Chapter 5-Questions and no answers
(King's Landing)
Naruto was once again happy for his mask covering his face. It kept the snarl and disgust at the sight of King's Landing being the way it was since his time here years ago. For one, the smell of King's Landing had gotten even worse since he was here last. The stench of actual shit was an all consuming smell when Naruto entered the gate with Ned and it was clear to them both that it was a horrifying stench.
"The stench is horrible," remarked Naruto with Ned agreeing with him since he wanted to cover his mouth of the stench.
"Welcome Lord Stark. Grand Maester Pycelle has called a meeting of the Small Council. As such, your presence is requested," said a servant who approached Ned before glancing at the Sage now walking over to him.
"He does know we just arrived, correct?" asked Naruto with a frown on his masked face and his three eyes narrowing.
"Y-Yes of course. Still, if you'd like to change into something more appropriate...?" asked the servant, but a glare from Naruto scared the usually composed man away.
"Idiot. One of the first things you are doing as Hand of the King is transferring that piece of shit elsewhere. Preferably the Wall," commented Naruto with Ned smirking while he motioned for his men to help unload everything to take to the Tower of the Hand where they would be staying.
While that happened, Naruto went with Ned into the throne room where Jamie Lannister was already there standing near the empty throne where Robert normally sat. His smug looking face made Naruto want to punch him with enough force to send the asshole on a one straight trip to Essos. While Ned went to talk to the Kingslayer, Naruto looked over the room itself, and was once more filled with memories long ago. Back when the first King sat on the throne and ruled over the Seven Kingdom before everything spiraled right out of control.
The loss of dragons. Of magic as a whole. The White Walkers mutating from the form of rogue Zetsus and the fact even now some still lived in waiting until the time was right to strike out at a world where humanity was too weak to fight back. Of that much his eye had shown him would be fast approaching if certain things were left unaltered.
His musings on the matter left him when he noticed Ned had finished talking to Jamie and was in a foul mood due to the conversation between them digging up old memories of past pains. Deciding not to ask, the two made their way to the council chambers where the Small Council did business on behalf of the King. Many Kings sat in this room and did business with the Small Council, who were all considered Masters in their profession, and such were the supreme authority in each with the King having the absolute authority to override any decision they make on his behalf.
However, unlike previous Kings of old, Robert had never really sat in the majority of the meetings with the Small Council since becoming King. Not surprising since Robert had preferred to drown himself in his vices rather then run the kingdom properly and let the Small Council do things for him. With Jon Arryn being Hand of the King, all the things Jon went through with them each day could be narrowed down by him, and any decision made Robert didn't like he could overrule at any time. It made life simpler for Robert, but more difficult for Jon Arryn, and more so when the man got older as the years went by.
In this particular room in the Red Keep, the Small Council consisted of several people of noticeable positions. First was Grand Maester Pycelle, who was the personal Maester to the Iron Throne, and the senior authority over all others in the Order of Maesters. Second, was the Master of Whispers known to everyone on the room as Varys, who was King's Spymaster, and thus handled the overall information brought to the King if not the Small Council. Third, was one Petyr "Littlefinger" Baelish, who was the Master of Coin, and the one to manage the crown's treasury. Next to him was the Master of Law, one Renly Baratheon, who would manage the Red Keep's dungeons, and chief legal advisor. The fourth seat, which was empty at the moment was for Stannis Baratheon, and the Master of Ships.
"Lord Stark," greeted Varys with a bow to the new Hand of the King and the two shook hands.
"Lord Varys. I haven't seen you in many years. The days of living in King's Landing have been good to you," commented Ned while seeing the man in elegant robes and practically glided over to him.
"I have done much to deserve it. I am grievously sorry to hear about Prince Joffrey and the injuries he suffered. We are all praying for a full recovery," said Varys while Naruto glanced over at him.
"Why? The little shit deserved it for what he pulled," remarked Naruto before he moved to the side of the room behind the chair where the Hand of the King would sit.
"Renly! You look well," greeted Ned to Robert's youngest brother with a smile on his face.
"And you look tired. I told them the meeting could wait another day," replied Renly, but a noise from Petyr turned their heads to him.
"But we have a kingdom to run. I've hoped to meet you for some time Lord Stark. No doubt Catelyn has mentioned me," said Petyr with a disarming smile.
"She has Lord Baelish. I understand you knew my brother Brandon as well," said Ned with Petyr wincing at the memory of that moment in time when he dueled for Cat's hand in marriage.
"Ha, oh too well. I still carry a token of his esteem from naval to collar bone," replied Petyr while his hand twitched to rub the spot Brandon had landed the devastating hit on his body.
"Perhaps you chose the wrong man to duel," commented Ned with Petyr's smile fading a bit and a small hint of anger manifested on his face.
"Yes well, it wasn't the man that I chose my lord. It was Catelyn Tully. A woman worth fighting for, as I'm sure you'll agree," replied Petyr with Ned nodding.
"I humbly beg your pardon Lord Stark," said Pycelle while walking over to him.
"Grand Maester," said Ned with a nod of respect to the man.
"How many years has it been? You were a young man!" stated Pycelle with Ned nodding.
"And you were serving another King," countered Ned with Pycelle nodding.
"Oh, how forceful of me. This belongs to you now and thus we can begin," said Pycelle with him handing Ned a badge of sorts indicting he was Hand of the King.
"Without the King?" questioned Ned and saw the other Small Council members were not surprised the King wouldn't be joining them.
"Winter may be coming, but the same cannot be said for my brother. He has already told us of you asking for the Sage himself to assist you in any matters that requires his own intervention in aiding you Lord Stark," explained Renly though they were quite surprised to hear this from Robert, who was angry when he told them, and just wanted to go off to hunt something.
Or go drinking. Or whoring. Which ever caught his fancy first.
"His Grace has many cares and thus he only trusts some small matters to us that we might lighten the load," explained Varys better for Ned to understand.
"We are the Lords of all small matters here," added Petyr with a hint of amusement in his voice while Renly handed Ned a parchment.
"My brother instructs us to stage a tournament in honor of Lord Stark's appointment as Hand of the King. We are to apparently spare no expense," said Renly while Petyr let out a noise.
"How much?" asked Petyr while looking over a book that was his ledger to write in the appropriate amount.
"40,000 gold dragons to the champion, 20,000 gold dragons to the runner up, and again 20,000 gold dragons to the winner of archery," answered Ned with Petyr writing it down while inwardly smirking.
"Can the treasury spare such an expense?" asked Pycelle curiously.
"I'll have to borrow it. Fortunately, the Lannisters will accommodate I expect if asked for the money. We already owe Lord Tywin 3 million in gold, what's another 80,000 more?" commented Petyr like this was not unusual and it shocked Ned deeply.
"Are you telling me the crown is 3 million in debt?" asked Ned in shock at this news.
"I'm telling you the crown is 6 million in debt," answered Petyr calmly like it was no big deal while inwardly pleased he could cause this for his own plans.
"How could you let this happen?!" demanded Ned angrily at Baelish for letting the very Crown as a whole get so deep in debt it would take years of sound financial planning to remove half of this debt in the future.
