The Blue Wolf

by choejhulkp9

What if? What if events before Robert's Rebellion and the end of the Targaryen line occurred differently? What if Lyanna Stark did have some feelings for Robert and it led to them laying together before she met Rhaegar? What if she was pregnant when they went to the Tower of Joy in Dorne? These small changes have large repercussions. The Blue Wolf is born and he will Howl with Fury

14. Home is where the heart is-Part 1

Hello everyone, here is Chapter 14 of the Blue Wolf. William's adventure of self-discovery, self-improvement, and change is at its end. He's liberated the cities of Astapor, Yunkai, and Meereen in the newly named Freedom's Cove, amassed an army of Unsullied, broke a Dothraki charge, destroyed both the Second Sons and the Golden Company, and killed two of the Triarchs of Volantis. All of the people of Freedom's Cove have better lives then they did before. He has spent a long time away from home and now it is time for him to return. What kind of homecoming will it be? Let's find out. Enjoy!

Home is where the heart is Part 1

296 AC: Gulf of Grief

The Isle of Cedars resided in the Gulf of Grief near Freedom's Cove. Once known as the Isle of a Hundred Battles, an island of pale sand on the southern shore with shimmering turquoise water close to the sand and farther out the blue water runs so deep that its almost black. The island had two cities, Ghozai in the North and Velos in the south, but both were destroyed in a tsunami triggered by the Doom four centuries ago. Since then, no one has settled there and only animals remain. The island has forests green and full of twisted trees and bright colored flowers. Home to pigs including large black boars and smaller piglets as well as monkeys.

In the south, the Isle's cedars were drowned by the Doom, making it the perfect port or stop to help further secure Freedom's Cove only there was a slight problem. Apparently, some smart slavers had established a small colony on the western side of the island and had kept it well hidden enough to remain undetected up to this point. They had been smart, keeping it well hidden deep in the foliage provided by the dense trees and hiding their ships among the large clusters of rocks on the water. They built small huts and hid their cages for the slaves in the terrain so no one would see them and with it on the western part of the isle closer to the Smoking Sea, they figured no one would see them there.

They were wrong.

They had about a hundred or so slaves on their way to Qarth paid with exorbitant price given the Conqueror's actions have made the slave trade in this region extremely risky. The slaves were chained together and sitting in circles tied to trees while others were put into large wooden cages. Those grouped together in cages were already bought so it was easier to keep track of them. Many of the slaves in cages were women on their way to brothels or pleasure houses while the large men would be taken as slave fighters. The rest would be workers or servants.

One of the slavers was in a makeshift lookout spot on the cliff overlooking the alcove where they had set up their operation. He was on guard duty, so he was stuck keeping an eye out by himself while the others got to handle the slaves. This was one of many makeshift lookout spots on the cliff by the alcove as the slavers had built a small camp against the cliff face for concealment and protection. The lookout spots provided them with eyes around and with it up against the cliff it provided them natural protection from an attack on their flanks. The only real avenue for attack was from the front and the slavers had built some walls for protection in their little camp and the alcove was large enough to hold all their slaves and the bay it came to was big enough for their ships. They weren't leaving anything to chance only it wasn't going to help them that much.

The lookout sat in a chair and opened up a wineskin when he was suddenly grabbed from behind and put in a rear naked choke. He was pulled out of his little lookout spot and hit the ground before his attacker stabbed him in the back of the neck with a knife and he was dead. Said attacker was Autolycus, wearing a muted green cloak to blend into the forest surroundings. Another guard at a nearby lookout spot noticed that the guard wasn't at his post but before he could shout or find out what was going on a rope wrapped around his neck from behind and strangled him until he lost consciousness. Said strangler was Atalanta and she moved his body out of sight before taking aim with her bow and shooting a nearby guard, killing him with a headshot. The other guards in the other lookout spots were taken down in similar ways and not a sound was made. Well, not a sound loud enough to alert the slavers down in their camp. With the lookouts taken care of Autolycus turned to the woods behind him and let out a short whistle. A few seconds later he got a whistle back shortly followed by some rustling as 12 men emerged all wearing similarly colored garb to Autolycus to blend in. Garlan Tyrell led the 11 other men all of whom were Men-at-Arms for House Tyrell and armed with crossbows or regular longbows and Orys was there perched on one of the men's shoulders. Autolycus took out a small mirror and used it to catch the light from the sun, reflecting a small flicker of light across the alcove where Atalanta and the others were. She took out a small mirror and did the same, signaling that they were ready. Autolycus saw this so he cut off a small piece of the green cloak he was wearing and gave it to Orys who quickly flew away.

Orys let out a sharp caw as he flew through the air, away from the alcove to about a three hundred yards away where he landed on Will's outstretched arm. He along with Ser Arthur Dayne, Hercules, and the rest of their party of about 200 were waiting on the beach. Some were on horses, but the others were on foot including about 100 Unsullied trainees who needed more combat experience. They had anchored their ships faraway so they wouldn't be seen and while Autolycus and Atalanta led their small group to take out the lookouts, Will and the main force moved along the beach to make the main assault. He noticed the green piece of cloth in Orys talons, so he ushered Roach forward and they continued on.

Once they were close enough, he ushered Orys to fly above. The eagle let out a sharp caw as it flew over the slave camp. Will pulled out his bow from his saddle holster and readied two arrows in his off hand. He looked behind at the others and they all gave him a reaffirming nod, so he pulled up his hood and facemask and they charged forward. Autolycus saw Orys fly over so he signaled to Atalanta who pulled out a firework arrow and quickly lit the fuse before sending it high over the alcove. The arrow then exploded in a puff of smoke and spewed out bright sparks of green light and loud noise that caught the slavers and slaves off guard by what was going on.

"RAHH!"

A battle cry was heard as the slavers saw a cavalry charge come through to their surprise. Will quickly shot two arrows at once, killing one of the slavers out front before turning to the side and shooting another guard with an arrow. Ser Arthur cut down a guard with his sword as he rode by with Smalljon Umber, Thoros of Myr and Beric Dondarrion doing the same as they rode into the alcove. Shrieks and screams of panic were heard from the slaves as they scrambled for cover, however, they could find it. Oberyn Martell rode forward on his horse and slashed two guards with his spear while on horseback when he saw a third take aim at him with a crossbow only to get an arrow through the eye. He turned and saw William had fired the shot and then quickly took three arrows from his saddle quiver and released them rapid-fire at three more guards who had bows or crossbows. Roach reared on his hind legs, kicking a guard in the face and then stomping on him when he landed.

Will placed his bow in his saddle holster and unsheathed Storm's Wrath as he got off his horse, quickly parrying a sword to the side and slashed the slaver across the stomach before thrusting through his chest. He then walked over and used his sword to cut through the net of a cage, setting those slaves free. Some of the others had gotten off their horses as well and joined up with the prince as the Unsullied marched up with him, freeing any tied-up slaves along the way.

"Come on, you slaver pieces of shit! We're not done with you yet!" Smalljon boasted before quickly knocking aside a guard's sword with his shield and bashing his head in with his flanged mace.

Will charged forward at the head of his force, moving with speed and precision as he dodged or swerved attacked from the slavers while cutting them on the legs or sides. He blocked a lateral cut from a slaver and disarmed him of his sword before punching him across the face and pushing him forward. The slaver's body ended up being a human shield to a crossbowman who hit him in the back with a bolt meant for the Prince. Will tossed his body to the side and threw a throwing knife that hit the crossbowman in the neck as Ser Arthur Dayne engaged a slaver. He brought down his sword in an overhead slash, cutting through the slaver's spear shaft and splitting the man's head in two before kicking away his body. He then spun into a wide lateral slash that cut through another slaver with Will ducking and spinning to the side where he disarmed another slaver, tripped him to his knees and slashed him across the chest. Ser Arthur Dayne then slashed him across the back as Will blocked and parried two slaver's attacks. He disarmed one and kicked him to the side before thrusting his sword into the stomach of the other. The slaver he disarmed was kicked into the path of Ser Arthur Dayne who cut off one of his legs and then slashed him across the throat. Ser Arthur Dayne unsheathed his other sword to block and parry attacks from three slavers using swords and easily took them down. One got a thrust through the chest, another got cut in the side and slashed across the neck while the third got the back of his legs cut and then his head cut off.

Will parried a spear to the side and used his hidden blade to throat slash the slaver when another rushed him from behind, but Ser Arthur Dayne charged forward and ran both his swords through the man's body, pinning him to the ground. Will gave him a thankful nod and Ser Arthur Dayne nodded back before rushing forward to kill a slaver who was going to attack Ser Arthur's flank only for the slaver to fall down. He got two arrows to the back and fell over dead, so Will and Ser Arthur looked up on the cliff and gave thankful salutes to Atalanta for the save. She along with Autolycus and the other archers were providing range support for the attackers. Atalanta fired arrow after arrow down below when she saw Hercules smashing the slavers around with his club. He sent one flying back into a crate of food before grabbing another and hoisting him up, so she fired an arrow and shot him in the back. Hercules dropped the body and gave Atalanta and thankful nod. A slaver with a spear charged at Hercules from behind but Tydeus tackled him to the ground and cleaved into his chest with his two axes. Amphiaraus moved up, tripping several of the slavers to the ground before extending out the blades of his spear and killing them all with one swing.

Hundred Eyes walked through the camp holding his saber in reverse grip as he easily blocked the sloppy sword cuts from a slaver then parrying his thrust to the side so he could slice the slaver's throat open. Another slaver came at him with a small hatchet that Hundred Eyes parried to the side. He then jabbed the slaver in the side, elbowed him in the face and did a back thrust to his stomach. Hundred Eyes pulled out his sword to block a sword cut from his front and kicked his attacker back before knocking him out with a roundhouse kick to the face. Hundred Eyes kept moving forward as the other members of William's party fought and killed the slavers around him when his hearing picked up something closing in. Heavy footsteps that were deafened by dirt and sand, but the distinct rattle of metal chains and the clink of a metal helmet let Hundred Eyes know what was coming. One of the slavers had a very large build, not as big as Hercules but maybe about the size of Smalljon Umber so he was large. He was decked out in thick chainmail and wearing a great helm style helmet. That along with the style of sword he was carrying indicated that the slaver was Westerosi, most likely having fled to Essos and joined up with the slavers. Hundred Eyes quickly stepped to the side to avoid a downward cut while making several cuts of his own against his attacker, but his sword couldn't cut through the chainmail he was wearing. The slaver raised his sword and blocked the myriad of cuts and slashes Hundred Eyes attempted, even raising his arm and using his armor and chainmail to block his attacks. Hundred Eyes kept moving around the slaver to keep him off balance as he kept cutting and slashing with little to no effect at all. The slaver was able to take the attacks, but Hundred Eyes was too agile for him to get close as all his cuts, thrusts, or slashes were too slow. Hundred Eyes spun around the front of the slaver, slashing him across the arm and then the chest as the slaver raised his sword up. Hundred Eyes sidestepped his attack and sent out a cut that the slaver blocked with his arm but before he could raise his sword in response Hundred Eyes jabbed him in the throat. With a collapsed wind pipe the slaver staggered back, trying to catch him breath only for Hundred Eyes to jab him in the throat yet again with his fingers curved, this time crushing a nerve cluster in his neck. The slaver dropped his knees before collapsing to the ground, dead.

Will thrusted his sword through the stomach of another slaver and pushed him off to the side before rushing over to a large tree where a group of slavers were chained up. A slaver tried to rush him with a spear, but he dodged the thrust, elbowed the slaver in the face and then leg tripped him onto his back where he stabbed him in the chest. Will then quickly turned and cut through the chain the slaves were trapped in. His Valyrian steel sword cut through the iron chains like it was made of cloth.

"Stay here!" He told them before moving forward, blocking a sword cut and punching the slaver in the face and stabbing him in the chest with his hidden blade. He then maneuvered the man's body into the path of a spear, saving him from a side attack and allowing him to pommel strike the spearman and cut off his head. He had a moment to observe the chaotic yet oddly controlled order of the battlefield he was on. More controlled on his part with his men and army acting in a coordinated fashion while the slavers weren't. They weren't exactly a trained group of warriors when they mainly dealt with slaves, and they had no chance against William and his party with how well trained and coordinated they had become. He saw the amount of slavers had dwindled to the point where they only had less then thirty men left standing and many of them were retreating to the safety of their walled camp. There was one man in particular, dressed in finer fabrics then the others which were also cleaner and decked out with fine jewels, was clearly in charge given how he was yelling at the men around him. They had been caught off guard and outmaneuvered as their attackers rained down arrows and bolts from above while they were attacked from the front. Judging by Westerosi leading the front and the army of Unsullied coming up from the rear they were being attacked by the Conqueror which meant they were screwed. The Conqueror was well known for his battlefield prowess and his ruthlessness towards Slavers.

In a last ditched effort to try and stay alive the captain rallied everyone to the walled camp. Will looked up on the cliff and let out a sharp whistle. Atalanta and Autolycus heard the whistle, knowing that was the signature of the prince so they looked down and saw him in the alcove. They saw him pointing at the walled camp of the retreating slavers with the captain quickly having the gate shut. Only about 20 of the men got in before the gates shut leaving the rest outside to make a valiant last stand. They nodded and proceeded to head closer. Will couldn't have seen their nod, but he saw them heading in that direction which must have meant that they understood what he wanted them to do.

"RAHHH!"

Will quickly turned and blocked a spear thrust to the side before pommel striking his attacker in the face. He blocked a spear cut to the side and kicked his attacker back before quickly turning around to block a sword thrust and slicing him across the face with his hidden blade. He then slashed the man across the chest and cut him through the stomach. The spearman he kicked down got back up and charged and Will turned around to face him only for his attacker to get a spear head burst through his chest. The man cried out in pain as he fell to the side and Oberyn Martell pulled his spear from the man's back.

"I had that." Will assured him.

"I know but I owed you one." Oberyn replied.

"Finish up here, free the slaves, and then bring them to the walled camp. They're gonna like what happens next." He said and Oberyn nodded. Will continued forward to the walled camp with others joining him including Ser Arthur Dayne, Hundred Eyes, and Hercules. Others joined them and they easily tore their way through the remaining slavers mounting a defense outside the walled camp. One of the slavers inside the camp managed to get up onto a small platform against the wall with a crossbow and took aim but got killed with an arrow to the head curtsey of Atalanta. Finishing off the last of the defenders, Will and his party rushed to the main gate. It wasn't elaborate with it being just chopped down trees tied together to make a gate and a wooden plank keeping it closed. Hercules came up front and began pushing, straining the wood and rope holding it up but that would take too long so Will tapped him on the shoulder and pointed to the visible bundles of rope to the side. He then saw Will offering him his sword. "Care to try it my way?"

