King's Landing ― Eel Alley…

Aegon, still grieving over the death of his twin, had been regularly frequenting taverns in an attempt to numb his pain with ale. He took hold of yet another mug, raised it to his mouth, and took a long sip. Feeling the comforting warmth of the liquid as it slid down his throat, Aegon, though slightly inebriated, caught wind of a rising clamor outside. It was coming from the alleyway next to the tavern. Aegon's initial instinct was to ignore it and continue drowning his sorrows in his drink. Still, he quickly grew increasingly annoyed and struggled to stand up and compose himself, his mind foggy from the alcohol. As Aegon stumbled towards the door, the noise grew louder and more chaotic. He pushed his way through the crowd that had gathered outside the tavern, his mind still foggy from the alcohol. A group of rowdy men were causing a scene, shouting and shoving each other in the street.

"Monsters! The monsters dwell up there!"

"Madman! Delusional madmen plague our streets! They threaten our way of life!"

"Demons summoned from the pits of the seven hells by the fell sorceries of Valyria!"

"Monsters!"

"Demons!"

"Agents of blasphemous heathens roam the streets, watching our every move, preaching their godless idols, taking our children off the street, and punishing us for speaking the truth!"

"Aeonar the Cruel!"

"Aeonar the Deceiver!"

The noise was already causing Aegon a throbbing headache, but he was still alert enough to understand what the group of smallfolk was talking about. Their eyes showed fear and panic, but most importantly, fanaticism steadily increased. Amidst the chaos, he could hear the earnest preaching of zealots, taking advantage of the rumors swirling about his father, King Aeonar Targaryen's cruelty and madness. The smallfolk were becoming increasingly agitated, their fear fueling the flames of fanaticism as they sought solace in their faith in the face of uncertainty and turmoil within the city. The streets were filled with shouting and chanting as the small mob worked themselves into a frenzy, their eyes wild with hunger.

"There! Look at it!" a deranged old man exclaimed, pointing at Aegon. "From that vile cesspit where brother lay with sister and mother with son, where men rode demons into battle whilst their women spread their legs for dogs!" The thin man was like a bare scarecrow man, closely resembling a walking corpse than a living being, wore a hair shirt with roughspun breeches, had a stump where his left hand originally was, and hung a begging bowl about his neck. Whatever he was, the old man appeared to be an itinerant brother of the Faith of the Seven, but the way he preached sounded deranged and perverted to the Faith's tenants. "Abominations, bastards born of incest! A sin to the Faith and a curse to this world! Every breath these abominations born from their mother's womb take is an offense to the most holy!"

Despite his intoxicated state, Aegon felt a surging anger rise within him. Not only was this feeble old man calling him an abomination―his brothers and sister-wife―but his mother, the queen, a whore, really pissed him off. The faces of Viserys and Daeron flashed before his mind, intensifying his already grief-stricken fury, which made it worse. "You will… takethose words back, old man," his voice slurred but filled with venom, struggling to stay upright by holding onto a nearby chair. The alcohol coursing through his veins only served to encourage him, and he felt a reckless impulse to confront the insane preacher and demand an apology. Aegon's vision blurred as he staggered towards him, his fists clenched and his heart pounding with indignation.

The old beggar, however, seemed unfazed by Aegon's warning, continuing his deranged preaching. "The Targaryens had escaped the Doom, fleeing across the seas, and now a second doom was at hand!" he thundered. "The gods revile dragons! They are demons from godless Valyria, brought to destroy us! The false and deceptive kings shall be cast down with all their works, and their demon beasts shall perish from the earth!"

Shut up…!

"Are we going to allow this madness to destroy us?!"

"No!" the small mob hollered.

"This is our city! And if we are to cleanse King's Landing of sin―"

"I said SHUT UP!" In a sudden burst of anger, Aegon gripped the chair tightly and flung it as hard as he could. However, because he was drunk, his aim was off, resulting in the chair striking one of the 'lambs' in the head, knocking him unconscious. The bystander lay motionless on the ground, blood trickling from a gash on their forehead.

The mob gasped in horror as they glanced at the fallen individual before looking back at Aegon, who, at this point, lunged forward, trying to grab the old man. Several of his flock attempted to bar the drunken prince's path, but they, too, were swiftly introduced to his wrath. His fists were flying in a drunken fury, causing the street to erupt into chaos as tables were overturned and patrons scrambled to get out of the way of the brawl.

