The raging gale tore at the old and battered rocks of Dragonstone island, as if its swirling winds and crashing waves were once again testing the strength and courage of the men, who dared to live and do business in the shadow of the dark old mountain.
Storms were quite frequent on the rocky little spit of land lost in the Narrow Sea and after three hundred years of battling the elements, its inhabitants were well prepared for anything the distressingly playful and treacherous sea chose to throw their way. All the houses in the city and villages were made of stone with foundations fastened firmly into the rock and all the streets were designed to go downhill, so the water flooding them would flow freely back into the sea, washing away all the dirt. The harbor was well fortified, surrounded by several breakwaters and served as a secure safety heaven for all the ships in its docks.
As flashes of lightning flew wildly across the lead – covered sky, tearing the heavens open and sending down relentless torrents of rain and dirty dark – brown streams off the slopes of Dragonmont, most of the islanders stayed home, tending to undone chores and waiting patiently for the sea to calm down. And tomorrow or in a few days the sky would be clear again, any damage repaired and it would be business as usual on Dragonstone. Until the next storm…
But if there was one person who was thoroughly upset and worried because of the storm, it was the lady Selyse. Ever since it started several hours ago she had been standing in front of the fire – altar in the center of her room, hands raised and head bowed abjectly in prayer.
"Lord, cast your light upon me and my family" – she whispered piously – "Protect them in the darkness. Forgive their doubt and help them see your light. Help us serve you and help my husband see reason. I pray you, use us as you will. For the night is dark and full of terrors"
The door to her chambers suddenly opened and Selyse gasped as her chest tightened with hopeful fear. Could it possibly be that her prayers had been answered and her husband finally decided to visit her?
She turned around cautiously and her heart sank as she saw that it wasn't lord Stannis standing in the doorway.
It was stupid to get her hopes up again when she knew that there was no hope, Selyse thought bitterly as she gave the Red Priestess a vague smile and gestured her to come in.
Stannis would never come to her, no matter how much she begged, demanded or prayed. Especially after a huge fight…
Selyse gulped down a lump of tears in her throat as she remembered their quarrel that seemed to make the already infinite distance between her and Stannis even larger.
Contrary to what most people, including Stannis himself, believed, Selyse did love her husband. Dearly. From the first time she saw him on the day of their wedding. She just never knew how to make him aware of the special feelings that hid behind the cold and detached countenance she was brought up to present to the world. But even if she could somehow show Stannis how dear he was to her heart, would he even care to know? She knew the answer all too well…
Selyse sniffed quietly and her eyes swelled with tears when she thought of what her husband's reaction might be if she ever found the courage and stupidity to confess her love. Scorn? Disgust? Anger? Or, worst of all… indifference?
"Forgive me for disturbing you, my lady" – the beautiful young priestess said with a gentle smile as she floated quietly through the door.
"You could never disturb me" – Selyse replied sadly – "And you coming just at this time is the greatest of comfort to me"
"The storm troubles you, my lady?" – Melisandre asked with genuine concern in her velvety voice as she came up to Selyse and touched her shoulder affectionately.
"Yes" – Selyse sighed heavily – "I have no doubt that my husband in his stubborn ignorance has angered the Lord by refusing his gift, hence this deluge…"
"You know the Lord's will well, my lady"- the priestess replied gravely – "The Lord of Light doesn't take kindly to men who refuse his gifts. Especially ones of such magical grandeur"
"I'm afraid my husband's beliefs are quite… radical" – Selyse sighed and shook her head – "The Lord knows how hard we both have tried to make him see the truth, but to no avail"
At least that is one poor conciliation, Selyse , of course, that Stannis seemed to be just as indifferent to the charms of the beautiful priestess as he was to herself. For months now Selyse was doing her best to turn a blind eye to her friend's blatant attempts to seduce her husband.
No act done in service of the Lord of Light could ever be a sin, she told herself.
But Selyse couldn't help secretly rejoicing each time Melisandre was unsuccessful. Because it was one thing to put up with Stannis' hard and cold indifference knowing that that was the treatment he afforded all women. But if, God forbid, he should ever fall in love with anyone… she could never bear it!
"I fear for him" – Selyse continued – "And for our daughter's soul"
"Every mother should fear for her child's soul" – Melisandre replied affably.
"She's a stubborn little beast" – Selyse huffed irritably – "Just like her father! Stubborn and sullen and sinful."
"It is natural for a child to follow her father's example" – Melisandre shrugged her shoulders – "Especially when she is as devoted to him as your daughter is to his lordship"
"Of course she is devoted to him!" – Selyse replied spitefully as she felt herself become sick to her stomach with jealousy – "He spoils her and allows her to do anything she wants, regardless of what's good for her, refuses to say 'no' to her and forces me to be the 'bad parent', who…"
"Please do not distress yourself, my lady" – the priestess said rather urgently.
