A Cat of a Different Coat (Unfinished)

Addam pulled Ballista to a stop and the calls of “Halt!” ran down through the lines. The wagons carrying food, armor and weapons all stopped. The neighing and stamping of horses filled the air and Addam looked upon Kings Landing. He turned to Bones and said; “I can smell the shit from here.” Then Addam leaned out of the saddle and sniffed at Bones and then repeated “Or else it’s just you.” Bones looked at him sullenly and Addam clapped him on the back and gave him a smile to release some of the sting that was used.

The Blackwater rush stretched out and Addam gazed at it. His upper lip curled up in what would be half a smile and half a look of disgust. This place was disgusting. He turned to Bones and said; “Bring me Falcon, Thirty men as well. I hear this Joffrey is a rather annoying little cunt.” Bones bowed his head and Addam dismounted Ballista. Falcon, a dark bay gelding was led up and the horse whinnied to see him. He patted Falcons neck and handed Ballista’s reins to another and as he mounted up, Thirty men galloped up from the rear lines. Among them was a accomplice and battle friend Maximus.

As they cantered down the road that led to the Red Keep, Addam looked in disgust at the banner. They had brought their own banner, a flaming sword on a field of green, which would be hung from where they were staying, once again Addam wished he had been able to put the Reyne Flag back up. He unconsciously touched the hilt of his father’s sword, The pommel was solid gold and the hilt was simple leather. The sword was of the finest craftsmanship, which had a silvery hue to it. The scabbard had been changed, it had been rotting and it had Red Maple Wood with swirling patterns decorating it in gold. Then there was the signet ring, which was gold and had a large red ruby set in it, A Rampant Lion was carved into it and Addam hoped no one would notice.

As they cantered up to the gates, A group of five Gold cloaks stepped up to block their way. Spears lowered a man in black plate, signaling himself as a commander shouted out; “Halt in the name of Joffrey Baratheon! Lord of the seven kingdoms, Who goes there!” Still they cantered on. The Gold Cloaks were readying themselves for a fight when Addam pulled back the reins on Falcon. The spear tickled the Gelding Coursers chest and he back stepped in excitement. “My name is Ser Addam Hill, Commander of the bastards of the west, I come to pledge fealty to..King Joffrey Baratheon, First of his name.” Addam tried to keep the disgust out of his voice, he had received one of the letters when he was at Lannisport. It claimed that the boy was born out of incest between Cersei and Jaime Lannister. Brother and Sister. Disgusting.

The Gold cloaks looked over them and parted to let the horsemen through. Addam wanted to canter up, but he wouldn’t dare. Instead he trotted. People either had to make way or get trampled by Thirty Bad Tempered Coursers. The Red Keep loomed above them and when they got to the Royal Stables, Addam commanded his men to stay while he went up there himself. He climbed the Red Keep, a hand on the pommel of his sword hilt. There was a court in attendance and as Addam stepped through to the front, a herald shouted out; “If any wishes to keep up any matters with King Joffrey Baratheon, Come forwards now or hold your peace.”

Addam shouldered his way to the crowd. It must have seemed rather arrogant and dangerous for it seemed the Kingsgaurd took one look at him and stepped forwards calmly. Hands on their sword hilts. The Hound he could most likely take, as with the rest of them. There was only the problem of the Red Cloaks and Gold cloaks in the room.

Addam bent his knee and looked at Joffrey and said. “I Ser Addam Hill, commander of the Swords Of The West, hereby come to offer King Joffrey Baratheon, My fealty and my service and to protect Kings Landing.”

Joffrey Gazed at him and said in a rather courteous voice, “How many men do you have serving under you Ser Addam?” Addam did the maths in his head and said “Over Three Hundred your grace.”

Joffrey sat off the Iron Throne and trotted down the steps. His Kingsguard followed him like white shadows and Joffrey held out his left hand, with the royal seal on it. As was commanded, Addam Kissed the Signet Ring and Joffrey said, “Your service in protecting me and this great city will reward you Ser Addam.”

