NOVEL NEXT Chapter 10: The Betrayal
Chapter 10: The Betrayal
The halls of the Sunblode manor were bustling with activity. Messengers hurried to and from the war room, carrying scrolls sealed with the sigils of Riverlands houses. Blacksmiths worked tirelessly in the newly built forges, their hammers ringing out as they crafted swords, shields, and armor for Ivar's growing army.
From the balcony of his study, Ivar watched the village below, his sharp eyes observing the progress of his people. Farmers worked the fields, fishermen hauled in their catches, and merchants bartered in the bustling marketplace. Sunblode Isle was thriving, its transformation into a prosperous and fortified domain well underway.
But prosperity had its price.
Timothy Sunrise entered the study, his steps purposeful. "We have a problem," he said, placing a scroll on Ivar's desk.
Ivar glanced at him before taking the scroll. Breaking the wax seal, he unfolded the parchment and scanned its contents. His expression hardened as he read.
"It's from Lord Vance," Timothy said, crossing his arms. "He claims one of his grain shipments bound for our docks was intercepted and stolen."
"By whom?" Ivar asked, his tone cold.
Timothy hesitated. "The attackers were flying the banner of House Bracken."
Ivar's fingers tightened around the scroll. The Brackens and Blackwoods were supposed to be locked in a truce, brokered by Ivar himself. If House Bracken had broken the agreement, it wasn't just an insult—it was a direct challenge to his authority.
"Summon the council," Ivar said, his voice icy. "We need to address this immediately."
The Council Convenes
The council gathered in the great hall, their faces reflecting varying degrees of concern and anger. Lysa Blackthorne leaned over the map spread across the table, her sharp eyes scanning the Riverlands.
"This could be the start of something bigger," Lysa said. "If the Brackens are testing us, it means they no longer fear the consequences of breaking the truce."
Roland Emberhill frowned, his hand resting on the hilt of his sword. "They'll learn to fear it soon enough. Give me a hundred men, and I'll make an example of them."
"We can't act rashly," Duncan Greenfield interjected. "If we march on the Brackens, we risk reigniting the feud with the Blackwoods. That could destabilize the entire region."
"They've already destabilized it," Roland shot back. "This attack was an insult to Lord Sunblode. If we don't respond, it'll embolden them—and others."
Timothy nodded in agreement. "We need to send a message, but it has to be calculated. Something that shows our strength without dragging us into a full-blown war."
Ivar listened to the debate, his expression unreadable. Finally, he raised a hand, silencing the room.
"We'll deal with this carefully," he said. "Lysa, I want spies dispatched to the Brackens' lands immediately. I need to know if this was an isolated incident or part of a larger plan. Timothy, gather fifty of the enhanced soldiers and prepare for a covert operation. If we strike, it'll be precise and decisive."
"And if the Brackens deny involvement?" Duncan asked.
"They won't get the chance," Ivar replied, his voice cold. "We'll uncover the truth before they can lie to us."
The Spy Network
Lysa's agents moved swiftly, infiltrating the lands of House Bracken under the cover of darkness. They reported back within days, their findings troubling.
"The Brackens aren't acting alone," Lysa said during the next council meeting. "They've been in contact with emissaries from House Frey."
A murmur of surprise swept through the room.
"Walder Frey?" Timothy asked, his tone incredulous. "He already has a deal with us. Why would he back the Brackens?"
"Because he's Walder Frey," Ivar said, his voice laced with contempt. "He values gold above all else, but loyalty is foreign to him. If he sees a way to profit from playing both sides, he'll take it."
Roland slammed his fist on the table. "Then we march on both the Brackens and the Freys. Let them see what happens when they cross us."
"No," Ivar said sharply. "We can't afford an open war—not yet. The Freys control vital trade routes, and the Brackens' lands are too close to Riverrun. If we overreach, we risk alienating the Tullys and the other lords of the Riverlands."
"What do you propose, then?" Duncan asked.
Ivar's lips curved into a cold smile. "We make an example of them—but on our terms. If we're going to send a message, it has to be one that reverberates across the Riverlands."
The Covert Strike
Under the cover of night, Timothy led fifty enhanced soldiers into Bracken territory. Their target was a key granary near the border, where the stolen grain was rumored to be stored.
The soldiers moved like shadows, their enhanced abilities allowing them to scale walls and neutralize guards with ease. Within hours, the granary was in flames, the stolen grain reduced to ash.
Timothy left a single surviving guard to deliver a message to Lord Bracken:
"This is what happens to those who betray House Sunblode."
The Fallout
The next morning, Ivar convened the council once more. Lysa reported that the Brackens were furious but hesitant to retaliate.
"They're claiming innocence," Lysa said. "Lord Bracken swears the attack on the Vance shipment wasn't his doing. He's blaming rogue bannermen."
"Convenient," Timothy said, his tone dripping with sarcasm.
"They're lying," Roland growled. "They wouldn't have stored the grain if they weren't complicit."
"Whether they're lying or not doesn't matter," Ivar said. "The message has been sent. They'll think twice before crossing us again."
"And what about the Freys?" Duncan asked.
Ivar's expression darkened. "Walder Frey needs to be reminded of his place. But we'll deal with him differently. Lysa, I want agents embedded in the Twins. Monitor their movements, disrupt their trade, and sow discord among Walder's bannermen."
Lysa nodded. "Consider it done."
A Test of Resolve
Despite the swift response, Ivar couldn't shake the feeling that this was only the beginning. His growing power had made him enemies, and the attack on the Vance shipment was a warning that they wouldn't sit idly by.
That evening, as Ivar stood on the balcony overlooking the village, Timothy joined him, his expression thoughtful.
"You handled that well," Timothy said. "But you know this won't be the last time someone tests us."
"I know," Ivar replied, his gaze distant. "The stronger we become, the more enemies we'll make. But that's the price of power."
Timothy smirked. "And you're willing to pay it?"
Ivar turned to him, his eyes cold and unyielding. "I'll pay it—and so will they."
A Growing Reputation
News of the granary raid spread quickly through the Riverlands. Some whispered of Ivar's ruthlessness, while others praised his decisiveness. Lords began to take notice of Sunblode Isle, realizing that the once-insignificant house was now a force to be reckoned with.
In Riverrun, Lord Hoster Tully heard the rumors with a mixture of concern and admiration.
"He's ambitious," Hoster said to his son, Edmure. "That makes him dangerous. But it also makes him useful."
"Do you trust him?" Edmure asked.
"I trust that he knows how to get what he wants," Hoster replied. "And for now, what he wants aligns with our interests. But we'll need to watch him closely."
The Next Move
Back on Sunblode Isle, Ivar stood before his council, his expression unreadable.
"The Riverlands are watching us," he said. "Some with fear, others with admiration. Either way, they're taking us seriously. Now is the time to solidify our position."
"What's the plan?" Timothy asked.
"We'll expand our trade network," Ivar replied. "House Vance and House Piper are already in our corner, but we'll need to secure more allies. And we'll continue building our army. The next time someone moves against us, we won't just defend—we'll conquer."
The council nodded, their determination mirroring Ivar's.