Well I'm back! It's proved harder than I thought to re-plan the latter chapters, but the end of the Viserys plotline is done, and as such I felt I could comfortably start writing this chapter. Thank you to everyone for the kind messages sent to me, it really means the world. I have deleted that Authors Note now so I don't ruin the flow of the story for those that are latecomers to my drama.

Anyway, I think enough has been spoken about that, and it's time to move forwards and focus on the story. I've decided that my sole focus needs to be on this, so the newer stories that I started before have been deleted. The only survivor is No Mercy, which will be my next story but that isn't going to be for a long time yet.

Here we go then, the actual Chapter 25 of United in Fury. As always, I own nothing but Durran and other OC's you don't recognise from the books or show.

Cersei was really enjoying the time she got to spend with the baby Elaenor. Life hadn't been the same since before Durran took power, and she had been reduced to being a Mother, rather than a powerful woman in her own right. As time went on however, she found herself accepting that role more.

Looking down at the baby in her arms, she wondered to herself how something so pure could come from Robert's bloodline. Elaenor's deep blue eyes stared up at her, and she smiled as the baby giggled and grabbed some of Cersei's hair.

They were interrupted by a knock at the door, and in came Jaime. Cersei's breath caught in her mouth. They hadn't been alone in almost four years, and if she was being honest she missed him terribly. Their green eyes locked on to one another.

"Cersei…" Jaime whispered.

Cersei could feel her cheeks warming up. "Jaime."

"I was looking for the Queen."

"She is down at the Dragonpit I believe." Cersei told him. Jaime nodded, and walked over to see Elaenor.

"Being a Grandmother suits you." He said, letting the baby take one of his fingers. Cersei shook her head.

"I can scarcely believe she's real sometimes." She whispered, placing her hand on his. He froze in place for a moment, seemingly caught in a dilemma, before he gently moved his hand away.

"We can't…" He said.

"Nobody is here." She pleaded. "You have no idea how much I've missed you, how much I need you."

"You're just upset about Tommen and Myrcella." Jaime insisted gently.

Cersei scoffed. "Myrcella I can handle, she's a Princess and I'd rather she be married to the Dayne than that spawn of Mad Lysa. Tommen is just a boy though, war is no place for him…"

"He will be fine, he's only a squire." Jaime insisted.

"He's 12 years old!" Cersei spat. "He has no place on a battlefield."

Jaime sat down beside his twin. "Daven won't risk him, he will be fine. He's trained for this and he is ready, he's probably more ready than I was at his age."

"You should be there with him, protecting our boy." Cersei whispered vulnerably.

Jaime agreed with her, but Durran's orders had been specific. "I'd prefer to be there, protecting Durran, protecting Tommen, but my orders are to protect you all. If they somehow break through, then I'm needed here."

Cersei nodded, but Jaime could see that she was still uncomfortable. He stood to stand behind her, laying his hand on her shoulder. Cersei reached up to caress his hand with her own, leaning in to him. Placing Elaenor in her crib, she stood, and the two hugged for the first time in ages. Cersei went to move in for a kiss, but Jaime pushed her back.

"No." Jaime said firmly, glaring at her. "I'm just regaining the King's trust and he strictly forbade me to be alone with you. I can't…"

Cersei felt her heart fall. "Do you not love me?" She asked, her hands resting on her heart. "We once claimed we were one, you and I."

"And we are." Jaime insisted. "I will always love you, but my duty to your Son comes above all else. I will not break another vow, Cersei. Don't ask me to."

Cersei's face fell into a scowl. "The Queen is at the Dragonpit then Ser." She snapped. Jaime stared at her questioningly, but Cersei had fallen into a silent rage. Bowing his head, he turned around and left, leaving Cersei alone with the baby once more.

Durran rode in to the camp at Fawnton to see a mass of banners. Houses from all over the South could be seen, and the sight of around 42,000 men from all over the South was promising. They quickly set up camp, and Durran, Stannis, Daven Lannister, Edmure Tully and Andar Royce all walked into the castle, and after being greeted by the young Lord Cafferen, was escorted to the War Room, leaving Ser Barristan and Ser Podrick standing guard outside. Inside the room, stood Randyll Tarly, leading the session with Garlan Tyrell, Edric Dayne, Stefan Baratheon and Beric Dondarrion all in attendance. Those inside the tent all immediately sank to one knee.

