Alright time for the next chapter hope you guys are enjoying yourselves, this'll be the chapter that begins taking us into the next arc, so it'll be a rather quick one, but we'll be mostly done in Westeros for a while after this chapter and be going to Mordor for some fun for a little while.
Darkness Reborn
Chapter 31: Dragons united.
-White Harbor-
Sansa stood on the deck of the ship as it sailed into port at White Harbor. After several weeks at sea it was nice to finally be getting back on land.
They made port and quickly disembarked. They were greeted by Lord Manderly who waited for them on the docks.
"Lord Stark! A pleasure to see you've made it back to us in one piece. I hope the seas weren't too rough." Lord Manderly greeted with a hearty smile.
"The seas were kind Lord Manderly, and we thank you for the welcome." Robb replied to the lord of White Harbor.
"I know you are probably eager to rest from your journey and to begin the final leg of it, but there's some things we need to discuss. Word from the capitol has arrived with grave news. If you're willing, I'd like to discuss it with you and my fellow lords at the earliest convenience." Lord Manderly informed them, his features turning grim.
"What's happened?" Robb asked, his face mirroring the old lord's own.
"There was an attack on the Queen, my lord, in the streets of King's Landing." He answered back.
"Queen Lilith?! Is she alright?" Sansa asked with worry.
"Yes my lady. By all account the Queen was unharmed. They say though that the Queen traveled with members of House Tyrell, some of which fell in the attempt on the Queen's life. A Lady Myrian, and Ser Loras, the Knight of the Flowers." Lord Manderly offered to them.
"Gods… who the fuck would be bold enough to try and attack the Queen in the damn streets?" Lord Umber growled with displeasure.
"Lord Manderly, give us some time to disembark, I'll have all of the lords gather so you can share with us what you know. Before we go though, who was it, who attacked the Queen?" Robb questioned.
"Followers of the Faith of the Seven, my lord." Lord Manderly responded, his tone echoing the seriousness of the situation.
Robb offered a solemn nod at that, this truly was going to be troublesome.
Some hours later, once the various lords had disembarked from their ships they all sat gathered in Lord Manderly's halls.
Voices of discontent and anger filled the room as they were informed of the attempt on the Queen's life by members of the Faith.
Since the faith had almost no foothold in the North there were few who spoke with anything other than vile contempt. Only the Manderlys really followed the Faith of the Seven, yet none of them spoke a word in the Faith's defense.
"The King has issued a decree. All members of the Faith are required to stand before their lords and swear fealty to the Crown. If they refuse to acknowledge and respect the authority of the Crown above all others, than they are to be cast out, and treated as malcontents. Any who refuse to leave, or make claim of any godliness that holds greater status than the Crown are required by order of the King to provide proof of their gods power, or be declared in league with those who saw fit to murder the Queen, and put to death." Lord Manderly read out the King's decree before the various lords.
Such a decree only really had two points of focus in the North. One being here in White Harbor, to which Lord Manderly had already ordered the local Septon to swear fealty before the crown or be cast out, and he intended to have him do so again before Robb as well, just to make the matter perfectly clear. The other location was at Winterfell where the faith had a small sanctuary, built by Ned Stark for his wife, some years ago. Robb would have to see to that, if his brother hadn't already.
No one doubted this was sure to cause some uproar in the south, especially amongst the smallfolk who were now split between belief in the New Gods, and loyalty to their king and queen who'd shown a willingness to help them prosper and flourish.
The North itself would be pretty much unaffected by the King's decree, but the South was sure to feel it.
"I'm just surprised he didn't burn down the Sept of Balor." Robb noted as he drank from his cup of ale.
"His love for Lilith is a fiery thing. I would venture to guess she claimed her own vengeance which is why he did not need to set fire to anything more." Benjen offered in return.
"The kingdoms of the South will feel the sting of this new policy, though I feel he'll have plenty of support from the Tyrells. The loss of two of their own, no doubt is a painful blow." Marge Mormont noted, sipping down from her own ale afterwards.
"We'll see him soon, though perhaps it's wise to send a letter to the King inquiring if he believes we should postpone plans for your wedding. The King may find himself occupied in the South." Robb noted, sharing a glance with Sansa. She of course, wasn't happy about such a prospect, but fully understood that it may be what was needed.
Aegon would find his way home, sooner or later, and she would marry him. A king's duty though, is to his kingdom, and if the kingdom faces turmoil it is the duty of the king to see it ended.
"Send the letter before we leave, and have the reply sent to Winterfell, it should be there by the time we arrive so we can know what to do." Sansa suggested. Robb offered her a hum of agreement. While part of his mind did turn back towards the capitol and to his brother, he couldn't help but also think of home, and of the excitement that waited for them there. Seeing Bran and Rickon again, seeing their mother, and most importantly, telling her about Sansa's engagement to Aegon. The thought alone, nearly brought a wolfish grin to Robb's face. He just hoped that while they made their way home, Aegon stayed safe in the capitol. He had already shown a greater skill in navigating that vultures nest than any Stark before him, but Robb hadn't forgotten how quickly King's Landing had devoured his father.
So he offered a silent prayer to whatever power was listening and let that be that.
-King's Landing-
Arthur watched with a calculating gaze as Aegon moved about the forge. The blacksmith who ran it, one of the best in King's Landing guided the king along, showing him the craft, and admiring how quickly he took to it.