She was sick and tired of the woman's constant complaining and really couldn't take it anymore. Did Selyse honestly find it strange that her husband didn't want to interact with her any more than he absolutely had to? Melisandre knew she didn't! But unfortunately, this ugly, ridiculous wretch of a lady was the priestess' only foothold in Dragonstone castle. And Melisandre couldn't risk jeopardizing her mission to convert the Master of Ships to the One True Religion just because she was tired of the woman. She would sooner die than fail like that pathetic drunk Thoros! Why in the world did the High Priest charge him with converting king Robert Baratheon was beyond her. She could've done so much better…
"This closeness of theirs might be a blessing in disguise" – the priestess continued patiently – "A hidden way to spread the word of our Lord"
"Oh?" – Selyse asked with surprise.
"I have often found that children can be very open-minded, once approached with something interesting. I believe your daughter likes dragons? I have heard many rumors of the fierce children of Fire living in the Mountains of the Morn beyond Asshai. Perhaps we could speak with her and peak her interest. And through her, her father's…"
"I'm afraid we will be doomed to failure since Stannis refused to be interested even when a real live beast was thrown right in his face" – Selyse replied skeptically – "But I will do anything to bring my daughter to the Light"
"Shall we pay the lady Shireen a visit, then?" – Melisandre smiled gently – "I'm sure she would enjoy a story or two on a stormy night like this…"
Stannis stretched comfortably as he finally managed to sit down in front of the fire in his chambers. After seemingly endless two days of fighting dragons, rescuing Targaryens in distress and dealing with other, more trivial matters like storms, field infirmaries and forming a new temporary garrison, he was at long last free to get some much needed sleep. But, as tired as he was, Stannis couldn't even think of going to bed, which was very unlike him. He had long understood the value of peaceful slumber and always managed to set aside even the most urgent and important matters, knowing that he would solve the problem the next day to the best of his ability. And if he couldn't… oh, well… then he couldn't.
But tonight his mind was too caught up in questions and possibilities which soon made way for old, deeply hidden emotions and memories.
Stannis rarely allowed himself to think of the times which were both happiest and saddest in his life. Because those memories would only bring back old pain and serve no purpose. However, judging by recent events, fate itself was set on reminding him of the early days of his youth, blessed with real friendship, shining hope and true love. Friendship betrayed, love lost and hopes crushed, he chuckled bitterly, letting his mind race and his heart bleed as he sat in the safety of darkness and solitude, listening to the raindrops pattering the glass on his window, the fire crackling and strikes of thunder echoing through every corner of the keep, adding their roar to the booming sound of the winds playing the Stone Drum.
He had always loved storms. Even as a child, unlike most of his peers, he never tried to hide from the sounds of rolling thunder, howling winds and churning seas. He would sit by the window or stand on the balcony for hours, enjoying the sense of peace and safety they never failed to give him. As if they were a veil that could hide him from the world and somehow relieve the hollow pain of loneliness deep in his soul. Perhaps it was strange to find peace in chaos and tranquility in danger. Was it the "old Storm Kings' blood playing up" as his father used to joke, much to the displeasure of his Targaryen grandmother, who refused to associate her favorite grandson with the Durrandon line she detested? Or because he "could hear the quiet on the other side of the storm and cries of pain on the other side of silence" as Rhaegar had once said?
Rhaegar…
Stannis sighed heavily as he felt sadness mixed with a tender, loving longing that never failed to fill his heart whenever he remembered his cousin. Even now, eighteen years after their last meeting he still missed the young man, who had not just been his prince and his cousin, but a dear, dear friend. Missed Rhaegar's huge, sad eyes and melodious voice. His radiant smile and melancholy disposition. Missed playing cyvasse and discussing every possible topic from Rhaegar's beloved poetry that usually bored Stannis to death, to economics and diplomacy, to Stannis's favorite subjects - history of war and strategy. Missed riding and hunting and practicing swordsmanship…
Stannis chuckled as the memory of their last fight sprang out of the depth of his mind. It happened nineteen years ago here, on Dragonstone. There was no harbor and no city near the castle back then. Just a myriad of rocky, wild beaches…
Stannis could almost feel the spray of the sea flying through the air, flickering in the sunlight and landing on his and his opponent's faces, cooling them down and impeding their vision. Both young men were standing ankle – deep in the cold, restless water, in nothing, but their soaking wet breeches and fighting so hard, it might've been to the death. Their squires and a few friends were standing about a couple of dozen yards away, watching intently and cheering them on.
