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Here comes the 32nd chapter of the story! The end is coming soon, but not Today !

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He had needed to understand. He still couldn't wrap his mind around what he had witnessed, smelt, seen or heard of King's Landing. What he had known before their arrival here had been learnt from either Tyrion or Jon and he knew both of them had been biased, at least on a subconscious level. Neither of them had truly witnessed nor lived in the real conditions of King's Landing, the place where most of the people lived. Whenever royalties visited such places, it only created tensions, and nothing reflected completely the truth. Some aspects were improved while others went downhill. He knew from experience that spirits were high whenever such visits occurred. In short, only someone who had lived there could provide some of the answers Eragon sought.

These questions were weighing on his mind since this was the heart of Westeros' political power. He hadn't expected such poverty. These questions couldn't remain unanswered now.

During his first visit here, their stay had been very short, barely six hours long and most of the time had been spent in the Dragon Pit. They had more pressing matters, which fortunately had been dealt with. His mind had been focused on the battle against the Army of the Dead and they couldn't have afforded to lose more time here.

But now, nothing was stopping him. He had wanted to witness the living conditions and the apparent poverty first-hand. Saphira had landed a few leagues away from the city in the middle of the night. From there, he ran in the direction of King's Landing, reaching the borders of the city in a matter of hours. During these few moments, nothing broke the silence but the faint noises of Eragon's feet softly touching the snow. He didn't wander on the road, preferring to remain under the trees. He arrived just at dawn, with the sun emerging behind the Red Keep. In the shadows of the forest, he could watch without being seen. But remaining unseen wouldn't be an issue for Eragon.

With a quick spell, he had managed to sneak inside the city. Invisible, the guards had been none the wiser and climbing the walls had been a mere formality. Saphira hadn't been the most supportive of this idea, knowing Eragon's knack to attract danger. But he was confident in his abilities to deal with whatever troubles could fall on him and the Eldunaris were scrying the whole city to avoid any mishap.

Wearing shabby clothes, he tried his best to blend in. Eragon had stopped his spell in a narrow street, knowing he would be unable to remain invisible. The streets weren't large and given how dense the crowd was and how unpredictably the movements of the people there were, he was bound the be detected rather soon than later.

But none of this mattered to Eragon. He was more horrified by the poverty he could helplessly witness. Even Dras Leona's dirtiest places looked more inviting. The streets were dirty, covered with dirt, piss and stains. With his enhanced senses, he barely resisted for a few seconds before placing a spell to numb his smell. He didn't like to hinder his senses like this, it felt like self-mutilation, but the smell was beyond anything he had experienced before although he had been present during and after the battle of the Burning Plains where thousands had died before starting to root under the blazing sun,

He could see kids running around, fighting for a piece of bread, and beggars seeking something to eat. There wasn't any real shop per se, these looked more like little stalls with little to sell.

The houses were in a very poor state, with a bunch of walls with some openings. But there was no warmth in these, nothing inviting.

And in the middle of this misery, Eragon finally understood the reasons why the people remained there. It wasn't because of a choice or out of love for the city. They simply couldn't leave. They had no funds and no prospects outside of King's Landing. And most importantly, the gates were heavily guarded. The city was manned to fight and the people inside were trapped. The city walls were equipped with several ballistae that looked even more powerful than the ones Saphira had destroyed on Euron's ships. The design was more sophisticated which probably offered more range. These could be powerful assets for the Lannister armies if they were to fight. But Eragon wasn't about to let those become a dangerous threat. The majority of the energy coming from the Eldunaris was invested in wards around the dragons, Eragon and Daenerys. The sheer amount of power coming from them was astonishing, and he knew it would require more than a few arrows to seriously wound the dragons.

Nevertheless, he had to move. He was reminded by Saphira that he had remained in his current position, frozen at the end of the street for a whole minute, shocked by the surrounding environment. While it hadn't attracted the attention of any guards yet, he had to remain cautious. His eyes were everywhere at once, trying to see as much as possible. He could see the way people worked, ate or interacted with each other. It was supposed to be Westeros' greatest city and Eragon couldn't help but think he had just seen the worst. When facing such poverty, he couldn't care less about the monuments built by Daenerys' ancestors and of which Tyrion had spent a long time describing the beauty. It felt so pointless. Moreover, Cersei didn't seem to share her brother's love for these monuments if the rumbles he could see in the distance were any indication.

