A quick update for you all only a day after my last one! I'm excited for this chapter, it's the calm before the storm, but sort of not. Remember to let me know what you think in the reviews!

I hope you all appreciate the amount of effort that went into this chapter! Not much is known about the Stormlords if you go by the show, so the amount of research I've done for this chapter is ridiculous. I went on CK2 and wrote down all the Lords, all the castles, who is a vassal of who etc. So everything you don't recognise here is probably from CK2.

This chapter takes place in and after Series 2 Episode 6, just so you know where we're at with Jon, Robb, and everyone else.

Bold speech is Valyrian as in my other stories. As always, I own nothing but Durran and any other OC's.

301 AC

It had been almost a year in the making, but Durran was finally preparing to leave Dragonstone and begin his war. Robb Stark was already winning victories in the West, and Durran was eager to prove himself too. The majority of the fleet including Durran's own ship Sceptre was out in the bay, and only Fury remained close to Dragonstone. Durran was having a private goodbye with Dany.

"You come back to me, ok?" Dany said, hitting him lightly on his leather armoured chest.

"As my Queen commands." Durran grinned. Dany chuckled lightly at that.

"I'm serious, don't leave me alone." She whispered. Durran picked her up and pressed his lips to hers.

"I would never do that." He whispered to her, and she kissed him fiercely again. They stayed like that for a few moments, before a call came from Stefan.

"Your Grace! We have to go!"

Durran waved his cousin away before setting Dany down. "You look after yourself, I'll come back to you soon my love." He told her.

"Stay safe." Dany whispered. Durran nodded, before he walked away to the longboat ready to take them to the Fury. He helped push the boat into the sea and sat on a seat facing the shore, watching Dany wave back at him until she became a speck in the distance. Sighing, he forced himself up to the Fury when they reached the boat, still looking back.

"You'll see her again soon, once we're in the capital and you're on the Iron Throne." Stefan told him.

"Aye, I will." Durran said defiantly. "It will be ours, ruling together."

They hadn't long left Dragonstone when the watchtower of Sharp Point, the seat of House Bar Emmon, could be seen. Durran was sat in his cabin admiring the castle when he noticed a group of four ships in the distance, close to the shore. He left the cabin and went to find Stannis, who was on the deck of the Fury.

"Uncle, those are Lannister ships." He said when he found Stannis, pointing towards them. "I think that one is Seaswift." He added, noticing the one in the middle. "And King Robert's Hammer!" Stannis took out his far eye, and nodded.

"Get your sword." He told Durran, who nodded and ran back to his cabin. He put on his Baratheon leather armour also, and strapped his sword to his back. When he reached the deck once more, it was heaving with activity. Men were being called to arms and the ship was preparing for battle. Stannis was giving orders, and Durran made his way to the wheel.

A flag signal was sent, and Durran watched as the fastest ships made their way over to the small convoy, escorting them away from the coast. After around an hour, they were clear from any land, and had the four ships surrounded.

The Fury made its way over in order to board the largest of the ships, and Durran was concerned to see it empty. "Something isn't right." He said.

"Go and sweep the ship, I want everybody on the deck in chains." Stannis ordered, and the crew of the Fury began to board. Durran watched from the Fury, as his men began to search below deck. A few moments later, he could hear the clash of steel.

"Fighting. Signal the fleet, we will take these ships." Stannis ordered the flagbearer who complied. He then turned to Durran. "You will have a guard, stay on the deck, it's easier to defend yourself."

"Yes Uncle." Durran nodded. Turning to Ser Arys he grinned. "Are you ready?"

"Always, Your Grace." Ser Arys nodded, unsheathing his sword. "Have you named the sword yet?"

"I have." Durran nodded, unsheathing his own sword from behind his back. "Stormbringer."

The fighting had spread to the decks of all four ships, and Durran made his way on to Seaswift. Sword out, he was looking around for anybody to run towards him, when he heard a commotion behind him. Turning, he saw Ser Arys had quickly dispatched a sailor, and was withdrawing his sword from the man's innards.

