The Battle of Trident and the Fall of Aerys II by Maester Tonn Addy
The failure of the Royal army and Lord Connington to capture Robert Baratheon and bring an end to the rebellion at Stoney Sept proved devastating to Targaryen sovereignty, which was already unstable, chaotic and loathed by many throughout the mad reign of King Aerys II. From a rebellious Storm Lord doomed to be crushed like many rebels before him, Robert Baratheon had levelled himself to a great warrior, a tested field commander, a leader whom men followed with respect and trust, and according to some, a king worthy of the Iron Thrones in his own right due to the dragon blood of his grandmother, princess Rhaelle of House Targaryen.
It is said that a few bottles were needed to raise a toast to Robert's health after his victory at Summerhall, yet following the Battle of the Bells, taverns in King's Landing had to empty their cellars whenever the name Robert was mentioned.
With the bulk of the rebel army a stone's throw from the capital, King Aerys sent out the Commander of Kingsguard, Ser Gerold Hightower, to bring back Prince Rhaegar, whose absence had been the subject of much speculation, for the newly formed Royal Army. Yet the relationship between father and son remained strained as before. The King had long suspected Rhaegar, heir to the Iron Thrones and champion of common people, of treason though none could tell if the accusation stemmed from solid evidence and trustworthy witnesses or Aerys's mind which was well-known for seeing blade in every shadow.
The silver Prince returned to the Capital a fortnight after Ser Gerold departed, but the lord commander himself and Lady Lyanna Stark, who according to many, was the main cause of the rebellion were nowhere to be seen. Accompanying the Prince were the two infamous members of the Kingsguard, Ser Arthur Dayne and Ser Oswell Whent whose long absence was also the subject of much speculation as their Prince's.
Daeron was the first family member whom Rhaegar met at the King's gate. 14 years old at the time, squired to Lewyn Martell since 10, Prince Daeron was already a fierce warrior and loyal to his older brother, earning him the ire of his father in the process. It was rumoured that the Mad King planned to disinherit Rhaegar in favor of Daeron many years before, but he appeared to abandon the scheme as the younger prince became more dissatisfied with his father's reign over time. Three months prior to the Battle of the Bells, Daeron was among the few Targaryen who found himself in the black cell after loudly condemning the King for the brutal murder of Rickard Stark and Brandon Stark and was only able to keep his head due to Princess Shaena and Queen Rhaella's constant pleading.
"The enemy is in Riverland, brother. Eddard Stark has wed one of Tully sisters whilst his foster father has taken the other as his bride, but I bet you have heard." Said Daeron, "Our grace, our Lord Father is still there, sitting uncomfortably on his ugly pointy chair. His nails grow longer as his temper grows short. But I bet you have known."
Rhaegar gave him a quiet nod and replied, "Tell Mother to take Egg, Jay, Viserys, and Visenya to Dragonstone. Tell our Lord Father that actions needed to be taken to ensure the continuity of his bloodline."
"Not your wife and children? True, the whole royal family fleeing is not an inspiring sight for the people of King's Landing, but Aegon is your heir, brother. The next crown prince he will be if misfortune befalls on you, on all of us."
To that, the Prince of Dragonstone just smiled sadly. "He will never let them leave, Daeron. To him, I am no less a traitor than our Baratheon cousin."
Indeed, Princess Shaena and her children had been confined to her chamber in Meagor's holdfast since Robert Baratheon called his banner at Storm's end, her household and lady-in-waiting dismissed and in their places, men and women appointed by the king, her gaolers in all but name. In all accounts, the condition of Princess Shaena, Princess Rhaenys and Prince Aegon was never a topic of discussion in several meetings that occurred later between the king, the small council, and Prince Rhaegar.
There was an incredible tale of the reunion of the Rhaegar family after more than a year apart, which was still circulating among noble ladies at court to this day. The princess refused to look her husband in the eyes and barred him from embracing his offspring, Aegon and Rhaenys.
Shaena Targaryen was said to be a great beauty of her time with long platinum hair, deep violet eyes, a sharp mind, and no less fierce than her little brother though carrying no sword and wearing no armour. Groomed to the queen since birth and completely devoted to Rhaegar, the betrayal of her lord husband was hard to swallow. Since the scandalous moment of crowning Lyanna Stark as Queen of Love and Beauty, the princess had endured and dealt with the pressure as well as the vile rumors that came with it in a manner befitting a future queen, yet the course of actions taken by Rhaegar in the last 6 months was enough to break even the bravest of women.
