A Game of Thrones (A Song of Ice and Fire, #1)

by George R.R. Martin

“So it was the King’s Spider who found me.” Littlefinger winced. “You don’t want to call him that. He’s very sensitive. Comes of being an eunuch, I imagine. Nothing happens in this city without Varys knowing. Ofttimes he knows about it before it happens. He has informants everywhere. His little birds, he calls them. One of his little birds heard about your visit. Thankfully, Varys came to me first.” “Why you?” He shrugged. “Why not me? I am master of coin, the king’s own councillor. Selmy and Lord Renly rode north to meet Robert, and Lord Stannis is gone to Dragonstone, leaving only Maester Pycelle and me. I was the obvious choice. I was ever a friend to your sister Lysa, Varys knows that.” “Does Varys know about …” “Lord Varys knows everything … except why you are here.” He lifted an eyebrow. “Why are you here?” “A wife is allowed to yearn for her husband, and if a mother needs her daughters close, who can tell her no?” Littlefinger laughed. “Oh, very good, my lady, but please don’t expect me to believe that. I know you too well. What were the Tully words again?” Her throat was dry. “Family, Duty, Honor,” she recited stiffly. He did know her too well. “Family, Duty, Honor,” he echoed. “All of which required you to remain in Winterfell, where our Hand left you. No, my lady, something has happened. This sudden trip of yours bespeaks a certain urgency. I beg of you, let me help. Old sweet friends should never hesitate to rely upon each other.”