Riverrun 300 AC.
Stannis.
There were times when his brother could be a complete and utter fool, and this entire march had to Stannis's mind been one of them. Why he'd taken it upon himself to march their army from the Stormlands to the Riverlands was beyond him. Oh, he knew the logic and reasoning, even the tactics of such a thing, but it was incredibly stupid and at no point had his brother come up with an answer for either of the two biggest questions or obstacles they faced.
How did you beat a dragon?
What if the North had joined their kin?.
To the first Robert's reply was that dragons were overrated and that the Targaryens had overstated their usefulness. They were just beasts no more and no less and as he had proved each time he went hunting, man would always triumph over beast. It was perhaps the most stupid thing he'd ever heard and so Stannis had tried to come up with his own plan to deal with Aemon Targaryen's dragon. Something a forced march didn't really allow him to do. For now, it was archers and crossbowmen. Had he the time then it would have perhaps been scorpions made specifically for the task. The fact that he nor none of his men had actually seen a dragon other than high in the sky and from some distance away, only making that task that much harder.
Yet it was the second question that had him tearing his hair out and showed just how much of a folly this entire endeavor was. Robert saying that the men of the Stormlands would simply ride over the Northmen and the prince's men and cut them down with ease. That he himself would take Brandon Stark's head and shove it up this pompous prince's arse. While that may bring him laughs and make for good cheer as he drank himself into a stupor, it didn't solve the fucking problem one bit. His brother may not rate the men of the North and some of their men may feel likewise, Stannis knew better.
It wasn't just the Moat that held the Andals back all those years, true it was that which they were broke upon, but it was hard fucking bastards that broke them. As for Aemon's own men, while he may not have many, they were far more bloodied than their own. Perhaps Robert was right and just as the dragons, Aemon Targaryen's reputation was overstated, Stannis though didn't believe so. He was certain that at least some of what he'd heard about the young prince was true and that along with the thoughts of facing a dragon and hard fucking bastards, gave him more than pause. Throw in his worries about his brother, and not the one leading them into this stupid fucking war, and he had not slept well on this march. What he now heard would perhaps only add to his sleepless nights.
"The Siege has been broken, my king. The Hoares are defeated." Lord Beric Dondarrion said, the man and his outriders having just arrived back from their scouting trip.
"How many losses did the North take?" Robert asked and Stannis was relieved that the question was at least an intelligent one.
"Few by the looks of it, my king. It seems the Riverlords have joined up with them too. I saw Mallister, Blackwood, and the Tully sigils among the Northern ones." Beric replied.
"Numbers Lord Beric?" Stannis asked.
"More than our own Lord Hand. They've also put up pickets and spikes." the Lord of Blackhaven said worriedly.
"What of the Dragonspawn?" Robert asked angrily.
"I saw no sign of the Targaryen banner, my king."
"Thank you, Lord Beric, I'm sure you and your men are tired and hungry, go eat and rest and we'll speak later." he said as Robert glared at him.
His brother didn't speak until Lord Beric had left and his first words were chastisement for sending the lord away. Robert was as petulant as ever and reminded him that he was the bloody king and not him. Stannis allowed him his rant, waited until he was finished, and then took a large swallow of his wine after which he began to speak softly, hoping his words resonated.
"We have lost the element of surprise, Robert. Are outmatched in number and position and should Prince Aemon arrive and we were in the midst of battle, it would be to our cost." he said looking to his brother and seeing the beginnings of the rant before it started.
"You would have me do what? Slink away like a fucking craven? Refuse to give battle because you fear we would lose? I want them crushed, the wolves, the Riverlords, and the fucking Dragonspawn. One by one or altogether it matters not, I'll fucking crush them all." Robert shouted rising to his feet.
"This is folly, Robert. You are a better king than this, a better leader of men. When you're outmatched you seek a different path. A retreat is not shameful." he said to an angry glare "But not what I was suggesting." he added quickly and to a confused look.
"Then what the fuck are you suggesting?" Robert asked, Stannis happy to hear more intrigue than anger in his brother's voice.
"Parley Robert. Parley with the North and see if there is room for an alliance between us both." Stannis said and closed his eyes when the rant began anew.
"You would ally me with fucking wolves, after what they did, after how they shamed me." Robert shouted.
"I would see our people on the winning side, Robert, and not smashed against the walls of Riverrun and fucked in the arse by a dragon." he shouted back "I've said my piece. Better we ally against one enemy than face each of them together or separately. Blood will be spilled, I'd see it was more of theirs than it was of our own."
He had reached the front of the tent when Robert called him back, his brother surprisingly listening to him and his words hitting home far more quickly than he had dared to hope.
"Would the wolves, parley?" Robert asked and Stannis turned and nodded.
"They've not yet allied with the dragon, Robert. So perhaps they find his price too steep and one they'd not wish to pay and better them than the lions." he said which at least got a laugh from his brother.
They camped that night and early the next morning, he, Ser Davos Seaworth, Ser Barristan Selmy, Ser Jon Wylde his goodcousin, along with a dozen men at arms, all setting out under a flag of parley. It took them no more than two hours ride to reach the camps at Riverrun and seeing what he did there, he was even more certain this was the only course of action open to them. Or at least the only one that his brother would consider.
"How many, Ser Barristan?" he said quietly to the older knight.
"Were I to hazard a guess, I'd name it close to 40,000 Lord Hand." Ser Barristan replied and Stannis found he couldn't argue with those numbers, and it put their own 25,000 at a big disadvantage.
Combined, however, it was 65,000 men and perhaps a third or more of that mounted. Even a dragon may find those numbers far too much to handle. They were allowed to ride through the camp without being stopped. True they were given looks that left him in no doubt they weren't welcome, but until they reached the gates of Riverrun itself no one even approached them. Ser Barristan though pointed out how their movements were and had been shadowed by two different groups of riders ever since they came close to the camp.
"What brings you here, stranger?" a voice called out from the walls above the gate, Stannis looking to see a grey-haired blue-eyed man and hearing Ser Barristan whisper 'Blackfish' under his breath.
"My name is Stannis Baratheon, Hand to his grace King Robert Baratheon, I've come to request a parley between my king and the King in the North." he said firmly.
"My brother is elsewhere, but aye, go fetch your king, Prince Eddard will stand in King Brandon's stead." another man said, this one dark-haired.
"Here today in four hours. You'll offer guest right?" he asked looking up at the younger man and seeing that he bore the long faces the Starks were known for, his mind trying to find the name of him and not being able to for now.
"Aye, we'll give it." the Blackfish replied.
"Then I look forward to returning with my king." he said and though he tried to make it sound true, he feared he had not, just as he feared how Robert would behave in the upcoming negotiations.
They rode back to their own camp much faster than they had from it and again they were shadowed until they had ridden some distance away from the camps at Riverrun. Robert didn't give them much of a chance to rest and Stannis felt his brother was more looking forward to being indoors and perhaps to bedding a servant than he was the actual negotiations. Something the ride back to Riverrun proved to be true. As his brother wondered if the Tully's picked the choicest of the Riverlands ladies to serve at their keep or had Qhored and the reavers plucked every pretty flower for themselves.
