So I'm shamelessly trying to keep my story on the first page by getting another update out. This might be the last quick update I have left in me. I still have some ideas I'm excited about but I don't think they'll get put on the page this month.
Chapter Forteen: The Last Baratheon
I assume you are quite happy to see your father again." Robb said to Wendel Manderly. "I'm sorry that your brother won't have the chance to see his two daughters."
"Yes, that is a shame but someone had stay in the Riverlands to keep the northerners together. House Manderly knows its duty." He said proudly.
Robb began to see the city in in the distance on the other side of the white knife. He had sent scouts ahead to notify Lord Manderly to his arrival. He had prepared several large ships to ferry the army across the river. When his army entered the city they were given a most gracious welcome. All the people in the town cheered them on as they made their way into New Castle.
"While I'm grateful for your most gracious welcoming you did not need to throw us a parade." Robb said to Lord Manderly.
"Of course I did, Your Grace. Your subjects have heard of your many victories against the Lannister and have waited for the chance to celebrate them." Lord Manderly said joyfully.
By the gods he is fat. Now I know why they say he cannot ride a horse. "As I'm sure you've heard the Night's Watch has requested aid."
"I had, Your Grace" He replied in a far more serious tone. "Had I the men I would have sent them but we've had some trouble keeping order after what happen with Lord Bolton's bastard."
"What did he do?" Robb asked surprised.
"You were not told? He took Lady Hornwood hostage and married her against her will. He tried to lay claim to her lands. I had my cousin take position of the Castle in order to keep it from the vile bastard's hands."
Does no one feel the need the inform me of these things. Robb thought angrily.
"When Ser Rodrik slew the bastard I thought the trouble would end there but his men have been encroaching on Hornwood land. White Harbor is full of people fleeing from the Bolton men. I have no idea who rules them now but they have been causing trouble for months now. I have been reluctant to bring my men back from Hornwood. But now that you are here to settle the matter I have no problem with sending my forces to aid the Night's Watch."
"I have brought my own forces to bolsters the Wall's defenses. All that I need is ships to sail up to Eastwatch. How have the ships I asked you to build come along?"
Lord Manderly returned to his joyous tone. "Better than expected. You actually came across the White Knife on one of the ships in your new navy. We have 45 ships ready and hope to have the 46th ready by the New Year."
"I assumed those had been merchant cogs. You have gone far beyond what was expected of you. We plundered large amounts of gold from the Westerlands. I promise you will be compensated greatly."
"You are too kind, Your Grace. It was your ancestors that sheltered my family when we were beset and friendless. We were driven from our homes and the wolves took us in and norished us. They protected us from our enemies. This city was built upon the land that your family gave us. And because of that we swore, before the Old Gods and New, that we would always be Stark men. That debt can never be repaid but I have tried to do my part to honor it. The gold, Your Grace will be incredibly useful. I took the liberty of minting silver coins for your new kingdom. I turned all the silver I had into coins. We have 50,000 silver trouts ready to be spread thought your kingdom. Unfortunately I did not have enough gold until now to start making coins in large numbers." Lord Manderly pulled two coins out of his pocket and offered them to his king for inspection.
Robb looked at the coins placed in his hands. The silver coin had the trout of house Tully on one side. The words North and Riverlands ran along both sides of the trout. On the reverse Robb saw the face of a man. Even though his name was written above the face it took him a second to fully understand that it was his face on the coin. He then looked at the gold coin and saw the same thing only with a Direwolf instead of a trout.
"Once we get enough copper I can start making copper coins as well. If it is not to bold of me suggest we could place a Heart Tree and the seven point star on your copper coins."
"I approve. You will have all the materials you need to make coins. You have truly proven yourself today." Robb said as he returned the coins.
"I'm sure you wish to rest but I thought it best to let you know that we had a man arrive who wished to speak with you. He claims to have been lord Stannis' Hand of the King."
"You were right to tell me. I will see him now. If you could have the ships prepared I would like to have my men and horses ready to set sail today."
