A/N: This chapter will feature a few timeskips, primarily because I don't want to write too much filler and build-up.
Thanks to Wobb Nox, filipinosberman and Ascalon for beta-ing.
Chapter LXIV: Raging Storm
33 AC
Fifth Moon
Pentos
Maegor Targaryen
Much of Western Essos recovered splendidly in the years following the War of Midnight, and though the people still reeled from the countless nightmares borne of the horrific mutants and spells the Midnight Scourge saw fit to unleash, their new masters saw to their welfare.
Worship of the Fourteen Gods of Valyria saw a massive uptake as countless temples were built and priests and priestesses offered charity and spiritual healing to the spiritually-starved masses, primarily in the province of Krystogharia. Braavos's countless religious places were demolished in the godly clash, and most were replaced by Temples to the Fourteen. The Sept of Braavos would not be rebuilt, much to the chagrin of the Faith.
In the lands of Myr, Lys and Tyrosh, worship of R'hllor did not die down, but it faced a growing rival in the form of the Udohanar who took a great number of worshippers' hearts by storm.
As for the Iron Islands, widespread outbreaks of violence followed as zealots of the Lion of Night stormed countless castles and forts, pillaging villages and towns as they pleased. As this happened while most of the Ironborn raiders were away fighting in Essos, the garrisons were reduced, not that it mattered against evil black magic.
However, in their hubris the Black Robes of the Iron Islands deployed far too few of their number to take over the isles, and rushing on dragonback, Visenya and Rhaenys Targaryen were quick to scorch the zealots and kill the demon who possessed one of the Drowned Priests. Thanks to their quick action, the Iron Isles were spared further devastation, though there were those who secretly hoped for greater devastation to the Ironborn.
And as most of the fighting lords were away in Essos, the attacks did not serve to decapitate much of the leadership. Furthermore, they failed to actually target the greater houses, so the status quo remained relatively unchanged.
Of course, this did not mean the Iron Isles would be able to reave for some time; not only did the Ironlords have to restore order and stability on the isles, they had to rebuild much of the infrastructure as well, especially their shipbuilding industry which served as the primary instrument of their power. Their armies suffered a great number of casualties as well, soldiers and sailors alike. It would take years to restore their power to pre-war levels.
The peace that lasted was blissful, but all good things do not last forever.
For in the Fifth Moon of the thirty-third year since Aegon's Conquest, news arrived that Aegon Targaryen died of his wounds.
Maegor crumpled the letter in his hands, gritting his teeth in grief.
"Father… to think you would go so soon…"
His father always did strive to maintain peace and harmony, juggling between all his different children from Visenya and Rhaenys. In his opinion, neither Aenys nor Elaegelle were deserving of his affectations; the former was far too weak and vacillating, a terrible choice for a king when vassals could easily control and manipulate him; the latter was a dragonless rider, a horrible choice for a dragon-riding family such as House Targaryen.
Only he was worthy of the Iron Throne. Only he could preserve the legacy of House Targaryen and ensure his father's Conquest endures.
A guard knocked on the door to his solar, and once Maegor gave permission, he entered and saluted.
"My Lord, everything you have asked for is prepared and loaded onto Zaekos's saddlebags," He reported.
"Mm. I will take my leave now," Maegor said.
"My Lord," The guard saluted.
IIOII
King's Landing
Arin Rada
The body of Aegon Targaryen was clad in regal attire, laid upon a wooden pyre with his arms crossed and his eyes closed, his face lost in eternal, blissful peace. At the Blackstone Temple - the headquarters of the Cult of the Fourteen - countless nobles and other persons of import gathered to celebrate the funeral of the Conqueror.
The absolute majority of attendees simply threw roses at the growing pile of flowers at the base of the pyre. The Crownlanders knelt down and placed the roses with respect. Orys Baratheon and the Targaryens breathed heavy sighs, their faces writ with deep sorrow, before kneeling down and placing the roses.
Arin Rada bowed slightly at the waist, then threw the rose at the pile.
Elaegelle shed a few tears, breathing deeply, before kneeling down and placing the rose at the pile. Maegor did the same, though not before glaring at Elaegelle.
As Elaegelle returned to the Dornish side, she took a seat beside Arin who stared at the proceedings with a highly detached yet focused expression, his eyes taking in the countless players and chess pieces in attendance.
