Chapter 45

- Stormlands - Sometime Later -

Renly Baratheon was a charismatic man. Always had been, even as a boy. People liked him. They liked him for his charm. His wit. His caring. A man of the people. He had the support of his House's bannermen and a loyalty that had been second only to Robert. So when his brother died, it didn't take much to call the banners, and get the support of the Stormland Lords to fight for his claim.

Who else would they fight for? Stannis? He was not appointed Lord over their ancestral homeland. Even if the rules of succession stated Stannis was to take over for Robert given the late King's lack of a true heir, Renly was someone the people would support over such a serious, and unyielding older brother.

So when the message from King's Landing came stating the return of the Targaryens and that Stannis had been made Lord of Storm's End, he tore up the message before throwing it into the hearth. His anger over this new situation had irked him greatly and knew it was only a matter of time before the other Lords around him got messages about this. Even if they liked Renly and pledge loyalty to him, they also were followers of traditions, and the rules which the Seven Kingdoms was structured. If they heard this new Targaryen King had made Stannis the new Lord of Storm's End and the Stormlands, the Lords around him would have to obey.

Which is why Renly would have to act soon. Before such news reached them and they had the means to turn their cloaks.

"This is absurd. The dragons sitting on the Iron Throne once more. Both my Father and Grandmother was foolish in supporting their return. For years, our House was loyal, and it took us years to regain favor when your brother was King. They should be supporting you right now," commented Loras while Renly turned to look at the Knight of Flowers.

"It is what it is. No matter. I have the might of the Stormlands at my command. Even if this King brings his army against us, we can weaken him to the point where others may join our cause. If my brother can rally the enemies of the dragon, why not I?" replied Renly with a smirk.

"But who would we call upon? Your brother has bent the knee. The North has apparently forsaken all past vengeance. House Lannister is hanging by a thread along with the rest of House Tully. Dorne has no further issues with House Targaryen. Who could we call for an alliance?" asked Loras with Renly looking over the map.

"The Knights of the Vale for one. The full might of their army combined with ours will make us truly unstoppable and if what we heard is true, the death of her Father and Lord Baelish will give Lysa Tully a push we need to join our cause. If only to avenge her deal friend, if not the rest of her family for the actions taken against them," commented Renly since the Vale had a formidable force and could be used to his advantage.

"Are you sure you can trust Lysa Tully? Word has it, the woman is not all that right in the head. I heard she still has her child suckle from her breasts and he's over the age to be doing it," replied Loras with Renly shrugging since he had seen it first hand and knew it was true.

"What she does with her child is no concern to me. We offer an alliance, promise justice and revenge in one. When the smoke clears, we give her son additional lands, titles, and all the necessary rewards.

"And if what we give her is not enough?" asked Loras with Renly smirking.

"Accidents happen Loras. Her son is weak and dimwitted. His delirious Mother does just about everything for him. We can remove Lysa Arryn if necessary and simply control the boy without him even realizing it," said Renly with Loras nodding.

"What about my family?" asked Loras with a hint of worry.

"Relax my love. Once I am King, I will pardon your Father and House. I will even marry Margery so she can give me an heir and further tie your House to the Iron Throne," said Renly since he knew Loras worried about them knowing this went against their wishes.

Not that Renly cared right now about House Tyrell. War caused losses. It was a given. If Renly sent a few discreet agents to kill the Lord of House Tyrell and the elderly hag who was the true power behind it, all the easier to control the survivors through being King. He would remove House Lannister from the West, maybe putting House Tarly there, if only to get them out of the rose's shadow in exchange for pledging their loyalty to House Baratheon. Demand the North swear fealty to him and have some of House Stark's family with him as unofficial hostages. Punishment aimed at Lord Stark for not supporting his claim to the Iron Throne when such an opportunity came upon them.

The rest would fall in line.

"Your Grace, I have news," said Brienne of Tarth, who walked into the room and bowed to her King.

"What news?" asked Renly curiously.

"Our scouts have reported a massive army heading this way. All bearing the House Sigils of House Targaryen, House Tyrell, House Tarly, House Stark, and even House Baratheon with the latter being your brother's own House Sigil. The scouts have estimated the size of the arm is well over that of 150,000 men," said Brienne with Renly looking surprised.

"What? That's not possible!" stated Loras while glaring at the large woman.

"I asked all the scouts. They all reported the same thing. I would not lie to his Grace about such news," said Brienne while Loras was not convinced.

"How soon will they get here?" asked Renly since he would need to rally his men for a fight.

"In a few days. They are being led by the Targaryen King himself. The scouts say he is riding on a massive snow white dire wolf," replied Brienne with Renly and Loras looking at her in shock.

"A giant dire wolf? Surely its not possible. I know the Starks had them, but I doubt there is one big enough to ride," said Loras with Brienne glaring slightly.

"It is the truth. And given how the dire wolf is the sigil of House Stark, it makes this all the more impacting," said Brienne with Renly scowling.

The message he received did mention his relation to House Stark, but always thought the King was a mummer. If this King was somehow connected to both dragon and wolf by blood, it would make this even more problematic.

"Prepare the army. We will march out in force to show this Targaryen his time as King is over," commanded Renly while Brienne nodded.

"I still can't believe you assigned her to your Rainbow Guard. A woman of all things," said Loras with disgust at having such a large woman like Brienne supporting Renly.

Though that was probably because said woman had bested him in a melee tournament Renly had thrown not that long ago.

"Brienne is skilled in fighting and has her uses Loras. Besides, she knows of my...tastes and doesn't judge me for them. If anyone can keep the public eye from knowing, it is her. Now help me with my armor. Its time the dragon fell to the Stag once and for all," replied Renly with the Knight of Flowers nodding.