Chapter 35: New Alliances

Read and Review, Once more I do not own anything, Happy Christmas everybody, and a Merry New Year.

Roland

Roland stared into the mirror inspecting his new eye, 'strange, almost inhuman.' A smirk came to his face, 'oddly enough I like it.'

Melisandre was true to her word and was able to give Roland a new eye and now his sight was whole again. It was a painful ritual, and Roland found himself gripping the arms rests of the chair he sat on while the red woman worked. Once the leech had its fill and let go on its own accord, Melisandre took the leech and placed it into a cup. She took a vial and released a few drop. The liquid, whatever it was started to dissolve the leech releasing all the blood it had consumed. With only Roland's blood remaining inside the cup Melisandre started draining the blood into a vial. After mixing it in with several other contents, she shook it. Melisandre then opened the eyelid of Roland's empty eye socket then she poured the contents of the vial in. As the eye slowly took form, Roland felt what could only be described as a 6 inch nail being driven through his brain. Thoros of Myr was also there helping to hold his king steady Roland bit down on a piece of rope to stop from screaming. When it was finished, Roland was gasping and he no longer felt any pain.

Roland took note of his new eye, it was not the same dark blue orb he had before. The iris was a golden colour, nothing truly odd about that. What made it stand out was the area surrounding it. Instead of a natural white, the sclera was as black as the pupil. So he had a small gold circle surrounded by blackness.

Roland tested it by closing his real eye and using his new one to track his finger moving it left and right up and down. The eye followed the movements perfectly, Roland smiled satisfied that it worked properly.

Roland turned to his cousin who was staring at him in awe, "what do you think?" He asked.

"It's a bit frightening," Shireen admitted.

"Indeed," Roland agreed. "Honestly, I don't care what it looks like, it could be a snake eye but as long as my vision is straight again it's a fair trade." Yet one thing picked at his mind, "I hope Sansa isn't too put off by it."

Shireen shook her head, "Sometimes you can be a little vain, Roland. Sansa won't care how you look as long as you return to her alive, she will forgive you."

Roland smiled, and kissed Shireen's forehead, "You are wiser than I will ever be Shireen, You would make a fine Lady of Storm's End."

Shireen smiled, "I guess you won't be needing this patch then," she reached out to take it from the table, but Roland's hand stopped her.

"I don't know about that little fawn, who knows it may yet proved to be useful." So he took it and tucked it in a pouch.

As he stepped out he saw Maester Cressen, leaning against the wall looking solemn, as he looked at Roland his eyes were sad. Roland came up to him, "why the long face Cressen?"

Cressen reached out and took a long look at Melisandre's handiwork, "it shouldn't be possible," he said with a hint of fear, "it's not right."

Roland shrugged, "neither is my brother, I think." Cressen nodded and Roland placed a hand on his shoulder. "Who is to say what is right and what is wrong, I don't think anyone truly knows the answer."

"You were born in the light of the Seven my king," Cressen reminded him. "I beg you for all our sakes not to spit on your ancestors."

Roland was silent before saying, "I assure you Cressen I do not intend to forsake the seven but due to recent events I think there may be something to this R'hllor god.

Cressen sighed, "that woman makes me question everything I thought I knew about the gods."

Roland shook his head, "do not trouble yourself by dwelling on such things, the concept of gods seem to be beyond the understanding of man anyway."

Cressen smiled finally, "I guess you're right, I'm getting too old for this."

"Now, now," Roland warned halfheartedly, "don't go keeling over on me, I still need a true maester lest I'll be stuck with the likes of Pycelle."

Both laughed at that and Roland patted him on the shoulder before continuing to the Painted Table. He walked in to find Stannis making the final preparations for their journeys. "What is the status of our forces in the Crownlands Uncle."

"Lord Rykker has rallied your banners at Duskendale as you requested," Stannis replied. "The host there numbers 6,000 strong at the moment. Brynden Tully is on his way to reinforce them with another 3,000."

Roland nodded in approval, "with the additional troops I'm coming with, It should be enough to hold the city against the Lannisters and Tyrells."

Stannis sighed, "I hope this plan of yours works, Roland, this is a risky gamble."

Roland nodded, "any choice made presents great danger to us all uncle but it is necessary now."

