At the bustling harbor of Tyrosh, a tall-masted sailing ship flying the Crowned Stag banner slowly entered its berth, finally coming to a halt amid the creaking of mooring ropes.
The gangplank was lowered, and Stannis Baratheon, Duke of Dragonstone, was the first to step onto Tyroshi soil.
He had dark skin and an icy expression, his thin lips pressed into a straight line.
Behind him to his left followed a tall, handsome young man with flowing golden hair.
The young man wore white-cloaked armor lavishly coated in enamel, one hand resting habitually on the hilt of the sword at his waist. His green eyes swept the harbor with a sinister gaze.
He was Ser Jaime Lannister of the Kingsguard, who had been ordered to accompany Stannis to Tyrosh.
Behind Stannis to his right followed an ordinary-looking, thin middle-aged man.
He had brown hair and brown eyes, an unremarkable face, a thin build, and a thick, graying beard, yet there was something steady and practical about him.
He was Stannis's trusted confidant, Ser Davos Seaworth, the "Onion Knight."
Behind the three men came a company of silent, grim knights and soldiers, their armor reflecting a cold, hard gleam in the sunlight.
The delegation from the Seven Kingdoms, which had been waiting at the docks, immediately came forward to greet them.
A faint smile touched Littlefinger's lips as his gray-green eyes turned toward Stannis's perpetually frozen face.
"Lord Stannis, thank you for making the journey. Duke Eddard sent us to welcome you."
At the words "Duke Eddard," the muscles in Stannis's jaw instantly tightened, and the chill on his face deepened, making those around him feel as though they had fallen into an ice cellar.
He knew full well that Robert and Duke Eddard were as close as brothers, far closer