Capítulo 116: Ambitions
(290AC nearly 10 years have passed Alan arrived in westeros. Ten Fucking Years!!!! have passed away, First Three years spent away fighting in one battle field from another. And Two years took consolidation his house in the Riverland and Five years took to becoming one of the Richest and influential man in westeros, including serving the King as one of his council member. )
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The sun was setting over the Blackwater Bay. The water was calm, the waves lapping softly against the rocky shore as the sun sunk low above the horizon turning the sky a brilliant gold color. Lord Alan Winters sighed as he took a sip of a dornish wine, He also softly put down the letter he was reading. It was from Dorne as well, from princess Elia Martel, it's no surprise that they exchange letter knowing that they were still lover , even if they have a great distance between them,But Raven... can carry it to one continent to another in very short amount of time. The content of the letter informed him About their Son Daemon Sand, The lad is growing as a fine and strong young man alongside his half brother and sister Aegon and Rhaenys And his snake cousin's, Elia informed him that the boy is going be a great warrior and someday he might surpass his father..... and nothing made him more proud. He sighed again and wished he had a lot more time with that sweet dornish princess and possibly gift her with few more of his....#**#, perhaps he should go to Dorne and visit her sometime,,,,, He sighed again and looking off from his balcony towards the setting sun as a bird cried out over the glowing waves.
"Still looking East, husband?" a cool voice asked behind him. He doesn't turn to look at her, but he knows who it is. Few people could enter his rooms unannounced, and of the three, only one would dare his current mood.
"I'm always looking East, wife." he responds, There is a big reason he is looking at the east, Because his remaining family is coming from Bravos. And he is waiting and watching despite the turmoil in his heart.
feeling a cool sea breeze begin blowing as she came to stand beside him. For a few minutes they just stand side by side, staring off towards the water as he nurses his cup of wine. Finally, he breaks the silence and asks, "Why are you here, Janna?" his wife leaned against the balcony, her long, Brown hair glittering in the setting sun like molten metal.
It's sometimes feel strange staring at my own wife who looks similar to Natalie Dormer.
For once she was not clothed in luxury dresses she wears in King Roberts court and instead wore a light gown made of deep blue cloth that left large swaths of her pearly shoulders and back exposed. She now starting to imitate his own color after living together for seven years.
He couldn't help but stare at her exposed flesh, slightly perplexed and enticed by her uncharacteristic attire.
"I was informed you had stormed out of the Throne Room today and have been brooding here ever since. I came to see if you needed counsel." her words are even and matter of fact, betraying neither emotion nor motive. He took another sip of the potent wine, feeling it warm his chest as it trickled down his throat.
"Who told you that ?you were not present at the court." he inquires stonily as he turns towards her, looking into her brown eyes, which remind him more and more of her mother as the years fly by."Was it Renly or Willas or was it your spy?" she doesn't reply, which is all the answer he needs. "They should know better."
"They were concerned, Alan." she chides gently, much softer than she usually would. "You have been in a foul mood for three days and have been consuming more wine than usual. We've been worried about you." Alan empties the cup and throws it over the balcony, watching it fall off into the gardens. Janna raises an eyebrow at him and he can sense the smallest reproach in her face. " With a good reason, it appears." he huffs in annoyance.
"Can't a man have his moods without the whole kingdom falling into a frenzy?" he mutters sarcastically, wiping the drops of wine from the stone surface of the rail.
He had an huge argument in the small council over many things which are much more bigger issues. The crown is spending more money than it's producing. The lavish party should be stopped. But the king never listens to his plea for cut the crowns spendings.
And The lords aren't paying their taxes and only giving excuses instead. And the lord paramounts are too proud to asked them and they are also having their own set of problems that the crown is turning blind eyes.
The kingsroad needs to be repaired and protect the travelers from bandits. He proposed that the crown should start collecting tools from the kingsroad and with that money to fund a some sort of police force to give safety to the travelers and merchants. but his proposal was denied.
Then he told the council that the city needs to be repaired as well because it needs good roads and better sewers system and public Toilets. But they don't care about any of that, They have their own problems at home.
