25

Chapter 25 – Gathering Allies

Rutherfort, the Vale…

The field was awash with blood and gore as the men of House Lannister and its allies engaged in battle with the men of House Ruthermont, a Vale house that had sided with Baelish due to their believing his claims that they were seeking to conquer the Vale. The pass the small keep controlled was key towards the Lannister led coalition army moving closer to Eagle's Nest where they would meet with Shaena Targaryen and Lord Yohn Royce.

So rather than take a massive detour that could take them weeks out of their way and leave their forces more vulnerable to raids and ambushes, the leaders of the army had decided to force their way through Ruthermont lands and a battle had broken out, one that the ruling house was regretting very much as their men were slaughtered on the battlefield.

Hadrian Lannister, the unofficial commander of the invading force had his sword Crimson Night in one hand and another long sword in the other. A pair of foolish knights wearing the gold and black of House Ruthermont thought to attack him. Hadrian was annoyed at having to stop to fight the foolish Vale house that had sided against them and swiftly deflected their clumsy attacks before slashing at their unprotected knees. The two men fell quickly to the ground as pain made their legs fold before Hadrian impaled them both at the same time with a double downward thrust. Filled with anger Hadrian did not waste time as he pulled his swords out of the two knights and moved onwards to his next target. He was in his element right now, no game of thrones, no worries besides survival it was a welcome distraction from the dreams in the night. The nightmares of Leo and the rest of his children and what might happen to them.

A short way off he saw Jon Connington viciously slaughtering a couple of hapless spearmen and his eyes narrowed before he went back to fighting. The anger in the man's eyes the moment that they had met after Rhaegar's death for the first time had clued him in on what he wanted the most in the whole world.

To kill him.

A favour that Hadrian as he slashed open the throat of a knight would gladly return. Despite everything he had done to ensure the Targaryen Restoration, Jon remained filled with hatred at him because he had not saved Rhaegar. It infuriated Hadrian no end and soon he realised they were going to have to have a reckoning of some kind, the kind that only one of them was going to walk away from and he was honestly thinking it might not be so bad for Jon Connington to suffer…an accident during their next battle. No one was going to question it if he fell in battle Hadrian thought with anger. With that dark thought in his mind he went back to the battle, his hope that Jon might fall or be wounded however did not bear fruit and the man remained annoyingly healthy.

A half an hour later the Ruthermont host had been decimated and the castle was in their hands. Leaving a small garrison to occupy the castle, the army moved on towards their destination hoping there would be no more distractions.

-x-

Eagle's Nest, the Vale…

Shaena was becoming more excited as Harry/Hadrian moved closer to her castle and she was skipping around the castle. But it was not so strange for the people in the castle to see their lady skipping around the castle in her lighter gowns or staring off dreamily into space but those violet eyes of hers would sharpen into hard jewels if she saw or heard anything she did not like, so they held their tongues.

As she went to the Godswood, where she was sure she might see a nargle or two when she came across something that brought a small mischievous smile to her face. The heir of Nestor Royce, Ser Albar in the grove where he was snogging with Mya Stone the eldest of Robert Baratheon's bastard children as she straddled him. The young woman had sought shelter here when Baelish had taken over the Eyrie and it seems had become very…close with Ser Albar. Seeing the two young people together Shaena had an idea that would at least brighten things up around here she thought with a grin.

She cleared her throat and the two lovebirds immediately reacted as they leapt to their feet looking incredible ruffled and red in the face. Mya Stone was the first to speak as she nervously addressed the lady of the castle.

"Lady Gabon. I did not see you there, I apologise for my rudeness." Mya said calling Shaena by her married name. While Shaena put a stern expression, she was laughing inside at how nervous the two appeared and was really going to enjoy this.

"I will not have acts of…impropriety in my home. I want you two wed this very moment." Shaena said seriously and the two young lovers both looked shocked at her suggestion.

"Marriage!" Mya said her face going bright red while Shaena was doing her best not to smile at the mortification on the faces of the young lovers, she was actually close to breaking out in laughter when Albar surprised her by asking.

"Will you officiate yourself Lady Gabon? I think my sister Myranda would be willing to act as a witness." Albar looked completely earnest in what he was asking for and Shaena suddenly started to smile. The relationship between the two had been a talking point of the servants for weeks now and only the ambition of Nestor Royce had prevented Albar from taking Mya as his wife and with her forcing their hand it would remove any opposition to the marriage.

'Well' Shaena thought with amusement 'Not what I intended but this should keep any wrackspurts from infesting their brains.'

Casterly Rock, the Westerlands…

Tyler was feeling incredibly nervous as he sat on the throne in the castle's great hall, he was glad of the table in front of him with a cloth to hide the fact that his legs barely touched the ground. The cloth much to his own embarrassment he had insisted on, not wanting to be seen as a child in front of whoever came to discuss their issues with him. He had seen his father do this many times before of course, sitting while he listened to their pleas for aid or requests for advice and mediation at times and when his father had been away previously his great uncle Kevan had been the one to carry out this duty.

Now it was his turn.

Mostly to his own relief nothing major was coming up today, mostly lords or knights grovelling for his favour and he gave the expected false pleasantries before dismissing them and moving on to the next. Tyler struggled to repress a yawn as he was finding this incredibly boring and only the thought of the mounting pile of paperwork in his father's solar was enough to keep him here although he was dreading having to return to it soon.

Arya at his side did not bother to suppress her own yawn as she listened to the knight going on and on about the greatness of House Lannister and what he would bring to their household if they accepted him into their service. Was this what came with ruling? She thought to herself, she had imagined that it was a lot more exciting than this. Finally though Tyler seeing the yawn from Arya decided to end this before she walked out.

"Yes thank you good ser, I have considered your statement and think you may well have a place in the household of my great uncle Kevan who is at present rebuilding Fair Isle. Good day." Tyler said and was about to declare the session over when Genna annoyed him by bring up one more issue that they had to deal with as the knight left in a huff.

"There is a land dispute between the Redwater and Fedele families. Both are merchants, minor houses and have laid claim to a plot of land adjacent to one of the major roads that connects Casterly Rock to Kings Landing. They have called on you to resolve the argument." Genna said looking down her scroll and Tyler and Arya both struggled to repress their annoyance and only just managed as they sat back in their chairs and said with exasperation.

"Show them in."

There was a brief pause as the families in question were sent for and Tyler turned to Arya and took her hand.

"Welcome to the realities of running a kingdom, sure you want to rule?" He asked with a smile, deciding to tease her a little bit. "You could always go back to sewing."

That immediately got Arya to sit up straighter and said to him with a small smile appearing on her face.

"Never."

Both of them smiled as did Genna as she looked at the young couple, wishing her own marriage could have been as good as their future one was shaping up to be.

The doors opened as two small groups entered separately, the guards at the door named them.

"House Redwater, led by Jeyne Redwater and her eldest son Sebastian."

The Redwaters were an interesting bunch Arya thought as the information she had learnt from Shireen moved across her mind. Their appearance made Arya think that they might have some connection to her own mother's house Tully given the auburn hair and fair skin, which tied in with the fact they were from the Riverlands originally before moving the Westerlands in the last century and made their living in fine handicrafts and metal work primarily. They owned at least three blacksmith shops in Lannisport and two in Riverspring.

Jeyne reminded Arya of her mother somewhat, despite being past her prime she was still a good looking woman with fine cheekbones and her hair was still a glorious mane of reddish brown. Her son clearly took after his mother as he had the same red-brown hair but was well muscled from hours spent in the forges. Many of the young women in the room, all who were harpies in human form Arya thought with venom swooned at the sight of Sebastian.

Then the House Fedele entered.

"House Fedele, led by Baelor Fedele." The Guard announced.

For some reason that she could not explain, Arya felt uneasy around the people of House Fedele, who were old Westerlands stock of at least two centuries. The man was alone except his wife and son and all were dressed in robes similar to that of the Septons and Septas. The men had shaved their hair off while the woman had hers hidden under a hood and Arya remembered that they were known to follow the Seven fiercely and when the Old Gods had resurged in the south they had been amongst the loudest to condemn it and had once been caught trying to cut down a Weirwood tree. They made their money by wood carving and masonry however so they were let off lightly.

With both families now in the halls they made their pleasantries. The Redwaters started first.

"Greetings my lord, my lady." Jeyne Redwater said as she curtsied and her son bowed, both beaming with a warm and energetic smile towards their acting liege lord and his lady. Arya and Tyler nodded in greeting before turning to the Baelor Fedele who looked solely to Tyler dismissing everyone else in the room. Genna and Arya felt insulted but held their tongues as Baelor spoke to Tyler with a cold and emotionless voice.

