Chapter Eight – 299 AC, Sunspear

Finally

Ashara Dayne looked down at the letter in her hand as she rushed through the halls of Sunspear, heart in her throat. She had received the raven the week before and had ridden hard for the House of Martell ever since, even now her legs ached over the strain from her journey. Aero, Doran's Captain of the Guard, rushed after her as she ran through the winding halls to get to the throne room, curious what had Ashara in such a rush. She didn't even give him a change to announce her before she burst into the eating hall.

Oberyn, Doran, Trystane, Ryanne Tyrell, Ellaria, and seven of the eight Sand Snakes were gathered, speaking about something as they broke their fast. They swung to face her at her abrupt entrance but she didn't give them a chance to speak. "It's happening," she announced panting, heart pounding with excitement and exhaustion. Oberyn was the first to move and he shook his head confused, "What is?" he wondered. Ashara straightened and held up the folded piece of parchment that hadn't left her hand since it was delivered, "I received a raven from my brother. One thousand ships bearing thirty-thousand soldiers are currently leaving Slaver's Bay in Essos and heading for Dragonstone," she said, excitement and anticipation filling her.

Soon she would see her best friend and brother again.

Soon a Targaryen would sit on the Iron Throne once again.

It took a few seconds before Doran and Oberyn realized what she meant and rose to their feet in union. "Are you sure?" Oberyn demanded as Obara realized what was happening, due to the look on her father's face. Ashara nodded, "Yes, I also received a raven from her, though it was short. Her exact words were 'DO NOT LEAVE DORNE YET!" she said handing the missive to Doran. Oberyn's heart ached, she was getting so close but was still so far away. Obara realized they were talking about naneth and nudged Nymeria and Tyene's seat getting their attention. When they looked at her, she mouths naneth is coming, and they grinned at her, excitement thrumming through their bodies as they realized it was happening. The war Dorne had been preparing for since Robert's Rebellion was about to break out.

Oberyn spun around to look at his eldest three daughters, who had grins stretched across their faces and he knew without saying anything that his daughters were just as pleased as he was. He went to speak when Maester Myles came into the room holding a scroll. "A raven for Prince Oberyn," he said handing it over and leaving the room, knowing the second born Martell prefeed his privacy when such letters came. His whole body filled with tension as he saw the sigil. It was a viper and dragon intertwined together with a crown above their heads, something he had never seen before but clearly understood the meaning of. He lost his breath when he saw it before breaking it.

Oberyn,

I don't have a lot of time. I know Ashara will probably arrive before this does, the reason I'm saying don't mobilize Dorne yet is because I want to retake Dragonstone first. I'm not sure if you have learned about it yet, but I have birthed sixteen new dragons. They now call me the Mother of Dragons. They're almost ready to be rode now. By the time I arrive in Westeros, Valyrian will be large enough to ride. Things have begun falling into place over the last couple of moons and its time for us to return. I hope I shall see you soon. Give my love to our daughters.

Now and Always yours

-V

Oberyn looked up to see everyone watching him with expectation. He smiled softly as he looked at his eldest three, "Your naneth asks me to pass on her love to you," he said and the girls nodded wishing she was there so they could tell her they loved her too. He turned to Doran and gave him the letter, when he was finished reading it, he nodded in agreement. It made sense to wait for her to actually be on Westeros soil before they started mobilizing, especially since they didn't want to gain Tywin Lannister's attention just yet. As far as they knew the man was still held up at Harrenhal and Robb Stark was plotting to get into the Westernlands.

Unnoticed by everyone, Ellaria sat beside Oberyn and seethed in silence as their words washed over her. It was obvious something was happening that she hadn't been told about and that just burned. She and Oberyn had gotten close enough that he had asked her to marry him during one of their trysts, but then the letters had started arriving more frequently and Oberyn had pulled away from her to the point where they had not shared a bed in weeks. The oldest Sand Snakes looked thrilled at this news, Oberyn looked eager and Doran was stood with a contemplating look on his face. Something had happened and she wanted to know what. She was not prepared to lose Oberyn to anyone, even the elder Sand Snakes mother who she had no name or face for other than the word naneth.

Ashara Dayne grinned with happiness radiating out of her. Finally, one of her best friends and her brother was coming home. She had not seen or heard from either in years, other than the news which traveled across the sea. She felt eager and if Visenya hadn't ordered her to stay put, she would have been on the first ship she could find to Dragonstone. It had been so long and Ashara longed for her friend. They had lost Elia, all that was left was each other. Of all the handmaidens Visenya had had growing up, she was closest to her and Elia, with Catelyn Tully now Stark close behind. The girls had all Bonded as daughters from Great Houses, which was supposed to build alliances, but that was broken due to Rhaegar.

