The Catspaw Succeeded – Aftermaths
Kings Landing
Stannis arrived in his office bright and early. A month had passed since Tywin Lannister had attempted to ambush Robert in the throne room with the assistance of Petyr Baelish. A lot of things had occurred in short order.
Three weeks ago
Lord Tywin had been treated by Maester Pylos and after a week in a secure sick room, it was determined that he would survive. A spasm of the heart was what it was called. Tywin was still weak from his ordeal and would eventually recover to his original state. Robert wanted him tossed in a black cell or beheaded right away but Stannis argued not to.
"He can't go to a black cell – his health will not take it. And we are not going to kill him." said Stannis. Robert looked astonished at his brother.
"Then what the bloody hell are you going to do with him? Send him home as if nothing happened?!" roared Robert.
Stannis shook his head. "I said we are not killing him. Ser Aron came to me when it became clear that Tywin would survive. He begged the honor of escorting him to Dorne. He has already sent a message to Sunspear informing Prince Doran of what had occurred. I am expecting a raven any day now from the Prince asking for Lord Tywin to be surrendered to Dorne. They have not forgotten what his men did to Princess Elia and her children. Don't give me that look, Robert" said Stannis. Robert was looking put out at the idea. "Rhaegar was dead. Elia was a frail woman. Sending the son to the Wall when he was old enough and marrying Rhaenys to your firstborn son would have been far more prudent. After all, our own house was created in a similar manner."
Robert hated being lectured on his past. He was a man who never wanted to think about what he had done wrong, but these last months had made him face those moments far too often. He just waved his hand in dismissal and said for Stannis to do whatever he thought was best.
Baelish was still alive because they had been working through his ledgers and businesses. Stannis was appalled by the sheer amount of coin that had been siphoned from the crown's accounts. Pylos attempted to explain how it was done, but after five minutes he waved the man away. What was apparent after some review was that roughly three-quarters of the debt was exacerbated by Baelish's schemes. They now had the proof to recoup half of it. The crown now owned a few businesses and had the notes on loans given with crown funds. Stannis refused to let the crown take ownership of the brothels. They had already been sold off. They still had several buildings in the city to search. One warehouse had 50,000 gold dragons in a small vault hidden behind a false wall. Davos was in charge of this effort. His past life once again worked in their favor. Every few days Pylos would bring him a summary of what he had found. Whenever there was a reference to a person, location, or business they could not track down, a visit was paid to Baelish.
While Pylos was untangling the crown's finances, Stannis needed to appoint a new Master of Coin. He had a list of names to consider - a mix of staunchly loyal lords and those who were known to be adept at trade. He also had a new Master of Laws. Renly had resigned his position in shame. He was guilt-ridden at how the City Watch corruption was so rampant that it almost led to the end of his brother's reign. The 'official' reason was he needed to return to Storm's End to prepare for his upcoming wedding to Myranda Royce.
Lord Randyl Tarly was the new Master of Laws. He had arrived with his family to finalize the betrothal and set a date. It was an awkward event when they arrived. Davos had later remarked to him that Lord Tarly was the first man he had ever met blunter than Stannis. Lord Randyl had agreed to the marriage but was adamant that he would not put up with Robert's 'shenanigans' as Tywin Lannister had. No daughter of his would be shamed like that. Stannis expected Robert to explode at this but it turned out he was impressed. Robert had remarked he "respected a man with balls like that". Two days after the marriage was finalized Stannis offered him the position. Tarly agreed and after settling in he began to purge the City Watch of men. Several of those who were in charge of the gates or in charge of setting the patrols of the city were executed for rampant corruption. The worst of the men underneath those executed were sent to the wall. Many more may have deserved exile but they needed to still patrol the city. The hope was the fear would be enough to keep most corruption away.
As for Robert's future queen, Talla Tarly was quite beautiful. She was fortunate enough to have been spared the typical Florent ears of her mother. She seemed afraid of Robert at first. But Robert, being his usual charming self, was able to get her to smile. They had not interacted much since but had taken a few meals together as well as her watching him train in the yard from a balcony.
Tyrion Lannister had been in King's Landing for a little over three weeks now. He had arrived in King's Landing expecting a small escort to the Red Keep, to kneel in front of King Robert and thank him for sparing his niece and nephew. What he did not expect was to be greeted by a large contingent of armed soldiers and accusing eyes from the people of King's Landing. He had thanked Captain Seaworth for a swift voyage. He departed the ship and walked up to the contingent of men, led by Ser Arys Oakheart. Ser Arys greeted Tyrion and asked him to accompany them to the Red Keep. Tyrion was provided a litter to take him.
