Who would've thought? Threats of violence do work.
My brain wasn't mush after an afternoon of carefully, very carefully, going through each and every single one of my little helpers in the tunnels.
Dacey was lounging on the couch in front of me, with a thick book in hand. It's been two days, since Renly's first assault, and we were now in the middle of the second one.
He gave up on an assault on the River Gate, as always, geography didn't care for men's ambitions.
Even abandoning his assault there, he didn't gave up the position and kept a small force threatening the fishermen from going out. While downing a fishermen at that distance was difficult, the threat was enough to stop most from trying their luck.
It was three days of fishing blockade and King's Landing's situation was dire already. It was unsustainable, and the men and women who spoke in hushed tones of the generosity of the King in Highgarden, were now cursing his name.
It was understandable, the man was battering the city gates and the collective memory of the Sack of King's Landing was just a decade and a half apart. Each passing day, the city grew hungrier and weaker and Renly knew it.
It was precisely why, he set camp on four out of the seven city gates. From the King's Gate to the Old Gate, Renly's army set up defenses and sat in their asses.
Well, not really. They kept probing the defenses, a small attack and then go back to camp to lick their wounds. It was a more conservative way of siege. The only weird thing about it, is that it didn't show the urgency of the first assault.
I stood up and stretched my everything.
"I'm going to the yard," I said to Dacey.
She gave me an appraising look and, just before sweat dripped out of me, she gave me her approval. No bonks needed, thank the gods.
Outside the room, and out of Dacey's gaze, I sent one of my little helpers straight through a long hall. At the same time, I checked on Ghost. My direwolf was somewhere between Stokeworth and Hayford, running wild and hunting everything that crossed his path.
I reached the ground floor and saw Prince Oberyn sparring with Chataya's guards.
Men taller and broader than the prince, looked like prey in front of him. Their footwork, trained for years on end, couldn't compare to Oberyn's agile and measured steps.
Each and every single one of his steps were light, yet powerful. Forward steps to attack, backward steps to defend, and then, out of nowhere, one step back with a variation of hand positioning, and he was attacking.
The man was a master of disrupting the rhythm of the duel. "It's like a dance," he said in the morning. "You find the flow of you and your partner, and then, you start dancing another song."
And just like that, the guardsman had Oberyn's spear on his neck.
"You've improved, my friend," the prince said while pulling his spear away. "I'll teach you the defense to that move on the morrow. Now," he turned to face me, "I have another friend to entertain."
"I'm only here to perform my drills, Prince Oberyn. I'm too tired to face you."
"Ah, yes. Very tired indeed," he said, his tone teasing. "To be able to outlast Daven… your prowess astounds me, my friend."
Just as every other interaction with the Dornish prince, it started with me suppressing a sigh. I had to hand it to him though, it was a good cover.
"Yes… sometimes… my prowess astounds even me," I ended up saying.
"Ha! I have a good eye for this matters." Oberyn spread his arms. "From the moment we met, I knew of your potential. Now, if you'd only let me tutor you, you'd reach heights never seen before."
It was always the phrasing with him. "Fiiine, help me with my footwork then."
"Thought you'd never ask," Prince Oberyn said.
We went to the other side of the yard. Once I judged the guards were far enough, I turned to the prince.
"Prince Oberyn—"
He interrupted clicking his tongue. "I told you before, we're friends, aren't we? Friends don't call me by title."
"Yes, of course, I apologize for my transgression, Oberyn, my dear friend," I said, dry as sand.
He chuckled. "As long as you understand."
We spent about thirty minutes on the back and forth. I doubt I would be able to reach Oberyn's level in a short time. The precision was outright impossible for me. I may be able be lucky from time to time and slash an armor gap, Oberyn could do it effortlessly.
All in all, meeting the Dornish prince has been a humbling experience.
###
The next morning my early exercise was interrupted when Cerati saw movement in the Kingswood. A couple of minutes later, fighting started on Renly's Blackwater camp.
At first I thought it was a Lannister raid. They had hidden the royal navy after all, they could've used it to ferry some soldiers to mount a surprise raid on the camp blocking the only food source of the city.
Except, it wasn't a raid, it was a full-on assault. Tywin wouldn't risk such a move, not with an army ready to assault the city walls.
And the second issue, the fight was over too soon. Mere minutes had passed and the fight was resolved.
It didn't make sense. Renly may not be a great general, but his camp must've had palisades or moats as defense. An assault couldn't have taken it this fast.