"My Lords, please." Durran said, gesturing them to rise. "Get me up to speed."

Randyll Tarly pointed at the map. "The enemy are camped at Blackhaven still, they've sent scouting parties eastwards, but I think they're more interested in an open battle."

"Why?" Stannis asked.

"They could prove a lot by taking Storm's End, and while holding some hostages would appeal, the Golden Company pride themselves on battle, and they know that if they take Storm's End, with our host here and the blockade of Dorne, it could become dangerous for them if they get sieged with over 20,000 in their army." Randyll Tarly. "With the elephants and the Dornish out for blood, their temperament seems to point towards a battle here."

Durran looked at where he was pointing. "Summerhall, of course."

"Winning the battle against you at the site of a seat of Targaryen power would send a clear message." Stannis admitted.

"He won't win." Stefan said defiantly. "We saw the Golden Company at Blackhaven, and without the Elephants, they can be beaten easily. Taking them out should be our main priority."

Durran nodded. "You and Lord Beric can take point on that as you have the most experience, tell me what you need."

"Archers." Beric said. "Give me the best archers and we can take them, I'm sure of it."

"There's still the Dornish." Garlan Tyrell told them all. "They'll have equal the numbers of the Company, if not more."

"And the Reach has more, with a history of killing Dornishmen." Randyll Tarly said. "Put the Reachmen up against the Dornish, and the remaining forces can be placed opposite the Company."

Durran looked to Stannis, who nodded. "Very well. We'll line up like that, but first I want a parlay."

Those that had already fought in the Marches weren't happy. "A parlay?" Stefan scoffed. "Your Grace…"

"I'm not expecting anything from it." Durran said, holding his hands up. "Too much blood has been spilled for that, but he is the Queen's brother, and I owe it to every man in this army to try and sort this out peacefully before I ask them to risk their lives."

"What terms?" Randyll asked.

"He can have Dragonstone." Stannis explained. "If he agrees and bends the knee, then King Durran will grant him that castle and that castle only."

"He won't accept that." Edric Dayne said from a corner. "He's ambitious, greedy, but well trained in all forms of battle. He would rather die on the field than bend to you, Your Grace."

Durran grinned. "I'm counting on it. But send a raven anyway."

Randyll Tarly nodded, and the Lords went on detailing every section of Durran's forces, and where they wanted them in the battle ahead. By the end of the long meeting, the plan had been finalised and Durran was happy.

Far to the North, Jon watched Sam descend in the lift, his thoughts still solely on Ygritte. He was so confused by her; did he love her? Did he hate her for shooting him? He pondered on this as he walked back to his post, just waiting for the sign of the fire that would begin the attack. He stood there for what seemed like an age, before a single horn blast was heard. Confused at why a second wasn't coming, he heard a commotion behind him.

Turning, he noticed Ser Alliser Thorne striding towards the lift. "Bastard! Come here!" Thorne shouted. Jon clenched his teeth, but followed the knight. They stopped at a viewpoint looking down to the South, and Jon saw the army walking up the Kingsroad. "A band, you said. A band of Wildlings South of the Wall. That's a fucking army!"

Jon knew something wasn't right. Looking out, he saw that banners were being flown. "No, Ser Alliser, look." He said. "Banners."

"You what?" Ser Alliser asked.

"Banners!" Jon exclaimed. "Free Folk don't fly banners. It must be Robb." Ser Alliser stared out again, trying to focus. Jon did too, and noticed the Direwolf he grew up under being flown proudly at the head of the procession. "The Direwolf of House Stark."

"Come with me, bastard. Ser Janos, you have the Wall." Thorne growled, and the two shared an uncomfortable silence down to the ground of Castle Black. The gates were being opened as soon as they got to the ground, and Jon stayed at Thorne's side, even as he saw Robb riding in, surprised at the level of scarring on his face. They caught eyes, and both of them couldn't contain their grins.

Robb dismounted and made for Jon. "Who is in command?" He asked.

"I am." Ser Alliser stated.

"Ser Alliser Thorne, Lord Robb Stark." Jon said the introductions.

"Ser Alliser. We received word that the Night's Watch was in trouble."

