The conquest of Myr had spread a growing sense of dread throughout the remaining Free Cities, Westeros was flexing its muscles and showing the rest of the world it was no longer going to be a passive player in global events and instead would be much more involved going forward...not least of which in its two vassal states in Essos...Pentos and Myr.
Taking Pentos had been worrying for the rest of the cities in Essos but not particularly so as it had not seemed that Westeros would do more with it. But when Myr was invaded that had made many of them feel less like bystanders and instead felt very much like they were something else...potential targets.
Given their location being so close to Myr, Lys and Tyrosh were easily the most scared. If Westeros was planning to push further east then they were likely to be the next targets for the dragons, both were looking for allies and preparing for war if it came.
But there had been another effect that was not immediately apparent, the slaves of Myr had been set free and word of this was spreading across all of Essos. Something like this had never really happened before and it was making waves that were spreading further and further.
The Slave Masters were confused at how a place where they had once done business could survive without slavery. It had been for them a way of life for countless centuries and had seemed as unchanging as the rising and falling of the sun and moon.
But for the slaves that heard about it...the response was different.
Instead some began to wonder if they might have freedom too? If they might have a chance at a life where the whip and chains would not hurt or bind them any more.
If they could reach Myr.
So some with the bravery of having nothing to lose and a vague hope of a better life began trying to get there.
- x -
Disputed Lands, Near Myr...292 AC...
A group of haggard looking people with little more than rags that covered their backs walked through the harsh land towards what they hoped was freedom.
The hot sun was burning them but they kept going, taking small sips of water from their small containers to keep themselves moving despite the pain in their feet and the burning of their skin. They had risked everything for this...they had to keep going...to keep moving towards what they hoped was freedom.
The sudden sound of hooves behind them sent a deep and harsh spike of fear through them, they turned around and saw a party of men approaching, all wearing the colours of the slave masters, this time of Volantis with whips and blunted spears already in hand to abuse them with when they got close enough. The escaping slaves tried to run but they were exhausted by their long march and the slavers were on horseback, they had no chance of escape.
Just as they resolved themselves though to a slow painful death or being enslaved again a sound that should have brought fear instead for the slaves at least brought a surge of hope.
They looked up, as they did a large shadow appeared over the land that seemed impossibly large but over a dune bellowing loudly, came a dragon! The sight of it scared the slavers most of all but as they turned to run the dragon at its rider's command burned all of them with an almighty blast of fire. The former slaves watched in terrified awe, wondering if the dragon would turn its attention to them but to their great surprise it completely ignored them and began flying back the way it had come. The slaves followed it over the dune ahead of them and saw a sight that delighted them no end.
The walls of Myr standing tall and strong, like a dream as they stared in amazement. They kept walking, eagerly heading towards a new life and freedom.
- x -
Shaena Targaryen landed her dragon in the courtyard of her manse, the largest and grandest in the city of course and let the poor dragon eat something as they had frequently needed to patrol in case more slavers dared come close to try and snatch away the freed slaves she thought with revulsion at the practice and what happened that unfortunately fell into their hands.
It was hard going she thought and more than she could reasonably deal with on her own especially with all of her other responsibilities in the city. So she had started setting up a patrol of men to patrol the Disputed Lands and help freed slaves reach Myr safely, trained people who could fight and defend them from the slavers. Many were only too happy to interfere as it meant having a chance to take their revenge on the slavers that had once hurt them which she knew could lead to problems but it was a necessary evil.
She saw her servants here, some from Westeros that had come over with her and her family while others had been recruited here and they looked worried. She could well understand their fear as the city was now in the process of rebuilding after the invasion and the restructuring into a vassal of Westeros was taking a long time to achieve.
The majority of the city's elites had been killed in the invasion or fled as the case might be and that had left many gaps in the industries and services vital to keeping the city going. Food was thankfully not a problem as they could trade with Westeros and specifically the Reach for it but everything else was proving difficult to rebuild.
While the people that actually made the products and whatever else was still there and willing to work the supply chains for materials were in shambles as the slaves had not been the ones dealing with such issues. As such getting new people in to fill the breach was a slow and painful process.
On top of that she thought with exhaustion, she had to work on completing her own 'special project'.
The training of her assassins had obviously been moved to Myr which allowed her to build a special place for them to train in one of the many manses in the city. A place large enough for all the training and equipment creation that they needed and could house many people comfortably.
Shaena walked through the corridors of her manse and saw some of the recruits training, they were in the process of moving them into their new manse so some of the training was still happening here, at least what could be publicly seen.
Men and women stood in the sparring circle, practising with their different weapons. Rather than focusing on merely one weapon. Such a thing could make them too recognisable so they were encouraged to achieve at least competence with a variety of weapons before specialising in one. They were also taught unarmed combat to ensure they would be able to fight if deprived of a weapon along with physical fitness training to increase their endurance and agility.
They were drilled harshly, making sure they were the best that they could be. To the outside world it looked like she was merely training excellent guards for the city or her own personal warriors.
Only when they went to their own manse did the real training begin.
Climbing walls and obstacle courses to teach how to climb without rope and move with speed and ease across any terrain, concealment in various places and disguise along with strategic thinking.
But also where they made their special weapons, a blade that could be easily concealed at the wrist or shoe. A blade that could be made to appear or hide at will. If used in the right way it was as lethal as any sword. They had no typical appearance or sex, they came from all walks of life and often looked nothing alike so they could blend in.
The first recruits were already there and progressing well from what she was told, Shaena thought with satisfaction. They would be soon ready to begin their work, their blades in the dark she thought with certainty and grateful that her brother had provided the means to keep them loyal. A contract enforced by magic that was created in Valyria and they were now able to recreate.