He hoped he behaved as suiting a king and not as was his usual wont. Stannis fearing that it would be Robert himself that was the biggest obstacle to an agreement with the Starks. Just as much as he feared what form that agreement may take. Renly was unwed, but a prisoner, and while of an age to be wed, he didn't think that the Starks had anyone to offer up. It would perhaps be through Shireen that this alliance would be forged and he begged the gods, her mother, and her own forgiveness for what he may be about to do.
The conquest of Westeros XXX.
Harrenhal.
Over forty years it took to build the great keep, forty years and who knows how much stone, coin, and blood was spent to see it raised. The Hoare Kings had sought something to show off their power, a seat as imposing as the great keeps of Winterfell, Storm's End, and Casterly Rock. A seat as impregnable as the Eyrie and as impressive as the Wall itself and the men who'd built it had succeeded beyond all King Harren's dreams.
Men came and went, kings fell and rose again, while Harrenhal remained as it had always been. It stood as the true source of power of the Hoares in the Riverlands and on the mainland of Westeros. As long as they held it, they still held sway of those who lived in its shadow. But a large keep requires a large force to hold it. A large force to man its walls and large forces required the supplies to keep them fed and Harren had made some big mistakes in building where he did.
The Ironborn belonged at sea and not on land, they needed to be near the water so their ships could supply them and the further they moved away from the sea, the weaker they became. Harrenhal had large walls and high towers, its thick stone could withstand anything a catapult or trebuchet aimed at it. Stone however melted, Towers burned and Dragons brought the fire. Yet it was not with dragons that the Dragonknight intended to take the mighty keep, or not directly at least.
"They say Harrenhal is impregnable. I say give me ten good men and some climbing spikes and I'll impregnate the bitch." Aemon the Dragonknight.
A history of the conquest of the Dragonknight,
Marwyn the Mage.
Harrenhal 300 AC.
Balon Greyjoy.
He had been shamed by not being given a command and left behind to see the keep protected. Not that he had the men to do so as Qhored had taken almost all of them with him. Yet as he saw the ragtag group that arrived at the gates, he began to think he'd been done a great favor. Theon, Victarion, and Euron were among them while Maron and Rodrik were not, and all in all he'd name it as less than 4,000 men who'd returned. That they'd been beaten was clear, how badly they'd been beaten and who had fallen was not. Balon hurrying from the tower he'd been looking down at them from, to the courtyard below eager to find out all he could.
The queen it seemed had arrived long before he had and had obviously heard the news of their defeat. Balon was more than keen to find out the full extent of it, so he bid his son and brothers join him and watched as the rest of the men who'd made it back scurried off to drink, bathe wounds or lay with their salt or rock wives. Theon looked the worst for wear and his face was pale as it had even been, Victarion looked like a beaten man, while Euron as always wore that same crazed look in his eyes that even made him a little afraid of his brother at times.
"Your brothers?" Balon asked to a shake of Theon's head which forced him to look at Victarion angrily "My sons, where are my sons?"
"With the Drowned God or at the wolves' mercy." Euron said with a chuckle "Either way they're fucked."
"Brother?" he asked turning to Victarion.
"I need a fucking drink. We'll speak then." his brother said with a sigh before walking off.
Euron sloped off to do only the Drowned God knew what and Theon moved to him as if he was waiting for a hug or embrace. He would get neither and should he seek one then it was to Harlaw and his mother he'd send him. Noticing the expression on his face, Theon too hurried away leaving Balon to look at the few men who'd survived and to smile at the opportunity this gave him. It took him an hour to find Victarion, his brother had gone for a bath of sorts before he had made his way to one of the smaller halls and now sat over his ale along with some of his men.
"Send them from the table." he said and his brother nodded to the men, leaving the two of them to sit alone and speak in peace "Tell me?"
"It was a slaughter, a rout, brother. I know not what happened to the men the king sent to stop the Northmen, though they must be dead. We besieged Riverrun and they took us right up our fucking arses. So fucking confident was the king, that we had no outriders, no defenses and they rode right through us." Victarion said bitterly.
"Qhored?" he asked eagerly.
"Dead."
"You saw him fall?" he asked to a nod of Victarion's head.
"Him, Drumm, so many of them, brother. It's only a matter of time until the wolves march on Harrenhal." Victarion said his worry clear.
It was one he shared, not that the keep would fall to the Northmen. Not in an assault anyway, but a siege, they'd fall eventually in a siege. Especially considering they no longer had the men to relieve the keep should they be besieged. In time they'd be starved out and not even the large walls of Harrenhal would be enough to protect them from the wolve's fury. What to do? What was he to do? How best was he to take advantage of this situation?
Had they not been beaten so resoundingly, then he'd have the queen killed and simply take the throne for himself. Prince Harren was a prisoner and no threat, and even if he was released he was still but a green boy. As for any other claimant, none had his cunning of provided a better option. Besides if he took the keep then none could argue as he'd have paid the Iron Price for his crown. Without the men to secure his position though, killing the queen and taking the keep meant very little. He cursed his misfortune and his fall from grace, as he'd not even be able to access the vaults to take the gold he knew was there.
"We sail." he said after far too long a silence, his words catching Victarion so by surprise that he spluttered his drink onto the table.
"Brother?" Victarion asked confused.
"The Riverlands is not ours any longer. It belongs to the wolves now and maybe soon to the dragon. Should we be here when they come then we're as fucked as the Hoares are. Besides a Kingsmoot will need to be called and it won't be here that it'll be held." Balon said with a smile.
"You seek a crown? What of Prince Harren?"
"As fucked as his father was before him." he said with a chuckle "How many of our men yet live?"
"Less than a thousand, much less, five hundred perhaps." Victarion sounded far too worried about men who could be replaced, and if Balon played this right, they'd soon have more than enough to secure his crown.
"Make them ready to leave. The ships are ready?" he asked and got a nod as his answer as he rose to his feet "Make sure my son is not in his cups and ask don't tell your brother to come too."
"You'd leave Euron behind?" Victarion asked smiling a little at the thoughts of it.
"I'd feed him to the fucking wolves myself if it didn't make me a kinslayer." he said to the first laugh he'd heard from his brother in some time.
He made his way from the hall to the queen's chambers, eager to offer his sympathies and to speak of a plan he had no intent of following through on. Queen Yara barely heard his words, she and the princess both offering each other comfort and as he looked at the younger girl he considered taking her with him. Balon even offered to do so when he spun his tale about the need to sail to Pyke and to rally more men, but the queen was having none of it and his words fell on deaf ears.
It was a shame, marrying her to Theon would make things even easier and keep the Botley's in line. Balon knowing it would be them more than any who'd threaten his crown. With Aeron on his side, he'd bring the Priests of the Drowned God on board. His brother would preach and tell them that he had been chosen to lead them in their time of need. With them, with his own words and given the dire situation they now found themselves in, the Driftwood Crown would be his. In time he'd bring them back to where they should be, bring more of the Greenlands under their control, for now, they needed to be back out on the sea.
