LUKE


Luke and Arrax landed on the Hill of Visenya.

He lighted upon one of the slender towers of the Marble Sept, hearing Arrax's claws scratch the white stone as the dragon screeched to a halt. He stopped beside two statues of the Seven, one of the Father holding judgment with his balanced scales and another of the Crone raising her lamp high into the sky.

Beneath him was a stained glass window inlaid with a seven-starred crystal. A rainbow of lights spewed forth from the crystal as the sun shone upon it. It blinded Luke, and he looked away. Luke saw shadows through another of the windows as Mother's men combed through the sept for traitors.

He turned to the tallest and thickest tower of the Marble Sept, which was supported by a hundred pillars. Only there was enough room to be the roost of the giant Sheepstealer. That dragon was almost the size of Vermithor, and the girl upon Sheepstealer's back seemed like an ant upon a mountain.

"How did you tame him?" Luke remembered Jace asking the girl Nettles before they set flight for King's Landing. Nettles was shy, but she told Jace the story.

"I heard that he liked," Nettles told Jace,"So I took a sheep out to him every night so he did not need to fly out onto the pastures to feed. I avoided him the first few nights I brought him food. Then I began to show my face when I brought sheep, and he began to associate my face with the sheep. It was a long time before he let me ride him, though."

"If her tale can be believed, my prince," Hugh said to Luke outside her hearing,"one must wonder how she got the sheep. One every day, and she not a lordling."

Luke knew that it did not matter to Jace how she got the sheep. It only mattered that she was able to tame a dragon for him.

A crack jolted Luke away from his memory, and he turned to see Sheepstealer's tail whip away a statue of the Maiden, the broken stones falling to the streets below. The streets were empty but for Mother's banners, the smallfolk huddled in their homes when Mother's dragons appeared above King's Landing.

Luke looked across the horizon, and saw Vermithor and Silverwing land upon the Dragonpit on the Hill of Rhaenys, two giant forms of bronze and silver wandering above the grey stones. Jace and Grandmother circled the Aegon's High Hill three times before Mother's men entered the Red Keep and the dragons landed in the keep's outer ward. Seasmoke patrolled in the skies. There was still no sign of the Usurper's dragons.

Mother is watching from above, Luke knew as he looked into the clouds for signs of the yellow dragon. Jace had wanted Mother to remain on Dragonstone until King's Landing was secure, but Mother brushed him aside. "I cannot bear that two of my sons fight whilst I only watch," she said in full hearing of the court.

"We cannot hold back on dragons," the Sea Snake spoke for Mother, and Jace had to concede. Still, Mother agreed to Jace privily that she would stay behind as the battle ensued.

It had been morning when their eight dragons flew above King's Landing and Grandfather's fleet sailed forth below. Luke watched from the clouds as only seven ships sailed out King's Landings docks to give battle to Grandfather, and none of them were war galleys. Grandfather's ships loosed quarrels, arrows, and ballistae from afar, destroying enemy sails in instants. Then, the Velaryon fleet came upon each enemy from two sides with harpoons and boarding parties, and swiftly commandeered each ship. No dragons were needed.

As Grandfather battled and hundreds of his sails billowed into the harbour, Jace had the dragons watch the skies of King's Landing below. There was no sign of dragons, and that was strange. Luke knew that Vhagar's great grey wings could not hide. The foe could not be above them either, for it was only empty blue sky. Jace had Addam and Luke descend and make a round check of the city, for they had the swiftest mounts, and still there were no signs of enemy dragons. It was at last when they reported no men beneath the gold dragon banners upon the battlements when Jace realized the truth, that the Usurper had abandoned the city.

Jace commanded Addam to continue his patrols, and did not let the other six dragons land until Lord Celtigar's force emerged from the north. There was no siege to be spoken of. No trenches had been dug, no caltrops placed to deter Lord Celtigar's men. Not even the gold cloaks put up a stand when Lord Celtigar stormed the walls at a hundred places with ladders and siege towers. Jace had Luke inform Lord Celtigar that the city was empty, and the lord split his men into three. Lord Frey commanded one third to occupy the Hill of Rhaenys. Lord Piper had another third to occupy the Hill of Visenya. Lord Celtigar himself led the final force to take the Red Keep and Aegon's High Hill. The dragons watched from above if the Usurper's men were hiding in the hovels, but all three hills were taken easily. At the harbour, harpoons fell as mariners from Grandfather's fleet stormed the docks and secured any ships which still lay at anchor. Half of his ships unloaded men who stormed the River Gate. There was resistance there, but brief and swiftly overcome. Grandfather's men joined Lord Celtigar as they took Aegon's High Hill. The other half of the fleet remained out at sea, patrolling for enemy vessels.

