The Westerlands…
As the Blacks continued their march towards Casterly Rock, they faced numerous challenges along the dangerous mountain path. The treacherous terrain tested the soldiers' and their commander's skills and endurance: Ser Braedan Reyne, the younger brother of the deceased Lord Jarson Reyne, who lost his life in the fierce battle to claim House Lefford's ancestral seat, led over 10,000 soldiers on the march. These men were a diverse mix of seasoned warriors, loyal vassals, and eager recruits, all united under the banner of King Aeonar I Targaryen, flying the standard Targaryen red dragon sigil, quartered with the moon-and-falcon sigil of House Arryn and the silver seahorse on sea green of House Velaryon.
Despite the hardships, the army remained resolute, fueled by their determination to capture Casterly Rock. The journey to Casterly Rock was no easy feat. The eastern pass through the mountainous terrain they traversed was treacherous and unforgiving. It was known for its narrow paths, steep cliffs, and unpredictable weather that tested the mettle of even the most seasoned soldiers. The troops had to navigate carefully, and their every move was calculated to avoid potential ambushes or rockslides. Yet, the Blacks pressed on, their determination unwavering. Braedan knew that the success of their mission relied on careful planning and execution. The constant vigilance and discipline of the army ensured their safe passage despite the inherent dangers of the journey.
The closer they got to Casterly Rock, the more the anticipation grew among the ranks. The seemingly impregnable stronghold and regional capital of the Westerlands, perched atop a hill, loomed in the distance, its imposing presence a constant reminder of the power and wealth House Lannister possessed. Situated to the southwest of their position, the imposing castle's formidable defenses included towering walls and an intricate network of tunnels, which made it a daunting target for any would-be conqueror. But the Blacks were undeterred. They knew that victory was within their grasp, and they were willing to risk everything to achieve it. As they set up camp, the Blacks took the time to rest and prepare for the battle ahead. Tents were erected, weapons sharpened, and strategies discussed. The atmosphere was one of excitement and apprehension as each soldier understood the magnitude of the task.
"Keep those blades sharp, lads. And stay sober! I want our squads ready for the first wave," Braedan reminded his men.
"Aye, ser!"
"I can't believe Casterly Rock is within sight…"
"Do you think we can do this?"
"House Lannister will never forgive us for this―"
"Cut the chatter lads! We stick to the plan Prince Jaehaerys gave us. Take Casterly Rock, and the Westerlands will fold one by one."
"So the end is really in sight…"
They're all on edge, and I can't blame them. Braedan noticed the anxiety amongst his troops. Casterly Rock may be a lone watchtower, but it's still one of the most formidable and well-defended castles in Westeros. This attack would be bloody and costly, but they've come too far to back down. Princess Aemma should be back soon from her scouting mission. She'll be able to provide us with what we're expected to face once we begin our march. We've seen almost everything Lady Johanna threw at us, yet we're still here. It was over once House Lannister proposed resistance. Victory will be all but assured now.
"Dragon returning!" a scout cried out.
Braedan looked up and watched Silverwing gracefully glide through the air, her scales shimmering in the sunlight. The dragon's wings beat powerfully, propelling her forward with incredible speed. Aemma, her rider, sat confidently on her back, her long silver hair flowing behind her. As they descended towards the camp, Braedan could see the tension in the air. The soldiers were preparing for the upcoming campaign, sharpening their weapons and donning their armor. The Blacks' forces were formidable, but they knew Casterly Rock would not be quickly taken. House Lannister were formidable opponents known for their cunning and wealth. They had defended their lands fiercely, using every advantage they had to repel the invaders.
But Aemma and Silverwing were not to be underestimated.
