Plans and Strategies
Harrenhal
A man lays in bed with bandages all over him. The maester works on him hoping to save the man's life. The chamber doors open and Roose Bolton steps inside. He walks over to the bed and looks at the man before turning to the maester. The maester looks to his lord and shakes his head.
"I can't save this man's life my lord." States the maester before sighing. Roose narrows his eyes before turning to the injured man.
"I need him alive so he can give me his report." States Roose making the maester sigh.
"I left you alive when I took Harrenhal and I expect you to do what I have commanded." Says Roose with narrowed eyes.
"My lord I am not a miracle worker," says the maester making Roose look to him, "I have done all I can for the man." Roose looks to the injured man.
"Wake him up." Orders Roose making the maester's eyes widen.
"If I do his pain will return." Says the maester making Roose turn to him.
"I gave you an order." States Roose making the man nod and sigh. He walks over to the injured man before sticking him with a syringe. He places the syringe down and watches the injured man's face begins to distort in pain. Suddenly the man begins to flail and scream in pain. He screams out making Roose grit his teeth. Roose grabs the man and he howls in pain making the maester look to him.
"My lord the man is in serious pain." Says the maester only to be ignored.
"Tell me what happened." Orders Roose only for the man to scream in pain. The maester stepped forward with some Milk of the Poppy only for Roose to glare at him.
"Tell me what you saw?" Orders Roose again but the man simply screams about green fire. Roose clicks his teeth before standing and leaving the room. The maester rushes over but the man stops screaming and goes limp.
Kings Landing
Tyrion walks into Varys study and looks around. He sees Varys standing over a wooden crate making him confused. He walks up to the eunuch and greets him before turning serious.
"I assume you already know why I am here?" Ask Tyrion getting Varys to smile and nod.
"You want to know who ordered a member of the Kings Guard to kill you." Says Varys making Tyrion nod his head.
"Most dreadful to think that one would kill the one who inspired the troops to attack." States Varys making Tyrion look to him. Tyrion could not tell if he was joking or being serious.
"We both know that I couldn't have been Alyxandar as he wasn't even there yet." States Varys while struggling to open the crate.
"It wouldn't have been Cersei either as while we aren't chummy, were are not enemies." States Tyrion getting a nod from Varys. Varys once again tries to pry the crate open.
"Did any of your birds happen to hear anything?" Ask Tyrion making Varys look to him.
"I need proof in order to act otherwise Alyx will not approve." States Tyrion getting a snort from Varys.
"Proof will be hard to come by." States Varys before finally getting one side of the crate open.
"I need to know." States Tyrion while Varys leans against the crate.
"I have no proof, only whispers." States Varys before taking a cloth and wiping his face. Tyrion sighs before looking around the crate with a confused expression.
"Before this conversation I was going to tell you of how I was cut." States Varys making Tyrion wince.
"Do you want to hear the tale?" Ask Varys making Tyrion look to him.
"I don't know… how bad is it?" Ask Tyrion getting a smile from Varys.
"I told Alyxandar when he reached his twelfth name day and he was unfazed." Stated Varys. Tyrion looks to the eunuch.
"As a boy I traveled with a troop of actors through the Free Cities," states Varys getting Tyrion to nod, "one day in Myr a certain man made my master an offer too tempting to refuse." Tyrion raises his eyebrows not liking where this is going.
"I feared the man wanted to use me as some men use small boys," says Varys making Tyrion nod, "but what he wanted was far worse." Tyrion takes a gulp of air now getting intrigued by the story.
"He gave me a concoction that made me powerless to move or speak yet did nothing to dull my senses." Says Varys making Tyrion pity the Spider.
"And with a hooked blade he did the foul deed all while chanting," States Varys getting a wince from Tyrion, "He then threw my parts in a brazier before I heard a voice answer his call." Tyrion looks at Varys confused before remembering Kinvara. Varys goes back to getting the crate open before he stops.
"I still have dreams of that night," states Varys getting Tyrion to nod, "not of the sorcerer, not of his blade, I dream about the voice from the flames." Tyrion wishes he had some wine on him about now.
