Chapter 43: Let the conquest begin

The South...

Crownlands...

When they reach the shores of Westeros it was morning. The fog was very dense and from atop his dragon, he could see nothing beneath him. Aenar only hoped that all the ships were still intact, and together despite knowing that the landing will be very difficult.

A few moments later, as he was flying above the area where he thought were the ships, Aenar heard a man shout from the ships below "LAND!" and so he urged his dragon to fly down, also because the fog started to disappear.

However, in that moment, Aenar saw an army waiting for them there on the shores. It wasn't big, barely a dozen, but there were enough to make chaos for his army when they will land, especially if they have bows

"Come on, Caraxes. Let's show Westeros our greetings," he said to his loyal friend, and when his dragon roared, the enemy immediately started to scatter frightened by his friend. They didn't even have to spit fire on them.

Once down, Aenar looked towards the sea, seeing the ships approach more and more, and no one seemed to be lost, however, when he turned towards the inland, Aenar saw a man under the white banner starting to approach him. He could not recognise the emblem on his chest, but what was sure was that the man was there to parley.

With the hand on the sword, Aenar started to approach the man, feeling that his dragon Caraxes was coming right behind him ready to protect him

"I come in peace, king Aenar," the man shouted, stopping a few steps from him, and raising both hands after sticking the banner into the land.

"Who are you?"

"I'm a member of the brotherhood without banner, my king," the man replied, lowering his arms. "My commander took Harrhenal in your name."

"My name? And why did he do it if I may ask, good Ser?"

"A Red Priestess from Asshai commanded," the man replied, and Aenar looked at him for a moment, pondering what to do, but in the end, he decided to do it.

"I will fly to Harrhenal, to meet this commander of yours, but first I need to leave orders for my men," Aenar said, turning and heading towards the ships.

When the one with the captains and a small contingent started to land, Aenar approached Ethenaine, saying, "I give you the command of the army. Divide them as you think is best and start to conquer the strongholds in the regions, be it by force or peacefully."

His second in command nodded without adding another word, moving away, while Aenar saw the sorceress climb down too from the boat, and approaching her, he said, "My lady. A word, please." And she nodded, following him away from the boats and the man, and once, they were far enough, Aenar asked, "What do you see, my lady? What is awaiting for me at Harrhenal?"

"Difficult to say. It's a cursed place as you know, with ghosts still haunting it. Whoever visits it, whoever rules it, dies. But what I can tell you is this. I see a dragon without memory wandering through the halls. He is old and wounded but alive with a fire burning between his horns. That's all I can tell you," she replied, and he nodded, thanking the woman, before turning to walk towards his dragon, however, she stopped him immediately, grabbing his elbow, "Aren't you giving me something in exchange?"

And Aenar looked at her confused for a moment, until he realized what she wanted. So, giving a glance to his men seeing them busy in landing, then at his dragon, Aenar took her hand, and lead Shiera towards the trees that were there and had some cover.

He pinned her to the tree, making her yelp at the impact, and sealed his lips will hers in a rough kiss. The woman was surprised by the roughness for a moment, before accepting it, and moaning in his mouth, as she deepened her fingers in his dark locks, before she bit him and Aenar pulled away, panting, and gazing in her mismatched eyes.

Despite her actions, the sorceress was grinning back at him, licking her lips in a sensual way, and so he took step back, untying his belt, and then the laces of his armour, throwing it to the ground, never taking his eyes away from the sorceress, who in the meantime, rose her dress up till the hips, let down her small clothes and was teasing her slit with two of her fingers.

Taking a step forward, Aenar collided his lips with hers, resuming the rough patch he had done before, and in a moment, he hoped her up, and pinned her to the tree.

She yelped at the sudden move, wrapping her legs around his waist, and her arms around his neck. Holding her with one hand, Aenar unlaced his ties from the breeches, letting them fall to the ground, and making his cock pomp up, and hit her already drenched pussy.

"Already wet the little sorceress is I see," he said, grinning, and with one move, he thrust fully inside her, making Shiera gasp and arch her back.

Without wasting time, Aenar started to move his hips in a rough pace, kissing and biting her neck, while fucking her up against that tree, who in return was moaning and cursing loudly, "Fuck! Fuck! Fuck!"

While still fucking her, Aenar brought one of his hands to her bosoms, freeing one of the breasts, and cupping it roughly, kissing and biting. Like all the Targaryen women, even Shiera had small breasts but that were fitting perfectly in his hands. The inside feels the same. So hot, and so tight that he was feeling as if his cock was being ripped.

