Pentos 300 AC.
Daemon.
They stopped off in Pentos, Aegon in no condition to fly for much longer and Daemon worried about his injuries. Lyanax landed at the Red Temple and Thoros helped him carry Aegon from his dragon's back into the temple itself, he asked one of the acolytes to have some food brought to his dragon and headed once he had, he then headed inside. Barola the high priest soon came to meet them and directed them to a large room where they could lay Aegon down to rest.
The priest sending for healers for Aegon and food and drink for them all, once they had gotten Aegon comfortable, and after he had finally fallen asleep, Daemon asked for a bath to be drawn. While it was being done, he asked Barola about those he'd sent from Illyrio's manse, the high priest told him that most had headed to Myr while some had stayed, the rest had taken ship to other places in Essos.
After thanking the man and then removing his armor once the high priest had left, he and Thoros went to the large sunken baths in the temple, the hot water quickly soothing his tired muscles. He opened his eyes to see Thoros throw a grape in the air and catch it in his mouth before he then took a swallow of the sweet berry juice.
"Enjoying yourself?" he said with a chuckle.
"You know me, I like my comforts Daemon." Thoros said.
"I do, I remember Lys." he said with a laugh.
"As I remember it you were quite comfortable also my prince." Thoros said smiling.
"A wise man once told me that you should enjoy your comforts when you can, most nights you'll be sleeping on hard ground, so don't begrudge yourself a feather mattress." Daemon said.
"A very wise man.".
"Or a drunken priest." Daemon said and both of them burst into laughter.
It felt good to be able to relax, given what Aegon had gone through and how his brother had clung to him when they flew, he knew that it would be some time before he would be able to. Aegon had come more alive the further they got from Qohor and when Daemon had told him they were going back to Westeros, it was the closest he'd gotten to see his brother be himself once again.
The road he'd face would be long and difficult though and even after the physical wounds healed, the mental ones would take a whole lot longer. He got up from the bath and dressed, enjoying the feel of clothing on his back instead of the armor he'd worn for days. Though having to endure Thoros's smug looks as he walked back into Aegon's room while wearing the red robes was annoying.
"How is he?" he asked the old woman who sat by Aegon's bed.
"He is recovering my prince, I'd suggest he rest for far longer but I assume you'll be leaving us soon?.".
"We will.".
"Then I'll prepare a rub for his wounds and a draught for the pain. If you'll excuse me my prince." she said as she got up and walked from the room.
"Why don't you get some rest, I'll sit with him for now." he said to Thoros who looked to make sure he was certain.
"Are you sure?.".
"Go, you can relieve me after you've rested." he said and Thoros nodded before he left the room.
He found himself drifting off as he sat there, laying his head on the bed beside his brother it wasn't too long until he too was asleep. Waking when Thoros came in, Daemon found himself basically being sent to his room by his friend, though he didn't argue too much. The sleep was thankfully dreamless, which was different than others he'd had since they left Qohor, dreams of days long past and opportunities lost, and of a brother who could have been.
Thoros sent one of the acolytes to wake him the next morning and after he checked on Aegon and grabbed some food, all three of them broke their fasts together, Aegon only eating the bits Daemon himself handed him. When they were done they prepared to leave, Daemon thanking Balora and the others while they shrugged it off, just being glad to serve their prince.
"You ready?" he said to Thoros as they helped Aegon up onto Lyanax's back.
"I am, no more stops?" Thoros asked.
"No more stops." he said and felt Aegon's arms wrap tightly around him.
Within a few moments they were flying over the Narrow Sea, the air cool against his face and he began to worry about how Elia and the others would react. Their joy at seeing Aegon again would be short-lived once they found out the extent of his injuries. Daemon found himself cursing Varys and the rest of his ilk, plotters, schemers, and those who hid in the shadows. He vowed they would all pay for their actions, call it justice or vengeance or whatever you wished, but he would see them pay with Fire and Blood.
They flew through the night, flying over Blackwater Bay early the next morning and heading straight for the Dragonpit. Landing and helping Aegon off the dragon, Daemon said his goodbyes to Lyanax thanking her for all she'd done. The dragon's trills showing just how much she enjoyed his praise. When she took off he, Thoros, and Aegon waited, they didn't have to wait too long.
"Egg, Egg, your mother is here." Daemon said and Aegon shrunk behind him almost hiding as the carriages arrived "Egg, it will be alright, no one will hurt you, Elia will look after you." Daemon said as he reached out his hand to Aegon's face, his brother calming at the touch.
Kings Landing 300 AC.
Elia.
With no word from Daemon and therefore no news about Aegon, Elia had begun to almost cling to Rhaenys more. She'd ask where her daughter was and always need to know who was with her, if she left the keep then she'd be on tenterhooks until she returned. Each night and every morning she'd not eat unless her daughter was present with them.
Rhaenys was completely understanding of it, something which made her love her daughter even more if that was possible. She indulged both her and Rhaegar's worries and went out of her way to limit their concerns. Except it seemed when it came to Willas Tyrell, her daughter and the young lord had hit it off far better than either could have hoped.
It was while they were out on a picnic together that Ser Oswell came almost bursting into her room. She and Ashara were having tea, Allyria having gone with Rhaenys as one of her ladies, when suddenly the knight ran in excitedly. It didn't take them long to find out why and it was Ashara rather than Oswell who told her, the knight struggling to get his breath back.
"Daemon, your grace, the dragon is back." Ashara said pointing to the window.
"Carriages, have our carriages prepared Ser Oswell, we need to go to the Dragonpit." she said and the knight having regained his breath was soon off running again.