John Arryn regularly contacting with the Regent's of the Vale mostly with Lord Royce and Lady Wynewood. The mountain clans are much more active then ever. They are raiding each and every lords territory very often and vanished in the night. The mountain clans are much better equipped and it's seems they receiving some sort of outside help. Somebody is supplying them with better steel weapons and information. And the information states that all the mountain clans coordinating and for some greater reason..... working together. Which is very uncommon occurrence.
The lords of the Vale are powerless in the high mountains, And the smallfolks are living in constant fear. They are asking John Arryn to do something about But Lord Arryn just told them to defend the borders, And can't go to Vale either cause he's too much tied down as a hand of the King.
Thus Lord Arryn can do nothing about it his own kingdoms problems.
In The North, Ned Stark is busy killing the deserter's, Cause nights watch is now full of people. The new law I implemented that any criminal in any kingdom will be deposited to the wall. And to implement such thing I stationed Two of Nightswatch members in every town in westeros. And their duty is escort prisoner's back to the wall.
Thus we are successfully dumping a lot of people at the wall. Which is also have a huge backlash.
The Nightswatch is poor organization, they don't have enough resources to take care of thousands of people.
So to improve it I came up with various ideas.
Even though many of my ideas have improved that institution. But instantly having Thousands of people taking it's tool on the ancient institution.
But I wanted the Nightswatch to be ready as much as possible. Because The institution is needed to improve for the upcoming white walkers invasion. So to upgrade the Nightswatch it needs resources, To acquire resources it needs money, I was the first person proposed lord commander Mormont to Selling the ice in the south.
It's limitless in the far North , And have unlimited market value in every southern kingdoms in the summer.
Thanks to that The Nightswatch is much Richer then ever. I also struck a deal with the Lord commander that my house will take the Rights of transportation and distribution of all ice. It was a win win for both parties , It also gave me the authority of monopoly it's market value. Also Made my house Richer. Though the ships I used to transport the ice at first they were all belongs to the House Redwyne. But i slowly replaced them with my own.
Thanks to the Nightswatch and their contribution for sending ice, We get to enjoy the ice creams. And it's one of few food that brings happiness to the childrens, especially my childrens.
Anyway back to the Stark's, not many wants to live in close to the wall it's the most harsh weather conditioned land. So Lord Stark is very busy with a lot beheading. And also the poor Stark had to do it himself because they don't used to have headsman to do the chopping. and biggest I suspect is ""The Man Who Passes The Sentence Should Swing The Sword."
I can't imagine him cutting people head everyday, And forcing his sons to watch as he beheads them. I kinda feel bad for the boys.
The Iron islands.
The Iron island was doing great under the rule of lord Quellon Greyjoy. My house was their number one trading partners. Unlike other riverlords I don't have any ancient fued with them , So I was first one to proposed some trade agreement. I needed the minerals the iron island produce. IRONS ores.
At first I imported them from My dear friend Lord Morton Waynwood of the Vale. But import from the Vale is more costly and transportation cost is also very high and also the material Vale provides are insufficient in quality and quantity. So I started buying it from the iron island.
The iron islands don't have much lands to cultivate. So in exchange for the food/Wine/other luxury products they payed with the Not violence iron price. (pun intended) The transactions with Iron island was going very smoothly and effectively. Except on a very few occasions some of the River lords badmouthing/ criticizing me behind my back for trading with the Reaver's. But still buying The readymade products my steel factories produced. Everything was running smoothly and awesomely.
But shit hit the fan when Lord Quellon died of old age. And Baelon greyjoy cut of all trades with Iron islands.
I wanted import minerals from the Westerlands and made a huge deals with lord Leo Lefford of Goldentooth. Even secured a betrothal with his daughter Alysanne and my son and heir Harlan.
I hated using childrens as bargain but the deal was so good that I couldn't refuse.
The Westerland is and always doing fine and prospering under the rule of mighty Tywin.
