The Ground Shakes... (Page 91)

~~~(POV: Tywin Lannister)~~~

~~~(Location: The Red Keep, Kings Landing, Westeros)~~~

~~~(Current Age: 68 Years)~~~

~~~(Date: 302 AC)~~~

The afternoon sun warms the city I look down upon. The views from The Red Keep have always been something that my family has enjoyed. I, for one, have never been all that fond of them. It's the constant smell of shit that takes away from the views.

A city of 500,000 has its drawbacks. However, the peasantry has some uses when it comes to war. They make excellent shields and hostages for invading forces that wish to rule.

"Grandfather. How much longer will it be before Raenon and his armies reach Kings Landing. I grow bored and tired of this dull waste of time."

The insufferable voice of my eldest grandchild makes an appearance within the room. Joffery has proven to be the perfect example of what happens when siblings breed.

My son and daughter were foolish to believe that the Gods wouldn't curse them. The Targaryen Dynasty was an example to them, but in reality, it was an excuse to indulge in vile acts that have brought my house to near ruin.

"What do you think a battle against a Dragon is like, Joffrey."

My question is sharp and meant to make him think, but as always, he continues to show he has no qualities of a great ruler. Or a ruler at all. There is nothing Joffrey has that would make him a good King.

"It's a flying, thoughtless beast. A simple, well-placed shot from a ballista will kill one. That's why you had over 300 of them made and installed on the walls."

The true power of Raenon doesn't exist in his magic, fighting, or leadership. It lies within his dragon, Rhaenys. Named after the youngest of the sisters Aegon had.

The Dark Comet.

The Black Queen.

Deathly Blaze.

Nightmare of the Clouds.

Rhaenys has garnered many more names than these since Raenon has had her. From the information that I've gathered, Raenon raised the dragon from birth. Having been the one to carry the egg.

I don't know everything about Raenon or his dragon. What I do know was procured by Varys before he fled with Tyrion. I do not know where they are, but I do know if I ever find them.

A fate worse than death awaits them.

"Once again, you fail to grasp the true threat of a dragon in the command of a Targaryen. A Targaryen dragon isn't dangerous because it's a dragon, but because it's bonded to a Targaryen. Dragons aren't mad. They're intelligent creatures."

Targaryens are the ones who've proven to carry madness and low wit. My head turns to Joffrey, and the gritting of his teeth and the reddening of his face show his growing anger.

"The magic and madness that flow in the veins of House Targaryen are a mystery that was lost when Valyria fell. If Raenon decides to use his dragon against Kings Landing, they're isn't anything we can do, do you understand?!"

The frustration that Joffrey always causes comes out in my voice at the end of my response to his answer to my previous question.

There isn't much time left before Raenon's armies reach Kings Landing. My spies said he met with his armies almost a week ago. They should arrive sometime tomorrow or even late today.

"Dragon or no dragon, he won't burn the city and its people. He's too compassionate, Grandfather. His desire to gain the throne without bloodshed of the innocent will be his undoing."

Using the people we rule as hostages against Raenon is a tactic that will give us more than a chance to win this coming conflict. We may even be able to kill Raenon or his dragon.

He waited too long to bring his armies to Kings Landing. He should've marched here when Stannis was defeated. He had all the momentum, but instead, he flew back to Dragonstone. To the arms of his wives like a manchild.

"We shall see. Raenon has proven he can lead armies and fight in battle alongside his soldiers. If he doesn't use Rhaenys in the battle, our odds of victory are almost assured. No matter what direction he comes from, we'll have ample opportunity to fire."

North, East, West, and South.

All directions are covered, and he'll not be missed. Our best eyes and hands are prepared.

A siege of Kings Landing is what I'm hoping for. The lands around Kings Landing have been lined with Wildfire. Buried in the ground and ready to be set off when their armies are in the middle of the trap.

It took a great deal of money and effort to lay the foundations for this. A project I've been working on for months. Keeping it secret has proven difficult, but making sure the men digging and placing Wildfire did so at night and in small teams.

"His armies will be decimated on the ground, and his dragon will be useless unless he wants to risk its life."

No matter how he approaches King's Landing, Raenon won't have an easy victory. He'll suffer heavy losses. He could only take it by risking life-threatening damage to Rhaenys and burning the people he planned to rule.

Victory is mine in every sense, but I won't claim victory yet—not until Raenon's dragon is paraded through the streets of Kings Landing with his head on a spike.

"When we're done with Raenon and his armies, when will we sail to Dragonstone? I'd much like to meet Daenerys. Killing the last of the Targaryens seems to be a delight, and I can't help but be enthralled."

He takes after me in the sense of killing toddlers and babies of the Targaryens. While Clegane was the one who killed them, he did so on my orders.

A small smirk creeps on my lips as I look at Joffrey. He may not have the qualities of a King, but he's a vicious little bastard. He's so arrogant he can't imagine defeat. That alone will inspire our troops to fight harder and for longer.

"Dragonstone will come when Raenon's death is confirmed. What you decide to do with Daenerys and her children is up to you. The same goes for Margaery. Just don't expect them to do so without a fight. This is my last battle. Win or lose, you're on your own after this."

I'll either secure the fate of Lannisters on the Iron Throne for generations to come, or I'll die fighting for the Iron Throne while it's still in my possession.

There are no other options.

"What do you mean you-!?"

Ruuuuummm....

Ruuummmm!!

Rummmmmm!!!

Joffrey can't finish his complaint about my declaration as we feel The Red Keep Shake. My eyes turn to the land from which the armies of Raenon will come, and as far as I can see, tens of thousands are coming over the hills.

The armies are here, and the battle for Kings Landing will begin soon. But before that, there is a parley to be had. Leaders from both sides must speak.

I have no idea what will be said, but I know one thing.

They have a plan of their own, and as much as I've prepared.

They're not idiots.

~~~(POV: Oberyn Martell)~~~

~~~(Location: Horseback, Approaching Kings Landing, Westeros)~~~

~~~(Current Age: 46 Years)~~~

~~~(Date: 302 AC)~~~

I raise my hand at the front of the armies, and as I do. All forces stop, waiting for my command. I watch as a single man on a horse approaches the armies. Wearing Lannister armor. He finishes his approach.

When his eyes meet mine, the young boy's expression reveals a deep fear. He's not an experienced soldier. Likely not even a father yet.

"Lord Tywin Lannister wishes for a Parley before the battle begins. A tent for the discussion has been prepared. Only a handful of soldiers from either side awaits."

He looks over his shoulder and points in the distance. Showing a small tent.

"As you can see, you won't be ambushed in the open field. Lord Tywin is waiting for you."

I can see the man in the distance. While you can't make out a person's features from this distance, you can certainly tell something about them. The man I see is Tywin Lannister.

My eyes drift for a split second over the ocean behind Kings Landing. High up in the sky. Raenon isn't there yet, meaning there is time for a talk.

I'd much like to know what Tywin has to say to me before he dies. Knowing what he's done.

"I see that Raenon Targaryen isn't with you. Shall I inform Tywin that there will be no Parley without your leader present?"

My eyes turn back to the young man on the horse. Many like him will die on this day. Fighting the wars of a man with more gold or power. I don't envy him in the slightest.

"No, tell Tywin I will see him in a moment."

The boy nods his head and takes off on his horse. Keeping my response short won't let any of our plans leak, but Tywin will draw something from Raenon not being present here. But our reports have told us he didn't prepare.

Not for an attack from the skies above, which are so high that Raenon and Rhaenys can ambush the walls from above.

My part to play in this is ensuring I buy time for the night to fall.

Only then will our first strike against Kings Landing be a complete success.