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Merman in Kinglanding-Part 1
🕑 Added 2024-12-06 05:25:36 +0000 UTCMerman in Kinglanding-Part 1
Wyman Manderly resisted the temptation to block his nose as his carriage pulled him along the street towards the Red Keep in Kingslanding, as he had done since he first smelled the city well before his ship got to the docks. Somehow, he managed to keep looking somewhat dignified even if it required him to breathe through his mouth.
When his carriage drove over a large bump in the road, that he was sure was an actual pile of dried shit, he had to do his best to keep a jovial smile on his face. He mostly succeeded, even if his eyes twitched slightly.
Kingslanding was looking much worse than it did when he first visited it when Aerys was King. There were a lot more starving people wherever he looked, the streets were dirtier and there was a sense of desperation in the air that was hard to miss.
Say what you will about Aerys and his madness, he at least tried to keep his city in order. .
Granted the city looked better than the last time he saw it. But that was just after the Lannisters sacked it, so that wasn't saying much. Still, he would have hoped that Robert and his council would have at least tried to fix up what was supposed to be the crowning jewel of Westeros. Or that his Lannister wife would have. As Lannisport itself was in a much better shape than this place.
For Gods sake, the damned Gold Cloaks even had the balls to try and blackmail some of his men for coin when they first started unloading Hadrians gifts to the Royal family!
They changed their tune as soon they saw Wyman, an obvious Lord, step off one of the ships with over two hundred guards. But still, it's the principle of the matter! How were they meant to attract merchants to the city, to bring in coin to fix this mess, if the damned guards blackmailed and threatened anyone who looked like they had anything of worth? Who would want to bring merchandise to a place where the guards are as likely to rob you as the thieves they are supposed to protect you from?
Honestly, if this is the state of the city, Wyman fears what he will see of the Small Council. He already has a lowered opinion of them, purely due to the fact that nobody greeted him at the docks when he first arrived. He knows he isn't a Great Lord, but House Manderly is powerful in its own right. He didn't expect the Royal Family itself to greet him, but a member of the Small Council would not be amiss. Especially because he was representing Hadrian on this trip.
If this is how Northern nobility was treated, then he can see why Hadrian wishes to distance the North from the South as much as he does.
He can also see that such a decision might become more of a necessity than a choice as time goes by.
He and his men have been eyed from all manner of smallfolk since they entered the city and none of their gazes were friendly. Even more concerning was that some of the smallfolk and even some guards were wearing wooden badges shaped as the seven-pointed star underlined with a sword.
The sigil many of the Faith Militant had been reported to wear in the Vale.
It seems that particular issue was a lot more prevalent in the other Kingdoms than he thought.
Wyman did his best to ignore the hostile stares as they made their way through the city and he mostly succeeded. Before he knew it, he and his retinue arrived before the Red Keep.
Luckily they did not have to wait very long before the gates were opened and they were allowed through.
It seems that the Small Council weren't all snubbing him, for waiting for him in the courtyard was the middle Baratheon brother.
Wyman made haste in getting off his carriage and bowing in greeting. “Prince Stannis.”
The stern-faced man nodded stiffly in greeting. “Lord Manderly. It's good to see you have arrived safely. I apologize for the poor reception. My brother stated he wanted to greet you at the docks but he seems to have been...distracted by other matters.”
Wyman waved him off with a friendly smile. “It is no issue my Lord.”
Stannis just nodded. “Very well. Quarters have been arranged for your men in the barracks.” Stannis gestured to the man at his side. “Ser Davos will see them there. Although there are more men than expected. More ships too.“
Wyman felt the question in his words. “Apologies my Lord. With the tensions among the Faith, Lord Stark believed it prudent I have a good amount of protection on my journey. There are still more men guarding the ships as they are carrying valuables bought in the recent voyage Benjen Stark took to Yi-Ti. I am to sell as much as I can in Kingslanding before making my way to the Westerlands and selling the rest on the way.”
Stannis grunted. “Understandable. Come, my lord. My brother should be waiting in the throne room by now.”
The Prince then turned and began marching away. Wyman hurried to follow.
The rest of the walk was made in silence and before long they had arrived before the throne room.
Stannis spoke again. “Wait here until you are announced.” With that, he abruptly turned and entered the throne room.
Wyman withheld a sigh.
After ten or so minutes he finally heard himself being announced. “- Lord Wyman Manderly, Lord of White Harbour!”
Wyman was quick to enter, followed by a few of his guards who carrying six large chests between them.
The throne room looked similar to the last time he saw it. If less grand due to the dragon skulls being absent. The King however looked different.
