DISCLAIMER: Chapter one.

Chapter rating: T

JokerGames1999: I might go with it, I wrote out a few what it would be like, that looked like a better fit~

NicoleR85: I would think they would all care for the children, as they cannot have children of their own (or aren't supposed to) so I could see them bonding with the children. And I remembered Jaime was upset by their deaths as he hoped Rhaegar would win, since the prince had a plan for after he wins.

Jctherebel: Hope you enjoy what I put up. Lol, well hey, they'd have to be people completely fearless I'd think~

mrs. morgan 35: Thank you for the vote~

Ladyespeon164: Thanks for the vote!

JUANMARTIN202000: I do not know how she would gain succession over the Valley but I will give it a shot, Riverlands and the North are Robb's by birthright his mother and father, I do not think they have a right to the Eyrie, but I will give it a go~

Bigbear1995: Thanks for the vote, please enjoy the story!

harlequin320: Glad you're liking it, hope to get more out!

Shadow Wolf 15846: I am glad you liked it! I know, I thought it was good too and some of my friends who read this too all are torn between the names, and I love them both and Jon loves Aemon the maester so that's also why I included it in the mix for people to choose. But I hope you enjoy the rest.

Chapter Thirty-Three: XXXIII - The Dragon Arrives and a Pup goes North

(Rhaenyra)

Rhaella flew with ease as she shrieked, flying over Deepwood Motte as many surrounding the castle cheered. Rhaenyra was quick to land as a young man dressed in fur approached her.

"Queen Rhaenyra? I am Athelstan, I am a ward of Lord Uthred, he sent me here with a small group of people to help in ridding the Ironborn from the North. He is marching to Winterfell though, we have overheard patches of Ironborn having marched to Winterfell and now are attempting to break the walls, but your builders are quick and powerful, they have erected strong walls to aid in protecting the city," he praised as Rhaenyra smiled.

"My men are coming, but as dragons are faster, they will most likely be here tonight or tomorrow," Rhaenyra announced as many nodded.

"Your dragons are a sight we are emboldened by, Your Grace," a Manderly man claimed. "We hope to end this invasion by the Ironborn soon."

"You say Yara is already in Deepwood Motte?" Rhaenyra asked, angry that they failed to stop her from taking it.

"Many of my ward father's men were able to break in and smuggle the children out, but many men and women stayed behind so they could distract the Ironborn for the children's safety," Athelstan claimed while following the Queen who approached her dragon. Many froze when Rhaenyra cut the cloth that had originally held Victarion's body in place. "Who-"

"Her uncle," Rhaenyra claimed, no hesitation in her voice as she mounted her dragon. "Give me one moment, see if I can't draw her out," Rhaenyra grinned as the men all smiled or cheered, some pounding their chests in agreement. Shouting in High Valyrian, Rhaella surged into the air at her rider's command. Roaring as she flew over the army and to the castle, many pointed and were in awe at the dragon's body while she flew.

Rhaenyra smirked as Rhaella growled, clutching what remains of Victarion and his armor Rhaenyra pushed her dragon down to graze the castle's new squid flags, the weak cloth tearing against the dragon's wings when the air rushed. Yara, who had been ensuring her men were not hurting the citizens that were not fighting back, almost felt her heart stop as a dragon's body was flying over the battlements as her men shouted, pointing. It was only when a thud of something the she-dragon dropped before the red dragon banked right and went straight for the ocean with two others following.

"Captain! They're going for the ships trying to dock!" A sailor shouted pointing as Yara froze at what she was staring at. Her uncle's squid helmet was one-of-a-kind. Made special as her uncle Euron owns a suit of black scale armor with various patterns, glyphs, and arcane symbols. Many assume it might be Valyrian steel from the color and his claims of claiming it near the Doomed lands of Old Valyria. Yara watched as one of her men carefully turned the upper half of her uncle's body, parts of him burned.

Captain!" Another voice shouted, desperate. She looked up to see the men pointing. She quickly climbed the battlements and froze at seeing the dragons attack her ships, damaging them mostly but still attacking. But when the red dragon decided she was done, the other two quickly followed as Yara watched, three to four of her ships started sinking as others were working on putting the fires out.

