Jon Connington
The sounds of steel on steel still echoed in his head, the sounds of men screaming and crying out for their loved ones echoed in his head as well. He had spent a good twenty years trying to rid himself of the sound of bells after his failure to oust Robert Baratheon during the Battle of the Bells, and had finally succeeded in doing so when Aegon had taken King's Landing, but now he had a whole other set of ghosts and noises to plague his waking and his dreams. The battle of Fawnton had been a brutal battle, Lords Ambrose, Florent and Ashford had assembled a host some 30,000 strong and had marched from the Cider Planes where they had smashed the host commanded by Ser Garlan Tyrell, Jon had led 15,000 men from Storm's End to face them, at the battle, and had failed miserably his men had been crushed, Lords Cafferen, Fell and Grandison were all slain, their bodies decomposing in the snow now, Lords Dondarrion, Boiler and Seaworth had either been captured or injured.
Jon had recognised that the battle was lost when he saw Lord Seaworth fall down and not move again, the man had served Stannis Baratheon loyally for years and had given his all during the battle, the fact that he was not getting up could only mean one thing, the battle was lost and it was time for them to cut their losses. And so Jon had led his men in a retreat not to Storm's End as he suspected the enemy might think he would but to castle Grandview where Lord Grandison's heir waited for them. All the while Jon felt the pang of humiliation burning inside of him, the defeat there had allowed Lord Ambrose and co a clear shot at marching on King's Landing now to aid the bitch queen Daenaerys. Aegon held the city with only 15,000 men from the Crownlands and could not expect any help from either the west where Martyn Lannister was tied up in fighting Lord Appleton's host or from the Riverlands with Lord Edmure and Lord Targaryen busy trying to fight out the rebellious riverlords.
They arrived at Grandview having not been followed, Jon had ordered the men of the rear to keep a clear eye on where Lord Ambrose led his men to, it would not do to have them follow them all the way to Grandview. In total some 6,000 of the 15,000 men Jon had taken with him from Storm's End made it to Grandview, and there they tended to their wounded and licked their wounded pride. Jon only hoped that Mya and their children were safe and that Aegon would be able to hold the city for a little while longer. Whilst at Grandview Jon learnt of the battle of Longtable and the death of Lord Appleton and the bending the knee of several of the rebellious Reacher Lords, and that they had added their strength to Martyn Lannister's host, that news gave him some hope, hope that was dashed when he learnt of the fall of White Harbour to men commanded by Lord Nestor Royce, that news had severely worried him, Royce's cousin had sworn that the Vale would be loyal to Aegon till the end of days, what had changed he wondered? More bad news came floating in Ser Garth Greenfield had led 2,000 men on a pillaging campaign in the Riverlands in order to tempt Lord Edmure and his men out of Riverrun, the ploy had worked Lord Edmure and his men had given chase to Ser Garth and had been taken in the rear by men led by Ser Jorah Mormont mounted on the white Dragon Viserion, Lord Edmure was held captive now in Harrenhal.
Jon had begun to worry for the kingdom's safety at that, Viserion was noted as being the most unstable of Princess Daenaerys' dragons, the one most likely to burn friend and foe alike, whether or not Mormont had actually ridden the dragon in battle Jon knew not, but if the dragon was being used in active combat then things had just become a great deal more difficult for Aegon. Then the news had come of the battle for King's Landing fought in the sky and on the ground, Aegon had fought his aunt, Acteon had gone up against the beast that many were calling the Black Dread reincarnate, and had lost. Aegon and Acteon's heads were apparently mounted on spikes on Traitor's Walk, the army of the crownlands defeated, fled or bent of knee. The news had sent Jon's world spinning, the boy whom he had grown to view as a son was dead, gone killed by his aunt who cared not for the people she would claim to rule but simply because she wished to sit on the ugly iron throne. The boy he considered a son was dead rotting in the ground and now Jon Targaryen was the rightful king.
