Post by The Smith on Apr 28, 2008 1:05:49 GMT -5
At the very top of the Stone Drum, within the great round room called the Chamber of the Painted Table they found Avery Baratheon standing behind the ancient artifact that gave the hall its’ name, a massive slab of wood carved and painted in the shape of Westeros as it had been in the time of Aegon the Conqueror. An iron brazier stood beside the prince, its coals glowing a ruddy orange. Four tall painted windows looked out to north, south, east and west. Beyond was the night and the starry sky.
Avery’s cousin Rhaegar had led the delegation into the chamber.
“My lord Prince” Rhaegar said, “As it please you I have brought the men from Claw Island to you.
“So I see”. Avery wore a grey wool tunic, a dark red mantle and a plain black leather belt from which his sword and dagger hung. A red-gold circlet with flame shaped points encircled his brows.
The party of five that knelt in front of him included four men of varying ages, one of whom was bearing a ceremonial axe, and a boy of approximately four years old. The boy had obviously been well schooled as he knelt automatically with the others.
The eldest of the men cleared his throat and looked up at Prince Avery. He saw a sturdily attractive youth, with shoulder length coal black hair and the deep blue eyes common to the Baratheon line.
“ My lord Prince. My name is Ser Hubard of House Rambton an old House sworn to House Sunglass of Sweetport Sound."
He indicated another man beside him who was bearing what looked to be a ceremonial axe.
“This is Ser Guncer Celtigar. Ser Guncer is some relation to you my lord Prince. His older sister Daella is the aunt by marriage of young Lord Rhaegar here.”
He indicated the other two men.
“Our companions are Ser Gerald Gower of Claw Island and Ser Tristan of Tally Hill formerly in service to Lord Luth Sunglass”
Prince Avery said nothing, but inclined his head towards each of the men as they were introduced. His eyes moved to the little boy was now staring around in wonder at the features of the Painted Chamber.
Avery finally spoke. “And the boy?”
Ser Hubert gently pushed the boy forward.
“My lord prince. May I have the pleasure of introducing to you Ardrian Sunglass rightful Lord to Claw Island and Sweetport Sound.”
Avery raised an eyebrow.
“Indeed? And why would young Ardrian be appearing here before me at Dragonstone?”
Ser Hubard bowed his head.
“The young Lord Sunglass here has been deprived of his birthright by his illegitimate half-sister Cleara Waters and her late husband Lyndsey Bar Emmon, who styled himself Emmon Barclay. We the lords of Claw Island and Sweetport Sound wish to restore him his rights and renew our allegiances to Dragonstone, as has been our tradition since the time of Aegon the Conqueror.
Guncer Celtigar bitterly interjected...
“The so-called Barlays are hand in glove with the Dondarrions. Barclay left only two infants as his heir and his sister Nora has just married your nephew Breck. Dondarrion’s a bloody Stormlord, begging your pardon my lord Prince and the Lord Paramount of the Crownlands is an infant.
Ser Gerald interrupted “We ain’t Stormlords my Prince and we don’t want to be ruled by a Stormlord or a Barclay. We want our own true born lord.”
Ser Hubard said quietly. “The lords in Kings Landing broke with five hundred years of tradition when they gave us to the lackeys of the Dondarrions. If there no heir, it would make some sense, but there is an heir and he is the rightful lord.”
Ser Tristan of Tally Hall, a tall sober–looking man had remained silent until now, but he now spoke bitterly, which Avery sensed was somewhat out of character for the man.
“The Barclays have made sure to remove for themselves the wealth of Claw Island. Under the Lady Gabriella the citadel on Claw Island was renowned for its opulence. Myrish carpets, Volantene glass, gold and silver plate, jeweled cups, chests of rubies and many fine wines have all since been removed. An ancient Celtigar heirloom, a horn reputed to summon krakens from under the sea, has also been removed. Only this…”
Ser Tristan indicated the axe Ser Guncer held…
“….is still held by the young lord. An axe of Valyrian steel and ancestral weapon of the Celtigars. We only hold it because it was hidden by Ser Guncer, after his cousin’s death.”
Avery nodded in agreement
“It appears, Ser Tristan, that the inhabitants and nobles of Claw Island have been sorely treated by the Barclays.
“So perhaps Ser Hubard, you would like to explain exactly this child’s claim to Claw Island and Sweetport Sound.”
