章節 12: Dorne
Dorne was known as one of the most formidable regions to be found in the west. Known as the last to join the seven kingdoms Dorne was possibly the region along with the north with the most freedoms. Where the North was due to their few resources to deliver (in the past, now they could easily abuse a lot) Dorne was like a kind of demand that they unite but they were more as allies than subjects.
The lords of the seven kingdoms envied Dorne because many of them had to pay more taxes than the desert kingdom that felt nothing about it other than feeling what fun was because of how bad their comrades had it.
Of course there were more differences. Most of the other kingdoms were somehow very much against the blood either of the first men or Valyria. In kingdoms like the Dominion it was said that even the blood lords of the first men were more Andals than of the first men. In the lands of the West they just ignored it. The iron assailants didn't care in the least as long as you were iron if you weren't you were below them. In the lands of the rivers and it was the same as the domain except for small things like the mallister. The lands of the storm were very firm defenders of the Andals despite the Baratheons coming from the Targaryen and many of their houses being from the first men. And the valley except for a few houses were all Andalusians.
Dorne was known for accepting them all. For accepting that a woman can be as good with a weapon as a capable ruler. There were few ways to see more of the southern lords in Dorne. Of course some gentlemen who ended up getting married in Dorne tried to make changes but no one dared to do it because if there was an absolute rule it is that no one wanted to mess with the Martells. The formidable family of Sunspear known by many as the house that never bends were possibly the defenders and every time a man tried to go out with those ways of governing his house was and ended up dead that simple.
So they were a house worthy of being feared. Nor does it help that Dorne had a clear belief: everything will be done to protect Dorne. At the end of the day Dorne was many things. Some would say it was excessive but they would use poisons, murderers, women and much more to see their enemies dead.
So they were the most fearsome group of the seven kingdoms at the end of the day. And they were especially with the current head. No one knew how but the current head of the Martell Melania family was considered possibly one of the most dangerous women known. Smart. Cunning and ruthless. When her vassals made fun of her for not getting a marriage with the Lannisters, they felt it in their blood.
Anyway, you could see a young woman in the castle's relaxation courtyard. Brown skin and black hair. A figure to kill in the minds of many but with the hints of a person who trained to stay in shape, his name? She was Ashara Dayne. Called by many the star of Dorne. It was a name earned in accordance with the emblem of his house.
Added to this, it was known that Ashara was an important friend of the Martell family, being considered a more valuable ally than many with an incredibly capable intelligence and perspective. Needless to say, Ashara was coveted by many men with some having the idea of breaking her in submission which was incredibly idiotic but could not be avoided.
Ashara knew the story well. His life was far from being as wonderful as some would think. At the age of five, his mother died as a result of fever after giving birth. He didn't recover very well. She was already sick in a bad way and above all she was a woman who had to be very careful with food. His father was a purebred dayne.
He was not a bad man but some said that he married a Velaryon only because of the power he would bring to his family. Anyway, after the death of his mother, he dedicated himself with a completely dedicated heart to taking care of his newborn sister Allyria. Many would say it was strange but not for her. It was the last thing he had left of his mother so he took care of her.
When her sister turned two, her father informed her that she would be taken in by the Martell house. She saw it for what it was. Of his brothers, Auren was the oldest. Intelligent and capable but with trust issues. He was a good man who would become a good man. But her father's fear was that Auren would not reach her full potential with her who had demonstrated a more than surprising intelligence. To eliminate this and at the same time look for a way to get her out of the inheritance equation, he sent her to breed with the Martells secretly hoping that she would associate with Prince Oberyn.
Ashara was received at the Martell home with curiosity. Lady Melania was a firm woman. Like every Dorne woman, she had brown skin with dark brown hair. His eyes were a beautiful amber. Known as one of the most beautiful women of her time and coveted by King Aerys. Little did people know that she was eternally grateful to Rhaella for saving her from the king's intentions.
Melania had shown from the beginning that she knew her father's plans but did not bother her. If she had to be honest, she wanted to be better and began to think that it would be good. Unlike many houses in Poniente, the Martell house trained its members in a personal way. Some would question why she did this but the princess had established very complete schedules to ensure that the education was efficient (it did not help that the teacher was afraid of Melania since before him there had been two and they had died in strange circumstances) and she finished them off with personal classes. It was heaven for Ashara.
Over time, Ashara proved to be a productive member of the family in Melania's mind, the reason? For some time Melania had sought to weaken the Yronwood house. The reason for this is that they were a vassal and rival house. Of course she didn't want to take out the big weapons and in reality she was just testing her family members.
Ashara demonstrated his efficiency when he brought out the ways to do it by starting an operation that allowed the Martell house to take ownership of the island closest to Dorne de los Stepstones, the reason? With this island under control, they could more easily deploy a protection fleet and therefore make it easier to trade with them, making the Yronwoods see their trade suffer. That in itself attracted the attention of the princess who put it into practice (it didn't hurt that it would be a good settlement for her son Oberyn).
The invasion was a success because none of the three free cities found out about it but it was so good because they not only got the nearest one but with the next one getting two bases of operations. I help by demonstrating that one of them had important gold deposits. Not Lannister level but decent. Once the control was taken, the work began. I helped to have taken the slaves from there and turn them into the subjects by the time Oberyn took command of the first. The second would also be a base for Doran. In fact, Doran had spent the last few years there managing the island.
In her time as a member of the Ashara family she became close to all of them. And she was very loved too. However, I had felt something. The winds of change. I didn't know what was going on, but what I did know was that something was about to happen. That was arranged when he saw Mrs. Melania enter the garden. The princess didn't look happy and threw a prayer for the poor imbecile who had pissed her off from all things.
"I wouldn't need to be a fortune teller of any kind to realise Princess Melania that someone has been stupid enough to put you in a very bad mood." Ashara didn't lie. I just needed a look to realise that Melania was not only not in a good mood but was on the verge of killing a person.
"It's not a single someone. They are a set of things. We will begin with the fact that the three sisters have realised the invasion of both islands and at the same time we will have the point that neither more nor less than your father is a complete idiot''. If it were for her number two, I would die. An agonising death. In his mind the man was inept in the best of days.
