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Post by cfmonkey45 on May 31, 2020 23:02:06 GMT -5
In the Round Hall of Storm's End
Within the walls of the Round Hall, the darkness and shadow was pierced only by the narrow rays of light from the portlets on the wall. The only good light was at the top of the tower, in the Maester's chamber, although it is windowless on the side that overlooks Shipbreaker Bay. Outside, the sounds of the castle--the waves crashing, gulls croaking, and troops marching--broke the silence of the cavernous hall. Within the Hall, Aegon Targaryen sat at the foot of the dias, with various tomes opened and spread across the floor. Each was left opened as the young Prince furiously attempted to devour every morsel of information about the lords, and lands, and strongholds of his future dominion. The Houses of the Stormlands, a History of the Kings of Westeros, the Lords of the Reach. Aegon had raided the Maester's quarters and scoured it for any useful information.
Outside, the Golden Company had already begun fortifying the Castle. The Company Commander, Harry Strickland, had set up a base of operations in the barracks of Round Hall. Already, the Golden Bannners were adorning Storm's End alongside the Red and Black of House Targaryen. Word had reached the Hall that several of the castles of the Stormlands had capitulated with ease to new King. Griffin's Roost was taken in a near bloodless siege by Jon Connington, while the island of Tarth had swiftly fallen to the Golden Company. Most of the Lords were away in the North on a fool's errand with Stannis Baratheon, the Pretender, who was still licking his wounds from the disaster at Blackwater Bay. Word had reached the Court that the Lannisters and Tyrells were tied up in King's Landing with the Faith Militant, who were attempting to try the Queen Consort and Queen Dowager for illicit crimes and infidelity. Meanwhile, the Riverlands were restless and in open revolt against the Lannisters. "The fools fight amongst themselves," Aegon thought. "It takes more than a name and some gold coins to rule a kingdom."
However, the young king's concentration was broken by footsteps that echoed through the halls. Jon Connington had returned with an entourage of Sellswords. Aegon resisted the temptation to embrace his adoptive father, but he could not help but smile.
"My king, we have managed to secure most of the remaining Storm Lords for your cause. Only a few Houses remain. Estermont will put up no resistance, while our men have secured Evenfall Hall. Even better, we have learned that House Swann is undeclared. They have refused to back either Baratheon and are waiting for us to treat with them. That leaves only House Errol and their bannermen as the last major pocket of resistance in the Kingdom.
Aegon smiled. "Then it is settled. I will have my kingdom. Our plan to move quick and strike fast was a success. And to think, we had procrastinated in Volantis on whether or not to wait on my auntie. Let her keep Mereen, I will have my rightful kingdom."
"But that is not enough to reclaim the Iron Throne," Varys said, emerging from the Shadows. "We need more men. The Golden Company was more than a match for the exhausted Storm Lords, but if we are to fight the combined strength of the Tyrells and the Lannisters, we will need to form an alliance with another of the Great Houses, such as House Martell. My little birds have told me that Tyrells are distracted at King's Landing, as the High Sparrow wishes to try Margaery Tyrell, while the Lannisters are... incapacitated"
Varys's lips curved into a half-smile, but also betrayed remorse at the demise of Kevan Lannister.
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Post by Magnate Lucius on May 31, 2020 23:54:55 GMT -5
Harry Strickland, who was present for this meeting of words and schemes, uses his pinkie to reach in his ear and rub it. Felt like there was something there, but hard to tell. The Captain-General flicks his pinkie slightly before going back to listening to the words of the Spider, the Guardian, and the King. Something about more men, distractions, a house incapacitated. Ergo, more work... just what Strickland needed, more means for sores to appear on his feet and more blisters on his hands. Aegon was certainly running him ragged with all this leading of troops here and there. While the full company had arrived to the Stormlands, they were spread out, at the moment. Various garrisons set to occupy the castles they controlled. His elephants resting in the Rainwood, their ships moored in the harbor just below Storm's End.
Hearing the intentions of Aegon, Harry coughs slightly to make his presence be more known.
