Varys
Before him were reports from across the narrow sea. He did not want to disrespect his guest. He was watching the lord with his full attention.
''This death came as a shock to everyone. I will not hide my concern, Varys. We should at least be honest about it.''
''You are right, my honorable lord, the kingdom needs honesty right now. You have made an important point.''
'' This death was bad for everyone. Everyone will blame each other. The Lords needed a reason. Now they have a reason.''
"What reason do you think they needed, my lord? ''
"We both know that, Varys.''
"I think we should remain optimistic, my lord. At least someone should be optimistic. ''
''I think you should find other things to be optimistic about. We all know how things work here. The Starks will blame the Lannisters. The Lannisters will blame the Starks. The Martels will look for an opportunity for revenge here. Stannis will blame everyone, and we mustn't forget Tully the Stubborn. Who knows what he's thinking. Tell me, my friend, how can we be optimistic?''
''I am glad to see that you feel so sorry for the kingdom, my lord. That is a rare quality in these times. ''
'' I can do a lot for the kingdom. I wish the king to know that.''
''The King is aware of your sacrifices. You can be sure of that, my lord, but you know this is a delicate time. The kingdom may need more support. ''
"Like what?''
'' The death of King's Hand can certainly be interpreted differently. The fact that it was a very painful death may deepen the pain. Your support at this delicate time will undoubtedly make our king very happy. Our king is a generous man. Everyone knows that. ''
'' Yes, everybody knows. Our king knows about me too. I'm proud to help in difficult times, but I told you I won't hide my concerns.''
Old Gyles began to sweat. He wiped the sweat from his forehead with his hand as he spoke. Varys politely handed him a handkerchief. Varys could see the anticipation and slyness in the man's face.
''I listen with interest to your concerns, Lord Rosby. ''
''House Rosby has served the realm and the kingdom for many years. We have done so without expecting any benefit, and we are deeply hurt by this latest development. If King Eli is not safe, how can we feel safe? These sad events have caused me to change my perspective on the malice. Please don't misunderstand me, Lord Varys. I love our king and the realm. I would feel better if I had a role in the small council. Please don't misunderstand me, Lord Varys. I am ready to make sacrifices and you know it.''
''My honorable lord, you don't need to think about all this. Our king has always been generous. Your services should of course be rewarded. On the other hand, my little birds have begun to whisper. Our king is going to dismiss Lord Wyman. Our king is looking for someone else.''
'' I didn't like that bastard. It wasn't right to give the Northmen so much power. If you can make our king realize that, Lord Varys, our relationship will change for the better. I can assure you of that.''
''That is exactly what I was going to say, my lord. It would be beneficial for both of us to discuss the details of our relationship. Your demands are acceptable. Assuming our King will listen to my advice on this matter, the transition of power can be swift. On the other hand, I believe you are aware of some of the problems the kingdom has been experiencing. Sad wars have unfortunately ruined the kingdom's treasury. We have borrowed from Lord Wyman, the Iron Bank and Lord Tywin, but the loans are past their repayment date. We compromised with the Iron Bank, and Lord Wyman accepted our offer of compromise, but Lord Tywin... He's the one that worries me and the king the most.''
''You don't need to worry about that anymore, Lord Varys. House Rosby will do its part. ''
"A million dragons. ''
Lord Rosby's face suddenly turned red. His thin silk dress made him sweat. A handkerchief would not be enough to wipe the perspiration from his forehead.
''Please don't misunderstand, Lord Rosby. It will be a pre-determined repayment agreement. We will, of course, work out the details of the deal together. Because you will be the new Master of Coin. ''
Cold sweat poured rapidly down Lord Rosby's forehead. Lord Varys understood his pain, but he also knew that he would accept this offer.
''There may of course be changes to the details of the agreement, my lord.''
"About the details. But my lord, I must make it absolutely clear that this deal must remain a secret. King Robert will of course learn of your generosity, but for now I must ask you to tell no one. And it is important to us that you pay in secret. This is a delicate and dangerous time, my lord, and I expect you to agree with me.''
''And what will the northerners think about this? I'm not afraid at all. I just need to know in advance if there's going to be a problem.''
''I must say you are in the right place for this, my lord, but I promise you there will be no problem. We will make the payment as we discussed.''
"Have it your way, Lord Varys, but I'll be frank. I want Castle Stokeworth too. I won't ask for help. I'll take it. Just convince Robert. He was silent when Tywin took the Twins. I want the same silence. I hope you understand me.
"I understand perfectly, my honorable lord. Robert does not care about Castle Stokewworth. He only needs the gold of the kingdom. Once you have that, King Robert will support you, my lord, trust me.''
"I trust you, old friend.''
Lord Rosby was grinning. Lord Varys was happy when he left the room. He had gotten what he wanted. Now he had time for more important things.
News had come from his little mice in Essos. As he started to read the reports, there was a knock on his door. His aide Loren entered with anxious eyes.
''Lord Stark to see you, my lord''
"Is there anyone with you?
''No, my lord, he has not yet met with King Robert and King Robert is waiting for all the councilors in the small council chamber. Before the meeting, Lord Stark...''
'' Okay, Loren, I get it. Now I'm gonna ask you for something else. I want you to arrange a ship in a week. Do it under a false name. In a week, the ship will be loaded with gold. Take only the men you trust the most. But you must get a ship. Don't ask the lords. A merchant. Put your most trusted men on board. Only let them go out on the day of the shipment.
"As you wish, my lord. Would you advise me to use the new boy?
"No, I have other business with him. You may leave, Loren.
Loren went out in a panic again. Varys was calm. As he got up from his desk, he looked at the reports from Essost. He had some work to do before he could read them