This city was their only home but also their jail, with their jailors now also stuck in their own golden cage thanks to Daenerys's army surrounding the city and leaving no room for escape.

He took his time, and explored for a few hours the streets of the capital, walking without any real destination in mind. He preferred to remain silent and not talk to the people there. He knew his accent would attract unnecessary attention. However, his behaviour didn't look out of character since the people didn't linger in the streets. They were always on the move, clutching their clothes and conducting their activities as quickly and efficiently as possible. Winter was here and the temperatures were quite low. It wasn't as harsh as what they had experienced North but the people here were ill-equipped. Very few of them had furs to protect them from the cold wind. At best, they had some cloaks but it was far from being enough.

He explored but found little of interest. There was nothing to be found in King's Landing outside of the prevalent poverty. He ate nothing of the day and spoke a little out loud. But during the whole day, he shared his observations with the dragons who showed a modicum of interest. For them, it was just another city populated by humans without any real interest outside of the Dragonpit.

Once the night had fallen, he made his way back to the ships where Daenerys' armies were stationed, which didn't present much of a challenge. However, he took the opportunity to remain longer than what was necessary for the dark salty water, feeling he needed a deep cleanse. He had remained for a few hours in the water, joined at some point by Saphira. It wasn't very warm but a quick spell took care of it and he stood there, pondering what he had witnessed, thinking about the future of King's Landing's citizens.

But Saphira was quick to stop his train of thought. She started to dive faster into the water and closer to Eragon. It was the first time they tried something like that, carelessly playing in the water. While he was able to remain above the water quite easily, Saphira couldn't remain in a floating position very long. Eragon watched her pitiful attempts to resist drowning, moving her legs and wings to find a suitable position. Unsurprisingly, all her attempts failed and ended with her in the air, spilling some salty water while flapping her wings in a very unsynchronized pattern. Even the usually very serious Eldunaris had cracked a few jokes, calling Saphira a beautiful sea-drunk-winged snake. And the conclusion left Eragon panting with laughter. Needless to say, she hadn't been pleased and had left to sulk on one of the boats, refusing to discuss the latest events.

It seemed to Eragon that even Drogon and Viserion were taking the mickey, only remaining silent because of Saphira's alpha position in their pack. The whole night was spent aimlessly, in this joyful and carefree atmosphere.

In the early hours of the day, it was a happy and rested Eragon that entered Daenerys' cabin to exchange about King's Landing. Obviously, Daenerys was there, but so were Jon, Jaime, Yara, Varys and Tyrion. The latter looked like he'd rather be in his bed and was already clutching a glass filled with wine, holding it as if his survival depended on it. Eragon could feel Saphira's envy. Good ale was scarce in Westeros. She had decided during the night that sulking wasn't appropriate and was now acting as if nothing had happened. Suffice to say, no one had dared to bring up the subject yet.

Eragon hadn't shared the real purpose of his leave yesterday and wouldn't probably divulge it if no one brought it up. They probably thought he had spent the last day and night with Saphira, either in the skies or in the water, which surmised a good part of it. But he knew how quickly news could travel, and he hadn't wanted to hear all their questions and interrogations before and after his exploration. The approval of the Eldunaris and Saphira had been more than enough for him.

Nevertheless, they all looked at him with curiosity in their eyes when they saw him, his hair still damp from the time spent in the sea. He hadn't really noticed it, he had absently used a spell to keep him warm, but from the outside, they had probably found him crazy to remain for so long in the water in the middle of the winter.

They exchanged the usual greetings but it was clear there was one subject at the forefront of everyone's mind. Not one to wait, Daenerys initiated the discussions:

"We are now within reach of King's Landing. I aim to enter and take the city without casualties. The men have suffered enough and it is time for us to bring some peace to Westeros" stated Daenerys.

