Chapter 28

Dorne

Prince Quentyn

Most of Dorne south of the Red Mountains is an arid wasteland. Dorne is the hottest region of Westeros. The region is rocky, mountainous, arid and dry, and features the only desert on the continent. Dorne's rivers provide some fertile lands and even during a long summer, there is enough rain and other supplies of water to keep Dorne habitable. Dorne was far from perfect for most people, certainly, those who lived north of it, but to him and his family it was home.

His father Doran is the prince of Dorne, its ruler even if there was a king on the iron throne and Quentyn was his son. Dorne had never been truly conquered by the dragon lords and the Dornish took pride in that, he certainly did. Quentyn admired his father greatly, he always did whatever his father required him to do since he was a small boy to when he was fostered at Yronwood and now. Whatever was asked from him he would do it, for his family and for Dorne. So when lord Yronwood received word about a group of bandits in the mountains near the Boneway and asked him if he would accompany them in dealing with them. Lord Yronwood first thought that this bandits group could possibly become something like the force lead by the Volture king but when the news of Dornishmen being attacked the lord decided to deal with them swiftly.

He accepted the offer to aid the Warden of the Boneway, lord Yronwood was a second father to him and his son Cletus was like a brother to him. The search for the group lasted for days until they finally caught up with them and as luck would have it they were already dealing with someone when Quentyn and his force arrived. The element of surprise did the trick and soon the bandits were dealt with, he personally slaying three outlaws. That only left the group of knights that were attacked.

Quentyn looked at them carefully, one had decent armor but no sigil, another had red armor but there was no sigil on it but he could see it on the horse. The third screamed Tyrell, due to the lavishness of the armor and its flower motive and the last one wore dark grey and green armor but the beasts that were to his side gave up the man's identity. Father informed him about the news from the North, especially about the losses Tywin Lannister suffered to the Young wolf, he was told that the Stark had an abnormally large wolf with him and also the disappearance of the Knight of the flowers. This had to be Loras Tyrell himself and the famous Wolf of the south, the bastard of Winterfell, Jon Snow. He didn't know who the other two were but he was certain about Snow and Tyrell.

Most wouldn't care about a bastard, but Quentyn learned from his father that every detail mattered and a bastard that managed to make a name for himself was certainly an interesting topic even here in Dorne.

"I thank you for your help in beating these brigands Sers," Quentyn said.

"It is you we should be thanking, you were the ones who helped us," Snow said.

"We helped each other, we have been tracking this group for a sennight. I glad it's finally over."

"As are we," the one in red armor said.

"To whom do I have the pleasure of speaking?"Quentyn asked looking at Loras and then the rest of them with suspicion. He didn't really need the answer, it was more just a courtesy.

"I was about the ask the same thing," Snow said.

"I'm prince Quentyn Nymeros Martell," Quentyn proclaimed loudly, emphasizing the name of his house.

The four men looked at each other, two had a wary look on their faces, one looked confused and the Tyrell looked as if he was ready to attack them or they him.

"We are travelers, my prince. We are just looking for a safe port that's all. The war up north has made things more difficult for travel," the one in red said.

"And where would you like to travel? Capable men are being looked on all sides, knights especially, why not join the Lannisters or the Stark, both will probably pay well," Quentyn noticed that Snow flinched slightly at the sound of his father's house.

"We are not sellswords my prince and we do not wish to take part in that war," the man in red said. He looked at Snow, the supposed bastard of Ashara Dayne and nephew to the Sword of the Morning, he could not see much resemblance to the Daynes but if the accounts were true the knight has taken mostly after his father, and nothing if little after his mother.

He met four Daynes thus far, lord Vorion, his son Edric, his sister Allyria and a knight from a cadet branch of House Dayne called Gerold. His sister has a thing for the Darkstar but Quentyn never liked the man, To him, Gerold always seemed like a cruel and jealous man, he was an ass on his best day to put it lightly.

"Then why not stay in Dorne until the war is over?" Quentyn asked.

"It's too warm for my liking," Snow said and Quentyn had to suppress a laugh, he needed to stay serious. Snow then took several steps towards him, his wolves carefully watching him.