"Althing I'm dying to know exactly what complete mistake my father has made now, I will be honest that I prefer to know first about the possible threat to what is possibly one of the largest investments of the Martell house in a long time." Ashara was not happy with his father possibly getting into a fight with Melania.
"And that confirms to me that you are much smarter. The investment is going well. We used the money we got in their day from the pirates to start placing people. I help that there were many slaves on the first of the islands, which is basically the island of Oberyn, which he has kindly called Snakedawn, the very brilliant boy I have. The island was small. As big as he was actually as big as Pyke was but with incredible defences. The only reason they were able to conquer her was because of a very intelligent attack from her brother, which showed in her mind that she wins by force.
"Well, as long as Oberyn is happy, I'm actually happy. In addition to the fact that he could use a place that earns income. Not to think badly but with the number of women with whom the children sleeps it is only a matter of time. I think that having a place where he basically has to earn income will be good for him, not to say that I could teach him a lot of responsibility.'' If there was a problem with Oberyn, it was that he was a savage. He liked to live life as he wanted without caring about anything else.
"I guess it's the best decision you could make seeing that he's taking so much advantage of travelling after what the boy did I think I have to say I agree. Anyway, I have the sad news that apparently the pirates found out that they had taken this island. But instead of attacking, they did the sensible thing by warning Tyrosh that someone was conquering the islands.'' Honestly, Melania found him annoying but not enough.
"Let me guess. The pirates warned Tyrosh who immediately also warned Lys and who at the same time warned Myr. As the three want the islands, neither wants in the least to accept in any way that someone has the only opportunity with the islands and they have possibly financed an attack fleet, isn't it?'. Ashara was not a military strategist. But she was a quick thinker. I was aware that every action had a reaction.
''Indeed. The three gathered resources and paid with the help of their respective banks to add a fleet of fifty ships to create what was more than anything a block on the islands. As you know at this moment the islands the two of them depend a lot on our ability to provide them with food so if they would be on the ropes. Fortunately, we had it.'' Melania smiled. This girl was a jewel in his mind. Not only because she was brilliant in her way of thinking but because she was not blind to the world.
''I suppose you used some element as a resource to destroy their fleets. It's not that I oppose it but if it were just that then the three sisters wouldn't have a problem. It would only be a matter of time before we gather another military force and launch another attack. That's how special they are.'' Although the plan had merit, it had its flaws in the way the three sisters would undoubtedly seek revenge in some way.
''Well thought out Ashara. Very well thought out. And you're right. What I used to destroy the fleet was for single use. It turns out that I was able to talk to the alchemists' guild and they were willing to sell me some of their valyrian fire. It wasn't easy but people always have weaknesses. Once I got it I sent it to keep it on the islands and use it only in case of emergency. Doran was not an idiot and launched an attack that has ended up killing the entire fleet''. Despite the fact that Doran was a bit of a dangerous son, she felt proud of the skill with which she dealt with the matter.
"That has destroyed the fleet but the attack will have been a more surgical one, such as launching an attack that costs them money. OK. That explains the point better than anything but it doesn't explain the reason why you're upset Princess Melania. In other words, we knew it was a matter of time before the pirates and the three sisters found out.'' Ashara didn't understand what was eating her teacher's head but she knew it had to be something important.
"I see that you have realised. My spies in the three sisters notified me that the members of the sisters noticed because someone let them know. Now it is clear to me that there is no one on the islands who would betray us. Most are former slaves who are now living better than before. No. Only one person could have done such a thing and that someone was my silly son''. Despite how much she loved her son Melania, she had no problem saying what she thought of him.
"Why the hell would I do something like that? The Stepstones are one of the reasons for discord between the three sisters. They are always fighting for them except when someone else makes a move on them and then what they want is to eliminate the competition. Telling them that they were basically there was a sure way to attract their attention in the worst way.'' Ashara couldn't believe what she was hearing.
"Doran believed that with a movement like this he could somehow actually secure an attack when he saw it more convenient so it would be easier to protect what the island is naturally than if they found out and attacked us when they wanted. Although I approve of my son's intention, it could have been beyond harmful if it weren't for the certainty that I didn't leave survivors among the attackers''. It was good news in Melania's mind that her son had not been stupid.
"Well, at least we have the certainty that now the three sisters have been harmed and therefore that means that they will not bother us in a season. With the three sisters having lost their resources I think that if I have to be honest it is too positive an advantage for us in the end''. Although she didn't like the idea that the three sisters could fuck with them at any time, she felt very comfortable with what it was like to have a position advantage for the moment.
"No, daughter. We are certain that the three sisters have lost a fleet and money. With the move I have made, I am sure that they have lost more money. But they haven't lost anything. Because if there is a problem that has always been present with the Stepstones is that basically we can be sure that whoever we place there must be totally loyal and aware that he cannot betray us''. It was the biggest problem with the Stepstones.
''Then put someone. The island that is Snakedawn is completely under our control and we can use it as a safe harbour to maintain the Dorne fleet that will be created to protect us from pirate attacks. The island that is basically the extension of the Martell domain... well I would suggest placing a member of the family to act as a Castilian. It's the only thing I can recommend.'' Ashara could only think of ways to make things as efficient as possible.
"I have already actually made the decision about it more or less. The island of Oberyn has also surprised us. It has iron and silver mines which will come in handy to Dorne actually since it will provide the iron to Dorne that will do us so much good which will mean that we can stop depending on the brands completely. The money will also be good for my son, I hope''. Melania sighed. It had been a surprise to discover that his son's stone step was basically an island with natural resources.
"Well, with that said, we have made several points clear. First put a clear grimace of disgust on Doran for obviously risking the entire operation of the Steptsones. Next complain that a little more security is needed on the two islands. I think I can say that that should be enough to get out of your system what is basically anger for whatever has happened in addition.'' Ashara laughed at Melania's gaze.
'Well, at least I know you have a sense of humour. Yes. I feel better. Taking out of my system that my son has put at risk possibly one of the most ambitious aspirations of the Martell family has put me in a bad mood and being able to say that that has come out is good news'' I was not lying. He felt better knowing that now he was no longer about to charge against his son.
Melania, the truth is that she was very angry. Doran had gotten the family into a problem that was stupid and meaningless as far as she was concerned. He could understand that his son wanted to eliminate a threat and he did but at the same time he had denounced and basically eliminated what was one of his main strengths when dealing with what the threat was.
