Loren Lannister tapped his fingers on the table as he sat quietly in the great hall of House Redwyne. He looked around the hall and saw his entourage interacting with those from the Arbor and throughout the Reach and those from the Vale. As expected, no one talked with the representatives from the Iron Islands, who looked indifferent to being among "greenlander lords" anyway. For Loren Lannister, he had no interest in engaging in small talk and wanted to go straight to the reason why him and some other lords from the western hills and valleys of Westeros had come to this island in the first place. Not that he complained, as he liked the Redwynes' hospitality and always kept a casket of Arbor gold in his solar even though he preferred Lannisport's spicy honey wine.
A month ago, Casterly Rock received a raven from Highgarden, with the message written by the King of the Reach himself, Mern Gardener. King Mern invited Loren Lannister, King of the Rock, to a summit at the Arbor to discuss "matters of kingly importance," which was incredibly cryptic. Loren Lannister found out that Mern Gardener sent out other ravens to the Eyrie, Winterfell, Sunspear, and the Iron Islands. King in the North Torrhen Stark declined the invitation, saying that no Starks would ever concern themselves in the affairs of the south. Meria Martell, Princess of Dorne and otherwise known as the "Yellow Toad," also declined, stating that Dorne and the Rhoynar are separate from the rest of Westeros. Not that many in the Reach complained, as marcher houses such as the Tarlys of Horn Hill and the Peakes of Starpike would not respond kindly to having to share the same space with the very people they fought with for many centuries.
Loren Lannister was most surprised when he heard about the Gardener king inviting the ironborn to the summit, with the entourage led by Darvin Hoare, otherwise known to the rest of Westeros as "the Unshackled Ironman" and who had declared himself King of the Isles and the Rivers. No one in Westeros wanted to be in the same room as an ironborn and the Redwynes were very open in their displeasure at having to host their traditional enemies at sea. From what Loren Lannister gathered, King Mern had to pull many strings and grant them certain favors in order for the Redwynes to at least not kill the ironborn once they arrived at the Arbor. He frankly didn't care about what King Mern did.
Deciding that there was no harm in hearing what the Gardener king had to say and wanting to see the Arbor anyway, Loren Lannister left his son Seamas in charge of Casterly Rock and took a party of his lords, who hailed from houses such as Crakehall, Lefford, Westerling, Marbrand, and Reyne, along with three hundred men-at-arms. He was hesitant to bring along Weslar Reyne, Lord of Castamere, as he headed the second-most powerful house in his kingdom and had heard from his more loyal lords of his unpredictable personality. However, he decided that it was better to keep potential rivals close to him and took him with him to the Arbor. He had also appointed his second son, Ser Bailen Reyne, as castellan of Casterly Rock as a way to keep his house under control while not giving Lord Weslar any reason to think that he has been mistreated. Politics, how tiresome , Loren thought.
After arriving at the Arbor, Loren Lannister and his entourage were given guest rights via bread and salt and were treated to the famed hospitality of House Redwyne, which Loren Lannister only experienced once. Besides the dancing, music, and the sumptuous feast provided, everyone present were allowed to consume as much of the Arbor's famous wines to their heart's content. Loren Lannister himself helped him to three caskets of Arbor gold, but was careful to control his drink so as to avoid any embarrassing moments of drunkenness in front of his vassals.
In addition, Loren Lannister toured the Redwyne fleet around the Arbor, which was quite an impressive sight. At two hundred warships and five times that of other vessels, the fleet easily dwarfed the other fleets of Westeros, even that of the ironborn. Casterly Rock never commanded more than fifty vessels, as the lords in the west were not known for their prowess at sea. I might have to fix that, or I might be the Rock's equivalent of Brandon the Burner .
Besides Darvin Hoare and the ironborn that had arrived at the Arbor, Sharra Arryn, Queen Regent of the Kingdom of the Mountain and the Vale and otherwise as "the Flower of the Mountain," came with an entourage of her own lords from houses such as Royce, Corbray, and Hunter. Many of those in attendance had wondered why Ronnel Arryn, the King of the Mountain and the Vale, had not arrived only to remember that he was merely a boy. While those in the Reach and among his lords shifted uncomfortably at having to converse on equal terms with a woman, especially after hearing of her reputation back in the Vale, Loren Lannister couldn't care less. Sharra Arryn being a woman in power is the least of my concerns at the moment .
