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Chapter 26: c26



Plans in the South. Justice in the North

-West. King's Landing-

-Red fortress-

Jon Arryn had taken stock of the situation. The Northern War was over. This war had received the name by the teachers as the Hour of the Wolf. He sent a chill through his entire body knowing that the North of all things had dared to even think of doing such a thing.

The single idea that the North would dare to launch an attack against the other kingdoms gave him a bad feeling and made him realize even more of an absolute truth and that is that first of all they had to get control of the North by all means. .

All houses had suffered through Northern power. It didn't matter which way you could look at it nor did it matter how many ways you could look at it the harsh reality is that all of them had had lords who had decided to fight for the targaryen house or in Tywin's case he himself was aiming for his own personal agenda.

In the case of the Tyrell house it was much worse. They had not only lost a third of their lords but many heirs and more had been captured. The northern army had however shown absolute cruelty: no survivors. There was nothing left alive except the lords and that's because he deduced that they were useful in some way.

It didn't matter how many ways you could see it, nor did it matter how you could reason, the North had a strong and powerful army that had been capable of crushing the armies of the South with ridiculous ease. It did not bring a comfortable feeling. And now they faced the greatest crisis since Robert, although he had been crowned king, no lord from the north had come.

He had sent a letter to the North and the response had been anything but ideal: We only swear to kneel before Targaryens. There are no targaryens anymore. The mere idea of ​​the north becoming independent of the seven kingdoms. That the North would once again be a personal kingdom. That didn't appeal to him and he wanted to avoid it.

They had to ensure that the North continued to be part of the seven kingdoms and the truth if he had to be honest…he didn't know how. He was far from being an idiot but he knew better than anyone that the truth was that the North no longer owed its debts to the Southerners.

With this broken it would mean in a few words also a serious loss of taxes by the seven kingdoms. The North would be without the need to attend to the South at all and what is more important they would lose each and every one of the resources of the North. He had written a letter to Ned pleading with him to move against his brother over loyalty to Robert. His response had been that he wasn't going to go against his own brother.

Things had not gone according to plan. Not at all. This was not what was expected for anything in the world and now she was waiting to know what to do. Of course he could always tell the North that it would be a declaration of war but Hariric Stark would laugh at him.

The fleets of the seven kingdoms were at their worst moment except for the House of Lannister and the House of Greyjoy and seeing that the North easily crushed a large fleet, there was not the slightest doubt in him that they would be capable of tearing the fleets to pieces. They launched so that completely eliminated a naval attack with the intention of starting a conquest of the North.

by land? It was impossible. The North Channel separated the north from the south. The city built there was well defended and formed, capable of repelling any attack without any doubt. It didn't matter which way you could see it and it didn't matter how much you could plan.

What mattered was that House Stark had complete certainty that an invasion would fail and although they could still muster numbers was the fact that the North would be able to destroy them like during this war. This plan did not bring him a smirk. No. What it brought up was a feeling of pain at how bad things had turned out.

So I get to where everyone was gathering. At this time there were not many people but quickly Tywin Lannister arrived and with him came his daughter who was wearing a dress that was basically made to attract attention. Hoster was there too. The man would not be happy to hear this. If House Stark refused to be a part of the seven kingdoms then any plans he had for his blood would be useless.

The other one who arrived was Varys who looked paler than normal. Almost as if he had seen a ghost of all things. The last to arrive was Robert who looked very anxious possibly waiting for the news that he was going to marry lyanna. That gave him a bad feeling.

''About time we were doing something. Good Jon. I have already been crowned king and everything now comes the important part. Why in the seven hells was there no northerner at the coronation? The letter about this would be sent to you right? Why the hell was Hariric Stark not of all things there to swear allegiance to me?'' Robert was not going to admit it but if there was a being that scared him it was Hariric Stark.

"I'm afraid there's a complication with it in that regard." And with that I present to all of you the letter. Disbelief was in the eyes of everyone present. They couldn't believe it. Independence. The north independent of the south. The very idea was a bad joke for all of them. Most had plans that revolved around the North and more than one of them thought of ways to benefit at the expense of House Stark.

''This cannot be allowed by anything in the world. Measures must be taken to prevent House Stark from becoming independent. Maybe even remove the lord of house Stark if he's so against sticking with the seven kingdoms. Cersei normally wouldn't have given a shit for the North. She didn't care about them as a kingdom. And she in her mind felt that if the North became independent, all the better. But that was not good. She didn't want the North to go because if there was one thing she knew it was that with the North gone it would mean the South would have to spend more resources on other things.

''This can't happen. The North must reconsider. The separation of the kingdom would do us more harm than good. The North should at least accept that being part of the seven kingdoms is a thing that must be maintained. Without them the recovery after the events of this war will become harder to recover.'' What Hoster meant was that then they couldn't get money out of the North.

''Lord Arryn. I'm curious to know one thing, tell me, what does Eddard Stark think about continuing with his brother's idea? Is he okay with the idea of ​​allowing his sister to separate the north from the remaining kingdoms? Otherwise we could try to help Eddard Stark get rid of his brother.'' Tywin always knew that the North had wanted the independence of the seven kingdoms. They had wanted to be free of southern influence. But he never thought in all his life that the North would be willing to part.

''by the holy gods if anyone deserves to be lord of the North it's Ned. We are going to send him a message letting him know of our support to return the North to the fold. If that idiot Hariric Stark thinks he can escape, I'll be personally presenting him with my hammer so he knows not to fuck with me. Robert was furious.

''it wont happen. Ned supports and supports his brother. He has cited each and every one of House Targaryen's faults to House Stark. The kidnapping of Lyanna Stark has been just the last straw in what is the opinion of the Stark house. Such a big mistake. But what is worse is that what was a matter between two houses, several houses have tried to exploit it in the worst possible way. Jon sighed.

