This is likely my last chapter while I finish this last assignment, so I hope you all enjoy it! Hopefully I will have another before Christmas.

I still don't own anything other than Durran, although if George and HBO would like to transfer some of the rights to me for Christmas I would happily accept.

Dinner in the Red Keep that night was a nice roasted duck, but Dany couldn't eat a thing. She was sat with Margaery Tyrell and Sansa Stark who were chatting amicably, and she couldn't pay attention at all.

"Eat, Your Grace. He won't arrive back to King's Landing any sooner by your worrying." Margaery told her kindly. Dany smiled and took a bite but had no more. The other girls were chatting about some Southern hairstyle, when the door barged open and in came a dishevelled Ser Barristan Selmy.

"Ser Barristan." Dany said quickly, rising. "Where is he?"

"This way, Your Grace. He asked for you as soon as we arrived back to the Red Keep." Barristan replied, leading her swiftly down to the Throne Room.

Durran was sat on the Iron Throne, with a pair of Maester's fussing around him seeing to cuts, bruises and everything else. Dany rushed towards him, and knelt before the chair.

"Husband, my King. You are alright?" She asked, tears forming in her eyes.

"Other than my pride." Durran sighed. "Yes, my love, I am well enough. The same cannot be said for much of my forces."

"Justice needs to be dealt." Cersei said from beside him, Dany only just noticing her mother in law. "Stark cannot get away with this."

"And he won't." Durran assured her. "But he has won every battle, I cannot hope to match him in the field, so I won't."

"You won't?" Cersei asked incredulously.

"I shall discuss my plans with the Hand and my council, Mother." Durran said firmly. "For now, I wish to see my wife. Ser Balon."

The Stormlander guard nodded, and escorted a defeated Cersei out of the Throne Room. Durran leant down and kissed Dany softly, before coughing.

"Are you sure you're ok?" Dany asked.

"It's just the smoke that the King ingested." A Maester explained. "I'm giving you a sweet-smelling rag to breathe through as much as possible, it should help clear the lungs."

Dany wasn't convinced, but Durran just nodded. "If that is all Maesters?" He asked. The pair nodded, and left the Throne Room. Durran stood, still weak but as regal as he could muster. "Dany, my sword?" Confused, she saw a squire in Lannister leathers had the blade, and she took it from him to give to her husband. Durran unsheathed Stormbringer, and placed the tip on the stone floor, leaning on the blade. "Podrick Payne, kneel before me." The squire looked confused, but knelt before the Iron Throne. Durran made his way down the steps and stood before Podrick. "You saved my life. You cut down the Cerwyn heir as he was about to strike me down. You risked your life to get me out of Brindlewood, and for that I shall be eternally grateful."

"It… it was my duty, Your Grace." Pod stammered.

"Nonetheless, you risked your life for mine. And it is due to that, I feel honoured in granting you your wish today." Durran told him, bringing up the sword and placing the flat side on Pod's right shoulder. "Podrick, of House Payne. Do you swear before the eyes of gods and men to defend those who cannot defend themselves, to protect all women and children, to obey your captains, your liege lord, and your king, to fight bravely when needed and do such other tasks as are laid upon you, however hard or humble or dangerous they may be?"

Podrick immediately nodded. "I swear it, Your Grace."

Durran smiled, and moved the sword over to his left shoulder, and back again. "Then arise, Ser Podrick of House Payne, a knight of the Seven Kingdom's, and a knight of my own household." The sword was removed, and Durran stepped back, leaning on Dany for support. Pod rose, and his smile was hard to contain.

Ser Barristan and Ser Arys congratulated the boy, as did Dany with a hug and a thank you. Durran was the last to shake Pod's hand.

"I cannot thank you enough, Your Grace. I've always wanted to be a knight." Pod grinned.

"I've heard." Durran nodded. "A sword and a set of armour has been commissioned for you, paid for by me. They should be ready within a week. If you have any family back in Payne Hall then write them, and a small feast shall be arranged."

Pod shifted nervously. "I have no need for a feast, Your Grace. My Father died in the Greyjoy Rebellion and my Mother… she left me to go back to the Vale when I was a babe. I have no-one."

