Start of the Rebellion (part 1)
4 994 of the Renewal (282 AC or 16 years before the Events of Game of Thrones)
Camelot Palace, Silvermoon City,
Harry watched with special attention the humongous map scouring the wall of his office. A map representing the known world with Westeros, Essos, the destroyed Valyrian Freehold, the Ghiscari slave cities, to the Jade Sea with Yi Ti and the Shadowlands. This map was not of Albionian origin, because despite their observations and the various orbs deployed, the elves did not go beyond the city of Qarth and the north of Great-Moraq. They saw no point in it, not at the moment.
But Harry quickly changed his mind when he was told stories about a gigantic exotic empire ruled by an imperial family for nearly ten thousand years. The famous land of Yi Ti, very much like Imperial China of the Ming dynasty with its immense armies, its power centralized under a deified emperor and its many regional princes and governors. For some reason still unknown, the orbs were unable to fly over the lands of Yi Ti. And it was the same result when he sent orbs to the Shadowlands where dark magic (blood, necromantic and Tenebromancy) reigned supreme.
However, his attention returned to Westeros and the unfolding events.
“I didn't expect such success,” Tormas said beside him. “The weakness of Muggles is still impressive to see, unable to resist their low instincts of fornication, nor debauchery. I told you, they're mere animals.”
“Let's take into account, dear grandfather, that we are responsible for all of this,” Harry smirked, looking at a dragon figurine in his hand.
“They just had to be more resilient,” Tormas said dismissively. “We only had to reinforce the so-called " feelings " of this pitiful whelp. He could have resisted, should he have some will, which he and his fellows clearly lack.
“Indeed,” Harry said, putting the figurine back on the site of King’s Landing. “Our efforts have paid off, and we will be able to deal with these so-called dragon " riders " in a definitive manner.”
The two elves looked at each other before laughing together, amused by the irony of the situation. Those who called themselves powerful, dragon masters and pure of blood were now on the verge of extinction. Harry's gaze then returned to Essos.
“They aren't the only Valyrians still alive,” Harry said, pointing to the town of Volantis. “Behind the walls of what they call " the Old Volantis " are many descendants of the Valyrians. Dracula confirmed to me the presence of at least a thousand Valyrians, all with silver hair and purple eyes.”
“Interesting, as we never heard of it” Tormas replied. “Didn’t Scab King send Steffon Baratheon there to find some poor wife for his clearly dimwit son?”
“He did,” Harry smirked. “But foreigners are forbidden to enter this fortress with its black walls, and its inhabitants do not want to leave. Understandable, when we know that they live in a luxury beyond common measure.”
Dracula had managed to infiltrate the place, and discovered the reason why even the Triarchs had difficulty entering this place. The place was huge, forming a giant dome to protect its inhabitants. Huge white villas with Roman structures stood, with exotic gardens and marble roads. This place was an Eden for any human, and it was filled with Valyrians going about their business, chatting, smiling, singing and having fun. They lived apart, away from the world and seemed happy.
“Why don't you just destroy them?” Tormas asked, frowning.
Harry smiled at his grandfather's thirst for blood. One thing hadn't changed, that of wanting to eliminate any potential threat.
“Let's say I have other plans for these Valyrians,” Harry replied. “They are surprisingly peaceful, and I understand that they do not carry the madness of their forefathers in their blood. We should take advantage of it.”
“I feel like you're going to pull out, one more time, one of your crazy plans,” Tormas sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose.
Harry gave him a bright smile, his eyes full of mischief.
“Exactly!” Harry exclaimed with a big gesture. “You can't deny their beauty, they are pure of blood and peaceful. We must integrate them among us, not as second-class citizens but to make them elves. Their strongly magical blood could allow us this transformation.”
Tormas sighed once more. Harry had this tendency to want to be in control and have fun. According to him, it was due to his divine nature which never ceased to be accentuated, because the gods like to have fun with mortals. In any case, Harry had wished to create " elves " by transforming the Summer Islanders first, but it was impossible given the too great magical weakness. In fact, few families possessed enough magic to undergo such a transformation: Several families from the North of Westeros including the Stark, some families from the Reach including the Tyrells, the Targaryens of the Crownlands, the Baratheons of the Stormlands, the Martell of Dorne and surprisingly some families from the Iron Isles including the Greyjoys. In Essos, there were only the Valyrians and their descendants.
The Valyrian Empire being too belligerent, they had abandoned this possibility. But now that those remaining are very docile ...