With the doom and gloom that surrounded the aftermath of the attack on Lilith and the Tyrells, Aegon sought some escape from it all by taking on a new hobby. The Tyrells had departed King's Landing to take their slain family members home to bury at Highgarden, though they would return after the funeral. Still, even with them gone for now, there was a certain tension that filled the castle. Aegon carried himself with a weight, a certain anger that simmered behind his eyes. He awaited word of the reply to his declaration from Old Town, the heart of the Faith of the Seven. Either they would agree to his demands to kneel before the authority of the throne, or things became much more complicated.
With such tensions hanging in the air, it was no wonder the King sought some minor escape from it all. When he had mentioned searching for something to occupy his time, Arthur couldn't help but think of Rhaegar. He knew Aegon to be a singer, and for a moment, he wondered if perhaps Aegon would follow in his father's footsteps and spend his time singing in the streets of King's Landing.
Learning to smith was a surprising trait, though one that carried a great many benefits. Just on it's own, being a labor intensive and delicate task, meant that it helped keep the body strong and the mind focused. Aegon seemed to take to it quickly. The few mistakes he made were rarely if ever repeated. He made mention of his childhood when asked why he thought Blacksmithing would make for an interesting hobby. He spoke of how he would sometimes watch the Blacksmith at Winterfell, watch as he worked and admired his dedication to the craft.
Aegon took the approach of pursuing this as a hobby, though over the last couple of weeks, Arthur took note of how focused and passionate he seemed about his crafts. He was taking to it quickly, and was eager to improve and impress.
Arthur suspected some greater reason lay at the heart of Aegon's pursuit of the craft. He'd have to inquire about that, and perhaps glean something new from his King's mind.
"Well done, your grace! Well done!" The blacksmith cheered with a clap.
Aegon let out a huff as his eyes trailed along the edge of a freshly forged blade. It was alright, at best, something that would find it's way into the hands of a guard or a foot soldier. A step below good castle-forged steel, and a farcry from what he was actually capable of. Still, he was progressing steadily, and that was the important part. So long as he made apparent progress, people could just write him off as a natural. It would be a few months, maybe a year at most before he could start progressing into more advanced crafts, such as 'learning' how to forge Valyrian Steel, like some of the Blacksmiths that stood in Lilith's employ.
"I appreciate the praise. Listen, same time tomorrow?" Aegon inquired as he passed the blade to the blacksmith.
"It would be my great pleasure." The old Blacksmith replied proudly. Aegon offered him a nod, and began moving from the forge, stepping beyond it's boundaries to wash off with a bit of water.
"Keep this up and you'll be able to arm and entire company on your own in no time at all." Arthur noted, passing him a new tunic to replace the one he currently wore which was doused in sweat and soot.
"Well if I were ever to aim for a goal in such pursuits I don't see why I wouldn't aim that high." Aegon offered a chuckle in response as he changed his shirt. He then offered a smile and a wave to some of the smallfolk who stood a bit off watching him work.
"Your father had a habit of wandering down into the city. Couldn't help himself sometimes. He loved to spend time amongst the people." Arthur noted as the two made their way through the street.
"Yes, Ser Barristan mentioned that. He said he liked to sing to the people. Honestly, I get bashful enough when people I know hear me sing, I can't imagine singing for strangers just out of habit." Aegon chuckled.
"It was his way…" Arthur hummed with nostalgia.
"I've heard he was quite good at it. Daenerys says so." Aegon pointed out.
"He was. He always sang from the heart. His songs usually brought people to tears. Your father had a love for life, but he could often be quite melancholic." Arthur spoke as they made their way through the Street of Steel.
Aegon hummed at that, taking in Ser Arthur's words thoughtfully.
"Why Blacksmithing, your grace?" Arthur inquired as they walked.
"I've always been intrigued with making things. Building them, creating them, it's always been a passion of mine. If I'm being honest with you, Ser Arthur, I'd actually like to learn a finer craft in metalworking. Perhaps eventually learn how to make jewelry, and other fine trinkets." Aegon admitted, earning a curious look from Arthur who mulled over that bit of information.
"The construction of jewelry. Well I can't say I know much about that, though I do know it requires a delicate hand." Arthur admitted after a moment.
"I'm certain it does. For now I wish to become familiar with the forge, with metal crafting. Once I am, I'll look into pursuing more delicate creations." Aegon said, the two continuing their conversation as they made their way back towards the Red Keep.
-Casterly Rock-
Lilith arrived at the Rock alongside Euron Greyjoy whom she brought using apparition. They appeared within the bowels of the Rock.
The Lord Reaper blinked several times as he collected himself before following after Lilith who was already on the move.
"Before we departed to march on King's Landing, Aegon and I prepared special projects here at Casterly Rock. Both of those projects are ready to be unleashed. After careful consideration we've decided that you will be the one to unleash them." Lilith explained to the pirate lord.
"It would be my great honor, your grace. What manner of creation would you have me bring to the sea?" Euron inquired.
Lilith came to a halt as they passed an opening in the cliff side and pointed out towards Lannisport which sat below.
Within the port itself sat a number of massive ships under construction, three of which were already built, and set at anchor. Lilith's finger directed his gaze to the collection of three ships.
Euron gazed out at the massive warships, far larger than any ship he'd ever seen. Larger even than Ibbenese whaling vessels.
