The Stormlands ― Kingsroad

High above the Kingsroad, Daemon Targaryen soared through the skies astride his dragon, Caraxes. From this vantage point, he observed the unfolding battle below with keen interest. Having successfully seized control of Bronzegate in the northern region, the Blacks received reinforcements from Ashford and the Grassy Vale in the Reach. These additional troops swiftly occupied the strategic Dornish Marches near the borders with Dorne before seizing Blackhaven. With the Stormlands now completely isolated from the rest of the realm, the Blacks prepared to push forward towards Storm's End. However, Lord Borros was not going down without a fight. Despite the ferocious storm raging around the Baratheon host, rain pouring down in torrents, turning the battlefield into a muddy quagmire and lightning illuminating the darkened sky, Borros rallied his troops and charged headlong into the fray, ready to confront the Blacks. This clash of armies, destined to be remembered as 'the Great Storm' by minstrels and historians alike, promised to be a battle of epic proportions.

"Boys these days. Always making a mess of things," Daemon said, amused, leaning from his saddle for a closer look at the battlefield. "I did not think they would be so eager to die."

The clash of steel and the screams of the wounded echoed in the air as the two armies collided in a brutal and bloody melee. Throughout the stormy night, the ground shook beneath their feet and softened as it turned to mud, making it difficult for both sides to maintain their footing. The elements seemed to conspire against the Baratheon forces, hindering their every move. Lord Borros led the charge himself, forming his knights into a wedge, and thundered down the road at the heart of the foe, where the white falcon of the Eyrie and silver trout of Riverrun floated on their respective banners beside the quartered arms of the Young Dragon. As the storm raged on, the casualties mounted on both sides. The ground became littered with the bodies of fallen soldiers, their blood mingling with the rain-soaked earth. The air was thick with the stench of death and the sounds of agony.

But among the next generation, two red-haired youths would profoundly impact the land.

"Lord Darry, strike from the left flank! Lord Jorah, you take the right! Oscar, you and me will attack the center!" Kermit Tully commanded, his authoritative voice echoing across the battlefield. Kermit was a vital and fearless leader despite his wild and headstrong nature. Wild and obstinate, yet a crucial and bold leader, the young Tully took command of the Riverlands' armies following his father's death in battle. Now the new Lord of Riverrun and Lord Paramount of the Trident, Kermit rallied his father's men to his side. Alongside his younger brother Ser Oscar and Lord Benjicot Blackwood, the trio earned a reputation as 'the Lads' from their men-at-arms. With his morningstar swinging with deadly precision, Kermit fought fiercely against the Baratheon forces, striking down any opponent who dared to stand in his way. At the same time, his bannermen supported the Knights of the Vale's cavalry in defeating Lord Borros Baratheon's troops and securing the Stormlands for the Blacks.

"Ha! Is this the best you can do?" Oscar taunted.

"Keep your eyes on the prize, brother! We crush House Baratheon here, and the war is over!"

"Better late than never!"

House Tully's troops pushed forward with unwavering determination as the battle raged. The clash of weapons grew louder, drowning out the cries of pain, curses, and the thundering hooves of horses. The battlefield became a chaotic symphony of chaos and destruction. The ground beneath their feet was littered with fallen soldiers, friends, and foes alike as the battle took its toll on both sides. The smell of blood and sweat permeated the air, mingling with the acrid scent of burning wood from the nearby village caught in the crossfire.

On the left flank, Roland followed Kermit's orders without hesitation, leading his men in a relentless assault to push back the Baratheon forces. Jorah, on the right side, moved to outflank the enemy and strike at their weakest points. Oscar fought bravely by his brother's side, belying his young age, his sword flashing in the sunlight as he cut down anyone who dared to stand in their way. They were a force to be reckoned with, unwavering loyalty to their house. Aside from Storm's End's 4,000 men-at-arms and 600 knights, an additional 2,000 men and boys conscripts were hastily armed with spears and iron pot helms. Kermit, Oscar, and Benjicot had concocted false reports that misled Lord Borros's scouts. These reports painted a picture of an inexperienced and ill-prepared Rivermen, led by boys and women. This cunning strategy preyed upon Borros's overconfidence, luring him into a false sense of security.

Several nobles and additional reinforcements had arrived from the north, led by Sabitha Frey and Alysanne Blackwood. The Lord of Storm's End had taken the bait… now he would pay the price for his folly.

"Nock! Draw! Loose!" Alysanne commanded.

