Lord Commander Theon Stark
It had been seven years since Aemon Blackfyre had died on the Bleeding Water, seven years in which peace had largely returned to Westeros and the Kingdom of the North and Iron Islands. Apart from a minor rebellion on the Three Sisters which saw House Sunderland wiped out apart from Lord Davos' granddaughter who was now wed to Theon's nephew Prince Jorah Stark, their wedding having taken place some two moons ago. Theon's nephew had left for the Three Sisters in order to further his hold on the islands, not that there would be much resistance to his rule, not now that the houses that had risen in rebellion, Longthorpe and Borrell had been extinguished during their failed rebellion and replaced by houses that would be more loyal to Jorah and to Winterfell. Jorah himself would make a good ruler, he had followed in Aegor's example and had listened to every word Theon's brother King Daeron had had to say on the matters of ruling, lessons that Theon knew his own brother had learnt from their father and from years of experience.
There had also been some concern over Rodrick Greyjoy and his ascension to the lordship of the Iron Islands. Where Greyjoy's father had been a reasonable man, someone whom Theon knew could be trusted with maintaining the peace when peace was what was needed, Rodrick Greyjoy seemed to be more a man inclined to follow his own instincts, and if his actions during the last Blackfyre war were any indication, they were quite brutal. Some on the council, mainly Jonnel Manderly and Ethan Glover had worried that perhaps Greyjoy would go against protocol and begin invading and raiding the lands south of the neck, which would undoubtedly bring retribution from the Iron Throne and with that would come war, and at that point the north had not been ready for war. Yet Greyjoy had proven to be reasonable, coming to Winterfell himself to assure Daeron and the council that he would not do anything that would go against their plans, and that when the call came the full might of the Iron Islands would be there ready for their use.
It seemed as if, Greyjoy would soon be called upon, word had come from the south, the Riverlords, Shawney, Smallwood, Goodbrook, Ambrose and Lothston had all called their banners in rebellion against Riverrun and the Iron Throne. The letter had read that they were rebelling in order to put the rightful king, Aegon Blackfyre, Theon's own nephew on the throne. When the raven had come, Theon had expected that both his brother and nephew would rush to aid the rebel riverlords in their attempts to seat a Blackfyre on the throne, and yet his brother had surprised them all by reading the letter and then putting it aside and turning to talk about some other issue. When he had asked him about that later, Daeron had simply replied. "The north is not completely ready yet to mobilise. Let the fish bleed themselves dry first, then we shall strike and this time we shall not fail." It seemed as if Daeron was remaining true to his words, reports continued to flow in from their sources in the south, Walder Frey was aiding the rebels with food and money but not with troops, and the rebels had amassed a sizeable force at Harrenhal and were preparing to march on Riverrun itself.
The King they were trying to seat on the Iron Throne, Aegon Blackfyre, Theon's nephew, his sister Barbrey's son was not like his father or even Theon's half brother, the original black dragon. Where Daemon and Aemon had been more about fighting with the sword than their mind, and had little attention to books or words, Aegon was more calm and composed and much more withdrawn, more focussed on learning and reading, but still a decent swordsman if not the best. The boy, for that was what he was, seemed to have a sharp mind for politics, and often in council meetings Theon had heard him argue for caution against some of the more rash suggestions that had come from men who really should have known better.
And so they had remained in Winterfell, though the banners had been called, and as the lords began filing in, the moons began to pass by and yet there seemed to be no movement or haste on Daeron's part to march south. News continued to filter in from the Riverlands; a battle had been fought at Rushing Falls between the forces of Lord Lothston and Lord Piper, ending with Piper's host being routed and the man himself being slain. Another battle had been fought at Tumbler's falls, between the combined forces of House Blackwood and House Bracken against the forces of the rebels lead by Arthor Ambrose, another victory for the rebels with Lord Otho Bracken being slain. A stalemate had been reached though in the Riverlands, Acorn Hall had been seized by those loyal to the Iron Throne and the castle put to the sword, forcing the rebels to retreat to the limited safety of Harrenhal. That had finally managed to stir Daeron from whatever plans he had been making with Edwyle, as well as the fact that they had received word that Bittersteel and the Golden Company had invaded the Stormlands and had so far managed to take two of the castles on Cape Wrath.
