GOT - Part 41
The Pathfinder. Outside of Lannisport.
A few days after the vampire waifu had been captured, bound to me and then sold, the airship began moving south along the western coast of Westeros as we'd sought out the port city that we'd later landed near to.
Before leaving I'd spent some time with the Three-Eyed Raven learning from him, but he had his own work and was teaching Jojen some important stuff so I'd decided to seek out other sources of information. I could always return to him later if I wished.
I'd earned five points for binding a few Children of the Forest who I'd then unbound once they were pregnant. This got me a few points from the company as saving the Children of the Forest turned out to be a mission so it had been worth the effort even if I didn't get any points for capturing.
Within hours of landing just outside of the city I'd learned much about Lannisport. Such as how it is protected by a ring of walls, that are high and strong. If I were a medieval warlord I would not wish to try sacking the city without a lot of siege engines.
By talking with the merchants I also learned that the city was widely known for its exports of products made of gold, such as all kinds of jewellery. Other things that they exported as well as imported and that I'd brought some of, was wine, and spices.
Merchants from Lannisport often traded with their counterparts in the Free Cities, and this trade must be profitable if ship captains were willing to risk falling prey to not only Ironborn raiders but also the pirates and slavers who infest the Stepstones, the islands that had once formed a landbridge between Essos and Westeros.
I'd been assured that Lannisport is policed by the well-trained City Watch that kept the peace and that it would be safe for my companions to go out and explore the city. I'd allowed this, but only in large groups.
During my time here I was able to purchase a map that show me sights, such as the city's great motherhouse which was this world's version of a nunnery as well as other important locations.
Like King's Landing, Lannisport had many high-quality brothels, and while this was interesting to learn since it meant that there could be many wealthy men seeking some sort of distraction who were living in the city, I had no use for brothels personally.
I'd not really come to Lannisport to trade with the merchants of this city, even if that would be a good way of keeping coin coming into my coffers. No, I'd come here to meet with one man.
He was one of the most dangerous men in this world. Not due to any physical or mystical power that he possessed, rather due to his great political influence and the military might he could command.
I would have to be careful with my newest visitor as while my Terminator could kill him before he made any direct hostile moves my guest could interfere with my plans and be an indirect threat.
"He's here" Cameron let me know.
A moment later Tywin Lannister entered the small office I kept onboard the airship in case I needed to meet with VIPs. It was somewhat comfortable with its sofa, stuffed chairs, even if it was cramped, and I kept a minibar in here, yet it was rather plain in terms of decoration.
At least I'd been able to get the outside of the ship painted all white so that it didn't offend so many people's taste. That somewhat made up for the insides not being very impressive to look at. Not that the locals would care much given that they were in awe of the flying ship and interested in acquiring some of my cargo.
"Lord Lannister," I said, "Welcome on board The Pathfinder".
The Lion of the Rock, to use one of his titles, wore an ornate set of armour in the colours of his house and he had lion faces on the pauldrons. That kind of metalwork could not have come cheaply.
"Normally I don't come running when someone calls for me," said Tywin "But given what you're offering to sell I can understand why you thought it best to summon me here".
I hadn't exactly summoned him I'd paid a messenger to go tell the Paramount what I was willing to sell him. Although I could see how he'd view it as a way of making him come to me when normally people came to pay respect to a Lord-Paramount.
"My security is adequate for guarding my ship," I said, "But given the sums of money involved and what I am selling, it's best to be careful".
The lord simply nodded in agreement. Such caution was rarely foolish.
"Before we begin discussing the sword I want you to tell me what you know about the disappearance of my children" my guest insisted.
Not an unreasonable demand.
"I met Ser Jaime and the queen just once, very briefly at the welcome feast," I said truthfully "It was loud and my place in the hall was towards the back so I quickly presented my gifts before I made my way down the hall. I stopped to talk to Robb Stark for a few moments and to share a drink with him, before rejoining my wife and ward. I didn't see anything suspicious, but it was a very crowded hall".
The crafty lord might spot an outright lie so I'd decided on what I was going to say long before this meeting started.
"What gifts did you give them?" I was asked.
That might seem an odd question, but I figured that Tywin was wise to ensure that he had as much information as he could get about the events leading up to the disappearance of his twins even if they were connected.
"I gave the queen and princess some jewellery in the style of what can be found in my homeland" I answered "I gave Ser Jaime a simple-looking gold bracelet, one that I matched with a gift I mean to present you with. Prince Joffrey received a decoration, and your youngest grandson got some toys he very much enjoys".
The Lion of the Rock acted as nothing I'd told him was of any real interest. And would it be? The royal family would receive gifts all the time as would Tywin from people such as myself who wished for the favour of powerful figures. That he'd know I was at Winterfell during the royal visit made sense since news would have spread by raven across the kingdoms by now of my airship visiting The North.
"During your time visiting Winterfell, you were made aware of my children's disappearance" stated the Lannister Lord "Tell me what you know of the event".
Everything since I'd arranged it so I had to lie at this point.
"Very little my lord," I said "I rented a warehouse in Wintertown and visited Winterfell many times during my visit, but I spent my nights on board this airship. I was told about Ser Jaime and The Queen's disappearance the morning after it is believed they vanished".
"I heard about how they went missing from a room that was locked from the inside and how there was no evidence that they'd climbed out the window" I was now saying "it seems impossible that they could have simply vanished or snuck out without being seen. Perhaps there was a secret passage, but no one ever spoke of it".
If anyone had come to that conclusion they'd never mentioned it publicly. Winterfell was large and old so I wouldn't rule out secret passages.
"The King didn't suspect foul play or he wouldn't have left his own daughter with the Starks," I said.
Tywin considered my words.
"I don't think the Starks are to blame at all" he stated.
He didn't go into any detail on that, but it wasn't hard to see why he'd not blame the Starks, Eddard was simply too honourable and predictable to someone like Tywin because of it. Robert was too direct so Twyin would be looking elsewhere for anyone to blame.
"Do you have any suspects, my lord?" I asked, "I might be able to help if you do".
Unless Tywin suspected me, and there's no reason he should, he'd be a fool not to seek the aid of the man who can fly around Westeros.
"I'm offering a reward for their safe return, lands and titles here in the Westerlands, and a less generous sum of gold for the man who can put me on their trail" I was informed "Spread the news for me, and if you can aid in their recovery I would be grateful".
Since Tywin was so cunning I wasn't going to try implicating someone as that could backfire and if he found out the truth even binding him might prevent such a clever man from finding a way to hurt me, even if wasn't directly. Hence my desire to tread carefully.
"My other son was taken into protective custody by Lord Stark" mentioned Tywin Lannister "Were you present for that?".
I hadn't been.
"By then I was preparing to leave," I told my guest "My homeland is far from here and I had matters to attend to. So I left Winterfell as the royal party did. I just returned to the Seven Kingdoms".