"Not anymore, Ser Podrick." Ser Barristan said. "You have countless fellow knights to call your family."

Durran nodded. "And you are always welcome in the Red Keep."

More congratulations were made before Durran stepped away for some much-needed rest. The resurrection of the war effort would need to begin.

Thud… Thud… Thud… That was the noise coming from outside the Small Council chambers. The doors opened, and the last member of the council entered the room. Randyll Tarly had to lean heavily on a cane due to injuries sustained at Brindlewood.

"Lord Tarly, I'm pleased to see you well." Ser Barristan nodded.

"Better than some." Randyll said gruffly. "Have we still had no word?"

"None." Stannis said sharply. "We go on the assumption both Ser Robar and Renly have died."

"Not to forget Daven Lannister." Durran said with gritted teeth. "We've not heard from him either."

"It's a catastrophe." Mace Tyrell exclaimed loudly.

Littlefinger shook his head. "Not quite yet, my Lord Tyrell. We still have King's Landing, and the army of the Reach. We are still active in this war."

"Lord Baelish is correct." Stannis said. "It seems as though Robb Stark has bested us at every turn. He shall no longer be taken lightly."

"He's got a good hold on his army. Murder and rape are much less than anticipated." Varys told them all.

"He's a good man, however misguided his independence attempts are." Durran told them.

"Lead them to the city then." Randyll Tarly said. "Let them siege us, we have enough supplies to last far longer than they ever will, and we have dominance over the seas. The Mallister Fleet is struggling with the Ironborn and any ships they send will have to go past both the Iron Islands and The Arbor. We shall have dominance of the seas and can still supply ourselves."

"Surely the Northerners will know that, and know the siege will be a folly?" Durran asked.

"We have the Stark girl. If there's one thing I know about Ned Stark is that family was the most important thing." Stannis told them. "He will come for her."

"He'll believe he can negate the seas with a quick assault." Tarly said. "Attack the Gate of the Gods and the Lion Gate where the walls are weakest."

"It's what I'd do." Stannis nodded. "Send extra men to each. I want every gate armed with at least 3,000 men, but those with 5,000 each, Lord Tyrell."

"It will be done." Mace nodded.

"The Vale could help." Durran said.

"How? We've had no word." Varys asked.

Durran looked towards Stannis. "You turned down Lord Baelish's proposal because of the need for the city to rebuild and recover, we have done that. We need more men, and the support of the Vale would cut the Northerners off from home. Send Baelish, give him the means to bring the Arryn's back into the fold."

Stannis was unsure. "They got on well, Your Grace, but how can we be sure that Lysa Arryn will agree to this on the word of Lord Baelish, one of her minor Lords?"

"Because I was also a good friend to both her and Lady Catelyn growing up." Baelish explained. "Send me to the Vale and I swear it, I shall bring the Vale to heel."

"How?" Tarly asked, untrustingly.

"Lady Whent has died." Durran explained. "Harrenhal needs a new Lord."

"You can't think to name Baelish to such a prestigious seat?" Tyrell protested. Durran clenched his teeth together.

"I can and I will, Lord Tyrell." Durran told the fat flower. "With Lord Stannis' agreement of course."

Stannis wasn't amused. "Leave us, My Lords. We shall reconvene tomorrow at dawn."

The room quickly thinned out. Stannis turned on Durran. "What in Seven Hells was that?" He asked, angrily.

"A plot." Durran smiled, leaning back. "Baelish is as ambitious as they come. Harrenhal is more a message than a seat. It gives him the power to marry Lysa Arryn and bring the Vale into the fold. It's a win win situation for us."

Stannis wasn't impressed. "Baelish is a snake. You give him this power and he'll go and do whatever he likes with it, not what you think will happen. He will proclaim himself as Lord Protector of the Vale and take control of the entire region!"

"I'm counting on it, Uncle." Durran said calmly. "I have some of my grandfather in me yet."

"Be sure you know what you're doing." Stannis warned. Durran sighed, and leaned forward.

"He will proclaim himself as Lord Protector of the Vale and do one of two things." Durran told his Uncle.

"He'll either do as you ask and bring the forces of the Vale in from the North…" Stannis began.

