[Kingslanding]
"You know father is still going to find out about this one of these days seeing I could just walk in you cabin like this and find her in your bed. How long has it been when you both met?" Jaime looked exasperated as he saw Tyrion in his cabin on his ship with a young pretty girl who looked rather innocent and tame as she lied in bed with the small Lannister.
"You don't have to worry brother, the only one who knows of this matter is you and me as well as that drunken septon that I had sent away to Yunkai, last I heard of him was last year when he died trying to preach to dothraki bloodriders." Tyrion did not shy away as he stood up from his bed then going to a vase of wine on the side.
"If not for that friend of yours that went with you then this girl's head would have been on pike in front of Casterly Rock. What was his name again? Donat?" Jaime looked to the sides trying to see if there is anyone listening.
"His name is Donut and he happens to be a dear friend of mine, we were both pages to Lord Paul. Also you don't have to be worried about any of my crew, sure they mostly are from Lannisport but they were already vetted out extensively. And this girl's name is Tysha, I had thought you would have remembered the name of my wife." Tyrion's words made the girl on the bed smile with happiness.
"Yeah, Donut… I thought that was some sort of pastry? You baked some before I recall and it was the first thing you made that Cersei tried. But that is not why I am here, the small council has called for a meeting, it seems Balon Greyjoy declared himself as the Driftwood King." Jaime then remembered the matter on which he was sent here.
"Balon? Did Lord Quellon die of his injuries already? Seems Varys was right when he said the heir was ambitious, I'll be with you shortly. Tysha dear you should head back to Aunt Gemma." Tyrion looked gently at this girl he had fallen in love with, had it not for Donut to suggest to send the Septon that very day they were wed then maybe out of fear of their Father, he would tell him about this girl he had wed.
"No, Lord Quellon's situation is still unclear but it seems that he has gone into hiding as some still loyal to him had helped him escape the pursuit of Balon's assassins. Though it seems to be an internal affair, Varys thought otherwise." Jaime said as Tyrion had quickly put on the signature clothes he wore on the show.
"I see, the Greyjoys did not lose much during King Robert's Rebellion. Balon might have thought that King Robert's rule is unstable and the crown is already in debt, where am I going to get the money in case a war indeed breaks out?" Tyrion seemed annoyed as he walked out of his cabin with Jaime who looked at him with a knowing look.
"Good thing the King is married to the richest family in Westeros, people have been talking that our father shits gold. I heard our gold in the vaults seemed to be ready to flood out, surely father wouldn't mind giving his son-in-law some allowance." Jaime chuckled as he thought about the rumors people whisper about their father.
"No, father shits on me every time we meet and I recall no gold coming out of him. This reminds me…" Tyrion paused as he thought about something, he then went to a room nearby to retrieve some parchment, quill and ink.
"Father doesn't do that much anymore, since you've returned Brightroar to the family he mellowed down a bit…What is it brother? Seems you thought of something grim…" Jaime asked as he saw the serious face of Tyrion as he wrote on the parchment in a hurried manner.
"When Balon has consolidated his forces, who do you think he'll strike first? I'm writing to father to watch out for Greyjoy longships, the Lannister Fleet would surely be targeted by ironborn." Tyrion wrote fast as he could, Jaime on the other hand was shocked as he thought about what Tyrion just said.
"Wenda, take a gelding then go to my Aunt's Manse then use the fastest ravens we have. Have a maester write a few more then send ravens after an hour one has been sent." Tyrion handed it to a hooded guard standing nearby, the guard took of the hood and a blonde handsome woman nodded as she showed a metal hand to take the letter.
She then left as she took a bow and quiver on the armory of the ship, Jaime on the other hand was taken out of his reverie when he heard the name of the guard and a woman at that, her face made him remember some past memories.
"Wenda the White Fawn? Wasn't she a bandit? I remembered her putting a brand on Merret Frey's butt, how did she come to your employ? You said these people were vetted by someone you know of." Jaime seemed rather alert as he placed his hand on his sword, Brightroar.
"She had already been punished, you can see her right hand was cut off. So is her left foot, I found her as a cook on a small inn by the gold road. I had to ask for a favor to get her a new hand and foot, she's rather thankful to me so you don't have to worry about her." Tyrion looked at his brother who took his hand of his sword.
"If the Greyjoy's truly attack Lannisport, Father would not mind funding King Robert war is indeed to break out." Jaime forgot about Wenda for the moment as he followed Tyrion out since they still need to go to the Small Council.
There they discussed about the implications of Balon's actions, they had not yet received the reports of the kingsmoot that crowned Balon as King of the Iron Islands.
But it didn't take long until the word of Balon declaring himself as King of Salt and Rock, only a few days after their meeting which even alerted King Robert himself to attend.
Soon they heard news of the burning of more than half the Lannister fleet in Lannisport, Tyrion's letter had arrived the day the Ironborn descended upon the Westerlands.
Now only a dozen longships and the flagship of the Lannister fleet had remained, Tywin was incensed when he saw his ships burn but he did not give in to anger as he answered the call of King Robert to come to arms.
He knew his remaining fleet is not enough to face the hundred war galleys the Greyjoys had brought with them, thus the Warden of the West bided his time as he opened the vaults to hasten the preparation for war.
