Welcome, welcome, new update for Stag's Fury I hope you enjoy. Like always this is going up earlier on so those that want early access just find me over there at Helghy's Stories, there are some exclusives started and more planned over there as well.
Big shout out to Dragonkw213. As an investor tier member I really appreciate the support it's invaluable.
It's been a bit since I have answered questions in a chapter update but I think there is a point I need to clarify for this one. Some of the reviews have asked essentially what divine abilities Percy has maintained if Annabeth has maintained her intelligence. That kind of misrepresents the situation. Both Percy and Annabeth do have some of that specialness from their previous lifetime as well as broken and scattered memories as nightmares but they don't necessarily have any sort of truly magical gifts beyond what they may have gotten from their own bloodlines here in Westeros.
That being said Annabeth clearly possesses some of her unnatural gift in intelligence and is beyond gifted in roughly the same matters she was in PJO. Percy likewise possesses unnatural gifts in roughly the same matters he had in PJO, while little has been shown of it so far simply due to lack of opportunity, we will see just how beyond normal he is physically both with his skill with a blade and strength, stamina, etc.
No, there is not going to be a storm summoned by Percy, and he can't breathe underwater or even actually be miraculously healed by it. However that doesn't mean he has no affinity for water either. The story will reveal more in that later down the line.
Anyway let's get on to the story.
Chapter Five
Planned Violence
Ned found Robert half asleep and drunk with a pair of maids as young as Annabeth sprawled atop him. It pulled a long suffering sigh from him to see Robert in such a state, but by now he expected as much.
"Robert." He called out sharply, though he didn't raise his voice toward his king.
"Ah? Oh, damn Ned, why are you here? Didn't come to share with me." The fat king chuckled as he pinched the nipple of one of the girls causing her to wake up fully with a squeal and pull away from him.
Ned scowled as Robert bellowed out a laugh as he let the girl go. Both young women scurried off of the bed and collected their scattered clothes as they went. The servant escorting them away from the room and into a nearby chamber to change reminded Ned that this was regular behaviour for Robert and it darkened his mood immensely.
"Please dress yourself." Ned requested as he turned away from Robert as he slipped from the sheets. He had no desire to see more of his old friend.
"So bashful, like a maid yourself." Robert taunted but he did as asked, surprisingly capable despite smelling of a brewery and stained with all manner of fluids.
"What is it you want, Ned? I was just about to enjoy a good nap." Robert asked as he pulled on a pair of loose britches and threw on a wine stained shirt.
"I'll leave you to go back to it after this. Your children want to start a force of soldiers loyal to the throne alone. One made up mostly of smallfolk from across the realm." Ned explained.
Robert only bobbed his head surprising his Hand.
"Annabeth has spoken about it with me in the past. She and Percy have long worried of someone doing as I did and overthrowing the realm. Not without reason, plenty of dragon lovers are still waiting and watching and every other ambitious bastard with more balls than brains just needs to see a moment of weakness." Robert shrugged.
"They worry but you don't?" Ned asked, a bit surprised by the calm manner Robert was speaking of the matter.
"Not especially. My Percy is almost as good with his sword as I am with my Hammer and Annabeth…gods help whoever should find her wrath falling on them."
Robert paused at that. Ned couldn't be certain but the visible rage that swept over his friend for a brief second reminded him of the rebellion. It didn't take long to realize what he was thinking about.
"You're certain that squid cunt Balon had nothing to do with his spawn's escape?" Robert asked darkly.
"As much as I can be. Your master of whispers thinks it was someone else but he doesn't know or won't say who." Ned replied cautiously. The realm did not need a war right now.
"The things I will have done to that little bastard for laying a hand…" Robert muttered quietly, a far more frightening prospect than his usual bellowing when angry.
"We'll find him, though I suspect there won't be a trial this time." Ned said. He was saddened at how things had happened but by this point he knew that Theon was destined for death. He didn't feel much pity, more a sense of failure. He had raised Theon with his own children after all.
"No there won't be. If I don't kill him first, he won't survive the attention of my sons or wife." Robert practically grinned, making Ned uncomfortable once again.
"Robert, about this force of guardsmen…" Ned suggested changing the subject.
Robert snorted at that. "Ned give them what they want. Trust me, the two have thought it through. The amount of times that my daughter has barged in and begun lecturing me about needing more men at the call of the throne, she's planned it all out as best as can be."
Ned frowned a bit but Robert wasn't finished.
"The two of them are right to do this anyway. I've put it off because I know when the time comes between myself, the Riverlands, the Vale, and the Westerlands there are none that can truly stop us. The Reach can field a large army but against the rest of the realm…" Robert trailed off.
"Then, why do as you said? Why create this army? It will anger nobles across the realm. They won't like the crown having a standing army or losing smallfolk to this." Ned warned.
