Jaeron Targaryen

The River Road, 300AC

As commanded, they had left that very night. Many people were angry at the suddenness of such a decision and even more were angry that they were having to backtrack their steps. Tracing back ones steps in war was a dangerous thing to do, but what other option did they have? The quickest way to get to Riverrun would be by the River Road which travelled through Oxcross and the Golden Tooth. Fear was running deep within at the realisation of what had happened right under his nose, alongside a deep fury. How could he have been so blind as to think simply taking the areas he had in the Westerland's would buy him loyalty? The only way loyalty could be bought was with favours and the last thing he wanted to do was to offer a favour which he was not currently in a position to uphold.

The ride was mostly uneventful, bar a few grumbles and muttered words that were stopped the moment he turned to whoever it was. Thanks to their assurance that they had somewhat succeeded they had lost much of what they had taken for his House and his cause. It was a harsh realisation, one Jaeron wasn't entirely sure how to feel about. This combined with their lost forces left more than a bitter taste. He was at the front of the army as befits his status, with either Kingsguard on opposite sides. Beside Ser Brynden was Robb whom he was still not pleased with concerning his actions against him but hopefully something would be settled soon in that regard. Edmure Tully was beside Robb after this. Next to Arthur were Greatjon Umber and Maege Mormont. Something which had caused an outcry from the Riverlord's but she had simply said something along the lines of 'you are all boys with egos bigger than your cocks'. It had been difficult to hide a snort at that remark, even more so at the sheer insult on those who dared speak up against her being at the fronts faces. Initially he had wanted his aunt there, but she had not been herself since what had occurred. Just knowing Robb had wanted his own mother arrested was unfathomable to him.

Alas, petty squabbles were just that. They would heal from what had occurred. Not much had been said as they rode through the night, only stopping to water the many horses and to check for any potential scouts that would feed information back. Of course, they could just claim what they had seized still, but doing so was painting an even larger target on his back. He was under no illusion, many wanted him dead. Heck, some in his own army probably wished for such for one reason or another. He needed to form a proper Kingsguard but who else could he ask for the position? A Riverlord made sense to further bind them to him. Perhaps a Bracken or a Blackwood, or a Piper or Smallwood. Well- maybe not the first two. They had been bitter rivals for hundreds- some said thousands- of years. There had been many attempts to mend the wounds between the two but they proved too deep to do so. He'd speak to Arthur on it when they finally did stop.

The sun was high in the sky again when they reached a large open clearing on the River Road, deciding then to stop to allow the army a break to stretch their legs, bathe, or whatever else it was they did. A tent hastily being put up for him and stepping inside straight away, loyal companion padding along beside him. Reaching down to bury his fingers in the thick white fur and scratch the back of Ghost's ear which judging by the tongue lapping at the side was enjoying the attention very much. Jaeron wasted no time in opening one of the skins and walking to a stream to fill it with fresh water to douse his face in it. The coolness being incredibly refreshing considering the sheer sticky heat that he had come to know was common in the Riverland's. Many thought the Neck was the same, but the Neck had the addition of being mostly covered by trees which blocked most of the heat. Here though, there wasn't anywhere near as much.

The dream came to mind again, trying to piece it all together. At first, he had thought he was displaying signs of being a Greenseer but Howland had stated it did not sound like such. Yet how real it felt, like he was there. If only one of the voices was one he recognised, then he might've been able to piece it together. Especially the female one asking someone to take her child and run far away. Surely that meant something? It was far too random to not do so. But what could it mean? Shaking his head again to rid himself of the thought but Arthur soon walked inside.

"Am I making the right move?"

The older sighed a little before nodding.

"Aye, you are. We took it for granted that we were secure when we were very much not. We couldn't remain in a position as such and we were planning on moving to begin regrouping to meet with the Reach armies anyway so this way both issues are tackled together."

That was some relief at least, but Arthur wasn't finished yet.

"However, I do not agree with you going to the Twins."

This confused him, looking to Arthur oddly and awaiting on him to continue. They needed the extra men and the weasel needed to be questioned for making it look like he was sending what he could and not only a portion of them.

