21 chapters later and I've finally hit 100,000 words! This is important because it usually brings in a number of new readers that, like me unless I know of a writer's work beforehand, will only look for stories that are over 100k words to make it worthwhile.
I've had a look through my plan, and what might be interesting to some (but not to others) is that over the next few chapters some more POV's are brought in. I'm not doing a GRRM and bringing in too many to handle, but in this chapter, you'll see a new one and then in a couple there'll be an insight to the 'nephews' of Mace Tyrell.
Nightsong is based on the image from Total War Centre, and Blackhaven and its surrounding area is sort of based off of the Westeroscraft castle and the area between Mordor and Minis Tirith in Lord of the Rings.
I own nothing from Game of Thrones or A Song of Ice and Fire. Only Durran and the other OC's in this story. Everything else belongs to HBO or George R R Martin, although if he doesn't finish Winds of Winter I may be forced to take ownership of all of his notes.
Ser Rolland Storm looked out over the gathered army. Banners of Reachmen and Crownlanders outnumbered the Stormlanders by about seven to one, but thankfully, all had the goal of protecting the border. Nightsong had likely never been so busy without an ongoing siege.
Turning around and looking over at the Red Mountains of Dorne, he stared at the imposing stone that his families castle had stood under for millennia, when he heard footsteps from behind him. Turning again, he saw the long, red hair of his half-brother, Lord Bryce Caron.
"Since I was taught as a child about King Daeron bringing Dorne into the Seven Kingdom's, I never thought I'd need to marshal the defences of Nightsong to beat them back." Bryce told him, looking out towards the South. "Yet here we stand, waiting for a host of Dornishmen to appear up the Prince's Pass."
"We will defeat them, My Lord." Rolland told him.
"Oh, I know. Nightsong is strong, and you are a formidable commander." Bryce nodded. "With the host we have gathered, we shall prevail."
"Has Lord Stefan arrived at Blackhaven yet?" Rolland asked.
"He has." Bryce nodded. "Poor lad has been sent when he's a cripple, it would be kinder to send him to the citadel or something, let the younger brother become heir." Rolland said nothing at that, favouring to look out, watching for anything to happen. Bryce continued. "I need you to preside in court with me."
"Me? Why? I'm just a soldier." Rolland shrugged.
"You're also the most imposing man I know." Bryce smiled, placing a gentle hand on his brother's shoulder. "And we have guests from South of the border."
"Guests?"
"Yes, a boy flying the colours of House Dayne." Bryce said, peaking Rolland's interest.
The pair made their way to the Great Hall of Nightsong. The banner of House Caron, black nightingales on a yellow field, flew all around the Hall, making Rolland feel a twinge of jealousy before he looked at his chest at the inverted colours he had taken as his own and caught himself. Standing at his brother's side, he waited for the doors to open, as a heavily dishevelled sixteen-year-old boy was brought in by guards. He was definitely a Dayne, the silver hair alone gave that away. The boy was thrown at the seat Lord Bryce was sat in.
"You claim you are Lord Edric Dayne, heir to Starfall." Bryce said.
"I am." Edric told him.
"Then as our two nations are at war, why should I not send your head to King Durran now?" Bryce asked. Rolland knew his cues, and showed the boy an inch of steel by unsheathing his sword partially.
The Dayne boy gulped, and said. "In my possessions, there were two notes. They contain the same message, in case we lost one."
One of the guards held two parchments of paper, and Rolland walked down the few stairs to collect them and hand them to his brother. Reading them, quickly, Bryce looked down at the boy. "And what if this is an elaborate plan to infiltrate my castle? What if I don't believe what your Father has written here?"
"Then you are a fool." Edric laughed. "We've exposed ourselves. My Father has risked everything because he knows that what we are doing is right. We are at civil war with High Hermitage because the fucking Darkstar is high on power now that Viserys is invading. I had to climb a mountain and traverse down the other side to get here to be able to warn you of their plans, 22 good men died to get me here. Lord Eddard Stark risked his own life in showing us the honourable way by handing back Dawn after the rebellion, we will do what is right, and that is to join King Durran."
