Chapter 22 – War of Dragons – The Preparation
Dragonstone – 1st month of 279 – week 2 day 1
The bald man walked along the stone hewed halls of the castle of Dragonstone. His appointment to the role of Master of Whispers to the King was recent but he had his network in place. The prince regent did not agree with his appointment and had placed someone in the role in King's Landing. But it was easy to avoid that person's network when you have already infiltrated it with your own. And soon the realm would feel the return of the king. And prince Rhaegar would be supplanted by his younger brother, something that would please the king.
His orders were clear. Break up the alliance between the prince and the Lannister's, and any other alliances. It would be hard to do so as the Prince's Lannister wife was kept secure and close, and the Hand of the King was also protected.
He would have to deal with the Lion and Wolf alliance as well, but it was deemed easier, with a maid to be slipped into their household would make sure the Lady wolf gave no heir to the Lions, he just had, to make sure the maid survived to slip the moon tea into the lady's drinks.
And he had already sent people north to find out exactly the strength of the North's army. His main concerns were the north and the west. But he knew better to ignore the other kingdoms.
As he walked, he heard cries echoing off the walls of the keep. The King was busy again it seemed. Entertaining his wife. Varis kept his face straight, knowing that the Kings Guard stationed there did the same. He also knew that if the Prince Regent had his way, they would be removed and the Queen would be escorted back to Kings landing with the infant prince to safety. Leaving the King behind to rot. He could not allow that.
Kings Landing– 3rd month of 279 – Week 1 day 2
Karlyn hated Kings Landing. And today she hated it even more. Dressed in black, she stood in silence beside Jamie. They had only been in Kings Landing 4 months before to celebrate the birth of Cersei and Rhaegar's first child, a son they had named Vahaegon.
And now, they were back, for a funeral. Well, funerals. Cersei and her infant son had been killed by an unknown assassin and Rhaegar was struggling with the loss of his wife and heir and the fact that House Baratheon had declared their independence after its Lord, Stefon, had been killed in defence of Cersei.
The Stormlands was in turmoil. As was the Westlands. The hand of the king, Lord Twyin had been there with Stefon when assassins attacked the Crown Princess and her child. And while he had survived, Stefon had not been so lucky and had died in the defence of Twyin's eldest child.
Jaime and Karlyn, stood by lord Twyin's left side, one arm wrapped around his, and the other supporting Tyrion. Joanna stood on Twyin's other side, veiled, and dressed in black, her shoulders straight, though Karlyn knew that Joanna sobbed silently inside. She had refused her son's support as they stood staring at the briar that bore the bodies of Princess Cersei, her infant son beside her.
The priest droned on and Karlyn let her gaze dart around the sept. She noted several people, including the man they knew as Varis - the King's Master of Whispers. Her face was carefully blank as she looked around. She knew the importance of maintaining her composure. Lord Twyinhad drilled them all on it but they all knew the risks.
Kings Landing – 3rd month of 279 – week 2- day 5
"Vultures" the voice was soft. "Every single one of them." The person speaking was standing at a window looking down at the almost constant flow of nobles with daughters of marriageable age flooding into the Red Keep. "The Princess has not been dead, a month, and was buried only last week. What thoughts are in their heads!?"
"Sit down Mira," Karlyn said from where she sat, beside the hearth in her bedroom. She was dressed in a grey gown. "You cannot blame them; they did not think the marriage was a close one."
After several weeks of discussion with his father, Jaime was determined that they would leave and head back to Casterly Rock as soon as he could arrange it. Joanna and Tyrion would join them.
There was a soft rap at her door and while Karlyn gathered a black shawl over her shoulders, Mira went to open the door.
"Lord Varis My Lady" Mira's tone was neutral as it always was with people other than her lady and lord.
Karlyn stood and faced the bald eunuch. "Lord Varis" Karlyn stated coolly to the man who bowed to her.
"Lady Stark." He said, his melodious voice grating on Karlyn's ears. "I am pleased to find you here. I have news that you may wish to hear".
She raised an eyebrow. "Do speak Lord Varis." She wondered what the slimy man had to say.
Thinking he had her full attention; he kept his ears peeled for the Maid. "The influx of ladies to the Keep have brought many whispers to my ears, key among them, is that while the Crown prince Regent is the key goal, your husband is also a target. After all, it has been several months since you wed and yet no heir to the Westland's."
Karlyn forbore to roll her eyes and merely waited for the man to get to the point.
"You would do well, My lady, to get with child as soon as possible, and stamp your claim on your husband. They say that several lower flowers are looking to entwine around golden lions."