Equipped with a specially crafted spyglass made by her eldest brother, Prince Jaehaerys, Aemma was able to observe the movements of the Lannister forces stationed at Casterly Rock from a secure vantage point, allowing her to gather invaluable information on the Lannister forces summoned to defend Casterly Rock. She would spend hours on dragonback hidden from prying eyes, meticulously analyzing their movements, strengths, and weaknesses, providing the Blacks with a crucial edge in battle and strategizing the best course of action for them. Silverwing's dragonfire could decimate the enemy's defenses, clearing the way for the Blacks to advance. After successfully helping to thwart the Caltrops' siege on Oldtown, Jaehaerys entrusted his sister with the crucial task of helping their allies take the fight to Casterly Rock and forcing House Lannister to surrender. He knew she was the perfect choice to lead this essential operation, and he had complete confidence in her abilities. The victory saved Oldtown from falling into enemy hands and showcased the power and effectiveness of well-coordinated teamwork. Aemma was honored by her brother's trust and knew that failure was not an option when the battle began.
Silverwing, on the other hand, was a force of nature. With her massive wingspan and scales that shimmered like silver in the sunlight, she struck fear into the hearts of their enemies. Her fiery breath, highly concentrated into a powerful ball of flame, could obliterate even the sturdiest fortifications to ashes, opening a path clear for the Blacks to advance.
"Ser Braedan," Aemma greeted, dismounting Silverwing. Her eyes met the House Reyne knight's. There was a silent understanding between them, a shared determination to see this through.
"Princess," Braedan acknowledged. Given the Westermen's familiarity with the terrain and the advantage of having a dragonrider, many anticipated the battle would be costly. Nevertheless, there was still a chance of victory within reach. "What have you discovered?"
"I count roughly 10,000 Lannister soldiers, plus several archers along the watchtower. Casterly Rock is heavily defended on all sides, but there's been an interesting wrinkle, ser."
"What's that?"
"Our allies in the Reach have dispatched the Redwyne fleet and have the Lannister fleet bogged down in a nasty naval war near Lannisport, but I've noticed new ships sailing past Fair Isle."
"Are they hostile?"
"Not that I'm aware of, but I recognize the sails matching their banners. A gold kraken on a black field, the sigil of House Greyjoy."
Braedan blinked. "Ironborn?" he asked, unsure what he just heard.
"Yes, Ser Baredan," Aemma nodded affirmatively. "The Red Kraken, Lord Dalton Greyjoy, is leading them." She had heard tales of the Red Kraken from her maternal grandfather, Ser Otto Hightower. Dalton was the daring and bloodthirsty sixteen-year-old Lord Reaper of Pyke and ruler of the Iron Islands who loved blood and battle. However, Aemma's reservations about the ironborn were not unfounded. Their penchant for raiding and plundering made them infamous, and their disregard for the laws and customs of the mainland was well-known. Aemma couldn't help but suspect that her great-uncle Prince Daemon had played a role in convincing Dalton Greyjoy to support the Blacks in the ongoing Targaryen civil war, but the ironborn's reputation for plundering and looting, taking whatever they desired, be it gold, women, or glory was something that didn't sit well with her.
"Filthy ironborn scum. They've been nothing but trouble for centuries." And yet, this does give us an opportunity. "We'll deal with them afterward, princess. But this could give us an opening to force those gates open. While we deal with the men on the castle walls, your dragon could raze Casterly Rock as your ancestor did at Harrenhal."
Aemma understood the necessity of alliances in times of war, but she couldn't help but feel conflicted about the Red Kraken's involvement. While their support may have been crucial for the Blacks' cause, she couldn't fully embrace or condone their actions. The ironborn's disregard for innocent lives and the possessions of others as saltwives and thralls went against everything she believed in. "But what you imply would risk imposing an even greater war crime. We're not here to slaughter thousands of innocent people. Two wrongs don't make a right, Ser Braedan."
"And what are we supposed to do with them? I'd rather execute them and be done with―"
"No. There's always another way to get the results you want. If we can convince Lady Johanna to surrender and reaffirm House Lannister's oath to the crown, we shall forgive them and give the golden lions another chance to redeem themselves."
"Isn't that being a little too kind, princess?" Braedan raised a brow. "If I were in charge, I wouldn't be showing compassion to prisoners of war."