The longbows on the hill shot the horses out from under Lord Borros's knights as they charged, bringing down so many that less than half his riders ever reached the shield wall. Those who did found their ranks disordered, their wedge broken, and their horses slipping and struggling in the soft mud. Though the Stormlanderswreaked great havoc with lance, sword, and longaxe, the riverlords held firm as new men stepped up to fill the place of those who fell.

"Now!" Benjicot shouted.

Hundreds of House Blackwood's men-at-arms sprang from the trees and swarmed their targets with shouts and screams, a day that would earn Benjicot the nickname 'Bloody Ben.'

Amid the fierce battle, Nettles and Sheepstealer soared through the sky, the wild dragon's wings beating with a thunderous roar. With each swoop and dive, Sheepstealer unleashed a torrent of fire upon the Baratheon host, decimating their ranks and leaving chaos in their wake. "Dracarys!" Nettles shouted. Sheepstealer unleashed a torrent of fire, scorching the ground and creating a wall of flames that effectively blocked the enemy's path forward. With a swift and precise movement, Nettles directed Sheepstealer to unleash another burst of flames, engulfing the rear of the enemy formation. The intense heat and billowing smoke created a chaotic and terrifying scene, disorienting the Baratheon soldiers and preventing any possibility of a safe retreat.

"Brother! Over there!" Oscar pointed.

Kermit turned to see Borros Baratheon engaged in battle against Aegon Targaryen. Both combatants were occupied with each other, seeking to outflank and overpower the other. Borros, a towering figure with bulging muscles fueled by his thirst for victory, swung his massive sword with brute force; each blow sent shockwaves through the air and caused the ground to tremble beneath their feet. Kermit could see the determination in Borros's eyes as he swung his massive sword with precision and power, each strike aimed to bring down his opponent.

But despite his overwhelming strength, Borros was not invincible.

On the other hand, Aegon moved with fluidity and grace and relied on his quick reflexes to his advantage as he darted in and out of Borros's reach, allowing him to strike with precision and retreat before he could counterattack. It was a mesmerizing display of skill and finesse. The bodies of Lords Roland Darry and Jorah Mallister lay motionless nearby, a testament to Borros's formidable prowess as a warrior. Yet, despite his injuries, Borros fought on the battlefield. Kermit could see its toll on both fighters as the duel raged on. Borros's injuries were beginning to slow him down, his movements becoming more labored as he fought to keep up with the agile Aegon the Younger.

"I'm told Prince Daeron died like a coward! All bark, but no bite. You'll be seeing your little brother again soon enough, boy," Borros taunted.

"I'll have your tongue for that, traitor!" Aegon shouted angrily.

Borros, fueled by his rage and lust for battle, swung his sword with unmatched ferocity, each strike aimed at ending the life of his Targaryen foe. Aegon's quick reflexes and nimble footwork allowed him to evade Borros' attacks and counter with precision strikes of his own as the battle raged on around them; both seemed to exist in a world of their own, their focus solely on each other as they sought to emerge victorious in this ultimate test of skill and strength. Each blow landed with a resounding impact, the sound of metal meeting metal echoing through the chaos of the battlefield. The clash of steel rang out across the battlefield; Borros and Aegon locked themselves in a deadly dance of blades and blood. In a moment of respite, as they both caught their breath and assessed their injuries, Aegon swiftly unveiled the concealed blades hidden within his sleeves, ready to inflict as much harm as possible. However, the physically powerful Baratheon warlord posed a significant challenge to overcome. As they locked in a fierce struggle, Borros and Aegon momentarily diverted their attention to dispatching countless men-at-arms and a dozen knights before resuming their intense combat.

"If this keeps up, the fight could go either way!" Sabitha warned. "Lord Tully, Prince Aegon needs our help!"

"Oscar," Kermit called to his brother, "have your men keep the enemy off us a little longer! I'll take care of Baratheon!"