"Thank you." Hercules smiled and used Storm's Wrath to cut through the ropes with ease, even cutting into the wood. He did the same on the other side and with a mighty kick he knocked down the gate.

Atalanta and Autolycus rushed over to the edge of the cliff and threw in smoke bombs to the walled-off camp as cover for Hundred Eyes, Smalljon Umber, Ser Arthur Dayne, Thoros of Myr, Beric Dondarrion, Hercules, Amphiaraus, and Tydeus who rushed in after breaking down the makeshift wooden gate. Inside the walled-off camp was where the captain of this slaver group resided along with 20 of his best men all of whom were armed and when the attack began, they were prepared to make a defensive position and shut the wooden gates but that didn't work. Now all they could see was smoke and had no idea where their attackers were. The smoke was so thick that they could barely see one another unless they were within a few feet. One by one the slavers began dropping to the ground with thrusts to the chest or slashes to the neck. The members of Will's party had experience dealing with thick smoke, so they moved quickly and quietly and 8 of them took down 18 of the slavers before the smoke started to dissipate. All the leader saw were the two of his men standing closest to him alive while everyone else was on the ground dead.

Ser Arthur and the others walked over when one of the slavers handed the captain a nearby candle which he held over some barrels of oil. "Stay back!" The captain shouted, warning them and ready to blow them all up if they came close. "I'm warning you!"

Ser Arthur and the others stayed back, not pressing forward because they didn't need to. Unbeknownst to the captain, William had flanked around and climbed up the wall where the captain was positioned. He waited for his moment and jumped forward, taking out the captain's last two standing guards and killing them with a double aerial assassination. It happened so quickly the Captain wasn't able to act fast enough, and Will held one of his hidden blades to his throat, putting him completely at his mercy. He took the captain's sword and tossed it aside before retracting his hidden blade and putting out the burning candle with a pinch of his fingers. He smirked at the Captain before walking away with the rest of his party joining him just as Oberyn led the newly freed slaves in.

"He's all yours." He told them as they walked out. The slaves picked weapons up off the ground and walked over to the captain who was now completely surrounded and at their mercy. The panicked and terrified expression he had on his face must have been pure elation to the slaves who took their vengeance.

The newly freed slaves cheered in pure adulation as they drank the wine and ate the food that once belonged to the slavers they had been subjected to. The slaves began getting themselves new clothes from the dead slavers or any other clothing that was laying around the camp. The bodies of the slavers were either buried in the sand for the crabs or dumped onto a large pyre to burn. The newly freed slaved were overjoyed when they realized it was the Conqueror who freed them. Things were chaotic for a bit with the slaves flocking around him like he was a deity and Will wasn't exactly comfortable with the adoration but lived with it. He assured them all they'd be taken care of and that they'd be heading back to Freedom's Cove the next morning, so they had the day and night to enjoy their little celebration. Will and his party dug through the contents and kept anything of strategic importance like correspondence between the slavers and their buyers and allies along with maps of their supposed safe shipping routes and other important information that will come back to haunt them. They'd go over all the important information when they returned to Meereen. Some of the party returned from some hunting in the woods with several large pigs that were quickly butchered and being roasted for their little celebratory feast with the excessed being prepped to be taken back with them. The isle of Cedars was literally thriving with pigs and monkeys with the former being easier to hunt and more acceptable to eat. They hunted many pigs for the feast and were preparing more to be taken with them back to Meereen. William was already thinking of setting up an outpost on the island for meat and wood. Considering the legends of what happened with the Doom, no one dared try to colonize the island but setting up a small outpost for the meat and wood on the island made sense. And the outpost would act as another safeguard to keep an eye out for pirates and slavers.

Will, wanting a nice moment of peace and quiet, slipped away from the party in the alcove but grabbed some food before he did. He returned to the ship to get something and found a nice little clearing in the woods that overlooked the cliffs and ocean. He started a small fire and cut up some of the pig he took before skewering it on sticks and placing it over the fire. Enough for him to enjoy but he still had a large boar leg with him that was easily a few pounds of meat, so he left it on the ground and opened up a large cage he brought with him. Durran, his blue scaled dragon slowly crawled out of his confines and let out a shiver before he yawned and stretched.

"Durran." Will called out and the dragon crawled over, nuzzling into his hand as he let out happy screeches and moans. Will scratched under his maw and smiled at the dragon before pointing at the boar leg on the ground. Durran saw it and perked up walking over to it. "Durran, umbagon!" (Durran, wait!")

The dragon stopped in its tracks as it looked back at Will who was glad to see the training he had done with Durran was working. Given that the world still thought dragons were a myth, Will wasn't able to train Durran like he could Orys. He would take him out to fly as often as he could, often with Orys' help, but the other part of his training was getting him to listen and obey commands. Cedric suggested that as a way to really solidify the bond with Durran.

"Dracarys!" Will pointed at the boar leg and Durran let out a steady stream of intense fire. The hissing sound of the boar's sizzling fat and cooking flesh combined with the aroma was a sight to see, especially with a dragon being responsible but then Will saw part of Durran's fire had accidentally caught part of a tree on fire. "Oh, crap!"

He rushed up and quickly kicked dirt onto the fire, smothering it before it spread, and he had set fire to everywhere. Thankfully he got there in time. Durran continued the stream of fire for a few more seconds before stopping. "Ipradagon." (Eat.)

Durran didn't hesitate as he attacked the boar leg with gusto, ripping off chunks of the cooked flesh with his powerful maw and eating them with vigor. Imagine Durran three times the size and replace the boar leg with the unlucky men he encountered, and it wasn't hard to believe why dragons were feared for so many generations. Durran had grown to about the same size as a full-grown hunting dog which meant his cage was equally as large. Soon it won't be much longer before cages or kennels won't be able to hold him, which presented its own problem and very few solutions.

Will turned his skewered meat so it didn't burn and took off a piece that was fully cooked and ripped it into pieces to eat. That's when he heard a caw and Orys flew down next to him. He smiled and gave Orys a piece to eat and the eagle was more then happy to. He looked at both Orys and Durran and smiled before looking out at the ocean, enjoying the peace and quiet.

"Here you are." He heard as Ser Arthur Dayne walked up and leaned against a tree. "It took me a while to find you."

"You sound surprised." William remarked.

"Well, I know you don't have a penchant for loud parties or gatherings unless necessary so I imagined you would want a place for privacy. With how big this island is it took me a while until I smelt the meat." Ser Arthur remarked as Will offered him some and he took it. "What troubles your mind? Not your return to home, I imagine?"

"No, not that." Will assured him before looking over at Durran. Ser Arthur saw where his gaze went and understood.

"Ah. Still unsure what to do about Durran." Ser Arthur said.

"I do know that I can't bring him with me to King's Landing." Will stated and Ser Arthur nodded.

"I agree. It's been a hundred years since King's Landing has seen a dragon and I'm not sure how well it would handle Durran."

"That is if my father and everyone don't call for my head. How would it look for the Crown Prince to return to King's Landing with a growing dragon?" Will pondered.

"I think there are some who may take it as a good sign. While the blood is diluted, you do have traces of the Targaryen lineage so with your own dragon to control, it could be seen as a positive thing especially to those who may still believe your father to be a usurper to the Targaryen Dynasty." Ser Arthur pointed out.

"Those critics are few and far between. Things aren't perfect but they're better then before. My father may still have some critics but none of them are complete Targaryen loyalists that are working on returning Viserys Targaryen to the throne minus a few. But even the ploy would never work and with everything I've done since I started taking a more active role in Westeros after the Greyjoy Rebellion, the Targaryen's have more enemies then friends and they're running out of friends." Will said and Ser Arthur was surprised to hear him say all that. "My informants keep their ears to the ground to keep me well informed of everything going on."

"Impressive. And I'm glad you're at least acknowledging a potential threat in the future." Ser Arthur told him.

"Why do you think I got the Unsullied and spent so much time here?" Will pointed out. "Strong allies which is something Viserys Targaryen doesn't have."

"You know where he is, don't you?" Ser Arthur asked.

"I have an idea." Will answered. "But the mocking moniker of the Beggar King isn't just a mindless jape. All he has is a title and that alone won't get him the Iron Throne. A title won't pay for an army which he would need to retake the Iron Thrones and those are few and far between here in Essos. And no one in Westeros would fight for the Targaryen Prince with the current odds."

"That's true. With the Golden Company destroyed along with the Second Sons and you having freed the Unsullied and liberated Slaver's Bay, even if he scrounged up all the sellsword companies left in Essos it wouldn't be enough. The Dothraki could be the deciding factor." Ser Arthur pointed out.

"That's possible but the Dothraki would never willingly cross the Narrow Sea for Westeros. Well, mine will but that's different. And even if he could do that and could get the ships to bring over all those men then we'd see them coming and stop them dead in their tracks before they could make port. The last thing Westeros needs is another civil war." Will said.

"Spoken like a true king, my prince." Ser Arthur praised. "So, what do you plan to do with Durran?"

"It pains me to say this, but I think it may be best if he remains here." Will said with a heavy heart. He had bonded with Durran like he did with Orys and then his old dog Shadow. Will was heartbroken when Shadow died defending him from Ironborn raiders who tried to kidnap him during the start of the Greyjoy Rebellion. "Bringing Durran back to the Seven Kingdoms is dangerous. He's still young and at this point it wouldn't take much for someone to end him and I don't want that. And my father is well known for his hatred of Targaryens. My father is many things and he's mellowed out with age but seeing his son return with the very symbol of House Targaryen may be something he can't take."

"I agree your father is many things, my prince but he loves you. You know that." Ser Arthur reminded him.

"I know. Believe me, I know that he truly does love me, but I still fear that his anger could get the better of him. And with that it wouldn't take much for the army of rats or leeches in King's Landing to whisper in his ear and turn everyone against me. It wouldn't be hard for them. Spreading whispers that the crown prince is turning into a mad Targaryen and will soon set the realm on fire with his own dragon." Will said as he rubbed his chin and stared out at the ocean. "Many of the houses in Westeros fought alongside my father to end the Targaryens so seeing the crowned prince return to the Seven Kingdoms with a dragon may be one thing they cannot stomach."

"You've given this a lot of thought." Ser Arthur walked over and placed his hand on his shoulder. "I know this is a difficult decision for you but the fact you are willing to make this sacrifice shows a great deal of maturity and wisdom for your age."

"Well, I've come to learn that in being a prince…some sacrifices are required of me." Will stated and Ser Arthur nodded. "The last Targaryen Dragons died out a hundred years ago…and I don't think Westeros is ready for another one."

"So, where will you have Durran stay?" Ser Arthur wondered.

"Perhaps Old Valyria. No one would dare venture there so he would be safe from prying eyes. And it would be fitting if he lived there since that's where I found his egg. The last dragon living in the home of his ancestors. It's isolated and the waters around it are sparsely traveled which means he can gorge himself on fish as he likes. And when he's strong enough he can fly south to Sothoryos and make it his own." Will said as Durran crawled over and laid his head down on his lap, having finished the large leg of boar meat and was now happily full. Durran yawned and let out a large belch causing Will and Ser Arthur to chuckle. Will scratched Durran on the head as the trio enjoyed the moment of peace and quiet. Soon enough things will no longer be as peaceful as they have been.

Line Break xxxxx

Meereen

The sun had peaked over the horizon of Slaver's Bay and the growing chatter coming from the streets of the city indicated that the city was beginning to wake up. Bread makers and cooks were already up and busy while shopkeepers opened their stores or readied their wares. Families had their morning meal together before they went off on their separate paths either to work or for the children of Meereen to one of the many schools littered throughout the city. The atmosphere of the city was still excitable since it had recently played host to the Freedom Cove games. Just like in Astapor a year ago, Meereen was home to several days of celebrations, parties, and incredible shows of talent and skill from horse racing to combat sports, and even the first ever boat race in the Meereenese bay. A great time was had, a lot of coin was made, and no one was wishing for a return to the old ways when things were better than ever.

The sun's rays shined down on one of the great pyramids in Meereen where it illuminated the figure that was Will. He was sitting out on the balcony of his quarters, cross-legged and his eyes closed as he was doing a calming morning meditation. It was an excellent way to start the day as it calmed your body and mind. The morning breeze coming from the bay fluttered over the balcony, brushing through his hair and over his body. The only thing he was wearing were some loose-fitting trousers, so the heat of the sun's rays warmed his body.

The soft patter of footsteps were heard behind him before a pair of arms came around and wrapped around his body. The smooth skin and gentle yet calloused fingers belonged to a woman and said woman was Nymeria Sand wearing a very light see-through sleeping dress she put on, so she wasn't naked. Granted she had no problem with that, so the dress was more so that she had some warmth from the morning breeze.

Will kept his eyes closed but his lips started to curve up with a smirk. "How did you sleep?" He wondered and she just held him close before kissing him on the cheek.

"Like the dead but I wasn't the only one." She whispered into his ear like the growing seductress she was. Given who her father was it wasn't hard to imagine how and why. "What are you doing up, lover? Come back to bed."

"Don't you think you should be getting up or do you plan on lying in bed all day?" He asked her and she decided to be playful, so she lightly nipped one of his ears.

"And what's wrong with that? That's how we do things in Dorne, and they are much more enjoyable…as you have experienced." Nymeria glided her hand across Will's chest and down to his stomach. He chuckled and stopped her hand from going any further south.

"And it's quite enjoyable but we've got work to do. We can't spend all day in bed." He pointed out.

"Not with that attitude." Nymeria hugged him from behind. "We'll be leaving for Westeros soon so why not enjoy your last days of freedom away from the prying eyes of the court and doing whatever you wish?"

"You make a valid argument but there's too much work left to do for me to ignore my duties. Such the responsibilities and hardships of being a prince." He remarked and she chuckled before giving him another kiss on the cheek.

"Well, if you ever decide you'd rather spend your time with a beautiful woman such as myself then come find me." She whispered before getting up and walking away. She stopped at the curtain to his room and saw he was still sitting and meditating. "What does it say about a man prefers to meditate instead of joining a gorgeous Dornish woman like me?"