King Robert was elated hearing he could finally fight again in another war, his call was answered by the Riverlands, The North, the Westerlands and finally the Baratheons of Storm's End and Dragonstone.
When the army had assembled, the word of the storming of Seaguard had reach the Royal army as well as the death of Rodrik Greyjoy, the eldest son of Balon Greyjoy, on the hands of Jason Mallister the Lord of Seaguard and repelling the reavers back to Ironman's Bay in defeat.
The war was not long but it was bloody as battles raged in the sea and lands when the ironborn met the Royal army.
Stannis Baratheon, Lord of Dragonstone and master of ships lead the royal fleet along with the Redwyne fleet and caught the Iron fleet of Victarion Greyjoy in the Straits of Fair Isle with Aeron Greyjoy ending up prisoner to the Lannisters.
This Victory allowed the Royal army to cross the seas to reach the Iron Islands.
Ser Barristan Selmy led a force to subdue Old Wyk while Lord Stannis made Great Wyk keel over in the name of his brother, the King.
The Islands Harlaw and Orkmont was invaded as well, oddly the resistance from Harlaw was not as hard for the invaders as most surrender soon as the tide of battle turned or the enemy is too much for them.
Grey Garden did not resist at all as the Royal army found Lord Quellon Greyjoy being protected here by Ser Harras Harlaw. The knight still upheld his oaths of being loyal to the real Lord of the Iron Islands and protected the old Kraken in the past few months.
But unfortunately some assassins had succeeded in hurting the old kraken as he was bed ridden with a chest wound festering from powerful Mantari poison.
Yet he still held on as he was still alive after days lying weakly in bed, he had then sent a document of his official chosen heir once he dies from the poison.
When King Robert's representative arrived, Lord Jon Arryn, the old Kraken mustered every strength he has to stand and kneel in front of the Hand of the King pleading to give mercy to his grandchildren.
The Old Kraken had already heard the deaths of Rodrik, the heir he had wanted to declare as Lord of the Iron Islands. But now his will was written as which grandson would survive and hope that they continue his legacy of reforming the Ironborn.
But during his appearance, the Siege of Pyke was already happening, King Robert Baratheon led the invasion with Lord Eddard Stark as both mustered thousands of men for battle.
Botley Castle was destroyed as was the town Lordsport beneath it before the main attack on the castle of Pyke.
The castle is already being assaulted with siege engines on the southern wall, which toppled the main watchtower killing Maron Greyjoy, the second of Balon's three sons, by the breach falling down upon the young man.
Leading the charge at the breach was Thoros of Myr followed by Jorah Mormont, making a name for themselves as their bravery was seen in the fierce battle within the walls of Pyke.
Robert was laughing happily as he smashed ironborn one after the other with his new warhammer, it felt like a natural limb of his as he charged fearlessly with Eddard Stark behind him cutting down slews of men with his Valyrian Steel sword.
It was until Balon Greyjoy was brought before Robert Baratheon did the battle stop as the King of Salt and Rock was brought to heel in front of him, but just as Balon was swearing his fealty again to the crown, a loud bleat of a creature interrupted the scene.
"Your Majesty! I bring the will signed by Lord Quellon Greyjoy, who is currently bedridden due to poison of assassins, though he is weak but very much still alive." Tyrion's voice sounded out as he arrived in his own armor while riding his pet Orson that already grew large enough to wear a saddle.
"Lord Tyrion, how come you are the one delivering this message and not a raven?" Eddard Stark was the one that asked as soon as Tyrion arrived.
"Lord Jon Arryn figured you'd be shooting ravens coming to Pyke, so he had me whose ship is the fastest sail from Harlaw yesterday. This parchment contains Lord Quellon's signature and personal stamp." Tyrion took off his helmet as soon as he was near Eddard who received the parchment on behalf of King Robert.
"Quite a hurry you did Tyrion, well Ned what does it say?" Robert looked at the blood splatters on Tyrion's armor as well as that on his steed making him look at the dwarf in a new light.
"It's definitely Lord Quellon's hand writing, it seems he has named the next in line after Balon Greyjoy as heir to the Seastone Chair. Also he had declared that the Iron Islands to be a servant to the realm and to the King of the Seven Kingdoms. And lastly that the reforms he had placed in be reinstated instead to forget about the old ways." Lord Stark summarized what he read as he then handed the parchment to King Robert.
"Hmm…" Robert ignored Balon who was taken away by soldiers as he was labeled to be a 'kinslayer' even when Lord Quellon is still alive, he was poisoned and who else would have sent those assassins but him.
Eddard Stark picked up a cloth and wiped the blood that clung to his sword while walking towards Tyrion.
"Lord Stark." Tyrion greeted the Warden of the North after seeing him come over.
"Curious beast you've got there, blood on it is still fresh. Not yours I presume?" pointed out by Eddard as his experience tells him that Tyrion faced some troubles on the way.
"No, not mine Lord Stark. From the reavers I met on the way here, but they are now meeting with their Drowned God in person." Tyrion finaly realized the bloodstains on Orson as well as on him so he borrowed the rag from Eddard Stark as he cleaned his own weapons too.
"Quite impressive Lord Tyrion, the time you squired for the Blood Lord might make many want to send their heirs to him. Heard he never ages a day and still looks like a young man." Lord Stark looked behind them as the castle is being cleaned up by the silent sisters and drowned men, people of faith who would gather their dead and give them a burial ceremony.
