Twelfth Moon, 90 AC
The Lion Lord
Many of the nobles of the realm had gathered in King's Landing in the past month, as King Jaehaerys had invited many houses to meet with him to discuss and prepare a united front to move forward in light of the new trade policies and taxes. Unofficially, everyone had known that it was to unite the realm against the rogue House Velaryon.
After a month of feasts and balls, discussions and enfeoffments, and carousing and negotiating, the time had come for a closing feast. All the negotiations had been completed, the Stepstones lordships and governorate had been given out, the Small Council had been adjusted, and certain houses, towns, and newly formed trade companies, had been given charters designed to help them fill the gap left by the Velaryons' removal from the realm's trade.
It had given much opportunity for a man like Tymond Lannister to form many connections and make new friends, spreading the influence of his house further throughout the realm. Making use of that opportunity, Tymond had engaged three notable lords in conversation.
"Is it true Lord Boremund, that the King has forgiven Princess Saera?" Lord Theomore Manderly asked Boremund Baratheon.
Tymond leaned in. Rumors had been rampant in the court, as the courtiers had witnessed the rather shocking affection and politeness that the King and his erstwhile disgraced daughter had been showing each other, but hearing confirmation from the man's own brother would be for the best.
Boremund nodded. "He has. The years have made my brother realize that family is more important than old grudges."
And yet the King continued to attack the Velaryons, his kin in more ways than one. Not that Tymond was complaining, he just found it amusing. He looked closer at Lord Boremund, trying to find any hint of the man's own Velaryon heritage. There was little trace of it. No silver hair or purple eyes, no lean or lithe build.
Boremund was all Baratheon, big, brawny, and bulky. His eyes were a brilliant bright blue and he had a beard and mane of hair that were thick and black as charcoal. His laugh was powerful, booming and boisterous to friends, but when you made an enemy of him, Boremund Baratheon was like stone, hard and strong and unmoving.
The man was unquestionably loyal to his elder siblings, none other than the King and Queen themselves. His younger sister Jocelyn was the Princess Consort of Dragonstone and would one day be Queen. House Baratheon traced their ancestry in the male line back to Orys Baratheon, the alleged bastard brother of the Conqueror himself.
Their lineage, history, and loyalty was intertwined with the Targaryens, and yet for all of that pedigree and relation, it was the Velaryons who had historically been reckoned the second house of the realm. It was the Velaryons who had once held the greatest favor with the royals, who had been allowed to claim and ride dragons.
Boremund Baratheon's mother had died when he was barely two years old. He had no allegiance to his Velaryon heritage. He was all Baratheon, and there was no doubt in Tymond's mind that Baratheon resented that it was Velaryon and not them who had gotten dragons, the favor of the royal house, and the recognition of the realm. Until now that is.
Tymond's green eyes shifted, like a lion choosing his prey. "Lord Darklyn, what are your thoughts on this? Maidenpool and Duskendale have long had relations and connections after all. How does this bode?"
Duncan Darklyn was tall and weedy. Tymond doubted he had much if any martial skill. There was wit in his eyes however, belying a sharp mind. "It bodes well I would think," he answered. "It is always good to hear of a father reconciling with their child. I am happy for His Grace. And Princess Saera has come very far indeed from her scandal. She has increased the incomes of Maidenpool tenfold, and some of that wealth has come to Duskendale as well. Why, she's already approached me about the possibility of funding a road between our two towns."
"Towns no longer," Tymond said with a welcoming smile. "I hear that the King has granted charters to both Duskendale and Maidenpool."
"That he has," Darklyn said with a pleased smile of his own. "His Grace is very generous and has entrusted great responsibility to me. With the recent disgrace of the Velaryons and by association, their allies, Celtigar and Grafton, Maidenpool and Duskendale have both been charged to try and fill the gap left by the loss of the trade those houses and their ports formerly handled. I have already been hard at work, negotiating deals with some magisters from Essos, some of whom are here tonight."
Tymond wondered how true the rumor he had heard on Princess Saera's erstwhile relationship with her younger sister was. If court gossip was to be believed, the two had not gotten along. Too alike, some had said. He decided not to raise it however, mindful that their uncle was here. Gossip about one's family members, even when estranged from them, was rarely appreciated. Tymond was here to make allies, not enemies.