Loren Lannister took another look at the hall before noticing the Faith's seven-pointed star hanging prominently from the ceiling. Blinking, he looked at the various lords that had arrived at the Arbor and saw a connection. Besides the ironborn, everyone present were devoted or were connected in some ways to the Faith of the Seven. And given the Gardeners' piety to the Faith… This is getting interesting .
While Loren Lannister didn't care for such trivialities, he made his regular visits to the sept in order to give off the illusion that he was devoted in front of his vassals and people. But like many other kings and lords of Westeros, Loren Lannister was not pious and merely interpreted his relationship with the Faith as a mutual one. In return for a substantial contribution to the septs and doing small favors for the septons, the Faith's representatives helped his populace under control and turned a blind eye to Loren Lannister's more… questionable pursuits. Like any other ruler, he had vices, with his participating in gambling being one of them. Loren Lannister found the whole practice of gambling stimulating for his mind, as he could practice his abilities in reading a man's facial expressions and knowing when a man would fold. He learned that how a man gambled reflected his personality and how he walked through life.
But more importantly, Loren Lannister that he must've inherited from his ancestor's, Tyrion II Lannister, penchant for torture. Whenever prisoners or criminals came into Casterly Rock, he would just… watch his guards as they questioned and tortured their way into the victim's mind. He would often go into Casterly Rock's cells with much parchment and quill, so that he can record what parts of the body caused the most pain and which methods were used to inflict maximum damage with the most efficiency. He himself participated in a few of these interrogation sessions, with one of these times seeing him piercing a man with meat hooks and hanging him by his skin just to see how long he would last before he slipped into unconsciousness. Another time, he played the knife game with a robber because he wanted to see how long it would take before the man begged him to stop.
Despite his unusual curiosity in how pain was inflicted, Loren Lannister was unlike his ancestor in that he never let this curiosity go beyond acceptable limits. Such was the case for Tyrion II Lannister, as he died a wretch and no one shed a tear for his departure from the earth. But, such knowledge was key in how he was able to keep his various lords in check, as they also were aware of his knowledge and never dared to step over the boundary.
Returning to the present, Loren Lannister found that the hall had quieted as Mern IX Gardener entered, who was dressed in robes of green and white while wearing his crown of vines and flowers. Tall and lean, Mern Gardener had well-kept brown hair, blue eyes, and a clean-shaven face. Despite his age being forty, he had still retained the youthful beauty that his house was known for, but Loren knew that Mern remaining physically active even at that age also contributed to his sound health. Squired at Horn's Hill under Lord Tarly and knighted at six and ten, Mern Gardener lived for tourneys and the knightly life. Even after ascending to the throne at Highgarden, he retained his skills in swordplay, jousting, and archery. However, Loren saw that Mern Gardener enjoyed being a knight too much and must've confused skill as a knight with skill as a ruler. From his constant smiles and laughter, he was too relaxed and too vivacious, as if expecting everyone to be familiar with knightly ways. This will be a problem .
As for Sharra Arryn, she had flowing black hair, bright brown eyes, and somewhat swarthy skin while wearing an elegant blue gown. She hailed from the Dornish Marches in the Reach before she fostered in the Vale, where she caught the eye of the Arryn king and became his queen before birthing him two heirs. Despite her age, she had earned the title of "the Flower of the Mountain" as she was still thin, graceful, and charming. What was curious about her was that she was wearing the Falcon crown of House Arryn, which should have been kept in the Eyrie. Interesting…
For Darvin Hoare, he looked just like every other ironborn he'd seen besides that crazed look in his eye. I'll just bear with it.
After dismissing the other lords from the hall, as the following discussion was meant only for the kings and queen, Mern Gardener took a seat at the front table, with Darvin Hoare and Sharra Arryn taking the side tables and Loren Lannister opposite him.
