9th Moon, 62 AC
Outside Tall Trees Town, Island of Walano, the Summer Isles
The air was heavy with hot humidity, the scent of flowers and the sound of birds as the Princess Vaella laced up her boots in her tent and pulled on a light set of black chainmail over her black leather jerkin.
As always when she stepped outside of her tent, the heat seemed to completely engulf her, as if she was sticking her face in a hot oven, but she paid it little mind, she was the blood of the dragon, and her blood ran hot.
A distant bird let out a cry from the surrounding jungles while a monkey hollered somewhere above. The siege camp was not so much formed in the jungle as the jungle formed around the siege camp, with tents being placed wherever there was room for it.
Despite the rather chaotic sprawl over root and bush, Vaella had personally overseen the planning of the encampment so there was at least some semblance of order for her 1200 men, a rather stark difference from the siege camp of the 4200 Pentoshi which looked like it was constructed by the children who lived in the slums of flea bottom in King's Landing.
Above them towered the famed talking trees for which Tall Trees Town was named for, massive trees rising from the ground with the widest trunks on which the Summer Islanders recorded their history, the most precious of these were within the city walls themselves, but others on the peripheral were not so lucky and the Pentoshi had managed to fell one of them for their ramshackle siege camp.
Vaella swatted a mosquito against her cheek, shaking her hand, for years she had been yearning for an adventure, an expedition to far away lands, and now that she was finally here, she could put up with a few mosquitoes.
The journey to Tall Trees Town had been uneventful enough. It had taken over a month for the 12 galley force to sail from King's Landing to the island of Walano. Vaella, never one to sit idly by had awoken each morning at dawn and took to the skies on the back of Narrah, her red and white dragon. In theory to scout for enemies, but it was common knowledge that whatever strength at sea Tall Trees Town had once boasted had largely been destroyed by Lysene slavers the previous year. Each day Vaella would ride out for hours, searching for islands, shipwrecks or anything else of interest before reluctantly turning back to rejoin her ships, the prospect of flying over the vast open water of the Summer Sea might have terrified others, but Vaella was nothing if not bold, ignoring her captains pleas to confine herself to the areas near the ship.
The days of relative boredom had been punctuated by one small bit of excitement, just off of the windswept island of Estermont they had encountered two swan ships flying the banner of Tall Trees Town, with the unfortunate Summer Islanders not even knowing about the ongoing trade war.
There had been a few arrows fired in the confusion, and a few casualties on both sides, but Vaellas appearance on the horizon on the back of Narrah had quickly convinced the Summer Islanders that perhaps resistance was not their best course of action, and the two swan ships were both added to the royal fleet, swelling their numbers to 14 galleys, with Vaella putting the summer islanders aboard a small rowboat.
When asked where they were to go, it is said the princess responded with a rather dry ''Wherever the wind takes you….so long as it is not to my mothers kingdom'' before cutting the ropes binding them to the ship and watching the hapless sailors float away.
Everything from that point onwards had been dull, they had faced no opposition upon landing on Walano, and while her scouts reported that around 1200 Summer Islanders had formed a force two days west of Tall Trees Town, they did not seem prepared to attempt to life the siege, especially since almost 4200 Pentoshi had also landed on the island, swelling the raiding force to near 5000 men.
A shame Vaella thought to herself, she had grown up on tales of her great granddaughter Aegon the Conqueror and his sisters conquests on the backs of their dragons, and she was eager to experience battle for herself, to prove herself a true Targaryen, and as it seemed the Summer Islanders would not meet her in open battle, she would need to find other opportunities for combat.
A sudden flash of pain went through her lower body and she grimaced. It had been less than a year since she had given birth to a stillborn little daughter, a little girl with bright blue eyes. The birth had nearly killed her as well and even months later she still had bad days and felt the effects.
Not now….not today Vaella thought to herself, she would not think of her daughter…..that was the whole reason she had joined the expedition in truth….to be distracted….she needed to forget…..the princess who never was and Syaella.
The thought of her sister's name sent a different type of pain through her body, this time in her chest, Vaella quickly set to finishing with her armor and briskly walked towards her dragon Narrah, ignoring the pain in her body and mind.
The red dragon with the white horns and stripe from head to helmet was lounging below one of the massive tall trees on the outskirts of the camp, the burned carcasses of sheep and bull forming a small wall around its sleeping spot, some of them still smoldering, when it sensed her approach it gave a playful shriek, and Vaella spotted several bones stuck between its bloodied teeth, the dragon that had once belonged to her grandmother the Queen Nyel had grown to over thirty feet, in no small part due to its insatiable appetite, which caused the dragonkeepers of Kings Landing no shortage of trouble with constantly feeding the dragon.