"I was lucky, what I got was more than I could have ever dreamed of. Sometimes I wish I could have stayed there forever, but family ties are hard to break away from." Tyrion smiled wryly, showing a glimpse of his desires but then covered it up instantly. Yet Eddard Stark saw it clearly, he might not have much of a good impression of Lannisters but this one might just be an exception.
Soon King Robert announced that the new heir of the Iron Islands be Theon Greyjoy but would have to spend a few years as a ward under Lord Eddard Stark.
Placed as proxy ruler would be Asha Greyjoy, who is currently 13 years old with the guidance of Quellon Greyjoy and a maester assigned by the crown to advise on how to reform the Iron Islanders.
Meanwhile Balon Greyjoy would have to take the Black along with Euron Greyjoy, Aeron Greyjoy and a few other Lords of the Iron Islands that sided with Balon in his scheme or they would be executed.
Balon as proud as he ever was, chose the sword and was beheaded by Lord Eddard Stark. Euron Greyjoy somehow escaped on his ship before the battle ended while Aeron Greyjoy was sent to take the black with the few ironborn nobles.
A few houses changed seats that day and a few younger heirs were sent as wards to other houses.
A few people were given knighthoods that include Jorah Mormont and were anointed by King Robert Baratheon himself.
Soon the Royal Army retreated to Lannisport where King Robert celebrated the victory with a great tourney as this feat had consolidated his rule as King of the Seven Kingdoms.
A few noteworthy events happened that day as Ser Jorah Mormont won the joust after exchanging nine lances with Jaime Lannister with no apparent victor. It was King Robert who gave him the award and crowned him champion.
Jorah then named Lynesse Hightower as his Queen of Love and beauty, the same night he was declared engaged to her by Lord Hightower himself.
Soon peace returned to the Seven Kingdoms, with a long Summer ahead the commoners and nobles alike would experience years of abundance.
[292 AC]
"Hah! It is time!" Paul exclaimed as he finally finished the last details of the large tome, Magic and Rituals Compendium: Guide to understanding magic and their purposes.
A book written by him to finally rid this world of any rituals that use pointless sacrifices, which means there are still rituals with sacrifices needed but it has a purpose and not one of those that just cut up babies and virgins for shits and giggles to bored eldritch beings, now only animals like cows, calves, horses and sheep are mostly used.
With the first task done, the matter for the others would be quickly handled with. Also it came to a surprise for Paul that the one that would develop the Steam Age route was not one of his subordinates, but from Tyrion who accidentally discovered the power of steam because of his water heater.
Being used to a warmer climate for the past few years, Tyrion had made a heater using what he had seen during his stay during his trial in Skagos. He had seen Lord Paul build a hut from materials around them and made a cozy home in a few hours with a warm air inside.
He had asked what made the stone hut warm and Paul explained roughly how he had brought a heater and lit the fire using something called a fire piston.
He had remembered many of the ramblings Paul had talked about and made a rudimentary steam engine when he wanted something to keep the air inside his ship fresh, thus created a self-made fan that would send air though vents through cabins and would air out the stale smell of the sea inside Windrider.
But he only made a small steam powered motor that keeps the fan working, he even redesigned his room's kitchen to accommodate the rudimentary steam engine he made atop his ship's heater.
This gave Paul a green light on many things he had prepared, he was not just forging anything random during his time closing his eye off from the world. He knew that the item made would be destroyed once it was assembled by the bracelet.
But if he just made the parts and assemble it when he is finally allowed then there is no worry, what he made was something more of an experiment and wanted to see if he could make an Automaton using Steampunk and Magic fusion.
Yet he could do that later as he blinked to his Solar from his laboratory, there he saw two beauties waiting on him as his maids. First was Ashara Dayne who got used to working for Paul, she too had some changes as she found a direction that she really liked, magic.
The other was a mature blonde beauty who has a demure air around her and a rather grateful gaze towards Paul, she was Joanna Lannister who had recovered from her near death experience.
What she found on her time staying in Titanus has broadened her horizon and thought that she should bring her children with her. Though she is forbidden from ever contacting them as per Betha's and Rohanne's orders, they cannot risk the Warden of the West snooping around where he shouldn't if he find some evidence his wife might still be alive.
They had seen the work made by Paul for the past few years in pushing through finding more and more cures to deadly diseases that exist in the known world, even a vaccine for Greyscale had finally been made cheaper than the last one Paul had to create which would take a few days to brew.
And they know that most of his actions were done to help the people of this world, Rohanne spent a long time with her granddaughter until she was finally 'converted' into a the truth of Paul's 'missions'.
Even Paul was impressed with the hypnotizing skills Rohanne had developed on her own, she had studied the books about psychology and behavioral training that Paul had added to the Tower of Knowledge, a large library with many levels and vast amounts of topics to read from.
Now Rohanne did not need Paul's help into training the new recruits in mentally conditioning them into loyalty towards Titanus and to the Lord Sovereign Paul Egon Esteban.
Well that what they call him anyways, Joanna Lannister on the other hand found her calling when she showed talent in taming beasts. Now she is the head educator in the herbivorous beasts section in the Academy.