"Your Graces, thank you for coming all this way to the Arbor, especially to you, Queen Sharra. I can only imagine what a journey you've must have been from the Eyrie to here and it brings warmth to my heart to see that the years have been kind to a daughter of the Reach," Mern Gardener began.
Sharra Arryn smiled. "Thank you, King Mern. The journey was of little consequence and I have longed to visit the famed seat of House Redwyne, as well as enjoy its famous wines."
Mern Gardener chuckled. "Of course. It is one of the reasons why I decided to have our meeting in the august halls of Lord Redwyne, who has proven to be a most excellent host. The same could be said of King Hoare."
Darvin Hoare sat wordlessly at his table, apparently ignoring Mern Gardener as he sipped his goblet filled with Arbor gold and stuffed bread and cheese in his mouth. From the demolished remains of the chicken drumsticks and thighs piled next to his plate, it was clear that he did not have much table etiquette, which every king had to have in order to demonstrate a sense of propriety. However, propriety was hardly followed by the ironborn and Loren Lannister figured that "King" Hoare only paid attention to his food when the "greenlander" king spoke. From what Loren Lannister saw, Sharra Arryn also looked at Darvin Hoare in disgust at his lack of table manners.
"Your Grace?" Mern Gardener addressed him. Like the rest of the lords of the Reach, he felt nothing but contempt for the ironborn but was much more polite and courteous about it.
Gulping down his food, Darvin Hoare looked up. "Oh, I apologize, Your Grace. I second Sharra Arryn's words regarding Lord Redwyne's hospitality. And I thank you for allowing myself and my people safe passage here, since the Redwynes and my people have not enjoyed the most amicable relations."
Loren Lannister saw Mern Gardener shift uncomfortably. "Of course, Your Grace. And I must thank King Loren Lannister for coming all the way from Casterly Rock. It has been years since you've graced the Arbor with your presence and I must say that your conduct here reflects your reputation."
Loren Lannister gave a smile, but had learned to not take flattery at face value. "Thank you, King Mern."
Mern Gardener clasped his hands together and placed them on his table. "Now, with the introductions out of the way, it is time that I reveal to you the purpose of inviting this distinguished body together. The four of us in this room represent diverse peoples and lands, all of whom share a connection to Westeros. And besides our esteemed friend from the Iron Islands," he put his hand to point at Darvin Hoare, who was still consuming his bread and cheese. "We are contributing followers of the Faith, but now we face very uncertain circumstances that have befallen us for nearly a year."
Loren Lannister cleared his throat, getting his attention. "Your Grace, I would appreciate it if you spared us the politeness. You're being very oblique with your intentions and I didn't come all the way from Casterly Rock to be reminded of how knights talk."
Mern Gardener paused, taken aback by Loren Lannister's directness. But he quickly recovered. "As you wish, King Loren. In a matter of months and despite having a mere three thousand troops in the beginning, House Targaryen of Dragonstone and their ally House Belaerys took down two of Westeros' most powerful monarchs through a combination of superb battle prowess and if the rumors are to be believed, four dragons."
Oh… now I see what this is about , Loren Lannister thought. He watched closely the progress of the Targaryens and their ally, Lord Jaenyx Belaerys, as they conducted an impressive campaign against Black Harren and Argilac Durrandon. He had heard about Rook's Rest, Wailing Willows, the burning of Harrenhal, and the battle where King Argilac was killed by a bastard. They defied all expectations by defeating their enemies one by one, but what struck Loren Lannister about the Targaryens and Lord Belaerys was the fact that they didn't rely on the power of their supposed dragons alone. They proved to be military commanders of a quality not seen much in Westeros and the Targaryens' heirs in Aegon, Visenya, and Orys alongside Lord Belaerys demonstrated courage and excellent abilities as warriors. How Orys Baratheon, Dragonstone's bastard, took down Argilac Durrandon was remarkable given how the latter was a great warrior even in his old age.
"With respect to King Hoare," Mern Gardener while glancing at Darvin Hoare, who had finished his bread and cheese but now sipped his goblet. "Black Harren was not loved among his people and there were no tears shed when he alongside King Darvin's brothers were burned at Harrenhal."
