Chapter Fourteen: 299 AC – Riverrun
Negotiations began right away the next morning.
Visenya didn't even get a change to ask after Hoster, as Queen Talisa ushered them into the warm halls of Riverrun, servants running about to set the Great Hall up to receive its quests. The Dragon banner adorned the ramparts beside the Tully trout and the Stark wolf. Robb had given Visenya permission to set camp around the castle, which had been left in Ser Oswell and Grey Worms hands. Everyone else entered the keep, many of the Lords returning to their men in order to relay new orders, which were to wait as a possible alliance was being discussed. The Essos army was loud as thousands of horses and the war elephants were corralled into fast constructed pens and fires got going as the weather began to turn colder as the sun began to sink.
Robb led the way to the Great Hall, Greatjon, Smalljon and a dozen other lords following. His mother, the Blackfish and Edmure led Visenya, as acting Lord of the Castle, and her council in. The Great Hall had been settled with a large table, which would hold six people on each side and one on each end. Robb took the farthest side at the head, his mother on his left and his wife on his right. Lord Umber, Bolton, Tully and Lady Maege Mormont took up his side of the table. The others all gathered in the surrounding chairs behind them, as that was the voice of the northern council. Visenya would be seated at the head of the opposite side, Jacaerys on her right, Daenerys on her left, Ser Gerald on Daenerys side, as Roslin took the seat beside her husband. Lord Valeryon and Ser Garlan Tyrell took up the last two seats.
It was not a full war council, but these were each monarch closest allies.
Jace knew that if everything went according to plan that he would have to step up and be a commander. As his aunt always said, good kings lead their people in mind and body, if you cannot or will not fight for them, then why should they fight for you? He knew that as future King he would have to be the one to lead the armies of Westeros as the soldiers from Essos followed his aunt and no other. He was okay with that too as his aunt had made many plans and back up plans and plans to back up those back up plans, it was time for him to do the rest.
Roslin had told him that Westeros was different from Essos and the men of the North were strong and cold hardened men, he had believed her when he had seen them the night before. He was also surprised to see how much he looked like his cousin, Robb. Everyone always said he looked a lot like his Targaryen family, but he also looked like part of the North. He had wanted to speak more with his cousin the night before but with his aunt rushing off and Ser Gerald ordering them all back to set up camp, he knew it wasn't the right time.
Now they had entered a council meeting to offer terms to each other in order to build and alliance Jace wasn't sure what his aunt had in mind; they had discussed a lot during their journey, but nothing had been defining but he was hoping it wouldn't end in bloodshed. The northerners were a proud people, he could see it and as blood of the First Men, it was understandable. He and Visenya both bore northern blood as well, but the Targaryen name shadowed them, given what Aerys had done years before to Lord Stark and his heir Brandon.
As they settled Jace reflected on how strange it was, that there was someone on the same level as him and he wondered what his aunt would say of another king. He knew it wouldn't be right for her to demand he give up his crown as it was the lords and not him who had called him King and given everything that had happened to their kingdom over the last two generations, Jace couldn't fault them. Robb Stark was what the North wanted, and he hoped any demands made on either side would not make a fight break out.
For the first time Visenya wasn't dressed in a gown. She wore a pair of black leggings, a red blouse and a black armor corset over top and black leather boots, her sword was at her back and a dagger locked around her thigh, she looked more warrior than lady. Everyone knew it was the men of Westeros understood, that while she may be a lady and queen regent, she was also a warrior, one of much renown and she would be belittled by no one. Jace had just smirked when he saw her to the confusion to everyone else but Ser Arthur and the Kingsguard who were now no longer protecting Visenya but had sworn for him before they left Dragonstone. All but Ser Arthur who was Visenya's Sword-Shield and had accepted him as his King but would not serve him as he was bound by his word to Visenya, unless she released him.
Before they took their seats, Visenya moved to clasp arms with Robb, "A pleasure to see you again," she said softly.
Robb nodded, having trouble taking his eyes away from her party before Talisa elbowed him gently in the side, making him look away and smile at Visenya, "We did not get a chance yesterday, but this is my wife Talisa Maegyr of Volantis," he introduced quickly.
