Chapter 23; Reds vs Greys
Characters of the Chapter
Aaron Informer to Tyrion Lannister
Daenerys Targaryen, The Mother of Dragons, the Khaleesi of the Great Grass Sea, the Unburnt, the Breaker of Chains, Queen of the of the Andals, the Rhoynar and the First Men of the South, Queen of the South Kingdom of the Twin kingdoms and Protector of the Realm
Glorious Victory Commander of the Unsullied stationed in King's landing, acting commander of the city watch
High Septon Head of the Faith of the Seven
Grand Cleric Beatrice Grand Cleric of Westeros, head of the Chantry in King's Landing
Tyrion Lannister, Hand of the Queen to Queen Daenerys
"Qunari. That… is not good. " Tyrion said.
Daenerys laughed. "Tyrion, from time to time you have a spectacular capacity for understatement."
The two were standing on one of the balconies of the Red Keep. To Tyrion's considerable surprise she had arrived in King's Landing last evening to leave her son in his care. When Tyrion had expressed his astonishment at her sudden appearance her response had been a slightly amused *I have been getting that everywhere I go.* She had stayed overnight to give herself and her dragon a chance to rest before returning to her army. Now as dawn was breaking she was going over last minute updates with Tyrion before heading out, having already said her farewells to her son.
"Is everything under control in the city?" She asked.
"For the moment, but there are potential problems brewing." Tyrion replied.
"What kind of trouble?" She asked.
"Despite the Chantry writ saying this invasion is not an Exalted March, there are tensions rising between religious groups within the city. The High Septon has always been confrontational with the Chantry. To him this invasion is just the culmination of a war that has been going on a lot longer, one that he must now respond to. The local chantry believers make a logical target for him and his followers to lash out at. Feeling threatened, Grand Cleric Beatrice is responding in kind, agitating local followers of the Chant of Light to take up arms in defense of their faith and the Chantry cathedral here in King's Landing. She has not gone there yet, but I fear she may start spouting propaganda favorable to the Orlesian Empire if she is pushed much further."
The Queen nodded gravely. "I see. And what are you doing in response?"
"Increasing the readiness of the city watch and whatever other forces of ours remain in the city. I'm also keeping an ear to the ground, so if there is trouble I will hear of it in advance and will be able to put a stop to it. In the meantime I'll be reaching out to both sides to see if words can diffuse this situation before it blows up in our faces." Tyrion said.
"It cannot be permitted to develop that far." Daenerys interjected. "I need you to keep this under control. My and Jon's Kingdoms have enough to deal with without having a religious war within these walls. And I absolutely refuse to validate the Orlesian claims about us. No, this will be stopped in its tracks, by any means necessary."
"Then I have full sanction?" Tyrion asked.
"You have it. Do whatever you have to do, but keep this from escalating." She told him.
"Good. That authorization should make things simpler." Tyrion said.
"Hopefully so. But now I have to go, I have talked away enough time. My army needs my efforts in this war." She said and departed without another word.
It was later that day, as Tyrion was going over some documents in his study that he was approached by Glorious Victory, the Unsullied officer in command of the local Unsullied, primarily meaning the ones assigned to watch over the Orlesian ambassador's residence, and also at Tyrion's instruction the commander of the city watch on a temporary basis.
"My Lord Hand, there is a significant commotion at the Chantry Cathedral." Glorious Victory said to him, having long since mastered the common tongue.
"Commotion? What kind of commotion?" Tyrion asked, already suspecting the worst. Why would Glorious Victory have bothered him about this if it was not that?
"The High Septon has amassed a large number of his followers there, and the Grand Cleric has responded with her own followers. I think you are needed there at once, otherwise I fear a large scale riot is imminent.
"Shit." Tyrion cursed, his fears confirmed. "Then we must be off immediately. Call as many of the troops under your command as possible to be there."
"Already done My Lord. A squad of Unsullied will accompany us as well." Glorious Victory.