"Tyler Lannister, in the name of the Seven I greet you." He said not even giving the slightest of nods. For a man who needed his assistance Tyler thought with anger, he showed remarkably little respect for his family and the slight against his great aunt and Arya was already starting to push Tyler more towards the Redwaters without them having to say a word.

"I am told that your two families are in dispute over a plot of land. Just what would you both do with this land if I saw fit to grant it to one of you?" Tyler said trying to discern which plan would be the best for not only the Westerlands but his own family. He also wondered if he might find some middle ground to resolve the ill feelings between the two families although given the blatant lack of respect Baelor was showing Tyler found that unlikely.

"We would build a merchant town." Jeyne Redwater said, not allowing the look of disgust Baelor was sending her way unsettle her, she was made of stronger stuff. "Given it is along a major inland trade route many pass along its length. My family hopes to make a place where traders and other travellers can rest their heads with the building of inns, gambling dens and brothels where they can…relax as well as shops to sell their wares or purchase supplies. We already have most of the coin we need to construct a small keep and some of the facilities the town would need but if you would be willing to award the land to us and grant us a small loan to complete construction we would see you repaid within five years of the town's completion." Jeyne said with a hopeful look in her eyes.

Tyler was intrigued at her daring, asking for the land at the same time as money and making such a bold assurances they would repaid in the short space of time and asked her. "How much coin would you need to complete the town?" Arya was now sitting forward too, interested in what the Redwater matriarch would say next.

"Six thousand gold dragons my lord. It is a large sum I know but if we were unable to pay it back in the allotted time, your house would be entitled to take the town for your own." Jeyne said and it caused many eyebrows to rise, some in admiration and others in doubt. That was daring strategy Tyler thought to himself and he found himself admiring her. Arya too was taking a liking to Jeyne Redwater and thought that she might lend her support with whatever power she had.

Then Tyler turned to Baelor Fedele who was now openly sneering at the Redwaters from the moment they mentioned Brothels and Gambling dens. Tyler now feeling less and less reason to listen to whatever words Baelor had to say but in the interest of balance, he felt he had too.

"I would not build such a sewer of sin that the Redwaters are planning." Baelor said with a sneer. "I would create a sept that would serve as home to the faithful and allow people a place to cleanse their souls of their transgressions against the true Gods. Funds to build it would be way for your own family to ensure that their own inaction towards the spreading of heresy is forgiven." Baelor said and Tyler's eyes narrowed as he absorbed the words. He did not like the edge of threat and despite his young age knew the man was indeed a religious fanatic to the Seven, he knew the family's history better than Arya. He did not need such radical people gaining power in his lands, it would only serve to stir up a potential Faith Militant. Tyler remembered the words his father had long ago told him;

Fanatics cannot be reasoned with, they only care about what ideal has consumed their minds. Often many are hypocrites to their own beliefs but remember son, some men cannot bullied, bought or reasoned with. Some would see the world burn just so their beliefs can rule over its ashes.

Tyler came to his decision and told the two families of his decision.

"I have thought on both your plans and I intend to support the plans of House Redwater. I will speak to my steward to see the appropriate amount of coin is loaned to you once the contract is signed." Tyler said earning him grateful looks from the family that would rise to a minor house from this deal while his great aunt smiled and Arya gripped his hand tightly with a large beaming smile that made his heart fluttered slightly.

Baelor however did nothing surprisingly at least at first. And despite what many had thought he did not shout or object, instead he left the hall without a backwards glance followed by his wife and son.

That did worry Tyler and Arya slightly, what was he going to do now?

-x-

In the gardens of Casterly Rock Richard Lannister waited for his future wife Shireen Baratheon to arrive, he had not been in the least bit surprised when his father had finally decided to marry him off although who had been chosen for him had been somewhat confusing he mused with concern. The daughter of one of his father's enemies that had no lands to her name but then again he thought with a slight smile, his father was nothing if not a man that broke the mould.

Looking ahead he saw the lady in question and he could honestly say he was takeback briefly by the sight of her. The miraculous curing of her greyscale had of course become widespread news but the sight of the stormy blue Baratheon eyes with silvery blonde hair that fell to her back and skin that was so luminous it nearly glowed stopped him in his tracks. He had not seen the likes of her before and found himself short on breath before he realised how foolish he was being and gathering his courage he walked up to her. Shireen heard him and turned to look giving him a wide smile that lit up her entire being nearly causing Richard to stop still but instead he took her hand and kissed it bringing a blush to her cheeks.

"Lady Shireen, I am glad to finally have a moment alone to make your acquaintance. Would you like to join me in a turn around the gardens?" He said hoping to not be thought a fool and offered his arm.

Shireen quickly recovered from her blush and took a moment to study him. He was just as handsome as his father or would be once he became a man, well-muscled from hours spent in the training yard but his eyes showed him to be more than a thug that could do little more than fight. There was obvious intelligence there in those green depths that she honestly felt she could fall into. Deciding that she liked the boy so far she took his arm and said.

"I would love too." She said and slowly the two young people began their walk around the castle's elaborate garden Shireen absolutely loving the smells and sights around her, passing a lion style grand fountain before they talked again.

"I have heard that you enjoy stories of foreign lands and history, perhaps you might like to peruse the tales of Yi Ti and Asshai that I have acquired. They are rather…exotic." Richard said and Shireen instantly responded.

"Yes, absolutely." Shireen said with a wide smile, she would love to hear whatever stories he had on the faraway lands that were only spoken of in deep whispers between travellers. Richard smiled himself, feeling that he and his future wife might just have a common ground to build a relationship on. However he was surprised at the kiss she placed on his cheek just a split second later.

-x-

Davos Seaworth while Shireen was being watched over by Ser Raynald Westerling and his men was studying a letter he had received from the eldest of his sons, Dale who had been unable to serve during the Battle of Blackwater due to a bout of fever. He was now back at Cape Wrath and running their small keep in his absence. The old man Arthur Vesta had read the letter to him and now the words were swirling around his mind.

Father,

I hope that this letter finds you well. I was most relieved to hear of your survival during the battle, I was deeply saddened to hear of Matthos' death but that you survived has brought great relief to not only me but mother and the rest of your sons.

I write to you with news from the Stormlands. It seems we have been granted a boon due to your actions whatever they might have been, additional lands have been placed in our keeping amongst them the castle of Mistwood formerly of House Mertyn until their destruction during the battle at Blackwater Bay. Our coffers are now being filled with additional gold and men now swell our small ranks.

I am securing our new holdings as days pass but we hope that you might return to see them for yourself and spend time with your sons.

With love,

Dale Seaworth, acting Lord of Cape Wrath and Mistwood.

Davos looked to Arthur who smiled at the ex-smuggler.

"I take it that this is welcome news? House Seaworth is a new rising power in the Stormlands it seems. Will you join me at the Godswood, I find the wood calms my mind." Arthur said with a low gravelly voice that spoke of much wisdom and knowledge. Davos with his mind still slightly dazed said.

"That would be most welcome my lord."

Arthur gave a brief chuckle as they started to walk before telling a surprised Davos.

"I am no lord, my son in law and my grandson are the lords here. I was a merchant prince as you might call them over in Braavos until my daughter married Hadrian Lannister and came to live here. Now I am content to live out my retirement with my grandchildren in peace." The old man's eyes were filled with a glint of mischief and wisdom together. A strange combination Davos thought to himself.

The two men walked to the godswood and Davos was starting to feel comfortable with the older man when suddenly he and Arthur heard a yell of pain from the direction of the Weirwood tree. His hand going to his sword instinctively Davos drew it into his hand and rushed forward with Arthur following behind.

When Davos finally gone to the Weirwood he was horrified to see Baelor Fedele bashing a young man to death with a stone while a very pregnant young woman screamed against the Weirwood. Reacting quickly Davos rushed forward and when Baelor turned to face Davos, the ex-smuggler slammed the hilt of his sword into Baelor's face.

-x-

Tyler had run straight to the great hall when he had been notified of what had occurred, Arya was right behind him and both were struck with the smashed up face of the poor young man that had been attacked by Baelor Fedele who stood there defiantly, like he had done nothing wrong.

"What happened?" Tyler asked as his eyes saw the lack of any facial features on the young man's corpse that would have been there before. The sobbing of the young woman nearby instantly drew Arya's attention as her heart went out to her. The sight of a wedding ring on her hand only brought a lump to her throat as she fully realised what the dead young man had been to her as a similar ring rested on his finger. Arya turned to a maid and said.

"Get the maester, the young woman is to be given a room here tonight and will need his services."

