57

Summary:

Aegon claims his birthright and the sword of Kings

Notes:

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About three weeks had passed since the battle in "Storm's End" and Aegon, along with his mentor Jon Connington, Haldon and Ser Rolly were taking the Roseroad bound for Oldtown.

His cousins Tyene and Elia stayed in the ancestral castle of the Baratheon's with Ser Daemon Sand and their companions awaiting the answer of their uncle Doran though Aegon cared little if he had the spears of Dorne for he had a far greater prize worth more than all the soldiers in Westeros.

With the ring of Valyria that Annatar gave him, the young dragon knew that his victory was assured; although he heeded the counsel of his advisors, they would secure allies before marching on King's Landing. Aegon's was eager to crush the Lions, who have proven to be treacherous and usurpers even though Aegon loathes to admit it his third cousin had won the crown by right of conquest while the Lannisters were treasonable tricksters who relied on betrayal, conspiracy, and manipulation of the court so much so that he was confident they had killed Robert.

But Rhaegar's son will put that aside for the moment; in his spare time, Aegon had learned the value in caution and strategy; while Annatar's gift was undoubtedly powerful, he could still be slain by an arrow or a very clever assassin.

Aegon truly hoped that Annatar's ring had shown him the sword of kings; otherwise, this journey would be for nothing. They had travelled along the Rose Road like common outlaws as it seemed the wisest course of action Pirates were prowling the coast of Dorne, and to travel by river risked their capture by stray Ironborn or worse, Paxter Redwyne.

According to their spies, Lord Redwyne had abandoned the siege of Dragonstone and recalled his fleet barring the mouth of the Mander and sending patrols down the rivers hoping to capture the Ironborn raiders, it seemed the Reach was preparing for the Krakens.

Travelling through Dorne was out of the question, as, despite Aegon's blood ties to House Martell, the deserts were home to many a scorpion and the occasional shadow cat, and if that didn't kill them, then perhaps some foolhardy Dornish lord would hoping to claim the bounties on their heads.

Fortunately for them, the vast majority of the Tyrell army was scattered throughout Westeros, helping the Lannisters solve the problems caused by the Cersei administration or preparing to drive the Ironborn from the Shield Islands and Randyll Tarly was still in King's Landing. So they were able to travel quite peaceably apart from the occasional bandit or poacher.

All to hopefully recover the lost sword of the Conqueror and with it begin to dispel doubts about his identity when the time comes to raise his banner ... Although having a dragon would be much better. But, unfortunately, there are none left, not since the days of Aegon III.

He and his companions toured several tiny villages and the ruins of Summerhall and the storied castle of Blackhaven; the former was the summer palace of his family built by his great grandfather six times over for his Dornish wife, alas it was a place of tragedy his forebear Aegon V had foolishly tried to hatch dragons with wildfyre. The resulting inferno killed him, Ser Duncan the Tall and his heir Duncan the small as for Blackhaven Aegon had heard its Lord was immortal.

Nonsense ... Or at least that's what Aegon thought until he had seen the magic of his ring.

When he recovers the Iron Throne, Aegon has every intention of restoring that place.

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 Oldtown is located at the mouth of the Honeywine in the southwestern side of the Reach. North of the city are the castles Honeyholt and Brightwater Keep. To the east lies Uplands, and to the West Blackcrown and Three Towers. To enter the port of Oldtown from the Sunset Sea, one first needs to enter the Whispering Sound. Thus, the Roseroad travels from Oldtown to Highgarden, from where it continued on to King's Landing.

Oldtown is a labyrinth of wynds, crisscrossing alleys, narrow crookback streets, and markets. These include the Thieves Market and Ragpicker's Wynd. Oldtown is built in stone, with all its streets cobbled, which can make them wet and slippery on a damp day. Most bridges are made of stone as well, although some wooden bridges can be found as well. The city itself is surrounded by massive, thick, high stone walls. Beautiful Oldtown is described as smelling as flowery as a perfumed dowager. During summer, it steams and swelters during the daytime but comes alive at night and had a multitude of plants including melons, moonbloom, nightshade, peaches, and pomegranates.

Many small isles are located in Oldtown; The Quill and Tankard, an inn, stands on its own island in the Honeywine. The river road winds along beside the Honeywine through the heart of the city. West of the river, the Guildhalls line the riverbank. Rat pits and black brothels are located in the undercity.

The Citadel is located upriver on both sides of the Honeywine. Boys and men gather there from all over Westeros to learn, study and forge a maester's chain. As a result, the Citadel is considered the most legendary place of knowledge in the known world.

Downriver is the Starry Sept of the Faith of the Seven, which was raised on the command of Lord Triston Hightower. It became the seat of the High Septons for a thousand years, which made Oldtown the unquestioned centre of the Faith for all of Westeros. Only following the construction of the Great Sept of Baelor in King's Landing during the second half of the second century after Aegon's Conquest did the Starry Sept lose its standing. Besides the Sept of Oldtown, at least seven more septs honouring the Seven, built on the command of Lord Damon Hightower, can be found nearby. These include the Sailor's Sept down by the harbour, the Lord's Sept, and the Seven Shrines in their gardens across the Honeywine. Oldtown is also home to a motherhouse. Down by the wharves can be found temples that cater to foreigners, such as Summer Islanders and red priests of the Lord of Light.

The mighty Hightower is a massive stepped lighthouse located on Battle Isle, where the Honeywine widens into Whispering Sound. The Hightower has a great beacon on top, which shows ships the way to the port. The Hightower is the tallest structure in the world, higher than even the seven-hundred-foot Wall.

All of that had been taught to Aegon in his studies before he returned to Westeros… But see for himself?

It had no rival on this good earth.

"Remarkable," Said a hooded Aegon, astonished by the great city.

"Indeed, my Prince ... This City was the greatest in Westeros until your ancestor built King's Landing," Connington said.

"It still is if I'm to be the judge," The Hand of the King thought with disgust as he remembered the stench of shit and piss that lovingly wafted through King's Landing.

"Well, your Highness, we are here… Do you know what to do next?" Haldon asked.

"Maybe ask why the ports are closed?" Rolly said, pointing to a poster nailed to a door.

"It says that all soldiers and men capable of bearing arms must report to the Old Town harbour as the Ironborn have been seen making incursions into the Reach, and they may attack here," Jon said, looking at the poster with a frown.

"That means the ring didn't play us false the mad Kraken comes with my sword", Aegon said eagerly.

"It's still too early to tell Prince Aegon," Connington said without taking his eyes off the poster.

"Soon, we will know Jon, and we shall recover blackfyre," Aegon said confidently, eager to end the life of the Mad Kraken.

"Strong words ..." Said a call coming out of an alley startling everyone, causing them to draw their weapons, looking for the origin of the voice until their eyes landed on a stranger.

He was a slim, comely young man with a soft smile, speaking with a soft Dornish drawl like Tyene and Ser Daemon. He had curly black hair, a widow's peak, and big black eyes. His skin was the colour of teak or light brown ale. The boy wore doeskin breeches and a snug green brigandine studded with iron.

That strange fellow was looking at all of them as if he knew some secret joke, and they did not.

"Who are you?" Rolly asked, standing in front of Aegon as the stranger just smiled.

"An emissary who came searching for you," He said in a soft voice.

"An emissary? .. From whom?" Aegon asked.

"From someone who cares enough about them to send someone to look for them ... Even if they don't know their identity," He said the latter with annoyance.

"Who are you?" Connington said in a dangerous voice, and apparently, the stranger noticed Jon's annoyance and quickly composed himself.

"I am an Acolyte of the Citadel. Alleras, but some of my companions call me Sphinx, "He said, now bowing.

"Are you a novice?" Haldon asked, intrigued.

"Acolyte, I have already forged three links of my chain; the last one is copper," Said the young man smiling proudly while Haldon looked excited.

"Impressive", Haldon started to say, but Connington's gaze stopped him, and he fell silent.

"What is an acolyte from the Citadel doing here?" Connington asked.

"I already told you following orders, an Archmaester of the Citadel knew that you would come and sent me for you he knew that before the arrival of the Ironborn," Alleras said, surprising the entire company.

"An Archmaester?" Haldon questioned, intrigued, and Alleras nodded.

"Yes, he is waiting for us on the island of Ravens; I already have the boat ready; I was just waiting for you," Said that strange boy making signs for them to follow him.

"Why are we going with you?" Connington asked suspiciously.

