I'm going to see if I can stick to some form of schedule from now. For those of you who follow my other stories, I've been thinking a lot about my Lannister OC and have some ideas that I think are pretty wonderful and I'm itching to get them down for you all, so what I may do is update twice a week, once for United in Fury on a Sunday and once for No Mercy on a Thursday. Knowing me I'll fail to stick to it, but I'll try my best.
For this chapter more than most, remember I own nothing but the 6 OC's (I think) in this story. All the other characters belong to either George RR Martin or HBO.
5 days after Robb and Jon had spoken with Mance Rayder the few men from Eastwatch and the Shadow Tower were arriving at Castle Black. From the whispers it seemed like Ser Denys Mallister was only one putting his name up to go against Ser Alliser Thorne.
Jon and Robb walked along the top of the Wall looking down the charred remains of the Haunted Forest. They couldn't see Mance's camp, but occasionally a scout could be seen at the edges of the Forest, keeping an eye out.
"What if this is all for nothing." Jon sighed.
"It won't be." Robb tried to convince him. "Ser Alliser is a proud man, but he surely understands the dangers of leaving them North of the Wall."
Jon scoffed. "He'll keep them there just to spite me.
"Is he really that petty?" Robb questioned. Jon just nodded.
"He's hated me since I got here Robb, just because I'm the son of Ned Stark, the man that he feels sent him here." Jon told him.
Robb shook his head. "Tywin Lannister sent him here, he was in charge of sentencing the defenders of the Sack."
"That doesn't matter." Jon told him. "If Ser Alliser is chosen, we'll just have to fight again."
Robb looked out towards the true North, the burnt forests soon giving way to miles of snow and mountains. The view was truly breath-taking, but all he could think about was the fact that somewhere beyond those mountains were monsters who wanted to kill them all. "You definitely aren't jesting with me, they really are out there?"
Jon looked annoyed. "We've been over this…"
"I know." Robb held his hands up defensively. "I just don't want to risk the loyalty of my people if it's a big misunderstanding or something."
Jon was confused. "The loyalty of your people?"
Robb nodded. "If Thorne is chosen, then I'll try and convince him to agree to our deal. If he refuses then I'll leave Castle Black with all my men that don't want to stay and take the black."
"You'd abandon us?" Jon asked, outraged.
"And I would send the fleet that Father ordered to be built at White Harbour to Hardhome." Robb countered. "We have 30 ships, we can carry around 5000 at a time if we are smart about it. I won't abandon them to a fate worse than death Jon, I promise you that."
Jon nodded. "Where will they go?"
Robb shrugged. "They'll have to go in the Gift, there's nobody there and there hasn't been for centuries, the land is fertile enough, they'll be fine there. We can teach them to cultivate the land."
"Those lands belong to the Night's Watch." Jon reminded him.
"And before King Jaehaerys gave it to them, they belonged to the North." Robb reminded him. "Father thought of settling a Lord in there, having them pay their taxes to the Wall and supporting the Wall with food and the like, how different is this to his idea truly? They'll be made aware that they are to cease raiding and raping the lands, but they will be safe behind the Wall like they crave."
Jon thought about it and nodded. "Aye, I can see it. Lord Umber won't like it though, neither will the King."
Robb sighed. "Jon will do as he's commanded, but I'll give him some extra fighting men for his borders if it happens. I can deal with the King, he won't like it no but I can persuade him I'm sure. If what you say is true then these steps are necessary Jon, I don't want to be responsible for 100,000 deaths because we are all too stubborn to admit that somewhere along the way, we forgot that the Wall wasn't built to keep out Wildlings."
304 AC
Weeks went by and finally a sense of normality returned to the Capital. Varys' investigation into the hidden tunnels was going slowly, although extra areas of the Red Keep that hadn't been known to the King since the days of Maegor the Cruel were being brought to Durran's attention.
His daughter was growing fast too. Now at seven months old, Princess Elaenor was the joy of the castle, and Durran often found himself just sat in his rooms watching his daughter. His council occasionally thought he should pay more attention to the matters of state however, but on rare occasions, Durran just didn't care.