He arrived at the Red Keep and was quickly escorted to the Tower of the Hand. After a short wait he was let into the office and was seated in front of Stannis. He was as tall as Robert. But nowhere as bulky. He reminded Tyrion of his own Father, in the seriousness in the face.
Stannis finished reading the letter in front of him and set it aside. "Thank you for coming, Lord Tyrion, we have much to discuss. I know you have been at sea and have heard no news since you departed White Harbor. I will not sugarcoat this. Your situation has changed. You are no longer required to stay here in King's Landing."
Tyrion's heart skipped a beat at this news….No...he promised. Robert wrote he would not have them killed. "What has the King done to my niece and nephew! He gave assurances he placed no blame on them!" snarled Tyrion.
Stannis knew many men would be annoyed at the Imp speaking to them like that but he was not. "Calm yourself, Lord Tyrion! Your niece and nephew are fine. The situation we find ourselves in has changed while you were at sea. Your Father is here in King's Landing. You will depart and return home to Casterly Rock after some business is taken care of here. Your Father will not be going with you. He will be escorted to Dorne." explained Stannis
"Dorne! Why in the Seven Hells are you escorting him to Dorne! They will kill him!" exclaimed Tyrion.
Stannis did not seem bothered by his outburst. "Your Father is being sent to Dorne as punishment for his actions at the sack of King's Landing and for one week ago. He, along with the aid of Petyr Baelish, attempted to unseat Robert and install Joffrey as King."
Tyrion was perplexed "That's preposterous! How could he even think to do that? I saw Joffrey for myself in White Harbor. There is no way Joffrey could have escaped and made it here!"
Stannis began his explanation "I will give you a summary if what has occurred. We have discovered that Petyr Baelish was employing a master forger. When Grand Maester Pycelle was arrested, his official seal was stolen and given to Baelish. He used his forger and the seal to send a raven under the guise of Pycelle to your Father declaring every event and accusation was false and it all was a plot by myself and Robert. This letter arrived before our official escort bearing the news. This was a blunder on my part. I should never have let word arrive to him like that. Your Father, in his pride and unwillingness to accept what his children had done, believed this. Even if he had doubts, his 'legacy' was more important than the truth. Your Uncle Kevan has been steadfast in his support of your fathers actions. The theft of the seal and other information we had received raised suspicions that something may be afoot. That was why we decided to send Joffrey and Trant North by ship. A prisoner escort was sent along the King's Road. It was ambushed just north of the Crossroads Inn by Gregore Clegane."
Tyrion groaned. Just what was needed – that creature of his Father's causing more mayhem
"Clegane was met by Ser Aron Santagar, Ser Edmure Tully, and a large contingent of men at arms, crossbowmen, and knights. Sers Aron and Edmure engaged Clegane while the knights surrounded him and kept him from escaping. They fought..." said Stannis
Tyrion was shaking his head. First, Joffrey's actions lead to the death of Catelyn Tully and her son. Now he is about to hear how Clegane killed Edmure Tully. No Riverland house will have anything to do with the West for a generation after this. He was going through scenarios so quickly he almost missed what Stannis said next.
"….and Edmure Tully killed Clegane." finished Stannis
Tyrion gaped up at Stannis. "I am sure Edmure Tully is a fine knight. But how in the Seven Hells did he succeed where far greater warriors have failed in the past?" asked Tyrion. "The man wears the thickest armor anyone has ever seen. And he is faster than any man that size should be!"
Stannis detailed the ambush and how Clegane's skull was crushed. Tyrion's mind was protesting all of the shocks it had received lately. How could his family be so foolish? His brother and sister had shamed the family name for generations. If he were so lucky to marry and have children, their great grandchildren would be fighting the stigma applied by Jaime and Cersei, And now his Father had attempted to legitimize their actions by making Joffrey the King. Tyrion looked up at Stannis. "If Clegane failed and Joffrey was never there, why in the world did my Father go to King's Landing? He's never one to put anything to chance. He wouldn't have gone if he didn't think he had every facet covered. And having Joffrey free would be a big one."
