Dragonstone: 283 AC: 5 Days Later:
Arthur looked over the morning sea from the room with the painted table. The cold air rushed over him as he ran a hand through his hair. The smell of smoke and brimstone from the Dragonmont filled his nostrils and left him with a sense of foreboding. The last few days, his thoughts have been occupied by the plans and actions he believe he should take when the time to depart Dragonstone had come. The fact that Rhaella refused to leave due to her bearing of child did not help matters. His honor forbade him from leaving anyone behind as his King requested yet he could not take the risk of losing them all should they be too late to leave. It placed him in a difficult position.
Taking a deep breath of the air, he left the room and made his way to the armory. Passing through the winged shaped doors to it, he saw guards and sentries making ready for the days rotation. He smiled as he watched men clad in steel pick up swords and bows as it reminded him of being a squire and watching the knights he idolized make ready for their own duties. He then saw, Willem Darry making sure everyone had what they needed. He still lived up to his old job role as master of arms, which Arthur thought was something he genuinely enjoyed.
"Ser Arthur! I am surprised to see you here at this time in the morn." Willem called over to him, the sweat on his brow causing his blonde hair to stick to his head.
"I find my mind too busy to sleep, Willem." Arthur chuckled.
"What troubles you, Ser?" Willem asked, his eyes showing concern.
"It is the Queen, Willem. She-"
"We will talk some place else, Arthur. Not here with the men." Willem interrupted.
Arthur hadn't noticed but at the mere mention of the Queen, the whole garrison was silent and listening to them both speak. Willem dismissed the men and told them to go about their duties. Both he and Arthur left the armory and made their way to Willems private chambers. Sitting down on a chair, Willem bid Arthur to do the same as he poured him a mug of water.
"Continue, Arthur." Willem smiled.
"The Queen, she refuses to leave, Willem. Due to her unborn child she is unwilling to risk travel to Essos." Arthur sighed as he rubbed his temples.
"I am afraid she may be faced with no choice. We cannot hold out here forever and the Usurper could be coming for us any day now."
"I have explained that to her over and over, yet she refuses to be reasonable. I made a promise to our King that I would see his family safe yet I cannot leave her behind to save the others. Nor can I stay here and have them all die." Arthur said, his voice raising.
"Calm, Arthur. I'll petition the Queen on your behalf and see if I can make her see reason."
"I have my doubts, Willem."
Before they could continue their conversation, the young Prince Viserys was noticed to be standing at the door. "My mother wishes your presence, Sers. She said it was urgent." Viserys mumbled, his voice still slightly shy every time he spoke to Arthur.
"At once, my Prince. Lead the way." Arthur replied as both he and Willem stood up and followed the young Prince.
Viserys led both knights to the throne room where they found Rhaella seated upon the Dragonstone throne. The architecture of the chair made it look as if she was riding a stone Dragon, as its wings sat crossed above her, it casted a dark shadow over her otherwise silver hair. In her arms she held Aemon who passively played with her fingers. Her violet eyes were quickly upon both knights who instinctively bent their knees towards the Dowager Queen. Around the room stood a handful of guards and servants who looked on curiously at both knights and the Queen. None more so than Viserys.
"Ah, Ser Willem, Ser Arthur. I am happy you could both be here so hastily. Please rise." Rhaella smiled.
"We are at your service, my Queen." Arthur affirmed.
"I have a request of you both. Please come with me." Rhaella commanded as she stood up and left the room, Aemon clutched closely to her.
Arthur and Willem followed Rhaella through the Drum Tower of Dragonstone as they passed room after room, the booming sounds around them lending themselves well to its name. Arthur wondered where she may be taking them as he took note of the small bump that was beginning to form on her belly. It turned his thoughts again to his plans of fleeing Dragonstone as the reminder of why he could not leave was staring him in the face. After walking for far too long, the group arrived at the royal quarters. Arthur had only been here once before when he was slightly younger and with Rhaegar. He thought he would never see the rooms again but Rhaella led them straight into Rhaegar's old quarters.
Arthur was hit with an almost sickly bout of memories once he passed through the door, almost as if he could see the young Rhaegar standing in front of him with his smug smile. Willem however was astounded to see how large the room was and couldn't believe this was all for one man. They both watched Rhaella glide into the center of the room and turn to them both.
"This was Rhaegar's room, Sers. He slept here and wrote his poems here whenever he was able. He also told me he kept something important here, if you'd both follow me." Rhaella grinned as she walked over to a carpet that was under the grand bed.
