Chapter 14-Moving Forward
(Essos-City of Astapor)
Daenerys Targaryen was walking with Jorah right beside her. She kept her face impassive while walking like a ruler should. The events of Qarth played out in her mind, as she had heard Jorah's advice to leave soon, and ordered him to find a ship with a good Captain who would take her to Astapor. Unfortunately, the advice had come too late, as Xaro had made an alliance with the Warlocks from the House of the Undying to work together in taking control of Qarth. With the dragons returning, the Warlocks felt their magic return, and the closer the dragons were to them, the more powerful their magic became when used.
She lost many of her Khalasar that day when returning to the house with one missing among the dead. Only to find said person, a woman named Doreah, who Xaro had easily seduced to his bed. He had promised the woman his complete protection after explaining to the naive woman how Daenerys would be killed for resisting the Warlocks and the only way to survive was to side with him.
Unfortunately, for them anyway, Daenerys proved the power of her House's blood was more powerful then the Warlocks, and crushed them in the House of the Undying. After she reclaimed her three dragons, Daenerys along with Jorah, and the rest of her loyal Khalasar had confronted Xaro and Doreah. For their betrayal, she had them locked up in an empty vault, the same empty vault Xaro had used to try, and convince Daenerys was filled with vast wealth. Wealth that would be her IF she were to marry him.
That had been months ago and by now they were long dead from starvation.
As for herself, she was currently being given a tour of the barracks housing the Unsullied slave army the Master of Astapor spent years training. At first, Daenerys had no concept of what a slave army was, or that one could even exist since the concept of an army of slaves fighting for one person without a reason was foreign to her.
But seeing them here for the first time was something she did not expect either.
"The Unsullied have stood here for a day and a night with no food or water. They will stand until they drop, such is their obedience," said the slave girl Missandei while she was walking in front of Daenerys and beside her Master, Kraznys Mo Nakloz.
"They may suit my needs. Tell me of their training," said Daenerys, who on the advice of Jorah, she played the role of someone interested in buying a slave army, or at the very least a small contingent of bodyguards.
The Westerosi woman is pleased with them, but speaks no praise to keep the price down. She wishes to know how they are trained," said Missandei in old Valyrian since it was standard practice to speak to the client in their language and translate in the other to her Master since few in Westeros spoke such an ancient tongue.
It also gave her Master leeway to insult the client without them knowing it and act quite smug in the process knowing she would provide a much politer version of his words.
"Tell her what she needs to know and be quick. The day is hot," said Master Kraznys in a sharp tone while he waved a fan at his face to keep the intense heat from the day from overwhelming him.
"They being their training at the age of 5. Everyday they drill from dawn to dusk until they have mastered the short sword, the shield, and the three spears. Only one boy in four survives this rigorous training. Their discipline and loyalty is absolute. The Unsullied fear nothing," said Missandei since she knew the routine by heart from seeing it herself and what her Master had told her repeatedly to say to clients who visited with such questions in mind.
"Even the bravest of men fear death," remarked Jorah knowing many men who were all battle hardened feared death in some capacity.
"The knight says even brave men fear death," said Missandei while Master Kraznys let a sneer appear on his tanned face.
"Tell the old man he smells like piss," commanded Master Kraznys rudely with Missandei looking at him in shock and slight concern.
"Truly, Mast...," said Missandei, but a sharp glance told to her shut up and listen.
"No, not truly. Are you a girl or goat to ask such a thing?" asked Kraznys with a hint of annoyance in his voice.
"My Master says the Unsullied are not men like those you know. Death means nothing to them," replied Missandei to cover for her near slip and knew she would soon pay for it later depending on whether this woman before them bought any Unsullied.
To further prove the Unsullied were everything people claimed, Master Kraznys showed their high tolerance for pain by walking over to one, and cutting off the nipple. Daenerys was horrified at the sight and even more so that the Unsullied who had been mutilated did not scream when others surely would in his place. It became apparent to her that the pain the man had just gone through was minor compared to the other hardships he had gone through in his training.
'Just how much pain do they go through each day to the point where something like this means absolutely nothing to them?' thought Daenerys while seeing a fraction of men before her being turned into mere tools and weapons for war.
"To win his shield, an Unsullied must go into the slave market with a silver coin, find a newborn, and kill it before its mother's eyes," said Missandei with Daenerys looking even more horrified.
A life of an innocent baby wasted at such a young age all for that? To test the soldier they were training had been conditioned to be without a mind or heart to call their own? What barbarism was this?!
"You'd take a baby from its Mother's arms, kill its as she watches, and then pay her for the trouble with a silver coin?" asked Daenerys with her disgust for the practice and the sadness of the innocent babies lost in the process showing in her voice.
"She is offended? She asks if you pay the coin to the Mother, for her dead baby," said Missandei in old Valyria to her Master.
"What a soft mewing fool this one is," commented Master Kraznys while his dislike of Daenerys being clear in his tone of voice.
"My Master would like you to know the silver coin is paid to the baby's owner, not the Mother," said Missandei while Daenerys looked at the man with a glare, even if the arrogant Master didn't see it.
"How many do you have to sell?" asked Daenerys while seeing the woman translate and the Master held up eight fingers.
One thousand Unsullied per finger.
"Tell the Westerosi whore she has until tomorrow," commanded Kraznys while knowing this woman was not the only client he had who wanted to buy Unsullied and as such did not have to give her any special treatment.