Rolland was impressed, but his judgement meant nothing. Bryce leant back in his seat. "You say you're at civil war with the cadet branch?"
"The Darkstar marched his men to Starfall to pass and meet up with the main host. My Father refused them access." Edric Dayne told them. "I swear by the Seven, we are on King Durran's side."
Bryce gestured for Rolland to lean in closer. "Do you think he's telling the truth?" He whispered lightly. Rolland nodded. The plan made sense to him, and if it was an elaborate hoax to make them relax, then why send the heir and not a cousin? Bryce breathed thoughtfully, and returned to the Dayne boy. "What can you bring us?"
"Knowledge, mainly." Edric admitted to them. "Numbers, which Lords are concerned about the path Prince Doran has chosen, which are content to commit treason. And troop movements."
That interested Rolland. "You know when the Targaryen will be here?" He asked.
Edric Dayne shook his head. "No, because they are focusing all their strength on the Boneway. Blackhaven is their target."
Robb was yet again frowning at a map of the North. Torrhen's Square and Deepwood Motte were both still under Ironborn occupation, and reports had found him that Winterfell was truly in ruins. Sighing, he made the decision to hold 6,000 men at Winterfell to ensure the rebuilding was completed as quickly as could be achieved. The other 7,000 would be the relief force, first making the trip to relieve the seat of House Tallhart, then to save Lord Robett Glover's wife and children at Deepwood.
Nodding at his idea, he brought his Lords and Ladies into the room to tell them his plan. The Umber's, Manderly's and Frey forces would all travel to Winterfell, while the other Northern Houses would all continue the fight.
"I understand you all want your homes." Robb told them. "And you will soon, I promise you. Once the North is free then I won't keep any of you at Winterfell, but until I have confirmation from Lord Glover that his home is safe, I need the men together, in case we are needed as a relief force."
"Of course, My Lord." The Greatjon nodded. "We'll get Winterfell back to its best in no time."
Thanking everyone, Robb was surprised to hear a knock on the door. Letting the guard enter, he said. "I asked to not be disturbed."
"Sorry m'lord, but there's a party with Stark banners approaching the castle." The guard said. Robb instantly knew what that meant.
"Mother and the girls. Thank you." He said, and the guard bowed and left the room. "You all know the plans. See to it the men are ready and the relief forces can leave as soon as they are ready."
"Yes, My Lord." The Northern bannermen all replied, and Robb was the first to leave the room, swiftly making his way to the gate.
The gate was ordered open, and Robb watched as his Mother, Sansa, Arya and Roslin all rode into the ruined castle. He waited for them to dismount, and greeted them. "My Ladies, I did not expect you all so soon."
"We met Roslin on the way and the Frey's gave us horses." Arya shrugged.
"Arya, remember your courtesies." Cat snapped quietly. "The story is correct though, we are grateful that House Frey could assist us in arriving so swiftly."
"My Lady it seems I am in debt to your House again." Robb smiled at his wife. She shyly smiled back.
"There is no debt, Lord Stark. It was our honour." She said, handing him a sealed letter. "My Father sends his regards."
Robb opened the scroll and grinned. "Errol, see to it that Lady Roslin is settled into the chambers next to mine." He ordered one of the guards. "And find Olyvar, I'm sure my wife would like to catch up with her brother."
Roslin curtseyed, and followed Errol with a number of Frey men, leaving Robb to hug both of his sisters tightly before hugging his Mother.
"The castle is in worse shape than I have ever seen it." Cat sighed, looking around.
"The Ironborn aren't known for maintenance." Robb chuckled. "Anyway, I won't have it unmanned for too long. I plan to have a permanent Lord stationed here."
Cat was surprised. "That's a big ask, not only to get the castle up to scratch and ready, but this is an important stronghold, no Stark has been happy enough to let it out of Stark hands."
"Which is why it will stay in Stark hands." Robb said, turning to Arya. "I know you never wanted this marriage, and I understand I'm asking a lot of you."
"You sold me for a bridge." She reminded him, and Robb sighed.
