Winds of Change
Chapter 08: The Rebellion and The Council
AN: Hello all! It's been quite a while since I've updated this so I took this week to get it done. Firstly as always thanks to everyone who reviewed the previous chapter and sent status messages. I think this will be the longest chapter to date for this story but I really wanted the Rebellion over with. Honestly I never thought it was that important and this chapter reflects that as it's not full of the detailed battles of the Rebellion. While there are some battle scenes those are due to changes I made that I felt were more important. Anyway this chapter begins near the end of the rebellion just so you know and will jump a few times. Anyway with that said here is the new chapter.
Start Now:
Year 283 A.C
Princess Lyanna Stark, wife of Prince Rhaegar Targaryen stood naked as she looked out of the window of her current quarters. She had grown a bit in the months since her wedding, most notably in the stomach as she was clearly pregnant. Currently she and Elia were in Dorne, specifically in Sunspear in rooms in the Old Palace. Rhaegar had however left Westeros nearly two months after their wedding, just prior to the Rebellion. While she and Elia were initially supposed to go with Rhaegar a raven had arrived demanding instead that they stay. The only good bit was that they hadn't been ordered to King's Landing, which showed Aerys at least had some sense left to him.
Instead they had been ordered to Dragonstone, where they had stayed for a bit where they had met up with Sakura. It was there that they learned that she'd left King's Landing when it became clear she had lost any and all influence with Aerys, with the Grand Maester, the High Septon, Varys and the members of the council whispering in Aerys's ear and her losing respect and esteem quickly she simply up and left. Regardless she and Elia had stayed on Dragonstone only for a small bit of time, enough to help Rhaella with a few things before Rhaella sent them off to Sunspear. She would admit that this time she was spending in Sunspear certainly beat her time spent in the Tower of Joy by a wide margin. Her thoughts however weren't on her current situation, instead they were miles away with her brother Eddard and the Rebellion.
The Rebellion had started not long after Rhaegar left with the execution of Brandon Stark. No one was even sure what he was doing in the capitol at the time, but what was known is that he had spent two weeks in the Black Cells before being burned alive. Following this Aerys had called for the heads of Rickard Stark, Eddard Stark and Robert Baratheon. In response her father had called upon the banners as had Jon Arryn who Robert had still been fostering with. Eddard and Catelyn had only been married for two weeks before he was off leading a host of wolves to war.
Already three major battles had been fought the battles of Gulltown, Summerhall and Ashford all of which had been lost by the loyalist forces. She wondered not for the first time if all of this was truly necessary, but she also knew the arguments why it was necessary. The Seven Kingdoms needed this war, hell House Targaryen needed to lose this war, they needed the anti-Targaryen sentiment to be exposed to the open air, just as the Kingdoms needed to be run into the ground by Roberts Rule, only then would the people be ready for a better future.
"Why are you out of bed?" came the question breaking her from her thoughts.
The speaker was of course Elia who like Lyanna was naked, exposing her own pregnant stomach.
"Thinking, enjoying the view." Said Lyanna as Elia wrapped her arms around her.
"Relax, things will work out." Said Elia.
"Am I that easily read."
"You have a tendency to brood at times, I see now where he got it from." Said Elia
"I just hope things work out like you say. We are going into uncharted waters." Said Lyanna.
"That's what makes it exciting." Said Elia
"Excitement can wait, I just want the whole family to make it through this bullshit rebellion intact." Said Lyanna.
"You and I both love."
Eddard Stark sat cleaning his blade, one of the few peaceful moments he knew he'd be able to get somewhat regularly in the chaos that was this stupid war. Unlike the first time he lived through the rebellion it was not Ice he was cleaning as the ancestral Stark sword was still in Winterfell. Instead he had a new sword, one he'd been presented with on his 14th birthday. 50 inches overall, with a 36-inch blade the sword was double edged and made of Ethium named Frostfang. The hilt was 9 inches and wrapped in black leather while the rest of its length was due to the pommel and like many of his families new weapons it had runes engraved within it, running down the center of the blade.
Unlike the first time he lived through the rebellion, he didn't feel the same fire from before. Thankfully he was much better trained and as such did not need to rely on the rage that drove him the first time. Instead he was now known for the quiet intensity and the skill he took to the field with. Though not as well travelled as Brandon, in the times he'd gone and fought in Essos and other lands he had earned the nickname Switchblade due to his skill with the hidden blade. At his side was his faithful companion Maverick who had tawny red fur and amber eyes and while not full grown the direwolf was already larger than a regular wolf and standing at just under four feet and nearly six feet long.
As of yet the North had yet to fight any big ground battles in the war though they were currently camped out near the Twins and had been for the last day. He'd sent riders ahead to have the bridge lowered so that they could cross into the Riverlands In truth he knew the demand would be denied as Walder had only lowered it the first time he lived through this because Hoster himself had demanded it. In truth he wouldn't mind a denial in fact mentally he was daring for the man to deny him. Such thoughts were put on hold when Maverick perked up and turned his attention to the entrance of his tent for only a few moments before it was opened. Looking up himself he was greeted to the sight of two people entering Maege Mormont and Rickard Karstark.
