Chapter 11

Sunset Sea

The Marauder was cruising towards the Pyke. The distant towers of the ancient castle were visible to Aryan, also were several ships surrounding it. Though it was too far to identify the ships. He looked back towards his own fleet. He had began the campaign with a hundred ships. While they lost seven till now they had gained almost a hundred longships, two warships and several cogs. This was not counting the fishing vessels which he had already sent to the Mormonts at the Bear Islands, who were now the main suppliers of fish in the North. They were now going into the final fight – the Pyke. After conquering the Blacktyde, they had proceeded to Orkmont. But the Orkmont had a defensive layout unlike the open Blacktyde. Their stealth attack was discovered by the guards of the Orkwood. Still as most of the soldiers were with Lord Alyn Orkwood, they were able to win the fight easily. All the women and children were gathered into the castle with the Lady Orkwood. After that Roose Bolton and his men were sent to do what they did on Blacktyde. He also gave Roose whatever was found in the treasury.

After the culling of the Orkmont they next went to Harlaw. But here Aryan realized one thing, unlike the previous two islands Harlaw was better built and defended. It cannot be taken just by small attack. While the other two islands had open docks, the Harlaw was surrounded by jagged rocks on all sides, with the only dock within the range of gate towers. They must have a full scale assault to capture the Ten Towers. At times like these he cursed himself for being unable to apparate without a wand. But thankfully that was not required. He smiled at the memory.

Flashback

Harlaw, Iron Islands

The towers of the castle Ten Towers were standing high with the stormy clouds surrounding them, but only four of them looked to be in a good shape. Aryan was having a meeting with his commanders on how to take over the island. After many discussions they all had agreed that they would need to mount a full scale attack to capture Harlaw. They were interrupted by the captain of Marauder, a man named Myrio Florel. The man was a good an experienced sailor and was recommended to Aryan by the Sealord of Bravos. The Florels were very connected family in Bravos, with Syrio Florel the first sword of Bravos and another Phario Florel a famous playright in Bravos.

"My lord, we have a single ship incoming with white sails." he said.

They all looked at each other.

Roose Bolton said, " They must be coming to parlay. The lord of this island is Lord Rodrick Harlaw. Some call him the reader. Unlike the other squids this one is a reasonable one."

As the warship Seasong approached the Marauder, Aryan saw that the ship only had a skeleton crew. A man with greying hairs stepped on to the deck of the Marauder. He raised his hands and said, "I am Rodrick Harlaw, Lord of Harlaw. With whom I am talking to? "

Aryan said, ''That would be me Lord Harlaw."

The man looked surprised, "Pardon, who are you?"

It was Smalljon who answered, "You are in the presence of Lord Aryan Stark, Lord of Winterfell and Warden of the North."

'Too many titles again,' Aryan thought 'but these are were well earned unlike the boy-who-lived in the previous world.'

Rodrick Harlaw said, "I apologise. You are taller for your age. You are now the most infamous and feared person in the islands."

Aryan said, "Is that so. What do they say?"

"People are calling you the Bloody Wolf of the North." Rodrick told him.

'At least now I have a fearsome title' Aryan mused, then asked the Lord of Harlaw, "That all sounds interesting. Why are you here, my lord?"

"To offer my terms of surrender." Rodrick said.

Aryan looked surprised. He could see the same expression reflected in others' faces, except Roose Bolton, his face was expressionless as usual.

"Lets take this to my room, Lord Harlaw. Lord Bolton keep an eye on the sea to avoid any surprises," Aryan gave orders and went down below the deck, with the others following him.

As he was leading them to his room, he heard the familiar scream of Rodrick Greyjoy. Hearing that Lord Harlaw stopped and asked with surprise, "Is that Prince Rodrick Greyjoy?"

Aryan replied to him, "Yes Lord Harlaw. That is Rodrick Greyjoy. He attacked the North and tried to take something which is precious to our family. So he is paying the iron price now. He will pay more in coming days."

