GOT: House Redwyne

The coalition was merely the first step in a much larger plan to secure House Redwyne's future and ensure the stability of the Reach. As the *Golden Vine* neared the Arbor's harbor, Paxter's mind was already moving ahead, strategizing, calculating, and preparing for the battles—both political and possibly physical—that lay ahead.

The sun was just beginning to set, casting the vineyards in a warm golden hue as Paxter disembarked from the ship. Waiting for him at the docks were Lady Mina and Ser Martyn Harte, both of whom had been instrumental in coordinating the Redwynes' recent moves. Their expressions were a mixture of relief and curiosity as Paxter approached.

"What news from Oldtown?" Mina asked, her tone carefully measured. She knew how important this trip had been and was eager to hear the outcome.

Paxter allowed a small smile to crease his face. "Lord Leyton has agreed to support our coalition, but with one condition: we must be ready to defend Oldtown should the need arise. He's aware of the Tarlys' ambitions and shares our concerns about the stability of the Reach. He understands the stakes, and he's willing to take a stand with us."

Mina's eyes sparkled with a mixture of pride and determination. "That's excellent news, Paxter. With House Hightower's support, we have a strong foundation for the coalition. The other houses will be more likely to join us now that the Hightowers are on board."

Ser Martyn nodded in agreement, though his expression remained serious. "This is a significant step forward, my lord, but we must be prepared for the Tarlys' response. They won't take this coalition lightly, and if they perceive it as a threat, they may act sooner than we expect."

Paxter's smile faded as he considered Martyn's words. He knew that forming the coalition was just the beginning. The Tarlys were not a house to be underestimated, and if they sensed that their power was being challenged, they could move quickly and decisively to protect their interests.

"You're right, Martyn," Paxter said, his tone sober. "We can't afford to be complacent. The Tarlys are a formidable house, and they'll do whatever it takes to maintain their grip on the Mander and the Reach. We need to strengthen our defenses and solidify our alliances as quickly as possible."

Mina stepped closer, her expression resolute. "I'll send word to our allies in the Reach. We need to coordinate our efforts and ensure that everyone is ready to act if the Tarlys make a move. We should also keep a close eye on King's Landing—if the Lannisters decide to back the Tarlys, it could complicate matters even further."

Paxter nodded, grateful as always for Mina's keen insight and unwavering support. "Yes, we'll need to monitor the situation in King's Landing closely. The Lannisters are always looking for ways to extend their influence, and if they see an opportunity to strengthen their position in the Reach, they won't hesitate to take it."

As they began walking back toward the keep, the weight of the decisions that lay ahead pressed heavily on Paxter's shoulders. He had committed House Redwyne to a dangerous course of action, one that could determine the future of his family and the entire Reach. But he also knew that there was no turning back. The coalition had to succeed, and the Tarlys had to be stopped before their ambitions threatened to destabilize the entire region.

Back in the keep, Paxter convened a council of his most trusted advisors. The chamber was filled with the soft glow of candlelight as the group gathered around a large wooden table, maps of the Reach spread out before them. The air was thick with anticipation as Paxter outlined the details of his meeting with Lord Leyton Hightower and the next steps for the coalition.

"Our first priority," Paxter began, his voice steady but firm, "is to secure the support of the other great houses of the Reach. House Hightower's backing gives us credibility, but we need more than that if we're to stand against the Tarlys. We must reach out to the Tarlys' rivals and those who share our concerns about their growing influence."

Ser Martyn pointed to several locations on the map. "Houses such as the Rowans, the Florents, and the Oakhearts have historically been wary of the Tarlys' ambitions. If we approach them with the right assurances, they may be willing to join us."

Paxter nodded. "Exactly. We must present this coalition not as an act of aggression, but as a necessary measure to preserve the stability of the Reach. We're not seeking conflict, but we must be prepared to defend our interests if the Tarlys push us to it."

Mina added, "We should also consider reaching out to some of the smaller houses—those who may not have the military might of the great houses, but who can provide valuable support in other ways. Their loyalty could be pivotal in tipping the balance in our favor."

Paxter agreed. "Yes, every ally will count in the days to come. We'll need to be diplomatic, but we must also make it clear that this coalition is essential for the future of the Reach."

As the council continued their discussion, plans were made to send emissaries to the key houses of the Reach. Letters would be dispatched with carefully crafted messages, and trusted envoys would be sent to negotiate and secure pledges of support. The Redwynes would use their influence, their wealth, and their reputation to bring these houses into the fold.

But even as these preparations were made, Paxter knew that time was of the essence. The Tarlys were not fools—they would likely have already caught wind of the growing alliance against them, and their response could come at any moment. Paxter's mind raced as he considered the possible scenarios that could unfold.

The days that followed were a whirlwind of activity as House Redwyne moved to secure its position. Emissaries were dispatched across the Reach, and the first responses began to trickle in. Some houses expressed interest, while others were more cautious, unwilling to commit until they had a clearer sense of the coalition's strength and purpose.

Paxter spent much of his time in the war room, surrounded by maps and reports, coordinating efforts with his advisors and allies. The tension in the air was palpable, and every new piece of information was scrutinized for any sign of the Tarlys' intentions.

Then, one evening, a raven arrived bearing a message that would change everything. The Tarlys had mobilized their forces and were moving north along the Mander, toward a key strategic point near the town of Bitterbridge. The move was a clear escalation—a declaration that the Tarlys were prepared to take control of the river by force if necessary.

Paxter felt a cold knot of dread form in his stomach as he read the message. The time for diplomacy was running out. If the Tarlys succeeded in securing Bitterbridge, they would have the upper hand in any conflict that followed. The coalition had to act quickly, or risk being outmaneuvered.

"We have no choice," Paxter said, his voice grim as he addressed his council. "We must mobilize our forces and move to counter the Tarlys. If they take Bitterbridge, they'll control the Mander—and with it, the fate of the Reach."

Ser Martyn's expression was equally serious. "Our forces are ready, my lord. But this will be no easy battle. The Tarlys are well-trained, and they'll be prepared for a fight."

Paxter nodded, the weight of the decision pressing down on him. "I know. But we must stand firm. The future of the Reach depends on it."

Mina, ever the voice of reason, placed a hand on Paxter's arm. "We're with you, Paxter. Whatever comes, we'll face it together."

Paxter looked around at the faces of his closest allies—Ser Martyn, Lady Mina, and the others who had stood by his side through every challenge. He knew that the days ahead would test them all, but he also knew that they had the strength and resolve to face whatever came their way.

"Prepare the men," Paxter ordered. "We march at dawn."

As the council dispersed to carry out their orders, Paxter remained in the war room, staring down at the map of the Reach. The shadows of war were closing in, and the decisions he made in the coming days would determine the fate of his house—and possibly the entire region.

The winds of change were blowing through the Reach, and Paxter Redwyne knew that he had to be ready to face the storm head-on. There was no turning back now. The battle for the Reach had begun, and House Redwyne would fight with everything they had to secure their future.

And as the first light of dawn broke over the horizon, Paxter knew that the time had come to test the strength of the coalition he had worked so hard to build. The fate of the Reach—and of House Redwyne—would be decided on the battlefield.