Chapter 7: The wars to come

Andrik Drumm knew the plan well. He was in the thick of planning this strike against the Shield Islands.

After Euron Greyjoy took the crown a new vigour had come to the Iron Islands. The Ironmen were whispering excitedly amongst each other of the riches and glory that awaited them to be taken from the Greenlanders. Many had thought the proposed strike would be on Lannisport. It was a logical choice seeing as Lannisport was easily accessible for the Ironborn and at any time of the day, they would always have the element of surprise. But Andrik being included in the plan concocted by his king knew they would strike at the Reach. It was an ambitious target but quite impossible by conventional means.

Many lords and captains of the Iron Fleet had opposed the attack upon the Shield Islands. They opposed this plan not out of cowardice but because of the wind and the distance that was involved. The Ironborn's strength lay in the seas and that means they needed to take quick victories by suffering minimal losses. Only then would they be able to take the Shield Islands with a landing force. The problem, however, lay in with the element of surprise. Euron's plan depended on the element of surprise but sailing their longships along the coastline as was the custom would take away that advantage.

Therein came the wizards abroad Silence, the flagship of Euron Greyjoy. The wizards by means that frankly astounded him and gave him creep managed to bend the winds to their will. That allowed the Ironborn Fleet to travel further west and implement Euron's plan.

The plan was not so simple but it was effective and for disciplined sailors like the Ironborn, it was indeed simple. Twelve fastest longboats were assembled led by Torwold Browntooth and the Red Oarsman. Both of them had six longboats under their command. The two of them would lead the ships into Southshield, the closest island to the Mander river and burn the meagre fleet stationed there. Rather than engaging in close combat with the ships the attack will be purely using artillery weapons.

After this attack, Browntooth and Oarsman would have to pull their ships back and sail into the Mander. There they will be tasked to raid and pillage to their heart's content. It was at this point, the Shield Islands would marshal its remaining fleet and sail to engage the Ironborn reaving the Mander. By that point, the full strength of the Iron Fleet would engage the Shield Islands and take it by force.

On the first day, the first part of the plan went without a hitch. Torwold Browntooth and the Red Oarsman delivered on their promise and managed to draw the attention of the lords of Shield Islands to the Mander. Now, it was time to do his part of the deal and take Southshield from House Serry. It was an easy task as much of the strength of House Serry was now fighting his King in the sea.

"Do not use flame arrows. I want the ports to be intact. We have need of them to raid and pillage the entirety of the Reach." Andrik shouted to his men who answered with an enthusiastic shout at the prospect of taking the riches of the Reach.

Andrik could make out the port of Southshield and he counted five ships on the port. Unfortunately for these southern cunts, those ships were not going to be of much help. The wind was on his side and just as his ships closed in within the range of the enemy archers he gave his signal.

"Men, draw your arrows."

With practised ease, his men drew the arrows and the drums on his ship signalled the other ships under his command.

"Nock...Loose!"

With multiple whistling sounds, hundreds of arrows speared through the air and began to claim the Greenlanders. The return fire from the enemy archers fell short and their arrows just disappeared into the sea.

"The Storm God may be our enemy but King Euron has bound the Storm God. For the Drowned God!" Andrik yelled and his men were filled with vigour and again they pelted the Greenlanders with arrows and scorpions. Death rained down upon the Greenlanders and he could see many of them were just simply running back in fear.

'Good, let them run further inland.' 

The landing was always the time where the Ironborn would become vulnerable. With the Greenlanders fleeing from the shores the fight would be that much simpler. His own ship was the first to reach the port ramming straight through one of the ships trying to escape but It was to no avail.

Andrik vaulted over the gunwale into the deck of the enemy ship. He didn't waste any time as he promptly slit the throat of a man who was foolish enough to hesitate to engage him in battle. This was his day to bring glory to House Drumm and he was not going to miss out a single moment. He let out a roar and charged into a group of spineless Greenlanders. The sea was turning red with the blood of his enemies and he was sure the Drowned God was watching right now. He was no godly man but he was sure going to enjoy killing all these men and then enjoy their women as well.

That day the Shield Islands fell and the number of widows was only going to increase as days would go by. The wailing of women and children would fill the Islands for many months to come and not a soul in the Reach could help them in their time of need.

