A Reasonable Reward

Willas paused slightly, slowly folded the letter in his hand, and said casually, "The fleet Garlan assembled has not been going smoothly. Many are worried that the Ironborn fleet will attack when we move to retake the Shield Islands."

As he spoke, he naturally handed the folded letter to the attendant. "Ser Colin Florent has once again declared that he will continue holding Brightwater Keep and will never surrender to House Tyrell..."

[He was the younger brother of the Earl of Brightwater Keep and its current acting lord. His daughter had shared Stannis's marriage bed with Robert and borne the bastard, Edric Storm.]

Lady Olenna extended a hand covered in wrinkles and age spots, cutting him off. "Let me see that letter, Willas—unless it is filled with sweet words between you and some young lady."

"There are no secrets between us, Grandmother." A helpless look appeared on Willas's face as he gestured to the attendant.

Lady Olenna took the letter. "Rest assured, your grandmother will not become an irritating old crone... Hmm... let me see..."

As she spoke, she narrowed her eyes and held the letter a little farther away. "Oh, it is indeed written in my foolish son's hand. Has he come up with some astonishing scheme again?"

Willas shrugged and explained of his own accord, "Father plans to hold a grand Tournament in King's Landing, one larger than the Tournament Robert held for Stark."

With a swish, Lady Olenna folded up the letter after hearing this and said crossly, "It seems our boar Hand of the King has forgotten that the Shield Islands are still in Ironborn hands, and that his poor vassals have yet to be ransomed."

After saying this, she lifted the teacup from the small round table and took a sip of black tea to