cp22

Chapter 20

The silence was icy in the room. Ever since the siege of Kings Landing had been lifted, it would be an understatement to say that tensions between the Northerners and my own men were high. We marched as two separate hosts, camped separately, and even held separate war councils these days. It was no coincidence that while my own men were sleeping at Castle Darry, the Northerners were a mile south and outside the comfort of the keep's walls.

This lack of contact only made the tension higher in times, such as the present, when Cerwyn or his Lieutenants insisted on meeting.

"Lord Cerwyn. Master Glover. You asked to see us?" Polite but not welcoming, the perfect balance.

Cerwyn cleared his throat. "Lord Tully. Thank you. You've heard, I take it, that King Robb is two days west?"

I nodded. It had been wise of Robb to make for the Ruby Ford rather than banking on being able to cross at the Twins. "We had. I look forward to meeting with my nephew."

Cerwyn cleared his throat again, looking awkwardly at Glover for a moment before pressing on. "Indeed. It will be good to reunite with His Grace. And I'm sure you two will have much to discuss. But I thought it best to update you… so there were no surprises…"

Mallister sent the lord a look as cold as any Northern winter. "Out with it man."

Cerwyn sighed. "I've received word that the King stopped at Riverrun on the way. Your sister will be with him, Princess Arya as well."

I grunted. "It will be good to see them." Well Arya anyway. Cat somewhat worried me as the person most likely to spot inconsistencies or oddities with her 'brother'. Still, nothing to be done about it I supposed.

"He also shared that ahh…" Cerwyn hesitated yet again before pressing on. "That he has taken the Kingslayer with him, and the other Lannister prisoners who were being held at Riverrun."

Stevron Frey, who had taken to sitting to my right ever since I became betrothed to his granddaughter, frowned at that. "Our prisoners you mean?"

Mallister narrowed his eyes as well. "On what grounds does Stark take prisoners from a Tully castle?"

Robbett Glover matched Mallister's scowl with one of his own. "On account that he is King."

Cerwyn held up a soothing hand. "And on account that they were his prisoners, taken at the Whispering Woods and the Battle of the Camps."

Black Walder, as per usual, was building himself into a rage. "Starks." He spat before turning to me. "The Kingslayer must not go North!"

I steepled my fingers, gathering my calm as best I could before speaking. "Robb may be King, but he is not King of Riverrun. That was ill done."

This place must be rubbing off on me somewhat, since I actually felt annoyed at Robb's audacity at just seizing prisoners from my castle.

Cerwyn had the grace to give an embarrassed half shrug. "As may be Lord Tully. You may ask His Grace directly. But they are his prisoners."

Black Walder spat at that. "His prisoners? And what of all the Riverlanders to die fighting the Lannisters? And now you mean to cart the Kingslayer back North?"

Glover matched Walder's scowl with one of his own. "His Grace's command. His Grace's prisoners. It is not honorable to question it."

Stevron put a calming on his grandson's shoulder, giving a weaselly little smile to Glover. "Ahh yes. And I'm sure all the possible ransoms do not factor into this decision?"

Glover was muttering something about corrupt Southroners that I chose to not acknowledge, but Cerwyn was all affronted dignity at that. "I assure you, it is a matter of honor, not gold."

I was hardly pleased by this turn. But still. This might have been the opening I sought. After all, Jaime could rot at the wall for all I truly cared. With Tywin dead, most of Jaime's worth as a prisoner was lost. And I had larger and more pressing considerations.

Forcing an understanding look on my face, I waved a dismissive hand at the Northerners. "Indeed Lord Cerwyn. It is as you said. Of course Robb must have the Kingslayer."

My own lords erupted in mutinous murmuring at that, but Cerwyn just looked wary. "My Lord?"

I smiled sweetly. "It's as you said, Robb Stark was in command at the Whispering Woods. Therefore the prisoners captured at that battle are his by right."

"Ahh." Cerwyn still seemed taken aback. "That is very generous. I mean… that is I'm glad you understand Edmure..."

I nodded, continuing on when he stuttered to silence. "Indeed. Which is why I will expect Loras Tyrell and the other prisoners Bolton took at Kings Landing to be turned over to me. At once."

Stevron let out a single bark of laughter as an understanding smirk came across his face.