"So soon? We were going to have a feast to celebrate your return." Lord Manderly replied confused
"You honor be beyond words but the Night's Watch has gone without assistance for too long. My brother is at castle black and I will not risk him being hurt."
Lord Manderly began to laugh. "Wish I was young enough and still able to ride a horse. I would love to ride with such a fierce king into battle. I pity those Wildling that you find in your path, Your Grace."
Robb was escorted into the great hall and given the lords seat in order to hear his guests. Lord Manderly then sat next to Robb and ordered that the man be brought to give his message to the king. Robb saw an older man with a salt a pepper beard and no fingers on his left hand enter the Merman's Court. He was followed by a beautiful women with Red hair wearing a red dress. Robb's own red hair looked more brown then red in comparison to the woman's. He noticed a deep emptiness in the women. Emptiness that seemed to mask some of her beauty.
"I'm told that you claim you once served as Hand to Stannis Baratheon. From what I have been told Lord Stannis is dead. Killed by the ghost of his own brother if the rumors can be believed. So my lord, what is it you have come here to ask of me."
"Thank you, Your Grace for hearing me out. I 'am Ser Davos Seaworth and I served as Hand to Stannis Baratheon, First of his name, and rightful King of Westeros. In the months after the battle of the Blackwater the lords began to fight over what course of action to take. Lord Florent sized power a fortnight ago and attempted to trade Stannis' daughter, the Princess Shireen, to the Lannisters. I and others loyal to Stannis took the princess and came here. I've come here asking you to support her claim to the Iron Throne."
Robb looked at the man and could see the passion in which he spoke. Unfortunately he already knew what his answer would be…what it would have to be. "Everyone save for Lord Manderly out!" He commanded. After all but Ser Davos, the red women, Lord Manderly, and Robb himself where removed from the Great Hall he spoke. "I sent my mother to treat with Renly Baratheon. She returned claiming that she saw him murdered by a shadow with the face of Stannis Baratheon. Do you deny what he did? Do you deny that he was a kinslayer?" Robb asked the man plainly.
Davos was silent for a moment as he looked for the words to answer with. He reached for the bag of finger bones that use to hang around his neck and remembered they were no longer there. "You say he was a kinslayer. I will not deny it. He used magic to kill his own brother. But if I'am correctly you too have been called a kinslayer. You executed lord Karstark with your own sword. Was house Karstark not of distant kin to house Stark?"
"That has different. Lord Karstark broke the law. He killed hostages under my uncles own roof."
"So did Renly. Stannis was Renly's older brother. By all the laws of gods and men the throne belonged to him. He didn't want it. No more than he wanted to kill his brother. But he was the lawful heir and meant to see that the law was fulfilled. What else would you call it when a younger brother usurps what is his older brother's by right, but a breach of law. Renly broke the law and was punished for it. Just as Lord Karstark was punished for his crimes."
Robb said nothing as he thought on what Ser Davos said.
"Let me ask you, Your Grace. Do you know why your lord father was killed?"
"He learned of Joffrey's true parentage and the queen killed him because of it."
"Yes but before he died he sent a letter to King Stannis telling him of the truth. It was his commitment to honor Stannis' claim, the true claim, to the throne that cost your father his life. Now I stand her before you to honor what your father died for.
Robb was taken aback by the man's argument. Deep down Robb knew he was going against what his father would have wished but hearing the accusation being said out lout somehow made it feel worse. "You may be right Ser Davos. What happened to Renly may have been punishment for usurping his brother's throne. And backing Stannis' claim is what my father died for…but my lords have made me king and I will not undo what they have done. We have decided to free ourselves from the Iron Throne and I will not ask my people to die in order to but someone else on a foreign throne. If the Lannisters will meet my demands I mean to give them peace." To Robb's surprise Ser Davos did not seem that distraught by the news.
"In truth I did not believe you would. But I was Stannis' man and I had to at least try. I however wish to make a smaller request."
"Ask it."
