MrDidact — Roleplayer Guild

King's Landing

Tom smiled at his love, his smile positively leonine as he sketched out what he wanted out of their future. He held her hand, caressing her skin with his fingers and said, "Even if he says no, we shall elope and marry anyway. It wouldn't be the first time a Lannister has done so, and he would accept it in time. But it won't have to come to that." He ran his other hand over Alerie's soft stomach, thinking about the child that they might have. He rested his head back on the pillows, "The Targaryen cause is our cause, I must remind you. My sister will be Queen. My future nephew will be the future king. I will never see harm done to the royal family. But as long as we must hitch our horse to the dragon, it should be of profit to us." 

"I will be Hand of the King. That is my desire, as my father and grandfather were before me. Doubtless the other dragon princelings will desire such honor for themselves, but it is I who will be my brother-in-law's right hand. And with you by my side, both of our lands will prosper. Your brother will be Warden of the South, I will be Warden of the West. Together, we should build the Golden Fleet of Lannisport and the rose fleets of the Reach into true naval powerhouses. Our armies will be the envy of even the Knights of the Vale. I will build a Gold Bank to finally wrest our country away under the thumb of the Braavosi, I shall raise cities and build a sept to rival the Starry Sept or the Great Sept. And I will make it my mission to wrest the chaotic forces of magic under our control and use them to our advantage. The crown has their dragons and their sorcerers, it is time for our families to have an edge as well. All this and more I envision for our reign. Once I am Hand, I have designs for this kingdom. Aemon is a strong man, he will be a good king. But he is not an ambitious man. I can urge him onto heights that will endure through time immemorial. And with you by my side, it shall all be done." 

In that moment Tom subtly began to transform, his youthful voice gaining in firmness and conviction as the charming and chivalrous young man began to transform into the man he was destined to be. A man of boundless ambition and iron will. A man with the blood of the wolf and the lion. Someone bound for either greatness or infamy. 

- 

After she returned to her room, Cathay heard another knock on the door. A note was slipped under the door. If Cathay opened the door, she would have seen nothing but an empty hallway. The note said, "Meet in the dungeons, where the skulls of the dragons were once kept. We must discuss the matter of the babe. Come at sundown. Come alone." There was no insignia or markings to distinguish who the note came from, but the message had been written in an elegant, somewhat feminine hand. It was likely that the note came from the Mistress of Whispers, and that Arya Stark desired a private meeting free from prying ears. The knowledge Cathay held was dangerous and probably not the kind that Arya would have trusted to a messenger or a note. But there was no way to be sure completely. Cathay needed to decide if the potential rewards of giving over the information to Arya were worth the risks if the sender turned out to be some other party, even the Celtigars, who might have heard that Cathay Whitehoof had been selected as the crown's agent. She had a choice to make. 

The Golden Tooth

Ser Martyn smiled back at Lord Lorimer, inclining his head with more respect than he had had for Lorimer moments before, taking his hand in a firm handshake, "You honor me, my lord. I shall do as you command. Five and seventy of my best swords, and we will put these bandits in either chains or graves. Then we can focus on these red lions. Good fortune, Lord Lorimer. The seven be with you." Martyn nodded at Lorimer and took his leave. 

Shortly later, Martyn strolled down from his own chambers, his golden helm held under one arm and his crimson and gold cloak flowing from his the roaring lions of his shoulder plates. The armor of the Gold Knights was not like most Westerosi plate, instead evoking much more exotic, even eastern images with the design of the plating. But it was magnificent all the same and it was in this armor that he crossed paths with Lady Cerenna Lefford. 

Ser Martyn favored Cerenna with the famous Lannister smile and bowed his head, taking Cerenna's hand and kissing it, "My lady. We have not properly met. I am Ser Martyn Lannister, son of Ser Kevan, Knight-Captain of the Golden Knights. You must be Lord Lorimer's sister. Charmed." Ser Martyn, stood up again, "It is a great shame, I must to the field before we were properly acquainted. Perhaps once I return, and we toast our victory, we shall see each other again? I hope so, for it would be rank cruelty to never behold beauty such as yours again." 

It was difficult to tell whether Martyn was sincere in his flirtation or whether it was the chivalrous compliment of a knight and highborn lordling, but he was charming and comely all the same and only a few years older than Cerenna. Martyn smiled once more, "Alas, I must leave, but before I go. I ask for the lady's favor. We may not know each other well, but the favor of a beautiful woman always bodes well for a man who must fight. I humbly ask this boon of you, to grant me luck in the battles to come. And I would henceforth vow to bring you back a gift worthy of your beauty. Will you grant me this, my lady?" 