"I am sorry, my Queen, but it is just a carpet. Not unless his bed was important?" Willem queried , the confusion etched across his face.
Rhaella giggled at the man. "Under the carpet. Ser Arthur, if you would remove it for me, please."
Arthur nodded at his Queen and lifted the bed as Willem removed the carpet. Underneath was a cutout floorboard with a large chest inside. "Pull it out." Rhaella ordered and both men did as they were bid. It was heavy. Very heavy as the two strong knights huffed as they dragged the chest from its hiding place. They lay it on the floor and marveled at it. Its steel was black and the oak it was built out of was thick and sturdy. Carved on it was the initials L and S yet Arthur wasn't fully sure who that could be.
"He meant to send it Winterfell, yet the war broke out before he could and so it was kept here." Rhaella remembered, her voice low and mournful.
The initials became much clearer to Arthur upon her words, as they could only be the initials of Lyanna Stark. "Shall we open it, my Queen?" He asked.
"Please do." Rhaella confirmed as she motioned to Willem to remove the lock on the middle of the chest.
Willem did as he was ordered and opened the chest. Both he and Arthurs eyes widened to what they saw. Inside its velvet lining, rested a dragon egg that was as black as night with red highlights that shimmered in the light. Beneath it, lay the sword that Arthur saw in his dreams. Dark Sister. Its winged cross guard and black blade gave it an intimidating presence. Rhaella placed Aemon on the bed gently and leant down and picked up the dragon egg. Arthur picked up the sword and marveled at its construction. Its beauty almost gave Dawn a contest. Almost.
"He meant it for him." Rhaella whispered as she nodded at Aemon.
"How? Where did he find all of this?" Willem questioned, the astonishment clear in his voice.
"The egg he found in the old hatcheries beneath Dragonstone. It was buried in the mud and ash." Rhaella began. "The sword I am not so sure. He mentioned paying some men and antiquarians to go beyond the Wall and search for it as he read an old book on Brynden Rivers who took it beyond the wall when he was Lord Commander of the Watch. He spoke of it being near the Fist of the First Men but after that my memory falters." Rhaella explained. "There is one more thing, Sers. In the chest."
Arthur looked down in the chest and saw two letters which both had their seals broken. Picking them up and reading them, Arthur gasped which drew a look of worry from Willem. "What is it, Arthur." Willem asked as he moved to Arthurs shoulder and began to read what he was holding.
"I do not believe it. Letters to prove Rhaegar's marriage to Lyanna and the annulment of his marriage to Elia. Both signed by High Septon Maynard and all involved." Arthur astonished. "Do you know what this means, Willem?"
"We can prove he's not a bastard or a child of rape." Willem confirmed.
The relief Arthur felt was astounding, as if a great weight was lifted from his shoulders. Rhaella watched her two knights as she held the Dragon egg. She smiled at them both as they read the letters, reminding her of children who have just seen a great knight or King. "Keep them in the chest until the time comes, Arthur." Rhaella ordered as she watched Arthur gently place the letters back into the chest and laying the sword on top of them.
"What about the egg?" Willem asked.
"He must cradle with the egg. Rhaegar was convinced it was meant for him and so I will honor his wishes." Rhaella answered.
"As you wish, my Queen." Willem said, bowing his head slightly.
Arthur placed the chest back in its hiding place and covered it with the carpet. Rhaella then placed the egg in Arthurs careful hands and picked up Aemon. The three of them then left the room and made their way back to the throne room. On the long walk, Arthur pondered on what he just witnessed and what it could all mean for them. If they could hatch a Dragon, that would give them an unassailable advantage when the time came for them to return to Westeros. The letters also proved Aemon's nature of birth in case any tried to challenge his legitimacy to sit on the Iron Throne. His mind ran wild with the possibilities of what they could come to achieve when he was of age. From hatching dragons to brining Kingdoms to their cause, Arthur felt in that moment that nothing could stop them. Not even the might of the Stag.
Some hours had passed and the morning sun had retreated as the day drew towards the early evening. Arthur again found himself in the room of the painted table, looking over the map. His resolve had strengthened since the revealing of the Dragon egg to him as he now felt they may actually have somewhat a chance once Aemon came of age. Though he wasn't naive enough to think that just one dragon could subdue the whole Seven Kingdoms but it wouldn't be a problem for years to come. Plus, it all hinged on the fact if Aemon could even hatch a dragon, which no one had done for over a hundred years.