"He'll have found him Elia, trust me." Ashara said reaching out to take her hand.
Rhaegar and Arthur arrived a few moments later and by the time they made it to the courtyard, the carriages were already ready and waiting, along with an escort of almost thirty men. Tywin stood there directing them and despite her own misgivings about the old lion, she found him to be a vast improvement on Jon Connington.
"Your Graces, these men will accompany you." Tywin said as she nodded and Rhaegar spoke briefly to his Hand.
The carriage ride seemed to take an age, Rhaegar holding her hand as they sat in silence while they rode from the Red Keep. Soon they were joined by more, Rhaella, Dany and Viserys leaving from Daemon's manse with some of his men, Myrcella and her uncle leaving from their own. It had turned into a procession, all in all over one hundred men at arms and half a dozen carriages made their way into the Dragonpit.
"Aegon." she said softly with tears in her eyes when she saw him.
"He rescued him." Rhaegar said both proudly and almost shocked, having clearly like she feared the worst.
Elia too felt the same way, while she'd hoped and dreamed her sons would return, she never truly believed she'd get them both back. Daemon she knew would come back to Westeros, Aegon she had feared was lost to them forever. Seeing him standing there in front of her, she barely noticed his condition and barely cared, he was here, he was alive and for now that was all that mattered.
Elia hadn't run since she was a very young girl, her illness had taken it's toll and left her too weakened to do so. Now though she was stronger and so for the first time since she'd played in the sands of Dorne, Elia ran across the ground once more. She reached Aegon and Daemon before any of the others, even beating Rhaella who was not too far behind her.
"Egg, Daemon, you came back to us." she said happily and as she went to hug them both Aegon moved from her.
"Egg, Egg, it's Elia, it's your mother." Daemon said and putting his hand on his brother's back, the first time Elia had ever seen physical contact between them. She watched as he moved Aegon forward, her son allowing her embrace and then almost collapsing and sobbing against her.
"My sons." Rhaegar said happily and Elia didn't see the look Daemon gave him, a look soon gone when Rhaella and Myrcella arrived.
"Daemon." Rhaella said hugging her grandson, Elia was still holding Aegon tightly, almost afraid to let him go.
"Grandmother." Daemon said smiling before turning to Myrcella "Cella." his voice lighter than it had been.
"You're unharmed?" Myrcella asked slightly worried.
"I am well. I need to ride with the king and queen and Egg. Can you come to the Red Keep, I'll explain to you all there?" Daemon said and both Myrcella and Rhaella nodded.
"We'll meet you there." Rhaella said a moment later and she and Myrcella walked back to the carriage.
"Egg, Egg, come we need to go in the carriage." Daemon said softly and as she let Aegon go she saw him almost run to his brother, Daemon holding his hand and leading him to the carriage "We'll talk." he mouthed to her and Rhaegar as they moved away.
The ride back to the Red Keep was silent, Aegon almost shrinking in the carriage and leaning close to his brother, Daemon for his part constantly checking and speaking softly to her son. When they got there Daemon asked for Marwyn and whispered something to the Maester which had him scurrying off, both she and Rhaegar looking on concernedly.
"Egg needs to rest, to be examined, I'll take him to his room." Daemon said and then moved closer to both her and Rhaegar "I've sent Marwyn to find something to help him sleep, he needs to rest, gather the others and I'll speak to you there in a moment." he said.
"All is well, son?" Rhaegar said and Daemon shook his head, a forced smile on his face.
"I'll speak to you as soon as he's settled." Daemon said moving away from them.
Every instinct in her body told her to follow, to go with them, and see her son settled herself, and yet her mind wasn't cooperating. She needed to know what had happened to her son, only then could she begin to help him recover from it, and it was clear he needed to recover. So she and Rhaegar headed to their apartments, meeting Rhaella, Dany, Viserys, Myrcella, and Tywin along the way, all of them waiting for Daemon to come from Aegon's room.
It took some time and each of them seemed as nervous and apprehensive as the other, none of them had any idea what had happened, and Rhaella told them that Thoros had headed back to the manse without speaking. When Daemon arrived she was surprised to see the white wolf by his side, Ghost having alternated between Myrcella and Rhaella while he was away.
"I'm sorry for the delay, it's best if Egg sleeps, and he needs to be examined once again. He'd not allow anyone to do so while awake, certainly not a man." Daemon said as he looked sadly at her.
"What happened, Daemon?." she asked.
Sitting by her son's bedside later that night she was glad of the company. Daemon's tale had shocked, upset, and made her angrier than she had ever been before finally leaving her dejected. The things they had done to her boy, that anyone could do such a thing, it was shocking to her and only knowing that the man responsible for it was dead offered her any consolation.
"He will get better my queen, in time he will get better." Daemon said sitting beside her.
"How can you know, Daemon?.".
"He already has, it'll take time but being here, having you with him, Rhaenys, me, the king, all of us will help." he said reaching out and stroking his brother's face.
"He'll never… he'll never be a father Daemon. He'll never love a woman or have a family of his own.".
"He has a daughter, my queen." Daemon said shocking her.
"He has?" she asked turning to him.
"A little girl of two namedays, Elia her mother called her, after Egg's own." Daemon said with a soft smile on his face as he looked at her.
"Where?.".
"In Flea Bottom, she lives in a small house there. He gave her coin and had Jon Connington see to her well being.".
"She is well?.".
"As well as anyone can be in Flea Bottom I'd imagine. Thoros went to see her, she's healthy, she and her mother are better set than most.".
