50 AC
Red Keep
Third person Pov
The Small Council chambers in the Red Keep hummed with the usual blend of routine and simmering intrigue. Around the polished mahogany table, the key figures of the realm were assembled.
At the head of the table sat King Jaehaerys Targaryen, his presence commanding and wise. To his right was his sister-wife, Queen Alysanne Targaryen, her keen eyes and thoughtful expression reflecting her influence. To his left was the Hand of the King, Septon Barth, a man of both piety and shrewd intellect.
The other members of the council were also in attendance: Grand Maester Benifer, his face a mask of scholarly knowledge; Lord Tyron Oakheart, the Master of Coin, his demeanor suggesting a careful and meticulous mind; Lord Daemon Velaryon, the Lord Admiral, a seasoned mariner with a lordly bearing; and Ser Ryam Redwyne, the Lord Commander of the Kingsguard, his posture radiating both authority and unwavering loyalty.
The Small Council convened, and King Jaehaerys presided with his usual calm authority. "We have much to discuss today," he began, his gaze sweeping across the table. "Let us turn our attention first to the Dornish Marches. Lord Commander, what news from the border?"
Ser Ryam Redwyne, the Lord Commander of the Kingsguard, stepped forward. "The skirmishes continue, Your Grace. Dornish raiding parties cross the border, striking at our settlements and then retreating into the Red Mountains. Our forces have retaliated, but the terrain favors the Dornish, and they are difficult to pin down."
"This has been a persistent problem," Jaehaerys sighed. "What measures are being taken to address it?"
"We have reinforced the border garrisons, Your Grace," Ser Ryam replied, "and increased patrols. Lord Paramount Baratheon assures me he is doing everything in his power to maintain order. However, a lasting peace with Dorne remains elusive."
The council discussed the complexities of the Dornish situation, acknowledging the long history of conflict and the challenges of fighting in the harsh and unforgiving terrain. They considered various strategies, from offering concessions to launching a full-scale invasion, but no easy solution presented itself.
Queen Alysanne, ever seeking a path of peace, suggested, "Perhaps a renewed effort at diplomacy is in order, my husband. A royal envoy, bearing gifts and assurances of our good intentions, might open a dialogue with Prince Qoren."
Jaehaerys nodded thoughtfully. "A reasonable suggestion, my dear. We shall explore that possibility. But in the meantime, we must remain vigilant and protect our borders."
The council then turned its attention to the construction of the Dragonpit, a massive undertaking that had been underway for several years. Lord Tyron Oakheart, the Master of Coin, provided an update on the project's progress.
"The work proceeds apace, Your Grace," he reported. "The foundations are laid, and the main structure is beginning to take shape. However, the costs have been considerable, and we have encountered some unexpected delays due to material shortages."
"Delays are unacceptable," Jaehaerys stated firmly. "The Dragonpit is of vital importance to the security of the realm, and it must be completed as soon as possible. See to it that the necessary resources are allocated, Lord Oakheart and that any obstacles are overcome."
The council discussed the strategic importance of the Dragonpit, recognizing its potential to house and control the Targaryen dragons, a formidable deterrent against any potential threats to the realm. They emphasized the need for both speed and quality in its construction, ensuring that it would be a lasting symbol of Targaryen power.
Grand Maester Benifer then raised the issue of the Faith of the Seven, a matter that often required delicate handling. "There have been some rumblings of discontent, Your Grace," he reported, "particularly in the Reach, regarding certain royal decrees. Some of the more zealous septons believe that Your Grace's policies are not always in accordance with the teachings of the Seven."
"Which policies, specifically?" Jaehaerys inquired, his tone cautious.
"The recent edict on the rights of bastards, Your Grace," Benifer explained, "and the continued presence of certain... unorthodox scholars at the Citadel. These matters have caused some unease among the faithful."
The council discussed the delicate balance between respecting the Faith and upholding the authority of the crown. They recognized the importance of maintaining good relations with the Most Devout, but they also understood the need to govern the realm according to reason and justice.
Queen Alysanne, with her deep understanding of the common people, offered a pragmatic perspective. "The smallfolk are generally devout, my husband, but they are also practical. As long as we provide them with justice and prosperity, they are unlikely to be swayed by the more extreme elements within the Faith."
Jaehaerys nodded in agreement. "Wise words, my dear. We must tread carefully, but we will not be swayed from our course. The laws of the realm apply to all, regardless of their birth or their beliefs."
The council continued to discuss the various challenges facing the realm, from the threat of Dornish incursions to the complexities of religious tensions. They debated, they advised, and they sought solutions, all in the service of maintaining the peace and prosperity of the Seven Kingdoms.
The council continued to discuss the various challenges facing the realm. Finally, King Jaehaerys turned his attention to a matter that had been notably absent from the discussion thus far. "And what of the North, Lord Fossoway?" he asked, addressing the Master of Whisperers, Kerren Fossoway. "What news have you gleaned from that distant land, particularly regarding the situation on Skagos?"
Lord Fossoway shifted uncomfortably. "The North remains... elusive, Your Grace. I have yet to successfully place any of my agents within their holdfasts. They are a secretive people, fiercely loyal to House Stark and wary of outsiders."
"Indeed," Jaehaerys murmured, his expression thoughtful. "Their customs and traditions are quite different from those in the South. But surely you have managed to gather some information regarding the Skagos campaign?"
"Only what little I can glean from merchants and travelers, Your Grace," Fossoway admitted. "They speak of a swift and brutal end to the Skagosi rebellion. Lord Brandon Stark took a firm hand, I am told. The islands are now under Northern control, though the cost was said to be high."
