Planeswalker Gothic
GOT 11
The Kingsroad. The North.
A whole month after calling the banners, our march began. There were tearful goodbyes all around. Arya tried to sneak into the army by dressing as a boy and wearing a helm, only to be apprehended by her mother. Poor girl.
She'd been jealous of Bran, who had gotten to come with us, I didn't know how that boy he'd convinced his older brother to let him come along, but he'd managed it just as we'd planned.
Already I'd married Meera Reed to cement an alliance between House Gothic and House Reed. I'd found the idea to be silly, but Jojen Reed, the kid who could see visions of the future, had insisted. He'd refused to explain much, just that it mattered greatly to the world.
I had a horrible feeling he wanted me to knock me his sister so she'd have a wizard baby or something like that. Being a Planeswalker wasn't genetic, but being a magic user could be. However I didn't even know if I could have children, I'd worry about it if she actually got up the duff.
Assuming I even stuck around that long. Events were progressing faster than I had expected. I'd already dealt a blow to the White Walkers and the War of Five Kings was starting, more or less. If Robb buggered this up I wasn't sure what I'd do next. I wanted to save the world as I was invested in it, but that didn't have to include putting things right here in Westeros.
Perhaps it would be better focus on the Walkers and the Lord of Light, and then let the humans slaughter each other without concern. Maybe, for now I'd see how my plans progressed.
The current plan was for Jojen and Meera to take Bran to the Isle of Faces, so he could met the Children and then the Three Eyed Raven, without having to got north of The Wall. It was much safer to get to Bloodraven's cave that way.
As expected, the trip was slow-going and dull. I figured, in a single day, we covered about twenty miles. Which was impressive considering most men were on foot and there were heavy waggons as well. Sadly Winterfell was hundreds of miles north of Riverrun, so it was going to take a while to get there.
More men seemed to join our march as every day that passed. Thousands of levies from the many villages, and towns in the North joined as we moved south. Hundreds of men-at-arms , who actually had training, as well as a dozen of Hedge Knights.
Sadly those Knights had been grabbed up by the other lords before I could offer them service so I still only had a handful of men at my command via Jon. No doubt sellswords would offer their services later, but I wouldn't trust them. Hedge Knights were little better really, but they wanted to impress the lords so they could take long term service in a nice warm castle, so they would behave themselves somewhat.
Morale was high. The sight of Robb, with the sword I'd reforged from Dark Sister seemed to inspire the men. It also helped that he had fancy new armour. He looked like a hero.
And then, there was me. The man with magic given to him by the old gods. I found it odd how people quickly accepted magic when they felt it came from something holy.
The only ones among the army that seemed leery of my presence were the Manderlys. House Manderly of White Harbor was a noble family in the north whose seat was New Castle in the city of White Harbor. Unlike most other northern houses the Manderlys follow the Faith of the Seven instead of the old gods
Though, they didn't say anything on the matter to my face. Behind my back, I knew there would be some uneasy muttering, but nothing overly concerning. I figured that if I kept a 'stay away from me and I'll stay away from you' attitude, those that followed the Seven wouldn't make any move against me when the followers the old gods all around me thought I was as close to divine as they believed someone could be. Neutrality was better than outright hostility at least. Still I'd be on my guard and keep Jon close.
The men who kept to the old gods were surprisingly accepting of me, or perhaps it wasn't so surprising as the legends behind their religion revolved around the Children of the Forest, the Others, Giants, and the like. All magical creatures capable of doing things beyond the understanding of mortal men.
"So how's married life treating you" Ser Jon Whitewolf, the man formally known as Jon Snow, asked as our horses trotted down the path.
The wedding had thankfully been a short affair. Basically a hand-fastening in front of a Weirwood tree, then a vow. Given that there was Weirwood tree in Winterfell Bran should have been able to use that one to get to Bloodraven, but that didn't work because I couldn't get the tree to open. I suspected it might have something to do with the pact between the First Men and Children. Silly given that the world was at stake, sadly stupidity has never been a human only trait.
I was grateful northerners didn't go in for silly ceremony of bedding, when the newly married lord and lady get dragged to a room to have sex. I'd have destroyed part of Winterfell if anyone had tried.
"Well enough" I replied "Meera isn't a typical lady".