"We need to bring her here." Elia said determinedly.
"I'll have Thoros organize it, my queen.".
"Elia, dammit Daemon, Elia." she said shaking her head.
"I'm sorry Elia, I've…".
"These people Daemon, there are more of them?." she asked staring at him.
"There are.".
"You'll be going after them?.".
"I will.".
"Fire and Blood Daemon, you bring them Fire and Blood and show them what it means to harm your family." she said determinedly.
"I will Elia." he said and she leaned over to kiss his cheek.
Kings Landing 300 AC.
Rhaella.
Both she and Myrcella had been upset that Daemon hadn't come back with them, understandable though it was. What they had done to her grandson, gods they were lucky it was Daemon and not she who had a dragon she thought, shuddering as Aerys words seemed the aptest thing to do those monsters.
When she heard him walking through the hallway, his footsteps and Ghost's in tune, she found herself smiling though. He had told her that he'd spend the night with Elia and help Aegon to settle back in and then come to the manse, and now here he was. As she looked up from the table where she and Bonifer where eating lunch alone, she was glad to see the smile on Daemon's face.
"What are we having?" her grandson said sitting down beside her.
"We are having soup, you are having a proper meal, how long is it since you've eaten properly?." she asked.
"Actually not that long grandmother. I ate well in Essos, still, I'm starved though." he said and she got up to get his meal herself, leaving Daemon to speak to Bonifer.
When she got back Bonifer was telling Daemon about the Northmen's visit, Daemon keen to see them and they wished to see him too she knew. Though they had other things on their mind, for now, something Bonifer was explaining as she placed the plate on the table.
"My uncle is due today?." Daemon said and Bonifer nodded.
"He is my prince, he left when he received the second of two ravens from Lord Tywin." Bonifer said.
"The second?." Daemon asked.
"Tywin sent him news of both your death and your resurrection Daemon, as did I." she said and he moved to get up "Sit, eat, let the Northmen and Ser Davos bring your uncle here, you can talk to him them on their return. Though you really should go and see Myrcella." she chided.
"I know and I will. Elia told me it's been agreed, that we're to be wed officially, the king's signed off?" he asked and she nodded.
"He was made to see the error in his ways, your sister too is to be wed, given now what happened to Aegon, it's even more important that you both do so.".
"I know." Daemon said.
"Your brother, he will recover?" she asked.
"In time yes, his wounds are healing, those on his body anyway. The ones on his mind and soul will take far longer." Daemon said angrily.
"Why did they do that my prince, to Aegon, why unman him?". Bonifer asked.
"Essos thrives on magic Ser Bonifer, it's as I told you, grandmother." Daemon said looking to her "The people there, they seek it out, try to use it for many things. There is power in the blood of the forty and we're all who are left of that, but there is power in other things too. Used with the right rituals power can be attained, even in what they did to Egg." Daemon said.
"Shiera told me similar, she said Aegon was lucky it was Qohor and not elsewhere, that they have different rituals. But I don't understand why they'd unman him and then try to sacrifice him, would it not have been for the best if they waited? If they did it whole?" she asked, not sure if it actually made a difference.
"If it was a normal sacrifice perhaps, as I said though it was for the….." Daemon stood up quickly.
"Shiera, where's Shiera?" he asked almost panicked.
"She's resting, why?" she asked worriedly.
"I need to speak to her grandmother, I need to know something, she's here?".
"She is, come I'll take you to her."
They hurried down the corridor, Daemon growing more and more agitated as they went, her grandson ignoring the greetings from any of the red priests until Thoros and Melisandre met them. As soon as he saw them he whispered feverishly to them both and they hurried away, Rhaella feeling more and more anxious about things when they reached Shiera's room.
They found her sitting at the looking glass staring at her reflection, only turning when she saw who it was who had entered. The look she gave Daemon was familial, friendly, and she looked pleased to see him, the look on Daemon's face soon changed that though. Shiera walking quickly over to them and looking Daemon in the eye, for a few moments nothing was said and then Daemon spoke.
"The blood Shiera, can they just take it?".
"Daemon?" Rhaella asked confused.
"Do they need to bleed us there and then or could they take stored blood?" Daemon asked and she began to see where he was going with this, a shiver running down her spine at the possibilities.
"It's stronger if it's bled directly and used fresh but it may still be able to be used if stored. You think they bled your brother before you got there?" Shiera asked worriedly.
"Naharis, he left before we got Egg out, he's a lot of things but he's not a coward and certainly not if he had a chance to get near me. I need to speak to Marwyn." Daemon said as he looked to her "Can you go help Thoros and Melisandre, they're looking in the flames, I'll look later." he said and Shiera nodded.
"I'm coming with you." she said and her grandson knew better than to argue.
The ride to the Red Keep was quick and while he slowed his walk for her benefit when they got there, they moved swiftly to the Maester's rooms, finding Marwyn there reading. Marwyn confirmed that Aegon had indeed been bled and she saw Daemon close his eyes and whisper something, a prayer of some sort she thought, though truthfully it could have been anything.
As they arrived back at the Manse it was to find Myrcella there waiting and despite Daemon's protests, she sent him off with his betrothed. Whatever this would mean was a problem for another day, Daemon rushing around and trying to fix a problem he could not was pointless. She felt bad about not staying in the Red Keep and not going to see her other grandson, though she knew her presence would do little good.