"Or he shall sit in the Eyrie and plot, yes." Durran said. "One gets him adoration and respect from the rest of the realm and my eternal thanks, the other will likely get him to try and take Winterfell for Sansa."

Stannis looked questioningly. "For Sansa?"

"He looks at her as lustfully as I likely did Dany on my wedding night." Durran laughed. "I'm no fool as to believe he won't try something. Luckily Sansa is almost constantly with the Queen and under guard when she is not. She won't slip away, but I can't promise Baelish won't bide his time and wait for Robb Stark to lose the war."

"Why? Why trust him at all?" Stannis asked.

"I don't trust him, Uncle. I trust his ambition." Durran said. "Even so, bad things happen to the ruling House of Harrenhal, he and any offspring he has will be dead in no time at all."

If Baelish's departure had been quiet, the return of Renly Baratheon to King's Landing certainly wasn't. The city was in mourning, and Durran had ordered the Royal Court to the Sept of Baelor to pay their respects.

Robar Royce had been killed too but sent back to the Vale, Devan Lannister had been taken prisoner, however. He was too valuable a hostage though, and a minor Lannister, Alton, had been sent and freed by Robb as a gesture of good will with a message. Durran had gone to a side chamber with Stannis and Stefan to read it.

"Daven has been captured, along with numerous other Lannister officials." Durran explained. "He said that he will wait at Sow's Horn for a while, for us to mourn." He scrunched up the paper and through it in the fire. "Kind."

"He gave us back Renly's bones. He didn't have to." Stefan reminded them.

"Yes, Stefan is correct." Stannis said. His eye had darkened, but his levels of reason was as strong as ever. "We have more pressing matters. The Tyrells for instance."

"The Tyrells?" Durran asked.

"They know they're not tied to the crown by blood now. That needs to change." Stannis said. "The widow, Margaery. After mourning, I want to approach Mace Tyrell with an offer to marry her to Stefan here."

"Me? Marry Margaery Tyrell?" Stefan asked. "She won't want me, I'm a cripple."

"You are no such thing." Stannis snapped. "You are the heir to Storm's End. You are Cousin to the King. You. Are. A. Baratheon."

Durran nodded. "Wise words. Yes, approach Lord Tyrell Uncle. For now though, we mourn. I want Uncle Renly interred in Storm's End as soon as possible."

"Your Grace." Stannis nodded. Stefan and Stannis left then, and Durran made his way over to the Seven Pointed Star.

"He's with Loras now. He's happy." Durran whispered to the book. "He died making his love proud."

Making his way back up to the main room of the Sept where Renly was lying in wake, he stood over by a weeping Myrcella and Tommen, wrapping his arms around the both of them. They watched on as Stannis was standing over the body of his Brother, whispering something inaudible. Finally, he bent down and placed a kiss on Renly's forehead, walking out of the Sept.

Meanwhile over at the Dragonpit, Dany was watching the skies again as her dragons roamed free. Melisandre was watching the Queen however, her eyes unblinking.

"They grow because of your love, Your Grace." She said. Dany scoffed, not believing it.

"They grow because I don't chain them." Dany corrected. "They've grown so fast."

"It is the will of R'hllor that they do. They are needed." Melisandre told her, walking up to stand side by side with the Queen.

"For what?" Dany sighed.

"For the war." Melisandre told her. "The dragons are no mere house pets like the Prince's kittens, they are fire made flesh. They are R'hllor's children." Nodding, Dany stared upwards again. Rhaellar came down to meet her, landing in front of Dany and laying down, her head close enough for Dany to stroke. Melisandre continued. "Now that three has become two, you shall need them."

Dany's eyes snapped towards the Red Woman. "What did you say?"

"I see a wolf pounce, a fish and a stag dancing, I see three become two and I see a tower draped in white." Melisandre said, repeating her prophecies from weeks ago. "The wolf has pounced and bitten the Stag, and Renly Baratheon is dead, leaving only King Durran and Stannis Baratheon left to fight this war."

"Three becomes two." Dany whispered. "What about the rest? The Tower, and the dancing?"

"They will come to pass." Melisandre said.

"What do they mean though?" Dany asked urgently.

