Chapter 19 - Duskendale
DUSKENDALE – Outside the walls, Prince Rhaegar's camp - 5th Month of 277 – Week 2 – day 3
The host gathered before the walls of the city of Duskendale was massive. Thousands of men had pitched tents and set up a wooden palisade around the massive camp. And more troops arrived every day, in the trains of various lords from all over the seven kingdoms.
In the centre of the camp, the large red and black fabric tent of the crown prince was surrounded by tents of the lords paramount and the other high ranking lords.
Prince Rhaegar was silent at the large table outside his tent. Around it, lords spoke and yelled at each other moving pieces denoting troops into place or pulling them back as they argued.
A squire raced up to the group. "Your Grace!" he gasped out breathlessly. "Lord Lannister and Lord Stark are here. They will be here in…" He just pointed to the small group of riders.
Lord Tywin Lannister, His son and heir Jaime Lannister, Lord Rickard Stark, and his eldest daughter Karlyn Stark were at the front of the group. Brandon Stark had left them at Darry to return to the North to gather more banners and to make sure Barbrey got home safe. Prince Rhaegar moved from the table to greet the travel stained group, ignoring the rest who were gathered there.
Tywin and Rickard dismounted first "Your grace" they bent their knees, their children mirroring their actions behind them.
"Rise My lords, please" Rhaegar said calmly. "Your council is sorely needed, My Lords." He beckoned towards the table and the lords gathered there.
As other lords bowed to the Prince and moved with Tywin and Rickard to assist, Karlyn found herself off to the side, expected she told herself. Ivory and Magnar flanked her as a servant hurried to show her to a tent beside her father's which was being completed. She smiled, and entered, the wolves stayed outside.
Inside the tent were two beds, her's and Mira's. Mira was already there straightening things. "Well, this is … going to be interesting." Mira said softly.
Karlyn nodded. "A war camp no less. I thought Father and Lord Tywin would be angry, but I guess, it is safer here that in Kings Landing." She had, expected to be shipped back to Casterly Rock after they had left Riverrun.
Mira nodded. "For sure. And without Lady Joanna to chaperone, you would have been there alone."
Shrugging, Karlyn sat down on a small stool to remove her riding boots. "Well, Prince Rhaegar will rescue his father and we will head back to Casterly Rock soon enough."
"You have confidence that the king will be freed." It had already been nearly 2 months since the King had ridden with his tiny entourage to Duskendale and been taken hostage. The head of Ser Gwayn Gaunt had been set on a spike on the ramparts, and was still there. A loyal Kingsguard who died in the service of his king.
"I believe with the entire might of Westeros behind him Prince Rhaegar will not fail. And Lord Tywin, and my father and other lords paramount are here to ensure that." Karlyn replied as she stripped off her stockings and wriggled her toes. "It won't last long."
DUSKENDALE – Outside the walls, Prince Rhaegar's camp - 7th Month of 277 – Week 2 – day 6
But Karlyn was wrong. Months passed and the stalemate continued. Nearly 5 months into the siege and the lords of Westeros were growing impatient with the Lord of Duskendale. The Master of Ships, Lord Lucerys Velaryon had set his ships to blockade the port city, and the Dun Fort was watched from all angles.
Karlyn walked through the Camp, with Jaime at her side and paused as she looked up at the walls of Duskendale. No assault had happened because of threats to the kings life.
"What is wrong Karlyn?" Jaime asked curiously. He had been busy with his father and the other lords waiting out the defiant lord of Duskendale.
"They have not shown the King." She said softly.
"What?"
"We have been here for months. And the Prince weeks before that. We have seen the head of Ser Gaunt, but no sign of the king. We only have lord Darklyn's word that he lives still."
"Your lady speaks correct young Jaime." A voice said from off to the side. They turned to see Ser Arthur Dayne dressed in the armour of the Kingsguard, having only been initiated into the order not 5 months before the king had left for Duskendale.
Karlyn curtseyed and Jaime bowed. "Ser Arthur" Karlyn smiled "I am pleased to note I spoke correctly. Do you think it strange as well?"
"Aye My Lady. As does the rest of the Kingsguard. Prince Rhaegar and the Lords also note it but we are unable to explain other than fearing the worse as to why he has not been shown." Arthur replied.
Jaime had, had more interaction with this knight whose reputation grew almost daily. "So how do we make them prove the King is still alive?" He asked Arthur.