''Are you saying that Hariric Stark is blaming each house for what took place? For what reason would he actually do such a thing? That is to say, if it's worth her wolf sister, she was kidnapped and everything, but he got her back, right? Hoster couldn't understand anything.

''His sister passed away. Hariric Stark has lost his sister. And he calls all the houses that sent fighters to face him and stop him responsible. Tyrell house. House Arryn failing to stop our flag bearers from Port Gabiota. The houses of the Storm. The houses of the west led by tygett annister. And the houses of Dorne. They are all responsible in the eyes of Hariric Stark and that paints us very badly gentlemen.'' You could practically see the tension in Jon.

The news that Lyanna Stark had died hit all of them. Tywin was grateful. He now he would not have to get rid of the woman himself and he could leave everything in the hands of his daughter to end up married. No. But he and everyone else realized something. By partially allying with the Lannister house, Hariric Stark targeted all of them. And he had hostages.

Robert received it like a blow to the stomach. Dead Lyanna. His Lyanna was dead. How could this have happened? In his mind he already had plans. Well thought out plans for how he would marry her. As she would be his queen and would rule by her side. Then Lyanna's image changed to someone else's image: Rhaegar Targaryen. The fucking dragons were responsible for this shit. It had been them and nothing more than they who were responsible for the death of the woman he loved. The fury grew non-stop in him.

''House Stark is furious. First Rickard Stark is imprisoned and tried. If it wasn't for how they did it, he would have ended up burned alive. Then there were the attacks from the different houses of each of the kingdoms. House Stark took it as an attempt to use them to harm them. And finally there is the point that his sister has died. Hariric Stark is far from pleased at this point.'' Far was it an understatement.

''So we have to negotiate with them. Make them see that there are things that can be gained with them being part of the seven kingdoms. It might be difficult but we should be able to know of more or less ways to convince them if we are able to have a conversation with them in a civil way.'' Tywin was sure that if they were able to sell things the right way then they would be able to. to convince House Stark that it was for their own good.

''You say that as if it were an easy matter. However, Lord Varys has something else to point out. Please, Lord Varys, let everyone here know what I have learned. Something that completely changes any kind of relationship with the North.'' Jon hadn't been able to believe it but his own spies had confirmed it.

''Of course Lord Arryn. What Lord Arryn means is that there has been a new unexpected event. I don't know how it's possible but it has been confirmed that Lord Hariric Stark…possesses magic''. The very idea scared him.

The room fell silent. But there was one that stood out from all of them: Pycelle. The man was shaking. For centuries the citadel had made sure by all means to affirm that magic was indeed non-existent. That magic was just a legend that abandoned them after the death of the dragons. However, all that changed radically when a new player possessed magic.

A person who was supposedly capable of such a thing. The mere idea caused the maester to shudder and he didn't know why but he had the feeling that things could get much worse. Everyone present looked at Varys as if he couldn't believe it until Robert himself burst out laughing as if he was amused.

''Is that what you're really worried about, Varys? Magic is a tale of legends. There is no more magic. Not with the fucking dead dragons. There is no longer anything with power in this world." Robert scoffed at the very idea of ​​magic.

''I'm afraid Robert that's true. The northern soldiers have talked about it. The magic is real. Hariric Stark used it to face the threat that was Prince Rhaegar. I use magic to stop Rhaegar from being able to finally kill him despite turning into whatever he became. Hariric Stark is no joke just because of this detail in question.'' The single idea. Magic. The magic should have died out. Efforts were made to see the magic removed. And yet Hariric Stark had magic. And if he possessed her, his children too.

''If it is true that he possesses magic, what is this power that he possesses? What is it that makes him so powerful as to say that he is able to face us and even more importantly stop us in case of need?'' The idea of ​​magic being real did not bode well in Tywin Lannister's mind.

''I don't know exactly how to explain it. Only he possessed great power. A colored energy appeared from his sword. It was not fire. It was something like light. And then he used it to kill the entity he had become Prince Rhaegar. With such power on his side it is impossible for the North to somehow negotiate from a position of power with him. No. It wouldn't. Not with Hariric Stark basically telling everyone now that he had the power to kill monsters.

''then we learn of his magic is it just him no? As long as there's only one of them it's not that much of a problem. Just possessing said power is only a temporary threat to all of us. Sooner or later he will end up like all magic users hated by his own people.'' Pycelle just said what she thought. What little they knew of magic came from tomes they had that had been stolen from the different houses.

''I wouldn't take it for granted so quickly by any means Grand Master. Hariric Stark is no nobody. It is possible… that he has discovered more magic users. That would possibly explain a lot about how the North has come so far. Although if they are like the Valyrians they will need sacrifices. We need to learn more from them.'' Hoster was now confused. Magic. Such power in his hands would make him even more powerful.

''it's true. Maester Pycelle we need the citadel to inform us of everything they know about magic. Even the smallest drop. We need to learn what the citadel of magic knows in order to be able to fight it in case of need." Tywin was already thinking about it. If they were able to capitalize on this they could benefit greatly.

''Of course Lord Tywin. The citadel will be more than interested in making sure magic is studied. If it is true that magic has once again returned to this world, it is our duty as learned men to learn from it. Pycelle however had other plans in mind. Killing Hariric Stark and his children had become a priority.

''Well then I declare this meeting adjourned. Let's all go plan how to meet with that Stark. I refuse to allow my kingdom to break apart. As for the remaining Targaryens, I'll put my brother on that. Let him show the martial prowess of him and bring me the heads of all of them. Robert had no reason to publicize Hariric Stark at this point.

-Bed of Fleas. The Tavern of the Skidded-

Bed of fleas was the area of ​​the city for the poor and with nothing. Many thought that what came out of here was worthless but they were proven wrong as the legendary Ser Duncan the Tall came from right here. To say that it was surprising that one of the most highly renowned knights could possibly come from such an unsavory area was an understatement.

