The Catspaw succeeded.
Kings Landing - a several days after the failed ambush and Black Betha arrives in White Harbor
Varys was walking back to the Red Keep after a fruitful day of gathering his bird songs from around the Realm. And oh what songs they sang.
Balon Greyjoy, the man who never gave any thought to his 'lost son', had apparently sped up his plans of revitalizing the Iron Fleet. This was not in response to Theon's banishment to the Wall. Not out of any real despair over his son but the perceived insult to himself and the Iron Islands. His birds spoke of raids specifically aimed at the North for this 'insult'. As for Theon, he had reportedly befriended some rather unsavory fellow recruits at the Wall. They had beaten the former Tarly heir within an inch of his life. Having seen no martial inclination in him, Benjen Stark had taken pity on Tarly and had him become his personal steward once he recovered enough.
Stannis Baratheon and his rough but capable aide Ser Davos had been quite adept at dancing around all the sinkholes around them. It was quite entertaining to see Littlefinger try and conceal his financial games from this Maester Pylos. It would be quite a shame if the real ledgers for the Iron Throne were to be given instead of Baelish's fabrications. But Littlefinger was too shrewd for that to happen and he was quite good at guarding the real ledgers in his brothel office.
Varys one complaint was the rather good job they had done in securing the Hand's office from eavesdropping. That trick with the smoke was a master stroke. In fact, Varys had been present when they did so and only through sheer luck had they not heard his muffled coughing. He was able to leave before he was overwhelmed by the smoke. He returned later to find he could not hear anything from his best locations. The only location he could was close to the large balcony but Stannis was a rather stern taskmaster and rarely spoke anywhere but at his desk.
He still heard some decent songs himself from the area outside where Ser Davos sat. This was where he learned about the missing seal of Grand Maester Pycelle. Maester Pylos had been in a state over discovering it missing and went straight to the Hand with it.
Varys was loath to really admit how much he knew about what was going on in the realm. But his position here was on tenterhooks after failing to disclose anything about the Queen and her behavior. of course he had known all about it for years. From the start he knew her actions would eventually lead to a conflict but he didn't want conflict. At least not yet. Viserys and Daenerys were stumbling through the Dothraki Sea as he and Illyrio wanted. Let them sink or swim while Aegon continued to learn and train in secret. If either of the two survived then maybe they could be of use to Aegon when the time was right.
Stannis' stubborn streak had just helped immensely to that end. His outright hatred for House Tyrell and Robert's decision to ask Lord Tarly for his daughter to be Queen meant Mace Tyrell would most likely be quite willing to marry Margery to Aegon. He, like everyone else, knew the real decision maker was Lady Olenna. He would have to time it right. It was too early right now. But with the King snubbing Margery, the offers will be coming in and it would not do to have her taken away. He had Arianne Martell as a backup in case it fell through. Doran was still convinced Viserys was going to be the Targaryen to come across the sea as he continued his games of offering up the worst of companions for her to consider. But Doran would be quite thrilled to have her marry her 'cousin'.
He finally walked into his quarters in the Red Keep. He rarely ever actually slept there. He normally slept in various locations across the city. He changed into better attire for the Small Council meeting that was to occur. He was still mulling over what information to reveal to keep his place and prove his value. He may have to see what information comes up and see what can be done.
The Small Council
Stannis walked into the meeting and announced to them that Robert would not be in attendance for this meeting. He had been attending more of them recently but he was indisposed. Training to lose some of his fat, he said.
Pylos would attend until the Citadel elected a new Grand Maester. He wisely only spoke when directly asked a question and took notes. Ser Baristan was not present, he was with the King. In his stead was Arys Oakheart. As for the Kingsguard overall, they had replaced one of the two open spots with Ser Robar Royce. The second son of Bronze Yohn Royce had been in Kings Landing for the previously announced Hand's tourney that never actually got to happen. With the dreadful circumstances behind the removal of two Kingsguard members happening so suddenly, Ser Baristan, Stannis, and King Robert came to the conclusion they needed a member of impeccable standing. And Ser Robar was all they could ask for. A good sword, a good man, and even better from a well liked and respected family.
Ser Baristan had offered a white cloak to Ser Brynden as well but the Blackfish turned it down. His age and his brothers lagging health were the reasons he declined. But he let Ser Baristan know it was honored by the offer.
Stannis normally began the meeting by reviewing any tasks assigned from the last meeting but it so happened they had none to review. He did have one but did not want to hear more excuses. So he would deal with that at the end. He went ahead and announced the information that had been received since the last meeting.
