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Chapter 16
Far away, on the land of Essos, the giant continent holding many wonders, mysteries and bloodshed. Held also oathbreakers, sell-swords and exiles. And among those countless names, a princess with no title, throne, land to rule or crown to wear was riding across the desertic land, and that young princess was Daenerys Targaryen. The last dragon, or so people told her. Yet, Daenerys knew that wasn't the truth, not entirely. Far from where she was currently travelling, across the Narrow Sea, where home called for her and her birthright awaited. Another Targaryen lived.
Daenerys knows about the princess, about Galadriel Baratheon. Yet, all she knew was from tales and whispers, from Viserys rantings about her being a false dragon, and how dare she bear the mantle of a Targaryen, even though Daenerys was sure that wasn't the case. But here, Daenerys desired to know more, to learn more. They have been riding for a while since Drogo's last raid. So, with that in mind, she stared at Jorah, who, like always, was next to her.
"Jorah, could I ask you something?" Daenerys requested as the exiled knight glanced at her.
"Of course, my Khaleesi."
"Could you tell me about Galadriel Baratheon? The Usurper's oldest daughter?"
Jorah frowned slightly, surprised to hear her ask about such a person. "It's the first time you've asked about her, Khaleesi," Jorah stated as Daenerys nodded with a sigh.
"Viserys hated when someone mentioned her. He felt rage just to think about her, and I dared not to anger him. So, I only know from her that she looks like a Targaryen princess."
Jorah nodded slowly. "The truth is that I have never seen her. But I did hear a lot from her, and everyone has. A cruel joke from the Gods, they said. A dragon born out of a stag and a lion. It was said that Robert beat the wall of his room until he almost broke his fingers. Others said he wanted to kill her by throwing her into the sea and letting the waves wash her away."
Daenerys just had a mortified look on her face. "Does he truly hate everything, Targaryen?" She asked, alarmed. "Even though she is his daughter?"
Jorah didn't honestly know how to answer such a question. Yes, Robert hated all related to the dragon lords. But, when it came down to the princess, it seemed that Robert mellowed down in the later years. Jorah, however, felt that there was more to it. Yes, he did know about her, because thanks to the princess. The North benefited greatly, thanks to her investments and great support. The princess, made sure more merchandise arrived there, allowing them to export more themselves and made sure that they could compete with some of the other kingdoms. And, the princess, was perhaps the only reason why the Night's Watch was able to get some help, after being ignored for such long, and being seen as nothing but a place filled with murders, rapists, and rats. The Night's Watch slowly got back some of its old reputation. As a hard and elite force to combat the Long Night, whenever it comes.
It was still a far cry from their prime days. But it was something the North would forever be thankful for. And why they hold the princess in high regard.
She was easy to love from what I heard. Jorah thought remembering the whispers he heard while travelling. Easy to cherish.
"At first, I think he did hate her, but he grew fond of her," Jorah said. "That's what I was told. The princess was the only person he ever listened to. She is the only one he seems to care about sometimes. A strange man, Robert Baratheon is."
Daenerys wondered why that would be. Indeed, the man who took on her father's throne and was responsible for the death of her niece and nephew and, more importantly, her brother. Then, why he suddenly felt a change of heart? She wasn't sure if she wanted to know the answer.
"But... it is true?"
"About what, in particular?"
Daenerys looked mildly uncomfortable and tired of riding on top of a horse. But always kept track of her question and what truly made her uneasy. "About everything she has done? About the bank... the farms... about the people loving her?"
Jorah could see the worry inside the young girl's eyes. That was the question that made him feel somewhat apprehensive about answering. Since he couldn't lie to her about the truth. "You're still the true heir to the throne-" Jorah tried to shift the conversation, and Daenerys saw it immediately.
"Don't lie to me, Jorah," Daenerys snapped gently. "I need to know the truth. If I ever want a possibility to go back home. I need to know."
It took a while, but Jorah sighed in defeat. "It is true," he replied lowly.
"All of it?" Daenerys questioned worriedly.
