Kingslanding. Red Keep.
Petyr Baelish.
Lord Baelish was in considerable distress. This was a very unusual occurrence, for Littlefinger had always prepared for any situation. The infamous Littlefinger had never worried about anything; there was not a thing that worried him that couldn't be solved with a small amount of effort. And then the wrinkle would be smoothed over, and all would be well again- for Baelish at least. Not the same could always be said about what ever wrinkle that had been smoothed over.
He thrived in what many people suffered in. The greatest example is the Chaos he had created, with that lie he told Catalyn Stark about the dagger. By provoking Catalyn into arresting Tyrion, he had unleashed Tywin's wrath upon the Riverlands. Then Ned Stark attempted ( and failed) to take the Iron Throne from Queen Cersei, in no small part thanks to Littlefinger.
I did warn you not to trust me.
With that, Ned's son Robb had marched against House Lannister, to join the Tullys side. And with the death of Eddard Stark and Tywin Lannister, both powerful houses would fight each other until they destroyed each other.
This created a beautiful soup of chaos. Littlefinger thrived in Chaos, saw it as a perfect way to climb the social ladder. The reason for this was when Chaos was tearing into the very fabric of the realm, many of the highest climbers, and aspiring climbers, lost their footing and sent plummeting to their doom, never to climb again. But Littlefinger always knew how to hold on, knew when to keep climbing when others fell. Why would the chaos bother to tear at his grip? He was everyone's friend and no ones foe.
A war between the powerful house of the North, against the most powerful house of the South, would unleash beautiful chaos onto the world, provide fertile farmland for Littlefingers scheming and climbing.
Littlefinger would, for the time, need a strong power base to partially rely upon, one that did not mistrust him, would believe Littlefinger to be a nonthreatening, loyal servant. That way, Littlefinger could keep on climbing. In the mean time, he would never bite the hand that fed him, but find whatever the Hand needed.
Dogs, Lions, wolves, and even Mockingjays need food.
That power source was Tywin Lannister.
When Littlefinger had ultimately chosen the side of House Lannister, he had placed his hopes on Tywin, and non-other. The other Lannisters were unreliable for Baelish. Cersei was a paranoid but an utterly predictable failure for a Queen, Joffery a petulant Child. Jaime was a sword, nothing more. Tyrion was very cunning but would most certainly poke his nose where Littlefinger would not want it.
Tywin Lannister was the real power behind the Iron Throne, even if he was not present. Tywin was power.
And the Starks had crushed Power's head like a watermelon.
Thus the reason Littlefinger was distressed so.
The problem was that Littlefinger had exactly what he had wanted: war. Except he had intended to be on the winning side, while climbing ever so high up the ladder. With Tywin Lannister dead, he wasn't really sure who the winning side was. And they hadn't even begun to face Renly and Stannis.
Stannis and Robb Stark will without a doubt jump for joy if they learn how I betrayed poor old honorable Ned Stark.
The Lannisters were done for and Petyr knew it. With Tywin gone, they didn't stand a chance alone.
But they didn't have to be alone. Littlefinger for one, had far more to gain from House Lannister on the Iron Throne than anyone else. He only hoped that Queen Cersei would realize that.
Kingslanding.
Red Keep.
Cersei Lannister.
It was the hour of the wolf. Cersei was wide awake and out of bed, reading a letter she had received earlier but had not bothered to read. It was sent from Jaime by Riverrun. Her brother had hastily explained that he was moving his forces east, away from Riverrun, closer towards the Capitol and the Stormlands. Jaime also stated that he had attempted to bring down the castle of Riverrun, but the walls had held against his attacks.
Of the latter, Cersei strongly approved of. That's what she would have done. A Lannister always pays her debts. Jaime was Tywin Lannister's son and in retaliation for his father's defeat, he had assaulted the rebels homeseat- Riverrun. It was a pity that he couldn't completely destroy the structural integrity, but no matter. He had proved his point.
Joffery was in a very happy mood, elated by how he had his Kingsguard throw the traitor Ned Stark off the top of the keep, days before. Cersei had also approved of this, wanting to show that Lannister's always take vengence.
When an Alpha Lion has been killed, you must kill the Alpha wolf to pay the debt's principle. But there was interest. Oh was there ever high interest on the debt the Lannister's owed the Stark's. It would not be properly paid off until every last Stark was dead.