Melisandre just grinned. "That is not for me to say, I only relay the Lord of Light's messages, I cannot truly interpret them until they come to pass." She took Dany's hands and looked deeply into her eyes. "You must take a hold of your own destiny, Your Grace. Become one with your ancestors. Fly, soar above and bring fire to your enemies." She said, finishing in Valyrian.

"Durran won't allow it." Dany whispered.

"He may be a King, but you, Your Grace. You are his Queen."

They had sent Renly's body back to Storm's End almost immediately to be buried next to King Robert. Durran himself was ready to just sleep.

He entered his chambers and smiled at the sleeping form of Dany in their bed. He quickly got undressed and quietly tried to join her, but he must have woken her up, as she curled into him.

"Mmm." She mumbled. "I'm sorry about Renly. He was a good man."

Durran nodded and kissed the top of her head. "He's in a better place now. He's with Loras."

Dany opened her eyes questioningly, but closed them again after Durran gave no intention of explaining. "What are we going to do now?"

"I'm not sure." Durran sighed. "The Reach can still form a large host, but it won't be ready in time. We'll have to hole up in King's Landing for now, bring Robb here to siege us and hit him with the extra Reachmen."

"Or you could send me and the dragons." Dany muttered sleepily.

Durran looked at her, questioningly. "What?"

The Queen sat herself upright and rubbed her eyes. "I rode Rhaellar today. I can ride her and control the others. Somehow Melisandre's magic has helped bind them to me, they can hear me from enough distance. I can fly Northwards and they won't suspect a thing."

"No." Durran said firmly.

"Durran." Dany said quickly. "It's the perfect way to dent their forces without them knowing. We're losing the war, let me help."

"No." Durran repeated. "I won't lose you in such a way.

"I'll be with the dragons." Dany scoffed amusedly.

"All it takes." Durran began. "Is one arrow to strike you here." He said, poking her where her heart was. "And I'd be lost."

"I have armour." Dany shrugged. A set had been made after Durran had found out about the dragons.

"I said no!" Durran exclaimed, raising his voice. He got out of bed and made his way to the balcony, staring out over the city.

"Durran." Dany said, no warmth in her voice. He ignored her and continued staring. "You will look at me this instant!" The sharp tone of her voice made Durran turn. She was sat upright, her lilac eyes blazing in rage. "I am blood of the dragon. My ancestors before me fought their wars. When I married you, we agreed that the both of us would rule. Together."

"And we are." Durran told her. "You did an exceptional job while I was away and we shall continue to do so."

"This is my war as much as yours!" Dany shouted. "We have the means to cripple the Northern Army without them seeing us coming, why won't you utilise that!"

"Because that could mean I lose you! I'm not prepared to risk you!" Durran roared back. "No, I will not allow it."

Dany sighed, got out of bed and walked towards him. He towered over her, but at that moment she held all the power. "I love you, I do I love you to the Seven Hells and back." She said. "But never, never presume to forbid me from anything. I am not a slave, I am not a simple wife. I am a Queen. I have the blood of the dragon. Fire runs through my veins."

"One arrow." Durran said weakly. "One arrow and I lose you, forever. They have grown exceptionally fast, but they're not big enough yet to take out an army."

"Very well." Dany told him. "I shan't take out an army."

Durran sighed in relief, and gripped her in a tight hug. "I just worry. I promise I will not forbid you, but please trust me on matters such as this."

Dany nodded, and took his hand to lead him back to bed. They held each other closely, until Durran fell asleep, his head buried in her bosom.

He woke the next morning having slept as good as he had in a very long time, only to find the room empty.

The War of the Four Kings had been disastrous for Jaime Lannister. After the Stark boy had tricked him in the Whispering Wood, he had been dragged from camp to camp, towards the West and back towards the East, always with the main Stark host. He had escaped once but his freedom hadn't lasted long.

News barely trickled to him. He had heard of the downfall of Joffrey but felt no true grief for the boy, not like he did for Tyrion. Joffrey may have been Jaime's seed, but never his son. Thinking of Joffrey made him ache for Cersei. He needed to hold her, to kiss her and love her again, although he needed to wash himself free of his own shit first.

