Jaeron XXX

A little relief was upon him now. Not much, but it was something. Looking around the camp they had set up outside Ashemark. It had been a brash move; one he had been hesitant to make himself considering the location of said castle. When he'd started his campaign, he hadn't wanted to venture much into the Lion's Den, but what else could they do? Well, an answer for that had arrived from Elissa. Technically two answers were given. One that he was considering, and the other an opening that had appeared.

Jaeron had heard little of Renly Baratheon other than he had the largest army and had taken the golden rose of the Reach to wife. A woman in which if the rumours were true regarding him partaking in buggery would not bare him a son. Something which he would need to secure his line otherwise it would fall to Stannis, Shireen, or Edric. They'd received a response from the Florent's in relation to that, in trying to reign in at least a portion of said House. Politely receiving a raven that they could not side with him due to one of their own being wed to Stannis.

Not that he'd expected much more, but it meant word was now out in the Reach. From the conversations through Elissa, her eagle, and Catelyn, he knew that it had either not gotten out in the armies, or no one was speaking about it. Hence him now drafting a raven for Lord Willas. Whilst his father was Lord Paramount of the Reach, many people surrounding him said that Mace Tyrell was an idiot at best and an embarrassment at worst. The Greatjon even going so far as to mimic a peacock, something which had gotten them all laughing in amusement. He had to put an end to it though, knowing it would not make him look good to mock people who may potentially bow to him.

Renly had taken ten thousand men with him to ride for Storm's End.

Ten thousand, out of sixty thousand.

When Arthur had found out, he had simply squeezed his nose tight. It didn't take a genius to figure out there was a massively wasted opportunity for the Baratheon. Not that he was going to complain. With a lost opportunity for one player, it opened an opportunity for another. And he'd be damned if he wasn't going to seize it. There was only one issue with it though, that he'd sent a raven to Prince Doran apologising profusely for his threat so many months before and as an apology offering Sansa to be betrothed to his eldest son, him being the first person outside of the small circle of the Pact. And he had accepted. Meaning there weren't many options left.

He hated bartering away his siblings like this, especially considering he still had no idea where Sansa was. The only good thing that came out of it was that he would be able to lengthen the betrothal and by extension, keep Dorne somewhat on his side.

"Fuck sake, Jon, just offer yourself."

"I can't, Robb. Margaery is wed to Renly- "

"Do you honestly think with that dumb move he made by taking a fraction of his men with him that he's going to survive this much longer?"

That shut him up, knowing Robb had made a good point. It was a match he had been eyeing for a long time himself but had ended up waiting too long and someone had snatched the prize from under his feet.

"It's either yourself or Rickon. But I can't see them accepting a betrothal with a third son, that would be an insult. Unless you were to offer him to a Redwyne or something similar. Alternatively, as much as I hate to say it, there is also my mother- "

"No. Whilst your mother and I are at an understanding and maybe beginning to like each other, I will not betroth her to someone. If she wishes to do so further down the line I won't stop it. She has recently been widowed, Robb. She might not have known father when they wed and spent the first year of marriage apart, look me in the eye and tell me they didn't love one another deeply by the end."

Robb looked down to his feet, seemingly ashamed of even considering that as an option. Jaeron sighing deeply before beginning to tap his fingertips on the table in his tent. The only other people there was surrounding them were Ser Arthur and Ser Brynden- wait.

"Robb, I need more Kingsguard members. We know Ser Loras is with Renly, but what about Ser Garlan?"

"It would be a good option, but he is wed to a Fossoway. Kingsguard oaths are to take no wives and hold no lands. Basically, a glorified version of being a brother of the Night's Watch- "

"The oaths were based on that, so that makes sense. But what if I were to rework it? As in, those already wed do not need to annul their marriage and their eldest takes the titles. But anyone I accept who is not married is tied to the original oaths."

It went quiet for a few minutes, the only sound in the tent being Grey Wind's obnoxious snoring. The other occupant thinking hard on it before suggesting bringing the current two members inside to see what they thought of the proposition.