The two hurried through the streets of King's Landing, their ten unsullied escorts following close behind in perfect marching order despite the speed with which they were moving. Finally they reached the place where the sept of Baelor had once stood until the Chantry had purchased the space, building their cathedral there, greatly upsetting the followers of the Seven. At the time the Queen had not much cared that the Chantry had done this, having no interest in endorsing either faith, and not fully appreciating the extent of issues that could arise from their rivalries, not that Tyrion could claim to have known any better. And at the end of the day refusing the Chantry might have created as much trouble as accepting them had created, since the Chantry's purchase had been prompted by the increasing popularity of the Chant of Light. The Rivalries had already existed, and taking the side of the Faith of the Seven by denying the Chantry would not have evaporated them. The best they could do now was to deal with what was and prevent things from escalating.
The sight at the steps leading to the Chantry's entrance made Tyrion curse for a second time. Just like Glorious Victory had reported a large crowd had gathered, most of them divided into two roughly equal groups. The first group had gathered at the base of the steps leading to entrance to the Cathedral. Tyrion spotted the High Septon at the head of this group. If the man had a name Tyrion had never learned what it was, because following the tradition of his faith the High Septon had relinquished it upon his election to become *a conduit for the Gods*. His faith had been significantly impacted by the so called High Sparrow. Even as the fanatic had been blown to smithereens when the Sept of Baelor had been destroyed, some of his views and ideas had survived to influence and inspire the modern interpretations of the Faith. As such the High Septon and his direct followers were dressed in simple grey robes or in some cases similar black robes reminiscent of the High Sparrow's Faith Militant. Civilians accompanying the High Septon had more varied outfits, but even they had chosen modest clothes of mostly muted colors. The mob was armed with maces, clubs, knives and an assortment of other makeshift weapons. A few swords were present here and there, but not many, probably because the average citizen of King's Landing could not hope to afford such a weapon.
Opposite to the first group, on the steps themselves, were gathered the Chantry loyalists. At the center of the group was Beatrice, the Grand Cleric of Westeros, appointed by the Divine to that role after the Chant of light had gained a sufficient foothold in the Twin Kingdoms. She was standing there, arms crossed and glaring the High Septons mob, a stormy expression on her face. Even with that expression and even as she was dressed in the robes of a Grand Cleric to Tyrions eyes her appearance was far lovelier than any priest had a right to be. It was unfortunate that her personality did not match her physical appearance, as Tyrion had learned a long time ago. She was the only Chantry priest in the group. This either meant the other members of the Chantry priesthood were too afraid to come out or that Beatrice had commanded them not to be there, perhaps considering their direct involvement in violence inappropriate considering Chantry doctrine. The people around her wore a large variety of garments, but each had a common theme in a red and white sash worn somewhere on their outfit to denote their allegiance to the Chantry: On their necks, around their arms or waists, the place varied, but always it was present. In terms of armament her group was more or less equal to that of the High Septon's.
Tyrion was displeased to note a number of Goldcloaks within both groups. It appeared that the city watch would not be a neutral party in this confrontation, but instead seemed poised to tear itself apart over the issue. On the sidelines from these two groups there were more Goldcloaks as well as the Unsullied. The Unsullied at least could be relied to do what their Queen wanted and focus exclusively on maintaining the peace. Civilians who were not taking sides had also gathered to watch the commotion. Tyrion had seen riots before, and he knew that if it came to violence these people too would be dragged into it. Some of them because they were in the wrong place at the wrong time, some because they had one grievance or another they wanted to air, and some simply because they enjoyed the chaos and would take any opportunity to have it. If this situation was allowed to blow up the city would be awash in anarchy for days, and who knows how much damage would be done before order was restored.
This had to be stopped in its tracks. Right. Now.
"What is the meaning of this?" Tyrion said loudly, placing himself and his entourage squarely between the two groups.
"What do you think you are doing? Why are your people here?" He demanded of the High Septon.