Stannis explained this with a dark look on his face. "While in the end it worked out, I was not pleased with how that happened. Clegane's squire was captured and confessed under questioning that Clegane was to send a raven to House Bettley with word of success or failure. Edmure Tully, that fool, decided to send the raven to your Father stating it was a success. He sent word to us letting us know about it. We had no idea of Baelish's role until we intercepted a raven from your Father to Baelish the day before he presented himself to court. He plotted with Littlefinger to have the Gold Cloaks and Red Cloaks still in King's Landing ambush us while in court. If we had not learned of the plot, your Father may have succeeded. But we survived. Your Father collapsed in the throne room after it was announced that Joffrey was executed by Ned Stark and that you, his heir, was coming to Kings Landing. The maester called it a "spasm of the heart". Whatever it was, he has been confined to a sickroom since. Robert has agreed to send him to Dorne as a form of reconciliation over the death of Elia Martell and her children."
Tyrion was proud of his wit and his intelligence. He could debate many subjects with Septons, Maesters, geniuses and imbeciles. But he had nothing to say now. He stood from the chair and walked to the open balcony at the other side of the Hands office. He knew this was quite impertinent but he did not care. He stood there for a few minutes, taking deep breaths and trying to wrap his mind around this. After several moments in quiet contemplation to returned to his seat
Tyrion set his gaze on Stannis. "I may be a dwarf and most people think all dwarves are fools, but I am not one. I know sending my niece and nephew with me back to Casterly Rock is not out of any good feelings. What do you expect from me?" asked Tyrion
Stannis was pleased with this. Good, thought Stannis. He knows he has little say in fighting this, not if he wants his home.
"As of this moment, you are now Lord of Casterly Rock, Lord Paramount of the Westerlands. We will hold off on naming a Warden for now. To start, we will not be repaying the loans given to the Iron Throne by your house." said Stannis
Tyrion gave him a look that was easily interpreted as Of course I know that, you idiot - get on with it.
"You will also arrange to have Amory Lorch detained and escorted here. He is to be surrendered to Dorne as well." Tyrion nodded in agreement. He had met that other excuse of a knight before and would not be missed
Stannis continued "However you see fit to do so, either by your own loins or by naming one of your family, your heir will be fostered at a location of the Iron Thrones choosing. If you have a daughter, she will be a handmaiden here in King's Landing when she reaches an appropriate age. Kevan and Lancel Lannister will be sent to the Wall along with the surviving members of the Lannister soldiers who participated in the fighting in the throne room. Your cousin Lancel was not in the throne room but stabbed three soldiers in the back trying to free his father. You may see them before they leave if you wish. Your cousin Tyrek will be returning with you back home. Do you object to any of this?"
Tyrion was not shocked at hearing Lancel would do such a thing. He was arrogant, impetuous, and stupid. A dangerous combination. Nothing Stannis has declared was a shock to him. So far there was nothing he would fight. Tyrion shook his head. "No, I do not. Are there any other sanctions, requirements, or edicts?"
When Stannis replied no, Tyrion took his leave.
Back to present time
Stannis was about to take a short break for his midday meal when he was informed that a ship bearing the Sun and Spear of House Martell was approaching the docks. He arranged for Ser Aron Santagar and a detachment of men to escort the party to the Red Keep. It took just shy of two hours before the ship's party was able to dock, pay their fees, and make it to the main gate.
Robert was not present but Stannis was. He was joined by Lord Tarly, Ser Baristan, Pylos as the acting maester, Varys, Ser Brynden, and Lord Edmure. The two Tullys were going to depart in a few days. They had gotten what they wanted from Baelish. They had questioned Baelish thoroughly about his actions regarding the letter scheme. What they discovered sickened them. Baelish had never lost his infatuation with Catelyn. His letter scheme was one of many plots he had at trying to get her away from Winterfell. His ultimate goal was to have her for himself. He also confessed to using Lysa for his own gain. His confession included how she was able to get him his first position of power in Gulltown, working to get him to King's Landing as the Master of Coin, the affair, and poisoning Lord Arryn. Brynden had pushed hard in his methods but Baelish was adamant that the sickly Robert Arryn was not his child. He begged them to believe him that he was not in King's Landing when Lysa fell pregnant. Brynden was relieved at that but now was stuck with how to deal with Lysa. Both he and Edmure agreed that Lysa could NOT be left to raise that boy alone nor run the Vale in his name. Brynden wanted no part in it. He would need to discuss this situation with Stannis.
