"
"I certainly would prefer to be with him before even touching you," Serana mocked him.
"Is that so? If I catch that bastard talking to one of my daughters..."
"Then you are going to have to worry about me," Isran interrupted. "I am not about to let you threaten any of my men, damn the Guest Right."
Craster and Isran exchanged glares again, and the former eventually looked away, because he knew better than to push Isran too far.
Commander Mormont took advantage of the silence to continue his questioning.
"We have passed through six villages on our way here, and all six of them were abandoned. Where have all the people gone?"
"I could tell you, but I am thirsty."
Mormont turned to one of his Rangers.
"There's a barrel of Dornish wine on the sleigh, bring it in here."
Craster nodded in satisfaction.
"You want to know where they've all gone? North. They have joined up with Mance Rayder."
"And what does Mance plan to do with them all?"
"That's a nice looking axe," Craster remarked as he eyed the weapon. Mormont sighed and ordered the axe to be handed over. After examining the axe a bit, Craster turned back to Mormont. "You want to know what Mance Rayder is doing? He is gathering an army. From what I hear, he's already got more men that any of your southern kingdoms do."
"Where does he plan to lead this army?"
"When you're all the way north, there's only one way to go," Craster answered with a grin.
Jon froze as he heard this. There was already a civil war going on in the south. If another Wilding army was indeed preparing to march on the Wall... Will needed to know about this.
"You'll be wanting to sleep beneath my roof, I suppose?" Craster asked as he stood, with Mormont following suite.
"A roof would be welcomed. We brought our own food."
"But, I don't any of you Dawnguard in my house," Craster said as he narrowed his eyes at Isran.
"And I don't want any of my Dawnguard staying in this foul place," Isran remarked. "We will be staying in our own shelter, out of here."
After they left the building, Mormont turned towards Isran and Jon.
"I know you have problems with Craster, Grandmaster Isran, but we need the information he can give us. Could I ask you to please keep your tongues to yourselves?"
"Craster will not start anything, not when he knows that I would welcome the chance to kill him," Isran replied before he turned to Jon. "However, the Lord Commander is right, Jon. I would rather that you did not start anything, but keep this in mind: if something ends up happening, you better be the one to finish it."
Daenerys' Khalasar, Red Waste
Farengar placed some of his possessions around his tent as he prepared for the night. He was happy with Daenerys' progress, both with the naginata and her Thu'um, and, as he suspected, Daenerys had taken well to using the naginata well.
His thoughts were interrupted as the tent flap opened and Ser Jorah entered the tent.
"Forgive my intrusion. I was hoping for a chance to talk in private," Jorah said.
"It's no problem, Ser Jorah. What is it you want?" Farengar questioned.
"I was just wondering, do you think Daenerys should be learning how to fight? She's a gentle person by nature," Jorah began.
"I am aware. It's her decision, however, and she is proving to be a good learner with the naginata," Farengar answered.
"Yes, the naginata," Jorah said before his head tilted and a look of suspicion entered his eyes. "I am surprised about how much knowledge you have about the various Akaviri styles of combat. I have travelled across Essos, and I have never met anyone who knew about the martial arts of the Akaviri. In fact... the only ones who know, and train in, the Akaviri martial arts, are the Blades in Westeros."
Farengar and Jorah stared each other down, with tension thick enough in the air to cut. Jorah was resting his hand on the hilt of his sword, but was ready to draw it in a split second.
"You are slightly incorrect, Ser Jorah. A traitor managed to steal some scrolls, detailing a style of spear martial arts, and took them to Dorne," Farengar said.
"It doesn't change the fact that you are an agent of the Blades, and by extension, the Black Prince," Jorah stated.
"You are correct." Farengar replied without reaction. "But, this begs the question as to why you haven't tried to kill me yet. Perhaps it's because you know that if your first attack misses, my spells will end you? Or something else?"
"I wanted to know why you are teaching Daenerys these new powers and why you saved her life," Jorah answered in honesty.
"Because the Black Prince ordered me to. It's his gesture of wishing peace between his family and Daenerys' family," Farengar answered. "When the time is right, I will reveal my position and inform Daenerys of this."
"Tell me, what's to stop me from going to her right now and inform her that your a spy?"
