ASOIAF/GOT The Komneniad: A Very Byzantine ISOT.

[Witteric of the West]

Good evening! I am Witteric of the West, and, having just arrived on this peaceful forum, I figured that what better introduction to my particular brand of madness than my personal favorite among my own stories. Those of you that have seen this in AH or SB, Yes, it is indeed I, Witteric, and it is indeed coming here. Please don't spoil the ride for those that have not stumbled upon this before today. Those of you not familiar with this story, then buckle up for the ride. I hope you enjoy it. Don't be shy about commenting.

There might be a couple of things as we go that could even surprise some Old Readers. Things that I failed to expand upon the first time around... We shall see.
Without further ado, I hope you enjoy this piece of madness.

Witteric of the West.

The Komneniad: A Very Byzantine ISOT​

Your Grace.

It is said among the Rhomans[1], that Time brings from the darkness all things to the birth, and all things born it envelops in the night[2]. Perhaps it is the reason why they are so obsessed with their writings of history. In the end, it is a fortunate thing, for we would not know a great many things about their people, their customs and their manner of ruling otherwise. Thus I present to you this work. Merely this humble servant's translation of one chronicle, written but two decades ago by the Princess Eudokia Komnena, which deals on the story of their ruling house, and of their empire since the events that led to its appearance in the Narrow Sea.

This I do, in response to the requests put forward by Your Grace, that we are to investigate into the manner of ruling of the Rhomans, to see what can be learned of it and what can be copied, in light of the recent succession troubles.

I will also include the writings of Maester Alyn of Sunspear[3] on their history and culture, for they will be useful in helping us determine what can and cannot be applied to the governance of the Seven Kingdoms and in what manner[4]. I shall also endeavor to add in the more recent happenings in their realm, for some of them may be of interest.

Your faithful servant.

Maester Lyman of Dragonstone.

Preface

A great many things have my illustrious ancestors written on the history of Rome. Nikephoros Megas wrote a detailed history of Rome from the times of Konstantinos the Greater[5] down to the dark days of the Iconoclasts, my own father, Emperor Andronikos wrote a chronicle on the life and deeds of Basileios, the Slayer of Bulgars, and other descendants of Alexios I have written on various other periods. But very little has been written on the history of Rome and her people since the providence of God saw fit to transplant these lands of the Empire to the location they now occupy.

It is thus that I, Eudokia, daughter of Basileus Andronikos have undertaken this task, to see that the passage of time does not erase that which ought to be remembered about these times. Of the great deeds of Just Rulers and of the heinous acts of Tyrants, for Rome has been bereft of neither.

Many, amongst our detractors, will scoff and claim that in my writing I shall minimize the acts of tyranny that even the greatest of our house has committed. Some, amongst our most stalwart supporters, will say that I am not giving my own ancestors the glory they deserve for their deeds. But he who dares to write these histories must swallow his own feelings. For many a time, he must praise his enemies and accuse those dear to him for their mistakes. I can only give the small comfort of stating, that I have sought out as many men who have witnessed the things I write of as the divine providence has allowed me to find.

I must now start at some point. And I will do so at the earliest time for which I could have reliable witnesses, at the final years of the reign of Alexios I.


[1] Westerosi texts will refer to the Byzantines as "Rhomans" due to the transliteration of the letter "Rho" into High Andal. Byzantine texts will simply read "Roman" which is the translation to English of the term "Rhomaioi"

[2] Maester Lyman is clearly versed in the Greek language and literature, this phrase is a quote from Sophocles which in real life Anna Komnene uses in the opening of the Alexiad.

[3] Maester Alyn having written his own texts fifty years earlier... Although at which point in the timeline of the ASOIAF world the Romans arrived will be intentionally vague, for now at least. The Updates will be from Eudokia's Komneniad unless stated otherwise. However, there will be chapters taking from later translations as well as from Lyman's.

[4] It is fairly clear that this is after a major succession crisis, and that the new King is seeking ways to answer to the instability by reforming the Realm along Roman/Byzantine lines...

[5] Constantine the Great, I will be using mostly transliterations from Greek for their names rather than the anglicized version.



Coming next time: Where is Constantinople? What time is it?

 

[Witteric of the West]

Book 1

From the Great Light to the Second Tyroshi War.​

Alexios I Komnenos had ruled for Four and Thirty Years when a great light engulfed the Bosphorus on the night before the great feast of Nativity of the year 6624[1] In the time before the great light, he had seen the Empire in the brink of destruction at the hands of the Turks, and had seen to its salvation. Yet, for two days, no one in the Queen of Cities thought more of the strange lights other than as a curious topic of conversation.

On the third day, two things happened to change the minds of men in the Palace of Blachernae. First, riders came from Thessalonike, telling tales of how, upon the strange lights, the lands to the west and north of the city had vanished. When riders also came from Asia, tellng how all lands east of Herakleia[2] had likewise vanished, the palace was in an uproar. Yet, the more shocking discovery came when various ships of unknown make arrived, having traversed through the Bosphorus from the north and reaching the City.

For nearly a month, merchants and court officials hurried to learn the strange new tongues they brought with them, and in doing so they learned a great many things. For these early ships came from lands known as Tyrosh, Myr, Braavos and Westeros. It was also learned in Constantinople, that ships also came from the South and ended in Thessalonike, coming from other lands, such as Lys, Volantis and the Summer Isles. Some basic information was learned, such as the fact that our lands had taken the place of a chain of isles once notorious for being a haven for pirates and outlaws, however the life of those living in the transplanted lands did not change much for six more months.

It was on the Seventh Month since the Great Light, that dark news came from Herakleia. For an unknown army had come, bearing banners of Red with Black Dragons on them, With a great many knights, warriors and elephants of war. And with them they had put the city to siege.

The Great Barbarian Warlord Maelys and his Golden Company had crossed from the Eastern Mainland, and he had himself proclaimed as Basileus of the Andals. And once he saw Herakleia and heard of the Queen of Cities, he made his purpose to conquer them, and to have himself installed as Basileus of the Romans as well.

Those were dark days, for although the greatest part of the Armies of Rome had been around the Hellespont, the Empire had still lost the greatest part of its lands. Most of Asia, Moesia, Boulgaria, Epiros, the isle of Krete. All vanished in the light. Still, Basileus Alexios was not deterred, and barely had two days passed since the first news of the Warlord's landing came, and he rode alongside his son Ioannes, to gather the armies and march in force. For they both swore oaths to see the Warlord in chains, and to show this new world the consequences of actions such as those commited by Maelys.


[1] Date given in the Byzantine Calendar. Equivalent to 1115 AD.
[2] Heraclea Pontica, modern Karadeniz Ereğli

 

[Witteric of the West]

Author's Note: I'm keeping the original length (AKA: Pretty short) of the chapters rather than merging 2-3 chapters per post for ease of transitioning the story over to this site.