Something was fishy about all this. It was as if the camp was taken by ghosts, no sentry sounded an alarm, the fight was over quickly and the tents weren't ransacked.
An hour later, where Renly's stag once stood, a flaming heart with a stag inside flapped to the wind. Stannis Baratheon had joined the fray.
###
If there was one thing Robar had learned from his time out of the Vale, was that life was never straightforward.
He had gone from a tourney participant, to a glorified messenger, to an hedge knight in all but name, and at last, he became a king's man.
There was one issue with his current position though, he had never met King Robb and, in consequence, his service wasn't official. But, at this point in time, something as small as that wouldn't bother Robar. Not when the king's mother accepted him into service and his party full of leal king's men vouched for him with an intensity he haven't known before.
"Our king needs of good and leal knights like you, good ser," Ser Wendel said the day after they heard of Storm's End's fall.
And just like that night, Ser Wendel and him were once again chosen to escort Lady Stark to the parley between two kings that, in another surprise life threw his way, became a parley of three kings. Stannis had arrived just earlier in the day and took control of the Kingswood and the Blackwater Rush.
The Stark direwolf flapped and fluttered on Ser Wendel's lance. Lady Stark seemed calm and collected, but Robar knew that was anything but. Her standard bearer had counseled against being here, her response had been sharp, "My daughters, King Robb's sisters are in the city, do you mean to leave them behind?".
No one in the camp could answer that question with a 'yes', that was clear. Ser Wendel apologized and now, they were here, in front of King's Landing walls, waiting for the kings to approach.
It was Lady Stark's insistence that made them first to arrive. She didn't care for the games kings play, she told them.
The Old Gate opened and three riders came their way under the banner of the crowned stag. At the head, Lord Tywin rode, his crimson armor gilded with gold, with in a fine cloak clasped by lionesses made of gold. By his side, a knight of the Kingsguard was the standard bearer. The third one, Robar couldn't recognize, but he wasn't Joffrey, of that he was certain. The man was too tall and burly for being the boy king, and he was in black steel.
As they got closer, the faces became clearer. Lord Tywin had a severe frown on him, the last months weren't kind to the old lion, that was clear. The knight of the Kingsguard had three oak leaves on his tunic, once he saw that, Robar pinned him as Ser Arys Oakheart. As for the third man, he must've been some Westerlander or some knight of the Crownlands, his armor was black just like his hair and his drooping mustache.
It was then, Robar saw Renly mount his palfrey from his camp. He knew of this games of subtle snubbing and power grabbing, they seemed pointless to him. Especially after Stannis arrived that same morning.
"Lady Stark," Tywin Lannister greeted, barely nodding.
"Lord Tywin," she replied, her voice steel. "Where are my daughters?"
"They are in good care, as your son's envoy can attest." He then looked back to the city for a fraction of a second. "Lord Eddard Stark's death was the biggest insult to a great house since Aerys Targaryen was still king."
…What?
Before their party could recover from the shock, Lord Tywin continued, "I've looked into the matter myself, and found out he was victim to a plot."
Lady Stark recovered. "Last thing we knew, Cersei was Joffrey's regent," she said with a clenched jaw. "Are you telling me she committed treason against her king and conspired against the Hand, my lord?"
"The order was given, that fact, no one can deny." Lord Tywin inclined his head in apology. "I thought it madness when I first heard of it, so I took the time to look into the matter directly once I was back at court. The crown is ashamed it did not realize the framing of Lord Stark in time. But no one could have suspected a formerly trusted man could commit such heinous crime."
"How can I trust your words?" Lady Stark said through gritted teeth. "Isn't it convenient to find a criminal when two armies are at your gates?"
Lord Tywin raised his hands. "I know how it looks, Lady Stark. This man is clever as few are, he hid himself well. No one suspected him due to years upon years of dutiful service. But he made one crucial mistake, and after a talk with my grandson and weeks of tireless work, I have undeniable proof of his crime, as well as a confession. Here," Lord Tywin produced a piece of parchment. "This corrects Lord Eddard of false accusations, and I'll have you know, I sent your lord's remains with your son's envoy."
Robar picked up the parchment and handed it to his lady.
"If you have proof, why talk in riddles, my lord? Why not tell the name of this clever criminal able to fool the crown and have my lord husband killed?"
"Petyr Baelish." He paused to look behind them. "We'll return to this later, as we have guests."
Robar looked behind, and recognized the elder Baratheon. His banner made of a crowned stag inside a heart burning over a yellow field. What struck him as odd was his standard bearer, a woman in red, her face covered by her cloak.
