Chapter 30: Death in The Crownlands - 2

The people of Riverrun are in shambles. Each servant is running around trying to get a grip at what exactly is going on. The veterans though wore grim countenance. Their very expressions were stony with a hint of rage underneath. They knew that war is upon them.

It has only been an hour since word of the Lyanna's kidnapping and Brandon's unknown whereabouts have reached their ears. And already it has begun creating chaos everywhere.

The people are actually going through a myriad of emotions. Surprise, bafflement, anger and fear being the most prominent. Confusion is what gripped the people. They could not understand how and why their Prince of all people would do such a thing. But to some, they simply shrugged it off to the madness that plagued their house.

To no one's surprise, a simple whisper of war had most of them seething in anger and fear.

Anger against the nobility that easily discarded their lives for their own means and fear for their loved ones. For so very few truly survive the war. Even though no army has been rallied, the people are already at full work preparing everything for the coming war.

In the castle itself. Rickard is being held by Blackfish within a tight embrace as the knight and the Lady Sieghart tried to reason with the raging Lord.

"Stop Rickard!!!"

"Let go! You fool!"

"Please Lord Stark! Listen to reason! You going there would do your house no good as you are now." Elesis reasoned.

"I don't care!!!"

"Rickard think of your children!"

"MY CHILDREN! THAT BASTARD HAS MY CHILDREN!!!"

The Old Wolf refused to listen and continued to trash against the old knight.

This was the scene in which Ronan walked into. He then strode to Rickard and griped him tightly on his shoulders as Ronan raised him to his full height. They looked into the other's eyes, seeing the anger and hatred in the silvery eyes of the Old Wolf, and the near lifeless eyes of the foreign Lord.

Ronan said to Rickard. "...breath..."

When he didn't respond, Ronan said again. "...breath..."

The Stark Lord got angrier and tried to trash against their hold but to his surprise, he couldn't. The Essosi Lord's grip on his shoulder got tighter, fixing him unto place and again Ronan said. "...breath..."

Reluctantly, Rickard took deep but shaky breaths. After a few minutes, Rickard soon calmed but his anger remained. Ronan said.

"You going there will be the death of you."

"You expect me to turn a blind eye to what they have done to my House, MY children!"

"No, I am nowhere near foolish enough to do so. What I ask of you is to consider your current situation with a more level headed approach. This man, this... Prince... clearly did not care about your status Lord Stark. You go there now and you will be cut down, imprisoned or at worst, burned alive."

"We are not telling you to ignore this. Only that you think things through. You had hoped to challenge them to a Trial by Combat. But can you honestly win against the likes of Ser Arthur Dayne or Ser Barristan himself?" Added Elesis.

Rickard simply looked down. He nearly sunk to his knees but both Blackfish and Ronan held him as they slowly seated him to a nearby chair.

"Leave us." Ronan. Said to the servants. They looked to Ser Brynden who then nodded in affirmation.

As the door closed with the last servant leaving the hall a sobbing was heared. As Rickard cried, Ronan simply smiled in assurance to his wife who in turn smiled sadly at him as she stepped out and headed to their daughter.

~~~ Break ~~~

As the night fell, the hubbab of activity soon died out. Exhaustion kicked in as men and women soon sought out rest and reprieve. A small part within a few knew that would be needing all the energy they could get. It was in this moments as a cloaked man threaded silently in the dark. Tired and weary, most of the knights safeguarding the gates were too asleep to even notice him. With time and patience he was soon able to reach a small boat and from there took a row across the river.

Arriving across the river, he soon walked towards the nearest inn he could find. And from there he would seek a means to ride towards the Red Keep. His train of thought was cut short as he felt a gaze fall upon him. Across the river he could see the silhouette of a man standing in a room atop one of the main castle's tower, looking directly at him.

He didn't need to know who it was. As he knew to who's room it belonged to. He released a shaky breath feeling the cold blue eyes pointed at him. Clenching his fist he turned around and resolved to continue with his path.

Ronan could only only look on as another thing happened that went against what he had known. He had expected it, the changes he knew he would bring. Specially when he could not turn a blind eye to those that needed it.

He looked to their small room. Occupied by both him, his beautiful wife and their even more beautiful daughter. He shed a tear as knelt beside them. Planting a small kiss towards his daughter's forehead and a deep one to his wife's lips.

He loves his family, truly. But he couldn't help but hate this world. He isn't some weak willed son of a bitch who has a hero complex, no. Just a sensible man that has a conscience.

And he knew he would forever regret, standing idly by when he knew he could help them. When he knew he had the power to.

With a determination flowing through his eyes and color returning to it once more. Elesis smiled with her tear stricken face as her husband walked out the door fully armed ready to defy fate.

Ronan's armored boots echoed across the small castle as servants scampered away from the Azure Knight as he marches followed by his men towards the small harbor. As soon as he reached the castle doors he saw Brynden Tully rushing towards him still in his tunic and shorts holding his sword.

"Lord Sieghart! May I inquire as to where you are going?"

"Eddard Stark had snuck away under the cover of the night and is heading for King's Landing."

Those within hearing range specially the guards had their hearts beating so fast with horror in their faces. Brynden yelled at the nearest guard to check on the young wolf.

"You will not find him there."

"I will be sending a party to retrieve him."

"Those take time to gather. I will be riding off to retrieve him."

Brynden grabbed him by the arm which made Ronan's guards gripped their swords. Seeing the Knight's reactions had frightened Brynden making him release the young Lord.

Gathering his wits Brynden asked. "I am going with you."

"No you are not."

"I know the Riverlands well my lord, I can guide you."

"I don't need a guide, I already know where he is headed. But I do have need of you here."

"...name it..."

"The elder Stark must NOT leave Riverrun. Who knows what he would do."

Brynden understood that. House Stark is under threat now that the eldest son and the only daughter had been taken by the prince. And with the second son headed for what is most likely his own death. That only leaves the Eldest and a little boy in Winterfell aside from Eddard.

"Send knights to meet us at the borders of the Riverlands. Be ready to receive us."

Brynden shuddered at the ominous tint in his voice. "... Lord Sieghart?"

"I fear what is about to happen, would trigger this war. Not that it hasn't already. Be ready." And with those words he made his way to the nearest boats.

