Two years had passed since Robert was crowned. Not much had passed in that time apart from the reputation of the Greyjoys growing as we became more and more effective at keeping the shipping lanes safe from pirates. With the threat of piracy all but eliminated, commerce boomed. Moving goods by ship was less of risk, faster, and perishable goods could reach further destinations making them available to more buyers. With a growing economy, King Robert's reputation was increased and more of the kingdom was glad to call him King.

House Greyjoy grew in favor as well. Our role in the rebellion had opened doors that Father had never thought possible. My cousins and I were receiving marriage offers from smaller Houses that were hoping that our rising tide would lift their ship. For my part, I refused every offer of marriage and reassured Father that I would be able to claim a much more influential husband if he simply gave me time. Funny enough, Aeron was given many marriage offers and also refused every match simply because of his position as one of the Drowned Men. My cousins, on the other hand, each took brides from Houses whose lands had strategic positions around the Seven Kingdom's coastline, and who had no male heir. This meant that House Greyjoy would gain control of the lands upon the deaths of the fathers of my cousin's wives.

Meanwhile, I had an addition to Castle Pyke built. It was a simple tower with multiple levels and several bedchambers. While Father and my brothers were curious as to its purpose, I simply assured them that I had seen a vision that told me to build it and that it would be extremely useful in the future. In truth, I planned to house Robert's future bastards here; tending to them and helping raise them so that they would be safe from future events. A year after it was built, Lord Varys sent the first of them to the Iron Island. Gendry and his mother were given the first bedchamber and were well taken care of. In exchange for food and their home, Gendry's mother would work as a maid in Castle Pyke.

I had memorized the book I'd received for my services in the rebellion and could recite every line from cover to cover. I would need to have the information ready at a moment's notice because I would eventually give it to someone else. Allen memorized it as well, thinking my plans for it funny. He and I regularly practiced our magic away from the eyes of others so that he could become proficient with it once again. My presence seemed to be waking the magic in the world up sooner than it would have, and that meant more people were gaining access to it where before they could mostly only mimic it. They wouldn't be a problem so long as Allen could wield the power he once did. I needed him to seem like the most magical person in Westeros while I was seen as a very lucky Lady to have him in my service.

"I don't care what your Father says, Theon," I said as I watched the young boy attempt to tie the small boat's dock line to one of the cleats on the dock. "You're a Greyjoy. Greyjoys are sailors all. We have been entrusted to guard the shipping lanes of the Seven Kingdoms and I won't stand to have a Greyjoy who doesn't know how to operate a ship from bow to stern."

"But you're a woman!" Theon protested. "Father says a man can't learn anything from a woman."

"If that were true, then your Father would be hailed as one of the heroes of the rebellion and not your aunt," I countered. "Now tie that cleat properly! Figure eights! And faster! You have to make sure you can tie a vessel down quick enough that a storm won't pull her away from the pier if needs be."

Theon grumbled and continued to work at his task.

Yara, Theon's elder sister, hopped off the boat with a basket full of fish, "Should I bring the fish to the castle, cousin?"

I smiled at her. Yara was capable even at her young age. Theon looked up to her, but Balon's influence seved to sow a bit of resentment in him when it came to women ordering him about. Just as I was about to answer, Tommen jogged onto the dock and called for me.

"My Lady!" Tommen hailed. He gave a bow of his head as neared, "There a young woman who has requested an audience with you at the castle. She claims that she's from House Cousland."

Allen, who was standing nearby shot me a wide grin. There wasn't any such thing as House Cousland in Westeros, but there but there had been in Ferelden. And the one person we both knew from Ferelden who'd been associated with House Cousland was one of our friends!

I looked at Yara, "Watch you're brother and don't let him stop until he gets it thirty seconds. That's not fast enough for a Greyjoy, but it's an acceptable starting time. Then you can bring the fish up and we'll have it for dinner, alright?"

Theon groaned as Yara smiled wide, "Alright, Merida!"

I looked back up at Tommen, "I assume you brought horses?"

Tommen nodded, "Of course, My Lady. This way." He led Allen and I from the dock to a set of three horses that were standing together near the dockmaster's quarters.

Once I'd stopped growing at the same height I'd been in Ferelden and in the Fallout universe, a special saddled had been made for me so that I could mount a house on my own with the indignity of someone having to help me up. The saddle had a braided leather drawstring I could pull that would release a small rope ladder. My horse had been trained to move into a crouching position when it felt the ladder fall against its side so that I could climb up.

