Warg Maiden
Disclaimer: I do not own Game of Thrones
Chapter 84: Against Time
Imogen's POV
We continued riding down the Kingsroad, making our way to King's Landing. Wynn was flying ahead. The Hound grumbles on the journey while Arya makes comments. I try to ignore them as we continue through the winter. We need to make up for lost time, for Jon and the armies will be at the Tridents soon enough, and from what Arya said, it will probably take two weeks to reach the Riverlands.
"I don't like crowds," The Hound grumbled.
"Me neither," Arya said.
"Why not?" The Hound said. "You're a big hero."
"I don't like heroes," Arya muttered.
I chuckled at that, "Many of our ancestors didn't like being called heroes."
Arya snorted at that.
"It must have felt good sticking a sword in that horned fucker," The Hound said.
I suppress the tightness in my chest, "I'm just glad it's over."
"So, we are heading to King's Landing," Arya said.
"I don't think we will reach the Trident in time," I said. "Let alone the waters are not safe to travel."
"So, we're going to warn the King," The Hound grumbled.
"And assist," I reminded.
The Hound snorted, "I have some unfinished business."
"Me too," Arya added.
I stared at her to explain.
"She has a fucking list," The Hound explained.
"A list?" I asked.
"Of people, I need to kill," Arya answered.
I sighed, shaking my head. Gods have mercy on us all.
"I don't plan on coming back." The Hound said.
"Neither do I," Arya agreed.
"Gonna leave me to die again if I get hurt?" he asked.
Arya took a moment to think about it and answered, "Probably."
The Hound chuckled at this.
"Enough, let's go," I ordered as Skadi started running at a pace for the horses to catch up.
We need to make as much distance as we can while having daylight. My objective is clear: to reach Jon and the Dragon Council. To warn Jon about Bran's vision and to not be in any situation to not kill Daenerys. Most of all, I need to be there if Daenerys does use Drogon to burn King's Landing, to warg and stop them.
Otherwise, Daenerys will be the Queen of the Ashes.
.o0o.
Jon's POV
Jon stared ahead from the boat as the men rowed to Dragonstone. When Jon arrived at the Trident, a raven arrived, informing Jon that Daenerys and her fleet were ambushed by Euron Greyjoy. During the attack, Rhaegal got struck, only to sacrifice himself to attack the Greyjoy Armada, only to be killed off. As he took half the ships down with him. That was the pain he felt. He felt Rhaegal's death.
When Jon got the news, he was quiet, trying to grasp everything. Rhaegal, the dragon he bonded, was dead. Jon couldn't describe how he felt, for he had just bonded with the green dragon. It was fresh, it was new, and it still hurt. As Rhaegal chose him to be his rider. Then again, Rhaegal probably knew he was a Targaryen before anyone else. If not, Rhaegal protects Jon to the best of his ability and destroys Viserion.
And Rhaegal was dead.
Jon spent that night quietly mourning for Rhaegal. He may not see Rhaegal as his child, but he felt a familiar bond with him as he once did with brothers of the Night's watch. Like…Pyp, Grenn, and Edd.
It wasn't until the next day that another raven arrived from Lord Varys. Requesting his presence at Dragonstone this instance. As plans have been changed. Jon understood as he gave the command to Lord Royce before he, Ser Davos, and several men headed southeast to Saltpans, where a ship would be waiting.
They rode nonstop, only taking a break for the horses. Although made several trade stops. With House Tully now in control of the Riverlands once more, it was easy to travel. However, Jon was on guard on the ship, knowing there was a chance of Euron's fleet out in the waters. Thankfully, the gods have been on their side. Either Euron was patrolling, or he was securing Black Water Bay.
Jon took several deep breaths as he stared at Dragonstone. He felt mixed emotions about this place but had many good memories. He smiled a little, thinking about the tempest of emotions with Imogen that officially started their courtship. It wasn't that long ago, and now he was married to her.
Now Jon wanted to get this war over with.
The boat reached the shallows of the beach, and Jon got off, helping his men push it in. Once secure, Jon made his way to Lord Varys.
"The Northern armies?" Lord Varys asked, leading the way.
"They are meeting up with the Tyrell forces at the Trident," Jon answered. "They'll be at the walls of King's Landing in a fortnight."
Lord Varys nodded.
Jon hesitated to answer the following question, "How is she?"
"She hasn't seen anyone since we returned," he reported. "Hasn't left her chambers, hasn't accepted any food."
Jon frowned at this, "She shouldn't be alone."
"She is not; Missandei has been caring for her needs," he informed.