"Elaegelle," Arin said to her, "What do you think will happen next?"
Elaegelle looked at Arin and saw his eyes, and grimly nodded.
"Peace might reign for a while more, but I don't know how long," Elaegelle answered, "My mothers… they do not look long for the world."
It was such a harsh comment to make, and one might say she had a very cynical view of their remaining lifespans. However, the signs were plain to see; neither Visenya nor Rhaenys retained a hale complexion, instead looking like living ghosts [1] with gaunt cheeks and dull eyes. They had to walk with canes as well, their legs beginning to fail them, and their hair changed from a radiant silver to a dull, tarnished grey.
Age was a merciless force that dragged people of all ages and social statuses into its corrosive touch, and not even the Dragonlords were spared this.
In contrast, Arin and Belandra Rada were the very picture of gracefully-aged elders with the energy and vigour of young adults. Their faces beamed brightly, their eyes clear and shining with light, and their bodies toned from years of constant exercise. Their legs were strong and their wits sharp, while the Targaryen Queens took longer to organise their thoughts.
"I have to ask though, who do you believe will become the next King of Westeros?" Asked Elaegelle.
"Don't you have an inkling as to that?" Arin asked back.
"I do, but for some reason I feel it might be off," Elaegelle answered.
"You could just simply say you could be wrong," Arin pointed out.
"I know, Arin," Said Elaegelle, "I just feel that way right now."
Arin nodded, and then said, "Do you believe that peace and harmony within the Targaryen family will endure?"
"It won't. At least, not for much longer," Elaegelle firmly answered, "What about you, Arin?"
"It depends on who's the chosen successor," Arin shrugged.
"I feel the same way, Arin," Said Belandra, "Elaegelle, who do you believe would be selected as next king?"
"Maegor," Elaegelle answered with a curled frown, "He's a strong warrior and accomplished general, and his demeanour will keep other nobles in line."
"If it isn't Maegor?" Asked Belandra.
"...Aenys," Elaegelle muttered, "The nobles will be more willing to serve him, but his personality means potentially weakening House Targaryen if he's at the top, and I just can't see my parents nominating him."
"Mm."
"...You don't look as concerned as I thought, Arin," Said Elaegelle.
"It's not that I'm not concerned, I just don't see a point in fearing what comes," Arin explained, "And besides, we can't avoid what's coming next."
Belandra simply sighed, saying, "I honestly don't know whether to be exasperated at your unflappable mien or to take comfort in it; I always did tell you to regard such things with greater gravity as is sensible."
Arin merely shrugged, a small smile on his face.
Then Queen Rhaenys took centre stage, and she unfurled a scroll to read.
"By the will of Aegon Targaryen, Aenys Targaryen is to succeed him as king!"
Shock reigned supreme among the audience, Maegor's supporters and others alike. Maegor himself was dumbfounded with shock, rendered mute and still and unresponsive to anyone and everyone. Elaegelle herself, while inwardly gladdened by this, was likewise shocked and confused by this declaration.
Only the Targaryen Queens and Arin's inner circle remained unconcerned, maintaining the same unflappable mien as they did since the start of the funeral.
"Arin, what's going on?" Asked Elaegelle.
Arin turned to her to speak.
"Aegon spoke with me regarding the succession, just a month before his death."
IIOII
Aegon hacked a wet cough into his hand, and the physician attending him soothed him as he offered a cup of the milk of the poppy [2] to dull his pain - a hopeless addict.
Haggard, hunched over and fatigued both mentally and physically, he was a far cry from the strikingly handsome and strong Conqueror-King that brought Westeros to heel. Arin pitied him this time, though his outward expression was a blank mask of courtesy.
He bowed as he approached, "Your Grace, you sent for me?"
"Yes, Lord Rada," Aegon answered, his voice soft and raspy, "Please, take a seat."
Arin did as told and took his place next to Aegon's bedside. The physician, having finished his routine checkup, promptly took his leave.
"Lord Rada, I am… not long for this world," Aegon admitted, a rare vulnerability in his expression, "And I am worried."
And Arin could tell why.
"Is it regarding the succession, Your Grace?" Asked Arin.
"None other," Aegon answered, "I have already talked with my wives about my heir-to-be, but I'd like your opinion: Who do you think should succeed me, Maegor or Aenys?"
