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Chapter Text

Prologue

133 AC , Fair Castle
The laughter of the ironborn captains filled the halls of the captured Lannister castle, they were having a feast to celebrate their well earned plunder.

Indeed , in the last two Years they had ruled the sunset sea like the driftwood kings of old , wherever men could hear the sounds of waves hitting the shore, their writ ran.

It all began When their liege lord Dalton had finally returned from his raiding .

He had began rowing at age 5, reaving at age 10 in the basilisk isles . By the time he was four and ten he had fought in a dozen actions sailed as far as New Ghis , taken four saltwives, and claimed a Valyrian steel sword off the body of a slain corsair in the stepstones .
Dalton earned his title as ''Red kraken '' When his Uncle was killed during a raid and , in a rage, the young ironman had thrown himself into combat. Suffering a dozen wounds and being covered in blood both his own and of slain foes.

Later that same year , he returned to the seastone chair and ordered the construction of as many war vessels as possible, the forging of as many swords, helms, and breastplates as his wealth would allow. And the training of Warriors.
whenever asked the reason for these frantic preparations , the boy would Only answer
''The storm is coming''

He who dwells beneath the waves must have surely granted Greyjoy a vision of the future, for Only a year after his return, the storm came.

King Viserys Targaryen was dead.

His son Aegon had been crowned king in the capital, whilst his daughter Rhaenyra had been crowned queen in Dragonstone .

Lucerys Velaryon had been killed by Aemond Targaryen in storm´s end .

When news of war finally reached Pyke, Dalton burst out laughing.

The Greens of Aegon offered Greyjoy a spot on the small council if he could sink the fleet of Corlys Velaryon .... but Dalton did not answer, he waited.

The blacks offered him nothing but a chance to sack the vulnerable westerlands, whose Warriors had left their homes ....

He chose black over green and thus began the greatest time for the ironmen since king Harwyn Hoare and his conquest of the riverlands with fire and sword, forging the Kingdom of the isles and rivers.

Dalton and his fleet struck at Lannisport, the city´s walls were crushed , the buildings sacked and razed, the Fighting men killed, the cravens who´d attempted to flee were taken as thralls to work on the infertile soils of the iron islands, while the women were taken as salt wives. Dalton himself took Lord Tyland Lannister´s Mistress as a salt wife, as well as their bastard daughters ... when he asked for their return, Dalton refused for , according to him, ''only the drowned god may sunder the bond between a man and his salt wives''

Fair castle fell, and with it fair isle and all its wealth .Once again, men were slain or taken as thralls , while women were taken to serve the ironmen , Dalton himself was infamous among the mainlanders, but adored among his brethren, for keeping over 20 saltwives. It is said he tired of his women quickly and yearned for a new one as soon as he was out of the bedchamber.

4 years since the start of what became know as the dance of dragons began had passed, house Targaryen had utterly massacred itself . Sunfyre had eaten the black queen while the green king had been poisoned . At the end of the Whole ordeal , it had been Aegon son of Rhaenyra that had placed the crown on his head ....or would in the future, as for now it was his regents that ruled for him.

The regency of king Aegon III had ordered The ironborn to cease all their reaving, yet the Kraken banner remained flying over all their captured territories, and their longships continued to sail , spreading fire and death.

After some more time of this, lord regent Unwin Peake ordered Lord Alyn Velaryon ´the oakenfist´ to sail to the sunset sea and crush the red Kraken and his ironmen.

Dalton raised hundreds more longships in response, he refused to even address Velaryon by his name, Calling him Only ´´that boy´´ despite Only being three years older than him.

'' It is only fitting that a boy king would send a boy to take us down'' he proclaimed to the Ironborn in the hall , who answered with mocking laughter at the Targaryen monarch ''Yet they are fools if they think we shall stop paying the iron price because of it , here is what we shall do.'' the ironmen went quiet .

'' After that boy and his fleet are sunk to the drowned god´s watery realm , we shall raise our banners anew, Every ironman who wishes to prove his Worth will have a spot on a longship.''he made a brief pause
'' we are ironborn, our blood is of salt and iron , and once we were conquerors, it was the dragons that took our lands from us , yet now the dragons have slaughtered themselves, there is no Balerion to melt the stone of our keeps . Aegon the dragon killed the old way, but it has risen again . Harder and stronger . That is why ..... the Shield isles , Oldtown, sunspear and yes even driftmark ..... we will take them ALL ''´.

The ironborn erupted into cheering, never before had men been raised to such stupor. It was as if the very foundations of Faircastle were shaking . so Much drink was spilled on the floor from the excitement that many drunks slipped and fell. The ironmen screamed his name in unison ''DALTON! DALTON! DALTON !'' he could Only smile satisfied that his promises had been well received among his loyal vassals, an army with high morale does fight better after all...

'' Indeed my friends, there will be many chances for us all to acquire gold and Glory! '' he unsheathed his valyrian steel sword
''WHAT IS DEAD MAY NEVER DIE !'' the red Kraken cried out
''BUT RISES AGAIN , HARDER AND STRONGER’’ the ironmen answered
''FOR GOLD AND GLORY !'' they all repeated in unison until a chuckling lord Harlaw broke it off by stating ''gold, glory and women''

The captains began laughing alongside him ''yes,yes, how could i Forget? gold , Glory and women'' Dalton chuckled '' i have one in my mind even...''

A drunken captain snorted ''another one milord ? if you keep going at this pace there won´t be a single salt wife left for us to have .''
Dalton shrugged with a smirk ''then you should all try harder it seems. Aye i may have one and Twenty salt wives, true, but not one of them has the silver hair and purple eyes of the Targaryens. That is why i will take Baela Targaryen as a salt wife When we seize drift mark'' The ironmen laughed some more.

The hall began slowly turning back to it´s usual self, ironmen japed with each other whilst feasting, Dalton himself ate slowly and drank quickly. He stabbed his meat with his dagger and took it ito his mouth to chew When he felt a soft hand on his shoulder.

It was one of the many salt wives he´d taken in the westerlands ... she had Bright blue eyes and blonde hair, she was slim with long legs as well as Young .

Her name was Tess , but Dalton had long since forgotten that. In truth, he Only bothered to remember the name of the two salt wives who birthed his two sons Toron and Rodrik , as well as Tyland lannister´s mistress and her daughters .

She was wearing a Bright red silk gown with some gold ornaments, it was probably stolen from a Lannister noblewoman somewhere, but Dalton didn´t mind, if anything, he liked it .

''does milord require some....comforting? i am very ...eager to serve...'' she said it with a smirk...Dalton was drunk but he wasn´t stupid, if the Woman wanted to be bedded who was he to deny her after all ? besides, this feast had gotten Rather dull....

'' Go to the bedchambers , i will be there ....soon'' She nodded and left, Dalton had to leave the hall first to puke a bit, he had drunk far too much ...

He entered his bedchambers , she was sitting at the edge of the bed with a smile, Dalton was nothing if not enticed ...he quickly unbuckled his belt and all but threw his clothes out before making his way to her .......

Dalton awoke feeling horrific pain, he tried to breathe but began to ... drown? he could see his salt wife holding his dagger with joyful tears in her eyes, the point was red. It took only a second for him to understand, she had slit his throat while he slept.

'' I... I am free'' she was crying , too startled to make any elaborate sentences .
Dalton wanted to say something but he could not, he wanted to breathe, but he could not , he wanted to live, but he could not .Slowly he began to choke and drown in his own blood, he desperately tried to spit it out hoping, foolishly hoping it would make a difference. It did not.

He felt pain, so much pain . Dalton had been injured before in battle, he had never shied away from danger. But this ... this felt different, he felt so ... cold ..... he struggled to keep his eyes open and slowly he could feel his life slipping away from him.

The Red Kraken wanted to make his final words a prayer, but he could not speak, as the darkness consumed him he tried at least to beg in his mind for Mercy and a spot on the drowned god´s halls .
'' What is dead may never die'' he had to make a pause as he struggled to stay awake.
''but rises again , harder and stronger''

Chapter Text

298 AC , Winterfell
''Theon , Theon can you hear me ?'' the voice that spoke to him sounded old , but it had a touch of kindness that soothed him somewhat, reminding him of his childhood plundering alongside his Uncle ... he even remembered that fateful day Where he acquired his one true love in life: his valyrian steel sword, nightfall, from a slain corsair in the stepstones.

Dalton was relieved When he felt someone touch his arm ... he wasn´t imagining anything, he had survived! mayhaps his crew managed to stamp out the bleeding In time ..... ''whomever it was i shall reward them with a captaincy of their own and a longship...and if someone got that whore, i shall make her regret humiliating me . She knew not her place as a salt wive , i will find a drowned man and make her a sacrifice to the god''

Dalton regained his senses gradually. He felt soft blankets over his body , and a pillow beneath his head , he was in a bed, he had survived !... the whore could not kill or touch him , she was not here. ''As if i would die outside of a battlefield...''

His musings were interrupted by an anxious voice ‘Maester ... will...will Theon make it ?´
''I am not sure Lord Robb , Theon has lost a lot blood , the fact he is still breathing in of itself is a miracle'' answered the older voice.

''See to it that he survives Maester , i will not have a ward of mine die under my care'' spoke a cold and steely voice that Dalton could not recognize . in fact, he could not recognize any of them. ''is this truly my crew ? and who is this ... Theon ?''. Dalton could feel his stomach sink.

´''as you say , lord Stark''

LORD STARK ?. Dalton could not comprehend what was happening here. He had been in the westerlands , how could Cregan Stark of all people capture him? What had happened to his army ? most importantly ....how could he get out of this one ?

Dalton was well aware that continuing his raids despite the orders of the regency was treason ,but he never in his wildest dreams imagined that Cregan Stark of all people could get him . He knew the crown was sending that boy , Alyn Velaryon , but the Starks didn´t even have a fleet! what cruel jape was this....''i have not survived a slit throat Only to die to a common headsman...''

Dalton yelped and opened his eyes When he felt a needle touching his skin . ''who do these people think they are dealing with ?!''

The first thing he saw was a wrinkled small old man with grey eyes and a grey robe .''A maester, one of those rats they breed in oldtown...''

Next he saw a young Red haired boy who looked at him eagerly and full of relief with his deep blue eyes .'' Great , even the trouts are here ... he´s too Young to be lord Tully ... but too old to be his son , who is this boy ?''

Then Dalton saw a black haired man with a trimmed Beard and a long face , his stormy grey eyes gave it away immediately .''this man must be lord Stark ....And that Black haired runt behind him must be his wolfspawn, by the drowned god they´re a mirror of each other''...Dalton paid close attention to the sword sheathed in Stark´s belt, and the door right behind him.

Dalton immediately swatted the Maester away, Much to the old man´s surprise .
''Theon, i cannot treat you if i cannot touch you'' he said with a chiding tone
''shut up old man ''answered Dalton with an aggressive tone that made him step back wide eyed . The red haired boy looked appaled Much to Dalton´s amusement ''Did he expect i´d hug the grey rat like a rescued maiden ?'' Lord Stark´s face however was an icy mask .'' does Lord Cregan think he can stare me into compliance? does he think me craven ?´´

Dalton tried to get up but the Maester ( may the drowned god take him !) had the nerve to push him back down! ''Absolutely not. ,You must stay right Where you are until we find out all the damage your fall caused you !'' ''fall ? what fall ? is this man mad ?''

''i already told you to shut up old man !'' Dalton pushed the maester away . More roughly this time , making him stumble back . Dalton again tried to get up , but this time it was Lord Stark that pushed him back down . ''they are treating me as if i was a child''. Thought Greyjoy with no small amount of resentment and anger.

''Theon'' Said Stark with a tone as cold as winter .''Again with this Theon, is that how i am known in the greenlands ?''. ''You will obey Maester Luwin´s commands. I shall have to leave with Robb and jon to execute a deserter of the night´s watch . Bran and Jory are already there and so would you were it not for your injury. When I return we shall have some stern words, you were found attempting to slip out of your chambers. No doubt to visit some whorehouse in wintertown, something i have expressly forbidden already . And you almost paid with your life for such foolishness. I realize now that I have been far too lenient with you Theon. Rest assured there will be consequences for this. Is that understood ?''

Dalton blinked. Has lord Stark lost his mind as well ? ''who are these people....by the drowned god , am I the one going mad ?''.

For a third time Dalton tried to get up , he was not a child that could Simply be put down by others. They could try , but he would always rise again , Harder and stronger . ''just as the drowned god demands ! weakness has no place in the blood of iron and salt. ''

Once more Lord Stark tried putting him down, but the very second Stark got close Dalton eyed the sword on his hip again and, with a sudden motion, grabbed the pommel and pulling it right from the sheath .

For the briefest of moments Stark´s icy mask cracked with a shocked gasp . But it quickly was replaced by a grim and threatening expression. ''Theon, give me that sword back , now''
''Does he take me for a fool ? the Only way he is getting this sword is through his heart''

Dalton could see the horrified expressions on both the youths and The rat, he would have liked to enjoy them . But he knew he had to make a run for it. He could kill everyone in this room and it would not help him get away from the patrols that would be sent to find him. The cowardly Johanna Lannister and that Velaryon Boy the regency had sent afer him knew they could never defeat the Red Kraken in a naval battle.

Dalton did not deign to respond Stark´s request . Instead he jumped out of the bed and started to make his way towards the door. When the red haired lad latched on to him ''Theon w...'' Dalton pushed him away making the boy tumble to the ground on top of his left arm ,pale and shocked. Leaving out a cry of pain in the process. ''Get out the way of me, brat.’' Snarled Dalton .
He could hear lord Stark´s scream ''ROBB !'' echoing behind him . But Dalton gave it no mind . ''let Stark play nanny to the Tully boy, the longer he´s there, the better.''

The Other Youth charged at him , furious , ´´THEON you..´ Dalton firmly planted his foot on the boy´s gut and that took all the wind from his sails and he fell gasping for air . Cregan Stark immediately went to hold him in his arms . But Dalton stopped him just by raising his sword

Lord Stark looked at him with his sheer anger overpowering the cold mask he´d wore so far . Dalton knew he wanted to beat him down for hurting his son, but also knew he was powerless without the sword.

Greyjoy could not help but enjoy the sight, he couldn´t even contain a small smirk forming on his lips ''maybe you should thank me for toughening up your lad Lord Cregan, i had already fought in a dozen raids When i was four and ten , that boy looks like he´d shit himself at the first arrow.''

The room went silent for some time, Dalton thought it was due to their sheer terror. But all he saw in their faces was ....confusion ?

The maester was the first to recover´´By the gods, Theon has lost his wits. I knew head injuries could cause such effects but to witness it first hand ...´´
Dalton grimaced, why were people refusing to address him by his name ? he was going to teach this bloody maester a lesson he wouldn´t soon forget, When he heard someone knock on the door ''Lord Stark? we heard a commotion and thought to check in ''

Dalton assumed it was some guards. But he wouldn't really care if they weren´t... ''Here we go...may the drowned god give me his blessing today''...

Dalton flung the door wide open with a kick. Hitting the man who´d knocked, Greyjoy did not hesitate for even a second before slashing at his forearm, making him drop his spear. Dalton followed it up by grabbing his helm and hitting him in the head with it , blood sprayed from out the wounds and the man fell hard. Another guard approached him from the side , WIth his axe ready, and swung at Greyjoy. Who jerked to the side but still got cut by the blade right in his shoulder .

He grunted from the pain but persevered . The man reeled back to strike again, but Dalton stopped that by throwing the helm he´d picked up right in his face, the guard´s nose was caved in as if it were a breastplate, releasing blood like a Fountain spills out water. He immediately took some Steps backward from the pain and the Shock . He covered his face with his hands. Greyjoy then hit him in the gut causing the guard to throw up a mixture of blood and digested food.

Dalton looked back at the room Where Stark was. He and the Maester did not seem as affected by the disgusting sight before them as the two youths, Stark was a Seasoned Soldier while the Grey rat probably had had to touch such things before while treating wounds. To the lads, however, this was likely their first exposure to sights like these, if their reaction was anything to go by. If they got any more pale Dalton reckoned they´d throw up as well. Dalton was Only annoyed some of the puke and blood had fallen on him.

The ironborn started to sprint but , strangely , Dalton felt as if he knew this place . He felt an eery familiarity as he went down a circular stairway, yet this was also ...different . he had sacked almost Every castle of the westerlands by the coast , thus he had a solid grasp of how all of them were. And he simply could not quite decide which one this was ... he must have been here before, to know the path.....
some strange memories started to plague him even, of seeing Pyke´s battlements being utterly crushed and collapsing all over , of a beast of a man with an antlered helm and warhammer completely demolishing any who stood in his path... ''My mind must be playing tricks on me none of that has ever happened'' ....

Dalton trampled and pushed over anyone in his path , most saw the blade in his hand and decided to run....a wise choice , while others needed some gentle persuasion in the form of a sword hilt to the nose , and a particularly unlucky guard´s skull had firmly collided with a wall ..... ''it could have been worse for these fools , they could have died instead''

Eventually he found himself inside a great hall , spacious like no other. Servants were carrying out meager tasks . Screams and screeches of horror started the moment he´d been spotted holding a sword and with some blood on him. A red-haired Woman seated on what looked like a throne had been quick to voice her displeasure ''THEON! PUT THAT THING AWAY THIS INSTANT''. Dalton was having a hard time thinking of Where to go next over the red-headed woman´s screeching ''i must be in riverrun for there to be this many Tullys'' He glared at her and spoke with anger 11if you do not shut your mouth, i am going to make you a salt wife''

just saying that word had left Dalton´s mouth with a bitter taste ... he did not want to think about salt wives ...the image of the whore that had killed him was still ringing in his ears thoroughly quelling his lust ''...no , i will not be afraid of her ... she tried to kill me and failed ... the drowned god would never allow a warrior of his to be felled so ... pathetically.''

Dalton´s threat was quite successful, the Woman went quiet and pale with her eyes widened , though Greyjoy took no pleasure in scaring her , he Simply imagined her with a dagger ...''Enough''
Two guardsmen came at him wielding spears. They went down fast, Dalton dodged the first ones thrust and put him down with a Punch straight to the throat , while the second received a Stab straight on the chest. ''These men are green as the greenlands themselves .''

He heard a third approaching from behind him , so Dalton immediately grabbed a chair from the table and spun before throwing it. Hitting the man with so much strengh that the wood shattered on impact and pieces flew all over the hall
He went back to sprinting , though this time no one stood in his way . a pity.
Dalton opened the great doors of the hall , they led to a courtyard. The first thing he noticed was the cold and the snow that made him shiver, and the second was a direwolf banner that covered the walls of the castle.
''No
How is this even possible ?

I am in winterfell ?!

This is bad .....''

He was in the heart of the North. A Kingdom he had little to no knowledge of , Worse, possibly the most loyal kingdom to king Aegon III.
Dalton continued running. He could not understand how he had any knowledge of this keep , but he did and had no time to question it.

He made a sharp turn , heading towards the stables. He´d steal a horse and ride out of here, he´d be chased and knew there was little hope of slipping from the Search parties that would be sent to pursue him , but Dalton would be damned before not even trying to fight for his life .

He crashed head first into a Woman he could tell was a septa , beside her were two young girls . A red head who looked suspiciously like the one Dalton had seen in the hall. ''Must be her daughter, another tully . have the trouts taken over the north while i wasn´t Looking ?''
And another with brown eyes and dark hair whom Dalton did not pay much mind to.

The septa looked very displeased , Dalton knew she was going to say something but he simply did not care to hear it. So he grabbed her by the hair and threw her out of his way . He heard the red headed girl screech´ SEPTA MORDANE !´ while the brown-eyed one merely whimpered with tears in her eyes, the septa screamed ''SANSA, JEYNE, RUN ! THEON HAS GONE MAD !''

''That was the wisest counsel you´ve ever given, septa.'' he thought, amused.

''THEON! YOU WILL STOP THIS INSANITY RIGHT NOW.'' Rang an old man´s voice with steely authority. From a glance, Dalton could tell this man was confident he would win if they were to fight. Dalton reckoned he was the master of Arms if he thought so highly of his martial prowess.

Dalton went into a Fighting stance, he knew this was not someone he could Simply run over.

The old man scowled ''i had thought you knew better then to fight someone you can´t beat Greyjoy, but then again you Always did have a high Opinion of yourself .´ he raised his sword and went into a defensive stance , Much to Dalton´s anger. ''He knows time is on his side ''.

Dalton struck first with an overhead Slash that was swiftly blocked, but instead of retreating Dalton tried to use his weight to push back his foe . He saw the old man plant one of his feet firmer on the ground and start to move slightly to the side . ''He means to make me stumble and fall''.

Dalton hit him with his knee straight on the stomach. His opponent went back a step from the blow , but Dalton had no intention of giving him time or space to breathe, so he lunged forward with a thrust aimed at the heart that was narrowly parried. The old man quickly made a riposte afterward. Making a small Slash in Dalton´s chest that made the ironman grunt from the pain . ''he fights well, a true warrior this one''.

'' I would have your name, old man .''Spoke Dalton trying to keep his tone even despite the excitement he was feeling from a fight.

The man looked a mixture of confused and amused ''Theon? did you hit your head that hard ?''

''HE DARES TO MOCK ME ?!'' Thought Greyjoy furiously

Dalton snapped ''you will tell me your name , by the drowned god i swear it, even if i have to Punch and slash it out of you ! And why are all the folk here Calling me Theon ?! my name is Dalton ! ‘''

The man dared to laugh ''I see you are a little confused Theon , well let me enlighten you some. My name is Rodrik Cassel . master of Arms of winterfell.''

''good''. Dalton attacked again , faster and harder , his sword meeting Cassel´s in a flash of steel . Cassel moved his sword to the right, taking Dalton´s as well in an attempt to disarm him, but Greyjoy hit him with a headbutt forcing Rodrik back . Seizing the opportunity of his confused opponent he swung with his sword , Cassel narrowly dodged a would-be killing blow, ending up with Only a cut in the cheek .

Dalton continued swinging with all his strength. the sound of clashing steel ringing in his ears. Cassel was being forced back again and again until Dalon grabbed his wrist, pulled his arm out of the way , and smashed his face with a blow from the sword´s hilt making him fall hard on the ground. Dalton could Only laugh as blood spilled out of Rodrik´s broken nose . Greyjoy was quite sure he even saw some teeth flying Around as well.

While he would have enjoyed gloating a bit, he was also acutely aware that he would get cornered if he stood still for too long.

He left Cassel on the ground alongside a horrified Septa, while The two girls whose named he hadn´t bothered learning sobbed and paled.

He made his way to the stables ... they were surprisingly empty . Only three horses remained...Come to think of it , Lord Stark mentioned executing some deserter , he must have sent his household guard to catch him, for there to be so few horses here.

Dalton was more confused then scared When he saw the utterly gigantic stableboy. He raised his sword , preparing for an attack from the giant ....''HODOR ?'', Dalton was confused ''what does hodor even mean...''

The boy looked at Dalton´s sword ,''Hodor ?'' .

Dalton wanted to slap himself for his stupitidy , ''this boy is a lackwit .''
He made sure to free and spook two of the horses before mounting a White mare and heading out as quickly as possible . Dalton could not comprehend why there was no army encamped here, had Cregan disbanded his forces the very same day he had been captured? In fact, for how long had he been in their hands ? The trip from Fair Castle to Winterfell is almost a fortnight long and, besides, if they weren´t going to execute him immediately why bring him to Winterfell in the first place? Questions for another day....

Dalton felt almost offended by how lightly his capture had been treated . Outside of the guards he´d smashed in the hall , Rodrik Cassel and a few others who´d stood in his path winterfell had been the easiest place to break out he had ever been in. The people here didn´t even seem to fear him until they noticed either the blood that he had on him or the sword in his hands, it´s as if they didn´t recognize him. ''Or perhaps they do and think little of you, fools they all are.''

He made his way to the gates and burst out laughing. He was free! likely not for very long if truth be told, there was little chance he could slip by the northmen in their homeland. But a small chance is better then none...

Dalton could hear the horses he´d released were making a mess of things . He knew that eventually, the chaos he´d caused would attract the attention of all the guards . Winterfell was an utterly enormous castle , to the point Where happenings on one side of the castle could go unnoticed on the other, but Dalton was also sure the people he´d trampled over would start asking for help when they got back on their feet...

He rode out the gates. He could see a small town just ahead, it had rows of neat houses built of log alongside some Muddy roads . Dalton wasn´t an expert on the north , he´d spent his childhood alongside reavers not maesters, but he was knowledgeable enough to know this was the wintertown . This was important to know as lying just past the town´s sprawls would be the kingsroad, and though it was the Only way out the north that Dalton knew , it would be child´s play for lord Cregan to send ravens to his lords and have the Whole road closed within three days at the latest...''what to do now'' .....

The same sense of familiarity that Dalton had felt in Winterfell proper seemed to extend to the wintertown. Though not for much land after it , he felt freer than ever , Only being at sea alongside his fellow ironmen could beat this feeling ....

It was short lived as Dalton saw a party of Around 20 horsemen approaching, all the men looked girthed for battle except one,who was a prisoner from the looks of it, and yet another tully Looking boy. But this one looked as Young as 7 and carried ...a Wolf pup on his Arms ?... ''the drowned god jests if this i how it all ends'' ...

The men all looked to be in high Spirits and the boy had a wide grin in his face When Looking at his pup, but their expression. Soon turned from happy to confused to suspicious to Angry . It didn´t take a lot of intelligence to Guess what Dalton was doing. Especially because of all the blood on him and his sword. And these men were clearly not enjoying the idea of his escape.

The leader of the party looked like a younger version of the Cassel he had just defeated.'' must be a relative'' he approached with a cautious look in his eyes and hands on the sheathed sword. Dalton could see that about 4 of the horsemen carried bows ... Fighting 20 men was a lost cause and outrunning them was even worse ... this was it , this was Where he died.

'' May the drowned god welcome me in his halls....''

The Cassel spoke with a Stern tone ''Theon, put down that sword and Follow us back to Winterfell. I do not think I must explain what resisting will bring you.''
''It is not´''Dalton replied with a frustrated tone.

''So ? make your decision , and quick'' Cassel sounded very impatient.

Dalton gripped his sword.
He was an ironman , a son of the drowned god. He was meant to die at sea alongside his brethren , but combat was a sea of blood and it would be enough to appease the god . Dalton had raided and plundered farther than any of the Other ironmen in his time had dared to. He had sailed from fair isle to New Ghis , from the stepstones to the basilik isles, and he would not flee. He would Rather die here with a sword in his hand then later by some headsman .

he would have his seat in the drowned god´s hall.

''What is dead may never die'' he pulled the reins of his horse and raised his sword .
''you bloody fool'' was the cold answer he received from Cassel.

Dalton could not even see the arrow as it hit his hand and made him drop the sword, nor could he see the one that hit his chest , but soon he was on the ground, panting .

Cassel looked over him with a tired expression. ''Men, go ahead and take the deserter and Bran to Winterfell for Lord Stark. I will take this idiot here myself´´
Dalton could Only glare angrily in response to being insulted.

Chapter Text

298-AC Winterfell

Ned was in the godswood , praying and brooding.

He found it to be one of the few places around the castle where could truly find some peace , far away from all the duties and responsibilities as lord of Winterfell and warden of the north , duties and responsibilites that seemed to be growing over time instead of diminishing as they should in a prolongued period of peace.

Indeed , the amount of wildling raids from beyond the wall had increased nigh unbelievably , with Lord Rickard Karstark and the Greatjon being the lords most affected , though Lord Glover of deepwood motte was also having his fair share of issues. The wildlings made no discrimination in which lord´s lands they raided , if they thought they could get away with it , an attack was sure to come.

He had also been having a stark increase in night´s watch deserters , 5 deserters in a single moon . Ned made a mental note to send a raven to Benjen and lord commander Jeor Mormont , something was wrong , there were too many deserters , too fast and too suddenly , it simply could not be a coincidence.

Dealing with said problems implied cleaving off heads , something Ned made sure to do personally with his trusted Valyrian steel sword Ice . ´´the man who passes judgement should also be the same who swings the sword´´was an old saying his house , and by extension Ned himself, took extremely seriously , though it also meant he had little and less time for his family as of late , at least he could be proud of young Bran´s performance in not averting his gaze when Ice dispensed justice on the most recent deserter , who had spoke of something as absurd as the others returning . His second son had also brought home 5 direwolves , 3 male and 2 female with one more albino male as the runt of the litter , Ned would never admit this aloud , but he was quite pleased with his children for finding and caring for them , it would be a shame if the first direwolves south of the wall in centuries were simply killed off unceremoniously .

His most recent problem however had no relation to wildlings , the wall and much less the night´s watch . No , his most recent problem came in the form of his hostage and ward Theon Greyjoy.

The young man had suffered a fall from his window that had left him laying down in the cold hard ground with blood slipping from his head , Greyjoy had remained utterly unresponsive to Luwin´s treatment , he suffered from a severe fever that made him sweat and shiver almost without pause , yet he showed no signs of regaining his consciousness . The aged and wizened Maester had been sure Theon stood little to no chance of survival , in truth , Ned himself agreed , though he ordered Luwin to continue trying as he´d never give up on someone under his protection as long as even a sliver of hope remained , a letter to Lord Balon Greyjoy informing him of his son´s passing had already been written , and only awaited confirmation of said fact before being sent.

Ned had felt pity for the old Kraken in that moment , he had little respect for Balon , but the man had lost his two eldest sons , losing a third far from home and with none of his blood there alongside him was soul crushing , worse , Balon himself was the chief culprit in his own children´s misfortune . Rodrik and Maron Greyjoy did not have to die in pointless battles , and Theon would not have been taken from Pyke at just 8 namedays if his father had simply stayed put and loyal. Ned could not even imagine how devastated he would be if his own children met such horrible fates , he trembled at the very idea and sent a quiet prayer to the old gods , asking them to protect his children if he himself were to fail.

Theon had survived however , defying all of Luwin´s predictions .

But he had not survived unscarred it seemed , for the young man´s wits seemed to have been lost along the way .

he had arisen with a foul temper , agressive and wild , attacking Maester Luwin , Ned himself , Robb , Jon , the guards ... essentially anyone that appeared along the way of his rampage tasted his wrath first hand , but that was not what worried Ned the most , were it only a case of agression he would have quickly restrained and discplined him ,no , it seemed Theon had increased his skill at arms tenfold seemingly without explanation , defeating over half a dozen guards as well as old Rodrik Cassel before Jory stopped him in his tracks , this change had greatly dissapointed Ned , he had fervently prayed that Theon would not be just one more brute to sit the seastone chair and terrorize the coasts of Westeros , he had even asked for him to be subtly nudged against the practice of reaving during his education . All for naught , ironborn blood ran thick with a love for violence and plunder , something that Theon seemed unable to escape despite having no contact with his homeland , the ironmen were doomed to never change.

What worried Ned the most was the mad drivel he spouted.

Ned had heard of head injuries impairing a man´s sense of self before , after the battle of the trident he had seen many soldiers who seemed to wander without purpose , but never in his life had he seen the insanity Theon displayed , he seemed unable to recognize his own identity as Lord Eddard Stark , ludicrously mistaking him for Lord Cregan Stark . a dead man from over a century in the past that Theon had absolutely no way of knowing much less recognizing , the look of utter confusion he had when looking at Robb and the completely absurd and baseless boast of having reaved at four and ten had confirmed it to Ned , Theon had lost himself in the fall.

He had ordered Maester Luwin to do anything within his power to mend the rift within Theon´s mind and reality , The lord of Winterfell doubted it could be done though Luwin was more optimistic , but Theon was still his responsibility , and Ned would not neglect his duty , and that duty also extended to Theon´s future punishment for his actions .

The warden of the North would not punish him until he had recovered at least a modicum of his sanity . Ned believed in justice and not vengeance , who knows what the harsh punishment he had in mind for Theon could do to his already fragile mental state .

For it would be harsh , Theon had attacked the Lord of Winterfell and his eldest son inside his own castle , brutalized the guards , attacked Septa Mordane terrorizing his daughter in the process and , worse of all , Theon had threatened Catelyn in the middle of Winterfell´s great hall with rape for all to hear . When his Wife had informed him of it , Ned had been so furious he could have pummeled the ironborn to death , proper trial and insanity be damned , no one could threaten his family in his own home and get away with it .

For now , Theon had been confined to the dungeons , both as a way to appease the people of Winterfell who wanted the ´´bloody squid´´ to become a head shorter , and as a way to make sure Greyjoy did not hurt himself in his madness , something Ned feared could happen , Theon had become quite unpredictable to Ned since his fall.

Only Maester Luwin was allowed to communicate him , slowly bringing him back to reality , from what Luwin had told him , it seemed a recovery was possible , Theon had not lost his ability to reason , his condition seemed to be more on the lines of a change of personality and a loss on his grasp of the present reality , according to the maester , Theon seemed to seriously believe he was in the regency of King Aegon III , a notion Luwin had been doing his earnest to deconstruct . Until then , Luwin would have to listen to his mad rants about someone he refused to call anything but ´´that boy´´ , Unwin Peake and Johanna Lannister.

His family had been .... shaken , from the rampage . Catelyn had made sure to say for all who would listen that she had never trusted Theon , that the ironmen were naturally evil and violent and privately , she urged all her children to stay as far away from him as possible , Sansa needed no convincing , the sight of Septa mordane being violently attacked was enough to make her despise Theon , Arya put in a good word for the ironborn simply to tease her elder sister , but it was quite clear she was afraid of him as well , Bran had never been particularly friendly to Greyjoy and seeing him go wild was enough a reason to believe utterly and totally in his mother´s urgings , Rickon was too young to truly understand what was happening.

Robb was the only person in Winterfell to truly defend Theon , he was clinging to Luwin´s words about his friend going mad and using them as a way to shield him completely from his actions , if anyone spoke ill of Theon in the range of Robb´s ears , an argument would surely come.

Ned understood his eldest son , from the bottom of his heart. The bonds of friendship were extremely hard to break , and it was always easier to find an excuse then to believe in a friend´s guilt , Ned had tried to do the same with Robert Baratheon with the death of Lyanna being the only thing that had reconciled them , but there was simply no excuse that could erase the image of Prince Aegon and Princess Rhaenys from his mind.... covered by Lannister crimson... Ned had done what he thought was right for honor and blood , in more ways then one . Robert could not understand.

Robb had also turned even closer to Jon in the last few days , with Rodrik Cassel unable to perform his duties as master-at-arms for the moment and Luwin busy with treating the wounded , the two boys had little to no lessons , spending their days almost entirely together , Ned had been greatly pleased by this development , it was a small beacon of light among all the recent troubles he was facing.

The warden of the North had his brooding interrupted by the sounds of footsteps , he raised his head and smiled at the sight of his beautiful wife coming near him , though it was short lived , Catelyn was not an admirer of the godswood , if she came it was because some bad news needed to be delivered.

''Cat'' he said softly '' where are the children ?''

''in the kitchen'' she answered quickly ''playing with their wolves , Arya in particular is in love with her Nymeria as she calls it , Sansa is charmed , though Rickon is not as sure''

Ned frowned ''Why ? is he afraid''

''somewhat'' she admitted with a shrug '' he is only a three year old Boy''

''He will not be three forever , and Winter is coming.'' Ned could see his wife was somewhat annoyed by his answer , but he would not budge.

a brief silence befell them before Ned spoke ''you did not come here to share crib tales with me , i know how little you enjoy this place , what is the issue my lady ?''

he saw her face turn sad ''A raven , it arrived some days ago bringing most grim news i am afraid .... i should have brought it to you sooner , but it simply slipped my mind after the barbarian´s rampage , and for that i am truly sorry , husband.'' she sighed ''i am so sorry my love , Jon Arryn is dead.''

Ned felt as if a sword had pierced his heart , Jon Arryn had been as much a father to him as Robert had been a brother when they both fostered in the eyrie all those years ago , the man had been a pillar that had held his life in its youth , a pillar that had withstood the Targaryen dinasty and held for long enough to see a Baratheon rule the iron throne for 14 years , it was impossible to imagine such a man dying.

''the news'' he said cautious '' is it confirmed ?''

she nodded sadly '' the letter came with the seal of King and was written by Robert´s own hand . Arryn was taken by the illness like a storm , even grand Maester Pycelle was helpless , though he did administer milk of the poppy so Jon did not linger in pain for long.''

His heart was pierced a second time , Catelyn´s attempts to comfort him were admirable , but they did not matter in truth . Dead is Dead , the pain that comes before it not withstanding , Lord Jon Arryn was dead and he had left a hole in Ned´s heart that could never be filled ... He could only imagine how his wife and Son had taken to the loss of such a great man.

''that is a small Mercy i suppose'' he did not want Catelyn to feel as if her efforts were in vain , even if they were.''What of Lysa and his boy ?''