Whether or not she accepted, Martyn favored her with another bow and another smile, and a pleasant farewell before taking his leave, walking away with his head high. Moments later, six and seventy men rode out from the Golden Tooth, flying the sun and gold of House Lefford, the golden lion of House Lannister, and the golden crossed swords of the Gold Knights on their banners. With Ser Martyn Lannister at their lead, the bandits and outlaws infesting the land had their days numbered. 

Later that day as the rest of the castle readied to feast in celebration of the homecoming of House Lefford, more guests arrived. It was a score of men, nothing more, not nearly enough to stage even a small attack on the formidable fortress. They flew the hog banner of House Vikary, a house of landed knights sworn to Casterly Rock and House Lannister. One of the men rode ahead, and called out to the gate, "Let Lorimer of House Lefford, Lord of the Golden Tooth know that Ser Leon of House Vikary has arrived to celebrate the return of his home and his marriage to Lady Myrielle of House Lannister. House Vikary have been long friends of both House Lannister and House Lefford, and it is our wish to renew this friendship and break bread with you and yours. The Westerlands are not as safe as they once were, and we also desire a night's rest free of the threat of bandits and monsters. Ser Leon and all members of his party will also pledge their word of honor to abide by the laws of guest right and will surrender our weapons to you, should you suspect some bandit trick. What say you?" 

- 

Highgarden

Similarly, as the Florents and Tyrells readied for the night, they received another visitor. Fifty men rode to Highgarden from a recently arrived river ferry, bearing the royal dragon banner in addition to the golden scales of the Knights Inquisitor as well as the wolf banner, the lion banner, and all manner of other knightly devices. They were lead by a tall figure with the golden scales emblazoned on his shoulder, opposite the white bow of House Glenmore, one of the few northern houses with close ties to both the Tyrells and the Starks. 

The knight wore gilded armor of a copper sheen and a bow strapped to his back. Ser Arthur Glenmore, a lean youth of twenty years with a strong jaw, piercing blue eyes, and bright brown hair was allowed in the gates of Highgarden, and as his men had their horses seen to, he sought out the young lords Alester and Merlin immediately. Arthur bowed to both of the men and said, "I do not think you would know me, my lord Merlin, but the Glenmores have been friends of the Tyrells for generations. Lady Sansa thought it appropriate to send a northerner with such ties to work with House Tyrell to see to the threats to your control of the region. I humbly ask for lodgings for my men, and our request that we may join you for supper to discuss what your lordship would wish to be done. I may a Knight Inquisitor, but I was told to defer to your lordship in this matter and to simply lead the men in direct action and coordinate with you." Arthur nodded at the Florent lord as well, "King Jon sends his regards and his condolences on the death of your father, and thanks you for your contribution to the war effort in the Red Mountains. He has high hopes that House Florent will continue to be a friend of the crown, as it was under your father's leadership." 

Pleasantries accounted for, Ser Arthur said, "Shall I see you at dinner, my lords?" 

- 

The Red Mountains

Ned Dayne did the impossible. On his white horse, he managed to lead the vanguard in an orderly withdrawal, holding the rear with a company of men as the troops fell back into line. Many troops were trampled under monsters or sliced with evil blades, or else burned by spellfire or picked up shrieking by a ravenous giant vulture. But still Ned Dayne held, and allowed his men to retreat, killing every creature and demon that crossed swords with him. Dawn shone with starlight as it crossed with the monstrous swords and while many royalists died, the greater part of the vanguard managed to withdraw behind the spear and shield line. Ned deflected a black arrow with the sword and was the last to withdraw behind the line, though he slumped from his mount, cursing the wound he had received to his shoulder. Ronnet's griffons continued to clash with the vultures overhead and the Rhoynish Water Mages scrambled to erect a vaporous water shield that blocked the spellflame from falling on the army, as the Fire Priests readied to fire back with their own salvo and the young Dondarrion knight cracked his fists, purple lightning beginning to spark along his sword and the air around him. 

The shield stopped the fire, but the monsters were able to advance, crashing against the shield wall that the royalists had hastily erected. The advance had been completely stalled and soon Ronnet's scouts were forced to withdraw behind the shield as well, the Vultures circling the watery dome as the creatures below tried to overwhelm the royal army. A few men were beginning to succumb, falling to the stings of a giant scorpion or the teeth of a manticore, or any number of grisly fates. The line held, but for how much longer, it was uncertain. Garlan had to make a choice on how to proceed and quickly. 

