12th Month of 298 A.C. Storm's End
Renly Baratheon
His brother was dead, the over looming shadow of Robert Baratheon had gone from the world, and if he was being honest with himself, completely honest, Renly was relieved. His brother, who had been just a shadow of his former self, had regained some of his old lust for life upon seeing his son Prince Tommen, and yet there was something inside the king that prevented him from truly returning to his younger days. The king was dead, and his pain was at an end, but he left behind a realm that was beggared by debt and was heavily influenced by the Lannisters. That was something that Renly could not allow to stand, he had no doubt that the Lannisters had his brother killed, it was more likely a plot of Cersei than anyone else, and yet there was a part of him that insisted he fight for Tommen, and yet he knew Tommen was still under great sway of Gerion Lannister, who was a different type of Lannister but a Lannister all the same. The seven kingdoms had had enough of the Lannisters, it was time for a new family to come back to power. Renly intended to bring that about, and was thankful that Ser Cortnay had sent the ravens out when instructed, for now his men were gathered. The banners of Estermont, Caron, Dondarrion, Tarth, Selmy all the lords of the Stormlands had come bringing some twenty thousand men with them. It was an impressive force, though Renly knew that they would need to march south to meet with the Tyrell army marching up the Rose Road.
The Stormlords he knew were eager for a fight, they were eager to crush the Lannisters, but they were also wary of the Tyrells, a traditional enemy from before the seven kingdoms were united under one throne, and Renly knew that he had to convince them that to follow him was the right course of action. He took a breath and then spoke to the assembled gathering, all the voices quietened down then and he felt a shiver of pride. "My lords, thank you for coming. Thank you for answering my call to arms. It is a difficult thing I ask of you I know. The Lannisters are strong and powerful, and they hold a large army, and yet we have the chance to right the wrongs that they have inflicted on our realm. We can deal justice to them for the murder of my brother." There was a large yell of approval at that.
A voice called out then, and he suspected he knew who it was. "Why do we not fight for Prince Tommen my lord? Prince Tommen is King Robert's son, and a son comes before a brother."
Renly had been expecting this and so he replies. "Aye, tis true, Prince Tommen is indeed my brother's son, and yet he too is under the influence of the Lannisters. Gerion Lannister, a man who schemes and plots know no end. That is the man who would truly rule the kingdoms. Not my nephew. We have had enough of Lannister rule have we not? It is time the Baratheons and the Stormlords took what is rightfully ours!"
There is a roar of approval at this but the voice once more calls out. "Why not try to negotiate with Prince Tommen? After all the prince would bring with him the North and the Riverlands. And combined we are more than enough for the Lannisters. My lord is unwed, would it not do us some good to have a grown man waiting in the wings should you fall in battle?"
There is some muttering at this, and Renly looks at Loras out of the corner of his eye, before smiling and continuing. "I understand your concern my lord. But trust me when I say that having anything to do with Prince Tommen will be like drinking a chalice filled with poisoned water. It is a wrong that must be righted. My nephews shall be dealt with accordingly. But we must unite first and foremost with the Tyrells. For they shall bolster our numbers and ensure that we have the strength to out match all."
Lord Caron speaks then. "Why must we ally with the Tyrells my king? After all if we were to seek alliance with the Starks and with Tullys then it would be like the alliance that put your brother on the throne all those years ago. The Tyrells are schemers who will jump at the first sign of trouble."
Renly feels Loras tense next to him, but luckily his lover does not move to act. His voice calm Renly replies. "I appreciate your concern Bryce, but trust me when I say that the Tyrells will not be leaving our campaign any time soon. I have agreed to marry Lord Mace's daughter Margaery, we shall be tied in blood. Any man who breaks such an agreement is a man that no lord will follow. We shall have the might of the Reach behind us, and some of the Riverlords have already agreed to fight for me. We shall remove the stain of Lannister influence from King's Landing begin afresh."
There is some muttering at this and then Lord Estermont, a wizened old man speaks his voice soft. "We must prepare for an attempted siege. No doubt Lannister will try and curry favour with the Redwynes, for they are still captive in the Red Keep. Should the Redwyne fleet come calling we do not have the numbers to hold it off. Perhaps seeking an alliance with Lord Stannis could be beneficial Your Grace?"
