For the time being, the war in eastern Westeros had come to an end. The main fighting was now concentrated in the west. Along the northern coast, the Ironborn continued their raids. While they lacked the strength to seriously weaken the North, they remained a constant nuisance. Meanwhile, House Lannister still maintained control over the Westerlands.
The Small Council meeting focused on two major issues: the ongoing war and preparations for the coming Long Winter.
---
"Regarding the Westerlands and the Iron Islands, the advantage is clearly ours," Duke Stannis Baratheon said. "We outnumber them in both manpower and military strength. The Westerlands may be wealthy, but they've never been known for grain production. When the Long Winter arrives, grain will become more valuable than gold. As for the Iron Islands, they're barren by nature. The Ironborn survive almost entirely through plunder."
"The Hand is absolutely right," Duke Mace Tyrell said enthusiastically, clapping his hands. "Let's do it."
"Yes," Paxter Redwyne agreed. "We'll starve those Ironborn bastards into submission."
The Ironborn's constant raids had cost House Redwyne dearly.
Gendry spoke calmly.
"As for the lords of the Westerlands, we'll combine military pressure with offers of surrender and defection. If they haven't abandoned House Lannister yet, then the time simply isn't right."
He wasn't impatient, nor was he willing to throw away soldiers' lives for a quick victory.
He still had several trump cards waiting on Dragonstone.
Once the magical dragons took to the skies, they would devastate the enemy.
The assembled lords nodded in agreement.
The Westerlands presented a unique situation.
Everyone understood why.
House Lannister's authority there was nearly absolute.
Years ago, Tywin Lannister had exterminated Houses Reyne and Tarbeck, ensuring no other powerful lord could challenge Lannister dominance. It was equivalent to House Stark destroying House Bolton, House Arryn wiping out House Royce, or House Tully eliminating powerful bannermen like House Frey.
Tywin had acted swiftly and ruthlessly.
As a result, power in the Westerlands was more centralized than in any other kingdom.
"The power of centralization..." Gendry thought.
Every Great House had ambitious vassals eager to replace them.
Fortunately, both the Crownlands and Stormlands were relatively stable. Their strongest supporters remained the ruling houses themselves.
Among the Great Houses, however, there were still differences in prestige.
The oldest royal bloodlines—Lannister, Stark, and Arryn—still commanded the greatest respect.
Through maternal ancestry, House Baratheon also possessed ancient royal heritage.
House Tyrell and House Tully, by comparison, lacked that same historical weight.
---
Stannis stood before the map.
"The Small Council currently faces four priorities."
"The war in the west."
"The war in the north."
"A possible war in the east."
"And restoring production while preparing for the Long Winter."
The western campaign targeted the Lannisters and the Iron Islands.
The northern front faced the Ironborn, hostile forces beyond the Wall, and other growing threats.
The eastern front involved the increasingly restless slave cities.
Eddard Stark rose.
"The North remembers."
"I request permission to lead the Winter Wolves west in the name of King Robert and Prince Gendry."
"I'll make up for Ser Edmure's mistakes during the early stages of the war and avenge the losses suffered by my men in King's Landing."
Lord Mace quickly added,
"My son, Garlan, can lead half our forces back to Highgarden and prepare an invasion of the Westerlands from the south."
King's Landing simply couldn't continue feeding such a massive army.
If they remained gathered for too long, food supplies would be exhausted.
Yohn Royce nodded.
"The knights of the Vale and the Stormlands can serve as reserves."
"Besides the mountain passes, cavalry can also strike through the surrounding hills."
"Very well," Gendry agreed.
"But if Lord Eddard marches west..."
"Who will deal with the Ironborn?"
Eddard answered without hesitation.
"The North still has plenty of strength."
"Robb's southern campaign was somewhat reckless, but after regrouping at the Twins, most of our forces returned home."
"Our reserves remain strong."
"Lord Manderly, Lady Mormont, Ser Rodrik, and Lady Dustin are more than capable of containing the Ironborn."
"Once I've broken the lion..."
"I'll personally finish off the kraken."
"Robb has done well."
"But he still has room to grow."
Roose Bolton listened quietly.
He understood his role perfectly.
Eddard Stark commanded unparalleled respect throughout the North.
Unlike the young Robb, few dared challenge his authority.
---
"Our fleet is stronger than ever," Paxter Redwyne said confidently.
"I'm certain we can defeat the Iron Fleet."
"We now possess the Royal Fleet, the fleets of the Two Cities, the recently surrendered Volantis fleet, and my family's own ships."
Stannis nodded.
"Ser Davos will soon return as well."
"Once his fleet rejoins us, attacking by sea becomes a viable option."
Gendry remained silent.
On paper, their naval strength was overwhelming.
They possessed enough ships to blockade and crush the Iron Islands.
Yet hidden dangers remained.
Euron Greyjoy—Crow's Eye—was still missing.
There were also persistent rumors of terrifying sea monsters lurking around the Iron Islands.
History supported those fears.
After Aegon the Conqueror destroyed Harrenhal and ended the rule of Harren Hoare, countless claimants fought over the Iron Islands.
The surrounding seas became filled with corpses.
Legends claimed hundreds of sea monsters gathered to feast upon the blood.