There was some naivety in her words, the remains of a childhood spent in a golden cage and in a position of power. However, there was more truth in her words than she realized.

"While your aim is commendable, there is no way Cersei will give up the throne like this" answered Tyrion tiredly, repeating words which had been rehearsed several times already. "She will remain by any means she deems necessary. She already killed families, breached treaties or blew up a sept. She won't come out after you send her a raven"

"Of course, it won't be so easy. If that was your solution then you'd make a rather poor Hand" chuckled Daenerys; However, after a few seconds, she kept going "If you're all here, it's because I want to hear your opinion and ideas to try to find the best path to advance, to help the city. We all knew we could be done within an hour if I were to ride my dragons and burn it all, but it would be a disaster"

They all remained silent for a few moments, weighing the next course of action. Before long, each was offering a few inputs or suggestions but they were making little progress. When Varys spoke to offer some insight about the city, Eragon was surprised by the level of detail of the information he was sharing. He knew Varys had never left the boats and yet he knew more than Eragon about the current situation inside of the city.

Unfortunately for them, while they got a very clear vision of the city, the decisions taken inside or the state of the defences, it didn't help them to mount a plan.

A long silence followed, broken by one Eragon hadn't expected to hear.

"I can get in and talk to Cersei," said Jaime Lannister with conviction.

Daenerys chuckled humourlessly and Tyrion subtly leaned in, knowing he couldn't intervene in this specific argument.

"This is probably the most daring solution someone has offered today. But forgive me if I don't find myself very keen on this idea, nor with you"

"Nothing in his past and current actions could suggest a wish on his part to undermine your conquest Daenerys. He fought and bled alongside your men, "offered Tyrion

"Forgive me if I have trouble trusting the man who murdered my father, no matter the circumstances. Especially if the point is to exchange with Cersei who is, his sister, his twin, lover and the mother of his children. Am I missing something here? Besides, if my memory serves me well, he still is a prisoner" finished the young woman darkly.

All eyes turned on Eragon, who had remained silent so far.

"He's not my prisoner and hasn't been for a few weeks," he said, eliciting a few reactions of surprise. "It is true that I captured him when you fought the Lannister army and afterwards I brought him North, to face and see the dead. But after the Dragonpit, Jaime has always been free to go, something I've never hidden from him. He went on his own violation North after the discussion with Cersei at the Dragonpit. He went North to fight for the livings. If he wants to leave us now, then so be it," explained Eragon.

Tyrion's eyes went wide, and his head turned to look at Jaime's figure, who had remained still during Eragon's declaration.

"Is that true Jaime?" he asked his brother, his voice hoarse, looking to get the answer everyone was seeking.

He didn't answer immediately, preferring to remain silent for a few moments, his eyes never leaving Eragon's face. Finally, after a few seconds, his eyes settled on Tyrion and with a low whisper, answered him

"Yes, it is".

It didn't ignite as much passion as Eragon had feared, but a few heads turned in his direction. Daenerys' eyes were displaying her emotions. There was some indignation as he had expected but also some curiosity and questioning. And while her eyes spoke a lot, her mouth remained closed., something that didn't go unnoticed.

After a few seconds, she broke the silence. For once, they weren't listening to a voice burning with indignation, passion or anger. She was trying to control herself, to weigh each word, though Eragon could feel the fragility behind it. He knew a single comment could trigger the fire inside of Daenerys and he hoped no one would dare to push it.

"If this were to happen, what makes you think you would succeed? We came here months ago, with a wight -which I'll remind you cost us dearly- asking for help to fight the most dangerous army Westeros has ever seen. She decided to remain in the Red Keep. Worse, she lied to us, promising soldiers who never came. So, my question Jaime Lannister is rather simple. What makes you think you will succeed when a wight didn't?" finished Daenerys slowly, marking each word. She held her head high and looked at Jaime straight in the eyes, fiery purple meeting steel-blue.