"I am doing what should have been done a long time ago, Lord Hand. These heathens have finally shown their hand. Years they have spent corrupting people with their filth, rotting away the foundations of this country, trying to subvert the faith of our fathers, and our father's fathers. And now their armies have come to finish the job. An Exalted March. That is what has been levelled against us." The High Septon said.
"You know full well that the Chantry has denied that to be the case." Tyrion countered.
"I care not for their deceptions. The Crone holds her lamp high, and by its light their lies cannot cloud my vision. You should not heed their word either. They seek to confuse you, to make you weak before they destroy us and all we hold dear. I warned you and the Queen again and again of the danger, but you didn't care to listen, and so this disease was allowed to fester in our midst. But now that error in judgement shall be corrected." The High Septon said before turning to address his group.
"We will purify Westeros of their corruption, starting with the reclamation of the soil dedicated to the Gods and the tearing down of that edifice the heathens have built upon it!" He shouted, pointing at the Chantry Cathedral.
"You will do no such thing. I will not allow it." Tyrion said, motioning at the Unsullied and Goldcloaks, bringing them between the two mobs, facing in both directions in a defensive formation around him.
The high Septon stared at him, utterly shocked. "You cannot mean to take their side my lord. Not after everything that has happened. The challenge these heathens have made has gone unanswered for long enough."
"I'm not taking anyone's side, and I will not have you starting a riot." Tyrion said.
"Let him come Lord Hand!" Beatrice called from where she was standing. "The Maker stands with us! We cannot fall!" Her words made her followers cheer, but Tyrion merely rolled his eyes.
"You heard her. She wants a fight. I am happy to fulfill that wish for her." The High Septon said, smiling.
"Neither of you is attacking the other!" Tyrion said angrily just as the mobs were about to rush forward, the soldiers around him levelling their spears, ready to fight either or both groups if he but gave the command. The Goldcloaks were clearly nervous of the prospect but the Unsullied were calm and unflinching as ever.
"Come her, both of you, so I don't have to shout at you. Your cohorts will stay where they are." He said then.
"You can't expect me to treat with…" The High Septon began to say.
"I don't see what we could possibly have to…" Beatrice was protesting at the exact same time.
"You will come here and then you will shut up and listen to what I have to say, and I will explain some realities to you! Surely you are capable of that. Or if you cannot I'll move straight to my second option of solving this, and trust me, that is not something you wish to see happen. Either of you." Tyrion cut them both off. There was enough force in his voice to make both religious leaders obey and come to him, motioning for their mobs to stay back.
"Now then, listen carefully and understand." Tyrion said then, calm but stern. "The Queen has charged me with maintaining her peace in this city. A war may have befallen this country, but there will be no war in this city unless an enemy army masses at our gates. I will not have either of you breaking the Queen's peace. If either of you try I'll have the offender arrested, even if that means both of you and all those who would do your dirty work."
"You haven't the right to arrest me. I am a representative of the Chantry." Beatrice said at once.
"You cannot imprison the man who speaks for the gods. You dare not. By the laws of gods and men…" The High Septon began to say.
"I have every right." Tyrion interrupted yet again. "The Queen has granted me full authority to act on her behalf when dealing with this matter. To that end I will use any and all means that I believe are necessary. So yes, I do dare it High Septon, if you are dumb enough to force my hand. And by the laws of QUEEN DAENERYS it is illegal to incite a riot or urge an uprising. At the moment you are both guilty of this act."
A silence descended as the two realized their situation. They might be the chosen representatives of their respective gods, but the Hand of the Queen was clearly not about to be deterred by that. And if it came to it their groups of mostly civilians would be up against trained and better equipped soldiers, including the Unsullied, the very best of the Queen's troops. In addition attacking those troops would certainly antagonize the local rulers against them, which was the exact opposite of what they wanted to achieve in the long run. Taken all together it was more than enough to get their attention.