Robert Baratheon seems to have gained a large amount of weight since the Ironborn Rebellion. His eyes were bloodshot and he seemed to be drinking while listening to something Jon Arryn was saying. On the other side of the King was Cersei Lannister, the Queen. She was still as beautiful as Wyman remembered but her eyes seemed even colder.
Wyman focused back onto the King once he judged he had come close enough to the Iron Throne.
“Your Grace.” He greeted while struggling to lower himself onto a knee.
The King had other ideas however. “Bah! None of that! I get enough of that from the rest of these parasites! You fought for me at the Trident Manderly, stand damn you!” Roberts voice boomed.
What else could Wyman do but obey? “It is good to see you, Your Grace.”
Robert huffed. “Heh, I'm sure it is. Enough of the platitudes already. I know you Northmen hate coming South. Not that I can blame you, I hate this gods damned city myself.”
Wyman smiled despite himself. Robert always did have a charisma about him. It's a pity he didn't seem to like being King. If he took his position more seriously then he could have been a good one. Not great, perhaps. But a good one nonetheless. Which is more than he could say about many kings that came before him.
“Perhaps you should visit the North then, Your Grace. White Harbour would be happy to host you and I know that Lord Stark would feel the same about having you in Winterfell.”
He even believed it. Hadrian might not respect Robert Baratheon much but he didn't necessarily dislike him either. Hadrian would probably not mind hosting the King. The Queen however...
Well, Hadrian seemed to have a wary respect of Tywin Lannister. But he definitely didn't like him.
Robert had a contemplative look in his eyes. It seemed as if he was about to accept his proposal before a glance from Jon Arryn made him sigh and deflate. “Can't, I'm afraid. At least, not right now. I will keep your offer in mind though Manderly.”
He then waved his hands towards the chests. “What's this then?”
Wyman was quick to respond. “Gifts. From Lord Stark.” He gestured to the men carrying three of the chests to bring them forward and open them. Inside there were a number of jars packed and arranged carefully.
Wyman explained. “This is alcohol from Yi-Ti. Apparently they call this sake. Lord Stark thought you might appreciate it.”
“Lannister.” The King called and gestured with his head.
Jaime Lannister was quick to obey. Moving forward and grabbing one of the jars before bringing it to the King who grabbed it and removed the lid.
“Your Grace-”
“For fucks sake Barristan. Manderly isn't going to poison me.” With that the King took a gulp.
“Aah. Interesting taste. Never had anything like it. It's not bad.”
Wyman smiled. “I'm glad you like it Your Grace. There are a dozen barrels on the ship that also belong to you. I will have my men bring them in the morning.”
“Hah!” Robert laughed. “I appreciate it Manderly. The Starks know how to give gifts!”
Wyman then gestured to bring forward another two chests which were opened in short order. “These are silks from Yi-Ti and Qarth for the Queen. There are a few more chests on the ships as well.”
Cersei Lannister sniffed. “Thank you, my lord.” If only she didn't look like that was painful for her to say. Or if there was even an ounce of sincerity in her gratitude, Wyman figured she would be a lot more beautiful.
Another gesture brought the last chest forward. “These are dolls made in Yi-Ti wearing the latest fashions. As well as a few rolls of silk. A gift from Lord Stark to his betrothed, Princess Myrcella. The other chests will also be brought up tomorrow.”
Wyman knew all of this ended up costing House Stark a fortune. However, he knew it was money well spent. It was important that the King and Queen had a decent impression of Hadrian. Besides, there was a lot of silk left to be sold on the ships. Wyman would make sure that he got really good prices for it. So the coin should be more than made up by the time he left Kingslanding. Other than that, he still had a lot of spices, dyes, art and alcohol that he would sell. He would make a very good profit regardless.
The Kings eyes softened slightly. It's clear the man had a bit of a soft spot for his daughter. “I'm sure she will like it Manderly.”
With that the King stood. “Enough of this. Court is over for the day. Manderly, you will sit by my side at the feast tonight. Tomorrow, you will join in the meeting of the Small Council where we will discuss more serious matters.” With that Robert made his way out of the room.
Jon Arryn was quick to pick up where the King left off. “If you would follow the servants, they will guide you to your chambers.”
Wyman bowed his head. “Of course, Lord Hand.”
Wyman didn't waste any time before doing exactly that. Honestly, he believed he was off to a good start doing what Hadrian wanted accomplished.
Line Break......................
The next afternoon he found himself sitting at in the chambers of the Small Council.
He was nursing a small headache due to a hangover. Wyman blamed the King for his current state. Robert Baratheon was only too eager to get black out drunk on his new alcohol at the feast the night before and Wyman, sitting next to him, had no real choice but to join in due to the Kings encouragement.