She had shown that she has an innate instinct in finding specially gifted beasts, in other words animals that had a high chance of success in getting mutated.
One of which was the egg that she gave to Tyrion who he named Orson, now the pudgy beast had become popular since its unstoppable charge through Pyke to get the message to King Robert.
It had also shown great resilience from getting cut from sharp weapons, also bulky enough that a strong blunt force does not faze the beast. Tyrion's pet grew to almost twice an original Shield Lizard could, even a bull could not battle the chubby Orson.
This also reminded Paul about some items he had in his hands, Dragon Eggs. Other than the ones he had gotten at the tragedy at Summerhall, he had found a few petrified eggs in peaks of the broken Old Valyria.
He had prepared a few which Joanna had picked to hatch but before he does so, he would have to edit the seal he had placed on Smaug. The grumpy cat would be summoned once he gathered enough soul energy to power the formation, he had prepared all the materials needed to do it.
Only needed was soul energy which he had some sorcerers gather some on Old Valyria, he had made some Soul Lamps for the sorcerers he sent to farm soul energy there.
Now that the Steam Age had been kick started, many things would come in place as Paul sent out the order of releasing some books about various topics all over the world.
What they do with the knowledge would not be his concern even if it brought chaos to the era, but it would be inevitable since there would always be people who would exploit this kind of information.
Yet it was necessary since it is part of the learning curve a civilization has to experience, without an intellectual revolution then the way of life would stagnate and not move forward as a race should.
Still he had some favorites to send first before he gave some to the others, he has hired a few teachers in every city he has a shop in to give free public lectures to commoners and slave alike about basic things like reading and elementary arithmetic.
It has been going on for years that it became an integral part in some places, though a few members of the magisters of these free cities did not like this and made some actions to prevent the teaching of commoners and slaves to read.
A rather close-minded attitude these people had thinking that knowledge should have to be given only to those privileged and wealthy, teaching slaves and commoners is something they see unworthy for these people they treat as vermin.
Yet no teachers were ever harmed as they were never locals and had some protection from the veteran soldiers of Titanus.
Now he would send some first to the Starks, he knew that this is something the Lord of Winterfel would like to have a hold of like some designs of making internal heating in houses and castles.
A few to the Night's Watch, then to the crannogmen so they could have some general knowledge and would not be duped by other people in their trades and learning how to identify local plants in their environment that could be planted in a garden and turned into food.
Some plants in the North were rather hardy and difficult to find but I they follow what was written then they can maybe start to expand their available food choices even in the rather cold winter place like the Wall.
And finally he would spread general knowledge books slowly every three months and would be given and sold to anyone and anywhere Rohanne had picked.
The Seven Kingdoms were brought into great confusion as books were brought into the hands of any man and woman from slaves and up to nobles as the new knowledge brought vast changes in the mindset of many people.
It was then people got to see more of Paul as he found time to show himself in public, mostly in places like Lys, Pentos and Braavos.
Many of the books alerted many nobles as some books were rather inconceivable from their point of view as the notion of talent being unaffected by being rich and born in a noble house.
Yet it was hard to argue when the names mentioned were people who really made a name for themselves not being nobles but were born great leaders.
Some nobles were reminded that their position and name was because they had an ancestor that brought honor and gained their household as well as their riches through glorious feats.
This sparked a fire within the heart of many commoner alike to reach to higher positions as ambition now burned in their hearts. But not all were positive as some used sophistry to start a rebellious streak as they wanted to over throw some nobles that had wronged them.
Some nobles from larger houses made a fuss as they declared the books being circulated is an affront to the authority of the Seven Kingdoms.
They then sent their own men to quell these bandits who call themselves freedom fighters, but they were labeled as criminals by these houses and found themselves under the blade of nobility.
Feeling emboldened by their victories they even declared that these books written by the Blood Lord are instruments to destabilize the rule of Nobility and the Royal family, though there was no reaction from the crown.
Still no one openly show any strong stance since they were still afraid of King Robert's rule since his recent Victory during the Greyjoy rebellion.
Still this made the crown think that there must be a reason to the recent actions of the supposed to be neutral Blood Lord.
Yet the King, Robert Baratheon 1st did not bother as he rather prioritized having tourneys since he got a book about how to get stronger, it was more of an exercise book but it has chapters on specific exercises on certain muscles to improve power and strength.
He even went on a killing spree as he led the kingsguard to hunt the rather heinous bandits in the area, the armor he had Tyrion made for him made the King feel invincible and he rode hard the ambitious men and women who wanted to carve a place for themselves in the Seven Kingdoms.
An action that made the nobles loyal to the crown heave a sigh of relief as their king showed his fame ferocity and also his charisma in turning once enemies into his loyal subordinates.
Now the King even had a new adviser since he went to the Vale to suppress these bandits, Jon Arryn was rather aged and could not march to defend his lands well.
So Robert made this as an excuse to goof off his duties and go bandit hunting, it was not like he was doing much as a King since he just threw most of his responsibilities to his Hand.
Then there was the incident, the Crow's Eye had started reaving even when the Greyjoys were under strict watch of the Royal family. But the young Kraken bit too much as he had attacked a convoy coming from Lannisport that was owned by the Blood Lord.
Thus the Leviathan was seen hunting the insolent Greyjoy throughout the seas, Euron was ashen when he was found hiding near the Shield Islands after his ship Silence was crushed to pieces by the far larger Leviathan.
