Chapter 32:
A/N: Wow I hadn't realized over a month had passed since I had updated. What can I say, I had finals and just finished them and since it's the end of the year I spent the last few nights out with my friends every night. I've only just had a completely free night now and I figured, hey, why not update? Hopefully there are still people out there waiting for this story. Oh, and if I disappear at any time, it's not because the story has gone to a cyberspace graveyard but I've just gotten busy. I will never give this story up until I finish it! There, podium speech over.
Chapter 32:
Ashley Targaryen was not happy. No word had yet been received from Rivverrun or any of the northern houses. And nothing from Spencer. She walked around Winterfell with an impatient air, tension in her shoulders that could be seen by those who knew where to look. She had called for another council with her captains, tired of waiting for news and wanting to move on with her plans. As she walked into the hall, her captains stood and waited for her to be seated on the high chair.
"Well?" Ashley asked, getting straight into the meeting.
"No word yet Khaleesi," Aggo answered, "but we have word from Daario. He is close to landing in Westeros now with the rest of the soldiers."
"Where is he meaning to anchor?"
"A place called White Harbor."
"Is that near?"
"A few days travel, Khaleesi but it is still in the north so there should be no surprises over who has placed a guard there." Ser Selmy Barristan said.
"They will fight us. We have had no word on whether Glen Carlin has accepted my offer so to them, we are the enemy, albeit a different sort." Ashley shifted, moving her coat around to accommodate her in the silks she wore underneath. Gods, what else should I have to defeat?
"Perhaps, but they may surrender if they see they have no choice in the matter," Ser Selmy answered.
"Would they?" Ashley asked, a slight disbelief colouring her voice. "From what I have seen and heard, they would fight us to death. After all, there is an honour in dying in battle or so they say."
"They may be reasonable men. After all, once Robert, my apologies, the Usurper had established his kingdom, those houses loyal to your father and no choice but to see reason and surrender." Ser Selmy answered.
"These houses," Ashley mused, "if I were to call them again to the banner of House Targaryen, would they heed it, ser?"
"Prince Doran, of House Martell has allied himself with House Lannister, or so the reports suggest. His brother however, was killed by a queensguard, Ser Gregor Clegane. Many believe that Prince Doran may now change his mind about his allegiance. He has always been regarded as a dangerous opponent. His heir and his nieces seem to want a rebellion and should be easily persuaded into joining us."
"And others?"
"House Martell, along with House Tyrell, fell under your father's banner. Lord Mace was betrayed by Tywin Lannister in regards to his eldest daughter and I think he may march on King's Landing. We must get his alliance and that of his sons, who are rebelling against the rule of the Lannisters. From what the scouts have reported to me, we should approach Willas first. Their home, Highgarden is under attack from the Greyjoys. He is an able lord and a good commander in battle. His loyalty would be good to use as leverage to gain his brother and his mother."
"I assume these houses are major houses and have many minor houses below them?"
"Yes, Your Grace."
"I see." Ashley stayed quiet for awhile.
"Khaleesi may I?" Aggo spoke as he stood. At Ashley nod he began, "Why do we rely on such alliances? We, your bloodriders are strong enough to cover this whole land with blood if it be your will. The Unsullied follow you without question and would fall on their swords if you wished it. Why then do we waste time here plotting away as if we are Westeroi? Let us march now and take back what is rightfully yours, and, if you will it, we can take back the Dothkari nation as is your right."
"I understand your concerns Aggo. I, however, am a Westeroi and we seem to favour peace over bloodshed," she answered caustically. "Why should we waste resources and lives for bloodlust? I can gain much from their loyalty as I have gained from yours. Should I not at least try to give my people a chance to redeem themselves before me?" No one answered. Ashley faced Barristan Selmy again, "Can we reach these houses without any outside knowledge?"
"My scouts can and will have it done."
"Send word. Daario must meet us here when he lands at White Harbour. He must do so without alerting anyone in the south to or presence. Once I gain the north we shall strike them quickly and gain back Westeros. Are there any other issues?"
"No, Khaleesi."
"We shall wait here for Daario and word from Spencer. I hope for their sake they do not hesitate for I am running out of patience." Ashley stood to leave. "If I am needed I will be with my children outside. Good day to you all."
Ashley walked out without another word. She did not mean to be short but the lack of knowledge on Spencer's whereabouts or what her brother had decided on worried her. A few more days, she thought, if there is no word then, I march with or without the support of the North.
She stepped outside into the cold winter afternoon. Most of her men were up, running drills or cleaning the weaponry. She strode forward, returning the greetings of all who she passed. Once she reached the gates, she set out to the clearing were her dragons spent their mornings. A flight might ease the worry.
Drogon raised his head at her approach and settled into position for her. She came up to the large dragon and gave him her greeting for the day.
"Let us fly today. It has been long since we last flew together," she murmured to all three creatures.
Reaching up to Drogon's wing, she pulled herself onto his back. With practice, getting on and disembarking had become easier for her. The commands came without thought now and Drogon seemed to react to the smallest touch.
"Drogon, Rhaegal, Viserion, Subvare!"
Drogon's body trembled slightly underneath as he began to lift himself up for flight. His brothers had already begun their take-off and flew into the sky, waiting for him to join them.
"Today, you shall fly any way. Let us free ourselves from our shackles for awhile, Drogon." Ashley said to the dragon beneath her. His haunches tensed as he lifted off the ground. The air rushed towards Ashley as Drogon began his ascent. The sound of powerful wings greeted her ears as he climbed higher and higher into the sky. Ashley could barely breath but the lack of breath served as a cleansing breath as well. Once Drogon leveled out, the air would be crisp and cold but refreshing.
"Show me what you can do now," she stated to Drogon. He blew a short burst of flame into the air before dipping and beginning his tricks, eager to please his mistress. His brothers hissed and shrieked around them as they too twisted and turned, each trying to outdo each other. Show offs, Ashley thought to herself. She smiled for the first time that day.
Palexiot & mb168: problem fixed now, that's what happens when you don't have a beta (btw anyone interested?)