Blood and Winter
Chapter XIX
"From what our reports indicate," Jon began, leaning over the table in the room as his commanders gathered around him. "The three hundred men scattered across the keeps in further north, have all been abandoned."
He indicated to those south of the Northern Mountains and west of the Last Hearth. All had been occupied by the Ironborn but were now unoccupied. The Ironborn force that had numbered a thousand, divided amongst them had dwindled rapidly. Hundreds had gone into the Wolfswood in order to gain food to avoid starvation. But besides the odd few, all had ended in failure and the deaths of many.
Now with Victarion moving further south, no doubt intending to flee back to the Iron Islands, the other Ironborn were also cutting their losses.
"Their intentions are to get to the ships docked upon the Stony Shore." Here, Jon looked to Alysanne Mormont. "You will take five hundred men and ambush them, ensure not a single Ironborn makes it out of the Wolfswood."
The Castellan of House Mormont clenched her fists eagerly as her gnarled features twisted into a truly vicious smile. "Of course."
Jon then turned to the Castellans and Lords of those now abandoned keeps. "Remember, your duty is to take a few dozen men, tear down the defences of your keeps and retreat south. We must ensure that Stannis cannot expand his defensive border any further." Though, with the number of men Stannis had and the number that Robb had, taking them would be easy enough. There wasn't a huge amount of food left in the North and so starving them out wouldn't take long.
However, it would still take time to do so, time that Stannis could use to better prepare himself for the Wall. Not only that, but if they did move their forces to besiege those keeps, the men defending them would no long before Robb's army arrived and would abandon them. Moving back further north and reinforcing the other keeps.
In the process, slowing Robb's march.
Jon could not allow that to happen.
So, he intended to ensure that taking those keeps was paramount to suicide and allowed small forces of a few thousand to take them, even with defenders inside. What made sieges so dangerous was not the forces stationed inside, but the defences of the keep. It gave them the advantage and allowed a few thousand to defend against a force five times its size.
Without those defences, that advantage would be lost.
Each of the Castellans and Lords knew this, nodding their heads firmly in agreement.
Jon nodded back in turn, silently thanking them for the sacrifice they would be making. "Finally, I will be marching to take Torrhen's Hall with the main force. We know that Victarion Greyjoy has just shy of three thousand men at Goldgrass and Barrowtown, with some of the Iron Fleet there also. This leaves a force of a few hundred men at Torrhen's Square, exact numbers are unknown, but we do know that they will be cutting their losses soon, they'll be travelling down the river to the Saltspear soon. It is our goal to make sure that they can't escape."
Everyone around the room murmured, Jon looking at each of them before standing upright. "Let's bring an end to this war and show our King that despite our early failings, are by no means beyond our ability to fix."
They were in a difficult situation.
Had been for some months now, but it hadn't become more clear than it had in the past few weeks. Their food supplies were running dangerously low, lower than they had ever been to the point they were nearly running dry. But they were also running out of money, having invested nearly everything they had into this war in support of Robb Stark.
However, it had all been worth it, or so they had thought.
After all, Margaery had done her job well in seducing Robb, she was now his wife and pregnant with his child, his heir. At the same time, Garlan had worked hard in earning his favour, becoming a trusted commander and advisor to the Wolf King in his campaign against the Lannisters and now, the Targaryens.
All the while, she, Margaery and Willas had been hard at work, aided by Edmure Tully in ensuring all areas of his kingdom were supplied with food and providing jobs that would hopefully limit the devastating impact of war and its aftermath. They had done more than any other family in supporting Robb Stark and naturally, their rewards should match the risks they had taken in these years of conflict.
For some time, they had been sure they would.
Robb Stark was many things, but unappreciative he was not.
He would reward those who had served him loyally and they were one of his most loyal allies. They had supported and aided him in ways no other House in all of Westeros had. Above all else though, they had showcased just how dangerous an enemy they could be.
Robb was not a fool, he would recognise this.
However, just as the war seemed to have come to an end, new enemies came in the form of the Targaryen rulers, Daenerys and Aegon. The latter had proved to be just like Robb, young but gifted in the art of war, the only enemy commander that had proved a match for the Wolf King by coming up with an unorthodox tactic that would have given him victory over a lesser opponent. They were fortunate then that their King was not a lesser opponent otherwise they would have found their situation very difficult to rectify.
But Aegon was not their biggest threat, he was dead after all.
No, their biggest threat was the Mother of Dragons herself.
Logically speaking, Robb had made the smart decision, his goals had been clear, the liberation of his family, revenge against the Lannisters and an end to the war. The former two he had already achieved by the time the Targaryens arrived, leaving only one goal left and Daenerys had offered him an option that brought his third and final goal closer to fruition.
Anyone in Robb's situation would have taken the offer, even she would have, as much as she didn't like to admit it. That did not mean she was going to overlook the situation that Robb had put them in. Her granddaughter would now have to fight for the position of Queen against Daenerys.
Or more importantly, against Tyrion Lannister.
Olenna would be the first to acknowledge that she had overlooked the Imp, but it was clear that he was the one who had effectively twisted Robb's arm and forced him to accept the terms of marriage. But just because she was forced to accept the situation, didn't mean that she was helpless to act.
"Lady Olenna," A guard called, parting the flap of the tent slightly as Olenna and her grandson, Willas looked at him in questioning. They had been here discussing future avenues to rectify their situation and secure Margaery as Queen, their focus upon the Westerlands and the Vale. "Lord Stark is here to see you."
Frowning lightly, Olenna indicated for him to bring Lord Stark, Eddard being wheeled in by Lord Baeric Donddarion. "Strange company you keep these days, Lord Stark," Olenna noted sharply, well-aware of Lord Donddarion's recent actions and affiliations.
