Checkmate pt.2

Rhaenys 

Castle Hayford 

Rhaenys was still having trouble believing what had happened. 

Their journey from Duskendale back to King's Landing had been fairly uneventful until they were ambushed as they passed through House Hayford's lands.

The memory came to her mind like a vivid nightmare.

They had been traveling through the forested area in hayford, the path narrowing with tall trees on either side. Suddenly, a group of armed men had emerged from the underbrush, swords drawn. Her guards had fought valiantly, but they were outnumbered. 

She remembered the chaos, the shouts, and the sound of clashing steel.

At first, she believed the attackers to be bandits, but to her shock, as Ser Jaime tried to escape with her and Arianne while the guards assigned to her fell to the swords, she noticed that they were Goldcloaks and they were led by the commander of the City Watch, the very man who ruled over the lands they were on.

Ser Jaime had tried his best, but even he was overwhelmed by the numbers and had to surrender when she and Arianne were captured. 

She tried to resist, but then a blow to her head knocked her unconscious.

When she woke, she found herself in a comfortable yet confining cell. The room was small but well-furnished, with two sturdy beds, a small table and chair, and a chamber pot in the corner. There was even a window, though it was barred, allowing a view of the wooded lands outside. The walls were of thick stone, and the heavy wooden door was reinforced with iron.

Arianne had been worried to death and had told her what happened after she was hit in the head by one of the Goldcloaks. She confirmed it was indeed Lord Hayford that abducted them, and they were now in his castle.

She now sat on one of the beds, trying to gather her thoughts. Across the room, Arianne paced back and forth, her expression one of anger and frustration.

"Oh, we should go by land," Arianne mimicked, her voice dripping with sarcasm. "It will be safer, she said."

Rhaenys sighed, her cousin clearly not in a good state of mind. "I didn't expect this, Ari."

Arianne continued pacing, her frustration palpable. How could they have expected something like this? They were the princesses of the realm, protected by their titles. Yet here they were, abducted by one of the lords closest to the capital, by the commander of the City Watch no less.

"I just... I can't believe this is happening," Arianne muttered.

Rhaenys looked at her cousin. "We will be freed, Ari." she said, trying to calm her panicking cousin.

"Rhae, we're locked in a cell, at the mercy of a madman. How can you be so...?" Arianne retorted, crossing her arms she could not find words.

"We should have gone by sea," Arianne said again.

"I am sorry, Ari. I... because of mother..." Rhaenys trailed off, unable to finish the sentence. Arianne quickly came to her side, her anger melting away.

"I'm just... scared," Arianne admitted, her voice softening.

"So am I," Rhaenys confessed. "The entire seven kingdoms will be here soon," she said, smiling, trying to put on a brave face. "We will be fine."

"I should be comforting you. I am the elder," Arianne said, ashamed.

Just then, they heard a noise from the next cell. They both moved to the window in the door and saw Ser Jaime sitting on the floor, one of his hands tied to a sling and injuries on his handsome face.

"Ser Jaime," Rhaenys called softly. "Are you all right?"

Jaime looked up, his eyes filled with sorrow. "Princess Rhaenys, Princess Arianne. I'm sorry. I failed you."

Arianne shook her head. "This isn't your fault, Ser Jaime. You fought bravely."

"But it wasn't enough," Jaime said, his voice breaking. "I should have protected you."

"You did your best," Rhaenys said gently.

"Why would Commander Hayford do this? What compelled him to do this?" Jaime muttered, his confusion evident.

They heard one of the doors at the end of the hallway open.

"Looks like we are about to find out," Arianne said, her voice tinged with dread.

Rhaenys moved to the window again to see who was coming. It was indeed Harrold Hayford, looking disheveled and mad, his hair wild and unkempt. His eyes darted around with manic energy, and his hands trembled as he wrung them together.

The door to their cell creaked open, and Harrold Hayford stepped inside. "Ah, Princess Rhaenys, Princess Arianne," he greeted with a wild smile. "Welcome to my humble abode."

