Maegor's Cabal.
The Greyjoy Rebellion allowed Tychus to gather the final pieces he needed for his plans. He had established his power base, placed allies all over the world and had now gathered all the rogues, outcasts and scum from Westeros. Over the years Tychus had made several concessions and promises to certain people. Now was the time to settles these deals. After all what sort of Lannister would he be if he didn't pays his debts.
Not Long after the end of the Greyjoy Rebellion, in the Nomenar Islands, a secret meeting was being held by a group of people in Maegor's fortress off the coast of Bloodstone. Now here they were seated at a round table with Maegor at the head.
Sharako Rogare- Head of the Rogare Bank
Euron Greyjoy- The Crow's Eye, Lord Captain of the Iron Marauders
Enzo The Tattered Prince- Leader of the Windblown Company
Salladhor Saan- Prince of the Narrow Sea
Morosh- a Myrish Sellsword Admiral
Una the Seahawk- a Dornish Pirate Admiral
Drake- Corsair King of the Straits of Qarth
Jalabhar Xho- Prince of the Red Flower Vale, Exile from the Summer Isles
General Pol Qo- Hammer of the Jogos Nhai, The First Orange Emperor
Khal Azhak- The Pale Stallion, a Dothraki Khal with westerosi blood on his mother's side
Xanatho Xhore- Merchant Prince of the Tormaline Brotherhood
Triston Sunderland- Lord of the Sistermen
Horonno Maegyr- The White Tiger, Captain of the Tiger Cloaks
Bothrok Stane- Head of the New Ibbish Whaling Fleet
Several members of the Fangs of Maw had taken to joining other sellsword companies, and under the guidance of Maegor, they rose quickly through the ranks and eventually became the captains of those companies. Now they were members of the new band formed by Maegor.
Aurane Waters- Lord Captain of the Jolly Fellows, Lord of the Waters
Ser Lothor Brune- Captain of the Stormbreakers
Simon Blackmyre- Captain of the Company of the Rose
Blackshield Flowers- Bastard of the Uplands, Captain of The Nameless
Osmund Kettleblack- Captain of the Grey Fist
Leana Waters- Captain of the Hundred Lances
Jeyne the Mermaid- Captain of the Bright Banners
There were also several members who were not present but were considered important allies of the band
Mance Rayder- The King Beyond the Wall, Leader of the Free Folk
Arcturo Silenus- Archon of Qohor
Joh'na Qarlus- The Fisher Prince of Lorath
Maegor took the hammer and pounded the table getting their attention, they all turned to Maegor as he spoke, "My lords, my ladies, as he who issued the summons, I welcome you all to Bloodstone." He scanned the room taking in all their faces. "I know you are all wondering what this summon is about?" The gathered people nodded, and Maegor smiled, "then I shall be blunt with it's purpose. Thirty years ago a group of individuals not unlike ourselves banded together for a single purpose, Ambition."
The gathered people turned to each other and Salladhor Sann spoke up first. "So you intend to rebuild The Band of Nine Lord Maegor?"
Maegor shook his head, "Not at all, this 'Band' will be far more powerful than it's predecessor and more importantly it will succeed where the Band of Nine failed."
"Even with our numbers what makes you think it will fair any better then the Nine?" Lady Una asked.
Maegor' smile widened, "When the Band of Nine began it's campaign it started out with success conquering the Disputed Lands, the Stepstones and even Tyrosh. They failed because they made a mistake. Do you know what that mistake was?"
The court murmured to each other before one spoke up. "They tried to attack Westeros," Horonno Maegyr answered.
Maegor nodded, "indeed, unlike the previous territories they had taken Westeros is vast with a huge army and fleet at it's disposal and no stranger to war. The free cities often fight amongst themselves usually with armies that are not theirs, but each of the seven kingdoms possess a formidable force, Individually they are dangerous, but under the King on the Iron Throne it proved to be far too big a fish for the Band of Nine to handle and thus they were crushed with ease."
"So instead you wish to start with smaller goals and build strength from there," the Tattered Prince observed. "Then essentially it becomes a snowball rolling down hill."