The muscles beneath Stannis' skin shifted as he remembered diving down to avoid Rhaegar's sword, gathering a bit of seawater in his hand and suddenly throwing it in his opponent's face. Rhaegar jumped back. Clearing his eyes with his left hand, he delivered a few blind strokes that Stannis avoided easily. Carrying the momentum, Stannis darted forward, ducked down and pushed his opponent back as Rhaegar's sword swished right above his head. Rhaegar remained standing and was quick enough to avoid a blow from Stannis' sword that ended up cutting water. Recovering immediately, Rhaegar jumped clear and landed face to face with Stannis once again. And for several minutes their swords smashed against each other, singing their metallic songs. Next it was Rhaegar's turn to attack, but his opponent evaded his stroke and again seized initiative by taking advantage of Rhaegar's mistake and giving the prince a powerful punch in the back with his fist. Rhaegar fell forward, but once again remained on his feet. Their blades crossed. Seeing another opening in his opponent's front, Stannis tried to kick him in the chest, but Rhaegar deflected the blow with his arm and pushed Stannis back. Stannis launched himself forward again, but it was his turn to make a mistake by opening up too much and he soon paid for it by receiving a powerful kick in the chest from Rhaegar. Once again the two opponents crossed blades, dancing around each other, hitting and deflecting strokes. But then, suddenly and quite unexpectedly for Stannis, Rhaegar swung his sword down and back up, stopping his blade half an inch before Stannis' throat.
The fight was over. He had lost… again… as always…
Everyone cheered and applauded the winner.
"I must say, your swordsmanship has improved considerably since last we met, cousin" – Rhaegar smiled affectionately as he lowered his sword.
"Clearly not enough to beat you, though" - Stannis chuckled and nodded, acknowledging his defeat.
"Someday, cousin, but not yet" – Rhaegar smiled, throwing his sword back to his squire, young Myles Mooton – "Not yet…"
But their swords never crossed in single combat again, Stannis thought sadly. And he never got to defeat his friend. Robert did that instead of him…
That filthy, drunken slut, who now sits upon the throne that by every right belonged to Rhaeger, Stannis thought feeling burning hatred for his older brother course through his blood like poison.
His responsibility. His fault. If he had joined the loyalist forces, Storm's End would have fallen and then nothing could've saved the rebellion. But even now Stannis couldn't find it in his heart to regret his decision to answer Jon Arryn's call to arms. Because, contrary to what everyone believed, he did not choose Robert over Rhaegar… Or rather… It wasn't Robert he chose over Rhaegar…
Stannis closed his eyes and smiled gently as he saw a black-eyed and black - haired young woman standing on the porch of an old roadside inn near Storm's End leaning carelessly on the dark railing. Cheerful and carefree, her face shining with happiness, the early spring sunlight caressing her petite form… The vision melted quickly to make way for another one… the tender smile on her lips and fire in her eyes as they lay in each other's arms under the blanket of the darkest night…
It had been over twenty years since his young heart got touched by love for the first and only time. Yet even now he could still feel the old flame burning in the depth of his soul as brightly as it had when it first appeared. Forbidden, felonious, stolen love, the price for which was far too high...
Could things have been different, Stannis thought sadly as he felt the weight of questions and possibilities once again fall heavily on his shoulders. Could the eighteen year old boy he was possibly have avoided the mistakes he had made? Would it have made a difference if he had? All the right solutions seemed so obvious to him now that he was a grown man with vast knowledge and experience… However, there was one thing Stannis knew for certain…even now, knowing everything that happened, with all the pain and tragedy that followed… he still would make the same choice…
Suddenly Stannis was pulled out of his reverie by a hurried knock on the door. There were no guards outside his chambers tonight to ward off unwanted visitors, so he cursed under his breath and just didn't answer. He was in no mood for company, so whoever wanted to see him could go to hell and take their business to Davos.
"M'lord, I know you're not sleeping!" – called a cheeky voice from the other side of the door – "Please let me in, there's an urgent matter that requires your attention"
Apparently the gates of the Seven Hells were nearer than he had imagined, Stannis thought grumpily as ser Davos knocked again.
"Damn you and your sixth sense!" – Stannis snapped irritably.
"How the hell do you always know I'm awake?" – he grumbled without looking up as a smiling ser Davos entered the semi – darkness of his chamber.
"I'd been a smuggler for almost ten years" – the knight replied, presenting his standard excuse – "Forgive me for disturbing you, m'lord, but…"
"And what if I don't?!" – Stannis interrupted grumpily – "Alright, what is it that couldn't wait?"
"I think you'd better come to the sept and see for yourself" – Davos replied rather urgently.