"Send word out to my father about my uncle's death and the loss of our ships, no doubt whatever ships don't make it to the Iron Islands or to meet up here, are sunk," Yara ordered as her man nodded, leaving as Yara continued to watch her ships burn, hearing the dragons shriek and men shouting over the walls. She wondered what they were going to do now with the Dragon Queen having returned. Her father assumed the young couple would try for the Iron Throne since she was a Targaryen with dragons. But Rhaenyra had come back North with her dragons and a portion of her army, and many of them had marched from a different direction than the Queen's men. So now she had to figure out how to not only win against the dragons but also survive against the northerners. "So much for it being easy to take and hold," Yara scoffed at her father's words and truly wished she had heeded her brother's secret letter about not attacking the North when he had learned about his kin attacking the north. But now it was too late for it, she had to be an Ironborn invader now. If the Dragon Queen wanted a fight, she'd give her one.

XXXIII

(Robb)

Robb entered with Grey Wind at his side, the male huffing and snarling when approached by a prisoner. Robb did not like how they surrendered so easily, it made him immediately distrustful of the Westerlings when they were presented to him. Grey Wind quickly showed his dislike of them and bore his bloody fangs and muzzle, showing how intimidating this direwolf truly is. The man eyed the beast with caution and attempted to approach, only for Grey Wind and Theon to stand between Robb and Lord Westerling. The man's home has fallen to Robb after the Crag.

"Your Castellan has surrendered your castle and lands to my forces. As a show of faith, your wife and children remain unharmed," Robb claimed. He refused to allow his men to hurt the innocent here. If they fought then they'd be punished if not, kept contained but safe.

"Thank you, Your Grace," Gawen said as he bowed to the Northern King. From the rumors he overheard, he believed them about the direwolf but was grateful the queen's dragons were not present, knowing they would have burned everything. He could tell the King meant to go back into battle once more as he stood before a voice shouted.

"My Lady, the King's Mother!" Robb frowned before walking out as Grey Wind happily greeted his master's mother who pet him softly, cooing at his growth, Arya embraced the large male who huffed and laid his head on her shoulder in comfort. Arya wished she could have Nymeria once more. But she knew by now, Nymeria was free, her direwolf was wild and free like she naturally should be.

"Mother, Arya. What are you two doing here?" Robb asked with a small smile on his face as Theon followed and greeted them before leaving to give the family privacy together.

"We have received joyous news from both your wife and Dragonstone," Catelyn beamed as she gave him the letters. Robb with a confused look took them. "Our Queen has taken Moat Cailin and is quite possibly at Deepwood Motte already if not arriving soon," Catelyn explained a bit as she watched him read the letters.

"She's killed Victarion Greyjoy," Robb praised with a smile as he read them before freezing as he read the second letter.

"Sansa?" he asked as Catelyn nodded. Holding back her tears as Robb laughed, embracing his mother while Arya smiled, happy to know her sister was safe from the Lannisters.

"Margaery Tyrell says that she wants to ensure it is safe for Sansa to be sent to us or back to Winterfell like Shireen was with the Ironborn roaming around," Catelyn told him as Robb nodded.

"She would be better left with them, Dragonstone was meant to be a fortress for the Targaryens after the Doom," Robb said as he finished reading. "Did you know Stannis died from his wounds?" Robb asked, looking at her as Arya frowned.

"He's dead?" she asked, taking the paper.

"So it would seem," Robb told her as he sighed. "No other news from Rhae?" he asked. Catelyn shook her head, frowning knowing her son hated being parted from his wife once more, only this time, she was fighting herself and carrying his unborn child.

"No, I'm sorry," Catelyn claimed, missing her surrogate daughter too. Memories of her raising the young queen raced through her mind. "Though I was warned by a mountain man. Rhaenyra has made contact with a Lord Uthred who-"

"I know who Lord Uthred is, Mother. Father took me to the handful of council meetings their clans had that taken place. I met him when he was ten and three, I was five. I know he has a daughter and three boys, his daughter is married to a former wildling whose people snuck through the Wall," Robb told his mother who looked horrified.