"Was it a god? Was it a demon? A conjurers trick, I don't know." Says Varys making Tyrion look to him.
"Ever since that day I have hated magic." States Varys getting Tyrion to sigh.
"You know that the Targaryen's often dabbled in magic." States Tyrion getting Varys to pause.
"Alyx has already begun to do so." Says Tyrion making Varys nod his head.
"I said I hate magic, not that it doesn't have its uses." States Varys before prying another end open on the crate.
"While that is a lovely story it doesn't help me get my revenge." States Tyrion making Varys laugh.
"My lord you have enough power at your disposal to search yourself," says Varys making Tyrion confused, "you are not under the thumb of your father here." Tyrion widens his eyes while remembering that Alyx is here and in charge.
"Like me you crawled yourself from the dirt and became a person to be feared." States Varys while washing his face.
"You and I both have patience and that is why we have the most influence after Alyxandar of course." States Varys. Varys walks back over to the crate.
"It is this influence that helped me to get something very special." Says Varys before removing the lid of the crate. As Varys finishes his long tale, he finally finishes prying the last nail out of the crate and opens it. To Tyrion's astonishment, it contains an elderly sorcerer, the very same one that castrated Varys so many years ago. He is still alive but gagged, and was shipped to Varys in the crate.
"The sorcerer." States Tyrion with wide eyes while Varys has a looks on.
"Hello my old friend it's been a long time." States Varys while the man continues to moan.
"I have no doubt that the revenge you want will be yours in time," states Varys while taking the lid of the crate, "if you have the stomach for it." The lid shuts.
Great Sept of Baelor
Alyx looks around the sept with boredom as Arianne walks beside him. In front of them are Joffrey and Margaery. Alyx rolls his eyes as Joffrey excitedly relates tales of the darker chapters of the Great Sept's history, to Margaery's feigned interest and his mother's annoyance. Alyx suddenly feels Arianne hug his side making him smile.
"Hard to believe that you came here to enemy territory." States Arianne with a giggle.
"They wouldn't do anything in the open with so many already questioning their actions." States Alyx making Arianne relax in his arms.
"Is this where we will be married?" Ask Arianne making Alyx look to her.
"If that is your wish but the place may change a bit." States Alyx making Arianne giggle. Arianne has spent time talking with Kinvara who has decided to teach her about R'hllor.
"Our wedding will be up to you," states Alyx making Arianne look up to him, "if you wish for the world to come I will send the letters, if you wish for all the worlds riches I will get them for you and should you wish for a quiet ceremony I will order a day of silence." Arianne giggles at his words before hugging him.
"I wish for a wedding where the world will know of our union." States Arianne with a smile.
"As you wish." States Alyx making Arianne giggle. Cersei watches the two from a distance while also watching Margaery. Olenna looks on at her granddaughter before turning to Cersei.
"It seems your second son is inviting everyone to the wedding." States Olenna making Cersei look to her.
"He needs the public to be happy and the public love royal weddings." States Cersei while frowning at Joffrey and Margaery.
"It is not even his wedding and he is taking charge." Says Olenna making Cersei turn to her.
"My son as you have experienced does what he wants and those who are wise follow without question." States Cersei making Olenna smile.
"It is still hard to believe that he is King Roberts's son." States Olenna making Cersei smile.
"Speaking of which is he buried here?" Ask Olenna making Cersei stop smiling.
"No he couldn't stand the thought of being buried with the hateful dragon spawn," says Cersei making Olenna nod, "no he wanted his remains returned to Storms End."
"What a tragedy to befall a king." States Olenna making Cersei internally roll her eyes.
"Though not unexpected as he was hunting and drinking." States Cersei with a small smile making Olenna nod her head.
"My son's a hunter, it helps him forget that he's never been in a real battle," states Olenna before looking to Alyx, "unlike your son who is undefeated in battle." Cersei narrows her eyes at the woman for her interest in Alyxandar.
"We mothers must do what we can to keep our sons from the grave, don't you agree?" Ask Olenna. Cersei looks at the woman before putting on a fake smile and nodding.
Alyx walks on with Arianne before stopping at the grave of a Targaryen king. He looks down at the grave before lighting a candle with a wave of his hand. Arianne steps beside him and smiles.