"How'd it go?" questioned Eddard as the two entered.
"As you expected." Said Rickard taking a seat and pouring himself a cup of water from the pitcher on his desk.
"He wanted marriages to at least 3 Northern Lords and his pick of any woman flowered for a bride at minimum." Said Maege before accepting a cup and gulping it down
"One would think he would simply lower the bridge; you are married to Lord Hoster's daughter after all." Said Rickard.
"The Frey's are fools, Walder is the biggest of the foolish bunch." Said Eddard.
Nearly an hour later found the command tent full as the Northern Lords and commanders crowded inside. They had all heard the details of the trip that Lady Mormont and Lord Karstark had made the twins and all of the payments Walder Frey had demanded for them to lower the bridge to pass into the Riverlands. Needless to say none of the Northerners were happy and all were eager to learn what their Prince would decide in turn.
"We are going to take the Twins." Said Eddard after several long silent moments.
He spoke softly yet his words were heard all the same. Several of those gathered traded looks with others while others simply looked upon their prince who stood looking down at a map of the Riverlands.
"We have no time, nor do I have the desire to deal with Walder Frey. We will take the Twins in the night while their guard is down. Walder and any man old enough to carry a blade will be put down. Lord Hoster can pick someone more deserving in his own time." Said Eddard.
"Grenir will take 50 and take the west castle. Lady Maege will take another 50 and take the east castle. You'll have to start at the far ends and climb the outer walls. Kill as many as you can silently and try your best not to let any alarms be sounded. Work your way across the castles and to the water tower in the center of the bridge. Once that is cleared and in our control you can open the gates and lower the drawbridge allowing us passage." Said Eddard.
Grenir was one of the many wolves that hailed from the lands beyond the Wall. Though not a giant of a man like Jon Umber he was still considered tall at 6'2" and was amongst the best infiltrators he had at the moment. He'd known him since they were both small boys, Grenir was a year older than he was and one of the first wave of Free Folk youth that had come to Winterfell to learn. Lady Maege by contrast was older than the both of them which made since considering that she was Jeor Mormont's sister, though much younger than her brother. Despite their origins however both of them were incredibly skilled and thus no one could find fault with those Eddard had appointed to lead this mission. They spoke for a bit longer discussing details before the meeting was ended and they were all dismissed, leaving Eddard alone once more to relax.
It was late in the night under the cover of darkness when the attack on the Twins and thus House Frey began. Under the direction of Lord Howland Reed the crannogmen displayed their ability with water magic creating paths within the moats surrounding the twins allowing the wolves to walk along the soggy land beneath the water until they reached their destinations. All wolves were trained climbers and as such scaling the walls of the castles was a simple matter for them especially as once at the walls climbing spikes were equipped by each member of the group both handheld and some that strapped on to their boots creating studs at the bottom of their feet. At the top of her climb Maege made good use of her hidden blade stabbing a sentry from behind and pulling him back and over the edge of the wall leaving him to fall to his death.
Peering up over the ledge found the area clear allowing her to climb over with the rest of her squad following. From that point they split up with half of her forces going to secure the Water Tower while the other half went to secure the east tower. Maege herself was part of the later group. Training for the wolves was varied and extensive the results of which showed in the taking of the Twins, archers were taken out quickly and silently either by stealth kills or with the employ of crossbows that had been modified to be more powerful and wieldable with only one hand. Daggers and throwing knives made their fair share of kills as well and not a single eyebrow was raised by the use of what had once been seen as underhanded tactics.
Once the walls were secure they found securing the rest of the eastern castle. The Frey's were not a house known for their martial prowess on the battlefield and while more than a few of them were knights none of them were worth mention and this lack of prowess extended even to the defense of their home. As they moved through the castle they discovered there were no alarms to be found nor anyone after they cleared the walls. Despite their training to be as silent as ghost as they moved through the keep the wolves found that their was truly no need as there were no guards within the halls.
Most of the occupants were asleep and those few still awake were busy fucking the night away. Of those encounters both participants would be put down with the exception of two rooms, one where one of the Frey men was found fucking a young girl and another were a Frey woman was found fucking a young boy, in which cases the adults were killed but the children were spared.
Maege however was focused on Walder and soon found him asleep in his bed and didn't hesitate as she brought her dagger down into his chest. His eyes popped open but he could do little as she was well positioned straddling him with one hand covering his mouth as she stabbed him multiple times before the light left his eyes and his struggles ceased. She spat on her corpse as the last of her anger drained away before getting up and leaving the room. She was met outside with the news that the maesters chambers had been secured and as such knew no news of this would leave until they wanted it to. Soon enough they got word that the Water Tower had been secured as had the west castle and before long she was watching as Eddard Stark and the rest of their troops crossed into the castle.
