Chapter Seventy- Four
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Author's Note Review Response
This is for Martin Grey, Darkeypon, and Regtech
I would assume first that your Reviews are rather based on curiosity and need of clarification. Okay, so basically all your long responses to the previous chapter was why Delianah did not finish Baelish off quick? The response to that was, she did. She ordered a hit on him via The Hidden Ones remember? The only thing is, the plans of Baelish was already in motion before even the Assassins get their hands on him. So he's dead, but the order of Delianah was kind of late.
Secondly, Delianah was not Omniscient. Maybe if she was in Rivendell where nothing in every nook and cranny mapped and monitored. Outside of Rivendell though, she relied on the Great Information Network of the Hidden Ones. Now let me get into that. If you can recall in the previous chapter, one of the spies of the Hidden Ones at Baelish got himself/herself killed by being exposed. The Hidden Ones or Faceless Men were skilled but they were not infallible. That was why there was a gap in the information network and was the reason why Delianah ordered a hit on Baelish, which as you known was late.
Thirdly, about the tunnels. Sure the Hidden Ones was aware of the Tunnels of King's Landing and the Mountain Clansmen hiding there. They were not obliged however to eliminate them out of the goodness of their heart. Delianah also gave zero fucks even if there was an army down there. Why should she after all? She's not an angel coming to save King's Landing but to protect Myrcella's reputation and make sure she got her head crowned.
Fourthly, Delianah retreated from King's Landing because she of the tenuous position as I can see it. Sure she had her retinue of Black Guard by a couple of hundred and the Death Dealers but they were dealing with a large number of Mountain Clansmen and the Gold Cloaks which were a few thousand. Delianah was not all powerful. Sure she can take down three dozen all by her own no problem with magic but she can't take on thousands and live to tell the tale. That was why she retreated.
I hope the explanation was enough. Thanks for supporting the story as I am bulldozing it to the end.
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North, Winterfell
Everyone is silent as Maester Luwin reads the letter. A raven from the Citadel had arrived a few hours before which made the aged Maester nearly stumble as he hands over the letter to the current Stark of Winterfell. Now here they are reading the words of the letter from the Capital which is pathetically brief and curt.
"Lord Eddard Stark is dead, killed by assassins protecting His Grace King Robert Baratheon who had also fallen on the attack. King Joffrey Baratheon now sits in his father's place and demands that the heir of the North come down South and pledge his allegiance to the current king,"
"FUCKING LANNISTERS!" everyone nearly jumps as Robb suddenly stands and throws the wooden cup with such force at the wall that it explodes into smithereens upon impact. They cannot blame him for his reaction as the faces of each Stark in the room since to turn grey and taciturn.
"I-I need t-to go up and s-see Bran," the trembling voice of Catelyn Stark stutters before robotically getting up and heading to the stairs. Arya and Rickon trails behind her with the former also crying at the fact that she would not see her father again and the latter looking confused as to why his mother is crying.
This leaves simply a standing and tearing Robb Stark trying and failing to cover his tears, Maester Luwin with Theon and Dominic Bolton at the table, the latter having a grim countenance at the realization that the Warden of the North had once more been murdered by Southeners.
"So Lord Stark is dead, I am sorry Robb," Theon sighs before picking up the letter. "What do you plan to do Robb? They are summoning you to the capital,"
"I am giving them what they want. They want me to go there and fall on my knees at my father's killer eh? Well I am coming down there and I am bringing the wrath of the North with me. Maester Luwin?"
"Yes, Robb….I meant Lord Stark?" the aged teacher of the Stark children replies stepping forward.
"Call the banners," Robb simply states, his face still teary while looking at the dying fireplace.
"W-which one my lord?" asks the Maester.
"All of them!" the new Lord of Winterfell simply replies darkly.
