Arrayed before Stannis in its room at the top of the Stone Drum Tower deep inside the heart of Dragonstone was the beautifully carved and painted table map of Westeros that had been constructed on the orders of Aegon the Conquerer. It was the very same map that the man had used to plan his invasion of the Seven Kingdoms. Stannis had used it to plan his failed assault on King's Landing, the assault Melisandre insisted would have succeeded had she been present. To anyone who saw him, Stannis would look like a statue as he stared at the map. Only the movement of his eyes and the faint sound of his teeth grinding gave away that he was in fact made of flesh and not stone.

Everywhere he looked, he was surrounded by enemies and traitors. To the far west in the Sunset Sea, the Ironborn were in open rebellion with no sign of submitting any time soon. And why should they? There were only two fleets in all the Seven Kingdoms that could threaten them. And one of them had been destroyed during the Battle of the Blackwater. The other had been in Shipbreaker Bay until recently, conducting a blockade of Storm's End. And while it was there, it was no threat to them at all.

To the north, the Starks and Boltons looked set to tear each other, and their Kingdom, apart. And neither House had any intention of recognizing him as King no matter who won their war. The Starks planned to keep their crown now that they had reclaimed it and the Boltons had already bent the knee to the Iron Throne. Ser Davos had sailed for the North weeks ago in an attempt to persuade Eddard Stark's bastard to set aside his crown and bend the knee in exchange for aid in fighting the Long Night, but he had heard nothing from him since. The Lady Melisandre had assured him that his Hand would reach the North alive, that she had seen it in the flames. But according to her, R'hllor had not shown her more than that. She had hinted heavily that a sacrifice of King's Blood would be needed to gain her God's favor and allow her to see more, but the only person in the castle other than him with King's Blood was his daughter. Stannis was no fool, and at hearing what she was suggesting, he had seized her by her throat and told her menacingly not to go near Shireen. The Red Woman hadn't seemed frightened in the least by his outburst, but she had acquiesced to his command nonetheless.

Putting his mind fully back on the map in front of him, he looked to the west, where the boy that claimed to be his nephew sat on the Throne that was his by right. And he was being protected by a pride of damn lions. With Robb Stark dead and his army scattered to the four winds in the Riverlands, Tywin Lannister was free to deploy his full strength towards defeating him. And that was exactly what the Old Lion had done.

Several messages had reached him from loyal men in King's Landing while a raven from Storm's End had also arrived. The messages from King's Landing were warning him that Tywin Lannister was sending a large force from the Westerlands and the Reach to stamp him out. While the Raven from Ser Gilbert Farring, his castellan at Storm's End, was warning him that the majority of the Redwyne war fleet had left Shipbreaker Bay and sailed towards King's Landing. So now the Lannisters had the ships and the men to root him out of his fortress. The only question remaining is whether they would assault him directly or try and starve him out with a siege. In the end, it really boiled down to how quickly Tywin wanted to end the war.

If Tywin felt he had time to spare, he'd put the Castle under seige and try to starve him out. Stannis thought that unlikely. First, Mace Tyrell had tried to do that to him at Storm's End during Robert's Rebellion. It hadn't ended well for the Fat Flower. Secondly, and perhaps more importantly, Tommen was new to the Throne after the death of Joffery. It would do the boy's rule no good for his Uncle to be allowed to sit on Dragonstone for years proclaiming to all who would listen that he was the rightful King and that Tommen was a bastard born of incest and a usurper.

So it would be a direct assault then. Tywin would use the Redwyne fleet to land his troops on the small stretch of beach in the anchorage, which just so happened to be the only place on the entire island suitable for such a landing. With enough men, he could meet them on the beach and slaughter the treasonous curs as they came ashore. But with fewer than two thousand men on the whole island still loyal to him, he did not have enough men to do that, so he dismissed the idea from his mind. Wishing for something would not make it magically become so, previous experience with the Red Woman not withstanding. So how best to defend his castle?