"The nobles will be angry no matter what is done. They are always offended or pissing off one another. Those that aren't are like you and actually give a damn about the realm. Either way it doesn't matter. My children are right, besides if they told you as they've been telling me it isn't like they are raising a true army." Robert seemed done with the conversation and was emptying a decanter of wine into a fresh goblet from a nearby table.
"Robert…there will be push back. Not to mention the crown is in debt and we are already paying for this tourney you insist on." Ned bit back.
"Talk to Annabeth and Percy, they'll figure something out…if they haven't already. Want some wine?" Robert offered dismissing the conversation.
"No, your grace. I believe I need to go and find your children to figure this out."
"As you wish, Lord Hand." Robert chuckled as he tilted his drink back letting some wine slip past and down his chins, further staining his shirt.
Ned sighed once again, turned, and left. He made his way out of the King's apartments passing by as the servant handed the two maids some hefty parcels of money.
Thankfully for the Crown Prince and his beloved sister, their mother was busy at the moment. That left their Uncle Jaime to be the Kingsguard posted to watch over the heir to the throne and the twins made the most of it.
With a literal guard keeping their privacy Annabeth helped Percy to clean up and unwind after his bloody day in the city. Now both slowly groomed themselves and gathered up to return to the duties that awaited them.
No doubt among them would be dealing with the frigid Lord Hand and properly ironing out their plans to strengthen the authority of the crown.
"We likely will need to compromise, so we will start by making demands we have no actual interest in. The whole of the Seven Kingdoms tithing a certain number of smallfolk to the throne." Annabeth said as she washed off her brother's seed from where he had finished on her belly.
"So we make up a number based on the population of each kingdom. They will give us only the worst of the worst. The Night's Watch will look better than my men." Percy grumbled.
"Don't be short sighted. I will ensure to put some stipulations in, besides if the men aren't forced to be celibate and they are trained and paid by the crown they will be sufficient." Annabeth said taking the rowel her brother offered her before batting away His roving hands making a grab at her breasts.
"We don't have the time to play around again, Percy. Now listen." She said with blue eyes glaring at him imperiously.
"Of course your grace, forgive me." Percy pleaded, causing her to roll her eyes.
"As I was saying we need to compromise or at the very least be seen as compromising. In the end what I truly want is for a force raised from volunteers in the Crownlands and Stormlands from among the smallfolk. Second sons, sons of second sons, so on and so forth. We will get father and uncle to send you men from the stormlands that are already trained and we will…I will leave the combat training to you, but with so many able bodied men in one place I have some ideas of additional projects." Annabeth explained before dressing far too quickly for Percy's taste.
"I imagined you might have some uses for the men beyond just swinging swords. That's fine, but this is all in our heads at the moment. I do have an idea for organization at the least though. If you are interested." He said before grinning as Annabeth turned toward him with curious eyes.
"If the men will be almost all lowborn then we will need to establish a hierarchy, but that's not what I have been thinking about. I want to separate the organization into three companies. One for each of the tasks they will have." Percy explained.
"Oh, go on." Annabeth encouraged. Percy rarely thought of himself as someone prone to plan, leaving that to Annabeth but his sister and his mother were nothing if not encouraging for the future king to expand in those areas.
"Swords, Shields, and Crowns. The swords are those men sent out on long patrols through the realm and gathered for campaign if need be. Shields are more adept with skills outside of fighting though still trained to do so. They will manage the outposts and tollhouses that you told me about and support the swords."
Annabeth smiled. "A good prospect I suppose, keeping cooks and engineers clearly defined from the soldiery since they have different roles. What about the crowns?"
"Only the best of the men we train up will get to be crowns. I was thinking they would be captains of the guard forces and an expansion to the protection of the royal family. Seven Kingsguard isn't exactly the most formidable force even when coupled with gold cloaks and household guard."
"I like it well enough. It also sets a goal for the men to strive toward. An accomplishment." Annabeth nodded as she spoke.
"I didn't think about that actually, I just wanted the best to lead and guard the family." Percy said with a shrug as he slipped on his shirt.
"You'd best go find mother and tell her about today before she has to hunt you down. We'll both meet with Lord Stark later to get the project rolling. Unlike you I need some more time to appear proper." Annabeth said while shooing him toward the door.
"As you say." Percy said as he stepped away. He could get away with wearing more relaxed, less intricate clothing after what had happened in the street earlier. Otherwise his mother would be displeased with the state of dress he was currently in.
Percy nodded to his Uncle as he passed him by. Jaime would stay and escort Annabeth once she was finished cleaning up. Something that Percy was quite thankful for after what had happened with the Ironborn bastard.
He veered toward the corner of the keep that he knew his mother was in today, entertaining several ladies including his betrothed, Annabeth would normally be there too but events had clearly changed that.
The guardsmen saluted him as he passed by and he nodded at them giving them at least some acknowledgement. Sir Barristan stood outside the door as he approached the solar where his mother was holding her ladies court.
"My Prince, I'm happy to see you unhurt and refreshed." Barristan bowed his head slightly.
