Chapter 254: Giving Some Warnings
Winterfell, Stark Lands
POV of Domeric Bolton
"Jon Arryn was most likely killed," Domeric said.
"What?"
"WHAT!!!"
Said the King and Lord Stark at the same time. In contrast to Lord Stark's silent surprise, the King suddenly jumped to his feet and shouted.
-Knock, Knock, Knock
"Is everything alright, your grace?" Ser Barristan's voice came from behind the door.
"There's nothing to worry about. Don't disturb us until I call. And Barristan, I don't want anyone within 20 meters of the door. Take care of it." King replied loudly to Ser Barristan.
"As you wish, your grace." Ser Barristan said, and after a moment, the sound of walking men could be heard from behind the door. Then silence fell.
"Are you sure of what you said, Lord Bolton? And how do you know that?" Lord Stark spoke this time. He seemed to have gotten over his surprise.
"I'm pretty sure. Lord Jon Arryn was most likely poisoned with Tears of Lys. But as I said, I have no proof. As for how I know this information, I have my own sources, though not as extensive as Lord Varys'." Domeric said.
"Tears of Lys… Clear, tasteless, odorless, and leaves no trace. But why would anyone want to kill Jon?" said Lord Stark.
King listened with bated breath to the conversation between Lord Stark and Domeric. He seemed to be weighing whether to believe Domeric's words.
"According to information I've gathered, Jon Arryn was investigating something before he died. Something that would cause chaos in the realm and cause some heads to fall. That means he's made some enemies. People who don't want this information to get out." Said Domeric.
"Pycelle said Jon died of fever," King said, finally entering the conversation.
"No one dies so quickly from fever, your grace. Even if a high fever kills, it is quite simple to delay death by wetting and cooling the body. But Lord Arryn quickly collapsed and died. I believe that on his deathbed, Lord Arryn shared some of the information he had gained from his research with Grandmaester Pycelle, and Grandmaester Pycelle made Lord Arryn's death appear natural so that this information would not be known."
"These are serious accusations, Lord Bolton," Lord Stark said.
"I'm not accusing anyone, Lord Stark. As I said, I have no proof. I'm simply saying this because I think you should know. And unfortunately, that's not all I have to say." Domeric said.
"What else?" King asked.
Domeric turned to Lord Stark and said, "I advise you not to place too much trust in any news from the Eyrie and Lysa Arryn from now on, Lord Stark."
"Why exactly?" Lord Stark asked, his face crumpled.
"I know you don't want to hear this, but it seems Lysa Arryn is closer than she should be to Petyr Baelish, the Master of Coin. She visits him frequently and even visited him shortly before Lord Arryn died. It's possible that Lysa Arryn was even involved in Lord Arryn's death. It seems she is now a puppet in Petyr Baelish's hands. I expect you'll receive a letter from the Eyrie soon, Lord Stark. It's likely blaming the Lannisters or someone else for Jon Arryn's death. But rest assured, while Lysa Arryn may have written the words, they will be coming from Petyr Baelish's mouth." Domeric said.
"Nonsense. Lysa would never betray Jon, let alone help kill him. And why would Petyr Baelish want to kill Jon?" Lord Stark said.
"For chaos," Domeric said.
"Chaos? Why would he want chaos?" Lord Stark snapped.
"Because for some, Lord Stark, chaos presents a golden opportunity. In times of peace, it isn't easy to rise above others. But in chaos, even someone from the smallfolk might become a Lord." Domeric said.
"And why is this the first time I've heard of this? If what you're saying were true, wouldn't Varys have told me about it long ago?" King asked.
"Ah. About Lord Varys... Have you heard the Targaryen siblings are currently in Pentos, staying at the home of Magister Illyrio Mopatis, your grace? Also, Daenerys Targaryen will soon be marrying Khal Drago. A Khal with 100,000 horsemen."
"What!" The King was surprised.
"I suppose you didn't know. But I'm sure you'll find out soon, your grace. Or rather, after Khal Drago marries Daenerys Targaryen. Lord Varys may be able to deliver much news to you, your grace. But he certainly hasn't delivered it all. As for the reason… I'm not sure."
The King and Lord Stark were silent for a moment. And then Lord Stark asked, "Why do you mention all this, Lord Bolton? What is your purpose?"
"I simply do not wish the realm to become worse than it is, Lord Stark. King's Landing holds more danger than it seems, your grace. You must be far more careful than you are now. Many seek to plunge things into chaos, and with the White Walkers upon our doorstep, a descent into chaos will only put the North in a difficult position." Domeric said.
"So, you're saying I'm in danger?" King asked.
"I'm sorry if I'm being presumptuous. If Prince Joffrey ascends the throne today, do you think he will succeed, your grace?" Domeric asked.
King glanced sideways at Lord Stark before answering, choosing his words carefully. "The lad is not ready yet."
Lord Stark's face fell even further after that. He knew his friend quite well, and judging by King Robert's demeanor, Prince Joffrey was no good.
And yet, Robert had betrothed this son to Sansa.
"And knowing this, for many, the easiest way to plunge the realm into chaos would be to hand it over to someone unready. That is why you must be ever more vigilant, your grace." Domeric said.
"Damn it, Ned. You were supposed to accept being my Hand. Why are you so stubborn? There's no one in those damned lands I can trust." The King said, turning to Lord Stark.
"Robert... I..." Lord Stark didn't know what to say. He didn't want to leave his friend alone, but with the White Walkers and Winter on the way, he couldn't leave the North and go South.
"Frankly, I don't think Lord Stark could last a month in the South, your grace. Lord Stark is too honorable for those lands. The people of King's Landing do not play fair. I think your brother Stannis Baratheon would be better off as Hand of the King." Domeric said.
"Stannis is too strict," the King said.
"Perhaps, your grace. But at least he'll have your back. And given the current state of the realm, someone more stern would be better. If you choose him as your Hand, it would be wise to ask him to check the Master of Coin's books. When a vault is failing, its keeper's hands are often not clean." Domeric said.
The King thought for a while and then replied dismissively, "I'll think about it."
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Next Chapters' Name:
Ch.255: Sansa and Domeric
Ch.256: Sansa Takes Off Her Mask
Ch.257: Jealous Ygritte