Renly looks at the old man and snorts. "Do you truly think my brother would be willing to ally with me? With us?" he gestures at the lords next to and below. "He will demand our fealty because he believes himself the rightful king, and yet he has done nothing to earn that. He is not that good of a commander, and he is in thrall to a worshipper of a fire god. Aerys Targaryen was a worshipper of a fire god and he brought the realm to its knees. Do you want someone like that sat on the throne?"
"No!" a chorus of voices shout. "The Seven are the only true gods. Damnation to the other false idols!"
Renly nods. "Aye. The Seven are the true gods. They forged Westeros in their own image, and ensured that we of the noble stock took control. There is nothing there for false idols. We must ensure that only the true believers survive. And I intend to ensure that comes about. We cannot have the corruption of the lions infesting our kingdom anymore."
There are shouts of approval then. And then Lord Tarth speaks his voice loud and clear. "I know one thing my lords, my king. With the backing of the Tyrells we shall have the backing of the faith, for they are rooted in Oldtown more than they ever could be in King's Landing. Our cause is a holy one and we shall see it through. King Renly is the only king who knows the ways of the seven and he shall fight to see it through."
There are more shouts of approval then and then someone shouts. "King Renly is the one who shall lead us through to the light. He is Hugor the Hill come again. Renly Baratheon King. King Renly. Long may he reign!"
As others begin taking up the chant, Renly basks in their praise and the glory they are bestowing on him. He wonders if this is how his brother felt when they proclaimed him king. If this is why he fought so hard, not for the woman but for the crown, the cheers and the glory. He dreams of sitting in King's Landing, on the Iron Throne, and knows that he will succeed. None can stop him, not with his lords desperate to fight for him and with the strength of the Tyrells behind him. The feast continues for another few hours. There are lots of toasts raised and many people speak, once it is done, Renly and Loras walk back together to Renly's chambers, the lords are drunk and are feasting onward, but Renly, Renly wants only to sleep and to talk with his lover. As they slip out of their clothes and get into bed, Loras asks. "Did you truly mean what you said?"
Renly looks at Loras and asks. "What do you mean? I said many things in the hall tonight. You will need to be more specific my love."
Loras with his curls pushing into his face speaks. "When you said that the seven are the true gods. Did you truly mean it? You know what will happen should the faith ever discover us and what we are. We shall be burned for sinners and your bid for the crown will fall."
Renly snorts then. "Loras my love, you are good with a sword but terribly naïve. The members of the Faith who matter are all in Oldtown, and they have long known about us. In fact I do believe the Starry Father is actually in favour of men and men being together. We are not abnormal, we are merely choosing a different path. It is no sin to be with the one you love. And soon enough there will be change in Baelor as well."
His lover looks unconvinced. "And how do you know this Renly? We are not in King's Landing anymore. Your influence lessens by the day. We leave for Summerhall on the morrow, how can we be certain that things will go accordingly? Stark has already fled with Prince Tommen, Myrcella is missing. How do we know what is going to happen in the viper's pit?"
Renly looks at his lover and says. "Because when one wishes to be king, one never takes all of one's assets. I still have members of my household at court, and one is currently serving as Tyrion Lannister's bed maid I believe. I will continue getting information through these sources and acting on it. And regardless, Cersei is very much a predictable sort of person. She believes that she is clever, and in that she falters. For her schemes are far too easy to predict. When the time is right I shall reveal what I know about her. And that in itself will stunt her and her son."
Loras is looking at him intently. "What of Prince Tommen? Do you think he will bend the knee to you? With Eddard oh so honourable Stark whispering in his ear? I do not think so. And you said it yourself, Gerion Lannister will always be the power behind Tommen. He will not bend, and that will lead to more war."
Renly muses over this and says. "I think Tommen will wish to be safe. It is obvious to anyone with eyes that he is deeply in love with the Stark girl. If we offer them safe passage then they will be tempted to bend. Tommen I do not think wants the throne, he is only doing what he thinks is right. But if I can convince him that what is right is to support me then he will."
"How will you do that my love?" Loras asks as they get into bed.
Renly pauses for a moment and then says. "I am not entirely sure just yet, but I know that the key to getting Tommen to bend is through the Stark girl. There are many people who have an interest in her, and one of them does happen to owe me a debt."
Loras looks at him then surprised. "You cannot mean to use him? Surely not. The man is despicable, and gods alone know what Tommen will do if he hears about this."