The pregnant woman was too lost in her grief to respond to what Arya had said but the others in the room, especially Ser Davos Seaworth and Arthur Vesta did, smiling briefly at her compassion. Tyler meanwhile had spoken with Ser Benedict Broom who told him the whole story.

The young man had been praying in the Godswood with his wife for the health of their first child when Baelor had come across them. The man had been enraged at someone praying to the Old Gods after his attempt to get the funds to build his sept had been turned down that he had picked up a rock from the ground and smashed it down on the young man while his terrified wife screamed. He had bashed him again and again until the life had left his body and then kept going. Only the gods knew what Baelor would have done to the pregnant woman who thankfully was saved by the intervention of Ser Davos. Tyler with fury in his eyes turned to Baelor and said.

"Have you any words to say before I take your head for killing a man so needlessly, in front of his pregnant wife and in a holy place no less?" Tyler asked his hand inching closer to Brightroar. Baelor remained defiant.

"Only a sept is holy ground, he prayed to the false gods and paid the price for it as will you and your whore." Baelor said casting his eyes over to Arya and a deathly silence fell over the room.

Arya had frozen at what he had called her and Tyler at the insult towards his betrothed drew his sword and smashed its hilt into Baelor's face before the guards picked him up and held him in place for Tyler to raise Brightroar with his muscles supported by his magic, enhanced in turn by his rage. Tyler told Baelor whose nose had been smashed into nothing with a voice as hot with hatred and anger as a volcano.

"No one insults the girl I love. And never such a ridiculously stupid man as you." Tyler snarled at Baelor who did look unsettled by the sheer hatred in Tyler's eyes at that moment.

With that he brought his sword down, cleanly severing the head from the shoulders. The head rolled away and Tyler with his breathing ragged told the guards.

"Take the body and feed it to the dogs and the ravens. I want House Fedele banished from the Westerlands effective immediately." Turning he saw the shell-shocked pregnant woman and his conscience was instantly struck so he then took a calming breath before adding with his eyes on the young woman. "And have some coin set aside to support this woman and her child for the next few years."

The pregnant woman looked staggered at the boon he was granting her when Arya turned to Genna who was beaming at her great nephew and added.

"We must speak with House Redwater about finding employment in their new town for this woman. She will need a place to stay and a job when the baby is born. I doubt she will want to try and survive on our charity for the rest of her life."

Davos, Genna and Arthur were all touched at the compassion the two young people showed to a young pregnant woman who had nothing to her name. The young woman in question with tears in her eyes bowed her head and told them while she gave them a small watery smile.

"Thank you my lord, my lady. Thank you! I and my child will never forget this kindness. Never."

Arya smiled feeling great and turned to Tyler with her cheeks openly flushed as the words he had said, however much she might not want to acknowledge it they had touched something inside her.

That she was the girl he loved. They had kissed but this was the first time he had actually said the words that had once seemed so stupid only now they made her flush with feeling. Was this love she asked herself? If it was then she would admit it only to no-one but herself.

Genna meanwhile was pleased at the future lady of Casterly Rock and its future lord, the smallfolk would love them for this, that for certain. Hadrian will be proud of his son she thought before making a point to write to her nephew and tell him this little story.

The Red Keep, Kings Landing…

Tyrion relaxed back into his seat as he looked down at his desk. It had been mostly quiet during his absence and the looks of awe Tysha and the children had shown when seeing the Red Keep was more than enough to put a smile on his face. Tysha might have spent the last few years as lady of Rhaella Targaryen but she had never seen anything like the Red Keep before and that as his wife she was already a person of influence in the city had left her blushing.

He then looked down at the letter he had just penned and folded it carefully before applying his seal and placing it to the side to send by raven later that day. He had already started to draw up his plans to develop Duskendale into a prosperous holding for his family, firstly he had decided to invite shipwrights and wood carvers from the Summer Isles that had been employed in the rebuilding of Oldtown to Duskendale to apply their trade. After the Battle of Blackwater the Royal Fleet was depleted and would need to be restored. Not only would it help the economy of the town by moving the building and maintaining of the Royal Fleet to Duskendale but it was far less dangerous to the capital than if it remained on Dragonstone, Stannis had proven that when he had seized most of the previous fleet and used it against them. Duskendale was far safer for them all Tyrion reasoned.

As for the problem of available wood, he had men begin to seed a nearby rather barren area with new trees and used a potion his eldest brother had provided to encourage faster growth and ensure that soon there would be enough wood to start replacing the ships they had lost to Stannis. He was stopped from going further in his plans by a knock at the door.

"Enter." Tyrion said and Varys walked in. Tyrion who had been in such a good mood only moments before felt a sense of worry come upon him when he saw the face of the Master of Whispers. "My friend whatever is the matter?" Tyrion asked wondering what could possibly have happened now.

"There has been a murder in the Godswood my lord and I think it best you see the bodies yourself." Varys told him gravely and Tyrion's eyes widened at what had occurred. While he personally did not believe in the gods old or new he was fully aware of how sacred a place like a godswood or a sept was to most people, to murder someone there was a major taboo and if Varys was asking him to come and see the bodies then there must be something more to this killing than meets the eye.

Tyrion nodded and with Bronn (at last recovered from the beating he had endured from Hadrian) at his side walked to a small room of the castle where the bodies of a woman and a child lay. Seeing a child of no more than five years dead on the slab in front of him brought a lump to Tyrion's throat but he could now see why Varys had summoned him.

The hair of both the woman and her child had been shaved off right to the scalp and a small seven pointed star had been carved onto their foreheads. Tyrion knew the significance of the symbol straight away and the feeling of worry that had come over him became stronger, he hoped he was wrong but asked Varys anyway needing to confirm his suspicions.

"Has the killer been caught?" Tyrion asked quietly and Varys shook his head.

"All that was found was a dagger and an axe at the scene and a pile of ash next to it. It puts me in mind of the stories from Driftmark where a Red Priest tried to cut down a Weirwood tree and was burned by the gods themselves my lord. While I find it unlikely I cannot help but draw parallels between the two events." Varys said as he looked at the corpses in front of them with his usual calm although inside he was deeply unsettled at this world of gods and magic that they were being drawn into however at least he could take some comfort that these Old Gods only showed their hand when someone attacked one of their trees.

Tyrion too was disturbed by the power of these old gods but right now he had other matters that required his attention. He turned back to Varys and asked him.

"Investigate this matter, if we have a lone maniac on our hands then it is of little concern beyond how dangerous he is. If however he represents a movement, then we have to find out soon." Tyrion said worried about what the seven pointed star could mean. If it was a religious group behind this murder, then they might well be facing another uprising of the Faith Militant. That was a thought that unsettled his sleep that night.

Meereen, Essos…

Jon was anxious and only just managed to stop himself pacing and remain on his seat in the main hall of the Great Pyramid while he, Daenerys, Margaery and the rest of their counsel waited for Ser Clayton who had after two weeks managed to capture a leading member of the Sons of Harpy. What exactly awaited them, none were quite sure but Jon looked to Samwell who stood there nervously with a vial of clear liquid in his hands. It was a truth serum gifted to them by Lord Lannister that was apparently able to loosen even the tightest of tongues. He would admit to himself privately that he was unsure of the claims about the 'veritserum' as it had been named but it would certainly be interesting to see at work.

At the side of the throne to Jon's right was Daenerys who was doing her best to maintain a clam expression but on the inside she was seething. Daario had no right to do what he had done, treating Ser Jorah as he had done. The Northern knight had been her constant companion and protector for so many years she cared not to remember how many, his devotion was remarkable and he deserved far better than to have been mocked and treated so by a sellsword. Daario would find himself barred from her rooms in future Daenerys thought with anger, she would not have him in her bed again.

As her thoughts returned to Ser Jorah she nearly sighed. She was well aware of the older knight's affection for her but she was afraid to talk to him about it because the sad truth was she did not feel the same. He was a noble and great man that deserved far better in life than he had been granted thus far but she could not find it in herself to love him as he loved her, it killed her inside to think that she might hurt him by her not being able to return his feelings so she did her best to think of ways she might let him down gently. Something she was starting to realise might not be possible.

Both the thoughts of Jon and Daenerys were brought back to the moment when Ser Clayton and a party of Unsullied dragged in a man wearing a robe of orange silk. The men had been rough with him somewhat, his lip was bleeding and his eyes both black but otherwise was unharmed. Grey Worm and Ser Clayton held him up as the Targaryens peered down at the prisoner.

