The following events are a branch off of my story A Song of Manes and Antlers mainly being, (What if Chapter 16 didn't happen) and how would Roland of dealt with certain events. Everything in ACOK and ASOS or seasons 2-4 are basically the same, save for a few minor details. Here's my take on how would Roland deal with the Sparrows and their leader. If you like it I'll go into more detail about other events. For anyone wondering about the main story I apologize for the wait but I've hit a wall and progress has been slow.

The Stag and the Sparrow

Roland Baratheon walked slowly towards the Great Sept of Baelor. His personal guard the Renegades, made up of the former Brotherhood without Banners, hedge knights and bastards flanked him. The enterance to the sept was guarded by at least a dozen men clothed in black and armed with spiked clubs. The newly restored Faith Militant. "Gods, I'm gone for only a few months and everything goes to shit."

After his wedding to Sansa, Roland took pocession of Ice and took his wife to Storm's End for her safety. Then he gathered an expeditionairy force of 10,000 stormlanders and 50,000 Reachmen to bring the Iron Islands to heel. Aiding him were Randyll Tarly, Paxtor Redwyne and the Redwyne fleet. Roland was able to get the blessing from his grandfather Tywins easily. Since his own son would inherit the north, Roland needed to cleanse it of the ironborn who were in open rebellion against the crown."

One by one the islands fell, Roland showed no mercy as he cut a bloody path through the ironborn. Every male of age was slain and the Iles were tripped of everything. During his campaign Roland came into pocession of the Valyrian Steel swords Red Rain, and Nightfall. Finally he laid siege to Pyke, Roland tasked Lord Tarly of running the siege, with simple instructions, "Take everything, save the castle, kill them all." It Was during the siege that Roland learned of the Red Wedding and the particpants. He hid his anger well and decided to do something about it

As Tarly continued the siege of Pyke, Roland went north to exterminate the pockets of Ironborn that plagued the North. He was glad Roose Bolton had been named Warden of the north. Being given that title now made the Boltons a threat to Sansa and his heir. Roland would rid himself of of a threat to his claim and avange his friend as a bonus with a legitimate reason for doing so.

Once he landed in the north Roland liberated Deepwood Motte and Torrhen's Square and left a garrison in the ruined Winterfell. These actions earned him the repect from the northmen. He then rode Ironwrath where he was able to deal with Ramsay Snow and Ludd Whitehill at the same time. While Ludd was given a blade to his neck Roland prolonged Ramsay's suffering as long as he could. Making him walk naked all the way to Highpoint before impaling him on a stake and left to the crows.

After slaying Ludd's remaining sons and sending Gwyn to Ironwrath as a 'guest', Roland heard of the Night's watch's call for aid. As he marched his army north, he crushed a wildling raiding party leaving only two survivors who he sent back to Mance with a message. Roland was able to reach an agreement with the wildlings, when he was joined by Lord Stannis and his army. His uncle bend the knee without a fight. It was through Stannis that Roland had learned of his brother's death and Tyrion's sentencing. Together, Roland tasked Stannis with dealing with Roose and stablizing the North while he marched back south. Moat Cailin was vulnerable to a southern attack enbling Roland to capture it easily.

Once he entered the Riverlands, Roland cut down frey and bolton men alike. At Riverrun he cut down the Spicers, and Goodbrooks for their part in the Red Wedding and the Brakens for siding with the Lannisters later. It was around this time that Roland learned of Tywin Lannisters death at the hands of Tyrion. The lannisters were powerless to stop him. Since Joffrey was dead Roland was now King by all the laws of westeros and if they raised their swords against hin it would be considered treason.

During his campaign he had captured a number of Walder Frey's kin, including Aenys, Jared, Edwyn, Black Wader, Rhaegar, Symond, Little Walder and Big Walder. Roland even took Emmon Frey despite his Great-Aunt Gemma's protests. Roland had his captives impaled within full view of the Twins. He sent a raven to Old Walder demanding the release of GreatJon Umber or the rest of his family would recieve the same treatment. Without Tywin or Roose Bolton to aid him, Walder caved in without a fight. Gemma was shocked at Roland's actions stating that Emmon was his great uncle by marraige. Roland countered by pointing out that Robb Stark was Tywin's grandson by marraige yet that did not stop Tywin from orchastrating his death. Roland vowed to return to the twins after he had fixed the damage his wayward mother was causing.

