Chapter 22

Secret Deals and Foolish Shields

Year of the Realm 874/312 AC

Information. An intangible object that could be used to topple armies, cities, even kingdoms if the right piece was found. In the right hands, these things would rise up stronger than ever but in the wrong hands…they would fall sooner than they would against a rival's own army. Littlefinger prided himself on gaining knowledge and finding information that even the Maesters might want hidden. Of course, he had yet to learn what secrets they were hiding in their Citadel. But he had his methods. Where his whores would fail, he had a subtler means of information gathering.

Seated in his office at one of his local brothels in the capital, Littlefinger was smiling as his guest arrived "I trust your trip wasn't too arduous?"

"Long as the payment for that job is sufficient," came the oddly youthful sounding voice "You didn't really give me an easy task to complete."

"I find that learning about one's enemies is quite rewarding," Littlefinger tosses him a small sack of gold coins "That's the assassins fee, there's a trunk behind the front desk that is all yours when our business here is concluded."

The man tests the weight of the purse "You knew that only one would survive?"

"Oh no, I just had a feeling that none would and that whoever it was that dispatched them would want payment even if they failed at the task assigned to them." Littlefinger's smile grew wicked as he leaned forward, elbows resting on his desk "Now…about your next assignment."

"What will it be this time?"

"Information. I need you to investigate something for me, I would do it myself of course but some…events, here in the capital have prevented me from doing so." Littlefinger looks a little ruffled by that admission "I have a list for you, the details should speak for themselves of course."

The man accepts the parchment, eyes scanning the finer details of his assignment "What you are asking of me is tantamount to treason. Should this information get out, it could doom the realm to war."

"Ah but that's the beauty of it. I know how you operate and will pay you double your usual fee for the secrecy, triple should this all go according to plan. Can you do it?"

"It is not a small task what you ask for…but it is no matter to me. What's the deadline?"

Littlefinger leans back in his chair "The king will be away for a week starting tonight, a hunting trip in the Kingswood…that is your deadline. I require the information, nothing more and nothing less. Should it not be what I desire…well that's just bad business isn't it? But if it is what I believe it is…"

"You already have an answer and still require my own investigation?"

"A smart man never settles for one opinion, especially his own, he always gets a second and some hard evidence to back it up." The look Littlefinger gives is downright unnerving to any in Kings Landing that cross him "I trust that you will be discreet with this matter?"

Unfortunately for Littlefinger, his hired help isn't one to flinch from the steely gaze of Brothel King "None but my employer will hear of what I find, nor know what I am up to."

"Very good then, off with you now…it would not do for us to be seen together by any curious eyes."

As he left the brothel, he couldn't help but feel the trunk he had to lug around was far too light for his liking. None dared approach him, seeing him for a sellsword that he wasn't and believing him to be too dangerous. The man wandered down a dark alley, followed by naught but curious children. But when they rounded the corner to keep up with him…they found no sign of him in that alley.

Kings Landing was host to strange folk during the days of tourneys. However, it was far stranger folk that now seemed to find their way within its walls. Clive certainly seemed to think so as he listened to the boy's tale of seeing a man vanish down an alley. "One more time lad…from the top."

Jack looked ready to rip his hair out "You've got to believe us Clive!"

"I didn't say that I don't…but Jack you aren't the best at not exaggerating things just a little."

Cid snorts "You joking? That lad could spin a yarn so good even a Coeurl would fall for it."

"What's a curl got to do with this?" Jack groans "Will you both just listen for a second? This guy left a brothel with a trunk, a big trunk!"

"And the trunk matters because…?" Jack almost rolled his eyes as Hunter tried to process what he was saying.

"Because…how many men do you know go to a brothel and collect coin? None! No one goes there to make coin; they go there to lose it."

Jon hesitates, stepping forward hesitantly "My lords…we aren't lying to you. Jack is telling the truth, for once anyway."

"Hey!"

"We saw him go down an alley, we followed and when we got there, he was gone…searched it ourselves with Torgal and Ghost but…there was nothing. Like he just vanished into thin air."

Cid and Clive share a look, an intense stare exchanged between the two. Hunter and Wrecker shared a look of their own before the former stepped in "Something you want to tell us?"

Cid shrugs, Clive sighs as he begins to speak "We…might know of him."

"You do!?"

Clive gives Jack a pointed look "Yes, we do…there were rumors back home of some…individuals. What you described…it shouldn't be possible but that does line up with one that we know of."

"Well, it sounds a little like him, but it couldn't be him." Cid adds in "He has a kingdom to rule, no reason for him to be here."

Hunter crosses his arms, eyes narrowing on the two "Who is he?"

"That's just it, it's not who it is that worries us but who it isn't." Cid fishes around his pocket for a cigar "Damn…remind me to get a shipment from that stingy captain your uncle sent us with Clive."