Thus, Maelys had pitched camp outside of Herakleia, and after three weeks his men did breach the walls. Valiantly did the inhabitants resist this Barbarian as they would have the Turk and the Saracen, but the Golden Company was made of hardened warriors who with no mercy rode down the streets of the city. Even then the taking of Herakleia was bloody, with many of the barbarians also being killed in the streets. And when many of the women were known to have taken refuge in the church, they rode to it and put the priests to the sword, taking the gold and the women. And it was to this, that the Armies led by Basileus Alexios and Symbasileus[1] Ioannes arrived in sight of Herakleia.

Upon seeing the smoke and fire, it is said that Basileus Alexios broke in an anger very unusual to him. But his son Ioannes and his goodson, Nikephoros Bryennios did calm him down. And they devised plans to fight. With the rising sun of the third day of the sack, the Romans took positions on the Hills to the Southeast of the city. For the three generals were eager to push the barbarian back across the straits. But they also knew that they could not afford a great bloodbath, for it might leave them vulnerable to future enemies.

Shortly after the dawn, the Romans then descended upon the camp of the warlord Maelys, and in the surprise, many warriors were slain. It is said that Basileus Alexios himself, despite his age, rode at the head of the left wing of the kataphractoi. With Ioannes leading the center, and Bryennios leading the right. And upon hearing the hooves of the Roman horses crashing on their camp, Maelys the Monster did rally his men to make battle, but they were too disorganized. And seeing this, he took every boat in the harbor and rallied his remaining men. And so the Golden Company fled the field for the first time.

Alexios at first gave orders to follow, but there were little boats left in Herakleia. So instead his army pitched camp. And they did camp outside of the ruined city for a week when word came from the Queen of Cities. For emissaries had arrived. Lord Ormund Baratheon, Lord of the Stormlands and Domestikos[2] to the Basileus of the Andals had come to Constantinople, for he had been assigned to command an army against Maelys. However, the news of our arrival caused Basileus Jaehaerys to send him and negotiate terms to lead a joint campaign.

With such news did Basileus Alexios return to the Queen of Cities. Leaving his son and goodson, both proven commanders, to guard the area against future landings. And in Constantinople, the Basileus did meet with Lord Baratheon. And together they drew plans to cross into the mainland with a joint army. And after ten days of talks, the Domestikos left the Queen of Cities to return to his King.

And in the meantime, Maelys and the Golden Company did nurse their wounds, and they began to gather the Tyroshi fleet -For Tyrosh was ruled by an ally of Maelys- and the remainders of the Stepstone Pirates in two great fleets, for they intended to attack the Romans from North and South.

[1] Co-Emperor. John II Komnenos was made co-emperor in 1092.
[2] Roman histories refer to the Hand of the King as Domestikos or Megas Domestikos.

 

[Witteric of the West]

For Six months the Pirates of Samarro Saan and the Old Mother did war with the Romans at sea. Thrice they approached Thessalonike, hoping to sack the city before proceeding to the Hellespont, and thrice they were bloodied and made to retreat. And in that time, Basileus Alexios prepared a second army, keeping the Varangians with him as he did so. While the force led by Symbasileus Ioannes and Nikephoros Bryennios did contest two crossings led by the Ebon Prince, the Nine Eyes and the so-called Lord of Battles. And in this last crossing did Liomond Lhasare, the so-called Lord of Battles perish by a Roman blade.

And once the Six months had passed, a great fleet came to the Bosphorus from the north, bearing the banner of Basileus Jaehaerys. A grand army disembarked, led by the Domestikos Baratheon. While A large Dornish army came to the aid of Thessalonike, and a Hundred Ironborn Longships joined the Roman fleet to smash at last the Pirate Kings off the coast of Lesbos.

And the armies gathered on the Asian side of the Bosphorus, in full sight of the Queen of Cities. Symbasileus Ioannes was recalled, and it was agreed that the Romans would be led by him. And thus they boarded ships once more and chose their landing site. For the Romans had also fought the Tyroshi in those months, and Alexios had made an oath to punish the city for its support of the Warlord Maelys.

But while this came to be, Basileus Alexios came down with an illness, and his face was disfigured and mottled grey. However the illness subsided once his face had been scarred and his skin made as if it was stone to the touch[1]. And Domestikos Baratheon offered him his Maester to treat him, and for this Alexios would honor the man greatly before the armies departed for the Mainland.

And it was thus, that with great fanfare and celebration among the people of the Queen of Cities did the Great Army depart.

[1] Clearly, it was a mild case of Greyscale. His scars are very similar to the ones Shireen Baratheon bears in canon.

Author's Note: Yes, Both Crossbows and Stirrups are in common use, although Heavy Plate is not. And Crossbows are still not the monsters they would have been in the mid 1300s

 

[Witteric of the West]

Upon their landing in the Eastern Mainland, the commanders of the Great Army met to discuss the course of action. and in these discussions it was decided that the Knights of the Vale and the Spearmen of Dorne were to join the Romans, and thus Ioannes Komnenos made Lord Jon Arryn his second in command for the campaign. While the Megas Domestikos, Ormund Baratheon would lead the remainder of the Andal armies, with Jason Lannister as his second in command.

And thus the armies separated, for they intended to trick the Blackfyre into hitting one of the two forces, and then the other would come and smash the Warlord's rear. But Maelys' barbarism did not mean that he was bereft of a mind for battle, for he outmaneuvered the Megas Domestikos, and in the ensuing battle both he and Ser Jason Lannister were slain. The Riverlanders nearly routed[1], the Westerlanders rallied to an orderly retreat by the Red Lion of Castamere, and the Stormlanders dispersed until they joined the Roman lines. Deciding that swift action was necessary, Symbasileus Ioannes moved to meet the Warlord, setting up camp to draw him to battle.

As the sun hung high in the heavens, once more the Symbasileus met Maelys the Monster in pitched battle. And his Romans feigned a retreat to draw the Blackfyre into a killing field. The Stormlanders, believing that the Romans were fleeing began to be filled with fear, but a Knight by the name of Barristan Selmy rallied them and made them hold the line, until the Kataphractoi and the Knights of the Vale came crashing down on the men of the Golden Company and of Tyrosh. And once this happened, Ser Barristan led his own charge that clashed with Maelys' own personal guard. And as the Romans and Valemen slaughtered the footmen of Tyrosh and the Dornish held the line, Selmy's courage paid off, for his sword struck true, and Maelys the Monster was killed.

That day, in the fields of the Heel of Essos did many men gain fame and glory. The Varangians broke many a charge from the heavy cavalry of the Golden Company, and the Pechneg archers proved their worth by breaking the Tyroshi militias sent to fight.

