Elia
280 A.C Kingswood
The fire crackled, Merrett Frey had built a fire when she and Ashara failed to do so when night was on them. Not that they should have felt as sad as they did for failing. Building a fire wasn't exactly mannerism a lady learned after all, no pleasantries and other useless gestures were a ladies pursuits. Ashara came from behind a tree tying together the strings to her breeches. She looked discontent, not that their situation was one to like. Almost no food, and nothing to hunt game with. Merrett though clearly hungry had said it was the knightly thing to do to let them eat.
"Well no rash but my cunt feels like it's been pounded with a wooden stick" Ashara's crude language brought a chuckle to Merrett.
"At least you don't have sore balls my lady" He wasn't the mot clever man but well as Oberyn was fond of saying. Even a fool that speaks enough words is bound to spit out wisdom, granted this wasn't wisdom just something to laugh at.
"Oh then the gods blessed me" Ashara smiled and sat next to Elia pulling the cloak closer to her. They picked, at their meager pieces of dry meat. The apples they brought had been given to their horses that deserved it for such a long ride. Speaking of that she wasn't sure where they were riding to, last she remembered from her capture they stopped at a town somewhere in the forest. It had walls and some young men there with some shadowy figure gave them asylum. If her cardinal directions were anything they had been traveling…southwest perhaps?
"Do you hear that?" Ashara said and Elia tried straining her earing to catch what Ashara meant. Some distant rumbled caught their ears and they looked worried.
"Snuff the fire!" Elia hissed and they kicked dirt on the fire. They camped next to some boulders with a dip in the terrain. Before hiding Ashara went to the horses and tried bringing them closer to the boulder the ground dipping more inwards there. Hoping it was enough Merrett Frey grabbed a rock the only weapon they claimed to have. Ashara gently hushed the horses stroking their faces gently Elia helped with her own horse trying to keep it quiet.
"Please just pass by please" Ashara whispered gently and kissed her horse with fear evident in her tone. The horses came and damn it all they slowed down and the voices followed.
"Fuck! Bens dead!" the first voice said desperate and anguished.
"Did you see that Stark cunt? Split Dicks head in two" another said breathless, Elia watched Ashara's eyes widen and then cover her smile putting her head against her horse face.
"We need to tell Simon, they'll be coming for The Old Lady" they quieted down after that until another answered.
"We just barely got out alive, they have more men than us" the second voice spoke again and he sounded unconvincing.
"Aye but we have walls" the third said somewhat suspicious.
"We do…" the first said but his tone was flat there was a shuffle of hoofs.
"Let's move before you do check over that boulder Mac" the first voice said and the third one, Mac? Dismounted his horse and the three felt their breath hitch. Merrett grabbed his rock and looked ready to throw himself into battle.
"Ride away the moment I strike" he hissed, Ashara looked to her and Elia though she would regret it agreed and nodded to her friend. The man climbed over boulder and peered over the rock Elia locked eyes with him and he opened his mouth. His words died and Ashara yelped covering her mouth when a sword pierced his neck and he hacked blood. Elia's horse exhaled shaking its name the sword pulled from his neck and he fell face down on the rock.
"I-I didn't want it to come to that" the second voice said.
"Simon has his days numbered, you saw Stark! He wants blood and the prince killed those boys" the first voice justified his words.
"Mac was a good man…loyal but Simon would have sent someone to hunt us down…maybe even smiles" that seem to change the mind of the second man.
"Aye…shit let's burry him Jeff" the second one said.
"Rather we make distance come on were just south of the Blackwater we're going to sell our horses. Disappear from here" Jeff grunted and the shuffling of feet said he was moving to his horse.
"Fine…did you hear the horse blow air by the way?" the second asked, Jeff only grunted.
"Who bloody cares let's just go" the horses whined and they rode away leaving behind their dead former friend. Out of paranoia they left the horses get far enough for Merrett to peek out and see the riders fading in the dark night.
"I know where we are, the prince and the army are not far from here" Merrett said suddenly. Elia stood with Ashara and guided the horses to the other side to see the cooling corpse of the outlaw once known as Mac. Merrett looted the body and despite her anger and spite for the outlaws Elia felt pity in her belly twisting awkwardly. He died by the sword of his own friends, that wasn't a fate Elia could wish on anyone. Thinking on further watching Merrett put the sword belt on and spit on the body made her speak up.
"We should bury him" Elia called out, Merrett stopped and Ashara raised a brow herself.
"My Lady this man was a bandit he killed your countrymen" Merrett spoke truth but such a fate to befall him.
"Elia you said" Ashara began but Elia stopped her.
"I know what I said and Simon Toyne will hang as will Wanda, Ulmer and, the smiling Knight." Elia said with steel in her voice when saying their names.