"That is good news. I'm glad to hear it," he said in reply to Darklyn's words. "Let us hope that House Celtigar and Grafton see wisdom and return to the fold."
"Personally a part of me is hoping not. Duskendale's been doing so well in their stead. I'd hate to see that stop," Darklyn japed, making the four of them laugh.
Tymond knew Darklyn, like many before him, had worried over the decline of Duskendale. King's Landing and Driftmark had both drawn trade away from the old town, and even a new city charter might not be enough to halt the decline. The man was insecure and worried. The perfect target to lure into House Lannister's influence.
While Darklyn might selfishly want House Celtigar and Grafton to weaken forever, Tymond was smart enough to know that would not always be the case. They, like many of House Velaryon's allies and trading partners along the eastern coast, had already begun distancing themselves from the rogue house, afraid that the Targaryens' displeasure might fall on them even more than it already had.
Yet who was to say that distance would last forever? With the King already so opposed to them and rivals prospering at their expense, Celtigar, Grafton, and others may decide to double down instead and return to the Velaryons, especially if they succeeded in stabilizing Tyrosh. Corlys Velaryon's mother had been a Celtigar, and through her, he shared blood with Celtigars, Graftons, and Peakes. Lord Bartimos Celtigar was Corlys's own uncle. His brothers had married a Tarth and a Grafton. If the Velaryons rose again, their kin would be quick to return to their side.
Maidenpool and Duskendale both stood to lose a lot should that happen, and it was not in House Lannister's interest to see the Velaryons and their allies grow stronger again if it could be avoided.
"Should you need any aid, House Lannister would be glad to give it. We share a mutual interest in the realm's prosperity as a whole," Tymond said, laying the bait.
Darklyn's eyes grew wide and greedy. "I appreciate the offer Lord Lannister. I am sure Mooton will as well. Perhaps we might discuss this further another time?"
"Certainly my lord. I can already think of one area in which we can cooperate. If I am not mistaken Lord Darklyn, your second son was given the island of Dustspear in the Stepstones were they not?"
"Aye, my boy Steffon. He's a little too young to hold it himself right now though. I will need to appoint a castellan for him."
"I will need to do the same for my son Tyland. Until the time comes that they are of age to take their seats however, we shall rule the islands on their behalf through the castellans. I'm sure there will be plenty of opportunities to work together there, and even overland between the West and Duskendale as well."
Theomore Manderly joined the conversation then, having been silent for some time. "If I may Lord Lannister, Lord Darklyn, I am sure my son Wylis will be interested to work together as well."
"That would be excellent my lord. He is the new Lord of Serpentholm yes?" Tymond asked, always eager to meet another potential ally.
"Indeed. He is somewhere in this hall, likely speaking to some other lord. I will call him over for you."
"No trouble my lord. There is no rush," Tymond reassured Lord Manderly, recalling what he remembered of him. The Lord of White Harbor was stout and canny. He had become a personal friend of the King and Queen in decades past, and had hosted them at his seat a number of times. White Harbor was the North's most major port, and building relations with them could hardly hurt. If for nothing else, it would help to deny a potential ally to the Velaryons.
"Would White Harbor itself be interested in discussing potential deals with the West?" Tymond asked. He didn't know if Manderly would bite, but it was worth a shot.
Manderly smiled. "Now Lord Lannister, I see your game," he jested. "I am not opposed to discussing anything in principle, though I wonder what exactly we have to offer each other. There is hardly any real way for White Harbor and the West to trade after all."
Tymond was not discouraged. "Perhaps the Stepstones might be a useful meeting ground? It just occurred to me that many of us here have second sons granted an island or two in the Stepstones. Lord Mooton, Lord Darklyn here, and you Lord Manderly, as well as myself. My associates Lord Hightower and Lord Redwyne's younger brothers both hold islands as well. Why Lord Otto is not only the Lord of Highwatch, but the new Governor as well!"
"Don't forget Lord Baratheon." Darklyn gestured to their peer in the conversation.
"Of course my lord. Forgive me Lord Baratheon, I meant no offense. There are many houses that were granted lands in the Stepstones, it is hard to keep track at times…. though if I am not wrong, you hold Veil directly don't you?"
Baratheon nodded. "That I do. I have no second son as of yet unfortunately. His Grace was gracious enough to grant Veil to me to hold directly until such a time I do, and should the gods decide I am not to, my son Borros will keep the island."