Hunter coughs.

"Oh! Right…well, what you described has me thinking that it is Odin but considering he rules a kingdom and cannot leave for a moment…I'm inclined to think this might be Darkness."

"Darkness?" Hunter and Wrecker share a skeptical look "Are you ever not telling stories yourself Cid?"

"We aren't telling stories is the problem," Clive rubs the side of his head "We don't know how much of what we say is being overheard…and to add to this we also don't know any names, just descriptions. But we do know this…there's possibly seven of these people out there. Each one no doubt just as dangerous as the last."

"Quite right," Cid agrees "Joshua here, already had a run in with Fire…not someone you want to meet on your own. I believe the rumors said that Wind, Earth and Darkness were the others out there? But in all honesty, I think that Lightning, Ice and Light will be the ones to watch out for."

"Cid," Jill's soft voice cut through the fog of confusion the non-Valisthean members of their little group were caught in "They still don't know what you are talking about."

"True but we can't exactly tell them everything. Secrecy and all that."

"What cant you tell us? Come on…we already said we'd swear uh…"

"Oaths, Wrecker," Hunter sighs "But he's right…you had my word then and you have it now Clive. Whatever it is must be important if you won't tell us. We understand…well, I do at least."

"Hey!"

Clive cracks a smile "We'll tell you, all of you, when we leave the city. It's too dangerous here to say much more than that, too many eyes and ears watching us."

"Oh, for god's sake Ned, will you let it go?"

Eddard Stark scowls at the fat husk of what once was his best friend. He and Robert had been going at it for a few days, ever since the attack by the Queen's men things had been tense. Robert had done nothing to Cersei, not even so much as an angry shout at her. The most he had done was force the position of Hand back upon Ned against his will. That alone felt like a slap in the face, that he would do this and not accept any resignation he may give.

"Robert you are asking me to stand aside and allow a crime, an attack, against my people to go unpunished." Ned for all his honor and his loyalty was just as stubborn as any Northerner but more importantly, he was like the Direwolves of old that his family had for a sigil. He was always going to defend his pack. His people.

"Look, we will discuss this when I return from the hunt," Robert says gruffly, passing him by "One week Ned, that's all I ask, just be my Hand for a week and keep the kingdom running until I return. Can you do that for me?"

"Sit on an uncomfortable chair for a week while you enjoy the thrill of the hunt?" The sarcasm went over Robert's head "Sure, why not?"

"Good man," Robert claps him on the back "If there is any trouble, you'll still have Renly and Varys to assist you, Baelish too I suppose. I have packing to do, plenty of organizing to be done before we head out. We'll talk upon my return Ned; I swear it we will."

Eddard never took the time to give in to any of the vices that Robert had. Never visited the brothel except the one time that Robert and Brandon had dragged him off before he managed to escape them and run straight into her. Ashara Dayne. How he had made a fool of himself back then. Part of him had hoped that J-Clive…that Clive would suffer somewhat with the Lady Warrick but alas that boy had his parent's talent when it came to dealing with the opposite sex.

That was how Clive, Cid, Jill, Joshua and Cody found him as they entered his solar in the keep. A glass of wine in hand, melancholic look on his face, and none too pleased with how the day was going. "So…what can I do for you all today?"

Cid gives a low whistle "Well…that is a bit of a loaded question…"

"We are here, Uncle," Clive gives Cid a pointed look "Because this one has something he would like to share with us…and for some reason you as well."

"Alright then, Ser Cid, what is it you wish to speak of?"

Cid sighs, rolling up his left sleeve "Well it's this, actually."

Jill and Clive share a look, Ned too has a similar look of confusion on his face as he just sees a normal arm. Joshua however has the most visible reaction as his eyes widen just a fraction, slowly coming closer to inspect his mentor's arm "Is this…? Truly?"

"Aye…what I neglected to mention to the rest of you was that I was suffering from the Crystal's Curse." Cid admits with a slow roll of his shoulders "Most of my arm had been petrified…not sure why, or when but at some point, I noticed a bit more feeling in it and when I checked…it was starting to clear up."

"Elwin mentioned something of this in passing during your last stay in Winterfell," Ned felt a trio of heads swivel to look his way as he spoke "He said that Bearers and Dominants suffer from it…their fate being the complete petrification of their bodies and ultimately death. But if what you are saying is true then…"

"The curse is lifting?" Cid chuckles "I don't know what it is about Westeros that would scare that away, but I won't complain. Still, I can only guess that it's because of our distance from the Crystals."

"So, you're saying that the lack of them here means that we wont have to worry about…the curse?" Jill sounded hopeful; Clive gently placed his arm around her shoulder earning a grateful smile in return "We can fight to the fullest without need to fear?"