Cerwyn simply looked perplexed though. "Lord Edmure?"

"Why, my lord." I forced a tone of faked confusion into my voice. "Is it not as you said? Robb Stark commanded at the Whispering Woods and the Battle of the Camps. Those prisoners are his. I commanded at Kings Landing. Therefore those prisoners are mine."

Glover was scowling again. "Southron word games…"

I narrowed my eyes. "My lords. You can't have your cake and eat it too."

"Cake?" There was confusion on Cerwyn's face.

"You can not have it both ways, I should say." Even after all this time, I still slipped up now and then with 21st century idioms.

Cerwyn looked troubled. "I'm… I can't…" he gave his head a shake. "That is, I would have to consult with the King."

I nodded, letting a note of finality creep into my voice. "Do that then. I will as well when next we meet. This is one issue I won't bend on."

The Northerners seemed to take that as their dismissal, or perhaps they realized there was nothing else to gain by arguing further with such a hostile audience. Either way, they took their leave, making their way out the castle. My own lords at least had the decency to wait until they were out of hearing range before launching into a frenzy of protests.

Jason Mallister glanced towards the door, assuring himself the Northerners were gone, before turning back to me. "Lord Edmure, to give up a prisoner as prestigious as Jaime Lannister…"

"We can't trade the Kingslayer!" Black Walder was snarling before Jason could even finish.

Stevron heaved a sigh at his grandson. "We don't have the Kingslayer. We can hardly give up or not give up that which we don't possess."

I nodded to the old man. "Exactly. What is Jaime Lannister anyway, besides a disgraced knight of the Kingsguard? With his father dead what is he worth? Plenty of prestige, but little value."

They looked like they might argue further, so I held up a hand waiting until a grudging silence had descended. "Either way my lords, Jaime Lannister can wait until we have Robb Stark before us. We have larger and more pressing problems at hand. Bronn?"

The ex-sellsword came up behind me, dumping a stack of papers onto the table.

Mallister frowned at the documents. "What is this Edmure?"

I nodded to the documents. "Papers found among Kevan Lannister's belongings at Kings Landing. They include a rather generous contract drawn up to hire the Golden Company and pay their passage to Westeros as well."

Mooton sniffed. "More sellswords?" He gave a pointed glance at Bronn before continuing. "Cravens and cowards all."

Mallister looked more troubled. "The Golden Company are no ordinary sellswords. But surely with Tywin dead, and the Kingslayer and Kevan captured, the contract is void? They may keep the gold, but they won't sail to their deaths. The Lannister cause is finished."

If only. I had to assume that Aegon and Griff would take the free gold and use it to sail to Westeros under their own banner far earlier than they had in the books.

I sighed. "I suspect otherwise. Truth is, I doubt the Golden Company was ever interested in Tywin Lannister's war. Or his gold."

Stevron eyed me warily. "More whispers from your 'friends'?"

Mallister sniffed, looking down his nose. "Call it as it is. Spies. I do not like this trafficking in spies. Cravens and miscreants all of them."

Jason Mallister wasn't alone in those thoughts, as quite a few of my lords found my supposed 'spies' troublesome.

"My 'friends,'" I gave Mallister a pointed look, "have had much to share. I fear the Golden Company was already contracted long before Tywin paid them."

I took a deep breath, readying myself for the stunned reactions before pressing on. "They have a bastard boy they've dressed up as Aegon Targaryn, Rhaegar's son, and they mean to see him seated on the Iron Throne."

I was gratified to see Stevron choking on his wine at that, spluttering as one of his relatives pounded his back. "What? That's preposterous."

I snorted. "If only. I have checked and confirmed it."

Mallister looked particularly grim at that. "All know Aegon was killed at the Mountain's hands."

Marq was nodding his head at that. "It's a ridiculous story!"

"Of course it's ridiculous." I shrugged and proceeded to stick in a couple of white lies. "The evidence of the lies was surprisingly easy to trace once I heard the story. The boy is actually the bastard son of some cheese-monger in the free cities. An Illyrio Mopatis."

Mallister was still shaking his head. "But how could they hope this would work? That anyone would believe such a story?"

