Opulent Chamber, Iron Bank — Braavos ,Essos
Stannis and Davos had arrived recently in Braavos but their visit plans were not what one would expect. They knew that they needed funding for their army if they wished to continue with the war and eventually reclaim the Throne from the Lannisters.
With Robb gone, their only big enemy was the Lions; whose resources and army had already been exhausted enough the past two years of the war. Now it was their chance but they had to tread carefully or risk losing it all.
They had been escorted to a chamber where they waited for a while until they met with the man behind the Iron Bank, Tycho Nestoris. He had entered the room with two more bankers and sat down at the three huge Iron Chairs at one side of the table and then motioned for the two Westerosi to take their seats at the two cushioned stools in front of them.
Then, there discussion about the funding and support of the powerful Iron Bank of Braavos but Tycho was not a fool to lend money left and right. He asked the right questions and countered each thing Stannis and Davos were saying.
Eventually, to further prove his point as to why Stannis was a lost cause to him; Tycho chose to enlighten him with some questions.
"How many fighting men remain loyal to you?" he asked the Baratheon self-proclaimed King.
"4,000," Stannis replied to him, a part of him suspecting where this was going.
"And how many ships do you have? The ones still afloat, Ser Davos, not at the bottom of Blackwater Bay."
The man by Stannis' side pulled a face at the mockery but answered nonetheless.
"32."
"And how much wheat and barley and beef and pork do you produce on Dragonstone to feed your 4,000 men on your 32 ships?"
"None," Stannis replied, realizing where this would lead.
Tycho was amused, glad to see that the two Of them were not as stupid as he first expected them to be. Yet, as the professional he was, he chose to finish his case the right way.
"You can see why these numbers seem unlikely to add up to a happy ending from our perspective. I'm afraid we must respectfully decline your request. But we thank you for paying us the honour of your visit."
The two Westerosi men stood up but it was Davos that turned to Tycho one last time. "My lord"
His answer was a scoff Of amusement. 't I'm not a lord, Ser Davos Seaworth. You would not be either here. In Braavos, thieves are not rewarded with titles" he commented, bringing up the fact that he knew of his past; he knew of all of their pasts as it was expected of him.
"Well, strictly speaking, I didn't do the thieving. That would be the pirates. I just moved what they stole from one place to another." Davos explained and then removed his glove from his right hand to show his missing fingers. "This is the payment that was demanded by King Stannis for my crimes. I consider it an honest accounting. He's an honest man and he's your best chance to get back the money you 've sunk into Westeros. Which is a lot, I imagine. Wars are expensive."
"The war is over."
"As long as Stannis lives, the war is not over. Who's the real power in King's Landing?"
"Ser Davos..." Tycho said with a sigh, clearly not in the mood to continue this conversation since his decision had already been made.
Yet, the former thief was not going to let the subject drop; when he still had a point to make.
"Humour me."
In the end, Tycho gave in.
"Tywin Lannister."
"How old is Tywin Lannister?"
Stannis finally saw what his loyal hand was doing and he chose to also join in this conversation, to further make his point and ensure the Iron Bank would support them in the end.
"58. And when he dies, who's in command? A half-grown boy, the product Of incest? Cersei Lannister, a queen whose people despise her? Jaime Lannister, a man best known for killing the king he was sworn to protect? When Tywin's gone, who do you back?" Stannis asked.
To his surprise, Tycho had an answer already and he did not expect it. "The Dragoness" was the man's reply, surprising his two visitors. "She has the experience and the loyalty of the soldiers. Houses backed her up before your brother took the throne"
Ser Davos scoffed. "She is but a mere woman, a product of family incest as well. Her brother burnt down people with the same wildfire she had invented. No Lord will come to her aid when her Lord Husband has died"
"If you think she is not capable because of her gender, then your minds have long changed over there at Westeros. She is far more capable than you think and you will be surprised at how many allies she has in the shadows" Tycho confessed but did not go into any more details. "Either way, when Tywin Lannister dies; only then we will deal with everything. That is a problem for another time."
"Begging your pardon, I think it's a problem for now," Davos argued. "There's only one reliable leader left in Westeros. Stannis. He's got the birthright. He's in his prime. He's a tried and tested battle commander. And he doesn't just talk about paying people back, he does it." He showed his hand again to further make his point.
Small Council Room, Red Keep — King's Landing, CrownLands
It was early in the morning, the sun barely up more than a few hours before a Small Council Meeting was arranged. Gathered as per usual in the Tower Of the Hand, there were new additions to the meeting such as Mace and Oberyn.
The Dornish Prince sat by the right side Of the table, close to the end. He had one ankle above his knee and was sitting sideways. Across from him sat Varys, Pycelle and last Lord Mace in that order while Cersei had her chair by Oberyn is left but was busy walking up and down at that moment.
