บท 30: Advancements & Invasions
[289 AC]
In the last few years, Lannisport had really grown. Reforms and new inventions caused the city to grow massively with people coming down from the mountains and rural regions seeking opportunities and wealth in the many career options, some even journeyed all the way from other six kingdoms. Merchants sailed all the way around Westeros, bypassing major trading hubs such as Sunspear and Oldtown, to get to Lannisport to try and get their hands on shipments of steel or the new, high in demand liquor manufactured in Lannister distilleries.
The influx of people wanting to settle down in the city has led to an expansion of the southern city walls, creating a new residential district. The industrial sector of the city was booming, plumes of smoke facing the Rock were now a daily sighting nowadays. The docks were filled with merchant and trading vessels, cogs and caravels. The Lannister Fleet always moored within the city's harbour, though if one was to look closely then they would notice the absence of the Flagship and other high-quality ships, only those partially rotting and damaged were left within the bay of Lannisport.
Casterly Rock itself had not changed much, there was no need to, it was without a doubt one of if not the most impregnable fortresses in Westeros, possibly surpassing the Eyrie. The inhabitants of the Rock had grown in number though, whether they were the teams of administrators and scribes or the several hundred guardsmen in plate patrolling the corridors.
Inside one of the larger bedrooms, sat at his desk looking out onto the Sunset Sea was Cerion Lannister. Dark blonde hair hung down the side of his face, covering up the scar that had faded slightly over time, now a thin line with all the redness gone. A new invention called a dip pen hung between his fingers as he contemplates the document he is looking at.
"You must take a break every now and again, you don't want to overwork yourself." A voice said behind me, one I recognised to be Alysanne. She walked up next to me and took the pen out of my hands before setting it down on top of the dresser to her side. She had matured a bit over the last few years, growing a shrewd business and political mind from her experience of managing brothels and spies. She had grown rather tall, especially for woman and let her hair grow down in curls to her lower back. "Wouldn't you agree Orton? As his guard, it is your duty to protect him from anything, even if it is... Lord Farman." she says as she leans over and reads the piece of parchment in front of me.
"I'm sure he isn't too much of a threat Alysanne, unless he can reach through parchment, then my Lord shouldn't have anything to fear for now." A strong voice emerged from the corner of the room, Orton had grown the most out of anyone. Physical conditioning has made him into a wall of muscles and regular lessons on reading and writing has improved his capability as my guard. He had grown taller, maybe on par with the mountain, but still leaner than him in appearance.
He was now the captain of the Lionguards, the name of my three hundred strong group of soldiers. I had found out not too long after that Marden, the previous captain was responsible for telling father about Tysha. Due to the fact that the Lionguards might not be where they are at without him, I dismissed him from service, not without taking his right hand though. Disloyalty must be punished and due to the fact that Alysanne was able to find out so easily, it might've been a test set by father. Orton took to being captain well. Initially, he was inexperienced, but multiple skirmishes and fights with bandits and robbers in the last three years had given him some skill in leading men.
"I can rest after I finish this, there's a growing tension in the Iron Islands. Lord Farman needs the resources to be able to supply his men and fleet." I tell them, Alysanne looks at me curiously "Then why did you send away most of the fleet, I understand the importance of what they are doing, but you could spare a few and have them patrol Fair Isle."
"They are needed to escort a series of merchant ships on the way to Qarth, from there to YiTi. This shipment is going to be the most rewarding one since we started selling steel, add on top of the whiskey and liquors we've made then this will make up for the recent downfall in gold mining." I tell them, the real reason was because the Greyjoy's will be attacking Lannisport this year and burning the fleet down, hence the reason why I sent most of the fleet on a year-long voyage. What I said was true, the current emperor was amassing an army to attack the Jogos Nhai and steel was in low quantity in YiTi. "Opening up trade routes with YiTi would be extremely beneficial, I can't have this opportunity ruined by pirates from the Stepstones or Basilisk Isles willing to take the risk of attacking a merchant fleet."
