DISCLAIMER: Chapter one.
Chapter rating: T
NicoleR85: Yep, Dany was my favorite before they changed her. I hope you all like her in this one~
Guest: I know, I can't wait to do his reaction either! I feel like he'd be startled and slightly alarmed at seeing a dragon.
Jctherebel: Glad you liked it! Please enjoy the next one~
Vcf (Guest): Here we go. Hope you like it!
Chapter Thirty-Five: XXXV - The Dragon Tightens her Grip
(Winterfell)
"You allowed Bran to leave Winterfell? Because of his dreams?" Rhaenyra asked, sitting in the main chair of the Stark Keep. She had noticed how they changed the 'throne room' "He has had those dreams since he woke up." Her voice was sharp and cold. Showing the northern queen she truly was, sitting there in her fur, crown set properly with Shaggydog at her feet, his jet black fur with bright green eyes unnerving as he stared men down growling when one shifted too soon or quickly for his liking.
"Your Grace-"
"I charged you with taking care of the Princes and I returned to find one missing with his wolf and two other noble children. Children of a man who is with our King right now," Rhaenyra claimed, she assumed Howland made it to Robb she worried about telling him his children were missing with one of the Princes. "How could three children and a direwolf escape your knowledge?" Rhaenyra asked, wanting to know.
"Your Grace, there is no excuse for our neglect in securing the Prince's safety but the safety of Winterfell-"
"The safety of the royal family is more important," Rhaenyra snarled, she stood as everyone did the same, her remaining guards tensed as Rhaenyra sighed. "Who was the last to see them?" She asked as Sigtryggr approached.
"I did, Your Grace. Your brother was the one who told my companions how to get in when we noticed deserted Boltons around the walls. We saw Bran come out and I will admit, his wolf is what stopped me from trying to keep him here," Sigtryggr commented as Rhaenyra held in a growl.
"A wolf that could've been overpowered and easily restrained by the number of your men?" she asked as he chuckled.
"We have direwolves on Skagos as well, Your Grace. Believe me, there are no easy feet to control and keep others safe. These wolves will grow bigger, wilder just like your dragons will, you cannot tame wild beasts, no matter how you raise them," Sigtryggr warned as many murmured to each other.
"The Stark Kings and Lords had direwolves as their companions, bred them for their families," Rhaenyra said as she looked him up and down as he grinned.
"That is true. Though what they did, as with the secrets your ancestors from the East carried about dragon riding and breeding, are long lost. So we must do what we can to adapt and create our own training," Sigtryggr commented, Rhaenyra chuckled softly. It surprised some as Sigtryggr backed up, worried he might have upset the queen but she waved him off.
"Do not worry. I am not angry. I am actually heading to the Wall myself. You say they are heading there? To pass the Wall?" Rhaenyra asked, making sure a letter would be sent for the Lord Commander or Jon.
"Aye, Your Grace. I know the man he is to see," Wolland spoke as he knelt to Shaggydog. The direwolf raised his lips in warning to the boat-maker who grinned in delight at the male wolf's attitude.
"Then I will no doubt, hopefully, catch up to them," Rhaenyra said as Maester Luwin approached quickly.
"Your Grace, I beg you. You are near the end of your pregnancy! You must remain here to have a successful birth, the dragons are tired from the long journey surely. They are still young, the summer snows that will be coming will not allow their wings to fly properly, you must know this-"
"If you are about to compare my dragons to your ravens, Maester Luwin. I can guarantee they are different, dragons are stronger, heavier against the snow and winds, I've seen it while held at Deepwood Motte. Once snow started to fall some of the ravens, who flew before being devoured, couldn't handle the harsh winds we received. But the girls could, I will rest as much as possible but they are faster to the Wall and back. There is something I must tell Jon, he needs to know information about himself that will change everything that we know," Rhaenyra said as Maester Luwin frowned.
"If it is about the boy in the East-"
"No, forgive me, Maester Luwin. It is not that," Rhaenyra told him quickly with a soft tone as he nodded.
"Very well, Your Grace. If you are so insistent on leaving, I will check you for health and our saddlers will examine your saddle, to ensure everything is properly placed and your saddle is not frayed from the fighting you have been doing. And yes, I do know about that," he frowned as she smiled softly.