Tyrion had survived, somehow escaped the battle of Green Fork. At this, Cersei was slightly disappointed. She would have shed no tears for her dwarf brother.
With him gone, everything would have been perfect. It would be just me, Jaime and my beautiful golden children.
Oh well, perhaps some use of the Imp would come afterall.
Cersei was nervous. She had feared that Stannis or Renly would attack the city. She hoped that they could forge a peace with the Stark, or at least her father and brother would be able to subdue them. Instead, things could not have gone worse. Her father dead, his army scattered, the Starks their mortal enemies, and the Baratheons were only becoming a bigger threat every day.
Her Father's death in itself did not trouble her personally. He was a powerful commander, everyone feared him, and that was the value she had for him. But personally she hated the man. He had shamelessly shipped her off like livestock to the highest bidder, and filled her head with delusions of grandeur, since her childhood. She suspected that had he been alive, he might have found some other fat oaf to marry her off to, and her hell would begin again, so soon after ending upon Robert's death.
But Jaime was alright. He would take revenge for their father's defeat. My other half will make it through. Father is gone. Robert is gone. Nothing can stand between us anymore.
She allowed a small smile. You're dead father. You don't control me anymore. Jaime and I will make your reign look as pitiful in the history books, as that of your own father's.
Green fork had been a both a curse and a blessing for Cersei. A curse because the Lannister's power was greatly diminished, and the door was wide open to invade the crownlands. But a blessing. Because for the first time in years, Cersei felt truly and wholly free. More free than she had felt when Robert died.
Two hands lightly gripped her shoulders. '' Your grace, has Ser Jaime brought great news of the war?'' It was her cousin, Lancel Lannister. He had been the kings squire for years, and had been verbally abused by Robert non-stop. It wasn't hard to convince the boy to serve the king over-potent wine, which resulted in the Kings fatal hunting accident.
Jaime was far away, and wouldn't be back for a long while, or he would announce his return by raven long before his arrival. In the meantime, Cersei had a new man in her bed.
'' Jaime attacked Riverrun and killed most of the rebelling Tully's there. The Starks are still camped at Green fork, licking their wounds from Green Fork.'' She put the letter down and spun around, facing Lancel. '' Get back into bed.'' She pushed him away, and he stumbled backwards and fell onto the beds edge.
Jaime wasn't half so clumsy. She thought with irritation.
For a fleeting few seconds, she felt a guilty feeling in the back of her mind, about Jaime, and how she was cheating on him behind his back. That guilt was gone in seconds though, as she rode her cousin hard and rough.
I'm the Queen. I am free of the shackles they placed me in. I can do whatever I bloody want.
Jaime Lannister. Riverlands.
Following the attack on Riverrun, Jaime had been driving his army as fast as he could, in the direction of east. It was dusk right now, and he had allowed his men to rest for the night. It had been 3 days since Riverrun.
'' My lord.'' Dylan Marbrand walked up towards him. '' I received this by a rider. Its from the Starks.''
Jaime opened the letter and read it, and shook his head. '' Robb Stark has refused to declare for Joffery, Renly or Stannis. Instead he has declared the North separate from the rest of Westros, and has been proclaimed King in the North.'' He looked up. '' Those Stark's are all the same, I almost pity them. Brave men, terrible judgement. Knowing Stannis, he will surely jump for joy learning that this up-jumped green boy means to steal half the kingdom from him. ''
Forley nodded. '' From what I can tell, tensions are running high between the Baratheon brothers. Renly usurps the claims of both King Joffery and his elder brother Stannis. Stannis supports his own claim as the elder brother.''
'' If we are lucky, they might destroy themselves over their own egos.'' said Jaime. '' Have either of them explained why they usurp my nephews rule?'' Forley hesitated. '' Stannis sent letters to all the lords of Westros 3 days ago. Because we have been on the march, it has taken this long for the message to reach us. ''
'' What does he say?'' Jaime enquired. Forley paused, as if he couldn't seem to find the right words for it. Oh fuck, Stannis must have said some very touchy things about me. '' Give me the letter.'' He ordered.
Forley paled, and then handed him the letter. As Jaime read, he noticed Prester take a few steps back.
Declaration of Stannis of House Baratheon, the king of the Andals and the First Men.