"I've had enough of religion for one day, thank you very much" – Stannis said stubbornly, not wanting to even guess what this was all about – "Can't you handle it?"
"I'm afraid not, m'lord, not this time."
A feeling of annoyance and dread came over Stannis as he approached the old sept and saw a small huddle of patrol guards and servants looking inside curiously through widely open doors. The sounds of raised voices that echoed loudly up and down the old temple left no doubt that there was a very heated theological dispute going on. Stannis cursed under his breath as he recognized the hysterical high – pitched wailing of his wife, mixed with the booming basso of the septon, joined by the creaky tones of old maester Cressen and the normally quiet voice of Shireen's septa.
What in the seven hells were those idiots thinking, making such a pathetic and embarrassing spectacle of themselves in the middle of the night, Stannis thought crossly. In the sept, of all places!
He didn't like the Seven any more than the Red God, but there were norms of respect and just plain decency that could not be violated for any reason.
But what angered him most, was the barely detectable, calm and musical voice of the Fire – Priestess.
So, the woman had grown confident, or should he say impudent enough to enter the sept and insult the Seven by preaching her nonsense inside it? Well, she would soon find out that lines have to be drawn every now and then. And such behavior was definitely on the wrong side of the divide.
As soon as the onlookes saw the master of the castle approach, they scampered out of his way fearfully, pretending to run back to bed or to their duties, but Stannis knew full well, that they would be gathered outside again within seconds of him entering the sept. He contemplated telling Davos to shoo them away, but decided against it. He would have them see and spread the word of what happens when religion of any color or origin forgets its place.
Throwing severe glances here and there, Stannis made his way into the beautiful old sept and was unpleasantly surprised to find his little daughter standing next to one of the colorful crystal altars, giggling at the screaming adults.
"What do you think you're doing here, child?!" – Stannis asked sternly, but quietly.
Shireen, who was too engrossed in the spectacle to notice her father come up, jumped with fright. But recovered quickly and answered with an impish smile
"I was praying with septa Lysa and maester Cressen when mother came in with the red woman and…"
"You what?!" – Stannis snapped – "At this hour?! You should be in bed, not wasting your time and breath on those ridiculous idols!"
"I couldn't sleep, so septa Lysa took me to see the maester" – the girl replied calmly, never fearing her father's rough tone – "And he said that prayer is as good a remedy as any for…"
"Oh, he did, did he?" – Stannis huffed, raising an eyebrow and looking dangerously at the squabbling quintet that was still oblivious to his presence.
"So we came down here to pray for all the wounded and dead soldiers and to thank the Gods for your victory…" – Shireen continued.
"The Gods had nothing to do with it, child! Men killed that dragon, not some absurd all – benevolent spirit with seven faces, sat on a cloud! We owe that victory to the courage, skills and sacrifice of my warriors, most of who gave up their lives so the rest of us can live on safely, do you understand? "
"Yes, father, I know that" – Shireen nodded impatiently, wanting to tell the rest of her story – "So, when we were praying, mother suddenly ran inside with the red woman and shouted that she didn't want me worshiping the false gods and would only allow me to pray to the one true god…"
"I never thought I'd say that, but I agree with her" - Stannis said with a small contemptuous huff – "I don't want you worshiping any false gods either"
"You think the Seven are false gods too?" – Shireen asked looking up curiously at her father.
"Of course I do" –Stannis replied seriously – "The Seven, the fire – god, the drowned god and any other god that needs an idol, a temple or a cult is false. They're nothing more than fables for week men, who would rather place their trust in an illusion than in themselves. And all those fables must be dealt with in the same way…"
"Beg pardon, my lord" – Davos intervened cautiously – "Perhaps I should take lady Shireen back to her room…"
"You will do no such thing" – Stannis said icily – "Let her watch. I'm going to teach my daughter a lesson about religion"
Sensing her father's rising anger, Shireen moved closer to Davos and both held their breath as Stannis made three more steps forward and suddenly yelled at the top of his lunges
"SILENCE!"
The sound of his deep, commanding voice thundered through every corner of the old sept and rolled down the corridors, sending shivers of fear through the newly formed small crowd of onlookers and instantly quenching the argument between the champions of the Seven and R'hollor like a bucket of ice – cold water poured over a candle. All five opponents turned around immediately and four of them bowed abjectly. Selyse, however, remained still, her face beetroot with rage.