More men began running above deck, and Durran immediately fell into his training. He swung his greatsword to the left, cleaving an onrushing sailor in two. With a roar, he kept up his fast movements, skilfully bringing the large weapon from left to right, through the chests, heads and limbs of men wearing Lannister armour. He counted seven dead by his hand by the time the cheer went up from the other ships, indicating their victory. Durran noticed that another Kingsguard had made his way above deck, hacking through Baratheon soldiers and taking post by a door at the back of the ship. Rallying his men, Durran and Ser Arys faced off against the Kingsguard and the survivors.

"Ser Preston." Ser Arys shouted from next to him. "Stand down and kneel before the true King!"

"You're a traitor Ser Arys!" Ser Preston Greenfield shouted back. "I'll have your head."

"You can try." Ser Arys said, moving forwards. Durran grimaced, before focusing himself and leading the charge. Two men died at his hand, as Durran swiped his sword and spilled the insides of them both with one swing.

The number of Baratheon troops overwhelmed the few survivors, and soon the only battle still going was Ser Arys and Ser Preston, former brothers of the Kingsguard both trying to kill the other. Ser Preston was built strong, but Ser Arys had the skill, and skill won the day with a deft parry to deflect Ser Preston's sword, as Arys thrust his own through the helmet of his former brother. Ser Preston immediately dropped to the floor, dead.

Baratheon forces cheered as Durran made sure his protector was alright. After being brushed off, Durran himself tried to open the door they had been protecting only to find it locked. He threw his full weight against the door twice before it was broken into, and what he found surprised him.

"Myrcella?"

Durran had sat in his cabin with Myrcella for about a day with no conversation between the pair of them. She was trying her best not to burst into tears constantly, and Durran didn't know what to do.

"How's Tommen?" He asked.

"Fine." She said snappily. Durran bowed his head, not knowing what to say. Silence fell for a few moments before Myrcella spoke again. "Joffrey says you're evil and you want us all dead."

Durran barely hold in his snigger. "And what do you think?"

Myrcella sniffed, and looked angrily up at Durran. "I think you broke your promise."

Durran was confused. "I didn't, I wrote once a week for two months, I never received one letter from anybody in King's Landing."

Myrcella looked confused at that. "We all wrote. Tommen, Mother, I think even Sansa wrote once."

"Sansa?" Durran asked amusedly. "I'm sorry sister, someone must have intercepted them all. I did write. I missed you."

"I missed you too." Myrcella sighed. "We all did."

"Even Joff?" Durran grinned.

"He's become worse." Myrcella whispered, horrified.

"I know." Durran said sadly, reaching for his sister's hands. "I'm here now. You're safe. Tommen will soon be safe."

"Why are you here? Why did you fight Ser Preston?" Myrcella asked. Durran leaned back, sighing.

"Joffrey is unfit to rule. His handling of Ned Stark is proof of that, and I've heard rumours about his nameday tournament too." Durran began. "I'm the next eldest, it's up to me to stop him. Uncle Stannis believes me to be the next King, as does Uncle Renly and the Reach."

"You'd be better than Joffrey." Myrcella chuckled.

"All of us could be better than Joffrey." Durran countered. "But Mother and Grandfather will support him, meaning it will come to war. We fought because we couldn't let anybody know we were here, or where we are going."

"And where are we going? What will happen to me?" Myrcella asked.

Durran smiled. "You'll stay at Storm's End with cousin Shireen. You'll be safe there."

Myrcella smiled. "And Tommen can come?"

"When we get him." Durran nodded. "Now, get some sleep if you can sister." He stood up and kissed her forehead, settling her into his bed before he left the cabin.

Stannis was stood at the doorway, unhappy. "You shouldn't treat her as royalty, she is not royalty." He said.

"She is my blood, uncle. She may be the result of treason, but she is the best of us." Durran said strongly. "She will be treated well or else."

"Your Grace." Stannis nodded.

Dragonstone had been subdued since Durran had left. Dany had the help of Maester Cressen in running the household, but the Maester was old, and it became a challenge. She missed Durran terribly, and often spent her days locked in her rooms, staring at the three Dragon eggs she had been given on her wedding day.

Running her finger over the crimson egg, she heard her door open and jumped in surprise.

"Who are you? How did you get in here?" She asked.