My Brother, the Late King Robert, has reined for 17 long years, but has finally passed away. Despite the declaration of Joffery as King, Robert has no true heirs. It is true, that he has fathered many bastards but he has no trueborn children. His wife, Queen Cersei Lannister has children of her own, but they are not of Robert's blood, though Robert died believing Joffery, Tommen and Myrcella were his children.
Instead, Cersei has emulated the Targaryans and their penchant for Dynamic Incest. The father of the children is none other than Jaime Lannister, the Kingslayer.
This is a secret that few have known. The late hand, Eddard Stark was arrested and murdered by Queen Cersei, after he denounced Joffery as a false claimant to the Iron Throne. His predecessor, Jon Arryn, had also investigated the truth behind Cersei's children. And then he mysteriously succumbed to an illness.
The proof stares the world in the face. Every Baratheon descendent, no matter who the mother or father was, always has the physical traits of house Baratheon- Black of Hair, Blue of eyes. Except for Joffery, Tommen and Myrcella, who entirely posses the golden hair and emerald eyes of House Lannister.
For this, I denounce Joffery and his siblings as false claimants to the Throne.
Eddard Stark had discovered the truth, or at least enough to know that Cersei's children have no rightful claim to the Iron Throne. He was arrested following the death of my brother King Robert. I suspect that Cersei had something to do with his debt, seeing as Eddard was arrested and Joffery was crowned as soon as my brother breathed his last.
For this I denounce Cersei Lannister and her twin brother Jaime Lannister as traitors to the realm.
As Robert Baratheon died without true-born children, I therefore am next in line, as the eldest brother after Robert. I ask all houses of Westros to swear allegiance to me, as the rightful Heir to the Iron Throne. I will not give up my claim to the Throne. I will not stop until the Realm is rid of all usurpers and their traitorous allies.
Justice is coming to the usurpers.
Signed, Stannis of House Baratheon, the first of his name, King of the Andals and the First Men, Lord of the Seven Kingdoms and Protector of the Realm.
Jaime finished reading, and then crumbled the letter in his hand. Stannis found out. He knows about Cersei and I. That in itself didn't concern Jaime. He and Cersei had lied to the whole realm about who her children belonged to. Of course it had been all Cersei's idea. She wanted the power of the Throne and all it represented. Jaime didn't care; he loved his sister and could care less what the world thought.
He had hated all the lies and the secrets, how he couldn't be with the woman he loved openly, only in secret could he show his true feelings. 17 long years, he had served as King to Robert, always close to the fat oaf and his sister, but only able to just stand there and serve as guard. 17 long years and all Jaime had wanted to do was cut his good-brother down to size and marry Cersei. Of course she had pointed out that such an action would have dire repercussions for both of them.
He had hoped that when Robert died, all the waiting and torture would be over. Instead, Eddard Stark and Stannis Baratheon stuck their noses where they shouldn't have been. The latter had scampered off to the safety of his grey island, and the former had squealed in alarm before Cersei had silenced him.
I should have trimmed Ned Stark's head back at Kinglanding. And Stannis should have suffered an unfortunate mishap sometime during Robert's reign.
He sat down on a chair and faced Ser Forley. '' Are you going to reply, my lord?'' Prester asked.
Jaime shook his head. '' I thought that Stannis would know better than to accuse House Lannister of following the practices of the discredited House Targaryan. He knows that his military strength is no match for us, so he spreads these false rumours. Throw the letter in the fire.''
'' Aye my lord.'' Prester was only too happy to leave the tent.
Jaime reclined on his chair and took a sip of wine. So Stannis had implicated him as the true father of Cersei's children. Congratulations Stannis, you guessed correctly. However, Jaime could hardly afford to say aloud that his affair with his sister was in fact true. His men might just not take kindly to that.
So they would fight to keep Joffery on the Iron Throne, and continue to lie and spill blood, in the name of power.
It left a bitter taste in Jaime's mouth. All these knots and lies. What is the problem anyway? The Lannisters hold the Iron Throne in all but name. The Targaryans wed brother to sister for centuries, even after the Dragons died out, and they ruled Westros, until Areys II went to far and became the Mad King.
And why in Seven hells is it considered appropriete in the eyes of the Gods of Men, for an old man like Jon Arryn or Walder Frey to marry a young Girl shy of 20, or even 10, but I cannot marry the twin sister who I love?
