The field below him was lined with Lannister soldiers. A long column stretched out in the distance filled with food and other provisions. Sitting atop Drogon on a hill a good distance away Thomas looked through a telescope. He noticed the men seeming to relax as others tried to fix a broken wheel. Taking a deep breath, Thomas looked to the sky. Clouds dotted the sky while the sun shone through the rest. A perfect day in his mind. Soon to be a horrible day for the men below.
He smiled when Lara came from behind him informing him that the Dothraki were ready and waiting on his command. Tyrion and Tyene walked up as he rode away.
"Are you ready for this Lannister?" Thomas asked gleefully. He would finally be able to unleash their dragons and he couldn't wait to truly see what they could do. In the days leading to this attack Tyrion had told him how the army worked, albeit reluctantly. Thomas could understand, he would be reluctant too if he had to go against Daenerys.
"No." It came out as a whisper but Thomas caught it.
"Give them hell Thomas." Tyene winked up at him. She smirked when Tyrion sent her a small glare.
"Oh I intend to." Thomas nodded before moving Drogon back and taking off. The plan was rather simple. He would use the clouds to hide Drogon and get close. When he got above the clouds the Dothraki would line up on the adjacent hill in full view of the Lannister's. If they didn't run and formed a protective line, Thomas would dive down and use Drogon to torch them with fire. Burning down the line until Drogon needed to catch his breath. Or whatever it was dragons did after breathing fire. The Dothraki would by then be charging down to meet the Lannister's head on. Drogon and he would provide support where they could and if everything went smoothly the battle would be over in an hour. If the troops decided to flee Drogon would use his fire to block the avenues of escape and kill as many as possible. Either way they would win. He was pleased to see the Dothraki begin to move into position as Drogon passed through the clouds.
He smirked when he glimpsed the Lannister's form a line, ready to defend themselves. Too bad it would be for naught. "Dive." Thomas said as his grip on Drogon increased and the Dragon let loose a terrifying roar as he dove through the clouds to the right of the column.
Down below Jamie Lannister looked over after hearing the roar and paled when he saw a dragon, as black as night descend upon his men. Bronn once again urged him to leave for kings landing. Before he could reply however the dragon proved why Aegon the conqueror was so feared.
"Drakarys!" Thomas roared as they closed in. Drogon was only too happy to oblige. Torrents of flame spewed from his mouth as men below screamed in agony. Bodies cooking in their own armor while others, closer to the jaw were turned to ashes immediately. Drogon released three long torrents of flame upon the column leaving huge gaping holes that the Dothraki, who had gone almost completely unchallenged, road through swiftly cutting down any Lannister still standing.
The line breached, everything went into chaos. The commanders who kept the ling intact soon realized that the Dothraki, while less armored, were much better fighters than their foot soldiers. Drogon made another pass, destroying a portion of the line that had successfully held back the Dothraki.
Black smoke was filling the sky as Drogon eagerly burned everything his father commanded. He may not have been mother but he did raise him along with his brothers. He had earned his respect long ago and now he would show his love for them by burning their enemies.
Thomas looked down as Drogon once again gained altitude. The plan had gone better than he expected. Already The Lannister's were breaking ranks and running those who didn't were killed quickly. The front of the column that was away from the fighting, he could see rushing to support the back. Too little too late he thought with a satisfied grin. As Drogon leveled out and began another decent he noticed a group of men behind the last holding line facing towards the oncoming dragon. Arrows soon caused Drogon to change course else his rider get hit. Causing him to burn a few wagons. Thomas sneered as he looked back towards the archers who already abandoned their position.
They made two more passes on the soldiers who were riding from the front before a giant spear shot through the air barely missing Drogon. Looking down he noticed an open cart with what looked like a giant crossbow sitting on it. Urging Drogon to fly towards it he noticed a man move around. Snarling he urged Drogon to go faster.
"Drakarys!" He yelled.
