Version 2.0
The solar was filled with an air of urgency as Brandon, surrounded by his trusted advisors, discussed the latest developments in the ongoing wars.
"The Red King has declared war on the Widower King," Theon reported. "He is looking to continue his expansion. On other fronts, the war between the Glover and Warg King is still going strong, though no decisive battle has happened yet. They seem to be raiding each other's lands. We have worryingly little news from the mountains; fewer and fewer people are coming down from the mountains now."
"It seems their conflict is intensifying and getting bloodier," Brandon said. "Message Harmond to gather any news that he can."
"Yes, my King," Theon and Halvar said. "There are other wars, though. The Locke King and the Tower King have started a battle. From what we hear, the Locke King wants to expand his reach as more of the other kings start to rise and fall in power. However, more concerning for us is the war between the Ryder King and the Greenwood King. The Ryder King wants to continue with his success and expansion. We have heard nothing from Ned, but that might change as the war progresses," Theon said, finishing his reports on the war.
"I have some news on this as well," Jon stated. "We are seeing an influx of people in villages across our lands. Some of my trader friends are telling me that many villages and lands are getting ravaged by the war, leaving them homeless and defenceless. From what I can gather, many of these villagers are moving to the lands where the Kings are winning. The traders tell of plenty of people on the roads and paths making their way to different lands. Plenty of them die from monsters in the wild and roaming bands of bandits either attacking or taking them in. The roads towards the Umbar and Forest lands are the worst for monsters, but more of them are starting to be spotted in our lands and the lands of other kings. The traders have all told me they now hire bodyguards just to get to our lands."
Brandon raised an eyebrow. "Bodyguards? Where are they getting them from?"
"Well like some of the men have turned to banditry some of them have turned to hiring themselves out to traders and Kings, as long as they pay their price, they are willing to fight for them. There has been a sharp increase in them in all the kingdoms, people are getting desperate for food and others need protection." Jon stated.
Brandon sat in contemplation for a moment. "Theon, send a message and get word out to all of our villages and people. Tell everyone that every man and woman in the village will now learn to fight and should stock up on bronze and obsidian weapons to fight both monsters and bandits," Brandon started. "The wars are becoming rampant, and everyone needs to fight." Brandon sighs. "Also start teaching the kids to fight as well, we learned at a young age and it has led us well."
"Yes, my King. I'll get all the village chiefs to set up village militia in every village," Theon stated.
Jon cleared his throat and smiled at everyone "On a happier note, Bran, I believe that I have made something incredible." He stated reaching behind him before he dropped some circular metal pieces on the table. "Behold, I give you coins of my creation."
As the coins clinked on the table, everyone's attention turned to the gleaming metal discs. One was crafted from copper, bearing the distinctive dire wolf, proudly on its surface. Its warm reddish-brown hue was quite dull in the daylight with its rough edges and quite shoddily done dire wolf.
Beside it, a more precious coin made from silver lay, showcasing the same dire wolf emblem as it reflected the light. The silver coin reflected the light bouncing across the room drawing everyone's eyes towards it only making it shine brighter.
"Thanks, Jon, two lumps of metal are a great gift to cheer me up, you know me so well; what am I supposed to do with them?" Brandon said, looking unamused.
Jon rolled his eyes. "Just trust me on this; it is pure genius." He said as he joyously moved his arms around. "As you know we trade by me giving you something and you give me something in return, I give 10 wheat you give me 5 flour. The problem with this is that I need to have what you want with me at that moment. These coins will change that. They are a way for people to carry their goods without taking their goods. By using the coins they can buy their goods with coins without needing to take their goods there," Jon explained. "For example, with 10 copper coins, I can buy 1 sack of flour. The farmer can then take those coins to the blacksmith and use the 10 copper coins to repair his tools and so on. Quicker and easier for everyone." Jon smiles smugly whilst Jocelyn stands next to him rubbing his hand.
"Wow, that's actually smart," Brandon admitted.
"Aye, especially coming from you Jon; you actually have some intelligence, not just a mouth that runs," Edric said.
Jon raised his head to the sky. "I know, bask in my glory for I am greatness."
Brandon shakes his head. "Na, you're still a dumbass."
"Ah, ah, there is more," Jon continued. "I got the help of a blacksmith here to help me make them. If we can be the only kingdom that can make these coins, we can centralise the trade of the entire North here. If we can make all the coins here, we will have the power of trade, together with our already budding trading market. With the copper mines already in our lands together with creating a deal with the Umbar King for cooperation in the silver mines we are in a great position for this. Do I need to say any more? Come admit it, this is genius of me," Jon said.
Brandon smiles at him before shaking his head. "You did well Jon, but I still think you're a dumbass."
"How can you still be insulting me when I just created this incredible invention?" Jon asked, looking flabbergasted at his friends.
"Because we can," Edric said shrugging his shoulders.
"You guys are the worst," Jon said.
"I think it is great," Jocelyn said from next to him. "Great work, love." She said as she kissed him.
Jon just smiled at her lovingly.
"I don't want to see my sister all lovey-dovey, so please don't do that here," Lyanna said, earning a slightly embarrassed look from both of them.
"They are so cute. Well, whilst those lovebirds live in their world, I also got some last news," Alys said. "I was with my mom's group again, and they got some interesting news. You remember the Old Gods religion. With the war strife across the lands, many are flocking towards it for hope. It is expanding in popularity; the girls were gossiping about it, saying how many couples are now getting married with them using the heart trees."
Brandon sighs "Well, it is doing no harm to me, and again, we have more pressing matters. As long as they don't cause any problems, they are free to do as they choose." Brandon stated. "Please don't cause me any problems religion."