Difference between revisions of "A Clash of Kings-Chapter 31"

From A Wiki of Ice and Fire
Jump to: navigation, search
(References and Notes)
(Significant increase in detail)
Line 10: Line 10:
 
| arc next = [[A Clash of Kings-Chapter 33|Catelyn IV]]
 
| arc next = [[A Clash of Kings-Chapter 33|Catelyn IV]]
 
}}
 
}}
 +
 +
[[Catelyn Tully|Catelyn]] meets with [[Stannis Baratheon]] and [[Renly Baratheon]] in hopes of bringing the brothers to reason. She fails and learns that Stannis had sent a letter claiming that neither [[Joffrey Baratheon|Joffery]] nor [[Tommen Baratheon|Tommen]] were not [[Robert Baratheon]]’s sons. Even though there is no proof, she remembers that [[Lysa Tully|Lysa]] claimed that [[Cersei Lannister|Cersie]] killed her husband. Catelyn asks Renly’s leave but is not given it—he wants her to see him victorious in the morning.
  
 
==Synopsis==
 
==Synopsis==
[[Catelyn Tully|Catelyn]] and her men wait for the brother kings to meet outside the walls of [[Storm's End]]. When [[Stannis Baratheon|Stannis]] arrives, he promises justice for Lord [[Eddard Stark|Eddard]], though he claims Ned was no friend of his. Stannis also reveals the insult he felt when [[Robert Baratheon|Robert]] named Eddard Hand instead of himself, and that he has no quarrel with [[Renly Baratheon|Renly]] should his brother concede his claim and lend him his army. Soon Renly arrives for the parley, but it is all Catelyn can do to keep the two polite. She tries to reason with them that they have a common foe, and need to unite. Stannis will not hear of it, however; he names himself the true heir to the [[Iron Throne]], and names Renly and [[Robb Stark|Robb]] traitors. When Catelyn retorts that Robert has two sons, and they are the rightful heirs, Renly laughs, realising she has not seen the letters Stannis had circulated about [[Cersei Lannister|Cersei]]’s incest. Catelyn is shocked, but not surprised. Renly states that if the letter were true, Stannis would have the rightful claim, and suggests that he would even bend the knee to him. But Stannis has no proof, as [[Jon Arryn]] died before he could bring the matter before King Robert. Stannis told Jon his suspicions instead of Robert, because he felt his brother would be more inclined to believe the Lord of the [[Eyrie]], his old friend and mentor.  
+
[[Hallis Mollen]] announces to [[Catelyn Tully|Catelyn]] that they are the first arrive at an area where the trees had been cut down by [[Stannis Baratheon]]’s foragers to build siege equipment. Ser [[Wendel Manderly]] tells Catelyn that this is not their fight and Catelyn replies that she was sent her by [[Robb Stark]] and for the good of the realm it must be done, but forging a peace between the brothers will not be easy; she would prefer to be with her dying father [[Hoster Tully]] in [[Riverrun]] or back in [[Winterfell]]. In the distance she can see [[Storm's End]] and Stannis’s army looking small and insignificant under its walls.
 +
 
 +
Catelyn thinks about the history of Storm’s End and of the love between the first Storm King, [[Durran]], and [[Elenei]], the daughter of sea god and goddess of the wind. After the wedding, Elenei had yielded her maidenhood and immortality. Her parents had unleashed storm and wind to destroy Durran’s hold, killing all but Durran and his wife, who had protected him within her arms. It was seventh castle he built that managed to withstand the storms. It is said that this castle was built with the help of the [[Children of the Forest]] or a child that became known as [[Bran the Builder|Brandon the Builder]].
 +
 