"Your graces. I present the financier and leader of the Sons of Harpy, Hizdahr zo Loraq." Ser Clayton said in triumph, having caught the treacherous toe rag seeking passage to Volantis. Ser Barristan and the rest of the men in the room all had a hand much closer to their swords as they looked down at the slender but tall man with his dark red hair shaped to resemble wings, Ghost even started snarling at Hizdahr from his place at the foot of Jon's throne. The Targaryens in the room narrowed their eyes when they looked at the man. When he had wanted to reopen the fighting pits, his main source of income they had permitted his request only for him to repay their generosity with treason. Jon managed to keep his face calm as he turned to Samwell.

"Administer the truth serum, three drops as instructed. Ser Clayton, Grey Worm ensure he swallows it." Jon ordered. Samwell walked nervously forward as Hizdahr struggled to get free, it was in vain however as Ser Clayton and Grey Worm held him firmly in place while Samwell poured the three drops down his throat and forced his month closed until he swallowed. Waiting a moment for the serum to take effect, Jon decided to start the interrogation.

"What is your name?"

"Hizdahr zo Loraq." Hizdahr said without concern and Jon then asked the question he really wanted answering.

"Why did you support efforts to enslave this area again?"

"The reason I did it is twofold, firstly because I was paid an enormous amount of money and the second is because it is our right to hold dominion over the subhuman creatures you call subjects." Hizdahr said boldly. The words instantly made Grey Worm, Gilly and Missandai and the other former slaves in the room tense while everyone else in the room became angry. Even Samwell who actually surprised everybody by punching Hizdahr in the face.

"Never talk about Gilly like that again!" Samwell shouted his face red with anger before he turned around and walked over to the former wildling and dragged her away from the slaver while everyone else looked on in amazement. Getting back to the matter in hand Jon turned back to Hizdahr and asked him.

"Just who is backing the Sons of Harpy and who are your members and associates throughout the city?" Jon asked Hizhadr who struggled for a moment before his will gave way and he answered the question.

"Volantis is the key supporter of the Sons of Harpy along with a few other people in this city." Hizhadr started listing the names of all the members of the Sons of Harpy and their supporters which Mira Forrester wrote down the details as she acted as a temporary scribe. What Hizdahr said next however irritated and worried everyone in the room at the same time. "When word of our capture reaches Volantis they will send their army and the horselords they have recruited against you and things will be as they were always meant to be. I may even be granted having to two whores at your side servicing me when it is done." Hizdahr said, his eyes lustful as he looked at Daenerys and Margaery.

Despite the heat of the day, the temperature in the room seemed to drop at his words. All the men in the room; Jon, Ser Jorah and Ser Barristan all felt instantly furious and went for their swords. Daenerys and Margaery however reigned in their own disgust at the man's words and stepped forward with their eyes burning with not only fearsome willpower but terrifying anger. Daenerys spoke first with a cruel grin coming on her face.

"I think that we should make a show of the destruction of the Sons of Harpy and their supporters. Drag them naked through the city streets, expose them for the pathetic creatures they are." The vicious glint in her eyes made many fear the beautiful Targaryen Princess, but Margaery not one to be outdone by anyone then added her own thoughts with a similar glint of viciousness that no-one not even her handmaidens Mira and Eleanor had seen in her eyes before today.

"Make them wear their harpy masks as they are dragged through the streets, gelded. Before you take the masks from them and expose them to the world." Jon was shocked at the suggestion from the Fair Rose but could not help but find himself smiling at the idea given how the man before them had insulted his aunt and betrothed. He nodded and turned to Grey Worm and Ser Clayton.

"Round up all the men he named and then have all the men gelded. We will hang them in the main square, if this city is to face an invasion by Volantis it will be the time to rally the people to fight. Help will be sent for but at best it will arrive too late, so we must stand strong on our own." Jon said as he stood. The people in the room all bowed slightly in respect while Jon looked at Daenerys and Margaery with pride and Ser Barristan gave a subtle smile to the two ladies who smiled right back before turning to each other taking each other's arm and going for a walk to get to know each other better now they had something in common.

They both hated chauvinistic slavers.

-x-

The crowds were quick to grab the rotting fruit and stones as the naked men were pulled through the city streets, they jeered at the men in their harpy masks with the place while where their collective 'manhood' had once been there was now a cauterised wound. They were pelted until bruises and stinking faeces and fruit juice covered their bodies and their ears subjected to every insult imaginable. Underneath the masks their fear would have been visible to all however it soared as they came to the city square and saw the large number of gallows that had been set up. Many struggled as hard as they could but the Unsullied were not going to let them escape and dragged them kicking and screaming up to the gallows where the forty men were fixed into the nooses. Jon stood at the largest one which held nine men and with his voice at the loudest, he shouted out to the crowd that had gathered.

"These men are the Sons of Harpy, cowards that hid amongst you while they conspired with our enemies to bind you all in chains once again. They have murdered good men in cowardly ambushes rather than give them a fair fight. I say that they deserve to feel the consequences of their actions. What do you the people say?"

"YES!" The cheer went up from the people, bloodthirsty grins and glares directed towards the Sons of Harpy. Jon turned to the Unsullied and commanded.

"Remove their masks so they can be seen for the pathetic creatures that they are and let them swing." Jon said his own face becoming as expressionless as stone as the men kicked or knocked out the benches underneath them after pulling away the masks. There was a loud snap as the robes tightened around the men's necks as they fell. The crowd cheered in elation at the sight of the slaver scum hang although Jon did not join them. Instead he turned to the crowd and waited for the shouting and cheers to die down a bit before he continued to speak.

"These men that would have stolen your right to freedom, locked you in chains for no other reasons than to feel powerful and amass gold for themselves, working as cowards in the night ready to hide behind Volantis when its army and the Dothraki came to place us all in shackles. Well if they want a fight, I will give them one. ARE YOU WITH ME?" Jon cried out, drawing Blackfyre and raising it above his head.

The people did not even hesitate when they yelled out their agreement and began chanting.

"THE DRAGON! THE DRAGON! THE WOLF AND THE DRAGON!"

Ghost howled and Sunfyre roared as the dragon passed over head and Jon smiled knowing that the people were at his side.

And he would need them, when the slavers came.

The Eyrie, the Vale…

Brienne was weary from the road. Staying in whatever inn she could find along her route with the coin she had been given had only given her so much rest and most nights she had to camp before finally crossing into the Vale. Once here she had little choice but to take the hardest paths to avoid the infighting that had gripped the region. It only grated on her nerves when she came across ruined villages where once there had been life only for it to be snuffed out by the villains that had infested the area like a disease. The sight of a child's toy much like the ones her late siblings had played with children, stained with blood had brought a fury upon her that had seen the one group of thugs she had come across slaughtered like cattle. Their kind made her sick.

As she prepared for the final leg of her journey she saddled her horse and was about to mount when she heard a noise. Her hand went to her sword and she became tense, all the way from Winterfell she had felt like someone was following her but this had been the first time that they had been close enough for her to hear them. She was dressed in her usual armour and yet she felt exposed even when wearing it but when a figure lunged from the cliff above her she did not hesitate and cleaved a Mountain Clansman in half with ease before turning to see seven others running out of places around the hills. She prepared herself for a fight and her discipline silenced any fear but surprise gripped her moments later when a figure on a horse rushed out of nowhere and leapt at the men.

The figure was that of a man in skins but he was a blur as a sword of steel appeared in his hand, impaled quickly through one man while a dagger went through the throat of another. The man wearing skins was now visible to her and to her astonishment it was the wildling Tormund. What the hell was he doing here? She thought to herself in surprise more than anger.

He might be a wildling but even Brienne had to admire his fighting prowess. After killing the first two men, he easily pulled his weapons free of their bodies before moving in a swirl of chaotic but effective combat, smashing his sword into one man and then his dagger into the guts of another before moving on to the shocked clansmen.

It was over in moments and as the bloodied wildling looked at her with a smile that unsettled her but not in a way that was bloodthirsty. It was the same smile he had given her when they were in Winterfell, if she had to describe it in a word she would probably choose…hungry. The word sent a shiver down her spine that was not entirely unpleasant which confused her more than she was ready to admit. No man had ever…wanted her before so she had no idea what to think or do about it.

He walked up to her and with a large smile on his face caught her completely off guard when he kissed her squarely on the mouth. Her eyes widened as he thrust his tongue into her mouth and she tasted him. It was a strong but subtle flavour that was suitably rough and heady but she pushed him away and with her face burning in embarrassment she shouted.

"What are you doing here? I am on a mission for Ser Brynden Tully." Her anger however only seemed to excite him further and he grinned wider.

