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Chapter 12 – Strange Alliances

Godric's Hollow, the Riverlands…

The fastest horse in the Peverell army had ridden for days until it carried its rider home, at the gates waiting to meet it were Rhaenys with Aegon and Viserys at her side not to mention Serenity. The young woman put a comforting hand on Aegon and Viserys' shoulders which earned her a glare from Rhaenys but the two boys didn't seem to mind and actually lent into her for support.

The rider dismounted from his horse and knelt before them, handing three bundles, two to Aegon and one to Viserys. Aegon who looked at them horrified hesitation before a nudge from Viserys made him take them. Aegon took the smaller of the pair first, carefully unwrapping it to find a simple band of gold.

The crown of his late brother.

The thing that marked him as a king.

The weight of the simple thing seemed to be massive in his hands, way more than just a physical weight which was nothing even to his young arms but what it meant now that it was in his hands. He allowed Rhaenys to open the second bundle for him and revealed the magnificent sword Darkfyre that had been given by the Peverells as a gift to House Targaryen who had in turn given it to Jacaerys.

Now it was his, not as a gift but because his brother had died and named him as heir to the throne.

He left Rhaenys holding the sword while he continued staring at the crown, he looked to see Viserys who was holding the contents of his bundle, the family sword Dark Sister formerly belonging to their father who honestly no longer meant a thing to either of them as he had never been there for them when they had been living together with the rest of their family. He had pursued his own pleasures, whatever they might be.

Aegon was so confused by the violent storm of emotion that surged inside him, feelings he could not express or had a clue what to do with. Serenity decided to suggest something as she noticed his distress.

"When my mother needs to clear her head she does some painting. Perhaps Ettas could try and guide you?" She suggested. Aegon was uncertainty of what to say and was so lost in his own world that he didn't even really hear Rhaenys try to shout at Serenity but the younger woman just ignored her and guided Aegon and Viserys towards the studio where Ettas worked. Aegon felt the comfort of his brother's hand on his and gratefully squeezed it back. The touch of his brother's hand more valuable to him in that moment that any crown or sword.

A reminder that he was not alone.

-x-

Isle of Faces, the God's Eye…

A small boat carried the group towards the island, the fog that surrounded the area and hid the isle from view was disorientating as they lost sight of anything they could use to figure out where they were and could only hope they were going the right way. Even Moody was quiet, so focused on finding their prey that he didn't even say a word.

The eight of them all were incredibly alert, their senses looking for any sign of attack but nothing came. However soon the veil of fog parted and at last they discovered the island. The boat rocked as they hit the shore and as they climbed out and secured the boat against a nearby Weirwood they advanced slowly.

The forest was a major surprise, the island was a fairly big one but not enough for the scale of what they were seeing and it amazed all of them even Moody that somehow the ancient Peverells had managed to use charms that usually only worked on an interior space like a tent or a trunk to make this island many times its original size. How big they could only guess at, this isle stood on the intersection of five ley line much like Hogwarts had in the other world so with the support of the world's ambient magic it could be as big as it liked Lily guessed.

As they walked up into the forest they saw fairies and pixies dancing amongst the trees and other plants, they spotted some Pufferskeins and Mooncalfs in a grove grazing while Flobberworms and Golden Snignets darted in and out of sight.

"Incredible." Cedric said with pure awe in his voice, Colin and Fred likewise stared in amazement at this sanctuary and all it contained. James and Lily smiled as did Sirius with the simple pleasure of exploring somewhere new.

Amelia and Moody however stayed focused on what they were doing here, looking for any sign of Bellatrix, mindful of the danger of such a dense forest which offered a lot of opportunity for ambushes. However soon they came across something else far more horrific.

A pair of winged horses, their coats matted and bloody clearing showing injuries caused by magic and the patterns left by the mad witch when she drained something.

Not far off they saw a Sphinx with similar injuries however blood on its claws shown it had managed to injure whatever had attacked it and not far beyond that a magnificent Hippogriff that had once had an amazing bronze coat but now lay gutted and violated on the ground.

They all shared a look of disgust especially those that had not seen the sight of it before but Moody with his usual cold professionalisation knelt down and examined the Hippogriff and noted.

"This was done not long ago, maybe twenty minutes at most. She can't be far ahead of us." He said wondering just how much magic she had stolen so far and some might think it a good idea to wait until they had more of a plan but the longer they did that the stronger the bitch was going get so they had to kill her now.

His obsession on Constant Vigilance and staying alert saved him moments later when an arrow narrowly missed his head. The group while surprised quickly dived for cover as more arrows came flying at them. One struck the slower moving James in the leg, he cried out in pain and Lily instinctively covered her husband with a shield which was soon being pelted with arrow fire.

The group looked amongst the trees but it was so dense they struggled to find a target and all they could rely on was their ears as while they couldn't see their attacker they could hear the sound of...hooves.

From their time spent in the Forbidden Forest back at Hogwarts Sirius and James recognised the sound and Sirius called out.

"CENTAURS! WE MEAN YOU NO HARM! THE WITCH THAT ATTACKED YOU HAS ATTACKED US TOO!"

The arrow fire stopped but it was replaced by a very tense silence, the humans' eyes all darted around looking for any sign of a renewed attack. But instead a sight none of them ever expected to see again appeared, a single centaur appeared before them. He was older than most with white hair and his coat was a little thinner but he was still muscled. He looked at them all intently and with great suspicion especially as they held their wands or staffs pointed at him but he himself showed no fear.

He then noticed the symbol of House Peverell which James, Sirius, Amelia and Lily wore on their cloaks and his eyes narrowed.

"You Peverells claimed that this island would remain untouched by human kind when they drove us from the mainland." He said with anger at their peaceful sanctuary had been violated in such a way. James being the actual Peverell here spoke as Lily carefully removed the arrow and appealed basic healing spells.

"It was designed to keep the heathen Seven worshippers, normal humans from coming here. My ancestors never imagined someone like Bellatrix would ever come here." He said defensively and wincing in pain as the arrow was pulled out but didn't yell. "She's drained all the magical humans she could find and is here to drain all the creatures. We are here to stop her." James told him shortly but Lily angry at them wounding her husband snapped.

"Or we were until you started shooting at us!"

The centaur looked completely unapologetic and given the threat Moody was eagerly ready for a fight, Amelia while Sirius and Lily helped James to stand with his now more injured leg and Cedric and Fred did their best to restrain Moody tried to calm the situation.

"Regardless of how you all must feel about humans the fact is that you will need our help to stop the bitch. A sphinx is one of the toughest magical creatures around and it could only wound the woman, we can at least fight on the same terms. After she is dealt with we will gladly leave you alone." Amelia said as diplomatically as she could.

The centaur seemed to consider their words before saying reluctantly.

"Follow me."

They all shared a look of worry at what this could mean before following the centaur, Colin really wishing Harry here for the thousandth time. Beating the odds seemed so much more possible with him around.

-x-

Elsewhere on the isle, Bellatrix was giddy, despite the injury she had sustained from that blasted sphinx she had never felt better and now she saw the means of healing herself and gaining the greatest amount of power yet.

A unicorn foul, its coat a glorious gold and the sheer potential magic inside it made her lick her lips in anticipation. Her mind already eager to feel the high that came from draining a creature of its magic and a unicorn was one of the most magical creatures of all. This was going to be good she thought, her tongue running over lips again.

She crept up on the creature and with a wave of her hand she conjured ropes that caught the surprised animal which struggled frantically against the ropes that held it tight, eager to regain its freedom and started making noises of distress calling for its mother in fear.