"Now it is the Stranger who comes. On a dark horse with burning eyes, he comes, a scourge of fire in his hand to cleanse this pit of sins of demons and all who bow before them. Listen! Can you hear the sound of burning hooves? He comes! He comes!"

Despite his inebriated state, Aegon fought with a ferocity that surprised even himself. His blows landed with a satisfying thud on anyone who tried to get in his way, each fueled by the insults hurled at his family. As Aegon looked on as the insane preacher was led away by some of his 'lambs,' he tried to give chase but was held back by more of them. Aegon turned around like a wild animal, lashing out in all directions.

"Hey, hey, hey! Enough!" a City Watch sentry arrived.

"Stop this fight!"

Several more gold cloaks rushed into Eel Alley as they worked to separate the brawl. The chaos of the fight slowly began to subside as the City Watch members pushed the dwindling mob back, creating a clear space in the alley. Although successful in dispersing them, the City Watch began having trouble with Aegon, who still fiercely resisted. They found themselves in a precarious position, trying to maintain order while dealing with the growing crowd of spectators.

"Aegon, calm down!" Gwayne tried to restrain his nephew.

"They mocked my dead brothers! They called my mother a whore!" Aegon slurred loudly, shaking off any gold cloak who got too close.

"They said what?!" Gwayne's eyes narrowed as he glared at the unruly mob, their actions fueling his fury after his nephew's brazen and drunken outburst.

"ENOUGH!" Ser Luthor's voice boomed. "Men, disperse the crowd and return the prince to the Red Keep!"

As tensions rose and the crowd grew more agitated, the City Watch knew they had to act quickly before things spiraled out of control. They made a final attempt to subdue Aegon, but he fought back fiercely, his strength surprising even the most seasoned gold cloaks. His Lykirī Mēre training made it foreign and unfamiliar to them. But it wasn't until a dozen Lykirī Mēre suddenly jumped down from the rooftops, alarming the City Watch, to take over in attempting to restrain one of their own disciples.

Red Keep ― Small Council chambers…

Otto sat at the head of the Small Council, overseeing many challenges as Hand. Despite his extensive experience as a statesman serving three kings, the current situation was particularly daunting. The public perceived that the Blacks seemed to have triumphed over the Caltrops, but the Dance of the Dragons was still ongoing, even as the civil war was winding down. Amidst the turmoil, Otto had lost two grandsons, and his daughter, the queen, was consumed by grief. To make matters worse, his son-in-law, the king, was spiraling deeper into madness. But still, despite the loss, the business of governing the realm needed to go on. The economic situation was starting to hit the capital, with the war taking a heavy toll on the realm's resources and the growing discontent among the smallfolk.

However, Otto noticed a change in how Aeonar was portrayed since the king had returned to the capital for the funeral of his son, Viserys, and nephew, Lucerys. Rather than throngs of cheering masses, the only things that greeted Aeonar upon his return were fearful looks and hushed whispers. Their once well-respected and popular Targaryen, in their eyes, had become a tyrant, a suspicious and paranoid ruler who used his connections as a spymaster to punish and execute traitors to the crown or condemn those he perceived as either having partaken or being complacent in the late Queen Dowager Beatrice Peake's treachery.

The Hand of the King reflected on the day before Aeonar left King's Landing. Otto never looked at his son-in-law the same way again.

ooOoo

In the council chamber of the Red Keep, the advisors all rose and bowed their heads as Aeonar entered. Dressed in black and red with dark lines under his eyes and his long silver hair unkempt, Aeonar cast an almost sinister appearance. The visions he received from the funeral pyre still lingered in his mind. The king sat, and for a moment, he did nothing. He stared off into space, his eyes not looking at any of his councilors who remained standing. The dried blood smear on his cheek remained evident, but none dared to speak up. Then, finally, he gave a flick wave of his hands, and all of them took their seats.

Jaehaerys had taken his place at the opposite end of the table. There was a stark contrast between Aeonar and his heir that all could see, but none dared to say aloud.