"Because, if you decide to tattle on me, then I'll tattle on you. I'll inform Daenerys that you have been sending reports to the Spider," Farengar answered. Jorah visibly stiffened at this. "There is no reason for you and me to be enemies, Ser Jorah. In fact, once we reach Qarth, I will need all the help available."
"What do you mean?" Jorah asked, confused at this statement.
"Qarth is a dangerous place, especially for Daenerys and her dragons. Even worse, it's possible that the Mythic Dawn, the ones that killed her husband and unborn son and nearly killed her, might have spies in Qarth. If they do, then they might attempt to try and end her life again. So, lets put any distrust we have for each other and try to keep Daenerys alive, shall we?"
Dragonstone
"Lord Stannis, I must protest allowing that woman to conduct her so-called ceremony on the beach!" Maester Cressen said, angrily. "She's burning statues of the Seven! It's a grave insult!"
"Melisandre is my advisor. I'm allowing it so that her followers know that my recent decision doesn't mean I'm going to forbid them from worshiping their Red God," Stannis Baratheon, Lord of Dragonstone and William's uncle, answered. "I will hear no more about it."
Before more could be said, the woman in question, Melisandre, the Red Priestess, entered the room.
"I thank you, Lord Stannis, for permitting my ceremony. Such a pity that you did not join us, because I'm sure the Lord of Light would be glad if you gave him your faith," she said.
"I've already made my choice. I've converted to the Nine Divines," Stannis insisted. "My nephew is the rightful king, and I will prove my loyalty in any way as he followed the Divines."
Melisandre's smile faded a bit, but she nodded and moved to take her seat. Davos Seaworth, Stannis's right hand man heard her whisper as she sat.
"For now, at least."
"Read the letter to me," Stannis commanded to Matthos, the son of Davos.
"I declare upon the honor of my house that my beloved brother..."
"He wasn't my beloved brother. I didn't love him, he didn't love me," Stannis interrupted.
"A harmless courtesy, my lord," Davos remarked.
"A lie. Take it out," Stannis ordered.
"That my brother Robert has only one true heir, Prince William Baratheon. The children Joffrey, Tommen..."
"Make it William Baratheon, The Black Prince," Stannis interrupted again. "It's his title, after all."
Matthos nodded and changed the wording.
"The children, Joffrey, Tommen, and Myrcella Waters are born of incest to Cersei Lannister and her brother, Jaime Lannister. I also swear that..."
"Jaime Lannister the Kingslayer, call him what he is. Better, make it Ser Jaime Lannister the Kingslayer. Whatever else the man may be, he's still a knight," Stannis commanded.
"I also swear that the former Hand of the King, Jon Arryn, discovered this treason and was murdered before he could reveal it. Let all true and honorable men declare their loyalty to the true heir to the throne, William Baratheon, the Black Prince. Signed, Stannis Baratheon, Lord of Dragonstone and Master of Ships," Matthos finished.
"My Lord," Davos spoke up, "perhaps it's best to wait until you can speak with your nephew in person before we send this letter to the kingdoms. He doesn't know of the truth yet, and he may not take this course of action very well."
"When Eddard Stark learned the truth, he told only me. I will not make the same mistake," Stannis insisted. "I know William won't be happy when he hears of this, but it must be done so that all men know the truth. I'll take the full blame if he is angry, so send copies of the letter to all corners of the Seven Kingdoms."
"The Lannisters are the true enemy, my Lord. Perhaps you can make peace with your brother, Renly."
"I will not make peace with Renly until he swears his loyalty to his rightful king, his own nephew," Stannis retorted. "It doesn't matter if Renly has not declared himself king. If he's not with William, then he's against him."
"The Black Prince will, at least, want to treat with his uncle, my Lord," Davos pressed.
"We'll see what happens soon enough. We've been sitting on the sidelines long enough. We will join this war soon, and put an end to any enemies that oppose my nephew," Stannis declared as he finished the meeting.
The Eyrie, several days later
"You want me to send the soldiers away and leave my dear son defenseless?" Lysa Arryn asked in anger to several lords of the Vale before her.
"No, my lady. We are merely concerned with the contents of Lord Stannis' letter," a lord replied. "If what Lord Stannis claims is true, then Lord Arryn gave his life to try and support the Black Prince. I merely wish to honor your husband by fighting for what he was willing to die for."