"The message said only that they were well, and had returned to the Eyrie," Catelyn said. "I wish they had gone to Riverrun instead. The Eyrie is high and lonely, and it was ever her husband's place, not hers. Lord Jon's memory will haunt each stone. I know my sister. She needs the comfort of family and friends around her."

''Your uncle waits in the vale does he not ? Jon named him knight of the gate''

''yes , uncle Brynden will do what he can , but still'

''go to her'' Ned urged '' go to her and bring her and her children , she needs to be around people , not alone to weep silently''

''i would'' Catelyn quickly said '' but there is the second part of the letter husband , Robert and his children are coming to visit Winterfell''

Ned suddenly felt a bolt a joy hit him , Robert would help him mourn Jon ... Robert was his brother in all but blood.

she smiled '' i knew that would please you ''

he nodded and chuckled '' yes of course , Benjen would wish to be here , i will write him a letter myself . Gods it´s been so many years and Robert only sends this as warning..''

Catelyn sounded quite satisfied '' he brings his wife and children with him , he will surely keep an easy pace for them , we might have a whole moon to prepare''

He agreed with her assesment ''Aye , true enough , we will need singers , and Robert will surely want to hunt ... Though if Robert is coming so will the queen´s family'' he sighed ''where the king goes the realm follows ... but i suppose i can deal with a Lannister infestation if it means seeing Robert again'' he laughed '' damn him and his royal hide our food supplies will be utterly exhausted when we are done ...''

Chapter Text

298 AC Winterfell

His cell was warm.

Sure , it was downright disgusting with all the , admittedly expected , filth . Sure , his food was nothing more then the scraps of the lord´s table and ,sure , this dungeon cell was infested with rats .

But it was not cold like the rest of Winterfell , and that was something Dalton cherished .

He´d had a frawkly awful time ever since his escape attempt had been foiled , but that was not out of the ordinary . An attack inside of a lord´s home is a direct attack to his authority , not responding to it makes said lord look weak , and weak lords do not make for powerful lords , size or wealth of the lordship be damned .commanding men in unisson is a horribly difficult affair , everyone has their own ideas on what the ''right'' way for things to be done are , and it is up for a nobleman to make them drop such foolish notions and do as they´re told , and that´s where the reputation of a weak leader will cripple one´s efforts .

But lord Cregan Stark was not weak , that Dalton knew very well considering the purge he´d done in king´s landing , something Dalton wholeheartedly approved . It made for some very useful public service , not that Dalton was very concerned with the good of the mainland but still . No , who Dalton needed to know was Lord Eddard Stark

After being put in this accursed cell , the grey rat that had introduced himself as Luwin , though Dalton loathed to use his name for he had an intense dislike of maesters , and had started treating the red kraken´s ''insanity''.

Now , Dalton had been quite offended with the idea of someone calling him mad initially . They were the mad ones here , to capture a rebel lord and instead of either making him submit or put him to the sword , dragging him from the westerlands to Winterfell in a haste that simply seemed impossible , because it was.

The Grey rat had insisted to no end that Dalton was actually some Theon Greyjoy , Dalton was extremely polite in his rebuttal of the maesters claim of course , he´d only managed to hit him through the cell bars once !

Though the pain of constantly having your identity questioned by everyone around him eventually started to grind down at Dalton , and as some strange ... memories of things that had not happened constantly flooded his mind ... in particular that same one of a man wearing an antlered helm and wielding a hammer so impossibly large Dalton couldn´t even imagine himself trying to hold it , crushing Pyke .

This all culminated when the Maester decided that the only way to make Dalton accept the fact he was actually Theon was to ... let him see himself in the mirror .

It was so very simple that Dalton was unsure as to what the man meant when he´d said it , half expecting it to be some form of code that only maesters understood , Dalton would look at the mirror and see himself .

except he didn´t

Oh , the reflection was not ugly or weak looking , though not particularly bulky either . No , he was handsome and lean with dark hair .

The problem is that it was not himself , and to say Dalton Greyjoy was not pleased with it would be quite the understatement .

Dalton had smashed the mirror on the spot , claiming that sorcery was afoot and he grew violent for some time , the Rat seemed to have expected this reaction , something about the crushing of one´s delusion causing distress . pretentious cunt.

Greyjoy had ... struggled with this for hours , but at some point it had sunk in , being this ... Theon , explained most of the strangeness of the last few days.

first of all , it obviously , explained why people were calling him Theon to begin with , something that had been causing a tremendous amount of wroth in him , not adressing someone by their title was a way to degrade them in the lordly world , not adressing a warrior by his name at all was a way to show complete disrespect and disdain . Dalton knew of this , he was an avid practicer of this form of insult.

Not only that , but it explained why Dalton had not been executed , as well as the relatively lax security as to what would be expected to keep down the red Kraken , the Starks simply were not expecting to deal with him . Not that Dalton would blame them , being sent to the body of another person after having your own throat slit definitely took '' What is dead may never die , but rises again , harder and stronger'' to a rather unexpected conclusion

It also explained , in a way , how he could possibly have been brought to Winterfell . Dalton Greyjoy was in the fair isle , Theon Greyjoy had always been in Winterfell , and thus had not been dragged here at in impossible pace . this obviously brought up a question : who was Theon ? . Dalton was the head of his house and knew all it´s members, and none of them had that name . That was until , after some uncharacteristicly tame conversation , the Red Kraken made some requests of the aged maester , firstly was the current Moon and year , to which the rat replied it was the seventh moon of the year 298 AC . Accepting that he´d been thrown into the future was not something he struggled as much with as accepting he was now a different person , if one absurdity can be true , what´s a second ? He was Theon Greyjoy , son of Balon Greyjoy and heir to the isles and he lived in the year 298 AC

that had made it clear to Dalton that his salt wife , may the god take her soul and leave it in eternal torment as the whore of any Ironman that dwells in his halls , had in fact killed him . The rage he felt in that moment was not something that can be accurately described with words . Dalton was still so very young and already an accomplished warrior , who knows how much more he could have accomplished if he just had some more time ? But no , that damned whore had ruined it all . He regretted giving her the honor of being his salt wife , he should have just let his captains have taken rounds with her before sacrificing her to the drowned god .

The second thing Dalton had requested had been a history of the iron islands , he might not have been an ardent reader , but he needed to know what had happened to his people during his .... death ? slumber ? Dalton was unsure exactly as to how he would call this .

It had been the most devastating reading he´d ever done .

immediately after his death , all of his cousins began fighting each other over the issue of succession , Dalton was furious over this , he had two salt-sons that ranked above all his cousins in the sucession , Toron and Rodrik. The only good that had come of his death was that the whore had followed him to the grave soon after by suicide . Good riddance.

All of his conquests , all of his plunder and loot , all of his glory , vanished in less then six months as the brutal struggle between his cousins pitted the ironmen against each other while lady Johanna Lannister reclaimed her lands and put hundreds of iron islanders to the sword , be they fighting men , women or children.

When it came to children , it had been more then a gut punch , it had been as if his throat had been slit all over again when he read of what that Lannister woman had done to his youngest son Rodrik.

Dalton had no illusion of himself as a family man or a loving father , his children had been born from violence and lust , not love or duty , and he generally paid little attention to them . But he had felt the same way a loving father would when he heard that his 8 year old son had been captured by Johanna Lannister , gelded , and then made into a fool for the Lannister court to laugh at , worse , when the maester who´d written the book remarked that ''he had been a great fool'' Dalton had his hands in the form of a fist , so tight that his nails dug into his skin and made him bleed. Not even a father as distant and aloof as Dalton could ignore something like this happening to his own flesh and blood.

The Lannister woman then made an assault on Pyke , seeking to slay his elder son Toron as well , but by the mercy of the drowned god , his aunts , Dalton´s sisters , had managed to repel the strike and firmly install him as lord reaper . Dalton had felt so much relief and gratitude he´d shed a tear , if he ever met his sisters again in the afterlife , he would thank them from the bottom of his heart , to his elder son he would give the respect of a warrior and lord that was owed to him , while to his young Rodrik he would give a vow , a vow of revenge.

Dalton would have his revenge on the Lannisters of Casterly rock , they would pay with blood for his son .

He had started immediately looking at the current political situation in Westeros when he made up his mind in that regard. It is not what Dalton was known for , neither was it something he enjoyed , but the Red Kraken was no fool when it came to matters of cunning , after all , he had seen the Dance coming over a year before it happened and started his preparations immediately , back when fools still thought the issue of sucession would either be solved through some form of diplomacy or even a great council like the one of old king Jaehaerys . Dalton had not been a fool when the conflict itself began either , he knew he was in a position of strengh , while the fleet of any one island could not hope to compete with those of the sea snake , combine all seven and the ironmen would win every time if dragons were not employed , for all his wealth Corlys Velaryon could only draw manpower from one small and barren island near dragonstone , whilst Dalton had a whole kingdom . Instead of jumping at the first offer he received , Dalton waited , he would take no side until he knew it would have clear benefits for him that he could exploit himself in the immediate present . for Greyjoy had little faith in the words of the dragons , their generosity lasted as long as they needed him , and Dalton could easily have imagined them rescinding their previous deal or giving him only half of what was promised , few would have cared about broken promises to an ironborn savage in the mainlands .

Thus , he started with the north since it was where he was in the present .... Theon´s memories had been most useful in this regard , Dalton saw that the previous owner of this body was a greenlander in all but name who enjoyed whores , the very idea repulsed Dalton , his lust for women had been very much reduced after getting killed by one , but the idea of buying a whore still made him angry , Theon should have taken a woman , not bought her . He had however done one useful thing for Dalton and struck up a firm friendship with the heir to the north a boy named Robb , the very same one whom he´d thought was a Tully .

Speaking of which , the Trouts were prospering , Lord Hoster Tully had his eldest Daughter wed the lord of Winterfell and his youngest the lord of the Eyrie and hand of the king ,

This had made Dalton´s actions in his initial rampage even more foolish , he had attacked the lord of Winterfell in his own castle , attacked his son and ''friend'' , his bastard son , whom Dalton had originally thought was the only Stark out of them all since he was a mirror of his father , threatened Lady Stark in the great hall and also terrified his daughter . Though at least his excuse of supposed ''Madness caused from head wound'' could hopefully ease things even a little bit .

Such actions obviously offended the North and the Riverlands , Dalton did not need their support against the Lannisters in the sense of military aid , the isles could and had beaten the westerlands on their own in the past , but he having them on his side in case he could find proper justification or opportunity for conflict was a real possibility considering the current Lord of Winterfell despised the Lannisters for their murders of the Targaryen royal family and his heir was Theon's friend , it was not something that Dalton had difficulty imagining , the current lord Lannister was a ruthless tyrant who always chose utter anhilation when slighted , such a man with prickly pride could be goaded or provoked into war .....

The lord Stark himself remained an enigma to Dalton as he looked at Theon´s memories . He was curt , cold and distant with his Valyrian steel sword always seeming to thirst for Theon´s neck , but he was also an honourable man who loathed war and brutality despite his skill at arms . He was a warrior and Dalton could respect him begrudgingly despite the fact he had viciously crushed the iron islands alongside his stag friend , during Theon´s father's stupid rebellion , Dalton knew the drowned god rewarded the brave and not Lackwits , and Balon fell firmly in the second category.

The crowned stag , Robert Baratheon , was also a man Dalton was quite interested in , a formidable warrior who had crushed the incestuous Tyrants that were the Targaryens , Dalton had rarely seen a cause as noble or as just as that of Robert , the crown prince stole his betrothed , then the king executed a lord paramount and his son , made a mockery of trial by combat , then demanded the head of Baratheon . The Stag had beaten and crushed all his foes with his might hammer , Dalton knew well how terrifying the man could be from Theon´s memories , and then placed a crown upon his head. The fact some called him usurper was laughable to Dalton , Aegon Targaryen had taken his crown in much the same manner through force of arms , so had Nymeria in Dorne and Urron Redhand in the isles , what was it that they expected of Baratheon ? that he lay low and kneel to a mad king who had ordered his death despite his innocence of any crimes ?

Dalton´s admiration for the man ended with his marriage choices , Lannisters belonged in the dirt , not in high honour .

Dalton also was quite curious about Viserys and Daenerys Targaryen , it seemed that Robert had either let them live or he was too busy to be bothered with killing them , either way , when one has the reputation of a beggar , it is hard to imagine much support going their way , Dalton wasn´t against the notion of killing them , but neither did he care much if they lived .

He also heard from Luwin said Stag was coming to Winterfell in about 20 days , the Grey rat had also said he would be released a week before the king´s arrival , for he had already ''regained his wits'' he was also going to start his ... punishment . 20 public lashings a day , for Lord Eddard wanted his justice to be seen and known around Winterfell , two guards that would be at his side to keep him leashed like a dog , he would sleep in the dungeons , though he would be allowed to freely roam around the day , and finally sparring with the guards ... that would all take effect as soon as the king and royal family left Winterfell for they should not be bothered with such sights had said the Maester ... Dalton doubted the man who had slain dozens and carved a bloody path through the trident until he could cave the breastplate of Prince Rhaegar would flinch at the sight of lashings.

in truth , Westeros was not nearly as united as it would seem , a king beyond the wall had risen , the Dornish brooded over the death of their princess and her children , the reach remained as slippery and untrustworthy as ever , The isles were bitter over their defeat 10 years prior , the Lannisters were led by a proud , ruthless and agressive man , and the Vale had a 6 year old lord since the death of Jon Arryn ... all that while the Targaryens remained in the east , covetous for a return to Westeros.

Dalton was an experienced sailor and captain , he had navigated across the world on Longships and warships , on calm seas and on others not so calm , and every sailor can see when the clouds are forming , only one thing is sure.

The storm was coming.

Chapter Text

298-AC Winterfell

Jon was trading blows with Robb at the yard.

Sweat dripped off his face as he dodged a swing from his left and countered with a thrust that was swiftly parried by his half-brother.

It irked Jon that these training swords were bastard swords . It irked him even more that this was the type of sword he performed the best with , longswords felt too short and greatswords felt too long . Bastard swords fit in his hand like a glove .''A bastard sword for a bastard'' he thought bitterly.

His brother whacked him across the cheek making Jon take some steps back to catch his breath and interrupting his musings . They had been sparring for what felt like hours but in reality was more like half of one and signs of exhaustion were already beginning to show .

''Brooding again Snow ?'' Robb teased '' Have you finally seen a pair of tits pretty enough to make you reconsider joining the watch ?''

Jon knew Robb was just trying to tease him , but by the gods if he wasn´t sucessful in it . Jon had been reconsidering the night´s watch , true , but not because of women . Jon would never lay with a woman and father a new bastard , a new snow , to the world .

It had been because of Robb himself that Jon was thinking on staying at Winterfell .

His original plan was to speak with his uncle Benjen about a place for him at the wall , there he could find honour and clean the stain of bastardy that was placed upon him . Clean the stain in his father´s honour .

But ever since Theon´s mad dash and subsequent imprisoment , Robb had been tense and in need of companionship . Something he found in Jon ... and suddenly Snow found it much harder to accept going to the Night´s watch . ''I would not see Robb or Arya more then twice a year at most . Maybe less'' He had thought .

He had gotten as close to his half-sibling as when they were children , before either of them knew what the word bastard meant . And when Jon had even Catelyn Tully ''mother'' oblivious to how great an insult she found in his mere existence .

That obliviousness did not last , bastards grew up faster after all . Even Robb picked up eventually . ''You can never be the lord of winterfell , my lady mother said it to me .'' he remenbered that moment bitterly even after all these years . ''he was just a child .''

''Nay , Robb . The only pretty sight i've seen is that soft arse of yours hitting the ground''

Robb smirked and raised his sword again , ready to strike ''Then you must be as mad as Theon , because that is simply not going to happen''

Jon stepped forward and swung so fast Robb had no time to parry , hitting him across the chest . If Rodrik Cassel were here he´d end the fight would have ended then and there , claiming that Robb had been ''Slain'' , surviving a slash across the cheek was possible , one across the chest was not .

But Cassel wasn´t here and the two boys were going to keep fighting until one of them either yields or could not continue fighting.

their swords clashed , the sound filling Jon´s ears as if it were a good song .

The both of them tried to push the other back using their weight , Both failed and they stayed in a standstill . Robb had a smile on his lips that Jon couldn´t help but reciprocate , this was exciting.

Jon started to lose ground , Robb was a couple monthes older then him and had a bulkier build that favored strengh over speed . If they kept going Jon was going to lose , he was forced to take a step back , making Robb that much more confident . His half-brother went all in charging like a boar hoping to overwhelm him .

Jon smirked , this was it .

Jon kicked Robb straight in the shins when he began his charge , making him lose his balance and fall . Robb tried to get up but Jon made sure to step right on his sword arm and then kick his sword away before pointing his own blade at Robb´s throat . It was only dramatics of course , it wasn´t as if he could slit a throat with a training sword , and even if he could , he would never hurt Robb . Not even for Winterfell

''yield ?'' Jon asked without repressing any of his satisfaction

''That was a low move Brother .'' Whined Robb

''Bastards have no honor remenber ?'' Jon chuckled ''Besides , Cassel always does tell us war isn´t a game right ?''

''Bastards don´t . But you do Jon . you are my brother.'' Jon would never admit it , but hearing Robb speak of him like this was all he ever wanted . He sometimes dreamed of having Winterfell , but he would trade every castle in Westeros to hear his father and Robb speak of him like this , to see little Arya and her attempts at escaping Septa Mordane ,and to know who his mother was.

'''This changes nothing'' a voice whispered in his ear ''You are still the stain on your father´s honor'' Jon shook the thought away , aye , he was a bastard but he would rise in life , before Jon was sure it would be in the night´s watch , away from Lady Catelyn . But now he had some doubts about that , maybe he could be of service to Robb when he took up the mantle of Lord of winterfell and Warden of the north ?

''you are just a bastard , you are a creature born of sin . You have no right to ambition'' that same damned voice whispered in his ear , It sounded so much like Lady Stark´s, but Jon shook it away . For good this time .

''Robb , just yield and i can let you get back on your feet .'' Jon said with his tone betraying the impatience he felt

Robb looked annoyed but after a brief silence he replied ''i yield Jon''

Jon Grabbed Robb´s hand and pulled him up to his feet , Robb was still grinning ear to ear . He wasn´t a bitter loser . ''Aye that was a good spar Jon , let´s do one more tomorrow .''

Jon nodded '' I say aye to both as well , brother .''

They stood awkwardly for a moment before Robb spoke ''Jon , how about we take a bath on the hot springs ?''

Jon gulped , he could´t go there , Lady Catelyn forbade it . ''B..but , Robb , your lady mother..''

''Will not stop you.'' Robb said in a stern tone . Their father had always spoke of a lords voice and how it could be used to inspire men and chase away the fear in battle . Jon reckoned that it was this exact tone . ''I will see to it Jon . You are not a criminal , you are not a deserter , you are not scum . You are my brother, and if i decide you can go with me to the Springs , then you can come to the damned springs.''

Jon was hesitant . He feared Lady Catelyn´s cold glares . She never laid a hand on him , nor did she openly insult him . But Catelyn Tully made it clear that he would not be welcomed in Winterfell if she had her way . She did not even adress him by his name , only speaking of him as ''the bastard''. But Robb´s words had inspired him somewhat . ''I will not be craven'' Jon thought to himself ''Let it be said Eddard Stark fathered four sons instead of three''.

Jon followed Robb to the springs . They were quite close to the godswood and Jon knew his father spent most of his free time either here or with his children . He recalled those lessons with Maester Luwin about the history of Winterfell and of house Stark . The castle had been built around these springs for the warmth they provided to the entire region surrounding it . Other houses attempted to seize it for themselves , forcing the Starks of old to build taller and taller walls to defend them . Yet attacks persisted , with the red kings of house Bolton sacking Winterfell on more than one occasion until they were finally beaten down by the Winter kings.

he slipped off his tunic before slowly dipping his feet , then his legs and finally his whole body in the water . The warmth of the water beating the cold of the snow and wind was pleasurable enough to make Jon shiver . ''Brandon the builder had the right idea when he chose this place as his seat'' Thought Jon

Robb splashed some water in Jon´s face , laughing in amusement ''Stop brooding for once Brother. I have a question for you''

Jon´s eyebrows perked up in interest ''What is it , Robb ?''

''King Robert and the royal family are just one week away ! i can´t wait to see the demon of the trident in person ! .... the queen i am not so sure ... father always told me to mistrust Lannisters . The princes should also be nice , if they are anything like their father. Bran is losing his mind over the chance of meeting Barristan the Bold ''

Jon agreed with the sentiment . He cared little and less for Cersei Lannister , but Robert Baratheon was a living legend , the demon of the trident , the man who had crushed prince Rhaegar along the banks of the river of the trident . It was said that Baratheon´s war hammer had hit Rhaegar with such strenght that the breastplate had been caved in and all his bones and rubies shattered . Their father oft told of his time at the Vale fostering under Lord Jon Arryn , his friendship with Robert Baratheon was always the source of some great stories. Jon was excited at the idea of seeing him.

''We will get to see the greatest warriors of Westeros Robb , the demon of the trident , Barristan the bold , the knights of the kingsguard ... even the kingslayer i suppose '' The last name was said with some hesitation , their father always hammered that oaths and honor were everything , and Jaime Lannister had killed the king he was sworn to protect . Mad or not , by killing Aerys Jaime had broken his oath. '' I can´t even imagine how excited Bran is , does he want to be someone´s squire ? he always wanted to be a knight , seeing the kingsguard must be a dream for him''.

Robb replied '' He wanted to squire for ser Barristan . Father thinks it´s the best choice , Barristan´s honor is above questioning , we can only hope that he will accept Bran .''

''I am sure he will , Robb . Bran is a nice lad , i doubt any Southron can compete with him when it comes to climbing''

Robb laughed '' I don´t think anyone can compete with Bran when it comes to that . My mother has been pulling her hairs out as of late , he keeps climbing the old broken tower to try and spot the king´s retinue and his knights .'' Robb suddenly changed his expression from amused to thoughtful . '' I was thinking , why did the king choose to come now ?''

Jon sat there in confusion . That was a good question that he hadn´t really thought of in the middle of his excitement .

''i ... don´t know Robb , father and him used to be friends right ? Maybe after Lord Arryn´s passing they just needed to be together and mourn their foster father ?''

Robb shrugged '' i thought that too , but my mother insists that he wants to make Sansa Queen of all things . ''

That caught Jon by surprise '' Sansa ?''

Robb Nodded '' aye , a betrothal between prince Joffrey and Sansa or one between me and the princess '' Robb shrugged '' i don´t know much about politicking or any of these southron schemings , but i do see the logic in it . Sansa´s cousin is the lord of the eyrie , her brother is the heir to the north and she is the granddaughter of Lord Tully , Joffrey holds the allegiance of the westerlands from his mother´s side and the stormlands from his father´s . Marry them together and the entire realm will be tied to him by marriage bar the Iron islands , Dorne and the Reach .''

Jon understood what Robb was saying , he wasn´t taught politics the same way Robb had been by Maester Luwin , but he also was not a lackwit. ''i see'' he replied curtly , not truly knowing what Robb wanted him to say in response . His brother had done a perfectly reasonable assesment.

''Luwin says Theon will get released tomorrow'' Said Robb in a cheerful tone .

Jon did not share that cheer . He understood why his brother refused to let go of Theon , Jon himself would be very hard pressed to give up on a friend , and Robb had always been someone that believed in family and friends above even Honor . What made Jon skeptical was Robb excusing Theon´s behavior with his supposed ''Madness'' . Jon had always been able to know when someone is being truthful or not , he needed to , being a bastard. And Theon looked agressive , wild , bloodthirsty even . But not mad .

Jon felt selfish admitting it , but he liked the fact Theon had gone on his rampage . in the 20 days hence , Robb had been closer to Jon then since they were young children , and neither even understood what the word bastard was . ''You can never be the lord of Winterfell , my lady mother told me a bastard can never be lord'' The words that Robb had said in their childish bout all these years ago still ringed in his ears . Robb had never mistreated Jon after that day , they had been good friends of course ... but it was never the same, until now . Jon wanted to be with his brother , to fight with him and for him , and to earn a name for himself . One that would cover up the stain of being a Snow .

''isn´t it a bit early for that ? what happens if Theon has another one of his little tamtruns in the presence of the Royal family ? '' Jon had a concerned tone . If there was one thing he hated , it was embarassing situations.

Robb waved his hand dismissively , splashing some more of the water in Jon´s face ''Luwin is absolutely sure he is fine , just a bit more ...gruff , he doesn´t even seem to want any of his golden finery anymore ! isn´t that hard to believe ? something about not having properly paid for them . i didn´t really get it from Luwin´s description''

Jon nodded in earnest , Theon refusing any form of luxury or chance to show off was something he thought as impossible as the Others themselves coming back . Jon then decided to get back at his brother for splashing all that water on him and decided to splash some himself . Robb yelped in surprised and then laughed in amusement , the two siblings went on like this until the sun set and it was time for Dinner , it was a rather quiet affair , but not even Catelyn Tully´s glares could keep him from teasing Robb and telling jokes to little Arya

When Jon went to bed that night , Ghost woke him up at night to snuggle . Jon laughed and gave him some belly rubs.

He was happy. ...

Jon and Robb were in the entrance Winterfell´s dungeon the very next day . Robb had been eagerly awaiting for Theon , and Jon decided to follow his brother. In truth , he would have rathered they were sparring instead . Theon had always been dismissive of Jon as ''just a bastard'' , but Jon would tolerate him for Robb´s sake ... though he would still have a hard time keeping his temper in check if Greyjoy pushed him too much .

The both of them were with their direwolves , Robb´s Greywind and his Ghost . Jon had reminded Robb that Theon hadn´t truly seen them , only having caught a glance of them as pups before Jory Cassel put him flat on his arse . That image did bring Jon a small smile to his lips.Theon was obnoxious and deserved some beatings in Jon´s view of things.

When Theon had finally shown up he had a different... feel to him . Jon had always been good at observing people and Theon had always been particularly easy to understand . Despite all his boastings , Jon never believed that Theon had been particularly dangerous . He was 5 years older then him and Robb and could barely defeat them in a spar , and that was only due to the size difference . Though he was a good marskman Jon had to admit. Theon was also very frivolous , loving to remind all around him that he was a little lordling and making sure to look the part with golden rings and necklaces he´d buy from whores.

Now he was dressed so simply that he looked like a peasent had he not used a cloak against the cold . All golden ornaments had totally vanished from his person . And Jon felt as if he was ... holding some Urge . Jon found it deeply unsettling and instinctively approached his brother . ''The Squid will not touch him again , i will not let him'' He thought with determination.Though he instantly felt more relaxed when he noticed Theon was always with two guards behind him to make sure he was kept on best behavior . Their father would not have Greyjoy causing problems again.

Robb seemed totally unaware that anything had really changed . He essentially charged at Theon and gave him a big Hug that made Jon chuckle .
''Theon !'' Robb cried out.

''R..Robb...'' Theon didn´t sound excited , more along the lines of annoyed . Robb´s name felt foreign in his tongue , as if he was not used to saying it .

''How did you enjoy your stay in the rat cage ?'' Robb said with a teasing tone

''i didn´t '' Greyjoy replied '' Though if you wish to try it yourself , my old cell is open for you to experience shitting and pissing in a bucket''

''I think i will pass the offer'' Robb laughed '' So , Theon , what are you going to do now ? hopefully not frequent one of those brothels you like so much , me and Jon aren´t so fond of them.''

''I will never be the father of a bastard'' Jon said curtly , already wanting to shut down that line of conversation . He was surprised however when Theon turned to look at him with a perplexed expression.

''The two of you needn´t worry , i have no interest in brothel girls or any of these ... trinkets they give out'' The sheer amount of disgust in Theon´s voice made Jon shiver .''Theon refusing a whore ? are the others coming back ?'' thought Jon.

''Is that so Theon ? well , now that i look at it , you aren´t using those golden rings you like so much .... did you get dumped by a whore ?'' Robb laughed ''Is that why you acted so strangely Theon ?'' Robb was just messing with Theon , but Jon saw that he´d hit ... a nerve ?

''No Robb , i have not . It is just because i hadn´t paid for them properly.''

''What ?'' Jon thought

Robb looked confused and asked the same question '' What do you mean you didn´t pay properly ? you gave them gold right ?'''

Theon laughed ''That is the problem here ...''

Robb looked even more confused '' But .. why ?''

''Just accept it Robb . '' Theon´s tone made it clear there weren´t going to be any more answers . His eyes widened immediately when they were pointed towards Ghost and Grey wind . ''What in the drowned god´s name is THAT !''

Jon couldn´t help a smug expression coming in his face '' That , as you say it , is my direwolf Ghost . The other one is Robb´s named Grey wind.'' Robb´s chest puffed with pride , both of them loved their direwolves dearly . Theon did not seem scared of the wolves , only surprised by them and Jon could not blame him . ''They are wonderful creatures'' He thought with Delight.

The wolves themselves behaved strangely around Theon . They did not seem to like him in particular , but neither did they push him away . Instead they got closer to each other and merely allowed Theon to reluctantly be at their side , and never any form of physical contact like pettings or Belly Rubs.

Theon sighed . '' I´ve never been good with dogs ... or any animal really .''

''Uhm... Theon , want to go for a spar ?'' Asked Robb who tried , and failed , to hide his excitement . Theon had somehow defeated their instructor in a matter of minutes during his rampage and both the boys were quite curious to know how he had improved so fast and where they stood in comparison to him.

''i would love to , but ..'' Theon was interrupted by Robb immediately . ''My father always told me that anything before a but is bullshit Theon.''

Theon laughed again '' Well , your father is a very wise man . I am not sure it would be proper for me to strike at the heir to Winterfell after ... recent events .'' Robb´s shoulders slumped and he looked dissapointed but understanding.

''Then fight me.'' Jon asked immediately '' i am just a bastard , no one will mind''

Theon Smirked '' You are a brave fool , Snow . Just the type of person i like ... i can give you a round , but do be prepared to face the ground.'' Jon didn´t refute that , if Theon could beat Rodrik Cassel then he stood no chance . Still , Jon wanted to try it .

They walked to the yard and picked up some weapons . Jon chose a bastard training sword whereas Theon picked a wooden axe and shield . ''Interesting , Theon was never one to use axes before''

Jon put himself in a fighting stance ''All right Jon , just as cassel told you....'' He raised his sword at Theon who for some reason did not look very impressed.

Jon had the advantage of reach , he couldn´t get through Theon´s shield so it was best to fight in the defensive .

Theon immediately charged and put Jon on the ground so fast he barely had time to process what happened . ''You are fighting me Snow . Not my weapon.''

''What ?''

Theon sighed , not enjoying having to explain something . '' Look me in the eyes when you fight , not my axe . That´s how you know what i am going to do next . Your objective in a fight is to kill me as fast as possible , the axe and the shield just happen to be in the way . You shouldn´t deal or focus on them unless you have to .'' Theon turned around and left , leaving Jon in the floor and Robb with a bewildered expression.
''Well , he certainly made short work of you brother .''

''Aye'' said Jon as he got up '' That he did''.

...

The next few days they saw Theon little , he spent most of his time throwing axes at what was supposed to be a target for arrows or drinking , though curiously he never seemed to take a whore . That almost pleased Jon , if only because that meant that no new Snows would be forced into the world. ''or in his case Pykes''

Jon was roughly dragged from his bed by Robb who was grinning ear to ear. ''Others take you ! Can´t a man just get his sleep ?'' grumbled Jon.

''It´s about king Robert'' replied Robb.

''What of him ?''

Robb looked more excited , if that was even possible . '' His retinue has been spotted , he´ll be here within the hour ! You wouldn´t want to miss the demon of the trident would you ?''

''no'' thought Jon '' i don´t think i would''

Chapter Text

298-AC Winterfell.

Dalton stood right behind the Stark family while the King´s procession entered Winterfell.They had made him dress up in fineries and such so as not to offend the King. Dalton felt like a damned whore in it. though at least he had the Greyjoy Kraken emblazoned in it. Dalton was anything but ashamed of who he was.

Lord Eddard Stark, his wife and their children alongside the entire household had lined up to pay homage to the king. Dalton´s ... well Theon´s recent bad reputation meant he was forced to stay behind alongside Snow and some people of Lower status. Likely a petty insult from the part of Lady Stark, but Dalton couldn't care less of what a Riverlander woman thought of him.

The first to come were riders holding a flag of house Baratheon with the Crowned Stag on a golden field being displayed prominently. Some of the riders also held flags of the golden lion on a red field. Lannisters. Was there ever a house as vain and arrogant as that one? ''They refuse to be beneath even the king himself'' Dalton thought angrily. Men and women of the West served only as thralls and salt wives. Seeing that banner he was once again reminded of the complete humiliation his 8-year-old son had suffered in their hands. Rodrik had been taken, gelded, and made into a fool. Seeing Lannisters thrive after that made his blood boil. ''Patience...your time will come. You waited for the storm to come before attacking last time, you can do it again.'' The thoughts brought him some twisted form of comfort. He would erase the lions from the face of Westeros.

Trumpets blew as the Carriage that carried the royal family slowly came to a halt. Loud enough to be annoying. But not loud enough to actively hurt his ears.

The herald cleared his throat ''Presenting the Queen of the Seven Kingdoms. Cersei Lannister ''

The woman that came out of the carriage was beautiful enough to take his breath away. She had all the typical Lannister features with their golden hair and emerald eyes, yet this one was more beautiful than every other Western woman Dalton had ever bedded. She was as radiant as the sun. He grinned wickedly before controlling himself. Oogling at the wife of the king was far more trouble than it was worth. But Dalton would not forget Cersei ...she would be quite adequate as a bedwarmer if he ever got his hands on her.

The man who came out next looked almost identical to the queen. Though his smug expression and demeanor were enough to make Dalton cross with him almost immediately. This was Jaime Lannister, the Kingslayer. From what Dalton had heard this man was the finest swordsman in all the seven kingdoms. He´d like to put that to the test, and if the drowned one was good the world would have one less of these blonde cunts to deal with.

The Herald announced the princes and the princess and Dalton was genuinely baffled.''Are these three Baratheons ?''

All three looked as Lannister as the queen. it was as if there was not an inkling of Stag blood in them. The eldest, a boy named Joffrey, had long blonde hair a feminine build, and pouty lips. Dalton saw Sansa Stark swoon over the boy and cringed. He had seen more masculine-looking crones than this boy, why would the eldest daughter of Stark find him attractive?

Dalton did however approve of the company he kept! A large and muscled man with a long nose and a face half burned followed him around like a dog . ''fitting'' Dalton thought, amused. That one was Sandor Clegane .The hound. Greyjoy would love to try his sword arm against Clegane´s .

The younger prince and the princess were of little interest to Dalton. However, he did note that the second prince was chubby and..slightly endearing. It's a pity he had Lannister blood in him.

'' Presenting Robert of the House Baratheon. King of the andals, the Rhoynar and the first men, lord of the seven kingdoms and protector of the realm.''

Now this is what Dalton had been waiting for! From what he knew, Robert Baratheon was the most powerful warrior of Westeros. Tall and unbelievably strong with a gigantic warhammer in his hands that most men struggled to even lift. Dalton preferred his Valyrian steel sword or maybe even an axe to hammers. But only a fool would deny their efficacy, a hammer could crush a man´s bones with just one blow. Armor be damned. Greyjoy wasn´t the only person who had been eager to see the king. Snow behind him was losing every ounce of composure, almost shaking with anticipation. Robb was excited as well but had more self-control.

Nothing could have prepared him for the man that came out of that carriage.

Robert Baratheon was immense. He was built strongly and had thick black hair and a beard with deep blue eyes.

But he was fat. Robert Baratheon was so fat he sweated while walking. He was red-faced from drinking and there were dark circles underneath his eyes. Dalton even recognized a trick used by many merchants in Essos to have a long beard to hide the shame of double chins. This made Dalton pause.

'' Is...that thing supposed to be the king ?'' Dalton asked more of himself than of any person in particular.

'' I..think so...the herald said as much...'' Answered Snow with just as much incredulity.

Dalton imagined he´d see a warrior king. Perhaps Baratheon could fail to match up to his reputation, but the man before him was not even a disappointment. He was ...pitiable, pathetic even. Dalton was not sure this man could face any adequate fighter. Dalton could see that Baratheon was still muscled and stronger than any man he´d seen or heard of save Sandoq the shadow. But ... strength without balance or speed meant nothing. Baratheon was not a threat to anyone in the slightest. Unless they were so slow they could not dance around this glutton and make a fool of him.

''Unbelievable ..'' Muttered Dalton, and the bastard by his side seemed to agree with the sentiment.

''NED !'' Roared the king how good it is to see this frozen face of yours after so much time !'' Baratheon held Lord Stark in a crushing hug

''It..is good ... to see you... Your grace..winter... Winterfell is yours'' Lord Eddard was struggling to speak after being squeezed by King Robert. Dalton had to admit that he found it entertaining to say the least. '

'Stop that Ned.'' Replied Baratheon '' I already have every person in King´s Landing to suck my cock with the ´´ your grace´´ treatment. I don´t need you to do it as well

The face that Catelyn Tully made after her children heard the crude words of the king made Dalton snort. The king at least was adept at making him laugh.

