Chapter 5: Assailants
RECAP
'In the light of the seven, I now proclaim Jon of house Targaryen and Stark, first of his name, king of the Andals and the first men, Lord of the seven kingdoms and protector of the realm.
Long may he reign "High Septon finished with it.
"Long may he reign "cheers erupted, clapping and cheering filled the great hall. Not everyone was pleased but they had little say on the matter, so they too ran with the flow.'
Noone expected what they just witnessed, Viserys actions were seemingly stupid. Accord to any normal mind, Viserys exemplered foolishness handing over the throne to a child. Even Tywin Lannisters mind couldn't speculate something like that. However, out of all, one who was most jolted was Ned Stark. He never considered this type of cinematic to come true, and well if gods are true, he still doesn't trust Viserys, maybe there are some ulterior motives behind his actions. But even if Viserys actions were to be trusted now Jon's life was in danger more than ever. Ned fathomed very well that, not only Lannisters but many others will try to get their hands-on Jon. Earlier, he decided to ask Viserys to have Jon raised in the Winterfell alongside him. But now that was out of the question, Jon is king and there are more enemies than allies, and he didn't trust a single soul in king's landing, although Arthur's words did seemed unwavering.
The great hall was filled with cheers before Viserys stepped forward again, he still had one last thing to settle. "Lords," Everyone silenced and waited for his words. "There's one more task to be done, after that you all are welcome for revelries" Viserys spoke while handing a parchment with the seal to Ser Arthur Dayne. Arthur understood what that was.
"King Rhaegar's seal, unbroken" Arthur said and then broke the seal, and began to read it to the words. "In the name of 'Rhaegar of house Targaryen, first of his name, king of the Andals and the first men, Lord of the seven kingdoms and protector of the realm', I hereby command 'Viserys of house Targaryen, Prince of dragonstone and Lord of the blackwater bay' to serve as a Lord Regent and protector of the realm upon my death, to rule in my stead until my son Jon Targaryen comes of age" Arthur declaimed.
Not many were really surprised at least after the bang they received a few minutes before. As soon as Arthur finished every single Lord present bowed with respect to Viserys. "Now since we are done with coronation. I say let move to festivities, shall we" Viserys spoke cordially.
Soon great hall filled with laughter. Bread and ales were served. While some were enjoying thing in front of them, others were planning to own them.
Viserys was happy for the most part, but he sensed some discomfort in Lord Stark's face, so he decided to sort it out. His legs halted in front of Lord Stark. "It's getting rowdy here Lord stark. I think a walk would be nice" he gave him a genial look.
"Sure, my lo— your grace" Ned stood up and started along with Viserys out of the great hall, with other lord's stares at their back, including Tywin Lannister, MaceTyrell even hoster Tully, each one with different infers and motives.
Guards could be seen at stance, throughout the city, about 500 soldiers were stationed in red keep, excluding kingsguard. Viserys walked him to only place where they could hope to find solace and speak without being worried about eyes and ears of others, they walked toward Godswood. The Godswood at the red keep overlooks the Blackwater Rush, an acre of elm, alder, and black cottonwood. Unlike the Weirwoods of older godswoods, the Red Keep's heart tree was the great oak covered with smokeberry vines. Red dragon's breath grows below the oak. A feel of peace could be felt in godswood.
Ned walked along Viserys without uttering a single word, hopefully waiting for him to begin. And well that didn't took long. "I guess you like it here, Lord stark" Viserys said while walking further in the godswood
"Aye, though it's not the main reason, we are here. I presume. Your grace" Ned replied in his usual tone, still vary of Viserys,
"Well that's true, I did sense some discomfort in you after the coronation, so I thought it is better to talk things out, after all, you are family now," Viserys said and looked at Ned.
"I still don't understand you….. What you did, is there any catch?"Ned finally spoke what was running through his mind. He wasn't a southerner. He may speak harsh but true.
"What is there to understand my lord, Jon is my nephew and rightful heir to the throne. I did what was right." Viserys said in a rustic tone. Ned stood silent looking straight Viserys with his evident glare. Supposedly debriefing his words.
"Tell me Lord stark, if Brandon Stark had a son, what you would have done…..would you have usurped what was rightfully his," Viserys said, trying to maneuver him but again Ned chose silence.