Breaking it would mean death, that was worth the effort she thought.
Bloodstone, The Stepstones...
The Stepstones had long been a bastion for pirates, sellswords and other kinds of lowlife, it defied all attempts for official governance although it was claimed by Lys and Tyrosh and before it was conquered by Myr too.
No one had truly tried to actually turn the islands into a kingdom of any real worth in centuries, since Daemon Targaryen's failed attempt prior to the Dance of the Dragons. But now with Lys and Tyrosh fortifying their own defences and Myr under the Iron Throne the islands were more vulnerable than they had been for centuries.
So it was the perfect time for the Dornish to add them to their kingdom.
Prince Oberyn stood on the deck of the Queen Visenya, on loan to him and the Dornish along with a full squadron from the Royal Fleet armed with cannons to aid in the conquest along with the help of Prince Daeron Targaryen and his dragon.
Bloodstone was the best place to start, the sight of the cannons firing was enough to shock even Oberyn Martell not to mention his nephew Quentyn who was at his side. The loud bangs were like being clapped on the ears but they could not deny their effectiveness as pirate ships were holed and sent to the bottom of the sea. Oberyn had sailed with pirates once but these particular pirates had been plaguing the coast of Dorne for decades and today at last they would make it stop he thought with smug satisfaction.
The pirate ports were rough looking buildings made of wood, cheap and easy to build by those that often lacked the skills to make stronger and more long lasting stone ones. This meant they were easily replaced when they started falling apart but also meant that when Prince Daeron dived on them with his dragon they were easily set alight.
Daeron burned the pirates out of their own homes while the ships at sea where sent to the bottom, it was a harsh punishment but a necessary one as once the pirates were gone Quentyn could claim them as his own, slaves from Essos in search of a new life would populate the islands and make them worthy vassals for Dorne Oberyn thought proudly as unlike the other kingdoms they were actually expanding their existing territory and he was the one that was doing it.
Quentyn at his side looked at the islands he was going to rule and was sombre as he considered what lay ahead of him.
"To make the islands a worthy holding for Dorne is the work of a lifetime." Quentyn said grimly as making something of his new home would be an incredible task in itself. Oberyn ever the optimist put a hand on his nephew's shoulder and told him with a smile.
"But they will be yours. Your legacy to shape as you see fit, the future is what you make it nephew. Do not let it worry you too greatly." Oberyn told him with an almost fatherly caring, Quentyn was the most level headed and grim of all his brother's children. He was dedicated to his duty to Dorne and not as expressive as Oberyn felt he should be but it was good that he might find something to be passionate about here or so Oberyn hoped.
Quentyn nodded, a slight smile tugging at his face which relieved Oberyn a lot. He would get this boy to be excited about something come what may he thought with determination.
Storm's End, the Stormlands...
Stannis Baratheon was now running Storm's End in absence of his older brother and it was honestly rather nice he thought to himself privately. He did not have to cater to his brother's whims or have to find coin to fund his wasteful lifestyle, instead all he had to do was make sure the castle ran smoothly and that order was maintained in the Stormlands.
It was...pleasant he thought to himself.
He did not covet positions, he was a creature of duty more than anything else and while he might be his brother's heir he did not really desire it. He would accept it as his duty but that was it.
He looked down at the table and saw another group of marriage proposals sent his way and he did not really like any of the women even if he had only met them in passing. They were ambitious social climbers who fancied themselves as future Lady of the Stormlands, he disliked people like that on principle as they were nothing but facades that hid the rot underneath. He was considering a match though he thought quietly to himself but it was only when he was sure of his choice.
If he did not have a son of his own to pass things on to then he was content to make Jasen Targaryen his heir when he was wed to Jocelyn, Jasen was by all accounts a very smart and strong lad who would rule well with Jocelyn at his side.
The sound of horses coming in from the window made him shake his head slightly, Robert from his letters had been having a wonderful time fighting against the Dothraki as he slowly worked his way towards Qohor. His brother was only really happy when he was fighting Stannis thought with exasperation but he had sent much to refill their coffers and also many fine Dothraki horses. They were good steeds Stannis admitted with a slight smile, they were fast and strong at the same time and he was making good coin selling them to other Stormlords who wanted them to breed with their own horses to make better mounts.
It was a big improvement on how things used to be Stannis thought before going back to work.
Norvos, Essos...Some Time Later...
The lands of Essos had made Robert Baratheon the great warrior he was supposed to be again, at least in his mind.
He led men that he had gathered from not just the Seven Kingdoms but also freed slaves and Sellswords from Essos to bolster his army that he had built while pursuing Dothraki Khalasars. Fighting them had been a challenge he thought with glee having had mostly infantry at the start but he had begun to adapt by making his army lighter and more mobile to keep up with them and take Dothraki horses to give to his own people. It had taken a year but he had taken down many khals now he thought proudly with a great collection of more horses and treasures to send to Storm's End or use while he was here.
Warfare was something that he found focused his mind in ways that otherwise would have bored it. He did not need distractions as focusing on warfare helped relieve his stress and kept him occupied.
Taking a city, that was something he could really get his teeth into he thought with glee. The smaller villages and towns had walls too but it was mere wooden walls that had been easy to pull down while Norvos itself was stone walled so that could cause a problem he considered but that only made the challenge more appealing.
However his king had provided him with a way around that Robert thought with a smirk as with all repressive societies there were always those that wanted to have freedom or at least to bring change. Having every moment of your life managed by priests who rang bells that let you know when you could eat, have sex Robert thought with disgust as you had the right to have a fuck when you wanted. The priests chose men to rule for them who were in their pocket, not because they capable.
