10th Month of 283 A.C. Highgarden
Lord Rickard Stark
The past two months had been tense for Rickard, he had been dealing with many things, an infant, and the risk that infant faced at being killed by hired knives. Dealing with the Kingsguard who insisted on being heavily involved in the care of his grandson, something which he could understand, but something that did ultimately annoy him. And finally, the worry over Ned, his second son, the idealist child that he was, still strongly protested everything Rickard was doing, and that drove him madder than anything else. He was growing tired of reasoning with his son, and on more than one occasion had thought about just disinheriting the lad to spare himself the trouble, and then he thought of Brandon and Lyanna and he knew that he would never forgive himself for doing that. Eventually Ned had stopped his protests long enough for him to agree to come to Highgarden and if he still had doubts, well then Rickard was not going to stop him. They had one more man in their party as well, Lord Durran Caron had come from Nightsong to Highgarden with them, admittedly because he was tired of putting up with Baratheon tempers and he did not like Robert Baratheon one bit. A valued ally he would be.
Highgarden was a good a place as any, Rickard supposed with which to begin forming alliances to see his grandson on the throne. After all, the lords of the Reach had the most men to call to arms and they were also the lords whose men had not done much fighting during Robert's Rebellion, that name, gods that name grated on him. He knew that Mace Tyrell would be demanding of some things and some things Rickard he knew would be able to negotiate on. Still he knew that beginning as he did was important. "My lords I thank you for your hospitality, the lords of the Reach have always been known for their hospitality and this has just furthered that. Now we all know why we are here. Whilst Prince Rhaegar and his children by his first wife Princess Elia are dead, he was indeed married to my daughter Lyanna, and had a child by her, a son in fact, who does come before Prince Viserys in the line of succession. Furthermore, we all know that as you laid siege to Storm's End and had a hand in the torching of some of the lands in the Stormlands, it would make sense to assume that Robert Baratheon would not look to kindly on you all. Hence I am asking for your support in seeing that my grandson gets what is rightfully his, and to prevent a tyrant from coming to power."
There was murmuring at this and then Mace Tyrell spoke. "Thank you for that Lord Rickard. It is indeed true that as we laid siege to Storm's End and caused some harm to the Stormlands during the war, Robert Baratheon might very well not look keenly on us and may indeed look to lessen our power. This is something that I have considered long and hard over the interceding months, and I do believe that siding with yourself and your grandson would be the most politically smart move for the Reach, as we have always shown our fair share of loyalty to House Targaryen and we are the home of chivalry. And whilst some might say Robert Baratheon is the war hero of all of this, his condoning of the murders of Prince Aegon and Princess Rhaenys as well as their mother, who were all innocents does go against the true code of chivalry."
There was more murmuring at this and then Rickard spoke once more. "Indeed, whilst Robert Baratheon might have been this knightly hero to some during the rebellion, he was in fact a cold hearted man intent on gaining revenge for some slight he imagined had been done to him. He will claim he fought the war for my daughter, but the truth is, he fought the war because the idea of a throne appealed greatly to his vanity. Towards the end of the rebellion, he began voicing his doubts about the pure nature of my daughter, something as I am sure the fathers here will all agree is quite distressing and somewhat cause for anger. The man continually dishonoured my daughter with his remarks and his actions. Not only that, but he did demand that if my grandson was found he was brought forward and killed, he would accept no other course of action. It seems that the man truly has some sort of madness in him when it comes to the Targaryens. Such a man, whom discards all sense of knightly valour when it comes to one person or one family, is not someone I believe should sit the throne. We suffered through one mad king, why should we suffer through another?"
Rickard can see his bannermen nodding their heads in agreement, whilst his son looks distinctly uncomfortable. Lord Mace speaks once more. "Indeed this is all true my lord Rickard. Robert Baratheon has not shown any sort of sense of justice or mercy in his dealings with some of the lords who fought for King Aerys. This has caused some concern for me, especially as it was by your hand and your hand alone that my son and heir Willas returned safely to me, and for that I thank you, and am most definitely willing to engage in talks."
Rickard nods and is about to speak when Lord Paxter Redwyne speaks. "This is all well and good, cursing Robert Baratheon and saying this, that and the other. But it all comes down to a matter of practicalities. There will be those who argue that this grandson of yours is not actually the son of Prince Rhaegar at all, but merely a child you have plucked out of thin air and claimed as such. He looks nothing like a Targaryen and seems all Stark, what is there to prevent people asking if he is in fact a bastard. After all we all know of Robert Baratheon's nature."
Rickard bristles then and says. "I assure my lord, my grandson is not a bastard nor is he a product of some sort of activity between my daughter and Robert Baratheon. As I can assure you that the man was nowhere near my daughter without supervision, and had he laid a hand on her I would have had him castrated. And then there is the Kingsguard, Ser Gerold should be able to explain it better than I."
