lost babes or their own lives in the birthing bed. She needs safety and to rest." Dany said. "We must take no longer than a moon to resolve this."
"Her mother birthed her first in the middle of a rebellion, then gave Lord Stark 4 more strong healthy children." Jon said. "I have already forbidden her from dying. She survived a miscarriage already. "
"Al the more reason to make her world safe." Dany said refusing to relent. "I told you of my experience on the Dothraki sea and losing my son. I should have acted as a Princess of Westoros, not as a Khaleesi."
"Dorne? That's all he wrote?" That little shit needs to remember that we are not mind readers like he is." Arya said once she had unlaced Sansa and helped her into a shift and her robe. "What happened to your back?"
"Nothing I want to talk about now. You survived your experience wandering Braavos and Westoros, so did I." Sansa said lounging on a chaise.
"Is that what you meant?" When you said I would not survive what you had been through?" Sansa sighed and nodded her head. "Who struck you?"
"Joffrey's Kingsguard, not Sandor but the others." Sansa said.
"The Kettlebacks are still in the dungeons." Arya said. Sansa looked at her.
"I know." She replied. "Jon has not had time for more trials. New treason keeps falling in our laps, giving them a stay from their inevitable faith."
"A girl just needs names." Arya said with a small smile.
"Arya we cannot just execute everyone without trials. We are not Cersei or we are not Aerys. Justice will be the answer to their treason." Sansa opened her eyes and reached for the large wash bin beside her and emptied her stomach of mostly the water she had before making it to the city.
"Are you alright? Do I need to fetch Sam?" Arya asked running her sisters' side. Sansa shook her head.
"The babe needs food and very watered wine or ale." Sansa said. "Send for fresh bread and watered arbor gold. Have it tested on the Pyromancer. How long after he's tasted it do I need to wait before ingesting?" Sansa asked knowing her sister knew her poisons.
"30 minutes to an hour." Arya said relaying her message to a guard. "Go fast."
"Should I fly over the seas or across the land?" Sansa asked trying not to think of her hunger.
"You should stay in the Red Keep." Arya said coming back and sitting with her, cuddling as they did only as very small girls. "What you said was right though, 3 dragons together will not fall, and there are no other dragons to come to their dance and attack. They expect us to come by land or sea to the Reach. We should go to Iron Islands first and burn every ship, their forests and fields to the ground. They have no citizens on Pike, only Iron Born men. Their families are on the smaller islands, Old Wyk is their Holy Lands. We do not strike anywhere else."
"After we save Theon and take out Victarion and Euron we send aid to rebuild." Arya rolled her eyes but nodded. "You need to forgive Theon Arya. Jon and I saw what Ramsay did to him, no punishment could compare."
"Father would have taken his head." Arya said. "Ramsay taking his cock is not Justice for betraying Rob, making Bran and Rickon flee, Rickon is dead because of Theon."
"And I am alive because of him." Sansa said. "Is he on your list?"
"Cersei, The Mountain, Ilyn Payne, The Red Priestess. The rest are dead by my hand or someone else's. The Hound was on my list, but I removed him."
"Do you add to your list?"
"I do. Littlefinger was added, but Jon took care of him before I could." Ghost pushed his way into the room when a servant arrived with a tray containing the watered wine. "Was it tested?" Arya asked. Ghost walked up to the tray and sniffed. He walked back to Sansa and sat with her.
"Yes milady. The prisoners drank a glass each of straight wine and water and are all fine." Arya poured the cups out.
"Drink." The servant looked to Sansa who nodded before sipping down the glass without fear.
"We boiled the glasses and the pitcher like you commanded." She added before leaving. Sansa sipped slowly at her wine.
"Will you name the babe after our family? Or the Targaryens?" Arya asked softly.
"We known now I am carrying a dragon. We have always said we would wait till the babe was here. I do not know. We will have many babes. No doubt some will have Targaryen names. I dream of little boys and girls with Jon's hair and purple eyes, of babes with silver hair and grey eyes like you. Of babes that look like Rickon and Rob."
"I dream of a little girl who looks just like you." Jon said as he entered with a plate of bread. "We leave in two days. Arya I hope you liked flying, you fly with Sansa."