Word spread quickly about the fall of the Twins. While some Freys had survived Lord Hoster Tully had stripped them of their titles and lands and had awarded the Twins to House Keath. While not all of the men of House Frey had been killed those who survived had been escorted North to the Wall where they would either take the black or die. The women of the house had been another matter as those who married in were allowed to return to their houses of birth with their children who would take their mother's maiden name. Those women who were born Frey's however had been either taken hostage to be married into other houses or shipped off to join the silent sisters as such House Frey was thus considered extinct.
Jon Connington the current Hand of the King frowned as he regarded this news. Thus far the loyalist forces had lost the battles of Gulltown and Summerhall while winning at Ashford. The results of the battles in the Stormlands had actually been what resulted in his own appointment as Hand, not a position he'd ever actually wanted, and he was seriously wishing he'd left Westeros with Rhaegar. Unfortunately Rhaegar had been adamant that he stay behind, he didn't trust anyone else to make sure his mother got out of this shit situation if things looked to be turning bad and now they seriously were. Honestly he didn't actually blame the Starks or Baratheon for rebelling, Brandon Stark hadn't even done anything and had been thrown into a black cell and then killed in that cell, yet another reason the madman should be forced from the throne.
Unfortunately the best chance they had for that had been axed when Aerys had shown up at Harrenhal. At that thought he made a mental note to kill Varys when he got out of this as the baldheaded prick was the reason they were in this situation. If the council Rhaegar had wanted would have happened it would have been easier to force Aerys to abdicate without all of the bloodshed. His thoughts on the matter were interrupted as the flap to his tent was opened and a figure entered. He was young and wore no actual armor instead a simple chainmail shirt.
"You called for a messenger Lord Hand."
"Yes, this to Lord Tyrell, this to Prince Doran of Dorne and this one to the King." Said Connington.
As he handed the letters over he showed each was marked with a distinct marking so that he would know which was which.
Accepting the letters the boy was quick to leave to have the letters sent out. After what happened to the previous Hand Lord Owen Merryweather he had decided that it would be in his best interest to keep the king appraised of his moves and actions lest he be killed as well. Hopefully those other letters reached their destinations soon otherwise his position would become untenable.
"You summoned me Lord Hand?" came a new voice breaking him from his thoughts.
Looking up he was greeted to the sight of Chester Swygert, a young man only 16 who was the heir of House Swygert and more importantly his cousin.
"How goes the search?" questioned Connington.
"Honestly, horribly. At this point it would not surprise me if the smallfolk were hiding him out of spite." Said Chester
At this Jon frowned in displeasure, they were currently camped outside of Stoney Sept. Some had wanted to occupy the town itself, but he'd vetoed that idea in favor of camping outside of it. Instead he'd sent Lord Karlan Brune to lead the search and capture of Robert Baratheon. A decision that was proving to be rather unwise in hindsight.
"I have a new mission for you." Said Jon causing the boy to perk up.
The knight he served under Ser Eddin Gastian had died in an earlier battle as had quite a few others. As such there were many squires around the camp who were without masters at the moment. Jon had been using Chester as his eyes and ears for the since they arrived her nearly a week ago.
"You will travel discreetly with five other master-less squires to accompany you…" started Jon outlining what he would like done.
Of all the seven kingdoms The Reach is the most fertile part of Westeros as well as the second largest only behind the North. The land was occupied by numerous well populated villages and towns. It was also the third wealthiest region in the Seven Kingdoms behind the Westerlands and the relatively newly prosperous North, yet it was also once again the most fertile region. Among the products it produces are melons, fireplums, peaches, apples, and grapes. The Arbor is said to make the finest of rich wines from reds to a golden vintage.
The Reach is also considered the home of chivalry in Westeros. It is the place where knighthood is looked upon with the greatest reverence and esteemed the most and the place where the rules for tourneys are the most stringent and managed. While Highgarden was the seat of the Warden of the South, Oldtown was both the most prominent city in the Reach and the oldest city in Westeros. It was the location of the Hightower and of course the home of House Hightower former First Men Kings who had long since converted to the Faith of Seven and bred with so many Andal's they were now an Andal house something that no one in the North would forget. It was also the home of the Maesters' Citadel, and the Starry Sept, the previous seat of the Faith of the Seven, before the Great Sept of Balor was built in Kings Landing.
For his part Uchiha Sasuke did not buy into the picture that was presented to him of the Reach. In the several millennia that he'd lived he knew that picturesque places such as this one always held dark secrets, which was actually why he was here. Banishing his thoughts the Uchiha forced himself to focus as he neared his destination which in this case was a brothel.