"Yes," Jorah whispered as he repeated everything he had heard from the princess during his time in Westeros. "A genius like no other. A vast mind filled with wonders, that makes a fool of even the brightest maester. She created a bank herself. The first and only Westerosi bank. She created, expanded and rebuilt the capital, making it a city fit for a king and got rid of the stench."
Jorah added with a bit of amusement in the last sentences. "Farms, roads, even small... buildings where they teach children how to read and write. Khalessi, I'm not saying this to scare you or to make you feel less. But, the princess has truly changed Westeros. And people truly loved her... she is their princess."
Jorah closed his eyes before glancing at the young princess riding next to him. "She's well-loved, Khalessi. Kind and delicate. People claim she has been blessed by the Maiden. Her beauty shadows those of her mother, and other fair maides, renowned by their beauty, like Ashara Dayne, and even Shiera Seastar."
Daenerys just nodded slowly, letting those words sink in first. Hearing that made her feel so small, fearful and afraid. "She sounds like... quite the princess," Daenerys muttered softly before turning towards Jorah.
"Do think... she'll join me?"
Jorah wondered the same. "I don't know, Khaleesi. There's no love between Joffrey and her. He's jealous of her sister's success and popularity. She is not violent and spends much time on her tower in the Red Keep."
Now, Daenerys glanced at him, confused. "Why?"
"Have you heard about the Crownlands Rebellion?" Jorah asked, and from the looks of it. Daenerys didn't seem to know about it, which surprised Jorah, who wondered why Viserys didn't teach her about Westeros. But maybe, it was because Viserys knew little about his own homeland. "The Crownlands Rebellion was a small revolt made by what was left of the Targaryen loyalist a few years after Greyjoy's rebellion."
"I didn't know that..." Danearys whispered, shocked to hear about that now of all times.
"They captured the princess during a night raid in the castle and took her captive for months. I don't know the details... but they torture her. Since then, the princess has spent most of her time inside the castle, barely going out."
It was more horrific than that, and Jorah wished not to traumatize the young Khaleesi. However, from the way, Daenerys' face paled at the description of what happened during the Crownlands Rebellion. She seemed to feel sorry for the princess. No child deserved such cruelty.
"That's horrible," she whispered softly.
"She survived... like you and your brother."
Daenerys nodded gently. "Maybe we aren't so different after all. Perhaps, we could get along."
Jorah smiled at her. "Maybe."
Daenerys' dreams of taking back the throne were still there. It was not close, but the Khaleesi still believed all those lies. Viserys told her about the people waiting for her to go back. Once they arrived at King's Landing, they would shower them with roses and wine and sing songs. She honestly did believe all of that. It was only a matter of her achieving it, and the Targaryen would rule once more.
But all those dreams would come to hold as she saw Drogo, her husband, and Khan fall from his horse.
"Drogo!"
Daenerys would soon face her own challenges. And she may not survive them.
At King's Landing, the news of the princess's escape practically scorched the halls of the Red Keep. Everyone heard the word of the soon-to-be crowned king, Joffrey Baratheon, that he wished to kill the princess, his own blood, because of a sudden rivalry that began when Robert Baratheon named her the true heir. That bits of news spread across King's Landing at an incredible rate. And it wouldn't take long before word reached other parts of the Seven Kingdoms, with letters written by the princess, who expected all to happen.
Joffrey stared at the members of the council with fierce eyes. "What's the meaning of this...!" He spews angrily. "Who wrote these letters?!"
The Small Council was incredibly quiet. Varys, hide her amusing smile behind an awkward cough. More surprised, the princess prepared letters to be sent to the lords of the Seven Kingdoms rightly after the king passed away. She planned this all along. Varys smile secretly, and for the looks of it. Baelish was also amazed by the princess's actions.
"It seems the princess didn't trust you with her safety," Pycell replied stiffly. "She saw her escape as a need."
"She's a traitor! A pretender!" Joffrey screamed loudly. "I want her dead!"
Cersei, who wasn't having a great time, looked mortified and scared of her son's words. "Nonsense, Joffrey... your sister is afraid for her life. Ned Stark, poisoned against you. You know how paranoid she can get."
Cersei stuttered, not sounding confident at all with her words. "Once Ned Stark clears all the accusations. She'll listen to me."