"I'm happy to be unhurt. I don't know if that would have been the case without the men with me." Percy replied.
"Good men, both dead and alive, trying to uphold the crown's justice."
"That was my thought. That's why I am recruiting the survivors of the riot into my new force of men. I was hoping you might be able to help give them some insight in training whenever you have some free time." Percy prodded.
Barristan nodded though he seemed like he had more to say, instead he simply agreed and let Percy through the door to where his mother and the ladies of court were all gathered.
The prince walked into the room and caught his mother's eye before all the others since she had placed herself in a position of power toward the back of the room. Several women of various ages, mostly younger unmarried ladies were arrayed in front of her in different places.
The nearest two to his mother were his betrothed and younger sister both of who glanced over toward him as soon as they noticed the Queen beginning to stand.
"Percy." Cersei called out softly toward him as he stepped between the ladies in the room. Mumbled greetings and whispered chatter hit his ears as the girls all took notice of him.
"Percy!" Myrcella echoed her mother as she hopped to her feet. She recomposed herself under the sharp look from the Queen. Despite that she giggled when her brother wrapped her in his arms and picked her up with little effort.
The ladies tried their best to retain their demure demeanor but between the prince arriving in clothes typically reserved for the privacy of the royal apartments and the rumors about the incident in the city that had happened, few managed to avoid murmuring with one another.
Cersei waved a hand to dismiss the ladies though she kept Sansa back. Seeing Percy was in fact whole and healthy the Queen knew it was time to prod things along a bit further, as did Percy. Even if the main reason he had come was just to reassure his mother and younger sister that he was indeed alright.
As the last of the ladies retreated from the room, Cersei replaced her daughter in Percy's arms, embracing him tightly. Though she clicked her tongue after a moment and looked him up and down in disapproval.
"You should have known better than to come dressed like that, every one of those girls will gossip about practically seeing the heir to the Iron Throne in his undergarments." Cersei scolded.
"These aren't my undergarments though…" Percy drolled with a flat stare.
"As if that will matter, at least a few of them will probably stretch the story to make it sound as if you were shirtless and covered in water from a fresh bath." Cersei replied, smirking a bit as Sansa blushed at the words.
Percy shook his head and turned finally to his betrothed. "Don't take her words too seriously in this matter Sansa."
"The Queen has plenty of wisdom to share with me, I think it best that I learn all that I can from her." Sansa replied a bit cheekily catching all of the others off guard, before Percy barked out a laugh and gently took her hand.
"She learning that from you too, mother?" Percy asked, getting a giggle from both Sansa and Myrcella.
Cersei scoffed though she did smile beautifully, as she did everything beautifully. "That I fear was from Annabeth. It seems Sansa has grown quite close with your sisters. I'm happy for it."
The Queen gently squeezed the Stark girl's shoulder and both she and Percy watched the obvious satisfaction Sansa felt pass across her face. The redhead truly wanted little more than to be the perfect addition to their family. Just as they all hoped, eventually they could stop with the games and just carry her along as they did with Myrcella.
Thoughts for the future. For now it was time to play the part of the dreamy prince that Sansa imagined him to be. Thankfully she was helpful in that too.
"We heard a little of what happened in the city today, are you truly alright?" Sansa asked, clutching his hand a bit tighter.
"Yes, err, thanks in part to the timely arrival of your father and Ser Barristan. Things were quickly getting out of hand." He ignored the subtle nod from his mother agreeing with him complimenting the girl's father. It was obvious that Sansa thought highly of her father, Percy did too actually though not to the extent the man's own child would.
"What caused the riot?" Myrcella asked.
"I doubt it is something that you and Lady Sansa should really be bothered with." Cersei began to say.
"Actually, it's not especially concerning what caused it. I will spare you the details, but many common folk were worried a nobleman and his entourage were going to escape justice for a crime. Things got out of hand and I tried to restore order but I only had a handful of men with me at the time and between my household guard and the gold cloaks present we didn't have the numbers to stop things from getting out of control." Percy explained.
"That's horrible." Sansa said, pressing a hand over her lips, the perfect image of a lady at court.
"Yes, several good men gave their lives today and others were injured." Percy frowned as he spoke. As helpful as the incident was to use as a spark for his and Annabeth's plan, it was still saddening to see men dying for such an issue.
The group was quiet for a moment as if giving respect to the fallen. Percy knew that his mother was mostly just observing himself and the two girls thinking of what best to do to further what she desired. It was her opinion that a soldier's job was to fight and die for their rulers. Plain and simple. Percy didn't agree but he didn't fault her for it either. After all she was a Queen, not someone who was bound to shed blood side by side with those soldiers.
"I approached the small council with a project that I and Annabeth have been working on for some time that might help…lessen such problems in the future."
Cersei blinked, she was curious now too. "What project is that?"
