Veiled Masterminds

~~~(POV: Varys)~~~

~~~(Current Age: 45 Years)~~~

~~~(Location: Kings Landing, The Red Keep, Office)~~~

~~~(Date: 297 AC)~~~

These reports from my little birds across Westeros are nothing new, and it's been 2 weeks since I talked with Tyrion. His father should be arriving soon, if not this week. He'll want information that I've gathered. Sadly, I'll have plenty of bad news.

But it's really a question of whom it's sad for... Illyrio has been in contact with me, and Viserys is continuing on a downward trajectory. He's losing his mind as his father did.

I was hoping to use Viserys to lure out Daenerys and Raenon. But that was a hopeless plan, to begin with. It's obvious Raenon holds no love for his older brother, and Daenerys would see Viserys dead. Illyrio would speak of his treatment toward her.

The Baratheons haven't made any moves on one another, yet. And the Starks in the North are fighting multiple conflicts. And Robb Stark wins each battle at an alarming rate.

Inspiring dedication with every action he takes. It was foolish of Ned Stark to speak to Cersei, and it was too late to help him. Joffrey made up his mind about Sansa's father when he was thrown into the cells.

"Perhaps..."

There is something that I wish to try, and doing it could get me executed. But it wouldn't be the first time I tried something that could result in my death. It won't be the last, either.

Illyrio and Jorah are waiting in Essos for me to contact them with instructions. If I wish to learn more about the remaining Targaryens, anticipating their next move is my only choice. They're not going to sit back forever.

They'll need an army and one that can challenge the armies of Westeros. That leaves the Dothraki and Unsullied. Two mighty armies. Ripe for the taking in Essos. Both are likely targets for Raenon and Daenerys.

I should speak with Illyrio about the state of Slavers Bay.

He and I will meet soon; hopefully, he'll have news from Essos. But I shouldn't count on it. Making plans with what I have is the best I can do.

In the end, supporting Raenons claim to The Iron Throne could be the only hope the Realm has. Viserys is a poor candidate, and initially, Daenerys was who Illyrio and I decided should rule. But a new prospect has appeared.

No decision is final, but if Raenon proves to be a King worthy of the title, my support will find him. The common folk of Westeros deserves a good and wise King.

"But there is always the problem of Raenon not needing our help..."

Raenon has options on the table. He doesn't know it yet. But having a dragon and a claim to The Iron Throne is enough to rally many lords behind him. Both in Westeros and Essos. But there is the risk he misuses his dragon.

Burning entire cities and armies will win wars fast but destroy the Realm in the process. If Raenon is tempted to bring a quick end, no one can stop him.

There is also The Faith we need to worry about. The Doctrine of Exceptionalism still exists, but Targaryens haven't been ruling for nearly 20 years. The Faith won't tolerate incest.

Knowing the Targaryens, Raenon and Daenerys have probably already begun to explore. They are still children by society's standards. But Illyrio and I both know Daenerys has had her Flowering. Proving she's ready to start breeding.

I wouldn't be surprised if Targaryen babes show up when Daenerys and Raenon reveal themselves again.

That also leads to another problem. When children are involved, parents act in favor of them, not the Realm. Something Daenerys and Raenon are inclined to do, given how young and inexperienced in ruling they are.

I can only hope children aren't making their way into the world from Daenerys and Raenon. It'll make them harder to help.

"The Great Game is starting... And players are popping up everywhere... Just where do you intend to show yourself in this game, Raenon..."

Only time will tell, and there is a Small Council Meeting I must make my way to. It's starting soon, and Cersei wishes to bring order to the Council since Tyrion has arrived. The clever dwarf has proven to be a great opponent for his sister.

Too bad he can't stop her meddling hand in everything. The Realm wouldn't be in this position if it weren't for Cersei and Jaime.

~~~(POV: Illyrio Mopatis)~~~

~~~(Current Age: 49 Years)~~~

~~~(Location: Home, Free City of Pentos, Essos)~~~

~~~(Date: 297 AC)~~~

"Have you been able to find them yet..."

Viserys sits across from me and uses his remaining left hand to cut his food and drink his water. He's yelled at and abused every servant I've tasked with helping him. And I'm getting sick of Viserys. I wish to wash my hands of him and be done.