She would never forgive him for what he did, though she would never punish his child. Even though Jacaerys shouldn't have been the heir. No, it should have been Elia's precious son Aegon. The son she almost died to give Rhaegar, who then spat in her face by running off with Lyanna Stark. But Aegon was dead and while Visenya would be a good Queen, the realm would never accept her as the ruler, meaning Jacaerys was the true heir as the only surviving child of Rhaegar's loins. Ashara had no doubt that Visenya would seat him on the throne, she was to stubborn to ever fail.

They wanted to be by her side, Ashara could tell as she looked at Oberyn and his daughters. Even Prince Trystan, who had never met Visenya and Ryanne wanted to be there. But she had ordered them to stay away, now all they could do was wait.

~!~

At the same time Ashara was giving news to the Martell's in Sunspear, Sarella Sand received a missive at the Citadel under the name of her alias. She was surprised. If her ada needed something, he usually sent a rider so things stayed quiet. However, when she was the sigil she was filled with excitement. She could only remember hazy images of her naneth, a flash of purple, a gentle lullaby as arms rocked her, a soft voice encouraging her to take a step and beautiful gentle laughter. These were the only things she remembered about Visenya Targaryen, but she also remembered tight arms wrapping around her and promising they would meet again. She also knew she loved her naneth, the ache in her chest told her so whenever she thought of her. Not to mention, her three elder sisters made sure to keep her memory of her alive when they were children. Now she was holding a letter from her naneth in her hand.

She cracked the seal with anticipation to see beautiful script filled the page.

Sarella,

My sweet one. I still remember the day you arrived in Dorne. You were only a couple of weeks old with a head of dark hair and your ada's deep eyes. You cried until I had taken you in my arms and rocked you. You fell silent and looked at me with you bright eyes, and that was when I fell in love with you. Your sisters wrote to me some moons ago and told me you were undercover in Oldtown.

I am very proud of you Sarella. Even if I haven't been there, I am so proud of everything you've accomplished over your life. I'm writing this from Slaver's Bay, which has now been renamed Dragon's Bay, just before I board the ship that will return me home to Westeros. I find myself in need of an extra set of hands, specifically one who is good at being undercover, and I know you have trained with your sisters. If you are interested, I want you to meet me in Dragonstone in two moons time.

I look forward to seeing you sweet one.

All my love,

Naneth

Sarella Sand found herself thankfully to be alone in her room, because her legs turned to jelly and went out from under her as the words sunk into her mind. She sunk to the floor clutching the letter like a lifeline as tears gathered in her eyes. Everyone told her stories of her naneth, but now she had actual proof in her hands that she was real and she was coming home. She rushed to pack up her things, knowing she wouldn't have much time to catch a boat to Dragonstone and let her mentor know she was thankful for everything he had done for her but there was an emergency and she needed to go.

Ever since the war started, it had been hard for ships to go anywhere, due to the Iron Born attacking everyone and Stannis Baratheon patrolling the waters. But she wasn't going to let anything stop her. Her naneth needed her and Sarella Sand would not disappoint her, not ever. She was quick to leave the Citadel and it just her luck that a merchant ship from the Reach was passing through on its way to Dragonstone. Once she was situated, Sarella took a deep breath as she realized this was it. She was going to see her mother for the first time in sixteen years after she got off the ship she was on.

Excitement filled her; she couldn't wait.

~!~

Just before they departed from Meereen, Captain Whitefang, the man who had Captained her ship through the Smoking Seas to Valyria and then guarded all of her belongings for years afterward, handed her a missive. The seal was blue with a flock of little birds telling her who it was from without he having to open it. She cracked it when she was alone with Arthur in her cabin below deck, who watched curiously, wondering why the spider was writing to her after weeks of silence. He knew she was waiting for something; he just wasn't sure what.

It held only five words.

I found them my Queen.

She bared her teeth, a feral grin which made anyone who seen in uncomfortable and handed it to Arthur, who read it then looked at her curious with a raised eyebrow, "Who was he looking for?" he asked. Anger and hate lit up her eyes, "Gregor Clegane and Amory Lorch," she said through clenched teeth, hating to even say their names. Arthur frowned, "The men who murdered Elia Martell and her children," he murmured quietly to himself. Visenya nodded before sitting down on her bed, the one same one that had brought her to Essos and the one that took her to Valyria, the one inside the ship Valyria, who had survived the treacherous waters around the island of her true homeland.