Ser Hubard cleared his throat
“Certainly my lord Prince. Ardrian here is the son of Lady Gabriella Celtigar of Claw Island, distant cousin to Ser Guncer here and Lord Luth Sunglass, slain by Ser Emmon Barclay, together with his elder sons by a previous marriage. Barclay then claimed overlordship of Claw Island and Sweetport Sound in the right of his wife Claera, a bastard daughter of Lady Gabriella. Cleara’s father may well be a bastard of the Bloody King, but that still doesn’t make her heir to Claw Island and Sweetport Sound. Barclay tried to make out that Luth Sunglass was plotting to kill young Ardrian in favor of his elder sons.
Ser Gerald Gower interrupted. “But to me that don’t make sense my lord. Why would Lord Luth want to kill his own son?”
Ser Hubard looked sharply at Ser Gerald.
Yes thank you Gerald. I would ask you refrain from interrupting.
He paused briefly before continuing.
"Still Ser Gerald raises a pertinent point. Why would he plot to kill his own son? Some say that Luth Sunglass was plotting to have Claw Island and Sweetport Sound united in the person of his elder son, once Lady Gabriella was dead. Certainly Emmon Barclay had it put about that Luth Sunglass poisoned his wife, before Lord Sunglass and his sons were slain by Lord Barclay. There was even a suggestion that young Ardrian was not the son of Lord Sunglass at all. I myself do not believe that story as Lord Sunglass twas espoused to Lady Gabriella for a full two years before her unfortunate demise. Although it is true that Lady Gabriella died suddenly and that was somewhat convenient for a large number of people. Whatever the real truth in regards to the circumstances of Lady Gabriella’s death, young Ardrian did not die. He and his lords stand here today hoping to receive recognition of his just claim to Claw Island and Sweetport Sound from their traditional liege lord the Prince of Dragonstone.”
Avery stared for a long moment into the brazier. The flames danced and leapt before his eyes, as he pondered this somewhat surprising situation.
The four men remained kneeling though the little boy had let his curiousity get the better of him and had begun to wander around the great room.
Avery turned back to the kneeling men.
“Rise Sers. The floor is cold and I would not have you kneeling for overly long.”
Avery addressed Ser Hubard.
“The complaints of your companions appear to focus on the fact that the Dondarrions are Stormlords. I am of the Baratheon line and Stormborn just like my nephew Breck Dondarrion.”
Ser Hubert nodded in acknowledgment.
“Truly we did not mean to offend my lord Prince. However you are the Prince of Dragonstone and of the royal Baratheon line. Dragonstone has been the patrimony of the Baratheons for over 200 years since the Lord Stannis was given Dragonstone by his brother King Robert the First. We have never sworn our banners to the Dondarrions.”
Avery acknowledged of the truth of those words with a grunt of acceptance before he replied.
“You will no doubt be aware, Ser Hubard, that I am out of favor at the royal court. Neverthless I will recognize the claims of the young Ardrian Sunglass to be the legitimate lord of Claw Isle and Sweetport Sound. In doing so, can I be assured that all the knights and lords of Sweetport Sound and Claw Island in turn recognise Lord Ardrian as their liege lord?”
“You can my lord.” said Ser Hubard.
Avery nodded. “And will all the knights and lords of Claw Island and Sweetport Sound as well as Ardrian Sunglass swear themselves to Dragonstone, as has been the tradition for the last 500 years.
Ser Hubard nodded once again.
“And will they be prepared to defend their right to do so?” asked the Prince.
Ser Hubard again murmured assent.
“Then, I say to you Sers, you must repair to Claw Island and Sweetport Sound and call Lord Sunglass’s banners to my service.”
Avery seated himself in a chair and directed his gaze to young Ardrian.
Ser Hubard spoke in the little boy’s ear. Ardrian knelt before the Prince’s chair, as the Princes cousins Rhaegar and Ameron ranged themselves behind Avery. Ardrian gripped his little hands together. Encouraged by Hubard who smiled and nodded to him, the little boy smiled brightly as Avery leaned forward to clasp the joined little hands between his own two.
Ser Hubard spoke,
“We, the representatives of Lord Ardrian Sunglass do pledge the following on his behalf. That the said Ardrian Sunglass does become your liege man of life and limb and enters the Prince of Dragonstone’s fealty, doing homage to Avery Baratheon Prince of Dragonstone for all the lands of House Sunglass, held by the last lord of Sweetport Sound, his father. That the said Ardrian Sunglass does become your liege man of life and limb and enters the Prince of Dragonstone’s fealty, doing homage to Avery Prince of Dragonstone for all the lands of House Celtigar, held by the last lady of Claw Island, his mother. Faith and truth will he bear to you, to live and die, against all matter of folk saving only the King, King Rickon of House Baratheon, the First of his Name, King of the Andals and the Rhoynar and the First Men, Lord of the Seven Kingdoms and Protector of the Realm.”