Aenar felt that his climax was building, and not wanting to finish inside her, he pulled out and pushed the woman down to her knees hearing her groan in complain, however, before she could voice them, Aenar, taking hold of her head with both hands, pushed his member past her lips, starting to fuck her mouth reaching the deep of her throat.

However, it did not take him long to come in her mouth, bucking his hips, and spilling deep in her throat with a loud groan, before pulling out, panting, however, he felt her lips wrap around his member again, starting to finish him off, drawing him of every drop, while his body went rigid.

After that, he sank down with back against the tree, panting and trying to regain his strength, while the sorceress fixing her dress said, "Well. This was kind of unexpected. Usually, I never allowed men to take charge."

"Neither do I unless her name is Daenerys Targaryen," he replied, seeing her glare at him and bend say, grabbing his chin, "Do not think that I will allow you this opportunity again."

"We will see," he replied, grinning, towering over her, slapping her ass one last time, and running to his dragon.

Dragonstone…

Dany was standing on the docks, with the new temporary armour on, waiting for the time to run off. However, when the hour she conceded them was almost over, and Syrax ready to fly, Dany saw the white banner being waved from the shores, and people gathered. Either they were gathered to fight her with bare hands like a mad mob, or to greet her as the rightful Lady of Dragonstone in absence of her husband.

"Start the landing, Ser Barristan," Daenerys commanded, and the old Knight obliged, immediately giving orders, while she, turning to Missandei, said, "I will fly now there, will need to promise me that will stay her on the ship till I won't tell you to come, all right?"

And the little girl nodded, while she, straightening up, turned towards the boat that was there, climbing on it, and Ghost immediately followed her in a moment. Once in the water, the men started to raw, while she had her gaze straight on the shores, hugging Ghost.

After a few moments, they finally reached the shores, but she did not climb down, till a dozen of Unsullied were on the shores too, and then, she climbed down, however, when her feet stepped onto the sand, she stopped, still not believing where she was.

Dany bent down, placing her hand on the wet sand, leaving the handprint on it. Such a strange feeling it was, and she feels goosebumps appear on her skin the moment her hand made contact with the lands of her ancestors.

However, when she looked up, Dany saw the people looking at her in a curious and at the same time confused expression, and so, she, getting up, cleared her throat, and with intertwined hands said, stepping forward, "People of Dragonstone. Do not fear our arrival, for we will not harm you. We are here only to take what is rightfully ours, and you will be treated with the utmost respect."

Taking a step forward, she continued, "I am Daenerys Stormborn, of House Targaryen, daughter of King Aerys II and Queen Rhaella who is at this very moment marching on King's Landing from the south."

Upon hearing that, they immediately started to murmur between themselves, but without addressing her, and Dany, not wanting to show fear, began to approach, saying at the same time "You do not know me, and I do not know you, but you need not fear me or my Dragons."

After a few murmurs and glances, the people began to applaud, and to welcome the arrival of the Targaryen with encouragement, kneeling down before her, whereupon Dany smiled, as she began to walk, but not before taking a sack and giving a golden dragon to each one who was there, who thanked and blessed her.

She started to walk through the people, with Ghost and the Unsullied behind her, till she reached the great gates of the castle of Dragonstone, and where there was waiting for her Stannis Baratheon, brother of the usurper, with only a handful of soldiers to protect him, and beside them, she could spot Ser Davos Seaworth, and a woman holding a little girl by the hand. A little girl that seems to have the famous greyscale and that meant she needed to stay away.

"May I present you, Stannis of House Baratheon, Lord of Dragonstone, and his family. His wife, lady Selyse Florent and his daughter, Lady Shireen Baratheon."

And Dany glanced at the other two, seeing the little girl, smile sweetly at her, before returning her attention to the father Stannis Baratheon who was standing, there cold and emotionless, almost as if he was defyingly her authority, till he bent the knee, greeting her, "Welcome to Dragonstone, Princess Daenerys. The castle is yours as its people."

"Thank you, Lord Baratheon," she nodded her head. "I see that the lords loyal to Dragonstone are here too," she continued, seeing the one who was undoubtedly Lord Velaryon in his party.