"Aegon created the design himself. Taken from and enhanced off of designs that are thousands of years old. Those three are the first of many. A fleet that will allow us dominion over the seas. With such powerful warships at our disposal, no fleet in all the world can hope to stand against us. If you desire, you may take one as your new flagship, otherwise, I simply require you to take them to sea, and test them. Bring them round Westeros and begin raiding Essos. We need to see what they are capable of, and determine if any adjustments need to be made." Lilith instructed.
"Mighty warships indeed. I'll see what they can do. This was King Aegon's project, what was yours?" Euron inquired, earning himself a cruel smirk from the Dark Lady.
She led him deep into the underbelly of the Rock. Long before they reached their destination, a smell began to assault the nose. A wretched rot that would make any normal person wretch.
These two were far from normal and soon they arrived at a watery chamber.
Dark magics hung in the air, and a foul miasma rose from the waters. In this rocky room sat a large pool of water, that was kept enclosed from the rest of the surrounding cove. Three Valyrian sorcerers sat in meditation around the chamber, chanting dark spells that filled the air, and congregated within the pool.
The waters had turned black as the void, and they undulated with foul movement.
"It is still young, but it's old enough to survive on its own. The time has come to unleash it upon the sea, and let it feast on the blood of men. Aegon's ships will sail for the Stepstones, and you will meet them there and take command of them. My pet will follow them there and in turn, follow you. As you raid and rampage across the Essosi coastline, it will follow and feed upon those given to the sea. In the coming years it will grow larger, and more ferocious, until one day, not even Aegon's mighty warships will be able to stand against its might." As Lilith explained her desires, a clutch of black tentacles began to emerge from the waters, reaching out towards her, as if sensing her presence.
Euron's eye trailed along the tendrils, thick and slimy, covered in suction cups, each one carrying a long curved pin at its center. If this creature grabbed you, it would dig into your flesh and tear into you.
It's tentacles looked like they belonged to a squid, or an octopus but it were reasonably larger. If Euron was right, it was roughly twenty feet long, give or take a few feet depending on the size of its head. This creature, there was only one thing it could be. Not a squid, or an octopus, but a Kraken. One imbued with the power of the Lord of all Darkness, and the Goddess of this world. Such a creature would one day drag whole fleets into the abyss.
"You wish for me to feed Essos to the sea, then so be it. The oceans will run black with their blood and their screams will drown out the roar of the sea." Euron intoned with a cruel smile.
"Feed the beast, but more than that, Lord Euron, teach it. Teach it the ways of the sea. Fill it's mind with cunning and cruelty. For a time, it will stalk behind you, watching and feasting upon your offerings. But with the full of the ocean available to it, it'll swell in size, and soon, it'll be large enough to drag entire ships beneath the waves. One day, it may even be large enough to challenge the Drowned God itself for dominion over the seas."
Euron gave a deadly smirk as he turned his gaze back towards the pool, only to find the creature now reaching out to him. Without fear, he stepped forward, allowing the creatures vicious tentacles to enclose around him, but not quite touching him.
He advanced until he was standing at the edge of the pool. There he lowered his gaze, and in the darkness, he could see it. A shadow, with oily black eyes staring back at him.
A moment of calm descended over the two as a realization struck the sea-faring captain. Slowly, he removed his eye patch, allowing his pure black eye to meet with the creature's own.
"We're the same…" Euron realized. It was in that moment that he came to understand that this creature, was bound to him, and he to it. Their fates were intertwined.
Lilith watched with a critical gaze. Things were going according to plan. Euron was a cruel and devious person, who dreamed of ascending to godhood, becoming greater than any other mortal. Such power was within her ability to give, but only if he proved worthy of it. She knew of his abilities as a Skinchanger, and she knew that at some point, he would skinchange with the Kraken. The beast was no ordinary Kraken though. It was her familiar, and when Euron made such an attempt, the power of the beast would carry with him, even after he left its body. That power would change him, evolve him. His body would change, just as the Kraken's mind would evolve. Euron would slowly gain the power of its body, while the Kraken would gain the intelligence, cruelty, and cunning of Euron Greyjoy.
One day, the two would be one. United for a single purpose, to bring the oceans of the world to heel. All of the seas would bow before this dread terror, and not even the so-called Drowned God, would stand against the might of such a duo.
-Harrenhal, a day later-
Lilith stared out over the slowly vanishing ruins of the once great fortress. Sat on her lap was Cersei, whom Lilith lazily, yet skillfully groped as she watched her army work on clearing away the old ruins.
Cersei purred, and twitched at Lilith's movements, though otherwise kept silent. She was more than happy to go unnoticed by her dark master, who seemed more preoccupied with her thoughts on her new castle than with her slave.
Lilith was busy envisioning the castle that she would build here. This castle would have to be a fortress of imposing power, one that could protect the strength and might of the Dark twins across the entire continent. Tantibus Arcis was too far north for anyone to ever really know of its scope and power, so Harrenhal would have to be that display. A small smile touched her lips as she gazed out over the vast expanse of the ruins. Even with all the work that had already been done, there was still so much more to clear away. The castle truly was massive.
"You smell nice." She casually mentioned, as she rested her head on Cersei's shoulder.
"Thank you, master." Cersei offered quietly.
In Lilith's mind's eye she could see the fortress taking shape, see how it towered over the land like a nightmarish black citadel. A heart of darkness that acted as a reflection of its sister location in the north.
She could use Floo portals to link the two together. In fact, they should begin work on creating large scale Floo portals in every major city and castle in Westeros. Ones that could be used without Floo powder. It would allow fast travel for major players, like the lords and ladies, and make the game of politics so much more interesting.