The Martell party rode into the courtyard. The group was led by Prince Oberyn Martell. He was followed by several younger ladies on horseback. A carriage followed. A beautiful dornish woman and a few younger children stepped out. Except for the oldest girl, they were all quite beautiful. Prince Oberyn introduced his daughters to the assembled group. Stannis then introduced Oberyn to each person. When he came to Edmure, Oberyn stared at him with an inscrutable look. Edmure was taller than Oberyn. "So…. you are the man who has denied me my vengeance." Edmure was confused but just kept looking at the shorter man. "For years I have dreamt of what I would do to Gregore Clegane for what he did to my family. And now I find out someone else had killed him…..." Edmure was starting to worry when Oberyn suddenly grabbed him, yanked him towards him, and kissed him square on the mouth. Before Edmure could even react he had been released, almost falling onto his backside after he had recoiled back so hard. Oberyn laughed in joy. "You must tell me EVERYTHING! I want to know what it felt like when that helm crashed into that monstrosities' skull" Oberyn continued on, promising drinks and several toasts to his name. Edmure just glanced over at his Uncle who was staring straight ahead and failing miserably at hiding his amusement. Lord Tarly looked unamused, Ser Baristan was chuckling, Varys was grinning, and Stannis just took it all in.
Stannis interrupted Oberyn's celebration. "Prince Oberyn, please join me in my office. We have much to discuss. Quarters will be arranged for you and your family." Stannis turned and walked into the Red Keep. Oberyn nodded to his family, gave Edmure a lecherous look, and followed Stannis. The two men settled into the office but did not speak until Davos had brought in some food and drink. After both had a moment to partake, Stannis spoke.
"It has been a long time since I have seen Prince Doran. How is he? Is he still troubled by gout?" asked Stannis. Oberyn simply replied his brother was well. Despite his jovial nature outside, he was staring at Stannis with extreme loathing in his eyes. The Dornish always confounded Stannis. While he generally wasn't suited to manipulation in ruling, Stannis would have used it along with every other advantage on the battlefield. The Dornish anger and stereotypical need for revenge was a hindrance in his opinion. To him it was a hindrance to be exploited.
"I know you are upset over what happened with your sis-" started Stannis but Oberyn interrupted him
"Upset?! You think I am only upset? Only the lives of my children and paramour are keeping me from running a sword through you and your fat pig of a brother right now!" declared Oberyn. "I am only in this stinking shit-hole of a city to bring back the architect of my sister's death. Despite what you think, Tywin Lannister is going to live for quite a while longer. Though he will wish otherwise" the savage look on Oberyn's face almost made Stannis feel sorry for the old Lion.
"I apologize for my poor choice of words," said Stannis. "it was not my intention to minimize what happened. While I can assure you that Robert had no idea what Tywin Lannister planned to do, he should never have let it go unpunished or behaved as he has. Robert is a stubborn man and dislikes looking back on his mistakes. But he has heard my words on this. Tywin Lannister is yours to do as you wish. Gregore Clegane is dead. Tyrion Lannister, the new Lord of Casterly Rock and Lord Paramount of the West, has agreed to have Amory Lorch captured and delivered to Dorne. The architect and the murderers of your family will be gone."
Oberyn knew what was going on. Stannis Baratheon was using the fall of Tywin Lannister to clean up the mess that was created in the sack of King's Landing. While most men would be satisfied with this, Oberyn was not. He didn't want his vengeance hand delivered to him. He wanted to hunt these dogs down and show them pain beyond all belief. But as much as he hated this, he had to accept it. He would ensure Tywin Lannister died in agony. And when that pig Lorch was found he would also suffer. Let them think Dorne was pacified.
Oberyn eventually sighed and said "On behalf of my brother, I thank you. Dorne has long been denied justice for what was done to my family. But know this, as long as your brother sits on the Iron Throne, Dorne will have nothing to do with the it. We shall continue to pay our taxes as we have. But until you or some other rightful heir ascends, leave us be." Oberyn stood and departed.
Stannis stood as Oberyn left and when the door closed he sat back down, contemplating the meeting. Oberyn reacted as he had expected. There was no way he would turn down getting their hands on Tywin Lannister. He seemed happy about Lorch, but the hatred of Robert was still as strong as ever. He put the conversation to the back of his mind and continued on with his day's work.
Later that evening in Chatayas
Oberyn Martell was lounging on a large featherbed, watching Ellaria take her pleasure with a pair of whores. He was taking a break from the celebrating to reflect on his day. After leaving Stannis Baratheon's office he had departed the Red Keep and walked the city streets. Most men of this station would not dare walk through Flea Bottom and the narrow alleys of Kings Landing unguarded but Oberyn had no such fear. For one, his travels to Essos had honed his instincts. King's Landing was child's play to cities like Volantis, Myr, and Quarth. He also knew that at least two of his daughters were trailing him. He was not wandering just to wander, he was waiting. He saw the look from Vary's and knew the man would want to speak. He was waiting for a little bird to fly by. And soon enough, one did.