Alysanne nods at my reasoning, "Well, I suppose you can't argue against that, though I am surprised your father let you send the fleet away. Anyway, I just advise caution, I've heard a few whispers that Balon Greyjoy has been building a renewed Iron Fleet, and the increased lumber imports to the Iron Islands support these rumours."
I acknowledge her warning, it is honestly surprising how little people know of what Balon Greyjoy is planning, it may just seem like I'm saying that because I know he will rebel this year, but he has been far from subtle about it. Castles and fortresses along the east coast haven't bolstered their defences or prepared for any potential attack, at least from what our spies have been saying. Both of our spy networks had grown massively over the years, though Alysanne's was the better connected and larger one. I wasn't as much time as I wanted improving my network due to all the projects I've had over the years, but it was effective and thoroughly spread throughout the Westerlands, whereas Alysanne focused on the Seven Kingdoms as a whole.
"I forgot to ask." I tell Alysanne, "Have you sent the gold to the Iron Bank yet?" Alysanne scrunches her nose up at the mention of the bank, "I sent the letter informing the bank that there will be a deposit and the gold should reach there within the month." I nod my head at her answer. Alysanne has a deep hatred and distrust against the Iron Bank, I'm not sure why, only that it relates to her past. I don't mind not knowing, everyone has secrets, however as long as it doesn't interfere with my plans then I have no problem with her not telling me.
The gold in question was a bi-monthly deposit that has been happening for the last three years. The reason why was because Tysha is currently staying within the city and the gold is deposited in her name for her to use. The gold was enough for her to live comfortably in a small manse and as long as the gold got there she wouldn't have to work a day in her life. Tyrion was glad I had been doing this, but it still wasn't enough to get him out of his depression, something that has been affecting him since she had to be sent away.
Alysanne sat down at the edge of my desk and poured herself a small glass of whiskey from my decanter. The invention of other forms of alcohol was something that I always wanted to explore since starting my projects, the variety of alcohol was limited and that was a big gap in the market to fill. I have a few large warehouses in the industrial district of Lannisport filled with stills that make whisky and vodka. It was only those two at the moment but I am hoping for it to grow in the next few years with drinks such as brandy or gin.
"You should probably speak to him" She says as she takes a sip of her whiskey, obviously knowing I was thinking of Tyrion, "He went to one of my brothels last night." I look up at her at that.
"And what do I say to him, I've supported him and been by his side as much as I can ever since she left. The only thing that can help him is if he was with Tysha and that's not possible without risking her life." I sigh as I pour myself a glass. "Ever since father forbade him from doing a tour of the Free Cities he has gotten worse."
Alysanne hums, "I've heard that your father made him in charge of the drains and cisterns of the Rock." I nod at her statement, "He has. No doubt he meant it in a demeaning way but there is no doubt that Tyrion will do his job well, if he does something then he does it to his fullest."
"Maybe you can give him some work after, give him something to do and take his mind off Tysha." Alysanne says, I think its a good idea but before I can reply, the ringing of bells go off in the distance.
"What's that?" Alysanne asks me. Knowing what it might be, I rush to the balcony and over the edge across the sea to spot a large fleet of black and gold ships sailing towards Lannisport. The large bells of Lannisport were projecting all the way to the top of Casterly Rock, presumably blocking out the expected shouts and cries of soldiers and civilians alike.
"Orton." I shout out to the captain of the guards, "Get the men and prepare to head for the city, round up as many men as you can from the garrison that can ride a horse, we need to get there quickly."
The unnaturally tall man nods his head at my orders and leaves the room, Alysanne gets up and rushes for the door, not before turning around and looking at me, "I'll send the message for the women and children to evacuate the city."
"Don't, it will take too long for them to evacuate the city and it will just cause chaos, tell them to hide in the sewers, they should be safe in there." I tell her, Alysanne gives me a nod before leaving the room.
I turn towards a corner of my room, one in which a stand of armour stood, I would need assistance getting into it if I want to get to the city before the Greyjoy's land in the harbour.
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