The only lords and ladies who spent a lot of time in King's Landing were the ones who lived near to it, but if every lord could just use the Floo to travel to and from King's Landing then the political scene would become infinitely more exciting. Similarly with Winterfell as well, and wherever they chose to build their new Northern capital.
She smiled to herself, she definitely got her best ideas when she was relaxing like this.
With that in mind, she decided to indulge herself further in relaxing. With a chuckle she pulled Cersei to the ground, and motioned for Tauriel to join them in a bit of debauchery.
-King's Landing-
Daenerys made her way out to the shoreline, by her side was Missandei and Ser Barristan. They arrived to see Rhaegal and Viserion clustered together, both staring at a sight that drew all of the trio's attention as well.
Aegon stood before Drogon, the black and red dragon, appeared much different from the last time they had seen him.
His wounds appeared to have been sown shut, and his eyes no longer blazed a sickly green. His eyes were still green, but they no longer blazed with the power of undeath.
The dragon seemed alive once more, making growls and clicking its teeth together.
Aegon was speaking to it, speaking some unknown language that came out with long hisses accentuating each word.
His words caused Daenerys to take pause, her skin almost tingling with each word spoken.
He spoke only a few more words before taking a step back from the dragon and turning his gaze towards the three of them.
"As promised." Aegon said, gesturing to Drogon.
Daenerys glanced between Aegon and her child before approaching them.
She came up to Drogon, the dragon turning its attention to her and letting out a few noises. It took in her scent and eyed her with that same fiery temper that he always carried.
After a few seconds, Drogon was close enough to Daenerys to touch, and she did so, reaching out to run her hand along the dragon's scaled head.
Upon closer inspection she was able to see how his eyes seemed more of an orange-ish green, almost like his original eye color was trying to manifest back to the forefront but the tinge of undeath still remained.
"He seems back to his old self, though there are some obvious scars." Daenerys noted.
"Rebirth does not come without its price. He is fully alive once more, and his injuries should fully heal, though the scars will always remain." Aegon spoke from behind her.
"I thank you, for keeping your word." Daenerys offered to him.
"It is my hope that trust and respect can grow between us. Such things begin with honesty, and integrity. I gave you my word, and I have delivered. Your dragons will be taken to Dragonstone where they may roost and build a home for themselves. A means of magical transportation is being built that will allow fast travel between here and there, so you can visit them and come and go as you please." Aegon informed her.
"You don't intend to rebuild the Dragon Pit, your grace?" Ser Barristan inquired.
"No, I do not. The ruins of the Pit have been given over to Lilith. She intends to build an academy there, a place where those with magical skills and abilities may be trained to hone their gifts. Sorcerers, witches, wizards, and warlocks will soon have a place to call home, where they can be taught to use their powers for the good of the realm. I also have no desire to place the home of the dragons within easy reach of the common folk. Many dragons were killed during the Dance during the Storming of the Dragon Pit. I wont leave one of the great keys to Targaryen supremacy within easy reach. Besides, at Dragonstone they can hunt, and roost as free dragons. A dragon should not be caged." Aegon explained to them.
"You're right, a dragon should be free." Daenerys echoed as she continued to stare into her child's eyes. The dragon stared back, continuing to make noises and release the occasional bellow as it did.
Silence filled the area for a brief moment before a loud snarl filled the air, causing Drogon, and his siblings to raise their gazes to the top of the cliff. Above the beach, perched high on the cliff, was the Cannibal. Umbra gazed down at them with malice in its flaming emerald eyes.
Daenerys could not escape the shudder that passed through her body at the sight of the colossal creature, neither it seemed could Drogon who let out a low growl but seemed to relent in the face of the utterly huge dragon.
Aegon let out a chuckle and stepped forward. A few words in parseltongue escaped his lips, causing Umbra to let out a low bellow and then take to the skies. Aegon then turned to Rhaegal and Viserion and spoke a few more words. The duo soon took to the air, and began following after Umbra, as did Drogon.
"What language was that?" Daenerys asked as she watched her children fly after the massive black dragon.
"Parseltongue. The language of serpents. Dragons and other serpents understand it as if it was the common tongue. I can teach it to you if you'd like." Aegon answered her, offering to share his knowledge of this ancient language with someone he knew would take to it well.
For most of history, the relationship between Targaryens and Dragons was a mutual one, however, with Parseltongue, it would allow the Targaryens an actual degree of control over their dragons. You see, dragons had a bond with their Targaryen riders, and dragons also had a high level of respect for those who could speak Parseltongue. Combine the two together, and you have someone who carries enough respect from their dragon that the dragon would fall under their riders command and will.
Teaching it to the other dragon riders would not only increase their power and control over their dragons but it would also start infusing Parseltongue into the Targaryen blood. Once enough of them could do it, and after a few generations, children would be born with the gift to speak it and understand it. The joys of a magical language.
"I'd like that. I have been curious about continuing my studies into magic. Rómestámo taught me a bit about magic during our time together. I'm quite curious to see what more I could learn." Daenerys said to him.
"Well, I'd be happy to show you." Aegon offered politely.
Daenerys gave him a nod, to which he smiled. She was making the attempt to get to know him and understand the unique nature of this being that was her nephew. She was still nervous around him, fearful of what lay beneath the kingly veneer. She knew that something monstrous was there, something cruel that was willing to do anything to get what it wanted. Aegon though, he played the part of a good man well. It was so hard to see him as the vile Sauron. Seeing him with his people, seeing him with the smallfolk and the way they would smile at him and call his name, it was like night and day, and she had a difficult time reconciling that fact.
