King Aemon I Targaryen

The pain was all consuming, sharp and unfiltered it stung something fierce. He could still feel the blade slicing through his skin tearing his eye out of his socket. He'd cut down the bastard that had done the deed but then he knew no more until he'd come to some time ago in an inn on the border between the Riverlands and the Westerlands, and then the memories had come rushing back to haunt him. He'd been entering the throne room when he'd seen his uncle Prince Aerys sat on the throne, court was about to start and yet Aemon had made perfectly clear that he would sit on the throne and sit in attendance for this session not Aerys, and yet there his uncle sat all tall and proud dressed in black and red of their house a crown atop his head. "Uncle," Aemon had said. "I believe you are sitting in my throne."

There had been some nervous laughter at that, but then Prince Aerys had merely looked up a mad glint in his eye and he'd said. "Oh no nephew, this throne is mine, and mine alone. I am the one true heir of the Dragon and I mean to see to it that you and yours never sit the throne."

It was pure madness, what his uncle said, and yet it made sense the secret meetings the man had been holding with certain members of the court and all the wheeling and dealing, his uncle had made a bid for the throne and now had the swords to back it up. The Goldcloaks had attacked him then, Aemon had drawn Blackfyre and had fought fiercely, cutting through men much older than him as if they were nothing more than sacks of meat, on and on he had fought whilst the lords and ladies of court watched in silence, and Aerys had cackled madly. Ser Brandon Stark the elder had come to his aid then and they had cut a bloody path through the Goldcloaks who had obviously been bought off. Aemon had meant to get his brother Viserys as well to spare him from Aerys' brutality and yet Ser Brandon had said. "We cannot let you get caught Your Grace, if we do your cause is lost." And so they had fled like cravens cutting through the city watch, when they had reached the lion gate that was when Aemon had lost his eye.

When he'd come to he found himself in some inn on the Gold Road and the memories had come flooding back. Ser Brandon informed him that there had been a rumour mill started following the events in the throne room, some believed him dead others believed the lie Aerys was spreading that Ser Brandon had captured and fled with him. There were men hunting for the both of them, and yet Ser Brandon was leading them to the Westerlands where they both knew Aerys would never dare send men. And so it was that three weeks later they had arrived battered and bruised at Casterly Rock, to be greeted by Lord Tywin, his family and Ashara. Sweet Ashara who Aemon had missed so much during the past year since Harrenhal, now he was grateful that he had sent her here. When she introduced him to their son, Maekar she had named him such love and pride filled him.

It could not last though, Tywin had soon told him that Viserys was dead, slain by Goldcloaks, when asked how he knew the exact details, and the lion had only one word. "Pycelle." The old maester was now their eyes and ears in King's Landing sending coded messages to the Rock informing them of what was happening in King's Landing and throughout the rest of the realm. It was through Pycelle that they learnt of Aerys sending men to Dragonstone to hold the island and hold his mother and youngest brother hostage, Ser Jonothor Darry had beaten back the men sent and Dragonstone remained loyal, the Crownlords though had been forced to do service to Aerys. Sending him a hostage each boy or girl it made no matter they were hostages and their fathers would fight for Aerys in the war that was coming. Aemon's uncle Victarion Greyjoy had been thrown into the black cells, and Varys the spider continued whispering in Aerys ear, what treasons the eunuch whispered Aemon knew not but he swore he would cut the bastard down when he retook King's Landing.

Other news filtered in, Rickard Stark had called his banners, 25,000 men were marching down through the Neck for Riverrun where the Lord of Winterfell meant to have his heir and Aemon's best friend wed Catelyn Tully. Stark had ended the betrothal between Lyanna Stark and the heir to Storm's End, Robert Baratheon. There was still no news on where Lyanna Stark was, nor had Ser Gerold sent any word on his progress, that was worrying and yet another thing to cause Aemon anger and grievance.

If he was being perfectly honest the only thing keeping him from losing his sanity and descending into the madness that losing his eye and the other pain he felt at the betrayal was his wife and his son. Ashara was his anchor, their son everything he held onto for dear life, they made him laugh and smile and love when he felt like sinking into darkness. A feeling that was only increased when Ashara saw fit to tell him that the Tyrells had sided with Aerys in exchange for Rhaegar's son wedding the newborn Margaery Tyrell. And that the Florents the old age rivals had also sided with Aerys in exchange for Cersei Lannister and the Rock.

So many traitors in his realm, they would be dealt with one by one, but first he needed to summon a council and discuss his next move. Tywin had called the banners of the West and 30,000 men had responded. Lords Lefford, Reyne, Crakehall, Lannister of Lannisport and the Crag, Marbrand, Tarbeck, Sarsfield all responded bringing with them vast numbers. All the lords swore to him that they would win this war and Aerys and his line would pay for their treason. All well and good but he needed more information before planning his assault, which was why he had called the council.