Which was partly why I'd agreed to the marriage, she was no lady prone to swooning. She had her own life, I had mine and so far we seemed happy letting each other get on with things. Plus by marrying her no one else would try to force a wife on me.
Jojen and Bran concerned me more, they had the potential to be powerful mages. Bran was still getting his head around things, but for Jojen magic was a fact. His people had been taught some nature magic by the Children of the Forests, that was how they'd basically become swamp ninjas. They knew the land like no human ever could.
"How was the wedding night" Jon then asked "I mean... did you...".
That seemed an odd question at first then I remembered that the young knight had no experience with sex and romance. He wasn't requesting details, he just wanted to some idea of what to expect. He had a name now, he could marry, and should as if I didn't have any brats I'd leave all my holdings to Jon.
"We both knew what we were doing" I told Ser Jon Whitewolf "It was a little bit awkward at first, but we got there. I stuck her with the pointy end".
This was when Greyjoy rode past. I was already planning his death. Only I was pretty certain that if his father heard that his last son had died he'd get pissy and attack the north. So keeping Greyjoy here with us seemed wise.
"So she wasn't pure then" he remarked "I hope the dowry was enough to make for getting a slut who looks like a boy".
Lucky for Theon I was too mature to punch him in the face over name calling. Although it was tempting.
"Well at least I've never had to pay a woman to have sex with me" I replied "But don't worry I'm sure you'll find some company with the camp followers. I'll even treat you to a girl if you like".
Camp followers were people who followed an army around to support it. They washed clothes, made sure there was food, and whores joined as well to pry their trade.
"I don't need coin from the likes of you" Greyjoy stated before riding off.
He hadn't gone far before someone else spoke.
"So do you know what do with a girl?" Samwell enquired "My father and I never had that talk".
I rubbed my eyes.
"Once we've set up camp I'll explain about the birds and the bees" I promise.
I was fine talking about sex, but this wasn't the time.
"Hold on we know all about birds and bees" Jon protested "We want to know about girls".
I face palmed.
(Line Break)
Moat Cailin. The North.
Moat Cailin was a ruined collection of towers located on the Neck. Being part of the North made it subject to the rule of House Stark, but it had not been permanently manned for centuries. Because of that, it was not the residence of any lord. But it could be.
It was however the lynchpin of the defence of the North from any invasion from the south. It was an ancient stronghold of the First Men. Alas it had been degraded by time and only three towers still stood. The towers are arranged in mutually defencive positions, suggesting a heightened tactical awareness of the builders. Not primitives had built this castle.
Moat Cailin was said to have been built well over ten thousand years ago by the Children of the Forest, though the accuracy of this is unclear given that they didn't have metal tools and liked to live in woods
Due to the swampy lands of the Neck, some of which I now owned giving me access to black mana, and because the fortress was next to the Kings Road, any large body of men would have to pass by fortress to enter the North.
Thanks to the placement of the three surviving towers and the lack firm ground to deploy siege equipment to the south, a few hundred archers with sufficient ammunition could hold off a much larger army for some time from Moat Cailin.
Moat Cailin was also one of the reasons why the First Men were able to successfully resist the Andals' attempts to invade the North as they did the rest of Westeros to the south.
Also according to myth, the Children attempted to use Moat Cailin to hold back the invading First Men and, when that failed due to the humans' superior numbers, they attempted to shatter the Neck and completely separate the North from the South in the same manner they shattered the Arm of Dorne centuries earlier.
The Children failed and only succeeded in flooding it, creating bogs and swamps. However, the cataclysm proved the strength of their power and may have proved instrumental in bringing the First Men to agree to the terms of the Pact that ended hostilities between the two races.
"A few hundred archers can hold the whole of the Neck against an invading army." Robb said, repeating what I'd been told earlier, while we looked over his maps in a room he'd commandeered.
We were in one of the still standing towers. Which hadn't been used since Robert's Rebellion nearly two decades ago.
"The swamplands and bog will be impossible to cross with an army, and the crannogmen under Lord Howland Reed will ensure that any lucky survivors of the swamps meet a quick end" the young lord went on to say.
A few of the other Northern Lords were also present, as well as Theon, Jon and I.