"Paying your respects?" Ask Arianne making Alyx nod his head. He hears Joffrey say that father was going to have them burned making Alyx grit his teeth. He looks down at the grave of a Targaryen princess before walking away. He hears the shouting and cheering of the crowd making him sigh but let a small smile grace his face. He takes Arianne's hand before going up the steps getting the attention of Joffrey and Margaery.
"Open the doors." Orders Alyx getting a smile from Arianne who hugs his side. Alyx steps out with Arianne and the crowd erupts in cheers. Arianne waves while Alyx smiles. The crowd throws flowers at the couple as Joffrey simmers in anger. Margaery grabs his shoulder before standing beside Alyx and waving. The crowd still cheer but it is more at Alyx, Arianne, and Margaery rather than Joffrey. Still Joffrey waves conveniently at the same time as Alyx making the crowd cheer. Alyx looks down at Margaery before smiling. Arianne smiles too at the girl's quick thinking.
"Well done you've got Joffrey wrapped around your finger." States Arianne making Margaery look to her.
"I thank you for your praise." Says Margaery with a smile. Arianne looks at the girl and smiles back.
"Careful usually when Arianne takes interest in a girl they end up in my bed." States Alyx making Arianne giggle and Margaery smile.
"Would that displease you my prince?" Ask Margaery making Arianne's smile widen.
"I like you." States Arianne getting a smile from Margaery before Joffrey and her walk away.
Later the Gardens
Olenna sits down in her chair and thinks about the second prince. She had approved of Margaery marrying Joffrey because she had hoped that her granddaughter could control the boy. She was proven correct as Margaery has Joffrey around her finger. Still she has learned that Joffrey has no real power because it is in the hands of Prince Alyxandar. The boy is king in all but name. She is shaken from her thoughts when she is presented with an embroidery of a golden rose. She scoffs at the rose before turning to the girl.
"Do you like it Nana?" Ask the girl who is very pretty.
"Another golden rose, how original." States Olenna with a drawl. The girl is unsure of what to say.
"Where ever I go I see golden roses and I have learned roses are boring my dear." States Olenna making the girl look down.
"Such dull words our house has "Growing Strong" bah," states Olenna making the girl crack a small smile, " "Fire and Blood" now that is memorable, "Winter is Coming" those are strong words."
"Direwolves, Krakens, and Dragons, fierce beast they are, and those are who you watch out for." States Olenna. Her attention is drawn to Varys who is approaching.
"Look little loves," states Olenna making the girls turn to Varys, "a spider approaches."
"Run along now little roses." Says Olenna as the girls stand and leave. Varys enters the area with a smile.
"My lady I wanted to welcome you to Kings Landing," says Varys with a head bow, "I saw you at the small council's meeting but failed to greet you." Olenna smiles remembering the meeting.
"Yes it seems my talking upset the second prince." States Olenna making Varys look to her.
"Yes well perhaps you will do better in keeping your voice in check in the future." Says Varys making Olenna smile again.
"You've come all this way away from your web, so what do you want?" Ask Olenna making Varys smile.
"You've taken an interest in Prince Alyxandar and that makes other nervous." Says Varys getting raised eyebrows from Olenna.
"And you have come to see what my interest are," states Olenna with a chuckle, "to think you getting bothered by a withering rose." Varys smiles before stepping forward.
"We are not worried for the prince my lady," says Varys making Olenna look to him, "the prince has yet to notice your eyes but I assure you when he does you might want to have a good excuse." Olenna looks to Varys before smiling.
"I see so the prince is far more protected then the king is he?" Ask Olenna only getting a smile from Varys.
"Walk with me." States Olenna as the two leave the shrubbery.
"You must know that the prince is protected by many allies who care for him," says Varys making Olenna nod, "they have become aware of your interest and are prepared to sacrifice anything for the prince's safety."
"And what if I were to say I wish to join this little group of protectors?" Ask Olenna getting Varys to look at her.
"I would say that you would need to prove your loyalty." Says Varys making Olenna chuckle.