For that reason they had also found men who were eager to rise socially and gain power but were not accepted by the priests for one reason or another, they too had been eager for a regime change.
So he gathered his men, Robert staring at the gate and wondering if their would be allies would come through or abandon them in some display of patriotism to the city where they lived.
But it seemed, Robert thought with a smile as the gate to the city opened despite cries from the guards, their allies in the city had not forsaken them.
He raised his war-hammer high in the air and called out with a roar.
"CHARGE!"
His men cried out in excitement as they ran or rode forward, pushing into the city as the guards tried to stop them but were soon completely overwhelmed, Robert laughed with excitement as he swung his hammer into the chest of one man, crushing his armour in with a considerable dent and killing him instantly before moving on to another.
The city quickly descended into chaos as they moved from street to street, building to building and cleared it of any enemies, the good thing was the priests were easy to identify as they alone in the city were allowed to have beards and they were an important target. Those that attempted to shave off their beards were often too quick and cut their faces trying to do it. Even those who avoided cutting themselves were not able to cover up their status completely.
All men who were put to death.
The ones that had sided with the Westerosi were spared from any butchery that was inflicted on the city, they would be the ones to rule the city after Robert and his men would leave. They would bend the knee to Westeros and begin the restructuring of Norvos into a province of the Iron Throne. The merchants of the city that had joined them were eager to join the trade network established by Haeron some time ago and would profit greatly from it.
The bells that had once been the centre of everyone's attention meanwhile, three of them that had once been described by Lomas Longstrider as one of the nine wonders made by man were carefully removed and moved to large carts to be taken to Pentos by road and then loaded aboard ships to be sent to Kings Landing. Noom, Narrah and Nyel as they were named would be sent there for several reasons. One was to be kept as a trophy of conquest but also to prevent anyone in the city from using them to rally in rebellion against the city's new rulers.
Unknown to Robert or in fact anyone associated with the invasion a manse where the Blackfyres of Norvos lived had been visited by men in the employ of House Targaryen. Documents in Myr had revealed their identities which was rather careless but had allowed the Targaryens to identify all of the Blackfyres in Norvos and eliminate them.
Lorath, Essos...
Westeros was not the only place was now considering expansion, Braavos not one to be outdone by others and wanting to expand its own lands followed suit.
So it had been swallowing up the rest of the peninsula that it sat on, backed with military aid from Westeros and now had set its sights on Lorath. While it was the weakest of all of the Free Cities in terms of economy and wealth not to mention military strength it had potential in its great fishing grounds and access to trade with the Ibbenese.
So Braavos had decided to take the three islands that made up Lorath for its own.
Poorly armed and equipped the Lorath fighters were no match for the sellswords hired by Braavos, not to mention the large war-fleet they had sent. The city fell within hours, giving the bleak islands to Braavos. Trophies were taken and the city's leadership reorganised to serve their mother country, however the Braavosi had always hidden its real reason for doing something well and it was a trait that continued to the current generation.
An island that Lorath controlled which was considered sacred to several of their religions so it had never been properly explored. Braavos though had sent a spy there ahead of the invasion to see what value if any the islands held. In caves that ran deep beneath the island veins of silver had been discovered when the caves were properly charted.
Enough to amass a fortune.
Winterfell, the North...
The North after the recent civil war had settled into a new and steady pattern, the North was as solid as the stones that made up the mountains. It took a great deal too truly shake the North and so it returned to apparent normality very quickly.
Ned had settled into his position of Lord of the North with surprising grace, he was a steady and reasonable lord. One that while honourable also was reasonable to his lords and subjects, understanding and yet firm when required. His line of succession was stable with three sons to follow him and made stronger by the great bond of brotherhood he had with his younger brother Benjen who had two sons of his own not to mention Greenwood Castle as a strong holding.
Vorian was perhaps a big part in why they had been happy to accept Ned as Lord of Winterfell, the boy was not only extremely talented in warfare and planning but his skill with a sword was already at his age remarkable. It was whispered that he was as skilled as his uncle Ser Arthur Dayne so one day Winterfell would be ruled by one of the greatest warriors in Westeros.
Ulrich's great mind likewise was a great pride for House Stark, even if he served as a steward for his older brother or perhaps a maester but either way he would be a major source of wisdom for the future governance of the area. Bran and Arya were merely spares for the moment but it was widely accepted that they too might become big players in how the North was run.
Much to the worry of Catelyn Tully.
She had seen Ashara Dayne the Dornish hussy being embraced by the people Catelyn thought with anger, they had never accepted her she thought fuming at the disrespect. They would not treat her with the same respect they gave the Dornish woman so freely, calling her Lady Stark when they had never called Catelyn that even when Brandon had been alive.
It was unfair, she raged, she had been forced to live in this gods-forsaken land for so many years now and yet she was not even given the common decency of being addressed by her rightful title!
She had no hand in running Winterfell, never had she thought bitterly. Despite being wed to the heir she had never been allowed any say in how things were done. She was not even allowed to have a sept to pray in she thought with anger and to raise her own daughters in the correct faith. They only knew of the Seven from her and not a Septa like they should have been.
It was an affront to the Seven to not raise her daughters in their faith she thought with disgust at the barbarian Northerners and their Old Gods.
She had to address this situation somehow she thought with determination to finally have some voice in how this was castle and indeed this kingdom was run.
Perhaps even ensure her daughters received their rightful positions she thought carefully.
A plan that centred itself on replacing the Dornish hussy as Lady of Winterfell...and Ned's wife.
She knew that she could only do that by getting rid of Ashara Fucking Dayne.