These noises were music to Bellatrix's ears as she approached and with her excitement now as high as a mountain she started the process. The screams of the foal would have brought most people, at least ones with even the smallest shred of compassion to tears with the pain and suffering of the poor young creature but these were not characteristics that Bellatrix had or even cared about.

She almost came with the rush of magic, gasping out almost orgasmically.

However a moment later that changed to a sharp scream as pain surged right through her body. She fell to the ground and shock violently, her body contorting with pain.

Her hair actually started falling from her head, her skin shrunk so it clung closely enough to her skull for her to appear nearly like a corpse. Her skin lost colour and body seemed to lose any muscle and fat it had.

Bellatrix slowly got to her feet slowly and awkwardly as her limbs seemed unable to support her but when she did her eyes widened and her mouth, now seeming to crack the skin smiled a wider smile than should be possible for a human. She started laughing now even more unbalanced than ever as green flame started appearing in her hands.

Dragonstone, the Narrow Sea…

The night was clear and calm, so the guards on the walls were relaxed at ease. Things had been very quiet since the king had left and they were quite comfortable as was their commander Ser Broome their commander who enjoyed sitting in his solar and tasting the better food and wine now available to him. Their numbers were considerably smaller but since the usurper Rhaenyra and her eldest sons not to mention Daemon were now dead they believed there was no danger.

However this complacency was going to come back bite them as sloops delivered men to the shores of the island and who were able to creep up the rocky slopes and hills to the gates of the castle before with an angry roar they charged through the open doors and into castle.

The guards were taken completely by surprise and given the rushing in of dozens of men were easily overwhelmed and secured, Ser Broome was roused from his meal by the noise and when he opened the door was faced with a sword in his face, held in the hands of a very pissed off Valyrian man.

"Bind and gag him, we'll deal with them all once the island is secure." Ser Addam Velaryon said with the greatest distaste for the traitor. His own deep and well-ingrained sense of honour there was little he hated more than people who betrayed their oaths, so Broome and his ilk filled him with the greatest disgust and contempt.

Not to mention the fact that they had helped bring about Alyn's death which they would soon regret deeply he thought.

As his men, not to mention those of the houses from Crackclaw Point secured all the staff of the castle and the guards in particular in the cells he saw his grandfather Lord Corlys Velaryon coming up to him with purpose, no doubt having some instruction for him as despite being a legitimised bastard he was now the heir to House Velaryon.

"Word has been sent to the loyalists in the Reach, they know we still fight for Aegon the Younger." Corlys said with confidence as with the island in their hands they could really turn up the pressure on Aegon the Usurper. From here they would cut off all trade to Kings Landing by sea and land trade was not half as efficient. He had some more plans of his own to increase the strain on the Greens that would hopefully bring about a much faster end.

His ships would begin occasionally bombarding the walls of the city but no more. Let them worry each time it was the beginning of an invasion and shift men to defend the walls while the Crownlands houses that were still loyal began a series of hit and run attacks on houses loyal to the usurper. It would either force him to deploy his troops extremely thin or abandon them and that would make support fall away from him.

Either way Aegon was trapped. He could hardly deal with him let alone the army down in the Reach which would eventually come north to deal with him.

With his plans in place or now being expanded he turned to Alyn who was such a dutiful soul he honestly wondered if he should have been sworn to the Kingsguard rather than become his heir but this had been the hand they had been dealt Corlys mused and broached the subject that had crossed his mind when he had learned Jacaerys was dead.

"Baela Targaryen is now a free woman."

Alyn looked confused at why he was bringing up the betrothed of the former short lived king, she was known to be a fierce young woman that had refused to leave her sister's side in the North and made quite a name for herself for burning the Iron Born that dared attack the North. She...intrigued him but no more.

"So?" He asked and Corlys honestly wondered with exasperation at how he was going to turn this overly honourable knight into an heir worthy of the name Velaryon before explaining.

"That means she is in need of a new betrothed or better a husband."

Alyn looked at him with annoyance, Jacaerys had been dead less than two weeks and his grandfather was already looking to take his betrothed for the family. In the privacy of his own mind he knew that his grandfather wanted to establish the Velaryons as a family of dragon riders in their own right now that at last they had dragons themselves but without a pair to breed it would not last long.

Alyn sighed, his grandfather was a very clever man and he held in a very high regard for his cunning and wisdom but his ambition at times was a hard thing to cope with.

He would do as he commanded and try to court Baela Targaryen but not force the issue.

However right now he had to think on how to punish the traitors he thought darkly.

Winterfell, the North…

The cries of Rhaena echoed around the castle as she went into labour for the second time in her life, the castle was excited as they would soon welcome another member of House Stark or possibly two as their lady seemed to believe. Either way they were all waiting with baited breath to see just what new child was about to enter the world.

Baela had not left her sister's side since the beginning was there hold her hand while the midwife and maester worked to help the lady of the castle. The babe had come quickly, much like her son had but this one was a girl much like she had predicted however when it did not end they all quickly realised that Rhaena had been very right...she was carrying twins.

The second babe came not long after the first, another girl that was identical to the first. She was pressed gently into Baela's arms after the first was put into Rhaena's. Both of them smiled at the beauty they had in their arms, all the promise of two new lives right at the beginning. They had gone through it before, when Eddard had been born but somehow it felt like new again.

Baela was smiling again, for the first time in days as she reeled from Jacaerys' death, she was not sad at missing her chance to be queen though as the thought of dealing with the court and all the gossiping nobles and ladies to say nothing of having to wear gowns and attend dinners and all the rest of the drama was perhaps her worst nightmare. It was a burden off her shoulders but still she felt sad that Jacaerys who had been so ready to be king was gone and now that burden fell on their little brother. She dearly wanted to fly down to see him but Rhaena needed her here with her husband in the south.

Still the sight of her little niece in her arms was enough to bring an upward turn to her lips, she smiled and placed a small kiss on the little girl's head before passing her back to her mother. Rhaena seemed to glow in that way that mother's do and had in her opinion never looked so happy and content.

The death of their father did not even bother her for a second, horrible as it sounded he had cared little for them as girls and they had only been too happy to return the favour. The eggs he had sent remained in her room and secure under lock and key. She had not managed to learn what made they so different to other eggs but in time they would figure it out.

Turning her mind to other things she looked to her sister and asked.

"Any names for them yet?" She sat on the bed next to her and put her arms around her sister who just smiled as she said.

"I thought at least one should come from House Stark since they are going to be the my little Northern dragons." She said gently nuzzling their little heads with her nose. "The eldest will be named Arya, its a strong name for a strong girl." She said proudly and when Baela raised an eyebrow the little babe in question actually seemed to glare in an adorable way as if she were daring her to criticise it. Baela suddenly with a smile realised the name was going to fit this little girl well.

"And her?" Baela asked looking at the as yet unnamed little girl. Baela expected another Northern name given these girls were going to be part of House Stark. Rhaena smiled before saying.

"Laena, after our mother."

A single tear ran down Baela's cheek as emotion surged inside her, perfect name for such a perfect child Baela thought which she hugged her sister close.

The Reach, Near Highgarden…

The band of men that had once been commanded by lords of stature was no longer disciplined or even fighting for the crown at the moment. They had taken to raiding all across the Reach as the army gathered up more and more bandits and knights and normal men eager to make easy riches for themselves which was of course meant taking them from others. Men who had objected often found themselves being fed to the two dragons that terrorised the camp and so now no one said a word.

In the tent nearby Ulf and Hugh enjoyed much of the benefits their new position and the great power their dragons could bring them. Vermithor and Silverwing were enjoying the benefits of fresh meat as they dined on horse, cattle or whatever else they had found for them.

