48: The Son of Ice and Fire: Checkmate pt.3

Renfred Rykker, Lord of Duskandale watched as the banners of House Stokeworth, Buckwell, and Staunton approached. The morning sun cast a golden glow over the marching columns, their colorful sigils fluttering proudly in the breeze. The green and white of House Stokeworth, the blue and gold of House Buckwell, and the black and white of House Staunton moved in unison.

Beside Renfred stood Damon Hollard, a short but sturdy man with a strong jaw and piercing blue eyes. His dark hair was cut short, and his face bore the scars of past battles. The Hollards had always been loyal to Duskendale, and even with the Darklyns gone, they remained steadfast in their allegiance to Renfred's family.

"They arrived so quickly," Damon mused, his eyes scanning the approaching forces.

"Of course they did. Prince Maekar is quite proficient in diplomacy," Renfred replied, a hint of admiration in his voice. 

"He only needed to say the name 'Hayford' for all of us to come together." Damon quipped.

Renfred laughed, but his expression soon turned more serious. "Stokeworths will be led by Lady Falyse and her husband. Staunton will be trying his best to return to favor with the royal family." he said as he looked at the Lord and Lady in the distance.

"I forget how the king despised Lord Staunton's late father," Damon remarked.

"Yes," Renfred agreed, his eyes still fixed on the advancing troops. "Everyone has an agenda. Mine will be to prove Duskendale's power."

With a nod to Damon, Renfred spurred his horse forward. "Come, Damon, let's meet them," he said, riding out to greet the others. Damon followed closely behind, their horses' hooves thudding softly against the earth as they approached the leaders of the arriving forces.

"Lord Staunton," Renfred began, nodding to the tall, bearded man. "Lady Falyse, Lord Byrch," he continued, acknowledging the stern-faced woman and her husband. "Lord Buckwell," he finished, inclining his head to the weathered lord.

"I still can't believe what Harrold has done," Falyse Stokeworth said, her voice tinged with disbelief.

"I never thought I would see another incident like this in my lifetime, yet here we are," Denys Buckwell added, shaking his head.

"Let's hope Hayford meets the same fate as the Darklyns," Manfryd Staunton said grimly.

Renfred chuckled, though his eyes were serious. "To think I used to lose sleep over this man. I thought him to be a masterful schemer."

"We've all thought the same, my lord," Falyse agreed.

"Yes, we did," Balman Byrch echoed, nodding in agreement with his wife.

"Come, my lords and lady. It's time to put an end to that upstart," Renfred said, taking control of the conversation. He planned to lead them to the royal camp at Castle Hayford, to show the power of Duskendale and prove his family deserved the castle and the lands.

As they marched the forest opened up to a broader path, allowing the larger force to spread out and march in tighter formation. As they neared Castle Hayford, they saw the royal forces already assembled, their banners bearing the Targaryen sigil prominently displayed.

Castle Hayford stood as a testament to the lord's ambition and cunning over the past twenty years. What had once been a modest stronghold had grown into an imposing fortress, its new walls taller and thicker than before, making it a formidable challenge for any would-be attackers. The outer walls, constructed of heavy stone, rose high, their surfaces rough and unyielding. Towers dotted the perimeter, each equipped with archer slits and battlements, providing ample vantage points for defenders.

The main gate was fortified with heavy iron-bound doors and a portcullis, designed to withstand prolonged sieges. Beyond the gate, a series of courtyards and inner walls created layers of defense, making any approach a treacherous endeavor. The castle's keep, a towering structure of dark stone, loomed at the center, its windows narrow and its walls nearly impenetrable.

The castle had expanded over the years, with new buildings and barracks constructed to house the increased number of soldiers in Hayford's employ. Storage buildings, packed with provisions and armaments, suggested a readiness for siege. The castle’s surrounding lands had been cleared of trees and brush, providing a clear line of sight for the defenders. A wide moat encircled the fortress, with drawbridges that could be quickly raised, cutting off access. Beyond the moat, the land sloped gently upwards, giving defenders a height advantage over any approaching force.

Hayford had spared no expense in turning his castle into a near-impenetrable fortress. The thought of breaching its defenses, even with the combined might of several houses and the royal forces, seemed daunting. 

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Maekar

Castle Hayford

‘Hayford was indeed intent on becoming the premier house in the crownlands; he even prepared his castle to rival Duskandale’ Maekar thought as he watched the castle in the distance.

He then turned to his side to see the banners of Houses Stokeworth, Buckwell, Rykker, and Staunton approaching the camp. Other minor houses had sent men as well, but these four were the largest and most significant in the Crownlands. Hayford's former allies had sent men as well, abandoning him when they heard of his traitorous actions. 

He had spent months cultivating alliances with these houses, knowing they would be invaluable even after this crisis was over.