Jon had remained in a state of silence and mourning for nearly five days, allowing his bannermen, Lords Dondarrion and Estermont to do most of the planning for how they were going to take King's Landing. Jon could not believe that Aegon was dead, he had failed the father and now he had failed the son, the son who had taken back what was his, only to have it taken from him by a girl not capable of ruling by herself. Jon Targaryen, the son of the wolf whore who had bewitched Rhaegar was now King, the rightful king and though it was a bitter pill to swallow, Jon knew he would have to help the boy, if not for him then for Aegon and Rhaegar who would never want the mad king's daughter sat on the Iron Throne. His mourning ended when Lord Dondarrion came to him and told him of the attacks Daenaerys Targaryen had ordered on Storm's End, men had been sent from the capital to attack his wife and children, and Mya had beaten them back each and everytime, his commanders were surprised that his wife was the one leading the defences of the castle, but Jon had merely smiled weakly and had been deeply thankful for training his wife in how to defend herself, he had lost Aegon he was not going to lose his wife and children.
Jon finally stirred himself from his grief when he learnt of men under Ser Jorah Mormont's command marching for Storm's End itself, whether to lay siege to the castle Jon knew not but he would not allow his wife and children to be put at risk anymore. He and his men set out that night for Storm's End and when they arrived they found the scenes of a battle already raging, steel on steel, men fighting men, and Jon felt his heart give a lurch when he saw Mya out there in front mounted on a red stallion with bronze armour on and wielding a sword, he spurred his horse on to get to where she was and began cutting down all who stood in his path so much so that his sword was stained red by the time he got close to where his wife was. He cut down another man who was in his way and was about to come and aid his wife when he saw her parry a blow and then duck and dodge another blow before she threw her sword straight at the man and saw the sword pierce the man's chest. Jon breathed a sigh of relief when he saw that and heard his wife give a whoop of delight. He rode up to her then and said "Well fought my love." His wife turned to him then and was about speak when a big barrel chested man came storming towards her, Jon pushed her horse to the side and cleaved the approaching man in half.
"Thank you my love." Mya says to him smiling weakly through her helm. Jon is very tempted to rip the helm off her and kiss her there and then, but instead he merely grunts and then proceeds to fight side by side with his wife, cutting down those who think to come too close to them. Swinging left and right, back and forth, Jon and Mya parry blows with their attackers and then end up killing the attackers at the same time, fighting as if in unison, as if they truly have become one heart and one soul and one mind. Some of the attackers and their comrades will later note that when Jon raises his sword so too does Mya, a swing from Jon will certainly be followed by a swing from Mya; it will later be the source of much admiration as well as some bawdy drinking songs. But for now the battle continues.
Jon keeps one eye on the skies, waiting nervously for the beating of leathern wings which would signal their doom. "Has a dragon been sighted here at all my love?" Jon shouts over the din of the battle, he does not hear his wife's response for soon enough he is engaged in combat once more, swinging like a man possessed swinging left and right. Hacking men apart as quickly as possible, these are not the unsullied that he knows Daenaerys has, no these are likely men who have been forced marched from King's Landing in short notice. It shows in the way their bodies' slump after their deaths, or after their victories. Soon enough the battle is over, and Jon stands covered in blood and dirt, his horse equally bloody as is his wife. They ride back to the castle with shouts of "Connington!" and Lord and Lady Connington echoing in the air behind them, when they reach the gates of the castle, Ser Rodrik Storm the bastard of Grandview rides up to them and says "My lord, my lady, we have a prisoner for you!" And so Ser Jorah Mormont the commander of the forces that were sent to attack Storm's End is thrown to the ground at their feet, beaten and bedraggled.
Jon merely looks at the man and says "Take him to the cells I shall deal with him later." With that he rides into the castle courtyard with his wife and the remaining men and dismounts, helping his wife to dismount as well. Once they are inside the castle he turns to Mya and kisses her deeply, trying to put all his emotions into the kiss. "I have missed you my love," he says. "You are well?"
Mya smiles weakly and says. "As well as can be now that you are here my love. I am so very sorry for King Aegon's death."
Jon grimaces then, and Mya takes hold of his hand and leads him to their rooms. "Where are the children and the Queen my love?" he asks softly.