She and Arianne exchanged a worried glance before she spoke up. "You have committed the gravest of treason, Lord Hayford."

"Have you gone mad?" Arianne demanded.

'What are doing Ari dont anger the madman' she thought hearing her cousin's words.

"Mad? Perhaps," Hayford replied with a crazed laugh. "But madmen can see the truth that others ignore."

"What do you hope to achieve by abducting us?" Arianne demanded.

"I want to prove my innocence," Hayford said, his tone suddenly serious. "I have been accused of treason… yes, treason, can you believe it? Me, a traitor…" he trailed off.

"No, no, it's all a conspiracy, you see, all orchestrated by your brother!" he said.

"My brother?" Rhaenys asked.

"Yes, your brother," he shouted, stepping forward, causing Rhaenys and Arianne to step back. This prompted Ser Jaime to shout from his cell, "Step back, scum!"

"If there is any truth in that, then go to the king and present your case," Rhaenys said, trying to take a diplomatic tone.

"He has already committed treason by abducting us," Arianne said.

'Shut up Ari' she thought.

"No, no, I have committed no treason. You are my guests; you will help me," he insisted.

"You should have gone to the king," Rhaenys repeated.

Hayford shook his head, his eyes wide and desperate. "I can't! The king won't listen to me. Maekar has poisoned his mind against me. The prince wants my position, my power. He has been plotting against me from the start."

Rhaenys frowned. "What are you talking about?" she asked, trying to calm the man down. "Maekar has no interest in your position."

"That's what he wants you to believe!" Hayford shouted, his voice echoing off the stone walls. "He has been plotting against me, framing me for crimes I did not commit. He has turned everyone against me, made me look like the villain. But I am not the villain here!"

Hayford began pacing back and forth, his movements frantic. "It all started when he created the Fire Watch. He wanted to undermine my authority, make me look weak. Then he started planting evidence, bribing my men, turning them against me. And now, he has convinced the king that I am a traitor. But it's all a lie! A lie!"

He truly has lost his mind, Rhaenys thought.

"Maekar is the true traitor, not me. He wants to destroy me, to take everything I have built. But I won't let him! I will prove my innocence, no matter what it takes."

With that, Hayford turned and stormed out of the cell, leaving Rhaenys and Arianne in stunned silence.

"Hope Maekar busts his head in," Arianne muttered after a moment, her voice filled with disgust.

"Yes, I wish that as well," Rhaenys agreed, sharing her cousin's sentiment.

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Maekar

Surroundings of Kings Landing

He, along with Arthur, Oswell, and the Sand Snakes, led thirty of his Varangians and a hundred other guards from the Red Keep through the forests surrounding the capital, trailing after Hayford and his corrupt Goldcloaks. The air was thick with the scent of pine and damp earth, and the sunlight was receding as it set, casting long shadows across their path.

Hayford had managed to escape their grasp, even though they had given chase as soon as they learned of his plans. He had a lead of half a day, and the terrain had worked to his advantage, slowing them down.

As they rode he saw Obara, Nymeria, and ten other men who had ridden ahead approach opposite them.

"We have found something. Follow quickly," Obara said, urgency in her voice. To say the Sand Snakes took hearing Hayford's plans personally was an understatement. He really hoped Hayford would end up in their grasp when this was all over; he would love to see them rip him apart. 

They followed Obara through the dense underbrush, their hearts pounding with urgency. As they broke through the thicket, they came upon a small clearing. The sight before them made his blood run cold.

In the clearing, they found the remains of a skirmish. The ground was littered with bodies, some of them Goldcloaks.

"Survivors ," Arthur called out.

The survivors were huddled together by a large tree, nursing their injuries. As soon as they saw them, they rushed over, and we met them midway.

"What happened? Where is my sister and Princess Arianne?" he demanded.

One of the survivors, a young squire, stepped forward, his face pale with fear. "We were ambushed, my prince. The Goldcloaks came out of nowhere. They took Princess Rhaenys and Princess Arianne…"

"What happened to Ser Jaime?" Arthur asked with concern.

