Widening War:
King's Landing Red Keep:
The Civil war known as the War of the Three Kings for now was now in full motion. Three Kings were fighting for the Iron Throne. First there was King Joffrey Baratheon, the King of the Iron Throne. Joffrey claimed to be the rightful heir since he was the oldest son of King Robert Baratheon, but the rumours of his parentage being born of incest between Queen Cersei and her brother Jaime had caused questions and also people were saying that King Robert named Martin as his heir. Joffrey had started to show signs on Madness which was causing concern with his supporters and some people were calling him The Second Mad King.
Then there was King Renly Baratheon, the King in Highgarden. He had the weakest claim since he was King Robert's youngest brother and even if the rumours of Joffrey being born of incest were true, King Robert still had a true born son and a brother so Renly had a weak claim to the throne. He was supporters by the Stormlands and the Reach though both regions had divided themselves with support divided between Renly and Martin.
The strongest claim was Prince Martin Baratheon who wasn't calling himself King since he didn't have King's Landing. Martin had the support of the North, Vale, Riverlands and some lords of the Stormlands as well as his Legions. People also believed in his cause which caused him to have a secure claim to the throne
Now it was Joffrey's 17th name day and he had organised a Tourney to celebrate even though the crown was in debt. The Tourney was a melee with soldiers fighting each other for the King's Amusement. Joffrey sat on a throne with a large golden crown on his head and wearing his finest red and gold silk robes and his damaged eye covered with a cloth patch.
Joffrey's new King's Guard, Sandor Clegane was fighting with a Hedge knight on the walls wearing his snarling dog helmet. Sandor was swinging a large spiked mace which he used to disarm his opponent and then knock him over the wall where he fell and was killed on impact. Joffrey smiled in amusement "Well struck dog." He cheered and was delighted at the sight on another man's death and then he looked at Lady Sansa "Did you like that girl?" he asked
"Forgive me your Grace" Sansa replied "But I do not enjoy the sight of death."
Joffrey then glared at Sans "Such a pity, but your King wants you to look at the body again. Do now or should I have Ser Meryn show you."
Sansa stared at him for a moment before she turned to look at the body of the fallen Knight. She barely looked at the body for a moment before she quickly turned away. Joffrey looked annoyed as his eye twitched but he sat down on his throne and Sansa gave a sigh of relief and then the next match began.
"Ser Lothor Brune" the announcer said and he pointed as a new knight arrived on the walls "And ser Dontos the Red of House Hollard." Dontos was the only remaining member of House Hollard. House Hollard had been a noble house from the Crownlands and were sworn to House Darkyln of Duskendale. But during the Defiance of Duskendale when Lord Dennis Darkyln captured king Aerys II, the Darkylns were whipped out, every distant relative of house Darkyln was killed and the Hollards were killed as well since they helped. Only Ser Dontos was spared since he was a child and Ser Barristan begged King Aerys for the boy's life as payment for his deed in rescuing the King. But Dontos seemed to be running late for some reason. "Ser Dontos the Red" the Announcer said
"Sorry" came a voice "I'm here" It was Ser Dontos, only it seemed that he was drunk and he hadn't put his armour on right and as he ran, he dropped his helmet. "My apologises your Grace."
"Are you drunk?" Joffrey asked
Dontos took off his helmet and looked at the King "No... No your Grace. I had two cups of wine."
"Two cups?" Joffrey questioned "That's not much at all. Have another cup."
"Are you sure Your Grace?" Dontos asked
"Yes" Joffrey sneered "Two cups, have as much as you like. It is my name day."
"I'll be honoured Your Grace" Dontos replied
Joffrey sneered and turned to Ser Meryn Trant "Ser Meryn help Ser Dontos celebrate my name day. See that he drinks his fill."
Ser Meryn along with Ser Mandon Moore approached Dontos and then they punched him in the chest much to the shock of the crowd. Then they forced Dontos to his knees and Ser Meryn held Dontos' mouth open and placed a large tube into his mouth while Ser Mandon poured a barrel of wine down his throat which would cause him to drown.
Sansa, Myrcella and many others including The Hound all watched in disgust as the Kingsguard did what they were told. "You can't!" Sansa gasped "You'll kill him."
"What did you just say?" Joffrey demanded "Did you just say that I can't? I am the King, I can do what I like."
"I'm just saying that you can't kill a man on your name day" Sansa said "its bad luck."
Joffrey laughed "What kind of superstitious nonsense is that" he laughed "Where did you hear that."
"The girl is right" Sandor said "When a man serves on his name day, he reaps all year."
Joffrey snorted in annoyance and then he turned to his Kingsguards and they let Dontos go only for him to vomit the wine they had forced down his throat. Joffrey looked at him "Take him away" he ordered "I'll have this fool killed tomorrow."
Sansa then had an idea "You're so clever to see it Your Grace" she said "He'll make a much better fool than a knight. He doesn't deserve the mercy of a quick death.
Joffrey thought for a moment and then he sneered at Dontos "You hear the lady Dontos?" he said "For this day forward you are my new fool."
"Thank you your Grace" Dontos chocked as he coughed up the last of the wine "And thank you my lady, thank you."
Sansa quietly sighed in relief, she had managed to save this man's life from a King who was starting to show signs of Madness. Although she felt pity for Dontos who was now the Fool for a Mad King.
"Beloved Nephew" came a voice.
Everyone watched as Tyrion Lannister came into the Arena along with his sellsword friend Bronn along with several other Sellsword.
"We looked for you on the Battlefield but you were nowhere to be found" Tyrion said and Sansa could see the sarcasm and mockery in his voice.
"I've been here, ruling the Seven Kingdoms." Joffrey sneered; he was a bit surprised to see his uncle.
"Ah and you've done a fine job of that." Tyrion mocked "You've managed to start a Civil war and it's only the start of your Rule. I have to say that I love your new scar, it makes you look terrifying, that will put fear into your enemies." Joffrey sneered at that, his mew scar where he lost his eye did make him look scary and then Tyrion turned to Lady Sansa "And Lady Sansa, I give my apologizes for your father's passing."
Sansa looked surprised while Joffrey sneered "Her father was a traitor to the crown and a servant of my traitor brother."
"But he was still this girl's father!" Tyrion snapped
"I'm glad you are here uncle" came the voice of Joffrey's brother Tommen, he too was worried because his oldest brother was showing signs of madness and his other older brother was fighting a rebellion to overthrow him.
"Well I'm glad to here too" Tyrion said "And I am glad I'm not dead, not if you don't mind, I have some work to do."
"What work"? Joffrey demanded "Why are you here Imp." Tyrion just smirked at him.
...
Small Council Chambers:
Inside the Small council Chambers, the small council met up. The Queen Regent Cersei was leading the small council and they had Grand Maester Pycelle and Varys the Spider. There were also a few new additions to take the absent places on the Small Council. Andens had taken a place on the small council and Cersei had brought Lord Gyles Rosby, an old and sickly man who coughs frequently to take the place as Master of Coin and Ser Bennard Brune had taken the role of Master of Laws. Ser Lothor Brune had taken a place on the Kingsguard to replace the dead Preston Greenfield while another knight Ser Osmund Kettleblack had taken the dead Boros Blount.
Pycelle presented a cage with a white raven in to the small council "My lords, this arrived from the citadel, a white raven which marks the end of this summer, the longest in living memory."
"A longer summer suggests a longer winter" Varys said
"Pure superstition" Pycelle grunted as he waved his hand.
"Never the less, we have enough food for a Five year winter." Gyles Rosby said "If it lasts longer then we will have fewer peasants."