"I did, but I asked Lord Walder a favour, and he agreed. Your marriage will be matrilineal. Any child that comes from your union will be named Stark." Robb told her. Her eyes looked up at him in surprise, but Sansa beat her to the mark.
"You're naming Arya as Lady of Moat Cailin?" She asked, unhappily.
Robb nodded. "Yes. I am. Moat Cailin is a military stronghold, and once you are 18 you shall come here to be wed, and stay here to rule."
Arya was gobsmacked. "Why? Why me?"
"Because you've always wanted your own castle, and this way we can keep our deal with the Frey's. You will come back to Winterfell and learn from both myself and Mother to ensure you are capable, and Olyvar Frey will act as your castellan for the moment, until you can decide for yourself." Robb told her. Arya grinned, and caught him in a tight embrace.
"Thank you." She whispered.
Robb gestured to the castle. "Now, go with Mother and learn the layout of your castle." He laughed, as Arya nodded and grabbed Cat's hand, dragging her away. Robb turned to look at the extremely unhappy Sansa. "I know you're unhappy."
"She's never wanted to be a Lady." Sansa snapped. "Yet she gets the castle, the husband. She gets everything."
Robb sighed. "I know. Moat Cailin is for a military mind though Sansa, and your path is much different to that of Arya's. You were never meant to be militant, you were made for the South and with Lord Willas you'll have your dreams too."
Sansa nodded. "I understand that. It's just… why is life so unfair?" She sniffed, tears forming. "All I ever wanted was to meet my Prince, and be a loyal wife. When I meet my Prince he's cruel, he's vicious and he beats me. Father died because of me wanting to live my dreams."
By now she was in floods of tears. Robb brought her into his arms and held her close. Letting Sansa get her emotions out he waited, until he thought she was ready to talk again. "Listen, things happened in the past and we cannot change them. I wish I hadn't have been pressured into crowning myself King, thousands of lives would have been saved. I wish I'd have been able to get to the Capital in time to save Father, I wish I hadn't have needed Jaime fucking Lannister to save me from dragon fire. We can't dwell on the past sweet sister, only the future."
Sansa sniffed and nodded. "And what's my future?"
Robb smiled at her. "Remember, you are to be Lady Paramount of the Reach. The most chivalrous, noble Kingdom in Westeros. Willas may not be a Prince, but King Durran assures me he is a good man."
"Margaery did too." Sansa admitted.
"There you have it. You will be cared for, in the Kingdom you were made for." Robb smiled. "Until then, you can do whatever you like. You've had a rough time, your future, for the most part, is yours to decide."
Sansa nodded, and after a moment of thinking said. "I'll learn from Mother. I don't want to go down to Highgarden and know nothing about running households, I want to be the best. To show the Tyrell's that House Stark is impressive in every way."
"Then I would be delighted to have you performing duties as one of the Ladies of Winterfell." Robb told her. "You can help Roslin learn the layout of the castle too, know where to go for her dresses and cloaks, and you can be her friend. She'll need a friend."
Sansa nodded, and Robb grinned at her. Wrapping his arm around her shoulders, the two siblings fell into small conversation, something they hadn't done since they were both much younger.
Stefan could hear the songs of the Marcher Houses from high above the camp. Standing on the ramparts of Blackhaven with Lord Beric. He chuckled as numerous competitions were going on, to boost the spirits of the 8,000 men camped on the Dornish side of the castle.
Stefan looked out at the plains between the mountains. In the far distance was Dorne and the Boneway, a path between the Red Mountains that would be the route the Golden Company would take. Stefan would have liked more men, but Nightsong needed manning as well, and Blackhaven had survived worse odds.
He had left the marshalling of the defences to Lord Beric as it was his castle. Men manned a number of watchtowers heading towards the Boneway, and the majority of the men would do battle outside the castle before retreating inwards to withstand a siege. The Stormlands had been kind, and they had enough provisions for two years.
"I've always admired the Marcher Lords." Stefan said, trying to take his mind off of the battle ahead. "For so long you've held the Dornish back. You must be proud."