No, I’m Just here to kill you and your family Joffrey Addam thought.


WC=822

Tywin Lannister, the Hand of the King, had decided that his time would be better spent inspecting King’s Landing’s defences than at court trying to keep Joffrey under control; with the amount of enemies his grandson had, the city could be attacked at any time. The number of Gold Cloaks protecting the city and its people had increased vastly in a short amount time; the poor of the city jumped at the chance of bed and board at the City Watch barracks. The new men were good enough at putting an end to riots started by starving peasants but they simply weren’t disciplined enough to defend the city from an army consisting of skilled foot and horse; Tywin needed an effective strategy if he wanted to hold the city and keep his grandson upon the Iron Throne. Things where complicated further by the fact his own army was fighting Robb Stark in the North, under the command of his younger brother, Ser Kevan Lannister.

Having inspected their force, and decided they would struggle to hold the city, Tywin decided he would head to court and organise a meeting of the small council to discuss the city’s less than adequate defensive situation. There was a possibility that the Hand of the King would need to write to his brother and order him to bring his army south to defend the city in the case of an attack, even if it meant allowing the Young Wolf to do as he pleased in the North for a short amount of time.

On his ride back to the Red Keep, Tywin and his escort of Lannister passed men, women and children starving the streets; since the beginning of the war, there had been trouble getting supplies into the city which had caused a dramatic increase in the price of food. The people gazed at Tywin as he rode by with a sad yearning in their eyes; they desperately wanted the Hand of the King to help them in their plight. The Lord of Casterly Rock decided that he was willing to part with some gold for selfish reasons; the happier the smallfolk where, the more likely they where to attempt to defend their city should an enemy of the King breach the walls. Tywin reached inside his long, crimson, cloak and produced a small leather bag of silver stags which he emptied into his hand and threw before the crowd of people. For a few seconds things where like they had been during his first stint as Hand; the smallfolk loved him.

When Tywin and his escort arrived back at the Red Keep, they made their way to the royal stables. The Hand of the King climbed from his horse, which was immediately taken from him by a stable boy, and waited for less than a minute whilst his guards dismounted their horses. Whilst at the stables, Tywin noticed several men that he had never laid eyes upon before standing around and it soon became apparent that his red cloaked men had noticed too; they moved closer to their lord and flanked him as he made his way towards the door of the keep. It seemed as though court was coming to an end, they passed many lords, ladies and knights on their way to the throne room; the Hand was beginning to wonder what dreadful folly Joffrey could have made today, it seemed that not a day went by without the young king doing something cruel to his subjects. No one would mourn Joffrey if he died, except his mother, Queen Cersei.

Once inside the throne room, Tywin realised that several men and women of noble birth where still there; court, it seemed, was not completely done with. A man he did not recognise was speaking with Joffrey.

“I, Ser Addam Hill, commander of the Swords of the West, hereby come to offer King Joffrey Baratheon, my fealty and my service and to protect Kings Landing,” the stranger said, it seemed as though he was on their side.

“How many men do you have serving under you Ser Addam?” Joffrey was showing what little sense he had; he asked the knight the same question Tywin would have.

“Over three hundred, your grace,” the knight’s words where a blessing. Three hundred extra men would be extremely useful in protecting the city from their enemies. Tywin waited by the door, he wanted to see how his grandson would react to the good news; Joffrey rose from the Iron Throne, approached the knight and extended his left. Addam Hill kissed the King’s ring, which bore the royal seal.

“Your service in protecting me and this great city will reward you, Ser Addam,” Joffrey sounded happy; this was one of those rare days when he didn’t have someone killed during court. The king looked across the throne room and spotted his grandfather waiting by the door; Tywin approached.

“Your Grace,” Tywin spoke in usual serious tone, “Care to introduce me to our new ally?”

“Ah, yes. Ser Addam, this is my grandfather, Tywin Lannister; Hand of the King, Lord of Casterly Rock, Shield of Lannisport and Warden of the West but you probably already knew that.”