King Robert turned to her and loudly screamed ''CAT!'' Before pulling her into a hug that was a far more gentle and less crushing embrace. A slight pity, Dalton did not like her, and seeing the Tully woman in that situation would have made him smile.

Next, Robert turned to the Stark children one by one.

Robb was proper and lordly, though he also seemed...tense. Dalton had learned that the two elder Starks craved the approval of their father, and had a deep fear of shaming him.

Brandon and Arya were two fiends most of the time.yet they behaved in front of the king Dalton hadn´t been allowed to get close to any of the Stark children besides Robb and Jon. He hadn´t cared much of course, what was he supposed to do with a 9-year-old boy and an 11-year-old girl? But he still came to learn that these two buggers were insufferable. Brandon with his obsession with jumping and climbing, and Arya with an unrelenting and defiant attitude, it was as if the girl took pleasure in doing the exact opposite of what she was told to. More than once in the past week she had slipped out of her lessons to secretly watch him throw axes or practice with a Sword, for no reason besides angering her mother and elder sister. Arya did not seem to like him, yet she kept doing this. When he had caught her for the third time he had been half tempted to put the damned weapon in her hands and tell her to repeat what he was doing if she liked watching it so much. But Dalton also knew that Women in the Greenlands were not allowed to fight anywhere save Dorne and that it would be more trouble than he needed.

That had always been something Dalton found amusing. There were some women in the iron islands, not many but some, that went in the deck of Longships alongside their male counterparts. And it was said that the experience transformed them and gave them the tastes of a man. From personal experience, Dalton could say it was true. He had slept with a few and the process seemed more like an all-out brawl than fucking. Theon´s sister seemed to be one of these, from his memories Dalton knew she plundered in the Stepstones and had a ship called ''Black Wind''. Outside of perhaps dornishwomen, the Girls of the Greenlands were all weak. pretty to look at and perhaps to bed but not much else in his view.

The king played with the little Rickon for a bit. The boy was just a three-year-old child who understood nothing of his surroundings, but seeing everyone around made him happy.

Then the king turned to Sansa, all soft with the courtesy Dalton found annoying . ''i am honored to see you your grace.'' she said with a kind tone, kneeling in front of His grace. Robert chuckled and ruffled her hair . '' You look just like your mother...I would like it if you spent time with my son, Joffrey. I have a surprise in mind for the both of you''. Sansa seemed delighted , she had been taken completely by that effeminate boy and did not need an order from the king to spend any time with him. ''Yes, your grace! i would be happy to do that .''

Suddenly Robert´s expression turned foul and angry '' Where´s the damned Squid Ned ?''.

Lord Stark gulped, Dalton could see why he was nervous. Considering how warm he seemed to be around Catelyn Tully, his little threat towards her was not something Robert Baratheon would take well. And considering how the smallfolk is with gossip, it probably had been exaggerated to top it all off. ''Let´s see if the stag´s antlers are sharp'' he thought, readying himself for whatever berating the king had ready for him. ''Your grace, Theon is..'' Dalton interrupted Eddard Stark and stepped forward.

''right here.'' Dalton looked at Baratheon right in the eyes to see if even a little of what had been told of this...'' demon of the trident'' was true.

Robert glared at Greyjoy. The people of Winterfell greatly enjoyed the sight and hoped that some form of misfortune would befall him. Lord Eddard had promised that after the king´s visit was done, Dalton would be whipped in public 20 times every day, that he would be made to sleep in the dungeons and to spar with the guards for an entire moon as punishment for the ones he´d hurt and the threat to Catelyn. Said punishment would begin after the royal family left Winterfell and the castle folk, especially the friends and family of the wounded in the rampage, eagerly awaited it.

Baratheon took some firm steps in his direction. He placed his rough hand on Dalton´s shoulder and the ironman could feel the utterly unreal strength that the king possessed. The look in Robert´s eyes was that of a warrior. His tone was stern and commanding.

'' I have heard that you said some things about Cat ?'' He asked

''I did'' . The king´s grip on his shoulder became so tight that it hurt.

''I would just remind you, squid, what happened the last time your kind got any ideas.'' Dalton needed no reminder. Theon´s memories of Pyke being destroyed were as clear as day. For a brief moment, he believed the man in front of him had been the same one that had crushed the battlements and every single one of the islands before his utterly pathetic state reminded Dalton that man was long dead. All he was seeing was the shadow.

The king´s gaze remained fixed on him for some more time before he turned his attention once again to Eddard Stark. ''Ned, take me to the crypts. I wish to see her.'' ''Husband'' the queen chimed in ''We have been traveling for days, surely the dead can wait ?''

''Silence, woman .'' The king´s voice had an unbelievable amount of fury . Dalton much enjoyed it. Seeing Lannisters suffer or being humiliated in any way shape or form would always brighten his day. Though it made him curious as to who ''her'' was, that had King Robert in such a need to see. ''Lyanna'' he reminded himself. Having only recently learned over 100 years of history that had passed since his death had made him forgetful of some details. Robert Baratheon had been betrothed to Lyanna Stark until Prince Rhaegar had kidnapped her. It seemed the king still felt infatuated with a dead girl. Dalton didn´t understand that very well. Robert Baratheon already had an attractive woman in the Lannister whore, and if he wanted more he could just take them. ''Stupid Greenlanders...'' he thought , amused

The king and Lord Stark went together to Winterfell´s crypts. The rest of the royal family were taken to their proper guest chambers, knights of the kingsguard tailing them like dogs. Brandon Stark seemed to follow Barristan Selmy while asking a myriad of questions to the aged knight that made him chuckle.

Prince Joffrey was speaking with Sansa. It seemed the boy liked adoration. And the stupid Girl was willing to give it to him. The disdain he felt at most of the young noblemen he had met so far could barely be put into words. By age 14 Dalton had already been a veteran of a dozen battles, Joffrey was only a year younger and Greyjoy could easily tell the boy had no martial training by his body. He had no musculature or build of a fighter that simply training once a day for half an hour would have given him. Robb Stark and his bastard half-brother were two that he saw had some potential, though he also thought them too coddled by Cassel. They had yet to train with live steel and their skill at weaponry, though adequate for a Greenlander, paled in comparison to his own at that age. Dalton thought their training should have been much harsher and more painful. withstanding pain was one of the most important things in combat. Dalton could at least credit them for not seeming craven. However, the only way to truly know that was in a real battle, where the price for a misstep is death.

...

The feast was a most dull affair despite it´s relative lavishness. The wine was no arbor gold , but it was certainly sweet. '' though there is not one such as sweet as the one taken from a broken enemy.'' The food as well was not half bad. The songs were too tame for his taste truth be told, but they were not offensive to his ears either. And he had chuckled when young Arya threw food at the dress of Sansa, ruining her conversation with her ''perfect'' prince, before running out the hall. Jon Snow as well had left the hall after saying something to his uncle Benjen that Dalton hadn´t heard, the second brother of the queen, the imp, had after him as well. Greyjoy was trying to just ... relax... though seeing Lannisters made that quite difficult. Robert was quite promiscuous, even to Dalton´s standards. The nerve to fondle servant girls who worked at a major lord´s castle in front of his wife and children, in front of Stark´s wife and children was certainly something. Dalton had laughed loudly when he saw it, so loudly that the hall had looked at him at that moment. The queen looked furious over the humiliation and Dalton offered a smirk in response. Jaime Lannister had needed to place a hand on his sister´s shoulder to calm her down before she made a scene. Dalton had loved it, it was petty, but he wasn´t above it. Robert Baratheon himself was the only man who hadn´t turned to look at him at that moment. He was still busy with the serving girl in what could only be described as dreaming while still awake.

She wasn´t even that attractive, which made the situation even more hilarious to him. ''They all look the same in the dark anyways...''

Robb had escorted Princess Myrcella to the hall and the young girl smiled dreamily at the Stark heir. She took completely after her mother like the two princes , so she would likely grow into a great beauty in time. Dalton always found the practice of escorting women to places puzzling. They had legs to walk on their own, and if they were afraid of some shadow or threat, they also had two hands to pick up a weapon.

Dalton had received some rather bad news, it seemed as if the king had betrothed his half-Lannister spawn to the foolish elder daughter of Lord Eddard ... if this happened the north, the Riverlands, the vale, the stormlands and the West would all be tied together by blood. Such a marriage would make any move against House Lannister near suicidal ...thankfully, none of these kingdoms had any real naval power, therefore they could do nothing to reach the iron islands if war ever broke out. He could curse the sire of Theon, Balon, for many things. But he would never speak ill about the construction of the iron fleet. one and one hundred warships, even the smallest three times bigger then the average longship. His chest had puffed with pride upon reading up on the details of his descendant´s fleet.

One of the few times that had happened. Most of the Greyjoys seemed content to embrace Greenlander ways , and the few that had risen up like Dagon Greyjoy were always brutally crushed in the end. Dalton would not let that happen this time ... he would make sure the iron islands returned to their former glory , whatever the cost might be.

''This...is a drag..'' There was nothing he could do in this feast. And the sight of all these Lannisters being smug was enough to make him tremble in anger. They would pay for making a fool out of his child a thousand times over.

Dalton excused himself from the feast. Nobody cared, his presence had been unnerving some of the children, insulting to Catelyn, and flat-out insignificant to Robert Baratheon.

He didn´t go very far before finding Jon Snow with a moody look on his face and the imp with a smug and amused smirk. Ghost, the giant direwolf was there as well . The beast was quite beautiful ... Dalton however had no idea how to deal with dogs.

''Imp.'' he said with some satisfaction . Calling Tyrion an imp would be a compliment. His legs were wobbly and weak, his face was so horrifically ugly that Dalton struggled to not feel pity.

''Squid'' Lannister replied.

'' I would have thought that the brother of the queen would have better things to do than provoke Bastards. Aren´t you the one who likes to pay for whores? I can see why. Not even your own mother would be able to say you are good-looking.''

Snow looked as if he´d been slapped and Tyrion turned his gaze to the bastard with a victorious look '' I told you, bastard, the world will never let you forget who you are. Make it your shield. As for you, Greyjoy.'' Tyrion looked at Dalton now ''It is quite true that i am not a very handsome man ... but Lannister Gold can do plenty of convincing for me. The whores from here to Lannisport should be thankful. If I had been born like my brother Jaime, I would not need to pay for them. All the brothels in Westeros would fall apart. Why, perhaps the high Septon should add a new aspect to the seven who are one, Tyrion Lannister, god of tits and wine.''

Dalton was angry at the Imp´s indifference to his taunting . But was also curious as to Snow´s reaction. ''What is it, Snow ?''

The boy looked furious , his wolf growled and the imp (May the drowned god take this son of a whore !)had a smirk in his face.''Why is it everyone calls me Bastard ? i know i am a fucking Bastard ! but ... I have a name you insufferable cunt''

Dalton was never the type to back away from any confrontation, and this was no exception. '' So you´re crying like a baby because someone called you names is it ?'' Snow was so furious he couldn´t even speak , his face was red from all the anger.

Dalton used a more aggressive tone.'' Listen here, boy. If it is pity that you want from me and from anyone else you shan´t have it. You are four and ten, almost a man grown, yet you are acting like a coward.''

''What would you know about being a bastard! You are the heir to a bunch of worthless piles of rocks as you like to remind everyone all the time.''

''What i know . Is that my homeland is also known as the land of a thousand kings. For every captain is a king in his ship. And I also know that they could be of the highest birth , yet if they turn green and coward during a storm all the crew will turn the ship and throw him overboard. Your arms can be just as strong as that of any man if you train them , you can be as brave as any man despite being a bastard. If you are so pathetic as to let something so small as bastardy stop you than you did not deserve to have whatever it is you wanted in the first place. Deeds can make a man as much as his noble birth. Be a warrior or live as a coward, the choice belongs only to you.''

Snow bristled again ''Lady Catelyn...'' Dalton interrupted him.

'' What has lady *Cuntlyn* ever done that you should fear her? birth children? cows can do that and no one will admire them for it. You have a brother who is obsessed with you, yet you fear his mother. Tell me, snow, has she ever laid a hand on you ?''

''...n...no''

'' Then stop being a little bitch and grow a spine. There are far worse things to be feared than the hatred of a woman who is not even willing to harm you for it.''

Snow ran away, sobbing. Dalton thought this boy was as pathetic as the prince.'' weakling''

The imp was laughing.'' my, what a talent for words you have...''

''you little...'' The damned imp cut him off

'' Why yes, I am little. How could you tell ?''

Dalton did not have any reply. The imp was better with words than he ever was.''You are confident in that tongue of yours, imp . Can you say the same for your skill with swords ?''

'' Not for the type you wield with hands no ... but that other one between the legs is a whole different story.'' Dalton sighed he couldn´t get the better of this imp

'' You like to jest don´t you ?'' He asked. Tired.

'' Everyone is born with a talent, Greyjoy. Even someone like me.'' Answered the imp with confidence

'' Someday you will be a jester for me. Lannister.'' Dalton replied darkly before walking away.

...

''ENOUGH !'' Rang the voice of Ser Rodrik Cassel, the prince Joffrey, and Robb were sparring in the yard. It had been an interesting fight. Robb had won almost all the rounds, but Joffrey still had a truly staggering amount of confidence. it wasn´t a bad trait truth be told. It is always better to go down with a smile and then get back up then to simply stay down.''Twas´ a good fight . do the two of you wish for another round ?''

''With pleasure'' Robb quickly replied. He enjoyed hitting the prince and Dalton couldn´t blame him.

''This is a game for children , Ser Rodrik'' Said Joffrey with tremendous smugness.

''the two of you are children'' Dalton said , just as smug.

''Robb might be a child . But i am a prince . And i get tired of hitting Starks with play swords.'' Joffrey sounded so confident one would be forgiven in thinking that the boy fought like Daemon Blackfyre with his famed sword from the way he acted. Joffrey did not have an ounce of that skill.

''Yet you received more hits then you gave , Joff'' Robb was having his pride provoked ''Are you afraid ?''

''oh yes i am frightned , you are so much older'' The Lannister party started laughing. From the corner of his eye Dalton saw Jon snow and Arya whispering to each other . He gave a slight smile to himself , the younger Stark girl had not shown to love or adorate the prince like her sister. Just for that Dalton was tempted to call her the smarter of the pair. Not one person without the deeds to back up their reputation deserved adoration.

'' What do you propose, my prince ?'' Asked Rodrik Cassel

''Live steel'' Answered Joffrey

''Done'' Robb said quickly ''You will Regret this !'' Anger laced his voice''

Rodrik rested his hand on Robb´s shoulder ''Live steel is far too dangerous. I will allow training swords. blunted''

A tall man with a face half burned took a steep forward . Sandor Clegane.''This is your prince. Who are you to say if his sword is to be blunted or not ?''

''The master at arms of Winterfell . Remenber that Ser''

''Are you training women ?'' asked Clegane

'' I see no reason to not let them have steel, Cassel. They are asking for it after all , you are coddling them'' Dalton chimed in

'' This does not concern you, Greyjoy. and to you, Clegane. I train Knights , Robb will have his live steel when he is old enough for it.''

'' I killed my first man at 12. And it was not with a blunted sword I tell you.'' Clegane sounded completely apathetic with the whole situation,

'' I killed mine at age 7 with a rusted axe'' Dalton thought to himself.

Robb rurned to Rodrik . ''Let me do this, I can beat him''. Cassel remained impassable.''then do it with a blunted sword.'' Joffrey seemed satisfied ''Come back when you old enough, Stark, that is if you are not too old by then.'' Robb´s curses rang in the yard, Dalton made no effort to restrain him . The only other sound was that of the Lannisters laughing at him. Dalton knew just what to do...

''Prince Joffrey , is it a fight you want ?'' Dalton asked , lacing his voice with fake courtesy

The prince looked at him and smirked . Cassel and even Robb were dumbfounded. A grown man of nine and ten should not fight a child of three and ten.''You wish to face me squid ?''

Dalton laughed at his face.'' No, you would be far too easy and no one would have a spectacle.'' the prince looked angry. Dalton raised his hand to point straight at Sandor Clegane.''I mean to fight your dog.''

The Lannister laughter stopped. Robb, Cassel and Joffrey´s eyes widened comically. from the corner of his eye he saw that Jon Snow and Arya had the same reaction. No one challenged the hound, much less called him a dog to his face.

Clegane took a step forward, chuckling.''You have some balls to say that , Greyjoy. Live steel, until first blood.'' Dalton nodded. Those were the same conditions he´d wanted as well. Robb grabbed his shoulder.''Theon what do you think you´re doing ?'' his voice shaky and full of concern. ''Neutering a wild dog,'' Dalton replied without even looking back . He went to pick up the weapons he´d use an axe and a round shield. Normally Dalton would have used his old sword Nightfall. But it was not here with him , and he found the transition from Valyrian steel to regular swords made him clumsy, the weight made him slow and clumsy, no, he would go back to his childhood weapon: the axe.

Cassel intervened immediately ''Theon, I cannot allow this fight. Are you mad ?! Sandor Clegane can Kill you! This is far too dangerous!''

Dalton turned to him with an angry glare '' You forget Cassel. Robb is a boy and as such you may decide whether he fights with steel or not. I am nine and ten, a man grown . I can fight whomever on whichever terms I want.''

Cassel sighed ''Very well Theon . I pray you know what you´re doing.'' Dalton smiled ''I always do.''

They began their fighting in earnest. They made no sounds besides the clash of their weapons and some grunts of exertion. If there was cheering or any other form of noise coming from the other people at the yard neither Dalton nor Clegane heard it. They were completely focused on the duel.

Clegane struck first with his sword. It had quite the size to it, Dalton´s axe in contrast was short and light. When it came to range the hound held an advantage. Dalton´s shield blocked the hit with ease. The shield was what he had to compensate for Clegane´s range. He could not reach the hound, but neither could the hound harm him without getting rid of his shield. And that meant getting close

Clegane did just that, hitting with such strength that Dalton was forced back despite blocking the blow. The hound seemed intent in not giving him time to breath and immediately tried to swipe his feet. Dalton stopped him by striking first with a shield bash straight to the jaw. He swung his axe hoping to end the fight then and there, but the Hound was quick and dodged by crouching. Dalton had never seen someone pull that stunt before.''This man is good... perhaps the best I have ever faced. '' He was enjoying this greatly.

The hound took some steps back, but Dalton was not about to let him recover so easily. He stepped forward and swung low, to stop Clegane from pulling the same stunt twice. The hound was forced to parry with his sword so Dalton hit him with the shield to force him to drop it. Clegane was having a hard time dealing with this , so he took more steps back, when Dalton tried to advance a second time, Sandor answered with a quick sword thrust to avoid being put on the defensive a second time.

their fighting continued .... and continued... the courtyard had gone completely silent and a small crowd had formed to watch the fight . Jaime Lannister, Barristan Selmy and King Robert especially were the ones who studied it with the most intensity. Being the ones with the most experience in combat. Robb Stark probably wanted to cheer his friend on, but was far too shocked to say anything. The hound was one of the best warriors in Westeros, simply being able to match him was a feat. defeating him an even greater one.

Greyjoy and Clegane were both tired at this point, yet Dalton was not willing to give up, and neither was his opponent. Dalton was grinning from ear to ear , he loved fighting someone who could be a challenge. Clegane raised his sword once more.''Here we go again..''

The hound swung from the left, and Dalton used his shield to defend himself. He had a strange idea as to how to beat Clegane. After he blocked the swing, Dalton tried to bash Sandor with his shield. The hound stepped back, this was when Dalton threw his axe as fast and strongly as he could. It dug deep into Clegane´s shoulders who grunted from the Pain. ''Got you...'' Thhe duel was supposed to only be until first blood. Greyjoy had won.

Dalton and Sandor snapped out of the trance that they´d been in during the fight. They noticed the crowd that had formed. No one liked Clegane except Prince Joffrey, but no one liked Dalton... well ''Theon'' either, except Robb.

'' It seems the Squid knows how to fight'' Grumbled King Robert. He hated Dalton´s guts but also appreciated a good fight making him feel quite conflicted here.

''y..yes your grace'' Replied Ser Barristan . He was no stranger to fighting at the highest level of skill , but he had been surprised that some ironborn hostage could beat Sandor Clegane.

''Maybe i should humor him with a duel myself'' Said the Kingslayer with his typical smugness.

Robb Stark rushed to Dalton´s side ''T...Theon.. did you just ... beat the hound ?'' . Dalton smiled at him ''It would seem so Robb.'' The Stark heir was still too stunned to speak.

''You , Greyjoy.'' Snarled the hound as he took the axe out his shoulder while blood leaked out the wound.''I know killers when i seem them. And you... i see it in your eyes . You are as much a killer as i am.'' Dalton couldn´t agree more. He made sure to at least try and shake Clegane´s hand . To thank him for a genuinely good fight. But the Hound slapped it away before walking out. It seemed he was not fond of courtesy in any way. ''To be fair , i am not either.'' Dalton thought

Chapter Text

298-AC Winterfell

Children were going to be the end of him. Ned had fought a war and crushed the dynasty of Aegon the Conqueror, yet even that felt simple compared to daughters. ''Sansa is ugly and stupid and swooning all over that idiot prince'' said Arya with her childish voice, thinking that just calling her elder sister name was an extremely sensible thing to do. Sansa on the other hand looked like she´d been slapped, straight in the face. Their fighting was funny to Ned, but it was also downright exhausting to deal with. Sansa and Arya waged a never-ending war of aggression with each other, with both sides unwilling to ever surrender and using every single dirty trick that the minds of a 13-year-old girl and her 11-year-old sibling could conjure.

''I am not ugly, Horse face! And how dare you speak of Prince Joffrey like that! he is kind, noble, and gallant'' Said a red-faced Sansa. Ned wasn´t even sure what they were fighting over anymore ''He´s awful And he´s weak! He couldn´t beat Robb and his dog couldn´t beat Theon.'' Ned sighed

'' Robb is a year older and Theon is just a barbarian! Mother said as much'' Sansa crossed her arms and had a smirk with so much smugness that Ned didn´t even imagine a child could look so satisfied with themselves. When Arya pouted in response Ned had been on the verge of losing his self-control and laugh, but their fighting had gone on long enough. It was about time he intervened.

'' Enough, Enough, ENOUGH !'' he roared as to grab the attention of his two daughters quickly. '' I am tired of this never-ending war the two of you wage against each other ''We are all of the same blood. The two of you are sisters and will behave as such!'' Sansa rolled her eyes preparing to say something. Arya on the other hand simply tried to escape, but Ned had been expecting that from her and quickly caught her by the arm.'' not this time little lady'' he said, failing to contain his amusement.

''Well, I´m not a lady!'' shrieked his youngest daughter. She looked quite like her aunt in these moments, though Arya was not as intrigued by horses as Lyanna was. Unlike her older sister, Arya despised the idea of being a proper lady, and her stubbornness reached levels that Eddard didn´t even know existed. The story of Florian and Jonquil that Sansa so loved was met with a sneer by Arya, who preferred hearing of Aegon´s sister queens Rhaenys and Visenya, as well as Nymeria and her ten thousand ships.

'' Of course you´re not a lady Arya. you are too much of a horseface for that. You can´t even do embroidery'' Sansa´s tone was downright Cruel.

''I SAID ENOUGH!'' the two girls were cowed this time. ''Sansa, you will not speak in this manner to Arya. Arya you will stop antagonizing the prince, you will stop escaping from your lessons with Septa Mordane and you will stop using any and every excuse to fight with your sister. IS THAT UNDERSTOOD'' both girls lowered their gaze in embarrassment.

''y..yes father..'' both of them said meekly

he ruffled their hair, he´d been quite a bit harsher than expected and did not want to leave his children in fear. ''Now go off'' he waved Arya to leave, Sansa followed her but Ned pointed at his eldest daughter ''Not you Sansa, you stay.'' She gulped, expecting a scolding while Arya made a quick escape. Ned even saw that the little girl was smirking, clearly thinking in the same way as her elder sister.

'' Do not worry child. I am here to give you good news. Probably what you have wanted most since the king arrived here.'' Sansa eyed him with some caution , not sure what her father was getting at ''King Robert offered me a betrothal between you and Prince Joffrey. I have accepted the offer.'' Sansa smiled brightly with tremendous excitement. Arya had not been wrong when she said her sister had been taken with the prince. But Sansa was all about courtesy and etiquette and would not lose her composure by throwing herself at her father´s feet. Instead, she kissed him on the cheek '' Thank you, father! '' She then left giggling with glee. He was sure his daughter was searching for her friend Jeyne Poole to tell her the news ... her and Septa Mordane.

Ned sighed in his solar. He was ...quite overwhelmed as of late, with planning to receive Robert ... to receiving an offer for Hand and a betrothal ... He had wanted to Deny it all and simply hunker down in his homeland. Alas, his wife insisted on Ned accepting at least one of the honors, preferably the one that ended with Sansa as Queen of the seven kingdoms. But it had been a letter from Lysa Tully that had truly convinced him to do it.

The letter had been very well hidden and coded to make sure that only his wife would be able to understand its contents. It stated that Jon Arynn had not gotten sick, but instead had been murdered by House Lannister. Ned did not doubt that the lions were capable of such. their ruthlessness was well known to him and images of Rhaegar´s children wrapped in that crimson cloak came to his mind immediately. Robert was in danger, and his friend and foster brother were in danger. And Ned would not abandon him in his time of need, even if Robert did not know the threat that awaited him.

His wife had already counseled him to trust Petyr Baelish, the master of coin. Ned had been wary of that idea, but Catelyn insisted and he bowed to her superior knowledge of the man´s character. Baelish had been her childhood friend in Riverrun. Ned had no chance of knowing him better than her. Besides, he had gotten his position as master of coin at Jon Arryn´s behest. In Ned´s view, that meant he was in the very least competent.

He shook off all these terrible thoughts from his head. Robert was still in Winterfell and had planned a hunt for the afternoon. Ned was quite excited for it reminded him of his youth in the Eyrie. So far Robert´s appalling physical state had left Ned shocked, his eldest son and Jon had also seemed disappointed. Robert still had plenty of muscle and strength, but he was not the demon of the trident. Not anymore. He was also not fond of the Lannister side of the royal family. The kingslayer should have been clapped in irons and sent to the wall, Cersei Lannister had no business being queen after her father sacked the King´s landing and slew innocent children. And the imp was someone he did not want near his children, lest they pick up on his hedonism.

The princes and the princess seemed fine enough. They all took after their mother in appearance, though that was not necessarily bad. Ned could say many things about the Lannisters, but not that they were ugly. Myrcella Baratheon had been the perfect noble girl from what he´d seen, Tommen was a kind boy who had developed an admirable friendship with his Bran and Joffrey had been courteous and proper with his daughter. He did seem a bit...weaker than expected of a nobleboy, but he was also just three and ten. There was plenty of time for him to grow still. Ned hoped they would not be similar to their mother´s side of the family when it came to character, on that end he only worried about Prince Joffrey´s liking of Sandor Clegane.

When it came to the hound, Ned saw him as better than his brother. Though that did not mean much at all, he was a fierce warrior, which is why he had been completely shocked when his ward had defeated him in a duel. Theon had changed after his accident almost a moon ago. He was no longer visiting brothels, he dressed so simply that Ned and Catelyn had to force him into wearing fineries fit for the king´s visit, and even then he vehemently denied using any ornament made of gold. Ned had also not failed to notice his complete change in personality or the glares he sent the way of the Lannisters. What had left Ned speechless is his sudden skill at arms. Theon had always been a great bowman and an adequate swordsman, but he never had used an axe and he certainly hadn´t been good enough a fighter to face the likes of Sandor Clegane. Ned also knew that type of skill did not come from anywhere, so either Theon had been hiding it for years, or something was wrong. Ned would look into it when he had the time.

He grumbled as he went to prepare himself for Robert´s hunt, Robb and ser Barristan would ride alongside them, and The rest of the kingsguard would be left to protect the royal family. The queen had specifically requested her brother guard her. Ned had been thankful for that, seeing the kingslayer would ruin his time with Robert. ...

'' Gods Ned ! It does wonders for a man to ride on a horse !'' The hunting party had been quite ineffective in picking any trails or finding any game. Ned knew that was mostly because Robert was more preoccupied with talking. ''It would do you more good to swing your old hammer, Rob. You´ve gotten fat'' . Robert stopped his horse and glared at Ned ''Did you just call your king fat ?''. Ned´s only answer was pointing at him.

Robert broke off into laughter ''Ser Barristan, defend your king´s honor, Now !'' . Barristan the bold couldn´t help but chuckle as well ''I am sorry, your grace , but not even the greatest knights of all time would be able to fight the truth.'' His son tried his best to hide his laughter, but Robert noticed it anyway ''Even my namesake is against me? Is there not a single kingsman here in the North ?''

Robert laughed for some more time ''See Ned ? that is why i need you in the south with me. No one else is willing to tell me the truth when I need it. You´ll be like that onion knight Stannis keeps around, only I am not as dour as my brother.'' ''You need me in the south for another reason .'' The Lord of Winterfell thought.

Robert gave him a friendly slap in the shoulder ''Congratulations on your Bastard Ned! I didn´t think you had it in you. From the way you have been trying to hide him i almost thought you didn´t want me to see him''. Ned bristled, he did not want Robert thinking about Jon ''I brought great shame to my lady wife Robert. It is nothing to be proud of''. The king waved dismissively ''We were young men at war Ned, you didn´t even know Cat back then. But I am curious , who was the woman who made Eddard Stark forget his honor for once? ''

'' I made a vow not to speak of her Robert. Remembering her hurts me deeply.'' Robert nodded in understanding ''Aye Ned... i feel the same with your sister, Lyanna. Were it not for that Silver prick we would have been brothers by marriage .'' Robert growled in a fury Ned knew well ''I kill him every night when i close my eyes.''

'' You killed Rhaegar 15 years ago. It is done.'' Ned replied

'' One thousand deaths would be too little for what he did...I never felt as alive as when i fought for this throne ... and as dead as now that i have it'' Robert´s voice was full of melancholy ''I need you, Ned. I need you by my side...''

'' And I am yours, Robert. Now and always.''

The rest of the party was quiet. They had come here to hunt not for this...his son decided to change the conversation. Robb was nervous but did not let that anxiety affect him. Ned was proud of that ''Ser Barristan . may i ask you a question ?'' Barristan nodded in confirmation and Robb cleared his throat before speaking again ''My brother, Brandon, he is a great admirer of yours ... his dream is to become a member of the kingsguard. Would you mind considering him as a squire ?''

Barristan smiled ''I would have to test the boy first, in both Skill and character. There is more to becoming a knight than merely being good with a blade. Of course your father would also need to approve .'' Ned was satisfied with Robb´s attempt at helping his sibling. Family always came first.''I give it freely ser. If Bran wishes to follow through with being a knight there is no better man than you to teach him honor and hard work. certainly, you are better than the Kingslayer,and he is the only one who can match you in skill.'' Ned loathed to compliment Jaime Lannister, but whatever else the man might be , he was a powerful warrior.

Barristan bristled at the mention as well ''a man who killed the king he was sworn to protect. Your son would do better with a hedge knight''

They continued on their ride for the rest of the afternoon. At the end of it they hunted little and less, though Robb especially ended up enjoying it when Robert began regaling him with his battle tales. Ned had told them to Robb and Jon but hearing it straight from the man himself was not the same thing. Robert had always been better with words and inspiring men than Ned, though Eddard had eventually earned undying loyalty from the North in account of being just and honorable to those he governed.

The happiness did not last long for the warden of the north. A rider eventually found him .''Jory'' Ned recognized immediately. ''Lord Stark, Your grace. You are needed at the castle immediately . There has been a great tragedy.'' Robert grumbled ''What is it ?''

Jory seemed saddened ''It´s Bran my lord. He has ... fallen from the broken tower.''

...

''He will never be a knight. He will never ride a horse again and he will never be a father'' Ned summed up his son´s condition that way in his mind. There was still the risk he wouldn´t even live but...Ned could not bear the thought. His wife even less refused to leave Bran´s side no matter what. His children were similarly devasted .

Ned wished he could stay longer with them, stay longer for Bran ... but he had to go down south...Jon Arryn´s death needed to be investigated. The Lannisters could not escape justice. He would not let them.

Robert had been the first to send his condolences for Bran, the rest of the royal family followed suit soon. Prince Joffrey was the last one to give them, but no words could mend his son´s legs or open his eyes. Bran was broken for life even if he survived. Ned felt himself getting crushed. He stayed beside his son while Catelyn had left to eat. He worried that his wife would rather starve herself to death than let Bran alone for even just a second, all he could do was soothe that one fear for her.

There were some knocks on the door ''Father , may i come in ?'' It was Jon. '' i wanted to see Bran...''.

'' Yes, Jon...come in'' Jon walked in looking deeply concerned for Bran he stayed there for some time. Not saying much because...there wasn´t much to be said. Even if there was, Bran could not hear

'' F..Father... I am going with Uncle Benjen to the wall...'' Jon sounded quite unsure of himself, Ned sighed ''I have already told you once that the watch is honorable calling. But the choice is yours in the end. though I will warn you of one thing. When I go south Catelyn will be left in charge of Winterfell''

Jon trembled slightly ''i.. i see father'' He turned and left after giving looking at Bran one last time.

Ned stayed for a whole hour more until Catelyn returned, she cried in his arms and he did not know what he could say to soothe her.

...

Preparations to ride south with Robert were done quickly and efficiently. He would take his best 50 men, a quarter of Winterfell´s garrison, with him to serve as security for his security, as well as for Sansa and Arya . He brought Sansa due to her engagement with Joffrey, Arya so she could see the court and hopefully grow into a proper lady. Though Ned did expect he´d need to eventually make a compromise with his youngest for that. He would have brought Bran but... that was impossible now. Rickon was too young and Robb would be the Stark in Winterfell during his absence.

''Damn you for making me go south , Robert'' Thought Ned ''And damn the Lannisters for killing Jon Arryn a thousand times more''

Chapter Text

298-AC King´s Road

Jon Snow had left Winterfell accompanied by Tyrion Lannister , his uncle Benjen Stark, Yoren and some men ready to take the vows two days ago. They journeyed to Castle black and the black brothers of the Night´s watch ''My brothers soon ... but will they ever be worth as much as Robb was ?'' Jon didn´t know how to answer that question.

Their traveling had led them through the King´s Road built by King Jaehaerys the conciliator more than 200 years past. The road snaked and curved its way from Storm´s end, passing through King´s landing and ending at the Wall alongside the rest of the realm. Jon was unsure if he truly wanted his path to end there too. Once upon a time, he had been sure his true calling in life was to be a ranger and fight off wildlings. His uncle Benjen would be there with him, and his father had assured him that it was a place of great honor and nobility where many Starks in the past had served until their watch had ended. Jon believed him. His father never lied.

The travel had been mostly peaceful, Uncle Benjen had tried to dissuade him from his path, arguing that he was too young. Jon had not been swayed by these protests. The only thing that made him pause was the thought of leaving his siblings. Leaving Robb now that Bran had suffered such a tragic accident and his eldest half-brother was left alone in Winterfell. He´d have Maester Luwin and Ser Rodrik to give him counsel. Jon did not believe for even a single second that Robb would be unable to perform his duties. Nominally it was his mother Lady Catelyn who ruled the castle, but she had been grief-stricken to the point of madness, unable to do anything but lay beside Bran´s bedside crying and praying to the seven that her child would wake up. Jon had prayed as well for the same thing but to the old gods instead of the new. He followed the old customs of the first men and his father instead of the Andal Seven-who-are-one.

But when it came to close companions, Robb would be left almost entirely alone. Jon had been his closest friend, with his departure, Theon would be the only friend that Robb had within the gates of Winterfell. And Theon was not right in the head in Jon´s view. He still remembered the scolding he had received from the ironman during King Robert´s visit.

''We stop here for the night'' Said his uncle Benjen, breaking Jon´s musings.

their party quickly dismounted their horses and set up a small campfire that would serve to warm them and keep away any wild animals from attacking. They were on the eastern edge of Wolf´s Wood, surrounded by thick forest and tall trees that threatened to black out the sun if one were to wander too deep inside, only the most experienced hunters dared to venture deep into the woods for that reason as well as the many wild beasts that roamed inside. But Jon had a beast of his own with him, Ghost had been quick to settle in his lap the very second he´d sat down near the fire, much to Jon´s amusement. His direwolf may have been growing quickly, but that did not mean he had lost his love for getting petted at the back of the ear. But Jon was curious, while he played with Ghost, Tyrion Lannister had comfortably sat down and began to read a book.