The Valyrian fire did not grow from the trees. It was a basically very strong product of alchemy that some would say was impossible to recreate without the help of magic. She didn't know. What I did know is that fire was very valuable. They had eliminated an enemy fleet but over time there would be more fleets and they had let their letter known.
Also, although Doran was a good son who did good things, she could not deny in the least that he had not done this for the goodness of his heart. His son Doran was a brilliant and intelligent boy. He had devised this plan with the sole intention of making everyone who lived on the islands think that they depended on Dorne. It was no less true. However, at the same time I didn't want to say in any way that she was happy.
However, the damage caused by their son was already there and now they just had to focus. Fortunately with the largest island they could soon start gold mining which would be good. It would be an important source of income along with being the main port for the new fleet that they would make for Dorne. That along with a few more things they had gained with respect to the conquest of these islands were good news in their minds.
And everything was due to the girl before her. If ten years ago someone had told him that Ashara Dayne would have such a brilliant idea, he would have doubted it for a moment. Now she was very convinced that Ashara was an important ally for the Martell house.
That's why it became more difficult to tell him the last part. The part in which her damn idiot of a father for getting rid of the thorn that was her had contracted her for a moment in a marriage contract. Of course there were ways to cancel it, such as using as an excuse that what this marriage had brought him was a bad idea. But the problem is that there was a defect in that plan: I had no idea.
He didn't know anything about the person, what was hard for him to believe. The Martell house was a strong defender of the ideal of spies. Hell, they had so many spies that it was more like a part of their army in reality. That's why it was hard for him to believe it.
"I suppose that although you have passed the anger of what Doran did, there is still a more important matter to take into account. A matter that means in a few words more than strong enough reasons to enrage you, isn't it Princess Melania?''. You didn't have to be a genius of any kind to know that the other matter in question is what was eating the princess's head.
"Your deductive capacity is still one of the most terrifying things there is if I have to be frank. Yes. The second element has me more worried. You are reaching an age when you are expected to be married to someone. An age in which you are expected to become a man's wife... and I'm afraid your father is a fool of many problematic ideas''. Melania honestly didn't know a better way to put it.
"Well, my deductive capacity, as you put it, princess, is what has actually given me more than one advantage if you stop to think about it. However, I guess there's something else I should know. You said about marriage and you said about my father so please princess Melania tell me What stupid mistake has my father made now to make you furious?''. Ashara almost wanted to moan only her father would be able to anger the princess of Dorne.
"Your father seemed to receive a marriage offer and I accepted it. Just like that. It was only after the doty conversation began that the so-called fight began, so to speak. Your father considered it stupid to pay something when the other house in his opinion was weaker in his mind. It was only after a little conversation that it has been decided that talks will be held here in Sunspear to decide the future marriage on your part''. Melania sighed. On the one hand it was insulting. Lord Dayne wanted to marry his daughter outside to keep her away from the position of Lord Dayne. But at the same time he refuses even to give a minimum expected doowry. Frankly, he's talking about an idiot.
"That offends me, do I have so little courage for my father that he actually refuses to contribute anything for me in marriage? Frankly, I have to consider what my father's stupidity is. But I guess you yourself want to be part of the negotiations, so I deduce at least''. Ashara was far from being silly and was aware that her mistress possibly wanted to control the conversations to make benefits for her land.
"Yes. I would like if I have to be frank to be able to say or at least give an opinion about what you are about to provide to the house in question. Not giving an adequate dotey seems a little stupid to me. But we still have to understand a little what the family that that silly father of yours wants you to marry is planning to do.'' Contrary to common belief, a dowry was possibly more than just money. It could be money, land, a castle or a trade agreement.
"And I guess that as you put it, my father has decided on a possible family that you don't agree with. A family weaker than you think I deserve. Only that would explain why my father refuses to pay for a dowry strong enough believing in his mind that it is a matter in which I alone am enough for that house. I really feel insulted.'' I already believed that she felt insulted.
"Believe me, the two of us are the ones who are enraged by this point. It is supposed in a nutshell that a father should look for the best for his children and his home. Here I feel that what your father is trying to do is completely eliminate you from any possibility of becoming what is a contender to be lady dayne''. Honestly, Melania's fury was at the point of what she thought was the waste of talent.
"And I guess in your mind you're upset with my father because of that. But it's not just that. If it were a smaller and small house like that, you would have sent a subtle message to go back immediately. No. This is a house that does not bow to anyone. There are only a handful of houses that are not submitted or allowed to be commanded by anyone in the least: the houses of the North''. It didn't matter what some southern lords thought but if there was an absolute reality it is that no northerner bowed. The only reason why the North was part of the seven kingdoms is because the winter king valued the lives of his fighters more than that of remaining independent.
'Indeed. Fortunately, your father didn't associate with a house like the Bolton house. There is a house there that I think is unpleasant. Your father decided that he wanted it to be a marriage alliance with the Stark house. More specifically with Hariric Stark the heir and future lord of the North''. And this is when the annoyance came out in all his glory. For what reason? Because I didn't know anything in the least about hariric Stark.
He knew a lot about most of the heirs and children of the seven kingdoms. He knew that Jaime Lannister was an idiot child. I knew that Tully girls were little more than useless. He knew that the queen of thorns had faith that her two-year-old grandson was not an idiot like his father. I knew that Robert Baratheon was an idiot whore and drunk. But no hariric Stark.
"And from what I see that's what has you more than annoyed. Almost as if you didn't know or had the slightest idea of hariric Stark. Let me say that surprises me. In other words, you are one of the people with the most access to information. I understand that Dorne's spy network is very efficient. I find it hard to believe that you don't have the remotest idea of Hariric Stark and that in fact you lack information about him''. Costarle fell short.
"It may be hard to believe but I'm afraid it's like that. I don't have the slightest information about Hariric Stark. Just be its physical description and small rumours without more. Information that I have been collecting and that has bothered me the most because I didn't find out about that before''. It was to say that he had pissed off.
