16

Chapter 16 – Red Seas

The Westerlands…

A long train of wagons under an intense escort made their way into Lannisport. The people of the city looked on with curiosity as the wagons containing both men and crates travelled through the city streets on their way to the docks, but the escort never stopped and no one was talking. The docks of the city were a hive of activity as men dashed around loading and preparing ships, orders had arrived from their liege lord to make their entire fleet ready to sail within a couple of days with all the cargo vessels, fishing boats and other civilian vessels being converted to carry troops while the warships were provisioning themselves and rearming for battle. The mood was one of quiet confidence given their victory only a few days before but also one of confusion as the men working on the ships saw the arrival of the large number of wagons, the drivers pulled up along the quayside and settled their horses while the men on the wagons began to lift the heavy crates off the wagons where cranes took over and hoisted them onto the decks of the waiting large warships. As the men finished unloading the wagons they walked up the gangplank and went about stowing the cargo with the utmost care, Ser Raphael Daniels himself was supervising the unloading and installation of the new equipment, Lord Hadrian would trust no one else with securing the new weapons.

"Wonder what they are up too?" One deck hand asked as he saw one of the men setting up some sort of device on deck with a four more being set up along each side of the ship. His bunkmate only shrugged and told him.

"I don't know and I don't care, all I know is that Lord Lannister himself will behead anyone who opens those crates without permission and exile their family to Essos."

"Shit!" The first man said quickly going back to his swabbing the deck as Ser Raphael Daniels turned to look at him and give him a glare.

-x-

Casterly Rock was busy too although not as loud as the docks were at present, in his solar Hadrian was looking down at the busy port below wondering if this move could secure his family's dominance or break them. Too much progress could be a bad thing if things moved too quickly than could be handled, so by unleashing this new weapon he was taking a gamble that the world could handle it. In his hands was the response to his letter that he had been hoping for, it even went one better than he had hoped and told him the route the Iron Fleet was taking on its way to Lannisport. That would be where his fleet would face them and the future of the Westerlands decided.

Turning away from his view of the city and its docks below, Hadrian crossed the room and poured himself a glass of water to keep his mind clear rather than dull it with wine. As the cool liquid hit the back of his throat he allowed his mind to briefly wander as he considered his position and why he was doing this. Many who played the deadly dance that was the game of thrones wanted the greatest power, some even to sit on the throne of Westeros and rule with supreme power, like his sister Hadrian thought darkly. He on the other hand only wanted to make sure that his family was safe and their future secure, for the sake of his children and those he cared about. It may be simplistic and some would say naïve but what else really mattered in this world? Power waned and reputations faded, gold is spent and all men die; family however would endure. His children would make their own ways in life and he would give them the tools to decide their own destinies, his greatest gift to them. In his previous life he had watched all three of his children grow and change to go on and achieve whatever they had chosen to do with their lives, he had never been prouder.

This world had restrictions that his previous family would have chaffed under but it did not mean they could not have the best future possible. Something he was going to give them…whatever it took.

Thoughts of his previous life made Hadrian walk over to a cabinet at the side of the room which he opened with his key, inside were a few different items and papers but Hadrian reached for a box of elaborately carved goldenheart wood from the Summer Isles. He carefully opened it and inside saw the sole item in his possession that came from his life before. As light and as soft as silk fabric that seemed to catch and hold the light. Once this had been the Invisibility Cloak and one of the Deadly Hallows, now however it was merely a very strange and strangely beautiful piece of fabric, its magic somehow constrained. What could do that to a Deathly Hallow had long eluded him, the irony that he would need magic to find the source of the constriction since the glass candles would not burn brought a bitter chuckle. If the other hallows were here then maybe if they were together again they could overcome the interference but given the sheer size of this world they could be anywhere assuming that they were even here at all. Xaro Xhoan Daxos who had held the cloak before him swore as Hadrian tortured him for information in his own vault that the cloak had been on its own when he had acquired it for which Hadrian gave him a quick death by beheading, rather than locking him up in his own vault and allowing him to suffocate slowly.

Sighing over the depowering of his once treasured possession Hadrian closed the box and relocked his cabinet before leaving his rooms to go and see his children. A ship had arrived from Myr only two days ago, bearing gifts from Jaime. Since he would be unable to come to the Rock for his nieces and nephews (including his secret son and daughter) name days he had sent his nieces and nephews their gifts now, all in one go. As he wandered into the main hall he saw Leo studying a stained glass statue of a dragon which had been his present, Hadrian gave a slight smile as he saw his son enthralled at the intricate glass work and dazzling array of colours as the light passed through it. Hadrian continued on until he arrived the large library of Casterly Rock where Richard would surely be in his private time. His son was so studious that it had worried Hadrian for a time, thinking his son would have no social skills, much as young Harry had been in his younger years although that had been down to Dudley's bullying. Fortunately his son did not lack confidence, he was just quiet and preferred to stay silent and watch unless he had something important to say.

Hadrian felt his smile widen as he saw his son pouring over a Valyrian document that was describing how they had built their large towers. Richard had a remarkable mind, able to absorb facts easily and was willing to push the boundaries to see what the real limits were in whatever he was doing. Hadrian walked over, his footsteps alerting Richard to his presence. The boy looked up and instantly put down the text he had been reading before jumping to his feet.

"Father." Richard said, standing straight backed with all the discipline of a well drilled soldier but Hadrian smiled and told his son.

"Richard at ease my son, you are in no trouble and I have come to speak to you as a father…not as a lord." Hadrian said gently, sitting on one of the chairs around the long table and his son slowly and unsurely followed suit. Hadrian felt a nagging sense of guilt as he looked at his third son, while Tyler would inherit Casterly Rock and the position of Lord of the Westerlands now Leo had signed his own right to inherit away, Richard did not stand to inherit much besides a sword when he himself eventually passed. Hadrian wanted more for his son than that so he hoped his son would be pleased with what he had arranged.

"I know that I have not been here for you and the rest of your siblings as much as I should have been, you have all started growing up and it does frighten me at times that I am not here to see it. I do not give you and your siblings the attention that you truly deserve." Hadrian said that nagging sense of guilt spiking and he saw that Richard was about to interrupt him but he put his hand up to stop him and continued. "Your twin brother will inherit my seat, my position and Brightroar while you would only inherit Crimson Night and that is not enough for a young man as smart as you. You are my third son and as such you have the freedom to do as you please. You could become a great knight, you could join the Watch, you could travel to Essos and become a sellsword but if you want it I have another option. I want to give you Castamere as your holding when you come of age." Hadrian had hoped for more of a reaction but upon speaking those last few words, Richard seemed to be too stunned to speak.