Ser Gerold Hightower the Lord Commander of the Kingsguard, speaks slowly and surely. "Prince Rhaegar and Princess Lyanna eloped from Harrenhal two years ago to this day. The elopement was consensual and the Princess and the Prince had been writing to one another for a good few moons since the Tourney at Harrenhal and as such they were willing conspirators in the plan. Ser Arthur and Ser Oswell were present during the marriage that happened on the Isle of Faces, and were present during most of the Prince and Princess' stay at the Tower of Joy and were present when the Lady Lyanna announced she was with child. I was there when the child was born and as such can confirm that the child that Lord Rickard says is his grandson is indeed his grandson. And my fellow members of the Kingsguard will confirm this as well."
There is some murmurings there and Rickard can see the lords gathered, mainly Hightower, Rowan and Tarly nodding accepting this. Redwyne though is insistent. "That is all well and good Ser Gerold. But you are the lord commander of the Kingsguard, and as such would be bound to agree with what this man is saying, otherwise by right your duty would be with Prince Viserys at Dragonstone. But since you chose Prince Rhaegar then you would feel duty bound to remain with his wife. Was there not a handmaiden with the Princess at the tower?"
Beginning to grow tired of the man's questioning Rickard asks the man. "Do you wish to speak to her then? To ease your mind?"
Redwyne must see something in his face, for he backs down then and says. "No my lord. Forgive me, I was merely asking to make sure of myself. I will step down now."
Rickard nods and then says. "Now that, that is done. Let us turn to the discussion of terms and conditions. I believe that in return for certain trading privileges between the two of our kingdoms, and the reduction of certain trading tariffs, gaining your support and 60,000 men should be enough should it not?"
Lord Leyton Hightower speaks then his voice booming off of the walls. "Indeed it should be. After all trade between our two kingdoms could be most beneficial as well as the lessening of hostilities between us and the Riverlands. And of course with the crown's backing we could look to engage in better trading terms between us and the Free Cities."
There are nods of approval there and then Lord Willam Dustin speaks. "Aye it would be good to further trade between our two regions. Especially as we now have the ability to construct a town in the western coast. This should be something that can be worked on further and developed to be profitable for the both of us."
More nodding and then Lord Rowan speaks then. "Whilst this is all good stuff. I must ask, Lord Rickard how you intend to soothe the Dornish. Rhaegar Targaryen absconding with your daughter would have inflamed Dornish tempers and they might be prone to accusing you all for the deaths of Princess Elia and her children. Prince Oberyn has supposedly been causing trouble already, how would you propose to deal with him?"
Rickard gives one of his rare smiles at the question and says. "I am glad you have asked that question Lord Rowan. As it is reasonable to assume that Dorne might not well be keen to side with us against Robert Baratheon, they hunger for vengeance more than they do for some petty slight the Silver Prince gave them. Princess Elia and her children were killed by men loyal to Tywin Lannister, and the fact that the man has just announced his own marriage to Tywin's daughter, they are not likely to side with him. And furthermore one must remember that Prince Viserys whilst a boy, is still a son of the mad king, whilst my grandson is the son of Prince Rhaegar, the man everyone staked their hopes on. Such a thing will be played upon and staked on. Besides, the fact that Prince Oberyn is already coming to Highgarden is something that will make sure this alliance is secure."
There is some shocked silence there and Mace Tyrell looks ready to bluster but of course he agreed to allow the Prince through so he cannot say anything. Eventually the man clears his throat and says. "Very well then, now that both sides have agreed to siding with one another. Let us talk terms."
Rickard nods and takes up the conversation. "Yes, well in exchange for reduced trading tariffs and a promise for freer trade with the North and the Free Cities, you agree to commit 60,000 men to the cause." Tyrell and his lords nod. Rickard goes on. "Furthermore, positions of court will be given to members of all your families, in balance with members of northern houses being at court."
There is murmurs of approval. Then Mace speaks and offers something Rickard knew he would most likely make. "And to seal the alliance what about a betrothal between King Jonothor and my daughter Margaery? Let us make tie this to blood and make us one and the same."
Some murmuring and then Ser Gerold speaks up. "The King is but a babe, as is your daughter my lord. Forgive me if I think this is a bit premature and unnecessary."
The Lord of Highgarden bristles, but Rickard counters with. "It need not be completely binding my lord. But what of a betrothal between your son Willas and Princess Daenerys that way you are still getting a royal marriage and the other terms remain."
There is silence for a long time and then Mace Tyrell says. "I would like very much for a royal marriage my lord. But I wish for my daughter to be best protected in the future, and the best way to ensure that is to see her wed to the king."
Rickard considers this for a moment and he wonders briefly about offering his other grandson Robb to Mace's daughter, but he knows Ned would most definitely protest and so he merely nods and says. "Very well, King Jonothor will be betrothed to your daughter Margaery, but the betrothal will not be completely binding and may be broken off by either side if they believe it to be against their needs. Furthermore, you shall raise 80,000 men."
Tyrell nods and says. "We have an alliance my lord." The two get up and shake hands and the treaty which Maester Lomys had been writing is signed by all the lords present, with Ned serving as a witness.