I am sorry, Your Grace, but it's gonna take more than just Martells. I recall Laswell Peake mentioning something in the camp, back in the Disputed Lands.
The sellsword scratches his chin, trying his best to recall what was said. Biting his tongue, and looking kind of goofy, trying to think, Strickland slams his palm on the table.
Something about... the Reachlords... being friendly... to our cause or something.
Harry shrugs his shoulders before looking at Aegon. His weathered eyes glancing between this Varys and the Targaryen.
Hey, just trying to contribute 'ere. I try to keep my ears open.
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Post by Gandalf on Jun 1, 2020 6:09:55 GMT -5
King Aegon and his advisers would be distracted by the word from the gates of Storm's End. Princess Arianne Martell had arrived, with a substantial retinue of kinfolk and bodyguards, to treat with her alleged cousin.
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Post by cfmonkey45 on Jun 2, 2020 9:14:57 GMT -5
Harry Strickland, who was present for this meeting of words and schemes, uses his pinkie to reach in his ear and rub it. Felt like there was something there, but hard to tell. The Captain-General flicks his pinkie slightly before going back to listening to the words of the Spider, the Guardian, and the King. Something about more men, distractions, a house incapacitated. Ergo, more work... just what Strickland needed, more means for sores to appear on his feet and more blisters on his hands. Aegon was certainly running him ragged with all this leading of troops here and there. While the full company had arrived to the Stormlands, they were spread out, at the moment. Various garrisons set to occupy the castles they controlled. His elephants resting in the Rainwood, their ships moored in the harbor just below Storm's End. Hearing the intentions of Aegon, Harry coughs slightly to make his presence be more known. I am sorry, Your Grace, but it's gonna take more than just Martells. I recall Laswell Peake mentioning something in the camp, back in the Disputed Lands.The sellsword scratches his chin, trying his best to recall what was said. Biting his tongue, and looking kind of goofy, trying to think, Strickland slams his palm on the table. Something about... the Reachlords... being friendly... to our cause or something.Harry shrugs his shoulders before looking at Aegon. His weathered eyes glancing between this Varys and the Targaryen. Hey, just trying to contribute 'ere. I try to keep my ears open.
"This is true, the Reachlords are known to maintain Targaryen sympathies," Varys said. "Moreover, with the distractions in King's Landing, it has opened up... doubts as to their alliance with the Lannisters. King Aegon and his advisers would be distracted by the word from the gates of Storm's End. Princess Arianne Martell had arrived, with a substantial retinue of kinfolk and bodyguards, to treat with her alleged cousin.
"Princess Martell, you honor us with your presence. We were just discussing our strategy to reclaim the Iron Throne from the usurpers, and avenge the murder of my family. I will not rest until the Lannisters and the Baratheons are brought to justice for the murder of my parents."
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Post by Gandalf on Jun 2, 2020 12:00:51 GMT -5
Arianne entered the Round Hall with Daemon and Elia Sand at her side. They were dressed in loose fitting silks, more suited to the desert than the unforgiving gales of the Stormlands, and so they were grateful to finally be within the walls. The Princess acknowledged her 'cousin' with nonchalance, then flitted her dark eyes over to Connington to address him instead.
"So, this is your dragon. Our long lost prince."
Her words were laced with cynicism. He looks more like a child than a king. She gave Daemon Sand a sideways glance, and gently brushed an errant hair out of her vision before taking a graceful step towards Aegon. The Princess didn't bow. Long fingers idly toyed with a ruby ring, dark and red as blood.
"How did you survive King's Landing, cousin? For twenty years my father has spoken of little but the mangled corpses of two children set before the Iron Throne by Tywin Lannister."