"It almost sounds like this Hariric Stark is some kind of threat that can mean a blow to Dorne. You almost put it as if somehow there was a feature to be noticed of him. No offence or anything like mother because I know you're not one to make mistakes just like that but I find it hard to believe that there is something we don't know about Hariric Stark. He is supposed to be the son of a great gentleman''. If there was a reason why Dorne had remained as he had done, it was because of his intelligent use of an espionage network.
"I also thought the same thing so I picked up one of my diaries. My diaries have the information collected from each of the houses of course. So I started reading what I had about hariric Stark. I asked myself a question, why the hell didn't I notice a child like him clearly?''. It was a mistake that could not be made. Not in the game in any way.
"Before throwing ourselves like sharks for what is clearly trying to know what we did if it was right or if it was wrong lady Melania Why not focus on the information that was about the Stark boy before becoming a man? Possibly it will help us get a better idea of who we are trying to be possible with''. Ashara had to agree with her mentor. She had to admit that this seemed to be too much of a mistake.
"Well, you're right. Anyway, the first thing I read were my father's notes before he died in the war where I took the position. The notes explained that Hariric Stark was the first Stark boy to come to the south because he wanted to learn from the teachers. Clearly that's why I dismiss him as not an asset for the possibility of joining the masters''. This was information that she had been beaten. Why would a firstborn want to join the order? It didn't make sense.
"With all due respect, my lady, but that doesn't seem normal. Well, okay, we have eliminated Hariric because he is supposed to travel to the south to learn from the masters. Why don't we talk about the second heir and much more? It simply doesn't make sense unless somehow you haven't paid attention to what was happening in the North.'' It was a possibility since despite being a kingdom as large as most of the kingdoms of the south, the North was a poor kingdom.
"The spies always reported the same thing. The north is the same. Always the same. More snow. Colder. Nothing to report. And I'm never interested in the new heir. When your father told me that you were going to get married and with whom I realised a mistake. A huge mistake. They had discovered our spies. Each and every one of them. The Martell espionage network is compromised only by that point''. It was a brutal impact.
"Well, okay, we'll go back to the spy network in a moment. Now we go to the next thing to be noticed. That is, what information is there about Hariric Stark? You say there are small drops of information. I think that if I'm frank, any information could be beyond valuable than not having the most remote idea''. The idea of not having information in the slightest did not make her happy. Information was power. However, he had to admit that this made his interest in the North grow considerably.
"Well, I'm glad you took it so well, actually anyway there's only a small amount of information. The first thing to be mentioned is that the boy travelled south to learn from the teachers. At first I thought it was to join. It was when I went deeper a few weeks ago than discovering that the boy was actually there to learn from them because he felt that the Winterfell master was insufficient in the term of competition. Melania had to make an effort not to laugh.
"I can't see the elderly being kind to that. They don't like the idea of sharing their precious knowledge in the least. In their minds only they deserve to have the knowledge and they think that anyone else has no value for them.'' Ashara knew firsthand the shape of the teachers. The first thing to highlight is that they thought above all the others. The next thing to highlight is that they believed that other people should depend on them.
"You're completely right. The teachers did not take Hariric's presence well and did everything possible to limit his learning and much more. The surprising thing if I have to say it myself is that at least the boy seemed to learn at a good pace by himself. Nobody knows how. It's not that it mattered. A few years after the treatment of the teachers, he left indicating them as little less than simple gold hunters''. Melania didn't feel comfortable with the order of teachers. They had too much power and influence in the seven kingdoms and that didn't sit well with him at all.
´´That must not have been good for them at all. Those teachers must have felt that someone inferior to them was attacking them and therefore they must react. Anyway, is that all you know about him? Is there no more information? I know that we can't expect anything more that can be known about the north but a nobleman always does something that draws attention in the south. It was a very logical rule if you really thought about it. It didn't matter how you tried to avoid attracting attention. In the southern kingdoms there are always people who are looking at the smallest of your details hoping to know, understand and understand any course of action. That's how people worked
"You are not far from the truth. Before leaving there was an argument between young Stark and Lord Hightower. I don't know what the meeting was about. The only thing I know is that the boy came out with the top position and Leyton Hightower was humiliated. Since that day the lord of the lighthouse has had a monumental grudge against the boy and his descendants as well.'' It was a brutal grudge if she herself had to say it even though it was to be expected. The Hightower house was very proud and if there was a reality it was that they would not tolerate anyone who offended their house.
The more accounts of this Stark, the more interesting it is, do you know if it will come for what the dowry dialogue is? I'm very interested in meeting him. From what I can say if he has followed the same course he is possibly a better example of man than the vast majority of male idiots of the seven kingdoms''. Ashara now had to say that he had a better opinion of Stark.
"I can't say I know much about it. If I have to be frank. I only know that they will come to Dorne to discuss the subject no more and no less. What I do have clear about Ashara is that I am more than interested in seeing how this meeting will be. Something tells me that the Stark house is about to surprise the seven kingdoms and I think it is a better decision to have them as allies than as enemies in reality. Because it was a more or less sensible idea. Why have an enemy when you could have an ally on your side?
"If it's as good as you're thinking, I think I'll be honest in saying that we could get a surprise. But I have a question. What happens if he is more than we think? We can't afford an enemy who is so cunning and cruel. So it will be quite obvious that my loyalties will have to change. I can't put Dorne in Lord Stark's eye in any way.' He didn't lie in the least. Putting the future Lord Stark as an enemy if he was as smart as he seemed was stupid.
Melania agreed with Ashara wholeheartedly. They could not afford Lord Stark in any way as an enemy. But his confidence was that Ashara would be able to dominate him. It was no secret that a man could be dominated by the opposite sex. However, if it was true that this young man was cruel and ruthless in large quantities, the best thing would be not to attract his attention.
Anyway, who knew. I hadn't met him yet. She would prefer not to have him as an enemy in any way if it was shown that he was as skilful as he seemed. With that he focussed on other things along with Ashara completely losing the lizard spy who was at the top of the room. They never realised him. And they never realised the spy stationed in Sunspear.
-The North. Winterfell-
-Castle Gymnasio-
Hariric was exercising wearing clothes a little more comfortable but still very warm. Despite being German weather, it was still a bit cold. The clothes, however, allowed him to easily do sports.