Only two chairs had truly remained vacant, one at the head of the table and one at the right side, intended for the two last people, who had to be present for the meeting to start.
"These meetings aren't always going to be this early, are they? I was up late last night." Oberyn joked as they waited, clearly in the mood. "So, does this mean I am a master of something now? Coins, ships?"
Lord Mace immediately argued. "Lord Tywin and I already determined that I shall be the Master of Ships long before you—" he never finished his sentence as the powerful couple entered the room.
Immediately, everyone that was seated rose in respect; except for Oberyn. He merely moved his head and took notice of Tywin and Visenya walking towards their respective seats. He offered a charming smile at the Dragoness, who once again was dressed in the Lannister red and gold.
Tywin sat first and she followed suit, being by his right as always. She barely glanced at Oberyn, her face this perfect serious mask that seemed to match that of her husband. She sat with her back straight and only then did the rest of the council be allowed to sit.
Usually, women were not part of the Small Council, especially when they held no significant position. However, Cersei was the Queen Regent and any man would be damned to try and keep her away; especially now.
Visenya was the Wife of the Hand but she was also the second most experienced person when it came to such matters, right after Tywin. Her presence was not only respected by other council members but also none dared to speak their mind if they disagreed with the idea of her seating in the council; since they would face the fury of the Lion.
"Lord Tywin, Lady Visenya," Mace started as he remained standing. "It's a great honour to have been granted a seat on this council. I—"
Once again he never managed to finish his sentence as the Old Lion interrupted him.
"The trial begins this afternoon. We only have the morning for affairs of state. Shall we begin?" he asked and waited for someone to start with the news.
As per usual, it was Varys, who possessed most of the information and so he spoke up first.
"Sandor Clegane has been spotted in the Riverlands, my lord."
Cersei's face turned sour.
"A coward and a traitor," she commented.
"My birds tell me the Hound slaughtered five of our soldiers. I believe the phrase 'fuck the king' was uttered," Varys continued, making Visenya smirk.
That does sound like Sandor, she thought and hid any further hints of her amusement.
"Disgraceful," Pycelle commented as per usual but none paid him any mind.
Tywin took notice of the smirk on the lips of his wife but did not say anything, instead chose to focus on the topic.
"What would it take to make the common soldier stupid enough to try his luck with the Hound?" he asked and everyone thought for a moment.
The eunuch was the first to speak, once again.
"10 silver stags seems a generous bounty."
"100 sounds better," Visenya commented, earning the attention of the council on her. "Sandor is a dangerous man and his latest killings will have dropped the morale of even the most stupid soldiers. Give them a better reward if you wish them to at least try," she explained.
She glanced at Tywin, who nodded in agreement; pleased with her suggestion and her logical thinking. He then focused back on the men sitting around the table.
"What else?"
Varys opened his mouth to speak but hesitated, earning an arched eyebrow from Tywin. He glanced at Visenya and then cleared his throat.
"More whispers from the east, my lord."
"The Targaryen girl?" Tywin asked for confirmation, refusing to call her anything but; niece by marriage or not.
Visenya's face was indifferent; nothing on her would expose any of her thoughts as the topic of her niece was brought up.
"Daenerys has taken up residence in Meereen. She has conquered the city and rules as its queen."
The news made a faint ghost smile appear upon her lips as she heard how quickly Daenerys had taken up her role and was even ruling.
She practises for Westeros, I assume, she thought, and her smile disappeared as quickly. It sounds like she is determined to claim back her throne eventually. This will not be good.
"Conquered with what?" Cersei asked, her voice calm but one could see she was tired and exhausted in general.
"She commands an army Of Unsullied, my queen. Some 8,000 strong. She has a company of sellswords-- the Second Sons. She has two knights advising her-- Jorah Mormont and Barristan Selmy." Varys explained but only the Dragoness did not seem surprised. Barristan was always loyal to her family and a part Of her was glad that Daenerys had someone trustworthy by her side to protect and advise her. "And she has three dragons."
"Baby dragons." Cersei corrected him.
"Dragons grow" Visenya commented, entering the topic Of discussion. "Baby Dragons grow faster until they reach adulthood. You might think Of them small now but it won't be long before they are big enough for her to ride and let them cause damage"
The Lioness did not seem pleased with the news or the way her good- mother chose to correct her as if she did not know that already, "Well, good thing we have you with us then. We might actually need the gifts Of your family after all" she said with a fake smile and venom dripping from every word that left her mouth.
The dragoness remained calm but there was the faintest of coldness in her amber eyes, not taking it the mockery lightly. "Of course, let me go grab my mystical horn to take command of three dragons" she replied, passively challenging her stepdaughter to utter another word Of things that she did not know.