"Highgarden next, my new seat." Ulf said with a sick kind off expectation, the dowager Lady Tyrell was known to be very beautiful and he was eagerly expecting the sight of her sucking his cock in exchange for letting her son live, not to mention all the other whores and drink the gold of Highgarden could bring him. He would put a babe in Lady Tyrell soon enough and then butcher the little bastard and live like a king for the rest of his days.

Hugh laughed in his agreement, the crown of black iron almost falling off his head. His ambitions were set higher than his friend, intending to take the Iron Throne for himself especially as no one sat on it right now.

The two men were feeling supremely confident in what they could do, their dragons made them feel untouchable.

So much so that they had forgotten that other people could ride dragons.

-x-

Nearby…

In the skies above the camp and a distance away that would make spotting her next to impossible Visenya used Myrish glasses to spy on the camp of the traitors. The sight of the camp and worse the two noble dragons that had once belonged to the most brilliant and capable king and queen in the history of Westeros serving such vicious thugs was enough to make her blood boil but she instead forced her temper down, swearing to not be like her mother and let it rule her and instead continued to count their numbers not to mention mark their position.

She knew that their army easily outnumbered and outmatched the traitor's army even the more professional ones. However the dragons were a concern, she was wondering which in a fight might be easiest to deal with when she saw a sight on the horizon flying towards the camp. She turned her Myrish glasses to it and saw to her astonishment that it was Daeron Targaryen, Aegon the Usurper's sole remaining brother and the last dragon rider of the Greens.

She was instantly on edge, in a fight her larger dragon would definitely have the advantage in the fight but Daeron was not one to just give up. He was flying straight towards her and as she prepared herself for a fight she noticed to her surprise he was pointing down at the ground and making an X sign with his wrists.

It was one of several non-verbal signals that House Targaryen had created to allow dragon riders to communicate in the air, this particular one she recognised meant 'Land, we need to talk'.

Her suspicions were incredibly high that this was some sort of trap but he actually descended and landed in the field below as she watched. A look around showed no troops of any kind in the area and with a sense of foreboding she decided to see just what Daeron had to say.

The wide open field allowed her clear lines of sight, and a look showed nothing but her, Daeron and their dragons when they landed. She dismounted and carefully approached Daeron after rubbing her worried dragon on the snout.

Her uncle Daeron was actually younger than her which was somewhat strange even in their family but he was perhaps the most level headed and compassionate of Alicent Hightower's sons not to mention the most dutiful and indeed honourable. A distinction that he had shared with Jacaerys she thought with a pang, her grandfather had even ordered that the two boys who had been born at roughly the same time to share a wetnurse in the hopes they would consider each other brothers.

Of course it had been a vain hope but he had been nothing but polite to her, he had even once sent a knight who had been insulting towards her away. Saying she was a princess and should be afforded the respect that was her due.

He was an odd one she thought and as they stepped away from their dragons and stood now only a few short feet apart she honestly had no idea just what to say to him, neither did he it seemed as they just stood looking at each other.

A few moments passed like this before finally somebody said something and it was Daeron who spoke first.

"Your father killed my nephews and niece." He said it with such anger and hate that it honestly would have made a lesser person cringe but Visenya was not a lesser person and met his glare head on.

"And your brothers killed nearly all of my brothers and my mother and believe me when I say Daemon was no father of mine." She said sharply with just as much hate given all that his family had done too. They held each other's gaze neither willing to back down as their respective sides of the family had both been so hurt by the war. Fighting for the throne when they themselves had wanted nothing to do with it. They continued to glare before she asked him.

"So what now?"

The question hung in the air, Daeron had not expected it and in truth had no idea why he had started this but saw no reason to lie.

"I intend to kill those disgusting thugs that your mother and father gave dragons too. They disgrace such noble creatures. So stay out of my way." He warned her hotly.

Visenya honestly was so taken aback by his calling the dragons noble creatures just like she herself thought of them, so much so that the mention of Daemon being her father was ignored. Not to mention his intention to kill the traitors, exactly the same reason that she was here for. It was strange she thought to find such a similarities amongst her enemies but she had always been a practical person and pushed past that, in fact the thought that their goals were aligned seemed almost too good of an opportunity to let pass.

"Then for now at least we have the same intention. I can't take them alone and neither can you but...together we could." Visenya said and wondered briefly if this was not a terrible idea. His brother wanted hers dead and soon no doubt they would fight for the Iron Throne but it would be far easier for them to work together against the rogues than individually.

He looked as unsure as she did after the surprise had sunk in, not sure if he could quite believe it.

"You must be joking, an alliance...with you?" He said almost like he was mocking the idea but she began to realise it really was the best thing they could do. She could admittedly wait for him to try and kill them but he would likely be killed if he tried alone and the best she could hope for was that he injure them. But she was not so heartless, he was honourable maybe the only one amongst them and deserved a chance to live.

Daeron meanwhile was trying to get over the surprise he was feeling that Visenya had proposed an alliance, even if it were a temporary one. It would he realised with a bit of reluctance be easier to fight the rogues if she and her army helped him especially as he had no army of his own. It was however foremost in his mind that this could well be some sort of trap.

"They have to be stopped and soon, if they carry on in the direction they are going then Highgarden must surely be their target and do you want to consider the damage they could do then?" She pressed trying to get through to him. "Once the two of them are dealt with you can go wherever you wish, I swear you have my word on that. I swear on my life." She said imploring him to accept her idea.

Daeron was familiar with Visenya too, he had seen her kindness to children and to the smallfolk and which was so unlike most members of her family especially her mother and either one of her possible fathers. She had given her word once to a servant that was the mother of five children to ensure they had food and instead of just giving them food or going back on her word like so many even his own family would have done she actually bought an inn for them down by the docks and introduced them to suppliers so they could in fact feed themselves and keep a roof over their heads. And he thought with honesty that had not been the only time, whenever she gave her word she kept it.

She was at least to him a real princess, kind, graceful, intelligent and true to her word. Incredible given the sort of people she had come from Daeron thought with amazement.

Perhaps it was worth the risk to trust her, if she did betray him then the world would see her for whatever she truly was. But somehow he didn't think she would, like him she was something of an outsider in their respective families. Integrity was not a trait of either of his brothers or his mother had he thought sadly, except for Helaena there had been little of it in his family and while it was more abundant on hers it was absent completely in her parents who led them.

So he decided again to make a decision for himself, chose his own path to follow and said.

"Until Ulf White and Hugh Hammer are defeated then, we have an accord."

The Black Camp, the Reach…

The army had spent days marching and at last had arrived in the fertile lands of the Reach, it had been a hard march but they had at last managed to catch up with the two traitors and now stood ready to attack the next day. First however they waited to rest their men for the battle tomorrow and that had given them the opportunity to send for reinforcements.

Columns of fresh Reach soldiers started arriving that night, Harry waited with Cregan, and the others to greet them. There was they noticed no golden rose of House Tyrell but there was the red hunter of House Tarly and the golden tree of House Rowan leading the column.

"Two of the strongest and most influential Reach houses." Cregan said with his usual stoic self. Harry nodded, those houses were probably next to the Hightowers and Tyrells the most powerful of all the Reach families and while it did surprise him that any of the Reach houses had declared for the Blacks at all given how strong the Seven (who looked down on women) was here not to mention the fact that Aegon had Reach blood. However thinking again it was not so unlikely he realised, every house had enemies and as you rose to greater power and position those enemies would only multiply. Jealousy or perhaps fearful of your success? Angry at not having the same? The reasons were endless. He also remembered some worried the Hightowers might be planning a coup for control of the Reach, whether true or not it didn't matter to him as they had the troops he needed.