But the same cannot be said for the Riverland. Because Lord Hoster Tully kicked the bucket and all the other lords started engaging in their Petty wars in their own borders. The Riverland is too divided they just argue argue argue....it never ends. And I got the worse neighbors I could ever imagine. Because of the unique position and geography of my territory Made me have borders with Seven other riverlords. And each..... and every.... one my neighbors are hostile towards me! Because of my upbringing and close relationship with the current crowns. Now I understand why Herran the black made herranhall, So he could strike out at everyone but did he ever thought they would strike him back?
My neighbors have another reason to hate me, because these lords are also all of them were and still is Targaryen loyalist. Because of the new regime they lost a lot of influence man power and family members.
So they took extra money when my vessels/Trade goods/ Or anything passes from their land. They are also pissed because the lords are loosing a lot of smallfolks, Whom are seeking better jobs and opportunity in my land.
The Reach ,Stormland, And the Crownlands are doing as usual. But most of the problem staying in the capital city itself.
There is a lot renovation is needed for improvement of the biggest city and population in westeros.
The fleabottom should be demolished and it's residents needs to be relocated, because it's getting overpopulated and crime rates are getting high every week. And the poverty rates are also increasing dramatically, people are starving, their are rumors that people's are eating rats.
The citywatch is required a reform and the corrupted officer's of the Citywatch should be fired. Because I have saw a lot incompetent man in that organization,I even found many guardsman sleeping, drinking, whoring on duty. And personally beheaded them, But one head is cut off two takes it's place. Thus sending them to the Nightswatch was the best options. Though they were already corrupted in the Targaryen era. But after Stannis became master of ships and Janos took control everything Fall apart.
Baelon greyjoy was very good master of ships and served the realms for nearly six years. But now after his father kicked the bucket he immediately return to the iron islands take his birthright. And what also I suspect/And very sure is that Baelon greyjoy is going to prepare for his bull shit rebellion. I know this because I even suggested him at some point. That man had many screw loose in his head that I couldn't even count. He Always blabbing about that his people become weak and should go back to the old ways and pay the real iron price or whatever that is.
Stannis is a effective replacement as master of ships but it'll take some time to adjust in his new line of duty.
The new citywatch commander became Janos slynt and brought back all the problem's with it.
Doran Martel is also returned to Dorne after spending a his time in the capital for six years. He was a very effective spy master. And we had a good hold on the realms secret affairs, It was quite good under his watch, Though he may be a cripple but nobody questioned him because how skillful politician he was. But the excuse he gave was a pitiful one. He told everyone that his daughter Is making a lot trouble for the Regents and he immediately needed to return. The loss of balon was already a huge blow to the realms administration, But Doran Martel's absence made us deaf and blind. Because he took he's spys with him as well, Those spys aren't useful us anyway because of loyalty issues. And without Doran's Intel gathering we lost the regular knowledge of what is happening throughout the realms. And because of that the small council lost a valuable member.
And creating another one will take time.
I have built a very healthy relationship with Dorne.
Dorne is also a very good trading partner. My trade organizations imports a lot from the desert landscape. The Wines 🍷 , Spice , And crystal Sands. The Sands are used by the alchemist guild. And they creates High quality glass out of it.
Glass is one the of luxury products made in my land. The people in charge of making it are totally loyal to me.
Because after the fall of the Targaryen dynasty. The Alchemist guild was almost wiped out by Jaime Lannister. He almost killed all of higher alchemists. AKA the Wisdoms. I saved their arses and relocated them to my recently conquered Isle of Faces.
I protectect them, funded them and also bolster their ranks by providing them fresh recruits.
In exchange they creates whatever I want, Amongst that are Glass, inks and papers and lastly WILDFIRES and LOTS and LOTS of it!!!!
And I'm going to use them in "The End Time"!!!.
The Alchemist guild also provides me with some of the best excellent engineers of their ranks. And I used them to construct various projects.
The alchemist guild is the one best educated organization outside of the citadel.
The founding members of alchemist guild Helped King Maegor the Cruel designed the Redkeep and the holdfast which is still called Maegor's Holdfast.. No small accomplishment indeed.
Alchemist guild is capable of creating a lot of wonder's not just crating wildfire jelly. And as agreed I only take half of the glass selling money and other half I gave them back to used in R&D Research and development.
Swimming through the political landscape of westeros is one of the toughest challenge I ever face.