"Quite simple. The Master of Coin finds the money, hence the King and the Hand spend it," said Petyr like it was simple economics and missed Naruto's narrowed eyes aimed at him from behind Ned.
"I will not believe Jon Arryn let King Robert bankrupt the realm," said Ned angrily since he felt this was an insult to Jon after his death.
'Nor do I. For a Master of Coin, this moron has done a poor job managing the Crown's finances, and playing it off like it wasn't his fault. Or at least...make us believe its not his fault,' thought Naruto while sensing the man's emotions beneath the surface were filled amusement and other sinister things.
All spiking slightly now at the mention of Jon Arryn.
"Lord Arryn gave wise and prudent advice...but I fear his Grace doesn't always listen to said advice when given to him," said Pycelle sadly since Robert wasn't known for taking anyone's advice unless said advice surrounded his personal interests.
"Counting coppers he called it," added Renly with a same form of sadness.
"I'll speak to him tomorrow. This tournament is an extravagance we cannot afford," said Ned knowing this issue was one of many that would need to be dealt with right away.
"As you will, but it is best we make plans," replied Petyr while making notes in his ledger all the same, but stopped when Ned slammed his hand down in anger.
"There will be no plans until I speak with Robert!" exclaimed Ned with his eyes blazing with a cold anger that shocked the others since they were use to dealing with Jon Arryn's smooth way of talking to them.
"Ned, calm down. You just got here," replied Naruto while putting a strong hand on the man's shoulder to remind him to keep his cool.
"Forgive me, my Lords. The Sage is right though. I...I had a long ride from Winterfell to here in King's Landing," said Ned with his tone showing he was in fact exhausted.
"You are the King's Hand, Lord Stark. We serve at your pleasure," replied Varys with his tone being one of complete understanding.
"Ned, go to the Hand's Tower to get some rest. I can handle certain issues in your stead until tomorrow," offered Naruto with Ned looking back him for a second and then gave a short nod.
"Very well. I leave the remainder of the meeting in the Sage's hands. You will address him with respect and follow through with his orders as if they were my own. Tomorrow we will continue this meeting when Naruto has brought me up to speed on everything he discusses with you," said Ned before getting up from his chair and leaving for the Hand of the King.
"This is highly unusual," remarked Pycelle with the man looking at Naruto uneasily.
"Perhaps, but a necessary event considering. Now, onto first order of business. Where is Lord Stannis? Last I heard, he was still the Master of Ships, and a member of the Small Council, correct?" asked Naruto with its members nodding.
"He still is Great Sage. However, Stannis has no more love for the Small Council then King Robert does. At present, he is still residing in Dragonstone. My birds have told me of a Red Priestess of sorts has just arrived there and wishes to speak to him about her religion. No doubt to covert him away from the Seven," replied Varys with Naruto's eyes narrowing.
"A 'Lord of Light' I take it?" asked Naruto with Varys nodding.
"You've heard of such a religion?" asked Petyr with amusement.
"In my travels, yes. The worshippers burn all 'heretics' and those they deem necessary to this Lord of Light to give him strength. It doesn't matter who they burn. Men, women, and even children have been set aflame for this God back in Essos. I should know since some of the more determined acolytes have tried to capture me for that very purpose to strengthen his power to challenge the Seven, if not the Old Gods," said Naruto with the Small Council looking surprised and horrified by this news.
"Ghastly. Such a religion has no right to exist," commented Pycelle with Naruto nodding in agreement.
"Sadly, we cannot remove her simply because the religion is different. She must make the first move in that regard or else a fraction of the smallfolk will get curious as to why we acted and might find the religion more to their liking or make her a martyr for it. If and when this Red Priestess from Essos starts burning people will we act. Varys have your birds keep an eye on her, but do it from a safe distance. No need to have them suffer such a fate and make this woman aware of us knowing of her being in Westeros," commanded Naruto with Varys nodding.
"What about the tournament the King wishes to have Great Sage? Ned was against it due to the funds required, but even with the Hand's command to stay the event, I believe his decision will be overruled. Not at a good first day for the new Hand," commented Renly with worry.
"Sadly, I agree with you Renly. Most likely the tournament will happen. The King has the final say and until the King says otherwise, the tournament is still on. Though I would wait until tomorrow to see if Ned can convince Robert otherwise. At very least, he can convince the King to lessen the prize money offered so the Crown isn't further in debt to the Lannisters or anyone else it owes money too since the Master Coin has been here," said Naruto while the members of the Small Council nodded though Petyr looked like he had been slapped in some way.
"Not to be rude Great Sage, but I get the distinct feeling that you are blaming me for the Crown's debt," said Petyr with a smile on his face that didn't match his eyes.
"In many ways Master of Coin, you are to blame for the Crown's debt," replied Naruto in a colder tone.
"That is a harsh accusation to make considering there is no evidence to the contrary," said Petyr while Naruto gave him a lazy look.
"Six million in total debt isn't proof?" asked Naruto with the Small Council watching this banter with slight interest since he did have a point regarding the debt the Crown had to pay.
"While I am the Master of Coin, the final decision on how money of the Crown is spent has always been up to the King, and when he is not around...the Hand does in his stead," countered Petyr while Naruto did not believe him for a second.
"Renly, just how many times has the King been to a Small Council?" asked Naruto with Renly looking sheepish.
"As of today? Three," answered Renly with Naruto nodding.
"And Jon Arryn was in every other Small Council meeting as well as those King Robert attended?" asked Naruto with Renly nodding.
"Every single one Great Sage. Jon Arryn was truly devoted to helping my brother run the kingdom properly," answered Renly with Naruto nodding again.
"So the final say for the Crown's money being spent during the Small Council meetings would have been in fact Jon, correct?" asked Naruto with Renly and the others nodding.
"More or less. Jon Arryn would have told the King all the key details of each meeting we held shortly after they were over so they could gain his official approval," said Varys, as he knew how Jon operated, and how Robert reacted each time.
"Even still, the debt created by the King is not my fault. I merely supply the kingdom the funds. The King has the final say on how its spent and King Robert for all his strengths in life...being a man of numbers was not one of them," added Petyr with Naruto's eyes now narrowing further.
"I find it hard to believe the Crown could have lost so much during Robert's time as King considering the previous one made sure the coffers were practically overflowing in gold. While the Mad King was in fact mad like his title suggests, he made sure his kingdom was never in debt. So how is it you made such a thing happen Lord Baelish?" questioned Naruto with Petyr finding this sudden prying into his financial skills to be insulting and unwelcome in its entirety.
"Do you find my means of handling money to be unsatisfactory to your eyes Great Sage? Because I assure you the current debt would have been twice as high if not for my own ingenious means of keeping it down as I have since King Robert took the throne," said Petyr while Naruto didn't look impressed one bit.
"I find that hard to believe in the slightest. As such, I want the ledgers, and all the books you've filled over the years since your time as Master of Coin," commanded Naruto while sensing Baelish was unhappy with that and it showed on his face.
"With all due respect Great Sage, you don't have the authority to make such a request of me for my ledgers. You are not the King or the Hand of the King," commented Petyr, as he kept the anger out of his voice, and tried to keep calm under Naruto's piercing stare.