“It won't be easy to convert them,” Tormas said wearily.” The nobles of Volantis will never agree to join us, too dependent on their powers. To access the Old Volantis, we will have to conquer them.”
"We have all our time, I never said we had to do it immediately," Harry replied, shaking his head. “We will deal with Volantis in due course.”
“Hm… “just answered Tormas.
Harry returned his gaze to Westeros again, a more and more devilish smile spreading over his face. Robert Baratheon had started his " rebellion " and everything was going downhill. The Stark, Baratheon and Arryn had formed a coalition against the Targaryens. Obviously, the Tyrells and Martells supported the dragons, their fate linked to that of the dragons.
“What will your lion do?” Tormas asked with a smirk.
Tormas narrowed his eyes at his grandson's neutral reaction.
“Unfortunately, he is not my lion, and never will be,” Harry replied with some heaviness. “After learning about Tywin, I bitterly discovered that he is strongly against homosexuality, finding it unnecessary and despicable. According to him, sex is only for having children and nothing else.”
“In short, a pragmatic man,” Tormas said, nodding his head.
Deep down, Tormas was totally overjoyed. He had hardly appreciated his grandson's infatuation with a mortal without magic, cold and taciturn. But on the other hand, it worried him the most. As the years went by, Harry grew more and more detached from reality. He often organized balls, more and more sumptuous and decadent. He, who before had at least one relationship a month, hadn't had one for a hundred years. Harry had changed, and Tormas couldn't say if it was for the better or the worse.
“No matter how much interest I've shown in this man, he's clearly not worthy,” Harry said dismissively. “I do not intend to have a consort who will only cause me problems.”
“Just like me,” Tormas said, putting his hand on his grandson's back. “We are above these frivolities which can only hinder our plans.”
Harry smiled at Tormas before looking at the map once more.
“I wonder if it would be wise to intervene in their junk war,” Harry thought aloud. “Foreign interference might be frowned upon by these fools.”
“It all depends on whether we choose the right side,” Tormas replied, grabbing a deer-shaped figurine. “Baratheon is clearly a general made for war, his strategies having won him several battles.”
“Not to mention his many vices,” Harry smirked, grabbing a wolf-shaped figurine from South Westeros. “I heard that he had already had a daughter with a prostitute, and that despite the declared love for Lyanna Stark, every night a new woman came out of his tent, looking debauched and dressed in lingerie.”
“They also say he can't sit still without getting bored,” Tormas added. “A man with so much vice will make a very poor king.”
“I wouldn’t say that,” Harry said, shaking his head. “I predict it to you, he will be loved by the little people and nobles, organizing feasts and games that will never cease to cheer the inhabitants. We will have to take advantage of this weakness.”
Harry then conjured up a gallon of gold before delicately placing it near the deer.
“Robert Baratheon will win this war,” Harry said with a smirk. “And he will show the extent of his voracity by spending lavishly, putting the kingdom in debt to such an extent that Aegon the unworthy becomes a Saint compared to him. We will then prove our friendship and sympathy by lending lavishly, covering the Baratheon with gifts and other jokes to secure land, more power.”
“And?” Tormas asked very interested.
“More wars will take place, and we will arrive as saviours of the common people, granting food and wealth,” Harry continued. “The lands that we will have obtained will serve as refuge, and under the will of the people we will begin our conquest. If the people are willing, then we will ensure a final victory, without future rebellions or insurgencies.”
Tormas didn't answer, remaining stunned by Harry's very long-term plan. He expected a quick conquest, but the latter, it seems, preferred a very long-term strategy. Little wonder knowing that he had led the loss of the Targaryens over more than two centuries.
*Knock Knock knock*
“Enter!” Harry ordered, looking at the door.
The door swung open, pushed by two royal guards to let in Lucius Sunbearer. The latter had a mocking smile on his face, betraying his satisfaction which undoubtedly came from the two letters he held in his hands.
“Excuse me for disturbing you, but I just got two letters from Westeros,” Lucius said as he handed the two letters to Tormas.
The latter began to read before letting out a small laugh. Without waiting, he began to read them aloud.
Dear Emperor Hadrian,
I, Aerys Targaryen second of his name, King of the Andals and the Rhoynar and the First Men, Lord of the Seven Kingdoms and Protector of the Realm, request your help in the face of the rebellion of Houses Baratheon, Stark and Arryn. Their hostilities towards the crown and the shameless lies that have been spread against us threaten the future of our relationship, and I can assure you that your support will be graciously rewarded after the defeat of the traitors. If you refuse our answer at all, know that I will not forget and that you will suffer the fury of the dragon. Fire and Blood are our words, don't forget that.