"Precisely," Maegor replied, "Some of us have ships, some have armies Others have connections while others have funds. Each of us has something to contribute, if we pooled our talents and resources together, our force would surpass that of any of the fledgling kingdoms of Essos. The east will be overwhelmed, leaving it ripe for the taking. We each want something and by banding together we can make those ambitions a reality. The only rule in this world is the Golden Rule. Those that have the gold make the rules."
Negotiations lasted for most of the day until they all came to an agreement. To strengthen their alliance partnerships were formed between the various groups. Once it had been decided the participants signed their names in blood on a sheet of parchment right under a strange sigil. An inverted Patriarchal Cross under an Algiz Rune, The Cabal was formed. The signers all swore to aid each other in times of war and to never turn against one another. Though there was huge profit to be gained, Maegor forbade it claiming that "Slavery is a dirty business, the Cabal will have no part in it." Over the next eight years Essos would be forged in Fire, Terror, Steel and Blood.
The Exiled Prince
The first goal of The Cabal was the exiled prince Jalabhar Xho. Of all his endeavors, Jalabhar's was the easiest to solve. Unlike most places that required large armies to conquer, taking back a kingdom in the Summer Isles could be done with a small group of men. They would not need an army to take the Red Flower Vale only an elite force of warriors. Fortunately there happened to be a large pool of summer islanders from the Forsaken pit fighters to the mercenaries and pirates that made up the armies of The Nomenar Isles. They called upon a hundred volunteers for the task of aiding Jalabhar in his goal. There were more than just 100 and in the end Jalabhar had a small army of 300 men. One of them was a warrior named Memnono, who had served as a sellsword before being captured and becoming a pit fighter. He was also had a lover in Kings Landing named Ayaya. Maegor had offered him a place in the Fangs of Maw but Momnono declined.
With this new army Jalabhar sailed back to the Red Flower Vale and challenged the reigning prince. The war commenced the next day with Jalabhar and his 'army' against the rival prince and his champions. In the end it was the skill of Memnono that carried the day gained recognition. By the time the sun set the the rival prince's champions layed dead while 40 of Jalabhar's men remained standing. In accordance with the law, the rival prince was exiled only to be killed in secret by the Fangs of Maw to prevent his return. Thanks to his skills and courage during the melee, Memnono became Jalabhar's personal champion
Jalabhar Xho was once again the Prince of the Red Flower Vale, but Tychus now called in his debt. He had restored Jalabhar not just to take back his kingdom but to take the entire island of Jhala. He wanted control over Jhala's supply of Goldenheart wood. In return the Isles would get the nessessary metals such as tin and iron for making weapons and armour. While it was outlawed to export Goldenheart out of the islands it was not illegal to purchase them from the islands themselves, so they got around this by presenting Goldenheart Bows as 'gifts'.
But for Tychus, taking Jhala would only be the beginning. Goldenheart also grew in the nearby island of Omboru. There was also the island of Koj which produced the majority of the renowned Swan Ships. Gaining control of the Summer Isles' Goldenheart and Swanship production was the endgame for Tychus' plans for the Prince. If that meant subjugating the entire archipelago then so be it.
Preasured by the Cabal, Jalabhar marched against the other princes in Jhala. Instead of the usual Melee, Maegor suggested a Westerosi idea, Champion Warfare. The 'Wars' would be settled by single combat, Jalabhar's champion against the champions of the princes. Since it seemed like a fair deal and it avoided much bloodshed the priests agreed and the Princes conceded.
The first prince he faced was the ruler of Sweet Lotus Vale, His champion was a small but nimble figure carrying two short spears. The two dueled for hours each with a seemingly tireless resolve. Each man dealt their fair share of blows until finally the smaller man slipped and Memnono drove his spear through the man's heart. With his champion defeated, The Prince of Sweet Lotus Vale was exiled and his lands made part of Jalabhar's. The Fangs of Maw Later executed him to prevent his return. Jalabhar replaced him with one loyal to him.
This is how it went for the other princes of Goldenhead and Ebonhead, their champions fell to Memnono and the mercenaries which resulted in their exile, execution and replacing. When these princes were defeated the remaining ones in Jhala soon followed, leaving Jalabhar Xho the ruler of Jhala. After conquering his native island he sailed a fleet of swan ships to take on his most powerful neighbors, Omboru and Walano. Once again their champions fell to Memnono's spear.