Not that he had to any of his previous clients in the first place.
"Master Kraznys asks that you please hurry. Many other buyers are interested," translated Missandei politely knowing that the woman in front of her would not be pleased to hear the exact wording of what Master Kraznys said.
With their meeting concluded, Master and slave girl walked away from the two, and left them to decide on what to do about the Unsullied. Jorah knew what they were from a military standpoint. A means to an end. Soldiers born, bred, and trained to fight for the one who could afford it until the day these men died. Their bloodline dying with them once their life ends. As for Daenerys herself, she instantly knew how many babies were ended to bring about the creation of this army of Unsullied in the number of 8,000 slaves trained to fight for the Master who bought them.
"8,000 dead babies. How many lives were ended just to train these men to blindly obey their future Master?" said Daenerys in disgust.
"The Unsullied are a means to an end," remarked Jorah with Daenerys not looking at all pleased by his choice of words.
"Once I own them, these men...," whispered Daenerys quietly in sadness.
"They aren't men. Not anymore. They stopped being men the moment the blade was put to the thing that made them male at the time of their birth," replied Jorah sadly knowing these soldiers wouldn't be able to know the intimacy with a woman.
"Once I own an army of slaves, what will I be?" asked Daenerys knowing history had a way of writing people as villains even when they weren't.
"You think these slave will have better lives serving Kraznys and men like him? Or by serving you? You will be fair to them. You will not mutilate them to make a point. You won't order them to murder babies. You will see them properly fed and sheltered. A great injustice was done to them. But you will undo it. Not all of it, but enough to give them the dignity, and the respect that they deserve. That they were denied all their lives," said Jorah with Daenerys thinking over his words in her head.
Their attention was slightly diverted to a little girl playing with a ball nearby and said girl losing her grip on the object now rolling toward them. The girl smiled and motioned for Daenerys to pick it up and saw the Mother of Dragons doing just that.
Only for a kunai to land between her and the ball.
"I wouldn't if I were you," remarked a figure less then 10 feet from them.
"Great Sage!" exclaimed Daenerys while looking at him and then at the girl, who snarled at them, and showed her teeth were not unlike those of the Warlock in the House of the Undying.
"You made enemies among the Warlocks after rescuing your dragons in the House of the Undying. Though they should know better in taking what doesn't belong to them," replied Naruto calmly while the fake child assassin fled from their sight.
"Should we pursue?" asked Jorah while his hand was on the hilt of his sword.
"No. There is no point. Besides, we should focus on what just happened earlier with the Unsullied. Trying to build an army I see," answered Naruto with Daenerys nodding.
"We both know I need one. I can't return to Westeros as I am and with what I have now for a Khalasar," replied Daenerys with Naruto nodding in agreement.
"No argument there. Still, I can tell the idea of commanding a slave army does not appeal to you. As it shouldn't since such an army is for the cruelest of people. All the same, you need the army regardless of your personal feelings about the Unsullied," said Naruto, as he saw Daenerys thinking things over in her head.
"There is also the issue of paying for them. We have nowhere near enough money to buy 8,000 Unsullied soldiers," remarked Jorah knowing the fake gold used to get them a ship to Astapor wouldn't fool anyone here since gold was looked at from top to bottom to ensure it was indeed the genuine element.
"There are other things one might use in place of the gold or silver," commented Naruto while giving Daenerys a knowing look.
"You don't mean...?" questioned Daenerys after a moment of realization.
"Yes I do. The Masters will not turn such an opportunity down to have one for 8,000 Unsullied," replied Naruto with Daenerys not liking the idea.
"They will push for more then just one," Daenerys shot back.
"And you will tell them they get only one. Not two. Not three. One. Make sure they know its either one or none," said Naruto knowing Daenerys held all the cards with what she had to trade with.
"If they can't have three, the Masters will want the biggest one," remarked Jorah since he had an idea of what they were currently discussing.
"And Daenerys here will agree. Also, see if you can get the slave girl who translated for the Master earlier. Missandei I believe is her name. A woman like that knows many key things about Essos and what goes on here on this side of the world. A slave with her kind of responsibilities allows her to know things she didn't realize were so important to even know due to her status as a slave," replied Naruto with Daenerys nodding.
"You do know neither of the three dragons will take too kindly in being departed from their Mother," remarked Jorah with Naruto looking at him and it was clear the masked man had a cruel smile behind it.
"I know. Especially Drogon. He shows signs of a mean temper. If all goes according to plan, Daenerys will get her army and more," said Naruto while walking beside Jorah and Daenerys.
"Not to be rude Great Sage, but why are you here now of all times?" asked Daenerys while Naruto shrugged.
"I'm not really here. The real me is still in Westeros. You are talking to what is called a Shadow Clone, which is a copy of the real me. When I am gone, whether through being 'killed', or simply running out of energy, all my memories will go to the original. I was sent here to help take a more active role in what you are doing here in Essos," said Naruto with Daenerys looking surprised by this.
"Did something happen in Westeros to make you want to take a more active part in this 'game' we are in?" asked Daenerys with Naruto sighing.
"The real me has come to the conclusion that standing by to watch things play out is not the best thing to do right now. It was at first, but everything escalated out of control with the betraying, backstabbing, the war, the killings, the deaths, and overall violence he was seeing. Frankly, the real me had enough of it, and decided it was time to with things in a more direct manner," answered Naruto while Jorah frowned.