So they set out from Winterfell, 15,000 strong made up of men from Winterfell, Cerwyn, Barrowtown, the Rills, Last Hearth, the Dreadfort and Karhold. When they arrived at Moat Cailin, they were joined by an extra 5,000 men from Stony Shore, White Harbour and the Neck. A raven had been sent to Pyke informing Rodrick to begin raiding along the coast of the Westerlands, the Lannisters were in chaos, and would likely fall easily this time. From there they moved down the Twins where they were greeted by the young lord of the Crossing, Walder Frey. Frey was newly married and it showed, his wife was glowing with pregnancy and the lad himself seemed to be constantly at her side. He greeted them warmly, and gave them every hospitality and when they asked for news of the war he told them. "Bracken and Blackwood have retreated back to their castles, Tully broods in Riverrun, and a force is mustering at Maidenpool to lay siege to Harrenhal."
They spent roughly a week in the Twins, Daeron speaking with Walder Frey and his own lords, and when Theon was not needed he spent that time with Jeyne. Things between him and Jeyne had always been complicated, they had known each other since they were little more than babes, and had always felt something for one another, heck that was why they had joined the Winter's Guard as a way to escape whatever other fate their families would have given them. Of course their vows, and the honour attached to such vows often made them both feel ashamed of what they were doing, which was why they had ended their affair sometime ago, that did not mean that there were not still feelings there.
They were still present, and after a sparring session, they found themselves alone, for the first time in a while. Sweat was dripping off of both of their bodies, as they moved back to the castle. "That was a good session Lord Commander." Jeyne said in her cool voice. "Certainly, much better than some of the other sessions we have had."
Theon merely grunted. "Aye, you no longer swing a sword like a monkey at a menagerie."
Jeyne laughed and hit him on the arm. "Oh but you have never swung a sword like a monkey have you mister perfect?"
Theon chuckled then. "I could not afford to. Not with Daeron and Daemon as brothers. It was either learn how to become one of the best, or be reminded that I could never be the best."
Jeyne stops laughing then and her tone is serious when she says. "I have seen your brother and you fight in battle Theon, and whilst Daeron fights like a god, I think you are much more pleasing to the eye." She grins wickedly then and pushes him against the wall and kisses him deeply.
He is about to respond when there is a slight cough behind them, and they both break apart flushing slightly to find Asphell Wull standing there looking rather smug. "The King wants you Lord Commander. He is in Lord Walder's solar."
Theon nods and bids farewell to Jeyne before heading off to the solar. When he enters the room, he finds his brother, his goodsister, Lord Walder himself as well as his brother Cregan, and the lords of the north present. Their expressions are serious. "Sit down brother." Daeron says. Once he has sat down Daeron speaks once more. "We have had word from Riverrun, well more precisely Lord Walder here has had word from Riverrun. Brynden Tully is demanding that Walder call his levies and march at once for Harrenhal to aid in the siege that will be commencing there in a few days time."
"Whose forces will be laying siege to Harrenhal Your Grace?" Old Lord Hothar Umber asks.
Theon watches his brother, and is surprised when a grin spreads across his face. "Why my lord of Umber, House Bracken, House Blackwood and House Ryger's forces shall be heading to Harrenhal, the other riverlords are a spent force. Piper is dead; Mallister is old and dying with no heirs apart from his daughter. Mooton is in chains in Harrenhal. Tully's host will be made up of greybeards and green boys."
Theon speaks then, getting an inkling of what his brother is getting at. "Where will this host be meeting Your Grace? Tully surely won't wish for another Oldstones, and our presence here will soon become common knowledge."