Whatever the reason for them being here it was not just them; House Beesbary, Caswell and Costayne were also there carrying the banners of the blacks. It was a good sight, he and Cregan walked forward and stood in front of Lord Tarly and Lord Rowan.

Lord Ambrose Tarly was an older man with the air of a scholar, his white hair trimmed and much shorter than most lords but with a look of intelligence and resolve in his eyes. Lord Rowan meanwhile was much younger, around Cregan's age with the same brown hair and eyes that were very common around the Reach.

"Greetings." Lord Tarly said with a jovial but cunning smile, Harry instantly knew this man was far more cunning than he was known for which only made Harry respect him more. He shook the man's hand as did Cregan followed by Rowan's. "I have managed to rally the families that swore themselves to the Queen prior to her death and they had agreed to follow Aegon the Younger. Some also agreed to follow us if we remove the traitors from the Reach."

Cregan spoke first with a respectful nod. "Thank you for your efforts Lord Tarly, they will prove most useful in the battles ahead."

"Indeed they will as I am sure you will be a great asset to our cause." Harry said to Ambrose who nodded respectfully. Harry knew that he would have to be careful but he could read in his mind that the man had judged the Blacks the best and most stable faction for the good of his own house not to mention he had hopes of gaining greater power in the Reach through marrying his young granddaughter to the current Lord Tyrell who roughly the same age. He had a cunning and an intelligence that was rare, Harry wanted that on their side working for their aims and where crucially he could keep an eye on him.

With that he took a quick look at the banners of the Reachmen and saw apart from the Black Reach houses there was; Fossoway, Oakheart, Blackbar and Bulwer. Those four houses were hardly major powers in the area but it meant they now numbered far greater than the traitor's army or that of the Stormlands. It was an important part of their overall goal to see off any threat to the plans to crown Aegon the Younger.

He then turned to see Rani approaching and the sight of his wife's dragon with her astride brought a smile of relief. He had been worried about her going so close to the traitor's camp alone but it seemed his fears were unjustified however when he saw a second dragon flying alongside her he instantly became wary. All the other dragons were either far from here or belonged to the traitors and he was worried that one of them had followed her back to the camp. He was a moment away from either using his magic to attack or calling up the dragon catcher when Visenya landed and the stir caused by Rani was enough of a distraction that they didn't immediately react when the other dragon landed.

It was not a dragon of the rogues, instead this one had beautiful cobalt blue and copper coloured scales and was not as large as Rani who now was the largest dragon in Westeros, instead she was a much smaller and probably younger dragon.

The identity of the dragon and its rider were solved a moment later when of all people Ser Daeron Targaryen, the last remaining dragon rider of the Greens and more importantly the last brother of Aegon the 2nd dismounted.

His appearance really caused a stir, those that recognised him all looked with suspicion and anger at his being here. Even Harry who's hand went straight for his sword but Visenya seeing the atmosphere quickly intervened.

"We have an accord!" She said loudly to those that would listen causing many to look at her and each other with confusion. "He is intent on killing the traitors, something that would be far easier with our help. For now at least, we are allies."

The rest of the camp looked on with immense doubt and mistrust in their eyes, Harry meanwhile was musing over something his grandfather had once told him 'War brings strange bedfellows." Strange indeed Harry thought and looked to his wife who stared back at him all but pleading him to accept this. Harry could tell she was sincere about this alliance with Daeron and knowing that he was most dutiful of his side of the family Harry called for a servant.

"Get us some bread and wine."

The servant looked confused but ran off to do as he was bid by the commander, Ambrose and Cregan immediately realised what he was doing and so did many of his inner circle as it were. Daeron looked at him confused until the servant returned with a few slices of bread and a pitcher of wine. Harry took it from him and quickly took a bite of the bread and then a swig from the pitcher before offering them to Daeron who then understood what was being offered and then promptly did the same.

"You have now been given the guest rite, you will not be harmed in this camp providing you do not harm anyone in turn." Harry said loudly, he admitted that he knew little of Daeron but he was supposed to be devoted to being a knight. As the guest rite was sacred if this was true he would stick to it religiously and hopefully stop someone from trying to assassinate him in return.

Daeron gratefully bowed to him and said.

"You have my gratitude Lord Peverell. For however long our agreement holds." He said which was a keen reminder that this was only a temporary arrangement.

Harry accepted that and led not only Daeron but all the other commanders including Ser Loren Lannister, a cousin of Tyland Lannister who was now leading the Westerlands portion of their forces and all the Reach commanders back to the main tent.

They surrounded the large table were a map of the area had already be spread out, once assembled Harry turned to Visenya who gave her report.

"Apart from the two dragons and some knights that are hardly worthy of the title most are simply smallfolk and bandits. So we definitely have the edge in terms of horses and men." Visenya reported while they all listened. Harry nodded and started making a battle plan in his mind.

"We will then line up our heavy infantry here." Harry said pointing to an area on the map near Highgarden. "Behind will be our archers and behind them our light infantry, firing from between us while we hold them back and whittle down their numbers. The cavalry will ride around and charge theirs, shatter it and then turn around to envelope at which the archers will disengage while the Light Infantry comes around the heavy infantry's flanks and press them on the sides."

"But that still leaves the dragons?" Lord Mallister said with concern, Daeron however interrupted.

"We will deal with that." He said darkly looking to Visenya who nodded, confident that Rani and Tessarion would be able to deal with this by themselves. Harry meanwhile had the added advantage of the dragon catcher which he would keep ready. Daeron was being sincere about his feelings and intentions so far, a quick look through his thoughts told him that but he would keep it handy just in case.

-x-

The atmosphere in the camp was tense as they prepared to enter battle with a force that had two dragons at their back. The fact that they had two dragons themselves should have been a source of relief but many were still scared of the flying beasts especially the new Reach soldiers not to mention one of them belonged to a faction they were at war with. Many expected for it to turn on them, so they had to trust in their leaders that they were ready for something like that.

Ser Kermit Tully was more used to them now as he had been with the army longer but still felt unsure, however he couldn't help but be dazzled by the awe inspiring Visenya who literally took all male attention wherever she went especially with the leather flying outfit she wore. He considered Harry a very lucky man and wished his own grandfather had not been so quick to dismiss the offer that her mother had once made for her to marry him. He only hoped when the time came he was lucky to have a wife with even half of such beauty and grace.

Speaking which though he thought as he turned his thoughts back to the letter in his hand, from his father back at Riverrun announcing news that had shook him.

Grover Tully had died.

It had been long expected and in some ways a relief given that they no longer had to contain the old man in case his opinions got them into trouble, his son and Kermit's own father Elmo was now Lord of the Riverlands and thankfully their service had now made others forget they had been late to join the fighting. So much so that he had been given command of the Riverlands cavalry while Harry and Cregan Stark commanded the infantry.

He had no regrets for what he and his father had done to their grandfather, stealing his power secretly as if they hadn't it would have been far worse for them in the long run. Not to mention his father was now reaching out to House Peverell in the hopes of securing a marriage for him to one of Harry's sisters. He had been told to say nothing to Harry yet as they had not heard from Lord and Lady Peverell yet but as for Kermit he would dearly love to wed one of the beautiful Peverell girls.

However he was not blind to not realise Harry would probably skin him alive when he learnt of this and could only hope his family agreed before that happened.

Kings Landing, the Crownlands…

In the time since Rhaenyra had abandoned Kings Landing things in the city had not gotten any better for its people. The city was almost at war with itself as three figures vied for control and influence while an array of others either under them or apart fought for power.