"This man was just a loyal man who chose the wrong people to follow." Elia looked to the body and Merrett groaned and looked around.
"I don't have anything to dig with" he said.
"We don't have the time more of them might come Elia" Ashara insisted and Elia sighed, pragmatism was key and so she offered the best next thing.
"There's plenty of stones below at least cover him" Elia asked and Merrett sighed before grabbing the body and dragging it back. They took a few hours but later they had a makeshift grave on their horses Elia gave a short prayer to the mother to mend his wounds gently and to the father to judge him justly.
"Let's ride" Merrett Frey said and Elia nodded trotting away Ashara coming up next to her.
"Are you well Elia?" Ashara sked concerned.
"Yes just wish the poor lad hadn't died by his own friends" Elia sighed her shoulders sagging a bit.
"Oh my friend this world is not good enough for your gentle heart" Ashara assured her and Elia smiled slightly. They rode thanking the gods only a soft trot down to this town Merrett led them to, the sun began to rise when the wooden walls were seen but not before an armed patrol flying the black banner of House Targaryen found them.
280 A.C Kings Town
"Well, well" Elia cringed under her hood. It was Jaime Lannister she would question why he was here some other time for now she dreaded showing her face.
"Merrett? What happened outsmarted the outlaws?" he said with a sharp smile. She knew his humor was like that of her brother, she hoped he wouldn't make her laugh.
"Aye I did" Merrett puffed his chest out proudly while Ashara glanced at Elia and rolled her eyes.
"Then maybe we overestimated their brain capacity" the men laughed and Elia despite herself let a soft giggle escape.
"Oh? That sounded rather feminine, who is that Frey?" Jaime asked and put his hand on the pommel of his sword. Elia sighed she wished to not have this meeting preferably ever but it was to be expected. Pulling her cloak down the soldiers gasped and quickly left their swords alone.
"Princess Elia?" Jaime blinked his green eyes widen mouth slightly agape.
"Maybe you were right Frey, these bandist are stupider than three of you" Jaime moved up and Ashara lowered her hood too.
"Lady Ashara I'm glad you are well too" Jaime bowed his head to her.
"Thank you Ser" Ashara nodded stiffly and then spoke.
"We have been riding long perhaps you could escort us to town now?" Ashara sounded a bit impatient and Jaime nodded.
"Rightly so, come on lets go and try not to look too ashame lads! Out the two hundred of us Merrett was the one to find our ladies" Jaime whistled to his horse and led them to the town hurriedly and they bared their bareback riding for just a bit longer. Entering the town it reminded Elia of the Old Lady before they made their escape, the sun had barely risen and men were moving all about the town. Soldiers gathered weapons and armored up. Horses were saddled banners from the crownlands and the red dragon flew proudly across the town.
"Well I assume the prince will want to know about this, Frey go find Lord Crakehall" Jaime dismounted his horse and offered to help Elia off. She accepted the help Elia dismounted and Ashara just got down ignoring the men that tried to help her off. Jaime led them down to the biggest house on the village, pausing before the door guards outside nodded to them. Opening the door they walked inside to see Lord Robert, Prince Rhaegar and, Lord Eddard. They were hunched over a map on the table before them his finger pointing at something and quietly speaking to Rhaegar.
"Ashara?" Arthur Ashara's brother moved from the table he had been obscured by Roberts's bigger frame. Ashara threw herself into her brother's arms and looked to almost weep before her brother in joy. Elia would have done the same if Oberyn was here to be true.
"Oh Arthur! I missed you so much" hugging her brother while in his armor made it queer to hug him, but Ashara didn't seem to care much. Her brother was here as well and he had been searching for her as well.
"The gods favored us, sister I missed you as well" pulling back a little she smiled at her older brother. Prince Rhaegar came to them next greeting them.
"Princess Elia, Lady Ashara I am glad to see you here but how?" Prince Rhaegar asked his eyes wide with wonder and confusion. Elia hadn't seen him since his trip to Dorne, her breath nearly caught he was as beautiful as when she first met him. His hair was draped carelessly yet elegantly over his shoulders silver locks framing his face gentle as if crafted by the mother herself. His lilac eyes which held a quiet sorrow that lifted only when she had seen him with his closest friends. Yet Elia wondering if she was fooling herself saw those lilac eyes when they saw her light up with happiness at her sight.
"Prince Rhaegar though we freed ourselves I must thank you and your brave warriors for coming to our aid" Elia bowed her head and the gathered men inside the home cheered at her words.
"Princess Elia" Robert came up and nodded looking genuinely glad to see her safe and sound. A sentiment she shared after seeing that party meant to hunt down Lord Eddard and him. Another man she didn't know came up next to Lord Eddard. He was as stall as Robert a sword across his back he was a handsome man with a wild look about him. The grey eyes could only name him a Stark.