"I was bereft when you left Winterfell my lady, I yearned for your presence." Tormund said and Brienne honestly wished a pit would just open up and swallow her at that point. She was used to having men insult and mock her for her appearance so it was completely out of her experience to actually have a man that was in his own rough way, courting her. She had never wanted a husband and because of the way she looked never expected to have one anyway, not even a lover so now she was at a complete loss at how to approach this situation. Deciding to stay to her mission she pulled a strip of cloth off one of the dead men and wiped the blood from her sword and sheathed it before getting on her horse only for her heart to sink when Tormund leapt on his own horse and followed her.

-x-

The gates of the Eyrie were closed to them when they arrived and Brienne felt uncomfortable as she saw the number of guards that had weapons already pointed at them. Tormund at her side was ready with his sword, dagger and a battle-axe he had strapped to his back. His eyes alert for any sign of trouble.

A guard finally came out to meet them and stood before her, sneering as he looked at both her and Tormund which irritated both of them for different reasons. Brienne for the arrogance of the guard, Tormund for the guard's disrespect towards Brienne.

"Who seeks entrance to the Eyrie?" The guard asked with swagger in his step. Brienne remained stern and focused as she told him.

"I am Brienne of Tarth, here on the orders of Ser Brynden Tully the Blackfish. I am here to see Lady Lysa Arryn." Brienne said with cold formality. The guard wanted to say for them to clear off but was suddenly made aware of just how much taller both Brienne and Tormund were compared to himself when Tormund put his hand on his large broadsword that was easily over three quarters his height. He swallowed and said quickly.

"You may pass."

Brienne nodded and rode into the Eyrie with Tormund giving the humbled guard a vicious grin as they passed which made the guard near wet himself. Brienne nearly smiled herself at that the sight but managed to control herself and thought that in private later, she might even laugh about it.

Coming to the stable she and Tormund dismounted their horses and walked into the Eyrie. Tormund's eyes were wide as he took in the sights around him, his experience of castles was still somewhat limited but otherwise he remained on edge not trusting the people in this place a jot, a sentiment that Brienne could not help but share.

Arriving in the High Hall where Lysa Arryn and her husband Petyr Baelish were holding court. One look at the pair was enough to make both Brienne and Tormund tense as if waiting for a fight. The madness and greed in their eyes was unsettling but one sight that did lift Brienne's mood somewhat was the image of Sansa Stark, whole and heathy in the corner on her own. The girl's eyes widened at the sight of the familiar female knight who gave her a smile that the Stark girl returned, but as much as Brienne wanted to go over and talk to the girl she had to talk with Lady Lysa and Lord Baelish first however much they made her skin crawl, she could only hope Tormund at her side held his tongue as she bowed before them.

"Lady Lysa Arryn, I am Brienne of Tarth. I have come on the behalf of your uncle Ser Brynden to offer my sword in the defence of your family." Brienne said smoothly offering the letter Ser Brynden had given her to Lord Baelish who took it and read it before smirking.

"Welcome to the Eyrie Lady Brienne. Your reputation as a warrior precedes you and I am sure that you will make a valuable sword in our arsenal." His smirk was unsettling as all the rumours she had heard about the man they called the Mockingbird swirled around her mind. She was thankful that he accepted her reason for being here but in the back of her mind could not help but think there was another reason for him allowing her to be here. A quick look over to Lady Lysa confirmed to Brienne that she would accept whatever he said with the look of complete devotion she gave him. "I am sure that a familiar face will comfort Lady Sansa much after the manner in which she was brought to our home." Baelish said and it took all of Brienne's self-control to not smash her fist into his face. The fact that he had seen through her cover did not faze her, she had been expecting it somewhat and was relieved that despite that she was still allowed to be here.

Tormund at her side did not manage to keep his own calm and was outwardly fuming at the man but he kept his head low and did not react however much he wanted too, knowing it would not end well for him or Brienne if he did.

With that duty Brienne gave a bow to Baelish and Lysa before she made her way over to Sansa with Tormund who sighed in relief which earnt a glare from Brienne which only made him smile which exasperated Brienne even more wondering what in the name of the seven she was going to do with this man.

Sansa smiled when the female knight she had met while in Renly Baratheon's camp came over to her although the rough looking man at her side confused her she trusted Brienne enough to accept him.

"Lady Stark, I am most relieved to see you are unharmed." Brienne said to the young girl who was about to say something when Tormund cut in.

"We were sent by your family to ensure your safety. I am Tormund by the way." Tormund said quietly with a grin which made Brienne want to roll her eyes as she had hoped to be a bit more subtle about this but it looked like the rough and straightforward wildling man had other ideas.

Sansa however gave a slight giggle, liking the man immediately. His simple and straightforward approach reminded her of her father and the knowledge that her father still cared enough to send swords to protect her made her feel better than she had for a long time.

"I thank you both and hope that we will not be here for long." Sansa whispered conspiratorially to them both now wondering if they might actually be able to escape this place.

In one of the many mountain passes of the Vale the combined army of the Lannisters, Tyrells, Martells and now the Marstens marched in column, taking up many miles of road as they snaked their way towards their destination, the castle of Eagle's Nest where they would meet with Shaena Targaryen and Lord Yohn Royce.

At the head of the column were the leaders of the army; Hadrian, Oberyn, Loras and Jon. They rode their horses with the experience of many years in the saddle. Hadrian the unofficial commander had his owl Hedwig on his shoulder which was an odd sight for many but they were too scared of the Lord of Casterly Rock to ever question it. At the side of his horse prowled his lion Raga who was so big that Hadrian could easily have ridden him as if he was his horse, the lion had been well behaved however so but when they came up to one of the finally areas they would have to traverse Raga stopped and started snarling at the area ahead. Hadrian trusting his lion's instincts put his arm up to signal for the column to stop.

"What is it?" Oberyn asked wondering why they were stopping. They were so close now and while he was not averse to tents he was hoping to sleep in a bed tonight. Hadrian turned to him and said seriously.

"Something is not right. Hedwig." Hadrian then turned to his owl who had been quite comfortable on his shoulder despite the rocking as they rode. "Be a dear and check the path ahead from the air."

Hedwig cuffed him with her wing in annoyance which Hadrian smiled slightly at, fondly remembering all the times he had spent with this owl in his first life but the owl despite her irritation took flight and began to survey the area. Using their bond, Hadrian's magic allowed him to see through her eyes briefly as she circled overhead. While the area ahead looked perfectly innocent and safe, Hedwig's incredibly sharp eyes picked up on the hidden men around the hills around them and Hadrian frowned.

"Ambush." Hadrian said to the men around him as Hedwig came back, landing on his shoulder giving an excuse to avoid revealing his magic. "When Hedwig circles like that it means she has seen someone but since whoever it is has not approached us I can only assume it is a party of men waiting to ambush us. Mountain Clansmen I should think."

"Well that is just great, can your owl tell us their numbers or will your lions sniff them out?" Jon said with scorn which Hadrian returned with a glare.

"Do not insult my lion or my owl, if you want to take the lead please by all means take it." Hadrian offered with a mocking wave of his hand which got Jon red in the face immediately but Loras jumped in before he could say anything else.

"We should prepare the men for battle, we would be far more formidable than if we stay in column." Loras said trying to think of the best strategy for this situation and Oberyn nodded in agreement.

"Pass the word back, ready weapons and assume the turtle formation." Oberyn said with a smirk, looking forward to a fight after riding for so many boring miles. The four leaders prepared their weapons while the men behind them formed a wall of shields in front, at the sides and over of their individual units much like the Roman legions would have done in Hadrian's original world.

Then they continued moving forward.

The Mountain Men sprung from their hiding places, expecting the sight of an unprepared small number of men that they could easily ambush only to see the massive column of men marching straight at them in battle formation. They went run, being raiders by nature they did not want to fight such a large and prepared force only to see a party of men coming up from the other way baring the a flag of a bronze field with black studs. Rather than fight, they scattered amongst the hills that surrounded them while the Lannister archers loosed many deadly projectiles on them. One or two managed to escape but many fell. It was something of a let-down as the men had prepared for battle only to for their enemy to take one look and run.

Regardless the leaders looked to the other end of the pass where the men of House Royce approached. Hadrian saw the bronze rune covered armour of Lord Yohn Royce and straightened his back. Finally he thought with relief, they had arrived.

"Lord Lannister." Lord Royce said as he and his men rode up. The Vale Knights were not sure of the foreigners and ready to die defending their lord if they had too but they had no reason to worry, none of the men here wanted to harm the Lord of Runestone.

"Lord Royce, I apologize for our lateness. House Ruthermont decided to try and block our path and we had to eliminate them before moving on." Hadrian told the respected and battle hardened Vale Lord who if he was unsettled by the easy way Hadrian had described the destruction of an entire house hid it well making Hadrian respect the man for his composure. This man was someone he could work with.