The Faith of the Seven had opposed incest during the Targaryan era, allowed it only grudgingly. Any High Septon would demand the execution of both Lannister twins and their inbred children. Unless they fear us enough. Maybe if the faith raises any trouble, I should send a few high Septons to say hello to Edmure Tully. Glad them in the most heavy lavish robes and tie a bunch of faith books to them, and then send them for a swim.
As fun as imagining that was, Jaime knew they needed another solution. As long as the Faith didn't believe what Stannis said, they had one less potential enemy to worry about.
He took out a map, to take note of where he was. He had been marching east-south-east from Riverrun, and was about two days march from Harrenhal.
Robb's host was moving southwest, what was left of it. From the reports Jaime's host received, Robb had lost roughly 1/3 of his strength at Green Fork, when he had shattered Lord Tywin's host. Jaime's best guest was that he either intended to make for Riverrun to regroup- where he would be in for a nasty surprise- or continue southeast and attempt to assault the capitol. The latter would be suicide, but the former would allow him to regroup. Jaime hoped that the hosts would cross paths so he could steamroll the young wolf.
Otherwise, Jaime intended to make for Harrenhal. That way he could be close to Robb Stark and the Baratheon brother's. The capitol would soon be under threat. The Stormlands were already stirring, and the death of Tywin Lannister was hardly anything to discourage rebellion.
Dylan Marbrand suddenly knocked on his tent. '' Ser Jaime, there is something you have to see.''
'' What is it?'' Jaime walked out of his tent.
'' Thousands of men bearing the Lannister uniform have just arrived at our camp. They appear to be from Lord Tywin's scattered army. ''
Jaime could not have ran towards the refuges faster. He manoeuvred through the tents up to the edge of the camp, and he saw them. His men were in the midst of greeting the outsiders. The refuges were all grim faced soldiers, some wearing their armour, some having discarded it. All carried weapons. All bore the Lion of Casterly Rock as their sigil.
'' Who is your lord Commander?'' Jaime asked.
A man rode foreword and Jaime bit back a gasp of relief. The man was dirty looking, but his dark-blond hair was unmistakable, and he was much shorter than any of the other men persent.
It was his brother, Tyrion Lannister. '' Tyrion. Thank the Seven you're alive. What happened?''
Tyrion smiled slightly. '' I was in Ser Kevan's forces, but Robb Stark's cavalry scattered us. We escaped through the Ruby Ford in time. More and more of the scattered army had joined us through our journey here. '' He looked around. '' All in all, a total of 3,000 soldiers have joined us. ''
Jaime allowed a small smile.
'' Make sure everyone is fed and given a tent.'' He ordered Alestar Lefford.
He looked back to his Tyrion. . '' You did well brother.''
Robb Starks encampment at Ruby Ford.
Catalyn Stark.
Riverrun. Damaged. Her Father. Dead. Her brother. Dead.
The news of Jaime's assault on Riverrun had reached Robb Stark's camp only yesterday and it had devastated Catalyn Stark. The death of her husband Ned Stark had still been fresh in her heart, when news of her father's and brother's death at the Kingslayer's hand had arrived. Since last night, she had been frozen in grief, staying in her tent, refusing to leave, refusing to acknowledge the presence of anyone other than her son, and even then only for the briefest moments.
Her father's time had long been coming. But instead of passing away peacefully, the Kingslayer had destroyed Riverrun's solar and sent the bedridden Hoster Tully falling to his doom. And Edmure, her sweet little brother. He had his full life ahead of him, his time was far too soon. She had feared for his life, every day since the news of his capture after a failed attempt to halt Jaime's host.
She had been enraged when she had learned, though it was quickly doused in grief. The Kingslayer had added insult to injury; he took note that the Tully's live their lives around the Rivers, and when their time comes they return to the Rivers of the Trident. And he had dressed her brother up in bright Tully armour, fit for a lord, and had thrown him into the River. Poor Edmure had never surfaced.
She wanted them dead. All of them. Joffery, Cersei and the Kingslayer especially. What she wouldn't give to see them all suffer unprecedented agony for what they did to her family.
