Chapter 48: Chapter 48
- The Next Day -
As many Lords following Aegon believed, it was a bloody mess. Though not for them. But for Renly Baratheon. The defeat had been nothing short of spectacular and one that would go down in history and song as "The Battle of the halfwit Stag". Or as some of the Lords liked to call it, "The Dumb Stag's Rebellion" with House Umber being the loudest to jape about it. Some called it the "Dragon's Justice" or "Dragon's Wrath" with the way Aegon himself had personally cut through so many Baratheon bannermen loyal to Renly to get to the false King.
Though not all of them were loyal. It was how Loras has been captured so soon after he received the sealed scroll from Renly to give to House Tarly in secret. If there was one thing you could say about the Spider, his little birds could get just about anywhere with enough perseverance and patience. Aegon had made sure all the Lords in the Stormlands were given written messages in secret about the changes made and how Stannis was the new Baratheon Lord. How if they bent the knee to the Crown and followed Stannis as the new Lord of the Stormlands, they would be spared Aegon's justifiable wrath. However, if they refused, any Lord along with their bannermen would be crushed when Renly moved to fight against him.
Before the morning rose for the battle that day, over two thirds of Renly's army had left his camp and pledge loyalty to the Crown, and to follow Stannis as their rightful Lord over the Stormlands. They stuck their banners and followed under Stannis's own sigil, which had a fire like shield behind a Stag looking vigilant and dutiful.
It was far more impressive over Renly's flamboyant sigil, which showed a stag, but it was surrounded by flowers of all things. The Baratheon bannermen honestly didn't know what to make of it when they first saw the sigil, but said nothing since Renly was their Lord at the time and knew better then to question him. Some thought it was his way of uniting House Baratheon with House Tyrell in some kind of alliance, but given House Tyrell had clearly declared for House Targaryen, it made things all the more uncertain.
By the time Renly had realized what happened, the Targaryen army was upon him, and it was only at that moment did Renly realize his folly. Though by that point it was too little too late. Those who had followed him into battle were overwhelmed. Almost lost. They didn't realize just how serious things were until the opposition was upon them, smashing though their lines, ending their lives in an instant. Renly had been so baffled by what had happened during the fighting, he could give proper commands, and any he did give were jumbled messes filled with stuttering incoherent words.
As a result, Renly's army was crushed brutally within a mere hour. Aegon had been out in front of the other Lords leading the armies into battle. His skill with a sword, acrobatics, and Force powers made him an unstoppable force that tore through Renly's remaining loyal bannermen like a true dragon. It had gained him the respect of the Umbers, the Starks, and Tarly with his battle prowess being ruthless to those who stood in his way.
Even Stannis had to admit, it was impressive and knew this King was the right one for the Iron Throne despite some part of him desiring the seat for himself. Though deep down the man knew it was for the best that Aegon rule over the Seven Kingdoms, as he was righting wrongs, correcting mistakes, and healing old festering wounds various Houses had that were left unattended when Robert was King. His brother always laughing at the problems these Houses had or did things to further make the old wounds to stay fresh.
When it was all said and done, Renly was on his knees. Defeated. Blood and death was all around him, but none of the blood was his own. The deaths were mostly bannermen still loyal to the man they considered to be their "rightful King" and the stench from their now dead bodies filled his nose making him want to vomit. He has been so sure of his victory the night before, never suspecting the betrayal that allowed Loras to be kidnapped his once trust bannermen, and quietly taken to the enemy camp before being taken away. That was why his lover wasn't here right now. He knew Loras wouldn't betray him. His loyal bannermen or those Renly thought were loyal bannermen had kidnapped Loras and brought him to the damn dragon. No doubt to appease the old hag running House Tyrell and the oaf for a man Loras called a Father.
Pulling his sword from the last knight standing between him and Renly, the King of the Seven Kingdoms walked toward the man currently looking down in defeat. His fearsome mask on his head, the sight of it only adding to the might that the King displayed on the battlefield. Nearby, Ghost was biting into the throat of a Baratheon bannerman, his white fur stained blood red with many giving it a lot of space.