"Yes, but the world is a large and strange place," Eddard replied calmly, his chair being pushed up to the table alongside the two Tyrells. "And Baeric is a friend and ally."
"A friend that has repeatedly raided our caravans of food that had been travelling to villages. Attacked our scouting parties and overall, has been a thorn in our side, the Kings side for some time now." Willas recounted, the Brotherhood without banners having been a source of stress for him and others.
It was Baeric that responded to his words. "The food caravans we attacked were taken to the villages that they were intended for. As for the scouts and others we killed, they were men who had used the King's name to force themselves upon the helpless villagers. I doubt your King would be happy to know that had been happening."
Neither Olenna nor Willas responded to that, instead changing the topic entirely. "What are you here for, Lord Stark?" Olenna asked bluntly. "It is getting late and we have a long day of marching ahead of us. My grandson and I were just having some idle chatter before heading to our beds."
"Would this idle chatter be to do with how you can ensure Margaery becomes Queen?" Eddard questioned. "Then allow me to be of some aid to you."
Olenna rose a brow, wondering how exactly Lord Stark was going to help them and why. The politics of the North and south were vastly different, something Stark's learned very quickly when they stayed in the south for too long. There was a dangerous pattern that had formed for any Stark that stayed in the south for any prolonged period of time, one that always resulted in death.
"I'm not sure what you mean," Willas replied, ever the politician, denying his true actions and motives.
"There's no need to hide it, Willas," Olenna told him. "Eddard's not a fool, everyone knows that is precisely what we are doing. Just as everyone knows that is exactly what Danaerys and her council are doing. So, tell me, Eddard, what advice could you offer me on how to ensure Margaery becomes Queen."
"I can not give you advice that would definitively put Margaery in the position of Queen," Eddard responded. "But what I can tell you is that the path you are going down will result in failure."
"How so?" Clearly, Eddard knew something of what they were planning, how was a question. But for now, Olenna was curious to see what advice Eddard could part to her that would not only show how her plans would fail, but how she could avoid it. If it was nonsense, then she would ignore it, just like she did whenever her son had a bright idea. But if there was sense in his words, then she would be a fool to ignore it.
"You are intending to secure the support of the north of the Westerlands." Eddard began. "You have been helping them get on their feet, providing them with food and money that will allow them to reopen their mines for production. In return for their support for Margaery, as well as a reimbursement of the money you spent on them, with interest."
'Impressive.' Olenna thought dismissively, Eddard had not come here without having done some research on their actions, but that was the bare minimum expected of him.
"You have also been working on trying to win the support of as many of the Riverland nobles, though that is proving difficult because of their long history in support of the Targaryens. Robert's Rebellion aside, there are few instances where they were opposed to the Targaryens. However, you do have some support from the nobles there, mostly in the west. But your main focus is upon Edmure Tully and Jason Mallister. You win the support of those two houses and you hold considerable influence over the Riverlands, more so than what Danaerys would be capable of."
"However, your efforts to win over House Mallister have been fruitless and will continue to be so. In fact, the more you push, the more likely Jason Mallister is to support Danaerys. He is not a man that can be won over with gifts and flattery as you are coming to realise." Eddard explained, Olenna beginning to listen more intently. "Your aims should be instead to ensure his continued neutrality in the Queenship battle. Though your intention to convince the King to reward Edmure handsomely for his actions will win you his vote in Margaery's favour, that is clear."
Here, Willas and Olenna shared a glance at one another.
Everything Eddard had said was accurate and his alternative solution to dealing with Jason Mallister made sense. During the course of the war, House Tully and House Mallister now stood as the two most powerful noble houses in the Riverlands. Whoever had the support of them both would control much of the Riverlands. But if they were to keep House Mallister neutral while winning over House Tully, they could force Tyrion to push House Mallister right to them in the pursuit of his favour.
Just as they would have pushed him towards the Targaryens.
'But I had not expected this from Eddard Stark of all people.' Olenna wondered in caution, her opinion of Eddard slowly shifting. 'Someone like this would not have made the mistake of trusting Baelish. Has the Littlefingers betrayal caused such a shift in character, bringing out the hidden political mind? Or is it something else?'
"But that's not all." Eddard continued. "Your aim to bring over the Vale to your side is a smart one, but ultimately will fail and for one reason only, you don't possess enough money to make it succeed."
"That is something we are aware of," Willas replied. "However, once the mines in the Westerlands are up and running fully, the groundwork we set up in the Vale right now, will allow us to take full advantage of the new wealth and secure the Vale's support."
"The groundwork you've set up will also pave the way for the Imp." Eddard retorted. "You forget, they have access to Slaver's Bay and all the wealth that comes with it. It is one of the largest trading hubs in Essos, surpassed only by Braavos. With that wealth at her disposal, Daenerys can swoop in and take advantage of the groundwork you've set up for her and reap all the rewards."
"A fact we are aware of," Olenna said. "But we have a plan in mind to handle that."
"Are you certain it will work?" Eddard pressed. "You are taking a great risk in pursuing this avenue when you have much easier opportunities that will secure you favour with others, especially the King available to you."
"Such as?"
"The Iron Islands."
Olenna scoffed. "What of them? They are a desolate land and the King wants them dead. Margaery has made it clear many a time that Robb has made many notes on how he plans to deal with the Iron Islands once he has done. Each of them ends in the destruction of its nobility. He intends to make an example out of the Iron Islands."