House Stokesworth was led by Falyse Stokesworth and her husband, who were childless. Her minor cousins had been trying to remove her, with one even allied with Hayford. His support helped them immensely, as he had assisted her in removing her troublesome cousins.

Manfryd Staunton was another ally who could easily be turned into a loyal supporter. His house had lost favor with his father, Rhaegar, because Manfryd's father, Lord Symond, had inflamed Aerys' suspicions of Rhaegar. When Rhaegar became king, House Staunton was quickly turned away from court, and Manfryd was willing to do anything to return to the prominence his house once held.

Renfred Rykker wanted to prove his house deserved to rule over Duskendale and would do anything to prove it. Buckwell wished for stability in the Crownlands; he simply had to show he was the best choice for that. Bringing Hayford to justice was enough for Buckwell.

They had been sieging the castle for ten days now, but the traitor had not made an appearance. He believed Hayford was waiting for more lords to arrive before making his appearance and giving his demands.

As the lords and lady approached, he stepped forward to greet them.

"Lord Staunton, Lady Stokesworth, Lord Balman, Lord Buckwell," he greeted them all. "Your timely arrival is much appreciated."

"We couldn't stand by while such treason was left unpunished," Lady Falyse said firmly.

"Hayford has had it coming for some time," Lord Rykker added.

As they were about to enter the command tent, Edrick, one of his personal guards, hurried up to him, his face flushed with urgency.

"My prince, there has been a fight between the loyal Goldcloaks and some knights," Edrick reported.

"Of course there is ," Maekar said, sighing.

He turned back to the lords and the lady he was leading to the tent. "Please, go inside. The Kingsguard and other lords are waiting. I will join you shortly."

They nodded and proceeded into the tent as he followed Edrick through the camp. 

As they approached the commotion, the sounds of shouting and clashing metal grew louder. He could see a group of Goldcloaks, who had been vetted by Alliser Thorne, standing off against a group of knights.

"You are all traitors!" one of the knights shouted, his voice filled with fury. "Hayford was your commander, and now he and his men have abducted the princesses! How can we trust you?".

"We are loyal to the crown," a Goldcloak replied, his voice steady. "We now follow Prince Maekar now.”

“Hayford betrayed us all."

"Betrayed you?" another knight spat. "How do we know you're not still loyal to him? What if you're just waiting for the right moment to turn on us?"

"That's not true!" a young Goldcloak protested. "We turned against Hayford when we saw the truth. Hayford is a traitor, and we have no part in his schemes."

The knights were not convinced. "Words are easy," one of them said, stepping forward.

Maekar stepped into the fray, his presence immediately commanding attention. 

"Enough!" his voice rang out with authority, causing them to stop. "These men have proven their loyalty."

"But, my prince," one of the knights began, "how can we be sure? They were Hayford's men. They could still be loyal to him."

His eyes narrowed. "I have personally vetted these men, and I trust their loyalty. They have chosen to stand with us against Hayford. Do you doubt me, ser?" he asked, his tone dangerously low.

The knight who had spoken hesitated, then bowed his head. "No, no, my prince. We trust your judgment."

"Good. Now, I don't want any more trouble on the matter. Let the newly arrived knights and soldiers be informed as well."

"Yes, my prince," the knights said.

The knights and Goldcloaks exchanged wary glances but slowly began to lower their weapons. The tension eased, and the two groups started to disperse, though the air was still thick with distrust.

He turned to Edrick. "Keep an eye on them."

Edrick nodded and led the Goldcloaks away.

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Maekar returned to the command tent, his mind still focused on the skirmish he had just resolved. Inside, a group of key figures had gathered: Arthur Dayne, Barristan Selmy, Oswell Whent, and the recently arrived lords and lady—Renfred Rykker, Falyse Stokeworth with her husband Balman Byrch, Manfryd Staunton, and Denys Buckwell. The Sand Snakes—Obara, Tyene, and Nymeria—were also present, along with several knights from minor houses in the Crownlands.

The atmosphere was tense as they discussed their plans. Manfryd Staunton was the first to speak. "We could storm the castle by night."

Arthur shook his head. "No, the walls are too well-guarded."

Balman Byrch proposed another idea. "We could starve them out. Hayford won't last long without supplies."

Renfred Rykker countered, "That could take weeks, and we don't have the luxury of time. Hayford might harm the princesses if he feels cornered."

Nymeria suggested, "A small team could infiltrate the castle through a hidden passage or sewer. We could free the princesses without alerting the entire garrison."

Tyene frowned. "We would need to find a hidden passage first."

The room was filled with murmurs of agreement and dissent as each proposal was debated.

He walked to the front of the table, his presence commanding the room. "My lords," he called out, silencing the tent. "All of these plans are not feasible while that traitor holds my sister and Princess Arianne."

The Sand Snakes immediately voiced their agreement. "We cannot risk their lives," Obara said firmly.

The lords and knights nodded in agreement, the gravity of the situation clear to everyone present.