The moon was high when they rode out of the keep, Euron joining them rather than staying which annoyed him greatly, but at least proved that his brother was mad and not a fool. It was to the south and not the north they rode. Their ships were docked near Maidenpool and though it would take some time for them to reach the Iron Islands it was a far safer journey than traveling through lands that were no longer safe for any Ironborn to traverse. This was what the Hoares had forgotten, what too many years of living in the Greenlands had made them forget. Islands, not inland, on the sea and not on the land. That was where they belonged and under King Balon Greyjoy, that was what he'd give them.
Riverrun 300 AC.
Ned Stark.
He'd heard no word from Brandon and so had sent men to find his brother. Yet it would not be before the Storm King arrived that they'd do so. Ned had been wroth with his brother for agreeing to the parley without speaking to him first. Benjen explaining that had he, then he'd just have agreed to it anyway and it was not something he needed to concern himself with when he had other things on his mind. His brother was right of course, yet still, he'd let him know of his annoyance, Benjen just laughing it off and telling him it was better him than Brandon hosting this sit-down.
"Our brother would either start a war with the Stormlands, or a drinking content with its king." Benjen said laughing.
"And you think I wont?" he asked.
"You don't really like ale all that much, brother mine." Benjen said grinning at him and making him laugh a little too. For as annoying as he could be at times, he preferred to see this side of his brother, he'd been far too serious since their father's death and Aemon's meeting with them.
The scale of their victory against the Ironborn was clear very early on after the battle. They'd been decimated, routed and while some of his men had wished to chase those who retreated, Ned had not let them do so. Better his men and the Riverlander's were well-rested before they moved to take Harrenhal. Than had they spent all their energy while chasing down beaten men. Finding out that the Storm King was bearing down on them was only another reason for his course of action.
While waiting for the parley to come, he'd made his way to look over their prisoners and to speak to Prince Harren. They'd captured some sons and heirs of the main houses of the Iron Islands. Maron Greyjoy, Ser Harras Harlaw, Tristifer Botley, and Greydon Goodbrother amongst them. Ser Harras had killed six men and would have perhaps killed more if it was not for Benjen. His brother told him that he'd already paid the Iron price for one Valyrian sword today and he'd have no trouble doing so for another. Ser Harras then agreeing to stand down if he was given Benjen's word that Nightfall would be sent back to his House and not kept as a spoil of war. Whether it was honor or the fact he now wielded his own, Benjen agreed to let the sword be sent back should Ser Harras lose his head.
As he entered the room that served as Prince Harren's cell, Ned wore a smile as he thought of how proud he was that Benjen now wielded Wolfsblood. The sword had been renamed from Red Rain and he thought it an apt one given the color of the blade. Seeing his smile the prince glared at him and Ned quickly schooled his features, he'd not come to gloat and belittle the young man, nor to take comfort in the death of his father. Instead, he'd come to speak and speak plainly.
"Your father is dead, his army beaten. In time you'll be given leave to see to his body, but first, we must speak you and I." Ned said looking to the young prince and seeing his shoulders sag before he straightened himself and stood tall once more.
"How am I to meet my end?" Harren asked with none or little fear, something that impressed him a little.
"Ser Brynden tells me that he already spoke to you about what was to come. I seek not your life, just your crown, and the lands your family took that are not yours." Ned said, his voice firmer than he knew it could be.
"We took those lands, bled for them, we paid the Iron Price." Harren announced and Ned shook his head and sighed.
"And now so have we. The Riverlands are no longer yours, in time Harrenhal will fall and while I've not come to seek your end, make no mistake I will not shy away from seeing it done if it must. You and I will parley with your mother, I'll give you leave to then set sail and head back to your islands, but that's as far as my mercy will allow me to go. Should I need to fight and should I lose men in taking your keep, then I'll answer that with blood. Listen carefully on this and note my words, for it's not only your blood that I speak of." Ned said and the boy paled as the truth of his words hit home.
He disliked doing it, but he needed them gone and Harrenhal to be free of them. A siege would take too long and winter was coming. Ned had no intention of staying in these lands any longer than he needed to. His father had been avenged and the Riverlands were or soon would be, free of the Hoares. Now he had other enemies to deal with, at least one he felt. Though Aemon had made his own intentions clear too.
It was just before dusk that they arrived, the King of the Stormlands, his bother, and some of their most important lords along with their guards and men at arms. In another world this man would have been his goodbrother, the North and the Stormlands joined in bonds of kinship. In this one they were very much not and as he looked to Robert Baratheon, he found himself grateful for that. There was something about him that he disliked right away. Be it the look in his eyes as he all but sneered at them or the way he carried himself as if he was better than they.
"King Robert." he said as he stepped forward, the Storm King towering over him and looking fierce if incredbly bored.
"Prince Eddard, I had hoped to treat with your king." Robert said sounding annoyed.
"I'm afraid I'll have to suffice. Bread and Salt, your grace." he said as the servants stepped forward with the plates and Ned watched them carefully as each and every man took a piece of each, only breathing easily once they did.
"We've prepared a feast to celebrate our victory, King Robert, perhaps you'd prefer that to negotiating at this late hour?" Benjen said, his brother wearing what looked like an easy smile, yet Ned knew it was not one of his truest ones.
"Aye, I believe I would, Prince Benjen." Robert Baratheon said the first glimpse of humor in his face since he'd arrived.
Later that night.
He stood on the parapets looking down at the rows of tents and the lights that still shone near some of them. The feast had not been something he enjoyed. Robert Baratheon was an oaf and the idea that his sister could have ended up wed to that man was not one he wished to entertain. Were it not for the Greatjon then he'd have perhaps have had words with the man, instead, he allowed Jon Umber to drink and make merry with him.
"I thought I'd find you here." he heard Benjen say from behind him.
"He still drinking?" he asked not turning around.
"Aye, man can put it away all right. Likes the servants too." Benjen said making his head spin around to face him.
"Willingly?" he asked and Benjen nodded.
"Aye, though whether it's the crown or the man himself, I know not." Benjen said, joining him for true now.
"You find out what they want?" he asked curiously.
"An alliance Ned, I'd imagine against Aemon." Benjen said softly.
"I can't give them one." Ned said turning to look at his brother.
"Because you're not the king?" Benjen asked.
"No, because I'm not a fucking fool." he said to a laugh from his brother, a slap on the back too as he turned to head to his bed.
He had hoped it would be Cat he dreamt of, instead, it was Lyanna, and had he not been already certain that she and Robert Baratheon would have been a terrible match, then his dreams would have shown him that they were. Ned saw Lyanna with Aemon in her arms, his sister looking happier than he had ever remembered her being. The silver-haired man who lay beside her in their bed kissed her softly on the cheek and the way she looked from him to the babe left him in no doubt.