"Are you sure about this Robb?" asks Theon. "We don't have proof of what really happened there at King's Landing,"
"I am. Despite Dol Amroth not trading with us anymore, Jon has been more than kind on updating me as to the going ons down South. Princess Myrcella Baratheon won The Challenge of Kings against Joffrey. Next morning a massacre of the Red Keep happens and the loser is now sitting on the Throne? Even down South, I can smell the rotten smell of something wrong. He is the one responsible for the death of my father, I would bet my name on it,"
"So we march South and get our revenge then for the death of your father Robb, I meant Lord Stark?" the voice of Domeric asks.
"Yes, but we won't be doing it alone. Let us see if Joffrey still wants his ass kissed when twenty thousand Northeners pledge allegiance to the proper ruler of Westeros,"
"And what about the Imp my lord?" asks Domeric.
Robb simply looks back at the fireplace, the burning fury he is feeling turning into cold desire for vengeance.
"Hang him,"
…
Westerlands
"This is wrong Jaimie. Your father would never have supported this," the voice of his uncle Jaimie deftly tunes out as he watches the marshal of the Westerlands.
"My father Uncle is dead. I am the Lord of the West now, and this is what I have decided," Jaimie simply replies curtly much to the consternation of his uncle who grumbles before walking off leaving Jaimie to stand on the parapets on his lonesome.
Without anyone watching him now, Jaimie allows himself to grimace unhappily. Despite being the Lord of Casterly Rock right now, he gets no pleasure on it. The situation however calls for him to step up and he knows that he must step up, for the last wish of his beloved, he would kill the gods if she asks for it.
The reason however why Jaimie is now Lord Lannister is because of how untenable Joffrey's position is right now. He might be sitting king in King's Landing but his support from Westeros is limited to one kingdom and the lords of the Crownlands. Even then the latter is only fighting because of the ungodly debt they have to his father, not exactly prime ally material.
Right now there are enemies everywhere. The moment that the Citadel announced the fat king's death and Joffrey's coronation, Stannis sends messages all over Westeros naming all of the King's children as products of incest between him and Cersei. While it is indeed true, Jaimie knows that the majority of Westerosi lords would find it absurd and simply conclude that it is convenient for the older brother as an excuse to aim for the throne.
Either way it costs them the support of the Stormlands. Ever since the victory of the War of the Faith, the Stormlords despite having Renly as the appointed Paramount, serve Stannis rather. Thus Joffrey would find no support there from them.
The rest of the kingdoms however are divided.
First and foremost of foes of course are the supporters of his daughter. If not for his promise to Cersei, he might have been proud of the power base that willingly supports her by their own choice. Alas, but the gods are cruel that they stand in opposite sides. Rivendell he knows would support Myrcella. Jaimie is not blind, he above all else recognizes the knowing looks that the Lady of Rivendell and his daughter is giving each other. It is the same as his and Cersei's. The two are in love.
It is a given that the powerful young kingdom of its own would stand with his daughter. With them of course are the rest of the Riverlands. The enmity between the bastard daughter of Tully and her father has long been healed and latest news at court tells that even Edmure has been brought to heel by his father to be cordial to his half-sister. The remaining lords and ladies of the Riverlands would fight by their side. Of course with the Riverlands is the North. That is two kingdoms all in all with one probably raring to fight. Their lord after all has been killed. Ironically that is also the reason why Jaimie included Stark to be eliminated. With the Old Stark dead, the new one is green as grass and would be easier to deal with.
The Reach of course would support Renly, since the poof announced himself to be King, their wealth and prestige enough to put him as a capable challenger. Dorne as usual would sit back and do nothing. The Vale with that madwoman would he hopes would be neutral. The Knights of the Vale hold no love for the people of Rivendell. The humiliation during the War of the Faith runs deep and the Vale holds true to the Seven who are One. The Iron Islands is as silent as usual which puts them out of commission.