"That I have a great deal of discipline and will. That and you'll have to try harder." He answered with her missing the smirk that crept up on his face.

"Challenge accepted." Nymeria promised before leaving.

Will continued his morning meditation before getting in some morning training and sparring with Ser Arthur Dayne. Afterward he met with the Meereenese city council to discuss business in the city but much like the meetings he's had with them for a while they led the discussion. He really wasn't even needed their as the council was more then comfortable and skilled enough to handle the business that needed to be dealt with for the city. Handling the issues of the various guilds in the city, commerce, food, and even discussing possible new champions for the next series of Freedom Cove games. They wanted a grander showing next time.

Will couldn't hide the smile on his face as he saw how well things were going. A part of him was going to miss all of this but it was time for him to go home, which is what he was also preparing for. Going home would have its own challenges as he would be returning with a lot more then when he left. In two years of his journey, he now had an army of Unsullied, a small contingent of sellswords, and a small Dothraki calvary that would need transport. And that would be on top of the food and water they would need for the journey as well. Will had four ships of his own. The Jackdaw, The Aquilla, The Black Pearl, and The Flying Dutchman which would be more then enough to handle his party and the people they brought with them but to bring over the rest he would need a lot more ships. The Meereenese has a total of 98 ships with Yunkai and Astapor each having around two dozen along with the 28 Braavosi war galleys Will had commissioned himself for trade, transport, and defense. But he was only going to use half as he had already sent word to King's Landing for assistance and Ser Davos was going to arrive with part of the Royal Fleet. It was a lot of ships and would be enough to take him home as Will was only bringing 9,000 Unsullied of his original total 12,000 with the remaining 3,000 staying in Freedom's Cove. He had left behind a thousand Unsullied in Astapor, Yunkai, and Meereen respectively for their own security and safety. Grey Worm worked to find commanders to lead each Unsullied regiment staying behind and they were charged with the protection of each city and its citizens. Will had made a lot of change but just because he was going home didn't mean he was going to leave Freedom's Cove defenseless.

A lot of work needed to be done but he was going home. He just wasn't sure what he would expect to find when he did.

One moon/month later…

The ships Will needed had arrived along with Ser Davos commanding the small armada. That along with some of the ships the Meereenese council would allow him to use for transport would be more then enough. Ser Davos arrived with a few extra ships by order of Will and these would stay behind for a bit to keep watch over Freedom's Cove. When the prince and his army returned to King's Landing, the Meereenese ships would return as well, after stocking up on trade goods. When they returned the remaining Royal Fleet ships would return home.

There was a lot of commotion and activity at the Meereen harbor as ship after ship pulled into the various docks scattered around. Unsullied, Dothraki, and former Golden Company sellswords marched up onto the ships while extra cargo and food was brought on board. The ships that would have the Dothraki onboard were loaded with extra medicinal herbs, remedies and healers as they would likely have some issues at sea that needed to be attended to. The Dothraki were apprehensive about going onto ships and going to Westeros, but they swore their loyalty to Will, their new Khal. They would be making history as the first Dothraki to ever willing get onto ships and sail across the Narrow Sea.

William was dressed in his usual garb complete with quiver, bow, and both swords as he took one more look at the room he had been occupying during his stay in Meereen. It was barren now with all the remained was a lone bed. All of his belongings had been taken to his cabin on the Jackdaw and were safely secured away. He just wanted a quick and quiet moment of contemplation. He had occupied this room for less then a year in a city he wasn't born in yet felt a twinge of sadness in his gut. The room signified much about him and his journey, which was over and now he was to begin the next part. Orys was perched up on the balcony of his room. "Come on, Orys. Let's go home."

Orys let out a sharp caw before he flew away. William made his way down through the pyramid to the stables where Roach was waiting for him along with Ser Arthur Dayne and his horse. Everyone else was already on the ship so they were just waiting for him. "Ready, my prince?" Ser Arthur Dayne asked as Will looked back at the pyramid one last time.

"I'm ready." Will pat Roach on the head before jumping onto the saddle. Ser Arthur did the same and got on his horse. "You didn't see any kind of celebration or crowd waiting for us, did you?"

"Oh, no. Not at all." Ser Arthur Dayne assured him, and Will smiled.

"Oh, good." Will ushered Roach forward and they slowly made their way out of the stables. He pulled up his hood to cover his face as they turned down some side alleys onto the main street down to the harbor. The second he turned onto the main street he saw the citizens of the entire city lining the main road with the Unsullied shoulder to shoulder in formation. Even the Meereenese City Council was there.

Will looked back at Ser Arthur who just shrugged. "I was ok with this lie."

Trako Otruson, one of the council members walked over to William. "Your knight informed us you wished to leave without causing a fuss."

"He's right. There's no need for this. I'm sure these people have better things to do." William pointed out.

"Not at this moment." Trako then handed him a beautiful white chrysanthemum. The flower was well known in Essos as a symbol of best wishes and luck for someone traveling or going on an adventure. "You have truly changed our lives here, Prince William. On behalf of the city of Meereen and Freedom's Cove, we all wish you best wishes on your safe return and good fortune to your reign. You shall always have a place here."

William was deeply touched by that as he took the flower. "Thank you, my friend." William shook his hand as an Unsullied pounded the butt of his spear into the ground twice, making all the Unsullied hold their spears. William pulled his hood down and had Roach slowly walk forward down the street as people placed chrysanthemum's or other flowers down in his path to honor him. Men, women, children, and the elderly paid their respects to him as he passed by and even Ser Arthur was given a flower. Tears pooled up on the edge of William's eyes as he was so deeply touched by their act. If there was any kind of doubt in his mind that everything he had done here had no effect…this moment put that to rest.

He arrived at the Jackdaw where Roach and Ser Arthur Dayne's horse were taken below, and the ship was pulled out from the dock. William looked back at the city and all the people seeing him off as bells in the city went off, like the city itself was bidding him farewell and wishing him good luck on his trip. He leaned over the aft railing as he looked out at the city and wiped away a tear that pooled up at the corner of his eye. Orys flew down and landed next to him and nudged himself over. William chuckled as he pet Orys on the head before turning around to see everyone looking at him, like they were waiting to see if he was ready. With one last deep breath he walked over to the helm of the ship.

"Mr. Gibbs…take us home." William ordered.

"Aye, my prince! Let loose the sails, raise the anchor, strap down the cargo! We're off to Westeros!" Mr. Gibbs shouted as Orys let out a cry and flew up into the air like he was leading the way.

It was time for the Prince to head home.

Line Break xxxxx

William and his large armada of ships had been at sea for a while now, likely several weeks and they had anchored off the shores of Volantis for a quick resupply. Granted it wasn't really necessary as Cedric had ensured every ship had been stocked up with a surplus of dried goods and enough water that they could have realistically continued on to Lys if they needed to. That plus the ships fish daily to help add to their food stores but Will had an ulterior motive for anchoring near Volantis. While most, if not the entirety of the armada was docked around Volantis and using rowboats to ferry supplies from the city, The Jackdaw was anchored a mile offshore from the Smoking Sea and the ruins of old Valyria.

A small rowboat was lowered down onto the water along with a large crate, a small barrel that had some fish and a sack containing a large boar leg. William secured his bow and one of his swords around his waist as he walked over to the edge of the ship. "I feel like you should let at least one of us go with you." Ser Arthur told him, but Will shook his head in response.

"No, this is something I need to do on my own." Will said as Cedric handed him a small pack. "I'll be back in a bit."

He climbed down the rope ladder on the side of the ship and got into the rowboat before taking the oars. It was a mile to the shore, so he started rowing. The water was a little choppy which made rowing difficult, but he kept at it and when he was about three hundred yards from shore the water got calmer. He rowed until he got onto the shore and then got out to pull the boat up, so it didn't drift away with the tide. Once it was secure, he opened up the large crate in the boat and Durran crawled out. The blue dragon let out a shiver as he crawled out of the crate and flapped his wings a bit to fly onto the beach. Will removed the barrel of fish from the boat and pushed it over so the fish spilled out and Durran happily dug in. As the dragon ate the fish Will got the sack with the boar leg and placed it on the ground next to the fish.

Will smiled as he saw the dragon expel fire from his mouth to roast the fish before eating…well more swallowing in some instances. Durran sometimes didn't chew the fish as he was big enough to swallow some whole. It seemed he wanted some variety as he then roasted the boar leg and tore a large chunk of it clean off with his jaw. The dragon kept eating when it suddenly stopped and looked at Will. Durran seemed to sense that he was saddened by something, so he crawled over and placed his head in Will's lap. The dragon had grown again, already reaching the size of sheep so he got cramped in his cages. Will gave it a year or two and Durran would be the same size as a deer or a small pony which meant that his continued stay in a cage may hamper his development. As evident by what happened with the Targaryen dragons, the second they started chaining them up into pens they got smaller until the last dragon was no bigger then a small cat. Durran was already larger at that point, but he deserved to be free…and not hunted down or killed which was likely to happen. This was for his own safety.

"Durran…I'm not sure if you can understand me, but I hope you do." Will said in High Valyrian. Given he had trained Durran to understand commands in that language it made the most sense to speak that way and there was a possibility that maybe he could completely understand him. Granted that was a lot to ask for. "Please know that I never regret coming here and finding your egg. I'm still unsure and don't completely understand what happened that night but from what I was told you were partially responsible for my recovery. I can never thank you enough for that…which makes what I'm about to do even harder, but I believe it's for the best."

Durran just tilted his head to the side in confusion.

"It has been over a century since the Seven Kingdoms have seen a dragon and those times didn't end well for others of your kind. And my father and many in Westeros fought against the Targaryens so there is a good chance that when they see you, they won't think rationally. My father isn't exactly a man who is known for his patience or rational thought. He'd see you and just act in blind rage and I wouldn't put it past other snakes in King's Landing to use that to turn him and the Seven Kingdoms against me. That's no life for you." Will told him as he held Durran's head. "And I would never willingly put you in that kind of danger. It pains me to do this as a part of me wished we could remain together. I imagine there are many who would love the idea of dragon riding one day, including me. Perhaps in another life but if this will keep you safe then forsaking my wishes for you is a price I'm willing to pay."

Will leaned forward and touched his face to Durran's and in that moment of raw emotion, something inside him was awoken. Will wasn't sure what was going on as he felt an odd sensation running through his mind like when he had those odd dreams. His eyes glossed over, and they turned white and oddly enough so did Durran's. Neither of them knew what had just happened as it was actually the first of its kind to ever occur. A Warg with blood of the First Men mentally bonding with a dragon of Old Valyria. The dragon riders of Old Valyria and even the Targaryens had deep bonds with their dragons but the bond a Warg would make with a dragon would be unlike any before it. Not only did it already strengthen their bond on a deep mental and emotional level, but it had the added benefit of imparting what Will was thinking to Durran. Durran now understand what Will was really doing. That he was essentially setting him free because he would be safer then if he was brought with Will.

But now that he understood it also meant that Duran was saddened at what was happening. Durran nudged his head into Will's, and he did the same, wrapping his arms around the dragon and holding him close. "Stay strong, Durran. Stay safe. Stay away from people and if things are bad head in that direction." Will pointed to the east. "The Isle of Cedar is there. The forest of pig will give you plenty to eat. And if not there then go south. The Basilisk Isles and Sothoryos will keep you safe and there will be plenty to eat."

Durran cooed in sadness as Will continued to hold him close. The two stayed together, enjoying their last moment for a while longer. An hour later, Orys flew down next to them and cuddled up next to Durran with the dragon happily nuzzling his head against the eagle. Will smiled when he noticed the note tied to Orys' leg, so he retrieved it. It was from Ser Arthur Dayne telling him that the resupply was nearly done so it might be time for him to return and he was unfortunately right.

William held Durran's head one last time and hugged him before he got up. Durran cooed out in sadness and Will had tears forming up at the edge of his eyes as he gave his dragon one last pat on the head and placed his forehead against his. The two shared this one last moment before Will walked over to the rowboat and pushed it back into the water. He jumped in and began rowing away. Durran watched him leave and the dragon reared back to let out a mournful roar. It was both terrifying and saddening as Durran let out his emotions. Will just kept rowing back to the ship but some tears started to fall down his face. This was one of the hardest things he's ever had to do but it wouldn't be the last. He hoped that they would meet again one day.

After a lot of rowing, William returned to the Jackdaw. Some men helped secure the rowboat as Orys flew overhead and landed on the crow's nest while Will climbed up the rope ladder and got back on deck. No one approached him or said anything as the look on his face told them all that he didn't want to talk.

Ser Arthur saw this, so he took command. "Mr. Gibbs. The second the ships are ready let's continue on."

Mr. Gibbs nodded as the men secured the rowboat and joined the rest of the armada. The second they last of their supplies was brought on board they continued their journey.

Several weeks later…

The weather was mainly forgiving for the armada with a night of strong wind every now and then and some rain but nothing that completely hampered their travels. The armada made a quick detour south to the Summer Isles for some quick trade, to pick up some goods to bring to Westeros, and for Will to reunite with an old friend. Most of the armada docked in the calm, shallow waters surrounding the Summer Isles which would normally raise worry, but a message was sent to the main island of Jhala to inform them that it was just a friendly visit for trade and commerce. The Jackdaw pulled into harbor of Parrot Bay and docked allowing Will to disembark. He got off the ship with Ser Arthur Dayne and the others. It was just them for the moment as Will needed to handle some things first. He walked down the ramp of the Jackdaw onto the dock where there was a waiting party to meet him. A man dressed in a purple ceremonial garb flanked by several women in red clothing armed with spears but added to their clothing was some light steel armor on the shoulders, chest, and stomach. These were the Dora Milaje, personal bodyguards of the islands royal Family.

"William the Conqueror of House Baratheon, Crowned Prince of the Seven Kingdoms. Welcome." Zuri spoke in Summer Tongue and bowed his head with Will bowing back.

"Thank you, Zuri. It is good to see you. I trust that Prince Jalabhar Xho has been doing well?"

"Very well. We received your message, and the prince extends an open arm of hospitality. Your ships can dock, and your men can disembark." Zuri told him.

"Thank you. I've spoken with them, and they will be on their best behavior, but should something happen then you are within your rights to handle it by the laws of the island." Will said and Zuri nodded. "And I've come bearing gifts of trade that I believe will be much appreciated."

