Chapter 68: The Weight of Trade

The moonlight cast long shadows over the vineyards of the Arbor as Paxter Redwyne sat in his solar, his mind occupied with thoughts of profit and peril. The economic reports from his steward, Alistair, had provided some relief, but the reality of war was ever-present. House Redwyne's strength lay in its wealth, and wealth came from trade. Yet, with each passing day, it became clearer to Paxter that maintaining control over their exports and managing new ventures were just as important as navigating the increasingly dangerous political waters of the Reach.

He stared down at the letter on his desk, illuminated by the flickering light of a nearby candle. The ink was fresh, the words precise, and the seal unmistakable—Volantis. The negotiations had gone faster than anticipated, and the Free City had agreed to terms. In exchange for a steady supply of custom-built ships from the Arbor's famed shipyards, Volantis would grant House Redwyne exclusive rights to several key spices, including saffron and pepper.

Paxter's hand tightened around the letter. Spices were a luxury, highly coveted across Westeros, and this agreement would give House Redwyne a significant edge in trade. The Tyrells might hold power in Highgarden, but Paxter was securing his future through wealth, building a foundation that would outlast any alliance.

Mina entered the room quietly, as she often did. She had a talent for knowing when Paxter needed company, even when he didn't ask for it. "I see you've received the letter," she said, glancing at the Volantene seal.

Paxter nodded, handing the letter to her. "It's done. Volantis has agreed to our terms. They'll get their ships, and we'll get the spices. It's a lucrative deal."

Mina scanned the letter, her expression thoughtful. "A good deal indeed. Volantis's spice routes are some of the most lucrative in the world. This could put House Redwyne at the center of a new trade network, one that reaches far beyond the borders of Westeros."

Paxter leaned back in his chair, exhaling slowly. "That's the plan. With this deal, we'll not only control the wine trade but also carve out a new market in luxury goods. If we play this right, we'll have a near-monopoly on spices in the southern kingdoms."

Mina set the letter down on the desk, her eyes meeting Paxter's. "But we're not the only ones who will see the value in this. The Lannisters, the Tyrells—even the Iron Bank. They'll be watching closely. They won't let us dominate the market without competition."

Paxter smiled faintly. "Let them try. We've already secured the Volantene contract, and the Arbor's shipyards are unmatched in their craftsmanship. They'll need more than ambition to challenge us."

Mina crossed her arms, her expression thoughtful. "And what of our other ventures? The northern markets?"

Paxter's gaze darkened slightly. "It's still a gamble. The new wine, Arbor Reserve, is still being developed, but the vintners believe it will be ready soon. Once we have a sample, we'll send it north. If the lords of the North and Riverlands take to it, we'll have another valuable export."

Mina raised an eyebrow. "And if they don't?"

Paxter shrugged, though his mind was already considering the consequences. "Then we find another market. But I believe they'll appreciate the new blend. It's darker, richer—perfect for the colder climates."

Mina nodded, satisfied with the answer. "Diversifying our exports is a wise move, especially with the uncertainty in the realm. And if the war drags on, food supplies and luxury goods will become even more valuable."

Paxter looked out the window, the stars twinkling above the vineyards. "War is expensive. We need to ensure that our wealth outlasts it. We've secured the spice trade with Volantis, we're expanding into new markets, and the Arbor's shipyards are busier than ever. But it's still not enough."

Mina tilted her head slightly. "Not enough?"

Paxter's voice was calm, but there was an edge to it. "We need more. We can't rely solely on wine and ships. If House Redwyne is to survive—and thrive—we need to be involved in every major trade route, every luxury market. We need to have our hands in the affairs of the Free Cities, the Iron Bank, and the noble houses of Westeros."

Mina studied him for a moment before speaking. "You're thinking of expanding beyond the Reach."

Paxter smiled faintly. "Yes. The Reach is our home, but it's not the only place where power can be found. If we can establish ourselves as a major player in Essos—through trade, diplomacy, even finance—we'll have the resources to influence events across the Narrow Sea and beyond."

Mina leaned forward slightly, intrigued. "And how do you propose we do that?"

Paxter's eyes gleamed with ambition. "It starts with the Volantene deal. Once we've solidified our trade routes, we'll begin building relationships with other Free Cities. Lys, Myr, Pentos—they're all ripe for expansion. And we'll use our wealth to buy influence, both in Essos and in Westeros."

Mina smiled. "It's a bold plan."

Paxter's gaze turned steely. "Bold plans are what will keep House Redwyne strong. While the other houses fight their wars, we'll be building something that will last. The Tyrells may control the Reach, but I'll ensure that House Redwyne controls the wealth."

Mina watched him closely, sensing the fire in his words. Paxter was not a man who sought power through bloodshed or alliances with the throne—his power came from gold, ships, and the flow of goods across the seas. And in times of war, wealth could often be more valuable than armies.

"We'll need to tread carefully," Mina said after a pause. "The Lannisters won't like us expanding into their territory, and the Tyrells may grow suspicious of our growing influence in Essos."

Paxter waved a hand dismissively. "Let them. We're not challenging their power directly, and as long as we continue to support Olenna publicly, the Tyrells won't interfere. As for the Lannisters—they have their own problems to deal with. They won't bother with us as long as we stay out of their way."

Mina's eyes gleamed with approval. "Very well. I'll begin reaching out to our contacts in Essos. The Volantene deal is a good start, but we'll need more to establish a foothold in the Free Cities."

Paxter nodded. "Do it. And start looking for new investment opportunities. Trade routes, shipping lanes, anything that can give us an advantage."

As Mina left the room, Paxter turned his attention back to the ledgers on his desk. His mind was filled with calculations and possibilities, each one more ambitious than the last. The war in Westeros would continue, draining the coffers of the great houses and leaving them vulnerable to new threats. But Paxter Redwyne was thinking beyond the immediate conflict, positioning his house for a future where wealth—and the influence it brought—would determine the fate of the realm.

The Arbor was more than just a source of wine. Under Paxter's guidance, it was becoming a hub of trade and commerce that would reach every corner of Westeros and Essos. And as long as he controlled the flow of goods, Paxter knew that House Redwyne would remain a powerful force, no matter who sat on the Iron Throne.

The night deepened, and the stars above the Arbor burned brightly. Paxter's thoughts turned to the future, to the expansion of his house's wealth and influence. The game of thrones was a dangerous one, but Paxter had learned long ago that the true power in Westeros lay not in swords, but in gold.

And he intended to have more of it than anyone else.