DISCLAIMER: Chapter one.
Chapter rating: T
NicoleR85: I hope you enjoy what she has planned!
Jctherebel: Hope you enjoy this!
Jason Kreuger Myers: Yes, it would be. But it's the fact that she does not want her children or grandchildren to have the qualities of Freys. And also the fact that the Freys were offered to be the new lords of the riverlands. But we'll see~
Chapter Thirty-One: XXI - The Dragon Claims her First Victory!
(Sansa)
Sansa happily walked with Margaery before pausing when Margaery beamed at seeing a man walking with a cane and a hawk on his arm. "Willas! My sweet brother, how are you, oh is this your newest one? She is beautiful," Margaery praised the bird, softly walking around her brother's arm as he extended it to show her off.
"Perfect blend from my original pair, perfect temperment and great hearing," Willas praised his bred hawk who chirped as Margaery softly petted her wing feathers.
"She is gorgeous," Sansa praised the bird, seeing the beauty in her as Willas, bowed while holding his bird perfectly.
"I thank you, Your Highness. She is for you," Willas offered as Sansa looked stunned before stuttering a thank you as Margaery smiled. "She and a male I had are meant to be gifts for you," he claimed while Sansa gave a gentle smile.
"I truly thank you, I am sorry I wish I had something for you," Sansa felt horrible as Willas reassured her.
"Oh, no Your Highness! Please, worry not. I love my hawks and love giving them as gifts. As I see your wolf is quite large, you might enjoy hunting with her or at least give her some companions to fly with," he smiled as Sansa nodded.
"I will admit, I do not know what to do with falcons, do they do well with ravens?" Sansa worried as he smiled.
"Yes, Princess." And with that the two started off with Lady at her mistress' side while Loras took his brother's gift for Sansa as Margaery smiled.
"Do you think it'll work?" Margaery asked as Loras nodded.
"She suffered enough at Joffrey's hand. Our brother is sweeter and can help her when she needs it. Before the Freys demand her hand next," Loras claimed having known what was offered by the Freys because of Renly who told him and Margaery. It was Olenna who suggested her oldest grandson as Sansa's suitor. She made a contract for Robb and even swore to return Sansa if he said no but offered resources from the Reach when they started to pass through on their way to King's Landing if he were to say yes.
"We shall see if he says, yes," Olenna said as she joined her grandchildren who smiled at her, hoping he agreed. It would help cement their families and might gain a better advantage to marrying Sansa to one of their own. They can have a chance to marry a child of their's to Rhaenyra's. Cousin-to-cousin is not uncommon, especially if they have dragon blood. Olenna planned to have her house survive this like it always had.
XXXI
(North-Moat Cailin)
Rhaenyra flew her dragon high up and shushed Rhaella who shrieked softly, eager as she saw Ironborn below. "Nyke gimig, riña. Nyke gimig," I know, girl. I know. Rhaenyra soothed her dragon. Rhaenyra had offered to scout ahead to see how many they were to attack and Rickard agreed that it would be a good advantage. Rhaenyra's nerves though seem to transfer to Rhaella, she was a ball of nerves now, eager for a fight it would seem.
Rhaella flew with ease, by passing the boats Rhaenyra saw scattered along the coastline to the ruined castle. Rhaenyra quickly flew back as she had seen men line the battlements.
"Your Grace," Smalljon greeted, helping her off Rhaella. "How many did you count?" he questioned.
"Fifty-nine in the castle, over 100 ships though," Rhaenyra recalled as he nodded.
"We'll worry about the men, Your Grace. You need to worry about the ships. Ser Barristan claimed the dive bomb attacks would work on the ships and would cause severe damage, even if you do not sink them," Smalljon spoke as Jaime's voice came out.
"Center of the ships is the most damaging, but if you can aim for the base of them to flood them it would help do damage to the structure of the fleet. My father had a fleet of ships and told my siblings and I everything about the weak spots to them and if it were how to deal with the damage," Jaime told her as Smalljon nodded.
"It is sound advice, Your Grace," Smalljon knew Jaime was correct in his words about the ships. Rhaenyra quickly rejoined her men as they greeted her with her girls all armored themselves with weapons as Lynara and Valaena would help defend the camp with the remaining men/squires who were not able to join or would be required back in camp.