"Our King has decided to request Lord Tarly for his daughter's hand to be the next Queen" stated Stannis. Renly looked quite put out at this. He had been out of sorts ever since Ser Loras left Kings Landing after Robert declined to consider Margery for Queen. He also was not happy with his own marriage decision. After ravens were sent to and from the Vale it was decided that while Renly was going to marry a Royce, it was not Ysilla Royce but Myranda Royce. Renly's…proclivities were not as private as he wished they were. It was decided that the older and far more clever Myranda would be more willing to 'work with' Renly in regards to siring children.
"A wise choice" said Petyr Baelish with his usual smirk. Stannis did not acknowledge this.
"I am pleased to announce that Joffrey Hill and Meryn Trant are now in the North and under the custody of House Stark. We received a raven from Lord Manderly today. Ser Davos' son delivered them by ship. It was under fortuitous timing that a large contingent of soldiers from Winterfell led by Ned Stark's two eldest sons, his heir and his bastard, arrived the same day after escorting Lord Tyrion Lannister to White Harbor. Black Betha is now returning to King's Landing with Lord Tyrion.
Everyone in the room, save Pylos and Varys, were stunned at this news. Pylos knew because he was in the meeting where it was decided. Varys knew because he knew almost all that eventually happened in the city Renly was the first to speak. "You sent them by ship? Then who were the two prisoners we saw Ser Aron lock into the secure carriage and depart Kings Landing with?" Everyone was looking at Stannis for an answer but he ignored the question. Stannis had not received any word from Ser Aron or the Tullys if an attempt had been made yet.
Varys decided this was an area he could give some nuggets of information away. "My Lord Hand, I am quite happy to hear this news. It makes the information from my little birds less dire. There have been songs sung to me about a rather rough looking group of men barreling across the River Road heading east. My little birds do not know their origin but from what I was able to gather this group was going to reach the Crossroads Inn where the River Road and Kingsroad intersect around the same time as the assumed prisoner escort."
Varys knew exactly whom they were and where they came from. He had a strong suspicion that someone, most likely Littlefinger, was who stole the Grand Maester's seal. It made sense. A letter from 'Pycelle' to Tywin Lannister about what was going on in King's Landing would have been enough to spur him into action. But to go against the realm was a daring move. He did not know if one had been sent though. The Rock had few little birds. The Old Lion was quite good at keeping eyes and ears out of his castle. Once outside of the Rock his little birds swooped around and gathered what they could. The Mountain was easy to spot.
Stannis looked troubled by the news given but just nodded and thanked Varys for his information. Stannis then said he had no more business and they were all dismissed. But before anyone got up he then said "One more thing. Ser Arys and Maester Pylos - please accompany Lord Baelish to his office and retrieve the crown ledgers that I requested several meetings ago." Stannis ended that statement with a glare at Littlefinger.
Varys couldn't help himself here. "Do be careful when you do, a brothel is not a place that Kingsguard and Maesters are supposed to frequent"
You could hear Stannis' teeth practically turning to dust. His anger was at Littlefinger, not Varys for his extra commentary. "Do you mean to tell me that the crown's financial ledgers, which are supposed to be locked in the Master of Coin's office here in the Red Keep at ALL TIMES, have been stored in a WHORE HOUSE?!"
Petyr looked unperturbed by this. "I was given leave to do so by Lord Arryn. It is by far easier and more efficient for my extensive duties that way." Petyr seemed to be unaware of the rotten ice he was on. He should have known better than to dismiss Stannis here. This was the man who banned brothels on Dragonstone.
Stannis was tired of that oft used excuse. "As I seem to tell you and others multiple times a day, it does not matter what Jon Arryn allowed. As the current Hand it only matters what the King allows, and then what I allow if the King is not present. And since Robert is not here to speak, I will speak for him. I will not allow it. It seems your duties as Master of Coin are too tough for you to do the right way. I will find someone else to do it. Somebody with less apparent…..entanglements. You are to escort these two men directly to whichever location you stored the ledgers at and hand them over. Ser Arys, please take a detachment of guards with you as well. They can carry all the paperwork and letters regarding the Crown's finances back to where they belong.
"My Lord!" squeaked Baelish, a look of panic on his face. "I have quite a large amount of paperwork for the Crown and my own businesses there. It will take me time to separate them.