For a moment a heavy silence hung thickly in the air as Stannis watched each of the breakers of the peace with a murdering look in his eyes. The septon was staring at the floor, beside himself with shame, his long and usually tidy beard and robes completely disheveled. Septa Lysa stood next to him, clutching a copy of "The Seven Pointed Star" to her chest and looking down, just as humiliated. Stannis could swear he saw her shrink a couple of inches as she felt his gaze travel up and down her form. Old maester Cressen was breathing heavily, muttering something with only his lips and every now and then throwing hateful glances at Melisandre, who unlike her companions, seemed quite calm and relaxed with only her rosy cheeks reminding of the argument that only moments ago was shaking the walls of the sept.
So, you think you have nothing to fear, do you, Stannis thought as he watched her hold his gaze. How can you be so sure? Have you already heard something of the new taxes and realized that I need you and your fire – god to keep the Essos merchants here? Or is it your friendship with Selyse that makes you look so serene? Or is it just plain arrogance?
"Well, well, well… What have we here?" – he finally hissed through gritted teeth – "The septon of Dragonstone castle, the woman who is supposed to be my daughter's tutor, the measter of my keep and, best of all, my wife yelling the roof off Aenar's holy sept in the middle of the night"
"I am mortified this disgrace has reached you, your lordship" – the septon replied heavily – "But… "
"'Disgrace' is a gross understatement, your holiness, if you still dare to call yourself that" – Selyse interrupted hotly and added, turning her attention back to her husband – "That villain and his minions dared to openly defy me and disobey my orders!"
"That is true, my lord" – the septon replied piously before Stannis could even lift an eyebrow in vague curiosity – "I would defy any order that keeps a child's soul from being saved, even if it came from the High Septon himself!"
"I am fully aware of the events surrounding this disgusting spectacle" – Stannis said sharply – "But if the lot of you think I will allow anyone, let alone people who are close to me and are considered the ruling elite on this island, to behave like market wenches, screaming for a bargain in Aenar's sept of all places, you are in grave error. There can be no excuse for such an insult to this castle and to me as its master and I don't care what your reasons are."
"I'm afraid your lordship thinks too much of this" – suddenly came the flowing, gentle voice of the fire – priestess, who realized all too well what her being caught in this disgraceful situation would do to her religion's position on the island and was desperately trying to save the day – "It was nothing more than an unfortunate misunderstanding…"
"Enough!" – Stannis bellowed, finally losing his temper at the sheer audacity of the woman, who for some reason seemed confident enough to interrupt the master of the castle – "There is only one unfortunate misunderstanding here - your misunderstanding of my tolerance towards you and your religion. How dare you talk back to me?! How dare you show your face in another gods' temple and behave disrespectfully?! How dare you break the laws of the land that welcomed you and allowed your cult rights and freedom equal to the one that has been here for hundreds of years?!"
"Your lordship, I would never even think of…" – Melisandre tried to answer, putting her most shocked and mortified face on.
"You seem to be mistaking kindness for weakness and tolerance for blindness" – Stannis continued, taking no notice of her – "Allow me to set you straight. The lot of you! Guard!"
Immediately ten of his infantrymen, turned temporary castle guards, who were standing outside the sept, watching curiously, marched inside and saluted, ready to carry out any orders the lord might give.
"You will escort the priestess down to the city immediately. She is hence banned from the castle and its grounds"
"Aye, ser!" – two of the guards screamed, moving close to the priestess, who looked completely horrified, but was too wise to protest this time.
"She is forbidden to preach and preform any kind of the fire – rituals on this island" – Stannis continued, inwardly cursing Robert and his new taxes. He would dearly have liked to send the wench away for good, but in the present situation he just couldn't afford to have too big a conflict with the red priests – "And will return to Asshai the moment I so much as hear a whisper of her disobedience"
"But Stannis, there is a storm out there!" – Selyse shrieked in terror as she watched the soldiers walk her friend towards the door – "And you cannot possibly…"
"Oh, for goodness sake, be quiet, woman" – Stannis snapped, trying to control his temper and wishing he could send his wife away to the edge of the world with the priestess – "Go back to your rooms, I'll deal with you later"
"The Lord of Light will never forgive…" – Selyse began hotly, but was stopped midsentence by a very dangerous glance from her husband. She felt a shiver run down her spine for the second time today and decided not to test her luck anymore. Instead she gave him a curt, angry bow and stormed out of the sept.
"Septa, you will take Shireen to bed and when the blasted storm is over, you and his holiness here will board the first ship to the capital and appear before the High Septon" – Stannis continued looking angrily at the duo – "What he does with you is no concern of mine, but rest assured, you will not return to Dragonstone under any pretext, understood?"
"Yes, my lord" – both replied simultaneously as they bowed.