"Forgive me I do not know you my lord" Elia looked to him.
"Brandon Stark, you know my younger brother I presume" Lord Brandon put his big hand over his younger brother's shoulder. She had always thought Lord Eddard was a big northen man, he was stall at six feet broad shoulders and muscled framed. Yet when she saw Brandon Stark she could scarcely believe a man this big could exist! He was certainly taller than that dreadful smiling knight.
"I do have the honor of knowing him my Lord, a pleasure to meet the brother of a good honorable man" Lord Eddard looked slightly abashed and merely bowed his head quietly, yet she did not miss his eyes on Ashara.
"Well this truly means our plans have changed, with your return we can attack the enemy without fear of them trying to harm you and lady Ashara" Prince Rhaegar proclaimed.
"Keith" the prince called a young soldier came to him and straightened his spine in attention.
"M'lord?" he asked in the crownland accent.
"Send a message to Lord Ralph Buckler of the Bronzegate, have him bring a hundred men to complete the encirclement of the keep, prepare our forces we shall march on the morning and bring the Kingswood Brotherhood to justice." Elia watched the prince ordered his bannerman in such a manner it looked as if he were giving a speech to his entire troops. The entire room of men from noble birth to commoner alike raised their voices in clamor for prince Rhaegar. Her heart felt light as she looked on the man she had met but once and felt an attraction to.
"Princess Elia may we speak in private? I know your captivity must have been terrible but I must know more about our enemy" Prince Rhaegar's smooth and gentle voice felt as if his mere words were a song to her ears.
"I would be glad Prince Rhaegar if I can help you, then perhaps I can bring some measure of peace to the men who lost their lives on my behalf" Elia even now remembered her guard and their loss. Even Ser Albert her former guard and constant companion whenever she ventured form Sunspear to the Water Gardens.
"Ah perhaps I can bring you some comfort in this, one of your men made it to warn us" Elia felt a small sigh of relief that at least one of her countrymen made it through the slaughter.
"Let us meet in my temporary quarters, come" he offered his arm and Elia took it moving them to his rooms.
Inside his room the prince took his sword belt off and placed it against the wall by his bed. He motioned for her to join him in the small table set inside. Sitting down she watched Prince Rhaegar move to get some wine that had been left by his bed. While he got them some refreshments she wondered why the prince's room had such lowly accommodations she heard from her brother and his tales of Essos how some Myrish Princes even on the battlefield rode in huge wheel houses that were like royal apartments on wheels. Yet the prince stayed in a humble room with a small bed of hay and furs to wrap himself at night.
"I don't need such expensive pleasures when on campaign" the prince seemed to have read her mind, smiling slightly Elia shook her head.
"Forgive me I did not mean to ogle" she apologized.
"Think nothing of it, if anything I should apologize the scandal of it all a prince sleeping on a hay bale like a common farm hand" the prince twisted his lips and Elia chuckled at his words. She knew there indeed would be some at court in Kings Landing if what her brother said about them was anything to go by. The petty nobles there would gossip at the audacity of the people here that the prince would not be given a feathered bed with silk sheets. Where would these commonfolk who toil the land get such things?
"What a travesty indeed my lord" Elia smiled gently.
"Now Princess Elia on your capture what can you tell me of the enemy keep?" he asked straight to the point. Taking her drink he offered she held it with both hands and remembered her time bandits keep.
"Well I am no military genius, but I assume the walls aren't supposed to be crumpled and full of breaches" she smiled slightly and the prince offered his own warm smile that made her heart speed up.
"A tactical blunder on their part" he japed and smiled.
"Two towers overlook the keep but one is leaning, the leaning tower to my knowledge is not use for fear of it tipping over. The remaining tower houses archers, as well as the front wall. they have patched some of the breaches at the front with timber, the gate is barred and opening seems to cause a lot of problems. To my knowledge they will not open it again to wait for you my prince" Rhaegar hummed nodding.
"Then it is good we are to march on the morn keep them from running away from us" Rhaegar said.
"Well then do you mishaps know of the numbers?" the prince asked next.
"No I'm afraid not" Elia shook her head.
"Though to my knowledge they are far less than yours if the numbers Prince Jaime gave me while we traveled here are to go by." Elia confessed smiling a little.
"Then I hope the battle is quick should they not surrender" Prince Rhaegar spoke his voice melancholy. Seeing his hand on the table Elia fought with herself if she should place her hand above his. Their betrothal was just a ruse from the prince. Actually being this intimate would look bad, yet they were alone weren't they? No prying eyes to tell to Jaime or Lord Tywin. Elia had the choice taken from her when he removed his hand and stood.