"Now then, since we are all on the same page… you have one chance to walk away from this. What I want you to do is disperse your mobs and never seek to confront each other like this again. Do so and I will let this thing go without pressing any charges. Otherwise I will consider myself forced to take action to put an end to this." Tyrion told them.
It was Beatrice who regained her composure first. "I'll tell my people to stand down. But only after he and his fanatics are gone from here." She said, pointing a finger at the High Septon. "And I'll not tell my folk to disperse so long as my temple remains at risk of being attacked."
Tyrion narrowed his eyes. "Perhaps I was not clear enough…"
"You were plenty clear. But it changes nothing." She cut him off. "The reality is that the Chantry did not start this mess. I heard that there might be an attack on the Chantry, and I responded the only way I knew how. I had no particular reason to believe that forces loyal to the Queen would act on our behalf. You haven't before, no matter how many times we implored you for assistance against this fanatic. We were simply defending ourselves, and that is what we will continue to do, unless of course you act in a way that makes it unnecessary for us to do it ourselves."
"I thought the Maker was with you. That you cannot fall. What do you need the Queen's troops for?" Tyrion quipped.
Beatrice narrowed her eyes at him in turn. "Don't play games with me, Lord Hand. You can ill afford to do so. Attend to the security of my temple by satisfactory means, or I will do so myself. Until that happens I have nothing further to say. If you wish to arrest us for this… you may try. But we were ready to fight the High Septon's zealots and if you refuse to be reasonable we are ready to do so against you as well. And then it will not be me and mine that have violated the Queen's peace. And if that is how you respond to a reasonable request, then perhaps the Orlesian aren't so wrong after all in invading to protect the faithful, doing what you would not."
"The Hand does not protect you because you do not deserve to be protected!" The High Septon interfered once again. "And you trying to use the Orlesian invasion as leverage only proves the point." Then he turned to Tyrion:
"My Lord, surely you see now that she and her supporters must go. They may deny it, but their faith lured the Orlesians here, and so long as they remain here to pollute our lands we are all in that much more danger. Join forces with me Lord Hand, and together we will…"
"Enough. There will be no violence here today. You should go. Do not come back here." Tyrion said.
The High Septon took on a disgusted appearance as he realized Tyrion's intentions. "You… you cannot mean to coddle them. You cannot let them get away with this. Not after everything they have said and done. Are you blind and deaf to their intentions, or in league with her? Are you truly that weak willed?"
"Begone I said!" Tyrion snapped at him, annoyed.
The High Septon pointed a finger at him. "You stand in the way of the righteous, trying to shield them. That I tell you is a huge mistake. You will regret your decisions this day. Because of them, or because of me. That much I promise you. And I swear you have not heard the last of this."
After that the High Septon stormed off, his followers slowly starting to trail away in his footsteps. Tyrion sighed, relieved that the crisis, for the moment, had been averted. Then he looked at the Grand Cleric again.
"He better not be right about this." He warned her.
"We will not be the first to resort to violence, although I myself am admittedly tempted to it." Beatrice replied coolly. "And as you well know the Empire being here was never sanctioned by the Divine. By her directive we are opposed to the war itself, not the factions conducting it. We have protested properly at the Empire's attempt to use our authority to popularize this war, and now we watch and await a resolution to this mess. Once you are done killing each other we will resume normal relations with whoever of you are left."
"And as for me? My interests in all of this are the protection and the wellbeing of the faithful, and improving the Chantry's hold here. Those are the things that matter to me. Beyond that I care not at all what happens to Westeros." She added.
"Cold words, particularly from one native to Westeros. One would think that a threat to your homeland would inspire a little patriotic spirit. With all due respect you don't exactly exude the image of a motherly caretaker like the Chantry likes to present its priesthood." Tyrion said.
Beatrice smirked. "Perhaps not. But Westeros has never done anything for me. The Chantry has. As far as I'm concerned I don't owe anything to any of you. But if you want motherly care, then consider this: A mother protects her children first and foremost. I am no different. Those who believe in the Maker or those who can be convinced to convert, them I will protect to my last breath. But the rest, those too stubborn to accept Him… the Orlesians can burn the whole country to ashes for all I care, so long as they leave the believers in my care out of it."