"Let's not forget about this war" Bennard Brune spoke up "Not all of the houses of the Crownlands have pledged fealty to King Joffrey. Some have declared for the traitor Martin and Stannis Baratheon."
"Which Houses still remain loyal to the True King?" Cersei asked
"Houses Blount, Brune, Buckwell, Byrch, Bywater, Cressey, Edgerton, Follard, Gaunt, Harte, Hayford, Kettleblack, Pyle and Stokeworth had declare for us" Rosby said "But we don't have many men and the more power houses like Rykker and Velaryon had declared for Martin and they are supported by Houses Bar Emmon, Celtiger, Chyttering, Farring, Manning, Mallery, Rambton, Staunton, Sunglass and Wendwater." Rosby said
"With House Rykker surporting the traitor, it means that they have a base of operations in the Crownlands at Duskendale." Bennard spoke.
"The city is filling with refugees from the War." Andens added "Many are fleeing the war in the Riverlands and we are running out of space."
"Then do your job Commander" Cersei spoke, she didn't care about Refugees from the war "Shut the city Gates, don't let the peasants in, they belong in the field, not our capital."
Then there was whistle and everyone turned to see the Queen's brother Tyrion Lannister enter the small council chambers "Don't get up" Tyrion said "Stay seated and I see that you are looking as beautiful as ever sister."
"What are you doing here?" Cersei demanded
"Well I've been on quite an adventure." Tyrion smirked "I pissed of the end of the world, I slept in a Sky Cell, I witness the arrest of a Great Lady, I fought in a battle." Tyrion wasn't answering Cersei's question.
"What are you doing here?" Cersei demanded again "This is the Small Council Chambers."
"I believe the Hand of the King is welcome in these meetings." Tyrion said
"Joffrey named Tywin Lannister as Hand of the King" Cersei said
"He did but in his absence" Tyrion handed Varys the scroll that his father had written naming him as acting Hand of the King.
"Your father has named Tyrion Lannister as acting Hand of the King while he is off fighting in the Riverlands." Varys said
"OUT ALL OF YOU OUT!" Cersei yelled in anger and then all of the Small council members left and Cersei looked at her brother "I want to know how you tricked father into this."
Tyrion laughed "If I was capable of tricking father I would be emperor of the World by now" he sneered "And father wants me to make sure you don't stain the Lannister name anymore and put an end to all of these follies."
"What follies?" Cersei demanded
"Well your actions have started a Civil War" Tyrion said "You put Joffrey on the Throne even though Martin was named heir and don't say the Will was forged because I know better. You wanted the son of yours on the throne and you can't control him, now we have half the Kingdom in rebellion. Two Rebellions in fact, your second son Martin fights and he has the backing of the North, Riverlands and Vale. While Renly Baratheon has the support of the Reach while the Stormlands are fighting each other. And there are other things like dismissing Barristan Selmy."
"Barristan Selmy was an old man" Cersei smirked "We needed someone to blame and Varys suggested Barristan and we had him dismissed."
"That old man still has a name for himself in the Seven Kingdoms" Tyrion hissed "And now he has declared himself for Martin and now he has expert advisors serving him. And you brought this on yourself."
"I've done nothing." Cersei defended
"That is the point!" Tyrion snapped "You've done nothing, that boy King is doing whatever he wishes which is causing him to lose support even in his own Bannermen while Martin gains more. If Joffrey counties to act like this these actions will haunt the Lannister family for generations which Father will not like."
"Robb Stark and my second son are children" Cersei laughed
"And they have won every battle!" Tyrion snapped again "Martin defeated our father at the Battle of Dragon Bridge. Your husband won every battle in his rebellion except for one, the Battle of Ashford and the man who defeated him at that battle fights for Martin. We are losing the war."
"What do you know about warfare?" Cersei demanded
"Not much but I know more than you" Tyrion claimed "Battles require tactics not charging into a fight and that's what King Joffrey will do if he doesn't learn. And I know people and I know that the people love Martin and Hate Joffrey and they would love to see him on the throne and if you think about slaughtering them forget it because it won't work."
"There is a resistance movement" Cersei said "If we eliminate them"
"Then they will just move somewhere else." Tyrion said "The only way for Joffrey to keep his throne is to act like a King, not a vicious Idiot."
Cersei looked at him "Joffrey is King."
"Joffrey is King" Tyrion repeated 'Until Martin gets here that is.' He thought
"And you are here to advise him" Cersei added
"And I am here to advise him" Tyrion repeated "And if he listens then he might just keep hold of his throne."
Cersei looked at him as Tyrion drank some wine from his goblet.
Oxcross: Westerlands:
The village of Oxcross was just a small trading village 3 days ride north east of Lannisport and west of the Golden Tooth. The village was small but it was a popular trade destination for travellers in the Westerlands. This was also where Stafford Lannister was raising his army for Tywin Lannister.
Stafford Lannister was both Tywin's cousin and brother in law as his sister Joanna was Tywin's wife before she died in childbirth. Stafford was the son of Tywin's uncle, Jason Lannister, the younger brother of Tytos Lannister, Tywin's father. Stafford is married to Myranda Lefford and had three children, Daven, Cerenna and Myrielle. However Stafford was not a war leader and Daven was a better military commander but he was still Tywin's cousin and had respect. In his earlier years, he had been taken hostage by Lady Ellyn Reyne when her husband, Waldron Tarbeck was imprisoned along with two Lannisters from Lannisport. Right now, Stafford was raising men for Tywin though he knew that these men were to fight for Prince Martin but the men were inexperienced and would take time to travel. He had failed to put up scouts because he knew that Robb Stark would not attack them, though he had claimed it was because the Mountains surrounding them would hold any forces of. His force also included House Westerling's men led by Ser Reynald and the Brax men led by Ser Flement Brax. However, Flement's uncle Rupert was also with Stafford's army and Flement didn't trust him. Lord Roland Crakehall was here as well and Flement knew he had to be careful around him as well as he was loyal to the Queen Cersei. Flement believed that he could trust Lord Antario Jast and Ser Lymond Vikary who were good men but he would have to be careful. But when the forces of Prince Martin entered the Westerlands, they would Hand Roland over and then assist in helping secure the Westerland for Prince Marin and the men of Houses Brax and Westerling were ready. Flement was also happy that his father's remains had been returned to his castle at Hornvale where he could be laid to rest."
Winterfell: Godswood:
Brandon Stark had enough dream. This one was a vision of the past again though it showed 5 figures trying to do some kind of ritual. One man who was clearly the leader asked another man dressed in a black robe if this ritual would work while the other man said it would. But during the ritual the black robed man betrayed the others and the leader rose into the air as black smoke came from his body while Bran watched in horror.
Bran woke up in bed and later he spoke to Dancia about this new dream. Dancia looked at bit shocked. "I always thought that was just a story." She gasped
"What did I just see?" Bran asked
"Well before the defeat of Alduin and the rise of the Septim Empire, the world was in chaos after the lands began fighting each other." Dancia said "Varen Aquilarious, the son of a duke overthrew the current ruler and crowned himself Emperor. But only the Amulet of Kings proves that you are an Emperor and so Varen feared he would be seen as a pretender. So he gathered up the Five Companions to help make himself Dragonborn. First there was Lyris Titanborn, the daughter of Giants and the tallest woman ever. Abnur Tharn, an imperial Battlemage. Sai Sahan the Emperor's bodyguard and Mannimarco, a powerful necromancer. This Ritual was suppose to make Varen Dragonborn but Mannimarco betrayed Varen and broke the seal between this world and Oblivion allowing his master the Daedric Prince Molag Bal to open Dark Anchors. But this was so long ago even I thought it was just a story.
