The Stag Comes to the Vale

The ride was uneventful. Royce's patrols had for now made the mountains safe again, and the clans were not foolish enough to attack the King's armed escort of knights and men-at-arms as they made for the Gates of the Moon. Even though snow covered the roads and the cold winds bit into the furs and wool, it was almost a reprieve for the King's men when compared to their march through the blizzard to reach Winterfell. As he did at the seat of the Starks, Stannis established his winter quarters at the traditional seat of the Arryns, taking up ownership of the Lord's quarters for himself. The King's host would remain at Gulltown, waiting as the banners of the Vale gathered before they would set off from the Bloody Gate and into the Riverlands.

Lady Greyjoy is swiftly admitted to the King's new quarters, full of garish tapestries and decorations that the Lord Nestor had seen fit to decorate his halls with. Some of them had come from his brother's own halls in the Red Keep. Stannis found them rather distasteful, but it would be discourteous to take them down during so short a stay.

"Lady Asha."

The King was holding counsel with his Red Woman and his Hand. A few other of the Queen's men were present, but more as guards than advisers. Melisandre was gazing at the fires, oblivious to the new arrival.

"Lord Edmure has rode to the Riverlands, to retake Seagard. From there you are to take whatever ships and men you can gather and sail for your islands, and bring them under my banners."

A shadow passed over the King's face as the Red Woman crouched in front of the flames.

"You may be tempted to take up your father's crown. If so, it would serve you well to remember the judgement I passed over the Karstarks for their treachery. Succeed, and you shall be confirmed as the undisputed lady of Pyke and the Iron Isles, as is your right."

Harrold bows his head slightly.

It feels good to finally be able to speak openly, Your Grace.

The Valeman admits.

I was advised to seem content until I felt I could assert myself properly. The Gates of the Moon are filled with men who are in the pockets of Baelish.

He is reminded of how Nestor's guards prevented Harry from being foolish, but nonetheless proved a point.

I can only rely upon Ser Morton, my cousin, and his brothers in these walls.

"Speak your mind then, Ser."

The King rather bluntly replied, waiting for Ser Harrold to get to the point - it was clear the young man wanted something of him.


"I was told that your crippled brother took Winterfell with less than a hundred men. I thought you to be at least his equal."

The King showed no sign of smiling.

"And your maddened uncle is in the Reach, if the rumours are true. He is not home to defend your precious chair. They will bend the knee to you, or I will not show the mercy my brother did when he broke your father on Pyke."

Stannis' nostrils flared and his jaw tightened. He exhaled, air rushing from his nose.

"I sent Ser Horpe and some sellswords with Lord Edmure. You can take no more than five hundred of those. Whatever ships you find at Seagard can be bent to your purpose."

I desire to rule the Vale and be without Lord Baelish nor a Lord Protector.

Harrold speaks plainly to the King.

I once tried to assert myself but...

He goes into details of the feast in honor of Robert Arryn's life. He mentions how Sansa Stark tried to make him comply with Lord Baelish's position, the nobles who rose, declaring him the rightful heir, how the Lord Protector would make his case known to Lord Tyrell, but a decree seemed to counter the promise made as it mentioned no heir was named. How Ser Templeton almost drew his sword on Harry, speaking in favor of Lord Baelish and trying to force the young man's compliance, Nestor Royce's role, Yohn's sound allegiance, and even the bold foolishness with his words. Harry made sure not a single detail was left unsaid.

As long as he is still in the Vale, Sire, I can never truly rule the Vale. I can never be the Lord Arryn that I am told to be.

I shall send the ravens for the noblemen and women who support me to gather once more.

Harrold stated, elated by this word. He could finally step forward and into the light.

I thank you, Your Grace.

Now just a matter of getting Waynwood to send the ravens.

I do not think I can recall Lord Royce from his campaign though. I hope it is a swift one so he can return and be of further service.

===========================

Ser Morton Waynwood is given the order to send ravens across the Vale to his supporters, rallying them to Harrold. The raven's message speaks that if they showed up to support the rightful heir of the Vale, the King would see to it that Harrold Hardyng would be named Lord of the Vale and ensure his rightful claim was made.

===========================

Perhaps there were more ways for Harrold to gain further support from Baratheon and his men. There was this... Red Woman with the King. He had heard of her, a priestess who followed the Red God, one that Stannis Baratheon obeyed and followed. Either the Baratheon was devoted to this god or used the religion as a means to break away from the Seven who were controlled by enemies of his. Whatever the case, the Hardyng went to find this Red Woman and her devoted followers. Perhaps this faith could be of use to his cause. The Septons of the Vale may be in Baelish's pockets too, the paranoia in his mind spoke of that thought.

He ventured from his chambers, one day, and sought out the Red Priestess.