The Cabal
As a fledgling nation many would see the Nomenar Isles as vulnerable and ripe for the taking. As such Tychus understood that they would need allies if his kingdom was to survive. The first to recognize the Nomenar Isles were Dorne and Braavos. Being a city forged by slaves, Braavos was happy to do business with a free city that no longer dealt in slaves and saw its ruler as a liberator. Dorne was also a sure thing since Tychus had good relations with the Martells thanks to his actions during Robert's Rebellion. Thus Dorne became the first westerosi trade partner of the Nomenar Isles. As Tychus tightened his hold on the Nomenar Isles, The rest of the world began took note on the Activity in the archipelago though while some dismissed it as a minor upstart, others saw an opportunity.
One of the first was a Prince from the Summer Isles. Exiled from his seat in Red Flower Vale, Jalabhar Xho had been working to regain his seat. He first went to westeros to petition the new king to lend him aid. But King Stannis refused unwilling to waste resources on such an endeavor. After this he tried hiring sellswords but this too was unsuccessful. Now here he was, being guided through the corridors of King Maegor Blackfyre's Fortress. To ask for his aid, he knew this was his last chance, otherwise he had no hope of regaining his former position.
To his surprise he was able to gain an audience quite easily and more so that the King wished to have it privately. The Prince was a large dark-skinned man with a shaven head, and hard eyes. He wore golden armour under a cape made of green and red feathers. The King was dressed in black armour with blood red outlines two valyrian steel axes on his waist. Made him look like an imposing figure
The Prince approached Maegor and bowed, "King Maegor,"he began. "My name is Jalabhar Xho former Prince of Red Flower Vale. I thank you for taking the time to see me, I know how precious time is to you."
Maegor gave him a curt nod, "of course, it is not every day we receive visits from people of royalty these days. How can I help you?"
Jalabhar drew himself up and spoke, "two months ago I was exiled from my kingdom after I was defeated by the one who usurped me. I have come here to ask for help in taking back what belongs to me. I understand you lead a mercenary company and I am willing to pay many gemstones if I retake my kingdom."
The King sat back his fingers entwined, it was an intriguing offer and it would certainly benefit him, in the long run, considering they played it properly. "The Red Flower Vale is on the Island of Jhala, If I'm not mistaken."
Jalabhar nodded and Maegor smiled, "then I believe we can indeed come to an arrangement on this." Jalabhar was delighted by this news, personally, he never expected it to be this easy. Yet, just a moment later Maegor continued, "however you may keep your gemstones for that is not what I'm after."
Jalabhar raised an eyebrow, 'a mercenary who didn't want gold?' "What do you want then?" He wondered what he could possibly give him that could be so valuable.
The King stood up and walked over to a nearby wall where an assortment of weapons hung. "I will not only help you take back your kingdom, but I will also help you take the whole of Jhala." This made Jalabhar's eyes nearly bulge out, The Summer Islands were known to have many princes in each isle. While a single prince ruling a single isle was not unheard of, it was extremely rare. Maegor continued, "but in exchange you will provide my army with something, as it happened it is something that the island has in great abundance."
"And what would that be?" Jalabhar asked nervously.
Maegor picked up a certain bow from the wall and handed it to Jalabhar. The exiled prince examined it and his eyes widened as he realized exactly what the Ruler of the Stepstones wanted from him, "Goldenheart," he whispered.
Maegor nodded and sat back down, "now that I've set the terms down, do we have an accord?"
Before Jalabhar could answer a thought came to him, "it is forbidden to export Goldenheart good king," he pointed out.
The King nodded in acknowledgement, "yes so I've heard. But here's a thought, are you forbidden from selling bows? Or just the wood itself?" Jalabhar realized what Maegor was implying and smiled, it didn't take long before The King got his answer.
The meeting with the exiled prince got Tychus thinking about extending his relations with the rest of the world. If he wanted to conquer Essos he would need an army, but if he wanted to keep it he would need business partners. Tychus had always been fascinated with the infamous Band of Nine, so he began drawing up plans to form one of his own. So Sailing aboard Nagga's Wrath Tychus began a tour of the world to find such partners
His journey took him from Ibben all the way to Qarth. While he was unable to get any of the city-states directly on board, he was able to forge connections with a number of powerful and ambitious people. He hosted Sellsword Captains, Pirate Lords and Wealthy Merchants within his halls and paid extra attention to those who had ties to the west. One of the first was the Captain of the Windblown known as the Tattered Prince. The two men sat and talked over dinner.