There should have been more of us, Luke looked at Mother's banners flying above every inch of King's Landing. The Vale had promised their aid, but their knights had been slow to join Lord Celtigar. Jace received missives from Ser Joffrey Arryn that the Vale Knights had been delayed at Maidenpool. Ser Joffrey spoke of an outlaw lord in the Riverlands who was harrying Lord Celtigar's supply trains, and committed the knights to rooting out the outlaws before they marched south. Yet Jace could not wait for them for the assault on King's Landing. Dragonstone dispatched orders to Rosby for Lord Celtigar to march, and the dragons flew to claim the city.

Men raised Piper's banners on the Hill of Visenya beneath the quartered banner of Mother. There were not many of Piper's dancing maiden, as Lord Celtigar had dispatched Lord Piper's eldest son Ser Lewys and the flower of the Piper host to guard the Riverlands from the west. Nor were the Vance banners in King's Landing, as Lord Tristan Vance joined Ser Lewys.

Luke descended with Nettles from the Marble Sept. A host of Mother's men gathered below, and Luke guided his dragon down onto the wide cobbled street, knowing that Sheepstealer was right behind him. It was Mallister and Mooton men who greeted them with cheers. "Prince Lucerys," they cheered,"Lady Nettles. Arrax. The Sheepstealer. Hail to the True Queen. Hail to the True Queen. HAIL TO THE TRUE QUEEN."

Lord Walys Mooton and Lord Jorah Mallister emerged at the forefront of their men, kneeling before Luke. "Prince Lucerys," Lord Jorah shouted,"The Hill of Visenya is secure. We have not found anyone in the Marble Sept, and the City Watch sentry post fell with little blood. Patrols are running the Street of Steel and the River Row, and there is no sign of enemies there."

"You have done well, my lords," Luke shouted,"but the Usurper's men may still be hiding in any small hovel. Do not take your guard off the patrols."

"Do not worry, my prince," Lord Walys said.

Luke had Arrax rise as Mooton and Mallister men swarmed below. He felt the winds from Sheapstealer's giant wings buffeting him from behind, and turned his eye to the Red Keep where Vermax and Meleys had settled in the great outer yard. He saw also on the Hill of Rhaenys that Vermithor and Silverwing took wing to follow him. The dragons on the hills were a show of strength, Luke knew, and the smallfolk had seen them. Afterwards, Jace commanded the dragonriders be gathered at the Red Keep.

The outer yard was full to the brim with Mother's men, but many dispersed when Luke sought to land. The yard had only room enough for one more dragon, and the other three riders settled in the streets outside. Luke tethered Arrax beside Meleys, a cloud of red dust rising into the air as Meleys whirled her wings. Nettles entered through the open Main Gate, then Ulf, and lastly Hugh as Vermithor gave a roar into the skies. Luke saw a host of men lining the pillars at the sides of the courtyard, bearing the quartered banners of Mother. A host of men surrounded Lord Elbert Staunton at the head of the yard.

"Who has the command here?" Luke strode over to Lord Staunton and demanded.

"I do, my prince." Lord Staunton knelt, and the men in the courtyard followed.

"Where is Lord Celtigar?" Luke asked.

"In the throne room with Prince Jacaerys, my prince," Lord Staunton answered,"He has delegated command of the pacification to me. Is it Prince Jacaerys that my prince seeks. If so, I can offer my prince an escort to the throne room? The Red Keep is not yet safe."

"No need, my lord," Luke waved his hand,"Return to your duties." As he walked to the open doors which led into the Inner Keep, he watched the yard.

"Lord Frey has encountered resistance upon the Hill of Rhaenys, Lord Staunton," Lord Darklyn reported,"Not the Usurper, but some looters who decided to raid a shop. He has put them down, and asks what might be done with the survivors."