"Yes. They are here to pledge their loyalty and men to your cause," he replied, while she nodded in gratitude for their coming, before glancing to the unsullied who immediately moved in front of her, as the great doors opened, revealing a wonder. A long snake starry path that was leading them to the castle built upon the mountain.

Taking a deep breath, Dany started to climb them up, with her two Dragons flying above and around and the walk seem to take an eternity, with her legs starting to hurt, but it was also due to her pregnancy that was slowing her. Maybe, in the end, her Jon was right, and she wasn't ready to fight in the conquest.

Once inside, Dany found herself innocent a great throne hall, with big candlesticks that were lighting the hall, and in the far back, craved in a stone, the throne made of the same material. This was where the Conqueror sat when he was only a Lord of this place.

"Come, Princess Daenerys. Come," she heard the little girl Shireen say, and Dany smiling followed her, only to find herself in the famous room of the painted table. "This is the painted table, your grace. It's the map of Westeros. "

And Dany started to slide her fingers along its edge, feeling the roughness of the wood. This was a table of three hundred years, made on Aegon's orders, and which he used to plan the conquest of Westeros. She stopped on the Crackclaw Point where she knew her Jon landed, and from there she moved lower to Dragonstone tills he reached Dorne. The north-west part of Dorne to be precise, where her mother will land.

When she turned towards the great opening, Dany saw the sun coming down on the sea, and remembered her mother's words. "After I found out that your brother, Elia, and her children died, seeing the sunset from the chamber with the painted table was the only place to ease my heart."

"Rooms have been prepared for you, Princess Daenerys," she heard Selyse Florent say.

"Thank you. But I need to oversee the landing," giving one last look to the outside, before following Grey Worm back to the beach.

King's Landing...

The moment that came words of Dragonstone's fall and the landing of the Company, on the Crackclaw Point Tywin had gathered everyone in the throne hall, and sitting from atop the Iron Throne, addressed the crowd.

"As you may have heard, a few hours ago, Stannis Baratheon bent the knee to mad King's Daughter, surrendering the castle of Dragonstone and its garrison," stopping to take a breath, and seeing them start to murmured between them. "I don't need to remind you, my lords and ladies, what happened the last time when her father was on the Iron Throne."

"What do we do now?" asked one lord from the Crownlands, stepping forward. "The king's brother has switched sides. What do we do?" and with him the other burst out in an uproar of fear and agitation.

"Silence," Tywin called for their attention. "We are fully prepared my lords and soon the army from the Reach will be here soon, and the king is already marching along the High Road. Together we will finally put an end to that mad family, and the people will be safe. Which is our only concern."

Everyone started to applaud, and Tywin got up, climbed down the stairs, and left the throne hall, heading back to the tower of the hand, where soon after a meeting of the small council will occur.

When he got to his solar, Tywin found his daughter waiting for him, "What do you want, Cersei?"

"My children. There are in danger more than ever now," she replied, getting up. "I want you to bring them here."

"Not possible. It is already too late. And they are safer where they are now," Tywin replied, sitting down at the table, and starting to write what he needs to write, but she kept insisting. I heard rumours that a fleet had passed the Stepstones, sailing around Dorne heading towards Starfall." But Tywin did not reply as he knew very well those rumours to be true thanks to the spider. "Father. Tommen is in Dorne. You need to send men-"

"There are already twenty thousand men there to protect him. I cannot afford more as I need to deal with the enemy that is at our gates."

"I DON'T CARE ABOUT KING'S LANDING!" screamed his daughter, slamming her palms against the table and breathing heavily.

"Calm yourself and leave the room," he said calmly, while she stormed out screamed and cursing under her breath, as he resumed to write the parchments. They were fully prepared to face the enemy. Be it by land, by sea or from the skies. But his daughter was a problem. Especially now.

Riverlands...

Harrhenal...

Rhaegar was walking through the hallways of the cursed fortress, heading towards the black dungeons of the Castel, beneath it, where the old Harren the Black enjoyed torturing his enemies.

Opening the great steel doors, Rhaegar could feel the gloomy air inside filled with coldness and death and saw the imp sitting on the cold stone floor, trembling.

"Are you comfortable, Lannisters?"

"Wo-would...mu-much... prefer...wine...and whores..." stammered the man, trying to joke, but Rhaegar has none of it, took the bucket with the cold water and pure it on him, who groaned and started to cough, when some drops went in his throat, before curling in a ball trembling more than before, "What...use...I'm...to you...dead?"