The first was the Shepard, despite word of the original meeting his end when the Dragons escaped the Dragonpit this figure claimed to be that man and was encouraging the people to cast aside any possessions and vices to live more simply. However after the massive cost of trying to storm the Dragonpit and not being able to deliver on his promises of the 'Gods will provide' his support in the city was waning.

The second was more successful Ser Perkin the Flea, a hedge knight that had been a leader in the riots which had driven Rhaenyra from the city and held influence since. He claimed that his squire, a young boy he called Trystane Truefyre a gangly looking boy who looked younger than his years was the bastard son of Viserys the 1st. He had first controlled on the of city's gates but had now managed with the aid of his three hundred or so 'Gutter Knights' to take the Red Keep and now 'ruled' from there. He had actually repealed the unpopular taxes instituted during Rhaenyra's brief reign and shared what was left of the Royal Treasury amongst his followers. He held the largest portion of the city and had most of the surviving Gold Cloaks on his side.

The third faction was centred around Gaemon Palehair. A four year old boy that was said to be the bastard son of Aegon the 2nd. His faction was led largely by his mother Essie a whore said to have slept with Aegon but although his hair was pale there was no evidence that he was really of royal blood and he 'ruled' from the House of Kisses, a brothel atop Visenya's Hill.

By large fighting was limited to a few skirmishes and constantly trying to out do the other in order to gain followers in the city.

So the army of Lord Borros Baratheon found little initial resistance as he arrived and entered the city. The Kings Gate was undermanned by Palehair's men and easily overwhelmed, allowing Borros to take over the nearby area of Visenya's Hill with laughable ease. Essie and her son Gaemon were abandoned by most of their followers and seized. Borros had Essie raped over and over by his men until she confessed she had lied about Gaemon and that he was actually the son of a Lyseni sailor.

The Shepard, ruling his diminished followers and the region known as Flea's Bottom from the ruins of the Dragonpit was the next to fall. His followers were the worst armed of all the factions but actually fought fanatically in his defence, their religious zealotry holding sway over their fear. Regardless the better armed Stormlanders cut them down like grain in a field and dragged the 'Shepard' out of the Dragonpit.

From the relative safety of the Red Keep Ser Perkin and Trystane Truefyre watched and rallied their forces inside the formidable citadel and prepared to hold it against the Baratheons but unfortunately for them they were unaware of the many secret passages that ran throughout the city and the Red Keep itself. Borros was told by his king of a particular passage which allowed men to enter the castle from the limited sewers and his men used it to enter the catacombs under the Red Keep.

Once enough men were inside they attacked with ruthless efficiency, proving cheap sellswords and other would be knights were nothing against an armed and prepared enemy.

So that was how in less than three days the Baratheons had claimed the city and how the Shepard, Ser Perkin the Flea, Trystane Truefyre, Essie and Gaemon Palehair all came to the tied to posts outside the Dragonpit on a raised platform for all to see. A scared and anxious crowd stood around not sure what was happening, the Stormlands soldiers all around them were scaring them all wondering just what they had to look forward too this time.

So it came as a surprise when a palanquin arrived led by a very tall ox of a man wearing armour in the colours of black and yellow with a stag on it. Those more educated among them knew this was Lord Borros Baratheon and their thoughts quickly turned to the mysterious palanquin and just who it could be carrying.

When its door was finally opened knights aided an ageing man out of it, no one knew who it was at first. He had silver greying hair and a pronounced belly but otherwise they had no real clue as to who he was.

That was until one of the men passed a staff to the man which was coloured gold and had three dragon heads on top. The chain that gleamed at his neck was the next clue as was Blackfyre and the Crown of Aegon the Conqueror.

Aegon the 2nd had returned, apparently from the dead. A gasp ran through the crowd and some dropped to their knees.

The sight amused Aegon slightly but he was here to put an end to any of these pretenders to the throne, some had expressed the idea that he should be cautious and even forgive some if they repented and swore to serve him but he was sick and tired of people trying to usurp him and needed to make a statement that he was not going to tolerate it.

So he said to the crowd through a speaking horn Borros passed him.

"People of Kings Landing! Your true king has returned and I, Aegon the 2nd will re-establish order, the Iron Throne is mine and will remain so for all time." He called out which made some frown as they knew it was impossible for a man to hold a throne forever...after all no matter who you were from a peasant to a king everyone sooner or later would meet the Stranger.

That didn't seem to matter to Aegon who only continued talking.

"The usurper Rhaenyra and her sons are dead! The bastard Daemon is dead! The Dance of the Dragons is over and I have won. To mark the occasion these traitors will be bathed in fire for daring to steal the crown from its rightful holder. Wisdom Euron, bring forth the Wildfire." He commanded and an old man came forward with a few young boys carrying glass vials filled with green liquid that no one had ever seen before.

They knew from the men's outfits that they were part of the reclusive Alchemist's Guild but no one had any idea just what was going on. None of them had ever heard of 'Wildfire' before and wondered if it was some kind of poison that the prisoners would be forced to drink.

However as the men poured the green liquid over the prisoners they soon learnt just what it would do. Long torches were brought out with a flame on the end and pressed against each of the five prisoners.

The liquid instantly came alight and spread a strange and horrifying green flame covered their bodies as they screamed in pain.

The crowd watched in horror as the prisoners one of whom a four year old boy were literally burned to nothing before their very eyes screaming in such pain it seemed inhuman, like a supernatural torment. Fear tensed up the air all around them, word of this new horror would soon spread far and wide and become a symbol of terror to all the people of Westeros.

Aegon meanwhile was feeling far better, watching the traitors die had provided a sense of accomplishment and release for all his tension especially as his injuries meant he could no longer enjoy a woman's body. He had to find a way to ease his tension somehow and watching this was just perfect.

Godric's Hollow, the Riverlands…

Aegon the Younger meanwhile was with Ettas in his workshop, his hands holding a brush that with a careful hand created an image on a piece of canvas. Aegon's face was frowning with concentration, trying to create the image in his mind. Ettas watched him and carefully adjusted his hand when it was flagging or not doing it right, letting his student do whatever he needed to do.

The image finally was ready, so Aegon took a step back and looked tears slowly running down his face.

The picture was crude and childish, lacking the detail of a more experienced hand but was far better than Ettas had expected for a boy his age without any formal training. Aegon however had other feelings.

"It is terrible." He said with disgust, sounding both bereft and defeated but Ettas decided to share his different opinion.

"Untrained perhaps but regardless far better than normal for someone who has never painted before. You may have a natural talent for it, one that could blossom if you give it a chance." He suggested talking to the boy as a potential student rather than as his king. "It could be an outlet for whatever feelings you might have but can't openly express, or just something you do just for you. If you want too of course." Ettas said with wise and kind eyes.

Aegon did actually feel somewhat better now, the pain and grief still was still there but now it didn't seem so strong it was going to swallow him whole. He looked to his painting and his crude image was of his three older brothers, an attempt to show how they appeared in his mind.

Strong, brave, unstoppable.

He now could see how foolish that was but they honestly had been great in his mind and cut down far sooner than they should have been. He should have been serving his older brothers while they ruled all of Westeros with great wisdom and compassion.

Yet now…

Aegon could only hope to be as great or as noble as they could have been, to rule even half as well. The task seemed to so enormous that it might crush him if he thought too much on it but thankfully he was distracted by the sight of his brother Viserys and Godric Peverell entering the studio especially by the black dragon egg with orange flakes on it.

"Where did you get that?" He asked never having seen his brother with such an egg. He remembered that one had been given but left on Dragonstone so goodness only knows where it was now.

