Episode 9 - Fortunes Seized
- 11 Chapters
Chapter 1: The Rains of Castamere
It was a stormy, rainy night at Castemere, seat of House Reyne, the second most powerful House in the Westerlands. The winds of the coast whipped against the castle walls.
The Lord of Castemere, Henry Reyne, laid in bed and coughed heavily as someone entered his chambers.
“And who are you?” the proud Lord asked imperiously as the man in a robe entered his chambers, still trying to uphold the image of a strong, worthy Lord of House Reyne.
For weeks he had been sick, missing the wedding of his younger
brother James Reyne and Constancia Lannister at Casterly Rock;
he had just dragged himself out of bed for the funeral of his father
two weeks ago. More a symbolic gathering, since the body of Lord
Reyne had never been found, after his ship had been sunk by the
Greyjoy fleet. He had only been Lord of Castemere for a very short
time and he spent that time lying in bed. Common fever, the
maesters said.
If he had only married himself, Henry told himself, as the maester
approached his bed. “For the pain, my Lord,” the maester said,
while he offered him milk of the poppy.
The pain had gotten worse after the funeral. Henry felt like his strength had died with
his father. “Just a sip,” he mumbled, as the maester supported his head and helped him.
With shivering hands he took the goblet, his arms weak and thin, and his fingernails
long and sharp.
He remembered the long days of wandering along the cliffs, just him and his two brothers,
with nothing but the wind and the sea for company, as he took some sips from the medicine.
“That would be all!” he commanded the maester, who had just started to feel the temperature of the Lord. The rains wept against the windows of Henry’s chambers, as he sank back into his pillows, relieved to be able to drop the act of a strong lord.
Did he think of his father as death finally came for him that night? Or did his thoughts turn to his brother James, who would rule Castemere from this day forth?
Condolences came in from all the houses of the west. Also, along with regards from those Lannisters who weren’t able to attend, a golden rose had been placed upon his grave.
Chapter 2: Beginnings of Justice
Heralds spread from the Trident, not from Riverrun but all other corners, that the Riverlords have decided- with the blessing of their liege lord, to hold a trial to determine the truth of guilt levied against Lady Peggy Tully.
The trial will hold place shortly, at the keep of one of the Riverlords chosen by them & judged by three others. Lady Althea Ryger will have the chance to accuse her grandson's rumored killer & House Tully will have the chance to clear their name.
All Riverlords, be it for one side or the other, are deep in preparations as this first trial of the Rivermen's Council may open the path to much unity & trust amongst them.
Chapter 3: Defiant Lords
Daemon might have taken the throne, but many Crownlander lords still look east toward Dragonstone for their true king. House Arryn remedied this failing as they've married a daughter of Lord Rosby's to a son of Gulltown, building bridges, one at a time.
Chapter 4: Battle of the White Knife
Morning breaks on men buried in the snow.
They called Lord Domeric Bolton "Youngblood". He had departed from Whitewalls north, hoping to raise a great host. Like Rowan or Reyne had done. Instead, he found his sisters had all but usurped his keep, both married off to Stark's & left with the brunt of his forces.
He raised what he had & marched toward Winterfell nonetheless, knowing no one would come north to aid him.
The Stark troops had caught him by the river's edge, interrupted his crossing & attacked his camp at night. "Youngblood" was meant to be sent to the wall. His body was pulled out of the freezing water instead. Most his knights were pardoned, their lands restored to them. What survived of his host returned home & his keep was decreed to be inherited by the children of his eldest sister, who would continue to carry the name Bolton.
Some said they had seen Lord Sigmund stare off into the dark distance for hours before the battle. Some rumored the young lord would speak to old gods of the woods before deciding an attack. Some respected that. Some feared it.
Chapter 5: Those who chose
Lord Massey had supported the Black Dragon from the first day, from Whitewalls. He surely regrets it now, as Lords Tarth & Buckler land on his shore, blockade his coast & besiege his castle.
Comfortably, the two Stormlords sit outside Stonedance, knowing there is not a force or a fleet that could reach them in time as they assault the walls.
After conquering is done, they may do as they please with the fort- installing loyal lords & siphoning their trade for themselves.