"Absolutely not. Whilst I see where you are coming from, your Grace, many would see it as favouritism which won't look good. I agree with Lord Robb, offer yourself. Before you say it, I know Renly is wed to Margaery, but I know who pulls the strings of that family. I've no doubt in my mind it was Mace who set the betrothal up in the first place, because no one would accept a third son for the female heir of a Great House- "

"You're not suggesting what I think you are, are you Arthur? I will not be a kinslayer- "

"I'm not saying that you need to be the one who does it. Think about it. A third son of a House who won the throne through conquest, or the only remaining male of a House that held the throne for three hundred years who just so happens to have dragons? I know which one I would choose."

Robb snorted a little at the rant, Ser Brynden eyeing his grandnephew which caused him to stop. Thinking hard on it all.

"You believe someone loyal to the House will kill Renly so that I can wed Margaery because it makes them look better in regard to political strength."

"And it leaves fifty thousand men to either remain neutral or to flock to you."

That portion he hadn't considered. There were fifty thousand men left behind in the Reach just sitting by idly. Likely entertaining themselves by sparring or gossiping.

"Please leave, Sers. I have a raven to write."

Both Knight's nodded before returning to guarding the entrance to the tent, Jaeron sitting down and running his hands over his face. Was he really going to do this? What if it came across such as him committing one of the worst sins of any faith by poking people to behave in such a way?

"I hate politics, I really do."

Now, Robb didn't hold in his laughter. Chuckling deeply in his throat before sitting opposite him as he reached over to dip his quill into the ink, thinking carefully on what to write. Once he had finished, he read it over a few more times until the words were ingrained in his brain before sealing it, walking over to who was tending to the ravens. The man's eyes widened massively when he heard it was to be sent to Highgarden, but he didn't answer back. Simply nodding at his King's command.

Please accept.

Two words spinning in his mind in a way he had never experienced. House Tyrell always claimed to be loyal to his House and they did fight for his father in the rebellion, he wasn't naïve. Not that he could blame them, after what Tywin had done in the capital everyone was rightfully terrified of the man's wroth. The only boon he could use over them was that if it weren't for his own House, their House would probably still be stewards. Even now, many other Lords and Ladies simply tolerated them. If they refused and he came out on top, he would be expected to strip them of their position and to replace them with another House.

"Did you send it?"

"Aye, I did."

Jaeron didn't even realise he'd walked back to his tent, feeling a nudge on his back and turning to pet the white wolf which even now never made a sound. Not even when bearing his teeth. It had become a game amongst everyone who could go the longest without reacting to Ghost being near them, the current record being held by Smalljon Umber. That had been a moment that got everyone laughing, the sheer terror on the mans face when he finally spotted him.

"The Dragon and the Rose- has a catchy ring to it- "

Robb was cut off from the other throwing his quill at him, glaring at the younger for that.

"I prefer the two towers and the wolf, dear brother."

An eye twitched at the reminder. Robb had made it abundantly clear he did not want to wed a Frey, but the agreement had been made and now he was bound to his oath. He'd asked multiple times to find a way for him to get out of it but none had shown themselves to the surface as of yet. He deserved better than one of the old weasels daughters, or granddaughters, or even great-granddaughters. But they couldn't break the betrothal.

"At least if this does work, it leaves only two openings. Those being Arya and Rickon- "

"God's help the poor fools who get stuck with either- "

"I think you mean what unlucky bloke may end up with Arya if she ever does wed."

He loved Arya; he really did. But gods she was wild. If Rickon was half a wolf, Arya was full wolf much to her mother's chagrin. For years Catelyn had tried to mould her into a perfect little Lady like she had done with Sansa but had failed at every turn. Every lesson? She would refuse to go. Anything to do with embroidery? She'd hide in one of the areas of the castle so she could watch sparring practise in the courtyard. Anything formal? She'd be running along rooftops and walls and climbing trees with Bran. He'd asked one of the wargs to try and locate her but so far they had gotten nothing. Only that she was last seen in Maidenpool. Nerves were eating him up because if she made one wrong move she would be in the Lion's grasp again, and he was going to do everything he could to ensure that did not happen. The tent flap opened, both Kingsguard members looking in with worried expressions, a man carrying a piece of parchment who was covered in sweat which meant he had ran here.

"Apologies for disturbing, your Grace. A report from Riverrun regarding Castle Darry that has been corroborated by one of the wargs."

The man took a few deep breaths before handing it over to him before the flaps were closed leaving five inside the tent. Eyebrows creasing ever so slightly at the seal.

"Do either of you recognise- "

"Aye, that's the seal of Gregor Clegane, your Grace."