"Does this have anything to do with Stannis Baratheon being killed a few months ago?" asked Jorah suspiciously.
"Yes. Let's just say he and the Red Woman did something that forced my hand in being more active," answered Naruto while his tone told the two people with him to leave it alone.
"Will you be with us when the deal is being made to buy the Unsullied?" asked Daenerys curiously.
"Yes. I have more then enough energy to travel with you on your journey. Not to mention aiding you in getting back to Westeros with the army needed to protect you," said Naruto and left it at that.
"Will Ned Stark relinquish the Iron Throne and name me Queen if I ask him?" questioned Daenerys with Naruto shrugging.
"It depends. You aren't the only candidate right now to sit on the damn chair. Though he doesn't really care about it and just wants to rule over his House when legitimized," said Naruto with Daenerys frowning.
"My competition for the Iron Throne is a bastard?" asked Daenerys in disbelief.
"King Robert's oldest one actually. Gendry I believe. Nice lad. A tad shy and uncertain, but its to be expected given his life living in King's Landing as a bastard, and never knowing who his Father was until recently. Like I mentioned earlier, he doesn't care for the Iron Throne despite the option of becoming his Father's legitimate Heir. He'd rather be the future Lord of House Baratheon and seek to put the rest of his half brother and half sisters under his protection. So while you do have competition, the man in question will most likely step aside for someone more qualified to have it," answered Naruto with Daenerys nodding.
"And what does Ned Stark have to say about Khaleesi?" asked Jorah since he knew Ned Stark was the only one allowed to choose who would sit on the Iron Throne.
"I spoke with him on the issue. He holds no hatred for Daenerys or House Targaryen as a whole. His hatred died with the Mad King and Rheagar Targaryen. In fact, when King Robert wanted you Daenerys here dead after learning of your pregnancy, Ned Stark was against it the entire way, and wanted no part in any assassination attempts made soon after," replied Naruto with Jorah glancing over at his Queen and then back at the masked man.
"So at best, Ned Stark is neutral in regards to my claim on the Iron Throne," surmised Daenerys with Naruto nodding.
"Indeed. But enough about that. We should rest and prepare for tomorrow when you have gained an army willing to fight for someone worthy. Also, I am going to assume given your Targaryen heritage you speak Old Valyrain, and as such know what the Master was really saying during your little meeting with him," replied Naruto before they left for the assigned dwellings they had acquired for the evening.
"I did. And considering what he said about me and everything else, I'm inclined to agree with your idea on how to get what I want from him," said Daenerys with a smirk on her face.
(Dragonstone-Sometime Later)
Ser Davos Seaworth was beside himself. His Lord and future King had been killed by the damn Red Woman. It was clear to Davos that whatever happened with the shadow demon he saw her spawn had not produced the results they were both hoping would happen. If they had, Renly Baratheon would be dead and a large portion of his army not of House Tyrell would now be under Stannis's command. But as things were, the army Renly had gathered of roughly 100,000 men still served the youngest of three Baratheon brothers, and the only one among them still alive.
And to make things worse, those who once followed Stannis had left him to join up with Renly to further bolster the man's army. Those that remained around Dragonstone were the one's converted into fanatics and had still believed in the Lord of Light. His own son Mattos being among them! But that was not what truly bothered Ser Davos so much as the aftermath of Stannis's death and the dissolving of his army.
No. His concern was the life of Lady Shireen Baratheon and to a lesser extent, the girl's Mother. But mainly Shireen was his greatest concern. The girl had been good to the old Onion Knight, never teasing him, or making fun of his various problems like not knowing how to read. If anything, she wanted him to learn how to read, and thus not be considered lower then others who could or had a higher station then himself.
And right now she was vulnerable. Assassins and religious fanatics seeking the life of a child in the belief it would grant them the power to return Stannis or the Red Woman back to life.
"Ser Davos, its a miracle!" said one of the Knights in the castle.
"What? What has happened?" asked Davos while looking fearful regarding whatever was considered a "miracle" these days.
"Its Lady Shireen. She's...She's...," replied the Knight while not being able to finish his sentence.
"What?! What has happened man? Spit it out or so help me I'll beat your bloody ass to death!" commanded Davos while grabbing the man by his shoulder armor.
"Its her face. Its...Its...healed!" exclaimed the Knight with Davos frowning.
"Healed?" questioned Davos in confusion.
"Yes. It is completely healed. No more grayscale. Lady Selyse can't believe it. None of us can. Clearly the Lord of Light has granted King Stannis's daughter a miracle," replied the Knight while Davos frowned.
"King Stannis is dead and by the hands of the Red Woman. Whoever or whatever healed Lady Shireen, the Lord of Light had nothing to do with it," replied Davos before he went to see the girl himself.
"Ser Davos! You are back!" exclaimed Shireen happily in the Main Hall of Dragonstone with a big smile on her face, as she ran from her Mother to him, and gave the man a big hug.
"Aye, my Lady. Though I come back with bad news. I don't know if you heard it, but your Father...your Father is dead," replied Davos sadly while seeing the little girl's eyes become saddened by the news.
"Impossible! Stannis is the Lord of Light's Chosen! His Champion!" protested Selyse angrily at Davos for speaking such nonsense.
"He was killed by the Red Woman. They were found dead together in their war tent with stab wounds in both of their bodies," said Davos while Selyse was in shock and took a few steps back.