"Walder Frey needs to answer, that is true, yet you do not need the extra men currently. By the time we reach Riverrun the Reach armies will have grouped and will be travelling northward to meet us. If we begin marching south the time will be halved. Not to mention we will be closer to the capital. You know as well as I do that the time is nearing. By those who occupied the Crag, the Golden Tooth, and the army left at Oxcross leaving to probably join Tywin, it means he is desperate. They have no allies beside the Westerland's and even in the Vale and Dorne who are remaining neutral the thought repulses them. Take the opportunity right in front of you."

"But how though?"

"Join those heading for Duskendale. They should arrive in a matter of days, and you'll be able to catch up with them with ease. From here head for Dragonstone to speak to Stannis and see if he will bend for your cause. If so use the remaining ships to help blockade the Blackwater and to prevent anyone escaping the city. You won't take the city with so little men but it will buy time for the rest of us to get there."

That was something he hadn't even considered, yet it made a lot of sense. He more or less had Stannis as a prisoner in his own castle, and the man was a known military commander.

"If I were to speak with Stannis to discuss a peace I would be violating an agreement with Lady Brienne though. I also meant to ask you a few days ago but with the death of Monford and Monterys being so young I plan on legitimising Aurane. Whilst House Velaryon hold nowhere near the same sway they once did, they still hold sway. By doing so due to him having friends shall we say, we can work on surrounding the capital."

"You mean the Bar Emmon's of Sharp Point and the Celtigar's of Claw Isle?"

"Aye. By doing so and with the people of Driftmark accepting it and getting an oath from the man any children he will have will not be ahead in succession of Monterys we can use the remaining Velaryon fleet to blockade the Blackwater. As for Stannis, I was thinking on offering a match for Shireen. I made an oath Stannis would die but not by my own hand. As much as I dislike it as I'm sure he dislikes it too- we are blood. We come from the line of Aegon the Unlikely and Betha Blackwood. Selyse will be permitted leave back to her family Seat if she bends the knee. If not, then she can join the Silent Sisters or the Faith to become a Septa."

Arthur hummed at the possible solution, mulling it over in his mind for a few moments. They needed to decide on a course of action, and they needed to do so soon.

"Send a raven to Lord Walder Frey. He is to send his remaining men alongside the daughters he believes will be a suitable match for Robb. I will ride for Duskendale to meet the army after speaking to Aurane. In that time I want only enough to fortify and hold Riverrun left behind, the remainder will ride for Tumbleton and I will send correspondence to Lord Mace and Lady Olenna that is where we will regroup. Once Duskendale is secured we will begin the blockade and work on surrounding the capital."

"Where is Lord Walder to send his daughters?"

He thought about it for a few minutes before deciding.

"Riverrun. Robb will remain behind a few days and whichever daughter he chooses he will wed the following night. That gives us enough time to prepare our movements, to secure the extra men to keep our position strong, and being close to the capital. If things go well perhaps this madness will be over in a couple of months."

"You know as well as I do that is wishful thinking."

It was quiet for a bit before allowing the laugh to escape.

"Since you are heading for Duskendale, speak to the Rykker's. Maybe even the Stokeworth's. Try to secure the two of them as they will aid in surrounding Kings Landing. The Rykker's also have a decently sized fleet which will allow fighting men and men to begin a blockade. Not to mention they only hold Duskendale thanks to House Targaryen."

"Aye, after my grandfather had House Darklyn and House Hollard put to the sword for their rebellion against the crown."

"I know, but that does not diminish they only have your House to thank for such a thing."

After this, Arthur left the tent to search for someone to begin drafting a raven for Lord Walder. They were farther out from Riverrun than he was so if they timed it right the army would only be held back by a couple of days max. Only now did he realise he was shaking, realisation kicking in the prize was oh so close but oh so far. Just out of reach but they would begin closing in on it soon. They remained put for a few hours before a council was called with all commanders confirming the new change of plan. Multiple smiles broke out on their faces afterwards showed him they were much more pleased with this plan than they were of the previous one. With the orders given the army began heading for Riverrun whilst himself, Arthur, and Aurane remained behind.

"Why do I need to remain behind, your Grace?"

"Because I need you for something else, Lord Aurane."

The change in facial expression was instantaneous. First being confused over the referral before morphing into one of disbelief.

"I'm no Lord, your Grace, I'm a bastard- "

"Nay, you are Aurane Velaryon. Son of Lord Lucerys Velaryon and Head of House Velaryon. You will stand in as regent until Monford come of age and when this happens you will be my Master of Ships whilst your nephew will rule Driftmark and High Tide from the Driftwood Throne."