Ser Arthur's voice was loaded with venom, anger sizzling inside of himself at hearing the name. Why would he be receiving word regarding him? Cracking the seal and reading it aloud. Once he was finished, wariness immediately filled him. Castle Darry had been sacked, the last member of said House dying trying to hold it. This one itself was shocking enough, but the next had him feeling like a massive pit had fallen inside his stomach. Lord Beric was dead, and Lord Edric had escaped narrowly.

"Fuck."

"What does this mean?"

Jaeron punched the corner of the table, ignoring the sting of it doing so.

"Lord Beric was our gateway to get House Dondarrion to our side, Robb. He was betrothed to Ser Arthur's sister Allyria. We've now lost the little support we had with the Stormland's. And word is out about me now throughout the Riverland's, meaning Tywin will definitely know about me in the slim chance he doesn't already- "

"Fly there."

Ser Brynden's words broke him from his rant, turning to the man inquisitively.

"Continue Ser."

All eyes turned to the Knight now, waiting on his response.

"Tywin either already knows about you, or he is about to. With you wreaking havoc in the Westerland's, he's going to be more likely to raze my home Kingdom. You'll need to assert your dominance, your Grace- "

"I will not use either Rhaegon or Lyrax like that- "

"Jaeron Targaryen, listen to my granduncle."

He cast a glare at Robb, quietening down and nodding his head to give him permission to speak.

"Your Grace, it's admirable you do not want to use your greatest weapons like that, but you'll need to do so eventually. And who better than the man who crushed your brother head open?"

From a single glance at Arthur, he knew he agreed. For two people who had both fought side by side in war and on opposing sides in war, they surprisingly agreed on a lot of things. Not to mention both were known commanders and both with feared titles. Nodding to the man who brought them the raven as a silent command to leave so they could discuss this privately. Jaeron looking down to the parchment and reading in between the lines in case he missed anything.

"Ser Brynden is right. Word is now going around about both Rhaegon and Lyrax. If you leave it longer, it creates time for those not on our side to work out a way to take your largest weapon. It's happened before. Granted, it was a lucky shot, but it still happened. Plus, they are young, they're a little over a year old. Their hides have not hardened beneath their scales and as a result are much more vulnerable. Dragons don't make you invincible, after all."

It went quiet as he thought the words over. Lips tightening as his mind fought itself. Monster. Killer. Punching above his station. He'd thought he'd gotten to a point where the damage that had been rained down on him for much of his life because of his bastard name no longer affected him. How wrong he was.

"The Castle in question has already been sacked Jon. If anything, you'll be avenging everyone who fell during the sacking by doing this."

He hated to admit that Robb made a damn good point with that. Closing his eyes for a few seconds before breathing deeply, knots forming in his stomach as he thought on what he was about to do.

"Have Olyvar ready my saddle, Ser Brynden. Only ready it because Rhaegon is still wary of people and I'd rather not risk something happening."

The Knight bowed his head before leaving to do just that. Turning to begin putting his armour on, Robb helping him in doing so.

"It doesn't feel right- "

"War never does. But unfortunately, things like this need to happen on occasion. Gregor Clegane is someone who deserves a horrible fate- "

"Dragon fire is not a bad fate though, it lasts seconds as it burns hotter than normal fire, Ser. That beast deserves a thousand spears- "

Then an idea struck him. A mad one, but an idea. Eyes widening as he pondered over it. Yes, that could work.

"Jaeron?"

This snapped him out of his thoughts as he looked to the map, quickly working it out in his head how long this may take. A few days at most, and they were in limbo currently because Catelyn was stuck near Storm's End with Renly. Would it be tight? Absolutely. Would it likely expose him to everyone who hadn't heard about him? Almost certainly. But Jaeron had done enough waiting. There was no time for patience in the middle of a war. Everyone clutching to every potential opportunity there is.

"I have good reason to want that abomination dead. But I'm not the only one- "

"Please tell me you're not suggesting what I think you are, your Grace? Dorne are remaining neutral- "

"Prince Doran accepted."

He cut the Knight off from his rant, Arthur being stunned for a moment before throwing his head back and laughing aloud. Robb himself chuckling and a smile on his own face. But the joyful mood calmed not long after as he thought over the timing of it all.

"Do you think Lord Willas will send an emissary or someone to parlay with us?"