"A force of guardsmen that answers only to the crown, not limited only to King's Landing either, one that can draw recruits among the common folk from across the realm to make a large enough force to properly enforce the King's laws everywhere in Westeros." Percy explained.
Cersei nodded. The twins had mentioned it to her quite a few times but they had moved forward far earlier than expected with it. Which was probably for the best.
"You and Annabeth both have been working on this?" Sansa asked. She didn't blush at the mere shift of his attention back onto her like she usually did, which he considered an achievement.
"For some time now. Though the small council didn't seem very supportive."
"As if that will stop you and Annie." Myrcella giggled, getting a smile from both Percy and Cersei.
"Of course." Percy replied with a grin before pecking his sister on the cheek.
Sansa squeezed his hand once again catching his attention and causing him to turn back to her.
"What did my father think?" Sansa asked.
Percy glanced at his mother after a moment of staring at Sansa, the Queen was unreadable so he shrugged his shoulders. "He seemed hesitant. Mostly about the cost and angering the nobles at the transition of small folk into service of the crown.
Sansa's face set into a determined frown and she nodded.
"I could help…perhaps speak with him to help him see your point of view." Sansa offered.
Percy smiled at her after a second of surprise. "That would be wonderful Sansa. Thank You."
"Of course, after all, I am meant to be your Queen and support you one day. Best I start now than later." She smiled at him happy with his approval.
Percy noticed the small smile on his mother's face as he spoke with Sansa. It seemed that Sansa taking Percy's side in this matter over her father was a notable thing. It mattered little to him. It was nice to know the woman he would be marrying at least could be counted on to be somewhat politically capable. As much as his parents hated one another, his mother did actually help smooth quite a few of the feathers his father managed to ruffle with his habits.
Ned was frowning when he finally found Percy. He had left the matter be so that he could handle some other tasks, primarily revolving around the nuisance that was the upcoming tourney.
The crown prince had both his sister and Ned's own daughter with him in the small godswood. Normally seeing Sansa embracing the faith of her ancestors rather than her mother's Seven would have been a happy thought. Seeing her with her arms wrapped securely around one of Percy's annoyed him instead.
It was a foolish emotion, one he banished away with a simple thought. After all, Ned actually considered Percy decent. Far better than should be expected from being raised in King's Landing. Still, seeing Sansa growing away from him and so close to her future husband and good sister saddened the Lord Hand a small bit.
Time was slipping away from him and he rarely could spend time with his children, and that was just in regards to the three here in the capitol with him.
"Lord Hand." Princess Annabeth called out to him.
"Princess, I am glad to catch both you and the Crown Prince. We need to discuss your proposition." Ned said as he stepped up beside them.
"So we do." The Princess replied after sharing a glance with not only Percy but also Sansa.
That caused Ned some surprise. True his daughter had brought up the Prince's plan for a standing force of guards. Something Ned had insisted they refer to as the Prince's Army. Since that was exactly what it was.
He had only thought she'd heard about it in passing and was supportive of the Prince more or less getting whatever he wanted. Now though it looked like her betrothed and his sister had roped her into their actual plans.
Once more that sparked a conflicted sense of joy and discomfort.
"Lord Stark?" Percy asked, reaching out to place a hand on the man's shoulder.
"Ah, forgive me my Prince. I have just been troubled with plenty of thoughts as of late." Ned honestly responded.
"The responsibilities of the Hand of the King are enormous, if I can help you in any way I am happy too." Percy said quickly with a smile that seemed as genuine as any the Prince typically wore.
Ned sighed and smiled at his future son-in-law. As unhappy as he was as a father to part with his daughter at least he could feel some fondness for her husband. Which was a relief being as he had helped to arrange the match. Had Percy been a pompous fool he'd have felt nothing but guilt toward his daughter.
"That's greatly appreciated, My Prince…Percy. I may have to take you up on that even. Especially with the opening of the tourney in less than a week now."
"What did you want to discuss right now though." Annabeth redirected the conversation to the topic at hand.
"Yes, I spoke with your father. I imagine that the answer was about what you expected." Ned said.
"He knows we want to make the realm better so that when Percy succeeds him he inherits a strong united nation." Annabeth said simply.
Ned only nodded. He then led all three of the youths back to the tower of the hand. If they wished to include Sansa he could only see it benefitting her in her future role as Queen.
While he wasn't certain how involved she really was in the twins' planning, he wanted to see if she would participate in the negotiation over exactly what form this little army of the Prince would take.
The wedding between Dany and Khal Drogo had been a frightening affair for the girl, but by the time she had been to lay with her new husband she had slowly come to accept this new life.
The morning after had been terrible. She was sore, almost pleasantly so but her brother had cared little for how she felt. He'd commanded her brought to him back within the walls of Pentos, or so she had thought.
Instead Danaerys had spent her day largely being prodded and cared for by Illyrio Mopatis' servants. No one would answer her as she tried to ask what was happening but as the day wore on and screams and the distant sound of fighting grew more and more clear she realized the city of Pentos was being assaulted by a combined army of Dothraki and her brother's zealots. The city hadn't been able to fend off the attack with enemies within the walls and soon chaos reigned.