"If that's your stance, then by what right do you demand troops for protection? You obviously aren't friendly to the kingdoms. Why should I cooperate and give you what you ask?" Tyrion asked.
"Because you don't want to drive me into the arms of your enemy. The more the Twin Kingdoms push me and mine away, the more likely I am to turn to the Empire for my support. When I speak there are many who listen, and cling to every word of my oratory. The last thing you want is to turn every one of them against you. And because, judging by your actions today, you want to keep this situation from escalating into an open conflict at a later time. Whether you like it or not having protection for us is one of the best ways for you to ensure that. It will convince me not to add to the volatility of this situation by arming my own followers, and it will give the High Septon's mobs a bigger target than they can chew. And it will give you a chance to keep an eye on me, to ensure I don't do anything foolish. Not that I was intending to, but I suspect you will want to watch anyway." Beatrice said.
Tyrion looked sour. "I don't much care for threats, or your attitude for that matter… but I will think on what you have said. If I conclude that you have spoken wisdom then I'll see what I can do."
Beatrice gave a snarky smile. "Talk is good. Thinking too. But on their own they are not worth much. Show me deeds next and I will be satisfied. Until then I'm afraid it's just not enough." Then she left, going back inside the Cathedral, while her followers remained on guard at the steps.
"So deeds not words? Well that's rich coming from a priest. Isn't it the way of your kind to offer great many words without deeds to back them up?" Tyrion muttered to himself when the Grand Cleric was out of earshot. Then he turned to look down the street where the High Septon had retreated. "Then again maybe that is a good thing. When you act, the results tend to be utterly terrible."
He motioned at Glorious Victory to follow and left for the Red Keep. The Unsullied followed him, and as he left the gathered crowds began to disperse, the gathered people heading back to their daily activities, the Goldcloaks ensuring it all happened in good order. The only group to remain exactly where they were was the Grand Cleric's band of followers, refusing to go anywhere unless she dismissed them.
"Damn the both of them!" Tyrion cursed back in his study. "Daenerys was right. This is exactly the kind of problem we don't need right now. And the Grand Cleric… after all her bad conduct she has the audacity to ask us for protection."
"I take that to mean we will not be providing troops for that purpose?" Glorious Victory asked.
"Oh I'd gladly tell her to go to a hell of her choice with her request, but I don't think that is something I can do. As much as I don't like it, and although I'll never admit that to her face, she did have a point. We don't want her to be any more supportive of Orlais than she already is. And ultimately the only way we can stop this madness from spiraling out of control is to place ourselves between the rival groups, so they cannot get at each other. As such I'm not certain that we can afford to turn her request down." Tyrion said.
"We just have to figure out where we can get the troops." He then contemplated.
"Well, the city does have a sizeable garrison…" Glorious Victory offered.
"…Which for the most part we cannot trust." Tyrion said. "You saw Goldcloaks with both groups of fanatics. They have already forsaken their responsibilities by taking sides in this mess. If we send the Goldcloaks some of the religiously invested may end up in the guarding force, even if we try to filter them out. Those who follow the High Septon are more likely to attack the Chantry people than defend them. And the ones that have sided with the Grand Cleric she will have too much control over. They would be too likely to obey her commands if she has a change of heart and decides to attack first. We need people who will do their assigned tasks well and no more, and who will respond to no other commands than ours."
"Good points my Lord." Glorious Victory commented. "Hmm… maybe my Unsullied could provide for us then?" He then asked.
"They are a better option, but there aren't enough of you. Most of you are with Queen's forces, as you should be. The reason any of you are here at all is to protect the members of the small council still within the city, and to keep an eye on the Orlesian ambassador. Those that remain would be overwhelmed should these religious groups go to all-out war against each other. Plus sending you would be a political victory to the Grand Cleric that I would rather not give her. If at all possible we should find a way to give her the protection she seeks without giving her something to latch on to and claim we have taken her side."