"I must say I'm surprised to receive your invitation King Maegor," the Prince said as they ate. "I admit I was close to refusing since you have put us out of work." It was widely know that ever since the Bloodstar was formed most people had taken to hiring them over the rival sellsword companies due to their reliability
"What changed your mind friend?" Tychus asked.
The Prince shrugged, "curiosity, I was fascinated by your quick rise to power, Most men could go their whole lives and not get even half as far as you have. But what puzzles me is that what use could you have for my services. You command the Golden Company, possess a great deal of wealth and from what I hear and have thousands of more sellswords in reserve."
Tychus smirked, "then allow me to clarify, I did not invite you here for a contract."
The Prince cocked an eyebrow, "If you're not trying to hire us, then what do you want, integrate us into your army?" If the Prince was honest with himself he wasn't opposed to the idea. It would increase their numbers and he himself was getting on in years."
Tychus smirk turned to s smile, "I understand you desire to rule over Pentos." Upon hearing this Tychus had grabbed the Tattered Prince's full attention and he continued. "You are growing old and I suspect you have no wish to do this forever. So I think it's only fair that I fulfil your needs and give you a well deserved Prize. Pentos without the molestations of its decrepit magistrates."
"And you will help me accomplish this?" the Prince asked, "do to Pentos what you did to Tyrosh," Tychus nodded with a grin, But the prince was still unconvinced. "I don't get it what would be your stake in all of this?"
Tychus sighed, "taking the Stepstones is merely the beginning, I have a mind to do plenty more but in order to accomplish my goals, I need more men, more allies. With you ruling Pentos I gain a powerful ally. So, in essence, this is a matter of quid pro quo."
"So you help me take Pentos and I help you in your ambitions," the Prince realized. When Tychus nodded the Prince continued, I assume you would render aid to me if I were in peril since we would be in the business of helping each other."
"Naturally," Tychus replied, "so long as you don't have any plans on provoking Braavos."
The Prince laughed, "you won't have to worry about that, I'm not that bold or stupid."
"Then we have an accord?" Tychus asked holding out his hand. The Prince grinned and took the hand, shaking it firmly.
After meeting the Tattered Prince
Over the years Tychus travelled the world gathering allies along the way. Among his stops was Volantis the greatest of the free Cities after Braavos. Maegor simply wanted to arrange a trade deal with the city and set up a place to harbour his traders, what he got instead would prove to be far more beneficial in the form of a nobleman named Horonno Maegyr
Horonno came from a very influential family in fact his father Malaquo Maegyr was the head of Volantis militant Tiger Party and one of the three ruling Triarchs. He was once a zealous supporter of the Tiger Party and strived to make it dominant over the Elephants who currently controlled Volantis. His aggressive beliefs led the Triarchs to name him the Captain of the Tiger Cloaks, the city watch of Volantis. Using the Tiger Cloaks as enforcers he regularly patrolled the Long Bridge stamping out dysentery real or imagined to make sure this infection didn't defile the eastern bank. As their leader his armour was painted with white and black stripes earning him the nickname of The White Tiger. Little did Maegor or Volantis know that Horonno was under the influence of a red priestess named Kinvara
Horonno and his wife Trianna attended a wedding that lasted a week, during that time his children Talisa and Marqelo went swimming in the Rhoyne to escape the blistering heat. When he returned noticed that something had changed in his daughter. He pressured her for years about it but she refused to give way. But tragedy struck when his wife died. The loss of Trianna plunged Horonno into a deep depression, he became distant bitter and cynical even the his relationship with his children had become strained.
Then one day, his father ordered him to kill a high ranking priestess named Kinvara. The woman was speaking against the nobility of Volantis and they wanted her silenced. Horonno left with much less enthusiasm than usual. He found the woman speaking to a crowd and decided to take care of her when the right moment came. That night he snuck into the Temple of the Lord of Light and entered her chambers blade in hand. She was standing their lighting several candles, as he entered she turned and smiled like she was expecting him. This caught Horonno off guard, he was expecting fear and begging but instead she stood there unafraid. She was beautiful, Horonno gave her that with her long dark hair, deep eyes and voluptuous curves. Horonno shook his head 'what a pity, such a waste.'
"Welcome Lord Horonno," she said, "the flames told me you would come."
Her voice was like silk caressing his ears, trying to steel his resolve he cleared his throat, "you have spoken against the Triarchs of Valyria's first Daughter," he said. "Now you must die for your heresy."
Kinvara nodded, "of course, Lord Horonno you should defend your family's honor even if their views are misguided."
"MY FAMILY IS NOT MISGUIDED," Horonno declared, "they are what this city needs, not those spineless elephants that are content with burying their heads in the sand and not doing anything to raise us back to glory."