"I don't care," Joffrey replied, looking directly into her eyes. "She plotted against me with Ned Stark to take my throne. I'm the rightful ruler. I am the king!"
Cersei tried to calm him down, but he slowly slipped away from her grasp.
"Baelish... I want to put a bounty on her head. And all of those who helped her escape. I want them executed."
Baelish didn't really like being in the middle of the conversation but tried to play along. "Of course, your grace... but wouldn't it be wise to... capture her? It would allow you to truly cement your rule."
Joffrey glanced at him. "What do you mean, with cementing my rule? I don't need to cement my rule... I am the only ruler. The only true king. I don't need to prove anything to anyone."
Baelish nodded, of course, trying to look, meekly and in agreement with the so-called true king.
"The rumours would end if the princess confessed it was all a farce. I believe the queen can make her speak after we bring her back to the Red Keep."
Baelish stared at the queen, who immediately nodded fervently. "Of course," she replied. "As I said, Joffrey. She is being manipulated by our enemies. She will be punished accordingly to her status. And hold in house arrest, and once you become king. She'll be... move away. Maybe, at Casterly Rock, with grandfather, where she would serve him."
Cersei knew that having Galadriel and Joffrey in the same place was terrible for both of them. She may trust Galadriel to not do anything to her brother. But, Joffrey was not one to leave this matter to rest. Cersei feared he would do what he intended and kill her sister. But more importantly, she was dead terrified of her daughter being away, somewhere from her grasp. "She loves you, Joffrey... she is just afraid. Remember, we are family."
Joffrey just stared at his mother, scoffing loudly.
"It will be prudent not to anger the people of Westeros nor give your enemies more to bring more allies to their course," Varys added carefully. "The princess is well loved. If you... slay her, it would show weakness and that the rumours were right."
Joffrey's face morphed into one of pure rage. "Those are a lie! I'm the king!"
"Of course, you're," Cersei intervene quickly. "But what lord Varys said is that the people would see it another way. Right now, we can't afford more enemies."
"True, your grace. The princess' death would be a catastrophic mistake for your rule," Varys added, hoping some sense would come to the young king. "The last thing the people of Westeros need of their king is that he is a Kinslayer. Doing so would give those who doubt your claim a reason to distrust your heritage and for the war to escalate."
Joffrey slumped into his chair, furious that Galadriel escaped, but he wasn't still mad enough to just see no reason. Yet, he would secretly, command Baelish to tell his soldiers, he pay a great deal for it. To kill her, but to make it look like an accident. He would not risk his rule and birthright by playing good brother.
"Fine," Joffrey replied begrudgingly. "But I want these letters to be destroyed! And, when my sister is brought to me. I want her to publically apologize to me and to swear loyalty. I want her to do it in front of all of King's Landing."
"Of course, Joffrey, don't worry, your sister will do as I say," Cersei added, calming herself a bit more. She still had some control.
"What about Sansa's brother?" Joffrey then asked, annoyed. "Will he come and bend the knee?"
Varys let a small sigh as Baelish seemed entertained by what was to come.
"Robb Stark is coming south," Varys said, and for a moment, Joffrey looked smug. "With all his bannermen."
Cersei clenched her jaw, but Joffrey seemed to be now more enraged than before. He already made his decisions.
"We may still have some time for... Lord Tywin to finish," Pycell stuttered slowly.
"Finish what?" Joffrey hissed. "Traitors are everywhere... I do hope he brings Robb Stark to heel."
"We... get Sansa to stop him," Pycell added.
"I gave her a chance to write a letter... she didn't do more," Joffrey hissed with a scoff. "I'll make sure to let everyone know that I am the only true king."
The Small Council was curious if that would be the case. Nevertheless, there was quite a lot to deal with at first. And those who wanted peace would find themselves in quite a position later today. Since it would be when Ned Stark would be presented to the people of King's Landing to confess his crimes.
And that would lead to a bigger problem itself.
Catelyn Stark, days have been long and dreary, filled with nothing but defeat, betraying and deceiving. She missed the more leisurely days when the only worry in her mind was how much Bran ate and how the writing classes were going with Rickon. Now, she rides to uncertainty and misery.
