[KING'S LANDING; SMALL COUNCIL CHAMBER]
[CERSEI sits in her chair, looking angry. GRANDMAESTER PYCELLE, QYBURN, MACE TYRELL, and an empty chair are at the table. MACE TYRELL speaks.]
"The Iron Bank has called one-tenth of the Crown's debts. Given the expense of rebuilding the royal—"
"How much can the Crown afford?"
"With winter coming, half what they ask. Less."
"No doubt the war's been going on for a while now, so not surprising they are low on funds" Jon Arryn nods. It also didn't help that Robert's spendthrift nature had left a dent in the royal treasury, which no doubt only grew in the future.
"You're the Master of Coin. How do we pay them?"
"Well, House Tyrell could front the gold, and the Crown will pay us back in time, or I'll have words with my daughter."
[MACE smiles as if expecting a laugh. QYBURN and PYCELLE both look down. MACE'S smile fades.]
"It wasn't the worst attempt" Olenna muttered with a small fond smile.
"You've already given us too much. No, we must arrange better terms with the Iron Bank."
"So when it's not her father, she's more than happy to deny loans," Renly said with a tight smile.
"She knows once the crown starts borrowing from the Tyrells they'll be as indebted to them as it is to House Lannister right now. Cersei is smart enough to avoid that" Stannis grunted in displeasure.
Robert shifted in discomfort. The debt was all his fault, him and his expensive tastes…
"We must send an envoy to the Iron Bank, someone of importance, to show these bankers our respect. As the King's Master of Coin, I can think of no one more qualified."
"She's sending everyone who is not her favourite away" Shireen frowned.
"Expected, she wishes to accumulate power. Even if doing so would result in chaos for her son, she doesn't care" Stannis grunted in displeasure.
"The King has expressed concern about his father-in-law's safety on this voyage. He's ordered Ser Meryn to personally lead your escort."
[SER MERYN walks into the room. MACEturns to look at him, and then back at CERSEI.]
Margaery stiffened, eyes narrowing on the vision. "If she does anything to father…"
Olenna put a hand on her granddaughter's hand. Margaery turned to her, to see her face stoic but her eyes burning with rage.
"It's a good thing she won't survive to that day," the old woman said smoothly.
Margaery nods.
[HIGH SPARROW'S CHAMBER]
[A note lies on the desk, stamped with the seal of the HIGH SPARROW.]
"For someone who strives for simplicity and being humble, he has his own seal" Robb noted.
"He is in a position of leadership, all leaders need a seal for important letters" Catelyn explained.
[The HIGH SPARROW sits behind his desk, across from CERSEI. She pours a glass of wine.]
"May I offer you some wine, Your Holiness?"
[The HIGH SPARROW smiles]
"No."
[CERSEI looks unsure, presumably having expected him to say yes.]
"She'll have a blast dealing with this one" Tyrion chuckled. He was still in hot waters because of his nonchalant attitude and overconfidence from the vision prior to the last one, the one about his capture, so Jaime did not react to his quip.
The man and their mother did send him a disgruntled look though. Neither were over how easily Tyrion just did care.
[After a moment she smiles and pushes the wine away.]
"The old High Septon would have asked the vintage."
"She's appointed him High Septon?" Jon Arryn asked incredulously. What was the woman thinking? Putting the head of an extremist group in such a position of power!
Catelyn on the other hand thought the appointment wasn't the worst one. So far, the man seemed pious and caring about the Seven and the people. Like a High Septon should be.
"I could say that our minds are temples to the Seven and should be kept pure. But the truth is, I don't like the taste."
[HIGH SPARROW pauses a moment]
"How may I serve?"
"All over Westeros, we hear about septs being burned. Silent sisters raped. Bodies of holy men piled in the streets."
"Wars teach people to obey the sword, not the Gods."
"Perhaps the Gods need a sword of their own.
[The HIGH SPARROW raises an eyebrow]
"In the days before the Targaryens, the Faith Militant dispensed the justice of the Seven."
"Is she absolutely mad?" Jon Arryn exploded in anger. "Does she not know the history of the faith Militant? The kind of problems they had caused and can cause?!"
Other than Ned and Robert, the rest could only stare in shock and surprise at the outburst and outrage from the usually soft but stern-spoken man.
"It's quite clear that she thinks she can manipulate this man as well and is giving him things to tempt him with" Joanna shook her head. "What has your father taught her that she's this short-sighted?" she turned to her sons.