Several lords nodded in agreement. Many of them had already expressed their desires to join the Black Prince when the civil war began, but they had yet to be able to do so, what with Lady Arryn's refusal.
"If the Black Prince does win the war, I will gladly swear fealty to him," Lysa assured them. "But the wellbeing of my son is what concerns me the most. He might become a target, just as his father was. I will not change my stance at this time. The Vale will remain neutral for now, as I do not trust the word of Stannis Baratheon alone. That will be all."
As the lords bowed and left, Lysa stared after them in worry. They must never learn of the truth, she thought.
Off to the side of the room, Mya Stone, one of Robert Baratheon's bastard children and William's half-sister, pretended not to listen to the conversation. After the nobles left, she watched Lady Arryn return to her room.
I think Spymaster Caius will want to hear of this, Mya thought, but why is Lady Arryn so determined not to support William?
Legionary Camp
William, with Delphine and Ser Barristan following close behind, walked to the holding pen where his uncle Jaime was held. At his order, no less than four Blades were to keep an eye on the Kingslayer. One of them even had his bow strung, and an arrow knocked on it as an extra precaution, in case Jaime tried to run away.
As William reached him, Jaime raised his head and gave his usual cocky grin.
"Nephew! Glad to see you are doing so well. Ah, Delphine, looking astonishingly as beautiful and deadly as ever. I still remember the little memento you gave me in King's Landing. And Lord Commander! I am a little shocked to see you here. You are the last person I ever expected to see breaking an oath."
"I have broken no oaths. Joffrey and your sister, the Queen, dismissed me from the Kingsguard saying that I was getting too old," Ser Barristan replied.
Jaime blinked in shock. Why on earth did Cersei allow Barristan to be dismissed? Did she forget that there was a reason why Ser Barristan was one of the most famed knights in the Seven Kingdoms?
"It appears that you've been named Lord Commander of the Kingsguard to replace Ser Barristan," Delphine remarked before she tilted her head at the look on Jaime's face. "Did you not want to be Lord Commander?"
"I didn't want it like this. I wanted to earn it, not have it taken from Barristan and have it simply handed over to me," Jaime replied, a little vexed at Cersei for her actions.
"I want to speak with him alone," William ordered. "You may stay within eye-sight."
After a moment of hesitation, all of the Blades nodded and moved a little way away, leaving William to talk alone with his uncle.
"I want to know about the contents of this letter, uncle. About how my siblings are in reality only my half-siblings," William demanded with an odd tone in his voice.
Jaime stared up at him for a moment.
"What do you expect me to say? You're a smart lad, you should know the truth. Do you really believe in such silly and foul rumors that include your mother?"
"It's funny how you think of my mother first and not my siblings," William replied. "I don't want to believe it, because you never spent much time with me or any of my siblings. I would've have thought that if you were Joffrey, Tommen, and Myrcella's real father, you would have spent more time with them. And yet... you never made much effort to associate with any of us. Not much fatherly instinct in you, is there?"
"Are you saying you actually believe these foul rumors?" Jaime asked, trying to throw William off and confuse him.
"Perhaps a small part of me always suspected it, but I just didn't want to believe it. I was happy to have siblings like Myrcella and Tommen. Whether full or half, it doesn't matter. They are still my brother and sister."
"What about Joffrey?"
"Joffrey is Joffrey. Apparently, you are like my mother and don't truly see Joffrey for what he really is. No one saw, except for me, Myrcella and Tommen," William answered icily. "You've never really took any duties seriously. I always thought you would have at least tried to put a little more effort into following honor."
"Following honor?" Jaime mocked as he sneered a little. "You haven't even claimed a crown, and yet you stand there all judgmental. What right do the Stag and the Wolf have to judge the Lion? You have no idea what I've done for honor's sake."
"Ah, are you referring to when you killed the Mad King so that he wouldn't burn King's Landing to the ground with wildfire?"
Jaime stared up at his nephew in pure shock.
"H-how do you know about that?"
"I have ways," William replied.
It was the Thieves Guild that told William about the Mad King's plan. The Guild had discovered one of the wildfire caches and eventually learned of more. They had then carefully and secretly located as many of them as they could, and they had diluted as many as possible so that they would be harmless. After learning this, William had figured out that this was the true reason why his uncle had killed Aerys the Mad.