Richard was in complete shock at what his father was telling him, he had known for a long time that Tyler would inherit their family's lordship and he had accepted that. In fact he was glad to never have that kind of responsibility so he could instead lead his own life, maybe become a maester or just spend his life exploring to discover the secrets of the world. Now his father was giving him one of the most powerful and strategically important seats in the Westerlands. On the one hand, he would be both rich and powerful with a very strong castle of his own but on the other it would end both of his other dreams. Unsure of what he should do he asked his father a simple question.

"Why give Castamere to me, father?" Hadrian smiled seeing the uncertainty in his son's normal confident features and explained to him why he had been chosen to have this honour, other than being his son.

"I intend to build an archive of knowledge at Castamere and turn it into a bastion of science, a place where we can preserve learning for the future to make sure that it is kept safe for future generations and be a place where men of learning can work to expand the fields of science and research and I want someone of your fierce intellect and resolve to run it. It is a tall order son and one that you must feel free to decline if you do not want it but I would trust no one else with such an important endeavour." Hadrian told his son serious, he was placing a great burden on Richard's shoulders and he wanted his son to know that it was entirely up to him if he accepted or not.

Richard meanwhile was growing increasingly excited at the thought of running a place of learning where he could pursue his dreams of science and discovery while staying close to support his brother and his homeland. It did not take him long to make his decision.

"Yes father, I accept." Richard said with a big smile that brought one to Hadrian's face to as he hugged his son.

-x-

In one of the gardens of Casterly Rock at that moment, Tommen was sitting on the grass surrounded by flowers as he played with his new kitten, it was a cute little black and white cat with blue eyes that was adorable and was excitedly playing with his new owner as Myrcella looked on with happiness in her eyes as she watched her innocent young brother play with his cat while she wore her new red and gold Myrish lace gown and her cousin (unknown to Myrcella, her half-sister) Visenya Hill looked on keeping an eye on them while Ser Arys Oakheart was sparring in the yard to maintain his swordsmanship. She looked over to the other side of the garden and saw two of her more distant cousins; Joy and Beth the bastard daughters of her missing great uncle Gerion Lannister smelling the roses as they took a gentle walk through the gardens. Although they now carried the Lannister name they had not really spent much time with Myrcella in all the months she had been here at her family's ancestral home. Making her decision to get to know them better she got up from her seat and walked over to the two other blonde girls.

Joy was the first to notice her presence and immediately curtseyed with Beth quickly following suit, annoying Myrcella slightly even if she had been treated like this by everyone all her life. She wanted to get to know these girls, they were family after all and she was hoping that they might even be her friends, something she had little of due to her position and people wanting to use her for their own ends making her keep her guard up at all times.

"Your grace. Sorry if we disturbed you. We will vacate the gardens immediately." Joy the elder girl said in as polite a tone as she could manage while keeping an eye on her younger sister who was looking distinctly uncomfortable with the princess so close by, near terror on her face.

"Not at all." Myrcella said quick to correct the misunderstanding. "I was hoping that you and your sister might my join me in a walk around the gardens. I hope that we might become better acquainted." She said with a gentle smile hoping to put the two girls at ease.

Joy felt slightly better at the princess's invitation but looked over to Beth who was gripping her hand near painfully in her fear over making a mistake, knowing that now was not the time to try and break her sister of her extreme nervous but she did not want to insult the princess either so she compromised.

"I will gladly join you if you wish it your grace but my sister is feeling slightly under the weather and would like to retire to her room to rest." Joy said carefully and was relieved to see Princess Myrcella nod although she looked confused and Beth gratefully gave her sister a hug before running off into the castle were they had been raised.

"Is your sister truly ill or was she just uncomfortable in my presence?" Myrcella asked not fooled in the slightest and realising she had been caught in a lie, Joy explained to the princess so as to not cause offense.

"The truth is a bit of both your grace." Joy said sadly as she watched her sister's retreating back. "My sister is of an extremely nervous disposition and is easily frightened after an event some years ago when a Frey cousin of ours attempted to rape her." Joy said and Myrcella looked horrified as the situation was explained to her. "Although thankfully Lord Hadrian, our cousin stopped it and sent the would-be-rapist to the Wall but ever since Beth has been gripped by fear when confronted with many things. I and the rest of our family have tried our best but it is a struggle for her most days and people treating her like a bastard does not help matters. It is one of the reasons why our cousin had both myself and her legitimized although the treatment still continues with some people." Visenya too while she stayed silent, her face furrowed in fury over the event and wished she could have killed Cleos Frey herself.

Myrcella was only able to nod as she struggled to understand why a member of their extended family would try to force himself on another, leaving the girl traumatised and felt awful for upsetting Beth and wondered how she might make amends and then as her eyes drifted over to Tommen who was still innocently playing with his kitten and had an idea. She turned to Visenya and said.

"Arrange for a kitten to be delivered to Lady Beth's room. Perhaps a pet to care for and love as her own might improve her day." Myrcella suggested and Visenya's eyes nearly watered with tears at how caring the princess was towards a member of their family although she would later deny it on pain of death and Joy nearly hugged Myrcella although she held back.

Later that night, a small ginger kitten arrived quietly in Beth's room, she leapt onto her new mistresses' bed and the young girl fell immediately in love, cuddling the cute animal as she fell to sleep.

-x-

In the training yard Arya was fighting with her wooden sword against Syrio who was toying with the girl as she tried her best to jab or otherwise catch him as he danced around her. She had been a foul mood with nearly everybody since news of what had happened with her sister Sansa and her betrayal and Arya's temper meant she was nearly always found in the training yard these days trying to burn it off.

Her temper rising Arya started to let her anger guide her movements rather than her head and that was what Syrio had been hoping she would do. He instantly made her pay for her mistake by jabbing hard into her arm causing her to lose her grip on her blade and she nearly growled while Syrio smirked.

"Boy you have to learn to control your fire or it will burn you." He said with his usual swagger and left before Arya could demand a rematch.