I shrugged again. "The boy has silver hair, and no one ever saw Aegon's face after the Mountain pounded it in. It leaves just enough doubt for them to work with. Like as not they figured with enough chaos in Westeros none would seek to question it. And they've had Varys working from the shadows to convince people of the claim."

Stevron still seemed in disbelief. "But such an absurd story? Where has the boy been for all these years if he was truly Aegon?"

I spread my hands. "We all know it is false, but it doesn't change the fact that this false Aegon will be descending on Westeros with the Golden Company behind him."

"Gods." Mallister was massaging his temples. "It will be the Blackfyre Rebellions all over again."

His son gave a wicked grin. "But if they are crossing the narrow sea, they'll land in Stannis' lap first. Let those two fight it out I say. That would be an amusing sight."

Stevron seemed grimmer though. "It would be foolish to ignore the risks. Like as not the Lannisters said the same thing when Stannis and Renly met beneath Storms End. And look how that ended for them. Besides, even with such an absurd story, some might be tempted to rally to this Aegon. With the Stark's abandoning us… and now this false Dragon… it makes the securing of allies all the more important…"

Mooton licked his lips nervously. "Perhaps your sister, Lord Edmure?"

I sighed. "If she hasn't responded to any of my letters yet, it seems a fool's hope to count on the knights of the Vale at this juncture." And no matter how much I'd like the Vale on my side, I was also rather leery of getting roped too deeply into Littlefinger's schemes.

"There is a new King of the Iron Islands I hear. Perhaps he would be more amendable?" That was Stevron of course. The Frey's had been all for allying with the Ironmen since word of Balon's death arrived. No doubt as a not-so-subtle way to get revenge on the Starks.

Mallister leaned over and spat. "Scum. Reavers and rapists. Only a fool would ally with the Ironborn."

I waved it away. "Mallister has the right of it. I suspect this new king of theirs cannot be trusted. Besides, I have reason to believe that with the Tyrell's so weakened, he means to try for the Shield Islands. Perhaps Oldtown itself."

Mallister gave a disgusted shake of his head. "More madness. Ironborn raiding the Reach while entangled with the North? Fake Targaryen Princes? The world has gone mad."

Bracken nodded agreement. "Aye. Greyjoy must have lost his mind if that is true. I'd doubt it if anyone but you had said it so, Edmure. But your information has been accurate so far."

Stevron sighed. "That is poor news for the Reach what with the recent developments."

Mallister growled. "What now? More news?"

The whole room turned to me, and I had to work to keep my poker face. One of the problems I was starting to notice, was that my 'spies' had garnered such a reputation that people expected me to be better informed than Varys ever was. Yet, as events started to spiral away from the books, I found myself increasingly *not* knowing what was going on. It was a dangerous trend, and I made a mental note to get someone… Bronn maybe… to look into forming an *actual* spy network.

"Ahh." I did my best to pretend I knew what was going on and nodded in a knowing manner. "Yes, the news is very troublesome." At least, since this was Westeros, a safe bet it would be troublesome. "Stevron, if you wish to explain?"

The man gave me an odd look before speaking up. "I heard it from Great-Nephew Robert. He is with his Beesbury kin in the South. You all heard of Stannis' proclamation?"

There were grim nods from the lords. Stannis' proclamation had not gone over well. No one liked seeing their peers stripped of their land, and in this case it wasn't just the Tyrells but all houses loyal to them.

Stevron sighed. "Willas Tyrell has issued his own proclamation. Like as not the boy thought he had no choice after what Stannis did. He's called Stannis a false king, and declared in turn that the castles and lands of any knight or lord to swear to Stannis forfeit."

"Madness Rank madness." Mallister was practically grinding his teeth.

"A civil war." I sighed. It didn't take a genius to see the chaos this was going to bring to the Reach.

Stevron nodded. "It is neighbor turning on neighbor from what I hear. It almost doesn't matter whom is loyal to whom. Every knight and lord with a petty grudge is accusing their rivals of treason and using it as an excuse to seize lands for their own. With so many of the Great Lords dead at Kings Landing? And now you tell me the Ironmen will be at Hightower's door? There's none to impose order there."

Bracken frowned. "The whole South will be awash in blood."

Stevron shook his head. "It already is from what I hear. A hundred petty wars and fights. And no true way to tell who is is loyal to Stannis and who to the Tyrells."