"Honestly, uncle, I might have done the same if I was in your position. But you decided to hide the truth, and allow others to judge for themselves. Did you think that people would cheer on you, just because you killed the Mad King? No, you chose to do the one thing that people would judge you on, and, rather than revealing the reason behind your actions, you let them come to their own conclusions, and now you have to accept that they call you Kingslayer, because you never did a thing to convince them otherwise. If there is someone to blame for your situation, that is yourself." William turned to leave but then paused and glanced back at his uncle. "Oh, the reason that the Stag and the Wolf judge the Lion is because the Lion judges the Stag and the Wolf."
William then left Jaime to his thoughts.
King's Landing
Myrcella happily munched on a cinnamon bun as she left the castle kitchens, which had become one of her favorite treats ever since Will gave her one to try and cheer her up when she was sad.
She let out a sigh. She wished Will was here. She missed him dearly, even more than when she was fostering with the Starks, and she hoped that she would soon get a chance to see him again.
As she walked through the hallway, taking another bite of her cinnamon bun, she heard several servants talking in a side room.
"Have you heard the rumors? They say that the Black Prince is the only trueborn son of King Robert."
What? Myrcella thought as she froze and listened more closely to the servants.
"I did hear that. Stannis Baratheon sent the claim throughout the kingdoms, saying that the rest of the royal children are bastards born of incest between the queen and her own brother."
"I wouldn't be surprised if it were true. The Black Prince is the only one without golden hair."
"Shhh! Do you two want to get in trouble? If the rumors are true, then the queen would have our heads for talking about it."
Myrcella stood there in disbelief. She did not even notice when the cinnamon bun fell from her hand to the floor.
... N-no... it can't be true... i-it just can't... am I really not Will's sister? Am... am I really just some bastard... a bastard from incest? she thought. She slowly began to walk and was soon running with tears in her eyes.
A moment later, she reached a room and began to knock on it. The door opened to reveal a dumbfounded Tyrion.
"Myrcella? What's wrong, my dear?" Tyrion asked in concern.
"I-is it true? Am I a bastard born of incest?" Myrcella tearfully asked.
Tyrion's eyes widened as he realized what must have happen. He quickly glanced around before bringing his niece into the room.
"Come, my dear. Dry those eyes off," Tyrion said as he handed her a handkerchief. After Myrcella dried her eyes, Tyrion continued to speak. "I am... unsure if these rumors are true or not, but let me ask you this. Do you think of Will as your brother?"
"Y-yes."
"And do you think that Will considers himself your brother?"
"I... I think so," Myrcella hesitantly answered.
"I know so," Tyrion insisted as he gave her a comforting smile. "Ever since you were just a little baby, Will would do his best to make sure you and Tommen were happy. Why, I remember the first time he saw you after you were born! You were upset and crying, then Will let you grab one of his fingers with your little baby hands and suddenly, you stopped crying and even gave a little happy smile."
Myrcella couldn't help herself as a small smile appeared on her face.
"Will was so happy to have a baby sister," Tyrion continued in encouragement. "He was always offering to help take care of you. Now tell me, even if these rumors were true, do you think it change how Will thought of you? You were his precious little sister and nothing, not even blood, would change that."
"Thank you, uncle Tyrion." Myrcella finally said in gratitude. "I really wish Will were here, and that none of this had happened."
"There are many who wish that, my dear."
"Is there anything I can do to help him? Will, I mean? My father told me that he named Will as his heir, and I want to help in some way," Myrcella asked.
"For now, smile," Tyrion answered with a grin. "You being happy is all that Will would want to hear at this time. If something comes up that I think you can help with, then I'll let you know."
"Thank you for cheering me up," Myrcella said as she hugged her uncle.
Legionary Camp
William strode through the camp talking with Thonar Silver-Blood. He was the head of the Silver-Blood family that oversaw and protected William's silver mine a few miles north of Cloud Ruler.
"You believe the mine may be even more valuable than we anticipated?" William was saying in surprise. "It's already the most valuable silver mine in the Seven Kingdoms."
"I believe so, my Prince. We've found several signs indicating that the silver vein is larger. That's why I came here in person: to give you an update, ask permission to expand the mine, and perhaps open two new mines at promising locations. Of course, we would need to hire more miners, but in a year or two we could potentially triple income from the mine."
"This is good timing." William said with relief in his voice.
"You could fund several more Legions, my Prince. In several years, of course."
