The Penultimate Strike

Webnovel was not working for me for two days so was late to post this.

.

.

Maekar

Kingswood

Obara's moans rang out through the forest, growing louder with each thrust of his hips. "Oh gods, yes!" she cried, holding onto him, her body leaning against the tree trunk. Her legs, dangling in the air, wrapped around his waist as he held her hips, guiding his movements.

Their relationship had started as a series of mutual tests and playful teasing. Since Obara and her sisters had joined him on his quest to oust Hayford, they sparred often, each session more intense and challenging than the last. It was during these bouts that a friendship began to grow. He had become friendly with Nymeria and Tyene as well, but more so with Obara.

Obara was a straightforward woman, never one to mince words or hide her intentions. So it was not surprising when, after a sparring session, she proposed they turn their relationship sexual. The tension between them had been building for weeks, an unspoken desire simmering beneath the surface of their playful rivalry. Her only condition was that Arianne could not know of it, and they had to stop after she returned to the city.

He found it a bit strange, but who was he to judge? That was two weeks ago, and they had used every opportunity to fuck, like where they were now, in the middle of the Kingswood.

"Fuck me harder," she demanded, her voice thick with desire.

"Well, you asked for it," he replied, panting.

With a rough growl, he drove into her harder, his hips pounding against hers. She cried out in pain and pleasure, her nails digging into his shoulders, leaving shallow marks on his skin as she pulled him closer to her. Her dusky skin glistened with sweat, causing her tunic to cling to her chest, highlighting the curves of her breasts, damp and bare beneath the thin layers of fabric. Their coupling was quick and frantic, so they had only taken their breeches and smallclothes off.

"Harder," she demanded, her voice ragged and raw. "I need it harder."

"How much harder do I need to go, woman?" he snarled at her.

Without hesitation, she slapped him across his face, her powerful hand leaving a red mark on his cheek. Her eyes glared at him with a mix of anger and lust. "Harder," she demanded, her voice low and threatening.

He laughed. "So that's how it's going to be then, huh?" he said, slowing down and making his movements slow and teasing.

She moaned in protest. "What are you doing?"

"Apologize," he said as he continued his teasing movements inside her. His slow and deliberate thrusts drove her crazy with desire.

"YOU... YOU... bastard!" she growled, her frustration reaching a boiling point.

"Takes one to know one," he said with a smirk slowing down even further, making it unbearable for her.

"I'm sorry," Obara murmured, her voice barely above a whisper.

"What was that?" he asked.

She looked up at him, her eyes full of anger and desire. "I said, I'm sorry."

"Good." He thrust into her again, causing her to gasp for air. His hands gripped her hips tightly, pulling her body against his as he thrust deeper and harder.

"Oh, yes... harder... please... don't stop..." she pleaded.

She pulled him closer as he quickened his pace, each stroke harder and faster than the last. His cock slid in and out of her wet cunt, hitting all the right spots as he drove deeper with each thrust.

"I'm so close," she gasped, her voice trembling with anticipation. He felt her inner muscles clench tightly around his cock. He quickened his pace, knowing she was reaching her peak. Her movements became frantic as he drove into her harder. Finally, with a loud moan, she came, her body tensing, quivering, and finally surrendering to the wave of pleasure crashing over her.

He was close as well, thrusting deeply into her one final time. His cock throbbed inside her cunt, and she milked every drop of his seed. He groaned deeply, his head thrown back as he gave in to the intense pleasure coursing through his body.

He leaned onto her as she leaned against the tree.

"That was great," he panted, their breath coming in short gasps.

She pushed him off, her expression shifting to one of urgency. "We have to go," she said, her voice firm. "This was supposed to be short."

He nodded, panting as well. "Yes, the captain will be here soon."

They quickly gathered their discarded undergarments and began dressing. He pulled on his breeches, fastening them with practiced ease, while Obara slipped into her underclothes, adjusting her smallclothes with a practiced flick of her wrists. She donned her leather breeches, tugging them up and securing them with a belt. Their clothes clung to their damp skin.

As they walked back towards the camp they had set up in the woods where the others were, he couldn't resist slapping her firm ass.

Obara spun around, eyes flashing with a mix of surprise and amusement, and playfully swatted at him.

"Careful, prince," she warned with a smirk. "Do that again, and you might find yourself on the ground."

He laughed. "I'll take my chances."

.

.

.

They walked back to the camp , which was nestled in a clearing deep within the forest. The camp was modest yet efficiently organized, with twenty Varangians attending to their duties. Tents were set up in a semicircle around a central fire.The air was filled with the comforting aroma of wood smoke and the quiet murmur of conversations.

Nymeria and Tyene were sitting on a large tree stump near the fire as they emerged from the forest.

Nymeria had a slim and slender frame, straight black hair worn in a long braid, and dark eyes Her large, expressive eyes, full lips that were a rich wine red, and high cheekbones gave her a striking appearance, accentuated by her pale skin.