"Aye, that would be one way of looking at it." Cid's expression grows serious "But then that means that our enemies have little reason to hold back too."

"Enemies?"

"Right…we have reason to believe that the Dominants of Fire, Earth, Wind, Darkness…they could all be here, or at the very least have a means of coming here." Cid gives a careless shrug "Nothing we can do about them though, until they prime."

"What shall we do then? If there is to be conflict, then I must warn my people of this at once."

Joshua holds up a hand, stopping Ned in his tracks as he scrambles for a quill and ink "That won't do any good Lord Stark. No one can prepare for a Dominant's arrival, nor an Eikon's summoning. Should an Eikon appear in Westeros we can handle it ourselves but until one does appear…warnings would only serve to keep the people on edge and under stress awaiting something that may never come to pass."

"And if it does?" Ned had to give the lad credit, he was the spitting image of his father even though he lacked the experience ruling a kingdom "If it does happen, how can I know for true that you all can do what you claim? That this won't be…that Westeros won't suffer?"

"Uncle," he turns, eyes locking with Clive's "Trust in me. I may not consider myself of these lands…not for many years now…I am Westerosi by birth. These were their lands, their people…so too are they mine, and I will not let them suffer quietly. I'll do what I can, you have my word."

Ned could see it in their eyes. They were all willing to fight if need be…but the things they described? What he had been told of years ago and even now… Heavy was the head of those who much was expected, more so for those in power. "Very well…I'll leave it to you, Clive."

Six days later

Littlefinger was growing impatient as the days dragged on. When the last day came before the king's arrival he half expected to be met once again by silence in his office. When his man entered, the Master of Coin was nearly foaming at the mouth in his eagerness for news. "Well!?"

The man holds up a hand, silencing the greedy urchin of a man before him "You were right, the king has twenty children at present, mayhap more than that."

"And the children with the queen?"

"Bastards, each and every one of them." The man sighs "Poor man has been only ever the father of a bastard with a whore or young maiden he drags off to his chambers…if they are lucky to have any real privacy. The queen, however, has taken to using her own twin brother Jaime and their cousins that are in her service. It is a miracle she hasn't had any other children yet, her…appetite, it rivals even that of her own husband."

"Well done…a perfect job as ever Vega," Petyr smiles, eyes widening just a fraction as Vega closes the distance and has a dagger to his throat.

"You know the rules, Baelish!"

"Apologies! Slip of the tongue I swear!"

Vega pulls back, sheathing the blade "It had better be, or the next time it happens it will be your tongue."

"Noted…you've told no one of this?" Baelish rubs his throat "I don't need this information leaking to anyone before I can lure Stark into the trap."

"I've only told my employer, no one else knows but us."

Petyr sighs "Good…your payment, as usual, is behind the front desk. Doubled it too. Just for you and your perfect service as always."

"Good. And Littlefinger? Expect to hear from me again in the future, should what you have planned interfere with any of my contracts."

With those parting words Vega made his exit. Baelish didn't relax until he was certain that man had left the city limits. Strange as he was, that foreigner got work done and his information was incredibly accurate. That said…Vega was not someone Baelish wanted to cross; he may be slippery as any other rat hiding in the city, but he was not dumb enough to taunt nor tempt a cat just waiting for a mistake to be made.

The last night before her husband was to return from the hunt. Cersei Lannister couldn't keep the scowl off her face as she thought of him. The dishonor that he would bring to her every day was hard enough to bare, but the sheer audacity he had to make it all so blatant to the realm without a care for her own well-being…he was nothing to her. He was not a noble Lion, nor was he a powerful Dragon. He was but a Stag, food for the predators, not an equal to true royalty.

There was a knock at the door.

"Enter."

Jaime enters, a bit of panic on his face as he gives her a hurried bow before stepping aside for a hooded man to enter after him. The man gave a bow as she rose to her feet, looking between Jaime, the man and the two guards standing just behind the man himself.

"What is the meaning of this?" she asks, giving Jaime a searching glance but he gave no hints as to what was going on "Who is this man?"

"Apologies your grace, I am just the messenger in all of this."

Jaime scowls "Cersei, he…has news, troubling news."

"News? What news?"

"Betrayal your grace," the man speaks softly, voice gentle but still with the edge of a sharpened dagger "The king is coming tomorrow for you and the children. Your precious lions are to be put to death along with you and your household. He wishes to…usurp their position in the bloodline."

"Usurp the…" Cersei's eyes widen as she finally sees the understanding in Jaime's eyes. He isn't coming to just kill their children, he is coming to kill her children with Jaime… "By the gods…what…who…how did you come by this?"

"I myself was given this by a trusted source your grace, one that I would wager my life on and serve to my dying breath."