Still though, Aegon made the attempt, and Daenerys was at least willing to reciprocate the effort. It was as good a start as any.
Aegon and the others had just made it back to the Red Keep when word was brought to him that several ships had appeared in the harbor, one of which bore the markings of House Martell. It quickly became apparent that Prince Oberyn had returned, and he wasn't alone.
A few of the vessels with him, flew the flag of the Golden Company.
It was time to meet Rhaenys and the false dragon.
Aboard one of the Golden Company's ships, Rhaenys stood beside her brother Aegon otherwise known as Young Griff, both of them staring up at the looming Red Keep, as they sailed into port.
"Do you remember it sister?" Griff inquired.
"Only in my nightmares." Rhaenys responded stiffly.
"What do you think he's like?" Griff asked curiously. It hadn't been the first time he'd asked that question.
"I don't know. You and he share a name, so maybe you're both alike. In which case he'll drive me just as mad as you do." Rhaenys offered in response earning a rueful chuckle from her brother.
The two of them had been together all their lives, always on the lookout for threats and dangers. From the very beginning, Rhaenys had to protect her younger brother. She made it her responsibility to look out for him, and try to guide him on the right path. She was only three years older than he was, but she'd always been more like a mother to him. He could be immature at times, and even arrogant, but he was also sweet, and kind to others. She'd done all that she could to keep away the negative influences that filled their lives. People like the fat Cheese Monger from Pentos who always tried to spoil Aegon rotten and fill his mind with lofty ideals and dreams of returning to Westeros. People like the old Griffon, Jon Connington. The old man didn't see them, he only saw Rhaegar. He was nearly infatuated with their father, and couldn't help but compare them to him at every opportunity. These two men would see Aegon twisted into a tool for their machinations if Rhaenys didn't fight tooth and nail to keep Aegon's head on straight. A part of her sometimes wondered what kind of person her little brother would be without her there to keep him grounded.
Given the direction those two tried to push him in, she guessed it would be an arrogant little shit, blind with ambitions.
The day that their uncle walked into the Golden Campany's camp was the day that everything changed.
-Flashback-
"Who are you?" Rhaenys asked the strange man.
"I am Prince Oberyn Martell. Brother to your mother, Ellia Martell." Prince Oberyn responded, earning surprise from the two Targaryens.
"You are a long way from home Prince Oberyn. Why have you come here?" Jon Connington demanded, eyeing the Red Viper with a critical gaze.
"I have come on my own behalf, and at the behest of my brother, in search of my sisters missing children. I also come on behalf of King Aegon Targaryen, who informed us of your survival and sent me to find you." Oberyn answered honestly, earning surprise from the three.
"King Aegon? Aegon's not king…" Rhaenys glanced at her brother in confusion, the boy seemed equally as confused.
"No, that boy is not. I speak of your half brother. Aegon the Dragonwolf. Son of your father Rhaegar Targaryen, and the She-wolf of Winterfell, Lyanna Stark. By my understanding, the boy was born after the sacking of King's Landing, and so princess Lyanna named him Aegon, in honor of his fallen brother, and to carry on his legacy as the future King." Oberyn explained to them, earning shocked surprise from all three.
"We have a brother?" Griff blinked in surprise.
"One who shares the same name as you. A half-brother. Between father and the Stark woman he spirited away. The one that started the war." Rhaenys added on, earning a slow nod from her younger brother as he digested that bit of information.
"How certain are you that this isn't some sort of ruse?" Connington asked.
"He looks nothing like a Targaryen that is for sure, his features are all Stark. However, he has the face of Prince Rhaegar, that same fair beauty. Several witnesses confirm his claim, including one of the two who were actually at the Tower of Joy where he was born. He also has a dragon…" Oberyn threw in that last part, earning further disbelief from the trio.
They had heard rumors from across the sea, and their benefactors had been getting very nervous as of late, but wouldn't tell them what was going on. The Golden Company was focused on completing it's contractual obligations in Essos and gathering as much money as it could to prepare for an invasion of Westeros, so because of that, their focus was more on the East, rather than the West.
"H-He has a dragon?" Rhaenys muttered in disbelief.
"Yes. As I said, he asked that I come here and speak with you, though I would have done so without such a command. The moment I knew you were alive, I knew I would come to find you." Oberyn said to them.
"Why did you come here, uncle? What do you want from us? You said our brother had been named King, what does he want? Does he seek our aid in reclaiming the throne?" Griff inquired.
"What I want, is to see you returned home. Your exile is at an end. Whether it is Sunspear or King's Landing, I do not care which, but I will not have my beloved sister's children wandering the world in exile any longer. I came to tell you that the time has come to return home. King Aegon makes that same offer. He wishes to meet you, and has asked that I bring this to you, to be given to your allies in the Golden Company." Oberyn drew a scroll from his robes and offered it to them.
"What is it?" Rhaenys asked as she took the scroll.
"An offer from King Aegon for the members of the Golden Company to return to Westeros in peace. There are lands that need to be resettled, and holds without Lords. If the members of the Golden Company swear fealty to the King, then they will be given these lands to rule." Oberyn explained to them.
"What about the Lannisters and the Baratheons? We heard there was a civil war going on. The spawn of Robert Baratheon, and his brothers were all battling it out for the Iron Throne. Where does this Aegon the Dragonwolf come into it all?" Rhaenys questioned him.