Arya herself was feeling so angry that she would have thrown the sword across the yard had she had it in her hand and instead consoled herself by kicking it instead, made worse by her magic reacting to her anger and setting the wooden blade on fire. Seeing her betrothed walk in just as she kicked the wooden sword only made Arya feel worse, now she had proven her inability to keep her temper in front of the young man she would one day marry. Tyler meanwhile was feeling worried at how upset his betrothed was, he wanted to see the happy, cheeky and strong girl he had gotten to know over the last year again. This girl was just angry so he was hoping that maybe he could cheer her up.

"Rough day? I have something that might make things better." Tyler asked smirking which only made her angrier and near bare her teeth in rage only for some of Lady Genna's training in manners to stop her. She mentally counted to ten several times in an effort to regain some sense of self-control as Tyler came over holding a bundle of some sort. Her curiosity began to cancel out her anger and she asked him.

"What is that?" Tyler smiled knowing she was going to love the gift his uncle Jaime had sent from Myr. He slowly unwrapped the bundle before her waiting eyes and saw a very thin dagger made from Valyrian steel with an inlay of platinum and small sapphires sitting in a series of leather straps and he was not disappointed as Arya's eyes widened in awe at the beautifully crafted weapon. He decided to explain as he carefully passed her the dagger so she could examine it with her own hands.

"It is called a Lady Talon, daggers like this were worn by all high born Valyrian ladies before the Doom using the straps to conceal them at their thigh. My uncle uncovered a stash of them while going through the treasures hidden by the former rulers of Myr and decided to send five of them to us, one for each of my sisters and one for you as my future bride." He said knowing that she was going to love this and added. "Now even when you have to wear a dress you can be armed and if in danger just whip out the dagger and cut down whoever is the problem. I hope it makes the times you have to dress up more bearable."

He was rewarded by a fierce and unexpected hug from Arya.

"Thank you!" She said excited and feeling much better, now even when she was forced to wear a dress she could still have a weapon in her hand if she needed it. Tyler while surprised hugged his betrothed back and was really surprised when she pressed her lips to his and without even thinking he kissed her back.

Kings Landing…

Tyrion was in his office reading through all the paperwork that came with his exalted position, having just signed off on the seizure of all of Baelish's known assets throughout the city although he undoubtedly had others they did not know about. The former Master of Coin had not been seen in some time but at least they could try and damage his operations by seizing his assets. With that done Tyrion turned back to the other papers on his desk and sighed before getting to work.

While he did enjoy the power that came with being Hand of the King, the amount of paperwork that the responsibility brought was nearly enough to make him flee the city. Since his demonstration of what he did to those that betrayed him, Cersei had been quiet although he was worried at what his sister and her vile spawn were up to now as they were apparently making their own preparations for the city's defences for whoever came first, Stannis or Renly. His having Lancel's balls in a vice had paid off since the boy had directed him to the Guildhall of the Alchemists where Cersei had been talking with the Alchemists who had been forced into the shadows since the death of the Mad King nearly twenty years ago and whatever Cersei was doing there, Tyrion was sure that it was not going to end well for any of them given her arrogance and short-sightedness.

So to that end after he was finished with his paperwork, Tyrion accompanied by Bronn had made his way to the Guildhall and was welcomed by the head pyromancer. The old man smiled as he handed a glass jar to Tyrion with a green substance inside.

"Take care my lord." The old pyromancer said as he watched Tyrion hold the substance up against the light to see it more clearly.

"I remember an old sailor's proverb." Tyrion said as he looked at the deceptively calm liquid, knowing full well how dangerous this liquid was if it was indeed wildfire from his brothers stories having both seen wildfire in action before. "Piss on wildfire and your cock burns off." Tyrion however despite his brothers stories were finding it hard to believe that such a simple and calm looking liquid could be so dangerous. The pyromancer was quick to say in respond as if sensing Tyrion's doubt.

"Oh no, I am not running that experiment. It…it could well be true." He admitted getting suddenly excited at the thoughts of what the substance could do and explained all to Tyrion. "The substance burns so hot that it melts wood, stone and even steel and of course flesh, it burns flesh like tallow." The old man said getting much enthused at the thought of his substance being used again perhaps even brining his order back to prominence after nearly twenty years out in the metaphorical cold. The mention of flesh however seemed to remind Tyrion of how dangerous wildfire was and that he was holding some in his hand. He handed the jar quickly back to the pyromancer who took it back to the chest where it was normally kept and explaining some of the history behind wildfire. "After the dragons died, wildfire was the key to the Targaryens power."

Tyrion however had noticed the look of mocking scorn on Bronn's face.

"My companion takes issue." However Bronn never one to hold his tongue decided to speak for himself.

"If I could tell you how many crazy old men I have seen, pushing carts around army camps, making grand claims about jars of pig shit." The pyromancer definitely took offense to that Tyrion recognised but Bronn was not apologetic and said insincerely to the old man. "No offense meant."

"Our order does not deal in pig shit." The old man said angrily, waving his finger threateningly at Bronn who was not intimidated in the slightest and turning back to Tyrion to try and get the lord hand to understand how potent a weapon wildfire was. "The substance is fire given form and we have been perfecting it since the days of Maegor."

Tyrion was growing more and more concerned with how dangerous this substance could be in the hands of idiots like Cersei and Joffrey but both Bronn and the old pyromancer did not see his concern and kept on talking.

"To do what?" Bronn asked mockingly while the old pyromancer made gestures with his hands to demonstrate as he spoke.

"The jars are put into catapults and then they are flung at the enemy." Tyrion asked.

"How much do you have?"

The old pyromancer gestured for them to follow and as they did Bronn went on about the dangers of using wildfire especially that if it were ignited before being launched from the catapults and then go on to burn the entire city down something that was making the little hairs on the back of Tyrion's neck stand on end. Soon they reached an old and rickety looking vault which the pyromancer opened and looking inside made both Tyrion and Bronn's eyes widen in anxiety when they saw what lay beyond and Tyrion despite his fear walked into the vault and saw the true scale of the room ahead of him, lined with what had to be thousands of pots going off into the distance.

"We have been working tirelessly day and night ever since your royal sister commanded us to do so. Our present count stands at seven thousand, eight hundred and eleven, enough to burn the Baratheons, their armies and their fleets both." The pyromancer said proudly and Bronn was quick to say what was on his mind and similar thoughts had crossed Tyrion's own mind just before.