****

Jon Connington took no pleasure in what he was doing but he would do his duty even if that means he was cutting down men who were sworn to House Connington. He smacked the face of a boy with the round shield in his left hand. The boy went down with a river of blood flowing out of his nose. A flash of steel saw to it that the boy was in the grasp of the Stranger. The boy was too young to die but Jon didn't have the luxury to feel pity for the boy. The next moment he was slashing open the throat of another boy who was too eager to charge at him. 

Griffin's Roost was very unlucky to have marched their veteran combatants to King's Landing to answer King Tommen's call, he thought.

This left only green boys to guard Griffin's Roost and he had the displeasure of cutting them down. Still, he did his duty to his king. 

'I failed the father but I will not fail the son.'

Jon hardened his resolve and continued to fight his way into the castle taking the lives of men who should've been welcoming him with open arms.

In his youth, such disrespect would've sparked his temper but the Battle of Bells had shown him the error of giving into emotions. He overreached and fought for the glory of ending Robert Baratheon's life. For that mistake, his Silver Prince lost his life at the Trident. He was exiled into Essos and Griffin's Roost fell to his cousin. He was actually pleased that a Connington retained the castle and although they lost some lands to other Stormlords it was something that his house could live with. What was lost can be regained in this war and after this war was over he planned to return back here and rule just as his father and ancestors have done before him.

The fighting continued for some more time claiming many a brave soldier but facing the full-fledged forces of the Golden Company was no easy task. The Stormlanders may be a martial lot but even they paled in comparison to the battle-hardened men of the Golden Company.

The fighting dwindled down as the rest of Connington guards surrendered when they realised the ease with which the Golden Company was killing their fellow men. The Stormlanders threw down their weapons and Jon appreciated their surrender. He turned to Harry Strickland, the Captain-General of the Golden Company.

"How many did we lose?"

"Eight men. Another ten is injured and won't be ready to fight immediately." Harry reported

"I will ask the Maester to treat them immediately." Jon assured the captain.

"What is our next move? You are not planning to hold on to this castle are you?" Harry asked

"No. I mean to march our men to Storm's End and take it before the rest of Stormlords realise what is happening. With Storm's End in our grasp, we will have a highly defensible position to wage war on the Lannisters." Jon reasoned as he looked at the map of Stormlands.

"It will also be a symbolic victory over the Baratheons. There is also the fact that the bulk of our forces has yet to land in Westeros. We will need a castle like Storm's End to shield us from any counter-attack by the Lannisters or the Stormlords. It will also take time to land the Elephants." Harry reminded and Jon nodded knowing that they would need time to ferry the entire Golden Company from Lys. Only half the company had landed on Westerosi shores and their chosen landing site was riddled with storms. It will be a challenge to safely land the entire company in a large fleet and that's why they were making land in few numbers at a time.

"How are you planning to take the castle? Stannis Baratheon held Storm's End with five hundred men for an entire year and the Reach army camped outside those walls in vain." Harry asked now that he knew their next destination.

"We have all heard the story of Stannis Baratheon's resilience but in that tale, there is one interesting fact. A smuggler that later became known as the Onion Knight managed to smuggle food into the castle. How do you reckon he did that?" Jon asked

"I am sure you have a solution." Harry subtly rolled his eyes at the Westerosi and their flair for dramatics in times of war.

"There is a secret tunnel from Storm's End to the ocean. After my exile, I have been scouting out the weakness of Storm's End for this very moment. We sail to Storm's End in four days after we have properly set up the defences of Griffin's Roost. We will take the last of Stannis Baratheon's stronghold. When the Targaryen banners fly over the walls of Storm's End it will send out a signal to all the lords of Westeros that the dragons are back and in full force." said Jon and nodded to himself that it would be enough to compel several lords to switch sides in the South.

"I wish all the dragons were here and I was as enthusiastic as you Jon. We need allies if we are to take on the entirety of Westeros. The Golden Company alone cannot win the Seven Kingdoms. If Daenerys Targaryen and her three dragons were here then there was a chance that we alone could have done it but without her, we need regional allies." Harry took a seat opposite Connington and pointed at the Reach.

"Tommen Baratheon is married to Margery Tyrell. I doubt the Reach will stay silent when we are threatening their precious queen and boy-king."