Bran looked unsure at this so he went to the Godswood to calm down "You've been having those vision dreams again." The wildling Osha said
"I don't dream" Bran insisted
"Everyone dreams" Osha claimed
"I don't" Bran snorted and then he looked up at the sky where a Red Comet had been sighted. For the last few days, there had been a large Red comet in the sky and many men saw it as an omen. That Robb and Prince Martin will win a great victory."
"I've heard other men talking" Osha said "They say that the comet is Lannister Red. Which is an omen that the Lannisters will soon rule all of Westeros." She then snorted "The Red Comet only means one thing. Dragons."
Essos:
Unknown to most people, dragons had been reborn into the world. Daenerys Targaryen had birthed 3 dragons and though they were small, Daenerys loved them like her own children. One dragon had black scales and was the largest of the three dragons, this one she named Drogon after her dead husband Drogo. Then she had a green scaled dragon that she named Rhageal after her brother Rhaegar Targaryen. The last one she had a problem naming. This Dragon had bronze and white coloured scales and she had thought about naming him after her brother Viserys but because Viserys had betrayed her, she could have that so after some thinking, she decided to name her dragon after her legendary ancestor, Aegon I and called her final dragon as Aego. All three of her dragons were male and now they were the most important to her.
Everyone had seen the Red Comet in the sky which they saw as an omen. Farengar had explained that this was a sign that Dragons had returned to the world but they needed a plan.
"So what is our plan then Khaleesi?" Jorah asked
"Well we must find a safe place to go." Daenerys replied
"Well now that you have dragon, you are even more unsafe now" Farengar said
"He's right" Jorah said "If we go west towards the free cities the nobles there would kill you and take your dragons. Or we would run into some of the remaining Dothraki who would take your dragons. And if we went towards Lhazar, the Lhazareen would kill you and take your dragons."
"No one will take my Dragons" Daenerys hissed
"Well we must come up with a plan" Farengar said "The closest cities to here is Qarth but that means travelling across the Red Waste and we barely have any water."
"What do you know of Qarth?" Daenerys asked
"Well they are one of the richest cities in Essos." Farengar said "They are the last of the city states that were established here before the Fall of Valyria, but during the Century of Blood, the Dothraki sacked and destroyed most of them. Qarth is the link to the Jade Sea so sailers must pass through Qarth to get to the Jade Sea which makes the city as a key port linking Eastern and Western Essos. The city is ruled by a council of Thirteen but they would not be happy about the Dothraki being here so even if we did reach Qarth, we may not be allowed in the city then the trip would have been wasted."
"So what can we do?" Daenerys asked
"Well…" Farengar started "There is someone who could help us. But there is a chance that he may not be able to."
"Who is this person?" Jorah asked
"An old friend of mine" Farengar said "His name is Calcelmo, he's a scholar on the Dwemer. An Ancient race that settled on Essos thousands of years ago. The last time I heard from him he was doing some research at a Dwemer Ruin not too far from here."
"Can we trust him?" Daenerys asked
"Well Calcelmo has no connections with any nobles in Essos" Farengar said "He also does not desire wealth or power so I doubt he works for any power hungry people. Though there is one slight issue. Calcelmo is very protective of his research and may not like having Dothraki with him. Though if he saw me then he might be a bit friendlier."
Daenerys though for a while and then she made her choice "Take us to your friend" she said to Farengar "We need anyone who can help us."
Beyond the Wall:
Jon Snow along with the Dawnguard and Night's Watch members had stopped at a small homestead beyond the Wall. They had passes through several Wildling settlements and have only found them abandoned but this one was still inhabited. The owner of this settlement was a man known as Craster. Craster was the Bastard son of a man from the Night's Watch and a wildling woman. Craster had been brought up beyond the wall and had been a strong man once, though now he was nearing the end of his life and his head was getting bald and he had a thick bushy grey beard. Craster was regarded as a tenuous friend to the Night's Watch and is not as hostile to the Night's Watch though he is not too fond of the Watch either though he does have useful information.
Jon, Agmaer and Grenn approached the wooden hut that was the main keep and there were a few other small buildings which were used to hold pigs that Craster raised for food.
"So this is Craster's Keep" Grenn said
"So Mormont thinks that we can get information here." Jon said
"Craster has provided information for the Watch in the past" Eddison Tollett or better known as Dolorous Edd said "I used to live in a place like this, no better off than the Smallfolk until the Wandering Crow Yoren recruited me."
Agmaer then noticed that there were a lot of girls among the Keep "Are those girls?" he asked
"There are woman among the Dawnguard" Grenn said "Like Sorine"
"Yes but she's a grown woman and many of these are just young girls" Agmaer claimed
"They're Craster's Daughters" Edd said "And I wouldn't keep looking at them if I were you."
"Does Craster not like people messing with his wives?" Agmaer asked
Edd shook his head and looked at them in disgust "He doesn't like people messing with his wives" Jon, Agmaer and Grenn gave him a shocked look "He marries his daughters and they give him more daughters and on and on it goes."
"That's foul" Agmaer spat
"It's beyond foul" Grenn agreed
"What happens if they have boys?" Jon asked
"I don't think that we know what happens. We passed through several Wildling villages and they were all empty but Craster is still here." Edd added "Why is that."
"I don't think Craster will say why" Jon said "But let's go see Isran and Mormont."
Later Jon was inside the small wooden hut that was the main keep. The keep was small but there was a fire for the heat and many of Craster's daughters who were trying to keep their eyes off the men. Mormont and Isran sat next to Craster who sat by the fire. Gunmar, Sorine and Serena had joined them.
"He said that he would stop off here before he headed up to the Frostfangs" Mormont said to Craster.
"I haven't seen Benjen Stark in three years" Craster said as he ate a bit of meat "Never cared about him, always treated me like Scum." Then Craster looked at Mormont "You southerners make good wine I'll give you that."
"We're not Southerners" Jon spoke up which caused Craster to look at him.
"You are from South of the wall" Craster laughed "Up here we call everyone below the Wall Southerners. You sure look like you can fight, what's your name boy?"
"His name is Jon Snow" Serena hissed "And he is twice the man you will ever be."
"You sure are pretty" Craster mocked "You his bed warmer?"
"I would prefer him more than you" Serena hissed
"I'm kind of glad we brought our field tents with us" Sorine said "I'd rather not stay here."
"Same with me" Gunmar spoke "If you don't mind I must check on Bran and the other dogs." Gunmar then left the hut.
Then Mormont spoke up "We passed through six villages on our way here and they were all empty. No one living there at all." He said "Where have they all gone?"
"I could tell you but I'm thirsty" Craster said
Mormont snorted and looked at one of the Stewarts "There's a barrel of Dornish Wine on the Sledge, bring it here."
Craster nodded in satisfaction "You want to know where they've all gone?" he said "They've all gone North to join up with Mance Rayder, the King beyond the wall."
"And what does Mance plan to do with them all?" Mormont added
Craster looked at another Night's Watchmen "That's a nice looking axe" he remarked
Mormont sighed as he knew what Craster was saying "Give it to him, we'll get you another one."
The axe was given to Craster who examined the axe for a while and he looked at Mormont "You want to know what Mance Rayder is up to? He's gathering an army and from what I hear, he's got a larger kingdom that any of those Southern Kings have."