On the hill, where Thomas sat before the battle began Tyrion, Lara and Tyene watched the battle with Thomas's blood riders. A fierce group of women handpicked by Lara.. Tyene seemed pleased with the display while Tyrion looked on horrified. All he could see were men who he grew up besides burning to death. Immediately he thought of the mad king and everything Jaimie told him of the man. This was horrible.
Tyene looked pleased to see the people who butchered her family die. "Your men can't fight for shit." She huffed amusingly. He ignored her in favor of searching for his brother.
He was ripped from his search when he heard Drogon let out a pained screech. His eyes turned to the falling dragon who had a black rod sticking out of its shoulder. Tyene stiffened as did Tyrion before both let out breaths of relief when it leveled out, burned the carriage that shot at it and landed.
Thomas was yelling in fright as they plummeted. Clutching onto Drogon for dear life as the dragon fought to right itself. When it finally did he saw the man who shot them. Making sure to memorize the face Drogon burned everything. When he landed he used his tail to smash whatever was left. Thomas jumped down and immediately tried to pull out the shaft. Drogon wailed in pain as he pulled and Thomas silently cursed the man who did this. He was soon forced out of his thoughts at the sound of a horse galloping through water. Turning he saw Jaimie Lannister rushing him with a spear.
Shock swept across his face as Drogon moved his mighty head and release a torrent of flame. When he stopped nothing but ashes remained. Smirking in victory he looked around and noticed the battle, if it could be called that, was coming to a close.
The engagement had lasted no more than 45 minutes. Thomas was amazed when he found out. While they hadn't faced the entirety of the Lannister army this host was a good 5 thousand strong. And only a few hundred remained. Dragon fire was a wonderful tool in war. Now with Drogon sitting on a large rock behind him, and the gathered officers before him, he was ready to have them kneel. He however waited to give his speech as he noticed Tyrion hesitate in approaching him. Glancing at the defeated soldiers he noticed their resentment to the dwarf. Tyene stood to his side proudly smiling in victory.
Stepping forward he addressed the defeated men. "My name is Thomas of House Ward, The father of dragons, Stormborn's Protector and the Dragon of Zakuul. I am Daenerys's right hand, her sword and shield. We know what Cersei has told you. That we are here to burn your homes rape your women and plunge the realm into chaos. That is Cersei Lannister, not Daenerys. We have come here to bring an end to the wheel that has crushed the rich and poor to the benefit of no one but the Cersei Lannister of the world." Thomas saw he had everyone's attention. "We offer you a choice, bend the knee and join us, and together we will build a better world for all out children. Or refuse, and die." Tyrion glanced up at him briefly but he kept his focus on the men before him. Only a few bent immediately. The youngest and most frightened. The older more experienced of the bunch stood defiantly. It angered him slightly. Drogon, perhaps sensing his father's displeasure, roared in fury. Many more bent the knee. It brought a pleased smile to his face. He did notice an old man dressed in heavy plate still standing. He still looked defiant. "Step forward my lord." Thomas urged. The man did so. "You refuse to kneel?"
"I already have a queen." The man stated evenly. He looked Thomas in the eye. Tyrion chose that moment to speak up.
"My sister." He shook his head. "She wasn't you queen until recently though. When she murdered your rightful queen and destroyed house Tyrell for all time, so it appears your allegiances are flexible." Tyrion studied the man before him and Thomas watched on hoping the dwarf would convince the man to bend the knee.
"There are no easy choices in war." The man muttered. "Say what you will about your sister, she was born in Westeros. Lived here all her life. You on the other hand murdered your own father, and chose to support a foreign invader. With an army of savages at her back." Thomas glared down at the man, he respected him for having the balls to look him in the eye but his men had thoroughly trounced this lords men.
"I would remind you, my lord that Daenerys was born on Dragonstone." Thomas growled. "She was forced to flee because of a man who killed babies would have killed her. She is no invader, just returning home to retake what was stolen from her." The man was silent as Thomas ranted. "As for these savages, they just butchered your men like dogs. I think they deserve a little more respect."