Vaella approached the dragon and placed a hand on the dragon's snout before she heard the sound of approaching footsteps behind her, as both she and Narrah turned to face the uninvited visitor.
Nakados Tendryis, the Pentoshi who was soon to become her brother in law due to his betrothal with her younger sister Jaehera approached, looking as groomed as ever in his brown doublet with silver trim.
''Princess'' He said, giving a well practiced bow and going to his feet, to which Vaella snorted and gestured him up.
''Sp..peak your mind.'' Vaella said, turning her back and fastening the saddle straps on Narrahs back.
''If I might be so bold to suggest that perhaps this is a step too far…an unnecessary one, the castle will submit soon, we have them five to one, just over a thousand men garrison Tall Trees Town….if you go in there on dragonback the risk of that fire spreading beyond the walls to the city proper is great….not to mention the risk to yourself.'' The Pentoshi began.
''I dont care.'' Vaella replied haughtily, finishing up with the saddle before turning back to the Pentoshi and studying him.
''You p..play the noble lord well enough I s..suppose…..well enough to f..fool my sister….she will like you….but dont p..presume to play the role with me…..you know w..well enough what your own p..people will do when we take the city.'' Vaella said, pushing through her stutter as she always did, her mother had instilled in her long ago that despite her condition she must always speak her mind and never be afraid to speak.
''Princess….there are others ways…less destructive ways….hidden sewers and postern gates….why do you insist on this?'' The man persisted.
Vaella was silent for a moment at that before finally answering ''Because I want to.''
With that she pulled herself onto Narrahs saddle and without so much as a glance back at Nakados and with a lash of her whip, ordered the red dragon to the air.
With the wind at her back, Princess Vaella flew Narrah towards the stone walls of Tall Trees Town, rising out of the jungle, Summer Islanders running to their posts, bows in hand while others readied javelins, all in an attempt to defend their city.
It would all be for naught. For many of the garrison of Tall Trees Town the sight of the red dragon appearing out of the jungle and flying through the trees would be the last sight they would ever see. Hundreds would be burned alive on the walls of Tall Trees Town, and even more would be wounded. True enough to Nakados Tendryis's prediction, the fires would spread from the walls into the city proper where it would rage for many days, killing many civilians and burning many of the talking trees of the city, and all the history marked on them being lost along with them.
As for the Princess Vaella, she felt little remorse as she watched the fire spread, in fact she felt nothing at all, the very feeling she strove for, as she had been flying Narrah through the smoking skies, arrows and javelins flying around her as men danced in the flame below, she had finally felt free for the first time in months, free from the memories which were never far from her side.
Afterwards following Tall Trees Towns surrender the Pentoshi would march several hundred of its citizens to their ships to be taken back to Pentos as slaves, many of the Westerosi officers in the expedition would appeal to Vaella to stop this, slavery was looked upon with disgust in Westeros but she made no move to stop them, it was not her concern.
The conflict would last for a few more weeks, with Princess Narrah burning many of the small villages along the Citrus Coves while the Pentoshi would starve the castle of Koj into submission. Finally, seeing the war was last, Princess Zhataya of Tall Trees Town would surrender to the Pentoshi trading demands and offer up gold and silver as tribute to Princess Vaella and the Pentoshi officers.
As for Tall Trees Town, it would be decades before the city would recover and the opinion of Summer Islanders towards Westerosi would forever be damaged, with Swan Ships, which had once been such a common sight within Westerosi ports becoming rare.
7th Moon, 62 AC
Queen Laenas Chambers, Kings Landing
The Queen sat in her chair, reclining as she felt the heat from the crackling fire in the hearth in front of her, watching the flames dance in shades of orange, red and gold.
There was a knock on the door ''Lord Norrland here to see you your Grace.'' one of her Kingsguard announced.
''Send him in.'' Laena commanded, not surprised in the least, it had been her who had summoned the Blue Bard after all.
The door opened and she heard the bards swaggering footfalls behind her.
''Your Grace.'' The man said in his usual tone, smooth as silk.
Laena did not immediately turn to him, continuing to gaze into the flames until at last she turned in her chair to face him, finding the bard on one knee, his head bowed, the light from the flames dancing off his rich blue silks and oiled black beard.
An attractive man Laena thought to herself begrudgingly as she gestured him to his feet, she could see why her sister had fancied the man.
He rose, flashing his signature smile ''The capitol is made brighter by your presence your Grace.''
Flattery will not save you Laena thought to herself, the anger simmering just below the point of being seen, but she forced herself to nod.
''I am to assume you are wanting a briefing….much has happened during your campaigning in Oldtown.'' The bard asked, the Queen had just returned from her campaigning against the trading posts in Oldtown the previous day.
Laena nodded ''That will serve for a start.''