Most of his night was a blur. The parts that weren't made him want to stay out of the public eye as much as possible. He vaguely remembers singing a horribly out of tune version of the Bear and the Maiden Fair as well as few other popular songs and sea shanties in front of everyone at the feast. He also remembers calling Kingslanding a shithole in front of the entire Royal Family.
About the only positive thing was that, according to some of his most trusted men, he never said anything incriminating about the North and what he believes Hadrians plans were.
Honestly if Wyman didn't know any better, he would believe that the King got him drunk on purpose in order to make him spill his secrets.
But he did know better. He also remembers that the King was even worse off than he was. Wyman recalls Robert Baratheon telling one of the Lords that his wife was too pretty for him and that Robert would be happy to show her a good time if she wants.
In front of the Queen and the rest of the visiting Lords.
Honestly just thinking about it made Wyman feel miserable. Even more miserable than he already was. Wyman honestly wanted nothing more than to go to his chambers and take a nap. Unfortunately, he had important things to discuss with the Small Council. He wished they would get to that part already, as listening to these Lords of the Small Council bicker amongst themselves for over half an hour about the same topic made it feel as if nails were being driven into his skull. Regardless, Wyman mustered up his willpower and forced himself to focus once they moved on to a topic that actually interested him.
“- Tully seems to have got the situation under control.” Lord Varys stated.
Jon Arryn sighed. “Theres that at least. Hopefully Lord Blackwood won't worsen the situation. For now, we should just leave it to Tully.”
Stannis grit his teeth. “With all due respect. Bracken should be punished. Inviting the Faith Militant into the Riverlands like he has done risks the Kings Peace. It also goes against the Crown. We have made it clear that we want the Faith Militant to disband. Bracken is giving them more power.”
Lord Arryn responded. “It isn't so simple. Punishing Bracken would offend many pious lords across the Kingdoms. It might also turn him into a martyr. Besides, I have finally made contact with the Septon that seems to be in charge of the Faith Militant. We have started negotiations to see the institution disbanded. It should hopefully only be a few more moons until this is all sorted out.”
Lord Estermont asked a question. “What exactly does he want?”
Arryn hummed. “He isn't asking for too much. Mostly he seems to want the Mountain clans to be dealt with. There were a number of raids over the last few years that have completely destroyed quite a few villages in the Vale. The Faith Militant wants to destroy those clans. I have been assured that they will disband as soon as that has been taken care of. That also seems to be why they have expanded into the Riverlands. They are looking for new volunteers to join their crusade. I have been told that if the Crown supports the war against the Mountain clans, control over the Faith Militant will be given over to a commander that the crown chooses. I haven't rejected this proposal because it does allow for some interesting opportunities. It is also very popular among the Lords of the Vale, making rejecting such a proposal difficult.”
Pycelle coughed. “Forgive me my Lord, but that seems dangerous. If the crown supports them, it can give the entire movement a lot of legitimacy.”
Jon Arryn nodded. “You’re right. Thats why I haven't agreed to the proposal either. This will require a lot of thought. What is your opinion on this Stannis?”
The dour man was quick with an answer. “If the entire point of this is to destroy the Mountain clans in the Vale, then why did they attack the North?”
Arryn hummed. “Apparently it was not something that was planned. Many of those men were meant to travel to The Wall and take the black as they had committed crimes in their zeal and were looking for redemption. They went through Boltons lands as Domeric spent time in the Vale and he apparently showed some appreciation for what the Faith were doing, so they felt they might have a chance of converting the Lord of the Dreadfort himself on the way to The Wall. Unfortunately, they spotted the Giants on the way and took exception. Which lead to them attacking Lord Stark and his company. I have an apology letter as well as a promise to pay gold as restitution to Lord Stark for the crimes of those men-”
Slam
“Enough already!” The King roared. “I am at this meeting so we can discuss the Children and the Giants. Get started already!”
Jon Arryn sighed. “Very well Your Grace.”
The Hand of the King turned towards him. “What can you tell us about the Children of the Forest and the Giants that Hadrian has allowed into the North.”
Wyman hummed before beginning his tale. Keeping things as close to the truth as possible without revealing Hadrians magic.
Once he was finished, the table sat in silence for a while before it was broken by Stannis. ”So Hadrian Stark only met with them for the first time after he had arrived at the Wall?”
Wyman nodded. ”Correct my lord.”
Varys chose this moment to speak. “Then why did Hadrian have so many Lords accompanying him on this journey?”