As for Jaimie, he has called the banners in order to strike first at the Riverlands. The trading posts of course set up by the traders of Rivendell here at the West have all been ransacked and raided already, their owners fleeing back home. If he can finish off the Riverlands before the North and Rivendell finish marshaling themselves, he might have a chance to get rid of one of his potential adversaries in a lightning strike.
Fiirst things first however, Jaimie looks at the list of lords at the Riverlands. He must think like his father if he wants to secure Joffrey's legacy. There must be someone he can bribe there to stall the continuing advance of the Northmen.
….
The Stormlands, Dragonstone
"No my lord! Please don't! My lord! My LORD!" the pained screams of the protesting Lords go high pitched as the flames devoured them giving the night an eerie feeling as everyone watching mutters to themselves at the grisly scene. For Stannis however, he remains unmoving before the Red Priestess, Melisandre raises both arms before nodding at him.
Taciturnly Stannis strides forward and grabs the flaming sword at the foot of the burning pyres and draws it much to the cheering of the crowd.
"All hail Azor Ahai, who has drawn Lightbringer, the sword that would cast the darkness away!" Melisandre declares loudly to the even more fanatical cheering of the crowd. "Lord lend us your light,"
"For the night is dark and full of terrors!" the crowd replies falling unto their knees in reverence.
"Your grace, the people awaits," Melisandre also bows to Stannis making him grunt as he steps forward.
Stannis is not a religious man. Melisandre however promises him almost three thousand Sellswords paid and delivered from Essos which would add nicely to the twenty-five thousand levies he has. She also promises him vengeance against his brother who would die without him lifting a sword. With him dead, Stannis is sure those fat flowers would wilt as their desire for a king on the throne die with his fool for a brother. Once he secured King's Landing, he would be in a strong position to deal with the last remaining contender of the throne.
"Prepare yourselves!" Stannis declares loudly raising the sword. "Once the Lord of Light punishes my fool of a brother. We march to King's Landing and kill the incestuous bastard sitting on that throne!"
As the cheers of the Stormlords follow his words, Stannis allows himself a ghost of a smile. Sometimes, it does feel good to be praised.
…..
King's Landing, Tourney Arena
"Please your grace! We did nothing wrong. We just sold our goods to the stewards who came to our stores. We did not care who they were your grace!" the peasant bawls as he shivers on his own pants making Joffrey scowl.
"LIAR! You sold goods that would supply the army of the traitor, Stannis Baratheon. You are in rebellioun therefore against the crown. My crown!" Joffrey points to the gold apparel atop his head.
"Please my lord! We did not do it! Please!"
"Liar! Gundar, get on with the execution!" orders Joffrey with a "royal" wave to the giant chieftain of the Bone Talon clan that serves as representative for the Mountain Clans that serve under him.
"By your will little king," the man inclines his head before grinning with yellow teeth at the now terrified merchant down below at the makeshift arena. With a powerful roar, five of his clansmen jump in much to the panic of the twenty-five or so merchants accused of "siding" with the traitor Stannis Baratheon. The Gold Cloaks reported that some of Stannis' men have bought provisions from them before they set sail to Dragonstone. Thus they are here to stand "trial".
Joffrey watches giddily as the men brandished their recycled swords and spears against the brawn looking clan berserkers who roars before rushing the terrified civilians. They immediately broke as each one tries to make a run for it. The unlucky ones fell in seconds to the axes and maces of the Clansmen who ripped them apart in glee. Some tried to climb the arena walls but the gold cloaks stationed immediately opened fire making them scream as they are riddled with arrows. The rest are wiser as they try to fight off the experienced and heavily muscled Mountain Clansmen. In the end of half an hour, the Clansmen are all laughing and the arena is filled with dead bodies much to Joffrey's delight.
"Ser Jonos! Bring out the next batch of prisoners!" Joffrey orders as he leans on his prepared couch with a basket of grapes at the table on his side.
It's good to be the king.