"Perhaps you think my brother to be wrong, ser?" Aemma calmly questioned.
Braedan hesitated for a brief moment, his thoughts swirling with uncertainty. Prince Jaehaerys had given the Reyne knight explicit instructions via messenger raven before embarking on the arduous journey through the Golden Tooth from the Riverlands' borders to the Westerlands: he was to follow Princess Aemma Targaryen's commands as if they were his own and ensure House Lannister's submission. Any form of disobedience would not be tolerated. At long last, after what felt like an endless wait, Braedan let out a steady breath, his resolve firm. "…No," he conceded.
"Good. I'd hate to inform Jay otherwise." Aemma glanced up at Casterly Rock. Lady Johanna, for your son's sake and House Lannister's future… I implore you to surrender before more lives are lost. My father isn't as merciful as he used to be.
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From this elevated position, one could see the Lannister archers standing guard from atop the battlements, their arrows at the ready. On the other hand, one could also witness the chaos and destruction unfolding below. The once bustling streets of Lannisport were now filled with the sounds of battle as the combined forces of the Iron Fleet and the Redwyne fleet clashed with the Lannisters defending their homeland.
Meanwhile, the vast fleet sailing along the Sunset Sea was a sight to behold. Hundreds of ships, their sails billowing in the wind, formed an imposing armada stretching as far as the eye could see. The massive fleet of hundreds of Redwyne and Iron Fleet ships had unintentionally launched a joint attack, coordinating their attacks from both the north and the south of the Sunset Sea to ensure the Lannisters were caught off guard. The clash of swords and the thunderous boom of trebuchets echoed across the sea as the Redwyne fleet, deployed from the Arbor, fought valiantly to gain control of the waters surrounding Lannisport. On the other side, the Iron Fleet under the Greyjoys, having already conquered Faircastle and Fair Isle, now set their sights on the remaining Lannister ships. With their sleek, black vessels cutting through the waves, the Iron Fleet unleashed a devastating assault, raining fire and destruction upon their enemies. The once proud Lannister ships were reduced to mere ashes, their remnants scattered across the sea.
As the sun descended below the horizon, casting a warm glow across the sky, the sails of the Iron Fleet appeared even darker against the vibrant hues of orange and pink. The ships, now victorious, began to dock at Lannisport, their arrival marking the beginning of a new era of dominance for House Greyjoy.
Dalton looked over the walls of Lannisport with a sly grin on his face. His eyes glinted with fierce determination as he surveyed the city and the riches it held within. The Red Kraken saw more than just a city before him – he saw a gold mine waiting to be plundered. The sound of his men scaling the walls echoed through the night as they prepared to launch their raid and claim their prize. "Take what you can get your hands on! Gold, goods, women and girls, whatever you can! Take it all! It's ours! The Old Way lives on!" he hollered. Heh! It would seem that the women of the west prefer men of iron to cowardly lions, for they jump into the sea and plead with us to take them.
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Lady Johanna Lannister, the widow of the deceased Lord Jason Lannister and currently serving as the regent for their four-year-old son Loreon, observed the naval battles and the skirmishes near the entrances of Casterly Rock. Despite her efforts to secure the gates, Lannisport was vulnerable to the relentless attacks of the ironborn raiders. With the Greyjoys and Redwynes attacking from behind, the Blacks closing in at her gates, and a dragon in the skies, the situation was becoming increasingly dire. Time was rapidly slipping away. "Damn it, Jason… why did you force our house down this path," she cursed under her breath. My daughters and my son are the future of House Lannister. If this continues…
The archers, standing on the castle walls, unleashed a volley of arrows and hurled rocks down towards the advancing rows of enemy soldiers. Despite the fierce attack from the Lannister archers, the Blacks seemed to be gaining ground. However, the tide of the battle began to shift as Aemma, riding on her dragon Silverwing, arrived on the scene with impeccable timing.
"Dragon!" one of the archers warned.