The next several hours were spent deciding on how best to defend Dragonstone. Once he had decided, he called his principle commanders together into the plainly named Chamber of the Painted Table. Once they were all gathered, Stannis told them:

"I've received news from King's Landing and Storm's End. The Redwyne war fleet has left Shipbreaker Bay and sailed for the Capital. Once they arrive, they are to embark a force of several thousand men from the Westerlands and the Reach. Their target is Dragonstone. At the latest, they will be landing on our shores within a few days, and will most likely be landing even sooner. It is my opinion that they will attempt a direct assault on the castle instead of laying siege to it. Tywin Lannister cannot afford his grandson to look weak just as his reign begins, no matter how young the boy may be. Nor will he wish to commit a large enough force of men and ships for the years it would take to force our surrender through starvation."

Having laid out the problem they were facing, Stannis paused for a moment to allow his words to sink in. He wanted the men gathered around the table to process what he had told them before explaining the rest of his plan to them. Judging that he had given them enough time, Stannis continued while pointing at the beach adjacent to Dragonstone's anchorage:

"When the Redwyne fleet arrives, they will land their army here before moving up the road and attacking the gates. Had we more men and more time, I would fortify the exit from the beach and we would meet them there and throw them back into the sea from whence they came. But we have less than two thousand men in the castle and cannot afford the losses that kind of fight will inflict on us. Nor do we have the time to build fortifications.

"Instead, we shall fight them here. From behind our walls where we can rain down death and destruction on them. We must ensure that we have sufficient oil, arrows, even stones, placed along the walls at all likely points that the enemy may try to scale them in order to repel any attack."

Looking down the table towards the white haired Valyrian in the wine colored tunic at the end, Stannis continued, "Lord Saan will lead his fleet out prior to the attack and target the enemy transports, sinking as many of them as possible in order to reduce the numbers that we on the walls will have to throw back."

At hearing that, Saladohr Saan cried out, "What madness is this?! The Redwyne fleet numbers over two hundred war ships. Even if he sends only half his fleet, my men and I will be outnumbered five to one. We will be slaughtered before we ever sniff the enemy transports. I will not order my men to commit suicide."

Throughout Lord Saan's outburst, Stannis felt the fury growing within him. "Coward," he thought. Glaring at the insubordinate sell-sail, Stannis said:

"You'll do it because your King commands it. You'll do it because you're being paid a fortune in gold to do so."

Pausing and glancing to his right where the Lady Melisandre stood, Stannis said, with malice in his voice:

"You'll do it because if you don't, someone else will. And your end will not be a pleasant one should you refuse."

"Gold, he says? What gold? I have been paid only in promises. Little scraps of paper promising to pay poor Saladohr Saan eventually. What good are the promises of dead men? For that is what we shall all be if we stay and fight.

"Listen to me, leave this dreary place behind I say. Let us sail to Lys, to Braavos, to any of the free cities. Why die for a cause that is hopeless? A dead man spends no gold, eats no food, drinks no wine, lays with no woman. Live, instead. Board my ships, now. The wind and tides are favorable. Let us leave this place behind us, and live."

By the time the pirate from Lys had finished speaking, Stannis could feel the tendons in his neck standing straight out, a result of his tightly clenched jaw. While those around him could see a vein pulsing on his forehead. He was on the verge of ordering the arrest and execution of Saladohr for cowardice and treason when he heard the calm, cool voice of Melisandre come from beside him. The Red Priestest said:

"Have you no faith in our Lord? Have you forgotten what the Lord of Light has done for our King already? Did he not deliver Lord Renly's army to him? Did he not strike down the false kings that rose against our Lord's chosen? Do you doubt that he can deliver a victory now?"

Stannis watched Saladohr's face as the Lady Melisandre spoke. The man's eyes never once wavered from looking directly into hers. When he answered her, his voice was firm:

"No, My Lady. I do not doubt the power of R'hllor. He has proved his strength time and time again. But I would not be a faithful servant of the King of I did not advise him of all his options."