"You are right which is why I have already contacted Doran Martell before we set sail from Lys. Before the Reach army crosses into the Stormlands we will consolidate our hold on the Stormlands. I have also heard that Riverlands has erupted in rebellion once again and that will keep the Lannisters and the Tyrells occupied. They will be stretched thin to properly focus on us alone." Jon predicted and Harry reluctantly let the matter rest for now.

"But what about Daenerys Targaryen?" Harry asked once more.

"Aegon is the heir and when the time comes she will set sail after realising the futility of holding on to Mereen. When the time comes she will arrive and she can marry Aegon. By then, we would have defeated the Stormlords and the Tyrells as well if need be." said Jon and Harry decided to just trust the Griff for now.

"Who will lead the attack on Storm's End?" Harry inquired

"I will." A third voice answered and their king stepped into the room with his sworn sword Rolly following closely behind.

"The Baratheon's took my home, my family and my birthright, Jon. I intend to take what's theirs with you by my side. I am leading the attack on Storm's End." Aegon declared and for a moment Jon could see the ghost of Rhaegar in his son. 

'The Last Dragon, many called the Silver Prince. But he was not the last not will his son be the last. There were more dragons to come but there will be no more Stags or Lions.'

Jon just nodded and he was rewarded with a smile from his King. 'I will keep your son safe Rhaegar. I will see your son sit the Iron Throne and only then shall I face you in the afterlife. I will look into your eyes and apologize for failing you but I will earn your forgiveness by restoring your legacy to the Iron Throne. I promise.'

****

Ellaria Sand mourned her lover and the father of her children who died at the hands of that monster that killed her lover's sister and her children. She would have killed that arrogant smirking whore of a Lannister herself on that fateful day after the trial. The only thing that stayed her hand was that she knew revenge will come but it would be something that would cut deep into the black heart of the Lannister queen.

While her initial plan to kill Myrcella may have not born fruit she was sure that her second attempt was successful. She had learned her way around poisons from her lover and Oberyn was a skilled teacher and a lover. She was wroth with Doran for spoiling her initial plan and his refusal to harm Myrcella but she was surprised that he had not sent Trystane to the Capital like he said he would. Instead, Doran had made up an excuse on the fly that Trystane will have to visit Starfall on an important business and then would ride hard for the capital. She immediately knew something was up with Doran and some of her lover's friends within Sunspear(they were not spies) had informed her that Doran had a secret meeting with a Pentosi Magister. Whatever that meeting was about she didn't know but after that meeting, she had noticed that Doran has been acting strange. While she had her opinion of the eldest Martell she put a hold on her plans to get a clear picture. If she was going to commit treason against Oberyn's brother then it will be with a clear conscience and the knowledge that she had no other option. So, she waited and plotted with her daughters for the right moment to strike. But she was taken by surprise when she along with her daughters were invited to dine with Prince Doran all of a sudden.

This was how she and her daughters found themselves in Sunspear. Just as they stepped close to the guards stationed outside the hall where feasts were held the large doors opened and the person that stepped out from the hall took Ellaria by surprise.

"Lady Mellario?" said Ellaria in shock

"Ellaria!" the consort of Prince Doran exclaimed and pulled her into a hug.

"I heard what happened to Oberyn. We all miss him." Mellario hugged a little tightly but Ellaria didn't mind. Her brother's goodsister has always been kind to her so she was partly happy to see her returned to Sunspear after her long years of self-imposed exile. On the other hand, Ellaria was troubled by Mellario's presence as too many things were happening all at once which was taking her by surprise again and again.

As if that was not enough Ellaria's eyes widened as another familiar figure followed Mellario. It was a tall buxom girl with long dark hair that closely followed Mellario. Ellaria would recognize Arianne anywhere in the world as Oberyn in his visits to Norvos has always stayed with his niece and she was present for all those visits.

"When we heard of what happened to uncle Oberyn we immediately sailed from Braavos. There will be retribution and it will be swift aunt." said Arianne and then the Princess of Dorne turned to Ellaria's children greeting them happily. If Oberyn was here he would have truly enjoyed all his family being united under one roof. For the sake of love she bore for her dearly departed lover, she decided to go with the flow dousing the fires of vengeance from her mind before she followed the Princess and her mother into the hall.

She was not surprised to see Doran at the head of a long table with his trusted Summer Islander bodyguard not far from the Prince.

"Come sit my nieces and you too Ellaria. Join us at the table, we have much to discuss." said Doran with a peculiar stare that she couldn't decipher.

