I heard them announce my presence far before I began to shuffle my way into the small council chambers. My pace drew multiple looks from all the other Lords seated in the council chambers. I ignored their looks, admiring instead the craftsmanship of the great table. Carved in the shape of Westeros every bit as detailed as the one Aegon had crafted back on Dragonstone. Queen Daenerys had flown on her dragon over the entire continent just as her ancestor had, and returned to have a new great map carved.

Occasionally my chest would swell with pride as I imagined myself sitting in the same place as men like, Jamie Lannister, Brandon Stark, and even the "White Wolf' they had all shared a place at this great table a century ago. A shame that the life before me was far less grand. Those who shared a position on the council, including myself were nothing close to those legendary figures.

I offered those seated at the table a quick nod, and took my own seat. Seven above how my joints ached then. The first to speak was Lord Brandon Stark. A great warrior. And second son who was currently filling in for his eldest brother on the council.

"My Lords." Greeted Lord Stark gruffly, clearly unhappy to be there. Many of us shared his feelings, this council meeting was unscheduled. It had just happened that I was planning on fishing that afternoon.

"I had not expected there to be a small council meeting midday; I do hope the news is urgent." Complained Lord Oswick Tyrell. Who had recently taken up the position of Master of Ships. Since his brother had sent him away from the Reach for one reason or another. I could not resist a chuckle; the flowery Lord Tyrell always amused me. "My Lord I'm sure the Prince would not have called us here without good cause." I remarked slyly.

That turned all there gazes to the end of the great table, where Prince Rhaegon Targaryen sat. Dressed richly in reds and black, a three headed dragon pendant hung from his chest covered in rubies. The prince always carried a scowl.

Never a happy man he was rarely in the mood for such humors. "It is as the Grand Maester says. I did not call you here for merriment and jests." I would have winced had I not been so used to the princes behaviors. "My Lords we have urgent news from Pyke." Spoke Tristan Blackwater, the councils Master of Whispers.

I leaned lazily in my seat; I feared anything from those rocky wastes would bore me to tears. "It seems that a fleet has blockaded Lordsport and laid siege to Pyke." Spoke our prince leaving the entire council silent. It was impressive to see even Lord Oswick so awestruck.

"Who would be so bold as to attack one of the seven kingdoms?" Spoke Lord Oswick sounding shocked by the news. I had half suspected Lord Stark to make some sort of jest; I was surprised by his serious demeanor. "Pirates?" Lord Stark suggested half-heartedly. Rhaegon did not hide his amusement. "Nothing so simple." The prince remarked.

"If my information is correct it would seem Harren Greyjoy has returned from his exile, and is seeking to take Lordship of the Iron Islands from his brother's widow." Lady Drumm who had been wife to the last Greyjoy Lord assumed control of Pyke shortly after her husband's surprise passing. Little birds whispered that she carried a child who would naturally be the heir, but she has been ruling the islands for over a year now. And if a child had been born it was unlikely to be anything but a bastard.

"Let those up jumped pirates fight over there salt and rocks." Remarked Lord Stark very cruelly. We all shared a short laugh. Until Prince Rhaegon rose from his seat, his features threatening. "If we allow the one Lord to kill and plunder, then more will think they can do as they please. No we must teach those Lords to fear such bold action."

I watched him turn his violent gaze on Lord Stark; even the massive northerner seemed small when the prince's gaze was upon him. "Without the crowns approval Harren Greyjoy violated the laws of the Seven Kingdoms, Grand Maester you will send a letter to Pyke and inform Lord Greyjoy he is summoned to King's Landing to face justice."

I noticed how pleased Lord Stark looked. Never had I wanted anything more to steal that pleasure from him. "My Prince if I may. Perhaps you should invite Lord Greyjoy to bend the knee if his bid for control is successful." I hid my smile behind a mask of stern seriousness. But seeing the smile melt away from Lord Starks face gave me more pleasure then a thousand whores.

"Why would I do that?" Rhaegon replied half caringly. "If he dies sieging Pyke then it is of no consequence, but if he is successful and you allow him to keep his titles and bend the knee. You could make a very grateful vassal with a very large fleet."

The silence was deafening. Never had I felt so much tension in one room before. "As you wish." Said the prince with a tone of utter finality. As soon as the prince left Lord Stark turned his gaze on me. "Wise counsel Grand Maester. The Greyjoys have been stabbing there friends in the back for the last four hundred years. Allowing the dangerous whoresons bend the knee could only benefit the realm."

I made no remark. My pleased smile said it all. The capital had been dull lately and stealing the fun from my co-counselors was all the amusement I was used too.

The next hour was quiet. I had walked to my quarters only half remember what I had been thinking about. Almost forgetting my task as I reached the study I immediately went to the desk. Opening a fresh bottle of ink and working at his task.

"Lord Harren Greyjoy I write to you now in the name of Prince Rhaegon Targaryen Lord of Dragonstone, Crowned Prince of the Seven Kingdoms, and Hand of the King. You are called to King's Landing to face justice for your brazen attack on the Iron Islands. You are the last of your house and our prince has offered mercy, bend the knee and swear fealty and you will be allowed to keep any titles acquired prior to your arrival.

Signed Grand Maester Garth "

Lastly I drew some melted wax across the parchment, and pressed the seal of the King firmly down sealing the letter. I eyed the three headed dragon as the wax cooled and hardened. The sigil had always made me think of what it would be like to ride a dragon, and fly above the boredom of everyday life. Drogon was the last living dragon but he had become sickly and he did not expect the creature to live long. However he did have hope for the eggs that had been left behind, four he was hopeful would soon hatch.

I brought the letter to the rookery where the best and brightest ravens in all the Seven Kingdoms could be found. I spent some time enjoying the view after I had sent the raven away to deliver the message. It was there when I was so high above everyone else that I felt at peace. I was getting old but I was still as restless as the day I came screaming out from between my mother's thighs.

"Long Live the King" a familiar voice called out to me even though I couldn't see them. But before I could turn to see who had called. I felt myself go light. I was over the railing before I could scream, and falling faster than I would like. I felt so strange it made me smile, even though I knew I was in danger it was like those dreams I had as a child soaring above the realm. But when I looked down I knew all my dreams were at an end.