"Dracarys!" Aemma commanded.
Silverwing, with her mighty wings beating against the wind, soared swiftly above the towering battlements of the ancient castle. Its scales shimmered in the sunlight, reflecting a brilliant silver hue as it glided effortlessly through the air. With a mighty roar, the elder dragon unleashed a torrent of fiery breath that erupted from her gaping jaws, engulfing the archers and knights below in a blazing inferno. The intense dragonfire consumed them within seconds, reducing their once formidable presence to nothing more than a pile of smoldering ashes.
"Hakotan bē, Gēltīkun! (Pull up, Silverwing!)"
As the acrid scent of burnt flesh filled the air, Silverwing deftly maneuvered to evade the incoming arrows, and scorpion bolts launched in a desperate attempt to bring the majestic creature down. With each beat of its wings, the dragon ascended higher into the sky, leaving the futile attempts of the castle's defenders far below. The arrows whizzed past, their tips glinting menacingly in the sunlight, but none found their mark. The scorpion bolts, propelled by powerful siege engines designed to pierce even the toughest of hides, sailed through the air with deadly precision, but Silverwing dodged them. With the elder dragon's innate instinct and years of experience, she anticipated each attack, twisting and turning mid-air to avoid the deadly bolts. Her evasive maneuvers and rider's guidance were a testament to her skill and mastery of the skies.
Johanna knew that she had to make a decision and make it quickly. She could not afford to wait for reinforcements that may never come. The fate of her family, her people, and the entire Westerlands rested on her shoulders. If Silverwing unleashed her full fury on Casterly Rock, then House Lannister would be doomed to suffer the same fate as House Hoare and House Gardener did during Aegon's Conquest one hundred thirty-one years ago.
"My lady!" one of the Lannister soldiers arrived. "The enemy is at our gates, but our men can't hold up against that dragon! What do we do?"
Johanna lowered her head. "Soldier…" she said with a defeated tone.
"Yes, my lady?"
"Ring the bells. I must do what is best for House Lannister… for Casterly Rock, for everyone in the Westerlands."
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Aemma maintained her grip on the saddle, riding Silverwing through the skies. They had been avoiding arrows and scorpions while Ser Braendan Reyne and the Blacks on the ground led the siege. With Casterly Rock surrounded by land, sea, and air, the princess hoped that some within House Lannister would see reason. Aemma didn't want anyone else to die but would defend herself, her dragon, and those under her care if her hand was forced. Come on, Lady Johanna… please. According to Jaehaerys, if a castle or city is under siege and about to be overrun, if would-be invaders hear every bell ring three times, it would mean surrender.
Aemma firmly held onto the saddle, her grip tightening as Silverwing gracefully glided through the vast expanse of the sky. The wind whipped through her hair, carrying with it the distant sounds of battle below. They soared above, their movements fluid and precise, evading the onslaught of arrows and scorpion bolts. The siege had been meticulously planned, with Casterly Rock completely encircled by land, sea, and air, tightening the noose around the Lannisters. Aemma's heart ached for the lives lost in this conflict, but she held onto a glimmer of hope. She believed that reason would prevail among the members of House Lannister, that they would see the futility of resisting and choose a peaceful resolution. Lady Johanna, I beg you… opening the gates for your family's and people's sake would be best. Please, end this, my lady, before it's too late. She prayed that some members of House Lannister would see reason, that they would realize the futility of their resistance and choose to surrender. She longed to spare any further loss of life, both for the Blacks' forces and for the Lannisters themselves.
But Aemma was no fool and remained prepared for the worst. She knew that sometimes, in the face of desperation, violence was the only language understood. She would defend herself, her dragon, and those entrusted to her care if circumstances demanded it.