Mooton smarmed ingratiatingly at me. "All Westeros burns. Thank the Gods we have had Lord Edmure to look out for our own lands."

I waved dismissively at the man's sucking up, my brain turning franticly to process this news. "Willas wrote this in his own name? Not Tommen's?"

Stevron shrugged. "So it sounded. But who knows. As you know I'm sure…" again that curious glance at me… "news from the South is garbled these days."

Mallister was stone faced. "If this is true, we can only hope that Stannis is foolish enough to entangle himself in the Reach. He will bleed from a thousand cuts."

I rubbed at my face. "But it also means we can't count on them as allies either." The worth of Loras Tyrell was suddenly plummeting in my mind. Not worthless, but not the master-stroke I had been hoping he would be.

"Dorne." Stevron was firm. "Dorne is the logical choice of an ally, Lord Edmure. They would surely be loyal to the Targaryens if given the chance."

A few of the Lords shifted uneasily. It still made them uncomfortable that we had bent the knee to some distant Targaryen.

Patrek Mallister was frowning though. "Unless they choose to believe in this fake Aegon you mentioned Edmure? If true, that would be the son of their Elia after all."

Mooton flapped his hands. "We must not tell them!"

I tried to keep the disdain out of my eyes as I looked at the man. As if we could keep it secret after I just told a council of two dozen lords and knights. "No, Lord Mooton. Just the opposite. We must tell immediately."

Stevron was nodding, but Mooton just looked confused. "I… I don't understand Edmure?"

I sighed. "They're bound to find out the man's claim eventually. But if they are forewarned by us that he is a fake, they will be that much more suspicious of his claims. If they think we tried to conceal the truth, that in turn will lend to his credibility."

Mooton nodded his head as though he had known this all along. "Of course Edmure! A wise insight!"

Stevron snorted, but backed me up. "Aye. And Doran Martell is no fool. He will be skeptical of this supposed claim. And meanwhile, no man can doubt our Queen's lineage."

"What we need…" I paused to consider. "What we need is someone to act as emissary."

Bracken nodded in consideration. "But how would they even reach Dorne? The Reach aflame? Stannis in the Narrow Sea and the Ironmen infesting the Western coasts?"

I bit my lip. "It will have to be by sea. It must be risked. The land route is not only dangerous, but would take far too long. Lord Mallister?"

Jason focused on me. "Lord Edmure?"

"You have war galleys at Seagard I believe?" I searched my memory to try and recall what Mallister had said to Robb. "Two I think?"

He inclined his head. "You are well informed."

"With your permission… I would send those ships. and hope they are fast enough or strong enough to avoid the Ironborn. A straight trip to Dorne."

He looked concerned at the plan, but nodded his head. "My ships are, of course, yours to command."

But who to send? It needed someone with weight behind their name and a brain to boot, but could not afford to lose one of my commanders…

Patrek got to his feet while I was thinking. "Edmure! I'd be honored to go as emissary."

His father was frowning, clearly not liking the idea of his son and heir on such a risky mission, but it made a certain amount of sense. Patrek had the name. And the loyalty…

"You're sure?"

He grinned. "Of course! I've always wanted to sample some Dornish wine… and women…"

Alright. Maybe he wasn't the best choice.

His father's frown deepened. "This isn't a game Patrek."

He sighed, straightening up and turning serious. "I know. Honestly father. Edmure. I know.

I hesitated, but really I didn't know who else would be a better option. "Alright."

His grin returned. "Don't worry Edmure! I'll have them all bending the knee to Daenerys before you know it!"

I rubbed at my forehead. "Just make sure they know that Aegon is a fake. And be careful for gods sake."

"I always am!"

Jason Mallister still looked uncomfortable at this decision to send his son, but his face was a mask when he turned stiffly back to me. "Far more important than Dorne is to make contact with the Queen herself."

Stevron nodded agreement. "We need her. And more importantly her dragons. Nothing is like to bring this war to a halt sooner than dragons."

I couldn't resist a small smirk. "Aye. An emissary who is familiar with the east. Who has successfully negotiated for us before. A steady hand, reliable but able to adapt to circumstances. Someone who can be trusted fully…"

Lymond Goodbrook clearly saw where I was going and raised his hands in protest. "No! Edmure, No! Not another journey!"

