NOVEL NEXT Chapter 9: A Game of Shadows
Chapter 9: A Game of Shadows
The council chamber was quiet as Ivar stood at the head of the table, his council gathered around him. A map of the Riverlands lay before them, its surface marked with notes and sigils representing the various houses that now bordered their growing sphere of influence.
"The Mallisters are ours," Ivar began, his voice steady. "Their gratitude and loyalty are secured for now. With their support, we've extended our influence to the western coasts. But we can't stop here."
Timothy Sunrise, leaning casually against the wall, smirked. "You've got a taste for this now, don't you? Winning hearts and minds."
"It's not just about hearts and minds," Ivar replied, his tone sharp. "It's about ensuring no one can move against us without thinking twice." He gestured to the map. "The Riverlands are a powder keg. The Tullys command Riverrun, but their bannermen have divided loyalties. If we're smart, we can exploit that."
Lysa Blackthorne, the head of intelligence, leaned forward, her fingers tracing a line on the map. "House Vance and House Piper control key trade routes along the Red Fork. If we secure their favor, it'll open up new pathways for our goods—and deny them to our rivals."
"And the Brackens and Blackwoods?" Duncan Greenfield asked. "We've brokered a truce, but that won't last forever."
"It doesn't need to," Ivar said. "We'll use their rivalry to our advantage. If one of them steps out of line, we'll side with the other. Let them exhaust each other while we grow stronger."
A Subtle Approach
Over the following weeks, Ivar sent emissaries to House Vance and House Piper, bearing gifts of soap and spirits. The goods were well-received, their quality impressing even the most skeptical lords.
Lord Jon Vance, a stout man with a shrewd gaze, met Ivar's emissaries in the grand hall of Wayfarer's Rest. "Your lord has a fine hand for craftsmanship," he said, examining a bar of soap. "But why should I align myself with a house as young and untested as Sunblode?"
Astrid Goldbrook, one of Ivar's most trusted agents, stepped forward. "Because our lord offers more than goods, my lord. He offers protection. The Ironborn raids grow bolder with each passing year. With Lord Sunblode's enhanced soldiers guarding your trade routes, your lands will prosper while others falter."
Jon stroked his beard thoughtfully. "Protection is valuable, but so is trust. Tell me, can your lord be trusted?"
Astrid smiled faintly. "Lord Sunblode values his reputation above all else. Break his trust, and you'll find no ally more dangerous. But keep faith with him, and you'll find no ally more loyal."
Seeding Discord
While alliances were being forged with some houses, Ivar worked to sow discord among others. At his command, Lysa's spies spread rumors in the courts of the Brackens and Blackwoods, fueling their ancient rivalry.
"The Blackwoods are preparing to expand their borders," one spy whispered in the halls of Stone Hedge. "If Lord Bracken doesn't act, they'll take what's his."
Meanwhile, in Raventree Hall, another agent murmured, "The Brackens have been meeting with Frey emissaries. Perhaps they're planning something against the Blackwoods."
The tension between the two houses began to simmer once more, keeping them distracted while Ivar consolidated his power.
The Tully Invitation
One morning, a raven arrived from Riverrun. The scroll it carried bore the seal of House Tully.
To Lord Ivar Sunblode,
Word of your efforts in the Riverlands has reached my ears. Your assistance to Lord Mallister and your growing reputation as a leader have not gone unnoticed. I invite you to Riverrun to discuss matters of mutual interest.
Signed, Hoster Tully, Lord of Riverrun.
Ivar read the letter aloud to his council, a faint smile playing on his lips.
"The Tullys want to meet," he said. "This is our chance to make an impression."
Roland Emberhill frowned. "Or walk into a trap. The Tullys may be looking to test your loyalty—or your strength."
"Let them test me," Ivar said. "It's time the Tullys realized that House Sunblode is no longer a minor player."
A Meeting at Riverrun
Riverrun was as grand as the histories described it, its triangular shape framed by two rivers and a moat. Ivar arrived with a small retinue, including Timothy and two enhanced soldiers disguised as ordinary guards.
Lord Hoster Tully greeted them in the great hall, his presence commanding despite the lines of age etched into his face. Beside him stood his son, Edmure, a young man with a strong build and a nervous expression.
"Lord Sunblode," Hoster said, his tone measured. "Welcome to Riverrun. I've heard much about your efforts in the Riverlands."
"I'm honored, my lord," Ivar replied, bowing slightly. "It's my goal to see the Riverlands united and prosperous."
"A noble goal," Hoster said, though his eyes were sharp with scrutiny. "But unity is not easily achieved. Tell me, how do you plan to bring it about?"
"Through strength and cooperation," Ivar said. "The Riverlands have been torn apart by rivalries and raids for too long. If we work together, we can create something greater than any of us could achieve alone."
Hoster studied him for a moment, then nodded. "You speak well. Perhaps there is hope for the Riverlands yet."
Strengthening Ties
Over the course of the visit, Ivar impressed the Tullys with his vision and diplomacy. He spoke of his plans to expand trade, fortify defenses, and foster cooperation among the Riverlords.
Edmure, though inexperienced, seemed particularly taken with Ivar's ideas. "If half of what you say is true, the Riverlands could become a power equal to the Reach or the Westerlands," he said during a private conversation.
"They could," Ivar replied. "But only if we work together. Strength comes from unity."
When Ivar departed Riverrun, he did so with the Tullys' tentative support. It wasn't a formal alliance, but it was a step in the right direction.
Returning to Sunblode
Back on the island, Ivar convened his council to discuss the trip.
"The Tullys are cautious but interested," he said. "They see the potential in what we're building."
"And the other lords?" Duncan asked.
"House Vance and House Piper are warming to us," Ivar replied. "The Brackens and Blackwoods remain distracted by their feud, which suits our purposes for now. As for the Mallisters, their loyalty is secured."
Timothy smirked. "You're weaving quite the web, my lord."
Ivar's gaze darkened. "And when the time comes, we'll use that web to reshape the Riverlands—and beyond."