The Dragon Returns: Game of Thrones

A Game of Thrones Fanfiction

By Snafu the Great

Disclaimer: Game of Thrones belong to HBO. This is probably the only fanfic of Game of Thrones which I will write. This is a alternate universe fanfic with several major deviations, the main one being that neither Rhaegar Targaryen and his family did not die during the Rebellion, but escaped Westeros and settled in Braavos. I wrote this as a part of a bet with my cousin that I could no do a Game of Thrones fanfic (he is a fan of both the series and of the books, as am I). He owes me 50 bucks, by the way.

Second, Aegon, not Rhaenys is the eldest child, but he is only two years older than Rhaenys. Aegon is also Rhaegar's chosen heir and rightful king. Third, Rhaenys' alias is Talisa Maegyr, and she has been undercover as a medic in Robb Stark's army. Falling in love with him was not the plan. She is also a master of the Braavosi Water Dance.

Next, Daenerys is three years older than her age in the series, making her 21, and her events (Khal Drogo and the Dothraki, the Slave Cities, etc.) happen three years earlier, leaving her and her elder brother with the Unsullied and Dany's three grown dragons.

As per my M.O., I a modeling the following characters after the following actors:

Rhaegar Targaryen: Thomas Krestchmann (Major Cain – Resident Evil: Apocalypse, Captain Hosenfeld – The Pianist, Hermann Fegelein – Der Untergang/Downfall)

Aegon Targaryen: Liam Helmsworth (Gale Hawthorne – The Hunger Games, Billy 'The Kid' Timmons – The Expendables 2)

Oberyn Martell: Oded Fehr (Ardeth Bey - The Mummy and The Mummy Returns, Carlos Oliveira - Resident Evil: Apocalypse, Extinction and Retribution)

About the Blackfyre: Named after the extinct cadet branch of House Targaryen (and one of the two Valyrian swords Rhaegar wields), the Blackfyre Corps is a 7,000 member mercenary army founded by Rhaegar Targaryen. Although much smaller than the famous Golden Company, Blackfyre is a motley crew consisting of highly-trained sellswords from Westeros, including survivors from House Reyne (unknown to Tywin Lannister), Braavosi braves, medics, and even assassins from the Faceless Men who serve under Rhaegar under a life-debt owed to him. With the absorption of the Second Sons into Blackfyre, the number had risen to 9,000. The Blackfyre specializes in recon and infiltration. Rhaegar Targaryen is their Commander, while Jon Connington and Daario Naharis are his vice-commanders and advisers. Aegon Targaryen and Rhaenys Targaryen are also members; Aegon fighting alongside his father, while Rhaenys oversees the medical corps.

About the Pekara Merchant House: Years before the founding of Blackfyre, Rhaegar established a mercantile guild called the Pekara Merchant House in the first years following his family's exile. The mercantile guild specializes in exporting and importing goods mostly from Essos and the Free Cities. The branch located in King's Landing also serves as part of his information network, of which Varys is in contact with, as the Spider is his inside man in King's Landing. The Pekara Merchant House also has branches in Sunspear (as it was the home of Rhaegar's late wife), and the Summer Islands.

In closing, there is some minor out-of-character moments for the Targaryens. I would like to credit the two following authors who inspired me to write this three-part fanfic, as it was their own stories who got the juices flowing: cbstep (Ned Stark Lives 1 and 2) and HardBoiled (Dynasty of Wolves). Other inspirations for this fanfic also came from The Last Legion (the Aishwarya Rai fight scene was a main driving force for Rhaenys/Talisa using the Water Dance style), the track 'The Rescue' from the Ip Man 2 Soundtrack (because the track is awesome)...and copious amounts of booze. Gotta stop drinking. Bah, enjoy.

Part One

'Never was anything great achieved without danger.'

- Niccolo Machiavelli, The Prince

'To win one hundred victories in one hundred battles is not the acme of skill. To subdue the enemy without fighting is the acme of skill.'

- Sun Tzu, The Art of War

An island off the coast of Dorne - three weeks before Ned Stark's arrest...

'Never again with the Targaryen marry brother to sister. You will be the last, as you will marry The Unburnt. The wolf shall be your closest ally, as will the viper. The dragon shall take back his rightful place on his throne, but you will not rule. The blood of Old Valyria, of the dragon is strong within your family. The dragon shall rule until the end of time. Every firstborn child - be it male or female - shall have the blood and the appearance of the Targaryen. The madness will never again afflict your line through the Unburnt.'

He remembered the words of the maegi he had rescued: one might had confused her for a servant or a working girl. When she asked what was his deepest desire was, his response was to take back what was taken from him. She had given him a prophecy.

The island was located off the coast of Dorne. It was home to a deserted village and a small deserted castle, the original home of House Nymeros Martell centuries before Aegon the First arrived in Westeros following the Doom of Old Valyria. Now, the island housed an outpost for the Pekara Merchant House, a mercantile guild originating from Braavos, the castle itself was a staging area for the combined forces of Rhaegar and Daenerys Targaryen. The island was big enough for the Unsullied, the elite warrior-eunuchs under her command, 8,000 strong, the 9,000 member of Blackfyre, Rhaegar's elite mercenary corps, and Daenerys' three dragons, hidden away in a massive dragonpit underneath the island.

Rhaegar Targaryen was awake in his bed, naked, as was his sister-wife, who was asleep on one side. He was on his back, while she was on her side. His mistress, a Naathi female around the age of eighteen, was on her back, also asleep, her breasts rising and falling with each breath she took.

So far, one part of it had came true. He had taken Daenerys as his wife. He was nearly twenty years her senior, but she was wedded to him. Through his information network within his mercenary force, he had been keeping track of Dany and her Dothraki bloodriders. They had met up shortly before Astapor, where he had saved her life from an assassination attempt.

It had been seventeen years since the Usurper's Rebellion. seventeen years since contrary to the fact that he and his family were killed, that he and his family fled Westeros and set up shop in Braavos. He was twenty-six at the time. Now, as he was much older, he had learned from his mistakes. Under the guise of a merchant family - and under the protection of the Sealord of Braavos - did he raise his family in general peace, with Varys keeping him informed of events going on in King's Landing and Westeros.

Unlike Robert, who had let himself go, drinking and whoring while running up a massive debt to the Lannisters, Rhaegar had kept up his skills with the sword and the bow. The gold and silver he had pilfered before fleeing King's Landing had multiplied many times over following a series of investments with the Iron Bank, combined with the profits that the mercantile guild was bringing in, importing and exporting goods. He could have bought the Golden Company and had them march on Westeros and King's Landing. But he refused to do so, much to Viserys' chagrin.

Forty-three years old and Rhaegar was much wiser than he was when he was in line for the Iron Throne. He had lost the taste of becoming king, but he was very much a player in the game of thrones. Unlike Robert, he had also aged gracefully, looking at least a decade younger. His silver-blond hair, which he usually kept in a ponytail, framed his face. His face was clean-shaven. Some people called him a philosopher, given his passion for reading, that his head was in the clouds. But he was still the Dragon, regardless of what Viserys had claimed.

Viserys, his younger brother. During their exile, he began to show signs of the madness which had afflicted their father. Given the Targaryen tradition of marrying brother to sister, it was said that the gods would flip a coin to see whether or not the new ruler would fall to madness. His father, Aerys II had succumbed to the madness, and Viserys began to show signs of it as well, even going as far as to tell his elder brother that he would raise his own army and invade Westeros, something that Rhaegar has failed to do - in his eyes, at least.

"Brother," Rhaegar had said, "Our time will come when the Dragon will return to Westeros and reclaim the Iron Throne. But you will not rule, nor will I. Aegon is next in line to rule. Not you."

It would be after Elia's death that Rhaegar and Viserys had a final falling out. The following morning, Viserys was gone, and he had taken Daenerys with him. It would be three years before Rhaegar and his children would see her again. He had promised himself that he would not make a bid for the Iron Throne while Elia was still alive. With Elia gone, he began his plan. With the Pekara Merchant House making money, he established a second business, a mercenary company, which he himself led. Named after the cadet branch of the Targaryen clan - and one of Rhaegar's Valyrian steel swords - the Blackfyre Mercenary Corps made a name for itself as a hard-hitting and reliable company of sellswords. Aside from Westerosi exiles who made up the majority, some of them survivors of House Reyne who had narrowly escaped exterminator decades earlier, Blackfyre also employed Braavosi braves, combat medics, and even a group of Faceless Men who had sworn loyalty to the Dragon, as he had save their lives shortly before the Sacking of Astapor.

It would be three years before Rhaegar would see his sister again. He had been tracking her movements once Blackfyre was established, which led him to Astapor. He kept missing Daenerys by a matter of hours. It was only by luck, was he able to catch up to her in Astapor.