"Because my good Lord, you are in search of two things ... A valuable object and answers about something that you carry with you, so Archmaester Marwyn told me," Said the young man, surprising everyone, especially Haldon.

"Marwyn the Wizard?" Haldon asked, dumbfounded, and Alleras nodded.

"Who is that?" Aegon asked curiously.

"An Archmaster of the Citadel not much loved by his peers as he trains in the" Greater Mysteries "or magic as most people call them, something that many Masters do not consider suitable for study," Haldon said.

"Is he crazed?" Grumbled Jon Connington.

"No Oh well, that will have to be decided by you; what I do know about him is that it is said that he keeps the company of whores and hedge wizards, converses with hairy Ibbenese and pitch-black Summer Islanders in their own tongues, and sacrifices to queer gods at the little sailor's temples down by Oldtown's wharves. Men speak of seeing him down by the undercity, in rat pits and black brothels, consorting with mummers, singers, sellswords and even beggars. Some have even whispered that he has killed a man with his fists once. He believes in many curious things. Marwyn has travelled the lands beyond the narrow sea. He encountered Mirri Maz Duur in his travels and taught her the secrets of the human body and the Common Tongue.

"Sounds like someone interesting, and maybe he could be helpful to our cause, "Connington thought as he looked at the ring that his Prince wore around his neck.

"He sounds mad," Aegon said, but Alleras put on an annoyed expression.

"That is believed by people who do not know him, but Archmaester Marwyn spent eight years in the East, mapping distant lands, searching for lost books, and studying with witches and Shadow Conjurers. He was nicknamed Marwyn The Sorcerer by Archmaester Vaellyn after his return, and soon the name was all over Oldtown, "Alleras said.

"Enough ... Take us to him", Connington growled, and Alleras nodded.

"As ordered, my Lord," said that young man.

They boarded and raced down the river until they reached a tiny island that was practically next to the Citadel.

"In the Age of Heroes, what is now the Ravenry of the Citadel was supposedly the stronghold of a pirate lord who robbed ships as they came down the Honeywine," Alleras explained to them as they crossed the slow waters of the bay.

Aegon and company noted that the walls were covered with moss and vines and that the battlements were patrolled by crows, not archers. No one alive remembered seeing the drawbridge rise. It is cool and dim inside the Ravenry's walls, covered in purple moss and creeping vines. An ancient, moss-covered weirwood fills the castle's yard. Ravens fill not only the tree but also the yard, windows, and battlements. As they crossed the courtyard, a white raven took off while the others squawked.

"Archmaester Walgrave's quarters are in the west tower of the Ravenry. The white ravens and the black ones quarrel like Dornishmen and Marchers, so they keep them apart." Alleras told them, and Connington nodded.

"How did this Archmaester Marwyn know we were coming, and what does he wish of us?" Jon Connington asked.

Alleras opened the door to the north tower and began to climb. They all came up the stairs after him. Flapping and whispering could be heard overhead, and now and then an angry squawk, as if crows were complaining about being woken.

At the top of the stairs was a pale blond young man, Aegon's age, sitting before an iron and oak door, staring intently at a candle flame with his right eye. The left one was covered by a lock of ash blonde hair.

"What are you looking for?. Your destiny? Your death?" Alleras asked him.

The blond young man looked away from the candle and blinked.

"Naked women, And who are these fools?"

"Only needy people who need to see the Wizard"

"The Citadel is not what it was. They will take anything these days. Dusky dogs and Dornishmen, pig boys, cripples, morons, and now, a bunch of babysitters with a child.

The stranger was wearing a black silk half cape pinned to his shoulder by a jade rose. He was handsome, although he had devious eyes and a cruel mouth, one that he was about to lose.

But before Aegon and company could do anything, the door behind him opened.

"Come in, everyone and you too, Sphinx. Come on"

"It is Archmaester Marwyn," Alleras said reverently.

Marwyn wore a chain of various metals around his thick neck. Otherwise, he looked more like a port brawler than a Maester. Marwyn has a wide neck and a strong jaw. He is short and squat with enormous hands, a thick chest and a hard ale belly. He has white hair coming out of his nose and ears. He is beetle-browed, his nose has been broken more than once, and his teeth were stained red from chewing sourleaf.

The room on the other side is large and round and has a hearth. There are books and scrolls everywhere, strewn across the tables and stacked up on the floor in piles four feet high. Faded tapestries and ragged maps cover the stone walls. The only light comes from a three feet tall black candle in the centre of the room.

It had an unpleasant glow but was mysteriously alluring. The flame did not flicker, not even when Archmaster Marwyn slammed the door so tightly that papers on a nearby table fluttered. These candles give off an unpleasantly bright light that does strange things to colours white becomes as bright as fresh-fallen snow, yellow shines like gold, reds turns to flame, and shadows become so black that they look like holes in the world. Aegon and the others realised that they could not take their eyes off the mysterious object. The sail itself was a shaft length and slender as a reed, twisted and ribbed, dazzling black.

"This is one...?" Haldon asked in surprise.

"Obsidian Candle?" Finished the other man in the room, a pale, plump young man with round shoulders, soft hands, close-set eyes, and food stains on his tunic.

"Call it dragonglass ... It burns, but it doesn't burn out." Archmaester Marwyn stared at the candle for a moment.

"What feeds the flame?" Jon Connington inquired.

"What feeds the fire of a dragon? ... All Valyrian sorcery had its roots in blood or fire. With one of these candles, Freehold wizards could see across mountains, seas, and deserts; they were able to enter people's dreams and provoke visions in them; they could carry on conversations even if they were half a world away." Marwyn said with some pride

"Only after battles ... Tell me everything you said to our Dornish sphinx. I already know a good part, and also things that you ignore, but perhaps some detail has eluded me, Prince Aegon Targaryen," Marwyn said, removing a sourleaf from his pouch before putting it in his mouth and began to chew it without a care in the world.

"How do you know?" Connington almost yelled as he drew his sword.

Marwyn just looked at Connington with a weary expression and pointed to the obsidian candle.

"Damn sorcery, so many years of keeping the secret, and now it turns out that Annatar and this Archmaester discovered it with their magic," Connington thought, frustrated.

... He was not a man to be denied anything ... Aegon hesitated for a moment and recounted his entire story to Marwyn, Alleras, and the other novice.

"I was bestowed an incredible power by that Red Priest, and with it, I defeated Mace Tyrell", Aegon said with satisfaction.

"You perplex me; there are countless forms of magic from Bravvos to Asshai, many great and some wholly evil, but I have never heard of a power like the one you mention" Marwyn turned his head and spat out red phlegm.

Alleras took a step to stand next to Aegon.

"You have taken a great risk coming here and not just for the obvious If the other Maesters discover you ... You will not get out of here alive," Alleras said with worry in his eyes.

"Really?" Asked the young Targaryen.

Archmaester Marwyn shrugged and nodded.

"Thank goodness you haven't made yourself known before arriving in Old Town. If not, the Gray Herd may have had to kill you and your companions, and the poor old men would have had a terrible time, "Marwyn said.

"The Gray Flock?" Haldon asked.

"Maesters who hate magic," Alleras said.

"Kill him? Why would those Maesters do that out of loyalty to the Throne?" Jon Connington asked in shock.

"If I tell you, maybe they have to kill you too ... Who do you think killed all the dragons the last time around? Gallant dragonslayers armed with swords? The world the Citadel is building has no place in it for sorcery or prophecy or glass candles, much less for dragons. Ask yourself why Aemon Targaryen was allowed to waste his life upon the Wall when by rights, he should have been raised to archmaester. His blood was why. He could not be trusted. No more than I can or yourself, my prince, thanks to that ring," Marwyn said, staring at the ring on Aegon's neck.

Marwyn gave him a hideous smile; the sour leaf juices ran between his teeth.

"What are you going to do, Prince Aegon?" Alleras wanted to know.

"I will stay here. I suspect that Euron Greyjoy shall come here, and he has something the belongs to me, something I intend to reclaim," Said the Prince, eager to use the ring.

"Do you know anything about that ring?" Connington asked.

"No, never in my studies I discovered something like this ... I would like to meet the person who gave it to you," Marwyn said.

"Believe me, you don't want to," Connington thought fearfully as he remembered Annatar.

"His story is fascinating, and that Red Priest he is a mysterious character is that all you learned from him?" Marwyn said with a hand on his chin.

"Yes, our time with Annatar was short but meaningful for our crusade," Aegon said.

