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CHAPTER III.
Rhaena Targaryen Stark 283 A.L.- Dragonstone
Dark Wings, Dark Words. The old addage had never been more true than now. She could still hear the sobs of both her sister and daughter from the news the raven brought. Her eldest remaining son was on his way. She imagined him writing the letter and the sombre look he would have borne when writing it.
My Beloved Mother,
I barely know where to begin. Your men just reached me as I left what I am beginning to think of as the eight level of hell known as King's Landing. I am not surprised your words didn't find me sooner. The fighting has been fierce and all consuming; especially in the Riverlands, the Stormlands, and the Crownlands. First let me tell you how of joyous it was to learn you lived still and have given us a new sister. When I last heard from Winterfell that you were near death it was one of the most grievous moments of my life. Twas like Father and Brandon all over again. How do i begin to describe what has befallen our country. If only i'd known how utterly rash Brandon would react; if only i'd known what Lyanna truly wanted or thought to dissuade Father from her betrothal when I could tell such a thing was so distasteful to her. I was so convinced of Jon Arryn's vision of our alliance and Westeros; that I convinced myself that it was her duty. Duty, and what is supposedly honourable have ruined everything I thought I knew. People I thought I knew are capable of such atrocities I have learned the hard way, through your words mother; through Fire and Blood- that my one true duty is to my family and my family alone. The only reason I joined in the rebellion was to to find Lyanna and avenge Father and Brandon. By the time I and my armies met up with the other rebel forces they had already proclaimed Robert king. Even then I shuddered at the thought of him on the throne. Whilst I agreed unreservedly that Aerys had to go, I believe they knew I would never go along with the overthrow of the entire Targaryen Dynasty. Thusly, I refused to swear fealty to Robert untill the rebellion was over. If Rhaegar had indeed abducted my sister then I believed a Great Council should have been called just as it was after the death of King Maeker. However apparently mine own thoughts are not to be taken seriously as I am merely some Northern savage tainted with Dragon's blood- Tywin Lannister's words.
Lies, deceit, and corruption- that is all the so-called alliance is built on. I apologize beforehand for having to write the following course of events but you must know of them and everyone on Dragonstone must needs prepare. We met the forces of the crown in the Riverlands at the Trident. The battle was evenly matched when Robert Baratheon and Crown Prince Rhaegar enagaged in single combat. Rhaegar fought valiantly, Rhaegar fought honourably, however Rhaegar was slain by Robert's warhammer to the chest. When Prince Llewyn Martell was slain and Ser Barristan Selmy was injured and captured, the Royalist host scattered leaderless. We made for Kings Landing with myself at the head of a host of Northmen and Riverlanders. We got there too late.
The night before our arrival the forces of the Westerlands under the command of Tywin Lannister arrived at the city gates; auspiciously to aid the King in his hour of need. On the advice of Grand Maester Pycelle and remarkably against the rather strenuous entrieties of Varys the Enuch; Aerys opened the gates to his old friend Tywin. That had been a most grievous mistake. The King was killed by the only remaining Kingsguard left in the capitol- Ser Jaime Lannister. He admitted as much to me when I came upon him in the throne room. Apparently even after breaking his solem oath the boy must still have some form of a conscience as I found him being restrained by members of his father's guard. I was soon to learn the reason why. After Tywin ordered the city to be sacked since the first time since the Dance, he ordered Gregor Clegane and Amory Lorch and some others to secure the Red Keep. Princess Rhaeneys was found stabbed half a hundred times in her father's rooms. This was purportedly done by Lorch. Princess Elia was found raped and butchered and baby Aegon's skull was crushed in. The Mountain was credited with both of these atrocities. When I demanded answers, when I asked Robert upon his arrival for the reason these actions occurred; the answer left me utterly disgusted- "They were Dragonspawn" spat Robert. Apparently my disgust only insured to raise his ire further especially when asked if I should be looking for a similar ending what with me being the son of a Targaryen princess myself. Regardless, to ensure a speedy exit from the city I swore fealty to Robert before I left; not that I hold any meaning to the oath in the slightest after what I saw and witnessed for I know me and mine shall be next.
Your men found me directly after I left the city and brought with them your news and a measure of hope I must cling to. Perhaps there is yet some way to restore a semblence of the honour I feel I have lost. In the capitol, no one is aware that you or Lyanna are at Dragonstone. I was ordered to relieve the seige at Storm's End. Relive it I shall, but not for the defenders. The Tyrells will hold the seige while I make for Dragonstone. Apparently they had already been told to make an alliance of some kind with me and knew of yourself and Lyanna's whereabouts. Your own workings and that of the Queen of Thorns no doubt. We must take decisive action as soon as possible. If Lyanna is delivered of a healthy boy he shall be King. I believe a son of Crown Prince Rhaegar will draw more support than young Viserys would be capabable of. Regardless, even if you must all retire to the North by the end of this, Houses Stark and Targaryen shall never bow to the stag. The gods willing I shall see you soon. Know that I pray day and night for the safe delivery and recovery of both Lyanna and the Queen.
Your Loving Son, Eddard of House Stark
Lord of Winterfell, Warden of the North
Rhaena read the life-altering piece of parchment for what felt like the thousandth time and still the words written did not change. How did it all come to this she wondered? Regardless she needs must keep a clear head. The arrival of Ned's letter brought forth more than just the fiercest storm she had ever witnessed; it also brought forth the labour of both her daughter and sister. Having Maester Walys and his expertise join her turned out to be of more import than she could have known. When the storm began to rage and looked more fierce by the minute Maester Walys thought; and rightly so, that the Royal Fleet could very well be destroyed if left anchored and docked where it was, especially with the Admiral stuck on the mainland. Accordingly, she ordered upon his instructions that the fleet be tied down and beached. It proved sound advice whereupon the majority of the fleet was saved.
For three days both Lyanna and Rhaella laboured to bring their children into the world. Both of them looked to be near to death from the bleeding. On the second day Lyanna was delivered of a healthy baby boy and on the third day Rhaella bore a healthy daughter. While the children were both doing exceptionally well, the mothers appeared to be fading. Rhaena spent every second praying to the Old gods and the New to allow Maester Walys to be able to save her daughter and sister. She didn't think she could survive any more losses. She was on her knees in the sept when Maester Walys found her. Someone, somewhere must have heard her prayers. Both mother's were exhausted and sleeping deeply with milk of the poppy, but both would live. Eventually, she fell asleep herself totally spent. Her daughter and sister would live as would their new born dragons; the Princess Daenerys Targaryen and His Grace King Jaehaegar I Targaryen, King of the Andals and the Rhoynar and the First Men, Lord Protector of the Seven Kingdoms. He would be informally be called Jon. They had a trueborn king and a final hope.