But that was not important. Due to being a place of poverty, people hardly came here which is why Varys was also here. The thing is, Varys had more to say right now than just mentioning what the meeting was about.

The meeting. The independence of the North. That was not in the grand plan. The grand plan revolved around having the seven kingdoms acquired by his cause: the black Dragons. The plan was simple. They had tried by all means to gain control of the seven kingdoms using war. But that was shown not to work and the male Blackfyre bloodline was destroyed because of it.

Therefore he and his ally came up with a completely different plan. A plan that could be very successful: weaken the seven kingdoms. Of course he still wasn't happy with how things had been because although he was certainly weakened he didn't count on a single house to be so fucking strong.

When you were sent here it was for three things. The first was to make sure the king completely lost his reputation and anoint a champion because of it. The champion who would come out of all this would be neither more nor less than a man who would embody the best of knights. And there was the prince. An example of chivalry and gallantry.

But not. The plan after that was to marry him to the blackfire woman and thus the bloodline would be guaranteed in the throne line. What he didn't count on was the king's incredible unpredictability that he apparently thought marrying his son to someone from Dorne was a better idea and so it backfired.

He had spent the last few years trying to turn the tables on Elia Martel. Preventing her from having children. Making sure that Elia of all things was getting sicker and weaker making sure then that the prince would have to secure a new bride. But then the prince did the incredibly idiotic thing: he kidnapped Lyanna Stark.

You didn't need to be a genius to know what he did with her and she flinched. He raped her. Possibly repeatedly. So yes. Hariric Stark was furious. He had actually thought of taking advantage of that in order to weaken the North. The result was that all treacherous houses in the north were purged for good as Lord Stark emerged from the war stronger than ever.

Vays shuddered at the thought of how badly his plans had gone. Of course he had a theory that Lyanna Stark was pregnant. He could and did say this very carefully to move Robert against the North by letting him know of the potential child that was born from Lyanna's death. But he thought better of it. A war against the North would not end well.

Not with Hariric Stark in command. He knew that if anyone told Robert of the possible birth then he would fall under suspicion above all else and Hariric Stark would hunt him down like a vermin intent on seeing him killed for the threat. But that would have more consequences actually uncovering the entire movement born to promote his agenda. No. he couldn't do such a thing.

But there was something that terrified him: magic. Damn magic. Hariric Stark had magic which made him a complete danger to his plans for the seven kingdoms. What was he capable of? What were his abilities? What was his limit? He needed to know as much as possible to be able to move against Hariric Stark because if he didn't know anything then he wouldn't be able to kill him and then the whole plan would go to hell because if he knew anything it was that Hariric Stark would not accept kneeling under the dragons In any way.

That was why he had sent for his benefactor to meet. This was a little safe house that he kept just in case. He made sure to enter the place calmly while at the same time he was comfortable with the way things were right now. Not a moment later the door opened and a broad-waisted man entered. The man looked well dressed and what is more important he looked at everything with displeasure. This man was Illyrio mopatis. The man who was in charge of the entire operation of what was the recovery of the throne for the darkfires.

''when I received your message it said that there were many changes in the plans that we have woven. What exactly has happened that has you so upset varys? Rarely is there anything that can be said that bothers you.'' Illyrio did not like being in the city. Besides the fact that he sucked, she knew that a man like him would attract attention.

''the hour of the wolf has come. The seven kingdoms are tottered by the monstrous power of the wolf. The wolf himself has cruelly beaten all the houses. Houses tremble at the mention of his cruelty but there is more to be said of this wolf lord. He knew it was potentially dangerous for them to meet especially with Tywin keeping an eye on things.

''It amazes me that a single house has been able to tear down so many houses by itself. He talks about overwhelming force. I thought that the North did not have one of the largest armies. How then were they able to fight this war and finish off all their enemies my friend?'' Illyrio didn't look worried. While the North could be in many ways stronger, he knew that everyone had his weaknesses and it was just a matter of finding and exploiting them.

''From what I could see and hear, the North has an army of seventy thousand men. An army the size of the Lannister army. And what is more important is a professional army. It is commanded not by arrogant lords but by men and women who have learned the art of war. It's not a joke my friend. It's not a game for them.'' That was another point. Such a large, well-trained army meant that the north had professional soldiers.

''I see. A fearsome army then, but such an army must be expensive to maintain. I wonder how Lord Stark is keeping it up. In any case, perhaps we should seek an alliance with Lord Stark. If he's like any other lord I'm sure he'll be eager to get stronger and more powerful in terms of power. Illyrio just nodded to himself.

''I wouldn't mind seeing Lord Stark spending resources to support his army in reality. No. There is one more important detail. Hariric Stark has true magic. He is capable of wielding power and that makes him a real threat to whatever plans we have. Varys' look should be enough to make it clear that things were going that way. Illyrio on the other hand looked pensive.

''magic huh. The truth is that such power could be his undoing as well. I am sure that there will be others interested in seeking a form of that power. The Iron Bank will grow nervous of that power. The same can be said of the lords of each city. And let's not talk about the red priests and of course the warlocks of Qarth. He may have done us a favor by letting himself be seen.'' I could see each interested group. The iron bank would want to ensure that such power was not used against them. They all want their share.

''if he has magic it's just a matter of his own children having magic. And if so, that makes them threats as big as him. We cannot put a descendant of yours on the crown if he does not have enough power to subdue the northerners. Varys of course knew what he was talking about. Why bow to someone weaker than himself? Why kneel before someone who shouldn't even think of rising up against him?

''well a king needs a queen doesn't hariric stark have a daughter? We will simply indulge in taking said young lady so we can make her queen. I'm sure Hariric Stark would be okay with anything if he's like a common noble as long as we can make the deception look true.'' Illyrio didn't see it as a big problem at all.

''For that we have to find Elia Martell and her daughter and silence them. It would be best if they were silenced at the hands of someone. He had an idea that it would be Tywin. That man wouldn't avoid doing that to send a message and he's pretty brutal when he wants to. But Elia and her daughter escaped from the capital. Varys was greatly annoyed by the idea that one of his plans had gone awry in some way.