"Perks of being the King's brother eh?" Darklyn teased, though Tymond felt there was a little envy in his tone. Baratheon did not deign him with a reply.
"And how is your son doing Lord Boremund? Well I would hope?" Tymond asked.
It was a bit of a risk to bring up Baratheon's son. Tymond knew from personal experience that all fathers loved to boast about their sons, but that was only when there was something to boast about. From what he had heard from the rumors, Borros Baratheon could barely read. Some had likened his condition to that of his cousin Princess Daella, but then apparently she had much improved over the years.
Baratheon's eyes narrowed, perhaps wondering if he sought to give any slight, before he answered. "Borros is doing well. He grows taller and stronger every day. Much like I did at his age. I'm proud of him. He will be a good lord one day."
Well said Baratheon, Tymond thought to himself. "I'm glad to hear it. My own sons, Jason and Tyland, they are only two, but they are already my pride and joy."
"Your sons are twins I believe Lord Lannister?" Darklyn asked.
He nodded. "Indeed. Identical as well. I sometimes struggle to tell them apart!" Tymond japed.
Left unsaid but thought by probably all four of them was that there was another pair of identical twin boys only a year younger than the Lannister twins and far more infamous.
"I heard Lord Swann's younger brother was given Scarwood. How many sons does he have again?" Manderly inquired, changing the subject.
"None," Baratheon answered. "Only a daughter, Johanna by name if I recall correctly."
"Is that not worrying?" Tymond asked. "Would not a male heir be best to control a dangerous and important fief in the Stepstones?"
"Only time will tell." Baratheon waved it off.
"What news from the rest of the Stormlands Lord Baratheon?" Darklyn asked. "Has Tarth seen wisdom and returned to the fold?"
This it seemed concerned Baratheon far more than the succession of Scarwood. "We can only hope. There's too much damnable Velaryon influence on Tarth. Too much intermarrying between those houses, too much trade between their islands. Tarth has been stubborn so far, but they will see wisdom or they will see my hammer in their face. This continued defiance of the King will not be allowed to stand much longer," he declared, trying to make it seem like he hadn't lost control of his vassal.
Tymond couldn't resist needling him a little. "Forgive me for prying my lord, but with Tarth so reluctant to lend you aid, how exactly do you and House Swann intend to reach your new islands in the Stepstones and patrol their waters?"
At that, Baratheon smirked. "With our new fleet of course," he bragged.
Tymond raised his eyebrows. "Your new fleet?"
Baratheon nodded boisterously. "Indeed! I have decided to invest into a personal fleet along with other houses such as House Estermont and indeed House Swann. A hundred keels have been laid already, all across the Rainwood, or even in the capital's very own dockyards by the grace of the King. His Grace has graciously extended us a generous loan to help build this new fleet. The Stormlands have no lack of timber for shipbuilding, it is time we realize our potential!"
Darklyn and Manderly congratulated Baratheon politely, but Tymond was shocked. The Stormlands might have no lack of shipbuilding timber but they could say the same of storms. What experience with shipbuilding or managing a fleet did Baratheon or his vassals have? Such matters had always been given to Tarth in the past. Where even did Baratheon intend to moor his new fleet? Shipbreaker's Bay?
Tymond would have to watch this new development carefully. Perhaps a new power was rising in Westeros? Or maybe the Baratheons' inexperience would prove itself and their supposed fleet would turn out to be an embarrassing failure. That would be funny.
For a while after that, the conversation paused as they all sipped from their wine cups. Tymond's eyes searched the room briefly before he returned to his company, intending to begin the conversation again. Suddenly, before he could do so, Lord Manderly sighed loudly. "It is such a shame I think to myself sometimes."
"What is?" Tymond asked. Darklyn and Baratheon looked curious as well.
"Well Velaryon of course. Whether you liked him or not, The Sea Snake was a man to be respected and admired. He had accomplished much for his house and had built a great alliance of houses to trade. Why, I had even considered joining White Harbor with it myself. Alas, Lord Corlys succumbed to the foolishness and recklessness of pride and youth," Manderly said, somehow dripping grandfatherly like disappointment into his voice.
Darklyn nodded. "I too was considering the same. But the Velaryons have proven themselves unreliable allies, disloyal and treacherous to the King as well. It is dangerous to associate with a house of such rogues."