"My granddaughter will be queen so what do I care about your friends threats?" Ask Olenna getting a chuckle from Varys.
"Come now my dear you know that even when your granddaughter becomes queen it will be in name only." Says Varys getting Olenna to nod her head. Varys stops before looking around.
"Look there to your right," says Varys making Olenna look, "a member of the Merchants Guild from Essos, here to spy on you." Olenna looks to the young boy who blends in perfectly.
"Sitting across from him is one of Lady Arianne's spies," says Varys making Olenna look to the young girl, "trained by her cousins."
"To your left are R'hllor followers sent to watch you by Kinvara." States Varys making Olenna look to the beautiful girls.
"They have entered the city and some work in the brothels that the prince owns." Says Varys making Olenna nod. She then notices the legionaries who keep walking by.
"The royal army is also watching along with my own little birds." States Varys with a smile before continuing to walk.
"The Queens spies along with lord Tywins spies as well." Says Varys making Olenna look to the men.
"All this for little old me, I'm not sure if I should be flattered or point out your obvious paranoia." Says Olenna getting a chuckle from Varys.
"So how exactly would I prove my loyalty to the prince?" Ask Olenna making Varys smile as the two keep walking.
The Nest
A septon from the Faith preaches on the streets as people pass by. They ignore the man while some heed his words. More and more people turn to the red priestess who tells them of the corruption of the Faith.
"They line their own pockets while you are left with nothing." Says the priestess making the crowd jeer and shout.
"But the prince has given it back to you." Shouts the priestess making the crowd cheer. As she continues to talk a man approaches behind her before attacking. The priestess fends him off before the citizens rip him off her.
"See they even sent an assassin to silence me." States the priestess with a smile. The septon widens his eyes not knowing of such a thing.
"Do not listen to her false words," says the septon, "the gods are on our side." The people tune him out. They take the would be assassin before lighting him on fire. The man screams in pain making the crowd cheer. The septon backs away only to run into more people who glare at him.
Alyxandar's Chambers
Alyx gets up from his bed leaving a naked Arianne, Missandei and Kinvara. He walks over to the balcony and looks out to the city. He hears his door open but doesn't turn around.
"My prince," greets Varys with a smile, "I have a new ally that could be of some use." Alyx nods at Varys making the man smile.
"Any news I need to be aware of?" Ask Alyx making Varys nod.
"It seems that Daenerys Blackfyre has gathered eight thousand Unsullied from Astapor." States Varys making Alyx nod his head impressed.
"I'm surprised she was able to get the Unsullied." States Alyx making Varys nod.
"What about the north?" Ask Alyx getting Varys to sigh.
"It seems the Nights Watch has encountered the enemy." States Varys getting Alyx to turn to him.
"Though they have not yet made their way to the Wall." States Varys making Alyx nod his head.
"I have always wondered how you were able to get spies in the Nights Watch." Says Alyx making Varys smile. The two stand in silence before Alyx turns to him.
"Why didn't you tell me about Daenerys Blackfyre?" Ask Alyx making Varys sit down.
"I didn't think it was relevant." States Varys getting raised eyebrows from Alyx.
"She was a girl who grew up far from you," says Varys getting Alyx to nod, "she is also the only remaining Blackfyre just as you are the only remaining Targaryen."
"It seems she is destined to follow the path of her family." Says Alyx making Varys sigh.
"I believe it is not too late for her." States Varys making Alyx look to him.
"You believe she will submit to me?" Ask Alyx with a doubtful expression.
"Perhaps you might not need to fight each other." Says Varys making Alyx sigh. He then looks to his bed, smiling at the sight of Arianne. Arianne's eyes flutter in her sleep.
"It is not uncommon for Targaryen's to marry more than one woman." Says Varys making Alyx sigh.
"Well that is a discussion for another time," says Alyx making Varys nod, "the conversion is going smoothly." Varys looks to Alyx and nods his head.
"I know you don't like magic Varys, however it was magic that saved my life." States Alyx making Varys nod his head.
"I only hope that the religion you've chose will stay out of diplomatic affairs." Says Varys making Alyx nod.
"I assure you that they will." States Alyx. Varys nods his head in approval.