Later, the priest-king Lodos even attempted to summon sea beasts from the deep to drag Aegon's fleet beneath the waves.
Whether the stories were true or not...
Gendry refused to underestimate them.
---
"As for the Wall..."
Eddard's voice grew solemn.
"I believe I'll eventually have to go there myself."
"Once the western campaign stabilizes."
"Lord Mormont's reports describe an increasingly dangerous situation."
"If the Long Night truly approaches—or if the wildlings launch a massive invasion—the North must be ready."
"Like my ancestors before me..."
"I'll fight either the Ironborn..."
"Or the King-Beyond-the-Wall."
Gendry looked thoughtfully at Eddard.
He could clearly sense the man's determination.
The Starks had always been willing to die defending the North.
History had proven it repeatedly.
During King Daeron II's reign, Lord Barth Stark—the Blacksword—fell while suppressing Skagos.
During Aerys I's reign, Lord Baelon Stark died from wounds sustained while fighting Dagon Greyjoy.
Later, Lord Willem Stark perished battling the wildling king Raymun Redbeard.
Such sacrifice seemed woven into House Stark's blood.
Stannis finally spoke.
"Lord Eddard belongs in the North."
"As for the Lannisters and the eastern enemies..."
"We can defeat them ourselves."
---
"For now, that's the plan."
"Send ravens offering peace and surrender to both the Westerlands and the Iron Islands."
Gendry turned toward Selwyn Tarth.
"Lord Tarth."
"Any news from Essos?"
Selwyn nodded.
"Maester Qyburn's latest report has arrived."
"The sole Magistrate of Lys, Rhaen, died during the Battle of Blackwater Bay."
"Many Lysene nobles and warships were lost."
"House Haen has been wiped out."
"Lys has descended into another power struggle."
"As for Volantis..."
"The Tiger faction is replacing Marajo's position."
"The Elephant faction can't stop them."
"It appears Volantis will remain our enemy."
"There has been no word yet from Slaver's Bay or Qarth."
"They're simply too far away."
Gendry nodded.
"If ambassadors from the slave cities arrive..."
"We'll negotiate with them."
"Yes, Your Grace."
Still...
Gendry wasn't optimistic.
Too many nobles had died.
Lys and Volantis were busy fighting over power.
Ransoming prisoners in Westeros was probably the last thing on their minds.
---
"Besides war..."
Gendry continued.
"We must ensure our people survive."
"We've already assigned Grain and Population Advisors to every region."
Their responsibilities included organizing food supplies and preparing for winter.
"No problem."
"Agreed."
Everyone readily accepted.
Stannis suddenly asked,
"Has House Hightower replied?"
Selwyn shook his head.
"Not Lord Leyton."
"The letter came from his heir, Ser Baelor."
"He supports Your Grace's rule and the new royal decrees."
"He claims House Hightower is busy defending Oldtown against possible Ironborn attacks."
Mace smiled awkwardly.
"My father-in-law spends most of his time researching magic and ancient mysteries."
"Important matters have long been left to Baelor."
Gendry smiled politely.
"House Hightower carries many responsibilities."
"Ser Baelor's willingness to cooperate is enough."
Outwardly, his expression remained calm.
Privately...
He trusted House Hightower very little.
Their hostility toward magic—and their own questionable magical research—made them difficult allies.
Randyll Tarly and Matus Rowan exchanged subtle glances.
Unlike the oblivious Mace Tyrell, they understood Gendry's smile.
House Hightower might soon find itself in serious trouble.
As one of the oldest and most influential noble houses in Westeros, Hightower had long acted independently.
But arrogance depended on who occupied the Iron Throne.
The current king controlled the Stormlands, Crownlands, two powerful Free Cities, and would soon gain even greater strength once the Westerlands fell.
Ignoring him entirely...
Was a dangerous gamble.
Randyll quietly reflected,
"If House Lannister falls... and House Hightower follows..."
"How much could House Tarly gain?"
After all...
Chaos was a ladder.
---
"Lord Mace."
Gendry smiled warmly.
"The Reach remains the greatest grain-producing region in Westeros."
"Your responsibilities are extremely important."
Mace nearly beamed with pride.
"It would be my honor!"
Matus Rowan and Yohn Royce silently exchanged amused looks.
Perhaps King's Landing truly suited Mace better than ruling the Reach.
---
Finally, Randyll Tarly raised another matter.
"Your Grace."
"Besides rebuilding castles and storing grain..."
"We also need to address the issue of disabled veterans."
Matus Rowan nodded.
"We've already agreed upon a general pardon."
"But there should also be a complete rehabilitation process."
"Those guilty of serious crimes must still face justice."
After a moment's thought, Gendry spoke.
"Let's begin with King's Landing."
"To deal with criminals, vagrants, and idle citizens..."
"I propose establishing a Knight Training Corps."
"It will teach loyalty, discipline, civility, and the true spirit of knighthood."
"We need manpower."
"There are castles to rebuild."
"Granaries to expand."
"And roads to repair."
Stannis nodded approvingly.
"A good idea."
"Use military discipline to manage them."
"At the very least..."
"They won't starve."
"And they won't be left to die on the streets."
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