YEAR 303 AC
At the Royal Harbor…
A large group of people gathered around the port of King's Landing near the Blackwater Rush, banners detailing the golden crowned stag on a black field symbolizing the House Baratheon of King's Landing. From the harbor rested a canoe whilst The Winter's Voyage floated in the distance. King Daveth I Baratheon (22) and Queen Sansa Stark (18) were saying their goodbyes as the Wolf Queen prepared for her travel to White Harbor en route to Winterfell with her personal guards—Brienne of Tarth, Podrick Payne, Ser Lucius Blackmyre and Ser Olyvar Frey—who were waiting for Sansa.
Daveth held Sansa's hands in his. "You be careful and stay safe out there, alright?" he asks.
"I will, love. I promise."
"Be sure you won't take any unnecessary risks, listen to Ser Lucius's advice and—"
Sansa puffed her cheeks a bit. "Daveth, you're treating me like a child," she pouts.
"Uhh…"
Behind him Tyrion and Catelyn both hid their amusements at the Wolf Queen's remark, though it reminded the Stark matriarch of her time with her deceased husband Lord Eddard Stark and their interactions in King's Landing before she left to the Crossroads Inn after such a long journey. Daveth switched from being caught off-guard to press a bit further.
"And remember your courtesies in the North. That temper of yours is a dangerous thing; well, your words mostly."
'Well, I'm glad you find this so funny,' Sansa rolled her eyes in amusement. "My temper? Remind me: whose voice bellows so loud it can be heard all the way in the kingswood?"
Daveth shook his head. "I… don't have an answer to that," he conceded.
Scoring yet another victory, Sansa calmly turns her attention towards her mother Catelyn. "Mother, can you keep a close eye on Daveth for me?" she asks. "Gods be merciful, he can be so stubborn sometimes."
'Dammit, they don't need to know that…!'
Catelyn reassures her daughter. "I'll do what I can, but eventually you'll have to come back and rein him in yourself."
What came next for Sansa during her goodbyes was one of the hardest things she's ever had to do; glancing down towards Daveth's legs stood the twins Prince Lyonel and Princess Cassana—now 2 years old, looking up at their mother with curious eyes and thumbs in their mouths. Both were growing as they were standing nearly 3 feet tall, their teeth were growing in and were in the middle of developing an understanding of basic motor skills, cognitive functions and other social interactions.
"Mommy?" both Lyonel and Cassana said curiously, stretching their arms outward.
Sansa's heart ached; getting down on her knees, the Wolf Queen moved to meet her children at eye-level. "Lyonel, Cassana," she addressed them in a motherly tone, "mommy's going to see uncle Robb for a while, okay? Can you two be good to daddy and grandma? Please? Can you do it for mommy?"
They looked at their mother confused; Lyonel and Cassana were still too young to understand what was really going on – but they knew certain words. They didn't say anything and moved to hug their mother, an act Sansa warmly reciprocated. As Sansa held them close, she felt her children's little arms fastening around her neck.
"Wuv you, mommy," piped up Lyonel.
"Wuv you, mommy," Cassana babbled.
Sansa felt a lump in her throat, but held her little ones close. "Mommy loves you too, little ones," she told them, her voice almost cracked. "Mommy loves you very much."
Reluctantly pulling herself away, Sansa stood back up as Lyonel and Cassana still had a hold on their mother's dress – only to be gently pulled off by their grandmother.
"Say goodbye to mommy," Catelyn asked.
Cassana wrinkled her little hands. "Bye-bye, mommy," she squeaked.
Lyonel, however, was stubborn and threw an emotional tantrum. "No! No 'weave, mommy! No 'weave, mommy!" he wailed.
Daveth picked up his son, holding him close as the boy fought tooth in nail in his father's grip as Lyonel cried tears and snot as Sansa entered onto the canoe with her guards. She took only a backwards glance—her face clearly upset at listening to her son's pleas. Before they could depart, the Young Stag felt himself beginning to act on impulse.
"Brienne of Tarth," he called out.
Brienne heard her name being called and briefly left the canoe for a bit, informing her comrades she'll be back in a moment and lowered her head in acknowledgment once she was close enough.
"Yes, Your Grace?" Brienne asked.
Daveth looked at her, one of the two female Kingsguard he's appointed, and curled his fingers around the leather grip of the sword at his waist as he approached her. He slowly slid Stormbringer free of its scabbard before sliding it back in and shows it to Brienne.
"Valyrian steel," she says admiringly.
Daveth nodded. "Mhmm. Stormbringer, given to me by my lord grandfather Tywin Lannister on my sixteenth nameday… and when I was received my knighthood. I want you to take it with you."