Allying with Velaryon might have helped to arrest Duskendale's decline once upon a time, Tymond conceded. They would never know now. With their foolish conquest of Tyrosh, the Velaryons had burned many bridges that they had once had. Any discontent that some might have felt seeing a fellow lord denied their just reward had evaporated away like mist then.
Tymond was again about to steer the conversation to a topic he wanted to raise when Lord Manderly interrupted yet again. "Ah, the food is here at last. Please excuse me my lords, all this talking has made me hungry. Perhaps we shall continue this later?" He said, as he bowed away and left.
Darklyn and Baratheon followed suit. Sighing, Tymond refilled his cup of wine and sat back at his table with the other Westermen who had come to the capital. The food was good, as expected of the King's hospitality, but Tymond did note that it had disappointingly few spices. Hopefully the new South Sea Company he had agreed to join with Redwyne and Hightower could help remedy that soon.
With the food having arrived, the feast had truly begun at last. Boisterous lords drank and jested while the ladies gossiped. The serving girls did their best to avoid the more drunk lords, not that they had much to fear. No lord, no matter how drunk, was foolish enough to take liberties with Queen Alysanne's servants. The ministrels and bards plucked their harps and played classic songs to the cheers of all. Tunes such as the Bear and the Maiden Fair were sung along to eagerly by the excited crowd.
Eventually the King rose from his seat, calling the room to attention. "If I may have your attention my lords and ladies," he said. "Noble and dignified magisters and dignitaries from the east," he gestured in welcome to the invited guests from Essos, each one important in the trade and leadership of Braavos, Pentos, and Volantis.
"Tonight is a fine occasion! We gather together here, many of the great lords and houses of the realm, as well as our friends from Essos! I would like to take this opportunity to raise a few toasts. First, to our new Lords of the Stepstones, and their Govenor, Lord Otto Hightower of Highwatch!"
There was a thunderous applause at the King's words. Tymond himself joined in it. While he had hoped for a position on the Council himself, or for one of his family members to be made Governor of the Stepstones, he was satisfied with what he had gotten. It was hard to expect the King to give a Lannister the Governorship when Tymond had asked for his infant son Tyland to be given the Lannister fief in the Stepstones instead of an adult such as his brothers.
His twins had a destiny ahead of them indeed. One was destined to lead the West into greatness. Another would found a worthy cadet branch that spreads Lannister influence in the most important trade route in the world. Tyland was barely two years old and would not be doing any of that anytime soon, but that was acceptable to Tymond. He was patient. He could wait. The lion did not ruin his hunt by pouncing too early. No, he bided his time. He grew stronger and mightier, moving silently and unnoticed until the time was right.
Tymond took a sip from his cup. The Arbor Gold was sweet and lush. He had to support his allies after all. Though their alliance was but one of convenience, he did not begrudge them their success. House Lannister would have its time one day. All Tymond needed to do to rein in Redwyne and Hightower's newfound ego should he find it grating, was remind them that their precious new South Sea Company was impossible without the gold and metals of the West backing it. What did they have to offer the Summer Islanders without them?
He listened as the King continued his speech. "Secondly, to my council. A toast I would call, to members both old and new! We welcome Lord Robert Redwyne, son of the late Lord Manfryd, may his soul rest in peace, as the new Master of Ships! We also welcome back a familiar face, Lord Rodrik Arryn, as Master of Laws!" As the King named each lord, a new round of applause and shouts of cheer rang through the room. Those from the Vale cheered loudly and boisterously for their lord in particular.
"And we thank Lord Martyn Tyrell, for his long years of noble and loyal service. They will always be remembered! Go in peace old friend!" Jaehaerys praised his old Master of Coin, who had resigned after over thirty years of service.
Of course, it had been an open secret that Lord Martyn had not been the true Master of Coin, but instead his wife, the Lady Florence. Still, that they had resigned spoke a lot on matters in the Reach. It seemed the Tyrells were nervous about the waxing of Redwyne and Hightower.
As they should be. They were nothing but pretenders to true nobility, upstart stewards whose writ would barely extend beyond the walls of Highgarden without the Iron Throne's favor. Of course they were wary of the rise of the true nobles, many of whom were more worthy of ruling Highgarden and the Reach by far.
