章節 10: Chapter 9 ~ Sothoryos: A Land of Opportunity and Danger
Author here ~ GIVE RIVEW DAMN IT. AND ALSO POWER STONES.
________________________________________
Sothoryos was a land of unimaginable richness and danger, where opportunity lay in equal measure with peril. The dense, humid jungles were alive with creatures that seemed to defy natural laws. For every tree we felled to clear the land, there was another beast lying in wait, ready to defend its territory. But rather than being deterred, I relished the challenge. This wild, untamed land would become the foundation of House Noir's future dominance.
We began by establishing a base camp at the edge of a great river. The water teemed with fish, and the surrounding land was fertile and ripe for cultivation. From this camp, we began our expansion outward. My clones worked tirelessly—directing construction crews, building sturdy fortifications, designing irrigation systems, and laying down roads to connect the jungle to the burgeoning settlement. Every step of the development was meticulously planned. I intended to wring every ounce of potential from this land.
At first, the creatures of Sothoryos were a nuisance. Giant snakes, monstrous lizards, wyverns, and venomous insects struck at us from every direction. But over time, we learned to see these threats as opportunities. Their hides were durable, their bones strong, and their venom invaluable for trade and experimentation. I directed my people to hunt selectively, taking only what was needed to fuel our burgeoning industries while keeping the ecosystem in balance.
The wyverns were of particular interest. Their scales were almost impenetrable, and their bones, while light, were astonishingly strong. I had plans to incorporate these materials into armor designs and advanced weaponry. Our smiths, working under my direction, began experimenting with the scales, testing their resilience and finding ways to shape them into tools of war. These experiments would ensure that House Noir had a military advantage unmatched in Westeros—or anywhere else.
As we pushed deeper into Sothoryos, the land revealed more of its secrets. Beneath the soil lay rich deposits of gold, silver, and gemstones, glittering prizes that only reinforced the importance of this venture. It was as if the gods themselves had shaped Sothoryos to be a treasure trove waiting to be claimed. And claim it we did.
Our operations quickly became efficient, almost mechanical. Mines were dug, forests were harvested, and rivers were redirected to power mills and irrigation systems. Every new discovery—whether a mineral vein or a fertile plain—was another step toward making House Noir an unstoppable force.
The Beginning of House Noir's Dominance
It has been five years since I began developing Sothoryos. What was once untamed wilderness has now become a thriving stronghold of wealth and power.
The Northern Shore: House Noir's Stronghold
My new castle, built along the stony shore, stands as a symbol of House Noir's strength. Its towering walls, reinforced with wyvern-hide and enchanted by magic, are impenetrable. Roads stretch out like veins from the castle, connecting every corner of my territory.
[Pic]
[Harbour]
In the heart of my lands, I have begun constructing a grand city, a testament to House Noir's vision. The city is designed to be a hub of trade, culture, and innovation. Markets will overflow with goods from Sothoryos and beyond. Artisans, scholars, and merchants will flock to this city, drawn by the promise of wealth and opportunity.
The roads themselves are a marvel. Using a mixture of magic and engineering, I created a substance I call "liquid rock," which hardens into unyielding stone—concrete. The roads are unmatched in durability, able to withstand the heaviest carts and harshest weather. Word of these roads spread quickly, and soon other territories began asking to buy liquid rock for their own construction projects. I was happy to sell it—at an exorbitant price, of course. Few could afford much, but even the limited sales added to my overflowing coffers.
Economic Expansion: A Northern Hub
The castle's coastal location has turned it into a bustling hub of activity. Ships from Braavos, Lys, and Myr arrive regularly, laden with goods to trade for the lumber, food, and minerals my lands provide. The surrounding areas, once wild and underutilized, have been transformed into productive farmland and bustling markets.
The North, long dependent on the harsh and unforgiving land, now thrives under my guidance. Winterfell itself has come to rely on the food and lumber House Noir supplies. The Starks may not say it aloud, but they know the truth: without my resources, the North would struggle to survive its long winters.
Beyond the North, my reach extends far. Braavos, Tyrosh, and Lys depend heavily on my exports, and Asshai is entirely reliant on House Noir for essential goods. Even distant Yiti has established trade routes with me, drawn by the promise of high-quality goods and dependable supply.