"This is a shit idea."

Tyrion swallowed and was about to have Bronn kill the old pyromancer and then have the rest of the Summer Sons come and put each pyromancer here to the sword before somehow finding a way to dispose of this lethal substance stored so foolishly within the city walls, Tyrion was also readily considering the idea of murdering his sister and her son in their beds that night when something stopped him. An idea popped into his head that was so insane that it would never have been attempted by anyone in their right mind but given the situation he was in at the moment Tyrion decided to take a chance.

"I must concur with my advisor. The contents of this room could lay Kings Landing low." Seeing the face of the old pyromancer fall into despair Tyrion than finished his declaration. "You will not be making wildfire for my sister any longer, you will be making it for me."

Winterfell…

In the North, unaware of all the political and military machinations occurring in the south Ned Stark was reading a letter from the Iron Islands, after Theon's death at the Wall he had written to the young man's father to inform him and to make arrangements to have the body shipped back to the Iron Islands. But the letter he had received in response had shocked Ned deeply, Balon Greyjoy had denounced Theon as his son and told Ned to go and throw the body to the dogs for all he cared. That a man could be so callous about his own child disturbed Ned greatly so he resolved to have Theon buried here, at Winterfell by those that actually cared for him, for saving his son he owed the boy that much.

Putting the letter from the Greyjoys aside he turned to the large pile of complaints Ned had received from the Northern lords concerning his decision to allow the remaining Free Folk to settle on the Stony Shore, understandable given how long the Wildlings had been raiding their lands but on the largely uninhabited Stony Shore they could do little harm and were already setting up a new settlement of their own under the leadership of Mance Rayder and a woman called Karsi, Ned knew that many of the lords were just blowing hot air and would settle down in time. Some were more earnest in their objections but they too would have to learn to live with it.

Still Ned thought to himself as he put those messages aside, he would reinforce the Stark's bonds with other Northern houses to ensure their rule stayed firm. To that end he had arranged the marriage of his son Robb to Alys Karstark and along with the existing betrothal of Brandon to Lyanna Mormont he was now looking for a match for his youngest son Rickon. To that end he had invited the Manderlys to come to Winterfell so he could discuss betrothing his youngest son to one of their daughters, Wynafryd. While Ned was not so callous and hopeful that this could mean that Rickon might inherit White Harbour, it would allow him to take over Wolf's Den once the castle had been restored and have a position of power and authority in the area.

Either way it would reinforce the relations between House Stark and House Manderly which with their other alliances and a marriage between House Umber and House Mormont as well it should make sure that the North stayed stable and secure. He was interrupted from his reading by a knocking at the door. Turning he called out.

"Come."

The door opened and Luwin walked in and bowed to his lord before telling him.

"My lord, your guests have arrived." Ned nodded and got to his feet before leaving to meet the newest arrivals to Winterfell. In the courtyard he arrived to see his sons and the other important members of his household, even the blacksmith Gendry standing to attention as they waited. Standing next to his son Robb he could not help but smile slightly at how nervous the boy looked as he waited for his betrothed to arrive. He had been that nervous when first introduced to Cat Ned thought with humour and wanted to try and ease the boy's nerves but did not have time as the strange group rode through the gate of Winterfell together. The first through where the Karstarks, led by Rickard who immediately dismounted from his horse and gave a slight bow to his liege lord who held out his hand, glad to see his old friend and several times removed kinfolk.

"Rickard." The bearded lord took the offered hand and shook it firmly, Ned looked behind and saw the three sons of Rickard; Harrion, Torrhen and Eddard. They were tall boys and all looking eager to see their sister as the new lady of Winterfell. Turning his attention to the sole daughter of Rickard Karstark Ned saw she looked like her brothers in many ways, her thick brown hair was woven into a long braid with her blue and grey eyes showing her strong northern heritage. She was tall for a girl standing the same height as Robb but her furs and grey and blue dress (no doubt to match her eyes) showed her willowy figure quite well and Ned's smile grew wider as he saw his son near open mouthed at Alys. It took a slight shove from Ned to get Robb to move forward and introduce himself.

"Lady Karstark, I am truly honoured to meet you." Robb managing to say as he carefully took Alys' hand and kissed it. Alys herself was nearly smirking at the nervousness of the future lord of the North while her brothers were quietly sniggering. Rickard however was far more disciplined although his mouth turned upward slightly.

With the introductions to the Karstarks done, Ned turned to the Manderlys. He was surprised at the size of Ser Wylis Manderly as the man got off his horse, the man however kept a very straight face as he came forward and bowed formally to his liege lord.

"Lord Stark." Wylis said in a deep baritone.

"Ser Manderly, welcome to Winterfell. I hope that you might accept my hospitality while we talk of the future." Ned said warmly. Ser Wylis nodded deeply and then as the last person rode through the gate Ned turned to give them a brief look. The distinctive red hair and bow on the girl's back was easily enough to identify her as the huntress called Ygritte. Perhaps it was a trace of chauvinism in him although he hoped not, but he had not expected a woman to be chosen as the Free Folk's representative at Winterfell.

Only time would tell if she was up to it. Ned thought as he led the group into the main hall so they could get some broth to warm their cold bones.

-x-

Highpoint, the North…

At the Wolfswood there was a very different mood to the welcoming warmth of Winterfell. The large Glover army stood at the gates of Highpoint with the Forresters at their side, at the head of the army was the new Lord Robett Glover whose face was as cold as the fallen snow around him. He watched as his men dragged the struggling Whitehills from their former castle and forced them to their knees in front of him. He dismounted from his horse and walked up to Ludd Whitehill who was roaring fiercely at his captors but they ignored him and he was silenced for the meanwhile as Robett smashed his fist into his face, sending him down to the ground except for the men to pick him up again.

Robett looked along the line and saw the remaining members of House Whitehill; Ludd of course with blood pouring down his face from his broken nose followed by his remaining children, now his wife and other sons were dead. Torrhen Whitehill was shoulder to shoulder with his brother while the only daughter of House Whitehill, Gwyn was held on her father's other side. She was a pretty girl Robett noted and he turned to Gregor Forrester and said sharply.

