The Stag Prince

The Stag Prince 

“Let's begin this session of the small council my Lords.” Lord Arryn said as he took his seat. 

Stannis took a small sip of water and contented himself with remaining silent. Usually, Lord Arryn starts these meetings by asking for any news from Varys. 

He didn't disappoint. “Varys, any news we should know about?” 

An unusually serious look came on to the Spiders face. “There are a few different songs from around the Kingdom that might interest you my lord, but the news from the North is definitely the most important.” 

Jon Arryn rolled his hand in a ‘get on with it’ gesture. 

The spider seemed eager to oblige the Hand of the King. “On his way back from visiting The Wall, Hadrian Starks party was attacked by an army of Faith Militant fanatics.” 

The effect of those words was immediate. Jon Arryn paled significantly. “What happened?!” 

Stannis didn't hold the Lord Hands tone against him. For the Faith to be bold enough to attack a Lord Paramount, one favored by the king no less, means that things will definitely be getting more complicated very soon.  

The eunich made a calming gesture. “Lord Stark won the battle my Lord. No important Lords were lost, thankfully. After the battle, Lord Stark retreated to Winterfell briefly before calling his banners and marching on the Dreadfort. Where he proceeded to win there as well, executing Lord Bolton and his bastard son in the aftermath.“ 

Jon Arryn released a breath and seemed calmer now. “Why would he march on Bolton?” 

Varys shrugged. “It seems as if Lord Stark blamed Roose Bolton for letting the army of faith fanatics into the North. There were over a thousand of them based on what my little birds have said. It seems they landed on Boltons shores without the Lord in question doing anything about them.” 

Stannis nodded his head. Seems like Bolton was plotting behind his Lords back. 

Jon Arryn must have agreed. “I see. I will send Hadrian an apology for the actions of the Faith Militant. What about Domeric Bolton?” 

Varys tittered. “It seems like House Stark has grown tired of the Boltons scheming. Domeric has been sentenced to The Wall once he arrives in the North.” 

Jon Arryn winced. “I will try write to the boy to make him reconsider. Deposing a House as old and storied as the Boltons isn't something that should be done so easily.” 

Here Stannis interjected. “The Boltons have risen against House Stark multiple times. Each time they were shown mercy. It seems like Hadrian isn't going to give them another chance. I doubt many in the North will mourn their loss.” 

Varys nodded. “Most Lords in the North seem happy to see them go.” 

Jon leant back in his seat. “Very well. What's done is done. I only hope Lord Royce doesn't take it too badly, he seemed fond of young Domeric.” 

Stannis nodded, happy the crown wouldn't have to be involved with that foolishness. The North is a stubborn kingdom. Most Lords from there wouldn't take the crown interfering in their matters very well unless it was for good reason. 

Still, something was bothering Stannis.  

“Why did it take so long for us to hear about this? Hadrian managed to march to Winterfell, call his banners and then march on the Dreadfort before news reached us? I find that hard to believe.” 

The rest of the Lords also looked curiously at the Spider. Waiting for whatever excuse he no doubt has ready. 

He shrugged slightly. “There are a few reasons. First the borders in the North were locked down after the battle. No doubt, in case there were any more Faith Militant members trying to sneak into the Kingdom. This made it difficult for my little birds to travel or to send messages. That delayed me slightly, but I quickly found ways around it. No, the true issue was that some of the reports I was getting were unbelievable. So, I had to make sure to verify them before bringing news my lords. “ 

Lord Estermont looked interested. “Unbelievable?” 

The spider hesitated slightly. “I received news that a group of Giants and Children of the Forest bent the knee to Hadrian after he took a small journey through The Wall. They followed him back and fought in the battles I mentioned.” 

Pycelle scoffed. “Peasants fables. The Giants and Children are nothing more than myth. “ 

Varys nodded slightly. “I thought so too. So, I had to use a different source to check and then a third one once that came back with the same news. All my birds in the North are singing the same song. Hadrian Stark got Giants and Children to bend the knee to him and become his citizens.” 