Before another word could be spoken, a runner entered the room, bowed to Stannis then hurried over before speaking quietly in his ear. The man said:

"Your Grace, our lookouts have just sent a report. Ships bearing the Royal Standard are sailing on a course towards us. They estimate that they will arrive off our shores at dawn or shortly after."

Nodding his head in thanks, Stannis spoke to the room, "This discussion about what we should do is pointless. Our lookouts have sighted the Redwyne fleet and estimate that they will be here by dawn. Lord Saan, take your fleet and attack immediately. Or you shall aid our defense in a different manner by providing a sacrifice to the Lord of Light."

"You're sending my men and I to our deaths. But if that's your command, then I shall make it a death worthy of a song."

With that, the Lysenne pirate swept out of the room in a swirl of wine colored fabric. The haste at which he moved belied his age. And the fact that he was going to his death. Yet, when Stannis looked to his right, he saw an expression on Melisandre's face that he couldn't quite read. It reminded him of the look she wore on her face when Maester Cressen tried to poison her. He had a thought tickling the back of his brain, but he would have to figure out what it was later. He had more important things to do at the moment. Looking at the men gathered around the Painted Table, he told them:

"Sers, My Lords. Prepare your defenses. See that your men get as much rest tonight as they can. Make sure they get a good, hot meal in them in the morning to strengthen them for the coming fight. May the Lord of Light protect us."

With that, the gathering broke apart with each man heading off to their men to prepare them for what was coming. Stannis himself made his way to the top of the tallest tower in Dragonstone where he met the lookout that had sent the warning to him. The man had not forgotten his duties and was continually checking the seas all around the island, instead of focusing solely on the approaching fleet. As he approached, the lookout muttered a greeting combined with a shallow bob of his head while he continued scanning the horizon.

Nodding his head in reply, Stannis asked the man, "Where's the fleet?"

Pointing to the southwest, the lookout said, "There, My King. Just visible on the horizon."

Having said that, the man offered him the Myrish spyglass he was using. Stannis took it and raised it to his eye. What he saw was nearly his worst nightmare. The fleet approaching him was larger than he had hoped it would be. It looked to be nearly every ship in the Redwyne war fleet, supported by every remaining ship in the Royal Fleet plus the transports needed to move an army to his shores. Having seen what was coming for them, Stannis handed the glass back to the lookout before looking down at his own anchorage. Salladhor's fleet was already sailing out to confront them. Good. The man may be an upjumped sell-sail, but once he was bought, he stayed bought.

For a long while, Stannis stayed there watching his pitifully few ships sailing to meet the oncoming armada. He watched as the ships under Salladhor's command reached the point where they should have tacked to come about and meet the enemy. To his growing horror, he could only stand and watch as the ships remained on their course, a course that would bring them into the Narrow Sea and eventually to Essos. Grabbing the Myrish glass from the startled lookout again, Stannis raised it to his eye as quickly as he could. Perhaps it was only a ruse to lull the enemy fleet into thinking he was fleeing and Saladohr would turn back under the cover of darkness to gain as much surprise as he could. But no, as he watched, all the ships struck their flaming heart banners and raised the banner that Saladohr sailed under before joining with him.

Searching out Saladohr's personal ship, Stannis saw the Lysenne pirate looking back at him with a glass raised to his own eye as well. As Stannis watched, he saw the old Valyrian's face break into a broad grin before the man began to shake with laughter. Knowing he was being watched, Saladohr lowered the glass from his eye and made an obscene gesture to the King before turning his back to Dragonstone. Stannis was being abandoned. With sudden clarity, he realized what the thought was that had sparked in his brain earlier. It was a warning that the man could not be trusted. Melisandre had known and said nothing. He was sure of it. He would deal with her later.

This was a hopeless battle that was coming. There would be no escaping it now. Before, he had held out some slight hope that maybe, just maybe, enough enemy ships could be destroyed that he would be able to win a victory, however temporary. But even that fleeting hope was gone now. He should have listened to Davos and sailed for the North when he had the chance. Now, he would die on this accursed spit of rock that his brother had "gifted" him after the Rebellion. Robert must be laughing his arse off at him from whichever one of the Seven Hells he was in.