"Aye, it's a simple existence for sure. We have one job really." Beric said. "For decades however we've not needed to, I'm sure the castle is itching to see another fight." Stefan held his gaze sternly, trying not to let his nerves show. He failed, however. "It's ok to be nervous, My Lord." Beric told him.
"My first battle, if you could call it that, I lost my arm." He scoffed.
"And now you have a formidable weapon." Beric told him. "My House was founded through luck, as a bolt of lightning allowed my ancestor to escape death. I believe in it more than anything. You survived for a reason, and you will do again."
Nodding, Stefan was about to quiz Beric on House Dondarrion's history when a horn erupted from the Southernmost watchtower. Stefan squinted to try and see anything, but couldn't see more than specs. Beric handed him a far-eye though, and Stefan looked through to see great grey beasts arrive through the pass in single file.
"Elephants." Beric said, alarmed. "Fucking elephants."
Stefan felt ill. "We need your best archers. Aim for the eyes."
Beric nodded and turned to a guard. "Fetch Anguy, tell him to take his group to the old Cole watchtower and aim for the eyes."
Letting Beric organise his defences, Stefan stayed in place, counting. It took about three hours, but the Golden Company with a host of Dornish banners finally stopped and began setting up camp.
"I count 20 elephants, 23,000 men." Stefan said, handing Beric the far-eye.
"Aye." He agreed after a few moments. "We're outmatched here My Lord."
"We can hold them off. I'll send a raven to Lord Caron and the King to move all forces here." Stefan said.
Rushing off, he found the Maester and let the man use his seal to send the messages. Looking outside the window at the gathered enemy host in the distance, Stefan grimaced. War was upon them.
"Thank you, Maester." Dany smiled at the young man that had just checked her pregnancy. He smiled back, and collected his tools before moving past Ser Perwyn Frey and leaving the room. Dany let a handmaiden dress her appropriately again before standing before the Kingsguard knight. "I must meet with Lady Melisandre." She told him. Ser Perwyn just nodded, letting Dany lead the way.
They walked a fair way, before Dany decided to strike up conversation. "Your new sigil. A single white tower on blue, it's not your Father's sigil is it?"
"No, Your Grace. It was decided I should take a new sigil after I was appointed to the Kingsguard." He told her. "This white tower shows my families, both old and new."
"The tower draped in white." Dany whispered, spooked.
"Your Grace?" Ser Perwyn asked. Dany stared into space, not moving. "Your Grace?" He repeated louder.
Shaking her head, Dany focused again. "I'm sorry, Ser. Something the Lady told me before Brindlewood. She predicted your appointment it seems." Ser Perwyn nodded nonchalantly, amusing Dany. "You don't believe in predicting the future?"
"If I may speak freely?"
"Of course." Dany nodded.
"I think that predictions of that sort are nonsense, and when people hear their futures, in trying to change it they themselves make it happen." He told her.
Dany nodded. "An interesting theory, still, I ask you to suspend your disbelief for the moment. The Lady has power for sure, and all of her predictions come true."
Ser Perwyn nodded uneasily, but the pair resumed their walk until they arrived at the door to Melisandre's room. Ser Perwyn knocked on the door. "Her Grace, Queen Daenerys would like to speak with you." He announced.
Not a moment later, the door opened to reveal Lady Melisandre. Smiling knowingly, she let the two into the basic room. "Your Grace, how may I be of assistance?"
"You told me the future." Dany said quickly. "You predicted that Renly would die, Shireen would end up marrying Lord Edmure and that Ser Perwyn here would be on the Kingsguard."
"I saw visions yes, I didn't know the exact meanings until they came to pass." She smirked. "You would like to know more." It wasn't a question.
"I want to know what mine meant, if mine meant anything." Dany whispered. "The Golden Dragon."
"You already know the answer to that, Your Grace." Melisandre told her.
Dany nodded slowly. "The Golden Dragon, it's Viserys, isn't it?"
Melisandre nodded. "I heard a story that the lost Prince convinced the Golden Company into dropping a contract with the Free City Myr against the remaining Daughters, Lys and Tyrosh." She explained.