Jaeron knew what was going through the mans mind currently. Having been in the exact same position when he had been told the truth on his sixteenth name-day. Gods, that was nearing two years ago now. It really did not feel like that much time had passed at all. Whistling loud to call Rhaegon and Lyrax and both landing nearby, having already saddled his own mount before the army had left. Aurane looked to the silver dragon then back at him, eyes widening in a mixture of horror and fascination.

"It isn't the first time a Velaryon has ridden a dragon. History shows our House's work best with House Targaryen ruling the skies and House Velaryon ruling the seas. There is a reason for a long time the position of Master of Ships was thought to be hereditary. Let us stand as one like we once did before the Doom of Valyria. You have blood of the dragon flowing in your veins just as much as I do. You have Targaryen ancestors, and I have Velaryon ancestors."

At this, he offered the older a soft smile before walking to Rhaegon's side with Arthur close behind. Mounting the dragon with ease and aiding his Kingsguard up too.

"Do be careful mounting, Rhaegon doesn't exactly like his scales being pulled on."

Whether that was true or not, he could not say. But the urge to make a jape was too great to ignore. Arthur chuckling menacingly from behind him but quiet enough Aurane himself could not hear. The other Valyrian cocking his head to the side in a brief moment of insult before cracking a smile and following their lead on how best to mount. He could feel the power from him, feel the searing heat of his body through the saddle.

"Ser Arthur, you will speak to Lord Renfred Rykker on my behalf. Lord Aurane, you will speak to Lord Duram Bar Emmon. I will join the army in the meantime- "

"Your Grace, I am sworn to be at your side at all times."

"And you will be. Only for a matter of hours you will not. You will remain for just enough time to speak to them and to give Lord Renfred the option of joining my cause. My Lord, you will have as much time as you wish. I would also task you in speaking to Lord Ardrian Celtigar."

"Good luck convincing the old fool. He's as weak as parchment. His son Bartimus though is a possibility alongside his grandsons Vaegon and Gaemon. Like us, they are also Valyrian."

They didn't talk for much longer after this due to the wind picking up. The bite of it hitting his face like shards of ice being thrown directly his way. This was only heightened when a cloud above them ruptured and rain falling from it in such thick sheets it was difficult to see. Needing to trust in the bond that Rhaegon would know where to go. Where Lyrax was he could not say. Having lost sight of her but he knew she was nearby. The closer they got to Driftmark the worse the storm got. No wonder the entire body of water they were flying over was called Shipbreaker's Bay. Beginning to lower from the clouds once certain they could not be seen from the capital. Noticing waves numerous feet high hitting off cliffs with such fury the water was easily spilling onto the land. A few villages being there too and spotting there was a large distance between them and the shore for this very reason most like. Soon, a familiar island came into vision. Initially wanting to fly down but deciding the time just was not right so pressing further south. The flight between Dragonstone and Driftmark taking no time at all and landing on the rocky beach. Aurane carefully slid from Rhaegon's back before looking to him with resolve. Nodding his head firmly before walking towards High Tide to gather some men to begin his task. From there, he took off again. Deciding to come in from the north and not fly directly west to keep hidden as long as possible. Hoping this blasted storm would break soon so he could look for the army sent ahead because if timing was correct they should be here by now. The castle of Duskendale was larger than he expected, the town itself being larger than White Harbour too yet somehow was not considered a city. Searching for a clearing or a cave to leave his dragons, having noticed Lyrax's blue and grey scales above them now. Luckily, he didn't need to search for long. Spotting a large open field close enough to the town.

"I wish you luck, Ser Arthur. You have served me well and I have no doubt you will fail in your quest. You know the command to call me back."

His Kingsguard nodded at him before dismounting too. Having agreed before the wind got too strong that he would call Rhaegon and Lyrax and Jaeron would feel the command through the bond. It was a difficult thing to describe, a bond with a dragon and rider. Rhaegon was a part of him and he was a part of Rhaegon. But it was only a part. Dragons are not slaves, they are independent beasts with minds and wishes of their own. It did not take him anywhere near as long as expected to find the army. Finding all in a large open area beside a makeshift road north-west of Duskendale. His appearance was met with multiple yelps of excitement which turned into chants when Lyrax flew overhead. The loudest of all was Lord Robett Glover who in the little time he had known the man personally and not by name, was usually quiet unless angered.