She had no idea how to go about murder, at least how to do it and get away with it but at least gaining some influence with Ned would go along way towards that.
For that she would need to show him what a real woman was she thought with satisfaction as she looked at her reflection in the mirror.
She had a body that was supple and toned, skin that soft to the touch and her hair was a like fiery silk running down her back and she had tailored her dress into the most enticing shape she could. It clung to her body's shape and made the most of her large breasts and narrow waist. It also could be dropped with a pulling of the cord when she needed it.
It was meant to show Ned just what a real woman looked like she thought with certainty that her plan was going to work.
The fact that Ashara Dayne was still considered to be one of the most beautiful women in all of Westeros even when compared to the Targaryen Queens did not seem to matter, her ego making such a comparison not valid in her mind. Her body even after four children was still the sort of model that artists of many different professions lining up to beg for her permission. Many Northern lords actually considered Ned to be extremely lucky to have wed such a beautiful woman and unlike Catelyn she had done her best to adapt to the ways of her husband's homeland rather than reject them as the Tully woman had.
Something that never crossed her mind.
She put a woollen cloak around herself to preserve some of her dignity and buttoned it closed and made her way through the castle, none of the servants seemed to notice her beyond a slight bow which was nothing like the greeting they should be giving her but she pushed the instinct to react down to keep on going.
Catelyn stopped at the door, knowing this was the last chance she would have to stop and retreat but she had come too far to stop now so she pushed the door to the Lord's Solar open and stepped inside.
The room was empty which was both relieving and annoying as it meant she would surprise Ned when he came in. She went behind a nearby screen and removed her cloak, taking a deep breath and adjusting her dress to make as much of her upper chest as she could. She was nervous and she could almost hear her girlhood septa saying she looked like a whore which was how she felt but as the door opened she had to stop feeling nervous, peeking to see it was Ned much to her relief and he was apparently alone.
She took a steadying breath and stepped out from behind the screen, Ned was busy looking at documents and hadn't noticed her at first, she went over and put a hand on his shoulder.
"What are you doing?" A sharp voice said from near the door.
Catelyn's heart sank as she saw what she had missed the first time, Ashara Dayne was standing near the door. She looked at her with suspicious eyes especially given the dress she was wearing and that she had been hiding in the room.
"Lady Tully." Ned said, almost leaping to his feet in surprise before Ashara glared at her. The purple eyes of Lady Dayne made Catelyn feel like an insect beneath a boot heel, blazing like a fire aimed straight at her.
"I think Lady Tully had best take some time to herself, at home in the Riverlands to think on her future on her own." Ashara said coldly, her intentions clear which made a chill run down Catelyn's spine as she understood what she meant. Panic seizing her chest as she begged.
"Please! Don't separate me from my girls." Catelyn said, terrified at losing her daughters but Ashara was unmoving and said coolly.
"The girls are of the North and they will stay here, you can write. Now Ned, make the arrangements." She told her husband who nodded with a tired sigh, he had hoped to not be forced to separate the girls from their mother but he felt the tension Lady Catelyn was making and that the girls would be better without her involvement in their education, not least of which to help them bond with their half sisters who she kept strictly away from them. Not to mention stop Catelyn being harsh to both Yondi and Willow, leaving them with deep wounds in their souls.
The girls were Starks, all of them in his mind whether they had the name or not. More than that they were sisters and it was only right they treat each other as such.
Catelyn began begging him not to do this as guards came in and dragged her back to her room where her belongings would be packed and then sent with her south to Riverrun. Ashara watched coldly as she knew full well what Catelyn had been trying and would never tolerate anyone trying to mess with her family she thought with anger and disgust.
- x -
The three girls stood there with tears in their eyes as Catelyn was put into a wheelhouse and locked inside before it rode out of the gates and away from them. Minisa being the oldest of the three was trying to be strong for her two younger sisters and held them in her arms, Sansa and Roslyn though were unable to contain their sorrow and cried openly as they watched their mother being sent away.
None of them understood just what their mother had done, not understanding that she had tried to seduce Lord Stark their uncle and been caught. They even wondered if it was something that they had done but Ashara as she looked at the three girls felt pity and came over to them. They looked at her with suspicion but she remained and calm and told the girls.
"Do not worry girls. You have done nothing wrong, your mother forgot that my husband was already married and she could not use her body to ensnare him." Ashara told them bluntly which made them blush with shock at the words she was using. They were so innocent in such matters they had never even thought about it which made Ashara sigh as clearly these girls needed to be taught how to be women properly. To understand just what they were facing in this world and how to manage, how to handle themselves.
"I will be in charge of your education now, I will teach you how to be women and not ignorant girls. Better you understand how the world works now than be exposed to it blindly. Now, follow me." Ashara told them seriously and beckoned the girls to follow her. Minisa, Sansa and Roslyn stared briefly after her before swallowing their nerves and following her wondering just what they would be learning from her.
The Red Keep, Kings Landing...
Back in Kings Landing Haeron was reading the various reports from his lords about the events in his realm and smiled as things were going very well. The Conquest of Norvos was a good step forward along with the Stepstones which deprived their enemies of a potential base there.
But that still left enemies at their door Haeron thought with a sigh at his own paranoia, according to his own contacts, Varys and his own sister both Lys and Tyrosh were extremely scared and plotting against him, they were however worried at the idea of fighting not only his dragons but his cannons too as they were weapons that frankly were near impossible to counter.
Haeron knew the rest of the world would eventually get hold of cannons and gunpowder, it was inevitable. To be honest it was something of a surprise that it hadn't happened yet so he would need to take advantage of this weapon for as long as he alone had it.