"Actually, you are no use to me, Lannisters," replied Rhaegar, leaning his back against the stone wall. "I just want you to suffer like my family did. I want your father to feel the same pain that I feel."

"Then...you...chose the wrong Lannisters," replied the imp, swallowing. "He will pay you your weight in gold for my death."

But Rhaegar did not reply, eying the man for a moment, before swallowing and say, "Soon my son will be here, and your father's reign of terror will end."

"Then let me live enough to see his end," replied the imp, slowly turning his head up, but before he could reply, a loud roar came from the outside, and smirking, Rhaegar said, "It seems my son has arrived."

As he was leaving, however, he heard Tyrion Lannister say, "One throne, two Kings."

"What?"

"As long as you are alive, your son will never be king," the imp said, but Rhaegar ignored his statements, starting to move back the way he came.

Outside, he saw the dragonfly above them a few times, under the watchful and terrified expression of his men, till the moment he lowered into the courtyard, making a quake and raising the dust. His men immediately put themselves in a protective position, while the dragon was eying themselves with mouth half-opened, and the flames ready to burst.

"Stay your weapons men," Rhaegar said, beckoning to them to put them down, which they did after a few moments of hesitation. In the meantime, the Red Priestess Melisandre and Thoros of Myr, stepped in the courtyard, with the latter drinking from his flask some brandy.

Once that he was sure that they were not enemy, the raider climbed down from the dragon and started to approach them, with hand on the hilt of the sword and with the helmet still on, while the dragon did the same too, never losing sight of the surroundings.

Stopping a few steps from them, the rider looked at them for a moment before his eyes settled on him, and taking of his helmet he said, "I suppose you are the one that I need to thank for this."

But Rhaegar did not reply, feeling himself loss of words at seeing how much he resembled her. His visage shape was like hers as well as his hair. The eyes were of her colours, but Rhaegar could see that they had been influenced by the Targaryen genes too, as they seem to become darker from some angles almost turning black.

"Ser? Are you well?"

"Yes," Rhaegar replied, swallowing, not knowing what else to say, but thankfully the Red Priestess stepped in and greeted his son, "Welcome to Harrhenal, king Aenar. I'm Melisandre of Asshai, Priestess of the one and true god R'hollor."

"I too have a red priest in my company, and who in this moment is marching with the army. Alester Sarwyck is his name," his son replied.

"I know him. But let's not indulge out her and talk before a meal. A good warm chamber had been prepared for you, my king," the Red Priestess said, showing his son the way while Rhaegar stood there frozen.

Once their bellies were full and before a cup of wine, Rhaegar tried to find the best words to reveal his identity, and heard his son ask, "How did a farmer become the leader of a brotherhood?"

"Because of who I was, or should I say, of who I am," Rhaegar replied, taking a sip, but avoiding his son's gaze, fixing his on a point of the table. "We defeated Tywin Lannister's mad Dog and avenged Ae…" he stopped before finishing the name, biting his lower lips, and swallowing the knot he was feeling in his troth, s the face of his little son appeared in his mind, blurted, but still clear of his appearance, "Prince Aegon and Princess Rhaenys."

"You killed the Mountain?"

"Yes. We sent the head to be presented to all those loyal to Lannister, and then, when found out that you were going to sail soon, we took prisoner Tywin's youngest son," Rhaegar replied, and at hearing that, his son shoots to his feet, and with fists on the table, asked, "Where is he?"

"In the dungeons," Rhaegar replied, and before he could stop him, his son stormed out of the hall of hundreds hearts, following the soldier that lead him below, and Rhaegar did the same.

When they reached the destination, and the door opened again, Rhaegar saw him eating one of the cold and bad soups, while his son said, "So you are the famous Tywin Lannister stain."

"And you must be the famous Targaryen from Essos who doesn't look like a Targaryen," replied the imp, without looking at him.

His son, in a burst of anger, kicked the plate from the imp's hand, and grabbing the man by the collar, he growled like a wolf, "You know you will die soon, Lannister?"

"Yes, but do me the pleasure of letting me choose how I will die."

"We shall see," replied his son, letting him go. "But know this. You, like the other Lannisters, will die once I become king. And will do it slowly."

After those words, he left the dungeon, and Rhaegar, giving the imp one last look, left the cell as well, following his son.