"Whilst it is a joy you have joined us, your Grace, what brings such a move?"

Jaeron turned around to see who had spoke, spotting Harrion Karstark there. Immediately wincing but from the mans expression he either did not know what had happened or he understood the reasoning and was biting his tongue. He'd need to find out which one that was. For the time being, he confirmed everything that had happened from him taking Dragonstone, capturing Stannis, allying with the Tyrell's and as a consequence the Reach, and Kings Landing falling to Lord Tywin. Finally confirming why he was here and not with the army. It seemed no time at all had passed before he felt a pull, knowing immediately what it was and flying towards the field he had separated from Ser Arthur. Spotting him beside who could only be Lord Renfred who's eyes widened at seeing Rhaegon.

"I would assume talks went well, Ser."

"That they did, your Grace."

Lord Renfred walked over to him once Rhaegon took to the sky to chase Lyrax to take him in. Already knowing what he was looking for and it was clear when he had found what it was. Laughing loudly in amusement.

"I find myself speaking to a dead man and a man no one knew existed."

There was the confirmation that either it had not seeped around the rest of the Crownland's yet or if it did, people were remaining quiet and awaiting moves to be made before deciding on a course of action.

"I assume you have come to bend the knee to House Targaryen, my Lord?"

No words were said for a few seconds, Lord Renfred still staring at him like he were looking at a ghost or a dead man risen.

"It is thanks to House Targaryen that mine own House has the position it does. For that, we owe loyalty to your House. I fought with your father, as did my son Jaremy. Prince Rhaegar would've made a great King, a solemn King, but a great one. Alas, Lord Robert got lucky with a blow directly to the chest."

"And yet you named Robert King."

"Make no mistake your Grace, not everyone who bent the knee were happy to do so. My son refused to do so and took the Black. Me on the other hand? I would do what was needed to ensure the safety of my House. But King Robert is dead, and a lion with fake antlers sits the Iron Throne. House Rykker will stand with House Targaryen again with pleasure."

And then he unsheathed his sword and promptly got down on one knee with his sword placed on the ground to solidify the oath.

"Rise Lord Renfred. Once I take my throne your loyalty will not be forgotten and you will be rewarded in due- "

He cut off at this, stepping back a couple of times as he listened carefully. Had he imagined it? Looking to the other two with him for any clarification but both had quizzical expressions on their faces. But not at him. Nay, they were quizzical over something else. And then the sound came again. Holding his breath and drowning out all sound other than that.

"Battle horns."

Jaeron knew nought who had spoken the words. Mayhaps it had been himself, or mayhaps it was one of the others who had done so. But the moment they were said a dam seemed to break. The rain falling almost as heavy as it had done early and feeling his curls stuck to the side of his face and forehead. Suddenly glad he had worn armour for the journey here. Turning to Lord Renfred to see if he knew because if he did, he had just walked into a trap. Judging by how pale the mans face was though, he thought not.

"Ser Arthur, head for the army to begin preparing them. I will quickly scout from the sky to find out where the horns are coming from and join you shortly. My Lord, ready your men to retaliate."

He left no room for a reply. Whistling to call Rhaegon and mounting him quicker than he had ever done and taking off into the sky. Searching the ground below for where it was coming from.

"Awooooo. Awooooo."

It was difficult to tell from the sound of the wind and the rain falling, but it was loud enough to get a general idea. Flying as low as he dared to avoid being spotted, hoping the thick droplets of water would help disguise just how bright his dragons scales were. The town below was busy now, residents understanding with horror what was going to happen. He hoped there was somewhere for them to hide, because if he could help it no innocent life would be lost here. There's no such thing as war without mass murder. Words Arthur had spoken to him a handful of times. Remembering the fear of that mans face before he had attacked Harrenhal. Even then he should've asked questions, because there was nowhere near enough people surrounding to hold the castle and he knew Tywin was not there when he arrived. No more, he vowed. No more would he ignore what was in front of him or seek a different possibility because he wanted to live believing everything was going as planned. Anger boiling within because his men had been sent here, was there knowledge of another army heading here? If so, it meant he had a traitor directly under his nose and was none-the-wiser. Yelling in anger as the horns got even louder.

"Awooooo. Awooooo."