"But...Stannis...he...the Lord of Light...," whispered Selyse while seemingly going into a catatonic state.
"It was the Great Sage," replied Shireen at last.
"What?" asked Davos while leaning down to look at her.
"The Great Sage visited me in my room using his magic. He healed my face. He also told me of my Father's death," said Shireen while Davos saw she had eyes of acceptance when in regards to her Father's death.
"He told you of your Father's death?" asked Davos carefully with Shireen nodding.
"Yes. He said Father and the strange Red Woman had an argument over using her magic in a dishonorable way. That my Father was not going to stand for it any longer," replied Shireen with Davos not saying anything for a moment before giving her a small smile.
"That sounds just like your Father," replied Davos while giving the girl another hug.
"I'll miss him. Father might have been cold, but he was a good man deep down. I know he loved me despite what happened to my face," replied Shireen with Davos nodding.
"Aye, Stannis did love you. People can say your Father is many things, but no one can say he didn't love you my Lady," said Davos while he saw Shireen smiling again.
"I have already contacted Uncle Renly and asked for peace between us. I do not wish to fight him and we do not have the might to oppose his army. I know he is a good man and will accept it," replied Shireen with Davos nodding in agreement since Renly was a fair man and wouldn't harm his innocent niece.
After excusing himself to his own quarters, Ser Davos locked the door to his room, and looked out the window to see land around him that was Dragonstone. It had been and still was a terrifying fortress. Taken from the Targaryens when King Robert was waging his war and rebellion against them.
"I know you are here. I may not have magic in my blood or the skill for it, but I know a man well enough to know when I'm about to be paid a visit," said Davos at last before turning around a few seconds later.
And saw the masked Sage himself standing there.
"You're a smart man. I knew you could read between the lines during a conversation with someone," remarked Naruto with Davos looking at him in anger.
"I maybe unable to read books, but reading people is a skill few in my position can claim to possess," said Davos while keeping his anger in check.
"Indeed. Shireen spoke only positive things about you when we talked. She clearly wants you to reach your full potential in life. Lady Shireen will even help make that happen if its within her power," replied Naruto calmly with Davos's eyes going soft at the mention of the girl.
"She's a bright light in this dark place. Such joy at seeing friends and family when they enter the room. I curse the day someone tries to end her life and remove such light from the world," said Davos while giving Naruto a knowing look.
"Calm yourself Ser Davos. I have no intention of killing Lady Shireen. Not when I spent the time to heal her face of the grayscale," remarked Naruto calmly.
"Yet you killed King Stannis and made it look like the Red Woman had done it," accused Davos with Naruto shrugging in a "so what?" type manner.
"Considering what Stannis had the Red Woman recently do, he deserved to die for his crimes. They both did after what they tried to pull against Renly. You know what he did Ser Davos. I know you did. Even now, the stench of the Red Woman, and the energy she released when birthing the shadow demon still lingers on you," countered Naruto with Davos looking pale now.
"I see. So you know I was there. Is that why you are here? To kill me too?" asked Davos while reaching for his sword.
"No. I have no intention of ending your life here today Ser Davos Seaworth. Why would I? Lady Shireen Baratheon adores you and she no doubt will need your guidance in the years to come as her most trusted of Advisors. Why would I bring more sadness to that little girl then I already have with the death of her Father?" replied Naruto with Davos slowly removing his hand from his sword, but still eyed the masked man carefully.
"So why are you here? To gloat? Tell me that Stannis was mad and the Red Woman was a fucking cunt I should have killed when I had the chance?" asked Ser Davos with Naruto shaking his head no.
"Nothing like that. I am here to see that you understand the reasons for my actions. Word will get out about Stannis and his kinslaying attempt on Renly. His honor tainted at the highest level by his actions that the only alternative is the Wall to live in shame or to the executioner's block where he will die in shame. My actions in covering up what I did will at least remove the original taint of his actions for the most part. So long as we stay silent on the issue, Lady Shireen will not know further pain from her Father's ambitious actions, and House Baratheon will not be sullied further for it," explained Naruto with Ser Davos nodding his head.
"I understand it, but that doesn't mean I have to fucking like it," Davos shot back.
"I know Ser Davos. I didn't want to do that to Shireen. But her own Father was willing to kill his own brother for a claim to the Iron Throne. Does that really sound like a good King to you? If Stannis was willing to go that far to try becoming King of Westeros, do you really think he will be good for the smallfolk? The same smallfolk, who would be made sacrifices for the Lord of Light? We both know many would suffer under Stannis's rule and even more with Melisandre at his side whispering into his ear. Could you stand by and let her do that Ser Davos? Let the Red Woman whisper into his ear how heretics and nonbelievers throughout the Seven Kingdoms should burn in the name of the Lord of Light? To be similar to the Mad King and his fascination with fire?" questioned Naruto with Davos looking away.
"No. I couldn't stand by and watch that woman destroy Stannis. I would kill her. Even if it meant my death in the end. So long as the King I served was safe," replied Davos while Naruto smiled.
"A good man. One needed to help Shireen become the Lady of Dragonstone I know she can be when older," said Naruto with approval in his voice.
"I know Lord Renly to be a good man. Many would not flock to him if he wasn't one. But in your own opinion, will he spare Shireen from being punished for her Father's actions?" questioned Ser Davos with worry.
