Edwyn Buckler watched his brother and cousin making preparations to travel to Storm’s End, and he clenched his fist against his side, trying to suppress his anger. Storm’s End was the reason that Davos, Corwyn, and Alan were dead, and Stannis was determined to regain the Baratheons’ favor, after everything they’d done to the Bucklers. He couldn’t stand it any longer, and after the news he’d recently received, he finally had an excuse not to hang about and watch as his brother made nice to their enemies.

“Stannis,” Edwyn called out, approaching his brother at the stables. “I need a horse myself, if you don’t mind losing one.”

Stannis frowned. “What are you planning on doing with it that I won’t be getting it back?” he asked, his brow furrowed in thought.

“I’m riding for Raventree Hall,” Edwyn replied, “and I don’t intend that I should return.”

Stannis sighed and leaned against the stable wall, looking at Edwyn intently. “And why is that, Edwyn?” he asked. “I have need of you here, you know that, we’ve discussed this.”

“I don’t recall any discussion,” Edwyn said flatly. “I recall you telling me you intended to marry me to the daughter of one of the houses who spilled our family’s blood on the Kingsroad, but there was no discussion. As for the why of it-“ he reached into his pocket and drew out the letter from Raventree, which he’d been holding on his person since he received it. “Benjicot Blackwood is dead, and I’ve been invited to his funeral. Once I’m there, I’ll find some other house to offer my sword to, one where I can stand the sight of my neighbors.”

“Damn it, Edwyn,” Stannis said, barely holding back his anger. “You think running off to the Trident is going to make things any better? The war is over, and I need your support here. You’re the only brother I have left, do you expect me to rely on Simon if you’re gone?”

“The war will be over when everyone who fought in it is dead, Stannis,” Edwyn said. “I can never forget what happened, do you think that the others can? It’s probably best if I go, every time the other houses lay their eyes on me, it’s a reminder that we stood against them. Once I’m gone, you’ll have an easier time trying to reconcile if you’re determined that’s what you should do.”

Stannis stared at Edwyn for a moment, then sighed heavily and nodded. “Go then, damn you,” he said, turning away from Edwyn to finish preparing his horse. After a moment, he said, “Take Davos’s horse, if it will let you ride it. It was always the hardiest, and you’ll need that for the ride to Raventree, especially in winter.”

Edwyn nodded. Davos’s horse had always been an ill tempered beast, but Stannis was right, it was his best option to get to Raventree in good time. He made to turn away from his brother, then said, “Goodbye, Stannis.”

Stannis grunted. “Gods go with you, Edwyn.”

With that, Edwyn walked away from what he had a feeling was the last conversation he would ever have with his brother.