"Why would your father not strike these men down-"

"Because Stiorra's husband is the reason we found four deserters and they were attempting to convince more to follow and leave their posts. Uthred went with Father and helped deal with the deserters, so Father allowed his men to keep her husband's small clan with them. Truly, Mother, they are good people, a bit rough around the edges if you are not used to it," Robb claimed. "If they are who is going to defend Winterfell than I trust my wife, she would never put them in danger," he said as Arya smiled, seeing the trust in her brother as she played with Grey Wind.

"Your Grace!" a young Frey boy raced in while Arya eyed the letter in his hand. "It is a letter from Winterfell, your maester," he breathed as Robb sighed.

"If it is about the northern clans coming to their aid or the Ironborn coming quite close to my home, I already know these things," Robb said as the man shook his head.

"No! It's another letter encased from Queen Daenerys," the man said as Robb froze. Slowly, he turned as Catelyn looked on with horror at the messenger.

"Did you say Queen Daenerys?" he asked, wanting to confirm the news as Roose also entered with a large bear-looking man.

"Yes, Your Grace," the messenger spoke, nodding with a frown. He knew this would cause problems with the Baratheons.

"Your Grace, if you could possibly set this aside, just a moment I wish to introduce a northern man," Roose spoke, softly nudging the man forward.

"My name is Finan, second to my Lord Uthred," Finan spoke of his brothers as Catelyn frowned.

"Why have you come here? I thought your people were sent to aide my wife and our home?" he asked.

"My wife and I rode here to inform you of everything and to give some offers from my leaders and also with a missive from Uthred about ways to better bind the north together," he said, offering a parchment. "We were told you know the old language?" he asked curious.

"My father had a free folk come and teach me, I was to be lord of Winterfell and Warden of the North I needed to know the language," he said as Finan smiled proudly.

"It is a good skill to retain, Your Grace. I will stay for however long you need and if you wish me to return to aide in defending Winterfell I will," he spoke while Robb nodded once.

"I might keep you here. So that I can learn more about your island and people. Along with coming to an agreement that benefits us all," Robb claimed while walking with Finan as the young King quickly spied a brunette approaching, her furs matching Finan's. "Is this your wife?" Robb asked softly.

"Eadith, Your Grace," she smiled. He kissed her hand in respect as he introduced his mother and sister as well as Grey Wind who Finan approved of.

"He matches our wolves on our island," Finan commented as Arya perked up.

"Direwolves swam to Skagos?!" she asked eager to know more. Finan beamed and nodded as his wife offered to walk with Arya while the man told her what was on his island.

"Robb, if Daenerys is calling herself Queen," Catelyn started as Robb looked at her.

"What am I to do, Mother? Force my wife to choose? Our original agreement was with Stannis," Robb started.

"But-"

"Forgive me, My Lady," Roose interrupted. "Queen Daenerys has dragons as well and from reports I am getting they are growing faster and larger by the day. She took our Queen's advice about the dragons' growth. So there is a good chance her dragons will grow just as fast as the queen's did." Roose knew the dragons were different and were born at different times, but many commented how ancient dragons on Dragonstone grew faster than the ones in the Dragonpit. So Rhaenyra ensured her sister followed this example.

"What else did the letter say?" Catelyn asked, knowing this was another conversation when Rhaenyra was present so she could give her side. Robb who continues to read the letter before freezing. "What, Robb?" Catelyn came around as he allowed her to take the letter.

"Some boy claiming to be Aegon VI. Son of Rhaegar and Elia," Robb said as Roose frowned.

"That is highly unlikely, Your Grace. As no one has known of this boy and he must, of course, know that the prince was killed in the sacking of King's Landing when the Targaryens fell. Even if he shares any resemblance to your wife's family he could be a Valyrian bastard that is known to live there. The Valyrians ruled for so many centuries in the East of course there would be descendants of dragonborn bastards. The Blackfyre bastards retreated there once their many rebellions failed," Roose said. He had a calm mind about discussing this. The lord knew what this would do to the Targaryen girls, it would damage their reigns, seed doubt into their rules even if he is a bastard of someone.

"Prince Oberyn must not be told of this. Not until we have solid evidence that he is not my wife's nephew. Even if it might not be true, he would try and defend this boy's claim. Any reminders of his sister would be valued among their people," Robb demanded as Catelyn bit her tongue about the order. But knew the truth as well.