Stannis was unmoved. "Do not worry, Lord Baelish. I will have Pylos here sort through and review the paperwork and return anything that is not relevant"
Petyr looked like he was to be sick. Before he could protest anymore he was lifted out of his chair by Ser Arys and dragged by his tunic.
The North
Jon Snow and Rob Stark rode at the head of the escort that HAD been for Tyrion Lannister's departure from the North. It was decided to have Robb go as a symbolic gesture of House Stark's stance of Tyrion. By sending Robb, and not the Captain of the Guards, it was meant to show they did not considered Tyrion as a danger or as unwelcome. Robb requested Jon be allowed to come as well and their Lord Father had agreed. The boys had been been hard at work for the good of House Stark and the North in his absence and continued to do so since his return. While those duties may be expected, their Father was always one who felt a job well done needed recognition.
The journey was interesting. Lord Tyrion was, for the first time in the short period the two boys had been around him, quite subdued. His japes and witty comments were missing. His drinking habits were not. He did break his fast and ate the evening meal with them. His courtesies were present. But they knew he was troubled. Jon, who had spent more time with Lord Tyrion with his journey to the Wall, had one day fallen back in the column and did his best to get Tyrion to talk. After a few days of this he still had little idea of what was in the man's mind.
They had moved at a steady pace. The vastness of the North ensured they only passed a few groups on the road. One was a motley bunch led by a brutish young man with over large features and some of the most dangerous eyes Robb could remember. This occurred when a blocked road required them to go east and cross the White Knife farther North than they wanted. It wasn't until they were only a day away from White Harbor that Robb realized where he had seen those eyes before. It was Roose Bolton from the gathering of the Lords. That meant it must have been the infamous Ramsay Snow they had heard about from their sister's newest instructor. Lady Dustin rarely interacted with Robb and said nothing to Jon. But she had given a lesson on the Northern noble families that Robb was forced to attend. Robb knew this was a subtle way of pointing out his potential pool of brides. She was quite upset when she spoke about House Bolton. Her dead sister and nephew were still sore subjects. Sansa seemed quite sad to hear about Domeric after she heard about his time as a page in Barrowtown and gaining knighthood in the Vale. Lady Dustin had been unable to hold her tongue and spoke of the rumors surrounding Domeric's death. Between the savage look in the young man's eyes and Lady Dustin's words, Robb and Jon decided to take their normal route back which followed the White Knife until it split off. Even if the route was still blocked, by the time they reached it they would be farther North and West and would detour from a better location. They also made a note to let their Father be aware of Ramsay. They had encountered him in Hornwood lands that met the Stark and Bolton lands.
They were greeted by Ser Wylis Manderly who invited Robb, Jon, and Tyrion to meet with Lord Wyman. Ser Wylis was not hostile to Tyrion but was not very warm in his greeting. They arrived in Lord Wyman's solar and were provided bread and salt. Robb knew who all the men in attendance were except for a man in his mid twenties with brown hair and beard. He was not anyone he recognized.
Robb spoke first. "My Lord, we were sent here to escort Lord Tyrion. He has been commanded by the King to return to King's Landing. As both my Father's words and our presence can confirm, we do not hold Lord Tyrion at fault for the actions of his kin. Trust me, this man has the words to say so himself, but he has repeatedly disavowed their actions. Robb handed over the sealed scroll he had.
Lord Wyman,
I have sent my two eldest sons to escort Lord Tyrion to White Harbor for transport to King's Landing. This is not an escort of banishment, but for protection. He rightfully feared the reaction of our fellow Northerners after the ravens arrived from King's Landing revealing the actions of his kin. He has sworn an oath to me, promising to aid House Stark and the North however he can until he has redeemed House Lannister in our eyes. He did this on his own, knowing his Lord Father would never have the honor to admit the same. Please provide a swift ship to King's Landing. He has been summoned by the King. Not for punishment but to take custody of his remaining niece and nephew.
Eddard Stark
Lord of a Winterfell
Lord Paramount of the North
Warden of the North
Lord Wyman had a satisfied smile on his face. "The timing of this can only be from the Gods, Old and New. This is Dale Seaworth, son of Ser Davos Seaworth, who is Stannis Baratheon's aide. He has just arrived from King's Landing by ship. Black Betha has come to deliver Joffrey Hill and Meryn Trant to the North so they may be sent to Winterfell. We were just discussing if to call for a Stark escort or to have Manderly men escort them."