Roland's actions in the Iron Isles, the North and the Riverlands had earned him popular support all across westeros. Aside from the Lannisters, nobody condemned him for his actions. Most houses saw him as carrying out justice that was denied. He returned to King's Landing over a year later where he learned of the rise of the Sparrows, the Tyrells imprisonment and his mother's role in it. When he got to the Red Keep he found Tommen sulking in his chambers. He begged his older brother to help his wife. Roland nodded assuring his brother that he would take care of it.

Roland shook his head, he never liked the Faith of the Seven. So restrictive and with little sense. 'How can seven be one especially when three of them are women. Does that mean the single diety has tits and a cock. Knee length hair as well as a beard?' Six are good with no real gods to represent evil. The Stranger is neither since Death doesn't differentiate from good people or bad. The only god that Roland still held respect for is the one everyone gave the least respect to. 'I never understood why people give him so much grief,' He thought. 'The Stranger is merely staying true to his purpose.'

He finally came to the steps of the sept only for the militant to block his path weapons drawn. Roland smiled to himself. He unstrapped his sword belt and handed it over to his leader of the Renegades. Beric Dondarrion, he looked at the sparrows and they reeled in shock at his gruesome scars.

Roland then opened his hands to the sept. "I wish to pray in the Sept," Roland said. That is not against the laws of the faith is it?"

The Sparrows looked at each other unsure. Roland continued, "I am unarmed," he told them. "Would you spill innocent blood on holy ground?" Now the sparrows were doubting themselves the boy was doing no harm and to strike him on the steps of the sept would be a terrible sin. Finally the leader of the sparrows nodded and permitted them to enter.

Roland entered the sept. It had been a while since he had been here. Since his unfortunate brother's wedding some months ago. Beric stayed back as Roland walked furthur in. The place was empty save for an elderly man cleaning the floor. Roland could already guess who it was.

"Are you the High Sparrow Or High Septon or whatever he has chosen to call himself?" Roland asked in the most polite voice he could manage."

"It's not as good a name as Black Prince, I'll admit," the old man replied.

"You should have the decency to look a person in they eye when speaking to them." Roland scolded.

"You should have the decency to kneel before the gods," The High Sparrow retorted.

Roland chuckled, "let me know when they arrive and I shall do just that."

The High Sparrow finally looked up at Roland in surprise. "That is blasphemy Roland Baratheon," He warned him.

Roland shrugged, "hard to respect gods that don't care about those that worship them." Roland replied. He paused and sighed. "But as a gesture of good will." The young king walked into the middle of the Sept turned towards one of the seven and knelt before the statue."

"You kneel before the Stranger?" The High Sparrow questioned.

Roland smiled and nodded. "Yes, you should give him more respect High Sparrow. He is after all the most influencial of the Seven."

"He represents death." The High Sparrow quipped.

"Yes he does." Roland acknowledged, "There is little justice in this world, and even less mercy. Many are strong but few are wise. War is common enough and innocence is hard to come by. But death my friend, death is everywhere, is takes many forms, visits anytime and targets everyone. You may be a king or a nights watch ranger but sooner or later all dance with the Stranger. Death is the painful truth High Sparrow, Life is the beautiful lie."

The High Sparrow stared at him in shock. Roland wanted the High Sparrow to think that he worshipped death and it seemed to be working. "

"Do you know why I have come here High Sparrow?"

"I assume it's for the Tyrells."

Roland nodded. "I came to talk to you, face to face, man to man. No soldiers or sparrows, no weapons to try and resolve this matter peacefully."

The High Sparrow shook his head. "Margaery and Loras Tyrell swore sacred vows and lied. The Father judges us all, sons of royalty, to sons of fishermen. If you break his was you will be punished. The Gods laws must be appied to all equally."

Roland smirked in amusement. it took all his willpower to not keel over with laughter. "If that is true High Sparrow than why aren't you in a cell."

That took the High Sparrow off guard, and Roland walked closer to him. "Have you ever sinned High Sparrow?"

The old man nodded reluctantly, "greatly, many times."

Roland continued. "You said that all sinners are equal so by all rights that should imply an equal punishment?"

"I have already been whipped for my wickedness, King Roland." The High Sparrow turned around and lifted his roughspun robe revealing no less that a hundred scars across his back.

Roland nodded in acknowledgement. "If you had been so wicked than who are you to judge other who's sins I daresay are less serious than yours."

"I serve the gods now King Roland." The High Sparrow insisted. "The Gods demand justice."

"How do your gods communicate these demands then?" Roland asked his voice coated in amusement. "Raven or Horse?"

"Through the Holy Texts, the Seven Pointed Star" The High Sparrow replied. "If you don't have one I'll give you my own."