"Our scouts have indicated that the forces from the Westerlands have begun their assault." Roose Bolton spoke softly, while pointing at a few bits of the map. "Already, the villages around the Mummer's Ford have been sacked, their smallfolk butchered, the women... raped. They sought refuge in their timber holdfast, but the Lannister men burned them out".
A few looks of uneasy horror flitted onto the occupant's faces; likely they'd prefer to be killed by a sword than to be burned to death. I agreed. As for the raping, no honourable north man would accept that.
"Events of a similar nature transpired at the Stone Mill" Lord Bolton added, tracing his fingers along the map. "Pinkmaiden was also quickly overwhelmed, and the men were forced to retreat to Riverrun".
This would have already happened weeks back if the Mountain was around I was sure.
"Their goal is Riverrun?" Lord Karstark said, studying the map as well.
That made sense to me. Riverrun belonged to House Tully, whose Lord was Robb's mother's father. Attacking the Riverlands was attacking half of Robb's family. The lions wanted the wolves here because they didn't want to march all the way to Winterfell in order to win this war.
"Perhaps." Robb allowed. "Our count of the Lannister men is around thirty thousand in the Riverlands. I doubt that they would all be deployed to sack Riverrun"
He then pointed at Harrenhal
"I would bet my new sword that Lord Twyin Lannister has split his army into two, one portion to besiege Riverrun, and the other to take Castle Harrenhal" the young lord said "As his grandson now rules from King's Landing it must be defended".
There wasn't much between Harrenhal and King's Landing other than a road. Nothing that would block an army at least. There were a few villages and even a couple of towns, but they wouldn't have strong walls.
"Harrenhal." The Greatjon agreed without hesitation "Aye the old lion has already taken it I agree. Would take dragons to bring it down. Like they did before".
People then looked at me. They seen make things out of magic, and I'd told them I could summon creatures.
"No dragons here, but Ser Jon Whitewolf and myself" I said, using my friend's title to remind everyone that he had it "Stopped at Harrenhal on our way south the last time. Its practically a ruin. On the inside its walls are crumbling, its drafty, and a bit unstable. Seiging it might not be as difficult as you imagine. And I can bring down walls if you want to me to".
A few summoned creatures would make short of it. I decided not to mention that it was haunted as adding the fact that I could see ghosts to the fact that I was a really powerful wizard would just make people think I was even more weird.
I could summon a dragon, but I felt it unwise to let anyone know exactly how powerful I was or to let the locals become too dependant on me. That was why I would only display my true power if it meant the difference between victory or defeat.
"Then when the time comes I'll leave that task to you, Baron." Robb decided "For now we must focus on aiding Lord Tully and whichever of his vassals survived the initial Lannister invasion of the Riverlands, before even considering an attack on Harrenhal."
The Lords gathered nodded in approval.
"Once the archers left at Moat Cailin are settled in, we march for the Twins and we'll try to join their power to ours." Robb told everyone.
He got some him looks.
"I would not be so sure on that, my Lord" I said, since no one else seemed willing to "Lord Frey is not trustworthy, or reliable".
To say the least.
"The Late Lord Frey." one of them joked and a short laugh was shared by the rulers of the north.
I then got back to topic at hand.
"Lord Fray will most likely keep his men in reserve, before finally joining with the winning side to curry favour" I said with conviction "He will betray you in a heartbeat if he think he can gain from it".
Best to kill the man. The other Frays might be more reasonable.
"Truly?" Robb asked, sounding surprised "He's my grandfather's banner man".
If the young lord had come to King's Landing he'd understand.
"Some men take their oaths more seriously than others, my Lord" I said "If the Lannisters make him a good deal he'll take it".
Robb looked very concerned,
"Do you think he would betray us to the Lannisters, Baron?" Lord Glover asked gravely.
The nobles here called me baron, perhaps it was the novelty of the title, or maybe they didn't like calling me lord as that would make their equal. I was still a strange outsider after all.
"I do" I said simply "But only if he's sure we won't beat them. Until then he'll try to stay as neutral as possible".
Thankfully some people around here seemed to heed my advice. Hopefully Lord Stark would as well.
"Regardless." Robb said as he shook his head. "There is no other way across the river, beside the Twins".