"Precisely," Eddard replied. "Which presents an opportunity to turn the Iron Islands into something new, something better. A way to present the King with the opportunity to take advantage of the desolate lands that once belonged to the Iron Islanders. The Riverlands is the biggest trading hub in Westeros, it is where trade from Essos comes. The rivers that flow through allow boats to carry produce to travel around to the various cities where they are then distributed to various caravans and taken around Westeros. But travelling by land is slow, it takes months, but travelling by sea is much quicker. A sea that was once inhabited by Iron Islanders that raided any ship in sight."
"You are proposing that with the Iron Islands gone, it will allow for the opening of the trade to move by sea on the western coastline." Willas deduced, having overlooked that avenue. But despite that, he still struggled to see how this would do much for them, the Vale still offered much more value even if it came with great risk.
"I'm not simply talking about using the Iron Islands' destruction as means to get ahead of the new trading opportunities," Eddard told them. "I am talking about using the Iron Islands as the new trading hub of the west."
Sitting back against the tree, Jon pushed the stone down the length of his blade, sharpening its edge to a fine point. The magically forged weapon was sharp, even after constant battle, cutting through steel, flesh and bone, not a chip had formed nor had an edge become blunt.
Yet, even so, Jon found comfort in the act of running his whetstone down the length of the beautiful blade. It allowed him to clear his mind and think clearly about things to come.
The war was reaching its end, but despite that, Jon did not feel any closer to gaining victory. Only one obstacle stood in the way of their victory and yet, it would prove to be the most dangerous to overcome.
Since the conflicts between his forces, the Boltons and the Ironborn had come to ahead, Stannis had capitalised upon it. He had secured his position upon the Wall, occupying Castle Black, Shadow Tower and Eastwatch-by-the-Sea. From reports, he had also been building up Westwatch-by-the-Bridge, cutting off access to the Land Beyond the Walls to the North through the Gorge and the Bridge of Skulls.
He had also been rebuilding Icemark, which lay between Castle Black and Shadow Tower, securing his grip upon the western part of the wall. Also doing the same to Rimegate, securing his grip upon the east.
From what Sam had told him, progress upon Icemark and Rimegate was slow, Stannis having focused most of his resources upon rebuilding Westwatch-by-the-Bridge. But since it had been finished, he had split his manpower between Icemark and Rimegate. Neither had been fully finished, but they were at a level of fortification that would allow them to beat back defenders.
However, in most cases, Jon would not be worried about that, but the Wall wasn't like every other fortification in the world. Each of the forts lining the Wall had been designed to allow a few hundred defenders to beat back tens of thousands of attackers. Even if many of the defences were designed to combat those north of the Wall, the forts were still some of the best in Westeros, able to combat forces coming from the south with great efficiency. Even in the crumbled ruins, the foundation was still there that when built upon could still beat back forces numbering in the thousands.
But he had also taken the entirety of the Northern Mountains, a naturally defensible location with narrow and unsteady passageways which allowed a small number few at a time. But had also taken Last Hearth, they were sparsely defended from what he knew, nothing more than outposts that would let him know the movements of enemies, but he had formed a border that cut his main base of operations from the rest of Westeros.
Above all else, Stannis despite having much of his accomplishments based in naval warfare, beating the most accomplished and dangerous seafarers, the Ironborn in their own home, he had also proven himself as a capable defensive commander.
Even with the garrison of Storms End only numbering a few hundred, he managed to beat back a Reach host of tens of thousands that had besieged Storm's End. Even when they ran out of food, when every other Commander would have lost the loyalty of his men, he kept them fighting. They ate every animal in the castle, stories of cannibalism still spoke of to this day. Yet, Stannis kept his men fighting and beat back every attempt to take the city.
Stannis was one of the most capable defensive commanders and in control of the most well-defended and designed forts in Westeros. That was a dangerous combination, but even that didn't encapsulate the true scope of the problems they faced.
All this time, his men had been eating food, training hard turning the once farmers, carpenters and other conscripts into an elite fighting force. All the while, converting them to his strange religion, they turning into an army of fanatical warriors ready to die for their messiah and saviour.
Even if Jon was to push the Boltons and Ironborn out of the North, he would be matched man-to-man by Stannis' forces. Yet the quality of their soldiers would be disproportionate.
That was why Jon was waiting for Robb to come North to deal with Stannis, recognising that the only way to beat Stannis would be through numbers and experienced soldiers. Robb's men had been fighting down south, that experience would prove invaluable and may be the advantage they need to overcome Stannis' fanatical army.
Stannis' army had been spending the course of this war training and working on rebuilding the fortifications of the Wall. But they had no experience in actual combat, something Robb's army had in droves.
Either way, Jon was determined to ensure that the North was free of the Boltons and Ironborn by the time Robb came North, leaving only Stannis left.
"Jon!" Owen Norrey called, rushing towards him and through the small, makeshift camp they had made. "Ships are coming down the river. Three of them, two longships and a galley."
"That means there will only be a few hundred men left to defend Torrhen's Square," Jon noted, rising to his feet as the camp began to move. "That's sooner than expected."
"The Ironborn are cutting their losses." Owen pointed out.
Jon nodded his head in agreement but thought upon it further. "Send a few riders south, I want a report on the movements in the Saltspear, Barrowtown and Goldgrass sent to me." As he said that though, another thought came to him. "And another to Robb."
If the Ironborn were truly cutting their losses in the North, then Victarion and the majority of the Ironborn forces stationed further south would be leaving through the Saltspear and back to the Iron Islands. Getting to them after securing Torrhen's Square would be impossible. Lord Bracken was already marching from Castle Cerwyn to take Winterfell and Ser Marlon Manderly, cousin of Lord Wyman Manderly would be marching north to take the Dreadfort.