"Of course, Maester Luwin," she agreed before Shireen embraced her, the girl had been clingy with Rickon since her return to Winterfell and her growing stomach made both follow her like loyal pups. Rickon holding Shireen's hand as she held onto the Queen's skirt or hand. It made Rhaenyra happy to see them bonding and becoming quick friends. But the fear of war and knowing that was what made the two find comfort in one another.
Rhaenyra made her way into the maester's chambers as she ordered the two to sit away from her around a curtain so Maester Luwin could tend to her. As he began to check everything and soon claimed her to be around her seventh month, he tried once more to convince her to remain in Winterfell for the duration but was denied by the stubborn queen.
"From what everyone calculates it is less than a day's flight to the Wall," Rhaenyra said as Maester Luwin sighed. "And I need to tell you the reason I am heading to Jon." She said before calling the children around. "I need you both to go watch over my dragons, they are possibly outside the walls," Rhaenyra ordered the two who nodded and bolted off.
"What is it, Your Grace?" Maester Luwin asked as Rhaenyra sighed.
"I found out something. Handwriting that was confirmed to be by my brother and his wife's hands, claims Jon is my nephew. Named Aemon Targaryen. Rhaegar, no doubt, named him after our great-uncle." Rhaenyra saw the shock in the northern maester's eyes. "He hid Jon from Robert," Rhaenyra said, tears in her eyes.
"If the King had learned of Jon's existence. Everyone would have been in danger," Maester Luwin said, knowing if Ned knowingly hid the Targaryen babe that came from Rhaegar, Robert would have seen it as treason. He allowed Ned to slide by with Rhaenyra being a daughter but a son, a legitimate son, would cause a problem. "Should you not consult the King first?" Maester Luwin asked.
"Robb has been told. But I am not allowing further time to pass and allow the Lannisters more room. Already Tywin Lannister is attempting to persuade lower sons of northern lords to go against their kin," Rhaenyra said as Maester Luwin scoffed softly.
"Northern loyalty is better than most," he said before she stopped him.
"Arnolf Karstark," Rhaenyra spoke as her Maester froze.
"A Karstark cousin. With three sons and a daughter in line before they can hold the title," Maester Luwin said with a sigh.
"I have also asked Alys to be Arya's lady-in-waiting, is she here or still within Karhold?" Rhaenyra worried the girl was still back at her home.
"No, she is here. Princess Shireen has become close friends with some other noble girls. Alys Karstark is one of them," Maester Luwin told her, offering her a cup of water. "And a fine choice, Your Grace. The girl would make a fine addition," Maester Luwin smiled as he made a small list.
"And would you compile a list of all the northern girls and I will gather a list of girls from the Riverlands so we can disperse them among the Princesses and myself along with any future ladies for the children we will have," Rhaenyra commented as Maester Luwin agreed.
"As Princess Shireen will have a list of her own," Maester Luwin spoke, Rhaenyra nodded while thinking of everything.
"Your Grace," Valaena sighed, quite tired. "I finally found you," she grinned as Rhaenyra chuckled.
"And you will be very unhappy in a few moments, Val," Rhaenyra said as her maid lost her smile.
"Where are you going?" she demanded.
"To the Wall," Rhaenyra said to her horrified maid's face.
XXXV
(Robb)
Robb grinned as he received word from the maester present that Deepwood Motte was now back in the North's hands, the Ironborn were defeated and Yara was now a prisoner to Rhaenyra. Theon had looked relieved at hearing his sister's capture, meaning she was still alive.
"Her Grace has prevailed and now has returned to Winterfell to no doubt regroup and rest before returning," the maester claimed as another laughed.
"Our Dragon Queen truly is a northern child. Loyal and a fighter like most," he complimented as others joined.
"As I tell this, My Lords. There is something private we must discuss," the healer said as Robb frowned.
"Leave," he ordered as his men agreed. Once they left Robb eyed the Maester sharply. "Explain," he demanded to the man's nod.
"The Queen has learned that a boy named Ramsay Snow, the bastard of Roose Bolton. He has comitted treason by acting as the Ironborn attacking Winterfell," the maester said to Robb's anger.
"What?!" he roared as Grey Wind snarled, Robb's anger causing the wolf to mirror it.