Instead here and now she could be of use and so going to get Dany and Viserys, she prepared for Lord Stark's arrival. There would be other arrivals soon, one she looked forward to and one she was more than eager for, both for vastly different reasons. Stannis being brought back into the fold was an astute move by Tywin, the old lion preparing for the future far more than the griffin ever had. As for Baelish, knowing he played a role in what happened to her grandson, the mockingbird would soon have his wing's clipped, given how Daemon was feeling, he'd be lucky to not be burned.
Kings Landing 300 AC.
Howland Reed.
He'd have thought this a godless place if he'd not seen the sheer number of red priests that were here now. While it wasn't anywhere near the number of Septons and Septa's, it in some way matched the number of Weirwoods that stood in Godswoods in the south. The power of the red god growing stronger, while his gods' power weakened in this place, as it had for many a year.
That the reason for the growth of R'hllor was what was supposed to be the reason for the growth of his own gods' influences, only making the irony that much clearer. He had served them well and did their bidding whenever they asked and yet his gods granted few boons, and at times they asked far too much. It was by their will he had let events play out as they had, the lives that were lost still weighing heavily on his heart.
Standing at the docks and waiting for the ship to arrive, he wondered how people would react to him if they knew what he had known. Would he have been the ever-reliable Howland Reed, the ever-dependable well-loved lord of the North, or would he instead be shunned, shamed, and forgotten? Spoken of in hushed whispers and his memory and that of his House used as a cautionary tale.
"You're very quiet Howland." Wyman said from beside him.
"Aye, just thinking, wondering what the lad is like Wyman, that and trying to come to terms with seeing a dragon in the sky." he said trying to make a joke of it.
"It looks far smaller in the sky, Howland, seeing it up close, by the gods now that'd put the fear of the others into ya." The Greatjon said and Howland nodded, though he already feared the others and didn't need it put into him.
Waiting for the ship to arrive time seemed to drag on and on, they had spotted it an hour ago and yet it only slowly made its way through the bay. It gave him far too much time to think and he was relieved when the ship finally docked. Ned, the Smalljon, Maege, Dacey, and few others made their way from the ship, almost fifty men with them and soon they learned there was almost five hundred riding towards King's Landing.
"Lord Stark." Wyman said formally as there were people around.
"Lord Wyman it's good to see you well." Ned said.
While Wyman and the Greatjon greeted the rest of the arrivals, Ned moved to him, nodding and looking him in the eye, smiling when he nodded back. He introduced him to Ser Davos and they made their way back to the manse, Ned almost eager to see his nephew for himself, to check that he'd not been played false. Howland could understand that, it wasn't he doubted them, more he just had to see him to believe truly.
Unfortunately, it seemed that would be not for some time, Daemon having gone to the Lannister manse with his betrothed and so it was Rhaella and her children who welcomed them and not Daemon. He too was disappointed in that, so long had he wished to see her son for himself and to see the man he had grown into. For years he had waited, his gods telling him that Daemon would come North soon, only to be proved wrong when it was to the East he went instead.
"Your grace, it's an honor and a pleasure to see you again." he heard Ned say and was glad to see his lord welcomed just as friendly, though he expected it to be a far different welcome he'd get once he met Rhaegar again.
"I'm sure you're eager both for refreshments and information, come inside Lord Stark and I'll see you receive both." Rhaella said.
Howland left them to it, speaking instead to Maege and the others and confirming what Wyman and the Greatjon were saying about the deal offered by the Lannisters. It was much later that evening when Daemon came back and he finally got the chance to see him for himself. He was taller than he expected, far more filled out and looked like by all accounts what he was, a warrior.
Despite how happy he seemed to be by his uncle's presence and how warmly he welcomed the lords of the North and himself, there was clearly something disturbing him. At first, he thought it was what had happened to his brother and in a way, he was right, though much later on he would find it was not for the reasons he thought. Later that night he found the prince sitting alone in the garden, looking up at the sky and though he seemed at peace, he was clearly not.
"May I join you my prince." Howland said walking over to him.
"I'm afraid you'll find me poor company Lord Reed." Daemon said.
"Howland, my prince".
"Daemon." Daemon said back almost immediately and Howland nodded.
"I came here to see you Daemon, both because my lord asked me to and because my gods did also." he said and Daemon looked at him saying nothing "You were supposed to be their champion, but life is funny, it takes from us as much as it gives." he said softly.
"I know all about the old gods Howland, but I was never theirs. My god is a jealous god, but he will allow me to help his brethren in their hour of need.". Daemon said and Howland breathed a sigh of relief.
"That hour comes ever closer, soon you must go north, far north." he said looking to the prince.
"To bring the Free Folk south, to save them from what comes for them. I know what I must do Howland, but your gods are not the only in need of my service. I have people who need me here and in Essos." Daemon said and as Howland looked at him, he could see the weight her carried.
"My gods told me that you would come North, that you would be their champion, yet it was to the East you went, Why?." he asked.
"For many years I thought I went of my own free will, thought I was looking for my grandmother, and while I was, that wasn't the full story. My god called for me and I came, even though I knew it not." Daemon said.
"What of the Northern gods, the old gods, did they not call?" he asked and Daemon shook his head.
"Have you ever met your gods, Howland?."
"No.".
"I have and trust me mine is a far better god than yours are." Daemon said standing up "I'll go North when R'hllor tells me it's time, just as everything I've ever done has been by his wishes., My God has gifted me, he's given me boons while your's would have seen me dammed." Daemon said as he began to move away.
"Damned?" he asked.
"Next time you speak to your gods, ask them of Jon Snow." Daemon said as he left the garden.