"The Lannisters have been laid low. Their Castle has been sacked and captured, their great port city now flies the dragon's banner. The Baratheon brothers are dead. Most of the Lannisters have been killed, those that survive are now wards of responsible lords. The Dragonwolf took back the Iron Throne. The war is over niece. The Westerlands burned under dragon-fire. The Stormlands were overwhelmed. The Crownlands were swept aside, and King's Landing fell under the might of Aegon's armies. A battle that lasted no more than a day. Aegon sits the Iron Throne, and now rules over all of Westeros." Oberyn explained to them, earning disbelief and amazement from them.
"He asks that you return home. Your aunt Daenerys is there with him, as is your granduncle Aemon Targaryen. He wishes to know you, to know his family. The time has come. Come with me to Westeros, bring your allies with you, and you can build a new life for yourselves…" He had said to them, opening the doorway for a change of fate.
-End Flashback-
They had spent their whole lives preparing to reclaim the Iron Throne, and while they were preparing, their half-brother had gone and done it. Since before he was old enough to walk, Aegon had been groomed to be King, told it was his purpose, and his duty, he was even gifted the sword of the Conqueror, the legendary sword Blackfyre, which had somehow ended up in the hands of the Cheesemonger.
All of that planning, all of their trials, and someone else had simply gone and done it. Rhaenys didn't know how to feel about her half-brother, or his claim to the Iron Throne. She had always believed it was her brother's destiny to take back the throne, and she'd be there to help him do it. It wasn't that he wanted it, in fact it was far from it. Griff loved adventure, loved to explore. Those times when Connington would take him away to venture around Essos giving him worldly experience, was some of the happiest times she'd seen her brother. The idea of being king was one forced upon him, but he accepted it as his duty, and he accepted it for her, because he wanted her to live in peace, and be able to go home.
Griff was unreadable when it came to his opinion on the matter. When asked how he felt about it, he simply said that he didn't know. He didn't know his brother who shared his name. He didn't know if he was a good king or not. Their uncle did not know him well, but called him a just man. He had seen fit to punish their mother's murderer, and he stripped everything away from the man who ordered it. At the very least, Aegon the Dragonwolf cared enough about them, and their memory to fight to avenge it, which was something worth considering.
Now they were about to meet him, and it was obvious that Griff was feeling a bit of excitement. Rhaenys couldn't help but agree with that notion. If nothing else, meeting their half-brother, aunt, and granduncle would certainly be a highlight in the troubled life they've lived.
They disembarked from their ships and made their way up to the Red Keep. They passed quietly through the streets in the early morning. People took note of them, but of course none recognized them.
"This is it, the city our family built…" Griff noted as he took in the sights and sounds of the city.
"Yes… I've never actually seen the city myself. I always stayed up in the Red Keep…" Rhaenys noted.
Eventually they made it to the castle. There they got their first look at a pair of trolls that guarded the entrance-way. Oberyn had explained to them how Aegon had won the war, his army of creatures, orcs and trolls, and spiders. All servants of his wife, this sorceress from the Far North.
Still though, his explanation hadn't prepared them for the size of the lumbering creatures, who stood guard in thick plate armor.
As they passed the towering creatures, Rhaenys couldn't help but consider that the only thing that was getting through that armor was a lance being driven in from horseback. If that's what it took to bring such a creature down, then she understood why Aegon defeated the Lannisters so quickly.
They passed into the castle from there, venturing deeper and deeper until they arrived at the Throne Room.
Both of the siblings paused and took in a breath at the sight of it. This towering wall of twisted swords, and sat upon it, was a man.
Just as their uncle had explained to them. The Dragonwolf shared none of the features of a Targaryen. He had dark hair and gray eyes. He was beautiful though. His face was freshly shaven, and his eyes were keen and focused, even from across the throne room, his gaze was piercing.
His good looks mirrored Griff's despite her brother's dyed hair. Griff himself carried similar handsome features, even if Rhaenys didn't think they looked alike. Rhaenys herself hardly looked like her half-brother. Her tan skin stood out from his pale visage. She had dark brown hair, that held a single streak of silver in it, though she kept it cut short. Rhaenys had long adopted a more masculine appearance. It simply made it safer to go about their business in Essos. Just like her brother, she'd been trained for pretty much her entire life in how to fight. In fact she was a more skilled fighter than her brother was, having been taught the Braavosi water dancing style. Rhaenys wasn't overly tall, and her younger brother had already outgrown her. She kept most of her feminine features hidden beneath heavier clothes or even light armor. Her uncle had made mention twice already that she reminded him of his daughters at least in skill.
The party advanced through the nearly empty throne room, stopping before the throne itself. At its base sat Lilith, along with Daenerys, Missandei, Barristan, Aemon, and Arthur.
"Prince Oberyn, you return to us. I am pleased to see you have made it back in one piece. Your brother and niece returned to Sunspear while you were away, though I am certain they will be excited to hear of your return." Aegon spoke.
"A task I was dispatched for, a task I have completed. I present to you, Rhaenys and Aegon Targaryen, my niece and nephew." Oberyn responded gesturing to the two.
Both of the siblings stared up at Aegon who stared down at them with a cool gaze. After a moment he smiled and rose to his feet.
His descent from the Iron Throne was a powerful thing. Rhaenys could clearly see the strength that he carried. He was powerful, and held an aura of authority. He looked Kingly, like a Targaryen should.