I was in the gym that I was there to train. The gym was used more than anything for weights and training hand-to-hand combat with weights. This was done to increase physical strength and endurance. Along with that there was also the point of doing many other exercises. He had also designed what were the exercises of all muscle types except treadmills and other exercises, the reason? To strengthen yourself physically.
Harry was doing his session. I dedicated two days out of three to an hour and a half of training. He trained half an hour running with some weight on top of him to live in an intensive resistance training. The rest of the exercise he did were weights and machines as well as the other exercises with his heavy suit. The heavy suit consisted of a vest, forearms and legs of weights.
Basically the weight of an armour, the reason? Being able to adapt to it even though he was already designing his own armour about it with Celestial Dragon steel (it was the name of his alloy of course) that was not only much lighter than any armour but as hard as diamond.
Anyway, I was also thinking. The affair with Braavos had ended well. Harry had placed the embassy of the north in bravos in which he had placed Donella Manderly as representative of the north.
She had more than passed the exams established by him and in addition to that she had begun the rapid operation of acquiring businesses in the poorest area of the city. It was a simple operation but he was already quickly seeing his work with the Olympus hotel put into operation in what it was.
The hotel in question had the shape of a seven-story pentagon with elevators and many more surprising structures that had been added to the main building by means of glass tunnels that connected the three areas in question with the large building (it should be noted that the entire structure is surrounded by a large wall with a remarkable surveillance service).
The hotel in addition to its incredibly good service had a very well thought out spa service. The first thing I had done was buy a third of the area to add along with the impressive building a set of locations of what were swimming pools for its use. More like a spa actually.
People had been surprised to see in fact one of their water pumps in operation, which had led the people of Braavos to look at this with jealousy. Not only were there showers in every room of what was the big hotel but in addition to that the pools were at a decent temperature not to mention the saunas of course.
It also had a whole place dedicated to dealing with people. In short, a place to give massages and sanitisation rituals. They were very dear because people wanted. Hell, many people went there alone for the massage treatment, which had filled the Stark house considerably with money because more people took advantage of other services.
Although some would be against a hariric brothel, he didn't feel the same way. If a man or woman wanted to use their body to make a profit there they. It was not his problem in the least, at least he made it clear that anyone who messed with his employees would suffer a lot.
In the time that the place had been open they had been forced to begin the purchase of several of the harbour warehouses for what was the maintenance of resources. As is natural, it was not the main port where only the ships of Braavos were allowed to be but the port of the trapero. But slowly but surely they were turning the warehouses there into first category supplying not only the embassy but also the whole city with their resources ranging from goldsmith products to much more not to say the hotel products ranging from food, drinks, spices and of course some more resources.
Of course the iron bench had not been happy in the least with what it was. They had thought that the investment could take control of her however their investment was well controlled by Harry. In addition to that, there was the point that they made sure by all means that no one tried to get involved. They had already begun to open a casino, which was something important to establish the game of poker and many more things. Needless to say, he was doing a massacre in the city.
Harry sighed before leaving the weights in place and moving to a training bag once there he began to hit him. People could find it strange but when I commented that this was another exercise of strength and endurance many were happy with it.
Not to say that it served in an excellent way to get the anger out of the system. It felt more than good in his mind to be able to relax imagining hitting someone at this moment the someone in question was Roose Bolton who had for some strange reason begun to communicate with a man named Varys.
It wasn't until a year ago this Varys was no one of importance. Now Varys was the counsellor of the kingdom's intelligence division. Fortunately, he had kept many things hidden from the lords of the red alliance. The only thing Roose had said is how the north now produced its own food and that's it.
Harry had considered for a moment to have Roose called and execute him, thus killing his bloodline definitively. However, he restrained himself at the last minute thinking that by doing so the Ryswells and the Hornwoods would stay where they were. The same with neutral houses. Their espionage system had shown that the karstars at least a branch of them was dissatisfied with how things were. Rickard Karstark was also not what you could describe as an intelligent man. Easy to anger and without thinking about the consequences. They weren't people he liked.
I could end the enemy alliance right now. He could do that of what he had no doubt about but killing them would mean that they would still be in a position of power. Although some would say that it was cold on his part if he intended to build a powerful kingdom, he needed the lords of the north to understand that he was in charge. That he was the complete and absolute military leader and in many ways he was able to command their lives.
It's not that it mattered unless it has an unwanted effect like hurting your family. In that case the consequences would not be at all pleasant for anyone who is involved in their problems because then the gloves for children would go away.
Shelia Rogare entered at that moment. She wore what was an elegant dress with on top of what were also pretty snow bear skins. I had started what was a job for animal husbandry.
He had no intention in the slightest intention of letting a single animal die if it was possible so he had begun to make possible what it was to raise the number of animals. The snow bear was possibly so big that if it could somehow be trained it would be brutal on the battlefield because of its great strength. In fact, his most military skin changers were already starting to train in it.
Not everything always goes as it was and some animals were slaughtered. Honestly, he didn't like the fur business. I found him stupid and worthless. Although he could not deny the needs, he would never accept the slaughter of animals just because of his skin, so he had made it clear.
He had already executed a noble brat from the Hornwood house who thought he could kill an animal just for the skins without more. He had found the boy and killed him in front of his whole family as a message.
Hunting was tolerated. Indiscriminate hunting was not authorised and anyone who does faces the death penalty period. If someone wanted to use as an excuse that some animals killed cattle honestly I didn't see it like that on farms of course.
"I bring several reports that I think should interest you considerably." The beautiful woman with brown skin and silver hair was radiant. She honestly felt that life could not be better for her in any way.
"Well, I would like to start with the reports about the information network before we start discussing the financial progress of the North. I would also like to know if the Lord Commander of the guard has actually accepted my proposal.'' Harry wouldn't be the first to say he had plans but fuck he had them. And his plans seemed to be working.
"Of course. The first thing I think I must inform you is that Lord Jon Arryn is trying to enter into negotiations with Lord Hoster Tully to create a marriage alliance between neither more nor less than ned. Although he is aware that he cannot push for it, he seems fully convinced that it could work and that his parents would gladly accept it.'' I honestly felt it was a stupid thing.
"That's not pleasant at all. However, it was to be expected. Let me guess. Lord Hoster Tully has been complaining about the low amount of food that we Northerners buy. We were only half of his income after all. I wouldn't be surprised if he was having internal problems in his kingdom because of what his lords are upset about the loss of income''. Hariric could almost imagine the look of pure anger of the lords of the River for the aforementioned point.