The tension between them seemed to grow thicker, the three men across from them exchanging a look of worry. Tywin watched with a tired and slightly annoyed expression but did not interfere, since it was about time Visenya put her foot down and disciplined Cersei.
The only one who seemed to truly enjoy the show was Oberyn, who watched as the two women verbally attacked one another with sarcasm. If he had to put money and bet on one of the two, he would easily choose Visenya.
The intense moment was interrupted by Pycelle, who chose to also speak and prevent bloodshed from taking place so early in the morning.
"Mormont is spying on her for us," he reminded everyone, hoping this would help with the latest situation.
"No longer," Varys informed him. "He appears to be fully devoted to her. As for Ser Barristan, it would seem he took his dismissal from the Kingsguard a bit harder than anticipated."
The Dragoness scoffed faintly. "A bit harder? He had devoted his life in serving the royal family for more years than most Of us have been alive. Joffrey was not a Targaryen and neither was Robert but he still served them. It makes sense that after he was dismissed the way he did that he would search to serve the last Targaryen"
Her stepdaughter rolled her eyes. "He's an old man. He wasn't fit to protect my son."
Yet, it was Tywin, who chose to comment before his Lady Wife could. "Joffrey didn't die on his watch" he reminded her, earning a scowl from her. "Dismissing him was as insulting as it was stupid."
The Lioness, though, was not ready to give up. She remained civil but she was not going to remain silent and simply hear the old men talking as if they knew better.
"Don't tell me you're worried about a child halfway across the world." She asked rhetorically, seeing how much emphasis everyone put on the Targaryen Girl, who did not even have her own ships yet.
"A child with two seasoned warriors counselling her and a powerful army at her back, Your Grace." Varys reminded her.
Surprisingly, Oberyn chose to add his own view of things.
"Lord Varys is right. I have been to Essos and seen the Unsullied firsthand. They are very impressive on the battlefield. Less so in the bedroom."
He said, not wasting his chance to also make his usual comment and show his unique sense of humour.
"Do not forget, Cersei," Visenya said, earning the Lioness' attention. "Daenerys has claims to the Throne as my brother's heir and many Lords will support her if she ever comes to Westeros."
Once again, her stepdaughter did not see the full picture.
"What claims? Tommen is now King and before him was Robert. No Lord will choose to ally themselves with the daughter of the mad King."
"Robert's father was our cousin and his grandmother was a Targaryen," she reminded her or based on Cersei's expression, she let her know for the first time in her life. "The Lords supported him during the Rebellion and did not argue for his faint claims to the throne. What do you think they will do to the daughter of the last Targaryen King? One with dragons and two knights backing her claim as well."
Tywin, who had been listening carefully, looked fully at his wife.
"Those Lords have pledged their loyalty to you even when Robert took the throne. Do you believe they will betray you that easily?" he asked, testing a theory he had in his mind.
It was not uncommon nor was it private knowledge that some of the allies of the Lannisters whether soldiers, minor Lords or trade acquaintances in Essos all came to the lions because Visenya was part of them.
When Aerys was killed, a lot did not like to see a stag on the throne and thus turned their focus and true loyalty to the last of the ancient royal line. They knew her, they had fought with her even and they supported her far more than a blood-thirsty prince slayer.
However, no one's loyalty can remain forever or set in stone. Few truly were those, who kept their oaths and did not switch sides when it suited them.
She let a small silent sigh and shook her head faintly.
"My claims to the Throne have been abdicated before the marriage. Their loyalty remained because they did not wish to support Robert and because they thought I was the last of the Dragons. If Daenerys is to return, they might choose to side with her. If we also take into consideration how much the world has started to despise the Lannisters."
This put her Lord Husband into deep thinking. None wished to admit it but she had a very solid point. Daenerys had claims, she had power and above all she could be used as an excuse for the world to go against the Lannisters.
Joffrey had driven them to the point of rebellion, the war had left many to starve and the economy to be weakened. The world was getting restless and they simply did not dare to rebel and go against the Lions until they had a good reason to do so and a certainty that they would win.
In the end, he came up with a decision.
"Dragons haven't won a war in 300 years. Armies win them all the time. She must be dealt with."
This made Pycelle, Varys and Visenya exchange a look but it was the Old Maester, who voiced their internal question.
"How, my lord? By force?" he asked.
"Eventually, if it comes to that," Tywin answered and then leaned a little bit sideways, his attention fully on Varys. "Can your little birds find their way into Meereen?"
"Most certainly, my Lord Hand."
"Mmm." The Old Lion exclaimed. "Lord Tyrell, be a good man. Fetch my quill and paper."