"A valid question. When you have the answer let us know. Because requesting it has not worked."
There was the sound of running footsteps approaching and they turned to see a young girl no older than 10 name days to Karlyn's count, approach them, two guards in armour denoting the house of Dayne behind her looking harassed. "Arthur!" The girl called out.
He looked pained and Karlyn had to smile. "Your sister I believe Ser Arthur."
He nodded choppily. "Yes, one who has yet to learn the ways of the court and dignity!"
Jaime studied the man. "I had heard she is to be handmaiden to Princess Elia Martell"
"The Martells arrived last night with the rest of the Dornish contingent." Arthur said. "My sister was with them."
Ashara Dayne all but ran up to them. She barely gave Karlyn and Jaime a glance before looking at her older brother and crossing her arms at him. "You promised to show me around this morning." She said accusingly.
Jaime gave Karlyn a smirk and mouthed "Lyanna" at her, as her sister had been as demanding on Karlyn's older brother's time when she had arrived a month ago. Both Eddard and Brandon were among the host with the Northern and Vale Men. And Lyanna had been very demanding on their time, so much so, that both Eddard and Brandon had taken to hiding in the tent of Karlyn to get some peace and quiet. After a couple of weeks it had calmed down but not before Jaime had taken delight in teasing Karlyn about the fact that with 3 direwolves in her tent, she would have to sleep outside.
Arthur was explaining that he had duties as a Kingsguard and then he introduced Ashara to Jaime and Karlyn.
"Ser Jaime Lannister, Lady Karlyn Stark, my sister, Lady Ashara Dayne of Starfall."
Karlyn curtseyed and Ashara mimicked the gesture. Jaime bowed.
Ashara paused and studied Karlyn. "I met your brother a few years ago."
"Yes My Lady, at the Erie. He wrote of you to me," Karlyn replied.
Ashara grinned. "I was a brat then"
"Then?" Arthur muttered "As opposed to what? Now?"
Ashara turned, violet eyes flashing at her brother. "As opposed to you who is nasty to his youngest sister."
Arthur smirked. "As opposed to now when you run like a heathen through the camp and scream my name."
Ashara rolled her eyes and turned back to Karlyn and Jaime. "My brother is rather cruel to me at times."
"Most brothers are Lady Ashara" Karlyn said airily. "It is a lady's lot in life to put up with such matters until those brothers marry and have a wife to take them in hand." And then she gasped with laughter as she grabbed from behind and hauled up over her brother's shoulder. "Oh hello Brandon, Eddard" she gasped out as Brandon spun her around twice then placed her back on her feet.
Jaime grinning, made the round of introductions, and paused. "And where is Lady Lyanna?" he asked curiously
"With our father. Lord Baratheon wanted to meet and introduce Lyanna and Robert officially." Brandon said his tone neutral.
"Robert is not that bad, Brandon." Eddard stated.
Karlyn, knowing the argument which was about to spring, calmly inserted herself between her brothers. "See Lady Ashara, case in point."
Ashara giggled. "Indeed Lady Karlyn, you are very correct." And then she and Arthur froze as the three direwolves arrived, sliding through tents and soldiers. "Are—those?"
"Oh yes." Karlyn said. "My wolf Ivory, Brandon's is Eyron and Eddard's is Dorren. Our father has Magnar and Lyanna's is called Spirit. There are a few others, Scout, is with my brother Benjen at Last Hearth and their mother Myst is at Winterfell with my Aunt. And there are more pups at Winterfell, they are not bonded to any Stark, they just roam Winterfell and the Wolfs wood beyond."
Ned nodded "Father believes that once we are married and he has been given grandchildren, the wolves will have new companions."
Karlyn rolled her eyes. "One wolf in Casterly Rock is enough, Right Ser Jaime."
"According to my sister, who, will be arriving tomorrow according to Father."
"He is letting her come here?" Brandon asked "I thought she would be for Kings Landing."
Jaime grinned. "Ah but you see, a Lioness cannot be seen to quail where a Wolf will not"
Karlyn sighed. "She wrote that, didn't she?"
Jaime nodded and grinned at Karlyn. "Mother is not impressed that you are here either but she understands."
"Lady Joanna is sweet to worry but, we are not in any major danger here." Karlyn replied softly. As they had been speaking the three direwolves had settled at their companion's feet.
Ashara reached out a cautious hand to Dorren's furry head. Dorren was mostly black with only white paws and he studied the violet eyed girl before bowing his head for her to pat.