With each victory his army grew. Though most would never see combat, it made good for intimidation. After the fall of the three main isles the Island of Koj quickly pledged fealty to Jalabhar without incident.
Many princes remain independent on the islands of Moluu, Doquu, Xon, Stone head, the Isle of Birds, the Isle of Love, the Isle of Women, The Lizard's head, the Singing Stones, The Three exiles and the Bones. But compared to Koj and the big three they were inconsequential. In time they would be conquered but that would wait until Jalabhar consolidated his strength
For the first time since Chatana Qo, the Summer Isles had a single dominan ruler. Jalabhar gifted Maegor and members of the Cabal with goldenheart bows which Maegor used to arm the archers of his golden company.
The King Beyond the Wall
After dealing with the Summer Isles was the deal made with Mance Rayder and the Free Folk. Now that the Stoneborn were under the rule of Bothrok. Tychus worked to make it a suitable home for the free folk. Tychus contacted Mance Rayder arranging for their exodus to Skagos and about 100,000 people followed Mance to their new home. The remaining wildlings led by the Lord of Bones settled in Hardhome, breathing new life into the old settlement. As Tychus had said, living in Skagos was harsh but the Free Folk who knew how to fish taught their fellows how to do so, helping the communities survive the winter. Over the years Skagos and Hardhome establish a trade deal allowing both parties to prosper. Some joined Bothrok's whaling business while others chose to sail further south to settle in the Nomenar Isles
They were not the only people to settle in Skagos. Soon after the free folk were joined by 10,000 people of the Vale Tribesmen. After chasing off the Sistermen, King Stannis turned his attention to the Mountain Clans of the Vale. Realizing the peril that awaited them, the Hill Tribes reached out to Maegor for help. Maegor in turn offered them to settle on Skagos with the Free Folk. With few options left, they accepted.
Relations between the Hill Tribes and Free Folk were tense at first but the two groups soon bonded over shared traditions, values, customs and most of all their desire for freedom. Mance was able to win them over quickly and soon the Free Folk and the Hill Tribes became one.
While Maegor mostly left them in peace, he pressed into them that they were not to cause trouble with the mainlanders or else the free folk would loose the protection provided by him. Not wanting to loose the Maegor's ships, the Free Folk agreed. It was the least they could do since Maegor has given them a new life. All that was required of Mance was for him to 'remember' who helped his people.
The Whaler
With his newfound influence and ever expanding business, Bothrok used his resources and wealth to broker a merger with the Fisher Prince of Lorath Joh'na Qarlus. As the weakest of the free cities, Lorath had little military power and was unable to prevent other states like Braavos and Ibb from entering their waters in Lorath Bay. The Fisher Prince was eager to expand his enterprise to Whaling and generate much needed revenue. The Fisher Prince would further expand Bothrok's fleet and in exchange Bothrok would use the power of the Cabal to block Braavos from entrenching in Lorath Bay. The Fisher Prince also saw this as an opportunity for him and his fellow princes to regain control of Lorath from the Magistrates that currently ruled it. After speaking with Maegor about it, the plan was sanctioned. This also allowed the Fisher Prince to become the most powerful of the Princes and allowed him to bypass decisions made by the Magistrates. A habit that would soon become more permanent.
Aside from their large fishing fleet, Lorath would add their people to Bothrok's workforce. Since the Lorathi lacked any other work many were quick to sign up. The Cabal aided in expanding his fleet by capturing vessels owned by rival Ibbenese guildsmen causing them to loose profits while Bothrok's soared. Between the Skagosi, the Ibbenese and the Lorathi, The New Ibbish whaling fleet became largest Whaling Guild in the world with hundreds of whaling ships and thousands of fishing vessels of all sizes. Due to his power, he faced no prosecution from his own people the only real competition he faced was from Braavos.
The Tattered Prince
When Enzo had been a young man he was chosen by the magistrates to be the Prince of Pentos. But he was aware of the corruption of the Magistrates and Princes of Pentos tended to live short lives. Not wanting to be the puppets of such decadent people, he refused and fled the city eventually founding the Windblown Company taking the name of the Tattered Prince. Despite this he still had intention on taking the city and overthrowing it's rulers. Now with the help of the King of the Stepstones, that ambition was about to come true. Together with the Bloodstars, Enzo laid siege to Pentos while Maegor's fleet blockaded the harbour.