Arthur looked over the map again and again. Plans came to him quickly and were discarded just as quickly. All he needed to do was focus on the escape from this island. His only plan was to get to Essos but he had no idea what to do once he was there or where they would go. He knew nothing of Essosi politics or how they would react with having the heir to the Iron Throne wash up on their shores. Would they turn him in to the Usurper? Would they aid him? He could not be so sure but anything was better than staying on Dragonstone. As he was deep in his thoughts, Willem rushed into the room, his face red from the running he must have just done.
"Arthur! Come to the docks, quickly!" Willem blustered as he ran from the room.
Arthurs heart sank as he feared the worse. That the usurper had sent ships to their shores. He grabbed Dawn from the table and secured it to his back. He left the room and followed the example left by Willem and began to run himself. He ran past confused guards and servants who began to worry as it could only be something bad if a knight of Arthurs composure was running in a blind panic. "Willem! Slow down!" Arthur shouted at the man ahead of him.
"Hurry Arthur!" Willem shouted back.
Arthur did as he was bid and picked up the pace. He soon arrived in the docks and saw the Queen standing there with four guards surrounding her. The wind blew through her silver hair and made her look like the Queen she should be. Her violet eyes narrowed in the sunlight as she gazed upon an approaching ship. Arthur drew Dawn from its sheathe and made his way to the Queen who said nothing to him. He looked out on the water and caught his breath. His eyes focused on what had caused the panic. One ship? It was one ship that had Willem so concerned? Arthur almost laughed as the ship approached the docks, its black sails raising slowly. Arthur remained confused. If this was a threat to them then why did the Queen stand on the docks as if she was waiting to receive some foreign dignitary? Arthur could make no sense of it until the ship finally made a stop.
On the deck stood a group of men. Some held their arms and legs as if injured and Arthur could see some bear blood stained tunics and shirts. In front of them stood a man who wore a bright yellow cloak, his dark brown hair and beard covered his features but, Arthur felt that something was familiar about him. To his side stood a man he thought he would never see again. Barristan Selmy.
"Barristan? I do not believe my eyes." Laughed Arthur, as if this day could not be any stranger.
Barristan stepped off of the ships and towards Arthur who quickly sheathed Dawn. "I should be saying the same to you, Arthur." Barristan chuckled as both men gripped each other in a brotherly embrace.
"I had thought you dead on the Trident, Barristan, you old fox" Arthur smiled as he released him from his embrace.
"Ah, Robert spared me, in light of my skill as a warrior and knight."
Before the two men could continue to regale each other with their stories, they both heard the clearing of Rhaella's throat and the small smile that followed.
"My Queen. An honor to see you again." Barristan affirmed as he took a knee.
"Rise Ser Barristan, it is me who is honored to be in the presence of one such as yourself." Rhaella smirked as her hand lingered on her belly.
Barristan stood up. "You flatter me, my Queen."
Arthur looked up to the deck and saw the familiar man again as he helped his injured crewmates off of the ship, his bright yellow cloak standing out amongst them. "That man, Barristan. I've seen him before, I swear."
"That is Ser Richard Lonmouth, Arthur. Squire to Rhaegar." Barristan replied, a small smirk appearing on his face.
"He is leal to Baratheon, is he not?" Arthur accused.
"He saved my life in Gulltown and has been delivering supplies to Dragonstone, so I presume not." Barristan chuckled.
"I'll trust in your instincts, Barristan." Arthur replied as he walked over to Richard who was busy unloading some cargo from the deck of his ship. "Ser Richard."
"Ser Arthur, as I live and breathe, I thought you dead in the war." Richard smiled as put down his cargo and shook Arthurs offered hand.
"It'll take much more than a war to kill me, Richard. Come we can talk more inside once we're done here."
Arthur and Barristan as well as anyone else with a pair of hands, helped unload the ship of its supplies and wounded. Once finished they made their way to the great hall of Dragonstone as they regaled each other with talk of their adventures and what they had been busy with this past week. Arriving at the hall, Barristan and Richard ate and drank hungrily as if they had not eaten for some days. It made Arthur question how difficult their travels had been and why they didn't just eat some of the supplies they had on the ship. However, Arthur was even more surprised to hear that assassins had been sent after Barristan and that he had been attacked twice on his way to Gulltown. He wasn't so surprised to hear that the Usurper had offered a precious bounty for his head, as after what he did to Eddard Stark, he wouldn't be surprised if everyone with a sword was hunting him.