"I know your answer Lord stark, so, why it's so difficult for you to believe that I am not Jon's enemy. Yes, I never approved of Rhaegar's infatuation or love for your sister, but I loved my brother as you did your sister, and we both are here because of them….., Rhaegar asked me to guide Jon on right path and to help him become what he's born to be and that's not gonna change" Viserys spoke unwaveringly. Ned took his time. It was a lot to take in, definitely. However, he remembered Brandon, he loved him and Maybe Viserys actions are truly for Jon's safety and wellbeing, but trusting a man in few words doesn't happen, and wasn't going to start now.
"Well, then it's good. Your grace, I want nothing but wellbeing of Jon, but Jon is not alone. He will always have north at his back." Viserys understood the possible warning, he knew already, it was seemingly pleasant to know that Jon has north. In a matter of landmass, the north was larger than all other kingdoms combined, its way too big and wild to be handled by southerner only Starks controlled the north, and it's a well-known fact that only because of dragons, north bent the knee. Otherwise, no amount of army could ever conquer north. So if north was to go rogue, realm wouldn't be able to stand its ground. But now he had at least one big problem down for good.
"Then there's nothing for us to worry about Lord stark… we both wish the same thing," Viserys said with a grin. "Then we shall go back otherwise other lords might get offended. Your grace" after trading few glances both walked toward the great hall.
When they entered, Tywin and Lord Tyrell were seemingly busy, which was a matter of ponder as being richest in westros, Tyrells and Lannisters never looked eye to eye without a reason. Right beside Lord Tywin, Ser Gregor clegane could be sighted. Gregor clegane also titled mountain and if someone wished to grasp an idea about giants, man was the best image, probably biggest man in all of the westros, prominent for his brute strength and savagery.
As Ned walked inside the hall, he came across Jon arryn, the Lord paramount of vale. He'd been a second father to him when his father sent him to be fostered at vale, he didn't knew much about him other than his obvious titles but with time, he came to love and respect this man. Furthermore, when the mad king asked for his head, he raised his banners alongside north and stormland.
"How did it go then," Jon asked directly. They had left formalities long past them. He sat next to Lord arryn.
"Well better than what I expected," he said plainly, though he himself was in turmoil of mix thoughts. "Good, don't want another war at my hand, "Jon spoke casually, with a laugh,
"You speak like you already expected it" Ned understood Jon's casual tone, which wasn't like that at other times, especially when matters of wars were at hand.
" Maybe I heard about Rhaegar and Viserys. They were close, quite unlike for Targaryens obviously but not impossible" Jon hinted. Jon had his doubt on Viserys but he was long assured. As both were talking, Viserys was rather busy with other lords, filling up their good lists. Rhaenys walked to Viserys who was standing at the sideway leaning against a column, with Lord Randyll Tarly until she butted in.
"Excuse me, my lord," Rhaenys spoke gracefully as expected of her. Viserys looked at his niece,
"Uncle, can we retire to my chamber early, Daenerys is alone," Daenerys caught fever last night And Rhaenys stayed awake whole night literally to make sure if she's ok. After losing mother and brother, she became too possessive of what she had left, and she didn't want to lose more than what's already.
"Sure," Viserys replied. He was really happy to see how much far ahead she was from her age, with Rhaenys being around, he didn't have to worry about Daenerys and Jon, every hour. Sometimes seeing them make him nostalgic, he remembered when Rhaegar used to take care of him just like her and how always he would take whole blame on himself at everything he mess up. All seems like it was yesterday.
Rhaenys smiled and walked toward the royal gallery where wet-nurse was along with Jon.
Following Rhaenys leave, Viserys continued his discourse with Lord Tarly. "Crown is grateful for your support and loyalty, my lord, it's only because of your keen strategy, we were able to win seize of storm's end." Viserys said
"it's our duty. Your grace" he replied gracefully. This whole time, he was trying to grasp the character of person in front of him. He fully understood that Viserys was the true king of westros in everything but name, which makes him the most dangerous man to be braced against.
Rhaenys opened door and entered her chamber. Maid was already inside the chamber, changing Daenerys covers. Wet nurse followed her along right after her, as she ran to Daenerys, though she was sleeping at that moment, which was a big relief to Rhaenys. Last night was harsh on her. Maester pycelle revealed it was due to unseasonal snow, and that's common for infants to get ill, but that didn't ease the fear in her heart.
Wet nurse placed Jon in a crib adjacent to bed. He was awake, but as always hard to notice, mostly remain quiet all the time, always assessing and gazing around.