It was then that a thought occurred to the Hand of the Queen. "Hmm. The ambassadors… maybe that is an angle worth pursuing."
"My Lord?" Glorious Victory asked.
"Oh, just a possibility that came to mind. One that I must think on more before I act on it. In the meantime I want you to double all the patrols in and around the city, as our initial response to this. Any violence is to be stopped immediately. Since we have been preparing our troops in advance, you should have more than enough means to do so." Tyrion said.
"Understood." Glorious Victory said.
Just then there was a knock on the door and a boy of some fifteen years of age entered the study, dressed in frayed peasant's clothing. When his eyes met Tyrion's he gave a quick bow. "My Lord Hand, apologies for disturbing you, but I have urgent news.
"Ah, Aaron." Tyrion said with a smile. Aaron had, at one time, been one of Varys's little birds. These days, having grown up, he had taken to caring for other such little birds, as well as raising new ones from the orphan's in King's Landing, in essence creating a small spy network of his own. The capital was full of children just like him, the legacy of Varys. In the employ of Tyrion he was the spokesperson for several such groups working for the Twin Kingdoms, within the city and elsewhere. In this way he was Tyrion's eyes and ears within Westeros, the means to accessing information others would wish to keep hidden and to hear of developments before anyone else could. In return for their services he protected them and provided for their needs.
"It's all right, you're not bothering us. Come in, please. What is this news you came to bring?" Tyrion said, motioning for the boy to come closer.
"The High Septon has left the city. He departed through the city gates not long ago, riding on the road to Oldtown in the company of several dozen of his followers." Aaron said.
"What?" Tyrion said, shocked.
"Why? And why Oldtown?" Glorious Victory asked.
"Before Aegon's conquest that place was the heart of the Faith of the Seven. Even today the city is a stronghold of the faith. And despite Chantry having a presence there as well, there the Faith of the Seven has the advantage. As to why the High Septon went there, he may be trying to move himself beyond my easy reach, so I cannot keep his activities in check." Tyrion explained.
"Indeed. I understand he was quite upset with your interference here. From what I heard he was raging about it from the moment you dismissed him at the cathedral until the moment he left the city. It's possible he's still going at it. Reportedly he called you a *heretic who has betrayed the faith to side with invading foreign heathens*, and that was the kindest of his choice words for you. As such I agree, if he decides to act against you and the Chantry I would think that Oldtown is a much better position for him to do so." Aaron said.
Tyrion nodded. "Very true. With the all the armies of Westeros engaged, we would have a hard time sending troops against him should he decide to cause trouble."
"We will need to warn House Hightower to be on the lookout for any activities on the High Septon's part, as well as any other city where he might be considering taking action." Tyrion contemplated.
"Here in King's Landing we will proceed as we have already discussed." Tyrion told Glorious Victory, who nodded.
"As for you Aaron, I will be having great need for your services and the services of your informers in the coming days. I will need to know the activities of both the High Septon and Grand Cleric Beatrice at all times. If they decide to start something I need to know where they intend to do so in advance, so we know where to concentrate our efforts." Tyrion said then.
"Of course My Lord. We are at your service. If you don't mind I'll get on it right away." Aaron said. Tyrion nodded and the boy left.
Later that same day Aaron was making his way through the narrow mess of streets that were flea Bottom. His steps were sure, as he knew where he was going. Several turns later he was standing before a wooden door of a small hovel, his way blocked by two thick set brutes. From his pocket he took out a white cloth with a pair of serpents twining together on its surface and showed it to the men. One of the men looked at the piece of cloth for a moment, nodded and let him pass, opening the door for him. Upon entering he saw that the hovel was dark, the only illumination provided by a candle atop a table dominating the room. In the gloom he noticed two hooded men occupying the room, one seated at the table, another leaning to the wall on the left.