Walder Frey speaks then. "Tully has stated that the men will meet at High Heart, in the ruins of the Green Men's palace, in three days time."
"He expects his bannermen to assemble their own men that quickly?" Theon asks shocked.
Walder Frey shakes his head. "No my lord. He has likely sent this same raven out to the houses mentioned some weeks ago. He has only sent the raven here to me now, because of what has happened over the past few moons between our two houses."
Theon nods, and Daeron speaks once more. "We have imposed ourselves on you for long enough Lord Walder. We shall march at first light tomorrow. We thank you for your hospitality and for the food you have kindly provided us." Walder Frey nods and then gets up and leaves. Once he has gone, Daeron speaks once again. "Frey will remain neutral, but shall keep the bridge open for us should we need a hasty retreat, more I cannot ask of him. Lord Hothar, you shall lead the vanguard. Lord Jonnel you shall lead the reserve, Lord Steffon you shall lead the left. And I shall lead the right. We shall crush this host and march for King's Landing soon enough."
Sure enough, the next day at first light they set off for High Heart, Daeron keeps a brisk pace, and by the time they break up for camp later that night, all the men are tired. Jeyne shares his tent that night, and the night after that. They come upon the host of the Riverlords on the third day; they fall upon them like wolves falling upon their prey. Theon hears Aegor's wolf Serron howl, and then the attack begins. Hacking and slashing Theon barrels through the men bearing the sigils of Ryger and Bracken, cutting them down like they are nothing more than lambs being brought to the slaughter.
The fighting rages for what seems like days, but is more than likely only hours. Hacking and slashing, Theon cuts a blood path through those who stand before him, until his sword is stained red with blood. He hears the sounds of men in their death throes, screaming crying out for their mothers and wives and siblings they will never see again. His face a grim mask as he continues slicing his way through, making sure to keep Daeron in his eye line, the king fights like a man possessed slashing men down like they are nothing more than dolls. Aegon Blackfyre fights as well as his father did, earning a few points along the way. Aegor fights with a spear, stabbing and jabbing those who come across him.
Victory comes, with a sword through Brynden Tully's throat, Aegon Blackfyre the man to do the deed. When Tully's men see their liege lord's head mounted on a spike they throw down their weapons and surrender. The north's first victory in this war, and it allows them easy passage into Harrenhal, where they are greeted like heroes. Along with the news that The Golden Company have set their sights on Storm's End.
Ser Duncan the Tall
It still felt strange being a member of the Kingsguard. There were times when Dunk could not really believe any of the events of the past fourteen years had truly happened. Sometimes it felt as if it was all just a dream, and that he was going to wake up at any moment now and still be with Ser Arlan, the Old man would have been proud to see Dunk where he was now. Dunk himself was very proud of where he was now, from being some thief in Flea Bottom to a knight of the Kingsguard. It seemed Daemon Blackfyre's dream had come true. Dunk often wondered what had become of Blackfyre after they had left him in the north, whether he had become a maester like he had wanted to, or whether he was still in Winterfell hiding for his life.
The Blackfyres, gods damn it, Dunk had seen what the previous two wars had done to the kingdoms, and now the Blackfyres had resurfaced once more to cause havoc and chaos to the lands that they would rule. He could not understand it, surely they knew how much destruction was caused by their invasions? Surely men such as Daeron Stark and Aegor Rivers, knew that the more times they pushed for rebellion, the less likely it would be that people would continue to join them? The more people that died during these wars, the less friendly the small folk and the nobles would be to the Black Dragons, at least that was what Dunk hoped would happen.
Alas, he did not think that such things would be thought about until much later, perhaps when he was long dead. Dunk had met Daeron Stark that one time, long ago when he and Egg had helped the Blackfyre boy flee to Winterfell. There had been something about Stark that had simply seemed to make it crystal clear to Dunk, that the man would never rest until one of his brother's descendants sat the throne, even if it cost him everything to achieve. It seemed to Dunk based on what he had heard of the man since then, that his earlier assumption was not far wrong. Yet from his conversations with Egg he knew that it was Daeron Stark and not Aegor Rivers who was giving King Maekar sleepless nights. Rivers whilst being a good commander was not half the warrior Daeron Stark was nor could he inspire loyalty like the Winter Dragon could.
