The Red Comet tore across the heavens, a jagged streak of crimson light, like a wound in the sky that refused to close—bleeding endlessly, silently foreshadowing the wars to come.
Though the return of dragons had not yet been confirmed, the stench of conflict had already spread across Westeros. Ravens filled the skies, their black wings carrying messages of ambition, betrayal, and bloodshed. Envoys rode day and night, moving between castles and cities like pieces on a vast board, each serving the designs of unseen masters.
Across the Narrow Sea, the Disputed Lands appeared calm on the surface. The smoke of war left behind by Khal Drogo had faded with his death, and his once-feared Dothraki screamers had scattered, some bending the knee and becoming vassals under new banners. Peace, however, was only an illusion.
Within the map room of Wolf's Den, Gendry stood before a massive tapestry depicting the known world. Westeros and Essos sprawled across the woven surface, each region marked by sigils, borders, and countless points of strategic value. War beacons glowed in many places, their presence made even more troubling by Gendry's own growing involvement.
Above him, Balerion circled the chamber lazily, his wings stirring the air as his shadow swept across the map like a living omen.
"How are things in Lys and Volantis?" Gendry asked without turning.
The Handsome Man stepped forward, his expression composed. "There has been no major movement so far. The Magistrates of Volantis remain unchanged. The Tiger Party wishes to advance, but the Elephant Party refuses to yield."
He paused before continuing, his tone sharpening. "However, your recent victory has had consequences. Slave revolts in both Volantis and Lys have increased significantly. With Lys losing territory in the Disputed Lands to us, they will eventually be forced to respond."
Gendry's eyes narrowed. "Tywin will not sit idle."
"Indeed," The Handsome Man replied. "Though his fleet is inferior to ours, the Lannisters possess immense wealth. Tywin will undoubtedly send envoys to Lys and Volantis to buy support."
"Then we intercept them," Gendry said coldly. "Have the Stepstones fleet reinforce its defenses. No envoy passes through those waters."
"Yes, Your Highness."
"Sea routes aren't the only concern," Gendry continued. "There is also the land route through Pentos. Tell Magister Oldero to be… clever."
Gendry had never trusted Illyrio Mopatis, and he had no intention of starting now.
Qyburn stepped closer to the map, his fingers hovering over the painted cities. "Fighting on two fronts is dangerous. Volantis may be declining, but it remains one of the most powerful Free Cities, with a vast fleet and a standing army. Lys lacks strong land forces, but its navy is respectable."
He glanced at Gendry. "My intelligence also suggests Volantis is sending envoys to Slaver's Bay, attempting to contain the rise of the Two Cities."
"Then we must act quickly," Gendry said. "Fast against slow."
He studied Westeros carefully. "Their hesitation is our opportunity. But to exploit it, we need footholds on this continent."
Qyburn nodded. "The Stormlands, Dragonstone, and the Claw Peninsula are ideal. Control them, and King's Landing can be blockaded at will."
The Handsome Man frowned slightly. "But once Your Highness commits troops, House Baratheon's civil war will ignite."
"Yes," Gendry replied calmly. "Westeros will become… lively."
What Renly and Stannis chose to do would be their own fate.
"Including us, six major factions will enter the war," The Handsome Man said.
Anguy scratched his head. "The Lannisters of King's Landing and Casterly Rock, the Starks of the North with the Tullys of the Riverlands, Renly of the Stormlands, Stannis of Dragonstone, Balon of the Iron Islands—and us."
Despite his lack of formal education, Anguy understood the weight of those names.
Gendry pointed toward the Reach. "The Vale and Dorne remain quiet for now. Only House Tyrell waits, watching for the highest bidder."
"If the Old Knight presents the late king's will along with your declaration on the Arbor, the Roses will hear of it quickly," Anguy said thoughtfully. "The Queen of Thorns is a Redwyne by birth."
"Our ships and soldiers should help them make up their minds," Gendry replied.
"House Tyrell will never support Stannis or Joffrey," Qyburn added. "They will lean toward you—or Renly."
"Mace Tyrell besieged Storm's End for years," The Handsome Man said. "He despises Stannis. As for Joffrey… a court that reeks of lions leaves little room for roses to bloom."
"Let them deliberate," Gendry said. "Our banners will move regardless."
He tapped the Claw Peninsula and the Riverlands. "We strike here first. Dragonstone and the Stormlands are… special. If memory serves, Stannis and Renly must clash before anything else."
"As you command, Your Highness."
Gendry's gaze shifted westward. "For now, House Lannister holds the initiative."
"Tywin and the Kingslayer have split their forces," The Handsome Man explained. "One advances toward Riverrun, the other toward Harrenhal."
He sighed. "The alliance of wolf, trout, eagle, and deer was a beautiful dream—but it has collapsed."
"The Crownlands belong to the Lannisters," he continued. "Lysa Arryn refuses to leave the Bloody Gate. Only House Tully still fights, desperately holding on while waiting for Stark reinforcements."
Anguy snorted. "Those Tully women… fools, both of them."
"The North moves slowly," The Handsome Man said. "Lord Eddard is imprisoned in King's Landing. Lady Catelyn appears confined in the Eyrie. Winterfell gathers men under Robb Stark, but appeasing northern lords takes time."
"The North is vast and cold," Gendry said. "They will not arrive quickly."
"Do not concern yourself with Robb Stark," Gendry added. "Jon Snow will deliver my greetings."
Qyburn spoke again. "Prince Oberyn has reached the Claw Peninsula. His hunt may already have begun."
"Then I hope he finds worthy prey in the Riverlands," Gendry said softly.
His gaze lingered on the Vale. "Littlefinger wants it calm. I want it stirred."
The Westerlands – Below the Golden Tooth
When news of King Robert's death reached him, Tywin Lannister wasted no time.
The order was given, and the Kingslayer moved at once.
Horns sounded—long, hollow, and merciless. The gates of the Golden Tooth burst open.
"Charge!" Jaime Lannister roared. "Let the trout know our might!"
He surged forward, clad in gleaming golden armor, a lion-shaped helm crowning his head. His gilded longsword flashed in the sun as the Westerlands army poured through the pass.
At the forefront flew the lion banner of House Lannister, followed by the sigils of the western lords.
House Banefort: a black hooded man on grey, bordered by flame.
House Brax: a purple unicorn on silver.
House Crakehall: a black-and-white boar on brown.
House Greenfield: pure green, edged in white.
"Kill!" Jaime roared, his voice ringing like steel.
Below them, Lords Vance and Piper had barely formed defensive lines.
Too late.
The Lannister cavalry struck like an iron hammer, crashing down from higher ground. Red cloaks surged forward, lions roaring from helm and banner alike.
Panic spread through the Riverlands ranks.
The trout banner of Riverrun fell first. Then the quartered banner of House Vance. The pink maiden of Piper's lands was trampled into the mud.
Lord Vance tried to flee, but his banner betrayed him. A morningstar smashed into his helm, crushing steel and skull alike.
"Lord Edmure!" he cried—then died.
Lord Clement Piper tore off his cloak and spurred his horse, escaping by inches as death thundered behind him.
Jaime raised his sword high. "To Riverrun! Kill the trout!"
The cry echoed as the Westerlands army surged forward, chasing the shattered remnants of the Riverlands toward their doom.
The game had truly begun.
Advance Chapters avilable on patreon (Obito_uchiha)