A dream it may have been, but his sister loved Rhaegar Targaryen. Ned was certain of that and when he woke and broke his fast the next morning it was with that in mind that he made his way to the large room that had been put aside for the talks between Robert Baratheon and himself. He was one of the first to arrive, him, Benjen, Maege Mormont, The Greatjon, Brynden Tully, and Jason Mallister. On the other side of the table, he could see Prince Stannis the Hand of the King, Lord Jon Connington, Lord Gulan Swann, Lord Eldon Estermont, and Lord Caspar Wylde. The king most notable in his absence.
"My lords, my prince" he said as he took his seat.
"Prince Eddard." Stannis replied.
King Robert arrived a few moments later, looking like a man who'd drunk and spent the night abed with a woman, something that he knew he had. That the first thing he did was ask for wine, did not go unnoticed to Ned or to his lords, something that even the Greatjon frowned at.
"I'm not a man who stands on ceremony, so let's get to the heart of things." Ned said irritably.
"We both have the same problem, Prince Eddard. A dragon has come to take what is ours and I find I like the crown on my head. I propose an alliance between the Stormlands and the North, an alliance with but one goal. To see the dragon gone from our lands. To seal that alliance." King Robert said looking to Stannis who nodded "A marriage between my niece the Princess Shireen and a prince of House Stark of an agreeable age. What say you?"
Ned looked to the others and saw the eager looks in their eyes, all of them keen to hear his answer. Benjen, Maege, The Greatjon all probably knew it already, as did Ser Brynden, while Jason Mallister he doubted did.
"My nephew came to see us before we'd truly marched. He and that great big beast of his. I'd never seen the like of it before, none of us had and so we had no idea of what it was capable of. Oh, we'd heard the stories, as no doubt I'm sure so have you." Ned said seeing a nod from Stannis and Lord Jon Connington "But hearing is very different from seeing. Would you care to know what it was we saw?" he asked and heard Robert growl before Stannis answered.
"If it has bearing on your decision, Prince Eddard." Stannis said.
"it does not, but mayhap it will on your own." he said as he looked to Stannis, Robert, and the others "King Qhored sent 5,000 men to stop our march, they would have caused us a fair problem too had we need to face them. Though by the time we got to them they were long past causing anyone a problem." he said to laughs from Maege, Benjen and the Greatjon "Do you know what 5,000 men burned away to nothing in minutes looks like?"
There was no reply as he looked to see the worried expressions on five of the faces across from him and the angry look on one.
"It's a terrible sight, and my nephew did that against men he had no quarrel with. He did that because those men stood in our way and we are his kin. We may have our own issues with what my nephew seeks to do, but kin we still are. Aemon Targaryen may not have my name, but he has my blood, and blood trumps all." he said rising to his feet.
He saw Stannis reach forward to stop Robert from doing likewise and then Ned reached down to take a mug of water that he drank down in one swallow before speaking again.
"I welcome the offer, but on behalf of the North and King Brandon Stark I find I must decline." he said as he went to move away, Benjen and those on his side of the table quickly joining him.
"I'll fucking put your nephew in the ground, Stark and when I'm done, it'll be you that I come looking for." Robert shouted angrily and Ned saw Benjen hold his hand out when the Greatjon went to move towards the Storm King.
"I wish you good fortune in the wars to come, your grace. You're going to fucking need it." he said with a smirk as he turned and walked from the room.
They left within the hour and he knew he'd made an enemy here today, not that he worried too much about ever having to face that enemy.
The Vale 300 AC.
Rhaenys.
The Eyrie was a unique keep, and flying over it on Meraxes with Gaelithox by her side only made it look prettier to her eyes. She had wished to land there, to see inside but it was not to be. Instead, they'd just flown over it to show Jon and Elbert Arryn that while it may be difficult for men to take it, it was not nor would it be for dragons. Aemon had wanted that message sent and sent clearly. Her husband not trusting the former heir to the Eyrie and Vale to live up to the agreement they'd come to.
Jon Arryn would as would Ser Denys, Yohn Royce, Anya Waynwood, all those who'd spent time with them, would accept the new order they'd imposed upon them. Elbert Arryn had too much to lose and so Aemon was sure that in time he would not. Rhaenys deferred to Aemon on that point, he understood the nature of some men far better than she did. Where she saw the political, he saw the martial. Some men he said would never kneel while others believed themselves too good to do so. It was the latter type that he'd named Elbert as.
With the Vale now theirs, they had begun to march to see that the Riverlands joined it. Marwyn had seen that ravens had been sent out from the Gates of the Moon to the keeps of the Lords that traveled with them. By the time they left the Vale, Aemon reckoned they'd have more than 20,000 men at their command. More than enough to bring first the Riverlords and then the rest of the realm to heel. Though Rhaenys believed that some would come to them and seek them out long before they ever readied to face them across a field of battle.
The North she hoped for Aemon's sake and Dorne for her own. Others perhaps once news of what they'd done here had spread and the more they took quickly, the easier it would be for those to kneel willingly. Robert Baratheon wouldn't knee and nor would Tywin Lannister according to Aemon. Not even seeing the Bloody Gate in front of them would make them do so. It wouldn't cow them, give them pause or see them fearful. Not as it had Ser Denys and now the others that were with them as they too saw it for the first time.
"Will this not stop, Elbert?" she asked Aemon as they rode through the charred remains of the gate and the towers that had once been the barrier to the lands beyond it for many years. Until Gaelithox had changed all that in the blink of an eye.
"That man is too much of a fool to be scared." Aemon said and she looked to see that while the others all looked worried, Elbert looked unperturbed.
It took almost two weeks for the Knights of the Vale to be gathered. Almost 18,000 men and more than two-thirds of that mounted. Along with their own, it was more than enough and as they camped on the borders of the Vale, Aemon took to the sky on Gaelithox and Rhaenys watched as he and Torgho Nudho flew off to check out the lay of the land. Daario and the Second Sons had already ridden on ahead of them. Their own mission was unknown to her though she felt just like Aemon, that it was simply scouting that they were doing.
Arthur stayed by her side, ostensibly to guard her, though with Aurane, Thoros, and their men she felt no danger and Meraxes rested nearby just in case. She had found the Lords of the Vale to be most accommodating. Ser Denys was a good man and one she felt they could form a much better relationship with in the future. In time he'd see the benefits of what their new regime would bring to Westeros and to the Vale and Rhaenys looked forward to implementing some of her ideas to help both prosper.
Lord Yohn, Lord Horton, and Ser Symond, despite having some difficulty regarding her and Aemon being wed, too seemed to be men she could work with and even Aemon seeming to like them somewhat. The Bronze Lord, in particular, she'd found. Aurane and Thoros had begun to speak more to the lords and to their sons. The tales both of them told of their campaigns in Essos providing further evidence, if it was needed, of why kneeling had been a good idea and of the reasons for their confidence in the battles to come. She would have liked perhaps to meet some of the men's daughters and wives to get a read on them, but that would not be something that would be happening for some time she feared. As she was readying to take to her bed for the night and trying not to be upset that it was to be alone, Marwyn came hurrying towards her.