Turning angrily away from the parapet in front of him, he walked heavily down to his daughter's rooms. Knocking on the door, he waited for her response, but he heard nothing. With worry creasing his forehead, he opened the door to find that Shireen's chambers were empty. There didn't seem to be any sign of a struggle, so he dismissed the first thought that flashed through his mind, namely that Saladohr had kidnapped her as a hostage before fleeing. Shireen liked the old pirate, but she wouldn't have gone with him willingly had he tried to take her. So that ruled that out. But if he hadn't taken her, where was she?

As he was leaving Shireen's rooms, he saw one of the servants hurrying through the corridor. Stopping the girl, he asked her:

"Where's my daughter?"

The girl replied, "The Queen came and collected her, Your Grace. She insisted that the Princess accompany her to offer prayers for your success and safety in battle."

"Shireen is at prayer? With her mother? Did I hear that correctly?"

"Yes, Your Grace."

Giving a noncommittal grunt, Stannis jerked his head to the side, dismissing the girl. Why would Selyse want Shireen at prayer? His wife usually did everything in her power to avoid their daughter. Why this sudden interest in her? Turning his steps towards his wife's chambers, he found both Selyse and Shireen kneeling the firey heart symbol that Selyse kept beside her hearth. It didn't take long for Shireen to notice him and her scarred face lit up when she saw him. With a grin, she exclaimed, "Father!" and rose to hug him.

Returning her embrace, he asked her:

"And what are the two of you praying for today?"

"For your safety in battle and victory over our enemies."

"You better pray extra hard then," Stannis said with a grin.

Returning her father's grin, Shireen whispered in his ear, "Mother has been praying to R'hllor, but I asked the Warrior to protect you."

Patting his daughter's hand Stannis just smiled at her. His daughter still didn't want to convert to the worship of the Red God. She took after him, they were both mainly ambivalent about religion, though he had to admit that R'hllor had proven himself real enough to him. Looking up from his daughter's face, he saw Selyse who had also risen, Stannis greeted her with a nod and said, "Wife."

For her part, Selyse returned his nod and responded, "Husband."

"Thank you for your prayers. During the battle, I want you and Shireen in the Citadel. It's the safest place in the castle. Should the worst happen, you'll be well protected there and your will be able to negotiate for your safety and the safety of our daughter."

"If that is your wish. Will the attack be soon?"

"Tomorrow or the day after. It depends on how long they take to land their men."

"Very well, we shall move there tonight."

"Thank you. Now, if you'll excuse me I have much to do before nightfall."

With that, Stannis turned and left the room, closing the door behind him as he went. As soon as he was out of the room, he leaned back against the warm stone of the castle, closed his eyes and let out a long, low sigh. His wife had a strange light in her eyes, it was almost feverish. Something was wrong, but for the life of him, he couldn't put his finger on it. He had too many other things to worry about at the moment. Spying his squire, Devan Seaworth, he told the boy:

"Devan, I need you to keep a close eye on the Queen and Princess for me. My wife does not seem well. If something happens to them, or you just think something is wrong, come and tell me at once. Do you understand?"

"Yes, Your Grace."

"Good. You're in charge of their safety during the battle."

At hearing that, young Devan visibly swelled with pride. As well he should. He was putting a great deal of faith in his young squire. Stannis told the lad:

"Now be off with you. And go make your father even prouder of you than he already is."

While the boy went off to fulfill his duties, Stannis went off to fulfill his. The following hours were spent inspecting the walls and the preparations being made there. Several times he found cause to praise the work being done. At other times, he had to personally take charge and show the men what needed to be done. By the time his inspections were complete, the sun had long since set and the only light to see by came from the torches along the wall and from the Nightfire that Melisandre had built. As he collapsed into his bed that night, Stannis slept the sleep of the exhausted. Whatever happened tomorrow, he would be ready.