"Indeed, my lord. Lord Hoster Tully is completely unhappy at this very moment because he thinks that the Stark house is running away from buying his food. They're killing each other to find where we get the food from. They don't know about our improved farms or our crop plantations and other elements even though they have news of new products that are expanding from Braavos to all Essos''. She smiled viciously. Could someone question that she felt a satisfactory emotion for thinking that she was fucking the Tully idiots?
"Well, I can't say I'm sorry too much, but I can be aware of when there are problems in sight. Tell me exactly what is the trade treaty that Tully is plotting in exchange for the marriage option as well as the true interests of the Tully house''. You didn't have to be a genius to see a plan machine in operation.
"It is a marriage alliance in which the North commits to buying food from the land of the rivers at the cost of a specific amount of money. However, Lord Hoster's plan is to eliminate you from the equation knowing that as long as you breathe your brother will not be influenced in any way. Jon Arryn himself has confirmed this because of his attempts to make him see the world differently.'' Arryn's plan to turn Ned into a tool had encountered a hinderance in the form of Branda Stark.
"I can't see these happy in any way. Anyway, although a nuisance, they are still treatable as such, so we will simply ignore them without further ado. I don't see a reason for any of the ways for us to start crying for them. I find it a meaningless mistake and what is more important a waste of time. I don't intend to allow a marriage between my brother and a woman who can't contribute anything to him as a person. Although he was aware that his parents were the ones who would have a voice and vote in his brother's marriage, he knew that by exposing the facts to them clearly he was and knew perfectly well that they would support him.
''That's good. Anyway, I would like to move on to the next report that I think you would like. As was to be feared, Lord Varys has taken a position of solid strength in the small council as the chief of espionage. He has not yet warned the king or the queen of what is basically the advance highlighted by Roose Bolton but he has informed two people. The first is Prince Rhaegar Targaryen. The second person is an acquaintance of his called Illyrio Mopatis, a well-known merchant from Pentos''. Neither of the two things was good in Shelia's mind.
''I see. I guess you also have a detailed report of what the personality of both is. I would especially like to listen to Rhaegar Targaryen's. As the future king of the seven kingdoms I would like to know more or less with the person I am dealing with in this case more than anything''. And not only would he like to know about the person in question but he would also like to have an action plan to deal with him in case of need.
"Actually I had one of our experts in observation and character development to be able to establish a solid opinion of the prince. My lord, I don't think he's as good a person as he makes him seem in public. In fact, the person established that it is more a mask than anything else''. The observer was an information agent placed in the castle intended for the surveillance of neither more nor less than the royal family staying away.
"So the prince is unstable. It's not something that I miss very much. Most Targaryen are unstable in some way. Even the most sane are sometimes unstable. Not to say that they take everything to the limit. It's also interesting to hear though. But please inform what you have before passing on to the other individual. I want to know as much as possible of the so-called man who would one day rule the seven kingdoms''. I should have known better that it would be something like that. The prince seemed too perfect in his opinion.
'It's a little more complicated. It seems that the prince has three faces or at least that's what my lord thinks. On one side is his face to the public. The prince seems to be a man of peace, welcoming and kind with a mysterious air. With the nobles it is cold and merciless my lord not to tolerate anything that gets in his way. And finally I think that as you say he has something that is eating his head and makes him want to move in certain directions''. In Shelia's mind, the prince was not just a dangerous person. It was a fucking problem because I had the love of the people, the fear of politicians and the unpredictability of a person who doesn't know what he's thinking.
"Good. That Varys has warned the prince of the newly obtained self-sufficiency of the north is not so much of a problem. If the prince is half as intelligent as I think he will start by doing a search for my steps and arrive in Oldtown where he will come to the conclusion that I discovered something to help the North, is that all the information he has obtained in all times of Bolton?''. If the prince somehow knew how powerful the north was militarily and also economically of its advantage, he could move in any possible direction.
"No, but apparently the prince may have an idea more or less. Apparently the magic that was placed on the northern tax documents was not strong enough because I think he has seen the income. Due to the forms of treaty of the north with the targaryen the North only pays taxes to the crown according to its trade. Before we only sold to the south but now with our wool to the south and our resources he has learned that there is more than it seems in the north''. Shelia grimaced. It was a shame. I would have sincerely preferred not to have the Lord's attention in any way.
'' Let's not think about what it could be. Seers are rarely affected by the magic of the mind. Their minds are one step ahead of others. However, we are lucky that there is no way for you to train your gift. A true seer would be a real beast to take into account. A real danger. You have served well Shelia. Now please Varys' friend''. If he was a possible dangerous player, he wanted him treated or at least controlled.
"Yes, my lord. Anyway, Mr. Illyrio mopatis is a fascinating case. He began as a mercenary who made his fortune by looting and killing in the shadows by getting small amounts of trade. First I sank them, then I bought them and then I raised them again in some way. It was just a move he made according to Varys''. In his mind this man was more dangerous. He had only been able to unearth a limited amount of information.
"We're not going to shed tears for what you haven't discovered. Just because of what you mentioned we can establish a profile. It is obvious that this merchant is more dangerous than he seems and clearly more of a monster than a person since he obviously has no problems ruining lives by enriching himself in some way. With that we have enough information to know one thing: it is a possible enemy.'' Although some would say it was radical, he didn't think that.
"Then I'm glad I took the precaution. I didn't trust this man so I decided above all to have him under surveillance to make sure that the threat is treated firmly. I thought it was better to have it observed and not regret what the future problem could be, my lord.'' Shelia was pleased to have made a quick move.
''Well thought Shelia. Now that you have also clarified this, I want it to be observed in detail. Not an observation of all the time but what I would like is for someone to be aware of their movements. We just need to know more or less where it is moving. How he does it and what he thinks''. Although he had no doubt that the shadows of the north could be efficient in their work, he preferred if he was completely honest not to risk it.
"Sir, do you have any idea? Does your instinct tell you anything about this man? A possible threat?''. Shelia would be the first to admit that if something was a threat it should be treated with extreme prejudice, the reason? If you let a threat grow too much at the end of the day, it would be a threat that could turn against you.