He made it before them, and stopped, his gaze passing between the two as his smile grew warmer.
"Brother, sister, it is my great pleasure to welcome you to Westeros, and King's Landing. I'm happy to see that you both look well. Healthy and strong." Aegon said to them.
"It's a pleasure to meet you, brother. I hear we share the same name." Griff offered with a charming smile.
"I have heard that as well. I was named in your honor brother." Aegon replied.
"Sorry I didn't give you more to live up to." Griff offered with a lighthearted shrug. His words earned a snort of laughter from Aegon.
"I wouldn't worry. The Targaryen name carries more than enough weight to it." Aegon replied before turning his gaze to Rhaenys.
"Hello King Aegon. It's a pleasure to meet you." Rhaenys extended to him, walking a thin line between warmth and stoic distance. She was trying to maintain her composure, but at the moment, everything was crashing into her, all at once. She was back in her home, back in the place she had been born. Here before her was another remnant of her father. A half-brother who she'd never known of. A half-brother raised by people she had scorned and hated all her life. Up until a few weeks ago she would have spat at the name Stark, never realizing that all this time they had been protecting her littlest brother.
"The pleasure is mine, dearest sister. Please, allow me to introduce you to our aunt, Daenerys Targaryen, and our granduncle, Maester Aemon." Aegon turned and gestured to the two, having Daenerys and Aemon come down to join them.
It was a touching family reunion. The last of the Targaryens, all united together. Even if Aegon, Aemon, and Daenerys knew Young Griff to be false, they would play along for now. Rhaenys considered the boy her brother, and it would not due to go breaking her of that notion, not when their meeting was still so fresh.
Lilith watched from the background, taking in the reunion. All of them, even the Blackfyre pretender, carried strong magic within them. If the Blackfyre proved his loyalty to them, then perhaps his life may be spared, and a use could be found for him. If he had enough Targaryen blood to become a dragon rider, then even better.
For now, she would allow Aegon to work his magic, and earn the affections of his 'siblings', but once the time was right, they'd begin working towards a way to use these powerful magicals to their advantage.
Several more days had passed as Aegon worked to forge stronger ties with his family. Rhaenys was a bit standoffish, though she was receptive to his efforts, while Griff was much more open. The boy was charming and friendly, and seemed excited by the prospect of having more family. It was Lilith who first broached the topic of whether the other Aegon held any aspirations for the throne any longer. It was said as a joke, but it did reveal the nature of the boy.
He had simply shrugged and said that he didn't want to fight his family over it. Being King was always his duty, but if that duty was no longer required of him, then he could be anything he wanted to be. Learning about his half-brother hadn't just given him a new family member, it had also given him the freedom to choose for the first time in his life. Others may have wanted him to be King, but there now was a Targaryen King, one who had won the throne back without their help or input. Even if Griff wanted the throne, he'd have to fight Aegon and his allies for it. It would be another Dance of Dragons, though this time, only one side had dragons, and it also had a whole continent at its back. So even if he wanted it, that was a losing battle. Lilith applauded the boy's logic and reasoning, and it was Aegon who inquired as to what Griff actually wanted in life.
He had simply smiled and went on about adventuring. He wanted to keep traveling and visiting places. He wanted to explore, and see the world. He was actually quite excited by the prospect of traveling around Westeros and seeing the Seven Kingdoms, experiencing the place that their ancestors had fought so hard to unite.
When questions turned to Rhaenys and how she felt about all of this, she simply said that she still had to get it all clear in her mind. So much had happened so quickly, and she wasn't quite sure how to feel about everything.
It would be a work in progress that was without a doubt, but at least things started out on a positive note. The leaders of the Golden Company had also accepted Aegon's offer, but first had to finish with their obligations in Essos. Their word mattered to them, and they had never broken a contract before, so they would venture to Westeros at the earliest opportunity, which Aegon was fine with.
A few more days had passed when Lilith awoke to find Aegon pacing out on the balcony. She approached him and inquired as to what was wrong.
"My agents in Mordor still can't find Celebrimbor, however they have reported on a rumor that has been emerging as of late. Whispers of a human, a ranger, by the looks of him. Someone the orcs are calling the Gravewalker." Aegon said to her.
"Gravewalker? Is this man causing problems?" Lilith inquired, wondering what could be so concerning about a single human.
"Yes. Apparently he's already killed a few officers, and whispers are going around that he has already been killed twice, and yet he keeps reappearing. The thing that gets me, is that this report came from the orc captain who claims to have done the killing. Says that he was certain he cut the man down both times, and that it was the same man." Aegon explained to her.
"The ability to revive from death? A rare skill I must say…" Lilith hummed with curiosity.
"Yes… it's concerning." Aegon uttered.
"What will you do?" Lilith asked him.
"If this continues then I'll send my Avatar to track down this Gravewalker. I have no idea what his involvement is with any of this, but if he keeps coming back after death and he is targeting my officers, that's a recipe for chaos, and the orcs certainly don't need more chaos added to their ranks. If there is some sort of magic that keeps reviving him, then I may need to handle it myself." Aegon answered her.
"Well keep me apprised. It's a rare thing for a human to possess such gifts, and rarer still for the gift to be resurrection. I'd very much like to know where he acquired such a power." Lilith said to him.
"So would I." Aegon agreed.
Silence followed from there as Aegon's thoughts turned inward.
Lilith left him to it and made for the dungeons. she stalked into their depths until she arrived at her destination. There, chained to the wall was the broken body of the Blue Wizard.