For all the bloodshed we have caused, what good has come of it? Ned dead, father dead, Edmure dead, thousands of young men dead. For what? Did we free Riverrun? What about my daughters? Sansa and Arya are still imprisoned by Cersei. We shed so much blood and lost so much and my two daughters are still imprisoned by that bitch queen. What if something happens to them too? My son is at war. The Lannister's want him dead. My sister refuses to help her family. My brother is dead. My other sons are at Winterfell without their mother to guide them. My daughters lives are at risk every day. All my family is dead or at risk. What happened? What did I do to deserve this?
From the moment that Robert Baratheon had visited them in Winterfell, her family had been struck with Disaster, starting with Bran's ' fall', and his attempted murder afterwards.
Was everything Robert's fault, or the Lannisters? Or am I to blame as well?
Had she not left Winterfell to seek justice for the attempted murder of her son? Had she not arrested Tyrion Lannister, based on information that Petyr Baelish had given her?
Neither Tyrion nor Petyr had turned out to be what she expected. By the time Tyrion had won a trial by combat, she wasn't so sure that he was guilty after-all, and she couldn't trust Baelish anymore, considering his betrayal of her family.
How she wished she could return back to those days in Winterfell if she could!
Her thoughts were interrupted by the arrival of her son. '' Mother?'' He stepped in the tent. '' What do you want?'' She snapped at him, not taking her eyes off the floor. Robb sat down beside her. '' I'm sorry about what happened to Riverrun, and of Uncle Edmure. ''
'' Sorry?'' There was a sharpness to her voice now and it bit deep. '' Sorry? You have no right to be sorry!'' She looked at him, her face full of anger and pain. '' You could have saved my brother and Riverrun. You could have moved west to free the Kingslayer's siege of Riverrun! You could have used that wildfire to smash the Kingslayer, and the River-lords would have gladly joined your side, Robb. But you didn't. You had to go in and prove yourself, and attacked Tywin Lannister!''
Robb looked down. '' I wish I could have been there in time. ''
'' So why weren't you? Robb, it was the Kingslayer who held Riverrun under siege, not Lord Tywin. It was the Kingslayer who held your uncle captive, not Lord Tywin. Why didn't you move west like I told you? You lost thousands of men because you decided to take the Mighty Tywin Lannister head on, and make a name yourself. I apologize if I actually thought my side of your family came first. '' She snapped.
Now Robb was angry. '' Tywin Lannister invaded the Riverlands in the first place, the Kingslayer only joined him later. He sent Gregor Clegane to ravage the villages of your father's kingdom. And as long as that little prick Joffery sits on the Iron Throne, or any of Cersei's children, Gregor's war crimes would only have been supported. Tywin Lannister is dead. Gregor Clegane is dead. They can't hurt your people anymore. ''
'' And what about the Kingslayer? He can, he has and he will continue to shed blood now. You pissed him off when Theon Greyjoy- who is your man- slit his father's throat. You destroyed Tywin Lannister and Gregor Clegane. Did that do my brother any good, when the Kingslayer drowned him? Did killing Tywin do the garrison of Riverrun any good when Jaime assaulted its walls?''
'' So you are saying that I should have left Tywin Lannister at large? Tywin was the Lannister's top man. As long as he lived, we would never know true peace, Bryden said the same. It doesn't matter if we had assaulted Jaime instead of Tywin and lifted the siege right now. If Tywin was left in play, he might sooner or later have engineered some clever way to kill us all. Then he would have laid siege to Riverrun again. ''
Catalyn shook her head. '' If you have nothing more to say, then go. Please.''
Robb stood up, and left the tent, leaving his mother to mourn.
It was way past midnight when she finally left her tent. For a time she just walked through the camp, and found herself walking straight towards the stockades, where the prisoners were being held.
'' I want to see him. Now please. '' She commanded the guards at the stockades. It didn't take long for them to realize who he was.
'' Right this way, my lady. '' A soldier walked her straight to the prisoner.
He was bound to a pole, in his filthy pen. He wore only a light chain, binding him. His left hand was tied up behind his back, his right arm allowed free, having lacked the hand to do anything detrimental to his imprisonment. His greying hair still had traces of gold, though he had been stripped of his armour.
He looked up, but said nothing. '' I wish to talk to him alone.'' Catalyn commanded. '' My lady-'' The guard began, but was stopped by her chilling glare, and the realization that the prisoner could not possibly hurt her. He left her on her own, with a torch for light planted next to her.