"Jaime…"

"I've already alerted our guardsmen," the Kingslayer says carefully "Everything will be ready for our departure by the time we arrive."

"The children?"

"Sandor has Joffrey, he wont question what's happening…just act as if its another fanciful trip for nobles he has to suffer through." Jaime moves to her side, gently pulling her close "We'll be alright Cersei, we'll be too far out for him to get to us in time. Pycelle has even sent a raven on ahead for father, he'll summon the banners, the children will be safe."

"He'll ruin us!" she hisses.

"Not if we keep a level head in this…our friend here has been most helpful." Jaime eyes the man with distrust "You haven't told anyone else this?"

"No Ser, I have only told you both this. I swear it."

"Good…Ser Preston, Ser Meryn…see to the rest of the preparations and be discreet. I'll be along shortly with he queen." The two knights nod, making their hasty exit to fulfill their tasks as Jaime eyes their guest "As for you…a Lannister always pays their debts…and tonight we owe you a great one. When we return to Casterly Rock, I'll see that debt repaid in full."

"No need for that," the man waves his notions of debts away "I require no payment for services rendered…only…a vow from you Ser."

"A vow?"

"Death lingers in the times ahead; I would hope that you keep yourself alive at any…cost."

Jaime felt a feeling of unease settle in his stomach at those words "Very well then…I shall endeavor to survive whatever comes my way."

"That is all I desire," he bows again "I look forward to our future encounters, Slayer of Kings."

The effect was instant. Like having a bucket of cold water dumped on him. Jaime froze in place, seeing Aerys body on the floor…the blood on his blade…the sounds of the smallfolk screaming as King's Landing was sacked by his own father…

"Jaime?"

Cersei's voice pulled him out of his memories. "I'm fine…we should leave, we cannot afford to be here when Robert returns."

The day that Robert would return was one the city awaited. Even if their king had not left for another kingdom but just to go hunting for a week, the people were eager for his return. Amongst the numbers on the streets eager for the king's return were three men with more to worry over than a noble coming home to rest.

"You are sure about this Rex?"

"Positive…and I know what you are thinking but tracking him down is impossible as is."

Clive frowns as a pair of children run past, he motions for Rex and Cid to follow him back to the Red Keep "Even so…twenty children?"

"May be more," Cid shrugs "Good King Robert has quite the wondering eye, not to mention everything else of his that wanders."

"And you are certain he was there?"

"Who else could it be?" Rex asks "No one else we can think of that could just appear then vanish so fast. Not to mention the Lannister's vanishing overnight…"

Clive scowls. That was another problem they had yet to find an answer to. The Lannister's, from every noble and knight to the lowliest of servants and guards, had vanished. The city was devoid of golden-haired lions and their allies. Every one of them had fled the city, but why? What could have possibly made them flee? "You don't think it has anything to do with what you found out?"

"Not likely…course, I doubt the queen didn't keep tabs on them from time to time, but for her to have fled the capital just before her husbands return? Something big must have happened."

"Do you want us to look into that too?"

"No Rex…for now lets just keep on our toes." Clive stops suddenly, feeling the flames rage within suddenly "We should hurry…Rex, get the others. Cid…let's be ready in case we need to even the odds."

Cid sighs "Oh I don't like the sound of that."

Clive didn't like it either. But if the flames were burning for no reason…then something was coming, and he would need that fire more than ever. As they entered the Red Keep, it became quite apparent that they were on the brink of something horrible. Servants were scrambling about, guards moving throughout the keep with an urgency Clive hadn't seen outside of a war camp. Dread took hold within as he and Cid made their way to the throne room. As the crossed the threshold, taking up position with their own group, it all became clear.

Ned winces as he watches Robert kick the downed form of Lancel Lannister. The only Lannister unfortunate enough to still be within the city walls when Robert found it devoid of any Lions. Robert gave the boy another kick, causing him to roll onto his back and attempt to curl into a ball. Poor lad was not having an easy time of it.

"How dare they…how DARE THEY!" the king roars, swiftly whirling around and kicking Lancel even harder in the side "Twenty-eight years! I've been king…for twenty-eight years…and now? Now that…that whore does this? Bad enough I must find out from a stranger in a cloak, but now I find that not only was it all true, but they have fled the city along with some of my own kingsguard well before I even knew they were up to something. I'll not have it…I won't."

"Robert…what is going on?"

Robert takes a slow, deep breath. He walks towards the iron throne, taking his seat before leveling Ned with a look that he had not seen on his friend's face since the Rebellion. Since Lyanna. "Cersei Lannister is a whore and a traitor to the Seven Kingdoms. She has not birthed the royal heirs but has in fact birthed her own twin brother's bastards! No doubt old Tywin will have heard the news…Ser Barristan! Fetch Pycelle, I don't care how you do it, you bring that old bag of bones here. His king demands it!"