The door was shut to Prince Rhaegar for three days, they said, and only opened when Queen Rhaella decided to intervene, reminding her eldest daughter of duties and manners appropriate of a Targaryen princess, and the fact that her lord husband was poised to march into battle.
The couple soon reconciled and Rhaegar was allowed to see his children. No one could tell what excuse he had used to explain his past doings or whether the princess truly forgave her husband or not. However, it was well recorded that, on the day men and horses departed King's Landing for Riverland, Princess Shaena also presented outside the city walls to bid farewell to the Army. A thunderous cheer erupted among soldiers, highborn and small folk alike as Prince Rhaegar pledged his consort to return victorious before sealing the promise with a kiss.
Led by their beloved prince Rhaegar, his brother Daeron who was knighted the night before, and five members of the Kingsguard: Ser Arthur Dayne, Ser Barristan Selmy, Ser Oswell Whent, Ser Jonothor Darry, Prince Lewyn Martell, the Royal Army made 30 miles a day and reached the border of Crown's land before the new moon's turn. A huge camp of thousand tents and bonfires was set on the land near Maidenpool as scouts were sent to count how many men Robert Baratheon had won for his rebellion as well as their whereabouts. Since the northern host was reported marching down from the Neck and then joined forces with armies from Stormland, Riverland, and the Vale, Robert Baratheon was believed to have 40 thousand men under his command, meaning he was outnumbered by the Royal Army by 5000, yet as a well learned and well-traveled man, Rhaegar supposed that estimation to be highly optimistic.
As the largest kingdom of the Seven Kingdoms and only behind Crown land and the Reach in terms of population, the North could muster and supply an army of 50.000 men. Though it wasn't war season as the snow had been seen at the Twins, Eddard Stark could still have brought at least 30.000 men south, giving Robert Baratheon an advantage in terms of men by 10.000.
And thus, Rhaegar expected a defensive battle and ordered Lord William Mooton to resupply the royal army with a large quantity of hard timber and log, against the advice of many commanders who believed another long line of baggage trains would do no good but slow them down.
"Even if the Northern Kingdom has many swords to muster, not all of them has the stomach to stand against their king whom they swore fealty to." Questioned Ser Barristan Selmy, "Many Valemen, knights from Stormland and Riverland are standing here with us instead of their liege lords."
"In the North, the only king they know is the Stark of Winterfell." Rhaegar replied, "And since my father murdered that king, I dare say they have been long waiting for Eddard Stark to call his banners."
It was well-known that the prince had been to the North during the time Lady Lyanna Stark went missing and then later said to have been kidnapped by him, yet few knew it was not the first time he set foot on the land of summer snow. Maester Dakin, the man in charge of Prince Rhaegar's education had left detailed accounts of the prince's travel to the North after his fourteen nameday, some of which were written by the prince himself.
Dakin stated the prince wanted to know the kingdoms he was meant to rule one day and the North was just one of many places he chose to visit during that years. Like the short trip he made to Westerland a month before, Rhaegar traveled incognito, accompanied only by a Maester, a Kingsguard and a dozen trusted men. A merchant galley carried them to White Harbor and from there they followed the interlaced system of canals built in the days of Bran the Builder to Hornwood, Torhen's Square, Barrowton, Dreadfort, Karhold, Last Hearth, Long Lake, Winter City and lastly the greatest fortress of the North, Winterfell.
"Now I can see why Torrhen Stark was that eager to kneel before my ancestors," said the prince, "With Aegon ensuring peace and unity in Seven Kingdoms, the Stark no longer had to worry about an invasion coming from the South and thus money, time and hands could be used to turn woodland into wheat fields, to build a merchant fleet and a trade route to Essos, to make great pastures out of their large cold plains where thousands of sheep, goats, cows, and short horn aurochs roamed free."
Hence Rickard Stark became Lord of Winterfell, the North had been a prosperous and powerful land though politically isolated with very little influence in the Seven Kingdoms due to his forefather's long tradition of ignoring anything that happened below the Neck. It might be the right thing to do in the past but during this day and age, it was a folly according to Rickard Stark. The ambitious lord intended to fix that problem by creating a triple alliance of Stark-Baratheon-Tully with his heir, Brandon Stark was to take the hand of Catelyn Tully, the eldest daughter of Hoster Tully while Lyanna Stark would take the seat next to Robert Baratheon as Lady of Storm's end. Ironically, these attempts to build a new future for the North were one of the main causes leading to his own death and following it, the most devastating rebellion Westeros had ever witnessed.