"No, the problem is refugees. Many of them have fled to King's Landing, but an equal number have arrived at Cloud Ruler, seeking my protection," William explained. "At the mines' current income, I have enough to pay the current number of Legions, plus the three in training, and still have enough to provide materials for refugees. At the moment, they are living in tents just north of where the Red Fork connects to the Trident, but there is talk about clearing some of the forest for more room. In fact, we might be seeing the foundations for a new city."
"That would be something, my prince."
"Yes, it would be. Also, I had to ask Robb if I could borrow the North's new fishing fleet to provide food for the refugees. He has agreed, since the North is better prepared for the coming winter than most. The fleet will arrive with its first load in about a week," William said before facing Thonar. "You have my permission to expand the mine. I'll probably need it in a few years. You can also see if there is anyone that can be hired among the refugees. Make sure you pay them well, they need it."
Thonar thanked William and left with a bow. William then continued on to the camp's makeshift shrine to the Divines. As he reached it, Arya stepped out and gave William an annoyed look.
"You missed it," Arya accused. "I formally convert to the Nine Divines, and you don't even show up."
"I'm sorry, Arya. I really wish I had been able to see it, but I had an important matter to deal with," William apologized. "But I've got good news: I've called a meeting with all the major Lords and Legionary officers to start planning for the next phase of the war."
Arya brightened in anticipation.
"About time! Maybe you'll let me lead my own troops into battle."
William smiled as the two of them headed towards the command tent.
"Maybe I will."
The two of them reached the command tent where most of the lords and officers had gathered.
"Is it time to continue this war, Will?" Theon eagerly asked.
"Yes. The first thing that needs to be addressed is Gregor Clegane and his raiding party of five hundred. Vilkas, you'll be leading the Companions, along with two hundred Legionary cavalry, as well as three hundred each of Northern cavalry and Rivermen cavalry to deal with the Mountain," William ordered.
"It will be a pleasure," Vilkas answered with a nod. He had unfinished business with the Mountain.
"Robb, you'll be taking the armies of the North and the Riverlord's armies and move west to invade the Westerlands," William continued. "I want you to attack in the northern region of the Westerlands, where most of their mines are located. Hit the Lannisters where it hurts the most and bleed them from their gold."
"Are you sure about that, Will? You will have only three Legions to face Tywin," Robb remarked. "Not to mention the ten thousand men that were at Stone Hedge."
"The Lannister army at Stone Hedge fled south so that they would not be surrounded at Stone Hedge. Tywin has named Ser Addam Marbrand, son of Lord Damon Marbrand, as the new commander," Legate Rikke reported.
"Tullius and I have devised a plan," William informed them. "My grandfather seems content to stay at Harrenhall, so we are going to keep them there by laying siege. At least, a partial siege. Tullius will take the three legions and make wooden, fortified walls, stretching from west of Harrenhall to northeast of Harrenhall. Then, they will make a second wall to protect us in case Ser Addam decides to aid Tywin. I would like to have Harrenhall completely surrounded by these fortified walls, but then the Legions would be spread too thin."
"So basically, you are laying siege to a castle with a fort, and that fort will help protect you in case a relief army arrives," Arya summed up.
"Three forts, one for each Legion, all of them between two walls. But yes, that is the basic idea," William said with a smile.
"You speak as if you won't be there, Will," Robb noted.
"Because I won't be. My uncle Renly sent another request for me to meet him, only this time, the Tyrells sent their wish to negotiate as well. They've offered to meet near Storm's End," William explained. "I'll be sailing to Dragonstone to meet with Stannis, and then, I'll sail to Storm's End. If all goes well, I'll bring the Fourth Legion back with me to join up with Tullius, and with four Legions, we will be able to push Tywin back to King's Landing. After Tywin is pushed back to King's Landing, Tullius and I will attack the capital from the west, Galmar Stone-Fist will take command of the Third Legion and attack from the north, and Stannis will lead the Stormlords from the south, while his fleet engages Joffrey's fleet in the Blackwater Bay."
"Really, Will?" Theon asked, pretending to be annoyed, "You're sending us westwards while you will get to take the capital?"
William laughed at the tone of his friend.
"You'll have your hands full in taking the Westerlands. You'll be vital in bleeding the Lannisters of their gold, and then you will finish conquering the Westerlands. Of course, a lot of this will depend on how my meeting with Renly and the Tyrells goes."