He was brought to the Tyrells and asked for ransom to the Iron Islands since the places Euron Greyjoy had pillaged before he attacked Ships own by Paul were villages under the protection of the Reach.
A grim reminder that there is a force out there that held a bigger sword over the heads of many as his furious response brought no question of his might in the tales and legends they sing about him.
Then another news of how a real monstrous beast was seen in the shores of the Summer Isles as some nobles that visited during that time attested the beast they had seen, a sea dragon who went to an isolated islet with dangerous reefs, sharp rocks and powerful waves that no ship or boat dared to enter.
Still they swore that the beast was far larger than their Galleys and that a sailor said he saw the eye of the beast peering through the depths towards their vessel, though no one believed much of this thinking they were nothing but a mummer's exaggerated performance after seeing a Sea snake.
Then there were reports from the Night's watch on how many more wildlings were trying to get past the wall, but this time they did not instantly go on the offensive as they offered a way for diplomacy.
Lord Commander Mormont had made it his duty to revive the ancient work of the Night's Watch, to protect the realms of men and protect he did.
A many number of former nobles from other parts of the Seven Kingdoms protested this decision but with wise words from the Maester of Castle Black did they abate their doubts and see if there is indeed a chance to reform these people they see barbaric into 'civilized' people in The Gift.
And with the books they had received, they were better prepared and knowledgeable in ensuring these once lawless bunches of wildlings would be educated to at least know some form of civility.
And it was then they finally had an inkling as to who their sponsor might be since some Thenns did not conform but tried to hunt the people on the small hovels and crofts under the protection of the Men of the Night's Watch.
When the riders arrived to kill these cannibalistic Thenns, they were greeted by a scene of devastation as bald heads on pikes were placed in line in front of the hovels they had passed by.
They saw an unfamiliar form of armor and colors as each place had at least a couple or up to a dozen protectors. And something within the guts of these veteran squad leaders of the riders told them not to show any hostility to these men and women.
Yes they found women as well in the ranks of these protectors and they could not find it in themselves to be disrespectful when they realized there was no sign of casualty in this mysterious group of soldiers.
Elites, that was what came to their mind as bodies of Thenns and even Ice River Clans were found dead with faces full of horror and fear.
The part of which that made the Night's Watch have an idea was that there were some of these soldiers who had a prosthetic arm, which could only be made with such fine details by only one force known to the world.
It was then one man had placed in the parts together and was able to create a theory as to why the Blood Lord had released these books all over the world.
[Kingslanding]
"Now tell me Lord Varys, what is so important that you called all members of the Small Council here on this blasted heat." The annoyed voice of Renly Baratheon was heard as soon as he arrived, so far only him, Varys, Tyrion and Stannis has arrived while Lord Jon and the Grandmaester were still on their way.
"Urgent findings Lord Renly, it is something that must be known by all of us in the small council since I had pieced together the parts and learned of what the Blood Lord might be planning. Thus I had even informed the King that this meeting is of utmost importance, King Robert had just arrived riding past the iron gate as we speak." Varys spoke in a frank and no nonsense manner that it made the handsome Renly frown at the rather serious tone of Varys.
"Too even bother my brother the King himself, something must have scared the Spider so much that this needed Robert's presence." Stannis ever so serious had a rare gently glint in his eyes, as he held a small wooden doll in his hands.
"I must Lord Stannis, if what I think is true then the reason these books are appearing bears a much darker reason other than educating the ignorant." Varys spoke plain as he knew there was not much need to mince words with a man like Stannis.
As they were discussing , the Grandmeaster and the Hand of the King arrived one after another as they read the urgency in Varys' letters.
"His Majesty King Robert I, ruler of the Seven Kingdoms and protector of the Realm!" the royal herald voice could be heard and a loud neigh of a horse echoed in the small council chamber.
The members' attention was taken by the loud metallic thudding of boots coming closer and beheld the mighty visage of a still bloodied warhammer in the arms of a bulky armored man.
"You seem to have met some resistance your Majesty." Jon Arryn looked worriedly at Robert then turned his attention to the few people that follow behind him.
"Yeah, some blind muggers on the road thought I was easy prey and surrounded me with his ilk of thieves to rob me hahaha! Quite a warm up in the morning I must say." King Robert did feel angry at all but looked rather refreshed when he took off his helmet as he sat down his seat at the small council.
"Now what in seven hells happened that needed me present? Is there another war coming or did a large group of bandits gather?" Robert chuckled heartily as he handed his hammer to the two men on the side who were rather used to carrying the heavy weapon.
"It is nothing more than a theory your Majesty but the implications should it be true would mean too dire for the realm." Varys' spoke up as soon as Robert sat down but before the King could speak it was Stannis who placed in his words.
"This is a meeting of the Small Council, so why is someone not of the council still here?" Stannis looked at the rather thin pasty looking man who looked much creepier than he is.
"Don't worry about him Stannis, this is Petyr Bealish or little finger they call him. Saved him from bandits near the Vale and brought him here because he showed some talents in counting coppers, thought that Jon might need some help in handling matters I left on to him." Robert waved his hands as he called for a servant to bring in another seat for Petyr in the small council.