Ned studied the girl as she patted his Direwolf's head without fear. And Dorren, not normally one for such things, suddenly rolled on his back for Ashara to rub his belly.
Brandon laughed at the stunned look on Ned's face. The group stood together for a few minutes more before they all headed in different directions. Jaime, left Karlyn in the care of her brothers and headed off to assist his father. Arthur left with Ashara and Dorren had to be told to stay with Ned when the girl had left waving to her new friend.
Once the Starks were alone, Brandon and Karlyn teased Ned about Dorren and Ashara. "You should send her a wolf" Karlyn said.
Eddard looked at her stunned. "Oh come on." He was shocked at the very suggestion.
Brandon grinned and shook his head. Ned was clueless at times.
"It would be a very good match." Karlyn mused. "The Daynes of Starfall are close to the Martells and you and her seem to get along. Dorren most certainly approves."
"Does Ivory approve of Lord Jaime?" Brandon asked curiously.
"Yes, and of his brother and parents. Cersei not so much" Karlyn walked with her brothers through the tents. "And Tyrion loves Ivory. If I didn't think Cersei's head would explode, then I would have sent for his own wolf ages ago."
Brandon smirked. "Yes, I remember from your letters that Lady Cersei is,… a prim and proper lady of the south."
"In all ways" Eddard drawled and Karlyn smiled, linked her arms through theirs and said "Enough, let us go find Lyanna before she drowns Ned's best friend in ale or some such."
Her brothers chuckled and they moved towards the Stark Tents.
What met their gazes when they entered the small clear area before their father's tent, was in one aspect comical, but in the other very painful.
Eleven name day old Lyanna Stark sat on a stool glaring at Lord Robert Baratheon who was sitting opposite her, tankard of ale in his hand. Off to the side stood in silence, a young slim sour faced teenager, who Karlyn recognised as Stannis, the younger brother of Robert. A sour chaperone. And one who would brook no funny business with his brother and a maid.
Robert was boisterously spouting something about a tournament he had won and Eddard stifled a snort when Robert boasted about the fall of an opponent.
Robert had the classical Baratheon look; black hair and bright blue eyes. He was a very tall man, standing at around six and a half feet. Robert was a handsome, clean-shaven man, with rough and hard hands. He was strong and powerful, and muscled "like a maiden's fantasy." Not that either Stark girl was impressed by his looks. Karlyn preferred blond haired men with green eyes.
Robert heard the snort and turned. He beamed a great big smile. "NED!" He boomed standing up. "And Brandon! Good! Now we can really talk."
Karlyn stood and waited. Her gaze focused on Robert as if daring him to ignore her. He took two steps towards the trio before realising that Karlyn was between her brothers.
"Ah Lady Karlyn." He gave an elegant bow, "So nice to see you, again, you can join your sister in listening to the tales we tell."
"I'll pass." Came Karlyn's glacial reply. "Lyanna, I have come to collect you." She said brushing past Robert with a glower.
He stumbled back. "Now Lady Karlyn, Lady Lyanna and I were having a conversation.."
"Obviously a fascinating one, as my sister was not allowed to speak, and she had to listen to you speak of such horrible things. She is eleven name days." Karlyn, had not liked Robert the last time they had met but had held her peace for Ned's sake, Karlyn reached her sister's side and turned to Stannis. "Lord Stannis, so nice to see you once more."
The boy nodded and bowed. "Lady Karlyn."
Lyanna's eyes were flashing and Karlyn's hand was the only thing staying her words.
Robert however was obviously heading towards his cups. He just gave a bark of laughter "She is to be my bride! She will hear of worse things!"
Karlyn narrowed her gaze at him as Eddard noting the look on the eldest Stark sister's face was quickly matching the youngest, moved to cover his friend.
"Robert, let's go find some food!" He said trying to distract Robert.
Robert however shook the hand of Ned off and stumbled towards the Stark girls. "Ah come now Karlyn! I was not doing any harm."
Brandon glowered and moved to intercept by suddenly Robert was knocked back and he stumbled and tripped backwards over a stool. Ivory and Spirit were between Robert and the Stark girls and both were growling low.
The noise brought Lord Rickard and Lord Steffon from the tent. They stared at the sight of Robert, sprawled on his back, his ale cup spilled over him and the ground, two wolves stood, hackles raised between the sprawled heir to Storms End and the two young girls in Stark colours. Stannis had not moved from his post by the tent flap and the two older Stark brothers were stepping up to their sisters.
