35 Ch. 4 Plots and Plans

The Ninth Day of the Second Moon, of the year 298 A.C.

"We are nearly finished, Lord General," Lieutenant Doren stated. "The majority of the secret passages through the Red Keep were not overly difficult to map. Locating all of the entrances into the passageways is causing more delays than anticipated."

I take a moment to finish looking over the rough sketches of the hidden tunnels through the Red Keep and Maegor's Holdfast. Varys might still know more of the concealed areas, but that won't be for much longer. I really can't understand why Cersei or Robert hasn't had the entire Red Keep explored. The fact there are multiple entrance tunnels throughout King's Landing and the coastline screams of negligence.

Setting the drawings down, I look to Lieutenant Doren. "Have you encountered any of Varys' spies, Lieutenant?" I curiously questioned.

Lieutenant Doren gives a single nod of his shaved head. "The men have brought me nearly a dozen children found in the tunnels. The oldest is no more than one-and-ten," my officer stated. "And other than being pale as parchment, they appeared to be perfectly healthy."

That was unexpected. With the way things have been progressing, I thought for sure my men would have found tongueless children hiding throughout the keep. Things have continued to be a combination of what I recall from both the show and the books.

"Should we continue as ordered, Lord General?" Lieutenant Doren asked.

"Yes," I firmly respond. "Make sure Sergeant Jory is able to build a solid rapport with these Little Birds. I want those children to come to him before they run off to tell their secrets to Varys. Increase his budget if you must," I stress to the men present in the room.

With the three lieutenants nodding their heads in understanding, I look towards Lieutenants Bannen and Norwin. "How are you're tasks going?" I ask the two older men.

"We were successful," Lieutenant Norwin states in a rough voice. "The men are awaiting your word, Lord General."

The moment I finish nodding my head, Lieutenant Bannen clears his throat. "Your orders have been carried out to the letter, Lord General," Lieutenant Bannen's excitement evident in his tone.

I ignore Lieutenant Bannen's demeanor and address the group. "You men have exceeded my expectations. I gave you incredibly difficult assignments, and you performed remarkably," I gratefully state to the three men. "But the hardest part is yet to come. Keep preparing and stress to your men the importance of being vigilant during these trying times."

Three fists thumped into pride-filled chests. "Yes, Lord General," the three lieutenants state in unison. Receiving my motion of dismissal, the three officers pivoted and marched out of my makeshift office.

I stare at the closed door before I turn my attention back to the sketches of the Red Keep. I take a seat behind the narrow desk and pick-up the crude maps. As I commit the images to memory, I make notes of possible undiscovered entrances based on structure and location. Being able to move through the grounds unseen will be invaluable.

Seated in one of the padded chairs, Captain Slate stands up and pours a glass of wine. "If I may be blunt, my lord, I think you're aiming too low," Captain Slate said over his shoulder.

I release a sigh before leaning back in my chair. "We've talked about this enough already. I want as little to do with this city as possible," I tell the highest-ranked Legionnaire in the capital.

"I agree, this city is a shit-hole," Captain Slate said before taking a sip of his wine. "But this is the best place for you to serve the Westerlands until you become the Lord of the Rock," the captain urged as he turned to face me.

"Captain," I begin with a tired voice before being interrupted.

"My lord," Captain Slate stressed as he squared his body to me. "We've been in the capital a mere week, and you've uncovered a spy network and a scheme to overthrow your family's influence," Slate said as he stepped up in front of my desk.

"These past few years, I've watched you grow and become the man you are today," Slate said with a touch of pride in his voice. "No one can deny your ability or dedication, but you won't rule the Westerlands for many more years. King's Landing is where you can do the most good for our home, my lord," Captain Slate declared. "It may not be what you want, but it's what we need."

I can't help but tilt my head in question at the one soldier I've spent the most time with. Captain Slate has faithfully served the Lannisters and myself since before I was born. It's almost unsettling to see him trying to persuade me into a decision.

"I am not returning to Casterly Rock with my uncle, you know that," I remind my second-in-command here in King's Landing.

"And what post will my lord be assuming for the time he's living in the capital?" Slate quickly asked.

Knowing Slate as well as I do, I decided to quit beating around the bush. "What do you have in mind?" I openly asked.

With a flash of victory in his eyes, Captain Slate took a seat in front of me. "With your age, the king will never appoint you to his Small Council," Slate began. "But you are well qualified to assume the position of Commander of the City Watch. You would have control over the largest force in King's Landing, and have a legitimate excuse to be conducting investigations on those that pose a threat."

"Janos Slynt was appointed Commander of the City Watch less than three years ago," I easily counter. "And he's not even forty years old."

Slate scoffed at the mentioned name. "He's one of the most corrupt and greedy men I've ever met. Over half of his officers are forced to pay him a part of their salaries for one reason or another," Slate contemptuously said. "Killing him would earn you the gratitude of the Gold Cloak officers."

"Many of whom are just as corrupt and greedy as Slynt," I swiftly counter. "The Gold Cloaks are under-staffed, under-trained, and overly corruptible. Forget policing this cesspool of a city. Most of my time would be spent removing the rot amongst the Gold Cloak ranks. The rest of my time would be used to fight an uphill battle while evading assassination attempts."

Captain Slate took on a wicked smile as he sipped his wine. "As if you wouldn't relish the challenge," Slate said with grim humor.

Taken aback by his comment, I reconsider taking on the post of Commander of the City Watch. It would be insanely taxing and devoid of any appreciation from the nobles. I would also be tying myself to the city, preventing me from traveling beyond a few hours outside of the walls.

On the other hand, I could supplement the manpower shortage with soldiers from the Legion. I could improve the standard of safety, embed my own men in all levels of the city, and all but guarantee the prevention of a forced coup. I could own this city in all but name within a year.

"The idea has merit, I'll grant you that," I reluctantly told Slate. "But now is not the time. We have plots to foil and people to kill."

"All of which can be done with a fancy new title bestowed upon you," Slate said as he, nonchalantly, waved his hand.

"Perhaps after this storm blows over," I delay the captain. "The tourney starts tomorrow, and then we have schemes to disrupt. Things will be chaotic for a time."

"I'm sure all manner of lives will be lost in the chaos. What's a few more?" Captain Slate asked as he finished his wine. "Good luck in the lists tomorrow, my lord," Slate said as he stood from his chair. With a respectful bow, my second-in-command departed the spartan office.

Unable to concentrate on the various parchments on my desk, I busy myself with the new possibility presented to me.