Signed : King Aerys Targaryen II, King of the Andals and the Rhoynar and the First Men, Lord of the Seven Kingdoms and Protector of the Realm
“Well, that's an unexpected thing,” Harry said, arching an eyebrow. “I did not expect a request for help from him, nor the promise of war if I refused. And the other letter?”
Tormas smiled before reading the second letter, more formal.
For the attention of His Majesty Hadrian Sunstrider, Emperor and Founder of the High Empire of Albion, Living God of the Church of Sacred Light, Lord-Protector of the Empire, Supreme Lord of Quel'Thalas, Grand Archmage of Albion and Annihilator of Valyria,
At the will of his grace, Robert Baratheon, Lord Paramount of the Stormlands and Lord of Storm’s End, Pretender to the Throne of the Seven Kingdoms, enjoins you to join the rebellion against King Aerys Targaryen the mad, dictator and assassin, hated of men and gods. His crimes are numerous, being responsible for the summary execution of Lord Paramount and Warden of the North and Lord of Winterfell Rickard Stark, and his heir, Sire Brandon Stark. Added to this are the many living cremations served as " judgments " and the kidnapping by his son, Prince Rhaegar Targaryen, of Lyanna Stark, sister of the now Lord Paramount of the North Eddard Stark, second son of the previous Lord.
Know that any refusal cannot be incumbent on you because of your quality of trading ally and your non-Westerosian nature. If you agree to help us, know that you can join us at Riverrun of the Riverlands where we will stop to deal with the Lord Paramount Hoster Tully.
Signed: Lord Jon Arryn, Lord of the Eyrie, Defender of the Vale and Warden of the East.
Lord Robert Baratheon, Lord Paramount of the Stormlands and Lord of Storm’s End.
“This letter is much more respectful and formal than the one sent by the one who claims to be a dragon,” Tormas smirked as he finished reading the letter. “So?”
This last question was asked as he looked at Harry, the latter looking once more at the map while stroking his beard. For some time now, he had developed a rather long beard, yet neatly trimmed in the shape of a goatee with impeccable maintenance. One of his " whims ".
“We're going to intervene,” Harry smirked. “Assemble the Magisterium, I will immediately inform them of the situation. Also warn Jason about the army, but no need to warn Percy. We will use portals to join the rebel army.”
Lucius and Tormas nodded before quickly leaving the area to prepare what was needed. For his part, Harry smiled before toppling the dragon figure on the wall.
4 994 of the Renewal (282 AC or 16 years before the Events of Game of Thrones)
High Empire of Albion, Silvermoon City (Avalon), Magisterium,
For this occasion, the Magisterium was completely filled. All 625 seats were occupied (550 hereditary nobility, 8 for the Golden Bank, 12 for the Council, 15 for the Orders of Merlin and 40 for the Council of Archmages) and everyone was eagerly waiting to know the reason for this extraordinary meeting.
The murmurs of the room ceased as Tormas entered with Harry. Dressed in his red Grand Magister outfit, Tormas walked up to the central podium which flew to the centre of the room (imagine a mix between Blood Elves and Galactic Senate of Star Wars).
“Members of the Magisterium, I greet and thank you for coming,” Tormas said. “As you may know, the continent of Westeros is currently at war, not without our help!”
Applause echoed through the hemicycle as some shouted for joy. It was no secret that everything had been organized by the elves, and they loved to see their plans come true.
“Unsurprisingly, both factions are asking for our help as they are desperate,” Tormas continued with an amused smile. “See the greatness of our Empire, for all beg us in their darkest hours! Ah!”
Laughter erupted, all of whom couldn't help but laugh at the weak humans.
“And now we must reap the fruits of our hard work!” cried Tormas, silencing the laughter. “Our Majesty will now speak!”
Tormas stopped talking as Harry flew to the centre of the room, without a podium. He floated in the centre, like a god that no one could dispute.
“My dear subjects and friends,” Harry began. “Westeros sinks into a turf war , the result of the lust of a crazed Valyrian prince, of whom we are not innocent I admit. This does not prevent war from ravaging their lands, and we have an opportunity to win the hearts of Westerosians while ensuring, and certainly, a place of choice with their leaders. This is why I am officially announcing our support for the Baratheon family, who will be grateful to us in the future with advantageous profits, land to build and many others!”
Once again, applause rang out as many of the elves began chanting his name.