However an incident followed that threatened to break the alliance made between Maegor and the Prince. As the two army laid encamped outside the City, a fight broke out between a lieutenant from the Windblown and a Champion from the Fangs of Maw. Caggo Corpsekiller was one of the Tattered Prince's lieutenants and one the Prince held in high regard. He had taken a young Camp follower for himself after raping her for hours he slit her throat saying he was annoyed by her high pitched screams.
Unfortunately that particular camp follower happened to be the mistress of Ser Lirigon. The Smiling Knight was enraged at the loss of his bedwarmer and in retaliation he drew his new sword Red Rain, (a gift from Maegor) and slew Caggo's warhorse right in front of him.
Had it been any other man, they would have brushed this off saying it was a fair trade, but Caggo was Dothraki and the loss of his precious horse was in insult to his pride. He challenged Ser Lirigon to a duel, a challenged the Smiling Knight readily accepted. The Tattered Prince tried to stop the duel but Maegor refused to intervene.
"I'm going to slice that grin right off your face little knight," Caggos roared.
"Why so serious little horselord?" The Smiling Knight asked licking his teeth. "Let's put a smile on that face."
Ser Lirigon drew Red Rain while Caggo drew his own valyrian steel Arahk. The two men clashed for hours and it seemed both combatants were evenly matched each taking a dozen wounds. But fatigue became Caggo's downfall as the wounds he received took their toll. Being a madman, Ser Lirigon was barely fazed by his wounds and was able to slice off both of Caggo's hands, ending the duel.
Now on his knees Ser Lirigon swiped his sword across Caggo's face slicing his cheeks and giving him the smile Ser Lirigon had promised. Ser Lirigon took Caggo's arahk and left his defeated opponent to his suffering despite the Dothraki screamer's pleas to end his life. Eventually one member of the Windblown Ser Lucifer Long stepped forward and ended Caggo's misery.
Afterwards Maegor and the Prince had an argument about the incident, "Your men can't just go around killing off mine whenever they please." The Prince snarled.
Maegor rolled his eyes, "if your men want to fight over strumpets all day that's fine by me since it's your business not mine. But if you men start taking things from MY men, then I fear we have a problem."
"How was Craggo to know the girl was you man's?" The Prince retorted.
"He dragged her from my camp, he should have shown restraint in any case," Maegor replied.
In the end Maegor was able to smooth things over by offered payment as compensation for the loss and the Prince named Myrio Myrakis as his new right hand. As he walked out he saw Ser Lucifer Long shake hands with Ser Lirigon thanking him for ending the animosity between them.
Despite being heavily populated and a center for trade, Pentos was militarily one of, if not THE weakest of the free cities next to Lorath. Thus despite strong walls it was the most vulnerable. It only had twenty warships in it's fleet and a small city watch of about 10,000. This was due to the restrictions set upon it by Braavos due to the wars they had fought. So if they needed an army they had to use their wealth to hire sellswords to augment their forces. This made Pentos ripe for the taking.
Aurane Waters and the Nomenar fleet sailed against Pentos' ships easily defeating them though capture or sinking. As their fleet blocked the harbor, their army stormed the walls. They smashed the walls and swarmed in. They slaughtered the city watch defending the city and subdued the sellswords who had chose to surrender. With the defenders taken care of, the Windblown advanced on the Magistrate's district. No quarter was given as the magistrates and their heirs were slain and their families stripped of everything. A number of slaves were found in the city, a direct violation of the terms given by Braavos.
Only one Magister manage to escape, Illyrio Mopatis thanks to warning from his allies. He took what wealth he could and sacrificing a few if his vessels as Fireships Illyrio was able to slip out of the blockade. The Cheese merchant made his way to the only place he could think of where he could start over, Qarth.
With the city theirs and the magistrates overthrown, The Tattered Prince was sworn in as the official ruler of Pentos in both practice and name. The assets of the slain magistrates were liquidated and given to the Prince. He would use it to broker new deals and repair the city from the destruction caused. The Bank of Pentos then became a subsidiary of the Rogare Bank further increasing it's influence.