Again all of that was true, more or less.
"Now let us discuss the terms for purchasing a new Brightroar" declared Tywin "From what I hear you have been granted land in The North and that you already have a wife".
None of that had been a question, but I confirmed it anyway, and I knew that the Lannister Lord was looking for a way to bind me to his family. Marriage would be a good way to do that as would making me a lord in the Westerlands.
This is exactly why Eddard Stark had given me some land as it bound me to his service even if it was loosely since I would have no men to call upon for battle and I wouldn't be profiting from the land so he couldn't tax me either. But I was still a northern lord in name and he was the Lord Paramount of The North.
"What about a squire?" enquired Tywin Lannister.
In the Seven Kingdoms, a Squire is a young man that enters the service of a knight or lord, with the promise of attaining knighthood at some point in the future when the squire's master deems it proper. Squires usually take the role of a personal servant, running errands for their masters and keeping their armour, shield, weaponry, and horse ready for battle or tournaments.
"I have no need for a squire or the time to teach one," I said "I don't even know anything about Knighthood. I'm just a merchant and I don't have any more room on my ship for more people even if I wanted a squire".
Besides, I didn't want any Lannister spies in my ranks. Family bonds aren't easily overridden so I couldn't be sure of such a person's loyalty.
"Very well," said Tywin "I can offer fifty-thousand gold dragons that I will have brought to your airship once my Maester has inspected this greatsword of yours".
I didn't think Tywin would simply take the sword and then refuse to pay as 'A Lannister Always Pays His Debts' and since I'd made it public knowledge that I was selling him the sword it wasn't as if he could just hush it all up. Besides if he betray me I had laser cannons and missiles that could blast Casterly Rock into rubble.
Fifty-thousand gold dragons was even more than what the king was offering as the reward for winning the jousting at the tourney, which hadn't happened yet, and since the crown borrows that money from the Lannisters it made sense that Lord Twyin would have that kind of money.
I wondered if his mines had run dry yet as there were supposed to in the show or if that had been a lie he told to his daughter to motivate her into marrying Ser Loras. I wouldn't put it past Tywin to have vast fortunes hidden away under Casterly Rock built up by generations of Lannisters.
"Already I have waved away any tariffs and any fee you would normally pay for trading in Lannisport and you will not pay them in the future," the old lion told me.
This was an enticement for me to return to Lannisport for more trading and it was written down on formal-looking documents that Tywin Lannister had already signed. Once the sword was examined I would get 50 thousand gold dragons and untaxed trade here in Lannisport. Meaning I could purchase goods cheaply and make more profit on what I should.
"I can agree to these terms," I said as I signed the document.
What mattered most of all was that the Lannister Lord accepted a gold bracelet as a token. He was wearing armour so he couldn't put it on now, and I wondered if he would later or just put it away somewhere. I'd find out before too long.
As for the sword. I knew how to make the weapons even if I didn't yet what I needed to forge them.
GOT - Part 42
The Red Keep. Kingslanding.
From the Westerlands we'd travelled to the Crownlands, only diverting for a short time so that Dany and Jon could check out the Ruby Ford in the Riverlands, where Rhaegar Targaryen fell in battle. Neither Dany nor Jon had ever met the prince, but he was a member of their family, so they'd wanted to pay their respects.
There hadn't been anything to do see while there as the battle had been many years ago and Rhaegar had been cremated rather than buried so there was no gravesite to visit, as such we hadn't stayed for long.
"So you went to Lannisport?" asked Eddard Stark "And met with Tywin Lannister?".
I'd parked The Pathfinder well outside of the city due to the smell, it wouldn't affect trade too much since anyone with coin to spend on my goods would be wealthy enough to own a horse and could just ride out to the airship.
This meant I had to ride into the city to meet with Lord Stark, which was a bit of a pain, but I wanted to keep my distance from the Red Keep when possible.
I felt bad for Arya and Jon who had moved into the Tower of the Hand. Sure Bran and Sansa were there, but neither of the Starks that I travelled with cared about courtly life.
"Yes and I sold him a Valyrian steel greatsword" I mentioned.
It was a testament to how busy the Hand of the King was that he didn't address that. I felt quite pleased with the sale as while Tywin Lannister had not been bound to me, he must have put the bracelet I'd given to him in a draw somewhere, I'd made more than enough money from him to fund my own army.
While we couldn't get an exact exchange rate for the value of the golden dragons for American dollars, between Cameron and Fred, who both head for numbers, they figured that Tywin Lannister had paid me several hundred million dollars for the greatsword. They'd worked this out based on the value of the gold that made up the coins and prices for some goods here in Westeros.
It seemed likely that if I combined my treasure and cargo with that money, then I could afford to go off and conquer at least one of the Stepstones, and then set up my own island nation.
A somewhat tempting idea, but I had no desire to play warlord and I didn't think the investment would be worth it since I didn't have any waifu skilled at managing a nation or running a government. I hadn't been thinking in such terms when planning what waifu I'd get.
"Did you see any sign that he is preparing for war?" asked Eddard.
I had not. I'd seen no troops marching about. No one making weapons. Not even any frantic activity outside of trading.
"No, at least not in Lannisport" I answered "He seems to be gathering information about his children's whereabouts and activities before they disappeared. I don't think he's going to march an army anywhere until he has an idea of where to go".
Which would be nowhere since he never find any trace of his twins. They weren't even in this world.
It made sense that he was being so careful. he couldn't fight all the other kingdoms and the Lannisters had no real allies, just lost of enemies, and no way to turn them on each other that I could see.
Without Cersei acting as Queen-Regent and Joffrey as King, he had no hold over the lords in the Crownlands. The Stormlands would answer Robert's call to war and since Robert might need a new king the Tyrells were more likely to back Robert in the hopes that he'd take Margaery Tyrell as his new queen.
The North would support Robert and the ruling family in Dorne would either stay out of it all or go against the Lannisters. The Vale was sealed up due to Lysa Arryn so it was no good to anyone, but the Riverlands would side with Robert most due to having marriage ties with the Starks.
"He's offering a lordship and gold to anyone who can find them and gold to anyone who can point to their location" I mentioned, "He also told me that you're keeping his younger son as a hostage. He won't forget that, but he's not going to risk his only heir while Jaime is missing".
Sooner or later he would lash out and there wasn't much I could prevent that even I could destroy him if was marching at the head of an army later. I wondered if he'd lay the blame on those who were meant to protect his children, or on some member of Robert's court that had been in Winterfell at that time.
"I don't think Tywin will blame your house or the king" I was now saying "Robert isn't known for being less direct and you're not known for you scheming".
Eddard took no offence at my words.
"So we have time to prepare at least," he said "Not that the realm can afford a war. I've been going over the books and the crown is a massive amount of debt. I don't really understand why. Even Robert's spending can only account for so much".