The lords met in Tywin's solar all of them, battle hardened and proud and loyal, he would remember to reward them when the time came. For now he spoke simply. "What news from the east Tywin?"

Men often jested that Tywin Lannister could kill a man simply by looking at him, so cold he was supposed to be; Aemon had never seen that side of his father's friend before only warmth and respect. "Our source reports that the Crownlords have all assembled at the Red Keep awaiting Aerys pleasure, though the usurper continues to dither waiting for the High Septon to formally anoint him."

"And will he?" Aemon asked, his right eye- where the sword had cut- itching.

"Yes Your Grace. That man is Aerys creature through and through and will do as asked unless he wishes to be burnt." Tywin replied.

Aemon nodded. "What more can our source report?"

"Robert Baratheon made it home safely to Storm's End and has managed to raise his father's banners. Not all of them though, and Robert does not say who he fights for. It matters not, he fought a host led by Lord Summer Dondarrion at Argilac's Rock some three weeks ago and won. Dondarrion was slain, Baratheon has a clear path to Summerhall now which is defended by the Lords Fell, Grandison and Cafferen and Prince Aelix." Tywin replied.

Lord Marbrand spoke then. "So the old dragon has finally come out of hiding and has decided to do what he does best then. Pah his death will not be one I mourn."

"Careful how you speak of Prince Aelix Lord Damon. He might be fighting for the wrong side but he is still my kin and I will not have his name slandered." Aemon warned. "Now my lords what would you suggest as the swiftest course to get into the Riverlands and meet up with our northern allies?"

Lord Lefford spoke then. "There is a passageway through the hook of Lion's Ridge Your Grace that would allow you to bypass the Tooth completely. Though the men would need to ride and March in single file for the path is narrow."

"It could safe us sometime as well Your Grace." Lord Crakehall said. "After all we want to get to King's Landing before Aerys knows what's hit him, and before the bastard Rhaegar can arrive out of wherever he has hidden."

Aemon nodded. "We shall take this passageway then and aim for Riverrun in say two weeks time. Lord Lefford you live closest to the Riverlands before you marched did you see any sign of activity in Riverrun? Has old Hoster Tully called his banners yet?"

Lord Lefford shook his head. "I apologise Your Grace. But when I left with my men, Lord Hoster had not yet summoned his banners. More than likely he is waiting for some opportune moment to call them."

"Perhaps a reminder as to who his rightful king is would serve to drive him into action." Lord Loren Reyne said.

Aemon looked at Lord Reyne for a moment then and asked. "What sort of reminder would that be if I might ask Lord Loren?"

Lord Reyne smiled and shrugged then. "Oh you know the usual fire and blood thing."

Aemon smiled slightly then. "Oh I think old Lord Hoster knows perfectly well what will happen if he does not call his banners soon. Still I want a raven sent to him telling him to expect us in two weeks time, and that his banners had better be all there or he and I will be having words. Also Maester Geribald, I will want a raven sent to Pyke. I believe it is time to remind my uncle Balon of his duty to the throne. He is to deal with the Redwyne Fleet before they have the chance to move from anchor. I want word sent to Garth as well, he is to raise the Hightower host and get as many lords as he can and march on Highgarden at once."

With that done the meeting came to an end, and Aemon walked back to his rooms that he shared with Ashara. He opened the door and heard her singing a lullaby. He stood in silence for a little while listening, and then entered the room once she had finished. "He sleeps so soundly." Aemon said in wonder staring at his son in the crib.

"Aye, just like his father." Ashara teased, wrapping her arms around him. "How did council go?" she asked purring as she kissed his neck.

"Well. We now know what our next move is to be." Aemon said stretching his neck allowing his wife to kiss every part of it.

"Oh and what's that?" Ashara asked.

Aemon turned round and kissed her on the lips, before pulling away and saying. "We march for Riverrun tomorrow, and from there we shall march for King's Landing."

Ashara's fingers still their movements on his breeches, and she looks at him through her hair concern on her face. "I take it you will be leading them then my love?" she asks. Aemon nods. "Is that wise? Maester Geribald has said that the eye could still get infected, or rather the socket could, considering you leave it exposed. Surely Tywin could lead the men or even Ser Barristan."

Aemon shakes his head. "I have to do this Ash. You know I have to. I am their king, I cannot lay claim to anything if I hide here like a scared little boy. Aerys had my brother killed, Rhaegar has gone mad, my family will not tear itself apart again. I will not allow it, Aerys must be stopped and I will stop him."

"And nothing I say will convince you to stay here, and never leave my arms or our bed?" Ashara asks pleadingly.

Aemon sighs. "Would that I could my love, but I must do this. I am the king, and I will not hide behind the rock whilst men die for me."

"At the very least enjoy tonight then my love. Make it a night you'll never forget." Ashara says wickedly before pushing him to their bed and then bliss.