The Magister that was supposedly caring for her was nowhere to be seen and she was gradually becoming more terrified that she was responsible for everything happening.
Despite the chaos in the city outside of Magister Mopatis manor, Danaerys found herself essentially distant from the conflict, separated by guards and for some reason far from the attacks on the common folk of the city.
Buildings burned, and more. Pyres raised up in the streets where captured soldiers and even unlucky women and children were strung up and set alight.
Danaerys knew that was Viserys' doing. Burning dozens or maybe even hundreds across the city while the Dothraki pillaged and enslaved whoever they saw fit.
When Mopatis finally emerged from wherever he was hiding the sun had begun to set and the city of Pentos was lit by the fires that burned throughout.
"What is going on?" She asked the man as he stepped beside her on the balcony overlooking the city.
"Your husband and brother have both said you were kidnapped by men in the city. No doubt hoping to use you as a bargaining chip to negotiate a lesser tribute to Khal Drogo's Khalasar." The portly man replied.
"But I'm here with you…" Dany muttered.
"And so you are. Safe and sound as your brother wished." Mopatis nodded.
"Viserys planned this then."
"With some help of course. It is troubling to see Pentos be brought so low, but she will be rebuilt and in time be greater for it. After all, just as your ancestor started with a single island and built the kingdom your family ruled for generations, your brother intends to start with a single city." Mopatis said.
"I'm sure you'll be well rewarded." Dany replied softly before her eyes drifted back out over the city as a new wave of screaming reached her ears. One of the holdouts among Pentos' citizens must have fallen and the zealots And dothraki were taking their pleasure from the people's pain.
She stood beside the Magister and watched the sacking of Pentos continue. Tears welled in her eyes but she fought them back. She didn't know these people. Her brother would evidently rule them over but he was breaking them first.
It was sickening and a thought of where the idea came from originally slipped into her head.
Viserys' little harem of priestesses had grown rapidly and he now had five women who clad themselves in red silks and whispered in his ears all kinds of madness. As if her brother needed more poison in his mind.
"Look there, our new King's banner approaches." Mopatis said, tilting his head down toward the street.
A black flack, decorated with a border of flames and dragon coiling around a burning heart, waved proudly at the forefront of her brother's war party. Most were still terrorizing the city, but his honor guard, a half dozen men with burning blades flanked the slim figure of her older brother as he rode beside the banner bearer.
Behind them a mix of armored men and poorly clad peasants all bearing red and black clothing or markers marched along in a semi-organized fashion.
"There are even more than before." Dany commented.
"The city has fallen because some within opened the gates. You might be surprised at how many Pentoshi embrace this new prophet or whatever it is King Viserys has become." Mopatis said with a mild sneer before schooling his features.
He didn't approve. Not that it mattered. Mopatis had been helpful for Viserys to meet and align with Khal Drogo. All it had cost him was her…and however many lives were being ended or destroyed down below. The Magister was assured of his high station within King Viserys' new order.
"Come we must meet with our King." Mopatis said and led Dany toward the courtyard of his manse.
The two were joined by a dozen servants as they made their way into the courtyard where another two dozen lightly armored soldiers, mostly armed with spears, stood by. With a nod from the Magister two of the guards opened up the gate and several servants raced forward with flowers to cover the short path that Viserys would travel from the gate to the base of the stairs where Mopatis and Dany stood.
Her brother almost looked regal as he rode through the gate. The image was ruined at the sight of blood and ash in his hair and the burning city as his background. The burned scars across his face didn't help and like always, Dany struggled to look directly at him.
"Your Grace." Mopatis said as he took a knee and spread his arms wide.
"Magister Mopatis. I see you have my dearest sister and she remains unharmed." Viserys said airily as he climbed off of his horse and he and his men filled the courtyard to bursting.
"Of course, I could see no harm befall her. Not only is she Khaleesi, she is of your blood." Mopatis said.
"Wise and cooperative. You'll do well on my council, Lord Mopatis." Viserys said as he strode over and caressed Dany by the cheek. His teeth peeked out behind the old burns on his own cheek giving a horrific visage that made Dany shiver as he grinned.
"Your husband was furious at the actions of the Pentoshi people, sister. I promised him to every third woman that survives this slaughter. It will take some time to rebuild my new city, but it seems you'll be going on an adventure to the east while I do so. Don't forget that you have the blood of the dragon though. When your journey is at an end you will do your part to remind the savage to bring his horde back here, I'll have a task for him by then." Viserys explained before pressing his malformed lips against her cheek and releasing her.
That was it. A command, a brief explanation of things to come, and an unwanted show of affection, or rather possession. Then Viserys was mounting his horse and rejoining his men. There must have been a couple of holdouts somewhere within the city still. They wouldn't remain for long if the blood covered men in her brother's company had any say in the matter.