"The Holy Texts?" Roland retended to think. "Ahh yes you mean that little book that was written by corrupt men that wanted to control the aspects of our lives?" Roland reached into his jerking an pulled out a book with a seven pointed star on it.

"The Gods wrote those texts," The High Sparrow said indignantly.

"Than the gods have the worst handwriting I've ever seen,"

The High Sparrows eyes widened. Roland continued. "I suppose you would arrest my wife Sansa if you could get your hands on her? Simply because she prays to trees instead of stars."

"Yes I would." The High Sparrow confirmed. "Your lady wife worships pagan gods."

"The crow accused the raven of being black." Roland laughed. "At least I can see her gods, it actually gives credibility if you can actually see who you are praying to. She has never harmed anyone yet you would convict her all the same."

"Everyone must face judgement by the gods," The High Sparrow replied.

"Judge not lest you be judged in turn." Roland said calmly. "For in the way you judge, so shall you be in kind"

The High Sparrow's eyes norrowed. "Who told you such a thing?" He demanded.

"The Father," Roland gestured towards the statue. "Surely you've heard of him."

"Do not mock the gods in their house King Roland," The High Sparrow warned him or maybe you would like to join the Tyrells in a cell of your own."

"The crimes of the Tyrells are very serious to you then?"

"Yes," the High Sparrow turned and walked away, but Roland was far from finished. "Not the Guest Right though?"

The High Sparrow turned towards Roland confused. "You obviously don't consider the violation of the guest right all that serious a sin."

That angered the High Sparrow and walked back towards Roland as quickly as he could though due to his age it wasn't fast. "Of course we do! We take all sins seriously!"

Roland cocked an eyebrow. "Truly? Because I dn't see you or your lackey's going after any Freys."

The High Sparrow froze at the implication. "The Freys were hundreds of miles away your grace," he reasoned.

"So you would let mere distance stop you from serving justice?" Roland retorted. He came closer to the old man. "Do you know what I think, I think your afraid. So far you have terrorized brothels, merchants, and men that simply prefer the company of other men. The one thing they have in common is they are unable to defend themselves against your armed heathans. Yet against those who have committed the most vile of crimes such as the Freys. You do nothing against them since they will likely bite you. Against those who are able and willing to fight back, you have the courage of the very bird you associate yourselves with."

"The Freys will their due in time." The High Sparrow reasoned.

"What are you waiting for?" Roland wondered, "Hell to freeze over? The most important time is now High Sparrow. Seeing as your gods and followers don't have the spine to do it, I will take matters into my own hands. I will ask again, please release Margaery and Loras Tyrell."

"No. They must be punished your grace."

He sighed knowing he wasn't going to get anywhere with this fool. "Very well, it is a pity we could not come to an understanding. Still I tried," he turned and walked out. He came out of the sept and was met by his men. They rode back to the Red Keep.

"What are your orders now my king?" Lord Beric asked.

Roland looked at him with a fire in his eyes. "We are going back to the sept tonight."

As nightfall approached Roland, and his renegades numbering some 40 members prepared for an assault on the Sept of Baelor. They donned boiled leather and were armed with ropes, nets, gauntlets and long knives. They didnt want to make noise and wished to prevent spilling blood on holy ground.

"Fate favours us," Roland declared. "Tonight is a new moon, we strike hard, fast and with discretion. Remember we will be entering holy ground so no blood is to be spilled use your knives only in dire need and if they are not on holy ground." The renegades nodded in acknowledgement and covered themselves in dark hooded cloaks.

The night looked peaceful, and quiet. A fog had decended on the city. as hooded men silently made their way to the Great Sept. The sept was expected to be guarded as the militant stood dutifully before the entrance.

Swampy Meg a member of Roland's guard, rushed in front of the sparrows crying for help. Behind her, a group of men tackled her and appeared to be preparing to rape her. A few of the Sparrows rushed in to aid the woman. They were cut down by the laughing men. The rest of the sparrows rushed in to aid their brothers. The moment their feet had passed the steps of the sept, Roland and the rest of his men slipped quietly behind them and slit their throats. Roland gestured with his head and they sheathed their knives and walked up the steps of the sept.

As Roland ordered they crept quietly up the steps and enters the Sept. The attack came so swiftly that the sparrows inside had no chance to react. Many were knocked out with a blow from the gauntlets. Others were ensnared by nets and rendered unconsious by being choked with ropes. Roland and his companions kept their faces hidden and disguised their voices. to avoid being identified.