"I thank you again for your help, we might have not all lived through this day if it wasn't for you, my prince."

"It is not me you should be thanking but these men behind me, they did most of the work. What is important is that the threat of the outlaws has been dealt with and no more travelers will be harmed by their hand."

"Noble words my prince."

Quentyn nodded. "You still haven't told me who you are?"

"Jon, my name is Jon."

"Well Jon, my men are finishing rounding up the last of the bandits, you are free to come with us."

"We thank you, my prince, we are heading to Yronwood, we have been told that there is a small port there where we could find a ship to take us."

"You are right, there is a port in Yronwood and you are in luck, that's where we are heading also," Quentyn said and then looked at Tyrell who was still holding his sword in hand. Snow looked at the Knight of the flowers and gave him a nod, after a moment, the man put the sword back into its scabbard reluctantly.

One of the riders came to Quentyn. "All of the surviving outlaws have been captured my prince, your orders?"

"We will take them to lord Yronwood, he is the Warden of the Boneway, he will judge them," Quentyn said and the soldier nodded. "Sers, it is my advice that you get ready, we will be moving out in several minutes."

He watched as Snow nodded and then turned to his companions, the Tyrell glared at Quentyn while the two others joined Jon. Quentyn moved to the beginning of the column, there might be a war up North but Dorne is neutral, the war is between those who rebelled and killed his aunt and cousins so it didn't concern them. He could capture Snow and the rest but not without losses and he could see no real purpose to it. The Tyrell might be a valuable hostage but they weren't at war with the Tyrells as much as some would want it.

His duty to deal with the robbers was done and he now had to return to his foster father and give him the news. His father Doran will also want to be informed about this little group of unexpected travelers. He will send a message when they reach the castle and ask what he should do, if lucky enough they might stay there for a bit, long enough for a reply to come.

Stormlands

Bonifer Hasty

Five men were sitting in his brothers solar, Lucas, Bonifer, sers Hyle and Alyn Hunt and Richard Lonmonth. He remembered the former squire of the prince from a tourney or two he went. Bonifer didn't participate but he watched Rhaegar compete and Richard was there with him. He originally let the man inside the castle because we believed him sincere but this was more than he expected.

"You said something about a rightful king Ser Richard, which king do you support?" Lucas asked.

"The one true king, Rhaegars son," the knight said and both Bonifer and his brother were taken back.

"The boy is dead," said Lucas.

"The elder Aegon yes, but not the younger, the younger still lives."

"The younger? What do you mean?" asked Bonifer.

"The story is long and complicated but in short Rhaegar married Lyanna Stark, there was no kidnapping or rape. Their son lives and is the heir," It took a moment for the words to sink in. His beloved Rhaella still had a living grandchild, Tywin didn't kill it like the others.

Lucas leaned into his chair "And what does this have to do with Loras Tyrell and his company?"

"Everything, because you see Jon Snow is not the son of Ned Stark," Richard started but Bonifer finished.

"He is his nephew."

Richard nodded. "Right you are Ser Bonifer."

"So you want us to aid you in finding him, to put him on the throne?" Lucas asked.

"We do," said Alyn.

"If you don't see there are plenty of kings running around these days, Joffrey, Robb Stark, Baelon Greyjoy, Stannis, all have proclaimed themselves kings. Adding one more to the pyre won't make a difference. Besides to make him king would take an army, do you have it?"

"We are in process of acquiring it, Lord Tarly and a number of other Reach lords have sided with us as you can see," Richard said pointing in the direction of the Hunts with his hand.

"It's going to take more than a few rebel Reachmen to beat Tywin Lannister and his army. Not to mention you have Robb Start to deal with."

"The latter is being dealt with as we speak or has been already, the former will be in time. What I ask of you Ser Lucas is to help us, you don't need to give us your men to fight just point us in the right direction."

Lucas went silent, he had a look Bonifer recognized, he was thinking about something. After a moment Richard went to speak again but Lucas stopped him by lifting his hand.

"Do you swear you are telling the truth Ser Richard?"