"And what does he plan to do with this army?" Mormont asked
"When you are this far North there is only one place you can lead an army. South" Craster smirked and Jon widened his eyes, Robb had taken most of the Northern fighting force South to fight for Prince Martin. If a wildling army invaded then they would be unable to fight them. The North needed to know about this. "I suppose you'll be wanting to sleep beneath my roof?" Craster added
"We brought our own Field tents with us" Isran said "We'll be sleeping outside."
"Good I don't want any of you Dawnguard in here" Craster sneered
"A roof would be welcome" Mormont said "We have brought our own food and we plan to get moving tomorrow when the snows have died down a bit and the carts are mended."
"You can stay" Craster said "But if anyone lays a hand on my daughter, they will lose the hand."
"Your house, your rules" Mormont said
Later outside, Mormont pulled Isran and Jon aside "I know you have a problem with Craster but I ask that you don't cause any problems" he asked "The information Craster gives us is important."
"Craster will not start anything when he knows that I welcome the chance to kill him" Isran said "But I just hope that we can find out what Mance is doing, with the Civil war going on, then the last thing we need is a Wilding Invasion."
"Well we can get those Carts mended and then we can meet up with the Halfhand at the Fist" Mormont said
Then Mormont left and Isran turned to Jon "Be careful around Craster" he said "I don't like the guy and I don't trust so you should stay with your Wolf and stay by the carts."
"Understood Grandmaster." Jon said
The Narrow Sea:
Alessia sat at the stern of the Dainty Sload as the ship went through the waves. Orthus stood at the wheel as he helped the ship steer. The Dainty Sload was a large vessel for a merchant ship but it was the pride of the East Empire Company.
"So are you enjoying the view?" Willas asked as he approached him along with Gendry
"I'm just looking back at the city" Alessia answered "I'm worried about what Joffrey is going to do. I hit him and he lost his eye and now people are saying that he is acting as Mad as the Mad King. I'm worried that there will be no city for Martin to take if Joffrey does something stupid."
"Well Martin has a lot of support and I'm sure that he will be just fine." Willas said and then he looked at Gendry "So Gendry, what do you think of this."
"Well it is a lot to take in" Gendry said "I was born in King's Landing and I knew that I was a Bastard. My mother was a tavern wench and I never knew my father."
"Well you will now" Alessia said "Gendry, your father is King Robert. My father so that makes us half siblings."
Gendry stared in shock "I'm the son of the King" he gasped
"That is the reason Jon Arryn and Eddard Stark came to see you." Alessia said "They were looking for all of my father's bastard children."
"Why would they do that?" Gendry asked
"Well normally I would think that they was trying to see how the King's Bastard children were doing but I know the real reason why" Alessia replied "It seems that only Martin and I are the only true born children of King Robert."
"But don't you have three other siblings?" Gendry asked "King Robert has five children with his queen."
"Sadly Joffrey, Tommen and Myrcella are not sons of King Robert" Willas said sadly "It seems that the Queen has been cheating on the King with her twin brother Jaime."
"I had always wondered why my other three siblings looked nothing like my father" Alessia added "Apparently my uncle Stannis and hand of the King Jon Arryn found it odd too and they found that every Baratheon always has black hair so they realised that Joffrey, Tommen and Myrcella are not true Baratheons and therefore have no claim to the throne. Eddard told me the truth before he died."
"I still don't understand why the Queen would do this?" Willas wondered
"Because she hated my father" Alessia replied "I always knew that my parents despised each other. It was always Lyanna Stark my father wanted to marry and my mother hated that and also the fact that my father kept sleeping with other woman. He has many Bastards across the Kingdoms such as Mya Stone in the Vale and also Edric Strom in the Stormlands." Alessia then looked at Gendry "You Gendry look a lot like my father in his younger years that is how I know that you are a bastard son of my father which puts you in danger."
Willas continued "Any of King Robert's Bastard Children have a bigger claim to the Iron Throne than Joffrey which makes them a threat to him. But that is not the only reason why we wanted to bring you with us Gendry."
"You were apprentice to Tobho Mott." Alessia said "He is one of the greatest Blacksmiths in the known world and is one of the few who knows how to reforged Valyrian Steel. An apprentice who learnt that may come in handy as I know that Martin is looking for someone to become the new Blade's forgemaster since the old one is starting to get old."
Gendry looked at her in shock, the Princess was offering him a place among the royal bodyguards to be someone who forges their weapons and armour "I'll be honoured" he gasped
Alessia smiled "Martin is going to like you when he meets you."
It was then that Orthus walked over after he left the Wheel to his First Mate. "Well we should be reaching Dragonstone soon and we may run into the Onion Knight Ser Davos Seaworth."
Ser Davos was a knight in the employment of Stannis. He had once been a smuggler who had been on board a ship called the Cobblecat when its captain was executed by the Night's Watch for selling weapons to the Wildlings. Davos soon became one of the most infamous smugglers in the known world but what made him known was that he saved Stannis Baratheon during the Siege of Storm's End.
After the victory at Ashford, the forces of Mace Tyrell laid siege to Robert's home of Storm's End. Or a better way was that they tried to starve him out. Stannis was reduced to eating rats and glue but remained stubborn and refused to surrender even when his forces were starving and some lords tried to get him to surrender. It was only Ser Davos who smuggled Onions and Dried fish through the blockade by the Redwyne Fleet and helped the people survive until Eddard Stark lifted the Siege. Davos was knighted for his actions but as punishment for his past crimes, the fingertips of his non sword hand were cut off. Davos accepted if Stannis did the deed himself. Stannis did and Davos kept the bones in a pouch around his neck.
Alessia noticed the way that Orthus spoke about Davos "Are you not too fond of Ser Davos?" she asked
"Well he is a good man" Orthus replied "And he did save the lives of Stannis Baratheon, but he is a former smuggler and they can't be good. It just reminds me of how I got this ship."
"Wait how did the East Empire Company get this ship?" Willas asked "I thought Martin gave it as a gift."
"Well that is true" Orthus spoke "But before this was the Pride of the East Empire Company, it was sailed by the sailor Captain Volf. He was the Captain of this ship and another infamous smuggler. However Prince Martin received a tip that this ship was carrying a highly illegal substance called Balmora Blue."
"Balmora Blue, what is that?" Alessia asked "I've never heard of it."
"It a rare substance now" Orthus said "It is an alcoholic beverage but also a drug which is very illegal. The stuff is beyond value now but if you are caught with it, you will be looking forward to a long time in prison. Well when the guards searched the ship they found some Balmora Blue inside Captain Volf's footlocker. Volf was arrested for smuggling and his ship was seized and gifted to the East Empire company."
"Well we won't have to wait long to see uncle Stannis" Alessia said and then she pointed to the horizon "There's a ship approaching us."
Everyone looked and saw that there was a ship approaching them and then when the ship got close enough, they saw that it was the Black Betha, the ship of Davos Seaworth. The two ships came alongside each other and then a gangplank was placed between the ships and they were greeted by a man with greying balding hair and a thick beard. It was Davos Seaworth, the onion Knight as people nicknamed him.
"Princess Alessia, Ser Willas" Davos greeted "It is good to see you two again."
"It's good to see you as well Ser Davos" Alessia greeted "We are glad to see you."
"Well Stannis Baratheon remains loyal to King Martin." Davos said "He has begun gathering support for Martin but it is not that easy since Stannis is not well loved. Many of the Stormlords have declared support for Renly. But I'm afraid that we have another problem."
"And what is this problem" came the voice of Barristan Selmy. Barristan had come along with Alessia and Willas saying he would be useful with them. Arya Stark and her sword trainer, Syrio Forrel stayed in King's Landing saying that they wanted to aid the Resistance in the Crownlands.