"You are right, there is no excuse for what occurred here tonight, my lord. And all the guilty parties deserve punishment" – the septon said gravely as he turned to walk outside – "But for the record, I must say that I do not regret anything I have said or done on this woeful night. Neither, I am sure, does septa Lysa. I have warned you about those people…"
"I have no use or interest for your warnings or regrets" – Stannis huffed rather contemptuously – "And I have heard enough from all of you tonight"
"Lads, help the man pack, will you" – he told the rest of the guards and then added, throwing an angry glance at the door – "And tell the rest that the show is over. I want a moment alone with the maester. Davos, you stay."
"Aye ser!" – the men replied and scampered away quickly, taking everyone else out of the sept and shutting the door tightly behind them.
"Davos, go check we're alone" – Stannis said quietly and rubbed his forehead with his hand as soon as the sound of heavy wooden gates being shut died down. No man could ever be too sure of his privacy, especially with Varys sitting on the Small Council.
"Cressen… What the fuck?!" – he sighed wearily, looking the old man straight in the eye.
They both knew too well that Stannis could never bring himself to scold, much less punish the old maester who had been his friend and teacher since birth and Cressen was sometimes a little too willing to take advantage of the lord's affection. At least that's what Stannis thought…
"If I were so unfortunate as to use such language in the sept… "- the old man began grumpily.
"Sod the language, man" – Stannis interrupted angrily – "What in the Seven Hells possessed you to take my daughter and that blasted nurse of hers to pray in the middle of the night and how the fuck did the lot of you get into a row with Selyse and the red woman?"
"The Septa brought lady Shireen to my chambers because the child couldn't sleep. Overexcited by the wretched dragon – business" – Cressen croaked, stressing the first two words, no doubt wanting to emphasize both Stannis' sudden shocking lack of manners and the fact that this was all his own fault – "Normally I would tell her stories to calm her down, but tonight I couldn't possibly have the child and the septa in the same tower with the Targaryen girl. And Shireen's room is far too high up for me to climb…"
"So you took her here" – Stannis finished rather irritably as he looked at ser Davos who, once sure the three of them were safe and alone, came to join the conversation – "What about Selyse?"
"After we entered the sept and sat down to pray" – Cressen continued slowly – "We were shortly joined by the septon, who was more than happy to pray with us for you and our fallen warriors. We had just gone through the Second Prayer to the Father, when quite unexpectedly, lady Selyse ran inside with the red woman and started shouting that the child was supposed to be in bed and that she wasn't going to allow her to pray to the Seven anyways…"
"And then?" – Stannis sighed, rolling his eyes.
"Well... without going too much into details the septon, rather heatedly, answered that the Seven were no false gods and that if lady Selyse wished to worship some fire – demon instead of the Gods of her fathers it was her own affair, but he wouldn't let the lady Shireen be led astray"
"I see" – Stannis huffed.
"Then the lady Selyse got even angrier, took the 'Seven Pointed Star' out of lady Shireen's hands and threw it away. The septa ran to pick it up and we both joined the dispute. We were trying to convince the red priestess that neither she nor her adepts had any business in the sept, when your lordship came in"
"Cressen, I appreciate your efforts but you know full well that I don't want my daughter's mind poisoned by religious nonsense" – Stannis said trying his best to sound affable – "So the next time you need to distract her, I suggest you send her to me or Davos instead of the sept"
"Of course, I wouldn't need to send her anywhere if only you would come to your senses and stop risking all of our lives by hiding the Targaryen girl in the castle" – the old man grumbled – "What is she doing here? Why do you insist on keeping her here, when duty and common sense dictate that you should send her in chains to Robert?"
"What the Targaryen does here is none of your business, old man" – Stannis, who suddenly became tired of being patient, replied dangerously - "Unless you wish to be released from my service, you will continue to look after her and keep quiet about it! Both of you! Is that understood?"
"Forgive me, my lord, I think you know that the maester and I are your most loyal servants and will do whatever you command us to" – Davos said cautiously – "But you cannot expect us not to worry when you are putting yourself and your family in mortal danger"
"It's because of prince Rhaegar, isn't it?!" – Cressen shook his head disapprovingly – "You're helping the sister to right the wrongs you did the brother, is that it?!"
"Davos, escort the maester up to his chambers and go to bed" – Stannis hissed angrily – "I've had enough of all of you for one day. And if you dare to speak of this nonsense about prince Rhaegar to anyone ever again, old man, I will rip your throat out, do you understand?!"
With that he stalked out of the sept, leaving an aggrieved maester and a completely stunned and confused ser Davos to watch him disappear in the darkness of the corridor.
"Fuck me!" – ser Davos muttered quietly when his speech finally came back – "Did he really just threaten to rip your throat out!?"