"It didn't have to be this way Renly," remarked Aegon with his sword under the man's chin to make him look up.
"It would have been mine. Had you not been born or claimed the Iron Throne. It would have all been mine," commented Renly in a low whispered tone.
"What do you mean?" asked Aegon curiously.
"The Iron Throne. It would have been mine after Robert died. Lord Arryn said as much to me," replied Renly before his eyes hardened into a glare aimed at the Targaryen.
"Lord Arryn came to you? Before he died?" asked Aegon curiously with Renly nodding.
"Yes. In secret. It was about two weeks before his death. He had come to me regarding my brother's so called progeny he had with the Queen. Lord Arryn revealed to me his suspicions regarding Cersei's children not being Robert's. Even though the old man was going to get some additional proof, I knew he believed his suspicions were true," said Renly while Aegon tilted his head slightly.
"And how does this relate to you claiming the Iron Throne for yourself? Especially, when Stannis would have been next in line given this situation?" asked Aegon with Renly now letting out a hollow chuckle.
"Lord Arryn said sooner or later Robert would die. His vices were finally catching up to him. How someone or something would kill him. Lord Arryn said even if Stannis would be next in line, he was not qualified to rule. Too strict. Too rigid. Too bitter. He would be hated by all the people and another rebellion would have taken place. So he suggested I make "friends" with House Tyrell through their heir, Loras, given how his 'tastes' were similar to my own. So when the time came for war, I could unite House Baratheon with House Tyrell in an alliance that would assure I would achieve victory over my brother," said Renly with Aegon frowning.
"And the Lannisters," commented Aegon with Renly nodding.
"He said for putting one of their own on the Iron Throne, the Tyrells would be more then willing to pick up the debt the Crown had acquired through Robert. How our alliance could keep even the Lannister's at bay and to consider possibly getting the North on our side if a war broke out using the old ties House Baratheon had with House Stark," said Renly with Aegon knowing that would work had he not been around or aware of his own heritage.
"House Stark wouldn't have sided with you on this. They would have declared Stannis the rightful King," countered Aegon with Renly sneering.
"Lord Arryn said to play on Lord Stark's honor. How the man was an honorable fool and used it like armor or shield. Get him to see my point of view of being the King the people needed over a King they would hate. Lord Arryn was planning to send a raven or even go himself to convince Lord Stark to declare for me. It would have worked had you not been alive. Had you not been born!" stated Renly while Aegon scowled behind his mask.
"Well you don't have to worry about that anymore. We tried to be reasonable with you Renly. But you wouldn't listen and were blinded by delusions. Still, that is no excuse for your actions, or the fact you wouldn't listen to reason," replied Aegon while lifting the man's head higher with the pointy tip of his sword.
"I know. Still, it should interest you to know a dirty secret about Grand Maester Pycelle that I doubt even you are aware of," said Renly with Aegon frowning behind his mask.
"And that being?" asked Aegon curiously.
"As you know, most Maesters, hate magic. They can't wield it, much less understand it. They despise it with a passion and jealous of those who can wield such power. To them, knowledge is power, but power they can't wield is a threat to their position in the Seven Kingdoms. People come to Maesters for advice, but someone with magic can offer an alternative to their opinions and they don't like it. When Grand Maester was assigned to King's Landing, he had orders from his superiors to cripple the dragon in any shape or form. To thin the blood. To weaken it," said Renly while Aegon wasn't surprised by this.
"I already knew that part. Tell me something I don't know," replied Aegon with some of Renly's smirk leaving him.
"What you don't know, is the orders were still standing long after Robert was King. As you know, we have some Targaryen blood in us, which allowed my brother to take the Iron Throne through his conquest. The Maesters feared us having children one day, who would awaken the dragon's blood, and somehow bring magic, if not the actual dragons back to the lands. They knew there are eggs scattered throughout the world and it was only a matter of time before someone found a way to hatch them. So they set things in motion to further ensure those left with dragon's blood never awakened it through future generations," replied Renly with Aegon's eyes widening behind his mask.