[Flashback]

Astapor, two years ago...

Rhaegar had his dagger already unsheathed and was closing in on Dany. The little ball that the girl was playing with had opened up, revealing a manticore. The poisonous little insect made a beeline for the Targaryen woman, stinger dripping with venom...

...only to be impaled by a Valyrian dagger.

"Manticore. Deadly little bastards," Rhaegar noted as he inspected the screeching bug impaled on his dagger. "A signature technique of assassination used by the Warlocks of Qarth." He looked at the assassin - disguised as a little girl - who walked away. Rhaegar disposed of the poisonous little creature by flinging it into the bay and sheathing his dagger.

"Thank you, Ser," Dany said, grateful, but could not get the feeling that she knew him from somewhere. "I owe you my life."

"Think nothing of it," Rhaegar replied as he removed his hood. "After all, the elder brother must look out for his siblings."

Dany's face was alight. It had been three years since she had last seen him, but she recognized her elder brother in an instant. So did her bodyguard, who immediately went down on one knee while Dany rushed over and embraced Rhaegar.

Rhaegar returned the embrace. "You are very hard to track down, Daenerys," he said.

"I'm sorry. I had to keep moving. I thought you were dead," Dany replied. She motioned for Jorah to rise. "This is my bodyguard..."

"Jorah Mormont," Rhaegar cut in. "Yes. I know of you. Rise."

"Your Grace," Jorah said standing to his feet. "I did not know that you were still alive. Viserys said that you and your family were killed."

Rhaegar's eyes narrowed. "Did he now? My brother and I will have words the next time we meet."

"Viserys is dead, Your Grace," Jorah reported. "A lot has happened since then." He looked at Dany. "Most of it surrounding Khaleesi."

"Khaleesi? Viserys married you off to a Dothraki horse lord?" asked Rhaegar.

Jorah nodded. "It's a long story, Your Grace."

"I have time," Rhaegar said. "And just call me Lord Rhaegar. I no longer seek the Iron Throne for myself. I have been grooming Aegon to take my place. You have my thanks for keeping my sister safe, Jorah. Come. We have much to discuss."

[End Flashback]

Dany had been told by Viserys that her brother and his family had been killed whilst the pair was out shopping, and that it was up to them to reclaim the Iron Throne. She believed his lies, up until Astapor.

While Rhaegar was building his private army, Viserys had made his own bid for the Iron Throne by marrying Dany off to Khal Drogo. During this time, Dany had grown to love her husband, and even went as far as to study and learn both the Dothraki culture and the language. Viserys, on the other hand, became insanely jealous of Dany's increasing popularity with her husband and her adopted tribe.

He made the fateful mistake of threatening not only Dany at swordpoint inside Vaes Dothrak, but also threatened to carve out Dany's unborn child. That sealed his fate with Drago and the Dothraki horde. Rhaegar knew of the Dothraki culture, that they could not shed blood in their sacred city. But even he had to admit that death by molten gold was a very impressive - albeit very painful - method of execution.

But what shocked Rhaegar most of all was Dany's three pets.

Dragons.

At the time before the sacking of Astapor, they were but the size of a large dog. Now, they were full grown. Viserion, Rhaegal and Drogon. Named after her two brothers and her late husband. She had hatched them on her husband's funeral pyre, using the lifeforce of a treacherous maegi who had killed her unborn child and left her husband a vegetable.

The trio of flying reptiles warmed up to Rhaegar and his two children, with Rhaegar helping raise them alongside Dany, and he earned their trust along with his children. Following the sacking of Astapor and their joint campaign to liberate the Slave Cities, Rhaegar and Dany had grown closer. Maybe it was because that they both had lost their respective spouses, or otherwise. Dany became interested in archery and Rhaegar taught it to her. Suffice to say, she was a natural at it, especially on horseback, much to the approval of her Dothraki riders. As Dany was now in command of the Unsullied, she had to learn how to lead, of which Rhaegar was also her teacher in both leadership and self-defense tactics. Dany was a pacifist, but she did keep a hidden blade on her at all times.

Despite not being a fighter like her brother-husband and his two children, Daenerys had a reputation for honor and fairness, with a love for justice. So much so that prior to her return to Braavos, the Golden Company, the largest sellsword organization, once appealed to her to settle a dispute, which she did with great success, thus earning their respect and admiration.

Unlike Oberyn Martell and Robert Baratheon, he did not have any bastards running around the Free Cities. But that does not mean that he occasionally gets the 'itch.' Dany, on the other hand, was a completely different story. The night before the Targaryens were to leave Braavos for Dorne, Dany had snuck into his room, and into his bath.

[Flashback]

Having returned from the Iron Bank and paying his respects to the Sealord of Braavos, Rhaegar opted for a nice, hot bath once he, Dany and his children returned to the inn. He made it very clear to his children that he did not wanted to be disturbed. Like Daenerys, he had a high resistance to heat, which meant a scalding-hot bath would be nothing for him. His children did not share his enthusiasm for extremely hot baths. Then again, neither did Viserys.

The dragons, the Unsullied and Blackfyre had already left on the longships which would take them to the Pekara Outpost in Dorne a week earlier. Rhaegar and his family remained behind to settle some affairs, leaving Jon and Daario in command until their arrival in Dorne.

Even worse, there was a storm coming in on the horizon, which would more than likely put a damper on his and his family's plans to return to Westeros. After fifteen years of exile. Seventeen years of licking his wounds. Seventeen years of careful, meticulous planning that would make Tywin Lannister proud...if he was not on Rhaegar's death list. Fifteen years and the Usurper's reckoning was long overdue, as was the Lion's.

'No matter,' Rhaegar thought as he enjoyed his bath, eyes closed. 'I've waited seventeen years. I can wait a while longer to return to Westeros.'

His eyes snapped open when he felt the presence of another person in the bath. Dany stood before him, wearing nothing but her robe, her hair secured in a bun, falling down her back. "Oh. It's you, Daenerys," said Rhaegar as he calmed down.

"Sorry to have disturbed you," Dany said. "May I join you?"

Rhaegar nodded and Dany disrobed. The elder Targaryen did not so much as bat an eye upon seeing Dany's naked form, as he had seen it before while on campaign. They shared baths together back then, so why now would it be different? Dany entered the bathtub and sat on the opposite end.

"There is a storm coming in," Dany noted.

Rhaegar nodded. "It will delay our return to Westeros, I'm afraid. Only by a day, two at most." He smiled. "I remember when you were younger. You always were scared of thunderstorms."

"I grew up."

"That you did. You've come a long way since then, Daenerys. Mother would have been proud of you."

"I think we all came a long way since our exile. You've trained both Aegon and Rhaenys very well."

Rhaegar smiled. "They both make me proud. They have the blood of the Dragon...yet, they can't stand a little heat. Even to this day, they wonder why I can stand a bath like this, one with extremely hot water. Then again, my children are half-Dornish. Viserys outright hated such baths as these. He was always the weak link."

"He was no Dragon," Dany said, reciting what she had told Jorah when Drago killed her brother that night in Vaes Dothrak. "Fire cannot kill a Dragon." Something then caught her eye. "Your hand," she said, scooting over closer to him, his hand in hers, one slender finger traling the scar.

"Oh, that," Rhaegar said as Dany continued to trace the scar. "I did that." When she looked at him, Rhaegar continued to speak. "It was close to six months since we fled King's Landing. Your aunt Elia had not spoken to me when I confessed what I had planned, to leave her for the wolf-girl. But most importantly, I had lost my right to rule the Seven Kingdoms, mainly due to a betrayal from the Lion. This scar is a reminder of the blood oath I had taken in front of Elia. I confronted her with my dagger, and I ran the blade across my hand. In High Valyrian, I made this vow..." He then switched to High Valyrian, knowing that Dany could understand him. "'Flesh of my flesh. Blood of my blood. The Lion and the Stag shall receive their reckoning. They will pay for their crimes against House Targaryen.'"

"And they will pay," Dany said, also in High Valyrian. "It is time for the Dragon to reclaim what is rightfully theirs."

Rhaegar noticed that Dany was holding onto his hand a bit longer than necessary. He realized that she was holding it the way that a lover would hold it. He knew this because Elia did the same to him years earlier, back when he was heir to the Iron Throne. The look in her eyes was that of wanting. "Daenerys, what...?"

"I've loved you for a long time, Rhaegar. Ever since Astapor. Ever since the Slave Cities," Dany confessed, her voice a whisper. "We're both alike, you and I. We both married for political reasons – you marrying Princess Elia, and I marrying Drogo. I know you loved her despite your attraction to the she-wolf. And I loved Drogo."