I was already considering other options. Perhaps in my ever changing deck, were cards appeared and disappeared, to better let me make use of the Mana I had in my Mox Diamonds, there would be a bridge artifacts. Although that might not solve the problem as House Frey became wealthy due to their bridge if I put up a new one they might attack it to protect their interests.
"Why not just take it?" Jon asked curiously "The Crossing I mean".
If it wasn't filled with people I'd just destroy it. I was willing to kill to achieve my goals, but the Crossing (the bridge and two forts on either side of river) was filled not just with Freys and soldiers, but also women, children, as well as old men.
"Easier said than done." Lord Bolton said "The Twins consist of two identical stone castles standing on each side of the river. To take them, you would have to coordinate an assault from both sides, as the defenders of one castle can quickly rush to the other. And, since we're only on one side..."
There was a pause as Lord Bolton let the young knight figure out the rest for himself.
"No chance in breaching through the gates" Jon concluded.
Well I might be able to do that.
"It would be a slaughter for both sides." Lord Bolton "Even if we used Baron Gothic's magic to break in we'd face a slaughter. Battles within the walls of castles are nothing short of brutal. We would likely lose as many men as those in the Twins would".
The gathered Lords began to murmur uneasily, and I wondered why Roose Bolton was so causal when talking about magic.
"I am not prepared to make that sort of sacrifice." Robb said, while shaking his head. "I will attempt to reason with Lord Frey to gain his allegiance. But if I am refused entry or if the toll he exacts is too high, I shall consider other options".
Not that we had any other options. At least not good ones,
(Line Break)
Moat Cailin. The North.
I felt kind of bad about distracting Robb and Jon so that Bran could sneak off with the Reed siblings, but Bran needed to go learn from the three eyed Raven, and Robb had a war to win. A missing brother would be a concern, but no less worrying than if Sansa had been captive at the Red Keep.
"Why did you want me to see Baron?" Lord Robb wished to know.
I'd brought him to where a tower had once stood. And I had special card prepared.
"Robb you mentioned giving me what I wanted in exchange for your support" I reminded "Well I've decided I want this place. It's close to the Neck, where House Reed rules and I'm allied with that family"
The young lord was surprised.
"Its a ruin, Gothic" he said "Only used in times of war".
That was when I used the card Command Tower, and made a tower appear where there had only been rubble before. Everyone stared for a while, not quiet understanding how I could do magic on this scale. Enchanted items were one thing, this was something else.
"Could you make more towers as we travel" Robb asked, once he recovered his senses "That would aid us greatly".
Even now he had no idea what I could create, what I could do if I was willing to kill everything in my way.
"I can make whole castles" I said truthfully "but I want this place because of where it is".
Robb didn't need to think about it.
"Then its yours my friend" he said "Somehow I don't think you'll have any problems fixing it up".
No I wouldn't.
"Can you make a bridge, my friend?" Lord Robb wondered.
I shook my head.
"Sorry, my lord" I said "Even my power has limits".
Or at least the cards did.
(Line Break)
The Crossing. The Riverlands.
The Twins looked exactly as they did on the show. And things went as I expected. We were met by a knight, a son of Lord Frey, the Heir to the Crossing, as well as three of his brothers. He looked like a weasel of a man, they all did.
"My Lord father has sent me to greet you, and enquire as to who leads this mighty host." the ugly man said.
I did wonder why sometimes people sounded more like they live action role playing at being medieval while others spoke more normally. Had to be a manners thing.
"I do." Robb stepped forward on his horse, Grey Wind by his side.
It was tempting to tune all this as it was boring, I was also tempted to bully my way through. Maybe summon something scary enough to make them let us past, but if Robb wanted an alliance then threatening Lord Frey would be unwise.
I also recalled that in the books and show, Robb betrays the Frey's first by marrying for love rather than for the sake of alliance. So things might work out as long as Robb didn't act too selfishly and looked as if he was winning.
"My Lord Father would be host honoured if you would share meat and mead with him in the castle, and explain your purpose here." the rider said.
No one wanted Robb to go.
"My Lord, Ser Jon and I would be happy to speak with Lord Frey" I lied.
Now I was thinking that a small display of my power might convince the old Frey git that my allegiance was worth having. He craved respect and power, and money too. I could give something worth more than Lannister promises.