"We must not let them cross the Trident," Said the Dragon Prince, "Behind us, only Maidenpool stands between them and King's Landing. My cousin Robert may want to set a date and time for an open battle with me but his friend and godfather will have him take a different course. If they managed to get to the other side, they would outmanoeuvre us and cut the supply line, forcing us back without a battle and attacking our rear as we retreat."
"Then there will be a battle in a Ford somewhere. It may favour our enemy to seek battle first since they had the numerical advantage." Ser Barristan Selmy reflected, "If we offer them a fair fight under the sun, they will have no reason to turn it down. However..."
"There is no guarantee the gods will favour us in the struggle on the Trident." Pointed out Prince Lewyn Martell, "Rebels they may be but they are battle-hardened and commanded by men who know how to wage war. It's a game of dice to put it lightly."
It is said that Prince Daeron had suggested the Royal army cross the river in the dark and attack Robert Baratheon's camp at first light but more seasoned knights like Ser Oswell Whent, Ser Jonothor Darry weren't fond of the idea the Rebels had scouts in every ford to prevent such attack from happening. Lewyn Martell urged his Crown Prince to wait and recall Mace Tyrell and his Army who were currently sitting outside Storm's End, feasting and doing nothing, yet this would not come to pass even if the Prince agreed since it was King Aerys who ordered Storm's End to be taken by any cost, only the King himself could alter the command. The discussion lasted till the hour of the wolf when the final decision was made after Rhaegar had all the options presented to him. It was later said that the battle plan had already been in the Prince's mind even before the army arrived at Maidenpool but as I spoke to Lord Tarly years after the Rebellion, he simply said " A good commander makes preparation and the Warrior rewards him with opportunities."
Under the supervision of Ser Arthur Dayne and Ser Barristan Semly, layers of palisades and watch towers were erected near a large ford south of Lord Harroway's Town using timber Rheagar had brought from Maidenpool. The Royal army had blocked the way led to King's Landing and offered Robert Baratheon the open battle that he wanted. Still, Rheagar's chance for victory didn't solely rely on a superior position but also on the unreasonable hatred that the Lord of Strom's End had for him. Just as the Dragon Prince predicted, Robert Baratheon followed the advice of Lord Eddard Stark and Jon Arryn and decided to cross the Trident in three different fords. His childhood friend and godfather would lead half of his men and attack the Royal Army's fortification on both flanks while the main force led by Robert himself would wait and conduct the frontal assault when the time came.
I had been consulted on Robert Baratheon's battle plan by many men who were trained for war since childhood, to lead men into battle and even took part in the Battle of Trident and all of them shared the same opinion - if the strategy had been executed as intended, a different king might have sat on the Iron Throne. Indeed, a static defence was easily surrounded but Prince Rhaegar had foreseen that and devised a countermeasure. As Robert Baratheon formed his battle formation and anxiously waited for the flaking attacks, he caught a glimpse of a rider on the other side of the river, donned in all black armour, a three-head dragon of the Targaryen carved into his breastplate and another one flying high and proud on the top of his lance. Many would tell you that the Crown Prince challenged the usurper to a duel and his chivalry was cowardly refused or Robert Baratheon thought Lord Eddard Stark had arrived due to the commotion of the forming up Royal army in the thick morning frog but from what I learned from men survived the battle, it was possible that the usurper had roared like a wounded animal before charging toward the enemy line by himself, leaving his army no choice but to follow.
The Baratheon's words "Ours is the fury" proved true on the Trident as the rebel's vanguard threw itself right into the Royal host without fear or hesitation. The frontal assault though fierce, had little effect on a well-fortified position and hence after the second wave, Robert Baratheon found himself pushed back to the ford where a brutal melee intensified. Upon seeing his friend and lord in grave danger, Eddard Stark was forced to join the fight while only half of his men were able to cross the river. An urgent message was sent on the fastest seed to Lord Jon Arryn, telling the Warden of the East that he must commit his men immediately or everything would be lost which left Jon Arryn with no option but to ride ahead with his cavalry contingent only. From now on, the tide had turned. What was supposed to be an easy victory for the rebels became a stalemate where legendary clashes, heroic deeds and tragic deaths gave inspiration to songs and poems for many years to come.