"Well then, to Eagle's Nest where we can meet with my allies and plan what we are going to do about this situation." Lord Royce said and turned his horse to ride back the way he had come, followed by his own men and the army of the other kingdoms.

-x-

Eagle's Nest, the Vale…

Eagle's Nest was an impressive castle in its own right, built to similar specifications to the larger Eyrie although it was built on a flat plain rather than on a mountain's edge with high walls and rounded towers. Quite impressive Hadrian thought as he and his fellows rode through the castle's gates while their army camped nearby for a much needed rest. Hadrian's thoughts then turned to Shaena Targaryen and he was worried about what was coming next. He was still not sure what was going to happen when they finally met the lost Targaryen Princess. Would she try to have him killed for all that had happened between their two families? Would she seek to claim the Iron Throne for herself? These questions and many more were spinning around his mind while Oberyn at his side was asking himself the same questions. Both men with their experience however knew that there was only so much they could do, so both men decided to hope for the best while preparing themselves for the worst.

Jon Connington however was still locked in his dark thoughts of revenge against Hadrian Lannister and wondered if an opportunity might present itself here.

Loras Tyrell and Lord Royce were still in complete ignorance of the vast conspiracy that they had unwittingly become entangled with and were sure to be surprised when its true extent was revealed.

The lady that they had come to speak to was not waiting for them when they arrived and a look around the yard did not inspire images of a trap. Even Raga was perfectly calm as he walked at his side and Hedwig appeared…happy about something. Hadrian could feel that much from the bond they shared and wondered what had his owl in such a good mood. He dismounted and Lord Royce then revealed the reason Shaena Targaryen had not spared a moment to meet them.

"Lady Shaena will meet us in the war room." Lord Royce said with his expression remaining stern. Hadrian and his fellow leaders all exchanged a small look of frustration before they decided to accept the invitation and with Sandor Clegane at their sides who was looking increasingly annoyed himself at having to pander to this pampered lady's whims walked into the castle. They walked through the corridors and saw many strange pieces of art like tapestries of moons and suns with odd bits and pieces which were so odd and eccentric that their purpose or reason for being there were a mystery to the men present.

When they finally arrived in the so called War Room where a large hall with a map of the Vale was carved and painted into one of the walls. It was impressive in its fine details and marked each one of the castles, towns, villages and roads that was spread across the kingdom, however the men only spared this a passing glance before turning to the lady that sat on the throne at the end of the hall. Hadrian, Oberyn and even Loras were struck dumb by her beauty, a true Valyrian woman of silver silk hair, luminous skin and vibrant violent eyes. However when Hadrian took in the delicate shape of her face his eyes widened in complete shock.

Hadrian in that moment was not Hadrian anymore, but Harry Potter once again. A young wizard in a school in Scotland that had no parents and a destiny he could not really understand and never wanted but with friends that had held him through thick and thin and kept him going when all had seen hopeless. Hermione, Ron, Neville to name but a few and then there had been Ginny, the woman he had married and borne him three children that he had loved more than life itself but the figure that appeared before him now was someone else that had been both a friend and more in his first life.

But in that world, she had like him had another name; with hair that could have been described as dirty blonde with eyes the colour of silver although the skin could well have been the same in either life. A version of a fountain pen was held by her ear just as a wand had once been, it was almost like seeing a distorted mirror image of a person you know Hadrian thought to himself.

He was about to speak to her although what words he would have said he could not imagine later when a cry filled with hatred and anger rang out across the hall, shocking everyone.

Only the lightning fast reflexes that he had relied on in both lives saved him from the long sword being swung at him. It was chilling as the unexpected blade passed close enough to barely miss his nose, Hadrian wasted no time as he drew Crimson Night and with all the speed he could he moved to block another attack that followed barely moments after the first. The shouts of Shaena Targaryen and the other men in the room were only murmurs as the two became locked in mortal combat. Seeing his enemy briefly Hadrian saw the figure of a man wearing heavy plate that nearly encased his entire body and wielded a normal steel broadsword but despite his armour he moved like it was nothing.

While Hadrian managed to block the second attack he had no time to think before he was forced to block yet another assault. Hadrian had no room for error as he was forced to defend himself from a barrage of sword strikes that tested his own skill to the very limit. He was forced back by the ferocity of his enemy's attack and the deadly accuracy with which he struck. Hadrian had not faced a swordsman this capable in a long time and would admit quietly to himself later assuming he survived this fight that he was a…little outmatched.

Stuck on the back foot he struggled to find a way to get on an even keel with his opponent but the knight's form he saw to his astonishment was absolutely flawless. Not a simple movement wasted, no flash just pure intent in perfect balance with speed, grace and accuracy. Were it not for his own considerable ability from hours and hours of practice he would now be dead, but all the same he found himself being driven back, barely able to keep up a defence as they clashed.

To their shocked audience the two men moved their swords in what seemed to be a blur of dark and silver coloured steel and the clangs of their blades clashing filled the room with barely a moment between them. Oberyn and Loras both had drawn their weapons and Sandor had actually moved towards the duelling swordsmen but found themselves stopped by the fast nature of the duel not sure if he could be of any help at all, none of them had seen the likes of it before and were caught up in the spectacle.

While his awareness of the area around him kept Hadrian from being boxed it, he could not find an opening to exploit in his opponent's form. In any other situation Hadrian would have admired such skill but right now it was being directly solely at him and unless he found a way to change the tide, he was not only going to lose this fight but most likely his life. He thought briefly about changing his fighting style but dismissed that immediately, whoever this mysterious Sentinel was he had the skill to match and surpass any tricks that he could dream of. Drawing his other sword would likewise be fool hardy, given the speed that this man attacked he had little to no chance of getting his other long sword out before he was cut down and even then he was not sure if his skill with duel blades was good enough to match this mysterious knight. Feeling sweat begin to pour down his face and his muscles start ache from the furious pace of the unexpected fight he had only one card left to play and he could only hope that it was enough.

Channelling his magic into his Valyrian Steel blade Hadrian drew on his magic to strengthen his muscles and increase his speed. This was draining in a different way but instantly he felt himself start to gain more ground before the runes engraved into his sword glowed a slight red as a cutting charm, one of the simplest and easiest to cast was focused into his blade, using it as a focus.

It was a gamble, one that could have left him more vulnerable than before but it paid off as when Crimson Night came into contact with the Sentinel's longsword the cutting charm, combined with all the raw power he could channel into it slashed cleanly through the normal steel. Everyone's eyes widened as the sword broke and Hadrian knowing he had only seconds to act, smashed the lion shaped pommel of his sword into the helm of his enemy, with the dying energy of the cutting charm still lingering the helm broken into pieces revealing a face that shocked everyone in the room except for Shaena.

A man that they had all thought long dead.

"Arthur." Hadrian said in complete shock, unable to believe what he was seeing before him. Ser Arthur Dayne, the Sword of the Morning…the greatest knight of Aerys II's Kingsguard aside from Ser Barristan Selmy…slayer of the Smiling Knight amongst so many honours it could take hours to go through them all was here…alive, nearly twenty years after losing his life to Eddard Stark and Howland Reed.

Under any other circumstance this would have been a happy day for Hadrian, to see his old friend still alive except for the small matter of trying to kill him just now.

Oberyn, Jon Connington and Lord Royce, all of whom had met or at least seen the legendary knight before were in a state of complete astonishment. They like Hadrian had assumed the man dead while Loras who had only ever heard of Ser Arthur Dayne in stories was slack jawed and Sandor was rendered speechless, something that had never truly happened before. Even Raga who had been ready to pounce at the first opportunity was confused.

Shaena seeing an opportunity to end hostilities stepped forward and laid a gentle but firm hand on Arthur's arm. He turned sharply to look at her while she told him.

"It is over, Ser Arthur. Whatever happened before between you two, we need to think of the future right now." Her voice was musical and seemed to float over to them, washing over the all like a warm shower. Hadrian nearly smiled despite his tension as the familiar tones were truly sweet to his ears, he had never thought to hear them again.

"He betrayed your brother…he betrayed him." Arthur said as he wanted desperately to get back to his feet and carry on the fight but Shaena would not let him. Oberyn then stepped forward, still confused how the knight could be alive and explained the truth, something that Hadrian had told virtually no one.

"He could not have helped Rhaegar at all Arthur. He was laid up in bed after someone tried and failed to poison him. He only recovered a week before the sacking and by then it was too late." Oberyn said gravely and Hadrian shot a glare at Oberyn for revealing something he had only told the Dornish prince in confidence. However he could not fault him, the irony actually made him laugh bitterly which shocked all in the room when he finally told them the real reason he had not ridden out to help Rhaegar.

