Merman's Court

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The Merman's Court is the great hall of the New Castle, the seat of House Manderly in White Harbor. The Manderlys hold court and feasts in the Merman's Court.

Layout

The walls, floor, and ceiling of the Merman's Court are made of wooden planks notched cunningly together and decorated with all the creatures of the sea. At one end is the entrance, and at the other is a dais with a large cushioned throne for Wyman Manderly, Lord of White Harbor.[1]

The floor has painted crabs and clams and starfish, half-hidden amongst twisting black fronds of seaweed and the bones of drowned sailors. On the walls are pale sharks prowling painted blue-green depths, whilst eels and octopods slither amongst rocks and sunken ships. Shoals of herring and great codfish swim between the tall, arched windows. Higher up, near where the old fishing nets droop down from the rafters, the surface of the sea is depicted. To the right a war galley rests serenely against the rising sun; to the left, a battered old cog races before a storm, her sails in rags. Behind the dais a kraken and a grey leviathan are locked in battle beneath the painted waves.[1]

History

In 58 AC, Queen Alysanne Targaryen made a royal progress in the north. She flew on her dragon, Silverwing to White Harbor where she was hosted by Lord Theomore Manderly. Theomore organised a feast in her honor in the Merman's Court. Days later, Alysanne held one of her women's courts in Theomore's own hall.[2]

At the start of the Dance of the Dragons, the black council of Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen sent Prince Jacaerys Velaryon on his dragon, Vermax, to the Vale of Arryn and the north to sway its lords to Rhaenyra's side in the war. On his way to Winterfell, Jacaerys stopped at White Harbor and was received at the Merman's Court by Lord Desmond Manderly.[3]

In 136 AC, Lord Torrhen Manderly returned home after being dismissed from his position of Hand of the King by King Aegon III Targaryen. Before leaving the capital, he offered the court fool, Mushroom, to become a fool at his own court, which the dwarf accepted.[4]

Recent Events

A Game of Thrones

Lady Catelyn Stark is received by Lord Wyman Manderly when she arrives at White Harbor during her return from the Vale of Arryn. Wyman sends his two sons, Ser Wylis and Ser Wendel Manderly, as well as near fifteen hundred men to escort her to the encampment of her son, Robb Stark, at Moat Cailin.[5]

A Dance with Dragons

Lord Davos Seaworth arrives in White Harbor to treat with Lord Wyman on behalf of Stannis Baratheon. He is brought before Wyman in the Merman's Court where a large audience is present, including three Freys. After Wyman hears Davos's plea to join Stannis's cause, he orders his cousin, Ser Marlon Manderly, to have Davos executed in the Wolf's Den.[6] Davos is secretly imprisoned, however, and another prisoner is executed instead.[7]

When Wyman's heir, Ser Wylis Manderly, safely returns to White Harbor, a feast is held in celebration in the Merman's Court. Lamprey pie, venison with roasted chestnuts, and wine are served. Fiddlers and pipers provide music, and Wynafryd Manderly dances with Rhaegar Frey. Lord Wyman excuses himself from the feast, but instead of going to the privy he secretly meets with Robett Glover and the freed Davos in another room of the New Castle.[7]

Quotes

You stand before Wyman Manderly, Lord of White Harbor and Warden of the White Knife, Shield of the Faith, Defender of the Dispossessed,Lord Marshal of the Mander, a Knight of the Order of the Green Hand. In the Merman's Court, it is customary for vassals and petitioners to kneel.[6]

References

  1. 1.0 1.1 A Dance with Dragons, Chapter 15, Davos II.
  2. Fire & Blood, Jaehaerys and Alysanne - Their Triumphs and Tragedies.
  3. Fire & Blood, The Dying of the Dragons - A Son for a Son.
  4. Fire & Blood, The Lysene Spring and End of Regency.
  5. A Game of Thrones, Chapter 55, Catelyn VIII.
  6. 6.0 6.1 A Dance with Dragons, Chapter 19, Davos III.
  7. 7.0 7.1 A Dance with Dragons, Chapter 29, Davos IV.