Ser Alliser stared grimly. "We sent no ravens, there are Wildlings South of the Wall, we could not risk showing them any weakness."

Robb nodded. "We received no Raven, but a man of the Night's Watch. He rode with great haste to Winterfell and told us all."

"A deserter?" Thorne asked, glaring at Pyp.

"No, a messenger." The giant man next to Robb explained, roughly patting Pyp on the shoulder.

"Aye." Robb agreed. "He did all he could for the Watch, and without him, I wouldn't have known to march 5,000 men to your aid. You are in his debt, Ser Alliser."

Ser Alliser growled, but nodded. "Go to your post, Pyp." He commanded. "Lord Snow, find the Northern archers posts atop the Wall. Lord Stark, we cannot house so many men, but if you can, you're welcome to make a defensible camp outside the gate, and we shall lead the Southern defence from there.

Robb nodded. "Lord Umber."

"My Lord." The Giant Umber bowed his head, and made his way back out the gates. Thorne skulked off back up the Wall then, leaving Jon and Robb to thud together in a fierce hug.

Stepping back from one another, Robb looked Jon up and down. "You were right, it is your colour." He grinned.

Jon chuckled. "It is good to see you."

"What has it been, three years?" Robb asked.

"More like four." Jon corrected. "We've both picked up some scars along the way."

Robb nodded. "That looks nasty." He said, pointing to Jon's face.

"Hawk, controlled by a Warg." Jon commented. "Yours?"

"Dragon, controlled by the Queen." Robb grinned. "I win again, Snow."

Jon laughed, hugging Robb again. "You've come at the right time. We're expecting the attack any hour now."

Robb nodded. "We couldn't spot anything on our way up, but we did pass through Mole's Town. Was that them?" Jon nodded. "We found a couple of survivors, a woman and a babe… They're with Lady Mormont now.

"Gilly?" Jon asked.

"I think so…" Robb said. "You know her?"

Jon looked up at the door to the mess hall to find Sam there looking down on them. He waved Sam down, and turned back to Robb. "She is a friend, Sam here rescued her from an abusive Father North of the Wall."

"Did you?" Robb asked the overweight Reachman. "Aye, she mentioned a Sam. Come, I'll take you to her while I gather my archers."

"Th… thank you, My Lord." Sam stammered.

Robb waved it off, before clasping Jon's shoulder again. "Now, what else have I missed."

After dinner, Durran retired to the chambers that Lord Cafferen had offered him, and the King met with Edric Dayne. He poured himself some water, and the Dayne boy some Arbor Red before sitting down at a desk with some parchment in front of him.

"You don't drink, Your Grace?" Edric asked.

"Only when I need to." Durran said. "You know what it did to King Robert, growing up under that is enough to put anyone off." Edric just nodded, and took a sip. "I want you to give me information on all the Houses in Dorne. Would any be willing to turn?"

Edric thought for a moment. "House Yronwood maybe, they've still not forgiven Prince Oberyn for the incident involving the late Lord Edgar."

Durran began scratching out a brief letter for Varys at that point. "Good, any other major Houses? House Uller? House Wyl?"

Edric shook his head. "Most in Dorne are fiercely supportive of this war. The only other House that may be willing to turn their cloaks are the Blackmont's, but that's a slim possibility."

Durran nodded. "House Martell have forfeited their right to any land under my rule. This blatant treason is too much for me to allow, and as a result of my dealings with House Stark, an example must be made."

Edric nodded. "Part of the reason for most Houses joining this rebellion was that of your treaty with Lord Robb." He admitted.

"Which is why I must be ruthless in this war." Durran said. "House Martell must die. Doran, Trystane, Oberyn and all three of his bastard girls, they cannot live at the end of all this, and they won't."

Edric shifted uncomfortably. "Your Grace…"

"This isn't up for discussion." Durran said, looking up at Edric. "What is up for discussion, is what happens to Dorne afterwards."

"Slaughtering the Martell's won't go down well with anyone in Dorne." Edric said. "Rebellions will happen."

Durran nodded. "I'd expect no less. What I also expect is that the Lord Paramount of Dorne find a way to deal with that."