Arthur signed, "You want to hand them over to Dorne," he said as he realized her plan.

Visenya nodded, "Yes, I cannot accept their support without righting some of the wrongs that were committed. The Martell, Targaryen and Stark families are the ones who lost the most during the Rebellion. My father, brother and mother lost, Elia, Rhaenys and Aegon murdered, Rickard and Brandon Stark murdered, Lyanna dead due to neglect. I must mend hurts before we move forward to take the Iron Throne," she explained. Everything she said was the truth. Nine people had died needlessly, seven who had done nothing wrong and Visenya was the one who now had to fix those hurts.

He kneeled down in front of her and grabbed her hands making her look at him, "When Rhaella named you Queen Regent, I pledged myself as you sworn-shield Visenya. Not because you became Queen, not because of your brother, not even because of Jacaerys. I did it because I believed you would lead us into a new dynasty. I believed you would bring honor back to a world who had none. I still believe that. You are the blood of the dragon. But you are also a Princess of Dorne, my home, in heart and soul. You and Oberyn may have never married, but I know you loved each other more than anything. The fact you are willing to do this for Dorne... that makes you better then all those men who call themselves King," he spoke softly to her. Tears filled her eyes as he stood up looking down at her, "My sword is yours, your grace," he said bowing his head. Visenya gripped his forearm, a warrior greeting, before letting him leave her cabin to sleep for the night.

Visenya rose to her feet and moved to the window that looked out the back of the ship, she looked out to see a thousand ships spread across the water behind her, many bearing the Targaryen sigil, while others bore the banner of Norvos and Volantis. If anyone looked, they never would have realized half the ships were being captained by Westerosi men, nor that half those men belonged to three of the Seven Kingdoms. The dragons danced across the skies above them and her eye locked with Valyrian's from the window and her dragon roared out loudly, causing the ships around them to tremble and a smile to cross Visenya's face. She was going home but she was not alone.

~!~

299 AC, Kings Landing

Varys walked through the halls towards the throne room, where Joffrey was waiting for everyone to gather for that day's court session. There was a pep in his step and it took all his might to keep his face expressionless, even though he wanted to dance with glee. Everything had finally come together and the true heir to the Iron Throne, Jacaerys Targaryen was soon to step foot on Westeros soil for the first time since his birth. One of his little birds had given him the news that the ships had launched from Meereen, carrying over thirty-thousand men, not to mention the war elephants from Volantis and Norvos.

Visenya had spent years working out the deal with the two Free Cities and after she became the Queen of Dragon's Bay, they finally consented to an alliance. Volantis was known for its war elephants, so in exchange for one thousand elephants, they wanted rights to trade and be welcome in Westeros. Visenya had agreed and the alliance between Dragon's Bay and Westeros would also be a boon for them. Norvos was the same thing, they wanted rights in Westeros and offered trade of the more exotic foods that couldn't be found in Westeros at all, which would supply the food for her army.

According to his little birds, Visenya had not changed much from the Princess that once walked the halls of the Red Keep so many years ago. She was hardened from war and the struggle to survive, but her zest for justice had never changed. Jacaerys held all the good qualities of both side of his family and none of the bad, a blessing for all of Westeros according to her. They needed a good King after all the horrible things that had befallen the Seven Kingdoms since Aerys reign. Daenerys was a lot like Queen Rhaella according to Ser Jorah Mormont, before she became Queen and Varys was pleased.

Three members of the Targaryen family and not one drop of madness among them, which was good for the realm.

A point which was proven when Varys entered the throne room to find Lyra and Sansa Stark knelt in front of the Iron Throne, reminding him very much of Elia Martell after Rhaegar left with Lyanna Stark. The poor girls had been so traumatized by their time in the capital. Sansa was still betrothed to Joffrey due to the fact the Tyrell's had refused to come to their aide during the Battle of Blackwater Bay. Even when Tywin had offered to break the Baratheon/Stark betrothed and wed his grandson to Margaery Tyrell, given that Ryanne Tyrell was betrothed to Trystan Martell, the Tyrell's had refused staying neutral in the war.

Varys knew the truth though.

They stayed out of it because they were loyal to Visenya and the Targaryen's. Not to mention Olenna still hoped to wed Margaery to the rightful King of the Seven Kingdoms. It wouldn't happen, given that Jacaerys was currently betrothed to Roslin Frey and it was a love match. The only way Margaery would wed Jacaerys was if Roslin died without an heir. Illyrio had made it clear that Jacaerys would never take a second wife, especially after he found out what his father had done, so Varys silently promised when the Targaryen's returned to the Red Keep, he would keep the Queen safe otherwise they would be reclaiming a kingdom for no reason, unless Daenerys could bare another child, given Visenya was barren.