As the battle raged on, the Stormlands' turbulent weather mirrored the intensity of their struggle, rain pouring down in torrents and thunder rumbling ominously in the distance. Once pristine and untouched, the landscape now bore the scars of their conflict, with craters and gouges marring the earth. Rain mixed with the blood on the ground, creating a muddy and treacherous battlefield. Borros, his muscles aching from the strain of the fight, summoned every ounce of his strength and swung his blade with renewed ferocity. Three times, Borros swung his sword to deal a killing blow, and three times, however, Aegon would dance around each attack with fluid and graceful movements before countering with lightning-fast slashes, his blade whistling through the air. In a surprising turn of events, Borros, fueled by his wounded pride, refused to be outmatched and humiliated by a mere princeling again. He let out a primal roar and lunged forward, landing a mighty blow on Aegon, who was caught off guard by the sudden surge of power. The force of his strike tore through the young Targaryen's breastplate, drawing blood. Undeterred by the pain, Aegon retaliated, plunging one concealed blade from his wrists deep into Borros' elbow. Blood dripped from the wound, staining the ground beneath their feet as they continued to exchange blows, neither willing to back down. They knew that only one would emerge from this duel alive, and they were both prepared to fight to the death to ensure it was them. Borros moved to strike again, but Aegon ducked and performed a flash kick to the Lord of Storm's End's chin, staggering Borros and disorienting him. This allowed Aegon the Younger to rush him and dropkicked him in the chest, sending him to the ground.

When the battle reached its climax, Aegon saw an opening. With a lightning-fast movement, he executed a perfectly timed flash kick, his foot connecting with Borros' chin. The impact snapped Borros' head back, leaving him momentarily dazed. Seizing the opportunity, Aegon rushed forward and delivered a powerful dropkick, his foot crashing into Borros' chest. The impact of the fall reverberated through Borros' body, causing him to gasp for air as he struggled to regain his footing. Aegon wasted no time, swiftly closing the distance between them and raising his blade for the final blow. But just as he was about to strike, Borros summoned all his remaining strength and rolled to the side, narrowly avoiding the deadly blade. As Borros lay on the ground, gasping for breath, Aegon's chest heaved with exertion as he circled his opponent. With a surge of adrenaline, Borros pushed himself up, his wounded elbow throbbing against the strain. Ignoring the searing pain in his elbow, Borros charged at Aegon with a primal roar, his blade gleaming in the dim light of the storm. Each blow was met with a counterattack, each parry followed by a riposte, their blades clashing with a loud clang, each strike fueled by the desire to emerge victorious. The storm raged around them, the wind howling and the rain pelting down, but neither paid heed.

In a swift motion, Aegon's concealed blade flashed in the air, finding its mark on Borros' side. A gasp escaped Borros' lips as fresh blood spilled from the wound, mingling with the rain-soaked ground. Yet, even in the face of this new injury, Borros refused to yield, his eyes blazing with defiance. Summoning every ounce of strength, Borros swung his uninjured arm towards Aegon, his fist connecting with a sickening thud against the Targaryen's jaw. Aegon staggered back, momentarily stunned by the unexpected blow. It was the opening Borros needed. He launched himself at Aegon, his body a whirlwind of fury. Blow after blow rained down upon Aegon, each strike fueled by a burning desire for glory in battle. But Aegon the Younger, his reflexes honed through years of Lykirī Mēre training, managed to evade most of Borros' attacks, his lithe form slipping through the air like a shadow.

Twirling around him, Aegon sliced through one of Borros's hamstrings, causing the Lord of Storm's End to drop to one knee. As he lifted his sword to deliver the final blow, Aegon abruptly halted mid-swing, feeling a deep pang in his chest. Aegon's heart pounded as he struggled to catch his breath. He sensed something terrible had just happened but couldn't quite grasp it. He staggered back, his grip on his sword loosening as he tried to comprehend what was happening. His mind spun, and fear and apprehension clouded his thoughts.

V-Viserys?

As his sword fell from his grasp, Aegon was taken aback by an unexpected backhand from Borros Baratheon, causing the young Targaryen prince to tumble to the muddy ground. Disoriented and surprised, Aegon gazed up at Borros, who was getting ready to deliver the final blow.

"Begone from him!"

Kermit Tully quickly arrived and tackled Borros off and away from Aegon in one fluid motion. The force of the maneuver caused Borros to stumble backward, and his weakened legs could not support his weight. He crashed to the ground, his body colliding with the unforgiving earth. By the time the Lord of Riverrun arrived, Borros could scarcely stand. The temperamental Lord of Storm's End was now lying sprawled on the ground; his dented helm was torn off in the struggle and left him bareheaded; blood flowed freely from numerous wounds that covered Borros' body, staining his armor and the ground beneath him with a crimson hue. Each gash and cut seemed to pulse with pain, a testament to the severity of his injuries. His wounds, inflicted by the men-at-arms, Lords Darry and Mallister, as well as from Prince Aegon, had taken their toll on Borros, leaving him in a weakened state. His breath came in ragged gasps, his body trembling with exhaustion and pain.