"Summer snows, my lady," Rodrik stated as both came up a hill only to face a large Stark camp with thousands of soldiers ahead of her.
"Robb brought the North with him," Catelyn whispered, gulping nervously
Lady Stark managed to find the tent where her son was surrounded by the lords of the North, speaking military terms she didn't want to know or hear because it would mean the war was ahead of them.
"Lady Stark," lord Umber called as everyone rose up.
"Mother!" Robb expressed, surprised to see her there.
Catelyn just stood there, watching her oldest son. He was already a man, tall and robust. Robb was not a child anymore, and that hurt her the most.
"You look well," she could only reply after staring at him for a few seconds.
"Lady Catelyn, you're a welcome sight in these trouble times," lord Umber exclaimed jovially.
"We didn't expect to meet you here, my lady," Theon commented.
Catelyn sighed tiredly. "I have no thought to be here," she remarked. "My lords, if I could, I want to speak with my son alone."
Soon enough, all the lords left mother and son alone, and when they. Catelyn and Robb hugged each other. "I'm so happy to see you, my son."
"I am too, mother," Robb replied softly.
"You're not a boy... you're now leading an army to battle."
"If you think you can send back to Winterfell-"
"Oh, I wish I could," Catelyn stopped him gently, knowing that currently, her wishes weren't of any purpose to the stakes at hand. Robb understood it as well. He was a Stark. It didn't matter if he was younger than them. His father was rotting in prison if Robb didn't act accordingly. It may be an announcement that he couldn't lead them in the future. And Northerner man only respected a strong lord. No more.
"Mother, there was a letter," Robb quickly gave the letter to his mother, who frowned at it. "It's from Sansa."
Catelyn's jaw clenched, already knowing from whom precisely the letter was. "From the queen, you mean," she replied icily, sitting down and begrudgingly taking her time to read it. Catelyn recognized Sansa's handwriting, yet the words sounded nothing like her. Almost forced even. However, the longer she read it, the more she realized how bad things were.
"There's no mention of Arya," Catelyn's worries increased more.
"No," Robb only replied.
Catelyn just looked defeated and anxious. The worry for her children brought her down even more, wildly, as she stared at the war table.
"There was another letter," Robb said, and this time, Catelyn turned towards him. "From the princess."
"Galadriel?" Catelyn asked, confused.
Robb nodded stiffly as he again gave the letter to his mother. Catelyn started to read it, and read it, and every line became even worse than she initially thought.
Dear Robb Stark of Winterfell.
I write this with the hope it will reach your hands. By now, you must have heard about what's transpiring at King's Landing. The truth is that Robert Baratheon, my father. The king. Named me heir and next in line. Your father, Eddard Stark and I were the only ones who knew about it. But my brother and mother have taken the throne and attacked us during the day.
Your father's household guards, servants and even cooks were butchered on my brother's order. In the onslaught, your sister, Arya, disappeared. I do not know where she is... but I know she is alive and well. Hiding from prying eyes.
Your sister, Sansa, has been taken hostage, and while I believe she will not be harmed. It's clearly a prisoner of my brother's actions. Joffrey's madness has grown, and if you had arrived at King's Landing. I trust you know what would have happened.
I was able to escape during the night and was able to meet with your father in the Black Cells. I tried to persuade him to leave with me. But lord Eddard Stark couldn't leave without his daughters. I'm so sorry. I failed him and you.
Now, I am coming to you for help. We must stop my brother from burning the Seven Kingdoms to the ground. And to save your father and sisters. I hope there is still time.
Galadriel Baratheon.
"This is..."
"I know," Robb replied, looking into his mother's eyes.
"Joffrey must be mad if even she fears for her life there," Catelyn whispered. "Ned... must have known something... something more. Otherwise, he would have left with her."
"Arya is lost, and Sansa's hostage. He couldn't leave them alone with him... if he had, then Joffrey..." Robb muttered nervously. Every minute went by, and things just got worse. "Mother, what should I do?"
Catelyn looked at the letter and felt something more significant was starting to arise. "This is no longer a battle between two houses."
"No, it's no longer that," Robb whispered. "There are rumours of Renly going to the Stormlands and the Reach... I think I know what's he doing. This is going to become a full-fledged war."