"I am certain my Lord Father would be pleased to speak to the Baron Gothic" the Frey said" To vouchsafe for our good intentions, my brother, Ser Perwyn, will remain here until the Baron is safely returned to you".
Apparently word of me had spread far and wide.
"He shall be our honoured guest." Robb said as the hostage dismounted and handed the reins of his horse to one of his brothers "The Baron and Ser Jon will be return to us before Nightfall"
The threat only needed to be implied.
"As you say, my Lord" the Frey said.
(Line Break)
Army Camp. The Riverlands.
It hadn't taken long to sort Lord Frey out, a nice gift, a little showing off, and the greedy foul old man had more than willing to let Lord Robb go south. He had insisted on a marriage so now Jon was engaged, which made him sulk, but it was for his brother. And that red headed Wildling he loved in the show and books was north of the Wall so hopefully he wouldn't betray that promise. He was too honourable, like his father.
Besides I'd make it up to him. I'd take to another new world, somewhere simple, maybe a conjure him up a new warhorse. I'd discovered that summoned creatures stuck around as long as they were close to the card they came from. And I could let someone else have a card. I didn't know if it would be replaced, but it might be worth giving up one if it made Jon less grumpy.
Not long after crossing we'd met the lions in battle. Less than twenty thousand Northerners faced off against about three thousand foes. We'd sent them packing. Not actually killing that many, most had run when I'd summoned up a few creatures after tapping a lot the lands I controlled.
Also we'd captured someone very important.
"Let him be." I said, and the guard gave me a fearful look no doubt thinking I was going to curse him "He's your prisoner he should be treated with respect".
I approached the cage.
"The Baron of Canterlot. I'm honoured." Lord Tyrion Lannister said from inside his small cage
He looked like a mess, though he seemed to retain his good humour despite everything.
"And Ser WhiteWolf, as well?" he asked, looking at Jon, who was guarding me "Truly a great day for one as lowly as I".
He then looked at Samwell Tarly, who despite training with Jon and spending time on the road hadn't lost much weight. Still I valued him as made my life easier by running choices and advising me on local matters I didn't know much about.
"You're a Tully" was all he had to say about Samwell.
I then got on with things.
"Hello, Lord Tyrion. I trust they're giving you enough to eat and drink?" I asked.
I disliked seeing one my favourite characters being treated like this. The Imp was perhaps the only Lannister I didn't want dead, well the only adult one.
"Perhaps enough to eat, but to drink alas no" Tyrion grumbled.
I turned to the guard.
"I'm taking the Imp into my custody" I told him "Don't worry I'll return him shortly".
The guard didn't argue and before long I was sitting with the dwarf inside my over sized tent drinking wine. Tyrion quickly took his seat and began to drink. I figured he was an acholhic even if he didn't act like one.
"I haven't had wine since..." he said.
My guess was that his father had given him command of a few thousand men and had sent him die. His forces had been meant to slow us down while inflicting some loses. Otherwise there would have been a lot more of them.
This seemed odd for a clever man like Lord Twyin, perhaps losing his son had unhinged somewhat. That or he'd been forced to spread his army about. If Dorne threaten him too that would explain it.
"This war..." Tyrion started to say.
I interrupted him.
"This war needs to end as quickly as possible" I said "Now I don't blame you for whatever it was that happened to Ned Stark, but I do blame your family".
The Imp looked only at his wine cup.
"Baron Gothic" a messenger shouted from outside the tent "Lord Stark summons you to his command tent".
I quickly considered what to do. I had wanted to discuss with the dwarf ways to end this war quickly. He had vein of decency inside him that I hoped to exploit. But he could wait.
"Stay here" I ordered the Imp "Samwell will guard you, he's a smart fellow I'm sure you'll find things to talk about. He likes books too. And if you try to escape Ghost will eat you".
The direwolf growled, and Jon ordered the beast to watch the little loin.
"I'll be back to talk to you again soon" I told the Imp "I'll come back with some more wine and food too".
Hopefully drink would loosen his tongue.
(Line Break)
"Jon has been informing me of events of a more... magical nature." Robb said once we entered his tent "North of the Wall, as well as the priests of this Red God".
This time there were no other lords here, it was just us three men. That he'd mentioned the priests who served the Lord of Light was no surprise. I'd spoken out against them, telling people about human sacrifices.