Jon nodded, appreciating that Missandei had survived the ordeal. He had a feeling that if the Naathi had died by any means, Daenerys would never forgive herself. And would burn Westeros to the ground.
"You're worried for her," Lord Varys murmured. "I admire your empathy."
Of course, Jon worried for Daenerys. She was his aunt, the last of his paternal family. Even though Jon chooses to hide his true identity, he believes Daenerys can be a better queen than Cersei. But Daenerys, except with Rhaegal's death, is cautious about his aunt's well-being and the people surrounding her.
"Aren't you worried for her?" Jon asked.
"I'm worried for all of us," Lord Varys answered. "They say every time a Targaryen is born, the gods toss a coin, and the world holds its breath."
"We're not much for riddles where I'm from," Jon murmured.
"We both know what she's about to do," Lord Varys said, staring at Jon.
Jon stopped walking, staring at the Master of whisperers. Jon wasn't sure where this was going; it was either a battle strategy or Lord Varys' discovery of the truth. Jon is hoping for the former, in which Drogon is used more than burning the Iron Fleet. As much as Jon wanted to limit the use of dragons in this war.
"That's her decision to make," Jon reminded. "She is your queen."
"Men decide where power resides, whether or not they know it," Lord Varys quoted.
Jon felt his stomach tighten, and he feigned confusion, "What do you want?"
"All I've ever wanted. The right ruler on the Iron Throne," Lord Varys explained. "I still don't know how her coin has landed. And I hope you can help her see reason."
Jon mentally sighed in relief that Lord Varys seemed unaware of his parentage.
Although Jon doesn't want to be king. Not the current ruler in the North, nor all of Westeros. After clear thinking on this journey, he made his choice to abdicate. A leader he can be when needed, but not a ruler. All he wants now is a peaceful life, whether serving his family in the North or beyond the Wall with his wife, starting over.
Once the Last War is over and Daenerys is crowned, he will have a word with Imogen. He wanted her opinion, even though she would go wherever he went. He still wants to give her a choice.
Lord Varys gave a sigh, "I have known more kings and queens than any man living. I've heard what they say to crowds and seen what they do in the shadows. I have furthered their designs, however horrible. But what I tell you now is true: You and Daenerys will rule wisely and well."
Jon could only nod. Even if he can be a good king, what happened at Castle Black will forever haunt him when he was Lord Commander. He does not want that responsibility to be held in that greater position.
With nothing else to say, Lord Varys escorted Jon to the castle. On the way through the steps, they were greeted by Lord Tyrion.
"Her grace wants to speak with you," Tyrion announced.
Jon took a deep breath and nodded.
.o0o.
Jon stood at the door that led to the Painted Chamber. Missandei was there, her arm in a sling.
"She's waiting for you," Missandei said.
Jon nodded as he opened the door and entered. He walked in, seeing Daenerys by the massive windows and staring at the shore. She stood there almost like a statue, wearing a black Valyrian gown and her hair down. A part of her face was exposed, showing a gaunt expression.
"Your Grace," Jon spoke up.
"I was a terrible mother to Rhaegal and Viserion," Daenerys said.
Jon was not sure what to say to that.
"Back in Meereen, Drogon was hunting, and he burned a little girl in his hunt. Zara." She continued. "I had to maintain the peace, and Drogon was nowhere to be found. Therefore, I placed Viserion and Rhaegal in the catacombs under the Great Pyramid. Chaining them like animals and leaving them in the dark, thinking I was doing it for the better good."
Jon took a deep breath.
"They've never forgiven me," she continued. "Even after they break from the confines to help me during the attack of the Masters…they've never forgiven me. And I have not forgiven myself. I thought I was doing right. Yet I punished them for a crime they did not commit."
Jon continued to remain quiet.
"When I saw Rhaegal bond with you, I knew I had to let him go," she murmured, turning her attention to him. "Rhaegal…he never liked men; he could tell when someone was deceiving me and was not afraid to retaliate if need be. A protector. And that is what he did; he protected, even with a ballista in his chest, he protected me."
Jon wasn't sure what to say.
"You felt his death, didn't you?" She assumed.
Jon hesitantly took a deep breath, "I did."
"I'm sorry," she sighed. "That is something one should never feel."
"It was not your fault," he assured. "I was at fault too, for I thought Rhaegal accompanying you would be an easier flight than flying through harsh weather."
"Still, he's gone," she choked up as she gestured to the bay. "In a watery grave."
"Daenerys," Jon said as he stepped closer but stopped.
"Far more people in Westeros love you than love me," she murmured, her eyes watered. "I don't have love here. I only have fear."
"Don't say that," he tried to comfort her. "You will be a great queen."