''Why do you read so much ?'' Jon asked filled with curiosity

The imp seemed amused ''Tell me, when you look at my splendid person, what is it that you see ?'' Jon immediately narrowed his eyes in suspicion. Was he getting mocked? ''What type of question is that? when I look at you I see you. Tyrion Lannister''. He laughed much to Jon´s anger ''No, what you see when you look at me is a dwarf. Had I been born a commoner it is likely I would have been abandoned at birth as some form of abomination or monstrosity. But i was born a Lannister of Casterly Rock, my father was the hand of the king for King Aerys II and it was only the influence of Lord Tywin that kept the madness of our old king at bay. I cannot hope to match someone like you in strength. You are four and ten and already taller than I will be my entire life. I am a small thing atrophied and ugly. But my mind can be as sharp as that of any man and books are its whetstone. That is why I read so much.'' That made Jon sympathize with the Lannister, he knew how it was to be judged. The glares of Catelyn Tully Stark were still firmly ingrained in his mind. ''There are worse things to be feared than the hatred of a woman that is not willing to harm you for it'' Theon´s angry words surfaced in his mind then and there but Jon swatted them away, what did that Ironborn cunt know about this?

''What are you reading about ?'' Asked Jon

''Dragons'' replied the dwarf as if it were the most normal thing in the world. ''Dragons...?'' Jon said the word slowly to make sure there was no misunderstanding here. Dragons had been dead since Aegon the Unhappy. Why would the dwarf want to know about them? ''he is definitely mocking me now'' Jon was already starting to lose his temper again.

''From the back of a dragon, even someone as small as me can look down at the world instead of the other way around. As a child, i used to make fires and pretend it was a dragon of mine, sometimes it was my father who burned, other times my sister.'' Jon was horrified, he could not imagine himself burning his siblings. He had dreamed the forbidden dream of ruling Winterfell when he was younger, but *never* at the expense of Robb, He felt guilty and disgusted with the very idea ''Don´t look at me like that, i know you dreamt the same dreams as me, bastard'' Tyrion should not have said that, Jon was struggling to keep himself in check now.

''NO! Never! I love my brothers, Robb has always been kind to me ...'' Replied Jon with haste. ''And so has Catelyn Tully correct? I can only imagine how thrilled she must be to have her husband´s bastard on her roof'' Jon lowered his gaze and began shaking ''And Robb? Why shouldn´t he be kind to you? He gets Winterfell and you get the wall.''

''The Night´s Watch is an honorable calling'' Said Jon through gritted teeth.'' Oh, we both know you are too intelligent to believe that, do you see those men near Yoren? those are your black brothers, rapists and thieves too cowardly to face their proper punishment. You will live your whole live alongside them in the chilly cold of the wall i´d say it is bad for freezing your balls, but the oaths forbid reproduction anyway..''

That had been the breaking point for Jon ''STOP THAT !'' he screamed in anger with his hands clutched into fists, ready to attack the dwarf. But Ghost had already done that for his master, jumping on top of the imp and immobilizing him. Tyrion Lannister looked at Ghost´s deep red eyes and sharp fangs with horror. ''Help me !" the Lannister even extended his hand for Jon, who had a smirk on his face and petted Ghost´s ear. ''Only if you ask me nicely'' Jon liked feeling powerful for once.

''Fine. I would humbly request and appreciate your assistance in riding me of this enormous Wolf on top of me Jon Snow.'' The dwarf had said that with anxiousness breaking his voice.'' Down Ghost'' The direwolf did as he was told and Tyrion scurried off.

Jon felt guilty now. He had lost control of himself and attacked the Lannister when he stood no chance of defending himself. Where had been all this courage when Catelyn Tully had him scared half to that? He remembered Theon´s words and couldn´t disagree with them. He was acting like a coward.

He looked at his future black brothers with disgust ... had the Lannister told him the truth of the watch ? '' he couldn´t be right where father was wrong. It is just not possible'' They were scum, none of them were worthy of being called his brother like Robb was. He took a deep breath. He should not be hasty now, He was only here to take a look at the wall , he didn´t need to take the vows if he didn´t want to ...

...

It had taken them three more days to reach the wall and Jon was not impressed. Castle black was more a ruin than a fortress, the wall itself was beautiful and imposing at the same time. Never before had he seen something of such size, its proportions defied human comprehension, and it had taken almost 20 seconds for the imp´s pissing to reach the ground.

Nevertheless, he had been disillusioned with the Watch ... he found few men of honor here, mostly cravens who refused to own up to their crimes, Jon himself had bullied a few of them with his superior skill with the blade. He might have been a bastard but Lord Eddard had always made sure to give him proper training with Ser Rodrik Cassel, these sons of butchers and farmers had no such privilege, being slow and clumsy, relying on brute strength against Jon. It made him feel less pity for himself, many here had gone through many more hardships than he. Alliser Thorne was someone Jon despised and Ser Jeor Mormont, Lord Commander of the watch, had personally gone to him and explained the need for Thorne as one of the few sword instructors in the castle. This place was a decrepit ruin brimming with murderers, rapists and Thieves, not the noble brothers that could match his family as Jon had hoped.

''Is this what I want for myself ?'' He thought as he lay in one of the hard and uncomfortable beds that had been prepared for him.''To live and die with these...criminals ? to call them my brothers and dishonor the word ?'' The answer came quickly to Jon. As of the last moon, he had grown closer to Robb amd wanted nothing more then to be near his brother and closest friend. Theon was wrong, Jon refused to be a coward. He wanted to be with his brother and that was what he would do , he would not let angry looks and words from Lady Catelyn stop him. She could not kick him out of Winterfell, from the guest rooms at the lord´s keep yes, but from inside the castle entirely ? No , Jon had committed no crimes, he was no murderer, he was no thief and he was no rapist. Being a bastard was not a crime, Jon would find a place with the smallfolk, mayhap someone would be willing to shelter him in exchange for work.

Jon Snow started his trip back south alongside the Imp a couple of days later. He had not taken the vows.

Chapter Text

Tyrion Lannister was having a nice time as of late. He´d visited all the best brothels of Winterfell, He´d seen the top of the wall and left a small little surprise for any black brother who was unlucky enough to be ranging down below during that moment. He had even convinced a young boy not to waste his life freezing at the wall fighting grumkins and Snarks alongside *delightful* company like Ser Alliser Thorne and a few serial rapists, using only his wit and wisdom of course, the only gifts the gods had deigned to give him when they drunkenly assembled him. ''That and being born a Lannister of Casterly rock''

Tyrion was now making the journey back to King´s landing, he would be right back in the *loving and kind* presence of his sweet sister, his brother Jaime, and his monstrous little nephew. ''Nephew from sister and brother, what a mockery your children are father. Cersei and Jaime playing at being Targaryens, and me. The imp'' The company from his oafish good brother would be pleasant, and Jaime was the one person who always cared for him. Besides, after almost two moons away from the capital, the whores might be in need of some reacquainting with him.

The road back had been going far more smoothly than going to the wall in the first place, Benjen Stark had done everything in his power to make it as uncomfortable as possible the first time. His current escort did not care enough about him to go out of their way to be a nuisance something Tyrion had been quite grateful for. Keeping current pace, Tyrion would find himself back in Winterfell in less than a week, after that would come the grueling path past the neck and its swamps and lizard lions. Tyrion was not a military mind and had always thought the tales of ancient winter kings repelling hosts 10 times the size of their own at moat caillin totally absurd. After experiencing the narrow pathways of the neck and seeing the ruin of a castle that Moat Caillin was ... knowing there was simply no other way into the north, Tyrion put far more credence into the stories. The crannogmen were looked down by many, but Tyrion now knew the disproportionate amount of influence that house Reed held. They had complete control of the neck and there was simply nothing anyone could do about it, there were no castles to besiege as Greywater watch could never be found, and no hosts to be confronted as the crannogmen hid in their swamps, it was like fighting ghosts.

His escort of black brothers would accompany him all the way to King´s Landing, whereas the young Jon Snow would only follow him up until Winterfell. Which was why Tyrion decided to use his last few moments with the bastard well, and maybe gloat slightly that his words about the night´s watch being nothing more than a penal colony had all been proven true and had managed to remove the blindfold that covered Snow´s eyes so thoroughly. Tyrion had always had a liking towards bastards and broken things. That was why he had even designed a saddle for Bran Stark to use and ride on horses despite his disability.

''I see that my wit and wisdom were very effective on you Snow, I am so very proud of you. How about this? i can teach you about all the wonders of the world, your first lesson is going to a brother. Can you manage that Snow?'' Tyrion knew the bastard had some strange repulsion for laying with women. And that just wouldn´t do. Tits and wine were the best parts of life, followed closely by books in Tyrion´s view of things.

The bastard snickered and petted his direwolf, the beast had attacked Tyrion in the past ... but now that he was on better terms with its master, it behaved as well as a little puppy, even allowing Tyrion to pet it behind the ear and rub its belly ''Don´t push your luck, imp.''

''Well, why not? I was right about the watch, why wouldn´t i be right about this too ?'' The black brothers bristled, Jeor Mormont had chosen specifically the few honorable members of the watch, who were trustworthy. After all , it would be a great scandal for the queen´s brother to die or be wounded under the supposed protection of the watch. These men, understandably, did not like being mocked by Tyrion as nothing more than rapists and thieves who fought wildlings whose only crime was being born on the wrong side of the wall.

Snow sounded dead serious in his reply ''There is honor at the watch, aye. My uncle serves there, and my father speaks highly of it. And the old bear is sturdy in character. But i found that for every willing member, there were 20 criminals. And i would much rather spend my life alongside my brother instead .'' That sounded appeasing enough to the Watchmen, not even the most fanatic black brother could deny that most were only there to escape losing a head. Tyrion could understand them, he was already a half-man and had no intention of becoming a quarter-man, just didn´t have the same ring to it.

''Well Snow, if you ever change your mind , i will be sure to put in the good word for you at the brothels in Wintertown. I might have only been there for a moon, but when it comes to dealing with whores, you will find no man better suited to the task.''

Snow shrugged '' I doubt your...recommendations will ever be of much use to me. But ... thank you I suppose...i am far more interested in that saddle you designed for Bran , are you sure it works ?''

Tyrion nodded ''If you do exactly as it is written and take the correct measurements into account , yes.''

Snow smiled, relieved for his little brother.

...
His party arrived at Winterfell at the morn of the very next day .

Tyrion was quite surprised over how empty and quiet everything was, though it seemed there was a gathering at the courtyard , Jon Snow seemed to know what was happening. Tyrion didn´t and it annoyed him.

...
*whip*
''SON OF A WHORE ARGH''

*whip*

''WOMEN CAN HIT HARDER, GREENLANDER''

*WHIP*

''Well , what is .. this supposed to be ?'' thought Tyrion as he saw Theon Greyjoy being held in a wooden platform while two guards held him and a third whipped him so hard he even began to bleed slightly. There was a large crowd cheering them on as the scene unfolded, it was as if the entire population of Winterfell had come here just to see the Greyjoy get his ass handed to him, for once Tyrion was not the most hated person in any given environment. That was unusual. Jon Snow was laughing his lungs off

''Hey Theon, where is your speech about not turning green and craven again ?''

''I WILL FUCK- ARRGHH''
*whip*
the guard who held the whip smiled smugly, loving every single lashing he gave ''You aren´t doing a thing, Greyjoy. Sit down .''

Tyrion Wanted to go to Lord´s hall now but ...seeing the Greyjoy get beaten was far too entertaining to miss. He was a straight violent brute. Just the type Tyrion liked to see getting humbled.

...

Tyrion was having a lovely time ordering food at the crossroad inn .

He had been received with barely repressed hostility by Robb Stark, despite the fact he had given them a saddle for Bran . Still , Tyrion Lannister was used to being humiliated and undervalued. It was nothing new or unusual for him. At least Jon Snow had done his part in calming down the young lordling , it seemed the name Lannister was enough to bring hatred and mistrust wherever he went ''My father´s great legacy''

He glanced around and saw a woman with red hair attempting to conceal herself with a cloak. ''Lady Catelyn Stark, what a surprise to see you here ?''

The shopkeepers' eyes widened so much Tyrion was half worried they´d pop out the socked ''Catelyn ... Stark ?''

Tyrion smiled smugly. The woman hadn´t been at Winterfell and now she was right here with a cloak. There was a plot going on ''I was Catelyn Tully the last time i came here'' she said with some bitterness. Probably over being caught.''You there in the corner, is that the black bat of Harrenhal I see?''

''It is my lady''

''And is Lady Whent a true friend of my father , Hoster Tully ?''

''She is.''

Tyrion did not like where this was going. At all. Catelyn Stark then turned to stare at three men wearing Bracken Sigils ''The red Stallion was always a welcome sight in Riverrun, my father counts Jonos Bracken among his most trusted friends,''

the Bracken men stood up '' my lord is honored by your trust.''

She turned again ''And i know your sigil as well, the twin towers of the freys. Tell me, how fares your lord ?''

''Lord Walder fares well, he invites your father for his nameday. He plans to take another wife'' Tyrion snorted , Walder Frey certainly hadn´t lost his potency over the years , though he was losing everything else in his body,

''This man '' She now glared straight at Tyrion '' Came into my home as a guest , and there , he conspired to murder my son . A boy of nine namedays'' Tyrion was stunned

''I did no-'' He did not get a chance to speak , for all the men in the tavern raised their swords and pointed them at him.

Tyrion was had.

''Fuck''

...

The cells of the Eyrie were amongst the most terrifying things Tyrion Lannister had ever seen. Only the wroth of Lord Tywin could compare. The Arryns believed in open prisons ...But the prisoners would not soon enjoy their freedom unless they could fly to avoid falling to their doom, worse, the ground was slippery and Tyrion feared rolling in his sleep only to fall to his doom.

...

''I choose trial by combat'' Tyrion said while looking straight into Lysa Tully´s eyes . She wanted to deny him ... but could not.

All the men at the castle desired to be chosen as her champion. Tyrion was disheartened at the amount of people who wanted his death.

He had wanted to choose Jaime as his champion. Alas, he could not. So a sellsword named Bronn was all he had to work with . Thankfully Bronn was a cutthroat of the worst kind and had managed to trick his opponent, Ser Vardis, into falling to his doom . There was no honor in the way Bronn fought , but it had kept Tyrion´s head in place , and a Lannister always pays his debts.

He began his journey out of the Vale until he found himself cornered by some mountain clansmen , thankfully , Tyrion managed to recruit them instead of suffering in their creative hands. One barbarian in specific had wanted his manhood to be chopped off and fed to goats.

How kind.

Oh , and his father had began a massive raiding campaign in the riverlands, setting the place ablaze.

Tyrion Lannister was not having so nice a time anymore.

Chapter Text

298-AC Winterfell

''Are we ready ?'' Robb asked while Holding Bran´s legs in the custom-made Saddle designed by the imp. ''Seems so brother, let go of Bran now.'' Replied Jon Snow.

The Stark heir and his younger sibling exchanged a look of both fear and excitement. Brandon had always dreamed of being a knight, but his accident had made that impossible. He would never walk again ... but riding would likely provide him with some solace. Still, there lingered the chance of the saddle failing to hold him atop the horse and Bran suffering a small fall.

Robb released Bran´s legs and the lad didn´t fall. All three sons of Eddard Stark began to laugh with glee. ''I can mount !'' Screamed Bran with excitement, ''Yes you can little brother.'' Said Snow while he ruffled his hair.

''You´re saying it as if mounting horses were something nice'' Dalton grumbled. He HATED horses. They were clumsy and stupid creatures that didn´t do what he wanted half the time. Greyjoy had little experience fighting on horseback, most of his raids happened by the coast, where he and his ironmen would descend from longships hungry for plunder. But the few times he had done such a thing had been awful, horses were live creatures and had their own wants in the middle of a fight. Dalton couldn´t help but feel a small amount of grudging respect for the men capable of controlling these stupid beasts that would move right when he wanted to do a slash or stop when he needed to get close , Dalton was struggling to even keep the hatchet he carried around in place while the damned beast walked. It also didn´t help his ass was hurting from all the lashings he´d taken. And horseback was not the most comfortable place for him because of it.

Bran looked a bit disheartened, but Robb was quick to laugh ''Don´t mind Theon, he´s a big grump nowadays. Next, he´ll say something about ironmen and the sea despite not having sailed in 10 years.'' Snow snickered and Dalton cut him off ''Let´s just get this over with. Start riding boy, let´s see how far you can go.''

Brandon Stark rode quite slowly through the woods, snow fell around them and for some time only the sound of horse hooves and crackling leaves could be heard until the boy tried speeding up, much to the Stark heir´s amusement ''I´d challenge you to a race Bran, but I am worried you might win it'' Snow chimed in ''Aye, our little brother can ride as well as one of those essosi horse lords, what´s their name again? the ones with the long hair and the braids'' Dalton had met some Dothraki Khals during his time pillaging and sacking Essos. They were fearsome and unpleasant folk who practiced the abomination that is slavery much like the rest of the continent. An ironman taking a thrall and a salt wife was right and just, but men were not chattel that could be bought and sold, doing so was monstrous to any who heeded the Drowned god´s creed.

'' Dothraki is their name. They keep their hair long and braid them with as many bells as won battles, they cut it off when they lose.'' He said with a bored tone. The Dothraki were a mystery to Dalton because of their fear of the sea and their love of horses. After experiencing both Greyjoy knew which he´d pick, and it wasn´t the one who could shit in the middle of a battle.

Brandon however was curious about another thing. ''Robb, Summer has been acting strangely as of late. Do you know why ?''

Robb shook his head ''Grey wind has been acting strangely too, Jon tells me Ghost as well looks anxious about something... though he does not howl or make a sound unlike ours. Sometimes I think these creatures know more than they let on...'' Dalton had been quite indifferent towards the wolves at first. But now he truly hoped someone would do him a favor and shut them up. Greyjoy had enough trouble sleeping, every night he would dream of his death and drown in his own blood as he did the first time. But hearing those wretched creatures howl at the moon without end only made it worse.

Jon sighed ''Brother...don´t forget to tell Bran about that other thing ... he has a right to know.''

Robb´s demeanor suddenly changed from happy and friendly to tired and serious ''Right... Bran, we received a raven yesterday.'' Bran´s interest had been peaked ''Is it from mother? is she coming home ?'' Robb took a deep breath '' No it is from Alyn in King´s landing. Jory is dead.'' Brandon´s eyes widened in horror. ''They killed Jory? why would anyone want to kill Jory ?'' Snow put a comforting hand on his younger brother´s shoulders while Robb spoke ''I... don´t know ... but that is not the worst... father got into a fight with the Kingslayer and broke his leg.. Grand Maester Pycelle is unsure whether he will wake or not'' Dalton´s reaction to that letter had been far less of horror and much more of glee when he´d read it alongside Robb. The ironman had needed to restrain himself not to laugh as he did when news of the death of King Viserys Targaryen and the subsequent coronation of Aegon II reached Pyke. War with the West was so close...

Bran looked even more horrified, losing a father was no small thing.''W...what are you going to do Robb ?''

'' Father won´t die brother, but the fact is that the honor of the north is in my hands...'' Robb Stark seemed anxious , he clearly felt unprepared for ruling one of the seven kingdoms.''Theon says i should call the banners''

Dalton stopped his horse and looked Robb right in the eye ''Blood for Blood. The North can muster 40 thousand men , the Lords of the riverlands and the Vale are your kin and will support you, the dornish will want revenge for Princess Elia and you can count on my house as well. I´d have Lannisport sacked within a moon.''

Jon Snow (Drowned god take him !) did not agree ''You´d be breaking the King´s peace, that would be treason. Besides, Maester Luwin has counseled otherwise Robb, and our father has always taken what he says into account before making decisions .''

'' The maester is an old man who knows nothing of war'' Replied Dalton, he really did not like Snow arguing for peace ''As for breaking the King´s peace, it is already broken. Catelyn Tully has clapped the imp in irons, Tywin Lannister sent that dog of his, Gregor Clegane, to burn and sack the Riverlands while the kingslayer has dared to break the leg of the warden of the north. A wise sailor will either sail through a storm or around it, but never will he wait for it to come. And a storm is coming Robb Stark. Make no mistake of that.''

''Enough!'' Roared the Stark heir ''We´re here to see Bran ride, not to speak of such things. He is 8 years old, there is no need for him to hear of my burdens.'' By now it was quite too late for that, as the mood of Bran´s joyride had been completely soured. The red-haired boy seemed deep in thought and worry, afraid for his brother´s life if war were to break out it seemed. Dalton found the peace-loving ways of these Greenlanders quite dull, war was where a man would prove his strength and build his glory , taking gold, thralls and a Salt wife. It had been over a moon since he´d found himself stuck as Theon and the urge to claim a Salt wife had been steadily growing ... but Greyjoy knew now wasn´t the time. And a small part of him seemed hesitant to do it, remembering what the last one had done to him. ''That reluctance will break once i see a pretty face after a good slaughter of Lannisters.'' He´d had one and twenty of them before. Dalton wondered how much longer he´d have to wait until he could start building up that number again.''Hopefully not long...''

They continued their riding up until they reached a stream. The water was quite clean. ''Summer'' Muttered Bran. ''The wolves killed something , Bran stay here while i go and look. Jon, Theon, with me!'' Dalton was beyond confused as to what happened, how could they possibly know if the Direwolves killed something or not? ''Bloody Greenlanders'' he muttered beneath his breath and followed the two youths . They were correct in their assumption that the wolves had killed something, Ghost and Greywind had tracked down a stag and slashed it , the wounded beast had crushed a winter blue rose before falling and drowning in its own blood.

...

''Where´s Bran ?'' Asked a panicking Jon Snow. ''I... I don´t know, why didn´t he stay where we told him !'' Replied Robb just as frantically ''By the old gods , someone must have taken him , he surely knew better than to ride without us nearby'' The two continued with their bickering until Dalton broke them off ''Listen to yourselves, chattering like scared girls. Look at the snow and see the marks the horse left on it. We should follow them before the winter winds cover the tracks.''

The Stark boys were not stupid, too Greenlander for Dalton´s taste but not stupid, but they were untested and struggled with anxiety when the moment of decision came. This was clearly because of their sheltered upbringing, if they had raided and sacked at a young age as he had done, they´d know how to handle themselves better.

They followed said horse trails , hearing voices that got louder and louder the more forward they went. Robb went ahead, a questionable decision as it made him vulnerable to an ambush. Snow showed some more restraint in this regard.

'' The boy is a Stark no doubt. Only a Stark would start making threats where wiser men would begin to plead'' Said a male voice from behind some trees, Robb, Jon, and Dalton gripped their weapons now. A fight was coming, he and Jon Snow dismounted the horses and hid behind some trees , Robb stayed mounted , he was a good rider. ''Cut off his little dick and stick it in his mouth, that will shut him up '' said a female voice, ''Are you stupid Hali? Do you know what Mance would give to us for a hostage of the blood of Benjen Stark ?''

'' Who cares about what Mance will do? White walkers don´t accept any hostages.'' Robb burst from the trees, speaking in a deep lordly voice ''Surrender your weapons and i promise you all a merciful death''

A tall man who was clad in thick furs and carried a large spear spoke with mockery in his voice ''Surrender? we are six and you are one !'' Jon left his hiding place on the tree and so did Dalton ''Three'' Snow said drily. Greyjoy snickered ''i only see three men and six bodies to feed the pigs.''

The voices belonged to Wildlings. Green as the Greenlands, they lived off attacking travelers and merchants on the roads who stood no chance of fighting back. Dalton wouldn´t begrudge them for it, he was a pirate after all, but that didn´t mean he couldn´t recognize the fact these 6 had no idea on what true combat entailed. Dalton had done plenty of attacking on weaker targets, but he only became a skilled warrior when he fought against those who stood a chance. Every wound was a lesson learned the hard way.

Things devolved into absolute chaos quickly. Robb fought off two wildlings at once, they tried and failed to even touch him as his horse ran laps around them. Jon Snow engaged one of the wildlings as well, raising his sword high. Dalton faced off against the brute with a spear. Spears were deadly weapons in a fight when used properly, they are lethal and long, and trying to approach a spearman head-on is a sure way into an early grave... but they are also heavy and unwieldy, not made to deal with enemies who were quick in their feet. A spear was at its best in formation with other spearmen, where every soldier could cover the blindspots of the other, or with a shield to do much the same.

It was more of an execution than a fight , the wildling stepped forward and thrust ... hitting nothing, Dalton had stepped to the side, before the wildling could fall back, Greyjoy grabbed the shaft and pulled it towards him, taking the man too, who stared back with a shocked and idiotic expression before becoming shorter by a head with a single swing of Dalton´s axe.

A wildling woman came charging at him with a guttural yell, no strategy, no skill, and not enough berserker instinct to even come close to his. She was put flat on the ground with a punch to the face... she was a pretty thing and Dalton almost instinctively put his hand to remove his belt.... but this was not the time. She begged for mercy but Dalton grabbed a rock and crushed her face with it, leaving only a bloodied mess.

Dalton looked behind him , Jon Snow had defeated the wildling he was fighting...Robb as well had already cleaned up his mess...that plus the two he´d killed summed to five ''One left'' he thought grimly .''But whe-''

'' ONE STEP FORWARD AND THE BRAT DIES !'' Snarled a wildling while holding Brandon Stark with a knife to his throat. Dalton didn´t really care if the child lived or died . But Robb and Jon certainly did, and they would not allow him to put the brat´s life at risk...and as much he hated and despised it, Dalton was a hostage in the north and the ''friendship'' he had with Robb Stark was paramount until he finally returned to Pyke, at which point Dalton could finally let loose.

Robb and Jon looked at each other with cold stares and grim looks, they nodded and ... whistled. ''What are...they doing ?'' Dalton pondered silently.

Ghost and Greywind surged from behind the wildling, taking him down and butchering him before he even had a chance to react. Robb and Jon went to Bran´s side, to check if he was fine or not. While Dalton stared blankly at the wolves feasting on the body. ''What *are* these creatures ?''

...

Taking Brandon Stark back to Winterfell ended up being quite a difficult task. The Wildlings had cut his special saddle, meaning that he could not ride back on his own horse, being carried by Jon Snow. The pace had also been dreadfully slow as Snow and Robb worried that quick riding might hurt poor little Bran´s weak legs. Dalton hated it. Being stuck in this damned horse, being forced to play a mummer´s farce for two Greenlanders he could kill with one eye closed, being away from the sea in this snow-infested cold and barren wasteland... he should be at the prow of a ship, armed with steel and dressed with ringmail burning, reaving and raping the westerlands instead.

The gates of Winterfell appeared imposing in the distance. their party approached ever so slowly. No words were exchanged... for some reason, Dalton felt a sense of gloom building within...''There is something quite wrong here...'' Jon and Robb seemed to feel it too if the looks they gave to each other was anything to go by. They entered the castle and found Maester Luwin in the courtyard , a letter in his hand. Robb instructed the maester to take Bran and to check him for any injuries , he would read the letter in his father´s solar.

'' What do you think´s written in there Robb ?'' asked Jon Snow , he seemed anxious . Dark wings , dark words, and ravens rarely brought forth good news. ''Well.. it has the royal stamp, so it is about father most likely,'' Robb replied. He carefully opened the letter and read it . Dalton had seldom seen someone look more shocked and horrified.Robb had gone pale, he sweated and his hands began to shake as his eyes went down reading line by line. Snow looked concerned over his brother´s health immediately ''Robb ? are you well ?'' he put a comforting hand on his brother´s shoulder that eased quite a bit of his anxiety. ''What´s in that letter, Robb ?'' Asked Dalton, but deep down he knew what it was.

Robb took a deep breath and answered with more resolve than Dalton had been expecting ''It says here ... King Robert is dead , and Joffrey now rules from King´s Landing'' Snow seemed a bit saddened ''Well...Father must be devastated, just after Bran´s fall and the death of lord Arryn ? why must the gods be so cruel to him ?'' Robb let out a sigh ''That is not all Brother... our father has been ... imprisoned''

Snow´s eyes widened. Dalton had to suppress a laugh. The storm had arrived the same way it had the first time. in a raven. There was a certain irony in that.

''Joffrey also demands that i personally go to King´s Landing, swear fealty to him.'' Robb put the letter down ''I will not do such a thing'' Jon Snow had recovered from the shock , he spoke with unbridled fury ''Call the banners brother! Our father is counting on us! Arya and Sansa too!'' Robb nodded enthusiastically ''I will have Maester Luwin send the ravens to our bannerman. ''

''All of them ?'' Asked Dalton with anticipation

Robb spoke with a commanding tone ''Yes, they are sworn to house Stark. And now we will see what their words are worth.''

...

The banners were called and gathered quickly. Bolton , Karstark , Umber , Glover, and some very few Dustin Banners were raised high alongside the Stark Direwolf. Robb had decided to march with only around half the total northern host 20 .000 men. He worried that mustering any more would take too long . Dalton wholeheartedly agreed , he always preferred speed over everything else when it came to military encounters. Hitting your enemy fast and hard was the easiest way to win a war before it even truly began.

Dalton had to admit a small fondness for Lord Jon Umber. He was a big loud brute, these people were quite entertaining in their own way . Lord Roose Bolton was quite the opposite, even Dalton felt a slight tinge of reluctance staying near the man. No one known as ''leech lord'' is good company .

The army rode hard through day and night , they had reached Moat caillin and then hoped to cross the neck as quickly as possible. Robb planned to rush through the King´s road and down to King´s Landing to retrieve his family. Dalton had yet to broach the subject of the Iron Isles...he knew that a hostage asking to be released looked quite ... suspicious ... but Robb lost most of his sense when dealing with friends and family. It shouldn´t be too hard to convince him...besides, it would be a good move for both sides. Lord Balon would gain loot and a chance to pay the iron price in the west, while Robb earned an ally poised to strike at the vulnerable westerlands . The golden tooth was a formidable fortification that Stark would have a hard time taking ... but his ironborn would not need to deal with that hassle , Dalton would grab 60 longships and sack Lannisport from the sea ... Dalton imagined burning that city to the ground for what would be the third time ... he had done it at the onset of the dance of the dragons and once again when Lady Johanna Lannister attempt to construct a fleet to match his own

The Northmen were motivated and morale was high. They loved Eddard Stark and were eager to shed blood to free him , their wroth at the Lannisters was so great they did not even seem to care for Dalton´s presence. The name of Tywin Lannister was cursed as much as death itself.

Dalton did not find Tywin Lannister worthy of much fear. What battles had he won that he should be feared? Sacking an undefended city and killing two babes? Being ambushed by the Reynes and Castameres, winning only due to overwhelming numerical superiority? Drowning women and children? ''I am ironborn , and ironborn do not fear drowning'' Dalton would show the Greenlanders of this time who is it that they should fear. He would make sure they remembered that wherever his sails went , death was to follow, that no walls could repel him, no fleets could oppose him and that they would *never* be safe from his sword arm.

Moat Caillin looked more like a ruin than a castle. But Dalton could see that did not truly matter . The lands of the neck were treacherous and narrow , with few passages for an army to carry their supplies. An army can only move as fast as their food wagons, starved men can rush into steel , aye, but they will get slaughtered like pigs.

Robb had taken one of the chambers inside Moat Caillin´s ruins as his war room. The lords raged and screamed over each other (with the exception of Lord Roose Bolton) but Stark had a plan ... that was subsequently crushed with the return of his mother and granduncle.

Catelyn Tully was quite displeased with the presence of Jon Snow and ''Theon'', as was Brynden Tully, but ... alas Robb would not care to hear their concerns on this issue. He did care, however, for some of the news that Brynden brought.

The Kingslayer, that smug blonde lion that Dalton would love to cut piece by piece, had brought a host of around 15.000 men , defeated and captured Edmure Tully and had began to besiege Riverrun , while his father the old Lion had another host of 20.000 men up on the Kingsroad, slowly capturing the castles in the Riverlands. This was quite concerning , the riverlords would be unable to reinforce Robb without being crushed instantaneously...but there was also opportunity.

The Lannister armies were bigger, but they were also split. Robb could reasonably defeat any one of them without riverlander support, however Robb did not need to... The 15.000 men under the command of Jaime Lannister were , in truth , more along the lines of 3 armies of 5.000 unable to effectively support each other due to the unique defenses of Riverrun. Hoster Tully had closed his gates and flooded the rivers , forcing Jaime to make three camps to surround the city ... but each army also could not cross the river quickly, meaning they were on their own. Robb need only reach the castle quickly and , with the element of surprise , these Lannister armies would be easy pickings, doubly so as Hoster Tully would open his gates and have Riverrun´s garrison join the battle from the rear. To make sure that no support could be lended to Jaime Lannister, Robb would send a second, slower and larger force made mostly of infantry, to delay Tywin Lannister by the green fork. Lord Roose Bolton had been chosen to command this force, counting on his cautious nature as opposed to someone like Greatjon Umber. This was important as the objective was to delay and trick Tywin Lannister , not try and defeat an enemy that would have numerical superiority.

In sum, Robb would take with him around 6.000 troops , mostly cavalry and light infantry, to face off against Jaime´s split army , while Roose Bolton would march with a host of 14.000

There was a problem however ;the twins. For this plan to function, Robb would need to pass through that bridge owned by Walder Frey. The fact that House Tully needed to barter with their own Vassals in this manner was downright infuriating to Dalton. The Riverlands were getting torched and yet the riverlords bickered against one another. Such a thing would never occur in the Iron Islands. The ironmen would have issues with another, true , but never would they allow an enemy to strike their lands unpunished. The very idea was disgusting.

It had been Catelyn Tully who brokered an ...arrangement with Walder Frey. A bad one at that. Robb and Arya Stark would wed members of House Frey, and northern nobles would take Frey squires . It was so greedy that Dalton choked on his wine when he´d heard it . Only Jon Snow had joined him in his furious protests, against this deal. Arguing that Robb should make clear that he could storm the twins if necessary. Robb had enough strength to crush House frey root and stem. True , the casualties would be immense and Robb would be unable to execute his former plan, but that would be very cold comfort for Walder Frey in his grave. Somehow Dalton doubted this slimy old man cared enough about Tywin Lannister to risk his own destruction. Handing over Arya and the taking of the squires should have been enough.

Alas, Robb dismissed their protests, much to a smug Catelyn Tully´s glee.

The armies split , further reinforced by three thousand Frey soldiers, And the march continued

...

Dalton had never felt so good . The axe felt just right in his hand, the shield as well just the right weight, the chainmail comfortable. But that was not the part that truly excited him. No , that had been the doing of Jaime Lannister. The fool had no idea what was coming for him.

Ser Brynden Tully had completely excedeed Dalton´s expectations. His raiders had neutralized all of Jaime´s scouts, and made some small incursions into his camp , luring him to this small forested valley that was called the Whispering Woods.

The Northmen were hidden in said woods, Dalton looked to his shoulder and saw the anticipation in their eyes.... Jaime Lannister was about to find himself surrounded on all 4 sides, ready to be massacred.

Lannister marched with a small force ... he was wearing magnificent armor, colored in gold with the white cape of the kingsguard on his back. ''Today is the day you die'' Thought Dalton ... Lannister need only march a little bit more .... a bit more and the ambush would begin.

''ATTACK !'' Roared Robb Stark .

Dalton did not need to be told twice .

The northmen crashed on the Lannister lines from all sides at all times , completely overwhelming them .

The cries of ''FOR EDDARD'' were everywhere in the battlefield, though Dalton did not join them in it.

Greyjoy rushed at the first Lannister , the man tried to swing his sword , but Dalton ripped off his arm with a hit from the axe . The second Lannister was easy , a single hit on the head , the third had his guts spilled over on the grass after his fat belly was ripped open. Another man , wearing an insignia of a purple unicorn on a silver field was attacked by Dalton , the man´s attempts at defending himself were so pathetic Dalton growled in disgust . The enemy´s swing was blocked by the shield , he was thrown to the ground after being hit with a punch, and he was killed after Dalton crushed his throat with the edge of the shield.

He charged at more Lannisters, more and more were felled by his blade. At this point there was nothing in Dalton´s mind besides slaughter , he could not hear what the northmen shouted , only the sword song filled his ears . And he loved every single second of it. There was nothing more satisfying in a fight than that moment when you know you have won and your opponent is about to die, a feeling of pride fills Greyjoy´s heart every time. The smell of their shitting and pissing in terror, the widened eyes, and the begging for mercy ... eliciting those responses...that is the joy of the warrior

One of the Lannister soldiers managed to stab Dalton in the shoulder, but the ironman did not even flinch and decapitated Jaime´s man . At this point, he was covered in half a dozen wounds and drenched in blood from head to feet and whenever he turned his gaze to another Lannister, they looked back at him with complete horror, this was his day. He had only felt this way before when he earned his title as Red Kraken, avenging one of his uncles after carving a bloody path in battle.

