Chapter 19

Hello and welcome to another chapter. So, Steffon gets some news he really didn't expect to hear in this chapter.

Steffon looked over the table again. The Chamber of the Painted Table had been turned into a war room of sorts, with improvise icons represent the armies that were moving across the country. He looked at the Direwolf peice. Since returning to Dragonstone, he had learned that Robb had indeed led a Northern host south of the Neck, and had defeated Jaime and taken him prisoner. A coup if ever there was one, Steffon thought. Robb had also relieved the Sige of Riverrun, gaining the allegiance of the Riverlords in the process. It appeared that Robb was building quite the army in the Riverlands. The question was, where to now?

"Robb's victory at Riverrun has shown Tywin he's not to be underestimated. Tywin knows he's been outsmarted, and he'll not make the same mistake again." Stannis said.

"Agreed, uncle. Grandfather is not fooled twice." Steffon said. He looked at the table again. "He'll head for Harrenhal. It occupies a central spot; that way he can respond if Renly or I make a move against King's Landing or if Robb advances on Casterly Rock."

"We need more men though." Jon said. Steffon rubbed his temples; that was the one blockage they kept hitting. They may have had the Royal Fleet, who were largely loyal to Stannis, but they only had 5,000 men at their most optimistic projections.

"Lord Tarth hasn't sent his men to Renly. The Marcher Lords are staying put as well. That alone is 10,000 men." Stannis said.

"Meaning Renly can only muster 18,000 Stormlanders. Still a majority, and we don't have any guarantee Tarth or the Marcher Lords will join us, especially since Beric Dondarrion is dead in the Riverlands. Do we have any intelligence on what Renly is planning?" Steffon asked. Stannis shook his head.

"No. He's gathering men to his banner. Best guess is that he's going to press his own claim to the Iron Throne. He has the men to do it; 80,000 Reachmen and 18,000 Stormlanders, that's nearly 100,000 men. Not to mention he has access to Tyrell coin-"

"Which means sellswords. Possibly the Golden Company. What of our reserves of coin?"

"Barely enough for a few thousand sellswords, and even that will leave us with minimal reserves." Stannis said. Steffon sighed again.

"Okay, well for now we need to fortify Dragonstone and shore up our naval defences. while we build a force. Send ravens to Lord Tarth and whoever is in charge at House Dondarrion-"

"Lord Edwyn, Lord Beric's brother" Barristan supplied.

"Lord Edwyn. Right. Send ravens to him and Tarth offering them a reward of their choice for their backing."

"But you're not even claiming the Iron Throne, Steffon. Why would we need their support?" Jon asked.

"Maybe so, Jon, but we need to have backing in the event that Joffrey or Renly get it in their heads to attack us, which I would not put past them. Like I said, we fortify our position and await further developments. Thank you gentlemen, that will be all." He said. Stannis, Barristan and Jon began to file out of the room.

"So, are we going to war then, Stag Boy?" Arya asked. Steffon had let her in on the meeting on the condition that she stay quiet and observe.

"Not yet. We're going to see what happens first. Besides, your brother seems to be holding his own." Steffon said. The two laughed briefly. "There's actually been a raven from Renly. He wants me to meet him."

"Where?"

"Near Storm's End. Renly never had any great respect for me. Oh he cared for me, but he never respected me."

"Why?"

"Because he has an inflated opinion of himself. That, and he's always viewed me as a naive boy."

"My father would call you an idealist." Arya said quietly.

"And I'm not going to apologise for that, Wolf Girl."

"It's one of the things I love about you." She said tenderly. The two kissed gently before being interrupted by Stannis.

"Pardon me, Steffon. I have some news to share with you. In private." He said, looking pointedly at Arya.

"Anything you want to say to me, you can say in front of Arya."

"Very well. Steffon, to be blunt, Joffrey, Tommen and Myrcella are not your brothers and sister." Stannis said. Steffon's face morphed into a look that said 'you can't be serious'.

"Of course they are. What are you talking about?"

"Steffon, your mother and uncle Ser Jaime are close."

"Of course they are; they're brother and sister. I'm close with Tommen and Myrcella."

"I mean closer than that. Steffon, they . . . " Stannis trailed off. Steffon looked at him, puzzled, for a few more seconds before his face twisted into one of disbelief.

"No, I won't believe it. My mother and uncle may not have many morals, but the would never do that!" Steffon denied.

"Steffon, listen to me. Haven't you ever wondered why you're the only child in that family with black hair?"

"I just assumed-"

"And why every Lannister is blonde?" Stannis asked. That was the question that broke him. Steffon staggered back, his legs failing him. Arya held him up. It was surprisingly easy, considering the height difference. Guess I must be getting stronger, she thought.

"You're telling me t-that-"

"Yes. Joffrey, Tommen and Myrcella are born of incest between your mother and uncle."

Steffon sat down, one hand on his forehead, trying to process the news. Stannis left the room, unsure of what else he could do.

"So, what now?" Arya asked.

Aaaand . . . . done. Bye!