- 

The loyalists surged through the gate that Uther had opened clashing blades with the Vulture garrison and allowing the men on the ladders and grapples to ascend the walls and fight on the battlements. Soon scores of men began streaming into the castle. Ser Andrew led them, followed by the young Alchemist with his sword flaming with green fire. Uther saw one of the Vulture Knights retrieve a small cruelly curved knife and grab one of his own comrades by the hair, the man serenely sat still as the blade drew across his neck, blood bursting onto the ground. As one Vulture died, the other yelled in agony to the heavens, twisting and contorting as his limbs grew, his skin grew red, and horns and a forked tail sprouted from his body. The demon had claws as sharp as daggers and just as long, and a mouth full of razor sharp teeth. One of the royalists gawped in terror and surprise as the demon crunched its jaws around his neck and ripped his head off, his comrade following in death as the former Vulture swiped its claws and spilled the man's guts to the floor. Another tried to run, before the forked tail wrapped around his throat and cracked his neck swiftly. The demon howled in fury and bloodlust, bat wings unfurling from its back as it lifted its fiery yellow eyes to Uther and leaped at him from across the courtyard, flying at him with murder on its mind. 

- 

Bloodstone

Arak was soon discovered by Rhaegar and his men, who hurriedly formed a shield around the man and tried to bring him to safety. When it became clear that he would not be deterred from combat however, they joined him and hit the Maiden's Men from the other side as their compatriots made their forward assault. The sellswords were no match for the skilled fighters that the loyalist company boasted. Perhaps a handful of their men went down in the fighting, but ten Maiden's Men were killed or maimed for every man lost. Eventually however, seeing Aerion's attempt to de-escalate the confrontation, Aemon raised his hand to stay the blades of his teammates. 

Aerion's words rang clear and convincing, and looking upon the blood of her dead men and how she was surrounded on all sides, the Big Cap relented. She dropped her sword in defeat and soon the rest of her men followed, "Aye. You've beaten us." Aemon stepped forward, bloody sword in hand and her eyes widened in fear. Aemon had killed many pirates as the Prince of Dragonstone and Blackfyre had tasted the blood of dozens of captains before her. Aemon said, "Fear not. I will abide by my man's vow. You will not die. But if you wish to avoid a cell, you have a choice. Bend the knee and enter the service of the Iron Throne, or spend the rest of your life in captivity. I can think of no worse fate for one who loves the sea." 

Big Cap gave it a moment's thought and nodded. She took off her cap, revealing her golden hair bound under her red bandanna, and bent the knee, her men doing the same. Big Cap, swallowed her pride and said, "What would you have us do, my prince?" Just a hint of sarcasm on the honorific. Aemon ignored it and said, "You will give us whatever information you have on the Scorpions. Starting with the purpose of this meeting at Blackguard Bay." 

The mercenary captain nodded and said, "The Scorpion managed to get every pirate and corsair you haven't killed or press-ganged already to join him. Along with mercenaries from the Free Cities, Dragon's Bay, and the Basilisk Isles. They have hundreds of ships, thousands of men, they've been avoiding your dragons. And they're planning some kind of assault on Aurane Velaryon. I don't know the details, they were to be revealed at a summit of all the captains at Blackguard Bay." 

Aemon nodded, "That'll do for now. And you can be our ticket there. We'll take you to Blackguard Bay and you'll help a few of us infiltrate this meeting. You can sail on your own ship, with your own men. But with my ship accompanying you, and a team of my men watching you on your ship. We leave in the morning. You're Kingsmen now. After the war is won, I'll see you are compensated for your efforts. Do we have an accord?" 

Big Cap stared at Aemon, who stared right back. Finally, she sighed and said, "Yes, we do." 

"Good. Visenya, gather your little tavern friend and her friend, we'll take them with us as promised. I need volunteers to watch the Maiden's Men on their ship. Gather supplies, gold, and weapons. Then get some rest, we leave in the morning." 

As he turned, Big Cap said, "One more bit of information that may be immediately useful to you." 

Aemon turned back, "Go ahead." 

"We were to meet a smuggler at the tavern. She would supply us with castle forged steel and other equipment, which we would have ferried to the Scorpions. Having those supplies in hand would smooth things over considerably." 

Aemon rubbed his jaw in thought, "I see. Tell me what this smuggler looks like." They conversed briefly as the loyalists had the opportunity to take a moment's rest and salvage what they could, before heading to their assignments or their rest for the night. 

The prince had Big Cap and her men escorted away to their ship and Aemon told Visenya to return to the ship. He clapped Rhaegar on the back, "Good job brother." 

Then he approached Taria Greyjoy, "Taria, will you watch my back? Let's go talk to this smuggler. Perhaps we can make an arrangement." 

Later, the two of them plus a few other comrades entered the tavern. Aemon found the smuggler per Big Cap's description and casually approached her, his hands in clear sight as he sat at her table and said, "I heard you had goods to sell."
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