"I still seek shelter for the Princess Shireen. As long as she lives she will be a threat to Joffrey reign. I refuse to abandon her to the Lannister. She has told me of how cruel Joffrey was to her as a child and that was with King Robert to keep him inline. I dare not think on what he would be like as king."
Robb was hit hard by Ser Davos request as he thought of his own sister who remained a hostage of the Lannisters.
"I brought with me 4 ships and 200 men loyal to the true heir. I will give it all too your cause if you would promise me that you will shelter the Princess Shireen from her enemies."
Robb smiled. This request he could fulfill. "The men and ships are welcomed but unnecessary." He then stood up from his chair. "Ser Davos Seaworth I Robb Stark, first of my name, King in the North and of the Trident, Lord of Winterfell, do hereby swear to you in the name of the Old Gods and New that the Princes Shireen Baratheon will be under my protection. She will be cared for as if she where my own blood. No treaty with any person nor kingdom will be made that endangers her. This I swear to you for this day and all the days to come."
"Thank you your grace." Davos said in a grateful manner. He made to exit the Great Hall.
"Wait" Robb said as he pointed his finger at the red women. "I assume you are the fire priestess that convinced King Stannis to follow this fire god I have heard so much about."
"My name is Melisandre. And yes I turned His Grace to the one true God." She replied comely.
"And I assume it was your magic that killed lord Renly?"
"It was." She replied without so much as a flinch. Robb felt his heart quicken as she admitted to what she had done. He prayed to the gods that his fear did not show.
"Why have you come to me?"
"I once believed that Stannis was the Lord of Light's chosen. I now know I was mistaken. The visions I see in the fire have shown me that the real battle lays up North. I have come here to see what the Lord of Light plans for me."
"And what makes you think I would allow you to stay in my kingdom? You have admitted to me of having used blood magic in order to kill Lord Renly. Letting you stay in the North would pose a danger to myself."
"King Stannis listened to me because I was useful to him. I could be useful to you as well."
"And what would you want in return for this usefulness?" Robb ask skeptically.
"Only the ability to serve you. The Lord of Light as shown you in my visions. Your Grace, has his part to play in the war against the Great Other."
Robb was silent after she had finished speaking. Is it mere flattery or does she truly believe I have some grand purpose in her plans. "Fine, I will allow you to stay in my kingdom on one condition. You will-"
"You want me to stop the rebellion in Volantis." Melisandre said before Robb was able to finish his sentence.
Robb was at a loss for words. He at just thought of the idea himself a few seconds ago.
"I saw a vision that I would return to the great temple of Volantis in order to speak on your behalf."
"So do you believe you can accomplish this task?"
"I'm not sure. I sought out Stannis on my own accord without approval from the High Priestess. How she will feel towards me is an unknown."
"Have you not seen what will happen in your visions?" Robb asked in a condescending tone.
"I see only what the Lord of Light wills. And even then it is up to me to interpret the messages in the fire."
"Very well. You may go. I will have a ship readied for you. If you could bring the Princess Shireen here I would like to meet her." Robb said.
"Of course, Your Grace." Ser Davos said as he bowed. He and Melisandre then turned to leave the Great Hall.
"Do you think it wise to work with a witch like that, Your Grace?" Lord Manderly asked.
"I will not but my faith in her the way Stannis did but if she has the powers she claims I would rather have her as an ally then an enemy."
"As you say, Your Grace."
It had been half an hour later when Ser Davos returned at the side of the Princess Shireen followed by several guards that wore the Baratheon Stag that was engulfed in fire on their chest. Robb noticed the girl had a mix of fear and embarrassment on her face. It wasn't hard for Robb to guess from where those feelings came. Her father had been killed in battle and now she was forced to leave her home in order to stay alive. And while it was sad to say she was not a practically attractive young girl. Her face was scarred by grey scale, which probably put her at the end of many jokes from other children.
Robb walked over to the young girl and went to a knee so that he might look her in the eyes. He saw great sadness in them. "Your father was a good man princess. My father spoke highly of his skill and determination." Robb left out the part about his father speaking about his stubbornness and lack of mercy. "I know you must be scared after what happened but I assure you. You are safe here princess."