'' Well, so its Lady Catalyn Stark.'' Ser Kevan Lannister said. '' I heard that Ser Jaime attacked you're homeseat. I hope he didn't damage it too badly. My brother had a saying; '' you cannot profit from a destroyed castle, nor can you recover the money lost repairing it.''
Catalyn yanked the torch from the ground.
Lannister glanced at it. '' I don't think you want things to go this way. Jaime might be a little upset.''
She thrust the torch into his face, the flame searing his forehead. He closed his eyes and forced back a scream of agony. He would never give this woman the satisfaction of seeing a Lannister scream.
She finally withdrew the torch. By this time, a second degree burn was already on Kevan's forehead.
He gasped and started breathing deeply, now sweating badly. The burn made him look no prettier, on top of the stump where his right hand used to be. '' That alone would have earned you a death sentence in any other circumstance.'' He pointed out.
Catalyn cut him off. '' I will kill you tonight Ser Lannister. I'll put your head in a box of lion furs and send it straight to your nephew, or maybe your niece. ''
Ser Kevan shook his head. '' My family wouldn't take it kindly. You're daughter's for one, would not like my families reaction if I die. You're ward Theon Greyjoy pissed off the wrong family when he slit my brother's throat. The only reason your daughter's are still alive is because of me. But go on. Use that torch, and set me on fire. I'll burn quickly. Go on. '' He looked her right in the eye. If looks could kill, he would have been crushed into tiny pieces by her murderous gaze.
She clenched the torch hard, but then set it down. '' That's a lady.'' Kevan said. '' Now, lets get down to business. My niece, Queen Cersei, holds your daughters hostage. You hold me prisoner. I believe there is a missing link to putting everyone back where they belong. '' He tilted his head.
'' The King will never release you.'' She said with poison in her voice.
'' Oh right, I forgot that your rebelling son has proclaimed himself the King in the North. Now I don't pretend to be an expert in politics but it looks like Robb has made himself an enemy of every other faction in this war, by refusing to submit to either King Joffery or the pretenders who usurp his claim to the Iron Throne. '' Kevan shrugged. '' If you're son wants to get himself killed due to his own stupidity, he is very much welcome. ''
'' We will win this war.'' Catalyn swore. '' Robb is going to kick down the door of the Red Keep and kill your niece and grandnephew. ''
'' My nephew Jaime will be delighted to hear that.''
'' And when this war is over, I will personally throw you from the top of the highest castle I can find.'' She finished.
Kevan shrugged. '' Must have been awful what I did then. All I did was kill armed men in battle. Why the animosity?'' He didn't wait for an answer. '' Well, I was hoping to either die in battle or in bed surrounded by my family, but I suppose a fall is better than what will happen to your son once Jaime gets his hands on him.''
'' You act like you don't fear death. You Lannister's are all the same, keen to seem immortal.''
'' But I don't fear death. All men must die. Some sooner than others. Why bother griping about it?''
'' Because you and all your family will be join your brother in the deepest of the Seven Hells if the gods are just.''
'' What gods? What justice? You believe in trees right? Or the Old gods as your husband called them? Where were your husbands old gods when Eddard Stark was thrown off the top of the Red Keep? Where were the new gods when your brother was drowned by my nephew's army? Here is a riddle; the gods are just but there is so much injustice in the world. What is the problem?''
'' That problem sources from men such as yourself and your lord brother.'' Catalyn Stark said.
'' Oh so men such as myself are the problem? Men who loyally follow the lord of their house? In that case, all your men around here are responsible for injustice, simply because they loyally followed their lords without question. Is that what you mean?''
'' Have you anything else to say?'' Catalyn snarled.
'' Just a wish goodnight and that I advise you to get some rest. Its going to be a busy war for you.'' Kevan said.
'' And Goodnight to you to.'' Cat snapped, and she yanked the torch out of the ground again, and this time she swung it with all her force, all her anger, her agony, her worry, was in that blow.
THWACK.
Kevan's head slumped to his shoulder; the blow had knocked him out cold.
Catalyn planted the torch back where it belonged, and left back for her tent.
Its going to be a busy war. Kevan Lannister's words echoed in her head.
She found her bed, shut the torches, and wept. She wept for her husband, her brother, her father, but mostly for the danger her daughters were in.
I made up Stannis's letter, since I haven't read ACOK, just watched the season and read only the final three books. This chapter is a lull in events.
What is Littlefinger plotting? We'll see in the next few chapters.