However, it's never that simple with royalty. Which, sadly, Viserys is. Suppose Raenon and Daenerys do come to power here or in Westeros. He'll be a powerful bargaining chip.

Even if Daenerys and Raenon don't want him, that doesn't mean his blood isn't worth anything. Given that dragons are back, Targaryen riders will need to fill them. I have no doubts that Daenerys has hatched the eggs, and Raenons dragon is proof they still exist.

"No, Lord Viserys. Raenon and Daenerys have dropped completely off the face of Essos. Wherever they're hiding, we won't find them. Not unless they want to be found."

He remains calm for a change, and he looks at the stub forming at his right elbow. The same place Raenon cut his forearm off.

That boy is special... Raenon proves to be more than just a regular Targaryen. He's blessed by the Gods... Where and whoever they may be. I was there the day he retrieved his sister from the wedding. He moved from one spot to another in an instant.

He disappeared and reappeared behind Daenerys. Severing Viserys's arm in the process. Some magic he learned. Add that with his sword and Red Fire, and you have someone with a strong claim to any throne. Not just the one in Westeros.

"How long until we know where my traitorous little brother and sister are hiding? It shouldn't be that hard to find a place where you can hide a dragon that size."

Viserys isn't using his head. Raenon and Daenerys won't take refuge in a city. They'll go somewhere isolated. Raenon can obviously provide and take care of himself and others. His impossible survival is proof of that.

My best guess is they're in some wild part of Essos or Westeros. Living off the local game and waiting until they're able to move again.

"Lord Viserys, your younger siblings don't have any allies or trust anyone. They're hiding somewhere away from eyes that could see them. Where that is, I don't know."

Viserys has his moments of intelligence. But ever since he lost half his right arm, he's been in a state of either depression or madness.

"Why is he the one... It should've been me... I'm The Last Dragon!!! I'm the one that should be flying on the back of that dragon!!"

There has been jealousy forming in Viserys. One that grows as the days pass. His little brother has everything he thought to be his. But it's clear that Viserys isn't The Last Dragon. He never was. But I let him simmer in his state.

It's better than talking to The Beggar King.

~~~(POV: Robb Stark)~~~

~~~(Current Age: 17 Years)~~~

~~~(Location: Winterfell, Great Hall)~~~

~~~(Date: 297 AC)~~~

"The Lannister armies we've been fighting up till now aren't our only enemies. We have the Greyjoys, Boltons, and the Wildlings to worry about. There is a reason why Tywin pulled away. He thinks these threats will end us before he can do it himself."

The debate in The Great Hall has proven to be one that concerns our wars in the North. With Lannister armies turning back South. Our other enemies up here are making themselves known.

Given how much we've won, I'd prefer to keep fighting Lannister forces. But if Tywin is pulling away with his family, we'll take this chance to get rid of the enemies we have festering in the North.

That's the only way an ending is coming to this war. And I've been pressed to pick a side between Stannis or Renly Baratheon. I know it's impossible to rid the world of Lannisters without the help of another great house.

But my focus is the North. And that's where it'll remain until I'm through getting all our enemies rooted out.

"The Lannister army is leaving back to Lannisport and Kings Landing. From here, we'll focus our efforts on the Greyjoys, the Boltons, and the Wildlings."

I don't like speaking these things in front of Theon, but it must be discussed. My words stop all debates and arguments. Everyone's attention rests on me.

"That may be true, Lord Stark. But it won't stay that way. Lannisters are watching, and when they see us weak from our fights with the Boltons, Greyjoys, and Wildlings. They'll march back up here and take us with our backs turned."

The plans and efforts of great houses seem to be wasted in times of war... I wish you were here to teach me that, father...

~~~(POV: Free Talking/Narrator easyread)~~~

~~~(Current Age: Unknown)~~~

~~~(Location: Unknown)~~~

~~~(Current Date: Unknown)~~~

As you can see, I've deviated from the timeline regarding conflicts and where people stand. I hope everyone is enjoying it so far. The story slowed down the last 2 chapters, but it'll be speeding up soon.

Like I said before, there will be chapters where little time passes and others where months or years pass. I think that's the best way to write for A Song of Ice and Fire fanfiction. Time moves fast and at great lengths in the books and TV shows.

So it's only fitting fanfictions do it the same way.