The Men of the Golden Company, seeing their leader killed, still retreated in good order, but a smaller party under Nikephoros Byrennios had been sent by the Symbasileus, to raid their camp. And they took gold and freed slaves before returning to the Roman camp. And also a comely woman of silver hair was taken to the Roman Camp. And with no Andal knowing who she was, the Symbasileus gave her his cape and put her under his protection.[2]

With the battle won, the men who had so distinguished themselves were rewarded. For in the battle had been both, the young heir to the West -as Lord Reyne had come as well, and the Westerlanders had also brought down many a barbarian in this battle- and the young Prince of Dragonstone. And young Tywin Lannister, whose own courage was greatly proven in the battle, did knight the Prince Aerys. And thus the army set course back to the coast. For Tyrosh still needed punishment. [3]



[1] Yes, Petyr's father still saved Lord Tully during this rout
[2] This will come in handy at a later date
[3] So far there have not been too many divergences, but soon enough they will come

 

[Witteric of the West]

It took less than three days for the Army to reach the isle upon which Tyrosh sat. Here, the Ironborn were the first to strike, and they did burn the docks and most of the remains of the navy of Tyrosh. Slowly did the Great Army land, and the Andal lords had agreed to give overall command of the expedition to Symbasileus Ioannes. And he set to see that siege engines were built, and the city was properly blockaded.

But once more did vengeance elude the Symbasileus. For the grandees of the city put Alequo Adarys in chains, and gave him to the Romans. And then they sent men under a flag of truce, to discuss the terms by which Tyrosh would surrender. And since the Andals had not been heavily aggraviated by the Tyroshi, Lord Jon Arryn accepted terms for peace in the name of Basileus Jaehaerys. And then did Symbasileus Ioannes state his terms.

And after much discussion, the Tyroshi agreed to pay a tribute of Twenty Thousand Hyperpyra a year, for the next fifty years. And to allow the Romans to arbitrate her conflicts with Lys and Myr. And with their objectives fulfilled and their coffers full, the Great Army set sail back to Constantinople, where they were recieved with great celebration. Indeed, the Basileus Alexios had a Triumph celebrated, and the Lords Arryn and Reyne, the Prince of Dragonstone, the young Lord Lannister, and the Knight Ser Barristan paraded alongside Symbasileus Ioannes, and were jointly acclaimed by the people of the Queen of Cities, while Alequo Adarys was dragged behind them in chains.

And it was in Constantinople, that Basileus Jaehaerys had joined them, and when Basileus Alexios offered Ser Barristan lands and a military command for his actions, the Knight instead chose to join the personal guard of Basileus Jaeharys. While the young Lord Steffon Baratheon was gifted a well-crafted sword with a gilded and bejeweled hilt. And another such sword was gifted to Prince Aerys for his courage in battle, and a third one was given to young Tywin Lannister. And many other gifts were also bestowed to Andals and Romans alike by the Emperor.

And thus, celebrated and cheered as friends by the Romans did the Andals depart. And upon their departure, Basileus Alexios called both his son Ioannes and his goodson Nikephoros Bryennios, and told them of the plots hatched in their absence by his daughter Anna -who was Bryennios' wife- and Bryennios' mother Irene. And before the Emperor did Bryennios and Ioannes swear oaths of brotherhood and friendship -for they were good friends even before the Great Light- and then, with his face disfigured, Basileus Alexios abdicated the crown, and had his son Ioannes enthroned as sole Basileus.

And so ended the reign of Alexios I, and began the reign of Basileus Ioannes II.

 

[Witteric of the West]

For around Twenty Years there was peace, and in that time did Basileus Ioannes make many a reform. He had elevated thus many capable men who were not of his family or their relations, and gave them positions of power in the palace and the provinces. In these years there was many a skirmish at sea with Volantis. But neither realm sought a war with the other, and so the skirmishes were settled by way of a meeting in Lys, where both Volantis and the Empire agreed to pay indemnities for the lost shipping and to the families of the slain.

And Ioannes was greatly acclaimed by the people, the soldiers and the church alike, for he was a pious and frugal man. And in this part of his reign many priests were sent, and they did spread the faith of Christ in Essos. And they came into conflict with the Red Priests and their Red Devil, but the rulers of the Free Cities agreed that it was not a good thing to attack the Christians, lest they draw the ire of Rome and their Traders ceased to make business in their cities. And also they agreed to curtail the attacks made on the Christians.

In the Second year of his reign, Ioannes did recieve one Reynard Reyne, who had not been at Castamere among his family when Tywin Lannister descended upon it and put it to siege. And thus he was recieved in the court of Basileus Ioannes, and he was baptized and gained the Basileus' trust. But he did not urge the Emperor to wage war on the Andals, for he was a cunning man and could see as well as the Basileus could, that such a war would be a great disaster.

And seeking favor with his Andal allies, Basileus Ioannes passed laws that freed many a slave, and that changed the conditions of many more. And for this the church lauded him as a defensor of the downtrodden.

But as the Empire focused on securing its position, and the nobles of Rome schemed to gain the favor of the Emperor -for the church, the army and the people loved him greatly and to dethrone him would cause great death and leave the Empire ripe for conquest- Dark clouds gathered on the lands of the Andals, for it was whispered that Aerys, Basileus of the Andals, was not well of the head.

And in such circumstances was Steffon Baratheon, son of the late Domestikos Ormund Baratheon, recieved in the Queen of Cities, having been sent on a mission by Basileus Aerys.

 

[Witteric of the West]

Basileus Ioannes recieved Lord Baratheon with a feast, for he had come to consider his father a friend during the war, and he had always been thankful to the late Domestikos for saving his own father by lending him his maester to treat him. And in this feast he and his wife came to notice the lady Alysanne[1], who had two daughters and a son.

And it was before the feast had come to an end that Lord Baratheon spoke to Basileus Ioannes of his mission, for the Basileus of the Andals had sent his trusted friend to seek for a wife of proper Valyrian blood for the eldest of his sons, the Prince of Dragonstone. For the two younger princes[2] were still too young of age, although the Basileus of the Andals would also be agreeable to a betrothal for one or both of them.

And thus the lady Alysanne was called, and the three of her children were presented to Lord Baratheon. Who was troubled to learn that the eldest child -and actually born of the seed of Maelys- was a boy named Demetrios -for she was with child when she was found by Nikephoros Bryennios-. But after the swearing of oaths, where Basileus Ioannes swore to protect his ward, and the boy in turn swore to abandon the claims of his father, the Lord Baratheon allowed the eldest daughter to come with him.

But someone had a different plan, for the feast was disturbed when the girl -who was called Saera- began to choke on her wine[3], and while her brother rushed to her he could not save her, and as this happened, the second son of Reynard Reyne, young Robert Reyne, would also choke on his drink. And upon closer inspection it became known that there was more poison waiting for various other attendants.

Thus did Lord Baratheon leave Constantinople, vowing to return should he fail to find a wife for the Prince Rhaegar in Lys or Volantis, while the cooks and servants were interrogated. And two younger servants of Lysene birth were found to have poisoned the cups, but none of them revealed their employer.

And Lord Steffon Baratheon did find a bride in Lys, a young woman who could prove descent from Maegor Targaryen, son of Aerion Brightflame, but as their ship reached Westeros, it was battered against the coasts of the Stormlands not far from Storm's End, although the young girl would live, much to the joy of the Basileus of the Andals. The Lord Baratheon however would never be found.