"As you wish, Your Grace," Roose agreed with a small bow before leaving, Catelyn eyed her son, who resumed looking over the map in front of him, before leaving him in peace. Planning his next attack for the Westerlands. He only wished Rhaenyra was here with him to help.

XXXIII

(Essos)

Daenerys smiled as she watched her dragons fly around the marching horde as many pointed at the young dragons flying. Daenerys followed Rhaenyra's move to allow her dragons free reign so they could fly and grow at their pleasure. Rhelli grew just as her dragons did becoming her bundle of joy, the babe was nearing her year mark soon and already she was becoming a chatty baby, always pointing at things or trying to mimic her mother. Many held no issue carrying her if Daenerys grew tired, because Cohollo wished to start her on her own horse as soon as possible. But Daenerys worried she was too early, Ser Jorah told her it is how they teach the children from earlier years.

"If this 'Aegon' were-"

"He is not Aegon, Ser Jorah. He is an imposter, to linger on the thought would give it life. I will ensure I smother it or burn it to the root. With dragonfire if need be," Daenerys spoke. "But please, continue. I did not mean to interrupt your counsel," the young Khaleesi spoke while Cohollo trailed close to listen. Many would think he was trying to take over for Khal Drogo but he was trying to ensure he completed his promise to his former leader.

"Very well. We will call him an imposter from now on. What should we call him then?" Ser Jorah asked as one of her men jokingly called out Fake Aegon. She smiled at the jab while some laughed and joined in the jeering of her supposed nephew, but like Rhaenyra and Robb, she refused to allow any chance of it to take root in their minds.

"This imposter, if he is going to gather allies. We will need to do so faster, stronger allies, other than your sister and those in the West," Ser Jorah spoke as they came upon the docks to take the ships. Cohollo swallowed as Daenerys felt a bit of guilt to force her people to use ships that they were not accustomed to. But quickly hardened herself, knowing this would strengthen them and ensure they were ready for ships.

"We cannot rely on my sister. And there is a good chance that we will have to make deals, she must have certain agreements with the Baratheons. As Stannis is known as the King of the South while she is regarded as Queen in the North," Daenerys commented while Ser Jorah sighed.

"He was going to war with the Lannisters in King's Landing, we have not heard of anything and that was months ago. We need to know the truth to go forward," Ser Jorah commented as she nodded. The dragons quickly attacked goats that were separated from the herd for their meal. It was before flying across to where she was sailing. To Astapor. She needed more soldiers, the Unsullied were perfect and while Cohollo did not feel fully comfortable, he agreed as she planned on using them so no more of her people would die. So, he agreed to help her in any way he could.

XXXIII

(Deepwood Motte- a month later)

Rhaenyra grunted as she guided Rhaella towards a ship that sent a volley of arrows at her before Alysanne sent her blue flames at the wooden death trap, knocking many arrows away as others bounced off their scales. The dragons were growing braver and more aggressive as the time crawled by, Rhaenyra would not be surprised to see her dragons attacking the Ironborn ships if they traveled too close to shore. Rickard praised that her dragons were learning quickly on how to become war dragons. Rhaenys was attacking the shoreline and creating divots that prevented easy land on the beaches. But doing this Rhaenyra noticed something, Rhaenys continuously attacked the beaches, the shore water started to steam and boil a bit before settling. Rhaenyra remembered an old story of Valyrian armies, but could not remember. But she wondered if they could use that later on. After attacking the Ironborn ships and quickly attacking the scouts on the ground, Rhaenyra returned back to camp. Her two dragons follow after a few more swipes of flames. Descending upon the deer herds that were kept there by Rickard's men, the dragons enjoyed it which meant they did not need to hunt, though Rhaenyra did not like that part. The men claimed they did not mind, knowing the dragons would not go far from their mother with an enemy so close.

Rhaenyra sighed as she entered the tent, face covered in ash from her dragon's fire while her hair also suffered a bit. Braided and pinned to be safe from dragonfire.

"Seven Hells," Jaime laughed softly with some men who chuckled before apologizing as she grinned.

"It's fine, I feel like a child playing in the mines." She showed her soot covered clothes as many chuckled before she joined. Roslin appeared with a wet cloth and helped her clean everything off.

"Consequences of dragon riding one can assume," Smalljon laughed with Althestan who grinned.

