Chapter 15:
The Lords that remained in High Hall patiently waited for Isabel to discuss their next steps in ensuring her succession. Most murmured their worries whether a civil war would break out, while others began to suggest removing Lysa Arryn and her son from the Vale for the time being. Robert Arryn, though still a boy of six would soon meet suitable age where he would be sent off to be fostered at another noble house elsewhere in the realm.
But everybody knew that was unlikely as the mother and son were inseparable.
"Now that the boy and his mother are gone, we can now focus on more pressing matters," Lord Belmore suggested.
Lord Benedar Belmore was an aging man of nearly sixty-five and one of Jon Arryn's closest advisors and friends. Along with Lord Nestor Royce, the two men had helped rule the Vale in Jon Arryn's name while he was away in King's Landing. Both men knew what it took to rule, and neither of them had hope in Jon Arryn's youngest child, nor his young wife.
"Don't get too ahead of yourself Benedar," said Lord Nestor, "things are just getting heated up. We must ensure that Lysa will not plot to overthrow Isabel anytime soon."
"What do you suggest then?"
"We'll have to keep a staunch eye on them. All letters will be intercepted, we'll place some of our own men in her household to monitor them, as well as finding an appropriate tutor for the young lord and rid him of his mother's influence," explained Lord Nestor.
"You think she will act soon?"
"Benedar, we've both around too long to not take these precautions. Isabel's hold of her father's throne is still green…you and I and perhaps Lord Hersy are some of her strongest supporters, but that is simply not enough. Half these lords in High Hall are only here out of pure curiousity as to what Isabel Arryn can prove…they do not have full faith in her just yet. One wrong move on her part, and they'll be flying back to support her brother."
"Then we must ensure that Isabel can rule competently and gain support of all her lords."
"Exactly," agreed Lord Nestor, "Right now… most of these Lords are still unsure whether she'll be around for long. There are already rumours that the Ser Harrold Hardyng has his eyes already on the throne…he is after all next in line, should Robert Arryn die."
"And unless Isabel marries and secures an heir…her claim will be met with challenge and opposition," Lord Benedar concluded.
The former steward nodded his head in agreement. "A marriage between Hardyng and Isabel would gain much favour within the Valemen, a better choice than any foreign marriage."
"I wonder if the Lady would agree."
"She'll have to…if she wishes to rule in peace and without objection."
"There are whispers Nestor as of late…I've heard that she still corresponds with that Stark boy, and our intelligence suspects she once corresponded with a proposal from the Lannisters. If that's the case, we must make haste and ensure that the Lady Isabel makes an appropriate choice for a husband."
"Don't listen to rumours Benedar…they're nothing but gossips and whispers from servants and maids. There's no doubt that she'll be met with suitors from all over the realm…with her titles, she has one of the largest dowries that any house will want their greedy hands on. And our job, my old friend is to ensure that whoever her husband will be, will place the interest of our lands and people above their own."
"Perhaps the Lady Isabel will want to have her own input," suggested Lord Benedar, "After all it will be her marriage bed."
"And these are our lands," he objected, "This is the price you pay when you wish to rule…her life is no longer hers to control anymore."
Lady Catelyn Stark was thoroughly disappointed that she had failed to avenge Bran's accident. She was so sure that Tyrion Lannister was responsible for her son's misfortune, and it pained her to see him walk out as an innocent man. There was little proof available that would convince Isabel that he was the one who hired the assassin, she was left with no choice but to release him. Her actions now brought war onto her family's house, and instead of returning home to Winterfell to be with her son, she now felt a sense of strong duty to ride to her father's men and engage with the lions.
And yet she knew her father's bannermen were no match against Tywin's armies. Her father, Hoster Tully was plagued with sickness for the last few years and in here eye could not be the strong warrior that his men needed. Even if House Tully were able to call their bannermen. including the questionable House Frey, Tywin Lannister would still prove too strong for them.
Her son Robb would call on his father's bannermen to support her house, she was sure in her mind. However, she did not want her son to see battle and war so soon. Catelyn wanted her children safe, but knew deep down in her heart that Robb Stark was as stubborn as his father and would meet the Lannisters head on.
What have I done? I have put my entire family in danger…Ned, my love...I wish you were here with me.