Now Dany was on his lap, her violet eyes staring into his own lilac orbs. Rhaegar felt his manhood, now becoming erect, pressing up against her thigh. "I don't want to be anyone's pawn. Not anymore. You didn't treat me like a pawn, or even a burden. You respected me as a woman and as a leader. You helped me become even stronger." Now her arms were wrapped around his neck. "You've been preparing Aegon to take your place on the Iron Throne. I can accept that. He is your son and therefore, your heir."

She kissed him gently on the lips. "You've had other women after Elia died. Not many, of which I've seen. No bastards running around either. Our family has always married brother to sister. Why should we not be different? Only this time, I'd rather it be you. Someone I trust."

You do this," Rhaegar warned, his voice now hoarse, as Dany's presence was to him, intoxicating, "there is no going back for us. It's all or nothing." He was trying to give her a way out, to come to her senses if this was nothing more than lust. "You do this, and you will wake the Dragon within."

Dany's response to Rhaegar's comment was to kiss him full on the lips. And Rhaegar's self-control went out of the window.

[End Flashback]

They ended up fucking in the bathtub. And later, the bed.

Rhaegar had long since been fond of Dany in a brotherly way, but her seduction of him had pushed it over the edge. They had made love though out most of the night, even as the rain came Rhaegar showing Dany the passion and the fury of the Dragon. To Dany, he was gentle, but fierce, making her body come alive. They would be found together the following morning by Rhaenys and Aegon.

Rhaegar, being honorable, married Daenerys, thus fulfilling a part of the prophecy in which the maegi had told him.

They made quite a pair: The Lord of Dragons and the Mother of Dragons. Both of their first marriages were politically motivated, and both were grieving over the loss of their respective spouses. As the Targaryens were known to marry brother to sister, it was no surprise for Rhaenys and Aegon to find their father and aunt in bed together. As the voyage was delayed for another day due to bad weather, they both remained in bed for most of the day following the wedding ceremony, a septon missionary residing in Braavos had married the pair.

Many a powerful lord had a mistress or two and Rhaegar was no exception. The mistress in question was Dany's Naathi maidservant, Missandei, who ended up sharing Rhaegar and Dany's bed on their way back to Westeros. Missandei had ended up seducing the Targaryen patriarch inside their cabin, which led to quite the interesting voyage back to Westeros. Rhaegar also promised to legitimize any of Missandei's children which resulted from their union should she have any. It also served a second purpose for both Dany and Missandei, as they both had gained the unwanted attention of one of Rhaegar's vice-commanders, Daario Naharis. With Rhaegar married to Dany and Missandei being his mistress, the message was very clear: 'Keep Your Hands Off.'

Daario had got the message loud and clear...and applauded Rhaegar for snagging the Targaryen princess and her maid. He had his eyes set on Rhaegar's eldest daughter, but in the end, decided that he liked his head where it was, and did not pursue.

Speaking of Rhaegar's children...

Aegon took after his father in appearance, as he had the silver-blond hair and violet eyes which identified him as Targaryen, the blond hair cut short. He stood as tall as his father with an athletic build the stubble on his face gave him a rougish appearance, but his mind was just as keen as that of his father's own. Only his sister surpassed him. An accomplished soldier under his father's Blackfyre forces, Aegon had the respect of the men that served under his father. His skills with the sword earned him the nickname 'Prince of Dragons.'

Rhaenys was Dornish in appearance, as her mother was Elia Martell of Dorne. Despite bearing a striking resemblance to her late mother, complete with dark brown hair, she had the violet eyes of her father. Only two years younger than her brother, she was only an infant when her family fled King's Landing. Growing up in Braavos, she was a bookworm, like her father, her interests being in medicine and healing. But even she understood that as the surviving members of House Targaryen, that the Usurper or the Lion would not hesitate in sending out assassins to kill them all. Rhaegar saw that his daughter loved to dance, which is why he had a Braavosi swordmaster instruct her in the Water Dance. As with her skills as a healer, she was also a natural in the Braavosi style, gaining mastery of the Water Dance while still a teenager. Her skills as a healer were second-to-none, as her knowledge of herbs and medicines were top-notch. So much so that with her father's blessings, she founded a medical corps for Blackfyre, which did a damn good job in keeping casualties down.

The sun was starting to rise, and there was much to do. Rhaegar slipped out of the bed, leaving his sister-wife and his mistress in the bed. Following a series of stretching exercises, he retrieved his clothing and some bathing items and was off for his morning bath.

Minutes later, Rhaegar emerged from the baths, clean and fully dressed. Despite being rich enough to surpass the Lion, Rhaegar dressed simply; a white tunic, black leather breeches and matching boots. He went back to his chambers and found both Dany and Missandei were gone, preparing for the day.

Resting nearby were two Valyrian longswords. The swords of House Targaryen, Dark Sister and Blackfyre, of which he named his private army after. Normally, he would fight with both swords, but one would do today. He reached for Dark Sister and strapped it to his side. The Valyrian dagger was slipped inside his boot.

Now properly dressed and fully armed, Rhaegar was ready for the day. And today was important. The reason being? Elia's brother, Oberyn Martell, was coming to the island later in the day.

Following a meeting with the Pekara Merchants at the Outpost and an update on events in the Seven Kingdoms, Rhaegar returned to the castle. Waiting for him was one of his vice-commanders. Daario Naharis.

Originally, the Second Sons had Daenerys and her husband-brother targeted for assassination, but Daario disagreed with his superiors, mostly in regards to Dany's 'beauty.' That, and her elder brother was the Lord of Dragons and the commander of Blackfyre, which had butted heads in the past with the Second Sons, Rhaegar himself being a skilled swordsman. Daario took the heads of his superiors and presented to them to both Rhaegar and Dany in a show of loyalty. Impressed with his boldness (but not impressed with the fact that he wanted to fuck his sister), Rhaegar accepted Darrio's oath of loyalty and absorbed the Second Sons into Blackfyre.

"Lord Rhaegar," Daario greeted.

"Darrio," replied Rhaegar as Darrio fell into step beside him. "What business do you have with me? I have a lot to do and not enough time to do it in."

"The rumors in regards to the guests which you have invited," Daario replied. "Is is true? The Red Viper of Dorne is coming here?"

"It is."

"He is a legend amongst us sellswords. Just how do you know him?"

Rhaegar smiled meanly. "Oberyn Martell is my brother-in-law. His sister was my late wife, and the mother of my children. Just how much do you know about Oberyn?"

"He was a sellsword in Essos, from what I heard," replied Daario. "Poison specialist, hence his nickname, very educated, as he is from the ruling house here in Dorne."

"All of which is true," confirmed Rhaegar. "In fact, I modeled Blackfyre from his own mercenary company. You would like him, Daario. Aside from being a skilled warrior, he likes his women as well, as he has eight children by no less than five different women."

"A man after my own heart. When is he to arrive?"

"Later today. Try not to kill him, Daario, as I want him alive and supporting me and my House's bid to reclaim the Iron Throne."

"Of course, Lord Rhaegar. I would not dare to move against a legend such as the Red Viper himself."

Later in the day...

Oberyn Martell hated the water. He was cursing to himself, as to why this meeting between himself and the Blackfyre Commander could take place on dry land, particular Sunspear. Actually, he was representing his elder brother, Doran Martell, as his gout started to flare up once again, and had to be treated by the maesters.

"Why in the Seven Hells could this man hold a meeting in Sunspear?" he grumbled.

Oberyn was known not only for his fierce temper, but also for his extensive knowledge of poisons. It was rumored that he had killed Lord Edgar Yronwood wish such a poison during a duel, thus earning him the nickname, the 'Red Viper.' Oberyn approved of the moniker and the nickname stuck with him. In his younger days, he was a mercenary, having traveled throughout Essos, even working as a sellsword in the Disputed Lands across the Narrow Sea before forming his own mercenary company.

Oberyn was not alone. Also with him, were his four eldest daughters, nicknamed the Sand Snakes, who watched their father's mild discomfort in amusement. Each one of them were famous – or infamous – in their own right. They were his bastard children from different women, but they were of the Red Viper's blood. Unlike most noblemen, who did nothing for their bastard children, Oberyn raised his bastard children, and in return, his girls were devoted to him.

Obara Sand was the eldest of the Sand Snakes. The bastard daughter of an Oldtown whore, she was a rotund woman, the strongest of the quartet. Like her father, she was a fighter, with the whip and the spear being her signature weapons. As the eldest of the Sand Snakes, she looked out for her younger sisters.