Edric was confused. "Lord Paramount…"

"Forgive me, but one of the biggest mistakes the Targaryen's ever made was accept the Martell's insistence that they remained as Princes." Durran explained. "In my eyes it gives them a sense of entitlement that I can't allow after this. With the death of House Martell, a new family will come to rule Dorne, but under the name of Lord Paramount, such as the custom in the rest of the Seven Kingdoms. I want that ruling House to be House Dayne of Starfall."

Edric was shocked. "Your Grace, that is an honour…"

"It is a responsibility." Durran said. "Like you said, rebellion will be the whisper of the country, which is why I need some other major Houses on side to agree to this. My mind is made up on your new role, Lord Edric. You came to my side when none else did, you risked your life to warn us of the attack on Blackhaven. You deserve this and more. Which is why to go with your new title, I am granting you the hand of Princess Myrcella." Edric was lost for words now, and Durran chuckled at his open mouth. "Originally, I was going to offer her to Robin Arryn, but the boy is a brat that pines after his Mother, and as good a match it would be, I also care about her happiness. This way, she will be happy in a climate that will agree with her, I get to keep my Uncle Tyrion's promise in betrothing her to the ruling House of Dorne, and you will gain additional protection by being family to the Crown."

Edric stood up and got down to one knee. "You honour me beyond words, Your Grace. If this is your will, I would be a fool not to accept."

"You would." Durran chuckled and bid Edric to rise. "But you are no fool. You're a brave individual that my cousin Stefan speaks highly of. Together, we can usher in a new age for Dorne, we can gain revenge for the savagery your family has faced at the hands of the Darkstar, and we can bring about a period of lasting peace."

Edric nodded. "What has befallen my family is a crime, and I ask that I fight alongside Lord Garlan, so I can kill the Darkstar with my own hands. I know he would have stolen Dawn, and he has no right to that sword."

Durran nodded. "That's reasonable."

Edric smiled. "Thank you, Your Grace."

Finishing his letter to Varys, Durran rolled it up, poured some liquid wax on to the parchment and pressed his seal to it. Handing the letter to Edric, he said. "See that this is sent to King's Landing, and then go and find Lord Garlan. We have a long few days ahead of us and if you are to fight with the Reachmen, you should train with them too."

Edric bowed his head, and left the room, leaving Durran to ponder on what exactly he was going to say to his brother by law when the two met face to face.

After Robb's arrival at Castle Black, the two brothers caught up for an hour or so while the Northerners hastily put up a camp and defences stretching down the Kingsroad. The pair waited in the courtyard of Castle Black as the lift was in constant use, as hundreds upon hundreds of Northern archers were sent up to the top of the Wall, commanded by Arthur Glenmore.

"So, this Ygritte, I'd recognise her?" Robb asked. Jon scoffed with a smirk.

"Aye, hair kissed by fire." Jon said.

"I'll keep an eye out, but I can't promise anything." Robb told him.

"I understand. She doesn't deserve this, to die when all they are after is to flee Southwards." Jon said.

Robb could sense his tone. "You love her, don't you? You truly love her." Jon just nodded, and nothing else needed saying. The final archers were being led into the lift, and Robb gripped Jon's forearm in a mark of respect. "I'll see you soon brother."

Jon nodded. "Lord Stark." He grinned jovially, causing Robb to roll his eyes. Jon entered the lift, and Robb watched on as the gate closed and rose up the Wall, before Robb focused on the battle ahead.

Making his way into the Northern camp, he was happy to see the few Night's Watch men remaining mixing happily with the forces of the North. He soon spotted the Greatjon helping Pyp and Sam with the crossbow.

"Take two, and have one man reloading while the other shoots. It's more efficient." Umber was teaching. "Who's the better shot?"

The two Watchmen looked nervously between themselves, and Robb intervened. "Give them a target, Lord Umber, we have some time."

"Aye." Umber nodded, looking around. He spotted a bird flying overhead. "That there, aim for the owl."

The pair both aimed the crossbows and fired almost simultaneously, with one bolt going harmlessly wide, and the other clipping it's wing sending it to the floor. Pyp rushed to get it, and brought the screeching bird towards them.

"Put it out of its misery." Robb ordered, and the Greatjon brought out a knife. Robb noticed the bird's eyes flash white however, and wasn't the only one.

"Seven hells…" Sam whispered.