"Take the girl, she hence forth is your responsibility." Gregor knew better than to question or otherwise comment given the foul mood his lord was in and quickly walked forward to the Whitehill girl and offered her a cloak which the girl gratefully accepted before Gregor led her to a waiting horse. The girl took one last look back at her father who could not meet her eyes before she was sat on the horse by Forrester soldiers and they rode off towards Ironrath. They would meet again later, he was in talks to marry his sixteen year old daughter to Rodrik Forrester, securing the boy's considerable military talents for his family.

His anger and hatred burning fiercely, Robett drew his sword and stepped towards the bound Whitehills who renewed their struggles but it was all in vain. Torrhen was first as Robett swung his sword, beheading the son of Ludd whose head swiftly joined his son in the snow just moments later.

The banners and in fact everything that carried the symbol of the Whitehills, including their family tapestry were thrown onto a bonfire where Robett finally felt a sense of satisfaction, he had avenged his brother and secured his lands.

House Whitehill was no more.

The Stormlands…

Sansa Stark sat in her tent, her mind in a state of total confusion over what she had witnessed in Loras' tent. She did not want to think about the fact that the man she was betrothed too preferred the company of men and had been doing…that with King Renly.

She did not want to talk to anyone; not her mother, not Margaery not anyone. She needed to make sense of this on her own, her mother would just use this as further reason for her to go with her back to Winterfell without caring about the consequences, Margaery however she did not want to see for a very different reason. She was married to Renly and was his queen, the humiliation she would surely feel if the truth were revealed was something Sansa would not wish on anyone. She already felt full of anger and shame given it was Loras that had been Renly's bedpartner and she was only betrothed to him! Not to mention Loras was in a real sense betraying his own sister as well as her!

As if to answer her worst nightmare, the opening of the tent parted and Margaery walked in followed by Brienne of Tarth. Margaery looked concerned as she took in Sansa's tense stance and slightly bloodshot eyes, indicating that the girl had been crying. Already she would admit to not one but herself that she was growing a soft spot for the younger Stark girl and was enjoying the opportunity to teach someone what her grandmother had taught her.

Brienne meanwhile had noticed the Stark girl's unsettled state as well and felt worried for the girl. Sansa on the other hand was desperate to get away from the two other women in case she blurted out what she had seen, she could feel the urge to do so bubbling up from inside her.

"Sansa, what is wrong? People saw you running from Loras' tent in a state of distress." Margaery asked her carefully, hoping not to push the girl but wanting to get to the bottom of what was going on with her. Sansa's reluctance to speak was not going to make that easy however as she refused to even tell them to go away as she squirmed in front of their eyes.

Suddenly the pieces of the puzzle fell into place in Margaery's mind, running from Loras' tent and Renly had been nowhere to be found. Knowing her brother's and indeed Renly's impulsive natures she could guess what it was Sansa had seen that was upsetting her so much. Letting a sad smile spread on her face she gently probed to confirm her suspicions.

"Did you see something that distressed you?" She asked slowly, reaching out to take Sansa's hand gently and although there was some resistance Sansa let her take it. "Something in Loras' tent?"

Sansa looked surprised and a little worried as Margaery got closer and closer to the truth and wanted to deny her assertions but could not find her voice to do so.

Seeing that the surprise and worry on Sansa's face confirmed Margaery's idea on what Sansa had seen and decided to make the final confirmation.

"Something between Loras and Renly?"

Brienne was shocked at the words that her queen had spoken, she had no idea that her king was the secret lover of Loras Tyrell. Sansa however went from worried surprise to shocked revelation.

"You know?" She asked not sure she wanted Margaery to say it but unable to help herself.

"That my husband and your betrothed prefer the company of men and would rather bugger each other than sleep with you or me? Yes I know." Margaery said deciding to just say however rudely it might have been put, channelling her grandmother at that moment. She tightened her hold on Sansa's hand and told her sadly.

"I know my brother and the way he and Renly have always looked at each other when they think no one is looking, besides there is the fact that Renly would not touch me on our wedding night. But as his wife and queen it is my duty to support him, regardless of how I feel." Margaery said sadly, an untouched queen she felt like a living joke. "I have always wanted a sister, but now you and I can bare the shame of this together."

Sansa was left lost for words and could only squeeze Margaery's hand back. She felt a sudden kinship with Margaery, being let down by the men they joined with. First it was Joffrey for her and now Loras just for totally different reasons. She was not going back to Winterfell she realised in a moment of clarity, that part of her life was over now and she would not risk bringing any harm to her family again by her actions.

Once had been one time too many.

-x-

Later that night, in tents far from the one that Margaery and Sansa were staying in, the men of House Florent were quickly packing to leave and rode out before any could challenge them. As the last of the men fled the camp, the men of the other houses present looked and saw the horses disappearing into the distance.

The reason for their desertion was being discussed in a tent nearby as the Stormlords grumbled.

"Renly would have made it to Kings Landing and been on the Iron throne by now if he was not wasting so much fucking time on these bloody tourneys." Lord Caron said angrily to the other Stormlords, as the Lord of the Marshes he frequently had small scale battles with the Dornish whenever they were unruly and if he had wasted the most critical of resources in war…time like Renly was doing now, Nightsong would be under Dornish control. Lord Fell nodded in agreement and said.

"Robert was a warrior once that I would follow to the end, Renly is just a pretty boy with no stones for battle."

"So you intend to defect to Stannis Baratheon as House Florent has done then?" Lord Estermont said with an edge of threat in his voice. He might be a distant relation of the two brothers that were now at odds but Renly was his liege lord. His loyalty was to Renly on that basis although he personally thought that Stannis would be a better king.

"No." Lord Fell said with some reluctance, surprising the men around the table. "I may hate this waiting around but Renly is my king and I will not disgrace my house by betraying its liege lord." He said heavily, many of the lords around the table felt similarly trapped by their oath to Renly however much they were angered by him.

-x-

Renly meanwhile was feeling angry himself but instead it was because he was expected to bed Margaery Tyrell. While she was similar in many ways to her brother, the fact was he could not bring himself to touch her, it repelled him to the extent that he had wanted to banish her from his tent. She had even offered to have Loras come in to the tent to try and help but he was repulsed by that as well. It felt like he was betraying Loras by bedding his sister and even with the most erotic images concurred by his most perverted thoughts he could not even get it up in Margaery's presence.

He wanted to scream and was ready to throw his goblet across the tent when Loras burst into the tent and Renly's mood instantly improved with a warm feeling in his heart when the love of his life entered the tent. But his smile was stalled when he saw that Loras was looking incredibly anxious.