"Not while Lord Renly is alive, but I have heard talks that said Lord is friends with a certain Prince."

Even better. Perhaps he could play two openings in one. If he was revealing his dragons, he may as well use them in a way to get people on his side. It took around ten minutes for them to plan everything out, there being no need to send a raven because he would arrive at Sunspear before any would arrive. From there he would treat with Prince Doran and Prince Oberyn. If all went well, he'd have a passenger with him where they would hunt down a mountain. Arriving back at their own camp just in time for the Tyrell's receiving word about him and could use his friendship with Lord Mace's eldest son to curry favour.

"Your Grace, may I suggest something?"

"Of course, you can, brother. Speak your piece."

Robb was eyeing the map with narrowed eyes. Despite his young age, he had made a bit of a name for himself when it came to war strategies. After all, one of those strategies landed them none other than Jaime Lannister. The one thing which was holding Lord Tywin's hand as the man did not want to risk having his deformed son taking over as Lord of Casterly Rock.

"While you go hiking up a mountain, why not embarrass the lions more? We've more or less secured the Westerland's for ourselves. No one can get in and no one can get out as we've surrounded all sides. What makes House Lannister the most powerful family?"

"Their gold mines."

Robb nodded and only now did Jaeron spot his finger was directly over Casterly Rock. His gut wrenching at what he was clearly thinking.

"Absolutely not, Robb. You are not going for Casterly Rock- "

"Did I say Casterly Rock, brother?"

He closed his mouth, nodding silently for him to continue. But Robb didn't talk. Finger travelling along the coastline close to where they were before stopping on one. Suddenly realising exactly what he was thinking now. Castamere. Only a days ride from where they were camped and an area that wasn't manned as no one had occupied said castle since the Reyne's and Tarbeck's were trapped inside and flooded- leading to every occupant drowning. A horrible way to go, a cowardly way to kill someone. To kill someone honourably that person deserved to be looked in the eyes. If who was dealing the blow could not do so then perhaps that man did not deserve to die. His fathers words circling in his head. But as many people said, when it came to battle, honour was almost null and void.

"Castamere is built right atop a gold mine. If we seize it, we take some of their previous gold. And if by some miracle we find a way into the mines- "

"We can sack it, with no casualties."

Robb nodded in confirmation, Arthur looking at the pair of them strangely.

"Take three thousand with you Robb and send three thousand to take The Crag. Use those sent to Castamere to both hold said area and to come in from an angle."

His brother nodded again, taking the command with no question. It would be a valuable castle to take, seat of House Westerling. Currently being held by Lord Gawen whom Patrek Mallister had been boasting with Lord Edmure that said man lay in shackles in Seagard.

"Your Grace, Olyvar has confirmed he has readied everything."

Jaeron smiled at Ser Brynden before sighing deeply, strapping his swords to his hips and walking out of the tent. People looking to him in a mixture of awe and fear. Something he was still getting used to and wondered if it was something he ever would get used to. Olyvar looked at him before gesturing towards where he had set everything up. Thanking the boy quickly and taking the saddle to head into the woods where Rhaegon and Lyrax were hiding. Blue dragon coming over for scratches on her snout which he was happy to give before heading over to his own mount. It didn't take long to set everything up, ordering Robb to gather the troops needed and that Ser Brynden was to take command of the remaining army whilst he was away before turning to Arthur.

"You will be coming with me, Ser."

Arthur's eyes bulged and he opened his mouth to retort but with a stern gaze knew it would be futile. Jaeron watching in amusement as he tried to keep his face neutral when it was obvious the sheer idea of being atop a dragon was terrifying him. Not that he could blame him, he had been the first time he had mounted him too.

"Or are you too scared?"

That done the trick, the Knight scowling at the joking tone he was using. Robb snorting a little before leaving them alone. Once he was comfortable, he asked Arthur to come closer steadily. The man doing so warily and pausing for a second as Rhaegon made a huffing noise. Stating to look the dragon in the eye the entire time so he would not be seen as a threat until he was standing beside him. Jaeron instructing him which spike was hardest to hoist himself onto his back. Arthur was muttering numerous swears under his breath, something which would normally amuse him but adrenaline was rushing through him in a way he had not experienced before. Letting out a loud huff himself before closing his eyes and hoisting himself up as he was handed one of the chains to tie himself down.

"You ready, Ser?"