Stannis was stunned. He didn't know what he was supposed to do with what he just heard. By the look on his face, neither did Jon Arryn. Pycelle however.... 

Slam! 

The old man was leaning over the desk, breathing heavily. “We must speak to the King! If this is true, we cannot let these creatures into Westeros! They must be hunted down and killed! We must command Stark to destroy them all!” 

The old man was basically roaring at the top of his lungs, his ever-present weakness nowhere to be seen. Everyone else around the table just stared at him with baffled expressions. He always suspected the Grandmaester put up an act, but he never expected to have it confirmed in such a way. Stannis was ashamed to admit, it took a few seconds for him to close his mouth. Jon Arryn was quicker to recover and reply. 

“How do you suppose we force Stark to do that? He accepted them as his subjects. They bent the knee to him and he probably swore to protect them. His honor won't let him kill them unless there is a legitimate reason.” 

The Grandmaesters wild eyes swiveled towards him. “If the king commands it, he must!” 

Varys interjected. The surprise on his face at the Grandmaesters actions gone now, replaced by amusement. “I didn't know you would feel so strongly about this Grandmaester.” 

Jon Arryn cut in before Pycelle could speak. “How many are there, Varys?” 

The Spider tittered. “Not many my Lord. My little birds say there is less than two hundred Giants and around one hundred Children.” 

The hand released a breath of relief. “So not enough to fight a proper war then?” 

Varys shrugged. “I doubt Lord Stark would be willing to use them in a proper war if he had a choice my lord. Not when these might be the last of their species. Still, it isn't wise to take the chance. I agree with the Grandmaester. We should get rid of them before they have the chance to increase their numbers. Hadrian Stark should also be punished. This is a decision that should have involved the crown.” 

Jon Arryn spoke. “I am not comfortable with having them around either, but I doubt it will be as simple as you say. Giants could be a great asset and who knows what the Children could do. I don't know if the North would give them up so easily. Especially as we still haven't dealt with the Faith as Lord Stark has been asking, for a while now. Punishing the Starks will also be difficult, they are some of Roberts most loyal bannermen. If the North reacts badly, it could severely weaken the crown. ” 

Varys tittered. “And why hasn't Lord Stark informed us about this before now if he is so loyal?” 

Stannis grit his teeth. The Spider had a point. The crown should have been informed. Their permission should have been asked.  

Jon Arryn rubbed the bridge of his nose. “I did receive a raven a fortnight ago, saying Lord Manderly will be making his way to Kings Landing for a matter of some importance in a few weeks, on behalf of Lord Stark. I thought it might be about the Faith, but it seems I was wrong.” 

Pycelle choked. “I don't remember seeing any such raven.” 

Jon Arryn shrugged. “One of my servants found the bird wondering around the tower of the hand. It must have gotten lost.” 

Stannis cut in before another argument started. “Regardless, both Varys and the Grandmaester have a point. The crown should have been asked before such a decision was made. “ 

Jon Arryn sighed. “I agree with you. I follow the Faith. The idea of those creatures is disturbing. Regardless, its done. I will inform Robert about this and wait until we hear what Lord Manderly has to say. For now, that's all we can do. Unless any of you feel like starting a war with the North when the Faith Militant is rising.” 

Stannis had to reluctantly nod his head. Such a war would no doubt give the Faith Militant a great opportunity to grow much stronger. Then it will be incredibly difficult for the Crown to destroy them.  

Jon Arryn seemed to have aged before his eyes. “My biggest concern will be how the Faith will react when they learn of this.” 

Stannis spoke quickly. “Not well. This will just inflame them more. We should march on them before their numbers start swelling.” 

Lord Arryn hesitated. “I have already spoken to the High Septon. He agreed to preach against these fanatics. It will be best if he does so for a while before we make any drastic moves, so they aren't treated like martyrs.” 

Stannis grit his teeth. “Will he still speak against them once he learns of the Giants and Children?” 

Jon sank back into his chair. “I will make sure of it.” 

