House of Slayers

THE LORD OF THE TIDES

Six years have gone by since Laena's funeral. Six years have gone by since the last time Clara and Rhaenyra were truly together but no matter how long they were apart or no matter what happened, one person truly held Rhaenyra's heart.

BACKTON'S KEEP-GREAT HALL

Ser Paxton, Master At Arms of Backton's Keep walks down the hallway towards the entrance to the Great Hall, he throws open the doors and walks inside.

Alon, Clara, Keira, and Zane are gathered around the large table. Paxton stops and leans in whispering into Alon's ear

Alon: Are you certain?

Paxton: Lord Corlys led his men into an ambush. A ship made to look as it if were abandoned. In the fighting, his neck was slashed by a corsair's dagger. He fell overboard into the sea.

Everyone gasps, shock and horror in their eyes hearing the news. Alon sighs as Keira gently rubs her husband's back in comfort.

Clara: The ravens came in from?

Paxton: Evenfall, my Lady.

Keira: Thank you, Ser Paxton

Paxton bows his head and turns around leaving the Great Hall.

Zane: The Sea Snake is strong.

Alon: No doubt. And yet, I have seen blood fever overcome men half his age.

Keira: Where does this leave Driftmark if Corlys is dead?

Clara: Lucerys is the Heir to Driftmark so it would----

Alon: Vaemond would do everything in his power to make sure that does not happen.

Zane: It was Lord Corlys desire.

Alon: He means to call into question Luacerys's legitimacy. And by extension, Jacaerys's and also Rhaenyra's claim to the Throne.

Clara: Vaemond only cares about Driftmark and the Velaryon line. Not about Targaryen politics.

Zane: Had he made common cause with Otto Hightower yet?

Alon: That is what I fear. The vipers rule in the King's name. I've been summoned to King's Landing.

Clara: To King's Landing then

Keira: I'll find Arlen and have him prepare for the journey.

KING'S LANDING

The Gaston party rides in though the gates of the Red Keep with Alon, Clara, Arlen, Daario, and Nira among them.

All hail Alon of House Gaston. Warden of Backton's Keep and Arlen Gaston, Heir to House Gaston.

Daario leans in and whispers in Nira's ear

Daario: I guess we are not important

Nira: Do shut up.

And Lady Clara Gaston

Alon and Clara climbs down off their horses

LATER

Alon and Clara stands beside each other looking around the hall at the banners of the Faith of the Seven

Clara: I would say it's nice to be home but I hardly recognize it.

Alon: Mmm.

SMALL COUNCIL CHAMBER

Alicent is sitting at the head of the table in place of the King. Alon is sitting in his usual seat, hands clasped together on the table in front of him.

Beesbury: We have continued to enjoy improved customs duties since the setting of the Stepstones. And the extend to which we exploit those in contingent on the harbor master's receipts. Of which, um, uh, the, uh, septons have requested that half that again for a bronze bust they wish to co---to commision.