"No I don't, but Ned Stark does, and I'm sure he would give the same command if he were here. In fact, I would wager the man will give the order once I explain to him how the debt owned by the Crown should be investigated immediately. So you have two real choices here Lord Baelish. First, you comply with my command as if it was given to you by the Hand of the King. OR, you can wait until after I talk to said Hand of the King, and he or I come marching into your office with armed Stark men pointing their swords at you while taking it apart looking for each ledgers," threatened Naruto with Petyr giving him a grim smile.
"I think I will wait until the Hand of the King decides to make such a move against me Great Sage. Besides, I highly doubt Lord Stark for all his greatness, is a man of numbers like myself. It will take him months if not years for him to go through nearly two decades worth of books containing the Crown's financial dealings," offered Petyr knowing he had covered his machinations well and his skills with numbers and transferring of money so much that it would make Ned Stark stumble from the first year alone.
"Which is why I will be dealing with them personally and conveying my findings to Ned and if need be...the King himself. As for your decision to wait for Ned Stark to send in the troops to your door...expect them all by tomorrow morning," replied Naruto before he stood up and left without a word to the other members of the Small Council.
'This is not good. If the Seven damned Sage realizes what I did during my time as Master of Coin, he could put all my plans for the Crown in jeopardy, and I can't have that. I will not have my plans formed since the time before I even became Master of Coin be lost due to some long haired three eyed mystic in a mask," thought Petyr angrily since his plans for the kingdom kept him in power through manipulation and betrayal when called upon for such things.
Petyr came from humble beginnings. A small House on his Father's side with his Great Grandfather being a low level sell sword from Braavos. Petyr's own Father had felt the best way to make headway in Westeros was to make friends with House Tully before and during the War of Ninepenny Kings. To that success led for Lord Holster Tully to foster young Petyr at Riverrun and help the boy become a fine young man.
Petyr had been eight years old at the time and carrying only the bundle on his back that was everything he ever owned in his already harsh life. The moment he saw Catelyn, the boy was in love, and fancied her deeply as she grew into a beautiful woman. At the same time, Catelyn's sister Lysa Tully was in love with him, and yet Petyr ignored her for the most part. Edmure Tully mocked him on occasion for coming from the Fingers in the far end of the Vale and being so little physically was called "Littlefinger" in such a way that it stuck with the man even now.
Years later, when Catelyn became betrothed to Brandon Stark, Petyr thought he could challenge the future Lord of the North for her, and prove himself worthy of marrying the woman of his dreams. Sadly, Petyr had made the mistake of challenging a well trained man in the art of fighting, and nearly killed if not for his sweet Catelyn intervening on his behalf. Petyr took it as a sign of the woman loving him, but doing her "duty" as a Tully to marry Brandon per the arranged marriage. Petyr thought all was lost until Brandon Stark was killed by the Mad King, but Holster Tully simply had his eldest daughter marry the next Stark in line that was Eddard Stark. The man didn't even love her when the news of the two being married was known to the young Stark so angry over the loss of his brother and Father. The man went off to war shortly after his marriage to Catelyn and came back with a bastard child of all things and expecting her to accept it!
Petyr had never let his love for Catelyn go. Not after all these years of being away from her for so long and occasionally laying with a woman or two of his own. He needed the experience for the day where Catelyn had enough of Ned and the North before coming to see him again. To finally confess her love for him and begging for his forgiveness in not marrying Petyr when she had the chance.
That was what Petyr dream about at any rate. Still, it was a dream he held onto with an iron grip. One he was hoping to make reality by manipulating events to his advantage and make Catelyn see how Ned was not worthy of her love much less giving him children.
As far as Petyr was concerned, all of Catelyn's current children were Starks, and therefore bastards all. Each unworthy of being called her offspring. A stain on her good name. One he intended to carefully remove one by one until he could make a direct approach where they could be together and give him a child of their own. He vowed to make the dream of him and Catelyn together become a reality.
But this issue with the Sage was threatening his chances to make that happen!
Petyr swore to use his growing financial power and blackmail of various High Lords, who visited his brothels, and whores to assert himself in the Game of Thrones. Agents within agents within agents. He had made sure to funnel vast sums of money from the Crown to various places where no one would think to look for the money he took from the Royal Coffers. He manipulated the system to take out loan upon load not only from Tywin Lannister, but the Iron Bank of Braavos too. Not that anyone really knew that since Petyr had made sure his ledgers were so well written, yet overly complicated, it made deciphering the ledgers extremely difficult. Hence why no one bothered to even consider auditing them due to being so complex in the first place. So much effort spent in trying to understand complex wording and more complex numbers over so many years was not worth the time or effort made by anybody capable of understanding it if an audit was ever called.
Add to the fact that a most interesting piece of information reached his ears only a few months ago regarding the gold minds owned by the Lannisters. Many thought those mines in the Westernlands were bottomless. That the gold dug there could go on for miles without end. That the Lannisters could and would "shit gold" until the end of time long before the mines themselves ran out of gold. But Petyr knew better, as he knew nothing lasted forever, and gold being one of those things. So it brought a smile to his face the day one of his most trusted spies, who he paid a lot of money to for information in the West, had brought to his attention of the gold mines in the West running on empty. The Lannisters could no longer produce gold from their mines and keep up in paying for their expensive lifestyle in the process.
When that news reached him, Petyr started the next phase of his plan surrounding the means to bleed House Lannister of its wealth slowly, and unnoticeably even by the crafty lion himself. The man was getting on in his years just like Jon Arryn and Holster Tully though not to that level as the latter was now with his declining health. What Petyr needed to do was arrange for the lion's army to clash violently with another strong House and force the two of them to fight until only one House left standing. Wars were always expensive after all and even the wealthiest of Houses can become door poor if said House spent all of the gold it currently possesses in a long standing war.
Of course, Petyr would naturally play both sides in secret, bleeding them both of wealth, and resources in exchange for all sorts of key pieces of information to topple their enemy. With all their wealth and power depleted, Petyr could swoop in to claim what was left as his own, and no one could stop him since he would make it all legal when the time came.
As for the Crown being in debt to the Iron Bank, Petyr had made sure the debt itself was owed to the bank via the Crown. Not him. Oh, he was the Master of Coin, and thus would assume some responsibility with the debt. But it would be a minor scratch into his newly acquired wealth since the majority of the debt would have to be paid by the King himself. Whether by Robert or by Joffrey when the time came for the clearly incompetent brat to become King was unknown. What Petyr did know was the Iron Bank would find one way or another to collect money from the Crown and from the deep pockets of the Lannisters overall due to the current Queen on the throne being Tywin Lannister's only daughter. He knew she would do everything in her power to ensure Joffrey didn't have such financial problems as King and would gladly bleed what gold was left of House Lannister to pay off the debt owed to the Iron Bank.
Of course, by the time the debt was actually called in, the money wouldn't essentially go to the Iron Bank in its entirety. But rather to Petyr himself! The Master of Coin had been able to manipulate the financial system so the debt owed to the Iron Bank was secretly being bought by Petyr so the Crown would pay him through the Iron Bank. When it was all over, Petyr would be THE wealthiest man in all of Westeros, and through enough well placed manipulation in certain areas (namely with the High Septon and his vices used as blackmail which was the ultimate currency that never went away) ,which could enforce his claim...to become King of all Westeros as well.