"Your gifts are most welcome. Come, the Prince is expecting you." Zuri said as he led Will and Ser Arthur away with the Dora Milaje escorting them. The rest of Will's party assisted with the transport of the crates of trade goods along with getting some nice time off the ship. They were at sea for a while so getting some nice time on dry land was good for all of them, especially the Dothraki but Will made sure to inform them to be on their best behavior. They could have a fun time but within reason so pretty much no raiding, raping, or pillaging. They had grown accustomed to that…after a long, long adjustment period and had all sworn to follow Will as their new Khal and none of them were stupid enough to challenge him to a duel for leadership. He was deadly whether it was by sword, bow, knife, dagger, or his bare hands. He killed many of their former compatriots when they were led by their previous Khal who he then killed along with his blood riders. Will had earned their respect and their loyalty.

Will and Ser Arthur were escorted through the harbor town that was all too familiar. Shops and stalls that were trading everything from food to weapons and even animals. Taverns and Inns lined the streets as well as several high-end, classy brothels with beautiful women who would sure entice and rob many of his men, but it would be after a good time. Will remembered much of the harbor town from the last time he was here back when he came to aid Prince Jalabhar in reclaiming his throne. Things ended up working out after a long and painful fight, but Will gained many new allies that day including the prince, working out a very beneficial trade and protection deal with the Summer Isles. Because of that the islands prospered with a greater influx of trade goods that the island didn't have which in turn allowed them to develop their home. There were new buildings being built aided with material from Westeros and judging by the new light steel armor the Dora Milaje were wearing, Prince Jalabhar was making good use of his new relationship with the Seven Kingdoms.

The group made their way down the cobblestone path through the neighboring jungle until they arrived at the palace and like before it was ordained with beautiful jewels, ornamental decorations but the key difference from two years ago was the lush tapestries hung around. The last time he was on the island the tapestries had a white ape sewed or painted on, signifying the house/animal of the former ruler but now with Prince Jalabhar the tapestries had a black panther and claw mark.

Zuri led them into the palace where servants diligently went about their duties while guards and soldiers stood at attention. Unlike the men who worked for M'Baku, these men were disciplined as true guards and soldiers should be and wore black robes with light metal and leather armor marked with a black painted claw mark like the tapestries. They made their way to the throne room where he saw Prince Jalabhar at a table surrounded by some advisors as they discussed some important business. It was a stark contrast to what he saw last time and clearly Jalabhar was dedicated to helping his people and his making sure they thrived.

Zuri pounded his staff into the ground twice. "Prince William the Conqueror, crowned prince of Westeros has arrived."

Will and Ser Arthur Dayne bowed their heads as Prince Jalabhar smiled. "Thank you all. We'll reconvene later." He said and his men nodded before leaving the room. He then walked over and bowed at William before the two shook hands. "It is good to see you, my friend. I was glad to get your message."

"It's good to see you too. Things seem to be going well here." Will pointed out.

"They are. My kingdom and my people have prospered, and I cannot thank you enough. The continued trade and commerce between our two nations has given us more resources and protection then ever before. And let me be the first to say thank you for killing M'Baku. When I received your letter about what he was trying to do in Yunkai to try and retake the throne, a part of me was worried what would have happened if he was successful. I owe you a debt I can never repay." Jalabhar told him.

"It was my pleasure. M'Baku was a thorn in both our sides that I'm glad I got rid of." Will replied as he looked around at the palace. "I almost didn't recognize the place from two years ago. You've done a lot."

"Building more homes, expanding trade, reinforcing our territorial waters and defensive forces to protect us none of which wouldn't have been possible without you, my friend. Your token of faith in me all those years ago has led my nation and my people to prosper and I can never thank you enough for that." Jalabhar stated. "And I swear on my throne and my mother that the Summer Isles will stand with you when you ascend the Iron Throne."

"Thank you, my friend. And I swear that Westeros will stand with the Summer Isles should you ever need anything." He replied. "Any news from Westeros I should be aware of?"

"Other than the usual trade ships we've seen from the Redwyne and Lannister fleet, it has been business as usual but there is something." Prince Jalabhar informed him as he unrolled a map of Westeros. On top of the beneficial trade and protection agreements between their two nations, Prince Jalabhar and the Summer Isles were a very useful source of intel in Will's vast network of informants. He had the various building, commerce, and trade guilds that he started years ago that had expanded from Westeros into the major cities in Essos and now Freedom's Cove. Pretty much every place of importance he had informants or contacts who could get him information that he wanted or were in positions where they could let him know something important. The Summer Isles while kind of isolated, were in a prime position for commerce with Westeros which in turn gave them prime positions for intel regarding Dorne, the Redwyne Straight into Oldtown, the Sunset Sea, the Westerlands, and the Iron Islands.

"What is it?" Will asked and saw Prince Jalabhar place a marker on the Iron Islands. "What is Balon Greyjoy up to?"

"I'm still unclear to that. The most my men get when they trade there is insults, taunts, and threats to our women but from what little bits they've gathered indicate that the Greyjoys have been building new ships ever since you left."

"How many?" Will questioned.

"I'm still unsure but my men have said that they've seen a dozen new ships either being built or completed in the past year alone." Prince Jalabhar answered. "Now, they could be just new trade ships but considering what you've told me about them and my own past dealings with them I'm highly doubtful."

"As am I. I'd sooner trust a pig to fly then Balon Greyjoy to not build ships meant for war." Will agreed. If there was one thing he was sure of, it was that Balon Greyjoy and the Ironborn weren't the smartest people around, but they were dangerous. Balon Greyjoy's open rebellion cost the realm many lives and it ended in his defeat with the loss of his sons and the sacking of his islands. His last remaining son was taken as a hostage by his uncle Ned and Will himself cut off one of Balon's hands for his treachery. He wasn't naïve to think that Balon had grown a noble heart and decided to grow old in his keep.

"He wouldn't be foolish enough to try another rebellion, would he?" Ser Arthur questioned. "His last one cost him so much so would he really risk another?"

"The Ironborn aren't known for their common sense." Will remarked and Ser Arthur Dayne had to agree with that. "Balon Greyjoy feels slighted, and he believes that the Ironborn can reclaim their glory of the old ways where they ravaged and pillaged as they did before the Targaryens came. When my father took the throne, Balon attempted rebellion because the Targaryens were gone and didn't fear the new King."

"And was soundly drive back to the Iron Islands after his rebellion failed." Ser Arthur recounted.

"But a man like Balon Greyjoy only saw the restraint and compassion shown that day as weakness. I'm more then willing to show restraint and I might have done the same thing that day if I didn't know what I know now but men like Balon Greyjoy only see compassion like that as weakness. Now he's biding his time and the moment he sees an opportunity I guarantee that he'll attack." Will promised. "Which is why when he decides to, we'll be ready. The Royal Fleet has amassed greater strength and I can put in an order with the arsenal of Braavos for more ships. Prince Jalabhar, perhaps you can keep an eye on the waters of the Sunset Sea. Keep an eye out on any suspicious movement or activities."

"That can be done."

"Good. I'll inform the lords of Seagard, Flint's Fingers, Stony Shore in the Riverlands and the North as well as the Westerlands. The Ironborn won't catch me off guard again and if Balon Greyjoy decides to act I'm gonna make it cost him. His men may be masters of sea, but I have some tricks up my sleeve to send him down to the Drowned God he loves so much."

After that promise, Prince Jalabhar informed of what else had transpired since they last met which was just the development of the Summer Isles. The influx of trade had done good for both the Isles and Westeros financially as well as politically and militarily. The story of Will helping return Prince Jalabhar to the throne of the Summer Isles had spread far and wide thanks to traders and sailors who had been on the island to witness the remarkable fight. Adding onto that was his actions in Slaver's Bay that turned it into Freedom's Cove and his defeat of the Golden Company, his survival of an assassination attempt, and his ruthless campaign against any slavers he came across. As a result, the frequency of slave ships and pirates that plagued the Summer Isles had dropped significantly compared to the usual rates. And with the influx of trade with Westeros and items they needed like iron ore and such, Jalabhar was able to increase the Summer Isle fleet, so they were better protected. The isles were the safest they ever were and that would remain so long as Prince Jalabhar and Prince William maintained closed ties which they would.

Later that night Prince Jalabhar threw a small little celebration for Prince William's arrival. Food, fun, and music before they continued their journey to Westeros. Men had their fill of exotic fruits, fish, pigs, and chicken and the women of the Summer Isle pleasure houses enticed those that needed companionship. Will sat around a large fire with everyone as they had a good time. Stories were told, songs were sung, alcohol was drunk, food was eaten, and a merry time was had. Staying on the Summer Isles for a few days to rest and restock the ships was a smart idea as a small storm had come through near Lys so they would have been caught in it. They took the time to make sure all their ships were ready and the Dothraki had some nice time off the boats to recuperate. It was a good idea that Cedric had stocked up their ships with extra healers and medical supplies. They needed it…a lot of throw up.

It was actually good that they stayed for a few days as William met with some of the Summer Isles best seamstresses and tapestry workers because he wanted to commission some rather unique for his return to Westeros.

Several weeks later…

Pentos

William's armada continued its voyage, passing through the Stepstones with ease. There were some pirates around the islands but the second they saw the giant armada which had the flags of the Royal Fleet, they wisely kept their distance. After they passed through the Stepstones, they continued North through the Narrow Sea and docked at Pentos to pick up some more supplies. They were close to King's Landing, another fortnight of sea at most, and they'd be back but they needed supplies, so they stopped in Pentos. And it was also an excuse to pick up some trade goods as well. But like before in Volantis, there was an ulterior motive for their stop but known only to William. He and Ser Arthur Dayne disembarked the Jackdaw and changed their apparel, so they were disguised as common merchants or traders.

The two kept their gazes down and acted like regular travelers as they made their way through the city until they arrived at a trading depot. They walked into the building where they saw several workers tending to various tasks by different clients, but Will walked up to the ones wearing red armbands which signified them as merchants and traders of wine and various alcohols. "What are you buying? What are you selling?" A wine trader asked them. He was wearing a purple cloak and hood with a mask covering his nose and mouth but had a red armband on his left arm.

"Buying a lot with little to trade for." Will answered and the trader stopped what he was doing and looked straight at him. All unconcerned attitudes and thoughts in the man's head ceased as he suddenly got serious. "I'm looking for a rather rare Pentoshi red to pair with a Westerosi Mead."

"Of course. Follow me." The trader led them to the back where he kept the special alcohols. They walked through the trade depot that had crates and barrels of various goods and items with many workers tending to, organizing, and moving those that were sold or bought for. The workers kept their eyes on what they were doing or spared glances at them as they passed by but didn't pay them any mind considering it was a common sight. For special orders or certain traders, it was common to bring them into the back depot to look at specialty items that cost more away from prying eyes. Will and Ser Arthur just looked like two such customers. The trader opened up the door to their back storeroom and then opened up the floorboard gate which led to a special cellar. He took a lantern with him and led Will and Ser Arthur down before closing it shut so no one would come down. "It's good to see you are doing well, your grace."

"Thank you, Anton." Will replied. "Your last message said you had news."

"Yes. Apologies for the vagueness but I didn't want to write something you would read only for it to be proven false upon further investigation." Anton said and Will nodded. "I was able to confirm the rumors we've heard. Prince Viserys and Princess Daenerys Targaryen are in Pentos and have taken up residence at Magister Illyrio Mopatis palace as his honored guests though their identities have been shrouded in secrecy since their arrival a year ago."

"Are you sure?" Will asked him and Anton nodded.

"Yes, your grace. We have one of our own working for the Magister as a servant girl, Miana. She confirmed their appearance. Silver hair, purple eyes, and Prince Viserys has continuously spoken to the Magister about his throne and the Seven Kingdoms." Anton answered. Will and Ser Arthur took a moment to absorb the information and let it set in. They had the location of Prince Viserys Targaryen and Princess Daenerys Targaryen, the only two remaining Targaryens alive, as far as the world knew.

"They aren't prepared to leave for anywhere, are they?" Ser Arthur questioned and got a head shake in response.

"As far as Miana has seen, no. They've made themselves comfortable in the Magister's palace and the Beggar King made himself very vocal in ordering the Magister to do everything possible to take his throne back. From what she said he is a very shrill man, like a weasel. For years you are told stories of the Targaryens and their beauty and grace like they're descended from the gods, but this Beggar King is neither." Anton remarked.

"I've learned that things told in story are hardly their reality." Will stated.

"Well, a lesson we've learned. Miana says the man is impatient, arrogant, and a moron. He complains and orders the Magister to get him his army and his throne back. His tantrums have increased, and he's demanded that the Magister send men to kill you." Anton said to Will.

"And has he?" Ser Arthur Dayne wondered.

"I don't believe so. Miana hasn't heard from him of any meetings or plans for the Conqueror. Some meetings with the other Magisters but they've left without agreeing to his terms." Anton answered.

"They probably figure that all the promises of gold and a Targaryen prince aren't worth it." Will surmised.

"Well, you've conquered Slaver's Bay and freed all three cities, you've survived several assassination attempts, you broke a Dothraki charge, destroyed the Second Sons, and decimated the Golden Company." Ser Arthur recounted, leaving out the bit about killing two of the three Triarchs of Volantis since no one other then the Prince's party knew he was the one who killed him. While many had suspicions that he was involved, that's all they were. "Your legend's grandeur actually helps as it limits the people who would act against you. Those that come after you now would either need to be mad or paid with more gold then the Iron Bank has."

"Guess some reputations are good to have." Will chuckled. "What about Daenerys Targaryen?"

"Nothing like her brother. Miana said she is a quiet, kind, gentle girl. Beautiful too but timid. Miana says she doesn't speak much and is left on her own while her brother talks with the Magister but is kind." Anton replied as Will and Ser Arthur let the information sink in. "Unfortunately, we still do not know who the Magister is working with."

"That's all right, Anton. Take your time. You and everyone are doing excellent work." Will handed him a very large pouch of coins, a small leather-bound holder, and a rolled-up bundle of parchments. "The holder has some special herbs from Yi Ti for your son. The one you said had breathing problems. I spoke with a merchant from Yi Ti about what you said your son goes through and he said these herbs will help. I've included instructions but all you have to do is throw in a pinch of the herbs on some hot coals and have him breath in the smoke. After a week his breathing should be better, and the merchant happened to know of some other ways to help him. I wrote it down all there on the parchments."