"But your Majesty, Lord Tyrion Lannister is master of coins." Grandmaester Pycelle spoke slowly this time as he shared his thoughts.
"I know, but Tyrion here is great at making the capital more money so he'll be master of Trade from now on and focus on pulling us from debt so that Jon here would nag me during my leisure no more." Robert grumbled as he looked at Jon Arryn who had the look of realization as he finally remembered who Bealish was.
"You're Lysa's childhood friend aren't you, your family owns the flint tower by the smallest peninsula of the fingers." Jon Arryn looked at Bealish, he remembered his wife recommending him before but somehow never spoke about him again after a few months into their marriage.
"Excuse me Lord Hand but this matter is more important that past memories. Your Majesty, if I may speak plain. What matters I am about to speak is something that must be known by all but I prefer to speak them to you first and confer with the council on what action is to be made." Varys interrupted the Hand of the King and spoke to Robert with urgency in his tone.
"If you want to speak plain then speak, no need for more nonsense in between." Robert growled in annoyance as soon as he sat down his seat.
"The Blood Lord sire, has sent for various tomes of knowledge all over the world. It vexed all of us especially me on what the purpose of these tomes were when they all carry different knowledge within them. But it has occurred finally to me when I heard of his actions as the sponsor of the Night's watch the true reason as to why he did all of these in the past few years." Varys looked a bit worried as he was not sure as to how to explain the next part in a manner that would be easier to understand for these noble lords of westeros.
"A reason!? A foreign lord spreading misinformation is nothing more than an upstart seeking to overthrow the throne." grumbled grandmaester Pycelle as he seemed displeased of any mention of Paul in the small council meeting.
"No offence your majesty but overthrowing the rule of the Baratheons would be the easiest thing Lord Paul could ever do, if he ever wanted to he could take over Westeros and all of the Free cities within a fortnite with what I have deduced of the extent of his forces. His ships alone number over the thousands, each have a minimum of 50 experienced sailors." Tyrion chimed in as he looked at the old maester with a rather scrutinizing eye.
"You speak so highly of him, yet you always say you do not know the extent of his forces. What if this force you say is just something conjured up in your mind when you squired for him, many always tell tall tales of what they are capable of but fail to live to such expectations." Renly scoffed hearing the words of Tyrion not realizing that those that had the chance to even gaze at Paul's presence or countenance knew that the infamous imp did not lie.
"Enough with the banter, Lord Varys speak what is it you had wanted to inform the King about the intent of Lord Paul. You've probably heard many whispers of dissent within nobles of Westeros yet those did not phase you, to even call of Robert means this terrifies you." Stannis' serious tone rang in the council room even making Robert listen attentively hearing his words.
"Everything I've seen so far heads into one direction my lords and majesty, we are being prepared." Varys' words made the small council confused while Lord Arryn and Tyrion were pondering on the side.
"Prepared? Like what? Dinner?" Renly spoke with a chuckle but no one smiled after as Varys continued.
"We are being prepared for war my lords, a war that needed us to be pushed forward. And by forward I mean our developments, from tomes of improving daily livelihood up to arts that teach others to gain strength, we are being prepared by the Blood Lord…" Varys grave face did not help some understand but Lord Arryn spoke then making all eyes draw to him.
"You said there is a close relation to the Night's Watch, does this have to do with the tomes that appeared talking about the real reason the watch was ever made and why the Wall was built?" the Hand's words made Robert pay attention dearly, it was this father figure of his that he respected made him behave and listen.
"The Night's Watch? Weren't they nothing more than a band of men preventing the wildlings from ever going south? So that no barbarians would raid and plunder villages under the protection of the King?" Robert had heard about the tomes, but never really paid attention to those with nothing but history within.
"No your majesty, the Night's Watch was made to watch over the wall should the Long Night come. They have a written rule in signaling up at the watch, one blast for rangers returning, two for wildlings and three for white walkers. What Varys is trying to say is that maybe the Long Night is really coming, and winter comes with it." Tyrion's words made the small council members look a bit somber.
"But Winter would too far yet to come, the citadel said this would be the longest summer ever in history." Pycelle spoke in but he was rebutted by Varys.
"And longer a summer means an even longer winter, almost half of the books and tomes spread were about increasing yield in farms, making more different foods that would not perish easily, other sources of food available that no one gives a single mind and even a book on how to make a colder cellar.
Each and every one a method to improve life, not to mention the various tomes that talk how to prevent diseases, there is even a book on how to perform the kiss of life those priests of the drowned god boast to be good at. We are experiencing a high increase of life expectancy and a better way of life, we are being prepared and a war is coming." Varys said making the others frown a bit, thinking deeply.
"And why would be believe such fable and myths? What next? Grumpkins and snarks?" Renly was a bit pale but he did not want to accept the information he is hearing yet.
"There is no smoke without fire, as Lord Paul always like to say. The Citadel had an extensive record of history yet places that should have not met have spoken about similar things like the children and sorcerers. We've all heard about how the Targaryens used blood magic to tie the Dragons to their bloodline and how the doom of valyria might have been caused by fire mages, some things might have changed in time but myths and legends still exists in many texts in other languages of similar account. Lord Varys might indeed be right…" Tyrion tapped the table with a serious countenance as he thought about many things in his mind as he said this with a grave manner.