"WOLVES!" Robert bellowed "GUARDS! KILL THE WOLVES!"
Rickard moved swiftly to counter it. He would not see his family's companions slaughtered by an ignorant. "HOLD!" He yelled. "I AM LORD RICKARD STARK AND YOU WILL HOLD!" The guards, in livery of the Baratheon family all froze.
Steffon stared at his son. "Robert" he snapped "What are you doing there!?"
"Those wolves attacked me!"
"Because you threatened their owners." Brandon replied, his tone icy.
Robert looked at Ned "I was not, and you know it Ned!" He wanted his foster brother's support.
Ned merely studied Robert. "You went towards my Sisters with the intent to hold them here. I take that as a threat, as did Ivory and Spirit. You are lucky, Magnar, Darron and Eyron did not join in." He motioned to the other three wolves who were even now slinking towards the two between Robert and the Starks.
Robert pushed himself up and wiped his face clear of ale. "That wolf will not set foot in Storms End" he swore.
"And neither shall I!" Lyanna announced. She looked at her father. "I declare before all here, that I will NEVER MARRY ROBERT BARATHEON!"
Steffon stared. His agreement with the Starks was hanging by a thread because of his son's boorish behaviour.
Rickard groaned. "Lyanna" He began.
"Father," Karlyn interrupted. "Lord Baratheon and You have a lot to discuss, but it seems that my sister has made up her mind and with Lord Robert's announcement that her companion is not permitted in Storm's End, and we all know that Spirit and Lyanna are inseparable, it would be best that you finish your discussions in private." She curtseyed and Lyanna followed her example. "Lyanna and I will be in my tent"
Rickard sighed and nodded.
The two Stark sisters moved off intent on leaving the Stark area.
"Where are you going?" Robert snapped out.
"To my tent" Karlyn replied.
"You are a Stark, your tent is here…" he sounded dubious now. And he kept glancing at Ned and Brandon who were glowering at him due to his behaviour.
"My tent is with the Lannister contingent, as I am betrothed to Ser Jaime Lannister." And with that said, the two moved off into the rows of tents, two wolf guards moving to flank them and their companion wolves.
Leaving Robert staring after them while his father and Lord Rickard exchanged looks and moved back into the tent to discuss the new events.
DUSKENDALE – Outside the walls, Prince Rhaegar's camp - 8th Month of 277 – Week 4 – day 4
The siege of Duskendale continued as Lord Denys seemed content to remain convinced that it was a matter of time until Prince Rhaegar and Lord Tywin would offer better terms. But as time crept on, better terms were dwindling and becoming less and less likely. However on the 4th day of the 4th week of the 8th month of 277, Lord Tywin rode to the Main gates of Duskendale, with a guard of honour, and gave Duskendale a final demand to surrender the king, promising that refusal would result in the loyalists storming the town and executing everyone inside. As he spoke, siege engines rolled into place showing the force that would be brought to bear.
Surveying the Hand and his men, Lord Denys stated that he needed more time to consider and left the battlements before Tywin could reply. Leaving like that made The Hand's teeth clench. He rode back to the centre of the encampment. Dismounting he bowed to Rhaegar as he moved to the table.
"Lord Tywin," Prince Rhaegar said coolly, he dared not to show emotion in front of the Lords of Westeros. "Any luck?"
"He is not going to surrender the King. And he refuses to show the King to us." The Hand looked to the Knight of the Kingsguard standing behind Rhaegar's chair. "Ser Barristan, are you confident you can do it?"
"Aye Lord Hand."
"You have until Mid-afternoon Tomorrow." Tywin replied. "Then we launch the assault."
Barristan nodded and headed off into the tents.
Rhaegar stepped up to Tywin. "What do you think?" he asked in a low tone of voice.
"Uncertain. The Lords are with you Prince Rhaegar. Westeros will support you." Tywin replied in the same low tone.
"And if my father is alive?"
"Then the Kingdom will rejoice." Tywin returned. Though personally, he knew otherwise.
Prince Rhaegar nodded and moved away towards his Tent. He paused and then turned. "Lord Rickard, Lord Tywin, please join me,"
The Lords Paramount of the Westerlands and North inclined their heads and followed the Crown Prince.