"They are in my chambers, my love. Ser Lyle is guarding them." Mya replies, Jon merely nods before they are in the chambers they share most of the time, and both of them strip each other of their armour and clothing before they stand naked before each other. It might be the tiredness and the grief that prompts Jon to make love to his wife then when there are many things that need to be done, or it might simply be the fact that he wants to hold his wife in his arms that does, either way they spend the night making love to each other, only surfacing in the morning the day after to look over the debris of the battle and to speak with the Queen.
Queen Allyria looks even more beautiful now in grief than she did when her husband was alive, hauntingly so, like some say Ashara Dayne did when her daughter Jeyne Sand died, of course Jon would not know he has not seen Ashara Dayne for so many years, not since Harrenhal at least. "Your Grace." Jon and Mya both say bowing and curtseying respectively. Ser Lyle Crakehall of the Kingsguard is there guarding the queen, and her daughter Princess Alysanne, Jon's own children Nestor and Cassana were there as well they ran to him and Mya when they saw them, both babbling on about this and that. Jon listened for a while and then put his son down and watched as Nestor ran to Mya and began talking to her, Mya looked at Jon and nodded just the once before leading Nestor, Cassana and Princess Alysanne out of the room. Ser Lyle remained. "I am very sorry for your loss Your Grace." Jon says once more. "His Grace fought valiantly and was a brave and honourable man."
Queen Allyria is silent for a moment before she says. "Sit down Lord Connington. You must be tired after the battle yesterday." Jon sits then and waits for the Queen to continue speaking which she does after a space. "My husband is dead, and my daughter's life is in danger. The man I once thought my nephew is now the King, the rightful king. Will you continue to fight for Jon's cause when I know you have had your doubts about him since the day Aegon told you about his parentage?"
Jon is silent for a long moment before saying. "Of course Your Grace. Princess Daenaerys is not the rightful Queen of Westeros, his grace named Lord Targaryen as his heir before he died, and as such it is my duty to fight for his right to the throne. Just as I would fight for Princess Alysanne should you wish for me to do so."
Queen Allyria smiles slightly then as Jon's words, and he knows that she has gotten on to the implication in his words. "I thank you for your loyal service Lord Connington. However, my daughter does not need anyone fighting for her right to the throne. I know my nephew Jon, he will continue to fight for his brother and for Alysanne for as long as possible. And if he so desires Alysanne to be queen she shall be. But for now I think you should know that a letter came to Storm's End from Sunspear shortly after we learnt of Aegon's death. It would appear Prince Oberyn is marching up the Boneway toward Tumbleton where Lord Ambrose and his host are currently camped."
Jon nods and then does a double take at the Queen's words. "How do you know where Lord Ambrose's host is camped Your Grace?"
Queen Allyria smiles slightly and says. "A spider came and visited us whilst you were away Lord Connington"
Jon feels his jaw tighten at that, Varys the spider, most likely getting ingrated with Queen Daenaerys in an attempt to oust Littlefinger, when this is all over and done with, Jon will be having serious words with the man. He bows and takes his leave from the Queen and then makes his way down to the cells to speak with Ser Jorah Mormont, the man truly looks like a bear, all hairy and muddy, covered still in the blood of the battle. Jon looks at him for a long moment before saying. "I expected you to be riding a dragon Ser Jorah not mounted on horseback."
The man laughs and the coughs spitting up blood. "Pah, that was a rumour that Lord Baelish sought to spread in order to make the Queen seem more balanced and in control than she actually is."
Jon notes the bitterness in the man's voice and says. "What happened during the battle for King's Landing Ser Jorah, how did the King die?"
Ser Jorah coughs loudly then and then whispers. "His dragon was taken out by both Drogon and Viserion, the Queen cannot control Viserion the beast is mad, but effective. Aegon's dragon was brought down and then before Aegon could join his dragon in the Blackwater, the Queen came down on Drogon and clutched him in the black dragon's claws before feeding him to the beast in front of half the court in the throne room."
Jon closes his eyes then and inhales deeply before asking his next question. "And what of Lord Victarion, Daenaerys husband? Where was he during this?"
