Chapter 528: Balon Swann

Stannis Baratheon is no more.

He met his end at the hands of Balon Swann, second son of House Swann.

Swann sought retribution for his elder brother, Donal Swann, who once stood as a close advisor to Lord Renly Baratheon. However, during the coup where Stannis attempted to seize Storm's End, Donal was killed amidst the chaos.

Given this backdrop, Balon's act of vengeance against Stannis is both understood and justified on moral grounds.

Although after capturing Storm's End, Stannis continuously proclaimed that it was Lord Renly and Viserys who plotted against him, wanting to end his life and hand over the castle. He claimed that he acted first upon receiving leaked information, portraying Lord Renly as a kin-slayer.

Yet, after the seizure of Storm's End, Stannis found no evidence of any plot between Renly and Viserys in the former's private chambers.

In fact, no communication between the two was discovered, save for a single blank sheet of parchment on Renly's desk.

Upon learning this, Stannis locked himself away for three days before ordering this information to be suppressed.

But secrets have a way of getting out, especially when there were still many within the walls of Storm's End who held loyalty and fond memories of Lord Renly, including guards and servants.

In contrast to Stannis, with his ever-present stern face, as if the world owed him a debt, Renly, with his gentle temperament and care for those beneath him, was naturally more beloved.

Thus, whispers of this secret did eventually break out. Though no one dared speak of it before Stannis, hushed conversations took place in private.

When Stannis was found lying in a pool of his own blood, the guards of Storm's End surrounded the murderer and shouted, "Seize him!"

Even though Balon Swann was renowned for his combat skills, after slaying Stannis, he was overwhelmed.

He was eventually besieged by the guards of Storm's End, captured alive, and was tightly bound.

The assassination of Stannis within his chambers was devastating news, especially for Storm's End, leaving many restless that night.

Maester Cressen, upon hearing the news, was stricken with grief. He had foreseen such a day ever since he heard of the calamity at the Battle of the Bronze Gate. Yet, the downfall of House Baratheon was hard to accept, having watched the boys grow. Now, only Robert remained, imprisoned in King's Landing, and his fate was sealed.

Stannis's most trusted advisor, Ser Davos Seaworth, the Onion Knight, upon receiving the grim news, was in disbelief. He rushed to the scene.

Balon Swann, tightly bound, was placed at the center of the Great Hall of Storm's End. The nobles, master-at-arms, and maesters of Storm's End all gathered.

"It's murder!" shouted a voice. "Balon Swann has slain Lord Stannis! He must pay with his life!"

Ser Davos, filled with rage, addressed the gathered nobles, his gaze fixed on Balon Swann, the murderer of his dear friend.

The lords of the Stormlands, including Alexander Estermont, known as the 'Penny-counting Lord', wearing a badge with a dagger through a heart, sat discussing the fate of Balon Swann.

Another lord, Costayne of the Crow's Nest, wearing a badge of a raven, and Lady Mertyns of Mistwood, with an owl badge, sat by his side.

Alexander Estermont addressed Davos, "Ser Davos, please calm yourself."

Despite not voicing her thoughts, Lady Mertyns's eyes reflected a look of disdain.

These lords, who once looked down on Davos for his smuggling past, now addressed him as a lord, a title earned through his loyalty to Stannis.

Davos took a deep breath to calm himself, looking at the lifeless body of Stannis, his heart heavy with grief, before taking his seat.

All were present in the Great Hall, the atmosphere thick with tension. Lord Estermont cleared his throat before addressing Balon Swann.

"Ser Balon Swann," he began, "You stand accused of the heinous crime of murdering Lord Stannis, with evidence undeniable. You face the sentence of death. Do you plead guilty?"

Balon Swann, his bound form struggling against the guards, defiantly responded, "I do not plead guilty!"

"Oh?" Costayne of the Crow's Nest interjected, "So you deny slaying Lord Stannis?"

"No, I admit to killing Stannis," Balon Swann declared, "But I reject the charge of murder. Stannis killed Lord Renly and my own brother! The Father Above grants us the right to judge, to seek revenge, and to uphold justice. I avenged Lord Renly and sought justice for my brother's death, passing judgment on Stannis!"

As Balon Swann's powerful voice echoed through the Great Hall, the lords of the Stormlands exchanged glances, weighing their next move.