But in the Empire, the Drums of war began to sound, for Tyrosh had chosen to abandon its payment of tribute.[4]

[1] The woman from earlier. She was actually the cousin-wife for Maelys
[2] Daeron Targaryen, born in 269 A.L is alive so far
[3] While the description is not too precise, it is believed that it was the Strangler... It is widely believed that the intended targets were Reynard Reyne and Demetrios, still, it is one of those mysteries that might not be solved.
[4] Although Eudokia spares quite some detail for the feast, the priorities of the Romans at that point in time are quite clear.

 

[Witteric of the West]

When news came of the decision made by the Archon of Tyrosh, of forgoing the payment of the tribute due to the Roman Empire. Basileus Ioannes had the armies gathered and the fleet ready. He readied the Varangians -among who there were many Andals and First Men by that point- and prepared to punish Tyrosh for its insolence.

And so did the Romans depart for Tyrosh. And they caught the Tyroshi fleet by surprise off of the coast of Little Tyrosh. And in the seas, the Roman Fleet did have chance to deploy the Sea Fire[1]. For three hours the two fleets engaged, and then the Romans ceded the field before the dromons with siphons came in, and the might of the Tyroshi fleet burned at sea. Thus the Roman Fleet closed upon Tyrosh, and a great army landed by the city led by Basileus Ioannes.

And for a month did the Romans besiege Tyrosh, for the Tyroshi were unable to contract mercenaries that were willing to fight against the Romans, and after one month and three days, the Romans did breach the walls of Tyrosh, and the wrath of Rome was unleashed upon the city.

And Basileus Ioannes, being a man of mercy ordered to loot but not rape or murder the inhabitants, and for the most part his orders were followed, although the Red Priests were put to the sword, for it became known that they had incensed the people to attack Christians as was their custom in all of the Free Cities[2] save for Braavos.

So, Basileus Ioannes proclaimed Tyrosh to be annexed to the Empire, and had its Archon put in chains, and named a Governor, but otherwise allowed the governance of the city to remain intact, for the Governor was to be his ears and voice in the ruling council of the city.

And with Tyrosh conquered, and the full amount of the tribute owed to the Empire extracted, he did issue orders, that no more tribute was to be paid beyond the Imperial taxes, that all free citizens of Tyrosh were now Imperial Citizens, and that the institution of Slavery was to conform to Roman Laws. And then he did return to the Queen of Cities

[1] pŷr thalássion, one of the names used by Byzantine Literature to refer to what we know as Greek Fire
[2] The Romans do not refer to the eastern cities of Norvos, Lorath and Qohor as Free Cities, reserving that term for the Narrow Sea Cities alongside Lys and Volantis.

 

[Witteric of the West]

Two Months had Basileus Ioannes spent in the Queen of Cities when news came to him, that the fleets of Lys and Volantis were moving, and that Myr had gathered mercenaries, for it was learned that the Old Archon had expected the other Free Cities to come to his aid at once rather than allow Tyrosh to fall, and he had not expected the Imperial response to be so swift. And the Basileus recieved envoys from Volantis, who demanded that the Romans left Tyrosh, and dismantle the great chain that guards the Golden Horn, and pay indemnities to Tyrosh, Lys and Volantis. And he offered to withdraw from Tyrosh and pay some indemnities to them, but refused to dismantle the chain and to pay gold to Lys and Volantis.

And thus did the Empire go to war against the eldest daughter of Old Valyria and her allies. Emissaries were dispatched to Braavos, and Basileus Ioannes contacted the Company of the Rose, for these mercenaries were said to be of the blood of the First Men, and he bought their service. While Myr had bought the service of the Golden Company, which had bloodied the Andals and sacked Herakleia under the warlord Maelys.

And once more did Basileus Ioannes lead an army to the Heel of Essos[1] And he appointed one Bardas Mouzalon as Thalassokrator and Megas Droungarios, and gave him command upon the fleet. For his orders were to lead this fleet to meet the Volantene and Lyseni, and smash their fleets so they may come to terms that were acceptable to the Empire. And then Basileus Ioannes departed to meet his enemies in the Heel of Essos.

And in the Summer Sea, the Megas Droungarios and his fleet met with the Volantene and Lyseni fleets more than once, but neither of these times either side could gain a decisive victory, for he preferred to retreat rather than to risk the dromons with the siphons. And in this he was too cautious, for thrice he could have destroyed them had he unleashed the Sea Fire, but thrice he retreated or allowed the enemy to retreat.

And in land, Basileus Ioannes and his armies met with the Golden Company and with the Myrish militias. And the Myrish crossbowmen did cause many deaths, but their footmen were the weak point of their army, and when the Kataphractoi charged, the Myrish militias broke. But the Golden Company did not. And despite being wounded, the Basileus led the charge. Until, from the rear of the enemy, the Company of the Rose arrived and joined its strenght to the Romans.

And after several hours of bloodshed, the Golden Company left the field, and the Imperial Army, bolstered by the Company of the Rose, began marching for Myr.

[1] Roman name for the Disputed Lands

 

[Witteric of the West]

Upon learning of the defeat of their armies, the leaders of Myr sent emissaries to treat with the Basileus, and it was finally agreed that Myr would pay ten thousand Hyperpyra in indemnities and sign a treaty by which they would not turn their arms against Rome. This came to be as the Imperial Army was a few days of march away from the city.

Then, Basileus Ioannes turned south, for it was said that the armies of Volantis had finally been moved. And the Triarchs of Volantis had bought ten thousand Unsullied and sent them alongside the Volantene militias and War Elephants. And they began to approach the Heel of Essos from the east as the Romans and the mercenaries came south after dealing with Myr.

As the armies marched to meet, the Megas Droungarios and his fleet finally forced a larger battle out at sea, and at last he unleashed the Sea Fire by sending his dromons armed with siphons to strike at the rear of the Volantenes, and the might of Volantis' fleet burned as the Lyseni retreated. But Neither of the cities agreed to come to terms when the Basileus sent envoys to them.

It was then, that emissaries came from Braavos and from the Basileus of the Andals. For Braavos did not look favorably upon the chance that Volantis could enforce its will upon the straits, and Basileus Aerys, despite his illness and his madness still counted the Romans as friends.

And Braavos and the Iron Throne convinced the Triarchs of Volantis and the rulers of Lys to come to terms, and it was agreed that they would meet in Sunspear with Basileus Ioannes, for although Basileus Aerys would have wanted them to meet in King's Landing, they would have had to pass through Roman lands or take long travels over land.

And they were hosted by the Prince of Dorne, and Basileus Ioannes met with emissaries of the Triarchs as he left his friend Nikephoros Bryennios in command of the Armies in the Heel of Essos. For twenty days they discussed terms to end the war. For the Volantenes wanted heavy reparations to be paid by the Empire, while the Lyseni were content with ensuring free trade and free pass through Imperial waters.