Danaerys all but fled back into the manse. It was not the place of comfort that she might hope for but it was better than standing in the courtyard and feeling the ash of a city and its people fall on her skin.
The first day of the tourney, Sansa found herself almost overwhelmed by the festivities. The city was packed so tightly with people it took all morning simply to arrive at the arena and even there so many people of all ages clamored to squeeze in that guards had to be used to push back those that were either too late or not of high enough status to get into the event.
Sansa's carriage was allowed past and she breathed in a small sigh of relief to be past the massed swarms of people. After hearing about the riot that Percy had helped to put down, nearly costing him life and limb, she had become a bit more nervous when seeing large groups of the common folk. Such thoughts made her feel a bit guilty.
There had been plenty of decent common folk back home in Winterfell and Winter Town. She didn't interact with them as much as Arya or her brothers but there was less of a gap there than there was here.
That thought made her pause for a moment. It was a shame, perhaps there would be less issues with the common folk distrusting the nobility and actions of the royal family if they interacted more with them. Maybe there was more to this plan of Annabeth and Percy than she had first realized.
If that was the case, perhaps Sansa needed to do her part as well.
As the carriage came to a stop the thoughts of performing some kind of outreach were pushed back to the corner of her mind as she let herself be helped out of the silken interior and into what had once been the great dragon pits of the Targaryen Dynasty. Now recrafted into a grand multilevel arena with seating for hundreds if not more, Sansa was awestruck.
Dozens of knights in armor roamed about accompanied by their retinues and preparing for the start of the joust. Across the center of the massive pit arena, three separate lists were arranged leaving plenty of room for multiple jousts to occur at once. Flowers and other trophies were tossed down to crowd favorite knights as they took up their positions for the upcoming announcement from the king.
This was only the first day of the tourney and it was already so loud and filled with fanfare Sansa almost didn't know what to do.
"Lady Sansa, how pleasant to meet you here." A voice called from beside her catching her attention.
A short thin man with a narrow bit of facial hair smiled at her from his place beside her entourage. The way he looked at her made her feel suddenly uncomfortable, which confused her. He was only smiling warmly at her, there was no apparent need to worry, surely.
"Forgive me my lord, have we met?" Sansa asked.
"Ah, my apologies, you looked so much like your mother at that age that I simply knew it had to be you. You see, I was a good friend of Cat when we were children." The man said with a widened grin.
Sansa hadn't been in King's landing for all that long, but the way he hadn't answered her reminded her of Annabeth and the Queen's repeated warnings to be wary of the people that approached her and their intent. Especially those that claim connections and seem friendly, they were the most dangerous.
Just as her future sister had suggested, Sansa plastered on a believable smile and curtsied ever so slightly.
"Might I know your name then my lord?" She asked demurely.
"Ah, but of course, my apologies once again. It seems that in seeing such a vision from the past I forgot my manners. I am Petyr Baelish. I grew up with your mother and aunt in Riverrun. Surely she has mentioned me before." Lord Baelish said.
"I think she has." Sansa replied. The only time her parents had mentioned the man was in reference to the duel he'd foolishly had with her late uncle. One held for the hand of her mother. Something Catlyn Stark herself had laughed off as impossible and mere fantasy by a young boy.
More recently she had been informed of this man by Annabeth. A member of the small council and one, who just like the Princess and Queen, had spies spread all throughout the Red Keep and the city itself. He even had a nickname, Littlefinger. The girlish giggles she and Annabeth had shared at such an unfortunate name had been fun at the time.
"No doubt, she shared some memories of our time together." Littlefinger laughed.
Sansa disliked the innuendo he had placed there, but she ignored it in favor of ending the conversation and trying to reach her seat.
"I must be going, Li-Lord Baelish. Perhaps another time." Sansa said, cursing herself mentally for nearly using the man's nickname.
Bealish seemed to not have noticed or played up the act of not noticing it, perfectly. He simply bid her farewell with a smile and kiss to the hand before retreating to his own seat. One that was unfortunately close to her own.
"Sansa that was rude-" Septa Mordane began to say.
"Let us just try to enjoy the joust, Septa." Sansa cut her off, getting a surprised look from the woman. Rather than try to reprimand her again, Mordane sank in on herself slightly and sighed.
Sansa had begun chafing under the Septa's guidance for some time. Truthfully she had always found the woman overbearing, but with her mother's influence and a feeling to play the part of the perfect young noble maiden, Sansa had rarely let it show. Lately though, without her mother trying to reinforce her ideas of what a lady should do, and with her main sources of influence gradually becoming the Queen and Princess, Sansa was finding that what Septa Mordane felt Sansa should be as a young lady and what Sansa herself felt she should be were vastly different things.