WC: 869

When Tywin Lannister entered the room, there was a midst of intrigue and power about him. Which was even furthered by the guard of red cloaks that walked behind him, hands on their sword hilts. The ring of boots on the hard marble floor echoed throughout the chamber and several noblemen and women got up and quickly left the room. The king looked extremely pleased with himself. As if he was the one who invited Addam to the Capital to offer him his services.

“Ah yes, Ser Addam. This is my grandfather Tywin Lannister; Hand of the king, Lord of Casterly rock, Shield of Lannisport and Warden of the west. But you probably already knew that.” Joffrey ‘s tone was too smug for Addam as he was forced to pivot to bow to the Grandfather of the king. Addam’s left hand gripped the pommel of the sword tighter, it was increasingly lucky that there was a glove over his left hand. But nevertheless, the guards saw this and shifted nervously on their feet.

Addam bowed his head down and his blonde fringe fell over his eyes. The hair made him look like one of the lions that roamed the west. He enjoyed that look immensely. “Lord Tywin. I have heard great stories of you and your deeds. About how you destroyed the houses of Tarbeck and Reyne when you were but a young man. I hear your grandson also has your gift for battle and I have come to pledge my services to you.” Joffrey looked extremely pleased with this and it seemed Addam went up in his books to high favor. He placed a hand on Addam’s shoulder and said; “Rise Ser Addam. You will become a trusted confident to me, but there is one thing my grandfather and I must ask of you. A task if you would. To prove your loyalty to the people of King’s Landing.” Joffrey looked across at his grandfather. “Isn’t that so grandfather?’’

WC=330
Total wc= 1152

Ser Addam Hill bowed before Tywin, his mane of blonde hair made him look much like a lion. The knight's hand rested upon the pommel of his blade but, even if his intention had been to kill the Hand or the King, there was no way he could draw it without being cut down a red cloaked Lannister guardsman or a knight of the Kingsguard.

“Lord Tywin. I have heard great stories of you and your deeds. About how you destroyed the houses of Tarbeck and Reyne when you were but a young man. I hear your grandson also has your gift for battle and I have come to pledge my services to you.”

It pleased Tywin greatly that the knight had heard of him; it meant he understand just how dangerous the Lord of Casterley Rock could be if he was upset. The Hand of the King was not sure if he trusted Hill completely; he had never once heard of him and he found it strange that a mere knight would travel from the Westerlands to Kings Landing simply to proclaim his loyalty, it was usually lords and ladies that came to court to swear fealty to Joffrey.

“Rise Ser Addam. You will become a trusted confident to me, but there is one thing my grandfather and I must ask of you. A task if you would. To prove your loyalty to the people of King’s Landing.”

Having been complimented greatly by Addam, Joffrey had to risen to his feet and practically proclaimed his love for the man but at least the boy had been smart enough to ask for some display of loyalty from the knight before giving him some kind of task of vital importance to complete. The king locked eyes with his grandfather for but a few seconds, as though seeking his approval on this matter; Tywin gave a curt nod and Joffrey proceeded.

“Isn’t that so grandfather?’’ the king said, effectively passing control of the situation to a much more capable man.

"Yes, Your Grace. You're correct," Tywin needed to think of some small task to give to Addam and his men that would prove their loyalty to the crown without giving a knight he did not trust an important task; it didn't take the Hand long to think of something, "with the walls of this fine city there is a group of rebels; call themselves the Antler Men. They intend to help one of Joffrey's uncles sack Kings Landing when they attack; I want you and your men to find these rebels, I do not care if you kill them or capture them but I expect them to be dealt with."

The Antler Men where no real threat to the crown, Varys had discovered their plot relatively quickly, but if Ser Addam Hill would kill in Joffrey's name then he would have proved himself to be loyal to the one true king of Westeros. Tywin would find some use for his men and, perhaps, the knight would receive some kind of reward for helping protect the city. The Lord of Casterly Rock was thinking long into the future, Addam still had to accept and complete the task at hand.

WC: 536.
TWC: 1,405.

