Prince of truth.
The Prince of Truth.
The realm was mad. That much Prince Tommen was sure of. War, famine, death…it was all to be found if one looked. The situation had become so dire, he was shipped from Kings Landing to the Castle of Rosby , so that the King and the Crown prince weren’t in the same location in case of the fall of King’s Landing. Rosby was a nice place, no doubt, and it was his to be sure. Gyles Rosby, the former lord of the Castle had died abed due to his horrid cough, and on his death bed he left lands and castle to the crown. In turn, Joffrey granted the rights of Rosby to Tommen, making him Lord of Rosby. While Rosby was nice, it wasn’t what he wanted. He wanted Dragonstone. He wanted his rights. He was about to get what he wished for.
Joffrey had sent a rider to Rosby as soon as the news reached him from Lord Slynt. Stannis had stirred from his hole and had amassed a huge army outside of Rook’s Rest. While this was a matter of discomfort for Lord Slynt, it was tremendous news for Tommen. The Crown Prince was only 14 years old, but had already earned his spurs in battle. He was Knighted on the field of battle outside of Saltpans by Lord Tywin, his grandfather, himself. Tommen had fought and killed a Knight from the Riverlands when his personal escort was ambushed while he was moving towards the front to get his first taste of combat. During the march, they were fell upon by a column of troops flying the trout of House Tully and a vicious battle ensued. The Lion and Stag banner was almost routed, if not for the heroics of Gyles Rambton, the Knight of the Kings guard who is assigned to the Crown Prince. With his level headedness and the timely arrival of a group of one hundred Knights, The Iron crown proved victorious and their young Crown prince’s valayrian steel had it’s first taste of Fish blood. The Knight slain by Prince Tommen was a younger son of house Blackwood of Raventree hall. Though the man had attempted to take Tommens life, Tommen ordered the man’s bones and body returned to Raventree hall. It was something that Tommen hoped would repaid in kind with his own remains should he fall in battle.
Tommen was roused from his musings by Gyles Rambton.
“ Your grace, the men are prepared to begin our journey. The fleet has arrived and I have made all the proper arrangements for us to begin our journey. I shall await you without and then together we can make our voyage.”
Tommen nodded at Gyles before speaking.
“As you say, Gyles. There is no need for you to wait without. I am prepared for the journey now. My squires have already brought my arms and armor to the dock and wait for us there. “ Moving to the he smiled broadly at his mentor and friend
“The two of us shall soon share the same rooms that the Dragonlords inhabited. You and I shall soon taste glorious victory. “ Clapping the Knight clad in white on his back the Young prince and his sword Shield descended into the mists of the night.
The intelligence proved good. All that was defending Dragonstone was a few fishing skiffs in the sea and the only garrison that was at the castle was Stannis’ own bodyguard. The assault on the castle was a short affair. Stannis and his host were cut to shreds and the final deed was done by Gyles Rambton. Him and Stannis met in single combat after Stannis had been wounded, and Gyles cut him down in his own throne room. Tommen had spilled blood as well. He had come upon a knot of defenders who held the stairs, and Tommen led the charge to break this clog point. Again showing valor on the field of battle, the Crown Prince was praised by his loyal Knights and those Lords and Levies who accompanied him.
The Lordship of Dragonstone was his by rights, and those rights were cemented by the death of his traitorous uncle Stannis. With Dragonstone well in hand, he had taken up another bit of business. Sending an envoy to the Eyrie to demand the release of his favorite Uncle, Tyrion, who had been kidnapped by the vile Stark woman. He mad certain that his letter let the Vale lords know what they would have coming to them if they didn’t comply with the Crown’s commands. It didn’t take long for the Lords of the Vale to persuade young Lord Rober to abandon his foolery and release Tyrion. Tommen smiled to himself and brought his fist crashing down onto the table that was made in the likeness of the continent of Westeros. He tasted it. Conquest. Glory. Power. He wanted it all. He wanted his names to be written in the annals of history as the most glorious of all conquerors and most valiant of foes. At 17, Tommen was more well versed in history and lore then most men twice his age. He had the best Maesters to tend him and he had the best Masters at arms. He also had the benefit of being the nephew of Jaime Lannister and grandson of Tywin Lannister. His pedigree was pure fighting magnificent. Cunning, courageous and fierce, Tommen had all the best traits of both men.