''finding the princess will be a priority. To tell the truth, sending them to die at the hands of Tywin and blaming the north in the process would be a good idea. And then marry off the daughter to my son making it look like a unification. Yeah. That is the best plan that can happen. And yet and despite everything you still do not see yourself convinced, my friend. Why are you afraid? I'm sure things can't be that bad.'' Illyrio didn't see any problem with his plan.

''The chances of things just working out are rather a big problem really and I seriously doubt things would just work out like that. Not with how things are with House Stark. But there is an even bigger problem...hariric Stark has declared the independence of the north of the seven kingdoms. That in itself is already a problem.'' The North was the most difficult kingdom to conquer. How did you conquer a kingdom that was basically impregnable?

''The independence of the North. That was something she really didn't count on. If I have to be honest I thought the North would be demanding reparations. But at no time was it in my mind that they would be leaving the seven kingdoms, where did they get this ideal of all things?''. Illyrio wouldn't deny it was a smart move.

''of course it wasn't a possibility of that happening. What am I supposed to do? The north needs nothing from the south. The only way or possibility to convince him would be to let Lord Stark know that he has to win something from all this. That keeping the North in the seven kingdoms is convenient for it''. And he doubted it. He doubted it in more ways than one.

''then we just have to conquer them. We will look for allies who can do to bring down the north from within. I'm sure Hariric Stark won't be able to compete with all the lords that could be bought with time and care.'' In Illyrio's mind he felt that this was the key. The purchase. If the northern lords felt that they should stay in the seven kingdoms there was a much better chance that they would comply.

''I'll see what can be done in this case. But I don't promise anything about it. Hariric Stark has the North in his hands. It is his kingdom and he is managing it in the most effective way possible. I don't think there's any way he's going to let anyone just take the kingdom from him." His concern is whether there would be anyone left alive who could be of use to him in the North.

''Good. I'd better go and start our plans. We need several things. Sow disorder between the kingdoms. I will seek allies for my son. One day he will sit on that throne and he will rule. And in the meantime we'll find a way to get our hands on Belladonna Stark.'' That was the whole plan. A massive plan that would take years. But he was patient.

-The Dominion-

-Highgarden-

Olenna Tyrell was far from happy. She was far from having a good day. Damn. she cursed. The war had gone wrong. No. It was wrong to fall short. The war had been a complete disaster. The army of her broken of her. Half of her troops weren't even able to get out of her domain as one huge accident after another occurred.

As if that wasn't bad enough things had gotten complicated beyond all doubt when the entire North crushed his army and took heirs and lords hostage. How the hell could this have happened? How could the most backward kingdom of the hand of the gods beat them all damn it?

And as if that wasn't bad enough, everyone was freaking out. The Dominion navy belonging to his family was sunk. It would take time and resources to get that army back.

As if that weren't bad enough, every lord and heir trapped was a maneuver they could employ to then make the Northern kingdom have its way. This was horrible and I had no better way to describe it.

He was starting to hate that damn brat who thought he was so fucking special and what's worse he thought he could somehow do shit with them. But of course the possibility of doing anything was out of the question.

hire assassins? It was a good plan. A magnificent idea. Except for the fact that she feared that the assassins would decide it was more worthwhile to sell the name of the one she had hired them so she could kill them later in the process.

Which could end badly for her. Then House Stark would kill every last one of the hostages and they would come down on them like a storm. Seeing that they had their own navy, they could attack their coast and then finish them off.

But things were out of control. For the so-called queen of thorns things were not good at all. And as if that wasn't bad enough now they had a new fucking king who had no reason to like all of them. Far from it because they had supported the house targaryens and Robert was said to be obsessed with Lyanna Stark a mile away.

Damn. Just damn the fact that things went wrong. And now she had before her the remnants of the various nobles from the domain lands and an archmaester from the citadel so she could talk about the damn things. Things had just gotten complicated.

''Okay let's stop yelling about shit and start talking about the shitty situation we're all in right now knowing that House Stark has won this damn war and crushed with an army that outnumbers the combined armies of various kingdoms. Damn this has come out as the worst horse shit. Olenna turned to see the different nobles present among which Paxter and Leyton himself stood out.

''We were not prepared. We were not at all prepared for what hit us squarely. The northern military navy not only had faster ships than ours but they could shoot from farther away and they ended up sinking our navy before we had time to do anything.'' It was the most humiliating navy defeat of all time if Paxter himself had to say so.

''this damn thing has hit us square in the face. We should have assumed that if the North has managed to improve its living conditions and much more there were many if not too many chances that the North would have been able to recover its military conditions. That an army in smaller numbers has so literally crushed a much larger one is insulting. Leyton couldn't believe what he was saying.

''We will have to start negotiations with House Stark because of the fact that they are holding many of our heirs and lords hostage. Damn it, how has House Stark been able to get away with all this? How is it possible that House Stark has been so strong in such a short time?'' From everyone's point of view this was real hell. Arguing? diplomacy? In the past they would only have issued a veiled threat and that's it. Now they had to argue with the North.

''I refuse to negotiate with those fucking bastards. Look what they've done to us. The Dominion was considered the second most powerful kingdom. We had it all: wealth, army and much more. Damn Mace Tyrell for putting us in this shitty situation.'' The master of the house Florent was clearly upset.

''shut up stupid Florent. In case you haven't noticed, you idiot piece of shit, they haven't surpassed a single kingdom. But everyone. Blame my son all you want but I bet my two saggy tits you wouldn't have even done much better so he stops saying stupid nonsense things. Olenna looked annoyed at Florent. It was no secret that at the slightest opportunity they sought to exploit the situation in order to become the lords of the south.