She saw us and gave us a knowing smile. 

Tyne was not like her sisters; she had golden hair and deep blue eyes and she glanced at them with an almost angry expression. Dimples appeared in her cheeks when she frowned, making her look deceptively innocent despite her clear annoyance.

"You were gone long," Nymeria remarked, her eyes sparkling with amusement.

"Yes, we went for a walk," Obara replied, her tone casual.

"Hmm, hope we can go on a walk sometime, my prince," Nymeria said, winking at him playfully.

Tyene shook her head and muttered something under her breath. Though he couldn't hear her clearly, he caught Arianne's name.

"When will the captain arrive?" Tyene asked, quickly changing the subject.

"He will be here soon," he replied, his tone reassuring.

"How can we know he can be trusted?" Tyene asked, her skepticism clear.

"Not every Goldcloak likes what Hayford has done to the order. There are those who wish him gone," he answered calmly.

"He is still powerful politically," Nymeria said, her expression serious.

"Yes, I have already made arrangements to counter that. Soon, he will find himself without his friends from court," he said, his eyes gleaming with confidence.

"How?" Obara asked, her curiosity piqued.

"That, dear Obara, is a secret," he replied with a sly smile.

He had to take a huge gamble to cut Hayford off from his friends in court. To do this, he had made an unlikely ally, someone who could help him turn the tide against Hayford's influence.

=================

A Week Ago

He walked through the gardens of the Red Keep, the early morning air cool and crisp. The sun had not yet risen, and the sky was only beginning to lighten with the first hints of dawn. He took deep breaths, the scents of the various flowers mingling with the earthy aroma of the garden, calming his nerves as he approached the man he was looking for.

In the distance, by a small bench, was his brother, Aegon. Aegon was trying to move his left arm, stretching it carefully, wincing slightly with each motion. His leg, which had been injured badly, was also being stretched, the effort clear on his face.

Taking a deep breath, he walked over to him and stopped in front of the bench. Aegon, who had been looking down, slowly raised his head. A look of surprise crossed his face, and they stared at each other, an intense standoff filled with unspoken words and emotions.

It was Aegon who broke the silence first. "Brother," he said, his voice cautious.

"Brother," he replied, nodding slightly.

"Well, why are you here?" Aegon asked, his tone betraying a hint of curiosity mixed with wariness.

"To see you, of course," he replied, his expression neutral.

"I see," Aegon said, standing up with some difficulty. "I was about to take a walk."

"Then I shall join you," he said, determined to bridge the gap between them.

Aegon had a small smile on his face. Whether it was one of amusement or one of annoyance, he could not say. 

Aegon did not say a word and began walking, his leg making it hard to maintain a steady pace. He matched his stride, adjusting his own pace to accommodate his brother.

They walked for some time in silence, the only sounds being the rustling of leaves and the distant chirping of birds. 

Finally, he broke the silence. "Good that you don't need the cane anymore," he said, glancing at Aegon's determined strides.

"I still need it," Aegon replied, his voice steady. "Just trying not to use it as much."

As they walked, he decided to lighten the mood with some small talk. "The weather's been pleasant lately, hasn't it? Not too hot, not too cold," he said, glancing at Aegon.

"Yes, quite a change from the usual heat we get here," Aegon replied, his tone relaxing a bit.

They began talking about other matters like gossip in court.

"I heard a funny story from the court the other day," he began. "Apparently, Lord Farring's daughter is convinced that one of the tapestries in the Great Hall is haunted. She claims it whispers secrets to her at night."

Aegon chuckled, the tension easing from his face. "That one has always been strange."

They shared a laugh, the sound echoing through the quiet gardens. After some time Aegon stopped walking and looked at him , his expression more serious. "Why are you here, brother?" he asked, his eyes searching his face.

"Because I need your help," he said, meeting his gaze.

"With what?" Aegon asked, clearly surprised by the admission.

"Harrold Hayford," he replied.

"The commander of the City Watch?" Aegon said, his eyebrows raising in surprise.

"The man is corrupt. King's Landing suffers because of him," he explained.

"I have heard nothing of this," Aegon said, skepticism in his voice.

"Because Harrold is well-connected. You must have heard about Jon Arryn's investigation into him," he said.

Aegon nodded, acknowledging the point.

"He styles himself as the king of this city. Last I remember, brother, our father is the only king," he said, his voice firm.

Aegon began to walk again, contemplating his words. They reached a bench, and Aegon stopped, sitting down heavily. He joined him, both of them staring out into the garden.

"This is the first time we have spoken," Aegon said, breaking the silence.

He nodded, unsure of what to say.

"Thank you," Aegon said suddenly.

"For what?" he asked, genuinely puzzled.

