290 AL

Jorah II
A warm summers breeze flew past Ser Jorah's Mormont, the foul smell of Kings Landing following in its wake. Yet Jorah had gotten somewhat used to it, he had been living in the Capital for over a year now. He and his lady love Lynesse Hightower lived a comfortable life in Kings Landing ever since the Greyjoy Rebellion. Where Robert had Knighted Jorah and after his encounter with the demon Zodd asked him to join him in Kings Landing. As a 'Sworn Sword to the Kings Defense' which in Roberts case meant sparring partner. He spent most of his time either sparring with Robert or enjoying the plenty of Kings Landing with his wife.

Sometimes Jorah wondered how his marriage would have ended up if he would have gone back to Bear Island after Pyke. He wondered how his wife would have taken to the rigid and cold North. And Bear Islands ideas about how women should behave... He tried not to think too much into it, after all in the here and now he was actually happy.

A messenger arrived,

'Ser Jorah of House Mormont? The King requests your attendance in the Small Council chambers.'

The messenger bore Lannister colors, the red and gold of those Lions began to annoy him more with every passing day. Off course there were Stormlanders, Crownlanders, Valemen and even a few Riverlanders amongst the court of King Robert. But none were with such numbers as the Lannisters. That harpy of a Lannister queen had filled the court with her own, and it was as if Robert didn't even care.

It worried Jorah and he had sent such information on its way North. He and Lord Stark had maintained contact on Lady Starks initiative, as Jorah was one of the few Northerners in the Court they needed such sources of information. 'Tell the King that I will arrive as soon as possible.' He finally answered the Lannister messenger, who had grown increasingly impatient. Not that a boy like that could ever say so in his face, lest he be punished for disrespect.

The Small Council chamber was a place Jorah rarely saw, he was after all but a Sworn Sword to the King, a sparring partner and perhaps a counter to the increasing amount of Lannister pawns in the Kings Guard. Of which he only truly respected the martial skills of Lord Commander Barristan Selmy and Ser Jaime Lannister. As Jorah walked to the Kings side, standing behind him while the imposing form of Robert Baratheon sat at the head of the Small Council table.

The small council table was filled with all its members. Lord Hand and Lord Paramount of the Vale, Warden of the East Jon Arryn, Grand Measter Pycelle, newly appointed Master of Coin Petyr Bealish, Master of Ships the Kings brother Stannis Baratheon, Master of Whisperers Varys, Master of Laws Lord Kevan Lannister and Lord Commander of the Kingsguard Barristan Selmy. Also in attendance were the Queen Cersei Lannister,the young Lord Renly Baratheon, Ser Jaime Lannister of the Kingsguard and off course himself, Ser Jorah Mormont.

Jorah was still somewhat surprised with how fit the King looked, he ate and drank a lot these days, well a lot for Robert Baratheon was probably enough to feed a small village for a week. But the King spent even more time training, sparring with both Jorah and members of the Kingsguard. Honing his technique and skills with the sword and warhammer.

Robert could already match most of the Kingsguard with his sword, but it was with his warhammer that even Ser Jaime and Ser Barristan had been struggling to survive the 'sparring matches'. But lately it seemed like it wasn't enough anymore, the King needed blood on his hands once again. And who was going to stop a King like Robert Baratheon? Robert spoke with his booming voice which immediately grabbed the attention of all in attendance.

'My Small Council.' He boomed, 'and attending guests.' He said while nodding at Jorah. But also neglecting to mention or even take note of Cersei and Jaime. 'I know you have all heard the rumors, that I want to go to war and smash skulls, that I am some sort of rampant barbarian that does not known anything else but bloodlust, whoring and wine!' All attending gulped down their throats, all wanting to say at least something that would probably have their heads on a pike if they spoke out.

The King laughed jovially, 'And perhaps you are right about that! I never wanted to be a King, but now things have changed. As you know I fought a demon on Pyke.'

Cersei almost snorted at the remark, still not believing Roberts fairy tale.

'What was that woman!' Robert shouted in her direction.

'Nothing my dear King, please do continue.' She said sweetly like an Arbor Gold laced with venom.

'And ever since that day on Pyke I have wanted to kill that beast! I have trained with my Knights here at the Red Keep to make sure that I won't lose to this demon again!'

Robert calmed down a bit, and Jon Arryn spoke. 'My King, you do not mean to lead an army into the Sunset Sea do you?' Jon asked, sounding rather worried at the prospect.

Robert then said, 'Do you take me for a damned fool!' Cersei now snorted out loud, earning her an angry look from Kevan and a death stare from Robert himself.

'Woman I swear if you...' Robert calmed himself again, intent on finishing his announcement.

'I now have two sons, Joffrey is already 4 years old, in five he will almost be a man. I have a second son, should my firstborn have the misfortune of an early death.'

Saying that he slanted his eyes at Cersei, and saw her disdain for his remark, and Robert allowed himself a small smile at her displeasure. 'And even then, I have my brothers Stannis and Renly. The succession is safe.'

Cersei's smile broadened while the rest of the Small Council only offered cynical looks.

'Lord Varys has a large network of spies across Essos, and according to him there have been strange events happening on the other side of the Narrow Sea. To me this is a clear sign, in 5 years I will abdicate from the throne!' The Small Council room fell silent at that.

Jon Arryn was the first to regain his composure. 'But my King! Who would lead the realm when you're away chasing... Demons!?'

Robert laughed, 'Haven't I just told you that! I have heirs, I can now do what I want, I am still King!'

Jon started to ramble quietly, '...Regency... Great Council...Abdication...Joffrey's but a boy...and...'

Robert's smile only grew at the prospect of chasing evil creatures in Essos, the life of a SellSword had always appealed to him. And while on his heroic quest to slay the demon Zodd he would fight, drink and whore to his hearts content! It was the perfect plan! Those must be the thoughts that had went through the Kings mind at that moment, or so Jorah told himself. How else could he think off such foolish mockery of the Iron Throne. Did Robert really not care for Kingship?

Jorah looked at the members of the Small Council. He could see that some were unhappy with the prospect, while others only saw chances. The room soon exploded in speculation and political banter. Robert, content with having said what he wanted to say stood and was about to leave the room. But he turned around and said.

'Oh and Stannis, before I forget, you're appointed as Lord Paramount of the Stormlands. We'll see what Renly gets later, maybe Dragonstone or something like that.'

Robert mused as he left Stannis with a gaping mouth.