''I think we're getting out of control. The first is the first. If we start talks with the North, what can we expect them to ask us for in exchange for the return of the hostages? And first of all, we have to be sure that what they ask of us is not an exaggeration because otherwise, I'm sorry to say it, but I wouldn't pay for the recovery.'' Randyll Tarly was unsurprisingly a ruthless commander, and he was already making the necessary calculations.

''possibly we will reduce the taxes on the sale of your products in the kingdom. Honestly we have nothing more to take away. I would say to propose marriages with the lords of the north but for a while I have realized that there are certain harsher laws regarding things and treason…it is not taken well in the North''. The plan to manipulate the North with marriages had gone awry.

''No marriage with the North would have anything or any benefit for them. What can we give them? They have it all. They have financial stability. They have built a lot of businesses and most importantly they have unity. The only hope of getting anything out of the north is to separate the lords which is impossible as long as Hariric Stark lives." As long as House Stark has leaders like Hariric there was little chance they could get anything out of House Stark.

''They have an army that has pushed back the other kingdoms. They are not a game joke or anything like that. If House Stark sets its mind to it, it will put the other kingdoms in their place without mercy again and I have the feeling that most of the setbacks that have led the Dominion army astray are nothing more nor less than the fact that a form of sabotage on their part." Randyll exposed his thoughts that immediately attracted the attention of everyone present.

''It is good to know that the North lacks the honor to wage war. We should have known that then they couldn't hope to beat us.'' A pompous domain lord sneered.

''Do you think war is a nice business? wield swords and ride the horse expecting to fight head-on? What an idiot you are then. War is anything but a pleasant outcome. Hariric Stark has created a way to wage war like this. He saw that he was outnumbered and decided to fight with what he had. I respect him right now for his military achievements more than I respect any idiot at this bloody table for coming up with something so fucking ridiculous. Randyll scoffed. How blind could people be? The war was not a fucking joke.

Everyone in the room fell silent. Of all those present, it could be said that Randyll Tarly was the most knowledgeable of what was tactics and many more military matters. It wasn't a joke and dealing with them meant in a nutshell that if Randyll was telling them that war was like this then they had to believe it. But it didn't make things any easier for them to swallow.

"Archiamestre, how likely is it that this war has negatively affected and forced the North back in some way to force them to talk more diplomatically?" Olenna was actually hoping the Archmaester had a kind word for all of them.

''none. If the valley had intercepted the Lord Stark's retreat and they could have forced it somehow perhaps. But with Lord Stark and these winter legions safely behind the Twin Wolves the chances of the North being subdued in any way are low at best with non-existent in some ways.'' The archmaester was more than unhappy to say this.

''So the North has all the damn stones and we're trapped. Well the good news is that in no way will the North be with possible allies. With Dorne having betrayed them the way they did complicates their relationship although it gets much worse for them since they have their esteemed prince Oberyn. And on top of that the potential hostages of each house that they have captured.'' Olenna was sure that with the North not having any relationship with the lords of other houses things were good.

''There are more things to discuss. Faith is scandalized and demands that we take action on the matter to put the North in its place. They define it as our duty and obligation before all things and although I would like to point out that I do not entirely agree with it, I have to be the one to say that in reality faith can do us a lot of harm.'' Leyton then offered his opinion of how things could go wrong.

''Tell them to let us deal with this matter in our own way. First of all we have to deal with what is the problem of getting back the members that have been taken hostage. I just hope the North doesn't exact an outsized price for the return of all of them. That's enough for today, although if someone has something else to point out, it's better that it be said now because if I find out that it was something possible and it wasn't said now, I'm going to get really pissed off.'' Ollena looked at everyone present with a look of death.

''just one thing. One thing that must be the biggest lie in the seven kingdoms. Various sources affirm that Hariric Stark faced a fire monster that had previously been the prince. He defeated him in combat…using magic.'' Of course the information had not reached the citadel first hand but the rumors were spreading.

''and Archmaester…How come these rumors haven't been confirmed? How come these rumors, as farfetched and crazy as they are, have not been confirmed in any way?'' Olenna shuddered. Could it be true? Could Hariric Stark possess magic?

''It's not possible Olenna. Magic has been completely extinguished from this world. There is no more magic. So forgive me for considering it as a fucking sick joke. I'm sure it's just the ravings of those bloody cowards who fled their duty to their prince.'' The archmaester scoffed. The citadel had made sure by all means to eradicate the magic of this era.

''useless and idiotic oaf, hasn't it occurred to you that it is through magic that Hariric Stark has been able to revolutionize the world of the North? How else do you think he has been able to make all these advances that we are not able to replicate in any way you brainless idiot? Damn asshole''. Olenna wasn't in a good mood. How could southern lords be such fucking idiots?

''Lady Olenna, is it still possible to be wrong? It's not true? Are we perhaps exaggerating of all things?'' A brave gentleman (and incredibly stupid if you stop to consider) decided to offer his personal opinion, believing as the archmaester himself did that what he was saying was nonsense bullshit that should not be paid attention to.

''I don't know if Hariric Stark has magic. Possibly he has not. Or possibly have. I don't know and I sincerely pray that this is not the case because the last time anyone was heard from with magic we were conquered by ten thousand men and three dragons. So I don't even want to imagine another person with that power, am I clear? However, the simple fact of discarding something for the simple reason that in your eyes it seems ridiculous seems to me the biggest mistake of all time. How many want to make that unprecedented mistake eh?''. Olenna looked around at each of the assembled men.

''If Hariric possesses magic…would that mean his children would too? If so, we can potentially be facing a new dynasty. We should move before they do anything that might be too dangerous for the domain then my lady." The archmaester shuddered. Magic. Damn magic. once more active No. They couldn't allow it.

"Look, you're an idiot. There are more serious things in that regard, such as…appropriating said power. If we are able to learn how he has awakened his magic and gain his own power, we could have his own energy and use it against him. How has he awakened it? Because? Those are the questions Archmaester should be asking. What an idiocy to try to go and kill him without further ado. Olenna taunted the Archmaester. How could the man be so nearsighted?