I saw a chance to advance my plans. The lord was too distracted by looking into the death of Jon Arryn and matters of state to worry much about the finances of the kingdom and he might welcome someone who offered to ease his burden.
"If you lend me the books I can go over them for you" I offered "I am well educated in matters of business and numbers".
Well, I did a college course on business studies, which had been more about working in an office than anything else, but that put me well above most people in Westeros since I could actually count and notice patterns. Plus I had Fred and Cameron, the latter of which was a walking, talking supercomputer.
"Given your background, you would do a better job than me and don't see any harm since you have earned my trust," said Lord Stark as he gestured towards the books "Gothic, make sure you come to me with any findings you have. Don't let anyone know I'm having you look into this".
If nothing else Littlefinger might do something desperate and stupid. I would need to be careful and then gather evidence of wrongdoing by the Master of Coin, and put in terms simple enough for King Robert to understand. If I could get him mad he'd happily execute Littlefinger. This was something I wanted as the schemer was destabilising the kingdom that my wife wanted our son to one day rule.
"I'm greatly concerned about the crown's spending" Eddard admitted.
He was confiding a lot in me even if I was one of his lords and as far as he knew a close friend of two of his children. Perhaps it was because he simply had no one else around here to talk to so freely.
"Yes, my lord, I heard about the tourney," I said "The prizes are meant to be excessive".
Eddard's face told me that this was true.
"Perhaps I can help" I offered "Could the king be convinced to replace the prize money, at least partly, with goods from my homeland. I'd be willing to donate some of my cargo if it meant gaining favour with the Hand of the King and the King himself".
Given how much Tywin paid for the sword I could afford to be generous.
"And these prizes would only create more interest in your goods" Eddard realised.
Well, there was that too. Lord Stark was more clever than people thought.
"I'll speak to Robert on the matter," said Lord Stark "He doesn't care about money, but he has a taste of novelty and might be interested in what you have on offer".
This could all work out nicely for me as long as I played my cards right.
GOT - Part 43
The Red Keep. Kingslanding.
Petyr Baelish, commonly known around the court as Littlefinger or the Mocking Bird for his sigil, sat behind his desk as he began mentally going over his plans for the future and how they needed to be changed to fit recent events. An activity that he always enjoyed.
He preferred to work outside of the keep when possible, in an establishment he owned and felt more secure in, however, there was a Small Council meeting soon and there was always work to be done. Tywin Lannister was unlikely to lend the crown any coin and Robert wanted his diversions so he had to find the money somewhere.
While the disappearance of the Queen and her brother should be causing more of the chaos he needed, things were not as hectic as he'd hoped for. He'd expected Lord Tywin Lannister to march at the head of a large army, to go find his children no matter how many borders he crossed.
Yet the old loin seemed content for now to sit at Casterly Rock and to offer lavish sums of money, not a foolish way of handling the situation given the former Hand of the King had no target to vent his wrath upon, but it didn't serve Petyr's plans.
He would have to find some way of provoking the lion with some false evidence. He needed some means of setting the Lannisters against the Starks, the lion needed to fight the wolf as to weaken both families. The Seven Kingdoms needed to burn so that he could rule the ashes and rebuild in his own image with his Cat at his side.
Despite what the Starks might think the Lannisters, however cruel they might be, did not play a part in Jon Arryn's death as Lysa's letter to her sister mentioned. It was Littlefinger who conspired with Arryn's wife, the Lady Lysa Arryn to poison the former Hand of the King with tears of Lys.
That one event should be the fire that started a civil war, and most important of all, he controlled the Vale through Lysa as his ever-loyal puppet. He needed the Knights of the Vale to stay out of the fighting so that when the time came he could use them as his army.
Manipulating Tywin Lannister was risky, Petyr wondered if the Lord of Casterly Rock suspected that someone other than the Starks or the king's family might be working against him. If so then it would explain Tywin's sudden caution.
It would be best to whisper in the ear of Eddard Stark who had few friends outside of The North, and let that fool make the mistakes that would lead to war. Or perhaps the Imp, who was currently under Stark's protection, should meet his end so as to anger the Old Lion enough to get him out of Casterly Rock.
Yes, that could work, and it must look to the Hand of the King as if he was being framed even if others would suspect the Stark lord. It couldn't too obvious even when dealing with the brutish Eddard Stark. Petyr would have to choose his assassin carefully.
The Mockingbird was about to get up and leave for the meeting, his next course of action decided when suddenly men who wore the Stark direwolf on their armour came bursting into his office followed by a man in black and silver. They hadn't even knocked, one of the northern thugs simply kicked the door hard enough to open it.
Could this man be the owner of that fantastic flying machine he'd heard so much about? Until it had landed outside the city Littlefinger hadn't believed the stories and he'd not yet had the chance to learn enough about the vessel or its crew to account for them in his plans. He'd that the ships' captain wore black and silver armour like this man did. He was called the Captain if the Master of Coin remembered correctly.
"What is the meaning of this" Petyr demanded to know.
He was grabbed by two Stark men before he could do more than protest.
"By commanded of the Hand of the King you are under arrest for treason, my lord," said the Captain.
No! This couldn't be. He'd covered his tracks too well. Not even the Spider had anything he could take to Stark. Nothing that the fool would believe.
"I have powerful friends in court!" Petyr warned.
The Captain seemed unconcerned.
"So do I" he replied.
Petyr was soon dragged into the meeting chamber of the small council rather than the throne room as he might have expected, but the king was at the meeting, a sight so rare as to almost be a myth.
"Alright he's here, Ned," said Robert "Now tell me what in the seven hells is going on!".
The Hand of the King placed his fist on the books that Petyr used to record the crown's income and expenses, books that Littlefinger had worked his magic on until no one would be able to understand how he'd purposely bankrupted the throne. No man could ever untangle the weave of numbers he'd made. He was mostly right, no one human had.
"We here to discuss Lord Baelish's treason," said Stark.
Robert cared nothing for 'counting coppers' as he called it, but treason got his attention. Petyr tried to speak up, however, the king trusted his Hand and began to listen to what Eddard Stark had to say after ignoring Littlefinger's attempts to protest.
"Lord Blacksky will explain his findings" stated the Hand of the King.
Somehow this merchant had figured it out. Most of what he spoke about went over the king's head, and Littlefinger might have been able to talk his way of all of it if this Blacksky hadn't started to dumb things down enough for even the drunken monarch to begin to understand.
"The crown's incomes have grown since I took over as Master of Coin" protested Littlefinger when he got the chance to speak "I've brought more money into the treasury than Master of Coin before me"
This was actually true.
"Indeed the crown's incomes are ten times higher than they were under Aerys and so are the crown's expenses," said Blacksky "Unless the king is holding a lot more feasts and tourneys than anyone knows about it shouldn't be adding up to this much. So I asked myself where is all that money going?".
