Winterfell: 284 AC: 1 Moon Later:
Brynden watched the snow fall from the slate grey sky from the battlements if Winterfell. This land of never ending winter had a way of carving a man down to his true self and Brynden could feel that now. He felt at home here, the Northerners had a way of making a man feel welcome even though they were an outsider. Though, Brynden felt like an outsider wherever he went, as he wasn't called the Blackfish for no good reason.
Ever since he had agreed to help his niece, Catelyn, raise her now fatherless son, he found himself becoming more inclined to settle down. Maybe his brother was right after all, he thought. Perhaps he should have agreed to those marriage proposals all those years ago. There was nothing he could do about that now. He only had one focus and that was Robb Stark. As much as he thought the Starks and their old ways were a little strange, he still respected them greatly. It was a shame what Arthur Dayne had done to Eddard Stark and an even bigger shame what his Prince had done to Lyanna. At least in Eddard's case it was honorable, he thought. From what he had heard from those that spoke in hushed whispers about the event, he thought that Arthur must have killed him in a one on one engagement, though there was no way of knowing for certain as there is only one man left alive who knows the truth of the event and he is most likely either dead or exiled.
Brynden sighed at his thoughts. If only Eddard hadn't been so foolish to challenge Arthur, he would still be here today. He did not fully blame the slain Stark though, as if he was in the same position as Eddard, he would do the same. He certainly would do it for Catelyn. Making his way from the battlements, he found himself in need of the warmth of the inside. No matter how many fur cloaks he wore, he was still cold. He doubted if he would ever get used to the damn cold.
"Uncle!" He heard Catelyn call from behind him. Her appearance had become more like the beautiful young girl he knew when he was younger. Her auburn hair was neatly brushed and braided, whereas her eyes had a spark about them that he had not seen for some time.
"Cat!" Brynden smiled as he was drawn into a hug. "It is good to see you so hale."
"I am as happy as can be, Uncle. Robb is growing well and healthy." Catelyn smiled, as she withdrew from her Uncles embrace. "There is something I must discuss with you, in private."
Brynden frowned but relented to his nieces request. He followed her through the castle of Winterfell, passing guards and servants who all bowed respectfully at the now widowed Lady of Winterfell. After some walking, they arrived at Catelyn's private quarters. She bid him to sit down and poured some wine as he did so.
"May I ask what it so important that you've decided to drag me half way round Winterfell?" Brynden chuckled, as he began to sip the offered wine.
"I want to ask you about Robb, about what you intend to teach him to be more precise, Uncle." Catelyn explained.
"I'm not sure what you mean, Cat." frowned Brynden.
"I want Robb to grow up like Eddard. I want him to be honorable and brave, all the traits that will make him a good Lord."
A confused look drew across Brynden's matured features. "I was intending to do just that, Cat. You know my ways and I am confused as to why you would need to discuss this with me."
"I also want him to know who his fathers killer was." Cat blustered.
"Cat, perhaps when the time is right we-"
"We must tell him. He needs to know." Catelyn interrupted, a wicked look appearing in her blue eyes.
"As I was saying, when he is older and of an age to understand these things. Perhaps I will tell him."
"Perhaps? I will tell him if you do not."
Brynden was taken aback by the sinister look that came across Catelyn's beautiful features. "If you're suggesting what I think you are, I will not do it. I will not have that boy grow up resentful and hateful for a man who for all we know may already be dead."
"He killed Ned!" Catelyn growled.
"In an honorable duel, Cat. I'm not blind to the pain in your heart, but you cannot use that boy as a vessel for your hatred. You say you want him brave and honorable, yet wish him to grow so full of spite. He will learn of his fathers fate, when I decide it and he will learn of it with an open mind." Brynden declared, before he stormed out of the room and leaving Catelyn to stew.
Catelyn watched him leave. As much as she loved her Uncle, she hated how honorable he was. How could he not see that Ned was murdered in cold blood? If Arthur Dayne was the honorable man people make him out to be, then surely he would have found a way to leave Ned alive. She wondered what it was that he was protecting, that it was worth killing him over. The thought of Ned falling to his blade burned a depressing image in her mind. Her sadness then turned to anger, as she too stormed out of the room. Her son will know of Arthur Dayne and his ilk, whether Brynden liked it or not, she thought.
