A Song of Ice and Fire, #3
A Storm of Swords
by George R. R. Martin
Contents
CHAPTER 63: DAVOS
Overview
During a R’hllor nightfire, Davos leads a covert rescue, smuggling Edric Storm off Dragonstone to thwart Melisandre’s plan to sacrifice the boy and “wake stone dragons.”
Confronting Stannis, Davos reports Joffrey’s death, challenges the moral calculus of sacrifice, and, with Lightbringer drawn, begins reading a crucial letter to sway the king.
Summary
As Melisandre leads a nightfire ceremony with Queen Selyse and the queen’s men, Davos watches from above, fearing the red priestess’s growing sway. When the prayers deepen, he slips away with a small band of loyalists—Ser Andrew Estermont, Ser Gerald Gower, Ser Rolland Storm, Lewys the Fishwife, and Omer Blackberry—to enact a covert plan.
Davos and his men retrieve Edric Storm from Maester Pylos’s lessons. Despite Edric’s protests and desire to bid Princess Shireen farewell, Davos presses him to move quickly. They subdue guards and guide Edric through a postern gate to a waiting boat bound for Salladhor Saan’s galley Mad Prendos, sending the boy to sea and out of Melisandre’s reach.
With Edric away, Davos returns alone to the Chamber of the Painted Table to await Stannis. When Stannis and Melisandre arrive, Davos confirms news from Lyseni traders: King Joffrey is dead, likely poisoned at his wedding. Melisandre declares this the third death promised by leeches and urges Stannis to “wake the stone dragons” by sacrificing Edric’s kingsblood.
Davos reveals that Edric is already gone, startling Melisandre. Stannis, torn between duty and horror, accuses Davos of treason. Davos counters that his oath compels him to protect the king’s people, Edric included, and argues that a true king shields the innocent rather than burns them.
Melisandre invokes prophecy and the need for sacrifice—likening it to Azor Ahai’s forging of Lightbringer—while Davos insists the cost is a living boy, not cattle. Stannis draws Lightbringer and demands Davos speak quickly. Davos produces a parchment he has learned to read with Maester Pylos’s help and begins to read it aloud by the sword’s glow, aiming to redirect Stannis’s purpose.
Who Appears
- Davos SeaworthKing’s Hand who smuggles Edric Storm to sea, confronts Stannis and Melisandre, and begins reading a pivotal letter.
- Stannis BaratheonTorn between duty and sacrifice; learns of Joffrey’s death; demands Edric’s return; draws Lightbringer during Davos’s defiance.
- MelisandreRed priestess urging Edric’s sacrifice to wake stone dragons; surprised by Edric’s escape; argues prophecy and necessity.
- Edric StormRobert Baratheon’s bastard; removed from Dragonstone by Davos to prevent his sacrifice; reluctant but compliant.
- Maester PylosAids Davos by releasing Edric; has been teaching Davos to read; remains on Dragonstone despite risk.
- Ser Andrew EstermontLeads Edric to the boat and accompanies him to the galley; supports Davos’s plan.
- Ser Gerald GowerHelps guard the route and facilitate Edric’s escape during the covert operation.
- Ser Rolland Storm (Bastard of Nightsong)Assists the plot, secures gates, and handles captured guards after Edric departs.
- Lewys the FishwifeCo-conspirator; secures the postern gate and boat for Edric’s escape.
- Omer BlackberryAids at the postern gate; participates in the smuggling of Edric to the waiting boat.
- Queen Selyse FlorentLeads responses at the nightfire; supports Melisandre’s cause.
- Princess Shireen BaratheonPresent at the nightfire; Edric wishes to bid her farewell but is denied.
- Ser Axell FlorentZealous queen’s man at the nightfire; symbol of Melisandre’s influence over the court.
- Salladhor SaanProvides the galley Mad Prendos for Edric’s escape; source of news from King’s Landing.