Chapter 152

“You’re not the first person who’s tried to bring down Slynt,” Ser Jacelyn Bywater said after a moment of silence. “But do you even know who’s behind him?”

“King Robert. And I know why His Grace favors him—because Slynt follows orders without question, never asks why, never boasts about it afterward. That’s correct, isn’t it?”

“Looks like you’ve done your homework. Since you’re aware of this, what makes you so confident you can take him down?” Bywater shook his head. “You’d be better off just hiring someone to assassinate him. Quick, clean, no loose ends.”

The assassination of the Commander of the City Watch would be no small matter. If Robert decided to pursue the case in anger, he could turn King’s Landing upside down. That was a last resort, one Aegor wasn’t desperate enough to consider. Instead of addressing the suggestion, he answered the previous question. “Our confidence lies in the fact that we don’t need to frame Slynt. He’s already filthy beyond redemption.” Aegor paused, his gaze sharp. “And we have a just and honorable Hand of the King. Coincidentally, I happen to be Arya Stark’s swordsmanship instructor.”

“Don’t think that connection makes you invincible,” Bywater replied dismissively. “The last Hand, Jon Arryn, was just and honorable too. A year ago, he tried to have Slynt removed. He even found two soldiers from the Watch willing to testify against him. Not long after, both of them died in mysterious ‘accidents.’ And not long after that, Jon Arryn himself was dead. Everyone says it was Lysa who poisoned him, but who really knows? Slynt may not be particularly skilled, but when it comes to being ruthless, none of us can match him.”

“This time is different,” Aegor said, a confident smile playing on his lips. “When Jon Arryn tried to remove Slynt, he was acting openly while Slynt moved in the shadows. That leak of information led to his failure. But now, we’re the ones in the shadows, and Slynt is exposed.” Leaning forward slightly, he continued, “My partner, Tyrion Lannister, is already negotiating with the city’s key players. Lords Gyles Rosby, Buckwell of Stag’s Horn, and the sons of House Stokeworth in King’s Landing—all these Crownlands nobles and their allied merchants will join our cause soon enough. Do you think Slynt has the power to eliminate all of them?”

“Oh?” Bywater raised a brow. “If what you’re saying is true, then I believe you’re well-prepared. But how do I know you’re not just bluffing, trying to push me to the front lines?”

“Bluffing you? Ser Bywater, I came to you not to put you in the vanguard but to ask you to stand as a witness when the Hand begins his investigation. If the situation turns unfavorable, you can act as if this meeting never happened. How does that sound?”

Aegor’s frankness seemed to win Bywater over. “Very well. I’ll help, but on one condition: for my own safety and that of my men, I won’t act until I see clear signs of the support you’ve promised. But once your allies make their moves, I’ll cooperate fully. Agreed?”

“Agreed.” Aegor smiled. With this commitment, he could confidently approach other officers and claim that Ser Bywater was already on board. “Now, let’s discuss what evidence or testimony your men might provide for our case.”
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As the conversation stretched into the night, under the eerie light of the blood-red comet hanging beside the moon, Aegor realized the evening had been far more fruitful than expected. The corruption tied to Slynt was far worse than he had initially imagined. The man’s methods of lining his pockets were nothing short of brazen.

Tyrion had mentioned that half of the City Watch was backed by various noble houses and factions in King’s Landing—a fact Bywater confirmed. Of the remaining officers, those not personally appointed by King Robert were all men who had purchased their ranks from Slynt. From gate captains to squad leaders, every position came with a price.

“It’s not just the selling of positions,” Bywater said bitterly. “The real outrage is that every officer who buys a rank must not only pay an upfront bribe but also give Slynt half their monthly salary. Their wages end up barely higher than those of regular soldiers. Many promising young men have left because of it. Over the years, the City Watch has stopped resembling a military force and become more like Slynt’s personal pigsty. He’s running a racket, slaughtering his pigs for monthly profit.”

Aegor couldn’t help but marvel at how quickly the Baratheon dynasty had descended into corruption. It was no wonder Robert claimed the next man in charge could be worse; Aegor was starting to grasp the depths of his misrule. “With things this dire, has no one thought of rebelling?”

“Who would organize it?” Bywater said with a bitter smile. “Slynt is no fool. He leaves the noble-backed officers alone and targets the rest. If Slynt falls, his co-conspirators—those who bribed their way into their ranks—will also be implicated. He’s even cultivated a group of loyalists, about a hundred or two hundred men stationed in the Eastern Barracks. These men receive full wages and benefits, so they’re fiercely loyal to him. Pathetic, isn’t it? And rumor has it, he sends regular gifts to the Master of Laws, Lord Renly, ensuring Renly turns a blind eye.”

Renly? Aegor had suspected as much. Though Robert’s younger brother wasn’t the type to take bribes outright, his political instincts meant he preferred to avoid conflict. Renly’s ambition was to win friends, not make enemies. He might excel as a diplomat, but as Master of Laws, he was practically useless. Aegor and Tyrion had decided early on to bypass Renly entirely and take their case directly to the Hand. That decision now seemed vindicated.

Aegor pressed on. “Is there anything else we can use?”

“Plenty,” Bywater said with a dark smile. “Slynt doesn’t care for his wife. She’s a commoner with no family influence and can’t control him. After fathering four children with her, he’s cast her aside and keeps three mistresses in different homes around the city. Two of them have already borne him bastards.”

If Aegor hadn’t returned to King’s Landing so quickly after quelling the rebellion in the Vale, he dreaded to think what might have happened to Nina. He could well imagine the helplessness of common women faced with Slynt’s power. “How do you know so much about his private affairs? Have you been investigating him?”

“Private? Only if he tried to hide it! The man flaunts it shamelessly. He uses the City Watch to do favors for his mistresses—delivering supplies, moving furniture, even helping their families farm. My men at Mud Gate are often forced to do the heavy lifting. It’s his way of showing me who’s in charge.”

Aegor grinned. “Perfect. His arrogance will make gathering evidence all the easier. Ser Bywater, could you compile the names and addresses of his mistresses and bastards for me?”

“Not yet. My men are the ones who’ve done those errands, not me. If I start digging around for details, they’ll realize I’m planning to move against Slynt. Since many of them bought their ranks through him, leaks are inevitable. And Slynt has friends in both high and low places.”

Aegor nodded, understanding Bywater’s caution. “Fair enough. Once the investigation begins, can you provide the evidence?”

“Of course. If the Hand starts investigating, I’ll deliver everything I’ve got.”

Aegor smiled, appreciating Bywater’s prudence. “Then we have an agreement?”

Bywater tapped the table with his iron hand. “We do. But you and your friends better watch yourselves. If Slynt gets wind of this, he won’t hesitate to strike.”

Aegor wasn’t worried—Eddard Stark wouldn’t betray the identities of those filing reports. Still, he kept Jaqen close for added security. “Thank you for the warning. I’ll take my leave. Expect the plan to unfold in the next day or two.”

Bywater smirked. “Once I lost my hand, my memory got a lot sharper. No need to see me out.”
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