"Great things will happen in Westeros, and you will play your part of that; I am sure after all I was waiting for your arrival," Marwyn said, surprising Aegon and company.

"Were you truly awaiting our arrival?" Jon Connington asked, and Marwyn nodded.

"Our meeting was no accident, Prince Aegon. Marwyn sent me to search for you before you spoke to someone else; we have been aware of your coming for several days," Said the young Dornishman.

"With the candle? Haldon asked, looking at the magical object.

Aegon and the others stared at the strange clear flame for a moment, then blinked, and one by one looked away. On the other side of the window, it was beginning to get dark.

"There is an unoccupied cell undermine, with stairs leading to Walgrave's chambers. If you don't mind the squawking of the crows and having a good view of the city, it will do you good to rest," Said the young man with the plump face.

"I guess so," Jon Connington said with apprehension, but he knew they couldn't stay at a tavern.

"I'll bring you some woollen blankets; it gets rather cold at night, even here," Said the boy.

"I appreciate it," Aegon said to the small plump boy.

"My name is Pate, your Highness, unfortunately, I'm the swineherd," He said without humour, and Aegon only held back his laughter.

"There's one more thing ..." Marwyn said, still looking at the ring.

"What is it about?" Jon Connington asked.

"The candle showed me something else ... A shadow hangs over you," Marwyn said, standing up.

"A shadow…?" Haldon asked.

"I saw an eye lidless wreathed in flame. I beheld its power, and it seems to be watching over you over Westeros. I held its gaze, and it felt as if I was staring into the seven hells, "Said Marwyn with terror when he remembered that sinister eye gazing back at him; the memory caused him to reach into his robes and produce a flask of potent wine that he sipped heartily from.

"We don't know what he's talking about," Connington said, his heart filled with dread as he eyed the ring around Aegon's neck.

Marwyn just sighed and nodded.

"Go rest ... What you came for is coming ... And much blood will be shed to obtain it," Marwyn said.

Connington nodded and put a hand on Aegon's shoulder, who began to feel sleep taking him away.

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Finally, the next day, after having breakfast, they all waited nervously for the attack of the Iron Fleet, and the Redwyne fleet had already arrived and was further bolstered by the full might of the Hightower navy.

And it was something extraordinary.

"It is the largest fleet in Westeros. Lord Paxter Redwyne owns two hundred warships, while also serving the Redwynes are five times as many merchant carracks, wine cogs, trading galleys, and whalers. Paxter's galleass is the Arbor Queen." Haldon said with admiration to see the imposing fleet of ships in front of them with the blazon of burgundy grapes on a field of blue.

"When I am seated on the Iron Throne, this fleet will have to obey me" Aegon thought, excited to order the Lord of all those ships.

"Indeed it is Haldon but now they are our enemies; Paxter Redwyne is a dear friend of Mace Tyrell who is in the dungeons of Storm's End; if he should discover us our heads will be on spikes by Midday. Are you certain you wish to stay Aegon? " Connington asked restlessly.

"Yes, don't worry, Jon, nothing will happen to us," Aegon said, looking at Annatar's ring anxiously.

"Aegon is becoming enamoured that damn ring," Connington thought, worried about the influence that the ring was beginning to have on his Prince.

"It's already started .." Rolly said, gesturing towards the sea where hundreds of ships began to appear on the horizon.

Although smaller than those of the Redwyne and Hightower, these ships were clearly warships blazoned with the black Kraken of Greyjoy and half a dozen other houses from Drumm to Harlaw even Blacktyde each one was closer to a Galley in size and their decks were dotted with scorpions and spitfires.

"The Iron Fleet…" Connington said apprehensively.

"Let us haste", Aegon ordered without waiting for anyone to get into his small boat, followed by his companions except for Haldon, who, not being a warrior, decided to stay, leaving a total of eight men crammed into that small boat.

Once everyone was at sea, an excited Aegon put on his ring and again became invisible, causing alarm as his followers were not used to such magics.

Again Aegon entered that world of shadows and could condescendingly look at the two fleets of ships in front of him.

How could these fools compare to this power I have? Now to test the might of this ring? With that in mind, Aegon steeled his determination.

"I need something so that my companions can go unnoticed", Aegon thought.

The ring again heard the order of its wearer, and it seemed that the skies had darkened as a thick fog rolled over the bay.

"Prince Aegon?" Connington asked nervously.

"Come on .." Said the Prince taking off his ring.

"We can't see anything in this fog", Rolly said.

At that moment, a slight path began to form in front of them, allowing them to pass.

"What were you saying, old friend?" Aegon asked with a smile as his Kingsguard sighed in annoyance.

"We must find the silence that is the Mad Krakens ship," Connington said in a grim tone.

The Silence, the most infamous ship in the Iron Islands, manned by mutes and madmen that had plundered from the Westerlands to Asshai.

"And now we are seeking him out because of this ring," They all thought with worry, recalling tales of Euron's insanity.

The journey amid the ships was uneventful understandably; neither side would start a battle amid the fog.

Aegon and his companions travelled their way in their little boat protected by the magic of the ring in what seemed like hours as they watched the terrifying ships of the Iron Fleet pass by, the harrowing journey ship after ship until they were sure of that they had reached the end.

"Where is the ship…?" Aegon began to ask, annoyed until they saw him ... The last of the fleet.

It had a single mast, black sails, and a dark red hull. They had heard that the decks are painted red to better hide the blood that soaked them.

A black iron mouthless maiden stood at the prow with long legs, a slim waist, high breasts, and mother-of-pearl eyes with her owner's emblem on her sails.

The silence.

"We arrived…" Said an excited Aegon, impulsively taking out his ring.

"Listen to me, boy, what we are doing is considered mad for many reasons at this moment; we are hidden thanks to this fog, but when we board, make no mistakes, or our fates will be worse than death," Connington said, beginning to regret having come.

"I know Jon ... We won't make mistakes ..." Aegon said with a nod.

"Then put your ring on at once", Connington ordered.

"Wait, what is that?" Rolly asked, pointing to the bow of the boat.

As they got closer, they realised that a man was tied to the bow.

He was tall and thin with fierce black eyes and a beak of a nose and dressed in roughspun wool robes dyed in the green, grey, and blue of the Drowned God.

He had a sour face, and it seemed that he never cut his hair and beard as both fell to his waist and had seaweed and shells woven into them.

He appeared to have been repeatedly beaten and went without food for days.

"By the seven, it's a man", Aegon said.

"Because it is there?" Rolly asked.

"It's not our concern we cannot free him lest we are caught by Euron," Connington said nervously.

Aegon felt pity for the wretch and grabbed a bow from one of his men before taking aim, he severed the ropes with four precise shots, and the stranger fell into the waters below.

Despite his deathly appearance, the man swiftly came out of the water in search of air and clung to their boat, where he was quickly met by arrows and swords.

"Who…?" The stranger asked, coughing up seawater.

"Silence, you fool, or do you wish for your captain to know we freed you?" Grumbled Connington, annoyed with Aegon's recklessness.

As soon as he said this, that stranger spat into the ocean and shot his rescuers a fierce look.

"He is not my captain merely an unworthy usurper who sits on the Seastone Chair and a Kinslaying rapist", the stranger growled, surprising everyone.

"Who are you?" Aegon asked.

"I was born on the Iron Islands the youngest son of Quellon Greyjoy; my name is Aeron Greyjoy or Damphair if you please, a Priest in the service of the Drowned God," Said the stranger with a bit of pride in his voice.

That revelation surprised everyone.

"Are you Euron Greyjoy's brother?" Rolly asked, but Aeron instantly grimaced.

"Unfortunately… who are you who impulsively sail in the middle of a battle?" Aeron asked with curiosity.

"We come to claim something of mine that Euron has in his possession," Aegon said as Aeron only snorted.

"An impetuous boy, if you know the name of that monstrous brother of mine, you should know what he is capable of and flee while you have the chance," Aeron said with some worry.

"What were you doing hanging in the bow if the captain is your brother?" Rolly asked.

"Euron Raven Eye is a blasphemer; he slaughtered many of the Drowned Gods followers and captured dozens more lashing them to the mast of ships alongside other witches and madmen as an offering to some dark god", Said Aeron shuddering with rage.

"Then answer me something Aeron Greyjoy the captain of this ship does he have a Valyrian steel sword in his possession?" Aegon asked as Aeron put on a surprised expression.