"Ser Jaime tried to protect them, but they threatened to kill the princesses if he didn't surrender."

Arthur's eyes narrowed, his jaw clenching. "Jaime is with them, good. He'll keep them safe."

Obara, Nymeria, and Tyene looked stricken. Obara had told him how Prince Oberyn had asked her to protect Arianne, and now this has happened.

"He actually did it," he muttered, shaking his head in disbelief. "I should have acted sooner." his hubris had caused all this believing hayford to be a coward but that coward has grown some large balls after his downfall.

"It's not your fault, my prince," Oswell said, placing a reassuring hand on his shoulder. "You couldn't have known Hayford would go to such lengths."

"You are not to blame, Maekar," Obara said. Her words offered him some comfort.

"This is madness," Arthur said, his voice filled with a mix of anger and incredulity. "The man has gone completely mad."

"What shall we do now?" Oswell asked Arthur.

Arthur took a deep breath, his eyes scanning the horizon. "We wait. Hayford will have reached his castle by now. Prince Aegon and Ser Barristan will arrive with more men in a day."

"Houses Staunton, Rykker, Buckwell, and Stokeworth will be marshaling their troops as well," Arthur added.

"That will take too long," Nymeria said, her voice filled with concern.

"No, I had asked them to prepare if there was a chance Hayford would make an escape to his castle. They will be here in days," Maekar said.

"Well thought, my prince," Arthur said, a hint of pride in his voice. "We'll wait here for Aegon and Barristan."

"Let's hope the princess and Jaime are treated well," Oswell said.

"If he lays a finger on them..." Arthur growled, his fists clenching.

As Maekar looked at Arthur in that moment, he understood why he was called the greatest warrior in the Seven Kingdoms. The man looked like a force of nature now.

Hayford was fucked.

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10 Days Later

Renfred Rykker, Lord of Duskandale watched as the banners of House Stokeworth, Buckwell, and Staunton approached. The morning sun cast a golden glow over the marching columns, their colorful sigils fluttering proudly in the breeze. The green and white of House Stokeworth, the blue and gold of House Buckwell, and the black and white of House Staunton moved in unison.

Beside Renfred stood Damon Hollard, a short but sturdy man with a strong jaw and piercing blue eyes. His dark hair was cut short, and his face bore the scars of past battles. The Hollards had always been loyal to Duskendale, and even with the Darklyns gone, they remained steadfast in their allegiance to Renfred's family.

"They arrived so quickly," Damon mused, his eyes scanning the approaching forces.

"Of course they did. Prince Maekar is quite proficient in diplomacy," Renfred replied, a hint of admiration in his voice. 

"He only needed to say the name 'Hayford' for all of us to come together." Damon quipped.

Renfred laughed, but his expression soon turned more serious. "Stokeworths will be led by Lady Falyse and her husband. Staunton will be trying his best to return to favor with the royal family." he said as he looked at the Lord and Lady in the distance.

"I forget how the king despised Lord Staunton's late father," Damon remarked.

"Yes," Renfred agreed, his eyes still fixed on the advancing troops. "Everyone has an agenda. Mine will be to prove Duskendale's power."

With a nod to Damon, Renfred spurred his horse forward. "Come, Damon, let's meet them," he said, riding out to greet the others. Damon followed closely behind, their horses' hooves thudding softly against the earth as they approached the leaders of the arriving forces.

"Lord Staunton," Renfred began, nodding to the tall, bearded man. "Lady Falyse, Lord Byrch," he continued, acknowledging the stern-faced woman and her husband. "Lord Buckwell," he finished, inclining his head to the weathered lord.

"I still can't believe what Harrold has done," Falyse Stokeworth said, her voice tinged with disbelief.

"I never thought I would see another incident like this in my lifetime, yet here we are," Denys Buckwell added, shaking his head.

"Let's hope Hayford meets the same fate as the Darklyns," Manfryd Staunton said grimly.

Renfred chuckled, though his eyes were serious. "To think I used to lose sleep over this man. I thought him to be a masterful schemer."

"We've all thought the same, my lord," Falyse agreed.