He held the challenge, like all these months ago when he had been brought in front of her. However, this time, there was no arrogance in his eyes, no challenge, just a passion and a conviction yearning to be seen.

"I know Cersei better than anyone here. I probably know her better than I know myself. We spent our childhood together and became even closer once our mother died. She's my twin and I think you more than anyone knows what kind of bond exists between two twins, especially without any parental figure" stated Jaime;

And Eragon saw the impact in Daenerys' eyes: some understanding, confusion, pain and sadness. She wasn't convinced yet. But these few words had had more impact on her than all the speeches given by Tyrion or Varys during their journey on the sea.

But he wasn't done yet, and he kept talking, with the same confidence in his voice

"She is probably the most selfish person in all of King's Landing. She will only seek her own interest. That has always been the case and the death of her three children has only increased this paranoia and attitude. I believe I am now the only one who could help her and go through her shields. I have little value now. You saw it first-hand when Cersei believed I was your hostage. You got no armies North. She has even fewer incentives now. And finally, I believe there's nothing really that I could share that could prove to be dangerous for you. The presence of the dragons is well known and so is the prowess of the Unsullied. I'd say you have nothing to hide from Cersei. Let me go, let me talk to her to convince her to leave peacefully. At best, you get a peaceful surrender and at worst, you lose a cripple "

When he concluded, a long silence fell in the room but Eragon knew Jaime had just gotten what he had wanted. When Daenerys spoke again, it was to grant his wish. They spoke little after, only specifying a few minor points of the operation.

The next morning, Jaime Lannister was gone. He hadn't wished to remain longer than what was required of him. He had exchanged in private with his brother before leaving in the dead of the night, where he had the most chances to avoid the guards of King's Landing. He had refused all the offers of help, preferring to row alone in the direction of a small creek. There, he had assured the people in the gathering would be able to reach the Red Keep unnoticed though Eragon didn't know how. But Varys and Tyrion hadn't seemed surprised by this admission, so he figured some hidden passages were running under the city.

Pending his return, they wouldn't remain idle. There was a lot to be done and to prepare. Eragon knew it would only be a matter of time before Daenerys controlled the city, with or without Cersei's approval. If she were to go by force, nothing could stop her but as they all knew, the impact it would have on the population would be disastrous. So they had prepared another solution, more tedious but with hopefully less damage done to the capital.

Three days after Jaime's departure, they hadn't heard from him and the city remained closed to them. Eragon could still feel his presence which would probably be his only assurance They were forced to recognize they would have to force their entry one way or another.

They stood at a safe distance from the strong walls of King's Landing and its diverse defences.

Their own siege machines were on the move, ready to be used.

They would have to strike first, and not give a single opportunity to the enemies. Daenerys' plan was sound, and they hoped this battle wouldn't create many casualties. Hopefully none.

Around each catapult, Unsullied were busy finishing the setup and filling the buckets. They knew they wouldn't get any second chance. The movements were also triggering the Lannister soldiers but none of their projectiles reached them. So far, everything went according to the plan. But they had only done the easiest part.

Grey Worm came to meet them

"The weapons are ready to be used," he said slowly, carefully picking each word to be understood by all the people present.

Daenerys watched him and nodded silently. Having delivered his message, he bowed, took a few steps back and went back to the army waiting for the start of the battle. Everyone knew their task.

After a few tense seconds, Daenerys rose her right arm. Silence quickly fell on the army and it seemed all the eyes turned on her hand, waiting for it to fall. Even the dragons were silent, watching the scene unfolding in front of them.

The plan she had devised was something else, worthy of Roran.

Her hand remained high, the sole focus on every being. Even the Lannister soldiers were aware of the danger building up. Their nerves were cracking in a painfully obvious way. A few tried to fire an arrow at Daenerys or the dragons but their projectiles fell at least a hundred feet away from their targets. A ballista had also been fired but had completely missed its target.

Her eyes hard and set on the Red Keep, she dropped her arm.

This is the end of the chapter! I hope you've enjoyed it! Please, don't hesitate to comment, review, fav, this gives me a lot of motivation to keep this story and update quickly !