It was even rarer that both Durran and Dany got to spend any true quality time with their daughter, but they managed it on the most perfect of mornings, as they both sat on the floor lying against the bed watching Elaenor sitting up and playing with a cloth stag Shireen had sewn for her. Dany was leaning against Durran's shoulder, just watching her daughter happily. Durran had half his attention on a decree to allow the new Lord of Harvest Hall to wed a daughter of Lord Wensington in the Stormlands. His attention was diverted however when Dany bolted upright and started clapping.
"That's it Ellie, come to mama." She cooed, Durran looked up and noticed his daughter lying flat on her belly, but her little arms were trying to push her upwards. He put the papers down and held his arms out for the baby to come towards them. Elaenor looked like all her efforts were going into moving, and she somehow managed to pull her body along a few inches with only her arms. Dany was clapping loudly and Durran couldn't contain his grin. Elaenor did the same action again a couple of times, before finally getting her legs working with her arms, as she came further towards them one mini heave at a time. Finally, she made her way to Dany's arms, who swooped her up and continued to lay kiss after kiss upon the baby's face. "You're so clever." Dany grinned, holding her up.
Durran held his arms out for her, and Dany placed the baby in them. Durran held her up so her grinning face was directly in front of his. "You're growing so fast." He whispered. He placed a kiss on her cheek and chuckled at the squeal. He heard a faint sob from next to him, and laughed slightly as Dany wiped tears away from her eyes.
"Stop it." She said jovially. "I'm just happy."
Durran grinned wider. "There's no need for tears."
"I know, I can't help it." Dany smiled. "She's so perfect."
Durran couldn't help but agree. "She'll be breaking poor boy's hearts before you know it."
"Stop it!" Dany cried. "She's never going to grow up she's going to stay a baby forever, I command it."
Durran barked a laugh. "If only." He replied, before standing up with Elaenor in one arm and moving to the far side of the room, kicking the toy towards Dany. He sat the baby down again. "Ellie, go to your Mother." He encouraged, as Dany called the same shaking the toy. Elaenor was confused for a while, but she saw Dany holding the toy and tried to make her own way over again. It took some time, but she managed it, making Dany cry silently once more.
Cersei came by Durran's rooms an hour afterwards, and Jaime was outside the doors guarding them. They could hear the laughing and the congratulating loudly from the corridor. "What's going on?" She asked her brother.
"I believe the Princess has crawled." Jaime replied. "They've been at it for an hour."
Cersei's hand went to her mouth in amazement. "Crawling? So early?"
"Is it early?" Jaime asked with a shrug. "I'll announce you." He knocked on the door. "The Queen Mother." He exclaimed.
"You never were one to take an interest when they were babies." Cersei whispered harshly.
"If I had done, we wouldn't be here today." Jaime whispered back, as Durran opened the doors.
"Mother." He said in surprise. "I wasn't expecting you."
Cersei shook her head. "I met Pycelle a moment ago and he was on his way to see you, I thought you wouldn't want to smell his stench so early in the day, here." She handed him a raven scroll.
"Come in, Elle's just learning how to crawl." Durran said proudly. Jaime waved her in and shut the door behind Cersei, as she watched her granddaughter crawl around the floor. Cersei smiled.
"Amazing." She said. "You wouldn't crawl for another month at this time, and then Joffrey had to copy his brother immediately after."
Durran laughed as he opened the Baratheon seal questioningly, and once he had read the message he grinned wildly.
"News?" Dany asked, picking up her daughter.
Durran nodded. "From Stefan, he's arrived at Storm's End."
Stefan was gladdened when he rode through the outer gates of Storm's End. The drum tower stood out for miles before they got to the castle and he was eager to be back at home. He was happy to see a procession waiting for him as he dismounted, and walked over to see his Wife, Mother and Brother.
"Lady Margaery." Stefan said formally. "I am glad to see you."
"As I am you, Lord Husband." She smiled. He kissed her on the cheek, noticing her bulging belly.
"Have I missed something?" He raised an eyebrow.
Margaery placed a hand on her belly. "It seems the night you spent at Storm's End has granted us a child, My Lord."
Stefan was surprised, he didn't know what to say. "Close your mouth, you'll catch flies." A woman's voice said to Margaery's left. Stefan turned and grinned to see his Lady Joy Baratheon.
"Mother." He grinned.
