The Lost Stag

The Ghost of Harrenhal

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                    In the Stormlands, Renly's bannermen sit astride their horses on a cliffside next to the sea. A strong wind blows. Renly, Catelyn, Ned, Loras, and Brienne, facing King Stannis Baratheon, Ser Davos, and Melisandre, sit astride horses. "Lord and Lady Stark, I had not thought to find you both in the Stormlands," Stannis said in surprise. Like his brothers, Robert and Renly, Stannis is a large, broad-shouldered, and sinewy man. He has dark blue eyes and a heavy brow. Stannis's head has only a fringe of black and gray hair. He has a close-cropped beard across his large jaw. His face is tight like cured leather, and he has hollow cheeks with thin, pale lips.

                   "We had not thought to be here, Lord Stannis, but thanks to your niece, my husband has been returned to me," Catelyn explained. Stannis's body goes rigid at the mention of Valen.

                    "Can that truly be you?" Renly asked.

                    "Who else might it be?" Stannis answered.

                    "When I saw your standard, I couldn't be sure. Whose banner is that?" Renly asked.

                    "My own," Stannis said proudly.

                    "I suppose if we used the same one, the battle would be terribly confusing. Why is your stag on fire?" Renly asked.

                    "The king has taken for his sigil the fiery heart of the Lord of Light," Melisandre explained. Melisandre is a beautiful woman with long hair, the color of deep-burnished copper, and unsettling red eyes. She has smooth pale, unblemished skin. The priestess is slender, graceful, and taller than most knights and always wears a red dress. Melisandre has full breasts, a narrow waist, and a heart-shaped face.

                    "Ah, you must be this fire priestess we hear so much about. Mmm, brother, now I understand why you found religion in your old age," Renly said sarcastically.

                    "Watch yourself, Renly," Stannis gritted out. Like Robert and his niece, Stannis had a short temper.

                    "No, no, I'm relieved. I never really believed you were a fanatic. Charmless, rigid, a bore, yes, but not a godly man," Renly said sarcastically.

                    "You should kneel before your brother. He's the Lord's chosen, born amidst salt and smoke," Melisandre proclaimed.

                    "Born amidst salt and smoke? Is he a ham?" Renly joked.

                    "That's twice I've warned you," Stannis spat.

                    "Listen to yourselves. If you were sons of mine, I would knock your heads together and lock you in a bed chamber until you remembered that you were brothers," Catelyn said sternly.

                    "It is strange to find you beside my brother, Lady Stark. And Lord Stark, I thought you would support my claim. You're integrity almost cost you everything. And yet you sit beside this pretender and allow your wife to chastise me," Stannis said in aggravation. Though Ned still looked pale and frail, he stood straight as a board with pride.

                    "We share a common enemy," Catelyn said.

                    "The Iron Throne is mine by right. All those that deny that are my foes," Stannis threatened.

                    "The Iron Throne is Valen Baratheon's," Ned proclaimed, causing Stannis to glare at him.

                    "My niece is a coward that abdicated the throne," Stannis spat.