Dunk's thoughts turned away from all of that to what he had just learnt from Egg earlier on in the day. Apparently, a raven had come the King's Landing announcing the marriage of Lord Borros Tarth to one Sylvia Storm, a woman who was said to be quite tall and with black hair, she was the daughter of a hedge knight and a Lady Genna Storm. Dunk had merely stared at Egg when he had said that name, not really knowing why such a thing should be important to him, or why Egg would even bring it up. It had taken Egg asking him where they had gone after the Tourney of Ashford before it all struck home. Lady Genna Storm, the fair maiden of Tarth, a woman who had stolen his heart and his love, he had loved her and then had to leave her for their travels would allow for no romance. He had never known she had been with child, or he would have done something, anything for her and the child.
Now he was in the Kingsguard, and his daughter had wed the Lord of Tarth, he would never be able to see her nor acknowledge her, for he was a member of the Kingsguard now, and besides why would she wish to know Dunk the Lunk, better to let her think of her father in the worse way, or not think of him at all. Still there was some part of him that was proud his daughter; bastard though she may be had managed to wed so highly. Aegon had merely said that the Lord of Tarth was in love with the girl and that his father was deeply unconcerned with the whole thing.
Below him, Dunk heard the door to White Sword tower open, and for a moment he strained to hear if there was any conversation going on, there was not and judging by the soft footfalls on the steps the man walking up them was likely Ser Roland Crakehall, Lord Commander of the Kingsguard. Ser Roland was a very good swordsman, one of the best in the land Dunk often thought, a smart man as well; it had been he who had advised Dunk to keep his head down during those early days. Ser Oberyn Dayne, the new sword of the morning, fierce and as quick as a snake and glib of tongue, Ser Gorris Crabb a stout little man with more brawns than brains, Ser Nestor Connington, the pride of the Kingsguard a fierce swordsman and son of Elaena Targaryen, Ser Steffon Storm the bastard of Nightsong a fierce fighter and a smart man as well and Ser Boremund Royce a very good swordsman but a quiet man. These were Dunk's sworn brothers, and they were all skilled, more skilled than he at fighting and swordsmanship. Still they were friends or comrades if not that.
Just as they were sworn to keep the King's secrets, there was an unwritten rule amongst the Kingsguard that they kept each other's secrets as well. That was how Dunk knew that Ser Steffon for all his bluster and anger about being a bastard, had an ongoing affair with a washerwoman down the Street of Silk. It was how he knew that Ser Roland though still a capable swordsman was ailing, tiring more than he used to do. It was how he knew of the tensions between Ser Oberyn Dayne and Ser Garse Tyrell of Highgarden. A knock on the door and he found himself looking at the lord commander. He stood up and bowed his head slightly. Ser Roland seemed tired when he said. "The king wishes to see you Dunk."
Dunk nods and gets up from his chair, nods once more at Ser Roland and then walks down the steps of White Sword Tower to the King's solar, where he finds Ser Steffon and Ser Oberyn on duty, he nods to them and they let him past. He is not all that surprised to find Egg there, he thinks that the lad is a soothing influence on the usually gruff King. The King is sat looking at a letter when he enters, he does not look up, but does say. "Sit down Ser Duncan." Dunk sits down in a chair opposite the king and waits for him to speak. It takes a long time but eventually King Maekar puts down the paper he was reading and sighs. "You must be wondering why I have asked for you." Dunk is silent waiting. "Well as you know the Riverlords recently faced defeat at High Heart, Daeron Stark and the north have taken Riverrun and now sit in Harrenhal plotting their next move. Lord Jasper Arryn is moving from the Gates of the Moon to fight them, so that should keep them busy. But no, that is not why I have asked you hear. No, we had word today that Bittersteel means to lay siege to Storm's End. The Stormlords are either dead or are in Storm's End. Bittersteel has some of Reacher Lords with him, as well as the Golden Company and the Second Sons. I mean for Aegon to lead a force of men to deal with the Golden Company, but first he will need to fight Osgrey and those fools. You will go with him as will Ser Roland."