"Aenys," Arin answered in a heartbeat.
"Why, Lord Rada?" Asked Aegon, "I can see one reason why, but I'd like to hear what you have to say."
Arin saw a test coming, and he gave the answer he long ago prepared.
"Maegor is far too temperamental and impulsive to be a good king," He said, a slight hint of concern in his words, "While having a strong king is important, if he is too antagonistic towards the naysayers or honest critics, it can not only undermine trust and credibility in the royal dynasty, it will convince others to start forming factions in opposition against the ruling king."
"And if the king is seen as too weak and vacillating, he will easily be manipulated by his vassals in turn, making him a puppet subject to their whims," Aegon pointed out, as if expecting such an answer, "You sound as if Aenys is the better option. Not to demean him, but…"
Arin nodded in response, "I will say this, Your Grace: Aenys is better suited to smoothing ruffled feathers, and does not come off as very threatening."
"Explain, Lord Rada," Aegon pressed.
"Of course, Your Grace," Arin acquiesced, "You know best your sons' temperaments, and you are the one who has the final say in naming your successor, and this is exactly why you must not select an heir more likely to turn the nobility against your family, dragons or no dragons. By placing Prince Aenys on the throne, his personality will cause most nobles to let down their guard and believe him more susceptible to their politicking. In contrast, as Maegor is a prominent Lord Paramount and governor of two of the richest regions of Essos, he possesses great power that makes the Lords wary of him."
"In other words, you suggest using Aenys as bait to lure the lords into a false sense of complacency, yet have Maegor ready to pounce on them at any time?" Aegon questioned.
Arin sighed, not saying anything further. To Aegon, he took it with a nod of confirmation.
"I see…" Said Aegon, "You know, I broached this topic with my wives, and while Visenya argued in favour of Maegor, Rhaenys argued in favour of Aenys, giving me the very same reason you did."
Aegon sighed heavily, "To think being king is so much harder than riding a dragon and scorching your enemies to ash…"
"All I can say is that as king, you must always live with the burden of your difficult decisions," Said Arin, "I have no right to influence them."
Aegon merely smirked, "One would think you've gone soft."
One look into Arin's eyes made Aegon immediately reconsider his words.
"...But I doubt the Black Fox is such," Aegon quickly finished.
A pregnant silence ensued between the two, Arin opting to remain silent as a statue and Aegon sorting out his thoughts.
Then Aegon broke the silence.
"Do you still believe Maegor is a poor choice? Rather, do you believe the choice of ruler matters in influencing whether or not the King's Peace holds?" He asked with a cautionary warning in his tone, "One would say you wish for the image of House Targaryen to be diminished."
Arin exhaled deeply through his nose.
"There are times that rather than have a strong but temperamental ruler capable of offending anyone but the deepest sycophants, it is better to have someone incapable of offending anyone," Arin answered, "Maegor shares too many similarities with Nymeria II, successor to Nymeria the Exile."
"Nymeria the Exile… the one who unified all Dorne?" Asked Aegon.
"I say unified, more like forced into an uneasy confederation," Arin corrected, "And her successor was every bit the temperamental person Maegor is. In fact, due to her quarrelsome, impetuous nature, many of her own supporters were alienated as a result, and defected to her brother Mors III, the ruling Prince of House Martell."
"You're saying that by not selecting Maegor as heir, I could avoid an even worse disaster?" Questioned Aegon, "And that I can preserve political stability?"
"I am," Stated Arin, "Again, you have the final say, and I do not know enough of how Paletillian politics works to make a sound judgement on this. Yet I do implore you, Your Grace, not to make a decision that you will regret."
"...Is that everything you have to say, Lord Rada?" Asked Aegon.
"Yes," Arin nodded.
"...That will be all," Said Aegon, "You are dismissed."
"Your Grace," Arin bowed and took his leave.
IIOII
"So even though he never gave you his answer, you expected this?" Asked Belandra.
"I admit, I wasn't sure," Arin clarified, "Seeing that he picked Aenys, however, he's likely come to terms with the reality that Maegor just isn't a suitable heir to his legacy."
"But Aenys becoming King means Maegor will likely try something," Elaegelle pointed out, "Why did you not say that to my father, then?"
Arin offered her a sad smile of sympathy.