"Forgive me my lady but I have something for you" Elia felt her cheeks redden thanking her dark skin for allowing to hide it.
"I…I don't know what to say my lord" she smiled and wrung her hands nervous.
"Oh think nothing of it I am just returning what is rightfully yours" the prince smiled and took from his drawer. A book old and worn and Elia had completely forgotten about it, she left it in the wheelhouse when she was taken.
"A favorite of mine my lady good choice" he said.
"Thank you my prince" Elia hugged her book to her breast.
"I love the old tales myself though…recently I have been interested in one" the prince seemed serious and almost haunted.
"What do you mean?" she asked curious.
"Have you heard of the war for the dawn?" the prince asked and the look in his eyes was…haunting and not in the way he usually looked.
Ashara
When Elia left a bit enamored by prince Rhaegar she looked to Arthur her brother fussed around her checking her for wounds of any type. Ashara felt embarrassed and tried to make her brother stop fussing but he insisted saying he felt responsible for not escorting her himself. The King would have given him leave if he had asked! She waved him off saying one more captured noble would have only made things worse. Still after her reconciliation with her brother Ashara turned to her ever patient lover, Eddard. He watched his eyes excited and his mouth set in a small smile Arthur quickly took notice and sighed clearly he wanted to be with her further but he also knew how close she and Ned had gotten. So he kissed her forehead hugged her tightly once more and left them be to help gather the army for the final march.
"My lady I am pleased to see you well" Ned came formally and Ashara curtsied to him and thanked him properly.
"Thank you my Lord and to you as well, Lord Brandon" Ashara knew all too well the wild wolf that Ned spoke fondly off. Their older brother Brandon boisterous and if the account Ned somewhat ashamed let out, quite lustful.
"The gods Ned so this is why you kept wanting to go south, I think I should want so too" Lord Brandon smirked and shamelessly ogled her even in man's clothing Ashara attracted eyes it would seem.
"Behave brother" Ned chastised if somewhat annoyed with his older brother, truly they were as different as…well her and Ned. Conserved Ned paled to this brash northerner that spoke without much care for propriety certainly he would do well in Dorne.
"Offcourse brother! I would not shame us but I would show the lady of the south Northen hospitality" grinned Brandon if given the chance she felt he might show her more, but she had met Brandon Starks a dime a dozen in Dorne. Like Oberyn really, fiery passion and declarations of love left forgotten when they got what they wanted. No she toyed with her chasers and even had one paramour in a young stable boy in Sunspear. But she had already decided on her love and the man that appreciated her beyond her beauty.
"Right so brother but acting like a drunken fool doesn't do us honor" Ned deadpanned.
"Ah there's that wet blanket I missed so much" Lord Brandon put an arm around Ned's shoulders and the younger Stark merely shook his head.
"Well I will leave you two be, I need to swing Ice a bit and get ready for the slaughter" Lord Brandon grinned boasting his martial skills and thirst for battle.
"Forgive him he means well when his mouth doesn't outrun his head" Ned said and Ashara laughed.
"It is fine my Lord shall we perhaps retire to your rooms to speak privately?" she said and Ned offered his arm and he led her to his rooms. She found some guards outside wearing his standard the Grey Direwolf and they nodded to them as Ned entered his room. The door was closed and the lock on it fastened he barely got a chance to turn to her when she launched herself into his arms and kissed his bearded face fiercly nearly knocking teeth together. Ned though caught off guard instantly wrapped his arms around her waist and kissed her back fiercely she felt all his bottled up rage and worry pour into her as he kissed her like she was water and he a man deprived of it for years.
His tongue boldly lashed out and teased her lips and she allowed him entrance. Her hands gripped his long hair, much longer than she cared to remember and held it tight. He reciprocated one hand traveling up to the back of her neck and holding her firmly to kiss her better. Air became too much of a necessity and they broke gasping her lips a bit swollen. Her lilac eyes stared to his grey eyes and she felt all sense of propriety leave her she cared not what anyone thought and hastily she began unbuttoning his doublet. Ned meanwhile seemingly agreeing kissed her neck and she felt his bear tickle her a little while his hand deftly grabbed at her cloak and took it off briefly parting from her neck. Tossing it aside he picked her up and took her to his bed a bit hard but she was used to it by now. The beds at her prison had hardly been any better.
Ned laid her on the bed and when his buttons were undone he threw his doublet carelessly aside. She was glad he didn't have his mail on. That would have taken more time to remove, his white shirt was all standing between her and his skin. He kissed her and finally he took her shirt off and she shook her head her hair already tangled from a night of riding bringing them some small grief. Ned's grey eyes seemed fiery when his eyes wondered to her breast. His lips tightened before he returned to her kissing her this time slower and with such love. Ashara felt her heart swell and his hand from her hip slid upwards and he gripped her breast gently but firmly.