After eating Arthur and Barristan followed Rhaella to the nursery where Barristan first laid his eyes on his King. He lay asleep clutching a black dragon egg in his tiny arms as if it were a stuffed bear, perhaps feeling the comfort in something familiar to his family and the warmth the egg may be emitting.
"Where did you get the egg?" Barristan asked, his eyes drawn to it immediately.
"Rhaegar left it for him, Ser. Spoke of how it was his unborn child's." Rhaella answered.
"He was always a perceptive man." Barristan smiled.
"We have proof of true nature of his birth, Barristan. We can prove he his a true son, born out of love rather than lust or rape." Arthur interrupted, his arms folded.
"You have letters? Of the marriage?" Barristan replied, his eyes wide.
"We do. Signed by all and the High Septon who officiate it."
Barristan could not believe it. He often thought that the son of Lyanna and Rhaegar would face insurmountable odds if he ever tried to retake his throne. From Lords refusing to support the child of a rape or a child that could be a bastard. Still, Barristan knew the truth and would have supported him regardless, but it warmed his heart to hear that they had evidence of the truth. Still, the odds would be stacked against them in the years to come and he doubted the vast majority of the Seven Kingdoms even knew of the child. They will one day though and Barristan could not wait for that day to arrive.
Kings Landing: 283 AC: The Same Day:
Jon Arryn stood in his office in the Tower of the Hand. His hands gripped tightly around a piece of paper as he looked out of a window. The raven from Gerold Grafton had not brought him good news. His plan had been foiled and the old knight still lived. How he had managed to escape was beyond him but, he should have been smarter than to send a few lousy hired blades after one of the most famed knights in the Realm. He of course knew that but sending anyone who would be worthy of fighting Barristan would have drawn the attention of Robert and he could not have that. The thing that angered him the most was that he had no idea where Barristan may have gone. It infuriated him and only served to make him doubt the course of his actions. No. He could not falter now. Not when he had come so far.
Taking a deep breath, Jon read the letter again and this time burned it. He could not have evidence of his deception just laying about as if they were just common reports. A new plan was needed but first he must turn his focus to securing the Crown. Having Barristan go missing only made him more paranoid about their position and so Jon resolved to see that righted. He sat down on his desk and began to write on a fresh piece of parchment. Once finished, he made his way to the Maesters chambers and upon arriving he found Grand Maester Pycelle busy in his studies, or he seemed to be.
"Grand Maester." Jon coldly said, his opinion on the old man was not a positive one due to his dubious loyalties.
"Ahhh...Lord Jon Arryn. How good it is to see you in my chambers." Pycelle croaked, as he struggled out of his chair, his chain jangling as he did so.
"I need you to send a raven to Casterly Rock."
"Why of course, my Lord. I shall see to it with haste."
"Here...see its sent as soon as you are able." Jon said, handing him the scroll as he quickly departed from the chambers.
Walking back through the Red Keep, Jon thought it best if he paid a visit to Robert. Both to tell him of the raven he had just sent and to see if he is improving with his drunkenness. He noticed some improvement in Roberts melancholy also, as the past few days he had been seen in good sprits and in good company for once. It made Jon more resolute to see Robert crowned by the next year as he could now see no one else more suitable than him. He found Robert in the sparring yard and watched as he knocked a man to the dirt with his warhammer. No matter how upset Robert may be, fighting always seemed to heighten his sprits and it made Jon happy to see him in such a way.
"Jon! I am happy to see you." Robert called to him as he took of his helm and placed his warhammer on a weapons rack.
"I have some news for you, Robert. I thought it best to come see you in person." Jon smiled as he walked towards the towering man.
"What is it then?"
"I have sent a raven to Tywin Lannister. About a marriage."
Roberts smile disappeared from his face. "By the Gods, Jon. I have barely just begun to find reprieve from Lyanna's death and now you want me to marry?"
"Robert, be reasonable. It'll only serve to strengthen your grip on the throne and Lady Cersei is a beautiful woman. Also, I am not asking you to marry this instant. If Tywin is happy with my proposal, it will be next year when you are wed."
The sigh from Robert was a heavy one. "Fine, fine. If it serves the Realm, so be it. What news of Barristan? It has been over a week since he left."
The question caught Jon off guard as he thought Robert may have forgotten about the knight due to his drunken episodes. "I have not heard anything, Robert. He may still be looking in Dorne but I will have to ask The Spider to be sure."