Ser Jorah coughs once more and then says. "He was with the Iron Fleet bringing Lord Nestor and the Valemen back from White Harbour; they will be in King's Landing by now, defending the city."
Jon nods then, so Lord Targaryen will be free to do as he pleases and could muster the men of the north and the Riverlands for an assault on King's Landing. "What of Daenaerys son Vickon where was he?"
Ser Jorah hesitates for a minute before saying. "In the Gates of the Moon with Lord Robert Arryn and Littlefinger when I set out for here. He will most likely be heading towards the capital now, his mother did not wish to be parted from him for long."
Jon nods, perhaps they can get one of Varys men to intercept that ship and the boy could be used as leverage against Daenaerys. "Very well, you shall remain here for the time being and then once Your Queen is dead, you shall be brought before the rightful king for judgement."
Ser Jorah laughs, his body shaking with the effort as he says "Daenaerys holds the Vale, and the capital now. The Reach belongs to her, how will Rhaegar's bastard ever hold the throne my lord Connington?"
Jon does not reply all he does is storm out of the dungeons and walk back to his own chambers, where he finds Nestor and Cassana fast asleep on the bed whilst Mya sits in front of the vanity and brushes her hair. Jon walks toward her and kisses her neck and whispers to her. "You have done well my love. But I fear I must leave soon enough."
Mya turns to him and says. "Must you my love? Truly Jon, Daenaerys has a choke hold on King's Landing and the Vale, and she has the Iron Fleet behind her as well. How could you hope to defeat her and the host camped at Tumbleton?"
Jon sighs and says. "I know not how, all I know is that Daenaerys is not the rightful ruler of Westeros and I cannot rest until Lord Targaryen sits the throne, that is what must happen and I shall do all I can to make sure it happens."
"Even if it means never seeing your children or me again?" Mya asks tears in her eyes, and Jon feels his heart break at that.
"It will not come to that my love. I will not let it come to that." Jon says before he kisses his wife.
The next day, Jon and the 2,000 men who remain to him from the battles of Fawnton and the battles of Storm's End ride forth from the gates riding through the Kingswood at a sharp pace towards Tumbleton in the hopes of catching Lord Ambrose and his men unawares. They ride through the day and the night, for roughly two weeks, the snow heavy on the ground, the stop only when the need is most dire, the weather being too cold to allow rests for too long. When they reach the outskirts of Tumbleton, they see that the battle is already under way. Men flying the banner of Aegon fight men flying the banner of Daenaerys, Jon draws his sword from its sheath and lets loose a battle cry before leading the charge into what he hopes is Lord Ambrose's rear.
The fighting proves to be bloody, hacking and slashing, swinging his sword right and left. Men falling like flies, blood spattering his armour and his sword, blood pooling around the bodies of the dead. Steel on steel, the cries of men wounded and dying echo around the battlefield. And on and on it goes, Jon hacks right and left, taking blows to his shoulders and his legs, but still somehow managing to remain atop his horse.
He begins to tire as yet another blow is landed to his chest, this time blood pools from his mouth at the blow, but he brings the attacker down to the ground, cutting him in half. Another man steps up to take his place, and is brought down by a series of quick strokes from Jon, hacks and dodges, and parries. The battle goes on and on, more bodies litter the ground by the end, and Jon' sword and armour are covered in blood and dirt.
Eventually the battle ends, with Lord Ambrose's head thrown to the ground in front of Jon. Jon finds Lord Martyn Lannister bloodied but still alive, and Lord Randyll Tarly wounded but still breathing present, as well as Prince Oberyn, who seems to be grinning like a mad man. Celebrations run on late into the night that night at Tumbleton as the loyalists celebrate the defeat of one of the biggest hosts massed by men who have declared to Queen Daenaerys. Prince Oberyn though has one thing to say before they head to bed in the early hours of the morning. "Soon enough Lord Baelish will show how much of a snake he truly is. Daenaerys was always just a puppet for the man. We will need Lord Jon's aid here to defeat the mad queen and her dragons, and even then we may not come out on top. It all depends how this dance goes this time around, but we shall have vengeance for Aegon, that much I know."