"Your turns are getting better, Your Grace," Rickard offered in praise to his queen. Offering her a cup of ale his servant had poured for them.

"She's refusing to allow me to be anywhere where I could be exposed to the back. Makes it hard when she can only bank certain ways," Rhaenyra said as he nodded.

"It will take time, Your Grace," Ser Barristan defended, knowing she wished her dragons would learn quicker and be of more help to the army.

"Lord Karstark," Rhaenyra started as her lord perked up while they started to eat once she entered. "I overhear you have a daughter, Alys?" she questioned as he agreed.

"Yes, Your Grace. Would you like her for a lady-in-waiting? She does not have the formal training," he offered.

"I was actually going to see if she and Arya got on better. They are of similar ages, I believe. Hopefully, to give Arya a female companion to counteract the male ones she has had for these last few months," Rhaenyra commented, resting her hand on her growing stomach, as he nodded.

"My Alys would do wonders for her, I have heard of the sisters' temperaments, Alys is, I feel, a mix between them," he claimed while she nodded.

"Catelyn would certainly enjoy that. To help make Arya ladylike, though, I truly doubt we will ever win," she winced as many laughed while joining in agreeing.

"Some girls are just wild. If that will not offend, Your Grace," Althestan quickly corrected himself in worry of upsetting the young queen who grinned.

"Arya prefers chainmail to dresses, sword to needlework. Her small sword, in fact, is called…. Needle," she giggled as the men laughed, some clapping at the girl's humor.

"There, she has her own needle!" Rickard joined. "If the young princess wishes to fight instead of being a lady then she should. You, Your Grace, are allowing girls to be of help and to fight for what is their own," Rickard complimented as Rhaenyra smiled to him softly.

"I, thank you, for the compliment, My Lord. I know I am not a warrior like my ancestor, Visenya," she spoke while Jaime paused while eating.

"But you are learning to use your dragons, as many have told you, Your Grace. Let them be your swords when you need it," he urged as some agreed, finding the comment true.

"And you will never be alone or undefended," Dacey claimed, she was Rhaenrya's true advocate and protector that was not related to her.

"Aye, that I agree on, every time I turn some place, there is always someone standing there," Rhaenyra joked as the counsel continued their laughter before Althelstan stopped and looked sideways a moment with a frown as he grabbed his weapon, bolting out.

"Althelstan?" Ser Barristan called out as he came out. A startled shout before a body fell to the ground startling everyone as Rhaenyra, who had come out with the other men, jumped and was pulled back by the lords, pulling their swords.

"An Ironborn scout. Your dragon caught him," Raynor claimed as he returned, wiping his sword off. He had led a scouting party around Deepwood Motte to prevent the Ironborn from going too far from the castle. Rhaenyra's dragons ensured they did not go far, burning men who attempted to forge or scout against the Targaryen queen.

"It's a miracle he's alive," Rhaenyra surmised, curious about her dragon's choice.

"Does she kill them all?" Athelstan questioned, trying to get as much info about these creatures as possible.

"Normally they do," Rhaenyra confirmed as the Greyjoy whimpered from realizing how close to death he was, possibly still could be. "Question him. Find out all you can," she ordered as Athelstan nodded and ordered his men to do the deed as some chuckled.

"Aye, Your Grace," one of Athelstan's men agreed as he hoisted the boy up.

"Sihtric! Do not kill him!" Athelstan ordered, racing to the tent the Ironborn was dragged to.

"Are you sure that is wise, Your Grace? They have not tortured our own. We should not give them a reason to do so," Dacey claimed as Rhaenyra looked at her.

"As far as they are aware is that my dragons have plucked her men from the ground by now, none ever return," Rhaenyra spoke. "Besides, they have held Deepwood Motte too long as it is," Rhaenyra claimed while a few agreed. Ser Barristan looked to Jaime who swallowed, eyeing Rhaenyra as he was searching for signs of her abusing the power of her dragons, but he had not seen any signs. He saw the signs of a Queen desperate to protect her people.

"Tomorrow, we will send a missive. Ending this once and for all. They can only hold Deepwood Motte so long. Most supplies were sent a head to Winterfell, so we know they are getting low," Rickard demanded as Rhaenyra agreed as she closed her eyes, wishing this would not end with Deepwood Motte burning as a consequence.