"Yield, ser," Kermit called, "the day is ours."

Borros' lips curled with rage, spitting blood from his mouth. "I'd sooner dance in hell than wear your chains," he cursed. Then he charged… straight into the spiked iron ball at the end of Lord Kermit's morningstar, which took him full in the face in a grisly spray of blood and bone and brain. The Lord of Storm's End died in the mud along the Kingsroad, his sword still in his hand.

"The day is ours!" Oscar hollered.

The Rivermen, Knights of the Vale, and Reachmen, their swords and spears glinting in the sunlight, raised their weapons high in jubilation. The news of Borros Baratheon's demise had spread like wildfire, and with it, the Stormlands' army was scattered and left without a commander.

"Are you all right?" Sabitha helped the young prince to his feet.

Aegon, who slowly got back to his feet, still couldn't shake off the suspicious feeling in his mind that something was wrong. "I… I don't know," he said, feeling uncertain.

Lady Elenda, Lord Borros's widow, sent word to the Blacks, offering to yield Storm's End and reaffirm House Baratheon's oath of fealty to the Iron Throne. The Dance of the Dragons, the brutal civil war that had torn the Seven Kingdoms apart, was slowly but surely inching towards its long-awaited conclusion, but Aegon still knew Aemond and Aegon the Elder were still at large. As long as they continued to exist, the flames of the civil war would persist, threatening to engulf the realm once more.

Daemon, who remained in his saddle, flew his dragon Caraxes to the ground. Overseeing the nobles and knights who fought for House Baratheon, the Rogue Prince laid down the gauntlet on behalf of his nephew. "Our terms are very simple: renounce the false dragons and bend the knee to your rightful king… or your house burns," he warned.

"*Reeeeeeeeeee!*" Caraxes screeched menacingly.

Not wanting to suffer the same fate as their lord, the captured soldiers knelt. As they were being hauled to King's Landing, Nettles flew Sheepstealer in and dismounted. "What's going on?" she asked.

Sabitha and Alysanne looked at each other with hesitation and turned back to Aegon, Daemon, and Nettles. "Prince Aegon," Alysanne began, opting to speak slowly, "I'm… afraid we've got some bad news."

"It's… about your brother," Sabitha continued.

Aegon took one step forward. "V… Viserys?" he said.

Daemon's ears perked. The name 'Viserys' made him think of his deceased older brother, and he forgot that one of his grandnephews also shared the same name. Nettles, fearing the worst, shook her head. The Rogue Prince knew in his gut what these two women were about to say, and he was certain Aegon the Younger was not prepared for the heavy blow.

"Your brother… is dead. Killed by the Two Betrayers, Hugh Hammer and Ulf White," Alysanne said.

"I'm sorry, my prince," Sabitha conveyed her condolences. "Prince Viserys was a brave young man, who risked his life to save your cousin Lucerys and Tumbleton's people. He died a hero." Both noblewomen took the time to explain what had happened during the First and Second Battle of Tumbleton; how Viserys fought tooth and nail to defend the townspeople and protect Lucerys from the Two Betrayers, and how their deaths were avenged by their older brother, Jaehaerys. Their bodies were to be returned to King's Landing to undergo House Targaryen's traditional funeral rite.

"No…" Nettles' voice shook. "No, no, no, no, no…"

No… V-Viserys, n-no, please, no… Aegon felt as if the wind was knocked out of him, his knees buckled and he unleashed every ounce of emotion. "No! NOOO! VISERYS!" his voice was loud, full of pain and anguish. "No, no, no! It can't be! Not him! Not Viserys! No, no, no, no…!~" Despite the Blackwoods, Freys, and Tullys' attempts to comfort the distraught young prince, Aegon shoved them away and pounded the muddy earth, screaming and crying loudly upon hearing the death of his identical twin brother.

Daemon watched Aegon the Younger silently. The Rogue Prince knew what it was like to lose a brother; only Viserys the Peaceful died of illness. This Viserys was killed in battle but avenged. Daemon figured it was best for Aegon to let it all out instead of bottling it in. But once he heard three dragons roaring in the distance, their barely visible silhouettes flying east, he knew who they were.

The gloves are off now. He will not stop until the enemy's line is extinguished. If he had only acted when he had the chance… Aeonar would still have both his sons, and Luke would still be alive.