"Hang them in as public a square Frey can find," Lord Staunton said,"and leave their corpses up there for three days whilst the crows feed on their entrails. That should discourage further looting."

"It shall be done, Lord Staunton," Darklyn said as he began to issue a messenger.

"We have a report on the assault on the City Watch West Barracks, Lord Staunton," Lord Blackwood reported,"Lord Roote's men have secured it with twenty lost. Most of the Watch surrendered when their captains laid down their spears, and the remaining pockets of resistance have been quenched. The prisoners have been disarmed and await your judgment."

"Have them held in the holding cells," Lord Staunton said,"but give them bread and water three times a day, and promise that in three days, the queen shall offer them pardon should they agree to fight for her."

"Aye, Lord Hand," Lord Blackwood answered, and he rushed to order a messenger.

"Ser Merrick Sunglass," Lord Staunton then turned to a knight with seven gold stars on his surcoat, and beckoned for stewards to give the knight two letters,"We need to keep the peace in the city, and we have disarmed the men who do so. It is foolish to arm them, so the peace must be left to Riverland patrols. Most of these men were farmers, ill-suited to city life and even worse suited to city peace. We must make it easier. Have this message delivered to Lords Frey and Piper that martial law shall be proclaimed for three days. Curfew will be announced when the bells ring once, and ends when the bells ring twice. For the safety of the people. Any gatherings of more than three outside during the day shall be dispersed and any man outside during curfew shall be settled in the nearest home."

"It will be done, Lord Staunton," the messenger answered. He called forth several riders, one bearing the surcoat of a red crab, another black wings, a third a ghost tree, and a fourth a blue swordfish. The knights strode out of the yard, and Luke saw them mount their horses and disperse.

It was then when Lord Blackwood returned. "Lord Staunton," Lord Blackwood said,"Some of the Nayland men on the Hill of Rhaenys robbed a sept of its riches and raped the septas within there. Lord Forrest Frey has held them captive, but they are not his levies, and asks what we would do with them."

"Cut off the hands of the robbers and geld the rapists," Lord Staunton said,"and have it be proclaimed to the rest of our army that King's Landing is the queen's city, and they are still subject to the queen's law. And tell Lord Frey that he has the authority to judge any man who flies the quartered banner of the queen."

Luke did not realize that he was frozen watching Lord Staunton. "My prince," Ulf whispered in Luke's ear,"We have tarried too long here. We should join the Prince of Dragonstone."

They found Jace accompanied by a hundred men in the large throne room, looking up upon the Iron Throne. Lord Celtigar stood at Jace's side. A slanting ray of sunlight came in through one of the tall windows and lit a line of the twisted iron swords. The light seemed to writhe upon the iron as Luke walked, and the room was silent but for the footsteps of the dragonriders.

The purple carpet which led to the Iron Throne was stained with blood, and corpses from men wearing green and golden cloaks had been pulled to the side. Jace's hand curled upon the hilt of his sword as he stood at the feet of the throne, and his blue cloak was stained dark. There was a strange light in his eyes as he stared up. That light frightened Luke, as that light began to shine in Jace's eyes since he returned from the north. Jace's silver crown began to glint so bright in the sunlight that it looked almost gold.

"Is the city secure?" Jace asked without turning.

"Aye, m'prince." Hugh slammed his massive warhammer onto the ground in one resounding blow,"but it's a mummer's fart to that seat over there."

"A mummer's fart?" Jace turned sharply,"Do you know what a mummer is? A mummer's breath is the wind. A mummer's sweat is the rivers and sea. A mummer's words are kings and queens and knights and ladies and all the strife between them. A mummer is how the world dreams, and a mummer's fart is what left of that dream when is mummer is gone."

"A mummer's fart is that," Jace pointed his free hand at the Iron Throne,"The realm. The Seven Kingdoms united as one. King Aegon the Conqueror was history's greatest mummer. Or the greatest farter, if Hugh can be believed."

A silence stretched across the throne room as Jace's words echoed off the brick walls. "It's a monstrous fart, m'prince," Hugh said, breaking the silence,"No doubt it's warm as well, as farts are. A comfortable seat, if m'prince would take it."

