บท 426: Chapter 427: Varys’s Plan
Early Morning
Samwell awoke to the sight of Daenerys's radiant face, her beauty undiminished even in sleep.
Pregnancy often brought a deep drowsiness, so Samwell let her rest. He leaned down to kiss her smooth, alabaster forehead, then quietly got up, dressed, and left the tent.
Outside, a morning mist lingered, diffusing the rays of the rising sun into a dreamy, golden haze.
Samwell intended to inspect the camp, using the peaceful dawn as an excuse for a stroll, when his servant Noah came running toward him.
"Your Majesty, late last night, a man claiming to be one of the 'Little Birds' arrived at the camp. He's requesting an audience with you."
"Little Bird?" Samwell mused, recognizing the term as belonging to Varys's network of spies. He nodded. "Bring him to me."
Moments later, a tall man, appearing to be in his early thirties, was led before Samwell.
"Most esteemed Storm King," the man began, bowing deeply. "I am Mario, a loyal servant of Lord Varys, here to deliver his sincerest regards."
Samwell sipped his morning oat porridge as he appraised the man. After a moment, he remarked, "For a 'Little Bird,' you're hardly little."
"Little Birds do grow, Your Grace," Mario replied with a polite smile.
"So, you've been with Varys for quite some time, I take it?"
"Yes, Your Grace. I have served Lord Varys faithfully for seventeen years."
Samwell nodded thoughtfully. "Very well. What does Varys want with me?"
"Your Grace, I trust you've received the letter Lord Varys sent through Lady Chataya."
"I did."
"Then you must understand his good intentions."
"What I saw," Samwell said, his tone turning cold, "was not good intentions, but a threat."
"You misunderstand Lord Varys, Your Grace." Mario quickly sought to explain. "We've known about the Stark sisters under your protection for some time. When the Lannisters scoured the city looking for them, Lord Varys stayed silent. Was that not a sign of his cooperation?"
"Cooperation?" Samwell set his bowl down, his expression hardening. "Then tell me, who hired the Faceless Men to assassinate me on Blood Reef Island?"
Mario's face froze, unable to respond.
Samwell took the silence as confirmation of his suspicions.
"The price for hiring the Faceless Men is notoriously steep. The higher the target's status, the greater the difficulty, the more exorbitant the cost. At first, I thought the Lannisters had emptied their gold mines to pay the House of Black and White. But the assassin's words betrayed you.
"He said, 'A man owes the Many-Faced God a life.'
"That line puzzled me at the time. I couldn't recall owing the Many-Faced God anything. But after some investigation, I realized that debt belonged to Petyr Baelish, Littlefinger. I killed him, so the debt transferred to me.
"And the only person who knew I killed Littlefinger… was Varys.
"So, don't talk to me about mutual understanding. Varys didn't keep quiet about the Stark sisters to help me—he did it to keep his own options open."
"Your Grace, regarding the Faceless Men, I won't deny it." Mario sighed. "I won't lie to you—Lord Varys did indeed try to eliminate you because your existence posed a serious threat to King Aegon's position…"
"And now that Aegon is dead, you suddenly want to switch sides and pledge loyalty to me?" Samwell sneered. "Do you think me so merciful as to forgive such a betrayal?"
"Your Grace, Lord Varys does not expect forgiveness. He only hopes you'll understand that everything he's done was not for personal power, but for the good of Westeros and its people."
Samwell laughed loudly, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "A noble man, indeed! But there's a fine line between nobility and hypocrisy."
"Lord Varys knows you won't trust him easily, nor does he expect to sway you with mere words. However, I must tell you: it was your speech at Sycamore Hall that made him decide to help you."
Samwell wasn't surprised Varys had learned about the speech. Very little in Westeros, or even beyond, escaped the Spider's web of spies.
Mario continued, "When Lord Varys heard your determination to fight the White Walkers, he knew you were the only hope for Westeros. Believe it or not, Your Grace, besides you, Lord Varys is perhaps the only person in the Seven Kingdoms who truly believes the White Walkers will come. In this regard, he is your most steadfast ally."
"Oh, really?" Samwell replied dryly. "And what exactly does Varys plan to do to 'help' me?"
Mario straightened up, his demeanor suddenly energized. "Your Grace, we know you're struggling to cross the river. The Stormlands fleet is tied up fighting the Ironborn, and the Braavosi fleet is on its way. If Lord Varys can resolve this problem for you, would you be willing to trust him?"
"And how exactly does Varys propose to solve this problem?"
"Your Grace, how much do you know about the Sealord of Braavos?"
"I've heard the current Sealord, Ferrego Antaryon, is close to death."
"That's correct. Sealord Ferrego is gravely ill and unlikely to live much longer. However, as long as he draws breath, he remains the master of Braavos. Unfortunately, some people are too impatient to wait for his passing."
Samwell knew the Sealord of Braavos was not a hereditary position but one chosen through a complex and secretive process. Even in Westeros, rumors had reached him that Tormo Fregar, a Braavosi noble, was the frontrunner to succeed Ferrego.
"And let me guess," Samwell said, "Tormo Fregar is one of those impatient people?"
"Exactly. Since the Sealord fell ill, Tormo has been campaigning aggressively, rallying support from Braavosi nobles and military factions to secure his claim to the title."
"And Ferrego doesn't like Tormo?"
"Not at all. It's not about personal dislike; Ferrego sees Tormo's actions as a threat to Braavos's political traditions. He doesn't want someone who breaks the rules to succeed him."
Samwell began to connect the dots. "So, this Braavosi fleet heading south—Tormo is behind it?"
"Precisely. With the backing of the Iron Bank and the Lannisters, Tormo hopes to win military glory and bolster his claim to the Sealord's throne."
"And Varys is on Ferrego's side?"
"Yes. Lord Varys and Sealord Ferrego are old friends, and he wishes to support him during this difficult time. Additionally, many in Braavos still stand behind Ferrego. With Tormo's forces heading south, the city is vulnerable—an ideal time to act."
"I see." Samwell smirked. "But let me make one thing clear: you will act. I won't involve myself. If Varys wants to prove his sincerity, he can destabilize Braavos himself."
"Understood," Mario replied. "We will ensure Braavos falls into chaos, forcing Tormo to retreat. However, Sealord Ferrego does have conditions."
"Let me guess," Samwell said with a laugh. "He wants me to promise to support him once I claim the Iron Throne?"
"Yes, Your Grace. Additionally, the Sealord has a son and hopes to arrange a marriage alliance with your sister."
Samwell burst out laughing again. "And here I thought Varys was a selfless saint! Yet this Sealord plays the same game as Tormo, scheming to secure power for his family."
Mario looked slightly embarrassed but pressed on. "Your Grace, do we have a deal?"
Samwell's smile faded. "Fine. But only after the Braavosi fleet leaves Westeros's waters."
Mario bowed deeply. "You have my word, Your Grace. Within three days, you will receive good news."
(End of Chapter)
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