~~~~~~ Break ~~~~~~

King's Landing, the capital of the Seven Kingdoms.

Oberyn walked inside the hollowed halls of the Red Keep, bereft of the granduer it once exude.

He was met by his own Uncle at the docks and silently led to the Red Keep. Him and Hotah had been nothing but quiet during the journey. No one else greeted them. Not the King nor anyone in his court. Not even their Prince.

For all the gold, wealth, history and oppulence that the castle possessed, it all faded to nothing in Oberyn's eyes. His destination is fixed before him. Opening the door he was met with a teary smile of the very person he had hoped to see.

His sister sat at the bed with her daughter in her arms. The image he saw broke his very heart. Her hair is in disarray, her skin paling, her clothes untidy and with her skinny form, it is nearly falling. But most of all is her face. Her eyes are red due to crying and from the darkening beneath the eyes, she had clearly not been resting properly for some time. Oberyn held them both as soon as he saw them. Ellia cried openly as soon she held him. Seeing the current situation, Hotah ushered the maid to step outside as he stood guard at the door.

The siblings stayed like that for an hour. They simply held each other with the princes held still in her arms. Truth be told, they simply didn't know what to do.

The world they once new just simply shattered in an instant for some reason. Titles and peerage were simply tossed aside as the Crown Prince spat on the curtsies and traditions of the Noble Houses of the Seven Kingdom. Such bold move, they could not make heads or tails of it.

Removing herself from Oberyn's embrace she walked to the nearby crib that held a little boy. It's white hair spoke of it's Valyrian blood but the dark skin is a different matter entirely.

Oberyn could see how they fooled many with the child. White of hair of the Targaryen's and the dark complexion of the Martell. But in truth, there is one house that has both.

"Velaryon." Oberyn whispered.

Ellia simply hummed in agreement.

"Who else knows?"

"Does it matter? I am queen no longer after all."

"It does! If people believe you had a legitimate heir then his life is in danger and in extension, yours."

"... Only Rhaegar, Dayne and Barristan... The other one is... dead."

"I see."

Silence lingered once again. One that was disturbed by a cacophony of noises from outside. Hotah carefully peered outside and saw several knights and servants running about. He soon stepped outside to check. Oberyn on the other hand fiddled with the dagger hidden within his sleeve as he stood in protection of his sister and niece.

Seconds later Hotah returned. "My prince. I bring urgent news."

Oberyn simply raised a brow at the man urging him to continue.

"Eddard Stark had been apprahended as he tried to sneak into the Red Keep."

Oberyn was wide eyed as Ellia gasp at the news. Kissing his sister in the forehead he walked briskly outside to know more as he ordered Hotah to stand guard at his sister's door.

'Please good mother... Do not make me choose between friends and family... please.'

