NOVEL NEXT Chapter 19: A Beacon of Power
Chapter 19: A Beacon of Power
The victory against the Ironborn spread across the Riverlands like wildfire. Whispers of Ivar Sunblode's unyielding resolve and the flames that consumed the krakens reached every corner of the region. From the halls of Riverrun to the murky towers of the Twins, lords debated what his success meant. Was he a savior to rally behind or a threat to eliminate?
On Sunblode Isle, the aftermath of the battle brought no rest. The docks were alive with activity as soldiers repaired damaged fortifications and ships, while villagers returned to their routines, casting wary glances toward the horizon. Ivar knew the storm was far from over.
In the great hall, his council gathered around the long oak table, the air heavy with tension and purpose.
"Word of our victory has reached Riverrun," Lysa began, unrolling a fresh letter bearing the seal of House Tully. "Hoster Tully offers his congratulations and requests a meeting. He's calling it a strategy council, but it's clear he's wary of us."
Timothy chuckled, leaning back in his chair. "Wary? I'd call it scared. A little island lord with a fleet and soldiers capable of doing what half the Riverlords can't? Of course, he's nervous."
Roland frowned. "Nervous or not, we need to tread carefully. The lords don't like upstarts, especially ones who show them up on the battlefield."
"And yet," Ivar said, his voice steady, "we didn't fight for their approval. We fought to send a message—to the Ironborn and to the Riverlands. Sunblode is not to be ignored."
Duncan Greenfield, the eldest of the council, leaned forward. "And what of the Ironborn survivors? The prisoners in the stockade? Their presence will be seen as an insult to the Greyjoys."
"An insult is exactly what I want it to be," Ivar replied, his tone cold. "Send ravens to the Greyjoys. Tell them their men can rot here unless they pay us in gold and grain. If they refuse, we'll make sure their people hear of their cowardice."
Roland raised an eyebrow. "You're playing with fire. If the Ironborn retaliate—"
"They won't," Ivar interrupted. "We broke their fleet and killed their leader. They're licking their wounds. They won't risk another humiliation, not so soon."
Lysa smirked. "Bold. But bold has worked so far."
Ivar stood, his gaze sweeping across the council. "We don't just need boldness. We need consistency. This victory is only the first step. If we want the Riverlands united under our banner, we need to act with strength and precision. Timothy, prepare the fleet for patrols. I want every ship that sails these waters to know they do so under our protection—or at our mercy."
"And the Tullys?" Lysa asked.
"We'll answer their summons," Ivar said. "But on our terms."
The Raven and the Wolf
The ride to Riverrun was uneventful, the rolling green fields of the Riverlands stretching out in every direction. Ivar traveled with a small but imposing retinue: Timothy, Lysa, and ten enhanced soldiers, their crimson cloaks marking them as Sunblode's elite.
Riverrun's towers loomed on the horizon as they approached, its triangular walls rising proudly from the confluence of two rivers. The gates opened slowly, the Tully guards wary but respectful as they escorted the group inside.
Inside the great hall, Hoster Tully waited at the head of a long table, flanked by his son, Edmure, and his brother, Brynden Blackfish. Other lords filled the seats, including Walder Frey, whose calculating eyes followed Ivar's every move.
"Lord Sunblode," Hoster greeted, rising to his feet. "Your victory against the Ironborn was a boon to us all. You've proven yourself a valuable ally."
Ivar inclined his head, his expression neutral. "I fight for the Riverlands, my lord. And I fight to ensure that no more lives are lost to raiders."
Walder Frey chuckled, his tone dripping with sarcasm. "A noble sentiment. Though I imagine the ransom you've demanded from the Greyjoys is a… generous bonus."
The room tensed, but Ivar remained composed. "War is costly, Lord Frey. Those who bring it to our shores should pay for the privilege."
Brynden Blackfish's lips twitched into a faint smile. "Well said."
Hoster gestured for Ivar to sit. "We're here to discuss the future. The Ironborn have been beaten back, but they're far from finished. We need a coordinated strategy to defend the coasts and secure the rivers."
Jonos Bracken leaned forward, his tone impatient. "And who will lead this strategy? Riverrun? Sunblode? The Twins?"
The room fell silent, the question hanging heavily in the air.
Ivar spoke calmly. "Leadership isn't about titles or banners. It's about results. House Sunblode has proven its capability in battle, but this isn't about one house. This is about unity. The Riverlands cannot afford to be divided."
Tytos Blackwood nodded in agreement. "He's right. If we keep bickering, the Ironborn will exploit our weakness."
"And what if unity leads to one house growing too strong?" Walder Frey asked, his sharp gaze fixed on Ivar. "What happens when that unity turns into tyranny?"
Ivar met his gaze evenly. "Then perhaps we should focus on ensuring that no house is left weak enough to be subjugated. Strength shared is strength multiplied."
Hoster raised a hand, silencing further debate. "Enough. We have more pressing matters. I propose we form a council—a Riverland coalition—to oversee our defenses. Each house will contribute resources, and decisions will be made collectively."
The lords murmured their agreement, though some, like Frey, did so reluctantly.
"And who sits on this council?" Jonos Bracken asked.
"All of us," Hoster replied. "Including Lord Sunblode."
The Growing Shadow
As the meeting adjourned, Timothy approached Ivar with a sly grin. "You handled that well. Even Frey didn't have much to say by the end."
"Frey is biding his time," Ivar said. "He'll make a move eventually, but not until he sees an opportunity."
"What about Tully?" Timothy asked.
"He's pragmatic," Ivar replied. "He'll keep us close, but he won't trust us. Not fully."
Lysa joined them, her expression grim. "We've received reports from the Twins. Frey's emissaries are meeting with Lannister agents near Harrenhal. He's playing both sides."
Ivar's jaw tightened. "Then we'll deal with him when the time comes. For now, we focus on strengthening our position."
The Price of Power
That night, as Ivar stood on the battlements of Riverrun, Brynden Blackfish approached, his footsteps quiet but deliberate.
"You've stirred the waters," Brynden said, his tone neutral.
"Better to stir them than let them stagnate," Ivar replied.
Brynden studied him for a moment, then nodded. "You've got ambition, Lord Sunblode. I can respect that. But ambition without caution is a blade without a hilt—it'll cut you just as easily as your enemies."
"I'm not afraid of cuts," Ivar said. "If I bleed, it's only to grow stronger."
Brynden smiled faintly. "Just remember: the higher you climb, the more people will want to pull you down."
"I'll keep that in mind," Ivar said.
As dawn broke over the Riverlands, Ivar prepared to return to Sunblode Isle, his mind racing with plans and possibilities. The Riverland coalition was fragile, its members bound by necessity rather than trust. But it was a start.
"Let them plot," Ivar thought as he mounted his horse. "Let them whisper in dark corners. When the time comes, they'll see who truly holds the Riverlands together."