The sacking of Pentos caught the attention of the Sealord of Braavos and sent emissaries to see what would happen, the Prince declared his intention to no longer have slaves and worked to broker a new deal with Braavos in hopes of gaining permission to build a proper army to defend itself against Dothraki. With the fall of the magistrates the Sealord was intrigued and gave permission for the expansion to a certain limit. The new terms was a fleet of 50 ships and a 10,000 strong army. While not what the Prince was expecting it was a definite improvement to the previous arrangement.
The Island Marauders
After being driven from the Iron Islands, Euron led the survivors of the purge to the Summer Sea to find a new place to call home. For a time he considered the Basilisk Isles but Maegor suggested a better idea, Great Moraq, the largest Island of the known world and it's surrounding neighbors. Euron together with Triston Sunderland, and together they made their plans. Euron had 41 warships, 100 Longships and 7,000 Raiders. Triston's forces were significantly smaller having lost much of his naval power what King Stannis invaded the three sisters. Back then he commanded 30 galleys and 300 smaller boats, now he only had 30 longships, 5 galleys and 1,500 men. Euron brushed this discrepancy off instead focus on their shared culture as fellow raiders. The pact between the Ironborn and the Sistermen led to the creation of the Iron Marauders.
Despite it's large size Great Moraq was sparsely populated, it had only two small port cities and no real affiliation with any of the great 'city states', as Maegor called them. So like Pentos it would not be difficult for the two lords to invade.
Because of it's lack of power and connections, neither city had the resources to build proper walls. Most would not consider it a prize worth taking. it had no treasures to lure anyone, but Euron was not like most and saw an opportunity on Great Moraq.
The two made a plan, Euron would attack Faros in the north and then sail up the river piercing deeply into and heart of the island. At the same time Triston would lead an attack on Port Moraq. With a pincer formed they would close in and take the island as a whole.
Following Euron's plan they attacked in the dead of night swarming into the city killing anyone foolish enough to stand in their way. By dawn the two cities had fallen and were now under the control of the two lords. By weeks end they had taken the entire Island. The one thing that Great Moraq had that few islands lacked was wood. Though many had trees few had trees with proper wood. Great Moraq was in fact so large that it contained a good size forest on the south side. This abundance of wood meant new ships and reparing the ones damaged. The inhabitants of the islands were put to work, sowing the fields or building ships. Euron ruled the forested south while Triston ruled the fertile north. Euron and Triston would use the captured cities as bases for their raid and conquests.
After the Fall of Great Moraq they began taking the surrounding Islands. Euron seized the Isle of Elephants along with the city of Zabhad and the Isle of Whips while Triston took Lesser Moraq and the wealthy island city of Vahar. There were many other islands in the cinnamon straits which fell easily. This new nation was named Iron Sisters to honor their new alliance.
The Brethren of Bones
With hie fellow Cabalists forging their own kingdoms, Salladhor Saan now wanted his turn. With his Cabalists rising in power, he wanted his turn and Maegor knew just the spot. Over 200 years ago an ancestor names Saathos Saan had conquered the Basilisk Isles and ruled as king for 30 years. Perhaps the time had come for the isles to have a new king. Intrigued by the idea, Salladhor agreed and the Cabal made it's plans.
Salladhor was aided by Una the Seahawk and Drake the Corsair King. under their combined might of their enormous fleet, the Isles were quickly subdued, it's inhabitants were conscripted into Salladhor's fleet swelling his numbers. The ruined City of Gorgossos in the Isle of Tears was rebuilt and became the heart of the kingdom. Renamed Gorgai the city became the capital of the Basilisk Isles. and Salladhor Saan was named King of the Basilisk Isles. Una set herself up on the Axe Isle while Drake made his home on Talon island. After conquering the Basilisk isles Salladhar, Una and Drake formed the Brethren of Bones in honor of the former pirate band that once ruled here.
The White Tiger
The most ambitious act the Cabal would ever undertake was in Volantis. Under different circumstance they would not dare try something like this. Volantis was the richest and most powerful of the free cities after Braavos. But as it happened they had a powerful ally Horonno Maegyr.
After his encounter with Kinvara. Horonno's dreams to have the Tigers rule Volantis shifted to wanting to become it's undisputed ruler. So when Maegor came to him he realized this was the opportunity he had been waiting for and together they began to plot.