Visenya's eye narrowed slightly on the woman as she had been to Volantis before and this women didn't look much like them, still she bowed her head stiffly and smiled, "You are very far from home my lady. I have been to Volantis; it is very beautiful. You must miss it," she muttered to her, a few of the Targaryen party shifting slightly as they heard the layer of ice in the Regent's voice. Talisa's eyes widened slightly at her words, but she nodded with a light bow, without saying anything and was very thankful when Robb moved her to sit at his side on the left side of the table.
They all took their seats but before they could begin, a boy a few years older than Robb hurried into the room carrying a pile of papers. Roslin looked at him, blue eyes full of shock and then rose to her feet surprised, "Olyvar," she exclaimed. Her older brother looked up at the sound of his name and then a big grin split his face when he saw his little sister. He placed the papers on the table and then rounded to the right side and wrapped his sister in a hug, "Sister," her murmured to the surprise of the Northern party.
Everyone was aware that the future Queen of Westeros was a Frey, but no one was sure how they were all related, not to mention Olyvar had not mentioned his little sister was the one sent to Westeros in order to be the Lady in waiting to Princess Daenerys. Robb was taken aback as they embraced and it was quiet as the two siblings embraced for the first time in over a year and then Olyvar pulled away and bowed his head, "Your grace," he said jokingly.
Roslin smacked his arm in mock offense and then frowned, "What are you doing here?" she asked curiously.
Olyvar blushed, "Oh, well King Robb came to cross the river at The Twins, Father asked him to take my on as a squire. You were already gone, so I figured it would be a good idea and had asked Father to find me someone to serve. When he got a letter from good Queen Visenya, he said he would see about me serving in the North," he explained to the shock of everyone.
Catelyn turned wide eyes on Visenya, "The Frey's?" she asked stunned.
Walder Frey had become a cold and horrible man since the Rebellion and not many ever ventured down to the Twins because of it. To hear that Visenya had said something to Walder about the North now made more sense to why he had allowed them to cross without much fuss.
Visenya grinned at her, "The Frey's have been loyal to my family since Aegon's Conquest, not to mention Walder personally swore to be before Robert's Rebellion and he aided the North at my request," she stated calmly, like what she had said meant nothing, but it meant a lot to many people in the room, especially Robb.
Olyvar instantly bowed low when he realized who was in the room with him. "Your Grace," he said surprised. His father hadn't said she had arrived in Westeros, he only knew she had claimed Dragonstone. Looking at her, he knew why his father had pledged to her over everyone. It was clear this woman was a warrior, not to mention there were legendary feats already attached to her name.
Visenya smiled at him, "Greetings Olyvar Frey," she said as he rose to his full height again.
The boy smiled, "It's a pleasure to meet you, Your Grace. I must say father's stories don't do you justice," he said softly.
The smile on her face widened, "Don't believe everything he's said. Walder likes to embellish things," she teased lightly, making a few people in the room snicker at the truth in her words.
He bowed and stepped back to Robb's side when he realized everyone was waiting for him to finish talking.
It was quiet for a few moments before one of the northern lords broke the silence, Roose Bolton shifted behind his king, "What exactly do you want Queen Visenya?" He asked voice reedy and eyes cold.
Visenya didn't even flinch like many others would have, "I'm here to claim my families throne, as for the North, we want an alliance," she said to the table as a whole.
Robb raised an eyebrow as his lords shifted around him, "What kind of alliance?" Rickard Karstark asked sceptically.
Visenya nodded, "A beneficial one. This is my proposal. The North will help us claim Kings Landing. I will have the honor of executing Tywin Lannister and King Robb may have Joffrey for what happened to Ned Stark. Once Jacaerys is King, he will relinquish all ownership of the North, upon which House Stark will return to a royal house. As Jacaerys and Robb are cousins, I will propose that either their second born sons or daughters will join in marriage to hold the alliance for the next generation," she stated, shocking everyone present.
Robb stared at her speechless, "You would give up the North?" he asked breathlessly.
Visenya stared at them until they shifted uncomfortably, "I am not my father. Jace is not his grandfather. I came to the North to became allies because I was friends with Ned Stark once upon a time and I knew that one day amends would have to be made for what happened all those years ago," she said bluntly.