 +
Stannis is the first to arrive with a [[Red Priestess| Melisandre]] as his standard bearer; Catelyn knew that [[Renly Baratheon|Renly]] would be last. Stannis expresses his surprise to fine her here, and gives his condolences for her husband [[Eddard Stark]], who was no friend of his. Stannis is not grateful for Eddard’s part in breaking the seige, saying it was on [[Robert Baratheon]]’s command. Stannis hold it against Eddard that he took the position of [[Hand of the King]], which he did not even want. Stannis tells her that she will have justice and she tells him Renly promised the same, and she would prefer her daughters back. Stannis promises that her daughters will be found when he takes King's Landing. Catelyn thinks his tone implies dead or alive, and tells him that King’s Landing is close to [[Dragonstone]], but he is at Storm’s End. He replies that he needs the power of the southron lords to take King’s Landing, and so he must take them from his brother, who owes him loyalty and obedience and his elder and rightful king. Stannis then asks if Robb has thrown his lot in with Renly, and is told he is King of the North by the will of the lords and people, and only hold his hand out in friendship. Stannis states
 +
{{Quote|Kings have no friends, only subjects and enemies.}}
 +
 
 +
At this point Renly’s party arrives with [[Brienne of Tarth]] with his banner. Renly asks about Stannis’s sigil and Milisandre replies it is the fiery heart of the Lord of Light. Renly says it is as well since with them having the same banner, the battle would be confused. Catelyn states that there hopefully will be no battle, and Stannis states that the [[Iron Throne]] is his by rights, and those the deny this are his foes. Catelyn tells them that this is folly with the [[Jaime Lannister]]’s host reforming at the [[Golden Tooth]], another [[House Lannister|Lannister]] host gathering at [[Casterly Rock]], and [[Tywin Lannister]] at [[Harrenhal]] with 20,000, and the Lannisters holding [[King's Landing]]. Renly immediately demands that Stannis bend his knee to him, and Stannis absolutely refuses, stating he is eldest. Renly tells Stannis that the [[House Targaryen|Targaryens]] called Robert a usurper and he bore up under the shame. Catelyn tries to convince them to be reasonable, and is told by Stannis that he is the rightful king. Catelyn asks how he is rightful king, and Renly laughs, stating that she had not seen Stannis’ letter. Stannis tells Catelyn that [[Joffery Baratheon|Joffery]] and his siblings are not of Robert’s seed.
 +
 
 +
Catelyn asks why he kept this knowledge to himself, and is told that he approached [[Jon Arryn]] since he figured that Robert would be more willing to listen to Jon, who he loved. Renly points out that Jon is dead, and Stannis states that his death was not by happenstance, that [[Cersei Lannister|Cersei]] poisoned him. Catelyn immediately, putting the pieces together, states that her sister [[Lysa Tully|Lysa]] accused the queen of killing her husband. Renly tells Stannis that he may have the greater right but he has the bigger army.
 +
 
 +
Renly reaches under his cloak, and Stannis immediately goes for his sword, but Renly only brings out a peach, and offers one to Stannis. Stannis retorts he did not come there to eat fruit, and Renly replies a man should never refuse a peach because life is short and the [[House Stark|Starks]] say “Winter is Coming.” Stannis thinks this is a threat but Renly states it was not, and he tells Stannis he never liked him, but he is of his blood, and if it is Storm’s End he wants, he will give it to him. Stannis refuses saying it is his and Renly states he refuses a peach, a castle and did not come to his wedding. To this Stannis points out that he married a woman that he was scheming to make her one of Robert’s whore. Renly corrects this, saying he was going to make [[Margaery Tyrell]] his queen,  but Robert was killed by a boar, and so he got Margaery. He tells how he plans to have a son with her within a year, and then asks Stannis how many sons he has, and then continues by telling him that if he had a wife that looked like his, he would send his fool to service her as well. Infuriated, Stannis draws his blade which shines strangely, but Brienne moves between them. Stannis tells Renly that he will not kill Renly with [[Lightbringer]], and will give him till dawn to pledge to him. In return Stannis will grant him Storm’s End, a seat on the council, and name him his hear until he has a son. Renly laughs, pointing out that he has the strength in banners: [[House Rowan]], [[House Tarly]], [[House Caron]], [[House Tarth]], [[House Penrose]], [[House Fossoway]], [[House Cuy]], [[House Mullendore]], [[House Estermont]], [[House Selmy]], [[House Hightower]], [[House Oakheart]], [[House Crane]], [[House Caswell]], [[House Blackbar]], [[House Morrigen]], [[House Beesbury]], [[House Shermer]], [[House Dunn]], [[House Footly]] and his wife’s [[House Florent]]. What is present is only the vanguard, with100,000 foot are still to arrive. After exchanging taunts, Stannis gallops away, the Red Priestess staying long enough to say before also leaving
 +
{{Quote|Look to your own sins, Lord Renly.}}
 +
 