"No matter, King Mern," Darvin Hoare spoke. "My father was… a spent force. Being a king on the greenlands got to him and my ancestors forgot where they came from and instead chose to fatten themselves with bread and wine. An ironman must adhere to the Old Way or--"
"We're not interested in your sad little tale on how your people lost their way," Sharra Arryn interrupted him. "How about you let the adults talk, boy?"
That riled up Darvin Hoare. "What did you just call me, you greenland whore?"
"Is that really the best insult you can come up with, Your Grace?" Sharra Arryn scoffed as she mocked his kingly title. "Or is it 'the Unshackled Ironman?'"
Darvin Hoare stood up from his table, ready to strike at Sharra Arryn for her calling him by his nickname. However, King Mern got his attention by pounding on his own table.
"Peace, Your Graces! We share common ground here and we accomplish nothing by fighting each other. But for what it's worth, the Targaryens did my house a favor by killing the man who killed King Garse Gardener, my great-uncle."
Loren Lannister looked straight into King Mern's eyes. "Can you tell us what common ground we have? You tell us what we already about a backwater lord suddenly controlling two kingdoms in Westeros. But the way I see it, they haven't done against any of us and have no reason to come after us. Black Harren got what was coming to him and Argilac made his own choice by choosing glory in death. What is there to talk about?"
"I disagree, King Loren," Mern Gardener replied. "I believe that the Targaryens and their ally Lord Jaenyx Belaerys represent a grave threat that everyone in this room must face together. That is what His High Holiness the High Septon concluded from my most recent visit to Oldtown."
Of course he would listen to the babblings of that bloody fanatic , Loren Lannister silently groaned. It was no secret that the Hightowers had a lot of pull with House Gardener, due to the Gardeners bringing Oldtown into their kingdom by marriage instead of battle and because the Hightowers were very connected to the Faith of the Seven. It was a rather mutual relationship since the High Septon brought great legitimacy to the Gardeners and Highgarden provided the Starry Sept with much valuable resources. "Care to enlighten on what His High Holiness heard from the gods?" Loren Lannister almost choked from uttering those words.
"His High Holiness prayed for two weeks in the Starry Sept, not taking food or water as he called on the gods for guidance. He then called a council of the highest-ranking septons in Oldtown and heard many grievances from especially their brothers and sisters in the riverlands. For one, the Targaryens and Lord Belaerys are Valyrians, remnants of a civilization whose brought upon their own destruction by their practice of incest and delving too deep in the dark arts. Every one of their practices run contrary to the rest of Westeros and their recent conquests threaten the very fabric of our respective societies, as their speed and decisiveness against their enemies make people question as to what the gods can do about it. In addition, their endeavors send the message to the rest of the known world that the Valyrians have come back in force and we might see a rise in the practice of the dark arts as well as others that will shake our foundations."
Loren Lannister just kept silent. While such an explanation would work on a normal audience, the King of the Rock was not such and he knew that there were more practical reasons as to why Mern Gardener would bother them with the High Septon's babblings in the first place.
"Second," Mern Gardener continued. "It would seem that the Targaryens, even though they were accustomed to Westeros, have no intention of fully becoming one of us. They've expelled their maester and ceased going to the sept, which now indicates that they were never really pious followers of the Faith to begin with. They've replaced their worship of the Seven with the worship of idols, deities from old Valyria with help from a man called Taygor Leniar, who happens to be Jaenyx Belaerys' cousin. What's more disconcerting is that the Valyrians are collecting taxes from our faithful brothers and sisters and bringing that money into their own treasury. Through a custom of the Faith, a portion of any taxes and revenue collected by lords and kings must, by right, be given to the septons as tithes. The Valyrians have circumvented such a custom, which is an affront to the Faith as the Starry Sept is being denied resources that it can use to provide for the poor and bring the light of the Seven to those untouched by their grace."
Loren Lannister was getting very mentally exhausted by Mern Gardener's preachy words and basically echoing the High Septon's words, but chose to continue listening.
"Third and final, there have been growing conflicts between the faithful and the dogs of Valyrians. It would appear that the worship of the Old Gods is quite tolerated by the Valyrians, if their favor of House Blackwood of Raventree Hall is of any indication. It is a known fact that the worshipers of the Old and New Gods have never enjoyed the smoothest relations."