Shireen looked into the young king's blue eyes and wanted to believe him so much. She had been so terrified over the last couple of months. First her father had died and then her mother had gone mad. The lords at Dragonstone that had survived the battle had fought over control and tried to sell her to the Lannister. She wanted so very much to believe what he said. "Thank you, Your Grace."
Robb stood up and looked at Ser Davos. "I will have the Princess Shireen sent to Winterfell. You may send 20 of your men with her as a personal guard."
"That will not be necessary, Your Grace. I'm fully willing to commit all my men to your cause. I only wish to send my wife, youngest sons and her fool with her." Davos replied.
Robb was taken by surprise by the man's trust. "I have been given a request for aide from the Nights Watch. I plan on sailing to the Wall to stop some King Beyond the Wall."
"Then my men and I will follow you to the wall. But first the Princess has a gift to give you in thanks for your hospitality." Ser Davos turned his head and signaled to someone. "Devan"
A young boy no older than 13, from what Robb could guess, walked over to the princess and handed her a sword. She took the sword and in turn handed it to Robb. "This was my father's sword. He named it Lightbringer. I gift it to you as a thanks for your hospitality. I would be honored if you took it into battle."
Robb took the sword from the young girl and was at a loss for words. He wanted to tell her that any gift was unnecessary but at that point it felt disrespectful. "You honor me princess." As he thanked her he pulled the sword out of the sheath ever so slightly and was astonished to find that the blade glowed. He immediately pull the sword out in its entirety and the court room was covered in light. "I see why your father named the sword as he did." Robb said I he continued to marvel at it.
"I need to speak to the king." A man shouted as he tried to move past the Baratheon men. Two of Robb's unsullied instinctively stepped forward to stop him.
"Gendry this is not the time." Ser Davos said to the young man.
"Milord, I met your sister when I left King's Landing. I know where Arya is. Or at least where she was before I was separated from her" He blurted out.
Robb examined the man for a moment. He was nearly as tall as Robb and had broad shoulders. He looked as if he could wrestle an Ox if he wanted to. It took Robb several second to make the connection to this man and the stories his sister had told him. "You're Gendry."
"How did you know that?" The man replied with a look of confusion.
"Gendry that is no way to speak to a king."
"My sister Arya told me of you. She said she traveled with you and another boy." Robb took a short amount of time to try and remember the other boy's name. "Hot pie was it?"
"So Arya made it back to Winterfell?"
"She did. Thank you for your concern. As I understand Arya met you in a group traveling to the Night's Watch before you were taken by the…lady Melisandre I assume." Robb felt the word lady come out uncomfortably. "Was it your intent to take the Black?"
"No mylor…Your Grace. I was blacksmith's apprentice in King's Landing. My master sold me to the Night's Watch. I resented him for a while but now I realize he was just trying to protect me." Gendry said sadly.
"Protect you from what?"
"From the queen….I'm King Robert's son." Gendry struggle to say the last part. He realized it was the first time he had said it to anyone.
Robb realized that this young man must have been what King Robert looked like in his youth. "Our father's where great friends. It was their friendship that kept the kingdom together. If there is something you would wish from me, ask it. If it is with my power to grant it, I will."
"No, Your Grace. I once though I would be part of the brotherhood without banners. But they sold me to the Red Women for a couple pieces of gold. It was Ser Davos that saved me. I have decided to follow him so that I might earn a knighthood." Gendry replied humbly.
"So be it." Robb then turned his attention back to Ser Davos. "I will make sure your men are given prober clothing for the cold. We will be setting sail within the hour. I suggest you say your good byes to your wife and sons."
"Of course, Your Grace."
Ser Davos kissed his wife, Marya, as they began to get ready to depart. "His Grace tells me that you will be taken to Winterfell with the Princess. He expressed his hopes that you would help his wife with their child after she gives birth."
"Of course." Marya replied. Hopefully this queen is not as crazy as the last.