Stannis nodded, "more than ever before, one more thing Roland." He pulled out a letter, "there's something else you should know."

After consulting with Stannis, Roland summoned Marcus Sand. The Dornishman, dressed in his usual garb bowed, "how may I be of assistance Roland?"

Roland sighed, he didn't want to do this, Marcus had served him well throughout this war and saved his life twice. But he didn't know who else to trust. "I need you to go to Essos'

This surprised Marcus as he stepped forward with uncertainty. "May I ask why?"

Roland smiled, "of course, there have been rumors in the east I need to confirm them."

Marcus cocked his head, "what rumors?"

Roland frowned as he ran his fingers town the lines of the Painted Table. "Ser Davos heard it from a pirate friend of his as the man was passing through. Danaerys Targaryen has been spotted in Qarth." Roland looked up at Marcus, "she has three dragons."

Marcus rubbed his chin, "and you want me to see if the rumors are true."

Roland lips curled as he scratched his head. "More than that Marcus, I'd like you to be my eyes and ears."

Marcus eyes narrowed, he was a warrior, not a thief in the night, "You wish me to spy on her?"

Roland shook his head, "spying would require you to report on all of her activities. No Marcus I'm sending you not as a spy but as an observer. Make note of her action and aid her when necessary. Danaerys will want to some back to Westeros, what I need to know is what kind of person she is. Is she mad like her father, ambitious like her brothers, or gentle like her mother."

"Why would you want to know things like that?" Marcus wondered.

"Because depending on what I learn, will decide if I will consider her and enemy of hopefully a potential ally," Roland replied.

Marcus looked at him questioningly, "you would consider allying yourself with a Targaryen?"

Roland sighed, "our families were bitter enemies, but I have no quarrel with Danaerys Targaryen. I have too many enemies, so I will not make more if I can avoid it."

Marcus nodded, it was sensible and reasonable, but one thing bothered him. "If this is so important why sent me."

Roland smiled, "who better? You are one of my most trusted warriors, and the fact that you are of Dornish descent will allow you to get close. Dorne was a known Targaryen supporter so they will not see you as a threat."

Marcus thought for a moment, and Roland spoke again. "This is strictly voluntary if you have your doubts than say the word, I rather enjoy your company anyway."

Despite the reassurance, Marcus shook his head, this had to be done and it had to be him. "I pledged my services to you King Roland, I haven't broken faith yet and I shall not start now."

The next day the three parties embarked on their separate ways. Stannis offered his hand and Roland took it, "Stay safe nephew."

Roland clasped the arm in return, "You as well uncle."

After parting with his Uncle, Roland turned to Marcus, "Good luck," he said.

Marcus smiled, "in Essos, I'll have to make my own luck."

With that Stannis boarded the Fury, Roland boarded the Hammer and Marcus boarded a Carrack to Volantis. As Roland stood at the bow of the Hammer he knew that this war was about to get worse before it got better.

Victarion

Victarion returned to the Iron Islands embittered by what had happened in the fever river. Even now it was hard to believe the events there were a reality. When he set out to take Moat Cailin he believed easy pickings awaited him. After all, Moat Cailin was a ruin and while it was nigh impregnable from the south, the ruins made it vulnerable from the north. That was where Victarion intended to strike, to accomplish this, he brought with him the full might of the Iron Fleet. It should have been enough, more than enough. Roland was supposed to be tangling with the Lannisters in the south, the North had been emptied.

Instead, his ships were set upon on either bank by Roland's forces, spitfires, ballistas, and scorpions rained a volley of fire down on his fleet. Thunderer, the ship of Dunstan Drumm leader of the vanguard was smashed to pieces as more ships were destroyed, the ones behind ended up crashing into the smashed hulks. Yet Victarion pressed on, only after loosing a third of his fleet did he reluctantly withdraw. He saw a number of his men that had manage to reach the shores get cut down by Crannogmen and Northerners.

He was astonished that the Northerners were able to mount such a defense. As he turned a limped back home the realization dawned on him, "they knew." it was the only explanation. Roland knew, the North knew the question is how." Immediately his mind turned to Theon, could his own nephew have betrayed them to his other family.