There was a sharp draw of breath from Ulf, and Luke saw his brother's muscles writhe beneath his face. Jace lowered his pointed hand, his other hand curled even fiercer upon his sword, and he turned to face the Iron Throne. But then Luke saw that Jace was not looking upon the throne itself, but upon the map of Westeros that hung behind it. And Jace was looking at the very north. "I am taking too long with this war," Jace muttered, in a voice Luke could barely hear.

"Be quick about it, m'prince," Hugh sniggered,"If you do not take it, well… I believe we all remember that prophecy that when the hammer falls on a dragon, a king is born." He lifted his warhammer, and Luke's hand went to his hilt. Jace's men began to draw their swords.

"Halt," Jace shouted, and everyone stopped in their tracks, even Hugh.

Hugh laughed. However, Luke detected the note of fear in his voice. "Can m'prince not take a jape?"

"Be glad that I believe you, Hugh," Jace stared at Hugh,"If any of us sit upon that chair, we will be dead come sunrise. I shall forget what you shall have said here today."

The light from the stained glass windows fell upon Hugh's face, which had begun to pale. That best be a jape, else he will have me to answer for. Yet Luke looked in Jace's eyes, and there were more important matters for his brother. "Where is Grandmother?" Luke asked Jace.

"Leading men to secure Maegor's Holdfast," Jace answered,"The Usurper had left men there, and Grandmother could not use Meleys without burning half the city down. The Usurper's men are not many, but it does not take many to hold the walls."

"You were waiting for us," Luke said,"What do you want?"

Jace pointed up at the map,"The Usurper has fled, and I wonder where he has gone. The most likely path is south-west, fleeing to the den of his mother."

"Aye," Ulf said,"and let us catch them whilst they are still in a disorderly retreat. Else we would let them fortify themselves in the Reach, and soon we will find that the little dragons have grown too large to kill."

"My warhammer hungers for battle," Hugh said,"to bring justice to the queen's enemies."

"I agree with them, Jace," Luke said,"We hoped to end the war at King's Landing, and we have not. Anything could happen if we let this war drag out. We must destroy the Usurper now."

"What do you think, Nettles?" Jace asked,"I want to hear from all my dragonriders."

"In my youth," Nettles said quietly, her voice echoing through the throne room,"Some of the children on the Dragonmont tried to steal dragon eggs by first luring the dragon out of its den."

Luke bit his lip, and understood at once. Perhaps it was the Usurper's plan to have them chase, to flush out the dragon from its den. He turned to Jace, knowing that his brother was clever enough to realize the same.

"How many succeeded?" Jace asked Nettles.

"None," Nettles said,"If the dragon had an egg to guard, it would never leave its den."

Then the strange light was again in Jace's eyes, and Luke feared again that his brother was being robbed of his senses. Jace slowly nodded to Nettles,"I will think on all you have said."

When Grandmother returned with a hundred men behind her, her cloak was ripped in a dozen spaces and her white hair was matted with blood. "There were thirty men in Maegor's Holdfast," Grandmother said,"We thought there were three hundred, by the way they fought. But the keep is now secure, Prince Jacaerys. We may raise the red banner for the queen."

Jace sent a runner to the tallest tower to unfurl the red banner, which would tell Mother that it was safe in the Red Keep. He then called for the rest to join him outside in welcome. Luke mounted Arrax and Grandmother Meleys, flying them onto the towers to make room for Syrax. The lords and knights in the yard scrambled to gather behind Jace. Luke looked unto the highest tower of the Red Keep as two men brought forth a thick red banner and unfurled it. There was no design except crimson silk, which billowed in the wind.

Luke looked higher into the clouds, and saw a yellow speck appear. Syrax came into view, her wide yellow wings shining in the noon sun. She flew in wide circles until she at last came to a landing in the Red Keep's outer yard. Luke could spot the grey Seasmoke, a pinprick on the horizon as Addam patrolled the skies.

Mother had put away the silken gowns she had worn for raiment of war. Her armour was black steel, coated by a black cloak with a crimson three-headed dragon sown upon it. Metal clinked as she undid the chains that bound her to the saddle and she dismounted from Syrax. A whip and a sword were belted at her side, and she raised her arms up to lift off her full helm, her silver hair streaming out.

"All kneel for Her Grace," Lord Celtigar announced,"Queen Rhaenyra of the House Targaryen, the First of Her Name, Queen of the Andals, the Rhoynar, and the First Men, Lady Regnant of the Seven Kingdoms and Protector of the Realm."