 +
Catelyn tells Renly that his brother is lawful heir if Joffrey is Jaime’s son. Renly replies this is true only while he lives, and asks if Catelyn would agree that it is a fool’s law since he would be a better king that either Robert or Stannis. He will be a great king:
 +
{{Quote|strong yet generous, clever, just, diligent, loyal to my friends and terrible to my enemies, yet capable of forgiveness, patient-}}
 +
Catelyn adds
 +
{{Quote|-humble?}}
 +
Renly laughs and states
 +
{{Quote|You must allow a king some flaws, my lady.}}
 +
 
 +
Catelyn feels very tired, she had failed, and her son would have to face the Lannisters alone while the brothers fought. She thinks how much Renly is like his brother Robert, but Robert had Eddard to temper him. Eddard would have prevailed on Robert to bring the whole force to besiege Stannis, the besieger, instead of forging ahead with only the horse and no fodder. Now he must come to battle soon or starve. Catelyn accomplices Renly back to his pavilion, sending [[Hal Mollen]] to tend to the horses.
 +
 
 +
Once inside Renly states his brother has not changed, and since he will not take his gifts, maybe he should fight. Lord [[Mathis Rowan]] points out that the castle well provisioned and has a strong garrison under Ser [[Cortnay Penrose]]; they can let Stannis have a profitless siege. Renly, however, is concerned that men will say he fears Stannis. Lord [[Randyll Tarly]] thinks they cannot leave him unblooded since he may grow stronger than Renly, and the others seem to agree. Renly states that they will fight. At this, Catelyn sees no point in not returning to Riverrun, so asks to leave, but is told she cannot, she must watch.
 +
 
 +
Renly then give command of the center to Lord Mathis Rowan, the left to [[Bryce Caron]], and the reserve to Lord [[Eldon Estermont]], while Renly takes the right. Lord Mathis Rowan asks who will have the van, and Ser [[Jon Fossoway]] first asks the honor, but Ser [[Guyard Morrigen|Guyard the Green]] states that is should be one of the seven. [[Randyll Tarly]] states he lead [[Mace Tyrell]]’s van. After a clamor fills the pavilion, Renly gives the honor to Ser [[Loras Tyrell]]. Ser Loras accepts and asks for a one of his knights to ride beside him:
 +
{{Quote|Let the stag and rose go to battle side by side.}}
 +
Renly gives Brienne this honor. She wants to fight by his side and is told that there are four of the [[Rainbow Guard]] that will fight beside him. She accepts the duty, but requests that she arm him for battle. Renly accepts. Catelyn can hear someone snigger. Renly then asks them to leave him.
  
Renly then offers his brother a peach, but that only enrages Stannis further. Renly even offers him Storm’s End, but Stannis demands that it is not Renly’s to give, it is his by right. When Renly mentions his marriage to the maid [[Margaery Tyrell|Margaery]], Stannis sneers that she is like to remain a maid in Renly’s bed, to which Renly retorts with the story about Stannis being cuckolded by his [[Patchface|fool]]; furious, Stannis draws [[Lightbringer|his sword]], nearly starting a skirmish. Reining in his anger, Stannis tells Renly he has until sunrise to see the error of his ways and yield, otherwise he will be shown no mercy. Renly remains confident of victory, given his army outnumbers Stannis's, but the [[Melisandre|red priestess]] accompanying Stannis delivers an ominous warning before she and her master depart.  
+
Before she leaves, Catelyn asks to visit a sept she saw in a village, and Renly tells Ser Ser [[Robar Royce]] to provide an escort, but to return by dawn. Catelyn tells him he should also pray, not for victory but for wisdom. Renly tells Ser Loras to remain with him to help him pray (George R. R. Martin has confirmed that Renly and Loras have a relationship).
 +
 