All their forces were being mobilised for this final offensive against the Ironborn and Boltons. They'd wipe them out, but in turn, allow Victarion and those forces in the Saltspear to escape. The only one that could stop that was Robb, though it irked his pride to not be able to do it himself.
He felt like all this time, he had been relying on Robb when Robb had relied upon him. Yet whereas his brother always came through for him, he had failed Robb time and time again.
"Got it," Owen said, moving to fulfil the order he had been given while Jon sheathed his sword, picking up the bow handed to him by Ryon.
"With this boys, we ensure that a few hundred more Ironborn don't live to see another day!" His proclamation earned cheers as every man and woman gathered rose to their feet, bows in hand and quivers at their hips.
Night was beginning to descend upon them, the camp lively as they looked upon the walled city before them. Movement was still present upon it, Ironborn still patrolling the walls, ready to defend should their force attack in the midst of the night.
Gerrick Kingsblood came up beside her, Val not sparing him a glance as she focused purely on the wall. "Why are we not attacking?" He questioned, frustrated that they were not attacking despite possessing the numerical advantage.
"Because we have our orders," Val replied simply, frustrated with the self-proclaimed descendent of the King-Beyond-The-Wall, Raymond Redbeard. That shared history had made Gerrick an arrogant, pretentious man with little to offer in turn. Why Mance had allowed him to come south of the Wall, Val will never understand. He was cause for more problems than solutions, often getting into fights with the warriors of the North.
"Fools orders."
"Lord Stark's orders."
"Aye, but he couldn't do anything without our help." Gerrick retorted. "Had to rely upon us Free Folk to solve the problems he caused."
"He didn't cause them, the Bolton's and the Ironborn did. He has simply been trying to solve them with what little he has. Don't forget how vast the lands of the North are, it makes moving slow without ships, something the Ironborn possessed. If it wasn't for the Bolton and Dustin's betrayal, the North would have beaten back the Ironborn much sooner. However, their betrayal through the North into disarray."
"You defend him?"
Val turned to him, frustrated with his constant questioning. "I'm answering your stupid questions." Gerrick scowled, considering attacking her, but thought better of it. "Now, go and gather the men, we attack soon."
"W-what?" Gerrick stuttered in bewilderment. "Why?"
"Because throughout the course of the few days we've been camped outside these walls, the number of people on those walls have grown smaller and smaller," Val explained. "They're no doubt escaping on their ships and soon, we'll have scout reports that reflect that. Now, go and ready the men."
Dismissing him, Val then turned, once again surveying the walls, prepared for the battle to come.
With a cry, Val thrust her spear up, the bladed edge piercing through the throat of an Ironborn that stood in her way. His blood spilt down, dripping onto her face as he spluttered and gagged. Then with a push, she shoved him off her spear, Val scrambling up the ladder with quick steps. There, she was greeted by the sight of the battle taking place upon the walls.
Val already jumping down, spear piercing into the chest of another Ironborn as more and more soldiers spilt onto the battlements behind her. Free Folk leapt down, side by side with the Northern Clansmen leapt down, axes and swords cutting into the Ironborn that stood in the way.
It was a rapid and violent push that saw the Ironborn falling over themselves and off the side, plummeting to their deaths in an attempt to escape the slaughter they were now a part of.
They had been prepared to defend the walls, actually costing them a number of good men as they scaled them. But they were too few in number to stop them all, and now that they were on the walls, the tired and hungry Ironborn were but lambs to the slaughter as the Free Folk and Clansmen slaughtered everything in their path.
Battle cries sounded out across the walls, joining with the death throes of the Ironborn in a haunting symphony of sound as Torrhen's Square was retaken in the space of an hour. All the while, what remained of the Ironborn in the city, fled onto the ships moored at the harbour and escaped as quickly as they could.
It felt strange being back here again.
Tyrion had thought that after fleeing Kings Landing he would never return. Not with the memories this place held, very few being fond. Even as he looked around, entering into the throne room, nothing struck him as pleasant.
Every inch of the room, grandiose and spectacular in design filled him with disgust. Nothing more so than the barbarous and wicked chair that stood as the spectacle of the room. A mass of warped and twisted metal, the Iron Throne.
It was the object of everyone's attention as they entered inside. Daenerys herself walked across the room, her footsteps echoing in the empty hall as she made her way towards the vacant throne.
Behind him, Tyrion could hear the whispers of those accompanying them, a mixture of Valyrian and Westerosi languages that expressed the same level of awe. He found it difficult to understand what was so spectacular and amazing about the Iron Throne. It was a seat belonging to drunken mad fools, hardly the seat belonging to a commoner let alone a King.
"It's magnificent," Daenerys murmured, looking upon the Iron Throne with reverence. This was the symbol of the power and influence of her house, the result of their conquest and centuries of rule.
But it was not hers.
It was Robb Stark's.
The thought was sobering, Daenerys pausing as she reached out to touch the sides of the throne. She hadn't even realised that she had come up all the stairs to now stand before it. But once again, the thought came to her, this was not hers.
Robb Stark had fought this war for four years, battling against all foes who stood in his way and emerged victorious. He had earned the loyalty, respect, admiration and fear of all that served him. Only those that remained standing against him were prideful fools too blind to see the folly of their current actions.
Daenerys however had seen reason, thanks to the aid of others in her court, one man especially. "Tyrion." She called, turning around to look upon those in the hall. Not everyone belonged to her supporters, there were some lords who had been too injured to march North with Robb, including some of the Vale lords, Yohn Royce amongst them.
Each of them watched her actions, carefully studying to see what she would do now that she was here. They wanted her to take the Iron Throne, not out of loyalty to her, but out of greed. No doubt, the moment she did, they would spin the tale to suit their own means.
She had been blind to such ploys in the past, but no longer.