With those thoughts in mind, he bowed before the incest King, "Your grace," he murmured, forcing his face to go expressionless.

A cruel smirk crossed Joffrey's face at his appearance, "What news spider?" he demanded as he shifted on his throne.

Varys straightened, "Robb Stark and his army are secreted in Riverrun at the moment, they are trying to gain allies. The Tyrell's still refused to leave Highgarden. Lysa Arryn is staying quiet in the Vale, ignoring all letters she receives from her sister for aide. Stannis Baratheon has returned to Dragonstone, no one is sure what is going through his mind at the moment. He was tempted to storm the gates but his 'Hand' managed to change his mind. They are currently regrouping. Most of the iron fleet had abandoned the Iron Islands and were seen heading towards Essos, though they clashed with Stannis's fleet briefly and lost half of their ships. No one is sure where they're going," he reported dutifully, keeping quiet about the Crownland lords who had abandoned Joffrey and all the ships that had sailed to Meereen.

Joffrey's face darkened, "What news from across the sea?" he asked sharply.

Here Varys used all his self-control not to smile, "Visenya Targaryen as conquered Slaver's Bay with the aide of eight thousand Unsullied soldiers, twenty thousand Dothraki, the sellsword company, the Stormcrows and her sixteen dragons. She had been named Queen of the Meereen, Yunkai and Astapor, gaining a fleet of ships in the process. Ser Gerald Hightower, Ser Oswell Whent and Ser Arthur Dayne guard her back," here everyone in the room inhaled sharply. The three knights were known as the best of the realm during Aerys reign and all thought them dead. To learn they were indeed alive, it had many exchanging nervous looks, including the two Stark sisters.

A scowl crossed Joffrey's face, "What of this mysterious heir we keep hearing about?" he demanded, gaining Cersei's attention. Many knew the Queen Regent had been in love with Rhaegar Targaryen and they had almost been wed before Aerys changed his mind and betrothed his son and heir to Elia Martell. It was well known she had tried to sway him after his marriage but for all his faults, Rhaegar never strayed until Lyanna Stark. Varys never forgot her glee when she became Queen nor the whispers of her pleasure when rumors had spread of Elia and her children's deaths.

When word had come shortly after her marriage to Robert, that Rhaegar had another child, an heir, she had been furious. Ranting and raving the child should have been hers and not whoever the mother was. Visenya had done a good job at keeping quiet that Jacaerys mother was Lyanna Stark. Only a few people knew and most of them were dead, other than those with Jacaerys at that very moment. Varys had made sure those that knew Lyanna was pregnant, would never utter a word about it. It was currently the realms best kept secret.

Well other than who Visenya's birth mother was.

Varys would never forget how that had come about nor the horror Aerys mistress had forced though. Arrana Umber had been only seventeen when Aerys had caught sight of her for the first time and she found herself his mistress soon after. After having lost so many children, Aerys was determined it was Rhaella's fault and planned to do away with her and wed Arrana if the northern maiden birthed a healthy child. However, Arrana died in the birthing bed and Visenya was left to be raised by Queen Rhaella, who had lost a child only days before Visenya was born.

Aerys had sworn everyone who knew about Arrana to secrecy and her body was taken back North to her family. Greatjon Umber had been furious over the death of his sister and even more so when it was discovered Arrana had birthed a child and that child would be raised in Kings Landing and not in her mothers' homeland. Not to mention that the threat of execution was hanging over the Umber families head if they ever mentioned what happened to Arrana. Greatjon had been forced to tell everyone his sister had been taken in a wildling ambush and was dead by the time they tracked her down.

If anyone ever suspected the truth of Visenya's birth, they never mentioned it.

In that way it made sense when Visenya had ordered her allies to aide The North, the most important among them, Walder Frey. Without her interference, Robb Stark would have found himself wed to a Frey and most of the Stark daughters sold to become wives for his sons, grandsons and great grandsons. Her orders for him to aide the North, had saved the boy from that fate and he had recently wed Talisa Maegyr, who was with child, according to his little birds. Another boon for the north, especially since Joffrey was still not wed, given Cersei hated Sansa Stark and did not want to give up her crown to the girl.

The realm was ripe for the taking. People were starving, families had been torn apart and the only way it would end was when someone conquered the rest. Robb Stark had too much honor, Tywin was getting old and Stannis had no allies. Visenya was entering Westeros with an army and Houses that were still loyal to her family. The Baratheon's had won by the skin of their teeth so many years ago and the Lannister's were holding onto the throne by a single thread. It wouldn't take much for that thread to snap.