Nymeria Sand was the second eldest. Named after the famed ancestor of House Martell, she was the daughter of a Volanti noblewoman. The diametric opposite of Obara, as she had all of the beauty in which her eldest sister did not. Slender, pale-skinned with shiny black hair pulled back into a single braid, she was one of the most desired women in Dorne, despite her bastard status. Despite her beauty, she was just as deadly as her father, her signature weapon being the dagger. Nymeria was known to carry at least twelve on her body at all times, and as her father was the Red Viper, she was just as deadly with them.

Tyene Sand was the middle child of the quartet. Her mother was a septa which Oberyn had deflowered. Given her blonde locks, one could mistaken her for being a Lannister, had it not been for the fact that she had her father's eyes. Despite her supposedly pious nature, she was in truth, just as ruthless as her father. Anyone who knew her was wary, given that she shared her father's love of poisons, so much so that it was her weapon of choice.

Last was Sarella Sand. The youngest of the quartet, her mother was from the Summer Islands. She was the tomboy of the group, skilled with the bow and arrow.

A year earlier, Doran Martell had agreed to lease the island out to the Pekara Merchant House, a mercantile guild based out of Braavos. Three months after agreeing to the offer, the island became home to a Pekara outpost, while the main branch was in Sunspear, while a second branch was established in King's Landing. The merchant house was known for bringing goods over from the East: among them being silk from the Free Cities, Bravossi wine, and horses from the Dothraki Sea.

Then, the night before, a message, addressed to both Doran and Oberyn, asking for a meeting. Which is why Doran had sent his brother and his nieces to the Pekara Outpost to see who the mystery man was...and why was he amassing his own private army on Dornish lands. Doran had relented on calling his bannermen when enclosed with the letter asking for a meeting with the Martells, there was a small insignia. The insignia being that of the three-headed dragon.

Doran and especially Oberyn knew that there was only one house whose sigil was that of the three-headed dragon, one thought to have been wiped out during the Rebellion, its number scattered.

It was because of this, that Doran has sent his brother and nieces to the Pekara Outpost.

Pekara Outpost

"Finally," Oberyn grumbled as he and his daughters disembarked from the ship once it had reached harbor. "I really hate ships."

Looking around, the Red Viper and his daughters saw that the harbor was bustling with activity. In such a short time, the Pekara Merchant House has transformed the island into a bustling outpost. Cargo was being loaded on and off from various ships which were docked, various languages from the Common Tongue to Braavosi and even a little Dothraki was heard throughout the harbor.

"Mother told me about the Pekara Merchant House in her letters," Sarella said. "They're one of the largest mercantile guilds in Essos."

"Probably have a branch out in the Islands," Oberyn muttered.

He was not surprised when Sarella confirmed it. "They do. Mother's been making a nice little profit with the emergence of the merchant house."

At the end of the harbor, stood a man and a woman. The man was one that Oberyn immediately recognized, despite having not seen him in several years. The woman standing beside him was a servant girl. Dark-skinned with curly hair. A Naathi woman, Oberyn realized, and a very attractive one at that. The man was armed with a sword, still in its sheath, while the woman was not.

"Jorah Mormont, of Bear Island," drawled Oberyn. "Last I heard, you fled Westeros to avoid being executed."

"Oberyn Martell," replied Jorah, ignoring the barb. "Welcome to the Outpost."

Oberyn turned to the Naathi woman. "And this is?"

"I am Missandei. I've heard a lot about you, Prince Oberyn."

"Not a lot of good things, I hope," Oberyn replied wryly. "I do have a reputation to uphold." Turning his attention back to Jorah, he asked, "So...you're working for the Pekara merchants now? I did not realize that they were in the business of employing mercenaries."

"In some cases, the merchant house employs sellswords to act as guards for their caravans," Jorah explained. "Missandei and I work for the House which controls not only the mercantile guild, but also the Blackfyre Corps and the Unsullied guards you see patrolling the harbor - House Targaryen. More specifically, Lord Rhaegar Targaryen and his sister, Lady Daenerys Stormborn."

Not much could shock the Red Viper. But to hear that his sister's husband was still alive had caught him off-guard. "Rhaegar is alive?" he asked, shocked. "But I thought..."

"That Robert Baratheon caved in his skull at the Trident?" Jorah finished. "Hardly. The man who died at the Trident was not Rhaegar. He was a Targaryen loyalist dressed in Rhaegar's armor and helmet. The day before King's Landing fell to the Lannisters, at the insistence of both Princess Elia and Queen Rhaella, fled Westeros."

Oberyn took a moment to absorb what Jorah has told him. Rhaegar Targaryen was still alive, and in command of Blackfyre. His sister was also alive. The official story was that Rhaegar's family had been killed during the Sack of King's Landing, their bodies presented to Robert himself. He swallowed against a dry throat. "And what of my sister and their children?"

"Aegon and Rhaenys are alive and well," Missandei replied. "Lord Rhaegar should be the one to tell you about Lady Elia. Come with us. Lord Rhaegar and Lady Daenerys awaits."

Elia had always been frail, Oberyn knew. From the tone in her voice, he suspected that Elia did not come back to Dorne alive. Without pressing the issue further, he and his children followed the Naathi servant and Jorah.

"How did someone like you enter the service of the Dragon?" Oberyn asked. "House Mormont answers to House Stark."

"It's true that I serve House Targaryen," replied Jorah, "but my loyalty is to the Khaleesi first."

"Khaleesi?" parroted Oberyn. "Daenerys married a Dothraki horse lord?"

"It was an arranged marriage organized by Viserys," explained Jorah. "That is where I met the both of them. After Drago died, Dany took command of the Dothraki."

"Viserys," Oberyn said. "Never really did liked the bastard. Had the signs of old Aerys' madness showing in him. What happened to him?"

Jorah was there when Viserys had met his end. He had made the fatal mistake of threatening Dany in front of not only a tent full of Dothraki, but threaten the unborn child in front of her husband, Khal Drago. In the sacred city of Vaes Dothrak, did Viserys think that since the Dothraki could not spill blood, that he could just as easily kill Dany should Drago did not concede to his demands.

He was mistaken. And that cost him his life.

"A crown for a king," Drago had growled, right before upending a stew pot containing molten gold over Visery's head.

"He's dead," Jorah deadpanned. "Let's just say that you will never look at gold the same way again."

"That bad?"

Jorah nodded. "Very."

Oberyn then asked Missandei, "What about you? How did you end up working for Rhaegar and Dany?"

"I was a slave at first. The Good Masters of Astapor had given me to Lady Daenerys as a gift. She gave me my freedom, and now I serve House Targaryen."

"In more ways than one," Jorah mumbled. It was clear that he was in love with Dany, but the Mother of Dragons was in love with Rhaegar. Rhaegar had treated her well, a sharp contrast of the Mad King and Rhaella. The fact that it was Viserys and not Rhaegar who had Aerys' madness was an added bonus. As long as Dany was happy, then Jorah was content.

Oberyn caught Jorah's comment. 'In more ways than one?' he thought. 'Could Rhaegar be fucking the Naathi girl as well?' He grinned. 'So he has a mistress, the old dragon! Dear brother-in-law, you are full of surprises.' He filed that idea away for later as he followed the exiled knight and the Naathi servant further into the castle.

As it was nearly noon, Rhaegar would be found at his personal training grounds within the castle. As Daenerys watched from the sidelines, the Lord of Dragons found himself in a impromptu 2-on-1 match against his son and daughter. Armed with dual wooden swords, Rhaegar calmly deflected, dodged and weaved through Aegon's Westerosi swordplay and Rhaenys' Braavosi Water Dance. Like his father, Aegon was armed with a wooden longsword, while Rhaenys had a wooden shortsword.

That was where Oberyn Martell and the Sand Snakes found them, having been led there by Missandei and Jorah. Missandei was about to announce their presence to Dany, but Oberyn's hand on her shoulder stopped her. Dany spun around, but the Red Viper's eyes told her not to say a word. He wanted to see how this impromptu sparring session play out.

Oberyn knew that Rhaegar was an excellent swordsman. From the look of things, even after seventeen years in exile, Rhaegar was still the best. After all, the Lord Commander of the Kingsguard, Ser Barristan Selmy, had taught him how to wield a sword, a man that even Oberyn respected. Add the fact that Rhaegar commanded his own mercenary company and had fought in Essos, he showed no weak spots.

After several intense minutes of swordplay, Rhaegar ended the duel, first by rapping the wooden sword blade on Aegon's sword hand, causing him to drop his sword, then repeating the same with Rhaenys, forcing her to drop her own sword.

"I win," Rhaegar said. There was no cockiness in his tone. It was simply fact.

"You made it too easy for them, Targaryen," Oberyn's voice cut in. "Had it been me they were facing, they would have been leaving with a couple more welts."

Rhaegar turned around. "I was wondering whether or now you would show up, Martell," he said as he tossed the wooden swords to the side, his face breaking into a wide grin.