"Thank you, your grace. Thank you." Anton shook Will's hand vigorously, truly grateful for everything, especially with the herbs to help his son.

"My pleasure and give my thanks to Miana and everyone else who has helped." Will told him and Anton nodded. "Now, do you have the barrel of Pentoshi Red Wine? We need to leave here with something, so we don't look out suspicious."

"Of course." Anton put the things down and looked around at the various caskets of alcohol before pulling one of the shelf. "The finest Pentoshi red we have here with the most delectable grapes from a farm outside the city. Aged to perfection for ten years."

"Excellent. We'll take six barrels." Will handed him another pouch with the payment.

"Of course. I'll have them brought outside for you on a wagon." Anton replied as Ser Arthur Dayne took the one wine barrel and hoisted it up on his shoulder. They left the cellar and returned back out into the trading depot, departing like they had made a successful deal which they did. Anton went back to work while Will and Ser Arthur Dayne waited outside the depot for the wagon with the rest of their barrels.

"So, you know where Viserys Targaryen is. What's your next move?" Ser Arthur Dayne asked Will.

"With how things are as Anton told us, I believe I have two different options before me. I could be like my father and assemble a small detachment of Unsullied, march into the Magister's home and kill him and Viserys Targaryen. It's quick, easy, but I could in the process sour relations with the Seven Kingdoms and Pentos and likely cause a massive city-wide panic. And the other Magisters may not be happy with my decision." Will suggested.

"And the other?" Ser Arthur Dayne wondered.

"Adopt a wait and see approach. From what Anton told us, Viserys is no immediate threat. The Magister may be wealthy but clearly, he's no closer to getting Viserys the Iron Throne then when he arrived, and his allies are very little. There are no more Unsullied with Slaver's Bay now Freedom's Cove, Volantis is in no shape to help, The Second Sons are history along with the Golden Company. He could try to gather all the sellswords scattered around the Disputed Lands but that would cost too much, and the Magister's of Pentos may have pull but my relationship with the Iron Bank is too beneficial for them to turn against me." Will listed off and Ser Arthur Dayne was impressed. He had a keen grasp on his allies, his enemies and the current geopolitical climate. "That leaves the Dothraki and therein lay the most likely possibility if the Magister manages to broker a deal with something that could entice a Khal."

"Prince Daenerys." Ser Arthur Dayne deduced, and Will agreed with his deduction.

"If Anton is right then Viserys and The Magister could broker a marriage with Daenerys to a Khal in exchange for the army. It's not out of the realm of possibilities as cities have done so in the past to avoid having their people trampled over but even then, it'd have to be a massive army to make a difference. And if a Khal ever agrees, which I highly doubt as I don't think a Dothraki Khal would ever care about the Seven Kingdoms or cross the Narrow Sea, they'd need a lot of ships to ferry them across but with my contacts in place we'd learn of them before they had a chance to ready their ships. That army would be dead before they step foot on the beaches of Westeros." Will finished.

"Very well thought out, my prince. And if I know you like I think I know you, I agree with your decision to adopt a wait and see strategy. Viserys is no immediate threat but whoever the Magister could be working with is." Ser Arthur Dayne stated.

"I agree. Putting Viserys on the Iron Throne isn't just a simple whim of a Magister of Pentos. He would need to be working with someone in the Seven Kingdoms in order for his plan to have any kind of hope of succeeding. Someone who would advise the Magister on the best method of their plan, the goings on in the Seven Kingdoms, and when the time to strike is. And I highly doubt that the Magister alone managed to help Viserys evade my father's assassins all by himself. There's someone else he's working with." Will deduced and Ser Arthur agreed with his assessment.

Given the relationship Will and his father had with Westeros they could rule out the North, the Vale, the Riverlands, the Stormlands, and the Westerlands for certain. All five regions had more to gain with the current status quo and were hated Targaryen enemies with Robert's Rebellion. Chances are Viserys Targaryen would call for the heads of the wardens of those regions. The Reach and Dorne were the only two possible regions left that could be the Targaryen supporters since they did fight against Robert during the Rebellion before eventually surrendering and proclaiming loyalty to Robert after the sacking of King's Landing. The Dornish surrender didn't exactly go peaceful after what happened to Elia Martell, and it was only due to Jon Arryn's work that they eventually stopped fighting.

They were possible but slowly edging on least likely. The Reach had been ingratiating themselves to Robert's reign, likely to make up for their side of the rebellion. Then most recently there was Loras Tyrell's squiring under Renly Baratheon and Will had it on good authority that the two were lovers and also Garlan Tyrell joining Will on his adventures. Olenna Tyrell was greasing hands and Garlan did say she was gonna try to get her daughter Margaery with Will for a potential marriage, so they were least likely. Dorne was an option as they still had some bad blood with Elia Martell, but Will had taken it upon himself to bridge that gap with his offering of Armory Lorch, one of the men responsible for what happened to Elia Martell and her children which helped ease some of the unease. With that though, it was possible that Prince Doran was working in the shadows to plan something to get the Targaryen's back in Westeros. Will and Ser Arthur weren't exactly privy to what was going on with Prince Doran but their time with Prince Oberyn helped fill in some possible gaps. Prince Oberyn didn't hold Will accountable for the actions of his father and truly did appreciate handing over Armory Lorch for justice which was part of the reason he came on the journey and has been helping him to pay back that debt, but he and Will also struck up a solid friendship. From their talks, Prince Oberyn also had some contempt for Rhaegar and Aerys Targaryen as it was the prince who ran away with Lyanna Targaryen leaving Elia Martell under the control of the Mad King. Will was unsure about Dorne, he edged on the likelihood if they did play a part in the scheme, they weren't the ones leading it.

He contemplated the possibility of the Iron Islands, but he had the area sufficiently watched even before he left and with Prince Jalabhar and the Summer Isles assisting, he would have heard some rumors at this point. And given everything about the Iron Islands and Balon Greyjoy, the man lacked the political awareness, etiquette or brains to even begin orchestrating such a plan under Will's nose but that didn't mean they couldn't be an ally so Will would need to keep an eye on them. That left it open to someone in power in King's Landing. Someone who had information and resources for the Targaryens and the Magister to work something like this from the shadows. Jon Arryn would never do it neither would his uncle Stannis, which left open three possibilities. Pycelle, Baelish, and Varys. Now they just needed to find out who.

"Do you have any idea who?" Ser Arthur Dayne wondered.

"I do and I think they played their hand. 100 meters to my left by the stall with the monkey hanging around on the drapes. Man with the brown vest and black boots." Will said, never breaking his line of sight with his sworn shield. Ser Arthur Dayne subtly glanced over and saw the stand in question with the monkey. Ser Arthur saw the vendor of the stall haggling with shoppers among whom were various men and women with some children likely with their parents. That's when he spotted the man in question with the brown vest and black boots. He was Pentoshi by appearance with a dagger in his belt and was looking around the stall for something to buy.

"I see him." Ser Arthur replied.

"He's been glancing over at us several times since we came out here. Now I can't say that maybe he's just a pickpocket or an assassin but he's someone who's interested in us." Will told him and true to his word, Ser Arthur saw the man sneak a glance over at them.

"What do you want to do?" Ser Arthur asked.

"I want to get some answers." Will replied as their wagon arrived with the barrels of wine they bought. "Perfect timing."

Ser Arthur placed their extra barrel in the wagon and grabbed the reins of the small donkey pulling it. "So, draw him to us?"

"Exactly. Let's get him to play his hand." Will and Ser Arthur walked down the street around the corner, heading south and after several moments the man from the stall walked away and followed them from a distance of about 15 meters.

The spy stayed 15-meters away from Will and Ser Arthur which combined with the other people along the street walking by or crowding around stores and stalls he blended right in. The spy had the easier time keeping watch over his targets as they kind of stood out with the wagon. He kept following them on their path which took them down the main streets, occasionally stopping at a stall or store every now and then to buy things like food or exotic spices. They even stopped at a silk shop for bundles of cloth and at a smith for arrows and throwing knives.

The spy kept his watchful gaze on the pair without looking suspicious, leaning against a wall near an alley. He watched as they made their 15th stop in the past half hour, this time at a stand selling some food. He saw them talking with the stall owner as other people gathered around to eat and buy food which made it a little more difficult to keep a constant eye on them. Occasionally someone would get in the way or walk by with a crate, and he would lose sight of them for a bit. A large wagon moved by and briefly obscured his view but when it was gone, he only saw the sworn shield standing at the stall.

The spy began to look around the street for any sign of William but with all the people around it took him some time, which was perfect as this distracted him. Distracted him enough to not hear someone drop down from the roof of a building into the nearby alley. The spy kept searching for his target when he was grabbed from behind and pulled into the alley away from view. He was tossed to the ground but quickly got up and pulled out the knife from his belt to kill his attacker with a quick thrust to the gut. Only that didn't happen as his wrist was grabbed and he was slammed up against the side of the building before being thrown to the ground. A sharp twist to his wrist lost him his knife and his attacker slammed him up against the wall and a small blade was held to his throat. That gave the spy the chance to see his attacker was the crown prince he was spying on. Will used the momentary distraction to quickly get out of sight and get behind the spy.

"I know you know who I am. You've been spying on me." Will inched his hidden blade closer to the spy's neck who was pissing his pants in fear. "Now…tell me who you work for."

Several Hours later…

The dockhands disembarked from the ships of Will's armada and the ship hands stored away the cargo and food for their departure. It was now just a trip across the Narrow Sea which would take a couple of days, a week at most if there was bad weather. They were all set to go so now they were just waiting for Will and Ser Arthur to return, which they did and right on time. Some of the ship hands helped them with the wine barrels and other items they bought with no one noticing the small amounts of blood that stained the sleeves on Will's shirt.

"All right, people! It's time to go! Mr. Gibbs! Off to King's Landing!" Will shouted and everyone cheered.

Line Break xxxxx

296 AC: King's Landing, Westeros

The capital of Westeros, King's Landing was normally a very busy city, but the past fortnight had been even busier as of late. The reason for that was because of an announcement made by the King and the Hand of the King. The king's eldest son, Prince William was returning home after a two-year adventure. This was big news as the prince had been gone so long with his legends, stories, and songs being sung all around the Seven Kingdoms about his adventures. Some songs and stories told the truth of his adventures and his tasks in Slaver's Bay now Freedom's Cove while others weren't as flattering like indicating he was out their taking over Essos and ruling on a throne of blood and conquest, killing people indiscriminately. Some minstrels around King's Landing even tried to portray him as Mad King in the making and it was kind of easy to see who had paid them to spread those words not that they had spread them for very long as Robert made an example by executing the minstrels and bards who badmouthed his son. Suffice to say, after that they kept it more positive.

William, of course, had sent a message to his father from Meereen that he was coming home and all through the trip at their various stops he sent another message. He had one sent when they docked near Volantis for supplies, then sent one when they were in the Summer Isles and most recently sent one from Pentos so he would be arriving within a fortnight. Robert was thrilled to have his son home, so he wanted to celebrate and sent word out to every corner of the Seven Kingdoms of a massive celebration to be held for his son returning. He had two name days to make up for and wanted to celebrate his son's accomplishments. There would be feasts, tournaments, jousts, and all manner of festive celebrations. Ravens were sent everywhere in the Seven Kingdoms minus the Iron Islands and every noble who had a little coin to his name, or a daughter of age had arrived in King's Landing in anticipation for Prince William's return. He was still unmarried which was the biggest prize for men of ambition if their daughters could entice the king then they had a path to the Iron Throne.

Residing in one of the open courtyards in the Red Keep, King Robert was getting some training in. He still kept up with his training after he received the letter from Will ensuring he was fine after his attempted assassination. The remark about him losing some weight or getting in shape so they could spar, and he could experience a bit of what it was like to fight Robert in his prime. It got him where it mattered the most, in his ego, and since then Robert had gotten back to training, which was a miracle in itself.

Ser Jaime Lannister, Lancel Lannister, and Ser Barristan Selmy watched as Robert moved through the courtyard with his Warhammer, smashing through straw dummies and targets. His movements were both chaotic yet disciplined, showing impressive strength yet grace with his attacks. Robert let out a yell as he moved his Warhammer with a powerful wide swing, smashing through two straw dummies and then using the momentum of his weapon to move into a spin where he kicked a third straw dummy to the ground and then smashed its chest in. For Jaime Lannister and Barristan Selmy who had seen Robert fight in his prime, this was a rare glimpse of that past. His training had returned his edge as a warrior despite his rotundness from years of copious amounts of wine and food. He had only been training for a year and still ate and drank a lot, so he still had a large belly, but it had slimmed a little since he started training. That along with his legs and arms losing some of their excess fat along with his face, he was still the wine and food loving Robert Baratheon but looked less like a fat, lazy king and now looked like just a fat king which was a big improvement. Even Robert had to admit that he was glad he had undertaken training again as it made him feel more alive and he was ready to show his son a thing or two when he arrived.

Robert took several deep breaths before he wiped his forehead as Lancel walked over with a cup of water. He drank it down in several seconds when they heard the door to the courtyard open and out came Jon Arryn. "What is it, Jon?" Robert questioned.

"We've received word from Dragonstone. The Prince's fleet was seen arriving. They'll be here in three days."

"HA!" Robert cheered as he shoved the cup back into Lancel's hands. "My son's is nearly home. It'll be good to have him back. Jon, we need to finish the rest of the preparations quickly and spread the word. My son's return will be a momentous occasion for the kingdom!"

Jon nodded and went to work while Robert returned to his chambers to get cleaned up. Ser Barristan joined him and Lancel followed right behind. Ser Jaime did as well but then was given leave to check on the royal family, so he made his way straight to the chambers where his sister, Cersei resided. She was sitting with some handmaidens but when she saw Jaime enter, she ordered them to leave so they could have some privacy.

"What is it?" She questioned.

"The boy was seen sailing past Dragonstone. He'll be here in three days." Jaime informed her and Cersei cursed out loud before throwing her cup of wine outside to the balcony. "He's made it this far, so I'll admit the boy has impressed me. I'm wondering how much of the boy I remember will be there or will he have grown a gut like Robert."

"You think this is funny, Jaime? That boy's return to King's Landing jeopardizes our entire family! By the Seven, all the prayers and all the gold yet he still lives. It's like the gods have cursed us." Cersei spat out in anger. "All the gold I've procured to hire assassins, yet they were either killed or too scared to attempt such a thing. They think the boy is blessed by the gods and won't dare try to kill him."