Jon Snow, that name meant nothing to him, a bastard name, a bastard name for a bastard prince, surely not? For what reason would his gods wish that upon anyone?. Daemon was called the prince that was promised by the red priests, a prince in all but name even before they knew the truth of him. A gift from his god to go along with the others R'hllor had given him.
Armor, a Dragon, swords, men to follow him and priests to help him, given the coin he'd given to the Night's Watch from is own pocket, coin also he'd been gifted. A bastard name, what boon was that, how did that help prepare to face what was to come?. It took him some time to sleep that night and he found himself questioning his gods even more. Lives had been lost that could have been saved, events put in motion that now seemed pointless, why? To name a prince a bastard? Was this who he served? and if so was he right to do so?.
Stormlands 300 AC.
Stannis.
The Fury was a fine ship and despite all they'd taken from him and refused him, it was something he'd been allowed to keep. He'd waited for the weather to be perfect before settling on his plans to leave, his whole family was coming with him on this trip, all except for Renly who was staying on as acting lord while he was away. But while he had no fear of the sea for himself, when it came to his family he'd take no chances.
Once ready, he, Edric, Shireen and Delena boarded and along with Ser Richard Horpe, Ser Justin Massey and Ser Balon Swann met the other passengers on board. Lord Beric Dondarrion, Lord Bryce Caron, and his brother Ser Rolland Storm, along with Ser Aemon Estermont acting on his father's behest and Lord Caspar Wylde. Not since the rebellion itself and what had come afterward had such a party traveled to King's Landing.
He had been reluctant to bring so many, but Cressen advised him and Delena agreed that if there was truth in what Tywin said, then it would be good for his lords to see him rewarded. If the man lied as the Griffin did, then while his shame would be more public, it would reinforce rather than weaken his position under his bannermen. The Lords of the Storm were far too loyal to his family to see it as anything other than the insult it would be.
"Do you truly believe he has a dragon, brother?" Shireen asked excitedly as they sat at the table.
"I do, sister, for what use is a lie of such a thing, you either have or you have not, one can't just claim a dragon." Edric said as Stannis looked on, his son's mannerisms were at times as much his own as they were his mother's.
Though he found himself more than thankful that both his children liked life more than he, that they enjoyed things more than he did. In that they took after both their mother and their uncle, Renly being able to enjoy things that Stannis found irritating. He tried, according to Delena, Cressen, and others he was a far happier man than he had once been. Even he knew that, and yet he found things irritated him far too much and that he had no time for others.
They made good time and soon were in Blackwater Bay, a little over a week at sea being enough to dim even Shireen's natural optimism. Something that seeing the view of King's Landing as they moved through the bay came back with a vengeance. His daughter pointing out the Sept of Baelor and the Red Keep, among other landmarks that he knew she'd wish to visit.
"Are we going straight to the Red Keep my love?" Delena asked and Stannis shook his head.
"We need to find accommodation first, then we'll go and greet the king." he said and his wife nodded.
Though his idea turned out to be a nonstarter, as standing on the dock when they arrived was the Hand and a number of his men, his son the imp standing beside him. He noticed that among the gold cloaks there were Lannister men too guarding Tywin, finding it worrisome that he would bring such an accompaniment with him. He heard the whispers from behind him from his lords and shushed them, even should they be in danger here, nothing would happen in public. Soon he was standing face to face with Tywin Lannister, both of them sizing the other up.
"Lord Stannis, Lady Delena, on behalf of their graces I welcome you and your party to King's Landing. Unfortunately, a family situation required their attention and so they couldn't be here themselves to do so." Tywin said and Stannis looked at him warily, they'd never been welcomed by the king or anyone of merit anytime he'd been forced to come and he wondered why they would be now.
"I thank you my lord for the welcome, unexpected as it was. I had hoped to settle my family and party into their accommodations before greeting their graces." he said looking to the old lion.
"I'm happy to inform you that these arrangements have already been taking care of my lord. Their graces have set some apartments aside for you in Maegor's Holdfast." Tywin said and as Stannis was about to say something he heard the excited squeal from Shireen.
"Ser Onion Knight." Shireen said running from where they stood, her propriety and formality gone in the blink of an eye.
"Surely you cannot be the Lady Shireen, why you were only this high when last I saw you." Davos said with a smile on his face as he motioned to almost half Shireen's size.
"It's me truly, Ser Onion Knight." Shireen said laughing when Davos hugged her.
"Come, I should greet your father formally, especially with all these people watching." Davos said as he winked conspiratorially at Shireen, even Stannis himself unable to keep the smirk from his face.
"Lord Hand." Davos said and Tywin nodded "Lord Stannis, it's good to you again." Davos said his hand out to shake which he took.
"You too Ser Davos.".
"My lady, you grow ever more beautiful." Davos said tuning to kiss Delena's offered hand.
"And you are far more gallant than I remember Ser Davos." Delena said with a chuckle.
"Travels with a prince, my lady, I felt it best to mind my manners." Davos smirked.
"We were just heading to the Red Keep, Ser Davos. Perhaps you can accompany Lord Stannis and bring him up to date on events?" Tywin said and Davos nodded.
The carriage was one of the royal ones and Stannis asked Edric and Shireen to ride in the other, his son knowing that he was eager to find out where they stood and so he quickly made a game of things with his sister. Almost as soon as the carriage was moving he looked to Davos, glad to see how well the knight was doing and that he had come personally to see him arrive.
"Ser Davos, forgive me for what I'm about to ask, but I find myself sailing uncharted waters here." he said looking to the knight.
"Then let me be your guide, my lord.".