"Stefan." She acknowledged, bringing him into her arms. "I have missed you."
"As I have you." He replied. He stood back and noticed his younger brother, the twelve-year-old standing taller that Stefan remembered.
"Lord Davos of Wendwater." He grinned, ruffling his hair.
"Stop!" Davos Baratheon complained.
"Come, let us inside. You can tell us all about your adventures." Joy rolled her eyes, although she kept looking towards his iron arm.
A small feast had been prepared for them, as was Stannis' usual style, but the four sat together at the High Table and listened to Stefan tell them all about Wendwater, Blackhaven and Summerhall intently. Joy shifted uneasily as he got to the tale about Jon Connington.
"So, after I knocked him down, I pounded him over and over with my arm." Stefan was telling his little brother mainly. "I couldn't stop! And afterwards I knew I had to end it, so when he was too dazed on the floor I had to finish him."
"Can we not while we're eating?" Joy scolded.
"Sorry Mother." Stefan replied. Joy sighed.
"I knew Jon Connington, I remember being a young girl at Harrenhal, I had begged my Lord Father to go, House Penrose isn't a big House, but we had a few knights entering and he let me. I remember watching him dance with Ashara Dayne."
Stefan looked at his Mother sadly. "I had no choice."
Joy smiled. "I know that, war is war and you men will fight it no matter how scared your Mother gets. He was a good man once, but his failure at the Stoney Sept cost him dearly."
"His failure to find Robert Baratheon?" Margaery asked.
"Yes." Joy said. "That war was awful in the Stormlands, brother fought brother here more than anywhere. I couldn't believe it."
"Well, war is over now." Stefan noted, and held up his glass with his remaining hand. "We are at peace for the first time in years, and long may that continue. With a new Baratheon on the way, we have much to look forward too."
"Hear hear." Margaery smiled, clinking glasses with her husband gently.
They ate in silence for a few minutes, before Davos said. "When will I move to Wendwater?"
Stefan finished his mouthful before answering. "You'll move in with a regent after you turn 16, and you will take over two years later."
Davos started grinning, until Margaery said. "You will have to marry soon then, Lord Davos." She teased.
Davos groaned, and Stefan laughed. "Aye you will, I've been asked to find some suitable names for him while I'm here."
"If you pick someone fat and ugly!" Davos cried, making Stefan laugh even more.
"Davos!" Joy scolded. "No matter who you marry you will treat with the utmost respect!"
"Yes Mother." He said, his voice low.
Margaery turned to Stefan. "I have some cousins that would just love him." She whispered.
Stefan nodded. "I'm sure My Lady, but my Father was very specific. He wishes for a bride from as close to the Kingswood as we can get to pacify the region. I think Lord Buckler has a daughter that would be perfect."
"As Lord Stannis wishes." Margaery smiled, though Stefan could see she wasn't overly happy. Putting that to one side however, he smiled down at her belly.
"Boy or girl?" He asked.
Joy overheard this. "I was right every time with my three." She told Margaery. "A Mother's intuition is like nothing else."
Margaery smiled. "I'm hoping for a boy, of course. A future Lord Baratheon with thick, black hair and blue eyes that's as strong as his Father."
Stefan could almost feel himself blush. "I'm not strong." He tried to be modest.
"You are." Joy said sternly. "My boy, you've come through trauma most grown men struggle with, and are stronger for it now."
Stefan was grateful, and they finished their meal happily. Margaery grew tired soon however, and Stefan helped her to their chambers. "I'm surprised you haven't moved to your own rooms while I've been away My Lady." He said.
"I feel more at home here, My Lord." She told him. "It doesn't face the sea, I always get a bit scared when I hear the crashing waves all night."
Stefan could understand. "It's harsher than the Reach for sure, but I'm sure you'll get used to it." He tried to be kind.
The appreciation seemed genuine. "My Lord is too kind." She smiled.
"I have missed you." He told her. "My nights have been so lonely these past months."
Margaery chuckled as she unlaced his shirt and pushed him to the bed. "Well, Lord Husband. Shall we make up for that?"