As Mother stepped forward, Jace fell to his knee, Lord Celtigar and Lord Staunton close behind, the dragonseeds, and soon after Luke saw all the men behind them falling like a tide. Stone clunked as their poleyns scraped the Red Keep's bricks.

"Arise," Mother said.

"Your Grace," Jace said,"King's Landing is yours."

"Thanks to the noble lords who were loyal to King Viserys's chosen heir," Mother said," The Usurper shall soon fall, and this horrible war will be over."

"Hail to the Queen," Lord Blackwood began to shout, and his cheer was soon taken up by others. "Hail to the Queen. Hail to the Queen. HAIL TO THE QUEEN."

It was evening when Mother held court in the throne room. The servants had switched the bloodstained carpet anew, and lines of lords, stewards, and knights attended the sides of the aisle. Even Grandfather was here, departing his fleet.. Jace and Lord Celtigar stood at the feet of the Iron Throne.

Mother entered through the grand oak-and-bronze doors, escorted by her three Queensguard and her sworn swords. Luke's mouth fell open when he saw who else accompanied Mother. Rhaena walked behind the queen, a thin black cloak trimmed with white fur wrapped around her shoulders as rubies and sapphires glimmered in her hair. Her glance fell on Luke for a brief moment. Then, Rhaena averted her eyes.

"Why is Rhaena here?" Luke asked Grandfather, who stood at his side.

"Her Grace wanted your betrothed in King's Landing for this occasion," Grandfather answered,"She charged me to bring her on one of my ships. That ship was swift and well to the rear, Luke. She was quite safe during the battle."

That was not the answer Luke wanted, but Grandfather's eyes told Luke that he should ask no further questions. Luke looked back onto the hall, as Mother approached the Iron Throne. When Mother was at the feet of the throne, Jace stepped forward and knelt. He had changed out of his armour into a clean cloak and doublet, and his silver crown shone bright on his brow.

"I swear on the Old Gods and the New," Jace said,"that my sword shall defend my rightful queen, from this day until my last day."

"Arise," Mother said, and Jace arose. One of the stewards stepped forward from the shadows, bringing forth a red cushion upon which sat the jeweled crown which had decorated the brow of first the Old King and then King Viserys. Jace picked up the crown from the cushion and Mother knelt. "All kneel for Her Grace," the herald screeched, and the throne room knelt.

Jace placed the crown on Mother's brow, then quickly stepped aside and knelt again as Mother rose and began her way up the Iron Throne.

As Mother ascended the Iron Throne, silence fell upon the crowd. The only sound was the clatter of Mother's boots on the iron as she ascended. Up and up, and the climb seemed to be eternal as Luke stared at the ground before him. Then at last the steps stopped, and Luke heard his mother sit at last upon the iron seat. "Arise," she said again, and the throne burst into a roar. The Queensguard drew their swords, and following them was Luke and a hundred others in the hall. "Long live the queen," they chanted. "Long live the queen. LONG LIVE THE QUEEN". Luke watched as Mother looked down, her hand curling upon one of the hilts of the melted swords.

When all fell silent, Mother began to speak atop the Iron Throne. "The Usurper has fled," Mother boomed,"and proven that he is no true king, only a traitor, a liar, and an oathbreaker propped up by the treasonous House Hightower. Those of you who are loyal will remember that my father, may the Seven rest his soul, named me his one and only successor. Let all true men declare their loyalty."

"Lord Bartimos of the House Celtigar," the herald called,"Lord of Claw Isle and the Hand of the Queen." Lord Celtigar quickly strode forward from the foot of the throne, turned, and knelt. He drew his sword and laid it at his feet. "I lay my sword at the feet of my true queen," Lord Celtigar said,"and swear myself to be forever loyal. I will shield your back, defend your lands, rule with your law, and keep your peace. I pledge the cream crop of my harvests in seasons of richness and plenty, and the cream crop of my levies in times of treason and invasion. I will give my life for yours if need be. This oath binds me, and my sons, and my son's sons and all who bear the title Lord Celtigar after me and rule upon the lands my queen has so graciously given my House. May the Old Gods and the New hear my words and prove their truth."