Even though he was wide awake and perfectly sober, Davos was sure his senses were playing tricks on him. Never in his entire life had he known Stannis to make an idol threat. Except, of course, all the numerous times Stannis told him, he would cut off his tongue or his fingers or... something else, when Davos made one too many jokes at his master's expense… But this time Davos didn't doubt Stannis was dead – serious and it was simply not possible for his master to threaten the man he loved almost like a father.
"Yes, he did, ser Davos" – Cressen whimpered quietly, leaning on Davos' arm – "And he might even carry it out…"
"But… but… but… why?!" – the knight asked, staring wide – eyed at the old man, who for some reason, didn't look at all surprised.
"That's what happens when you really test his patience to the limit and tread into forbidden territory, ser Davos" – the maester sighed heavily – "But sometimes it is necessary to do so at any cost"
"What do you mean, 'forbidden territory'?" - Davos said suspiciously.
There was definitely something very fishy going on and he didn't like it one little bit. Stannis helping the girl, calling him 'Rhaegar' last night, being fluent in high valyrian, knowing quite a bit about dragons and now flying into a temper because the maester mentioned the old crown – prince's name… far too much smoke not to be fire!
"You'll find out sooner or later" – Cressen replied cryptically – "Come, let us go. I'll need a strong arm to help me battle all those stairs"
Battle indeed, Davos chuckled to himself as he listened to Cressen quietly hurl curses at each and every step of the long, steep, narrow staircase of the Sea Dragon Tower. They had been slowly clambering up to the top for almost half an hour and the knight was beginning to wonder if he would be able to follow his lord's orders and get some sleep before dawn broke.
Suddenly the old man stopped at one of the numerous divarications of corridors and turned right instead of left, heading to the Targaryen girl's chambers instead of his own.
"I need to make sure the girl took her potion. And I forgot to apply the White Kawa ointment to her wounds in the evening" – he croaked quietly, answering ser Davos' silent question.
"Can't you do it tomorrow?" – Davos grumbled as he helped the old maester up yet another tall and narrow step – "Dawn's not too far away"
"And walk two extra times up and down these accursed stairs?!" – Cressen grumbled – "No, thank you! I took it with me especially before going down to the sept…"
Davos could've made the point that according to basic arithmetic there would actually be only one extra trip – down the accursed stairs, but the old man was obviously set on accomplishing his task and Davos himself was far too interested in the mystery of the dead Targaryen prince to make Cressen turn back.
Dany woke up with a jump when the sounds of the door being opened and someone creeping into her room found their way into her peaceful dreamless sleep. She looked around in alarm and her heart leaped to her throat when she saw the old maester and one of her saviors standing in the doorway.
"What's the matter, child?" – the old man asked with surprised concern when he saw her sitting up in her bed – "Why are you awake? Do you have trouble sleeping? Are you in pain?"
"I'm perfectly alright, thank you" – Dany replied with a little tone of worry in her voice – "I was sleeping, when I heard you come in. Is something wrong?"
"Nothing to worry about, princess" – said the younger man, whom she had decided to nickname "smuggler" as he was the one to bring her to the tower. Then he took a splinter from the fire and lit the candles on her bedside table – "The maester here wanted to make sure you were alright"
"In the middle of the night?" – Dany asked suspiciously as she examined their faces that looked a bit too solemn for her liking or was it just the effects of candlelight – "Why are you two up at this hour?"
"There was an unpleasant incident somewhere in the castle" – the smuggler waved dismissively – "Nothing to concern your pretty head with"
"You didn't get into trouble, did you?" – Dany asked the maester as he sat down in the chair next to her bed and took her hand to check her pulse. The old man was obviously troubled by something and she refused to just sit and watch without at least trying to do something to help her friends. Even if the only thing she could do was listen.
"The maester here did" – the smuggler answered with a little cheeky smile and poured some wine into Dany's cup – "He and a few others got on the wrong side of lord Stannis, I'm afraid"
"That fat ugly bastard didn't harm you in any way, did he?" – Dany asked affectionately – "If he did I'll make him pay for it! If I ever get out of here that is…"
"Well, he certainly threatened to" – the smuggler chuckled – "Said he would rip his throat out"
"That scum!" – Dany huffed indignantly – "What a thing to say to an old man! Did the commander get into trouble also?"
"Oh, he certainly did" – the man nodded gravely – "He'll have to have a word or two with the High Septon, that's for sure. And what he'll have to endure from his wife… the Seven help him is all I can say…"
"That lord of yours got him into trouble with his wife?!" – Dany asked, looking completely confused.
"Well, that's lord Stannis for you"- the smuggler shrugged his shoulders with a sly look on his face – "A man hard as nails, severe, but just."