Now as he looked at Pyke from the deck of his ship he wondered what his brother would do now. He docked at Lordsport and took a horse to Pyke, as he entered the great keep he found that Balon was not alone, Aeron was also with him. Balon was staring at a map placed on a table wooden models indicating troop movements. Victarion looked around, thinking Theon had also returned, He didn't see the Sea Bitch at anchor unless it was somewhere else.

Aeron turned to him and gave him a curt nod, "brother, I'm glad to see you made it home safely."

Victarion nodded, "Where is Theon?"

Aeron frowned, "he stayed to join Asha, I pray to the Drowned God she is safe as well."

Balon turned to him his eyes hard as usual, "Did you take Moat Cailin?"

Victarion shook his head, "my fleet was ambushed at the Fever River. Lord Dunstan Drumm went missing most likely dead."

Balon's eyes narrowed and he sighed deeply, "What is dead may never die."

"What is dead may never die," his brothers replied.

Balon turned to Victarion, "why didn't you press your advance you know how important Moat Cailin is to us."

"I lost a third of my ships halfway down that damned river," Victarion growled in irritation, "if I had gone any further I might have been trapped."

Balon strode towards him, "I am your king Victarion, never forget that. And as long as I am your king you will obey my orders."

Victarion was already bitter this was the second time he had been beaten in war. He didn't need to be unfairly blamed by his older brother for nothing. "I lost many ships and men obeying your orders, MY men, My ships."

"May they feast in the halls of the Drowned god," Aeron declared. It didn't ease Victarion's woe, they drowned in a river killed by swamp people. He gripped the handle of his axe, 'I'll get my revenge on them soon enough,' he declared.

A thrall came in stating he had a raven for Balon from Asha. Balon took the letter, unrolled it and began to read."

Lord Father

I regret to inform you that I was unsuccessful in taking Deepwood Motte, the Northerners ambushed us in the Wolfswood during the assault. I have managed to join with Theon's men as well as survivors from the Fever River. Despite our losses we plan to continue your war against the forces of the boy King Roland. The Mormonts attacked my ships taking many and burning the rest leaving me no way to return to Pyke.

You should also know that none of this was Theon's doing, King Roland had anticipated our attack some time ago and made the preparation once he learned Robb Stark had released my brother.

My Lord Father I urge you to send us men and ships to aid in the coming months, our numbers are few and it will not be long before the full might of the North bears down on us.

Your ever loyal Daughter

Asha Greyjoy, Captain of the Black Wind and Princess of the Iron Islands.

Balon reread the letter, snaring under his breath, his brothers looked at him. Balon explained the letter and Aeron was the first to speak. "This proves Theon's innocence, even if he had warned the Starks, there was no way the Northerners could have gotten so far north in time."

Victarion agreed reluctantly, he had wanted to believe that Theon had betrayed them and not to poor planning on Balon's part. "So what now, Brother, we don't have any of the lands or castles that you claimed we would get. What do you want us to do?" Balon glared at him and remained silent as he stared at the map. His fists clenched tight as he remembered a letter sent by Roland not two days ago. His anger burned at the memory of the Contents.

Balon Greyjoy

King of the Iron Islands, Lord Reaper of Pyke, Son of the Sea Wind and Kraken King of Salt and Rock

Ten years of planning and THAT was the best the mighty Iron Islands could do. Is there any, ANY of the Old Ironborn left in your family anymore. It's clear you haven't learned a thing and are as pathetically predictable now as you were the day my father showed you what a REAL king was. But do not be discouraged, if you still think you can do it, then by all means, you are more than welcome to try again. I am more than happy to invite the lambs to the slaughter. I will crush them all as my father did Rhaegar. I will crush you on land and I will crush you at sea. I will defeat you in your fields and defeat you in your hold. You bent to the Father and now you shall break to the Son.

Signed the Black Prince Roland Baratheon, King of the North.

"There is a way to settle this," Aeron said, both Greyjoy brothers turned to him as he continued. "Tywin Lannister has written to us offering an alliance against the boy Roland."

"You would have us go crawling to the Greenlanders?" Victarion demanded.

"Roland Baratheon outnumbers us," Aeron said calmly. "He has the men he has the ships and most of all he has HIM on his side. With Joffrey the boy's fleet broken the only resistance he will face comes from the Sunset Sea. It won't be long before he comes here."

