Chapter 3: on way back home

RECAP

'Rhaegar groaned "I need something for pain, call the maester" Viserys nods and leaves the chamber, a minute later maester Cressen comes inside and gives him milk of the poppy, And well it works, without knowing when he closes his eyes never to open again. He finds his eternal peace.'

Rhaegar's death spread like wildfire throughout the castle. In Dragonstone, everyone was overdosed and sleep-deprived due to many reasons, but the most paramount reason was to escort crowned king safely to the king's landing, that did sound cliché, as most of them don't even know who their new king is. Only a few knew about Jon and even fewer have seen him.

Dragonstone, the foremost Targaryen stronghold in westros where Aegon landed with his dragons and his considerably small household. When doom came for old Valyria, he mourned for days after the demise of his home. He looked east, a place he once called home, but now only ruins, ashes but when he saw west,he saw golden fields of reach, gold shiting Westerland and over all this, he saw a future, future for his house as greatest and there began his conquest, which led to the greatest empire in the history, present, and maybe future.

Viserys stood in the center of throne room staring at the first throne led by his family, maybe not as intimidating as Iron throne but glorious nonetheless. The castle itself forged with the help of dragons, something to be beholden. Black walls made up of stones with Dragonglass molded with dragon fire. True beauty, but now they lost the very thing that kept them at the top, their dragon. Without them, they weren't extraordinary they were more or less the same. Now they have to play this game and there's no going back because, in this game, its either win or die.

"My lord, as you expected our ships were attacked by pirates at blackwater bay... According to scouts report rook's rest is safe to dock, completely secured. Also, other preparations are complete" Ser Delen Bogg reported sternly (Ser Delen Bogg, sworn sword of lord Viserys, elite archer and one of the best swordsman in westros). "That's good but we still have to escort Jon to kings landing safely" he turns to face a tall man with a clean shaved, pale face, standing in black Armour with the sigil of house Bogg (crossbow on night sky) along with a long broadsword tied around his hips. He was one of his few trusted men in westros.

Ser Delen nodded "everything is arranged according to Ser Arthur's instruction. We can set sail in an hour my lord" Delen reported keeping his solemn face. He swore his life to Prince Viserys to be his shield, as his house to House Targaryen. For last 150 years, House Bogg stood loyal to the crown, even in the worst shades, and he will do the same. "Recheck the route, set scout and look out for any suspicious person, if you find any throw him in dungeons, no one should know about Jon until we reach red keep " Viserys had a deep frown while talking to him, Delen understood very well that Viserys was stressed as hard as he was depressed. Losing his whole family in an instant is not something to cope with easily and being only remained responsible person of his house doesn't help his case, so he silently nodded and left.

Viserys walked through the hall crossing stairs on the right, straight to Jon's chamber. When he entered Jon and Rhaenys were asleep, Rhaenys snuggled to Jon, a smile crept over his face, his eyes wandered to see Ser Arthur Dayne standing near the window, as expected, guarding over the future of westros. "At least they are getting some rest" Viserys smiled at Ser Arthur.
Arthur's Words also came out as air "yeah, seeing them at least gives us a hope that, in this shit world, there is something to live for. -my lord" Arthur looked at Viserys apologetically, but Viserys continued to look at his niece and nephew. Viserys, his brother Rhaegar and Dayne all three of them, spent the better half of their lives together. He just don't care about damn titles and lordships at a point.

"Didn't know you are that good with babies Dayne, really good job" he looks toward Arthur almost seemingly impressed. "No I am not, god bless Princess Rhaenys, my lord" Arthur genuinely meant those words 'otherwise I would have jumped out of this very window 'he thought in his mind, at first he didn't get what to do. Jon was crying, and he could swear on old god and new at that moment. He was that frustrated… he would have really jumped out of the window. However, Rhaenys came as his savior, and surprisingly she handled Jon better than he could ever hope for, even better than the wet nurse he presumed. And that time, He hailed on the name of all gods for this help.

"Everything is prepared. Course is safe. We will set sail in an hour. also, Raven had been sent to house Velaryon and house Sunglass to keep their fleets at patrol in the blackwater bay... That will be a good diversion ….. And moreover, as you predicted our decoy ship is at the bottom of backwater sea, let's hope we can make it back to kings landing in one piece" Viserys was stressed, the only thing running through his mind was that he couldn't fail his family at this moment. "That was expected my lord, considering the number of allies of our great late king, "Arthur said in a steady voice, prepared to get some harsh words. "No need to flatter I do acknowledge, how my father earned the name of the mad king. It's his doing that we are fighting this war"viserys looked toward Arthur.