“May our army be mobilized in these troubled times, and know that I will personally defend our interests!” Harry cried to the cheers of the crowd.
To finish his little staging, he disappeared in a torrent of fire like a phoenix, under the adored gaze of his audience.
4 994 of the Renewal (282 AC or 16 years before the Events of Game of Thrones)
Riverrun, the Riverlands, Westeros
“I will never thank you enough brother, nor you Jon!” Robert Baratheon said looking at Jon Arryn and Eddard Stark.
The two had just married Hoster Tully's daughters to secure his support in the war against the Targaryens. If only they didn't need him, but unfortunately the Targaryens had a very large army thanks to the Tyrells, able to recruit over 200,000 men. Nothing to do with the 10,000 people of the North, the 20,000 of the Vale and the 25,000 of the Stormlands. Thanks to the army of the Riverlands, they would obtain at least 15,000 additional men.
“This is my duty, Robert,” Ned Stark said. “Brandon should have married Catelyn, with his death this duty falls on me in order to honour the oath between my father and Lord Tully.”
“And I need an heir following Denys’ death in the Battle of the Bells,” Jon Arryn said sadly. “Without his death, I would have been able to refuse but this is no longer the case. If only I was younger, or she older.”
“Bah,” Robert cried, raising his hand. “She is no virgin so no need to cry over her fate.”
Jon nodded as Ned Stark grimaced. While he didn't really like Robert's way of speaking, he had to admit that Lisa Tully was a woman without honour, having already lost her virginity when she was never engaged or married. Fortunately for him, his now wife, Catelyn Stark, was not.
“In the sky! In the sky!”
The three men looked up when they heard the cry of a sentry. Quickly, the resting soldiers resumed their weapons, looking with some trepidation at the sky. And under their astonished eyes, the Vingilot descended from the sky to land outside the castle of Riverrun.
“Luck seems to be upon us,” Jon said, heading for the exit of the castle.
He was closely followed by Robert, Eddard as well as Hoster and Edmure Tully who had just arrived running.
"What is this flying ship?" Hoster asked hurriedly.
Hoster Tully had never seen the Vingilot before, not having come to the Harrenhal Tournament due to his health.
“If all goes well, allies,” Jon said as he left the castle.
The conversation ended there. They quickly approached the landing ship, each interested in the situation. A translucent bridge appeared between the ground and the ship, and armed elves began to descend.
They were fully armoured, shiny blue armour with the sigil of House Sunstrider on their shields. It was obviously the Royal Albionian Guards, which could only say one thing: One of the two members of the royal family had just arrived.
The five men approached the guards, a more hesitant step as they still didn't know if the elves were there to agree to help them, or to declare war on them.
For his part, Harry was amused by the reaction of the surrounding humans. He didn't have to get off his ship to know they were both awed and scared, obviously not knowing which side he was on. He smirked slightly as he saw Fenrir abruptly step down.
“Attention!” he yelled.
Under the human eyes, the Royal Guards stood upright, forming two columns connecting the ship to the group of Human Lords. For his part, Fenrir was happy to state Harry's titles.
“Present your respects to His Majesty Hadrian Sunstrider, Emperor and Founder of the High Empire of Albion, Living God of the Church of Sacred Light, Lord-Protector of the Empire, Supreme Lord of Quel'Thalas, Great Archmage of Albion and Annihilator of Valyria!” Fenrir cried, looking at the humans contemptuously.
And Harry decided to appear, slowly descending the bridge and crossing the cohort of guards. He smirked slightly when he saw the amazed, even sulphurous, looks of most of the guards. He knew he was handsome and irresistible, and although he rarely had relationships, he enjoyed the looks on him.
“Your grace, allow me to welcome you to Riverrun!” Hoster Tully exclaimed, bowing slightly. “I am Lord Hoster Tully, Lord Paramount of the Riverlands and Lord of Riverrun.”
“Thank you for that welcome, Lord Tully,” Harry replied with a charming smile.
" It is with great pleasure," said Hoster. “Should I’ve known you were coming, I would have waited to organize the wedding of my two daughters which took place yesterday. But first of all, let me introduce you to my son and heir Edmure Tully.”
“Enchanted, your grace,” Edmure said with a large smile.
Harry quickly looked at the redhead. Fairly tall with blue eyes and curly hair, Edmure Tully was a very handsome man and could land with great ease in his bed. He smiled inwardly as he thought of the possibility, after all he needed to be entertained. He observed the three other men who were probably the ones he had come to meet.