Addam looked up into Tywin Lannister’s face. It was a hard face and Addam had no trouble with killing these “Antler Men” After all. Deer were prey to Lion’s. As were direwolfs. Addam rose to his feet and clapped a hand over his heart and spoke. “It shall be done Lord Tywin, Your grace” As Addam went to leave, he heard Joffrey call something out to him. He turned and reluctantly sank into a bow once more. “Pardons your grace, But I misheard you.” Joffrey stepped forwards, boot’s ringing over the hall.

“Is there any help you require in destroying these infidels Ser Addam?” Joffrey’s pouty lips mashed together constantly and Addam shook his head. “Only that you let no one out of the court your grace until I return.” He spoke quietly to King Joffrey and it was only him who heard. Joffrey nodded and spun about and shouted to the hall. “No one is to leave this area until Ser Hill returns!” The whole crowd stirred anxiously as Addam trotted down the steps.

He called over his squire and asked the boy (Who had a habit of dreaming) To fetch him his chainmail, pauldrons and his surcoat. The boy nodded dreamily and actually returned with the right stuff. Addam patiently let the boy armor him up and then he took up his helm. It was a visorless thing. With only a piece covering his nose, On top it had a roaring lion and Addam placed it onto his head, bushy hair produting from underneath the edges.

As he stepped into the hall, He stepped into an alcove and asked one of the guards to inform King Joffrey that he was here. His position held him from sight and he caught glimpses of the door’s opening, from which people poured out from the Great Throne Room.

Addam looked at each and everyone one of them hard. There was one man who was anxious, nervous so to speak and Addam decided to follow him. The man didn’t glance over his shoulder once and he whispered to a boy who took off running. Addam nodded to two of his men who followed him quietly. The man took them all the way down to Flea bottom and to a small little meat shop there. He knocked a obviously coded knock which Addam took note of and he was let in. Addam walked up to the door and slowly placed an ear against it to hear the conversation.

“What is it Sobho, what does smith want?” The voice was thick and heavy and Addam sensed he was a fighter. “The hand has sent a man to come and kill us. We must flee!” Sobho Mott, who was obviously a smith whined. Several more voices rang out from within and with a flourish, Addam drew his sword. Raising a hand, he knocked on the door. The coded knock. One of the men rushed over and from within, a sigh of happiness was heard. A small man opened the door with a smile, but that ended when he saw Addam.

Addams sword flashed down through the air and cut open the face of the man, who fell back screaming and clutching his face. Addam rushed in, closely followed by his two men and saw a small group backed into a corner and protected by a big brute with a huge war hammer.

“By order of the grace King Joffrey, You are under arrest for parcipating in the illegal group, “The Antler Men” Do you want to come quietly?” Addam’s voice rang out through the small shop and he saw two swords being drawn. “No” The big man said and his war hammer came flying through the air. Addam side stepped as his two men engaged with the other two. The huge man swung again and the table erupted in shards or timber and wood. The big man roared and dropped the war hammer and drew a curved sword which he proceeded to attack Addam with.

Addam blocked the first blow and it came as quite a shock when he was tossed bodily across the room. He hit the wall with a smash and he saw one of his men go down trying to engage the beast and the other one fall back, injured.

The man came over once more and picked Addam up and punched him across the face, his helm flying to the side of the room. Addam scrambled at his dagger in his belt and ripped it free and punched it into the Giant’s leg.

The Giant roared in anger and threw Addam across the room. Right next to his sword. He looked up and saw the dagger being tossed at him and batted it away quickly. Addam quickly leapt forwards and slashed down, ripping open the giant’s chest. He slashed once more and took off the Giant’s arm. Then drove his sword into his stomach. The giant only grinned and pulled Addam closer. Addam was looking at him with a sense of shock when he pulled his sword free and Addam cleanly decapitated him. “Get them tied up. We’ll collect Halberd’s body later.” Addam ordered his only surviving member and the man nodded and proceeded to tie up the Antler Men. Addam looked in the mirror and surveyed the damage. A cut below his eye was leaking blood, his mouth was covered in it. A slight scar on his lower lip was shown and when Addam looked down, he found his chainmail had been rent open, revealing the horrid scar that ran across it.