 +
Ser Robar Royce is a member of the Rainbow guard and Catelyn knows him slightly, that he is known for his skill in the tourney. He son of [[Yohn Royce]], bannerman to [[House Arryn]]. She asks her about this and says his father owes fealty as does his heir, but he is a second son. He is tired of tourneys and looking for glory. She arrives at her camp to find [[Shadd]] preparing the meal, Hal Mollen dicing with three of his men, and [[Lucas Blackwood]] sharpening his dagger. Lucas asks if they fight or flee, and she says pray.
  
The parley comes to an end, with war imminent at dawn should neither side relent and bend the knee. Later, in Renly’s war council, several suggest to leave Stannis to besiege [[Storm's End]], but most agree that war is unavoidable. When Catelyn asks for leave to return to [[Riverrun]], Renly denies her, wishing her to watch the battle and bring word back to Robb of what happens to rebels. His men then bicker for the right to lead the van, Lord [[Randyll Tarly]] claiming he had been leading [[Mace Tyrell]]’s van since before most of the young knights were born, but Renly grants the right to Ser [[Loras Tyrell|Loras]]. Catelyn asks to go to the local temple of [[Faith of the Seven|the Seven]] to pray, and Renly grants her wish, commanding Ser [[Robar Royce]] to escort her. She questions the young son of Lord [[Yohn Royce|Yohn]], and Robar explains that he is far from the Vale because he must earn his reputation somewhere, since [[Andar Royce|his older brother]] is the heir to their ancestral seat.
 
  
 
==References and Notes==
 
==References and Notes==
 
{{References|2}}
 
{{References|2}}
 
* The synopsis was copied from AOL member vbkorik27 previously at [http://web.archive.org/web/20080228051425/members.aol.com/vbkorik27/summary/legend.html].
 
 
*Summary and analyses of the chapter [http://slynt.blogspot.com/2011/12/re-read-catelyn-iii-life-is-peachy.html in the course of a 10th reread].
 
*Summary and analyses of the chapter [http://slynt.blogspot.com/2011/12/re-read-catelyn-iii-life-is-peachy.html in the course of a 10th reread].
 
*[http://www.tor.com/blogs/2012/04/a-read-of-ice-and-fire-a-clash-of-kings-part-15 Review and summary] by Leigh Butler.
 
*[http://www.tor.com/blogs/2012/04/a-read-of-ice-and-fire-a-clash-of-kings-part-15 Review and summary] by Leigh Butler.

Revision as of 00:38, 28 March 2013

Catelyn III
A Clash of Kings chapter
AClashOfKings.jpg
POV Catelyn
Place Outside the walls of Storm's End
Page 344 UK HC (Other versions)
Chapter chronology (All)
Catelyn II
Arya VII  ← Catelyn III →  Sansa III

Catelyn IV

Catelyn meets with Stannis Baratheon and Renly Baratheon in hopes of bringing the brothers to reason. She fails and learns that Stannis had sent a letter claiming that neither Joffery nor Tommen were not Robert Baratheon’s sons. Even though there is no proof, she remembers that Lysa claimed that Cersie killed her husband. Catelyn asks Renly’s leave but is not given it—he wants her to see him victorious in the morning.

Synopsis

Hallis Mollen announces to Catelyn that they are the first arrive at an area where the trees had been cut down by Stannis Baratheon’s foragers to build siege equipment. Ser Wendel Manderly tells Catelyn that this is not their fight and Catelyn replies that she was sent her by Robb Stark and for the good of the realm it must be done, but forging a peace between the brothers will not be easy; she would prefer to be with her dying father Hoster Tully in Riverrun or back in Winterfell. In the distance she can see Storm's End and Stannis’s army looking small and insignificant under its walls.