Thus it was that Lys came to terms first, agreeing to end its war so long as the Romans removed their governor and armies from Tyrosh and not impose upon Tyrosh a new tribute. While Tyrosh would agree to surrender its claims on the Heel of Essos to the Romans -for they had still broken a treaty-. And when news came of the defeat of the Volantene Fleet, Volantis did ratify these terms, for most of their goals were met anyway, while they needed to gather the rest of their fleet, but they had not the time to do so.

And so it was, that in the palace of the Prince of Dorne a treaty was ratified, and it was also agreed in separate negotiations, that the princess Theodora[1], youngest of the daughters of Basileus Ioannes was to marry the Prince of Summerhall[2], but the ceremony was to be made in Hagia Sophia first, and then in King's Landing.

[1] NOT the same Theodora born in 1115 to John II Komnenos, assume that unlike in Westeros, all children in the Byzantine Empire born too close to the event were subject to Butterflies
[2] Daeron Targaryen, born in 269 AC, survived into adulthood. The full extent of the butterflies in Westeros will be shown in the next chapters

 

[Witteric of the West]

Author's Note: This might be important for later chapters... Let's say that there are more babies in this Westeros for once. Also, I had numbered originally as an interlude due to its lenght, but it's a bit too important to be considered just an interlude so... yeah...

Taken from Alessander Crofter's "A History of Westeros" Published in 421 A.C by the White Harbor Publishing House

To understand the circumstances of the last years of the reign of Aerys the Mad, it becomes necessary to take a look at the status of the Great Houses and at the marriages celebrated around that period.

Thus, Houses Arryn and Tully came to ally with the betrothal of Lord Jon's eldest son Ronnel[1], and lady Catelyn Tully. House Baratheon would ally with House Stark with the betrothal of Robert Baratheon and Lyanna Stark. House Targaryen did participate this time, with the betrothal between Viserys, Prince of Duskendale[2], and the lady Ellyn Baratheon[3]. Further south, House Martell would ally itself with the second house of the Reach, as Princess Elia Martell would thus marry Baelor Hightower, while Lady Alla Tyrell [4] would be betrothed to Jaime Lannister, heir to the Westerlands. As a web of alliances was weaved, the situation would only be worsened by King Aerys' decision to once more seek a foreign bride for Daeron, Prince of Summerhall[5]. With the King increasingly paranoid about his own subjects after the attempted kidnapping and later razing of Duskendale, while the Free Cities refused to provide more brides for Westerosi after the fate of the lady Serala of Duskendale, he chose to turn to the Rhomans in this.

[1] Jon Arryn's First Wife survived, they currently have two children, Rowena (who in canon was stillborn) and Ronnel.
[2] Duskendale, or rather its remains, were to become the seat of the Third Son of the King. most of the city was destroyed by order of the King after the failed attempt on the his life by Lord Darklyn.
[3] Lady Cassana Baratheon (nee. Estermont) had twins for her last pregnancy, little Renly and the lady Ellyn. She and Lord Steffon Baratheon died in circumstances fairly similar to canon, however the girl they did find, survived and married Rhaegar as was planned.
[4] a younger sister for Mace Tyrell, and one of the earliest butterflies in Westeros.
[5] Daeron Targaryen, conceived and born one year earlier than in canon, actually survived his first year and is still alive at that point.

 

[Witteric of the West]

Author's Note: Buckle your seatbelts, we're seeing butterflies really get going now.

Taken from Alessander Crofter's "A History of Westeros" Published in 421 A.C by the White Harbor Publishing House

By the end of 281 A.C[1], the situation across Westeros was tense. The madness of King Aerys was widely known among his lords, as was his cruelty. Thus, when Lord Whent called for a great tourney, it was plain as day who was actually financing the tourney and to what end.

In the end it came to nothing, as King Aerys rode for the first time in four years from the Red Keep, and made an appearance at the feasting. While he had made sure to groom his beard and nails, his words made it clear that he was mad with paranoia. Merely a year earlier he had sacked his Lord Hand, Tywin Lannister, and he was yet to appoint a new Hand. so the appearance of the King did much to sour the events.

For what is worth, it was Rhaegar Targaryen who won the jousts, while Robert Baratheon took the melee and one Stephanos, a Rhoman who was part of the retinue of the Rhoman emissary to King's Landing won the archery contest. Prince Rhaegar would thus crown his wife, Lysara Whitefyre[2] as Queen of Love and Beauty, and for once it seemed that the Seven Kingdoms had dodged a scorpion bolt.

It was not to be, as in the aftermath, Rhaegar Targaryen did call a Great Council a few weeks later, once it had been confirmed that the King had reached King's Landing and that Prince Daeron was embarked on a ship to Constantinople as part of the agreements that led to his marriage to the princess Theodora. His plan however was widely seen as too rash by the Lords, with Lords Tyrell and Lannister, aware that this would result on a civil war but not too keen on defending the King, agreed to sit out of the matter and accept the result -Just on the off case that the Grand Council and its supporters found themselves unable to actually depose King Aerys.

Soon enough, the inherent weakness of the Throne in the design of the Seven Kingdoms was shown, as King Aerys could only fully rely on the Narrow Sea Houses, long supporters of the Royal faction at court as opposed to the Princely faction, and on some of the Crownlands houses such as the Hollards[3], Buckwells and Farrings.

The Campaign began with Lord Lucerys Velaryon trying to put Storm's End to siege, however, between his numeric inferiority (The Stornlands stood relatively united for reasons that will become apparent soon) and the weather forced him to break from the siege.

Shortly afterwards, the Lords Stark, Arryn and Tully agreed to back Prince Rhaegar and the Princely faction. Although Gulltown did declare its loyalty to King Aerys, the Tarth fleet managed to outmaneuver the Velaryons just past Cracklaw point, submitting Gulltown to a blockade. The ill-fated attempt to besiege Storm's End, and a great deal of convincing from Lord Arryn convinced Lord Robert Baratheon to march with those Stormlords not part of the Princely faction, and join what had become the full might of the Stormlands behind the rebel cause.

In what was perhaps the last of his moments of clarity, Aerys Targaryen had Queen Rhaella, Prince Viserys and his grandson Aegon sent to Dragonstone, while he laid Wildfire across the city and sent an emissary to Constantinople, demanding that Basileus Ioannes II aid him with troops and gold to pursue the war. It would be, perhaps ironically, the young Prince Daeron who, together with Nikephoros Bryennios persuaded him to avoid such a military adventure.

Lord Brandon Stark would be killed in a skirmish near the ruins of Duskendale[4]. However the greatest blow -albeit temporary- to the Rebel cause, was caused when a lone arrow struck Rhaegar Targaryen on the neck during the Battle of the Blackwater Rush. The Rebels would stop for two weeks to fully ensure an agreement between the Princely Faction and the Lords Declarant. Most tense was the relationship between Jon Connington and Robert Baratheon. In the end however, Lord Connington, as leader of the Princely Faction, agreed to call a Great Council upon the dethronement of King Aerys.

However, the time taken by the Rebels to ensure that no fights came from the rivalry between Baratheon and Connington, caused them to delay their final march on the Capital until the eve of the Maiden's Feast.