That meant dealing with not only Lys and Tyrosh he thought with a cold calm before looking forward east towards Volantis and then potentially further to Slaver's Bay perhaps?
He had long ago told Jaime that change took great effort and invading would allow him to rip the heart out of slavery in Essos. He was not so short sighted to think this would mean the end of the practice but it might he hope end it in these areas of the world. Then a page came in with another message for him which he took with care and read, his eyebrow rising as he heard what Robert Baratheon was trying to do next.
Take Qohor.
Haeron sighed and quickly made preparations to head out there, knowing it was best to be there personally to see the conquest and to route out the Blackfyres in the city.
Qohor, Essos...A Month Later...
The heat of the day was something you had to get used to when you lived in Essos, Robert Baratheon thought with derision as he wiped the sweat from his brow. He had been taking down Khals all over the place but now he was facing his next and perhaps hardest conquest...Qohor.
He looked at the walls that surrounded the city and had to admit they were formidable Robert thought with worry. High and thick so even if they were to build siege weapons he doubted getting through would be that easy.
Namely he thought with worry at who was guarding those walls.
One thing Robert Baratheon knew well was warfare and how to fight, with the exception of Randyll Tarly in the Reach no other man in Westeros could best him at it. So when he saw a group of warriors as good as the Unsullied, he took notice.
He had seen one of them in Pentos, fighting for a slaver that owned him unofficially and the Unsullied had killed seven Westeros Knights before taking a single hit. It took twelve men to take him down and the way he had moved, with such precision and lack of fear.
Like they had been less than human with no fear of dying and complete fixation on their role, it scared even him.
And this city had three thousand of them protecting it, a tradition that had endured since the same number of Unsullied had fought off a Dothraki horde many times their size.
Having faced the Dothraki Robert knew they were nothing to be sniffed at, the slave men guarding those walls were fearless and better than any man than he had.
And three thousand of them he considered, his face grim as he knew he would need to be careful with this one.
But first, Robert thought with determination he would need a way through those walls, hence why he was sitting at a table and feasting with a complete bastard he thought with revulsion.
"No one has sacked Qohor in centuries, you're wasting your time." Vargo Hoat said with scorn as he tore the head off a bird they'd cooked. Robert gritted his teeth at the dirty sellsword who he had found killing a whole caravan of traders merely because Vargo and his men had wanted coin to afford whores. He would normally have killed the man on the spot but he led a hundred men if they had the right to be called that and he knew the city well.
"There must be a way around the walls." Robert demanded and Vargo smirked with satisfaction as if he knew something that Robert didn't and that gave him leverage. This only angered Robert more but he had become much better at controlling himself in the last couple of years and swallowed his pride to ask. "Do you know any?"
"Yes." Vargo said with satisfaction knowing he had him over a barrel. "There is an old Valyrian Aqueduct that smugglers use to bring goods in and out of the city. Its not large enough to get your whole army inside but its big enough to get a few hundred men inside...enough to overwhelm the city watch. They number only three hundred and are not great fighters at that."
Robert was now revising his strategy, being able to overwhelm the city watch was good and that was enough men to throw open the gate and let the other men inside.
But it wasn't enough to deal with the Unsullied he thought with frustration knowing the people he sent in there would be killed if they tried this approach.
He then was disturbed by a scream, he leapt to his feet and ran out of the tent, half expecting for a force from Qohor or some Dothraki raiding his camp but instead he saw one of Vargo's men the Brave Companions screaming as a snake clamped down on his wrist.
"YOU FUCKING IDIOT!" Vargo yelled as he saw what was happening, the snake was strange as it had 'wings' on the sides of its body. A cobra as it was called and one of the most dangerous snakes known to exist, Robert had seen men bitten by them since coming to Westeros and knew how dangerous they were.
The venom was vicious, even a small amount made men freeze, unable to move their own bodies and would kill eventually. But the men suffered for hours before they died, it was terrible death Robert thought thinking when his time came it would be better to go quickly rather than slowly like that.
That was when suddenly an idea sprang into his mind, one so strange and dishonourable that normally he would never have considered but it might actually work he thought with a grim smile on his face.
"Find as many of those snakes as you can and get me someone who knows them. I need their venom, arrow heads made of steel too." Robert ordered as a plan formed in his mind to take the city. One that would allow him to deal with both the City Watch and the Unsullied without sacrificing all of his men he thought with satisfaction at his plan.
Vargo and the rest of the men looked at Robert in confusion but did as he commanded, wondering just what the man had up his sleeve this time.
A Week Later...
The army of Robert Baratheon prepared for battle outside the walls, seeming to ready siege weapons to attack but staying just out of range of the weapons mounted on the walls. The people of the city looked out and worried but only a little as they were confident in their walls and the Unsullied to protect them.
They had no idea that the seeds of their destruction had already been planted and the wheels were already in motion.
The dry river bed nearby that had once brought water into the city now had four hundred of Robert Baratheon's men and the Brave Companions, strangely over a hundred of them were archers who were an odd choice to join the party but they were arguably the most important members of his group.
They pulled the rocks aside with care and revealed the old passage which had once carried water into the city, barely wide enough for them to go single file through but they could move through the narrow space. It was hard going and you could easily trip on the uneven surface where debris had fallen or been deposited by water when it had once flowed through the passage. If you fell it would bring the entire line to a stop especially as they were having to go so slowly to not make an unnecessary noise to not give themselves away.
Progress was painfully slow and deeply uncomfortable for the men but finally they manage to emerge into a small reservoir area that was now used by smugglers and they could gratefully stretch their bodies after being confined for so long but they could not enjoy this for long as more men were coming up behind them.