Patrek was grinning as he slung an arm over our friend's shoulder. "Hah. Lymond's perfect for it. Now all you'll have to do is give Marq a quest and it'll be like old times!"

Poor Marq squirmed uncomfortably at that, remaining silent. It didn't take a genius to see that his recent failures were weighing on him.

Jason Mallister frowned at his son. "I say again. This is no joking matter."

I made a soothing gesture to the man. "Indeed. It is not. A serious task. But I do not doubt that Lymond is capable of it."

Most of the lords were murmuring agreement at that, Lymond had a solid reputation.

Sighing in clear defeat, Lymond gave a shake of his head. "Where even is the Queen?"

"You'll want to head towards Meereen."

"Meereen!" The man sounded aghast. "That's the ends of the earth!"

I snorted. "Not quite. But make for there. You may hear tales of the Queen in other locations. Astapor, Yunkai, even Qarth. But I assure you, she is heading towards Meereen, so that's where you will make for."

And with any luck, heading straight towards Meereen and ignoring all rumors of her location would get him to Dany before any others arrived.

Stevron leaned forwards, eyes focused on Lymond. "You must let her Grace know we are waiting. She must return immediately."

I suspect she would take her time, which if nothing else would give me a bit of freedom to maneuver. But best not to say that to lords who were counting on her dragons. Instead I nodded my head.

"Have her write to Dorne as well." That was Bracken. "Mayhaps that will lend weight to our efforts there."

"Also." I let my eyes bore into Lymond. "Most importantly. Warn her of the false Aegon. The Mummer's Dragon. Make sure you use those exact words to describe him. A Mummer's Dragon."

Lymond blinked in confusion. "A what? What's a Mummer's Dragon?"

"A fake dragon. But mind what I said. I want you to use those exact words. And warn her he is being backed by his true father, Illyrio Mopatis."

He gave another hesitant nod, clearly confused. Still, as long as he passed on the message accurately, Dany's reaction to that would hopefully put a nice spike in Varys plans.

I finally got to my feet. "My lords. We will break camp early tomorrow. I mean to make haste to my nephew."

They took that for the dismissal it was, and started to make their way towards the exit. I made a point to catch the eye of Stevron though, letting him know I wished him to bide a while.

When we finally had the room to ourselves, Stevron broke the silence. "I imagine you want to talk of the meeting with Robb Stark?"

"Indeed." One of the things I liked when dealing with Stevron was that I didn't have to worry about the posturing that most of his kin dealt in. And his honor wasn't offended by a little frank talk either.

He sighed. "You want me to keep young Walder in line I imagine? And the others? I like it no more than they, but you need not worry Edmure. I've no interest in escalating this quarrel with Stark."

I let a small smile flit across my face. "Actually… I would rather prefer you did *not* rein them in quite so much."

That caused the old man to startle. "What? I… I'm not sure I understand?"

I felt my grin widen. There was something satisfying about surprising as wily a lord as Stevron. "Robb may not need to cross at the Twins, but he does need to pass through your lands. He would be a fool not to be worried you will cause him trouble."

Stevron was shaking his head. "My father can weigh the odds well as any man. It would be madness to try and stop a host of that size."

I raised a reassuring hand. "Nor would I want you to. Whatever else, Robb is still family and an ally. In fact, I am expecting you to assure that things do NOT resort to violence…"

He looked even more confused. "But then… I'm not sure I understand."

I spread my arms. "What we need, is an edge. I don't want matters to escalate between you and Robb. But. If it were to appear they *might* escalate. And if I were to then play a role in diffusing that tension… assuring Robb of a smooth return to the North… well, you understand?"

The confusion cleared from his face. "Ahh. Leverage?"

I nodded. "Exactly."

The weaselly little smile came back on his face. "My grandson is certainly known for his black temper. And so many of my younger nephews and nieces admire him. I wouldn't be surprised if his passions were quite stirred up by the young king's presence."

"As long as those passions are banked at the appropriate time…"

He nodded. "Of course. I know the game."

I decided to press the point. "As you say. But as long as we understand at the end of the day, I expect my Nephew to return safely to the North with every assistance we can provide."

He shrugged. "The game is the game. I understand. But. You ask much of House Frey."