"Your hands are a bit cold" Ashara shivered slightly and chuckled Ned looked embarrassed and actually took his hands away from her warming them up rubbing them together.
"Sorry" he said and Ashara laughed shaking her head.
"Oh no just a bit nervous making conversation" she was being honest she was rather confident when she spent her night with Elia. Yet this was much different there was more than relieving stress behind the act. She was doing this for love, she wanted to share everything with this man before her. Her heart, body and, soul yearned for him. Ned lowered himself on her again and kissed her this time soothing her anxiety and feelings of vulnerability. Slowly and gently they caressed each other and kissed one another holding each other close and silently seemed to be promising each other the world.
"Ashara" Ned said her name in a single breath and she let out a small whimper when she felt him press against her clothed womanhood. When she reached down and grabbed the hem of Ned's breeches she felt him tense up and his hand grabbed hers quickly. Her eyes looked questionably at him while he gasped looking into her eyes.
"I…don't know about this Ashara" Ned said and she felt her heart tighten and he spoke again.
"I love you, truly so but we are not wed before any gods what if… if we make a child together I would dishonor you, and insult your family" Ned said and Ashara sighed thanking the gods this wasn't about to be a broken heart.
"Ned it is fine, I can ask the maester if he has moons tea" Ashara tried soothing her fears.
"It's hardly that, I mean to say I want to honor you and your family Arthur is a good friend. If I were to do this now I feel I would be spitting on his trust" Ned confessed and she rolled her eyes. Men and their queer sense of modesty. Still she would not force her beloved so she kissed his lips chastely and hugged his larger frame and he returned the affection. So with her passions turned down for today Ashara was able to steal Ned's shirt to sleep with making him smirk at her while she cheekily stuck her tongue out at him. Laying down Ned scooped her up in his strong arms and Ashara after such a long ordeal just felt immensely tired. After spending the afternoon resting with her beloved she later joined Elia, the prince and, Lord Robert to lunch. Lord Brandon as well joined them later after reporting the situation of the men. They went bed to bed early and Ashara just watched as Ned dressed in mail and boiled leather ready for battle.
"Ned please be careful" Ashara now provided with a simple dress from the elders wife from her younger years walked to her beloved.
"I shall Ashara these brigands are outnumbered and their moral should be a trifle now that they lost their only chance for mercy." Ned said somewhat antagonistically.
"Ashara did they…hurt you?" Ned did not meet her gaze he was facing away from her and strapping his sword belt on. When she heard the anger she thought to herself if it was wise to tell him but at the same time she wanted her justice. She was captured her countrymen slain and she was….she was nearly raped. Clutching the sheets she didn't notice Ned hold her hands and staring at her his eyes gentle a quiet fury behind them.
"I had my wrist broken by the man they call the smiling knight….he was terrifying and a hulking beast" she lamented and Ned tighten his hold on her hands slightly.
"Then justice will be served for you and princess Elia. I shall return to you with victory and justice carried out." Ned said his voice confident and his stance proud. Ashara merely nodded no words came to her and kissed his lips a small promise of her waiting for him.
Robert
He missed Lyanna already, he barely got her to accept him and he had to take his leave to help his friends. Still this wasn't half bad good men good-ish wine and a battle to be fought this is what Robert lived for! The gods knew when he acted for his father the counting of copper and the endless meetings with his Lords and commonfolk. He was a Lord his duty was to rule the Stormlands for his father for his future king. Robert would need to learn more about ruling and in retrospect his brother Stannis had a better handle on it than he did. His brother was better at dealing with these Lords he was serious and somewhat unbending. He was still too sour for his own good but Robert was confident he could make his brother laugh a little later on.
"Alright lads! Let's kill some bandits! March!" Robert yelled and many of the men yelled in return a resounding aye. Their small army slowly but surely began riding out of Kings Town their small army marching out to this keep. Brandon rode his horse up to him and Robert nodded while Brandon with a lopsided grin nodded to the gates of the city. With the guard that would stay with them Lady Ashara and Princess Elia are talking with Ned and Rhaegar. Ned kisses his woman while Rhaegar kissed the princess hand. Robert grunted Rhaegar had a connection with Elia, more than he did with Lady Cersei that's for sure. They mounted their horses and rode to meet them.
"Let's go I want to be done with this and return to what matters" Rhaegar sighed Ned echoed the thought. Robert shrugged in the end more politics would follow this on the other hand this was a lot more fun for him. Still all good things came to an end and the battle to come will be quick and bloody. The forces marched off the gate and marched northeast to find the stone keep that was divulged. The march was bu a few hours and the sun began setting by the time they arrive the sun was setting and the light was little. Ned and Rhaegar rode up to him.