"Is that all Varis?" She asked, almost bored with him.
"If you do not have the protection of your husband My Lady, then… You might wish to look at another." He paused. "You have options of course."
That was not going to happen Karlyn thought. And she wondered just which lord he was thinking of. Internally she shuddered at the thought of some of them. She did not want to consider any of them.
"And it would be best if you do it sooner rather than later, you are too pretty to be roasted when the King comes back to his throne."
She levelled her gaze at him and didn't reply before he bowed and shuffled out. Once the door shut she looked at Mira and flicked her fingers at her maid. Who nodded and dashed off to find Jamie and tell him what had been said.
Karlyn meanwhile went to the door and spoke in soft whispers to the guard outside. Who nodded and headed off to speak with the head of the house Guard.
Unbeknownst to Varis, Karlyn and Jamie had already conceived a child, and they had been about to tell the family just before the attacks on Cersei. They kept it to themselves but now they had more worries.
Karlyn paced as she waited for Jamie to arrive. And a while later the door opened and Jamie entered, with Rhaegar behind him.
Karlyn curtseyed at the Prince's entrance. She knew, as Jamie's wife, and good daughter to The Hand, the reason why Jamie was staying so close to Rhaegar but they didn't speak about it. "Your Grace, My Lord" She greeted them.
"Mira says Varis was here." Jamie said, coming to her side and kissing her hand.
She nodded and smiled at her husband before turning to the prince. "We all know whose side Varis is on. We know who holds his strings." She began. "He basically threatened me and told me the King is on his way back." She waved to the chairs near the hearth. "Shall we be comfortable?"
The gentlemen followed her lead and sat down on the chairs, and Karlyn sat beside Jamie.
Rhaegar nodded "So we have been suspecting. Already we are preparing. But his threats against you are confusing."
She shook her head. "He is trying to drive a wedge between the families. My good sister was your wife. Her death, I believe, was part of this. A wedge. And Jamie and My good family's heartbreak, is part of it for sure."
Jamie looked at his wife "And with the need for a wife and heir, he puts Rhaegar in the sights of other families."
"And with no announcement of an heir for the westlands…" Karlyn said softly.
Jamie nodded "We agreed…"
"I know," His wife replied.
"You agreed what?" Rhaegar asked carefully.
Jamie sighed and after a glance at Karlyn to gain approval. "There will be an heir to the Westlands. We found out shortly before Cersei was murdered. My father knows. We were going to tell the family just before the attacks. Mother is also aware."
"And Varis would not be aware… it would surely be something he would be able to find out. You have been here for several weeks…"
"Varis only thinks he has infiltrated our household." Karlyn stated firmly. "Even here in the Red Keep, he has not made it to our bedchamber. He only thinks he has."
Jamie took a breath. "Your Grace, you should send these families home. Those who refuse are most likely going to support your father. Several have younger daughters or granddaughters to marry your brother."
"Yet the Small Council believes I should…"
"Remarry" Came Karlyn's voice softly. "Yes, but it has barely been a sen-night since the funeral. You should remarry but you need to be respectful. Forcing the issue could spell disaster as well."
Rhaegar looked at her. "Meaning?"
"Pick the incorrect bride, you could find yourself on your knees before your father." She warned.
He nodded. "I have had communication from Robert."
"And?" Jamie asked.
"He is still not going to swear fealty to me. He is also looking to marry Caitlyn Tully."
"Well that could be an issue…" Jamie frowned. "Stormlands and Riverlands… joined, draws a line between the Crownlands and the North as well as the twins would be used to cut off the North."
Karlyn was quiet as they began to speak of the military issues. When they drew breath, she said. "Then we remove that piece from the board."
They looked at her. "What do you mean?" Rhaegar asked.
"Marry her to someone loyal." Karlyn stated.
"Who?" Both men asked her.
"Tyrion" Karlyn stated firmly.
Both men stared at her in shock.
"Oh fine, Oberyn Martell then"
"The Martells are waving Ellia Martell in front of me" Rhaegar sighed.
"She would not be a bad choice, bring Dorne into the fold more." Karlyn mused "However, the more open in your choice the more of a target that person will have."
Jaime studied his wife closely. "There is another option."
She raised an eyebrow at him. "Oh?"
"Lyanna" Jaime stated.
Karlyn stared at him. "Are you serious Jaime Lannister?" Her sister? Her wild Wolfs blood sister? Married to the Crown Prince. There would be chaos.
Rhaegar considered the name. "Lyanna Stark, it would bring the North Closer to the crown."
"Your father would love it be honest Karlyn."