The reservoir filled up faster than they had thought and soon it became uncomfortable with so many men crowded in there and even more in the passage before finally they could stand it no-more and launched their strike on the city.
They ran up the old stone stairs and emerged into the tavern that sat over the old entrance, the men and women inside were instantly caught by surprise at so many armed men appearing as if from nowhere and quickly started shouting but the men who led the charge were the Brave Companions who laughed loudly as they cut them down regardless of who they were; man, woman or child.
They burst out of the tavern as more and more men ran up from the underground, pouring out of the tavern and into the city. The people around looking in shock before running in fear, realising that their enemies had somehow breached their walls.
The sellswords and the worst of the men in Robert's army laughed as they charged, killing men and boys on the spot before grabbing women and girls before dragging them kicking and screaming into alleyways.
The men with more integrity and loyalty to their lord did not partake in such things although they noted the men who did, concentrating on the surprised and unprepared City Watch who were far from the hard edged fighters that the Westerosi were after Robert's fights with the Dothraki. They were overwhelmed easily while they secured the centre of the city.
Meanwhile lighter infantry and the archers rushed towards the city gates and the dangerous Unsullied, the slave soldiers were alerted to the attack but had been ordered to stay on the walls and no one yet had told them to move so they stayed where they were but did ready themselves.
The city gates were the most reinforced part of the walls and the most important, the Unsullied readied their weapons to meet the charge without any expression or fear at all but this was where Robert used his archers.
These men were used to Dothraki on horse back so they were expert-marksmen, unlikely to miss their targets. The steel tipped arrows were however not aimed at more important areas but at the forearms and anywhere they might hit the naked skin. Each tip had been coated with the cobra's venom, dipped and kept in it till each hit delivered a small dose.
The Unsullied for all their training were still human, still living breathing men who when hit with this venom felt its effects, slowing them down and making their muscles seize up. It soon took effect, making them sluggish and more vulnerable.
Meaning they were more easily finished off with another arrow or by soldiers who were more able to move than they were. They still fought and with more strength and skill than any other man could, taking down some of the invaders before the gate was thrown open and Robert Baratheon with his Valyrian steel war hammer in hand and riding a huge black charger led his men into the city.
He grinned as they pushed in, his plan had worked just as he had hoped and now they had breached the city and were free to take it. He saw one of the city watch who were still standing and swung his hammer into him with such force he left a fist sized dent in the chest plate.
He saw his archers taking down the Unsullied and with that in hand he led his people into the city, eager to be the first man to conquer Qohor in centuries. But as he did so he saw the brutal and horrific actions of the Brave Companions, crimes of the worst nature imaginable being committed right before his eyes and knew that something had to be done.
- x -
End of the Day...
Smoke rose from the city as the dragon of Haeron Targaryen approached, the king frowned having hoped to be here before the attack but clearly he had underestimated Robert Baratheon as the banner of the Stag hung proudly on the walls.
He flew to the centre of the city, the largest clearing where he saw the tall and powerful form of Robert easily, urging Kara down where Robert stood to greet him, kneeling as he landed.
"Your grace, Qohor is yours." Robert said and Haeron nodded, allowing him to rise before smiling.
"Well done Lord Baratheon, once again you prove you are unmatched on the battlefield. I am not sure how to reward you for this service but I am sure there will be something you could ask for." Haeron said and Robert frowned which worried Haeron a little before he said quietly.
"The Brave Companions, they provided information that made this conquest possible but what they did to some of the people is unacceptable. I gave my word they would not be punished by me though so they would give us what we needed." Robert told him and then went into unfortunate details of what the Brave Companions had done to the city's people.
Haeron's expression darkened as he heard and nodded in agreement.
"I understand Lord Baratheon, while you swore to allow them free reign I have not and now this city is subject to the Iron Throne they are too." Haeron told him which made Robert smile slightly as they had found a way around it.
Vargo Hoat who had been enjoying himself immensely with his men, looting and taking all that they wanted. Many of the smug shits who had looked down on him had died screaming, all of the worst ways that he could think of had been used today he thought proudly.
But the sight of the King's dragon...that made him suddenly excited.
While he knew enough to fear the great beast that had laid waste to armies and if rumours were true had fought a demon in the skies above Kings Landing the night the current king had taken the throne. A warrior king who had already expanded the realm far beyond what his ancestor had...this meant he would need someone to rule Qohor for him.
And Vargo intended to be that person he thought with confidence, knowing he was going to have to kiss a lot of arse but it would be worth it.
He and his men came into the main square and the dragon cowed them, the creature seemed enormous to them and more so as it seemed to be focused on them. They actually stopped as the dragon twisted its head, looking towards the King who honestly was an intimidating sight in his own right, towering over all of them and with two large swords at his waist. His reputation as a warrior, an explorer, a merchant, a king and a conqueror was terrifying to most men and the man seemed to be speaking to his beast.
They didn't know how the Targaryens controlled their dragons but it wouldn't trouble them for long as the dragon without warning took off and flew over them, opening its great mouth and bathing them in its fire as they screamed.
Haeron and Robert stared impassively, not showing any reaction to what had just happened but those men had criminals and even the Wall did not deserve their kind.
Riverrun, the Riverlands...
Catelyn Tully stood in her old room, maids dressing her in white silk with a Tully cloak about her shoulders and her face made up. She still looked as beautiful as she had the last time she had been in her wedding dress and if anything her figure was now more developed with larger teats and hips making her figure stand out greatly.
But inside she was miserable, she missed her daughters so much! She thought with despair, what ever had possessed her to try and seduce Lord Stark? She questioned herself again, she must have been out of her mind.