What they found, was King's Landing burning in green flames.

Under such a situations, word was sent to the Lords Tyrell and Lannister, and to Prince Doran Martell, that a Great Council was to be held in Harrenhall.

From the outset, two factions began to form. They soon coalesced around two different claims to the Throne. On one hand, the former Princely faction, alongside a decent portion of the lords that had once formed part of the Royal faction at court coalesced around Jon Connington, backing the proclamation of the Prince Aegon as King Aegon VI -and entering a long regency. Soon this faction found the favor of Lord Tywin Lannister, who aspired to lead this regency and eventually mold the King. A Second Faction which drew support from the rest of the rebel lords coalesced around Rickard Stark and Robert Baratheon, arguing for the claim of Prince Daeron Targaryen, and seeking to ensure a swift transition to a fairly stable rule to be done in short order.

The discussions at Harrenhall in 283 A.C. were long and drawn out, and things were complicated when some, perhaps seeking to force a compromise among the rest, floated around the idea of Demetrios, the son of the late Maelys the Monstruous. However all they did was ensuring that they would not be taken seriously in further discussions. Some smaller Stormlander Lords also put forward the name of Robert Baratheon, but this claim was also widely ignored, and disavowed relatively soon by the Lord Baratheon himself.

After nearly a month of deadlock, Prince Daeron Targaryen arrived with his wife Theodora Komnene -in the confusion they had been married in Hagia Sophia by the Patriarch Leo, and in the Blue Sept at Constantinople- After another two weeks, a compromise was agreed, where Daeron Targaryen took upon the title of Lord Protector and became Regent for his nephew Aegon.

In order to further secure the situation, Prince Daeron, now acting as the eldest male Targaryen, confirmed his younger brother's betrothal to the lady Ellyn Baratheon, and soon enough the attention of the realm turned to the reconstruction of King's Landing.

[1] The events of the Year of the False Spring are moved up one year, however the Rebellion starts much sooner after that than in Canon, alongside a myriad of other changes.
[2] King Aerys granted the name Whitefyre (as opposed to "those traitorous Blackfyres") to the Lyseni Targaryens who were descended from Aerion Brightflame. However they would continue to use their maternal surname of Rogare instead.
[3] The full wrath of King Aerys fell upon the Darklyns and their cadet branches, the Hollards were left alone, save for a couple of hostages
[4] Up to that point work had not yet begun on the formal reconstruction of Duskendale. Some informal work existed but it was halted due to the war

 

[Witteric of the West]

When Basileus Ioannes returned from Sunspear, he set out to continue with his rule. And he had forts built in the Heel of Essos, and the Navy rearranged. And it all pointed that the rest of his reign would be peaceful, for Lys was appeased, Volantis spent, and Myr subdued -yet not made tributary. So he made a great celebration in the feast of Nativity, and to it attended Prince Oberyn Martell. And despite his questionable actions, his charm made sure that he left in good terms with the men of Rome, and on even better terms with more than one Woman. And during the celebrations there were Races at the Hippodrome, and food was distributed among the people of the Queen of Cities.

And at the end of the feasts, A ship from Westeros arrived, and in it was the young Prince Daeron Targaryen. Thus was a smaller feast celebrated for his arrival. And in these days he took to speaking with Nikephoros Bryennios and with the Patriarch Leo. And after one month of his stay in Constantinople he agreed to be baptized, although in order to keep appearances it was decided that he would still celebrate a ceremony with a Septon when it came to his marriage.

It was only three days after Prince Daeron and the Princess Theodora were married that another ship came from King's Landing. And Basileus Aerys demanded that Ioannes took the field against his son Rhaegar and the Lords that supported him. But Prince Daeron and Nikephoros Bryennios spoke to the emperor, and convinced him that such an expedition would not succeed against the grand army that the Rebels had gathered.

And so the Empire kept its armies and fleets ready for war, until word came to Constantinople, that the Basileus of the Andals was dead, and the Great Lords were deciding on who would succeed him, for Prince Rhaegar had perished in battle. And after much discussion, Prince Daeron boarded a ship with his wife the Princess Theodora Komnene, and with him traveled priests and engineers and men learned in matters of law. And upon their arrival at Harrenhall they could make the Great Lords make a compromise.

And thus was Daeron Targaryen made Regent for his Nephew. But he had to consent to have Tywin Lannister as his Megas Domestikos. And thus he set about to rebuilding King's Landing, which had been destroyed by fire and sorcery unleashed by Aerys.

 

[Witteric of the West]

Taken from Alessander Crofter's "A History of Westeros" Published in 621 A.C by the White Harbor Publishing House

The Regency of Prince Daeron Targaryen would begin in an auspicious manner. Aerys II had transferred most of the Royal Treasury to Dragonstone in his final days, thus the Royal Coffers were full, even with the loss of large amounts of gold in the destruction of King's Landing. And the Lord Protector soon put it to good use in cleaning the rubble and tearing down the Walls of the city -which had been erected by Jaehaerys the Conciliator and had seen major overhauls under Aegon III- Soon the ambitious scale of the Prince's rebuilding project became known. Using both, Maesters versed in engineering as well as Rhoman engineers, Prince Daeron set out to create a proper city.

With the Old Walls demolished, a new set of walls, modeled after the famed Theodosian Walls of Constantinople would be built, encompassing a much larger area than the size of the city before the fire. Then he undertook the construction of the new structures.

It was quite fortuitous, but it would also cause the first of his problems during the regency, that Rhoman priests were quick to give relief to the thousands of homeless left among the ruins. And as the new city took shape, many of them converted. This of course caused a small confrontation with the High Septon -one known as "The Tall One", who was elected in the aftermath of the war, for his predecessor had perished in the flames. It finally ended when both, High Septon and Lord Protector came out together atop Visenya's Hill, in front of the ruins of the Great Sept of Baelor. And they issued a joint declaration.

It was decided that just as the followers of the Old Gods were to not be disturbed, the Christians were to attain a similar status. Both the Faith of the Seven and the still barely existing Church in Westeros having the right to come to the Royal Justice. And in the end, after a very close run, the tension finally dissipated.

Having overcome this hurdle, Prince Daeron saw that he needed an act of good faith and goodwill towards the vast majority of his subjects that did follow the Faith, and thus he began the reconstruction of the Great Sept. Although the current building, which was built during the Regency, is still called "Great Sept of Baelor" The Roman style and its influence is undeniable. Instead of the frail Crystal dome, a Stone dome was built. Inspired by the tales of the Pantheon built by the pagan emperor Hadrian, the new dome was not fully enclosed, at the top of it sits a crystal seven-pointed star. While on each of the seven sides of the main structure was placed a great Window of stained glass, allowing each of the altars to be properly illuminated. And although the shape of the main structure is different, it is undeniable that the Great Cathedral of the Holy Wisdom in Constantinople served as inspiration[1].