"And lastly, I would call a toast! To my family! With our renewed bonds of filial piety, we shall stand strong and ready to lead this great realm, no matter the adversity. I take this moment to announce with pleasure and with pride to all of you great lords and to the realm, the betrothal of my eldest grandchildren, Princess Rhaenys, and Prince Viserys! May their union represent a beacon of our realm's future, united, and strong!"
The applause was loudest for the King's last announcement. A royal betrothal was always heralded by great cheers. No lord wished to seem disloyal by not loudly applauding such an announcement. Tymond rose to his feet to applaud better, and not wishing to be outdone, soon every other lord in the hall had followed suit.
Tymond had once been a suitor for Rhaenys's hand, as he had for her aunt Daella's before her. It was disappointing that neither suit had succeeded, but he would admit it was a wise match for Princess Rhaenys. Many, including Tymond himself, had wondered at Rhaenys succeeding her father. Though the customs inherited from their noble Andal ancestors were clear in that she was their heir, that custom was not always followed. Hadn't been already in fact, by the Targaryens, given how King Jaehaerys had ascended by passing over his niece by his elder brother.
The union of the two strongest claims by marriage was a good indicator of stability and peace for the realm. House Targaryen would remain strong and united, and with that, the realm would prosper, assuming that House Velaryon does not cause any more trouble.
The Velaryons had thought that trade alone made them the best and greatest. They had arrogantly strutted about, flaunting their new wealth and inventions foppishly, bragged about their accomplishments, their wealthy new bank and their innovative and clever university. The singers had written sonnets describing the splendor and beauty of High Tide and praising the adventurous and daring bravery of the Sea Snake. Men of Driftmark boasted of how they had surpassed the Lannisters of the West.
The Lannisters did not take challenges lightly. The Velaryons had thrown the gauntlet, dared to think themselves their betters, how arrogant of them. A Lannister always pays his debts, and Tymond had a debt indeed to pay to the Velaryons. People claimed they were richer than them. Tymond laughed at the thought. Like any mere coin counter could have the wealth to match Casterly Rock.
Tymond was no fool, he knew the importance of trade. He did not disdain it as many in the realm did. Lannisport had always thrived off trade and brought great wealth to the West. Yet, trade was useless without gold. He who controlled the gold, controlled the trade, and House Lannister's gold was famed even in faraway Asshai-by-the-Shadow.
Let the Velaryons boast about their accomplishments. They will turn to mud and empty swagger as the King's sanctions on them destroyed their fortune and left them with no choice but to come scurrying for his mercy. Rumors had already begun to spread into Westeros, speaking of the troubles the Velaryons had encountered in that poisoned chalice of a city they had conquered.
What was the Velaryon Bank worth, when it was led by fools who defied dragon kings and destroyed their own fortune? Who would trust in that failed bank over the Golden Bank of Casterly Rock, founded in and named for a mountain of limitless gold and backed by that wealth? What could the University of Driftmark hope to invent, when there was no more wealth to fund their studies while the endless Lannister fortune poured into the University of Lannisport?
Even now the University of Lannisport was pushing the boundaries of mining and metallurgy, seeking new and better ways to extract and refine metal. The shipwrights of the West had built their own carracks and their smiths had made their own compasses, and if the Redwynes and Hightowers did not restrain their pride and pay them their proper respect, they may soon have no need of them at all.
The Redwynes and Velaryons may boast of their fleets and innovations, but the Lannister fleet was rising stronger and faster as well. The Hightowers may still cling to their Citadel and try desperately to build their own Bank of Oldtown, but both would soon be eclipsed.
Let Velaryon fall from his pedestal. Let Hightower and Redwyne have their time in the sun. One day, Westeros will hear House Lannister roar once again, and it will be heard.
Spoiler: Lords of the Stepstones
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Author's Note: Thanks to Ascalon451 and Opacus Malus Navis for making the maps! They look really good!
I hoped you guys liked the outside look into the situation and all the political details and drama presented in this chapter! Next chapter, I promise, we will return to Viserra! I've decided to update this chapter so early because I intend to double update this week. I know a lot of people are impatient to get to Viserra and the Velaryons so this is my recognition of that. Also, I probably won't be able to write next week due to IRL commitments so I'd like to drop 25 sometime later this week to tide you guys over for that. 25 will go up once I get 28 written. Please be patient with me.
Usual reminder of the next three chapters being available on Patreon!