Chapter 104: Small Council
The matter with Arya Stark had left a shadow over both camps.
What had begun as a quarrel between children had turned into something colder, something that lingered between the North and the king's party like frost on iron. Men spoke less freely now. Northern eyes watched Lannister men with open distrust, and Lannister men answered with the same. The king did not like it. Artos liked it even less.
For a time, he chose to remain behind with the northern host.
Nymeria had not yet been found, and until the direwolf was recovered, Artos would not know peace. Artos said as much to Robert, and Robert, for once, did not fight him on it.
"It is best," Artos told him. "Let the northern host come a little later. Let the road cool. It may lessen the anger and keep the quarrels from turning worse.No matter how much I would like to see Lannister men in ground. It's better for peace"
Robert had grunted and agreed, though not gladly. He really not know what to think about Artos last comments. As Robbert is agreed on it too as he didn't really like the Lannisters too but he didn't want the realm in Pieces.
"Aye," the king said. "Maybe that is best. Better a little delay than half the camp taking one another's heads before we reach the capital."
Artos gave a thin smile at that, but there was little humor in it.
So the king's party moved on first, while Artos remained in camp with his own men and with his nieces.
In those days, he spent much of his time with Arya and Sansa.
Arya was still angry, still fierce, still burning with the need to strike back at the world for what had happened. That fire pleased Artos in some ways and troubled him in others. It was a Stark fire, yes, but a child's fire could burn the hand that held it if not guided properly.
Sansa was different.
She had been shaken deeply by what she had seen, and perhaps more deeply by what she had learned. She had always lived among songs and stories, among the soft lies told to highborn girls so they might sleep easier. Artos had no patience for such things.
He sat her down and spoke to her plainly.
"The South is not your mother's songs," he told her. "It is not gallant knights and shining promises. It is smiles sharp as knives. It is people who will say one thing with their mouths and mean another with their hearts."
Sansa looked at him with wide eyes, troubled by the ugliness in his words, but he did not soften them.
"You must learn to see people as they are," he said. "Not as you wish them to be. If you cannot do that, then the world will use you before you ever know you have been touched."
Sansa murmured, 'He is just angry and it's just one time thing ' though wasn't sure if she believed it himself.
"Your mother told you stories," Artos answered. "Good stories, perhaps. But stories are not truth. Sometimes they help children sleep. Sometimes they help them dream. But if you mistake them for the world itself, then you will be hurt."
Sansa did not answer at once.
Artos watched her carefully. He knew that too much truth at once could harden a child into something brittle, but the girl needed to begin somewhere. Her mother was not there to soften every edge of the world for her now. That gave him a place to stand, however narrow.
So he taught her what he could.
"Lone Wolf dies but The Pack survives" Artos said
With Sansa immediately recognising it"Father say it all the time."
Artos nodded "It's a phrase that has let us rule for 8000 years. You don't leave your pack alone no matter the conditions . You don't let a wolf go alone in a battle. Understood"
He subtly tries to Navigate Sansa towards her mistake of not standing with Arya.
He told her things slowly, gently but effectively
About lords and banners.
About how power worked best in South when it was hidden beneath manners and pretty words.
About why it was important to take a stand when the time came, even if your voice trembled while you did it.
He told her this not as a lord teaching a lesson, but as a man telling a truth he had paid too much for.
Arya listened too, though she pretended not to.
Days passed that way.
At last, Artos himself went with Lady to search for Nymeria.
He found her after a day of searching through the woods, wild and wary and very much alive.
When the direwolf finally came back to Arya, the girl nearly wept with relief, though she would have denied it if asked.
Only after that did Artos judge it safe to continue the journey south.
The Road to the Capital
King's Landing rose before them at last like a stain on the horizon.
The city had not become prettier in the years since Artos had last seen it. If anything, it looked worse to him now: crowded, noisy, and rotting under its own weight. Still, the people knew him when he came.
Some had not forgotten.