The two men shook hands, then shared a brotherly hug. "My brother-in-law, commander of a mercenary army," Oberyn said. "A long way from King's Landing. And to think that I've rubbed off on you. Where's Elia?"

Rhaegar's expression fell, as did Aegon and Rhaenys. "Your sister was always frail, Oberyn. She passed about a year before I established Blackfyre. We were all there. She went peacefully. Her last wishes was to be cremated, her ashes returned back to Dorne. I've honored her request. I brought her back home."

Oberyn nodded. "Thank you." He turned to the Sand Snakes. "Girls. This is your Uncle Rhaegar. Rhaegar, my four eldest daughters. My Sand Snakes. Obara, my eldest..."

Obara took a knee, head bowed. "Uncle." she said before going back to her feet.

"...Nymeria, the second eldest..."

The regal Nymeria performed a flawless curtsy. "Uncle."

"...and there's Tyene, the next-to-youngest..."

Tyene dipped her head. "Uncle."

"...and Sarella, the youngest..."

Sarella followed Tyene's lead. "Uncle."

"Yes..I know your mother," Rhaegar said. He then introduced his own children. "My son, Aegon..."

Aegon nodded in greeting.

"...and my daughter, Rhaenys."

"Hello," greeted Rhaenys.

"We have much to talk about," Rhaegar said. "Come. Lunch is almost ready."

"How was the way in?" Rhaegar asked over lunch.

"I hate the seas. There's been a development," Oberyn said. "Jon Arryn's dead. Died a couple of weeks ago."

"Varys has already notified me by raven. My own spy network out in King's Landing has confirmed it. He suspects that either Littlefinger, Cersei or her twin brother is responsible. Hmm...shame," Rhaegar said. "He was a good man. Surprised that the Usurper would pick him to run the kingdom while he drowned in drink and women. Who is his replacement?"

Oberyn grinned. "Eddard Stark of Winterfell."

Rhaegar cocked one eyebrow. "Ned Stark? Lyanna's brother?"

"One and the same. He should be arriving in King's Landing within the week."

"Then again, I'm not surprised as to who the Usurper chose to replace old Arryn as Hand," Rhaegar mused. "The old wolf is an honorable man. But honor can get you so far. Especially when dealing with the vipers in King's Landing. No offense."

"None taken. Personally, I would just kill him and be done with it," Oberyn said.

"No. I have no ill will towards Ned Stark or his family. Out of the love and respect I had for his sister, I will not harm him." Rhaegar's voice was firm. "This whole mess started when Lyanna came with me. Had I kept my impulses in check, I would be sitting on the Iron Throne. No...my quarrel is with the Usurper himself. From what Varys has told me, Robert has really let himself go in the years."

Oberyn nodded. "That he has." Sure Oberyn liked drink and women as much as the next man, but the Red Viper did not have as many bastard children running around Westeros. That and he kept in shape and was still a formidable warrior. "It's obvious that you plan on taking back the Iron Throne from Robert," the Red Viper said. "There's still the matter of the Lannisters."

"I've heard that Robert has married Cersei," said Rhaegar. "And her brother is still a member of the Kingsguard. A move to placate Tywin Lannister and to earn his loyalty, no doubt."

Growing up, Rhaegar respected Tywin Lannister, as he served as Hand to his father. But that respect immediately disintergrated when the Lannisters betrayed his father and sacked King's Landing. Varys had informed him of his parents' death: Aerys at the hands of Jamie Lannister, while his mother was raped and beaten to death by Gregor Cleagne, 'The Mountain That Rides.'

'A Lannister always pays his debts,' Rhaegar thought darkly as the lunch continued. 'And House Lannister owes House Targaryen a great and terrible debt to me and my family.'

Later on...

"You've changed," Oberyn noted as he and Rhaegar stood on the tower overlooking the beach where the Unsullied and Blackfyre made camp. Daenerys and his two children had taken the Sand Snakes to see the dragons and to retrieve Elia's ashes. "The Silver Prince, now Lord of Dragons." He looked down at the camp containing his and Dany's joint army. "Eight thousand Unsullied and nine thousand Blackfyre. I'm impressed."

"That and three dragons," Rhaegar said. "Seventeen years, Oberyn. Seventeen years have I planned for this moment. The Usurper have been focused on Dany, that he fails to realize that I am still alive. Can I count on your brother's support when the time comes for me to take back the Iron Throne?"

"I'll speak to Doran about it," replied Oberyn, "but I can guarantee that House Martell will back you in your plans." His expression then grew into a sly one. "So...you and Daenerys...?"

Rhaegar simply nodded. "Yes."

"I'm not surprised," Oberyn said, shrugging his shoulders, knowing of the Targaryen's dynastic incest. "When did this happen?"

"About a month ago, before we left Braavos for here."

"And the servant girl? Missandei?"

Again, Rhaegar nodded. "She is my mistress. Dany, of all people was the one who encouraged it." He smiled wryly. "It made for quite the interesting return trip back to the West."

Oberyn playfully punched Rhaegar's shoulder. "You old dragon. I am jealous. I've been trying to get another woman with Ellaria and myself for quite sometime. What is your secret?"

"What can I say? Women can't resist the Dragon. But Dany was the one who seduced me in the bath. Missandei was always attracted to me. And Dany learned how to please a man from a slave during her time with the Dothraki."

"And Missandei?"

"She's...very limber."

"You always did have that natural charisma about you, as does Aegon. If Robert did not throw a fit when you spirited the wolf-girl away, you would have made a fine King." Oberyn then turned serious. "You do realize that Ned Stark, honorable as he is, is out of his league when it comes to the game of thrones. Honor can carry you so far when dealing with the likes of Littlefinger and the Spider."

"Between the Spider and Littlefinger," replied Rhaegar, "I'd trust the eunuch."

"Things have changed since your exile," continued Oberyn. "Robert Baratheon is in debt to both the Lannisters and to the Iron Bank. Despite the Council's best efforts, he is driving the Seven Kingdoms into ruin."

"So I hear," replied Rhaegar. "Ned Stark is too damn honorable for his own good. Against the likes of Cersei, Littlefinger and the Usurper's brothers, it will get him killed. Lyanna made me promise that I would not harm her brother or anyone else under House Stark."

"I wonder..." Oberyn remarked. "Who is the more honorable, you or Ned Stark?"

Rhaegar chuckled. It was good to be back home once again.

One week after Ned Stark's arrest

In the following months, Rhaegar had been planning, plotting. His original plan consisted of marching on King's Landing with his Blackfyre Corps and the Unsullied backing him. He planned on killing the Usurper himself by making him a head shorter and take back the Iron Throne for the House of Targaryen.

One single message from his spy network inside Pekara's King's Landing branch had all but derailed those plans.

'Robert Baratheon dead. Cersei Lannister and Joffrey Baratheon named Queen Regent and King against the Usurper's dying wishes. Ned Stark arrested on charges of treason. Robb Stark has rallied the Northern bannermen to free his father. Tywin Lannister has rallied his own bannermen to defend King's Landing.'

With that message, Rhaegar was forced to change his plans. The assault, called 'Operation Downfall,' would take place within the week. With the ensuing war between the Lion and the Wolf, Rhaegar decided to use that to his advantage.

He had his daughter, Rhaenys, to go to the Stark camp, acting as a Volanti medic by the name of Talisa Maegyr, with the orders to observe and gauge the fighting potential of the Starks and their bannermen. She was to return to Dorne after three weeks with the Starks.

Rhaenys would return a week past the deadline, having been snuck out of the Stark camp by Blackfyre mercenaries on her father's orders.

One week, three days after Ned Stark's arrest...

The bound old man was delivered to him while Rhaegar, his children, and Daenerys was returning from visiting Doran Martell in Sunspear. An old man, from King's Landing. The Blackfyre mercenaries who were conducting recon on the capital had ambushed him as he left, and smuggled him out of the capital under the cover of night. Three days later, as Rhaegar and Dany returned with Oberyn Martell to finalize the plans for the assault on King's Landing, the old man was presented to him, bound and blindfolded.

"Lord Rhaegar," one of the Blackfyre soldiers spoke in Braavosi. "A gift for you. Courtesy of our men in King's Landing."

"Remove the blindfold," Rhaegar ordered in Braavosi.

The Braavosi complied and removed the old man's blindfold.

"Father, he knows you," Aegon noted as he saw the old man's eyes go wide.

"As he should," Rhaegar replied, ordering the Braavosi to undo the man's bounds. He gestured to the old man. "This man is one of the best, if not the best fighters in the Seven Kingdoms. He is someone whom I greatly respect, as he was my teacher in swordplay while growing up."