I nodded back and put an earnest expression on my face. "Indeed. But I give much as well. It is why you are among my most loyal and trusted bannermen."

He snorted. "Of course. But still. I imagine my father would feel reassured, after the betrayal of Robb Stark, if he knew for a certainty that our houses would be bound together. Not that he doubts your word… but in times of war? With so many mischances of fate? Actions speak loudest."

I resisted the urge to roll my eyes. "I've every attention of keeping my word. Marianne will be a worthy wife, I do not doubt it."

He smiled fondly at that. "She is a sweet girl, you won't regret it. But as I said, words are cheap. If you would come to the Twins…"

Yeah. Never happening. "We are at war was you noted. It would be an honor to be wed at the Twins…" apparently I could lie with a straight face… "But as I have said before, the realities on the ground…"

He scowled now. "The same excuse Robb Stark gave."

I raised a placating hand. "Allow me to finish. I have no desire to delay the wedding. As we discussed before, Riverrun is the logical location for the wedding. She is to be the Lady of Riverrun after all."

The mental image of his granddaughter as the Lady of Riverrun seemed to soften the old man up, for he was nodding.

"One other thing though…" I cut off his musings. "If I recall correctly, you came to Harroway town with 2,000 men?"

When he nodded warily, I pressed on. "A strong host. You have contributed much to our cause. But still. For your granddaughter… my future wife? I worry about the long journey from the Twins to Riverrun in this war torn land. I don't desire to delay the wedding… but neither do I wish to put her at risk."

The amusement was back in his face, he clearly knew where I was heading. "And what do you suggest?"

I smiled. "A strong escort. Say… another 2000 men? Enough that I know she will make it safely to our wedding."

He let out a low bark of laughter. "I do like your style, Edmure."

Heh, and if hearing that from a Frey wasn't worrying what was? But still. "You don't foresee a problem then?"

He shook his head. "No. I will write to my father immediately. Dear Marianne will be most eager to head to Riverrun."

"I'm eager for her as well."

He paused for another long moment, considering. "I don't object. But still. I must ask. You foresee that much of a need for stronger forces? Even after the Battle of Five Armies?"

I nodded grimly. "Indeed. Stannis doesn't know the meaning of quit. And I fear we may have more enemies before this is through."

He sighed. "That fake Aegon of yours?"

I nodded again. "Him and others. We'll need every man we can get our hands on. I've already sent word to the Western and Northern Riverlords to try and raise more forces as well. I'd rather have the men and not need them, than need them and not have them."

He shrugged. "Well reasoned I suppose. Though you will still have to feed all these men of yours. But you will have no objection from me. Or my father. We've long wished our houses to be linked. Marianne will make haste, and her 'guard' with her as well."

I stood up then, clasping arms with him. "House Frey's loyalty and support is appreciated."

He sent me another one of those weaselly smiles. "Anything to help… grandson."

A/N: Heh, and if Stevron Frey calling you grandson doesn't make you want to gag, what does? But there we go. Sorry for the wait folks. Combination of real life (and a very fun and long awaited month long trip to Europe) delayed things. Next chapter will be the meeting/confrontation with the Starks! I admit I've been looking forward to it for some time. This was something of a transitioning chapter to the next arc of the story, so lots of politicking and positioning. But at least in Westeros that's rather fun to map out. Hopefully it was engaging.

What do you all think btw? Would you take Jaime or Loras in this situation?

In terms of Aegon's parentage, I always bought into the Illyrio theory personally (I think there's some subtle hints in the Tyrion chapter with him in book 5) but obviously that is the SI making an assumption not perse the truth.

In terms of Robb, a note because I've received lots of comments assuming he had to cross at the Twins. Robb's not a fool to rely on the Frey's to let him cross. Going up the Kingsroad instead doesn't add substantially to his journey (if you look at where Riverrun is and consider he is marching along a road versus countryside) and removes the question of what happens if the Freys are arses. In the books this option isn't open to him because he is vastly outnumbered and the southern/eastern Riverlands are overrun with forces loyal to Joffrey. In the books, trying to make it to the Ruby ford is asking for Tarly and Tywin to engage him in battle. In this story, that risk is removed.

Anyway there we go! Hope you all enjoyed.