It's like playing a game In Hell mode, And with the only cheat is some of future knowledge and fanfics suspicions.
The problems I had to tackle everyday is constantly taking it's tool. I had to take care of half of the realms affairs and my own family businesses.
But the works are getting bigger and bigger. And most unfortunately My good brother Mace Tyrell also resigned from his post by the the pressure from of his mother though I played a good part convincing her to pressure Mace.
The Crown is not doing very well, financially, So before anyone blames him for all the financial disaster I carefully removed him.
The reason behind is he could not actually do a good job at handling the the realms finance.
So John Arryn chosen a another man from the Vale to do the job.
Though I suggested the position of master of coins should go to a Lannister. Because we don't have westerlander in our counsel. But Lord Arryn refused it immediately, saying he doesn't want them on the small council. So Baelish is going to become the new master of coins. And I'm very sure that it could create a lot of problem for my family as well.
That's not the only problem I'm currently facing right now.
The Sept of Baelor is causing a lot of trouble for me. Because they dislikes foreigner's in power.
And there is also something has to be done about the Highsepton.
The fat corrupted clergymen is making a lot of bold move against my family and I couldn't do anything about it.
Maybe I should find the man named High sparrow.
The Highsepton even gave my house a terrible nickname and called it a house of bastard just because I have a lot of illegitimate childrens whom I love as much I love my legitimate childrens. The reason he is antagonizing my family , because i created a Better Sept in the Riverland in my own Town which is slowly becoming a industrial city. And gave the septs total control to my godly lover septa Unella. It's not because she's a lover of mine, that I gave her full control and funds, I don't do nepotism.(AN: Yeah right..)
Unella is far more superior and capable then these fat arses in the capital. And this new Sept of my actually does it's job properly. They take care of orphan's and feeds homeless people and heals those that needed asks for medical treatment.
This actually showed that how much capable my priestess of the seven is. Just because they doesn't pay their respect to the great Sept of Baelor, My Sept of God's eye are being antagonized. The starry Sept of Old town acknowledged Unella and her works. They even bestowed her the title "Most Devout".
The religious problems aren't big of an issues, Because I have enough followers to counter the Sept of Baelor.
The Maesters are also complaining about my Qyburn. Because he doesn't served the citadel anymore. But stood my ground against them and refused to hand him over
They even brought a lot proof against Qyburns. Some are very disturbing for the normal people. But needed Qyburn as my castles Maester. Not a spy from the citadel.
And in retaliation the citadel stopped supplying Herranhall the things they monopolies. Like the Ravens, papers, inks, books, refined medical harves, etc etc.
So I started to produce them my self. showed the Wise Maesters of the citadel my middle finger.
Then their is the problem with house Tully. After the death of Hoster Tully in 289AC, Edmure become the lord paramount of the trident. And after becoming the Lord he summoned all of his bannerman to swear their loyalty to him. I was busy with loads of work in running of the seven kingdoms so I couldn't get to his swearing ceremony at Riverrun. So I sent my Captain of guards Claw Silverwood and My Seven Years old Twin boys and heirs Harlan and Luthor instead.
And it's seems Edmure didn't like it and thought it as some sort of disrespect or worse insult.
And in revenge he increased the taxes in double the amount. Not really nice move on his part. Because I informed it to my King.
And Robert called Edmure show himself at the capital. And as a sort of punishment he gave my Job to him for a week. After that the new lord paramount of trident never spoke to me again.
The things did ended in Edmure Tully's apologies, cause His stunts had made my diplomacy with my neighboring lords worse, I was already having a lot trouble with my neighboring lords and they're also deliberately making problems in my borders. But after that everything was intensified.
The biggest reason is that Every one of those lords are former Targaryen loyalist. And I share borders with each and every one of them except for blackwoods. The blackwoods are pissed because I burned the Gods Wood in Herrenhall and killed all the Greenmen that lived there and conquered the Isle of the Faces.
It is chaos everywhere and everything is not going according to plans. I made one friend and successfully create two enemies.
The only good news is that my family in Bravos are returning. I was really excited to meet them. They are after all, my first Borns why should I not be excited?