Wyman already had an answer to this question so he needed no time to think. “Hadrian often travels around the North inspecting the lands. He has done this multiple times over the years. This time he wanted some Lords to accompany him so that he could show the poor state of the Nights Watch to us. I believe it was so that some of the Lords would be less likely to complain that he was spending so much gold on the order when there were other places it could go. I believe he was also trying to encourage us to spend our own gold on trying to help the Nights Watch so that not everything was left to House Stark.”
“A convenient excuse. Hadrian still should have consulted the King before agreeing to let those creatures enter the Seven Kingdoms.” Pycelle exclaimed.
Varys nodded his agreement. “The Grandmaester makes a good point. Such a decision wasn't Hadrians to make. “
Wyman frowned. “Forgive me my Lords. But if King Robert is seen as the Protecter of The Faith of the Seven in the South, then House Stark is seen as the Protector of the Old Gods in the North. They have been seen as such for thousands of years. There was no way that Hadrian Stark would ever deny the Children and the Giants when they wished to bend the knee to him. Not when their very existence gives the Old Gods more credibility than ever before. Especially not in front of some of his most faithful bannermen and when the Faith Militant is making many in the North increasing wary of the Seven. To do so would mean that many of his bannermen would lose trust in him. There is also no law that states Hadrian is restricted from accepting their fealty.”
Pycelle coughed, took a sip of water and then spoke. “House Manderly follows the Seven do you not? Then how can you so easily accept these abominations?”
Wyman had to hold in a laugh. “My House might give lip service to the Seven, but I myself am not very religious. I prefer to deal with facts. All I care about is if these creatures will be an asset to the North or not. Not what gods they represent.”
Pycelle started to look angry. “The Citadel has long known about the dangers of magic and it advises that they be put down! Before they can cause untold amounts of chaos!”
Wyman felt his eyebrows rise. “I was under the impression that the Citadel claimed magic was dead?”
Pycelle slammed his fist on the table. “That is what we believed and we would like to keep it that way.”
Wyman had to be careful to keep his amusement off his face. “Truthfully I don't believe it matters what the Citadel says. It is an institution located in the Heart of the Faith. Hadrian isn't likely to take your advice. Especially as he doesn't hold much respect for Maesters to begin with. “
The old man spluttered. “Why I never-the Citadel is the center of knowledge in the entire world! Our Maesters are the most learned men there are and know what they are talking about!”
Wyman had an ugly smile on his face. “Then why have they not made any progress in centuries?”
Pycelle furrowed his eyebrows. “What?”
Wyman smirked. “It's a simple question. Hadrian isn't even a man grown yet and he has discovered new methods of farming and record keeping. The Citadel has been around for thousands of years in the Kingdom where farming is most prevalent. Why were these discoveries not made by your institution? Why have there been no new discoveries for centuries?” Wyman was happy he arranged an accident for his Maester before making this journey, needling the Grandmaester without worrying about any reprisals on his family was surprisingly fun. Besides, that old man was an obvious spy and practically useless besides. Wyman just hired an educated man from Braavos to replace him.
Pycelle had a look of rage on his face while even the king looked slightly interested in this conversation. “We are dedicated to the preservation of knowledge! New knowledge can be dangerous if not handled properly. As shown by the chaos that new farming method is causing in the South.”
Wyman frowned. “There is always chaos. It shouldn't stop Westeros from advancing.”
Pycelle looked as if he wanted to jump over the table and strangle him. “What an ignorant thought! Unchecked knowledge can cause irreparable harm! Thats why we swear oaths! So that we don't use our knowledge for our own gain and cause more harm than good!”
Wyman was starting to get slightly pissed off by his attitude and felt his voice raise slightly. “Northerners have been starving in the winter for thousands of years and you would-”
“Enough!” Robert bellowed. “We aren't hear to talk about this! We are here to discuss the Giants and Children!”
He turned to Wyman. “Manderly, are they a danger to the rest of the Kingdoms?”
Wyman forced himself to calm down before he answered. “I don't believe so Your Grace. Their numbers are small and they will probably remain so for centuries, if not longer. The Giants and Children take over a century to grow to adulthood and they have children very rarely. I believe I was told their last child was born over a hundred years ago. Men will always outnumber them. I highly doubt Lord Stark will be willing to risk them in war if one ever happens with the South, not when one disaster can lead to their extinction.”
The King took a generous gulp of wine. “For fucks sake, was that so difficult?”
Jon Arryn interjected. “Robert-”
The King interrupted. “No Jon, leave it. Manderly, will any of them be willing to come South and swear to the throne and live in the Southern Kingdoms.”