…
Rivendell, Private Quarters
Delianah mentally congratulates herself for commissioning the War Room of Rivendell so early in its creation. She has of course expected in the beginning that not everything would be peaceful since her transition from bastard to lady of the newest kingdom of Westeros, thus the need for the War Room. However even her does not expect that she would use the War Room again, not after the War of Faith days.
They have arrived here with no trouble via the roads of the skies after dropping off the Death Dealers to the riding retinue that went with them at King's Landing. Myrcella of course had been troubled and Delianah despite wanting to stay with her beloved had handed her over to the more capable hands of Yasmina. She had taken the time then to assess the preparedness of Rivendell for the chaos that is about to come. War after all did not care if you were ready or not.
Already messages from the Spy Networks of hers all over Westeros were sending a ton of messages to her. Trading hubs that she had all over the West had been evacuated though a couple had been rather late and its merchants captured and killed. The others however at the Reach and the Crownlands were more pragmatic and chose not to deprive themselves of Rivendell goods by attacking hapless merhants.
The spies also told her about the different factions that were currently forming all around the continent which Delianah caught even Delianah by surprise (something that she would never admit at the pain of death).
The time traveling former wizard had expected that the death of Robert would cause chaos. Bad management of the fat king and the rather lack of intimidating factor that the Targaryens wielded with their dragons, it would be simply inevitable that the transition of power would be rather…challenging. Never in her wildest dreams however that the Lady of the Vale expected that it would be almost every kingdom for itself, mostly right now.
The Reach supports Renly to be the next king while the Stormlands are going for Stannis. The Westerlands alongside the Crownlands are rooting for Joffrey who is busy proving day after day to lords and peasants at the Capital why he should never be king. The Vale surprisingly much to the consternation of its lords is gearing for war against Rivendell and the North under the mad yowls of Lysa Arryn. Apparenlty Baelish left standing orders that in the event of his demise, she "avenge" him by going after the head of Delianah Tully and the rest of the Starks. Thus the rather unexpected enemy. Word also is trickling that the ambitious Kraken of Pyke is thinking about raiding North again for the humiliation that Robert has dealt to it during the Greyjoy Rebellion.
Right now however Delianah is standing on the large table at the middle of the War Room which is currently containing a painted map of Westeros. Around her of course are the forms of Amelia, the Castellan of Rivendell; Rhaenys, the unofficial bodyguard of Myrcella; Ser Leomord, commanding the Silver Knights Order; Draco, Watcher of Osgiliath; Ser John Fields, commander of the Knights that call the territories of Rivendell home; and of course Princess Myrcella, the proper heir to the throne of the Seven Kingdoms, her confidants for the war to come.
"Your father is dead," begins Delianah turning to Myrcella. "So is Lord Stark for that matter along with Ser Oakheart and Ser Greenfield. I'm sorry Cella,"
"That's alright, but thank you Delia," Myrcella replies with a sad smile. "I know that Joffrey would not be sitting on the Iron Throne if my father is still alive,"
"The death of Lord Stark however would really ensure that the North would be with us for the wars to come," says Ser John looking at the large expanse of the North. "Robb Stark would be the new Stark Lord right? How say you would he be as the next Lord Paramount my ladies?"
"He's alright for a son of a lord. A good head on his shoulders though much too honorable. He is his father's son," answers Rhaenys.
"He's the one who's making those lovesick eyes at you right Rae-Rae?" asks Myrcella with a teasing tone making the former glare at her.
"Cella,"
"Fine, fine, I am being serious,"
"We have enemies all over the place," says Draco disregarding the light banter that the Princess of the Realm just tried to start. "Though we need to warn the North about the threat to their shores. If the messengers are right and the Ironborn is planning on going independent again, the North would be a tempting target for them despite its lack of riches,"
"Why so Watcher Draco?" Myrcella turns to the Leader of the Black Guard who acknowledges her with a bow.
