The Splendid Times of Braavos

[The Stranger]

"I know the pretender sits on my brother's throne, but that there is constant squabbling, and all the land awaits our arrival so that we may set things to rights."

[Quenton Baratheon]

Steffen nods enthusiastically, surprised the Targaryen does not know more than this, and eager to give him the good news, to stir him up a little.

"All of this his true," he agrees, "Yet since the end of last year, there has been much more afoot. I take it that you have not heard of the Invasion from the West? These 'basilisk' soldiers from the Shadow east of Asshai? These men have caused widespread death and destruction - the forces of the pretender Rickon Baratheon have taken a real kicking."

"In amongst all this, my son-in-law Lord Rhaegar has found much grievance with the King and his establishment, deciding to call his forces at Dragonstone and openly rebel. Your grace, this is the reason I come to you now." His face took on a deadly serious look. "The land awaits your arrival, and now is the time for a strong Targaryen king to set things to rights."

[The Stranger]

"How many men does he have under him, your son-in-law who has the same name as my brother our King? That won't do at all. See that he changes it, by the by."

[Quenton Baratheon]

If Steffen feels perplexed at the man's latest request, he doesn't show it. He simply offers the very briefest of nods.

"Lord Velaryon," he says diplomatically, "Commands just below one and a half thousand men, and a fair number of ships. This may seem low, but one must note that they have already struck a crushing blow to the Stormlands, having sunk their fleet. These are good men, your grace."

He licked his lips and continued before the other man could raise any concerns, "But this is all irrelevant, as most of the realm would rise for its true king. I know of many families in the Westerlands, and elsewhere who are sympathetic to the Targaryen cause. Dorne in addition, would likely be highly interested in joining King Rhaegar's cause. It is worthwhile noting that the territories worst affected by the Western invasion are those most loyal to the usurper. As we speak, the last news I heard was of a massive foreign force marching for King's Landing."

[The Stranger]

"Fifteen hundred men, is only a pittance. And I have never heard of this Rhaegar who commands them. Now if you said you had Alexander Irwyn leading them, that would be different. I told someone to fetch him to our cause. where is Redwyne?"

"He's abroad your highness serving your cause."

"Well shit. What about the Westerland Lannister, do you command them, they have tens of thousands of spears for my army don't they?"

[Quenton Baratheon]

Steffen frowned. "Alexander Irwyn is dead, your grace. But to be honest, this is a good thing, he was a traitor - a fully-paid up member of the Baratheon establishment if ever there were one. I can tell you now that Lord Velaryon is twice the man Irwyn ever was."

[The Stranger]

Aellion glared at Steffen evilly. "Shut up Baldy. You have no idea what you are talking about. And stop pissing in my ear about this Lord Velaryon. Are you my sycophantic ass kisser, or his?"

[Quenton Baratheon]

A look of shame fell across Steffen's face. His egg-like bald head reddened a little.

"I am no-one's ass kisser your grace," he said quietly. "I just wish to see the rightful king find his place in Westeros once more. I believe in Lord Velaryon, elsewise I would not have agreed to his marriage with my only daughter, but I shall speak no more of him for now."

[The Stranger]

"so you have fifteen hundred men, and hold Dragonstone. Well that should be sufficient when the dragons arrive."

[Quenton Baratheon]

Although he had been careful to show little genuine emotion so far throughout his conversation, Steffen could not help himself here. His jaw fell like a redwood felled in a northern forest.

"Dragons?" he croaked, "Your grace... you have dragons?"

Behind him, Ser Walter almost fell on his arse from his crouched position.

[The Stranger]

"My brother King Rhaegar, that's the real Rhaegar, not Rhaegar the lesser, or whatever the hell you call him, is going to retrieve them now."

[Quenton Baratheon]

The look of astonishment continued to prevail over the Lannister knight and his companions.

Eventually Steffen composed himself with a little spluttering cough. "In this case, I believe King Rhaegar may ascend to his throne more quickly than I might even have imagined. Men will follow a king with dragons in a way they will never follow a toothless Baratheon child. Your grace, I offer myself into your direct service. Is there anyway I, or the Lord Velaryon might assist in the return of these magnificent creatures?"

[The Stranger]

"We shall require more men. Raise your westermen and anyone else you can summon to our banner. When we have 50,000 men at arms under the Black and Red, than we shall be ready. I had considered using Dothraki mercenaries, but they didn't have ships to get across the Dothraki sea." Aellion shrugged.

[Quenton Baratheon]

Steffen considers this for a moment. "We shall attempt to raise as many as possible. Getting that many will be time-consuming and difficult, but certainly not impossible. Our host here, the Sealord of Braavos, will he rise?"

"As for the Dothraki, Dragonstone has a fleet that could be put to good use..."

[The Stranger]

"Lord Delinal is a limp little eel. He'll say neither yes nor no, only maybe, and come back tomorrow." Aellion waved his hand dismissively.