The lord began to answer his own question.
"When trying to figure out where all the money was going I checked out what Littlefinger was spending money on here in the Red Keep," said the Captain "Your Grace, you currently pay wages for the men keeping order in the Black Cells. You pay for twenty turnkeys, six under-gaolers, a chief under gaoler, a gaoler, and a King's Justice for cells that contain less than a half-dozen people on average, and there aren't even six under-gaolers working in the cells. You're paying people to carry out jobs that don't exist and your Master of Coin is approving these payments. Which means he's doing something with that money. Your money".
That alone didn't prove Littlefinger was guilty. It could be seen as a mistake and the blame shifted to some paymaster who worked in the Red Keep. Petyr wasn't the only man who was lining his own pockets.
"I also checked with the men who actually guard the treasury and they all work for Littlefinger directly and report only to him" Blacksky was now saying "As such only he knows what amounts really go in and out of the treasury".
Renly was looking through some of the notes that the Captian had provided.
"As the Master of Laws I can confirm that we don't employ this many people in the Black Cells," he said "I've met them all a few times while performing my duties".
That was rather damning as Renly was Robert's youngest brother and while not well-liked by the king Renly was far more favoured than Petyr by the fat king.
"Then we have to consider how the Master of Coin became the owner of so many businesses here in Kingslanding" Blacksky was now saying "Littlefinger's lands are virtually worthless, and the position of Master of Coin can't possibly provide enough him with enough income to purchase so many businesses here in the city, even if he managed to make them all highly profitable".
The king was getting annoyed.
"So what you're going on about is that Petyr here has been stealing from me to pay for whores who make him money, and then he uses that money to buy even more whores, who make him even more money," said the King "And that he's been doing this for years".
Now that was a very small part of a very large and complex web of schemes that Petyr had spun. He was the spider here not Varys.
"That's some of what I'm trying to say," said Blacksky "It's actually a lot more...".
Robert didn't care for any further explanations from the merchant.
"Ned if you tell me that Littlefinger is stealing from me then that's good enough for me" declared the king
"I won't pretend that I understand it all, Robert" Stark admitted, "But from what Gothic has been able to get me to understand the crown is spending far more than it should be able to and Littlefinger is making money appear out of nowhere by borrowing it in your name and making no effort to repay these debts".
Petyr gritted his teeth as he realised that Stark was not the fool he'd thought. By making it look as Littlefinger was stealing from Robert personally the drunken king took offence when normally matters of money wouldn't stir him from his bed or distract him from his whores, wine and meals.
If only Catylen had come south with her husband, she would have vouched for Petry and gotten Stark to trust him, at least enough that Petyr could have distracted the wolf with other matters, such as the king's bastard who Jon Arryn had taken an interest in.
"And this is more than enough evidence for any court," said Eddard as he gestured the books and the papers Blacksky had provided "We'll be going through it for months".
The King cursed.
"Fine, we'll have a trail. I'll have him found guilty and executed" he decided.
Petyr had one hope left.
"I demand trial by combat!" he called out.
It was his right as a nobleman.
"I need him alive," said Blacksky "If he's been embezzling then it might be possible to reclaim some of what was lost. Let me keep him for a couple of weeks until I reclaim some of it. You can always hang him later or let him fight for his life once I'm done. If I'm wrong then I'll compensate the crown for wasting its time".
Petyr knew he would not be able to withstand torture, but perhaps he could provide enough misinformation to keep Blacksky busy and maybe find some way of escape. That was his only hope.
Combat would not favour him, not if Stark demanded that he fight his own battles and the proud northern brute would most likely do the deed himself and finish what his older had brother started when Brandon Stark had scarred Petyr during a duel, almost killing him back when he had been a mere boy.
"Fine take him" Robert allowed "Work with Ned to recover as much as you can, and then find me a new Master of Coin".
Eddard decided to make things even worse for Petyr.
"Lord Blacksky might as well take the job if he's going to be trying to restore what was lost from the treasury," said Lord Stark "He has sworn to help fund the tourney and he uncovered this treason".
Gothic actually seemed surprised Petyr had the wits to notice and Pycelle finally found a reason to speak, not that anyone cared about his opinion.
"My lords we can't have a foreigner sitting on Small Council" he insisted.
That didn't help the situation.
"I wasn't born in Westeros" reminded Varys "And I have sat on this council for many years".
The king cared not for this.
"He can take the job until we find someone permanent," said the king "I'll leave the rest to you, Ned".
With that Robert washed his hands of the situation and left Petyr to the mercy of the Direwolf.
"You have two weeks, Lord Blacksky and then I want this traitor to be handed over to Lord Renly for punishment," said Eddard Stark "And a fair trial".
With that Petyr was dragged away. He didn't actually need to fear torture he just didn't know that. By the time Gothic was done with him, he'd be telling the new Master of Coin everything he wanted to know and more. He'd even be confessing to the king before too long, but he didn't know that yet.
GOT - Part 44
The Red Keep. Kingslanding.
I'd not planned to become the Master of Coin even if it was merely a temporary position that actually well suited my plans. It would take more than a week for Littlefinger to come fully under my control since he was resiting the binding and I had plenty to keep myself busy with until then.
Becoming such an important lord allowed me to move about much more freely and Lord Stark had made me his adviser so I was helping to shape the future of the Seven Kingdoms. I also wanted to make some improvements while I was here.
With access to the Tower of the Hand, I now had a chance to aid the training of two of my companions while some of us stayed here in the Red Keep. To this end, I had employed Syrio Forel, the famed water dancer and First-Sword of Braavos to teach Dawn and Arya. Both of whom were waiting for me as I entered the room that would be used for the training as I escorted Syrio Forel.
"Dawn, Arya I want you to meet Master Syrio Forel, the First-Sword of Braavos" I introduced "Master Forel I'd like you to meet my ward Lady Dawn Blacksky and Lady Arya Stark of Winterfell".
I'd considered trying to bind Siro to me and would have if not for the fact that my airship was getting a little crowded and I didn't want to sell the guy, nor did I want yet another familiar out there for me to keeps tabs on, at least while I had so much else going on. Besides, I actually trusted him to act like a decent human being and to not screw things up while in my service even if wasn't bound.
"Dawn you will be taking more basic lessons in the morning," I told the two girls "Arya you've been trained somewhat so you'll be taking more advanced lessons in the afternoon. I've already arranged this with your father and these lessons are paid for by me as a gift to you".
If Dawn had anything of Faith in her she'd take well to these lessons and the she-wolf in the room, the one who wasn't a literal wolf, already looked eager to start.
"Should anyone enquire you are both taking dancing lessons," I said "Just don't tell anyone what kind of dancing".
