A Song of Ice and Fire, #3
A Storm of Swords
by George R. R. Martin
Contents
CHAPTER 36: DAVOS
Overview
Davos is taken from his cell to advise Stannis, opposing Ser Axell Florent’s plan to ravage Claw Isle and winning the king’s respect. Stannis rejects terror tactics, elevates Davos to Hand, and hears Melisandre warn of a greater war. Using Edric Storm’s leeches, Stannis names Joffrey, Balon, and Robb as usurpers and burns them, signaling grim new magic-driven resolve.
Summary
In Dragonstone’s dungeons, Davos hears approaching voices. Ser Axell Florent arrives with guards, frees Davos but leaves Lord Alester Florent in darkness, and threatens Davos on the bridge to support Axell’s bid to become Hand—or risk an “accident.”
In the Chamber of the Painted Table, Stannis questions Davos about treason and denounces Alester’s failed peacemaking. Ser Axell presents his plan to punish Lord Celtigar’s defection by sacking Claw Isle. Davos condemns the plan as folly and cowardice, arguing it targets innocents whose men died for Stannis.
Pressed on loyalty, Davos rashly cites Stannis’s own choice to abandon Aerys for Robert. Stannis dismisses Axell and confronts Davos about his attempt on Melisandre; Davos blames her for his sons’ deaths. Stannis defends Melisandre and reveals concern for Edric Storm, whose king’s blood she claims holds power.
Stannis rejects terror at Claw Isle and, moved by Davos’s honesty, knights him anew and astonishingly names him Lord of the Rainwood, Admiral of the Narrow Sea, and Hand of the King. Davos protests his low birth and illiteracy, but Stannis values his loyalty above all.
Melisandre arrives, proclaiming a looming, greater war and urging sacrifice of Edric to “wake the stone dragon.” Stannis refuses, choosing a lesser rite. Before Davos, Melisandre produces three blood-fat leeches from Edric; Stannis casts them into the brazier one by one, naming Joffrey Baratheon, Balon Greyjoy, and Robb Stark as usurpers, binding his cause to dark portents.
Who Appears
- Davos SeaworthFreed from the dungeon; opposes sacking Claw Isle; confesses attempt on Melisandre; named Hand of the King.
- Stannis BaratheonWeary and resolute; rejects Axell’s terror plan; elevates Davos to Hand; burns leeches naming Joffrey, Balon, Robb.
- MelisandreWarns of a greater war; urges sacrifice of Edric Storm; conducts leech ritual with king’s blood.
- Ser Axell FlorentSeeks to be Hand; proposes sacking Claw Isle; threatens Davos; dismissed from the king’s presence.
- Lord Alester FlorentImprisoned former Hand; left in darkness as Davos is taken; condemned for treason by Stannis.
- LampreyGaoler who unlocks Davos’s cell and escorts the party.
- Edric StormRobert’s bastard; ill offpage; his leech-drawn king’s blood used in Melisandre’s ritual.