"Don't forget Rhaegar's" Arthur couldn't stop his words. Viserys was a little bit surprised to hear Arthur throwing up against Rhaegar. They were best of friends. He was like a brother to Rhaegar sometimes even more than him. "Rhaegar did things the wrong way, but it was father who burned lord paramount of the north and his heir and even asked Lord Arryn to present Ned Stark's head….. I hope you'll agree on that" Viserys said pointing at Arthur." very well, my lord" Arthur silenced himself not wanting to say more, just kept his mouth shut "I will get her up, but for Jon its good that he remains asleep during travel". Viserys just nodded and left the rooms but not without giving his niece and nephew a sweet glance.

As Viserys left Arthur silently walked to the side of the bed and veered Rhaenys shoulder to wake her up "wake up princess, it's time to get up "Arthur said in his usual calm voice. "Uhmmmn not now, mother" Rhaenys murmured in sleep. At that moment his heart ached for two kids next to him both without their mother and father in this world and for the worst with a Targaryen name. Arthur shook her again, but this time, Rhaenys opened her eyes but suddenly tears started to bulge up in her eyes as remembering her mother, brother, and father. But then she looked at Arthur, wiping up her face. She remembered her father's last words to her 'Remember one thing. Jon is your brother, you have to take care of him, stand beside each other no matter what, always and forever', and she's going to do that.

Dayne looked at her and just couldn't help but admire her strength. "Get ready princess, we will be leaving for kings landing in less than an hour, get cleaned and dress up". Rhaenys looked at his brother, sleeping, Small eyes, few black hairs on head, she remembered Aegon when he was born, she was very excited to have a baby brother, again tears starting to come up with all those memories, but she shook all those thoughts away, "I'll be back, little brother" she whispered to Jon and then got up from bed and walked out of room.

An hour later, Viserys was looking at the huge gates of Dragonstone, coupled with the massive dragon skulls, 'glorious' he thought, when he heard someone. "My lord, Princess Rhaenys have been escorted to ship. We are ready to set sail" a guard under the charge of Ser Delen said,

Viserys nodded and started walking toward landing crafts. As he boarded the ship. He went straight to captain's cabin. The cabin wasn't very big or luxurious, to avoid any suspicions they were sailing on a merchant ship rather than a warship. There were six people standing over the table, as he entered, he saw Ser Delen, Ser Davos Seaworth (captain of the ship also a former Knight), Ser Malcolm Branfield, (sole survivor of house Branfield), Ser Willem Darry, Ser Oswell, and Ser Arthur Dayne of kingsguard. Everyone bowed to him, but instead, he turned to Arthur.
"Who is with Jon right now,"

"Rhaenys and wet nurse are with him. I also garrisoned Ser Larry Dayne outside their cabin, my lord"Arthur assured Viserys, knowing the threat over their heads. Viserys just nodded and finally turned his attention to others in the cabin, Viserys could sense all of them were tense. He didn't want any problem at this point, but he still asked. "Is there a matter" Viserys gave a look to each one inside cabin. "My lord, scouts have reported that some Baratheon bannermen are now at rook's rest, so words might get out, and we can't take any risks" Ser Delen informed in a tensed mood. Viserys remained silent. He was cursing their luck, as for why in the hell, those stags have to there of all places.

Everyone was looking at the Viserys, waiting for something, but it's Ser Arthur, who broke the dead silence. "How many of them are there" looking at Ser Delen, "If scouts to be trusted, about 35 but there could be more "Delen was looking at Arthur with somewhat of a contrite face. Arthur stood silent, thinking for a way out. "Blackwater bay is out of question, rook's rest is an only possible route to king landing," Ser Oswell said in a rather stern voice. "Well that so true of you Ser Oswell, I hope you do have a plan then" Willem glared at Oswell with a sarcastic smile
"Don't you dare use that tone with me, boy" Oswell replied with irritation all over his face.
"Or what if I do, old man" Darry was standing inch farther from Oswell looking with a penetrative glare. Both men eye to eye with each other.

"Stop this madness" Viserys shouted. One could swear Targaryen do have dragon's fire in blood. Both kingsguard nodded at each other and turned to Viserys. "I apologize, my lord," both knights bowed but Viserys was still fuming with anger he didn't know what to do, whole westros is in chaos. His family is dead. He has two kids, no three to take care of and now of all his two kings guards are at each other's throat.