It was louder than before, the horns being blown for longer which he knew was a sign whatever army this was, was close to attacking. Catching sight of at least fifty horses with mounted men. Spotting a banner flying which angered him even more. A huntsman on a field. House Tarly. Recalling the fat yet kind boy he had met at the Wall who had spilled a secret to him that immediately made him despise and distrust Lord Randyll. How any man could do such a thing as threaten their own son with death because the son was not how he had wanted him to be was unfathomable to Jaeron. He did not spend much time with Samwell, but his uncle trusted him enough to convince Lord Commander Jeor to name him his assistant and steward. His uncle may be elderly and was blind, but his ears saw just as well as his eyes once had. If Aemon trusted him, Jaeron did too. Once spotted, he turned Rhaegon around to head towards their own army. Dragon landing in the middle of a street and seeing people running whilst screaming at the sight as he dismounted and walked towards Lord Helman and Lord Harrion.

"Lord Randyll Tarly is leading them. They are closing in on the southern side of the town. They will enter before we reach them."

Ser Arthur broke from the crowd now, silently asking who it was and when he found out he cursed aloud. Clearly remembering the last time they had fought together. Where they had fought on one side in one army yet now they were going to be fighting one another. Something a lot of people would be doing because there was no doubt in his mind. Days after this battle ended, the word would seep into all areas where it had not done so yet.

"Try and take Lord Randyll alive, and if his son is with him try to ensure he survives too. I would speak with them in person. As for everyone else, only attack the army. Do not spill innocent blood unless it is needed."

Lord Helman retreated back into the crowd to begin spreading the word as Lord Renfred appeared with a map of Duskendale so they could visualise. They needed to think of something, and quickly. The other army would be within the town in no more than twenty minutes, at least half of that they would spent arranging themselves. Jaeron spotted something then, pointing to a singular long road on the western side of the town with no roads branching off of it.

"We will aim to trap them here. We cannot let them into the heart of Duskendale. If we do we leave ourselves open on numerous sides. We do not have the time to meet them before they reach the walls. My Lord, what is the quickest route from where we are?"

The lord quickly ran his index finger over the quickest way as he memorised it. Once memorised he made the call.

"Sound the horns and raise the banners!"

They wasted no time in doing so. Seeing an array of banners raised high of numerous House's, a small smile coming onto his face at seeing the red three-headed dragon. Unsheathing his swords and closing his eyes for a bit as he desperately tried to calm his nerves. Not that he needed to, adrenaline rushing through his veins so much he was sure he could hear it.

"Haroooo. Haroooo."

Their horns sounded considerably different to the other horns. Hopefully loud enough the army headed their way would hear them and would pause which would give them extra time much needed.

"Lord Harrion, you will take around seven hundred men and attack from the east. Lord Helman, you will attack from the north east with a similar number. I will attack from the north with the remaining men. Aim to get as many of them to this location as possible. And remember, if it is possible to keep Lord Randyll and Dickon alive, do so. Lord Renfred, how many men can you rally on short notice?"

Lord Harrion's eyebrows creased in confusion and he almost swore aloud as he realised what he had just done. If he was unaware before of what had happened to his father, he sure as all hells did now. But what was done was done, the man rallying the man as agreed as did Lord Helman.

"On such a short notice as this? The castle guard. Around five hundred men."

"Send for them immediately."

The order was obeyed without question. Turning to Arthur as they now had time until what of the army they would be leading remained.

"This reeks of betrayal to me, your Grace. Either that or incredible timing."

So he wasn't the only one who thought so. Understanding kicking in they needed to ensure Lord Randyll remained alive for questioning. Whether the man would speak or not was another problem, but it was not a problem as of yet.

"It smells like rotten eggs to me if I do say so."

Despite the sombre atmosphere, Arthur could not hold in a bark of laughter at that remark. A ghost of a smile forming on Jaeron's face before beginning to rally the men. Given the lack of preparation and miniscule time frame, the fact anything had been organised was an accomplishment. Horns blaring and getting louder and louder.

"Awooooo. Haroooo."

"This day, our swords will taste fresh blood. Fire will fall and we will succeed!"

His words were met with a loud cheer from them as the charge began. Mounting a horse given to him and quickly counting how many were mounted on their side. A couple hundred. It wasn't much, but with luck it would be enough. Having to use his knees to grip the horse as he could not control it with the reigns wielding two swords. Ser Arthur was mounted atop a horse so white it looked like freshly fallen snow. Snow that would soon have blood seeping through it and staining it. Digging his heel in just enough as the chestnut gelding erupted into a gallop. It took a couple of minutes for him to get used to the feeling but soon he found his rhythm.