"They ensured children were never born or died soon after birth," surmised Aegon with Renly nodding.
"My brother Robert had a stillborn child with Cersei before the actual three she had with her brother were born. Grand Maester Pycelle ensured the child never had a chance of leaving her womb alive. Gave her 'medicine' during her pregnancy, but it was far from it. He also knew before hand that Cersei's children were not Robert's. Which is why none of them died under his care. And as for the bastards my brother sired, they were left alone due to dying at a young age, possibly being sent to the Wall, or so scattered throughout the Seven Kingdoms from his time whoring they were lost anyone searching for them," said Renly while Aegon was frowning behind his mask in disgust.
"Because accidents happen one way or another," commented Aegon with Renly nodding from his position.
"The same could be said for my brother Stannis and his children too. His Maester ensured all his sons were stillborn by making the woman take 'medicine' that specifically targeted boy babies in the womb. Hence why my niece Shireen is alive. Any attempt to end her life following birth would have raised suspicions. So they tried another way. An agent from oversees with a little doll that looked like my niece and was given to her to ensure she had the Grayscale. Ironic isn't it? That those same people who were responsible for killing his sons would be called upon to cure her? Of course, they did leave a noticeable facial scar to insure no one would ever marry my niece, and she would be kept locked away inside a castle at all times. Away from the world," replied Renly with a sigh and Aegon was confused at how this was known to the Baratheon.
"How do you know this? Why not tell your brothers the truth?" asked Aegon with Renly scoffing at the notion.
"Why bother? Robert never loved me as brother so why should I return it? Stannis is a rigid, stubborn, no nonsense fool. Both my brothers cared only for the family name and legacy while clearly seeing me as the odd member of the family not worth mentioning. Besides, if either of them had a legitimate son, I wouldn't be able to claim my right to the Iron Throne," explained Renly with Aegon's fury growing.
"So you sold out your brothers even before Robert was dead. How did you know about this conspiracy by the Maesters?" asked Aegon with Renly smirked again.
"Pycelle of course. The man never knew when to shut up. He never put it in his journal since such a thing would have shaken the Seven Kingdoms to its foundation if this was ever discovered. But it was not hard to get the information out of the old man when you know his various weaknesses. You could give him enough wine and he would tell you the personal secrets of others. Give him enough loose women to fuck or suck his cock and he would happily confess his sins to the world. So I used it against him to get such valuable information to hold over their heads when I became King," said Renly while Aegon was furious inside.
"And the other Houses?" asked Aegon while Renly shrugged.
"From what I know, only those with possible magic in their blood are targeted. House Stark might have been one prior to the current Maester they have now, but I don't know," replied Renly while Aegon was looking increasingly infuriated.
The floating dead bodies and weapons around them seemed to suggest it before they hit the ground.
"I take it you took down the name of these conspirators who worked with Pycelle so you had an idea of who to trust among their ranks," said Aegon with Renly nodding.
"I do. It is in my room at Storm's End. A list of names placed in a historical book titled 'Storm's End and the History of its Lords'. It can be found in the middle pages," answered Renly with his eyes showing defeat once more.
"Thank you Renly. Part of me wants to spare you. If only to spare your brother the loss of another member of his family. However...," said Aegon with Renly nodding.
"However, what I did was treason. Treason is punishable by death. If my brother were in my position, he would say 'do your duty', and wait for the sword to fall. So do your duty as King and end me. Don't worry about Loras. He'll get over me...eventually," said Renly with Aegon nodding before he pulled his sword back and sliced through the Baratheon's neck.
And watching it leave Renly's body.
"Prepare a proper funeral for all those who died on both sides of this battle. I won't have the start of my time as King be marked as being cruel," replied Aegon when he sensed Ser Barristan approach him before the two men walked back to the other Lords.