"Then ask him, Jon. I want Arthur Dayne." Robert ordered as he walked away from the sparring yard.
"As you command, Robert."
Jon watched him leave and cursed himself for his stupidity. He knew that Barristan still held loyalties for the Dragons of course, but in his haste to be rid of him, he failed to think his actions through. If he had been smarter he would have never told Robert to send Barristan after Arthur. He was giving him a way out. He should have had him arrested and executed on false charges of treason. He definitely could have convinced Robert to see such an action through but now he was in a difficult position. If Barristan turned up and knew Jon had sent assassins after him, Robert would have him thrown into a dungeon. He would soon take the word of a warrior over a politician. Even one such as Jon.
Kings Landing: 283 AC: The Same Day:
Stannis stood watch over the harbor, his dark blue eyes and heavy brow observing all. Before him he could see the construction of near thirty ships and men who were busy about their work. Although Robert was not even King yet, his orders still carried the same weight as if he was. Stannis paid it no mind and although it grated on him that his efforts went underappreciated in the Rebellion, he still did his duty to his brother. This time he would be rewarded though, once he had brought down the last remnants of House Targaryen and stormed Dragonstone to bring the a Baratheon's fury to them. Beside, Stannis stood one of his most trusted advisors, Ser Davos Seaworth. The man looked at Stannis curiously, like a dog does when its master hides its food in the palms of his hands.
"What is it, Davos?" Stannis grumbled, as he noticed Davos staring a hole through him.
"I worry that we won't be able to build the fleet in time, my Lord." Davos admitted.
"Why do you worry? The Targaryens have no where to go."
"They still have their fleet, my Lord. They could easily depart if they so wish."
"It does not matter if they do. They still have no where to go. You cannot just hide a fleet in Essos. If they flee then I will hunt them and destroy them."
Secretly, Stannis had been fearing the same thing. So much so, that he ordered his workers on double shifts and without breaks. It would end up costing the Crown a fortune but he did not care. He refused to let Robert berate him for anymore perceived failures. The worry still lingered in the back of his mind however, as he questioned whether the Targaryens did have allies in Essos and that if he failed by allowing them to live, they could come back and ruin all they had built. It was impossible he concluded. A Queen with no power and a young boy. As if they could challenge the might that House Baratheon now wielded.
"We should go eat, my Lord. The day is getting late." Davos implored.
"Lead the way then." Stannis replied.
Making their way to go and eat, they passed the dock workers and ship wrights who looked hard pressed. The sweat beading down their heads as they went about their tireless work. Hundreds of them were working on Stannis' soon to be flag ship. A huge triple decked war galley that Stannis had appropriately named the 'Fury' as it sowed fear into any who would dare oppose it. Once it was finished, Stannis planned to have scorpions covering the deck and catapults built into the fore and aft sections of the ship. A smart idea, Stannis thought as he could conduct a siege on Dragonstone from the deck of his ship as it flung giant rocks at the otherwise impervious walls of the stronghold. It would be moons until it was finished though and Stannis knew it would be the most expensive ship he had ever had built.
Arriving at the mess hall, Stannis and Davos sat down to eat. Davos only used his right hand ever since Stannis had the first joints of the fingers on his right hand removed. A fitting punishment for the life he used to lead, Davos thought. To him it seemed like a good trade as he became a knight at Stannis' hand in return.
"How long until you reckon we will be ready to sail, my Lord?" Davos asked, his mouth still half full with food.
"Do you hate the Targaryens that much, Ser Davos?" Stannis mumbled, his face showing a small sign of disgust at the way Davos ate and talked at the same time.
"Oh, I don't hate them. Don't really pay them any mind really, my Lord. Would just be a shame to build a fleet like that and not use it."
"It will be used, Davos. If not against Dragonstone, then against to someone who raises Roberts ire."
"I'd hate to be that person."
Stannis' face held a blank expression but what the onion knight had said rang true to him. Ever since the loss of both Lyanna and Eddard Stark, Roberts anger had become much worse. Whereas it would only be in battle that people would see his fury, now he lashed out at anyone who irritated him in the slightest and being drunk half the time did not help. It made Stannis wonder if he would be a good King after all and if the Crown may be too heavy for him to wear. It would not be for Stannis though and if the day ever came that Robert died or an heir was not born to him, Stannis would be ready.
A/N: Thanks for reading and following, as always. I wanna start making the chapters a bit longer like this one so they can include multiple POV''s which I figured I would have to do anyway. Anyway, thanks for reading again, means a lot.