She recalled her brother's wise counsel. Jaehaerys had once mentioned that in the direst of situations, when a castle or city they besieged was on the brink of being overrun, the tolling of every bell thrice would be the signal for surrender. Aemma hoped it would not come to that, that reason and diplomacy would prevail. But she would not hesitate to give the order if push came to shove. She knew the bells' tolling would signify surrender and the beginning of a new chapter. It would be a chance for House Lannister to rebuild, find redemption, and forge a path toward peace. Aemma hoped they would recognize their resistance's futility and choose to save lives rather than cling to power.
As Aemma and Silverwing circled around for another pass, she heard the city's bells ringing three times. "Oh, thank the Mother," the princess exhaled a sigh of relief, followed by the raising of a white flag. When the Lannister garrison on the battlements threw down their swords and bows, they each got down to their knees as the gates to Casterly Rock were slowly opened. Not wanting to give Ser Braedan a chance, Aemma guided Silverwing to act as a buffer between the Blacks and House Lannister. "Men, stand down!" she commanded firmly.
Lady Johanna, clad in a suit of chainmail, gracefully stepped out of the castle and positioned herself with grace and dignity in front of the Blacks. Despite being aware that no one could withstand the devastating power of a dragon without assistance, Johanna would constantly remind herself of her noble lineage and her role as a mother. "Greetings, honorable invaders," she spoke. "Let us speak, Princess Aemma. I am tired of this constant, meaningless fighting."
Aemma nodded. She raised her hand, motioning for the Blacks not to make a move.
"As regent for my son Loreon and on behalf of House Lannister…" Johanna knelt and placed her late husband's longsword down at Aemma's feet, "we hereby surrender before you. I only ask from one woman to another that you find it in your hearts to spare the lives of my children. They remain innocent."
"Lady Johanna―" Braedan tried to interject.
Aemma raised her hand, silencing him. "I understand. You have made the correct decision, my lady. We accept your surrender," she said regally. "Ser Braedan, although the crown is grateful for House Reyne's loyalty, House Lannister remains your liege lord. Show Lady Johanna and her children due respect."
As the Blacks accompanied Lady Johanna inside Casterly Rock to round up the others, officially conquering Casterly Rock, Ser Braedan remained outside with Princess Aemma.
"Casterly Rock still has more than enough resources to spare. It's a little premature for them to surrender."
"That's why it's a good thing. Despite their faults, House Lannister are no fools. From the skirmishes with us at the Red Fork, the Golden Tooth, and Casterly Rock, they've finally seen that they cannot win. Like their ancestor Loren the Last after the Field of Fire, the Lannisters understood their limits and chose to bend the knee." Aemma gazed at Casterly Rock. "You see, Ser Braedan, it's the larger principal matters. The reality of it all is that everyone understands they have more to lose than they have to gain if decisions are made poorly. By playing it smart, it keeps them in the game. Idiots like Beatrice never played by the rules as long as we've known her. I'll never really understand why she did what she did, but my family in House Targaryen knew Beatrice's agenda had nothing to do with the crown's best interests or that of the realm."
As they walked through the castle, the sudden cawing of a bird above made them stop in their tracks. Silverwing growled in response, sensing something was amiss. Their attention was quickly drawn to Aemma as the tiny bird landed on her outstretched arm. The bird had a small parchment attached to its leg, which immediately piqued their curiosity.
"What is it?" Braedan asked.
Aemma broke the wax seal and slowly opened it to read. As her eyes scanned the message, her pupils dilated. "'Bartos ēza issare tyvaros unektogon… (The head of the serpent has been severed…)" she read in High Valyrian. The princess then turned to Braedan. "Father's captured the Caltrops' main leadership!"
Chapter End
Author's Note: Hey, guys. Sorry I haven't posed a new chapter in quite a while. I've been diagnosed with recurrent major depression by my primary care provider and had to take some time off. But that doesn't mean I've abandoned the story. Again, apologies for not updating. Anyways, here we go with the latest chapter! With Aemma leading the Blacks to subdue the Westerlands, pretty soon those who initially sided with the Caltrops will surrender one by one. But oh, boy, when word of this reaches Aemond Targaryen and Criston Cole in the next chapter, you can bet that One-Eye is going to lose his marbles! How would you guys react to a possible rematch between Jaehaerys and Aemond before the Gods Eye confrontation arrives? Let me know what you guys think.