"Indeed and a suit Valyrian steel armour too, how do you know that? Did he force you to pay the Iron Price?" Aeron asked curiously.

"I knew it, Jon The Ring didn't deceive us; we didn't come for nothing," Aegon said with glee.

Jon Connington just sighed.

"At least our journey, as dangerous as it is, will not be wasted," Connington said as Aeron gave a look of alarm.

"Are you mad? you're going to seize this ship?" Aeron said, looking at them as if they had grown a second head

"Indeed, we are going to pay the Iron Price as your people would say," Aegon said, preparing his rope.

"I see you have a deep hatred for your brother; feel free to join us", Said Rolly doing the same as Aegon.

"The Drowned God doesn't have much appreciation for madmen and fools", Aeron growled.

"Is it a no?" Rolly asked in a threatening tone.

"But I will not have another chance to get rid of Euron and avenge my brother that he murdered; remember that if you kill him, you must not throw his corpse into the ocean he shall find no rest in the Watery Halls of the Drowned God," Said Aeron and although everyone found that request strange, they accepted.

One by one, they took out ropes, and when they found that they were well tied, they went to the boat, taking advantage of the fog that still covered everything.

"The Ring, put it on as soon as you get on board", Connington ordered his protégé, and Aegon nodded.

So one by one, they all got on the ship of the mad Kraken full of fear ... First Rolly, then the eight companions who followed them, and finally by Aegon, Connington and Aeron himself.

As soon as he got on the boat, Aegon put on his ring, disappearing before Aeron's astonished gaze.

"What…?"

"Hush ... here", grumbled Jon handing a dagger to the priest.

That was how the slaughter began in silence.

Aegon's men quickly realised that the ship was crewed by mutes of blackish or tan colour; some had their throats cut, others their tongues removed, but Aegon's companions tried to make quick work of them.

From the shadow world, Aegon looked for the captain of that dread ship since he knew that the surprise factor would not last forever ... Until he saw him.

He was a pale man with black hair and a dark beard. He wore a patch over his left eye while his right eye was as blue as the summer sky, and his lips were an eerie pale blue. A band of blackened iron set with golden diamonds and spiked with sharks' teeth was upon his brow. And he had an expression on his face that Aegon couldn't decide whether it was one of ease or disgust.

"It seems the mad Kraken is more mumner than King," Aegon thought with distaste as he considered that usurper a coward.

Euron smiling eye was how the rumours describe it, or according to the words of his brother Aeron, it was even worse if the stories he heard about the Mad Kraken were true then he was perhaps the most dangerous man in Westeros, but that mattered little to Aegon as his eyes were drawn to two things.

One was the Valyrian steel armour that Euron Greyjoy was wearing which was black and gold-enamelled plate embossed upon the surface of the breastplate was; the Kraken of Greyjoy, its eyes set with rubies. His armour was thicker set than most Knights of Westeros and looked incredibly old. Yet, for all its age, the armour had obviously been reverently treated – delicate flutes of beaten metal winked in the heavy fog. Its large circular rondels are enamelled gold-and-black, in the shape of krakens protecting the vulnerable juncture of arm and breast. While large couter's protected his elbow and arm, these were also gilded. A skirt of lobstered metal covered him from waist to midthigh, while a solid gorget encircles his throat stamped upon the metal is the face of the Drowned God. His tower shield is massive oak-and-steel bearing his personal sigil, a red-eye with a black pupil beneath a black iron crown supported by two crows.

And second was the sword that was sheathed at his side; it was hand-and-a-half longsword of Valyrian steel; the pommel was the head of a dragon whose eyes were set with rubies this was the same for the crossguard as each was capped by a dragons head and at the centre of was another ruby the size of a hens egg. This was Blackfyre, the sword of the Conqueror, the blade of his family. Aegon was sure of it.

At that moment, some screams were heard, and Aegon lept out of the way of Aeron tried to murder his horrid brother, but Euron was faster and was able to elude the blow.

"You were foolish Damphair'; when you escaped from the bow, you should have swum ashore not to come here," Euron said in a mocking tone.

"Did he realise that Aeron had been freed?". Aegon turned around and saw that the mute crewmen had drawn their swords and were fighting his companions; the stillness of the fog was broken now by the screams of the dying as his companions were slowly overwhelmed.

"Damn,"Aegon thought, terrified.

"Soon, I will rip out that blasphemous eye, and you will pay for the murders of our brothers," Aeron said in disgust.

Euron Greyjoy just made a horrible mocking face.

"I have already told you, if a god does not punish me for killing a brother, they will not do anything to me for killing two," He said, drawing Blackfyre from its scabbard.

However, Aegon no longer paid attention but ran to help his companions and using the power of invisibility of his ring, he quickly began to dispatch many mutes who looked around in surprise, wondering who was killing their brothers.

Jon Connington and the others did not miss that chance and began to counterattack, causing a great carnage throughout the ship that it was a surprise that no one in the nearby vessels had noticed that their King's ship had been boarded.

However, and his companions had dispatched most of the mutes while several others had abandoned the ship.

Once the situation was under control, they all turned their attention to the duel between brothers and realised that Aeron was on the ground bleeding heavily from a wound on his side.

At that moment, Aegon took off his ring, appearing at the head of the gathering.

"EURON GREYJOY!" The cry of Rhaegar's son caught the attention of the King of the Iron Isles, though Blackfyre was still pointed at his brother's neck.

"Who are you?" Euron asked.

"I am your King Aegon of the House Targaryen, the Sixth with the Name, son of Rhaegar Targaryen and Elia Martell of Dorne," Aegon said proudly, to which the Greyjoy only laughed.

"Aegon, you fool, we could have killed him when he was distracted," Jon Connington said, nursing a cut on his arm.

"I have sailed through all the ports from Ib to Asshai, and I have seen everything, things that you can not imagine, but this is the first time I have seen a dead man return from the grave," Said the mad Kraken.

"Face me, and you see that I'm very much alive," growled Aegon.

"As you wish, brat, but you must wait, Aeron, and I have much to discuss." And then Euron raised his blade prepared to slay his foolish runt of a brother.

"That sword is Blackfyre, the sword of the Conqueror, the sword of my family ... How did you get it?" Aegon asked.

To which Euron laughed.

"This? ... I found her in looting that I carried out in Qohor, don't ask me how but it ended up in the hands of a famous fat prince with a small cock, one of his lovers told me about it before she cut out his tongue and poisoned the entire Mansion, "Euron said without paying any more attention to that matter.

"That sword is rightfully mine as the last Targaryen, return it and pledge fealty to me, then I will spare your life", Aegon ordered

Euron only looked at the young man in front of him with annoyance and curiosity, then he grimaced before plunging Blackfyre into Aeron leg, causing the Drowned priest to howl in pain.

"Come then, boy, let's see if your whore mother sired a dragon or a mumner."

Aegon just drew his sword, and ignoring Rolly and Connington's attempts to stop him, he lunged at Euron.

The clash of swords was immediate, and both attacked each other with skill and precision.

Aegon attacked with fierceness and strength while Euron merely parried his blows; it seemed that the young dragon was driving the Mad Kraken back, but a true warrior would know this to be a mere fantasy.

Aegon was already weary from the duel while Euron was still fresh.

At one point, Aegon stopped his assault to take a breath, but Euron would give him no reprieve; the mad Kraken lept forward and shattered Aegon's blade with one swing of Blackfyre and the knocked the boy to the ground.

Before he could deliver the final blow, Rolly leapt between them and quickly began to fight the Mad Kraken.

At first, it seemed that it would be a repeat of Aegon's duel; however, Euron soon recognised that this man was a true swordsman even better than himself; he needed to escape and quickly.

Rolly was more akin to a Flea Bottom brawler when he first met the crown prince, but several months of sparring with Barristan had considerably improved his skill.

Rolly assailed Euron with hammering blows, trying to find an opening in his defence, and in fact, he had already seen several, but unfortunately, the Valyrian steel armour protected him from the worst of the blows.

Rolly knew that to succeed, he needed to attack some vital point of Euron, but his armour was far too well made. So, in a moment of inspiration, Rolly kicked one of Euron's legs causing him to lose his balance and fall to the ground.

Seeing his opportunity, Rolly tried to cut off his opponent's head, but he took out a hidden dagger and stabbed it in the knight's leg, causing him to howl in pain.

Aegon, Connington, and the others growled in anger at the craven trick that Euron had used, and their affront turned to rage when they saw him grin cheekily.