"We have been expecting you. What news?" The man seated at the table said. Aaron nodded and placed himself at the head of the table opposite to the man. A chair was near him, but he chose not to seat himself.
"The High Septon has left King's Landing for Oldtown. His exact motivations to doing so are not known with extreme certainty, but in the light of recent events he likely intends to further his campaign of confrontation with the Chantry. It is possible that he is intending to move things toward open conflict. The Hand of the Queen received these same news with considerable alarm. Apparently Queen Daenerys has charged him with ensuring no further conflicts disrupt her kingdom while she is waging was against the Orlesian Empire." Aaron reported, keeping his face passive and businesslike.
"What is the Hand of the Queen doing in response?" The seated man asked.
"He has assigned me to oversee additional monitoring of the High Septon and Grand Cleric Beatrice. In case either religious leader decides to attack the other he wants to know of it in advance, so he can counter them effectively. He did discuss other plans, but I did not overhear what they were. I can find out of course, but that will cost you extra." Aaron said.
"Hmmmh. Well, perhaps that line of inquiry can wait." The man contemplated. "Do you know the High Septon's travel route? I'll offer a bonus for that information." He asked then.
"Of cource. I have written the information here. Also the size of his entourage and their available armaments." Aaron said, taking a piece of parchment from his pocket and placing it on the table.
"Interesting. I was unaware that you could read or write." The man said as he took the parchment into his hands, examining it.
"Lord Varys taught us in his time. Pragmatism on his part. In many ways reading and writing is at the core of what we do. If we didn't have those skills we wouldn't have been of any use to him." Aaron explained.
"I see." The man said, not turning his attention from the parchment.
"Speaking of being useful, this is for you, for your trouble." The man said then, tossing Aaron a pouch of coin. Aaron caught the pouch and immediately inspected its contents. He gave a satisfied nod when he had confirmed that he had been paid in full.
"You will not find us here next time. We are relocating our safehouse, laying low for a while. Don't try to seek us out. We will find you when your services are required again." The man told him.
"The Inquisition breathing down your necks?" Aaron asked.
"That is no concern of yours young man. Simply follow the instructions you have been given." The man said bluntly, slowly standing up.
"And one more thing." The man said as Aaron was about to leave. "Do not think that our relocation means that you can betray our presence to the Lord Hand or anyone else you might be associating with. Even if we are not here we still have many eyes, many ears…"
"…and many arms. Good for silencing those who say too much. I'm aware. I know how this game is played." Aaron finished.
"Good. I'm pleased that your self-preservation instincts are still intact. You may go now." The man said.
Aaron nodded and left. As soon as he was gone the man leaning against the wall moved to the first man.
"So the Hand of the Queen is trying to keep the different faiths from tearing each other apart, and the Queen's kingdom with it? I think we should to do our part to escalate that conflict." The first man said.
"Here is the High Septon's route. On the road he has made himself vulnerable. Put together a team and hunt him down, then leave behind evidence to implicate the Chantry." He said, handing the parchment to the second man.
"If our intention is to push the faiths towards open conflict, isn't killing the High Septon contrary to this objective? By all reports he is an advocate towards aggressive action against the Chantry. If we launch an attack like this and frame the Chantry, it might intimidate the Faith of the Seven, make them think the Chantry can strike them with impunity." The second man asked.
"There is risk of that, but I don't think it too great. One man can be reasoned with or intimidated into standing down, but an angry horde of zealots grieving over their dead leader will be far harder to control, particularly when they have been provided culprits to focus their anger on. Furthermore Lord Tyrion will likely be most upset with the Chantry as a result of this, viewing it as a clear violation of his command that there was to be no violence. He may even be driven to abandon the position on neutrality, effectively pushing toward the conflict he was supposed to prevent." The first man said.
"Unlikely. Lord Tyrion is very loyal to the Queen. It would take much for him to go against her directives." The second man commented. "But very well. It will be done. The High Septon dies." He then added.