She saw Isabel Arryn near the end of the hall, and now made her way back to the High Hall where her lords were waiting. Catleyn Stark took this opportunity to observe and study the younger woman, whose long dark blue dress draped against her womanly curves and floated to the ground. The fabrics draped around her, it almost looked like Isabel was gliding above the stone floor. Catelyn noticed the dark circles in her eyes, making her wonder if the young girl had gotten any decent sleep at all in the last few days. Her dark hair was held loosely in a braid, but the wind had let loose most of her hair, and it now flow freely past her shoulders. Her eyes were dark green, much like her fathers but her lips, as soft, pink and delicate like her mother's, Rowena Arryn.
She did not know Rowena Arryn well, but had met her the few times she had come to visit Winterfell when Isabel Arryn and Robb Stark were will betrothed. She had the presence of a dove, Catelyn remembered, having the grace and presence of a true noble lady. She remembered her being a loving mother, doting on Isabel every chance she could get and grew sympathy for her when she had learned the Rowena had passed away from a cold chill. Isabel was barely twelve, and within the next year her father had remarried to her sister, Lysa in hopes of giving Isabel another mother figure to look up to. No one had expected their relationship would end of cold and full of hatred.
"Isabel," she called out.
A small smile reached the younger woman's face, softening the sharp features and dark eyes of the Arryn girl. "I am very sorry that you did not have the justice you wished…but please understand that there are more dangerous games at stake right now," she explained.
"Is it true then? Tywin Lannister will invade the Riverlands?" she asked worriedly.
"We released Tyrion, which I hope will revert any further bloodshed," Isabel answered honestly, "But we all know all too tell what Tywin Lannister is like…returning his son won't be good enough for him."
"Then war is inevitable?"
"Not inevitable…but most likely probable. Yet there's always room for negotiation…King Robert demands peace and I have been tasked to mediate this conflict."
"Y-you?" Catelyn asked in disbelief.
"Consider it my first test."
"Isabel," Catleyn hesitantly began, "…if war cannot be avoided…where will you stand? I know you have not been on best of terms with my sister, but I must ask if you would call your bannermen to aide our house should it come to that. Please…for the love you bear for my son, for the love your father bore for my husband…for your brother who shares the same blood as my family."
Isabel grabbed her hands and squeezed them tight to calm her nerves. "My Lady, this is…not a decision I can make without the counsel of my lords and bannermen," she replied carefully, "No one wishes to engage in a war like this…but should it come to such a decision, we will have to weigh all our options."
It was neither a rejection nor a promise, for the coming days were uncertain. She was under strict orders to bring peace by King Robert, and also under orders by Varys to not interfere any further should war unfold. It was a difficult position to be in, and she would have to play all sides to avoid suspicion, but was a position that she had willingly chose.
"Do I have your word then, Isabel that you will help us?" Catelyn asked hopefully.
"I can promise you, my Lady…to mitigate this conflict to the best of my ability, for the good of the realm."
Isabel took a seat at the end of stone table in the private council room in the Sky Tower, where her private chambers were located. Lord Nestor Royce was quick to appoint a council, mainly made of her strongest supporters shortly before her arrival in the event that she had regained her throne. Made of five of the most powerful houses in the Vale, Isabel now needed to execute her next moves and convince the lords of Houses Royce, Belmore, Hardyng, Redfort and Royce of Runestone to support her in these dark and testing times.
"We will control Lysa Arryn and monitor her every movement," explained Lord Nestor, "There's no doubt in my mind that she'll be plotting to put her son back on the throne."
"The only way we can control Lysa is if we threaten her with Robert," added Lord Hersy, "…to ensure good behaviour of course. Robert Arryn is near the age to be fostered…any suggestion by this council to remove him from his mother may keep Lysa Arryn from doing anything rash."
"So you suggest that we send him away?"
"Not yet, of course…but should she try anything, we can use her son against her," Ser Harrold Hardyng answered.
"Considering that these days ahead will require my full attention, I cannot afford to battle two different wars," Isabel said truthfully, "Keep your eyes on her Lord Nestor. I have a feeling she will be seeking outside help. Track the ravens that come from King's Landing and Riverrun."
He bowed his head in consent. "As you wish, my Lady."
"My Lady," began Lord Belmore, "Your throne is still not yet secure. Many of the lords are still uncertain whether you are fit to rule. It would ease their mind and win their support if you would marry and produce an heir as soon as possible."
Isabel tightened her lips in annoyance, but maintained a straight composure. "And what do you suggest, Lord Belmore? Whom shall I marry? Which husband should I take to ease the minds of my lords?"
Lord Nestor cleared his throat. "A Valemen would be the most appropriate choice, but these matters can be taken slowly. We will come up with a list of amiable suitors for your choosing."
