The Dragon Approaches

As they passed through the King’s Gate, following the waterfront, they could see many poor fellows dressed in rough spun wool, with a seven pointed star the color of blood upon their breasts. Visenya’s Hill and the south-western portion of the city were crawling with Stars. However, the Poor Fellows did not act, unless provoked by actions against the populace. Rough, old, broken, and young faces among them, both men and women, with hard eyes and dirty hands. Their numbers had continued to grow, in the chaos that followed the attack upon the Red Keep there had been no shortage of people wanting to serve the Faith.

The High Septon remained up in Baelor’s Sept atop the hill. Messengers arrived to request his presence for the new king. The High Septon turned his mud brown eyes on the messenger. “Tell the.. King he is welcome to see me here.” His voice was measured calm, and with that the messengers were ushered back out of the Sept and toward the Red Keep.

The High Septon was confused, or more so disappointed. Tarly, Lannister, many more, they all betrayed their oaths and their kin. Little honor was left among the nobility, little faith. But, it seemed the city would not be sacked, this was a good thing. He knew the Faith would not.. could not sacrifice their authority to the Targaryens again. And so the High Septon waited, busying himself passing out the grain at the foot of the Great Sept’s stairs. He needed to ensure food kept coming from the Reach, the city would starve without Tyrell’s help defeated or not.

Devan looks at the throne from where he stood. It felt odd to have a claimant upon the throne who wasn't a puppet of Cersei or a child. Maybe things could improve from here on out. He had willingly betrayed Cersei and the royal family, in the end, for the sake of his own ambitions and in the hopes that Westermen wouldn't be wasted on the previously foolish feud between Cersei and Mace. As Lannister began to wonder what was the fate of Mace Tyrell, he heard his name, and that of Lord Tarly, being called forth to come before the Iron Throne. Was he making the right decision being here? Time would tell.

Ser Devan walked out from where he stood and made his way to stand before the Iron Throne. Quietly, he bent the knee before Aegon Targaryen.

Your Grace.

He says through his thick beard.

I am Devan Lannister, sire. My father, Stafford, was a cousin of the late Tywin, father of Queen Cersei.

The Westerman stated, giving a small explanation of his ties with the former Queen and those who had committed the crimes against the Targaryens.

The Westerlands have little means to fight. We have bled across the Riverlands and the Crownlands. Prior to your arrival, I was ordered by the Queen to fight Mace Tyrell, but then he had the security of the walls. I decided to not be a fool and heeded the words of Lord Tarly. He convinced me that it was better to serve an adult king, not a child controlled by a puppeteer.

Keeping his head bowed, Devan speaks further.

Those who betrayed your grand-sire and father are dead or exiled. In a ways, I view myself as a clean slate, a clean start for House Lannister. I am a soldier, a commander, Your Grace. I do not have the brains of Tywin to consider betrayal. I wish to serve a King who would heed wiser advice. Not one who is kept locked away and his name used to stamp decrees.

Ser Lannister concluded with a few simple words.

I am here to serve as a loyal vassal. But your word will be the law. I will be called a turncoat, but I feel that this is the right decision.

Thank the Seven his face was lowered. The words of Arianne made him grit his teeth beneath his beard. Again, Devan was being denied what he viewed as his right! Damnable slithering Martells.

She is a Baratheon, Your Grace. Only a Lannister could rule Casterly Rock.

Devan states the fact first, then decides to add a bit more.

However, I believe I could ensure that right if I could continue to serve as Warden of the West. She will need a regent in order to ensure her lands are maintained until she is of age to rule on her own. Especially given that she was sent to Dorne. I could ensure that the nobility are convinced of this decision.

The Queen kept her silence for now, showing little emotion as her husband passed his judgement. The misrule of the Lannisters had indeed left Aegon with many issues to overcome, and he would need her counsel - he knew the battlefield, but not the court.

"Tell me what you know of this High Sparrow." The King commanded "As well as the circumstances of Tommen's capture. Have you received any ransom demands?"

Aegon furrowed his brow. "Why would this Holy man scorn me, unless he did not believe my claim?" It was thinly veiled treason, and yet...it could not be treated as such. "Does this High Sparrow trust you, Ser Devan?"

As the rumors of his involvement left Lannister's lips, Aegon could not help but laugh, joined by the titters of Varys and the hearty roar of Jon Connington. "This Kettleblack seems a fool to me, if he would lay this kidnapping at my feet. My fleet was scattered when we landed, and quickly dispersed. Waters is behind this entire crime, or I am a turnip. I will not exchange hostages with a brigand. He can submit himself to my justice and atone for his crimes, or in time he will be brought to justice. Lord Hand," He turned to Jon Connington. "Make this known to the pirate known as Aurane Waters, he can surrender his booty and submit himself to my justice, or he will be rightly named outlaw. If he refuses to turn himself in, I place the bounty of a lordship on his head."