"Godric found it for me." Viserys said with a grateful smile which Godric returned. "I need a dragon, if you are to be king then I will need a dragon to help protect you and Alysanne."

Aegon was taken aback that his younger brother was so intent on helping him, realising for perhaps the first time that he too was suffering from the grief and loss just as much as him not to mention the weigh of expectation that now fell on both of them. He hugged his brother close, which surprised Viserys but he accepted it.

Their bond had always been good but now it was perhaps the strongest it had ever been. So Aegon decided it was time his brother had a dragon of his own and said.

"Come on, let's find Stormcloud." He said referring to his own dragon who while still growing had come along way in the last year or so. It took a dragon's flame to hatch an egg, he had learnt that when Jacaerys had helped him hatch his own dragon and now he realised with pride it would be his turn to help another dragon to be born.

They found his dragon dozing quietly in one of the castle's yards. The dragon was annoyed at having to wake but soon forgave them as they gave him some meat from the kitchens and eagerly enjoyed the three boys petting him. His tail swished like a hound's, albeit a hound that was now as big as a wagon and could easily fly through the sky with a rider on his back.

Viserys put the egg down and they all stepped away. Stormcloud seemed to understand and took a deep breath before breathing fire onto the egg. The smaller dragon did his best but the flame did not seem strong enough as the egg refused to hatch, the three boys were disappointed but a sudden thump announced the arrival of a far larger creature.

They turned and saw Meleys, carrying their great aunt Rhaenys on her back. The scarlet and pink she-dragon took a breath and then used her own much stronger fire to help Stormcloud. The heat was immense, making all of them sweat but soon they heard the cracking of the egg.

They all looked through the flames in amazement as the egg shell broke and a small lizard like dragon emerged into the world. The dragons stopped breathing fire, leaving a massive scorch mark and slight warping of the stone which was sure to get them all in trouble but no one cared about that as they looked at the tiny dragon that had entered the world. Viserys crept forward, not caring the about what the damaged and hot stone would do to his boots and carefully rubbed the tiny dragon's head, that caused the little being to chirp with enjoyment and it allowed Viserys to pick it up.

He held his dragon with the utmost care and marvelled despite how small it was, he could not tell if it was a she or a he yet but it had mostly black scales except for a number of orange ones around its belly, eyes, mouth and claws. It would be an amazing dragon when it grew Viserys thought with confidence.

"What will you call it?" Godric asked as he walked back over to them. Viserys looked deep in thought for a moment before thinking of a name that would in time stand for a noble dragon.

"Jaceys." After his eldest brother and the shortest reigning king in the history of Westeros but who had been so smart and wise he could have been one of the greatest.

Aegon gently hugged Stormcloud when no one was around later, letting the tears brought on by that moment fall.

Near Highgarden, the Reach…

The armies of the Blacks and the Traitor's were arrayed against each other on the field, Infantry and Cavalry ready to fight with the fate of the Reach and all of Westeros hanging in the balance. Predictably there was no sign of the soldiers of House Tyrell who everyone was sure would be watching to see just what happened.

Overhead the two traitors were mounted on the dragons and already in the air, they had been sure of their victory until the sight of two other dragons appeared over the Blacks army. One with silver scales and another with blue and neither had seen such dragons before. One was smaller than theirs but only just and the other was larger, bigger than their own beasts and nerves began to strain as they realised this battle was not going to be as simple as they had thought.

On the ground Harry stood with the men of the heavy infantry, a shield and sword in hand as they readied themselves. He and Cregan were experienced enough to know that the bandits would charge first since they had little discipline and if they stuck to their plan the battle should go well.

Sure enough the plains soon rumbled with the sounds of horses and men charging. The screams and battle cries were loud but individual noises were lost in a sea of chaos as they all cried out something different. Harry and Cregan braced themselves and held their shields ready to meet the charge.

The impact was violent but no where near as harsh as it could have been, their lines easily withstood the hit and began to jab and stab at the bandits that were both poorly armed and untrained.

-x-

However it was the cavalry that struck the first major blow of the battle, with an advantage of over four to one they smashed into the enemy horse with such force that their line shattered. Many dying or being wounded in the initial contact that with them that the rest immediately took flight and rode as far and as fast as they could.

So led by Ser Lannister and Kermit Tully they then turned towards the rear of the enemy infantry.

-x-

At the front of the infantry battle things were going as well as had been expected, the bandits found themselves against a shield wall they couldn't penetrate and then arrow fire started raining down on them. Some of the knights or smarter ones realised that this was not going as planned and looked up wondering just where their masters were, hoping to see the sight of dragons bearing down on the enemy and would burn them away. But instead they saw four dragons leading each other around while trying to blast each other with fire occasionally.

-x-

Most had never seen the 'Dragon Catcher' as it was known and when Visenya led Vermithor down low Hugh did not even realise the danger till it was too late.

The mechanism fired its heavy net with weights into the air, missing Visenya and Rani before hitting Hugh and Vermithor just a moment behind them. The net tangling up the dragon's wings and its weights making it wrap hard around them, now deprived of its ability to fly Vermithor soon crashed hard into the ground.

Hugh Hammer was not given much of a chance to understand what had just happened as he and his dragon crashed hard into the ground. He was thrown from the saddle and rolled along the ground till finally coming to a stop, winded and his head shaken badly. His entire body hurt as he tried to get to his feet and his vision was blurred. The sight of a brown haired bearded man with direwolf inspired armour and a great-sword coming straight at him barely resembled more than a blur but that did not stop Cregan Stark from using his family sword Ice to severe his head cleanly from his neck while his dragon remained injured and unconscious.

-x-

The sight of his fellow and ally being so easily slain worried Ulf the White who now found himself alone against far more experienced dragon riders than himself.

A point proved moments later when he and Silverwing were hit by a blast of blue fire from Tessarion and while he forced his dragon to turn and evade this when he was hit by another coming from Rani in a completely different position. Ulf honestly was more terrified than he had been at any other point in his entire life, running off and starting their own faction had seemed such a good idea at the time.

As he forced his injured dragon into sharper turns and rolls in an attempt to avoid the near constant blasts of fire coming from seemingly every direction. He panicked not sure what to do and where to go, his mind freezing with indecision.

This was his great mistake as Rani dived in and grabbed Silverwing's neck in her large jaws while Tessarion bite hard into one of its wings. The two dragons tore into it and there was an incredible snap as Silverwing's neck broke and a wing parted, had Silverwing been alive it would surely have screeched in agony but instead it plunged dead towards the ground with Ulf on its back, still awake right until they hit the ground.

Visenya and Daeron both watched him fall, feeling satisfied that they had dealt the traitors the justice they deserved and while they regretted killing Silverwing it had to be done. Vermithor though injured was still alive they consoled themselves, now Hugh Hammer was dead the dragon would return to the place it knew was home, Dragonstone. It knew it was safe there and had a place to nest.

They turned to look at each other and the thought to attack each and make sure neither was a threat ran through both their minds but they decided to deal with that another day and withdrew to camp.

-x-

Below the cavalry had turned and charged straight at the rear of the enemy infantry while the light infantry of the Blacks moved out from behind their heavier units and pressed the bandit force from the sides.

The bandits realised too late that they were being enveloped and saw to their horror the sight of both their leaders being slain and their dragons either killed or wounded. They could count their blessings that the other two weren't going to attack them but that hardly mattered now as they found themselves trapped...surrounded.

No escape.

The Blacks led by Harry and all the others pressed them further and further inward, the bandits panicking as they desperately tried to find a way to flee but the lines around them were now interlocked and impenetrable, pressing them in so tightly their arms were pressed together and could no longer raise their weapons. They cried in fear as the Blacks began to stab at them with spears and swords, cutting them down and trampling on their corpses as they moved on to the next one.