"Absolutely not- "

The Knight cursed louder than he'd ever heard as Rhaegon leaped into the sky at a speed he hadn't before. Looking down at the trees below alongside his army nearby. Looking all around the Westerland's and smiling lightly. Turning Northeast and making his way for Sunspear. It was bitingly cold in the air, glad that he had pulled on a thick cloak which helped. Even more so with the two arms wrapped tightly around his waist. He was going to have fun with this, the famed Sword of the Morning scared. That was a sentence he never thought would come to fruition yet here it was. Flying over rivers, fields, towns, lakes. Trusting the bond that Rhaegon would take them where they needed to go. His instincts paid off as grassy fields turned into swampy marshes and finally to desert. Dragon turning sharply to the left which caused his Kingsguard to make a retching sound, clearly trying not to vomit. How long they had been in the air he knew nought, only that it was darkening quickly but the glittering white of Sunspear broke this. Rhaegon moving towards the ground and landing softly and loosening the chains. Arthur wasting no time in sliding off and buckling over as sick left his mouth. Wrinkling his nose in disgust before signalling for him to join his sister who was now enjoying the water. Men appearing nearby with swords at the ready.

"We seek an audience with Prince Doran and Prince Oberyn."

The men seemed weary but the moment Rhaegon flew overheard they cowered and beckoned them inside. The décor being exactly the same as it had been before. Recognising some of the distinguishable features of the castle from the last time he had visited. The last time he had, he had yet to learn how to reign in his temper and was considerably more naïve than he was now. Being led into the exact same room he had been in once before and being told to wait whilst they fetched the Prince's. If what Halon said was true, and he had no reason to doubt the warg that was spying here, Prince Doran mostly spent time in the Water Garden's now but had come back to Sunspear the week prior. Doors opening and one walking in and another being aided in and sitting down opposite him.

"We meet again."

It was Prince Oberyn who spoke, eyes holding hatred in them as he stared at him. Likely still insulted over his threat towards them. He'd been incredibly stupid then, but the past could not be unwritten. It had happened now.

"That we do, my Prince. I apologise for the intrusion with no notice, but I had to speak to you both personally. Firstly, I apologise for threatening House Nymeros Martell. We are kin in both ancestry, through marriage, and through betrothals. I believe we should be on the same page."

Prince Doran quirked his lips a little but remained mostly stoic. Remembering words that were spoken about him. He was no fool. Just because he was confined to a chair from his gout did not mean he was someone to be walked over. There is a reason both brothers had the reputation they did.

"We accept the apology, your Grace. Now, I would like to know why you have arrived at our castle with two dragons."

Oberyn gave his brother a look at this, clearly not wanting to accept it but ultimately being overruled as his brother was the ruler of Dorne. Turning to Arthur for a second and giving him a devilish look.

"I have received communication from a verified source that we have common enemies. But I have the location of one. Prince Oberyn, what say you to hunting a mountain to play with?"

It done the trick. A smile coming on to his face, clearly imagining ways to kill the man. It was obvious he was making it seem as though he was considering the offer but Jaeron wasn't as stupid as he used to me. Seeing past the schooled expression easily and noticing the sheer glee the man felt.

"Only my brother? Such a pity, I would like to put my hands around his throat- "

"I didn't say anything about killing him. Or at least, not yet, my Prince."

Arthur was remaining quiet beside him, deciding whether or not to but in. Watching the byplay with care in case anything bad were to happen. Hand wrapping around Dark Sister's hilt and taking comfort in feeling Longclaw dig against his leg from the position in which he was sitting. The Prince's hated Arthur for not being there for Elia, Aegon or Rhaenys. They hated himself for being the one to survive and not their own kin. But right now, like he had said, they had a common enemy. All hating the same people for mostly the same reasons. Something which bound them.

"We are to be kin. My cousin now betrothed to your eldest son. I hope this is the beginning of a relationship. I do not wish anything to befall you as we do and did share kin with one another. But I will request one thing- I want at least one hit against the monster. Perhaps he may even make a tasty meal for my dragons once revenge has been enacted."

"And Tywin Lannister?"

Jaeron turned to Prince Oberyn who asked the question again, spotting a gleam in the mans eyes he had never seen before. Of greed, of hunger, of vengeance.

"My cousin is remaining a thorn in the Lion's foot, but it's not the only thorns in his foot should my plan work."