Despite her reservations about Doran, she sat next to Mellario and her daughters sat close to Arianne who was quick to attract the attention of her daughters with her beauty and wit. She was curious to note that Trystane was not present in this little get-together. Quentyn was to her knowledge with Lord Yornwood but she wondered where Trystan has gone off to.

"Trystane is at the Water Gardens and Quentyn is in Essos to finalize a business deal that I have been planning for some time. Unfortunately, the physical presence of a Martell was needed and seeing as he was excited for the voyage I allowed him to leave." Doran explained her unasked query

"I would have truly appreciated seeing my children all well and true after all these years husband. But like always you have your reasons while conveniently forgets to think about others in your little schemes." Mellario sneered at the Prince and Ellaria felt a surge of satisfaction as Doran lightly flinched. Years of separation has not diminished the quarrels between them it seemed.

"I had no way of knowing that you would visit Sunspear dear wife. If you remember the last time that we spoke you took an oath to never set foot in this castle." Doran reminded his wife who only laughed mockingly at the ruling Prince of Dorne.

"I would suffer the dishonour of breaking my word to pay my respects to Oberyn. Whatever quarrels I have with you, I owe your brother too much to disrespect him. He would have wanted me here to comfort the ones he loved." said Mellario as she put a comforting hand on Ellaria. Mellario may not have known but Ellaria was heartened by her words and she thanked the gods that she had not yet unleashed the plan to strike at Doran and his spineless son.

"Yes, my brother was a better man than me. I freely admit that. He loved and fought fiercely as a Martell. He was someone that embodied the words Unbowed, Unbent and Unbroken." Doran paired and raised his wine cup in a toast, "To Oberyn Martell."

"To Oberyn." Everyone chorused together.

There was a comfortable silence as everyone dug into the pigeon pie that was served by the servants. Ellaria exchanged a look with Obara, Nymeria and Teyne and subtly nodded her head emphasising to concentrate on the food.

"I have some news to break and seeing as everyone of importance is here I may as well use this opportunity." said Doran and Ellaria's heart raced at Doran's look. She saw out of the corner of her eyes that her daughters holding on tightly to their forks.

"But first of all, I must apologize to Ellaria and my nieces. I may seem to come off as cold and uncaring to your pain but know that Oberyn was dear to me more than you will ever know. He and I were cut from the same cloth despite how many see me. Oberyn was ever the viper. Deadly, dangerous, unpredictable. No man dared tread on him. I was the grass. Pleasant, complaisant, sweet-smelling. Who would fear to walk upon the grass? But it is the grass that hides the viper within and shelters him until the time to strike. We had planned and plotted to see the destruction of Tywin and his wretched legacy. Tywin may be gone from this world but I will see to it that Elia's blood will be paid with the total annihilation of House Lannister. I will watch with my own eyes as Casterly Rock crumbles from within and a gaping hole is left in its place." said Doran and Ellaria looked hopefully at the Prince.

"But, I can't make my movements so obvious to my enemies. That is why I refused to hand over the bastard of Kingslayer to you Ellaria and that is the same reason why I didn't bat an eye when you gave her a kiss of death. Do you really think that I would house a daughter of that wretched house within these halls where my dear sister danced and sang with me and my family? When she was butchered by the Lannisters I lost the last light in this world and I closed down my heart to anyone. I refused to show my pain and anguish like my brother. Do you know why? Because I never wanted the rage and the hatred to burn out of my veins. No, I breathed in the rage and made it a sharp weapon and now the time has come to strike." Doran paused and Ellaria watched in morbid curiosity as Hotah handed over a small piece of parchment.

Ellaria and her daughters were already sweating quite a lot with the uncharacteristic turn of events.

"A great host has landed in Stormlands and has started the beginning of the end for the Lannisters. It is being led by an enemy of house Lannister but I need to make sure the promises made by this enemy are true. There will be fighting in the Stormlands and I have heard that the Ironborn has started reaving across the Reach. The Tyrells will also be distracted and while this happens Dornish spears will be ready to heed the call." said Doran, turning to stare at his daughter Arianne with an appraising look.

"Are you ready to do what must be done?" Doran asked and Ellaria was struggling to follow what was going on.

"I will need an escort to accompany me." said Arianne with a shrug and she smiled at the Sand Snakes.