Once back in the hall, he heard his son say, "I will kill all the Lannisters who will cross my path," drinking cup after cup, although no longer of wine, but of water, which was good because it meant the wine did not cloud his mind. "Tell me. Is Harrhenal the only castle that is in the Lannister's hands on Riverlands?"

"No. There are many more under siege or sacked. But Jaime Lannister is laying siege to Riverrun, while Orys Baratheon is camped on the Kingsguard near the borders with the North."

"Well, then it is to Riverrun that I shall fly," his son said, finishing the last cup and r tying the sword. "I want you to ride to my men and inform them, which castles are in enemy hands. And send all the ravens to the lords and summon them her in my name, where a council will occur before marching with all the amies on the capital to reclaim the Throne," taking the helmet, and ready to leave, but before he could do it, Rhaegar said, "I must tell you something very important," and the boy stopped, looking at him confusedly.

Rhaegar moved away a few steps, approaching the table to fill himself a cup with wine, and after taking a sip to wet his throat, he, sighing, started, "There isn't an easy way to tell it...and I'm sure that once it will be out...that once the words will be said...you will find it difficult to believe."

"I don't have time to waste, Ser, so get to the point," his son said, clearly starting to lose the patience.

"I see you are as impatient as your mother," chuckled Rhaegar, at which, his son immediately gets angry beyond the limit, turning him and growling, "What do you know of my mother, eh?"

"I know everything of her Jon. I remember how she looked, and what she tasted, how wild she was and how defiantly of the common rules of the ladylike she was. I know that-"

"Stop talking about her!" growled his son, grabbing him by the collar, and when he looked in his eyes Rhaegar's skin shudder at what he saw. Eyes red as the dark flames, and a strength that was overcoming him, while outside, he heard the dragon roared like a loud thunder that was shaking the land itself.

Swallowing, Rhaegar blurted out, stammering, "Because...because...I'm your father."

And upon hearing that, his eyes widened big as two dragon eggs, letting him go, and moving back, shaking his head.

Rhaegar on the other hand, took a step forward, continuing, "When we met last time I did not remember my past, son, but-"

"Don't call me that," hissed, his son pointing the finger, "You're not my father. My father died on the Trident."

"Yes. But there is where my story starts. I was found by a drunken red priest who brought me back to life," Rhaegar replied, sighing again, and approaching the table. "The past years I did not remember because there are always consequences for this. But now I remember. And I will help you because I want to know you, son. Believe me."

"We will see if you are telling the truth once Rhaella will be here."

And upon hearing his mother's name, Rhaegar's face light up, "So she is here too?"

"Yes, in Dorne to be more precise. But I won't tell you the reason as I don't trust you yet," his son replied, before taking the helmet again and start to move towards the great doors, while he followed him. "If you want for me to trust you, do what I asked and summon those who are loyal to House Targaryen."

"What will you do, son?" asked Rhaegar not approaching the dragon, but his so did not reply, lifting up into the sky, flying west, and Rhaegar heard Thoros say, "Judging by your expression and by his silence, things did not go well inside."

"No. Not at all," he replied, as his friend gave him the flask. Taking a gulp, Rhaegar continued, "He did not believe I am his father. He does not trust me."

"He needs time," the man replied, patting his shoulder, before moving away to the men, after having taken back the flask, while Rhaegar sighed heading to the Maester's solar. He had a work to do in his son's name and prove him that he was on his side.

Riverrun...

"How is damn possible that a force under siege, managed to sneak out and destroy one of our side camp at night!" roared Jaime, slamming his fist, but no one seems to want to reply.

What seemed like to be an easy conquest was turning out to be a waste of men and resources, while the enemy did not seem to want to give up. Besides the failing attack on the castle, and the failed defence of the camp north of the Tumblestone, Gregor Clegane fell too, at the hands of the Brotherhood Without Banner.

"Ser Jaime?" called him Tytos Brax and Jaime looked up confused for a moment. "I asked what do we do? Try another assault on the castle or lift the siege and retreat?"

"Retreat? The Lannister never retreat, Lord Tytos." replied Jaime, leaning forward, but before he could continue an officer git inside saying, "A raven from the Capital, Ser Jaime."

And Jaime took it immediately, moving away from the table, and starting to read the content:

The Targaryen army had landed on the shores of Westeros. The unsullied under Daenerys Targaryen took Dragonstone, and the Golden Company is marching on Harrhenal. The king is still away while Orys prepare himself to face the wolf on the Kingsroad north of the trident.

