36. Não Negociável
We were on solid ground. We arrived at Seaguard Harbor, where the King's retinue, his many Southern lords, and his many soldiers were waiting for their ride to arrive.
I didn't really mind introducing the Fists to the ironborn first, allowing them to glimpse what their greed had conjured. I was completely calm, especially with the current situation.
Our arrival, which took place after the King's fleet, makes sense to me because as much as the galleons are strong, and their extremely high masts, it is heavier and slower, so our trip was much 'longer' than I imagined.
There was also the fact that a certain old man with an unfriendly face was sitting like a bird on the king's shoulder, saying that it would be important and a great gesture if the North presented such a galleon to the throne.
Lord Stark was between the cross and a hard place. For his friend wanted one, his tutor wanted one, and the king's father-in-law wanted one.
"Ned, I think Jon is right, it would be a wonderful gift from the North to crown. Tell the boy I want one." Robert had his glass full of wine, and his belly too.
"No. I will not compel any house in the North to part with its discoveries and work to anyone." says the adamant Ned. "Why don't you try to negotiate with him? Making me lose the goodwill of my people is a mistake I won't make." he says irreducible.
"Ned is right on that point. If he loses favor with his people, revolts in the North would be inevitable, even more so with powerful houses like the Boltons eyeing power." Jon says, and it was easy to see that Lord Tywin was coming up with ideas.
"If they rebel, I'll be on your side Ned, the kingdom will be on your side in that." says Robert, lost in the matter. "Call the boy here, we can speak to him directly." he finally says, and the blond knight, wearing his white armor, leaves.
I notice the rider's arrival, but keep my attention focused. It was hard enough following the conversation because of all the noise around, and every detail was important.
"Lord Glover, his presence is summoned to confer with the King." says the knight of the golden locks.
"Please lead the way, Lord Jayme." I answer with a smile.
After leading me to the group, who weren't too far away, just two tables away, I'm introduced.
"I have brought Lord Glover, My King." he says formally.
"Thank you kingslayer, now step aside." answers the drunken king sharply.
Keeping his composure, he bows and joins his fellow guards, who glare at the king in an unfriendly manner.
"Normally people bow in the presence of the king." says the old man with the emblem of the eagle, beside the ensign of the king's hand.
"Normally a King converses soberly with people." I retort, earning an unfriendly look from Ned.
"I like the boy." shouts Robert, followed by his laughter. Once you stop, keep going. "I've been thinking those Galleons of yours would make a good gift for the crown. What say you, lad?" he leans forward, and that drunken look is gone as if it never existed.
"And who would give you one of these as a gift? Who else besides me knows how to make them?" I ask curious.
"Obviously, you would be the one to give the crown that gift." Call the King's hand.
"I don't remember saying or suggesting it. It never even crossed my mind to do so. I may be young, but a fool is one thing I'm not." I reply once more to the old man.
"No education yes." strikes the old man.
"Educated by those who show me education. I'm just a simple man, living simply." I answer, shrugging.
"Why wouldn't you give the crown boy a present?" this time who asks is Tywin.
"And why the hell should I give the crown a gift? What has the crown done for me? What has the crown done for my people? What has the crown done for the North?" I ask, taking the trio by surprise, let alone a surprised Lord Stark.
"We are the ones who sell food to the North, we are the ones who keep the kingdom stable and with as little conflict as possible." proudly declares the hand of the king.
"It's true, I forgot that the North can ONLY buy food from the South, at prices 10x higher and still, we received a good part either spoiled or missing, because there were taxes in the middle of the way.
And it's also true about the stability of the kingdom, it seems like it hasn't even been 10 years when a war took place and now, a new one happens, just because the king's father-in-law was hit, but when it was the northern houses, it was for the stability of the kingdom right?" I stare at the drooling old man.
"You need to understand that…" the old drooling man tries, but I stop him.
"I don't need to understand anything. It's up to you Southerners to understand. We don't owe any of you anything. We don't play your games or trade favors for benefits. Just leave the North alone, and peace will reign.
But you wise minds from the south love to nudge the North, which remains quiet and out of its games. The funniest thing about it all is that you want to look superior and better, but you are nothing but deluded people.
They don't even know what happens in their own house, and they still think they have the right to order others around. Do yourself a favor, stop embarrassing yourself. Now if that's all, I'm leaving." I say at once, turning around.
"Who gave you permission?" the old man gets up, enraged.
"I don't need permission from an old schmuck, who calls a child who isn't even his son, and still thinks his wife is faithful. I told you, old man, stop embarrassing yourself and start looking at your own affairs." I finish, staring at old Jon Arryn.
"My hand is a noble and honest man, you say one more thing against him and you will understand why the royal guard is so feared." says Robert, furious.
"On top of that, the old man needs to hold someone else's sword. I feel sorry for you. But I'll give you a gift, one you'll love. It's worth more than my galleons. Have you ever wondered, how to drink and fuck whores Can a kingdom owe so much?
I can only assume two things. Either your royal treasurer is a complete incompetent who doesn't know how to count, or he has embezzled so much money under your superior noses, making you wise men fools to the core." I say, and can't help laughing.
As I'm leaving and approaching Jayme Lannister, I stop.
"Unlike the group over there, I appreciate what you did. even if your father smeared your action." I say it loudly so that not only can he hear it, but everyone at the table can hear it.
"I would never tarnish my son's honor." Tywin rises, livid with rage.
"Remember what you did when you invaded King's Landing? right after the gates opened." I say, waving goodbye, and heading to my boat. The ride ends here.