The small boy gazed at Ser Hubard and at Hubard’s instruction, he kissed Avery’s signet ring as instructed.
Avery replied.
“This I do hear Ser Hubard of House Rambton on behalf of Ardrian Sunglass who kneels before me this day. The Prince of Dragonstone recognises your title as Lord of Claw Island and Sweetport Sound. And I, Avery Baratheon Prince of Dragonstone for my part, pledge the protection of Dragonstone to you and your people to defend you from every creature with all my power, giving loyally for loyalty and justice for honor. This is the word of Avery Baratheon Prince of Dragonstone.
So saying Avery released Ardrian’s hands. The little boy stood.
Avery himself rose from his chair. “There remains one thing to do and that is to petition the king and his regent for the recognition of Lord Sunglass here as the rightful heir to his parents' property. I shall have the maesters here prepare the relevant documentation, establishing the boy’s rightful claim. In the meantime he shall remain here at Dragonstone under my protection and in the care of your wife Ser Ameron, who is his cousin."
Ser Ameron Velaryon nodded, but said nothing.
“In the meantime I appoint you, Ser Ameron and you, Ser Guncer as my representatives in Claw Island and Sweetport Sound. You shall take the appropriate steps to prepare them for service to your lord and to Dragonstone."
Avery dismissed the delegation immediately after, but not before inviting them all to his table the following night and having his servants providing them with suitable sleeping quarters. Shortly after he called his closest advisers to a meeting.
Results:
Avery Baratheon recognises four year old Ardrian Sunglass as the legitimate son and heir of Lady Gabriella Celtigar and Lord Luth Sunglass
The lords of Claw Island and Sweetport Sound declare their allegiance to Dragonstone
Four year old Lord Ardrian Sunglass becomes the ward of Avery Baratheon
Ameron Velaryon and Guncer Celtigar become joint representatives of Lord Sunglass' interests in Claw Island and Sweetport Sound
1,000 men and 10 warships are raised from Claw Island and Sweetpoint Sound and join Prince Avery’s existing forces.
Avery Baratheon reaches Beginner in ‘Rulership’
A petition from the nobles of Claw Island and Sweetport Sound is sent to the King and the Regent requesting the recognition of Lord Ardrian Sunglass as rightful heir to Claw Island and Sweetport Sound. Maesters' documentation is also provided.
Avery’s cousin Rhaegar had led the delegation into the chamber.
“My lord Prince” Rhaegar said, “As it please you I have brought the men from Claw Island to you.
“So I see”. Avery wore a grey wool tunic, a dark red mantle and a plain black leather belt from which his sword and dagger hung. A red-gold circlet with flame shaped points encircled his brows.
The party of five that knelt in front of him included four men of varying ages, one of whom was bearing a ceremonial axe, and a boy of approximately four years old. The boy had obviously been well schooled as he knelt automatically with the others.
The eldest of the men cleared his throat and looked up at Prince Avery. He saw a sturdily attractive youth, with shoulder length coal black hair and the deep blue eyes common to the Baratheon line.
“ My lord Prince. My name is Ser Hubard of House Rambton an old House sworn to House Sunglass of Sweetport Sound."
He indicated another man beside him who was bearing what looked to be a ceremonial axe.
“This is Ser Guncer Celtigar. Ser Guncer is some relation to you my lord Prince. His older sister Daella is the aunt by marriage of young Lord Rhaegar here.”
He indicated the other two men.
“Our companions are Ser Gerald Gower of Claw Island and Ser Tristan of Tally Hill formerly in service to Lord Luth Sunglass”
Prince Avery said nothing, but inclined his head towards each of the men as they were introduced. His eyes moved to the little boy was now staring around in wonder at the features of the Painted Chamber.
Avery finally spoke. “And the boy?”
Ser Hubert gently pushed the boy forward.
“My lord prince. May I have the pleasure of introducing to you Ardrian Sunglass rightful Lord to Claw Island and Sweetport Sound.”
Avery raised an eyebrow.
“Indeed? And why would young Ardrian be appearing here before me at Dragonstone?”
Ser Hubard bowed his head.
“The young Lord Sunglass here has been deprived of his birthright by his illegitimate half-sister Cleara Waters and her late husband Lyndsey Bar Emmon, who styled himself Emmon Barclay. We the lords of Claw Island and Sweetport Sound wish to restore him his rights and renew our allegiances to Dragonstone, as has been our tradition since the time of Aegon the Conqueror.
