AN: So, some reviews from the last chapter brought up my number of POVs, and I thought I would give you guys what my plan is for them.

So, we are obviously moving into what I am calling the "Dornish War Arc" so I am giving POVs in this chapter to characters who will be more affected by that than a classic MC like Arya. I was thinking of doing this, so I am not constantly leaving the battlefield to show what three different people are doing in Winterfell.

So Dornish War Arc POVs- mainly those fighting, with the High Lords on the field or in KL. Also, just an occasional check in with non-combat characters.

For example, all the important Lannisters are out preparing for war, so I am not going to just make Genna a POV to show Casterly Rock, but instead show the Lannisters on the move. But I may show Arya's in Winterfell just to show the changes while Ned is away. But the majority will be focused on the War. Also, since the Targs are isolated, they will be the most common check ins.

Also, if anyone is interested. Consider Chapters 1-7 the Starting Arc, 8 the Origins Arc, 9-? The Dornish War arc. (Thinking it may last 4-6 more chapters. Fighting officially starts next chapter). I do have an outline for the war, I just need to actually write it.

I also have two more planned out a bit -The Faith Militant Arc and another Arc that the name is a spoiler for.

Alright, let's get right into it.

?-?-?

?

"Come on, it will be easy. The fat man can't protect them like he used to. Just get in, kill em, and we will be rich." One man in a cloak said to his table mates.

"Oh, and how exactly will we get inside in the first place? They ain't exactly gonna unlock the door for us." Another man said.

"Don't need to. I saw the boy. He changed his hair, but it rained, and I saw its real color. I know where he likes to go. We wait there, ambush him, kill em and take his head as proof. The sister...Well that's where our new friend can come in. Someone like em, exiled like em, and willing to help so they both can go home. He can sneak in, kill her, and then we get on the first ship to Westeros to claim our reward." The man looked at the newest member of their group, "Sound like a plan? Ser?"

The man looked at his new partners, and nodded. When they were done drinking this cheap swill that passed as drink, he picked up his shield with a bear painted on it, and went to prepare to do the deed.

'I can finally go home.' he thought to himself.

WESTERLANDS-GOLDEN TOOTH

TYRION

Tyrion rode into the Golden Tooth, flanked by several Lannister Guards as they were greeted by Lord Lefford.

"So then, where are the brave heroes who captured the criminal?" he asked.

Lord Lefford beckoned to two men who were dressed not in guard uniforms, but still ready for combat.
"Ah, I see, and the prisoner?" Tyrion said, getting to the very reason he was told to come here. He was originally meant to go with Father straight to the capital, and then approach the Dornish border. But the Raven from the Tooth claiming the capture of the man who had the balls to insult House Lannister in Lannisport changed that. As Tyrion had actually seen the man, he could confirm if it was the right one, or if two guys just got a random smallfolk to feed to the lions for their own gain. Once he was done here, he would gather the forces that could not make it in time for his father's host and bring them to the Capital.

Two guards dragged out a man in chains. He was mumbling to himself, apparently unaware of how he had fallen so far.

Tyrion approached the man, the scar on his head was new, but it looked like the same man. There was one test left.

He reached into his pocket and took out a piece of parchment. "Can you read?" he asked, suspecting he could not. He was proven right when the man shook his head.

"Well then, repeat after me. 'The gods have gifted us with a way to finally be free! Lords have long maintained their power through the loyalty of heretics who prefer the pleasures of flesh over those of the soul. They take better weapons and armor and ways of fighting and keep them to themselves, only aiding us when they have need for us. But now we have a way to fight these impious lords who grow fat off of the labor of our work! Where is your pride? Think of where you will be in ten-no five years. Tywin Lannister will rot in one of the Seven Hells for all his sins, and a twisted demon-monkey will be the monster you all obey! Can true believers of the Seven, really be underneath such a degenerate, who should have never been born?'" Tyrion recited the man's speech.

The man repeated the sentences from his speech, a sense of recognition shown from his voice cracking. With that, Tyrion had what he needed.

"It's him. No doubt about it." The guards grabbed his chains and dragged him back to the dungeon as he screamed for mercy.

Tyrion turned to the two who claimed credit. "So then, I believe the reward was ten gold dragons?" He started to reach into his purse.

"We also killed some of his friends." the one on the right stated. He pointed to some severed heads on spikes that had yet to be put up on the walls. They all had a circular scar, though the rot made it harder to see.

"Hmm. I see, they put up a fight?" Tyrion asked.

"More than this one." the other man explained.

"Well, fighting hidden foes is important too. Very well, I shall up the reward to sixteen Gold Dragons." He said as he pulled the coins out and gave each to both men.