The work was grisly, their feet and the ground were slick with blood and entrails. They honestly were feeling sick with the smell and sights around them but they carried on because they had a job to do and this force of corruption had to be destroyed.

An hour later, the bloodletting finally ended.

A mountain of corpses lay all over the field and a large group of men were feeling like they wanted to get very drunk tonight given all they had just done however they also had the unfortunate task of dealing with all these bodies. However Rani and Tessarion saved them this job by flying overhead after they had returned to camp and burning the field and therefore all the bodies with their flames.

Buckets of water were used a lot that night as they all scrubbed hard, so eager to be clean. They sat in groups after around campfires and drank or talked to come to terms with all they had done especially the green Reach troops most of whom had never even seen action before. They were all either being sick with their stomachs so disturbed or drinking until they could no longer even say their own names.

Harry and the more experienced men though handled it better, taking solace in one thing. With the defeat of Hugh and Ulf the forces arrayed against them were now greatly diminished, the Reach after today with so many of their powerful houses on their side would not fight against them any more.

In their tent as they prepared for bed Harry and Visenya talked about it.

"The Tyrells will probably send an envoy tomorrow or invite us to Highgarden." Visenya said as she pulled off her jerkin. Harry who was now clad only in his breeches sat on the bed and while removing them scoffed with derision before saying.

"I cannot help but wonder why."

Visenya now stripping off her own breeches hummed in agreement before giving him advice about them.

"They have always been ambitious, desperate to rise about being seen as stewards. They want royal blood, either one of their own attached to Aegon or they'll want Alysanne for their little lord." She said with mocking resignation. Harry sighed as he climbed into bed.

"Vultures, do you think they'd go back to Aegon if he made them an offer?" He asked her and as she climbed in beside him she thought but shook her head.

"They want a sure bet, not an outside chance. We have far more dragons and soldiers than Aegon does now. The war could still turn out in his favour but it is unlikely especially with the injuries inflicted on him. No chance of having children." She added as she pulled the blanket over them, referring to the rumours that before her death Rhaenyra had managed to geld Aegon with her teeth. A bit gory and far fetched but it was working in their favour as most now saw Aegon as doomed since he had lost both heirs and couldn't produce a new one. Daeron was a possible option but given he was Lord Commander of the Kingsguard it was tricky.

"Enough talk of dynasties, at least for tonight." Harry said and pressed his lips to hers, she soon responded and came together as only two people in love could.

-x-

Daeron meanwhile having taken an early night was troubled as his dreams were...disturbing.

He was staring out across a land that was completely broken, the sight of castles and towns burned several times each while men and even women fought in scarred and broken ground. Land so damaged that it would never be able to support crops and homes so destroyed they provided very little shelter.

The people he noticed were haggard and starving, many so young they were little more than children but their eyes were devoid of any joy or laughter. Like such things had never had a place in their lives or had been completely burned out of them. As he moved across the lands he saw it was the same in many places with some castles still standing and many people wearing crowns.

Claiming to be kings, that all of Westeros was going to be theirs.

Kings Landing was a ruin, it and the Red Keep damaged by what looked like many years of attack and fighting. The Iron Throne stood looking forlorn and rusting away with no one to sit on it and the throne room was broken with the roof open and rubble all around the Dragon skulls which likewise were broken all over the place. A banner of House Targaryen lay torn and twisted on the walls.

The sights confused Daeron, where was House Targaryen? He thought to himself, they should have stopped all this.

At that thought his dream self blinked and the whole scene in front of him changed.

He found himself still in the throne room but it was completely different. The roof was intact and the area devoid of rubble, around the intact Dragon skulls courtiers milled around chatting while musicians played in the corner and a fool performed for their amusement. On the Iron Throne a young man sat with a simple band of gold around his head and while his face was blurred so Daeron could not tell who it was but the silver hair was clear enough.

His vision then showed a very different land to the one he had seen before, the land was green and healthy with crops while children played as they should. Their laughter and joy a balm to his soul after all the depression and horror he had seen before.

He then suddenly bolted upright as he woke, realising that it had only been a dream but the sweat on his face and the racing of his heart were certainly very real. He got up out of his bed and splashed water on his face as his mind went back to the dream he had received.

He had never experienced one as intense or as detailed as that before and that deeply unsettled him, it was also as clear in his mind now as it had been moments ago and made him wonder if maybe it had been more that a mere dream. Daenys the Dreamer had visions of the future in her dreams and they had saved their family when the Doom had come along, doubt crept in though as he thought this.

Who was he to have a vision of the future? A nobody? A third son that had risen far above his station?

But still he could not dismiss the dream from his mind, what did it mean? He thought desperately, how did that apply to now?

Dragonstone, the Narrow Sea…

The traitors were all tied and bound before their assembled families who all stood there quivering with fear as Corlys and Addam stood there with their men. Addam hated this but it was the law and those that betrayed their oaths had to be punished, that their families too had to suffer did not sit well with him at all but he had been overruled by his grandfather and could not bring himself to interfere.

"These men betrayed my grandson Ser Alyn and led him to his death, they betrayed their monarch and their actions resulted in the deaths of Queen Rhaenyra and Prince Joffrey. Justice is called from and justice will be given." Corlys said to the gathered crowd looking imperiously down on them. The crowd all looked fearfully towards the stage and Addam felt a chill run up his spine as he knew just what the old man was going to do.

"To that end, all of your families cannot be trusted. I had intended to kill all males and banish the women and girls to Essos." Corlys continued and the gasps of horror and begging started from the families and the men who were gagged but he raised his voice to add. "But my heir Ser Addam has pleaded for mercy for those that had nothing to do with their actions and so instead all of you will be banished to the mainland where at least you will be able to fit in. Now take them away." He said and the families who were now not being sent to some foreign land but instead to mainland Westeros with nothing took one last look at the men they loved before Velaryon troops escorted them away.

Once they were gone Corlys turned to the men that had betrayed his grandson and said with a harsh and cold voice.

"As for you there will be no mercy. All of you will be executed but it will no simple beheading for I will do things in the Valyrian style. All of you are going to boiled alive."

There was silence for a moment as this kind of punishment was unknown and none of them really understood just what that meant only hoping that it was going to be quick even if they didn't really want to die.

So they were dragged still bound to a nearby yard where a special scaffold had been set up over a large cooking pot that was big enough to hold a grown man and the pot itself was filled with water over a fire. The surface of the water was bubbling fiercely and this was when the men thought they now understood just what was going to happen but as the struggling Ser Broome was chained to the scaffold and hauled up before being lowered in, the punishment was not as simple as that.

The screams sounded inhuman as Broome was enough to make many of them especially Ser Addam sick to their stomachs but just as they thought it was over he was pulled out and given a few moments respite before being lowered right back into the pot.

They did this nearly four times before finally Broome died, however as the next man was hauled up to the scaffold the night of pain was far from over.

Ser Addam vowed from that moment on as he heard those screams that in future he would simply behead people, far quicker and less painful he reasoned but another thing he was sure of is that when word of this got out no one would betray them again if this was the punishment they could expect. Corlys had sworn that he would only need to use this once and Addam certainly hoped with all his being that he was right. Maybe the fear of it would be enough? He hoped.

Highgarden, the Reach…

Harry and Visenya had been right, the morning after the battle they had been invited to treat with House Tyrell and so a group of them including surprisingly Daeron who had yet to leave would enter Highgarden. Visenya was outside waiting just in case the Tyrells were up to something and would siege it if anything happened but they doubted it would, the Tyrells were not known for being that kind of underhand and being devoted to the Seven the Guest Rite would surely apply.