The respective lords had to agree. If the magic was real and Lord Stark had awakened it somehow then it would be best if they were able to replicate it themselves and take said power into their own hands. Of course there was the question, how did Hariric Stark awaken the magic? How did he make it possible for said power to be in his hands?

''Well, with that cleared up, this meeting is dismissed. Let me know when talks are going to start with the North to recover the lords. I'll be there to win back my stupid lout of a son. Although I won't deny that he can't be blamed for all things, I still have to admit that it was a painful mistake that he has made in this case and that he puts us in a really difficult situation. With her words spoken one by one the lords left Olenna alone. She had her plans. The ideas of her.

Magic. If it was real, it was a power that could not be left alone in the hands of the North. No. And although she knew that the citadel and faith would be against her, the truth is that she herself believed that said power was better in the hands of men than leaving it to the use of just anyone.

-The North. winterfell

-Courthouse-

Hariric wanted to growl. He really did want to growl. For some reason all the lords of the North had gotten it into their heads that they wanted to be there to see the end of the Boltons and their allies. It didn't take a genius to know that his plan was to see if they could see a way to appropriate their land, something he flatly refused.

These lands would be managed by personal loyal to him. And although he knew that the lords were not traitors, they were in many cases given to grudges. He knew his heirs and trusted them more than the lords.

In the time that more and more lords had been arriving some had hoped to know more about their magic. Of course he knew that hiding his magic was impossible. The idiots had let it be known that magic was real. How long would it take for faith to be on his neck demanding his death for whatever reason? Pfff as if he gave a shit about the opinion of such a corrupt and bad faith.

So he had declared the independence of the North. Without confirming it with any gentleman or anything, were they upset? No. Except for the concern that was on their minds, the fact is that some thought that the opportunity had been delayed in more ways than one.

That everyone wanted the North to be independent so they could do their thing. Of course he was not oblivious to the fact that possibly some would think stupidly and that is why he intended to start exchanging the different lords of the North for their heirs.

Dealing with the south reminded him that the idiot from Baratheon had expected him to marry his sister. He could remember the letter from Jon Arryn in which he had been sent that they were looking forward to completing the marriage between Robert and Lyanna. He had to make a real effort not to go to the capital and unleash a fair amount of wildfire.

She had stolen enough from him to know how to produce the item and honestly in her mind there was nothing she wanted more than to do it. Fortunately for all of them, his mother and father as well as his wife had reassured him. The simple audacity of the bird to think that after all he would only fulfill his requests.

It didn't help that the first thing his sister had done as soon as she was here was go cry to Tykren who, although he was already one hundred percent, the man was just out of recovery. Dark magic always leaves scars and it was hard to heal. But once he was the one he was the first to greet Lyanna.

After telling him that she was with a child, he had become enraged. Not with her. Not him. But with Rhaegar and he had no greater desire than to smash the bastard's head in the worst possible way but unfortunately for the said member of the royal family he was dead at his hands.

He would take care of Jon. She had made it clear. Lyanna was going to fake her death so that everyone would think that things were complicated with her and much more. She didn't give a damn what people thought or what people wanted. All that mattered to him was that his sister would be safe and protected and the child would grow up with him and Ashara. They would never hide his royal family from him and he had made it clear that if he proved his worth when he was thirteen he would be named Stark and would be granted a title and much more.

The boy was his nephew after all. That had earned him the appreciation of both his wife and his sister and mother who were obviously happy with his decision to protect the child.

That's how things were and he didn't care. Burying her sister had been done and everyone effectively believed that Lyanna Stark had died. The north was in outrage and that only made it easier to claim independence as they were tired of being part of a kingdom that trampled them down.

It got much worse when word got out about Lyanna's demand letter and even more so the letter demanding her presence to be sworn in. It didn't matter what the lords wanted. It didn't matter what they might think. Everything went completely to hell when such coldness was seen and much more in the southerners. When he only said that he had declared the foundation of the kingdom of Asgard (it was better than the kingdom of the North) many were happy.

His wife was actually…furious. She had had to stay away from Oberyn because she promised that if she got her hands on him she would snap him like a twig. She wasn't the only one. Elia was far from happy citing how they had destroyed an alliance with his actions and how on top of that they had made enemies of a single kingdom with which they had such a strong relationship and that they could benefit from each other.

Ashara was pissed off at how far Doran had sunk. She knew that Doran could be a schemer in more ways than one. A man who could plan and even devise tactics for what it was to get what he wanted from others. Make no mistake she didn't see it as a bad thing. Everyone had that way of thinking if you stopped to think about it.

But he put at risk an alliance that was very, very beneficial for both of them. And I basically throw her to the ground. So in Ashara's mind it was an act of sheer idiocy. Not to add that whether she wanted to or not, Doran was a helper in Lyanna's rape so that put him on the shit list.

Ashara had been very tempted to let Doran know she was in the shit. At how fucked up she was if she had to say so. But she didn't. In the end she decided that it would be best to let it be until it was time. She would make sure that Doran Martell never even thought about it again.

If Hariric had to be honest, seeing his wife so pissed off was enough to remind him that just as she was a beautiful woman with a great mind and great use of her abilities, she was also Black and when you offended her you were beyond screwed.

Elia was no better. Finding out that her brother had left her to die for the capital as a lesser evil in her need had pissed her off. It turns out that Doran had planned that in case the North won Elia she would serve well as a hostage. It seemed Doran had discarded Elia as a useful piece ever since the maesters said she could no longer safely bear children.

The last way he saw her was as some kind of sacrificial piece to unite all of Dorne behind a single banner to ensure the reign of Doran's family as long as they had an enemy. And the fact that they would have his sister as a hostage only ensured that the North would be a piece that would be weaker than normal.