"Don't forget those who follow the Drowned God," Darvin Hoare cut in.
"What is of more serious note," Mern Gardener ignored Darvin Hoare. "The High Septon has received reports from especially our brothers and sisters in the riverlands that talk of rising tensions between the faithful and those who follow the Valyrians. In one instance, a septon was preaching against the incestuous marriage between two of the Targaryen heirs, Lord Aegon and Lady Rhaenys, and how such an abominous union led to the collapse of old Valyria. That septon also condemned Lord Belaerys' cousin for practicing unholy methods towards healing and for his deep delving into the mystical arts. The problem was that this septon was preaching in public and in view of certain Valyrian bannermen. A riot ensued in which the septon was arrested and a number of smallfolk died at the hands of the Valyrians. In another instance, they were many septs that were damaged during the reign of Black Harren but the Valyrians have done nothing to repair them. Combined with the incident with the septon in question and the Valyrians not using their resources to return a sense of normality to the people under their rule, the fate of the faithful are at risk."
Loren Lannister sighed. "Your Grace, I'm not interested in what the High Septon had to say to you. I'm more interested in why we're hearing it in the first place."
"You might think that they won't come after us since we haven't done anything to the Tagaryens and Lord Belaerys. However, they've clearly demonstrated their dislike of the Faith and by extension the very fabric of Westeros. If their dragons could conquer two kingdoms in a matter of months, imagine what will happen if they do decide to take the rest of the continent for themselves. The Faith will be crushed and our society replaced by that composed of the self-centered Valyrians."
Loren Lannister scoffed. "That's just mere conjecture, King Mern. Now, I've witnessed the situation in the riverlands for a while now and I haven't seen any indication of aggression towards my kingdom. And by the way, if you said had any truth to it, I wouldn't be having profitable business relations with Dragonstone, as they have no ill will towards me because of my following the Faith. Just recently, their bannermen sold a collection of Valyrian steel daggers and swords at Lannisport and it was worth every sack of gold paid. So, at the moment, I have no reason to fight them."
"But how long do you think that will last?" This time, Sharra Arryn spoke up. "The Valyrians bring foreign practices and unholy customs to our lands and our power will slowly be undone as they slowly erode away at the Faith. If the Faith is gone, then our claims to rule will be considered arbitrary as the smallfolk follow us out of a belief that were appointed by the gods themselves."
"Exactly my thoughts, Queen Sharra," Mern Gardener jabbed his finger on the table. "The Faith created a clear but delicate structure that created order from the chaos of the various petty kingdoms of the First Men and allowed for knighthood and chivalry to be ideals to strive for. The Valyrians threaten to undo that and would no doubt lead to the destruction of our strength. Everything goes back to the Faith, King Loren, and your own knights are also included."
Loren Lannister shook his head. "Spare me the patronizing speeches, King Mern. I am aware of how important the Faith is, but you wouldn't be calling us here to do something about the situation with the Targaryens and Lord Belaerys unless the High Septon is getting you to do his dirty work."
"What did you say?" Mern Gardener asked, offended.
"The High Septon commands the Warrior's Sons and the Poor Fellows as his armed strength, but that is not enough for him. You can call upon Westeros' largest army and there is no kingdom on this continent that doesn't purchase the crops of the Reach. So, I'm guessing the High Septon made a deal with you in which you provide the necessary resources he needs to combat the supposed threat from the Valyrians. I'm interested in what he offered you."
"There is nothing that was offered, King Loren," Mern Gardener denied. "I am a follower of the Seven and to answer the call of the gods' instrument on the earth is--"
"Stop right there," Loren Lannister interrupted. "If I'm going to do anything of value to your supposed call from the gods, I need your real reason as to why you would do this. And I am pretty sure that you talked with the High Septon before he had that whole 'two weeks of prayer and council meeting' nonsense. You want me to do something, you have to trust me first."
There was a moment of silence in the hall. Sharra Arryn was also curious as to what the Gardener king discussed with High Septon. As for Darvin Hoare, he still sipped from his goblet, but listened closely.