"If you are in agreement my dear nieces escort my daughter to Stormlands. Meet with the men called Jon Connington and Harry Strickland. Learn about someone named Young Griff and report your findings to me at your earliest convenience. You will be taking the fastest ship and that too at your earliest convenience." said Doran startling the entire table to silence. All of them could not make head or tails on what was happening but Arianne was the one that asked the most relevant question.

"Where will I be sailing to dear father?"

"To Griffin's Roost my daughter. You will go to the seat of House Connington but instead of a Griffin, I would like you to meet a dragon. A dragon that has the blood of Old Valyria and that of my dearly departed sister. I would like you to meet my nephew and confirm he is who he says he is." said Doran and Ellaria knee not what to think of all this but for the time being she was satisfied. All she ever wanted was to see her lover's death be avenged. The Lannisters are the enemy and everyone that stands with them must also suffer. That is all the truth she knows and cares about.

****

Jaime Lannister stood vigil as the septons placed painted eyes over his daughter's closed eyes. The bells were tolling in the Great Sept of Baelor in honour of Myrcella. He had never felt this much grief in his life outside of when he attended his mother's funeral. He felt nothing when Joffrey was laid to rest in this very sept and the same with his father outside of a twinge of guilt.

But looking at the innocent face of his daughter he felt true despair. She was truly a gentle soul and he was for a moment very happy and relieved when Myrcella had called him father and hugged him in the ship after they sailed away from Dorne. He really wanted to hate the Martells for what they did to his daughter but he couldn't for some reason muster up the hatred and rage for some reason.

Looking at his daughter's gentle face he was reminded of Elia Martell's children. Little Rhaenys with a hundred holes in her body and the babe Aegon with a smashed head. Their bodies wrapped in Lannister cloaks were presented to Robert by his own father in the Red Keep.

Not just the Targaryen children but the thousands that his father killed in Westerlands, King's Landing and Riverlands. He also contributed a lot to those deaths and right now their ghosts were haunting him in the presence of a daughter he could never publicly claim. 

'My sins were mine to atone for and yet the gods punish my daughter in my stead.' 

He could now understand Catelyn Stark's pain as well as all those who suffered for his actions. Out of the corner of his eye, he noticed the High Sparrow moving closer to his position. Before all of this he would be cursing up a storm inside his mind for what this guy did to his sister but as of now, he couldn't muster up anything. He felt truly numb as he stared into the face of his sweet daughter.

"It is a terrible thing—to witness the death of a child. You have my condolences Ser Jaime." the High Sparrow said but Jaime paid him no heed. 

'What do Sparrows know about my pain?'

But the Sparrow continued heedless of any discomfort from Jaime.

"When Aerys Targaryen ruled from the Red Keep I visited the capital once. I stayed in the humble home of a carpenter. Good family, a pious family. The carpenter worked day and night to make humble works for other people. He was well sought after by many and the Smith smiled upon him for being a pious and gentle soul. The carpenter gave a portion of his daily wage to an orphanage while he still had to feed his wife and daughter. The wife worked the kitchens and looked after her daughter. Sometimes she would even work in the orphanage and looked after the children voluntarily. Their daughter would sing me songs when I visited the family. I could sleep without a shred of worry and the next day I would be filled with vigour to work harder. I saw the maiden in that girl. From then on, I would teach her about the virtues of the Seven. She was a quick learner and I hoped one day that she would become a Septa. Unfortunately, I had to return to the Crownlands and it took me a year to visit her again. When I stepped into the capital a new King was being crowned and I found that family. Can you imagine what happened to that family Ser Jaime?" the High Sparrow was now staring a hole through Jaime's helmet cladded head and he noted that his left hand was shaking despite the tight grip it was having on his sword.

"The Lannister army had sacked the city under your father's orders. I found the carpenter with a slit throat in his home. His wife also had a slit throat but she was bleeding from between her legs. The valiant men of the West had her raped and murdered. My heart broke to see a family that had nothing to do with the games of the high lords suffer such horrible deaths. My faintest hope was that the little girl would have been spared. But when I found her I thought I was living in the deepest parts of the seven hells Ser Jaime. The young bright innocent girl that sang me to sleep with her squeaky little voice was there with her skin bitten off in places that I couldn't possibly recount. She was naked as the day she was born and violently raped. The child was dead and every day I ask the seven for forgiveness for my inability to protect one of their creation. At the same time, your kind was strutting around in your red castle happily drinking and celebrating some great victory. Tell me, Ser Jaime, looking at the face of this child do you feel an overwhelming sense of victory?"