But I'm burdened with heavy works. my argument with the small council Three days had took a huge hit on my reputation, it's also lower my stands in counsel.
I'm just pissed that all the hard work I've been doing is only earning me jealous and hostile looks from other people's. Because a upstart like me is becoming successful too quickly.
And Robert is not here in the capital to solve any of my problems.
Because he's to busy hunting down John Conninton.
The Griffin Lord of Stormland is back to westeros and he founded a new Kingswood brotherhood into the Kingswood.
The cat and mouse chase is going on for nearly A year.
The incident started on one of Robert Baratheon Boar hunting expedition.
And the Conninton used that opportunity to ambush and kill the Usurper or whatever the hell the Targaryen loyalist calls Robert.
In that ambush and two of Roberts kingsguards kingsguards died. And Robert was lightly injured and luckily survived.
This event pissed him of so much so that he didn't set any bounty on the Connintons head.
Instead he personally wants to hunt him down.
Though all of us suggested that it's too dangerous and putting a bounty is much more efficient.
But Roberts retorted by saying that, people would call him cowered if he stays in the safety of the Redkeeps. And can't let the new Kingswood brotherhood terrorize in his backyards.
So he took his remaining kingsguards and Few hundred volunteers that wants some glory alongside their King and ride of the Kingswood.
And I'm pissed that why Renly or Willas tolds everything I do to my wife? Am I not their master and teacher , shouldn't their loyalty should be towards me? Why is it all happening to me....?!!!!
And now my wife kinda pouring oils in fire to my mood by giving her signature smirk. I annoyingly looked towards her.
"I have been short of temper, I know, but there is no need for them to run to you to come and check on me. I will survive until my family returns from Bravos." his reply is acceptable enough, but even he can hear the change in tone as he mentions that, far away in that Sea that had so vexed them ? Janna watches his face for a moment and he feels as if she's pulling his secrets straight through his skin.
"It is all right to fear for Them. You should know that the weather is good for the past months, and I believe they should be just fine." his wife murmurs, the unusually kind tone of her voice causing him to raise an eyebrow at her.
Janna was not normally the comforter in their relationship and Yes he needed comforts sometimes. Also, Yes she can put up with a fine face with of my bastards and acts like a true mother to them , Not she loves them but because she knows they are useful to her and her house, But deep down Alan knows that she doesn't love them.
Yah sure she always told him that my other childrens also her's as well. And they will and can make my house stronger, Which is a quote from her house "Growing Strong".
Also she dumps all the blame in births of my other illegitimate childrens on me. Not on their mothers or the childrens.
She personally took the duty to educate all my illegitimate daughter's herself. The reasons are unknown to me but I appreciate it nonetheless.
But what really vexes me is that she is kinda wants me to play the bad Cop. And she plays the good Cop. And thus many of my bastards loves her then their real mother.
But I like that part of her ,She knows how to manipulate everyone around her. And she may not love my illegitimate childrens as much she loves her own, But she doesn't out right hate them. And she loves when my children loves her.
I somewhat understood her way of thinking. It's like there might be a far future possibility that might or not occur that one my bastard steal away her childrens birthright.
I like her optimistic way, that maybe happen or not. So why be a complete Bitch about it? instead she could use them for her purpose.
And I know how to manage/manipulate my wife as well.
She will completely fine and will forgive and forget any of my of crime as long I win King Roberts tourney and crown her the love and beauty.
After all I'm The best and Strongest Knight in seven Kingdom. Nobody is currently strong enough match me in any single combat. And as long as I defend my fucking Champion title every year and Crown my Lady wife with crown of Flowers. Then everything is forgiven.
She even earned the Nick name "The Queen of Roses" A similar Moniker like her mother "The queen of Thorns".
It's also gets a little boring, Because not many could actually match me is jousting, And defeating Jaime Lannister or Ser Barristan Selmy in the finale is also not very exciting.
The tourney is a some sort of beauty contest like Miss world or Miss Universe.
I know that my wife is beautiful and she deserves the title.
But Queen Cersei is also equally or more beautiful as well. And i would have crowned her I didn't afraid of being poisoned in the same night by my wife.
