Once everything was set at Eastwatch, I departed for Skagos, leaving the command in the capable hands of General Garrick Stormrider. His natural talent for leadership and tactical acumen quickly set him apart, making him the ideal choice to manage the Wall's defenses. Garrick was not easily swayed by emotions or external pressures, traits that made him a reliable leader during crises. With him at the helm, I felt confident that Eastwatch would remain secure against any threats beyond the Wall.
II spent the next month at Skagos, indulging in the pleasures I had long been denied. Cersei was eager to make up for lost time, and I found myself lost in the intensity of our encounters.
Following my time with Cersei, I journeyed to the Shield Islands, where Margaery and Ros awaited me. The islands offered a peaceful respite, a place where I could briefly escape the responsibilities of leadership. I spent two months here, enjoying the simple pleasures of life, playing with my young son, and basking in the company of my companions. A visit to the Kraken—my colossal beast, now a formidable 25 meters long with a strong exoskeleton of bones and blue glowing lines along its back and tail—reminded me of the power I wielded. The Kraken was a symbol of my dominion, a creature that inspired awe and fear alike.
During these three months, the political landscape in Westeros underwent significant changes. Tywin Lannister, ever the master strategist, had reclaimed his position as Hand of the King, solidifying his control over the realm. He declared the Boltons as Wardens of the North and the Freys as Wardens of the Riverlands. These moves were strategic, ensuring loyalty from key houses. The Lannisters, believing they had eradicated the Stark threat, remained unaware that Robb Stark and his wife were still alive. The couple had fled to the Neck, seeking refuge under the protection of Lord Howland Reed. Brynden Tully, the Blackfish, had also escaped with them. Known for his military prowess and loyalty to his family, Brynden was a valuable ally for the Starks, providing guidance and support during their exile. Catelyn Stark, who had chosen to stay behind, was captured by the Freys. In a disturbing turn of events, Edmure Tully offered his sister to Walder Frey as a new wife, securing his own position and safety within the new order.
Meanwhile, Ramsay Bolton was on a rampage in the North, hunting down Ironborn invaders. During one of these expeditions, he encountered a group of wildlings who had crossed the Wall. Although he failed to eliminate all of them, he captured Ygritte, a fiery wildling woman. True to his sadistic nature, Ramsay seemed to be taking perverse pleasure in her captivity. At Castle Black, the Night's Watch faced internal strife over the decision to allow the wildlings to cross the Wall. Jeor Mormont, ever the pragmatic leader, dispatched Jon Snow and a small contingent to meet with Mance Rayder, the King-Beyond-the-Wall, to negotiate terms.
Returning to Essos, I directed Daenerys to lay siege to Meereen. The city, with its strategic location and resources, was the perfect base for our future operations. It would also provide Daenerys with valuable experience in governance, preparing her for her future role as Queen of Westeros. She set out with her Queensguard, led by the formidable Hippolyta, and a force of 20,000 Dothraki. Meereen's fall was inevitable, but the siege would test Daenerys' leadership and resolve.
Viserys was dispatched to Qarth, tasked with securing support from the Merchant's Union. The impending conquest of Westeros would require vast resources, and Qarth's wealth could prove invaluable. Meanwhile, Drogo remained in Vaes Dothrak, overseeing the training of the remaining Dothraki. Transforming them from a nomadic horde into a disciplined army was crucial for our plans. The Dothraki were fierce warriors, but they needed to learn the strategies and tactics of organized warfare.
Ser Barristan Selmy and I departed for Astapor. While the official purpose was to purchase the Unsullied, the elite slave-soldiers known for their discipline and effectiveness, my true motive was to seek out Missandei. Her beauty and charm had captivated me, and I was drawn to her intelligence and grace. She would be more than just a translator; she could be a valuable advisor and perhaps even more. The Unsullied were necessary for maintaining order in Meereen and other cities, but Missandei was the real prize—a potential ally in navigating the complexities of Essosi politics.
As the days turned to weeks, King's Landing found itself at the center of a new storm of intrigue. The arrival of Oberyn Martell and his enigmatic mistress, Ellaria Sand, brought with it a new wave of speculation and excitement. The Red Keep buzzed with whispers about the purpose of their visit, and the court was abuzz with anticipation.
Oberyn Martell, the famed Red Viper of Dorne, was known for his fierce reputation and cunning mind. His arrival was a statement—a sign that House Martell was ready to make its presence felt in the capital. Accompanying him was Ellaria Sand, his lover and a formidable presence in her own right. Her beauty and sharp wit made her a subject of fascination and intrigue among the court's nobles.
The presence of Oberyn and Ellaria added a new layer of complexity to the political landscape of King's Landing. Their arrival was a catalyst for change, stirring up alliances and rivalries. The court was a cauldron of intrigue, with every gesture and conversation scrutinized for hidden meanings.
As the players in this grand game of thrones continued to maneuver and strategize, the stakes grew ever higher. The arrival of Oberyn Martell and his mistress was a signal of new dynamics and potential upheaval. The future of King's Landing and the Seven Kingdoms was being shaped by the actions of those in the capital, and every decision would ripple through the realm, influencing the course of history.
As the pieces moved into place, I felt a growing sense of anticipation. The path ahead was fraught with danger, but also ripe with opportunity. With the right moves, we could change the fate of kingdoms and reshape the world. The game was afoot, and I was determined to play it to win.