"Oh!" she replied amusingly, "Tell me Lord Nestor, do you intend share my wedding night as well?"
Her comment earned a low and quiet chuckle across the table as Lord Nestor Royce slightly blushed.
"There will no more talk of marriage, " she defiantly stated, "If my lords thinks I cannot rule in my own conscience, then I will simply prove them wrong."
"Yes, my Lady," they all murmured in response.
"The impending war between the Lannisters and the Starks must be brought to a peaceful resolution," she began, "I have decided to ride into Tywin's camp to convince him to retreat his army."
"My Lady," Lord Nestor called out, "That is not the wisest decision! You walk into dangerous territory."
"Releasing his son does not guarantee peace," she explained, "I must seek his audience in person to ensure he will retreat…after a fruitful apology on my part."
"If the king himself cannot control him, what makes you think you can? My lady, this is a most ill-thought decision…you say you do not want to engage in war, yet you openly walk into it by riding into his army!"
"I have to try," she pleaded in exhaustion, 'The king has ordered me to keep the peace. With Ned Stark still not recovered, he has no one to turn to."
"What are you trying to prove Isabel?" Lord Hersy asked, "If this is some mission to prove to the realm that you are capable of ruling, then you've gone over your head. Not even the great houses can convince Tywin Lannister to step down from war."
"And what if I'm trying to prove myself worthy?" she snapped, "You have said yourself that the Lords of the Vale are still unsure of my rule. If they think me weak, then I will show them my strength."
"My Lady, you run the risk of being taken hostage!" Lord Nestor Royce yelled, "You have not yet secured your throne and you already throw yourself in certain death."
"And the King can revoke his dispensation if I fail to complete this task! His support came with a price as do all alliances. Lord Nestor, you accuse me of putting myself in danger. But if it means winning favour in the name of the King and earning his support, then so be it. I cannot keep the Vale without the King's support."
"We can find another way," he reasoned, "The King's dispensation made it easy to rid of Lysa for now, but should you rule these coming days with fair judgment and honour, then you will win over the lords. A king's dispensation should no longer matter for the lords will put their trust and faith in you."
"And how do you propose I gain faith and loyalty to my lords?" she asked, "Marriage? Producing an heir? Is that really the best solution? Would you have me breeding children instead of fighting wars?"
The lords fell silent, sensing her growing anger and frustration. Lord Nestor led out a heavy sigh as he put his hand over his mouth to hide the frown that was forming on his face. They had greatly underestimated her strength, as they had imagined that Isabel would be fairly easily to rule over. They thought she would be as docile and sweet like Rowena Arryn. Instead, they recognized the fire and strength that her father had – something that they greatly admired, and also feared.
"My father once defied a king and faced a certain death. Half his lords supported his enemy and thought him unfit to rule. But he fought, and he won because he believed his actions were for the good of the realm. And like my father, I intend to do the same thing….I do not intend to fail," she explained.
"Seven hells, then we will support you!" Lord Hersy roared out as he slammed his hand on the table, "I see fire in you girl that reminds me of Jon in our younger days."
"Lord Hersy, I rather think it's very bold of you to support our young Lady into such a dangerous mission," warned Lord Horton Redfort, of House Redfort.
"I suggest we rather support the Lady Arryn than hinder her. I admit, it is dangerous but anything we say will only convince her even further to pursue this," he explained.
"Thank you Lord Hersy," she said graciously.
"What if you do not return?" Lord Nestor asked.
"I do not intend to die, my Lords," she reassured her. "Lord Nestor, you were my father's steward when he was Hand of the King. Do I have your faith and ask you to resume responsibility as Steward of the Vale should I not be able to fulfill my duties?"
"It would be an honour, my Lady."
"Then it is settled," she said in finality, "I will cross the Riverlands and ride into the Lannister camp with one thousand men to ease the minds of my lords. Should anything happen to me…then you are to ride and join the armies with Riverrun should your consciences feel that the Vale is no longer safe from war."
It was the most dangerous journey she has yet to make, but she needed to try to avert this war. She needed to prove herself that she was a capable leader and not some mere pawn in this game.
I will not fail, she told herself.
She would prove to the Seven Kingdoms that Isabel Arryn could rule in her own name.
A/N: Enjoy :)...I do apologize for everybody waiting for that BIG reunion between Robb and Isabel (Yes..they WILL reunite!). All I can say is, please be patient and wait! It's coming.!