And honestly ...she might be a lot beautiful but I don't have much interest in her.
Cause she has some of the serious problems. Like obsessed with incest. I just let the woman's fight their own war.
I know that she kinda hates me , Because I always defeat her brother. But never engage in a fight with her. She's is the queen of the seven kingdoms after all. I let wife do the fighting for,
And it's seems my wife always loves to her that Even though Cersei Lannister is the queen of the seven kingdoms, My wife Janna Tyrell is much more popular.
It took me some time to realize that in Robert Baratheon court, The ladies are always busy with her own war. Unlike us Men.... they do not prefer to use physical combat.
Instead they uses their sweet speech, And other line of communication.
And weapon and armor is like who has better dresses or better jewelleries?
And I'm glad I know how to make money, I do not want to know what would happened if I didn't.
Their is a rivalry is well known by the nobility of the court. And this war is going on amongst the court ladies for over a millennia.
And my wife had to compete with queen Cersei in every things that is possible. though in status she is on the lower side but I believe she's been winning on the other fronts.
There is two faction of ladies dominating the court. One is led by Queen Cersei with her flock of westerlander ladies. And other majority is led by Janna and all the other ladies from every kingdom.
it's also an entertainment for the Men as well. But we just stay away as far as we could.
Anyway back to my wife.
It's seems like she is somewhat jealous that I'm currently thinking about the return of my other families that I very first interacted with.
he wondered what others had said to alarm her enough to try to take on such a guise. Is she truly worried about me or their are other motives?
"It's okay to be worried about your family Some them is the mother of your children. It is a testament to your compassion, the sign of a good Man. You need not hide your worry behind a facade of irritation." her praise worms its way into his heart like the wine had, warming his chest like few other words could. He scowls at himself, annoyed that he still craves her approval after all this time.
"I am not a little boy, Janna. I know I lost the love and respect you one's had for me. And I know it's my fault Janna I'm not a good man or a faithful man. I don't crave your praise or approval, nor do I need either." the words come out harsher than he meant them to and he can see her eyes harden. The wind blows a little stronger and her long hair, free from its usual braids, blows around her like a curtain of gold threads. She looks away towards the sun in water below and he already feels a stab of guilt for his inconsiderate words.
"And yet you are still as cruel as you were when you First Left me in that tourney of Highgarden. Listen Alan, I never married you because your honor or whatever. I married you because I loved you. And I married to you knowing that you will never be single mindlessly stay faithful to me." she responds icily, the red sky making her eyes glow with an angry, ethereal light. "Although now you lack that excuse of youth you one's had."
"I'm sorry." he mutters, moving closer to her. "I lashed out. Forgive me." she doesn't respond and he sighs. "Janna-" he puts a hand on her shoulder and his voice dies as he feels how cold her skin has become. "You're freezing." he traces the exposed skin of her shoulder lightly and cold seeps into his fingers.
"Perhaps I am only reflecting the cold that lies within me." she mutters as he removes his robe and wraps it around her shoulders, which feel to him more like marble than flesh. He wraps the garment closer around her in concern, an action which earns him only a contemptuous smirk. "After all, I am a cold bitch, am I not?" he swallows as she repeats the words he had thrown at her a few nights ago. He can still hear that argument in his mind, hear the Words echoing from angry tongues. She laughs coldly at him, no doubt sensing his recollection, and shrugs out of his robe. "If I am cruel, it is only because you allowed me to be so." He picks up the robe and wraps it around her again, keeping her in his embrace this time so she won't shrug out of it once more. She is stiff as wood in his arms and he sighs at her scornful indifference. He's about to speak when he feels her hand rest above his heart, cold as her shoulders had been and making his skin erupt in chills. "And even when I try, you still are cruel." she speaks up at him, And they moved towards the Bedroom.
It's seems like a perfect time for me to resign from my post as a member of the small council. Renly has been grown up and perfectly fine for taking care of the seat.
And the palace that had been in construction at the Isle of Faces is complete. A fine time for me to spend with my wife and childrens.
[AN: Hit that powerstone button like A Train. And comment all you want. And also I'll explain the story in flashback chapters so don't worry everything will explained]
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