"The Golden Dragon dropping the girl." Dany whispered, inspired. "I saw that. I saw the future?"
Melisandre nodded again. "You are High Valyrian, Your Grace. Fire is in your blood, and you have hatched Dragons, the creature of fire. You are the very embodiment of all R'hllor stands for. You are Azor Ahai reborn."
"Azor Ahai?" Dany asked, rubbing her heavily pregnant belly.
"There will come a day after a long summer when the stars bleed and the cold breath of darkness falls heavy on the world. In this dread hour a warrior shall draw from the fire a burning sword. And that sword shall be Lightbringer, the Red Sword of Heroes, and he who clasps it shall be Azor Ahai come again, and the darkness shall flee before him." Melisandre told her. "I believe that this speaks of you. A woman born of salt and smoke, hatching Dragons from cold stone. Your Dragon is Lightbringer, and you will save us all."
It was rare that Durran got a few hours to himself now. With the war escalating and his Kingly duties being extended after the breakdown of the Regency, Durran barely got a chance to relax. Finding a rare couple of hours, he took Ser Arys down to the training yard and the two began to spar.
Durran swung Stormbringer around his head and brought the flat side down onto Ser Arys' shield forcefully, before spinning quickly and driving a blow into the other side of the Kingsguard, who parried it away with considerable effort. Remaining on the attack, Durran brought blow after blow down upon the shield and sword of Ser Arys, before feinting an attack up high, and bringing the flat side of the great sword down onto the side of Ser Arys' shin. The Kingsguard knight was thrown off of his feet, and Durran held the sword one handed towards his neck.
"I yield." Ser Arys panted. "That blasted sword is formidable."
"It's not the sword that's formidable, Ser Arys, it's the wielder." Ser Barristan said from a balcony. "Although the needless showing off will go, Your Grace."
"Showing off?" Durran asked, panting.
"Never turn your back on your opponent." Ser Barristan said strictly, making his way down to the pair. "Ser Arys is still not fully recovered, but an opponent at full capability would take advantage of that spin."
"I apologise, Lord Commander." Durran said honestly. "I thought it would look good."
"Looking good is less important than staying alive." Ser Barristan said sternly. Durran nodded. "Although your strength looks to be improving, you can hold Stormbringer in a single hand?"
"Not for long, and not truly in a fight." Durran told him.
"Practice. Build more core strength and that will be a formidable asset." Ser Barristan explained. "You're as strong, if not stronger, than King Robert was at this age I'm sure."
Durran looked up, surprised. "You knew my Father before the war?"
Barristan nodded. "I met him once as a near adult, at the Tourney in Lannisport." He said. "I'll tell you about it another time, Your Grace. Your Mother is here." He said, nodding back up to the balcony where Cersei and Myrcella were walking towards. Nodding, Durran let Ser Arys strap Stormbringer to the King's back and the three men walked up to greet Durran's family.
"Mother, Sister." Durran smiled. "To what do I owe the pleasure?"
Myrcella handed him a goblet of water. "I thought you'd need this."
Grinning, Durran took it and quickly gulped down the liquid. "Thank you." He said.
"You looked good out there. As strong as your Father." Cersei told him.
"It feels good to train again. I'll need it with what's coming." He grimaced. "House Rowan and their vassals have joined House Florent in rebellion. Ser Arys' Mother has sent a force to besiege Goldengrove."
"Troubling news." Cersei nodded. "I'm sure Lady Arwyn will prevail however."
"Ser Arys' brother, Lord Olyvaris leading and Garlan Tyrell is leading the Tyrell forces down to Brightwater Keep, things in the Reach will stabilise soon." Durran said. "It's Dorne that worries me."
"Have you heard any more?" Myrcella asked, intrigued.
"You shouldn't be forced to hear my worries sister, tell me, how goes your studies?" Durran asked.
Myrcella scoffed. "You don't care about that." She said. "I can help with Dorne."
"How?" Cersei asked amusedly. "You are smart my love, but you are barely 13 years of age."
"Doesn't Prince Doran have a son around my age?" Myrcella asked. Cersei looked to complain, but Durran got their first.