''I regret to inform you that during your absence the Ironborn have broken the Queens Peace…..some 150 longships and over 12,000 men descended upon Lannisport while the city slept….hundreds if not thousands were killed and the Ironborn made off with much plunder….the raid was led by Ulfar Myre, Wulf Drumm as well as Goren Greyjoy…first born son of Lord Oswin Greyjoy, whos presence….''
''Suggests that the attack was sanctioned by Lord Greyjoy himself.'' Laena interjected boredly, it was clear enough that this was not an action perpetrated by a few rogue longships, the size of the raid meant that it could only have been planned and sanctioned by the King of the Isles himself.
The Blue Bard nodded ''The Lady Fiona Lannister has called her banners and sent ravens requesting you denounce Oswin Greyjoy as a traitor to the realm and bring him and his captains to justice through force of arms if necessary.
Laena was silent at that, her mind going over the recent developments. On the one hand it was better that the Westerlands and the Ironborn's swords be trained on each other rather than plotting treason against the throne. On the other it was concerning that the Ironborn had taken such a great action that had clearly been planned for some time, though she supposed the action had been taken more due to the precedent that allowing Baratheon and Tyrell to fight rather than contempt for her power.
''If Lady Lannister wishes to pursue vengeance against the Ironborn that is her prerogative….she has that right….but she will do so alone and without the support of the crown…this is a matter between Lannister and Greyjoy.'' She said between pursed lips, a faint smile upon her face, so long as the Lords of Westeros squabbled she would need fear no uprising, all the better that the Westerlands and Iron Islands would be weakened. She knew her daughter Lianna, her master of laws would have some sharp words on her decision, but her eldest daughter had retired to the birthing bed to prepare for the birth of her first child and Laena would assure she would not hear about the matter until the whole affair was resolved.
The Blue Bard nodded ''A wise action your Grace….but there is one more matter of import.''
Laena nodded for him to continue.
''The faction supporting your sisters claim is growing in strength, my bards report Lord Tyrell has entertained both Lords Chyttering and Brune in his command tent…ostensibly to discuss their potential support for your sisters claim.'' The Blue Bard said apologetically.
This was not news to Laena, Lord Tyrell had always been fond of Alyssane, that cow, and Laena had been aware that treasonous statements had been uttered and proposed in Highgarden, proposals that often ended with the idea of her sister on the throne being bandied about.
''A problem for another time.'' Laena said simply And for another spymaster.
The Blue Bard hesitated ''Your Grace….should we perhaps not do something about it….a disease that is allowed to fester…''
''Tyrell wont make his move before his war with the Baratheons is concluded and there seems to be no end to that in sight, let him grind his armies to pieces in the Dornish Marches, with luck he and Boros Baratheon will both suffer untimely ends in the fighting…and if not…it shall be dealt with…..now, there is another matter which requires your attention.'' The Queen said sharply. ''Of course your Grace….I live to serve.'' The bard said with his usual smile.
''With my sister ill and in Storms End, I find I have scarce anyone to rely upon save yourself.'' Laena said softly, studying the bards piercing green eyes, giving him one last chance to confess.
''I am honored by your trust my Queen….as for your sister I am sure that she will recover from her illness shortly and take her place by your side.'' The man said with an easy going grin, no hint of any discomfort evident on his face.
You had your chance Laena thought to herself silently, studying the man. Upon her return to the city, Laena had been informed that her sister Cymella had left shortly before to go and visit with her son Boros in Storms End since her husband Raymont was on campaign and not residing in Storms End, soon after that she had received a raven from Storms End from her sister, informing her she had come down with a serious illness and would remain in Storms End until she had recovered.
Laena had immediately grown suspicious, the timing of her departure from the capitol just days before her own return was certainly odd, and the servants of the castle admitted under questioning that it seemed that the princess Cymella was ill even before she left, spending much of her time in her chambers and not admitting anyone but a few trusted servants, not even joining her nieces at dinner, which Cymella had always been an active participant at.
The Queen had already had her suspicions as to what her sisters ''illness'' was before she ordered her own personal spies to Storm's End, and their reports had confirmed what Laena had suspected all along, her sister was not sick but rather with child….and Laena had no doubts as to who the father was.
Laena did not know why her sister, a normally intelligent woman had allowed the pregnancy to come to term, and could not fathom how the two could have imagined they could have kept it a secret from her, but she did know what had to be done. She would not have her sister and spymaster in league with each other, the man was as ambitious as he was clever, and if the child was a boy…then she had no doubts as to what the man's future plans would be.
The Blue Bard had not only betrayed her by dishonoring her sister, and compromising her house, but he had all but lied to her face when she had given him the chance to come clean….the man could not be trusted….and there were few things in the world as useless, or as dangerous as a spymaster that could not be trusted.