Horonno met with High Priest Benerro and the Widow of the Waterfront as well as children of the Old Blood that held similar views as his daughter Talisa. Together they began to plot a coup against the ruling families of Volantis. As one of the highest ranking nobles in the Volantis, Horonno had an extensive knowledge of the city. Being in command of the Tiger Cloaks meant that they had control of the better part of Volantis military strength. The Tiger Cloaks, together with the Fiery Hand and the Widow's Sons would launch a full scale slave revolt. The first thing Horonno did was get his children to a safe place. Little by little he started to secretly stockpiling an arsenal of weapons with which he could arm thousands of slaves.
During the night Horonno and his allies made their move. It was a three pronged attack on key area's of the City. Horonno and his Tiger Cloaks led an assault on Bank of Volantis. As a a noble the Bank had let them in oblivious of his intentions until his troops were well inside the building. They killed the guards and threatened the staff at spearpoint into opening the vaults. Horonno then used this time to secure the assets of his fellow nobles.
Meanwhile the second group of slaves commanded by the Widow of the Waterfront swarmed the docks and seized the Volantene fleet with it's 500 Dromonds. These warships were then placed at the mouth of the Harbour so no ship could escape
Finally the Third Group of slaves under the Priests of R'hollor overwhelmed the Western side and were now marching across the Long Bridge to the East side.
With their three Primary objectives complete, the three groups converged on East Side and turned their attention to the Black Walls.
Such was the speed and surprise of the attack, that by the time the nobles awoke Horonno had opened the gates and his army was swarming the area. Most of the Old Blood had little chance to react to what was going on before they found themselves surrounded by Horonno's Tigers.
As per Horonno's orders the slaves were liberated and the Nobles rounded up. The Old Blood was stripped of their power and particularly cruel masters faced the wrath of their former slaves. Among the slain was Horonno's older brother Belicho. After this culling the remaining nobility was gathered in a Courtyard for Horonno to address them.
"Your over reliance on slaves had made you soft and this city weak. You are all guilty of allowing our civilization to fall into depravity. No more, the world is changing and it's time we changed too. Pledge loyalty to me or face exile."
Surprisingly the first to do so was not a tiger but an Elephant, Doniphos Paenymion decided it would be more beneficial to play ball with this new power. He was quickly followed by young nobles who also held sympathies towards slaves. They were allowed to remain inside the Black walls with all their Family's assets. Though they would not hold the same amount of sway they their parents did until they had proven themselves completely faithful.
However most of the Old Blood refused. Shocked and hurt by the betrayal of Horonno and many of their children, they felt that Horonno had betrayed the mamory of his ancestors and wanted nothing to do with what they believed was a ravaging of Valyria's first Daughter. Having lost their power, wealth and prestige these nobles chose exile. Horonno's Father Malaquo was imprisoned instead since Horonno refused to become a Kinslayer
But not all the nobility was touched, five of them manage to escape with their families. All of them members of the Elephant Party. Nyessos Vhassar, Belicho Staegone, Parquello Vaelaros, Alios Qhaedar and Methyso Tagaros. They had been warned by an unknown party about the attack and despite their warnings the Volantene scoffed and shrugged it off. They were confident that their Captain, Horonno Maegyr would crush any rebellion that dared threaten them. When they claimed that Horonno was the one leading the uprising, they were nearly killed on the spot. Horonno was a fanatical tiger after all and the idea that he would lead a slave revolt was too outrageous to believe. Nevertheless they took precautions to save themselves, the pulled their assets out of the bank and stowed them away to the bank in Qarth, together they gathered what ever other money and resources they could muster and stowed them away on ships. they also arranged for their partners, shareholders and investors to leave the city. By the time Horonno launched his attack they were ready and fled using secret passageways and to a waiting fleet of merchant ships.
Horonno them formed a new Triarch made up of The Widow if the Waterfront, High Priest Benerro and Himself. The Widow of the Waterfront was given control of all businesses once controlled by the Old Blood while Horonno took up the new title of Supreme Triarch. Below them was a Council comprised of Freedmen and the remaining nobility which now called themselves the New Blood. Lesadership of the Tiger Cloaks Passed to Horonno's best and most trusted Lieutenant Patelo Paenymion, the son of Doniphos.