"Your grace." Loras said making sure that Renly knew it was important by talking to him so formally. "Your brother Stannis has landed with the Golden Company at his side, already House Florant has defected to his side."

"Defected, but they are your bannermen Loras." Renly said unsettled that he had suffered defections already and all his brother had done was land with a large number of sellswords at his side.

"I know and my father will make sure that their keep and lands are stripped from them." Loras vowed angrily wanting to personally cut off their heads himself with his new Valyrian steel blade Rosethorn, one of two that had been made from the obscenely large sword his brother Garlan had recovered in Lys.

Renly was silent for a moment as he considered his positon, this situation was precisely what he had been afraid of. Stannis had a claim that was stronger than his and he had hoped to face his brother when he was sitting on the Iron Throne and Kings Landing was firmly in his grasp. Then Stannis would have little choice but to bend the knee to him, he might even have given his brother the Stormlands when he knew his position was secure. Now Stannis had forced his hand and his only option other than fight his own brother on the battlefield which was daunting as he had never fought a battle in his life, was to meet his brother under a flag of truce and hope that Stannis was in the mood to listen.

-x-

The following morning on a nearby cliff, a small party of men from both sides rode out to meet each other. On one side Renly sat on his horse with his golden antler crown, at his side and bolstering his courage was Loras and Brienne of Tarth along three members of his Kingsguard all behind him. Lady Catelyn had thought to join him to mediate between the brothers but Margaery thought it would be best to keep her away from such discussions since the North was officially neutral in this conflict. While it would bolster his image if she appeared at his side, signifying that the North was with him, Stannis would not be fooled by such moves so it would be best to keep her out of it.

Ahead of Renly sat a man that gave him the feeling of ice running down his back, his older brother Stannis. His grim brother was just as cold and harsh as Renly remembered and his hope that he might convince his brother to support him was beginning to sink faster than a rock in the sea. But still Renly did his best to rally his courage and stood face to face with his brother.

On the other side Stannis could feel a hot and powerful rage burning inside him as he looked on yet another brother who had betrayed him. For all that he had loyally served Robert he had never even been acknowledged for his service and denied what should rightfully have been his, now Renly was doing the exact same and Stannis would tolerate no more. He would take what was his and no one, not his remaining brother, not the Tyrells and certainly not the Lannisters were going to stop him. At side were a few of his men at arms and his most trusted advisors Lord Davos Seaworth and Lady Melisandre. Both were unwavering in their support for him and it did his cold heart some good to know that there were a scant few that he could be sure would not betray him.

Renly was disturbed by the banner that his brother was using, instead of simply using the ancestral banner of their house he had chosen a burning heart with a stag's head at the centre. While Renly was guilty himself of changing his banner, he had adopted green instead of black and that was all effectively. The flaming heart for some reason made his mind turn towards the red woman at his brother's side, who was beautiful Renly could not deny but there was something about her that he found disturbing.

"Can it truly be you?" Renly asked, wondering what had happened to his brother that he might do that to their family sigil.

"Who else would it be?" Stannis snapped back angrily not wanting to waste time with pointless matters when there were more important things to be discussed.

Renly said slowly as he tried to keep what he considered his most winning smile on his face.

"When I saw your standard, I could not be sure. Whose banner is that?" Renly said with a laugh although all that did was anger Stannis more although he kept it down with his iron clad self-control.

"My own."

Renly laughed slightly again and tried to inject some humour into the situation.

"I suppose if we used the same one, the battle would be terribly confusing. Why is your stag on fire?" Renly asked curious as to why Stannis would do that to their family symbol. However his question was answered by the red woman at his brother's side.

"The king has taken for his sigil, the fiery heart of the Lord of Light." Renly could tell from her accent that the woman was not Westerosi. Remembering the rumours he had heard from Dragonstone he suddenly realised who the woman was and said.

"Ah, so you must be the fire priestess we have heard so much about. Mmm…brother now I understand why you found religion in your old age." He said jokingly not realising that the anger he was stoking in his brother.

"Watch yourself Renly." Stannis snapped. "Insulting Lady Melisandre is one of many crimes that you have committed against me lately, not least of which was those vile lies that you have spread about my daughter." His eyes were like the fire on his banner and Renly immediately feeling somewhat intimidated despite the guards around him said quickly.

"What rumours are those brother." Renly said unnerved and confused at the anger over rumours that he had never started. Stannis was in no mood for games and said sharply.

"You have until dawn tomorrow to bend the knee Renly, join me in fighting the Lannisters and I will make you my heir until I have a son. If you do not, I will destroy you." Stannis said and without another word he turned his horse and rode back to their camp to make preparations in case Renly did not make the right choice. While Ser Davos and the rest of his men followed their king immediately, Lady Melisandre gave a small but dark smile to Renly which sent a chill up his spine and said calmly.

"Look to your sins, Lord Renly. The night is dark and full of terrors."

Renly watched as they left and try as he might he could not shake those words from his mind.

-x-

It did not take for Stannis to return to camp where the men of the Golden Company were gtting ready for a potential battle. Stannis liked them for the discipline, a quick march would not be as chaotic with them as it would for most fighting forces. Some of them were pretentious with their jewel encrusted armour and overtly elaborate tents but the elephants were something that nearly made Stannis smile, hoping to see the terror that they would create on the faces of the Tyrells next day if they did not bend the knee, not to mention the ten thousand or so men that they brought to his cause. He entered his much simpler tent and went to study the local topography to plan just where would be the best place to fight if it came to that when Lady Melisandre walked in and asked him quietly.

"Did your men bring the girl that I requested?" Stannis nodded and indicated to a small cage on the other side of his tent where a girl of seventeen or so years of age was tied and gagged. Her once curly black hair was greasy as it had not been washed in some time and her blue eyes were frightened as she looked at Stannis and Melisandre. While Stannis was apathetic to the girl, the intensity of Melisandre's stare scared the girl more than she had ever been before. Stannis asked as Melisandre stared at the girl.

"Why did we need this whore? I could find you a dozen others with half the trouble, why specifically this one."

