Chapter 60: Flexible Alliances 2

The Arbor was a haven of peace compared to the turmoil brewing across the realm, but even there, Paxter Redwyne felt the tremors of change. The death of Joffrey had set off a cascade of political maneuvering that was intensifying by the day. House Redwyne, like every other great house, was forced to react swiftly or risk being left behind in the storm that was fast approaching.

Paxter sat in his study, going over a set of missives sent from their agents in Braavos, King's Landing, and Oldtown. The reports were a mixed bag of developments: unrest among the Lannister bannermen, whispers of rebellion brewing in the Riverlands, and the growing impatience of the Iron Bank. Each note represented a ripple in the shifting power dynamics that now defined the realm.

Mina entered quietly, setting a new report on his desk. "The latest from Highgarden," she said. "It appears that Lady Olenna is attempting to solidify her position at court. She's pushing for Margaery to stay close to King Tommen."

Paxter leaned back in his chair, folding his hands thoughtfully. "Lady Olenna is right to secure Margaery's place, but I wonder if it will be enough. Tommen is young, and the Lannisters will guard him closely. Cersei will want control of her son—and she won't welcome any Tyrell influence."

Mina nodded. "Cersei is a dangerous foe. If the Tyrells push too hard, it could lead to an open conflict within the court. But for now, Olenna seems content to play the long game. She knows that the Lannisters need her, especially with the Iron Bank breathing down their necks."

Paxter sighed, standing up and walking to the window. The vineyards stretched out below him, the rows of grapevines swaying gently in the breeze. It was a peaceful sight, but it did little to calm his mind. "We're walking on a knife's edge, Mina. If the Lannisters crumble, the Tyrells will be scrambling to hold on to their power. If the Tyrells fall, the Reach could be pulled into the war. And if the Iron Bank shifts its support…"

He didn't need to finish the sentence. Mina knew the consequences all too well.

She crossed her arms, her expression unreadable. "Have you considered approaching the Iron Bank directly? If we position ourselves as a stable alternative, we might gain their favor. If they're looking for new alliances, we could benefit."

Paxter turned to face her, considering the idea. "It's a risk, but it's worth exploring. If the Lannisters default on their debts, the Iron Bank will be eager to find a new house to back. House Redwyne has always been financially sound, and we control the wine trade, which is something they'd value."

Mina gave a sharp nod. "Then I'll reach out to our emissaries in Braavos. We'll need to be discreet about it, but if the Iron Bank sees us as a potential ally, it could open doors."

Paxter turned back to the window, his mind racing. The Iron Bank's involvement would be crucial in the coming months. If they decided to support another house—perhaps one with a claim to the throne—it could tilt the balance of power in unexpected ways. And House Redwyne needed to be ready for that possibility.

Just then, a knock came at the door, and Ser Martyn entered. His face was grim, as though he'd just received troubling news. "My lord, we've received word from Horn Hill."

Paxter straightened, his instincts immediately alert. "What news?"

Ser Martyn glanced between Paxter and Mina before speaking. "It appears Lord Tarly has been in secret communication with the Lannisters. There are rumors that he's considering abandoning the Tyrells and throwing his support behind the Crown."

A heavy silence fell over the room.

Mina was the first to speak. "That would be a disaster for the Tyrells. If Lord Tarly switches sides, it could encourage other vassals to do the same. The Reach would fracture."

Paxter's brow furrowed as he absorbed the information. Lord Randyll Tarly was a skilled and respected commander, one of the few who could challenge Olenna's grip on the Reach. If he defected to the Lannisters, it would signal to others that the Tyrells were vulnerable.

"We need confirmation," Paxter said, his voice calm but firm. "Send our spies to Horn Hill. I want to know exactly what Tarly is planning."

Ser Martyn nodded. "I'll see to it."

As he left the room, Paxter turned back to Mina, his mind working through the possibilities. "If Tarly abandons the Tyrells, it could unravel everything Olenna has built. But we can't act too soon. If we move against Tarly before we're certain, it could backfire."

Mina's eyes narrowed. "If Tarly's planning to side with the Lannisters, we need to be ready to distance ourselves from the Tyrells. But if we support Olenna openly, we'll need to neutralize Tarly before he makes his move."

Paxter's thoughts churned. This was a delicate situation, one that required precision. If House Redwyne made the wrong move, they could be caught in the middle of a civil war within the Reach.

"We'll tread carefully," Paxter said. "For now, we maintain our support for the Tyrells. But I want eyes on Tarly. If he moves against Olenna, we'll be ready."

Mina inclined her head, acknowledging the order, but Paxter could see the concern in her eyes. "And if Olenna asks for our help?"

Paxter hesitated, his gaze drifting back to the vineyards outside. "We help her—but not at the expense of House Redwyne. If it comes down to it, we'll protect ourselves first."

The tension between loyalty and pragmatism hung in the air, and both Paxter and Mina knew that the decisions they made in the coming days would shape the future of their house. The political landscape was shifting rapidly, and alliances that had once seemed unbreakable were now as fragile as glass.

As night fell over the Arbor, Paxter remained in his study long after Mina had retired for the evening. He pored over maps, reports, and letters, searching for a way forward. The game of thrones was entering a new and dangerous phase, and every house in Westeros was scrambling for power, survival, or both.

Paxter knew one thing for certain: House Redwyne would survive. But how they navigated the coming storm—and who they allied with—would determine whether they emerged stronger or broken.

The stakes had never been higher.