C.E.W: First things first, I really sorry to hear about your condition, and I do hope you get better.
Now the Lannisters have surrendered to the Blacks, and with them all of the Westerlands will follow. Which means one less fall back spot for Criston Cole to go to. The Caltrops are following apart, first many of the main leadership gets captured, and then the Lannisters surrender. Its only a matter of time before the Caltrops crumble for good. Aemond and Vhagar are the only thing keeping the Caltrop cause going, barely.
There is still the Greyjoys to deal with, but with the Lannister, Blacks and Silverwing, they shouldn't be much of a problem.
Aemond is already going to go into a rage over the capture of his mother, grandfather, sister and niece along with key Caltrop members. Now the Westerlands have been taken by the Blacks, its only going to get worse.
Jaehaerys on Vermithor going to face Aemond on Vhagar is very risky. Wanting to stop Aemond using Vhagar from burning people and villages in the Riverlands no doubt. Vermithor is big, strong and powerful, and has the advantage of youth. But Vhagar is still bigger and a veteran of many battles. Last time at Rook's Rest, the fight left Vermithor wounded, even with the help of Silverwing and Meleys, the latter who was killed. Vermithor alone against Vhagar is nerve racking. Aemond is also a skilled dragonrider and equaled skills to Jaehaerys.
Someone might move to help Jaehaerys, Daemon on Caraxes, or perhaps Baela on Moondancer. Or perhaps Rhaenyra on Syrax. I'm confident Jaehaerys will survive and Vermithor, after all whose going to duel with Hugh Hammer and Ulf White when they make their move?
Questions:
Do the Greyjoys think that the Blacks view them as friendly?
―They treat each other with suspicion, but Dalton Greyjoy sees the Blacks as more likely to win
Did Daemon really treat with the Greyjoys?
―It's one of the popular rumors
Jaehaerys on Vermithor moving alone against Aemond on Vhagar dangerous? Shouldn't he have back up? What about Daemon and Caraxes? If Jaehaerys doesn't have any backup, won't Baela take Moondancer to help him, if she knows he has no backup?
―Stealth reconnaissance/assassination missions are always risky. If Jaehaerys does make a move, he'll have to leave Vermithor far enough away so Vhagar can't pick up his sense and mask his scent so she can't smell him either.
Is the Reach secured for the Blacks?
―Bit by bit
If Jaehaerys is moving against Aemond, I take it Aeonar is not taking Aemond seriously as he should? Aeonar more focused on making the captured Caltrops' suffer?
―Oh, he'll be a bit occupied torturing the Caltrops but Aeonar does consider Aemond a threat considering he's very skilled in swordsmanship and has the largest dragon
How many troops do Aemond and Crison Cole have?
―35,000 at Harrenhal
randomdude24: First, my condolences on your medical situation, depression in any form is a hard battle. Definitely take all the time you need to properly heal.
Second, house lannister has surrendered at this point. Soon, the westerlands will follow, and what little support the caltrops had is going to go away.
I'm really curious what Aeonar is going to do to the Caltrop council, especially Beatrice if her fate is to mirror the canon version of Alicent. She reaped what she sowe
Questions,
House Lannister has surrendered, thanks to Aemma and Jay. What exactly are the terms of surrender?
―Reaffirm their allegiance to House Targaryen under Aeonar, two of Johanna's daughters will be wards, and they'll have to pay monetary damages
Did Aeonar capture the entire Caltrop council? Tyland, Orwyle, Jasper, etc.
―Yes
Once Aemond receives the news, is he going to slip into Targaryen Madness?
―He'll fly into a rage when he finds out. That's something I'll work on next
Based on your comment your planning a fight between Jay and Aemond? Would love to see that, hopefully it doesn't result in Jay's death. The Blacks would never recover from his loss.
―I'd like other people's comment on the idea