"Surprise attacks with dragons hardly inspires respect." The man eventually said.
"No, but respect was not the point of this engagement. SO will you not bend the knee?" Thomas asked.
"I will not."
"Very well." He was about to signal his Dothraki when Tyrion spoke up.
"Perhaps he could take the black. I know the king in the north would be grateful to have a skilled soldier join them." Thomas thought about it but the man spoke up.
"You cannot send me to the wall. You are not my king and your Queen is not mine." The man shook his head.
Nodding his head three Dothraki moved forward to separate the man from the rest. Tyrion hurriedly moved closer to Thomas. "You will have to kill me too." A boy who had stood next to the man stepped forward.
"Who are you?" Thomas asked ignoring the older man.
"I am Dickon Tarly, son of Randyll Tarly." Dickon stated, also meeting his eyes.
"You are the future of your house. This war has already claimed one great house. Don't let it happen again, bend the knee." Tyrion frantically urged.
Exchanging a look with his father Dickon turned back to Thomas. "I will not."
"Very well. Take him too." Thomas commanded.
"Thomas, nothing scrubs bold notions from a man's head like a few weeks in a dark cell." Tyrion advised.
"We aren't here to put men in chains. I gave them the same choice we gave to the slavers." Thomas whispered back. "They made it."
Tyrion scowled. "I don't think Daenerys would want you to start beheading entire families." Thomas cut him off.
"We're not beheading anyone." Thomas smiled as realization crossed Tyrion's face. Drogon growled hungrily behind them.
"You can't do this." Tyrion said no longer whispering. "You have no right!" He cried in outrage. Thomas scowled before backhanding Tyrion. The Dwarf fell on his ass clutching his face.
"I am her second in command." Thomas growled. "Do not presume to tell me what I can and cannot do Lannister. It is because of you we are here and not in the red keep. Another outburst like that and you will be joining the Tarly's." Tyene moved quickly and restrained Tyrion when he moved to lunge for Thomas.
"The Queen will here of this boy." He growled.
Thomas laughed. "Oh I'm sure she will dwarf." He spat out the last word. "Who do you think gave me permission to do this though?" He left the question hang in the air as he turned back to the Tarly's.
"Randyll Tarly, Dickon Tarly, on the power bestowed upon me by Daenerys of House Targaryen, Queen of the seven kingdoms, sentence you to die." Drogon shifted eagerly Randyll clutched his sons arm. "Drakarys." Drogon eagerly burned the two. He kept at it until there was nothing but ash. After that everyone swiftly bent the knee and Thomas smiled proudly. "The rest of you shall return to your homes. Your fighting is done. But remember this day should you think of rejoining the Lannister's. For our enemies will drown in fire and blood."
Befroe he could dismiss everyone though he was flagged down by some of his men. They were dragging two drenched men and upon closer inspection, were revealed to be Jaime Lannister and the man from the giant crossbow.
"So you survived Drogon's fire." Thomas scoffed. "Merely prolonging the inevitable though."
"Thomas, they are valuable prisoners. Daenerys will not be happy to see them killed." Tyrion spoke up but Tyene quickly shut him up.
"What is your name?" Thomas asked the unknown person.
"Name's Bronn." The man spit to the side. "This blond fucker next to me owes me a castle and I plan to collect."
Thomas nodded. "Lannister's always pay their debts, right?" Bronn shrugged.
"That's what everyone says."
"Shame." Thomas shook his head before unsheathing Blackfyre and plunging it into Bronn's chest. "That is for Drogon." HE muttered. Jaime and Tyrion both cried out as Bronn gasped for air, stunned by the sudden attack.
Thomas let the body slide off the blade and collapse before turning to Jaime. "Worry not, I don't plan to kill you. I have a message fore Cersei. Tell her she will drown in fire before this year is over. And due remember what happened here. I would hate for your city to suffer a similar fate." He, Lara and Tyene all laughed before waving everyone away.