Brienne blinked, looking surprised. "I… Your Grace, I… I can't accept this."
"…you will use it to protect the Queen when I can't. 'Nothing's more hateful than failing to protect the one you love.' Those were your words, remember? Sansa Stark, our children… their lives are more important to me than my own or even the Iron Throne itself. Keep her safe, Brienne. Please."
The Maid of Tarth looked the Young Stag in the eyes, hinting at sense of pleading humanity from her King. When they first met, Brienne served under Daveth's uncle Renly Baratheon as a claimant of his Kingsguard after Renly chose to lay claim to the Iron Throne despite his nephew being ahead in the line of succession. After the Stag Sedition came to an end, there were many at court who demanded Brienne's execution for associating with a traitor – but Daveth instead chose to pardon her and give her a second chance by appointing her and Ariyana Dayne to his Kingsguard. Brienne still did not forget Stannis's role in Renly's death nor has she forgotten, but kept true to her vows.
After much reluctance, Brienne wrapped her hand around Stormbringer. "I will keep Her Grace safe. For her mother's sake, for her children's sake… and for yours. When we come back, I will return your sword to you," she bowed stiffly, whirled and went. Brienne traded a glance with Jaime who looked at her, each nodding and watching them ride off in the canoe, rowing each paddle through the waters of the Blackwater Rush towards The Winter's Voyage.
"Mommy! Mommy! Mommy!" Lyonel kept on wailing.
Unbeknownst to them, off in the distance, a secret stowaway had managed to sneak aboard The Winter's Voyage without any of the crew noticing.
Daveth watched on as The Winter's Voyage eventually began sailing away. Myrcella touched her brother's arm, knowing how hard this must've been for him to see her leaving; but both of them knew Sansa volunteered—though it wasn't easy for the royal children either. Cassana whined as she watched her mother sailing off; Lyonel's throat sounded like it was about to get hoarse with his entire tantrum.
Jaime Lannister looked at his nephew. "There's something you don't see every day," he told him. "The love Sansa has for her family, her children, I'll admit I… was a bit awed by it. You love your children. I suppose all fathers and mothers do in their own way, it's a fierceness you don't often see. They'd do anything to protect their babies. The things we do for love."
"Even if it means we get hurt ourselves sometimes. I wonder if this is what she must've felt whenever I had to go." Daveth turned to Catelyn. "Mother-in-law, could you and Myrcella bring my son and daughter back to the Red Keep?"
"Your Grace—"
"Don't worry. I'll catch up."
Catelyn, still not entirely convinced of her son-in-law's request, picked up her grandson Prince Lyonel who still threw tantrums while Myrcella picked up her niece Princess Cassana who silently sniffled into her aunt's shoulder as Ser Jaime accompanied his "niece" (in actuality daughter). Daveth continued staring off into the distance of the Blackwater Rush, until one of the gold cloaks pushed his way past the assembly to reach the King.
"Your Grace, we found him. We found the whereabouts of the High Sparrow," he whispers.
Daveth turned to face him. "Where?" he requested.
"Flea Bottom, Your Grace. There is… another matter, though."
"And what would that be, sergeant?"
"Your great-uncle… Ser Kevan Lannister, he's… waiting for you there."
'Uncle Kevan?' Daveth was rather curious. "Lead the way, sergeant," he ordered. "Ser Barristan, Ser Jaime, I'll need you to come with me."
"Oh? In need of backup are we?"
"Perhaps, but we can't really be too sure with these Sparrows. Religion and fanaticism don't mix… for obvious reasons."
Both Kingsguard accompanied Daveth who followed the gold cloaks across the city to their prime destination. Barristan glanced over the new and improved Flea Bottom; gone was the odorous stench of shit pilling up on the streets, the muddy walkways and run-down houses and slums. The new Flea Bottom had never looked so clean and renovated with clean streets, decent homes and cobblestone streets. The gold cloak in question stopped walking and pointed the area in question, where crowded people sat in prayer in front a flight of stairs.
"Right here, Your Grace," he said.
Daveth nodded. "Good work, sergeant. Return to your post and inform your superiors."
Onlookers noticed his arrival. "Look. The King!"
"Seven blessings on you, Your Grace."
"Oathkeeper."
"Long may he reign!"
'Deeply religious people indeed,' Daveth ignored them, still keeping his guard up, and noticed his maternal great-uncle Ser Kevan Lannister, who was standing by the stairs, looked rather grim. "I'm afraid the situation has become… more complicated," he told him.
"What do you mean 'complicated'? How so?"
"It… would be easier for you to see for yourself."