Once Again, silence is broken by none other than the sword of morning, Ser Arthur Dayne. "I have a plan" as soon as words were out everyone was looking at Arthur hoping for a way out of this hell of a problem. "Waiting for what, fucking tell what you have in mind" Viserys shouted, Arthur just nodded, "Ship will stay a league away, landing craft will take us to shore discreetly, and" he took a pause "And," Ser Delen asked knowing fully well that, something crazy is coming up "And we are gonna slay each one of them," Arthur said it like a jest. Others were just taking in the things he said,

"There are more than 35, too many men will attract attention. I think you know that" Viserys knew that his men can take care of a stag flock easily, but a large party will raise suspicion. "We don't need many. It would be a shame if 3 kingsguard can't take care of few hundred men by themselves "Arthur said with a stern look, almost challenging everyone else in the cabin. After few minutes of discussion, things were finalized, Ser Arthur, Ser Oswell, Ser Darry will land on the shore, and they will do what they were meant to do, as clear as 'Stark' words.

In an hour, ship settled a league away from rook's rest. All three kings' guards were disguised as drunk sellswords. They took landing craft and landed on shore in half an hour. Rook's rest as one of the major harbors in westros, built to dock even warships in time of needs, sailors, merchants could be seen all around. Three of them got split in different directions and started searching for their prey.

Ser Oswell was still fuming. He swore, 'he will show that young fool what an old man can do'. He just wanted to slice those stags with his sword, and finally, he found his prey as those fools were still wearing their sigil scripted armor. He followed him as to his camp, finally, he saw their camp, still flying stag banner, which he couldn't understand why, suddenly, he heard a scream. He ran with his unsheathed sword to see what happened but what he saw, was the last thing he wanted or expected. He felt like someone had thrown ice water on him. All stags lying across, bloodied, head of the man he followed at his feet and Arthur standing right in his front but more than that Willem right behind him cleaning his sword while smiling at him, mocking him.

Looking at Oswell like that was the best thing Willem could ever hope for. However, more than that he couldn't forget what happened a few moments ago.

Flashback (Baratheon bannermen camp)

He was looking at the camp from shadows, better say scouting, when he sensed someone coming behind him. He unsheathed his blade in less than a second and pointed to the man behind him, but as soon as their eyes met he just lowered his sword and went back to his task. "I think we shouldn't give them time to prepare. Many of them are unarmed "he said without looking at Arthur. But Arthur silently walked in front of the camp, unsheathed his swords, readied his stance. Arthur's face was covered. He used two swords, a rare talent to be found, seeing him all stags got agitated. "Something never changes" Willem growled under his breath, but he too followed Arthur. He should have known honorable Ser Arthur Dayne would never attack an unarmed man on his back. He also took a stance right beside Arthur.

"Get out of here if you don't want to die" one of the men shouted at Arthur as he came forward with sword in his hand. "I wish you good fortune in wars to come, Ser "Arthur summoned his honorable words as always, "Well that's good of you but we just came from war, not looking for another, just fuck off "men laughed at Arthur

Arthur smirked "Well then sorry to tell, now it begins" Arthur kicked man's leg, he dropped to his knees, next single swing of Arthur's sword, and man's head rolled to his other mates, seeing this other also took their weapons and finally got offensive, Willem entered the fight as well. Swiftly Arthur took care of 3 coming from left, swinging his one sword down to leg after the block while his right-hand sword at neck of other, Willem shoved his long swords in the heart of one of the men and subsequently slashed the chest of one behind him, Willem had his hand full, yet couldn't help but get captivated seeing the legendary sword of morning, moving like wind, so efficiently that it was a scene to behold.

Arthur could swear he didn't like the balance of those swords. He left his sword on the ship to avoid getting secerned. Dawn was forged from a fallen star, pale as milk glass, and sharp enough to match even valyrian steel but easily placeable. Arthur moved swiftly cutting down stags one after another, he was even impressed by one of the men as he had lowered his sword range to avoid Arthur's hit and counteract it but that still wasn't enough to take the sword of morning. In about few minutes, the whole camp was piled up with the bodies. The only living man was at his feet begging for his life. And when he asked a scared little man, how many more are there, he didn't think he lied with a sword at his throat.

Willem was looking at Arthur with admiration. He never saw someone move or swing sword like that, it was completely like he was not even human, his speed was something else. But anyway There was one last stag, who was out for some errand, so they have to wait for a little.