"Forgive me, Your Grace. It was urgent I spoke with you." The woman said, the same woman Stannis had been arguing with when the news of Robert's death broke. The woman sidled up next to Dany, and stared down at the eggs. "Marvellous, I've seen these before."

"You have?" Dany asked.

"They come from near my home city, Asshai." The woman said. "The Shadow Lands hold many secrets."

"What do you want?" Asked Dany, weary of this stranger.

"The Lord of Light tasked me with coming to Westeros for a purpose, I believe I have found that purpose." She said seductively. "I want to help you, Daenerys Stormborn of House Targaryen. I will help you hatch these Dragons."

Storm's End was Durran's favourite stronghold hands down. They dropped the fleet off at Parchments and left the sailors and soldiers necessary to hold it there, and made their way by horseback to the ancient Durrandon seat. It could be seen for miles away even through the heavy rain lashing down, with the drum tower looking like a clenched fist reaching high into the sky. The outer wall was so thick it looked as if nothing could get through it, and curved so it was impossible to mount a ladder offensive.

They rode up towards Durran's Point, the cliff on which the castle was built, and Stannis and Durran led the procession through the first gates. The wall on the land side of the castle was around 40 feet thick, and it took a while before they arrived into the courtyard, where Ser Cortnay Penrose was waiting for them. The castellan knelt before Durran, who got off of his horse and bit the knight to rise.

"Storm's End is yours, Your Grace."

"Thank you, Ser Cortnay." Durran shouted over the howling winds. "Let us get inside!"

The party quickly made their way inside, and hot drinks and food were brought into the feast hall for all. Myrcella quickly ate as much as she could, still shivering from the wet and cold. As the meals were finishing, the doors opened to reveal Lady Joy Baratheon, and Stannis' remaining children Shireen and Davos.

Shireen had caught greyscale as a child, and it was only by the graces of the Gods it seemed that she survived with only half of her face scarred. It didn't diminish her character though, as the girl was always a bubbly personality. Davos on the other hand was more like his Father than any other Baratheon. Quiet, but calculating, the 9-year-old stayed by his Mother's side, while Shireen came bundling up to her cousins.

"Cousin! How are you?" She asked, hugging both a soggy Myrcella and Durran.

"Well thank you Shireen. How are you?" Durran asked amusedly.

"Well enough, I wish the weather would clear, it's been raining for a week." She sighed dramatically. Durran chuckled, as Stannis came over.

"Shireen, Durran is your King now, remember." He said sternly. Shireen's eyes widened, and she hastily curtseyed.

"That's ok Uncle, this isn't a formal occasion and we are family after all." Durran said pointedly. He stood up to acknowledge little Davos. "Hello Davos."

"Your Grace." Davos said politely, bowing his head.

"Your Grace, a pleasure to see you again." Lady Joy smiled, curtseying. "If it please you, Shireen and Davos could take Princess Myrcella up to her chambers to dry off and change into different clothing." Durran nodded, making sure Myrcella was finished before watching them depart the room. Joy's expression turned serious at that moment, turning to Stannis. "There are a few things that require your attention, Lord Husband. 10,000 Dornishman have been spotted gathering in the Red Mountains." She told him.

"Have the Marcher Lords gather at the border. They can hold the Dornish back." Stannis suggested.

"Already done." Joy nodded. "Renly has sent word from Bitterbridge. 60,000 men are in his force, with another 40,000 prepared at various castles if they are needed.

"Good." Stannis nodded. "I'll write to him myself when we finalise the plans. Anything else?"

Durran watched in awe as Lord and Lady Baratheon spoke efficiently back and forth, realising how formidable a team they were. Minor things were decided about the running of the Stormlands when finally, Joy turned to Durran.

"There's also an Arstan Whitebeard here to see you, Your Grace. I've placed him in the Lord's Solar if you'd like to make your way up." Joy told him.

"Of course." Durran nodded. "I'm mostly dry now, I shall head up immediately."

"I shall join you." Stannis nodded, embracing his wife formally and allowing her to fawn over Stefan as Durran and Ser Arys followed Stannis up to his solar.

Stannis opened the door, and Durran walked in to be surprised by who was sat in there. "Ser Barristan?"