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Post by Magnate Lucius on Jun 2, 2020 13:11:16 GMT -5
'Wow,' thought Harry Strickland, 'I actually said something of contribution? If only I had kids to tell this about.' The older mercenary rubs his neck slightly, thinking upon his suggestion. More men for the cause meant less of him moving about, hopefully. Damned blisters, from his march to Storm's End, still stung and were sore on his feet. The male resists the urge to rub his feet as a Dornish woman walked among them. This immediately grabbed Stickland's attention causing him to sit more upright! A Martell? Well, no surprise there. The moment those Dornish royalty heard of Aegon's landing, they would send someone to properly greet them. Now to see if this would become an alliance or, hopefully, not a new front in their war.
Ah yes, that story, thought Harry. The story of the Mountain, the death of babes in their cribs, and the resulting bad blood between Martell and Lannister. Arianne was likely expecting a skull instead of a living person with that in mind. For now, the mercenary just drank his wine at the table, giving no heed to what they were saying for now.
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Post by cfmonkey45 on Jun 2, 2020 21:58:31 GMT -5
Arianne entered the Round Hall with Daemon and Elia Sand at her side. They were dressed in loose fitting silks, more suited to the desert than the unforgiving gales of the Stormlands, and so they were grateful to finally be within the walls. The Princess acknowledged her 'cousin' with nonchalance, then flitted her dark eyes over to Connington to address him instead. "So, this is your dragon. Our long lost prince." Her words were laced with cynicism. He looks more like a child than a king. She gave Daemon Sand a sideways glance, and gently brushed an errant hair out of her vision before taking a graceful step towards Aegon. The Princess didn't bow. Long fingers idly toyed with a ruby ring, dark and red as blood. "How did you survive King's Landing, cousin? For twenty years my father has spoken of little but the mangled corpses of two children set before the Iron Throne by Tywin Lannister."
"The babe that was dashed against the wall was a double," the Eunuch said, confidently. "I know, because I had arranged for him to be replaced. Elia, your Aunt agreed, to protect Aegon. We swapped him with a tanner's child from King's Landing. The babe that Gregor Clegane killed was not the true heir to the throne."
Jon Connington rose.
"We would not be here, and marshall this vast army, were we not convinced of the rightfulness of his claim to the Iron Throne. Aegon is a Targaryen, through and through. That part is undeniable. I would die for our king, and every man here."
'Wow,' thought Harry Strickland, 'I actually said something of contribution? If only I had kids to tell this about.' The older mercenary rubs his neck slightly, thinking upon his suggestion. More men for the cause meant less of him moving about, hopefully. Damned blisters, from his march to Storm's End, still stung and were sore on his feet. The male resists the urge to rub his feet as a Dornish woman walked among them. This immediately grabbed Stickland's attention causing him to sit more upright! A Martell? Well, no surprise there. The moment those Dornish royalty heard of Aegon's landing, they would send someone to properly greet them. Now to see if this would become an alliance or, hopefully, not a new front in their war. Ah yes, that story, thought Harry. The story of the Mountain, the death of babes in their cribs, and the resulting bad blood between Martell and Lannister. Arianne was likely expecting a skull instead of a living person with that in mind. For now, the mercenary just drank his wine at the table, giving no heed to what they were saying for now.
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Post by oznerol on Jun 3, 2020 5:06:20 GMT -5
Arianne didn't look very impressed by the alledged Targaryen. No wonder why, he was but a kid with dyed hair and, anyway, Daemon had seen quite a few silver-haired brats born of Lyseni whores in Plankytown, King's Landing and Sunspear. Pillow houses were full of them, Oberyn himself said as much.
"You could have saved the two of them, Spider. They were his father's heirs, girl and boy both"
Said Daemon, excusing himself with a look to his princess. He couldn't refrain his tongue, Daemon was never good at it.
"There're men silver of hair a plenty in Essos, so why should my princess trust the word of an eunuch and an exile? Maybe you brought the lost child of the Rogares to us"
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Post by Magnate Lucius on Jun 3, 2020 8:47:36 GMT -5
Harry leans back in his chair, exhaling slightly.
If this Spider could get out of King's Landing without being detected, then there must be some credence to the story of this back-from-the-dead Targaryen.