The Golden Rose was the premier brothel in the Reach, and just looking at it anyone could see why, 22,000 square feet with 70 rooms if not more, the place put many castle to shame with its décor and its grounds, as such it had been no surprise to anyone in their circle that it was owned by Jiraiya. Unlike other brothels this was the home of the whores who worked there all of whom were considered some of the most beautiful women in Westeros, despite none of them being highborn. It was one of three brothels owned by Jiraiya the others being in White Harbor and Dorne.
Upon his entry he was greeted with a packed house which did not surprise him in the least bit. In the time he'd been in Oldtown he'd learned that many men frequented the place if only for the atmosphere even if they didn't partake in the girls. Of course the girls were also treated respectfully which was enforced by the group of huge men that provided security who also lived on site. Unlike other brothels he'd seen on this world the girls were dressed to tease all of them in silk lingerie that had even enticed women at the sight. Politely nodding to the girls in passing and ignoring the patrons he was soon greeted by Madam Jasmyn, the woman who ran the place. Unlike the other girls she wore a full dress, though it did nothing to hide her curves and gave a very nice view of her rather large breasts.
"Good day my lord." Said the woman as he approached.
"To you as well. Have my guests arrived?"
"They have, this way please."
Following after her they headed up two flights of stairs until they reached her office. On the left wall of her office she lifted the arm of a statue causing a section of the wall to slide over. Nodding to her he stepped through the gap finding himself in yet another stairwell even as the wall slide closed behind him. He took the stairs down for quite a bit until he came to a door that was already open at the bottom. Stepping through the door he was greeted to the sight of Temari wearing the robes of a septa and a balding man with hair whitened by age wearing the robes and chains of a maester. Closing the door he hit a small button on the wall causing the door to lock even as the room was covered in runes which soon cleared away.
"So now that we are all here, would you mind explaining why you called this meeting?" questioned Temari eyeing the maester.
"I believe our time here is at it's end. I've intercepted word of an Ironborn attack on the Reach, I think we can use it." Said the maester.
"You mean to use the attack as a means to leave?" questioned Temari.
"No, he has a more ambitious plan in mind." Said Sasuke.
"Indeed. What if they were intercepted on route to their destination? If they were replaced with our own people we could then have the Ironborn attack Oldtown directly, specifically the Citadel." Said the man.
"Ambitious indeed, I didn't consider you would wish to cull the maesters." Said Temari
"During the attack the archmaesters would of course be killed. In the aftermath Lord Sasuke would come upon the scene and 'discover' the secret library and the secrets buried therein." Said the man
"I like it. We get what we came for, yet no one is the wiser to it." Said Temari.
"Septa Anera and Archmaester Clarrik would both die in the chaos of the attack." Said Sasuke.
"Septa Anera would be found raped and killed." Said Temari causing both men to blink, considering she was Septa Anera but neither spoke against it.
"I'll make sure the Hightower's are kept busy." Said Sasuke
"We may as well raze the Starry Sept as well. It would be too tempting of a target for the Ironborn to pass up." Said Temari.
"I thought about that but didn't want to be too greedy." Said the maester.
"No it's a good idea the faith is known for its wealth. The Iron Born would not pass up such an attack if they knew there would be no aid incoming for some time." Said Sasuke
"Well I'll take care of the Archmaesters regardless. They'll move to lock themselves in their meeting room, I'll hit them before they get there." Said the maester.
"Right I'll send for the intercept. We can work out particulars later after we have more information." Said Sasuke
"Is there any other news, or are we done?" questioned Temari
"That's all I had. I knew we were all looking for an exit and this presented us with a good one." Said the maester.
"Then it seems we are done for the time being. I'll call the next meeting when I know more." Said Sasuke.
With that the meeting was over and the three stood sharing a nod between them before each of them left through a different one of three doors into different tunnels that would exit in different parts of Oldtown.
When the attack happened it was sudden, without warning and in the middle of the day. Though most wouldn't know, it started with the collapse of the bridge connecting Battle Isle to Oldtown. Of course with the war raging and most of the Reach's forces out fighting it meant that only a shadow force had been left in Oldtown yet taking out the bridge even just the center of it stalled the aid that the town would receive from those forces. In was only minutes later that the horns sounded piercing the otherwise peaceful atmosphere and sending the place into chaos as the Ironborn made their appearance in different locations. Upriver of the Honeywine the Citadel found itself under attack as the reavers stuck, axe, sword and hammers found their marks on those who panicked and ran while burning arrows and torches set nearby buildings alight.
The man known as Archmaester Clarrik grit his teeth at the sight, he hadn't wanted real Ironborn as he knew civilian casualties would be massive but they had not been able to intercept them in time. Instead he knew that they would be intercepted when they tried returning to the iron islands. Seeing one of them going after a young girl he could no longer watch and instead joined the ruckus drawing a dagger and easily dispatching the raider intercepting him and stabbing him in the center of his chest. Allowing the body to drop, yet keeping his short axe he turned to the girl who could only look on him with wide eyes before ordering her to run.