Clive slowly works his way forward, putting himself between Joshua and Jill as Barristan Selmy exits the throne room. His hand finds Jill's as they watch the king's emotions flash across his face as he tries to keep calm.

"Varys, I want your little birds watching the Lannister's. If a war is to come, then I shall be ready for it."

"Of course, your grace, however it might take some time as Lord Tywin will no doubt be expecting such a move from us." Varys gave nothing away though he did glance briefly at the Rosarian party "Might I suggest calling the banners first? While it is expected of you your grace, it would be the most prudent choice under the circumstances."

"I can send a raven to Storm's End," Renly steps forward, a blonde-haired knight in shining armor right behind him "They'll ready themselves, and with your permission brother I would like to ride for Highgarden, I will personally get the Reach ready and be there when the fighting starts."

Ned, acutely aware of Renly's lack of experience and desire for fighting, finds the entire offer odd. Last he saw of Renly he was but a boy, now here he stands a man grown suggesting his own service to his brother the king as to bring more men to the cause? Robert, unlike Ned, seemed to believe the offer so much that he smiled. "Good on you Renly, you have my blessing, go forth brother…and be quick. Tywin won't hesitate to stop us if we delay for too long."

"Your grace," Ned speaks up, garnering Robert's attention "With your permission, I too would like to leave the capital."

"On what grounds?" he asks gruffly "I need you here beside me Ned, you know that."

"Aye, I do…but you know how we are Robert. War is coming, someone will have to summon the banners and my son is still a green boy when it comes to war. I would wish to be there to guide him in these matters, so that we might see a swift end to the conflict."

"Very well," Robert gives a dismissive wave of his hand "But you better not die out there Ned. I wont forgive you if you do."

"Wouldn't dream of it, your grace." Ned bows his head, as he and what remained of his guard made their leave, he spared only a passing look with Clive. Now would be the time to leave while they still could.

"We should follow him," Rex whispers into Clive's ear "Ship is loaded, ready and waiting. Just say the word."

Before Clive could respond Robert began again with his booming voice "I suppose I should apologize for your stay here in my fair city…a shame that, I had hoped we could enjoy some more celebrations and tourneys."

"That is alright your grace…though sadly this will mean the end of our stay in Westeros." Joshua, ever the diplomat and image of his father stepped forward to speak "However, we shall endeavor to keep in touch should things settle here."

"No, no I don't think that will do…" Robert's words, once angry and then calm now sounded…distant "You will be staying here, in the Red Keep, where its safe. The only ship Ned could take to get back to the North in time is yours…by the time you set sail from White Harbor the war will be on, and it is entirely possible that Tywin sends the Lannister fleet to attack our shores. You would be an easy target I'm afraid."

"Be that as it may…could we not the chance to send a message to our people, so that they may know of our delay?"

Clive felt the fingers on his left-hand twitch as he watched Robert shake his head. Joshua, bless him, was not the kind of leader that could be cutthroat or underhanded. He was far too honest and saw good in too many people to expect danger. Something their father had learned firsthand that fateful night.

"In times of war, ravens could be intercepted…there is no telling what could happen if a message of such importance were to be claimed by the Lannister's instead." Robert leans back on his throne "However…there is another matter I would like to discuss with you. The terms of our Alliance."

"I was not aware that we had to discuss any other terms, your grace…your peoples military support while we secured our borders and dealt with our enemies should suffice, should it not?"

"Aye it does suffice, but I…" there was a commotion from the throne room doors. Ser Barristan and a few guards entered with a chained Pycelle in the middle "Good, there weren't any problems I trust?"

"None your grace," Barristan bows his head "We found Pycelle attempting to send a raven for the Rock. The message was an oath of loyalty to Tywin with plans to allow his army entry into he city so that he could…repeat the Sack of King's Landing, just like in your rebellion."

Clive watched as Robert's face turned an ugly shade of purple. The Fat King cursed under his breath as his face returned to a normal shade "Take him to the black cells, I'll deal with him later." As the guards drag Pycelle out, kicking and screaming; pleading for his life, Clive can't help but pity the old fool of a man. Even in his old age, he still betrays those he swore to serve all for what? Lannister Gold? "You see that? Can't even trust your own maester anymore. Even more reason for you to stay here in the capital."

"Not a very good reason," Clive grumbles, eyes narrowing on Robert.

"Very well then…what needs to be discussed further for our alliance your grace?"

There was a gleam in Robert's eyes. Clive felt a hand on his left shoulder, he dares not look back to see who it was but the squeeze they were giving said all he needed to know. Relax.