Chapter 6: Rough Waters
As Yarrin "Fishfeed" begins his first expedition as official privateer under the crown's good graces, he cannot believe his luck. Red Salmon banners hoisted on white sails! Sailing right for him even! He consults his trusty ledger: House Mooton of Maidenpool, Blackfyre traitors, excellent.
He outnumbers them three to one- & they seem green on top of that. The battle is a breeze, but he is puzzled as to why they were sailing right for him. Perhaps they've mistaken him for a friendly fleet?
But sometimes, luck chases the lucky. As Ser Killian Stark returns north, to assume his duties with his new royal fleet, he encounters a shared fleet, Bellmore & Royce, 19 ships belonging to the traitors of the Vale, right in his path, smaller ships mostly, less than half his strength & no proper captains leading them so it seems. Odd, but a victory is gladly seen at this stage.
As his men consider capturing some vessels, he notices their cargo- the fleet is full of soldiers, packed to the brim below deck. There is moment of hesitation, a worry for the fighting men who will drown needlessly, but these flashes of war are a prelude to the battles yet to come. Any soldier knows that you must not bear hatred for your enemy, but mercy is in order once the day is won, not amidst the thicket of battle. So Ser Killian watches thousands of men drown past the coast of Essos & wonders which fortress he had protected this way.
Chapter 7: House Grimm of Greyshield
Almost a year's worth of effort & countless resources have been piled into the attempt to build a deep port at Greyshield & elevate them above the other Shield Island houses. Now, the effort finally bears fruit as a trading town springs up along Greyshield's coast & they finally earn the loyalty of their new vassals.
They still have a long way to consolidate their line, secure their place amongst the principal vassals to Highgarden through matches & agreements but they begin with great promise & potential.
Chapter 8: The Riches of Lannisport
A castle, a city does not make. Lord Dagon Greyjoy is aware
that the garrisons of his enemies may hide behind their high
walls as much as they'd like. When he is setting their towns
ablaze & ransacking their cities, they will have little choice
but to sally out to meet him.
Lord Greyjoy sends the little lion's envoy off. He smells blood
in the water & he will not be denied his prize. He does not need
to conquer Lannisport. Just burn its harbors, destroy its pitiful defending army & ransack every single guildhall & storehouse in the city.
So as his ships enter the harbor, his men disembark all around the city, putting its attending lands to the torch. As the cities defenders sally out to meet him, they run into his trap. Green boys, all of them, conscripted from the cradle to face his hardened Reavers. Outnumbered & hopelessly outmaneuvered, the Lannisport guard does not stand a chance.
Lannisport's walls & towers remain safe, untouched by the raiders that enter through the harbor & run amok through its streets.
By days end, the defenses of Lannisport are four thousand men lighter, the Greyjoy ships are laden full of plunder & Lord Dagon runs his finger over a map, looking for new targets to fill his coffers with.
Chapter 9: Quiet Streets
One would assume that escaping an enemies capital would draw great attention. But who would ring that bell? The Goldcloaks patrolling the streets? They're the ones entering the Black Cells to free the Blackfyre prisoners. The two thousand Yronwood men under Butterwell's command? They're escorting the prisoners to the harbor & onto ships ready by the shore.
It should not be quiet escorting two thousand men & noble hostages to an enemy fleet of ships anchored at your own port. But somehow, as morning dawns over King's Landing, Daemon II. Blackfyre is throwing furniture at his attendants in a rage, as he has heard that Aerys I. Targaryen is reading investitures to men on Dragonstone, that he was convinced sat below his Red Keep.
Chapter 10: White Cloaks
The Kingsguard oath is for life. To hold no lands, no titles, or families. To serve the royal family, to guard & protect them with ones' life. After the decimation of the Kingsguard at the Kingswood & siege of the city, King Aerys I. Targaryen appoints two members of his holy seven:
Ser Bodrick Dayne & Ser Gwayne Caron are to serve until death seperates them from their duty.
Chapter 11: Costly Loyalties
Escaped hostages, deserting troops, a vassal under siege & the southern kingdoms nowhere near conquered for the Black Banner. It would not do. Under normal circumstances, a Master of Coin would be appointed to handle such issues but King Daemon Blackfyre issues an urgent proclamation himself.
Under the authority, may all true servants of the crown announce their fealty, swear their oaths under the Iron Throne, in person of by herald & agree to a war tax raised to feed the hungry masses of King's Landing, supply the construction of fleets & the troops levied to march against their enemies.