"Of course! She's an innocent girl, who has done nothing wrong to her Uncle in all of this family infighting. You will protect Shireen here in Dragonstone and I will keep an eye on Renly on my end in case he does try something despite the unlikely possibility of it ever happening," said Naruto with Davos nodding.
"Right. I suppose it helps to be prepared, even if nothing does happen. It's better then the alternative of something happening and not being ready for it," replied Davos knowing in his own experience it was for the best.
"Spoken like a man who has learned to have a sharp mind and a wit to match. I will see you around Ser Davos," said Naruto before vanished seconds later.
"Fucking magic," whispered Davos to himself before letting out a sigh.
(With Tywin Lannister)
The Lord of Casterly Rock and Warden of the West was not happy. Not in the slightest. Since this war began, things have been going down for House Lannister. The North had brought all its banners together to wage war with his army and the North was winning! To make things worse, House Baratheon was amassing their armies and the victor of that internal house struggle would march against him! And to make matters worse, they had his son Jaime in their hands, and were not going to give him up anytime soon.
And to his surprise, it was Renly Baratheon of all people who won over Stannis. Though the way it happened was an even greater surprise and so was the failed tactic Stannis had used to kill his own brother. Who would have thought the second eldest Baratheon would have it in him to make an attempt at killing his own brother? Even Tywin in his darkest of days never considered the idea or notion of killing his own brother Kevan and he could safely say the same for his brother.
'Then again, the Red Woman from Essos might have something to do with that particular sinful move on Stannis's part. But the fact this war is not going to go in our favor with Renly having the numbers needed to crush my army doesn't help either,' thought Tywin with his tired eyes looking at table that held his map showing the armies currently put in position at different places throughout the Seven Kingdoms.
Renly's army had grown and would soon move to fight beside the North, who had sent a sizeable portion of their forces back North to defend it from the Ironborn. From what he could gather, House Greyjoy's attempts to crush the North had failed miserably so far thanks to the army sent back defending the key places where the enemy would land to do their raiding, pillaging, raping, and other vile acts the Kraken was known for when they attacked others.
There was also the issue of Holster Tully's health going on a decline and it wouldn't be long before the man finally died and his son Edmure Tully became the Lord of Riverrun. If anything, the North would move its army back to pay tribute to Holster Tully at his funeral when the elderly man eventually died so Tywin would gain a small reprieve from that. Unfortunately, the new issue of Renly Baratheon and his army marching against him would make it a very short reprieve. If anything, news of Renly's army marching against House Lannister would no doubt make many within his own army abandon him in the hope of being shown mercy by Renly when surrendering.
In short, House Lannister was losing, and losing badly!
He needed a miracle.
"You look like you've seen better days Lord Tywin Lannister," remarked Naruto while appearing out of nowhere.
"I would normally call for my men, but something tells me you have blinded them with your magic before your coming in here, and us having this very conversation," replied Tywin calmly though he was anything but calm right now.
"Considering I want this conversation to stay between us, I think it would be best not to have any unwanted interruptions," said Naruto with Tywin nodding before he motioned for the Sage sit down across from him.
"I would think you were here to kill me, but the fact I am still alive within a minute of your arrival means you are here to talk," surmised Tywin with Naruto nodding.
"Yes. I got Tyrion's letter. He wants peace between the warring Houses of Westeros and an end to the bloodshed. Something I think you wouldn't mind having considering how badly this war has been for your House in particular," replied Naruto with Tywin letting out a sigh.
"My army has lost one engagement after the next. The North has my son. Getting support from King's Landing when called for while Ned Stark sits on the Iron Throne as Regent. Renly Baratheon has his own massive army joining the 'King in the North' to combat my own. All the while, my daughter, and her Grandson have weakened my position back in Lannisport until my youngest child took over," remarked Tywin while keeping out just how expensive this war had become for his House.
With no gold left in the mines, all House Lannister did now was spend their money, but never made it back. Even the debt King Robert made could be considered void due to the war between House Lannister and House Stark now that Ned Stark was running things in King's Landing.
"Meaning peace is the best way for all sides to come out of this alive. Something I want to happen. This war should have never happened in the first place," replied Naruto with Tywin glaring at him.
"Of that, we can agree. My Grandson was meant to be King of the Seven Kingdoms, but you along with Ned Stark convinced Robert on his deathbed that none of Cersei's three children were his own. That she had conspired with others to murder the late Hand of the King Jon Arryn and other things against the North itself," countered Tywin with Naruto looking somewhat amused.
"And being the loving Father you are to your children, you don't believe for one moment that your daughter could have done the things she is accused of doing," surmised Naruto with Tywin scowling further.
"I know they haven't. My children know better then to challenge me on this. All three of them," countered Tywin with Naruto shaking his head.
"Bran Stark saw your twins being sexually intimate when King Robert was in the North and was pushed out of a tower for it. Grand Maester Pycelle and Petyr Baelish conspired with your daughter to poison Jon Arryn because he learned the truth. Honestly Tywin, I am actually a tad bit surprised you didn't see the truth given the appearance of Joffrey, Tommen, and Myrcella in appearances. All three of your Grandchildren sporting blonde hair and eyes of a Lannister. Not one Baratheon trait among them. What does that tell you?" asked Naruto with Tywin not looking the least bit amused.
"That the Lannister traits from my bloodline are stronger then those of a Baratheon from Robert's own," replied Tywin before Naruto pulled out the Book of Lineages on the Four Great Houses before handing it to him.