Kinvara simply smiled. "Your daughter does not think so."
At the mention of Talisa, Horonno strode forward and grabbed her by the throat, "What do you know of Talisa?" he growled.
Kinvara remained calm and did not show a single ounce of fear, "I know she no longer believes in slavery, I know that she intends to become a healer in Westeros where there are no slaves."
Horonno's eyes narrowed and his mouth curled into a sneer, ''and why would she have such ridiculous notions in her head?"
"Since the day a slave saved Marqelo from drowning the day you and Trianna were at that wedding." She replied. At last Horonno released her and stepped back all of a sudden the pieces made sense. Her glares at her fellow nobles her kinder treatment of their servants her interest in the healing arts. All came together because of that moment.
"You have lost the woman you love Horonno Maegyr," Kinvara said stepping towards him. "If you continue on your current path you will loose your daughter as well." She began stroking his hair.
Try as he might Horonno could feel his resolve breaking, "it- it doesn't matter," he said, "they will all leave me in the end just like Trianna."
"You have a chance Horonno, there is no need for you to be miserable. The Lord offers second chances to those who would simply take it." She cupped his cheek causing him to stare into her eyes. "You carry such a burden you need not carry" she said, "share the weight with me."
Horonno found himself lost in her eyes, his breath became shaky as he dropped his sword and grabbed her wrist pulling her close to him. their lips met and like that it was as if a damn had broken and all his emotions came rushing out. All thoughts and cares were buried all that mattered was the new feeling that was coursing through him. Grief, rage, desire, determination all jumbled together. He unlaced her dress and it fell to the floor her hands were doing the same to his clothes. He lifter her up and placed her on the bed she arched her back as he thrusted in. He cupped her breasts and pressed his lips to her neck. For horonno the world seem to disappear, nothing else mattered, not Volantis, not his family only the warmth of this woman before him. A few moments later he release came and they both grunted at the feeling. When it was done his knees gave out and he collapsed at the foot of the bed, Kinvara sat up as he started to weep on her lap. She held him like a mother comforting a child as he wept bitter tears.
That day changed Horonno forever it was like his inner demons had been vanquished. the grief over loosing Trianna was lost and he was filled with a newfound purpose. Horonno returned and told his father that the deed had been done. Though people noticed that he had become a bit paler from the result. He continued to be outspoken against the elephants and his fanatical beliefs still shined in the public. He started increasing the size of the tiger cloaks to 30,000 with 12,000 for each bank. and another 6,000 for the Long Bridge. But now it was all a mask, he became a devout follower of the Lord of Light or to be more accurate a devout follower of Kinvara. Kinvara introduced Horonno to High Priest Benerro who told him of a great plan to one day cleanse Volantis but not of the followers of R'hllor but of the corrupt and decadent nobility that brought this great city to ruin.
For three centuries the rivals of the Tiger party known as the Elephants had dominated Volantis, always holding 2 of the three seats within the Triarch. As the second born son Horonno didn't have to bear the responsibilities of being heir that would go to his older brother Belicho. Horonno wanted to catapult the Tiger Party as well as his own family to the undisputed rulers of Volantis. But knowing the fate of his namesake, he decided that more force would be required. When the King of the Stepstones came to Volantis, Horonno saw an opportunity.
As well as expanding his influence Tychus took the opportunity to expand his trade enterprise to the summer sea and to do that he would need merchants who knew those waters. Fortunately, Tychus knew exactly where to look. Sailing to The city of Qarth he sought out the three merchant guilds hoping for an alliance. The Thirteen refused to see him outright and the Ancient Guild of Spicer heard him out but ultimately refused. This had been due to the fact that ever since he had seized the Stepstones Tychus had been putting a dent into their profits disrupting the slave trade and extorting their guilds as well as the Pureborn. But one man did take an interest in what Tychus had to offer Xanatho Xhore, a descendant of the infamous Xandarro Xhore and the leader of the Tourmaline Brotherhood. The Tourmaline Brotherhood was the youngest of the guilds and had a much less prestigious history. Unlike the other guilds that had been formed from merchant princes. The Brotherhood was made up of an alliance of pirates, smugglers and sellsails under merchant princes that had been cast out of the other guilds. For years they seized ships from the other guilds and sold the cargo as their own. As time went on and the Pureborn cracked down, the Brotherhood shifted to more legitimate practices before becoming an official guild by the time of Aegon's conquest. Seeing Tychus as an opportunity to increase the influence and power of his guild Xhore officially merged his own trading fleet with the Stepstones Trading Company thus giving Tyrosh a hand in the spice trade and much-desired influence in the summer sea. while bolstering the Tourmaline Brotherhood's ability to trade as well as protection.