"She took in what she wanted and threw the rest away" Tyrion explained simply. "She's always been like this, only accepting of things she likes and people who would kiss the ground she walks on."
Jon Arryn sat back down at Robert's urging, but he was fuming still.
"If I explain the holy purpose to my son, the king, I have no doubt he will sign a decree arming the believers you felt worthy."
"An army that defends the bodies and souls of the common people."
"An army and service to the Gods themselves. And to you, of course. As the chosen representative of the Seven."
Jon Arryn glowered at the woman in the vision.
"An honour I never expected. Or indeed, ever wished for."
"Which is why you were chosen. You and I both know how the world works. Too often the wicked are the wealthiest, beyond the reach of justice. The king himself cannot always punish those who deserve it most."
"All sinners are equal before the Gods."
"What would you say if I told you we have a great sinner in our very midst? Shielded by gold and privilege."
"She is going to get herself killed" Tyrion snorted. "She's completely forgotten that Lancel is in their midst and will turn on her now."
"She hasn't forgotten, she simply thinks he's not going to do shit. Or that High Sparrow fellow" Jaime snorted.
"So in character for her" Tyrion shook his head.
[STREET]
[A group of FAITH MILITANT, wearing black robes and chains, walk down the street. Many nearby people chatter amongst themselves and look on. They begin breaking open casks of wine, and people begin screaming. One throws some men out of a building. Wine from the broken casks flows down some steps.]
"She thinks this is okay?!" Jon Arryn fumed.
"She's never cared about the people. What made you think she'd care any time soon?" Renly snorted, disgusted by what he saw.
[A ROOM]
[We see a man in pain, sweating heavily and biting down on a piece of cloth. Someone begins carving something on his forehead, and his hand scratches and grabs at the table.]
"Gods they're branding them!" Lyanna muttered in horror.
[MARKETPLACE]
[The FAITH MILITANT destroy a marketplace, smashing things for sale, flipping over tables, and attacking merchants. One merchant, lying on the ground, looks up at some gold cloaks on a castle wall. The gold cloaks turn around, ignoring him.]
"Fucking hell! That fucking demoness!" growled out Gendry. These were common people (less merchants and more people who were in the streets) people like him, and they were suffering!
[BROTHEL]
[A prostitute moans while having sex with a client. Some FAITH MILITANT walk in and interrupts. She shrieks as one grabs her by the hair and pulls her off of the man. Another comes in grinning and strikes the man with a stick. The prostitute is forced out of the room. Some more men interrupt an orgy. Two women start screaming. They begin beating some of the participants, and taking others out of the room. OLYVAR attempts to confront a member of the FAITH MILITANT as the man drags out a prostitute. The man elbows OLYVAR in the face and continues on his way. After most of the FAITH MILITANTS are gone, OLYVAR hears a scream. He walks towards the source of the scream, blood running from his nose, and hears another scream. OLYVAR stands just outside the doorway of a large room. Inside, a group of militants, most of them armed, stand around a male prostitute and his male client. Both are naked and bloody on the floor. The client is crying. OLYVAR backs out of the doorway and begins running away. The client screams.]
Renly grips the arms of his chair tightly, his eyes fixated on the men beating the prostitute and his male client.
[STAIRWELL]
[A number of FAITH MILITANTS, all armed, walk down a stairwell. They enter a clearing, where LORAS TYRELL is sparring with another man. Some people are spectating. The militants, including LANCEL, approach the fight. LORAS, having knocked the other man to the ground, removes his helmet. He hands his sword to another man, who hands LORAS a drink. He suddenly becomes aware of the presence of the militants.]
"Seize him."
"That fucking bitch" Margaery seethed with rage. Olenna sat stoically watching, gripping her cane tight enough to whiten her knuckle.
All Catelyn could do was stare in shock, horror and disgust. To think she approved of the man who approved of all of this… of all the extremism…
[HALLWAY]
[MARGAERY walks down a hallway. She pushes a set of doors open, enters TOMMEN'S chambers, and angrily puts her hands on a table. TOMMEN is eating, and looks up at her, surprised.]
"He's in trouble" Bran muttered. Good. If he was going to be King, he's going to need to take responsibility for what his people do.
"Why is my brother in a cell?"
"I, I don't know. I, I didn't order it."
"We both know who did. You told me she was returning to Casterly Rock."
[TOMMEN stands]
"Are you saying my mother is behind this?"
"Yes," Tommen muttered sadly. How cold his mother do this to him…
"She's jealous you're not hers anymore. Arresting my brother is her revenge."
"Aren't you and mother getting along?"