"They know we're coming," Rhaenyra said as the men grumbled or sighed.
"We figured that was a gamble," Rickard announced, telling the queen to continue. "Balon Greyjoy knew what he was doing in taking Moat Cailin," he claimed.
"And they should realize what happens when they invade. They have over thirty ships near the mouth of the Fever River and small boats and men scattered all throughout the land. Though if dragons were to suddenly descend attacking, I would assume that would startle some men," Rhaenyra smiled as the army cheered her on while Rickard agreed, patting her shoulder firmly but gently.
"It surprised us and we were on your side," Smalljon commented as the men agreed.
"When do you think it is better to attack?" Rhaenyra asked as shouts were heard from outside. Confusing them all as they turned.
"Morning. The Neck tends to gather mist and fog during this time, the Crannogmen are our allies. Their heirs are in Wintefell now," Rickard explained quickly. Shrieking and roaring of the dragons made everyone run out to see the dragons surrounding a group of men who backed up from Rhaella. The she-dragon was on the ground, snarling at the people. A man who leaned on a cane, stared at the dragon with shock in his eyes before looking to see Rhaenyra come out with the men. Rhaella, though, blocked his sight quickly with an irritated growl in her throat as Alysanne shrieked loudly.
"Who are you?" Rhaenyra demanded as Rhaella hissed.
"My name is Howland Reed, Your Grace," the man said.
"He is the Lord of the Neck, My Queen. His children reside in Winterfell," Rickard whispered quickly as Rhaenyra nodded.
"Hello, My Lord. May I ask why you decided to approach the camp without warning us? As you can see my dragons do not take to people just approaching," Rhaenyra warned as the man nodded.
"I did not expect the severity of their reactions to us. I do apologize for the reactions we garnered," Howland claimed while Rhaenyra soothed the dragons. Rhaella though still growled, unhappy about unknown men appraoching. "We've come to give you news about the Ironborn in Moat Cailin," he offered.
XXXI
Rhaenyra strapped herself in as Rickard came over. He was there to ensure she did not do something stupid.
"Remember, go for their ships and strays that run. Don't attack straight on," the man spoke, his tone in a fatherly way, but also in defense of the unborn heir in her belly.
"Promise," Rhaenyra swore, though knew in her heart that if her men were in danger she'd help them.
"Be careful, Rhaenyra," Valaena ordered her queen. She hated this, she hated it for having come to this.
"I will, I will do my part in attacking the ships. I'm going to aim first for the mouth of the river," Rhaenyra decided as Rickard paused before nodding.
"A good choice to start," Rickard claimed before backing up as Rhaella lifted her head, obviously ready to start flying. Roaring to her sisters, Rhaella flew off first as Rhaenys and Alysanne joined. Rhaenyra flew them up into the deep clouds that always coated Moat Cailin.
"Relgos qelbar issa. Lo sīr īlva bartan iksa." The mouth of the River. That is our target. Rhaenyra told Rhaella who cackled to her sisters. Maester Luwin had told her dragons were reported to understand High Valyrian more than the Common Tongue. Rhaenys had a lower roar and flew higher, disappearing from her mother's sight. Alysanne crooned as she looked to her mother before flying ahead. Rhaenyra wondered if her dragons were intelligent enough to plan an attack, everyone always told her they were smarter than dogs and horses. And dogs can plan attacks when in packs, so if Rhaella knew what to do, Rhaenyra would let her. Rhaenyra held on tightly as Rhaella suddenly dropped out and came across dozens of boats as she tightened her grip on the reins as Rhaella shrieked loudly announcing their arrival.