Although at that very moment, as if it were an ironic punishment, Euron's neck was pierced by a dagger, and everyone soon realised it was Aeron bleeding but very much alive.

"May the God of the Storm receive you in his domain, you loathsome fuck", Said Aeron spitting on Euron's bloodied face, who couldn't seem to believe that he could have had such a dull ending.

"Damn", Raven Eye tried to say before spitting blood, and his brother stabbed him again and again; soon, Euron's face was a maze of deep cuts and blood.

"DIE, YOU MISERABLE RAPING BASTARD", Aeron howled through tears.

"Enough, Aeron Greyjoy, that's enough", Said Aegon, disgusted by the display before him.

"It's over ... My nightmare is over," Aeron said tearfully.

They decided to give that man a few moments of silence until finally Jon Connington took the Blackfyre from Euron's corpse and kneeled before Aegon, presenting him the blade of kings.

"Now my prince, we have reclaimed Blackfyre, the sword of kings that has served your house since the days of the Conqueror with it your right to rule is certain may it serve you well," Connington said humbly as an excited Aegon took the sword that was believed lost forever and admired its glittering black blade.

"Magnificent ..." The young man said excitedly.

"Yes, it is forgive me my Prince, but now what?" Rolly asked.

That was a good question.

"This is a pirate ship despite everything since we lost companions and Duckfield was injured in such a cowardly way, we might as well see what we can get", Said one of his companions nervously.

"We are not looters", Connington growled.

"Very well, Jon, you are right, but I think we deserve compensation remember that Raven Eye has this armour with him; who knows what other Valyrian objects he may have in his quarters?" Aegon said thoughtfully.

After thinking about it for a moment, Connington nodded, and so Aegon's men went to inspect the ship, killing the rest of the mutes who remained hidden.

After a few moments of Aegon and Connington staying on deck helping Rolly heal, his men returned with an expression of intrigue on their face and with them was a well-endowed young woman of eighteen name days she was pregnant, mute and weeping fresh tears.

"Who is she?" Connington asked.

"We don't know, my Lord, they cut out her tongue," Said one of his men, and at that moment, Aeron approached.

"She is a bastard who willingly became the lover of my brother in the taking of the Shield Islands the poor fool thought that Euron loved her and was dazzled by the jewels he gave her. But, despite my warnings, she chose to stay with him when she became pregnant; Euron decided to take her with him but to serve on the silence, one must not speak, so that impious monster cut out her tongue, "Said Aeron looking at the young woman with compassion.

A sentiment that everyone shared.

"There are treasures below Lord Connington, but we found something else, something that you and Prince Aegon would want to see," said one of the men.

"What is it about?" Asked the Lord of the Gryphon Nest.

"In the treasure galleys of this ship, we found a strange horn; it is something incredible; it is gigantic and has strange symbols; one of them is a dragon, so we thought it might have something to do with Valyria."

That immediately piqued the curiosity of Aegon and his mentor.

"Show us," Connington said, but Rolly managed to speak.

"Perhaps we should save this for another time, my Lord ... We must get out of here before the battle begins," The Rolly said.

At that moment, they all realised that the fog Aegon's ring conjured was slowly dissipating, and they understood that they were about to be immersed in the battle between the Iron Fleet, Redwyne Fleet and the ships of the Hightower.

"Damn, it's true, we must flee, or we will perish," Connington said desperately.

"We will have to take control of the ship and bring it to shore in a secluded place," suggested Aegon.

"How will we do that? They'll discover us, "Rolly said.

"We have to try nwhile the fog is still thick," Connington ordered.

"I'll help you ... this time," Aeron said tiredly, taking the helm, eager to flee from this horrid battle.

-------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------

Either by a miracle or Aeron's skill, they were able to slip away unseen just as the battle was beginning. Aeron guided them away from Oldtown and sailed southward near the seat of House Costayne.

And so, without further hindrance, they could finally see that horn, and there was little doubt it came from Valyria.

The horn was six feet long. It is made from the horn of what must have been a large dragon. It has a black gleam and is banded with red gold and Valyrian steel. When touched, the horn felt warm and smooth. Its surface is shiny and reflective, though the reflection depicted is somehow twisted. The bands of the horn are covered by strange writings, Valyrian glyphs. Although he was tempted to use it, The Ring seemed to caution against it as if the horn was cursed by some dark spell, but Aegon and the crew busied themselves with plundered the ship, including Euron's Valyrian steel armour.

Not that a corpse would need armour, least of all a suit made of Valyrian steel. They paid the price of iron, as those pirates would say.

The only problem with that armour was that it was too big for Aegon.

"Here we part ways", grumbled Aeron.

"It appears so Ironborn," Connington said.

"What will you do now?" Aegon asked.

"I will return to the Iron Islands, and those who live will despise Euron when they realise that his ship is missing, everyone will assume that he fled like a coward dead or not, he will no longer remain the King, and so the Kingsmoot will declare a worthier king My brother Victarion, "Said Aeron.

"And will he continue with the idea of independence?" Grunted Aegon.

"It is likely my people follow the path of the Drowned God; we are not underlings of anyone who does not follow that path," Aeron said dangerously.

For a few moments, no one said anything because they understood that their brief alliance had ended.

"In that case, be well, Aeron Greyjoy, but remember the next time we meet, we'll be enemies", Connington threatened, and the Priest nodded before starting to walk along the shore.

"Why did you let Aeron go?" Aegon asked, annoyed.

"We've lost good men today boy, besides he saved Rolly's life and we have to secure the loot and not waste time in more fights we must rest here and then return to the Isle of Ravens when night has fallen Hopefully, Marwyn and his Sphinx will help us since we need supplies for our return to Storm's End" Connington reasoned, and Aegon merely nodded.

So after waiting until night and with great difficulty, they managed to carry the treasures they had obtained from Euron Greyjoy, his companions being in charge of bringing the horn until Connington began to negotiate with two caravans of farmers who luckily passed them on the road.

After giving them some gold and jewels, the farmer took Rolly and the armour with the first wagon while the horn went with the second.

Thus the trip to Oldtown was much more comfortable though the city was still under siege.

------------------------

When they reached the Isle of Ravens and told Marwyn and his Sphinx the outcome of the battle against the Mad Kraken and how they had recovered Blackfyre as well as obtained Valyrian Steel armour and the strange Valyrian Horn, Upon seeing their treasure Marwyn jumped from his chair eager to discover all that he could about the artefacts.

After consulting various tomes and scraps of lore, they learned the horn was called a dragonbinder, a relic of the Freeholds golden age.

The symbols on the horn warned that anyone who sounded the horn would die in agony, but a dragon would follow the binder.

The latter surprised Jon Connington and Aegon, but he was saddened to remember that dragons were no longer alive to command.

Seeing the sad expression on Aegon's face, Alleras gestured to Aegon a gesture indicating that he wanted to converse with him.

They went to a separate room, and the Sphinx closed the door.

"What do you want?" Aegon asked curiously, and Alleras just smiled.

"Just talk for a moment, cousin", Alleras said, laughing when he saw the expression on Aegon's face.

"Are you the son of my Uncle Oberyn?" Aegon asked.

Alleras just laughed.

"Yes and no."

"What do you mean?" Aegon asked, confused.

"I was born in Dorne to the line of Oberyn Martell and the captain of a merchant ship of the Summer Isles as Sarella Sand, one of the Sand Snakes."

With that said, he lifted his shirt, surprisingly revealing a bust to a stunned Aegon, who just recoiled in surprise and hit his head on a shelf.

Aegon cursed in Valyrian to his cousin's amusement.

"You're a woman…?" He couldn't say more because Sarella put her hand over her mouth.

"Ssshhhhh If they find out, I'll have difficulties. Yes, I'm a woman," Sarella said, releasing him.

"Why didn't you tell me who you were when we met?" Aegon asked.

"I had to be sure that you were who you said you were, cousin ... Now I have no doubts. I wanted you to know who I was before you left and that you know that you have my support," Sarella said.

"Thank you, although it is a pity that our Uncle Doran is still not convinced," Aegon said sadly.

"Do not blame him; he is the Prince of Dorne, he has to think above all about the safety of our people he estimates the effects of each action before taking action", Sarella said, speaking reverently of her uncle.

"Yes, Tyene already told me that", Aegon said, remembering his lovely cousin who was still in Storm's End at that time.

"Oh, well then, don't worry. I'm sure our uncle will be convinced of your identity," Sarella said.