Finally, though, Ser Otto cleared his throat and addressed his son-in-law. "House Lannister has capitulated, Your Grace, and the Greyjoys have returned to the Iron Islands to fight among themselves. Now, with Lord Borros dead and his forces broken, the Stormlands are most certainly spent and are unlikely to field another army. Lady Baratheon reportedly had given birth to a son, and I suspect she will seek to offer her surrender any day now. Aside from a few minor houses and a few thousand men still in the fields, the Caltrops are beaten. All that remains now is Aemond, who is all but trapped in the Riverlands. He cannot feed Vhagar on ash and bones. I think now is the time we offer terms and bring this war to a close."

"Fuck peace terms! I want revenge," Aeonar angrily spat. "They made their choice, and they'll all burn for their treason." Blood trickled dripped from his eyes and down his cheeks. "I lost two of my sons to these malcontents… and I will not stop until they've all been snuffed out."

"Your Grace, I grieve for Daeron and Viserys as well; they were my own grandsons. But we must consider which is more important, the satisfaction of revenge or the good of the realm." Otto nodded to Alwyn, who withdrew a letter from within his robes and offered it to Aeonar; the letter had the seal of the Citadel on it, and Otto continued to speak as Aeonar skimmed the letter. "The Conclave called to report the presence of a white raven. The weather is getting colder. Many lords are already starting to dismiss their levies so they can tend to their fields. Further, our coffers are becoming dangerously low; this war has ravaged the royal treasury during your father's reign," he explained. "If we continue as we are, then we shall be destitute, starving, and shivering by the time this conflict is resolved."

Aeonar was seething. "Typical, slothful cowardice!" he hissed. "So be it, then! If I must suffer, then the realm will suffer with me! Go home and crawl under a rock if you wish! I don't need any of you! I'll end this war myself!" Without waiting for a response, Aeonar forced his way out of the small council chamber. Whatever the case, the Young Dragon was too far gone in the Targaryen madness. Unable or unwilling to listen to reason, he left the Red Keep to pursue Aemond at Harrenhal.

ooOoo

"What do we have?" Otto began the council session.

"Five arrests, two injured, and one in critical condition. A blow to the head from a chair… by Prince Aegon," William Royce informed the council. "The City Watch had been informed of a gathering around Eel Alley spreading dissent and fear among the local populace."

"I've heard the reports as well," Farrier nodded. "Still, I'm almost surprised it took nearly five men to restrain him. His Grace trained his sons a bit too well."

"Dear me," Alywn gasped.

"This madness is getting out of hand, my lords," Corlys stated. "While we debate amongst ourselves, we allow these rabbles to flock through the streets preaching sedition and promoting anarchy. I suggest we use the City Watch to issue a lockdown and arrest these lunatics."

"And risk making the situation worse?" William questioned. "What can a small mob do?"

"Alone? Not so much. But together…" Farrier leaned in. "I had my spies look into their ringleader. They call him 'the Shepherd.' We suspect this mad old beggar was once part of the Poor Fellows, an order within the Faith Militant. It was only a matter of time before his flock moved. I'm almost surprised it took them so long."

William shook his head in disbelief, sighing with exasperation. "Impossible. The Poor Fellows and Warrior's Sons―Seven hells, the entire Faith Militant!―were disbanded more than 85 years ago during the first year of King Jaehaerys's reign on the condition that the Faith never take up arms against the crown or condemn House Targaryen's customs in exchange for amnesty and protection. How could these sots possibly have come back now of all times?"

"It's possible that what's left of them may have been in hiding over the years. While all we have for now theories, the issue at hand is their… timing reemergence."

"You mean who's stirring the masses against us," Bartimos speculated. "But what can one 'Shepherd' do? He's an old man."

"And yet to do nothing will only invite anarchy while our king is away and the other dragons are left vulnerable."

Otto hummed, listening to the royal councilors voice their concerns and dismiss the others. "Whatever is to be done, it must be done quietly and with utmost discretion," he advised. "Find out what this 'Shepherd' and his flock are planning before handing the matter to the City Watch." Shifting in his seat, he let out a faint groan. Otto was old. Although his mind remained as sharp as it ever did, at 76 years of age, he was not as spry as he once was. "Can your spies embed themselves into this Shepherd's flock without risk of exposure?"

Farrier nodded. "Of course, my Lord Hand," he said confidently. "Being common-born myself, I know the minds of the smallfolk better than any other lord on this council. They'll get the job done, provided no one interferes."

"Meaning?" Bartimos leaned in.

"Stay out our way, and there won't be a problem."

"You'd do well to hold your tongue when speaking to your betters, commoner."