"Drakarys," Rhaenyra roared as Rhaella quickly started to spit fire streams at the ships as she flew over. Her flames were growing but not as damaging as Rhaenyra would like. But with Rhaenys and Alysanne joining they quickly started to be of help to the attack. Soon enough the dragons started to burn the fleeing Ironborn who tried to run to or from the river. Rhaenyra continued on her path to block the river with the destroyed boats. Arrows suddenly started to fly at Rhaenyra as Rhaella banked sideways to protect her rider. Shrieking in rage, the red she-dragon did an aerial loop before diving down and set the ground on fire when she did her dive-bomb attack. Rhaenyra could hear men scremaing and some dropping as her dragons were snatching them off the ground before dropping them. Remembering her objective, Rhaenyra turned Rhaella and whistled for her other dragons to follow and started to attack the boats once more. They flew around one another, aiming for the boats once more. Fires started spreading as men tried to flee only to be caught in the thick of it. Rhaenyra smiled as she continued to guide her dragon, Rhaella quickly flew back up the river as Rhaenys and Alysanne continued their onslaught of blue and gold fires. Rhaella shrieked as she came upon the castle and attacked the Ironborn she saw attacking her men below. Men fell down on fire as she also attacked those within the courtyard. Rhaenyra spied Rickard Karstark who cheered her on with the men as they broke through the gate. Smalljon started hacking at men with the Karstark men, taking all their anger out on these men for attacking their home. Victarion Grejoy ordered men to send a volley of arrows at Rhaenyra who avoided them with Rhaella's help. The she-dragon flew up into the clouds as some of her men below noticed, Smalljon yelled for the men to form up together quickly as Rhaella shrieked. Dropping down as she roared, sending a ball of flames at the courtyard where the Ironborn were. Rickard and his men ducked away from the severe heat and saw men burning as some ran. Victarion shouted at his men to keep fighting before an echoing shriek came at him. He turned to see blue flames coming at him, the leader attempted to avoid the flames only to be caught within the jaws of Alysanne herself. Calling out for her sisters. It was only when an arrow came out of her vision and pierced her leg. Rhaenyra cried out as Rhaella shrieked in pain as well. Groaning, Rhaenyra held on tightly as Rhaella shot higher to avoid any more arrows. Victarion screamed as Alysanne flew with her prize locked tightly in her jaws.
Rickard gaped in horror as the blue she-dragon flew low to where many could see the Greyjoy man in her jaws. She held him by his waist and left side. His men became fearful as Rhaenys shrieked, trying to claim a piece of the prize as the northmen started advancing. Rhaenyra groaned as she held onto the saddle while Rhaella flew, crooning to her mother in worry. Reaching down, Rhaenyra gripped the shaft of the arrow and broke it off. Groaning softly, the Targaryen woman urged Rhaella to rejoin the fight as she saw the Ironborn fleeing on ships that were left before seeing Rhaenys snatch something from Alysanne. It was what was left of Victarion Greyjoy.
Rhaenyra forced Rhaella to land where her men were gathering while Ironborn fled, some still being attacked by the dragons once Rhaenyra dismounted her she-dragon. Wincing as she applied pressure to her leg.
"Your Grace!" Smalljon called, worried as he balanced her.
"Arrow caught me. But I am fine. We seem to have caught Victarion Greyjoy," she said as Rickard scoffed.
"What is left of him. Save what we can from the beasts. His head and armor pieces would be enough," the man decided as Rhaenyra felt bile raise up in her stomach as she groaned.
"You should return to camp, Your Grace," Smalljon requested as Dacey helped her in standing after sheathing her sword.
"Your beast flew off to join in what her sisters were sharing," the warrior woman claimed while Rhaenyra whistled as Alysanne landed with the top half of Victarion.
"Take what you need," Rhaenyra ordered as Rickard nodded and urged his men while Ser Barristan helped Alysanne release the body. The she-dragon shrieked displeased at her prize being taken was silenced by her mother's whip sounding out. The female growled softly as Rhaella landed once more, having taken part in the hunting of the remaining Ironborn who were not imprisoned. Even then Dacey noticed men were tossing some to the dragons if they fought them too much. It quickly silenced the dozen that were captured.
"We don't have enough resources for the ones we've captured," Dacey announced as she kept an arm around her queen.
"We'll question them, of course. However you feel it should be done, Lord Karstark," Rhaenyra urged as the lord felt honored at the queen's words. "And if you believe we cannot take them all, choose which ones are of more importance. If you all do not mind. I am going to return to camp. My leg is killing me," she winced while some came forward.