"I hope so," Aegon said though his voice betrayed his annoyance.

---------------------

The journey back to Storm's End was less tiring than the departure since they were on a boat this time.

Before leaving, Jon Connington left very explicit instructions of which ports they should conquer in his absence so that when they returned, they could land without difficulties.

Thanks to the contacts of Sarella and Archmaester Marwyn, they were able to get a ship that will take them to Cape Wrath, and after bidding farewell to his cousin, the young Targaryen set off with his companions back to Storm's End with the treasures that had been captured from Euron Greyjoy.

----------------------------

The massive ancient fortress of the Baratheon loomed over its ridge as a devastating storm raged outside.

After a week of travel, they managed to reach the Stormlands, but they had risked a great deal as the Storm's had nearly blown their ship off course several times.

------------

"Damn weather", Aegon complained, entering the Great Hall all soaked, followed by his mentor, Haldon and Rolly being received by the rest of his "Council" Tyrion Lannister, Ser Barristan Selmy and Ser Jorah Mormont.

"Did your highness have a good trip?" The little Lion asked with a smile when he saw the state in which the Prince and the others arrived.

Aegon didn't answer and just gave him an angry look.

"I hope your journey has been fruitful, Your Majesty", Ser Barristan said, berating Tyrion with his gaze.

At that moment, Aegon smiled dazzlingly and unsheathed Blackfyre in front of the legendary knight, who for a few moments could not believe that he was staring at the legendary blade of the Conqueror lost so many centuries ago.

"Is it Blackfyre?" Tyrion Lannister asked incredulously.

"That it is Tyrion, Annatar's ring once again proved its worth, we were able to recover my family's sword as well as defeat the usurper Euron Greyjoy and claim his armour and horn as well," Aegon said proudly.

"Does a horn bind dragon?" Tyrion asked, intrigued.

"Yes, it seems that dragons can be dominated with it if only they still lived, but since it is not the case, what matters is Blackfyre and the armour", grumbled Aegon.

"Is something wrong, Your Majesty?" Ser Jorah asked.

"Yes, it doesn't suit me; it is far too large", A disgruntled Aegon complained.

At that moment, Tyrion spoke up.

"In King's Landing, there is a blacksmith named Tobho Mott; he knows how to work Valyrian steel ... He could adjust the armour for His Highness or create a new one from it", Tyrion suggested remembering the blacksmith and what he had done with the sword of Ned Stark, that had been rather embarrassing for him.

"Tobho Mott? the Old Smith still ply his trade there?" Connington asked, intrigued.

"Yes, and he charges a king's ransom for his services," Tyrion said, pouring himself a glass of wine.

"When we take King's Landing, we will pay him a visit ... Where are my cousin and entourage?" Aegon said happily.

"In her chambers resting, but we have received word from Prince Doran," said Tyrion.

As soon as they heard that, their hearts began to thunder in their chest, even more so when Tyrion produced the letter in question and handed it to Connington, who read it aloud.

To Aegon Targaryen

You have managed to convince my niece of your identity, so for the moment, I will recognise you as the son of my sister Elia. However, I am still not wholly convinced of the veracity of your story. So for the moment, Dorne will be your ally against the Lannisters. In fact, there is something you should know, Kevan Lannister is dead, with him dead, his niece Cersei again took power in the City and again she is committing blunder after blunder starting with removing all the Reachmen from the Council, which has earned her the enmity not only of House Tyrell but also of Randyl Tarly the Lord of Horn Hill. The internal politics of King's Landing is broken by the decisions of Cersei and the Militant Faith, who continues to have the greater influence and uses it to oppress the Lords of the City; the fact that Cersei was responsible for it has caused resentment and discontent. King's Landing has never been so vulnerable; the spears and swords of Dorne are yours if you decide to attack the City now that the armies of the West are still in the Riverlands Nephew. 

 Doran Martell, Prince of Dorne

Jon read the letter several more times in silence, unable to quite believe it.

"I did not expect this," said the Lord of the Gryphon Nest, gently folding Prince Doran's letter.

"I know, and it gets better ... The Tyrells sent us a letter in which they ask us to care for Lord Tyrell and see that no harm comes to him; their letter also says that their bannerman will no longer fight to keep the Lions in power and have broken their ties to the Iron throne," Tyrion said, taking a long sip of wine.

The hearts of the newcomers began to pound as they understood the implications of that letter.

"That means..?" Rolly asked excitedly.

"Yes, we can besiege King's Landing right now," Tyrion said, making a toast.

"That is fantastic…!" Yelled an excited Aegon.

"It is this sounds like a trap," Connington thought, still unable to believe it.

"Is there any other news of note?" Connington asked.

"Yes, Lysa Arryn is dead," Tyrion said, surprising everyone.

"What?" Aegon asked curiously.

"Our spies tell us that her last husband, Lord Petyr Baelish, was murdered and when she found out, she threw herself through the Moon Door in a fit of madness," Tyrion said with satisfaction as he remembered that the mad bitch had tried to do the same to him.

"And his son?" Jon Connington asked.

"The guardianship of little Robert Arryn apparently remained in the hands of House Royce", was Tyrion's reply.

"We'll deal with that later," Connington thought.

"Well, Haldon, I want you to write a letter to Prince Doran and the Tyrells saying that we will invade King's Landing and in the case of the Tyrells remind them that their Lord is in our dungeons in case they try to double-cross us," Connington said with a sigh.

"As my Lord orders ..." The Half-Maester said, bowing.

"It's been a long journey ... We should rest ... You too, boy", Connington said, and Aegon nodded, beginning to feel weary.

-------------------------------

That night Aegon could hardly sleep from the emotion, and soon he will see his dream come true since he was told who he was ... Regain the Iron Throne.

His only regret is that his sister is not there to see that dream come true.

Aegon decided to go out at night for a walk while the storm was not over. he found himself walking the corridors of Storm's End.

"Greetings Cousin, trouble sleeping?" A sweet, sing-song voice asked and turning his gaze back, Aegon realised it was Tyene.

She was dressed in a white nightgown that reached her knees and had her golden hair loose; she had an air of mysticism and purity that caused Aegon a shyness that embarrassed him.

"Damn it, if I've had lovers too, she wouldn't enrapture me so," Aegon thought, annoyed.

"Hello, cousin Tyene, if I have some problems with it, mostly because of the excitement of suddenly regaining the Iron Throne," Aegon said while Tyene only giggled.

"Be mindful, cousin; you still must take the city," Tyene said with a cheeky smile.

"It may be, but victory is inevitable raw, I have the support of the Golden Company, the support of Dorne and although reluctantly that of the Tyrells who can no longer stand the humiliation they have suffered because of Cersei Lannister," Said Aegon smugly.

"If you say so," Tyene said with a shrug.

"You'll see, cousin, soon the Red Keep shall fly the dragon banners once more," Aegon said, feeling a pain in his shoulder and neck.

"Are you well, Aegon?" Tyene asked her cousin.

"No, I was wounded in my duel with the mad Kraken, and my neck has become rather stiff", Aegon replied, wincing from the pain.

Without saying a word Tyene went to her cousin and, placing her soft hands on his skin, began to rub, causing Aegon great satisfaction, and in no time, he was telling her where to press harder.

"My my, you're tense, cousin", Tyene acknowledged.

"Yes ..." Aegon said between groans.

"And your task was successful?" She asked.

"Yes, I reclaimed Blackfyre, and soon I will have Valyrian steel armour," Aegon said.

"Really? That's incredible," Tyene said, genuinely surprised as she continued to massage Aegon's neck.

"Yes, and I also have something else, an object of great power, that will help us ..." Aegon said without thinking, and that intrigued Tyene.

"Yes? what is it?" She asked in a sweet tone.

"A ring, a magic ring given to me by an ally named Annatar, a Priest of the Red God, with the magic of the ring we have advanced unopposed," Aegon said sleepily from the massage while Tyene listened to everything with interest.

"A magic ring? that's how he defeated Mace Tyrell?" Tyene thought, intrigued as she continued to massage her cousin's injured and tired body as she processed the information to give it to her uncle Doran later.

In that way, Aegon told her about how they found Annatar in the sea and that he presented himself as a priest of the Red God and demonstrate his power with the flames. After that, Jon reluctantly accepted him as a companion.

For months he contributed to his training by teaching him various things such as medicine and philosophy, finally the priest's departure to Braavos to take care of some affairs, but before departing, Annatar granted him a magic ring of Valyria that gave him certain powers such as invisibility and dominating the minds of men.

