Loki: Storm of Swords

Chapter 85 - Kings Landing Looks On

Thor stood beside Tyrion Lannister on the walls of Kings Landing and looked out over the field of battle. They saw the advance of the Golden Company and watched as the Dothraki charged first. "No fear. Amazing in humans," Thor commented as he watched the Dothraki scream like a hoarde of devils.

"The Dothraki have not known fear since they conquered their greatest; which was sailing in wooden horses across the dark water," the King of Westeros answered. That was when Volstagg came up and saluted his prince.

"Sires, the civilians have all been cleared out of the first levels of the city, and secured in the Red Keep," the Voluminous Warrior informed them. 

"Has everything been prepared for the initial assault on our gates?" Tyrion queried.

"It has," Volstagg answered.

"Good, my friend," Thor told him. "Await my orders. We must time our defenses perfectly if we are to hold," Thor said. Volstagg bowed and stepped away. "I must congratulate you on your plans for the defense of Kings Landing, your grace. Truly ingenious," Thor complimented the dwarf king. Tyrion nodded as he leaned forward and watched as units of Lancel Lannister's men began to move towards the city.

"I remember my nephew very clearly, ser. He was good at following other people's orders, and very poor at coming up with original ones of his own. He escaped during the Third Siege of Kings Landing, probably on the orders of my father. He'll try to use the same method to get his men into the city. He'll more than likely try to distract us with a charade at the front gates. If they get in that way, it would be a suicide mission, and one that was never meant to succeed. He thinks that since we forgot about him the first time, we will be foolish enough to forget about him the second time. Personally, I would like to see his head mounted on a spike over the gates of the Red Keep," Tyrion said. Thor winced a little, but did not contradict him. Sure enough, they saw a unit of men, about seventy in number, break away from the center plains and march towards the front gate. "The poor, whitless fools," Tyrion murmured. That was before he turned to Volstagg and nodded. "Please inform the captain overseeing the front gate to prepare the boiling oil and the arrows. Unfortunately, their deaths will be in vain," Tyrion told the Outlander. Volstagg nodded, sparing Thor a momentary glance before moving on and doing as he was told. 

"Anything interesting happen?" asked a voice, and Thor and Tyrion looked back to see Beric Dondarrion, Thoros of Myr carrying Ragna and Rhaenar. The little girl had gotten rid of Thor's shirt, and was in black trousers and a green blouse of her own. Rhaenar was sitting on Thoros' shoulders, resting his hands on his head, and looking out over the city. Thor smiled up at both of them, but noticed that both children were scanning the advancing troops. "Boiling oil and arrows?" Ragna queried.

"Um... yes..." Tyrion answered in an uncertain tone of voice. Ragna hummed.

"Predictable," she retorted.

"And you have a better idea?" Thor challenged with a hint of a smile. Ragna tilted her head to the side as she watched the troops move towards the gate.

"Let them in," she stated firmly. Both Thor and Tyrion gaped at her but Rhaenar supported his sister. 

"They wouldn't be expecting it. Draw them in and massacre them when they think they have the upper hand," the young mage said. Thor and Tyrion just looked at each other.

"These children are ruthless!" Tyrion said.

"We're our father's children," Ragna commented. Tyrion could hear a tone in her voice and raised his eyes to look at her. Ragna was glancing back before she focused on the gate again. "You open the gates, put up a show of fighting them, then draw them towards the Square of Baelor. Once you have them there, send in the Asgardians." Ragna looked at Thor. "The two of them should be able to clean them up with ease."

"Just the two of us?" Thor queried. The twins gave him a raised eyebrow.

"What? Don't think you can handle it, or are you still feeling heavy from breakfast?" Rhaenar challenged. Thor drew himself up to his full height and his grip on his hammer tightened.

"I have never shied from a fight, and don't forget that I am many centuries older than you, young man!" Thor reminded. Rhaenar's eyes finished glowing green, and he rested his chin on his hand.

"Good boy," he whispered. Thor shook his head to clear his mind before glancing at Ragna.

"You do know Surtur could turn his attention this way without warning. Will you save us if he does?" the God of Thunder challenged. Ragna just smiled at him.

"No. I'll give the orders, and you will do it," Ragna rejoined.

"Um, I am the king here," Tyrion cut in and Ragna and Thor looked at him.

"I think it's been a while since you've read the ancient texts that speak of the strategies of past monarchs and generals," Ragna retorted, and Tyrion guessed the reason she was being snappish with him was because of how he and Loki parted. At that moment, she considered him as much an enemy to her as the soldiers invading Kings Landing. "Once you've dealt with the soldiers, cut off their heads, and hang them from the ramparts," Ragna informed Thor. Tyrion choked on his saliva and Thor's eyes widened. 

"Why on earth?!" Thor blurted out.

"Because you want people to fear you. Let the people of Westeros see those heads and know that Thor Odinson, Outlander, brought the enemy to his knees," Ragna said. Thor felt this urge to do as she said, to fulfill her wishes. Ragna turned her gaze away from him and looked up at Beric Dondarrion. "Let's leave the Outlanders to the task at hand." The leader of the Brotherhood nodded and carried her away. Thoros of Myr followed right behind with Rhaenar.

"I think we discovered your power, sister," Rhaenar said and Ragna spared him a glance. "You inspire people to do whatever you want."

"I don't use magic or anything like that, brother. I just appeal to a man's natural desire to be useful," Ragna explained. "And it works every time." Beric and Thoros exchanged a look.

"Is she aware that she's telling us we've been had?" Thoros posed. Beric just shrugged.