No sense upsetting the primitives who had fixed ideas of gender roles if we could help it. They would only come to me to complain.
"Yes, father," said Dawn.
My ward was doing a good job of acting the part of a noble lady of Westeros.
"Yes, my lord", said Arya.
I should also consider actual dancing lessons if I was going to be spending time in court. Dany should know something about that given that she's a princess or I might need to hire another instructor.
The perk called Body Talent allowed me to rapidly learn any non-supernatural athletic skills you encounter: acrobatics, physical sports, parkour, swimming, etc. I was sure dancing would be included in that.
"Today I will assess your skills and test your reflexes so I will know what you need to learn" the dancing master declared.
I decided to leave them to it as I had other business to attend to as well as training of my own to be getting on with. Before that, I had a meeting with Lord Stark about a rather important matter.
Before long I was inside Eddard's office to find that Tyrion Lannister had already arrived. Good, this would save me some time.
"Ah Lord Blacksky" greeted the Imp "Lord Stark was just letting me try a sample of your vodka".
Well, that should help win Tyrion over.
"Has he told you why we wanted to speak to you?" I asked.
It was Hand of the King that answered as I took a seat.
"We waited for you," he informed.
Tyrion wasn't here for drinks, or at least not just for drinks.
"Thank you," I said, before quickly getting down to business "Lord Tyrion I want you to become Seneschal of Kingslanding, to work directly under myself and Lord Stark".
The small man took a moment to process that.
"I know the Maester's Citadel has a seneschal," he said "But I'm not sure how that would work in this city".
Rather than reply I got up and walked over to an open window.
"Out there is the most important city in the entire of Westeros, and it's a dump, it stinks and it needs someone to help clean it up" I was now saying,
"I think you could be the man who improves this city".
Tyrion was surprised, but he controlled his reaction rather well.
"I know that I did a good job with the pipes of Casterly Rock," he said "I'm just not sure if I can repeat that success here".
There was more to it than that.
"This isn't just about the sewers," I told the fan favourite character "Once Littlefinger is found guilty all his businesses will revert to the crown since they were funded by the royal treasury. Someone will need to manage them on behalf of the crown".
Lord Stark voiced his opinion.
"I have no use for whores, but if the brothels all close down those women will have nowhere to go and no way of making a living. Many would go hungry or turn to crime" he told the Imp "Lord Blacksky argued as much when he suggested this role for you".
Not that this was all about whores.
"And there are some other spirits I'd like to introduce" I mentioned "The crown is in debt so we need to set up ways of making some money, and to spend what we do have carefully".
Lord Stark had recently given the rights to produce bourbon whisky to House Bolton for reasons I'd hadn't cared enough to enquire about. Thankfully there were plenty of other spirits and other products I could introduce and have someone else manage for me.
"I'm quite good at spending money, but a lifetime of outrageous wealth hasn't taught me much about managing it," the dwarf said.
That line sounded familiar.
"You'll be spending it on improving the city," I said "Doing something that improves lives, isn't that worth your time?".
Lord Stark had his own reasons for agreeing to this idea.
"We also need an excuse to keep in the city and Lord Blacksky is of the opinion that it's a waste to keep you locked up in your room" admitted Eddard "He thinks you have potential".
I knew that he did.
"And what if I refuse?" the small lord asked.
There was no need for him to worry about any sort of punishment and I wasn't going to bind him since I already had so much going on. My progress bar was filling well and there were bounties I could send my waifu after for more points.
"Then you can go back to your room and do nothing," I told him.
Eddard wasn't exactly enthusiastic about all of this, but he did need help.
"So you want to put me in charge of the whores, the sewage and making some strong drink" Tyrion summarised.
Not just those things.
"And helping organise the tourney" I informed the Imp "Basically you'll be an administer someone who makes sure things get done. You'll earn your pay and since you'll be running the brothels you can imagine what sort of benefits the job comes with".
I was really good at selling some things.
"As long as the work gets done how you spend your free time is your own business and we'll find you some support staff" I added.
And perhaps he could become a replacement for me, only I'd suggest that once Eddard and Tyrion found a way of working together.
"I'll do it" decided the dwarf "If only because I'm bored and need something productive to do".
If he could be Hand of the King he could help fix up the city.
"Thank you, Lord Tyrion," said Eddard "I'll call for you in the afternoon to go over the details of the tourney".
With that, the Imp headed out and left us to handle some other matters before I sought out someone to train with in the practice yard. Like Quote ReplyReport Reactions:victor janus, rickardlindrothyahoo, Daimon Agafo and 135 othersGothicjedi666Mar 16, 2022Reader modeNewAdd bookmark Threadmarks Threadmarks GOT - Part 45 New Threadmarks Gothicjedi666Lover and writer of SI fics.Mar 16, 2022Add bookmark#484Spoiler
I Owe My Soul To The Company Store (Waifu Catalogue)
GOT - Part 45
Tourney Grounds. Kings Landing.
The ruler of this realm was not what you would call a patient man. Unlike everyone else who was quite happy to wait for the knights to start the joust when they were good and ready. It needed to be done correctly or someone was going to die. Something I'd rather avoid since I'd gone to great trouble to help set up this event.
As for me. I didn't see the need to rush; it wasn't as if watching two grown men on horseback poking each other with big sticks was that much fun. However, I did come from a world with blockbuster action movies so my perspective of what counted as thrilling entertainment would naturally be different than that of the locals.
"We've been sitting here for days!" the guy who sat on the Iron Throne shouted drunkenly "Start the damn joust before I piss myself!".
You could tell that he'd not been raised as a prince.
"Here you go Sansa," I said as I passed her by "That gift you wanted".
The older Stark girl was sitting with her beloved Joffrey and I was glad that I'd just taken the time to order Sansa to give her prince one of my bracelets, that she would gift it to him as a token of her affection, a gift the social protocol should force him to accept and wear long enough for him to be bound.
Soon I would have the crown prince under my control and I'd assured the future queen that I'd order him to care for her. Without his mother around he should be easier to control and I didn't wish Sansa to be in an abusive relationship even if I didn't care much about her as she was my familiar.
Now that the tourney was almost over I could once again begin focusing on acquiring more points. The Red Keep was full of potential targets, such as the Tyrells who'd brought their prize rose along in the hopes of her attracting the king's attention.
Because his sister was here Ser Loras was now giving the flowers he handed out to his sister rather than Sansa. If he should win he would crown his sister as the queen of beauty with a circlet of roses. Apparently, this was a big deal for the ladies.
I didn't wish to have the Lady Tyrell as a proper companion, but she'd be useful as a familiar since she might just end up marrying Robert, who didn't much care for the rulers of the Reach, as he thought with his dick. Even if she just married Renly she could still be of value to me.