Kings Landing: 284 AC: The Same Day:
Jon Arryn stood on the harbor. Finally the fleet was almost ready. Within a moon or so, they will be able to set sail for Dragonstone and bring an end to the Dragons once and for all. No more will the reign of Robert be challenged or questioned by those on the island. As if they were in a place to so anyway. Jon's gaze turned to the flagship 'Fury'. Its size was impressive and the weapon emplacements made it look most intimidating. Around it, dock workers tirelessly loaded and unloaded materials from the ship ranging from scorpion bolts to rocks for the catapults.
Once he was happy with what he had seen, Jon made his way back to the Red Keep. The ride through the streets of Kings Landing was the same always, though he doubted he could ever get used to the smell. Perhaps once he officially became Hand of the King, he would do something about it. Once he had arrived at the Red Keep, he made his way to the throne room to find Robert sat on the throne, entertaining some minor Lords from the Stormlands.
"And so we went looking for this Knight of the Laughing Tree and it turns out it was Lyanna the whole time. Or I think it was." Robert laughed, as Jon approached him. "Please leave me my Lords, it seems my old friend has come to visit." Robert chuckled as the men around him dispersed.
"Robert, I am happy to see you so joyous." Jon began. He was mostly happy to see him not drinking.
"There is much to be joyous about, Jon. My coronation is to begin soon and the fleet is nearly built."
"You speak truly, though you did not mention your upcoming marriage to the Lady Cersei."
"Yes...she is a beautiful girl but she is no Lyanna."
"The realm needs an heir, Robert. You may not need love her but it is for the good of the realm."
"Everything I have done has been for the good of the realm." Robert scowled.
Before the two men could continue their conversation, a runner burst through the heavy doors of the throne room. The mans breathing was heavy and sweat ran down his head, which caused his dark black hair to stick to his head and face. In his hand he held a note. "My Lords!" He yelled.
"What is the meaning of this interruption?" Jon scowled.
"Dragonstone...they're leaving, my Lord." The runner breathed.
"What? They're leaving?" Robert barked. "I want whatever ships that are ready to set sail immediately!"
"At once, my Lord." The runner bowed, before sprinting off to do as he commanded.
"Come with me, Jon. We're going to the harbor."
Robert and Jon rushed through the Red Keep and then through the streets of Kings Landing. Jon was surprised Robert didn't knock anyone over with how fast he was riding. Arriving back at the docks, Jon saw that the whole place was in a frenzy. Men shouted orders at other men, soldiers gathered weapons and boarded ships and sailors rushed in and out of quarters. Robert immediately made his way to Stannis, who was on the deck of the Fury.
"Stannis!" Robert yelled.
"Robert." Stannis calmly replied.
"How long before you can set sail."
"Considering I only have half a fleet, around 15 minutes."
"I want it done as soon as possible. Do not fail me." Robert ordered, as he stormed off of the ship.
Stannis would not be the one to fail him this time. He would be assured of victory if he had a full fleet at his command, but now, due to the rushing, he knew that the battle for Dragonstone would be hard fought, if the Targaryen fleet even gave battle at all. According to what he had been told, the whole island had been abandoned and those that occupied it, now set sail to Gods know where. After a few minutes and some tense stares from his brother, Stannis gave the order to let slip the fleet. He will not fail and should they flee, he will chase them to the ends of the earth.
Varys stood on the same battlements that he had the tense discussion with Jon on. Below him, he could see the hectic scene unfold on the harbor. Ships that haven't even been painted or decorated were being pressed into untimely service at the would be Kings orders. He smiled as one by one, the ships left the harbor. It meant that his letter had reached Arthur and he had headed his warnings. Why he had not left sooner, he could not be so certain yet it did allow him to press Barristan back into the service of the Targaryens. He smiled as he looked over towards the direction of Dragonstone. Soon the King would be safe in Essos where he could work to mold him into a King the Realm needed.
Dragonstone: 284 AC: 1 Hour Later:
Arthur had spent the last moon making sure that everything was ready. He ran his hands across his dark, leather armor and was surprised to see that they had enough ships to ferry the whole garrison from Dragonstone to Essos. Where he was going to find space for them all, he wasn't so sure but, he hoped that this Illyrio's place was big enough. I'm sure he would be surprised to see nearly a hundred men turn up on his doorstep. The thought amused Arthur before he turned to more pressing matters. He watched as half of the fleet had already set sail for Essos as he himself boarded the largest vessel with his charges and knights. Himself, Richard Lonmouth, Willem Darry, Barristan Selmy, Queen Rhaella and the midwife, all boarded the ship. It was an impressive ship with a dragonhead for a figurehead and deep red sails. In Rhaella's arms, she held Aemon whereas Barristan held the young Prince, Viserys by the hand. Willem carried the chest that they found in Rhaegar's old quarters and carefully stored it below deck.