Stannis grit his teeth. “My Lord, it would be best if we crushed them right now. If they continue to gain power, they might be beyond our ability to destroy. Maegor had dragons when he fought them and he committed great atrocities. Even then, he didn't truly win against them.” 

Lord Arryn nodded calmly. “Aye, Jaeherys did. With politics. That is how they were defeated then, and this is how we will defeat them now.” 

His jaw hurt from how hard he was clenching it. After several seconds he relaxed and sat back. Trying not to think about Jon Arryns foolishness. They aren't going to defeat this rogue Septon with politics. They need to defeat him on the field. 

After several moments of silence, Lord Arryn straightened and spoke. “We can't do anything more about this right now. So, let's move on.” 

They all nodded their agreement. Even if it was reluctant on most of their parts. 

“The tourney for the Kings name day cost us two hundred thousand gold dragons. We had to borrow that money from the Iron Bank as we already have a large debt with the Lannisters.” Lord Arryn explained. 

Stannis held back on the urge to grind his teeth. His foolish brother was beggaring the realm and no matter what was said to him, he didn't care at all. This on top of all the other issues, such as the Faith and now the North was going to collapse his rule if Robert wasn't careful. 

Releasing a sigh, the old man continued. “We need to decide upon a new candidate for a master of coin my lords. Our debt problems keep getting bigger since Lord Mallister had to leave his post for the Riverlands. We need someone to improve that situation.” 

Stannis leaned back into his chair. Content to hear the other suggestions first. They should have had this conversation a moon ago, when Mallister was forced to leave to try and calm down the issues with the Faith, but with those Septons continually causing new issues they kept getting distracted. 

Pycelle, the puppet that he is, was the first to give his suggestion. Like all of his previous ones, it would undoubtedly benefit the Lannisters the most. 

“Hagh. Hahg. “The old fool coughed before clearing his throat, took a shaky gulp of his water and then slowly placed his mug back down. You would think he wouldn't be so shameless after the scene he caused earlier. Just when even Jon Arryn looked to be getting impatient he finally spoke. “I believe Kevin Lannister would be a good choice my Lord.”  

Stannis didn't even try and hide his grimace. 

The old Maester continued when it looked as if Jon Arryn was about to ask Varys for his opinion. “The Crown already owes half a million gold Dragons to the Lannisters. On top of all the coin owed to the Iron Bank.  I have no doubt Lord Tywin would be more lenient on any repayments if his brother was the one handling the crowns finances. More likely, Kevin would be told to prioritize paying the Iron Bank first as Tywin's grandson is going to be the next King and it is better if his reign doesn't start with him being in debt to the Braavosi.” 

Varys cut in. “Yes I'm sure Lord Lannister would prefer the crown is only indebted to him, all the better for him to exert his influence, hmm?” The eunuch tittered. 

Pycelle spluttered. “Why I nev- Lord Lannister wouldn't. His grandson is going to sit on the throne! I'm sure Tywin Lannister would want his rule to be as strong as possible!” 

Varys smiled. “As long as Joffreys rule benefits house Lannister i don't think Tywin will care if the boy is seen as a puppet. “ 

A briefly enraged look came upon the old Maesters face before Lord Arryn interrupted the two. 

“Enough!” 

The sight of Jon Arryn raising his voice was enough for both men to shut their mouths. The Falcon Lord continued without giving them any more time to speak. “Lord Varys, who is your recommendation?” 

The eunuch kept his face as placid as it always seems to be. “Perhaps someone from Dorne or the Reach my lord. We could use this as an opportunity to bind those kingdoms closer to the throne.” 

Stannis bit his tongue to keep himself from saying something unwise.  

Thankfully Lord Arryn didn't like those options either judging by the grimace on his face. “Even if I trusted anyone from those Kingdoms to do their job, the King would never accept them.”  

After a moment he turned towards Lord Estermont. “Your recommendation my Lord?” 

The usually reserved man took a few moments to think before speaking. Something that Stannis greatly appreciated about the man, he never spoke unless he had something important to say. “I think someone else from the Riverlands would be a good choice. Perhaps Lord Vance or Piper.” 