"So something beyond the wall cause a man who could tame a Wyvern, lead a fleet of thousands to even share knowledge that seemed too precious to be handed out, make actions like these means whatever the cause is something we should not take lightly. Grandmaester have you any thoughts on which those might be?" Lord Jon Arryn though old was still cunning and smart as he looked seriously at the old maester.
"Uhmm…well, there is a frequent mention of the Night King. A being of darkness and ice that said to have rode spiders that size of horses made of ice. Made by the dark hands of the devilish beings called The Others, but sources all over seemed to be rather conflicting that no evidence were able to prove the existence of these beings…" Pycelle breathed raggedly as he acted like a very old man burdened with age.
"…I vaguely remember something if I might add, one time when I was brought to Skaggos to train. A fellow squire spoke of something he had read back, Westeros was first inhabited by Giants and the Children of the Forrest, then the first men came along with their own gods and they waged war after their holy trees were cut down…" Tyrion started talking while the others listened to his story.
"…but they eventually made a pact after thousands of years of war with the children teaching the first men the worship of the old gods. That is what most know of, it was said the Others were dark gods that brought winter and death down upon the first men and the battle of the dawn chased them back beyond the way. Thus Brandon the Builder made the wall with the children, yet here is the twist…" Tyrion thought for a moment recalling all the details of his conversation with Donut.
"…it was not entirely the Others that attacked but a being made using their powers, war with the first men drove many tribes of Children of the Forest into the brink of despair that in hoping for a weapon to fight back against humans they used darker sources of power other than the old gods to create said weapon…" Varys and Jon who were listening were already thinking hard with deep frowns in their faces as they listened to Tyrion while the others looked a bit confused but light slowly cleared their eyes as they begin to understand what Tyrion was about to say.
"…thus the first ever white walker was made, they said to have used an ancestor of the first men, highly probably a Stark to create a creature of ice and death. One that would bring winter and raise the dead to fight for its own so to drive the first men back…" Tyrion did not need to explain as Varys chimed in with his deduction.
"…but too dark the weapon they made and it turned its blade to its creators. And maybe having them unite, the Children, the First men and even Giants to repel the one that brings death. Magic, a very troublesome thing that only brings problems and death to many." Varys face scowled thinking of magic being used, he thought about his unpleasant bout with sorcery when he was a young boy.
"If handled by second rates and fools seeking power not knowing the price for such demands. It would seem you have unfavorable thoughts about magic Varys, but let me remind you both a knight and a bandit could hold a sword but they use it for different reasons. There is much better magic could bring us if we are responsible enough for its uses." Tyrion looked at the eunuch with eyes of reproach, he had seen some of the sorcerers on his stay in the Basin and by far he has not seen anyone irresponsible for their magic yet.
The Small council went on in discussion which mostly revolved around the matter Varys has pointed out, Westeros is being prepared for change that would which need for its strength to face that are of dark in nature.
Paul was quite surprised when he heard of this, he was impressed by the minds of Varys and Tyrion being able to think off the general direction he was leading the populace when he released the tomes all over Westeros and Essos.
Sure a lot of trouble came with it but it was part of the process of learning and developing rapidly in the years to come. With the Steam Age being kick started, Paul had already made large Steam engines that would drive Leviathan and even the floating Island in case he would need to use the strength of the gigantic monsters of his.
Now present were Skutoom and the giant crabs that were protectors of the shores of Paul's lands, Skutoom being the largest at 30 meters in height and 75 meters in length and width weighing about 12,000 tons of dense armor and meat.
The Turtles were next, largest was the snapping alligator looking one with 40 meters high and wide and 70 meters long weighing about 13,000 tons, heavier and denser than Skutoom but they lack the versatility of the Leviathan in battle.
All they could do was bite and stomp smaller things but they could spit fountains of water which could destroy a medium sized ship in seconds, they somehow could store large amounts of water beyond the capacity of their stomachs, Paul attributed it to the innate water magic flowing within these Old men of the Rivers.
For now he did not let George, Lizzie or Ralph out yet since they were much larger than he had thought they had been. It seems this was part of the improvements the Beyonder spoke about when he had taken things that were close to him.
Next were the Wyverns, largest were similar to the variant the Blood Tiger used to ride. A Swamp Wyvern with a rather ferocious nature, though at most the size of Syrax before the famed dragon's death.
But it looked more like an aged Wyvern yet it could still fight and fly with great power befitting the wyvern's reputation.
Shadow was not as big though but she was faster and deadlier, so far the results of Paul's experiments on her was starting to show and maybe one day she would be able to breathe fire once she has finally made a working mana heart.
Though the Wyverns were mostly used to help give push the sails with extra gusts of winds using these flying lizards, they were not much used to make the ships sail.
At least he could now sit back and hope that the death rate and magic of this world finally could go into the direction that would develop the civilization leaps and bounds.
Paul looked at the horizon and saw the sun shining down the misty cliffs of Bear Island. He had heard reports of his sorcerers finally getting results in their research in the mana rich island.
He had felt it was a pity though, Jorah Mormont still suffered having such an expensive wife. He did find it amusing that Lynesse Hightower does look similar to the future of Daenerys Targaryen.
Good thing the Mormonts got to improve due to Dacey Mormont becoming the squire of Paul, since he had used the resources in their island he had offered a chance for one direct descendant of the house Mormont to at least serve for five years under Paul.