It would take time, that much she knew.
However, Daenerys was determined to win, to survive and to do that, she needed to understand how this game was played. Luckily for her, she had one of the smartest men in Westeros on her side.
"Come with me."
It was not the King's chambers that they entered, but instead the chambers belonging to the Queen. Since the fall of the Targaryen Kings, the chambers belonging to members of the King's second wives had been abandoned. They were still kept clean and tidy, often being used for important noblemen to use upon entering Kings Landing on business. But the history behind these rooms, the significance remained, especially this one.
"Have you found any proof that Aegon is the son of Elia Martell or a Blackfyre?" She asked, taking a seat at the table on the balcony, looking out over the city. It was bustling with life, the army camped outside and some entering the city, the brothels no doubt been busy today and the foreseeable future.
Tyrion shook his head. "I have found nothing that proves what he is saying." He admitted. "But finding proof that he is who he says he is, should not be our priority. Instead, our efforts should be on helping the Dornish with whatever they might need. Robb did a good job in bringing up Lys, the Martells will be wary and cautious in what they believe. No doubt they will try and find proof that he is Aegon, but we could instead guide them towards finding evidence that points them in the opposite direction."
"So, let the Dornish disprove Aegon's words while we focus on other matters?" Daenerys questioned, Tyrion nodding his head.
"It will work much better for us in the long run. No doubt the Tyrells will be expecting us to focus our efforts upon the Dornish, if we keep our distance, it will make them hesitate and question our actions." He explained simply.
Daenerys wasn't entirely convinced. "They still fought in favour of Aegon though, despite Robb raising questions of the legitimacy of his claims. Surely that shows where they stand, does it not?"
"It would, yes," Tyrion replied. "But Oberyn is an emotional man, one who commits to something fully until he sees it through to the end. Even if he did have doubts, they would be overshadowed and clouded by other emotions. He believed in Aegon's words, Robb may have rattled him slightly, but it was not enough. But Doran Martell is different and he is the one in command of Dorne, not Oberyn."
"If he chooses to support me, all of Dorne will."
"Yes." Daenerys hummed in thought, leaning back into her chair, it was warm down here, much nicer and more familiar to her than the cold, wet weather further north. "I have also received confirmation from a few lords of the Stormlands that are in support of you, as well as the remainder of the Crownlands. Your supporters are growing in number and will continue to rise when the supply of food and riches grows."
A thought then came to her at the mention of wealth. "Do we know why Illyrio chose to support Aegon?"
That made Tyrion pause. "I'm afraid that is something I am not certain of myself." He admitted. "It is safe to guess that the Sellswords and the Golden Company that my father hired were actually paid for by him. It was no doubt the plan of Aegon to provide Sellswords and the Golden Company to my father and have him and Robb kill each other in the Battle of the Bloody Antlers. Then with a standing army of his own, conquer the rest of Westeros."
But that plan had failed despite its simplistic genius.
Tyrion had always wondered why Sellswords and the Golden Company especially had agreed to fight for his father despite the lack of money he had. It was clear now that none had been working for his father, but for Aegon all along.
"Find out the reason behind it, if he was tricked like Dorne and the Golden Company, then we can gain not only one of them but all three," Daenerys ordered.
"I understand having Dorne and Illyrio on your side, but you must surely understand that the Golden Company will never support you." Tyrion pointed out. "They were formed by the Blackfyre's to fight against you and that is an oath they have no doubt carried on to believe in since their founding. The chances of them choosing to support you are slim."
"I'm not talking about supporting me," Daenerys replied. "I want to offer them to Robb. He always admired their disciple and skill. If I can offer him the Golden Company, surely he will favour me."
Tyrion smiled, bowing low. "I shall see what I can do, my Queen."
A stable realm.
It had been something he had worked on for many years. He could not say that every action he had taken truly benefitted the realm in the short term, but his endgame had always been for a stable one.
He knew suffering and had endured much of it throughout his life. From a slave of Lys, to being the sacrificial slave of a sorcerer from a mysterious land, abandoned and forced to beg, theft and prostitution in order to survive. His life had been a difficult one from the beginning and Varys knew that it was the children that suffered, who grew up into cruel, mad men who ultimately continued the cycle.
Everything began from the top and carried down the chain that spun the wheel. If Varys wanted to succeed in ending that cycle, he needed to secure a King who could ensure that the chain stopped pulling the wheel.
But good Kings we're difficult to come across. Some played the role of a good King, hiding their desires behind locked doors. Others, indulged in them endlessly, uncaring of the pain they caused others.
Kings were difficult.
The power they possessed and wielded with but a single word corrupted them entirely. Varys had seen it happen with Aerys and Robert Baratheon.
Two Kings, both corrupt.
One, a madman.
The other, a drunken fool.
It was why, when his old friend, Illyrio came to him with an opportunity, Varys accepted. Aegon had all the makings of a good King, all that was needed was proper counselling and constant surveillance.
Varys had worked with Illyrio for many years, manipulating the Beggar King, Viserys and the Mother of Dragons, Daenerys. All the while working to shift the realms into the perfect opening for Aegon's 'return.'
Naturally, of course, things did not go as expected or as planned. It was not just Robb Stark who proved to be a thorn in his side, but the Ironborn, the Tyrells, the Vale, Stannis and even the Wildlings. So many moving pieces that Varys had expected to move in certain ways, only to shift in different ones.
It was an unpredictable world and one that Varys had always understood. But it was the first time he hadn't felt in control. Now he found himself locked away in the dungeons beneath the Red Keep.
"I never imagined that it would be me on these sides of the bar and you on the other." Varys opened his and looked to see Tyrion standing before his cell, looking upon him in amusement with a small smile on his face.