Catelyn thinks about the history of Storm’s End and of the love between the first Storm King, Durran, and Elenei, the daughter of sea god and goddess of the wind. After the wedding, Elenei had yielded her maidenhood and immortality. Her parents had unleashed storm and wind to destroy Durran’s hold, killing all but Durran and his wife, who had protected him within her arms. It was seventh castle he built that managed to withstand the storms. It is said that this castle was built with the help of the Children of the Forest or a child that became known as Brandon the Builder.

Stannis is the first to arrive with a Melisandre as his standard bearer; Catelyn knew that Renly would be last. Stannis expresses his surprise to fine her here, and gives his condolences for her husband Eddard Stark, who was no friend of his. Stannis is not grateful for Eddard’s part in breaking the seige, saying it was on Robert Baratheon’s command. Stannis hold it against Eddard that he took the position of Hand of the King, which he did not even want. Stannis tells her that she will have justice and she tells him Renly promised the same, and she would prefer her daughters back. Stannis promises that her daughters will be found when he takes King's Landing. Catelyn thinks his tone implies dead or alive, and tells him that King’s Landing is close to Dragonstone, but he is at Storm’s End. He replies that he needs the power of the southron lords to take King’s Landing, and so he must take them from his brother, who owes him loyalty and obedience and his elder and rightful king. Stannis then asks if Robb has thrown his lot in with Renly, and is told he is King of the North by the will of the lords and people, and only hold his hand out in friendship. Stannis states

Kings have no friends, only subjects and enemies.

At this point Renly’s party arrives with Brienne of Tarth with his banner. Renly asks about Stannis’s sigil and Milisandre replies it is the fiery heart of the Lord of Light. Renly says it is as well since with them having the same banner, the battle would be confused. Catelyn states that there hopefully will be no battle, and Stannis states that the Iron Throne is his by rights, and those the deny this are his foes. Catelyn tells them that this is folly with the Jaime Lannister’s host reforming at the Golden Tooth, another Lannister host gathering at Casterly Rock, and Tywin Lannister at Harrenhal with 20,000, and the Lannisters holding King's Landing. Renly immediately demands that Stannis bend his knee to him, and Stannis absolutely refuses, stating he is eldest. Renly tells Stannis that the Targaryens called Robert a usurper and he bore up under the shame. Catelyn tries to convince them to be reasonable, and is told by Stannis that he is the rightful king. Catelyn asks how he is rightful king, and Renly laughs, stating that she had not seen Stannis’ letter. Stannis tells Catelyn that Joffery and his siblings are not of Robert’s seed.

Catelyn asks why he kept this knowledge to himself, and is told that he approached Jon Arryn since he figured that Robert would be more willing to listen to Jon, who he loved. Renly points out that Jon is dead, and Stannis states that his death was not by happenstance, that Cersei poisoned him. Catelyn immediately, putting the pieces together, states that her sister Lysa accused the queen of killing her husband. Renly tells Stannis that he may have the greater right but he has the bigger army.

Renly reaches under his cloak, and Stannis immediately goes for his sword, but Renly only brings out a peach, and offers one to Stannis. Stannis retorts he did not come there to eat fruit, and Renly replies a man should never refuse a peach because life is short and the Starks say “Winter is Coming.” Stannis thinks this is a threat but Renly states it was not, and he tells Stannis he never liked him, but he is of his blood, and if it is Storm’s End he wants, he will give it to him. Stannis refuses saying it is his and Renly states he refuses a peach, a castle and did not come to his wedding. To this Stannis points out that he married a woman that he was scheming to make her one of Robert’s whore. Renly corrects this, saying he was going to make Margaery Tyrell his queen, but Robert was killed by a boar, and so he got Margaery. He tells how he plans to have a son with her within a year, and then asks Stannis how many sons he has, and then continues by telling him that if he had a wife that looked like his, he would send his fool to service her as well. Infuriated, Stannis draws his blade which shines strangely, but Brienne moves between them. Stannis tells Renly that he will not kill Renly with Lightbringer, and will give him till dawn to pledge to him. In return Stannis will grant him Storm’s End, a seat on the council, and name him his hear until he has a son. Renly laughs, pointing out that he has the strength in banners: House Rowan, House Tarly, House Caron, House Tarth, House Penrose, House Fossoway, House Cuy, House Mullendore, House Estermont, House Selmy, House Hightower, House Oakheart, House Crane, House Caswell, House Blackbar, House Morrigen, House Beesbury, House Shermer, House Dunn, House Footly and his wife’s House Florent. What is present is only the vanguard, with100,000 foot are still to arrive. After exchanging taunts, Stannis gallops away, the Red Priestess staying long enough to say before also leaving