Once boarded, Rhaella gave the order to set sail and finally they were off of the island. He knew it would not be forever and that they would return here one day. Hopefully with an army at his back. Arthur told Rhaella to go below deck and to make herself comfortable for the journey, as he held a silent fear for the unborn child that she carried but he prayed that nothing terrible would happen to her. Hopefully someone was listening. The midwife also followed Rhaella down to support her and the King in her arms, whereas Richard took his place at the wheel of the ship.
Arthur remained standing on the deck. The wind of the sea blew through his dark air and the smell of smoke still hung around him. To his side stood Barristan who drew an amused look across his face. "I did not think it would be so easy." He eventually chuckled.
"Nor did I, Barristan, though we are not there yet and sea travel at the best of times, is perilous."
"Be calm, Arthur. We have made it this far."
Before Arthur could reply a shout from a sailor interrupted them. "Ships! Hostile ships!" He screamed.
Arthur almost felt nauseous at the mans words, as he turned to where the sailor was pointing. Taking the Myrish Eye from the man he looked through it and saw them. Arthur thought that there must have been at least thirty of them. The yellow stag flew high on the largest of the ships. He couldn't believe the size of the thing as it stormed towards them, its sailors making ready to fire what could only be artillery pieces. Arthur felt a slight panic enter his mind as he saw it, the scorpions making it look like some sort of mythical beast of the sea.
"Fuck..." Arthur mumbled, giving the Myrish Eye back to the sailor. "We have to go faster...Can this ship go any faster?" He shouted towards Richard.
"Loose all sails! I want all of the masts turned to the wind!" Richard screamed at his crew, who in turn went about his orders with haste.
"Barristan...If they catch us..." Arthur said quietly to the man next to him.
"I know, Arthur. To the death and for the King." Barristan smiled, shaking the hand of Arthurs.
"To the death and for the King, Brother."
The midwife appeared on the deck, the sound of men running and shouting above her causing her some concern. "What is the cause of this, Sers."
"By the Gods, the Usurper comes for us...Make sure the Queen is safe, my Lady." Arthur calmly demanded.
"At once, Ser."
As the midwife made her way back below deck, Arthur turned to see that the giant warship had begun to let loose its fearsome weaponry. The first of the rocks it fired landed close to his own ship, whereas the second landed truly on the ship to his left. The damage was catastrophic, the ship and its crew being all but destroyed. Arthur looked on in despair before being brought back to reality by the shouts of Richard and Barristan.
"Archers! Archers get on the deck and make ready!" Barristan yelled to men who hurried along the deck of the ship, bows in hand.
"Arthur! Man the scorpion, a ship approaches!" Richard shouted.
Arthur wiped his eyes and rushed to the stern of the ship, where a loaded scorpion awaited him. He quickly manned the terrifying weapon and spotted a smaller ship that was fast approaching them. Its sails still white and its deck half painted. Almost as if it had been pressed into active service before it was ready. Arthur loosed the bolt and the sound of the rope slapping the metal of the scorpion was almost deafening. The giant bolt flew swiftly through the air as if it was excited to be fired. It landed square on the mast of the enemy ship, nearly cutting it in half. He watched as the mast fell to one side as a tree does when it had just been cut. The ship slowed but still made its way to Arthurs own.
"Barristan! Help me load this cumbersome thing!" He yelled at the old knight who rushed to help him.
Loading another bolt, Arthur fired it again at the ship. The bolt cut through the man it hit, leaving a trail of pink mist behind in the air and landing in the ocean behind him. Still the ship drew closer and closer until it was parallel with Arthurs own. The archers loosed a volley onto the Baratheon ship, striking some of the men who would dare to attack them. The ship Arthur stood on shook with the half hearted ram that the Baratheon ship hit it with, as armed men dived from their own ship onto Arthurs.
"Fools..." Arthur thought, watching three of them land on their stomachs before him and drawing Dawn from his back as he rushed down the ship stairs to meet them.