One Lannister bannerman slipped on the bloodied grass and was quickly killed by Dalton for his mistake , the next one was massacred with half a dozen swings , another was chopped so many times he was unrecognizable. ''WHAT IS DEAD MAY NEVER DIE !'' he cried out in triumph

Dalton turned and saw just who he wanted to kill that day. Jaime Lannister was trying to carve his own path towards Robb ... ''You will be the first , but not the last '' he thought with glee. Dalton knew just what to do ...

He let his axe loose from his hand. It flew through the air, right into Lannister´s head.

Chapter Text

Cersei Lannister, the queen regent of the rightful king of the seven kingdoms Joffrey Baratheon, sat in the small council chamber. Sipping some sweet arbor gold,

The other members of the council, Petyr Baelish, Varys, Grandmaester Pycelle and Janos Slynt listened alongside her as a servant began to read a report on the status of the war.

Renly Baratheon had crowned himself king and wed Margaery Tyrell, counting on the support of the Reach and the stormlords. A concerning development. ''I shall have that traitor´s head on a spike.'' she thought.

However, what worried her the most was the situation with Stannis Baratheon. No one had heard a single word of Stannis, she had worried greatly that he would sail from Dragonstone and strike on King´s landing before she could properly assert her control over the city. That had not happened however and Baelish had done her the good service of bribing the gold cloaks. Janos Slynt had been rewarded with Harrenhal for his help in dealing with the fool Eddard Stark , and he would defend King´s landing to the last man against Stannis. Even a man as blind and shortsighted as Slynt, with more ambition than sense, knew how Stannis Baratheon dealt with traitors. ''And even friends, if that fingerless knight he keeps as company is anything to go by.''

Only faint whispers that he had colluded with a shadowbinder from Asshai, that he gathered an army of sellswords and pirates were heard ... and Cersei could not know which were true and which were folly. That vexed her greatly. Not even the little birds of Varys succeeded in infiltrating Dragonstone. That damned island was a fortress.''Stannis could have an army of 15.000 men sailing to sack King´s Landing and kill his rightful king. Celtigar and Velaryon are the wealthiest houses of the crownlands ... who knows how much gold for sellswords they have provided that traitor! Even the Golden company could be on his side without us knowing a single thing... I ought to rid myself of Varys, that eunuch is playing games with us.''

Renly was but a summer child when compared to her lord father, she had no doubt lord Tywin would sing the rains of castamere once more when it came to him... Stannis was a different, more dangerous, sort of person. ''But i am most dangerous of all, they will know what a lioness can do''

The situation was made even more concerning due to the execution of Eddard Stark ... her sweet son, so strong and so brave, would not allow a traitor to draw breath. She had not been able to stop him from making Stark shorter by a head ... Negotiating peace with the north and the Riverlands was now impossible. Losing grasp of Arya Stark had also been a blow ... that little fiend that had harmed her precious Joffrey had been protected by some dancing teacher and escaped. Though they still held Sansa.

Cersei had no doubts her father would and her Jaime would defeat these savage northern barbarians however, her father sat by the king´s road protecting any assault from coming to King´s Landing and Jaime had Riverrun in a siege. It was only a matter of time.

''L...lord Tywin has won a great victory by the green fork '' said the messenger with a shaky voice , he was sweating profusely but forced a smile '' The Northmen under the command of Roose Bolton were repelled.''

She smiled, pleased.

''Roose Bolton ?'' asked Varys with a strangely innocent tone ''Where is Robb Stark ?"'

''He must have lost his bravery when faced with the old Lion'' replied Baelish '' and thought that the flayed man would make for a more intimidating Visage.''

''Of course, Robb Stark is a traitor and a green boy at that. Lord Tywin will have no problems defeating him.'' said Pycelle with his typical weakness

''still'' Varys answered '' That begs the question of where is the wolf, and what of our king´s uncle Jaime? Surely he has brought us a victory just as decisive...'' Varys had a thin smile directed right at her. Cersei liked it not, but she was also curious as to her Lover´s doings.

''I have no doubt my brother has won his battles and captured Riverrun from the hands of the traitors. Continue messenger.''

The servant looked as if he was going to faint. Cersei was very satisfied to know that her presence was so intimidating. ''I am as great as Lord Tywin in all respects...''

''s...ser...ser Jaime...'' stuttered idiotically the servant ''Yes , Ser jaime ?"' asked Varys

''Ser Jaime has been slain. His forces were scattered and Riverrun has been liberated.''

''No''

''This can not be...''

''HE WAS MY OTHER HALF !'' She shrieked uncontrollably.

'' WHO DID THIS? WHO DID THIS TO MY JAIME ?! I WANT HIS HEAD !'' Every member of the council looked towards her, the servant could barely speak...

'' T...the repo...reports claim it was ....T...Theon Greyjoy ...a...an axe from behind...''

Theon Greyjoy. The Ironman who played at being a Stark... no. There was no difference, he fought for the Starks and she would hurt those wolves like they had hurt her...

yes, She would remember that name. She would make them pay. She would burn down the whole world , Cersei and Jaime had come together to life and together they should have left it. They were each other´s halves. She would have the rains of castamere sung from Winterfell to Pyke for this insolence. The Starks had marched against her Jaime and they would come to regret it. Now. ''Sansa ...'' she thought cruelly ... yes... all would know that killing a member of House Lannister came at a steep price...she would make sure they knew ....

But it hurt so much.... her Jaime... dead by the army of the wolves and the hands of a Kraken. They had not the strength to face him and struck from behind like the cowards they were...

No. She would be strong. For Joffrey.

The other members of the council were still too shaken to speak ...all but the eunuch who remained impassive and Baelish who seemed to be suppressing a snort...she would have him killed later, whe he was not useful, for this insult ... Cersei turned her grief into anger, into determination. She would be as strong as Jaime had been. It is when a lion seems weak that the lesser beasts dare to make their moves. But she was not weak.

''Lord Slynt. I want the city closed. No commoner can leave without good cause and no highborn can leave at all. Have your gold cloaks sweep door to door for traitors or informants to Stannis , Lord Varys will assist you in this task.''

''Y..yes your grace'' replied Janos, rushing out of the room, as white as snow.

''Lord Baelish, you have my permission to use the crown funds to hire mercenary companies.''

Baelish nodded with a smirk ...

''Pycelle. you shall speak with the pyromancers, and secure as much wildfire as possible. I do not care if they have to unbury Aerys and ask his corpse to find it, as long as it is found.''

Pycelle nodded meekly ''A..at your command ..y..your grace...'' he left in as much a hurry as Slynt

Cersei then looked at the servant ''Fetch me Meryn trant, his grace and the wolf bitch.'' her cruel tone made her intentions clear.

The smirk had been wiped off clean from Baelish´s face. He now looked desperate ''Your grace! I Beseech you ! killing Sansa Stark is folly , it will not yield us anything but the loss of a hostage !''

Varys replied in a soft tone ''Are you questioning the wisdom of her grace the queen Baelish ? ... it seems you lost this round my friend...''

Baelish had began to speak when Cersei waved him off ''Your counsel has been listened to and rejected Baelish. Do as I command. NOW.'' Petyr looked as if he was about to explode , but eventually yielded. His face and expression grim.

One by one , they all left.

She stayed in the room for some more time after all the others had left. Weeping. ''Jaime....''

...

''TRAITORS! TRAITORS THE WHOLE LOT! I WANT THEIR HEADS !'' screamed the king. She was so proud that for the briefest of moments, the pain of Losing Jaime had been forgotten. It did not last.

''You can have the head of one, sweetling.'' Cersei whispered softly ''Sansa Stark. Kill her and show the Starks what it means to hurt a Lion.''

She knew her father would approve. No house, no army, could simply *kill* A Lannister and escape unfazed.

Joffrey smiled at her. Satisfied.

Her sweet son took the Stark girl to the black cells. Cersei and Meryn Trant had also been there to administer the sharp punishment. Sandor Clegane merely looked at the scene with disgust

''P...please Joffrey ... I l..love you..i... I am loyal ...'' The Girl cried and begged for mercy. But her son showed none . She had been beaten and her dress torn to shreds , Joffrey was so delighted in executing his justice that he did not even answer , only laughing as Meryn Trant beat the girl bloody . Her bones were being crushed one by one by Meryn´s pummel.

Sansa cried like a pathetic child.

Cersei had her tongue removed in order to stop the noises. Joffrey complained slightly as he liked to hear the screams , but a sharp glare from Cersei had him cowed.

The sound of every bone being broken, of every cut and every flogging echoed in Cersei´s ears like music

'' And who are you the proud lord said, that I must bow so low''

She knew her father would approve. ''You are a great man. But a thousand years from now Lord Tywin will be remembered only as Queen Cersei´s sire.''

Chapter Text

Catelyn Tully derived no pleasure from the sight of Riverrun .

She had grown here, played in its rivers, and wed in this castle as well. ''Oh, Ned...''

She had felt as if her heart had been torn asunder when the news had come. Eddard Stark, lord of Winterfell and Warden of the north had been executed by King Joffrey Baratheon at the grand sept of Baelor for the crime of treason.

Her thoughts drifted to Sansa and Arya as well, her two daughters, stuck in the cruel clutches of the Lannisters...she would do anything to save them. Catelyn loathed to admit it, but the thought that despite their murder of Ned, the Lannisters had gained no Joy was something that pleased her greatly. The kingslayer was dead, slain by the axe of Theon Greyjoy.

She could scarcely believe just how cruel the Greyjoy was. She shivered at his old threat of rape. Catelyn had previously been angered by the sheer indignity of it . But she now knew that man was truly depraved enough to back his words. He was a monster in human flesh. ''All ironmen are'' she thought grimly

When news of her husband's death arrived, all Northmen were infuriated, shaken, and grief-stricken. The riverlords as well were not yet so young they did not remember Aerys and this Joffrey was a new mad king.

Her son had been on the verge of collapse, striking at a tree with his sword vowing to slaughter every last Lannister he could get his hands on. It had been the bastard that finally calmed him down. She had little and less of love for Jon Snow but he *was* still the son of Eddard Stark... he had a right to grieve his father.

The Greyjoy? At first glance, he wore a serious expression like a mask. But Catelyn was wiser. She had seldom seen men as vile as that one, but she could tell he was brimming with pleasure. He was a lover of war and slaughter. Her husband´s death, the death of the man who had raised him since childhood, meant nothing compared to the prospect of battle and loot. At the whispering woods he had slain Jaime Lannister and over a dozen men, leaving the fight drenched in blood from head to toe and a smile of satisfaction that had unnerved Catelyn and made her shiver. At the ensuing battle of the camps, he had killed as many as in the whispering woods and claimed himself a ''Salt wife''. The girl had been a whore for one of the Lannister commanders and had been found hiding in a tent. Catelyn could only imagine what horrors were performed on her, Catelyn would pray for her soul later. He had looted every battlefield thoroughly for rings that he wore in his fingers and the armor of Jaime Lannister, that he had sent to a smith to be melted and forged into a new one for his use. Though what horrified her the most were the drownings, Theon had made sure to perform human sacrifices to appease his barbaric god.

The Northmen at camp had a relationship of uneasy respect for the Ironman. They wanted to hail him as a hero for his skill at arms ... but his other... traits made that impossible, only Lord Rickard Karstark spoke openly in his favor, Theon had saved Eddard and Torrhen Karstark by killing Lannister. Catelyn had found the glances of pure worry that Lord Howland Reed had thrown in the ironman´s way when he was not looking in moat cailin queer. They screamed ''You are not meant to be here'' and Catelyn could not help but agree now.

Even the bastard had distanced himself from the Greyjoy. Not that Theon seemed to care in the slightest. She would have to give him that over Robb, Jon Snow was a better judge of character. Her son had blinded himself to what was in front of his eyes. Catelyn understood that he was feeling alone, that he wanted any old and known face near him ... but Robb was not a boy anymore. He was Lord of Winterfell. Uncomfortable truths would have to be faced, sooner or later.

She walked into the castle, beneath the wheel tower she found her brother. Edmure moved to hug her. She needed such things now.

''Dear sister.''

''Edmure'' she replied

''Your pain is mine own Cat , when i heard of Lord Eddard´s execution ... The Lannisters will pay for their crimes. All of them. This I swear.''

''Will that bring him back ?''

Edmure had no answer for that...

''Brother... let me see him. Our father.''

Edmure pursed his lips ''He is ... too sick now ''

''I do not care'' she snapped '' He is my father and i will see him now. Why was i not informed of his illness?''

''Father feared the ravens could be intercepted, that the Lannisters would attack if they knew of his weakness...''

She understood the logic. As sad as it was. ''Well... i will meet him now. Take me to his room brother, me and our uncle Brynden.''

Edmure had to sigh ''You know how our father is ... he may see you, but he will not see his own brother.''

Catelyn knew what Edmure meant. The feud between Hoster Tully and the Blackfish was an old one, and time had not eased the bitterness it seems.

She spent her afternoon speaking with her father ... he looked so weak and so aged , it was strange to see the mighty hoster tully , one of the men responsible for the defeat of the dragons be in this pathetic state. But he was.

...

All the Northmen knelt before the heart tree. ''These are the keepers of the old gods''

Maege mormont, Galbart Glover, Greatjon Umber and Rickard Karstark one by one did their Prayers. Theon Greyjoy and Robb waited patiently for them to finish ... she froze once she saw Snow present beside them as well. Theon, for all his filth, was still highborn. To keep the company of a bastard was an insult to all lords and ladies present. She would broach the subject with Robb later . It would do no good to undermine and question him in public.

''Is your hatred for that bastard so great that you would rather Greyjoy near your son ? '' she did not know how to answer that question.

''Mother , Granduncle, i am pleased to see you two. We are to have a counsel now.'' spoke Robb.

''Son , your grandfather is ill. He would love to see you.''

Robb wore his lordly mask ''I shall...in the future . For now there is a need for a war counsel.''

And that is what they did. The lords of the north and the rivers spoke long and hard into the night . about what should be done. Some defended bending to Renly , but Robb always refused steadfast.

''If Bran cannot be lord of Winterfell before me , then Renly cannot be King before Stannis . And Stannis cannot be king before Tommen.''

''You cannot mean to hold us to Joffrey'' Spoke Galbart glover ''He killed your father.''

''That makes him a bad king , not an illegitimate one.'' Bristled Robb ''If Joffrey dies, and i intend to make him die, Tommen is next in the line of succession,''

''Renly Baratheon, has the support of Storm´s end and highgarden, the Dornish will not wait for a chance to avenge the princess Elia , with the our help Renly would have 5 of the great houses against Casterly rock ''

''And yet he has no right.''

''My lords, if i may.'' Spoke The Greyjoy with a confident tone . Catelyn always hated his smugness and seeing him confident in his own ability to speak whatever it was that he wanted to say sickened her. That man should not be near her Son

''I say that it would be wise for Lord Robb to ally with my father Lord Balon . The ironmen have not forgotten how to raid the west and our ships are many and strong. I would personally barter with him.''

''A hostage asking for his release.'' Said Jason Mallister drily. ''Ironmen are untrustworthy by nature, how would we know of his loyalties ? once the Greyjoy is out of our hands he is free to do as he likes.''

Catelyn could have kissed the Mallister for saying that . If only for the look of Anger in the Greyjoy´s face. Theon looked ready for a retort , but it was the bastard who spoke with a cold tone. ''Theon has killed the eldest son of Lord Tywin, he would not be able to turn cloak even if he wanted to.''

That made her pause...it was true...and she hated it. Hated agreeing with the bastard.

''And who are you to speak this way to me, bastard !?''

Jon Snow got up from his chair and spoke with a tone and look that reminded her so much of Ned...''Aye . I am a bastard, and that does not make my words any less true. But if they seem so weak to you, mayhap we can settle it in steel on the morrow .'' The riverlords were outraged by the nerve of this bastard to speak up against his betters, but Lord Rickard Karstark only laughed ''The bastard has balls... and sense. Greyjoy has given us no reason to be suspicious, he has saved my children.''

''ENOUGH'' Roared Robb ''I find Theon´s idea quite wonderful. We shall do just that.''

''My father would advise caution'' said Stevron Frey ''Let these kings of the south face one another , keep the ironman close and bend the knee to whomever prevails in the end.''

''COWARD'' roared the Greatjon

Catelyn decided now was the time to speak ''why not make peace ?''

Umber looked at her incredulous ''My lady, the lannisters have killed your husband , MY LORD.'' he unseathed his sword ''This is the only peace i will have with them.''

''Lord Umber, Eddard was my husband and lord, i shared his bed and gave birth to his children , do not think that i love him less then you ...but i do understand foolishness . We started this war to free the Riverlands and to save Ned. One is done and the other is beyond our reach . Not even a thousand Whispering woods can bring them back . I want my daughters back , I want Robb to kiss a girl and have children and to rule Winterfell in peace for the rest of his days . I want to go home.''

The hall briefly went silent . until her uncle spoke ''Peace.'' he said '' Peace is a good thing , but what use is it to turn a sword into a plow if we must reforge it the next day ?''

''Yes.'' Said Jonos Bracken '' Gregor Clegane has ruined my fields and turned Stonehedge into a ruin , should i now bend the knee to him and listen to his orders ?"'

Lord Blackwood agreed with a Bracken , something Catelyn thought impossible ''And if we make peace with King Joffrey would we not be traitors to King Renly ?''

''No matter what is it we do, i shall never call a Lannister King !'' declared Marq Piper .

''Neither will I !'' roared small Derry.

One by one each lord roared in defiance .''I was so close..'' she thought sadly ''so close to peace..''

''MY LORDS'' spoke the Greatjon with a voice that made the whole hall shake ''This is what i say of these kings '' he spat ''Renly Baratheon means nothing to me , Stannis too. Why should they rule over me and mine from some flowery chair in highgarden or Dorne ? What do they know of the wall , or of the wolf´s wood or the fist of the first men ? even their gods are wrong. Why should´t we rule ourselves again ? it was the dragons we bowed to . And the Dragons are dead. '' He pointed his sword at Robb ''THERE! sits the only king i inted to kneel to.''

''THE KING IN THE NORTH''

''Aye , i will have peace on these terms . They can keep their red castle , and the iron chair.'' spoke Karstark before taking out his sword and kneeling ''THE KING IN THE NORTH''

''THE KING OF WINTER!'' said Lady Mormont , doing the same.

Blackwood , Bracken , and Mallister took out their weapons and knelt, despite never having been vassals of the Starks. Chanting that which had not been heard in 300 years when Aegon the Dragon came to make Westeros one. Now it came as a storm.

''THE KING IN THE NORTH''

''THE KING IN THE NORTH''

''THE KING IN THE NORTH''

Chapter Text

''My son is dead'' Spoke Tywin Lannister, lord of Casterly Rock and Warden of the west. His tone was grim but calm. Tywin Lannister was not a man prone to despair, even in the worst of odds, nor was he emotionless as many believed, Lord Tywin was someone who preferred to show his displeasure through actions. The combined forces of Balerion, Vhagar, and Meraxes had killed 4.000 men in the field of fire. the raiders of Gregor Clegane that had been sent by Tywin Lannister had slaughtered over 20 times that number, no homes were left unburnt, no wealth left unclaimed and no Daughters escaped rape.

All that would seem tame when compared to the wroth that Tywin now felt. His eldest son, his golden lion and precious heir ... slaughtered by an ironman. The race of pirate scum who would struggle to count past 10.

''I had always wanted to be the heir to Casterly Rock'' Tyrion thought ''But not like this...'' The death of Jaime was hardfelt . He had been the only one to show Tyrion the love of a brother, the only one who would stand up for ''the imp''. And now he was dead, gone to never return. The thought was so grim and sobering that drinking and whoring seemed frivolous, unappealing even , Tyrion felt no urge to drink the wine in his cup anymore. Tyrion could sympathize with his father, a miracle if there ever was one, in his rage over Jaime. Tyrion felt the same cold rage too.

''This is a catastrophe !'' Cried Ser Harys Swyft ''Ser Jaime Slain, the siege of Riverrun broken, our hosts scattered by the Wolves, We have no choice but to make peace with the Starks if we wish to deal with the pretender Renly Baratheon. What foolishness it was for Ser Jaime to split his army in the siege, what was he thinking !?''

Tyrion bristled and spoke in a cold though calm tone ''Jaime was my brother and a Lannister, Ser. Be careful about how you speak of him. Insulting my house is never a wise choice, ask the Reynes.'' The briefest flash of approval was seen in the eyes of the old Lion, and Tyrion, though ashamed of admitting it , delighted in it.

''Ser Jaime had no choice.'' Said Kevan Lannister in a tranquil tone that hid the tremendous amount of grief evident in his face ''Riverrun is situated at the banks of the Red Fork. When the castle is besieged the Tullys shut the gates and flood the streams, turning the keep into an island. Splitting the army in three is the *only* way to perform a siege... as for peace? I must concur. Fighting the Starks would bring us more harm than good when Renly Baratheon marches from Highgarden. We would be bottlenecked from north and south. We cannot allow that to happen or all is lost.''

Tyrion dropped his wine cup on the floor, the glass shattered into a million pieces ''You would have an easier time drinking from that cup then making peace with the Starks. My sweet nephew has made sure of that by killing Eddard Stark. Besides, Robb Stark is *Winning* and thirsting for revenge, why would he make peace with us when Renly threatens us from the rear and Stannis is an enigma?''

Lord Tywin Lannister finally Spoke up ''They have killed my son !'' he slammed the table ''OUT, ALL OF YOU OUT'' Tyrion moved from his chair before his sire had him pinned to the chair with a glare as if he was nailed to a cross ''Not you Tyrion, Kevan, Stay as well.''

One by one all who were not Lannisters by blood left .

Tywin began to speak while shaking with wroth, every word was spat out in a growl with years of pent up frustration ''I have spent my whole life working to bring glory to the name Lannister. I have dared to do what others would not and could not and have achieved more than any other lord. My daughter is queen, my Grandson is king. The degeneracy that the my father´s weakness had brought to our reputation is long in the past and all know not to trifle with our house...yet my children each do follies and bumble from one stupid disaster to the other'' He shook his head in disgust ''Jaime joining the Kingsguard ... getting himself caught and killed , Cersei is a cruel fool who thinks herself clever but cannot even control a thirteen-year-old child , yet it is my most disgusting and deformed son who shows any promise'' Tywin grit his teeth ''Casterly Rock shall be yours Tyrion is that not what you wanted? But neither gods nor men can compel me to let you turn it into a whorehouse. You are my son Tyrion. My only living Son , you will behave as such.''

Tyrion felt his heart warm in a strange way...he knew his father did this only for not having much choice but...this was what he had always wanted was it not?

Lord Tywin Lannister grabbed a quill and wrote two letters he handed them both to Tyrion. ''Here, I name you hand of the king in my absence, this other letter is to Pycelle commanding him to obey you instead of Cersei. I would advise slipping something in her drinks to subdue her, she is more trouble than help. I am also concerned about the council of my Grandson , there must be a traitor for him to stumble into disaster after disaster, and if you find him...'''

''Heads, walls , spikes,'' Tyrion answered.

''You have learned some lessons from me it seems. Learn this next one , the whore you have with you ? Do not bring her to King´s landing.''

Tyrion did not need to be told that twice, he paid off Shae and dumped her on the camp , marching to King´s landing only with his mountain clansmen.

...

To say Tyrion had been infuriated when he reached King´s Landing would be an understatement.

Cersei had executed Sansa Stark, lost Arya Stark and dismissed Barristan Selmy . Her incompetence had made Tyrion shudder , this Woman was meant to be queen regent ?

But she had been dealt with Swiftly, Tyrion still remembered their first conversation. Cersei had struck him in the face in a rage and Tyrion had Shagga and Timmet both restrain her , she had yeller for the guards but Tyrion kindly reminded them that he had the approval off Lord Tywin Lannister to do as he pleased within King´s landing.

Cersei had been considered ''indisposed'' due to her grief in the loss of her husband King Robert and kept in her bedchambers to mourn. Pycelle had slipped a substance in her drink as ordered and she was no threat at all.

Tyrion had to at least give her credit in the decision to lock the city up , which had prevented news of Sansa´s torture and execution from spreading. And Tyrion would make sure they never spread. He would never mention the death of Sansa Stark to any, but if for some reason it leaked, she had been executed by hanging for attempting espionage and communications with Robb Stark, the issue of Barristan Selmy could not be dealt with now, Tyrion had thought of naming the hound as lord commander, he was not beloved , but he would certainly make for a more threatening foe then a fool like Meryn trant...yet Clegane had defected and disappeared , and he had been known for refusing knighthood , so perhaps that plan was doomed from the start, for now the position of lord commander of the Kingsguard sat empty. There was opportunity in that , mayhaps in the future he could offer that position to some house willing to ally with the Lannisters.

Tyrion also solved the issue with Arya Stark , the real Arya Stark was a nine-year-old girl traversing a war zone. She was likely dead or captured by some brigand and being raped at this very moment. Petyr Baelish had provided Tyrion with a fake Arya, Jeyne poole, that would pose as the girl. It was not likely that any potential Stark informant knew the real Arya´s description, so if all treated the Fake Arya as real, they could trick Stark into thinking they still held some form of leverage. It was a smoke screen , and like any such mummery it was temporary, yet it was better than nothing. Though eventually the truth would come out , the precious moons they would buy would be invaluable. Tyrion also began the construction of a great chain to protect King´s landing from the possibility of a naval assault. But the most interesting discovery came in the form of Wildifre.

Tyrion had ordered the guild to search nook and cranny for even the slightest trace of that feared substance...and they had delivered. King´s landing was a powder keg waiting to be set off.

Aerys Targaryen had riddled the city with barrels of Wildfire and Tyrion had found them.

Chapter Text

He was at the prow of the Myraham. Looking as the city of Lordsport got closer and closer

The ship had been provided to him by Lord Jason Mallister after their crowning of Robb Stark, Dalton still recalled their chanting. He had rarely seen men raised to such a stupor, their screams seemed to shake the hall itself, though what mattered the most for Dalton in that council had been what came prior, when Robb Stark had sent him as envoy to Balon Greyjoy. He had even gone so far as to sail to the islands early by almost two weeks.

It had been far too long since he saw his home, the bleak and harsh lands of the iron islands that he so dearly loved. He was curious to see just how much more the towers and bridges of Pyke had eroded since his death, probably not much. That had been the work of thousands of years of harsh winds. Still , after so many moons that he had been landlocked in the cold North, the smell of salt and sea was pleasant, reminding him of his past life...The Myraham was not the fastest of ships , being an old and fat southron trading galley coming from Oldtown, but for once Dalton did not mind it. He was enjoying the vast blue sea ... it had been said in his time that only three things pleased Dalton Greyjoy, his sword, women, and sailing. ''Whoever said that was not wholly wrong .''

He briefly checked his ... belongings. He had forged new armor from the dead body of Jaime Lannister. Dalton had ordered the smith to color it, Black, with a Kraken emblazoned in the middle. He wore plenty of gold rings on his fingers, all paid for with the Iron price of course, and there was also his salt wife of course. After so long without a proper fucking Dalton had been going half-mad, but his desire had finally been sated. After the battle of the camps where the troops of House Lannister had been scattered to the wind. He remembered plenty from it, the glorious slaughter, Jon Snow had burned a siege tower alongside Maege Mormont, and Robb had managed to chase down those who attempted a retreat quickly by having his wolf follow their scent into the forest. Dalton himself had slain over a dozen men and then ransacked their tents and belongings, where he had found a girl called Betha, dark of hair and dark of eyes, attempting to hide. He had thought her quite lovely and taken her. She must have been a whore, for her skill in the bed was quite great ... she must fear what he would do if she ever failed to please him... Dalton had spent a good chunk of his time in the Myraham claiming his rights. There was an ugly wench in the Myraham too, but Dalton had no interest in so much as touching that disgusting body.

Robb Stark had also given Dalton a letter with all the terms and details of the alliance and such ... Dalton had read it and smiled at Robb...before ripping it apart when no one was looking. He was no one´s pup and the offer he made to Lord Balon would come from him, not a northman.

Lordsport was there in the distance. The seat of the house Botley and the wealthiest of the cities in the Isles. Dalton had always found them a bit of a queer folk, with their insistence on trading over raiding. For Dalton, the old way was the only way...second by second he got closer until finally disembarking from the ship and unto the port...

No honor guard was waiting for him or an escort to take him from Lordsport to Pyke ... ''Mayhaps i have not seen them ?'' he thought confused.

Dalton looked around and found little and less of note, the smallfolk went about their business, and some of the merchants haggled with the captain of the Myraham over cabbages and silks from Essos, nothing of true import.... except the longships lined ashore. 50 to 60 with space for a hundred rowers, their hulls strong, and their form slim and agile. They were built to rule the sea. Dalton´s expression darkened in an instant. If these ships were here then lord Balon had already prepared for war...but against whom?

The men of Lordsport looked at him indifferently, they had no idea who he was. It was humiliating. But if none were taking him to Pyke, he would just go by his own means and scold Balon for this later. Dalton walked around until he found an inn with some horses. He would buy one and go to Pyke. There was no shame in it , ironmen ought not to harm ironmen and the gold used for the purchase would be one of the rings he´d taken by paying the iron price.

''Innkeeper'' Dalton said in an even tone ''fetch me a horse. I pay in gold.''

The innkeeper stared greedily at the ring in his finger...Dalton had ripped it right off a Lannister noble, it was worth more than the whole inn, the whores in it , the horses and the drink put together.
''I will go fetch my lad, milord'' he said quickly, almost sprinting to get the order done.

''Your lad will not be necessary'' Said a deep voice ''Neither will the horse. I will take the nephew to his father.''

Dalton heard the smallfolk whisper ''Damphair'' and remembered one of the very few letters that Lord Balon had sent, mentioning his youngest brother getting lost in a storm, washing up ashore, and becoming a drowned man. Dalton had nothing but respect for those who did the work of the god.

And Aeron Greyjoy was perhaps the godliest man Dalton had ever seen just from a glance. Having died and risen back harder and stronger, he was tall and thin with fierce black eyes , his beard and hair were monstrously long, and Aeron seemed to never cut them. He had Seaweed woven into it as well.

''Uncle Aeron''

''Nephew Theon.''

Dalton kneeled ''Would you be so kind as to give me a blessing, Drowned man ?''
Aeron had not expected that it seems, but seemed extremely pleased '' The wolves have not ruined you yet, good.''
He pulled out a water skin and emptied it in Dalton´s head. It dripped from his hair and some into his eyes, yet the salt did not bother him. Not truly.

''May Theon be reborn from the sea as you were '' Aeron chanted ''May he be blessed salt, may he be blessed with rock, may he be blessed with steel''
''What is dead may never die, but rises again, harder and stronger'' Replied Dalton

''What is dead may never die, but rises again, harder and stronger'' repeated Aeron , satisfied.

''Drowned man, i would ask you to perform another ritual for me '' Aeron seemed genuinely surprised over his piousness. Dalton could understand why , Theon had spent 10 years far from the sea and had become a worthless greenlander who paid the gold price for women and garments.
''Which ritual, nephew ?''

Dalton grinned ''GIRL, come here !'' his salt wife meekly left the ship and joined him at his side. She probably hoped he would forget her and allow her to sail back with the Myraham... a foolish notion ''This is my salt wife, Drowned man... i would ask you to bless this most *fortunate* union.'' The girl did not seem to share the opinion of it being fortunate, but neither Dalton nor Aeron cared in the slightest.

''May he who dwells beneath the waves grant you strong and godly children, may the wife taken from salt bring you joy in this life and in his halls for all eternity. '' He emptied even more salt water, this time on the girl´s head as well ''What is dead may never die''

''What is dead may never die''

They rode Long and hard to Pyke

...

Dalton entered the chambers of Balon Greyjoy.

He still smelled of the salt and sweat. He had only stopped once to don his armor. He was speaking of war, it would be fair to dress like a warrior. The rings he had claimed were prominently displayed in his fingers, showing to the world that he had paid the iron price.

''9 years was it ?'' spoke Lord Balon. He was old and his hair was white. Still, he was gaunt with a hard face. Balon looked out from the towers of Pyke , there raged a fierce storm .
''10'' Dalton answered drily.

''10 years.'' Said Balon ''They took you when you were a boy, what are you now ?''

''A man'' Dalton said '' One that has paid with iron and claimed a salt wife.''

Balon grunted ''We shall see , 10 years you say ? Eddard Stark has had you for as long as I have and now he sends you as his envoy.''

''Not his'' Dalton growled ''I am not his little dog that he can order around to do his bidding. He gave me a letter with terms and such and i ripped it apart. I come here with my own offer.''

Balon laughed, satisfied ''The Greenlands have not yet ruined you. good... tell me what is this offer of yours ?''

''For us to reave like the ironmen of old , for us to rule the sunset sea like our forefathers, for us be to free once more.'' Dalton grinned'' Crown yourself father, and make the west burn. Lord Tywin Lannister is running with his tail tucked between his legs, surrounded by all sides and with no way to defend his lands ... the gold of the west is ripe for the taking... Lannisport can be razed within the week, Fair Isle will not resist either ... one by one every fishing village and every castle along the coast will be ours to loot.''

Balon´s demeanor changed ''Casterly rock has never fallen, aye we could take Lannisport ... but never hold it. I am no fool and i will forge my own kingdom with fire and sword, but not the West, lord Tywin is too clever by half for that. No, I will take a less juicy prize. to be sure, but it lies there, ripe and undefended.''

''The North'' Said Dalton

''Yes, the north.'' Answered Balon '' We can take Moat Caillin and bottleneck Robb the boy with the Lannisters to the south, Winterfell might resist us for a year, but what of it? fields and forests, it will all be ours.''

Dalton was close to exploding. Stupidity in his enemies was to be cherished, not in his own father. ''And have you negotiated with Lord Tywin yet? Has he given you assurances that you will be allowed to keep what you take? what of King Renly, would he share that same opinion ?''

Balon waved his hands dismissively ''Any raven I send to Tywin Lannister could be intercepted ... no, we will take the north and he will not protest. As for Renly, he is but a summer child when compared to Lord Tywin, he will be defeated.'' Dalton shuddered to think of a negotiation tactic as stupid as this one. During the dance of the dragons, he had made sure to pounce only when promised rewards by a side, not before when they had committed nothing.

''For someone who was worried over his son becoming a pup for the Starks,'' Dalton said ''You seem to be a pup for Tywin Lannister yourself.''

Balon growled ''What did you say to me, boy ?!''

''I say, that you are afraid of Lord Tywin. '' Dalton said with contempt bleeding into his words '' I say, you behave like a thrall eager to do the bidding of his master. I say that you are a *coward*, we are IRONMEN, we take what we want, and we do not content ourselves with the scraps of others. And the north is just a poor frozen waste with no loot for hundreds and hundreds of miles , away from the sea. Have you paid the iron price any time in the last ten years ?''

Balon stayed silent , with his face full of fury ''Just as i thought father. If my blood is salt and iron yours is sugar and rust.''

The lord reaper of Pyke´s face was red ''Who do you think you are? I am the Greyjoy, son of the sea wind and Lord Reaper of Pyke'' Balon slapped Dalton right in the face , but the red Kraken did not so much as flinch.

''I am the man who slew Jaime Lannister'' Dalton pointed at his armor '' Lord Tywin will never allow me to live for that. Are you so much a craven that you will allow your son to die in order to please your master ? Where is Lord Balon who was enough a man to fight off all seven kingdoms, where is Lord Balon who *defeated* the lions at Lannisport ten years ago ? i do not see him here, what has Tywin Lannister ever done that has put so much fear into your soul ?.''

Balon was wide eyed when Dalton spoke of killing Jaime lannister but replied in a frantic tone ''The Rains of cast-''

''DROWNING ?'' Dalton snapped ''YOU FEAR TYWIN BECAUSE HE DROWNED SOME PATHETIC GREENLANDERS ?''

He grabbed Balon by the collar and pulled him close ''We are Ironborn! we do not fear drowning, our god is the *drowned* god! Do you know whom the mainlanders should fear? YOU! It is YOUR name they should speak of in terror, it is YOUR sails that should be seen as the heralds of fire and death, it is YOU whom they should beg and pray to the gods for protection against !''

''Here is my offer, Dear father.'' He said furiously ''Take an iron crown with Lannister wealth and the sunset sea , or abandon your son to the wolves and take a crown of some Northern pinecones for a whole summer before you are cast out.'' Dalton spat on the floor before leaving in disgust

Balon seemed in shock. But beneath his anger and resentment there glimmered something in his eyes: A father´s pride.

''I have a son'' he had whispered to himself in disbelief.

Dalton would be damned before he let this bitter old man get in the way of avenging his little Rodrik and bringing glory to the Isles.

Chapter Text

Balon was old.

He felt it in his bones when the cold winds of Pyke made his joints hurt. When he struggled with pains in his back, when he could not so much as lift a sword.

