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Stannis looked out the window of his solar, thinking over the recent news he had received from across Westeros.
The Vale was stabilizing after Lysa Arryn's death and now Robin Arryn could be raised and made into a proper lord. If he didn't die in the next winter. His poor health in the long summer did not bode well for him when winter finally should the worst come to pass and he perish, there was still his cousin to carry on the Arryn line. So Stannis was not too worried about the Vale succession.
The news that Bealish was dead was most welcomed as well. The Seaworth family proving once again why they were the most reliable house sworn to him.
The Iron Islands were also not a point of worry for him either. Lord Davos's letter had informed him that the Greyjoy's power was broken. Their fleet had been taken, Pyke taken and given one of Harlaw's captains. Yara Greyjoy was now a wanted fugitive, while her brother Theon had been sentenced to the wall. His actions and service during the war against the Lannisters, as well as his ignorance of his father's plans, being the reasons for him not facing execution instead.
Lord Harlaw had taken the mantle of lord paramount swiftly. Sending ships to the other islands notifying them of the change in leadership. As well as putting the more outspoken bannermen who had displayed a disdain to the change in leadership back in their place.
Lord Stark had returned home on the new ships he had taken from the iron fleet, marking a new chapter in the North's maritime presence. While some had expressed hesitance at the idea of a stronger and more involved North, Stannis knew that he had no concerns with the Stark's, and by extension the North's, loyalty to the Iron throne. Lord Stark had also sent a detachment of men, lead by Hal Mollen, to watch over Arya until his mother arrived with Rickon to take her home.
The Westerlands would not be a threat in martial terms for years to come. Their losses were so crippling that it would take a generation for them to amass an army like the previously did. Tyrion had so far followed all the conditions that he had agreed to. Leading Stannis to think he would not have to concern himself too much with the Lions.
The Riverlands were in the process of recovering from the war. The various villages being rebuilt with the help of gold taken from the Hoster Tully had passed away making his son the new Lord of Riverrun. While Edmure had not performed well against the Lannisters, he had regained respect during his systematic purge of the outlaws and his personal participation of ending the bloody murmurs. He had also become betrothed to Lady Hertha of house Roote. Further securing the Tully house and stability in the Riverlands.
However, there was still the Freys situation. Stannis had not been pleased to hear about their plan to throw in with the Lannisters. A raven sent to Seaguard had informed Robb about the situation when he had arrived with the intent of escorting his betrothed to Winterfell. But Stannis ended the betrothal and Rob instead sailed north to the long lake to return home.
Stannis had sent a detachment of men to the Twins to deliver a message. It stated that Lord Walder Frey was charged with treason and was to come to the capitol to face the charges along with his ten eldest sons. If he refused than his whole house would be attainted and denounced, the Twins would seized by the crown until a suitable house could be found to replace the Freys. Now it was a waiting game to see what path the Freys would take.
The Stormlands had settled down, yet he continued to keep an eye on his brother. He knew that alone Renly would not cause any issues, but his new wife and her brother were another matter altogether. Margaery had ambitions to be queen and had not been happy with the current situation. He would need to be wary of her should she ever come to the capitol. As well as those who were considered a friend to the Tyrells.
The Reach was the same as ever, with the Tyrells trying to keep their bannermen under their influence while competing with the Hightowers. Some things never change.
Dorne was still quiet as they had been for years, which was not too surprising. They had wanted little to do with the Iron Throne since Robert's rebellion and his taking the throne was certainly not a happy event for them. Prince Doran had sent a letter professing his allegiance and continued to send the appropriate taxes. Yet Stannis couldn't help but feel that Dorne was planning for something, time would tell if he was right.
King's Landing had repaired the damage from the battle and had accepted his rule with few issues. The goldcloaks had improved in efficiency and reliability with their new leadership and Stannis's reformations of the court procedures.
The rest of the crownlands and the Narrow sea houses had also taken his rule in stride, With no issues arising.
Shireen was growing accustomed to the attention and scrutiny she was subjected to though she was still shy at times. She would frequently be seen around the keep, attending court or ceremonies as was required of her being the heir to the throne.