Barristan stood in front of the three them in all his glory. His brown cloak blowing with the wind, the sun reflecting off of his dark armor. The first man had a sword through his neck before he even stood up. The second put up more of a fight as Arthur clashed swords with the third before he could strike Barristan in his flank. Arthur kicked the man in the leg as another rock from the huge ship landed near them, spraying water from the sea upon them. He drove Dawn into the chest of the know kneeling man and twisted it before he released it to make sure he was dead. As he did this, he saw Barristan drive his own blade through the stomach of his opponent, killing him instantly.
"Diving from ship to ship...Can you believe it, Arthur?" Barristan chuckled, sheathing his sword.
"They must really want us dead." Arthur grimaced.
They both watched as their own ship managed to pull away from the one that attempted to ram them, thanking the Gods that the damage to their own was superficial and not structural. "We're free! All sails into the wind!" They heard Richard shout, as the again the sailors struggled and heaved the masts into the wind. Around them, rocks still attempted to hit their ship from the massive warship that was now becoming further and further away. Arthur supposed they did not account for speed when building a ship that large. He looked through the Myrish Eye back at the large ship that was attempting to chase them, and spotted its captain. Stannis Baratheon.
"It's Stannis on that ship." Arthur chuckled to Barristan who was still beside him.
"I can't imagine he will be happy about the outcome of this battle." Barristan laughed.
"Will you two stop giggling like children and dump those bodies into the sea." Richard interrupted, the stress clear in his voice.
Arthur and Barristan did as they were bid before both going down to the deck to check on the Queen and the young Aemon. Both men were relieved to find that both of them were unharmed despite being a little shaken up. If only they knew how close they were to the enemy they would perhaps be even more shaken up.
"My Queen, how do you fare?" Barristan asked.
"I am well Barristan, thank you. I assume we have escaped." Rhaella smiled, her calmness being almost envious.
"We have, my Queen. Though the Usurpers fleet gives chase, we are too fast and too far for their ships to catch us now." Barristan confirmed.
"How much did we lose?" Rhaella asked.
"We lost around two ships to what I presume was catapult fire, the rest of the fleet escaped unharmed." Arthur interjected.
"Acceptable losses considering it could have been much worse." Rhaella sighed. "I will pray for those we have lost tonight."
Arthur and Barristan nodded to the Queen before they made their way back to the top deck. Looking back towards Dragonstone, Arthur could see Baratheon ships landing at the docks. Finally, Robert had gotten what he wanted by driving them off of Dragonstone. However, he had lost the true prize that he so craved and in that, Arthur took some comfort. He again looked to the massive warship that was still giving chase, behind it half of the fleet followed. He wondered how long Stannis was willing to keep this up, as once night fell, he doubted they could follow them in the darkness. Looking to the ships bow, he saw the surviving Targaryen fleet. Around fifteen ships remained, a number that brought a smile to Arthurs face. At least when they arrived in Essos, they would have a personal guard and the semblance of a garrison to use whenever they found permanent residence. That number will grow with the years, with the combined efforts of himself and Willem Darry, they could build an army by the time Aemon was of age. Easier said than done, Arthur thought.
The Narrow Sea: 284 AC: 5 Hours Later:
Stannis had chased and chased to no avail. How they had escaped him, he knew not. All his efforts of building a fleet had been for naught and now the remnants of the Targaryens had escaped in the darkness that now surrounded him. Grinding his teeth, he turned to his second in command, Ser Davos Seaworth, his silver grey hairs reflecting in the lantern light.
"Take us back to Kings Landing." Stannis huffed.
"At once, my Lord." Davos bowed, before shouting commands at his sailors.
Stannis made his way down to his quarters on the Fury. He sat down in the chair and rubbed the bridge of his nose. Robert would have his head for this, and despite capturing Dragonstone, he doubted Robert would really care for an abandoned castle and a dormant volcano. He promised himself that he would not fail and yet he had through no fault of his own. He had followed his orders to the letter and yet he would still be seen as a failure. It is as if the Targaryens had prior warning that he was building a fleet to come and kill them all. He knew none of his men would spy for them and even if they had been, they could not get a raven to them unless they knew a Maester. He pondered on all the possibilities, yet it still eluded him. Someone must have betrayed Robert and him, but he knew not who could have done it. He resolved to get to the bottom of it and if he had to turn Kings Landing inside out to find the rat, he would certainly be willing to do it.
A/N: Thanks for reading and the reviews and such. Up next, should be Robs coronation and we should be taking a look to see what's happening in Essos. Again thank you.