"Your...Your Grace," the old man in question, one Barristan Selmy gasped. "You're alive...how..."

"That was not me who died at the Trident all those years ago," replied Rhaegar. "At my wife's behest, I fled along with my family the day before King's Landing fell."

Barristan bent his knee. "Your Grace...please forgive me...for not protecting your father and mother..."

Rhaegar gently grabbed the old man by his shoulders and raised him to his feet. "It's Lord Rhaegar now, Barristan. There is nothing to forgive, as what had happened is mostly my fault." He released him and introduced him to the others. "My sister-wife, Daenerys...my eldest son, Aegon and my youngest, Rhaenys."

"I am Barristan Selmy, former Lord Commander of the Kingsguard," the old man introduced himself. "Milord, Robert Baratheon is dead."

"I know. Varys is not the only one with spies in King's Landing. We have much to discuss, old man. Spare no details. You wish for a chance at redemption, you will receive it. Help me reclaim the Iron Throne for the Dragon."

Barristan nodded. "Yes, Milord. I will help you."

A map of King's Landing was on the massive table, along with a map of Westeros. On the second map, was the lion sigil representing the Lannister forces, the direwolf insignia representing the Stark and their Northmen banners. Seated around the table was Rhaegar and Daenerys Targaryen, the former's two children Rhaenys and Aegon, Barristan Selmy, Oberyn Martell, Jorah Mormont, Darrio Naharis and Jon Connington.

"I was but the first to be dismissed from my service to the Kingsguard," Barristan explained. "Cersei is replacing the council with Lannister supporters."

"So who is your replacement, Ser?" Aegon asked.

"The Kingslayer."

"The Lannisters are camped near Harrenhal, from what we managed to find out," Rhaenys said, pointing to their position on the map. "Tywin is licking his wounds from his first battle with the Starks. It appears that Robb Stark is not as green as the old lion once thought, as the cub was able to capture Jamie Lannister in his first battle. He's also won several victories in battle. Pretty damn impressive, but then again, from what I heard, the Blackfish did teach the brat battle tactics."

"Impressive indeed," Rhaegar admitted. "What about the Usurper's brothers?"

"Stannis is rallying his forces in Dragonstone, and Renly fled King's Landing when Robert lay dying." replied Barristan. "He is currently at Storm's End, marshaling his own forces."

"Our best bet is to just let the Starks and Lannisters weaken one another to the point that they can't fight back once you take the field. We can deal with the Baratheons at a later time," suggested Oberyn.

"No," Rhaegar said. "I've no quarrel with Ned Stark and his family. I've told you already. After all, what has happened is partially my fault. This can work to our advantage. If we rescue Ned Stark and his daughters, not only do we earn the gratitude of the Starks, but we also gain the support and loyalty of the Northmen when the time comes for my House to reclaim the throne, as we need him to hold the North." He tapped the map. "The Lannisters are the biggest threat." He turned to Daenerys. "That is where you and your dragons come in, Dany. Once King's Landing is secure, we will have your dragons lay waste to the Lannister horde."

Dany nodded. "Okay."

"Barristan, what can you tell us about the defenses around King's Landing?" Aegon asked.

"The City Watch numbers are about six thousand strong milord," the old man replied. "The Lannister House Guards that are within the Red Keep, three hundred."

"From here, it will take us at least three days to reach King's Landing by boat," Aegon noted. "If we bring the entire Unsullied with us, then that time will be doubled and we will have to take the field in battle, giving the Lannisters more than enough time to come to King's Landing. One thousand Blackfyre will suffice."

"I second that," Rhaenys added. "We have several members of Faceless Men supporting us, not to mention that we also got the Brotherhood supporting us in exchange for us free Ned Stark. We should send in the Faceless Men disguised as members of the City Watch with orders to thin out their numbers. Either that or we burn down their barracks with them inside."

"Clever girl," Rhaegar said. "We do that and the assault on the city would be much easier to pull off. I'll give the order to Zor to leave at once." He pointed at several points on the map. "The Usurper nor his kin does not know about the hidden passages which surround the Red Keep. We can send in several squads of Blackfyre and I can go in with them to take back the Red Keep." He turned to Oberyn. "Care to join me?"

Oberyn grinned. "Dear brother...I thought you'd never ask." Oberyn had been ill during the final days of the Rebellion, and was not present at King's Landing when it fell to the Lannisters. The Martell House Guards had bought Rhaegar and his family much-needed time for them to escape Westeros. They had fought bravely, but in the end were slaughtered by the Mountain That Rides, Gregor Cleagne.

"The Lannisters have become too proud of themselves," Rhaegar intoned, his expression becoming dark. "Granted that not all of them don't act like the world owes them everything, but there are those who think they are immune from justice. Tywin...Cersei...and Jamie. That will change." He stood up and turned to Daario. "I want the Blackfyre mercenaries ready to move out within the hour. We need to make good time if we are to rescue the Starks and take control of King's Landing."

"It will be done, Lord Rhaegar."

Later, as the Blackfyre forces made their final preparations, Rhaenys approached her father.

"What is it, child?" asked Rhaegar, noticing the look of concern on her face.

"I need to speak to you." She glanced at both Dany and her brother. "Alone."

Rhaegar complied. He dismissed his sister-wife and his son, leaving the both of them alone. "You look disturbed, little flower. What is wrong?" he asked.

"As you know, I've been at the Stark camp under an alias, as you had ordered," began Rhaenys.

Rhaegar nodded. He had read her reports following her return from the Stark camp, where she was going by the name Talisa Maegyr, a Volanti noblewoman-turned-healer. The Starks could be a major problem in his bid to reclaim the Iron Throne, but all they wanted was Ned Stark and his daughters out of King's Landing. Only problem was that they had the Lannisters in their path.

"Something the matter? What happened?" her father asked.

Rhaenys steeled herself. "I met Robb Stark."

"Ned Stark's cub? What about him?"

"He's very much like his father. I met him after the battle in which he had captured the Kingslayer. He...intrigued me, Father. More than I could ever hoped for." She bit her lip. "One thing led to another...and I comforted him."

Rhaegar knew what had happened. His daughter slept with Robb Stark. Part of him was disappointed, but then again, he could never stay upset at his own children. He sighed. "Well...this complicates things, Rhaenys."

"Father, I'm sorry..."

"Rhaenys," his voice was stern. "You're not with child, are you?"

She shook her head. "No. I have not experienced the morning sickness."

"Do you love him?"

"I think I do."

Rhaegar sighed. "You do realize that if we succeed in taking King's Landing, then you will have to marry the boy."

"Yes, Father."

"Seeing as how I can't kill the boy for taking your maidenhood..." Rhaegar muttered. "Our second objective is now more important than ever. We rescue Ned Stark and his children. Then I will speak to the old wolf about a marriage contract between you and his son."

Rhaenys nodded. "Thank you, Father."

King's Landing, one week later...

Under the cover of night, did Rhaegar Targaryen and 1,000 of his Blackfyre mercenaries infiltrate King's Landing. They made excellent time, as if the gods themselves had Rhaegar in their favor, making the trip by boat in three days. Using the Pekara Merchant House's King's Landing branch as a cover, Rhaegar and his two children led half of the Blackfyre forces into the city disguised as merchants from Braavos and Essos, while Daario would arrive two days later with the other half of Blackfyre.

Rhaegar's plan to assault King's Landing was a simple one: divide and conquer. He would lead the assault on the Red Keep and capture Cersei and her children, while Aegon and Rhaenys rescue Ned Stark. Varys had left him a message at the Pekara Branch in code, saying that Joffrey planned on having the Stark patriarch executed, thus breaking the promise of Ned taking the black the following day. The Faceless Men had already infiltrated the City Watch and was silently assassinating its members, disposing the bodies through various means.

Assisting Rhaegar was the Brotherhood Without Banners, a group of soldiers and noblemen originally sent by Ned Stark to track down and capture The Mountain That Rides. Originally loyal to the Usurper, they swore their swords to Rhaegar once the truth about Cersei and her children was known. Half of the Brotherhood, led by Beric Dondarrion, would assist Rhaenys and Aegon in rescuing Ned Stark, while the other half, led by the red priest, Thoros of Myr, would assist Rhaegar in storming the Red Keep.

In front of the Great Sept of Baelor...

Cloaks hiding their faces, Rhaenys and Aegon Targaryen stood amongst the crowd, watching as Eddard Stark confess his crimes. On the left, stood the Queen Regent, Cersei Lannister, her son, the King, Joffrey Baratheon and Sansa Stark, Ned Stark's eldest daughter. They also identified Petyr Baelish, the Master of Coin, and Varys, the Master of Whispers and their father's inside man. On Ned's right, stood the King's Justice, Ser Ilyn Payne. Lannister Houseguards, Kingsguards and members of the City Watch guarded the area.