Elia had always known that her brother Doran was a very treacherous piece and that he could be incredibly dangerous, but it is one thing to know that your brother is that way and quite another to have your brother be a cruel son of a bitch who would sacrifice his brothers. by power. Even Tywin wasn't like that and that should say a lot.

Hariric sighed before focusing. Next to him was his wife and to the left of him was his father since his mother was with Cregan and belladonna. Both of his parents were anxious to see this conclude as the northern judgment for all who had offended him was a thing to be remembered.

''Bring Lord Bolton as well as Lord Ryswell and his nephews. It's time to end this shitty parody. Lord Hornwood may have been killed in the war but his punishment will be communicated anyway. It had been a shame since his plan was to judge and execute the three lords and their male descendants yes or yes no matter what anyone said. The women would be sent to the order of the priestesses of Gaia. A new order formed to pay homage to mother earth.

As Hariric ordered, he quickly took Lord Bolton away. Good old Roose Bolton looked worse than shit. He was badly beaten and didn't look in good shape. The Ryswells didn't look any better either and his nephews looked even worse. They had resisted capture so no joke had been taken when capturing them in fact there were only two of Lord Ryswell's nephews of the four present.

The man glared at Lord Stark with daggers but he just gave him a look as cold as the greatest of winters. His wife next to him was also not happy as this pair of monsters had plotted to kill his children.

''tch so the high lord Stark comes down from his so-called winter throne to see us. That honor. Let's do this quick. We request the black. Roose was far from happy. The plan was so good. What they never counted on was the large and highly trained army of the North. No matter what ways he might view himself he couldn't have planned for a professional army.

''Oh yeah. The option to go to the wall to atone for your past actions. Yeah. It's a good offer. Gods it could be for the best. It would save me a lot of effort. There's just one problem with that. You see the time when the wall was entrusted to a bunch of thugs without more and people who are trash just for the sake of having people is over. So you see Lord Bolton. The time when you could escape and plan how to fuck me from the wall is completely over.'' Hariric spoke with a tone of finality.

Naturally Roose's face changed. radically. She had gone from being confident to something much worse: fear. Roose had by no means expected to be told that the way to save his pathetic little life had gone completely to hell. Next to him, Lord Ryswell didn't look good either and his nephews looked even worse at that moment. Naturally, everyone present thought it an exaggeration. The lords did not understand. They did not accept it.

''Lord Stark this is exaggerated. In other words, my lord, when someone commits a great crime, they are always given the option of being part of the wall. The wall is an honorable way out.'' Jorah couldn't believe what he was hearing right now.

''And tell me, Lord Mormont, are you the one who says that I must trust this man? in an oath breaker? Because you have to remember that this man and his allies swore to serve my family. They swore it. And yet they didn't just turn on my family. They helped kidnap my sister. They allied themselves with the faith of the red god. And they colluded with the prince of the seven kingdoms to launch a coup that would take me and my family out of power to put himself robbing the entire north. I betray not only myself… but each one of you.'' Hariric could see at that moment that the gazes of each of the lords

''This is not a joke or a game. This man and his allies are oathbreakers. They are loyal to nothing but themselves and would betray us without hesitation. They've already proven they can do it once and they've done it by fucking with all of us. If I leave him alive on the wall, what the fuck does he tell me he won't make a deal with the savages to give them all a free hand damn it?'' Hariric's words entered each of the lords.

''You are weak Stark…You do not deserve the position of Lord of Winter. You are nothing more than a simple man who does not deserve the position you are in. Everything you've built will be broken. If you kill me here it doesn't matter. I'm sure in time more people will turn against you.'' Roose couldn't resist saying the last message from him in this case to be true he was pissed off.

''And it is for this reason, Lord Bolton, that I have the sad duty to inform you that because of your treason all the Earths will now belong to House Stark. Betrayal is not only paid with life. No gentlemen. Betrayal will be paid for by losing everything. If a single member betrays the entire north with his actions then the North will retaliate against such actions. Hariric could see all the lords wanting to rise up and complain.

''If anyone thinks this is exaggerated, they can speak up. If someone thinks what I'm doing is wrong, they can speak up. But make no mistake gentlemen of the north. The time is over when treason was forgiven. If a house leader is considered a traitor and the rest of the house does not do what has to be done with said people I will make sure that the justice of the north is final. The sentence is as follows''. Hariric could see more than one lord complaining.

''For the crime of treason against the North you are considered guilty. The punishment for treason is death. For the crime of allying with a southerner and being responsible for the kidnapping, rape and death of my sister, the punishment is not only death. It is the total loss of land. Not a single member if there is one that is alive will be able to claim. Those lands will be part of House Stark until they find a worthy person who deserves them. The death penalty will be applied after the end of this trial. Guard take them all to their prisons''. No. Hariric Stark was not compassionate.

All the lords watched with one look as Bolton and his allies left. The message was clear. Not Lord Stark. The winter king ruled absolutely. His will was absolute and if anyone thought he could screw them they were screwed beyond a doubt. This also obviously caused the idea of ​​betraying the winter king to go completely to shit. The fear that his family would be left with nothing. No one wanted such a thing. Many lords agreed at that moment with a few words from their children: Hariric Stark is a great friend but a fearsome enemy.

''The next case. The royal guard. All of them are responsible for various crimes. Help the prince in the kidnapping of Lyanna Stark, help in the rape of her. That along with the prince's support in waging war to the north. They will all be judged. Let them show up now so we can start having a trial." Hariric could see more than one gentleman now calmer.

As one they all entered except Jaime Lannister who had stayed in the capital. Every one of the royal guards looked worse than wear. Hariric had not believed in wasting resources on them. Neither in being nice nor friendly. No. He firmly believed that they were nothing more or less than garbage that he collaborated with the kidnapping of his sister and in fact helped make his life miserable for the last year.

So no. There was no compassion for all of them so when she saw them come in they were all seated on chairs. No armor. Without anything. They were people who were at that moment in the worst moment of their lives.