The lords reeled in shock as Catelyn nodded, "Aye she was. Ned told me that when there was talk of betrothal between Robert and Visenya, she went to the Eyrie to spend some time with him as her and Robert had played together as children but hadn't seen each other side Robert was sent to be fostered. Visenya and Ned became close friends then and she was the one to write to Ned and Brandon about Lyanna being kidnapped by Rhaegar," she explained what she knew, shocking everyone who knew anything about Eddard Stark.
Prince Lewyn nodded, "Aye, the fight she had with Rhaegar after everything happened was so bad they drew swords on each other. Rhaella was able to calm them down but after that the relationship between the two was different. Visenya had pleaded with Rhaegar to return Lyanna North and go back to his wife Elia Martell, but he refused. Visenya and I looked for Lyanna to return her North, but we couldn't find her. It was only before the Battle of the Trident when Rhaegar told Visenya that Lyanna was hidden in Dorne at the Tower of Joy and she was with child, that we knew anything about it. When Rhaegar fell, me and Ser Jonothor Darry purposely drew attention to us to give her time to get away," he said watching everyone faces.
Visenya then took up to story again, "I was furious with both my brother and Lyanna Stark. I was on my way to the Tower of Joy when I heard about the Sacking of Kings Landing and the death of Elia and her children Rhaenys and Aegon. Ser Gerald, Ser Oswell and Ser Arthur met me there when Lyanna was in the birthing bed. When the babe came, I went up to see her only to discover that Lyanna was dying of birthing fever. I knew Ned wasn't far behind me, so I took Jace from her and we left heading for Starfall, where we caught a ship headed to Dragonstone to go to my naneth. I wanted to start in the North on our return so Ned could meet his nephew, but he was beheaded before that could happen. So I said we would join Ned's son Robb in the rebellion and then I would make amends to the North," she said ending their explanation.
Talisa frowned, "Why should the North help you, especially after what your father did to Rickard and Brandon Stark?" she asked slyly.
Jace shared a look with his aunt who nodded, "We have enough men to fight as the Reach and Dorne have sided with us and Prince Lewyn has spent his time since the rebellion gathering people loyal to my family and has amassed an army of twenty-thousand men easily" he said with pride, making the Kingsguard preen with pride. "We don't need you, but the Stark's are my cousins. What Joffrey did was horrific, and I think Ned Stark deserves justice." Robb traded looked with his lords wearily, this information had been unknown to them, as she now had enough men to take on any army and win.
"And when Jacaerys takes the throne? Will he expect us to bend the knee?" Talisa's voice echoed out in the Great Hall.
Everyone turned to face Visenya whose eye were filled with fury, "No. The lords of the North and Riverlands named him King. If he wants to bed the knee, he will take the title as Prince instead of Lord, but it will be his choice. As I clearly stated before, once Jacaerys is King, he will secede the North back to House Stark. The alliance for this generation will be the family bond between Jacaerys and Robb, the next generation will be between Robb second born or Jacaerys second born," she spat at the women who for some reason rubbed her the wrong way.
Talisa leaned back in surprise and Robb looked at the women, "Why offer me that?" he asked.
Jacaerys finally understood his aunts plan and he was the one who leaned forward, "You are my cousin, and we don't want to fight the realm after we win it back," he said quietly, looking at the woman who was trying to cause trouble.
This time Lord Bolton leaned forward, "Your plan in sound, however, most alliances are bound with marriage. The relationship between the cousins might not be strong enough?" he asked seriously.
Everyone looked to Visenya who was frowning at Lord Bolton, but Lord Karstark nodded in agreement, "He's right. Will a marriage be arranged between the South and North?" he asked looking to the beautiful blonde-haired woman who was sitting quietly behind Visenya.
Instantly Visenya stiffened, "Daenerys is a widow, and she has lost a babe. If she decides to wed again, it will be her choice. Not to mention the only one who could wed her to seal the alliance is King Robb himself and he is already married. All of his brothers are much younger than her and he had no immediate cousins, other than his Uncle Edmure, who is betrothed to my niece to have an alliance with Dorne. Marriage is not possible," she said firmly staring them down. Her eyes flashed and they were surprised to see them narrow like dragon eyes before Sarella put a hand on her shoulder and she relaxed, her fury cooling as Valyrian's roar sounded from outside, warning everyone who knew about the bond between dragon and rider.