"Haroooo. Haroooo. Haroooo."

Horns were blaring so loud now if there was anyone by some miracle still asleep in the town, they were awakened now. Thundering hooves on cobbled streets and dirt being kicked up by the hooves in question alongside yells of the army. Splitting into three as agreed as they headed to the centre of Duskendale where he was certain Lord Randyll would be leading his own men. Was it a sack? Was it a small force to discuss with Lord Renfred? Was it to attack the castle? Cursing to himself that he did not remain on Rhaegon's back long enough to get a rough count on how many men there were. Given the fact there were battle horns being blown though he doubted it was friendly or to simply discuss terms.

"Awooooo. Awooooo."

They were louder than they had ever been. Knowing they were close to the other army. Soon they would clash together and he needed every second there was to prepare for the initial clash. Does he sheathe one of his swords and use the reins until they had gotten through the vanguard? Or does he keep both and just hope his grip of his legs was strong enough? Making the decision quickly by sheathing Longclaw and grasping the reins, pressing his heels in a tiny bit more to test if the horse could go any faster. Whinnying broke through the sounds surrounding them now, hearing even more hooves.

One.

Two.

Three.

They met with a resounding clash. Quickly dodging a sword directed his way and turning just quick enough to stab the man who had done so in the back, one of the men behind him finishing the job. Searching for banners but not seeing any. Thrusting towards another man and landing a blow so clean he took the mans arm. The scent of blood quickly filling his nostrils, a scent he never thought he would get used to despite partaking in a few battles now. Rain was still falling heavily, making the ground slippery and difficult to see ahead which was not a combination favourable for them. A part of him wanting to call his dragons to finish the job quickly. No innocent lives if he could help it. Repeating those words over and over again until he was certain he would be dreaming of saying them when night finally fell. Aiming for a mans throat and with a single thrust cut through to the bone. Warm sticky blood spraying all over him as he slowly fell from the horse to be trampled by those on his side.

"Awooooo. Haroooo."

How bloody large was the vanguard? That was the thought now on his mind. Normally it was broken in a couple of minutes, but it felt a lot longer. Or had it only been a couple of minutes? It was difficult to tell. People were resorting to dirty shots now, but as Arthur had said, there was no such thing as honour in battle. It was a situation of life or death, and given the choice no man alive would be honourable. Swords being thrust into horses necks or slicing into their legs to trip them to send their riders sprawling only to be crushed by hundreds of hooves as they had no time to get up. A few had attempted the same with his own horse alongside Arthur, the snow white coat as expected dripping in blood. Two swords spinning in such a way one would think the man had been born being a dual sword wielder.

It was beginning to break up now, not as many men coming directly their way. Or at least, not head on. Looking down side streets as they passed for any surprise attacks. There were men, but they were quickly taken on by Lord Helman's and Lord Harrion's men. Horses were screaming as they were cut down, the scent of piss and shit joining with the scent of blood now which was an even worse combination. One that almost made him wretch but he held it down. He had to appear strong. He was King, and a King could not be weak. Using the break in men to unsheathe Longclaw and adjusting his grip with his knees as he began cutting people down left and right alongside Arthur. He wondered what they looked like from the opposing army's side?

"Awooooo. Awooooo. Haroooo. Haroooo."

Jaeron cursed aloud, knowing by the end of this he was going to detest the sound of battle horns with a burning passion. There was no time to think on this though as yells of pain and joy joined in on the symphony through the streets. A sword got terrifying close to him then, so close in fact he felt it cut deep into his cheek but who had done so was skewered through by one of his men and being removed from his horse again to be crushed under thundering hooves. A face he did not recognise, nothing but a simple soldier remaining loyal.

"We're closing in, Ser."

"Aye, we are."

They smiled at one another for a split second before focusing on the battle at hand. Now he spotted banners. Rosby. Stokeworth. Tarly. And a few others he couldn't see well enough due to the fact it was still fucking raining so heavy he could see perhaps four metres ahead in all directions. A jolting pain erupted from his arm then. Looking down and seeing the shaft sticking out from where the arrow had landed. Where had that even come from? The answer for that came soon, spotting perhaps a hundred men with loaded bows aiming down at them. They were too far away to reach right now so with anger pumping through him so much his entire body felt alight with flame, a single word left his mouth.