"Read it. All the Baratheons of Robert's ancestry. Always the same. Jon Arryn saw it in all twenty of Robert's bastards and even whispered 'the seed is strong' before his death," replied Naruto with Tywin frowning before he looked at the book and opened it to see King Robert's bloodline traits as a Baratheon were indeed the same before Joffrey.
"This still proves nothing. And Bran Stark is clearly a troubled boy who saw something that wasn't real," countered Tywin before he threw the book on the table between the two men.
"Oh Tywin, who are you trying to make a believer here? Me? Or you? We both know the traits of your Grandchildren can only happen if Cersei was with another man who had the same hair and eye color based traits at herself. Given how your daughter was guarded due to her title as Queen, there is only one blonde haired, green eyed male capable of being the Father, and that person just so happens to be...her own twin brother," replied Naruto with Tywin looking livid by his words.
"My children did not commit incest and have three bastard born children as a result. They are many things, but not that!" said Tywin in anger at the accusation.
"Even now, you still don't believe me. I knew you were prideful Tywin, but this...this is beyond what I expected of you. Denial and pride make strange bedfellows," remarked Naruto with a sigh.
"Says the Demon Sage who has allied with the Starks in usurping the Iron Throne from my Daughter and Grandson," challenged Tywin with Naruto scoffing.
"Oh get over yourself Tywin! Has it ever occurred to you that perhaps, the people doing what they are doing, are actually doing it because they are right?! That perhaps, we are telling the truth? When has Lord Stark ever been called a liar or had his honor as a Stark questioned? When have I EVER told you or anyone else something that wasn't true in the slightest? What do I gain from lying to you about this Tywin? Nothing! What does Ned Stark gain from lying? Nothing! He doesn't want the damn throne and neither do I! Robb Stark is basically King in the North right now and if allowed to stay that way will rule in the North. Not King's Landing! So tell me Tywin, why would we lie about this when it gains us nothing?!" demanded Naruto with Tywin about to speak, but shut his mouth, and when he tried to speak again, he shut it once more.
Tywin Lannister knew the masked man was right. It was clear to him the Sage and Ned Stark gained nothing from their supposed lie except a violent war. One they clearly did not want. One didn't want it because he had lived through two and didn't want a third, and the other man sitting in front of the Lord of the Lannisters held no such ambition to see multiple Houses clash against the other.
"You've made your point," whispered Tywin with an air of defeat in his tone of voice.
"I was hoping I would. As to who gained from this war with so many Houses fighting each other, the answer is the late Lord Baelish. He has been planning this for years ever since becoming Master of Coin on the Small Council. Putting the Crown in debt, gaining favors from the Lords who use his many brothels, and blackmailing others for the information he gets on them. The man planned to cripple many of the Major Houses through this war to eventually come out of it on top. Maybe even become King in the end just because his ambition alone has compelled him to do it," said Naruto while explaining to Tywin what else he found out about Baelish during their short time talking before ending the man's life.
"I see. So that is how he intended to hurt my House. Not through having more men with swords under his command, but by gutting my coin purse through this war, and the debt owed by the Iron Bank in the event House Lannister succeeded in taking the Iron Throne. If I wasn't so angry right now at being fooled by such conniving worm, I would actually feel some form of respect for the man," replied Tywin since he always respected the art of strategy, even questionable strategy, and this was one of those things.
"Which is why I'm trying to minimize the amount of damage he's done and keep the war from spreading out too far. Originally, I was only going to intervene at certain points, but recent events have forced my hand to be more...active in my approach to this problem. I am not simply going to intervene at certain points anymore Tywin. I intend to be on the frontlines if necessary to get my point across for everyone dancing to a dead man tune to make peace," said Naruto with Tywin grimacing since he knew that the Sage in front of him being more active could mean more dead Lannisters.
"When and where should these peace talks take place?" asked Tywin knowing his pride as a Lannister would not do well here.
"At King's Landing and in two weeks from now so you can get your necessary affairs in order. You are to come with a personal escort of ten men as your bodyguards. No more. No less. The same will be asked of both Renly Baratheon and Robb Stark. You will also bring two of your children Cersei and Tyrion with you to these peace talks because it involves them too. Joffrey as well since from what I hear, he's been a bad little false King in training under his Mother's ever watchful eye. Your brother Kevan Lannister will stay behind to keep the remaining Lannister army in check. I know Armory Lorch has been captured recently by Robb Stark will bring Jaime since they have him prisoner. They will be bringing both of them here to face justice for his crimes against Riverrun on your orders. Don't look at me like that. Varys and his little birds told me as much so don't even try bothering to deny it. You gave the order for that little stunt in order to draw out Ned Stark onto the battlefield. It only failed due to an injury he got fighting your son Jaime," replied Naruto with Tywin now sighing and muttering curses regarding Varys and his "little birds" knowing things they shouldn't.
"I understand Jaime, Cersei, and even Joffrey needed for this meeting. But why Tyrion? Out of all my children, I was under the impression he was the only one you liked during your time traveling with him," questioned Tywin with Naruto nodding since the dwarfish man had a considerable mind and wit to match when not drowning it in wine.
"And I do. I still do. But I also believe Tyrion should be there since this is a family affair involving him as well, given how he was used by others to help cause the sparks intended to kick start a war. Whether you accept him as such or not, Tyrion Lannister is still your son. Excluding him would be an insult to his person and make others believe he is of no importance when it comes to being a Lannister. Something which we know is not true," said Naruto with Tywin nodding.