Yet Varys was not insulted by him taking amusement out of his position in life. "I can say that I too am surprised at how things have gotten to this point."
Tyrion moved, wrapping a hand partially around one of the bars, almost unsure if they were real. "I'm curious though, why stay? You could have escaped like the Mattel's before Yohn Royce arrived, but you didn't. Why?"
"Because it is clear how things are going to progress from this point," Varys replied. "The Martells have retreated to Princes Pass, they will no doubt come to Kings Landing to welcome the new King when he arrives from the North."
"Can't help but notice you did not mention Robb Stark, but instead remained ambiguous," Tyrion noted, amused by Varys ever cryptic words. He rarely ever said what he was thinking and now seemed to be no different. "You believe Stannis has a chance?"
"Do you know what Stannis has done in the North since he arrived?" Varys questioned.
Tyrion scoffed. "I may not have eyes and ears everywhere like you, but I do know things all the same." His words made the Spider laugh lightly.
"Then you should know Stannis' experience in sieges." He pointed out, Tyrion nodding his head, unable to deny it.
"But Robb has even more experience when it comes to sieges considering the numerous keeps and castles he has taken from the Westerlands," Tyrion responded.
"Yes," and there it was, that tone Varys had when he was about to say something truly obvious. "But how many of those were built to be as defensible as the Wall? With all those traps and tricks? The Wolf King may have talent and skill, but the defensive location Stannis has cannot be understated."
"True." Tyrion agreed. "But I doubt that is something the Wolf King has overlooked either."
"No, I imagine it's not," Varys murmured, leaning back against the wall in an attempt to get a little comfortable. It was difficult in these areas, though he was thankful he had one of the more comfortable cells, no doubt a result of Tyrion's, influence.
Much better than the cell he had after being arrested by Yohn Royce.
"Now, I doubt very much you came here to rub my current predicament in my face." Varys eventually said after a moment of silence between the two of them.
"True." Tyrion disagreed. "But it was the main reason."
Varys hummed, indulging in his amusement. "No doubt here to figure out why I decided to work with Aegon Targaryen."
"Actually, I've figured out most of that."
"Really?"
Tyrion nodded his head. "It did confuse me at first, you're many things, an opportunist most definitely. At first, I thought that it was purely to keep yourself in a position of power. But then I started wondering how things had gotten so bad to get to this point in the world. After that, it was very easy to figure out that you had been working for Aegon for a while."
"Impressive, but I suppose I shouldn't be surprised with how smart you can be. That is when you decide to turn your attention away from whores and wine." He mocked.
Tyrion chuckled. "Well, whores and wine are two of my favourite things in the world. They got me through my childhood after all."
"Yes, I suppose that does explain many things." Varys then rose his hands in an indifferent fashion. "Congratulations are in order, you've figured out the truth. Well done you."
"Not quite," Tyrion interjected. "I've met Aegon, only briefly, but he reminds me so much of the Wolf King. Young, talented, but brash and reckless making mistakes that prove to be costly. It made it clear to me that the plan you had crafted, hiring Sellswords, loaning them to my father and hoping he and Robb would destroy each other, was not Aegon's."
It was far too complex of a plan for Tyrion to accept the idea that Aegon had come up with it. The things Aegon had shown didn't match up with the type of political and subtle planning needed to pull it off. Tyrion was not one to underestimate young rulers as he had done in the past, but even he struggled to see the Aegon he had seen and with the Aegon needed to pull it off.
"Then if you're not here for that, then it must be to find out whether Aegon is truly who he says he is."
"I can't deny it, I am curious. As is everyone." Trigon replied. "Why don't you tell me what you know."
"In return for what?"
"To satisfy the debt you owe me."
Varys chuckled lowly. "If we are to speak of anyone owing anyone a debt, it would be you to me, is it not?" He questioned, Tyrion keeping that smirk on his face as he conceded with a bow. "A changing of cells hardly equals me smuggling you out of Kings Landing in the midst of a siege.
"But it wouldn't be the first time you have reportedly done it," Tyrion stated firmly, implying the miraculous survival of Aegon Targaryen. "Alas, I do not believe anyone will ever know the truth as it will die with you and the man himself. After all, I have nothing you want and what you desire is outside of my ability to provide. Truly, it will become one of Westeros' greatest mysteries, much like yourself in that regard."
There was a pause.
"…From one friend to another, I can say that I truly do not know the answer to that mystery." Varys eventually spoke, breaking the silence that had befallen them. "But while Aegon claims to be many things, I know confidently that he is not a red dragon."
"Then the claims of him being the son of Rhaegar Targaryen and Elia Martell?" Tyrion pressed, receiving a nod in return.
"False."
"Thank you, my friend," Tyrion replied. "I do not know why you told me this, but I am truly grateful for all that you have done for me. Though it may not be much, I will do what I can do at least ensure your head remains where it is or that it is removed painlessly."
"I suppose that is the most I can expect from you in your position," Varys replied. "It is more than I would have done for you had our situations been reversed. Though I never imagined I would have the most unlikely of allies in the Lannister Imp."
"You should never underestimate what I can do if I put my mind to something." The Imp said sharply, his smile growing. "But thanks to you, I now have an answer to a question that had been irking me for some time. And you too I suppose, Prince Oberyn."
Varys' eyes widened, looking to see the Red Viper himself coming around the corner. Upon laying eyes on him, the Spider chuckled, shaking his head.
"Truly, I must be losing my mind to have fallen for such a simple ploy." He muttered. "It seems, I owe you an apology."
"Save your breath." Oberyn spat. "I care not for your apologies. You should be thankful that the Imp spoke on your behalf and has convinced me to spare your life."