And his dear sweet Catelyn becoming his lovely Queen.
(The Red Keep-Elsewhere)
Joffrey winced. He hated wincing. Wincing promoted weakness. Promoted he could be hurt by others. But what could he do? His bruises were bad. Well...bad for him anyway. They would heal eventually from what Pycelle had seen of them under the Queen's ever watchful eyes since she knew the Grand Maester had...questionable hands. There were certain Maesters in the Order who had questionable vices and most got away with them under the pretense of "expanding their knowledge of the human body" or something to that effect.
Not with her son they wouldn't.
"Ow," whispered Joffrey while not use to the idea of feeling pain since he had so often been the on inflicting it on others.
"Please, these are nearly invisible now," remarked Cersei while dabbing some healing cream on his injuries after Pycelle had left once dropping them off at her command.
"They're ugly. I'll always remember them even after they're gone," said Joffrey with a whine in his voice.
"Think of them as scars. All Kings should have scars. You fought a trained warrior. One who is considered the greatest of them all and lived to tell the tale. You should be proud of it. These bruises show you are a warrior. Like your Father," said Cersei while Joffrey frowned in anger and confusion.
"I'm nothing like him. I didn't fight anyone. He kept swatting my sword away and hitting me like I was a joke. And when I moved to hurt the Stark girl, he used his magic to pull me into his hand before beating me until half my body was bruised. What's worse is the two Stark girls saw most of it before that last part," replied Joffrey in anger.
"That's not true. You held your own against a man, no, a monster, a demon with three eyes calling himself a Sage with years of experience in combat. Remember my son, my wonderful lion, despite what you say or what is told, one day you will sit on the throne and the truth will be whatever you make it," explained Cersei with Joffrey scowling less now at her words.
"Do I have to marry her? The Stark girl?" asked Joffrey at last since he knew it had been discussed by his Father and the new Hand.
"If your Father wishes it and the girl's Father agrees, then yes you must. For the duty of your House, if only that. But if you truly want to marry her, then you will. If you want to go out and fuck whores, then you can. You are my darling boy. My strong little lion and the world will be exactly as you want it to be when you're the King," replied Cersei, as she saw Joffrey frown again.
"If that were true, the Sage would bend the knee in the throne room to me when King for all to see it," said Joffrey at last.
"Do something nice for the Stark girl," said Cersei eventually.
"I don't want to do anything nice for her," countered Joffrey since him and "do something nice" didn't fit in the same sentence together.
"But you will do it. The occasional kindness spares you lots of trouble down the road and help win you her heart and the hearts of others. Take it from someone who knows this to be true," replied Cersei since she had to play the "nice Queen" at times to get the people to side with her on occasion.
"We allow the Northerners too much power. They consider themselves our equals," said Joffrey at last with anger in his eyes.
"And how would you handle them once you became King?" asked Cersei while seeing if she can instruct her son properly in the ways of politics.
"Easy. I would double their taxes and command them to supply 10,000 men to the Royal Army," answered Joffrey with Cersei raising an eyebrow at him.
"The Royal Army? We have no such army my son," remarked Cersei with some hint of amusement in her voice.
"Well we should have one. Why should every Lord command his own men? Its primitive during these modernized times. Its no better then the Hill Tribes that roam freely in the North and those running around in the Vale. We should...We should have a standing army of men loyal only to the Crown. Trained by the most experienced soldiers rather then the sniveling mob of cowardly peasants who have never held a sword or pike in their hands," replied Joffrey while fighting back the urge to wince again when clenching his fists and the bruises along his shoulder were flaring up.
"And if the Northerners rebel against you?" asked Cersei since she saw that as a distinct possibility here.
"Then I will crush them! I will seize Winterfell and install a Warden of the North loyal to the Crown. Uncle Kevin maybe. He's seems like a very capable man for such a position," answered Joffrey while Cersei shook her head.
"With these 10,000 Northern troops you commanded to be part of the Royal Army? You fully expect them to fight for you and against their Lord?" asked Cersei while wondering what the reason was behind Joffrey's actions.
"Of course they would fight for me. I'm their King. They have no choice!" stated Joffrey while Cersei shook her head.
"Oh really? You just doubled the taxes on their homeland, ordered it to be invaded, and asking them to kill their brothers," commented Cersei with Joffrey scoffing.
"I'm not asking them. I'm commanding them. One of the first things I will do when I am King is call for that Sage's head to be put on a pike," countered Joffrey since he felt his right to be King was absolute and any command given fell into that category.
"The North cannot be held. Not by an outsider like one of us. Its too big and too wild to tame. And when Winter does come the Seven Gods couldn't come together sooner to save you or your army from them. A good King knows when to save his strength...and when to use it to destroy his enemies," replied Cersei while attending to his bruised ribs.
"So you agree? That the Starks and the Sage are our enemies?" asked Joffrey with his Mother giving him a pointed and knowing look.
"Everyone who isn't us is an enemy," replied Cersei cryptically.
(Elsewhere)
Sansa and Arya were eating lunch, but neither girl was feeling particularly happy right now, and for different reason while being centered on one person. Prince Joffrey. The boy was the ultimate enemy in Arya's mind. He was whiny. Full of himself. Acted in an arrogant manner that made you want to roll your eyes until you were dizzy and they fell out of your skill when he talked. He wasn't graceful, brave, cunning, or appreciative of the person beside him since the boy felt all others were beneath him.
Sansa however, was upset not with Joffrey, but how her Father, sister, and the Sage had reacted in regards to Joffrey in general. When he was with her, the Prince was sweet, and kind while listening to everything she said. Her family and the Sage just overreacted a bit when Joffrey got mad when the duel began. Joffrey was a Prince and future King of the Seven Kingdoms. By that right alone he should have been allowed to win against the Sage in their duel. The incident with Arya was a misunderstanding. It had to be! She did not and would not believe her Prince and future King would do that to her sister.
"Enough of that young lady. Eat your food," commanded one of the maids while Arya was stabbing the food on her plate with a knife.
"I'm not hungry. I'm too busy practicing for later," commented Arya angrily.
"Practicing for what?" asked the maid.
"For when I see the Prince again," replied Arya before she increased the stabbing motion of her knife into her food.
"Arya Stark, you will not speak that way!" reprimanded the maid.
"What?! He's a liar and a coward. And he tried to get us all in trouble. He even tried to hurt or kill me in order to target the Sage when he couldn't beat him in a fair fight! Then he and his Mother nearly got our dire wolves killed simply to spite us!" countered Arya angrily with her stabbing the plate even faster.
"Enough!" commanded the Maid before making the girl get out of her chair for her room.
"What's happening here?" asked Ned curiously while seeing his angry daughter being escorted out of the room.
"Arya would rather act like a beast then a lady," said the maid while Ned sighed.
"Go to your room Arya. We will speak about your attitude later," said Ned with Arya growling before she left.
"She's quite the tomboy. The blood the wolf is strong in that one," commented Naruto after appearing out of nowhere and scaring the maid along with Sansa.