"And on which side are we on? Tywin Lannister is burning my homeland... Joffrey has your sisters and father captive. The princess is in a battle of her own... Robb, what are we going to do?"
"I don't know..."
"How many men do you have?" She asked.
"18.000... still," Robb muttered, considering his options.
"We must deal with Tywin Lannister first," Catelyn said. "Our best hope, our only hope, is that you can defeat them in battle. Otherwise, we can't help anyone, your father, your sisters... or the princess. We don't even know where she is... or if she is alive."
"You think Galadriel could stop her grandfather and help us save my father and my sisters?"
Robb knew how hard everything was. Making peace with the Lannisters after everything they had done to this family. But, if what the princess said was true, and he believed it was the truth. Then, perhaps they could join together and save his sisters. But that was a bit hard to accept for him. Tywin Lannister was not someone he would trust at all. At least not now. Robb had to prove himself and make sure to convince the Old Lion that making peace with him, was better than fighting him. But that option was the hardest one. Because if he loses on the battlefield. The repercussions of that would doom house Stark.
"Peace with them?" She whispered, troubled by the thought of his son.
"I'm trying to see all my options," Robb replied. "People's lives are on my shoulders now, not only of my sisters and father. But everyone in the North. Winter is coming."
Catelyn didn't know, honestly. But watching her son's eyes, the weight of carrying the Stark banner. It made her feel broken inside. He was still too young. "Maybe... or maybe not... this is war, and the years' have not made Tywin Lannister any kinder. If we lose, your father dies, your sisters die... we die."
Catelyn Stark whispered as Robb only watched the map, wondering what he would do. Robb took a deep breath making up his conclusion.
"Then... we only have one choice."
"I think we do."
Tyrion Lannister had to admit that the last weeks have been quite tumultuous and entertaining. Never in his life has he been so filled with adventures and close calls to death. He had quite a lot of tales to fill up a book. That was, however, a topic for a different time.
He saw his father's tent and prepared himself to explain to the Lord of Casterly Rock where he had been and why he had a bunch of tribesmen of the Vale with him.
But he had done better and worse.
Tyrion slowly entered the room when Tywin noticed him. There was even a tiny hint of surprise and disgust in the old lord's eyes.
"Tyrion..."
"Uncle... father," Tyrion said, sitting before Tywin.
"The rumours of your demise were unfounded," Tywin stated, almost mockingly.
"Sorry to disappoint you," Tyrion replied quickly.
"And who are these... companions of yours."
Tyrion took his time presenting his honourable companions each time he showed one. It could feel, Tywin's glare burning holes in him. He has done it before. But he surely didn't miss it.
"And may I present you my father, Tywin Lannister, Lord of Casterly Rock and Warden of the West," Tyrion muttered. "Kind of you going to war for me."
Tywin needed to be in the mood for games or chatter. "You left us no choice. The honour of our house was a stake. Your brother wouldn't have gotten himself captured in such a meek manner."
Tyrion wanted to smirk and laugh but just took his father's jab and replied as he was used to. "We have our differences, Jaime and I. He's braver. I am better looking."
"He's been covering himself in glory," Tywin replied, almost proudly. And that hurt Tyrion. That face, he would never show such gestures when talking about him.
"Jaime smashed the Riverlords at the Golden Tooth and now lays siege to Riverrun, Catelyn Stark's homeland."
"And the Starks? Lord Eddard?" Tyrion asked, and now, he saw a different face upon his father's face. Even the tension grew high.
"He is our hostage."
"And how my dear sister convinced his king to imprison Ned?"
"Robert Baratheon is dead."
Tyrion froze. He usually would have expected his father to show some positive emotion, hearing that. Since Robert was dead, then it meant Joffrey would be crowned king. Although, everyone knew it would be Cersei the one ruling. But, Tywin's face. That stern look, almost murderous. He wasn't happy, and it showed.
"And now... Joffrey rules, right? Well, my sister. Should we celebrate?"
Tyrion then saw how his uncle gave him a letter. And the moment he saw the handwriting, he knew it was from his niece, the princess.