Slipping into an alley he quickly ducked into a building and shucked the maesters robes and pushing in a portion of the wall and sliding it to the right revealing narrow open space within which was a chest which he quickly opened. Inside rested a set of grey robes that he quickly placed on revealing a pair of black leather bracers which he slipped on and secured with an ease that spoke of practice.
A flick of his wrist had a pair of blades emerging from each bracer before they retracted, ducking back into the trunk he removed a belt and secured it to his waist, one that was full of throwing knives. On the left wall of the space he found a longsword which was quickly secured to his person before grabbing the bow and satchel of arrows from the right wall which he secured to his back before shutting the lid of the trunk and the push of a part of the inside wall had the opening sealed once more as if it was never there.
Flipping his hood on he was soon moving scrambling up a nearby ladder and after climbing two more emerged on the roof of the building. Seeing the attack still going strong he began dashing across the rooftops before finding himself on the roof of the library, the door of which he'd already unlocked. Slipping inside he made haste down a flight of stairs and through a door which led him onto a bridge overlooking a courtyard. Leaping over the right side of the bridge he landed on the ground in a roll before running full pelt across the courtyard and through an open door to emerge into the kitchens. Turning to the left he went down a short flight of steps quickly cutting through the storage room and leaving from the other side into another courtyard.
Emerging into this one he came to a scene of chaos as a multitude of maesters and acolytes alike were fleeing to their designated hiding places. He was just inside the main entrance in the Scribe's Hearth which meant he didn't have long until he reached his destination. The Archmaesters vault was separate from all of the others done purposefully to keep them out of harms way should the place ever be attacked.
Running through the courtyard he cut through yet another building only to spot a lone and rather fat Archmaester trying to flee the chaos waddling along slowly through a window. Without the slightest hesitation he chucked one of his throwing knives at the fat man catching him in the side of his rather fat neck causing him to collapse immediately. Ignoring the corpse he continued his path through the building and ran up a flight of steps and into a short hallway out of which he found himself on another bridge.
He smiled grimly as spotted a group of 7 Archmaesters emerge from his left trying to flee through courtyard below him. Grabbing his bow and a pair of arrows he watched them as he drew back the string and lined up his shot before releasing catching the leaders in the back of the head with the arrows. As the rest of the group stopped in a combination of shock and horror two more at the rear of the group went down by arrows to the neck before he leapt over the railing of the bridge to the ground. When the last three looked up he was already in their midst his hidden blades emerging and stabbing into the necks of two of them as the last tried to run only to catch a throwing knife in the back. Moving over to him the man known as Clarrik took a knew before stabbing him in the back of the neck with the hidden blade on his right hand.
"Right then, 13 left." Mused the man before he continued on with his task.
Euron Greyjoy was enjoying himself, truthfully he felt if he was good at anything it was raiding and pillaging. While initially they were supposed to hit one of the more minor villages in the Reach once the idea to hit Oldtown was in the air it was too much of a temptation to ignore, especially as it defensive force was small. He had elected to go after the Starry Sept, as he knew the religious pretenders would have far more valuables on hand than the grey rats of the Citadel. He had instead allowed his brother Victorian to go after the Citadel, he could have all of the musty books and scrolls he wanted while he went after the gold in jewels. So far it was proving to be a wise decision as they'd found an abundance of wealth and he'd sent the vast majority of his men off carting away chests full of coins and jewels, enough to make him very rich on his own after all he'd paid the Iron Price for it.
Raids he knew were supposed to be quick but with the Hightower forces stranded on their little isle he'd taken a bit of time to indulge. One of the septons he'd come across had divulged the location of some hidden wealth in the false belief he'd let him live. Of course he'd killed the fool and was now taking the time to look over his newfound treasures which consisted of not just jewels but 2 Valyrian steel swords, a golden scepter with a Valyrian steel blade and pair of crowns being the things that stood out the most.
"Well now it seems there was a straggler after all." Came a voice causing him to turn slowly to face it.
The figure was one he did not recognize; he wore neither the robes of a priest nor the armor of a knight. Instead he wore a pair of black trousers and a grey tunic, he had jet black eyes to match his eyes and a facial structure that showed him to be a foreigner. Smirking Euron took up his axe and charged cackling only for the figure to shake his head, it was over in the blink of an eye as Sasuke withdrew his blade, a Valyrian steel chokuto so fast that the Greyjoy only registered a few flashes. As Sasuke stepped passed him Euron Greyjoy could only look on wide eyed as his axe fell apart, then his arms fell from his body and as he turned his head it slid from his shoulders before his body fell to the ground.
'That's one less crazy threat.' Mused Sasuke before turning his attention to the newly revealed treasure and removing a scroll to seal it all away.