In the attempt to break the Royal army's left flank, knights of the Vale unleashed their might on spearmen lines commanded by Lewyn Martell, Jonothor Darry and Prince Daeron, hoping an opening would be created in the third attempt. Yet the line still stood strong and unbreakable even after seven charges, both of the Kingsguard had fallen in battle and Prince Daeron lost an eye and half of a cheek during the midst of combat. Many testified that Daeron refused to leave the front rank after being gravely wounded, continuing to command his men with blood dripping from his chin, a sight which struck fear into the enemy's heart and inspired his men to fight on. This heroic struggle of his didn't go in vain. The line was held against all odds, earning the 15-year-old Prince the moniker 'Dragon Scar' and the respect of proud knights of the Vale.
However, the main theatre of the war occurred on the right flank where the Northern savagery was tested against Southern chivalry and gallantry. Fools and soft-headed might tell the story Eddard Stark was a half-man half-wolf creature commanding an army of bare-chest tribesmen on the Trident. The truth, however, was not that exotic. The Northmen were less barbaric than many expected but their way of war was still far from their civilized peers. They had nothing but a few knights, they didn't accept one-on-one challenges nor care for honour. With ruthless efficiency and low cunning, the Northerners almost broke the back of the Royal Army if it was for the bravery of Ser Arthur Dayne and his brother-in-arms Ser Oswell Whent who managed to cut a bloody path to the Warden of the North and his bodyguards. It's said to be a horrible clash between two and seven in which only the crannogman Howland Reed and severely injured Eddard Stark managed to survive but the truthful version of the tale had been lost in the storm of sword and shield. Northerners claimed their Lord slew both Arthur Dayne and Oswell Whent with his ancestral blade Ice while there was no lack of men saying Howland Reed in the usual cowardly fashion of his people had relied on poisonous darts and lowly trick to slay the greatest knight of the Seven Kingdoms. In my attempt for a more credible source, I have sent letters to both Lord Reed and Lord Stark, asking them to retell the event in writing record but till now, I have received no response.
The climax of the battle soon commenced right after the Knights of the Vale sounded the retreat. Prince Rhaegar faced off with the usurper Robert Baratheon there in the ford of the river. The stag and the dragon struggled over the Seven Kingdoms, honour and love. With the strength of ten men, the Storm lord rained blow after blow on Prince and almost succeeded as his warhammer scattered the rubies on Rhaegar's chest plate, giving the before unknown ford the name Ruby Ford. The Seven, however, smiled on righteous men on that day as the fighting began to die out, there was only Rhaegar who stood victorious over the corpses of Robert Baratheon whose blood and failed rebellion were washed away by the Trident.
The Rebels were forced to leave the field and back to their encampment under the command of Eddard Stark and Jon Arryn, leaving many of their dead and wounded to the mercy of the Royal army. Another battle was expected the next morning or the day after since the Rebels still had the number and most of their men were on the southern bank of the Trident, yet no action was taken due to the disagreement among the rebel lords. With Robert Baratheon lying dead on the battlefield, the Riverland and the Vale saw no point in further bloodshed but Northerners and men who followed Robert since Summerhall would follow him to the grave if they had to. They argued all night long until a lone rider crossed the battlefield with a peace banner at the first light of day. It was Prince Rhaegar and he came to offer pardon to all leaders and men in the rebellion, promising their land and property would not be touched, their titles and privileges intact and acknowledging their grievances caused by the crown. After a long and passionate speech, the Prince allegedly said to Eddard Stark :
"We should save our mourning and personal affair for the latter. The real enemy is sitting on my throne in the Red Keep and the longer he makes himself comfortable there, the more suffering the Seven Kingdom shall endure."
The combined host of former enemies made haste toward King's Landing but as they were only 20 leagues from the city wall, black smoke and devastating messages reached the main army, forcing Prince Rhaegar and Eddard Stark to ride ahead with a small contingent of horsemen. King's landing had been stormed by the Lannister Army; King Aerys II was slain at the hands of the only Kingsguard who remained, Ser Jaime Lannister; Queen Rhaella, Princess Shaena and her children's whereabouts were unknown. It was later explained by Tywin Lannister that storming the city was the only option since the Mad King had wildfire pots planned under every street, tavern, stable, and tower of King's Landing and he was no longer listening to reason after Rhaegar rebelled against the Iron Throne. Ser Jaime Lannister's testimony and evidence later confirmed the accusation and hence the new King pardoned both Tywin Lannister and his son yet the people of King's Landing would never forget the sacking of their city and as time passed, many rumours circulated around the real purpose of the Lord of Casterly Rock. During the battle, Lannister men led by the Mountain and Amory Lorch were seen searching for the Queen, Princess Shaena and her children in the Red Keep but pregnant Queen Rhaella had gone with Prince Viserys, Prince Jaehaerys, Princess Visenya, and Prince Aegon the Elder to Dragonstone where she died giving birth to Princess Daenerys, meanwhile, Princess Shaena and her children had been smuggled out of the city and hidden in a safe location in Kingswood by Varys, the Master of Whisper. If you by chance came across any Bannermen of Lord Tywin, the common explanation was his lordship wanted to ensure the safety of the royal household but I must admit that excuse did not sit well with many, especially Queen Shaena who in more than one occasion was heard saying Lord Tywin wanted to murder her and her children so his daughter, Cersei Lannister could rightly become Queen of the Seven Kingdoms.