Flashback ends

"Hello, Ser Oswell it is good to tell. Our work is done" smiling right at Oswell. "Next time kid, "Oswell said turning red, Darry gave him a thumb up. Oswell just turned to Arthur "we should go back, seems like work here is done. "Arthur nodded and three of them walked out of camp.

Back in ship

All 3 kingsguard entered the cabin, though Viserys didn't need to hear it to know that work is done. "All of our 'maybe' future issues are taken care of, my lord" a heavy victory smile on Willem's face. "We are safe to dock, my lord...carriage and horses are already waiting for us. Ser Davos can set sail to harbor" Arthur said plainly. Davos looked at Viserys and with Viserys sign he took his leave.

After discussing the matters at hand Arthur also took his leave, he wanted to check on Jon, last time he saw him on Dragonstone before setting sails, he went straight towards Rhaenys cabin, where he saw his cousin, Larry, guarding the cabin. He smiled at him and walked inside of the cabin. Wet-nurse was nursing Jon at that time and Rhaenys was looking at a paper, map maybe but not sure. He walked to her. He wanted to make sure if she is ok, "What are you looking at princess?" Arthur asked her. "It's a map of westros. I found it on the rack" she looked up from map to Arthur "Is it true that half of the kingdoms want us dead" she asked with somewhat of a plane look.

"Yes, it is true princess," Arthur replied without losing his straight face. "But why"she wanted to know why those people killed her mother and brother. "Because decisions of Monarch are final but not always right, you'll know everything soon enough, and then it'll be up to you, how your decisions affect others" Arthur won't tell her lies, she has to understand it if she has to survive.

Rhaenys nodded as Arthur stood up and walked toward wet nurse, Jon was looking at him. He giggled. He could swear he has same spark in his eyes as his mother. After looking at him for few moments, he walked out of the cabin. Remembering Lyanna bring sadness but those memories of Lyanna were his best. He was glad that he met her. He wish to honor her memory and fulfill his promise to her.

At rook's rest
All of them were dressed as merchants. Once they docked, the carriage and horses were waiting for them, without wasting time they marched toward Duskendale. It was half a day March to Duskendale if weathers remain pleasant they will reach there at dusk. In front was Viserys with Ser Delen and two of his men, then there was the carriage with Princess Rhaenys and Jon along with wetnurse, guarded by Ser Oswell and Ser Arthur both riding alongside the carriage. Ser Willem Darry, Ser Larry Dayne and Ser Malcolm Branfield with two other men were riding just behind the carriage.

Other were following them discretely, while some are sent ahead for scouting, as it would attract attention if people see the large party. They had total 25 men, 10 men with them and other 15 scattered and disguised. The road was rather smooth, the only problem were kids, or else they could have gone faster. Jon cried quite a lot throughout the ride that was unlike him but eventually cried himself to sleep, everyone had a good laugh at that. They reached Duskendale at dark, they rented an inn to spend the night. For Arthur, night remained same, but other got some good sleep. At first light in morning they rode for Stokeworth then to old stone and then finally to Hayford through Rosby Bridge, they reached Hayford four hours before sunset and then rode straight for King's landing. Finally, they reached Iron Gate of king's landing.

Iron Gate was one of the seven city gates of king's landing, it's on the northeast wall of the city. Gold cloaks were at the gate, keeping a check. Viserys had ordered to close all gates before leaving as Daenerys remained at king's landing, Queen Rhaella was breathing when Viserys set sail to Dragonstone. He only got the news at Dragonstone. Viserys wanted to see his sister. All of them were standing in front of huge Iron Gate, Gold cloaks guarding the gates from the moat over the high walls. Viserys stepped forward revealing his face "open the gate" he commanded, "I don't take orders from you go away, the city is closed," gold cloak smirked at Viserys. "Mind your tongue you stand in presence of Viserys of house Targaryen, open the gates" Delen gave him a fierce loud, seems like the guard was rather a new recruit, but thanks to seven his senior came up, obviously by hearing all the commotion that was going on, " open the gate you damn fools" he shouted at his recruits. But finally The mighty gate opened and standing in front were Gold Cloaks. "Apologies my lord, I didn't recognize u" he was on his knees, begging. "There is nothing to forgive, you did your duty….rise, "Viserys complimented and then without wasting a moment rode towards the Red Keep.

well here's new chapter, hope u will like, looking for some constructive criticism...

reviews...(revised)