Standing beside the siblings were Beric Dondarrion, face also concealed with a cloak. Blackfyre mercenaries and members of the Brotherhood flanked the trio, crossbows hidden underneath their cloaks.

'It's all or nothing,' Aegon thought as Ned was finishing his speech, his false confession.

From his place on the raised platform, Joffrey Baratheon looked satisfied with Ned's 'confession.' "My mother wishes me to let Lord Eddard join the Night's Watch, stripped of all titles and powers. He would serve the realm in permanent exile." He looked at Sansa. "And my lady Sansa has begged mercy for her father..." He then turned to the crowd. "But they have the soft hearts of women. So long as I am your King, treason shall never go unpunished!" To the old King's Justice, Joffrey shouted, "Ser Ilyn...bring me his head!"

The crowd erupted into bloodthirsty cheers as two of the Goldcloaks forced Ned to his knees while Ser Ilyn donned his executioner's hood and within seconds, drew forth Ice, the Valyrian greatsword of the Stark family. Joffrey ignored Sansa's screams as Ser Meryn held her in place. Cersei and Littlefinger both had looks on their faces, showing that this was not part of the plan. In their minds, a tame wolf was better than a dead one. This was going too far.

Ilyn raises Ice over his head.

Ned closes his eyes, waiting for the cold kiss of the blade to end his life, blocking out Sansa's screams.

But it never came.

The crowd went silent.

When Ned opened his eyes, he saw that he was still alive. A choking sound caught his attention, which was followed by the sound of Ice clattering to the ground.

Turning his head, he saw that Ilyn was holding his throat. Blood was seeping through his hands. Ned could make out a crossbow bolt impaled in his neck, the lifeblood spilling out of the wound. Sansa, Joffrey, Littlefinger and Cersei turned to where the source of the bolt came place. A Brotherhood marksman, still holding his crossbow, was the culprit. Two more bolts found their mark on the old man from two more marksmen, one in the lung, the second in the heart. Suffice to say, Ser Ilyn Payne was dead before he hit the ground.

With the death of the King's Justice, the Assault on King's Landing has begun.

Twenty men stepped forward from the crowd, armed with crossbows as the crowds ran. The front row knelt, took aim at the Lannister House Guards and Kingsguards, and fired. Most of them met their mark and their intended targets fell to the ground. As the kneeling men reloaded, the other ten let loose with their own bolts, forcing Cersei and Joffrey to take cover behind the fallen bodies of the Lannister guards. Fifty men, armed with swords, led by Aegon and Rhaenys Targaryen, swarmed the Great Sept of Baelor. Caught off guard, the Lannister guards and the City Watch began to fall.

Joffrey grabbed Sansa and threw her down. "Kill her!" he shouted to the surviving member of the Kingsguard, Ser Meryn Trant, and the remaining member of the Lannister House Guard, Ser Amory Lorch, as he and his mother retreated back to the Red Keep, pointing to both Sansa and her father. "Kill them both!"

Ned managed to reach Sansa to shield his body with his own. Amory and Meryn unsheathed their swords and moved in for the kill. But before they could bring their blades down, Valyrian steel intercepted their own blades.

Rhaegar had two blades forged from Valryian steel and presented them to his children, both as gifts, and as a means for self-defense. Rhaenys was presented with a curved short sword which was perfect for her Water Dancer style (A.N. for a visual reference, think Dastan's Black Shamshir sword). Engraved onto the blade in High Valyrian was the phrase, 'Praised to be the order brought forth from the very edge of chaos.' Rhaenys christened her blade Shadow Dancer, in reference to what her brother once said about Rhaenys and her Water Dance: "Rhaenys always loved to dance. Only in this case, she dances, you die."

Aegon had a traditonal Valriyan longsword, which he had christened Balerion, after the famous dragon of legend. Unlike Rhaenys' blade, which was a more traditional grey-silver color to the blade, Aegon's was black.

Sansa looked up, and saw a man and a woman blocking both Sers Meryn and Amory. Then the pair tossed off their cloaks and initiated combat. Aegon faced Meryn Trant while Rhaenys fought Amory Lorch. Amory was the one who had killed Rhaenys when Tywin ordered King's Landing sacked, claiming to have stabbed the girl over a hundred times. That was false, as he faced off against the real Rhaenys Targaryen. Amory was one of the best swordsmen to have served under House Lannister, but Rhaenys was a prodigy in the Braavosi Water Dance.

Rhaenys calmly parried and dodged Amory's attacks, lithe and graceful, Shadow Dancer an extension of her arm. Amory never fought against someone who danced the way that Rhaenys danced. Before he knew what was happening, her sword found his throat. Rhaenys pulled her sword out and impaled Amory through the heart, killing him.

Aegon was having little difficulty with Meryn Trant. With his father and Jon Connington drilling him in the Westerosi style of swordplay and having honed his skills by fighting with the Blackfyre in the East, Meryn soon fell to Aegon, his head severed from his body.

A group of Goldcloaks emerged onto the scene, armed with pikes. Against the duo, they stood no chance.

With the threat out of the way, Rhaenys sheathed her sword and crouched over Ned and Sansa, who was now cradling the body of her father. She had the look of fear in her eyes, until Aegon managed to calm her down. "It's okay. We're friends."

"Please!" Sansa pleaded. "Help him!"

Her training as a healer kicking into overdrive, Rhaenys conducted a quick inspection. "A fever...sweating...he is delirious. Was he injured in any way?"

Sansa nodded. "Yes, a...a spear wound on his left leg!"

Rhaenys quickly produced a dagger and sliced open Ned's breeches. Her suspicions were confirmed. "Seven Hells...this wound is infected."

In the meantime, Yoren had forced his way through the crowd, carrying Ned's youngest daughter. Arya Stark had watched the entire episode play out: from her father's 'confession' to his and Sansa's rescue. She had ordered him to get her to her father, of which he complied.

"Who are you?" Arya asked.

"I am Aegon," Aegon introduced himself. "She is Rhaenys."

"Is my father going to die?" asked Arya with tears in her eyes, holding her father's head in her hands.

"Not if I can help it," Rhaenys replied, determination in her voice. Turning to her brother, she said, "We have to move him so I can treat his wound properly."

Aegon looked around. The Brotherhood and their father's Blackfyre mercenaries were fighting off reinforcements from members of the Goldcloaks which had managed to avoid being killed by the Faceless Men. But it was still too dangerous for them to stay out in the open.

"The Sept of Baelor!" Yoren shouted. "Take him there!"

Aegon nodded. With Yoren's help, he was able to carry Ned Stark, now having lost consciousness inside the Great Sept of Baelor, Sansa and Arya following close behind. A squad of Blackfyre, assigned to protect Rhaegar's children, stood guard outside as the battle for King's Landing continued.

With Rhaegar at The Red Keep...

The hidden passages which led to the Red Keep were still present. Rhaegar and his forces had spent most of the night infiltrating the Red Keep. Disguised as Lannister House Guards, Rhaegar, Jon, Oberyn and Darrio first subdued the spies of both Cersei and Littlefinger, ambushing them in their sleep. Instead of killing them, Rhaegar had them bound and hidden within the Red Keep, planning on releasing them when the invasion was over.

When Ned Stark was brought to the Great Sept to 'confess' his crimes, Rhaegar struck. In an ironic twist of what the Lannister House Guards did to the Stark House Guards, the Blackfyre forces ambushed and killed them. Rhaegar's orders were very simple: "Give no quarter. Show no mercy." However, there was a contingent of City Watch stationed inside the Red Keep, led by Janos Slynt, which led to a full-out battle for the Red Keep. Against battle-hardened soldiers led by the Lord of Dragons, the City Watch could only delay the Blackfyre forces.

In desperation, Janos Slynt had sent a runner to the East Gate Barracks, only for the runner to find that the men inside had been poisoned to death thanks to the Faceless Men and some poisoned wine, and had been dead long before Ned Stark was brought before the Great Sept. Unknown to Janos, the Goldcloaks in the West Barracks had been locked inside their building by the Faceless Men, right before they set the place on fire. When the runner did not return - as he was impaled on a spear by Oberyn Martell - Janos knew that it was only a matter of time before the capital fell.

When Cersei and Joffrey returned from the Great Sept with Sandor in tow, the Queen Regent and her son were greeted with the sight of her house guards dead, slain by the invading force which had saved Ned Stark from execution. One swordsman stood out from the others; dressed in black armor, cloak concealing his face, the two longswords in his hands stained with Lannister blood.

There was only one place for Cersei and her children to run to: the Throne Room. Which is precisely where Rhaegar wanted her and her little bastards.