Arryn appeared to be thinking over those choices. “Neither would be a bad decision. I will give their names to Robert.” 

The Hand then looked at Stannis next. “Lord Baratheon, your choice?” He asked. 

Despite himself Stannis had to take a few moments to think. Before this meeting, he would have suggested someone from the Stormlands but now things have changed. “I believe we should wait and see what Lord Manderly has to say in regards to Lord Starks actions. Depending on how that turns out, it might be prudent to give the position to Lord Manderly so that we can keep a closer eye on the North. Otherwise, i would suggest Lord Tarth.” 

Jon rubbed his chin. “Yes, Lord Manderly would be a good choice. One of the Starks strongest bannermen. A clever man who is well versed in trade and coin. Thats a good choice. I will give his name to Robert when I tell him about this meeting and what the North has been up to.” 

After several seconds of silence, the old Lord continued. “Next item, the fleet. How goes the rebuilding after the Ironborn Rebellion my lord?” 

Stannis sat up slightly straighter. “There have been a few....” 

Line break........... 

That afternoon Stannis found himself in his solar going over the numbers involved for the fleet. Working out how much gold he will need for the supplies and men for the next few ships that will be built, and trying to find ways to cut down on the cost without lowering the quality of the ships. 

He had already been at this for several hours and was just finalizing things before he takes a break for his evening meal once it started growing dark.  

He dipped his quill into the inkpot and scratched out a few of the numbers, changing them to something a bit more realistic than what he originally calculated before he was interrupted by a knock on his door. 

“Enter.” He stated loud enough for the guards on the other side to hear. He went back to finishing the last few numbers when his door was opened and a familiar set of footsteps came through.  

Stannis ignored them for now, knowing that Ser Davos would wait quietly until he was finished. A few minutes later he placed the quill back into the inkpot and blew softly on the parchment, drying the ink before placing it aside.  

After taking a few moments to make sure his desk was neat, he looked up to Ser Davos who was waiting patiently. “Ser Davos.” He said inclining his head. 

The Onion Knight smiled slightly. “My Lord, you asked to see me?” 

Stannis gestured to the chair across from him. “Take a seat.” 

The man did so. Stannis stood up and walked to a table on the side of the room grabbing a pitcher of water and two cups. “Water?” He offered.  

On hearing the affirmative, he poured himself and his loyal knight a cup of water each. Most Lords would have servants do this for them, Stannis always found that wasteful. It was just easier and less annoying to do it himself than have a servant constantly standing over him waiting to be called. The only times he made use of them in such a way was for formal events, when they were needed for appearance's sake. 

He placed the water on the desk and took a seat. Gesturing for Davos to help himself. 

After taking a few sips of his water he began. “I require opinion on something. “ Truthfully, that was what he valued the most about his loyal knight. Davos might not be very skilled when it comes to combat or the minutia of politics, but he has a unique way of viewing the world which often gives Stannis a much-needed perspective. More than that, he was honest. A trait Stannis appreciate more every time he is forced to deal with backstabbing lords and their games. Talking with Davos more often than not helped Stannis get his own thoughts in order. 

Davos nodded slightly. “I'll serve however I can my lord.” 

After collecting his thoughts for a few moments, he spoke. “Hadrian Stark travelled beyond The Wall and got Giants and Children of the Forest to bend the knee to him. He didn't ask for the crowns opinion before he accepted their fealty. On his way back to Winterfell, he was attacked by an army made up of the Faith Militant, which he destroyed. Then he marched and ended the Boltons who I suspect were behind the plot of the Faith Militant attacking him. What do you make of this?” 

Stannis felt his lips twitch slightly as he saw the usually unflappable man seemingly struggle to form a coherent sentence.  The look on his face could only be described as bewildered. After several moments Davos seemed to gain his wits back and spoke hesitantly. “My Lord, are you sure that-” 

Stannis interrupted him. “Varys has apparently checked three separate times to make sure the news isn't false. No, I believe the eunuch believes it is true. Which means it most likely is.” Stannis was just grateful that Davos didn't think he was jesting with him. 