Guncer Celtigar bitterly interjected...
“The so-called Barlays are hand in glove with the Dondarrions. Barclay left only two infants as his heir and his sister Nora has just married your nephew Breck. Dondarrion’s a bloody Stormlord, begging your pardon my lord Prince and the Lord Paramount of the Crownlands is an infant.
Ser Gerald interrupted “We ain’t Stormlords my Prince and we don’t want to be ruled by a Stormlord or a Barclay. We want our own true born lord.”
Ser Hubard said quietly. “The lords in Kings Landing broke with five hundred years of tradition when they gave us to the lackeys of the Dondarrions. If there no heir, it would make some sense, but there is an heir and he is the rightful lord.”
Ser Tristan of Tally Hall, a tall sober–looking man had remained silent until now, but he now spoke bitterly, which Avery sensed was somewhat out of character for the man.
“The Barclays have made sure to remove for themselves the wealth of Claw Island. Under the Lady Gabriella the citadel on Claw Island was renowned for its opulence. Myrish carpets, Volantene glass, gold and silver plate, jeweled cups, chests of rubies and many fine wines have all since been removed. An ancient Celtigar heirloom, a horn reputed to summon krakens from under the sea, has also been removed. Only this…”
Ser Tristan indicated the axe Ser Guncer held…
“….is still held by the young lord. An axe of Valyrian steel and ancestral weapon of the Celtigars. We only hold it because it was hidden by Ser Guncer, after his cousin’s death.”
Avery nodded in agreement
“It appears, Ser Tristan, that the inhabitants and nobles of Claw Island have been sorely treated by the Barclays.
“So perhaps Ser Hubard, you would like to explain exactly this child’s claim to Claw Island and Sweetport Sound.”
Ser Hubard cleared his throat
“Certainly my lord Prince. Ardrian here is the son of Lady Gabriella Celtigar of Claw Island, distant cousin to Ser Guncer here and Lord Luth Sunglass, slain by Ser Emmon Barclay, together with his elder sons by a previous marriage. Barclay then claimed overlordship of Claw Island and Sweetport Sound in the right of his wife Claera, a bastard daughter of Lady Gabriella. Cleara’s father may well be a bastard of the Bloody King, but that still doesn’t make her heir to Claw Island and Sweetport Sound. Barclay tried to make out that Luth Sunglass was plotting to kill young Ardrian in favor of his elder sons.
Ser Gerald Gower interrupted. “But to me that don’t make sense my lord. Why would Lord Luth want to kill his own son?”
Ser Hubard looked sharply at Ser Gerald.
Yes thank you Gerald. I would ask you refrain from interrupting.
He paused briefly before continuing.
"Still Ser Gerald raises a pertinent point. Why would he plot to kill his own son? Some say that Luth Sunglass was plotting to have Claw Island and Sweetport Sound united in the person of his elder son, once Lady Gabriella was dead. Certainly Emmon Barclay had it put about that Luth Sunglass poisoned his wife, before Lord Sunglass and his sons were slain by Lord Barclay. There was even a suggestion that young Ardrian was not the son of Lord Sunglass at all. I myself do not believe that story as Lord Sunglass twas espoused to Lady Gabriella for a full two years before her unfortunate demise. Although it is true that Lady Gabriella died suddenly and that was somewhat convenient for a large number of people. Whatever the real truth in regards to the circumstances of Lady Gabriella’s death, young Ardrian did not die. He and his lords stand here today hoping to receive recognition of his just claim to Claw Island and Sweetport Sound from their traditional liege lord the Prince of Dragonstone.”
Avery stared for a long moment into the brazier. The flames danced and leapt before his eyes, as he pondered this somewhat surprising situation.
The four men remained kneeling though the little boy had let his curiousity get the better of him and had begun to wander around the great room.
Avery turned back to the kneeling men.
“Rise Sers. The floor is cold and I would not have you kneeling for overly long.”
Avery addressed Ser Hubard.
“The complaints of your companions appear to focus on the fact that the Dondarrions are Stormlords. I am of the Baratheon line and Stormborn just like my nephew Breck Dondarrion.”
Ser Hubert nodded in acknowledgment.
“Truly we did not mean to offend my lord Prince. However you are the Prince of Dragonstone and of the royal Baratheon line. Dragonstone has been the patrimony of the Baratheons for over 200 years since the Lord Stannis was given Dragonstone by his brother King Robert the First. We have never sworn our banners to the Dondarrions.”