The Fall of Volantis sent shockwaves throughout Essos, even Braavos was surprised that their most powerful rival had been brought down. Working with Benerro and the Widow, Horonno began a massive reformation of the city outlawing slavery and having the Rogare Bank absorb the Bank of Volantis. With their power now spanned across four of the nine Free Cities, the Rogare bank was seeing a return to it's former glory. While it may never match the Iron Bank of Braavos again, it was still becoming one of the most powerful banks in the immediately put the slaves to work but this time they would work for themselves and not for masters.
Allies in the West
Tychus had many associates and while his council was made up of many capable individuals, he still had one major problem. He needed a way to keep an aye on all his 'allies', but could not find a suitable spymaster. If he had to give Varys one thing it was that his ability to obtain information was a work of art. Even if he was one of the indivuals Tychus wished he was able to kill during te Sack. The answer would come from the most unlikely source.
A young minor lord who sold his holdings to buy a brothel in Tyrosh. The lord would then obtain a loan from the Rogare Bank which he used to expand his business buying several other Brothels in the city. His skill in finance allowed him to not only pay back his loan, but increase the revenue of his establishments. This caught the eye of Tychus who followed his progress closely Eventually he decided to have Rollo recruit him to be control of customs in Tyrosh for year to test his abilities. The young lord exceeded expectations by increasing the city's income tenfold. He did this by creating a web of associates ranging Harbour Masters, Toll Collectors, and Wine Factors along with his Brothel Keepers.
Tychus took note of this and realized the this man was the solution he had been looking for. He then invited the young man to his fortress and was met by a familiar face.
"Your Grace," The man bowed deeply. "How may I be of service."
"Take a seat my Lord," Tychus replied. "We have much to discuss." After taking a seat and offering wine. They began to talk."
You have done well managing the customs in the city and your skills in economics are beyond most lords I know."
"You are too kind your grace," The man replied.
"Tell me, what is a westerosi lord doing managing customs in the Free Cities?"
The man lip curles into a slight frown before answering, "my great grandfather was a sellsword from Braavos. My Grandfather was a Hedge Knight and my father the smallest of lords. As a boy I was fostered by Lord Hoster Tully. During that time I realized that in Westeros a man's birth determined how far he could rise rather than his abilities. I've heard of your story your grace, the tale of a pit fighter who fought his way to a crown though his own cunning and strength. In you I see a man that appreciates merit, a king that dreams what he builds."
Tychus nodded and smiled, "wise words my lord. However it seems that your abilities go beyond finances. Not only have you accumulated a considerable wealth but you have also established the network of contacts to assist you. All this was done in a short amount of time with very few resources."
"What would you have of me then your grace?"
"The King of Westeros has a master of whisperers, and I need one of my own."
"And you think I am that man?"
"Only if you're interested."
The young lord looked Tychus in the eye and smiled, "it would be an honour your grace." he held out his hand and Tychus shook it. Before Tychus asked. "I almost forgot, what is your name?"
"Petyr Baelish, your grace."
Tychus however tightened his grip when Baelish tried to pull back. "This is an opportunity for you Lord Baelish. But if you try to play me was Varys did with King Aerys, my wroth will make the Mad King's favourite past time look like nothing."
Thanks to the efforts of Lord Baelish Tychus formed a spy network that kept an eye on every member of the Cabal. he even sent people into westeros looking out for new recruits. Though Tychus had connections with several houses through members of the Fangs of Maw that was it. That changed not long after the initial formation of the Cabal as seeds of were beginning to sprout in the North.
Jorah Mormont seemed to have it all in the beginning, he was a hero of the Greyjoy Rebellion, was the champion at the Tourney of Lannisport and was married to the woman of his dreams Lynesse of House Hightower.
But sadly there was one problem and it was a significant one. Being born to one of the richest families in Westeros, Lynesse was use to an extravagant lifestyle. Jorah had attempted to make life for her as comfortable as possible but his futile attempts only plunged his house into deep dept. Things seemed desperate until one day Jorah was given a letter and a sack of gold requesting his presence in Tyrosh. After using the gold to pay off his depts, Jorah sailed to Tyrosh. When he arrived he was escorted to the royal fortress of House Blackfyre where he was taken to see Maegor Blackfyre who had invited the northerner to join him for dinner.
Jorah sat town to a meal of exotic seafoods and wine and the two began to talk. "I'm glad you decided to accept my invitation," Maegor said.