Quietly she was even beginning to trend more toward spending her prayers in the Godswood than in the Sept. Her father had quietly given his approval at least for that measure and turned a largely blind eye to her other actions. Even Arya seemed to notice a slight change in her sister, though she seemed completely unconcerned with it. Sansa remained the prim and proper lady she always had, to most anyway.
"Sansa!" A voice called to her from nearby, raised just loud enough to be heard over the din of the crowd.
"Oh, Annabeth!" Sansa happily replied as she turned to the speaker.
The blonde princess had a pair of neatly dressed guardsmen on either side of her. Their attire was the same gold and black usually worn by the men at arms of House Baratheon, however they bore a simple crown patch sewn into the fabric over their chest. All worn atop a clearly new set of armor. Not to the standards of plate, but beyond what a normal guardsman might wear.
"I see you've noticed the men, allow me to introduce some of my brother's first recruits to his new company of guardsmen. This is Darros, a former City Watchman and native of the city, and this is Seldan Dodd formerly from my brother's retinue of House Baratheon." Annabeth explained.
"Hello to you sers." Sansa inclined her head.
"We're no knights my lady, but we are both happy to meet the Prince's betrothed." Seldan bowed crisply, followed a moment later by Darros who was noticeably younger than his fellow.
"If it's fine with your father, would you like to come sit with myself, Myrcella, and Tommen? My mother will be joining shortly; she just went to wish both Percy and Uncle Jaime luck in the tourney."
Sansa turned her head to look toward her father where he sat. Beside him space for some other members of the small council sat. The only one to fill his space beside her father was Lord Baelish. Lord Renly was participating in the Joust though the rest of the small council had not come at all it seemed.
Lord Baelish she noticed was plainly watching her, though her father didn't notice and simply nodded his assent so she happily joined the princess further up inside the royal box to watch the events. It seemed Sansa hadn't hidden her discomfort quite so well as she had hoped as Annabeth pulled her arms in tightly and brought Sansa closely against her side.
"So you met our esteemed Master of Coin, then. He seemed particularly interested in you, though I doubt that you want to hear such a thing." Annabeth said quietly, and thanks to the crowd only Sansa could hear her, even then she barely could.
"He apparently grew up with my mother." Sansa muttered.
"More than simply that if his stories are to be believed." Annabeth replied.
"His stories?" Sansa asked.
Annabeth grimaced. "Perhaps we should talk about this later and enjoy the tourney for now. I promise you there is much to speak about regarding Littlefinger."
Sansa cracked a grin at the name used by the girl, getting a smile from the Princess and her two guards as well. As they sat and turned their attention back down to the arena below several horns began to sound, signifying for the crowd to silence themselves. Slowly the dull roar softened to a smattering of whispers between the audience.
King Robert stretched and stepped up to the railing of the Royal box overlooking the arena with waves of his hands. The trumpeters played a short fanfare before a man with a widened horn stepped up onto a small platform on the arena floor.
"Welcome all to the Tourney of the Hand, hosted by his Grace, the Gregarious King of Andals, Rhoynar, and First Men, Robert first of his name! Feast your eyes upon this field today as knights and lords from across the realm compete to win Glory and Fame in the name of our blessed King!" The herald bellowed loudly and deeply into the cone, amplifying his voice loud enough to be heard by all in the crowd.
Even then he had to pause and let the audience quiet back down as they drowned him out with their cheers for the start of the tourney. Taking that as cue to begin moving into position, the first set of challengers each rode along the perimeter of the arena showing off their horses and armor.
Each one was announced, but with the cheers often drowning the herald out Sansa struggled to catch the names of each contestant in the tourney. Some she knew without having to hear the names. Her father's man, Jory and a few others in service to House Stark were taking part, as was the gorgeous Knight of Flowers, Ser Loras Tyrell, one of the favorites of the crowd.
She did catch the announcement of some others as they circled the field like a gallant parade. Ser Patrek Mallister as well as a handful of Freys from the Riverlands caught her attention if only because they were from her mother's homeland.
When Lord Renly rode out in the line she clapped politely, knowing it was nearing the announcement of Prince Percy in the lineup. Following the Lords came the Kingsguard who were participating. Among them was Annabeth's Uncle who they applauded for a bit more ardently than some of the others.
Despite the noise, Sansa somehow heard the gasp of surprise from beside her as Annabeth saw the next rider to join the lineup.
"Prince Joffrey Baratheon!" The Herald cried, getting loud applause from the audience at the sight of the golden prince riding to join the others.
Everything about Joffrey seemed immaculate. Tall and proud he wore his long golden hair free where it only seemed to help his image. Armor shrouded in a scarlet and gold tabard adorned with the Lannister Lion and Baratheon Stag sharing a split field.
At that moment Queen Cersei joined them in the box a sour look on her beautiful face as she stared out at the arena grounds.
"Mother, I didn't realize Joffrey was entering." Annabeth said a bit too sharply, getting a small narrowed glare from her mother in return.
"Neither had I. I've barely seen him practicing with the lance yet there he is." Cersei replied.