"I'm, I swear on my honor."

Lucas looked at the three knights and then to Bonifer. "Sers if you could give me and my brother a moment, I would appreciate it," The three knights agreed although reluctantly and exited the solar, waiting in the hall outside. "What do you make of this?"

"I'm not certain, I don't really know any of them, so I can't tell if they are honest or not. Richard Lonmounth was Rhaegars squire and friend, the man seemed to truly believe what he is saying."

"He might believe it but that doesn't mean it true."

"The Reachmen have always been loyal to the Targaryens I do believe if one came along that they would support him."

"But right now the Reach is with the Lannisters."

"Mace Tyrell maybe but not his bannermen it seems. Its common knowledge that the Tyrells have never been loved by the Reachmen, they have just been tolerated. The Hunts are proof that Tarly is in on this and believes it as much as Richard does."

"Are you speaking for yourself or for Rhaella, brother?" Lucas said and Bonifers eyes narrowed.

"Maybe both. You know as well as I that none of these supposed kings would make a good ruler for the entirety of Westeros. The realm is bleeding, we have met Jon Snow, he is as honorable as it gets, he is capable, maybe he truly would make a good king. In my experience the best lords are those who do not expect the power to be tossed into their lap, just look at yourself."

"The world really has gone to shit if I have to decide on the faith of a prince," Lucas said.

"Hard choices have to be made brother," Bonifer said.

"Jon Snow helped us keep our home, if do this I might be betraying his trust by doing this but I won't do it without a price. At least I can do something right," Lucas said and Bonifer knew what his brother meant by that and he understood it.

"Do you believe that they will keep their word?"

"They seem a bit desperate, so yes," Bonifer answered. Lucas gave a firm nod and then ordered for their guests to be brought back in.

"Have you made a decision?" asked Ser Alyn.

"We have. I will tell you what you want to know but under one condition."

"And that would be?" asked Richard.

"I want the safe release of my sons. I know Lord Tarly still has my elder son captive and I'm yet to receive word from the younger. If they are released then I will tell you what you want to know."

"I'm sorry to inform you but your younger son was killed fighting for Stannis but your elder is still alive at Bitterbridge. I could have a message be delivered to lord Tarly but by now is probably on the march towards the Riverlands," Alyn said.

Bonifer could see the grief in his brother's eyes at the news of his son's death but he stayed strong. "That is my price."

"We accept, Ser Lucas. You will have your son back but we need your information," Richard said.

"You shall receive it but not before something is done to bring my son home," Lucas said firmly.

The two Hunts looked at each other before the senior one nodded and turned to Lucas. "One of us will ride to Bitterbridge on the morrow and you will then give us what we want. You have my word that we will see your son safely returned to you."

"Ser Richard do you trust these men?" Lucas asked the knight.

"I do," Richard said.

"Then we have an agreement, you get your king and I get my son but not before you send someone to Bitterbridge. I want it done personally, ravens are too insecure for this."

"I agree, that's why Ser Hyle will go to Bitterbridge and bring your son back to you," Richard said and the Hunt immediately turned glaring at him.

"I will go to secure the release of ser Lucas's son Ser Richard while my cousin will stay with you. He will take command of the men. I will take a small part with me as a safety measure."

Bonifer looked at Richard, he was trying to hide his displeasure. "As you wish Ser Alyn."

Kings Landing

Margaery

Margaery was sitting in her beachcomber thinking where she had gone wrong. Everything was working according to plan and then the Lannisters just decide to betroth Sansa to Tyrek Lannister, they must have found out somehow but how. Sansa had sworn she had not mentioned anything to anyone, Margaery making sure that the girl knew the importance of the plan and not to trust anyone with its knowledge. The only ones who knew about this were her mother, grandmother and Garlan, they didn't even tell her father about it. This was Cersei's doing she was sure of it. The woman would see everyone suffer if she saw them as a threat. What bothered her the most was the fact that Sansas suffering at the hands of the Lannisters would continue. She promised herself that she would get the girl out of there for Jon's sake but that just became much more complicated. If she doesn't figure something out soon that would mean a lifetime of suffering for the poor Stark girl and not to mention that she would probably be raped on her wedding night.