A small girl, with dirty blond hair and green eyes had stepped in front of him as he neared an alley. She handed him a small note. He nodded and gave her a silver stag. He walked through an alley and found a secluded area. He unfolded the note and saw a time and place. He smiled to himself. Varys knew him too well.
He returned to the Red Keep and was able to drag Edmure Tully away from his Uncle and had several drinks in a tavern. This man was not what he had been told. He had heard the Tully heir was a buffoon, someone who would rather wench than do his duty. What he found was a conundrum. Edmure Tully had ensured his name would be remembered in the songs and stories for generations to come with his plan to take down Clegane as well as defeating him. But he was quite determined to deflect the praise. He accepted the comments as any well bred highborn would, but there was no bragging. No boasting. No inflated tales to entice young maidens to throw themselves at him. Oberyn thought this last part was a shame. What good is being young, handsome, and famous if you don't use it? Oberyn was going to write him off as a lucky fool until the drinks loosened Edmure's tongue enough to reveal how he had taken the initiative which led Tywin Lannister into a trap in King's Landing. Maybe lucky in the battle but not a bad mind thought Oberyn. He was now starting to regret that Doran was forced to decline Hoster Tully's request to marry Edmure to Arianne.
Edmure declined the offer to join him and Ellaria at Chatayas. Edmure positively fled when he realized Oberyn had made it clear it wasn't just to make the journey together. Pity. A few hours later the two female whores were dismissed and Ellaria began to rise. Oberyn stopped her and told her to relax. She simply smiled and laid her head on his stomach and did as she was bid. After a short while she began to try and rouse his manhood again but stopped when she heard a voice
"Greetings Prince Oberyn, Lady Ellaria" said an unctuous voice. Ellaria did not move, but she did tense up. But when she noticed Oberyn seemed unbothered by this intrusion she knew they were safe. Standing in a corner was Varys. His bald head was covered by a hood. He did not move any closer. He simply stood and waited. Oberyn eventually rose and donned a pair of silk pants and poured a goblet of wine. He offered one to Varys who declined.
"You wanted to speak, Spider. So speak". Oberyn did not trust this man. He had hidden during the sack and reappeared as though he did not have a care in the world. He was pardoned by Robert despite speaking against letting Tywin into the city. He had also ruined Rhaegar's plan to get a grand council to remove Aerys from the throne at the Tourney of Harrenhal. For a man who said he wanted peace and stability, he worked against it more than for it, in Oberyn's opinion.
"I know your brother has his own ways of getting news, but I just received some news myself from Essos and I felt the need to share it with you. Viserys Targaryan is dead. He made the mistake of brandishing a sword and threatening to kill his sister while in Vaes Dothrak." Varys paused, but then added with a sarcastic grin "Your niece will need a new betrothal."
Oberyn internally scoffed at this. Of course he knew about that. Yet he never told Robert. This man is far too dangerous. Doran and I need to talk. "Then the fool got what he had coming. Anyone versed in the ways of Essos knows you cannot bare steel inside that city. We had our sources, we knew he was as delusional as his father. I won't insult you by denying the betrothal between Viserys and Arianne. At least Arianne can finally be married to someone worthy of her.
"Perhaps Edmure Tully?" guessed Varys. "His star has risen quite high recently."
Oberyn nodded. "Yes, his father offered a betrothal years ago but Doran turned it down. I do not know how the grasping fish lord would react to an approach now. I may have scared the boy off myself anyways" Oberyn said with a grin.
"Yes," replied Varys "telling the lad he could join you for and Ellaria here for a bit of lance sparring was a bit bold, if I may say. Though I obviously can only imagine what that is like." Varys did not mention that Daenerys was pregnant. He had not informed the small council of this yet. Stannis Baratheon was a hard man and would immediately agree with Robert to send an assassin after her. He was delaying this news as long as he could. He would inform them after they left Vaes Dothrak. He would also inform Ser Jorah to be on the lookout. The demise of Baelish was giving him some breathing room in his spying. He could now hold back on the news he learned to fit his agenda. Soon Aegon, thought Varys. Soon you will take your throne.
"Is there anything else you want to tell us, Lord Varys?" asked Oberyn. If not, Ellaria and I were about to enjoy some time together. I've disposed of her moon tea and she won't be getting any more until we return to Dorne."