Davos sighed "Shortly after the civil war started, Dragonstone was visited by this Red Priestess called Melisandre. She has begun preaching about the Red God from Essos or R'hllor. Normally I wouldn't really care as I have never been that devout but she has taken to burning the statues of the Seven from the Sept of Dragonstone as offerings. That has me worried because that may cost us some support. Some minor houses have spoken out against this but Stannis has done nothing."
Alessia sighed "I will look into this but there may be nothing I can do. But I can try, we need all the support we can get."
"I'll get us to Dragonstone as fast as we can."
Dragonstone: Beach:
Dragonstone was a large island stronghold in the Narrow Sea, it was the most western point of the Valyrian Freehold and was conquered by the Targaryens. Some say it was to be used as a trading post with Westeros, others claim it may have been used as a base for if the Freehold decided to invade Westeros. After the Doom of Valyria, the Targaryens used Dragonstone as a base before they invaded Westeros. Dragonstone was the seat of the Targaryen heirs as the heir to the Targaryen throne was known as the Prince of Dragonstone. At the end of Robert's Rebellion, the remaining Targaryen's fled to Dragonstone where Queen Rhaella Targaryen died giving birth to Daenerys Targaryen during a storm that destroyed the Targaryen Fleet. Stannis Baratheon led the siege of Dragonstone and took the island stronghold though the Targaryens were able to escape with help from Ser Wilhelm Darry.
Dragonstone was built like the old Valyrian ways and had dragon statues all over the castle. The Castle was built below a volcano which formed the Island and this gave the island and castle a dark reputation. Down by the beach, many of Dragonstone's people had gathered as a Red Priestess gave a speech while the statues of the Seven were set on fire. The oldest brother of the Late King Robert, Stannis Baratheon watched.
Stannis Baratheon was not well loved but he did take his duty very seriously. He had a balding head and a serious look on his face. Stannis had no love for any gods, as a young boy he had watched as his parents were killed in a storm from Storm's End and he refused to worship any gods after that. Stannis had held out in Storm's End for a year during the Siege of Storm's End during Robert's Rebellion. Stannis was reduced to eating Rats and Glue and nearly died of starvation until Davos smuggled food in and Eddard Stark lifted the Siege. But Stannis received no thanks for his deed; King Robert thanked Eddard for lifting the siege even though Stannis had held Storm's End for a year. Then Stannis led the Siege of Dragonstone and took the Targaryen fortress though the remaining children managed to escape. Robert named Stannis the lord of Dragonstone as a reward though Stannis took this as a slight since Dragonstone was gloomy compared to Storm's End. Stannis last victory was during the Greyjoy Rebellion where he led the royal forces during the battle of Fair Island where he defeated the Iron Fleet and captured Balon Greyjoy's brother Aeron and destroyed his ship the Golden Storm.
"Lord of light" Melisandre spoke "Come to us in our darkness. We offer these false gods. Take them and cast your light upon us. For the Night is Dark and full of terrors."
"For the Night is Dark and Full of Terrors" the people chanted
"After the long summer" Melisandre continued "Darkness will fall heavy on the world. Stars will bleed. The Cold breath of winter shall freeze the seas. And the Dead shall rise in the North."
Maester Cressen watched in horror as the statues burnt. Cressen was nearly 80 years old and frail with a bad hip so he had trouble walking. He had once been the Maester of Storm's End and had taught Robert, Stannis and Renly and he basically raised them. Stannis had always been his favourite since he lacked the charm Robert and Renly had and Stannis needed him more than his brothers. Cressen had convinced Stannis not to place some prisoners in a catapult when they tried to surrender during the Siege of Storm's End. Cressen followed Stannis to Dragonstone.
"We need to stop her" Cressen spoke to Stannis
"Not now" Stannis said "I agreed to allow her to perform her ceremony to show that I do not forbid her or anyone else from worshipping the Red God. I will hear no more about it."
Cressen then attempted to stop this so he went in front of the crowd to speak "All of you were named in the Light of the Seven. Is this how you treat the Gods of your fathers? Are you so eager to spit on your ancestors?" Cressen stopped when he noticed that no one cared
Melisandre came up to him "You smell of fear. Fear and piss and old bones. You want to stop me? Stop me." She said and then she went back to the crowd "Martin Baratheon is the one true King. He has the blood of ancients in him. In the Ancient books and man similar to him help lead a great victory against a dark foe. A man who formed an Empire and a man who could speak to Dragons. Martin Baratheon has that same blood, he shall have the power to bring that lost knowledge back." Cressen watched as one of Melisandre's followers brought out a large box that had a cluster of five Dragon eggs in. Eggs that had been gathered from the volcanic Caverns of Dragonstone.
Later that Day:
The Black Betha and the Dainty Sload swept into the small port of Dragonstone. Barristan, Alessia, Willas and Gendry along with Davos disembarked the ship and the headed up to Dragonstone.
This was Willas and Gendry's first time at Dragonstone, Alessia had been before when Robert had taken her on a trip to see Stannis. They entered the Great Hall of Dragonstone that was shaped like a Dragon on its stomach. Then they went up one of the Dragon shaped towers, the Sea Dragon Tower and then they went for the Stone Drum which served as the central Keep of Dragonstone, named for the rumbling sounds it makes during storms. They arrived on the top floor at the Chamber of the Painted Table. The Chamber of the Painted table was the meeting room of Dragonstone and it had a large table with Westeros Painted on it. This was where Aegon the Conquer planned his invasion of Westeros. They met with Stannis Baratheon who had gathered the lords of Dragonstone including Lord Monford Velaryon of Driftmark.
"Princess Alessia" Stannis greeted "It is great to see you again."
"It is good to see you too uncle Stannis" Alessia greeted
"And Ser Barristan" Stannis greeted "I'm glad to see a fine swordsman like you here."
"I may be old but I can still fight." Barristan said "But I can still fight. Martin always respected me and now he is fighting for the throne. I should be at his side."
"Well Martin needs every person he can get" Stannis said and then he looked at Willas "And Ser Willas, I am surprised to see you, I thought your father declared for my brother Renly."
"My father is just an old fool" Willas snorted "He thinks so highly of himself and he tried to use me to gain more power. Gaining power is easy but keeping hold of it is another. Prince Martin saw me as a friend and friends stay with each other. I don't care about what my father says I will always remain loyal to Martin. Besides, I could never leave my love behind." Willas smiled at Alessia who smiled back.
Stannis was a little shocked at this. He didn't know that his niece was in a relationship with the Master of Coin Willas Tyrell. Stannis then looked at Gendry and was shocked again when he saw his older brother Robert in this boy.
"This is Gendry" Alessia said "One of my father's bastards. I brought him with us, he may prove useful, he was apprenticed to master smith Tobho Mott. He might prove useful to the Blades."
Stannis looked at Alessia "Are you aware of the truth about your Joffrey's parentage as well as Myrcella and Tommen's?" he asked
Alessia nodded sadly "I heard the rumours before" she said "And Eddard told me before he died. But that doesn't change anything about Myrcella or Tommen. I don't care about Joffrey, he was always a spoilt brat but I love Tommen and Myrcella with all my heart."
"Robert was not their father" Stannis said
"I know but I can't ruin their lives" Alessia replied "Tommen and Myrcella are too young and they are still sweet children. Martin and I always protected them and I still love them, even if they are not my full siblings. No harm is to come to them. As for Joffrey, Martin will deal with him though he will most likely have a fair trial."