Tyene listened to the whole story in surprise since she never believed that such powers could exist once Aegon had told her everything, she decided to finish her massage.

"Ready, cousin. I hope you're well," She said with a smile.

Aegon just touched his neck and shoulders and nodded.

"Yes, that felt heavenly", Aegon said, barely staying awake.

"And you haven't heard from that priest again?" Tyene asked curiously.

"No, he said he had business in the East," Aegon said, and Tyene nodded.

"Well, In that case, it would be better for us both to go to sleep, cousin, tomorrow; an arduous task awaits you with or without that pretty bauble," Tyene said.

"Yes, you're right, cousin. Good night," Said Aegon starting to leave, but Tyene stopped him.

"Wait a minute, cousin, could you show me?" Tyene asked in an innocent tone.

Aegon sighed with exhaustion and, reaching into his clothes, he took out Annatar's ring, and Tyene looked at it with rapt attention.

It was the most incredible ring she had ever seen with intricate designs and an inlaid black stone.

It was clearly wrought by a master blacksmith.

But despite everything, Tyene could feel a fiery power within the ring as if some malevolent force was driving it.

"It's beautiful," Said the sand snake.

"And powerful You'll see Annatar told me I could conquer Westeros in less than a year, and I know it's true," Said Aegon putting the ring away again.

"In that case, go to sleep, cousin," Tyene said, giving Aegon a kiss on the cheek, making him blush.

"Cousin…" Said the dragon, blushing while Tyene just laughed and bowing before returning to her chambers.

----------------------------------------------

During the following days, the leaders of the Golden Company were arriving and being informed of the new news and the new plan to attack King's Landing.

The surprise was palpable on their faces, and Harry Strickland "Landless" was the first to speak out against the plan, but no one took it into account as it was the opportunity the company had waited for since the days of the Black Dragon.

During the following days, the whole company began to prepare their forces and to Connington's joy that included the elephants after which and making sure that everything was ready and leaving a garrison to protect the castle, Aegon along with his entire Council left for King's Landing where hopefully the army of Dorne would unite for the siege of that horrible City.

---------------------------------------

The road to King's Landing was significantly shorter than the one to Oldtown they had thought to avoid the Kingsroad as to take the Lannisters by surprise, but it would do them little good, word of Golden Companies arrival had spread to all of Westeros, so the Capitol would be preparing for a siege.

Finally, after two weeks of travel Aegon and the leaders of the Golden Company contemplated her in the distance or more smelled her.

"By the god old and fucking new, what is that stench?" Harry asked, nearly gagging.

"Smells like a mixture of smoke, sweat and shit," Aegon said in disgust.

"That's King's Landing boy, the capital of your kingdom," Connington said with a smile when he saw Aegon's shocked look.

And indeed, there was the Red Keep in the distance atop Aegon's Hill; Aegon would be more in awe of the city his ancestors built if it wasn't for the acrid stench of shit and piss.

"We better camp here tonight and wait for the Dornishmen," Connington said, getting off his horse.

"What if they discover us?" Haldon asked.

"If things in King 's Landing are as bad as Prince Doran told us, we are still safe," Connington said with surety.

Despite this, they all agreed and began to organise a camp, and when it was finished, Aegon and his Council began to devise their strategy.

"We will enter through the King's Gate ... That is appropriate," Connington replied.

"The Legitimate King returning home," said Martín Flowers with a laugh.

"First, you have to put him on the Throne," Tyrion said humorously, looking at the maps.

"So, how do we get in?" Asked Balaq The Black.

"We will have to use a battering ram ... It won't take long; Stannis Baratheon caused terrible damage to that gate during his attack on the Capital," Tyrion said.

"And they didn't repair it?" Jon Connington asked, intrigued.

"No, when I was there, there was no income for that but for Joffrey's Wedding, there was gold aplenty. The Crown has enormous debts with the Iron Bank of Braavos and with the blacksmiths of the City," Tyrion responded before taking a sip of wine.

Jon only grunted when he remembered that detail more trouble for Aegon.

At that moment, a man ran into the tent, interrupting the meeting.

"What's going on?" Harry asked.

"Sorry to interrupt, but we have visitors."

That warmed the spirits of those present.

"Are they enemies?" Connington asked.

"No, my Lord, they are Dornish," Said the messenger.

The council was immediately dismissed so that they could greet these visitors.

Even though it was getting dark, there was still enough light to make out the heraldry of the Houses of Dorne.

The golden spear piercing a red Sun in an orange field, the emblem of House Martell.

Next, a black portcullis grill over sand, the emblem of the Yronwoods.

And then A hooded blue hawk on silver, the emblem of House Fowler.

Aegon also spied a white sword and falling star crossed on lilac, the symbol of House Dayne.

There were also sigils of many other Houses; some Aegon knew others were a mystery to him.

At the head of those forces was an incredibly tall, robust, and stocky man, who the company spies recognised as Lord Anders Yronwood, the Lord of Yronwood.

And next to him was a big-boned woman near to thirty, long-legged, with close-set eyes, and brown hair that tied in a knot.

Seeing them, she got off her horse and started stomped over; it seems she had no desire to be here. When they saw her closely, they could see that her hands were callused and had a mannish appearance.

Seeing her approach Ser Barristan and Rolly drew their swords and flanked Aegon.

When she saw them, the girl stopped, and it seemed that she was going to draw her spear. But she was stopped by Lord Yronwood.

"Welcome," Jon Connington spoke, taking a step forward.

"Prince Doran sent us to help his nephew's cause," Lord Andars said, his voice sounding like rough paper.

"Tell my uncle that I will not forget this when I take the Iron Throne; I will make sure to reward him," Aegon said with glee.

And the masculine girl snorted.

"That's if you can claim it, Cousin," Said the woman.

"Who are you?" Aegon asked, annoyed.

"I am Obara Sand, daughter of Oberyn Martell," Said Aegon's now recognised other cousin.

"Another Sand Snake? By the Gods Uncle was fruitful." Aegon thought with some amusement.

"You'll see House Targaryen shall return on this day," Aegon said as his cousin just smiled.

"I know that's why we are here", Obara said.

While Jon Connington approached Lord Yronwood.

"Before your arrival, we had decided to enter the City through the King's Gate," Connington said.

"That's a wise choice; Prince Doran had anticipated that and already has someone who will open the gate for us upon arrival," Lord Andars said.

"Who?" Jon Connington asked.

"My sister Nymeria, she is at King's Landing waiting for orders; when the time comes, she will open the gate for us", Obara replied.

The answer pleased everyone.

"Well, that's one less problem ..." Tyrion said, taking a glass of wine as Obara looked at him resentfully.

"The Imp," She snarled before reaching for her spear.

"It's a pleasure," Tyrion replied with a rueful smirk.

"I must admit that we are perplexed by the presence of Lord Tyrion on your Council, your Highness," Lord Anders said.

"Lord Tyrion is my political advisor and a very good one; his opinion has been beneficial to us," said Aegon.

"My father died fighting for him," Said Obara holding her spear firmly.

"Prince Oberyn died fighting to avenge the death of his sister, although I admit that I do have a measure of blame for his death," Tyrion said.

"Speak plainly, dwarf," Obara muttered hatefully.

"Prince Oberyn came to me before his duel with that brute Clegane, and I told him the truth of Elia's murder in part to spite my father in part so justice could be done, "Tyrion said, taking another sip and when he finished with a gesture from Jon Connington, Ser Jorah took the glass from Tyrion.

"So my Father died for your words?" Obara asked in a dangerous tone.

"Your Father my Lady, died for his thirst for revenge and his arrogance; what I told him was also to urge him to fight better, and it worked, but it also rekindled Prince Oberyn's desire to take revenge on my Father and The Mountain alas your father was a fool and hoped to make Gregor confess before the realm alas that brute tripped your father and smashed his skull, "said Tyrion.

Tyrion's words surprised the Dornishmen, including Obara, who simply looked ashamed.

The only one unaffected was Lord Yronwood.

"I'm not surprised due to the history of Prince Oberyn and his family," Tyrion thought.

"Well, let's put all that aside for now; a battle awaits us that can get complicated, and we don't want to start fighting each other," said Jon Connington.

"I'm of a mind with the Gryphon," Lord Yronwood said.

"Well ... In that case, we can now start planning our attack ... I propose to wait another day and take the city at night when the guards are cavorting in the taverns and whorehouses", Jon Connington said.