Marriage with Willas was the safest way she could think of getting Sansa out but now when she marries Tyrek she won't be as easily approachable as she was up to know. Margaery cursed under her breath, why could he just died during the battle or the riots.

The game was being played and she had just been outplayed by the lions. She needs to find a new way to aid Sansa. Jons other sister was not seen since lords Stark coup and was presumed dead by now. Margaery still held up hope that the little girl was alive somewhere, Arya was similar so Jon, she was small but strong like her older brother. She could find a way to get the girl out by a supposed kidnapping, ask Joffrey to allow Sansa to go with her to Flea Bottom to see the orphans and on their way there for someone to grab Sansa and take her out of the city. No, that wouldn't work the Lannisters won't allow Sansa out of their site now, not for a while at least.

She was starting to wish that Jon and Loras would come and help her fix this mess, they could kill Joffrey all she cared just so this would all stop. Again she damned her grandmother's greed and lust for power. Every plan she had since this accursed war started seemed to fall apart quicker than she could formulate it. Olenna spent her life teaching Margaery how to play the game, but what if your opponents in that game were a bunch of psychopaths and tyrants. She understood that no one in the capital would be her ally, although Lord Varys has shown some concern for Sansa and other people in the city and further away, he seems to genuinely be concerned for the well-being of others unlike the rest of the people on the small council. But there has to be more than that, she needed to know what was the Spiders angle in all of this.

A knock on the doors broke her from her thoughts. She looked at the door to see her cousin Ellinor stepped inside.

"Is everything alright Ellinor?" was the first thing that came to mind, after what happened she was honestly expecting more bad news.

"Nothing, why, is everything alright with you?" Ellinor asked concerned.

"I'm fine cousin," Margaery said giving her cousin a reassuring smile. "What is it that you came to me for?"

"Your brother says he wants to talk with you."

"Show him in," Margaery said and Ellinor nodded, doing as she was told. A minute later Garlan came inside her room. She looked at him. "Why didn't you just come in, you don't need to announce yourself."

"I know but I didn't want to disturb you. I just came from grandmother's solar, we had an interesting chat."

"What did she say?"

"She is not pleased that your plan failed, she is more displeased because it means the Lannisters somehow managed to find out about it. She suspects someone of our servants or guards, I think she is going to start combing through the staff to find out who exactly informed the Lannisters."

"But we kept a tight lid on this."

"We did but it seems they found out. They have shown no interest in Sansa until now and all of the sudden they want to marry her to Tyrek Lannister. None of us said anything and you claim the same for Sansa so one of the servants must have overheard something and told them," Garlan said and Margaery started pacing around the room. "What do we do?"

Margaery stopped and sighed in annoyance. "I don't know, I don't have a clue what I should do next. Everything I want to do or plan for gets turned into ash."

"Don't despair little sister, we will find a way to help her, she is Jon's sister. I am here, I will stand with you to the end."

Margaery sat down on a chair, her mind racing. She looked at Garlan and a thought crossed her mind. "Why did you agree with the deal, what did grandmother say to you?"

Garlan looked at his sister, a remorseful look in his eyes. He sat down next to her. "B-Before Leonette there was another, she was a servant at Highagden, she was nice, thoughtful and had a beautiful smile. Our romance was brief, I knew it could never last and when father started looking for a match for me, we both decided that the best thing to do was to end it before any trouble occurred. After some time I met Leonette and fell for her but I didn't forget about Lisa. When Baelish came and grandmother took the offer, I protested but she told me that it doesn't concern me. When I continued to protest she brought up Lisa, she told me that if I didn't comply that she would have Lisa thrown if chains or even do the same thing lord Tywin did with his father's mistress. I couldn't let someone be hurt because of me so I stayed quiet," Garlan chuckled woefully "In the end, it was our brother who was the only one brave enough to stand up to our grandmother. He lost one person she could hold against him and I honestly think that if she had Renly in her grip Loras would again choose Jon."