''Today we all meet to discuss what your royal guard destiny is. Tell me now, what reason do I have to forgive your miserable lives? You who collaborated with a madman who kidnapped my sister and abused her which led to her death. Give me a reason to show you even an ounce of compassion.'' Not that I was going to have it.

The royal guard looked between them. They were all there gathered. Each and every one of them was obviously tired. Hariric had been torturing them by not letting them have a nice sleep and they hadn't treated their wounds, a little nasty? He didn't give a fuck if people thought he'd overreacted to them. All that mattered to him was that these people understood that what they had done was wrong.

''You are not King Stark to us. There is only one king and that is the house of dragons. No more no less. You are not king of winter. What you are is a traitor in rebelling against the crown. The prince may have kidnapped your sister. He may have raped her. But no one would deny that what he did was for a good reason. Every kingdom needs an heir." Gerold was not afraid.

''Who said nothing about killing? Oh be Gerold. What a silly idea. Killing a person… is easy. Before, I ordered the execution of the traitorous lords of the North because his death would mean something, but if he killed you, what message would it be? The message would not be appropriate. No. You have to do something simpler and simpler so the punishments must be more exemplary to make sure that everyone knows the mistake of thinking like that''. Hariric could see everyone's minds racing at a thousand kilometers an hour, something worse than death?

''You are all going to be interrogated under veritaserum. The truth serum created by the University of Isengard. Under that serum all its secrets will be known. And it will be known if they regret something. If they repent they will be judged accordingly. But if they do not repent, then the punishment will be such that it will be talked about in all corners. People will remember him for the rest of their lives.'' He could see more than one lord shudder.

And the interrogation arrived. To say that the room was silent was an understatement. Knowing that the Lord Commander of the Kingsguard had no regrets was an understatement. The man thought that the queen, although she could be tortured every day, at least she was a queen and he did not feel empathy for her because he still had a position of power. As for her sister, she thought it was the duty of a woman from a strong and powerful house to give the prince an heir. Seeing that House Stark was the strongest at that moment, he felt that it was the best thing that could be done for them and that he should take it as an honor.

Ser Lewyn and Ser Oswell were different Ser Lewyn…he was the queen's secret lover which was a surprise. The man had tried to defend her as much as possible but he didn't come out of her as expected. In reality, the man was the king's main suspect that his wife was cheating on him, which was not good. Ser Oswell on the other hand simply thought it his duty to serve the crown, to be the extension of her power no more and no less.

Curiously though, Ser Lwyn did not agree with Lyanna's kidnapping. As Melania's brother he was very similar and was a believer that the stronger the better alliances. And although Lewyn had a disdain for the North he came from a family that considered women better so in his mind the idea of ​​a young woman being kidnapped and raped was not the best.

Unfortunately there was little he could do in that regard to stop him completely as things were getting bad for him. He couldn't make enemies with the two Targaryens since Rhaegar had made it clear that at the slightest offense he would leave and then Elia would be completely defenseless.

Ser Barristan was a complete believer in the knight's code. What did that mean? Ser Barristan along with Ser Lewyn had tried numerous times to protect the queen and made it clear that when she needed help he helped her. And he was completely against it and he had actually been the confidant who had let the north know exactly where Lyanna was in the hope that they would be able to get to her safely.

He didn't mind dying. Not when he felt that he had shattered his pride as a knight in so many ways. But Hariric curiously viewed it favorably and he had more ideas for the man in more ways than one so he could be considered forgiven.

The most complicated of all the royal guards and possibly the one that was causing the most problems in the minds of many was none other than Arthur himself. The man was loyal to his family and to the royal guard. He was a staunch subservient to Ser Gerold. However, he made it clear that the prince he swore to follow changed radically with the times, stating that a mixture of madness and other ideas were nesting in his mind.

Was he sorry for everything that had happened on his watch? He was lamenting a lot. But he recognized one thing and that is that he believed that through the son of Rhaegar and Lyanna things would smooth out for a potential war between the north and the seven kingdoms, believing that Lord Stark, like any normal lord, would be happy with his sister attracting attention. of the Prince. He never counted on the prince's reaction or true intentions.

''this is hell. Being Gerold…you are nothing more than a conniving and rape helper. Killing you would be creating a hero. A legend. That's why I won't. I will not kill you. No. What I will do is extend to the seven kingdoms how you support rape, how you see it as a normal occurrence and how you would support treating any woman in such a way. Let them do with you in the south what they want''. If he killed him he would become a martyr.

''Ser Lewyn and Ser Barristan. You are both innocent and only guilty of not being able to do more for people and I will discuss your future with both of you another time.'' Hariric could tell that there were a lot of people waiting to know what else would happen to them but he didn't give a shit.

''Being Oswell you are the same as being Gerold. Just another man who seems to think rape is perfectly fine and therefore his treatment of my sister was perfectly fine. So you will suffer the same fate as being Gerold. I wish him luck because in all sincerity he is going to need it. She saw Ser Oswell glaring at him obviously thinking he could get something but at the same time there was despair in his eyes.

''…my husband should be the one to pass sentence on this, brother. But for his love for me he has let me be the one to decide. Don't take it as a show of weakness. I cannot allow it in any way. No. What I am going to make clear now, brother, is that you are not free, far from it. You are guilty of a crime and you will pay for it. Ashara could feel the gazes of all the lords.

''hereby and because of your my brother being responsible for this kidnapping, conspiring in the rape of Lyanna Stark and partially responsible for a war between the north and the crown the North completely breaks its alliance with Dorne. For the crime of doing this to your own family you will be sentenced to work in the mines for a minimum of ten years. And the ancestral sword Dawn will only be returned to House Dayne if certain requirements are met… get these scum out of my sight." It hurt. Oh god it hurt so much.

From that day on, no one would ever doubt Ashara Dayne again.


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