"I was actually going to slip out in the night to ride and meet with Rhaegar so I could fight at his side." Hadrian said bitterly as he recalled that time when in the grip of youthful enthusiasm he had intended to escape the Rock and join his friend so they could fight the Rebellion together, only for someone to poison him at the critical moment, despite his efforts he had never found the culprit. Only the potions he had invented and the hard work of the maesters had kept him alive but by the time he had been able to stand, it had been too late. The chances he had missed before the poisoning to either flee the castle or kill his father later becoming bitter stones around his neck, a constant reminder that when the moment had to come to act, he had blinked and missed it.

The rest of the people in the room looked on it shock and confusion.

Arthur looked at Hadrian in surprise and feeling more like Harry than he had in so many years Hadrian asked him. "What about you? How are you still amongst the living?"

"For a time I was not." Arthur said confusing everyone as he thought about his resurrection, something that unsettled him even now, years on. "A scant few days or so after my…death a woman dressed in red took my body and brought me back to life. How she did it I do not know and I would rather not think about it. She told me that even my sweet sister was dead now and so was the Targaryen child that had been growing inside Lyanna Stark. I had nothing to live for so I rode to Kings Landing, with the intention of killing Robert Baratheon and everyone else in his company. I had no intention of surviving. It did not matter as long as I made them all pay." Arthur said bitterness now coming into his own voice as he remembered what had been the darkest moment in all of his life.

"But Lord Jon Arryn found me first and presented me with the lost Princess." Arthur said his expression starting to lighten somewhat as the memories took a turn for the better. "I still had a princess to guard, someone who needed me. So I agreed to become her protector and concealed my identity before Lord Arryn spirited us away to the Vale to ensure Princess Shaena's safety." Arthur said proudly and a gentle smile from Shaena.

Hadrian grimaced slightly as the mess they had all ended up in became apparent to everyone. Poor Loras and Sandor looked completely lost as to what was going on so he told them all about the conspiracy he and others had concocted to restore the Targaryens to power. From saving Elia Martell and her daughter to the building of their power over in Essos and even the current events in Slavers Bay. When he had finished the room was silent, those who had not been involved were trying to process what had been revealed to them today. Hadrian turned back to Arthur who had gotten to his feet while they were talking and took careful note of Arthur's expression.

"We will need to talk." Arthur said simply with his eyes hard which Hadrian returned evenly.

"I will look forward to it." Hadrian said bitterly as he went to find a solitary space where he could think for a moment, stalking off with his lion at his side and his owl who barked furiously at Arthur following him.

Shaena watched as he left before walking after him, a conversation she had long been waiting for could wait for now. Right now Harry needed her, Shaena thought to herself.

-x-

Loras Tyrell was in a state of near total confusion as he processed all that had been revealed to him today, that his own eldest brother had been plotting with elements of the Lannister family and House Martell to restore the Targaryen family to the Iron Throne. That Margaery was right now not in Lys with their brother as he had been told, but instead was in Meereen to marry the future king Jon Targaryen. That his sister was going to be queen was news that might have brought great pride to him before today but he was too confused by the vast web he had unknowingly become entangled in.

"Welcome to the truth young rose. Is it better or worse to live in ignorance?" Oberyn asked with his customary smirk though he admitted seeing Arthur Dayne alive had shaken even his legendary cool. For all he had seen and done in his many and far ranging travels, raising the dead filled him with a quiet dread. It was something that defied nature itself and he would not admit to it in public but scared him somewhat.

"I am not sure." Loras answered truthfully, he was wondering deeply on that question at this very moment. He was scared by the extent of the plot he had become involved with and what it could mean for the future but at the same time he was…intrigued at the amount of effort that had gone into such a scheme and how much it had accomplished. The power of House Baratheon had all but completely eroded, an Empire had been built that would rival nearly any other in history, the destruction of the Iron Born to name but a few. It was awe inspiring to think of and the realisation that he was now a part of it both scared and exhilarated him at the same time.

"So what will you do now?" Oberyn asked, needing to know if the young Tyrell was going to an ally or an enemy. If the latter then something would have to be done Oberyn thought darkly however he was relieved when Loras told him.

"I will trust my sister and brother. They were always the smart ones in our family."

-x-

Sandor was really wanting a drink right now, he really was not comfortable with this world of cloak and dagger that he had become involved in against his will. He had always known people had hidden motives and often not good ones where other people were concerned but this conspiracy was beyond anything he had ever heard of before.

But as long as he got paid, he did not care he thought to himself as he went out to the camp so he could find some ale.

Arthur meanwhile sat quietly as he pondered over Jon Targaryen. He had given his life for that child…literally and with Rhaegar's death he might well be the last hope for his family, perhaps for the entire country. His mind tried to create images of the young man, was he like his mother in personality; vivacious, stubborn and fierce or was he his father's son; quiet, intelligent and solemn. Perhaps he had the best parts of them both. Maybe he resembled his father in his face while sharing his mother's hair and eyes or possibly the other way around. Anticipation built slowly inside him as he tried to imagine what their future king would be like, he was now feeling quite eager to meet him he realised with a small smile.

But he was also feeling his heart begin to thaw over his other old friend, he knew now of the reasons why he had not helped Rhaegar when he should have and was finding he could not shove all of the blame onto him. Perhaps he could have acted sooner but then again that would have required murdering his own father, something that Arthur knew Hadrian as a man that valued family above near all else would hesitate to do. Could he really blame him for that?

Lord Royce felt unsure of what to do, there was still a war to fight here in the Vale but now everything seemed more complicated. The young woman how had been his most staunch and dependable ally was in fact a hidden Targaryen Princess, the same family he had fought in a war to tear down. Also a vast conspiracy had apparently existed with the aim to restore them to the throne that he had unknowingly become trapped within. He needed their help to stabilise the Vale.

He was still unsure if his idea to call all of his remaining allies and all the neutral houses that might come to feast with him and the Lannisters, Tyrells and Martells tonight was a good idea. If he could bring them all into an alliance then perhaps they might yet prevail but it was a strange union and one that could prove to be very unstable.

-x-

Hadrian found himself standing on a balcony that looked out over the plans that surrounded Eagle's Nest and from where the towering mountains that surrounded it could be seen in the distance, Hedwig took the opportunity to go for a flight while Raga sat at his side while Hadrian unconsciously petted him. But he could not enjoy the view as his mind was still reeling from the events of moments ago, the most shocking of all was that Ser Arthur Dayne, one of his closest friends from his youth and the man that had helped him become a good swordsman was alive and wanted to kill him.

When he had heard of the great knight's death, he had mourned for him just like he had mourned for Rhaegar. The three of them had been the closest of friends and he had hoped they would remain so for the rest of their lives. Hadrian was started to feel angry inside, wanting to smash something as something that had once been a bright spot in his life had now become one of the darkest. Gods he thought to himself as he cradled his head in his hands for a brief moment this was such a mess, Raga rubbing his large head against Hadrian's leg. Jon Connington and Ser Arthur Dayne out to kill him, Baelish's schemes tearing the kingdom apart and his own son's death was still like a gaping wound that could heal. The thought of Leon only made Hadrian feel worse and tears began to form in the corner of his eye although he could never let them fall.

"Harry." A familiar musical voice said from nearby and feeling like a man twice his age, Harry/Hadrian spoke up straight and said back simply.

"Luna." Shaena/Luna smiled at that and walked closer so she was standing in front of him. Her presence made Harry very aware of her despite how he was taller than her and far broader. She meanwhile was left momentarily breathless by his tall and muscular body being so close.

"I knew it was you when I heard about all those inventions. Who else in this world could even dream of such a thing?" Luna asked with a smile as she leaned back against the wall.

When he had been trying to bring science and magic together, Luna had been the only one that believed his dream might be possible and had worked with him for many years. They had studied science and magic together and made incredible discoveries, not least of which the potion that slowed aging to a near crawl. He could not help but remember the events that had brought them both here.

"Do you remember that last day?" Harry asked her, both falling back into who they used to be without even realising it. Luna grimaced, something that she rarely ever did but nodded.

"All too well."

Flashback…The Ministry of Magic, London 2180

The ground beneath both Harry and Luna shook as the tremors continued. Both gazed worried at the ceiling of the underground building that they had taken shelter in, wondering if it was going to collapse in on them. Both appeared to be in their sixties when in reality they were far older but both despite all they had seen and done in their long lives were powerless against the catastrophe that had engulfed the planet.