After Qarth, Tychus travelled further east to the nation of Yi Ti. Once a powerful empire, Yi Ti's power crumbled from the raids of the Jogos Nhai. Now the nation was contested between 3 individuals. Bu Gai, the current emperor of the Azure Dynasty who ruled from the capital of Yin. Pol Qo, renowned General who laid clain to the throne as the First Orange Emperor and ruled from the City of Trader Town finally a Mysterious Figure in the City of Carcosa known as the Sorcerer Lord who claimed to be descended from the extinct Yellow Dynasty. Tychus considered the Sorcerer Lord to be an enigma with too many unknown variables, supporting him could prove disastrous so he didn't even bother with him. Thus Tychus turned his sights on the other two, The General and the Emperor. Depending on who impressed him the most one of these men would either be raised up, or destroyed.
As Emperor, Bu Gai naturally commanded the most men and held the most territory, however his hold on these lands was tenuous at best. Regional governors were able to establish princedoms with impunity and thanks to Pol Qo's presence in the north. His authority there was almost nonexistent.
Having gone as far east as the known continent went, Tychus now decided to reunite with his old friend Khal Azhak and together, they travelled the road to Vaes Dothrak. Tychus always had a gift for drawing fighters to him, but here in Vaes Dothrak it was no trouble at all. His ferocity, fearlessness reputation as a former pit Fighter as well as his willingness to fight without armour allowed him to fit in with these people. The Dosh Khaleen even stated that if Tychus had been born Dothraki he would have been the mightiest of Khals.
Tychus was invited to feast with the khals as a guest of Azhak. There he met a young up and coming Khal named Drogo.
During the feast, Tychus gave the Khals a riddle, "Horse Lords of the Plain, what was best in life?"
Most of the khals had the same answer, the Khal named Drogo spoke, "the open field, a strong fast horse and the blood of the enemy."
Tychus shook his head, "you're wrong I'm afraid."
Drogo looked at him bemused, "than what is best in life?"
Tychus smiled, stood up and and raised his fist, "TO CRUSH YOUR ENEMIES, SEE THEM DRIVEN BEFORE YOU, AND TO HEAR THE LAMENTATION OF THE WOMEN!"
The shocked khals looked at each other and burst out laughing and roaring in approval. "You would have made a great khal," Drogo remarked patting Tychus on the back. Tychus later spoke to Azhak about his plans and his old friend readily agreed eager for glory, conquest as well as expand his khalasar.
But Tychus knew better than to put his faith solely in the east, he also searched for allies in his homeland. He was born in Westeros and knew it's people well enough to know where to look for potential allies. These included he reavers of the Iron Islands, the Sistermen and Mountain Clans of the Vale and the Stoneborn of the North. In regards to the Stoneborn, Tychus turned to a people that were closely related to them, the Ibbenese. In fact the Skagosi were unique in being the only known race that could breed with the Ibbenese without producing either monsters or stillborns. This is where Bothrok Stane one of Tychus' new partners came in.
Bothrok is a member of Ibben's Thousand, the ruling council of the Island. He was also a renowned whaler who owned a whaling fleet based in new Ibbish. Bothrok was half Skagosi on his mother's side in fact she was a member of House Stane one of the ruling houses of the island. Using combining the strength of House Stane with his own Ibbenese, he challenged the other chieftains on the island for supremacy and succeeded in subduing them. With the island now under his command, Bothrok used his combined force of Ibbenese and Skagosi to expand his whaling business. He built a port on Skagos which allowed him to conduct whaling from their instead of having to sail all the way back to Ib to do so. Since Skagos based closer to the richer Free Cities than those in Ib and New Ib, Bothrok was able to sell his products more quickly. With this new wealth, he arranged for more whaling ships to be build in New Ibbish and since the city sat right next to a huge forest finding material for vessels was easy. When Bothrok's ships whaled, not one part of the animal was wasted. Everything was used from the bones, the flesh and especially the oil.
With Skagos under his lucrative control, Tychus was able to turn his attention to a new opportunity in the form of a certain king that had set himself up in the Lands Beyond the Wall. There had been kings beyond the wall before but none of them had manage to gather the forse that this one had which was said to number 100,000 strong. Sensing yet another potential ally, Tychus and the Fangs headed north. Knowing how hostile Wildlings were towards southerners, Tychus and his men dressed in animal furs as opposed to their usual armour.