''Raymont Baratheon and Aumary Tyrell are nuisances now…..but you are right if left to fester they could become dangerous….with luck their war will rid us of one, if not both of them, but I find it foolish to rely on luck alone…..I have received information that there is an informant in Stags Den, the village outside of Storms End that wishes to discuss potentially riding us of Raymont Baratheon should he survive the war….I wish for you to go there and make preparations…and do pay a visit to my sister, I know your songs would do much to help her through her illness.'' She said, turning her attention back to the bard, the man she had raised from the dirt.
The bard bowed deeply ''It will be as you say your Grace.'' He replied before walking out of the room with his usual swaggering walk.
And to the dirt you shall return Laena thought, watching the bard leave before turning back to the dancing flames of the fire.
7th Moon, 62 AC
Village of Stags Den, Outside of Storms End
The Blue Bard sat upon his horse, the sun shining on his back as he sang out the last stanza of the Dornishman's Wife in a loud and clear voice, sweet as spring as he rode slowly down the road towards the village of Stags Den,
Brothers, oh brothers, my days here are done,
the Dornishman's taken my life,
But what does it matter, for all men must die,
and I've tasted the Dornishman's wife!
Finishing the song he breathed a sigh of contentment, breathed in the air, heavy with the scent of a recent rain and reached for his wine skin, drinking deeply.
He had good reason to be happy, things were coming together far better than he could have ever imagined. Soon Cymellas husband would be rotting in the ground, with any luck at least, making Cymella the nominal Lady of Storms End until her son Boros came of age, and more importantly providing a safe place for their child to be raised, as spymaster he would have more than enough influence to make certain the Queen would never learn of the child's existence and keep any spies reporting to the Queen from learning as well, the woman was slothful to a fault and wouldn't question why the reports relating to Storms End were a little less substantial than other regions.
And if the child was a boy…
The bard tried putting the thought out of his mind, it was dangerous to get too ahead of himself, but the prospect of his own blood sitting the Iron Throne was one that was never far from his mind and he couldn't resist indulging the thought a little.
If the child is a boy it will be easy enough He thought to himself.
To be sure he would bide his time, use his influence as spymaster to gain allies in the realm, telling the Queens greatest enemies of the boys existence….building support for his claim, and when the boy was old enough it would be a simple enough thing to deal with the queen, she was volatile and hotheaded and what's more she trusted him far too much for her own good.
Once again he began to whistle a tune that had just come to his mind.
I've tasted the Dragon's Daughter has a nice ring to it The bard thought to himself with a chuckle as he followed the cobbled road into the small town of Stagsden, riding past a bustling market square.
He looked up towards the castle of Storms End where Cymella was no doubt waiting for him, her and their child.
Soon enough the Bard thought to himself, he would have preferred to ride to her straightaway, but the prospect of greeting her with the promise that plans were being underway to murder her husband was an attractive thought…..and one he knew she would be grateful for.
Still whistling the tune he turned his horse down an alley in the direction of the home he was to meet the informant at, riding past puddles of mud and running naked children in the poorer district of Stags Den.
Taking another turn into a rather empty and dark alley he saw a hooded man leaning with his back against a building that had once been painted yellow but had taken on the coloring of the neighboring alleyway.
''You lack subtlety friend…hooded men are generally seen as suspicious…..this could have been done at the tavern as well, far more pleasant to discuss murder over a flagon of ale than in a muddy alleyway.'' The Blue Bard said lightheartedly.
''Youre the bard?'' The man asked.
''Shall I sing a song to prove it.'' He japed, dismounting from his horse.
''If you want.'' The man spat.
The hooded man didnt say anything else, looking around.
''I wasn't followed if that's what you're worried about….id be a poor spymaster if I allowed myself to be.'' He said.
The man said nothing.
''Well what is it you have to say…I rode all the way here from Kings Landing under the impression you wished to discuss the murder of Raymont Baratheon…and I have important business to attend too…'' He continued, growing more and more uncomfortable.
''Just got one thing to say.'' The man said softly, the two locking eyes, the silence as heavy as any the Blue Bard had ever heard.
''Queen Laena sends her regards.'' The man said finally, nodding behind him.
The Blue Bard turned, his blue silks whirling through the mud, his blood growing cold as he saw three men in hoods armed with long knives appearing from behind him.
He raised his hands in vain to stop them but a dagger pierced through his hand.
Brothers, oh brothers, my days here are done,
A cry rose up his throat but a dirk through his neck turned it into a choking gasp.
the Dragons taken my life
He fell to his knees briefly, trying to steady himself but a knife between the shoulderblades forced him to the ground, falling onto his stomach he lay in the mud and blood, icey tears falling down his cheeks.
But what does it matter, for all men must die,
The blades rose and fell upon his back as the bard's blue robes turned dark red crimson.
and I've tasted the Dragon's daughter