Ned was expecting Naruto so he wasn't surprised to see the masked Sage right now.
"Hello Naruto. Want something to eat?" offered Ned with Naruto shaking his head.
"Thanks, but I already ate earlier. Besides, I'm here to talk to you about business," said Naruto with Ned nodding and saw Sansa leave after glaring at the Sage.
"My apologies Naruto. Your actions against Joffrey have cast a poor light on you in her eyes," replied Ned and wished this wouldn't happen since he had wanted to give his daughter the gift in the form of a doll he had bought for her.
Another time perhaps.
"Its all right. Sansa follows the rules set by the world and her Mother in being a 'proper lady' along with the duties she must perform in them. As for Arya, I wouldn't try to fight her in terms of how she is acting. It will only make things worse," said Naruto with Ned raising an eyebrow at him.
"Voice of experience?" asked Ned while sitting down and a maid came in with food for the Hand of the King.
"From certain points of view, yes. But that's a tale for another time. What I'm here to talk to you about is Lord Baelish," replied Naruto after the maid left and he sat down in a chair of his own.
"The Master of Coin?" questioned Ned with a frown before he started eating.
"There is something off about him. I look at him and see a snake. One that slithers in the shadows waiting to strike when you least expect it. Do not trust him Ned," said Naruto before he went into further detail about his conversation that took place after Ned left the meeting.
"Your findings from that conversation alone are indeed worrisome. In the entire history of Westeros and its Kings, not once has the Crown been so deep in debt, and the Master of Coin not being able to keep it out of debt. You truly believe Littlefinger has some form of bad intentions for the realm?" asked Ned with Naruto nodding.
"I would bet my third eye on it. I need to get access to his ledgers. Perform a full audit of the books to see what he did and where that money went. I highly doubt it went into just about everything Robert ordered with tourneys, drinking, hunting, and whoring for nearly 20 years. Even if it did, which is a big IF, the Crown should not be this deep in the red financially. Add to the fact Littlefinger owns quite a few high class brothels means the man could easily pay off the debt out of his own pocket if nearly 20 years running such establishments is anything to go by," said Naruto with Ned nodding since it seemed odd for the Master of Coin to acquire such wealth while the Crown lost it.
"You suspect he is funneling the money into what he would consider his own personal interests?" asked Ned with Naruto nodding.
"Considering Petyr also didn't want me looking through the ledgers when I told them I would look through each one personally, yes. Short of getting them by force, the man will not hand them over. In fact, he basically admitted you wouldn't be able to even handle the sheer complexity of the numbers in each ledger if you looked at each one," said Naruto with Ned frowning.
"I will get you the ledgers. But I also need your help regarding Jon Arryn's murder," said Ned with Naruto smirking behind his mask.
"Fortunately for you, I can be in multiple places at once," remarked Naruto before he made a Shadow Clone and scared the Hell out of the maid.
Score one for the Pranking King from Hell. He avenged Arya against the injustice of the maid and got to prank someone after so long.
"I see. Most impressive. That particular trick will most likely come in handy in the near future," remarked Ned while Naruto and his Shadow Clone nodded at the same time.
"Something tells me you are right Ned. Even now, I have one keeping an eye on the two Targaryens over in Essos. So whatever happens over there will be made known here in an instant," replied Naruto before he made the Shadow Clone dispel.
"Good. While I don't wish to kill those two, if they do become a threat like Robert feared, I will have to support, if not give the order to have one, or both of them killed. I do not wish to see such an order carried out," said Ned grimly at the prospect.
"I would worry about the Targaryen children just yet Ned. Daenerys is barely interested in the Iron Throne and only doing this for her brother's sake. Viserys is more of a spoiled child though and is showing signs of madness within him. But the way he's going about it, the idiot will cause his own death, and most likely at the hands of Khal Drogo if he's not careful," replied Naruto with Ned nodding since madness was a trait most of that House inherited with the Gods always flipping a coin over it.
"That should appease Robert to some degree if asked. Though with the tournament coming up, I doubt even think he will care until its over," said Ned with Naruto nodding.
"So you couldn't talk him out of it," remarked Naruto with Ned shaking his head no.
"I visited him after I refreshed myself yesterday. But Robert wouldn't back out. I told him about the Crown being in debt and how it was hurting the Kingdom. He just laughed and entrusted me to do what was necessary to fix it. Even suggesting I get Baelish involved since he is the Master of Coin," answered Ned while Naruto sighed.
"Well at least the King basically did one thing right," replied Naruto with Ned frowning in confusion.
"What's that?" asked Ned while Naruto smirked behind his mask.
"He said get Lord Baelish involved and to do what was necessary to fix it. Meaning, I can for all intended purposes go into his office, take every ledger he's ever filled out, and do the audit needed to see what the Hell he's done to put the Crown in debt. All on the order of the King himself and you enforcing the command as Hand," answered Naruto with Ned laughing at that since he could only imagine Petyr being secretly irate over hearing this if the man were to protest.
Perhaps things weren't so bleak after all.
(King's Landing North Gate Entrance)
Catelyn Tully Stark rode into King's Landing. The horrid smell of the place hit her nose and made the woman choke to the point where she nearly threw up. Behind her was Ser Rodrik, who to his credit was able to keep the disgust from the smell off of his face. It still took considerable effort, but it was no less impressive on his part since the smell of King's Landing was still pretty bad.
"Welcome to King's Landing Lady Stark. You've been expected. Would you please come with us?" asked one of two guards who approached her.
"I would, we've have done nothing wrong," said Catelyn while Rodrik got off of his horse quickly and ready to draw his sword.
"True, but we've been instructed to escort you into the city," said the second guard and it made Catelyn along with Rodrik go tense.
"Instructed? I don't know who you serve or providing you instructions, but I will not go anywhere with anyone I don't know without a damn good explanation," stated Catelyn while giving both men a fierce glare that made the guards uneasy.
"Follow us Lady Stark. Please," said the first guard before handing her a parchment to read and made the woman frown.
"I don't like this milady. It screams a trap. No one should know you are even here," said Rodrik with concern and Catelyn nodded.
"We'll follow them for now. But keep your eyes sharp Ser Rodrik," said Catelyn with Rodrik nodding while looking around for enemies.
Until they arrived at a brothel, much to the ire of Catelyn, and Ser Rodrik to a lesser but no less displeased degree. Both were led inside to the top floor and saw Petyr Baelish was inside a private room reserved by high level clientele.
"Cat!" exclaimed Petyr happily before shooing two prostitutes and guards out of the room to keep things private.
"Why you little worm!" exclaimed Catelyn angrily before throwing the parchment right at him.
"What? I did nothing wrong!" protested Petyr with a smile on his face despite having the parchment thrown at him.
"You would take me for some back ally Sally just to so you can drag me into your brothel and be your whore! You better have a good explanation for this Petyr or so help me, you will learn what it means to suffer the wrath of a woman with Tully blood in their veins," said Catelyn before two more women came in and Petyr shooed them away.
"I meant no disrespect and certainly not to you of all people my dear Cat," said Petyr with Catelyn's eyes narrowing and Rodrik reaching for his sword.