"Yes, we did," Balman Byrch echoed, nodding in agreement with his wife.

"Come, my lords and lady. It's time to put an end to that upstart," Renfred said, taking control of the conversation. He planned to lead them to the royal camp at Castle Hayford, to show the power of Duskendale and prove his family deserved the castle and the lands.

As they marched the forest opened up to a broader path, allowing the larger force to spread out and march in tighter formation. As they neared Castle Hayford, they saw the royal forces already assembled, their banners bearing the Targaryen sigil prominently displayed.

Castle Hayford stood as a testament to the lord's ambition and cunning over the past twenty years. What had once been a modest stronghold had grown into an imposing fortress, its new walls taller and thicker than before, making it a formidable challenge for any would-be attackers. The outer walls, constructed of heavy stone, rose high, their surfaces rough and unyielding. Towers dotted the perimeter, each equipped with archer slits and battlements, providing ample vantage points for defenders.

The main gate was fortified with heavy iron-bound doors and a portcullis, designed to withstand prolonged sieges. Beyond the gate, a series of courtyards and inner walls created layers of defense, making any approach a treacherous endeavor. The castle's keep, a towering structure of dark stone, loomed at the center, its windows narrow and its walls nearly impenetrable.

The castle had expanded over the years, with new buildings and barracks constructed to house the increased number of soldiers in Hayford's employ. Storage buildings, packed with provisions and armaments, suggested a readiness for siege. The castle's surrounding lands had been cleared of trees and brush, providing a clear line of sight for the defenders. A wide moat encircled the fortress, with drawbridges that could be quickly raised, cutting off access. Beyond the moat, the land sloped gently upwards, giving defenders a height advantage over any approaching force.

Hayford had spared no expense in turning his castle into a near-impenetrable fortress. The thought of breaching its defenses, even with the combined might of several houses and the royal forces, seemed daunting. 

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Maekar

Castle Hayford

'Hayford was indeed intent on becoming the premier house in the crownlands; he was preparing his castle to rival Duskandale' Maekar thought as he watched the castle in the distance.

He then turned to his side to see the banners of Houses Stokeworth, Buckwell, Rykker, and Staunton approaching the camp. Other minor houses had sent men as well, but these four were the largest and most significant in the Crownlands. Hayford's former allies had sent men as well, abandoning him when they heard of his traitorous actions. 

He had spent months cultivating alliances with these houses, knowing they would be invaluable even after this crisis was over.

House Stokesworth was led by Falyse Stokesworth and her husband, who were childless. Her minor cousins had been trying to remove her, with one even allied with Hayford. His support helped them immensely, as he had assisted her in removing her troublesome cousins.

Manfryd Staunton was another ally who could easily be turned into a loyal supporter. His house had lost favor with his father, Rhaegar, because Manfryd's father, Lord Symond, had inflamed Aerys' suspicions of Rhaegar. When Rhaegar became king, House Staunton was quickly turned away from court, and Manfryd was willing to do anything to return to the prominence his house once held.

Renfred Rykker wanted to prove his house deserved to rule over Duskendale and would do anything to prove it. Buckwell wished for stability in the Crownlands; he simply had to show he was the best choice for that. Bringing Hayford to justice was enough for Buckwell.

They had been sieging the castle for ten days now, but the traitor had not made an appearance. He believed Hayford was waiting for more lords to arrive before making his appearance and giving his demands.

As the lords and lady approached, he stepped forward to greet them.

"Lord Staunton, Lady Stokesworth, Lord Balman, Lord Buckwell," he greeted them all. "Your timely arrival is much appreciated."

"We couldn't stand by while such treason was left unpunished," Lady Falyse said firmly.

"Hayford has had it coming for some time," Lord Rykker added.

As they were about to enter the command tent, Edrick, one of his personal guards, hurried up to him, his face flushed with urgency.

"My prince, there has been a fight between the loyal Goldcloaks and some knights," Edrick reported.

"Of course there is ," Maekar said, sighing.