"I doubt he would listen about that," Said Arin, "Aegon was much too convinced in the infallibility of his house, long before that talk of ours."
Elaegelle grit her teeth, unable to say anything to counter that.
The only good thing was that she was out of the running, and yet, somehow she knew, she was still going to get dragged into this fermenting bullshit by writ of her lineage and deeds.
"For now, all we can do is prepare for the worst," Arin said, "Belandra, I will be exceptionally busy, so I need you to engage in diplomacy with our other allies in Essos. Either we secure some mercenary aid, or their non-interference."
"Of course, husband. Should I include House Blodfeld as our list of potential allies?" Asked Belandra.
"Please do," Arin nodded.
"Arin, do we really need allies as distant as House Blodfeld?" Asked Elaegelle.
"Considering just how many factors are at work in these circumstances, especially with the ongoing divide between the Faith's Septry and the old nobility, Westeros will be in for harsh times to come," Arin asserted, "How we prepare will heavily influence how we weather the storm."
IIOII
34 AC
Arsalm
Arin Rada
Arin could not hold back his tears, his shoulders trembling and his throat wracked with sobs that he stifled through closed lips. His children wept as well, and both he and Belandra offered what comfort they could.
Arris and Aimelia Rada had passed away a month ago, and now his paramour Elia Rada nee Qorgyle had as well.
"My love…"
Belandra shed tears for Elia, and gently wiped them from Arin's face. Arin returned the gesture, small yet meaningful.
"From the Rhoyne, the mother of all rivers, we are brought forth from its waters. We carry her love inside us. Now, in death, we commit back what was given freely. May the Oarsman guide this departed soul back into Rhoynamharyi's awaiting embrace. May Fair Nylhoru carry her foster sister on her journey home."
The Hydromancers offered their last rites and prayers, just as the body of Elia Qorgyle was gently laid upon a boat filled with straw and linen. Bowing to Arin, the lead Hydromancer led the way and bade for everyone to clear a path.
Then he and Belandra went to one side of the boat, and together they pushed it out towards the Greenblood River, sailing upon its final journey.
Wiping his tears and steadying himself, he took an offered bow and arrow, and lighting the arrow on fire with a nearby torch, he took aim and released.
His aim was true, and the fire arrow struck the boat, igniting the straw.
By the end of the hour, the body would burn to ash long before the boat would begin to capsize.
Soon everyone began to take their leave, and the Rada family returned to rest in the Arsalm Keep for the night.
Arin sat in the solar that was once his parents, staring blankly out the window into the night sky, the glittering diamonds and glowing topaz orb granting him no solace and comfort.
"Arin…"
Belandra entered the solar and wrapped her arms around Arin for comfort, and he gently squeezed her hand.
"Arin, I'm worried," Belandra admitted, "They say Maegor's beginning to gather troops and weapons in the cities of Braavos and Pentos, and is stepping up his recruitment drive."
Queens Visenya and Rhaenys had passed in their old age last year, and Aenys, bereft of their guiding presence, faltered greatly in his governance of the Seven Kingdoms of Westeros. His weak and vacillating personality meant the nobles were becoming increasingly problematic, their endless petitions ranging from reassertion of the Faith's rights and privileges to curbing House Blodfeld's growing trade influence.
Maegor, ever the impetuous and quarrelsome Prince, argued countless times against King Aenys whenever he made decisions and policies he felt 'tarnished the authority of House Targaryen'. Ironically, the nobles who sought to manipulate and pressure Aenys Targaryen also came to his defence, and their combined influence was such that Maegor could not do the same politically, directly or indirectly.
Divisions between the Faith's Septry grew worse by the year, and by now the Most Devout and other high-ranking Septons were united in opposition against a growing reformation movement aimed at curbing their influence, to minimise their interference in secular politics. Lord Edmund Gardener and Lord Brandyll Tarly remained steadfast in their efforts, going as far as to educate their subjects on the failings of the Faith and its corrupt practices.
It reminded Arin of his fading memories of Earth, the beginnings of the wars of faith between the Catholics and Protestants that culminated in centuries of religious contention. Even in the modern age, tensions persisted between the two faiths in certain parts of the world, Northern Ireland one prime example.
The Maesters of the Citadel were also facing increasing numbers of acolytes and low-ranking members leaving for greener pastures elsewhere, educating smallfolk at the insistence of lords willing to pay for their services, and rumors grew that Eckard Blodfeld himself was sponsoring the creation of a new public education system aimed at improving literacy levels in his lands.