Victarion didn't need to be told who HIM was. Once again someone had to remind Victarion of Fair Isle. "We don't need the greenlanders," Victarion insisted, "WE are Ironborn, no snivelling boy untried by arms will play lord over us."

Balon had heard enough of his brother's bickering and slammed his fist on the table. "LEAVE ME!" He roared and after a moment Aeron and Victarion looked at each other and obeyed. Balon slumped down on his chair, his rebellion was falling apart around him, he remembered how he failed the first time. 'Never again,' he vowed, "I will not bend the knee again, I will not fail again." He turned to his thrall and yelled, "BOY, bring me quill and paper."

Tywin

News of the attacks in the Stormlands came pouring in, the Blacks have seized Gallowsgrey, the Blacks have taken Partchments, Evenfall Hall has fallen. Roland seemed to take a more firm hand in dealing with the rebellious lords in the Stormlands, not only taking their castles but also eliminating those who ruled. Among those killed was Lord Selwyn Tarth much to the grief of his daughter Brienne who vented her anger by was sparing with Garlan Tyrell.

What was more troubling was news that Stannis Baratheon was marching with an army of Black Reachmen against the Tyrells holdings. Mace Tyrell had attempted to cross the Blackwater to fight off Stannis but his numerous attempts were foiled by a fleet of river galleys apparently under Roland's men.

Now Tywin was deep in thought, after the Battle of the Blackwater, Dragonstone had been silent for just over a month now, they were back and bearing down hard.

"We need to find a way to break that barrier," Lord Kevan insisted. Having 80,000 men here in the capitol in addition to the half a million citizens is quickly eating through our stockpiles. soon we'll have nothing to eat.

"As long as Roland's ships continue to patrol the Blackwater, I can't get my men across." Mace complained. "Now that Lord Stannis will be riding through my own lands pillaging at will."

"I'm well aware of your predicament Lord Tyrell," Tywin explained as calmly as he could. "My son is already working on a solution."

Mace turned to Tyrion, "and what plan do you have this time Lord Tyrion?" He asked with a hint of sarcasm.

"We are constructing a flotilla of rafts armed with scorpions-" Tyrion began to explain.

"And what will stop Roland ships from destroying these too?" Randyll Tarly challenged.

"That is why the rafts are being built on land away from the reach of these new river galleys."

"Even if you are able to build enough of them, where will we cross, the Galley's patrol most of the river and any troops that land will be cut down by the Black garrison on the other side of the river." Mathis Rowan pointed out.

"There is one spot," Tyrion pointed out, he put his finger to the shore opposite the Capital. "The only place there are no river galleys is beneath the walls of King's Landing. We create a false landing party on the other end of the rush while make the real landing here. But in order for it to work you will need to divide your army in two."

Mace was stunned, "in two? I cannot face Stannis Baratheon with just 30,000 men."

"Better half than none," Tyrion replied darkly.

Tywin thought on it before turning to Randyll Tarly, "what is your opinion Lord Tarly."

Randyll rubbed his chin, "we cannot stay here, and we must cross the river and save our lands he turned to Tywin and gave hin a curt nod."

Tywin looked closely at the map, "Robb Stark ravaging the Westerlands, and Lord Stannis ravaging the reach." Tywin smiled inwardly as he realized his grandson's plans and couldn't help but approve. "Well played Roland, he attacked Kings Landing knowing we would come to stop him. Then use his dominant sea power to prevent us from leaving, while his commanders start to attack the regions we left vulnerable. That is why he attacked so cautiously and how he was able to retreat in such good order."

"So Roland never meant to take the Capital at all," Kevan realized, he just wanted to ignite a response." Kevan shook his head, and turned to Mace, "how many men can you raise in the Reach now?"

Mace scratched his head, "my son Willas can raise 10,000 men in a fortnight and 10,000 more in a month. But with Stannis picking off my bannermen he will not have enough to stop him.

Tywin returned the nod in approval, "Then it settled, we must make a crossing no matter what. Randyll Tarly you will lead the Tyrell forces against Stannis. See that you cooperate fully with my sons."

Randyll Tarly stood up and nodded, "it will be done Lord Tywin."