"Allow us, Your Grace. Arrow and leg wounds are simple and we can easily remove the shaft and wrap it up," one man urged as Dacey agreed.
"Your first war wound, Your Grace," she praised.
"A simple arrow?" Rhaenyra winced. "Even you, Dacey, have a sword wound yet this is a war wound?" Rhaenyra asked, pointing to the puncture mark once the man removed it quickly and applied a salve as she grunted, to which her guard chuckled at.
"You are a dragon rider. You will have a higher chance of arrow wounds than anything," Dacey claimed, watching them bind the wound up.
"Well, fine if you say it's a war wound, then fine. I'm too tired to argue," Rhaenyra sighed as her guard laughed with the men who helped her up. "Thank you boys. Be careful among the Ironborn," she told the Karstark men who chuckled and cheered about beating some of them. Rhaenyra came to Rhaella who shrieked and allowed her rider to mount her. Rhaenrya noticed a hole in Alysanne's wing and was alarmed that the arrow had struck her through the thin membrane of the wing.
"Seems young dragons are vulnerable to arrow attacks," Ser Barristan spoke, alarmed himself. Rhaenyra knew her dragons were weak against attacks but it still startled her to see the attack for the first time, though she was relieved to see it did not bother her sweet-tempered dragon much.
"Stay here we will start sending those from camp your way," Rhaenyra said as the men agreed and started to search the castle to flush out any more Ironborn left. Reeds men who had started to spread out and help drive them off the Neck lands.
"Your Grace. Should we send word to Winterfell and the King that we have taken Moat Cailin?" a guard asked as she nodded and sent Dacey to bear the sigil of Mormont so it was trusted. With a knight's help she was in her saddle once more and flew off quickly when Alysanne and Rhaenys finished, joining her.
"Inkon lāko," Back to camp. Rhaenyra urged as her dragon growled. Obeying her as she felt successful in their first fight. She knew that her dragons were still vulnerable to attacks. It took a bit to fly back as Alysanne seemed to fly fine, albeit a twitch when her wing was extended for too long with the small tear in her membrane.
"She will be well, Your Grace. I use this salve on my animals in the swamp, it's properties should help her, though she will be itchy," a plump woman explained as her husband applied a thick, sweet-smelling salve to Alysanne's wing.
"Thank you, My Lady," Rhaenyra thanked the woman who nodded and left after giving the jar to Lynara.
"I cannot believe an arrow got you and her," Valaena spoke, horrified.
"We knew it would be a possibility. But I was as surprised as you," Rhaenyra reassured her lady maid who scoffed and started a bath so they may march in the morning.
XXXI
(Essos)
Daenerys smiled as she watched Drogon try and stay adrift. Viserion and Rhaegal were eating happily while their brother practiced his flying.
"Khalessi," Irri called as she came in with Rakharo, who was glaring at a man.
"Yes?" Daenerys asked as the man nodded his head only to jump when Drogon landed with a hateful shriek. Flashing his wings as the Dothrak men cheered him on. Cohollo praised the dragon's protective nature of their Khalessi.
"He says he has an offer for you, Khalessi," Rakharo spoke in Dothrak as the man looked to him confused before to Daenerys who frowned.
"We will see," Daenerys spoke back, her face impassive. "How may I help you, ser?" Daenerys asked in the Common Tongue.
"I come before you as an envoy to Daenerys Targaryen, aunt to the future King of Seven Kingdoms. Aegon VI, son of Rhaegar and Elia Martell," the man spoke as he stood, which irritated Cohollo. He thought many standing while his Khalessi sat was unnerving and disrespectful to her.
"My nephew and niece from my brother are dead. Tywin Lannister's Mountain killed them," Daenerys said, a sharp tone in her voice. "And I do not appreciate the disrespect you bring forth by talking about things you do not-"
"A man by the name of Jon Connington, has vouched for the Prince. We have overheard that you are now no longer married-"
"My husband has just died!" Daenerys roared. Drogon angrily snarled, flashing his growing black wings as Cohollo produced his Arakh. "How dare you speak to me about marriage or about my husband when I am mourning not only him but my son. And as to your 'King of the Seven Kingdoms.' It is no longer the Seven Kingdoms, it is now split as my twin has claimed the Northern and Riverlands as her kingdom," Daenerys smirked, pleased by his look.