"Dracarys!"

One more round of arrows were fires their way, one landing in the head of Arthur's horse as it sprawled to the ground in agony. Only by sheer experience did his Kingsguard not fall with the horse. Waiting with baited breath before the sound of beating wings entered the fold.

"Dragon!"

If whoever had shouted that was going to say any more words, they would never be heard. The men going up in flames from Rhaegon and Lyrax. All it took was a few seconds, but all that was left was charred bones that a moment before had been real people with very real lives. Fortunately, this was all it took. They had been seen, and the other army knew there was no way they could win against two dragons. Throwing their swords down and shaking in fear at what they had just witnessed. Only once everyone surrounding them had done so did Jaeron dare to dismount the gelding. Walking over to who appeared to be the leader.

"I want Lord Randyll brought to me immediately."

It was bordering comical how fast he scurried away. Limbs flailing in all directions.

"Send for a healer, the King is hurt!"

He turned to Arthur at this in annoyance.

"It is an arrow and a flash wound, Ser- "

"Forgive my insolence, your Grace, but a flesh wound can easily fester and I keep my vows. I swore to your father I would protect you as did Ser Gerold and Ser Oswell."

Lips tightening, he reluctantly agreed with the assessment. It did not take long for even a small wound to fester. Recalling a time a servant in Winterfell got a splinter and did not get it seen to. The toe in question turning black with rot to the point Maester Luwin had to remove the body part to prevent further spread. A few minutes passed as an older woman appeared, shaking in fear but keeping as calm a face as she could as she examined it.

"It's not in too deep, we can pull it out and clean it immediately. Bring me water and cloth!"

Again, the order was obeyed. The items being handed to one of his men to clean it the moment the arrow was out. Gritting his teeth hard as she gripped it and with a single yank pulled it free. It took every ounce of strength remaining in him not to yell in agony as she quickly poured water over it to cleanse it before binding it. When had his pauldron been removed? That was a question for another time. Once satisfied with her work he turned to her.

"May I know your name, my Lady?"

"I ain't not a Lady, me mam would call me Myra."

"That is the King you are- "

"I thank you Myra for your aid, is there anything you would wish for?"

Only now did he notice she was missing most of her teeth and the few that remained were coated red from sour leaf.

"Unless me son can be removed from the heavens, then no."

Jaeron nodded in understanding. Both knowing such a thing was impossible as she disappeared into the crowd to head to wherever she had come from. Slowly, people came out of the streets and buildings to take in the damage to the town. Considering they had just battled, the damage wasn't extensive. A commotion was heard now, spotting Lord Helman walking forward guiding two men wearing a sigil he knew all too well. A huntsman on a green field. He wasn't exactly ceremonious when he threw them on the ground, anger obviously still flowing in the other mans head. Now, he was gladder than ever he had taken Arthur's advice and changed plans because if he hadn't he would've lost even more men. Without him arriving with Rhaegon and Lyrax the chances of winning were incredibly slim. Alas, they stood victors.

"I have longed to speak to yourself, Lord Randyll."

"And you can only be one person. You're the bastard playing King."

He quirked an eyebrow at that. So that was what they were calling him. It was delightfully ironic given the truth.

"On the contrary it is Joffrey Waters who is playing King."

"Joffrey is the rightful King as the eldest son- "

"By that logic it would be Edric Storm would it not? Lets not play fools, my Lord. You know as well as I do there is not an ounce of Baratheon blood in that boys veins."

His lips tightened out of insult at the insinuation.

"I swore an oath- "

"Like you swore an oath to Prince Rhaegar, my Lord? I wonder what he would say were he to still be alive."

"Prince Rhaegar died on the trident, and with the deaths of Elia's babes and Queen Rhaella, alongside the escape of Prince Viserys and Princess Daenerys, House Targaryen died- "

At that moment Lyrax flew down close, only noticing now the rain was beginning to let up. It was still heavy, but in comparison to earlier it was almost nothing.

"I wouldn't say so, my Lord. If you would please, Ser."

A small smile danced on the little that could be seen of Arthur's face through his helmet. Reaching up to pull it from his head to look to the Lord stood in front of him. A moment before there had been anger there, but now there was disbelief.

"Tell me, how can House Targaryen be dead when the first dragonrider in more than a century stands before you?"