Tensions between Lord Ronnel Arryn and his brother Jonos reached an all-time high, and the Mountain Clansmen were readying to make greater raids against the Andal lords.
The Ironborn were busy building new ships and training new troops, and some worried they were preparing themselves for another raid on Westerosi soil when the time came.
And House Bolton itself was making countless concerning moves in the North, making alliances and trade offers and amassing military power.
"War will come, I'm certain," Arin said, "Do not worry for us."
"I cannot help but be worried at this point, Arin," Belandra corrected, "In fact, I'm worried about what Maegor might do once he realises what you have planned. You said that House Targaryen is not destined to rule the land for long, but then who will govern the rest of Westeros? Or will this confederacy crumble and the land splintering into independent kingdoms once again?"
"That I don't know for sure," Arin admitted, though his tone was slightly evasive, "It'll depend on what we and other factions do next."
"...We've come this far and you've never led us astray," Belandra smiled, "I trust you will lead us through this."
"Thank you for your trust," Arin smiled.
IIOII
37 AC
First Moon
The dreaded day had come.
Jonos Arryn usurped the throne and deposed his brother Ronnel. House Royce led troops and besieged the Eyrie, to which Jonos threw Ronnel and his entire family through the Moon Door in an act of Kinslaying.
Harren the Red murdered Lord Gargon Qoherys and took the castle of Harrenhal, ending the house by killing the sole heir in a nearby godswood.
A Drowned Priest of the Iron Islands claimed to be the Son of the Drowned God, proclaiming himself the rightful King and House Greyjoy to be usurpers. No one knows his origins or his true motive, but jealous Ironlords who did not benefit from the plunder from Essos or envied House Greyjoy's achievements joined in his rebellion. He claimed to be the Priest-King Lodos reborn, naming himself Lodos the Twice-Drowned, and his power was concentrated on the isles of Great Wyk and Old Wyk.
Lord Orys Baratheon marched to the Vale and violently put down the rebellion, though he died in the process, killed by a lucky shot to the neck by Mountain Clansmen who attacked his army. Casualties were few, but the loss of the Hand was a severe blow.
Lord Alyn Stokeworth marched an army from the Crownlands, and the finest legionnaires ended Harren's outlaws, but Harren the Red himself managed to get a lucky strike in and cut Alyn's jugular, and despite the physicians' best efforts, he died of blood loss.
House Greyjoy quickly put down the rebellion on its home soil, though the damage was done.
The deaths of two prominent lords served as a black mark for King Aenys early into his reign, and calls were made by various lords for their replacement. Lord Arin Rada mediated disputes as best as he could, but he himself was made the target of countless malicious rumours by the green, overeager nobles whose only skills were flattery and rumour-mongering, and it seemed like the political bickering was set to continue.
Then one day, Maegor declared Aenys unfit to rule, and initiated naval battles off the waters of Blackwater Bay. Initial skirmishes were bloody, and close to two dozen ships were sunk in a matter of days. Maegor flew upon Zaekos, incinerating many ships with his siblings who followed him.
This served as a catalyst, for wars began to break out all across Westeros.
Riverlords opposed to House Tully's rule violently rebelled, calling their banners all across the region.
The Mountain Clansmen initiated a war with House Arryn, intent on reclaiming their ancestral lands.
House Bolton revolted against House Stark, as they always have countless times in history, with Houses like Whitehill supporting them.
The Reach was split in half between the Purists and the Reformists, with House Gardener and Tarly on the Reformists' side and Houses Hightower, Florent and Redwyne championing the Purists.
Stormlords opposed to House Baratheon revolted, aiming to place a distant relative of the Durrandon line upon the throne.
The branch families of House Lannister promptly deposed Castan Reyne and ended his rule, usurping power and declaring the Westerlands' independence.
Only Dorne remained relatively stable, and it now had to decide which path it wished to take.
[1] The contrast between the health of Arin Rada and the Targaryen queens made some whisper that the former was somehow blessed, baseless rumors that were quickly quashed.
[2] To deal with his phantom pains, Aegon relied so much on milk of the poppy that he developed a terrible addiction to the substance, which led many to believe this shortened his lifespan.