"That imposter will be dealt with along with her husband. The Prince understands as she is his aunt and the claims of dragons-"
"Which as you can see by mine are real. Her's are much bigger. My sister is no imposter. She is there in Westeros and fighting for her claim, she has technically conquered two lands and they are now hers," Daenerys grinned.
"And in the words of not only the Dothraki, but even those among the wild northern men claim the right of conquest is a right of ownership to land after immediate possession via force of arms," Ser Jorah spoke as Cohollo nodded with a grunt.
"My sister and her husband will rule the northern lands from the northern Golden Tooth to the snow covered waste lands beyond the Wall," Daenerys claimed. "As I will rule the Southern lands from the southern Golden Tooth to the Sunset Sea," she finished to the man's shock. He scoffed before freezing when Drogon growled, smoke billowing from his nose. "Leave. And make sure you tell your master that my sister and I will be the Queens of Westeros," Daenerys told him as she tended to Rhelli while Cohollo approached the man in a threatening manner.
"You will fail. It has been known that no man will back a woman over her male relative when one is present. Even if he might be a fake, which he is not," the man smirked.
"Who would back someone without dragons when my sister and I both have them," Daenerys commented as Cohollo stepped forward.
"Khaleesi has told you to go, so go," the warrior ordered. Daenerys watched in a pleased way to see the man hauled out by her Dothraki guards.
"So you plan to become a Queen like your sister?" Ser Jorah asked as she nodded.
"That was always the plan. But to hear about this imposter. It infuriates me," Daenerys growled as she thought about the possibility of Rhaegar's son surviving. It would cause problems for the girls. Daenerys needed to send a letter to her sister. "I need to write a letter," she said as Rakharo nodded, summoning a servant to produce her paper and quil.
"What are you writing?" Irri asked, curious.
"I am warning Robb that there is an imposter. If he somehow lands in Westeros, they must be prepared," Daenerys claimed as Cohollo nodded, understanding her words in warning Rhaenyra.
XXXI
(North)
Howland Reed sat in his tent as he looked at a handful of papers. Letters he has kept hidden for seventeen years because of a promise his friend had made to his dying sister. And now Howland decided it was time for everything to come into play. He only hoped Prince Oberyn did not kill him in anger at learning the truth.
He carefully stood as he exited and found a northern lord, he requested an audience with Rhaenyra who was with her dragons, tending to them and soothing their eager minds for another fight.
"Your Grace," he greeted. Bowing his best with his cane as she reassured him.
"Please rise. What is it? My men said you wanted to say something?" Rhaenyra asked as he shook his head.
"No, Your Grace. Something that I have kept a secret for your husband's father's promise to his dying sister," Howland spoke as Rhaenyra froze. Lyanna was a sensitive subject between the Starks and Targaryens. "Here," he claimed, offering letters as Rhaenyra took them. Eyes widening as she reads a few sentences in the first page.
"Summon Ser Barristan and Ser Jaime, now," Rhaenyra ordered her two knights as they jumped before nodding and running off to do the order as her maids frowned.
"Rhaenyra?" Valaena asked, worried as Beric and Thoros frowned. Thoros had been tending to Alysanne's wing, applying the salve to it as directed.
"If this is my brother's handwriting I need someone to be exact," Rhaenyra said as Valaena shook her head.
"I have never read his letters, Your Grace. I am sorry," she apologized as Rhaenyra shook her head.
"That is why I am summoning Ser Barristan and Ser Jaime, both served alongside my brother and guarded him and his family. They would know," Rhaenyra spoke as she continued reading. Praying it was true. If it were, then they might be able to offer her sister something.
XXXI
End of the chapter! And no, the rest of her fights will not be so easy.
Sorry for it being short, I'll try and make the next chapter longer.
We have Olenna trying to secure her family's place. Someone trying to use fAegon to conquer the Iron Throne. And now Howland is revealing some info he's been sitting on. Tell me what y'all think, please. Read and review!
~Rusty14~