The attack was over quickly, within 30 minutes the Ironborn had attacked and made their escape before any Reach forces could descend on them. The Starry Sept had been burned and their manses ransacked, the septons, septas, holy brothers and sisters had been slain, some septas and holy sisters however had been taken captive no doubt to become salt wives to the Ironborn. The citadel had also taken damage as several buildings had been burned, numerous maesters had been slain and all of the Archmaesters had been found dead in separate areas all trying to flee.
Corpses even littered the front of the Golden Rose though none who called the place home had been harmed in the slightest. Instead every Ironborn that came to attack it had been met and killed before they could even step on the grounds proper with Sasuke Uchiha giving people outside of select members of House Targaryen and the Kingsguard an example of his prowess.
The Hightower forces had emerged into Oldtown proper from an underground tunnel that had been disused for quite some time, in fact the entrance had even been blocked off from their side and had needed to be cleared. As such there was nothing any of them could do but help with the clean up and put out fires. Ser Simon Hightower, a nephew of Lord Leyton frowned as he took in the damage at the Citadel.
At only 16 he'd been considered too young to follow his father, uncle, brothers and cousins to the battlefield and as such had been left in charge of the Hightower, something he was in no way prepared for in his mind. Still the emergency had pushed him to ignore his doubts and it had been he who had remembered the tunnels that connected Battle Isle to Oldtown, not that it had helped to prevent the calamity.
"Lord Simon!" called a voice breaking him from his musing. Turning towards it he was greeted with an older knight, the Hightower's Master-at-Arms Ser Garvey Cuy at been left behind to help him lead the men as well as everyone respected him.
"Lord Sasuke has discovered something he thinks you should see." Said the man.
At this Simon frowned, he'd met Sasuke Uchiha just once several months ago. He knew he had been one of the men who had trained Prince Rhaegar and the Royal Twins and as such had been rewarded with a lordship by the king. He had declined any lands stating that he and his wife would not be staying permanently. Sakura Uchiha, his wife had been the person who had delivered all of the kings children with the exception of Prince Rhaegar who had been born prior to her arrival. With the twins sent to Volantis and Prince Rhaegar off on a mission for the king the man had come to the reach at the direction of the Golden Rose's owner to head up its security.
Regardless he followed the Master-at-Arms to a building within which they found Lord Sasuke in a room that had been somehow hidden with a severe frown on his face.
"It seems this attack may have actually been quite fortuitous, it seems the maester's have been hiding quite lot for a very long time." Said the man handing him a book, one that Simon noted had the crest of House Hightower on it.
Accepting the book he did not get far into his reading before he looked up with shock and horror etched onto his face.
"There are books just like that for every house in the Seven Kingdoms, great and small and as you'll soon note several of them have multiple volumes." Said Sasuke.
"Lannister, Tyrell, Stark, Targaryen, Baratheon, Arryn, Gardener…by the mother what is this?" questioned Ser Garvey.
"Something far beyond any of us. My uncle needs to be contacted immediately, a council of lords will undoubtedly be called if the other books are like this one." Said Ser Simon.
"How did you even find this place?" questioned Ser Garvey
"The door wasn't fully closed, I leaned against it to fix my boot."
At this both men could picture what went unsaid, the wall had given way behind him, and he'd fallen. Neither man would voice that however, instead both of them turned their attention to the walls and the books therein, both realizing this was a monumental task they were too undertake, yet neither knowing exactly what this newfound discovery would result in.
Eddard frowned as he urged his horse forward. Jon Connington had called for a parley one which he, Lord Jon Arryn and Hoster Tully had all gone to attend. Connington had shown up with Lords Leyton Hightower and Randal Tarly. Robert Baratheon who had been invited to attend had declined, even when the other three had ridden off with their personal retinues to Castle Darry.
It was only after the meeting ended when they learned that a battle had happened at the fork of the Trident and had ridden back in haste. They soon learned that Robert and his forces had tried to leave only to be contested by Lord Brune and his forces and before long both sides had noticed, and a huge battle had broken out. Robert running on pure rage had killed many men during the fighting including Lord Brune and Lord Goodbrook, causing the remaining men to surrender before leaving with his forces.
They had quickly realized that Robert would be going to Kings Landing and after a conference with Connington all headed with haste to the capital. They had all been riding for days stopping only to feed and water the horses and knew that they would not make it before either open battle, or a siege of the capital began. All of them had taken only half of their forces, those who could ride and leaving the rest to care for the injured. Coming to the within seeing distance he cursed as he could see the place was burning due to the smoke rising and urged everyone to ride harder.
The gates were opened and there was open fighting in the streets. They found not only Roberts forces fighting but men bearing heraldry of House Lannister, the city defenders were being bolstered by Dornish spears forces Connington had diverted when he learned of the battle that had already been on the march to the Riverlands. He found himself moving almost on without thought as he entered the Red Keep yet instead of going directly to the throne room like he had last time he found himself following the sound of combat until he found himself in a courtyard where Doran and Oberyn Martel were doing battle with Armory Lorch and Gregor Clegane. Tywin Lannister was standing just watching them battle and smirking. Memories flashed of his last life and what he knew would happen after he died and his eyes hardened yet rather than charging directly into the fray in anger simply stepped forward allowing himself to be seen.