Everyone nodded their understanding as fear began to leave their bodies, Visenya was terrifying in her anger.
Robb straightened as his mind completely processed her offer for the alliance, but he wanted more information before he agreed, "You obviously have a plan," he said expectantly.
Ser Gerald looked to his Queen who was breathing deeply before nodding to the Northern King having already discussed what they would share and what they would not, "Aye she does. In the next week Sarella and ten guards will head to Harrenhal where they are to kidnap Tywin Lannister and Gregor Clegane, this is being done to appease Dorne before Visenya will ask them to fight. Prince Lewyn will leave at the same time and go to Summerhall where the soldiers he has gathered are waiting and he will return here with them. One of our men is already in Kings Landing looking for Amory Lorch, we haven't heard anything from them. After we collect all three men, Visenya and some of our men will travel to Dorne to broker peace and alliances with Doran Martell. Ser Loras has already sent a letter to the Reach, and we received a reply that men would be on their way to Riverrun and from there we shall make plans to go forward. Ten thousand men are on their way to the Wall as rumors are flying about some kind of wilding gathering beyond The Wall and another ten thousand are on their way to Winterfell in order to protect Prince Brandon and Prince Rickon," he explained to the growing surprise of the others.
Robb was very surprised.
He wasn't expecting her alliance to be so small, and he wasn't expecting her to have so many plans already in the works. He remembered his fathers words when he was younger, never underestimate a woman because sometimes they can be more dangerous to your health than a sword, when he was speaking of his life as a young man and meeting Visenya who had been known as Daella then.
However, everything he was hearing was making his mind work over with plans, "The war won't end, even with Tywin Lannister in the picture," he murmured making everyone focus on him.
Visenya stared at him intently, he met her eyes, and it was like they were the only people in the room, "No, Cersei will continue it," she agreed.
Robb frowned before pulling a map to him and spreading it across the table. He pointed at one thing on it before meeting her eye. She didn't even need to look at his finger, already knowing what he wanted, and she would aim to give it to him, for one reason, Cersei would never accept her ancestral home being under control of the 'enemy' and would send soldier to fight. She wasn't the slightest bit surprised to his next words, "I want Casterly Rock in order to barter for my sisters release from Kings Landing," he said firmly.
Robb kept his eyes on Visenya after he spoke as people on both side of the table were talking about the impossibility of claiming Casterly Rock, until they realized Robb wasn't paying attention but was in a stare of with the woman who hadn't said anything but seem to be evaluating him. He nervously waited as everyone quieted realizing that Visenya hadn't said anything. They all watched with bated breath as she looked at Robb Stark. It was like she was waiting for something as Tully blue and Targaryen purple eye held.
After a few moments her lips quirked and she turned away, "Lillian," she said nonchalantly.
Lillian Hightower walked forward and handed Visenya a rolled-up parchment. She accepted it with a nod and then rose to her feet. She unrolled the parchment that practically covered the whole table, stopping an inch on either side and everyone leaned forward to inspect it and Robb sucked in a shocked breath when he realized he was looking at a very detailed map of Casterly Rock and Lannisport.
"Where did you get this?" he breathed as everyone gathered around it.
Visenya smirked making her look truly devious, "Before the Rebellion I was friends with Jamie Lannister. While I was training him to be a knight alongside the Kingsguard, we went to Casterly Rock a few times and we decided it would be fun to map out every inch of the place. This map is everything inside the rock, including secret passageways, back entrances and the gold mines which have underground tunnels connecting the whole place together," she said.
Each word she spoke made the people around the table rub their hands together in glee, finally after two years of war, they had the advantage.
"How many men can you get have ready to march in six moons?" Robb asked, excitement, adrenalin and relief filling him. If they could take Casterly Rock, he would have something to bargain to get Lyra, Sansa and Arya back. If Visenya's plans worked than Tywin would no longer be a threat, the Mountain would be dead, and the Lannister's would hopefully begin to panic. They could put and end to this war, not to mention the dragons. Joffrey was mad but Robb didn't think the Lannister army would be willing to go again fire breathing dragons. Everyone knew about the Field of Fire during Aegon's Conquest and Robb was pretty sure no one wanted to see a repeat of history.