"Hard as nails?! Just?! Don't be ridiculous" – Dany snorted – "He's a drunk and a coward who's too fat to even lift his sword, I've no doubt. And I've no doubt, the maester was right to do whatever he did and so was the commander. And that jerk had ho business to threaten them"
"You didn't say all those things about Stannis to the commander did you?" – the smuggler asked cheekily.
"Of course I did" – Dany replied, feeling rather proud of herself for some strange reason – "He didn't exactly agree with me, but…"
The smuggler guffawed, but the measter dropped her hand and shook his head at them, looking very displeased.
"Davos, for goodness sake, be quiet!" – the old man hissed - "You'll wake the whole castle with your caterwauling. And stop teasing the girl. It's not funny!"
"Oh, so your name is Davos" – Dany smiled at the younger man who was still shaking with laughter and wiping his eyes – "It's very nice to finally be able to call you by your name. What is your name, maester?"
Instead of replying, the old man slammed his hand over his mouth and shook his head again, sending Davos into a new fit of laughter.
"Oh, come on, maester, it's too late to now" – Dany insisted, giving him a gentle, friendly push – "What's the harm in telling me your name? And the commander's name too"
"Dear, oh dear! Trust an old fool to blubber" – the maester grumbled – "Stannis is always right, isn't he, I really should have my throat ripped out, or at least my tongue"
"His name is maester Cressen, princess" – Davos replied – "Don't look at me like that, maester, she's right it's too late to back down now. And since Stannis's promised to kill you anyway…"
"Kindly stop joking, ser Davos" – the old man croaked angrily – "If S… commander as you call him finds out, which he will…"
"Oh, come on, maester, cheer up" – Dany smiled – "I won't say anything if you don't want me to. I can keep a secret"
"Not from him…" – Davos shook his head with a smile – "Even if we all keep quiet, he'll guess sooner rather than later. Sometimes I think the man is too smart for his own good"
"Sometimes I agree" – maester Cressen grumbled.
"Well then I'll talk to him" – Dany said calmly – "There's nothing wrong with you telling me your names! The three of you risk so much for me…"
"Do not worry about us, my dear" – the old man interrupted her rather urgently – "Did you take your potion in the evening?
"Yes, but…"
"Good! Davos, get her shirt up and help her lie down" – Cressen said as he took a small pot of some white, greasy, fragrant ointment out of his robes.
"Hold still, princess" – he said as he started applying it on the wounds on Dany's side and stomach – "You must get well, and that is all you should think about. You're quite safe here, I promise"
"But if the usurper's brother finds out…"
"Lord Stannis?"
"Whatever his name is" – Danny spat – "If he discovers you helped a Targaryen, he will kill you"
"He won't" – Davos said quite unexpectedly.
"You think so?" – Dany asked with disbelief. Such a notion seemed ridiculous, but she could tell the man was serious and meant every word he said.
"I know so" – he answered calmly.
"Davos, be quiet! Have you gone mad?!" – maester Cressen hissed in panic.
"How?"
"Because it was Stannis, who brought you here, princess" – Davos smiled genially – "The man you believe to be the commander of the castle garrison and the usurper's brother that you hate so much are in fact the same person"
"What?!" – Dany gasped in shock.
She could believe neither her ears, nor the man's words.
This was not possible! It couldn't be true! – her mind screamed frantically. But the look of sheer horror of the old maester's face left no doubt that it was true…
A long, heavy silence hung above the three of them as Dany stared at the two men, refusing to take in what she had just heard.
"But why would he help me?!" – she blurted out when she could finally speak again - "He means to give me up to his brother to win back his favor, is that it?"
"He promised he wouldn't give you up and he won't" – Davos shook his head.
"Why? Because he's so good and honorable?!" – Dany spat contemptuously.
"Yes" – Davos answered calmly and confidently. Dany turned her head to look at the maester as if asking him to confirm the man's words and saw him nodding.
"If you don't believe us, think about this. If he wanted to give you up, why all the secrecy?" – Davos added with a cheeky little smile.
"I don't now…" – Dany shook her head in confusion – "But why would he want to help me?"
"Probably a number of reasons…" – the old maester replied mysteriously – "One of them being kindness. I suppose it's natural for you to find it puzzling… And you're right. His brothers would've left you where you fell"
"And the other reasons?" – Dany asked rather skeptically.
"You should ask Stannis about those" – Davos said cryptically – "He never does anything for less than two or three… But there is one other reason I think I should tell you. He's helping you because he was a good friend to your brother"
"What, Viserys?!" – Dany blurted out, knowing perfectly well how stupid such a supposition was, but her mind was in too much confusion from medicine and shock to think straight.
"No, you idiot, prince Rhaegar"