Aryan said, "You seem to be very familiar with him Lord Harlaw."

Rodrick replied solemnly, "Yes. Yes he is my nephew. He is my sister Alannys's eldest son with Balon. She named him after me."

By then they had entered Aryan's room. After taking their seats Aryan said pointedly, "It's a pity he didn't get your brains like your name. Let me get this straight Rodrick Greyjoy is not going to be in any part of our negotiations. Are we clear on that Lord Harlaw."

The man reluctantly agreed.

Aryan then asked, "So what are your terms of surrender Lord Harlaw."

"Only one thing Lord Stark, you will not harm me, my family or my people. Also we will keep our lands and titles." Rodrick said looking at Aryan.

"Hmm. Just like that? I am not feeling very merciful against the ironborns Lord Harlaw. Why should I accept your terms?" Aryan told him in a calm voice.

Rodrick said, "If you attack it will take time and men to breach the gates. Besides look at the weather. A storm is coming. Even ironborns are not stupid enough to carry out attacks in the storms."

Aryan considered what Rodrick said. While it was true that a storm was coming, unlike the other ironborn he met, Rodrick Harlaw seemed more intelligent.

Seeing the apprehension in Aryan's eyes Rodrick told him, "You know I never supported Balon's plans. I knew it was foolish and tried to reason with him. But his brothers and his more zealous supporters encouraged him to do it. You will see that I did not provide him my men. As he is my liege lord and good brother I had to give him my ships. You will also find that there are no thralls or saltwives in Harlaw."

Aryan said, "Very well, Lord Harlaw, we will see about your claims. If they are true then perhaps we can come to an agreement."

Rodrick agreed. Aryan then sent Roose Bolton to the Harlaw island, while keeping Rodrick Harlaw in the Marauder. After few hours Roose Bolton returned and confirmed that Rodrick Harlaw's claims were true. So Aryan formally accepted Rodrick's surrender. He had half a mind to take House Harlaw's ancestral blade Nightfall, but then decided not to. The gates of the Ten Towers were then opened and the Northern army entered it and secured the castle. And what Rodrick Harlaw predicted, happened. A razing storm began to blow. He heard Wyllis Manderly saying, "No one knows the sea better than the Ironmen." And Aryan agreed with him and said "If only they used their knowledge for other purposes"

The next day Aryan and Rodrick were seated at the private room of Lord Harlaw. Aryan had to come to realise that Rodrick Harlaw was a learned man. His library contains some impressive books. But he was familiar with all his books.

Aryan said, "It would have been better if you were the Lord Paramount of these islands Lord Harlaw."

With a faint smile Rodrick replied, "You are too kind Lord Stark. But it will be rather difficult. The ironborn always follow the Old Way. They will not follow a pacifist like me. Also even if the King makes me the new Lord Paramount, nobody cares about us. The rest of the Westeros will ignore us like always. That is why Balon Greyjoy's campaign had so many supporters."

Aryan was impressed by Rodrick's reasoning. What he said was true. The Ironborns like the North have virtually no say in the affairs of Westeros. Though he had changed that in case of the North, same could not be said about the Ironborns.

After taking most of the Harlaw's fleet and fishing vessels they had then set out to the Pyke. The storm had subsided by then. The day he was leaving Rodrick came to him and presented him a longsword. Aryan unsheathed it, the smoky grey colour of a Valyrian long sword. Rodrick told him, "I saw you eyeing my ancestral sword. Unfortunately I cannot part with it. But this was taken by one of my ancestors from Essos while raiding. I am gifting it to you for your kindness towards us, even when you decided to kill all the Ironborns."

Aryan told him, "Unlike the other idiots I have met you are intelligent and reasonable one. You didn't have to give this sword. But I accept this gift. I will make sure that your sister and her younger children live."

Rodrick nodded gratefully. And the northerners now set course to the Pyke.