"We need another plan," Maekar said, his voice resolute.

As he was about to speak again, Aegon stepped into the tent, leaning on his cane and dressed in simple but elegant clothes. His presence drew the attention of everyone in the room.

"Prince Aegon," several voices greeted him, bowing their heads in respect.

Aegon then  walked to the opposite side of the table, facing him. "My lords, for the last week I have been tirelessly searching for means to free my sister and cousin from the traitor Hayford's hands," he began, his voice steady and confident.

"What is it, my prince?" Arthur asked, his eyes narrowing with interest.

"You see, Hayford has always been boastful, as many of you already know," Aegon continued, glancing around the room. The lords and knights who were familiar with Hayford's arrogance nodded in agreement.

‘What are you up to brother’ he thought as Aegon continued.

"I remembered a story Hayford liked to tell. I don't recall the specifics, but I do remember one very important part of it. He spoke of a secret passage in his castle that his ancestors used to escape from the Storm Kings of old."

The room erupted in murmurs of surprise and shock. Faces filled with hope and astonishment looked around as they processed the information.

‘Very clever, Aegon,’ Maekar thought, his opinion of his brother slowly shifting. When Aegon wasn't having his mad episodes, he could be a cunning and dangerous adversary.

"Bring him in," Aegon called, turning toward the entrance of the tent.

Ser Gerold Dayne appeared, escorting an old man. The peasant looked quite shaken, with visible marks on his arms that suggested he had been beaten, though someone had made an effort to cover them up.

"I started to search the villages nearby for old servants who worked in the castle and…," Aegon paused, a smile creeping onto his face, "questioned them."

His mind raced. What had Aegon been doing in those villages? The look on Aegon's face suggested something that made him uneasy.

The old man, hunched and trembling, stepped forward. His hair was thin and white, and his face was lined with age and fear. "I... I worked in the castle for many years," he stammered, his voice shaking. "I knows the passage the prince means. It goes from the castle's wine cellar to the woods outside. Not many knows 'bout it, and even fewer use it.."

The room fell silent, the weight of the revelation settling in.

"Can you show us where it is?" Aegon asked, his tone insistent.

"Ye... yes," the old man stammered.

"You have done well, my prince," Lord Rykker said, breaking the silence. The other lords and knights also congratulated Aegon.

Maekar and Aegon's gazes met. He smiled, causing Aegon to look momentarily confused by the unexpected gesture.

He then called for the lords' attention again. "Well then, my lords, the course is clear."

He stepped forward, laying out his plan with a confident air. "I will take a small group of men inside through the secret passage. Once inside, we will locate and free my sister, Ser Jaime, and Princess Arianne. We will get them out safely through the same passage."

Lord Staunton immediately raised his hand. "What of the guards? They could discover you before you reach the prisoners."

Maekar nodded. "A valid concern, Lord Staunton. That is why we will move under the cover of darkness i will also armor myself as a Goldcloak and will also bring some loyal Goldclaoks with me when i search for the princesses and Ser Jaime”

Arthur stepped forward, his expression stern. "I must voice a concern, Prince Maekar. Using the Goldcloaks, even those who have proven their loyalty, carries a risk. There is still lingering distrust among our own forces. What if some of them are still loyal to Hayford, or waver under pressure?"

He met Arthur's gaze steadily. "I understand your concern, Ser Arthur. But these men have chosen to stand against Hayford and side with us. They want to prove themselves, to redeem their honor. Those are the kind of men we need for this —men who have something to fight for and are determined to show where their true loyalty lies."

Everyone in the room nodded yet some were not convinced.

"How do you plan to signal us from within the castle once you have freed them?" Lady Falyse Stokeworth asked, her face serious.

“The men outside will signal you after the princess and ser jaime are safely  out of the castle then we will begin the assault of the castle from the inside. More men will have to be sent through passage. It will be a simultaneous assault. We will try to open the gates as best we can” he said. 

Denys Buckwell, always the cautious one, furrowed his brow. "And what if something goes wrong? What if you are discovered before you can free them or open the gates?"

"If we are discovered, our first priority will be to ensure the safety of Rhaenys, Arianne, and Ser Jaime. We will fight our way out through the secret passage if necessary," Maekar explained.

"What if the secret passage is blocked or guarded?" Lady Falyse  asked.

He looked at the old man who had provided the information. "You are certain the passage is still functional and unguarded?"

The old man nodded nervously. "Aye, m'prince. The way ain't known to many and ain't used much neither. Should still be as I remember it.."

The room fell silent for a moment, the weight of the plan settling in.

"This plan carries great risk, but it is our best chance," Oswell said, his voice steady.

"It will work," Maekar affirmed, his tone leaving no room for doubt.

The room filled with murmurs of agreement and resolve.

"Tonight, we will do this tonight." Arthur commanded.

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Next chapter soon