"I am the king's Master of Whisperers, Lord Celtigar. Chosen by Aeonar himself. I've served under him for many years, even before his ascension, and I understand his spy network like the back of my hand. More than any of you ever will. And I'm well within my authority to act if my agents are at risk of being exposed through the sheer incompetence of an outsider."

"Enough!" Otto commanded. "This bickering is pointless," he said calmly, yet irritated. "And how fares my grandson?"

"Ser Gwayne and some gold cloaks had to escort Prince Aegon back to the Red Keep to sober up before the scuffle could escalate into a full-scale riot," William stated. "I imagine that, while losing a brother can be hard, the death of a twin cuts even deeper. But, although this may garner some sympathy, it does little to quell the rumors that―"

"We're all well aware of the rumors surrounding the king, Ser William," Corlys huffed. "Twenty years growing, but it did not take much to push him over. One betrayal after the other, the disappointments, and finally, the murder of his two sons."

And yet, he might not even stop with just the Caltrops or even with Prince Aemond. No, I think he'll turn his sights on whoever he suspects of plotting against him, real or imagined. Farrier pondered his thoughts.

Red Keep ― Tower of the Hand…

In his chambers within the Tower of the Hand, Otto meticulously reviewed a plethora of reports. While he focused on the ongoing civil war, a recent development from the Free Cities across the Narrow Sea demanded his attention. Following the Battle of the Gullet earlier in the year, Otto learned that Volantis and Pentos had seized the opportunity to march their forces into the Disputed Lands, capitalizing on the vulnerability of Lys, Myr, and Tyrosh. With limited resources and a lack of corsairs or fleets for defense, coupled with the infighting between the once-allied city-states, what remained of the Triarchy had effectively collapsed when Braavos and the normally isolationist Lorath finally decided to join the fray. The age-old animosity between the Triarchy and the crown had finally come to an end.

Aeonar… what have you done? How long were you planning this? Moving forward with this, this strategy without consulting me or the council?

As Otto delved deeper into the reports, he knew the balance of power in Essos was shifting, and it could either have far-reaching consequences or benefits for Westeros. Volantis and Pentos' rise as dominant forces in the Disputed Lands could potentially threaten trade routes and alliances that had been established for generations. Despite what Farrier suggested about Prince Reggio of Pentos and the Triarchs of Volantis not posing a threat to the Seven Kingdoms, Otto also realized that this presented an opportunity for Westeros to form new alliances with the Free Cities potentially. However, he also understood the risks involved in getting involved, as it could possibly draw them into a conflict that no one was even remotely prepared for.

Do you never think of your father? His… forbearance, his… judiciousness, his… his… dignity. Viserys would've never wanted any of this if he were still alive. Where did he go wrong with you? This… was not the legacy he and King Jaehaerys left behind. Was your hate so great that you would throw it away just for the satisfaction of vengeance? And now, we are the poorer for it.

As the sun began to set over King's Landing, Otto's mind raced with possibilities. Aeonar Targaryen, his own son-in-law, who was now the king, once had the potential to become a promising ruler during his youth. But the transformation he underwent was alarming. His further descent into madness and cruelty had shaken the realm to its core, showing no mercy or restraint. Even if his thirst for revenge were quenched, Aeonar's wrath would not stop there. Should he suspect anyone of conspiring against him, the Young Dragon would turn his wrath upon them as well. He would be a second Maegor the Cruel, but much worse. Otto could not allow this dark future to come to pass. Having served as Hand to three kings, he was determined to safeguard Viserys's legacy from being obliterated. If Aeonar proved incapable, Otto believed there was another Targaryen who could undo the damage wrought and usher in a new golden age of peace and prosperity.

"My lord Hand?" a servant asked.

Otto glanced up. "Have Prince Jaehaerys brought to my chamber. I wish to speak with my grandson," he said.

"At once, my lord."

As the servant departed from his quarters, Otto proceeded to gather numerous scrolls and books from his extensive collection. With great care, he turned the pages of each item, searching for any potential clues. Despite his elderly age, the Hand of the King's memory remained sharp and reliable. Running his fingers over the text, Otto delved into the guidelines pertaining to inheritance laws and regulations set forth by the Great Council of 101. As he delved deeper into his research, Otto stumbled upon a particular bylaw.