The sellsword had been planning to just watch things from the sidelines, but hardly a chance now. His eyes looking between Arianne and Daemon.
I don't think some random whore would have given him that though.
Strickland points to the glimmering hilt of Blackfyre.
Someone powerful gave him that. Someone who knew who he was. Besides, I doubt Connington would have support some random sod who claimed to be Rhaegar's son. He supported Rhaegar to the end, after all. The unwavering loyalist... if he had any doubts about Aegon, he sure as hell wouldn't be here. And nor would my company.
The mercenary looks back at the two before leaning back into his chair.
Everyone knew about Daenaerys and her beggar brother and they were alive, kicking... helped keep this one under the radar.
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Post by Gandalf on Jun 3, 2020 10:01:21 GMT -5
So, the boy king has the sword. Arianne repressed a wicked smile at Daemon's remark. She did her best to appear stoic as she approached the young dragon, lightly brushing her fingers on the sword pommel. She met Aegon's gaze with her own eyes, darkened pools that were almost black in the dimmed light. Then she withdrew backwards, and turned to Strickland.
"The Golden Company was fighting for the last man who held that sword forty years ago on the Stepstones. Why fight now for this dragon, Commander? You whose forefathers bled to put the black dragon on the Iron Throne?"
Old, fat, and still living. This one was not like other sellswords. Did not look like much, but neither did her father.
"Why should Dorne fight for this Dragon, when Rhaegar's true-born sister is in the east with three dragons at her side?" She asked, pointedly. Perhaps it did not matter if this was truly King Aegon. He had ten thousand swords at his back, and Connington standing by his side lent him legitimacy.
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Post by Magnate Lucius on Jun 3, 2020 11:13:03 GMT -5
Strickland knew this question would come up. They had been built, by Bittersteel, to aid the Blackfyre claimants. All of them failed. Harry was but a young man when Maelys took over the company and went on a vicious war to claim the Iron Throne. For forty years after, they licked their wounds and fought for whoever paid the most. The old sellsword looks at Arianne with weathered eyes.
With the black dragon dead, does it matter if we support a red dragon? Better than a dead one. The Company was formed to fight for the dragons to regain the Iron Throne, against the usurpers. Now we got a dragon who desires to reclaim a throne. Only this time, the Baratheons are the usurpers.
Harry leans forward from where he sat, gesturing to Aegon.
Still got a usurper to take down, still got a dragon to reclaim the throne... sounds about the same for me. We still get gold for services after all.
Strickland gives a grin before leaning back in his chair. A King's Ransom worth would certainly come to these Westerosi Exiles and Essosi Sellswords. Enough gold to allow them to buy land, build a castle, get a pretty wife, plenty of servants, have many children, and die fat and old. He reaches to pour his wine once more, his throat getting a little parched from the talking.
And who's to say that the Stormborn Queen wants to come back to Westeros? She could easily form a new Valyrian empire with her dragons, just as others tried before when Valyria fell in ruin. You have a Targaryen standing before you instead of one across the ocean. Sounds like one is easier to fight for than the other.
The sellsword drinks from his cup seconds later, drowning his talking with a good swig of wine.
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Post by Gandalf on Jun 3, 2020 20:19:20 GMT -5
Arianne thought to ask where the boy had found Blackfyre, but held her tongue. It did not truly matter if the boy was who he said he was. What was more important was what he offered to Dorne. Vengeance. For too long had they sat idle and allowed the Lannisters to build a kingdom on the bones of dead children. Robert Baratheon and Tywin Lannister had gone, but House Martell remembered.
“But why should Martell fight for this Dragon? You may be our rightful king, cousin, but Dorne has paid dearly since the Usurper took the throne. Your own mother and sister were slain, as well as our uncle Oberyn. Dorne is paid little heed by those that rule from King’s Landing.”
Arianne smiled a little, flicking a straying hair from her face with a deft wave of the hand. She turned once again to Aegon, her voice now an impassioned plea as she closed the distance between them once again.