---
The Threat of King's Landing
---
Throne Room, King's Landing - The Small Council Chamber
The golden sun of King's Landing shone brightly through the tall windows of the Red Keep, casting sharp rays onto the polished stone table where the small council was gathered. The room, decorated with the sigils of House Targaryen, bore an air of authority. King Aerys Targaryen II sat at the head of the table, his youthful visage still unmarred by the shadows of paranoia that would one day consume him. His silver-gold hair fell in loose waves, and his violet eyes surveyed the room with curiosity rather than malice.
To his right sat Tywin Lannister, Hand of the King, dressed in the finest Lannister crimson, his expression as unreadable as ever. Beside him, Varys, the Master of Whisperers, leaned forward slightly, his silk robes rustling as he folded his hands on the table. The eunuch's shaven head gleamed under the sunlight, his enigmatic smile suggesting he knew far more than he let on.
The other council members were present as well—Grand Maester Pycelle, Lord Commander Gerold Hightower of the Kingsguard, and several others—but it was Tywin and Varys who dominated the conversation this day.
---
King Aerys: "So, what of this news from the North? I hear whispers of unprecedented wealth rising from those cold lands. Do the wolves now fancy themselves dragons?" His tone was half-jest, but there was an edge of genuine curiosity.
Tywin Lannister: (Leaning forward slightly) "Your Grace, the reports are accurate. House Stark has seen a surge in wealth. Silver and gold have been discovered in the northern mountains near Winterfell. Trade with Essos has increased significantly as well. While the North has always been self-sufficient, it seems they now have the means to grow beyond their usual station."
Varys: (Nodding sagely) "Indeed, Your Grace. My little birds whisper of vast deposits of precious metals, but also of a new House rising within the North's borders—House Noir. They are said to possess remarkable ingenuity and wealth, rivaling even the great merchant houses of Essos."
Aerys: (Raising an eyebrow) "House Noir? I've never heard of them. Are they bannermen to the Starks?"
Varys: (With a slight smile) "Not entirely, Your Grace. House Noir has established itself as an independent force, though they have sworn fealty to Winterfell. They are known for their innovative approaches to trade and resource management. Some say they have even begun mining operations in territories once thought barren."
Tywin: (Interrupting, his voice cold) "It is worth noting, Your Grace, that such independence can be dangerous. Wealth breeds ambition, and ambition breeds rebellion."
Aerys: (Frowning) "Rebellion? From the Starks? They've always been loyal. Perhaps too loyal."
Varys: (Chuckling softly) "Loyalty, Your Grace, is a coin with two faces. One side shines brightly; the other may hide darker intentions. House Noir's rise could embolden the North to seek more autonomy. After all, gold has a way of changing even the most steadfast hearts."
Grand Maester Pycelle: (Clearing his throat) "If I may, Your Grace, it is not unheard of for Houses to rise and fall. House Noir's wealth may be significant, but the North is vast and sparsely populated. They lack the infrastructure to pose a serious threat to the Iron Throne."
Tywin: (Turning to Pycelle, his tone sharp) "Do not underestimate the power of wealth, Maester. Gold buys armies, ships, and loyalty. If the Starks or this House Noir were to align with Essos or even the Ironborn, we could have a serious problem on our hands."
Aerys: (Leaning back in his chair) "And what do you suggest we do, Tywin? Invade the North? Send ravens demanding a share of their newfound wealth?"
Tywin: (Pausing, his expression calculating) "Not yet, Your Grace. But we must keep a close watch. Send emissaries to Winterfell under the guise of diplomacy. Let them gauge the extent of this wealth and House Noir's influence. We should also strengthen our own coffers and alliances to ensure no House feels emboldened enough to challenge the throne."
Aerys: (Nods slowly, then turns to Varys) "And what of the whispers, Varys? Are there any signs of treachery?"
Varys: (Spreading his hands) "For now, Your Grace, House Stark remains loyal, as does House Noir. But loyalty, as I mentioned, is fragile. It would be wise to send a message—a subtle reminder of where true power lies."
Aerys: (Eyes narrowing) "A subtle reminder? Do you suggest violence?"
Varys: (Shaking his head, his tone soothing) "Not violence, Your Grace. Perhaps a royal visit to Winterfell. Show them the might and majesty of the Iron Throne. Let them bask in the presence of their king. It would remind them of their place without the need for swords."