They were herr and marching on Harrhenal. His brother was in danger, and he needs to help him. So, folding the scroll and getting up, Jaime said, turning to the Lords and knights, "There's no more time for polite requests. Use all the stones, Lord Cracknell, and take that castle down. We kill everyone inside and show Westeros and the Targaryens that we keep our words."

They seem shocked by his words, glancing between themselves, but Jaime, leaning against the table said, "The invasion already started, my lords. The king wants us to destroy the castle and kill everyone inside, before starting the march east to join the loyalists and face the Golden Company that is heading towards Harrhenal."

However, before they could leave the tent, a loud roar could have been heard from above, making the ground shake, and soon after the tent was engulfed in fire. Those who were near the entrance, started to burn, while Jaime immediately got under the wooden table pulling out the sword.

Outside men were screaming and growls were released, while flame kept streaming down. Knowing that he could not stay inside her if he wanted to survive, Jaime crawled his way towards the burning inner side of the tent, cutting himself a way of escape and trying to not get burned by it.

However, when he got outside Jaime was horrified at what he found. All the Lannister's tents were on fire, with men running around, terrified, to put themselves in safe with those who were burning jumping into the water.

He didn't know what to say, what to do, and the moment he spotted a horse that was still alive, Jaime immediately climbed on, riding away to get to safety, while screaming the retreat, hoping that they heard him and as the horns were blowing too. The invasion failed and the war was lost.

Brynden was standing on the battlements, looking delightfully at what the Targaryen boy was doing to the Lannister army. He usually never agreed with this kind of warfare, but they invaded his land and attacked his home. They deserved to pay the highest price. Be it delivered by blade or by flames.

"What do we do, Ser Brynden?" asked one of the soldiers, and Brynden, turning said, "Attack. It's time to join the fray. Let's not let him take all the glory."

From atop his dragon, Aenar could see the men from the Riverrun, leave the castle and charge into the battle to give the last blow to the enemy, while he was stopping them from escape, by making Caraxes spite fire and by luck some ice sometimes.

They went like that for an hour till he could see almost nothing but burning ground around, and knowing that the siege was broken, Aenar urged Caraxes to fly down just a few steps away from the

A few moments later, as he was caressing his dragon, who undoubtedly was hungry, Aenar saw raiders approach, and Caraxes immediately spread his wings, baring his teeth growling.

There were at least five of them, two of whom were holding the banners of House,

Stopping at safe distance, the riders climbed down from their horse and started to approach him, while Aenar moved too to meet midway.

"You must be the famed Targaryen commander of the Golden Company," said one of the men stopping before him, with hand on the sword, and looking him from top to bottom. "I'm here on behalf of House Tully to thank you for your help in taking down the siege. "

But Aenar did not reply, trying to read the man and find his possible intentions. He was towering over him in the armour of fish scales, however, despite that, Aenar wasn't afraid of the man because he faced worst.

"Are you Lord Hoster Tully?"

"No, I'm his brother, the Blackfish. I was in charge of the defence while my brother was unwell, waiting for the northern army to arrive in his help."

"Well, they won't come in your help. Send the prisoner to the Wall," Aenar replied, before taking a step forward, and tilting his head, still looking at him, he said, "Now repay my help by sending your lords and yourself to Harrhenal, where a meeting is going to happen in the next days. Whoever does not come will be my enemy. Find Jaime Lannister and bring him there too."

He did not let the man object, turning on his heels and leaving, though he doubted that in all this chaos Jaime Lannister survived.

Dorne...

Yronwood…

The Prince pass had been blocked as per his suggestion and so was the bony way, leaving no way for the Targaryens to ride north, or ride south. Tywin Lannister wanted for his grandson to be sent to Storm's End for safety, but he didn't do it. He burned the scroll and kept to himself the content because he wasn't fool enough to lose such a precious prisoner as Tommen Baratheon that he will be able to use as leverage against the Lannister or even the Targaryen.

"Ten scorpions had been built and placed where they can be used better," his brother said, approaching, while Anders stood on the stairs of his keep, overlooking the defence. "Capable men had been placed with them, ready to slay the beast."

"Stick to the plan and don't risk the lives of our men needlessly on crazy missions," Anders said, before climbing down the stairs and heading towards the small garden that they had since that is where his daughter with Prince Tommen was.

When he reached it, Anders stooped a few steps away from them seeing his daughter with the prince sitting under the tree, reading, and laughing, which wasn't very ladylike, but for a fruitful alliance, and perhaps one day his blood on the Iron Throne, he could overlook this behavior.