"I received a raven from Lord Tywin, suggesting a change in things. That the griffin was replaced and an easing of restrictions was to follow, am I being led a merry dance Ser?." he asked Delena looking as eager as he for the reply.
"Not to my knowledge my lord. Things have changed since the prince's return, a new wave has hit the realms so to speak." Davos said before he opened the window to allow the sounds to come in.
Stannis listened as the voices rose from the streets, some preaching about R'hllor and saying that their god wished to help, that food would be proved to the hungry, care to the sick. Moving to the window he looked out and saw a beautiful woman in red speak to a large crowd, two men standing beside her with spears. As they traveled the distance to the Red Keep he heard more and more of it, there were even people laughing and seeming happier to him.
"The prince did this?".
"His god did." Davos said and were it any other man than Davos he'd have shaken his head.
"Lord Tywin?" he asked.
"His granddaughter is to marry Prince Daemon, his family has risen and he's a smart man my lord. The Griffin was a fool and people are realizing that now. In the future, Prince Daemon will be king and Queen Rhaella believes Tywin is setting about securing that future.
"Making sure there are no rebellious lords around?" Delena asked worriedly.
"Making sure they have no reason to rebel, my lady." Davos smiled at her reassuredly.
"You believe this offer from Lord Tywin to be true Ser, that my family and I are safe here?." Stannis asked.
"I believe the offer true my lord. As for your safety, I am here to guarantee it. No one will harm you or yours my lord, you have Queen Rhaella and Prince Daemon's assurance on that." Davos said.
For the first time since he received the raven he felt himself truly relax, while not yet fully ready to hope, he felt he could at least be relaxed about things. The ride through the final few streets passed by in the blink of an eye and as he later settled down into the apartments they'd been shown to, Stannis looked very much forward to the meeting later on.
Kings Landing 300 AC.
Myrcella.
Hearing the sound of the dragon arriving back had made her so relieved, so happy, and so she couldn't wait to see him. Her uncle arranged the horses quickly and when she arrived at the Dragonpit, she was as shocked as he to see that Daemon had managed to rescue Aegon. Both her uncles and her grandfather had assumed that despite his efforts, Daemon wouldn't find Aegon. Essos was just too large and the places he could have been taken were far too numerous, they had said.
Myrcella noticed how weak Aegon looked and how he seemed to almost hide behind, and then lean on Daemon at the same time. She returned Daemon's smile when he looked at her and when he said her name, and she then saw for herself and he confirmed he was unharmed, she felt even happier. That he had needed to go with Aegon and had told them he'd meet them in the Red Keep later, she could understand.
When he told them all that had happened, even despite her own disappointment that she'd not got to spend time alone with him, she understood too. Even the next morning when she'd expected him to come to the Manse and he had not, she had taken no issue with it. Instead, she had gone to Daemon's Manse eager to see him and to try and spend any time with him that he could give her.
"Cella," she heard him say as he walked towards her, a smile on his face though his eyes seemed to be still concerned about something.
"Daemon, you are well, Egg?" she asked.
"Will recover, let's go speak somewhere else." he said and she nodded.
The ride back to her family's manse was quiet, Daemon speaking of inconsequential things, almost making conversation for its own sake. It was only when they reached it and as she was walking into the house with him that he really spoke, and then it was to ask if they could go to the garden. Once they got there and walked over to the seat she turned, quickly finding herself in his arms. The kisses were longer, hungrier, they were almost needy from him, it was as if he was trying to forget something, and when he broke away he looked almost embarrassed.
"I'm sorry, Cella." he said and she smiled as he reached out to touch her face.
"Don't be." she said, both of them taking a seat.
"Cella, I, Egg, do you mind if we don't speak of him, I'll tell you it all, but for now can we not?".
"Of course Daemon." she said glad to see the smile on his face and to feel him take her hand in his own.
"Grandmother told me the good news, we're to be wed, the king's come around?" he said the last bit both a question about the king and herself she felt.
"He has, I spoke to Melisandre, about a wedding in front of your god." she said looking to him.
"Cella, you don't have to, if you wish to marry in the Sept, I will. I'd marry you anywhere." he said and she felt her heart skip a beat at his words.
"And I, you, but I want to Daemon. R'hllor means a lot to you and so I wish him to bless our wedding." she said.
"Then he will." Daemon said smiling at her.
"Do you….how long should we wait?." she asked nervously.
"I have everyone I'd wish to be at it here Cella, do you? Is there someone you wish to be there who's not in King's Landing.".
"I..ehmm, I sent for them while you were gone, they'll be here within the next week or so." she said not looking at him, worried he may think her far too presumptuous.
"Good, I don't want to wait longer than is needed. I want you to be my wife Cella, when you're ready then so am I." he said and she kissed him this time.
She heard him sigh a few moments later and she both wished not to ask him what was wrong and yet needed to know. Turning to him she reached both her hands to his face, turning his head so he was looking at her. She resisted the urge to just kiss him again, the desire to just forget about everything and to instead allow them both to get lost in each other's embrace.
"Daemon what's wrong?" she asked softly.
"Things may happen soon Cella, I..I..don't know how long I can stay, how long I have to left stay here in King's Landing." he said and she felt her hands drop from his face and her worry rise "I may need to go again, not today or tomorrow, or even a week from now, but soon Cella, soon I may be needed again.".
She composed herself as best she could, nodding that she was with him and she'd support him. While trying as best she could to not to let her worry and disappointment show.
"You'll come back?" she asked.
"Always, I am yours Cella, for now, and forever.".