Chapter End


Author's Note: Well, ladies and gents, the Second Battle of the Kingsroad ends with the Blacks killing Borros Baratheon. With the Stormlands under control, the only threat remains is Aemond Targaryen, Vhagar, and Aegon the Elder. Although Aegon the Elder is still missing, all sights are turning to Aemond and the inevitable Battle of the Gods Eye is approaching. However, when Aegon the Younger and Nettles learned of Viserys's death at Tumbleton, they both took his death very hard. One was a lover, the other was an identical twin. What was your interpretation on Daemon's thought process? How will this affect the House of the Dragon going forward as we prepare for Season 2 to air on 06/16? Let me know what you think.

C.E.W: The Second Battle of the Kingsroad has drawn to a close. Borros Baratheon fought well, but in the end he fell at the hands of Kermit Tully no less. With Borros Baratheon dead, the Stormland army is shattered and will soon fall to the Blacks. With the Stormlands taken by the Blacks, the Caltrops no longer have a standing army to back up their cause. The end of the devastating civil war is near, but Aeonar is still going to get worse after the loss of Prince Viserys. One can only hope that he comes to his senses before the war is over.

The Blacks are heading back to the capital to mourn Prince Viserys. Baela is due any time now to give birth to her and Jaehaerys' child. Alicent now has to mourn two sons, and deal with a husband who has grown mad. Its hard to tell what direction Rhaenyra will take with the death of Lucerys. Aegon the Younger and Aemma might comfort each other and their daughter. Princess Rhaenys has woken up and who knows how she will feel over what she has missed.

Then there is the matter with Nettles to worry about. Aeonar learns about her and Viserys affair, who knows what he will do. There is also the possibility that Nettles might be pregnant. Aeonar might want Nettles dead, despite her being a dragon rider and needing all dragons for the final fight with Aemond and Vhagar.

Aemond and Aegon the Elder are all that stands between the Blacks and complete victory in the civil war. Aemond is the larger threat due to being rider of Vhagar the largest dragon.

Questions:

Now that Caltrops have no standing army, will Cregan Stark and the main Northern host still march South?

―Yes, Cregan and his host are still marching south

Has Aemond continued causing devastation on Vhagar since Jaehaerys' attempt to kill him?

―He's still too sick from the poison

Is Larys Strong planning an escape? He might still have agents out there.

―He'll try

What's the status of Unwin Peake? Helaena and her daughter?

―Still prisoners

Will Aeonar move against Aemond next? Or will he go to King's Landing to attend Prince Viserys' funeral?

―He's on the warpath

tyrelljackson525: Another great chapter

randomdude24: Well the second battle of the kingsroad has resulted in the death of Borros, meaning the caltrops no longer have any real support left and will soon be a victory for the blacks. While Aemond and Aegon are still alive for now, they have very few allies left.

Unfortunately, news has reached everyone about the death of Viserys, and Lucerys, Aegon, and Nettles have taken the loss very hard. Daemon, however, seems to blame Aeonar for their deaths if he had acted sooner maybe they be alive.

Questions,

What are the terms of surrender for house Baratheon?

―I don't think House Baratheon is in any position to be making terms. It's as what Daemon said: "Our terms are very simple: renounce the false dragons and bend the knee to your rightful king... or your house burns."

The dance is all but over, will the remaining Caltrop supperters start bending the knee to Aeonar?

―Yes

While we haven't seen what is going on in Kings Landing, what is to become of the remaining caltrop council? Unwin, Tyland, Orwyle, Larys, Haelana and her daughter, will they be given a choice either continue to defy Aeonar and be killed or renounce the entire cause and show some degree of mercy?

―I'll try to include some of them in the next chapter before we move on to the main event

rogerlopez99: Despite the chapter feeling short it was a great way to end the battle with Borros Baratheon death, it was awesome to see Borros and Aegon fight, and i thought Aegon the younger was about to be killed because he sense something off, his brother which is a a myth with twins sense there twins.

Borros was killed by Kermit Tully who saved Aegon, but looks like Aegon and Nettles were told the about Luke and Visery death i wonder how there death can impact the characters.

question
1. At the end of the chapter when Daemon said "If HE had only acted" was he referring to Aeonar or his brother

―Jaehaerys

2. Is Aeonar going to have Nettles order to be killed similar in the book, if so is Aegon going to protected her

―Can't say for certain

3 With there sight on Aemond at the battle of the Gods Eye is it going to be much different then the books

―I'll see what I can do

4. With Visery's death has Aenoar gone down deeper into his madness

―Yes, much deeper