"My king." Melisandre said calmly as she walked slowly towards the cage, causing the poor girl inside to back away until she had her back was pressed into the bars. "She shares the blood of your brother, the kings blood in strong and will grant me additional strength when she is offered our god tonight. Instead of merely destroying your weakling brother, I will also be able to remove the Lion and end his chances of denying you your rightful throne." Melisandre said as almost as a kindness she turned to the terrified young whore in the cage that was one of many of the bastards of Robert Baratheon that she had been collecting over the last two years and said. "Do not fear young Bella, soon you shall be in the loving arms of the Lord of Light, warmed by his flames."

Bella did not find this in the least comforting and her pleas for mercy were muffled by the gag and tears of pure fear ran down her dirty cheeks.

Meereen, Essos…

The burning sun was making everyone sweat as they conducted their meeting, laying out plans for the future development of their new kingdom. Jon sat at the head of the small table with Ser Jorah standing guard as normal while his aunt Daenerys sat at his right side with Samwell sitting at his left. Missandei and Grey Worm were facing them while Daario was sitting alongside them despite not having an official position in their forces.

"The fertile lands to the west are the best for cultivating my lord." Samwell said as they looked at a large map of the local area that had been set on the table. "Once those lands are at work we should be able to produce the food required to feed the city and the other territories, if we introduce a crop rotation system we hopefully will be able to work the lands harder all year round." Jon smiled slightly as he listened to Samwell online his idea for using turnips to revitalize lands once they had been used for growing other crops and regularly rotating the crops grown in those fields, Jon felt quite sure in his thinking that Samwell would have done well wherever he went. Jon nodded and said.

"If we grant the former farm slaves control of the land then they will be able to generate their own living by trading their food for goods in the city, they already know more about growing food than nearly anyone else in the area. See to it at once Samwell, now how does our treasury stand?" He asked turning to his aunt who was smiling at his suggestion to give the farming lands to those freed slaves. Daenerys was glad to see her nephew had a good heart, but also a smart head on his shoulders.

"Overflowing with gold, we now have the funds to make this kingdom into a strong and powerful nation in its own right. I have made enquires and most of the former slaves have skills we need, they just need direction so I propose that we start a number of guilds to organise them and get the kingdom running smoothly." She was about to give an exact figure on how much gold they had on hand when one of the serving girls appeared at the door. Her eyes darted over to Samwell quickly with her cheeks turning pink before moving back to Jon and told him.

"My lord, there are a party of knights from Westeros here to see you. They come on behalf of your uncle, they are led by Ser Barristan Selmy." She said and the mention of his uncle was enough for Jon to allow them entry although mindful of assassins he would have his sword at his side along with Ser Jorah and Grey Worm. The fact that Ser Barristan was leading them puzzled him slightly but he put that aside as he focused on meeting the highly distinguished old knight, he knew that the old knight's sense of honour was too strong for him to be an assassin.

"Thank you Gilly, send them in immediately." He said warmly to the girl who gave Samwell a final smile and she disappeared down the passage only for four knights to emerge from the passage moments later. Ser Barristan Selmy was the first in and recognisable from the many descriptions of him and his great deeds despite the beard he seemed to be growing. Accompanying him were Ser Clayton Archay, Ser Lothur Brune and Ser Godrey Chelsted who had agreed to offer their swords to Jon Targaryen.

"Your Grace, we bare a gift from your uncle and your allies Westeros." Ser Barristan said and held out a box. Jon walked over took it, opening the box his eyes were immediately widened at the sight of the glorious yet simple crown inside. As he lifted it out of the box the knights knelt and bowed their heads. Jon's eyes met his aunt's and he felt shock war with anxiety inside him and he saw her own worried expression. The time had come for them to step out of the shadows and reclaim their rightful name.

And they did not know if they were ready to face the world as Targaryens yet.

Lannisport, the Westerlands…

The fleet was finally ready to depart, the sails were set and the anchors weighed. The warships of the Lannister fleet left the harbour, while the ships carrying the main body of their army would wait a day or so before sailing to meet with the rest of the fleet. The tension in the air was thick as the odds were so stacked against them, the men on deck were not jubilant or excited in any way for the coming battle.

Hadrian was on the deck of the flagship, the Sovereign as usual with Sandor Clegane, Ser Raphael Daniels and the rest of his most trusted men at his side. He was as solid and immovable as a statue, his men likewise. Sitting close by was Raga who was so quiet and still that he might be mistaken as a statue too but his growls whenever a sailor got too close would send those men scurrying away.

Hadrian was about to go to settle in his cabin for an hour or so once they were underway when he suddenly became aware of a snowy white owl sitting on the stern of the ship. The owl cuffed a sailor on the head with her wing when he tried to scare her off but when Hadrian approached the owl emitted an excited hoot and hopped onto his shoulder. The men on deck were immediately confused at the strange avian but as Hadrian stroked the owl's plumage it preened under the attention.

Hadrian recognised the owl immediately and when he reached out his mind to it, much like he would do with Raga, he felt the instant connection that echoed his old life like the cloak.

"Hedwig." He said slowly, a strong feeling of happiness as he had his owl with him once again. "How are you here?"

The owl only gave him a slight glare as if to say, 'How such I know, I'm an owl'. Hadrian laughed and resumed petting the owl which butted its head against his gently in return. The men on deck looked on confused at the scene and Ser Raphael actually approached looking curiously at the man he had known for so many years and the bird on his shoulder.

"Is everything alright my lord?" He asked, never seeing such a genuine smile on his friend's face except for the days when his children were born and he had discovered Raga as a small cub, abandoned by his pride. Hadrian just kept smiling and said.

"Just greeting my newest companion, this is a sign my friend. Our victory is at hand."

Raphael was not so sure and felt the need to ask.

"The weapon is that powerful?"

"That and more my friend. It has been tested and it works, the Iron Born will fall before us." Hadrian said as Hedwig flew off his should and perched on top of Raga's head but the lion just lay down as if to sleep and ignored the owl completely. It was enough to shock the men on deck who had been sure that the lion would have at least tried to eat the owl.

-x-

It was nearly dusk as the Lannister and Iron Born fleets finally spotted each other. The setting sun provided enough light for them to see each other and with Hedwig safely secured in his cabin, Hadrian looked through his telescope and saw the flags of the different Iron Born houses. He counted ships from every single house of the Iron Islands and the men on the decks of his own ships were intimidated at the sight of so many enemy ships coming towards them at high speed. Everyone was nervous, some nearly ready to bolt but Hadrian stayed absolutely calm. The men were sure that either he had something earth-shaking up his sleeve or possibly he had gone completely mad.