"As you command" Stannis said "So what is the plan?"
"Martin is the one with the plan" Alessia said "He will most likely come here to say his plans. Though his most likely action will be to deal with Renly first."
"Renly calls himself king even though he is King Robert's youngest brother" Willas said "He may have my father and the support of the Reach though the best Commander in the Reach, Randyll Tarly has declared for Martin."
"Well I think we need some rest for now" Alessia said.
So Alessia went to get ready for bed but she saw the Red Priestess waiting for her "I see you in the flames Alessia of house Baratheon." She said "I see that you have a great journey ahead of you just like your brother. And that you shall unlock the secrets of you namesake. Your brother will be the one to unlock one power while you shall unlock another." Then she left leaving Alessia wondering what she had said in her riddles.
Stark/ Baratheon Camp, Riverlands:
The Starks and the Baratheons had joined their armies for now. Martin Baratheon brought Robb Stark and Grandmaster Delphine along to a large cage in the camp. Inside was Martin's uncle Jaime Lannister. He had been captured some time ago and now his long blond hair had become matted and dirty. A dirty beard covered his once shaven face.
"Ah Nephew, Lord Robb Stark" Jaime greeted as he saw them approached "And the leader of Martin's bodyguards. I thought that you would leave me at some castle for safekeeping but instead you drag me from camp to camp. Have you grown fond of me."
"You are our most valuable prisoner" Martin spoke "I'd rather have you close by, makes it harder for someone to free you."
"Martin's right" Robb added "If I left you with one of my Bannermen then your father would find out. All it takes is one letter, free my son and you'll be rich beyond your dreams. Refuse and your house will be destroyed root and stem."
"You don't trust your own Bannermen?" Jaime asked
"I trust my Bannermen" Robb said "Unlike you the North knows that breaking an Oath is breaking a sacred vow. I just don't trust them with your life."
"Smart" Jaime replied
"I want to know the truth Uncle" Martin hissed in a low voice "I have heard the rumours. Were you and my mother really in a Relationship?"
"Are you saying that you believe these foul rumours?" Jaime asked in a quiet voice
"I would never want to believe them" Martin said "But Joffrey, Tommen and Myrcella don't have any Baratheon in them. They looked completely Lannister. Now I would say that they just look like mother but all of my father's bastard children all have a bit of father in them. Also I have seen the Book of Lineages. Every Baratheon has always had Black hair. So I know that they are not my full siblings."
"So that changes your opinion of them?" Jaime questioned
"It doesn't change my opinion of them at all." Martin hissed "I still love Tommen and Myrcella and Joffrey is still a vicious idiot. Mother coddled Joffrey too much and now he is tearing this realm apart. I will not allow that, he now acts just as bad as the Mad King. You surprise me Uncle, I fought you would be more honourable."
"Honourable?" Jaime questioned "What do you know of Honour. People always called me Kingslayer to mock me."
"Well maybe people would think better of you if you told them about how you killed the Mad King so he wouldn't burn King's Landing to the Ground with Wildfire." Martin smirked
Jaime stared wide eyed at that "How... how did you know that I killed the Mad King for that reason."
"Mother and Varys are not the only ones with agents." Martin replied "I have my own and they found one of the Mad King's Wildfire catches. With their help we removed some and threw them into the ocean or diluted the ones we couldn't remove. If I was in your place I would have done the same thing but I would have told everyone. Eddard Stark saw you as a man who broke his oath, not someone who saved the lives of many innocent people."
"You insult yourself Kingslayer" Robb said "I defeated you at the Whispering Wood. Your army besieging Riverrun was scattered. Our rightful King gave your father his first military defeat at the Battle of Dragon Bridge. You are being held captive by me."
It was then that Jaime heard a growl and he turned to see two large creatures come into his cage alongside Robb and Martin. It was Robb's Direwolf Grey Wind who had gotten bigger and was now the size of Robb's Legs and had dark grey fur. Martin's Black furred Jaguar Storm was there as well. Both animals growled at him.
"Your bastard son will soon pay for what he has done" Martin said as both animals got close to Jaime "My mother will also be punished for her actions, not for incest but for not keeping control of Joffrey. She is just as guilty as Joffrey is for anything he does."
Robb then glared at Jaime "You pushed my brother from a window because he saw you with the queen" he hissed "You tried to cover up your crimes and nearly kill my brother. My brother was an excellent climber and I knew he couldn't have just fallen."
"I hope you are ready uncle" Martin said "This war is just the beginning." Then he along with Robb and their pets left.
Later, Martin's command tent:
Later Martin had gathered his main commanders which included Robb Stark along with GreatJon Umber, Rickard Karstark and Roose Bolton representing the North. Randyll Tarly along with Brynden Tully and Edmure Tully had arrived as well and they were just waiting for General Tullius to arrive with Legate Rikke. They soon arrived and saw Tullius arguing with Rikke and Ulfric.
"Remind me why I am wasting men chasing after a fairy tale?" Tullius snorted
"If we had that crown, it would boast to our cause." Rikke said
"She's right" Ulfric agreed "If we had that crown it would help our cause. The Jagged Crown in our King's hands would show that he was chosen by the Gods if the ability to use Dragon Shouts didn't already."
"But this will cost us resources and men which are needed here for the war effort" Tullius countered
Martin sighed "Not this argument again" he said "I have enough on my mind right now."
"What this about?" Robb asked
Martin sighed "Ulfric's second in command Galmar Stone Fist believes that he has found the location of the ancient Jagged Crown."
"The Jagged Crown?" GreatJon gasped "You mean the warrior crown that King Harald wore while he fought alongside Tiber Septim."
"The very crown" Ulfric said "Not that long ago there was a land slide near Windhelm and an old tomb was uncovered. Galmar investigated and he believes that it is the tomb where the Jagged Crown is."
The Jagged Crown and King Harald were ancient legends in the North. While Tiber Septim fought the Dragons and Alduin, King Harald fought alongside him against the Dragon cult and defeated the cult at Forelhost. Harald had a crown made from the bones and teeth of ancient Dragons which became part of his Bloodline. After Harald's death, his descendents wore the crown until King Borgas lost the crown when he was killed during a Wild Hunt in what is now Sothoryos. His body and crown were said to have been brought back and buried in a secret location.
"That crown hasn't been seen in thousands of years" Rickard Karstark scoffed
"That what I have been saying" Tullius said "This could just be a waste of time."
"But if the crown really is there then it could help boast Martin's Claim to the throne" Ulfric added
"How do we know the crown is in this tomb you have found?" Roose Bolton asked
"Well that's the thing" Rikke added "We don't know for certain."
Martin sighed, he didn't want to see an argument start "I'll allow Galmer to gather a small force and search this tomb, but if it turns out to be a waste of time then he will find himself being demoted."
"Don't worry your Grace" Ulfric said "It won't be. Some of the Northern Mountain Clan such as the Shatter Shields, Cruel Seas, Battle Borns and Grey Winds have agreed to help search."
"Anyway we should get back to our plans" Martin said "My Grandfather says that he is secretly supporting us but he should be careful in case he is deceiving us."
"A good idea" Robb Stark agreed "Tywin Lannister is not to be underestimated."
"We will see when you enter the Westerlands" Martin said "This army being raised at Oxcross is said to be supporting us but we will have to wait and see. For now you should attack the Northern Westerlands where most of the Gold and Silver Mines are. Apart from the Lannisters, the most powerful houses in the Westerlands are the Leffords, the Marbrands and the Crakehalls and these three will be loyal to my mother so we should make them lose moral. Take the Golden Tooth if you can, it will open the gateway to the Westerlands. The Riverlords aided by Bryden Tully will assist in taking out the Mountain. I have a trap prepared for him. I want him to try and attack my small town being built. I want him to be guided there so we can take him out. I would like him alive as I have plans for him."