"You saved me from Euron. Only you believed I was in Skagos, and you came after me, knowing the danger," Aegon said, his voice filled with gratitude. "Thank you."

He was stumped, no words coming to his mouth. He could only nod in acknowledgment.

"You saved me, which means I owe you a debt. I shall look into Hayford and will persuade his allies to abandon him," Aegon said, determination in his voice.

"Thank you," he said, relief washing over him.

Aegon got up, hesitating for a moment as if wanting to say something more. But instead, he turned and walked away, leaving him alone on the bench, contemplating the unexpected turn their conversation had taken.

=============

He was confident that Aegon would be able to root out Hayford's allies in court. Now, he awaited the arrival of a captain who had served under Officer Hogg. He knew there were men in the City Watch who despised what Hayford had done to the order. He only had to find them and convince them to side with him.

After Harte's death, Hayford had ordered Hogg to strike back against him by attacking his villages in the Kingswood. Thankfully, he had learned of it from his spy, and one of the captains under Hogg had even defected to him, realizing the treason he and his men were about to commit.

"Someone is coming," Nymeria said.

He turned to see two men approaching. They wore the standard armor of the City Watch, but it was clear they were trying to keep a low profile. The armor was practical and well-maintained, with black cloaks that helped them blend into the shadows of the forest.

Two Varangians moved to meet them, escorting them to him.

"Welcome, Captain Thorne," he greeted.

"My prince, I am at your service," Alliser Thorne said, kneeling before him.

"Rise, Ser Alliser," he ordered. "So Hogg is planning to attack Little Rock?" he asked.

The village they were near was called Little Rock, one of the first he had founded.

"Yes, my prince," Alliser confirmed.

"Good. We will ambush him here," he said.

"I have made sure all true Goldcloaks were left in the city," Alliser said.

"Oh, good. It will make things easier then. Return to the city, Alliser. Do what I commanded before: gather all true and loyal Goldcloaks and wait for my word," he instructed.

"It shall be done, my prince," Alliser said, kneeling again.

He took the knight by his shoulders and helped him up. "King's Landing and the Crownlands will soon be freed of Hayford. You and the other true knights will help me rebuild it into a fine institution once more."

"I look forward to that day, my prince," Alliser said, his chest swelling with pride.

He watched the man leave and then turned to the Sand Snakes and the twenty Varangians who had gathered near him. "We have an ambush to plan," he announced.

.

.

.

Elwood Hogg led his men on horseback through the dense forest, about thirty of them moving cautiously along the narrow path. The trees were tall and closely packed, their branches intertwining to create a canopy that filtered the sunlight into dappled shadows. The path was narrow, forcing the riders to move in single file, their horses' hooves muffled by the thick carpet of fallen leaves and underbrush.

Suddenly, a sharp whistle cut through the air. Before Hogg could react, a volley of arrows rained down from the treetops, striking the first few riders and sending them tumbling from their saddles. Chaos erupted as the horses reared and whinnied, their riders struggling to maintain control.

"Ambush!" Hogg shouted, drawing his sword and urging his horse forward. "Defensive positions!"

From the shadows, Maekar emerged, clad in his Valyrian steel armor, the blackened metal glinting ominously in the filtered sunlight. His warhammer, equally black and intimidating, was gripped tightly in his hand as he led the Varangians forward.

The forest came alive with the clash of steel and the shouts of men.

Nymeria, at a vantage point, used her bow with deadly precision, each arrow finding its mark. Her dark eyes focused intently on the targets. Tyene moved through the underbrush like a shadow, her golden hair a stark contrast to the dark forest. Her knives flashed in the dim light, each strike swift and lethal, taking down any man who came too close.

Obara fought with her spear, her movements powerful and aggressive. She thrust and parried, taking down enemies with calculated strikes.

Maekar was a terrifying presence on the battlefield. He swung his warhammer with brutal efficiency, crushing men with single strikes. One blow sent a rider flying off his horse, his chest caved in from the impact. Another swing shattered the helm and skull of a charging soldier. He moved through the chaos like a force of nature, his armor gleaming and his eyes blazing with fury.

Hogg, realizing the gravity of the situation, tried to rally his men, but the ambush had thrown them into disarray. He fell from his horse, his thin frame rolling awkwardly on the ground. Lacking the strength to move quickly, he struggled to rise, his face a mask of fear and desperation.

"I beg you, Prince Maekar, spare me!" Hogg pleaded, crawling on his hands and knees. "I will tell you everything you want to know! I can be useful!"

Maekar stepped towards him, the chaos around him dying down as the last of the Goldcloaks were cut down. He looked down at Hogg, his expression cold and unyielding. "Be happy Elwood Lambert is waiting for you," he said, raising the warhammer high.

With a swift and powerful motion, he brought the warhammer down on Hogg's head. The blow landed with a sickening crunch, ending Hogg's life instantly.

.

.