"Yes your Grace. Fortunately, the losses were smaller then we thought. Those who stayed loyal to Renly and still alive have bent the knee," commented Ser Barristan while Aegon sheathed his sword.
"Send the rest of Renly's men to the Wall. They knew what was going to happen today in this battle and still sided with him. Had they bent the knee from the start, it wouldn't have come to this. Besides, the Wall desperately needs men and the Lord Commander will be able to whip them into shape," said Aegon with Ser Barristan nodding.
"That was incredible your Grace. I have never seen anyone move like that before in my life," said Robb with his cousin nodding and the heir to Winterfell wished he could see past the young King's face.
"I will be happy to teach you a few things cousin. You have shown to be a skilled warrior and I wish to see such a skill grow," said Aegon with Robb feeling a sense of pride from his words.
"Your Grace, what of Lady Brienne of Tarth? She has been quite...resistant since she was defeated and is clearly waiting for the right moment to escape her imprisonment from her chains," said Lord Tarly knowing it took quite a few men to knock her down, much less unconscious for a time.
"Bring her to me at the war tent. But make sure she is not harmed. I wish to speak to her," said Aegon with Lord Tarly nodding.
"She can't go to the Wall your Grace. Many of the men there have done horrible deeds and raping women is one of them. If she went, they would descend upon her one day in the future," said Ser Barristan with worry for the woman, who fought quite fiercely in battle.
"Ser Barristan, I am shocked you would say such a thing. I have no intention of sending her to the Wall. I intend to give her a chance to join the Kingsguard," said Aegon with Ser Barristan looking shocked.
"The Kingsguard?" asked Ser Barristan with his shock showing.
"Why not? Don't tell me you don't believe a woman shouldn't be able to wield a sword if she has the skill Ser Barristan," said Aegon with Ser Barristan shaking it off.
"No your Grace, but there has never been one before now. She would have to be knighted and no one has ever knighted a woman," replied Ser Barristan with Aegon laughing.
"Tell me Ser Barristan, if you are facing overwhelming odds, would you prefer someone like Brienne of Tarth at your side wielding a sword? Or her in some castle praying to the Seven, sewing clothes, or making babies with her Lord husband?" asked Aegon with the man smirking.
"Truly? I have been alive long enough to know women can hold their own in a fight with almost any man in the Seven Kingdoms. Prince Oberyn's own daughters are proof of it and your own Mother from what stories I heard about her from the Northern bannermen. Lady Brienne fought hard against many of us when the fighting started and just needs to refine her skills to truly be a formidable warrior. So to answer your question your Grace, I would prefer Lady Brienne fighting beside me in battle," answered Ser Barristan with Aegon nodding.
"Good. Now the only question is, will she accept my offer?" commented Aegon with Ser Barristan grimacing.
"You just did kill her King. False or not," commented Ser Barristan with Aegon nodding.
"True, but we gave him a chance to stop this before it even started. Renly died as a result of it. I may have killed him, but Renly himself set it into motion," countered Aegon with the man beside him nodding.
"True your Grace, but she may not see it that way," said Ser Barristan since it was good to prepare for anything.
"Which is why I am going to convince her to see things from my perspective and give her the opportunity no one else will give again," said Aegon with Ser Barristan nodding.
"And if she doesn't take it?" asked Ser Barristan while wondering what Aegon would do.
"I send her home Ser Barristan. Untouched. Unspoiled. I will send a raven to her Father explaining to him the situation and that I hold no ill will toward his House or daughter. How the man deals with her is entirely up to him," said Aegon with Ser Barristan letting out a small breath of relief.
"And after things are finally settled here your Grace?" asked Ser Barristan with Aegon turning to look at him.
"Simple my friend. I deal with the Vale and Lysa Tully...personally!" replied Aegon and had an idea of what happened with the messages his Mother tried to send to out.
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