With Dragonstone set to rights, Tommen prepared to head back to the mainland and King’s Landing. He was now a warrior of multiple battles, and he would take his place amongst the other Lords loyal to his brother and the crown and wage battle in the name of his liege. He would arrive at Kings Landing with a seasoned force of warriors both foot and a horse. While Tommen made his preparations, alarming news had come by way of Raven. His other uncle, Renly, had claimed the crown. What a vexing lot this group of uncles had become. Very vexing indeed. He’d have to crush this uncle like he did his last. Thus was the way of it. War was not a thing to be played at. While he read the letter he heard the horn trumpet once, then twice. Invaders! He hurried from the room and nearly collided with Ser Rambton.
“Gyles, the7 be damned. What in the name of the gods is going on?” Gyles straightened himself before speaking.
“Your Grace, your uncle Renly has landed a substantial force right at our very doors. They must have come on the midnight waves, huddled and crouched like common smugglers. We have a camp of green soldiers 10 leagues from the castle. Give the word and I’ll leave through the Watergate and command them personally.” Tommen rubbed his chin as he thought, not knowing what he wanted to do at first. Finally, he nodded, knowing that Gyles was much more competent then anyone else on the Island .
“Very well, Ser. I give you leave. Take command of this army and strike my uncles force from the back. When you hit them in the rear, we shall sally forth and smash them as they unravel. “ Tommen clapped his friend and shield on the shoulder.
“Good luck, old friend. “ Gyles bowed at the waist.
“ I shall see you after the battle, your grace.” With that, he turned and trotted off. Tommen watched him go for a moment before turning to his squire, a young lad of 11 from House Massey, the new lords of Rosby.
“Jerah, prepare my armor. Soon, we shall taste the blood of the traitors. Soon, we shall show them what awaits all those who oppose the will of the Iron Throne. “ Jerah nodded.
“Aye, grace. I will fetch your armor and arms.” Tommen nodded absently and turned back to the window where the first hints of Renly’s army could be spotted. The closer they got, the more the anger swelled deep inside of Tommens chest. The pure disrespect his uncle was showing to his own nephew and was sickening. Duty first. Tommen knew the Mantra well and lived by it. It was his duty to obey his King as was it his uncles, Lord Renly. Joffrey’s will would be done, by the 7.
Tommen watched from the Ramparts as the battle commenced. Ser Gyles and his group were ambushed by Renly’s men who used the cover of darkness to maneuver away from the castle and into position to strike and Ser Gyles group. It was a grievous error that turned out to be deadly for all. Gyles group struck hard and fast, for he had outriders who were screening his march. Getting wind of the ambush, he the hunted became the hunter. Ser Gyles dispatched his foot down the center with 120 Knights flanking from either side. The left flank was commanded by Ser Elmar Hollard while the right was commanded by Ser Gyles himself. The foot smashed into the enemy host head on, while each flank closed like a vice on the enemy, encircling and smashing them to a man. No prisoners were taken, for there was hardly provisions enough as it were. So those who were captured, who weren’t high born or who couldn’t fetch a nice ransom were executed on the spot and buried in mass graves. So was the fate of the common man when the great Lords played their Game of Thrones.
After the battle was won, Tommen and Ser Gyles boarded the War galley “Tommen’s Truth” and headed straight for King’s Landing, and his brothers war council. Tommen was looking forward to seeing his Uncle Tyrion most of all though. He had an affinity for the little man and he was fiercely protective of his handicapped kin. Thinking of Tyrion, he made a sudden decision.