"I never thought she would do something like that until that day. I always knew that she wanted our family to prosper, to be as close to the crown as possible but I never thought she would blackmail her own family," Margaery said.

"What did she say to you?"

Margaery felt her stomach tighten, she turned her gaze away from Garlan slightly. "She threatened Jon, she said she would find a way to get rid of him if I didn't comply."

Garlan looked stunned. "That's, that"

"Yes, our beloved grandmother threatens the people both of us care about so she could get her hands on the crown," Margaery sighed. "I did want to be queen for a long time, maybe a part of me still does but I don't want my crown to be gained thought slaughter. When the war started I knew the Lannisters would have to be taken care of, if Renly was to be king, Stannis too but at the time he was not as big of a threat as the Lannisters. Now Renly is dead, thousands of Stormlanders who not so long ago sat with us, drank with us and ate with us are dead. The Lannisters butchered their way through the Riverlands and with the help of our army they will kill Jon's brother and his people. Now tell me if all those deaths are worth my crown."

Garlan shook his head. "No, they are not," he said solemnly.

"I should not have panicked so much, I should have used my head to think clearly. Maybe if I went with Jon that would have forced our family to side with his."

"Maybe but grandmother could have easily said that you were kidnapped by him also, she would have sent men to find you and kill him. Maybe it would have worked but right now we cant ask ourselves wait if little sister, were are in the lion's dean and we need to either find a way out or tame them.

Riverrun

Robb

Two days have passed since the revelations he received from lord Darry, even now as he sat alone in the great hall he still wanted to think them false, lies but all the evidence was there. What his uncle found in the hidden compartment only confirmed everything, his grandfather had been at Tywins side since the beginning and yet the lion attacked him as soon as a reason was presented to him.

Jon, his brother was a secret prince this whole time and his father kept it from everyone. Everything was so much more complicated now compared to when he was marching his army down the Neck to save father. His head hurt from just thinking about it, he tried to lessen the pain with ale but that didn't help much. He just didn't know what to do and neither did any of his advisers who knew about the truth. Uncle Edmure was lost as he was, Brynden was at least trying to get the sense of things by talking more with lord Darry and his mother was just in a state of denial, refusing to accept the truth in front of her.

As Robb stared at his mug of ale the sound of footsteps broke him from his thoughts and he lifted his head to see lord Raymun approach, his great uncle Brynden beside him.

"Lord Stark," Raymun said.

"Lord Darry," Robb said halfheartedly.

"Have you thought about what I said?"

"I have and I still have no answer to give you."

"My lord you know as well as I that the Lannister won't sit ideal forever, you have managed to push them back but it's just a matter of time until they come back in force. You need allies and so do we. So far you have done a good job waging this war but you can win it alone."

"I know that lord Darry but what your purpose is… it's just hard. If I do this, if I side with you and fight for a Targaryen king even if he is my brother my bannermen will see me as weak, many will probably outright refuse to fight. They chose me as their king, they put their fate in me to lead them, I can't let them down."

Darry looked at him, not saying a word for a moment, he just looked at him as if choosing his words carefully. "My lord when you came here did you want to become king?"

"No," Robb said.

"Do you want to be king of the seven kingdoms?"

"No, I do not."

"I know you accepted the title of king because your bannermen wanted you to, you are a good leader, I can't deny that but even if you win do you think that the rest of Westeros will just accept you as their new ruler. You won't be able to just win and leave, you would be forced to rule the seven kingdoms, there must be a king on the iron throne."

"I don't want it, I just want justice for my family and to return home."

"I am aware of that that's why I came to you with this proposal, help us help you beat Tywin Lannister and bring justice for all those he had harmed over the years. The man that should sit on the throne was both Targaryen and Stark blood running through his veins, everything I heard paints him as a just and honorable man. We need that, your brother is that man."

"And does he want it, did you ask yourself that?" Robb asked.

"I can't give you an answer I don't have. When he is found he will give you an answer yourself, until then we can just stand idly by, we must do something."

"If we agree to this who else will join us?" Robb asked.