Avery acknowledged of the truth of those words with a grunt of acceptance before he replied.
“You will no doubt be aware, Ser Hubard, that I am out of favor at the royal court. Neverthless I will recognize the claims of the young Ardrian Sunglass to be the legitimate lord of Claw Isle and Sweetport Sound. In doing so, can I be assured that all the knights and lords of Sweetport Sound and Claw Island in turn recognise Lord Ardrian as their liege lord?”
“You can my lord.” said Ser Hubard.
Avery nodded. “And will all the knights and lords of Claw Island and Sweetport Sound as well as Ardrian Sunglass swear themselves to Dragonstone, as has been the tradition for the last 500 years.
Ser Hubard nodded once again.
“And will they be prepared to defend their right to do so?” asked the Prince.
Ser Hubard again murmured assent.
“Then, I say to you Sers, you must repair to Claw Island and Sweetport Sound and call Lord Sunglass’s banners to my service.”
Avery seated himself in a chair and directed his gaze to young Ardrian.
Ser Hubard spoke in the little boy’s ear. Ardrian knelt before the Prince’s chair, as the Princes cousins Rhaegar and Ameron ranged themselves behind Avery. Ardrian gripped his little hands together. Encouraged by Hubard who smiled and nodded to him, the little boy smiled brightly as Avery leaned forward to clasp the joined little hands between his own two.
Ser Hubard spoke,
“We, the representatives of Lord Ardrian Sunglass do pledge the following on his behalf. That the said Ardrian Sunglass does become your liege man of life and limb and enters the Prince of Dragonstone’s fealty, doing homage to Avery Baratheon Prince of Dragonstone for all the lands of House Sunglass, held by the last lord of Sweetport Sound, his father. That the said Ardrian Sunglass does become your liege man of life and limb and enters the Prince of Dragonstone’s fealty, doing homage to Avery Prince of Dragonstone for all the lands of House Celtigar, held by the last lady of Claw Island, his mother. Faith and truth will he bear to you, to live and die, against all matter of folk saving only the King, King Rickon of House Baratheon, the First of his Name, King of the Andals and the Rhoynar and the First Men, Lord of the Seven Kingdoms and Protector of the Realm.”
The small boy gazed at Ser Hubard and at Hubard’s instruction, he kissed Avery’s signet ring as instructed.
Avery replied.
“This I do hear Ser Hubard of House Rambton on behalf of Ardrian Sunglass who kneels before me this day. The Prince of Dragonstone recognises your title as Lord of Claw Island and Sweetport Sound. And I, Avery Baratheon Prince of Dragonstone for my part, pledge the protection of Dragonstone to you and your people to defend you from every creature with all my power, giving loyally for loyalty and justice for honor. This is the word of Avery Baratheon Prince of Dragonstone.
So saying Avery released Ardrian’s hands. The little boy stood.
Avery himself rose from his chair. “There remains one thing to do and that is to petition the king and his regent for the recognition of Lord Sunglass here as the rightful heir to his parents' property. I shall have the maesters here prepare the relevant documentation, establishing the boy’s rightful claim. In the meantime he shall remain here at Dragonstone under my protection and in the care of your wife Ser Ameron, who is his cousin."
Ser Ameron Velaryon nodded, but said nothing.
“In the meantime I appoint you, Ser Ameron and you, Ser Guncer as my representatives in Claw Island and Sweetport Sound. You shall take the appropriate steps to prepare them for service to your lord and to Dragonstone."
Avery dismissed the delegation immediately after, but not before inviting them all to his table the following night and having his servants providing them with suitable sleeping quarters. Shortly after he called his closest advisers to a meeting.
Results:
Avery Baratheon recognises four year old Ardrian Sunglass as the legitimate son and heir of Lady Gabriella Celtigar and Lord Luth Sunglass
The lords of Claw Island and Sweetport Sound declare their allegiance to Dragonstone
Four year old Lord Ardrian Sunglass becomes the ward of Avery Baratheon
Ameron Velaryon and Guncer Celtigar become joint representatives of Lord Sunglass' interests in Claw Island and Sweetport Sound
1,000 men and 10 warships are raised from Claw Island and Sweetpoint Sound and join Prince Avery’s existing forces.
Avery Baratheon reaches Beginner in ‘Rulership’
A petition from the nobles of Claw Island and Sweetport Sound is sent to the King and the Regent requesting the recognition of Lord Ardrian Sunglass as rightful heir to Claw Island and Sweetport Sound. Maesters' documentation is also provided.