So, this is a short one, but there is not much to say for now. Enjoy a wrench in the plans once more.
Also, Osterreicher, I have some plans regarding that specific prophecy, but they're still too far away to be even relevant. And BloodRaven46, Bard Rhaegar actually agrees with you, While Aerys does believe in that prophecy...
TMI: I was thinking back then to have Aerys offed, but that would be a bit too convenient wouldn't it? As for the Bravos, their swords seem to be effective, if used in the right way, which means, getting them into the joints of an armor. The plan however, was to have them as a last-resort weapon during the infiltration, with the three (Rhaegar, Arthur and Barristan) changing them for more proper swords on the first chance.
King's Landing
As I had expected, Father was too busy worrying about potential traitors to even think of the small discussion, that was good for me, as I had recieved a reply to my latest letter.
The Old Lamprey was most definitely willing to act as a Master of Whisperers. I know, he's not THE most qualified possible choice, but I do need to give carrots to the North and the alliance that was already forming, at least until I had a big enough stick to make sure Lannister did not try anything... overambitious... Furthermore, Lord Stark had also written, announcing privately his express approval so long as the King officially made the call.
Deciding that today was not the day for this, I went off to the training yard. My young Darklyn page watched and I made sure to give him a bit more of a show than usual. After an hour or two, and quite tired, I went back in, there were still things that needed to be done... such as trying to talk father into listening to my idea of an appointment.
Shit.
The fucking Spider is already here.
Well, there goes my carrot for the North, I guess things will be much harder now.
Oh, some of you might say "Oh but Varys serves the Realm, he should notice that the realm is better served if you do sideline your father, he is a good ally"
Bullshit, I don't believe in any man that claims to simply serve the realm. He has some ulterior motives for this whole thing.
"Prince Rhaegar." Said the aformentioned eunuch with a seemingly clumsy bow, shaking me out of my thoughts.
"Lord Varys, I will be watching you closely." Was all I said before walking off, he did not need to know, not just yet...
Oh, who am I kidding, this is Varys, he will find out at some point.
The walk back to my rooms was quiet, the Keep, if it were alive, would probably be settling back to its normal semi-mysterious and somewhat tired attitude, Father had called Lord Baratheon to his solar -I discovered later that he had been made Hand- Mother was with Viserys, and Arthur was with the King. I did hear one thing that I would have liked to not hear when I passed by Father's rooms.
"And Steffon, bring Robert to court, the Lad would do well knowing the rest of his family."
I only hoped that it would be a long time from now, I'd rather avoid butterflies on that front for now. Besides, since when did Father consider the Baratheons as family? I know, I know, he and Lord Baratheon are cousins, but he had not seemed to care about that lately... Now that I think about it, perhaps I knew just how to make a friend of Robert, start by gifting him a warhammer... Hell, name it banhammer while we're at it!
Ignore that pun, it was terrible, anyway, as I arrived at my bedroom, a servant girl carried a letter, sealed with the star and the sword. I knew what this meant... I have not been this nervous over a letter since that time I recieved my acceptance letter into university... when was that? twenty? twenty-five years ago?
I opened it slowly, then read its contents.
Sighing contently I put in in the drawer, at least something was going according to plan.