"No disrespect? How can you say that when you're hired thugs escorted me to a brothel?! How dare you even consider bringing me to this place! Have you lost your mind?" asked Cat before she slapped his shoulder.
"No one will come looking for you here. Isn't that what you wanted? Though I suppose you have a point. I truly sorry for the locale," replied Petyr with Catelyn's frown leaving her slightly, but it was still there.
"How did you know I was heading for King's Landing? Or when I would possibly arrive here?" asked Catelyn since she and Rodrik had taken the long way around to avoid all the necessary stops where people stopped and would notice them.
"A dear friend of mine," answered Baelish before pointing behind her and saw Varys there smiling at her.
"Lady Stark. Its an honor to see you," said Varys before bowing humbly in her presence.
"Lord Varys?" questioned Cat while she was surprised and concerned to see him here.
"To see you here in King's Landing after so many years is such a blessing. Oh your poor hands. The North has been cruel to them," replied Varys and moved to touch the woman's hands, but was stopped by Rodrik drawing his sword and pointing it at the eunuch.
"Mind your touch Spider. You have no right to be so formal with the Lady of the North," said Rodrik while glaring at Varys.
"How did you know I was coming Varys? I made sure few knew I was coming and spent a great deal of time on the roads where no one would know who we were if spotted," said Catelyn with Varys nodding.
"A clever plan to be sure Lady Stark. One that would work on anyone else who wasn't so equipped to anticipate such a move should it be made. But information is my trade as the Master of Whispers. As to why you came here? I have no idea, though I would be most honored if you would tell me," replied Varys while Cat and Rodrik scowled.
"This is a private matter Lord Varys. One that does not require your presence or those of your 'birds' to report to you what they do witness. Please leave at once," replied Cat with Varys glancing at Baelish, who nodded toward him it was best to go.
"Of course milady. My apologies. I wish you good luck in your venture into whatever it is you are seeking," said Varys before he bowed and left silently without another word.
After the Master of Whispers left, Catelyn showed Petyr the dagger the assassin tried to use to kill Bran, and explained how she suspected it was the Lannisters responsible for all of this. All the while Petyr smiled at her, nodding at certain times, and acted like he was listening intently to the woman he loved speaking so passionately in his presence.
"That's quite a tale Cat. Indeed, the assassin for all his faults chose a dagger of expensive quality. Of course I know all about this dagger. There is only one like it in all the Seven Kingdoms and it just so happens...to be mine!" said Petyr with Rodrik and Catelyn now looking shocked.
"Yours?!" asked Catelyn while Rodrik looked ready to run the man through with his sword.
"Well...at least it was mine until the last tournament held on Prince Joffrey's Name Day. I bet on Ser Jamie on jousting, as any man would in my place. When the Knight of Flowers Loras Tyrell of House Tyrell unseated him...and I lost this dagger in the bet," said Petyr with a sly grin now on his face.
"To whom?" asked Catelyn while Petyr kept on grinning.
"To Tyrion Lannister. The imp!" said Petyr with Catelyn's eyes widening in horror since she knew Tyrion was currently at the Wall, but would have to make his way down there to Winterfell.
(Sometime Later)
An angry Ned Stark found himself in the very same brothel Catelyn had been escorted to not that long ago. After a brief altercation with Petyr over the Master Coin's choice of words about Ned's wife, the Hand of the King went into the establishment to see his wife, and find out why by the Old Gods and the New did she come here.
"I'm sorry to say this, but charging Tyrion Lannister, the Queen's brother no less with a crime of attempting to kill your son Bran is sad to say...treason," said Petyr with Ned frowning.
"But we have the proof! We have the blade!" protested Catelyn with Petyr sadly shaking his head no.
"And Lord Tyrion will simply say it was stolen with no proof to speak to the contrary to challenge it. From what you told me, the one man who could is the assassin, and the man ended his life so any and all secrets he possessed died with him," countered Petyr with Ned reluctantly agreeing.
"Petyr has agreed to help us find the truth Ned. He's like a little brother to me, and I know he would never betray my trust," said Catelyn with Ned looking from her to Petyr with the grin on the man's face never leaving him.
'He's a snake like Naruto said. You wouldn't think of it by the mere appearance of him, but I learned long ago that appearances can be deceiving,' thought Ned while knowing he would have to keep his distance from Littlefinger in the ways of trusting him.
"I'll try to keep you alive. At least for her sake. A fools task I will admit, but I have never been able to refuse your wife anything asked of me by her," said Petyr with his smile now increasing and Ned Stark found a sudden urge to ram his fist through it.
But showed incredible restraint in the process.
"I won't forget this Petyr. You are true friend," said Catelyn happily in the belief she could trust her childhood friend.
"Please don't tell anyone. I have a reputation to maintain," joked Petyr while laughing a little at it.
Ned wasn't amused in the slightest.
Unbeknown to any of them, black bird that could be mistaken for a crow or raven with a inky looking residue about it was near an open window, and overheard everything. As the group talked, it continued to listen before they parted ways, and the bird itself flew back to is maker to report what it saw into writing.
(Essos)
Daenerys Targaryen was on a horse, riding beside her husband Khal Drogo, who had an entire army of followers at his command. Beside him were Viserys Targaryen, who did not look pleased in the slightest, and one Ser Jorah Mormont of House Mormont. Also known as the Bear Clan. Ser Jorah once had a nice life in his House, but it was ruined due to his wife wanting expensive things and him indulging her to the point where it was only possible to get her these expensive things by get into the business of slavery. A business which was illegal in Westeros and made him an enemy of King Baratheon along with one Ned Stark. Fortunately, he got away in time before either man could capture him, or his wife when they came for his head.
It was only later did Jorah realize just how loyal his pretty wife with her high expensive standards truly was when they got Essos. Where she proceeded to leave him soon after arriving for a fat rich merchant and wanted nothing to do with her now poor husband. Of course, it didn't bother him since he was done funding her expensive tastes. Jorah was a survivor. His wife was not. He knew the moment the rich merchant got tired of funding such lavish things (and he would) for the woman, she would be out on the streets being no better then a common whore until even her looks faded over time.
Jorah intended to survive long after his former wife could not.
"Vaes Dorthrak, the home of the horse lords," explained Jorah when they got close enough and Daenerys was in awe.
Her brother...not so much.
"It's a pile of mud. Mud and shit with some twigs. This is the best these savages can do?" remarked Viserys angrily while not afraid to speak about this since he was sure none of the Dorthraki could speak the common tongue of Westeros.
"These are my people now. You shouldn't call them savages brother," reprimanded Daenerys while Viserys glared at her.
"I'll call them whatever I like because they are MY people little sister. This is MY army and Khal Drogo is marching the wrong way with MY army," said Viserys before he rode ahead to the city despite his disgust.
"If my brother were given an army of Dorthraki like this one, could he actually conqueror the Seven Kingdoms?" asked Daenerys with Jorah looking forward impassively.
"The Dorthraki as a whole have never crossed the Narrow Sea before in all of the history of their people. They fear any form of water their horses cannot drink," replied Jorah, as he glanced at the girl, who he knew would grow to become a beautiful woman one day.
"But if they did?" asked Daenerys in order to get his opinion on the matter surrounding such a possibility.