"Now and forever." she said as they kissed once more.
He stayed a few hours with her before he went back to his own Manse, the conversation turning far lighter. Daemon asking what she had been up to while he was away and she telling him of her efforts in bringing Tommen and Margaery together and spending time with Rhaenys. That she and his sister were friendly made him as happy as anything she said almost, only speaking of their wedding and future life together seeming to work more.
Promising to see her on the morrow and to have dinner with her and her family the next night, he said his goodbyes, the kiss more chaste and respectful this time, as her mother had come to bid him farewell. Laying in her bed she tried not to dwell on the fact that he would be leaving again, she had known it deep in her heart anyway, though hearing it from him made it so much harder. Instead, she tried to turn her thoughts to their wedding, to being with the man she loved and having him in her bed as well as her heart. As she drifted off to sleep, she found that it was this image and thought which soon replaced all others, and she welcomed it.
King's Landing 300 AC.
Daemon.
His brother was recovering slowly, it had taken him being there when he woke or ate and having Elia with them both, for Egg to almost turn from Daemon to Elia. His brother's mother becoming his source of comfort, rather than Daemon himself. Knowing they had taken his blood preyed on his mind. It had forced him to almost not wish to spend time with Myrcella given what he would soon need to do, but his grandmother had insisted and as always she was right.
Just being with her had allowed him to achieve some peace of mind, more than that though it had soothed his worried heart. Despite knowing that things would soon move in a direction he truly feared, that he had her, allowed him to think beyond that, imagine other things, and mostly gave him a chance at a far better future. He only hoped that he'd get to spend some time with her after they were wed, though he feared it would not be enough.
It was sitting alone with thoughts of this that he had been joined by Howland Reed, that the man had been close to his mother had made him wish to speak of her, to learn even more of her, and yet it was other things they talked of. As he walked back into the Manse he felt annoyed, insulted somewhat. While he had his own faith and begrudged no one following their own path, the old gods and their plans for him angered him. He felt Ghost lean up against him as he walked towards the room and felt himself calm somewhat.
"Thank you." he said rubbing the wolf's fur, thankful for at least of this part of the old god's plan.
Opening the door he found Thoros, Melisandre, and Shiera standing there, all three of them looking into the flames and Shiera wearing a small bandage on her hand. None of them looked like they had learned much and Shiera seemed different to him, as if she had changed in some way. He was about to speak to her on it when Thoros spoke, soon confirming what he had thought.
"There is nothing there my prince, no visions, not even with Shiera's blood." Thoros said, Melisandre and Shiera nodding their agreement.
"Could R'hllor be blocked from us? Is that possible?" he asked Shiera shaking her head.
"No Daemon, they may be able to hide things from us, not allow us to see certain things, as R'hllor himself was with you, or this was able to with me." she pointed to the ruby on her chest "But to block a god, no they don't have that power." she said.
He nodded before reaching for his knife and then walking to the fire, the others following closely behind. Once he reached it he drew the knife over his palm and allowed the blood to fall into the flames. They rose higher and grew brighter, an almost white flame replacing the yellow flickering ones. Looking in at them he found that Shiera was right, R'hllor was there and as always he showed him his path.
"You saw?" he asked them after the flames burned out.
"Ice, my prince, a wall of ice." Melisandre said.
"People, I saw people, living in put up shelters in fields of snow." Thoros said.
"Brynden, I saw Brynden, he was living in a tree, no, he was a tree. He's beyond the wall Daemon, we must go to him." Shiera said.
"We?" he asked and she nodded.
"What did you see my prince?" Melisandre asked.
He had seen so many things, a mocking bird trying to fly from a cage, a Blackfish swimming in a river while a small wolf walked the banks beside it. He saw a falcon shed its wings and reveal different colored feathers. A stag rising and sitting down with dragons and lions, he saw a white wolf and a lioness run through open fields, a dragon flying overhead.
There was a broken dragon learning to fly once more, other dragons learning to use their flames, and fields of ice in the darkness. A dragon roared, a wolf howled, and darkness became light once more. But more than anything he saw the things that moved in the darkness, what lived in the cold of the night, and heard a voice call out that it was almost time.
"Daemon?" Shiera asked and for a brief moment, he laughed surprising them all before he composed himself.
"My prince?" Thoros asked.
"Sorry old friend, I was just… it's been a long time since R'hllor has given me visions that need proper interpretations.".
"He didn't show you events, my prince?" Melisandre asked confused.
"He showed me sigils and avatars, signs of things to come perhaps. We have time I feel, that's what this was about, R'hllor telling me we have some time before we must go North, that and one other thing which was even more clear." he said.
"What was clear Daemon?" Shiera asked.
"Blue eyes, Shiera, they are coming and we need to close them all." he said.
Kings Landing 300 AC.
Littlefinger.
The looming city in front of him had him excited, Lysa too, and thankfully for him at least this time her excitement wasn't aimed in his direction. He'd had far too much of that on the road to get here and had finalized most of his plans toward her because of it. She wouldn't be making it back to the Vale, the price he had to pay to keep her close and happy was one he no longer had the inclination to suffer through.
So be it in the city itself, depending on the offer Tywin Lannister had for him, or on the journey back to the Vale, Lysa would soon be out of his life. As for Sweetrobin, the boy had barely managed to survive the journey, every wave seeming to almost send him into a fit or attack. He too would not be long for this world, though he would at least outlive his mother, if not his own usefulness.
"Is that Lord Tywin, Petyr?" Lysa said pointing to the men on the docks.