"Galadriel...?"
Grandfather.
I write this to you with the hope this reaches you fast. Things at King's Landing have turned for the worst. My father has named me his heir and next in line. Mother and Joffrey butchered Ned's man in the halls and took over the throne once they knew the truth. They imprisoned him and surrounded me, trying to force me to give up any claim.
I was able to escape during the night. Joffrey has hundreds of mercenaries running amok in the capital, doing his dirty work.
Grandfather is about Joffrey; he... is getting mad. He will kill me if he gets the chance. I will not allow him to destroy everything I have worked so hard for. Please, grandfather, I need your help. We need to stop him before it is too late.
Tyrion's reaction was of an incredibly fearful man. He gulped. He knew that Joffrey was a vicious little kid, and with his sister entitling his every behaviour, it wouldn't take long before no one could stop him. And now, they watched the seeds slowly prosper into a twisted tree filled with malice and jealousy.
"He's always been jealous of her... Robert favoured her for a reason. Galadriel has experienced rulling. She has built so much. All her achievements made him feel small, a shadow," Tyrion whispered; he had a good idea of how it felt to be the shadow of someone else. Of never being able to impress or get the approval of his father. "But I never thought Joffrey would actually do this."
"Do you believe it?" Tywin asked coldly. And now, Tyrion just glanced at him as if he jesting.
"It's Galadriel we are talking about, father," Tyrion replied. "And the fact that Lord Eddard is in captivity proves this is true. Lord Stark may be naive, and our enemy, but he is not a liar."
Tywin just stood there, watching him before nodding. He wasn't a fool. Tywin could smell a lie from miles away. Cersei was horrible at it, and he knew Joffrey as well. "Cersei has let Joffrey do as he pleases. I have told her not to indulge him, and now... we have this."
Tywin slammed the letter on the table. "I have sent my trusted knights to look out for my granddaughter."
Tyrion nodded, sighing tiredly. "But, this doesn't change anything. What are you going to do with Joffrey?"
Tywin remained silent for a few seconds before a scout entered the tent. "My lord, if you allow me. Ser Addam reports that the Northmen have crossed the Neck."
Tywin's eye could have quickly frozen anyone in the place. Tyrion has never seen his father so focused. "The wolf rushes into the lion's jaws. So be it. We are going to defeat this Stark boy and the Riverlords. Then, I'll ride to King's Landing and end this ridiculous matter."
"How?" Tyrion asked with genuine bewilderment. "I doubt Joffrey would give up the throne. Especially with Cersei on his side."
"I'll handle them, and Galadriel. She'll listen to me."
Tywin was so close to achieving what he wanted. A dynasty that will rule for hundreds of years. To stamp his family name for all time. And he would not let anyone ruin it. Not even his family.
The princess and her loyal guards ride across Kingswood. They ended up going south to avoid some of Joffrey's mercenaries. And it took not much before they realized that Joffrey had put a price on her. He wanted her alive, publically for now. Yet, Galadriel knew, that Joffrey's mercenaries were given the order to kill her on sight. What a dear, my brother is. She thought amused. But that would soon change once Galadriel's next step starts. However, for now, Galadriel enjoyed freedom and adventure. A sensation she missed from her old days playing Yggdrasil.
Even though I have lived here for such a long time. It's the first time I have actually travelled across Westeros. This is beautiful!
Galadriel glanced at the beauty of the forest. It was quite the place to be, a perfect camping place. Now, I know why father loved going on his hunting trips here. She thought as she rested her head on Mya's back.
"Galadriel?" Mya felt Galadriel's arm around her waist, hugging her tenderly. "Are you awake?"
Galadriel hummed as she pretended to be just waking up. "Did we ride all night?"
"We needed to put some distance between King's Landing and us," Gendry answered as they reached a small clearing near a river. They stopped for the horses to rest and to drink.
"How far are we?" Galadriel asked as she let Mya help her get down the horse. Ah, I didn't think my legs could get numb! She whined sincerely. Who would have thought that numb legs could be quite a negative status! Or maybe it's my mind trying to pretend it's human? Mmhm, weird.
