Fire and Blood

Chapter 92: Battle of Duskendale

The Crownlands ― Near King's Landing...

Rhaenyra, with her harness securely fastened, soared high above the Crownlands on Syrax's back, embarking on a crucial scouting mission. Reports had already reached the capital, indicating that the Caltrops were slowly inching closer to Stokeworth. Duskendale, meanwhile, was preparing for an inevitable invasion by rallying whatever ground forces House Darklyn could muster from the castle's garrison. Although Otto Hightower had sent Lord Gunthor an early warning, it was clear that more help was needed. With the enemy commander, Ser Criston Cole, at the helm, reinforcements were crucial. Unfortunately, the combined numbers of Rosby, Stokeworth, and Duskendale garrison forces were far fewer than Criston's formidable 4,000 troops. Rhaenyra couldn't help but wonder if the Caltrops would receive aid from a dragon, perhaps Sunfyre or Vhagar. Anticipating such a move, Princess Rhaenys had bravely volunteered to survey Crackclaw Point atop Meleys, providing much-needed air support in this critical moment.

"Mother!"

Rhaenyra glanced over her shoulder to see Jacaerys atop Vermax, returning home from his long flight to Winterfell. "Jace," she replied.

"Lord Cregan Stark has called his banners, but the North will need time to raise their troops before marching south," Jacaerys informed his mother.

So until then, we're on our own for the moment. "Then I suppose the task of defending the Crownlands is entirely on us. You did well, Jace. It will take time, but the Starks are the most honorable lords in the realm."

"If I may, I'll need to deliver the report to uncle Aeonar."

Given her brother's state of mind, Rhaenyra raised an eyebrow, unsure if Jace should deliver the report in person. "I wouldn't advise that, Jace," she gently shook her head. "Let me handle it. Can you give me some details about what you mentioned while you were at Winterfell?"

"Well," Jace began, "I negotiated betrothal terms between House Manderly and House Stark. Lord Desmond was promised that Joffrey would marry his youngest daughter after the war. I also requested that the crown look into restoring House Manderly's ancient lands from the Peakes, which were taken long before our forebears settled in this land. In the past, Jaehaerys I promised Lord Manderly's great-grandfather an arranged marriage with the Old King's daughter, Princess Viserra, to redress the matter. But after she died, the promise was forgotten."

"And what did you promise to Lord Stark?"

"If any of us were to have any firstborn daughters, they would be betrothed to Lord Cregan's son and heir, Rickon Stark. We called it 'the Pact of Ice and Fire.' Sworn before Winterfell's godswood, the pact was sealed in blood."

So explains how the entire North is taking much larger to amass a large force. "I see. Then it would be best to inform His Grace about what you told me. He's still upset about what happened with Daeron at Storm's End."

Jacaerys frowned, briefly lowering his head. "Yes, I... I heard what happened. I cannot fathom the emotional turmoil uncle Aeonar and aunt Alicent are going through at this time." He rose to look at his mother. "But I don't think it's fair to blame my brother for something he had no control over! Luke wasn't responsible for Daeron's murder! That was Aemond who did it! Our cousin saved my brother's life by sacrificing his!"

"I know, Jace, I know. But not everyone sees it that way." They call Daeron a hero but are relatively quick to blame Luke for his tragic death. Even after all these years, there are still whispers at court calling my sons 'Strong,' persistently questioning their legitimacy. My father decreed them true Velaryons, and my brother upheld that decree, yet they still talk behind my back. It's an insult that can't be ignored. "Listen, we have no time to waste. I just noticed a following encroaching near Stokeworth. Even if we were to amass a force to respond, we would need more time to make it. Let's hope that―"