"A word, my princess, if I may?" the Mage said and she nodded as she bid him take a seat beside her "An eagle from Dragonstone." he said as soon as he sat down, Rhaenys looking at it and then at the Mage as she wondered how he had received it.
She knew that he'd trained his birds himself, that he had found them to be much better than ravens both in ensuring they always arrived where he wished them to and that they could be used on the move. Something very helpful when men were far away from cities or towns, but how he'd been able to get them to work here was a mystery to her. One that he wasn't about to share with her and looking to the scroll she held in her hand, one she was less keen on finding out the truth of. for now at least.
The seal was one she didn't recognize, a green hand with its palm opened and as she broke it to read what it said, she smiled. An invitation to a sit-down and a negotiation for an alliance. Reading the words she could easily see what was not mentioned and yet there was enough in what was to suggest that Lady Olenna Tyrell knew enough about them and what role they may be willing to offer her, for her to make the first move.
Highgarden she knew little about, other than what she had read and it was the same with the Reach. Aemon had mentioned that the Gardeners could call on perhaps the largest force in Westeros and that if it came to it, he'd hope it was one battle rather than a series of small ones. Something that once again she didn't truly understand his reasoning for. After finishing the letter she turned to Marwyn and asked him to tell her as much about the Reach as he could. The Mage was only too happy to do so and what she heard made her heart beat that little bit faster.
It was the breadbasket of Westeros, the single largest food-producing kingdom and second only in wealth to the Westerlands. The Reach stretched from the Stormlands to Dorne and bordered the Riverlands on one side and the Westerlands on the other. Should they take it without an actual battle as well as then taking the Riverlands, it would be a tremendous boon to their campaign. Not only would it bring them food, wealth, and men, but they'd control almost all of Westeros other than the West, North, Dorne, and the Stormlands and they'd be able to call upon an army larger than all the other kingdom's combined.
"You can see a letter arrives at Highgarden, Marwyn?" she asked and the Mage nodded "I need some parchment and ink."
The Mage got up from his seat and raced off to get her what she'd asked for, Arthur and then Aurane taking his place when she bid them join her.
"From the King of the Reach's Goodgrandmother." she said handing Aurane the letter who then handed it to Arthur once he finished reading it.
"You intend to agree to this, my princess?" Aurane asked curiously and for the briefest moment, she doubted she was doing the right thing, but only for a moment.
"I do. Should we be able to bring them in through a negotiation. then that's two kingdoms we've taken without a fight. It adds to our strength and would serve us as well in any further negotiations as victory in battle would do." she said firmly, no doubt at all in her voice and she saw both Aurane and Arthur smile.
"I look forward to seeing Highgarden, it's supposed to be a most beautiful keep. Those I've seen thus far have been sorely lacking beauty and none compare to any in Essos." Aurane said and Rhaenys found she agreed and did not.
"You don't find Dragonstone to be beautiful, nor High Tide?" she asked and Aurane chuckled.
"Imposing perhaps and true both are beautiful in their own way. Neither though are beautiful for beauty's sake, my princess. None look like the Summer Palace in Lys, or the Grand Palace in Volantis.." Aurane said wistfully and she almost found herself growing a little sad as she wondered when or if she'd ever see either of them again, only Marwyn's return stopping her from falling further into melancholy.
The eagle flew no more than a moment after she'd written her reply, its destination Dragonstone where a raven would then carry the message on to Highgarden. Once it had left she took to her bed and she was just drifting off to sleep when Aemon returned. Rhaenys smiling broadly when she felt his arms go around her and she snuggled in close to him. More than happy to find she was wrong and that she wouldn't be sleeping alone.
The Conquest of Westeros XXXI.
The Empress of the Ice and the Empress of the Sun.
The nature of the relationship between both empresses was much speculated upon. Some say that the High Emperor shared his bed with both at the same time, others say he alternated. There are those who say that as much as the Empress of the Ice loved the High Emperor, she loved the Empress of the sun just as fiercely and just as true.
What is known is that both shared an equal love for the children and treated each of them as if they were from their own wombs. That on the day the Empress of the Ice breathed her last it wasn't just the High Emperor who was inconsolable. The Empress of the Sun's pained cries resonated through the Grand Palace for hours and for days afterward and it was only spending time with the children that brought a smile to the Empress's face.
No one knows of the plans that were agreed between them, the words that were spoken to each other that were far away from prying ears. There were none who in the Empress of the Sun's presence would dare speak ill of the Empress of the Ice or name her as anything less than her equal, either while she lived or since she had passed. The Dragonknight was oft heard to say that he had two mothers, two who he named as so and two he was proud to be the son of. Perhaps that alone showed the depth of feelings the two Empresses had for each other, and perhaps that is all that needs to be said on the subject.
A History of the conquest of the Dragonknight.
Marwyn the Mage.
Volantis 300 AC.
Elia.
She had laughed when Rhaegar told her what the Septons had tried to demand of him, even more so when he said the High Council had raised its own concerns. Under the guise of worrying about the trade from Westeros and one or two of them even going so far as to suggest that they should demand Aemon to desist his campaign. The High Council, or some of them at least, had tried to dictate Rhaegar's course of action.
As if his exiling of Aemon had not shown that he couldn't force him to bend to his will. They now suggested Rhaegar force him to return. Elia had thought them to be far cleverer than this. Some of them even going so far as to say that should Aemon take Westeros then it would be evidence to all that he was not coming back to Essos and thereby a risk to the Empire's security. Then a moment later suggesting that the Empire take action against the very man they wished to then use to frighten away any potential threats.
Start a war to prevent a war, was a good plan, for a fool. Something that Rhaegar was very much not and even if she didn't agree with his plans regarding Aemon and now Rhaenys, her support of them was guaranteed. Elia knew that despite the falling out Aemon had with Rhaegar, despite the exile, and even despite carving out a kingdom of his own, should they call he would come. He and Rhaenys both. Were the Empire to be ever truly in danger, it would be Aemon who'd lead their armies and Gaelithox that came to their aid. She knew it, Rhaegar knew it, Aegon, Viserys, Dany, and those on the High Council who had sense, knew it. As they did the potential boon that a united Westeros under Aemon would bring them.
Yet as she waited by the Imperial seat to welcome her brother and his brood to Volantis and the Grand Palace, she knew that boon was some time away. Oberyn's visit and its timing were not a coincidence. What he'd come for was as clear to her as day, as was upon whose behest he was making this visit. Smiling though she was when he, Ellaria, and the oldest of his girls walked into the room, it was a false one that she wore. She loved her brother, truly, and even Doran despite their differences. Yet he was not her daughter, not her son, and it was to her own family that she owed her allegiances first and foremost.
"Prince Oberyn Martell and his Paramour Lady Ellaria Sand." the herald called out as Oberyn came and dropped to a knee in front of Rhaegar, her brother's eyes more on her than on her husband.