Rhaenys touched Daenerys forehead to check on her "her fever is down, it's good, get maester pycelle to check on her" she turned to the maid, who just nodded and went out. She looked at her for few moments, but then as always. She picked Jon from his crib and walked to the balcony and started talking to him. Well mostly whispering so she won't wake her up.
In the great hall, loud cheer and small whispers could be heeded. Mace and Tywin were like thick as thieves, chattering, whole time, which no one knew what and no one in right mind would dare, as Ser Gregor Clegane was one guarding their words. The feast was well managed and oriented, but like every good thing came to its end. The feast was declared over at sundown. All the lords, mostly drunk went to their chambers. Arthur already took his leave early. Ned also retired to his chamber.
Viserys went to his chamber with Ser Oswell and Ser Barristan Selmy as kingsguard with kingsguards were stationed for the safety of royal family, Ser Lewyn Martell and Ser Arthur Dayne with Rhaenys while Ser Willem Darry was stationed in the protection of Lord stark, who was staying in Maegor holdfast along with royal family. Lord Commander of kingsguard Ser Gerold Hightower was at white sword tower who was injured and unfortunately one of kingsguard, Ser Harlan Grandison died at trident before Rhaegar proposed one on one combat. So currently kingsguard only held six swords.
Soon all commotions died out, only guard's footsteps were to be heard. Ser Willem was outside the chamber of Lord stark, when he suddenly heard something, he unsheathed his sword swiftly, and went to check, just to find a dead goldcloak stabbed through the neck from behind. He walked near the body and was on his knee when abruptly his instinct kicked in, and in a flash, he slashed his sword at 60 behind him, just to get a clank. He tried to take a look at his face, but his face was covered with a black robe he was wearing, again swords clashed, Darry lowered to get at the 4o clock, but man slightly pulled back his right and then subsequently inside locking Darry's sword while smacking him with the hilt. Darry fell back, his head got dazed, vision blurred.
He literally thought he was going to lose it, but in that moment suddenly a voice played in his head 'one can beat u, brother but only you can defeat you, so beat your ass up til your heartbeat die' his brother... adrenaline rushed in his body, he may be underestimated him, but he won't lose. He stood and shook his head to get out of vapid state while clenching his sword in his hand. With a grunt, he waved his sword at the infiltrator.
Swords clashed and continued except now Willem was more careful, avoiding all counters, but to his astound this assassin was indeed proficient to match him, after few minutes he started losing his pace, however, he had gotten a little hint about his stance and technique, so this time he waited for his slash and at same moment, he dropped his sword from his right and caught it with left just to stab him in his lower entrails, man fell to his knees, Darry was panting heavily, after catching his breath, he got closer to see the man's face. But as he removed the robe, he got a jolt, the man was one of Tyrells, at least if his Armour to be trusted. He took a close look, he felt lucky as his sword pierced right through the joint corner of his Armour.
Instantly Willem sensed someone's presence, his instincts kicked in again but only this time he knew he won't make it. His muscles were tired while his head hurting like hell but slash never reached him only a groan and metal clank, as he turned with his sword at point, man in front of him, slitted in half along with his Armour while man's sword pointing at him.
He saw a shadow behind half slitted man but as his body kissed the ground, he recognized the man behind with the sword larger than 5 feet none other than Lord Eddard Stark. Standing with 'Ice' ancestral sword of house stark, forged with valyrian steel.
"Are you fine" Ned asked, though he was more worried about someone else, he didn't enjoy killing for sure, but if he has to do it to protect the very thing that matters, he would.
" Well, thanks to u, I am. But why in hell, Tyrell's are attacking the royal tower" Willem said confusingly,
"That is least of our concern now, if they were here for me, then we should worry more about Jon. Alert everyone ring the bells," Ned said hastily and ran towards Jon chambers, without even waiting for Willem's word, he was just praying for Jon to be safe. Darry was beyond annoyed, but that wasn't the time. He had to alert everyone so without wasting a second he ran toward the upper moat.
At the same time,
Arthur was in Rhaenys chamber. Guarding over kids when he heard something outside the chamber's door,
Ser Gregor clegane slowly opened the door. As he entered he saw Ser Arthur Dayne already standing in front with swords in his hands, Arthur waited to see his face, but it was too shady, a big man with about height of 6'9''. But he got who he was, as there were few men who fit such description. And candidly that wasn't a shock since that's the thing, one expects from Lannisters.