The moment Jacaerys had an heir, it would be over for the Lannister's.

Which brought him to the information he was now being allowed to share.

He looked at Cersei, "It seems that Rhaegar and Lyanna Stark, wed and had a child before their deaths. His name is Jacaerys Targaryen and he is their legitimate child making him the heir to the Iron Throne. According to my little birds, he's betrothed to be wed to a noble maiden from a minor house, in exchange for their aide in conquering Westeros," he said, hiding his glee as the Queen's face slowly turned red with Fury.

Lyra Stark's face paled at that information and Varys was sad that he had been forced to give this information while the Stark sisters were still in Kings Landing. He had hoped to have smuggled them out by now but the gates were all being watched closely and there was no way for someone to get through and he didn't have a sailor he trusted enough to get them out, since Lord Velaryon had defected over to Visenya's side. He knew this information was going to make Cersei even more unbearable but there was naught to be done about it right now.

"WHAT?!" Cersei's roar echoed through the throne room as it descended into chaos.

Varys caught sight of Tyrion Lannister's smirk before the dwarf vanished from sight, leaving the Spy Master to try and calm the bastard King and his mother.

~!~

Later that evening, Visenya had everyone gather in the courtyard of the Great Pyramid and then stepped out onto the balcony overlooking them, needing them to be able to see and hear her. The moment all eyes were on her, she started to talk and as every single person listened, they were filled with courage to do what must be done and also hope for a better future.

She had no idea of the picture she painted in the sun light. Her dress blowing in the wind, hair formed like a crown, dragons all gathered at her feet, people spread out behind her in a line, she looked every inch like the Valyrian Queens of Old.

"Dothraki, Unsullied and others," she called, gaining all their attention. Prince Lewyn watched in surprise as all those people focused of his Queen. Unknown to but a few, the dothraki and Unsullied had been learning westeron so they understood all her words, "We have been through much together these last few years. Be it getting to know each other, dealing with my brother Viserys, or Khal Drogo dying and the sacking of Astapor, Yunkai and Meereen. We have fought side by side and come out on the side of victory," her voice echoed across the grounds as the men made noises of agreement, "we have brought pride to the Great Stallion," the dothraki yelled agreement, "we have given the Unsullied their dignity back," the Unsullied yelled agreement banging their spears against their shields, "we have killed those who wronged us," everyone was crying their agreement, "I have brought dragons back into this world," the screams were so loud they startled the dragons.

"Now I must ask something of you," and silence fell over all of them.

"I will return across the Narrow Sea to win back the Throne of my ancestors alongside my family. We have fought with each other; we have healed each other and we have brought joy to each other. I am Visenya of Houses Targaryen and Umber, Second of My Name, Princess of Summerhall, The Unburnt, The Great Mother Khaleesi, Queen Regent of the of the Andals, the Rhoynar and the First Men, Protector of the Realm, Lady Regent of the Seven Kingdoms, Breaker of Chains, the Mother of Dragons, Mother of the Sand Snakes, Dāria to the Unsullied, Queen of Dragons and I will one day ride Valyrian, The King of Dragons. I ask now, will you fight with me?"

The roar that went through the courtyard actually shook the ground, as it echoed loudly through the streets on the city. The Queensguard, Ser Gerald, Ser Oswell and Ser Arthur, who had been with her every step of the way, had tears in their eyes and they smiled when they heard the chants echoing from the soldiers,

"Dragon Queen," "The Dragon," and "Mother of Dragons," came from those who knew westeron.

The people of Meereen shouted "Mhysa," one of her most beloved titles.

"Dāria" echoed from the Unsullied in Valyrian their mother tongue.

"The Great Mother," and "Khaleesi," were being shouted in dothraki.

Visenya Targaryen, Princess of Summerhall and Queen Regent of the Seven Kingdoms cried tears of joy at their words. She pulled her sword, the one of her ancestor Visenya, Dark Sister and held it above her head with a cry, "To Arms."

Men who had fought side by side of Visenya lifted their swords into the sky, "To Arms!" in pledge to fight with her.

Those new to the party watching in amazment as Visenya rallied her troops to go to war and they responded. Theon Greyjoy knew then that he had made the right choice. Prince Lewyn looked at the women he thought of as a daughter, the one who should have married his nephew and he couldn't help but think she should have been Queen and not just a princess. But one thing everyone knew was that the Targaryen's were going home and they would reign hell upon their enemies.

Nothing could stop them now.