"It's a good idea; tomorrow is the Judgment of the Two Queens, so the whole City will be on edge, but our plan should be without hardship unless the damned flowers betray us," Lord Anders said.

"No, it seems the Tyrells are done bargaining with the Lions after Kevan Lannister was killed; that dull bitch removed all the Reachmen from the council; the Tyrell's sent us a letter telling us as much along with a plea not to harm Mace Tyrell" Connington's replied.

"Well, let's hope everything works out", Lord Yronwood said with a sigh.

"Yes ... Join us in the tent to better plan our attack; although, we will not advance any further until sunset tomorrow," Connington said, and the Dornishmen nodded.

"By your command, my Prince," Anders said, following Connington and the other commanders back into the tent.

---------------------------------

During most of the day, the Golden Company and the forces sent by Prince Doran shared their knowledge of the city, allowing them to better organise their soldiers; they decided to divide their army; one would besiege the King's Gate while the others would attack the Gate of the Gods.

Once everything was planned, the Dornishmen lit a vast bonfire signalling the army that it was time to march.

"That's the signal", Said Obara Sand, and with those words, they all began their march.

The rest of the journey was silent except for the bellows of the Elephants and the tramping of hoofed feet; it was then the armies split, standing before their respective gates.

"We shall take this city for you, father and for Rhaenys," Aegon said excitedly.

"We can celebrate later Aegon now fell deeds await the streets will run red with the blood of Lions", Jon Connington said with some disdain.

"I know Jon, you're right; Annatars gift will ensure our victory", Aegon said with some arrogance.

"What are you two talking about?" Obara asked, clearly confused

"You'll find out shortly, cousin," Said Aegon smiling.

"So when will your sister open the gates?" Jon Connington started to ask, but he was silenced by the battered gates swinging open at that moment.

"There is your answer Lord Connington," said Obara pompously, who entered the city without an escort.

"Forget her; foolish ones are good at stopping arrows," Connington said in a tone that clearly indicated that he disliked Obara's attitude.

Aegon, who, despite everything, did not want his cousin to die, felt troubled.

Finally, his army began to enter King's Landing, and it was not long before they saw the corpses of Gold Cloaks with lion emblems. They looked further ahead and could see that Obara was talking to a young woman with a whip in her hand.

As Aegon approached, followed by Jon Connington, Ser Barristan and Rolly, he could better appreciate her beauty.

She was in her mid-twenties, willowy slender, her skin glistening like a willow but slightly paler, her straight black hair in a long braid that trailed back from a widow's beak. He had dark eyes that are large and bright.

Her full lips were a wine red colour and curved into a silky smile, and she had high cheekbones. That young woman could only be Nymeria Sand, another of his cousins; she possessed all the beauty that Obara lacks but by the way she held her whip showed she was no meek maiden.

He was elegantly dressed in a shimmering lilac robe with a cape of cream and copper silk.

When her gaze fell on him, Aegon had the impression of being in front of a predator.

"So is it him?" Nymeria asked as she watched him closely.

"Yes, it seems that way," said Obara looking at him in the same way.

"Cousin Nymeria.. we finally meet," Aegon said, getting off his horse.

"That's right, cousin Aegon, I've heard many things about you; I hope to see that lioness bitch beaten and raped before mounting her head on a spike by the end of this day", Nymeria muttered with rancour fitting a daughter of the Red Viper.

"Cersei Lannister's fate will be left in the hands of my advisor; he is Lord Lannister," Aegon said with a shrug.

"Ah yes, The Imp ", Nymeria said, searching for Tyrion among the crowd.

"Lady Nymeria, we must get started; our soldiers yearn for the blood of Lions, and we are in danger of losing the element of surprise by staying here," Connington said.

"He is right," Said Obara.

"Cousin, may I present my Hand ... Lord Jon Connington, Lord of the Gryphon Nest," Aegon said, and Jon nodded.

Nymeria just nodded.

"Very well ... Proceed then and try not to die, remember that the Lannisters are not our chiefest concern the High Sparrow and his bloody fanatics can turn the smallfolk against us if we aren't careful we must slay as many of them as we can," Said Nymeria Sand stepping aside.

"Now let it begin," Connington said, raising his sword as a signal, and the Company forces behind him raised the dragon banner and sounded the horns of war.

"Soldiers ... Here's the opportunity we've been waiting for! ... Let's take back the Iron Throne and with it our homes!" Shouted Connington.

And the men screamed with him.

"Make it your first duty to open the Gate of the Gods for the others to enter! the rest to men charge for wrath and ruin!" Shouted Connington. And with that, the Golden company stormed the story.

And so began the final fall of the Tywin Lannister legacy.

---------------------------------------

It was already after the hour of the stranger when the attack began; most of the gold cloaks were either in their beds or in a tavern; since the Militant Faith controls the City, all the brothels are closed, and prostitutes must be wary.

At first, nothing was heard except the hooves of many horses, and until suddenly, the houses began to burn, and the screams of the dead and dying rang through the streets, causing many guards to rush from their homes, some in their breeches or naked.

"TO ARMS!" They were the words of the first to notice the attack.

But it was useless, unknown to them the Tyrells had sent messages ordering their men to return to the Reach leaving only a sufficient amount that they did not discover their betrayal, but those men should not interfere in the attack of the supposed Targaryen because the Lannister-Tyrell alliance had ended.

The few men loyal to the Lannisters could do little to halt the advance of the golden company, and those that tried were cut down.

However, a few managed to sound the alarm and soon, the whole city was awake.

--------------------------------------------

Margaery had a peaceful night, her trial finally ended with her innocence proven, and she was returned to her chambers escorted by half a dozen knights in case Cersei was foolish enough to attack her.

Unfortunately, the Lioness had also been absolved thanks to a Trial by Combat and her new champion, the Silent Giant, Ser Robert Strong.

And the worst thing is that after Kevan Lannister's death, the Lioness returned to power and removed any Reachmen she could, supplanting them with sycophants and pawns.

Margaery was sure that this was the end of their alliance; tired of all this, she lay on her bed and fell into a dreamless sleep.

She wasn't asleep for very long when she heard the trumpeting of horns. Margaery rushed from her bed with a lit candle and peered into the gloom of the city, spying several Elephants thundering down the streets, flattening Lannister knights as they went.

"The city is under siege," Margaery thought, terrified; it was then she heard a hammering on the door and knew it must be the Lannisters come to kill her; she grabbed the dagger she kept under her pillow and prepared to open it.

When Margaery flung open the door, she had expected a Lannister knight but soon realised it was Randyll Tarly.

"Your Highness is awake; excellent that will save us time," Said the Lord of Horn Hill.

"What's going on in Lord Tarly?" Margaery asked.

"The City is under attack; the enemies have already taken two of the City gates, in the case of the second, they are attacking with elephants, and they are ransacking everything", He answered impassively.

"And what are we going to do? .. We have to call our men!" Margaery ordered.

"No, we will no longer do anything, Your Highness, I have orders from your grandmother and older brother to take you and your cousins back to Highgarden; our alliance with the Lannisters has ended, quickly bring your things, the essentials only we shall fetch your cousins shortly, "Said Lord Tarly before leaving the room.

"At last, I am free from this City and that vile bitch", Margaery thought with joy.

--------------------

"Where are the Tyrells !?" Cersei yelled as she stormed out of her bedroom, followed by Qyburn and the members of her council.

"No one seems to know; it seemed several hundred Goldcloaks had simply vanished; we haven't the men to resist this siege," Qyburn said.

"Who is attacking us?" Cersei asked.

"Men of Dorne and judging by the Elephants, it would seem they are joined by the Golden Company," Said the former Maester.

Cersei only cursed the Tyrells for deserters and traitors as she assumed they were in cahoots in that attack; her relationship with them had soured further after she removed them from the Small Council, but it seems she was right to do so this siege proved it, especially since the inept Mace Tyrell failed to take Storm's End and ended up as a prisoner.

"Find Randyll Tarly and lead the men we have here ... Send ravens to our men in the Riverlands ordering them to return and take my son, the King, to safety", Cersei ordered.

"But your majesty, it's useless they have breached the gates." A member of her Council stuttered.

"Do it!" Cersei ordered, full of fear, and her men nodded.

Cersei just put a hand to her forehead and ordered a glass of wine.

"I refuse to accept that this is our end ..." the Lioness muttered, trembling as she looked at the Iron Throne, the throne that was finally hers.

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