Unbowed, Unbent, and Unbroken Dorne may be, but they were just a fly to an elephant when compared to the Empire and all who entered this room knelt if they wished to ever leave it again. Ellaria gave a perfect curtsy and the smile that Elia offered her was a much truer one. The woman had made her brother happy and she owed her greatly for that. It was the same with her nieces, Obara, Nymeria, Tyene were all as different as they were the same. She noticed Ser Daemon Sand and another man who she couldn't name. the silver hair was it not broken by the dark streak that ran through would have named him as Valyrian, yet he was clearly from Dorne.
"Prince Oberyn, Lady Ellaria, you and my goodnieces are most welcome in the Grand Palace. I look forward to your company and to you joining my wife and our family for dinner tonight." Rhaegar said more as a goodbrother than the High Emperor she felt.
"As do I, High Emperor. Empress." Oberyn said looking at her and she nodded to him.
Elia had them escorted to their rooms and then sent for Oberyn to hear exactly what he had come to say. She had thought of giving him time to settle, allowing him to bathe and change, and even waiting until the morrow to have this conversation. In the end, she felt it best to have it out now. Once it was they could then at least enjoy the rest of his stay in Volantis as brother and sister, put aside Dorne, the Empire, and Aemon and just enjoy each other's company. More than that she could spoil her nieces and spend time with her goodsister. For though Ellaria and Oberyn weren't wed that's what she was and had always been to her.
"Prince Oberyn, Empress." her guard said and she nodded to him to allow her brother inside.
Oberyn walked in and immediately moved to hug her and kiss her cheek, Elia welcoming both and bidding him take a seat.
"Have you eaten? Drank?" she asked and he shook his head, Elia calling for refreshments to be brought to them and then looking her brother over.
He was still as fit and healthy as always, age not seeming to have taken any toll on him whatsoever. His eyes sparkling as they always did when they were together and she so very much wished it was to be a much friendlier conversation than she knew it was to be.
"What does my bother seek?" she asked as the food and drink were brought in and placed on the table in front of her.
"To spend time with his sister, see his nephew and enjoy all that Volantis has to offer, sweet sister." Oberyn said, his words true as ever.
"And my other brother?" she asked as Oberyn picked up a peach and bit into it, his smile upon tasting its sweetness not remaining on his face for long.
"For a sister to intervene." Oberyn said and she laughed, louder and more fully than she had thought to do so.
"And I thought you were the foolish one." Elia said after a few moments.
"Dorne has no wish to be conquered, Elia. Not by words or not by deeds." Oberyn said more seriously.
"Those who are conquered never do, brother. I take it an offer was made?" she asked.
"By my niece who is now married to her half-brother." Oberyn said trying to surprise her, he did not succeed. Elia had known from the moment Rhaenys left what was her intent to do and Aemon's own was even clearer to her.
"Who bears the blood of Dorne in her veins and who would no doubt see that Dorne suffered little under her control." she said testing the waters.
"Yet we seek no one to control us, Elia. We wish to be left in peace and should any threaten that peace…"
"Fight against Aemon and you will lose, brother. I say that not because he and Rhaenys are wed and not to bring you to heel, but because I would see my brother and his children alive and I have no wish to mourn their loss. Make Aemon your enemy and not even the god themselves can help you. " Elia said hoping that her words hit home.
"It's not the gods I've come to for aid, Elia." Oberyn said looking at her with a look that even she couldn't read.
She rose to her feet, reached down and poured some wine in a glass, and then drank it far more quickly than she had intended. Pouring herself another which this time she sipped, she moved over to the window and looked out it for a few moments. The silence in the room was only broken by the sound of Oberyn biting into another peach and pouring himself a glass of wine.
"Rhaegar sought to tell Aemon what to do, he ordered him no less. Rather than accept the will of the High Emperor who told him that he could not have that which his heart desired most of all, Aemon accepted exile. It surprised me to hear that in the two years since that exile, Aemon hadn't already conquered Westeros. On the day that I realized that Rhaenys had left to join him, I knew it was only a matter of time before the news would reach me of their marriage and of the conquest beginning" Elia said, a small smile on her face before she removed it as she turned to face her brother
Oberyn was looking at her curiously and seemed surprised by the expression she now bore as Elia moved to the table and took her seat once more
"Aemon cannot be controlled, Oberyn, he cannot be brought to heel. Not I, not Rhaegar and no force that I know can do so, other than one. It was Rhaenys who flew to Dorne?" she asked, readying to drive home the point.
"It was." Oberyn said.
"Then no one can stop him, no one will stop him from what he wishes to do. Doran will find no comfort from the Empire, nor from me. I'll not go against my daughter's wishes and she and Aemon are as one. Kneel, Oberyn, kneel or be brought to your knees. They are the only choices that you, Doran, and Dorne have, and should it be the latter then the cost will be high indeed." Elia said shaking her head, almost pleading and yet not by the end of her words.
"That's is your final word?" Oberyn asked as he rose to his feet.
"Speak to Rhaegar, speak to others. Talk to the men who fought by Aemon's side. I've said my piece and I'll speak no more about it. I look forward to spending time with Ellaria and the girls and with my brother, but yes, you've had my final word on this." Elia said firmly and Oberyn nodded before moving to her.
"I look forward to doing so too, Elia." Oberyn said smiling as he kissed her cheek and then turned from her and left the room.
She moved back to the window and wiped the tear that fell from her eye. Her words may have resonated with one of her brothers, she doubted that when they were relayed they'd do so with the other.
"Damn you, Lyanna." she said softly, though she didn't mean the words that she spoke.
The Trident 300 AC.
Aemon.
His uncle had defeated the Hoares and done so comprehensively and yet it was not that he was thinking about as he flew back to his wife and his men. It was the army that was bearing down on Harrenhal and that was seeking to take his prize from him. The banners of the Stormlanders were clear and he knew that they now aimed to do what he himself had intended. Take the keep at Harrenhal for themselves, which was something he could not allow to happen.
As they flew he examined his options. Gaelithox and he could end this march, bring the flames to the Stormlanders, and see to their ends. He could if he wished have Rhaenys and Meraxes join in, though he wasn't sure if he truly wished for his wife to see the full horrors of war just yet. If he and the mounted men set off early on the morrow they'd intercept the army of the Stormlands long before they reached Harrenhal. Aemon looking down at the river below and seeing the camp that had been set up, and so he told Gaelithox to land.
He'd sent Daario to scout out the lands around the great keep, and to see if there was a way to take it without having to force his way in. Besieging it was not something he truly wished to do and be it either true stealth or force, Harrenhal would be his before the week was ended. Torgho Nudho climbed down off Gaelithox first, Aemon a moment later and he then saw Daario moved towards him. They'd not be staying long and not just because he wished to be by Rhaenys's side as she slept. He needed to give Aurane, Thoros, and the Knights of the Vale their orders and to have them ready to ride early the next morning.
"My prince." Daario said confusedly.