Once I was settled in my saddle, Tomment led us back to the castle. The ride was nice, with the sea air helping to keep the island relatively cool year round. I preferred warmer climates, but cool climates were nice as well. It was during the winters that no one was comfortable. Thankfully, the long summer had begun and we wouldn't see winter again in almost twenty years, though no one but Allen and I knew that. As we approached the castle, Balon was outside waiting for us.

His scowl crinkled his face something terrible as he glared up at me, "What's this I hear about you taking my children and having them work on your ship?"

"I should think the answer to your question is obvious, Brother," I smirked at him as I dismounted my horse. "Theon's of the age to learn and Yara enjoys spending time with me."

"By what right do you believe you are anyone to teach my son anything?" he growled at me.

"Bottle your bluster, Balon," I groaned. "I'm the boy's aunt and I'm just a good of a sailor as the rest of you. I went out to do some fishing and checks the lanes around the island today. I brought the children to learn. It's past time for Theon to start. You focused so much on Yara that he's behind and you know it. Someone had to start his education or he'd fall behind and grow soft."

Balon took and aggressive step towards me, "Listen here, woman! Sister or no, I will not tolerate-"

His growling came to a sudden stop as Allen conjured a fireball in his hand, "I'm quite certain My Lord did not intend to seem so threatening to My Lady. All the same, I must react accordingly. Perhaps My Lord is taking out his aggression about another matter unduly upon My Lady and would like to rethink his tone?"

Balon stared at Allen with a mixture of fear and incredulousness, "You dare threaten me with your sorcery?"

"I threaten no one, My Lord," Allen replied. "I merely act as required to defend My Lady from someone who appears to be overly aggressive with her."

Balon stare at Allen, then at me, "You keep a tighter leash on your dog, Merida."

"And you should learn to batten down your tongue, Balon," I shot back. "You work on that, and I'll see to my dog. Agreed?"

"Where are my children?" he huffed in response, his tone now free of the bluster he'd been spewing before.

"They're down at the docks," I motioned behind me. "Yara is making sure that Theon can tie down a cleat line within thirty seconds. She'll bring him home when he's accomplished the task."

Balon looked like he was about to bark a protest but I began to walk past him, "When they get back, Yara will be bringing a basket of fish she caught for us to have for dinner. I suggest you praise them both for their accomplishments."

As Allen walked past Balon he flashed him a wide grin and made a show of blowing out his fireball.

Tommen led us into the castle and into a small anetchamber where people were normally asked to wait for whoever it was they had come to see. Typically this meant traders and nobles, but it would also be used for commonfolk who had grievances they needed settled. Inside sat a young woman with long blonde hair, blue eyes, and a soft smile.

She stood and dipped down into a curtsey, "Lady Greyjoy. It's so good to see you again."

I squealed with delight and charged her, wrapping my arms around her and lifting her up to hug her and twirl her around, "Serena! I'm so happy to see you!"

Allen laughed and approached us, "I never thought I'd see you here."

Serena groaned and pat my arms, "Merida, you're way stronger than you think you are! You're kind of crushing me!"

I set her down and beamed a smile up at her. She was dressed in a fine blue dress with white and silver accents. I placed my hands on my hips and grinned, "So, Lady Cousland is it?"

Serena chuckle and flashed subtle glance Tommen's way as if to quietly ask if he could be trusted.

I stepped to the side and looked up at Tommen, "This is my personal retainer, Tommen. He has sworn to guard me and keep my secrets. Tommen and I have been together for several years now. Anything we say, he will never repeat. Isn't that so, Tommen?"

Tommen nodded, "My Lady Greyjoy has proven herself to be a true and honest person. She has earned my respect and my loyalty. Whatever her plans may be, whatever her allies may wish of her, I will support her."

Serena narrowed her eyes, appraising Tommen's words before she turned her gaze to me, "You seem to attract zealots no matter where you go."

I offered her a shrug, "I took Tommen from another noble's service. He wasn't treated very well. I hold him in high regard."

"Then I shall trust your judgement and believe he won't repeat what I am about to tell you," Serena said carefully. "I was a servant in House Oakheart for most of my life. But when I heard about Lady Merida Greyjoy and her supposed magical companion… I stole one of the Lady's dresses, some coin, and a bag full of food, and began to make my way west. I traded the coin for a ship to take me here to the Iron Island all in the hopes that I would find you here."

"And you used the Lady's outfit to convince them that you were important enough to be given the ride and ask to speak with me?" I guessed the rest of the tale.