"What?" Pyp asked.

"The bird… Warg…" Sam explained.

Robb was confused. "I thought Jon killed their Warg?"

Sam shook his head. "With there being so many Wildlings, they'd have a dozen capable most likely. Mance may have sent another over the Wall."

"What nonsense is this." Umber laughed.

"They're real, Jon." Robb told the man, looking towards Grey Wind unknowingly. "They know we are here."

Silence fell over the men for a moment, before Lord Umber flew into action. "Man the barricades men! I want archers, I want pikes, I want all you fuckers on your toes now! Get your arses into gear!" He roared at the camp. Robb moved over to his Direwolf as the men rushed around him. He touched his head to the wolfs, and just closed his eyes for a moment, before the distant noise of shouts could be heard from the castle behind them, and smoke could be seen from beyond the Wall.

"It's time." He told Grey Wind, and made his way to his horse. A small force of mounted men met him as he mounted up and turned to face them. "Today we make even more history! We will repel these Wildling invaders! We will protect the North! Like the Kings Beyond the Wall before him, Mance Rayder will be defeated, and it will start with this victory tonight!"

The men cheered, and Robb turned back down to face Southwards, as flaming arrows could be seen heading towards them. Whipping the reigns, his horse neighed and began to gallop towards the onrushing small army of Wildlings. Unsheathing his longsword, he held it upwards to signal that the makeshift gate was to be opened, as the few dozen on horseback raced out of the camp. He could hear the roar of the men at arms behind them, but his focus was narrowed towards the barely lit up men in furs in front of him.

As they neared, he slashed his sword downwards, connecting with the inner shoulder of a bearded brunette. The screams began then, as the forces clashed. Robb didn't stop for a moment, as his sword connected with another Wildling's chest, before rearing his horse to miss a swinging axe, and shifting his body to stab at the wielder on his left-hand side, connecting with his eye socket.

He could see more arrows flying in, and as he manoeuvred his horse around the battlefield, he saw three of his men fall to a fierce red headed warrior in quick succession.

"Hyaah!" Robb roared, charging his horse towards the man. He went for the kill, but the red head moved deftly out the way of the horse. Another pass was made, and Robb again missed, only just managing to keep his horse from the Wildling sword. As he turned around again, he saw a spearman to his right. "Spear!" He ordered, and the soldier threw the spear, picking up another from a fallen Northman to continue fighting. Robb meanwhile, twirled the spear in his hands to hold it tightly, before he charged again. He saw the man get into a defensive stance, and didn't wait to be near. Robb threw the spear with all his might, before bringing his sword back out. The red head somehow managed to deflect the spear, but the action knocked him off balance and Robb capitalised, slashing his blade across the neck of the Wildling.

His relief was brought to a quick halt however, as soon a feminine roar was heard, and he noticed a woman with red hair quickly getting ready to nock an arrow. He charged his horse towards her, but she was quicker, and Robb had to be equally as quick in springing from the Horse. He noticed she was nocking another arrow, and scrambled over to take cover by the dying horse, reaching for the shield that he had placed on its side. Suddenly pain shot through his shoulder, as an arrow embedded itself in the snow in front of him. Looking down, he noticed his shoulder had opened slightly. Grimacing, he hauled himself up, and caught an arrow in the Stark shield. Running towards the woman, he caught another arrow before bringing his sword down, only to be met by her bow.

"I don't want to kill you!" He shouted. "Lay down your weapon and I'll take you to Jon!"

Her eyes widened slightly at Jon's name, before she swung her bow again. Robb caught the blow with his shield, before punching her on the side of the head with his plated fist. Ygritte dropped to the ground unconscious.

Robb turned and saw the battlefield in front of him. He could Grey Wind leaping at his prey, he could also see the Greatjon, coated in blood and holding the crushed skull of an imposing Thenn, holding the enemy's axe in his spare hand. The remaining Wildling's were being slaughtered, and Robb breathed easier, as the battle outside the castle was won.

After the battle, Robb regrouped with the Greatjon, and was hearing all about his epic battle with the Thenn.

"The bastard was strong, very strong." He was saying. "He knocked me down and disarmed me, but I never gave up. I lashed out and broke his wrist so he dropped that damned axe, and crushed his fucking skull with my own hands!" He laughed. "Big bastard."