"No." He snapped. "I will not marry you off to a traitor's seed. When you marry, it will be someone good who will allow you to thrive. I will not marry you to goat fuckers."
His raise in tone alarmed Myrcella. "I'm only trying to help." She told him.
"And you can by acting like you are, happy. Making me forget there's a war on." Durran forced a smiled down at her. "You are a light in the darkness for me, sister."
Myrcella smiled softly. "Fine, but I'll need to wed eventually and you know it." She then nodded to Ser Arys and began skipping away. Chuckling, Durran nodded to the knight too, and he walked off after her leaving Cersei.
"She's right." She sighed. "She will need to wed eventually."
"Not for many years yet." Durran told her. "There is only one Lord with the standing I'd accept for Myrcella that's unwed."
Cersei frowned. "That boy will die before he reaches an age. Whether it's by illness or by plotting."
"So long as it's not you doing the plotting." Durran told her strongly. "I've not properly decided yet, but if we can bring peace in the Vale, it makes sense. And he's mouldable so long as we get him away from his Mother."
Cersei sighed. "How is the Queen doing?" She asked, changing the topic.
Durran grinned. "Soon you shall be a Grandmother, no more than a month, I am certain."
Cersei smiled genuinely. "I look forward to it. I know it's bad timing, but a child will make you fight all the more."
"I'm nervous." Durran admitted, linking his arm with Cersei's. "With Joffrey, he was a tyrant. I knew he needed to be deposed and that made it simple. With Robb, I can understand his view and he didn't actually rebel against me, then he got arrogant and only surrendered because we had the Dragons. Now though? I can't use Dragons in case one of them is swayed by Viserys. I have enemies in the Vale, the Reach and Dorne and I barely have enough men from the last two wars to counter the Golden Company. I'm worried we'll lose, and I'm worried what my child will be subjected to if we do."
Cersei stroked his arm soothingly. "You're right to be nervous, but never be afraid. We are lions. You command the respect of most of the Realm, and fighting with your men as Stark did only heightens that. You are well trained, you are strong but above all you are smart. Use that. Dictate this war on your terms, don't react, set the tone."
Durran nodded. "We've done that with the blockade, but that won't be effective until the long run. In the short term, I know one of the Marcher castles will fall."
"Then pre-empt it." Cersei told him. "Gather your men and move for Fawnton. Camp there until you hear anything from the South and then move. The castles are strong, they can hold out longer than you think and by that time you will have the might of the Reach alongside you."
Durran nodded. "It's a good plan. I'll see it happen."
"I learnt some things from your Grandfather." Cersei said jovially.
They took a turn towards the gardens, and began strolling through there. Conversation turned back to the baby.
"We haven't really thought of names." Durran shrugged. "Too much has happened."
"A son must have a strong, commanding name." She explained. "Joffrey, he was named after the first Andal King of the Rock."
"Joffrey Lydden?" Durran asked.
"Later Joffrey Lannister, taking his wife's name." Cersei nodded. "You, well your Father named you after Godsgrief, a strong name in the Baratheon and Durrandon line."
"And Tommen? I assume he wasn't named after the King who lost Brightroar." Durran grinned.
Cersei chuckled. "No, after Tommen the First. My point is it must be a name that means something to others so they look upon him as a symbol. So he commands respect."
Durran nodded. "We want something that ties our houses together in a way nothing can break this new bond between Stag and Dragon. A name that shows the history of both Houses."
Cersei nodded. "Then there is only one name that fits that."
Durran agreed. "But Orys, I'm not sure."
Cersei chuckled. "Talk to your wife about it. Make a list of names that have meant something through History and find one that fits."
"And what if it's a girl?" Durran asked.
Cersei thought. "You need a name that commands beauty and elegance. I wouldn't worry though, for generations House Baratheon has always had a son as their firstborn."
Durran nodded, his mind racing with names from history as his impending date with Fatherhood ticked ever closer.
I guess you can tell what's coming in the next chapter then! We'll finally get to meet the child of Durran and Dany. My mind is made up on gender and name, but your ideas on what will happen would be welcome.