Visenya smiled, "The men Prince Lewyn is going to go collect which is twenty thousand, my men here which number at twenty-two thousand and then the men the Reach will bring, so I'm thinking forty to eighty-thousand men and Valyrian," she said.
Greatjon Umber threw his head back and laughed loudly, "Visenya, my niece, you are something no one is expecting," he said proudly, preening as the woman blushed over his words.
However, his loud laughter summoned people to the hall. A man who looked remarkably like Greatjon came followed by a small women baring the Mormont face, Lucas Blackwood and Theon and Asha Greyjoy. They all bowed to Robb before looking to Greatjon, "What caused that sound Father?" the one who looked like a slightly smaller version of the Lord of Last Hearth.
Greatjon looked at his son and grinned, "Your cousin Visenya Targaryen just gave information that could give us an advantage over the Lannister's," he exclaimed beaming with pride at his oldest son.
Smalljon looked to the dark haired-purple eyed woman his father pointed at and raised an eyebrow, he knew the Targaryen party had arrived but hadn't been present the day before, instead he had been dealing with an altercation between two of his fathers men. So, he was surprised for the introduction to happen now, especially since she didn't look anything like an Umber, "Cousin?" he asked suspiciously. Greatjon nodded, "Aye, your Aunt Arrana's daughter," he explained sad at the thought of his sister. He looked over at the woman again and really took her in noticing she had some Umber traits mixed in with the Targaryen, especially those cheek bones.
He bowed his head to her, and she smiled, "It's nice to meet you cousin," she murmured as she walked over to them.
Smalljon nodded and joined his father on Robb's side of the table. The interruption was quickly brushed aside as the Queen Regent and King in the North met eyes once more, "Do we have an alliance Robb Stark, King in the North?" she asked seriously. Everyone held their breath, waiting to find out if this alliance was going to be accepted. Many of the north hoped so. Visenya belonged on the throne, not to mention so far Jacaerys had impressed everyone since his arrival, and it was clear he was a lot like Ned Stark.
Robb shared a look with her mother and two uncles before he turned back to Visenya, rose to his feet and rounded the table, offering her his arm, which she accepted, "We have an alliance Queen Regent," he swore seriously.
A cheer went up among those present and the Great Halls doors opened to allow the other lords to enter, having been eavesdropping from the door. As the celebration broke out, everyone separated off into groups to speak. Catelyn had joined the other women; Ser Gerald was speaking with Lord Karstark and Lady Mormont. Ser Jorah was just looking around with longing as he saw his Aunt and cousin from his spot behind Princess Daenerys. Jacaerys had taken Roslin and moved over to speak with Robb and his wife, the two boys having concluded they had a lot in common when they had spoken the day before. Daenerys followed them, not wanting to be alone with so many people she didn't know.
Ser Arthur watched from his spot by Visenya and noticed the look in Robb Stark's eyes as the Princess joined their group, which made him frown. A married man should not look at another woman like that. Especially a King. He swore he was going to keep a close eyes on the two of them as Daenerys had a reputation to uphold not that they were back in Westeros and Robb had just been granted independence from the Iron Throne. If he did anything to shame the Princess, Visenya would put and end to House Stark right quick.
That day as the alliance between the North and South was made, the Tyrell's marched on Riverrun to join their King. Tywin Lannister and Gregor Clegane plotted and planned hidden in the halls of Harrenhal, having no idea just what was coming to them. Daario and the Stark girls were escorted to Maidenpool where an escort of unsullied were waiting for them. Oberyn began to notice things weren't quiet right with Ellaria and his daughters. Doran received Sarella's raven. The wildlings began marching on The Wall and the dead after them, they had no idea that the plans they just made would be the key to winning the war.
~!~
Ellaria Sand had been seething in jealousy since the first time she met Oberyn's daughters. When her and Oberyn had first met, he had been filled with so much anger, resentment and grief for what happened to his sister. They had met when she had arrived in Sunspear with her father to speak with Prince Doran and things had escalated quickly between them. However, Oberyn didn't introduce her to his daughters until she was pregnant with Elia. But when she had come before the Sand Snakes, she only saw anger, disgust and hatred.
