NOVEL NEXT Chapter 31: Whispers in the Shadows
Chapter 31: Whispers in the Shadows
The victory at Seagard sent shockwaves across the Riverlands. The Lannister fleet's retreat was more than a tactical win; it was a symbol of resilience for the lords and smallfolk alike. But victories in war were seldom without consequence, and while the battlefield was quiet for now, the halls of power buzzed with intrigue.
Back at Riverrun, Ivar Sunblode knew that winning the war would take more than swords and walls. It would require cunning, alliances, and the ability to outmaneuver an opponent whose ruthlessness knew no bounds.
A Council Divided
Ivar returned to Riverrun accompanied by his closest advisors, the journey marked by uneasy silence. Seagard was secure, but tensions among the Riverland lords remained high. Tywin's constant pressure and brutal tactics had worn down morale, and even the victory wasn't enough to quiet doubts.
The great hall of Riverrun was packed when Ivar entered. Lords sat in tight clusters, their whispered conversations ceasing the moment he stepped forward. Hoster Tully sat at the head of the table, flanked by his brother Brynden Blackfish, who eyed the gathered lords with quiet disdain.
Hoster raised a hand for silence. "The victory at Seagard is a testament to the strength of the Accord and the leadership of Lord Sunblode. But Tywin Lannister will not rest. We must prepare for his next move."
Walder Frey, his perpetual sneer in place, spoke first. "Prepare? Easy to say when the fighting stays on the coast or at Harrenhal. But my men are stretched thin guarding the Twins while Sunblode goes gallivanting across the Riverlands."
Tytos Blackwood slammed a hand on the table. "Gallivanting? He saved Seagard from falling to the Lannisters! Perhaps you'd prefer to hand Tywin the Riverlands without a fight."
Frey bristled. "And what happens when Tywin decides to target my lands next? Will Sunblode come riding to my rescue, or will he be too busy chasing glory?"
Ivar stepped forward, his voice cutting through the tension like a blade. "House Sunblode doesn't fight for glory, Lord Frey. We fight to ensure that the Riverlands survive. And if the Twins are ever under threat, I'll ensure they're protected—because we stand together, or we fall alone."
"Strong words," Frey muttered, though he said no more.
A New Proposal
After the council, Ivar met privately with Hoster Tully, Lysa Blackthorne, and Brynden Blackfish in the solar. The room was quiet except for the crackling fire, the flickering flames casting long shadows on the stone walls.
"Frey's fear is dangerous," Brynden said, breaking the silence. "If he feels threatened enough, he might make a deal with Tywin to protect his precious bridge."
"He wouldn't dare," Hoster replied, though his tone was uncertain.
"He would," Ivar said. "Frey only cares about Frey. If he thinks the Accord is a losing bet, he'll switch sides without a second thought."
Lysa leaned forward, her sharp eyes fixed on Ivar. "Then we make sure he doesn't see it as a losing bet. Frey values power and security above all else. If we can guarantee both, he'll stay in line."
"How do you propose we do that?" Hoster asked.
Ivar's gaze was steady. "We strengthen the Accord—not just with words, but with actions. We rally the smaller houses, fortify key strongholds, and make it clear that the Riverlands are united."
"And Frey?" Brynden asked.
Ivar allowed a faint smile. "We remind him that betrayal comes with consequences."
Rallying the Smaller Houses
Ivar's first move was to visit the smaller houses along the Riverlands' western edge, where Tywin's raids had sown fear and doubt. Accompanied by Lysa and a small retinue, he traveled to the seat of House Goodbrook, a modest castle surrounded by fertile fields that had been burned in Lannister attacks.
Lord Goodbrook, a wiry man with a weathered face, greeted Ivar in the great hall. His demeanor was cautious, his movements betraying the nervousness of a man caught between loyalty and survival.
"Lord Sunblode," Goodbrook said, bowing slightly. "It's an honor to host you. Though I must admit, I wasn't expecting such a visit."
Ivar inclined his head. "Your house has suffered greatly at Tywin's hands, my lord. I'm here to ensure that suffering doesn't continue."
Goodbrook hesitated, then gestured for Ivar to sit. "Your words are appreciated, but words alone won't stop the lion. My people are starving, my soldiers exhausted. If Tywin comes again, I'm not sure we'll survive."
"You will," Ivar said, his tone firm. "House Sunblode will provide grain to your villages and soldiers to protect your lands. In return, I ask for your loyalty to the Accord. Together, we can stand against Tywin—but only if we stand as one."
Goodbrook studied Ivar for a long moment before nodding slowly. "Very well. House Goodbrook stands with you."
Fortifying Riverrun
While Ivar worked to rally the smaller houses, Roland Emberhill and Timothy Sunrise focused on strengthening Riverrun's defenses. The castle was already formidable, but with Tywin's forces regrouping, additional fortifications were essential.
In the training yard, Timothy oversaw the enhanced soldiers as they drilled with relentless precision. Their speed and strength had become a point of fascination—and unease—among the regular troops, who whispered about the mysterious methods behind their abilities.
One evening, as Timothy sparred with one of the enhanced soldiers, Roland approached him.
"They're impressive," Roland said, watching as Timothy disarmed his opponent with a swift strike. "But they're also starting to draw attention."
Timothy shrugged, wiping sweat from his brow. "Let them talk. These men are the reason we've won half our battles."
"And what happens when the war is over?" Roland asked quietly.
Timothy's smirk faded. "We'll cross that bridge when we get to it. Right now, the war's not over."
Frey's Warning
Back at Riverrun, Walder Frey sent a message to Ivar, requesting a private meeting. The summons was unexpected, but Ivar agreed, traveling to the Twins with Lysa and a small escort.
The Twins loomed on the horizon, their twin towers rising like sentinels over the Trident. Frey greeted Ivar in his solar, his thin lips twisting into a mockery of a smile.
"Lord Sunblode," Frey said, gesturing for Ivar to sit. "A pleasure, as always."
"I doubt that," Ivar replied, taking his seat.
Frey chuckled, his tone turning serious. "I hear whispers, my lord. Whispers that Tywin is preparing something big. If the Riverlands can't hold, it'll be my bridge that bears the brunt of his wrath."
"Your bridge is only as safe as the strength of the Accord," Ivar said evenly. "If you betray it, you won't just face Tywin—you'll face the Riverlands."
Frey's eyes narrowed. "A bold threat, my lord. But threats don't build alliances."
"It's not a threat," Ivar said, rising to his feet. "It's a promise. Stay loyal, and the Riverlands will protect you. Betray us, and you'll find yourself without allies on either side."
A New Strategy
After returning to Riverrun, Ivar convened his council to discuss Tywin's next move. Reports from Lysa's spies indicated that the Lannisters were amassing troops near Harrenhal, likely preparing for another major offensive.
"We need to disrupt their plans before they gain momentum," Ivar said, his gaze sweeping the room. "If we can strike at their supply lines or weaken their forces, we can delay their advance."
"And how do you propose we do that?" Duncan Greenfield asked.
Ivar allowed a faint smile. "By taking the fight to them. Lysa, I want your spies to identify their weakest points. Roland, prepare the troops. This time, we strike first."
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