Fire and Blood // Daemon Targaryen

16. Welcome to Hell

Call it what you want // Oberyn Martell // Ellaria sand is out now!

'Ser Ryam was a strong Lord Commander of the Kings guard. But he was ill for some time. He passed in peace, I hope.' Viserys remarked

'Yes, Your Grace.' Mellos agreed. 'He was found to have passed gently in his sleep. His remains are being prepared by the Silent Sisters.' He informed Viserys. 'The succeeding Lord Commander, Ser Harrold, would like to make haste in finding Ser Ryam's replacement on the Kings guard.'

'Your Grace. My lords.' Ser Harrold remarked. 'The Kings guard must soon be restored to its full complement of seven. With the help of the Hand, I've invited a number of fine candidates to court. All have passed fair trials.' Ser Harrold informed them as the door swung open.

'Four ships have now been lost. The last one was flying my banner.' Corlys remarked coming to the table. 'The Step stones have now grown into a conflagration, yet you sit here and dither about court business.'

'If you've something to discuss, Lord Corlys...' Otto remarked.

'I want to know what is to be done about my ships and my men.'

'The Crown will compensate you for your ship and crew, and make an offering to the men's families.'

'I don't want compensation. I want to seize the Stepstones by force and burn out this Crab feeder.' Coryl told them slamming his fist down on the table.

'I am not prepared to start a war with the Free Cities.' Viserys told him.

'These pirates are not the Free Cities. Who do you think provides them with their ships and tender?'

'In all of its history, my lord, the Seven Kingdoms have never entered open war with the Free Cities. Were that to happen, the losses would be incalculable.'

'What reason does the Crabfeeder have to fear us? The King's own brother has been allowed to seize Dragonstone and fortify it with an army of his gold cloaks.' Coryls remarked a challenging stare at Viserys. 'Daemon has squatted there for over half a year without even a protest from The Crown.'

'I'll caution you, Lord Corlys, a seat at the King's table does not make you his equal.' Otto warned

'I have acted, Corlys.' Viserys told him. 'I've sent envoys to Pentos and Volantis to see if we might find common cause. Ships and men are at the ready. The Stepstones will be settled... in time.' Viserys added

'You have dragon riders, father. Send us.' Rhaenyra suggested, being the cup bearer she was present at most meeting when she wasn't out riding Syrax. There was a soft chuckle among the group and Rhaenyra's face pinched, she was right in speaking up.

'It isn't that simple, Rhaenyra.' Viserys told her.

'It would be a show of force.' Rhaenyra told them.

'At least the Princess has a plan.' Corlys remarked

'I only meant that we should at least...' Rhaenyra began.

'Perhaps, uh... there's some better use for the Princess's talents, Your Grace.' Otto suggested.

'Why don't you take the Princess to see about the new Kingsguard posting, Lord Commander?' Viserys suggested

'A fine idea, Your Grace.'

Rhaenyra followed her guards out begrudgingly. As she looked over the knights she was severely disappointed though.

'A bunch of pansies.' Davina remarked. 'the lot of them.' Rhaenyra chuckled.

'This knight will protect you as well.' Harrold told them confidently.

'You should choose.' They told Rhaenyra. 'Ser Desmond Caron, a fine knight, Princess.' Ser Harrold remarked. "Step forward, Ser Desmond. Son of Ser Royce Caron, Ser Desmond has proved strong and steady in both the tourney lists and without. While traveling through the Kingswood on his way to King's Landing, Ser Desmond recently brought a would-be poacher to justice. You might thank him for his service, Princess." Harrold remarked.

"We thank you for your loyal service to The Crown, ser." Rhaenyra told him stiffly, still unimpressed.

'They look as though they are from high garden and never seen battle, or perhaps!" Davina declared with a laugh, "their scars are from trimming the roses!' she mused. Ser Harrold stared back at her. 'Lighten up,' Davina instructed. 'this is why I don't get along with people.' Davina muttered.

"Ser Rymun Mallister. Son of Lord Lymond Mallister of Seagard. Winner of the melee at Cider Hall. He was the last mounted of three-and-twenty knights. Ser Rymun was knighted at eight-and-ten." Harrold went on.

"Do any of these knights have combat experience?" Rhaenyra questioned. "Beyond capturing poachers." She added. 'Or playing with flowers.' She mused smiling at her aunt.

'Doubtful.' Davina told her.

'Ser Criston Cole.' Harrold went on.

'He knocked Daemon on his ass.' Davina recalled. 'lets keep him.'

"Son of the steward of the Lord of Blackhaven." Harrold went on. He was sick of the twins although Davina was an improvement on Daemon both were loud and always thought themselves right.

"Be welcome, Ser Criston. You saw combat in the Stormlands." Rhaenyra remarked.

"Dornish marches, Princess. I fought for a year as a foot solider against the Dornish incursions. Ser Arlan Dondarrion knighted me after we razed two of the watchtowers along the Boneway." Criston informed her.

"I choose Ser Criston Cole." Rhaenyra said immediately.

'Damn straight, welcome to hell Cole.' Davina teased.

"Let's not be too hasty, Princess." Harrold said quietly sending Davina a glare. "There's no doubt Ser Criston is a fine warrior, but houses such as Crakehall and Mallister are important allies of The Crown. Seagard, for instance, is the realm's prime defense against reavers from the Iron Islands." Harrold reminded her.

'Princess has spoken so... shut up.' Davina told him.

'Thank you Auntie.' Rhaenyra said with a little laugh. "Those men are tourney knights. My father should be defended by a man who's known real combat. Should he not?" Rhaenyra countered.

'Talking like a queen already!" Davina agreed.

"Of course, Princess." Harrold agreed.

"Well, let us plan Ser Criston's investiture then." Rhaenyra decided.