"A change of plan, Daario. The Storm King rides to Harrenhal and intends to take it as his prize. He's a day or so behind our own men, but I intend for us to be what he sees long before he sees the keep." he said to a smile from Daario and Valarr.
"Good a battle, I've been so bored." Daario said making Aemon chuckle, Grey Worm smiling a little too.
"I'll meet you by the river, where the three combine. We'll await Baratheon there." he said to a nod from Daario and Valarr.
"The dragons?" Daario asked.
"The Blood Wyrm and Meraxes will be in the sky if needed. This I intend to do ahorse." he said to a worried look, one that soon faded when Daario saw his smirk.
With his orders given, he and Torgho Nudho quickly flew back to their own camp. Aurane telling him of the letter from the Reach and that Rhaenys had replied and Aemon informing, him, Thoros, and Arthur of Robert Baratheon's movements.
"We ride and ride hard. I want to reach the river before him and one there force him into a fight." Aemon said and Aurane nodded his agreement while Arthur asked him if he was sure this was what he wished to do.
"I don't want them decimated, Arthur, beaten and broken yes, but I wish for most of them to reamain alive." he said to a surprised look from Thoros and Aurane.
"Why my prince?" Thoros asked, clearly not seeing the bigger picture.
"Dorne and the North." he said to a nod from Arthur and Thoros though perhaps not sure, then nodded too.
He didn't tell Rhaenys until the next morning, instead just held her in his arms and let her sleep. When they broke their fast she told him of the Reach and then he told her about Robert Baratheon and his plans to deal with the Storm King. His sister was not happy with them, though she accepted them and while he, Arthur, Aurane, Thoros and the Knights of the Vale rode horses to the Trident, she was joined by Torgho Nudho on Meraxes and they and Gaelithox flew.
It took longer than he expected, King Robert was a slower marcher than he'd given him credit for. Aemon arriving within a day and Robert and the Stormlands army then taking more than two. He laid out the ground so they couldn't be attacked, made it so that a parley was not only sought but imperative, and awaited the call when it came. Telling Rhaenys to stay with Meraxes and to follow Gaelithox's lead, he, Ser Denys, Jon Arryn and Lord Yohn, Aurane, Thoros, Arthur, and Torgho Nudho all rode out to parley with the men of the storm.
Numbers-wise they were evenly matched, though his men were all mounted other than the Unsullied who'd arrived while he'd waited for the Stormlands army to do likewise. Position wise he held the edge, should Robert attack he'd find surprises awaiting, and should they be needed, the dragons too. Yet the plan in his head as he rode towards the Storm King and those with him was a bold one and one that he felt may very well work out. He saw the man himself from some distance away. Robert Baratheon was a giant of a man, broad of chest and a good four or five inches taller than Aemon himself.
The antlered helm he wore look ridiculous though, while the giant Warhammer that was strapped to his back was a lethal-looking thing. Those men with him looked like warriors too and Aemon felt his excitement begin to build. It had been far too long since he'd had a true fight, far too long since Dark Sister had tasted the blood of an enemy in battle. Bharbo hadn't even faced him and while his blade had removed his head from his shoulders, it was en execution and not a fight. Today he felt that it would be a fight that he'd faced.
"King Robert." he said with a small respectful bow, while Robert glared at him and those with him took in the Lords of the Vale that he now rode with.
"Dragonspawn." Robert spat and Aemon chuckled.
"Your brother sends his regards." Aemon said and saw another man reach out to stop Robert from breaking parley "Though he'd be concerned to see us face each other across a field. It could be hazardous to his health don't you know." he said to another glare.
"If you have harmed my brother…" Robert shouted.
"I have not, though I believe I made some requests to ensure his safety, requests you've seen fit to ignore." Aemon said to even louder shouts.
"REQUESTS, REQUESTS HE SAYS, DEMANDS, ORDERS…"
"Your grace." the man who'd stopped Robert earlier said, a man he was now sure was his brother, Stannis, a more agreeable sort according to what Renly had said.
"Go back to you keep, your grace. Turn your army around and go back to your keep and I'll seek not to follow you. Turn back and think carefully on your next move and wonder if the crown you wear is that important. I'm willing to offer you terms, to see your brother returned, all it'll take is for you to kneel and name me your king." Aemon said and if looks could kill he'd be a dead men thrice over, more than that perhaps as he'd had many men shoot those looks at him before.
"I'll grind your bones to dust, kneel, I'll see you dead long before you dare ask me to do so again." Robert said loudly.
"Then since it's a fight you seek, so be it." he said and closed his eyes before calling the Blood Wyrm and Meraxes to him.
The two dragons flew over their heads and he saw the looks on all but Robert's face. Fear was such a great tool to be able to wield and only a fool didn't fear dragons. When the flames were let out into the sky, he saw that fear grow and he smiled.
"Westeros belongs to the dragons, King Robert. Battles are fought in the skies, and you don't have any wings." he said as he stared at the other man, Robert almost red in the face.
"Coward, Craven. I heard tell you were a warrior, boy, and yet it's up there you wish to be, far from my hammer where it's safe for little princelings to tread." Robert said with a loud laugh.
"Oh, you're not wrong, your grace. I do far prefer to be atop my dragon and looking down on those beneath me. However I'm well equipped to fight a fool such as you on the ground though should the need arise. What say you? You're a faithful and Leal man of the seven, a warrior of the faith. I call for a trial of seven, you and your best against me and mine own." he said looking directly into Robert Baratheon's deep blue eyes and seeing the eager look that he stared back at him with.
"My prize when I see to your end?" Robert asked as he grinned now.
"Your brother will be returned to you. My army will stand down and name you their king. The Vale which has sworn to me will do the same and a letter will be sent to my father along with the dragon's absolving you of any blame for my death. For though I'll offer a yield to any man, I doubt you or I will accept one from each other." he said looking to Robert who nodded.
"And for you, Prince Aemon?" Stannis asked to a glare from his brother "What prize do you seek?"
"When I win, the Stormlands will name my wife and myself their king and queen. They'll swear fealty to us both and agree to come when called and to be a part of our kingdom. I'll seek no more from them than their own king has already sought." Aemon said.
"Agreed, two hours by the river. I'll enjoy killing you Dragonspawn, there are few things that I'll enjoy more." Robert said as he turned to ride away.
He turned to Arthur who was looking concernedly at him as were Lord Yohn and Ser Denys surprisingly. Aurane, Thoros, and Torgho Nudho all wore the same eager look while Aemon smiled.
"A good day to kill a king, is it not." he said as he rode back to the camp to make ready his seven.
A/N: Thanks to all who've read and reviewed. Up next The Starks receive devastating news. A trial of seven takes place and a great keep falls. Oberyn speaks to more people in Volantis about Aemon and Olenna receives a reply to her request, while news reaches Casterly Rock and Tywin finds himself at a loss for what to do next.
Mystpointo: So very glad you're enjoying it, you probably picked the perfect time to start reading it.
Zyrus; The thing with Robb is that while he was named as Brandon's heir, it was when Rickard lived, since Brandon was named King he hasn't been named Crown Prince, so the question becomes who does the North look to?. You're right about Ned/Benjen though they are more level-headed.