"I wish I'd have seen it." Robb admitted. He saw Sam, sat down with tears in his eyes. Pyp was lying next to him, eyes wide open and lifeless as an arrow was in his neck. Robb closed his eyes in a moment of mourning, before opening them again. "Tarly."

"My… my Lord." Sam sniffed.

"Over by that hill there." Robb pointed towards the hill he had fought Ygritte at. "Is Jon's woman. She's unconscious at the moment, but I want you to take a couple of my men and secure her tightly in my tent and my tent only okay?"

"She's alive?" Sam asked.

Robb nodded. "I figure Jon needs to see her before we decide what to do."

Sam nodded, and Robb placed his hand on the man's shoulder, before making his way back into Castle Black.

Jon was in the courtyard talking to a bloodied Smalljon Umber. At the sight of Robb, Jon was immediately relieved, and the two made their way to one another and hugged once more.

"You survived then." Jon said.

"Barely." Robb laughed. "Your woman got me good." He gestured to his red soaked shoulder.

Jon looked alarmed. "Is she…"

"In my tent, alive." Robb reassured him. "When things settle, we can discuss things."

Jon was relieved again, and Robb heard the Greatjon exclaim. "What the fuck happened to you boy?"

Smalljon grinned, his left eye swollen and purple. "Only went and killed a fucking giant didn't I."

Robb was shocked, and the Greatjon had his eyes wide in surprised, before he belted out a roaring laugh. "Fuck off." He shouted.

"No, he did." Jon nodded. "They almost breached the gate. 10 men went down, Jon delivered the killing blow."

The Greatjon beamed with pride, and put his arm around his son's shoulder leading him out to the Northern army. "Oi cunts listen up! Come here the story of Smalljon Giantsbane!"

Robb just laughed at the display. "He'll be talking of this till he dies."

"We lost many brothers tonight." Jon sighed. "They just tested the Wall too, more will come tomorrow, and the next night, and the next."

Robb nodded. "And we can fight them back. We can focus on the North now."

"But do we need to?" Jon asked. Robb was confused, so Jon carried on. "All they want is to flee the Walkers."

Robb let out a snort. "You don't believe in myths now do you? Have you been fighting Grumpkins and Snarks too?"

Jon wasn't amused. "Don't jest." He warned. "They slaughtered us at the Fist of the First Men. Sam's fought one too. Why do you think the Wildlings have all banded together for the first time in history?"

Robb wasn't convinced. "But White Walkers, they're one of Nan's stories, they aren't real."

"They are." Jon said ominously. "This war, this means nothing. The war down South, that means nothing. The true war is yet to come and we need all men to be united if we are to have a chance."

That feels good to finally be back to writing. Again, thank you all for your patience and understanding. I'll keep this outro brief!

What did you all think? Please leave a review with your opinions on the battle. I'm quite proud of it personally. The scene with Cersei and Jaime was fun too, a late addition to the chapter but one I felt was needed, I feel I've underused them both, so having a scene with them both in the spotlight felt necessary.

Another battle to come next time, with Viserys and Durran coming face to face, plenty of views from across the battlefield, and a handful of named character deaths…

Reviews:

Chapter 24

Hail King Cerion/Riverdog: The third King was Mance!

Lightningscar: Almost, these next couple of chapters are still Season 4. Stannis lost the sight in his eye in the Battle of King's Landing, as a retaliation from Cersei after he killed Joffrey. As for Stannis' family, that's my AU which I explained in the first few chapters. With him managing to capture Dany, Robert wasn't quite as angry and granted Stannis Storm's End, and he was married off to the daughter of a Stormlord instead of a Florent, where he had an amicable marriage and 3 children (Stefan, Shireen, Davos).

As said in my intro, thank you to all that messaged, and I shall answer those reviews that require one now.

The A/N

Thunderbird: None of us are paid, often we do this in our spare time and don't think too much about what could potentially happen. For me, it was a freak accident. I am saving everything to multiple places now though.

Phalanaxis: Nope, my girlfriend was being bullied and a horrific message was sent about her, and my laptop was just in the wrong place when I found out. Entirely my own fault.

Kira444: I think we'll be living on Mars before Winds comes out!