This is unbeta-ed (or however you spell it) and really short. I will continue to look for time in between school to write and update. This is really just to say I have not forgotten about this fic and I will finish it…one day…
Chapter 34:
Ashley had pushed her army hard as they marched to White Harbour, her fear for Spencer never ending. They marched relentless, speed now more necessary than stealth in Ashley's mind. Stealth would come again, once Ashley knew that all was well with Spencer. The forest surrounding them for most of the way remained still, as if all inhabitants had fled to another world. A few animals that dared venture closer to the vast army soon became food for the soldiers or for the dragons. Each morning, Ashley would fly her dragons far into the sky, ensuring that none but her army was aware of these long-forgotten tools of war. The dragons enjoyed the excursions and yet, a third rider played in the back of Ashley's mind. For was not her ancestor victorious only when riding with two other riders? She needed her second rider before she embarked on her main battle but with so few that she could trust to be by her side, even fewer were with her at all times and none had gained enough belief to become the rider she needed.
As they set up camp for another night, Ashley conversed with her captains. "How much further?"
"A few more days if we continue to march through the nights." Ser Barristan answered.
"And Daario expects us and is ready to receive us?" Ashley asked Aggo.
"Yes Khaleesi. His invasion and conquer of White Harbour was done with utmost discretion. He believes that none around them and further on, know of the fall of White Harbour."
"How can he be certain that this is the truth? Some may have escaped and could now be spreading word of our presence in Westeros."
"He assures me that none escaped and all the people of White Harbour are prisoners inside their own city." Aggo answered again.
"Continue to inform him of our progress. Once we arrive in White Harbour we will rest for a short time and prepare ourselves for a full march on King's Landing. By then, we shall have word on whether the North will be with us or against us. If they be with us, Rivverrun will be a good base to have between the north and the south. The Tumblestone River will be our barrier until we are ready to march southwards again."
"And if they refuse to help us?" Brown Ben asked. "What then?"
"Then we will defeat them as we have done others before us," Ashley answered, a potential ruler again. "I cannot waste time pandering to their whims. I hope it will not come to that." She turned to Strong Belwas "What is your thinking for the march to King's Landing?"
"If the Westeroi agree to help us then setting a base at Rivverrun will be to our good, if not, we will crush them and continue as we have before. We cannot forget one thing, Khaleesi. Your dragons will aid us. The sight of them alone will send turmoil into our enemies' hearts and once they attack, half the battle will be won."
"Then I must begin train them for death," Ashley replied. It has come to this. "We must prepare if the North refuses our help. They will know that I am here. Our path may have to diverge in order for us to take the North as quickly as we can. I will not let the new "king" have time to build his strength against us."
"That would be wise, Khaleesi." Aggo answered.
"That is all. Return to your tents. We shall begin to march again in the early light."
The captains bowed before her and led themselves out of her tent. Missandei approached her with her evening cup of spiced wine. After taking a long drink, Ashley placed the cup beside her and sat watching the flames of the large fire burning to her left.
"How fare your brothers?" Ashley asked the former slavegirl after a moment.
"They fare well, Khaleesi. I am forever in your gratitude for letting them serve you and live out their lives freely." Missandei answered with a bow.
"There is no need for your gratitude Missandei. I did not have a family to speak of, apart from my brother, and even he, now that I look back on our time together, was not what family ought to be. You care for them as they care for you and there is no reason for me to separate families. That is not why I have returned to my birthplace."
Missandei said nothing but bowed again nonetheless. "Would you like for me to prepare your bed now, Khaleesi?"
"Yes…I think it is time I rested." Ashley replied.
Missandei bowed once more and left the meeting area. Ashley stood to follow her. The day grows closer when all will be decided by the final bloodshed. I pray to the gods that I will be of sane mind when that day arrives.
Until next time...