NOVEL NEXT Chapter 7: Web of Alliances
Chapter 7: Web of Alliances
The great hall of the manor was quiet except for the scratching of quills and the soft murmur of conversation. Ivar sat at the head of the long oak table, his council gathered around him. A map of the Riverlands lay unfurled before them, its edges weighted down with stones.
"We've made progress," Ivar began, his voice calm but firm. "The villagers are growing stronger, the trade routes are beginning to pay off, and our defenses are taking shape. But none of that will matter if we stand alone."
Timothy Sunrise leaned forward, his sharp eyes scanning the map. "You're talking about alliances."
"Exactly," Ivar said. "No matter how strong we become, the lords of the Riverlands have resources and armies we can't match—yet. If we want to secure our future, we need allies."
Roland Emberhill, the military tactician, frowned. "And what do we have to offer them? Most lords won't ally with a minor house unless they see a significant benefit."
Ivar smiled faintly. "We offer them what they can't refuse—wealth, protection, and opportunity."
Targeting the Houses
Lysa Blackthorne, the head of intelligence, tapped her finger on the map. "The Riverlands are a patchwork of alliances and rivalries. If we want to form alliances, we need to understand the players. The Tullys control Riverrun, but their bannermen are independent-minded. Some, like the Freys, value gold above loyalty."
"The Freys," Timothy muttered, shaking his head. "Greedy and untrustworthy."
"True," Ivar said, "but they're useful. Their position at the Twins gives them control over trade routes in and out of the Riverlands. If we can secure their cooperation, it will make our own trade routes much safer."
"What about the Blackwoods and Brackens?" Duncan Greenfield asked. "They're always at each other's throats, but they both command valuable resources."
Ivar nodded thoughtfully. "We'll need to approach them carefully. If we can play peacemaker, we might gain the loyalty of both houses."
"And the Mallisters at Seagard?" Lysa added.
"They're strong, but proud," Ivar said. "They value honor and justice. If we help them defend against the Ironborn, we could earn their trust."
A Plan in Motion
Ivar leaned back in his chair, his gaze sweeping over the council. "This is how we proceed: Lysa, I want you to send agents to the Freys. Offer them a share of our trade profits in exchange for safe passage through the Twins. Timothy, you'll accompany me to meet with the Blackwoods and Brackens. We'll see if we can broker peace between them."
"And the Mallisters?" Roland asked.
"We'll send them a message," Ivar said. "Let them know we're willing to assist them against the Ironborn. If they accept, we'll send a contingent of soldiers to support them."
Timothy smirked. "You're casting a wide net."
"Better to have too many allies than too few," Ivar replied.
The Frey Negotiations
Lysa's agents arrived at the Twins within a week, carrying crates of soap and barrels of spirits as gifts for House Frey. Walder Frey, the lord of the Twins, was as shrewd and grasping as his reputation suggested.
The old man's thin lips curled into a smile as he examined the goods. "You've brought me fine gifts," he said, his voice wheezy. "But what is it you want in return?"
Lysa's lead agent, a sharp-tongued woman named Astrid, inclined her head. "Safe passage for Lord Sunblode's trade ships, my lord. In exchange, we'll give House Frey a percentage of the profits from every shipment that passes through your territory."
Walder's eyes narrowed. "And what guarantee do I have that your lord will keep his word?"
Astrid smiled. "Because he values his reputation, my lord. If Lord Sunblode breaks his word, no one will trust him again. And trust is the foundation of trade."
Walder considered this, his wrinkled face twisted in thought. Finally, he nodded. "Very well. But I want thirty percent of the profits."
"Fifteen," Astrid countered.
Walder snorted. "Twenty-five."
"Twenty," Astrid said firmly.
Walder's eyes glinted with annoyance, but he waved a hand. "Fine. Twenty percent. But I expect my payment on time."
The Blackwood-Bracken Rivalry
Meanwhile, Ivar and Timothy traveled to Raventree Hall, the seat of House Blackwood. The hall was dark and imposing, its ancient weirwood tree casting long shadows over the courtyard. Lord Tytos Blackwood greeted them with a mixture of curiosity and suspicion.
"You've come a long way for a minor lord," Tytos said, his tone cautious. "What brings you to Raventree Hall?"
Ivar inclined his head respectfully. "Opportunity, my lord. Your house has long feuded with the Brackens, but that conflict weakens you both. I believe I can help you find a solution."
Tytos's expression darkened. "There is no solution. The Brackens are treacherous bastards. They've spilled too much of our blood to ever make peace."
"What if I could offer you an advantage?" Ivar asked.
Tytos raised an eyebrow. "What kind of advantage?"
"Trade," Ivar said simply. "House Sunblode is building a network of trade routes that will bring wealth to the Riverlands. If you ally with us, you'll gain access to those routes—and the profits that come with them."
Tytos frowned, clearly tempted. "And what about the Brackens? Will you offer them the same deal?"
"I'll offer them something similar," Ivar admitted. "But only if they agree to terms that benefit both houses. If they refuse, you'll have our support in any conflict that follows."
Tytos studied Ivar for a long moment before nodding. "Very well. I'll hear what you have to say."
The Peacemaker
Ivar met with the Brackens the following day, traveling to Stone Hedge under heavy guard. Lord Jonos Bracken was every bit as stubborn as Tytos Blackwood, but Ivar's calm demeanor and sharp arguments eventually wore him down.
By the end of the week, both houses had agreed to a tentative truce, brokered by House Sunblode. It was a fragile peace, but it was enough to secure their cooperation—and their trade routes.
A Letter to Seagard
Ivar's final move was a letter to Lord Jason Mallister of Seagard, offering assistance against the Ironborn in exchange for a future alliance. The response came swiftly:
To Lord Ivar Sunblode,
Your offer is generous, and your reputation as a leader precedes you. If you can send soldiers to assist us in defending Seagard, you will find a loyal ally in House Mallister.
Signed, Lord Jason Mallister.
Ivar smiled as he read the letter. His web of alliances was taking shape.
The Growing Network
Over the next month, Sunblode Isle's trade routes expanded, and its influence grew. The Freys guarded their ships, the Blackwoods and Brackens kept their rivalry in check, and the Mallisters began coordinating with Ivar's forces to repel Ironborn raids.
Standing on the gatehouse, Timothy joined Ivar, watching the bustling docks below.
"You've done it," Timothy said. "You've turned this island into a player in the Riverlands."
"This is only the beginning," Ivar replied, his gaze cold and calculating. "The alliances we've built are a means to an end. When the time comes, we'll use them to reshape Westeros."
Timothy smirked. "What's the endgame, then?"
"The Iron Throne," Ivar said, his voice steady. "And I won't stop until it's mine."