He understood well, that it wasn't going to be easy, but he has to protect them, and that's the only thing that mattered. "Ser Gregor clegane-"Arthur was speaking when without warning Ser clegane waved his heavy broadsword toward him just to be blocked by his own. Clegane stared at Arthur. He wasn't a man of word, but action. He started trading blows from both the swords of Ser Dayne and his own. With his continuous swings, Arthur was completely on his defense. Dayne knew, only one swing and his body will be slitted in half obviously judging how fiercely Clegane swayed his sword. He could swear that in his considerable lifetime, he never met anyone like him, his killing intent, his bloodlust was way too intense for a man.
Clegane, as expected, was trying to overpower him with his raw strength, but Dayne contemplated well that his huge armour was rather cumbersome and restricting his movements. In the midst, Dayne got down on his knee to counter a fatal blow with right blade and gave a slash to Ser clegane's right inner thigh with another. Blood seeped out, even though that was weak swing but the wound was deep, clegane groaned in pain while lowering his sword impulsively, but anger could be seen upon his face but again rage had its own con and pros.
He understood that this battle was betwixt his speed and strength. One slash wasn't enough to take him out. However, that slowed him down for Dayne to get his shot, so seeing an opportunity, he moved swiftly to get his other leg, but as he was close to him, a blow came to his shoulder. Clegane kicked him in the right shoulder. Arthur smashed back at the rack with a heavy impact. He wouldn't lie, that hurt like hell it felt like his shoulder got fractured at that time and as that wasn't enough already, his back was strained too due to the edge of rack he smashed over.
Arthur was down, and clegane wanted nothing more but to smash his skull with his bare hand, but he wished to torment him more so he just went toward bed clenching his sword in his hand slowly as wound on his leg did hurt like hell, he wished to kill every dragon spawns in front of his eyes, but as he walked closer to bed his eyes got blood red, his anger above seven hells.
"Where are those dragon spawns..." he cursed in a blind rage. He turned to face Arthur but Arthur was already on his feet and before clegane could contemplate what's happening and what happened, 'Dawn' pierced his heart right through his Armour. Arthur looked into his eyes as he fell to his knees with a confusing look on his face, blood rushing out his Armour, and life melting away from his body.
Flashback (Rhaenys chamber)
Arthur was in Rhaenys chamber. Guarding over kids when he heard something outside the chamber's door, His instincts kicked in. He hastily went to Rhaenys and veered. She slowly opened her eyes, "Ssssssshhhhhh, silently take Jon and come with me. It's not safe here." He said almost whispering. Rhaenys saw the look on his face and inferred right away that something's wrong. She picked sleeping Jon while Arthur took Daenerys and went towards the right corner of the room. There was a large painting of 'Aegon Targaryen along with Balerion the dread'. He went towards the painting and slid it, just to reveal a secret passage, Rhaenys eyes were wide open, her mother told her many times that red keep had many secrets, but she didn't see that coming, not at least in her own room.
Arthur turned to Rhaenys "go inside and do not come outside, inside is a room which also connects to the outside passage that opens into backwaters. If I didn't come back until sunrise, take Jon and Daenerys and get out of here, try to find a fisherman named sillen around the shores. He will keep you safe, just remember north is the safest place" Arthur said firmly and handed Daenerys in her arm knowing that's not something to ask from a child, but the situation was dire.
Rhaenys nodded. "Come with us," she said looking in his eyes. "I have things to see here, but don't worry princess. I'll take care of everything,"She didn't know what was happening, but she trusted Arthur. She believed, he would keep them safe no matter what. Holding both Jon and Daenerys wasn't easy, she was a child herself but she somehow managed. And went along the secret passage.
Arthur slid painting back to its place. And walked in front of the door, while unsheathing his swords. He took his stance. Instantly, the image of lyanna flashed in his mind.
He knew it's going to be a long night, but he has to protect him. 'He won't fail her this time'.
Flashback ends
After making sure Gregor was done for good, Arthur walked outside the chamber, he slowly took his steps towards the gallery, tightly clutching his sword, his right was sure for dislocation, pain still lingering throughout his arm.
Suddenly, he heard the clank of swords. He ran toward the source to find Ser lewyn Martell clashing with five other men while 3 bodied around the gallery. Arthur also joined in and started slicing down the enemies. Ser lewyn slashed the throat of one while handling the one coming from his left. As both were cutting them down, someone else also joined their crusade and not before long, all were down for good.