"A firm hand is often necessary in such matters," Jaehaerys observed. "Skagos has been a thorn in the North's side for generations. But a high cost... that is concerning. Do you have any details?"
"Only rumors, Your Grace," Fossoway replied. "Tales of widespread slaughter, of entire villages wiped out. But these are just whispers, and may be exaggerated. The Northmen are not known for their... delicacy in war."
Jaehaerys sighed, a flicker of concern crossing his usually serene face. "Brutality is sometimes the price of peace," he murmured, more to himself than to the council. "But we must be mindful of the consequences. A pacified Skagos is a victory, but not if it sows further resentment."
Queen Alysanne, ever perceptive, spoke with a quiet authority. "There is more to the North than Skagos, husband. We have received reports of significant developments in recent years. Developments that could have a profound impact on the realm."
"Canal that connects the Sunset Sea and the Narrow Sea is complete," Alysanne announced, a hint of pride in her voice. "The trade routes through White Harbor have become even more lucrative, and the flow of goods into the North has increased dramatically."
Lord Beesbury, the Master of Coin, confirmed this. "The ledgers bear it out, Your Grace. The North is experiencing a period of unprecedented prosperity. Their coffers are full, and their people are well-fed."
"And the roads," Alysanne continued, her eyes gleaming. "The Roads that Lord Stark has commissioned, stretching across the North like veins of stone. They have connected the holdfasts, facilitated trade, and brought a new level of efficiency to their economy."
Septon Barth, however, remained impassive, his expression unreadable. "Prosperity is a blessing, Your Grace," he said, his voice measured. "But it can also be a curse. Wealth can breed pride, and pride can lead to... ungodly ambitions."
"Are you suggesting the North is becoming a threat, Septon?" Jaehaerys asked, his tone hardening slightly.
"Not a threat, Your Grace," Barth clarified, his gaze unwavering. "But... independent. They have always been a proud people, bound by their own traditions and their own gods. This newfound wealth and self-sufficiency... it could lead them to forget their place within the Seven Kingdoms."
Alysanne, surprisingly, offered a more nuanced perspective. "There is some truth to what the Septon says, husband," she admitted. "The North is different. Their ways are not our ways. And while their loyalty has never wavered, their pride and independence are undeniable. We must acknowledge that their prosperity could make them less reliant on the South, and that could lead to... complications."
"Complications?" Jaehaerys frowned. "What kind of complications?"
"Perhaps not in your lifetime, or mine," Alysanne said. "But in the future, as the North grows stronger and more self-sufficient, they may begin to question the need for a king who sits so far away, a king who does not share their gods or their customs."
"You make it sound as though the North is on the verge of secession," Jaehaerys said, his voice sharp with disbelief.
"Not at all," Alysanne clarified. "But we must be aware of the potential for future tensions. We must foster a relationship of mutual respect and understanding with the North, not one of dominance and dependence. Their strength should be seen as an asset to the realm, not a threat."
The council fell silent, the weight of the discussion hanging heavy in the air. The North, it seemed, was becoming a subject of increasing interest and unease in the South. Its newfound prosperity, while a boon to the realm in some ways, also raised questions about its future role within the Seven Kingdoms.
The silence stretched, broken only by the crackling of the candles. Jaehaerys, his brow furrowed, considered Alysanne's words. He knew his sister-wife possessed a keen understanding of the realm, often seeing nuances that others missed.
"So, what do you propose, my dear?" he finally asked, his voice thoughtful. "How do we ensure the North remains a loyal and integral part of the Seven Kingdoms, even as it prospers?"
Alysanne's expression softened. "We show them the same respect and understanding that they have shown us, husband. We acknowledge their strengths, their traditions, and their contributions to the realm. We foster trade and cooperation, not just dependence. And perhaps," she added, a hint of a smile playing on her lips, "once the major issues in the South are settled, we could make a royal progress to the North, to demonstrate our commitment to all parts of the realm."
Jaehaerys considered this, a spark of interest igniting in his eyes. A royal progress to the North... it had been many years since a Targaryen king had ventured beyond the Neck. It would be a grand undertaking, a demonstration of the crown's interest and goodwill.
"It is an intriguing idea," he admitted. "A progress to the North would certainly send a powerful message. But it would be a long and arduous journey, and there are many other matters that demand our attention."
"The matters we have discussed today," Alysanne reminded him gently. "The Dornish skirmishes, the Dragonpit, the concerns of the Faith... these are all important, husband. And they should be addressed. But we should also look to the future, and the future of the North, and its relationship with the South, may prove to be even more crucial in the years to come."
Jaehaerys nodded slowly, his decision seemingly made. "Very well," he announced, his voice firm. "We will address the pressing matters in the South, and I will give serious consideration to a royal progress to the North once those issues are resolved. In the meantime, we will ensure that the North is treated with the respect and understanding they deserve."
He then turned his gaze to the rest of the council. "As for the other matters, we will proceed as discussed. Lord Commander, see to the strengthening of our defenses along the Dornish Marches. Lord Oakheart, expedite the construction of the Dragonpit. And Grand Maester Benifer, continue to monitor the situation with the Faith, and advise us on how best to address their concerns."
With that, King Jaehaerys rose from his seat, signaling the end of the Small Council meeting. The lords and advisors followed suit, their minds filled with the matters discussed, and the long shadow of the North looming large in their thoughts. The work of governing the Seven Kingdoms, it seemed, was never truly done.