As most of the Renegades fought the Sparrows, Roland, Gendry, Lord Beric, Anguy, Lem Lemoncloak, Pello Greenbeard and the mad huntsman rushed to the dungeons. They were met by fierce resistance including a number of septas, but they were eventually subdued. One cell was guarded by a large woman. She tried to attack Roland, he struck her with a heavy blow to the stomach causing her to keel over in pain before knocking her out with a chokehold. The renegades rifled through the guards until they found the keys. They opened every cell freeing other captives until they finnally found the pair they had been looking for.

Roland opened the door and entered the cell, inside was Margaery Tyrell. The days in the cell had not been king to her she looked starved and dirty but alive. The noise had woken her, she looked up surprised to see who was at the door.

"Let's get you back to Tommen, Lady Margaery." Roland said in a disguised voice.

"Who are you?" she wondered.

"An ally," came the reply.

Roland and his men walked out with the captives who immediately ran out save for the Tyrells. The rest of the renegades had subdued the last of the Sparrows. The High Sparrow layed on the ground unconscious.

"What now my lord." Beric asked.

Roland regarded the unconcious Sparrows for a moment, "Take them outside the sept and slit their throats," he ordered. "Lay them out in groups of seven then castrate them and stuff their cocks in their mouths. But remember spill no blood on holy ground."

""What of him?" Beric gestured to the High Sparrow.

"Bind him and gag him."

After they had done as they were ordered, Roland, and the Renegades escorted the Tyrells back to the Red Keep.

They arrived back at the Red Keep just before dawn. The Tyrells were taken to their chambers to recover from the events of the past week. After donning proper attire, the Tyrells entered the dining hall. Cersei stared at them in disbelief, Tommen leaped up and rushed to his wife.

"Margaery," Tommen breathed kissing her and embracing her tightly. "I'm sorry, I'm so sorry for not doing anything. Could you ever forgive me?"

Margaery smiled at Tommen . "Oh my sweet sweet prince their is nothing to forgive. She returned the embrace. Her head looked over Tommen's shoulder glaring daggers at Cersei.

Olenna Tyrell embraced her grandson. "Did that weasel hurt you?" she asked.

Loras nodded, "they kept wanting me to confess."

"How did you get out?" Cersei asked doing her best to remain calm.

"I broke them out," a voice answered. The Tyrells turnd to see the hooded figure that had rescued them enter the room.

"Who are you to have done such a thing?" Cersei demanded.

"You should remember your place-" The figur removed his hood and finished his sentence, "-mother."

Everyone in the hall stared at Roland in shock. The Tyrells immediately bowed. "Your grace," They said getting over the shock. "You rescued us?"

Roland nodded, "Why wouldn't I, You are guests in my home and shall be treated with the proper respect as expected of your host."

"The High Sparrow just let them go?" Cersei wondered incredulously.

Roland shook his head. "I tried talking, it failed. So I chose a more firm approach." Roland drew a dager and ran his finger along the blade with a sadistic smile on his face."

"Your actions will turn the faith against us." She scolded him.

Roland smirkedand waved his hand dismissively in the air. "A Stag does not concern itself with the whining of the sparrow. Besides YOUR actions againsyt the Tyrells are questionable at best."

"I had nothing to do with what happened to the Tyrells?" Cersei lied.

Roland closed his eyes trying to keep from exploding. "Mother, I am not a simpleton like Joffrey was so please don't treat as such. What happened to the Tyrells was only made possible because of your stupidity."

Roland's face darkened as he walked slowly towardas her. "You restored the faith militant without my consent." Cersei tried to remain calm, but her sons angry Blus eyes terrified her as she used all her will power to stay where she was. "YOU HAD NO RIGHT TO DO SUCH A THING."

"I am the queen Roland," Cersei protested.

"NO," Roland snapped, he advance on her. Cersei's resolve broke and she found herself pressed against the wall. "Get this through your head mother. You are not queen anymore, you do not rule anymore, You have no power anymore. The only power you have is the power I ALLOW you to have."

Cerei looked at him trembling with both fear and rage.

Roland backed away his voice became uncomfortably calm as he grabbed her arm. "Although I must admit I'm impressed." everyone looked at Roland confused as he continued. "The way you played the role of a power hungry former queen determined to undermine her son is ODDLY IMPRESSIVE!" As he said this he pulled at her arms practically throwing her onto a nearby chair. Cersei stumbled into the chair as she took a seat her eyes wide.

"DO YOU HAVE ANY IDEA WHAT YOUR ACTIONS HAVE COST US?!" He roared. "Of course not you never had to really work for anything in your life."

"How do you think I got to where I am Roland?" Cersei asked her temper flaring after hearing those words."