Jaime refused to even move and stayed completely still.

"That was one family Ser Jaime. I visited every house that your father's men destroyed. I walked for days without food or water to visit each and every one of the victims. Each of them was butchered just as horribly if not more. Would you have grieved for that child if you had seen what I had seen that day Ser Jaime?" High Sparrow asked and finally, Jaime decided to break his silence.

"You want me to admit that Myrcella died because the gods decided to punish the Lannisters. Is that it?" Jaime asked and he himself was surprised that his voice didn't crack because of the mass of emotions swirling within his mind.

"Oh no, Ser Jaime. I would never presume to think that the gods would punish young and sweet Myrcella for the crimes of your family. I believe the Seven called her back because she didn't deserve to live in a family as cursed as yours. Be happy that she escaped a worse fate and is now safely beside the Mother and the Maiden." said the High Sparrow and with a sigh, the old man slowly turned around to leave but paused.

"There is still time to repent and ask for forgiveness. The Mother's mercy finds everyone Ser Jaime and if you wish it salvation can be yours. If not for you do it for young King Tommen. The sins of your family weigh on that gentle soul and I implore you to think on this quite seriously Ser." with that parting shot the High Sparrow left Jaime all alone with his daughter.

The only ones that were left for him in this world were Tommen and Cersei. If the High Sparrow thought that he could manipulate him into betraying his family with a few heartfelt words then the man was a fool. He would rather die than sell out Cersei no matter what.

The next day saw Jaime standing a few paces away from Tommen who was petting his cat. Ser Pounce, Tommen had named the cat and the cat was as fierce as a knight to anyone other than Tommen. The feline was fiercely protective of his king and Jaime was amused to note that the cat followed Tommen around the Red Keep as if it was a Kingsguard Knight.

"He is a sweet boy, too sweet for this world." said Cersei as she stepped right next to him.

"I will not fail him like I failed Myrcella. I will be next to him as his shadow." Jaime promised more to himself.

"The Martells will suffer for what they did but Tommen is in more danger than ever. The Tyrells and the High Sparrow are sinking their claws into our son day by day." said Cersei never taking her eyes away from Tommen.

"Which is why I will stay by his side."

"No, let me deal with Tyrells and the High Sparrow. You, on the other hand, have to secure our allies. A raven came from the Twins." said Cersei as she handed him the rolled up parchment.

"The Freys want us to help them take Riverrun and Raventree Hall! Remind me again why did we make them the Lords Paramount of the Riverlands if they need us to keep hold of those lands?" asked Jaime with a derisive snort.

"The Freys are weak fools but they are our allies. Lord Baelish will be moving the Vale army into the North to deal with the Boltons. They dared to keep Sansa Stark in Winterfell and for that, they will feel our wrath. You, on the other hand, will take the Lannister armies into Riverlands and deal with Brynden Tully and Tytos Blackwood. By destroying the Boltons and helping the Freys we will show the seven kingdoms that we help our allies and destroy our enemies. Let me worry about the Sparrows and Tyrells." said Cersei. Jaime was looking at her in quite a bit of surprise.

"Cersei did you forget what happened when you dealt with the High Sparrow? You…"

"I know what happened brother but this time I am prepared. I will have Uncle Kevan to help as well. Trust me, I know what I am dealing with."

"What about your trial? You will be needing a champion to fight for you if it comes to a trial of combat." Jaime tried to reason with her but Cersei merely shook her head in the negative.

"That has been taken care of. Trust me to protect our son and myself while I trust you to protect and strengthen our house. We are the legacy of our father, you and me. We will defend the Lannister name and uphold it to the same standards that our father left it for us." said Cersei before she clapped her hands and Jaime watched as Ser Boros Blount of the Kingsguard hand him over a sword that was covered by a Lannister cloak.

As he uncovered the sword he identified the sword as Widow's Wail.

"You will carry this sword to Riverlands and represent King Tommen on the battlefield. You will take Riverrun in Tommen's name and bring Brynden Tully to heel. You will do the same to Lord Blackwood and when you return I would have dealt with all the Sparrows in the capitol. You are the only one that I can trust to protect our family name." Cersei hugged him briefly before leaving him there with Tommen.