Jorah nodded, "as grateful as I am for the gold you sent me, I demand to know why you summoned me here."
"As you should," Maegor replied. "You would be a complete fool not to be suspicious." He folded his fingers together and leaned back on his chair. "I understand you are having marital and financial troubles, which pertain to a rather expensive wife."
Jorah bowed his head and nodded, "I love her and I try to make her happy, but I am not a man of wealth. It has given me a heavy burden."
Maegor nodded, "indeed, such a fickle thing love is and I would hate to see a man whose worked so hard to loose something so precious just because you're short a few dragons." To emphasis his point he twirled a golden coin between his fingers. "So I have a proposal for you. I can help you smooth things with your wife allowing you to provide the life you wish for her."
This caught Jorah off guard, of all things he did not expect help to come from the King of The Stepstones. Still deals such as this comes at a price and he would not risk it on a whim. "I suspect for this 'generosity' you want something in return," Jorah observed. "Perhaps certain services," he drew a finger across his throat.
Maegor chuckled, "no, no, nothing like that. You see Ser Jorah, Bear Island opens up an interesting opportunity." He snapped his fingers and a short stout man walked in, "this is Bothrok Stane, Head of the Ibbenese Whaling Guild," Ser Jorah stood up and gave the man a curt nod which was returned in kind. "Due to it's location Bear Island would make a perfect base for a new whaling port granting Bothrok access to the sea life in Sunset Sea. This will allow whaling and fishery to expand to the region."
Jorah sat back and turned to Bothrok, "you want to use my island to expand your business. But I fail to see how I benefit from this."
"I will provide the ships and the men to train you people in the skill," Bothrok said with a smile. "The best part is you will be running it, make sure things go smoothly between the oil, blubber, meet and bones, the profits are substantial."
"I don't know the first thing about running a whaling business," Jorah said unsure.
"It's quite simple really," Bothrok replied, "I'll be sending an associate of mine Moreo Tumitis to assist you and teach you the basics. Once you've gotten the hang of it, things will work from there."
"Think about it Jorah," Maegor intervened," this will not only benefit you but also the people of Bear Island, they will have learned a new trade and be able to improve their lifestyle. A new hall to live in a proper port town. the possibilities are endless."
Jorah didn't know what to make of this, on one hand they were offering him a way out of his problem, but then again he may be indebted to them. "I will need time to think on this."
Maegor nodded, "of course, of course take all the time you need . And if you refuse consider the gold as a parting gift."
Jorah stood up and bowed before heading out the door. Bothrok turned to Maegor, "what makes you think he will accept."
Maegor smiled, "believe me he will accept." Maegor sighed and poured himself a goblet before filling a second and offering it to Bothrok who took it gratefully. "If he ever hopes to keep his beloved high class strumpet." Maegor chuckled, "The things one does for love, it's such a powerful ally." he said with a smile. "In a way it's like drinking, you find yourself doing things you normally would not even consider. Leave it to a lovely woman to bring a man to heel." Both men clashed the goblets and laughed.
Ser Jorah was not the only northmen to be influenced by the Cabal, three years after Jorah accepted the offer from the Cabal a young man named Asher Forrester came to Essos. Asher was the second son of Lord Gregor Forrester. He was exiled after he fell in love with a woman named Gwyn. Gwyn came from the House Whitehill who was the bitter enemy of the Forresters. When their affair was discovered Asher was forced to leave Westeros to avoid an open conflict.
Asher found work as a sellsword and eventually found himself working for Maegor Blackfyre. At Maegor's suggesting, Asher came across a sellsword company known as the Wolf Pack which was comprised entirely of northmen. Asher was a hot headed individual with powerful passions, in a way he reminded Maegor of his uncle Tygette. Yet he was also aggressive resourceful, a very skilled warrior and good at thinking on his feet. These traits impressed the members of the Wolf Pack and allowed him to rise through the ranks. During a battle with the Lost Legion, their Captain Rodrik was killed and his lieutenants appointed the 19 year old Asher Forrester as their new captain. This promotion encouraged the Cabal to contact him with an offer of recruitment. Asher accepted and became the newest member of the Cabal.
This would go on for years as Tychus Lannister's influence grew, and the Cabal grew in power. Yet all the while a new threat was growing, one that sought to challenge them and bathe the continent in blood.