Now Daveth felt suspicious, and approached a nearby loiterer at the bottom of some stairs. "Excuse me, but where can I find the High Sparrow?" he asked.
The man points up the stairs. "Up there, Your Grace," he answers.
Barristan briefly pulled Daveth aside. "Your Grace, I've got a bad feeling about this."
"I feel it too, Ser Barristan. Keep your eyes peeled."
Ascending the stairs, Daveth, Barristan, Jaime and Kevan noticed a crowd of people in a large room watching as many people eating at tables. The few that were standing stood in a single file line with bowls and spoons in their hands, waiting for food. In the center, Daveth sees an old man giving soup to people.
"Thank you," one resident says politely.
"Thank you ever so for the soup!" says another.
Their eyes soon turned towards Daveth, politely lowering their heads in acknowledgment as he approached the old man.
"Pardon the interruption, but I was told someone called the High Sparrow was back here. Do you know where I might find him?"
"High Sparrow? Sounds ridiculous, doesn't it?" the old man chuckles as he continued preparing soup to the people next in line. "Like Lord Duckling or King Turtle."
'Okay, that… that was actually a little funny,' the Young Stag thought to himself.
"So, it's meant to. We're often stuck with the names our enemies give to us, like Young Stag or Black Lion… or Oathkeeper. The notion that we are all equal in the eyes of the Seven doesn't sit well with some, so they belittle me."
Daveth blinked. "Then… you're the High Sparrow?" he asked.
"Seven blessings to you," a second woman graciously accepted the filled bowl.
"Seven blessings to you, my dear," the High Sparrow blessed before refocusing his attention to the King while preparing soup for the next person in line. "It's only a name, my child, quite an easy burden to wear; far easier than hers."
The Young Stag looked down at his feet, not seeing any footwear. "Why are you barefoot? Did something happen to your shoes?"
"Oh no, I gave them away to someone who needed them more. We all do that. It stops us from forgetting what we really are."
"That's… rather generous of you."
"Don't get me wrong, Your Grace, I have a hard enough job reminding myself of who I am as well. Oh, I tell them no one's special. And they think I'm special for telling them so. It would be comforting to believe that, wouldn't it? Did the Gods send you here to tempt me? I hope not. I had assumed you'd only come here to arrest me for that incident with the High Septon."
The High Sparrow displayed no fear, talking as serious about discussing the weather or other trivial matters.
Ser Barristan stepped forward. "Several days ago, His Holiness the High Septon was physically assaulted at one of Lord Baelish's… ahem, establishments. Seven men in ragged robes forced their way in before striking, shaming him and paraded him through the Street of Silk naked. Upon further examination, we've noticed not only a few bruises but also several lacerations across the High Septon's face, hands and genitals."
"Quite an unacceptable way to treat the chosen representative of the Gods in this world, wouldn't you say?" taunted Jaime.
The High Sparrow simply scoffed at the notion. "Hypocrisy is a boil. Lancing a boil is never pleasant, although they could have been more careful with the blade."
Daveth switched tactics. "So you admit you had a role to play in how your men behaved towards the High Septon?" he pressed.
"We are all brothers, sworn to defend the Faith against sinners and heretics and no one gives orders to the other like ordinary soldiers. We are so many even I don't know their names. I wouldn't presume to know your thoughts on the matter."
"Let's just say that the new and improved City Watch does not take kindly to vigilantism. Commander Duran is rather strict about it. I'm afraid we'll have to bring you in for further questioning."
"A polite way of telling me I'm under arrest?"
"If you come of your own volition and willingly cooperate with law enforcement properly, then yes."
The High Sparrow noticed several devotees steadily rising from their tables, each of them whispering concerns—each voicing uncertainty or quiet outrage at the traveling humble septon sending to the poor. On the other hand, such charges are rather serious and any further resistance or defiance would escalate tensions. Surprisingly, the High Sparrow presented himself with open arms in powerlessness, all whilst still smiling.
"If that is your wish, then I offer no resistance," he said.
Daveth nodded. "Good. Then this won't take long. Come with us."
The Young Stag, his two Kingsguard escorts accompanied the High Sparrow down the stairs and into City Watch custody. Although surprised, the gold cloaks acknowledged the old man was willing to cooperate with the authorities and gently escorted him to one of the nearby garrisons past Rhaenys' Hill: the City Watch's East Barracks near the Dragon Gate.
Inside the garrison, Commander Duran read the list of charges the High Septon was facing – with Daveth sitting across from him with Barristan and Jaime standing at his left and ride side. The High Sparrow sat behind a desk across from the Young Stag, who wrote down a letter stamping it with the seal of the crown.