"Far enough to take a small rest," Ser Barristan stated. "Your grace, how are you feeling?" The old knight asked, noticing how Galadriel seemed to be walking.
"I'm just a bit... sore. This is the first time I rode a horse," Galadriel admitted awkwardly. "How did you get used to it?"
The three of them chuckled. "Practice and experience."
Galadriel decided to rest near the river, letting her feet touch the water. The nature around her, the sound of chirping birds. A green world, a beautiful land for her. Sometimes, she just wanted to lay there and let the sun's warmth wash her body. But her plots lead her to act as she practised.
"We left... we truly left," Galadriel whispered, trying to look like a shocked princess. "My hands are still trembling."
Galadriel then looked at them, showing a face filled with fear and anxiety. "What do I do now?"
"We must find supporters," Ser Barristan said. "Lords who would follow your claim."
"And who would those lords be?" Gendry asked, a bit forceful. "Renly left, and from what we have heard from towns and travellers. He has raised an army for himself. The Reach and the Stormlands together. The biggest army. And the Starks are marching south to face Tywin Lannister. Stannis is on Dragonstone doing... who knows. And the Vale is locked."
"We are alone," Galadriel whispered, seemly tense.
"Gendry," Mya hissed, glaring daggers at him.
Gendry didn't want to sound negative or put more worries on his sister's shoulders. But couldn't tell lies towards her. "I apologize, your grace. But... I frankly couldn't tell you what to do."
Galadriel nodded; acting was challenging, but at the same time, it allowed her to see her siblings' reactions and how they behave during duress. Both of them genuinely didn't have any idea of what to do. But she did.
Galadriel sent letters to according to whom would read them. She sent one to Robb Stark, Tywin Lannister, Renly Baratheon, Stannis Baratheon, and Doran Martell. She wrote it in a way, that matches the person reading it. So that no one could point their fingers at her for wanting to take the throne or for them to fight for her. No, she was more intelligent than that. Galadriel made it seems as if her only worry was to stop Joffrey and the war and nothing more. She never claimed anything else, allowing them to theorize her intentions. But as well for them to continue with the war itself.
Galadriel has also heard the whispers from her spies coming from the Iron Island and how Lord Greyjoy would soon join the fight. But leaving that aside, Galadriel could take different routes. It didn't matter which was. So, since she was so close to Renly, she decided it would be good to meet her dear uncle and see what he would do when she arrived there.
And adding that, Galadriel's shadows were on Dragonstone, where her uncle Stannis seemed deep into a cult. That Red Priestess was slowly preaching the Lord of Light, or whatever that was. However, that woman, was close to Stannis, whispering into his ear. About what exactly? Galadriel would find out soon enough. But, for some reason, of all the lords out there. Stannis was the one who she believed would join her.
Still, everyone was ready to tear each other apart and try to claim that ugly throne. Galadriel wanted to be in the middle of it.
"We could go and meet with uncle Renly," Galadriel stated.
"Your grace... he has claimed himself, king. He has betrayed your father and you," Ser Barristan implored her.
"Yes, he has, but he is still my uncle," Galadriel replied. "And we have no other nearby option. Grandfather is on the Riverlands, fighting the Riverlords and Robb. I can't meet both, either. We'll have to take the Kingsroad or the Golden road, and they are filled with Joffrey's men."
Galadriel decided to add some more drama coughing hard. Why? Because she just wanted.
"I haven't heard of uncle Stannis for almost a year. And I'd like to know if my letter has reached him. So, if we want any help at all. We must start with uncle Renly, and if we can't get anything. Let's meet with Prince Doran Martell.
"The Martell? Dorne?" Mya asked, tilting her head.
"They haven't declared for either side, so it's our best bet," Galadriel nodded as she stared at her half-sister. "And Arianne is there. Maybe she could help us."
Gendry, Mya and Ser Barristan just looked at each other. They knew their options were limited if any. And with the current war going on, no other choice for them but to hope for the best.
Then, surprising everyone, Galadriel let a loud sigh and smacked her cheeks hard. "So!" She exclaimed, trying to sound happy. "Are we going?"
Galadriel wanted to see things up close. Who would survive, and who would die? Galadriel smiled at the thought of it. She could hardly wait.