Flashback ends

Aryan finally have the Valyrian longsword he so desired. He gave Roose the money they had received for their surrender by Lord Harlaw. Soon they were near the Pyke and saw that the ships surrounding the Pyke were the Manderly fleet and the Royal fleet, the latter's presence surprised him. They were ahead of schedule. Stannis must be given more credit than due, for achieving that. Soon the Marauder docked and Aryan got down.

"So the Bloody Wolf has finally graced us with his presence." a voice called out.

Aryan looked at source of the voice. A golden haired man with golden armour and white cloak of the kinsguard was standing in front of them ahead of few Lannister soldiers. Jaime Lannister looked rather radiant shining in all that golden colour.

With a smirk Aryan asked, "You must be the Kingslayer. Were you sent to welcome us?"

Jaime's eye twitched. He said, "You know most people call me Ser Jaime Lannister."

Aryan smiled and said, "Is that so and most people call me Lord Stark."

Jamie the laughed at that and said, "I like you Lord Stark. At least you are not boring and have a sense of humor unlike your uncle Eddard Stark. Since you have taken your Lordship, you are the main subject of the Small Council meetings."

"I have not yet taken my Lordship. Uncle Eddard is the Regent of North." Aryan replied.

Jaime smirked and said, "That may be but it is you who call the shots".

They then started to walk towards the King's tent. On the way Aryan saw that the soldiers were building siege engines to breach the gates of Pyke and to bring down the curtain walls surrounding the castle.

Aryan asked Jaime, "How come did Lord Stannis manage to come this soon? I thought, he would be fighting the rest of the iron fleet."

Jaime replied, "Not only you Lord Stark, everyone else thought that too. But Stannis has surprised everyone. He drove those squids in the Reach with the help of the Redwyne fleet, then smashed the main iron fleet under Victarion Greyjoy near the Fair Island. Since you have already taken Blacktyde, Orkmont and Harlaw, His Grace has sent the rest of the army to conquer the other islands. Though I would like to warn you that the Lord Hand Jon Arryn is extremely displeased at your actions in Blacktyde and Orkmont. Though I would like to ask you, why didn't you do the same in Harlaw?"

"Let's say that Lord Rodrick Harlaw is more intelligent and reasonable than the other idiots I have met. And thank you for your warning." Aryan told him.

They then went to the King's tent. Aryan went in while Jaime stayed outside. The King Robert Baratheon, Lord Hand Jon Arryn, his Uncle Eddard and few other Lords who he didn't know where in a meeting. Well, more like the other lords while Robert was more occupied by his drink. It was Robert who noticed him first. He called out to Eddard and said, "Ned, look it is your nephew, the Bloody Wolf."

At once everyone's attention was on him. His uncle came forward and hugged him and asked, "Nephew, how are you."

"I am fine Uncle." he answered with a smile. Then Aryan bowed and greeted Robert, "Your Grace, Blacktyde,Orkmont and Harlaw are yours now."

Robert grinned and said, "Ahh, look at you. You have all grown up. You look pretty tall for your age. Last time I saw you were just a little boy. So how was your first war?"

"While I cannot say I like war, but it was a new experience, Your Grace." Aryan replied.

"Was it so interesting that you decided to kill all the ironborn men when you conquered the islands? How could you kill them all? You cannot kill all the men of a whole kingdom to fulfil your revenge." It was Jon Arryn who said that.

Aryan turned toward him, "With due respect Lord Hand, I fail to see where the problem is and what revenge are you talking about. They attacked and kill my people, and so I retaliated in kind. I am doing what every Lord should?"

"Killing the smallfolk of the iron islands in your retaliation, is not honourable. Perhaps Hoster Tully was right, you are not fit to become the Warden of North." Jon Arryn said.