"You should know that a member of R'hllor was killed three knight ago." Says Varys getting Alyx to nod.
"Yes I know, it seems our enemy is not as helpless as we believed." Replies Alyx. More and more bodies are dropping but by Alyx's count he is winning.
"For now focus on digging up anything that can be used against them." Orders Alyx getting a nod from Varys. Before more can be said a messenger enters the room.
"My prince another death has happened." States the messenger making Alyx look to him.
"Well who was it?" Ask Alyx making the man nod his head.
"Another septon was killed after a man attempted to kill a red priestess." States the man making Alyx nod his head.
"And it wasn't the red priestess who killed him?" Ask Alyx getting the soldier to shake his head.
"Good it means that the people themselves are turning against the Faith." Says Alyx with a smile.
"Also a report tells us that Iron Born are nearing the coast of Duskendale." States the man making Alyx nod.
"I know I've sent the master of ships to handle it." States Alyx with a smile.
Coast of Duskendale
Taron Thurgao waits on his ship as the wind blows and rain hits his face. Taron sits and waits while his men prepare for battle. Taron has thirty ships with him while the others are in Duskendale. Taron's ships are large but more durable. They also hold more men enabling faster reload on their weapons. The still have some speed but they are more focused on strength. Suddenly horns blow as Taron stands as sees the enemy ships numbering in the mid-thirties. Taron can see the enemy ships are faster making him wary of attacking head on.
"Load the catapults and arm the ballistae." Orders Taron making the men move into action. The Iron Born ships make their way over making Taron smile.
At Sharp Point directly overlooking the naval battle stand hundreds of soldiers arming the trebuchets. As the Iron Born approach the soldiers open fire.
Taron looks to see the fireballs coming down before turning to his men.
"Fire catapults and full speed ahead." Orders Taron as the catapults launch and the men row. They travel before Taron tells them to stop.
"Release the tar." Orders Taron as a black ooze his dumbed into the ocean. Due to the storm and waves the tar is blown in different directions making Taron smile. He spots the lead ship enter his sight before another catapult fires and hits the tar. Taron shields his eyes as the sea is lit up with fire. Iron Born ships are destroyed while the remaining ones attempt to escape. However Taron rams into a ship a smiles as it breaks apart. His men take out their crossbows and kill anyone they can see. Taron looks to his right and spots the lead ship.
"Hit that ship now!" Orders Taron as a ballista bolt hits the ship. Taron's ship pulls next to the enemy ship and his men board the ship. The Iron Born fight like savages and Taron dodges a wild swing before impaling the man with his spear. He steps back from an axe swing before cutting the man's throat. His men hack away at the Iron Born before one brave soldier carries a barrel over to the enemy ship. The man is hit with two arrows but still continues. Taron sees what the man is carrying and orders his men to pull back. His men disengage the enemy before jumping over to their ship. The Iron Born chase only to be hit by crossbow fire. The man drops the barrel and carefully begins to start a light. Taron takes the helm and veers off. The Iron Born are confused before Taron takes out a bow and arrow before igniting it. The man on the iron born ship finally ignites the barrel and turns to his ship. Taron fires the arrow and it hits the brave man in the chest. The iron born finally catch on and begin to dive into the ocean only more Iron Spikes to cut them to shreds. The barrel explodes and the ships sinks into the ocean. The Iron Born are soundly defeated as none of their ships remain. Taron takes out a wine glass before pouring himself a drink. His ship named the Invader pulls up to the survivors in the water.
"Sir there are survivors, what are your orders?" Ask a young man. Taron looks to the survivors before turning to the man.
"I don't see any survivors." Says Taron before walking away as the men take aim with their crossbows. Taron hears the screaming and simply picks up a banana and eats it.
Not much going on this chapter just filling in the gaps. I did add Varys story because I like it. It also seems that the Tyrells are looking to ally themselves with Alyxandar. The religious struggle is escalating which is Alyxandar's plan. There also seems to be a group a people protecting Alyxandar from the shadows. And I put in a naval battle for Taron. Also Roose Bolton was behind the attack on Alyxandar it seems.
Till next time I don't know when I'll update cya ;)