The first was old, with a white beard and blue eyes. Surely Jon Arryn. The second was tall, very muscular with dark hair and laughing blue eyes. Harry had to admit that Robert Baratheon was a very sexy man, and he understood better the attraction of women to this man with the voracious appetite. And the third man with the taciturn look could only be Eddard Stark, the " wolf " of the north.
“My respects, Emperor Hadrian,” Jon said. “I am Jon Arryn, Lord of the Eyrie, Protector of the Vale and Warden of the East. To my right is Robert Baratheon, Lord Paramount of the Stormlands and Lord of Storm’s End, while to my left is Eddard Stark, Lord Paramount of the North, Lord of Winterfell and Warden of the North.”
“Pleasure,” Harry said, continuing to ogle Robert's muscular body.
The latter smiled when he noticed the elf's gaze. Robert was a man with such a voracious appetite that he had already explored all facets of sexuality, with women and men, mostly prostitutes or gigolos. He obviously had a preference for women, simply refusing to be penetrated, but he was not against some adventures with men whom he found sufficiently feminine.
“I got your letter, Lord Jon,” Harry smirked, turning his attention back to Jon. “Know that your pleadings have reached my heart, and I can only give you my help in these troubled times. The fact that Rhaegar Targaryen dared to kidnap Lady Lyanna cannot be forgiven!”
“And I will kill him personally, that fucking dragon,” Robert suddenly roared. “I'll get my Lyanna back, and we'll get married as planned before the old and new gods!”
Harry was slightly dazed by Robert's sudden tirade. He knew the brash and angry man, but not that much. He smiled inwardly as he told himself that a man full of rage like him could only be a sex animal. Like what, Harry was going to have to " taste " some local flavours before returning back home.
"Are you not the friend of King Aerys?" Eddard asked suspiciously.
“Know, young Eddard, that Aerys Targaryen is not my friend,” Harry said with a dismissive wave of his hand. “I only dealt with him from one King to another, that does not make him my friend. Know that he himself wished for my help, and yet I grant it to you and not to him. This is proof that he is by no means my friend.”
Eddard Stark watched him before nodding, satisfied with the answer.
“You are said to be pragmatic,” Jon began. “I dare assume that your help will not be without consideration?”
Everyone looked at Harry, realizing that he had no obligation to help them.
“Like everything in this world, nothing is free,” Harry replied. “In return for my army, I want to secure the support of the future crown for more important trade as well as land in order to build a sustainable trading post that will link our two nations.
“Deal!” cried Robert with a big smile.
He didn't notice the distressed look of Jon, Hoster and Eddard. He had immediately accepted Harry's " terms " without even asking for further clarification. And Jon, who sometimes negotiated with the elves, knew they could be tricky in business. He felt that after the war he was going to suffer over it.
“Well, that was smoothly done,” Harry said. “If you don't mind, I'll bring in my army.”
"Aren’t they on your flying ship?" Robert asked, tilting his head to the side.
Harry looked at him before smiling.
“I'm not going to fight only with a thousand soldiers, mind you,” Harry replied . “However, I would need space, a lot of space.”
Robert nodded before ordering the guards who had pitched their tents outside the castle to quickly leave the area. This cleared a large area as Harry nodded.
He then raised his arms as his eyes lit up. Under the amazed gazes of humans, a gigantic portal appeared, several hundred meters long and rising until piercing the sky. And you could see through that portal an endless army.
“By the seven!” cried Edmure Tully.
The others weren’t better. The elf army then proceeded through the portal, marching with a straight and determined step. They must have been tens of thousands at the very least, if not more. All in luxurious armour, some riding on winged horses and even statues bustling with life, towering over the guards from several meters. At their head was Jason Stormwater, Marshal of Albion and Prince of Olympus.
“How many are they?” Jon asked, swallowing his saliva.
Harry turned; his eyes lit up before a mischievous smile appeared on his face.
“More than fifty thousand, if not more,” Harry replied. “I didn't take the time to count, and I can assure you that this is only a small part of the army.”
“By the… I need a drink!” cried Robert Baratheon.
For once, Jon didn't scold him.
“Care if I join you?” Harry asked looking at Robert.
Robert Baratheon saw Harry's interested gaze, and he held out his arm to him. Under the astonished gaze of the Westerosians, Harry gladly accepted Robert's arm which led him inside the castle. For his part, Fenrir Greyback smiled when he saw his Emperor walking together with the human. He suspected that the night would be long and very noisy. In short, he was going to have to put on earplugs. It had been a few years since he had done so.