He had faced unspeakable suffering during his time in Gothmog's care. His sight had been stolen from his and all four of his limbs were horribly broken. Dark magics filled the air and slowly assaulted his body. His lifeforce and willpower were slowly being drained weakening him further and further.
"Hello Palando." Lilith greeted the blind wizard.
A soft, terrified whimper escaped his lips as Lilith descended upon him, continuing his torture and further damaging his failing psyche.
Several more days passed in King's Landing when word arrived from Old Town. The leaders of the Faith had named a new High Septon and he had delivered an official response on behalf of the Faith. His letter declared that the Crown and the Faith were twin pillars that supported the realm. The attack on the Queen was a vile and twisted act that only served to spread discourse and disharmony. All those who truly followed the Faith of the Seven would acknowledge the attack as such and decry any attempt to cause chaos or destabilize the realm. The High Septon intended to personally travel to King's Landing and swear before the Crown the faiths service and submission. For that was the truth of the world. The Crown ruled in life while the Faith ruled in death.
This response was in line with what Aegon expected. The Faith would have to be truly mad to attempt any sort of resistance after losing support from House Tyrell and with such a massive army stationed in the center of the continent at Harrenhal.
Aegon and Lilith accepted the reply and turned their attention towards other plans. Aegon's marriage to Sansa would happen in a week or so and there was also the continued annoyances coming out of Mordor. Word continued to reach them of this Gravewalker who was apparently identified as a survivor from the attack on the Black Gate.
Aegon grew more annoyed with each report that was sent to him. Each one usually carried the name of at least one high ranking Orc captain that had been killed.
Of course there were also reports that said that the Gravewalker had been slain, only for another report to arrive two days later with word that he was back and had killed again.
Aegon didn't like this and more and more he was starting to wonder as to the cause of this Gravewalker's strange ability to ressurect after death.
With his annoyance ever growing Aegon dispatched his Avatar to Mordor to take command of things there and help him get a clearer picture of what was going on.
The actions of this Gravewalker were slowing down progress. Most of Mordor had been reconquered but there were still some holdouts and the assassination of so many orc captains was spreading chaos and disarray amongst their ranks making it harder and harder to organize forces to deal with these holdouts.
Mordor had to be secured in order for them to begin the next phase of their plan. This Gravewalker was proving to be quite the nuisance.
-Winterfell, Five days later-
Lord Titus Hughs finished with the last rune and stepped back from his creation. With instructions left by Annatar when he passed by returning to the Far North Titus had traveled to Winterfell and gained the permission of the Starks to create the Flood access point in a small clearing just outside of Winterfell's Gates.
It took almost a full day to finish carving the runes into stones that had been embedded in a circular formation that was around twenty feet across.
The Starks as well as many Lords and Ladies were there to witness the completion of the ritual. When Lord Hughes had told them what it was for and how it would link Winterfell and the Red Keep few could believe it. They were about to see it in action though.
Upon completion the runic circle glowed red. Nearly a full minute passed when suddenly green flame erupted from the circle drawing shocked gasps from the crowd of onlookers. From the flames Aegon and Lilith appeared.
Their sudden appearance drew cheers from the crowd.
"It worked." Aegon noted, glancing around as he did.
"You thought it wouldn't? It was my design, o silly husband of mine. Of course it was going to work." Lilith countered.
"Forgive me for my uncertainty. I'll remember never to doubt you in the future." Aegon responded with a lighthearted chuckle.
"King Aegon, Queen Lilith. You have arrived unscathed." Titus greeted them.
"It would seem so. Well done Lord Hughes." Lilith offered in praise.
"I merely followed the instructions I was given." He responded modestly.
"Still, there now stands a magical pathway that connects north and south. Half of its creation is owed to you. Well done." Aegon offered to the Castellan of Moat Caiylin.
Lord Hughes offered a bow in response then Aegon and Lilith turned their attention to the Starks.
They were greeted warmly by the wolves of Winterfell and the troop quickly made their way inside.
More guests would be brought to Winterfell through the use of the Floo to bare witness to Aegon's and Sansa's marriage but for now it was just the twins.
They talked at length about the Royal wedding and what had been set up. It was pretty typical for a Northern wedding. There was the ceremony and then a feast. Aegon was more than happy with that. During their discussions he occasionally wondered if Catelyn would say something or snap at him for marrying her precious daughter, his cousin of all things. That moment never came though. Whatever Sansa had said to her when explaining the situation had obviously worked as she kept on topic and respectful.
Once they were finished discussing the wedding the twins told them about some of what had happened after the Starks departure.
Even with a few minor hiccups their plans were proceeding well. All that truly stood out as a problem was this Gravewalker but with Aegon's Avatar back in Mordor it should be an easy task to desern the nature of this man and his powers. Once he was dealt with they could return to their search for Celebrimbor. Finding the fallen elf lord would set things in motion, things that the Ainur and the old Headmaster would never see coming. Already many vile and twisted ideas churned within the minds of the Dark duo. It was all just a matter of time.
Their gaze was turning to Mordor, the time had come for that dreaded kingdom to rise again.
-To Be Continued-
Alright there you guys go. A lot of little things happened in this chapter. In the next one we finally take a step away from Westeros and get started the Shadow of War arc. As I noted before I'll touch on the events of Shadow of Mordor but the big focus will be surrounding the events of the second game. Can't wait to begin hope you're as excited as I am! Until then have a great day!