"Why don't you just kill him?" Roose asked
"I plan to give him as a gift to someone who hates the Mountain more than I do" Martin replied "Tullius and Ulfric will lead the Legions here and besiege Harrenhal to see if Tywin is being truthful."
"Where will you be?" Theon asked
"I'm going to Dragonstone first to meet with uncle Stannis and then I have to go to the Stormlands and deal with Renly. The Stormlords that support me along with the Fourth Legion are in the Stormlands. I will deal with Renly as soon as I can."
"Are you going to kill him?" Karstark wondered
"I hope not" Martin sighed "He is my uncle but he has a weak claim to the throne and he is trying to gain power. He will be no better than my father, he will just be a puppet for the Tyrells just like my father was a puppet for the Lannisters. Lord Randyll will be coming with me along with the new Sixth Legion. The Third Legion will assist Robb when they are able to. That will be all my lords."
The lords left leaving only Martin, Robb, Tullius and Theon Greyjoy behind. Theon approached Martin "May I have a word your Grace?" he asked
"You don't have to call me your grace yet Theon" Martin replied "I won't declare myself King until I take King's Landing."
"Well it never hurts does it" Theon said "Now we know that you have a small fleet but why not attack the Westerlands from the coast, you could blockade Lannisport and take Fair Island and use it as a base."
"I would like to do that" Martin said "But there is a risk of invasion in the north and the fleet will be needed to defend the North as well as transport supplies South."
"Well there is one other way" Theon added "There are others who could attack the Westerlands from the sea. My father has ships and men who knows how to use them."
"Those are men who fought Martin's father and mine." Robb replied
"Unless you give them the right thing." Theon said
"The right to reeve" Martin said grimly "I'm not sure I like that idea. I'm not too fond of these Ironborn raids where they take thralls and Salt Wives. That's little better than Slavery and this could be Dalton Greyjoy all over again."
Dalton Greyjoy was the Lord of the Iron Islands during the Dance of the Dragons, the Targaryen Civil war between Aegon II and Rhaenyra Targaryen. Dalton was known as the Red Kraken and he joined Rhaenyra Targaryen's side in the war. He had already claimed 4 salt wives and the Valyrian Steel Sword Nightfall. During the Dance of the Dragons, he raided the Westerlands while Lord Jason Lannister was fighting in the Riverlands. Lady Johanna closed Casterly Rock but was unable to protect Lannisport. Dalton sacked Lannisport and took grain, gold, trade goods and women as Salt Wives including Lord Jason's Mistress and her daughters. Dalton also sacked Kayce and Fair Island. After the Dance, King Aegon III commanded Dalton to stop his raiding but Dalton ignored this until Dalton's throat was slit by a girl called Tess who threw herself from Faircastle. Because Dalton never took a Rock Wife, there was fighting amongst the Ironborn and Johanna Lannister led a fleet against the Iron Islands and sacked them. One of Dalton's sons was taken back to Casterly Rock and gelded and made the fool. Dalton is viewed as a hero by the Ironborn.
"The Ironborn respect strength" Theon said "You have shown that you are a strong King."
"But your father is one for the Old ways and that's what has me worried" Martin added "Go and talk with your father and see what he says."
"Thank you your Grace" Theon said
"Just one more thing" Martin added "If your father has other ideas just remember one thing. You are not the same person as your father is. Make your own choices, don't make them to impress your father, do what you believe is right." Theon nodded and he left.
As soon as Theon left Tullius looked at him "Are you sure that is wise" he said "Theon may be forced to make a hard choice."
"This will show Balon's true intentions" Martin said as he turned to Tullius "Send messages to Seaguard and tell them to be prepared and be on the lookout. Then inform Deepwood Motte and Moat Cailin, I want them to be prepared if the Ironborn choice to attack the North."
"Why would they do that?" Robb asked
"Because most of the North's fighting force is South here fighting" Martin said "That makes the North venerable and they need to be ready if Balon Greyjoy gets any bright ideas."
"A fair point" Robb said
"Well I am going to be getting ready for going South to the Stormlands" Martin said "And I will be taking my uncle with me."
"Jaime Lannister?" Robb wondered "But why?"
"I don't want to sound rude but I am worried about your mother" Martin said "Remember she suggested we trade Jaime for Sansa. The northern lords won't stand for that and I'm worried that she might free Jaime thinking that the Lannisters will free Sansa. I cannot allow that so it would be best if Jaime remained here under heavy guard."
"Fine take him with you" Robb said "At least we will have something to use against your Grandfather if he breaks his word."
King's Landing, Red Keep Throne Room:
Queen Cersei paused as she entered the Throne Room of the Red Keep. She saw masons on ladders working on the Throne Room. They were changing the style and decorations on the walls. She wondered what was going on and she saw her son ordering the Masons around. Cersei had seen that her son had started to become more vicious after his injury. His left eye had been covered in a patch which covered his now destroyed eye which had been grazed by Alessia's arrow during the rescue of Eddard Stark.
"What's all this son?" Cersei asked her son
"I've decided to give the Throne room a makeover" Joffrey said "The Iron throne was built by a man who conquered the Seven Kingdoms. There should be a Throne which shows that. Plus I want myself to be represented when I finally deal with my brother's rebellion."
Cersei looked at her son "So what are your plans to deal with this resistance?" she asked. Ever since the attempted rescue of Eddard Stark and the start of the Civil War, there had been a growing Resistance in the lands where the Lannisters had control of such as the Crownlands and the Conquered parts of the Riverlands. This resistance had been attacking the patrols and supply waggons which made trade difficult. With the Reach cutting off food supplies, the only food had to come from the crownlands. Rosby and Antlers had been sending food supplies but some were being attacked by the Resistance. More people were now fishing in Blackwater Bay and the Kingswood had been opened to hunters.
Joffrey scoffed "This resistance is weak. They are little more than peasants. We will crush them."
"And how will we do that?" Cersei asked "We don't have the men as many houses have declared for your brother. House Rykker is the most powerful house in the crownlands except for us and they support your brother."
"So what should I do?" Joffrey asked
"We could ask your Grandfather to supply more men" Cersei suggested
"A king doesn't ask" Joffrey snorted "A King commands. But you are right, I could command Grandfather to supply men and we will take Duskendale and put all traitor houses to the sword. But then again, Grandfather has already lost us an important battle at Dragon Bridge. So there are other ways to send a message. Soon this Resistance will understand what happens when you mess with the true king." Joffrey sneered and then he walked off.
Cersei watched as he left, now she was a little worried about what Joffrey was going to do. This war was going badly for them and they needed to find a way to get more men.
Temple of the Divines:
The Temple of the Divines in King's Landing was a small building with shrines to each of the Nine Divines. Each of the Shrines was on a small pedestal which people knelt in front of to pray to the Divines. High Priest Rorlund watched over the people who were praying. The Temple was now filling up with people, many of which were refugees from the war. When the Refugees started flooding into King's Landing, Rorlund had ordered all spare food and spare cloth to be used to help the Refugees. The temple had a charity box which had filled over time and Rorlund had used the money to buy more food and clothes and also to get rid of the money in case the Gold cloaks decided to take the money for the war effort. Rorlund didn't like this war but it had created an interest in the Nine Divines again. More and more people were converting to the Nine Divines each day. Some converted because they saw Martin as the rightful king and converted to support him and others converted because the Faith of the Nine Divines had done something to help them while the Faith of the Seven just sat back and watched. Rorlund personally hated the High Septon who was fat and greedy. The temple had also been converted into a shelter for the refugees so they had places to stay.