Jon and I sat on the beach next to Sansa's as I had been given a seat near the king since I was the Master of Coin, along with Dany and Dawn who here playing their roles. Jon was my sword shield so despite his station as a bastard it was right for him to stay close to me. Cameron was my actual protection, but no one outside of my group needed to know that, or even realise she was here.
"Who's that?" Arya asked as she pointed at the giant of a man on horseback "The big man".
I was surprised that she didn't know. Then again I could imagine Eddard, who'd been forced to go sit with the king, doing his best to keep his daughters ignorant of what happened when the Lannister army took Kingslanding during the end of the rebellion.
"That is Ser Gregor Clegane, The Mountain. The Hound's older brother" I said "Stay away from him".
She knew who The Hound was because he followed Joffrey around. As for The Mountain, he was a man I'd like to see dead for his crimes and so would two of my companions. It was personal for them.
"Do you know who he is facing?" Dawn asked me.
As a matter of fact, I did.
"Ser Hugh of The Vale. He was Jon Arryn's squire" I told her.
Before too long the two 'knights', I didn't think either of them deserved that title, bowed to their drunken king before riding to their respective sides of the field. During the first ride, they both missed their target as the crowd gasped. Then they soon turned their horses around and rode once more for the amusement of the masses.
The crowd looked on, and excitement rose the closer the two of the riders got. The excitement was replaced with shouts that didn't last long because while the Mountain's lance had knocked the smaller man off his horse it didn't end his life.
Hugh quickly went back to his tent never knowing that my use of magical telekinesis had just saved his life. I'd been trying to master the forces of magic ever since I arrived in Buffy's world and finally, it was paying off. I could move things with my mind and I'd been able to do that just enough to save someone's life.
I'd cleverly moved the lance that would have claimed his life since while Ser Hugh meant nothing to me it hadn't cost me much effort to save his. Sadly for Hugh of the Vale, I might have only brought him a few hours as someone important really wanted him dead, but I wasn't here to save people I'd just acted out of kindness on a whim more than anything else. If I had more control I'd have tried to move Hugh's lance so that he ended up impaling The Mountain.
As for who wanted Hugh dead I knew for that for sure. Littlefinger, who'd come under my control, had wanted the so-called knight killed in case the young man knew anything about Jon Arryn's death and having The Mountain perform the murder implicated the Lannisters rather nicely.
Since I had Petyr locked away and singing like a canary as such I'd known about this arranged public murder well in advance. Littlefinger had been able to bribe The Mountain who wouldn't have minded killing Hugh anyway as he was a monster, and he might find a way of slaying him later despite Littlefinger's instructions.
"You seem happy," I said to Jon.
Well as happy as he ever could be. The bastard of Winterwell didn't smile very often, but now that I'd gotten to know him better I knew he was hiding how pleased he was.
It could have something to do with the promised revenge we were working on. We'd have to be careful with Amory Lorch and Gregor Clegane as if Tywin Lannister lost two of his bannermen suspiciously that might be enough to drive him into action.
"I did well in the melee" Jon mentioned to me "and in the archery contest".
He hadn't won either of those, and he couldn't joust as he wasn't a knight, still, he'd done his father proud. Even Sansa had cheered for him Arya had been his biggest supporter. Or so I was told, I'd been busy helping to organise all of this.
Now all I had to do was sit back and try to enjoy it.
GOT - Part 46
Tourney Grounds. Kings Landing.
"Well, now. That's rather underhanded," I offhandedly commented.
The Mountain was about to face off against Ser Loras and his horse was acting funny. I knew exactly why. You didn't even need to have seen the TV show to realise what was going on.
"What is it?" Dany asked.
I soon told her what I didn't need my memories to tell me.
"Ser Loras Tyrell's mare is in heat. It's attracting the attention of Clegane's stallion," I explained to my wife "And Ser Loras is well aware of this".
Currently, they were having what passed for horsey foreplay, which seemed to involve making noises at each other, and not standing still. I was pretty sure male horses were larger than the females unlike with many animal species, so Clegane must be riding the stallion. Given his size, a lesser horse would break its back.
"That's…not honourable," Jon said with a troubled expression on his face.
I snorted in amusement. Honour was something these Andals used as an excuse for actions and they ignored it when the concept got in the way.
"Knights shouldn't..." I heard Sansa start to say.
She was interrupted by the screaming caused by the sight of the Mountain killing his horny horse with a single ferocious blow that half severed the poor beast's neck.
By the time the horse fell silent, Ser Gregor was striding down the grounds towards Ser Loras. No doubt intent on murder. This was not part of Littlefinger's plans, this was a result of Clegane showing his true nature. He was a mad dog that needed to be put down.
Over the cacophony of shrieks and cries, I heard a voice shout out for someone to stop the Mountain, but none dared make the attempt. I could have used magic or just a gun, but that would be risky as in such a crowd someone might notice. I even considered ordering Cameron to go do something horrible the false knight, but again it wasn't worth it since I didn't want people to know what I or members of my group were really capable of doing.
"I'm going to stop this" declared my sworn shield.
Before I could protest, Jon drew the sword I'd given him and went to intercept The Mountain. It wasn't a moment too soon, he saved Ser Loras from a blow from Ser Gregor, by holding his sword perpendicular to the Mountain's slash which had come down from above his head.
A normal sword might have shattered under that blow, but Jon wasn't holding a normal sword. Plus he was stronger than he looked and my efforts to hinder the big killer with my growing powers went unnoticed in all the confusion.
"Get out of here!" Snow shouted at the stunned Knight of Flowers.
The young Tyrell obliged as he scrambled away. The Mountain tried to go after his prey, only to lose his footing as Ghost, who seemed to simply appear, had gotten a hold of his ankle and I doubted the man's armour would protect him well enough against that bite.
Jon used the moment when 'Ser' Gregor stumbled to strike out at The Mountain. The thick steel armour should have managed to prevent the blow from being deadly. Only it was a magic sword, forged with fire and blood, and Jon knew what he was doing, so he managed to wound the Mountain.
The Hound didn't interfere for some reason. Maybe the crown prince, more worried about his safety than normal since his mother and uncle had disappeared, had ordered him to stay close. Not that it mattered since Jon seemed to be handling the situation.
"STOP THIS MADNESS!" Robert boomed, actually sounding like a ruler for once "IN THE NAME OF YOUR KING!"
Jon did as he was told, backing away, the Mountain didn't obey, he lurched forward, only he suddenly dropped to the ground in a spreading pool of his own blood. Snow must have struck something vital.
A moment later, Ser Loras had returned to the field and was praising Jon as one of the Kingsguard dared to see the Mountain was still breathing. It was a toss-up if it was Ghost or fear of the Clegane that kept people back.
"I owe you my life, Ser," Loras said loudly enough to be heard "The day is yours".
This earned cheers from the crowd, as applause rang through the commons. They all quietened as King Robert stood up to appraise Eddard's son.