The Gardener king sighed before nodding. "As you wish. He promised to put my cousin in the line of succession to the Starry Sept and agreed to more exclusive deals with the food stores of Highgarden."
Loren Lannister scoffed. "Of course he did. So, one of your blood will ascend to become the next High Septon and the Faith will buy food more exclusively from your seat of power. I have to guess that the situation has become that desperate for the Starry Sept for the High Septon to even consider such a deal."
"There is talk among the smallfolk, King Loren. Already, they speak of the rumors of the Valyrians' power in the east of Westeros and they're starting to ask questions. If history can tell us anything about such things, it is that the smallfolk must be put in check regularly so that they wouldn't question the order of things. My deal with the High Septon would increase the power and authority of the Faith, as they would have a more reliable source of food to feed the masses and can rely on my banners should the need arise."
Loren Lannister had to admit that deal was quite cunning… for a summer knight. The Faith would be led by one from House Gardener and while the Gardener kings would gain much leverage over the Faith. However, such a deal hinged on the continuation of good harvests and maintaining the food stores when winter came. In addition, Loren Lannister couldn't help but feel that there was something else at play.
"This is all well and good, King Mern," Sharra Arryn spoke. "But if this deal exists, why are we here?"
"Aren't you a devoted member of the Faith, Your Grace?" King Mern asked. "The Valyrians represent a great threat to the Faith and by extension to all of us. We must unite together if we are to ensure the survival of the Faith and our society."
"With your blood set to become High Septon and with your deal with the Starry Sept, I don't see why you need us," Sharra Arryn answered back.
"I must admit that while I can call on an impressive host, I am still one kingdom. The Targaryens and Lord Belaerys were able to achieve great success when they were able to deal with their enemies piecemeal. If all of us came together, we'll have a chance at rolling back the Valyrian threat and to end their unholy practices, something that not even the Doom of Valyria accomplished. With the Knights of the Vale, the military prowess of House Lannister, and the naval strength of House Hoare, this could be done."
Loren Lannister stroked his chin. So he wants a united front against the Valyrians . In all honesty, there was no better time than to strike at the dragonlords. Their conquests were still fresh and unsolidified. One push in the right spot could see all of their efforts undone. But a Lannister would never commit to such an action without getting something in return.
"If I agree to this alliance you speak of," Loren Lannister started. "I expect there to be gains for my house."
Mern Gardener smiled. "Of course, Your Grace. If you can commit your banners to the cause of the Faith, the High Septon will legitimize any land acquisitions. But such details can be saved at a later time."
Darvin Hoare raised his hand. "Do not forget about me, King Mern. I am rightful King of the Isles and the Rivers and I would expect my lands to be returned to me."
King Mern sighed. "That can be arranged, but only if you consented to septons spreading the light of the Seven to the Iron Islands."
Darvin Hoare shook his head. "My people will not accept the Faith, but I won't bother the septons in the Riverlands once I've retaken them."
King Mern turned to Sharra Arryn. "Anything you seek for the Vale, Your Grace?"
Sharra Arryn stood straight. "I seek lands south of the Bay of Crabs, but as you said, the particulars can be worked out later."
Mern Gardener slapped lightly on the table. "Excellent! Then I propose a toast." He stood up and held out his goblet, with Loren Lannister, Sharra Arryn, and Darvin Hoare following suit. "To the destruction of Valyria. May it be permanent this time."
Loren Lannister sat opposite of King Mern, who had assumed the solar of Lord Redwyne as his liege. The King of the Rock might have agreed to the alliance, but there were still many questions that had to be answered before he fully committed. As he did not reveal his actions to his lords yet, Loren Lannister wanted all uncertainties to be put to rest.
"I assume that you're here to discuss the particulars of your potential acquisitions, King Loren," Mern Gardener began.
"Yes, and more. I must appreciate your frankness when you revealed your deal with the High Septon. Quite smart, as you would gain more with a Gardener in the Starry Sept and allowing the High Septon considerable resources from your house."
"Thank you, Your Grace," Mern Gardener smiled.