"Well, I'll admit he's got something going for him. I don't remember anyone surviving being poisoned." Jaime pointed out.

"This isn't a joke, Jaime. I've tried everything. No one in Volantis will move against him, no one in the Disputed Lands, and not even the Faceless Men will take up the contract after he survived the assassin I paid for years ago." Cersei sat down in a huff. "The boy's been gone for two years yet his favor with the people and court has remained the same with only the sycophants or followers of my father siding with us. Something must be done about the boy, Seven Hells what Father told us."

"And how do you propose to do that?" Jaime wondered.

"By my own hands. I swear on our mother's name that the boy will die." Cersei swore, sounding like a mad woman which wasn't that far off. Some may call Cersei a fierce lioness and the most beautiful women in all Seven Kingdoms but that was only skin deep. What she really was a vile, vindictive, and cruel woman whose outer beauty guised an ugly heart and a devious mind. She may think she is clever, and she can be but she's not as clever as she think she is. What would happen when she meets someone mover clever then her is anyone's guess.

Three days later…

The morning sun settled high above King's Landing as the gentle breeze from Blackwater bay cooled the inhabitants of the city for the events of the day and they would be momentous. Flying high above King's Landing was a Golden Crown eagle, Orys to be specific soared over the city. It was unfamiliar to him because he had never been here, so he flew around the city and gazed at the narrow streets, large courtyards, and the enormity of the Red Keep though in comparison it wasn't as grand as some of the sights in Essos. Orys let out a cry as he flew past the Great Sept of Baelor and back towards Blackwater Bay when the belltower began ringing. It wasn't ringing as a warning but more of an announcement as an armada was seen sailing through the bay towards the city.

Leading said armada was a custom Summer Isle Swan ship, the Jackdaw, and flying high on its sail was something special. A banner, one that was new, and word would spread of its sight soon enough. A banner of black with the Seven-Pointed Star surrounding a Weirwood tree. In the middle were the sigils of House Baratheon and House Stark but halved. There was half a black colored gold-outlined stag on the left and on the right was half a blue colored wolf differing from the Grey one of House Stark. The sigils were split down the middle with an arrow and at the arrowhead were broken chains. This was the newly designed personal banner of William the Conqueror of House Baratheon, First of his name, and Crowned Prince of the Seven Kingdoms.

He had come home.

Will stood at the bow of the Jackdaw and gazed out at the city of King's Landing. He closed his eyes and took a deep breath, smiling as he did. "The city still has a slight stink to it." Will stated as he looked at everyone assembled on the deck of the ship.

"The city has smelled for years. Even after all the work you did with the plumbing and helping the city with fresh water to clean it, that smell is probably baked into the stones." Ser Arthur remarked.

"But it's much better then before. You could miss it on a first smell." Tyrion pointed out as Missandei, Hercules and the others looked out at the city.

"So, that's King's Landing." Hercules said. "I thought it'd be bigger."

"It's plenty big already and a whole mess more crowded with a smell that made you want to die." Gendry commented. "It's better now then it was years ago."

"Really?" Ioalus asked.

"Because of him." Cedric pointed to Will.

"Helps that I didn't do it alone. Years ago, after the Greyjoy Rebellion but before I left for the Summer Isles for my adventure, I was proactive in governing the Seven Kingdoms. It was valuable experience for what I would eventually be undertaking, and I spent a great deal of time with the council to do what I would need to do when I took the throne. Much of that also had to do with the development of King's Landing. If it was going to be my home, I wanted to make it better or at least get rid of the smell so that's what I did for years. Improved the plumbing and access to fresh, clean water which not only washed away the grime, filth, and bodily waste that had accumulated in the city but helped with the health of the people." Will explained.

"Thank you for that lovely image by the way." Atalanta remarked.

"You're welcome." Will smirked. "Anyway, the plumbing wasn't all I did before I left for the Summer Isles. I worked with the building and mason guilds to help fix the old buildings in the city while building new ones so that there was more room for everyone and even began building houses, homes, and buildings outside the city gates for overflow. On top of that I worked to create new guilds like the farmers guild who work the lands outside of King's Landing to grow food alongside the ranchers and herdsmen to raise animals and the fishermen guild so there's more food available."

"And you did all of this years ago before we even met you? Did you ever take time off?" Hercules wondered.

"What's that?" Will asked and everyone chuckled. "Get a good look at the city, everyone. This is our new home for the foreseeable future."

"How does it feel to be back, your grace?" Missandei asked him.

"To be honest, I'm nervous. Two years since I've been here and I'm sure much has changed. I've changed. I'm just not sure exactly what to expect." Will admitted. "There's a whole nest of vipers and spiders in there who may not be happy about my return."

"So, what do you plan to do?" Ser Arthur Dayne wondered. That's when Will looked at him and the others with a smirk on his face.

"Announce my arrival with gusto and show them that I mean business."

A company of the King's Landing City Watch were stationed at the harbor of King's Landing, standing guard and keeping the growing crowd of gathering civilians back. With the City Watch was Hand of the King Jon Arryn, Kingsguard commander Ser Barristan Selmy in his gold armor with his flowing white cape, and a small contingent of soldiers or men-at-arms from the Stormlands. They were the welcome party for Prince William and would escort him up to the Red Keep. They saw many ships pull into the harbor and anchor at docks, but the Jackdaw was pulled up to the dock where the welcome party was waiting. Once it was anchored, the dockhands quickly got to work on setting up the ramp and securing the ship. Once the ramp was secure, two columns of Unsullied soldiers in full gear marched down the ramp of the ship. The crowd of civilians backed up a bit in fear as did the members of City Watch. Jon Arryn and Ser Barristan Selmy watched with intrigue as the Unsullied disembarked the ship and formed a small semi-circle just off the docks. One Unsullied slammed his spear into the ground twice and the rest then turned to face one another and stood at attention, forming a protective column.

Orys let out a cry as he flew around the docks, circling around the ship from above while Will disembarked the ship. He was wearing his signature clothing which included his jacket with the hood and mask down, but on top was his armor. His steel plated combat gloves to go with his vambraces, light metal greaves for his legs and his iron plated chest armor colored black with flecks of dark blue and white with the sigil of House Baratheon and Stark. Attached were leather shoulder pauldrons with light metal covering. His quiver was strung on his back along with his bow and his Valyrian Steel sword Wolf's Fang slung next to them while his other Valyrian Steel sword Storm's Wrath was sheathed on his left hip. He normally wouldn't wear all his weapons like this, but it made for an intimidating figure with his weapons combined with his armor which was exactly the point. Will walked down the ramp of the ship with Ser Arthur Dayne beside him on his right and Cedric Angar and Hundred Eyes on his left, his three most trusted confidantes and friends who started his journey with him and sought it through to the end. Right behind them was Missandei with Edric and Gendry, the latter two had their Valyrian steel weapons slung on their backs. Behind them was Hercules and his group followed by Beric Dondarrion, Thoros of Myr, Smalljon Umber, Harion Karstark, Tyrion Lannister, Garlan Tyrell, Oberyn Martell, and everyone else in their immediate group.

Jon Arryn and Ser Barristan Selmy watched Will disembark the ship via the ramp and then walk down the dock flanked by his Unsullied. He walked with authority, poise, and held himself as a warrior and a true prince. To the two veterans of Robert's Rebellion, they experienced a bit of whiplash as it was like seeing a young Robert walk before them and they knew even before the Prince left that he had the best parts of Robert. Now they wondered how much had changed since he had been gone.

William walked off the dock and over to Jon Arryn and Ser Barristan Selmy. "Lord Commander, Lord Hand." Will bowed his head and everyone behind him did the same.

"My prince." Jon Arryn and Ser Barristan bowed back.

"Apologies for the scene but I figured with my return it would be wise to make a statement." Will told them.

"And what statement did you just make?" Jon Arryn wondered.

"That the boy you knew, raised, and trained had returned home." Will answered and the two men just stared at one another until Will started to crack and chuckled. Jon Arryn soon did the same and the two embraced one another with a hug. Jon Arryn was practically family to Will, having helped raise him all these years so they were thrilled to see one another again. "I missed you, Uncle Jon."

"And I you, Will." Jon rubbed Will's back and then backed away to get a better look at him. "Look at you. The last time I saw you, you were but a boy but now you have grown into a fine young man. I thought that my eyes deceived me for a bit because I could have sworn, I saw your father walk down the dock. You look like him when he was younger."

"Definitely caught me by surprise though it's clear you favor the sword and bow instead of the Warhammer." Ser Barristan remarked, and Will smiled as the two shook hands.

"It's good to see you, Ser Barristan." Will told him.

"And you as well, my prince. I'm glad to see you are well and kept up with your training if your armor and swords are any indicator. Ser Arthur Dayne is an incredible knight and swordsman, so I imagine two more years of training has made you just as an amazing fighter as him." Ser Barristan suggested.

"Aye, it has. Our spars are more equal then ever though I've won a few more then him." Ser Arthur Dayne answered as he shook hands with Ser Barristan.

"Glad to see you're alive, old friend." Ser Barristan told him.

"Not for lack of trying by our mighty conqueror. He's definitely had some close calls with death, many of which he sought out himself." Ser Arthur Dayne pointed out.

"What can I say? I guess I do take after my father in some regards." Will said.

"An unfortunate aspect of his person but I hope that your travels didn't do too much to ruin the years I spent fostering the traits of discipline and restraint." Jon Arryn hoped.

"Rest assured, Lord Hand, I've made sure the young prince has kept to his manners as a true prince would." Cedric assured him.

"Master Angar, it is good to see you again." Jon Arryn bowed his head. "I trust the prince's many adventures kept you busy on top of his studies."

"But of course, and plenty of real world uses for said studies." Cedric answered as Jon Arryn then looked at Hundred Eyes.

"Master Hundred Eyes, it is good to see you again as well." Jon Arryn said, and Hundred Eyes bowed his head in return. That's when the Hand saw there were many new faces among the old and Will saw this as well.

"Yes, there are many new faces among us that you should meet but I feel that would be best done with my father, so I don't have to repeat myself." Will said.

"Of course. We're here to escort you to him. The King, members of the Council and many lords and nobles are gathering as we speak." Jon Arryn told him.

"Excellent but before we do that, there is something else I would need to do. Lord Hand, is it ready?" Will asked and Jon nodded.

"Just finished a fortnight ago. We got lucky." Jon told him.

"Excellent. Let's get this done then." Will looked at his Unsullied. "Dovaogēdy!"

The Unsullied stood at attention and prepared to march.

An hour later…

The rhythmic stomping of boots was heard throughout King's Landing as the army of 9,000 Unsullied, 3,000 Dothraki, and 1,000 former Golden Company sellswords marched through the streets of the city. The people of King's Landing were given an incredible sight as they had never seen the Unsullied or the Dothraki in person and here they were marching through the streets but not as invaders. They were here under the command and leadership of the crowned Prince William the Conqueror. Word had already spread of his return, and he was seen leading his army through the city while saddled on Roach. Will smiled and waved to the people of King's Landing as he had his men pass out food, wine, and spare coins to the people while he and his army marched by. The people cheered for his happy return and to see him again in their city. He made a memorable return to the people of King's Landing as he led his army up to Rhaenys Hill where they would be staying.

When Will had left two years ago for the Summer Isles and Ser Arthur Dayne first broached the subject about getting the Unsullied as his own personal army, one of the first things the two discussed other than Will's initial distaste for buying slaves, was where his new army would reside. Even with Will's reforms and building work done in King's Landing, the city was already packed with the City Watch and the small contingent of soldiers from the Stormlands and the Westerlands in the Red Keep. If they had an army then they needed someplace to house them, and initial thoughts were building a new housing section for them but that would take time. That's when Cedric had a brilliant idea that could save them that time and that was to use an already existing area in King's Landing and start from there. That answer came in the form of the Dragonpit, the gigantic colosseum-like mega structure up on Rhaenys Hill. The once mighty structure that was the stable for the Targaryen dragons was now an abandoned ruin but also one of the biggest buildings in the city which made sense since it used to house dragons. The main gate was so wide that thirty knights could ride through at once, with thick walls and a broken dome. It was big enough to house the Unsullied along with the Dothraki and their horses and close enough to the Red Keep in case they were needed. Granted, two years wasn't enough to rebuild the Dragonpit in its entirety, but Will or Cedric weren't delusional enough to think they could rebuild it by then. What they could do was maintain, refit, and build up parts of the Dragonpit that were stable enough to house an army barracks which thankfully there were. Will and Cedric sent correspondence to Jon Arryn about what they wanted to do, and he worked on it. Thankfully, Will had a good relationship with builders and masons of King's Landing and Jon Arryn put out word of the work that attracted many who wanted to work for good pay, which it was.

Will rode atop Roach as they arrived at the Dragonpit. The massive dome over the structure could be seen from the bay but as they got close, they saw the hard work that had gone into its refit. More then half of the Dragonpit had been fixed up to house Will's army with new walls, rooms, and even floors built so there were levels to the barracks. A large open section outside near a small water well was for the horses while the refitted sections of the pit were for sleeping quarters, bathrooms, armories and kitchens. The vast openness outside the pit were perfect for training yards and there was plenty of space for everyone. Only less than half of the pit looked in ruin while the rest was restored as best as it could be to house soldiers, which was perfect. It didn't need to look extravagant like a castle, it just needed to do its job which was to house an army comfortably. The only thing that stood out were the remains of the massive dome as taking that down would be next to impossible so for now they remained.

Will worked with his Unsullied, instructing them on where to go while the Unsullied Lieutenants organized their men into groups and moved them into their quarters. What was once a ruin of the Targaryen Dynasty had been refit into something again and while there were still remnants of what had transpired in the past, it was minimal.

"Excellent work, Lord Hand. Well done." Cedric said to Jon Arryn.

"It was a most ingenious idea, Master Cedric. And the builders have assured me that everything is perfect and stable. I believe the Unsullied and Dothraki will be most comfortable here." Jon Arryn stated.

"Well done, Jon. Well done." Will walked over after helping his men move into the Dragonpit. "You've outdone yourself. Thank you."

"My pleasure. Is everything settled here?" Jon asked and Will nodded. "Good, then we should see your father. He's probably wondering where we are now."