"As long as I control my emotions," she sneered, looking at him. "That is what your wife told me."
Jon sighed. "Imogen can be blunt, but she has seen things I do not understand. I let my emotions get the better of me…and it led me to execute a boy. I regret it, even though Olly was angry, seeking justice…I regret killing him."
"Then what shall I do?" she asked.
Jon took a deep breath, "Mourn, sleep, and make the next plans."
Daenerys sighed but nodded, "You must be tired from your journey. Your chambers are assembled."
"Daenerys," he murmured.
"We will discuss battle strategies tomorrow," she finished, turning her attention to the bay.
Jon sighed as he left the painted chamber.
Hoping his words helped her.
.o0o.
Imogen's POV
I stared at the sky as I took my first watch. We made it across the Neck and reached the Riverlands. Arya and The Hound…no…Sandor was resting. The horses needed a break, and we were by a river. Proper sleep is not going to happen. At least until we reach the army.
My mind still wonders if Jon is alright.
A broken bond can be painful.
I glance at my wrist on the bracelet that honors Frigg. As the pain was faint as a memory, yet the invisible scar was there. Imagine with a dragon. I cleared my mind, preparing for the possibility of warging a dragon. I hope Daenerys takes my words of wisdom and does not use Drogon to ease her wrath.
Skadi and Ghost lean against me.
I sighed, petting both their pelts.
That is a thing about canines. They are far more intelligent than given credit, especially direwolves. I lean into Skadi, savoring her comfort.
"How do you do it?" Arya suddenly asked.
I paused, staring at her as she lay there staring at us.
"Do what?" I asked.
"Bond with them so easily?" she asked.
I stared at her before glancing at Ghost, who rested his head on my lap while I leaned into Skadi. "You treat them as a living thing. Not an animal. And not a person. But a soul."
Arya took my words in, "I always thought of Nymeria as my other half."
"Nymeria?" I paused, remembering not the warrior queen but the direwolf. "Sansa mentioned your wolf."
Arya gave a heavy sigh, "Yeah."
"Do you know where she is?" I asked.
"She has her own pack, and on my journey back to Winterfell, they are causing havoc on Lannisters and their supporters," she answered.
I chuckled, shaking my head. "And so, there will be a new breed of wolves in the future."
Arya nodded with a smirk.
We were silent for a moment, though a question lingered in the back of my head, "Who is on your list?"
Arya remained quiet.
"Arya…who is on your list?"
"Cersei Lannister," she answered.
"Why is she on your list?" I asked.
"She was involved in my father's death," she answered. "And a part of Bran's fall."
I nodded, "Even though she is with child."
"I'm sure the baby will be born by the time we get there," she said.
"And if not?" I asked.
Arya paused as she thought about it, "I don't know."
I sighed as I turned my attention to the stars.
.o0o.
Exhaustion consumed us as we continued down the Kingsroad. The Riverlands were different, with a soft blanket of snow that melted away the further south we went. The air was slightly warm, yet it brought a slight chill when the wind blew. I found this place warm. The landscape was nearly flat, with a few hills and many rivers.
I noticed there weren't many people out. Then again, it was winter, and there were not any cities. Instead, there were towns. Although we only made a quick stop on supplies, I and the direwolves had to wait. Sandor and Arya made these stops quick. Of course, there were some horse trades.
Either way, we continue moving as days turn into weeks. Nonstop, we galloped down the Kingsroad. As our objective is to get to the armies. Wynn was still straight ahead, as I warg now and then to ensure our route was safe and there were no threats from Lannister Forces and those allies with Cersei. It doesn't help that there is a two-week distance between us.
Arya was convinced that we would reach the army in time—if not in the Riverlands, at least to the camps. Sandors believes that a massive army will take longer to march down, even though the Dothraki managed to cross Westeros in less than three weeks. So, can an enormous army and the weather delay allow us to catch up?
Night and day, rain and snow, we continue to make our way to King's Landing.
.o0o.
Jon's POV
The last several days have been tedious, as Jon and Daenerys's council have been busy planning the siege. Ser Theodore with his son Luthor, Ser Manfrey, and Saerella. One of the remaining Older Sand Snakes was in charge of what remained of the Dornish navy.
The plan was simple—it was the original plan. Only with Rhaegal gone will Jon lead the Northern forces alongside Grey Worm with the Unsullied and Kavorro of the Dothraki. All three armies will be dealing with the Golden Company. Meanwhile, Ser Theodore and Ser Manfrey led their armies in the siege. As for the Iron Fleet, Daenerys will burn them while Saerella, with the Dornish Navy, will continue the blockade in Black Water Bay.