"Might I ask for your names?"

"Bronn." "Chiggen." The one on the right spoke first, followed by his compatriot.

"So, are you from around here?" Tyrion asked.

"Sellswords. Or rather Selldecks is what we're being called now." Bronn said.

"I see…" Tyrion thought about how he was heading to a war zone. It couldn't hurt to have his own personal men in addition to ones loyal to the Rock.

"How would you two like a more long term job?"

(Line Break)

Tyrion rode his pony on the Gold Road, followed by Lannister men at arms, with his two new swords Bronn and Chiggen riding closer to him.

"Just remember this you two, If anyone offers you money to kill me- i will double it. I like living."

"What if your father orders us to kill you dwarf?" Bronn asked

"Ha, trust me, if he wants me dead he would never use an assassin to do so. It would besmirch the Lannister's name to have an assassin succeed in killing me and avoiding his wrath. If someone tells you he wants you to kill me, know it will end with him killing you because it is expected that I will be avenged." Tyrion laughed and explained.

"Don't worry, so long as you remain in my employ, you will be rewarded handsomely. Mayhaps you will get your own holdings. I feel quite a few are about to become empty." He said, imagining how wroth his father is at almost being killed.

BERIC DONDARRION

DORNISH MARSHES- NIGHTSONG

Beric rode into the castle of House Caron with his host of Marcher men.

"Well met My lord!" Beric greeted the lord of Nightsong.

"I wish it were under better circumstances." Lord Bryce Caron replied.

To that, Beric could agree. He had been too young to be part of the Rebellion, so this was his first time with warfare besides just some bandits.

There was also the issue of his own life. He was engaged to Lady Allyria Dayne. He hoped she and her house would be alright.

He then looked to the one person who worried more for Dorne than anyone else present. Edric Dayne, his squire. Edric had been informed of what Oberyn had done, and had been basically a shell of his former self. He had done his best to promise the young lad that he would keep House Dayne safe, but there was only so much he could even try to do.

After getting off of his horse, he approached Lord Bryce. "So, we are meant to patrol the borders until the King's army arrives. Hold off any Dornish attacks."

"Aye. So far we have seen nothing. In fact some minor Dornish Lords were taken prisoner when they were returning from business out of Dorne. They appeared to have no knowledge of the attack on Lord Tywin."

Beric looked confused. "My father told me that Prince Doran was a wise and intelligent lord. He chose to cease conflict during the Rebellion because he knew it was pointless. Are you telling me he planned a war without informing his own Lords?" There was a reason calling the banners took so long for the more powerful lords. One needed to consolidate power first before running off to conflict. Sure it could be hurried if they were attacked first, such as the Greyjoy Rebellion, but what he had heard was not fitting with the Doran he pictured in his mind.

Bryce shrugged "Mayhaps he hoped Oberyn would win or at least poison Tywin and all of House Lannister. That would cause enough panic that he could quickly rally the Dornish lords and strike at the border Houses like us before the King and Wardens could react."

After having the Dondarrion soldiers integrate into the barracks, Beric and Bryce moved into Nightsong's Lords Solar.

"Once we begin more aggressive tactics, my bastard brother Rolland will act as Castellan of Nightsong while we are in Dorne. What are you going to do about that squire of yours?"

Beric sighed. "I had hoped to keep him close, so that he knows that nothing is personal about this war. I had also thought he could help getting the Daynes to surrender bloodlessly".

"I see. I am surprised they did not send a raven to you asking for the boy back. That way they avoid a hostage and may gain one if you went with him." Bryce mulled.

He sighed. "I suppose it does not matter much now. What's done is done. All we need to do is patrol the border until the full army gets here, then we can invade."

Beric pointed out what he thought was obvious. "This will not be like any war we've had before. How will the cards affect us?"

"Good point." Bryce muttered. "We know what it's like to duel with bandits in small groups. But entire armies? If conventional weaponry fails, I suspect we will all be split into smaller forces and scattered around to find every Dornish soldier willing to risk their life for this war."

"Well, we will have our answer soon enough." Beric said.

LEYTON HIGHTOWER

OLDTOWN- THE HIGHTOWER

Lord Leyton Hightower called a meeting of his sons and advisors immediately after receiving orders to prepare for war. He had called additional meetings between the same group multiple times since then, filling out all the details. Today's meeting covered something Leyton considered vital- The location he was sending his troops.

"I know we were ordered only to prepare and join up with the king's army, but if we can sail into the Torrentine's mouth, we can lay siege to Starfall before the King even begins to march south." His second son Garth, ever hungry for battle explained.