Davos then gave Shireen a hug and handed her a wooden stag that he had carved for her. "Will my cousin Gendry and Devan not be coming with me?" She asked sadly.
"No my princess. Devan is my squire and Gendry wishes to earn a knighthood." Ser Davos replied.
"Perhaps it might be best if the Princess was accompanied by a friend. Surly Gendry could squire for you instead." Melisandre said as she placed a surprisingly friendly hand on the princess shoulder.
"I believe Daven will want to fight with all the other men." Davos replied halfheartedly.
"But of course his first responsibility is to his queen. Is it not?" She replied.
Davos found it hard to argue this point and for once he didn't really want to. He had lost 4 sons already. As much as it pained him he was grateful for the Red Women's suggestion.
"But I want to go to the Wall with you." Devan complained to his father.
"I know you want to but your duty is to the Princess Shireen." Davos said as he place his hand on his son's shoulder. "No one doubts your courage. You stood next to Stannis's side after he was struck down. You made sure his Grace's body was returned to Dragonstone so that he could be put to rest. I assure you there will be more battles to fight. We are sworn to Robb Stark now and his war with the Lannister still continues.
Robb sat in at the head of the table in Lord Manderly's solar as they discussed their plans.
"I know you feel this task beneath you but I want to make sure the Princess makes it to Winterfell safely." Robb said to Dacey Mormont who stood at the end of the table.
"I..I understand, Your Grace." She said reluctantly.
"My sister will be most exited to have her instructor back. If you have the time I would like you to continue her lessons. But more importantly tell Arya that I expect her to be friendly to the Princess Shireen."
"Of course, Your Grace."
Robb looked Dacey in eye. "I need you to stress this. The Princess has been though a lot and Arya is not to behave the way she did towards our own sister. You are to take 20 men and leave on the morrow with the Princess and Ser Davos' family."
"As you command." She said before bowing.
"Lord Manderly how many of your men do you have dealing the Bolton men?"
"About 300. Most of which hold castle Hornwood."
"I have no heir as of now to place in charge of Hornwood lands. Both Halys and Daryn are dead. For now you will maintain the Hornwood lands. Lord Bolton is now in the Reach and cannot bring who ever remains in charge of his men to order. I will leave you with the unsullied my goodfather was going to take to Volantis. I've had your maester draw up a royal decree ordering who ever holds the Dreadfort to surrender it to your men."
"I promise you, Your Grace that we will bring order back to your kingdom." Lord Manderly said proudly.
"Good. Winter is coming and we can't afford to be divided."
So we brought the Baratheon plot back into the story line. It might be kind of pushing it to have Melisande get Gendry even thought Stannis was already dead but I really liked bringing him Davos and Shireen back into the story. So I went with the book version of Davos having 7 sons because in all honesty I just wanted to have Melisande ask to keep Devan away from danger like she does in the books. Another detail that the show left out. I think it's a good scene because it shows Mel isn't really evil. She has some level of compassion and just happens to be a religious zealot. Shireen is referred to as Princess in all honesty because it just sounded better in the dialogue than Queen. But I guess I could rationalize it by arguing since there not pushing for her claim and only seeking safety they withhold the title of queen so as not to question Robb supremacy. My favorite part of this chapter was definitely the part with lord Manderly. Another great character that is robbed of some of his character in the show. Here you see him making every attempt at turning the North into its own kingdom. He begins forming a Royal Navy and minting a new currency both of which he does in the books. So in case anyone was wondering, bringing Gendry into the story is in no way an attempt to make this an Arya/Gendry fic or even make that a subplot. If you where looking forward to that I'm sorry to say but it's not going to happen. A lot of people like that relationship and I've just never understood it. Arya was never a character that I felt her romantic relationships really mattered. And even if I decide to write a romantic subplot for her it won't be with Gendry. Gendry is pretty much a man while Arya is like 12 or 13 in this fic. All that being said I'm sure she will be happy to be reunited with her former friend. If you have any questions leave a comment.