New students start from 'Game of Thrones'

Chapter 34 Cersei's Move

"Ser Davos, it's an honor to meet you," Owen said, looking at the tall, upright figure of the Onion Knight.

"The honor is mine. I never expected to meet the famous 'Sword of the North' face-to-face," Davos replied, his expression calm.

"Let's get straight to the point. I want to know Lord Stannis's thoughts on Lord Eddard's letter. You must understand—King's Landing may seem to be ruled by the king, but many forces have already aligned with House Lannister in secret. Other ambitious lords are biding their time too. The king may be unaware, but the other Small Council members know enough to hold back and gather strength. House Stark stands with House Baratheon, but our power in King's Landing is too weak," Owen said, his tone serious.

"Lord Stannis is deeply concerned about the situation in King's Landing. After Jon Arryn's death, he suspected foul play and wanted to investigate. But as Master of Ships—not Lord of Justice—and with the other Small Council members blocking him at every turn, the investigation fizzled out.

Worse, Lord Stannis narrowly escaped danger while looking into Jon Arryn's death. He had no choice but to return to Dragonstone. If Lord Eddard has made any discoveries or found evidence, Lord Stannis will fully support him in continuing the investigation," Davos said, glancing around to ensure the tavern's drunks were still fast asleep before lowering his voice.

"What form will Lord Stannis's support take?" Owen asked.

I will station at Blackwater Bay with several warships in the name of preventing piracy, and my troops will be stationed outside the river gate! "Said Devos.

"How many men do you have?" Owen pressed.

"Over two hundred," Davos said.

"That's enough," Owen said after a moment's thought. "We still won't outnumber them, but with coordination between us, we can escape King's Landing if things go south."

"Surely you're miscalculating," Davos frowned. "Combined, our forces can match the Lannister red cloaks in the city. The numbers are nearly even."

"Ser Davos, this isn't just about counting heads. My men have been watching—King's Landing's goldcloaks are far too close to House Lannister. Their captain is especially friendly with the red cloaks' commander," Owen explained.

"You mean the goldcloaks might defect to the Lannisters?" Davos asked, shocked.

"Not yet. At least, as long as the king can still give orders, they'll follow him. But we can't be sure," Owen added.

"I understand. I'll stay on guard. If trouble breaks out, I'll help you take the River Gate," Davos said firmly.

"The River Gate is important, but don't worry—I've made contact with its goldcloak captain. If something happens, he'll help you seize it," Owen nodded.

"That eases my mind. Then the real danger is to you inside the Red Keep. Should I send men into the city to wait outside, ready to Receiving you？" Davos asked.

"Better not. King's Landing is swarming with spies—especially around the Red Keep. If your men enter the city, they'll be watched immediately. That would only expose our plans," Owen shook his head.

"Very well. Then I wish you luck," Davos said, still frowning.

I have always been lucky, "Owen said. He stood up, pretended to be drunk, and stumbled out of the tavern, heading towards the Red Castle.

The next day, Eddard received a message from Robert's squire: the king wanted an urgent Small Council meeting. Eddard arrived early, but the others were already there. Robert sat at the head of the table, with a seat left empty beside him for Eddard.