"It is my love." he said smiling, more at the fact that the Hand had come to meet him himself, revealing just how important he truly was to them.
It took some more time for the ship to dock and Sweetrobin thankfully had no more episodes. Holding Lysa's hand he walked down the gangplank and was soon in front of the old lion. Looking around he was surprised at the number of guards but gave it no mind, the smile on Tywin's face was calculating and Petyr knew he was weighing him up, seeing if he would be his match. For now, he'd allow him the upper hand, defer, flatter, and deceive, he was a master of this game after all.
"Lord Baelish, Lady Baelish, it's an honor to welcome you both to King's Landing." Tywin said and he felt Lysa's almost giddy excitement beside him.
"Lord Lannister, a pleasure." he said and Lysa smiled when the old lion kissed her offered hand.
"My lord, we've made apartments available to you in the Maidenvault and I'm sure you'd like to settle in and refresh yourselves. When you feel up to it, his grace would like a private audience with you Lord Baelish, but before that, if we could discuss other matters." Tywin said with a nod and Petyr felt almost eager to speak to the old lion, though knowing he knew to hide it for now though.
"Of course my lord, shall we." he said and Tywin nodded.
He felt his temper rise on the way to the Red Keep, the sounds of a false god's priests spreading tales of hope and help reaching his ears even through the carriage's closed window. Doing his best to calm himself and to remember that these red priests, their god, and their chosen would all fall soon, Petyr quickly found his smile back on his face.
The apartments themselves were lavish and showed just how highly thought of and how prized he was to the crown. Making him even more eager to speak to Tywin and upon seeing the glint in Lysa's eyes, glad of the excuse to leave the room. He and his two guards were escorted to the Tower of the Hand, unsurprised he was not made wait and instead allowed to enter right away.
"Lord Baelish, I hadn't expected you so soon." Tywin said and Petyr reveled in putting him on the back foot.
"No my lord, I had not expected it myself, but given the nature of your ravens and knowing how court works and that my lady wife would no doubt prefer me to take care of business first." he paused "I felt it would simplify and expedite things if we spoke now." he said his smile as practiced as ever.
"Of course my lord. As I inferred in my raven with Lord Connington no longer Hand things are required to change in the running of the realm. Things which have been left undone for far too long, need righting." Tywin said.
"Indeed my lord and I can think of no one better suited to the task than yourself." he said noticing the little smile on the old lion's face from his flattery.
"I thank you my lord, but no man no matter how capable he may be can instill change alone.".
"Indeed.".
"Which is why I need capable men around me Lord Baelish, men such as yourself. However, what I'm about to say next I ask you to keep to yourself, publicly at least." Tywin said looking to him.
"You can be assured of my discretion, my lord.".
"I have heard this Lord Baelish, which is why I'm prepared to offer you the position of Master of Coin." Tywin said surprisingly even him.
"Lord Tyrell?" he asked trying to cover up his surprise.
"Is a capable man but one better suited as a Lord Paramount, rather than as a man who serves the small council.".
"I take it the Lord is unaware of this change?".
"Apart from his grace, you and I are the only ones who know." Tywin said "Which is why your discretion is so important Lord Baelish.".
"You can count on it, my lord and I humbly accept the position." he said his smile more genuine than it had been a few moments earlier.
"Excellent, perhaps you'll join me in a glass, my lord, I have some fine Dornish sour here somewhere." Tywin said and he nodded.
Master of Coin was more than he expected and that it would slight the roses was even better, a rift between them and the crown only served to weaken it much further. As Tywin poured the wine himself Petyr began to work out in his head how to use this to his advantage. Both the position and the slight gave him more to work with than he had expected. He smiled when Tywin brought the glasses over, sipping and then drinking more fully the wine, a fine vintage he thought as he did so.
"I really do look forward to our conversations in the future Lord Baelish. I find some conversations in this place to be dull, this one not so much.".
"As do I my lord." Petyr said looking at the old lion and seeing him blur, almost fade away, shaking his head and then looking down to the glass as he fell to the floor.
The room was dark and cold, his hands and legs were tied, no chained he thought as he heard the rattle when he moved them. He heard the door open and then the men walked in, Tywin Lannister, Ser Arthur Dayne, and King Rhaegar himself, all looking at him as his eyes tried to get accustomed to the light.
"Lord Baelish it's good to see you at last." Rhaegar said.
"Your Grace, Your Grace, there's been some mistake, I don't understand." he said shaking his head.
"I think you'll find there's not my lord, you really shouldn't use your own people or place of business for endeavors such as the one you and Lord Varys undertook. Nor should you ally yourself with men willing to speak to theirs and your own guilt." Tywin Lannister said.
"Guilt? What guilt? Of what crime am I being accused, your grace.".
"Why Treason of course." Rhaegar said before moving closer "For what your friends did to my son, for your part of it, I welcome what's to come Lord Baelish. I damn you though for making me resort to this." the king said as he turned and walked from the room, Ser Arthur and Lord Tywin following behind.
The door closed, though it didn't lock and he wondered why that was, as he struggled against the chains he felt a presence in the room, and then where there was once darkness there was light. The man was tall and had long dark hair, s scar over his eye, and deep purple eyes. Were that not enough to tell him who it was, the two swords, the black and red outfit, and the three-headed dragon brooch he wore would be, and Petyr felt true fear as he looked at him.
"Lord Baelish. My friends and I have some questions for you." Prince Daemon said as he moved toward him the screams were not something he knew he was capable of, yet scream he did when he saw the things that moved from behind the prince.