Judging the distance as they began closing, Hadrian then made sure that his own ships were in formation and ready. Confirming they were he turned back to the Iron Fleet and smiled at what saw happening as the seconds ticked down towards the inevitable conflict when their fleets met.

-x-

The Iron Fleet…

On the deck of their ships Victorian and Yara Greyjoy looked at the Lannister ships closing, feeling confident in their numerical superiority to the enemy and were sure that this victory would be swiftly won and allow them to raid the coast of the Westerlands at will.

Victorian from his ship the Iron Victory was getting ready with a bubble of excitement, ready to burst inside him that finally he was going to avenge his brother and nephews. The thought of swinging his axe into Lannister heads was enough to get him buzzing with anticipation, but his good mood was slightly soiled at what happened next.

"Lord Victorian, we have ships breaking formation." The helmsman shouted to him and Victorian swung around to see a portion of his fleet breaking away at full sail. A quick look through his myrish glasses confirmed that the ships all belonged to Houses Blacktyde, Farwynd, Goodbrother, Volmark, Botley and Humble.

Victorian's smile gave away briefly to a snarl, promising to himself that when he was done with the Lannisters he would make those houses remember to whom they owed their loyalty. Still he thought to himself with his smile returning albeit not as wide as it had been moments before, he still had more than enough ships to destroy the Lannisters and continued to sail on.

-x-

The Lannister Fleet…

Seeing the first part of his gamble work Hadrian smiled and the men looked on with surprise but there was little joy given the remaining strength of the Iron Born was still more than enough to destroy them all. Seeing that the distance between the two fleets was sufficient for them to make their next move, Hadrian turned to the ship's signalman and said.

"Signal the ships to assume the battle column." He said and the man began waving his flags in a specific sequence to tell the fleet it was time to assume the formation that Hadrian had chosen. All the Lannister warships quickly obeyed and formed themselves in a single line exposing their starboard side to the enemy.

The men were nearly shaking with fear as the Iron Born came closer but Hadrian held his nerve and gave his next order.

"Gunners…Take aim." The signal man waved his flags to convey his commands before Hadrian finally gave the order that gave him a great sense of satisfaction.

"FIRE!"

-x-

The men operating the strange pieces of equipment that had just been installed on the decks of the Lannister ships, used flint to strike a fuse which ignited and a second later there was a loud whooshing sound as a projectile emerged from the end of a tube that had been aimed carefully at the Iron Born. The object moved to fast for anyone to see but the fire at its rear end forced it forward towards the enemy at a frightening speed.

The Iron Born had little time to react as the small projectiles came towards them but they honestly thought in the moments before impact were too small to do any real damage. In the moment that followed impact however, their opinions of the small projectiles were changed forever.

They exploded, violently hitting the ships hard, larger vessels were immediately holed and started taking on water killing many men in the initial blast, with fire spreading quickly on some ships. A large war galley belong to House Harlaw had its bow blown off for example while smaller vessels like the longboats were hit even harder by the small projectiles with many just exploding in a fiery blast which threw wood, metal and men high into the sky before they hit the water and sank beneath the waves. The small projectiles that Hadrian had christened 'rockets' had black powder which on his own world had been called gunpowder but also contained a small capsule of wildfire and a tiny magical fire crystal to amplify their firepower.

Hadrian smiled as the gunners kept on firing as they had been ordered before they had even set sail, they were not taking any prisoners today, no mercy and no quarter was to be given to the Iron Born.

And there were to be no survivors.

-x-

Black Wind…

Yara Greyjoy watched from the deck of her ship, completely helpless as hellfire conjured by the Lannisters destroyed the Iron Fleet. Her men were panicking around her, many of them ready to make a run for it and as much as it galled Yara she was inclined to agree with them. She had never seen anything like what the Lannisters had unleashed on them today and it terrified her how easily they were taking apart their fleet. Most of their larger warships were sinking already and the longboats were being blasted away without any hope of survival. She turned to her helmsman and was about to tell him to turn the ship around and escape back to the Iron Islands when one of her men, Qarl the Maid yell out in fear.

"INCOMING!"

A second later a rocket impacted the ship and Yara was blown clear off her feet and over the side into the sea. As she hit the water she blacked out, unconscious from the impact she began to sink into the ocean only for a large tentacle to push her to the surface and carry the unconscious Yara towards land.

-x-

Iron Victory…

Victorian Greyjoy now struggled to his feet after one of those unholy weapons struck his ship. The Iron Victory may have been hit hard but it was still floating…just. Using his axe as a crutch Victorian managed to get on his feet and look out at the much changed scene around him. Only moments before he had been leading a powerful fleet, ready to crush the mainlanders once and for all and show the world that the Iron Born ruled the sea.

Now his fleet was either burning, sinking or blown apart around him. He looked around the deck and saw most of his men dead, beyond that he saw sinking ships and flaming debris floating all around them. His anger was warring with complete shock to keep him going, how could this have happened? He thought desperately. Their victory had been assured and finally they would be able to take back what was rightfully theirs only for it to be snatched away by the Lannisters wielding weapons that must have been crafted by the Storm God himself. He tried to make his way to the catapult to at least go down with defiance when a Lannister ship drew up alongside.

Men wearing the armour of House Lannister quickly swung or ran along planks onto his deck and came upon the wounded Victorian who tried to stand tall so he could at least die with his axe swinging and maybe even take down a few of the greenlanders with him. But his legs faltered despite his burning rage. He clung to his axe, determined at the very least not to kneel before them even unintentionally.

Sandor Clegane walked on to the deck and saw the broken body of Victorian Greyjoy standing there defiantly as he could manage although the image made Sandor scoff as the man could not even get to his feet without his axe to lean on. Deciding not to waste time, Sandor pulled out Nightfall and without any words decapitated the Lord Captain of the Iron Fleet.

Turning to his men he gave his orders.

"Strip him and give his armour and axe to Lord Hadrian as a trophy along with the ship then dump the body in the sea."

-x-

Once any surviving Iron Born ships had been captured and their crews slaughtered, men were chosen to sail them back to Lannisport for repairs and refitting to serve in the Lannister fleet.

The others joined with the rebel Iron Born that had broken away before the battle and set course for the Iron Islands.