There were men in the streets who remembered what he had done during the war, and what his men had done when the Lion's armies had come to press their advantage. There were women who had not forgotten who saved thier honour and men didn't forget food given in bad times, and there were old soldiers who had once seen him ride through fire and smoke.
So when Artos entered the city, he was welcomed with a grandeur that many a lord might have envied.
The smallfolk shouted."Lord Artos "
"Glory to the DemonWolf "
"Lord Hand."
Some bowed.
Some wept.
Some simply stared as if they were looking upon a story they had once told their children.
Artos took it all in with a calm face, though it stirred something in him to see men and women still remember. He had not expected love from the city, but he had not forgotten that some debts lived longer than the men who owed them.
No sooner had they arrived than the summons came.
There is small council assembled and a meeting is happening and he is invited
Raka walks with him.
He had insisted on it, and Artos had no reason to deny him. Raka was his man, and more than that, he was the sort of presence that made weak men uneasy and strong men watch their hands. That was useful in King's Landing.
He did not need to be told twice.
The Small Council
Raka went with him into the chamber.
That alone was enough to alter the temper of the room.
The council was already gathered when Artos entered. Faces turned. Artos took them all in at a glance and gave none of them the satisfaction of seeing uncertainty on his face.
He moved with the same easy control he had once shown on battlefields and at feasts alike — the bearing of a man who knew he belonged where he stood, whether others liked it or not.
He greeted none of them first.
But Varys came first to greet, shake his hand "Lord Artos "
Artos shaked his hand "Lord Varys"
"I am sorry to hear about your troubles in the King's Road." Varys said
Artos smiled though it was not polite but commanding "No worries, it was quite a experience. Well I would have enjoyed it more if I was bit more younger and less patient." He declared, with everyone observing and processing what Artos said.
Especially Lord Varys who has a change in expression.
Artos goes ahead and there was Renly hugged him "Renly, you are looking well,"
Renly smiled and hugged him back ."and you look tired from the road. I told them this meeting could wait but "
Varys continued from Renly words "But we have a Kingd..."
Before he could Artos make his hand up stopping him.
Raka has his hands on lord Varys shoulders which is not soft not at all, hinting not to talk.
It soldifies authority and power for Artos and telling others not to interfere in his conversation.A power move .
"It's no problem Renly, Even i am eager to see the boy i once played with in Stormlands how he has grown up.I am quite impressed Renly. You have certainly grown well" Artos said smiling. Renly and Artos goes long way back. Artos come to Stormlands to end the Seige and spend some time With Renly entertaining him and playing with him.
"Thanks Brother Arty," Renly spoke fondly, he still remember that time and is grateful. It was a dark time for a child and Artos did help in making Stannis a bit soft to him. He remember Artos playing with him and spending time like a big brother alas only for few days but Days he is grateful for.
He admired Artos from that time.
Artos smiled and goes to head of the seats.
Lord Baelish "Lord Artos , I was hoping to meet you from some time . Lady Cate....."
Artos didn't let him complete"Littlefinger, Quite a suprise ,me too " Artos said shocking the room on how he said it. "To kill you ofcourse."
Raka heard and immediately unsheaths the sword to kill Littlefinger.
"Raka Relax " Artos said though no hurry could be seen in his voice and face "Quite cute isn't he " he gestures towards Raka.
Sarcasm quite thick. As him calling a Brute of Mountain Man cute isn't what one would expect, quite the opposite, Rest of the people thought.
"Though it was old thinking, you know just thought i would finished what my Brother Brandon started. " Artos Gesturing towards the scars of Littlefinger. " Don't worry, Unfortunately I am more patient now and Promised that I would be at my best behaviour. Old gods are really Cruel. I tell you " He said
It makes Small Council Men have different reactions. Renly amused and most vocal one. He laughed .
It was Grand Maester Pycelle who spoke first after this, as was his habit though quite slow and tired tone.
"My lord Artos," he began, "we are honored by your presence."
Artos looked at him for a moment. "You still here old man, I thought you would be in grave by now . Though you look like halfway there."
Grand Maester looked awkward "How forgetful of me. This belongs to you know " giving him the The Hand of the King Pin.