Harry and the others were not really impressed by the grandeur of the castle, it was a triumph of style over substance with so any singers, fools, poets, gardens and other unnecessary luxuries that were a waste of resources and coin. Some admired the displays of wealth but Cregan who actually had a castle as large if not larger than this one and would never even consider such wastage snorted openly.

"So much pointless gesturing." Cregan said with disgust, the food just laying there untouched would have fed most Northern families in Wintertown for a month and that was not counting how much more they could have bought with the gold wasted on everything else.

"Vanity, a show of wealth and all they can afford to try and impress or intimidate people. This house is not known for much more than that, except scheming." Harry added quietly with derision so they alone could hear it. They said nothing else till they arrived a pavilion where a long table had been set up, a minstrel was playing and Reach nobles milled around gossiping. The sight of it made Harry, Cregan, Daeron and many others angry, where had they been when the traitors had been running rampant around the Reach and when the time to defeat them came why had they not joined the battle?

Their faces were stormy and irritated which seemed to unsettle many around the pavilion but Lord Tarly with the air of a distinguished and experienced diplomat said.

"Lady Tyrell, may I introduce Lord Cregan Stark, Lord Harry Peverell..." Lord Tarly said introducing them each in turn. Harry meanwhile took a moment to study Lady Tyrell, surprisingly she was only a few short years older than Visenya and yet here she was ruling as regent for her infant son. She had soft looking chestnut hair and a slender figure but her brown eyes were as sharp as a new sword's blade and burned with a strong will. She was certainly no fool Harry realised and wondered what had possessed him to think this was going to be simple.

"Welcome to Highgarden, now what do you want?" Lady Tyrell said with a sarcastic smile, it put most of them back a step and confused them since she had invited them. Harry was confused like the rest of them before he realised that she wanted them confused and off balance so she could press her advantage so he cut straight to the chase.

"Primarily an end to this war. At this particular moment House Tyrell to either enter the war on our side or stay out of it completely as you have been doing all this time." Harry said reminding all of them of their inaction which did not endear them to the Blacks who had been fighting especially those here since the beginning. It was seen as a sign of cowardice, many of the Reach nobles looked affronted but Lady Tyrell kept her cool and said back with authority.

"We are farmers, we create food and I have a son to raise. The Reach leaves war to others while we feed everyone Lord Peverell but I do share your desire to end the war although why should we enter onto your side when the current king has Reach blood in him and yours is a child?" She asked challengingly.

"A king that can't produce an heir and has done nothing to help the Reach while the traitors ran amok. We at least are here and if not for our intervention Highgarden would likely have found itself burned like Tumbleton, few strongholds can withstand a dragon attack." Harry replied reminding her that they had fought while she stayed behind her walls and more to the point that they had a dragon outside that could do a lot of damage.

But it was the point about Aegon not being able to father any more children that really stuck with her. There was no chance of marrying into the family and his dynasty was going to end when he died with no heir to continue it.

-x-

Daeron meanwhile was hardly listening as his mind kept returning against his will to the dream he had had the night before. He had been thinking about it all day and night and was struggling to get the meaning. However as Harry spoke of his brother not being able to father another heir it finally hit him. The Iron Throne and the Red Keep abandoned, the devastation caused by such widespread war which echoed back to earlier ages when there had been no king of Westeros just many different factions struggling for power. That was what would happen if there was no heir to the throne and could only be prevented by insuring there was a stable line of succession, one free of confusion and deceit.

He could not...would not father children in his brother's name, be used... like a horse so his brother could go on drinking or whatever else he did to waste his time. He would not see his children be labelled as bastards and challenged for the right to the throne. That was what awaited them all if his brother won this war...he was sure of it.

But to betray him...to either leave or worse fight for his enemies? How could he bring himself to do that?

He saw a familiar face standing nearby, actually two he amended. Lyonel Hightower who was now the new lord of Oldtown and his brother Garmund. Both had been here trying to gain the support of House Tyrell when the attack on Hightower had come and therefore survived. While Lyonel stood near Lady Tyrell Garmund came over and whispered conspiratorially in his ear.

"Your brother has sent word. Prepare your dragon, I intend to ride back to Oldtown and rally fresh levies. If you can burn the Black Army then we should be able to ensure the King's victory and the Tyrell's capitulation." Garmund told him quietly.

Daeron meanwhile was struck in instant disgust at using his dragon and such underhanded tactics to try and win the war especially since it would be breaking the Guest Rite. That this would likely result in his own death and that of his dragon did not seem to matter to his brother...only that his hold on the throne was secure. It was suddenly as if the clouds had parted and let in the sun for Daeron, his brother didn't care about anyone any more, just himself. The realm would do poorly under him.

It was clear that this was no longer about him, even about House Targaryen any more. It was about all of Westeros...the millions of people that called this land home and what was best for them. He could not give the throne to a man that would only bring ruin to everyone, Rhaenyra's son might be young but he was a good boy, one that would take his duties seriously and hopefully one that would listen to that piece of wisdom which had become so clear to Daeron.

In a blink of an eye Daeron made up his mind about what he was going to do and with lightning reflexes learnt ironically from his time squiring with House Hightower he elbowed Garmund in the stomach and drew his sword. Everyone looked to him with alarm and surprise until pointing his sword at Garmund he said to Lady Tyrell.

"Lady Tyrell it seems my brother has a plan to ambush the Black Army and force your allegiance to him with my dragon, while you are distracted by Lord Lyonel his brother Garmund is supposed to ride back home and rally fresh men. With the threat of a dragon and fresh army he hopes to break House Tyrell." Daeron said with his eyes glaring at the shocked Garmund.

Lady Tyrell blinked in surprise for a moment, however then her gaze hardened as she realised how the two men had been acting since that mysterious letter arrived from Kings Landing and she turned to the shocked and alarmed Lyonel knowing she would have to hold him and his brother hostage for the rest of the war and called out.

"Guards!" Her voice carried an icy fury as the men approached. "Take Lord and Ser Hightowers to the dudgeons and lock them up." She then waited until both men were taken away before turning to Daeron and asked. "And why would you warn me of such a plot when it was devised by your own brother Ser Daeron?" Her gaze and that of everyone in the room turned to him with suspicion but he held his ground and told them with calmness.

"This war must end, not only that but with a secure line of succession to ensure there is no further civil war. My brother cannot produce an heir, his line will end with him. For the betterment of the country, I must bend the knee and pledge my support to Aegon the 3rd." Daeron said and knelt before Harry who was currently one of the young king's regents.

Everyone was surprised to say the least by this turn of events was an understatement, none more so than Harry who honestly had expected him to go straight back to his brother but he saw his point. Young Aegon was the best choice for a stable Westeros, he could be taught to rule effectively, he could father a son that could follow him.

Aegon the Usurper could not.

Lady Tyrell was silently observing all of this and realised that it was in her best interests to side with the Blacks. Many of her most powerful vassals were working with them already and it would give her a chance to ensure royal blood be brought into her house. While she had no daughter to wed to Aegon the Younger she could try and betroth Princess Alysanne to her own son and if the young girl had a dragon...all the better.

"Then it is time for House Tyrell to enter the war, our troops will march with the Blacks. Long Live Aegon the 3rd." She declared and following her lead many of the Reach lords around her did the same.

Harry, Cregan and Ambrose Tarly all shared a look of satisfaction when she said that. They had gotten what they wanted and more. The Reach was now formally on their side and only two things now stood in their way.

The Stormlands and Aegon himself.