"Your allied forces, Finan's nephew, I believe. He had won against the Snow boy, with Yara Greyjoy captured. All that is left is patches of Ironborn still here and there, rest assured, not enough to cause damage to your reign. But it would seem that the Ironborn that were originally heading to Winterfell to attack it must have been attacked themselves, the Bolton bastard took their clothing and weapons. But your allies have proven their strength in protecting Winterfell by decapitating the boy and ensuring it is well protected," the old man spoke, truly fearful as Robb growled and marched out as his mother jumped.
"Lord Bolton!" Robb called his tone cold and sharp. His men became nervous realizing something happened that Roose Bolton was a part of. His Hand in question froze and worried something had upset his King and suddenly realized who could have caused his King distress and linked to the Bolton family and cursed under his breath.
"Your Grace," Roose quickly bowed. "May I ask what is wrong?" he questioned.
"I just received some interesting news, about your bastard," Robb growled as Roose froze and closed his eyes softly.
"Your Grace. I assure you whatever plot my bastard had. I had no part in it. The last I told him was to remain at the Dreadfoot, many of my people had already gone to Winterfell when I went to join you," Roose knew any type of treason from even bastards could cause a lord their position with their kings. And Robb was on lockdown with his brothers having been there and his pregnant wife in the North fighting as well.
"Then you should be pleased to know. Your bastard is now headless, our allies took it upon themselves to rid the men they saw dressed in Ironborn clothing. He had obviously rallied men to his side to attack Winterfell. Those that survived were executed on my wife's orders," he said as Roose nodded.
"As they should, Your Grace. They were traitors. The Princes, are they well?" Roose asked cautiously.
"Aye, they are." Robb eyed his Hand before nodding as the men bowed and quickly dismissed themselves as Oberyn came closer.
"Good he shows no care for his bastard, unlike me," he smiled as Robb sighed.
"I heard the stories of the Bolton Bastard," Robb said. "I know how he came to be and made sure Lord Bolton kept his son at the Dreadfort." Robb did not feel comfortable about the wild boy being in his ancestral home where his younger brothers were and his people who were not fighters and defenseless against an attack.
"Well, now he is gone," Oberyn spoke as Robb looked at the map while picking up the dragon statue that represented Rhaenyra. Moving her to Winterfell with the rest of the men as Oberyn removed the Greyjoy sigils from Deepwood Motte. "And you are once again in full control of the North," he grinned while Robb smiled sadly.
"I wish she was here," Robb said, Oberyn understood the young king's pain. He felt it when separated from his paramour who now travels with him. But he also knew the Stark King was determined to destroy as much of Tywin's control as he could.
"Once we make a big enough mark on Lannister land, you can return to your wife," Oberyn reassured the younger who nodded while still looking at the Wall. "What is it? You haven't looked away from this wall in some time?" Oberyn questioned, curious about it.
"I keep having this strange dream of a wolf that looks similar to my brother's direwolf, Summer. But I keep seeing him in nothing but snow, dead trees, ice covering everything and then I hear this bird and I wake up, facing Grey Wind," Robb said, motioning to his wolf who sat there, eyeing him the entire time.
"How long have you had these dreams?" Oberyn asked quickly. Starks and Targaryens were dreamers by their blood, so if Robb's dreams mean anything then they would be important.
"A week, maybe. At first, I could not understand what it was until I realized it was north of the Wall. But why would I be dreaming of Summer past the wall? He never leaves Bran," Robb frowned while Oberyn joined, both leaned against a table while thinking.
"Could your brother possibly go past the Wall?" Oberyn asked.
"No. He is barely one and ten, he walks with a cane, and has never been past the forests around Winterfell," Robb said while Oberyn shrugged.
"Doesn't mean he couldn't. He is a Prince now, maybe he might have used his new power to make someone take him?" Oberyn commented.
"That sounds more like Rickon than Bran, he's more level-headed than the rest of us," Robb laughed, Oberyn smiled seeing the affection the younger man had for his brother.
"But if he was driven by dreams like most of your families, then he might just leave," Oberyn offered before standing as he softly patted the King's shoulder and left. Robb sat there a few more moments before going back to his tent to write his wife a letter asking about the boys.