"Well there it is…leaning towers and walls that if I spit at them, they'd fall" Ned said shaking his head. On the ramparts outlaws lined the walls and torches set up to be lit. Rhaegar stared at them before Lord Crakehall came up behind him.
"You're Highness?" he said.
"Have the siege line set five hundred yards, have the men chop timber and make screens, ladders and, a battering ram" Rhaegar ordered.
"Aye your grace" Lord Crakehall left and they began setting up a siege camp in the meanwhile keeping a small force should the outlaws decide to rush them while making camp. Robert then ordered scouts to see for Lord Buckler of the Bronzegate and his men. Camp was set up and Lord Buckler arrived by sunrise the next day, Robert met him and had him use his forces to circle up and cover all escape routes. The camp was set the lines drawn and the screen shields and ladders built. On horseback Robert inspected the lines with Rhaegar and Brandon was already on the line ready for battle with the men.
"We are ready to fight your grace" came a soldier to them.
"Robert?" Rhaegar looked to him and he smiled to his friend.
"I would have dug tranches but honestly I think we can take them in one charge. Their walls crumble and their lack of manpower is evident." Robert commented and looked to the air.
"The weather is fair right now would be the best time to attack" Robert gave what he felt the warrior's instinct told him this instinct was present in all the Baratheons.
"Alright… let's go to battle" Rhaegar said and left to ready himself. They armed up in mail helms and shields Robert somewhat regretting now not taking up his father offer for armor for Rhaegar's sake and the armor his friend wanted to gift them. Still shield and mail would be enough, their archers were little and they would get off a single volley at best before they were on them. Rhaegar gave him command of the field and Robert for one couldn't be more thrilled. Taking the line Rhaegar to his right, Ned left along with his brother taking the left wall. Shield up Robert swung his hammer up and call for blood.
"BRING THEM TO THEIR KNEES LADS CHARGE!" Robert's battlefield voice boomed followed by the cry of hundreds of men charging the battlements. The first volley was in the air Robert saw the shadows and ordered a halt.
"HALT SHIELDS!" their band stopped and dropped to their knees shields above their heads. Robert grunted as various arrows landed on his shield.
"ADVANCE!" Robert ordered and they reached the walls flimsy as they were.
"LADDERS GET THE LADDERS UP!" Robert bellowed out and with gusto the men raised them against the walls. Meanwhile to the gate the battering ram began pounding against the oak door. Lord Crakehall and his two squires leading the forces there. Brandon Stark was ahead of them all the ladders were set up on his side and he was climbing them Ice held underhand.
"STONES!" Ned yelled raising his shield as stone throwers flung them from the ramparts and they raised their shields too late for two men to have their skulls caved in by the stones.
"UP GET UP ALREADY!" Robert yelled and swiftly climbed the first ladder set up by them. Reaching the top holding the ladder firmly with his shield hand and swung his hammer in with all his might catching the first kill of the day smashing their chest in. the man let out a pitiful wheezing noise before Robert climbed on and began swinging his hammer smashing men left and right. Behind him Rhaegar joined him and proved his martial prowess killing the outlaws to Roberts back. Smirking Robert never felt so alive. He put his shield up catching a sword meant for his head. Reaching over the shield he smashed the skull of the bastard that tried him.
"Come Rhaegar! If you don't move I will kill more than you!" Robert yelled with incredible strength bashing his shield aside throwing an opponent off the battlements with a scream. Robert left himself open but that was fine with him because the first man that tried to capitalize on that got his Warhammer knocking their teeth and even an eye out and throwing them off the battlements neck first.
"Fine by me!" Rhaegar yelled and from his shoulder Robert saw him bring down a man with his excellent swordsmanship. If Rhaegar cared too he could be a sword to rival him and Arthur, but he knew his friend enough this battle was a necessity not a way to show his strength. Robert continued to hammer his way on the battlements until he met up with Ned that had moved to the right side from where he and Brandon cut a swath to link up.
"The ramparts are slick with blood and the outlaws are beginning to retreat to the courtyard." Ned informed them his eyes scanning the courtyard.
"Have you found any of the leaders or anyone resembling them?" Ned asked, Robert.
"Shite I've been swinging left and right haven't stopped to look." Robert said taking a breather to see their handiwork already the outlaws were falling back. Taking command of the situation Robert ordered the men to move in.
"TAKE THE COURTYARD! MOVE IN!" Robert bellowed and climbed down the stone steps the walls were theirs and the enemy was panicking. Robert barreled through four more outlaws his hammer breaking bones and splattering blood on his leathers. From the lone tower the arrows soon began flying.
"SHIT!" Robert put his shield up as the tower was throwing arrows at them like it was water.
"M'Lord! The men are faltering!" Yelled one of the men, his colors put him as one of Lord Buckler's men.