The Ruins of the Dragonpit were also cleared. and it would become the site of a new palace, built once again modeled after the Imperial palaces of Constantinople. More precisely after the Imperial residence of the Blachernae Palace, albeit with an undeniably Andal bent. Within the palace there were a small sept, a Godswood, and a Christian chapel, so as to service properly all visiting lords.

The Third of the Great Buildings of King's Landing was built atop Aegon's High Hill, however, it was not a Royal residence, instead, it would be a Fortress to serve as a redoubt in case of a siege. The High Fort replaced the Red Keep, this one being the building with the least Rhoman influence in its build. A new City Watch would also be based on the High Fort.

In the city proper, a Basilica was also built, although later kings would build the current structure of the Cathedral of Saint Andrew. The church built during the regency would suffer greatly in later years, and it would be replaced with a more impressive structure in the late 380s A.L.

The reconstruction of King's Landing took over most of Prince Daeron's regency. However, by the time of the ascension of King Aegon VI, he received not a smoking ruin, but a city reborn from its ashes and more grandiose than it was before.

[1] Hagia Sophia

 

[Witteric of the West]

Taken from: "The Komneniad" by Princess Eudokia Komnene, translated by Alyn Waters, Seahorse Publishers, Driftmark, 731 AC

And Prince Daeron sent word to Constantinople, and engineers and artists flocked to him, for he was rebuilding the city of King's Landing. And these works are widely chronicled elsewhere.

In those days the Roman priests made way across Essos. Pentos and Myr soon saw a great many converts, and they followed Braavos in allowing a Cathedral to be built. But Volantis soon began to suffer. For it was in this city that the greatest temple to the Red Demon[1] stood in the West. And its new High Priest was one Benerro, who expanded the slave guard into a true militia. And on the night of the feast of Nativity, as the Christians were worshipping and celebrating, the Slave warriors of the temple fell upon them and slaughtered many.

But the Triarchs saw this as a challenge to their power, and soon they assembled their own Militia of Old Blood, and forbade access of all Red Priests to the Old City behind the Black Walls. For although they could wipe out this Fiery Hand in one fell swoop, to do so would invite a revolt that they would be unable to quench.

And when news came to Constantinople, Basileus Ioannes, who was a man of a normally gentle disposition exploded in a rage that some claimed was more fit of the Storm Kings of Old. And once his wrath had subsided, he ordered that emissaries were to be sent to Lys, Myr, Tyrosh and Braavos, to seek assurances that they would not intervene in favor of Volantis. For the Basileus argued that the Triarchs had lost control upon the city beyond the Black Walls. Which was true in a sense, for many a christian would be butchered, and many others went into hiding or managed to flee.

And this time Basileus Ioannes approached both, the Company of the Rose and the Golden Company, for it was known that the Triarchs had approached them before this happened to march on Volantis and scour the temple. And the leaders of both accepted Roman gold, and they began marching on Volantis.

And the Romans set sail from Rhodos, and their fleet found no opposition, for the Lyseni chose to remain neutral, as a humbling for Volantis was good for their own fleet. And many a Volantene ship did join the Romans, mostly crewed by men who had no love for the Red Demon. But other ships, and those that were docked in Volantis were hastily gathered into a fleet by Benerro, and sent to meet the Romans, for it was expected that the sorcery worked by these zealots would see them victorious.

[1] Don't expect Eudokia to refer to R'hllor by any other title

 

[Witteric of the West]

Appendix: The Small Council on the early years of the regency of Lord Protector Daeron Targaryen

Hand of the King: Lord Tywin Lannister
Grand Maester: Grand Maester Gormon
Master of Ships: Lord Paxter Redwyne
Master of Whisperers: Alyn Merryweather[1]
Master of Laws: Lord Jason Mallister
Master of Coin: Osric Arryn (House Arryn of Gulltown)[2]
Lord Commander of the Kingsguard: Ser Gerold Hightower

[1] and [2]: Original Characters, including an uncle for one Orton Merryweather...

 

[Witteric of the West]

Taken from Alessander Crofter's "A History of Westeros" Published in 621 A.C by the White Harbor Publishing House

Although the Reconstruction of King's Landing was rather swift, it would take a few years before the court could be held in the city, thus, for the first three years of the Regency, the King remained with his mother and grandmother at Dragonstone, while the court itself would be held at Harrenhall.

The Harrenhall court period of the Regency would set the tone for the relationship between the members of the Small Council. Soon enough, a rivalry began to form between Prince Daeron and Lord Lannister. And although it would never reach the levels of tension that Lannister's relation with King Aerys did, it caused the Council to try to coalesce into two factions. Osric Arryn, the Master of Coin, soon went in to support the Regent in most affairs, while Lord Mallister wound up falling in line more often than not with Lord Lannister. Lord Redwyne and Allyn Merryweather would be fairly neutral -much to Lord Lannister's surprise. As would be Ser Gerold Hightower.

The first of these confrontations came a year after Jaime Lannister and Alla Tyrell's Marriage. The birth of little Joanna caused the Lord Hand to try and bypass the Lord Regent in securing a betrothal between the girl and the then four name-days old King Aegon. In this, Queen Dowager Rhaella managed to put an end by simply stating that she would "consider" such a matter when both children were older. However it was widely known at court that Prince Daeron was very much opposed to it.

As this happened, Tywin Lannister looked for ways to ensure a more reliable alliance in the realm -as his alliance with Lord Mace Tyrell would prove to not be enough to see him with a firm hold on the politics of the Realm. Thus he sought a marriage between his daughter Cersei, and the now heir to the North, Lord Eddard Stark. However, Lord Rickard Stark thought that strenghtening the North's ties with the rest of what had been the Lords Declarant faction in the Mad War was more important. Leading to the admittedly awkward marriage of Eddard Stark to Rowena Arryn. With no groom adequate enough for his daughter, Tywin Lannister decided to up the stakes. And managed to secure her marriage to Isaakios, the third son (and eldest living son at that time) of Basileus Ioannes. It would be done in a lavish ceremony in Hagia Sophia, which saw Lord Lannister visiting Constantinople for the second time -His first visit had been during the War of the Ninepenny Kings.

However, his plans to seek a greater influence in an indirect manner by securing a tie to the Komnenoi would prove to not be too feasible. Not only because Basileus Ioannes' close confidant and by that point, Megas Domestikos, Nikephoros Bryennios was a friend to Prince Daeron since his own time in the Empire, but because of his daughter's character. Contemporary chroniclers such as the Emperor's sister Anna, are not too favorable on her. A further blow would come in 293 A.C when Basileus Ioannes named his younger son Nikephoros as Co-Emperor, effectively declaring his own preference as to the succession[1]

[1] In real life, John II's fourth son was named Manuel, and John did bypass Isaac in the succession, his two eldest children died before John's OTL death in 1143. They still died earlier than their father in this timeline, the circumstances of their deaths will be known soon enough

 

[Witteric of the West]

Author's Note: And back to the Volantenes

Taken from: "The Komneniad" by Princess Eudokia Komnene, translated by Alyn Waters, Seahorse Publishers, Driftmark, 731 AC

Thus, the Roman fleets clashed with the Volantenes on the Orange Coast. And for some time it seemed that the Volantenes would win the day, but Basileus Ioannes, who had taken command personally, aided by his two eldest sons Alexios and Andronikos, unleashed the War Fire. For some minutes the Volantene Zealots cheered, for they thought that surely their god would turn the fires against the Romans. And indeed for a moment their sorcerers kept the flames at bay. But soon enough the Volantene fleet began to burn.