"Forgive me, Viserys…"


Chapter End


Author's Note: While the inevitable Battle of the Gods Eye grows ever closer, a new foe has entered the fray: the Shepherd. If you've read the books, you'll know how much of a threat this old, deranged, religious nutjob can be the more the story progresses. Given the fact that Aegon the Younger was only around to drown his sorrows and overheard what the Shepherd was saying, it really didn't help his case considering what he did afterwards was right in front of everyone. And what is Otto Hightower up to? What bylaw did he stumble upon? Find out next time!

C.E.W: The Battle of God's Eye draws near, as unrest grows in King's Landing. The Shepherd is rallying people in protest against House Targaryen and the dragons. Right now its started as a small group, but that can change at any time thanks to Aeonar's madness. The Small Council is trying to deal with it, but there's only so much that can be done. Since they caught, they might be able to be better prepared than in the books.

Otto Hightower has finally lost his patience with King Aeonar Targaryen it seems. No doubt he called Jaehaerys to him to convince him to plot to overthrow his own father. Jaehaerys will be hesitant, but he knows how much the realm is suffering and his father's madness is making things worse. Jaehaerys also has a kid coming soon from Baela. Jaehaerys will do just about anything to ensure his child and others who may follow grow up in a realm that is not at war.

Given the Caltrops have no standing army, the only thing that makes sense for Cregan Stark and his army to come south will be to quell the riots in King's Landing. The Black forces in the Westerlands might be trying to keep order. Same goes for the Stormlands and there's also the possiblity of a Vulture King in Dorne.

With unrest growing, Larys Strong's remaining agents might take advantage of this and sneak into the Red Keep to break Larys and Unwin Peake out as well as possibly attempt to murder the royal family.

Here's a idea on Larys Strong's death, he is knocked on the group and Aeonar pins him down with a foot on his chest holding Blackfyre above his throat, 'For your father and brother'. He said before stabbing Larys in the throat and twisting the blood. (Inspired by Balthazar killing Takmet in Scorpion King 2002 movie).

Questions:

What are the causes for unrest in King's Landing?

―Inflation, Aeonar's madness, authoritarianism, arrival of winter, hunger, and families/friends torn apart after tsking different sides in the war

Will Aemma and Alicent have a talk with Aegon the Younger?

―Yes

Will the Blacks be better prepared for the riots in King's Landing then they were in the books?

―Yes

Was Daemon listening to the Small Council before Aeonar left?

―From his hiding spot, yes

Nettles already gone?

―Not yet, but we'll get there

roggerlopez99: Well it looks like the Shepard has made his debut, and your right about him despite being mad he can make the common folks side with him and Aegon made it worse by attacking him.

What ever Otto is planning it won't be good because we know that this will be the slow decline of house Targaryen

Question

1. There a theory going on that Alys River could be Melisandre what do you think of that theory

―I haven't heard much of the rumor, though considering Melisandre existed for centuries I would find it believable, but not in this case.

2. How long will it take for Aeonar to make it to harrenhal

―Approximately 2-3 days if Vaelor is flying at top speed

3. How are you, are you feeling well

―Mentally exhausted, but I'm trying to hold up

mpowers045: I've seen a lot of Game of Thrones Histories & Lore videos and read a lot on A Wiki of Ice & Fire and I hope the dragons survived

randomdude24: Been wondering when the Shepherd would reveal himself. Blind fanatics only spells trouble, guys like him make madmen like Aeonar look more reasonable.

The small council is debating on how to deal with him and the madness of their King, many seem to be questioning Aeonar's ability to lead. Especially Otto and he has every right to be concerned Aeonar is solely focused on vengance. His father and mother would rolling in their grave if they knew who their son has become.

I really wonder what bylaw exists that could remove Aeonar in favor of Jay. The realm probably wouldn't object to that. Jay is every bit a king in all but name.

Questions,

The realm outisde of Kings Landing appears to be stabilizing, thanks to Jay, Aegon, and Aemma. On that note, the houses that fought for Aegon the Pretender will they face long term consquences?

―Can't spoil anything

As we get closer to the end, I wonder will history paint anyone of these characters as heroes? If so, who?

―We'll get to that point soon

Will house peake exist after the Dance? Unwin and his late daughter started all this.

―They will

How many Filler Arc's are you planning before God's Eye?

―Still thinking about it; might not be as much as the first ones were