"Your Grace," a young woman's voice made him pause as he almost entered. He looked to see a young woman with curly chestnut hair, a heart-shaped face, and doe-like soft brown eyes. Robb eyed her as she offered a shy smile while shifting on her feet.
"Aye?" Robb questioned, brow lifting as she gave a soft 'oh' before curtsying, low, obviously trying to appease Robb's attention to her chest. Robb knew instantly she was a Westerling girl, he never saw her before and knew the lord had requested his family to be brought along. "What is it?" he asked, wanting to return to his tent so he could send his letter.
"I was just wondering if I might accompany you in the absence of your wife-"
"Lady Westerling, stop. I do not have any need for a paramour as Prince Oberyn has. I am loyal to my wife and require no company of any kind, aside from those of my kin and countrymen," Robb growled before making a motion for her to be sent away. His guards did so quickly but Jeyne frowned and sighed. "Ensure no Westerling tries that again," he warned as the man nodded.
"Your Grace," he confirmed. Robb had entered as he pet Grey Wind who had returned to his tent ahead of him.
"There are times where I wish I could have sent you to aid my wife in her need," Robb wished, petting his companion who whined and nudged his knee.
The direwolf did not like being away from his pregnant mistress, knowing her pups were due soon and would usually pace when not hunting or raiding camps along the Westlands. Grey Wind was unhappy about being around strangers and the strange women that joined their camp recently makes his hackles rise everytime one trails too close. The wolf would figure a way to reunite with his master's mate once more and keep her safe.
XXXV
(Rhaenyra)
"Your Grace," Valaena greeted as she glared at Rhaenyra as Ser Rodrik followed. Having been given orders to once again takes care of everything but to ensure everyone is doing what they can to help Winterfell be fixed.
"Can you stop glaring? Please? I am already nervous about flying on my own," Rhaenyra said while Valaena looked down.
"I just worry for you. You will be on your own," Valaena told her as Rhaenyra smiled.
"I'll be safe, I promise. And I will only be there to deliver the news to Jon and see if I can make a deal, it is also why I sent Ser Barristan to Robb with the same deal I plan to offer Jon and Dany," Rhaenyra said as Valaena frowned.
"I still think you should wait for the King's response," Valaena told her, offering the leather coat for her. It would be better than a fur cloak that would soak up the mist and snow she'd fly through.
"I can't. Robb will hopefully understand. But I need to one-up Tywin. And if getting ahead of this secret by revealing it to Jon and soon enough Dany then so be it," Rhaenyra said as Valaena sighed before agreeing.
"Fine but hurry. And be careful!" Valaena demanded as her queen smiled.
"Of course," Rhaenyra promised before calling Rhaella to lower more to make it easier for her rider. Crooning to her, Rhaella trilled before pushing up and flapped her wings, gaining better momentum as she had better room and stronger winds to carry her. Rhaella shrieked as she flew around Winterfell, it seemed to make the people cheer as Rhaenyra smiled, seeing the people be happy at her being in Winterfell. Ignoring the small longing feeling she pulled Rhaella's reins to fly over the wall as Rhaenys and Alysanne followed after flying around with her. Baela smiled as she watched them fly before feeling her father touch her arm in greeting as she beamed before they looked back, watching the dragons fly off to the Wall.
"Should I worry about you climbing on one of their backs one of these days?" Jaime asked as she chuckled.
"Seven Hells. I'd have to be drunk or stupid to attempt mounting one of them," Baela said.
"It is in your right as a Valyrian child. Bastard or not, Velaryon or not," Jaime told his daughter as Baela grinned.
"I heard you have Baratheon in your blood, Father. So it could come from that too," Baela claimed as Jaime hummed softly. "Your grandmother through Lady Joanna, her grandmother was a Baratheon, mother taught me a bit about those that were related to the Baratheons and Targaryens, to know who is an ally and who is not," Baela said as Jaime listened. "Mother taught me so that I may protect our Queen," Baela finished.
"It is a good choice. And I know your mother has said to stay away from the dragons but if you wish to try then try. Just do it when your mother will not be near, please," Jaime requested as she giggled.