Davos fiddled with the sack around his neck holding his fingerbone for several moments before speaking. “Well, I can't speak about the politics of such a thing my lord. Other than the fact it is going to upset the Faith, which I doubt Lord Stark cares about. Not when the Faith was already going for Old God worshippers. That might have something to do with his decision to accept their fealty. If the Faith is dead set on seeing Old God worshippers killed, he might have seen it as a way to increase belief in the Old Gods amongst his people even more. Men will fight ten times harder for a cause they believe in with all their heart.” 

Stannis nodded to himself as he leant back. Davos had a point. If the Faith Militant got powerful enough, they would surely go after the North eventually. Hadrian Stark just made it so that the Northern beliefs were cemented even more, making the Faiths self-appointed task of converting Old God worshippers that much more difficult. 

Davos continued. “Then there are probably more practical reasons as well. Giants are said to have built Storms End. Possibly the strongest castle in Westeros. No doubt Hadrian Stark plans to use them in projects of his own. With how smart he is supposed to be, he will probably have them rebuild Moat Cailin or for building fortresses along the coasts. Making attacking the North even more difficult.” 

Stannis hummed. “It is already basically suicide to attack the North. There is a reason that it has never been conquered. Only dragons made the Starks kneel. Conquest by a conventional army would be extremely bloody. If they fortify the North even more, it would be all but impossible.” 

Davos nodded. “Aye my lord, then there is the Children. They are said to have their own strange magics. Who knows what they can do?” 

Stannis nodded his head slightly. The Children of the Forest were said to have broken the Arm of Dorne. Before today, Stannis would have scoffed at such a notion being real. But now? He can't, and that is disturbing. 

Davos interrupted his thoughts with a frown. “Do you believe the Starks might sue for independence my Lord?” 

Stannis struggled with his thoughts for a moment before he answered. “No, not right now at least. Ned Stark is loyal to my brother, no matter his faults. Hadrian Stark has also already agreed to marry Myrcella in the future. If there is one thing I have learnt about Northerners, it is that they value their word more than gold. It will also take the North many years to properly fortify. For now, they still have a low population. Attacking their coasts would still do a lot of damage and it is still possible to conquer them that way. Especially if every other Kingdom is against them. In the future though? Hadrians children or grandchildren might. The problem is, I don't know what can be done to stop that. The North is already becoming self-sufficient, they import less food every year. If the Giants and Children increase their populations, it will be difficult to enforce the thrones rule on them. ” 

Ser Davos shrugged. “Seems a bit like Dorne in my opinion. They are almost impossible to conquer and still follow the throne.  Perhaps if the throne got Giants and Children of their own it might make it easier to deal with the North. The Riverlands and the Reach can surely hold larger populations of them than the North.” 

Stannis frowned. It was a good idea. But it would be tricky to execute properly. They would need to crush the Faith Militant first and even then... Stannis pursed his lips in thought. “Perhaps. It is a nice thought, but I don't see it happening very easily. Not with the smallfolk being so suspicious. As for Dorne, they knew the throne would keep trying to conquer them until they gave in. So they just accepted the best terms they could.” 

Davos frowned. “Wouldn't the North realize the same?” 

He pursed his lips. “Perhaps. They haven't broken faith with the throne yet. Even when the Targaryens lost their dragons. Northerners take their word very seriously as I have said. So perhaps they never will. Giants and Children might make them consider it though.” 

Davos shrugged slightly. “It's a pity my Lord. They could probably do a lot for the realm if they were in the South. Giants would make building so much easier and the Children might know many secrets that men have forgotten.” 

His knight looked at him and hesitated.  

Stannis frowned. “Spit it out.” 

Davos ducked his head. “I'm sorry my lord. It's just, I had a thought. The Children were said to be skilled in magic. Greyscale is said by some to be a magical disease, do you think they could...?” The man was looking more uncomfortable the longer he spoke. 

Stannis leant back and tried to calm his racing heart. But the more he thought about Davos words, the more the thought dug deeper into his mind. 

Eventually, Stannis spoke. “Perhaps.”