Serena smiled and gave a nod, "Just so. I thought that if I could find you, we could do what we did in the Wasteland once again."

"You mean take over the continent?" I laughed.

Serena smirked, "I believe I served you well as one of your military commanders. There's no reason I couldn't do so again."

"I'm not sure if you remember what world you're in," Allen interjected, "but women don't really command much in Westeros. An army would balk at the idea of taking commands from a woman, let alone a woman with no reputation like Lady Greyjoy has made for herself."

"A Westerosi army might balk at that," Serena countered, "but Iron Born follow those who prove themselves worthy of leadership."

"Iron Born follow proven leaders who are also capable sailors," I clarified. "You'll need to learn to be a sailor and prove yourself a leader."

"Shall I fetch your friend some clothes, My Lady?" Tommen offered

"Yes, thank you, Tommen," I replied. "And see to it she's given a room in the new tower for now. I will speak to Father about making her my Lady In Waiting. Please set up a time that I can speak with him."

Tommen bowed his head and took his leave.

"Come, I'll take you to where we normally rest," I told Serena. I led her through the castle and to the small library we'd begun creating over the years.

"Merida told me about what happened in the Wasteland," Allen said casually. "We're not going to have a repeat of that, will we?"

Serena turned on him, ready to protest Allen's question. He was referencing the time Serena had tried to kill me as revenge for what she saw as a betrayal for something I had done in Ferelden. Allen stood his ground and seemed unmoved by her expression. Serena seemed to consider his accusation and then calmed down.

"No," Serena said softly. "We will not. I made my mistake and spent a lifetime serving Merida to make amends for it. I regret the mistake, and I regret ever having thought less of her. Merida is capable of making the world better, and she takes care of her friends… and I'm lucky she still counts me among them."

"If I thought she would do something like that again, I wouldn't have allowed her to stay with me, Allen," I said as I took a seat on a finely crafted padded chair. "Serena was an excellent commander. I'll need you both to make sure we can bring peace to Westeros and stop the army of the dead."

"Why not just use your magic to stop the dead, Merida?" Allen asked. "You have enough power to do it now. You don't actually need us."

I shook my head, "No. Doing it alone doesn't accomplish anything beyond the general point of keeping Westeros safe. What I need to do is use the situation to build up my reputation. I need the Seven Kingdoms to see me as the person who led them against the enemy. I need them to see that magic played a role in it, and now that Serena is here, I need them to see that women can be just as effective in command as a man."

"You know people will die doing that right?" Allen arched a brow.

"A victory is worth more if people die for it," I said solemnly. "And a leader is more loved when they attribute the victory to the dead. It's just how humans work. Nothing obtained without sacrifice is appreciated as much."

"Merida could have conquered the Wasteland on her own," Serena added. "But instead, she cultivated a faction of hundreds of thousands of followers and devoted citizens. The Legion was what it was because she led them, improved their lives, and they fought and died for the vision. It's unfortunate, but she's right. Humans appreciate things more if they lose things in the process of getting it."

"And they are willing to give up almost anything to keep something they sacrificed for," I nodded in agreement. "And that is why we'll eventually take the Iron Throne. Eventually, people will want me there. But there are steps I need to take to ensure that the King will want me there first. And I'll have to ensure that the younger generation of Greyjoys are running things and not my brothers who I believe would go back to their old ways if I wasn't here and had influence with Father."

"And how long do we have before we set all this in motion?" Serena asked. "I doubt I can become a proficient sailor very quickly."

I gave her a soft smile, "We have fourteen years."

"That's rather specific," Serena chuckled. "Why fourteen years?"

"Because in fourteen years, Little Finger will orchestrate Lord Arryn's death," I replied. "That will send the King to the North and set everything in motion."

"You're going to let Little Finger kill Jon Arryn?" Serena gasped.

I nodded, "One way or another, he will die. Whether Little Finger kills him or his wife does the deed, he will die. Better things go the way they normally do so the King will be in the North."

"You can't just take King's Landing while he's away," Serena shook her head. "He'd rally the Seven Kingdoms and take it back."

"I don't intend to," I replied. "By the time I'm done, Robert will hand me the crown and his brothers will either not wish to claim it, or be convinced to renounce it."

Serena arched a brow and looked at me as if she were trying to read my thoughts, "How far ahead have you planned?"

I chuckled, "Let's just say I have a vision. I have a spider helping me weave my web. We are constantly preparing for each and every step. Now that I have a proven commander, my vision for Westeros is even more assured."