"All right. Send a messenger ahead of us to let him know we're on our way." Will said and Jon nodded. Will got onto Roach's saddle and pet his horse on the side. "What do you think, Roach? Think the Unsullied will like it?"

Roach let out a snort and moved his head up and down like he was nodding. "Me too." Will pet him once more. "All right. Let's show you your new home. I think you'll like the Stables at the Red Keep. Maybe you'll even meet a nice mare."

Roach huffed and snorted as they made their way to the Red Keep.

Jon Arryn and Ser Barristan Selmy led Will and all his compatriots into the Red Keep with a company of City Watch escorting them but also joining them was a small contingent of Unsullied soldiers. The Unsullied were going to be stationed in the city and some would be in the Red Keep as his protection like in Freedom's Cove and he saw no reason to stop that now that he was home. As they made their way through the Red Keep, the servants and nobles stepped to the side to allow them through. Those servants that knew the prince and recognized him smiled and bowed and he smiled in return.

They eventually arrived at the large double doors to the throne room where two soldiers of the House Baratheon stood standing guard. "Are you ready?" Jon Arryn asked Will and got a nod in response. "Very good. Open the doors."

The two soldiers did as they were told and opened the large doors to the throne room. Inside were all the nobles and lords who arrived in King's Landing for the Prince's return including their families and household guard as well as any knights that would partake in the coming tourneys. Those lords and nobles were off to the side while up on the steps at the far end was the Iron Throne. Sitting on said throne was King Robert, dressed in his finest gold and black robes with his crowned stag crown on his head. Five members of the Kingsguard were stationed around him for protection. To his left were the members of the Small Council which included Stannis Baratheon Master of Ships, Renly Baratheon Master of Laws, Grand Maester Pycelle, Lord Petyr Baelish Master of Coin, and Varys Master of Whispers. Far off to Robert's right was Queen Cersei of House Lannister and she had her children with her. Joffrey, Tommen, and Myrcella but also with her was her Kingsguard member and her brother Ser Jaime Lannister. Robert wanted to be isolated in his immediate vicinity when he met his son except for his Kingsguard but it was more then likely to keep Cersei away from him when he and Will reunited. Robert knew Cersei didn't like him, so he didn't want anything to go wrong.

Jon Arryn stepped forward into the throne room catching the attention of everyone. "May I present William the Conqueror of House Baratheon, First of his name, Crowned Prince and Heir to the Seven Kingdoms and Liberator of Freedom's Cove!"

Jon Arryn's announcement instantly shut everyone up and they stood at attention to watch as William walked into the throne room with his party following behind. There were whispers and murmurs as the people watched the Crowned Prince walk by. For those that had never met him before their initial shock at his arrival was understandable and even those that did know him couldn't believe the change they saw in the prince. There stood a man decked out in armor and look ever bit like the moniker he had earned through blood and battle. A Conqueror.

Will kept his gaze forward at his father but caught glimpses out of the corner of his eye. He saw Ser Davos standing near his uncle Stannis, he saw Lord Mace Tyrell and his mother the Lady Olenna off to the left, and he saw Lord Tywin Lannister standing off to the side on the right. There were some other faces he couldn't place and since they didn't have their banners flying around in the throne room he didn't know where they were from, but he had a feeling he'd find out soon enough. Jon Arryn joined the rest of the small council in their position on the King's left while Ser Barristan joined his Kingsguard brothers.

Will stopped about 2 meters short of the steps to the Iron Throne, took a knee and bowed his head. Everyone behind him did the same. "Your grace. Father, I have returned home." Will said.

"I can see that. You've been gone a long time, boy and yet you made me wait here on this uncomfortable throne." Robert told him.

"Apologies, your grace. I had to see that my men were taken care of. It was a long journey and they needed rest. If I have offended you then I accept full responsibility and any punishment you deem necessary for my transactions." Will spoke, sounded like a loyal subject to a king which in front of so many lords, he had to. Robert stood up from his throne and marched down the steps before walking over to his son. Everyone in the room had their stomachs in their throats, waiting to see what would happen. Will kept his gaze down as Robert looked at his son before motioning him to stand up, so he did. The rest of his party followed in his actions as Robert and Will exchanged gazes for the first time in two years and a lot of had changed.

Not just personality wise for Will as he grew into his role as the Crowned Prince along with the maturity that came with everything he had gone through in Freedom's Cove but physically as well. Before Will left on his trip, he was in good shape for his age but was still relatively thin having trained more with running, archery, and swords rather than the raw strength like Robert. But after two years of fighting, more excessive training, and taking care of his wellbeing, he had grown taller and filled out with muscle. When before the father stood taller than his son, now the son eclipsed the father in height by a few inches. Standing before Robert was indeed his son grown from the young boy into a young man. Robert had changed a bit as well with his training to get him back into some semblance of shape to the man he once was. Granted, that would take years, likely ten, as Robert still had his penchant for excess food and wine, but his work so far had trimmed away some of the fat around his face and arms and his belly had slimmed a tiny, tiny, tiny amount. He looked better then he did 2 years ago when Will left, that's for sure.

"You got fat on your adventure." Robert stated rather bluntly.

Will was taken aback by that before he observed his father's figure and decided to be a blunt. "You're one to talk."

There was a palpable pause in the throne room as hearing anyone say that to the king, let alone his son, was unthinkable. At any moment, swords could be drawn, and the crown prince could be exiled for that statement. Robert looked offended and ready to draw blood before his fierce gaze started to break and he started to chuckle. Will did as well as Robert laughed and the two shared a hug, slapping each other on the back as they squeezed their arms around the other. Those that were nervous breathed a sigh of relief while those that knew the King and the Prince were never anxious to begin with.

"Gods, it's been too long, son." Robert whispered to Will.

"I know, Father." Will pat him on the back, momentarily catching the gaze of Cersei Lannister and her son Joffrey. The eyes of hatred and jealousy in both were easy to see but Will didn't let it get to him.

"Gods, let me get a look at you." Robert pulled away from the hug and took another look at his son in full armor complete with weapons. Seeing him made him proud beyond words. "Look at you, boy. Looking ever the Conqueror sung in your stories and songs."

"I can assure you that what was told or song about me is likely just false platitudes." Will told him.

"Oh, come on boy! Embrace your growing legend! It is one that is well earned." Robert praised before grabbing his arm and holding it up for everyone to see. "Let the Seven Kingdoms of Westeros rejoice for their Crown Prince has returned! My Son has come home!"

The throne room erupted into applause as Robert and Will soaked it in. Those that personally knew the prince were the most enthusiastic of the crowd and cheered. "Thank you, Thank you." Will smiled. "Thank you all. I know I've been gone a long time but I'm glad to be back."

"And the Seven Kingdoms are glad to have you back, son. There is much you missed and I'm sure you have much to tell us. And I can see that you came back with some new friends." Robert said, looking at the people he didn't recognize in Will's group.

"I do, father and I wouldn't have been able to do what I was able to without them. These men and women have been instrumental on my journey since the Summer Isles and all the way to my return to the Seven Kingdoms. They've been advisors who provide me excellent counsel, kept my trust, fought by my side, and have been good friends." Will motioned for them to step forward so Missandei did along with Hercules, Autolycus, Atalanta, Tydeus, Amphiaraus, and Ioalus. "First allow me to introduce Missandei of Naath. My handmaiden, personal translator, advisor, and confidante."

"Your grace." Missandei bowed her head as Robert walked over to her.

"Heh-heh. You have excellent taste in women, son. Guess you inherit that from me. She is a beauty." Robert praised him.

"Beauty with an intellect to match. Missandei is fluent in over 19 different languages with extensive knowledge in various customs, religions, and city infrastructure. Without her help, my work in Freedom's Cove would be nowhere near as efficient as it stands now. She's someone not to underestimate." Will told him and Robert chuckled. The king could tell that his son spoke with the utmost respect for Missandei, so she was clearly more than just his handmaiden.

"Fair enough. I've never had a mind for things such as that, but my son has and it's clear he hold you in great esteem. Thank you for everything you've done to help him and know that you are most welcome here." Robert told her.

"Thank you, your grace." Missandei bowed her head as Robert then moved on to Hercules and his group.

"An odd assortment of people you have with you, son." Robert pointed out.

"Precisely the point. An odd assortment but very skilled and gifted comrades." Will walked over to them. "Hercules of Athens, Autolycus of Sparta, Tydeus of Thebes, Atalanta of Scythia, Ioalus of Athens, and Amphiaraus of Argus. Some of the finest warriors you could find anywhere."

Robert walked past each and every one of them and they all bowed their heads, but he lingered a moment on Atalanta. "Another beautiful woman in your company but this one wears armor. I bet she is fierce." Robert remarked and Will gave Atalanta a smirk before a nod. She nodded back before pulling out two arrows from her quiver, turning around, pulling them back on the drawstring of her bow and firing them at the same time. Her shot pinned the helmets of two Lannister soldiers to the walls behind them. Robert looked on in awe as did most of everyone else in the room.

"She is. One of the fiercest archers I've ever met." Will admitted.

"Fair enough. I stand corrected. How did you come to meet this group?" Robert asked him.

"When we arrived in the Summer Isles to help Prince Jalabhar get his throne. Hercules and the others were already in the employment of Prince Jalabhar's rival, Prince M'Baku. The fight for the throne was where we met and Prince M'Baku's defeat led to Prince Jalabhar to retake his throne as I wrote to you two years ago." Will explained.

"Then how did the men you fought against come to join you by your side?" Robert wondered.

"Curiosity. The prince and I faced one another in single-combat to decide the victor and he defeated me. He was the only one ever to do so." Hercules answered.

"You fought him by yourself?" Robert asked William and got a nod in response.

"Hand to hand with no weapons. It was a memorable if painful fight." Will admitted.

"The prince spared our lives. We sought to repay the favor and joined him on his adventure." Hercules added.

"And have been indispensable allies along the way and have sworn oaths as my protectors, each and every one of them. It was only right that they return to King's Landing after all the good work they did." Will said.

"Well, if I have all of you to thank for my son's continued well-being and in the effort for his return home then you are all most welcome in King's Landing. You have my hospitality here in my kingdom and my keep. Whatever you need, you need only ask and all of you will be honored tonight including my son." Robert said as he looked at Will. "Your return is cause for great celebration, William. There will be a massive feast and days of games, tourneys, and celebrations to come in order to celebrate what you have done."

"Thank you, Father. You honor me but I would honor you, once more." Will nodded to Cedric who walked over and handed him a cloth-wrapped bundle but it's shape was that of a sword. Will took a deep breath before taking a knee and holding out the bundle in his arms.

"What is it, son?" Robert asked him.

"Father, in one of my letters I informed you that we encountered the Golden Company while defending Yunkai from attack. With the help of my allies and leading the Unsullied, we destroyed the Golden Company and I personally killed former Hand of the King Lord Jon Connington. I killed him myself with my sword. After the battle and my recovery, we scoured the remains of the Golden Company and found something. A gift to present to you upon my return." William held the sword forward. "Allow me to present to you, Blackfyre, the ancestral Valyrian Steel Sword of House Targaryen and sword of Aegon the Conqueror."

Will's announcement caught everyone off guard by his supposed claim. While they had heard he defeated the Golden Company, claiming he had the lost sword of House Targaryen, once wielded by Aegon the Conqueror himself is another. Robert unraveled the wrappings around the sword to see it with his own eyes. It was a bastard sword with a black sheath and black leather handle. It had a steel dragon-head cross guard on the handle with a large ruby on the pommel. Robert unsheathed the sword and he saw the distinct ripple stitching in the metal of the blade. It was undeniably Valyrian steel.

"It's not possible." Robert said in wonder as he marveled at the blade. "Jon come see this."

Jon Arryn walked over and was handed the sword so he could see with his own eyes. He poured over the blade with his eyes and was in awe. "This is without a doubt Valyrian steel for sure, your grace." Jon said and everyone in the throne room whispered in response. "How did you come by this?"

"It was found hidden in a trunk in a tent belonging to the captain." Will answered.

"The last known recorded use of Blackfyre was by Aegor Rivers who took it with him on his exile to the Free Cities where the Golden Company was formed. Stories have spread about how the sword was lost after that. No one can say for certain if that was true and no one can verify the blade's authenticity or its origin. The remaining men of the Golden Company we took captive couldn't confirm, the captain and lieutenants were all killed and the last Targaryen to use it died years ago. It's true origin is impossible to determine so the sword could be something else, but we believe it to be Blackfyre." Cedric Angar added.

"Either way, whether the sword is Blackfyre or not, it is Valyrian Steel, of that we were certain. It is yours father. A gift to honor you." Will spoke.

Robert smiled as he marveled at the blade's shine before putting it back in its sheath. "A fine gift, son. And I believe your guess to be correct. This could very well be Blackfyre, and you do a great deal to honor me. A father's pride cannot be measures in words but know that I am proud of you, son."

"Thank you, Father." Will bowed his head.

"Any father can only hope to one day be humbled by the feats of his son. You've done a great deal of them already…" Robert took the sword and placed it back in Will's hand. "…so, it is only fitting that you should continue to do so with this."

"Father, I…"

"Don't start now. You found the blade, you fought for it, and you nearly died for it. If anyone deserves the blade, it's you. Oh, stand up, boy." Robert pulled Will up, so he was standing. "I'm not a swordsman and it would be wasted with me. It is better in your hands so do with it what you will. It is only fitting that the sword of one conqueror would fall into the hands of another."

Robert smiled and patted Will on the shoulders. "Yes, father." Will smiled.

"Good. Now, enough of all this pomp and pageantry. You must be tired so you and the rest of your party should get some rest. We've had rooms prepared along with hot water for baths. Rest, bathe, and then join us for the feast. I want to hear all the stories you have." Robert told him.

"Yes, father." Will replied as Robert gave him one final hug before he left the throne room with the Kingsguard following. With him gone, all eyes of the nobles, Lords, Knights, and ladies of the court were on Will. A crowned prince with the love of the King and the legendary sword of Aegon the Conqueror was an ever-enticing prize. Will looked at the sword before looking around at the throne room and at the vipers nest, he had returned to. A part of him was worried but the other part was excited. He had been through so much, so he wasn't going to back down to vipers, spiders, lions, spies, or any kind of threats coming after him.

William was home and he wasn't going anywhere.

Game of Thrones: History and Lore of Westeros and Essos

House Baratheon by Gendry Waters and Edric Storm

"Growing up a bastard, a part of you is curious as to where you come from." Gendry started.