"I promise Father," Baela swore as Jaime nodded before walking off as Baela looked back at the dragons as they disappeared, Rhaenyra was going off to try and gain the Wall's support and should any Lannister allies end up there be loyal to Rhaenyra if they are a spy. She smiled and decided to help, if what Sigtryggr said was true, than those dragons will eventually grow minds of their own and soon break away, the last thing they need is for the two riderless dragons to fly off when they need them most or say turn on some men when they might not realize who is an ally. So Baela decided to hatch a plan to bond with a dragon, doing what her father suggested and ensured that no one would know, especially her mother.
XXXV
Rhaenyra flew well and ensured she was always looking for her other dragons, Rhaella was quick she noted. Alysanne enjoyed banking and turning on higher winds while Rhaenys flew calmly at a normal pace or attitude. Alysanne enjoyed her flights while Rhaella pushed through, she enjoyed the rush. Rhaenys was perfectly fine at a leisure pace, only rushing when in battle.
Rhaenyra enjoyed watching their patterns grow, she enjoyed the cold air as she flew. Rhaella enjoyed it too as her rider would pet her, stroking her warm scales while the dragon trilled. Rhaenyra felt the flutter in her belly, she smiled, assuming her child enjoyed the feeling of being in the sky. It made her proud that her child might be interested in flying one day, she knew dragons lived for centuries if they were able to and prayed that one day when she lives her life and if no eggs were born or found and hatched, she prayed that her grandchild or great-grandchild would mount her dragon, or one of her children once they are much older and she had passed on. But Rhaenyra prayed truly for more dragon hatchlings; she wished that dragons will one day rule the skies once more. No matter what. So, Rhaenyra held on tightly as she felt the wind whip her face as she flew over the snow-covered trees and ground, many farmers and travelers pointed her dragons out when they flew overhead. Many marveled at their size and the fact that it was their queen who flew them.
Rhaenyra understood how once could spend hours on dragonback and even fly for hours and it would not truly feel so long, but she knew as the sun shifted in the sky over them of the time change. Rhaenyra truly wished they survived this, she wished to do this for the rest of her life and hoped her children got the chance to as well. Praying to the gods that she had a chance, she hoped they could.
XXXV
(Robb)
Robb sighed as he read another letter from his wife as he frowned. A noise from Grey Wind who faced the opening with a small growl before Finan entered.
"A man named Ser Barristan has returned with another man," he spoke as Robb stood with a frown.
"Where is Roose Bolton?" Robb asked, normally it was his hand alerting him of things.
"Talking with them. He is asking why the knight is not with the queen," Finan commented while Robb nodded, hurrying to his wife's knight and his father's close friend.
"Ser Barristan? Why have you returned?" Robb did not like that a trusted knight had left his wife to be left with others.
"I came to deliver news to you when I heard Lord Howland Reed has not reached you yet," Ser Barristan claimed while Robb frowned.
"Why?" the king asked, confused.
"Because it concerns your half-brother, Jon Snow, Your Grace," Ser Barristan said. Howland Reed quickly gave over the papers he had been carrying and Robb also took the rolled parchment from Ser Barristan. "This is from the Queen, after she took Deepwood Motte," Ser Barristan claimed as Robb nodded.
"I will read everything carefully, sit and rest, it will ease your bones," he urged as the men nodded while Finan introduced himself to Ser Barristan who became intrigued by the northern man. Robb sat in his tent while reading the letter from his wife first, missing her deeply.
'My Love, how I miss you. And I swear I will not fall pregnant until this one is walking because I am tired of our child using my organs as a ball.' Robb smiled at her words and remembered the small moments he spent with her as she disliked how her bladder was used by the child as a kickball. "I miss waking up in your arms, I am so sorry that I am taking longer to return but I need to tell Jon. I have a plan but I need to let him know the truth. Read these letters and talk to Ser Barristan to learn the same as I have. He has confirmed the letters Howland Reed carries, and you must have Prince Oberyn present too, for they concern his sister. I love you and pray for your success wherever you are, my sweet husband. Your Dragon Queen, Rhae." Robb sighed, swallowing his sadness about his wife not being present and how her pregnancy was nearing its end by now. But quickly he took to reading the letters from his wife before staring in shock at what they carried. He looked through them rapidly before rereading some and became stunned at reading a letter in his father's hand.