Also I was sure that Jon had told his father at least some of what I could do, and most likely he was reporting to his brother as well. Oddly I didn't mind.
"Yes." I said. "That is the true war waiting for us. North of the Wall, but not right now. I've brought you time. Time to put a better king on the throne, and Tyrion in Casterly Rock".
The Imp has a silver of goodness in him, and he had the right name.
"And, what makes you think I would agree to have Tyrion be the Lord of Casterly Rock?" Robb asked.
Simple reasons.
"The fact that I'm going to be the reason you take Casterly Rock in the first place." I answered "And because he has a legitimate claim. He's Twyin's only living son, and you can't hold Casterly Rock. You don't have the men to keep the Westerlands under your control, and you can't hold any of the south really. We need to put Renly or Stannis on the Iron Throne, crush the Lannisters and get back North in time to prepare for a White Walker attack. I can help you do that, but I can't do it for you".
It could be simple, or it could be really buggered up.
"Fair enough." Robb said "although I don't know if my men will accept it".
I considered that
"Just say that it's your idea and I'll pretend like it's the best thing I've ever heard in my life. That should do the trick" I said.
Robb looked uncomfortable at the thought.
"They're coming!" I heard
There were a few more shouts in the distance, and we left Robb's tent in a hurry.
"Lord Stark!" called out one of the men as he approached us. "The Mallisters are coming".
House Mallister of Seagard is one of the most prominent noble houses from the Riverlands. If they joined their swords to ours it would a great boon.
"That was why I actually called you here" Robb told Jon and I "Let's go great our guests.
The Mallisters had rode out in force, bearing a flag of truce as Thousands of men, led by their Lord. He had brown hair mixed with white underneath, a chiseled face, and fierce, blue-grey eyes.
"Lord Jason Mallister" one of the Mallister men announced.
"Lord Mallister." Robb greeted once he was close enough.
During Greyjoy's Rebellion, Lord Jason Mallister slew Rodrik Greyjoy, one of the Theon's older brothers. Which explain why Theon hadn't been called to Robb's tent.
"Lord Stark." Lord Mallister greeted jovially. "I see the Freys have allowed you to cross their bridge quickly. I was not expecting you so soon."
Robb gestured at me.
"My friend, and adviser Baron Gothic was able to suitable impress Lord Frey. We were able to cross without much trouble" Lord Stark said.
And with only one engagement demanded. Walder Frey hadn't suggested it until he'd heard Jon was my Master at Arms, who his brother was, and that I was already married. Clearly he wanted a tie to House Gothic and House Stark, only Robb was already married, and I'd told Lord Frey that since we didn't know if Ned Stark was dead or not Robb couldn't approve any marriages for his siblings.
"Did he now" the Riverrun lord said.
He dismounted and moved over to me, completely ignoring everyone other myself and Jon.
"Ser Jon Whitewolf" Lord Mallister said with a grin. "I was there during the King's Tourney. I watched you bring down the Mountain with my own eyes. It is an honour to shake the hand of a man such as yourself."
He extended his hand, and Jon took it.
"I saw you unhorses Ser Aron Santagar" the White Wolf praised "You're fearsome on a horse, my lord".
Lord Mallister looked torn between wanting to ask a few more questions, and going back to do his duty.
"Yes." Lord Mallister said, keeping his blue eyes on me for a few moments "And you're the one they call Baron Gothic".
Indeed I was.
"Yes my lord" I replied.
Andals didn't like magic users as a rule. I knew this would be a problem, but there wasn't much I could other than prove myself an ally.
"Let's go into my tent" Robb said "I'll have my lords gather and we can plan how drive these invaders out of the Riverlands".
Lord Maillister agreed to this and followed us into the tent.
(Line Break)
The Red Keep. King's Landing.
The queen felt no shame for taking her son's place at this meeting. Cersei sat at the head of the table. She wore crimson robes and a golden tiara on her head which melted into her golden locks beautifully she thought. Around her sat the lords of the council, on her right was her pet Grandmaester Orwall, who had replaced the last Grandmaester after he vanished during a trip the Citadel. It hadn't taken the queen long to bring this old man under her control. Orwall was in the typical robes of his order, his maester's chain hung loosely around his neck and he sat hunched over the chair.