At that both Aryan and Ned's eyes narrowed. Without a wand Aryan could not look into deep memories and again cursed himself. 'What did Hoster do? Things are happening in the kingdoms that concerns me. I need to know. I must have a wand as early as possible.' he thought. He was going to argue, but was interrupted by Robert who said, "Oh stop it Jon. He is learning. Aryan was doing what should be done. Now why don't you tell me about your campaign?"

Everyone understood Robert was trying for a peace settlement. So Aryan nodded to Robert and started to tell about his campaign from leaving the North till reaching the Pyke. Robert was impressed by him. But unsurprisingly Jon condemned him. He started again saying about second chances and mercy. Aryan was suddenly reminded of Dumbledore. Aryan ignored Jon completely, who became even angrier at him for that.

Robert said, "I am bloody bored. We have been sitting here for three days building those damn toys instead of killing the squids, while Aryan had all the fun."

"Have patience for a few more days Robert. We have to wait till they had built enough siege engines and scorpions to breach the castle." Jon advised.

Aryan thought for a moment then said, "If Your Grace manages to assemble the army I will give you my word that we will break the wall by the evening."

Everyone gaped at him. Robert asked, "What? Really. What are you going to do?"

"I would like to let it remain a surprise Your Grace." Aryan told him with a smile.

Jon said, "Don't be so hasty Robert. You cannot just go by a boy's foolish ramblings."

Aryan told him, "Lord Hand, I don't make many claims. My results speak for myself. So if His Grace gives his permission, I could proceed to implement my plan." Aryan also sent a mental nudge to the drunk Robert.

And Robert got up and ordered, "Ready the men. We will go by Lord Stark's plan. And somebody get me my armor." Then looking at Aryan he said, "And you it better work. I don't want to have Jon telling me for the rest of my life 'I told you so'."

Aryan smiled and said, "Don't worry Your Grace. It will be a smashing plan." Then he got up followed by his uncle.

Right now Aryan was standing outside Rodrick Greyjoy's cell. Sound of flesh hitting flesh could be heard. His uncle Eddard was unleashing all his pent-up rage. Eddard was punching and kicking Rodrick repeatedly saying, "You wanted my Cat as your salt wife, didn't you? Take this." and punched him again.

So many days of torture had changed the Greyjoy heir. The once arrogant man was begging for sweet release of death. After some time Eddard came out of the cell with a satisfied smile and thanked Aryan. They went to the deck and Aryan called for the captain. When Myrio came Aryan asked him, "Captain bring out the package?"

Myrio looked at him, "Are you sure my lord? You are going to use it now?"

"Yes. The King is waiting for me." Aryan replied.

Most of the Northern lords were on the deck of the ship. Benjen asked, "Package? What is it nephew?"

"You will find out soon uncle. And Smalljon bring Rodrick too with us." Aryan said and started to walk towards the castle Pyke.

The Northern soldiers had already set up a trebuchet at a great distance away from the gates of the castle. His men brought Rodrick Greyjoy and ten big barrels carefully. On his instructions, the men set the bound Rodrick Greyjoy into the trebuchet who started again to beg when he realized his fate that he was going to be thrown at the castle's walls.

The King and the other lords and the whole army were looking at the proceedings curiously. Aryan called out to Robert, "Have you ever seen a flying squid, Your Grace?"

Robert shouted back, "No. Show me."

Aryan smiled and released the lever, and a screaming Rodrick Greyjoy flew up, above, and then into the castle walls. There was a silence from the Pyke. To nobody's surprise, there was no response from the Greyjoys. 'Well, time for plan B' Aryan decided.

His men then catapulted the barrels one by one till all ten of them splashed over the wooden gates as well as the nearby walls. A green luminous liquid now coated the gate and the wall. Aryan saw Jaime Lannister's eyes widen in shock.

His men brought him a bow and a burning arrow. 'Fire in the hole,' Aryan thought and released the lit arrow. A silence followed as the arrow neared its destination.

And then the world in front of him was set ablaze in a green light, followed by a deafening sound.

"Holy shit, what the hell is that," he heard Robert Baratheon exclaiming behind him.