The fight that followed between Obara and Oberyn would be talked about for years afterward. But Ellaria only remembered the words Obara had spat at her father, 'we already have a mother. A mother who cannot come home because of him. A mother that we miss with all our hearts. That woman will never be our mother just like she will never be your wife. You told us naneth was the wife of your heart, but if you are with her, then what is she?' She had screamed at her father as tears fell down her cheeks. Those words had always stayed with Ellaria though and she thought on them often.
Despite giving birth to four of his daughters and claimed as his paramour, Ellaria had always wanted more from Oberyn. She had been hoping that eventually they would marry, and the elder Sand Snakes would have been able to do nothing about. But it had never happened.
Then the letters started arriving these past two years. Always white but wrapped in a purple ribbon, all gifts wrapped the same. Then the older Sand Snakes had begun to make a spectacle of their mother coming to Dorne soon and Oberyn had looked lighter in moons past. Every time she saw Oberyn smile, a soft sweet smile she had never seen before, she felt hatred fill every part of her.
She had a plan.
She didn't want that woman in Dorne or anywhere close to it. She wanted to get rid of her, however she knew nothing about her, not even a name. Everyone had been super protective of that. She had only asked Oberyn who the Sand Snakes mother was once and the glare on his face still gave her shivers. Ellaria knew that Oberyn still loved this woman, and she wasn't okay with being tossed aside.
"Soon my love, she won't be around anymore, and you can love me as you loved her," she whispered to herself looking out the window. However, she didn't know that Tyene had been walking past her door, heading to the training grounds as she missed her mother and Arianne, when she heard her voice. It only took her a few seconds to realize what she was talking about before she turned and hurried away to Obara's bed chamber, mind completely forgetting her father was waiting for her.
When she got to her sister's rooms, she burst in surprised to see both Obara and Nymeria inside. They looked up from their conversation in surprise as Tyene panted for breath, "Ellaria plans to do something to naneth," she gasped.
Instantly both girls were on their feet, Obara heading to watch of the window and Nym moving Tyene over to sit down at the table. "Are you sure you heard right Tyene?" Nym asked softly as she was always the level-headed one.
She nodded, "Aye, I heard her just now. I was heading down to the training grounds to take some of my frustration out and I walked past her door to hear, Soon my love, she won't be around anymore, and you can love me as you loved her, and then I ran here. She has no idea who naneth is and ada has never expressed love for anyone else," she explained when she got her breath back.
Obara growled, "Ada should have got rid of that stupid whore years ago," she spat as she began pacing. As the oldest Obara was the one who remembered their naneth the most and knew what their ada had been like with her around. She always said that something had died in their ada the day he received the letter stating she couldn't come home. Obara remembered the tears that had followed and the sadness the pulsed off their ada. But she also remembered the anger he had at Robert Baratheon, he had spoke of poisoning his wife Cersei more than a few times to teach him a lesson but never followed through because her uncle Doran stopped him.
"Obara!" Nymeria exclaimed in shock at her elder sister. She always knew Obara hated Ellaria, she didn't like her either, but it was the first time she ever remembered Obara voicing it so cruelly.
She just looked wide-eyed as Obara and Tyene frowned at her, "You know it's true Nym, Ellaria only comes around our sisters when ada's there. She also hates us because we don't like her and remind her of that often," Tyene said softly.
Nym signed, "I know, I just didn't think she would be able to hurt ada like that," she explained.
Obara shook her head, "Naneth's in danger because of her now. Uncle received a raven, all it said was soon. That means something is happening and no one has heard from Sarella either, not even ada. We need to keep on eye on Ellaria and I will try and speak to ada again, I don't think he'll listen though. He hasn't for some time now," she said eyes sad when she spoke of her ada not listening to his daughters.
Tyene and Nymeria nodded in agreement, and they came together at the table and began to plot. What they didn't know was that Oberyn had begun to be suspicious of Ellaria's behavior and was now keeping his eyes open for anything that wouldn't be right.
They had no idea that everything was going to come to a head in only a few weeks time.