Things are going to be moving forward now. A couple of battles will take place in the next chapter also, although I'm not sure as of right now if I'm going to write them both or just mention one in passing.
Thank you to all reviewers, favouriters and followers. Please leave a review or PM me with your thoughts in this chapter!
Reviews:
RHatch89: The Golden Company can't be underestimated though.
trollzor69: They're both alive I believe.
Shikyo no Kyoufu: In this sort of world you can't afford to be too reactionary.
Guest (springs): But you can't hold Dorne. That's the main lesson GRRM has taught us when going into its history. That's why you need to starve them into submission.
JaceMaddox: He felt it was a win win situation at the time, but now he has enemies on three sides and if half of the Vale is rebelling against him, that's a major fuck up on his part.
Celine . sLineC-Line: He didn't lie, he just doesn't think his Great Grandmother is enough to be able to control the biggest of the dragons.
Greywing101: You made a good point, and you can see here that Darkhaven is his target.
alecpotter: Aegon went into Dorne and tried to hold it all. Durran is just trying to starve them out. He knows the Dornish aren't the ultimate enemy there and he's tried to force Viserys' hand.
Hail King Cerion: I may do another Viserys eventually, but I like the idea of his side being an unknown for now.
Boromir: You're spot on about Durran not allowing that. The only thing is with the Dornish is they are experts at hiding away from an invasion force, so I doubt they'll even stay by the coasts unless they have too.
M2TW: I can't say too much as it's still a surprise and a work in progress, but yes, I will be doing another story based on a Northern OC.
Lightningscar: I'd argue that they're at full strength. The Reach had a large part of their army burned in the Battle for King's Landing and then even more men died in the Battle of Brindlewood. Dorne and the Vale are the only full strength Kingdoms now, whereas the Westerlands are completely decimated, the Riverlands can barely get 7,000 men together and the North won't be able to help. For a man like Baelish with those odds and the offer that he's received (which I'll talk about in a later chapter) for me I can understand why he's declared for Viserys. It won't be easy breaking Dorne either, and he knows that hence he's only blockading them. I've never read that Dorne theory so it's not in a book that I remember. Arya won't be off to Braavos, but she won't be just sitting on her hands waiting to marry.
gangui: 1) I've never seen it stated he held his hammer in one hand. And yes he was strong but when he didn't need to use his hammer (so for ten years before the start of the show) he just drank and whored. 2) I don't agree I've bashed Robert either, merely looked at him from the point of the start of the show. He wasn't smart, and I'd disagree he was a good king, merely he had a competent Hand. He would never have allowed his heir to marry a Targaryen and I explained why he didn't kill Dany in the first chapter. 3) Dragonstone is one of a number of islands, Driftmark could be used similarly. Dragonstone has been without an official Lord multiple times as it's the seat of the Crown Prince, who more often than not has been a child. And if you really expected me to kill off Dany, then you clearly don't understand the point of this story. Marrying Dany was smart. No vassal would support a girl with no power that has been in the hands of the Baratheon's all her life. This way Robert tied the Targaryen's to the throne even when he didn't like it. Most of your other points in this review are ridiculous too. 5) The Durrandons were First Men, and they intermarried Andal invaders to keep their power in the Stormlands, the same as the Gardener's in the Reach, Lannisters in the Westerlands etc. The ones you've stated are purely descended from the First Men, but many have ancestors. 7) Again, utter nonsensensical point there, Stannis is regarded as one of the most capable rulers, he just had no love in canon. In this story he has effectively raised Durran, has a good relationship with Renly and was given Storm's End so doesn't resent Robert. As for canon, nothing I had written would have changed the plotline in King's Landing other than Ned declaring Durran King. 9) It depends on your meaning of the word Kingslaying, them being second cousins once removed and all that. 11) Durran doesn't know it was Arya though? He thinks it was an assassin.
Guest (Eddard): In terms of this story the view on taking her hostage was sound. He wasn't to know that Viserys knew nothing of Dany and keeping her close was a logical step to take in order to keep him at bay.