Chapter 78: Bend the Knee or Die 2

The storm clouds had gathered over the Reach, both in the skies and on the horizon of Westeros' political landscape. The fall of Highgarden had sent tremors through the noble houses, and now the Lannisters were tightening their grip, sending their demands to each of the remaining lords.

Paxter Redwyne stood in his study, the candlelight flickering against the sealed parchment before him. The message bore the sigil of House Lannister and the Hand of the King, Ser Kevan Lannister. It was a summons—no, an order.

Lord Paxter Redwyne,

You are hereby summoned to King's Landing to swear fealty to the new order of the Reach, as governed by House Tarly under the protection of the Crown. You will present yourself within the fortnight to reaffirm House Redwyne's loyalty and service to the realm. Failure to comply will be seen as an act of treason.

—Ser Kevan Lannister, Hand of the King

The wording was careful, polite even, but the underlying threat was clear. Refusal would not be tolerated.

Paxter exhaled slowly, his fingers tightening around the edges of the letter before he set it down on his desk. Mina stood across from him, her arms crossed, her face unreadable.

"They wasted no time," she said, her voice even.

Paxter nodded, his expression grim. "No, they didn't."

Ser Martyn leaned against the window frame, watching the storm clouds rolling over the sea. "They want to see who bends the knee and who doesn't. It's a test."

"And if we fail," Mina added, "we become the next target."

Silence settled over the room. They had known this moment was coming, but now that it was here, the weight of it was suffocating.

Paxter turned to Mina. "What are the responses from the other houses?"

Mina reached for a small pile of messages stacked beside the Lannister letter. "House Rowan is still hesitant, but they may bow to Tarly if they feel isolated. House Oakheart has remained neutral so far, but if they sense we are resisting, they may try to distance themselves." She tapped another letter. "The Hightowers remain silent, but that is not unusual. They will wait to see the outcome before making their move."

Paxter frowned. "Cowards."

Mina didn't disagree. "They are survivors."

Ser Martyn folded his arms. "And what of Braavos? Have they responded?"

Mina shook her head. "Not yet. They are watching, waiting to see if we hold or if the Lannisters crush us."

Paxter scoffed. "So we are a test for everyone, not just the Lannisters."

Mina smirked. "Aren't we always?"

Paxter's fingers tapped against the desk as he weighed his options. If he went to King's Landing and swore fealty, House Redwyne would be absorbed into the Lannister regime, forced to supply them with ships and resources as they continued their conquest. If he refused, the Arbor would be marked for destruction.

The question was: could they afford open defiance?

He already knew the answer.

"We do not bow," Paxter said finally.

Ser Martyn let out a slow breath. "Then we prepare for war."

Mina remained silent, but a flicker of approval crossed her face. "We should start making it known among the Reach's remaining houses. If we stand alone, we will be crushed. But if we gather allies…"

Paxter nodded. "Send word to House Rowan and House Oakheart. Let them know we will not submit, and if they wish to keep the Reach free of Lannister rule, they should do the same."

Mina inclined her head. "And the North?"

"Send another message to Winterfell," Paxter said. "Make it clear that the Reach is changing hands, and if the North does not wish to see its southern trade controlled by the Lannisters, they should act now."

Ser Martyn straightened. "And the fleet?"

Paxter's gaze turned toward the harbor, where the sails of Redwyne ships fluttered in the wind. "Increase patrols along our waters. Make sure no Lannister ship enters our trade routes without permission. If they want our wine, they will pay our prices."

Ser Martyn smirked. "And if they try to take it?"

Paxter's eyes darkened. "Then we remind them why House Redwyne has never been conquered."

The next morning, a second raven arrived from the capital. The letter was shorter, and the message was clear:

You have one week to answer the summons.

Mina read it aloud, her expression unreadable.

"They are growing impatient," Ser Martyn said.

"They expect me to hesitate," Paxter murmured. He looked toward Mina. "Let them wait."

Mina arched a brow. "Delaying might make them suspicious."

"They already suspect," Paxter said. "Let them wonder. Let them stew in their own doubts while we make our moves."

He turned to Ser Martyn. "Send out scouts. I want to know how many men Tarly has at his command and whether the Lannisters are reinforcing him."

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

Paxter turned back to the letter, rereading the words. The Lannisters thought this would be easy, that he would see no choice but to bend the knee.

But they had underestimated him.

And when the storm came, they would regret it.

Later that evening, Paxter sat at his desk, penning another letter—this time to Braavos.

To the esteemed representatives of the Iron Bank,

House Redwyne has long been a friend to Braavos. As the tides shift in Westeros, so too must trade be reconsidered. The Reach is no longer ruled by those who once held power, and the balance is shifting toward a kingdom that does not share the Iron Bank's interests.

If stability is to be maintained, a strong and independent Arbor is necessary. I invite your representatives to discuss further investment in ensuring trade routes remain open and unhindered. House Redwyne remains a prosperous ally to those who understand the importance of discretion and profit.

—Paxter Redwyne, Lord of the Arbor

Mina read over his shoulder and smirked. "Subtle."

Paxter smiled faintly. "Braavos does not fight wars. But they fund them. If we can get them to invest in us, the Lannisters will have a far greater problem than just one rebellious lord."

Mina nodded approvingly. "Then we wait for their response."

By the time night fell, the castle was abuzz with movement. The fleet was making its final adjustments, scouts were preparing to set out, and messengers were flying across Westeros.

Paxter stood on the balcony of his solar, looking out toward the sea. The waves rolled steadily, unbothered by the turmoil of men. But war was coming, and he would be ready.

Mina joined him, standing beside him in silence for a long moment.

"You know this means war," she said eventually.

"I know," Paxter admitted. "But I'd rather go to war as my own man than live as the Lannisters' pet."

Mina smiled faintly. "Then let's make sure we win."

Paxter exhaled, his mind racing with the battles yet to come. The war for the Reach had begun.

And House Redwyne would not kneel.