The Queen's knuckles were white as she gripped the arms of her seat tightly. Sansa felt worry for the woman as she watched. While Percy had made it clear just how skilled he was with more martial pursuits from a young age, Sansa hadn't heard all that much of Joffrey's own foray into such things as jousting.
"Surely the Prince has received training while in the Westerlands." Sansa tried to console the Queen and the Princess who both looked worriedly at the blond prince below.
"So he says." Cersei said weakly while staring out below them.
"My little brother will be his own end…" Annabeth sighed in annoyance. "He had best hope to do well, if he doesn't get himself killed but does poorly, father won't be very kind with him."
Sansa grimaced at that. She'd heard a bit more about the nature of their King and how he could act at times. How her father could find such close friendship with the man confused her at times.
"Announcing, Crown Prince Percy Baratheon!" The Herald roared out.
The audience was far louder with their support of the Prince. Annabeth and he had worked hard to ensure his popularity after all. Not that it was difficult. Percy held a charm that was quite natural.
Sansa smiled at the sight of her prince riding into the arena to join the others. In perfect contrast to Joffrey, Percy was broader and wore strictly the gold of House Baratheon with the crowned stag sewn onto his chest. His helmet also sported a crown of antlers all its own. Making him a striking and imposing figure.
She had to wonder if perhaps this was how King Robert had looked back when he had won his kingdom on the Trident. It certainly echoed the stories and songs that Sansa had heard growing up. Beautiful black hair, golden colors, and a helm already crowned like a Stag was naturally. A king to be.
It fit her betrothed well.
The first contestants on the lists were called and the other riders disappeared either to the sides to await their turn or for those set to joust a bit later, they returned to the underbelly of the arena where their retinues waited to help them with their equipment and horses.
Joffrey was not one to particularly care for or enjoy martial contests. He enjoyed a bit of blood sport, but much preferred to watch it occur than participate. That said there were expectations of nobles, even of princes.
One expectation was to be a warrior of at least some ability and so Joffrey was here, making a show that he had in fact been trained to fight just as all truly noble sons were. Grandfather Tywin had made certain of that.
He didn't enjoy it though. Not the smell of his horse as it sweat and heaved breath from trotting around before the matches. Not the weight of the armor on his body. Most certainly not the feeling of a lance impacting against his shield as he charged another contestant headlong down the central list in the arena.
The young prince was prepared for all of that though. He was raised up by Tywin Lannister after all. The Old Lion would have no excuse when training his grandson. In time Joffrey himself had even come to see the importance of it and had kept with his training.
As much as he hated all of this, there was a certain sense of achievement when he defeated another man at something he considered worthless personally. After all, every one that he faced no doubt saw jousting and other fighting skills as the pinnacle of manhood. The thought made him snort in laughter.
Joffrey was quite content with his own manhood. He didn't need to slap another around with a sword to feel it. A night with some leather straps and perhaps some candle wax and a young girl to receive their stings was more than enough for him. He didn't even need it to be public like the barbarians the realm practically worshipped.
Despite all of that, Joffrey wasn't terrible at the task at hand. He had been trained rigorously in Casterly Rock and his father was Robert-fucking-Baratheon. That alone would amount to something surely.
It amounted to three victories in the end. A good enough showing he suspected to make him somewhat worthwhile in the eyes of the roaches that cheered from the seating around the arena. If only he could see his family's face at realizing that he did more than stalk about in his free time. Hopefully certain members wouldn't feel too insecure about it.
A Frey, a Northman, and a Hedgeknight who had bested three others himself, all fell to Joffrey. He'd even unhorsed the first two. It was quite a showing indeed. As all things do though it would come to an end sadly.
That end was at the hands of his own Uncle Renly. A perfect opponent to lose to in all honesty. Joffrey hadn't thrown the match it no doubt would help things along for what he wished.
Rather than being unhorsed, Joffrey lost because his second lance didn't shatter when he and Renly charged one another after their first tilt. Afterward he followed his Uncle back down into the cool earthworks of the old Dragon pits below the arena and even invited him for some wine as good luck to best the rest of the competition.
Or course…Joffrey had plenty of other subjects to speak with his uncle about behind closed doors. Once they were done talking he might join his family up in the Royal box for the rest of the tourney…or he might enjoy the open invitation he had at Littlefinger's whore house.
Both had their own merits, he would have to see what he felt in the mood for after negotiating.
So that is it for this chapter. I hope you enjoyed. Some big developments here, obviously they will have big effects on the story. Some smaller developments that will have a big effect later on as well.
One thing I feel I should mention here, before it is mentioned in comments or anything. The reaction of Cersei and Annabeth to Joffrey in the joust. Obviously both are worried for his safety more than anything. While we might know there is more than some estrangement between Joffrey and his family by now, no one but us and Joffrey really know just how far that truly goes.
Really looking forward to playing with this.
Anyway.
Till Next Time.