"Tyrion has proven his worth in ruling Lannisport well. From what my agents there have reported to me, my youngest son has gained back the loyalty of the people in the city, and they will remain loyal to my House for the most part so long as he is alive. He's far better at ruling then Cersei or Joffrey for that matter," remarked Tywin with Naruto nodding.
"All the more reason to have him at the peace talks. He is a brilliant man when put in the right position where his talents can be used properly. His mind is sharp when not clouded from too much wine and women. Both I understand he has been cutting back on since his appointment to ruling over Lannisport in your name," said Naruto with Tywin smiling with a hint of pride knowing his youngest was actually showing his potential for a change rather then squandering it.
"Can you guarantee us safe passage to King's Landing for the peace talks?" asked Tywin with Naruto nodding.
"I already talked it over with Ned Stark. Everyone at the meeting will follow the rules I set since I am the only real neutral party in all of this. The meeting itself will take place in the Red Keep in the Small Council room. Ned Stark will of course be acting as Regent and will be assisting in the mediations between House Baratheon and House Lannister. I will be handling things between House Lannister and House Stark to avoid any conflict of interest," answered Naruto with Tywin nodding since it was the best he could hope for in this case.
"There is a small issue regarding my nephew Lancel Lannister. My brother's son," added Tywin with Naruto shaking his head.
"Lancel admitted to everyone his involvement in providing the pure potent wine Cersei gave him to give to King Robert to drink, which helped in murdering him on a hunt. The boy has already agreed to take the Black to atone for his crimes and was sent to the Wall. At the very least, your brother can visit his son after the peace between all of the warring Houses has been resolved. Is that reasonable?" replied Naruto with Tywin nodded since he knew it was the best option for his brother at this point.
At least his nephew wasn't dead. Granted, he would have to forsake his titles, and rights as a Lannister away, but it kept him off the executor's block. That was enough.
"I will tell him. Kevan has been concerned with his son's safety and feared for his life since the events in the throne room ended with your actions," remarked Tywin while he saw Naruto shrug.
"Family is important. I understand that. I respect that. I also know that your nephew was just a pawn in Cersei's plan to have Robert killed before Ned Stark could tell the man the truth about Joffrey, Myrcella, and Tommen not being his children. Family shouldn't use other family members as pawns for their personal ambitions," said Naruto firmly in that belief and saw Tywin nod since it was the kind of way of thinking that led to kinslaying.
"If that will be all, I need to make arrangements to prepare for what is to come in two weeks time," said Tywin while Naruto got up and nodded.
"I understand. I will see you in two weeks should nothing impede the peace talks. If all goes well, fewer men have to die in the future, and go back to their wives and children sooner," said Naruto before he vanished from Tywin's sight and the world around the Lord of House Lannister sensed the world was once again moving around him.
(King's Landing-Red Keep-Small Council Room)
"From what I have heard from my little birds, all parties have agreed to the peace talks, and are making preparations as we speak," said Varys with Ned nodding.
"I know my son will do what is asked of him. Its Renly and Tywin which concerns me," said Ned while Varys nodded.
"Agreed, which is why my birds are keeping a close eye on those two in off chance they do try something Lord Regent. Though Tywin Lannister is more inclined to try anything once his son is secured," said Varys calmly.
"Not to speak out of turn, but what about other places throughout the Seven Kingdoms? What of the Reach and House Tyrell? They married their daughter off to a man who they presumed would be King of the Seven Kingdoms and have one of their own become its Queen. There is also the issue of House Arryn with Lady Lysa demanding the Sage's head for killing Lord Baelish despite Littlefinger's many crimes against the crown under King Robert's rule," remarked Ser Barristan since many of these meeting surrounded one or both of the mentioned Houses recently.
"The Tyrells won't mind. Renly and Lady Margery will eventually have a child together to further the relation between their Houses. When they do, I'm sure said child, depending on the gender, will be put into some kind of arranged marriage. Most likely into the royal family that will one day claim the Iron Throne," answered Naruto since he was the one who had suggested this meeting to report the goods and any other following it.
"The Tyrells have always enjoyed playing kingmaker so long as the King they put on the throne has a Queen with Tyrell blood in it. The Gods know they've nearly married into it with House Targaryen two generations back during Lady Margery's Grandmother time with the Queen of Thorns herself," said Varys since this was known to him long ago.
"Olenna Tyrell was smart not to marry a Targaryen since Robert won the war and would have killed any child of Targaryen blood she or her own children sired," remarked Ned with a sigh soon after and wished to be back in the North again.
"Yes. No doubt Armory Lorch and the late Gregor Clegane would have had a hand in that particular action if given the chance," remarked Varys while knowing those two were not shy in spilling the blood of men, infants, children, and women.
"What of the Lords of the Vale? What will they do regarding Lady Lysa Arryn? Surely they know why Littlefinger was killed?" asked Ned since he knew the Lords of the Vale were loyal more to Jon Arryn then his wife Lysa.
Surely they wouldn't fight in the name of one of the conspirators who killed the man they loyally served?