In the corridor before the Throne Room, Rhaegar and his forces were carving through the final defenses.

A Lannister guard screamed as Oberyn Martell impaled him with his poisoned spear, right before Darrio Naharis gave him a merciful death by slashing his throat with his arakh, blood staining his armor as his life gave out. The Red Viper and the Tyroshi mercenary had hit it off whilst in Dorne, bonding over war stories, wine and women. Both men also respected one another for the combat prowess, even going as far as to testing the other in battle. So far, both men were tied at two victories apiece.

It was almost one-sided as how the assault was going in his favor. Had Rhaegar had the time, he would have laughed at how pitiful the City Watch was faring. The Goldcloaks were always corrupt, and poorly trained, preferring quantity over quality. Knowing Oberyn, he would be laughing his ass off, as he was expecting a better challenge.

Jon Connington hacked a Goldcloak to death with his own sword, while Thoros set one on fire with his own flaming sword. Rhaegar Targaryen led the assault, cloak over his head, the Valryian swords Blackfyre and Dark Sister in both hands. One Lannister guard lost his sword hand. His head soon followed his hand. Rhaegar impaled two at once with his swords and knocked them to the side. He knew the Red Keep like the back of his hand, despite not being there for a decade and a half. He knew where to go.

Barristan carved through two Goldcloaks with ease. Two more Goldcloaks rounded the corner, armed with spears. Rhaegar hacked the first Goldcloak's spear in two while severing his partner's carotid with Blackfyre. Dark Sister impaled the second Goldcloak through his armor and into his heart. He continued to press on, his goal within reach.

The Throne Room

Cersei Lannister was furious. King's Landing was being invaded, but that was the least of her concerns. No, her main concern was that her son had called for Ned Stark's execution, at the Grand Sept, of all places. Joffrey Baratheon was seated on the Iron Throne, furious that his display of power had all but failed, but at the same time, a feeling of dread was creeping over him. Nearby his brother and sister were whimpering. Littlefinger and Varys stood nearby, the former looking very worried, while Varys looked rather composed. Grand Maester Pycelle was busy comforting and consoling Tommen and Mycella. Sandor Cleagne stood nearby, as did Janos Slynt and a number of City Watch guards. Outside, the sounds of swords and men dying reached the insides of the throne room. And they were drawing ever so closer.

Cersei was pacing in front of the Iron Throne, while Joffrey looked indifferent. "You foolish boy," berated the Queen Regent. "We agreed to banish Stark to The Wall, not to kill him!"

"I wanted to make the impression onto the people that treason will not be tolerated," was Joffrey's defense.

"You were going to have him killed!" shouted Cersei. "In front of the Great Sept, of all places!" Cersei was not a religious woman by any means, but knew that spilling blood on the Sept of Baelor would have serious ramifications for her family and the King.

"No matter," Joffrey sniffed. "The traitor and his bitch of a daughter are now dead. Ser Meryn and Ser Janos will see to that."

Outside, the sounds of battle reached the doors. With every sword striking metal, with every scream coming from outside, it had put Cersei further on edge. Even she knew that there was no escape. Not for her or her family.

The doors were then flung open and the Blackfyre mercenaries swarmed into the room, swords stained with the blood of the City Watch. Jon Connington entered the room next, followed by Oberyn Martell, blood staining the poisoned spear he held in his hands. Barristan Selmy followed soon after.

"Martell...Barristan..." Cersei hissed. "You traitors. I'll have both your heads on pikes before the day is over!"

"Says the whore who spreads her legs for her brother, the Kingslayer," said Rhaegar as he entered the throne room, Dark Sister and Blackfyre in his hands, followed by Daario Naharis. He pulled back the cloak from his head. "Hello, Cersei."

Cersei's eyes widened in shock, as did Littlefinger, Pycelle and even Sandor Cleagne. Rhaegar Targaryen, the Last Dragon, was not only alive and well, but was leading the assault on King's Landing. "No..." Cersei's blond mane shook in disbelief. "Impossible...! You died at the Trident! Robert killed you!" she screamed, pointing a finger at him. "You're not here! You're not real!"

"Sorry to disappoint you, Cersei," Rhaegar replied, his face grim. "As you can see, I am alive and well..." His eyes glared at the Iron Throne and the bastard who sat upon it. "...and I have returned to claim what is rightfully the property of House Targaryen."

"Enough!" Joffrey bellowed. "The the Iron Throne is mine! Kill them all, Dog!"

Sandor drew his sword and began to advance on Rhaegar, who stood there. "Wait. I know you serve House Lannister, but can you serve a bastard who sits on the Iron Throne? Joffrey is not trueborn of the Usurper. His father is Cersei's brother, the Kingslayer himself."

"Lies!" Cersei screamed. "Sandor! Kill him!"

Sandor relented, as Rhaegar's words seem to take effect. "You seem like a reasonable man, Hound," continued Rhaegar. "King's Landing will soon be under the control of the Dragon for the first time since the Usurper's Rebellion. And it would be a shame to kill someone like you when you could be at my side. Turn your cloak and join me, Sandor Cleagne, and you will be given a general amnesty. In fact, I will also give you what you always wanted: your brother, and the chance to kill him."

"No! You serve House Lannister!" Cersei shouted, panic starting to set in. "You serve my father! Kill them all before I have you put down, Cleagne!"

"Piss on your father and your house," Sandor spat out before walking over to Rhaegar. "My sword and my life is yours, Lord Targaryen. Remember your promise to me."

"Wise move, Hound," nodded Rhaegar. "It's time to finish this. Your House Guards and Kingsguard are dead, Cersei. Your father and his forces are still in Riverrun. The Red Keep will soon be under my control. Make it easier for yourself and surrender."

"No..." Cersei hissed. "You dare make demands of me?! I am Queen Regent!" She turned to Janos. "Janos! Kill them!"

Rhaegar merely smiled. "I don't think so," he said and gave the signal.

In a repeat of what had happened when Ned Stark had attempted to arrest both Cersei and Joffrey, ten of the Goldcloaks turned on their brethren, slaying them before they could follow their queen's demands. Janos Slynt attacked Rhaegar, but was quickly cut down, wounded but still alive. Blackfyre's Faceless Men had struck without warning. Littlefinger tried to escape, but froze when he felt a knife against his throat.

"Doesn't feel too good when a knife is against your own throat, does it, Baelish?" Varys' voice whispered into his ear.

"You...you knew this would happen! You knew that Rhaegar was going to attack!" Littlefinger accused.

"I did. Better for the Dragon to reclaim his throne than to have a pretender sit on it."

In the meantime, the Blackfyre mercenaries had restrained Cersei and Joffrey. When the false king tried to resist, Oberyn punched him one good time in the jaw, knocking him out cold. At the same time, a Braavosi Blackfyre reported in to Rhaegar. "Lord Rhaegar, the Brotherhood is moving into the city. King's Landing is yours," he said in Braavosi.

"What of Ned Stark and his daughters?" asked Rhaegar in the same tongue.

"Ned Stark is alive, as is both his daughters," was the reply. "Rhaynes is looking after him, as he lost consciousness shortly thereafter. The wound in his leg has been infected and he is ill with a fever."

"Have Rhaenys and Aegon bring Stark and his children back here," Rhaegar ordered. "And send word to Daenerys to bring the Unsullied and the rest of Blackfyre here immediately. Any members of the City Guard you find, kill them immediately. Show no quarter. Show no mercy."

The Blackfyre Braavosi bowed and rushed off to obey. To the men who had Cersei, Joffrey and Littlefinger detained, he said, "Take them to the dungeons. I believe we still have separate cells for some of the most dangerous prisoners, have we not, Varys?"

"That we do, Lord Rhaegar," the Spider nodded as he handed Littlefinger over to a Blackfyre mercenary.

"You traitor!" Cersei screamed as she struggled against her captor, but to no avail. "I should have killed you myself when I had the chance! Damn you, Varys!"

Rhaegar chuckled as Cersei and Joffrey were taken away, Cersei screaming death threats all the while. "Looks like you really can't trust a eunuch," he mused.

Varys smiled at the jab. "What about Mycella and Tommen?" he asked, looking at Cersei's remaining children, who were hiding behind Pycelle.

"Grand Maester...Cersei's youngest are your responsibility for the time being, understand?" Rhaegar said in a tone which said that this was not up for discussion.

Pycelle nodded. "Yes, Your Grace."

After Pycelle ushered Tommen and Mycella away, Rhaegar breathed a sigh of relief. Looking at the Iron Throne, the mass of swords melted into a chair by Balerion, Aegon I's dragon, he walked up to it and ran a hand along the throne, avoiding the barbs and sharp edges.

He was finally home. The Dragon was home.