Ser Barristan Selmy stood up and immediately dropped to his knee. "Your Grace."

"Stand Ser. I was not expecting you." Durran admitted happily.

"Why are you not in King's Landing Ser?" Stannis asked.

Barristan spat on the floor. "The Queen Mother and King decided I was too old to protect the crown. I see them for what they are. I know you are fighting for the crown, Your Grace and I humbly ask, no, I beg you to allow me to serve you as your Kingsguard. I will protect you, fight for you, die for you if needs be."

Durran almost laughed at the idiocy of his brother, but kept his regal mind. "What happened to my Father? Were you on the hunt?"

Barristan looked down solemnly. "I was, Your Grace. I failed him. I wasn't close enough to the boar to save him. He was drunk, and missed his swing."

"I don't blame you for his death." Durran reassured. "I blame King Robert, to be so drunk that even he misses a swing."

"If I may, Your Grace." Barristan said. "He hadn't drunk as much as usual on his hunts."

Durran looked questioningly at the man. "Explain." Stannis said.

"He had drunk less than usual, but I tasted the wine afterwards, to look for poisons or anything strange." Barristan told them. "It was strong, stronger than normal."

Silence fell over the room. "Who gave him the wine?" Durran asked quietly.

"His squire." Barristan shrugged.

"Lancel." Durran growled. "A Lannister puppet."

"Careful, Your Grace." Stannis warned. "False assumptions…"

"Lead to greater trouble yes I know." Durran snapped. "But I want to speak to Lancel when I can."

"Of course." Stannis nodded. Durran turned to the old knight.

"Ser Barristan, Joffrey is a fool if he believes you too old for service. You taught me almost everything I know about chivalry and fighting. I would be honoured if you would be Lord Commander of my Kingsguard." Durran said, offering out his hand to shake. Barristan looked at the hand warily, before firmly shaking it.

"Thank you, Your Grace." Barristan breathed out happily. "I shall not fail you."

"Ser Arys, you and Ser Barristan should go to the smiths for some different armour." Durran said. "If that's ok with my Uncle."

"Storm's End is yours, Your Grace." Stannis said. Durran grinned.

"I'm thinking black armour with gold details…"

The city had barely recovered from the riots after Myrcella had left on the boat. There was still discontent on the street, and Cersei wouldn't allow Joffrey or Tommen to step foot outside the Red Keep.

The Small Council had gathered for its daily meeting. Tyrion, as usual, was the last one to enter. Waddling in he took his seat.

"Now then, what has happened since we last met?" He asked jovially.

"Lots, actually." Varys told them. "Robb Stark has taken the Crag."

"The Crag? A worthless castle home to spice merchants." Cersei spat. "Let him keep it so long as he stays there."

"Even so, Sister." Tyrion said. "It sets a dangerous precedent and is far too close to Casterly Rock, especially after decimating two of our armies. What is my Father doing?" He asked Varys.

"He remains at Harrenhal, My Lord." Varys told him.

"Why doesn't he go and deal with Stark?" Cersei asked.

"Father always has his reasons. Anyway, it's not Stark I'm worried about at the moment." Tyrion admitted. "What about in the South?"

"Renly Baratheon has begun to march." Varys told them. Tyrion swore.

"How long till he's here?"

"I don't know." Varys admitted, his voice raising. "He's marching east."

"East? What's east of Bitterbridge?" Tyrion asked rhetorically. He summoned a servant to get a map of the continent, and looked over the area in question. "Fawnton I suppose."

"Wendwater." Cersei told him, concern in her tone. "If they take Wendwater then they control the sea from Dorne to Cracklaw Point."

"Well spotted." Tyrion praised. "They'll look to take the castle, giving them a clear path to King's Landing." He turned to Varys. "Send word to Lord Wendwater to shore up his defences."

"Of course, My Lord." Varys bowed his head.

"What of Durran?" Cersei asked.

"My little birds confirmed that he was never in Storm's End at all, Stannis did take him to Dragonstone too." Varys explained. "They sailed for Storm's End however a couple of weeks ago. A raven from Lord Bar Emmon claims that the Baratheon Fleet intercepted our convoy to Dorne, while another raven from Lord Massey confirms he didn't see the convoy as planned."