Look to your own sins, Lord Renly.

Catelyn tells Renly that his brother is lawful heir if Joffrey is Jaime’s son. Renly replies this is true only while he lives, and asks if Catelyn would agree that it is a fool’s law since he would be a better king that either Robert or Stannis. He will be a great king:

strong yet generous, clever, just, diligent, loyal to my friends and terrible to my enemies, yet capable of forgiveness, patient-

Catelyn adds

-humble?

Renly laughs and states 

You must allow a king some flaws, my lady.

Catelyn feels very tired, she had failed, and her son would have to face the Lannisters alone while the brothers fought. She thinks how much Renly is like his brother Robert, but Robert had Eddard to temper him. Eddard would have prevailed on Robert to bring the whole force to besiege Stannis, the besieger, instead of forging ahead with only the horse and no fodder. Now he must come to battle soon or starve. Catelyn accomplices Renly back to his pavilion, sending Hal Mollen to tend to the horses.

Once inside Renly states his brother has not changed, and since he will not take his gifts, maybe he should fight. Lord Mathis Rowan points out that the castle well provisioned and has a strong garrison under Ser Cortnay Penrose; they can let Stannis have a profitless siege. Renly, however, is concerned that men will say he fears Stannis. Lord Randyll Tarly thinks they cannot leave him unblooded since he may grow stronger than Renly, and the others seem to agree. Renly states that they will fight. At this, Catelyn sees no point in not returning to Riverrun, so asks to leave, but is told she cannot, she must watch.

Renly then give command of the center to Lord Mathis Rowan, the left to Bryce Caron, and the reserve to Lord Eldon Estermont, while Renly takes the right. Lord Mathis Rowan asks who will have the van, and Ser Jon Fossoway first asks the honor, but Ser Guyard the Green states that is should be one of the seven. Randyll Tarly states he lead Mace Tyrell’s van. After a clamor fills the pavilion, Renly gives the honor to Ser Loras Tyrell. Ser Loras accepts and asks for a one of his knights to ride beside him:

Let the stag and rose go to battle side by side.

Renly gives Brienne this honor. She wants to fight by his side and is told that there are four of the Rainbow Guard that will fight beside him. She accepts the duty, but requests that she arm him for battle. Renly accepts. Catelyn can hear someone snigger. Renly then asks them to leave him.

Before she leaves, Catelyn asks to visit a sept she saw in a village, and Renly tells Ser Ser Robar Royce to provide an escort, but to return by dawn. Catelyn tells him he should also pray, not for victory but for wisdom. Renly tells Ser Loras to remain with him to help him pray (George R. R. Martin has confirmed that Renly and Loras have a relationship).

Ser Robar Royce is a member of the Rainbow guard and Catelyn knows him slightly, that he is known for his skill in the tourney. He son of Yohn Royce, bannerman to House Arryn. She asks her about this and says his father owes fealty as does his heir, but he is a second son. He is tired of tourneys and looking for glory. She arrives at her camp to find Shadd preparing the meal, Hal Mollen dicing with three of his men, and Lucas Blackwood sharpening his dagger. Lucas asks if they fight or flee, and she says pray.


References and Notes