Darkness fell on the camp and a group of riders saddled horses. Rickard looked at his children and at the rest. "To Kings Landing," He said handing Karlyn a scroll. "Place this in Queen Rhaella's hand personally." Karlyn nodded and secured the scroll under her cloak. She noted the seal on the scroll was that of the crown Prince. It would take them 5 days normally but they were not planning on stopping, thus Jaime and Brandon believed they could make it within 2 to 3 days.
Jaime and his sister rode up. "Ready?" he asked as the wolves milled around their horse's legs.
Tywin was with them. "The Queen is in Maegor Holdfast." He reminded them.
"Let's Ride" Brandon said.
The group, consisted of the 4 eldest Starks, Jaime Lannister, Cersei Lannister and their guards. They rode from the camp, and headed south.
Cersei was silent as she rode beside Karlyn. She was not that good on Horseback, and Karlyn kept close. Jaime was on Cersei's other side. Lyanna rode ahead of them, but behind Eddard and Brandon. The guards fanned out around the group.
They had cleared the camp and were a mile from it when Cersei looked over at Karlyn and said "Why us?"
Karlyn looked at her. "What do you mean?"
"Why are we the ones being sent south?"
"Prince Rhaegar's orders" Jaime said from the other side of Cersei. "He asked Father and Lord Rickard to make sure the letter gets to the Queen. We were selected."
"That and it keeps us out of battle" Lyanna grumbled from ahead.
"You weren't going to be in battle anyway" Brandon called back.
"And" Eddard called out "Ser Barristan is confident he can pull off the rescue so…"
Cersei sighed. "But why us? Why not the Baratheon Cousins or the Martells or the Tyrells."
"And what? Let them steal the glory?" Karlyn said in a low voice. "Your father is Hand to the King. Your brother and I are betrothed and both our fathers are in the Prince's confidence… which does not hurt your cause Cersei."
Cersei sighed "Father said the King refuses the Match."
"Yes for now. But everything we do advances our families within the eyes of the crown as loyal subjects." Jaime said. He had started paying attention to the Game of Thrones after Karlyn's kidnapping. He spent equal time now, between the political lessons and time at his father's side and the sparing field. He knew it was important.
Brandon glanced over his shoulder, they had been cantering, but now as they reached the main road from Duskendale to Kings Landing, he knew they needed to move quickly. "Let's gallop for a ways." And they all spurred their horses. As Cersei bent herself over her horse, her twin and Karlyn exchanged looks. They also knew that House Darklyn and other houses within the walls of Duskendale were going to be severely punished for this, and their fathers were probably planning on assisting it, and wanting their heirs and children far from it when it occurred.
DUSKENDALE – Outside the walls, Prince Rhaegar's camp - 8th Month of 277 – Week 4 – day 5 – Hour of the Nightingale
Lord Tywin, stood with Prince Rhaegar and Lord Rickard and several other Lords on the edge of camp looking at the town of Duskendale and the Dun Fort. For several minutes now, there had been flames leaping from several of the buildings near the Fort, and they could hear shouts and screams from within the city.
"Chaos works for us" Rhaegar said, his voice softly.
"The Maesters are ready to receive the King should Barristan be successful." Tywin said calmly.
"With the noise within the walls, he may just be blessed by your seven" Rickard mused.
"One hopes" Rhaegar replied.
A squire ran up. "Your grace! Lord Tyrell has been watching from hill. He spots a rider riding for the main gates! The man carries a passenger pillion!"
Rhaegar nodded and snapped out orders to soldiers around them. And soon they had a small force at the main gate with a battering ram. The gates didn't take much and soon collapsed.
As soon as they collapsed the rider rode through, his companion was strapped to his back. Shouts came from the men who covered Ser Barristan's retreat.
A short time later, Prince Rhaegar and his escorts of Lord Tywin and Lord Rickard arrived at the tent that had been prepared for the King. The King was obviously inside, as shown by the fact that two white cloaks, Ser Arthur Dayne and Ser Harlan Grandison, guarded the flap. From inside the tent, wild screams and half mad laughter echoed.
Rhaegar ignored that and focused on the man sitting on a stool being tended by a maester. He had an arrow in his chest. Ser Barristan however was not screaming. He was biting on a stick as the Maester removed the arrow head and began to apply a poultice.
When Ser Barristan saw Prince Rhaegar he made to stand. But Rhaegar shook his head and waved him back. "Sit Ser Barristan." He ordered. Then he himself sat beside the knight. "Tell me what happened."
And Ser Barristan did, against the backdrop of the King's screams and mad laughter.
TBC