"My Sweet Sister has died this day, leaving a newborn boy as Rhaegar's heir after his poor children. She wants his name to be Aemon Targaryen, after her husband's great-uncle and the Dragon-knight the maester was named after too. It was her final wish for me to help raise her son and ensure Robert did not know. So I will claim him as my bastard, Jon Snow. He will be degraded this I know, but I pray that this will protect him. 'Promise me, Ned. Promise me,' is all I can think about from her. In the hand of Lord Eddard Stark, Warden of the North." Robb froze at his father's words, recognizing the handwriting. And soon, Robb read through the letters of Rhaegar and Elia, many were missing and some were obviously days between one another. But one from Elia herself claimed her fear of Lyanna's death, the devestation it will bring through both her and Rhaegar but also the split it will cause in their hope for a truly unified Westeros. Rhaegar had hoped that a Dornish and a Northern wife would help him in bringing true harmony and peace among the people. Robb read the sadness Rhaegar wrote as he had to leave her and did not want her to be alone. Elia and her children were originally meant to be with her, he had planned for Varys to smuggle them out and get them to the Tower of Joy in Dorne where Lyanna resided. Elia's letters talk about the 'three-headed dragon' she studied and worked hard to help find the solution to a future problem.
A Prince that was Promised. The three assumed it would be Rhaegar's son Aegon or the newborn babe they prayed was a boy. But something in Robb dug into his mind about that phrasing. He quickly dropped it before reading more. The more he read he felt a slight anger about his father hiding this from all of them and making his brother- no cousin, feel less. He bit his tone and stood, he left and called the Dornish prince to him to show him information that would either enrage him or give him peace that his sister chose this too. There were some letters to and from Elia to Lyanna, worrying about her pregnancy, Lyanna had sweet called Elia a nervous mother bear who huddles her loves close and tightly. But Elia had retorted that she was a snake, and coiled her loved ones tightly to where they could not leave her side. It had warmed Robb to see the women cared for one another, having read the pain in Lyanna's last letter in learning of Elia's death and inquired about the children but the letter was never finished, Robb wondered if his aunt went into labor around this time, wondering if like Rhaenyra's namesake went into labor hearing of her father's death and brother usurping the throne, hearing the loss of her loves caused her to go into labor before she was due.
"Your Grace? What is it?" Oberyn asked curiously. Smiling at seeing the young king exit his tent, normally he sits in the tent and mourns his wife's warmth and company.
"I have been delivered papers. Papers that contain information that might explain a few things," Robb said as Oberyn frowned before shrugging softly as he was given some. Robb had organized everything by the information in them. He was happy most of them were from Elia who was desperate for information about Lyanna's health and the babe. Oberyn's face said it all, the prince felt rage at the secret and cause of the destruction of such a powerful house and alliance.
"She knew? My sister knew he was going to do this?" Oberyn asked quietly.
"She planned this with him. Your sister helped plan my aunt's departure from the Riverlands. He never kidnapped her," Robb said as Oberyn continued reading.
"They cared for one another," the prince spoke softly. His face was soft and confused before he continued to read.
"There are many letters missing in between these," Oberyn commented before Howland Reed approached. Bowing to his King and the Dornish prince.
"Prince Oberyn, these were the handful of letters not burned by the handmaidens' assigned to protect and look after Lyanna during her confinement. Ned tried to find them all but this seemed to be what was left when he stormed the tower. The girls had given him the remnants of those that gave little information except how Lyanna was and how her pregnancy progressed or if Elia was able to find out more on the prophecies.
"What prophecy does she speak of?" Catelyn asked confused, head and heart aching for answers her husband could have provided.
"A Song of Ice and Fire," Robb claimed. "Rhae and Father both assumed it meant our marriage, a Stark boy and a Targaryen girl. Ice and Fire. But I wonder if it meant Jon, a child truly of both," Robb suggested as Ser Barristan listened.
"Your wife's brother was obsessed with songs and prophecies," the knight reasoned.
"As most are in the Dragon family. But it was dreams and prophecies that allowed them to survive the Doom and bring dragons to Westeros and finally unite our warring Kingdoms," Theon spoke up, he was as close to a brother to the Stark cousins and Targaryen woman.
"If so, Jon has a better claim to the throne than either girls or even Renly Baratheon," Catelyn realized. Jon was the legitimate child of Rhaegar Targaryen and Lyanna Stark. "What was his name?" Catelyn questioned softly.