"From what my birds have told me about the Vale, they are currently stuck somewhere in the middle of obeying, and disobeying the woman. Mostly because of the Hill Tribes in the Vale currently causing them problems as of late since forming their alliance with the Lannisters when Tyrion came with them to see his Father. Any move to topple Lady Lysa as the Lady and ruler of the Vale until her son Robin comes of age would only make the Hill Tribes bolder in taking it over for themselves. At the same time, they do not wish to follow Lady Lysa's command to march here to claim the Sage for his actions in killing one of the key conspirators in Jon Arryn's death. Not only because they know it is wrong, but because it leaves the Vale weakened to further attacks by the Hill Tribes there," said Varys with Naruto nodding.
"The woman has clearly lost her mind, which makes Lady Lysa all the more dangerous. She sent well over two dozen assassins after me before today with five of them being the ones belong to the Many Face Men. I also wouldn't put it past her to try something in the near future around the time we have the peace talks. I suggest you keep some of your best 'birds' on standby to report anything from the Vale in the near future Varys," said Naruto with Varys nodding since he had already sent a message back to report any major activity in the Vale regarding the deployment of their soldiers.
"There is one more issue that needs to be discussed. It's about Dorne and Prince Doran Martell wanting someone from there to come here to witness the trial of the Lannister twins and the incest bastard son of theirs Joffrey. As you can imagine, they have a great deal to gain from such a thing, and want to see a great deal of Lannister blood spilled for past crimes against their House," remarked Varys while Ned Stark frowned.
"No doubt Jaime will try to get out things with a Trial by Combat. Given his skills with a sword, he could succeed in that regard. Depending on who he faces," remarked Naruto with Ned frowning further.
"They will be given a trial and the crimes they have committed will be announced for all to hear before anyone of them can use that means to escape judgment," said Ned, as he wanted the Seven Kingdoms to know what these fiends had done to Robert, the man's House, House Arryn, and to Ned personally.
"With any luck, these peace talks, and the trial will go smoothly without issue," remarked Naruto, but he had his doubts.
"How is Gendry doing in his studies?" asked Ned curiously as it had been months since the boy was put under Naruto's wing to see if he was worthy of becoming a Baratheon.
"Gendry is doing well. The poor man still doesn't want the Iron Throne despite the offer and just wants to watch over his House when the time comes to be legitimize," replied Naruto while spending more time with the young future Baratheon.
On a lighter note, Syrio's training of Arya Stark was showing the girl had the skills to be good with a sword. Well, one meant for her gender, and flexibility. Namely her sword Needle and the Braavosi water dance style with a keen eye to help her know when to strike an enemy with it.
It was finally time for Naruto take on another student in terms of Kenjutsu after so long.
"And what of Daenerys Targaryen?" asked Ned while Varys decided to speak this time.
"She is making her way through Essos. After escaping the city of Qarth where they tried to take her prisoner, Daenerys made her way to the city of Astapor, and was able to buy 8,000 Unsullied," answered Varys with Ned frowning.
"How could she purchase so many?" asked Ned curiously.
"She used one of her three dragons as currency. However, the woman soon showed the Master in charge of them what her thoughts on creating an army of castrated slaves once the transaction was complete. She not only acquired an army of 8,000 Unsullied soldiers, but ordered them to kill the other Masters around them, convinced the Unsullied to fight for her as free men, and even had the dragon itself apparently burned the Master she had dealings with upon her command before returning right back to Daenerys," said Varys while Ned frowned at the mention of the dragons.
"Where is she going now?" asked Ned since he knew Daenerys was a possible candidate for ruling the Iron Throne, but also a threat if she chooses to take it by force.
"Further into Essos I believe. From what my birds were able to determine, she plans to free the land around her of slaves, and gain followers at the same time. Perhaps even try her own hand at ruling Essos for a time before coming here to make the claim to the Iron Throne," answered Varys with Naruto nodding.
"My Shadow Clone was able to convince Daenerys to try her hand at ruling over Essos or at least part of Essos once she establishes herself there with my help. I figured that if she was going to rule Westeros one day, the woman should damn well gain some experience before trying it here," replied Naruto knowing Ned would eventually find out about his involvement on the matter sooner or later.
"Can you guarantee she won't try to be violent should she want the Iron Throne?" asked Ned curiously since he didn't want to call for men to fight against a Targaryen, much less one with three dragons.
"Yes. If anything happens, my Shadow Clone can intervene when necessary. Even if it were somehow 'killed', all the memories leading up to the Shadow Clone's death would be transferred back to me, and I can personally act accordingly within a mere matter of seconds," said Naruto with Ned nodding.
"Fair enough. We will leave Daenerys Targaryen alone for now. Let's focus on the issues closer to home," commanded Ned before they went over other issues pertaining to King's Landing, the Iron Islands being repelled by the North, the Wall, and other major issues pertaining to the Seven Kingdoms.
With any luck, peace would be made available to the realm...if only for a short time.
(A/N: YAY! Another update soon after the second to last episode of season six no less. Did you see Ramsey die?! Fitting end if you ask me. Reminds me of Batman: The Dark Knight and what Joker said to the Russian Mobster. "Let's see how loyal a hungry dog truly is?" Well now we know just how loyal a hungry dog is when it hasn't been fed in seven long days. As I said, a fitting end to that asshole. Next? House Frey. We all know they are next. The Brotherhood without Banners is going to fuck them up big time and with Lady Stoneheart! The signs are all there with their return this season and we also know the show tends to hide stuff from us at the last possible moment. There is Always something big happening in the season finales in the past and this will be a big one for sure. I know it! Until next time...PEACE!)