Thank you to everyone who has favourited or is following the story.
ATP:
Yes, Petyr's plan was to turn the two houses against each other. (But he also would have been content if Catelyn hadn't argued and allowed Sansa to go.) And Lysa, as always, is a useful pawn in his games.
Varys has to make do with the war against the Baratheons.
Moat Cailin has been rebuilding since Catelyn and Robb decided they would give it to Jon.
The Castellan of Dragonstone
They stand around the Painted Table. The King, the Hand… and Theon.
He only listens. He has no knowledge they do not have, or any experience to share.
"We need a stronghold on the mainland." Stannis points at a castle on the shore. „Storm's End should have been mine by right. I'll take it."
Ser Axell shakes his head with worry.
"Our army is not large enough for this."
"There is no need for an army, just some good men. And Ser Davos. He knows the secret routes into the castle."
"Right." Ser Axell does not like Davos more than he likes Theon. "And of course, you have to take Lady Melisandre as well."
"Melisandre stays here," the King declares.
Ser Axell raises his eyebrows. "My king, the powers she commands…"
"If I am unable to gain one castle without her and those powers, I am unworthy of ruling a whole realm."
"Her god chose you as his champion. He would give you the victory if you…"
"I'll take the victory on my own." Stannis cuts in. "R'hllor can prove his support with something more significant, and then – only then – I will accept him and deal with his demands."
Ser Axell stares at Theon. His eyes are full of hatred. He has heard him speaking about this enough times to know that Theon's opinion echoes in the King's words.
"Men serve gods and not the other way around," he warns Stannis.
"He chose me, as you said," Stannis reminds him. "You chose me as your king."
Ser Axell draws himself and when he speaks – Theon must admit – he sounds perfectly sincere.
"I didn't have to choose. You are the true king of Westeros."
"I'm glad to hear that, my lord. You'll accompany me."
Surprised, Ser Axell is about to protest, but the King continues.
"You're my Hand. You have to be by my side. Our campaign doesn't end in Storm's End, we have a lot to do, my lord."
Ser Axell could not argue with that – Theon even presumes he finds the statement flattering –, still, he frowns.
"I'll come with you. That smuggler of yours comes. Who do you entrust Dragonstone with? My nephew, Erren…"
"No." Stannis does not say more, but his gaze fixes on Theon.
"Greyjoy?" Ser Axell pants for breath, scandalized.
Theon is as shocked as him. They do not share the fury though. He only feels incomprehension.
"Lady Melisandre couldn't take charge over Dragonstone," Stannis replies. "Your nephew, however, would give it to her. Your niece, my lady wife, would give it to her. You would give it to her." He waves towards Theon. "He won't."
Balance, Theon realizes. The King needs him to compensate Melisandre's influence. Her madness about prophesies and sacrifices.
What he wants is also madness, though. How could he be…? Nonsense.
It is one of the rare occasions when Ser Axell and him stand on common ground.
"But… he is no one. He is nothing. He is not even the heir of Pyke anymore."
It seems that the King considers this for a moment. He nods then.
"You're right. He must have a title." He turns back to Theon, drawing out Lightbringer. "Theon, to your knees."
