NOVEL NEXT Chapter 66: Kingdom in Waiting
Chapter 66: A Kingdom in Waiting
A full year had passed since the siege of Riverrun, and the Riverlands had transformed under Ivar Sunblode's relentless leadership. The fragile truce brokered by King Robert had given Ivar time to fortify his position, turning Riverrun into a symbol of resilience and ingenuity. Farms thrived, villages rebuilt, and trade routes reopened, but the specter of war loomed ever closer.
In the month before Robert's fateful journey to Winterfell, the signs of unrest began to spread across Westeros. Whispers of intrigue echoed in the halls of the great houses, and the fragile peace of the realm seemed ready to shatter.
The Riverlands, though stable, was not immune to these undercurrents. Ivar remained vigilant, knowing that peace was often an illusion and one that rarely lasted.
The people of the Riverlands had seen more prosperity in the past year than in the years before the war. Under Ivar's guidance, they rebuilt not just their homes but their hope. Roads that had been overrun by Tywin's forces were now bustling with wagons carrying grain, timber, and goods from nearby regions. Farmers, once displaced by the conflict, tilled the land again, their efforts bolstered by the system's innovations.
But even as the region flourished, Ivar's focus never wavered. He knew that every day of peace was borrowed time, a temporary reprieve before the next storm.
In Riverrun's great hall, Ivar convened his council. Lysa Blackthorne, Roland Emberhill, Timothy Sunrise, and Duncan Greenfield sat around the long oak table, each bringing news from their respective domains.
"Reports from the southern border," Roland began. "The Reach is quiet, but the trickle of refugees hasn't stopped. More and more people are fleeing the uncertainty there."
"Uncertainty?" Lysa asked, arching an eyebrow.
"The Tyrells are consolidating power," Roland said. "It's subtle, but it's there. They're fortifying key positions and shifting their focus to supply lines. Whatever they're planning, they're not in a hurry."
"They're hedging their bets," Ivar said. "Watching to see which way the wind blows. They'll move when they think it's safe."
"And the Westerlands?" Lysa asked.
Timothy leaned forward, his grin sharp. "Tywin's been quiet, but he's not idle. He's reinforcing Harrenhal and shoring up his alliances. He's not attacking, but he's not sitting still either."
Ivar nodded, his expression thoughtful. "He's waiting for an opportunity, just like the Tyrells. But unlike them, he won't wait forever. We need to make sure we're ready when he makes his move."
"And how do we do that?" Duncan asked.
"By turning the Riverlands into something Tywin can't ignore," Ivar said. "Stronger, richer, and more united than ever before. We don't just survive we thrive."
The system had been a silent partner in the Riverlands' recovery, its daily points providing Ivar with resources that seemed miraculous to those around him. That morning, as Ivar sat alone in his solar, the familiar interface appeared in his mind.
[Current Points: 370]
He opened the store, his eyes scanning the options with practiced precision. Every purchase had to serve a purpose, each resource allocated to maximize its impact.
He selected:
High-Yield Farming Seeds: Enhanced seeds that would double the region's crop yields.
Advanced Blacksmithing Techniques: A manual containing methods to improve weapon and armor production.
Mobile Siege Defenses: Portable barricades and counter-siege equipment to protect key trade routes and villages.
The points vanished, and Ivar felt the familiar sense of satisfaction as the system confirmed the purchases. By nightfall, the goods would arrive, ready to be distributed and implemented.
He leaned back in his chair, his mind already working through the logistics.
As the Riverlands flourished, the influx of refugees from neighboring regions posed both a challenge and an opportunity. Though many were destitute, they brought skills and labor that could be harnessed to further strengthen the region.
One afternoon, Ivar rode out to inspect a newly rebuilt village near the southern border. The village, once razed during Tywin's campaign, now bustled with activity. Farmers tended their fields, craftsmen worked in open-air forges, and children played in the streets.
As he dismounted, the villagers gathered around him, their faces a mix of awe and gratitude.
"Lord Sunblode," one of the elders said, bowing deeply. "You've given us a home again. We can't thank you enough."
"Your hard work rebuilt this village," Ivar said. "I only gave you the tools. Together, we'll make the Riverlands stronger than ever."
In the evening, back at Riverrun, a raven arrived bearing news from Lysa's network of spies. The letter was brief but significant.
"King Robert is heading to Winterfell," Lysa said as she read it aloud to the council. "It's not just a visit. He's planning to name Ned Stark as Hand of the King."
"That's unexpected," Roland said. "Why replace Jon Arryn?"
"Because Jon Arryn is dead," Lysa replied. "Poisoned, according to our sources."
The revelation sent a ripple of unease through the room.
"Poisoned?" Timothy repeated. "By who?"
"There's no proof yet, but the whispers point to the Lannisters," Lysa said.
Ivar leaned forward, his expression sharp. "The Lannisters aren't careless. If they poisoned Jon Arryn, it means they're preparing for something bigger."
"And if Ned Stark becomes Hand?" Roland asked.
"It changes the game," Ivar said. "Ned commands respect, but he's no politician. The Lannisters will see him as a threat, and they'll move against him. The North will respond, and the realm will fracture."
"Which means opportunities for us," Lysa said.
"Exactly," Ivar replied. "But we have to be careful. A divided realm is dangerous. We need to make sure the Riverlands remain strong and united."
As the days passed, Ivar's preparations continued. Fortifications were strengthened, trade routes secured, and resources stockpiled. The Riverlands stood ready for whatever came next, but Ivar knew that the true test was yet to come.
Standing atop the battlements of Riverrun, he gazed out over the land he had fought so hard to protect. The winds carried the promise of change, and Ivar felt the weight of the choices that lay ahead.
"The realm is shifting," he said quietly. "And so are we."