Fatebringer | Viserys Targaryen

Chapter 27

Casterly Rock glowed ahead.

The Northern army led by Greatjon Umber found them at Golden Grove, having passed through Riverrun to confirm a change in leadership for the Riverlands army– Brynden 'The Blackfish' would be leading them into the blockade while Edmure held Riverrun. From Old Oak joined their foot soldiers, the Dornish army led by Prince Oberyn and a larger portion of Stormcrows and Second sons led by Daario Naharis's second captain, Jokin. Yara Greyjoy was probably rounding far by Fair Isle and would be zeroing in on Lannisport once they were passing.

They made camp several miles west of the hill Clegane Keep rested on, with the image of Casterly Rock behind them, a magnificent fortress carved out of the stone hill looking over the Sunset Sea. With the fading light of day, Ysira certainly believed that the rock resembled a lion. From below, her uncle promised, they'd break into the inside of the Rock, the entire stronghold hiding tunnels, dungeons, halls, stairways, and courtyards from their view. Tyrion was already sneaking closer with Daario and a specialized force of mercenaries who would break in and open the gates to them.

"They say Casterly Rock is the strongest and most impregnable seat in all of Westeros," said Oberyn once the sun had fallen, darkness looming through their camp, dim torches lighting the paths for their soldiers to find rest. "Even more so than the Eyrie."

"And yet we took the Eyrie," said Ysira, passing Viserys a cup of ale. She reached over to tap Daenerys, who was drifting in and out of sleep and was about to drop her face into her soup. "Dany and I alone, no army. No tricks."

"But you used two dragons," noted her uncle. "Here, you are using but one."

"Vhagar and Meraxes will be called upon if needed," she said. "That is in the event Tyrion and Daario cannot get the gates open. Yes, we have dragons, but we cannot constantly be on them. We need to show our people that Viserys is a capable warrior without his mount. We have showed with Stannis, with Littlefinger, and with the wildlings that our dragons are capable. Let them now see their King fighting with them."

Oberyn shrugged, seemingly in agreement. "They should see that Viserys will protect them even without the help of his mighty beast."

"But," said Viserys, eyeing Ysira, "at the first sign of danger, you are mounting first. You retreat your flank and you call upon Meraxes. No argument."

"I am staying on that field as long as you do," said Ysira firmly. "We're supposed to be distracting them with a fight at the front so they do not expect the attack from the sewers. Dany will help us from above once she's done with the Lannister fleet. The Ironborn will dock and take Lannisport and she'll fly to our aid if need be. I worry too much that they'll fire at the dragons instead of focusing on the men because they think they can't get in, anyway."

"Those giants beyond-the-Wall were terrifying," agreed Daenerys sleepily. "It is better to be on foot until you absolutely have to take to the skies. Ysira is right... we cannot only ever resort to dragons. If we don't show our own bravery otherwise... well, let's just say if I knew how to fight, I would be down there with you."

"You cannot fault your Queen for wishing to stay at your side," said Oberyn, smirking over as Ysira tapped Viserys's shoulder, insisting he stop worrying. "All of our line are named 'Nymeros' for Nymeria. She has the blood of the Rhoynar and you have the blood of Old Valyria. You will either rise together or fall together. Neither of you will prove cowards."

"At any rate, the Lannisters know their options," said Viserys, tugging at the strings of his sleeve. "Bend the knee or burn. Tywin has been dead for awhile. They may be under the illusion that Cersei holds power, but I think perhaps they may surrender quickly when they see the might we have gathered. We all want this war to end."