“Ser Gyles, tell Admiral Ardrian to take us to Rosby. I have business with my Lord Uncle who is there, or was. Even if he has gone, we can finish our journey on foot. It would do the horses, and the men good to have land under them, and food that doesn’t involve fish in their bellies.” Gyles nodded once and left to do his Kings will.
The fleet arrived at Rosby without incident and the army disembarked without incident as well. As luck would have it, Tyrion happened to still be in Rosby, and was just leaving for Kings Landing when his Nephew and prince arrived. Tyrion and Tommen discussed matters of state and of the war, and both agreed that the River Lands needed to be taken and taken soon. Even now, Edmure and the Young Wolf held Maidenpool. While on the road, Tyrion and Tommen were hailed by a rider who bore the Royal Seal of Joffrey. Tommen took the letter and cracked the seal and read the contents of the letter. It would seem that Harrenhal was lightly guarded, and that the King commanded that they return the lands to the Kings peace. Tommen nodded and spoke to his uncle, who agreed to take his host from Rosby and march on Harrenhal with his nephew.
A few days later…
Tommen snickered to himself and sighed, wondering what in the bloody hell was wrong with his psychotic brother. Harrenhal, one of the greatest fortresses ever, was heavily manned according to his intelligence Tommen resigned himself to take the bloody castle, garrisoned or not, if he had to rip every stone down one by one from the foundation. He would prove his brother wrong….again.
Meanwhile, on Dragonstone…
Two forces landed on dragonstone, led by Ser Beric Penrose. His force was poised to strike the castle, but a special guard that was placed on the castle by Prince Tommen intercepted them and routed them, and killed Ser Beric. The force was led by Captain Osney. This Captain Osney was someone that Castellan Hollard was going to have to keep an eye on, for this man might serve as a sergeant at arms in the castle, or even perhaps win his spurs if he kept up the deeds of valor.
The March to Harrenhal……
The March to Harrenhal was uneventful, though the outriders reported that Ser Otho Lychester was in the vicinity with a host meant for Maidenpool. Tommen decided that his and Tyrions host would smash Lychesters in the field, that way when the siege of Harrenhal began, they would not be buggered by a secondary force digging at them from behind. Lychester must have gotten wind of the oncoming assault and him and his host retreated to the outskirts of Saltpans. With that force so far out of the way, the only choice now was to head straight for Harrenhal, and taking it quickly.
Luck was on their side truly! A rider had reported that Tytos Blackwood had taken to the woods around the castle to hang some brigands and he was ripe for the taking with only his personal body guard on horse back. Tommen loved this news and him and Gyles ramped up for a fight. The battle was a tremendous success. While the Crown lost some 99 men, the enemy lost 400 +. Plus, Tytos Blackwood, Defender of Harrenhal and Lord of Raventree had been slain paving the way for the attackers.
Even without Lord Blackwood, the siege was bloody. Over 400 men loyal to the crown died, while twice that many of the River Lords host. Tommen was the first over the wall, and fell one of the Mallister cousins just inside of the gatehouse. He was the one who opened the gate, and his squire planted the royal banner on the ramparts when the battle had come to it’s finality. Harrenhal was theres. Glory. Conquest. Pride.
Back on Dragonstone…
Another force of men led by a Renly stooge appeared. This time, Bonifer Dondarrion met his fate at the hands of Captain Osney. Though this time Dondarrion had heavy horse, he had no where near what he would need. Captain Osney and his host smashed them and routed those who were left were tossed into the sea. Such was the fate when one invaded Dragonstone.
Princess Myrcella.
The Princess had come of age and she married….Otho Lychester, who had been the Hand of the King in the North until the marriage, was granted a large dowry of land and Lychester would be named Lord of his choice of Castles in the Riverlands. He had chosen Riverrun.
To be continued...
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