Tywin: (Interrupting, his voice firm) "A royal visit would be a waste of resources. It would only give them an opportunity to boast of their wealth. No, Your Grace, we must act from a position of strength. Ensure the North knows that their newfound prosperity is permitted by the crown, not earned independently."
---
Aerys: (Smirking slightly) "So, you both agree on one thing: we cannot let the North grow too strong. Very well. Tywin, send emissaries to Winterfell. Varys, keep your little birds singing. I want to know every move they make, every coin they spend. And as for this House Noir, if they become a threat…" (His tone darkens) "I will burn them from history myself."
The council fell silent at the king's words, the faint echoes of his voice lingering in the chamber. Even in his youth, there was a flicker of the dragon's fire within Aerys, a glimpse of the madness that would one day consume him.
---
Tywin: (Standing, his tone measured) "As you command, Your Grace. I shall see to it personally."
Varys: (Bowing slightly) "Your wisdom, as always, is unparalleled, Your Grace. The realm is fortunate to have a king who sees all."
Aerys: (Waving a hand dismissively) "Flatter me later, Varys. Now, let us move on to other matters. What of Dorne? Have they sent word regarding their tax shipments?"
The conversation shifted, but the tension lingered in the air. The rise of wealth in the North, the ambitions of House Noir, and the potential for rebellion were seeds of discord that would one day bear bitter fruit.
As the council dispersed, Tywin Lannister's mind was already racing, calculating his next move. Varys, ever the spider, left with a knowing smile, his little birds already spreading their wings to uncover more secrets. And King Aerys Targaryen, seated on his high throne, gazed out at the sunlit city, blissfully unaware of the storm clouds gathering on the horizon.
Wraithstone castle ~ Stony Shore ~ North
House Noir's rapid rise has not gone unnoticed. Before my businesses had even fully taken off, Winterfell was visited by a messenger from King's Landing, bearing a thinly veiled threat. The letter spoke of King Aerys's interest in visiting the North, a clear attempt to assert control over my growing influence.
I would not tolerate such interference. One Stark in my affairs was already too much. The Iron Throne would not add to my burdens.
I acted swiftly. Using magic, I teleported to King's Landing and entered the Red Keep under the cover of darkness. I found King Aerys in his chambers, muttering to himself as usual. His paranoia made him weak, and his mind was easy to manipulate. With subtle compulsions, I ensured that his attention would turn elsewhere. By the time I left, Aerys would forget about House Noir entirely.
With King's Landing out of the way, nothing could stop House Noir's ascent. My castle on the stony shore has become the heart of my operations. Its design reflects both practicality and grandeur, with towers that offer a commanding view of the surrounding lands and docks capable of accommodating fleets of ships.
The roads that connect my territory are a marvel in themselves. Made from my liquid rock, they have transformed the North's rugged landscape into a network of trade routes. Villages once isolated are now thriving centers of commerce. Caravans travel day and night, carrying goods to and from the castle.
---
The Iron Bank and Beyond
With wealth pouring into my coffers, I have set my sights on an even greater prize: the Iron Bank of Braavos. I have uncovered the locations of their hidden gold reserves. It is only a matter of time before I become a major shareholder, securing House Noir's dominance over the economy of the known world.
---
A Vision for the Future
As I stand on the castle's highest tower, the cold Northern wind whipping around me, I gaze out at the horizon. To the east, the waves crash against the stony shore. To the west, the roads stretch into the distance, connecting my lands to the rest of the North. Below, the castle bustles with activity—merchants haggling, soldiers training, and workers preparing for the next shipment of goods.
House Noir has become more than a house. It is an empire in the making. The North depends on me, the Free Cities trade with me, and even distant lands like Asshai and Yiti look to me for their needs.
But this is only the beginning. There is still much to do—new lands to develop, new industries to build, new enemies to crush. The world will come to know House Noir not as a mere footnote in history, but as a legend.
And when the histories are written, they will say that it all began here, on the stony shores of the North, with a house that dared to dream—and dared even more to act.
The future belongs to House Noir. And nothing—not the Starks, not the Iron Throne, not even the gods themselves—will stand in our way.
— 新章節待更 — 寫檢討
每周推薦票狀態
-- 推薦票
榜單 
-- 推薦票