They were… but Tommen now understood that his mother was faking it all…
[MARGAERY scoffs]
"Oh, my sweet, sweet King. Do you have any affection for me at all?"
[TOMMEN takes her hand]
"Of course I do. You're my Queen."
"I can't bear to think of my brother locked away in some grimy cell."
"I'll set him free for you."
"I'm the King, I should be able to do that" Tommen nodded to himself.
[CERSEI'S CHAMBERS]
[TOMMEN walks into CERSEI'S chambers. CERSEI is staring out of a window and drinking wine.]
"I demand that Ser Loras be freed now!"
"Did I arrest him?"
Margaery scoffed.
"Well, no... But you armed the Faith Militant. You gave the High Sparrow an army."
"I did. And your wife has every right to criticize. Can't allow fanatics to arrest the Queen's brother, no matter his perversions."
"Then can I tell Margaery you'll have Ser Loras released?"
"I told you I am not holding Ser Loras. You're the King. I'm sure if you speak to the High Sparrow, he'll release the poor boy."
"That vile vindictive bitch" Myrcella muttered angrily. How could she just push Tommen along like that?!
[THE GREAT SEPT]
[A group of kingsguard lead TOMMEN to the Great Sept. The party stops. TOMMEN gets out and goes to the steps of the Sept on foot, followed by guards. A number of people are seen milling about around the base of the steps. Some FAITH MILITANT stand guarding the steps. They block TOMMEN and his guards from walking up.]
"His Holiness is praying. He will not be disturbed."
"But I'm the King" Tommen muttered. Everyone should heed the King's call!
[The KINGSGUARD and MILITANTS both adjust their stances, ready for a fight. A number of other people begin to watch. Some people begin yelling 'Bastard', 'Abomination', 'Filthy Bastard' at TOMMEN.]
"But… I'm the King…" Tommen muttered, eyes tearing up. How could the people treat him like this?
"You see why you can't be King?" Tommen turned to Myrcella. "Robert Baratheon is not our father, and everyone knows it and will know it. We will be cursed, spat on and hated for the things our mother did."
"But mother is father's wife. That makes us royalty!"
"No. We'd only be royalty if we were Robert Baratheon's recognised bastard, but even then royal bastards and nothing more. The people will never accept us."
"I- but- Myrcella…"
Tommen's lips wobbled and Myrcella embraced her brother close, running her fingers through his hair.
"You may not be able to become the King of the Seven Kingdoms, but you will inherit Casterly Rock" Tyrion spoke. He got off his chair and waddled over to his niece and nephew, patting the boy gently on the head.
"I swear to you, I will protect you no matter what, shield you from all the harsh words they throw at you. You will be my heir when I take the seat, and I will make sure you become the best Lord of Casterly Rock, a Lord people will speak about with pride and hold as an example for people through the ages."
Tommen sniffled, rubbing his eyes and his nose with his sleeves.
Myrcella stared at her uncle.
"I can't promise to make you the best lady of Casterly Rock… but I can promise you the same protection I promised your brother, and that I will find you a match you will approve of and find happiness in."
Myrcella nodded, not flinching away from Tyrion's hand on her head.
The imp waddled back to his seat, watched closely by his niece and nephew.
[THE WALL; CASTLE BLACK]
[Some Night's Watchmen spar in the courtyard. A number of others look on. STANNIS and SELYSE watch from some stairs.]
"You think highly of this boy."
"He's Lord Commander of the Night's Watch."
"A bastard by some tavern slut."
"No, he isn't," Arya said smugly. "He's royalty."
"Arya!"
"Am I wrong? He's Prince Rhaegar and Aunt Lyanna's son. He's a prince, royalty."
Catelyn sighed. Her daughter was not wrong. Which made her worry. She was not… kind to the bastard… no, to the prince. He was not a bastard…
"Perhaps, but that wasn't Ned Stark's way."
Ned raised a brow at Stannis in the hall.
"With how much Robert boasted about you, it did not fit your character and nature that you'd father a bastard" Stannis shrugged. That was the logical thought process.
Ned nodded and looked away.
Robert was sour that his brother had a better grasp of his friend's nature than he had.
"I should have given you a son."
[She looks at their daughter]
"I gave you nothing but weakness. And deformity."
Shireen flinched at her mother's words, shrinking into herself.
"That is my daughter and I will not have you speak about her in that manner."
The girl felt a hand on her head and looked up to see her father. The man said nothing, but the girl smiled nonetheless.