But the day was not without losses, for Alexios was struck by an arrow, and he lived for five days, but in the end he was met with death. And Andronikos' own ship was taken, and he was chained and paraded in Volantis. And this Benerro tried to turn him to their Red Demon, but for ten days he resisted, until by orders of this sorcerer he was burnt.[1]

And Ioannes once more came to a rage very much unlike his gentle nature, and he ordered that every man they found praying to the Red Devil was to be put to the sword, or tied and thrown into the sea. And he swore to sack the temple of the Red Devil and to put Benerro to the sword himself. And the Romans swore oaths to avenge their princes as they reached the bay of Volantis.

And they came just in time, for the men of the Company of the Rose and Company of the Cat were setting up siege works alongside the outer walls of Volantis. And an emissary from the Triarchs came to the Romans, sneaking at great peril from the Old City. And offered them great rewards in Gold in exchange for not sacking Volantis, although they gave Ioannes leave to do with the Temple of the Red Demon as he saw fit.

And as Volantis was besieged, all across the Free Cities there was clashing of swords, for in Myr, Pentos and even in the streets of Braavos did followers of the Red Demon and Christians fight. But in all these other cities, the local militias put down the revolts staged by both groups. For the Christians submitted as soon as the militias arrived to quell the riots, while those who followed the demon kept fighting against them, urged by their priests and sorcerers.[2]

And after one month, a brave man by the name of Nyessos threw open the Western door of Volantis. And the Golden Company and Company of the Cat were informed of the deal with the Triarchs, so they entered, and there was great death but their commanders could restrain most of the men from looting the City. And upon hearing of this the Romans staged an assault on the port, and swiftly took it and moved towards the Temple. While the Old Blood militias sortied out of the Black Walls, emboldened by the arrival of the sellswords and the Romans.

And as he had sworn, Ioannes led the assault that broke the Fiery Hand, and once he had conquered the temple he had all items of worship taken down, and all the priests were thrown to the great river Rhoyne, all save for Benerro, who was taken in chains and brought back to Constantinople. But all the other temples to the heathen gods were left untouched, for their followers had not aggraviated the Romans, and instead they rose against Benerro and his zealots when the Romans landed.

And it speaks greatly of the wrath of Basileus Ioannes, for never before did he give out such a punishment, nor did he after, nor even to the most henious traitors. For Benerro was blinded, castrated and had his ears and nose cut off, but he was not killed, instead he would remain in chains in a cell until his death.[3]


[1] in OTL, Alexios Komnenos, the eldest son of John II, died in 1142, as did Andronikos a few weeks after. Both succumbed to an illness while out in campaign. John II would die in 1143
[2] Not entirely true, in Pentos, the Militias were not entirely able to quell the riots, and the Christians did not quite surrender so peacefully, nor did the R'hllorites
[3] in OTL, John II Komnenos is reputed to have never sentenced anyone to death or mutilation, as was common in the Roman Empire of his era. He is also described as a man with great self-control.

 

[Witteric of the West]

Tywin Lannister: Currently Hand of the King, not very happy about it
Jaime Lannister: In Casterly Rock, married to one Alla Tyrell, has a daughter named Joanna
Cersei Lannister: Will go off to Constantinople soon
Tyrion Lannister: Was Born, still a dwarf, the birth still got Joanna killed.

Rickard Stark: Alive, despite losing his eldest son, he shows no signs of dying soon.
Eddard Stark: Alive, being re-trained by his Father so he will be a proper Lord of Winterfell. Finally settling into his marriage with Rowena Arryn
Lyanna Stark: At Storm's End, fathered a boy already whom they named Steffon. Finding that life was not so bad with that Baratheon Oaf after all
Benjen Stark: Alive, at Winterfell, it is said that his Father plans to take the New Gift and settle it, if this happens he is a prime candidate to get a keep there.

Robert Baratheon: Alive, at Storm's End. You won't believe what wonders having a life worth living does.
Stannis Baratheon: Alive, grinding his teeth at Storm's End, currently seeking a wife.
Renly Baratheon: Has a twin sister, is a rather cheerful little boy all things considered. Has taken to Lyanna as if she were his mother. The fact that his brother and his goodsister managed to get past each other's stubbornness is in no small part his fault

Mace Tyrell: Alive, doing his Oafish business in Highgarden
Olenna Tyrell: Very much alive, trying to get her son's Oafish business to work in a less Oafish manner
Willas Tyrell: Born a girl, named Elinor, learning from her Grandmother.
Garlan Tyrell: Born, was named Willas instead, but is shaping up to be rather similar to canon Garlan.

Doran Martell: Very much alive, less of a problem with Gout
Elia Martell: Married to Baelor Hightower, three successful births despite her frail disposition, very much alive
Oberyn Martell: Already making bastards, must have left one or two in Constantinople.
Mellario: Yes, those two still met, somehow. Has not left Sunspear just yet, but it should not take too long.

Viserys Targaryen: Being raised alongside his nephew Aegon, so far, he doesn't seem mad, let's hope it lasts.
Aegon Targaryen: Being raised by his mother and grandmother.
Rhaella Targaryen: Very much alive, is, alongside her daughter in law, the guardian of both Viserys and Aegon.

Hoster Tully: Alive, still pissed at his brother. Was saved during the First Tyroshi War/Last Blackfyre Revolt by the son of a Braavosi who had been granted land in the Vale, sound familiar?
Brynden Tully: Alive, pissed at Hoster and still unmarried.
Catelyn Tully: Alive, living in the Eyrie, overall, has no complains about her marriage
Lysa Tully: Alive, married to a Riverlord, has many a complain about her marriage, mostly because it was not to a certain Valeman. Less insane but still not quite sane.
Edmure Tully: Alive, growing up, trying to learn from his Father and Uncle.

Jon Arryn: Very much alive, has had various children and gets to write often to his daughter who lives in Winterfell.
Elbert Arryn: Alive, married, doing his thing I guess.
Denys Arryn: Alive, his wife and daughter are also alive. It is expected that he will serve as Castellan for Lord Ronnel.

Quellon Greyjoy: Still alive, feeling particularly hopeless recently.
Balon Greyjoy: Still alive and waiting to do something stupid
Euron Greyjoy: Alive, no one knows where he is, although it is said that the Romans have orders that if a ship with his ensign is seen, it is to be sunk at all costs.

Petyr Baelish: Currently grumbling in his little holding and waiting for a chance to rise higher in life. Still lusting after Catelyn, still a creep.

Jon Connington: Alive, Lord of Griffin's Roost, recently married.