"The Northern shores are not as heavily fortified as that of the Westerlands. Tywin after all has learned his lesson since the Greyjoy Rebellion and have repaired and garrisoned every single holdfast and castle near the sea. Plus there is also the fact that the North still holds Theon Greyjoy under their thumb, the only surviving heir of Balon Greyjoy. Knowing the attitude of the petty Lord of the Iron Islands, he would sure use it as a rallying cry and cause for the rest of his raiders,"
"He's right Cella and the North is too big anyway for the Northern Lords to keep an eye on every shore. Any Ironborn can land on its shores in leisure and it would be days before the nearest Keep or holdfast be aware of its presence. What they need is a light reaction force that could traverse the entire area quickly and deal with any Ironborn wandering around,"
"My knights will handle it my lady," Ser John Fields volunteers. "The rest of the knights will ride with me alongside our retinue of light cavalry,"
"Very well, and also bring my warning to Robb Stark. Knowing the Northern Lords, they would be already arguing about how they would march here," answers Delianah before turning her attention to the map once again.
"We will need to deal with the rest of the other contenders of the throne for our dear Myrcella here to be properly crowned queen. We know right now that two large forces would be heading directly for us. The nearest of course is that of the Westerlands under Ser Jaimie Lannister. They would be reaching the borders of the Riverlands soon. I have sent word to my father there to prepare so they can slow them down a bit before they fully commit. The rest of us on the other hand in the meantime must prepare to march. The Riverlands cannot hold back the strength of the Crownlands alone. We must deal with them; or rather, Myrcella must deal with them,"
"Me?" blinks the aforementioned princess who is caught off guard with everybody looking at her.
"Yes," Delianah nods much the flabbergasted expression of her fiancé. "Everyone would be fighting in your name Cella. You must be seen leading else everyone would think that you are merely a figurehead and a puppet. Don't worry about it so much dear. All you need to do is sit and look pretty. Leave the commanding and the fighting to Draco and the rest of the lords,"
"Okay, but I will also be fighting. I would not let this men and women fight in my name without me sharing the danger with them." huffs Myrcella.
"Stubborn Princess, you would have definitely fitted well with the House of Gryffindor," Delianah mentally muses but she smiles on the outside.
"Very well Cella, but Rae-Rae and Amelia will accompany you all the time. Under in no circumstances will you be allowed to die, do you understand?"
"Of course Delia, you'd miss me too much if I ever ended up dead," replies the Princess with a grin.
"Leave it to Cella to be so positive despite the circumstances. Never lose that attitude love,"
"What about you Lady Delianah, you would not be coming with us in facing the Lannister forces?" asks Amelia.
Delianah only smiles at her Castellan. Leave it to Amelia to be rather perceptive when it comes to her good self.
"No, I would be marching with the Silver Knights Order and the Death Dealers East," answers Delianah.
"You plan to challenge the Vale my lady?" questions Amelia obviously putting together what Delianah is planning inside her head quick.
"Yes, and before you start protesting about the numbers disadvantage that I would have. I would rather beseech you to have a little trust in me. We need to secure our border East and deal a large enough blow to bring the Lords of the Vale to the negotiating table before we turn our attention South. This is the only way that we would be able to cut through their dislike for us and at the same time override their honor bound norm to obey that madwoman ruling through them," Delianah replies to Amelia.
Of course it is only part of the truth. The Hidden Ones have easily dug over the information long ago that Sweet Robin is not the son of Jon Arryn but rather that of Petyr Baelish who has taken advantage of Lysa's infatuation of him. The information of course could be released easily and then voila! Chaos in the Vale.
For Delianah however, the chance to face the Knights of the Vale in a face up battle (with a lot of cheating involved) is to good an opportunity to miss. Last time the Knights of the Vale are defeated when they are ripped apart by the magical forest. This time however, it would not be a fluke but by her "prowess". She needs to remind people of her greatness in this war at least once as short as it would be.
