STANNIS

Stannis already knew that Cersei's children were bastards. He was just biding his time. If only Eddard Stark had come to him instead of trusting Baelish. Now Eddard Stark is dead and Stannis' younger brother Renly has declared himself King. The majority of the Stormlords support Renly as King. Renly Baratheon also has the support of House Tyrell and the Reach. "Your time has come..." Melisandre the red priestess of the Lord of light says to Stannis, "You are the Prince that was promised...The one who will save us from the long night..." She leads the chant to the Lord of light. Melisandre had come to Westeros in search of the Prince that was Promised and to convert people to her faith.

"Lord of light...cast your light upon us."

Those gathered say in unison, "For the night is dark and full of terrors..."

After the chant they gather in the map room of Dragonstone to discuss strategy. "Our agents report that Robb Stark has defeated Tywin Lannister in battle twice already...and he has taken Ser Jaime Lannister captive..." Ser Davos says.

"They have also declared Robb Stark King in the North..." Interrupts Stannis' brother by-law. "That makes him our enemy."

Davos shakes his head, "We have enough enemies...The Lannisters, Your brother and the Tyrells..."

"Stannis is the Prince that was promised...Chosen by the Lord of light...He does not have to beg of this lord or that lord..." Melisandre says.

"And how many troops is your Lord of light going to give us m'lady…" Davos says.

"Unbeliever!" Ser Imry Florent angrily says.

"Enough! Take a letter and send it to all the Lords of Westeros..." A few days later Stannis rides out with Melisandre, Ser Davos, Ser Florent and a few of his men to meet with his brother.

"Is that you brother?"

To Stannis' surprise Catelyn Stark is present. "Of course it's me brother...Who else would it be?"

"You look different. Why is your Stag of fire?"

"The King has taken the Lord of light into his heart...He is the Prince that was promised."

Renly smiles, "I never thought of you as a religious man brother..." He looks at Melisandre, "Though by the look of the lady I can see why."

"Be careful brother...I give you this one chance to bend the knee...Call me King and I will name you my heir until I have a son."

"Are you all mad?" Catelyn Stark asks. "The two of you are brothers. If you were my sons I'd locked you in a room until you remembered that!"

Stannis stares at her, "Your good husband died supporting my claim to the Iron Throne Lady Stark and yet you berate me. The Iron Throne is mine by right..."

"No one wants you as their King brother...You inspire no love or loyalty...You want no friends..."

"For the love of our mother I will ask you this one last time. Bend the Knee."

"I'll see you on the battlefield." Renly replies.

Later Stannis paces in the map room of Dragonstone. His mind is conflicted with thoughts of killing his own kin through blood magic. Denying the gods of his fathers. He had sent Ser Davos on a mission as a smuggler and now he waits to hear the outcome of Melisandre's plan. Before sunrise Davos and Melisandre return. "It is done..." Melisandre says.

By high noon the Stormlords who swore to Renly come to pledge themselves to Stannis. "How soon can we attack King's Landing?" He asks to Ser Davos in the command tent.

"Three more days and we will be ready..."

"What about Ser Loras and his sister?" Stannis asks.

"They escaped my Lord...Gone back to High Garden..." Ser Davos replies.

"A pity we could not take them hostage..." Ser Florent says speaking up, "We could have used them to force the Tyrells to bend the knee..."

Three days later Stannis boards the command ship, the fleet is assembled and the army on board their ships. "Send the signal we sail now..."

At sunset they set sail from Dragonstone. As they approach the city the bells start ringing. A few minutes later the drums on the ships start pounding. "My King a ship!" Florent says pointing. Stannis watches as the ship approaches.

"Wild Fire!" Stannis hears Ser Davos' voice echo across the water. Then an arrow flies overhead and lands in the water. The night is lit up by the bright green explosion from the Wild Fire. Stannis shields his eyes as the light from the fire is bright and the heat is strong. Many ships are sunk and others burn as the cries of men echo across the water.

"Your Grace..."

Stannis huffs, "Prepare to attack!"

"What if they have more Wild Fire?"

Stannis shakes his head, "They can't afford to do that again...We attack!" He looks at his men and stands on the side of the ship, "Hear me! We lost many men, but the Lord of light is with us...They are led by a woman who betrayed her King and fucks her brother!" His men laugh, "They are led by a bastard boy who kills girls for fun...A half wit who cried for his life when he was threatened by a little girl...They are led by a Dwarf who is only half of a man...Come with me and take this city!"

They all cheer, board the long boats, and row to shore. As they approach the beach arrows start flying. "Press forward men!" Florent yells. Then he is struck in the neck by an arrow and dies.

"Shields!" Stannis yells, "Use your shields!" When they reach the wall a man beside Stannis is struck in the head with a rock.

"Ladders!" Someone yells.

When a ladder is raised by Stannis he leads the climb up and kills a man when he reaches the top. He blocks with his shield and opens the man's head with his sword. Soon he is joined by more of his own men. Soon Stannis hears the boom of the battering ram at the mud gate. "My King!" A man yells running up.

"What is it?"

"Lannister and Tyrell reinforcements...They will flank us..."

Another man comes up, "Your Grace the lines have been broken the men are retreating!"

Stannis runs to the edge, "Stand and fight you cowards!" He yells as they retreat back to the ships. "Come back!" Eventually his men are able to convince Stannis to leave. "I want to be alone..." He says when they return to Dragonstone.

"My King..." Melisandre enters the map room after many hours pass.

"Get out!" He yells the anger prevalent in the tone of his voice.

"I heard what happened?"

He turns to face her, "Did you! Did you! You said I would have a victory."

"Battles are won and lost...The war goes on. The Lord of light..."

He grabs her by the throat, "Enough about your god...Because of you my brother is dead! Where is your god when my men burned on the Blackwater? Where was he when Tywin Lannister and Loras Tyrell flanked my army...Where is your god now as I squeeze the life out of you?"

"In you...My King..." He lets her go after staring into her eyes, "This war is far from over...Many people will die before you take the Iron Throne..." He allows her to lead him to the fire and stares into it seeing a vision.