Cersei was silent with rage. Tyrion asked the question for her. "Myrcella?"

"Safe." Varys assured, pulling out another letter and handing it to Cersei. "This came from Storm's End."

Cersei snatched it as fast as she could, and breathed a sigh of relief as she saw Durran's writing. "Durran has Myrcella, and is keeping her safe."

"We are at war, what if he uses her against the King?" Varys asked.

"You don't know my son." Cersei told the eunuch. "He wrote that his sister is safe and will remain so."

Tyrion knew that Durran was meaning he still cared for his siblings, and was relieved at that. "Then the only thing we need to worry about is Dorne."

"The Dornish are your problem." Cersei snapped. "You sold Myrcella to them in the first place, you deal with it." With that she rose from her chair and left the room, leaving Tyrion to talk to Varys about the defence of the city.

Bronzegate was visible in the distance, along with the Kingswood behind it, and Durran could see the encamped 15,000 men just before the castle, but his eyes were on the hills and fields around him. Stefan was riding to his left.

"This is where our House truly began." Durran explained. "Have you read about the Last Storm?"

"The battle between Argillac Durrandon and Orys Baratheon?" Stefan asked.

"Yes. Argillac had twice the forces, but Meraxes slew his horse and Orys Baratheon killed him, making the Stormlanders flee." Durran explained. "It happened here."

"One day, people will think the same when they are in the place of your battles." Stefan grinned. Durran laughed.

"Perhaps." He nodded, and they rode on for Bronzegate, the seat of House Buckler.

They entered the camp to see men kneeling by the side of the Kingsroad, all the way past the turning that led into the castle. Banners from all over the Stormlands were on show, House Tarth, House Estermont, House Grandison, House Wylde and all of their vassals were camped outside as well as the forces of House Buckler. He nodded to everyone he could, until they passed the huge bronze gate that the Castle was named for.

They were ushered into the Bronzegate council room, where the major Stormlords had gathered. As soon as Durran, Stannis and the other Lords that travelled with them entered the room, everybody sank to one knee in front of Durran.

"Please, My Lords. Rise." Durran told them all. "I thank you all for your loyalty. What is the state of things?"

Lord Ralph Buckler showed him to the map of Southern Westeros where all the figures had been placed. "We have 15,000 men here at Bronzegate Your Grace. All ready and waiting to move on your orders."

"Lord Stannis' orders." Durran corrected. "He is my regent, he will be commander of my forces."

"Of course, Your Grace. On Lord Stannis' orders." Ralph Buckler corrected himself.

"Very good. What of Renly?" Stannis asked.

"Last we'd heard he had taken Dalston Keep in Your Grace's name." Ser Luthor Grandison, standing in for his Father Lord Hugh, said. "Lord Barth has tasked his brother to keep an eye on things as best they can from Fawnton."

"Good news." Durran said.

"Quite." Stannis said, taking a look at the map. He moved a stag figure to the Dornish Marches. "Lords Dondarrion and Swann have moved their forces to the border to keep an eye on the Dornish. And what of the Crownlanders?"

"No movement so close to Bronzegate yet, Lord Stannis." Ralph Buckler told them. "Our scouts show that House Wendwater are preparing for a siege."

"They know we're coming." Durran surmised.

"Yes, but no matter. They also know Renly is coming from the North with more men. All they are doing is buying the capital time." Stannis said.

"We have had no news from further North." Lord Eldon Estermont, Durran's Great Grandfather, told them.

"Robb Stark has been pillaging the Westerlands last we've heard." Stannis explained. "Tywin Lannister sits at Harrenhal, torn between two armies."

Murmurs of happiness spread around the table. "What will he do?" Lord Harwood Fell, the youngest Lord at the table, asked.

"Sit at Harrenhal for now. We need to break through at Wendwater before we can truly besiege King's Landing." Stannis told them. "I don't want any surprises when we march on King's Landing."

"Why not just sail there? We have the numbers, why waste men on Wendwater?" Ser Richard Morrigen asked.