When Addam shoved the Antler Men into the great hall, He thought he looked a bit haggard. Bloody face, chainmail rent open revealing scars. He hoped it was an intimidating sight

WC=963

TOTAL WC=2115

"It shall be done Lord Tywin, Your Grace”

Joffrey said something but Ser Addam didn't seem to hear him clearly.

“Is there any help you require in destroying these infidels Ser Addam?” Joffrey said, walking towards the knight. Tywin would not have offered him assistance, this was supposed to be task during which he would prove himself; it wouldn't be an accurate display of Addam Hill's ability if he was able to take men along with him. Joffrey and the knight where conversing with one another in hushed tones.

“No one is to leave this area until Ser Hill returns!” the king exclaimed, he returned to his previous position in front of the Iron Throne once the knight had vacated the throne room. Joffrey had handled himself well at court, usually someone died; the king was usually reckless but seemed to have displayed some self control and dignity throughout the day.

Tywin stood quietly by Joffrey's side whilst Ser Addam accepted the task of dealing with the Antler Men; just as he had expected. The Hand of the King knew that Ser Addam Hill could not be deemed entirely trustworthy simply because he was going to deal with a group of pathetic rebels but once the knight believed that he had gained Lord Tywin's trust, he would be ordered to stay within the walls of Kings Landing which was the real test of allegiance; if he was planning to commit some kind of treason, Varys would discover it and Addam Hill would be put to death but if the knight from the Westerlands was truly on their side then he and his men would be put to good use in the war effort.

"We cannot trust him," Tywin whispered to his grandson, no one else in the room needed to hear what he had to say, "even if he does kill or capture the Antler Men for us."

"Why not?" Joffrey replied, whispering just as his grandfather had. He sounded almost childish and it was evident that he already trusted Addam Hill. The king seemed to love the knight for the way in which he had flattered him, when Tywin had first entered the room.

"We cannot trust Addam Hill because we know nothing of him. He may well have agreed to kill traitors in your name but, to some men, murder is nothing; just ask your dog."

"Aye, Lord Tywin has the way of it. You shouldn't trust a man just because he throws a few kind words your way," the Hound growled, Tywin wasn't particularly fond of Sandor Clegane but at least he had taken his side over in the argument. He had the sense to keep his voice low too.

"What do you suggest we do then, grandfather?" Joffrey was angry, it seemed as though he felt like he was being treated like a child; his Hand and a member of his Kingsguard had gone against him but it seemed as though he was willing to do things their way.

"We let Ser Addam think he has our complete trust and keep him in the city by giving him menial tasks. Whilst he's here we have Lord Varys keep an eye on him and, if he isn't thinking of committing some kind of heinous act of treason against you, we keep him and use his men... they will prove vital, if they city is attacked by either of your uncles."

"Very well," Joffrey said, he didn't seem quite so angry anymore; he liked his grandfather's plan.

Court was restless; the lords, ladies and knights in attendance where unhappy at having been forced to stay in the throne room whilst some man they had never laid eyes upon before rushed off to fight with traitors. Lord Tywin was thinking about dismissing them when Ser Addam returned, he had made relatively quick work of the traitors, with a few of the antler men bound in ropes in order to stop them struggling or fighting. The knight's armour was damaged, his face was bloodied and his body was scarred; evidently the Antler Men hadn't been as easily handled as Tywin had initially thought.

"Guards, take these men away. They will be executed tomorrow!", Tywin called out, several armed men stepped forwards, grabbed the bound traitors and dragged them away, "Ser Addam, I'm sure you'll want to visit the maester; your wounds must be treated, you will suffer greatly if they should fester."

"Court is dismissed!" Joffrey called out, the people where free to leave now that Ser Addam had returned to the throne room; Tywin didn't even know why he had asked them to stay until he returned. The Lord of Casterly was hoping that the knight would head off to have his wounds dealt with; he had had a long day and was growing both impatient and hungry.

WC: 809.
TWC: 2,214.