"Not literally as everyone knows where you come from but more along the lines of who your parents are." Edric corrected.

"That's what I meant." Gendry pointed out.

"Sorry, didn't sound like it to me." Edric replied.

"Oh, it didn't?" Gendry then slapped Edric on the head.

"Ow! What was that for?!" Edric then slapped him back and the two got into a little tussle when Will arrived and separated them both.

"Are you two done? Do I need to do this or are you two capable of talking about our father's house?" Will asked them.

"We got it." They both replied and cleared their throats before beginning fresh.

As I was saying…as a bastard, you know your lot in life. People are often happy to remind you of it.

Ours is the Fury. These are the words of the black stag of Baratheon. A battle cry echoed throughout the land in rebellion when Robert Baratheon, the First of his Name seized the Iron Throne from the Mad King Aerys Targaryen. A dynasty nearly three hundred years old.

House Baratheon was born during the Age of Conquest, when Aegon the Dragon invaded Westeros. Aegon sent his commander, Orys Baratheon to take Storm's End. Argilac the Arrogant, the Last of the Storm Kings foolishly left the safety of his stronghold and met the Baratheon warlord in open battle. Argilac was soundly defeated. And Orys took his lands, his holdings, and his daughter. Orys was said to be a half-brother to Aegon Targaryen. Not only that but King Robert's Grandmother was Rhaelle Targaryen, the youngest child of King Aegon the 5th. The Blood of the dragon runs through the blood of the Baratheons…if a little diluted.

The seat of House Baratheon is Storm's End. A legendary keep raised during the Age of Heroes. It overlooked Shipbreaker's Bay where legend has it that Durran the first Storm King raised the keep with the aid of Bran the Builder of House Stark, forging a centuries long connection with the Stormlands and the North. After Aegon's conquest of the Seven Kingdoms, the Baratheons remained loyal to the crown, and they stayed loyal for nearly 300 years until the reign of the Mad King. That's when everything changed.

Now House Baratheon stands as the rulers of the Seven Kingdoms with Robert as King and our brother as Crown Prince. -Edric said.

We don't stand to inherit because we're bastards but even then, Will had us learn about our House. He mentioned how if things were different, he could have easily been labeled a bastard as well. He's never taken that for granted and says that one day when he is king is plans to legitimize us. Not really sure that means anything to me. -Gendry said.

"Neither to me because it wouldn't change much of anything. We're brothers and nothing would change that. The only thing legitimation would do is make it official but bastard or not, Gendry, Will and I have each other's backs. Though it does make me wonder if we have any other siblings running around. -Edric added.

Well, if we do then we'll find them. We stand together no matter what. Ours is the Fury. Emphasis on Ours. -Will declared.

One for all and all for one! -The three brothers shouted.

Slaver's Bay by Missandei

They say that slavery is an old as man itself. No one is quite sure of how it started but it all can be traced back to Old Ghis. In the ages before the Valyrian Freehold was a power, the armies of Old Ghis marched across Essos and conquered. What they didn't destroy, they enslaved and everywhere they went, their mighty harpy appeared taking city after city into its talons. The Slave Masters grew rich and fat as great pyramids were built around them, pleasure houses were filled, and fighting pits were opened. Nobody remembers if the waters around Ghis had names before the Ghiscari empire, but ever since they've been known as Slaver's Bay and the Gulf of Grief. But eventually the Ghiscari empire met its match as the Valyrian Freehold rose to power. The harpy was nothing to a dragon. But the empire was not completely destroyed. Astapor, Yunkai, and Meereen, once lowly colonies along Slaver's Bay still survived and even thrived. Even when the Doom claimed Valyria, the three cities of Slaver's Bay remained in power despite all the centuries of blood.

The Good Masters of Astapor. Bricks and blood built Astapor, and bricks and blood her people. An old rhyme that is a reminder that the red-bricked walls of the city take their color from the blood of the slaves who built them. Maybe not as grand or desirable as its sister cities but blood Astapor knows for it is Astapor where the Unsullied are born and from men, fierce soldiers are born. For the Unsullied, young male slaves are chosen for their size, speed, and strength. Taken from their families they are trained from dawn to dusk, trained to fight and any slave who does not stand at the end of the day is thrown aside. Only one boy in four survived the training. Their discipline and loyalty is absolute, and they fear nothing. I know firsthand how dangerous they can be and the story of the three thousand of Qohor, where they held back a Dothraki Khalasar of over fifty thousand strong sealed their fate in history. Many have come to Astapor to buy the Unsullied but only the richest have managed to leave with the most and those usually end up winning whatever conflict they desire.

The Wise Masters of Yunkai. Often referred to as the Queen of Cities or the Yellow City. It's only claimed to fame is the bed slaves that the masters train to sate their every desire. They are taught the way of the seven sighs and the sixteen seats of pleasure. Dancers are training to dance since they are old enough to walk and are experts in the seductive arts as well. Once, a Triarch of Volantis named Vogarro purchased a pleasure slave trained in the seven sighs of Yunkai. Vogarro eventually fell in love with his slave, freed and then married her raising a great scandal in Volantis. Even after he died, his widow remained in Volantis where she remained at the head of his power. The walls may be large, and its offers enticing but it is a place of disrepute.

The Great Masters of Meereen, as if calling themselves such would make it so. Thousands of years of during the height of the Ghiscari empire Meereen was second only to Ghis in wealth and glory. A paradise by the sea if one didn't mind the constant clinking of changes and cracking whips. Slaves built Meereen and on their backs it rested like a litter. Then came the dragons of Valyria. The Masters of Old Valyria would not bow so they burned. The Valyrians burned down their walls, burned their pyramids to ash and sowed their fields with salt and skulls. An old slave woman once told me that the Valyrians intended to break the chains of the Ghiscari slaves, absorbing them into the Valyrian freehold where every man held a vote but the great masters of Meereen met their new overlords in the great temple, plying them with gold, wine, and all the wealth that slavery had bought them. And instead, the Valyrians took up the whip themselves. I do not believe it. As their empire expanded, the Valyrians needed more and more bodies to feed their mines and colonies. When no wage could ever tempt a free man, the great masters merely accommodated their new customers, staying rich as the Ghiscari empire crumbled.

After the Doom fell on Valyria, the great masters worried for their fortunes. By this time the Valyrians were their greatest providers and purchasers or slaves. Then the Dothraki swept out of the plains of Essos and proved to be as fond of slaving as the Dragon lords before them. The great masters grew richer still. For the first time in history, the great masters alone ruled Meereen and chaos ruled the rest of the world. The fighting pits swallowed men who in previous centuries would have filled the ranks of the Valyrian armies. Without these soldiers to maintain order the wealthy had to buy their own which the good masters of Astapor were more then willing to sell. If the buyers nerves still needed calming the wise masters of Yunkai could see him further release. The Great Masters, the Good Masters, the Wise Masters yet none were so great, good, or wise that they recognized Prince William of House Baratheon for what he was. His ancestors had destroyed them, then became them. Perhaps they assumed he would have been as easy as his father, but our prince does not bend. He breaks and he conquers.

When I first saw him in Astapor, I'll admit I wasn't sure what to think of him. Westeros was known for its outlaw and distaste for slavery so to hear that the Prince of the Seven Kingdoms had arrived in Astapor was unusual. A prince with the army of all Seven Kingdoms to call his own yet he arrives for the Unsullied. I knew something was odd but said nothing. Master Kraznys saw nothing strange and thought only of the gold he could steal from the dumb, ignorant Westerosi. Someone with immense pockets of gold with which he could become rich and saw no harm in giving over my servitude to his. As a slave, I had come to expect the worst of men in power but meeting the prince, I've now seen the best of what they can do. I don't believe any other master would ask me if I had family I could return to.

I haven't been with the prince as long as the others in his party have but even within the first few weeks, I could see he was a man with a good and noble heart. Someone who truly believed in helping others and lived up to the stories and songs sung about royalty and heroic knights. If he wasn't introduced as a prince, I wouldn't think he was one. He is someone with an immense amount of political and financial power at his beck and call, yet he holds himself with the utmost respect, compassion, and humility of a man four times his age. He is brave, wise, smart, and a skilled warrior and it is my honor to serve and work alongside him. I may be his handmaiden, but I am also his advisor, his confidante, and his friend. I'm unsure as to where his path may take him but this I swear. I will do whatever I can to help him and stand by his side no matter what. Through pain of death, Missandei of Naath stands with William the Conqueror of House Baratheon, the Breaker of Chains, the Crowned Prince of the Seven Kingdoms.

End of Chapter 14

Hoped you guys liked the chapter. Sorry for the delay, again. Sometimes things come up but rest assured a story is not canceled or abandoned unless I say it is. Will's back in King's Landing and things will pick up. He's got his allies, but he's re-entered a den of snakes and they're going to aim for the jugular. Lucky for Will he's got experience in dealing with them. He's been gone a while and missed much but he's a quick study and anyone who tries to stop him will find out just how dangerous he really is.

Next chapter, Will's return home is commemorated with feasts, tourneys, and grand spectacles as sycophants try to ingratiate themselves to the heir to the Iron Throne. He's gonna need to quickly separate friend from foe on top of dealing with Cersei and her insufferable monster of a child Joffrey. Luckily for Will, a Conqueror doesn't bend to a shrill witch and an inbred idiot. Until then!

Updates for April: Mandalorian Maverick will also be updated this month.

Updates for May: I'll be on vacation the first two weeks of May, so I'll be kind of out of contact, but I've gotten some writing in before I leave so I'm not trying to catch up when I get back. Omniverse Earth-38 will be updated along with What if Superman.

Also, guys hope you liked the cover photo for the story. Thanks again to Captain Marvelous you can find her on Deviantart and also on Discord. On Discord she's Captain Marvelous#0001, on Deviantart she's CaptainMarvelous2021. She's a great artist and she's got plenty more stuff of mine coming so check out my Deviantart account to see her work or if you're in the market for a artist to make art for your story, check her out. I highly recommend her.

William Baratheon: Son of Robert Baratheon and Lynna Stark, Prince of the Seven Kingdoms, the Blue Wolf, Slayer of the Iron Born, The Wolf of Storms, Breaker of Chains, Wolf of Justice, Stag of Righteousness, William the Conqueror, Khal of Tonitrua (Thunder)

Appearance: Stephen Amell

Birthdate: 279AC: 17 years old

Regular Clothing/appearance: Boots, long black or grey trousers, light white tunic/shirt, dark blue/black leather jacket with hood and facemask. Gloves. Vambraces with hidden blades, Valyrian daggers holstered in boots, and Storm's Wrath slung over his left hip

Armor:

Steel plated combat gloves

Steel plated vambraces/forearm guards with Valyrian steel forearm spikes and attached hidden blades.

Light metal leg greaves

Iron plated Samurai Dō (Chest armor) colored black with flecks of dark blue and white with sigil of House Baratheon and Stark. Attached leather shoulder pauldrons with light metal covering.

Weapons:

Black/Blue Goldenheart tree Composite Recurve Bow and Arrows usually kept in saddle holster

Small throwing knives looped in belt

Valyrian Steel stiletto dagger & Valyrian Steel Dragonbone dagger holstered in boots

Valyrian steel bastard sword Storm's Wrath holstered around left hip. Black scabbard with a black colored blade streaked with ripples of gold and red.

Valyrian steel bastard sword Wolf's Fang holstered over left shoulder or in saddle holster when riding. Grey scabbard with blue and white colored blade.

Hidden blades taken from assassin and secured on forearm bracers. Attached Phantom Blade on left bracer.

Pouch of small smoke or gas bombs

Swan Ships: The Jackdaw, The Aquilla, The Black Pearl, The Flying Dutchman

Notable Talents: Expert archer/trained in the Summer isles speed archery, knife thrower with expert aim and marksmanship. Ambidextrous and trained in sword combat by Ser Arthur Dayne and Ser Barristan Selmy. Close combat training by Hundred Eyes. Agile and quick moving, self-trained in parkour, Free running, and urban exploration. Smart and quick thinking on the battlefield. Knowledge of battle tactics, poison, wildlife, history, politics, and economics. Fluent in Low Valyrian, High Valyrian, Summer Tongue, and Dothraki.

Personality: Smart, attentive, wise, honorable up to a point, caring, generous, humble and cares about others. Hates backstabbers, deceivers, people who violate his trust or think they are superior to others. Doesn't like to be treated like a child or an idiot. Unrelenting against his enemies or those who harm innocents or his family. Prone to carrying the weight of the world on his shoulders or self-doubt in certain situations.

Army: 9,000 Unsullied soldiers, 3,000 Dothraki Calvary, 1,000 former Golden Company soldiers

Allies:

Cedric Angar: personal tutor and once trained to be Maester, trusted friend

Ser Arthur Dayne: Sworn Sword, protector, and trainer

The Stark Family of Winterfell: Family

Robert Baratheon: Father

Stannis Baratheon: Uncle and Lord Paramount of the Stormlands

Ser Davos Seaworth: advisor of Stannis Baratheon and trusted friend

Ser Barristan Selmy: Commander of the Kingsguard, sworn to protect him

Hundred Eyes: Kung Fu trainer and friend

Gendry: squire, friend, and younger half-brother-age 14

Edric: friend and younger half-brother-age 13

Hercules: Leader of band of mercenaries, incredible strength, and skilled fighter

Autolycus: Second in Command, expert knife thrower, thief, and spy

Amphiaraus: Expert spear fighter, supposed seer and prophet

Tydeus: Feral warrior, relentless and highly dangerous in combat

Atalanta: Excellent combatant, tracker, and Amazon Archer

Iolaus: Persuasive, excellent negotiator, storyteller, and orator

Joshamee Mr. Gibbs: Commodore and captain of the Prince's Swan Ships, expert sailor, and naval combat operator

Adewale: Second in command of the Prince's Swan Ships, expert sailor, and naval combat operator

Orys: Golden Crown Eagle

Missandei: Personal handmaiden, translator, advisor, confidante, and friend.

Grey Worm: Unsullied soldier and commander of Unsullied Legion

Roach: Personal horse, fast, brave, a bit of a jester

Durran: Dragon. Blue scaled with black markings, green eyes. About the size of a sheep. Residing in Old Valyria.

Disclaimer: I don't own Game of Thrones or any mentioned properties, all rights belong to their respective owners. I'm just a big fan.