"We don't fully know of Renly's, or the Tyrells', intentions, my Prince," Ulfric pointed out. "What if they intend to attack you, or decided to try something during the negotiations? We should send someone ride south to meet with Renly before you meet them at Storm's End."
"I will ride south to meet with Renly," Catelyn Stark said, causing everyone to look at her in surprise.
"Mother?" Robb asked in confusion.
"I thought you were planning to head back north to Winterfell, Lady Catelyn?" William asked.
"I don't deny that I wish to see Bran and Rickon again, but I can find out if Renly or the Tyrells are planning something. When we arrive at Storm's End, I'll leave their camp to meet up with you before the negotiations. If I don't meet up with you beforehand, then you'll know that they are planning something. Besides, I can represent the Starks at this meeting," Catelyn explained.
"I can represent the Starks at the meeting, Mother," Arya insisted.
"You're staying with the Legions, Arya," William stated, causing Arya to jerk her head towards him.
"What? Why am I not coming with you, Will?" Arya growled at her betrothed.
"You said you wanted to lead some troops, didn't you?"
"Well, yes, but I was half-joking," Arya replied.
"And I'm considering it," William said, to Arya's surprise. "But I want to make sure you're ready for a command. So, you're going to stay with the Legions and learn more about strategy and tactics from General Tullius. He's the one who taught me military strategy, and if he's convinced, then I'll be convinced."
"Alright then," Arya said with a sigh. "But you better not do anything stupid in the Stormlands, silly stag."
William chuckled before kissing Arya's cheek.
"I make no promises, wolf princess. That's all for now."
With bows and salutes, everyone began to disperse. Soon, only William, Arya, Robb, and Theon remained.
"A word, Your Grace," Theon spoke up.
"You don't have to call me 'Your Grace', Theon. I'm not declaring myself a king until we take King's Landing," William said.
"Ah, it doesn't bother me much. I was just wondering, you have plans for all the Legions except the Sixth Legion in the North. The new ships are finished, why not have them attack the Westerlands by sea?" Theon questioned.
William sighed before answering.
"I would like to, as it would make it a lot easier for you and Robb to conquer the Westerlands, but if the true enemy attacks the Wall... the Sixth Legion is the only army that can respond quickly."
"We do have our secret allies in the Westerlands," Arya pointed out. "They will be a great help."
"You mean Tytos Brax," Robb stated. "I'm still having a bit of trouble believing that he will keep his word and join us when we attack the Westerlands."
"I trust my uncle Tyrion's judgment. You can't deny he's been a great help. Perhaps Tytos' actions will convince other Westerland lords to join us as well," William remarked.
"True," Theon said, "but I've thought of something else that could help. An attack on the Westerlands from the sea would be a great boon, correct? Well, my father has ships and men who know how to sail them."
"Men who fought both Will's father and my own," Robb countered.
"Unless you offer him the right thing," Theon insisted.
"Independence," William stated.
"Is that too much to offer?" Theon asked.
"Not exactly. Ruling six kingdoms is easier than seven, but it's what Balon Greyjoy would do with that independence that worries me," William admitted. "I won't lie to you, my friend. Salt wives, thralls, the iron price, I'm not really that fond of some of the Ironborn's customs."
"We believe that the strong rule, and you are strong Will. Many people follow those kind of beliefs," Theon remarked.
William faced Theon directly.
"Let me pose you a riddle my friend. Two men stand before a judge. One an Ironborn, the other a common farmer. Between them is a sack of flour, enough for the coming winter. The Ironborn says the flour is his by right because of the iron price. He could easily kill the farmer and take the flour for himself while maybe taking the farmer's wife as a salt wife. The farmer says the flour is his by right because he spent months plowing his fields before planting the grain and trying hard to get enough water to the crops so that they'll grow strong. After finally growing the wheat, he needs to harvest the grain before grinding it to flour. Month and month of hard work spent trying to feed his family and if he does not get the flour, his family will all starve to death. You're the judge, Theon. So tell me, who has the rightful claim to the sack of flour?" William finished while tilting his head as he waited for an answer.
"The farmer," Theon answered with a grumble before whispering, "sly-tongued bastard."
William chuckled at his friend before turning serious again.