To her left the spider, Varys. His hands and cheeks were their usual powdered shade and the faint scent of lavender emanated from him and his Myrish silk robe. Beside him was Janos Slynt, the commander of the gold cloaks. Last of all there was Ser Barristan Selmy who led the Kingsguard. If her brother had still been alive Cersei would have removed Selmy from the Kingsguard, but he would remain for now until the queen found someone more suited for the role.
Littlefinger had also vanished. The queen suspected that he betrayed the crown, and had gone off to join one of the false kings. Should he return he would killed on sight.
Now the meeting could begin, Cersei addressed them in her most regal manner, her back straight and chest thrust forward.
"What do you have to report?" she asked them.
The eunuch spoke first.
"My little birds have word from across the Narrow Sea, Your Grace" he said.
Cersei raised an eyebrow at that.
"Across the sea?" she asked the Master-of-Whispers.
Events far away across the Narrow Sea, didn't seem important right now, yet she would hear about it anyway as it might matter later.
"The Targaryen childeren. It seems the Beggar King has finally been crowned." answered Varys. "The Dothraki have had him crowned using molten gold. He's quite dead".
Cersei smiled at that, she may not have loved Robert Baratheon, but she shared his hatred of the Targaryens.
"Good," she said, "One less threat for us to deal with."
Though Varys seemed less convinced,
"There is still the late Viserys' sister, Daenerys" he warned.
Cersei scoffed at that
"A girl on the otherside of the world is the least of our problems. What else?" she asked.
There was more news form the Spider.
"Stannis Baratheon has landed in the Crownlands" the bald man reported "Renly marches towards him with the strength of Highgarden behind him".
The council members sat in silence, each glancing from one to the other.
"What do we know of Stannis's ambitions." she barked at the eunuch.
Varys placed his powdered hands on the table as he spoke.
"His ambitions still stand as they were, Your Grace. Lord Stannis wants the Iron Throne" he said.
Stannis never had a love for either Robert or Renly, only his loyalty had kept him in check. Now Robert was gone.
"Stannis must come to the capital," she said at last, "He must bend the knee before Joffery, before he can become Lord of the Stormlands".
The other members of this group looked at each other oddly as what the queen had just said seemed strange. It was as if she didn't understand the reality of things.
"Given the circumstances, Your Grace, it would be better if we focused only on the immediate threats" said Janos Slynt "Let the usurpers battle each other while we tend to the kingdom".
Everyone else was grateful that the subject had been changed.
"Problems such as?" asked the queen.
Janos Slynt looked uncomfortable.
"Like the fact that the smallfolk are ready to eat each other" the commander of the gold cloaks said.
Cersei didn't care about that.
"That is none of our concern" she stated "Renly Baratheon is marching from Highgarden. With all his strength behind him." she said.
There wasn't much anyone could do about that.
"What have you done with our defences?" she barked
Janos Slynt spoke again.
"I have one thousand men under my personal command" he told the queen and I recruiting more "I have asked the city smiths to fashion us with us pieces of armour and as many weapons as they can produce. I have men placed permanently at every gate. I'm going to have a group of my men sent round every tavern and brothel in the city every night and gather all the drunks and force them into the gold cloaks as punishment. The garrison will get priority for food, that should encourage more people to join. All of the smallfolk that are fighting fit that come through the city gates will be conscripted into the defence."
That seemed please the queen.
"And if Robb Stark marches here?" the Lord Commander of the King's Guard wondered.
The queen was not concerned. However the Spider was. He'd heard troubling news from the North about a certain Baron. Also a Red Woman had tried to enter the Keep, claiming to serve the Lord of Light, and offering support to the king. He'd made sure she was run out of the city.
"Stark cannot march on King's Landing without taking Harrenhal first, which my father holds" Ceresi said "My Uncle Kevan gathers and trains more levies at the Rock. Stannis and his brother will fight each other while we secure King's Landing"
The Master of Whispers spoke next.
"My little birds tell me that Robb Stark has allied himself with a Wizard, who is supplying the Northerners with magic weapons" he said.
The queen gave a short laugh.
"Silly rumours" she said "There's no such thing as magic".
Even thought the new Grandmaester agreed, this didn't sooth the concerns of the others, but no one argued and the meeting dragged on.