"Wildfire Your Grace." Jaime Lannister explained.

While explaining about the alchemy in this world, Marwyn had told him about the Wildfire. On Aryan's suggestion, Marwyn, using his contacts, had arranged for the majority of the pyromancers from King's Landing to come to Winterfell. Even though the order of pyromancers was decaying in King's Landing without the support of the Targaryens, some of them refused. From what Marwyn told him, the pyromancers who refused to come were mostly old fossils and were not long for this world.

Still, Marwyn was able to convince the majority of the Pyromancers to come to Winterfell, convincing them they would be allowed to research more alchemy there. Aryan had sent a ship to King's Landing when the Pyromancers agreed to bring some Wildfire with them too. They had arrived when Aryan was at Moat Cailin, so he sent the Pyromancers to Winterfell along with half the Wildfire cache. The rest he brought with him to get an edge when faced with a fortified defense. Thankfully his campaign was relatively easier till now. But he wanted to test the substance, and now that he got a chance, he immediately seized it. Jon Arryn was proving to be a problem. While Aryan did not have anything against him, Jon contradicting everything he said bothered him. Jon Arryn was behaving like a politician. Jon preferred a diplomatic approach while here, Aryan preferred a direct approach. While a diplomatic approach is necessary to prevent unnecessary bloodshed, here in the case of ironborn nothing could be achieved using diplomacy. History has shown that the ironborn will repeat their actions again and again. That was why Aryan was killing all the men to avoid surprises for the foreseeable future. But Stannis's unexpected victory had changed it. Now others were dealing with the remaining islands, and he was sure that nobody except maybe Tywin Lannister would be as ruthless as him.

As the fire slowly subsided. The Wildfire had done it's job excellently. There was a large gap where the gates of the Pyke once stood and the way was devoid of any ironborn. Aryan then looked at Robert and said, "Your Grace I had fulfilled my promise."

Robert looked at him surprised at what had happened. The other lords and men around the king also mirrored the King's surprise. Aryan's actions in this war had announced the arrival of a new player into the Game of Thrones to all of Planetos. Robert then nodded at him then yelled, "Charge." And the whole men began to charge. Aryan didn't bother going with them. He had done well enough. He had established himself as a capable commander. Still, he sent his men to continue doing on Pyke, what they did at Blacktyde and Orkmont.

He saw Eddard Cailstark coming towards him. Aryan asked him, "You didn't join the fight uncle?"

Eddard replied looking at the charging men, "No Aryan. Let the others handle it. I had done my share when we arrived here."

"Are you disappointed in what I had done, Uncle?" Aryan asked him. Aryan did not have a father in both his lives, but in this life he had a family who cared for him unlike the Dursleys. So a small part of him wanted their approval.

Eddard looked at him surprised and asked, "What do you mean Aryan?"

Aryan said, "You know, I had dealt with the ironborns very ruthlessly. Your mentor Jon Arryn also criticized me for what I had done for which I don't have any regrets. So do you think what I did was wrong?"

Eddard said as both of them sat on a rock, "You know Aryan when Moat Cailin was ready and I decided to move out several people asked me if it was wise to leave you by yourself to rule the North. Even Benjen was very skeptical of the idea. But I told them that I have complete trust in your abilities. In the eight years we were together at Winterfell your ideas had drastically changed the North. If I had been the Warden of North, the North would still have been the same, still weak. Benjen was right, the North cannot be ruled by someone like me. I have realized that I am too honorable. It must be someone like you who is pragmatic and ruthless but also just to your people and far-sighted. By this war you have also proved yourself to be a capable commander as well as a strategist. And take my words, all the Northern Lords have immense respect for you. So don't bother about my approval. Even though I may not agree with some of your actions, I trust you to do whatever is necessary. I will always support your decisions."

Aryan smiled in gratitude. Both of them looked towards the setting sun while the sound of battle and crash of waves could be heard.