The Rebellion that almost destroyed the 300-year-old Targaryen Dynasty was now finally concluded. After much suffering and hardship, the Seven Kingdoms now saw the hope of spring again but before the silver prince could wear the crown, two more unfortunate deaths cast a shadow over his reign. In terror, Rhaegar found out Aerys had discovered Lyanna's whereabouts shortly after the Royal host departed from the capital. Cutthoarts and murders had been dispatched to get rid of, in Aerys'mind, the seed of the rebellion and anyone who dared to stand up to the cowardly plot. Ser Gerold Hightower 'The White Bull' had fulfilled his oath as a Kingsguard, defending Lady Lyanna to the last of his breath, but even with his heroic sacrifice, the evilness of men was not easy to overcome. As Eddard Stark and Prince Rhaegar arrived, the tower had already been torn down, leaving them nothing but a sister and a lover to mourn. This sad passing, however, might be a blessing in disguise to the Seven Kingdoms, though no one dared to be so outspoken about it. During my stay at the Capital, there was no lack of people thinking the realms had avoided another civil war for now there was no doubt about who was the rightful queen and who was the rightful heir.
-V-
Character introduction.
House Targaryen
Rhaegar Targaryen : King of the Andals, the Rhoynar, and the First Men. Once he was thought to be the greatest monarch the Seven Kingdoms ever had and thus even 17 years of peace and prosperity did not meet the expectations that his subjects had for him. Many of his reforms upset the nobility and his forgiving attitude toward the participants of the failed rebellion is criticized by his siblings. A capable warrior and brilliant King, Rhaegar earns the respect and love of those who follow him yet even the chief among his supporters, Jon Connington has to admit the King doesn't take much interest in ruling and is possessed by a sense of doom and secrets which he always keeps to himself.
Shaena Targaryen: Queen of the Seven Kingdoms and sister-wife to Rhaegar. A silver-haired Targaryen beauty who is respected by the court and common people alike for her queenly manner and intelligence. Her love for Rhaegar is sincere and true and hence, she finds it hard to forgive the king for his affair with Lyanna Stark as well as his careless mercy while dealing with Lord Tywin who in her eyes, trying to assassinate her and Rhaegar's children. As time goes on, the gaps between them grow wider, especially after Rhaegar approves the marriage of Prince Aegon the Elder and Cersei Lannister and their argument over the incident where the Queen secretly negotiate a marriage between the Crown prince and Margaery without telling the King and his small council.
Aegon Targaryen (Aegon the Younger): A charming young man of seventeen whose love for jousting and hunting can only be rivalled by his love for the maiden fair. Unlike his Father, Aegon can't simply wait till the day he becomes Lord of the seven Kingdoms and already has a vision for his future reign which starkly contrasts with his father's due to the the influence of his uncles.
Rhaenys Targaryen: An independent and beautiful young girl of eighteen who quickly loses her faith in a royal arranged marriage and fairy tales after witnessing what happened to her Queen mother. Rebellious and stubborn, she has a rough relationship with most of the family members except for her aunts Visenya and Daenerys.
Daeron Targaryen: Second son of Rhaella and Aerys II. A brave and loyal brother to Rhaegar who is entrusted with commanding the Royal Army. The horrid scar earns him the moniker 'One-eye- dragon' or ' Daeron the Brave' and his stoicism chases away noble ladies. After the war, with Rhaegar's blessing, he married Ashara Dayne, sister of the late Sword of the Morning, Ser Arthur Dayne which became a subject of many rumours for Lady Dayne already had a bastard daughter named Jocelyn Sand whose father was kept in secret and never bore the Prince any children in 15 years. After losing many of his friends and a brother-in-law to Northern Blades, he considers Eddard Stark to be the most dangerous enemy to the crown and wants to strengthen the relationship with Dorne by marrying off his niece to Trystane Martell or even Oberyn Martell
Aegon Targaryen 'Egg' (Aegon the Elder): Third son of Rhaella and current Master of Coin. An ambitious and charming prince, one who respects power and the crown above most things. At fifteen, he was married to Cersei Lannister and received lordship over Dunstonbury and Whitegrove. A man of an exquisite taste for cuisine, money and a great passion for ruling which leads him into conflict with other siblings. He proposes a marriage between his nephew, Aegon and his daughter Myrcella with Tywin's blessing, aiming to build closer ties to the Lannisters.