Life in Winterfell was getting back to normal, or as normal as it could get without Ned Stark. Catelyn had been vital in the rebuilding efforts, and the wooden walkways on the battlements were completed already, the bright wood sticking out however, and so Catelyn had sent a rider to White Harbour to try and procure some form of paint from the Free Cities to darken the wood. Inside the castle, the keep was being refurbished and the stores restocked, as the Northern Houses with the help of the Reach began to ensure that Winterfell could last through a very long Winter.
Arya found herself learning about castle maintenance and leading men, and Sansa had to admit she was impressed at how much her sister wanted to learn. She was also learning how to fight properly, as her Mother's sworn sword Lady Brienne of Tarth drilled her twice a day. Sansa found herself watching down on the training yard with a heavily pregnant Roslin next to her. They watched as Arya parried all of Brienne's blows, learning how to move her feet properly in the face of different dangers.
"She is rather good." Roslin noted.
"She is." Sansa admitted. "She's always been like this, would rather play with swords than act like a proper Lady. I remember being so angry at her for so long when we were younger."
"Those skills likely kept her alive." Roslin said, and Sansa could only agree. The red-head had gotten on well with Robb's wife over the last year or so, and they had become good friends. Roslin sharply pulled a hand to her bulging belly, and winced in pain.
"Are you ok?" Sansa asked.
"Yes, I'm fine." Roslin grimaced. "He's just very excitable today. He keeps kicking."
Sansa personally thought the baby would be a girl, although a boy now would solve many problems. "She must be close to being born." Sansa noted.
"A month or so, the new Maester says." Roslin said. "He'll be furious that I'm out in the cold."
"As am I." A voice said from behind them, and rising up some stairs to their position was Catelyn Stark. She joined them overlooking Arya. "You should be resting indoors My Lady."
"I feel too cooped up in there, Lady Stark." Roslin told her. "At the Twins we could never leave, and Winterfell is so grand. I just can't stay indoors too long. And the baby is of the North, he is one with the cold."
"I keep telling you, I am not Lady Stark anymore." Cat smiled softly. "That title belongs to you now, you are married to the Lord of Winterfell and Warden of the North, I only birthed him."
"You will always be Lady Stark." Roslin told her.
Cat appreciated that, Sansa could see, as they returned to watching Arya down below. She was on the offensive now, and Sansa could feel her sister's grin as she managed to catch Brienne unawares on the side. "She's gotten good." Cat admitted.
"She needs to be, if she is to be Lady of Moat Cailin." Sansa said. She wasn't jealous anymore, after seeing the Moat for what it was Sansa thought it was more like a punishment than an honour, even though work had been made to make it habitable and to give the marshes some solid ground to try and spring a village up by the castle.
"I still can't believe that." Cat chuckled. "Commander Arya of Moat Cailin. The title suits her, strangely." Sansa agreed, and noticed Cat rustling in her cloak. She pulled out a raven letter and gave it to Sansa.
Reading it, Sansa had a mix of emotions. "Lord Garlan died at Summerhall." She said sadly.
"Yes, but the King won and Viserys must have been executed by now. That war is over." Cat said. "Read on."
Sansa already had. "Lord Mace wishes to postpone the wedding until a period of mourning has elapsed."
Cat nodded. "I'm sorry Sansa."
Sansa smiled. "It's ok Mother, I'm ok with this. It means I can stay home for longer, I can meet my niece…"
"Nephew." Roslin jested."
"Niece." Sansa grinned, before her face returned to a faint smile. "It means I can be at home for my 17th name day, I can wait to wed."
Cat smiled again and hugged her daughter. "We will give you the best name day we can." She promised. "Then we shall start to make arrangements for the trip to Highgarden."
Sansa nodded. She didn't really want to go back South, she wanted to stay in Winterfell with her family, but she knew that Winterfell needed the help of the Reach, and with her going to Highgarden the trade between the Reach and the North could improve, meaning the North would receive more and more food to survive through Winter. For now though, she was relishing the time spent at home, caring nothing for anything below the Neck.
Another product of the Treaty of Hayford was coming to pass in King's Landing, as Shireen Baratheon was leaving to head to Riverrun to foster with Lord Edmure. She was leaving with two of her friends from the Stormlands, Cassana Swann and Bethany Rogers. The greyscale scarred girl shared a fierce hug with Myrcella, before hugging Tommen too. She stood in front of Durran and Dany, curtseying.