It was tedious, as everyone was making recommendations. Even though Daenerys has the advantage in forces, Cersei has advanced in machinery from the Scorpions and has the dangerous mind of Qyburn. It was best to spread out the armies and not focus on one gate, as expected from the Golden Company.
Ser Davos even informed of smuggling areas, as did Lord Varys on points. Even securing a few gates for the people to escape. As Lord Tyrion stated, this was a pillaging raid. That the people, the smallfolk, were dragged into this mess.
Jon remembers Tyrion stating that more than a million people live in this city.
They surround the painted table as flames burn underneath, and the markings are illuminated in orange. Daenerys was in her position, though her expression was neutral. Jon wasn't sure if she took his advice to mourn and rest. Only time will tell.
Jon remained silent during these meetings.
His objective was the Golden Company. He recalls that there are twenty-thousand-foot soldiers and two thousand horses. Jon's first thought was to let the Dothraki take the cavalry down and go to the first wave. Afterward, the remaining forces will be dealt with. That was his assignment. He does not want any part of the raid.
As his mind lingers on what the Lannisters did over twenty years ago. He will not stoop so low. When it came to the Dornish and Tyrell forces discussing the siege, Jon let his mind wander. Wondering how his family was doing. He had sent two ravens to give his whereabouts. About now, they would get it. The first is for his siblings…cousins …of his whereabouts, and that he was safe so far. The second was for Imogen, telling her that he loves her and to prepare. He kept it vague, hoping she understood that he did not want to be king anymore.
Jon took a deep breath when Tyrion spoke.
"The people who live there, they're not your enemies. They're innocents, like the ones you liberated in Meereen."
"In Meereen, the slaves turned on the masters and liberated the city themselves the moment I arrived," Daenerys said, her voice monotone.
"They're afraid," Tyrion defended. "Anyone who resists Cersei will see his family butchered. You can't expect them to be heroes. They're hostages."
"They are," Daenerys agreed. "In a tyrant's grip. Whose fault is that? Mine?"
"What does it matter whose fault it is?" Tyrion countered. "Thousands of children will die if the city burns."
"Your sister knows how to use her enemies' weaknesses against them," Daenerys murmured tiredly. "That's what she thinks our mercy is: weakness."
"I beg you, my queen –"
"But she's wrong," Daenerys interrupted sternly this time. "Mercy is our strength. Our mercy towards future generations who will never again be held hostage by a tyrant."
Tyrion held his tongue.
"Lord Varys, have your little birds send a message to have the people stay inside their homes and away from the battlements," Daenerys ordered.
Jon mentally sighed in relief.
"At once," Lord Varys said as he left to send a message.
Daenerys then looked at all the people who surrounded the Painted Table. "Ensure your forces do not attack the people. Anyone who disobeys will be executed."
Ser Theodor and Ser Manfrey nodded.
"I will not be the Queen of the Ashes," Daenerys said. "Ready your forces. Tonight, you all sail to join our armies."
"Cersei's followers will abandon her if they know the war is lost," Tyrion assured. "Give them that chance. If the city surrenders, they will ring the bells and raise the gates. Please, if you hear them ringing the bells, call off the attack."
"The bells have never rung for surrender," Ser Davos reminded.
Jon stared at Ser Davos, seeing the haunted memory of the last siege of King's Landing with Stannis Baratheon. One that failed miserably, all because Tyrion used Wildfire and the Lannister forces arrived. Tyrion gave Ser Davos an expression of utter betrayal.
Daenerys stared at Jon, "You've been quiet, King Jon, what is your opinion."
Jon took a deep breath, "We focus on the blockade and eliminate the Golden Company and Iron Fleet. We wait them out, for either the people surrender or they let us have access to take siege. I do not want to see innocent burns or slain. For if we do this and attack straight on, then we are no better than Cersei."
Jon hoped he got through to her, to which Daenerys nodded, "I wish you all good luck."
They all nodded as they left.
Jon waited for a moment as everyone left. Daenerys went over to the fireplace as she stared at the flames. Jon made his way over to her. No words were said between them for a while. Until Daenerys finally spoke:
"Ser Jorah once told me that even though I try to be ruthless, I have a gentle heart. I don't have to be respected and feared, but I can also be loved. Someone who can rule and should rule. I want to break the wheel, and yet Aegon the Conqueror created the wheel."
"It can be hard to make these choices," he said.
Daenerys nodded as she turned her attention to him, "You better get going, Jon Snow."
Jon stared at her; even though Daenerys had approved the plan, he couldn't get the feeling that this siege would not go as planned.
I know, I know, this is more of a filler chapter.
Thanks for reading and please leave a review!