The rumors were true then, Stannis had a red priestess on his employ, and not only that, but the woman was trusted enough to be his standard bearer.
And so, they waited. Renly and Stannis arrived at the same time, even though Renly set out first.
"Lord Tywin, I'd hoped to see my nephew," Renly said as a greeting. "Stannis, that dreary island of yours aged you a decade."
"Lord Renly, Lord Tywin," Stannis returned with a nod.
"King Joffrey saw it fit to leave negotiations to his Hand," Tywin answered Renly's inquiry and inclined his head in Lord Stannis' direction.
The boy king had rumors and whispers about him, if half of them were true, then not being here was for the best.
"Negotiations? I thought you were here to surrender, my lord," Renly mocked. "Your Westerlanders lay death across the Riverlands. How many more assaults your meagre City Watch can hold? Two? Mayhaps three?" Before Lord Tywin could respond, Renly turned to Stannins. "And you, Stannis. Taking Storm's End was a surprise, I admit, but you are not going much further than that."
"Who decided that?" Stannis said, his jaw clenched.
"Who? Open your eyes, brother. Look across the fields. Can you see the banners?"
"I remember seeing more this morning."
Renly threw his head back in laughter, but Robar could hear something else behind. Something brittle. "And yet, it didn't change much, did it? I still have the larger army."
They didn't know the exact numbers of Stannis' army, but everyone knew they were far behind his brother's.
"Not for long," Tywin interjected. "Robb Stark has the North, the Riverlands and the Vale with him."
"But he's not here," Renly said. "And you are a clever man Lord Tywin. My brother here would demand the heads of you and your family to be put in spikes, I only demand two for my promise to Lady Stark, Joffrey and Cersei will suffice."
After a severe look that didn't affect Renly, Lord Tywin replied, "That won't be necessary, I was explaining to Lady Stark about how I found the real culprit behind Lord Eddard's framing and unlawful execution."
"An army at your gates sure hastens investigations," Renly quipped.
"Just as losing castles hastens marches," Stannis said.
Renly turned to his brother. "Ah, yes. You should've only asked, Stannis. I could've given you Storm's End… as a brother's gift."
"It is not yours to give. It is mine by rights."
"'Rights', you say." Renly shook his head. "Robert gave it to me, Stannis. That should be lawful enough for someone like you."
"I am the elder, the inheritance laws of the realm are clear."
"It's as you say, Lord Stannis," Tywin intervened. "The laws are clear the elder brother inherits before the younger," he said turning to Renly. "And sons inherit before uncles. Joffrey is Robert's firstborn and heir."
"And yet, I don't see him here, nor his army," Renly mocked looking around.
Stannis ignored his brother, and declared, "Joffrey is not my brother's seed."
The statement was shocking enough to garner a reaction from Lady Stark. "What?"
"All three of them, Joffrey, Tommen and Myrcella are bastards. Abominations born of incest," Stannis said bluntly.
That was… Incest? The queen and…
"Ha! The Kingslayer is the father then?" Renly said. Stannis gave him a grave nod.
"That is a heinous lie," Lord Tywin said. He wasn't shaken when Stannis threw the accusation. "I can attest to the fact that they are Robert's trueborn children."
"How so, my lord? Where you there when my brother planted his seed?" Renly quipped.
Lord Tywin furrows grew deeper, but remained unperturbed otherwise. "The man who framed Lord Stark is the source of this lie," he said looking at a paler Lady Stark. "Lord Stannis, can you tell us where did you hear such lie?"
"It is not a lie," Stannis said. "I brought my suspicions to Jon Arryn. I didn't told Robert because it would have made me look self-serving. I believed he'd listen better to Lord Arryn."
"Lord Stark's predecessor is dead. Any proof he had, gone with him," Renly said shrugging.
"I believe I was clear with my question," Lord Tywin said ignoring the younger Baratheon. "Who told you such lie?"
"What for? So you can torture him until he begins singing your tune?"
"Do you believe me capable of such?" Tywin put a hand on his chest.
Yes, Robar thought. And judging by everyone else's expressions, they thought the same.
"Very well," Lord Tywin continued. "I'll say one name, if it's the man who brought this into your attention, will you confirm it?"
Stannis nodded.
"Lord Baelish," Lord Tywin said. When Stannis didn't confirm, he continued. "He wouldn't have told you directly, he's too clever for that. Perhaps he said it as a jape, or said something behind closed doors and acted nervous when you ran into him, or tried to hide something from you." Stannis' face was stone.
"From time to time he used to mention Robert's bastards," Renly said pensive.