"Your Grace, Your Grace." She said formally.
"You take care in Riverrun." Dany told her.
"I shall, I'll have Beth and Cass with me, and I've written to Lord Edmure a couple of times, he seems nice enough." Shireen admitted.
"If he's not, you just write to me and I'll come and visit." Durran said sternly, but he couldn't hold his grin in and brought his cousin into a hug. "Riverrun is said to be beautiful, I'm sure you'll love it."
Shireen smiled sadly, before she moved to Durran's right and stood before her Father. "You write to me as soon as you arrive." He told her.
"I will Father." Shireen smiled.
"I'll come and visit when I can." Stannis added.
"Father, I'll be fine." She insisted. "You're very busy here, don't worry about me."
Stannis shook his head, before awkwardly bringing Shireen in for a hug. "You're my daughter. I will always worry about you." Shireen had a tear in her eye as she pulled away, and she let Stannis wipe it. "Go now, the litter is waiting." He told her.
Shireen nodded, and stepped into the carriage that was to take her up the Kingsroad before turning off to Riverrun. 20 Stormlander guards had been assigned to stay with her at the request of Durran. Shireen waved a final time as the carriage pulled away from the Red Keep, and they all waved Shireen goodbye.
Stannis immediately excused himself, and the others walked ambiently into the Throne Room. Tommen was telling Dany all about his training, as she was keeping him occupied, leaving Durran to talk to his sister.
"I had a raven from Edric Dayne today." He told her. The Dayne Lord had gone back to Dorne to help with the final push towards Sunspear. Most of Dorne had fallen and bent the knee towards Edric, but there were still some Houses close to Sunspear that held out.
"How is he?" Myrcella asked.
"He's well. He's besieging Salt Shore, Lord Tremond Gargalen is being stubborn or something." Durran shrugged. "He hoped you were well. I think he is quite taken with you."
Myrcella tried to hide her blush, but failed. "May I reply?" She asked.
Durran laughed. "Of course, sweet sister. You are betrothed, you should get to know one another before you wed."
"Do you know when that will be yet?" She asked. Durran shook his head.
"Once Dorne has surrendered fully and is pacified, then I'll feel comfortable sending you there." He said, placing his hand on her cheek and stroking it with his thumb. "I won't allow it until I know you will be safe."
Myrcella smiled. "You worry too much Durran."
"It's my job to worry about you." Durran told her. "You're soon to be going to a country that hates us Cella."
She shook her head. "They may hate us, but Edric is loved by the Dornish, when I give him a son, things will change."
Durran kissed her forehead. "You're too good for Dorne, I'm sorry I forced this on you."
"It's necessary." She waved off. "And he was good to me when he was here. I won't be unhappy."
Durran nodded. "As I said to Shireen, if you are ever mistreated, you write to me and I'll be there." He told her strongly. Myrcella just slapped his arm softly.
"There will be no need for that." She shook her head.
Durran let her run after Tommen, and he watched as the two blondes sat down on the steps in front of the Iron Throne, as Dany made her way over to him. She took his hands in her own and swivelled around so he was hugging her from behind.
"You'll miss her." She said, it wasn't a question.
"Of course." Durran said. "I'll miss them both, Tommen will have to leave soon to Casterly Rock. Other than at Dragonstone and when away at war I've always had them both nearby."
Dany sighed and leant backwards into him. "You can visit often I'm sure."
"I know." Durran nodded. "Everything is changing though, Shireen is soon to be with her future husband, we have a child, Tommen will have to be married soon…" He trailed off.
Dany stroked his arm gently. "We all have to grow up eventually, we were just forced to do so before we should have." She sighed.
Durran nodded, and held his wife tighter. He knew things had to change, he just didn't want them too, and selfishly he almost wanted Dorne to stay in rebellion for a while longer, so he could keep his family close to him.
The bells from the ship woke Gendry up. The siege had been dull for so long, but Ser Davos claimed it was necessary. The odd ship had been captured with nobles and common folk alike trying to flee during the night, but none had warranted bells before. He got out of his hammock and put on his Stormlander leather armour, still feeling weird about wearing his Father's colours. Arriving above deck, he noticed Ser Davos by the wheel.