"His Grace gave us specific orders. We must do as he says, else the whole strategy could fall apart." His eldest Baelor said in response.

The Hightower's Master of Arms, Ser Quentin Cuy spoke up. "We still need to decide on how many men to keep here for Oldtown's defenses."

"Not to mention there is the matter of Lord Mace's death. We have yet to know if that will change His Grace's plans further." Maester Uri said. The man had gotten extremely lucky in being assigned to the Hightower, as he had his pick of assistant Maesters from the Acolytes. Today he was aided by Leo Tyrell, a boy who still needed to learn the humbleness in service.

"Enough." Lord Leyton said, causing the table to go quiet. Once everyone's attention was on him, he continued.

"I was there when Balon bent the knee to Robert. Stannis and I both pleaded to have him take the Squid's neck. If he's been waiting for an opportunity to wear driftwood on his head like a fool of a king, then this may be it. Paxter can handle the naval siege. We shall add to our fleet and deploy them as a preemptive defense against the IronBorn. Our Foot Soldiers will meet up with Willas in Highgarden, while a secondary force shall head to the borders to aid in patrolling."

Leyton began to plan the logistics in his head. He would lead the force to Highgarden. There he could comfort his little Alerie and her kids. They had just lost a father, and while Mace was decent as a lord, it would be best for Willas to have a trusted advisor. His marriage to Rhea meant the Florents would not object to him doing so.

"Lord Paxter has been working himself near to death to make up for his son's crimes." Maester Uri mumbled. "If I were his Maester, I would force him on bed rest until he was more healthy. If he keeps going at this rate, he will just take a step and keel over.

Leo grinned as he decided to add to this conversation. "If needed, we could always ask Lady Lynesse to have her lover send us some ships to aid in the war."

The room was silent. Leo turned and looked at everyone at the table. They were all staring at him as if he had just accused the High Septon of rape.

What he did not see was Lord Leyton get behind him-faster than should be possible for a man even half the old man's age- and yank him up by his incomplete chain. The metals digging into his neck.

"Never say THAT NAME again." Leyton ordered.

He kept dangling Leo like that until whatever magic controlled the cards realized that Leyton's attack was not a quick admonishment, but an actual desire to hurt the Acolyte. Leo somehow slipped out of his chain and both of their Duel Disks appeared on their arms.

Before Leyton or Leo could react, Baelor put his hand on his father's shoulder.

"Father. It's been a long meeting going over stuff we have debated before. Whatever we end up doing, the preparations need to pick up the pace now. I recommend we end this meeting."

Leyton continued to stare at Leo for another few seconds.

"You all heard my son. OUT! We have work to do."

With that said, the lord of Hightower walked up to the top of the Hightower, right above his personal library and Solar.

He always came up here to contemplate. Especially in regards to his mistakes. Agreeing to Ser Jorah's request for marriage was his greatest regret. He had been about to say no, but he had looked back at Lynesse. Sweet, young Lynesse, whose face was the epitome of the maiden in love. Leyton had been married four times, all for political reasons. He would eventually learn to love each wife, in one way or another, but his first love had been a maid a year younger than him, whose family had served the Hightowers for long enough that they had been granted nobility, but not land or authority. His father had refused to allow his heir to marry someone he considered a step above a scullery maid.

Perhaps it was to live out what could have been through them, perhaps to spite his own father, Leyton had agreed to the match. It was at the time one of his favorite days. But the joy turned to ash.

After news had reached Oldtown, Leyton had begun to hear stories. How Lynesse would treat the servants. How she had played the victim for pity, turning her siblings on each other as they all thought they were defending her. How she had bought items from the finest craftsmen Oldtown had, and thrown Gold Dragons around like a man throwing water on a fire. How he had been too busy researching whatever topic had his interest that day to notice.

He had thought that their exile was the end of it. That one day, word would reach of both their deaths or capture. But she had not even the decency to stick with the man who had risked everything to make her happy, instead abandoning the man in favor of one wealthy enough for Leyton to have considered a match in the first place. And then, she had the audacity to WRITE TO HIM about how WONDERFUL her new life was.

He kept all the letters. He made sure to read each one, to remind him how he had failed to raise a kind, loving, humble daughter. His failure had led to men being put in chains and SOLD.

His mind flashed back to the meeting. He had planned on going to Highgarden. To leave the Hightower.

'How foolish. I forgot about my own punishment.' He thought to himself

When news had reached of what happened on Bear Island, he had not left the Hightower for about three years. Not the longest a Hightower had ever enjoyed the solitude of the tower, so no one thought much about it.