*Break*
The next day Thomas flew over Dragonstone. He noticed Daenerys standing on a cliff by Jon Snow and decided to land behind them. Drogon marched forward and greeted Daenerys before inspecting Jon Snow. Thomas couldn't see what was happening but he noticed Dany looking at Jon curiously. Drogon soon huffed and let Thomas climb off. Walking Forward Daenerys embraced him and gave a chaste kiss.
"How did it go?" She asked, quickly inspecting him for any injuries.
"The Lannister army was dealt a major blow. The majority had made it to kings landing by the time we arrived but we did manage to kill Jamie Lannister's second in command." Thomas reported. "I have Lara and my men occupying High Garden now. We have secured whatever food we could get but again a portion of it made it to King's Landing."
"Good job, I'm glad you're safe." She turned to Jon and noticed his solemn expression. "You don't approve?"
"I'm not sure really." Jon shrugged.
"It can't be helped." Thomas supplied while urging Dany back towards Dragonstone. "If we hadn't used Drogon, more men would have died. If you had a way to kill white walkers without losing men you would take it yes?" Jon nodded. "It's the same principal here. Nothing more nothing less." Jon kept silent after that. He could understand the reason for it but burning men alive didn't sit well with him.
As they were walking a group of Dothraki approached them. A cloaked man behind them. "This man says he is a friend Khaleesi." He stepped aside and Jorah Mormont stepped forward.
"He is my friend." Dany smiled and moved forward Thomas watched Jorah hesitantly. Dany had told him she had forgiven Jorah and how he had gotten greyscale. While he still didn't fully forgive him he was still glad to see him alive.
Jorah knelt. "Your grace, I come back to you. Willing to serve once again. If you will have me that is?"
"Who is this?" Jon asked him.
"Ser Jorah Mormont." Thomas answered. "He is an old friend."
"You look strong." Dany commented.
"Aye. I found a cure." Jorah smiled.
"Welcome back my old friend." Dany embraced him and soon they were back walking towards the keep. Jon and Jorah started talking and Dany held Thomas's arm.
When they arrived at the keep Varys presented a scroll to Jon and urged them into the war room.
"I thought Arya was dead. I thought Bran was dead." Jon read the letter.
"I'm happy for you." Dany supplied. "You don't look happy."
"Bran saw the night king and his army marching towards East watch. If they make it through the wall." Jon shook his head.
"The wall has held them back for thousands of years." Varys stated.
"I need to go home." Jon stared down Daenerys.
"You said you didn't have enough men?" Thomas wondered.
"Then I will fight with the men I have, unless you'll join us."
"I can't. If I leave then Cersei moves right back in." Dany argued.
"Perhaps not." Tyrion pointed out. "My sister thinks the army of the dead is a fairy tale. If we show her it isn't, we can come to a temporary truce."
"I don't think she will come see the dead at my invitation." Jon scoffed.
"We don't need the whole army just one soldier." Tyrion reasoned.
"Is it possible?" Thomas asked.
"The first white I saw was south of the wall." Jon had a faraway look in his eye.
"Then get one of these dead men and show Cersei the truth." Tyrion urged.
"Anything he gets will be worthless unless Cersei grants us an audience." Varys pointed out.
Tyrion thought for a moment. "The only person she listens to is Jaimie."
"Is the man even at King's Landing yet?" Thomas rolled his eyes.
"My little birds say he is, in fact, in the city." Varys shrugged. "He isn't too keen on continuing the war apparently."
"Jaimie might listen to me then." Tyrion sounded relieved.
Dany rolled her eyes. "How would you even get into kings landing?" Every eye turned to Ser Daavos.
"I can smuggle you in, but if the gold cloaks recognize you, I'm warning you I'm not a fighter." Daavos sighed.
"It will all be for nothing if we don't have one of these dead men." Dany sighed.
"With the Queens permission I will go north and take one." Jorah stepped forward. "I came back to serve, let me serve you."
"The free folk will help us." Jon supplied.
"They won't follow Ser Jorah." Varys pointed out.