"Should we begin." Grand Maester tried to say before a glare from Lord Artos Stopped him
"King isn't even coming to observe the council at the very least " Artos said although already knowing the answer
"Winter may be coming Brother Arty , but not my brother. " Renly said
"His grace has many cares and he has left some small matters to us ." Lord Varys
"We are The Lords of small matters here" Littlefinger said.
"Really suits you Littlefinger, but don't worry we will work on big matters now " Artos japed, almost insulting Littlefinger
That seems to get quite a amused reactions from Council.
Artos heads towards the Head of the table seat.
Raka just behind him.
"What about Stannis , I heard he is a member " Artos.
"Lord Stannis has left to Dragonstone for reason unknown to council" Lord Varys informed.
"Stannis running from duties that's a suprise. It's like No Snow in the North. " Artos commented"Isn't that your work to know things , Master of Whisperers."
"Indeed, my lord. It is my duty to know many things. Lord Stannis departed for Dragonstone after Lord Arryn's death.Alas, my little birds can tell me where a man has gone but it is difficult to know what's in a man's mind. Lord Stannis keeps his own counsel. " Lord Varys said
"Find me a reason Lord Varys. Stannis is not a man to avoid his duties without reason. So you better find me a reason. Also send him a letter to return as well" Artos said
Lord Varys nodded "Ofcourse my Lord."
Same said by Pycelle well just ultra slow
Renly passes him a note "It's from my brother. He wants to Hold a Tourney to honour his new Hand "
"How much "asks Littlefinger
"40000 gold Dragons to the Champion, 20000 to the runner up , 20000 to the Winning Archer." Artos read . He himself has participated in a few Tourneys in Reach. That's quite generous of the King he thought
"Can treasury bear the expenses " asks Grand Maester Pycelle spoke in a slow motion.
Which irritated Artos.
"I will have to borrow from Lannister. We already owe them 4 million what's another 80 thousand." Littlefinger said
"Are you telling me The crown is in debt of 4 million" Artos genuinely shocked. How they did spend so much coins and are in debt.
"I am telling you the crown is 9 million in debt. 4 to Lord Tywin , 4 to Iron Bank and 1 to Winterfell, Your brother." Littlefinger said.
Artos now truly shocked listening to this. Even North before the Rebellion has been poor but this is another level. How did they spend coins. North got 40 percent of the share and have a lot spend on. Rebuilding castles . Roads. Ned has started developing North in a fast pace with Gold. Building Roads and connectivity. Reducing Travelling time. They have build ships both War and Merchants Vessels in Sea Dragon point and Manderly's, after Iron Born Rebellion. They have seized whole lot of vessels from them and worked on making new ones. Still they had money left from Dragons Treasury. And Build some more with all the trading that has started with Help of Artos and Manderly's. Northern Houses are richer than ever.
"How the fuck its possible. What the hell are you doing." Artos yelled at all of them.
"King demands the coins and Master of Coins find and King and Hand spend it. " said Littlefinger
Artos laughed at that, because it seems a genuine jape to him.
Artos start hitting his fingers on the table , thinking about it. It is really a serious problem.
Silence in the whole Room, nobody trying to disturb him. Getting nervous a bit.
"Littlefinger, you will not take a single loan. Not from the Lannisters, not from the Iron Bank, not from anyone," Artos declared.
Petyr Baelish smiled faintly. "Then how does my Lord intend to meet the Crown's expenses? The tourney, for one. A Hand's Tourney will not be a small affair."
"Do not concern yourself with that. House Stark of Sea Dragon Point will bear the cost. It is my seat, and this is my tourney. The Hand will pay for the Hand's Tourney."
For the first time, silence settled over the Small Council.
"And as for the Crown's expenses," Artos continued, his gaze fixed on Littlefinger, "not a single dragon is to be spent without my approval. If I learn that you have authorized so much as a copper without informing me..." He leaned forward.
"...I'll have your head on a spike."
Littlefinger's smile never faltered.