"And what if it was from Baelish?" Stannis said. "The truth does not change."
"That's only if it is the truth." Tywin replied somberly. "Baelish killed Jon Arryn after he discovered he was the source of your suspicions. It appears he wanted to drive a wedge in House Baratheon," 'and he succeded,' wasn't said but Robar heard it all the same. "That's why he planted the seed of doubt on Robert's brothers."
"Hear that, Stannis? You were played," Renly mocked. "By the whoremonger no less."
"But, why would Petyr do that?" Lady Stark asked. Her voice weak. "He owed everything to Lord Arryn, and was part of Robert's small council… It does not make sense."
"At first, I thought so too, my lady," Lord Tywin said. "Until I looked into the account books. Lord Baelish has been stealing from the crown, but he got over ambitious and realized someone would've caught the theft in time…"
"Lord Renly." Lady Stark turned, her hands clenched in fists over her reins. "You said Littlefinger mentioned Robert bastards to you."
"Aye, he did. He used to jape about them a lot."
"Then, he wanted House Baratheon to fight one another," Lady Stark said. "In order to do so, he tried to make them believe the royal children to be the seed of incest?" Lord Tywin didn't as much as nod. "But then, why frame Ned?" she finished, sounding frail.
"That's a sweet story," Renly said. "I was in court when Robert died. I'm sure he named Lord Stark as regent. How could he be framed for treason?"
"Did you notice anything odd of Lord Stark, in his stay?" Lord Tywin asked. "Mayhaps, going to brothels?"
Lady Stark seemed ready to speak, but Renly was first. "Aye, a man going to brothels, not very odd if you ask me."
"Who was his companion?" Tywin insisted. "Didn't he go to visit one of Robert's bastards?"
"Now, that you mention it… Aye, Littlefinger used to follow him around, and he did visit Chataya's brothel a couple of times."
"Everyone here can attest to Lord Stark's character," Tywin said. "He was of a similar stock to Jon Arryn. Reviewing the documents left in the Hand's Tower, he was also getting close to uncover Lord Baelish's theft."
He didn't say out loud, but the message was clear. If Littlefinger tried it once, what stopped him from doing it twice?
"Nonsense," Stannis declared. "Lord Baelish is the queen's creature, I never trusted him. But that's besides the point, I have proof the queen's children aren't Robert's." The red priestess handed him a tome. "This tome here, was written by Grand Maester Maellon, it describes the lineages of the great houses of the realm. Twice before, a Baratheon and a Lannister married, and twice, the children produced were black of hair."
Renly laughed. "See, Stannis? That's where your talent lies. Looking over dusty tomes and uncovering lies. Bend your knee, and I'll let you keep Storm's End."
Stannis ignored his brother, his gaze on Lord Tywin. The only signal he heard his words, were his jaws clenching to contain his fury.
"Two marriages are not proof," Lord Tywin said coldly. "Hair color? By that reasoning, Robb Stark is not Lord Eddard's son."
Lady Stark bristled. "Robb is mine and Ned's son."
Stannis kept his heavy gaze on Tywin. "You want more proof? Very well." He softened his gaze and settled on Lady Stark. "The Kingslayer pushed your son when he discovered him and his sister lying with each other in Winterfell."
The silence that followed was oppressive. Robar knew of young Brandon. The boy fell while climbing. He didn't know how Stannis could've found anything else.
"H-How could you know?" Lady Stark shakily asked.
"I have my methods," Sannis answered.
"That's just another baseless accusation," Lord Tywin said through gritted teeth.
"That day Robert left Winterfell on a hunting trip. The Kingslayer and the queen stayed. Bran's climbing was cause of great distress for you, my lady." Lady Stark nodded. "And yet, he never fell, not even once."
"He never fell, except…" Lady Stark said.
"Except that day in the Broken Tower of Winterfell," finished Stannis.
"Knowing of some of the circumstances isn't proof," Lord Tywin said. "As unfortunate as young Brandon's fall is, other children overestimated themselves and fell before."
"Were any of those children targeted by a catspaw while lying in their sickbed?" Stannis said.
"What? How did you know?" Lady Stark asked.
Stannis didn't answer. "Why would someone sent a catspaw to finish a boy crippled by chance?" His gaze grew colder. "Your son didn't fell due to an accident. He was pushed and then, almost killed, all because he saw something someone did not want him to see."