As they rode some of the Fangs questioned Tychus' plan, "why are we bothering with these savages anyway," Mors Westford asked.
Tychus smiled, "when the wall was built, those in the south were placed into grace while those in the north were pushed aside. Now they're desperate, and I find value in their desperation."
The Fangs of Maw encountered a wildling raiding party not far from the fist of the first men. The wildlings were led by a man wielding a weirwood spear. The two groups faced off but it was clear the wildlings despite outnumbering Tychus' band were outmatched in every other regard. To avoid a fight, Tychus disarmed himself and raised his hands. "I wish to speak with your King Mance Rayder." He said, "I have an offer for him."
It took a while but Tychus was able to convince the wildlings to take him to their king. They led him to the enormous wildling encampment where Tychus guessed must have had at least 100,000 people gathered. As they made their way to the main tent many people stopped and stared at the strange group of men. Most of whom were intimidated by Gawlotes.
Mance and all the Wildling leaders were gathered in the main cabin. Mance introduced them as Styr, Tormund Giantsbane, Lord of Bones, The Weeping Man, Harma Dogshead, Morna White Mask, Ygon Oldfather, Great Walrus, Soren Shieldbreaker, Howd Wanderer, Devyn Sealskinner, Alfyn Crowkiller, Gorm the Wolf, Gavin the Trader, Harle the Handsom, Harle the Huntsman, Dim Dalba and Karsi. Also there was the king of the Giants Mag the Mighty, Mance's wife Dalla, her sister Val and Varamyr Sixskins.
The two men sat down and Mance poured Tychus a drink. He took a sip and his eyes widened in surprise, "this isn't cow's milk," he said. "Nor is it goats milk."
"Fermented Mare's Milk," Mance replied. "It's a proper northern drink Maegor Blackfyre."
Tychus smiled and lifted his cup before draining it, "One of these days I ought to introduce you to Shade of the Evening."
Mance merely nodded, "Styr says you come to strike a bargain."
Tychus nodded "I've come to offer you and your people what you want the most," he said with a smile. "A chance to escape the Lands beyond the Wall and come to a place were you can live the rest of your lives safe and free."
Mance and the tribal leaders looked at each other, "I must say you've come a long way from the south for such a proposal."
"A proposal that will benefit both of us if we are able to come to an agreement," Tychus replied.
The Magnar of the Thenns Styr stepped forward. "What is your proposal southerner?"
Tychus unveiled a map revealing the north, he pointed to a large island off the eastern coast. "I can offer you Skagos Island."
The wildling chieftains looked at each other and Tormund turned back to Tychus, "Skagos?"
Tychus nodded, "plus the islands around it. Skagos is a large territory, more than large enough to house the entire wildling population. Its fishing grounds are rich and since your people are no strangers to the cold so I have no doubt that you will thrive. But the best part is it's isolation, the sea provides a natural defense against the mainland. and the North has no fleet with which to attack it"
"From what I know Skagos belongs to the Starks." Harma Dogshead pointed out.
"In name only," Tychus corrected. "The Starks pay the island no mind and it's people have always governed themselves."
"And what do you want in return," The Lord of Bones wondered.
"A simple partnership," Tychus said simply. "Should the north ever give you trouble we shall gladly come to your aid, All we ask is that you extend the same courtesy to us."
"So basically you want us to fight your wars," Mance concluded skeptically.
Tychus smirked, "only in dire circumstances, or you can face the might of the southerners on your own."
"If you're so powerful then why come to us?" Mance asked.
Tychus shrugged, "unlike the rest of the south, I am not one to waste the opportunity to make a powerful ally."
Mance rubbed his chin, "from what I understand Skagos is already populated what shall be done about them?"
Tychus smiled, "do not worry about the stoneborn I already have an understanding with them." He set his cup down, "see Mance Rayder, what I'm offering you is a chance not only to save your people. But also provide a new life for your people bloodlessly and free of influence from the kneelers. What do you say?"
Mance discussed the offer with the chieftains for a week before Tychus would get his answer. Most of the chieftains had agreed save for a few. The Lord of Bones, The Weeping Man and a handful of others refused the offer believing it to be a trick. Being the free Folk after all, these people made the own individual choice separate from their chiefs. Though most also took the offer, some like the chiefs refused, among those to join them were the Ice River Clans as well as members of other tribes.
Piece by piece Tychus' organization began to take shape. On the outside, this gathering seemed very similar to the infamous Band of Nine. But this was not a rabble of power-hungry upstarts as the Nine had been. These people would be organized and held positions of strategic significance to future endeavors. Only one more piece remained for Tychus band to be complete, then the real work could begin.