Jaehaerys Targaryen: Fourth son of Rhaella and Aerys II. A pacifist by nature who tries his best to keep his distance from the court and politics. He was made a knight during the Greyjoy rebellion and married Lynesse Hightower.
Viserys Targaryen: Fifth son of Rhaella and Aerys II. A rash, impatient and spiteful young man who still loathes Rhaegar and Daeron for defying their father. He treats everyone badly, especially Daenerys for the crime of killing the dowager queen Rhealla. Currently holds lordship over nothing, has no political allies or friends, and is unpopular with the nobility as well as common folk but is strangely calm and well-behaved when his twin sister Visenya is around.
Visenya Targaryen : Second daughter of Rhaella and Aerys II and twin sister to Viserys. Perhaps the most cheerful and energetic Targaryen is currently alive. Like the legendary Visenya whose name she shares, the princess showed interest in bearing arms and martial arts from a young age and was allowed to have proper training by Aerys and later Rhaegar. Since most were quick to judge it was just an unusual pastime of her royal highness, words couldn't describe their shock at witnessing her climb the wall of Pyke and slew Maron Greyjoy in single combat. She is a well-regarded swordwoman by many and her homeliness gained her popularity among the smallfolk. However, refusing one marriage offer to another in the displease of Queen Shaena consequently led many to believe she liked women or wanted to marry her twin brother.
Daenerys Targaryen: As the youngest member of House Targaryen, she feels helpless and powerless for her own happiness likely to be decided by more powerful siblings.
The Small Council/ Court
Hand of the King: Lord Jon Arryn
Master of Law: Lord Jon Connington
Master of Ship: Lord Paxter Redwyne
Master of Coin: Aegon Targaryen 'Egg'
Master of Whisper: Lord Varys
Lord Marshal of Royal Army: Daeron Targaryen
Grand Maester Pycelle
Lord Commander of the Kingsguard: Ser Barristian Selmy
Advisors to Master of Coin: Lord Petyr Baelish, Lord Kevan Lannister
Advisor to Master of Law: Lord Orton Merryweather, Lord Beric Dondarrion
Advisor to Master of Ship: Lord Monford Velaryon, Ser Davos Seaworth
Advisors and commanders of the Royal Army: Lord Randyll Tarly, Ser Barristian Selmy, Ser Jaime Lannister, Princess Visenya Targaryen (unofficial)
Kingsguard
Ser Jaime Lannister
Ser Balon Swann
Ser Robar Royce
Ser Arys Oakheart
Ser Adrian River, a hedge knight joined the defence of Seagard during the Greyjoy Rebellion and slain Rodrik Greyjoy in single combat. He then participated in the tournament held in Lannisport, defeated Ser Barristan Semly in the melee and then asked King Rhaegar for a white cloak for the reward which the King had no reason to refuse.
Other Characters :
Arnol Flint or Old Flint: An old knight from King's Landing who fought for Robert Baratheon during the Rebellion. After the Battle of Trident, he was heavily wounded and banished from the capital, forcing him to settle down in Horton, a quiet village near Crowfield Castle owned by King Rhaegar. He returned to his old father's trade, earning a living as a blacksmith and taking in two orphaned boys as apprentices.
Jon Snow: An orphaned boy of seventeen whose origin is in question. Shortly after the end of the Rebellion, the people of Horton found and rescued a dying woman and a baby near the creek beneath Crowfield Castle. The woman who seemed to come from the North judging by her accent only managed to survive long enough to tell her rescuer her son's name and since no one in the poor village could afford to raise him, he was sent to Old Flint.
Gendry Water: A bastard from King's Landing who was sent to Old Flint by Master Tobho Mott due to his stubbornness.
Author notes: I got the idea from "A Time for Dragon' (I recommend you to read it) but in the meantime, since I haven't yet had a throughout vision for the story and are currently working on another story, chapter 1 will not be available soon. Forgive me.