But when the prince noticed it, he immediately stood up, and his daughter did the same.

"Good morning Prince Tommen," Anders greeted him, starting to approach.

"Good morning my lord," the little boy replied with a bow.

"There is no need for bows, Prince," Anders said. "What are you reading?"

And he showed the book. "Account of the War of the Ninepenny Kings. An interesting reading, my Prince. But if I may advise you, visit the Maester's study and ask for the book of my House. I am sure you will find some very interesting and tasteful things."

"Thank you, my lord," thanked the Prince.

"Then I will leave you to your reading," Anders added, glancing at his daughter before retiring. In her lay the future of his House.

Starfall…

Their army has finally landed and was getting some rest before the marching, while she was lead to the Great Hall of the keep, where some of the Dornish Lords has been gathered to discuss the possibility of joining their invasion, while those who were absent were presiding the prince's pass under the command of House Yronwood.

"Who answered the call, Ser Arthur?"

"House Fowler of Skyreach, House Dalt of Lemonwood, and House Uller of the Hellholt, your grace," the sword of the morning replied. Well, Better than nothing. "Houses Blackmont, Jordayne, Qorgyle, and Wyl, instead, seem that sided with Yronwood and the crown, despite hating the Usurper as much as they hate the Targaryen."

"Well, then they will face their fate before the dragons," replied, Rhaella, as the doors were pushed open, and she with raised chin and proudness, marched in with arms.

Those who were there, bowed as she passed through them, reaching the place where the Lord of Starfall was usually standing, and where no, will stand Edric, once they will depart from Starfall.

Clearing her throat, Rhaella addressed the present, "Lords of Dorne. Thank you for answering to our call. I'm Queen Rhaella of House Targaryen, and I'm here on behalf of King Aenar of House Targaryen. Some of you may remember me when I was the Queen of another King, and mother to Prince Rhaegar who was married to your Princess Elia Martell. "

"Where is Lady Arianne and Prince Quentyn?" asked one of the Lords, stepping forward, ignoring all the speech she made till now. "And you are?"

"Ser Andrey Dalt."

"Well, Ser Andrey. They remained in Myr," she answered honestly, though she didn't reveal the fact that Arianne was a prisoner at that instant, or that Quentyn Martell at this very moment is on his way to the Wall, for trying with Daenerys. "They will return once the war is over."

"Then there is no reason in following you," the Lord replied. "We came here because we heard words that Princess Arianne Martell was in Myr with her family, escaping the destruction of Sunspear. If they are not with you right, then Dorne will not follow the dragons."

"Then you will burn," she said as the man stopped, and turning said, "The dragons already tried to take our land failing miserable and losing one of their kin. You lost a king and a Queen too. What makes you think that you are different from those who tried before you?"

"Because we won't stop at breaking you, Ser Ardyn," she replied, as she took a step forward. "We will wipe you out and your House will no longer exist. Yours and everyone's who is connected to you," Rhaella continued, threatening the knight, whose eyes widened like two big eggs of dragon, but in truth, they never intended to do that, only scare the lords. They weren't bearers of destruction. Taking another step forward, while resting her hand on the sword, Rhaella asked, "How many men did you bring?"

"Th-three thou-thousands," he stammered, swallowing. "Many died during the fall of Sunspear."

"Good. They will be helpful in defeating Yronwood and take their castle," she replied, smiling as they bowed and left the hall, while the servants brought the goblets and a jug with wine or water. Taking a sip, she asked, turning to Ser Arthur, "How much it will take for us to reach Yronwood and take it?"

"A few days I would say since they are East to the pass. They will have a great host. At least twenty thousand men, and expect ambush on the way, your grace."

And she nodded, taking a sip, as she looked at the map of Westeros spread on the table. By now her grandson should already be on the land and taking the strongholds while Dany in Dragonstone. At least she was safer there than she would be elsewhere.

The North...

Beyond the Wall…

After recovering their strength in the little wildling girl's camp, they resumed their march, following the little girl northwards, where there was something similar to what little Brandon saw in the visions inside the cave.

"How far is this place, Sylvi?"

"Beyond that snowbank," the little girl replied, pointing her finger in the distance, and he nodded, hearing little Brandon ask, "Have you ever met them?"

"No. But I have heard about them from other people," the little girl replied, as Howland hoped they were not too hostile to her.