She just stared at him. "Lyanna would really set the harpies hair afire!"
Jamie smirked. "Good. Or are you scared of your sister being in the Red Keep."
"Scared for her" Karlyn replied softly. "My apologies your Grace but My sister is not one to be kept within these walls."
"I have met your sister, My Lady, I am aware of her… attributes." Rhaegar smiled.
She raised another eyebrow at him. Karlyn wanted to protect her sister. "I…"
"Pact of Fire and Ice" Rhaegar stated.
Karlyn sighed. And that would be it. Her father would hand a daughter over or a son if the pact was put into place. "Very well, I will send a raven to my father."
"Once you are away from the Keep." Jamie stated.
"You are determined that we will need to leave?" Karlyn asked him.
"Yes" Jamie stated. "More so now, that Varis is making his move. I need Tyrion to be at Casterly Rock with Mother and our family. You will be safe there too."
Karlyn rolled her eyes now. "I am quite capable of taking care of myself."
Rhaegar nodded "We know." He soothed slightly. "But we are summoning our banners. Best to be safer than sorry" He stood, and they both followed suit. "War is coming. Write to your father, have him call banners and say I am invoking the Pact of Fire and Ice. And Jamie, you write to the Tully's. Have them understand that aligning with Baratheon will hurt them more than what the last Lord Tully did."
Jamie nodded. "Yes, your Grace"
"Yes, your Grace" Karlyn said softly. "When do you march?"
"Within the week" Rhaegar said calmly.
Karlyn's hands clenched in her skirts. But she nodded. "And Kings Landing?"
"Will be defended. Connington has been put in charge of its defence."
Jon Connington was a strange one to Karlyn's mind. He was fanatically loyal to Rhaegar for certain though. "A worthy choice" She murmured and glanced towards the window. "Mira? What hour is it?"
"Nearly luncheon My Lady"
Karlyn nodded. "Your Grace, My Lord, I have a lunch with Lady Tyrell."
Both men paled at that, and Karlyn had to hold back her smirk. Olenna Tyrell, the Queen of thorns, was a harsh woman at times. But Karlyn enjoyed speaking with the older woman. She dipped a curtsey and left the two of them to their conversation, Mira behind her and her personal guards falling into step.
15 minutes later…
Karlyn swept her skirts as she curtseyed to Olenna, deference du to the woman's age and rank. She like Karlyn was the wife of a lord Paramount. Though if rumour was to be deemed true, that might change as Luthor was not well. "Lady Olenna"
"Lady Karlyn" The older woman said looking her up and down, taking in the sedate grey dress and black shawl, and the colour of the young girls face. "Hmmm you look peaky My Lady."
Karlyn smiled faintly. She took the chair opposite her at the small table set for their luncheon. "When one meets with unwanted people, it causes distress in the stomach" she said calmly.
"oh?" Olenna raised an eyebrow. "Was it that slimy man again?"
Olenna had, had her own run in with Varis.
"Slime pours off of him." Karlyn was glad they were in a garden near the cliffs. No ears nearby. "It has been suggested that the King will return."
Olenna nodded. "And your suggestion?"
"My good family and I leave within in the next few days. Lord Twyin and Lord Jamie wants to return the bones of his sister to the Rock, and Lady Joanna will be better there." Karlyn said as if not hearing her. "The weather at the Rock will be pleasant enough. My Husband believes that returning Cersei to the crypt will help Lady Joanna. And it may."
"She has suffered a tragedy indeed."
"One no family should wish to suffer." Karlyn pealed the fig in front of her. She lowered her voice "Olenna, your family is loyal, and it will be tested. You know as I do, the situation with the King. If he returns… he will not care about loyalty, or innocence. I suggest that leaving until it is sorted is best."
Olenna nodded. She had already considered it. She and Luthor would return to Highgarden where her son and good daughter were with their children. "Interesting idea" she mused. "A good one."
"Pass it around. Those loyal to the king will stay I am sure." Karlyn replied. The rest of the lunch passed as they spoke of inconsequential things.
Upon her return to her chamber, Karlyn set about packing with Mira. The sooner they left Kings Landing the better.
Kings Landing – 3rd month of 279 – week 2- day 5 - late at night, hour of the Bat
A small group slipped from the Red Keep, they rode horses, whose' hooves were covered to muffle the sound. Hooded, and cloaked against the night cool air they wore no identifying crests or jewels. The group exit via the Mud gate, and once they are out of sight of the city, they disperse and vanish into the Various seven kingdoms.
Authors Notes and review Replies
Ser Arthur: so sorry had no access to WORD for 12 months when my computer died. Back now!