XXXIII

(Winterfell)

"Bran, you need to go," Jojen was talking with Bran while Meera distracted his family. Shireen had taken to following Maester Luwin like a bird and as an extension, his brother did the same. "While everyone is distracted and you can get out with Summer helping," Jojen urged. "Your dreams will not stop until you do something about it. You need to master this ability to help your family, to help the dragon queens' win. They are the key to the war ending!" Jojen defended his words as Bran looked down. Summer whined softly and pawed him, as though urging him to agree.

"Maester Luwin said it would be impossible for him to be a Targaryen," Bran defended. "I should stay here and help stop the Ironborn-"

"That is why the northern clans were summoned. You need to do this, Bran. To help and prove he is not a Targaryen," Jojen claimed while Bran looked at the attacking Ironborn who were attempting to get through their walls while the northern clans attacked from behind. "Now. We need to leave now," Jojen claimed while pulling his friend as Bran followed. Summer led them through the Keep as Meera suddenly joined them with sacks ready.

"Did you plan this?" Bran asked as she offered his cane to him, knowing this might slow him down though.

"I had a feeling," Jojen smiled before walking with Summer leading. "There are three horses tied together so we can leave. There is a small crevice-"

"Rhaenyra had it filled when the dragons were born," Bran deflected as Meera grinned.

"Not very solid. We could sneak out and take you to the Three-Eyed Raven," she claimed while Bran smiled before nodding as he looked at the letter he left. Praying they understood.

"Come on," he urged the siblings who snuck out. The four were mindful as Summer growled softly when he heard something. Bran worried before spying a crazy-looking man who hummed as he eyed the Prince and his companions.

"A little princeling and his pup. On their way north?" he mused, eyeing their heavy furs Rhaenyra had in her and Robb's chambers.

"How-" Meera was cut off by another voice.

"Wolland, did you-" a dark haired man froze as he looked back and forth between the wolf and the Stark boy. "Your Highness," the blue-eyed sea-fearer greeted, bowing softly. "My name is Sigtryggr and this is Wolland, he is a close friend to my father but also one of the best boat builders," Sigtryggr greeted as Summer growled warningly as he smiled. "Gorgegous boy," Sigtryggr praised, kneeling to the male wolf who huffed at the northern man. "Why are you out of the castle walls, Your Highness?" Sigtryggr asked, worried as Bran frowned. "You are meant to be safe with your brother and Maester Luwin. My father sent word that two of my brothers and I were coming to help relieve the guards," he said as he passed Bran the letter and sigil he carried. Most of his family were known to lords of the North because his father ruled their island and his children and wives were his voice and messengers, he trusted very few with his letters and important trades.

"I have been having dreams for over a year now about a three-eyed raven," Bran claimed. But he saw their faces, Sigtryggr looked at Wolland who tilted his head softly. Bran knew those on Skagos and islands closer to the Wall and the Free Folk were just like him and the Stark children who had a bond to an animal.

"And you two? From your features, I would say you must be from the Neck, yes?" Sigtryggr asked, he wanted to know who was with their prince and if they were going North, the young warrior knew this would cost him dearly should their Wolf King and Dragon Queen find out and become angry about it.

"I see that it is my mission to take Bran to the Three-Eyed Crow, and Meera is here to defend us both," Jojen spoke while the other two looked to them before looking to Summer as the wolf huffed.

"Something is happening and I need to go north to understand it, to see things," he said as Sigtryggr sighed, lowering his head as he thought.

"Very well, Your Highness," he agreed. Praying this did not come back to bite them in the ass.

"You can sneak your men through a crevice in the northern wall where an old oak tree sits," Bran told Sigtryggr who nodded as Wolland came closer and offered his necklace to Bran.

"Tell Ol' Bloody, I miss him. And Wolland returns this," the man giggled while Bran smiled.

"We will, thank you for your aid," Bran bowed as the man nodded and allowed the trio of humans to leave for the Wall. Wishing them luck and praying to the Old Gods they survived and returned.

XXXIII

End of the chapter! Sorry the end was probably not the best, I might come back and change it. But I did not know how to send Bran North so I thought about doing this. Please read and review!

Poll Results: (both sites the story is posted on)

Aemon: 5

Jaehaerys: 3

~Rusty14~