Leonel: I intend to, we got a Balon one here and at some point, we're going to have an almost slow down and take stock type of thing, where the war will almost be put on hold and the story will expand in terms of who we see. I intend to show Robb and the Stark kids, Some of the other lords and their heirs/sons, more of Essos and Volantis including people like Varys, LF, Aegon/Viserys, and Dany, so make it more expansive, where right now the story is almost narrowly focussed on Aemon and those closest to him. With TDC just about done, I'll be looking at all my stories to decide a new schedule. For now, this is due to update in two weeks and by then I'll be able to name a more definitive update schedule for it and the others.
Coolguy: For me, it's the nature vs. nurture thing. I mean we want Jon to have some of the core things that make him Jon, but I find it very unrealistic in stories that no matter the upbringing, people always make him the Bastard of WF almost. Like that's a pretty specific set of circumstances that doesn't really apply in most other stories. Jon knowing his mother, having spent time with her, being raised as a prince, and having a well-defined role to play within his House and Family, that Jon can't be the Bastard of WF, he just can't. Here he's far more confident and assertive because he's been raised as a prince of the largest empire in the world. In terms of importance, there are like 2/3 people more important than him, arguably. At WF he was the least important member of his family in terms of upbringing and status, which affects everything.
You're right on Daario, Jon would see it as a betrayal, even if it's not nefarious which it isn't.
Call me author boy: Thanks for pointing that out, too many Jon's in my stories lol, I fixed it and much appreciate you telling me.
Daryl Dixon: So very glad you enjoyed it.
Jessicanightmarewolf: We will find out, but yes Rhaegar is definitely up to a lot. The best way I can describe it is he's been playing chess while around him everyone else is playing checkers. I considered having Brandon live and survive but I think some people's nature is to burn out and not fade away and I really want to show the different Ned that we'll see here. It's crazy to think about, even worse when you consider they never rebuilt. One of my big issues against canon Ned is he does so very little to actually improve the North, now don't get me wrong, others who came before him are just as guilty of this. But Robb immediately sets about building a fleet, Jon takes the Night's Watch which is falling apart, and pretty much rebuilds it in a year, Ned faced two wars, is hiding a secret that could cost him and his family their heads and he does nothing to ready the North at all. I'm with you on the pronunciation lol.
Jaimrey: Mi honor se actualizó recientemente y el próximo capítulo será en un par de semanas. Canción diferente, a fin de mes.
Dunk: It may turn back into that now that TDC is just about done, I'll be changing my update schedule in the next couple of weeks, so by the next update of this (two weeks time) I'll know for sure. I'd say that the Lannister soldier also died painfully since the plan was capture, not kill. I think having the Mountain around allows for a few potential matchups, Arthur being one of them. That's the thing with Brandon, it's almost as if he is meant to die. I considered not killing him off but it kind of had to be him.
Aemon himself has a bit of a grudge against the faith, he knows that it was their influence that changed his father's mind, or at least he thinks so and he knows what they would say of him and so we will have some conflict between them here. That's one of the key things I was going for with Ned, take the Vale and what he learned there away and he is a different character, now still he's Ned so he's not going to go all Bloody Wolf, but a different Ned which is kind of interesting. He and Benjen are more sensible, yes, and in Benjen's case there is the residual feelings about his sister, he was closer than any and so he has that too.
One problem the Lannister's have in pinning the death is that Ned/Benjen have met Aemon now, so not only are they not as impulsive as Brandon was, but unlike Aemon's meeting with Brandon earlier, they have a guide to go by in regards to Aemon, he's not an unknown to them as he was to Brandon. Olenna's offer is a parley, for now, the full extent of it is to be revealed in a chapter or two.
Celexys: I think the Blackfish is universally accepted as the one really good Tully, we'll see some more of him. Brandon kind of had to die and it opens things up more with Ned/Benjen and even Robb. Jon Arryn is in some ways more likely to go along with it, especially with what's coming up.
Guest: I wanted Brandon to have that final word and we'll see with Ned/Benjen. So very glad you're liking Aemon/Rhaenys.
Uday Sra: So happy you enjoyed it.
Picking up story: Really glad to hear that, sometimes the smut puts people off but I think at times it's really needed.
Creativo: Littlfinger no estará allí por mucho tiempo, lo veremos venir a Westeros lo suficientemente pronto.
Guest71: I'm fully in agreement with you on the incest thing. I mean we, of course, know what it can do in the real world but in the fictional world of ASOIAF, it's become something that some people cling onto like the Targaryen Madness itself. As you point out there are reasons behind some of those who were declared mad and there are many cases of both weak physically or mentally in the Great Houses of Westeros that don't involve any incest. Just as there are cases of madness. Also, some people confuse it with cruelty or sadism which there are as many cases of non Targs as there are of Targs. I think it's become a catch-all for anti-Targ fans.
The story is still almost very narrow in scope and will be expanding so we'll see more differing povs. Rhaegar is playing his own game and has been from before Aemon was born, we'll be seeing more hints and clarification of that as we go. I kind of liked the idea of Mordane because I'm with you on that completely. I think she more than anyone was the reason for the divide between Sansa and Arya and she played her part in Sansa's naivety. In regards to the Vale, the reason there was no fight between Aemon/Elbert was twofold. 1. To set up future events and 2. Because of what's coming next with Robert and the others. To have it happen earlier would have diluted that I think.
You pretty much hit the nail on the head both with the Hoares (almost) and Harrenhal, that's exactly what Aemon is planning. Its central location, ease of access to the Vale, North/Riverlands, and even back to Dragonstone, for a military man not to look at it and go, give me, would be dumb. In terms of garrisoning it to, it's the largest keep around and so he can pretty much get all the men he needs in it. Btw, its Godswood is 20 acres and walled so plenty of space to make somewhere for dragons to rest easy.
In regards to Robert again you kind of nailed it, Ned/Benjen both know Aemon now and aren't as impulsive as Brandon, no way they'd have allied. But Robert found himself in a terrible position, timing is so damn important, and had he arrived earlier then he'd have been able to do with the Starks what they were able to do to the Hoares. Tywin has made a big mistake and yet he's also done the right thing in retreating because unlike Robert he bought time for options.
The banner will incorporate both dragons, so we'll see it very soon, the main reason they've not truly changed it from Aemon's own is that each place they take changes it a little and timing. Aemon has big issues with the faith, not only does he know what they spoke about him for many years, but to him, they're the reason his father wouldn't allow him and Rhaenys to wed. So he's already looking to limit their power. While he's not a follower of R'hllor or any other god, he's more likely to give them leeway than he is the faith and when it comes to actual threats, he can and will be ruthless.
Lastly, about the makeup of the Seven Kingdoms, it won't follow exactly canon, so we'll be seeing changes in regards to who is tied to who and which lands are part of which as we go. Thanks for the review and the points you raised, they're very interesting and give me a lot to consider.