"That said, I would appreciate it if we did away with all of the niceties. I could tell that even in the great hall, you weren't revealing everything. I'm about to seriously commit my banners to a major cause, so there must be no lying between us."
"I wholeheartedly agree, King Loren," Mern Gardener nodded.
"Did you plan this ahead of time, Your Grace? I don't believe you when you say that your decision came after two weeks of the High Septon praying. I have friends in the Reach and they told me that you were gradually mobilizing your troops once word reached you of the burning of Harrenhal. And I have heard reports from my merchants in Lannisport that there has been a slight rationing of crops from the Reach by your orders. From those facts alone, it's not hard for one to deduce that you were assembling an army for a major campaign. I also am aware of increase troop movements near the Blackwater Rush and near Nightsong, though I must commend you in your attempts to keep them hidden. I'm guessing that the High Septon's prayers were merely a convenience to legitimize whatever military adventure you've planned."
Mern Gardener hesitated, but Loren Lannister felt smug as he could see that he had hit the nail on the head.
"Looks like you've earned your reputation as a well-informed ruler," Mern Gardener simply said. "There is growing discontent among the lords on both sides of the new boundaries of control. The High Septon received grievances from the Brackens of Stone Hedge, who are not taking too kindly to the Targaryens' favoritism towards their traditional enemies, the Blackwoods of Raventree Hall. Lord Bracken says a good number of other riverlords have similar feelings and will bend the knee to a ruler rooted in the Faith. At the same time, Lords Tarly and Peake have expressed concern that a number of their traditional rivals in the former Storm kingdom, mainly the Dondarrions of Blackhaven and Carons of Nightsong, have remained intact and are now serving their new overlord, this Orys Baratheon of Storm's End, the bastard of Dragonstone and who married the former Princess Argella Durrandon. As their king, I must show that I am taking their concerns into serious consideration."
"Hmmm," Loren Lannister nodded. He didn't think highly of the summer knights of the Reach, as they were too consumed with following with the chivalrous traditions of knighthood and did not think very far past the sword. But Mern Gardener was showing himself to be a proper ruler. Only time would tell if he was a knight or a king, as you can't be both .
"There is no better time to strike, as they have not yet solidified their control over their new lands. Most importantly, they rule over two kingdoms but have not called themselves kings. A lord ruling over such vast territories will not have a kind reception and the grievances from the Brackens are just the beginning. One strong hammer strike and we'll see Dragonstone's control crack like an egg."
"If I do agree to commit my banners to the High Septon's cause, I require certain conditions to be met before my armies enter the field alongside yours and I'm sure the Arryns' and Darvin Hoare's."
"Name them."
"I seek to expand my domain to the Red Fork past Riverrun all the way to the Gods Eye. My kingdom needs more fertile land and those lands would be perfect."
"Done, after His Holiness gives his blessing."
"And I'm guessing that I will take a major role in underwriting the coming campaign because of the gold mine in Casterly Rock. If that is the case, I demand equal command of our combined armies. You may command the largest host of the four rulers you called here, but wars cost money and I have mountains of bullion available. In addition, my soldiers will assume the vanguard in all battles."
"I beg your pardon?" Mern Gardener exclaimed.
"With respect, King Mern, you can call upon seventy thousand soldiers, but many of them are summer knights and green men who have not been exerted enough in war or tough conditions. Meanwhile, my own soldiers have been trained in the various hills in my kingdom and are much more conditioned to handle the stress of battle. Also, because I have fewer soldiers to worry about supplying and arming, each individual soldier are of a higher quality than your own."
"My lords and knights will not take that kindly, as they wish for battle as much as your own. In order for that to happen, you would need to give concessions of your own."
"How about a subsidy to cover half of any expenses you'll incur in the upcoming campaign and to purchase the necessary food that my own soldiers would need?"
Mern Gardener grinned. "Then under that term, I accept your condition for your troops to take the vanguard."
"One more condition. I would like concessions from the Starry Sept, specifically the financial obligations."
Mern Gardener arched his eyebrow. "What exactly are you aiming for?"
"My financial contributions to the Faith to be lessened by a third for the twenty-five years. As I will contribute troops to the campaign, that's the least His Holiness can offer for those that would fight for the Faith."