"Scheming is not working mother," Roland retorted. He turned to the door and called in the guards. Men wearing black and gold stepped in. Ever since he had arrived to the Capitol, Roland had replaced the Lannister men with Baratheon ones.

"Take my mother back to her chambers," he said with a grim expression on his face. It was clear that he was showing great reluctance in doing this. "She is not to leave or have any visitors without my permission."

Cersei's eyes went wide as she realized what her son was about to do. The guards grapped her arms gently and led her out. "You can't do this!" she shrieked. "I am your mother Roland!"

Roland sighed deeply. "I know mother, which is why this is so hard for me to do. But you have forced my hand Mother I can no longer trust you." The guards took her away as Roland turned to the Queen of Thorns.

"My action will likely have consequences to them," He said grimly.

"It is possible your grace," Lady Olenna agreed.

"Can't we persuade him somehow?" Margaery asked.

Roland shook his head, "not with this man, People like the High Sparrow don't want anything reasonable like money or power. They cannot be bribed, bullied, reasoned or negotiated with. They would burn this world it it would make it follow the seven."

"What would you have us do Your grace?" The Queen of Thorns asked.

"It is likely that another Faith militant uprising will begin," He explained. "When it does happen, can I count on House Tyrell's support in dealing with them?"

The Old woman looked at Roland for a moment and nodded. "You rescued my grandchildren from that little weasel, for that we are grateful to you. House Tyrell is at your command."

The next day anservant woke Roland with news of a disturbance in the city. Roland put on his armour and his new sword Red Rain now rnamed Red Storm and looked out from the battlements. The High Sparrow was standing at the gates behind him were hundreds of Sparrows. Roland sighed knowing this would happen. He walked down to the gates and exited the castle with his guard."

"What can I do for you this morning High Sparrow?" He asked in a friendly voice.

"You committed sacrilege last night, Roland Baratheon The High Sparrow said darkly and you must pay for your atrocities."

"What exactly did I do last night?" Roland asked pretending to look offended.

"You attacked holy men in the Great Sept and freed the sinner we had there." The High Sparrow accussed.

Roland put a hand to his heart. "I am shocked and hurt by such serious accusations. Why last night I was in my chambers reading late into the night."

"I know you are responsible for this," The High Sparrow insisted.

"So you have proof of this claim" Roland retorted. "Or do you like to spread falsehoods like a sinful tavern goer."

"Who else would?" The High Sparrow reasoned. "Your brother is too weak to stand against us and your mother supports our actions."

"The Tyrells have reason enough to attack you," Roland quipped.

The High Sparrow's eyes narrowed and realized the trap. He truly didn't have any proof that Roland had anything to do with the attack. Even if he did Roland would point the finger at the Tyrells and the Tyrells would point their finger at Roland."

"Surrender the Tyrells," the high Sparrow demanded. "To defy us is to defy the gods."

Rland smiled and unsheathed Red Storm ever so slightly, "If you want them so badly, come and get them," Roland challenged. The renegades drew their own weapons, and on the battlements archers knocked their arrows. "You don't have enough birds to hurt me, I'll use them as mortar to make a wall."

The High Sparrow glared daggers at the young Stag. "You cannot stall justice forever Roland," he declared. "The Gods demand it, even if you kill me, we will not stop-"

The High Sparrows declaration was cut off by Roland's laughter. "My dear High Sparrow, Roland said with a smile. "Who said anything about killing you. Roland came forward and rested his hand on the High Sparrows shoulder, the Militant tried to move in but the high Sparrow stopped them as Roland continued. "If I kill you I make you a martyr, thousands will rally behind your unfortunate demise. I have no intention on turning you into a figure the people will cherish. No, I have other plans for you."

The High sparrow gave the king a wide smile, "Have you ever sowed the field King Roland?" The High Sparrow asked, "Have you ever reaped the grain?" The High Sparrows smile turned into a grin, "you are the few and we are the many and when the many stop fearing the few than your power will crumble." The High Sparrow turned and walked away when he heard laughing. he turned and saw Roland come up to him.

"Silly little sparrow," Roland said smiling. "The many don't fear the few, the many fear the many. They fear what will happed when there is no few to keep things in line. Sheep need a Shepherd. If you bring down the established order chaos quickly ensues. You picked the wrong time to rise High Sparrow because your supposed piety has blinded you to one thing. Winter is Coming and winter brings the cold and famine. The people need food and clothes more than they need mild offenders in prison. Then when they are starving and freezing, when push comes to shove. Those many you think you command will eat each other. The only question is will you be first or last on their banquet." The High Sparrow looked at him in disbelief and he looked at the crowd and doubt formed in his mind.