A Clash of Kings (A Song of Ice and Fire, #2)

by George R.R. Martin

“I am informed that Renly Baratheon has marched from Highgarden. He is making his way up the roseroad, with all his strength behind him.” “Varys gave me the same report.” “He could be here by the full moon.” “Not at his present leisurely pace,” Tyrion assured her. “He feasts every night in a different castle, and holds court at every crossroads he passes.” “And every day, more men rally to his banners. His host is now said to be a hundred thousand strong.” “That seems rather high.” “He has the power of Storm’s End and Highgarden behind him, you little fool,” Cersei snapped down at him. “All the Tyrell bannermen but for the Redwynes, and you have me to thank for that. So long as I hold those poxy twins of his, Lord Paxter will squat on the Arbor and count himself fortunate to be out of it.” “A pity you let the Knight of Flowers slip through your pretty fingers. Still, Renly has other concerns besides us. Our father at Harrenhal, Robb Stark at Riverrun … were I he, I would do much as he is doing. Make my progress, flaunt my power for the realm to see, watch, wait. Let my rivals contend while I bide my own sweet time. If Stark defeats us, the south will fall into Renly’s hands like a windfall from the gods, and he’ll not have lost a man. And if it goes the other way, he can descend on us while we are weakened.”