He turned back to the lords and the lady he was leading to the tent. "Please, go inside. The Kingsguard and other lords are waiting. I will join you shortly."

They nodded and proceeded into the tent as he followed Edrick through the camp. 

As they approached the commotion, the sounds of shouting and clashing metal grew louder. He could see a group of Goldcloaks, who had been vetted by Alliser Thorne, standing off against a group of knights.

"You are all traitors!" one of the knights shouted, his voice filled with fury. "Hayford was your commander, and now he and his men have abducted the princesses! How can we trust you?"

"We are loyal to the crown," a Goldcloak replied, his voice steady. "We now follow Prince Maekar now."

"Hayford betrayed us all."

"Betrayed you?" another knight spat. "How do we know you're not still loyal to him? What if you're just waiting for the right moment to turn on us?"

"That's not true!" a young Goldcloak protested. "We turned against Hayford when we saw the truth. Hayford is a traitor, and we have no part in his schemes."

The knights were not convinced. "Words are easy," one of them said, stepping forward.

Maekar stepped into the fray, his presence immediately commanding attention. 

"Enough!" his voice rang out with authority, causing them to stop. "These men have proven their loyalty."

"But, my prince," one of the knights began, "how can we be sure? They were Hayford's men. They could still be loyal to him."

His eyes narrowed. "I have personally vetted these men, and I trust their loyalty. They have chosen to stand with us against Hayford. Do you doubt me, ser?" he asked, his tone dangerously low.

The knight who had spoken hesitated, then bowed his head. "No, no, my prince. We trust your judgment."

"Good. Now, I don't want any more trouble on the matter. Let the newly arrived knights and soldiers be informed as well."

"Yes, my prince," the knights said.

The knights and Goldcloaks exchanged wary glances but slowly began to lower their weapons. The tension eased, and the two groups started to disperse, though the air was still thick with distrust.

He turned to Edrick. "Keep an eye on them."

Edrick nodded and led the Goldcloaks away.

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

Maekar returned to the command tent, his mind still focused on the skirmish he had just resolved. Inside, a group of key figures had gathered: Arthur Dayne, Barristan Selmy, Oswell Whent, and the recently arrived lords and lady—Renfred Rykker, Falyse Stokeworth with her husband Balman Byrch, Manfryd Staunton, and Denys Buckwell. The Sand Snakes—Obara, Tyene, and Nymeria—were also present, along with several knights from minor houses in the Crownlands.

The atmosphere was tense as they discussed their plans. Manfryd Staunton was the first to speak. "We could storm the castle by night."

Arthur shook his head. "No, the walls are too well-guarded."

Balman Byrch proposed another idea. "We could starve them out. Hayford won't last long without supplies."

Renfred Rykker countered, "That could take weeks, and we don't have the luxury of time. Hayford might harm the princesses if he feels cornered."

Nymeria suggested, "A small team could infiltrate the castle through a hidden passage or sewer. We could free the princesses without alerting the entire garrison."

Tyene frowned. "We would need to find a hidden passage first."

The room was filled with murmurs of agreement and dissent as each proposal was debated.

He walked to the front of the table, his presence commanding the room. "My lords," he called out, silencing the tent. "All of these plans are not feasible while that traitor holds my sister and Princess Arianne."

The lords and knights nodded in agreement, the gravity of the situation clear to everyone present.

"We need another plan," Maekar said, his voice resolute.

As he was about to speak again, Aegon stepped into the tent, leaning on his cane and dressed in simple but elegant clothes. His presence drew the attention of everyone in the room.

"Prince Aegon," several voices greeted him, bowing their heads in respect.

Aegon then walked to the opposite side of the table, facing him. "My lords, for the last week I have been tirelessly searching for means to free my sister and cousin from the traitor Hayford's hands," he began, his voice steady and confident.

"What is it, my prince?" Arthur asked, his eyes narrowing with interest.

"You see, Hayford has always been boastful, as many of you already know," Aegon continued, glancing around the room. The lords and knights who were familiar with Hayford's arrogance nodded in agreement.

'What are you up to brother' he thought as Aegon continued.