"As I was telling Ser Brynden earlier, lord Tarly and several other powerful lords of the Reach are currently with us, as are some lords of the Narrow see and few other smaller loyalist houses, not enough on their own but with you, we should be able to prevail. Lord Tarly is in process of getting more allies from the Reach."

"And what of Dorne?" asked Brynden finally joining the conversation.

"That is tricky, Dorne has been isolated since the rebellion, they might support us but the fact that the boy is half Stark still stands, they might see it as an insult."

"What do you know about the Martrells uncle?" Robb asked.

"I met prince Oberyn once or twice when we both participated in a tourney, he was young and hotheaded like most young men are but if rumors are to be believed he hasn't changed one bit since then. His brother Doran who rules Dorne is another matter interiorly. I never met him but by all accounts, he seems like a peace-loving man, a politician not a warrior."

"So we might as well count them out," Robb said.

"Indeed," Brynden said.

Robb thought about it for a long moment, the odds were stacked against him if he fights the Lannisters alone but with help, he might just succeed. Maester Lywin always said to never say no to a hand that offers aid. Robb lifted his head to look at the Darry lord.

"I will stand with you Lord Darry," Robb said and the man's face light up. "We will defeat the Lannisters together and after that is done I and my brother will settle our affair personally."

"Good my lord, I thank you for trusting me."

"My uncle trusts you so will I."

"But what about your bannermen, you will tell then?"

"In time yes, right now I won't say anything until Jon is found and more forces are brought to bear. I know that Tywin was spies everywhere and I don't want this to spread. When the time comes I will tell them."

Robb looked at the lord who was pleased with his decision and his uncle gave him a nod of approval. He wasn't just doing this to defeat the Lannister, not just for justice or revenge he was doing this for Jon, he might have Targayern blood in him but he is still a Stark of Winterfell.

Stormalands

Richard

The next morning after the deal was struck Alyn went for Bitterbridge and Richard and Hyle went towards the direction the Hastys pointed them into. They said that the group had plans to ride towards Summerhall and then follow the Boneway through the Red Mountains until they reached a port where they could find a ship to take them to Maidenpool. Richard cursed himself for not thinking about it sooner, he should have placed someone in Dorne but it was too late for that now.

Richard wasn't exactly happy that Hyle was the one who went with him, that man distrusted him which was obvious and truthfully the feeling was mutual. Alyn was the one who trusted Richard more and was more agreeable to Richard's proposals but beggers can't be choosers.

The company left castle Hasty behind and rode hard, as fast as the horses could carry them. When they reached Summerhall they found evidence of a camp and soon continued on their journey. They rode for days until they reached the Dornish marshes, Hyle was ready to continue riding to Dorne as was Richard until they stopped in a small village where he overheard that there were strange visitors at Blackhaven from a woman whose sister worked there.

A spark of hope lit inside Richard, maybe they won't need to go all the way to Dorne to find the king after all. He found Hyle and told him about what he heard, the man was skeptical but agreed to go to Blackhaven to check if the woman's story is true.

"Why do I have a feeling we are going to get another warm welcome as we did at Hasty?" Hyle said as they mounted up and rode out of the village. Less than an hour later they were at the castle belonging to House Dondarion. This time instead of the whole company only Hyle, Richard and three others rode up to the keep. Not surprisingly the welcome as just as he expected, manned walls but the gates were opened.

"So the King finally sends his dogs to bring us to heal," a young man with a sigil of a noble house said standing at the entrance of the castle.

"We aren't here to fight you, we just come to talk. We heard you have some people we are looking for," Richard said, the young man's face remained stern.

"Why does this keep happening?" Richard heard one of the men behind him say.

"Check your sigil you idiot," another said.

Richard looked around the ramparts and then at the young man again who spoke. "We have no one here, at least no one of interest to house Tarly if I got your sigil right."

"You have," said Hyle.

"We are looking for four men, knights, and two wolves you must have seen them."

The man shook his head. "Forgive me but we haven't."

"Have you now? We received word that four men did come through here and they have in fact stayed in this castle."

The young man's eyes narrow, Richard could see anger starting to rise up to the surface. "As I said, there is no one here that matches that description, but we have a few arrows we can give you if you want."