"Give me your sword and kneel," the monarch demanded.
My companion did just that, and if the ruler noticed the quality of the blade he didn't mention it.
"You have acted like a true knight this day," the king said, sounding far more formal than normal, he was voice was very steady and he sounded as if he was taking this seriously "You did well in the melee showing your skill as a warrior, and you risked your own life to defend another when he could not protect himself".
I knew what would happen next. When in the right mood the monarch could be very generous.
"Jon Snow of House Stark," Robert began as tapped Jon's shoulders with his sword "In the name of the Warrior, I charge you to be brave. In the name of the Father, I charge you to be just. In the name of the Mother, I charge you to defend the young and innocent. In the name of the Maid, I charge you to protect all women. Rise, Ser Jon Stark... the White Wolf!"
The crowd erupted into rapturous applause, as cheers filled the air for the new knight even as the dead Mountain was dragged off the field by four strong men. As for the White Wolf part, the king had noticed Ghost helping so it made sense.
As everyone cheered for this unexpected development I worried about what Tywin Lannister would do about this. Would be care about someone putting down the beast when it had gotten out of hand? Would he be too concerned with his golden twins to even take note of what happened here today? We'd find out in time.
There was a certain amount of amusement value in seeing Robert bestow a title on the son of his enemy and his lost lady love. Not that Robert could ever be allowed to know that Jon was anything other than Eddard Stark's former bastard.
Jon becoming a Stark might cause problems for him back in Winterfell, but they could be lessened by giving Jon some land far from Lady Stark and Jon would be coming with me when we left this world so it wasn't as if he was going to see Catylen Stark any time soon.
I also had to figure out what to do with all the prizes I'd set aside for the winner of the joust which was one of my own people. Hopefully, Jon would accept a cash prize for them and let me sell the products so they didn't end up cluttering my ship's cargo bay.Last edited: Mar 17, 2022 Like Quote ReplyReport Reactions:victor janus, rickardlindrothyahoo, Daimon Agafo and 136 othersGothicjedi666Mar 16, 2022Reader modeNewAdd bookmark Threadmarks SnoozePlant-person with facial hairMar 16, 2022Add bookmark#486Ser Jon Stark! that's one more goddam big butterfly, love the idea. Like Quote ReplyReport Reactions:FortunisMortis, Lillibilli and WintercatFaralisWell worn.Mar 16, 2022Add bookmark#487The irony of King Robert knighting the son of his enemy ( and also the son of his love crush ) is ... impressive. Like Quote ReplyReport Reactions:omegasrevenge, Mizuki_Stone and LillibilliAconitumI trust you know where the happy button is?Mar 16, 2022Add bookmark#488If the MC ever visits The Witcher, will Jon Stark and Gerald have a battle to death for the "White Wolf" Titel? Like Quote ReplyReport Reactions:Impartial Panic, Lillibilli and ryuanGothicjedi666Lover and writer of SI fics.Mar 16, 2022Add bookmark#489Aconitum said:If the MC ever visits The Witcher, will Jon Stark and Gerald have a battle to death for the "White Wolf" Titel?
I can't see either of those men killing anyone over a title they don't care about. Like Quote ReplyReport Reactions:3ofSpades, Lillibilli, ryuan and 2 othersThreadmarks GOT - Part 47 New Threadmarks Gothicjedi666Lover and writer of SI fics.Mar 17, 2022Add bookmark#490Spoiler
I Owe My Soul To The Company Store (Waifu Catalogue)
GOT - Part 47
The Red Keep. Kings Landing.
As the Hand's tourney came to an end there was one last part for us to get through, and that was the big feast. Since I was the Master of Coin I had a place at the high table with the king who sure knew how to enjoy himself.
There was plenty of wine and other intoxicating drinks on offer, a lot of which I'd donated, as well as so much food I had to wonder how anyone could be starving down in Flea Bottom if they had this much produce coming into the capital.
The leftovers alone should be able to stock many larders and perhaps they should.
"Cameron go down to the kitchens and find out what happens to leftovers" I ordered, "If anything is just thrown away at the end then I want you to tell the staff that they are to take the leftover into the city and give them to the poor on the order of the Master of Coin".
I was paying for this feast since the crown couldn't borrow the money from anyone else. Lucky for me I could purchase quite a lot of food at very reasonable prices.
Most of my companions avoided social events in Westeros because
they didn't care for medieval pageantry, they preferred the comforts of Grand Manor or to visit LA, only during the day since they weren't stupid, if they felt the need to venture out.
"So are you happy to be a knight?" I asked Jon.
He didn't seem to know what to think of it.
"Knighthood doesn't mean as much in the north," he said.
Which wasn't much of an answer. I could understand why he felt conflicted about it as the two of us had schemed to find a way to give Jon a chance to kill The Mountain, and perhaps he felt bad for being rewarded for getting revenge.
I'm sure it felt strange for Jon to have been knighted by the very man who killed his biological father. Not that Jon hated Robert since the Targaryen prince had been killed in an honourable battle. Besides Robert would soon be dead, even if his wife wasn't around, so seeking revenge on him would be a waste and it could make trouble for House Stark.
"Just remember that you saved Ser Loras," I told him "Even if that wasn't your intent at the time you still did it and that is what you were knighted for".
We stopped talking for a moment as The Hand of the King came over. By now Jon and I had been able to put some distance between ourselves and King Robert as people began to leave the tables to seek out friends to chat with. Those seeking royal favours had soon taken our places and they were welcome to them.
My wife and ward on seemed to adore this sort of event so they were happy to remain at the table with Sansa Stark and Arya who seemed to be handling this party well enough.
"I can see why the king went and knighted me, but why make me a Stark" I heard Jon say to his father "Any idea why he did that?".
Lord Stark didn't seem pleased that Jon had gotten such a reward, but I knew that this had to do with his concern about Robert somehow figuring out about Jon's true parents rather than him thinking that his nephew shouldn't have the honour.
Not that I thought that there was much chance of the king figuring out the truth given that he didn't even realise that his own children weren't actually his blood. Robert didn't strike me as a very bright person even when he was sober and I didn't think I'd seen him when he wasn't drunk.
Also, like any good father, Eddard didn't like the fact that Jon had endangered himself either. I could detect the lord's concern even if he kept his expression stoic.
Really someone else, like guards sworn to defend House Tyrell should have taken action against The Mountain.
"Robert's always been quick to hand out gifts to those who he likes" The Hand of the King was now saying "And he's been looking for some way to bring our two families closer so it makes sense for him to knight you and make you legitimate, it's his way of saying that the Starks have the favour of the king. He tells people as much, but words are wind, actions speak more clearly".
So it did make some sense. Perhaps Robert was not as much of an oaf as he might seem.