Now, it was close to a decade since he had stepped outside of the tower. Someone who had been a part of the enslavement of Westerosi should be confined for their crime. If he told his opinion to the King or other lords, they would all name him innocent, or punish him only to pardon him. So he kept the reason for his self imprisonment to himself.

He stared into the fire that lit the Hightower. The fire was burned continuously for thousands of years, ever since the time of Bran the Builder if the legends were to be believed. With no concrete answer, many Hightowers had come up with their own theories as to how the fire started. When he was a child, he had guessed that the fire was the very first, gifted by the gods, and stood as a reminder of their power. His cousin, the elder boy who would one day become Ser Gerold Hightower, Lord Commander of the Kingsguards of both Jaehaerys II and Aerys II, had actually been burned by the flame, and had a strangely shaped burn scar that he preferred to hide. It reminded Leyton of a book's illustration of what a wing looked like on the inside. Gerold, after getting burned, had told him almost matter of factly that this fire was lit by one of the first Dragons ever tamed by a Valyrian, before they began their conquest of Essos.

DANAERYS TARGEARYEAN

PENTOS-ILLYRIO'S MANSE

Danaerys sat beside a window in the manse, looking out to see the city. Occasionally she would see a monster fly out, startling her for a moment before remembering they were part of a game. It was still so strange to think that such a strange event had become a game. The same game had weakened Illyrio's wealth so much that the servants and slaves numbered on fourth what they had when she and Viserys first came under his protection. And the slaves who stayed joined the ranks of the servants.

The cards had also changed Viserys. Before, he had been getting more and more sullen. Her earliest memories from when they lived with Ser Willem Darry. Viserys was more happy during that time, but even then she could see there was something holding him back. But ever since they had been forced out of the Red Door, the happiness had slowly trickled out of him. When Illyrio took them in, his smile returned, but it was different. It was both less warm, yet also burning at the same time. His smile had stayed like that after the cards had appeared at first. But over time, as he changed his deck and dueled her and others, he seemed to lose that strange sense. He started to return to the Viserys of her childhood.

But then something changed again. Viserys had not left his room except for meals for a few days. When he did, she saw that he did not even have that twisted smile. He just looked empty. He had finally left the Manse again this morning. He dyed his hair black-a trick they had picked up from Tyrosh, Viserys said it would help them evade the Usurper's knives- and told her he was going out.

She hoped that he would find his old self again. She missed having a brother she felt safe around.

Ever since he had told her that she would wed some warrior king named Khal Drogo, she had been preparing for his arrival. If she showed resistance, Viserys would get mad. He explained how Drogo was not really worthy of her, but that they needed his army to go home, and sacrifices had to be made.

She had tried to prepare for her husband, but she kept fear in her heart. And then suddenly the Dothraki were gone. Spread to the wind if any survived at all. According to Illyrio, the Dothraki City had been taken over by Lhazareen.

Her musings were interrupted by a servant touching her on the shoulder. She looked at the girl, only a year or two older than her. Her skin still showing bruises from her years of wearing chains. But now she was free, and being paid for her work.

"Princess, the Magister wishes to see you by the gates." she said before waiting for Danaerys to get ready.

After taking a few seconds to stare at the rest of the city once again, Danaerys followed the Servant girl and soon they arrived by the gates. There, Magister Illyrio stood, he had aged more since the cards had disrupted the slave trade than in the years they had stayed with him. But what caught her attention was the man standing besides Illyrio.

He was a large middle aged man. Swarthy and hairy. The man was starting to bald, but still had a good amount of his natural black hair. He wore wool and leather, with a dark green tunic showing a standing black bear.

"Ah Princess! There you are. Our luck is starting to change. This is Ser Jorah Mormont, the rightful Lord of Bear Island in the North. The Usurper had the Starks strip him of his title due to some...difference of opinion about how to treat criminals."

Danaerys stared at the new man. A knight. She had not seen a man who held the title up close since the death of Ser Willem. Viserys had warned that the Usurper would send knights or those wishing to be knights after them. But they would not be true knights like their ancestor's uncle Aemon the Dragon Knight. These false knights would try to trick her into thinking she was safe, only to throw her to the dogs of the Usurper.

Ser Jorah took a step towards her and bowed. "Princess, it is an honor to see you. I served your father for many years. Gods willing I hope to always serve the true king of Westeros."

Danaerys took a step back. "You said Bear Island in the North. How do we know it's not all a ploy? Seems easier than helping my brother reclaim the Throne."

They may not speak of it to her directly, but she had picked up that their chances of avenging their family by killing the Usurper were getting lower.

