Casterly Rock, 298 AC
Aistan's life has not really changed, since he has learnt about his uncle's death. He has wept him, Robert having always been very nice to him, but life has gone on. And then, he heard about Joffrey, his cousin, executing Ned Stark, his uncle, for treason. Aistan is alone in Casterly Rock, surrounded by Lannisters, the same who killed Ned, and, some say, who also killed King Robert. Suddenly, he feels like a prisoner, a hostage, and not a fostered boy anymore. He fears for his life, everyday, and for his parent's. Still, he keeps admiring Lord Tywin, who does not change towards him. Lord Tywin has left for war, after Tyrion, his son, has been accused of trying to kill Bran Stark and arrested by Catelyn Stark. Tywin has never really loved Tyrion, but the insult made to his House has turned him furious and he has attacked the Riverlands, Catelyn Stark's homeland. Aistan feels like his heart is torn between pieces: on one hand, his cousins, Cersei, and Tywin; on the other, his parents, and his mother's family. He knows too well people are used in wars, and he knows he will be, in one way or the other. The day before Tywin has left; he has come to see him. He has sat on the little boy's bed, by him, and has told him about the war, about what Catelyn had done, and about how he will never leave Casterly Rock. His voice has been calm, his look determined, and Aistan has never felt more scared, respectful and determined in his whole young life.
Dragonstone, 298 AC
The Baratheons learn about Ned Stark's death a fortnight later. His two daughters, Sansa and Arya, are the hostages of the Lannisters now. Stannis has to act quickly. On this day, he is disturbed by Cressen, saying he has a strange looking visitor. As Stannis follows the old maester, he leads him to the Great hall where a young woman is standing still. She is tall, almost as tall as Stannis, wearing a bright red dress, and, as she turns her face to him, he sees a pale, heart-shaped face. A beautiful woman, he would say. When she sees him, she kneels in front of him and he nods at her, encouraging her to talk. She stands up and moves the hood off her hair, revealing color of burnish copper.
"My name is Melisandre. I come from Asshai", she says with a strong Essos accent. "I am a red priestess."
Stannis glances at Cressen, who looks immediately hostile to the woman. They both know who red priests and priestesses are: the followers of R'hllor, God of fire, who wants to see his enemies burnt alive. The religion is greatly followed in Essos, a lot less in Westeros. Stannis has never been fond of religion, but he knows some priests of R'hllor have magical power.
"What brings you here, my Lady?" Stannis asks politely.
The lips of the woman curl up in a smirk:
"You, my King. R'hollor sends me visions, you see. I have seen you, and this place, in one of my visions. You are Azor Ahai, my King."
Once again, Stannis and Cressen look at each other. They don't need words to understand what each other think: the prophecies are a dangerous thing, and they know about this story of a hero who would be reborn to save the world from darkness. Could it be Stannis? Melisandre stares at them with an amused smirk: the King is very tall and has broad shoulders, his blue eyes shining in the middle of his face. He is not really handsome, but she feels attracted to him. Stannis suddenly clears his throat and turns to Cressen:
"Maester Cressen, please ensure lady Melisandre is settling in a comfortable room. I need to talk to my wife."
Melisandre curts but Cressen holds back a disappointed look towards Stannis. As a follower of the faith of the Seven, he cannot, he does not want to listen to these stupid prophecies. Honestly, he does not care Stannis is Azor Ahai. Stannis is not a hero, and it will take more than a burning sword to save Westeros from the darkness. He shivers slightly as he gets in the room he has chosen for Melisandre: the windows are open, and a cold wind blows in the room.
"Forgive me, my Lady. I will light a fire", he bows but Melisandre stops him.
"Do not bother yourself, old maester. I am never cold. The fire of R'hllor burn in me", she smiles, takes his hand and places it against her cheek. Cressen notices how her skin is warm, and gasps slightly, quickly moving his hand off. The priestess laughs, an amused and sweet laugh, almost making Cressen smiles. But he knows better, and leaves the room silently.
In the Chamber of the Painted Table, Stannis is looking at the different forces of the Houses of Westeros. Since Robert died, he has not had news from Aistan. But he knows his heir is alive: Tywin would not risk losing a great asset in this war. With Renly and Loras convincing his father to join him, he has a very impressive army now. Every day, a new House joins him, bringing new men, getting him closer from his goal. His blue eyes stare at King's Landing: he would conquer it by the sea. But, then, he would need some help from the land, just in case. Silently, his jaw clenched tightly, his eyes run from King's Landing to Winterfell.
Somewhere in the North, 298 AC
Blue eyes are staring at the Lords gathering in front of them. Robb Stark has called his bannermen after he heard about the arrest of his father to march on King's Landing. But, now his father is dead. The anger has replaced the sorrow, and now, he needs to talk to his people. They are silent, staring at him. After a moment, he speaks:
"My Lords… you have followed me in this war. Now, the Lannisters have killed my father. I have just received this", he shows a parchment. "My uncle, Stannis Baratheon, claims Joffrey Baratheon, Tommen Baratheon and Myrcella Baratheon are bastards, born from incest between Queen Cersei and her brother Jaime."
He pauses, observes the men's reactions. Most are horrified or shocked, but none is surprised.
"My father was an honorable man, and I intend to keep being one. Thus, I am asking you to support my decision to join Stannis's forces, and to help him win the Iron Throne."
Most cheer for him, but some remain silent. He hushes the cheer with a gesture of his hand, and Lord Umber rises:
"Why? Why would we join a Southern King? You are young, Lord Stark, and brave. If I want to follow a King, it will be you! A northern King, the King in the North!"
Numerous men cheer loudly at these words, but immediately stay quiet as Robb rises in turn:
"My aunt is married to Stannis Baratheon. The same blood than her run in my veins. Do you ask me to betray her, so I rule over the North?I do not wish to be King, Lord Umber. The only thing I wish for is vengeance for my father's death. Freedom for my sisters. Are they not more important than a golden crown?"
Lord Umber remains silent, but slowly sits back down. Robb nods at the assembly:
"Very well, my Lords. We will march on King's Landing."