"They won't have to." Jon said solemnly. Everyone turned to him as he stared at Daenerys. Everyone understood what was being implied there.
"You can't lead a raid beyond the wall, you're not in the nights watch anymore your king in the north." Daavos argued.
"I'm the only one here who has fought them." Jon argued back. I'm the only one here who knows them."
"I haven't given you permission to leave." Dany spoke up.
"With respect, I don't need your permission. I am a king." Jon stood his ground. "I came here knowing you could throw me in a cell or burn me alive. I put my trust in you, a stranger. Now I'm asking you to put your trust in me, a stranger because this is our best chance." Dany was silent for a few moments before nodding her head.
"I'll be going with you." Thomas poke up. Everyone's head snapped to him. Dany's quickest of all. "If we are to trust each other, then I would like to come and get to know the king in the north."
"You will not be going." Dany stated with conviction.
"Dany," Thomas got on his knees next to her and took her hand. "Trust him to bring me back. Trust me to come back. He will need every able body man he can get and I'm one of the best. If I don't go I will sit on this island doing nothing. Let me go and be your eyes up there."
Dany had tears in her eyes as she stared at him She held his hand like a lifeline. "Do you promise to return?" She asked.
"I will always return to you." Thomas smiled softly.
"Then you may go." Dany nodded. She turned to Jon Snow. "I am trusting you with his life Jon Snow. The man I hold most dear. Do not break my trust." She warned.
"He will be safe." Jon nodded.
A few weeks later and Tyrion had returned with the news that Cersei had agreed. Now everyone stood on the beach saying farewell. Thomas walked up right as Dany finished speaking to Jon.
"I'm going to miss you." He stated as she turned to him. "Look after my girls for me."
Dany hugged him fiercely. "I can't believe I'm letting you do this." She mumbled into his neck. "Are you sure Tyene can't go with you?"
"She needs to head to Dorne and rally her people." Thomas shook his head. "I will be fine." He gave her a tender kiss. "I love you, my beautiful dragoness."
"And I love you, my future king." Dany kissed him once more before he helped the men take the boat into the Ocean. She watched as they did so and could help the sense of foreboding at watching him leave.
Added Note: So Bronn is dead. I haven't watched season 8 yet so I don't know how important he was but now it is mute. Some grammar was fixed but other than that not much change. Just the Bronn is dead and The horde that follows Thomas is now in High Garden.
Hello all, sorry for missing last week but Super bowl was on and that took precedence. Any who, I thought I should answer a review to help clear the air. (Probably not the correct word choice but whatever) Krasni, I love the review because it actually made me go back and analyze the chapter. I loved it and hope I get more reviews like it. Now for the first part of the review, as for Jon being frightened. That was just what Thomas thought he saw on his face. Maybe intimidated would be a more accurate description but for Thomas, he thought he saw fear. Not that Jon was actually afraid. Second part, the threat Thomas made, which was a threat not very well disguised at all too, was to try and get Jon to bend the knee. Thomas isn't very great with politics. I have given him very few scenarios for that to be a skill he learned. He is a soldier so doesn't exactly think with a politicians mind like Tyrion does. Simply put, that was the best way he knew to get Jon to kneel. As for Jon being the rightful king.
Nobody knows that yet. At best Gilly could guess and maybe bran knows by now but Jon, Dany and Thomas all think he is Ned Starks Bastard who happens to be king. Why should they care too much about him yet? At best he can provide a few thousand soldiers which everyone knows they don't really need with the dragons. They also don't believe Jon about the living dead. Yet. In their minds he is rebelling and could pose a threat to their armies. Personally I think it was a miracle Dany even allowed Jon to take the glass without gaining anything in the show. Anyway just wanted to point that out as a way of explanation to anyone who wondered why they aren't acknowledging Jon as Rhaegar heir. So next chapter will be next Sunday and leave your reviews as I love reading them especially if they are as detailed as Krasni. I love those reviews because they get me thinking. Love you all and have a good day/night.