Dunk nods and then asks. "Will you not be joining us Your Grace?"
The King sighs. "No, I cannot. I will be leading some 10,000 men from the Crownlands to march on the Vale to help deal with the invaders from the north."
Dunk nods and then asks once more. "When will we be leaving?"
It is Aegon who answers. "At first light tomorrow. The lords of the crownlands are already here ready and waiting."
Once that conversation is done, Dunk walks back with Aegon to his chambers. They talk as they walk. "How are you feeling lad?" Dunk asks.
"Nervous." Egg replies.
"Good." Dunk replies.
"How is that good?" Egg asks.
"Because it means you are not stupid and that you still have some wits about you. We are not fighting some rabble of peasants this time Egg. We will be fighting battle hardened men, and the Golden Company as well. We will need to be on our guard." Dunk replies.
Egg sighs then. "I know that Dunk, I do. But I wish my father could come as well. But no the Vale Lords are hesitating on marching west, because Daeron Stark has sent men to invade the northern coast of the Vale. The Ironborn are raiding along the western coast and the Lannisters do not have the power to stop them. The Reach is torn, there is fighting along the border with Dorne."
Dunk looks at his former squire then, his eyes large. "Dorne has declared for the Blackfyres?"
Egg shakes his head. "No Ser. The Yronwoods have but the rest of Dorne remains loyal. No Dorne is fighting those Reacher lords with more brawns than sense, who are fighting for Aegon Blackfyre."
Dunk sighs then. "This will be a long war. A very long war."
Three weeks after he said those words, they come true. They face a battle with rebel Stormlords and Reacher Lords led by Addam Osgrey in the Kingswood. The fighting is fierce, Dunk, swings and hacks and cuts, he does all he can to remain ahorse and alive, all the while keeping one eye on Egg, making sure the lad is still ahorse. He hacks and slashes his way through the soldiers that get in his way, riding down those who refuse to die by the sword. On and on it goes, he can hear the sounds of men screaming and pleading for relief through his helm. Relief that others are more than willing to give them.
Dunk takes his fair share of blows as well. One big bastard swinging a greatsword like its a stick cuts him so hard he fears he will bleed to death before the battle is done. Still somehow Dunk manages to kill the bastard, and move onto the next man, who proceeds to open the wound up further, causing him to shout with pain, he hacks his way through that man. The wound continues to open underneath him though and he feels so much pain, his vision begins to blur. He cuts down one more man before the world turns black.
When he comes to, he is in a tent that is bustling with activity, he hears coughing and men speaking in hushed voices. He raises his head up and feels a stab of pain in his shoulder. "You're awake!" He hears someone shout, before realising its Egg, and with him Ser Oberyn Dayne.
"What happened?" Dunk manages to slur.
Egg speaks quietly then. "You were wounded fighting a giant of man Ser, he cut you deeply and you continued to bleed throughout the battle before you passed out."
Dunk sighs. "I know that, what happened to the battle?"
Egg smiles then. "We won ser; we managed to beat back the rebels, driving them away from the Kingswood and into either death or the sea. Addam Osgrey is our prisoner now along with several other lords from the Reach."
Dunk nods and then asks. "Where are we now?" the last word is a slur, a worrying thing for Dunk, and for Egg too if the boy's frown is anything to go by.
"We're camped outside Haystack Hall Ser. We'll be here for some time yet." Egg says.
Dunk nods, and then winces, he can feel the world going black around him, but before he gives in he reminds Egg. "Send scouts out before you march, we cannot be caught unawares."