He recognised the 8-foot walled towerhouse of Sow's Horn in the distance, barely visible however due to fog. Stark had felt it necessary to keep him on the edge of the camp, so during sunlight he had a good view of the almost 40,000 strong host surrounding the former seat of House Hogg. Ser Roger had been away with Joffrey's host, and Robb Stark took the castle with little bloodshed.

The latest news to reach his ears came from Robb Stark himself. The King in the North had stridden down to his makeshift cell with his pet beast and sat himself down on a stool, just out of reach for Jaime to be able choke the life out of him, if his hands had been untied.

"The King in the North returns! Licking your wounds? I thought you'd have me moved further South but instead I find your army marching back North." Jaime taunted.

"Your arrogance blinds you, Kingslayer." Stark grinned. "We won the battle, but there is no castle between here and Hayford, so we will wait here and see what Durran Baratheon's next move is."

"Of course, he still has the might of the Reach." Jaime grinned. "You should just bend the knee to my nephew, your icy joints may protest but you'll save lives that way."

Robb sighed, standing and looking out towards his camp. "I was chosen by the North to rule them, and until they say otherwise that is what I shall do." He said.

"You don't sound so happy at that." Jaime noticed. Stark just turned and stared at him coldly.

"You don't tell me how I sound, Kingslayer." He snarled. "I just came to tell you that we could find no trace of Durran."

Jaime just nodded. "What of my family?"

"Safe, as far as I know." Robb told him. "Renly Baratheon is dead, killed by Lord Umber."

"Renly was a fool." Jaime snorted. "All pampered and Lordly when all his gold came from Stannis."

"He died bravely. He slew five of my men before the Greatjon took him down." Robb said sharply. "Speaking ill of the dead does not become you."

"What do they care, they're dead." Jaime said coldly. The loss of Tyrion still hurt him.

"Even so." Robb said. He looked distastefully at Jaime before standing and walking out of the cell. "Throw him in a bath somewhere." Robb told a guard.

"Yes, Your Grace."

"And make sure that he…" Rob began, before a horrifying screech stopped him in his tracks.

Jaime was immediately alarmed. His eyes darted around to find the source of the noise when suddenly, fire filled the air.

The fog began to burn off as tents and men began to erupt into flames. Jaime tried to break his chains, but it was to no use. He looked in the air to find the impossible. Two dragons, black and green, were zooming over the camp, roaring fire onto the unsuspecting Northmen as they went. Robb Stark swore, and began to stride towards the camp when Jaime shouted out at him.

"If I die, what happens to your sister?!" He called, fear in his voice. Robb looked at the Lannister briefly, before nodding at the guard who came and unshackled him.

"If you try anything, I'll kill you myself." Robb warned. Jaime nodded, and followed the Stark.

Men were rushing around. The armoury had been one of the first to go up in flames so many of the archers were without weapons to take out the dragons. Pikes were being thrown, but they were too fast and their hides too strong. Jaime looked up to see them take another pass at the towerhouse, and the windows exploded.

"How the fuck are there dragons?" Robb cursed. "Fucking dragons!" They carried on trying to get men to safety, with Jaime doing his best to help even though the men treated him like vermin. One man was on fire, and Jaime helped put him out only for it to be too late, and the Northman wasn't breathing.

He looked up and saw a third dragon, hovering up in the distance. It wasn't the biggest of the three, but it was certainly the most regal. Squinting, he was sure he saw a woman on its back, a woman with silver blonde hair.

"The Targaryen?" He whispered, when suddenly a jet of flames shot over his head and onto the nearest tent. He jumped out the way of the flames, rolling on the floor in the process when he looked back, and saw Robb had caught fire.

Swearing, he jumped to his feet and barged who he presumed was Lord Umber's son out the way. Robb was howling on the ground, flames engulfing part of his face. Jaime grabbed a cloak that had been on the ground and basically smothered Robb, rolling him around on the blackening grass over and over until the flames died. Sighing in relief after checking that Robb Stark was still breathing, he looked up to see the dragons retreating southwards.

"Why?" The Smalljon's voice came from beside Jaime. "Why would you help him?"

"If he dies, I die." Jaime said bitterly, knowing it to be true. Karstark still wanted him dead, as did most of the camp. It was only Robb Starks orders that kept him alive and he knew it. "Come on, help me get him to a medic."