"Aemon Targaryen, for their great-uncle and the Dragon-knight Aemon, brother to Aegon V," Robb recited his teachings as Oberyn smiled softly to the young king's knowledge to his wife's family.
"Also, Aegon the Unworthy," Oberyn jeered to the horrible king as they all grinned or snorted in amusement. Robb suddenly realized a small hint of a gateway to put the thought in. But waited a bit to find a perfect way to bring Oberyn in on discrediting this Aegon or Young Griff, as Roose's eastern contacts learned. But there was an anomaly to his history and the support he was given. Robb had told him to learn quickly, they needed to know as much as possible to keep him from being a weapon against them.
"A good thing all male Blackfyre descendants are dead. Gods know how many others might be out there with no name," Theon commented his own thoughts while others agreed.
"They are not legitimate, no matter their line. The Baratheons have a better chance than those fools," Oberyn scoffed. Even he would not defend a bastard line, one without dragons too.
XXXV
(The Wall)
Jon paced back and forth while debating about the conversation he had with the Lord Commander before Ghost shot up and bore his fangs at the sky growling and snarling, Jon, not understanding shot outside. He felt nothing but the wind as snow picked up, he pulled his cloak closer while looking around as his Lord Commander and the men joined who noticed the sudden shift in winds. And Jon heard them first, then spotted them. Shrieks suddenly defened him as they fly over him, three large reptile-like beasts, flying around the Wall, roaring and shrieking as they spanned the Wall a bit. Many shouted and pointed as the dragons continued to circle the top. Shrieking and roaring as the red one with their Queen seemed to look for a spot to land on the Wall itself.
"Back up!" Jon and Mormont shouted, seeing the she-dragon's reluctance to land with people nearby.
Rhaella seemed to understand as she landed quickly, but carefully. Clinging to the ice severely with her talons and claws to ensure she didn't slide. Jon actually noticed steam coming from the ice but not a lot.
"Gods be good," Jeor Mormont whispered as he carefully approached. Rhaella's growl made him stop, flashing her teeth and frills before she crooned to her mother, allowing her off first but did not leave like Rhaenyra wished she would. Rhaella showed her sharp teeth to the men once more at those who had gathered, some gasped softly in surprise.
"Jikagon," Go. Rhaenyra ordered as her dragon did as ordered with a final growl. Leaping up and down the Wall before catching current as she flapped, rejoining her sisters as Baela still remained on her dragon's back.
"Your Grace, Queen Rhaenyra," Jeor Mormont greeted, kneeling as he barked all his men to do so. Jon had already knelt to Rhaenyra before embracing her as she held him close.
"Dragons. As if direwolves were not deadly enough for the Northern kingdoms," Jon laughed as Rhaenyra grinned.
"Not like I intentionally brought them back," Rhaenyra said as she greeted Jeor Mormont happily.
"Your Grace," he greeted. "You truly do look like a northern queen," he praised as she blushed softly.
"I assure you, Lord Commander. It is only because I was raised here," Rhaenyra told him as he nodded.
"Aye. Something that your ancestors should have done. Maybe they'd be powerful still and not reliant on you and your sister," Jeor spoke as she nodded.
"I actually need to talk to you about that," Rhaenyra said as he frowned before nodding. "Jon, you too," Rhaenyra ordered as Jon nodded.
"What could I do?" he asked as she smiled.
"It's more like, I need to tell you something. And you need to be alone to hear it," Rhaenyra commented, wincing at the wording as Jon chuckled.
"Alright you. Come on," he urged as the Lord Commander ushered them into his office. They entered as a man ran off to let the maester know his niece had arrived, though how the old man missed the dragon sounds would be a miracle and a marval.
"What is it that you needed to fly here, Your Grace. Surely, your dragons were still a bit young to force them to fly a great length the older dragons flew," Jeor Mormont scolded the young queen softly. Though Rhaenrya knew it was not a negative meaning, it was to take care of the creatures who would no doubt be a bit snippy with her on the way back and take their time.