"I remembered a story Hayford liked to tell. I don't recall the specifics, but I do remember one very important part of it. He spoke of a secret passage in his castle that his ancestors used to escape from the Storm Kings of old."

The room erupted in murmurs of surprise and shock. Faces filled with hope and astonishment looked around as they processed the information.

'Very clever, Aegon,' Maekar thought, his opinion of his brother slowly shifting. When Aegon wasn't having his mad episodes, he could be a cunning and dangerous adversary.

"Bring him in," Aegon called, turning toward the entrance of the tent.

Ser Gerold Dayne appeared, escorting an old man. The peasant looked quite shaken, with visible marks on his arms that suggested he had been beaten, though someone had made an effort to cover them up.

"I started to search the villages nearby for old servants who worked in the castle and…," Aegon paused, a smile creeping onto his face, "questioned them."

His mind raced. What had Aegon been doing in those villages? The look on Aegon's face suggested something that made him uneasy.

The old man, hunched and trembling, stepped forward. His hair was thin and white, and his face was lined with age and fear. "I... I worked in the castle for many years," he stammered, his voice shaking. "I knows the passage the prince means. It goes from the castle's wine cellar to the woods outside. Not many knows 'bout it, and even fewer use it.."

The room fell silent, the weight of the revelation settling in.

"Can you show us where it is?" Aegon asked, his tone insistent.

"Ye... yes," the old man stammered.

"You have done well, my prince," Lord Rykker said, breaking the silence. The other lords and knights also congratulated Aegon.

Maekar and Aegon's gazes met. He smiled, causing Aegon to look momentarily confused by the unexpected gesture.

He then called for the lords' attention again. "Well then, my lords, the course is clear."

He stepped forward, laying out his plan with a confident air. "I will take a small group of men inside through the secret passage. Once inside, we will locate and free my sister, Ser Jaime, and Princess Arianne. We will get them out safely through the same passage."

Lord Staunton immediately raised his hand. "What of the guards? They could discover you before you reach the prisoners."

Maekar nodded. "A valid concern, Lord Staunton. That is why we will move under the cover of darkness i will also armor myself as a Goldcloak and will also bring some loyal Goldclaoks with me when i search for the princesses and Ser jaime"

Arthur stepped forward, his expression stern. "I must voice a concern, Prince Maekar. Using the Goldcloaks, even those who have proven their loyalty, carries a risk. There is still lingering distrust among our own forces. What if some of them are still loyal to Hayford, or waver under pressure?"

He met Arthur's gaze steadily. "I understand your concern, Ser Arthur. But these men have chosen to stand against Hayford and side with us. They want to prove themselves, to redeem their honor. Those are the kind of men we need for this mission—men who have something to fight for and are determined to show where their true loyalty lies."

Everyone in the room nodded yet some were not convinced.

"How do you plan to signal us from within the castle once you have freed them?" Lady Falyse Stokeworth asked, her face serious.

"The men outside will signal you after the princess and Ser Jaime are safely out of the castle then we will begin the assault of the castle from the inside. More men will have to be sent through passage. It will be a simultaneous assault. We will try to open the gates as best we can" he said. 

Denys Buckwell, always the cautious one, furrowed his brow. "And what if something goes wrong? What if you are discovered before you can free them or open the gates?"

"If we are discovered, our first priority will be to ensure the safety of Rhaenys, Arianne, and Ser Jaime. We will fight our way out through the secret passage if necessary," Maekar explained.

"What if the secret passage is blocked or guarded?" Lady Falyse asked.

He looked at the old man who had provided the information. "You are certain the passage is still functional and unguarded?"

The old man nodded nervously. "Aye, m'prince. The way ain't known to many and ain't used much neither. Should still be as I remember it.."

The room fell silent for a moment, the weight of the plan settling in.

"This plan carries great risk, but it is our best chance," Arthur said, his voice steady.

"It will work," he affirmed, his tone leaving no room for doubt.

The room filled with murmurs of agreement and resolve.

"Tonight, we will do this tonight." Arthur commanded.