"Ah, Gendry." Ser Davos said.
"What's going on?" Gendry asked.
"Another rowboat, but some… interesting passengers." Davos explained. "You've heard of Prince Oberyn?"
Gendry had to think, but nodded. "Prince Doran's brother, right? He's dead."
"Aye, died at Summerhall." Davos nodded. "They do things differently in Dorne, he had a paramour and three bastard warrior girls. We've captured them."
Gendry was surprised at that. "That's good, isn't it? Is Prince Doran with them?"
Davos chuckled. "Prince Doran won't be moving anywhere, but with his family captured, we may go home soon lad."
Gendry grinned, he had enjoyed himself slightly but he missed land. Davos started walking down as the prisoners were being hauled up on to the deck. Gendry stood back, and watched as Ser Davos spoke to them.
"You are Ellaria Sand?" He asked the eldest woman. "Paramour of the late Prince Oberyn." The woman didn't reply, she just glared towards Davos. He didn't seem affected by it. "And these are your daughters? Tyene, Nymeria and Obella is it?"
"Obara." The eldest daughter spat.
"Obara, that's right." Davos nodded. "I apologise, Obara Sand. Tell me, why are you trying to escape? Is Prince Doran about to surrender? Are you trying to fund a sellsword army from Essos?"
"Fuck you, Baratheon dog." Obara snarled, spitting at the floor by Davos' feet.
"That's unnecessary." Davos commented, looking down at the wetness on the deck. "My Ladies, you are known traitors. Your Father fought against the King for the Queen's traitor brother. Your Uncle has been removed from his positions as ruler of Sunspear and of Dorne. House Martell has been ordered to submit itself to King's Landing for trial. Confess and renounce Prince Doran and Viserys Targaryen, and we'll let you live. Claim Durran Baratheon your King and he will spare you."
"You think we'd kneel before the Usurper's spawn and his whore?" Ellaria Sand laughed. "They slaughtered Elia and her babes, they slaughtered Oberyn! We would never bow down to them, no true Dornish would!"
"Most have." Davos shrugged. "Very well, then my orders are clear. The King sentences you to the gibbets. You will be locked in a coffin cage and remain there until you expire. When the people of Sunspear look out to the ships they see here, they will see your corpses rotting, and know that this is their fate if they don't surrender."
Gendry saw the youngest quickly throw her eyes towards the middle sister, and noticed Nymeria place her hands towards her stomach. She was wearing a thick cloak, but Gendry had been around enough people to know pregnancy when he saw it. He stepped forwards and whispered in Ser Davos' ear. "The middle one, is she pregnant?"
Davos turned around, alarmed. He nodded to two guards. "Bring her to me." The guards obliged, and Nymeria Sand couldn't break free as the men held her in place in front of Davos. She was likely around 6 months gone, and she looked scared. "Can I make a guess? Be honest with me." He asked. "This is Viserys Targaryen's child, isn't it?"
Gendry was shocked, and even more so when over the screams of Ellaria and her sisters to say nothing, Nymeria nodded.
"The rightful King or Queen is in my belly." She grinned.
"No, he's not." Gendry couldn't help himself. She pulled her attention to him.
"Usurper!" She screamed, and had to be held back as she tried to claw her way over to him. Gendry took a step back in fear, as Davos regained control.
"This isn't King Durran girl. But he's right, your child will inherit nothing. Its fate will be decided by the King. Lock her in the brig." The other prisoners voiced their discontent, cursing Davos, Gendry's Father, Durran and every Baratheon and Lannister they could name as Nymeria was dragged below deck. Davos tried to calm them down, but the women wouldn't. "Please!" Davos shouted, earning silence but the girls still were struggling to break free. "If you continue to resist and curse the King and his family, I have orders to rip out your tongues, don't make me do that."
"What does it matter." Obara spat. "You're killing us anyway; the baby killer's son will kill another baby and Dorne shall rise again. Take my tongue, dog. Fuck your King."
"Obara…" Ellaria hissed, and Gendry saw that Davos looked defeated. "She didn't mean it."
"I did." Obara said proudly. "FUCK the Usurper Baratheon, and fuck his spawn. Fuck the whore Queen. They shall all rot in the Seven Hells for their crimes!"