Oberyn only had one mission. To save his sister and his niece. And that will always be his priority. Regardless of the cost, whether they be friends or allies.

~~~~~~ Break ~~~~~~

Eddard sat impatiently inside his own comfy cell inside the Red Keep. He has had enough of the Targaryens. It was one thing to belittle them, to take from them their own lands, to be ignored at their times of need, for their people to die for that ugly throne. But it was another thing entirely for them to be dishonored in such a way that they thought they could do whatever it is they wanted with their family.

His sister, kidnapped and taken to who knows where. While his brother is still yet to be found out if he is even still alive. But the last the people of Harrenhal had seen of his brother Brandon, did not paint a good picture.

Brandon had blood oozing out of his gut as two men dragged him by his arms unto a horse. While his sister trashed, clawed and screamed against her captors as she tried to reach out to her brother.

The words that had reached them filled him with both dread and anger at the same time. He needed to save them. He had to do something. His fist clenched at the feeling of hopelessness that slowly crawl beneath his skin.

"I have only known you for sometime," Eddard's attention snapped to the person outside. "But I knew it was not your nature to do something like this."

"Prince Oberyn."

"None of that now Ned. Just Oberyn for you."

"Oberyn it is."

"So... You wanna tell me why you did something so stupid. I mean, I have heared about your sibling's plight. But this just seemed, I don't know. Too out of character I would say."

"I wouldn't be too sure about that. I am a wolf last I checked." Eddard answered playfully.

"Hahaha, aye you are. If the news I have been hearing about you from your skirmishes against the Mountain Savages of the Vale then you are one hell of wolf."

"Still I am surprised. To think it would be you who would show up for your siblings. Truth be told, I had expected your father to come barging in to the Red keep and demand answers."

"He nearly did. Had it not been for Ser Blackfish holding him back, he just might have."

"That bad huh..."

"He was determined to cleave the head off of Prince Rhaegar."

"He needs to get in line."

Eddard smiled at his answer. " .....I'm sorry about your sister."

"...don't be. She will be fine. We need only to get through this."

" ...aye..."

The two shared a familiar air between them. The quiet wolf and for some reason, he learned to relish it. Sadly, he had questions that need be answered. But before Oberyn could ask anymore, Eddard's eyes darted to a guard at the other end of a door.

Oberyn understood what Eddard is worried about. But that just begged the question, why. He has already been captured sneaking about, what else is there to hide. The knights are on high alert. The servants are frantic and keeping watch to what they could and the keep itself was clean of intruders. Oberyn knew Eddard is only alive cause he was caught. But caught for what has yet to be determined.

He had no companions, no allies, no one to rescue him. Oberyn shot a questioning look to Eddard and to his surprise. A glint of blue gem can be seen slightly within his grasp. Eddard then sported a determined expression in his face and then sent a nod behind Oberyn.

Looking behind he saw an open cell. Looking back to Eddard, who again urged him further. As he reached the nearby barred window on the other side, he saw nothing but sheer cliffs and raging water. But looking further at the far distance, he saw it. A single ship mostly hidden beneath the fog.

Oberyn looked grimly back to Eddard, his mind working on multiple possibilities, but with one outcome he strongly desire. His families well-being. But first to throw off the watchers. Oberyn stuck his finger down his throat forcing himself to puke to a nearby bucket. As soon as he finished. He grabbed the bucket and walked to the guard.

Bringing the bucket to the man's chest making him hold on to it. Oberyn said. "Sorry about that. I'm not used to the putrid scent of your city. Kindly get rid of this for me won't you lad."

The guard himself nearly puked as well after taking a glance of the bucket. He then walked off, leaving the two to themselves.

"How many?"

"A hundred not including the crew."

"How soon?"

"Don't know. There are others as we speak. They are trying to find anything that could lead us to my brother or sister."

"They were never here."

"What do you mean?"

"The prince has never set foot on the capital despite the King's summon. Word has it is that he is getting married to Cersei Lannister. So chances are they would be at the Rock."

"You think they would bring captives with him in a formal gathering."

"Nothing formal about it. A short ceremony with the Lords of the West in attendance as witnesses to the union between Tywin's daughter and the Crown Prince."

"Does the king know?"

"Oh he knew alright... The people of the capital are scared of him, burning three men and a Lannister messenger after he received the news alongside the invitation. It was all they talked about.

Your siblings are either there or somewhere else the Seven fucking Kingdoms"

"...Tsk... he was right. This was a foolish endevor."

"...My sister and my niece."

Seeing the serious expression in Oberyn's face made Eddard smile at him and nodded in affirmation. Eddard then held out his hand and showed him an earring.

It has a thin silver chain with a small green gem wrapped within.

Oberyn took it into his hands. "Put it on and you'll know." Eddard said.

Oberyn simply nodded. He then noticed the guard return to his post. And so he decided to step out.

On the way to his sister's room, he couldn't help but think about what he had just agreed to. His gut had told him to take a leap of faith. And he did. But still he worry. Did he do the right thing, or did he just damned his sister and his niece.

As soon as he arrived to their room he went to the balcony and looked in the direction of where the ship should be. He was surprised at the lack of security in that particular spot. But the again it was but a cliff, leading to nowhere as far as he knew.

He was taken off of his stupor with a knock at he door. Hotah carefully looked outside first and then ushered the maid in.

Seeing the woman surprised both Oberyn and Ellia. The latter cried as she looked upon the maid. A woman they had not seen for a long while. Valka, of the Ruby Knights.

Hotah tensed seeing their reaction but he did not act as he himself is baffled.

"Princess, how may I be of service?" Valka said quietly.

"... please, stay." Ellia said with a small plead in her voice.

Smiling softly, Valka answered. "As you wish, my lady."

Walking close to Ellia, Hotah was about to follow until he was signaled by Oberyn with a headshake, and a small smile.

Oberyn felt the weight on his shoulders light up a little. He has allies here. And they haven't abandoned them yet. That was enough to put him at ease. He smiled seeing his sister. Who after seeing Valka watch over her daughter, had finally fallen asleep. Probably for the first time in a long while.

Feeling the slight breeze of the sea and darkening skies if capital. He knew it would be a long night.