"As if I would like to say honestly that I don't find any threat in this man, that would be a silly lie. It's a threat. Why? Because we don't know anything about his past. In a person's past you discover many things. Look at me. If someone knew about me simply because of the Stark past, they would already treat me as a threat. If I have to be frank, being part of the seven kingdoms is what has made many stop trembling at the name of the Stark house''. He had no intention of doing anything that would make people fear his name but something told him that sooner or later someone would tighten the rope too much.
I suppose your words are completely true, my lord. I regret having doubted the wisdom of your words. I'll put someone but I don't know if it could be done easily. That is, placing a person on what is the farm of a powerful merchant will take time. Possibly years if this man has a relationship with a spy boss''. She had learned the art of espionage from her lord. He was incredibly intelligent and attentive.
"Patience is one of the most important virtues of all Shelia. It doesn't matter if years pass. What matters is to wait for the right moment to hit accurately and thus do the maximum possible damage. Anyway, with that, let's move on to another point. Should we highlight someone else in the espionage division?''. If he felt that they had finished, it would be perfectly fine.
"There is one more issue, my lord. I don't know if you are aware but two years ago Miss Lyanna went to visit Mr. Ned to what was Arryn's territory. There he saw his brother and well he met Lord Robert Baratheon at the same time. The impression I left on the baratheon was significant, my lord.'' Although she knew that saying that to a normal person would have jumped for joy at the opportunity to connect her sister with a feudal lord, she knew better and knew perfectly that her lord would not be happy. I had heard of Robert Baratheon.
''I see. I should have known that there was a strong possibility that my sister would get the attention of the storm idiot. The man would be delighted with a woman who clearly would not be afraid to tell him a couple of cruel and brutal truths. That's how she is''. This looked like it would explode badly in their faces.
"It's something I thought, my lord, that you should know above all. I thought it was possibly one of the most important pieces knowing that there are many chances of that happening. It also doesn't help that Lord Steffon seems to be a believer that his son needs a strong wife. I don't like how it looks in any way for the Stark house''. Because in the end if it was a marriage alliance it was a very big possibility that they had to give in.
"It's a problem that will have to be addressed by much more direct means than I would like. But I can't see a way out... unless we are capable of deceiving Lord Steffon so that in case a possible event takes place it means that the Baratheon house will have no place but to renounce the possible wedding for the actions of his heir and future lord''. Harry smiled internally. Tell anyone one thing but when you know a weak point, aiming at this weak point is the best way to win.
"I suppose my lord who is planning in a few words to use what is Lord Robert's interest in the pleasures of the flesh to use it as an element that specifies the reason why the wedding is cancelled, isn't it?" You didn't have to be a genius to be able to exploit the weaknesses of something. An example is that with Robert's forms it could be used as an excuse that if he was not faithful there was a high level of chances that he would end up having bastards that would mean a threat to family stability and the heir of the family.
"As an old man told me, don't do it and don't fear it. It's simple at least from my point of view. It doesn't matter how it looks differently and it doesn't matter what others may actually believe but the point in question is that if Robert has such a great love and passion for what the pleasures of the flesh are, it's not my problem. My problem and main concern is that I don't embarrass the Stark family.'' It was simple and straightforward.
"I see that you have thought about it so quickly although of course when a person is not so intelligent and capable but also blind and with flaws it is not impossible to take advantage of his flaws. I have to admit that it's good news to hear it, my lord. I was sincerely afraid that the point could get out of control somehow.'' I honestly felt that it was the best thing that could be done at this point and at the same time if she was honest she did not want to see a woman like Lyanna Stark in what would be the hands of a complete brainless idiot like Robert Baratheon was.
"It's something I was clear about. I'm always thinking about the future of my Shelia brothers. Benjen and Ned are simple people. Calm by nature. Sensible. And very clear in their ideas. Lyanna is wilder than them. I know that a wedding in the south if anything would do him more harm than good and I am very aware of the many inconveniences they would cause him. I won't let my sister have a bitter existence just because some idiots with ideas have something in mind''. Hariric decided that that was his opinion and it was not that he wanted to prevent his sister from being used in the southern domination plans and much less that she is used in the so-called game of thrones.
'Well, with that we have finished the issue of what is basically espionage issues. If we have to move on to the following, I would like to mention that in the economic issue we have three points to note. The first to mention more important I think would be neither more nor less than mentioning the business in Braavos''. Shelia as the main advisor had business information first to inform her lord. At the same time he used the spy network to obtain information that could be used for business.
"Well, let's talk about it. The last time I had news I think the iron bank had hired some people to try to sabotage and damage the facilities to make us have to spend money on it''. The investment was possible because the bank had obtained permission to obtain the required space.
"I'm afraid it's much more important. A band of pirates was hired to assault the three ships we sent with the resources for what the business was. So at the same time there was an attempt to sabotage customs. Although no plan came out with the pirates being shot down by the most powerful ballistas of our ships and there was always an agent with a loading list for customs agents, it was still a very sensible blow against us''. Shelia wanted to growl at the mere daring of the bankers.
''I assumed it was an option. When a person has power, he rarely likes to see it out of his sight. We are becoming the main location to stay together with the other services that came in the place itself. We are starting businesses that for them are very efficient. They are not happy so they want to see the place closed or at least under their complete control''. As long as they paid the debt to the iron bank for the land permit, he knew that the bank would have no more to say.
"That's not the only point. They have tried to do the same to appropriate different of our shipments that are then sent from their companies to all Essos. I think they're trying to steal from us. But the only reason they don't do it directly is because of the consequences of it.'' Shelia knew that her master would take this very seriously. Robbing him meant stealing from the people of the North.
''I see. I should have known that there was a very high possibility that they were actually making such a move. However, I expected them to be much smarter about it. Please, I want you to write a letter to the iron bank clearly informing them that if they continue as they are, they will abandon any business I have with them. Send the same letter to the lord of the sea. If they say I don't dare, I want you to cancel all operations with bravos''. It would be a shame but if Braavos wanted to play with them then he would return the blow.
"It will be done, my lord, however, if that is done, what will become of the hotel? That is, we have invested good money in the place and I do not think that anyone who is working there will like in any way to see their work wasted by the shares of the iron bank and even so they could get angry with you.'' It was a clearly justified concern.