It was only as he did so that he noticed two other men that had been blocked from his sight by the wall both of whom wore Lannister colors. Tywin noticed him almost immediately and ordered one of the men to attack him, seeing the man running he calmly sidestepped the man grabbing his sword arm as he did before turning so he was behind him and stabbing him in the back with the hidden blade on his left hand. Turning back to face Tywin it was to find the other man coming at him only much more cautiously. It did him no favors as in a smooth motion Eddard had launched a throwing knife at him which buried itself in his neck.
"No more bodies to hide behind Lannister." Said Eddard drawing Frostfang
Scowling Tywin drew his own blade and the two clashed. As their blades locked it caused the other four fighters to pause and take in the sight, Armory Lorch lost his focus as he turned to race to Tywin's aid and paid for it as Doran ran him through with his scimitar before withdrawing the blade and taking his head with a spin. Turning his attention to Clegane the prince of Dorne smirked darkly before he joined his brother in battling the man who would one day become known as 'The Mountain'. Ignoring them Eddard had his attention focused solely on Tywin and sidestepping a thrust he punched the man in the face causing him to stumble away.
"I see why your such a schemer now; it makes up for your lack of skill with a blade." Said Eddard
Tywin spat out a mouthful of blood as he recovered his eyes and face showing pure rage. Eddard was also furious but unlike Tywin his gaze was ice cold. The two clashed yet again as Tywin charged with the Stark heir meeting the attack and blocking it easily. Each subsequent attack he either blocked, dodged or parried and he could tell his opponent was tiring.
Contrary to his earlier words Tywin was proving to be quite competent with a blade however he was not on his level either in skill or stamina. The next attack Tywin aimed low going for his leg which he sidestepped before immediately stepping on the blade forcing it into the dirt and leaving his opponent off balance. In an instant his left arm shot forward the hidden blade emerging and stabbing him in the neck causing his eyes to widen yet in another fast motion Eddard spun and Frostfang tasted blood as Tywin Lannister died with his head falling from his body.
At the sight of this Clegane froze and Oberyn pounced stabbing him through the back before withdrawing and cutting a tendon in his leg. Clegane collapsed to a knee which was all the opening Doran needed during forward and taking his head with a quick swing of his sword. Panting heavily two in exhaustion and one coming down from an adrenaline high the three men locked eyes before laughing with Oberyn falling to his knees in sheer joy.
The Kingsguard had been divided, yet all had known their roles with things to come. Ser Arthur had gone to Volantis with the Twins while Ser Barristan and Ser Oswell had left with Rhaegar. Ser Jonothor had gone to Dragonstone with the Queen and Prince Lewyn had gone with Princesses Elia and Lyanna as both were with child. That had left Ser Gerald and Ser Jaime in Kings Landing with the King. Luckily the attack had happened while Ser Jaime was on shift leaving Ser Gerald to his own devises. He found his quarry easily enough and even took him off his guard when he dispatched the pair of Lannister men that had been threatening him.
"My thanks Ser Gerald." Said Varys leaning heavily against a wall.
"I have a message for you from his grace." Said the Kingsguard causing the man to stand.
Approaching him he leaned forward to whisper in his ear before his right hand shot forward a hidden blade emerging and stabbing him in the stomach. Eyes wide in confusion and not a little fear Varys looked on at the Lord Commander of the Kingsguard stunned.
"Death to the Blackfyres." Whispered Ser Gerald causing the man to slump.
"H-how?" questioned Varys.
"Their magic never died." Whispered the knight before pulling back and then stabbing him in the throat.
With his job done Ser Gerald walked away, a ship was already prepared that would take him to Dragonstone and the Queen. The Rebellion may have been lost from the beginning, but things were only just getting started.
Eddard found Ser Jaime exactly as he remembered on his knees in shock with his sword driven into Aerys's back. This time he did more to take in the scene instead of just his immediate sight and could see a pair of pyromancers had been slain as well. He'd had half a mind to kill him now but knew that he couldn't, Robert couldn't have legitimate heirs for their plans and as such Ser Jaime would need to remain in play. In the end it was decided to simply place him in a cell until things calmed down.
The fighting didn't stop for several hours but eventually it was worked out of peoples systems. Unlike last time when Robert had stormed into the Red Keep it was to find Eddard sitting the throne. Before he or the people with him could speak he informed them that Ravens had been set out as a Great Council was being called on behalf of Lord Hightower. When questioned about it he informed Robert he would have known had he not rushed off to Kings Landing and attended the parlay meeting Lord Connington had called.