Mern Gardener bobbed his head in understanding. "I will see what I can do."
"Then, I believe that all of my conditions have been met. When are we commencing the campaign against the Valyrians?"
"His Holiness requires all those answering his call to be ready to march by the Warrior's Day."
"How fitting," Loren Lannister quipped.
"Indeed." They clinked their goblets as a sign of their mutual agreement.
"I don't like this, Your Grace," Weslar Reyne crossed his arms. "You're asking me to contribute my troops to a war that we have no reason to join."
"I'm not asking you, Lord Reyne," Loren Lannister replied evenly. "As your king, you are obligated to answer your king's call to arms."
"What exactly are the conditions for us if we join?" Lord Crakehall asked.
"I've asked for the riverlands along the Red Fork extending all the way to the Gods Eye. All of you can have your pick on where you can establish your house in additional keeps."
"Are we all to be solely responsible in underwriting the future campaign?" Lord Marbrand was skeptical.
"No. The Gardeners will share in the burden of supporting the combined armies. Also, we will be in the vanguard, so we will be influential in making all of the important decisions in the field."
"Will the Reach lords accept that?" Lord Lefford joined in.
"Mern Gardener will ensure that they are in control. After all, we're all of the Faith and the High Septon will take one third of yearly obligations to the Starry Sept for the next twenty-five years."
"Twenty-five years?!" Lord Westerling exclaimed. No one needed to be a genius to understand that was a serious concession from the Faith.
"This campaign will benefit us all, my lords. So, I wouldn't worry too much," Loren Lannister stated.
Slowly but surely, all of the lords sworn to the Rock nodded their assent. All but Lord Reyne, who was still unconvinced.
As the other lords retired, Loren Lannister stopped Weslar Reyne. "My lord, would you walk with me?"
"Of course, Your Grace," Lord Reyne courteously answered.
Strolling along the seaside walkway of the Arbor, they had just reached the harbor before Loren Lannister turned around and punched Weslar Reyne hard in the chest. Lord Reyne collapsed as he struggled to catch his breath. Meanwhile, Loren Lannister stared down at him with the lion's menace.
"How dare you show your dissent with me in front of the other lords," Loren Lannister scolded. "I could have you chained to be executed once we return to Casterly Rock."
"You have no strong reasons to contribute to that fat bastard in Oldtown," Weslar Reyne responded as he slowly stood back up and caught his breath. "Why commit us to this fight?"
"Why?" Loren Lannister scoffed. "Because we fucking can. And if we can, we do. If we're soft on threats while they're still in the cradle, it'll grow out of our control."
"But myself and yourself have no reason to attack Dragonstone. I have business with them and that brought me much gold into my coffers."
"Well, you'll just have to end your business with them."
"And if I don't?"
"I remember your son being castellan of Casterly Rock, which is an honor. However, he is also your house's most experienced commander of troops and you have not enjoyed good relations with the Westerlings as of late. What's to stop me from calling the forces of the Crag to Castamere while your best commander is locked away at the Rock?"
Weslar Reyne shook his head. "Even for you, Your Grace, that's a big risk. I command the second largest army in your kingdom after you, eight thousand men, while the Westerlings can only rely on half that number. One wrong move and my other sons will march on Casterly Rock."
"They can try, but understand that no army has ever managed to take Casterly Rock. And should your sons do, I can attaint you and your house for treason and no one would complain. I wonder who I would give Castamere and your daughters to in that case," Loren Lannister pondered aloud.
That got a look of fury from Weslar Reyne, who quickly suppressed it upon seeing that Loren Lannister was seriously considering that possibility.
"I thought so," Loren Lannister smugly grinned. "Call your troops once we return. I require half of them."
Weslar Reyne sighed in resignation. "As you command, Your Grace."
"Very good, my lord. Remember, I have your son at Casterly Rock. Should this campaign go well and your house does it part, you shall be rewarded beyond your comprehension."
"I shall count on it, my king."
"Do so," and Loren Lannister left Lord Reyne on the walkway. He proceed back to Lord Redwyne's castle, as he had many ravens to send.