"I intended to open an Olympus hotel in both the two new ports and in the twin cities of the Cailin Canal. I think it was the best thing to do. That is, if we lose business, well, I'm sorry to say, but the iron bank will have to be blamed for it.'' And it would ensure that the place is never used. A good curse that hurts the area would be the best.
''Sir, be honest. How many chances do you see that the iron bank actually does or continues with its current operations? I mean that basically the bank would be declaring us enemies and they would be forced to lose a significant amount of lucrative business for them.'' Shelia honestly as a spy boss knew that a person could be incredibly idiotic and even blind.
'Well, it's about fifty and fifty. On the one hand, the bank will think or at least the most offensive members of them that they will be able to get away with it and that we need them more than they need us. They will believe that they have the advantage on their side. So there is a possibility that they think it's a ruse and despite that they will think they will be able to keep the hotel. At least that will be his thought of course.'' It would be a good plan on their part to really think.
"Basically the arrogance of the bank acting at that point. I think that if I am frank that I can see that kind of thought in the minds of some of the people of that bank but at the same time you have said that there are those that you think they will not be in the same way which means that you think there are possibilities of something completely different''. Although some might actually think that there are many chances that the bank acted in such a way, she also knew that the bank was looking for money.
"Well, yes. But that's where the bank's economists come in. An economist will look and think about what is lost. If the bank somehow continues with its actions, they lose being those who offer the products from all over the North to Essos. It would be expensive to have an armada but they would lose what it is to sell every product we get something they could not afford. It was simple.
"Good, sir. The following report is more about Isengard. The city of knowledge that has been designed to be built exactly where the demolished tower was previously has been completely finished. Also, as reported, all the measures have been implemented. It was expensive, sir. Not very expensive but certainly at the level of expensive''. Although a part of her wanted to say that the city was unnecessary, she could not deny the truth behind her master's words. The teachers were a thorn in the side that would not hesitate to stab them in the back.
"The city will amortise itself. I intend that it is from there where the northern silk production comes from which will basically give us money. The mountains that surround it will also have and generate money as well as employment for workers, which is always good news. That along with the city being my goal to eliminate the dependence on the lords of knowledge seems to me a good thing''. Not to say that it would completely eliminate the need for that land to be out of control.
"Well, my lord, as you say yourself. Although I feel that the city was expensive, however, I also have to say that if it is amortised, it is good news. The architects finished implementing their designs. They were very surprised not only by the use of cement and concrete as well as their so-called technique of placing irons inside stone constructions but also their use of pipes and also their use of what was basically glass''. It wasn't a lie.
"I'm glad that people are happy and satisfied with the work we have done in the city. It's an important investment if I have to say it. Not only that but in addition to that the city is very important in the sense of being considered as where the future generation of lords, military chiefs and much more will come out. If the North wants to evolve, we need the things for it.'' What he didn't say is that all the gold spent on the workers as well as the products and more came out of himself.
"I think it's good news, my lord. However, I have a question that has been eating me. Why educate people so much? That is, I can understand the constructions of guilds. Guilds will mean a greater number of workers and certainly efficient order. In fact, I think that seeing the Guild of Goldsmithing and other elements will be something that will come in handy for us, but why so much in education?''. She was curious but she was also honest.
"The subject of education will always be a key point of what the system is. The guilds are designed not for what exactly it is to teach a trade but to create companies that work in what the production of the elements that give the North the advantage. The fact that they have their headquarters here is what really gives us an advantage.'' I knew well that there had been a possibility that some guilds would say they were leaving, so I had made contracts with each of them. If someone tried to break the agreement, he would not only be notified but at the same time he would not be given and then he would use some judgement to declare him a traitor.
"I suppose the reasons are beyond justified, my lord. However, guilds would never betray you. That is, if they did it, each guild would then have to answer to you. Although I think I could see the guilds trying to leave the north to go to lands like the Dominion where they would think they would do a good deal''. The truth is that she could easily see the betrayal happen.
"It was the best way to deal with them. Although it is possible that they could have left now that is eliminated. By educating people I teach them the most important of all values: economics. If a guild tries to leave, it not only has to leave, set up the business, negotiate with another gentleman but survive my anger. The men of the guilds will realise that it is a bad idea to piss off a person who can control the exits of the north, have you executed, your family expelled for nothing and on top of that stained your name throughout the story''. That was economy. The understanding of the expense.
"When you put it that way, clearly people won't be idiots, but what about the metallurgy guild? Could they get a lot selling what is the secret of the best steels in the north, or what about the glass guild? Those people should know that they can make a benefit. And I doubt very much that the economy will give them a reason not to fuck with you.'' It was completely true. It didn't matter how it looked in either way. Lord Stark must have known that the guilds could say to sell what their secrets were or at least offer their services to those other kingdoms.
''Ah but that's where the key word of what is basically intelligent thinking comes in in a few words. Tell me, what do you think Tywinannister would do to find out about it? Or the so-called thorn queen? Do you think they would accept that or simply get their secrets, kill them and set up their own businesses? People are many things but once the way of acting of some people is explained and what would be the natural thinking of some gentlemen they will not be so stupid''. The best way to put people on your side is to give them to understand that they live only because you let them live.
''...Why not convert Isengard in addition to the city the knowledge the main teaching city of the different guilds? It must be understood that each guild must train a blacksmith who is sent not only to each city but to each lord. Some cities will have more than one blacksmith for the amount of work they will be, not to mention the need for blacksmiths in many jobs. That and of course it would be better to have them in the city of Isengard than to have them here at least apparently''. The truth is that it was an idea he had come up with.
"That's actually the plan. The university is for the teaching of many subjects. Not only to teach army officers. It's not just to teach gentlemen to be good administrators. But for the different unions that will be working in the north. It is there that the training of future generations of workers will be carried out. Here we only have the factories for the production of beverages, glass and other elements. It's that simple. Although some would say it was a strange method, it was the best.
Shelia was about to say a few more things when a guard arrived. He informed that he had to arrive immediately before his parents. Both Hariric and Shelia wondered what was going on but the gentleman's demand could not be ignored so they came out. The two had forgotten an important point... that he was also at stake for possible marriages.
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