"Willful assault of a protected person in the second degree, organizing a vigilante mob, attack against the Faith… I could go on about the charges you face," Duran explained. "You do realize that you're facing serious charges, yes?"
"I do. Our minds are holy temples to the Seven and should be kept pure. But the truth is," he chuckles, "I'm more perturbed at His Holiness's corrosive behavior eating away at the foundation of the Faith's tenants."
Daveth looks unsure, presumably having expected him to protest the charges. He did however suspected that the High Sparrow to point out the flaws of the High Septon. Even so, the Young Stag adjusted his seat and raised his fingers in front of his chest in a lowered steeple position—a simple gesture with his hands demonstrating confident attitude.
"And yet you are aware that most of your followers were armed? Whips and small knives?" he pressed.
The High Sparrow remained a confident composure as well. "Wars teach people to obey the sword, not the Gods."
"War is never pleasant. The people who come back from it are sometimes not the same as they used to be when they do. Even you must understand that there are some conflicts that can't be resolved through diplomacy. And yet it teaches us the essence of sacrifice in life, to risk our own lives with the aim of allowing the innocent to live out theirs in relative peace," Daveth disputed. "We may fail sometimes, but that doesn't mean we can't simple give up."
Jaime chimed in. "What my nephew the King means is that although tragic, war exploits the importance of exercising our free will and to keep hope and free will alive. How it essentially becomes a fabric woven into our minds."
"Hope holds the people together, to believe in ourselves in our intrinsic ability to heal from any psychological wounds we may suffer," suggested Barristan.
"An admirable goal, but yet a bloody one and leads to more suffering," the High Sparrow remarked. "The Father, the Mother, the Warrior… we all fear a great deal. The stones we use during funerals? They remind us not to fear death. We close our eyes on this world and open them in the next."
'We could engage in a debate, trading back and forth banter all we want but I've got a job to do,' the Young Stag theoretically suggested a bit impatient. "How about the promise of a new tomorrow?"
"That I'm afraid that decision is up to the Gods, to be molded and shaped in whatever form they deep fit." The High Sparrow turned to Jaime. "We all are expected to seek the Gods' mercy and atone for our sins."
That statement made Jaime visibly ticked off. "What about my sins?" he approached the old man in a hostile manner.
"Ser Jaime…" Barristan called out to him.
"I broke a sacred oath and stabbed my King in the back 22 years ago," he continued. "I watched my own sister get executed for fornicating. When the gods judged her guilty, I stood by and watched. What atonement do I deserve?"
"Ser Jaime! Enough," Daveth shouted at his uncle. "Return to the Red Keep; Lord Commander, go with him. Commander Duran, give us the room."
Ser Barristan reluctantly nodded and took Jaime Lannister by the arm and removed him from the City Watch's East Barracks, intent on returning him to the White Sword Tower with Commander Duran following the two Kingsguard knights out. Once they were alone, Daveth stared at the High Sparrow.
"Why are you really here?" Daveth quietly demanded. "What do you hope to gain by simply doing whatever you please in my city? Goading my uncle in that tone? And what is the purpose of arming your followers with clubs and axes?"
The High Sparrow simply retained his smile. "If you mean to suggest that we are somehow a group closely resembling the Faith Militant, Your Grace, well, if you are a student of history you'd remember that the Faith Militant was disarmed more than two centuries ago."
"And with good reason, I might add. King Maegor the Cruel's laws prohibited the Faith from bearing arms three hundred years ago. It was King Jaeherys the Conciliator who agreed that the Iron Throne would protect and defend the Faith in exchange for them putting down their weapons. The Doctrine of Exceptionalism, it was called."
"And the last time the Faith has checked, House Baratheon does not practice incestuous marriages as House Targaryen does."
Daveth shook his head. "No we don't, though my ancestor Orys Baratheon was said to be the bastard half-brother of Aegon the Conqueror himself. That aside, though, I will have to remind you that Maegor's laws still remain intact after three centuries and the crown stands by the protect and defend the Faith from sinners and heretics… including the Sparrows, a heretical movement."
The High Sparrow remained confident, staring deep into the King's eyes. "We are all weak, my child, vain creatures. We live only by the Mother's mercy. No doubt many of our brothers will fall," he leaned closely. "But who are we, hmm? We have no names, no family. Every one of us is poor and powerless. And yet together, we can overthrow an empire."
Daveth glared back. 'Did you literally just threaten me to my face, old man?' he inhaled sharply and rose from his seat. "I think we're done here. The Master of Laws will review the evidence and determine that there will indeed be a formal trial. Until then, you will remain confined to your cell and… reflect on that precious philosophy of yours. Good day."
Before he brushed past him, Daveth heard the High Sparrow give a departing remark.