"King Robert is foolish enough to meet them in open battle where the Dorthraki thrive with their horses. But the men advising him and the Lords fighting for him are different. They will not be so bold or daring," answered Jorah with Daenerys nodding since she assumed as much given the reputation of the Dorthraki could be used against them.
"And you know these kind of men?" asked Daenerys with Jorah nodding.
"Aye. Some of them. I have even fought beside these very men once during the Greyjoy Rebellion. Now the Warden of the North, Ned Stark wants my head. He drove me from my lands for my...past actions that resulted in me leaving my home. Sadly, you will find neither Ned Stark nor King Robert himself to be the biggest obstacle in your path to the Iron Throne," said Jorah with Daenerys looking at him.
"Who is the biggest threat to my brother if not the Warden of the North or the Usurper?" asked Daenerys curiously with Jorah grimacing.
"The Demon Sage. Or just 'The Sage' as some people have come to address him during the Rebellions. Few actually know his name or heard it mentioned by those who have spoken it. He wears a mask almost all the time. Some say he's horribly disfigured behind it and has three eyes instead of the usual two. They say he wields magic like no one has ever seen before in Westeros and can cut down thousands of people with a swing of his sword of choice for that particular day," replied Jorah while Daenerys frowning.
"Is there any truth to those words? Have you seen him fight?" asked Daenerys with Jorah nodding.
"Only once did I see him fight. It was from a distance, but the sight of what he did was enough to know one should not provoke such a person into a fight. For you will surely lose," replied Jorah with Daenerys thinking things over in her head.
"Does he hold any kind of loyalty to Lord Stark or the Usurper?" asked Daenerys with Jorah thinking it over.
"Possibly to Lord Stark since he was the one to recruit the Sage in the first place. I don't know about King Robert. There was a falling out between them after Robert took the Iron Throne regarding certain parties who helped him take it. Rumor has it, the Sage was also responsible for aiding the ship that got you, and your brother away from Robert's reach. I think the Sage will fight for the side he believes is fighting for a worthy cause and does not kill innocent people," answered Jorah while Daenerys was thinking things over in her mind about the Sage.
'If I meet this Sage one day, perhaps I could convince him to join our cause to take back the Iron Throne from the Usurper,' thought Daenerys and began to wonder what a Sage could want in return for his help.
As the Dorthraki horde of Khal Drogo marched toward Vaes Dorthrak, no one saw a masked man with three eyes watching said horde from a distance with interest.
'So that's Daenerys Targaryen of House Targaryen. She's grown since I last saw her as a child. Her brother Viserys is not exactly what you call respectful though to other cultures. He demands much from everyone and complains when nothing goes his way. The idiot reminds me a lot of Joffrey in that regard. Honestly, the whole 'I am royalty, you must bow to me, and obey my every commands.' is getting old real fast,' thought the Shadow Clone of Naruto with a sigh leaving his mouth.
He only hoped Jorah Mormont, despite his past actions worthy of being beheaded, would redeem himself while here, and help Daenerys become someone creditable enough to be called royalty. Naruto also knew Varys was using Jorah as a spy to keep an eye on her for Robert in the event the girl did in fact get pregnant in the future with an Heir to carry on the Targaryen name.
Considering the Dorthraki culture, it was definitely a possibility she would be pregnant soon enough with Khal Drogo's child.
(Red Keep-Small Council Room)
Ned was sitting in his usual spot within the chambers of the Small Council. His face grim and not happy. Though considering the problems he was being given to handle as Hand of the King right out of the gate, it wasn't that big of a surprise. The coming of the King's tournament to honor Ned Stark as Hand of the King was causing more problems then the Kingsguard or the City Watch could apparently handle.
"Its the Hands tournament that's causing us trouble my Lord," said one of the Captains of the City Watch in the room.
"It's the King's tournament. The Hand wants no part of it," commented Ned in frustration over this.
"Call it what you will Lord Stark, but the city itself is over packed with people already and even more flooding in everyday. Last night alone we have had several tavern riots, one brother fire, three stabbings, and one drunken horse race down the Street of Sisters," explained the Captain with the Small Council not looking happy in the slightest.
"Dreadful," commented Varys since such things were not becoming of the Capital of the Seven Kingdoms.
"If you can't keep the King's peace, then perhaps the City Watch should be commanded by someone who can," said Renly in a knowing and warning tone to make the Captain realize his position was in serious jeopardy.
"I just need more men. The City Watch and the Kingsguard can only handle so much with a populace that outnumbers us several times over," replied the Captain knowing that while many followed the laws, there were those who slipped through, and got away with it due to the limited number of those who could enforce the laws.
"You'll get 50 additional men. Lord Baelish will see to it they are paid for," commanded Ned with Petyr nodding.
"Of course," said Petyr while his mood today and the last few were not his best.
Not surprising when Stark men under the command of the Hand came into his office at his most successful brothel with the Sage out in front and taking every ledger he had. Of course, Petyr had protested at first, saying this was highly irregular, but one of the Stark men named Jory pointed his sword at Littlefinger, and warned him this was approved by the King himself once Ned brought it to his attention. So to keep his position as Master of Coin and not be charged with treason, Petyr Baelish had to suppress whatever protest his mouth wanted to project on the issue.
At least for now. The King visited many of his establishments over the years and been with many of his whores. Sooner or later, Petyr was confident he could call in a major favor from the King using one if not multiple whores the man favored in each one of his establishments.
"I'll also give you 20 men from my own household guard until the crowds have left when the tournament is over," added Ned with the Captain nodding.
Thank you, my Lord Hand sir. They will be put to good use," said the Captain of the City Watch before he bowed and left.
"The sooner this is over the better. I have more important things to do then spend my days fussing over a tournament that shouldn't be happening in the first place," remarked Ned with Naruto agreeing with him from his position from behind the man while leaning against a wall.
"While true Lord Stark, it is a necessity in these dire times. The realm prospers from such events. They give knights a chance at glory and gold outside of the battlefield. And the lowly smallfolk a chance of respite from their usual woes," replied Varys since he knew such things were wonderful, yet temporary distractions from the many problems within King's Landing.
"As of right now, every Inn. in the city is filled to capacity. And the whores in all of the brothels are running bowlegged if not close to it," said Baelish with Ned glaring at him.
"And I'm sure new customer helps in putting a many great deal of coins within your own pockets Lord Baelish. Now if there is nothing else my Lords, I have other more important matters to attend to right now," said Ned before he dismissed the Small Council.
"Uh, this heat. On days like this, I envy you Northerners with your Summer snow, Until tomorrow my Lords," said Pycelle after getting up and slowly trudging his way out the door.
"Actually Grand Maester, I was hoping to talk to you about Jon Arryn," said Ned while Pycelle frowned and turned fully to face him.
"Lord Arryn? Well, his death was a great sadness to us all. I took personal charge of his care, but alas I could not save him in his more dire moment. The sickness that struck him hit very hard. Very hard indeed. And very fast. I actually saw him in my chambers the night just before he past. Lord Arryn often came to me for council on what he considered to be delicate matters," said Pycelle calmly while Naruto narrowed his three eyes over the exact timing of when this happened.