Moments later, they reached a great opening, that lay right at the entrance of a cave, and stopped for a moment bending down, and brushing the snow from the top, only to see that under it there was ice. This was undoubtedly a small lake once. It will be a good place where to regain their strength.

"All right, lads. Time to regain some strength. Rest," he said to the man, who gladly agreed, and then turning to the little girl that had led them here, asked nodding towards the cave, "Is this the place?"

While Bran and Sylvie were talking, Howland started to approach the cave having a strange feeling, as some hot air was coming from the inside and colliding with the chilling one that was outside. Either they will find an ally inside that cave, or it will be their downfall, and that would mean the end of his House as he undoubtedly was sure that the Stark will hold them guilty of Brandon's death.

Suddenly he heard noises around them, and turning, Howland spotted a wild withe bear charge straight towards them through the trees, tearing one of his men, while the others pulled out their sword, trying to protect themselves should the beast attack.

"Brandon!" he called after him, as the direwolf was in a position to protect his master. Getting on his feet, the little boy run towards him, despite the tiredness, and was immediately followed by Sylvi, while Summer was trying to fight back the bear. "Into the cave," he said to the boy and girl, as he turned the attention to the enemy, who killed three more of his men, with the other running towards him. "The wolf, Brandon. Call the wolf."

And Howland saw the boy warg in Summer and the wolf running towards them, only to be followed by a wounded enraged bear, who crashed into the lack, the moment he got on the ice that broke under his weight.

His men were cursing and screaming, terrified by the beast, while he bent down to check that the boy was all right.

"Brandon," only to see his eyes still white, and the wolf no longer there. "Brandon!" called him again Howland, this time shaking him, but the boy didn't reply. There was nothing they could do and so he turned towards his men who were tired and wounded.

"We can't go on like this, Lord Reed," said one of the soldiers, holding his side. "If we are not attacked by the undead, we are attacked by animals. If it's not hunger and thirst to weaken us, it's the coldness. It's suicide to continue north."

"I agreed, but it's already too late to change, soldier," replied, hearing a gasp, and turning, saw Bran return to them. "Brandon. Are you all right?"

The boy nodded quickly, catching his breath, and swallowing said, "Summer…they got Summer."

"They?"

"A village…people…I don't know who they are…but they are on the other side," the boy replied, and Howland glanced at Sylvie who shake her head, as he got up.

"Well. We need to free him," he said, turning to the men, as Sylvie helped Brandon up, and they started to make their way through the darkness and the deepness of the cave, with swords in hand and the unknown.

It took them a while till they reached the other side, when he saw still snow, and coming out from the cave, in the distance, he saw a village, with a group of people.

"Whatever happens, don't let them hurt the boy," he said to the men. "You swore an oath."

"Lord Reed," he heard a man, and as he turned, Howland saw the bear that attacked them before running towards him.

"Run!" shouted Howland, starting to run towards the village holding Bran by the hand. "Help! We need help!"

And he shouts seem to have reached someone, who turned towards them, and placed the hand on another person that was sitting. Howland glanced behind and saw that the bear was slowing and stopping the moment they reached the small village.

Panting, Howland turned towards the one that has stopped them, saying, "Thank you," swallowing to regain his normal breath, and seeing that it was a young girl of twenty years, with dark locks, and who immediately said something in a strange language.

In a moment, swords, knives, and spears were pointed at them, and Howland immediately put Brandon behind him, saying, "We are not here to harm you, my lady. We only wish to help you.

But before an answer could come to him, Howland felt a fist collide with his cheek, and a male voice roar, "You hurt my bear!"

"Calm down, brother," the girl said, restraining the man from attacking, as Howland coughed for a moment before standing up. The boy, of the same age, looked a lot like the girl and had a bear jaw round his neck. "Who are you? Alive or dead?" shouted someone with the voice of a girl.

"Alive…Howland Reed is my name and the boy with me is Brandon Stark," Howland replied, seeing the two exchange a look, before taking a step forward, "My name is Elsera Snow, and this is my brother. Josera. We are bastards of House Forester."

And Howland was taken aback by their revelation. However, before he could ask more, the girl said, "come. I'm sure you are hungry and very tired."

Howland nodded to his men, following the two brothers, holding bran by the hand while at the same time, resting his other one on the dagger. They may be northern bastards, but it's not like he can trust them completely with Bran's safety.