It took weeks for all of the nobles to arrive for the Great Council, weeks within which things were tense amongst those who'd fought in the Rebellion. From what he would later learn Lord Mace Tyrell had to be threatened to leave Storms End but in the end he left, and the siege was lifted. Regardless Nobles were soon arriving from all of the Seven Kingdoms. As this would only be the third Great Council in the history of the united seven kingdoms all the nobles great and minor alike chose to attend.
Those from the Riverlands, Stormlands and the Vale were the most tense as those were the places were loyalties had been split. The Westerlanders were solemn as they'd been the last to commit to the war, yet their Lord had been killed in battle. As of now Kevan Lannister, the younger brother of Tywin was acting as the Regent for Tywin's youngest son and now heir Tyrion Lannister as Jaimie had taken the Kingsguard vows surrendering his inheritance.
Eddard soon learned through Jon Arryn that Robert had made a deal with Tywin Lannister that he would marry Cersei in return for the aid of House Lannister, a deal that Kevan demanded he keep or face consequences. The nobles of Dorne had soon arrived with Princess Kiera Martell leading them, while her brother was left in charge of Sunspear.
The nobles of the North had been the last to arrive and had done so by ship with Lord Stark leading them much to Eddard's relief as that meant people would have to stop looking to him. Even people from the Iron Islands had appeared and soon it was clear only the Targaryens had not come, though Sasuke Uchiha was there to represent the Queen. Lord Jiraiya had been a surprise with his appearance, and he had spent a fair bit of time in private conference with Sasuke.
"Can everyone hear me?" questioned Jiraiya breaking him from his thoughts and surprising everyone.
Because of the number of people in attendance they were having the council outside in what was normally tourney grounds. The Great Lords all had seats on the grounds that they were currently occupying and everyone else was seated surrounding them in chairs of their own or in the stands.
"Before anyone asks I'm using magic, specifically what my people call seals in order for you to hear me. These seals cover this area and make it possible for all of you to hear us without us yelling. We have two items on the agenda, the first the reason Lord Hightower called this council. The second will be the trail of Jaimie Lannister for the murder of King Aerys Targaryen." Said Jiraiya before moving away.
"Thank you all for coming now I think I'll get straight to the point. There was an Ironborn raid on Oldtown, both the Citadel and the Starry Sept were attacked. It is what was discovered in the aftermath of the attack that is why I called this meeting." Began Lord Leyton his tone grave.
"There is no easy way for me to say this so I'll just come out and say it. The maesters of the Citadel have betrayed us, whether it be through purposeful misleading advice or sabotage of the houses or any number of things we have discovered evidence to prove the maesters were behind it. We have found books detailing crimes they have committed to all of the houses here with us today and those who have since gone extinct. Lord Sasuke if you please." Said the man into the stunned silence of the area before taking a seat.
Standing Sasuke looked around and after finding who he was looking for sighed and shook his head.
"I'm not much of a talker, I usually leave this part to my teammates." Said Sasuke softly yet his voice was still heard all the same.
"I'll start by giving you the background information, what went unknown. After what came out about the maesters poisoning of Lady Stark and Princess Martell both Aerys and Queen Rhaella grew suspicious. You all know what happened to Pycelle but that was not the end of it as neither forgot. Several months ago after he was sure they had let their guard down your king asked me to undertake a mission. I was to go to Oldtown and coordinate with two others to infiltrate both the Citadel and the Starry Sept." said the Uchiha his words having the attention of the entire area.
"Upon my arrival I was greeted with the sight of an old friend of mine who'd been in Dorne who had taken the assignment to infiltrate the Faith of Seven. She did so as a septa with the goal of finding out what they had been up to and how it tied in with the Citadel and the maesters." At this Temari stood up from her seat and joined him now in her natural form and smirking.
The other was a man who would infiltrate the citadel as a returning maester that your king was sure no one would suspect." At this the old man joined him.
"Your king knew that certain parties in Westeros were plotting a Rebellion as did Prince Rhaegar. Between them they hatched a plan that would help them put it to a stop or failing that reveal traitors in their midst." Said Sasuke.
"That would be where I come in. Months beforehand Rhaegar told me the plan and I agreed to help. As such my death was faked so no one would be looking for me." Said the old man.
"Wait, why would you need to fake your death?" questioned Lord Hightower. The man merely lifted his hand and removed a ring from it causing several eyes to widen as his form blurred revealed a younger, more familiar figure.
"They figured if Brandon Stark went to the Citadel it would be too suspicious. This gave me a way to disappear for a short time with no questions asked." Said Brandon to the stunned audience.
From his position Eddard shook his head with a smile, his brother always did love the spotlight. Chuckling he leaned himself back in his chair waiting for the entertainment that was sure to come.
AN: That's it the chapters done. This chapter actually took a lot out of me as a lot of it I wrote today, though it did pretty much write itself once I got started. That said how do you guys like the changes I made? Anyway thanks for reading and please review to tell me what you think. Till next time, LATER.