"I will pledge my swords, more than enough men to secure your borders until you have no further need for them. In exchange our kingdoms will be united as allies; trade, military support should it be requested. Does that sound agreeable to you?"

Joshua felt his lips dry. Was this agreeable? The plan was to get support for Rosaria from Westeros…and if Robert manages to win the war, then they would have it. How could he refuse? "It does indeed, your grace."

"Excellent!" Robert laughs "Then there is just one final thing to set up."

"I beg your pardon?"

"The wedding of course!"

Cid shared a look with Cody. This was not something they had planned for, and if Cid's gut was right…this would not end well for anyone here in the room. Cody moves forward, taking position on Clive's right while Cid tried to maneuver himself further ahead. All the while, Rex found his grip on Clive heating up as small flames began to dance along the lad's arm.

"Wedding?" Joshua asks, perplexed and still in the dark as to just what wedding the king was talking about "I…I am sorry your grace but king or not, not even you could command me to wed anyone."

"It's alright lad, I wasn't talking about you." Robert's smile almost seemed to soften "I was speaking more of myself and the Lady Warrick."

"What!?" Clive's eyes darted right just as the words left Jill's mouth. The Dominant of Ice looked as if she had been struck, and immediately Clive could see the beginning hints of frost forming on her upper arm.

"I am a King with seven kingdoms to rule and no heirs of my own now…because of that woman's choices the people will see me as weak, and without a queen or heirs by my side they will see my position as vulnerable. I will not have it, that is why I will ask for your hand in marriage, Lady Warrick. Be my Queen of the Seven Kingdoms, rule by my side."

"I refuse!" she snaps.

The answer did not have the reaction they expected. Rather than be outraged by the dismissal, Robert laughed, his smile grew broader as he clapped "That's a fiery spirit you have with you, my lady. So much like her."

Clive found himself bristling as he heard those words. There was a soft gasp of pain from his left as the flames began to burn Rex just a little bit, his armor would be singed for sure.

"The answer will not change, not now or ever."

Joshua steps between the king and Jill, cutting off eye contact for a moment "Perhaps we should reconvene later? Give her time to…adjust to the idea first your grace? Surely word of the war and today's events are…upsetting her emotionally?"

Clive watched Joshua's shoulders flinch as the boy no doubt felt Jill's icy glare on his back. Didn't help that the immediate area around the pair was a mixture of hot and cold as both had let their tempers rise far too high during the discussions. "Very well," Robert says as gleeful as ever "When the time comes, I would welcome your men and their input on matters of war. Like to see old Tywin's face when Rosarian's take the field and butcher his armies."

Cid looks back, giving a subtle nod to Hunter and Wrecker. The sellswords and Colt took point, leading Goetz and the boys out first. The wolves and Jote followed suit escorted by Cody and Rex. The old Lord Commander of Waloed followed Joshua before it all went wrong. The lads up front got out of the room and rounded the corner before everything went belly up. If he had just kept Cody and Rex on Clive, none of this would have happened.

"The answer, is no!"

Cid could feel the heat filling the room, not even Jill's own powers over frost were able to passively subdue these flames. It was like the tourney all over again when he faced the Mountain. Clive stood now protectively in front of Jill; eyes focused on Robert still seated on his throne.

"Listen lad, I like ye well enough, but you are a guard, not a noble…not any longer. She has a duty to her people and will follow her Archduke's orders." Robert gives a dismissive wave of his hand "Be gone with you, before I have you thrown in the dungeons."

Cid never was one for religion. Whether it was the outlying ones on Ash, or if it was the major ones of Storm…he never believed in gods. Never prayed, never sacrificed, and never worshipped. Until Clive and Jill had a meeting with a God…he thought they were all just stories. Even then, he never found one to dedicate himself to. In this one moment however…Cid prayed that whichever god was listening, this would not be his final day alive.

A fire ball slams into the top of the throne, scorching it black as Clive stands, sword in one hand, the other outstretched and flaming. "I wasn't asking!"

There was a drawing of swords, Joshua and Cid guarding the middle ground to the doors while Rex and Cody held them together. Kingsguard and guardsmen alike were ready to defend their king tot heir last breath. Ser Barristan the Bold even took center stage between Clive and Robert.

"You…you dare attack a King?" Robert slowly stands, fists shaking in fury "You dare attack me, boy!? I'll have your head for this attempt on my life…I swear it by the gods I will see your head on a spike!"

"Your grace! Perhaps we should uh…forget this little incident ever happened?" Cid, ever the diplomat at the worst of times tries to intervene "It wouldn't be a good idea for anyone if Clive were around right now…perhaps if you let us just send him home alone then we could…"

"Silence!" Robert snaps, stomping his foot "The boy dies! End of discussion…I will not have someone live who thought they could kill me like this, in my own throne room no less! Ser Barristan! See the Archduke and his party are escorted to their chambers but bring me the boy."

