**The Rise of House Redwyne: A Bannerlord's Conquest**
**Volume II: The Dragonvine Throne**
**Chapter 10: The Lion's Den**
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### **King's Landing – 276 AC**
The stench of the city hit Aemon Redwyne like a physical blow as he rode through the Mud Gate. The air reeked of fish guts, human sweat, and the ever-present tang of wildfire residue that no amount of perfumed nobles could mask. At seventeen, he had grown into his lordly stature—taller than most knights now, with the lean muscles of a man raised on ship decks rather than tourney yards. The silver grape cluster pin at his throat marked him clearly as he guided his stallion through the throngs of smallfolk, their eyes hollow with hunger even in the shadow of the Red Keep's towering walls.
Behind him rode Jon Snow, his dark Stark features hidden beneath a hooded cloak. Ghost, the direwolf, had been left aboard the *Vine Serpent*—too recognizable, too dangerous in this viper's nest.
**"Remember,"** Jon murmured as they ascended Aegon's High Hill, **"Robert may have summoned you, but it's the Lannisters who rule here."**
Aemon didn't answer. His gaze was fixed on the towering crimson battlements ahead, where gold-cloaked spearmen watched their approach with cold indifference.
**[Quest Updated: The Lion's Den]**
*Objectives:*
1. *Survive royal audience without provoking war*
2. *Gauge Targaryen threat level from Small Council intel*
3. *Identify potential allies in capital*
*Danger Level: Critical*
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### **The Throne Room**
The Iron Throne loomed like a beast of jagged shadows, its twisted blades catching the afternoon light in cruel glints. King Robert Baratheon slumped upon it, his once-powerful frame gone to fat, his beard streaked with grey. Yet his eyes—those still held the fire of the warrior who had smashed Rhaegar Targaryen on the Trident.
To his right stood Queen Cersei, golden and beautiful as a poisoned chalice. To his left, the small council: Varys with his painted smiles, Littlefinger's mocking gaze, and Tyrion Lannister, who gave Aemon the faintest nod of recognition.
**"Lord Redwyne!"** Robert's voice boomed through the hall. **"By the gods, you're taller than Ned said. And uglier!"**
Forced laughter rippled through the courtiers. Aemon bowed precisely deep enough to show respect without submission.
**"Your Grace honors me with his... unique hospitality."**
Robert grinned, though Cersei's emerald eyes glittered with malice. **"Enough pretty words. You've been making waves, boy. First you bed with the Ironborn, then you treat with my brother-in-law. Now I hear you're building ships faster than I empty wine casks."**
Aemon kept his expression neutral. **"The realm needs strong fleets, Your Grace. Especially with the Stepstone pirates growing bold."**
**"Pirates?"** Robert scoffed. **"I've heard other rumors. Of silver-haired girls and dragons across the Narrow Sea."**
The throne room went deathly quiet.
**[Skill Check: Deception (Extreme Difficulty)]**
*Robert's Suspicion: 80%*
*Aemon's Cunning: 18/20*
*Tyrion's Hidden Assist: +3*
Aemon forced a laugh. **"Dragons? The Targaryens are gone, Your Grace. And even if they weren't, what are dragons to Baratheon warhammers?"**
Robert's chest swelled with pride. **"Damn right!"** He took a deep swig from his goblet. **"Still... a man can't be too careful. You'll lend me twenty ships for the royal fleet."**
It wasn't a request.
**[Demand: Surrender 20 Warships]**
*Accept:* -50% naval power, +Royal Favor
*Refuse:* Immediate arrest, war with Crown
Aemon's mind raced. Then—inspiration.
**"Of course, Your Grace. But might I propose an alternative? Let the Redwyne fleet remain under my command, but sworn to your service. I'll patrol the Narrow Sea myself—and bring you the heads of any Targaryen pretenders."**
Robert's eyes gleamed. **"Now that's a proper offer! Done!"**
Cersei's nails dug into the arms of her chair.
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### **The Spider's Web**
That night, in a dim-lit brothel owned by one of Littlefinger's many fronts, Aemon met the real power in King's Landing.
Varys glided into the room like a shadow given form, his lavender-scented robes whispering across the floor.
**"Lord Redwyne,"** he murmured. **"How brave of you to walk into the lion's den. Or should I say... the dragon's maw?"**
**[Dialogue Options]**
1. *"Speak plainly, Spider. What do you want?"*
2. *"If you know something about Daenerys, say it."*
3. *"I've heard you serve the realm. Prove it."*
Aemon chose **3**.
Varys smiled. **"The realm is a delicate thing, my lord. Like a ship in stormy waters. It needs... balance."** He produced a sealed letter. **"Daenerys Targaryen has wed a Dothraki Khal. She has three dragons. And she will come for Westeros within two years."**
Aemon broke the seal. The handwriting was unfamiliar, but the words burned:
*"The dragon does not plant trees. Remember this when the fire comes."*
**[Quest Alert: The Dragon's Return]**
*Time Until Invasion: 18-24 months*
*Recommended Actions:*
- *Secure Dragonglass reserves*
- *Forge anti-dragon weapons*
- *Prepare coastal defenses*
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### **The Red Keep's Secret**
On his final night in King's Landing, Tyrion Lannister led Aemon down into the bowels of the Red Keep—to a blackened door sealed with ancient Valyrian runes.
**"The Dragonpit's ruins hold more than bones,"** Tyrion said, producing an iron key. **"My father never cared for history. But you... you might find this interesting."**
Within lay a cache of dragonglass arrowheads and a single, massive scorpion bolt tipped with Valyrian steel.
**"The Targaryens called it 'Dragonbane',"** Tyrion said. **"I suggest you take it."**
**[Acquired: Anti-Dragon Weapon Blueprints]**
*Can be replicated at Redwyne forge*
*Requires: Dragonglass, Valyrian steel fragments*
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### **Next Chapter Preview:**
- **The Dragon's Shadow** – First sightings of Daenerys' fleet
- **The Tyrell Noose Tightens** – Margaery's betrothal becomes unavoidable
- **A Storm in the East** – Euron Greyjoy makes his move
*(Type* ***YES*** *to continue the epic saga!)*