"HOLD YOU CUNTS! SHIELD WALL!" Robert ordered and the man rallied to his voice their wooden shields locked together to make an effective wall against arrows. Luck was on their side as they formed the wall Lord Crakehall broke through the gates. The rest of their forces started pouring in shields up but not before some of them fell to the archers. Lord Crakehall formed a wall and ordered the ram inside to the courtyard and began escorting it to the Great Halls gate.
"MOVE TO THE RAM!" Robert ordered and they moved to guard the ram splitting the wall they put themselves to the flanks of the ram and led it to the gate. Not soon after the arrows suddenly stopped.
"Don't drop the shields! Come on bring the gate down!" the ram manned and ready began pounding the gate.
"HEAVE!" the massive oak doors groaned din protest.
"HEAVE!" a few men dared lowered the shields and no arrows came.
"HEAVE!" the yelling of the ram crew started to become infections.
"HEAVE!" the door groaned under the pounding gave heart to the men following the door cracking and caving in slihglty.
"HEAVE!" the shields dropped with each hit of the ram the men banged on their shields and yelled along.
"HEAVE!" the door gave the timber on the other side split and the door flung back. Robert felt his gut clench and put his shield up and yelled.
"SHIELDS!" from the breach arrows flew, the poor bastard to Roberts left got one arrow through the neck he fell gurgling in his own blood.
"KILL EM ALL!" Robert yelled and charged up Ned followed soon and the men poured into the breach forcing the gate open the once organized forces turned into a melee frenzy. Steel clashed men yelled dying and others yelled with fury. Through the crazed melee Robert looked for the leaders of the Brotherhood after each kill scanning the room. It didn't take long to see a huge man in armor a rather twisted bloody smile on his helm.
"Rally up to smiles come on lads!" an older man made himself as the leader and ordered the brigands to reform. Robert smirked glory was just some men away and he began hacking his way through.
"He's going for Simon come on protect him!" yelled some of the younger members clearly fanatics of this Simon Toyne. Yet despite being slowed down Robert watched Ned cleave his way through to fight the huge knight one on one. When someone tried getting closer Arthur truly worthy of the title sword of the morning cut down anyone trying to attack Ned' flanks and back or interviene his battle with the massive knight. His friend was among the loudest each strike seemed angry but not wild his fury controlled and precise each blow making the smiling fall back. Despite clearly losing the knight seemed to laugh eagerly as his attack soon made Ned pull back as each swing was crazed and some of the attacks hit his own men. Rhaegar came to Robert and helped him push forward. They worked as one Robert would block with his shield and Rhaegar would stab Robet's attacker. The man who dared attack Rhaegar met Roberts hammer and their rear was brought up by Ser Barristan Selmy himself his age not slowing him down a bit.
Their combined strength proved worth and they met with Simon and his personal guard. Rhaegar moved past Robert and engaged Simon directly the older man showed skill worthy to put Rhaegar on the defensive. The melee seem to only grow more desperate and soon the outlaws started falling back deeper into the castle. Robert grunted Ser Barristan joined up with him and killed two men with one clean move. Barristan parried a blow and let the blade slide on the flat end of his sword cut the man's neck the shield not raised high enough to properly protect his neck, his friend to the right caught the blade with his shield but Ser Barristan pulled it back and grabbed the middle of his sword guiding the blade and stabbing the outlaw through the eye.
"The Prince, Robert we must move to his aid!" Ser Barristan flicked his sword down some of the blood flicking to the ground. Robert didn't even bother responding shield raised he barreled through men his hammer swinging breaking anyone who dared get between him and Rhaegar. Simon Toyne cursed and managed to push Rhaegar off with a boot to his chest after forcing Rhaegar's shield aside. While he would have had a perfect opportunity to kill Rhaegar he knew he would be left defenseless against Robert and the man seemed to value his life more than his younger followers did theirs. Robert delivered blow after blow but the older man proved skilled parrying Robert's strike avoiding his immense strength. Robert brought another blow down and Simon threw it aside with a parry Robert brought his shield up bashing it against Simon forcing his sword down. Robert swung overhead to end it all and cave the man's skull in. His arm up and back Robert felt his stance falter pain shot up through his leg and he was forced to a knee. He looked down an arrow was on his upper thigh from the angle he looked to one set of stairs leading further into the keep. The blonde girl he had met all that time ago, now barely a footnote in his mind he felt his rage boil over he had one of them right under his nose and she fooled him! Grunting he forced himself up bringing his shield up Robert moved his head to the side as Simon with both hands brought his sword down digging the sword into the wood and nearly cut Roberts skull in two. Swinging left he forced Robert to move his shield away from his body dislodging his sword with the movement he went for the stab to Robert's heart. Robert parried the stab with his hammer the stab going wide Robert stepped forward and smashed his forehead against Simon's nose and the man yelled in pain falling back. His followers swarmed for him with Rhaegar pushing the offensive and just out of the corner of his eye he saw blond hair rush to Simon as he retreated further in.