"Are you sure about this Delia?" asks Myrcella looking at her worriedly. "You know it would not be bad if half of the Black Guard goes with you. The North after all and the Riverlands would be standing by me,"
"No, no Cella. The Slver Order would be enough for this battle. Please remember who you are talking dear one. I am the woman who tends to make the impossible, possible," Delianah brags unashamedly much to the amusement of everyone at the table. They have been with the Lady of Rivendell enough after all to know how vain she is.
"Very well, as you say so Delia. Don't you dare however die on me!" Myrcella mock glares.
"You wound me Cella. Of course I won't. Either way," Delianah coughs, finishing the banter. "While I would happily deal with the Knights of the Vale and Myrcella here finish off the Lannister forces. I believe that we should lessen Stannis' force invading King's Landing. It would save us a lot of hassle if a lot of his forces are under the water once he finishes Joffrey off,"
"Do you really think that Stannis would be able to take King's Landing my lady?" asks Ser John. "The city has never fallen to an attack ever,"
"If it is Jaimie or Tywin alive then Stannis would never be able to win. However with only Joffrey? I bet that the city would fall in a day," snorts Delianah. "It is not a matter of if, but rather a matter of when. I believe it is high time that the Knights of Dol Amroth up North prove their worth. I hear that they have substantially built their navy already. It would also give Jon Stark up there something to do than sitting on the sidelines,"
"He is too far however Lady Delianah," Rhaenys points out. "Even if he sets sail in a few days, it would take too long before Stannis sails to King's Landing,"
"Stannis is not sailing to King's Landing immediately," Delianah interjects seating herself on one of the comfy couches and receiving a glass of Butterbeer poured by Yasmina. "He would not move until he takes out Renly. Only once his brother is dead will he move against King's Landing,"
"Stannis plans to challenge the might of the Reach?" Rhaenys asks. "That's almost a hundred thousand men,"
"Yes, but he doesn't plan to kill all of them, no. He'll cut off the head of the snake according to the report of the Hidden Ones. He has in his employ one of the Red Priests of Essos, a nasty one at that. If I am correct, it would take at least a week before Stannis finally gets rid of Renly and remove the Reach from the equation. That is enough time for Jon to meet Stannis in battle,"
"How exactly is Stannis planning to get rid of Renly Delia?" asks Myrcella.
Delianah simply smacks her lips as she takes a sip from the Butterbeer. "The most heinous magic of all time, Blood Magic,"
….
Astapor, Essos
Daenerys has always been led by her brother's dream that one day they would return home and claim their lost birthright from the Usurper, Robert Baratheon. He would weave grand tales about how they would rule, the people they would be ruling, the great feasts, tourneys, the parade of lords and knights bowing at the very mention of their name. Daenerys has always envisioned it. Right now however the truth about ruling is smacking her right in the face.
The city is dying and ready to collapse when she first arrived. It had taken all of Daenerys' wit, cunning and diplomatic skills to even bring it back to a sense of normalcy where its residents would not be tempted to eat one another out of sheer hunger.
She sighs as she looks over the wide expanse of Astapor, whose citizens are now freed men and former rank and file merchants, traders, artisans and masters too low in the spectrum to be included on the mass evacuation of the richer Masters.
Her dreams of ruling have been ruthlessly dashed by the truth about it. It requires many long sleepless nights with many a headache from the people bring their troubles, and of course the external threats that might appear any time and anywhere.
Daenerys is just glad that her dragons are hunting on the deserts instead of choosing to be fed in the city. The last thing Astapor needs right now is three extra citizens with the voracious appetite of twenty men each.
…
Author's Note:
Thanks as ever for the support Readers. Sorry for the late posts. It's five thousand words so it's a bit longer than my usual three thousand. Anyway hope you enjoy.
PS: For Red Dead Redemption Players. It sucks playing as Paragon for Arthur since the only way I can get dollars is by hunting all over the damned place. No robbing trains or shooting random people on the road, no sir. (sad).
Can I just ignore in Myca in jail and let that be the end of it? XD