Hyle now rode forward. "We didn't come here to fight or hurt anyone we just want to find someone important."

"And who would that be?"

"Jon Snow, Loras Tyrell, Robar Royce and a man called Grenn,"

"Never heard of them or met them," the man said.

"Listen here," Hyle started annoyed but an arrow hitting the ground in front of him stopped him.

"Leave or you will regret it," the man threatened.

Richard looked at the young man who was staring at them with angry eyes. Richard was now sure that the king and his company were here but this man was determent to keep it from them. The king makes friends wherever he goes, in that aspect he was like his mother. Rhaegar was a good friend but he had a small circle while Lyanna was the one who could go anywhere and befriend anyone.

He knew that this had turned into a hopeless endeavor, there was no way to get anything from these men. The chances were that if they continued to press for more information that they will just get arrows in through their necks and Richard wasn't ready to die yet.

"As you wish, we will take our leave," Richard said and Hyle looked at him surprised.

"Richard?"

"This is a lost cause, we need to leave," Richard said and started riding away. Hyle joining him moments later.

"Why didn't you tell them who you are, they would have given us answers," Hyle said.

Richard laughed bitterly. "Dondarions no, they aren't like the Hastys. The Hastys had a reason to trust me but Dondarions don't. They have been staunch supporters of the Baratheons since the first Baratheon took Storms End, they wouldn't trust me for a second."

"So what now?"

"We know where they are heading, I hoped that we might catch up with them here but now I see that cant be done. Our best option would be to press on and see if they come after us or are they already on the road to Dorne. Enough time has passed and they wouldn't spend much time in a castle if they want to reach the Riverlands as fast as possible."

"So this was a wasted effort then," Hyle said.

"Unfortunately yes.

AN: Hi guys, Dorne is entering the fold and the Starks have sided with the loyalists. I wanted to give Richard an interaction with his fellow Stormlanders because of what I have in stored for later.

hateme101: Glad you like it, I thought if Tywin would turn to anyone it would be someone he knew plus Hoster was an ambitious man.

Force smuggler: Lyanna and Catelyn are polar opposites so I think they would not have got along, mostly due to Cat. Sansa and Tyrek, well I have something unexpected in store for that. Also, I thought I should give Garlan some spot light beside Margaery. And yes Olenna is that cruel in this one.

LordStark92, Well my lord, Doran doesn't know yet and yes he is planning revenge. The Starks and the Tullys forces are not large enough to fight the combined strength of the Lannisters and Tyrells but Robb can hold them off long enough. A portion of the Tyrell army is at Kings Landing, another part is with Tarly heading for the Riverlands and another part is on the other side of the Blackwater. I'm not completely sure how long it will take because Tarly is still getting more support and they do need to find Jon. There is basically going to be a Reach civil far between the loyalists and Tyrell supporters. Dany, Viserys, and Barristan are in Essoss, no Viserys isn't dead in this one. Thank you and happy holidays to you too.

Time Parad0x: In this story, Tywin is the mastermind behind everything, Hoster and the others are just pieces on a board. The swap of Tyrion for Tyrek has nothing to do with plot armor, it has to do more with Tywin and his motivations. As I wrote to Force smuggler something is going to happen. The North has joined the fold and Tarly is in command of the force that is heading for the Riverlands, with the help of Darry things should turn out different. Olenna did say at first that Loras returned to HIghgarden and later he was seen leading a force loyal to Renly so might as well say that he is leading a group that is on a revenge path due to the death of their king. I write how I write, I like to take my time.

Prince Loki Stark: Glad you like it. Brynden is the only level headed among them.

BioHazard82: Thanks mate.

Nana: They will but not too soon.

ZodiacsKlaroline: That would be funny considering Joffrey has done nothing but make things harder for Tywin since day one.

Luke15RH: The story was here first before my partner and I split, he went on ao3 after that. The setup is the same but the stories are different, at least in the latter half.

The Golden Valkyrie: I'm happy you like the story, this is actually the first time I write a ship and I hope it's decent enough. Tyrek is a good guy but he will do whatever he is ordered to do by his uncle.