"And I swear," Mother said,"that so long as I or my heirs rule, the Seven Kingdoms shall shield your lands, the Seven Kingdoms shall aid you in famine, and you shall always find justice at the foot of the Iron Throne. You will always have a place at my hearth and meat and mead at my table. This I swear to you and all your heirs after you." Mother lowered her head,"Lord Celtigar. You have done the Crown an especial service. Though it was Princess Rhaenys who took Harrenhal, it was you who held it and brought the Riverlands into the fold."

"It pleases me to be of service to the Crown," Lord Celtigar said.

"And it pleases me to have a man who has proved his worth as Hand of the Queen," Mother said,"Traitors may whisper in my ears that you were plotting with Prince Daemon to overthrow me, but I know the truth of it. You are a true man, who gave his sword to a true cause." Mother waved her hand and another steward came forward with the necklace of golden hands that Luke had seen Celtigar wear before. Except this time it was fashioned anew, inlaid with amethysts and pearls whilst a yellow dragon was carved in the gold at the very front beside the very first hand. Syrax looked frozen and majestic in gold. Jace took the necklace from its rest and Lord Celtigar bent his head for Jace to drape it around his neck.

After Lord Celtigar backed away, the herald announced Grandfather, who swore his oath and begged leave to return to command his ships. Mother granted it, and Grandfather walked away with his sea-blue cloak sweeping behind him.

Next were the Crownland lords. "You were one of the first to declare for me," Mother said to Lord Staunton when he renewed his fealty,"and marshaled all the riches of Rook's Rest in aid of my cause. I have faith in my lord's ability to marshal all the riches of the realm as readily as you marshaled your own. It will please me to have my lord as my lord treasurer and Master of Coin, with a seat and voice on my Small Council.'

"It shall be my honour, Your Grace," Lord Staunton answered,"I swear on the Old Gods and the New that I shall be your leal servant from this day until my last day." The queen waved, and a steward brought forth the gold clasp of the Master of Coin, which Jace pinned on Lord Staunton's cloak. The steward brought forth also, the great copper key to the royal treasury, which Jace gave to Lord Staunton. When Lord Staunton arose at the queen's command, he stepped forward to join Jace and Lord Celtigar at the foot of the Iron Throne.

When Lord Darklyn bent the knee, the queen condemned House Rosby of high treason and stripped away four villages and a mill to give to House Darklyn. Two other mills she stripped away from Rosby to give to Lord Darke, who could not stop muttering his thanks.

Nor were the Riverlords exempt from reward when they renewed their fealties. Mother gave Blackwood twelve of the fifteen villages he demanded from Bracken's lands. Despite Lord Tristan's absence, Mother gave the Vances rich grazing pastures that presently belonged to House Goodbrook, who swore for the Usurper. But Mother was no fool, and she had Lord Blackwood promise to wed one of Lord Humfrey Bracken's sisters, and Lord Tristan's son Ser Hugo was to wed one of Lord Goodbrook's daughters.

Most of the other lords wanted gold. Mallister, Mooton, and Roote asked courteously for the means buy food when winter was coming, others more bluntly for coin, and the queen promised each a thousand dragons. Lord Lambert Whitewater had captured the royal treasury in the Red Keep but found it empty, the traitors having stolen away all the gold. Mother gave each lord a hundred from the reserves of their host and written contracts signed and sealed by the queen to ask for the rest when the war was done.

It was neither lands nor gold that were any issue, Luke knew. All would be good once Mother won the war. It was ambitions greater than lands or gold that worry Mother.

Lord Frey formed a great part of the Riverland host, and when he bent the knee, Mother offered him any boon in her power for his service. "Your Grace will doubtless remember when I asked for your hand," Lord Frey said, and the Riverlords began to snicker. "Have no fear of that as my wish, Your Grace," Lord Frey said amidst more laughter,"I am a man wed. But I have a sweet maiden daughter, and you have sons who are unwed. I hear Prince Joffrey is not promised, and neither is Prince Viserys. I will be honoured to wed my daughter to any one of them, and I swear on the Seven Who Are One that she will make as good a wife to them as can be."

Mother was silent for a long moment, looking first at Jace and then at Grandmother. Jace's face was still, but Princess Rhaenys gave a silent nod. Mother opened her lips. "Prince Joffrey has sworn to take the black," she said,"but I believe Prince Viserys and your daughter will make a suitable match."