Wyman hesitated slightly. “Not right now your grace. Not with the Faith Militant on the rise. I believe once that has been sorted out that Hadrian will be able to convince them though, as long as they are guaranteed some protection.” He lied. Wyman knew there was no chance that they would move to the South where the Faith of the Seven is prevalent. However, Hadrian wanted him to reassure the King however he could.
The King stood. ” There, you heard him. They stay. It's not like we will be able to convince Stark to break his oath to them anyway. Not if he is anything like Ned. I won't force Stark either because I have no interest in having a war with the North. Jon, help the Faith Militant either wipe out the Mountain Clans or have Stannis wipe the Militant out. I don't care which as long as they are dealt with. Once they have either disbanded or been destroyed, within a year I want some of the Giants and Children to come to Kingslanding and to the Stormlands so that the North isn't the only Kingdom to have access to them. Meeting over. Now I need a fucking whore.”
With that, he spun on his heel and marched out the door.
Jon Arryn sighed. ”This meeting is over. We will meet again tomorrow, Lord Manderly, to discuss the trade voyage House Stark sponsored to Yi-Ti and what that means for the North and your taxes. For now, you are dismissed.”
Wyman wasted no time standing and giving his farewells. Making his way to his room as fast as his legs could carry him, only one thought on his mind. ‘I need some fucking food.’
Next Chapter is also about Wyman Manderly in Kinglanding.
Comments
robert_lisson
RL is always more important. I hope everything is ok
TheLifeandTimes
Hey everyone. Sorry for such a late update. These last few months have been hectic. A lot happened. I will be updating in the next two days
Paolo Marsicola
U still alive or what?
khalid musadak
Look dude if you stop the fanfiction it’s ok but tell your customer
Ryan
Are you ok my friend? Love this story, and will continue to support
Matthew Slone
Is everything ok?
Thanatos
Will you continue?
robert_lisson
What happend?
man6895
Chapter delayed?
TheLifeandTimes
Next chapter should be released before new years. Sorry guys I was on holiday for the last few weeks. Didn't write at all. I'm back now, just got to finish what I have already started on the next chapter
fireking1999
when is part two going to be coming by an chance
Richard Alvarez
You are correct they can’t go to war against the entire South yet but still he needs to be firm. Tell Robert you are not marrying his daughter as she’s too young. It would be rude too refuse a royal marriage but well with his right as the Head of house Stark. If Robert chooses to make it into a big issue by making it an order still refuse. What’s he going to declare war on the North for it? Doubtful. As for as the Giants go the crown also has no right to order citizens of the North to move south. Make that clear that while the South is free to make their own offers he certainly won’t order them. In other words he needs to stop acting like a bitch. It’s called the 7 kingdoms for a reason. The crown has to be careful not to overstep their authority and interfering into the affairs of the North certainly is by the crowns owns laws.
Codayoda
So Mandarly and Harry and playing peace keeper for now. Keep them relatively happy and make them agreeably to letting you do what you want.
Codayoda
They don’t have the soldiers or the resources to be so aggressive. If Harry was the tell Robert to shove it and that he refused to marry his daughter and that there would be absolutely no talk about the giants of the children/singers moving south the north would be destroyed. It’s one thing to defeat the faith militant or to fight the Boltons. But Harry lost thousand of soldiers just fighting the Boltons. Imagine what would happen if he actively told the king who isn’t attacking him to feck off and just threatened to rebel if they asked about giants. Boom 6 kingdoms come down to destroy the north. The kingdoms of the faith come down and wipe out the old gods.
khalid musadak
What’s the schedule for update?
StrevHd
In defense of Harry's orders for Manderly, he needs to keep up appearances to dispell any drive to thoroughly investigate the North. By giving gifts to Myrcella it shows he isn't against making the marriage work and throws Tywin, Jon, and Varys off his scent a bit, although it may trigger Cersie's obsessive love of her kids. The magic creatures in the South is literally a lie to placate the suspicious lords and future attempts of assassination on their people. I'm not saying everyone has to like the tactics, but there are reasons for them.
Richard Alvarez
Don’t like him being so weak. He should never acknowledge the ridiculous betrothal to a girl much too young for him. Then he acts like letting the children and giants in are a negotiation? Wyman should have laid down the law and if they don’t like it threaten independence.
Lionel Palivan
For calling out the Citadel’s BS, and sticking it to that POS Pycelle… THREE CHEERS FOR WYMAN MANDERLY!!
QueenCherri
Ooooooh Tension. I love the fact we get to see Wyman actually get angry. It seems like a pretty common theme in a lot of fanfics, that he’s *just* a jolly lord