"Council on what exactly?" asked Naruto curiously.
"Well, from what I recall of the night question, Lord Jon Arryn was inquiring strangely enough about a book that was in my possession," explained Pycelle with both Naruto and Ned frowning.
"A book? What book did he ask about?" asked Ned since he knew Jon well enough to know whatever this book held was important.
"Ah, I fear it would be of little interest to you my Lord. A ponderous tomb few ever take up to read since its more of a record book then anything," said Pycelle while Naruto and Ned became more interested.
"No. I would like to read it. If Jon thought it was an interesting read I would like to see it too," said Ned with Pycelle looking a bit reluctant, but conceded nonetheless, and showed them into his office before handing them the book in question.
"Why would Jon Arryn be interested in this book? Its a record of all the Lords and Kings years past with their bloodline traits," questioned Naruto with Ned nodding since he did not see the significance of the book.
"As I said, my Lord, Great Sage, it is a ponderous read for such a ponderous tomb. It was collecting dust for some time prior to Jon Arryn wanting to read it," explained Pycelle, as he walked over to his chair to sit down.
"Did Jon Arryn even mention why he wanted the book in the first place?" asked Ned with Pycelle shaking his head no.
"He did not my Lord. I did not presume to ask. I felt it wasn't my place to inquire about his sudden curiosity," answered Pycelle with Ned and Naruto looking at each other.
"Just before Jon died, did he say anything in his final hour of life?" asked Ned since he knew how men said things, important things just before death came, and Jon struck him as someone who would given his long years of service.
"Nothing of real importance my Lord. But, there was one phrase he kept on repeating to me over and over again. I believe it was 'the seed is strong.' and he was looking off into the distance. As if he saw something in that final hour that I could not," answered Pycelle while Ned frowned at this.
"The seed is strong?" questioned Ned while looking at page he was reading in the book.
"Do you have any idea what it could mean Grand Maester?" asked Naruto with Pycelle shrugging.
"Oh, the dying mind are sadly of the demented kind Great Sage. For all the wake they are given, last words are usually as significant as their very first sentences as an infant in terms of trying to understand them. Sadly, Lord Arryn's last few words in that final hour make no more sense to me then a baby saying his or her first sentence," said Pycelle, but Naruto narrowed his eyes since he found that hard to believe.
"And you are quite certain he died of a natural illness?" questioned Ned with Pycelle looking up at him.
"Of course. What else could it have been?" asked Pycelle with Naruto narrowing his eyes further at the bead of sweat that went down the old man's temple.
"Poison comes to mind," said Naruto to gauge the old man's reaction.
"Disturbing thought to be sure. But...no. No. No. I don't think poison is likely the case here. The former Hand was loved by all. What sort of man would dare do that to Lord Jon Arryn?" asked Pycelle while shaking his head.
"I have heard poison is more of a woman's weapon because it is the least suspected form of killing an unsuspecting target," replied Ned with Pycelle conceding that fact.
"Yes. Women, cravens, and eunuchs are the ones who use such means to kill. Did you know Lord Varys is a eunuch?" questioned Pycelle offhandedly at the end.
"Everybody knows that," said Ned before left with Naruto to look at the book in much greater detail.
"The timing of Jon Arryn's death coinciding with acquiring this book is too much of a coincidence. Whatever Jon was looking into was connected to this book and something else we have yet to see or discover," commented Naruto with Ned nodding fully with his opinion on the matter.
"Agreed. Jon was looking into the lineage of the great Houses of Westeros for a reason. Whatever he suspected or discovered is in this book. If not a piece of the greater puzzle," said Ned while they headed for the Tower of the Hand.
"My looking into Littlefinger's ledgers has shown the man is indeed funneling money out of the Crown to somewhere else entirely. He's been moving vast amounts of money with incredible secrecy into various businesses and banks while taking out loan after loan from either Tywin Lannister or the Iron Bank of Braavos. He has the debt owed by the Iron Bank setup to be long term contract based loans under the pretense all the loans will be paid with additional interest when called in. At the same time, I noticed other markings in the ledgers indicating he has also been buying up the debts himself from the Iron Bank. No doubt using the vast wealth he's made using his high class brothels," said Naruto with Ned now frowning.
"This is bad. We should inform Robert of this," said Ned while Naruto disagreed.
"And say what? Littlefinger is bleeding the Crown dry of funds? You try to explain this all to Robert in detail and he'll wave it off as immaterial. Besides, who is to say Robert won't excuse it due to being a regular customer at Littlefinger's brothels and enjoyed his vast selection of whores there?" questioned Naruto with Ned frowning further.
"Robert would never excuse Littlefinger for this treachery. Its practically treason due to it weakening the Crown financially," countered Ned with Naruto scoffing.
"And he'll order you to fix it while at the very least remove Petyr from his service as the Master of Coin. Which in the end will make things worse because there is no one else to replace him as Master of Coin. Such a massive hole in the Small Council will create more problems then remove them. Not to mention Littlefinger will still be the owner of every single brothel with such high level clients with wealth and power to match in making our lives extremely difficult," Naruto shot back with Ned not liking this, even if it was true.
"What do we do? Lord Baelish cannot keep his position as Master of Coin. Not for long at any rate," questioned Ned with Naruto nodding.
"I agree. I have only scratched the surface in the first ledger to know the man is crooked and I can only imagine what else I will find with the others," said Naruto before the two came up Arya balancing on one foot at the top of the stairs.
"Syrio knows a water dancer who can stand on one foot for hours," said Arya while she was trying to keep her balance on the step.
"Its a hard fall down these steps. Be careful not to hurt yourself too much," said Ned to his youngest daughter who smirked.
Syrio says every hurt is a lesson and every lesson makes you better," replied Arya while Naruto nodded in agreement since he had those type of lesson in his life.
"Very true. It was the same for me when I was growing up and learning new things," said Naruto with approval in his voice.
"Tomorrow, I'm chasing cats!" declared Arya to Ned's surprise and Naruto's amusement.
"Chasing cats? Syrio says I presume?" questioned Ned with Arya nodding.
"He says every swordsman should study cats. They are quiet as shadows and as light as feathers. You have to be quick to catch them!" stated Arya while she greatly enjoyed her "dancing lessons" as they had been called to fool her sister and Lady Mordane of the truth since neither would approve.
"Keep practicing Arya. I'll visit you and your teacher soon enough to see your progress," said Naruto with the girl beaming with pride at gaining his attention as a possible student in swordsmanship from him.
She couldn't wait to prove herself worthy of learning from him.
(A/N: YAY! Another chapter. Damn I'm on a serious roll! HA! Did you guys see the first episode of season six? That was crazy messed up freaky shit! But in a good sort of way. I seriously hope those assholes who betrayed Jon get what they deserve. I'm on the edge of my seat since no one knows who will die next. Doran is now dead and so is his son (you should never have your back to a woman with a spear instead of the whip) too. At least Sansa is safe. Podrick showed his metal and was holding himself pretty well against the forces of House Bolton. So much shit has gone down and its only the start of season six! You can tell right away that a lot of people are going to die this season if the first episode is anything to go by. And I mean A LOT! Until next time...PEACE!)