"I don't think much will come from it, but I am willing to treat with your father. However, I wish for final negotiations to be in person."
Theon smiled.
"I'll leave tomorrow morning."
"If Balon does agree to this, there will be one thing I'll regret from it," William suddenly remarked.
"What's that, Will?" Arya asked.
"I don't know if you remember or not, but the Sixth Legion needs a new Legate. I wanted to choose someone who knows how the Legions fight, but also someone who knows the sea and the new Trireme warships the best," William said before he directed his gaze towards Theon.
It took Theon several seconds to realize what William meant. His eyes then widened in shock.
"You mean... me? But... I'm not part of the Legions!"
"You've trained with the Legions in the North for years. You know how to command and lead them, and you're also a Greyjoy. The sea is in your veins, and you would be a great naval commander. I've even talked with General Tullius about you becoming Legate of the Sixth Legion and in charge of the new fleet. He agreed that you would be a fine officer," William explained.
Theon could only stare in shock. It never occurred to him that Will would have enough faith in him to command an entire Legion and a fleet. He felt... overwhelmed at this.
"I... I don't know what to say, Will."
"Don't say anything. If your father agrees to aid us for independence, then you won't be a part of the kingdoms anymore, and will be heir to your own kingdom," William reminded him. "But... if, by some small chance, Balon aids us without wanting independence, which is almost guaranteed to be unlikely, then there is a Legion in the North waiting for you to take command."
"I'll keep that in mind," Theon said.
King's Landing
Cersei paused as she entered the throne room, glancing around at all the masons and workers, who were changing the style and decorations in the walls. Wondering why it was happening, she proceeded towards the throne, where Joffrey was gleefully watching the changes being made.
"What is all of this?" Cersei asked when she reached her son.
"I'm turning this room into a more proper appearance. The Iron Throne is a seat for a conqueror, so it needs a room to match it," Joffrey explained.
Deciding not to comment on the fact that Joffrey had yet to conquer anything, Cersei decided to pursue another problem.
"Joffrey, we should send the five-and-ten thousand men here in the capital to aid your grandfather," she said.
"They are being reformed into a new Royal Army, one that will truly be loyal to the rightful king. Besides, there are enemies in the Stormlands as well."
"At the very least, we should try to negotiate for Jaime's release, my son. But William will not release Jaime just for Sansa," Cersei pressed.
"I wouldn't be surprised if he did. William is weak, and he puts too much value in women, like his pet wolf girl." Joffrey snorted. "Besides, my grandfather's stupidity on the battlefield is the reason why Uncle Jaime was captured in the first place. Didn't you say that grandfather would win this war soon, mother?"
"It's just a minor setback," Cersei insisted. "More levies are being raised in the Westerlands as we speak, and soon things will turn into our favor, but getting Jaime back here has become a priority."
Joffrey paused, and slowly turned back towards his mother, with an odd look in his eyes.
"I heard a disgusting lie about Uncle Jaime... and you."
"Our enemies will say anything they can make up to weaken your claim to the throne," Cersei replied, trying not to show any fear that her son would actually believe that he was not Robert's son.
"It's not a claim, the Throne is mine!" Joffrey shouted.
"Of course it is," Cersei said, trying to placate Joffrey as she walked closer to him. "No one believes this foul gossip."
"Someone does believe it," Joffrey retorted with an edge in his voice. "Did father have any children besides me, the traitor, Myrcella and Tommen?"
"What exactly are you asking?" Cersei asked, her anger rising at the reminder of her failed marriage.
"I'm asking if he fucked other women when he grew tired of you," Joffrey said with a cruel tone. "How many bastards does he have running..."
Cersei cut him off with a slap to the face, and Joffrey whimpered in shock while everyone in the throne room suddenly stopped and grew quiet. A moment later, they quickly resumed their work, pretending that they had seen nothing.
Cersei herself was a little surprised at her action. She could not remember the last time she had struck Joffrey, or if she had even done that.
"What you just did... is punishable by death," Joffrey said, after his shock was replaced by anger. "You will never do it again. That will be all, mother."
Temple of the Divines, King's Landing
High Priest Rorlund strode through his temple, speaking and tending to those present, many of whom were refugees from the war that had managed to take refuge in King's Landing before the Gold Cloaks closed the gates to them. There was not much that he could do for them, but he made do with what he had.