What she prioritized in her stay was learning how to build better and faster ships, one thing they lacked dearly in facing the ironborn that block their way going south.
Now they were able to trade to old town using at least ten galleys that were a bit faster and sturdier than the Greyjoys enabling them to gain enough money to improve their lifestyle.
Though Dacey had admittedly stated she hated Lynesse, she was rather loyal to Jorah who was a rather capable leader.
Mormont Keep slowly began to improve and they were somehow able to hire a mason from Paul that helped them redesign their keep that made it warm all over.
Lynesse Hightower got pregnant last month as well with Jorah's first born, this made the rather spoiled noble woman mellow down in her expenditure as she slowly was being integrated by the women of the Mormont family in their culture.
Stubborn at first but she found it hard to not be swayed when Dacey had found help in slowly baptizing Lynesse with northern culture from Lady Rohanne.
Though she did show some interest in forging, she was not as talented as Tyrion in this aspect but she learned enough to even forge a quality set or armor and weapon for their people.
Not caring much of other affairs other than his experiments and hobbies, Paul spent more time with his women. From Kaash, Shaera, Betha, Ashara who got dragged in by Shiera and finally Sapphire who Paul finally unsealed from the marble that stored her.
He also went to his manse in Kingslanding in secret to have some guilty pleasures with Gemma Lannister with her plump curvy body since other than Kaash the rest of his women were rather petite and a bit easy satisfied.
His time in his Manse was spent wearing a mask while having orgies with desperate mature noble women brought by Gemma in this secret group of hers.
Paul was surprised when Gemma was able to drag in Alerie Hightower into this secret group of hers, she was rather tall and handsome for a woman. She was rather vapid at first but when Paul had his way something inside her broke as she became a thirsty lioness.
Paul was able to make her scream that she had never been done like this before by her husband. She was 35 already but she had a rather tight build that Paul liked and being a mother of four made her body mature into something very tempting to men.
Another woman that Gemma brought in was a surprise, a young pregnant Myrrish woman that got wed to the house of Merryweather.
She was Teana, olive skinned, thick black hair, beautiful black eyes and emphasized her sultry air was her long legs, pearly white teeth and luscious dark lips.
Paul rather enjoyed the debauched time when he handled these women in his fingers, it made him sigh how those in high position would really seek such dark pleasure.
He did not care if he dishonors Lord Merryweather or Lord Tyrell, he was not much long for this world and he would enjoy slowly raising his power within lust and love.
Days passed by and Westeros developed into something much different than what Paul knew would have been should he had not interfered much in this world.
A new order was built, Robert Baratheon got intrigued with magic and tried to see if he was talented in any as he had gotten a tome about how to determine which magic were you compatible to.
Oddly the King found himself a rather gifted warg, one day he was able to control a Stag that he was hunting and warged into the creature.
He was also able to tame another animal, a rather beastly boar that was found in the Kingswood. Almost a ton in weight of pure bristled fury and rage, the boar was tamed by the King when he caught it while riding Orys, the Stag he bonded with.
Orys and Borys he named them, now the King could be seen riding Orys in the gardens while Borys carried Joffrey, Ormund and Tommen on its back as it became rather docile after being tamed by Robert.
Eddard Stark also found himself rather gifted in beast taming, now the kennels of Winterfel were filled with Wolves that now follow the Lord Paramount of the North in his hunts.
Many prominent Lords and Ladies showed talent in magic when books and tomes of arcane arts spread around the world, much detailed compared to the ones within the Citadel and allowed some to understand what they are able to do.
Even some old maesters who had earned their Valyrian chain link grew hope being able to conjure fire within their hands.
A few of the Kingsguard showed some talents as well and the ones that improved drastically were Ser Barristan and Ser Jaime as they both had talent in manipulating wind, they slashes sharper and thrusts faster they now boast to be the most skillful swordsman within the Kingsguard.
Both sparred with no winner in sight but Jaime conceded victory to Ser Barristan since he had Brightroar with him but the old knight only had a high quality castle forged steel sword.
Tyrion was impressed seeing his brother admit defeat knowing how competitive he was, with respect to Ser Barristan he forged him a thousand folded Steel Sword better than the ones made by the Royal smiths, thus giving the old knight sharper fangs in battles to come.
Though some trouble still grew due to this as some overconfident people raised their arms to take whatever they wanted. Many names gained fame and some infamy as magic was slowly spreading all over the world.
Even the Dothraki gave in as they learned a few magic they found suitable to their tastes, mostly was a variant of nature magic which made them able to manipulate the seas of grass they tread upon. Making it bind prey or grow faster to provide them more of their resources needed for daily life.
They liked it since it did not include any blood magic at all, they even hoarded some books about animal breeding to ensure the best steeds to ride upon the wide Dothraki sea.
Even the distant Ying Li received tomes that improved the lives of many people, the name of the Blood Lord rang all over the world as his spreading of knowledge made many skeptical and thoughtful as to what was the reason he did so.
But even with all of this giving confidence to many, no one dared to raise arms towards anything that is related to him as his shadows still linger in every corner ready to silence those that think ill or seek to gain from those he holds close.
(A/N: I just wanted to post for one chapter but anything beyond 100,000 characters is not allowed by webnovel.)