"Believe me, I would be caring and gentle with them if that is what it took for them to be reared. But dragons are aggressive, more aggressive than the direwolves. I use whips on these creatures to control and even then it is a struggle. I need them to be my war beasts until this is over with," Rhaenyra told him, showing the unyielding demand she has for her dragons. If they wish to be a part of this then she will be hard and train them harshly. "But that is not why I am here, though I am glad my dragons proved their strength to get me here. I have news to deliver to you, Jon. You must read this and read this all. These are copies as the originals are with Robb and Oberyn, to show the prince proof of what you will need to read, though Ser Barristan has confirmed the handwriting of the senders, you will need to read everything to fully understand," Rhaenyra said as she held the packet to her nephew who eyed her in confusion.
"Rhae, what is it?" Jon asked, dropping the honorifics as she would not care.
"Something that will finally make sense and will fit many pieces into your life and help you understand what to do next," Rhaenyra said before bowing her head to the Lord Commander as he did the same. "My uncle?" she asked as he guided her out, knowing Jon will share with him when he is done reading as the younger crow makes his way back to his room with Ghost who whined, smelling the dragons and not understanding. "I hear you are having a problem with Mance? I believe that was the name I overheard my husband talking about with his lords when they were discussing their war tactics," Rhaenyra spoke to the Lord Commander who nodded.
"Aye, soon they will be marching on us, they are gathered at their camp to discuss their plans," he said.
"Do you know when?" Rhaenyra asked.
"No, Your Grace." Jeor Mormont paused before looking at her as she turned with a small smile. "From what my ranger got to me before his death, they were all gathering. Some were taking weeks to months to gather in the Frostfangs, it is where their gathering all their people, but Mance is smart, if he thinks someone leaked information-"
"He could change it, I understand," Rhaenyra spoke," she said as Jeor Mormont nodded. "But if you find out, please let me know, I only pray I can be nearby enough to be of help," Rhaenyra said as he gave a small nod.
"I can understand from your wording, you wish to rejoin the King and fight. But may I please be of aid for advice?" the older lord requested as he looked to his queen. He wished to be of help to the young woman and she should stay in Winterfell to insert her rule as queen and start settling things, help set lords and ladies back into position and begin making Winterfell its center.
"Of course, Lord Commander. You are among the few people I would listen to and take advice to heart," Rhaenyra said honestly as he smiled.
"You are our Queen. I do understand you wish to rejoin the King but you must start to think about the safety and prospects of the northern kingdoms. Trade rights, resources from farmlands, mines and the Riverlands that is not burnt, marriage contracts and alliances to strengthen your family and this kingdom, resources for the Wall, your ships, and requiping your army's supplies and men," the Lord listed off as Rhaenyra took a breath and shook her head as he laughed softly. "This is also the use of a maester," the Lord Commander said.
"I will do what you suggest, but I wish to ensure Tywin Lannister pays for what he did and I wish to ensure my husband returns to me and our unborn child," Rhaenyra spoke as she looked out past the Wall. "But I do take your words to heart, Lord Commander and when you learn of the Wildlings advance, send word and I will come," Rhaenyra ordered as he nodded before she went in to see her uncle. "Uncle," she smiled softly as the old man beamed.
"I heard of your arrival. They sound big but not big enough to match the skulls I remember as a child," he teased while Sam nervously shot up and bowed with a wildling girl craddling a baby and did the same as Sam.
"Y-Your Grace. This is Gilly, s-she's a-"
"From North of the Wall, I understand. It's nice to meet you, Gilly. And this little one," the dragon queen smiled as Gilly smiled back. Rhaenyra spent the next few hours her nephew spent digesting all the information his own cousin learned weeks earlier. Rhaenyra thought of what she should do, she will return to Robb but when he get's a grip on the fight, she will return north. So that when the Wildlings attack she will be there to be of help in the North and Robb will be warring in the South for their kingdom. She prayed that she could finish this so she could return, hating just sitting idle here and doing nothing for the war. 'Please, Ned. If you can hear me, look after your son, now we know and understand your secrecy for Jon, let us hope it is not in vain,' Rhaenyra prayed as she looked over the expanse of the North wilderness and decided to help keep it under control.
XXXV
End of the chapter! Please let me know what you think! So the Lord Commander convinced the northern queen to stay in the north once she helps Robb. Rhaenyra really misses Robb and wants to be with him. She feels her dragons were meant to help him and thinks she needs to return before something happens.
But please read and review, I will try to add others in the next chapter!
~Rusty14~