One of the consequences of the war was that people had started to convert to the Nine Divines. Rorlund disliked this stupid war, but he could not deny that it had caused an increased faith for the Divines, which he attributed to the fact that William Baratheon, the true King, was a follower of the Divines himself. Every day saw new converts, and their faith was becoming the strongest that had been since the Andals brought the Faith of the Seven with them when they invaded Westeros. It had slowly waned over the past several thousand years, but now it was reviving, and it might not be long until it would rival the Faith of the Seven as the dominant religion.
Rorlund eventually reached a young woman called Mhaegen, who had her infant daughter lying next to her while she prayed. The young woman had one day entered the temple with hesitation, but when Rorlund greeted her, she started to warm up to them.
She had admitted that she was a prostitute, probably expecting to be expelled, but Rorlund and Freir could tell that the woman needed something to have faith in, and assured her that everyone but the truly evil were welcome to the temple. Now, Mhaegen came to the temple to pray to Mara and Stendarr every day, and asked Rorlund to aid her, as she did not want her little daughter, Barra, to grow up to become a prostitute as well. The possibility of Barra eventually working at the temple and becoming a priestess of the Divines had been discussed, but Rorlund would allow the girl to make her choice when she grew up.
"How are you today, my dear?" Rorlund asked the girl.
"I'm doing well, High Priest Rorlund," Mhaegen replied. "And Barra is growing up a lot. Though, I suppose I am worried about the war.
"We all are, child. Divines willing, it will hopefully be over some time soon," Rorlund replied before the temple doors opened, and Priestess Silana rushed in.
"R-Rorlund!" Silana shouted, gasping for breath. "The Gold Cloaks! They're... they are killing children throughout the entire city!"
Mhaegen gasped in shock, while Rorlund was stunned at the news.
"What? But why?"
"I'm not sure, I heard some of them talking about killing any child with black hair to try and eliminate any bastard child of the late King Robert."
"N-NO!" Mhaegen exclaimed as she cradled her daughter. "M-my daughter is a bastard of the king! They're going to kill my Barra!"
Rorlund quickly tried to calm Mhaegen down.
"Freir! Take Mhaegen and her daughter and hide them. Hurry!"
Rorlund was not about to let an innocent child be murdered, the whims of a mad child-king or her mother be damned, for only they could have ordered this horrifying act. Freir took Mhaegan and her daughter from the main room, and not a moment too soon, for the temple doors opened again, letting Lord Commander Janos Slynt and several Gold Cloaks in. Rorlund quickly moved to intercept them.
"What is the meaning of this, Lord Commander? This is a place dedicated to worship."
"We are looking for a whore with an infant daughter. She was not in the brothel, but we were told she comes here to pray every day. Where is she?" Janos demanded.
"I'll ask that you kindly refrain from using such foul language in this temple, Commander," Rorlund replied icily. "There are many young women who come to pray here. Do you expect me to know them all?"
"Then you won't mind if we look around," Janos said before signaling his men, who began to fan out through the temple.
One Gold Cloak glanced around before spotting a door, and he began moving toward it.
"That door leads to the hall of the dead. Are you going to offer some prayers to the deceased?" Freir spoke to the startled Gold Cloak.
"I'm looking for a woman with an infant child."
"Then you're looking in the wrong place. Why would a woman take an infant to a place like that?" Freir asked rhetorically.
The Gold Cloak hesitated before turning away from the door and headed back to the main room. Freir let out a breath of relief.
"We found no trace of the girl or the child, Sir," the Gold Cloaks stated then they reported back.
"Move out then," Janos ordered and they left the temple.
An hour later, Rorlund and his wife led Mhaegen, who was disguised as a priestess, to a cart that was being loaded with some supplies.
"Listen carefully, my dear. Freir and some acolytes will take you to Cloud Ruler. Take this message and give it to whoever is in charge. The Black Prince will see that you and your daughter are taken care of," Rorlund instructed.
Mhaegen hesitated before grabbing Rorlund in a hug.
"I can't thank you enough."
"Live well and take care of your daughter, that's all I can ask of you," Rorlund said, smiling. "Now, get into the cart."
The small group left from the temple, and at the city gates, it was stopped by a Gold Cloak that glanced over the cart, but made no effort to fully search it.
As the cart left the city, little Barra continued to sleep peacefully in a hollow barrel in the back of the cart.