"Your methods are worthy of a song. Eh, Stannis?" Renly said. "You may as well have a better claim, but I still have the bigger army, that hasn't changed." He turned to Lord Tywin. "My offer stands. Surrender the city, relinquish Joffrey and Cersei to face justice. Return Lady Stark's daughters. Tommen can go to the Night's Watch, or become a septon, or a maester, or he can be my ward," he said ward, but it was obvious he meant hostage, "and Myrcella… well, we'll see." He turned to his brother. "As for you Stannis, bend the knee and you can keep Storm's End, I'll even let you keep your seat in the council."
"I am the rightful king," Stannis said, his breathing hoarse. "Bend the knee before tomorrow night, Renly and you will find I am not without mercy. I will grant you Storm's End and your old seat on the council. Otherwise, I shall declare you my enemy."
"Good jape Stannis, sadly your army can't back you."
"I will not repeat myself. Renly, you are warned. As for you Lord Tywin, surrender the city and bend the knee before dawn. Only traitors and criminals will face their due. Despite my personal gripes, I recognize your house, as a whole, did no wrong, the Lannisters can keep the Westerlands."
Robar had thought what he heard of Lord Stannis character was an exaggeration. After today… well, he was glad the king he chose to follow was Robb Stark.
"Charming as always, dear brother," Renly said.
Stannis continued, "Lady Stark, if I find your children, I'll sent them to you. Your son… he did weaken the Lannisters and for that, I thank him. But he must bend the knee or I'll see him as a traitor."
The Hand of the King looked ready to explode. Lady Stark turned to him.
"My daughters have no fault here, release them and I'll make sure my brother leaves Duskendale."
"Your daughter is betrothed to King Joffrey, my lady. She is to be the Queen of the Seven Kingdoms. With the tragedy clarified and the future still uncertain, I wanted to propose Myrcella for your son."
Once more, Robar heard what wasn't said. He may have spoke of alliances, but in reality it was hostage for hostage. Other than that, he saw the quick glance he sent Renly's way.
"I'll accept a betrothal of Myrcella to my son," Lady Stark said. "But you must return my daughters. Sansa's betrothal was annulled by my son."
"That's a shame, but understandable all the same," Tywin said. "Sadly due to current circumstances, the crown can't guarantee anyone's safety beyond the city walls."
"Release my daughters!" Lady Stark put a hand over her heart "…Or I'll make sure… the Lannisters of Casterly Rock are no more, I swear it by the old gods and the new."
"I can understand your worry, but it's too dangerous, my lady." Tywin wheeled his mount and left.
"I said what needed to be said," Stannis said, and left.
Lady Stark remained in place for a moment, her hands clenched white looking at the walls.
"Don't worry, my lady," Renly said. "Lord Tywin all but accepted my proposal."
That confused Robar. When?
"Did he? Or is he playing you against your brother?" Lady Stark said sharply.
Renly chuckled. "That is possible, I admit. It all depends on what happens next."
On their ride back, Robar still couldn't understand what Renly said. If Lord Tywin accepted Renly's proposal… what was the sign supposed to be?
Robar sharpened his blade all the same. If one thing was certain, was that an assault was inevitable.
###
Later in the day, hundreds of ravens flew from Stannis' camp. They all carried the same message denouncing the bastardy of Joffrey, Tommen and Myrcella and how they were abominations born of incest to the realm at large.
The moment a certain queen read the letter, she called for all the scribes and acolytes in the Red Keep.
Even later, a powerful skinchanger found an entrance to the tunnels of the Red Keep.
###
A/N: Not gonna , I feel like I'm stretching this last chapters beyond what they are supposed to be. It's not on purpose, just that I feel that most of the things happening are important, and also, some other plot points need space to breathe. However, I'd like to know what you think of the pacing this arc.
This chapter was the hardest one to date. A four way dialogue with these characters was a real challenge. Bro, my brain hurts, lmao. Even then, I'm sure I messed up, so tell me what you think.
- Renly is supposed to feign bravado while being a lil' bit desperate underneath.
- Tywin has rehearsed this talk for a while, and is trying to get Lady Stark on his side (and maybe solving things peacefully with Renly), but then, Stannis appeared. With Stannis here, the calculation changed again, so… (no plan survives first contact with the enemy.)
- Stannis is here to claim his rightful place as the King of the Seven Kingdoms, and he came guns arguments blazing. Also, he tries really hard not to fall for Renly's quips but he's just human after all.
This shit was dense as all hell, and there were a set of things I didn't even wrote about.
You can read two chapters ahead: p.a.t.r.e.o.n.c.o.m / yorud
Anyways, give me your comments [(－－)]..zzZ