After that the meeting comes to an end and then there is a feast to celebrate their alliance. There is much merrymaking and happiness, Rickard smiles occasionally, and sees Ned relaxing talking to the cranongman Howland Reed as well as with the Greatjon Umber, and feels somewhat content. His mind begins aching with visions of a beast with a body of a man and a goat's head, just as they begin playing the song of Jonothor the Giant, a northern tune one asked for by Lord Umber. Rickard smiles and then excuses himself, claiming illness, he retires to his room with Torrhen Umber, brother of the Greatjon beside him. He bids a goodnight to Torrhen and then goes to bed, he spends the night dreaming of chaotic scenes, a battle, a glowing sword and the kings of winter fighting and coming to life against a darkness with pale blue eyes and horns of a devil.
He awakes in the morning feeling better if somewhat tired and confused. It has been a long time since that dream has plagued him. Shaking it off he has his breakfast and once Martyn tells him of Prince Oberyn's arrival and a meeting being convened in Lord Tyrell's solar. Rickard dresses and soon finds himself in the man's solar, with Prince Oberyn sat there, lounging in the chair opposite the Lord Oaf of Highgarden. Rickard nods at both and says. "Sorry I am late my lords."
"It makes no matter my lord Stark, we were just beginning to speak of the terms of an alliance." Mace Tyrell says.
Rickard sits down and says. "Very well then, so you have informed Prince Oberyn of the terms of our alliance I trust?"
Mace nods and says. "Yes I have, it seems he is quite happy with the terms are you not my Prince?"
Prince Oberyn, a fierce man and a temperamental one nods and says. "Indeed I am. What is between you two kingdoms is between the two of you. I am here on behalf of my brother Prince Doran, the Prince of Dorne. We are here to discuss what our terms of alliance would be."
Rickard nods and says. "I suppose, this would include Gregor Clegane and Armory Lorch given to over to Dornish justice as well as certain recompense for the actions of the sack?"
The Prince nods. "Yes those are parts of the terms my brother has asked me to bring to you. We want Gregor Clegane and Armory Lorch brought to Dorne in chains where they might face a public trial and be condemned for the butchers they are. As for the recompense, well we lost men, but that is the same with any war. We want the remains of Princess Elia and her children returned to us and not left in King's Landing to rot."
Rickard considers this for a moment and then says. "And how many men would your brother commit to my grandson's cause if we were to give them over?"
Prince Oberyn smiles and says. "I have already brought 6,000 men with me, another 5,000 could very well be raised quickly. And we are all hungry for blood my lord. We would not delay."
Rickard looks at Mace for a moment and then says. "Very well I accept."
Prince Oberyn smiles and then asks. "I noticed that there was a marcher lord present amongst your men my lord Stark. One Durran Caron, I must ask what is he doing here?"
Rickard had thought this question would be raised earlier and he says. "The man has foresworn Robert Baratheon, at great risk to himself and his family. He knows what he is risking and he is willing to go through with it. I do not doubt his loyalty."
Prince Oberyn nods and then says. "I had meant to bring this up with you in private but seeing as we are all here, I think it wise to say that there are three Lannister bastards in my company. They found me at Vulture's Roost and asked to join the company, they claim to be wanting to see King Jonothor on the throne, but from what I have observed and my own sources have told me they are working for Tywin Lannister. I would keep your guard up."
Rickard nods and thanks the man before they all depart for their respective rooms, before retiring for the afternoon, Rickard checks in on his grandson and says to Ser Arthur. "There is a chance someone might try something here tonight. I will have the guard tripled. Make sure you are doubly on the watch." The knight nods and then Rickard returns to his rooms. He spends sometime, reading over notes that Martyn had gathered for him, some of them are most tedious, others are very interesting, he knows that when news comes of all of this, there will be war.
He is still reading over the notes when he hears a crashing sound followed by a curse, which gets his attention, for he then hears a baby begin to cry. He stands up then and moves to grab Ice, his door opens and Martyn stands there. "There was an attempt on the life of the King my lord. They've captured the man who tried to do it."
Rickard nods and follows Martyn out into the hallway where the man in question is slumped against a wall. Ser Arthur has his blade to the man's throat. "I went out to speak with one of the guards about getting some food, and when I returned he was in the room. There was a struggle but as you can see he is still here and the king is alive."
Rickard nods and asks. "Who is with the king?"
"Ser Oswell and Ser Gerold as well as the guards you posted there earlier." The knight answers.
Rickard nods and then says. "The king will be staying in my chambers from now on." The knight nods, and Rickard turns to the man slumped on the wall. He kicks the man in the stomach and all but growls. "Who sent you bastard?"
He expects the man to struggle but as he coughs and blood comes out he says two words that harden Rickard's heart. "Robert Baratheon."
He hears someone gasp behind him and turns to see Ned standing there looking scared. Rickard turns his full attention on his son and says. "You see what your friend would do. Now who will you side with, your friend or your nephew? Family or honour?"