"As you command, my lord Hand. No loans shall be sought."
He folded his hands before him.
"Though I confess, I am eager to see how Your Lordship means to govern a kingdom that has grown accustomed to borrowing. It will be... instructive."
His pale green eyes met Artos's without challenge.
"And every expenditure shall pass across your desk. You have my word."
"I will arrange the money as a Loan to the Crown ." Artos said .
They discussed a few more things with Artos getting irritated at the Incompetence of the men. Especially at Pycelle and his slowness.
But things goes on and more Artos knows More Headache he gets. He would need to do a lot of changes in this Council he thought. And he needed to do one Today . He can't bear his bullshit by now.
"This is incompetence I am listening to. I don't know how the Council operated before. Frankly I don't care. But from now on I will not let this council run like this. I will talk to Robbert about this and how things can be improved. Some changes will be done."
A few men shifted as it's unknown and unpredictable territory from now on.
"I want reports of everyone what they are doing, what they have done , Especially you Littlefinger. Every Ledger I want it to be present here. And You Pycelle" Artos yellled
Pycelle blinked, offended at How he had been called and uncertain at once.
Artos turned his eyes on him fully. "I want a new maester sent from Oldtown. A young one. One with legs fast enough to carry a message and a mind and tongue fast enough to keep pace with the world. I do not need some old snail dragging behind my summons."
Pycelle straightened at that, his hands trembling slightly.
"Such requests are not made lightly, my lord. The Citadel has its procedures. There is one maester in service to the king's house already. There is no need for another."
Artos smiled then, though there was no kindness in it.
"There is need if I say there is need."
The room went still.
His voice had not risen, but it had gone hard enough that even the candles seemed quieter.
Pycelle swallowed. "The laws and traditions of the Citadel…"
"Then let the Citadel pray its laws are stronger than the men who made them," Artos said. "Because I am not here to be entertained by it."
No one spoke after that.
Not immediately.
Everyone in the room now understood that Artos would not sit politely and nod like some overfed lordling there to be flattered by titles.
He would speak.
And he would be heard.
"Pity, Stannis has been absent" Artos replied. "The realm seems to need fewer talkers and more men who understand what a burden looks like."
That was the closest thing to approval he gave anyone in the room.
An Uneasy Measure
"Now go and work on those reports. And Pycelle I want a New Maester as early as possible. Tell them if I haven't got one in a month. Quote me I would burn the Old Town whole and Pycelle your head in a spike would be the first one to burn. " Artos said in anger and authority that no one could ignore.
"Now Leave all of you."
Everybody gets out of there. Only Raka and Artos remains.
"Raka Bring me Ethan as fast as possible "
Raka nodded and goes on to bring Ethan
Artos thought about this meeting
He did not trust any of them.
Not the spider.
Not the maester.
Not the queen's allies.
Not the soft-spoken men who smiled too often.
The only one he found himself not despising at once was Renly Baratheon.
He had known Renly as a boy.
A younger one then, bright-eyed and pleasant, one of the few southern boys Artos had once been able to speak with without wanting to throttle him. He remembered playing with him after the siege of Storm's End, when the world had still seemed more honest than it was now.
Ethan came at once and nodded "My Lord "
Artos nodded back "Ethan write a Letter to Manderly's for me . Say I request 1 million Gold Dragons and A man to manage them. They will know what to do "
Ethan nodded,
Artos continues "One letter in Bravos to strengthen our Spy network and to Send some men who could understand Financial books. Also One To Iron Bank to send all the details of Borrowing of Crown to me. And All the letters should go through our network instead of King's Landing."
Artos has made network of Ravens and other birds with help of Rick and his warging skills. Though pity he couldn't warg into them. Only animals he feels strongly connected to.
Speaking of Rick , Well he don't know where he is gone. With Artos becoming a Lord Rick has become more independent. Exploring the World rather than sticking with Artos. Though he comes from time to time in his mind and talks with him. That's all though.
And in recent years with weird dreams and Sleepless nights Artos has difficulty Warging for some unknown reasons.
...
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