"You do not know Ned Stark." Ser Jorah said. "Even if Robert pardoned me, I would never keep my head if I went back home. If I want to return, they both must die."

"Do not worry Princess," Illyrio interrupted, "You and your brother are still under my protection. Once the King returns from wherever he goes, we can introduce him to Ser Jorah. He has connections to several Sellsword companies. I am sure he will be very valuable in our plans."

"I pray you are correct, Magister." Danaerys said as she turned and walked back to her and Viserys' rooms. All the while, her mind was filled with worry at how everything was so dangerous.

'I just want to go home.' She thought, thinking of a red door.

TYENE SAND

PRINCE'S PASS THROUGH THE RED MOUNTAINS

Tyene's horse rode quickly while hiding in the mountain paths, but once she reached the end, she had to slow down to make sure to keep quiet. She had no knowledge of the Marcher Lords' border patrols, so she had to look for signs if it was safe to go or if she should risk another route. She had already evaded several knights wearing a variety of sigils. She hoped they had not spotted her as easily as she saw them.

Doran had heard of the Stony Sept being the home of a Septon who was connected to the High Sparrow who was said to lead this Faith Militant. Once there, she would use a false identity as the daughter of a farmer who looked to awash her sins by serving the gods. The fact that she closer resembled her mother would help her blend in. She doubted they would be so accommodating if they knew she was the Bastard of Oberyn Martell. A man some Septons had been disparaging since before his death for what he took to bed.

It burned her inside, but Prince Doran had ordered her to keep an eye on the man. She knew it was also to keep her safer than in Dorne, where loss meant becoming a Silent Sister along with her other sisters.

Five days after leaving the Prince's Pass, she had to leave her Dornish stead behind and buy a river's crossing near Ashford. From there, she bought another horse, that man selling it claimed his prized horse was descendant from one owned by Ser Duncan the Tall, but she had bought a regular one. Unfortunately it was slower than her Dornish stead, but she had to abandon it a half day later when she reached Longtable. From there, a third horse was bought for a reasonable price, and she made it to the Rose road. Not wanting to risk going to King's Landing, she headed north and two days later, she reached the Gold Road. A few hours of hard riding and she reached her last obstacle: a branch of the Blackwater Rush. Luckily there was a village nearby, and she managed to buy passage on a boat. Then the Stoney Sept was within sight.

Tyene smiled. Even if Doran's plans fail, she may be able to manipulate the Faith Militant into striking at the Lannisters.

AN: Before we do the usual post chapter summary, I have a question for you dear readers. I am sure some of you are probably thinking that there should be more duels in here than there are. Well, given that we are entering a war arc, you can expect more action. But, how would you like it?

1). Just have everyone duel like so far. When two military forces meet up, each soldier duels, and I show just one duel between named characters. It may mean chapters take longer as I come up with so many duels, but it would stay consistent.

2). Have an actual war, but with cards used to enhance the combat. I am thinking of something like the entire war is one big Shadow Game free for all, and monsters can be called to aid in battle. For example- Jaime could cross swords with the Celtic Guardian. Or Tywin could summon Labyrinth Wall to break up an enemy army. Or Doran using Swords of Revealing Light to buy more time during a siege. Of course, the stronger the cards, the more exhausted you get, so no one is going to be spamming High Level monsters. Once your LP hits zero, you die. This may be easier to write and would let me keep some of the real life warfare used in ASOIAF/GOT, but I understand if you would not like this. I am about to go on my Spring break-just wrapped up midterms!- which will give me enough time after posting this to write a chapter based on which option has more support. I wish you all luck. Until then, I will be writing down another story idea while also starting on the non-dueling POVs for the chapter.

Alright then, we see the pieces start to move more on the actual battlefields.

Ser Jorah is part of a group that has plans for the Targs. Will he end up being a friend or foe?

Tywin is already on his way to the capital, and Tyrion is only a little behind, but he brings some extra men to make up for it.

Beric shows us how the quiet is strange after such a high profile declaration of war.

Leyton's reclusiveness is given a reason I think fits considering what is known about Jorah. He also gives us a show of a more recent than Doom of Valyria predecessor. While the Millenium items eventually made their way all over, the Signer marks continued to be passed down through accidental burnings. Gerold Hightower had it, but with no knowledge of the significance, he never really tapped into it.

Danaerys meets Jorah, and reflects on Viserys' changes throughout her life, and Jorah meets her. Meanwhile Viserys is nowhere to be seen. For now.

Closing up the chapter, Tyene heads out to join up with the Faith Militant. As I stated in the beginning, they are the next Arc, and this was meant to be to give us an established POV for their side.