He then turned, sparing neither Imp nor Spider a glance as he stormed down the corridors, pursued by guards who made sure to escort him back to his own cell.
"…Now it appears, I do in fact, owe you a debt."
"It does appear that way, doesn't it?"
"It seems we were right to expect the Targaryens to recruit the Dornish to their side," Willas muttered as he entered the tent, looking around at the occupants, his family. "Word has reached us that the Dornish camped at Princes Path have started moving north toward Kings Landing."
He raised the letter into the air, Olenna and Margaery sharing looks.
The only reason the Dornish who had escaped Kings Landing before Yohn Royce took the capital had made camp within the Princes Path, close enough to make a speedy return to Kings Landing for the new King return, but far enough away to escape should they be threatened. However, with Robb having just entered the North, the war between him and Stannis had yet to end.
That meant the only reason the Dornish would have a reason to make a move is if they had chosen to support either them or the Targaryens. In turn, someone had provided proof that Aegon was at the very least, not who he says he is.
Enough that the Dornish had chosen to support someone new.
"No doubt, this is once again the doing of the Imp," Margaery noted. "He truly is proving to be the biggest thorn in our side. If something is not done soon, the Targaryens will have a firm grip upon Kings Landing that will be difficult to shake."
Olenna shook her head. "The Targaryens have always possessed a tight grip upon Kings Landing, even after all these years since their fall, the smallfolk have longed for a Targaryen ruler once more. They have suffered the most in Robert's rule, despite the years of peace that have endured through his reign. Daenerys was always going to find much love and support there from the Smallfolk, but you're right, the Dornish and the Imp are cause for concern."
Even though Dorne had never involved themselves much in the politics of Westeros, they were still powerful figures all the same. Certainly, not a major cause for concern when comparing the influence of the Reach and others of the Seven Kingdoms. But what was most concerning though was that Daenerys had the full support of a kingdom behind her and from the looks of things, the Crownlands also.
"Contact Lord Redwyne, tell him to double his pace back round west. We must secure the Iron Islands and implement the changes as quickly as possible to turn them into the trading hub of the west." Olenna stated, earning nods from those around them. "I imagine next though that with Dorne at their back, the Targaryens will then be focusing upon the Stormlands and the Riverlands."
"And us?" Willas wondered. "If we follow Ned's instructions, we would be allowing the Targaryens to gain a great deal of support without making much progress ourselves. Certainly, those like Lord Mallister might be pushed to us by the pressure of the Targaryens, but there is no certainty to that. We must also time our moves in the Vale just right to ensure the Targaryens don't earn too much goodwill."
"It's always a matter of concern. especially with our food supply dwindling." Margaery agreed. "If we can no longer provide food to the smallfolk, then we will quickly lose their love and support also."
"It's a gamble," Olenna murmured, none too pleased with the situation they were in. "We have made serious moves in the course of the war and in doing so, have stretched ourselves and resources too thin. Now, we need to wait and let things bare fruit, even if that means allowing the Targaryens to gain some headway for now."
"But that does not mean we simply have to stand by and do nothing," Willas argued, Olenna looking at her grandson questioningly. "I spoke with Lord Stark earlier today, we talked about the situation our family finds itself in and he offered me some advice."
"Advice?" Olenna asked dubiously, eyes narrowing.
"The Stepstones are on Lord Redwyne's journey south." Willas pointed out. "They are part of the Disputed Lands belonging to the Free Cities of Myr, Lys and Tyrosh. While they are currently infested with pirates, any incursion into the Disputed Lands by any external force has often led to the three colonial cities to unite and fight against the invader."
"You are suggesting the risk of war between Westeros and the Triarchy, just like what happened with Daemon Targaryen?" Margaery noted but Willas shook his head.
"We have permission from the cities to travel through and around the Stepstones and have done for centuries. But we have no right to set foot on any of the islands and claim it as our own." Willas began. "We know that Daenerys has called for ships from her lands in Slavers Bay to come west. If we time it right, we could plant a flag upon one of the larger islands, perhaps Bloodstone?"
"While it would be blamed upon the Targaryens by the Free Cities." Margaery agreed. "It would still come with the risk of war. Unless we were to offer the Free Cities something in return."
"The Golden Company." Olenna pointed out, Willas nodding his head.
"Exactly. While they have been defeated, the Golden Company are still strong in number and their reputation and skill are deserved."
But despite the sense and reasoning in the plan, Olenna did not like it one bit and she made that clear. "There are many things that could go wrong with this plan, most importantly, the risk of open war and the possibility of this plot revealing itself to be our doing." She said, frowning deeply. "However, I distrust it because it is the idea of Lord Stark himself."
Margaery rose a brow in confusion. "Why?" She wondered. "I thought you trusted Lord Stark?"
"I trust no one, my dear," Olenna replied. "Least of all a Lord, but you're right, compared to must, I did trust Lord Stark. But for the supposed Quiet Wolf, he has not been very quiet."
Olenna didn't trust how helpful, nor how cunning Eddard was being, it was so unlike the man he had presented himself as in the past. There was too much purpose and political sense in his actions that did not suit the image of the man he had been, nor reflect upon his past actions. Perhaps there had been a hidden political mastermind under their noses all along, someone who plotted everything from the beginning to push his family to new heights, but Olenna doubted that very much.
It did not change the fact that Eddard was being far too cunning and capable for her liking. The politics of the North and south were different, both father and son had proven that while adept in one, they were not so adept in the other. But now, Eddard was proving a hidden skill and ability to navigate southern politics that he did not possess before.