"You have the Crossing's undying gratitude, Your Grace," Lord Frey said,"if I may call you sister."

"I would be glad to call you brother, Lord Frey," Mother said, though Luke could not read her face.

The elderly Lord Petyr Piper was the last to kneel and swear his fealty, walking slowly to the foot of the throne and laying down his sword.

"So many in this realm have forgotten the oaths they swore to me," Mother said,"and it makes me all the more grateful that my lord kept to your oath."

"King Viserys called me his friend," Lord Piper said,"And the word of a king lingers long in an old man's memory."

"How may I reward your services that are so dear to the Crown?" Mother asked.

"I ask for nothing," Lord Piper said,"Only for Your Grace to win the war and be seated on your rightful throne."

"I hope then that my lord will help me win the war," Mother said,"The realm needs more men who hold to their oaths. If you are willing, Lord Piper, I would name you my justiciar and Master of Laws, with a seat and voice on my Small Council."

"I would be honoured to serve, Your Grace," Lord Piper answered. The queen waved, and another steward brought forth a cushion bearing the iron clasp of the Master of Laws and the stiff iron ornamental axe. Jace fastened the clasp to Lord Piper's cloak and handed him the axe. Lord Piper backed away with another round of thanks.

"I have seen that we have a shortage of Queensguard knights," Mother said,"Ser Steffon Darklyn, would you step forward?"

Ser Steffon stepped forward and turned to face the queen. He swept his white cloak aside and knelt,"I am yours to command, Your Grace."

"You have done me a great service, Ser Steffon," Mother said,"When the Usurper declared his treason, you were within King's Landing, yet you did not turn your cloak like so many others. Instead, you escaped the Usurper's clutches, and delivered to me my father's crown. No man could better serve as the Lord Commander of my Queensguard, as the captain of my guard and a voice on my Small Council."

"I only did my duty," Ser Steffon said,"and if this be my duty now, I will not refuse it. I am honoured to serve, Your Grace."

"I feel lacking in protection," Mother said,"There are only three swords who bear the white cloak here today. I charge you to fill the other places at this moment."

"It will be done, Your Grace," Ser Steffon said and rose. He turned to the crowd.

"Ser Theodore Roote, step forward," he shouted, and one of the Riverland knights stepped forward. "Ser Theodore," Ser Steffon boomed,"Would you be willing to swear your sword to the Queensguard, to shield her back and give your life for her if need be. Would you be willing to take no wife, father no children, wear no titles, and swear away all glory but loyalty to the queen?"

"I will be honoured to do so," Ser Theodore said. Then he knelt, and swore his oath to the queen. Ser Steffon then beckoned forward a steward who bore a tray bearing a white cloak. The Lord Commander unclasped Ser Theodore's former red cloak and clasped the white cloak to his shoulders. "I shall be glad to call you brother," Ser Steffon said.

"Ser Larence Darry, step forward," Ser Steffon called next, and another Riverlander stepped forward to claim a white cloak.

The next was a knight Luke had only seen once or twice before on Driftmark, a thickset young knight called Ser Lyonel Bentley who eagerly swore to the queen.

After pinning the cloak on Ser Lyonel, Ser Steffon called the last name,"Ser Harrold Darke, step forward."

Rhaena's guardsman, Luke thought, and glanced at his cousin and betrothed. He could not read her face as she watched her guardsman step forward to swear his oath to Mother and receive his white cloak from Ser Steffon's hands.

"The time of reward is sweet," Mother said,"but the war is not yet done. We must plan our course ahead to defeat the Usurper once and for all."

"Mother," Jace turned upon the throne when the last Queensguard was named and Mother prepared to adjourn,"Have you forgotten the promises to our dragonriders?"

"They would be done in due time, my prince," Mother said,"Now we must look upon the war."

Jace wrenched his head away, and Luke saw the strange light in his eyes again. Then, Jace stepped forward, turned, and knelt before the throne.

"Your Grace," he boomed.

"I should like to hear your counsel, my prince," Mother said.

"You are right when you say we must end the Usurper," Jace said,"and I know how to do so. The Usurper thinks himself safe at the moment, that we would languish in our victory here at King's Landing. But he is wrong, and we will pursue his treason when he least expects it. Give me leave to bring an army and our seven dragons to chase the Usurper, and I will bring him back to you in chains."