Now she was never likely to see her daughters again she thought with misery, who knows what that Dornish woman was teaching them now? How long before they forgot the true gods? Catelyn worried as now they would surely be forced into worshipping the barbaric false Old Gods? She wondered and was terrified for her girls' souls.
But today she would have other things to worry about she thought with a sigh.
Her father was now wedding her to Ser Derek Rook, an old and frail man that had served her father and been given a castle after the civil war. He was a man older than her father and mostly grim, he used some potion to 'harden' his manly parts or so she was told she thought with disgust at such a thing.
It was not natural she thought with revulsion, not looking forward to this marriage but it might at least give her some voice as it would be her castle to run and maybe have more children she thought with determination to make something of her situation before walking out of her room to the sept with the maids around her, seeing the Septon standing there with her father who grimly looked at her and then at her new 'husband' a man with thinning hair that was already turning white and his face deeply lined. She sighed openly before walking to the altar and getting this over with, she would make the most of this she thought to herself what else could she do?
- x -
The Red Keep, Kings Landing...A Few Months Later...
The Tourney area of the Red Keep was open to the people of the city today, but not for a tourney. Instead the Seastone Chair which had been taken from Pyke, the Bells from Norvos, Myr art, Pentos statues and Goat statues from Qohor...to show the people their new conquests.
To demonstrate their strength and their triumphs to the people, many of the people had never left the city before so seeing these foreign treasures was a thrilling and exciting experience. Many of the younger people and children looked at them with awe and imagined the foreign places that the Essosi objects in particular could have come from. Some would join the Royal Fleet to have a chance to see those foreign places for themselves or train to be knights so they might have a chance to travel. But all the same they would be creating a great buzz of excitement in the city and surrounding kingdom as people came to see the new treasures of House Targaryen.
They were not charged for this, it was a move meant to show their power as was the map of the known world. The areas of Pentos, Myr, Norvos, Qohor and the Stepstones now shaded to show that they bent the knee to Westeros and now were a part of its dominion. Even foreign sailors who came to Kings Landing were astounded and would carry back tales of this to wherever they came from.
Evelyn and Harmony had masterminded this to create goodwill and show their power at the same time, they looked out with a smile of triumph. Elia and Lyanna at their side as they looked down at the crowds.
- x -
Tree of Crowns, Disputed Lands, Essos...
The small wood made up of apple trees that stood in a circle of sorts was the place that where the Band of Nine had assembled so long ago.
Now it was the sight of a new secret meeting...one between two of the remaining Free Cities.
Lys and Tyrosh, fear having made them actually join forces for the first time in centuries, the two representatives meeting to discuss their own survival in the face of Westeros aggression.
"There is no point to any alliance if we cannot defend ourselves against them." The Tyrosh man said with a bitter anger, the Lys man was nodding in agreement before telling him a plan.
"We have to behead the dragon then we can end the threat they pose. Not fight them like Myr and Pentos tried to do." The Lyseni man told him with a smirk, thinking they had finally found a way to deal with the Targaryens. "Without them no-one in Westeros can control dragons and the rest of the Houses there will fight among themselves."
"Its been tried before and failed!" The Tyroshi man said with some worry but desperation made them scared enough to try. It was surely only a matter of time before the Targaryens turned their attention to Lys and Tyrosh. Securing them would make sure they had full dominance in the area and all the Disputed Lands, it would far too tempting in their minds to not do it.
"We will train special ones, it will work. It must." The Lyseni told him and the Tyroshi looked unconvinced but knew it was a desperate situation and nodded in agreement.
Kings Landing, the Crownlands...Half a Year Later...
The people of the city were happy as today was a special day for all of them, a circus was in town.
In a large area that usually was set aside for tourneys the circus was set up with all of its acts, animals of all kinds were paraded around the circus ring while people who had never seen things like elephants, tigers and other animals before marvelled at the strange creatures.
Then there were the dancers and tight rope acts which delighted the crowds, the Royal Family did not really attend as they had other things to do until the final day when at last the Targaryens decided to come.
They were away from their dragons which was a rare occasion but the King, both queens, their sons and daughters, nieces and nephew plus Princess Elaena and Princess Daenerys were all present.
They were sitting in the box and looked rather bored as they were far from impressed at such things given they rode dragons and had other things to occupy their time.
The acrobats on the tightrope were performing and they were athletic and daring which they would give them credit for but as they gathered on the tightrope nearest to the Royal Box, standing in a pyramid shape they had to applaud as it was an impressive display.
But then the acrobats then leapt with considerable grace from the line and into the Royal Box!
They drew thin daggers from around the wrists and lunged at the Targaryens, shocking everyone but Harmony with reflexes that were impressive hit the attackers with a repulsion charm. Not enough to be noticeable but enough to give the Targaryens and their royal guard enough time to rally.
The Targaryens were always armed even the girls, drawing swords and daggers and the Royal Guard drew their short swords which they carried for just this situation. Ser Arthur Dayne and Ser Barristan Selmy proving they had lost none of their skill as they sliced into the assassins, Ser Lewyn however was impaled by one of the knives in the chest. He staggered back and Haeron immediately planted Blackfyre straight in the chest of the offender but Evelyn stunned one of the assassins covertly as men swarmed into the circus and surrounded the circus performers who looked shocked and confused at what was happening.
The assassins had clearly expected to take more advantage of the element of surprise but they had not been anticipating Harmony and her magic. Still with the few they had spared taken prisoner they turned their attention to poor Ser Lewyn who was staggering with a hard wound.
"Get the maesters." Haeron said quickly and decisive as he personally pressed against the wound to slow the bleeding while casting a small healing spell to repair the damage. It would keep him alive until the maester could treat his wounds.