"Where is Jon," Ned asked hastily,
"They are safe, don't worry, my lord" Arthur assured, though he knew he won't be satisfied until he sees Jon.
Suddenly alert bells started ringing. Ser Willem did his job. The whole keep was alerted. Reinforcements were on their way.
Ned, Arthur, lewyn all were taking care of the rest of the intruders when Suddenly Ned saw Viserys along with two of kingsguard. He walked to them. Though, Ser Barristan's leg seemed to be injured.
"Where are they," Viserys asked looking at Arthur,
"They are in secrecy. Your grace" Arthur said in his composed tone,
Viserys inferred, only royal family members plus Arthur knew of the secret chambers around the keep. Rhaegar always trusted Arthur more than he did anyone else, and even if he hates to admit it many times he felt a pang of jealousy, albeit he knew Rhaegar loved both as same.
"Bloody Lannisters I am gonna kill them" Viserys was raving with anger,
"Not only Lannisters, your grace, "Arthur said in low, Viserys gave him confused look
"Tyrells and Lannisters are together in this," Arthur said looking at him,
"Tyrells-"Viserys murmured. His mind was really not in sync. He wanted to kill all of them with his own hands.
At the same time, Ser Willem Darry appeared and arched. "All the assailants are dead or captured, Maegor's holdfast is secured. Your grace" Darry said humbly,
"Increase the guard and patrolling, ...get me Tywin Lannister and MaceTyrell" Viserys commanded blinded by his rage.
"Lord Tywin and Lord Tyrell disappeared from their quarters. your grace" Ser Darry informed as calmly as he could,
"Close the bloody gates, I want them" Viserys shouted at Ser Darry. His temper was getting out of hand.
"Gates have already been closed. Your grace, but I am afraid they have already fled the capital" Ser Willem said in low voice, really he doesn't like Viserys's temper. And even if he hates to admit he has no wish to awake the dragon.
"Fuck them all" Viserys growled and kicked the head of one of the assailant on the floor. He was angry enough to burn the whole keep.
Suddenly, Ned interrupted out of nowhere.
"Since everything is settled down, I would like to see if kids are fine, your grace," Ned asked, in his same brooding manner. Viserys looked at Ned, though anger still tracing in his eyes, he knew he's right.
"Sure,...ser Barristan go see the maester, that look really nasty" Viserys ordered, pointing to his leg, which was looking really bad. Ser Barristan nodded and took his leave.
As soon as Ser Barristan left they started pacing toward Rhaenys chamber. Lewyn and Oswell remained outside. While others entered the chamber. As soon as Arthur got in he went toward secret passage, he quickly slid the painting and entered the hidden chamber, In the meantime, Viserys gaze fell on the giant man, Ser Gregor clegane, and the floor painted with his blood. Both Ned and Viserys wondered how Arthur managed to crush the mountain, but suddenly nearby sound got them out of their thoughts, as they turned, Rhaenys was holding Jon while Arthur Daenerys in his arms.
He walked to his niece. "Are you fine, sweety" Viserys asked with obvious concern in his voice,
"I am fine...ser Dayne saved us," she said pointingly at Dayne. Viserys looked at Arthur. He was grateful to Arthur for what he did, even though it was his duty.
"What about your brother and aunt," Viserys asked, looking at her innocent face. He couldn't help but remember Elia. She had her mother's touch, "They are both asleep. I think it's good" Rhaenys said with a smile while looking at Jon in her arm.
Ned just stood at the back and watched silently. He was just happy that Jon was okay,
Viserys turned to Ned "it's almost sunrise, we have a lot of things to handle, I'd like you to be in small council meeting Lord stark" he said, looking straight in his eyes, "As you command, your grace" Ned replied. Both shared a glance before Viserys walked out of the chamber.
As Viserys left he walked to Rhaenys and touched Jon's head. He knew all along that red keep wasn't a safe place for Jon, but it's not like he could do anything about it. However, he would do everything to make it. After few moments, he too walked out of the chamber but not before giving Daenerys a glance.
hi guyz, this chap really took much time than other. well one thing that i find interesting is clegane vs dayne, as i always entertained this idea, and now its done but i still think it was too quick for clegane but then again isnt it just how GOT works...tell me if u like it or not.
post reviews if u want me to continue...i need motivation guyz.
i am open for any suggestion and i am still counting votes for jon/dany or jon/rhaenys... so tell me(revised)