Rorlund was walking around as he watched as people prayed to the Divines. The most prayed one at this time was Stendarr the God of Mercy. His shrine was a golden plate with an ale flagon. People were praying to Stendarr for protection from the war. There was one thing Rorlund was concerned about and that was that the Temple was a hot stop for supporters of Martin and that did have Rorlund a bit worried that it might cause this boy King to attack to deal with Martin's supporters. Rorlund soon came across a young woman with auburn hair and wearing a green dress. This woman was Mheagen who had been a woman who converted to the Nine Divines some time ago. She had her young baby daughter Barra with her.
Mheagen was a prostitute from one of the Brothels in King's Landing and was the mother of one of the late King Robert's Bastards. She had thinking that she might have been kicked out of the temple since she was the mother of a bastard and the Faith of the Seven looks down on Bastardry. But the Faith of the Nine Divines didn't and Mheagen was welcome at the Temple. She now came quite often to prey to the Divines. She prayed to Stendarr for protection and Mara for love. She also wanted help for her daughter Barra. Mheagen didn't want her to become a prostitute like her. It was normal for the daughters of prostitutes to be taken from their mother and trained to become a prostate as well. Mheagen talked to Rorlund once and suggested that she could one day learn now to become a Priestess of the Divines but Rorlund wanted the girl to make her own choice when she got older.
"So how are you doing today?" Rorlund asked as he approached Mhaegen
"I'm doing fine" Mhaegen answered "Little Barra is doing fine as well and I'm sure that she will grow up to be happy."
"Well I'm glad to hear that" Rorlund smiled and Mhaegan smiled back and when Barra made a gurgle noise, Rorlund handed some milk over for Barra. But then there was a crash and both of them turned to see Rorlund's wife priestess Freir enter along with Priestess Silana and someone that Mhaegan recognised. It was another prostitute called Daisy who had once been from Haystack Hay. Rorlund went over to ask what was wrong and then Mhaegan picked up Barra who had started crying and began to coo her to calm her down.
"Rorlund, we have a problem!" Frier shouted
"Shh just calm down Frier" Rorlund said "What is happening."
"I'll tell you in a second but is there a woman called Mhaegan here?" Frier asked
"Yes she is just over there why?" Rolund asked as he pointed to Mhaegan.
It was Daisy who answered "I was back in my brothel when that corrupt Andens walked in with some guards. They began searching the brothel and then they took any of the children with black hair and they murdered them."
Rorlund and Mhaegan gasped "Why. Why would they do that?" Rorlund asked shocked
"I don't know but then they asked about Mhaegan and I told them that she wasn't here." Daisy admitted
"I was in the city as well" Silana "The guards were talking that King Joffrey gave orders for every child with black hair to be killed to eliminate any of Late King Robert's children. He wanted to send a message to the Resistance."
"NO!" Mhaegan wailed as she hugged her daughter "My daughter is one of those bastards. They're going to kill my Barra."
"Shh calm down it'll be okay" Rorlund hushed
"What are we going to do?" Frier asked "Those soldiers are going to be here any minute and there are more children here."
Rorlund though for a moment and then he had a plan "I have an idea" he said and he guided Mhaegan to the door to his personal chambers and Silana came with him "All right listen Silana, there is no way I will allow a child to be murdered, and expessially not here in the temple. In my chambers there is a trap door under the rug. It leads to the Ragged Flagon and the Thieves Guild. Take Mhaegan there and talk to Brynjolf. He will know what to do."
Silana nodded and then he went to Rorlund's chambers with Mhaegan and Barra and Rorlund got the trap door open after he moved the rug and allowed them to enter before he closed the door and hit it again. As soon as he left his chambers, he saw Andens with some guards including another traitor, Ulrich who was now in charge of the Fines in the city.
"What is the meaning of this Captain?" Rorlund spat, he hated Andens because of his betrayal. If he didn't have the protection of the King he would have ordered him to leave "This temple is dedicated to worship."
"We are searching for a whore with a bastard baby" Andens hissed "She was not at the brothel and we were told that she comes here. Where is she?"
"If you didn't have the protection of the King I would have ordered you to leave" Rorlund hissed "And as for the woman, there are many women here that prey. I don't expect to know every one of them."
"Then you won't mind if we look around then" Andens sneered
"Do it then." Rorlund spat "But if you cause any trouble then you will leave here. So don't touch the shrines."
Andens and his men searched the temple and they noticed the glares that the people in the temple gave them. They all looked at them with disgust. It was then that Ulrich found the charity box. "Don't bother with that" Frier hissed "that's the charity box that people put donations in. It was emptied to buy things for the refugees. Better that than to be taken by you."
Ulrich then found Rorlund's chambers and after Rorlund reluctantly opened the door, he searched the room but found nothing as Rorlund had covered the trap door earlier. After that, Ulrich turned to Andens "She's not here captain" he said
"Move out then" Andens ordered and he, Ulrich and the others left and did not notice Rorlund sigh in relief.
The Ragged Flagon:
Brynjolf walked along the flagon with Arya Stark. Arya had been training with the Thieves Guild in how to be good at the skills she needed to learn to survive. Cynric had taught her how to pick locks and she had some training in the training room and Delvin had taught her how to sneak. Today she was testing her pick pocketing skills that caught be needed if she needed to steal information. Brynolf and Vipir had been teaching her about how to pickpocket and now she was going to test her skills.
"Okay then little wolf" Brynjolf said "All of these straw dummies at the tables have letters in their pockets. You are to steal the letters without knocking them over as you do that. If you do then if you did that for real, you would be discovered. This skill could be used if you were in an inn full of enemy soldiers. Do you think you are up to it?"
"I can try" Arya said
"Don't worry little wolf" Delvin smirked "Even if you fail you just need some practise."
But before they could start, the watchman Dirge came into the flagon with a priestess, and a young woman who looked like a prostitute who was carrying a sleeping baby.
Brynjolf knew who this woman was "Silana" he greeted "I haven't seen you for a while"
"Well this isn't my favourite place" Silana said "But Rorlund told me to come to you."
"And I take it has something to do with the woman and baby" Delvin asked
Silana nodded "It's the city watch. They're killing children all throughout the city."
"They're what!" the thieves guild member Rune gasped
"I knew that this boy king was horrible but it takes the vilest scum to murder children!" Delvin hissed
"This woman is the mother of one of the late King Robert's bastards." Silana explained "We have to get her out of the city."
"Well I know a way" the bartender Vekel said as he came into the room "The Resistance is sending some people to Duskendale in a few days. She can be smuggled to Duskendale where she should be safe."
Mhaegen smiled "I don't know how I can thank you."
"Just keep your daughter safe" Brynjolf replied "Raise her well."
And so a few days later, Delvin helped smuggle Mhaegen and her daughter hide in one of the Resistance supply wagons which took her to Duskendale. The city watch didn't bother to check the cart fully and they were safe for now.
Chapter end:
Notes: Another chapter finished. Now the story will start going my own way and some chapters may be shorter as they will only focus on certain areas. But the Dragons that a reviewer wanted are coming up but I will need some ideas for names. I'm also starting my final Fanfiction story which will be an Elder Scrolls Dragon age crossover AU. There will be no more fanfictions after that until my other stories are finished