Renly sighs and says. "If one wants to be king, one has to do despicable things sometimes. Life is not a song Loras, and it is time we all learned that. My nephew especially. I shall send the raven out before I leave tomorrow."
Winterfell
Lord Eddard Stark
Winterfell, home, at last, after the damnable sin that had been King's Landing and the Red Keep. Ned had never felt so relieved to be home as he had when they had seen Winterfell whilst riding from White Harbour. The Laughing Lion, Ser Gerion's ship had been docked at port and from there they had spent a day in White Harbour with the Manderlys before moving on. Whilst in New Castle, Ned had asked Lord Wyman to begin the construction of a fleet. He did not want the north to be left wanting as they fought the war perhaps time would come for ships to be built on the western coast as well. The Lannisters were sure to get involved. Winterfell itself was filled with activity as the preparation for war began. There was much and more that needed to be done and they were all doing their part. Ned felt tired, and as he looked at the men for that was what they were now, in the room with him, he knew they felt the same.
King Tommen, his eyes tired, though perhaps not from lack of sleep spoke then. "We must move quickly. I know my brother, and I know for certain that he is already planning on making a move sooner rather than later. The letter," at this the King held up a letter that had been waiting for them at Winterfell. "Is proof enough of that. The demands he makes are ridiculous the accusations even more so. We must march south and soon."
Ned speaks then. "Your Grace, whilst the rush is understandable. We must take some time to plan and to begin ensuring that the alliances are secure. We know that Joffrey thinks that he has us deep in the ditch, but he is making a big assumption and that is the fact that his grandfather will fight for him in this war."
The king looks at him a moment before saying. "But we played right into his hands. That attack by our uncle was planned. Ser Jaime's injuries will be more than enough to get my grandfather angry enough to consider taking action against you. For he has always been irrational when it came to the Kingslayer."
The king's lion growls slightly at the mention of the man's name, and Ned feels the floor shake. Sighing he says. "And yet Lord Tywin is a cautious man. He will be weighing up every possible option before he marches, and even then who knows what course of action he might well take."
Ser Gerion speaks then. "Lord Eddard is right Your Grace. Whatever feelings my brother has for Jaime, he has always been a man of caution. He will not make a move that might well endanger his position with you, should you emerge victorious. It will be a difficult thing for him, but perhaps he might well remain neutral for the time being."
The king sights for a moment before saying. "He will not remain neutral once the declaration goes out though. For he is not rewarded in it, and I do not intend to reward him for it. He is a man of many talents that is true, but he will also try to control me and I do not wish to be controlled." At this Durran, the King's lion growls even more.
"What do you mean Your Grace?" Ned asks. "What declaration?"
"The formal declaration announcing myself as king and my brother as nothing more than a pretender. My grandfather, no matter how cautious a man he might be is one of tradition, he would rather see my brother on the throne for it follows the right laws of succession," at this a grimace crosses the king's face that leaves Ned slightly confused. "And if it means that supporting him upholds tradition then he will do so. That is why I have formalised my earlier decision."
Silence follows after this and then Ser Gerion speaks. "You cannot be serious Your Grace? Such a move would most definitely push Tywin into Joffrey's camp. Why would you do such a thing and push him away?"
The king's jaw sets into a stubborn line then, something that reminds Ned a lot of Robert. "Because it is the right thing to do. You have been nothing but loyal to me uncle. You have always given me council when I have needed it, and you helped raise me. You would make a far better Lord of Casterly Rock than grandfather. The man cares not for anyone who is not himself. It is time he realises what changes this would bring about."
Ned looks at the king and then at Ser Gerion and realises what the king is planning, Ser Gerion speaks then. "It is a move that would push Tywin firmly into Joffrey's camp Tommen. Is that truly something you want to do? I do not want a title. Aiding you in this war is more than enough for me."
The king looks uncertain at this, and then says. "I disagree. A man such as yourself is more than perfect to be Lord of the Westerlands. The Westerlands has become a realm subjected to tyranny, and the time has come for change. There is no point in allowing that place to fall into disrepair because of the problems of my grandfather. Pride will bring him down and that is something we must use."
Ned looks at his foster son then seeing a new side of him, and he is not sure whether he approves of this or not. Ser Gerion merely says. "If that is your wish my king, then I shall be more than happy to oblige."
The king nods and then turns back to Ned and asks. "When will the lords of the north all be ready to march and leave. We must be prepared for whatever my brother throws at us for it is sure to be troublesome."