Balon had spent his life with a dream. He had grown from a boy into a man listening tales of the old Iron Captains and their glories of Harwyn Hardhand, Qhored Hoare, Dalton Greyjoy, and his own great grandfather Dagon, who had run laps around the lions and wolves and sacked the lands of the flowers. Balon had heard tales of them all ... and he yearned for that glory, for his own name to be chanted among their ranks. He had spent a summer in the stepstones in his youth where he claimed a salt wife and paid the iron price. That had been the greatest point of his life, Balon knew his forefathers would have approved.

Yet his sire did not. Quellon Greyjoy was not a weak man, far from it , he was tall and built like a bull. A fierce warrior who had sacked the fair isle in the days of Tytos Lannister and fought against Meleys Blackfyre alongside Barristan the Bold, Tywin Lannister, and the Blackfish. A hundred Longships he had raised to aid the cause of King Jaehaerys II against the band of nine, none would doubt their impact in the battles. Quellon´s ironmen had been the first ashore. Yet he had forced his eldest son to relinquish his salt wife and to give up on raiding entirely, marrying a Greenlander and focusing on trade.

The lord reaper of Pyke could not understand why. To this day none sung or told stories of traders, the glories of the old Hoare and Driftwood kings had been won through the sword, not through the coin. The old way was the only way. And Balon would not allow his father to turn them into soft mainlanders, it was his duty to the Iron Islands to break free from the iron throne. That cursed institution of Aegon the dragon had castrated his people and brought them nothing but ruin...he had two loyal and competent brothers Euron and Victarion who would assist him in that task ... Aeron was useless back then.

Yet he had lost. Miserably so. His two sons were slain and a third... slain as well though in a different way. Balon had thought Theon as good as dead, perhaps even worse, to be forced to live as a whore to the men who had butchered his real family, the once king of the iron islands had wrote seldom to him...in part because he reminded him so much of his past failures...''Rodrik, Maron'' but the boy´s replies had only even shown a weakling in the making. Balon would not have his son be weak. It could not have been his fault, Balon refused to even consider that possibility, it hurt too much, no. It had been the fault of Stark. He had led the assault on his walls and killed his third son.

But not all hope was lost for Balon, in his darkest hour he had risen again, harder and stronger. His daughter had been everything he had ever hoped for. Fierce, brave and wiser than he had been. She had taken an axe for a lover and Balon would not reprimand her for it . There had been female captains in the Iron Islands before and Asha showed all the promise of a son and more. She was his heir and Balon would not allow any to question it. Being a woman had not made her any weaker than any man. Balon reckoned she could fight off any of these soft knights of the Greenlands. Asha was iron to the very bone. Aeron had washed ashore after a storm and the god had made him the most pious man in all of their history. Victarion had rebuilt the Iron fleet and Euron... the less said about him the better.

A new war brewed. Wolves and lions and Stags throttled at each other´s throats and yet the Kraken waited. Balon would have attacked the north, part of his army was already prepared for the assault, plans had been made, and his second crowning had been arranged to be performed in the holy site of Nagga. The Northmen would pay for all they had done to him. Eddard Stark had helped crush his people´s rise the first time and then killed his son. He would avenge Theon for the boy he should have been instead of the mockery he had surely been molded into. When Tywin Lannister inevitably prevailed in the south , Balon would surely be allowed to keep his conquests. Mayhaps not the crown, but the lands? absolutely. There would be no reason for Lannister not to do such, The iron islands were strong and difficult to assault , Balon had made sure of that and constructed new defenses and towers in the last ten years , and he would have strangler´s fingers in the neck with his control of Moat Caillin. Lannister would surely see that it was easier to cooperate with him instead of attempting to dislodge Balon´s position...

Yet...that plan had gone in flames. Theon had been alive after all.

Balon saw no hint of degeneracy or weakness in the boy, he had not flinched in response to harsh words or even a slap. He had been determined and daring, he had wished nothing more than to pay the iron price and bring them glory. He had insulted his own sire...but reminded Balon of harsh truths that none had been willing to say to his face. Theon had shown that same glimmer of pride that Balon had nurtured in his spirit for so long. It should be HIS name that was feared along the coasts of Westeros, it should be the Ironmen who achieve their ancient glories once again and it should be Balon to whom men paid tribute and submission...yet he was not feared, his people labored and plowed in fields and Balon was perceived as a joke.

Being seen as a thrall for Tywin Lannister was insulting and yet...Balon could not deny it, after all , he had been plotting to attack the north and humbly requesting that the Lannister allow him to keep what should be his by rights of conquest...crowns were not given, they were taken. Balon would take his crown, one way or another.

And a third issue arose: his brave warrior had slain Jaime Lannister. With that one action any goodwill that Balon might have hoped to nurture with the Lannisters. By all rights Balon should have been furious and yet...Theon had slain a foe and taken his belongings. He had paid the iron price. Was that not the way of the ironmen? Should Theon have restrained himself in order to appease some Greenlanders? And the most important question

Would he give away his son a second time ?

''Brother'' Said the lord reaper of Pyke ''What would you say of my son ?'' Balon stared out the window of the castle of Pyke , looking over the vast ocean. Those were the territories his people were meant to rule.

Aeron Greyjoy spoke in his usual serious tone ''He showed proper respect to the god, I saw no signs of Stark in him. His blood was salt and Iron ... if nothing else , he is godly. Already that makes him worth more than the Crow´s eye.'' Balon did not like the reminder of Euron.

''He has ruined my plan has he not ?'' Balon spoke, more to himself than to anyone else.

Aeron shook his head vehemently ''Whatever foe it is you wish to face , the Drowned god will provide us the tools to prevail, as long as a godly man sits the seastone chair.''

Balon pursed his lips '' A godly man... tell me brother, what is the greatest sin to our god ?''

''No man is as accursed as the Kinslayer.'' Answered Aeron immediately.

''And yet...if i continue down my path, i would be dooming Theon to his death.'' A part of Balon told him that he had already been planning on doing that , but he squashed it ''Would that count as kinslaying? would I still be welcomed into the halls of our god ?''

Aeron seemed in doubt ''I do not know Brother.'' he said flatly '' I will seek counsel with he who dwells beneath the waves if it so please you.''

Balon stared out once more into the sea...thinking.

''Brother'' he began with a hard voice '' Tell Asha to return to Pyke immediately.'' Balon would not hand over his son a second time . He would not be doing this for the Starks who had brought him nothing but ruin , but he would do it for the Iron Islands. For Theon.

''Call all our captains to Nagga´s hill and crown me there. I shall tell them our plan in that holy hill... we will raise every sword and every sail...the Westerlands will BURN''

Chapter Text

It was undeniably a beauty. ''But the first is never like the others'' Thought Dalton Greyjoy as he studied the longship.

It was not the biggest he had seen either in his past life or in this one. Victarion´s ''Iron Victory'' had been the most glorious ship that he had ever seen, it had over 100 oars and a ram made for crushing other vessels. Balon´s ''Great Kraken'' was not a shabby vessel either, being only slightly smaller than Victarion´s, and having a similar ram, shaped like a Kraken.

The one gifted to Dalton could not hope to compare in strength to any of these vessels. His had a lean black hull, a hundred feet long with a single mast and 50 oars, its deck could fit 100 men and it had a much smaller iron ram shaped like an arrowhead. That did not mean it was a vessel of low quality, far from it, his ship looked agile and maneuverable. It was not built for battles but for raiding. That made it different, not worse. It was so fresh that Dalton could smell the Tar and Resin. The Damphair was yet to bless it with the drowned god´s favor, though that was ought to happen soon.

Dalton had been struggling somewhat with naming it. It was a weakness in him, outside of his Valyrian steel sword Nightfall, naming things had always been quite difficult for him. The truth was that he cared very little about how a tool of war was named, only how effective it was at performing its task. Nightfall had been an exception, he loved that sword dearly, and he was skilled enough with an axe, but the difference between an axe and Valyrian steel was near insurmountable;

He passed his hand on the wooden hull, feeling the texture. It felt quite nice. ''This ship will serve me well...''

''Oh, isn´t that a pretty smile ?'' said a woman´s voice from behind him '' Does the lordling like what he sees?''

Dalton turned around. This one was trouble. women from the Iron Islands always were. She walked with confidence and had a cocky smile in her lips. Her hair was cut short and her figure was slim. He knew her type. feisty, beddings with these women were more an all-out brawl than sex. He would come out full of scratch and bite marks and thoroughly exhausted...but quite pleased.

''The lordling likes it very much'' He said ''Whoever made it knew the craft.''

''And what about me? does he like seeing me ?'' she replied.

He groaned, he had no time for this now .... he had not grown tired of Betha. ''Yet'' he thought. ''Getting tired of one and taking another is your nature, Greyjoy.''

''i prefer the ship'' he said drily '' I already have a bedwarmer.''

She laughed ''I was the one who made it. I am Esgred, daughter of Ambrode and wife of Sigrin.''

''Then you performed your duties well. Is it as fast as it looks ?''

''faster'' she said ''But only when a master knows how to wield it.''

''I am a Greyjoy and an ironman. The sea is in my blood'' he replied. ''I have also been rowing since age 5 '' he thought with amusement

'' Your blood will be in the sea if you sail as you speak''

'' The only blood that will be in the sea is Greenlander blood.''

She snickered ''So much confidence, have you named it yet ?'' Dalton thought briefly for a moment ''Yes. It shall be known as ... Nagga´s wroth.'' It was not the greatest name in his view. But it´s what he could come up with on the spot. Nagga had been the fiercest of all sea dragons , feasting on Krakens and Leviathans until slain by the Grey king and the drowned god. Afterward, the god changed the dragon´s bones into stone and the Grey king fashioned his hall from it , and used the dragon´s fire to warm his hearth. Until the envious Storm god put out the fire .

'' Oh, how pious, the Damphair will surely approve'' she said mockingly. ''His approval matters more than yours, no godless man may find success in life.''

She snorted ''Tell that to the mainlanders'' Dalton shrugged ''They have no Salt wives, no thralls, they fear drowning , their women are nothing more than pretty faces and their smallfolk have no chance at anything like our captains do, how is it that their lives are good when they toil and sow in the fields whilst we take what we want with fire and sword ?''

She sighed and muttered under her breath ''Old way hardliner, just great.'' Dalton narrowed his eyes ''Do you have a problem with that ?'' She replied with a dry tone ''The old way worked when Westeros was split into different kingdoms. Perhaps your wits have been impaired by the Damphair, but we *cannot* hope to survive on sacking and raiding. What we need is lands, lands for every second son to build a hall and have children.''

'' What would you know about these things woman ?'' Dalton sounded annoyed, he hated when the old way was questioned. The drowned god had fashioned them for it and given the ironmen the right to rule the sea, taking thralls and salt wives. Trading could be ...acceptable, though Dalton himself never partook in it if he could avoid it , but war was Ironman´s proper trade. ''Nothing oh wise Prince Theon '' the woman said mockingly ''You have not been in these isles for ten years yet you presume to know so much, what a humble lordling.''

Dalton sighed ''The islands are as our god made them. Men fish in the sea and die, women die in beds of blood and the wind rages alongside the waters at shore. Tell me, what is it that has changed so much ?' speak quickly woman, i have to go see my lord father. His son and heir must present in the feast he is to host.''

The woman looked amused ''Son and *heir* ? you have a sister and three uncles, and they say she has taken chainmail for a dress and an axe for a husband.'' Dalton looked confused ''Yes, what of it? i fail to see the issue. Female captains have existed in the past, it is the steel that kills not the cock. If my sister is a warrior who am i to put her in silk? I am not a mainlander. As for my uncles? Aeron i have met and i know no man more godly. His voice will always be heard, Victarion i am told is a loyal and brave captain. The crow´s eye though...'' Theon´s memories always had a feeling of sheer terror around Euron Crow´s eye ... Dalton however was not a child like Theon had been , and he was no craven ''The crow´s eye is exiled for years.''

The woman seemed quite surprised ''So you do not see them as threats then? '' Dalton replied piously ''Ironmen should not harm ironmen. And they are my kin on top. Now out of my way Esgred. I have to be at Pyke soon.''

Esgred laughed aloud'' I am going as well lordling.'' Dalton shot her a glare ''I did not allow you, did I?'' Esgred smirked ''And since when did i require your permission, dear *brother*? Balon´s daughter should always be able to see her own father right ?''

''Asha ?...you are Asha ?'' Theon´s memories remembered her as a girl full of pimples and nothing else...

''Yes. I wanted to do a little test here ... i wanted to see who you were'' snickered ''And i have''

Dalton seemed curious ''And your conclusion is ?''

''Our Nuncle Victarion with a brain, that and some lust.''

Dalton frowned ''Is... that your way of complimenting or insulting me ?''

She smiled ''Decide for yourself, little brother.''

...

Lord Balon´s feast had been quick and dry. Dalton had gone with Victarion and Aeron . To plan for the invasion. Asha had tried to humiliate him with some offhanded comment about fleeing from the drink. To which Dalton replied that he would drink a sweeter wine quite soon. The one taken from a defeated foe.

Victarion Greyjoy was a beast of a man. Dalton had scarcely seen a stronger or bigger man. He was , however , not very bright. Victarion was loyal and dutiful with skiil at war and sailing...that was enough for Dalton, Victarion would be his right hand in the future. Even if he was grim and silent most of the time. Barely engaging in conversation.

Their plan , that was to be pitched to the captains at Nagga´s holy hill when Balon Greyjoy crowned himself for the second time , was quite simple in truth. Lord Tywin Lannister was pinned in Harrenhal , between him and the westerlands there were all the armies of the north and the riverlands...he was also pulled to the south by Renly Baratheon and Stannis gave him many sleepless nights Dalton was sure. Dorne would march now as well....the West laid undefended and ripe for the taking.

Dalton would personally command a fleet of Longships and raid Lannisport. It was the obvious move. Dalton would use this opportunity to capture , not burn , but capture the Lannister fleet and make it part of his own. Lannisport was the wealthiest city of the west and it´s sacking would be a devastating blow to the Lannisters.

Victarion would take the iron fleet and seize the Fair Isle before sacking castles near the coast such as the crag and the banefort. Ideally the fleets of House Farman of Fair Isle would be captured instead of burned as well. The Ironmen had the advantage of surprise after all. Fair isle would serve as a base of sorts , where they would regroup safely after every raid , away from any potential counterattack.

Asha was to seize Kayce and set up a siege at Casterly Rock. The objective of this siege was not to take the castle , more as it was meant to tarnish the Lannister image, after all , if the Old lion had lost his son and his home is being burned and the crown jewel of the west is under threat , then perhaps he was not so fearsome after all. Dalton could not help but laugh at the image of Tywin Lannister with his pride wounded. Lannisters were never the humblest of houses , quite the opposite in fact.

There was one slight issue , convincing the captains. Surely it won´t be that hard ? ''Except those reformist cravens,'' He growled in annoyance. He hated reformists.

Chapter Text

''Robb'' Jon said ''Remaining in Riverrun is no longer an option.''

His brother nodded in understanding. Jon had little doubt that Robb had realized their need to take action, he was the better of the two when it came to war.

For the last couple sennights, The northern army had remained encamped at Riverrun, with the exception of the contingent under the command of Roose Bolton, which had managed to reform itself at the twins after the defeat at the Green Fork. Lord Hornwood had been killed in the fighting. Making his son Daryn the new lord Hornwood. He had suffered some wounds at the battle of the whispering woods but had proved his bravery. A castellan would take up the duties of ruling the keep while Daryn fought in the war.

The Riverlords however were thirsting for revenge and blood. Robb had given them leave to march and retake their own castles. It had been a success, though one that had come at a great cost. The raiders of Gregor Clegane had inflicted massive casualties with hit-and-run strikes while taking almost none. Jonos Bracken had even been wounded with an arrow to the shoulder and, though the castles were retaken, the Lannisters always made sure to burn down the keep before retreating. Leaving nothing but ash.

Some peace terms had been offered between the two sides...but nothing came of it. Jon did feel an inkling of gratitude when his father´s bones had been returned.''The bones are not the man''

His presence at his brother´s side had been questioned in the great hall of Riverrun. Jon remembered that moment when some middling Riverlord had asked why a bastard was seated among great lords. Jon had immediately been ready to throw some angry words in return. But Robb had spoken first with a cold but calm tone. Saying simply that they had chosen him King. Now they abide by his decisions. And his decision was to have Jon at his side. Robb had even offered to legitimize him afterward, but Jon had refused he wanted it, of course, but only when he had made a reputation. As of now, he had done his fair share in the whispering woods and burned a siege tower at the battle of the camps, not a bad start.

Though the Lords were wrong on one count. Jon did not sit among them as much as he sat above them. Robb listened to all their advice in war meetings, yet his final decision was always made here on a smaller council with Jon, his mother and the Blackfish. Jon understood why. The weight of a crown was crushing his brother´s head, it was telling that he never wore it unless required and constantly adjusted it with discomfort whenever he did wear it.

''Aye'' Said the Blackfish with his usual gruff tone ''Even after your victory here, lords still see you as a green boy and expect Renly or Stannis to deal with Lord Tywin. Stay here for any longer and they will whisper that you fear him''

Robb sighed ''Yet attempting to siege Harrenhal would be the height of foolishness...with these rumors of a second Lannister army being mustered up by Ser Stafford, our only option is to attack the west.''

''We are not the only ones with quarrels against the Lannisters'' said Jon ''We should send envoys to treat with Renly Baratheon, if we could forge an alliance with him, Lord Tywin would be surrounded from north and south.''

''Perhaps...though it irks me. Renly is an usurper and a traitor with no right to the throne'' replied Robb

''And if we lose this war we will be as well'' answered Jon ''Make no mistake brother, we are rebelling against the rightful king. Son of our last king. Yet I doubt you consider yourself a traitor. Joffrey lost his right to rule over us when he murdered our father. Aerys lost his when he murdered Elbert Arryn, our uncle and grandfather. Robert Baratheon was wholly in the right to revolt against the mad king, and so are we now. Joffrey is not a god he is just an entitled little brat.''

''I would be the envoy'' said Catelyn Tully. Jon had been finding it easier and easier to be near the woman without feeling any fear. After fighting some battles, the glares she sent his way seemed tame in comparison. He doubted she appreciated his presence...but was blissfully quiet about it, to his face at least. What she said to Robb behind closed doors, Jon had no idea. ''I am of high enough birth that it will not seem an insult to send me .... and I am not needed here on the battlefield.''

Robb sat still for a moment ...'' yes... we can do that...we will do one more thing as well, however...''

The table they sat on had a map of Westeros on it. Robb put his thumb right on top of the West ''Lord Tywin has spent far too much time bringing ruin to my grandfather´s...*my* lands. We will repay him with the same coin.''

Robb turned his gaze to the Riverlands ''How many horsemen do we still have Jon ?''

''A little over 6.000, brother. They are not enough to face off against the 20.000 troops of Lord Tywin.''

''Nor would I expect them to.'' Replied Robb cooly ''Lord Tywin´s army is mostly foot, right uncle ?"'

Brynden Tully nodded ''My scouts have confirmed it. He has some cavalry, but less than our own. And most of these horses are being used by the raiders of Ser Gregor.''

''This is what I think we should do ...'' Robb pointed at Riverrun ''Jon and I will march to the west with our cavalry, we will devastate their lands...up until the Golden tooth. If Lord Tywin wishes to rally a second army then I must face it now, before they can muster up more soldiers....''

Brynden Tully had a worried expression ''Lord Tywin would leave Harrenhal at once if you struck his homeland. You would be trapped between the Golden Tooth and his army...leave the rest of your troops with me Nephew. I will mount a defense here at the Red Fork and stop any crossing.''

''Of course'' Replied Robb ''Lord Tywin´s vassals will not follow him if he cannot protect his home. As long as i can burn down the west whilst you block him off Tywin will look weak. And he rules through fear not love if he looks weak his lords will turn cloak...in the happening that this second Lannister army comes to hunt us, we will give them a merry chase up and down the west with our horses.''

''Have we any news of lord Stannis ?'' asked Jon

Brynden laughed ''The only news we have as of late is about a red comet and dragons hatching from the east.''

''We need not concern ourselves with fantasies'' said Robb flatly ''Dismissed.''

The Blackfish and Robb left the room quickly, Jon was getting out of his chair when Catelyn Stark spoke.

''Jon'' she said with her harsh tone. He was a bit surprised, she never called him by name. Only ''the bastard'' or ''snow'' if she was feeling kind that day

''Yes, Lady Stark ?'' he replied in a dry tone. Jon really had better things to do than deal with His half-brother´s mother.''Let us be frank here. You know i dislike you , you know I do not approve of my son having you at his side at all times.''

Jon almost wanted to laugh at her bluntness ''But you march with him off to war'' she continued ''Swear to me, right here and right now, that you will not betray him, that you will not let harm befall him. I may not like you but by the seven you are a better companion to my son than whatever monster Theon has turned into. Swear these things on the honor of your father, swear on the honor of lord Eddard Stark.''

Jon did not hesitate for even a second ''I swear. From the west either I return with Robb , or I do not return at all.''

Chapter Text

The silence was silent.

That was by design, Euron could not stand the prattling and chattering of lesser men. Those who did not understand how insignificantly small they were, how small humanity itself was, the absolute despair of knowing that the gods themselves were nothing but lies and that after death nothing followed. Only silence. Always silence.

But Euron knew he had always known. As a child, he oft dreamt of flying...one day a three-eyed crow had come to him in a dream and had told Euron to leap from the tower on which he stood...Euron lept without a moment of hesitation and he fell and fell and fell...but the ground never came. The crow rejected him in the end, waking Euron from his dream before he had reached its conclusion...but it was too late.

Euron saw things

Euron Learned things.

Euron had felt a taste of power like none other...yet his feeble mind of a child could not understand it. However, he never forgot the three-eyed crow.

Euron thought the crow was a god. He wanted the crow to return to him in a dream, yet the crow never came. Euron thought to call him, each night from his tower at Pyke he would scream for the crow to return. But he never did. Euron then thought that the best way to call for a god would be to break his commandments, after all, what god would allow his rules to be broken without punishment? Euron was a smart boy, he knew that the greatest crime against the gods was to slay kin.

Euron was a smart boy, he knew that his little brother Robin Greyjoy was a soft-headed dull...all it took was a few words to convince Robin to follow him to the beach at night.

Euron was a smart boy, he knew that getting caught meant the wall or death. So he held his brother´s nostrils shut and closed his mouth so that he could not beg for help, watching as the life was squeezed out of him, as the despair consumed him, and his eyes pleaded for a mercy that would never come.

Neither did the crow come. No god struck him down, no punishment was inflicted upon him. Euron hid his brother´s body and slept soundly in his bed. He had no dreams of flight or of his brother. When Euron closed his eyes there was nothing but the dark. And silence, always silence.

''Perhaps the crow did not notice the death of Robin ?'' he had thought, now as a youth of five and ten. ''He was always such an idiot, not even a god could notice he died''

So Euron made more tests, more attempts to catch the Crow´s eye. He killed two more brothers, Harlon and another that Euron could not even bother to remember the name. Then there was Aeron, his sweet little brother. Euron might have been a child when the crow came, but he never forgot what he saw... how to slip inside the skin of a man and inside his mind. Making him nothing better than a doublet to wear, a puppet to control, and a slave to use.

Euron would come to his little brother´s chambers every night, the ones Aeron shared with Urrigon. Euron would open the door slowly, he would open the rusted iron hinge with grace and calmness...he would play a game with them. They would pray to a god, any god of their choosing, and Euron would wait for an hour or so to be struck down. If that did not happen, he would slip inside the skin of either Aeron or Urrigon and make them use each other as a woman, alternating between the brothers every night. He would make sure to close their mouths in the act. There must be silence, always silence.

At some point, Urrigon began to pray to Euron. At first, he had thought it a nice jest...and rewarded the boy with quiet sleep. But then realization struck him: The crow would not stop him, the drowned god would not stop him and neither would the seven. He wielded power that most men would struggle to even comprehend and had committed heresy and sacrilege whenever he could get away with it.

Yet none ever came to stop him.

There were no gods, only power.

And Euron had the power of a god.

Euron *was* God.

It had been a three-eyed crow that had granted him power, it had been the third eye Euron was sure...so he had the crow´s eye.

Euron *was* the Crow´s eye.

Euron was the first to convince Balon to rebel against the Iron Throne and crown himself

Euron knew there was power in the blood of a king, yet that power derived from belief. Though he was a descendant of the old iron kings , his blood was still seen as only that of a lord

Men believed in gods, so gods had power

Men believed in kings, so kings had power

Men believed that Balon Greyjoy was king, and thus Euron had the blood of a king by virtue of being his brother.

He gave them a plan, to burn the fleets of lord Tywin Lannister at their anchor in Lannisport. His pathetic siblings all muttered among themselves that lord Tywin was a fearsome man, but Euron could only laugh. What was a lion to a god? Victarion executed the plan perfectly, his younger sibling had always been like a bull, unstoppable, but with a need for directions otherwise he would trip and stumble. And he tripped into a trap laid out by Stannis Baratheon at the fair isle.

Outside of Euron´s plan, the Ironmen won no victories.

Outside of Euron´s plan, they knew only defeat.

Outside of Euron´s plan, his two nephews were slain and a third was taken hostage.

Outside the plan of god, nothing could succeed.

With the blood of kings now secured, Euron had thought to claim as many salt wives and sire as many children as possible. Raiding and reaving on lands as distant as Asshai and Ibb, meeting a thousand gods and slaughtering their followers.

Euron proved their gods were not real

Euron proved he was the only real god.

There is power in sacrifice

There is power in the blood of kings

Euron was a smart and cautious man. He knew it was always best to keep spares of his children in case a sacrifice needed to be performed. The nephews of a king had his blood. The nephews of a king would suffice for any sacrifice.

Euron always made sure to cut off the tongues of any thralls added to his crew. their communication was unnecessary, Euron would slip into their mind and order them around. He was god and he knew how to maximize the efficiency of all things. There must always be silence, always silence.

Euron had not seduced the wife of Victarion when he laid with her, he had simply slipped into her mind. To see his dullard of a brother emasculated had been entertaining enough, worth even the exile that Brother Balon landed on him.

Euron had no need for them.

Euron had need of Aeron, his sweet Aeron. His brother who had turned to a false god in response to seeing the true one.

Euron had need to make him his prophet and leal servant, Aeron was the only one to see the true eye of god, the crow´s eye.

Aeron had the blood of a holy man, the blood of a holy man had power.

Euron spent the next year at sea, raiding and plundering and raping. He went farther than any before him had gone at sea

Euron had gone as far as Asshai, Euron had gone through the smoking sea and into Old Valyria, the doomed. Euron found there a horn, a beautiful thing of death and chaos. A horn that bound dragons to his will, he had found the egg of a dragon and yet not even god could make it hatch. He found a sword of Valyrian steel and a set of armor of the same material. All these things Euron found in Old Valyria where no man had dared set foot. And even now that fact had not changed. For it had been a god who set foot there over 400 years after it´s doom.

Euron drank shade of the evening till his lips were blue.

Euron drank the shade to see things, Euron would drink and every time without fail he would be atop the very same tower he had leaped from so many years ago. But this time there was no crow to tell him what to do, no crow to command him, and no crow to speak to his god as if he were an equal. There must always be silence for Euron, always silence.

He never flew like the crow had promised, every night Euron would fall and fall and fall. Every time his fall was different , every time Euron had a new experience to absorb and learn from.

Euron saw things , though most did not concern him.

Euron heard things, though most did not concern him.

Euron saw something that concerned him.

Euron heard something that concerned him.

A song he heard in his fall.

A Song of ice and fire.

Euron was god, and as god, he had decreed that there would be silence, always silence. He had not given permission for this song to be sung, he was cross with its performers.

Euron would silence this song, and the performers of this song of ice and fire would have their tongues cut and serve as a sacrifice to their only true god the Crow´s eye.

There would be silence, there must always be silence for Euron Greyjoy.

A Kraken he saw in his fall.

A red and horrible and monstrous Kraken.

The Kraken was immense, it dragged men to their doom. The Kraken was evil, it brought only death, misery, and ruin. The Kraken would paint Westeros with the color red and drown as many as he could. The Kraken enjoyed blood and slaughter and murder.

Euron was a smart man. Euron knew who the Kraken was, Euron knew things, Euron Learned things.

In the sky flew a red comet. Euron was a smart man, Euron knew things, Euron Learned things.

The comet heralded the return of magic to the world. It meant the return of dragons. Dragons, those creatures of myth and legend , Dragons , those creatures that had so far eluded the grasp of god.

Perhaps his horn would finally have some use after all.

Euron was God

Euron was the Storm

Euron was the first Storm and the Last

Chapter Text

Balon Greyjoy was crowned King of the Iron Islands, Son of the sea wind, King of salt and rock, and Master of the sunset sea on the Grassy hill where the ribs of Nagga rose from the earth in the island of Old Wyk.

Every captain had been present, male or female, highborn or lowborn. There were so many that there was not sufficient space in the hill itself, and some had to watch the coronation from aboard their ships. The crown was made of driftwood like the crowns of the first kings of the islands and been placed by a holy man Aeron Greyjoy. Kings, great and terrible, big and small, had worn these driftwood crowns. From Qhored Hoare, who had conquered the western coasts of the mainland to Harmund III, whose sole accomplishment had been a foolish attempt at converting the isles before being deposed by his brother and having his Lannister mother mutilated.

''Which King will Balon be ?'' Dalton wondered. Theon´s father did not seem to be the brightest, but outside of the bout of cowardice with Tywin Lannister, he seemed brave enough. Even if foolish. The iron islands had better in the past, but worse as well. A question that was not being asked, however, is whether the crowd enjoyed the sight of their old king who used the title for a single summer, reclaiming his crown for a second time. ''Let us hope it lasts longer this time'' He thought with no small amusement. He was right beside his father and sister on the hill whilst the Damphair performed the ceremony.

''WHAT IS DEAD MAY NEVER DIE !'' howled the priest

''BUT RISES AGAIN, HARDER AND STRONGER !'' answered the captains, with so much fervor it was as if the whole world shook.

''BALON''

''BALON''

''BALON''

''THE IRON KING !''

''THE TWICE CROWNED !''

Dalton couldn´t help but smile at the chants. Over one hundred years had passed since his death, but his people remained the same rowdy folk. He remembered the very same day he had been cowardly murdered by a *whore*, he had received a similar ovation. He also remembered his pledges to attack the shield islands, Oldtown, Driftmark, and even Sunspear. Perhaps he would do it now with this second chance at life? Though not Driftmark. After the death of the Sea Snake that place had gone into ruin, their only claim to power being shared kinship with the Targaryens. However, those incestuous degenerates had also been scattered to the winds after the death of their dragons. Dalton understood and approved polygamy, but every man knows fucking your sibling is wrong.

Asha unseathed her sword and screamed ''HAIL YOUR KING! HAIL BALON! BALON THE BRAVE !''

The captains continued their chanting but Dalton paid more attention to his sister. She was quite the mystery for him. She seemed a reformer, yet had no problems raiding plundering, and sacking. She had not enjoyed the change of plans from an assault on the north to an attack on the West., claiming the islands needed lands and not loot. If Asha had her way, the Ironmen would have allied with the Lannisters and attacked the North in exchange for either complete dominion or at least good chunks of it like Cape Kraken, the Stony Shore, and Bear Island. She had not had her way. But she seemed always to follow the lead of her father, this made Dalton soften somewhat, something rare for him, he had not known his father for very long and could see the girl deeply loved Balon. Though she was not blind to his faults in any way.

Balon Greyjoy lifted his hand, telling the captains to stop. That he wished to speak. The crown was heavy on his head.

''IRONMEN !'' He began ''For too long the mainlanders have Oppressed us! For too long we have plowed in the fields and toiled in the mines as Thralls. 10 years ago we rose up and lost. But What is dead may never die and We have risen again, HARDER AND STRONGER! King Robert is dead and his Brood of half-Lion pups sit besieged by their uncles and the wolves. We will take all our rights that have for so long been denied to us! We Will reave and pillage like the Drowned god made us to do, We will claim Thralls and Salt wives like the Drowned god made us to do. The Old Lion is pinned in Harrenhal, we will do like The Last Reaver and the Red Kraken before him and assault the Westerlands. Castle by castle, village by village they will be raided one by one! We will pay the Iron Price like we were always meant to !''

Dalton looked at the captains one by one, gauging their reactions. Most seemed satisfied, ecstatic even, for a chance to loot and plunder. Dunstan Drumm, Andrik the unsmiling, Nute the barber, Red Ralf, Rymolf Stormdrunk, and many more. Others looked far less thrilled, those with the scythe of Harlaw or the sigil of Blacktyde especially. Dalton´s breath hitched when he saw a Harlaw man wielding Nightfall.

That was *his* sword. He had taken it as a child from a dead pirate, it belonged to his house, in his hand. He had always assumed that Nightfall had simply been lost to time after his death... not that it had fallen into the hands of the Harlaws...Dalton wanted to kill this man and pay the iron price for his sword...''Yet the drowned god has spoken, ironmen must never harm ironmen'' All Dalton could hope was that the man did justice for his beautiful wonderful sword. It still had the same moonstone pommel with a golden Kraken symbol that he had made a captured smith forge.

Harlaw was not the biggest of the isles. But it was the richest and most populous. The power of lord Rodrik Harlaw was not to be despised or ignored. Dalton had heard few things about this lord Rodrik who was known as ''the reader''. Most of them did not paint the picture of a great warrior or raider, yet Dalton would need this man all the same. Not everything was lost, not at all, Theon was Rodrik´s nephew. Surely he would support his own blood? He had also heard that Lord Rodrik loved his niece Asha above all else.

The loss of the Blacktydes concerned him little, Lord Baelor Blacktyde had been taken as a hostage to Oldtown after Balon´s first rebellion and had converted to the seven there. He may keep his captains in line for some time, but once the loot of easy victories started to pour in they would join the raiding out of their own initiative. Every captain is king in his own ship after all.

It did warm his heart to see his fellow ironborn all united like it had been during his time. All of them, just itching to write their names into legend with fire and sword. To join the ranks of the greatest warriors known to these lands. Dalton had written his own name there in his first life, now he would write Theon´s. The mainlanders would learn that what was dead could never die and that no matter how many times they attempted to rid themselves of the ironmen, They would always, without fail, rise again. Harder and Stronger.

...
''You wished to speak with me Nuncle ?'' he asked to Lord Rodrik Harlaw.

Rodrik was an average-looking man with brown hair, brown eyes, and a short neat grey beard. Lord Harlaw also had some strange myrish lens to assist with his vision. He called them ''Glasses''. Dalton struggled to understand how such a thing functioned.''Sorcery most likely'' he thought. All Ironmen knew that books and tomes were sources for sorceries and magic rituals that could be performed by evil vile men. Whether Lord Rodrik was one such man or whether he read about other , more mundane , topics remained to be seen.

''I did'' Harlaw answered Drily ''So did your lady mother yet you come only to me and not her.''

Dalton felt no attachment towards Theon´s mother, Alannys Harlaw. He had no political reasons to see her and no personal ones either ...but the woman was the sister of lord Rodrik, it was best to speak of her with some respect ''I do not have time as of now, we sail to war so very soon, yet i promise to speak with her once the fighting is done.'' Dalton made a brief pause ''Nuncle, what exactly is it you called me here for ?''

Rodrik Harlaw replied calmly and with an even tone ''I will be blunt with you nephew. Asha has already told me about your...beliefs and such. About the old way and the new. And you are your father´s heir, without question if the rumors about your slaying of Jaime are true ?''

''They are'' Dalton answered proudly.''Jaime Lannister was killed by my axe and the armor i will wear into battle was forged from his.''

Rodrik nodded ''Well then. The old way is dead nephew, and despite what the Damphair might tell you, what is dead stays dead.''

Dalton felt as if this man had slapped him right in the face, he grits his teeth and speaks in a slightly more aggressive tone ''Would you care to elaborate, *dear* nuncle ?''

''Yes'' Rodrik replied '' Yes i would. The Old way is dead nephew. It died with Harren the Black When Aegon Targaryen and his sister-wives conquered the seven kingdoms. We cannot stand against a united seven kingdoms, it is simply not feasible. It does not take a bright mind to figure such a thing out, but in case you needed an example, your father has provided us with one in his last failed rebellion. We will have no problems assaulting the West i do not doubt that ... fair isle, Lannisport, the Crag, all these will be burned and sacked...but not taken. We will remain stuck in this endless cycle of delay and backwardness.''

Rodrik sounded more passionate now ''I say enough of that. What we require is either new territories where we can acquire new resources permanently or closer ties to the mainland. We are at a crossroads Theon. Right now our islands have a singular chance to reach a new high, Renly, Robb Stark, and Tywin Lannister, we are in a position to help or destroy all three of them and demand some form of recompense. And that is what we shall do dear nephew, i apologize for strongarming you like this but I have allies. Allies that are not content to simply reave and rape without forethought, who wish to build a future for themselves, for their houses and their children.''

