The Death of War

Chapter 20

Aemond and Aegon make it to the Riverlands, and Aemond takes care of a few people who stand in his way. Rhaenyra makes an announcement during a small council meeting and Rhaenys is not happy with it. We get to see Joffrey's POV and don't hate me. I plan to upload the next chapter tomorrow. I hope you guys like it. 🥰

1 week later.

Aemond flew Vhagar over the trident and watched as his brother set fire to one of the villages. He had sent a letter to Rhaenyra as soon as his grandsire had told him of his plans and hoped that she had been able to get it in time. He had known there was no way she would be able to let the Riverlands know they were coming. His grandsire had been right about one thing, Rhaenyra would have to send her troops to battle, this time she would not have a choice. She would have to defend her allies or risk them turning against her. His grandsire had gotten one over on him, he was just thankful that the man did not suspect he was the traitor. Vhagar roared loudly, sending people running away from one of the villages near the river and to the woods. He knew there were a few caves there that would keep them safe. He turned Vhagar, looking around and making sure he did not see anyone moving around the village.

"Dracarys."

Vhagar's fire burned everything in her path, even melting the stones. He could not stay out of the fight or his brother would suspect something was wrong. All he had been able to do was use Vhagar to warn them and have them run before setting their houses aflame. Cole and the rest of their army would not be far behind. He turned Vhagar around once more and flew towards Harrenhal. He knew Larys's uncle was the one in charge of Harrenhal and the man was loyal to Aegon. He guided Vhagar to land in the courtyard as people ran and screamed.

Ser Simon Strong fell to his knees, The rest of the Strongs doing the same behind him as Aemond climbed off Vhagar and stood beside her.

"Welcome, Prince Aemond." The man did not even look at him and Aemond could see he was terrified. "Harrenhal is yours."

"Thank you, Ser Strong." Aemond pulled out the decree his grandsire had made and had been signed by his brother. "It has been brought to the attention of the king that Larys Strong has betrayed him and he might be hiding here."

"I can assure you my nephew is not a traitor, my prince." The man stood up and gave him a proud look. "He has always been a loyal servant of King Aegon, as we all are."

And that was the problem, they were loyal to a usurper and willing to kill the rightful queen for him. Aemond could not allow that to happen, Visenya's safety depended on her parents. If Daemon and Rhaenyra died then her children would be killed. His grandsire did not care much about the two oldest since Rhaenyra had declared them bastards, they were not a danger to Aegon. But Rhaenyra's children with Daemon, even the small girl could lead an uprise to attempt and get the throne and people would back them. Otto had said it many times, Aegon, Viserys, and Visenya had to die. Aemond would kill everyone in Westeros before allowing that to happen. Because of that these people had to die, he wished he could say he felt some remorse, but he did not.

"Kill them."

The five people present did not have to react before Vhagar was on them, at least he had given them a quick death. He crooked his finger at the castellan who trembled as he approached him. Aemond handed him the decree Aegon had signed ordering the death of all the Strongs in Harrenhal.

"Prepare me a chamber and one for my brother." The gates opened and Criston Cole marched in, followed by several thousand men. "Ser Cole will stay in the castle as well, the rest of my soldiers will camp here."