Robb and Jon looked at each other with looks of determination. Tyrion was shaking his head in disgust and shame. Tyrion spoke up. "Captain Seaworth, would it be possible to join you on your return to King's Landing? It is just me and a few of my men. As you can see I take up little space but you may run out of your supply of rum before the ship makes it halfway I am afraid."
Dale just nodded his head and told him it would be fine. "We need to transfer the prisoners and resupply and then we can depart after that".
Lord Wyman said they could rest here at New Castle until then. There was a knock at the door and Wylla Manderly was at the door, carrying a pile of messages for her Grandfather from the maester. She entered and stopped at the sight in front of her. As she looked at the room occupants she turned quite red at the sight of Jon. Robb smirked to himself and nudged Jon, who just looked at him in puzzlement. Tyrion noted this in amusement.
"Hello Grandfather!" She squeaked out. "The maester asked me to bring these messages for you." She turned to the boys and said "Hello Lord Robb…..Hello Jon". Her greeting to Jon had less formality and more sincerity behind it. They both greeted her back. Jon may have been oblivious to the behavior of girls, but he picked up on the different greeting between himself and Robb. Normally it was coldness or outright disrespect directed towards him. But this was not that… Suddenly as though struck by a blow to the gut, realization hit him. He looked to the others like he was going to faint. Lord Wyman took pity on the two of them and asked Wylla to give Jon a tour of the castle while he, Lord Robb, Lord Tyrion, and Captain Seaworth sorted out the details. Lord Wyman had asked Wylla about her time at Winterfell and poked around the subject of Jon and Robb. While he would have loved to have had Jon marry Wynafryd and Wylla to marry Robb, he knew it was an ambitious dream. He knew his granddaughters would do their duty but as any decent Grandfather he would try to see her happy as well. Jon and Wylla departed, Jon looking in Robb's eyes as scared as he did when he accidentally knocked over Septa Mordane when running in the halls as a child.
After the arrangements were made Tyrion had asked and was allowed to see his nephew before he was taken off the ship. When Tyrion appeared Joffrey was sitting on the floor of his cell in the ship's brig. He quickly got up as he saw his Uncle. "Uncle Tyrion! What are you doing here? Nevermind about that, get me out of this cell so we can leave!"
Tyrion looked up at his nephew with a look of loathing. "I will do no such thing! You are exactly where you belong! What in the world possessed you to send someone to kill that boy?"
Joffrey's smile disappeared and turned into an ugly sneer. "Why does that matter? I am a prince and Mother always said a Prince can do what they want!" he shouted out. "Now get me out of here you little monster!"
Tyrion may be a very short man but his response cowed his nephew. "I always knew you to be a stupid boy. And now I know you are a cruel boy. What kind of child, prince or not, thinks it is a good act to kill an innocent boy?! And speaking of being a prince , as it's been explained to you, you are no longer a prince. You never actually were one. Your whore of a mother was fucking your Uncle Jaime! I thank the Gods that your siblings are nothing like you. Myrcella has her mothers beauty. Tommen has your fathers kindness. But you are nothing but the absolute worst of them. Cruelty and cowardice from your mother. Arrogance and stupidity from your Father. You are an abomination and the world will soon be better off with you gone from it. You will rot in the seven hells, assuming your death at the hands of the Starks does not condemn you to a worse fate from the old Gods.
Joffrey was stunned at being spoken to like that. He still refused to believe it. "Lies! There is no way Mother and Uncle Jaime would do that! They aren't Targaryen's! It's Uncle Stannis! He did this! And it won't even matter! Grandfather will stop this. He will see Mother and Uncle Jaime released and KILL Uncle Stannis and Father. And when I return I will be the King! And when I do I will see the North burned to the ground! "
Tyrion just shook his head. "The ravens have been sent to the realm. Your Mother and your Uncle Jaime, your real Father, have been executed for treason. Jaime confessed. They tried to steal the throne from House Baratheon. Even if my Father decides to do anything - it is too late and he will have the entire realm against him. And it is now time I say goodbye to you. All I ask is that you die with dignity and do not shame House Lannister any more than you already have."
With that he walked out of the ship's brig.