"Because I want control of the Kingsroad." Stannis explained. "If we can control both the Southern roads leading to the capital, our supply trains can run half the country freely. We will attack by sea as well My Lords, but Wendwater is our first step. Ours is a war to overthrow an unfit ruler, we must show we are strong, we are united, and we are victorious. Wendwater hasn't seen war on its lands since the Fourth Blackfyre Rebellion, let's go and take it for our King!"

Cheers and shouts went up around the table, and Durran smiled to himself. The plans for the attack were being made, and finally, his war would begin.

Dany stood outside of the castle not entirely convinced that this Melisandre could do what she claimed. She had let the woman leech her carefully, and stood on the beaches of Dragonstone late at night, watching the Red Woman build a pyre.

"Lord of Light, I pray for your fire." She prayed loudly. Suddenly the pyre burst into flames, taking Dany aback.

"Your Grace, what's going on?" Maester Cressen asked from behind Dany. Dany turned.

"This woman says she can hatch the eggs." Dany told him. "I'm letting her try with one."

"Your Grace, I must protest..." Maester Cressen began.

"Fire will not harm the eggs, Maester Cressen." Dany told him kindly. "If it does not work, nothing will happen. Stay, watch." She insisted.

The Red Woman continued her enchantments, before walking over to Dany and peering into the chest at the young Queen's feet. She held her hands over each of the eggs, before picking up the white one. Taking one of the leeches prepared earlier, she let it rest on the egg before making her way to the burning pyre. The fire seemed to move aside for her as she lay the egg down on the wood, before moving back. Dany watched as the egg was engulfed in flames.

Not much happened at first, but a squelch sounded from the fire as the leech exploded, followed by a loud crack. Dany could hear Cressen whispering his prayers behind her, but she was enthralled in what was happening. She couldn't say what made her move, but she picked up the two remaining eggs, and walked towards the fire. She felt Melisandre place more leeches on her as she moved forwards, but didn't stop. Nothing mattered, there was no noise but the fire to Daenerys as she stepped onto the pyre to find a tiny, cream and golden dragon climbing up her burning dress, followed by two other loud cracks.

The next thing Dany knew, was a large crowd gathering at dawn the next day. Standing up from a crouched position, she could feel the breeze whip around her now naked body, her only protection from the cold being the three, warm, reptile like creatures suckling at her breast.

The Stormlands apparently can field 30,000 men. 7,000 are split between Houses Dondarrion and Swann and their respective vassals protecting the Dornish Marches, while the other 8,000 are garrisoning the castles and farming the land, to be called up if needed.

I thought an insight into King's Landing would be useful as well, especially after Myrcella was captured en route to Dorne.

Stannis isn't going to be swayed by Melisandre in this fic. He knows Durran follows the seven, and won't listen to her while he remains loyal. In canon she wormed her way in through Selyse, while my OC Joy is made of sterner stuff, especially after giving him 2 sons and a daughter. That doesn't mean Melisandre isn't up to something though.

A few mentions of Robb too. I'm not including him as a POV character yet, but that's not to say I won't in the future. I think you'll be excited as to where his story will be taken in the next chapter.

As I said in my intro, lots of research went into this chapter and I hope it was well worth it! Please let me know what you all think about it in either a review or a PM if you prefer, and I shall see you in the next one!

Next Chapter: The Second Battle of Wendwater Bridge.

Reviews:

Many Faced Mage: All very interesting points that will be covered later in the story!

Nipplegunz: Summerhall was Rhaegar's favourite place, a Targaryen palace and a ruin. Robert, with all his prejudice against the Targaryen's wouldn't have bothered with it let alone allowed his brother to be seated in what was essentially a Targaryen holiday home.

Boramir: You're right, I could have done that and ended the story after 7 chapters, but I have a plot in mind that spans at least 30, maybe more. I think you're underestimating Durran's love for his family too. Robb will be an interesting one that I will explore further down the line.

S3rp3nte: Wait and see what happens is all I can say.

jgs237: He joins Durran! Ser Jorah we may see later briefly, I'm not 100% sure yet. As for Durran and Robb, they won't be in the same place for a while yet.

viewing civilian: That would have made it a short story! I have a plan for Melisandre, but I'm not sure how to work it in yet.

Fantasymaker76: Durran and Randyll are on the same side, so yes, they will. As for Robb, wait and see!