”I would declare for you now, cousin, but my Lord Father is not so sentimental. If we are to bleed, he will not allow it to be for nothing. He wishes that once again Dornishmen will be in the Small Council, Kingsguard, and the Goldcloaks. The royal children shall be fostered at Sunspear, with my own kin, and a marriage shall be promised between our houses, whether it be now or in the future.”
She paused to take the measure of the would be king. He was a little young for her tastes. Quentyn sprung into her mind, and she felt a strange longing for his return. He had walked a harder road than her. Aegon had no dragons.
For this, my father will muster his spears. And he will settle for nothing less than House Lannister’s complete removal.”
Her dark eyes glittered at the prospect.
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Post by cfmonkey45 on Jun 4, 2020 21:46:57 GMT -5
Arianne thought to ask where the boy had found Blackfyre, but held her tongue. It did not truly matter if the boy was who he said he was. What was more important was what he offered to Dorne. Vengeance. For too long had they sat idle and allowed the Lannisters to build a kingdom on the bones of dead children. Robert Baratheon and Tywin Lannister had gone, but House Martell remembered. “But why should Martell fight for this Dragon? You may be our rightful king, cousin, but Dorne has paid dearly since the Usurper took the throne. Your own mother and sister were slain, as well as our uncle Oberyn. Dorne is paid little heed by those that rule from King’s Landing.”Arianne smiled a little, flicking a straying hair from her face with a deft wave of the hand. She turned once again to Aegon, her voice now an impassioned plea as she closed the distance between them once again. ”I would declare for you now, cousin, but my Lord Father is not so sentimental. If we are to bleed, he will not allow it to be for nothing. He wishes that once again Dornishmen will be in the Small Council, Kingsguard, and the Goldcloaks. The royal children shall be fostered at Sunspear, with my own kin, and a marriage shall be promised between our houses, whether it be now or in the future.” She paused to take the measure of the would be king. He was a little young for her tastes. Quentyn sprung into her mind, and she felt a strange longing for his return. He had walked a harder road than her. Aegon had no dragons. For this, my father will muster his spears. And he will settle for nothing less than House Lannister’s complete removal.” Her dark eyes glittered at the prospect.
"As you can see, I have inspired a fierce loyalty among supporters, including the Sellswords.
Aegon spoke as he stepped off the dias, and towards Dornish Princess, he locked eyes with her.
"As for your requests, I will grant them. I will appoint your father, Doran Martell, to the small council, if he will declare for me. The sons of Dornish families will also join the Kingsguard, alongside other loyalists of the Realm, and the Goldcloaks will be filled with men loyal to our cause. As for the marital alliance, I would be honored, and accept unconditionally.
The Usurpers will pay for the crimes, with Fire and Blood."
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Post by oznerol on Jun 5, 2020 4:53:34 GMT -5
Their arguments for Aegon's identity were flimsical, at best. And the support of the Golden Company, while giving it some credence, wasn't definitive, as they had bled for generations for the black dragon, not the red. The sword was the only real legitimacy the kid had, as it really looked like the sword of Aegon, the tales be considered and taken into consideration. What confused Daemon was the presence of Varys, widely known as the Spider, who had served Robert Baratheon for many many years. Daemon leans and talks into Arianne's ear:
"This is all so very confusing... it's hard to believe. And what about the eunuch? Why does he serve this kid? Last time we knew he was part of the Small Council. Are these the means for Dorne's revenge?"
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Post by Gandalf on Jun 5, 2020 6:47:52 GMT -5
Arianne wanted to believe, to take revenge for the wrongs wrought. But the nagging voice of Daemon was the hooks of reason dragging her back into reality. He was right. Varys being here made little sense - for the last two decades the spider had done the Usurpers work.
"Allow me to return word to my father, good King. I cannot return to Dorne while the host of Tyrell threatens the walls of Storm's End, but I can write him a letter."
The Princess glanced over at Varys, then back to the boy king. If they only had ten thousand men against the full might of Mace Tyrell, then she had risked much by coming here.
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