"Harmony, get answers out of them." Haeron then said to his wife who nodded and made arrangements for them to be moved to the cells while the maesters finally arrived to tend to Ser Lewyn.
The attack was not unexpected, they had been expecting something to happen for some time given their recent activities and thus been prepared when it finally came.
But they now needed to know who was after them this time.
Haeron stood with Ser Lewyn who was being tended too with a grim look on his face.
"The lung, they say it was damaged. I can already feel shortness of breath your grace." Ser Lewyn said and Haeron nodded, understanding his worries and concerns. "I regret I cannot continue to serve you. I would be a liability." He warned not wanting sentiment or arrogance to compromise the protection of House Targaryen.
Haeron understood albeit it reluctantly, he nodded and told him.
"If that is your wish but your position as teacher at the Royal Guard Academy is always open to you if you want it. Who in your mind should become the new Commander of the Guard?" Haeron asked and Lewyn nodded with a sad smile.
"I think it better that I stand down, with your consent I will return to Dorne and live out my days with my family. Ser Arthur Dayne will be an excellent Royal Guard Commander in my place." Lewyn suggested and Haeron accepted it reluctantly.
"Given all that you have done for me and my family I can hardly deny your request. You will be greatly missed." Haeron said and extended his hand, Lewyn nodded and bowed before shaking the king's hand.
- x -
The Small Council Chamber, The Red Keep...
"The assassins were trained in two separate cities, Lys and Tyrosh. Paid for by several wealthy patrons of those cities. More so they have been jointly garrisoning forts in the Disputed Lands." Evelyn told the Small Council with a grim look.
"Lys and Tyrosh together. I suppose we should be flattered." Tyrion Lannister said with a smirk. "Putting aside centuries of conflict to ally against Westeros."
"Humour aside Lord Lannister, this cannot go unanswered." Grandmaester Horus said with anger the foreigners who dared try and strike at the heart of Westeros.
"A response is demanded your grace." Ser Arthur Dayne said calmly, sitting in his new seat. Haeron nodded before turning to Davos who understood the needs of the moment.
"The Fleet will be readied, but to take both cities we will need an army your grace." Davos said wisely and Haeron nodded in agreement.
"A call will be put out. All of the houses will be asked to send a number of men to assemble our force." Haeron said calmly as if enough of the houses got behind it and hedge knights, sellswords and more came to their banner they would have enough men to do what they needed to do.
"That might take some time your grace." Varys said calmly but Haeron was unmoved.
"It will indeed but it is necessary and will get us the fighting force we need." Haeron said, knowing to reach other to his allies in the two cities to ensure their well-being and when the time was right they would take it over.
The ravens flew in an enormous mass from the Red Keep in every direction, the message clear and simple to understand. Westeros was once again at war and it was time to secure the west coast of Essos for themselves.
- x -
White Sword Tower, the Red Keep...Later that Day...
Ser Lewyn was packing his belongings into a chest, he did not possess much but there were some personal things. He was relieved in some ways to go home, eager to spend his final years at his family's home.
"Ser Martell? May I speak with you?" A voice spoke from the side door, Lewyn looked and saw Ser Arthur standing there looking respectful if uncertain. Lewyn smiled at the younger man and told him.
"Absolutely Arthur, come in."
Ser Arthur did as his former commander bid and looked around at the chambers that would soon be his as Lord Commander of the Royal Guard. It did not feel like it belonged to him, it was still Ser Lewyn's in his mind but soon it would be a fact.
"Is there any advice you feel I need to have?" Arthur asked with hope that he might have some advice that he could use in this new position. Ser Lewyn however smiled before telling him.
"No not really. Except perhaps to remember your duty Ser Arthur." Ser Lewyn said with a smirk before leaving the annoyed but in some ways amused younger man behind. Elia and Rhaenys waited for him at the bottom of the tower, he gave them the customary bow but Rhaenys completely ignored protocol and ran over to hug him. He took it gracefully and returned it gently to his great niece, he looked up and saw Elia smiling sadly.
"We will miss you and visit you all the time." Rhaenys said with a sad teary look on her face which wiped away gently before telling her.
"And I will always be there if you need me." He reassured her and then he turned to Elia who hugged him herself. She had been greatly reassured by his presence all these years and it was going to be hard not having here with her everyday but he needed to rest she thought sadly.
He knew her worries and held her carefully and with love, letting her know he understood. It was hard for him to leave them but it was what he felt he had to do. He saddled his horse with his belongings and bid them one last farewell with a loving hug before setting out for home.
They watched him go with sadness but knew they would see him again, he was of Dorne and they never bent for anyone do he would not be moved from his course.
All over Westeros word of the war spread and the call to arms that the king had demanded, sellswords and hedge knights answered the call in droves. Eager to prove themselves and make their mark in the expansion of Westerosi interests. The chance to enrich themselves and their families was another huge draw for many and so men came from all over Westeros. If they had a mount a horse, a donkey or anything like that they rode them or sharing rides on carts if they could find them. Others walked along the roads, forming into groups as they arrived at Kings Landing a vast camp growing around the city walls as more and more men arrived. The forges of the city were working tirelessly to make arms and armour for the men before they left for Essos.
Likewise the docks were busier than ever as ships prepared to sail for Essos; Myr and the Stepstones specifically as they would be their launching point to strike from.
Haeron in his armour rode Kara while at his side Daeron rode Artyr along side him, both dragons in their new armour as well while Ser Arthur Dayne stood on the deck of the flagship with Lord Davos Seaworth watching as they sailed out into Blackwater Bay with their fleet behind them, course set and ready. Heading for their next conquest.