Jaime was rooted to his spot for a time, his mind filled with conflicting thoughts. The fact that Sansa Stark was in Winterfell surprised him and now the Vale army was going to deliver her to Cersei. He had sworn an oath to deliver the girl safely to her family. Failing that he had charged Brienne to do this in his stead. He had no doubt that Brienne was in the North trying her best to safely rescue Sansa from the Boltons. Now, she will have to evade the Knights of the Vale as well as the Boltons to get Sansa Stark somewhere safe thanks to his sister.

He shook his head to clear those thoughts and resumed his watch. He will have to lead the Lannister armies into Riverlands once more but this time he will surely take a strong second-in-command with him. Thankfully, he knew a sellsword turned knight who would be very deserving of that position.

****

Brienne shivered as another gust of cold wind blew through the deck of the ship. While the march through the snows to reach Eastwatch was no easy task she was not that worried because it was relatively safe than this sea voyage. When she had escorted Lady Sansa and Alys Karstark to Eastwatch she was surprised to note that Jon Snow had already departed on a ship to Ramsgate with Davos, Melisandre and Baelish.

The brother of Lady Sansa was doing something in secret but Sansa told her it was something that would secure them an advantage in the war.

While Brienne didn't trust anyone else with Sansa's protection she conceded that Jon Snow was one of the good sorts. Still, she would have preferred Lady Sansa to travel with her brother rather than with the Free Folk. She didn't trust any of them especially that giant of a man who was making strange eyes at her all day.

"Pod, keep watch on these men. I will be with Lady Sansa for some time. I don't trust that Karstark girl to try something if I leave Lady Sansa alone with her for a long time." Brianne nodded to her squire who dutifully took her post which allowed her to look after Lady Sansa who was in a cabin with Alys Karstark.

She knocked on the cabin twice and announced herself. After Lady Sansa gave her permission to enter she stepped into the cabin to see the two girls sewing Stark banners.

"Join us, Lady Brianne. We could use some help with the banners." Sansa smiled sweetly at her and Brianne didn't have the heart to refuse even though she hated needlework.

Her thoughts must have reflected on her face because Sansa let out a small laugh.

"Forgive me, Lady Brianne. You have the same look on your face as my sister Arya whenever she was asked to attend sewing lessons." said Sansa with a reminiscing face.

"I am afraid I have no skills whatsoever in sewing, my lady. I could understand why Arya would find sewing very unappealing." said Brienne but she still took up a needle and took a seat. As she searched for the yarn amongst the finished banners one finished banner caught her eye simply for being how different it looked compared to the Stark direwolf.

"Lady Sansa, who's banner is this? I thought the Stark banner always was a running grey direwolf on a white field."

"It is so lady knight. Why are you?...oh! That's a different one." said Alys Karstark as she made a perplexed face at the banner in Brianne's hand. It was a combination of a red dragon and a white direwolf

But it was Sansa that answered the unasked question.

"It's the personal banner of Daeron Targaryen, lady Brianne. At least, I hope it would be. I wanted something else but he was not so approving of the colouring." said Sansa who went back to her stitching nonchalantly making Brianne and Alys stare at her incredulously.

"I don't understand my lady. Who is Daeron Targaryen?" Brianne asked in worry and with a quiet amount of shock.

"You would know him as Jon Snow, my bastard brother. I know him much better. I know him as Daeron Targaryen, son of Rhaegar Targaryen and Lyanna Stark. My cousin and my king."

Sansa's words plunged the cabin into silence outside of the howling Northern winds. While Alys was looking at Sansa with an open mouth Brianne was more controlled. She was quickly making the connection and her mind slowly accepted that fact.

She had heard the rumours of Ned Stark's bastard and how the Quiet Wolf brought his sister's bones and bastard after his encounter with Aerys Targaryen's Kingsguard. The South mostly focuses on the story of the battle at Tower of Joy where Ned Stark defeated Arthur Dayne in combat. She wondered why no one had thought to ask why the Kingsguard would guard the Tower even after Rhaegar had fallen at the Trident. If those knights were guarding someone of royal blood, say a prince, then that would make their actions some sense. In the absence of all male Targaryens, the Iron Throne would belong to Jon Snow by right of blood.

'There will be more wars to come.' thought Brienne.