New students start from 'Game of Thrones'

Chapter 51 The Three Kings, March on King's Landing

When word spread across Westeros that Renly Baratheon was about to crown himself king, few took it seriously at first. Most dismissed it as a rumor spread by schemers seeking to divert attention.

But while the realm hesitated, Highgarden and Storm's End issued a joint proclamation: the Stormlands and the Reach would unite. The Reach would swear fealty to Storm's End; Renly would be crowned king, and Margaery Tyrell—the "Little Rose" of Highgarden—would be his queen. A coronation ceremony would soon be held at Storm's End.

Confirmed at last, the news sent shockwaves through Westeros. When it reached Dragonstone, Stannis Baratheon sat in the Round Hall of Dragonstone Keep, his brow furrowed. He had never imagined Renly—whom he'd always seen as soft—would dare raise a crown against him.

With Renly's claim, Westeros now had three kings: Joffrey, Stannis, and Renly.

"Your Grace, we must act," Ser Davos Seaworth—the Onion Knight—said, looking at the silent Stannis. "You are the rightful heir to the Baratheon throne."

"I know that," Stannis replied. "But I cannot fight Renly. That would only let the false king Joffrey profit."

"Highgarden and Storm's End together command nearly ten thousand men. What do we have here on Dragonstone? Mostly sailors. And the Reach has a navy too—one no weaker than ours."

Stannis felt a weariness settle over him, but he had to face the truth: his forces were too small.

"Your Grace, we still have allies," Davos said. "House Stark of the North supports your claim, as does House Tully of the Riverlands."

"The North is too far, and their strength is nothing compared to the Reach's. Even with the Tullys, we are outmatched," Stannis shook his head.

He spoke the bitter truth. Jaime Lannister had shattered House Tully's army; few men remained to them.

"We need another way to turn the tide," Stannis said, staring intently at the map spread across the table.

"You need not worry," a woman's voice said, cutting through his thoughts.

Stannis showed no annoyance at the interruption, but Davos frowned, his expression grave as he turned to the newcomer.

She wore a flowing scarlet gown, her hair cascading over her shoulders, a 华丽 necklace around her neck. Her figure was slender, her beauty striking and alluring. It was Melisandre, the Red Priestess of R'hllor, the Lord of Light.

"King Stannis," Melisandre said, approaching him. "I have seen your path to victory in the flames. You will be the true king of Westeros."

"But to claim that victory, you must first swear wholehearted fealty to R'hllor," she added, her eyes fixed on Stannis.

"What must I do?" Stannis asked, meeting her gaze.

"Abandon the Seven False Gods. Worship only R'hllor, and spread His faith across the realm," Melisandre replied.

Stannis stared at her sharply, but the Red Priestess did not flinch. After a long silence, he spoke: "Very well. I will banish the Faith of the Seven from Dragonstone. All shall worship R'hllor."

"I will prepare the ritual," Melisandre said. "Tonight, the Lord of Light will show you the way to victory." With that, she turned and left the Round Hall.

"My liege," Davos said, stepping forward. "I hold no great devotion to the Seven, but I have never heard of this Lord of Light. We cannot trust a witch's words. If victory came from faith alone, there would be no wars in this world."

"My mind is made up, Davos," Stannis said firmly. "I will try anything to escape this bind."

That afternoon, Melisandre returned to inform Stannis the ritual was ready.