Earth had been hit by a series of devastating asteroid strikes, so large that it had plunged it into chaos as the dust cloud they had kicked up had blocked out the sun and turned even the warmest of areas colder than the Antarctic. It was the end, everyone knew it as they cowered waiting for death to come. Harry and Luna had gone to the underground Ministry building, now abandoned and used heating charms to keep themselves alive but it was only a temporary fix and they both knew it. They huddled together under blankets.

"Do you know what I regret?" Luna asked him as they shivered together, Harry turned to her and wrapped his arms around her to share their warmth beneath the blankets that they had charmed to provide much needed warmth.

"What?" Harry asked her as he tried to think desperately of a way that they might survive this but could think of nothing. Soon the world would be so cold that it could not support any life if it was not so already and would remain like that for decade to come. Powerlessness made him angry but he refrained from acting that way for Luna's sake.

"That I did not marry you." Luna said sadly as she cuddled closer into Harry who pressed his chin into her forehead. Their spouses; Ginny and Rolf were good people and had given them both happy years but Harry and Luna had always shared a bond that neither could really explain. All the years that they had worked together a tension simmered beneath the surface and several times they had even kissed but gone no further. Staying loyal to their partners.

That hardly seemed to matter now.

Harry turned to Luna and pressed his lips to her, Luna did not hesitate as she responded. They stayed like that for a time before Luna broke the kiss and made a suggestion.

"Perhaps we should try the Veil, it hardly seems to matter now."

Harry thought for a moment his mind thinking deeply on the object that his godfather had disappeared into. Reading into its history there was very little known about it but generally everyone thought it led to death given that no-one had ever come back once they had passed through it. Harry hated the idea of just giving up but there was nothing he could do, he nodded and still wrapped in their heating charm enhanced blankets they made their way through the dark corridors into the Department of Mysteries where the Veil stood completely untouched by the chaos that had engulfed the world.

Harry took a firm hold of Luna's hand and with a last brief kiss they stepped through the simmering darkness.

Falling was the only thing they the two of them knew after that, before darkness took them both and they would awake in the world of ice and fire. Falling seemingly forever.

Flashback ends…

Both Harry and Luna stood on the balcony looking out over the Vale, both thinking deeply on the world that they had lost and the people with it. Harry asked her.

"Has your life here been good?" He worried about what she might have had to endure here given her eventful life so far. Luna laughed and told him.

"I barely remember the time I was with the Blackfyres. They all died in the Sacking and Lord Jon Arryn protected me after that. He even sought out Maester Aemon to ensure that I had the knowledge I needed as a Targaryen. Growing up in the Eyrie, I wanted for nothing...except for you." She said with a gentle smile that said little of how much she had missed him over the years. It had been lonely without him as she was once again isolated for the most part except for Lord Arryn and Ser Arthur her sole trusted friends but she was used to this sadly. "What about you?" She asked him, curious at how he was feeling about his life thus far.

"Busy and complicated." Harry said with a grimace, the echoes of what had once been called his saving people thing getting him into a vast conspiracy amongst other things, the stab of pain moved through him as the thought of his son crossed his mind. Sensing his pain Luna stepped forward and placed a soft hand against his face and said.

"Love is nothing to be ashamed of. Your protectiveness towards those you care about is the greatest strength but also it makes you vulnerable. Take your revenge against Baelish, I will even help you do it. I have a few ideas for that box of yours but do not forget that your children need you…I need you." Luna said with some uncertainty creeping into her voice.

Harry did not know what made him do it, but he grabbed Luna by the waist, pulled her up against him and pressed his lips to hers in a deep and scorching kiss that curled her toes.

-x-

Lord Yohn Royce held court that night wearing Lamentation at his side after Hadrian had presented the Valyrian steel sword to him earlier that day, Shaena could easily have taken the lead at dinner given it was her castle that they were feasting in but the entire event had been his idea in the first place and it was to him that they were hoping to rally the Vale lords too. Shaena Targaryen, Hadrian Lannister, Oberyn Martell and Loras Tyrell sat at the head table and all looked unimpressed as the lords present were arguing, either from loving their own voices or long standing disputes between their individual houses. Lady and Raga put their paws over their ears to try and drown out the sound that was causing them such discomfort while Hadrian and Loras petted them to offer support.

Lord Yohn Royce finally had enough and stood up, yelled out at the top of his voice.

"SHUT THE FUCK UP!"

That got everyone's attention and they turned in silence towards Lord Royce who then spoke more calmly now that he had finally managed to get their attention.

"Good, now listen. This chaos that has spread like plague across the Vale and it has to stop." Lord Yohn Royce said with anger. He had never been one to back down from a fight and this corrupt of his home country was an affront to everything he stood for. The murmuring then started again and Lord Grafton spoke up.

"But the raiders and the clans have the blessing of our liege lord Robert Arryn. What can we do?"

Lord Royce nodded to Lord Grafton and then carried on speaking.

"True Lord Grafton, they have the blessing of young Robert and his mother Lady Lysa but from the journal of Jon Arryn, gifted to me by Lord Lannister." Lord Royce said turning to Hadrian briefly who nodded while Lord Royce held the small book aloft. "I have learnt the truth…that Robert is no son of Lord Jon Arryn and is instead the bastard son of Petyr Baelish."

The immediate reaction for anyone who had not yet read the journal was complete silence as the words were digested. Then a small muttering started which built up quickly into a louder flurry of voice before turning into an angry buzz that filled the hall. It was nearly impossible to follow everything that was being said but Lord Royce raising his voice again so it could be heard above the others.

"Furthermore the journal proves it was Lady Lysa that killed our former liege lord when he discovered proof of her affair and deceit. Poisoning him at the behest of Petyr Baelish so our lord could not disrupt their plans to usurp control of the Vale." Lord Royce said and the other lords looked ready to argue about what had just been said when Hadrian having had enough got to his feet and spoke surprising everyone into silence.

"Remember the sort of man Petyr Baelish is! The sort of man that deals in selling young children as whores. The sort of man that makes a career out of it. Who has managed the crown into a six million dragon debt and would have continued to do if my brother had not taken over and started the treasury's recovery. The sort of man that to increase his own power has allowed foreign pirates and slavers loose on the Vale while allowing the Mountain Clans to raid with impunity. Who has done nothing when your lands and castles are raided! Who has kidnapped a young woman just to hold her, like a doll in his collection and the sort of man that kills a young man whose only crime was being in the wrong place at the wrong time! Is this the sort of man that you want to rule over the Vale? Well is it?" Hadrian said fiercely and the Vale lords looked amongst each other as they thought on his words. Shaena then decided to get in on the act and turned to Lord Royce and waved at the lord with her hand before she spoke.

"House Royce of Runestone has a history going back to the Age of Heroes, perhaps even further. Before the Andals came they ruled this land as the Bronze Kings of Runestone, and has remained a fierce and capable house ever since. They ruled over this land while Lord Arryn was in Kings Landing cleaning up the mess of Robert Baratheon and would do a far better job than the flesh peddler that now sits on the Weirwood throne! Do you want to cower under Baelish or rise alongside Lord Royce?" Shaena said passionately. Her words resonated with the lords in the halls who began to cheer.

"ROYCE! ROYCE! ROYCE!"

The Lannister, Tyrell and Martell commanders smiled between themselves. Now under the leadership of House Royce they had the; Marstens, Coldwaters, Belmores, Graftons, Melcolms, Pryors, Sunderlands, Shetts, Tolletts, Waxleys and Waynwoods on their side. They now had the force they needed to go head to head with Baelish and tear his legacy down.

Hadrian smiled, the battle was on.

The Eyrie, the Vale…

Petyr Baelish had learnt from his spies what had transpired in the halls of Eagle's Nest and was understandably alarmed. He had nearly torn the Tower of the Hand apart looking for that journal but somehow it had fallen into Lannister hands which was very bad news for him. He could flee but doing so would see him as an exile until the Lannisters finally caught up with him.

So with anger at being forced into a corner he drew on the hold he had over the other Vale houses and wrote ravens to ensure he had their support. Similar letters to Horus and his pirates and riders to the Mountain Clans were also dispatched to gather his forces. Time to see if they were worth the effort Baelish thought to himself.

Near Eagle's Nest, the Vale…

Shaena walked out to a cave very near the castle which was her home, at her side was Ser Arthur now having discarded his complete disguise and wearing well-made but normal armour.

"Are you want to use your secret weapon?" Ser Arthur asked her with concern. It was a fair point she conceded given how powerful it was but before she had been more concerned with maintaining her secret identity but that was no longer as important.

"It might mean the difference between victory and defeat. Besides it would make people think twice about betraying us." Shaena said as they arrived at the mouth of the cave and peered inside. While Arthur was nervous about what he saw, Shaena was excited.

It was finally time to announce who she was to the world.