**The Rise of House Redwyne: A Bannerlord's Conquest**
**Volume I: The Vineyard Prince**
**Chapter 7: The Imp's Gambit**
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### **The Arbor – 274 AC**
The first winter storm of the year battered the walls of Redwyne Keep as Aemon received word of the Lannister envoy's arrival. Through the rain-lashed windows of the Sea Tower, he watched the cog *Golden Lion* limp into port, its sails in tatters from the autumn gales.
"Tyrion Lannister," murmured Maester Crayne, adjusting his chain. "The Imp himself. This is no mere messenger, my lord."
Aemon turned from the window, his doublet of green velvet damp from the sea spray that had blown through the open casement. At fifteen, he carried himself with the quiet assurance of a man twice his age, though the faint scar along his jawline—a gift from Stafford Lannister's final strike—served as a reminder of his mortality.
"Have him brought to the solar," Aemon commanded. "And double the guard on our... special guest."
**[Quest Updated: The Lion's Roar]**
*Objective: Survive Tyrion Lannister's diplomatic assault*
*Reward: Potential ceasefire, trade concessions*
*Failure Risk: Lannister subterfuge, Tyrell backlash*
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### **The Dwarf's Entrance**
Tyrion Lannister entered the solar like a actor taking center stage, his mismatched eyes scanning the room with calculated amusement. Water dripped from his soaked cloak onto the Myrish rug as he made an exaggerated bow.
"My lord of Redwyne! How kind of you to receive this humble representative of House Lannister. Though I must say," he gestured to the armed guards flanking the door, "your hospitality lacks certain warmth."
Aemon remained seated behind the carved driftwood desk that had been his father's. "When lions come calling, wise men keep crossbows handy. Wine?"
Tyrion's grin widened as he accepted the goblet of Arbor gold. "Ah, now this is more like it. The famous vintage that makes even my father's gold seem dull by comparison."
The dwarf took a long sip, his eyes never leaving Aemon's. "You've caused quite the stir, my young friend. First you humiliate Salladhor Saan, then you ally with the Ironborn, and now..." He set down the cup with deliberate care. "You kill my uncle. That's three strikes against House Lannister in as many years."
**[Skill Check: Diplomacy (Extreme Difficulty)]**
*Tyrion's Cunning: 18/20*
*Aemon's Wit: 17/20*
Aemon swirled his own wine. "Your uncle attacked my home. I defended it. The only surprise is that Tywin sent a diplomat rather than another fleet."
Tyrion chuckled. "Oh, the fleet is coming. Five-and-thirty ships being refitted at Lannisport as we speak." He leaned forward. "But my father is a practical man. He wonders if there might be... alternative solutions."
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### **The Offer**
From his sodden cloak, Tyrion produced a scroll sealed with the lion sigil.
"Terms," he said simply.
Aemon broke the seal and read:
1. **Cease all hostilities** against Lannister ships and holdings
2. **Dissolve the Greyjoy alliance** immediately
3. **Surrender 50% of fleet** to Crown authority
4. **Foster Aemon's heir** at Casterly Rock
In return:
- Lannister would recognize Redwyne naval supremacy south of the Goldroad
- A royal marriage to a Lannister cousin
- 100,000 gold dragons in reparations
Aemon nearly laughed. "Your father insults us both with this mummer's farce."
Tyrion shrugged. "I did warn him you weren't an idiot. But politics requires certain formalities." He produced a second, smaller scroll from his boot. "Now, shall we discuss real terms?"
**[Negotiation Minigame Activated]**
*Current Leverage:*
- *Redwyne: Naval superiority (60%), Greyjoy alliance (40%)*
- *Lannister: Land forces (70%), Crown authority (30%)*
Three hours later, they reached an accord:
1. **Non-aggression pact** for five years
2. **Redwyne ships** granted exclusive rights to ferry Lannister wine exports
3. **Joint patrols** against Stepstone pirates
4. **Aemon's cousin** to wed a Lannister of Lannisport (not Casterly Rock)
**[Treaty Signed: The Golden Vintage Accord]**
*Effects:*
- *Lannister bounty revoked*
- *+25,000 gold dragons/year in trade*
- *Greyjoy relations -20%*
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### **The Poisoned Chalice**
As Tyrion made to leave, he paused at the door. "One last thing, my lord. A... gift from my sweet sister."
From his sleeve, he produced a golden locket. "For your troubles."
Aemon didn't touch it. "Cersei's gifts tend to come with hidden thorns."
"Wise," Tyrion nodded. "It's poisoned, of course. But the real message is inside."
When opened with tongs, the locket revealed a miniature portrait of Princess Myrcella—and a single word etched beneath:
*"Remember."*
**[Quest Alert: The Lioness's Warning]**
*Cersei's motives: Unknown*
*Threat level: Critical*
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### **The Greyjoy Fallout**
Victarion's reaction to the news was predictable.
The Ironborn captain stormed into Aemon's council chamber, his face purple with rage. "You swore salt and iron!"
Aemon stood his ground. "I swore to protect my people. This pact does that."
"The Drowned God sees oathbreakers," Victarion growled, drawing his axe.
**[Combat Initiated: Victarion Greyjoy]**
*Tactical Advantage: Aemon's guards (5v1)*
*Risk: Ironborn fleet turns hostile*
The fight was brief but brutal. When it ended, Victarion lay bleeding on the floor, Aemon's dagger at his throat.
"Tell Balon this," Aemon panted. "The alliance stands—but we do this my way now."
**[Greyjoy Relations: 40% (Shaky but intact)]**
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### **Next Chapter Preview:**
- **The Tyrell Trap** – Margaery's betrothal becomes a noose
- **Dragon Dreams** – Visions of a silver-haired conqueror
- **The Bastard's Gambit** – A mysterious visitor from the North
*(Type* ***YES*** *to continue the epic saga!)*