"Robert!" Rhaegar yelled after him while Robert fell back his adrenaline making him forget about the pain. His men formed a wall around him allowing Robert a moments to assess his wound.
"Protect the lord!" the men yelled and Robert tossed his shield splintered and arrow filled aside. He leant on the pole arm of his hammer and with gritted teeth the grabbed the arrow shaft and broke it and he felt the pain on his leg throb from the movement. Taking a deep breath he grabbed the small shaft and with a grimace pulled the shaft out and thanked the gods it wasn't an actual arrow head tip but sharpened point. He would still need a maester after this. Hammer in hand Robert span it once and held it with both hands putting all his might he smashed his way to the front lines looking for Simon. The battle was going in their favor the outlaws began to notice their cause lost and began surrendering taking the stairs he saw Brandon Stark move further into the keep. Robert tried to find Simon Toyne but could not so he instead looked to Ned.
Fighting furiously Ned was contesting with the smiling knight who had now lost his helm in the fighting. The man's scarred face was ugly to see and the smile he had looked crazed and hungry for blood. Ned forced a lock of blades a foolish move when the man was clearly the strongest. Robert felt his blood drain when he saw Ned forced his sword up and the smiling knight went to gut Ned. Ned twisted the sword down blade pointing to the ground and caught the killing slash. Stepping back the smiling knight tried to stab Ned and the fight that had looked to be in the murderous knight favor ended. Ned side stepped the strike turning to the side grabbing his sword by the blade parrying the strike aside. With the guard of his sword Ned hit the knight's temple hard and stunned the knight. Still holding the sword by the blade Ned forced the knight's arm up and stabbed him through the armpit where plate armor was powerless to protect. Ned got about a foot of the blade deep before the giant in pain dropped his sword and clamped his hands on Ned neck.
"NED!" Robert yelled, but Arthur who had never left Ned's side and kept his rear and flanks safe came with Dawn swinging down for the knights arms. The knight released Ned using his massive body he pushed the sword of the morning back throwing his shoulder at him. All three fell and Robert lost track in the sea of bodies. The smiling knight stood yelling and the pale sword dawn was the last thing the hulking knight saw before it went through his neck Ned coming up with the great sword driving the damn blade so far through the neck that Ned was just about a foot from the knights face blood pooled at the smiling knights face his crazed eyes lost the smile they held and Ned with a yell twisted the blade and took the kngiht's head. Then with Dawn he cleaved some followers who tried to get to him and reached down Arthur came up a cut on his head bleeding. Robert looked to the right stairs to see outlaws come down arms raised without weapons. From the left set of stairs Brandon came down a woman over his shoulders the blond hair told him it was that girl that put an arrow on him. Robert heard Rhaegars voice it was odd to hear his usually soft voice yell over the hall.
"Yield! Simon Toyne is dead!" the declaration followed by the remaining outlaws throwing their arms down and yielding begging for mercy. Robert parted the men before him with a bit of a limp from the wound and was met with the sight of Simon's headless body and Jaime Lannister sword coated in the outlaws blood standing in front of Rhaegar. His friend had lost his shield and Blackfyre firmly in his free hand the other held his shoulder where he had been cut. Finally a cheer went over the keep as the day was theirs. Robert sighed and looked to his leg, if it weren't for that woman the glory would have been all his. Still looking at Jaime Lannister being praised wasn't the worst thing that could have happened all and all Robert smirked at his friend Rhaegar nodded his smile melancholy always the soft hearted man who mourned all deaths. Ned came next Arthur had his sword back and Ned as well with his own. Ned and Arthur nodded to Robert. Truly victory felt great and a thirst for battle was born for him this day.
HOLY CRAP I have been away for a long time, sorry about that guys writers block had a death grip on me and I could not for the life of me find the motivation to break it! Somewhat good news is I have found my muse once more and can write again bad news college is here so my time will be crunched most of my time dedicated to studying and work.
Now then on to more pressing matters I'm still looking for a beta as my old one disappeared on me never to be seen again. The beta profiles are quite literally abandoned since no one ever replies, so I ask again if anyone here would like to offer their services and help me make this story the best it can be. I took the time to read this one and gave some editing but I am but one man! I will miss some mistakes here and there.
Now then this especially long chapter to make up for my long break marks the end of the Kingswood Broherhood and marks the start of the main plot. No more distractions everything from now on is for Rhaegar and his uprising. More character interactions to come and political moves to come, hope you guys enjoy what's to follow.