"A lifetime of wealth corrupts your soul and power has left you blind to the truth, Oathkeeper. You are just one man. We… are the many."
Daveth stopped for a moment, but did not bother to reply and left the barracks to allow the gold cloaks to go back inside. For all he could tell, the High Sparrow would be imprisoned but deep down the Young Stag knew in the pit of his gut that this encounter was not over. No. Rather it was just the beginning, and it threatened to tear King's Landing apart from the inside.
"We'll see who the one left standing is, High Sparrow," he vowed. "Sooner or later, we'll see. When you play the game of thrones, you win… or you die."
Chapter End
Author's Note: We are now officially in the beginning of Season 6 with a heartbreaking separation between Sansa and her children; followed by Daveth Baratheon's first encounter with the High Sparrow. Back and forth, questioning, debate… and a promise ending with a threat. This conflict is only just the beginning with the High Sparrow and his followers the Sparrows. With Ser Kevan Lannister back in the capital, can you guys care to guess as to why he might be in King's Landing? And Daveth's closing remark, see any resemblance there? Thoughts? Let me know.
jgs237: Daveth should have said yes the many can topple an empire but what will happen when the govt that feeds the people collapse right when winter is here. It will cause more death and more war which will most likely people seeing the overthrowing of Daveth the reason for all this death.
I am guessing that Kevan is there for the wedding for his daughter and Loras, and perhaps Lance?
I'm surprise the Sparrows didn't try to kidnap Sansa since she follows the Old Gods. Unless that was the Sparrows that snuck onto her ship. The other people who would be after Sansa would be Ramesy. I guess we will find out soon.
Since Daveth has been planning ahead of time for the arrival for Daenerys I believe he should have many many scorpions. Way more than what Cersei should have had in season 7 and 8. Cersei didn't actually start building them until after Dany landed on Dragonstone. With so much time before Dany crosses the Narrow Sea he should have at least 50 maybe more.
Guest #2: Daveth should have replied to the High Sparrow.
'It doesn't take the most powerful nations to change the course of history. Only the will of a single man.'
Or
'A herd comprises of many but they all scatter at the sight of a single predator.'
Guest #1: I think mr. Sparrow (not captain, if he was he would rule Westeros ) will find it much more difficult to turn the people against the Oathkeeper than to the "mad queen" Cersei
Patty 4577: Considering that Cersei is dead and Margaery isn't stupid. The chances of the Sparrows becoming the faith millitant are low. But still, he is going to become a problem.
LunaEvanna Longbottom: Poor Lyonel, he's such a mommas boy
―Sure sounds like one, doesn't he?
ALPHAomega239: In response to HearMyFury, the Sept isn't going to be destroyed since all the caches of wildfire were removed earlier on.
And if I'm not mistaken, Kevan has a wedding to prepare. Loras is set to marry his daughter, whose name I don't know. So I predict the follow, bar the Sept's destruction...
HOUSE TYRELL STILL STANDS, KEVAN, LANCEL AND TOMMEN LIVE, LORAS GETS MARRIED, HIGH SPARROW WAGES A WAR AND LOSES. Am I missing anything, M. Author?
―Pretty much; and the name of Kevan's daughter is Janei.
mpowers045: Kill two birds with one stone or in this case Sparrows
Memnon45: Yikes hope Daveth is ready for this enemy and whoever snuck on board the boat with Sansa better not try anything.
The Three Stoogies: A great chapter Daveth could send all the armed little birds to the wall in order to defend the realm and convert wildling hethans.
mitchn: Out of all Daveth's opponents, I have to say the High Sparrow is one the deadliest ones in the entire Game of Thrones, because he has something they all lacked: faith from the people. The others had armies and used fear and intimidation to consolidate their power, but the High Sparrow used charitable acts and a benevolent persona to hide the fanatic zealot. He was right when he was confronted by Olenna, the people can become an army if they are lead. Will he still arrest Loras and try to capture Jamie for their actions in order the weaken the royal family's position? If that is the case it would be quite a sight to see Oathkeeper and Queen of Thrones clip his wings.
Blizzarddragon777: Daveth just quoted his mother with the last part, just hope he doesn't use her famous political get rid of his foes.
Hear My Fury: Um, I wouldn't be quoting your mother Dav. But hopefully you won't burn down the Sept of Baelor and be considered a tyrant. As to why Kevan's there, not sure. Perhaps talking about the status of Casterly Rock? Perhaps some reports on Euron maybe?
GREAT CELESTIAL-DRAGON: even if the Sparrow tried, he would have problems with the White Walkers, probably dismiss them as myth or that the gods will decide their fate.