Cid curses under his breath "So much for diplomacy…alright lad, you remember your training?"

"Hard to forget it Cid."

"We make for the ship…hopefully Lord Stark hasn't left yet…Clive!"

Jill tugged his arm back, making him move despite the flames roaring for more. As the guards moved in Clive only had one thought in mind. As Thorn grabbed him, yanking him along, Clive felt the flames reignite his left arm. Just as they were crossing the threshold Clive flung his arm back, aiming for the ceiling.

Burn them all.

Hunter felt his ears twitch as a loud explosion ripped through the keep. They didn't know what it was, but he had an idea that he knew just where it came from. They had to keep moving. Lives depended on it. As the little group he led made it to the street level he could see crowds of people fleeing in a panic. Whatever that explosion was, it had spooked more than enough people to get the gold cloaks to respond to a potential riot. The city would be nothing but chaos the whole way to the port.

"You think they'll make it!?" Wrecker shouts over the commotion, shoving a few stubborn citizens aside "This riot will slow us all down!"

"Not sure Wrecker!" Hunter ducks under a stray bucket…he wasn't sure what was in it and he didn't want to know "Cid said to get to the ship! So that's what we do! Boys, you still with us!?"

Jack and Jon kept close to each other, keeping themselves near enough to Goetz should trouble come up, Colt right behind them "I've got them Hunter, just keep your eyes on the road!"

"Easy for you to say," he grumbles.

The group was in the thick of it, Fishmonger Square was devolving into a riot as gold cloaks clashed with panicked citizens. Those who were unlucky enough to be at the front were cut down by impatient men clad in golden cloaks now stained red with the blood of the very people they were meant to protect. Hunter allowed Colt to guide their group safely around the conflict, his time travelling the streets with Rex and Cid having paid off as they neared the Mud Gate. The port was on the other side, no one had been fool enough yet to try and close the gate just yet. Good…they could still make it to the ship. "Almost there Wrecker, just a little further."

There was a loud bark from behind. A duo of gray and white fur bolt past towards the gate. Torgal and Ghost had the right idea as the canines startled the guards so badly a few fell over as their group came running past. If those two beasts were here now, then the others were just behind them. That meant there was still some hope left for a clean getaway. As Hunter saw the ship come into view, he draws his short sword.

"I'll stand watch, keep any guards off the ship if I can." He looks up to Wrecker "Feel like helping me keep the peace here?"

"Ha! And let you have all the fun? Of course, I'm gonna stay." Wrecker hefts his weapon, something they had commissioned by Tobho Mott, a battle-axe fit for one such as Wrecker. "Let's show these Rosarians how we fight here in Westeros."

"Somehow I doubt they'll be overly impressed."

Ned Stark had been below deck with his own people, ensuring safety and as much comfort as he was able to give them on the voyage. They hadn't even left the harbor when things had gone from bad to worse. Riots in the streets, an explosion at the Red Keep…he only prayed it wasn't Jon who was caught up in that. New name be damned, that boy was his flesh and blood…he would always be Jon to him even if he hated the name himself. As the ship began to lurch, he made his way topside to investigate. When he came out into the sunlight and saw the rest of the Rosarian party in several states of exhaustion and the knights still tense, he just knew something had gone wrong.

"What happened?"

"Ask your nephew there…" Cid lazily points at Clive "Lad…you called me mad back home…just for this, you are the mad one."

"I'll accept that…but I don't regret it."

Ned levels his stern gaze on Clive, making the lad wince "Clive…"

"Apologies…I might have been a bit…rough, with the King."

"You didn't…"

Clive shakes his head "I swore I wouldn't Uncle, and I didn't…but he didn't take too kindly to my warning."

"Ha!" Cid barks out a laugh "Warning!? That was a mighty fine warning if you want to call it that."

Joshua himself winces as he stands, dusting himself off "I'm sorry for the trouble we have caused you Lord Stark but Clive he…"

"Nearly incinerated the king because he made insinuations about his mother and his betrothed," Rex finishes for the young lord "Honestly I can't really blame him, fat bastard was asking for it."

"He is a king, Rex, he shouldn't have attacked him in the first place!"

"Oh, relax Cody, all we did was just damage a silly chair and the ceiling. No one died."

"That's not the point!"

"Boys!" The two men snap to attention, backs straight, mouths shut and eyes on the Dominant of Ice as she gives them a frosty look "I appreciate your concerns Cody, Rex, but we have a bigger problem now. The kingdoms are at war now, and Robert wont aid us unless he gets myself and Clive…we are back where we started."