One person who had helped her adjust to her new surroundings was Arya. She had declared the princess her friend after one day of talking with her. Saying that Shireen was a proper lady, but not a feather brained one like all the other girls in the south.
They had been inseparable ever since. They attended court, took meals, visited Gendry's forge and took their lessons together. At first Ayra had thought she wouldn't need to take lessons since she was a guest. Yet Stannis had made it clear that while she was under his roof she would attend all the same lessons as Shireen.
He did however permit her to continue her training with the sword after he learned that her father had allowed it. Which was how Arya meet Brienne of Tarth, who had become one of her instructors.
Two others who had helped Shireen was the ever faithful maester Cressen who continued to tutor and advise the princess. The other was a septa from the Riverlands called Andraste. She had proven to be a good chaperone of the pair, curtailing their more drastic ideas, while giving them new ones that they were always enthusiastic to partake in.
She also provide the two of them with a woman to talk to that had no inclination to use them in the great game. Which was why Stannis and Argilac approved of her.
Yes, All things considered Stannis was satisfied with the current state of the Kingdoms.
It was what was happening over the Narrow sea which concerned him.
He had heard of Daenerys Targaryen's exploits in slaver's bay. She had taken and now currently ruled Meereen, throwing off the balance of power in the area.
She was currently preoccupied by the other cities as they attempted to reinstitute slavery and return the status quo, but Stannis wasn't sure they could contain her. Her three dragons were unpredictable variables that no one really knew what they were capable of.
He also had a hunch that she would not be satisfied with ruling a city in Essos.
She would require careful observation in the years to come.
He turned from the window as his uncle entered the room.
"Uncle"
"Your grace, a rider has arrived with news from the Twins."
"What did he say?"
"Lord Walder tried to refuse the summons, but his heir Lord Stevron intervened and with the help of a few of his siblings took control of the twins and turned their father over to our men and surrendered themselves as well."
"An unexpected but welcomed turn of events, I will be sure to consider their actions during their trial."
"That would be the right way to go about it nephew. There is also word from the Sept of Bealor, several members of the most devout and the high septon have fallen ill. Spoiled food is being considered as the prime reason for their ailment."
"Considering how much they eat on a daily basis, it was only a matter of time before it happened."
Argilac laughed as he spoke, "Aye, they did a great job of living a humble life like they are so fond of preaching."
"Indeed, we'll need to keep an eye on the Sept of Bealor. No doubt there are already people planning on how to influence the election should the high septon dies."
"I will some men I trust do so. In the meantime however. I do believe you have dinner with your daughter to attend."
Stannis agreed and followed his uncle to the dining hall.
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Jon Snow looked down into the courtyard of Castle Black as it filled with new recruits for the watch. He had learned from the Lord commander they had been sent several prisoners from the war to add to their numbers as well as weapons and supplies.
But seeing the number of men that arrived was still shocking, they had received, roughly 400 knights and veteran soldiers. Their arrival was a boon to the watch, it doubled their skilled fighting force and since they had been brought north with their weapons and armor as well they didn't need to worry about arming them. The Manderlys, Ryswells and other major houes had also supplied them with winter cloaks to help alleviate the strain of so many newcomers to the watch.
They also had several dozen other prisoners who had been sent North having been caught doing one crime or another in the war stricken south, further boosting their numbers.
Jon could see why the Watch had been so strong prior to the Targaryen's arrival. The numerous wars would've kept the Watch's numbers high and well supplied with the prisoners from defeated armies. Jon shook himself from his thoughts and walked over to the Lord Commander who was watching the arrivals with a frown on his face.
"Lord Commander, do you want me to start organizing quarters for our new brothers?"
"Aye, do so. They will be staying here till they say their vows. After that we will be sending some to the other castles."
"Do you think we will have enough to open one of the abandoned castles?"
"That is what I was just contemplating, I had thought to go beyond the wall in force to find out what the Wildlings were up to and find our rangers. But now? We need to get the new men trained first. Then if we open Hoarfrost Hill we would have an additional point from where to work from."
"Sounds like a good course of action to me Lord commander."
"Hmmm" the old bear went quiet for a moment before dismissing Jon who went to do as he was ordered.
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