The King in the North was unconscious, burns having singed his hair and most of his right cheek, but for the most part he was ok, his blackened clothing taking most of the damage. Jaime grabbed the Stark King under the shoulders, and waited for the Smalljon to grab the King's legs before they hauled him in the direction of the castle.

Sow's Horn here is based on a picture I saw of Aughnare Castle in Ireland.

So, Robb has his first defeat of sorts! I'm sure many of you are pleased at that, the amount of reviews I received that begged me to either kill him off or just hand him a major defeat were ridiculous! It was fun to write from Jaime's perspective too, remember he hasn't tried to escape and Cat hasn't tried to free him so he still has 2 hands!

Killing Renly was tough, but the thought process behind it was: Loras' death destroyed him, and all that was left was an angry shell. The talk with Durran before his final fight brought a fire to him, and he died fighting in the spirit of Loras.

I hope I wrote Dany and the dragons well. I wanted to do it from the point of view on the ground as I feel there's more action there than just "shoot fire" constantly.

Thanks to all who've favourited and followed this story, and please, let me know what you think either through a review or a PM if you're a bit shy!

Reviews:

War Sage: It isn't! Don't worry, I may be a Robb fan but I'm trying to be realistic as I can while still keeping drama and excitement involved.

Dipsyy: Thanks again for pointing out the typo, I hope you enjoyed this one too.

Guest (Edmure/Cat): Cat will get off without punishment, she didn't push for war and Durran respects her loss enough to let her mourn in Winterfell. As for Edmure, he wasn't a leader in the war but he still should have sided with Durran, so some reparations would likely be in order.

LordVanderburgh: I'm sorry you're disliking it and I hope this chapter helps you reconnect with the story. Yes, the Tyrell alliance wouldn't help, but Robb was smart. He beat Jaime and Tywin with forces half of their size, and would have known not to go into open battle with them. His reinforcements come from the Riverlands, in this fic they aren't needed to protect their homes anymore, so he has a host of around 40-50 thousand men.

wbdionisio: I've not killed him, but he hasn't survived this chapter unscathed I promise you that!

dustbutterfly: Many of them are for the other stories I have going, but I can guarantee I'll be asking for some historical context later on in this one too!

jgs237: An interesting idea but no. As for Dany, she gains her fire this chapter!

trollzor69: I put that down to Robb not breaking his vow and Cat not having tried to trade Jaime for Sansa and Arya.

Guest (Starks): I'm a Stark fan I'll admit, but I don't recall myself personally writing a fic where the Starks are the outright honourable ones because that's just not true. The Arryn's are the ones that care more about honour and Ned grew up there. In my Black Wolf Rises story I explain that in a few of the chapters. As for Durran's Baratheon fury, he was brought up by Stannis.

Bobby B: You were spot on, have you been reading my plan? ; )

Shini Kurogane: He won't trust him easily that's for sure.

Boramir: He has Jaime as a prisoner remember.

Lightningscar: Welcome to this story! I've missed your reviews! Killing Tyrion was tough, but based on the fact he was ready to die protecting Joffrey from Stannis. The reasoning was mainly from Ned and Jon, who would have thought that family comes above anything and so long as Robert didn't see her, he could just about stomach it. I sort of regret having the dragons grow so fast but I needed them for this chapter. In universe, it's just the way they were hatched, the blood magic used was different than the blood magic in the show and with that comes accelerated growth. The comparison to Civil War is a good one I hadn't thought of.

Noctis Storm: Totally agree with you that Robb was strategically an idiot. Most of them can be justifiable from looking at it objectively from his perspective though. Theon hadn't been brought up a prisoner, he'd been brought up well by Ned, and was like a brother to Robb that he trusted. He should have known Theon craved his Father's love, but wasn't to know the awful reception Theon got when back at Pyke which made up his mind. You've explained Karstark well, Robb was brought up by his honourable dad Ned, and I'm sure Ned would do the same thing. Murder is an executable offence and it was still murder. Edmure was a colossal fuck up however, I'm a huge Robb fan and even I can't comprehend that. I hope you enjoyed him getting his ass handed to him here though!