Bound by Blood and Oaths

Prologue

King's Landing ~ 283 AC

The Red Keep, the seat of Power in Westeros, or it used to be. War rages in Westeros. The North, The Riverlands, the Vale, and The Stormlands are in open rebellion. For many, the cause is not clear. Some say Robert has grown power-hungry, others say he is angered by what Rhaegar supposedly did. Although, Baelor is confident the King's erratic and mad behavior has fuelled the rebellion and hatred against the Targaryens. Even if his own opinion is only known to himself.

Baelor looks at the blue skies as he stands in the busy courtyard. Soldiers went anywhere and everywhere to make the final preparation for the coming march. Sometimes Baelor would wonder what it would be like to fly on a dragon. If the mighty fire creatures would be alive, this rebellion would have been crushed within the year. But now the Targaryens fight as any House in Westeros.

"Ser Baelor, Prince Rhaegar is ready to march out of King's Landing," a knight says from behind the Sworn Brother of the Kingsguard.

"Thank you, Ser."

Baelor turns on his heels and strides to the gate. Prince Rhaegar stands next to his horse as he talks to his family. The King ordered him to follow Rhaegar into battle instead of protecting his third-born son Jaehaerys Targaryen. It was his main duty over the years, but it is not up to him to question who he should protect. As Baelor approaches, Prince Jaehaerys turns to him with a small smile.

"Ser Baelor! Joining Rhaegar?" The small Prince asked.

"I am, Your Highness. The King ordered me to do so."

"Shame you won't be here," he says in turn.

"It's not up to him, my son. He will be back as soon as he can," The Queen says as she puts two gentle hands on his shoulders. Her pregnancy is becoming more and more visible. Even Rhaella would rather have him here to make sure Jaehaerys is not close to his father.

"Do not worry, Jaehaerys. Things will change once I return. Ser Baelor we best be going. Ser Barristan awaits us at the front of the army," Rhaegar says as he mounts his horse. Baelor nods as he mounts the horse held by a stable boy. They soon ride out of the keep with Rhaegar in front and Baelor behind who kept a watchful gaze for any possible danger.

"Ser, please come ride next to me. I like to speak with you," Rhaegar says as he motions with his hand next to him. A gaze that deeply studies Baelor's expression and overall demeanor coming from Rhaegar. It makes him shift on his horse as he starts to ride next to the Prince.

Baelor has a lot of respect for the Crown Prince. Considering his father, he is like night and day compared to him. The people love him, and many expect him to bring prosperity and peace to the Kingdoms. Baelor hopes it will be true. He isn't very proud to serve Aerys, but his honor prevents him from doing anything. He will do his duty.

"Your Highness," Baelor says.

"Ser Barristan told me about you. You squired for him, yes?"

"I did, my Prince. He knighted me when I turned six and ten. I was his squire for four years," Baelor answers.

"Yes, I was present that day but too young to remember. He said you were talented, honorable, and wanted to serve to better the realm. That makes me wonder, why did you accept the White Cloak from my father?"

"To serve the realm best is to safeguard the Royal Family. My hope is to serve your House so they can properly serve the realm in peace and safety."

"And you still believe that?"

"I do not understand what you wish of me, Your Highness. Have I done something to offend or-"

The Prince shook his head as his gaze went to Baelor. His deep indigo eyes pierced his way through the person riding next to him. As if he has found something that satisfied him.

"No, you haven't. I was just curious. You seem like a good man, Ser Baelor. They are as rare as good kings. Ser Barristan trained you well. Time to prove that we each deserve the rank and station we hold. By winning this rebellion," the Prince said as he spurred his horse to go faster.

Baelor does the same as he follows. By his own failure or the wishes of the Gods, it does not go as the Prince wishes. The Prince died at the hands of Robert Baratheon. Baelor was heavily wounded from the battle at the Trident. Together with Barristan, he fought on the side of Prince Rhaegar. Together they slew the people of Robert and his allies. It was not enough as they eventually were overwhelmed and wounded by swords and arrows. Once more Baelor looks at the blue sky, thinking as he lies there. His brother-in-arms was next to him.

"Anything you'd have done if you knew this was the day, Barristan?" Baelor asked with some effort, slowly feeling less of his surroundings.

"A few things not worth saying. You?" Barristan asked as he glances at his former student.

"I would have loved to see Driftmark again... My brothers and sisters too," Baelor says as he lets out a deep breath. "Hey, Barristan?"

"Yes...?" Barristan asked.

No answer came making Barristan look at Baelor again. He sighed as he saw the closed eyes. The purple eyes are hidden behind them as his face is slightly obscured by his silver hair. It won't be long before he will join him. May the Gods be just to both of them, Barristan thought before he fell unconscious. Both of them did not know that the Gods may have listened.