"Don't forget that Ser Loras is the heir to Highgarden and while Robert doesn't care much for the Tyrells they are a very powerful family" Eddard was now saying "So it was somewhat wise of Robert to reward you on his terms so that the Tyrells can't use your saving of Loras as an excuse to show off their gratitude and draw more attention to themselves".
"And killing The Mountain will have pleased him. Still, I'd avoid the Lannisters more than ever if I were you" advised Lord Stark to the both of us "I hope you'll take my advice and never return to the Westerlands".
Yeah, it would be best to stay away from Tywin Lannister from now. Not that I had a need to visit that part of this world again. I'd already made myself insanely rich by selling that Valyrian Steel Greatsword.
"That he has outright legitimised you can cause problems," Eddard told his nephew and adopted son "The Holster Tully might complain about how adding you to the succession threatens his grandchildren. Robert must have forgotten, or maybe he thinks Holster won't cause a fuss since he's supposed to be very ill from what I hear".
I could see the Tully whining about Jon becoming a Stark.
"The grandsons of Holster Tully, your brother Robb and Robin Aryan are both set to become Lord Paramounts, but if something happened to both Robb and your father, then you could become Lord of Winterfell" I explained to Jon "Even if you are behind all of your brothers in the line of succession Bran is simply too young to lead the North. Whereas you are older, you were knighted by the king, and by taking down The Mountain you showed yourself to be a proven warrior. Some of the Northern lords might support your claim over that of your younger brothers at least. That could cause problems".
Right away Jon expressed that he would never go against Bran, and of course, he wouldn't.
"We know that and so does Robb" assured his father "But it would be far from the first time that a legitimised bastard was set against his family by disloyal lords. Daemon Blackfyre didn't just suddenly wake up one morning and decide that he wanted to be king, some powerful men sought to advance their own station by placing a Blackfyre on the throne, and some would have believed that he would truly make a better king. Those men would have whispered into this ear about how he should be king, twisting his thoughts with their words".
Jon understood this.
"I was thinking that it would be better for Jon to have a small keep somewhere out of the way. Maybe close to my lands" I said to Eddard "His share of the profits would be enough to restore a castle and support a family if the land doesn't offer much. You can appoint a steward to run the place while we are away".
No doubt Lord Stark had been thinking along those lines and I doubted this would be the last time we discussed it.
"If you're both travelling for a while then I don't foresee much trouble," Eddard let us know "I can soothe the Tully's by promising that you'll that get some land far from Winterfell and that you won't be in the North for a long time. I've been thinking about sending Bran to squire under the Blackfish or Edmure Tully. That should help convince the Tullys that I still value our alliance".
Edmure Tully had no wife or children so Bran could serve the role of heir if needs be and be knighted in the south. Unlike Jon, Bran actually wanted to be a knight. Eddard might have Jon to take Bran as a squire if not for the fact that he knew my group were all going off to explore the world.
"I hope you saved your winnings," said Lord Stark "There'll be a limit to how much I can support you once you do settle down".
He was aware that I'd given Jon as a cash prize since I needed to sell my cargo and not have it clutter up my airship.
"I was thinking of giving some of the money to House Stark to help prepare for the coming winter, it will be a long one," said Jon "Winterfell will need provisions".
Lord Stark patted his son on the shoulder.
"That's generous Jon," he said, "But first you need to think about your own future. You could serve The North and help protect your family by becoming a lord that keeps The North safe. A lot of our lands are untamed and are savaged by Wildlings. I need strong lords to protect our people".
This did appeal to the new knight and it was better than going to The Wall. Something Eddard didn't encourage even if he thought there was still honour in taking The Black.
"There are those among my bannermen who would offer a daughter in marriage to help begin a new cadet branch of House Stark" mentioned Eddard.
The Hand of the King decided that this was the time to change the subject so as not to overwhelm Jon with plans for the future. Besides, Jon had Ygritte who he'd 'stolen' and while that didn't mean they were married he would have to leave her for a proper wife. That might not be an issue if he could pass Ygritte off as one a member of the clans that lived in the wildest parts of The North and wed in her the northern way. Then Jon wouldn't need to marry a noblewoman. There wouldn't be much in the way of disappointment if he was just living in some small keep in the middle of nowhere.
"The King offered to take us both of us Starks hunting with him for a couple of days," Lord Stark mentioned, "and he won't take no for an answer, so Jon and I will be going out of the city for a few days. They'll be no Small Council meetings or sessions in the court, while we're off hunting and since Renly is coming with us I've left instructions that any issues worthy of my attention are to be taken to you, Gothic. Don't let anyone burn down the city while I'm gone".
That last part was an example of northern humour and also a real concern, given that there was wildfire stashed around the city.
"So I'm in charge?" I asked.
Eddard stopped to think for a moment.
"I wouldn't normally burden you with this role given that you have so little experience in leading" Stark replied, "But I don't trust Varys or Pycelle, and there's no time for me to call upon an experience lord who can trust".
"Robert favours you as well for your novelties" Eddard was now saying "He made you a member of the Small Council and until he replaces you or you step down for another, that makes you a ruler of the Seven Kingdoms".
Truth be told I was not prepared for this.
"Gothic, if anything of importance happens, a messenger is to be sent," he told, "However if it is a minor matter then you are to consider yourself acting Hand of the King until I get back".
The lord didn't seem too concerned.
"I doubt you'll have to do anything outside of your normal duties other than taking my messages and listening to any complaints" I was assured "I'll try to make an excuse and get back as soon as I can".
So I was more of a secretary left in charge of the office than a temporary ruler, but still, he was placing a lot of trust in me. I was rather flattered and a bit terrified.
Before I could worry about that one of the servants came over to let me know that the prizes had arrived which meant that it was time for me to make a quick speech something I'd even brought a talent for.
I hadn't wanted to spend ten points on the Communication Talent, but I needed it if I was going to keep playing the game of thrones, if nothing else being able to read and write in the Common Tounge was important. I couldn't keep having Cameron act as translator for the written word. Besides, I needed to be the centre of attention when I made my speech.
"Excuse me a moment," I said as chests were brought in.
I headed over to the head table and I tapped a wine glass with a spoon, one of the cheap glass ones worth much more here, that had been donated by me to the crown.
"Rather than accept the prizes for a contest he was not a part of, Ser Jon has asked that the prizes be gifted to the knights who competed" I informed the gathering "So please Sers come and claim a prize. Each is an artefact from a far off land that I'm sure you will treasure".
Might have been a good idea to write a speech, but it hardly mattered as before long knights came to take something from the chests I'd brought in. Jon did not look happy about me giving him credit for this.
To be fair it hadn't actually been his idea, and he was soon whisked off by Margery Tyrell for a dance. No doubt she wanted to extend her own personal thanks to the man who had saved her brother.
I'd find a way to make it up to him later.