Dalton narrowed his eyes ''Who are these...*allies* of yours , and what do they want ?'' He could more or less guess what the Harlaw was getting at, but he wanted it confirmed to him.

Rodrik sighed ''Harlaw, Blacktyde, Botley and more do not doubt. A little less than half of the power of the islands, sweet nephew. You will need to appease us. We have some..demands. I would have preferred it was Asha´s plan that prevailed instead of yours, that way we could have claimed lands instead of merely looting. But that milk has been spilled and undermining King Balon will do us no good now. Robb Stark sent you as an envoy, you will relay some terms for the support of the Iron Islands to him. , that is within your power to do, correct ?''

''It is'' Dalton answered drily

''Good'' Rodrik said ''Tell him we will want Logging rights with the north and trading deals with the Riverlands among some other economically minded things. I do not expect you to understand these things, but I have them written here.'' Harlaw held a piece of parchment in his hand '' to ensure these deals and alliances are kept, we would require a marriage.''

''No'' Dalton growled ''I have a salt-wife already.''

''No'' Rodrik corrected ''You have a whore. That is what you have, a whore you captured in battle and rape when you feel stressed'' Dalton went red with anger for a moment but made an inhuman effort to stay calm. This man understood nothing of the bond of a man and his salt-wife.''When this war is over'' Dalton thought ''I will have more wives than men can count.''

''Your disgusting behavior aside'' Rodrik continued drily ''It was not your hand i wished to barter, though I would suggest you forge some alliance with it in the future. There are no available females for you to wed that are of sufficiently high birth and station in the north or trident. Arya Stark is betrothed to a Frey and Sansa Stark is a prisoner. No, it was your sister´s hand I wished to give away.''

''She is your niece! My sister, and yet you sell her like cattle ?''

''I love and treasure Asha. More than you, in fact, Theon. But we must all do our duty, and she will be no exception. I would want her Wed to Edmure Tully, they are of similar age, and he would tie the Riverlands to us. Her children would be cousins of Robb Stark and Robert Arryn who is the lord of the Eyrie.''

Dalton laughed and laughed ''Edmure Tully? Asha will devour him whole. He is a weakling. Besides, why are you bringing this to me? it is my father who has the authority to give her hand away, and what of Asha herself? do you think she will accept this?''

''You are the one who can relay these terms to Robb Stark is why.'' Said Rodrik in a very unworried tone '' As for your father? i made a foolish mistake 10 years ago when I failed to set my foot down and refused to participate in his foolish rebellion. I have enough support to force the issue this time. Asha will listen to me, she will whine and whine but I am her favorite uncle and she will do her duty. If Edmure Tully is a weakling as you say then she is more like to oppress him than the other way around. The north and the Riverlands are our natural allies, the three kingdoms cover the weaknesses of one another, and the north provides us with wood and resources while we give them a fleet and an army that can be quickly mobilized unlike theirs. The Riverlands provide us food while we can defend their borders from the west and the reach by opening a second war front with our Longships. And if we are truly to follow the path of independence we must break the iron throne first.''

Dalton sighed, frustrated. He had not built much of a connection with his sister, yet she was still a Greyjoy and his kin. He did not enjoy selling her away like this...yet his revenge was more important now. ''Fine nuncle, I will send Stark the damned terms.''

''One more thing, you will name me regent of the Iron Islands when it is your time to rule after Balon.''

Dalton nodded. This was a light term and he could not care less for it. If his nuncle wished to count coppers whenever he was not sitting in the seastone chair, then Dalton would make no effort to stop him. He remembered something now , a question he needed to ask. ''Nuncle, i saw one of your men with the sword Nightfall, may i know his name ?''

Rodrik seemed amused ''You know the sword just by seeing it? well, you know your history it seems.''

''Nightfall was taken by Dalton Greyjoy when he slew some corsairs from the stepstones. Now tell me, who is that man ?''

''My cousin, Ser Harras Harlaw.''

Ser. That made him a follower of the seven....yet... ''Nuncle, would the man mind being part of my crew? It is a great honor to sail alongside a prince after all...''

''No, he would not. And he is one of the better fighters here in the isles, it would be a tossup between him, Victarion, Andrik, and the Cleftjaw. Choosing him for your crew shows sense to you. Let us not forget his mother is from house Serret, the castle of Silverhill might yield to us without a fight if he is present.''

''Oh, why thank you nuncle...thank you very much...''

....

Dagmer Cleftjaw was not a pretty man. That much was for certain. He had a hideous scar where an axe had hit him. Yet Dalton liked this man very much. He was brave fierce and of good humor on top of being loyal. A smile from Cleftjaw reminds whatever it was that remained of Theon of many good things. His hair was white, his teeth were rotten and yet he still had a taste for glory.

''Theon my boy !'' Said Dagmer with his gruff tone, smelling of ale.'' How I have missed you!''

''I have as well Cleftjaw'' Dalton answered happily ''Still telling lies about how your jaw was cracked ?'' Dagmer laughed ''LIES ?! I should have you whipped for that boy! I tell only the truth, my jaw was split in half and I pushed the two halves together until they healed !''

''Aye, if you say so,'' Dalton said with great amusement. Dagmer looked at him with a fatherly gaze ''Jaime Lannister eh?"' Dalton nodded and Dagmer smiled brightly ''When I first put a sword in your hand, I always knew you were no craven...but not even I expected you to get so far. You make me proud, Theon.''

Dalton smiled too ''I learned from Balon´s best man. Nuncle Cleftjaw''

Dagmer seemed very pleased with himself ''You just know how to make this old man´s heart melt, Theon.''

''Aye, that I do'' Dalton sounded more serious now ''How many ships have we gathered already? Is the crew prepared?'' Dagmer shrugged ''70 give or take, we will reach 80 when Harras gets here with his fancy sword. The crew is old and experienced, everyone here has paid the iron price before. Though I do notice you refused your uncle´s offer to lend you his steerman. May I know why , *prince* Theon?''

Dalton answered while looking at his own ship, the Nagga´s wroth. It was more or less the same size as Dagmer´s foamdrinker. ''Because no man knows the waters between Pyke and Lannisport as I do, Cleftjaw'' Dagmer raised his eyebrow in confusion ''But you have never sailed these ways, how is that possible ?''

Dalton gave him an amused chuckle and patted his back friendly ''Just trust me Cleftjaw, I have my ways. We will come back with gold and Western women to warm our beds. That and glory, plenty of glory.''

''The glory is always the best part nephew, so many songs about how my Jaw was Cleft and all of them true! HAHAHAHAHA''

Dalton rolled his eyes

...

It was night and the ships sailed through the water quietly and in a horizontal formation. Not a sound was made, Dalton had ordered the men to shut their mouths or be drowned. The oars had been muffled no man dared make a move lest his chainmail rattle. Lannisport stood there by the distance, the second richest city of the west. A true jewel of House Lannister. It stood undefended by any army, the only able fighting men present would be the city guard...they were certainly fierce when compared to the deplorable gold cloaks. The old lion would not allow indiscipline in his ranks if it did not suit him. Yet they had no chance against the 7.500 ironmen that prowled the waves like hungry wolves.

Ser Harras was in the longship to Dalton´s left. ''The knight of Grey Garden'' he was called. Dalton had begrudgingly admitted the man was worthy of his blade even if he was too soft and Greenlander for his taste. Harras knew what he was doing in a fight and was a real threat with Nightfall, though Dalton was sure that Harras was not on the same level that he had been.

Dagmer only stared mockingly at the Lannister city who did not even know what was about to happen ... the scouts had yet to spot their fleet and Dalton would let his ships get as close as possible before making any noise.

Greyjoy wore his plate armor. The one he had forged from the armor of the Kingslayer. It was black with a golden Kraken in it. Comfortable and light , Dalton did not feel in any way slowed when using it.

The Lannister fleet was anchored at the docks they would land in. Dalton had been careful to instruct his men not to burn these ships. They were all warships of acceptable quality, numbering in the 40 to 50 range. It would be a great boon to add these ships to his own personal fleet. Victarion had the iron fleet, Dalton would have this one. Longships were useful for raiding but, while not useless, were certainly not as adequate when it came to a naval battle. Casterly rock was in also in sight. Standing above all things like the ageless mountain it had been built upon.

Swords, spears, and axes his men held. All wore some form of protection. No ironman feared drowning. However the ones who possessed helmets were much fewer in number. Some spear tips reflected the moonlight and shone ever so slightly from the polish. ''A man who cares for his weapons will be cared by them when the time comes'' The experience of his men was made clear in their attitude. While all of them felt excitement, they kept it to themselves. The silence was needed for now. Dalton gripped his axe while his hands trembled with an urge to kill. The other hand holding the horn in his hip, he also had a shield nearby. Their attack would begin so soon...Dalton was had not been jesting when he said no man knew the paths of the waters like he. They had reached Lannisport two days ahead of schedule. ''A boon from the drowned god''

Closer and closer the ships got...closer and closer.''Just a little more.''

A Lannister patrolman´s eyes widened in shock ''KRAKENS! KRAKENS! SOUND THE BELLS LANNISPORT IS UNDER ATTACK! KRAKENS !''

''Bout damn time'' grumbled the Cleftjaw who then turned around to look at his crew ''Listen here ya sons of bitches, remember the words! TAKE WHAT YOU CAN AND GIVE NOTHIN´BACK!''

''Warrior give me strenght'' muttered Harlaw.

Dalton blew the horn and then threw it away afterward, raising his axe and grabbing the shield ''SECURE THE DOCKS! CAPTURE THEIR SHIPS! SHOW NO MERCY! NO MERCY! ''

''NO MERCY'' Echoed his men whilst hitting the ship with their spears or their shields with their axes and shields.

''WHAT IS DEAD MAY NEVER DIE, BUT RISES AGAIN, HARDER AND STRONGER. NOW KILL THEM ALL!''

Arrows flew from the walls with no effect as shields blocked every single one of them, the Lannisters were fighting a doomed fight. But they were manly enough to die before surrendering. Dalton would happily grant them this wish.

His longships crashed at the docks, smashing the wood with their iron rams, producing a sound that could only be described as melodious to Dalton Greyjoy. The momentum of the ships dragged them up on the land where Dalton jumped into with one swift motion. His men followed suit. They had landed. The lannisters realized their inferior numbers meant the docks were a lost cause and had retreated into a choke point that gave access to the inner city. ''Smart'' Dalton thought drily.

He directed around 500 men to capture the Lannister fleet while the remaining seven thousand stayed with him. Many began to throw ladders and grappling hooks up on the walls and climb hoping that the sheer speed and surprise of their attack would allow them to quickly overwhelm their opponents who were the men of Ser Harras. Dalton´s contingent alongside the Cleftjaw´s continued the attack from below. Meeting a Lannister defense that had formed around a choke. Dalton knew how to deal with this.

''SHIELD WALL'' He growled ''NOW !'' his men were quick to follow the command and met the Lannisters who had decided to copy his tactics with much less success. The Guardsmen were not weak or lacking in coordination, but they were guardsmen prepared to deal with organized rabble at most. Not experienced raiders. Their shield wall was hastily done and even then Dalton and his ironmen knew a way through it, he swung his axe from above, hooking the axe beard on the tip of the Lannister shield and then pulling down and killing the man like a pig.

''HAHAHA, THAT'S HOW I TAUGHT YA THEON !''

Harra´s contingent had now seized the walls and slain the archers that had been present there. His troops now rained spears at the Lannisters from above and some even dropped their weapons to secure bows and arrows to shoot. An even lesser amount put fire in these arrows and began shooting at the city itself to begin burning it. Dalton loved that smell of fire and ash.

''SHOOT !'' Yelled Harlaw

The Lannisters broke and their formation split down the middle, all their discipline left them and men began to run for their lives. Dalton hacked down three in quick succession with little resistance. Dagmer killed two and Harras continued ordering the firing of arrows.

''MEN ! RALLY! RETREAT FURTHER INTO THE CITY !'' that was screamed by some man wearing a lion sigil and armor of high quality. But by now it was too late for that.

Dalton´s ironmen began to break formation as well, with little consequence if truth be told. The battle was already won. They went from door to door burning and sacking, searching for women to take as salt wives and a precious few caused destruction simply for the fun of it. Caring little and less to take anything for themselves. Dalton would search for a salt wive of his own after the fight. It was his right as captain and leader of this attack to take the best woman and loot for himself. Betha had already tired him.

The Ironborn flooded every street, house was left unsearched or unburnt, no daughter unspoiled and no loot untaken. Dalton went on a massacre till his hair was dripping in blood and the golden Kraken in his armor was painted red. He was extremely pleased with the successful capture of the Lannister fleet. Only two ships had been hit by arrows by accident and burned in the fighting. Acceptable losses.

...

''You will regret this, Kraken'' Said the lady Genna Lannister in the chains she had been brought by his men ''When my brother Lord Tywin hears of this he will be as fast as the wind to save me.'' Her voice had so much pride and conviction. She was so fat that Dalton felt disgusted with her mere form, much less touch or bed her.

''You have doomed your house with this treacherous attack !'' Screeched Ser Daven Lannister. The one that had made a last-ditch attempt to rally the Lannister troops at the end.

''Oh really ?'' Dalton asked, amused. ''Let me teach you two a lesson: A lion might catch a stag , but a Kraken will capsize a ship whole. Lord Tywin is hundreds of miles away. Riverrun, the Red Fork, and the armies of Robb Stark lay between him and us. It is my wrath that you two should fear...but not for long do not worry.''

Dalton turned to Dagmer ''pass the Lannister woman around the soldiers. Ugly she may be but having sex with a highborn will not be an opportunity that presents itself very often for them. Afterward, kill her.''

Genna Lannister was unable to speak in her shock.

''YOUR GRACE! P..PRINCE THEON !''' Said Ser Harras with sweat on his brow ''I...I ADVISE AGAINST THIS! THIS...THIS IS EVIL! IT BRINGS US NOTHING BUT THE LOSS OF A HOSTAGE''

Dalton waved him off and aswered drily ''Just because you are cockless does not mean our soldiers are.''

Dagmer laughed and dragged her off while the woman screamed for mercy

''Y..you monster..'' whispered ser Daven

''As for you..'' Dalton grinned ''Someone fetch me a bucket and hold this idiot down.''

The soldiers did as they were told . They fetched a bucket of water and held down Daven Lannister by the legs and arms while Dalton drowned the Lannister by stepping on his head.

''May the drowned god accept this offering and sacrifice'' he said cheerfully before raising his sword and shouting ''WHAT IS DEAD MAY NEVER DIE !''

His soldiers repeated the chant

''WHAT IS DEAD MAY NEVER DIE !''

Chapter Text

Catelyn Tully Stark had left Riverrun to treat with Renly Baratheon a fortnight ago.

So much had changed so fast, were it two moons ago she would have had a husband, her elder daughter would have been the future queen, and her younger girl, Her willful Arya would have been surely making a fuss in King´s Landing. Now her Ned was dead and her two girls in the cruel grips of the Lannisters. Now her son was a king and lords, high and low, looked to him for guidance. She would happily see him give away that crown if it meant Sansa and Arya returned.

Only a day before she departed from Riverrun, a raven had arrived, addressed to Robb, from Pyke. Seeing as he was not present. Having left on a march only a couple of days past, her father and uncle had taken it upon themselves to read it. A proposal of alliance from *King* Balon Greyjoy. The terms were, mostly, commercial. Catelyn considered herself an efficient administrator...but she was not a haggler and could not decipher these numbers and regulations.

What she could understand was the power grab in demanding a marriage between her brother Edmure Tully and Asha Greyjoy. She had shivered at that moment. All rivermen remember the cruelties performed by the Hoares and Black Harren even 300 years after their expulsion at the hands of Aegon Targaryen. Greyjoy or Hoare, they were ironmen all the same. A race of barbaric pirates who loved to reave rape and pillage. Yet she could not bring herself to care as long as they practiced their cruelties on the Lannisters. Catelyn was ashamed of it, but would not deny the statement. Perhaps that made her cruel.

Her father had jumped at the opportunity like the trout of House Tully. He had always been irked by Uncle Brynden´s and Edmure´s reluctance to wed. And now came a bride that offered another Kingdom to her house, and an excuse, in the form of the war, to convince her sweet and gentle brother to wed. Lord Hoster had done a passionate speech to Edmure, one of making sacrifices for the good of the people and all the gallant things that worked like magic in his head. Her poor brother had swallowed it up like sweet wine. Catelyn would not complain, the ironmen brought with them a fleet.

The few things she had heard of Asha had not been encouraging. A woman who fought alongside her male companions in the most unladylike fashion, one who had no qualms with the reaving and sacking performed by her cruel people. Catelyn´s brother was the exact opposite of these things, gentle, kind, and compassionate with more Heart than sense. The Greyjoy woman would swallow him whole.

Catelyn was sure that news of Ironborn sacking and raping the westerlands would come soon. That was good. She loathed to admit it but that was true , the stronger her son appeared, the more likely a deal could be struck with Renly...though if such news had not yet come, she would not let anything slip from her lips and potentially ruin a surprise attack.

''War truly has made monsters of us all'' she said aloud

''Has it milady ?'' Said a curious Ser Wendel Manderly ''I somehow doubt so, King Robb seems like an upstanding man. Brave and honorable as a king should be''

''Let us hope you are right.'' She replied drily as she looked over the Bitterbridge.

The amount of stationed troops was simply astounding, Catelyn could scarcely believe it. Tyrell, Florent, Rowan, Tarly, and Baratheon banners flew, it seemed as if all the chivalry of the south , from the reach and the Stormlands had answered the call of Renly. ''If only these swords were pointed at my son´s enemies...''

''My lady, do you hear this noise ?'' said Hallis Mollen

''Clapping'' She answered stupefied. Renly Baratheon was performing a Tourney in the middle of a war... what was the Man doing? While Lannisters ran around the Riverlands, it was her son who raised his sword in defense of the realm.

''Loras ! Loras ! HIGHGARDEN!'' Said a girly voice who Watched everything from atop a makeshift throne. The crown on her head made the Girl´s identity obvious.

''Margaery Tyrell , Renly´s queen.''

The Tourney met an unexpected end when Loras Tyrell was defeated by a *woman*. Brienne of Tarth. Catelyn had enough of these warrior women as of late. She knelt before Renly, asked him a boon, and was granted a spot in Renly´s rainbow guard. Catelyn sneered at the pretension of naming his own kingsguard after the seven . But thankfully none noticed it.

''Your Grace'' Catelyn said . Raising her voice so she could speak over the crowd.

Renly raised his eyebrow ''And you are ?...''

''Lady Catelyn Stark. Envoy of Robb Stark, Lord of Winterfell, and King in the North.''

''Lady Catelyn! You are very welcome here !'' Renly turned to look at his bride ''Margaery my dear , this is Lady Catelyn Stark of Winterfell.''
''I am very sorry for your loss'' said Margaery Tyrell , all soft with courtesy.
''Thank you'' Catelyn replied

''Once i take King´s Landing i will be sure to send you the head of Cersei Lannister.'' Said Renly with pride.

''Will that bring back my Ned ?"' She thought , but only said ''It will please me enough to know that Justice was done my lord.''

''Your *Grace'''' Said Brienne ''Renly is a king , address him by his title.''

Catelyn sounded cold now ''The difference between a lord and a *grace* is very small, and if we wish to stay here arguing titles, might i remind you all my son is king as well? It seems to be that speaking of what truly matters is more productive.''

Renly´s lords grumbled amongst themselves but Renly only replied ''Well said my Lady !'' His eyes turned more shrewd now ''Tell me, when will your son attack Harrenhal?''

Catelyn knew she was in tricky territory now ''I am not privy to my son´s battle plans.'' Renly shrugged indifferently ''No matter, as long as he leaves less of them for me. What has been done to the Kingslayer? We have heard so many things about him ?''

''Killed'' Catelyn replied drily. Renly laughed with amusement ''The wolf has claws it seems...''

''If so then he should have come to treat with us in person.'' Said Randyll Tarly ''No offense to your person Lady Stark, but your son should be making war, not hiding behind the skirts of his mother.''

''My son *is* making war , not tourneys''

Renly raised his hand ''Peace Lord Tarly.'' he then turned back to look at her ''We shall speak some more once you are refreshed, if it please you Lady Catelyn.''

It did so very much.

...

Future negotiations with Renly proved to be fruitless. He refused all her attempts at making some form of negotiated settlement or alliance without submission. Even the offer of a great council was denied. Renly thought he had more rights to the throne because of he had more swords to take them. Catelyn was not so foolish. He could perhaps take the throne, but keeping it would be a nightmare with his blatant lack of legitimacy.

Stannis Baratheon began an assault on Storm´s end not many days later. Negotiations with him were even less successful if such a thing was possible. Stannis refused even the concept of an alliance , stating merely that ''The iron throne is mine , by right. All those who deny it are my foes.'' The back and forth between the Baratheon brothers benefitted none but the Lannisters, Catelyn wanted to tear her hair out in frustration. Cersei Lannister was surely laughing alongside her impish brother , toasting to their good fortune. Catelyn had asked for leave to return to Riverrun. But Renly had denied her even that , claiming that he would show the fate of rebels when he faced his brother in combat. Catelyn was no warrior , but she knew that whatever Renly was preparing, it was a disaster in the making , whilst Stannis took every advantage possible to it´s very max. The worst possible result would likely unfold , as Renly defeated his brother while taking massive casualties due to his own foolhardiness. Or perhaps maybe Stannis won against all odds, Catelyn did not doubt Stannis Baratheon was capable of such a thing.

It was not to be as in her last attempt at negotiating with Renly , when he denied all options except violence, he was murdered by a demon from the Seven hells with the face of Stannis Baratheon. the Iron Stag´s words that her son was no less a traitor had rung in her ears at that moment. Brienne of Tarth was accused of the murder yet Catelyn , knowing the truth, managed to take the girl to her service. Catelyn returned to Riverrun with all menbers of her old party and Brienne.

But she was not the only one to do such a thing.

Her daughter, her little Arya was there. Not in King´s Landing at the hands of a Lannister , but right there in her arms. Brought by the hound of all people. Not who she would expect.

Yet Sandor Clegane also brought her such an immense sense of horror and despair when speaking of her other girl.

''My poor Sansa'' Catelyn had thought with tears in her eyes.

Chapter Text

''Renly Baratheon is dead, reports are conflicting on precisely *who* the killer was, however Brienne of Tarth is the likely culprit. A lover´s Quarrel perhaps ?'' said Varys.

A meeting of the small council had been called in earnest by the Spider. All members save for his sweet and incapacitated sister were present. Tyrion had a new-found appreciation for Grand maester Pycelle. Whatever it was he slipped in Cersei´s cups, it kept her subdued.

Tyrion had consolidated his power in King´s Landing quickly. Pycelle was a loyalist and thus needed no bartering. Janos Slynt had been a different story. At first, Tyrion had considered getting rid of him...but thought better of it. Whatever else could be said of Slynt, his wagon was thoroughly hitched to the Lannister horse now. The Starks would never accept him, and Stannis would burn him at the stake. Why would Tyrion bother disrupting the gold cloaks in a time of war without necessity? His claim to Harrenhal was based entirely on the whims of his house and Janos would have to be as foolish as his sister to let that slip from his grasp.

Baelish had been dealt a much harsher hand. Tyrion had made sure to keep men trailing him at all times. He did not doubt Petyr was aware of that, but the pressure was always a good. Additionally, Tyrion had been buying off the loyalty of his men. For all his cleverness, Petyr Baelish simply could not offer as much as the hand of the king, and his men followed the highest buyer. The name of Tywin Lannister meant more than the name of Petyr Baelish. Tyrion had not forgotten that the mockingbird had attempted to frame him for the crime of murder and would seek his revenge once this horrible war was over. For now, Baelish was kept as an ally...but also watched.

The spider had been more elusive, Tyrion´s men could never seem to quite know where he was or what he was doing. Varys played his own game and Tyrion did not know what it was and was wary of the eunuch.

''And his army ?'' asked Tyrion ''The Stormlords have switched sides, as have the Florents. They lay siege to Storm´s end. The Tyrells are in such terrible grief, Loras Tyrell killed three men in his wrath.''

''A pity he stopped at three'' The hand of the king replied drily ''Either way, Stannis is besieging the most defensible fortress of Westeros save Casterly Rock. Let him rot there.''

''Could this be some form of stratagem ?'' Asked Baelish ''A faked death perhaps ?''

''If it is, then it is one of supreme cleverness. For i am fooled completely'' Replied the Eunuch.

''The death of Renly comes at a very opportune time for us...he has left a bride without a husband'' Said Tyrion. '' Joffrey has already broken his own betrothal anyway. I propose we wed the king to Margaery Tyrell.''

''The match would bring us all the strength of Highgarden'' Said Pycelle with his old weary tone ''I would concur with Lord Tyrion here.''

''Baelish'' Said Tyrion with his lips curling up in disgust ''I would have you negotiate the marriage in the name of the crown...a suitable reward could be offered in case you succeed. The gods know Joffrey has been harming his reputation. My head aches with all the things I have had to suppress from the public.''

Petyr´s eyes glinted with greed and Tyrion knew he had the man by the balls ''I would require an escort with knights and such. Otherwise, the Tyrells will think me unimportant''

Tyrion nodded, seeing the validity of the point. ''We should also hire some Sellsword companies...what of the Golden company? we should have the coin for it.''

Varys replied with something...different in his voice ''I am afraid they are busy with some contracts in Volantis''

''Can we not pay enough for them to break it ?'' Asked Petyr Baelish, but Varys shook his head ''Their contract is writ in blood i am afraid. Deep and old feuds, ones where the lord captain of the company is involved personally...the only sellsword company of any renown we may hire would be the windblown or the second sons.''

''These two are not trustworthy'' Tyrion said drily. ''This meeting is over.''

...

There were many things that Tyrion had fixed or at least alleviated since his arrival at King´s Landing. He had written to Lannister allies in the Crownlands to provide food to the city and then Tyrion had begun a rationing and distribution for such food. The peasants had needed to tighten their belts, but they had enough to survive. ''For now' Tyrion thought grimly. With the Riverlands burned, The Reach became the only major supplier of food on the continent. That made them even more important strategically. Tyrion was almost finished with the construction of a great chain to prevent naval assaults on the city, he also had a significant amount of Wildfire prepared to be used as a projectile...he also had an extra portion left by Aerys that could not be safely moved...that extra portion was a sort of...backup if the worse ever came and the capital fell.

The hand of the king had also been deeply concerned over the fact the heir and the spare to the throne were in the same city (Myrcella had been sent to Dorne to wed Trystane Martell). That meant the Lannister cause would collapse if King´s Landing fell, thus Tyrion had arranged for Tommen to be smuggled out in secret. Perhaps his disappearance would be questioned eventually, but the royal family had been seen in public less and less ever since he took up his tenure as hand of the king. That was not an ideal situation, men are inspired when they see that the kings and queens they bleed and die for are right there, beside them. Yet Joffrey could not inspire anything but hatred in anyone, that spiteful, inbred, little *cunt* was more trouble then he was worth. His reputation was the one thing Tyrion could not fix, worse were the recent accusations of incest that had come from Stannis...though Tyrion had also started a lie campaign of his own, calling Shireen Baratheon the bastard daughter of the fool Patchface.

Tyrion walked into the throne room , there stood the mass of swords that had been bent and melted together by the fire of Balerion the black dread when Aegon the conqueror and his wives subjugated an entire continent. In that throne sat his sadistic, weak, and craven cunt of a nephew. Dispensing his ''justice'' on an innocent woman, by having her beaten.

Tyrion stood there. Impassive, watching the scene unfold with a harsh but cold glare. Simply waiting for his nephew to see him. When that moment finally came the boy spoke with a confused tone that was still laced with the disgusting, almost sexual, pleasure the vicious bastard felt from causing pain.

'Uncle ?''

Tyrion looked around. Taking in the face and name of every member of the court and the poor naked girl , he took a breath before speaking in a calm but even tone ''Leave. All of you.''

He could barely hide his pleasure when all obeyed him without question. Joffrey sat there stupefied before screaming ''STAY HERE AND WITNESS THE KING´S JUSTICE !'' A precious few hesitated but Tyrion quickly got them walking out again with a glare.

''Nephew. You will stop your torturing. Now.'' he said coldly. Joffrey was beginning to get agitated and ready to argue but Tyrion cowed him quickly ''You cannot do as you like simply because you want to. The mad King did as such and he is not a king today because of it. Drop whatever foolish notions your mother has installed in your head.''

The lad found his bravery again ''Traitors! I am punishing Traitors !'' Tyrion did not blink ''Perhaps it is best i kill you.'' he said in the tone one would use to speak of the weather.

Meryn Trant immediately put a hand in his sword and spoke ''Nobody threatens the king in the presence of the Kingsguard!''
Tyrion´s reply came swiftly ''Bronn. Subdue him.''

His sellsword smirked and quickly had Ser Meryn knocked out, Tyrion climbed the steps of the iron throne. One by one, until he was face to face with his cowardly nephew who sweated and was pale.

''You have continuously sabotaged our house with this sadistic behavior of yours. Enough, i will not suffer it any longer. Must i remind you that Tommen is a much more malleable option for kingship? Must I remind you, that in the span of a few moons, you have become so hated that none would morn your death if you were to, say, trip the steps of the throne right now? Not even your bitch of a mother. I have her so drugged that she will not even know you are gone, you spiteful, ill-made, stupid, and foolish boy.''

Tyrion stared him right in the eyes , the boy was so pale and could not speak ''You will behave as befits your station. That means your cruelty is at an end. Are we understood ?''

''Y...yes uncle..'' Joffrey said through his erratic breathing.

''Good.'' Tyrion turned and made his way down the Iron throne casting down a large shadow.

Chapter Text

''How many ?'' Asked Lord Tywin Lannister.

''20 deserters my lord, all captured,'' Kevan replied. Tywin sipped from his wine before speaking. ''Have them all hanged and quartered. That will show the rest of the men what the consequences of desertion are.'' Kevan nodded ''They will hang.''

''But i cannot blame them for deserting'' He thought grimly. Their homes were under the cruel assault of the Ironmen. Oh, how Kevan had raged when he learned of his sister Genna´s fate, raped by barbarians before being drowned as a human sacrifice to the monstrous god of the Iron Islands.

''Brother...if i may ?'' Kevan said cautiously. Tywin nodded, permitting him to continue. Kevan took a deep breath. Saying harsh truths to Tywin was his duty as the younger sibling, as much as obedience. ''We could have 10.000 men hanged and quartered, yet these desertions will continue. We *must* march to the west brother, there is no other choice, the longer we stay here in Harrenhal, the longer the Ironmen sack and rape and reave our homes, and if we cannot protect our own keeps, men will start to wonder if the old Lion is not just an aged house cat.'' Repressed anger flickered in Tywin´s eyes. There was nothing that his brother despised and distrusted as much as laughter. He had smiled few times, and not a single one since the death of Johanna. ''But it is for the best'' Kevan thought ''Tywin only does what is best for our family that suffered so much under our father.''

''Do you think I do not know that ?'' Tywin replied drily ''This Theon Greyjoy has made a mockery of us. He has killed my son, sacked my cities, drowned my nephew and now violated and slain Genna.'' Tywin grits his teeth ''I will do what Johanna Lannister should have done in the time of Aegon III, I will slay every man, woman, and child in the Iron Islands. I will drown them like I drowned Castamere so they can meet that god of theirs, and they will learn that what is dead stays dead. But there will come a reckoning after this war, Kevan.''

Kevan gulped. Whenever his brother spoke of change, it meant blood.''Cersei has proven herself unfit, Losing Arya Stark? How does one simply *lose* a child ? Executing Sansa Stark was a disaster. How come the child I never wanted is the one to show promise? From what Pycelle has told me, he has abandoned whoring. Or is going about it so discreetly that none see him do it.''

''As you have Brother'' Kevan thought but did not speak. Tywin was as much a man as any other and had certain...needs. Yet he always made sure to keep it hidden in order to protect the Lannister reputation, he had two tunnels that connected his offices to Brothels. One from Casterly Rock to a Lannisport Brothel, and another in King´s landing, inside his old office at the tower of the hand.

''And Joffrey'' Tywin shook his head ''The less said of him the better..yet he is only a boy of three and ten , there is still time to salvage him.''

It was not Kevan´s place to contest Tywin here, so he decided it was best to change the subject back to the war. ''Our Scouts report movement in RIverrun , Robb Stark also marches West.''

Tywin waved dismissively ''He will be stopped at the Golden Tooth, if we were to march now we would have him bottlenecked between the castle and our troops...were it not for the Blackfish defending the Red Fork. We will have to smash him.''

''That can be done'' Kevan replied with some enthusiasm ''Our troops number in the 20.000, the Blackfish cannot have more then half of that.''

''You are too eager, Kevan.'' His brother spoke in his typical calm tone ''Our raids in the Riverlands have left our supply lines ravished, the speed of our march would not be what you expect. Not only that, but Roose Bolton holds the Ruby Ford. If we were to Abandon Harrenhal, Bolton would seize the castle and have us trapped. No , we must wait for Ser Gregor to return. Afterward, i will take 19.000 men West, that ought to be enough to deal with the Greyjoys and Starks. You will remain here with the remaining thousand troops. Saying Harrenhal is enormous would be an understatement. A million men can march on these walls and a million men will be repelled. One thousand will suffice.''

''Enormous, but cursed'' He thought ''Black Harren, his sons and his thralls all died screaming by Balerion´s flames. Yet he was another ironman, will his ghost help the Greyjoy? Will it even care ?'' Kevan vanquished the thought ''I am no child to fear ghosts, Snarks, and Grumkins.''

''Harrenhal will not fall, i will make sure it does not. but what of Stannis ?''

''Stannis is stuck in Storm´s end, he will remain besieging that castle until we deal with the Ironmen and The Starks, and if he is to attack King´s landing, Tyrion will have to hold him back. You must not lose control of Harrenhal under any circumstances.''

Kevan nodded ''Bring us Justice my lord, Justice for Genna, for Devan, for all the women taken by the Ironmen and all the fields and sacked and burned of the west.''

''They will hear me roar'' Tywin replied drily.

''They best'' Kevan thought with dread. After his atrocities in the Westerlands, men had taken to calling Theon Greyjoy as Theon ''The black'' , in a reference to Harren Hoare , whilst his allies called him Theon ''The Red'' in reference to Dalton Greyjoy. Another Ironborn monster that brought nothing to the world besides pain, blood and misery. He had not been defeated in truth but murdered by one of his many salt wives. Kevan had heard that Theon enjoyed capturing Women the same way that Dalton had. He only hoped a brave Woman would do the same thing , and spare his brother the effort. Robb Stark was now called ''Young Wolf'' and enjoyed complete Devotion from his northern Vassals...yet his reputation was not a tenth as dark as that of the Greyjoy. Whose deed with Genna had been so repulsive that Westeros had almost managed to forget the horrific torture that had been performed by his grandnephew.

''I will not fail'' Kevan thought ''For the good of this house , for the good of my wife and for the good of my son , i *must* not fail.''

Chapter Text

Asha had always wanted a castle. When she told this to her father one time, he had replied ''Then take one.'' She was a quick learner. The capture of Kayce, seat of house Kenning, had been so easy that she had almost felt disappointed. Most of the fighting men had left to fight alongside the old Lion and thus the small and pathetic garrison of the castle had opted to surrender without a fight when faced with her 5.000 Ironmen. As a way of encouraging future castles to surrender without resistance, Asha had forbidden her troops from raping and taking thralls, though looting was permitted, without the burning of houses of course. She left 1.000 of those men at the castle, under the firm hand of her companion Qarl the maid, and set sail to Lannisport, where she was to join her little brother´s army with her own strength

Theon had been...different from expected. Asha had heard little and less from him during his time in Winterfell. Yet one thing was certain, she had not thought possible that someone raised by the Starks and the North would return to the Iron Islands as a religious fanatic who bordered on the level of her uncle Aeron, and an advocate of the Old way as extreme as Victarion. One thing was certain, however: Her time as heir was done. Her previous claim laid essentially on the support of her father and the local Ironmen, who would not take kindly to being ruled by a foreigner...yet Theon had proven himself to be Iron to the bone, and even her reformists would not support a woman over a man, as that would be against andal Law and her father? Her father had gone along with Theon, changing course from an attack on the north completely.

It had stung somewhat, but Asha shrugged it off. She was a pragmatist and the situation had changed. At least Theon did not seem stupid and had a soft spot for his own kin. She could use that, she *would* use that. Asha had been annoyed with being betrothed to Edmure Tully without her consent, yet her uncle Rodrik had reminded her that this was the best deal that her reformists could possibly get where her brother was concerned. At a glance, she thought him strong and shrewd in his own way, but shortsighted. Asha was Ironborn, and she understood that in the past the old way had made them great. But the past was past, and they could no longer rule the seas as they once did. The old way had died somewhere with the Hoares, but the burning of Harrenhal was just what made it clear to the rest of the world. Aegon the conqueror had burned their empire with the fires of Balerion, and since then the Ironmen had never recovered.