Ned notes the shifting that his son Jon does then and wonders at it, but replies. "They shall all be here within the next few days my king. We shall be ready and waiting for the march soon enough."
The king nods and then says. "There are two other issues that need to be discussed before we can end this meeting. My uncles Stannis and Renly, neither have declared their intention for what they mean to do. Renly is someone who has more ambition than sense, but it is my uncle Stannis who worries me. What we saw on Dragonstone, that, that is concerning."
Ned remembering the look in the Lord of Dragonstone's eyes and the presence of that red woman shivers slightly. "I do not know what has become of Stannis Baratheon my king. He was always a hard man driven by duty, but this time it seems that woman has taken over the control of this thoughts. And as such he is a threat that must be taken more seriously than Renly. Renly has never fought in war before, and regardless of what he might think the Stormlords will never willingly fight alongside the Tyrells. There are still harsh memories of the rebellion ingrained there."
The King nods. "Where will my uncle get his support from? It is obvious to anyone with a brain that the lords of the narrow sea still harbour allegiance to the dragons, even though the dragons have long since disappeared from memory. He will struggle to keep them together and in order, especially considering the type of person he is."
Ned considers this and then says. "I do believe that their sense of duty will ensure that they follow him Your Grace. The lords of the narrow sea do not like the Lannisters, memories of the sack are still strong there, and from my time as hand there are those who see Stannis as being like King Maekar, a man whose memory is remembered fondly amongst men like Velaryon and Celtigar. And then there are the Florents who should side with Stannis because of their family connection. It will be an interesting thing that is for sure."
Ser Gerion speaks then. "The Faith will no doubt support Renly more for the fact that he has always been seen as a supporter of their original aims. And yet there are as Lord Eddard says, going to be tensions between them and the Stormlords, long memories are at play here and that is something that could well be used."
Ned shifts slightly. "There is no honour in playing on tensions Ser Gerion. If we are to win this war, we do it the traditional way. Not the way the Lannisters will try and win it."
Ser Gerion laughs then. "Come now Ned, we both know that the way in which the king's claim is being based on, is through with what you, yourself persuaded the king to do. The ball has already been set rolling and now we must see where it goes. There is no chance that it can be stopped now."
Ned hears someone shift behind him and turns to see his son Jon shifting once more, he looks questioningly at him but his son does not look at him. That is something that worries him slightly, but pushing it from his mind he speaks. "What do you suggest be done then Ser Gerion?"
"The declaration must be sent out, and it must be sent out before the men of the north start coming through. It must be sent throughout the realms, for you can be certain that Joffrey and Cersei will be sending their own declarations soon enough. And of course the king must marry Lady Sansa that must happen almost immediately, otherwise there will be issues when we come to the Twins. And once we know where precisely Myrcella is we must act at once." Ser Gerion says.
Ned nods and his son Robb asks. "Where is she Ser? Where did your man take her? It should not have taken her this long to get here surely?"
Ser Gerion looks at Robb a moment before responding. "He knows what he is doing. There will be times where they must hide and when they must not move. But he will know where to find us when he feels it is right."
"How will he know that? Especially if we leave before they arrive here?" Robb asks.
"Because he knows how to find me, and if he wants to be found we shall find him. Until then we must just wait and see. For now though there are other more important things that must be done, and I suggest we see to them." Ser Gerion says.
The king nods. "Aye we have done enough planning for now. Let us get some rest and move on from here." With that they stand, the king and his lion, and Ser Gerion walk out of the room, followed by Robb.
But before Jon can walk out Ned calls out. "Jon, son, stay here a moment will you not."
His son stops and looks at him hesitantly and asks. "What is it father?"
Ned sighs and asks. "What is bothering you son. And before you say nothing, I know there is something bothering you. I see it in your eyes son. What is it that troubles you so much? Is it the war?"
He can tell his son wishes to avoid the question, and yet his son still gives him and answer, albeit not one he was expecting. "I want to ask Joy to marry me."
"Marry you? Whatever for? Have you dishonoured her?" Ned asks surprised.
His son shakes his head furiously. "No of course not. I am not a man of such low honour as that! No I love her father, and I truly do wish to marry her."
"Then what is holding you back?" Ned asks.
"I…I do not know if I am worthy. We are about to go to war, and I…I…" his son trails off then and Ned has a horrible feeling he knows what has happened.