Davos shook his head, and nodded to a man by the brazier. Obara Sand was brought to her knees and her mouth was forced open. She tried to bite down but the soldiers holding her were too strong. Ellaria and Tyene were screaming at them to stop, and Gendry winced as the red-hot pincers were brought out. The man walked over towards Obara, and Gendry had to look away as her screams and cries grew and grew, until no more noise came from her mouth.
"Lock the others up in the gibbets." Davos said, sounding a little ill. "Send a rower to Prince Doran telling him all, I want his surrender tonight."
Gendry himself rushed back to his hammock, although he couldn't sleep and just stared up at the wooden ceiling until it was time to rise again. As he was scrubbing the decks, he looked up to see three gibbets hanging from the mast, with three mentally broken individuals inside them.
Dany waited until Durran was asleep before she slipped quietly into a black and red gown and left their chambers. After struggling to convince Ser Balon to let her be, she left the Red Keep in darkness, riding over to the Dragonpit.
It was the dead of night, the stars shone brightly and the only light so far out of the main city was the single torch that Melisandre had placed just off of the pyre she had built. On top of the pyre was the body of her brother, dressed in the clothes he had died in, his head resewn earlier that day.
"Your Grace." Melisandre greeted her.
"My Lady." Dany replied. "Are you sure about this?"
Melisandre added some extra kindling, before answering. "It would be better had he been alive, but there is power in King's Blood and you are both descended from Kings. Somehow, I promise you a victory."
Dany wasn't sure, Durran had strictly forbidden it but she had seen the power of fire with her own eyes, and the Lady had gifts. "If Durran finds out about this…"
"I shall take the blame." Melisandre insisted. "R'hllor will protect me Your Grace. He has a plan for us all, Prince Viserys' destiny was to die here, and now he can be reborn as something positive from the flames."
Dany nodded, and stood back as Melisandre went about her rituals. Dany noticed her dragons appearing from below, and taking flight above the Dragonpit. Melisandre took the torch and held it to the base of the pyre, and Dany watched on as the flames rose up, and engulfed Viserys' peaceful body.
She stayed there for hours, until the flames died down and nothing was left but ash. Kneeling before the pyre, she picked up a small handful of the ash and let it slip through her fingers. Eyes closed in mourning for her family name, that would die with her.
A noise from behind her caught her attention, as she saw Rhaellar curled up. Daenerys stood up and walked slowly over to her mount. "What's the matter?" She asked the white dragon, stroking its nose. Rhaellar slowly moved her tail, to reveal two objects that shocked Dany to her bones. A light blue and bright yellow dragon eggs.
Ooooh dragon eggs! I know Melisandre is all about killing by fire, but I figured that even burning a dead man with King's Blood with the right incantations can appease R'hllor.
There's a reason why Dany was so over emotional at the beginning… I'll let you try and figure it out.
So, Margaery is pregnant! I thought I should include Stefan's homecoming as it gives me a chance to reintroduce a few of the OC characters that people may have forgotten about. As a reminder, Stannis was given Storm's End after Robert's rebellion and married a Penrose, and they have two sons and Shireen.
Otherwise, the only interesting thing of note is that Viserys may have a child on the way. Davos figured the only reason that they would flee is to save a child that they would bring up to be a King, or Queen as they're Dornish. More on that next chapter.
The punishment is cruel, but Durran is pissed and needs to make an example, and to do that to House Martell as House Dayne is gaining the loyalty of the other Houses means that nobody would dare to think of a rebellion as they wouldn't have the support, and they'd fear what the retribution would be.
Next chapter then: The Lord Commander of the Night's Watch is chosen, and King's Landing gains some religious fanatics…
Please leave a review, I think part of the reason I'm looking more at my Lannister story is the lack of responses the latest chapters seem to be getting and it would be awesome if that could change
Reviews:
Many Faced Mage: He doesn't have any offspring running around the free cities no…
francisvirus: I was a bit disappointed with Australia to be honest. As for England, all I can say is so far so good.
10868letsgo: Maybe one of the dragons would, but there's another clue as to the reaction in this chapter…
jgs237: I had thought about that, but there will be a bit about the pair of them later on.