She was at the prow of her ship , Black wind, when Lannisport came into sight. She had to snort. ''My little brother certainly does not mind making a mess.'' were her first thoughts. The city could not even be called a city anymore. Saying it had been sacked was an understatement. Every Building that she could see was in some way damaged. There were piles of corpses that the Ironmen had not bothered to bury or even burn and simply sat there. She could see men with Iron chains on their necks carrying large chests of valuables such as gold and silver into Longships. ''Thralls and loot'' She had little doubt that Salt wives had also been taken. Asha had never been particularly fond of the practice, she was a woman herself after all. Yet she was not like those, any man who tried to have his way with her would meet her lover: The axe. These mainlanders were weak.

The Black wind made it´s way to the docks , alongside the rest of her fleet. Some 50 longships. She noticed that the Lannister war fleet had been captured. ''Good.''

Asha jumped out of the ship and met a familiar face ''Harras !'' She said cheerfully ''How have you been enjoying your time with our dear Theon.'' Harras Harlaw laughed. ''There have been...ups and downs i suppose. It is a great honor to be chosen by a prince...yet your brother , i hope you forgive me for this. He is cruel to his enemies in ways that take my breath away. Do you even want to know why we have lingered here at Lannisport ?''

Asha frowned. She had thought it was to besiege Casterly Rock. ''Why ?''

Harras laughed bitterly ''Instead of attacking or doing anything of note. Your brother insisted on turning this city upside down, hunting every Lannister of Lannisport. Be they from the cadet branch or the main branch of the house , then having them tied up and used as target practice. The women are all distributed to the soldiers here, except three that he has found comely. Two daughters of Ser Stafford Lannister, Cerenna and Myrielle, as well as some whore he found at a looted brothel. And yet , your brother is no fool, Asha. All of this wasted time will be worth it once you hear what he has planned.''

Asha snickered ''I do hope he has more planned than simply wetting his cock. Three Salt wives at once? How does he even sleep with that many women, does he bed them one by one or all at a time ?'' Harras sighed ''He tires of them as quickly as they enter his bed. But why are you asking me these things? Go and speak with him yourself , he is waiting for you in the solar of a wealthy merchant´s house. One of the few that managed to escape the sacking, and only under his direct instructions. Everything else has been burned and looted in some way.''

She shrugged. ''Take me to him.''

...
Theon´s solar was quite the comfortable thing. Spacious with a big desk in which a map of the westerlands was proudly displayed. Theon wore a black velvet with the Greyjoy Kraken emblazoned in it. He had a dagger in his hip, a Cup of Wine in his hand, and a Woman in his lap. She looked young, no older than Eight and ten, but no younger than six and ten. With bright blonde hair that had made Asha think she was a Lannister at first, but her black eyes made it clear that was not the case. He wore his hair long.

''Sister !'' He said cheerfully.''Oh Asha it is most pleasant to see you.. say hello to my new wife here..'' Theon had a devilish smirk in his face ''Her name is Alysanne, named after the good queen.'' He snickered ''Isn´t she quite the beauty? I found her hiding beneath the floorboards...clever...'' He put a hand on the girl´s chin and made her look straight at him. ''Yet no one can hide from me. I have seen every trick you can imagine girl....''

''Theon.'' Asha said drily and without amusement.''Please tell me something of note before I use this axe of mine to geld you. I do not care where you stick that limp little thing you have between your legs, is that all you have been doing here in Lannisport? Raping whores and playing at target practice with Lannisters .''

Theon did not seem amused at the blow on his manhood. His eyes narrowed and his tone was much harsher when he spoke this time.''I have not been...playing target practice. I was cleaning an infestation of rats. And my Wife here is of importance for our attack on Casterly Rock.'' Theon´s eyes glared into the girl´s soul. ''Speak up, Wench.''

Alysanne looked uncomfortable and spoke with her eyes closed. ''T...there is a way into the Rock , a way that the soldiers there do not know my Lo- My Prince. L...Lord Tywin oft used a tunnel between t..the brothel i worked in and the Rock. He would pay good coin for our silence on it , and those who spoke would lose much more then a head or a tongue.'' She cried at the end.

Theon´s cheerful demeanor had returned, though now it was full of greed and desire. ''See sister ? Lord Tywin is as much a man as any other and has urges...We will use this tunnel to sack the Rock. Our names will be written into Legend forever. Are you up for the task ?''

Asha felt a grin form on her lips. The rock had been considered impervious for centuries...millenia even. To be among the first ones to seize it ...Asha could taste the glory...and the loot. Oh, how much did Tywin Lannister keep hidden in his vaults? Tons of it , if the saying that he shat gold were any indicator.

''Oh yes little brother, I am sure i can do it.''

Her brother laughed. ''Oh, how Lord Tywin will howl...I can hear it from here. A pity his wife died birthing that little imp , or i would have taken her for myself...'' Theon seemed to forget about Asha now , muttering to himself.''Oh Johanna , you will regret having laid hands on my Rodrik...Those Iron gates of the Rock will not save your descendants like they saved you...I will have your name wiped from memory...''

Asha looked at him with confusion and concern. He was her brother after all.''Theon, what are you speaking of? Are you feeling alright?''

''Oh it´s nothing...'' He took a sip of his wine and then stared down at the red liquid with a melancholic expression. Looking almost pathetic with the drink and the salt-wife beside him. ''Nothing at all.''

Asha decided it was best to take his word for it , you cannot help someone that does not want to be helped.

Chapter Text

Robb´s eyes narrowed with frustration at the sight of the Golden tooth.

''I cannot blame him.'' Jon thought ''This castle cannot be stormed with what we have here.''

The northern army was made up entirely of horsemen. Six thousand in number, they had ridden hard. Attacking and sacking any Western village in sight. Jon took no pleasure in these lootings, yet they had to be done. Homes were burned and crops were stolen, though Robb and he had made sure that rapes were punished, and that Smallfolk that yielded without resistance would not suffer harm.

These Horsemen were great for mobility, yet when it came to besieging the monstrosity that lay before them it would not be adequate. While a small castle, the Golden Tooth was built atop a hill. With fortifications and archers to stop any assault from below. Jon had no doubt they would loosen rocks as well. The enemy could also expect supplies coming from the Westerlands. They had no choice but to start a long grueling siege , with perhaps small raiding parties slipping notice and doing small attacks deeper into Lannister territory.

But they were not completely without advantages.

The Ironmen had hit the west. Hard. Lannisport was up in flames, Fair Isle captured, Kayce had fallen, the Banefort had been sacked and fishing villages along the coast were all pillaged and burned. The second Lannister army under the command of Ser Stafford was powerless to chase the Ironborn, who would come from the seas, attack, and then retreat. He had not dared to even move from Oxcross if what captured smallfolk had said was true. He had 6.000 recruits more or less, who would not stand a chance against the reavers encamped by Casterly Rock, nor could he hope to chase down the smaller raiding parties. Instead, Ser Stafford had chosen to continue mustering his troops and to trust that the Rock´s defenses would not fall.

A foolish move if there ever was one. No army would stay still while their home burned, Jon had no doubt that if he was not dealing with deserters now, he would soon. If even half of the atrocities that he had heard being performed were true. What man would obey a pampered lord if his wife and daughters were under threat of rape? If his sons were slain? If his livelihood was stolen from him ?

Jon had to admit a certain satisfaction at it. Seeing the Lannisters suffer so.

What they had done to his sister was ... unforgivable. Sansa, poor , poor Sansa. She was not his favorite sibling, but it had hurt all the same. Upon receiving the news, his brother had a regal mask. Until he broke down in private. Lord Rickard Karstark had even taken to killing all Lannister prisoners, including children, under their possession. Jon had found it disgusting and Robb had wanted the man´s head. But, as despicable as it was, Jon would want his swords fighting for them. He had persuaded Robb to let the man live, a grueling and difficult task that had ended with the father being replaced by his son Torrhen as the leader of the Karstark troops. Jon wanted to win this war and win it fast. ''The Lannisters have made this a blood feud'' Jon thought with anger ''And we will pay them in kind''

''Others take them'' Growled the Greatjon ''I will smash down this piece of Rock with me own two hands, Your Grace! Just give me the word and I´ll show them proper Northern Steel !''

''I would like that'' Robb replied ''But we do not have the strength for it.''

Umber sounded annoyed ''BAH! One of us is worth 10 of them! Spoiled Southron cunts!'' Umber spat from his horse ''We´ll shove our swords up their bungholes and they´ll moan like women in bed''

Dacey Mormont could not help but laugh ''Don´t go Lumping us women in with Lannisters, we are made harder and stronger in Bear Island.''

''Aye'' Jon replied ''Ghost here could use a snack.'' He petted his great white Direwolf. He was always quiet, but he was deadly. Ghost had bitten off the entire arm of a man during a battle. He was not to be trifled with. Robb´s grey wind was no less ferocious, however.

''I am sure he will have plenty of meat to feast on'' His brother said with less amusement. Focusing his gaze on the fortress that stood at a distance. ''But not today. Set up camp.''

Umber scoffed and then laughed ''Just the sight of us will give those cowards nightmares. They´ll be shitting on their pants when they hear that the GreatJon has come for them...and the Young wolf ! THE KING IN THE NORTH !''

''THE KING IN THE NORTH !'' The soldiers chanted back.

Robb had a small smile in his lips. The weight of a crown was crushing him , but moments like these made it ever so lighter.

They set up camp that day.

...

It was night.

Jon was in the woods. He smelled things that he did not normally smell. He was also...close to the ground. He was confused when he saw paws instead of his hands when Looking down. He had white fur instead of skin...

He was not in complete control of himself. He moved almost as if controlled by a different being.

From where he was, Jon saw the Golden tooth. Standing from above the hill.

Jon ran in his 4 legs, he could not think as clearly as normal...his thoughts and actions were more...primitive... He enjoyed the feeling of his paws against the ground and the sound of leaves being crushed. He quickly found a carcass of some dead animal that Jon struggled to identify, He instinctively chewed and bit on it, enjoying the taste of blood and flesh in his mouth.

His hearing was ... increased. Jon ran across the fields. He ran across the fortress of the Golden Tooth. He went past it for an hour, smelling goats.

It was not hard to hunt down the goats...Jon had taken only minutes to locate it through smell, and he jumped on the animal with claws and fangs. Tearing it apart leaving Its spilled guts on the ground. He lost himself completely in that moment. Only beast and no man.

He heard the noise of something approaching and turned around, growling.

It was a Direwolf. Grey was the color of its fur. Jon recognized it as Greywind that very same moment, yet there was something different in the Wolf´s eyes. They were white , completely white.

They howled at each other, a sign of recognition.

After some time, they looked to a narrow path. A track for goats, forgotten by man due to time. It might have been a difficult traversal, but it was possible for Greywind, it was possible for Jon. It would be possible for an army as well...

Greywind Howled again, this time at the moon.

Jon followed suit.

The very next day, the northern army broke camp and slipped by the Golden Tooth, unnoticed by the castle Garrison. For all intents and purposes , they had vanished out of thin air.

...
''How many ?'' Jon asked to his brother

''30 dead'' Robb replied ''20 captured. Mostly women and Children. But there are more coming from the coastal cities.''

They had done raids on nearby villages. More of them. Getting closer and closer to Oxcross from where they planned to crush Ser Stafford before he even knew what happened. The amount of Smallfolk fleeing was disturbing, Jon had heard that the people would run to escape , but it almost seemed like too much.

''What did they tell? Anything new? Important ?''

Robb thought for a moment ''Only that our job is even easier than previously thought. Stafford has sent his scouts east to Watch Theon´s movements in Lannisport, he thinks himself safe from any attack coming from me. As far as he knows, we are still stuck at the Golden Tooth. Though...I suppose some other...tidings...Include Theon having taken his daughters as...'' Robb´s lips curled up in disgust ''Salt...wives...I believe is how the Ironmen call it. Ser Stafford has even requested they be returned to him , but Theon supposedly replied that 'only the drowned god may sunder the bond between a man and his wives' ''

Jon felt nauseated. He had done things he was not proud of in this war. Convincing Robb to spare Lord Rickard was one of them, but...Theon was going too far. The rest of the Northern army had received news of his brutal execution of Genna Lannister after having his captains use her, as well as the drowning of Devan Lannister and a good amount had cheered it as revenge for Sansa. Jon would be lying if he said that he did not feel some cruel satisfaction from it that also made him feel ashamed, but his father would never want something like this. Eddard Stark had not taught them these types of lessons.

''Theon has also been taking Slaves'' Robb said drily.

''HE HAS WHAT ?!'' Jon asked with genuine bewilderement

''Slaves.'' Robb shook his head. ''They are called thralls by the Ironmen, but Lady Dacey has assured me that they are nothing more than Slaves.''

''Theon has always been cruel'' Jon said ''But this is...''

''I know'' Robb replied, haunted. ''He has changed completely...he was an ass before...but he was my friend...he was...fun. Now he is a *Monster*. I had tried denying it, telling myself it was not so but...I can no longer keep my eyes closed to it. How can I call a man like that a friend? A slaver and a rapist? Father would never forgive me.''

Jon had felt envy of Theon before. For being Robb´s friend. He had always resented the Ironman somewhat. But now Jon knew that all his suspicions about him had always been true. He also knew that Theon was a valuable ally now and that it was best to keep him on his side. ''Robb. As much as it pains me to say it...Father is dead, and we need Theon. The Ironborn are our only allies in this conflict. Our only fleet. Alienating them does nothing but harm us. You do not have to like Theon, treat him as you treat Roose Bolton. He is your ally now , not your friend.''

''But..''

''There are no buts, Robb.'' Jon said harshly ''His crimes are his alone. You are not to blame for them. It was not you who began this war, that was Joffrey and Tywin, and it was not you who forced women down on Theon´s cock, much less the chains on his slave's neck.''

Robb laughed bitterly ''War...it is nothing as they tell, isn´t it? I had hoped there was some....some of the glory but...all I do is slaughter defenseless Smallfolk with the occasional battle against an army. I just want this to end...so we can all go home to Winterfell, so we can bury Father.''

''But not before Justice'' Jon replied ''Justice for Sansa , for Father.''

Robb nodded. ''Not before Justice''

...
The so-called battle of Oxcross was more an ambush than a battle.

''Ghost go'' Jon said in a whisper.

The Lannisters had a camp full of tents and horses...they were not ready.

Ghost´s scent sent the Lannister horses on a frenzy. They begin to trample all over the encampment.

''NOW !'' Robb screamed with the crown of the winter kings on his head , pointing his sword towards the enemy ''ATTACK !''

''FOR EDDARD !'' The soldiers began chanting

''FOR EDDARD !''

''FOR EDDARD !''

Jon rode down on his mount, the first Lannister he killed was from behind. The man saw his cause was lost and attempted fleeing , Jon´s sword cleaved his head off , making it roll on the ground like a ball.

The second was braver , holding a spear to try and scare off his horse. Jon easily dodged the clumsy strike and cut off the man´s arm. He did not bother to fininsh him off , the bleeding would that for him.

Jon saw the Lannister host scatter, without leadership. Dacey Mormont cracked a skull with a hit from her Morningstar, The Greatjon swung his sword , breaking the steel of his foe , and running his sword clean through the man´s belly. Making his insides spill out into the ground. Robb killed with far less brutality, though Greywind showed no such restraint.

Jon saw a man in Plate armor, fleeing from the battlefield. His golden hair made it clear who he was...

''You aren´t going anywhere'' Jon thought with amusement.

''Ghost'' Jon said ''Get.''

His direwolf pounced and put Stafford Lannister on the ground. The man squirmed and attempted to escape. To no avail.

''Ghost, enough. I want this one alive.''

Stafford Lannister was fat. He was a coward, and he certainly was stupid. Why this man had been chosen as a leader , only Kinship ties could explain. His relief over being alive was so palpable that Jon wanted to laugh. The man could not even speak.

Robb came to him soon after. With a grim but satisfied expression. ''It is over. The day is ours.''

''And the next one can be too.'' Jon replied with a small smirk ''If you would just listen to me, brother.''

Robb frowned , but he seemed interested ''How so ?''

''It´s easy'' Jon said, full of cheer. ''Allow me to loot these Lannister uniforms, give me 300 men, and let me take Ser Piggy here. And I will deliver to you the Golden Tooth.''

Robb smiled with understanding ''Are you sure he will do as you want him to ?''

''Oh'' Jon turned to the Ser Stafford. ''He will if he enjoys living.''

Chapter Text

Brynden was getting too old for this.

He waded through the river with some difficulty, the only illumination being that of the moonlight. The scenery would normally be quite beautiful for an admirer. But Brynden had bigger concerns now. His soldiers were toughened folk. Only the best were to partake in his mission. They were silent as ghosts, the only noises being the soft splashes of water and rustling of swords and spears.

All his men, a band of 10, were equipped with the signature scaled armor of house Tully, it served as good protection for the upper body, but poor for the lower parts. It was designed with river combat in mind and attacking someone´s legs whilst they were on a deep river was quite difficult if not impossible. Armoring them would serve only to add weight. The only exception was Sandor Clegane. Who came with his helmet shaped in the form of a hound.

''The hound and the mountain'' Brynden thought ''Good thing the gods made Seven hells. One would not hold both Cleganes.''

He did not know who would prevail in a clash between Sandor and Gregor, but considering his current mission, he hoped that it was Sandor.

Lord Tywin Lannister had come marching from Harrenhal, eager to crush his Grandnephew in the Golden Tooth. But Brynden had harried him with night raids and murders. His own men had also suffered Casualties, however, and Brynden could not afford to lose the precious few he had. Pinkmaiden, High Hearth, Acorn Hall, and even the Stoney Sept had been brutally sacked by Lannisters. Brynden would not let them cross without an arse whooping.

''With me'' He said in his usual gruff tone. His soldiers followed him into deep woods. Moving slowly so as to not make a sound and dripping with river water. Drops fell one by one from Brynden´s plate armor and into the ground.

He heard the crackling of Leaves. From the sound of it, he could tell there were multiple Patrolmen.

Brynden hid behind a tree. Listening attentively. His hand gripping the leather swordhandle. Ready to unsheathe it at any moment.

''3 to the left'' He thought ''2 to the right''

He could hear them getting closer with every passing second.

He took a deep breath. And waited just that little bit more...

''Take them down'' He said with force

The Lannisters looked horrified. They were fallen upon instantly. Sandor Clegane ripped off a man´s arm with a swing, Brynden slit the throat of another, 2 were pierced with spears and the last one was hit with an arrow straight through the heart. They all looked young. Boys of six and ten at the eldest. Even in death their corpses had widened eyes and opened mouths, they had wanted to scream but stood no chance.

''Green boys''Brynden thought ''who knew nothing of war. And never will.''

His company marched through the dark, making every effort to stay hidden, they went through deep, deep woods until they could see a Stockade from far away. It was built with logs whose tops had been sharpened to prevent climbing. This was the encampment of Tywin Lannister.

''Fuck me in the arse'' The Blackfish muttered.

''Fuck them'' The Hound replied.

The company made its way to the walls. Slowly to not be caught.

''Give me the rope'' Brynden said drily.

His man was eager to comply. Brynden took some steps back and threw over the Rope. The Hook fitting right between the sharpened tops. Brynden tensioned it once or twice, to be sure if it was reliable. He was satisfied with the results. Brynden put his feet on the wall and began to climb. One step at a time. Getting nearer and nearer to the spikes. Once he was close enough, Brynden stopped climbing. He took a deep breath and carefully put his hands right between the tops. They were still cut and it hurt like hell. But Brynden made it through. He threw down the rope, so his men could also begin climbing.

The camp of Tywin Lannister was not small by any stretch of the imagination. Tents were put together in rows of 10 , disciplined and organized. Brynden could only grumble in annoyance, he wanted stupid enemies, not smart ones. He had luck on his side however, this was night time and most were asleep or so drunk they could not recognize even their own women, much less the Blackfish.

He walked to a watchtower where he knew the hornblower would be, Brynden had needed to kill two more in the way, but that man was dispatched with a sword ripping him from the groin to the throat. Leaving a bundled mess of blood and flesh on the floor. Brynden took no pleasure in killing this lad. He was likely some peasant who had never fought before in his life, but the world was cruel, and war doubly so. Brynden made sure to throw that mess out of the Stockade, to make sure it was not found while he tended to his business. It was disgusting having to touch the dead boy´s guts. But Brynden was far from some blushing maid. This was nothing he had not done before , he was an old killer in a land where most died young.

Brynden then made his way through the rest of the camp, sneaking about as best he could. These Lannisters thought themselves safe behind the cover of their own walls , and the Blackfish was more than happy to let them stay asleep...with some exceptions of course.

Brynden finally reached his target: The war supplies. They were protected by two guards which he killed with ease. He had thrown a rock straight in the head of one from somewhere he could not even be seen from, and then murdered the second one with a throwing axe. Brynden then pulled a torch and began a fire.

The troops would eventually wake up and, perhaps, put it out, but by then Brynden would have already slipped away. His soldiers were all killers, they were doing the same thing with other supplies as well

He began leaving when everything went to shit.

''Clegane you dog...''

Sandor Clegane had thought it better to hunt down his brother than to follow orders.

To the credit of the hound, it was the best chance of revenge he would get.

The Mountain had been caught with a woman it seemed, if the fact he was naked said anything. And by surprise. Gregor Clegane was run through by the sword of his brother. His intestines spilled out. The man was dead. But he was too stupid and too big to know when to die and continued to cling to his wretched existence with desperation.

The Lannisters began to wake up, and Brynden had a curse in his lips.

''RETREAT! RETREAT! SANDOR YOU CUNT !''

Brynden sliced open a drunken soldier, another one came and met the same fate, and then a third and a fourth. He continued running, hoping to perhaps escape. Losing 10 men and the hound was not a big cost in the war, as cold as that might be.

Yet it was not to be as he felt a burning hot pain in his back. He had been shot through by an arrow.

Brynden fell hard on the ground. He struggled to breathe, his throat filled with blood. He felt another arrow hit him in the legs. The Blackfish tried to gasp for air , but his lungs were filling up with blood as well and he began to suffocate. He had no last words as life slipped away from him. The last thing he saw was Sandor Clegane standing atop the body of his dead brother, getting pierced by half a dozen spears.

''Damn it all...'' were the last words of Brynden Tully

Chapter Text

''It is an honor to meet you my lady'' Said Lord Petyr Baelish while bowing, He was in front of the court of Highgarden ''The tales of your beauty have not been exaggerated I see.''

''Thank you, my lord,'' Margaery replied smoothly, full of courtesy ''It is a pleasure to meet you as well.'' Baelish then gently took his hand and kissed it. Margaery felt repulsed. Her Grandmother had warned of boot lickers, but seeing one in action was entirely different. However, she supposed there wasn´t much difference between what he did and what her family did. She didn´t truly care.

Her father put a comforting hand on her shoulder and Margaery felt herself going warm inside. Her father, gods bless him, was not very intelligent...well that was not a good way to put it. Mace Tyrell was an idiot. But an Idiot who was loved by his sons and daughter.

''What brings you to Highgarden, Lord Baelish ?''

''A proposal'' Petyr Baelish replied with a happy smile ''Of love , of peace and of Prosperity.''

Mace seemed interested ''Go on ?''

''King Joffrey would be honored to take your lovely Daughter as a bride, My lord. And to grant you some seats in the small council, to share your great wisdom with the King in these trying times...as we all know the Realm is in such a sorry state, Ironmen roam the seas, The Trident and the North in open rebellion and Stannis Baratheon spreads such horrible lies...''

Margaery wanted to snort. ''Lies ?'' She thought ''That is a very queer way of saying the word 'truths' .'' House Tyrell had known about the incestuous nature of Joffrey since before this war even began. Indeed. Renly Baratheon had even attempted to put her in his brother´s bed and set Cersei Lannister aside. Alas, that plot had never gone anywhere, King Robert was killed, Renly was killed and here she was. A wedded but never bedded Woman. A beauty of six and ten.

Her father puffed up as he always did when his ambition was sated. Margaery rolled her eyes. ''I would like to make it clear that our support for Lord Renly was hasty, the man was a traitor who deceived us with sweet lies.'' Margaery saw her youngest brother bristle with anger before Garlan calmed him down. She felt sorry for Loras, losing his lover had truly broken him on some level. Yet he also seemed interested.

''Of course, My lord, The Iron Throne has always been sure that House Tyrell was its most faithful servant.''

Margaery understood the implication and suppressed a groan of annoyance. Her house owed its appointment to the lordship of Highgarden to the Iron throne. Rebelling against the throne was rebelling against their own claim.

''The hospitality of Highgarden is at your service, Lord Baelish'' Mace Tyrell said ''Please, enjoy yourself while I consider your most generous offer.''

...
''You will be a queen, daughter'' her father said while kissing her forehead ''And your sons will be kings after you. The Reach has the strongest army in the world and cousin Paxter the strongest fleet. We will sweep the Ironborn from the seas and make this wolf pup bend or break to our will.''

''I will do my duty, Sire.'' She replied ''But truthfully, I would prefer not to wed this Joffrey. We all know what he did to Sansa Stark.''

''Sister'' Willas said with a sheepish smile and sorry tone ''We...do not have much choice in this. Stannis cannot be allowed to sit the throne, we have raised swords against him twice now, and that man is not one prone to forgive. And we cannot side with the Starks either. Edmure Tully is betrothed, as is Robb Stark and his youngest sister, his
two brothers are too young for you to wed and one of them is a cripple. The only other option we have if we truly want to support the Starks would be to wed you to a Greyjoy and get kinship with them from there. And we will not hand you over to that barbarian called Theon.''

''YES'' Margaery replied with widened eyes ''For all that is good, if you have even the slightest love for me, do not throw me to that monster. He had Genna Lannister raped by hundreds before she was killed! I hear he drowned children as part of some occult ritual of their demonic god.''

''Perish the thought'' Garlan said ''We would never do that to you.''

''I am grateful'' She said flatly.

''Why do we hesitate ?'' Loras said with anger ''If Joffrey brings us the chance to avenge King Renly, then we should side with Joffrey. I will carve out the heart of Stannis.''

''Silence you fool.'' Her grandmother finally spoke ''It is only because you thought with your cock instead of your head that we are in this mess in the first place. Renly never had any pretensions to the throne, any right , not a scrap of legitimacy. Oh, we would have taken that ugly chair easily enough, but how could we ever hope to keep it ? Margaery´s sons would always be in mortal danger of rebellions. Every Lord would rebel whenever it so suited them, claiming we were not rightful kings. You utter fool.''

Oleena looked at her son. ''You great Lord Oaf. Why did you listen to the words of my foolish grandson? 'Support Renly' he said. Renly who was nothing more than some stupid child who knew how to dress himself and how to speak and thought that made him a king. But I suppose he must have been very persuasive with his lower parts if he has you so thoroughly enthralled even after his death.''

Loras went red with anger and was to speak before the Tyrell matriarch hit in the head with her cane. ''I said silence, sit in the corner and think about your deeds.'' Margaery had to laugh.

''You think this is funny ?'' Loras asked with narrowed eyes.

''Yes'' She replied smirking ''I do.''

''Here is what we must do'' Oleena said in a serious tone.'' Son. You will wed our daughter to that little monster and demand Seats on the small council. I want Garth as master of coin , I want Paxter Redwyne as master of ships and I want you as master of laws. Loras ought to be Lord Commander of the Kingsguard, since the Hound turned cloak to the Starks and the Idiot Joffrey decided to dismiss Ser Barristan''

''Grandmother'' Garlan said with concern ''Will Joffrey not hurt Margaery? We know how cruel the boy is. Sansa Stark is the proof of it.''

Willas had a small knowing smirk that her grandmother shared. It took few moments for Margaery to put things together and understand what they planned. She felt relieved that her own family loved her this much.

''We kill him.'' Oleena said flatly

''Kill a King ?!'' Mace asked with horror.''That is impossible !

''I believe the king is a boy of three and ten. Boys die all the time.''

Loras had a dark look ''I will be a kingsguard that could not protect his own king.''

''Perhaps'' Margaery replied with a shrug ''But I much prefer you protect me than that little monster. I do hope you prefer that too. Otherwise, I might have to slap some sense onto you.''

''Blood comes first brother'' Willas said harshly ''Never forget that.'' Loras turned his gaze downwards.

''Then it is decided !'' Mace said with satisfaction ''Do not worry, sweet daughter. Everything will go well as I said, the wolves will be broken and the Krakens will be sunk.''

Margaery had a queer feeling of dread.

Chapter Text

''We are Ironborn !'' Dalton Greyjoy said to his 100 soldiers, with whom he would take the Rock. He thought it best to use a small force to catch the garrison unaware, they might get suspicious if a large amount of troops began to make movements. Besides, Casterly Rock had few defenders...it had never needed many after all.

''We do not sow. But we reap,reave, and rape. The drowned god made us to paint Krakens on our shields and sail the great salt sea. To bring fire and sword to our foes, to spill our seed in their wailing women, to crush their crowns and thrones beneath our feet. We do not toil in the mines, we do not plow the fields. We take what we want, we do not pay with gold, but with Iron. And Today !'' Dalton raised an axe ''TODAY! We reave the Rock! For thousands of years, it has stood, but now it shall fall. And their wealth will be ours to enjoy, their men will be slain, their sons taken as thralls, their daughters and wives will become our prizes. Our names will be writ into song and legend for as long as men have tongues to speak, our names will be chanted in the halls of the god, all his heroes watch us now. Raising ale cups in our honor and cheering at our glory! We will all have a seat by his side, where we will have mermaids to tend to our every need. SO. IRONMEN. FOLLOW ME! FOLLOW ME TO VICTORY! FOLLOW ME TO GLORY! FOLLOW ME TO THE ROCK !''

''THEON''

''THEON''

''THEON''

''THEON''

The troops were ecstatic. Chanting the name whilst hitting the ground with their spears, their shields with their swords and axes, and others hitting their chainmail with their fists.

''WHAT IS DEAD MAY NEVER DIE !'' He shouted

''BUT RISES AGAIN, HARDER AND STRONGER !'' They replied

''THE DROWNED GOD IS WITH US !'' He shouted

''HE BLESSES US WITH STEEL !'' They replied

There was more chanting and Dalton felt a smile form on his lips. These were his folk, and it was with them he would make Tywin Lannister howl with pain. A lion was nothing to a Kraken. His champions, Harras Harlaw and Dagmer Cleftjaw were beside him. As was his sister. Harras did not seem as enthused with the talk of women, though the wish for Glory was there in his eyes, Dalton did not pay him any attention... His sister did not truly care either way, but the Cleftjaw showed the same enthusiasm he did.

''Hehe...You make your nuncle proud, Theon,'' said Dagmer Cleftjaw with one of his crooked smiles.

''High praise'' Dalton said cheerfully ''Coming from King Balon´s best man.''

''Enough cock sucking'' Asha said ''Let´s get this over with.''

''I would concur'' The Harlaw said politely. ''While the troops are in high spirits.''

Dalton understood the point.

They went into the brothel tunnels. Lord Tywin´s beloved castle was to fall...

...

''I will make the Isles great once more...'' Dalton thought as he climbed. The tunnels were narrow and dark, but he had a torch in one hand and climbed with the other. ''We will reclaim our old freedoms, and make a new Kingdom. As glorious as that of the old Driftwood Kings. And it will last for one thousand years. Casterly Rock...this is just the beginning. The West...is just the start. The sunset sea is mine, and every man woman and child will be made to know it. The Reach...Dorne...even farther...they will learn to fear our sails again.'' He grinned to himself ''Are you seeing this Johanna? You bitch. Whore. You lie dead and cold in the ground, burning in those seven hells you Greenlanders spoke so much of. But I am still here. I rose again, harder and stronger, just as he who dwells beneath the waves decreed. You might have gelded my son , but I will end your line, there will not be a single Lannister left. What you did to my Rodrik will be nothing compared to what I will do to your sons and daughters...Mayhaps I´ll even father a Johanna Pyke for you? I am sure you would love it. Bitch.''

The tunnel smelled. It must not have been cleaned in months. Dalton continued his ascent. His sister was right behind him, as were the soldiers, who had to climb squeezing their way through. This discomfort was nothing, however, compared to the glory that awaited them.

''For how long does this go on anyway ?'' Asha whined in annoyance.

''Not much more'' Harlaw replied ''We have been going at it for over 20 minutes. With the blessing of the warrior we will take the Rock in one swift move...'' Harras cleared his throat ''Prince Theon, I must ask, what is to be done with the highborns ?... I already know what your grace´s choice is when it comes to the lowborn...but I would advise restraint with the nobles.''

''We will prove our manlyness'' Dalton said drily ''And kill whomever we can get our hands on.''

''Brother'' Asha said forcefully ''I cannot let you do that. Killing them is useless, but if we keep the wives and children of the Western lords, they will be inclined to submit to us without a fight. Think with your head, not your axe.''

Dalton felt a surge of anger. ''You do not *Allow* me to do anything. Girl. You are my kin, my blood. But I will not have you defying my commands. Mayhaps in the past you were the heir to father, but those days are gone. Your counsel will be taken into account...but not on this. Taking hostages is not the old way, I would see every Lannister dead. I do not care to conquer the West. Only to sack it, our strength is in our ships. Do not delude yourself about holding what we cannot keep.''

Asha stayed quiet. Though Dalton could feel resentment coming from her. Her pride must have been hurt. ''She needed a good humbling'' He thought drily. Asha was brave and seemed smart enough in his view. But he found her attitude tiresome on occasion. Aye , Dalton would and every respectable Ironman would have preferred her on the Seastone chair over the pathetic Theon. But he was not Theon and she was no longer the one in command. It was about time for her to accept that fact.

Dalton could see a trapdoor just up above...they had finally done it. Casterly Rock was just ahead. He felt the tension dissipate as excitement washed over the Ironmen. Dalton smirked and opened it.

It had been covered by an expensive and luxurious crimson carpet. The room it had led to was quite comfortable , with Lannister heraldry scattered all over. Dalton could tell it was an office. He moved around with some slight interest. As lord Reaper , he had not been fond of this type of environment. His place was at the deck of a longship with the whole sea to explore , not trapped by walls and seated at some table. He opened a drawer and chuckled slightily. Letters and such from Lord Tywin. He found them dull.

Once he saw that at least 10 reavers had already made their way up , he smashed down the door with a kick. He was in one of the castle´s hallways. A few servants were nearby , but they had no time to flee , Dalton cut down three men with his axe , only one had managed to beg for mercy before being killed. Though the expression of complete terror in their dead bodies brought him such joy...one of his reavers had managed to pin down a maid and was having his way with her. The man had the sense to cover her mouth at least so as to not have her screams warn the guards.

''Kill her'' Greyjoy said curtly ''This is one is old and ugly. Find yourself a better bedwarmer when it comes time for the sacking. For now we must take the city ''

The idiot did not obey. Dalton tightened his grip on the axe. But Dagmer Cleftjaw did his service for him , cleaving off the man´s head with a swing , and then killing the maid. ''Some men are just born to die'' the Cleftjaw stated without emotion. The other reavers did not seem bothered in the slighest. Idiots died. That was just how things worked.

His Ironborn kept walking down the halls. Even Dalton was impressed by the opulence and wealth...it was all theirs. The Ironborn reached the Throne room. And finally chaos erupted. There were some nobles , servants and bannermen inside.

''Kill them all !'' Dalton shouted.

He swung his axe at a Lannister , who blocked with a shield , but before the man could do anything , Dalton kicked him and had him on the ground. At which point he gouged out his eyes. He died screaming with horror whilst Dalton laughed. He saw his sister perform an impressive throw of her axe , hitting right between the eyes. Dagmer Cleftjaw killed two , though he was wounded on the shoulder , but Harras Harlaw killed five with Nightfall.

''Her thist for blood is quenched'' Dalton thought with satisfaction.

Dalton rushed to a Lannister , who swung his sword , but Dalton ducked and slit open his throat , another came into his range and was felled by Dalton´s axe , with a blow so strong it dug into the skull. Dalton had needed all his strenght to take his axe out of the man´s head afterwards. More came. More died.

Dalton chuckled at the bloodshed happening in front of him. The bannermen had been killed , now it was time for the servants and nobles...mostly Western Women and children. As the slaughter happened , he sat on the throne of Casterly rock. It was an easy seat , with pillows to make it comfortable. The throne itself had some lion decorations he thought looked quite nice. ''Johanna must be simply loving this...'' He thought with delight.

The noises of the fighting must have leaked out to the rest of the city. For some peasants opened the doors to the halls , with confusion at first and then horror. They were as pale as northern snow. Dalton saw the rest of Casterly Rock outside. It looked quite wealthy. His Ironborn seemed quite excited.

''What are you all waiting for ?'' He asked , amused ''BURN IT ALL DOWN !''