"Not necessarily…" All eyes turn to the wanted fugitive from Rosaria. Clive gives an uneasy smile as he rises to his feet "We can still fight this war…do what we must to end it…maybe even use the opportunity to remove Robert from power."

"What are you thinking Clive? Robert is a stubborn man; he won't just forget what transpired…you'd have to bring him one of the Targaryen's to do that."

"I'll tell you all about it when we get to Moat Cailin…you did send a raven to Robb like I suggested?"

Ned couldn't help but give a smirk of his own to his nephew "Aye, by now word should spread, ravens will be sent…Robb will summon our banners, and he'll march them south to Moat Cailin, we'll ride there after landing in White Harbor. Wyman should provide us with horses and some extra men to escort the party to Winterfell while we ride for the army."

"Good…Cody, I'll leave the strategy to you for this. I…I need to rest, while I can."

"For the return of Lady Warrick, a reward of five-hundred-thousand gold dragons. For Clive Rosfield alive, six-hundred-thousand dragons, four hundred if he is already dead. Should the Lady be returned untouched, a knighting, even a lordship for the man or men that return her to me." The scribe jots down every word the king speaks "Now…a letter to Winterfell. No doubt they have Ned believing them to be righteous or some such nonsense. To Lord Robb Stark, Warden of the North, your father is travelling home to help aid you in the upcoming war. Travelling with him is the Rosarian party. On the charge of attempting to assassinate your king and taking his betrothed hostage I command you and your bannermen to apprehend Clive Rosfield and return Lady Warrick to King's Landing. For doing so, you shall be greatly rewarded and always a friend of the Crown same as your father before you."

"I…is that all, your grace?"

"Aye…away with you now!" Robert watches the man scramble from his presence. He hardly gave his loyal Lord Commander a glance as he sat on his throne "Ser Barristan…you've been here for a few kings. Seen some battles, even wars…what do you think our chances are here and now?"

"I don't think this war should be too long your grace. Tywin has but one kingdom, you have six…even if it is a hard-fought battle, he will not win the coming war. That I would wager my life on."

Robert laughs "Good, very good…it's time I got off my arse and fought a serious fight for a change. Barely fit in my armor as it is. I'll need a good sparring partner Ser Barristan, are you up for the task?"

"Always, your grace."

AN: ….so…I can explain? …ok, maybe I can't explain? So that was a thing…and a bigger thing that I have been dying to get to, is happening now. We've effectively thrown the book script out the window because some big players haven't died yet, and events have gotten off track far as canon goes.

What does this all mean? Well, the War of Five Kings is happening earlier than expected. Ned Stark is still alive. Robert Baratheon is also still alive. Clive is now a wanted fugitive. Jill an unwilling betrothed to a fat king. Torgal is still the best boy who will be coming back into the spotlight now that we are out of the city. And Cid's still…Cid. For better or worse ladies yes, your fictional 'daddy' is still alive and here to annoy Clive till he dies.

What's there to explain? For those who read and don't just skim through or skip to the authors note…we've met another key player. Ask no questions I tell no lies folks, so don't ask a question unless you are prepared for me to lie to your face here because now is the time, I get stingy with my spoilers.

Next chapter I will 1000% spoil right now…I have no intentions of it being a battle chapter. In fact, right now, without starting it, I only intend it to be a 'catching up' chapter to see what each side is planning/thinking as well as introduce members of the cast that we either haven't seen in a while or haven't seen period. So, look forward to that, or skip it, doesn't really matter unless you like being confused every chapter after. And finally, as this chapter goes up there either is or will be a poll to decide what to do with the first big 'arc' or 'finale' in this story. No, not THE finale, just A finale for some events. Like the ending of a huge section of a game before opening to an even bigger section of the same game…that may or may not be an FF7 Midgar to Kalm reference…no that isn't in the cards as of yet for a new story idea. Ask me after I play Rebirth!

P.S. Guess who got another head cold…seriously, I've gotten sick for every chapter posted this month I am pretty sure…or at least since 18 was the one I was working on.

Now…to the reviews!

Hakuryukou79: It's not so much 'assassins' as it is just the Jaime moment from the canon but minus Jaime. Contrary to popular belief he isn't a completely 'bad guy' in this and he and Clive will have a bit of work going on between them far as a repertoire. Regarding DLC…unless I get it for myself and see what's what, or it comes out before a full year or this story gets too far along, don't expect what happens in it to dictate what occurs in the FF16 portions. But be patient…big things are coming soon.

Jebest4781: Yeah…so I don't know where Season/Book 1 ends officially…it's kind of just all blurring together at this point. I can tell you that with this story's first 'arc' ending soon, this 'finale' will be a fun one. And again, for those who just skim through this isn't the actual end of the fic, nor an announcement of a sequel -_-

Guest: Wow