After he had left, Kevan spoke up. "Robb Stark was injured during an attack on the Crag and fell back to Riverrun. While it is a small reprieve, I have no doubt he will return. We need to send men west to before he does. Because if Robb Stark returns, he may very well set his sights on the Golden Tooth, should the Golden Tooth fall-"

"-we will be trapped from out own lands," Tywin finished. He turned to the Spider, "what news to you bring us Lord Varys?"

"There is a bit of good new and a bit of bad." Lord Varys cut in. "A letter from Lord Petyr Baelish my lord."

Tywin took the letter and read it, he nodded in approval. "It seems Lord Baelish was able to successfully bring Lysa Arryn into the fold. Now that the strength of the Vale is with us. Roland will be forced to divert his forces to a new front.

"That is good to hear," Varys said calmly. "Although my little birds have discovered a problem."

Tywin's eyes narrowed, "What is the bit of bad news Lord Varys?"

Varys' lips tightened, "though Lysa Arryn has promised the Vale to our cause, it seems not all the Vale has sided with us."

"What do you mean?"

A large number of Vale lords have denounced their allegiance to House Arryn and are marching to join Lord Eddard at Riverrun. These rebel Valemen are calling themselves the Lords Declarant."

"Do we know who is leading them?"

Varys nodded, "the leader of the Lords Declarant is none other than Lord Bronze Yohn Royce."

Silence filled the room, Lord Royce was a grizzled hard-nosed man who despite his age was still a renowned warrior. He was also known to be a true friend of Eddard Stark having hunted and spared with him many times during his fostering in the Eyrie. The fact that he was leading the rebellious vale lords, was a heavy blow for the Lannister cause.

"Which houses joined him?" Tywin demanded.

"Aside from the Royces of course, the Lords Declarant is composed of Houses Redfort, Waynwood, Hunter, Belmore, Coldwater, Upcliff, Templeton, Shett, Tollett, and Hardying," Varys replied sadly.

Tyrion did the math in his head, "that's 20,000 men alone father," he concluded. "That's almost half the Vale's total strength."

Tywin frowned, "it seems the stronger we become the stronger Roland becomes."

Tyrion smirked, "clearly, you underestimated people's hatred for out family father. During my time there they seemed to think we killed Jon Arryn."

"Which is nonsense," Tywin snapped.

Tyrion nodded, "of course, but that's not what people believe. Some would say you orchestrated it to hopefully replace him as Hand of the King."

Tywin frowned, "make no mistake, Robert made a poor choice in naming Jon Arryn his hand. some of his decisions like naming a lowborn like Baelish as Master of Coin. The Man has a gift no denying but he is only out for himself. He will betray us once he sees the tide turning. But Jon did well consider what he had to work with, he kept the Seven Kingdoms from tearing itself apart. I respected him and had nothing to do with his death."

Varys nodded. "That may be so my lord but there are other factors to consider. Because of his fostering in the Vale, Eddard Stark has many good friends in the Vale the Yohn Royce chief among them they hunted and spared together many times."

Tyrion started to chuckle causing the other men to look at him, He stopped abruptly and explained. "The Reach is divided, The Stormlands are divided, and now the Vale is divided. they should call my nephew the great divider, is this keeps up."

Tywin glared at him, "We have little time for your japes Tyrion? With this Lords Declarant, we can no longer count on the Vale for support." Tywin sighed and turned back to the spider, "what else Lord Varys."

Varys pulled out another scroll, "a letter from King Balon Greyjoy my lord."

Tywin quickly read the letter and for the first time, the news he was reading was finally good. "It would seem that King Balon has accepted my offer providing we acknowledge his claim as King of the Iron Islands. My lords, it seems we now have a fleet again."

The Lords nodded but one could sense the uneasiness between them. "An alliance between the Iron Throne and the Ironborn?" Mathis Rowan questioned, "How long is such a truce suppose to last?"

"Only as long as it's mutually beneficial," Tywin replied, "and not one moment longer."

Tyrion smiled, "Lord Tarly, everyone knows not to trust the Ironborn. Well, except for Robb Stark, but there's an old saying, the enemy of the enemy is a problem for later."

Note: For anyone who did figure it out yes I did it, I actually went and did it. I gave Roland a Shan Yu eye. Say what you want I couldn't resist.