Olenna could not find faults in his plans because they were precisely ideas that she had considered herself for many months. As the end against the Lannisters came to an end, before the Targaryens arrived, Olenna had been considering what to do with the Iron Islands. Turning it into a trading hub of the west to match the Riverlands had been the idea she considered, a way to stifle the Riverlands growing power and influence.
She had also considered ways to lower the Targaryens influence through numerous means, one of which had involved the very plan Willas and Eddard had proposed. She doubted very much that Eddard told Willas this plan in full, but instead alluded and hinted towards it enough for Willas to think he and Eddard had come up with it together.
It was why he was so excited and convinced it would work.
But Olenna had seen the tricks done before and had performed them herself, she knew what they looked like and the effect they could have.
"And what would you suggest instead then?" Willas wondered. "There is no better chance than now before Lord Redwyne enters the Stepstones and the Targaryen fleet passes them. While yes, there is the risk of this blowing back upon us, I believe that what we stand to gain outweighs the risks taken to get them. Unless you have another idea?"
The thing was, Olenna didn't and her silence proved it.
That was not to say she didn't have other plans, but it was like Willas said, the reward of such an action was more than all of her plans combined. If it succeeded, the Targaryens would be dealt a critical blow that would forever tarnish their image in Robb's eyes.
But Olenna didn't like it because it meant doing precisely what Eddard wanted.
"Send a message to Lord Redwyne." It was not Olenna that replied, but Margaery.
No complaint was raised and so, Willas left.
"It is a good plan, grandmother, even if we might be doing what Lord Starks wants," Margaery told her. "There are still plenty of other things we could do to further our position and weaken the Targaryens. Things that Lord Stark will have no control over, but we should let him think he can manipulate us how he wishes. He will eventually make a mistake that we can use to her advantage."
Despite those words of comfort, Olenna had never imagined that the biggest problem she would face in the War of Queens, was not the Imp, but instead, the Quiet Wolf. However, it seemed that this war had changed something in the Starks and they were beginning to act like the Kings of Winter of old who ruled the North with an iron fist.
So, another chapter is done and I hope you enjoyed what I had to offer for you today. We see that Jon has enacted his plan to retake Torrhen's Square as the other northern contingents move to remove the Boltons and Ironborn for good. But we see that Stannis has a strong defensive position and a powerful, fanatical army at his disposal.
However, down in the south, things are heating up between the two queens factions with Eddard revealing a sudden skill in politics. Now why this is the case has yet to be revealed, but it does have an explanation that has yet to be discovered. But his political acumen has made Olenna suspicious and untrusting of him, despite the good sense behind his advice. But she has put into place some of his actions, turning the Iron Islands into the trading hub of the west as a means to curb the Riverlands growing power and influence, while also lowering the Targaryen's standing with the potential risk of war with the Triachry over the Stepstones.
Yet, Tyrion has also been making moves as we see him talk with the Spider and learn that Aegon is in fact, not a Targaryen. This revelation is further revealed to have been a ploy by Tyrion to get Oberyn and Dorne on his side, which paid off. But we also get to see that the Sellswords and Golden Company that Tywin acquired, was not simply a random nonsense thing, but part of Aegon's original plan to take Westeros. However, Daenerys also shows that she is getting an understanding for Westerosi politics that will be further developed upon in the future.
Anyway, now that's done, let's get on with the questions:
Black Dragon Master: Yes, but Robb also wants to return home once more before he spends the rest of his life in the south. Though there are better ways to handle it, this is one of those moments of selfishness Robb will choose to take before really focusing on his duties and becoming his absorbed in his responsibilities. Very true about Daenerys, and I do like the idea, but it's not something I think I will do.
PraetorXyn: Because it's still a castle and while most of the tricks and defences to the Wall are focused on the northern side, there are plenty of ways to use some of them to defend from attacks from the south with a little time and ingenuity. Stannis has had plenty of time.
anindhitania238: Sansa is with Eddard on the journey south. Baelish is missing and right now.
Raider: Very good idea, except, would Dany and Margaery accept it? Sure, Robb could decree it, but that won't stop them from fighting over control of the territories belonging to the other. Either way, fighting is inevtiable. I never thought of it like that, but ina way, it would, wouldn't it? And no, he won't have to fight the Wildlings unless they are stupid enough to try and pick a fight with the Wolf King.
Jen2025: Love your reviews and you've pretty much nailed everything spot on, couldn't have put it better. Please keep reviews like them coming as their my biggest inspiration to keep going.
The Advocate7: House Dustin, I personally had not known about the uncle, but it's something that I will definitely consider as a possibility. Thank you for letting me know about that and I think I might include it in some way. But at the same time, it makes sense for Robb to make an example out of House Dusting, the same with the Boltons and Ironborn.
I've also been watching House of the Dragon and I have the same thoughts myself, but imagine what Cregan would think? The show itself is pretty good and Daemon is so far, proving to be the best part of it. The rest of the show is a little hit or miss for me, it's not as good as the original, early seasons of GOT. The politics while there, just don't have the same...weight or feel behind them like they did in GOT. But yeah, I'm looking forward to seeing Cregan Stark and the Winter Wolves. But yeah, don't apologise about rambling, love reading reviews like these as they're my biggest inspiration.
Westerosi101: The thing is, the person who holds the positin of Queen, will have the most influence and Dany has only ever been the one in charge, female in charge I should say. As for Margaery, everything she's done has been done with the intention of becoming Queen, nothing less than that. Having a rival Queen is definitely not what she signed up for and so, the conflic emerges there. Oh most definitely, the Others will be Robb's saving grace and a welcome addition. And you're right, Eddard has proven especially capable in raising children with good heads on their shoulders.
Hope you all enjoyed and if you have questions or suggestions, please let me know.