[MELISANDRE walks towards them]
"Those scars mean nothing to the Lord of Light. Her father is the Lord's chosen King. And her father's blood runs through her veins."
[MELISANDRE and SELYSE stare at each other.]
Shireen stiffened.
"Father please don't let her burn me like the rest" the girl muttered in horror.
Stannis' jaws set angrily, his hand running through his daughter's hair comfortingly. He had not fallen so low as to sacrifice his daughter…
[After a moment, SELYSE walks away.]
"You march on Winterfell soon?"
"We must. To beat the snows."
"Once before you put your faith in Ser Davos and left me behind. I hope you won't make that mistake again."
"Mistake" Renly snorted in disgust.
"I won't. I need you."
Stannis grunted in displeasure.
"You only need faith, my King."
"And you, my Lady, what do you need?"
"To serve my Lord."
[JON'S CHAMBER]
[JON sits at his desk. SAM hands him various letters to sign, one by one.]
"Lord Ashford, Lady Caulfield, Lord Smallwood."
"Never even heard of these people."
"Lesser houses" Ned shrugged.
"They haven't heard of you either. But we need men and they have some."
"And how many men does this Lord Mazin have to send us?"
"More than Lord Wibberley."
"You need all the men you can get" Rickard muttered softly.
[SAM'S face grows dark after reading the next letter. When JON finishes signing the letter to LORD WIBBERLEY, SAM hands it to him, saying nothing. JON begins signing but hesitates.]
"Not him."
"I know, I'm sorry, but we need men and supplies. And Roose Bolton is the Warden of The North."
The Starks muttered angrily. But the older generation understood that it was something Jon would have no choice in…
"He murdered my brother."
"We swore to be the Watchers on the Wall. We can't watch the Wall with 50 men. And we can't get more men without help from the Warden of the North."
[JON hesitates another moment, and then relents and signs the letter.]
"A leader has to do difficult things… a good leader has to do things that make him uncomfortable…"
"Like how Jeor Mormont had an understanding with Craster?" Jon questioned his grandfather.
Rickard would have preferred to say no.
But he nodded.
The role of leadership did not appeal to Jon much anymore…
[He leans his chair back, and SAM gathers up all of the signed letters. He walks away, almost bumping into MELISANDRE as she enters Jon's chambers. SAM and MELISANDRE both look at JON. JON nods at SAM, and he leaves. MELISANDRE closes the door behind him, and JON straightens up his posture.]
"How can I help you?"
"Come with us when we ride south. None of us know the castle as well as you do. Its hidden tunnels, its weaknesses, its people. Winterfell was your home once. Don't you want to chase the rats out of it"
"Castle Black is my home now. Night's Watch takes no part in the wars of the Seven Kingdoms."
Rickard grunted his approval.
"There's only one war. Life against death. Come. Let me show what you're fighting for."
"You're gonna show me some vision in the fire. Forgive me, my Lady. But I don't trust in visions."
"No visions. No magic. Just life."
[She opens up her robes, naked underneath. She leans back, and takes JON'S hand, slowly leading it up her body to cup her breast.]
"Keep your hands off my son!" Lyanna hissed in outrage. The nerve on the woman! Oh, how she'd skewer her if she ever got her hands on the woman.
Daenerys rubbed Lyanna's back comfortingly, while Jon looked anywhere but the vision or the people around him, head lowered to hide his embarrassment.
[MELISANDRE smiles and looks down at JON'S hand. JON looks too. Realizing that she is no longer holding it there, he quickly pulls it away. MELISANDRE caresses Jon's face and sits on his lap.]
"He's a better man than me. I'd be squeezing" Tyrion muttered around his cup of wine.
"The Lord of Light made us male and female. Two parts of a greater whole. We are joining this power. Power to make life, power to make light, and power to cast shadows."
"You are not his other half, you witch!" Lyanna hissed.
"I don't think Stannis would like that very much."
"Then we shouldn't tell him."
"I swore a vow."
"Yes you did" Rickard grunted.
[MELISANDRE looks at him incredulously]
"I loved another."
"Well, it looks like he has other priorities" Brandon snorted, much to his father's displeasure.
The boy's vows should be his first and only priority…
[JON keeps her from unbuttoning his coat any further, breathing heavily. MELISANDRE stands up, closes her robes, and walks away. After opening the door to leave, she turns to Jon.]
"You know nothing, Jon Snow."
[JON'S mouth opens a bit. She smirks and leaves.]
"I am going to wring her neck that bitch! How dare she?!" Lyanna fumed.