To say the trip for Joffrey and Meryn Trant was miserable was an understatement. They were given cloaks for the cold but no cold,weather boots or gloves. And they were secured in a barred wagon. No walls. Just a wood floor with some hay and ceiling surrounded by iron bars. From the instant they left the ship Jiffrey began to scream that he was their prince and they needed to release him at once. When that did not work he thought it a good idea to describe what he would do to Sansa and Arya. His threats died out when he realized the wagon was suddenly flanked by two direwolves. Direwolves that were much larger than they had been when Joffrey last saw them. Ghost and Grey Wind had accompanied their masters but had stayed in the wilderness outside White Harbor. They had an uncanny sense of knowing when to make their presence known. They stayed within sight of the wagon which kept Joffrey from his ranting. Robb, Jon, and many of the Stark guards showed their appreciation by sharing many scraps of food with them.
Finally they crested a hill and the towering walls of Winterfell greeted them in the distance. The smoke of chimneys from the permanent residents of Winter Town visible in between them and the walls.
Robb turned to their two prisoners with a savage look. "Welcome back to Winterfell. We have been looking forward to your return. My Lord Father has been planning your welcome."
The Gold Road
Tywin Lannister rode at the head of 10,000 armed men and knights. Not an army by by far larger than any escort he had used to go to King's Landing since the Rebellion. This was no group that could besiege King's Landing but would be able to make a statement. He had departed Casterly Rock one week after sending Clegane to collect his grandson from his captors. The men sent to deliver the letter from Robert and Stannis were allowed to do so. But they were allowed only one hour of rest and told to depart the Westerlands immediately. They wisely obeyed like the sheep they were.
Kevan was with him, as always. When he had brought Genna and Kevan in to inform him of Pycelle's raven, Kevan immediately backed belief that this could not stand. Genna did not. "Tywin, you are a fool to do this." Said Genna. "This is going to lead our family to ruin. What do you hope to do? Even if your mad dog rescues Joffrey, then what? Assuming the charges are all false, what can you do to refute it? We all know from the reports that Joffrey is stupid and cruel enough to do what he is accused of. And remember, I was here when Joanna discovered the children -".
That was as far as she had gotten before Tywin slammed his fist on his desk and had her removed from his solar. Kevan had no clue what she was referring to but said nothing.
Tywin brought Genna back to see him the next day. Whennshe sat down he began. "Never speak of what you think occurred again. Is. That. Clear?" He asked.
Genna wanted to argue but held her tongue. But she still fought the fight to stop him from doing what she thought was rank stupidity. "You are still a fool! And you will be a dead one if you let your pride overrule what your intellect is telling you. Even if the charges are false, there is nobody in the realm who will side with us. We have no marriages outside of mine to any family not in the Westerlands. And Walder Frey is as useful as a eunuch in a whorehouse. You have an heir in Tyrion. He has your intellect and will be a fine Lord. You are letting your anger at losing Joanna blind you to his potential!"
Tywin went rigid at her words. "Kevan or his foolish son will be Lord of Casterly Rock before that wretched Whoremonger ever does. Now you will gather your worthless husband and leave this castle by the end of the week. Do not attempt to return until I give you permission. Maybe a year or two at The Twins will give serve as a lesson"
Genna stoodmup, walked over and hugged Twin, gave him a kiss on the cheek, and left the room.
Tywin was coming up on the small keep of House Bettley, the last Noble House on the Gold Road before they departed the Westerlands. He normally would bypass them for expediency but he had told Clegane to send a raven as soon as he had Joffrey to this location. Tywin rode into the small courtyard and was greeted by the occupants of the keep. He had a decision to make. If no raven was waiting he would have to swallow his pride and anger and send the majority of his men back home. If Clegane did have his Grandson, then he would march on and deal with another King who crossed him. He had no other choice. Genna was correct in that nobody would come to their aid. But Tywin had plans. He knew the Gold Cloaks loyalty could be gained by bribery. He also knew that their Commander, Janos Slynt, was in Littlefinger's pocket. He had a nondescript rider waiting on his command to race ahead to King's Landing and give a letter to the flesh peddler. He could retain his head, his position of Master of Coin, and not have to pay back House Lannister the gold he had stolen with his schemes. While his men were outside the city making those inside it nervous, he would use the gold cloaks and the remaining Lannister soldiers in the Red Keep to seize the throne for Joffrey. He would be Joffrey's regent until he was old enough AND mature enough to rule. Mace Tyrell was a grasping fool and would love nothing more than to have his daughter be queen. The might of the Reach along with the superior army of the West would help quell anyone stupid enough to object.
All he needed to know now was if Clegane succeeded. All his actions depended on that. As he let the insipid Lord of this castle finish his greeting he asked one thing. "Are there any ravens here for you to give me?"