King Brynden I Targaryen

Westeros was at peace, and had been for some time now, the last Blackfyre rebellion had been crushed brutally, those who had sided with the Black dragon in the past had changed their loyalty and sworn unending fealty to the throne and to the Targaryens, and so far they seemed like they would be keeping that oath. Osgrey, Reyne, Ambrose, these houses and many more had in the past sided with the Blackfyres and yet now were amongst some his staunched supporters, songs were still sung of when Lord William Osgrey had come and saved King's Landing from the force of sellswords and savages during the last war, whilst Brynden had been putting House Lothston and its men and women and children to the sword.

Loren Reyne the heir to Castamere was commander of the gold cloaks and a fierce knight as well, he was also wed to Edwyle's daughter Anna and with her had had two children, a boy whom he had named Edwyle after his former tutor and a girl Myriah after Brynden's sister. The boy, for that was what he was no matter his age, was of proven loyalty and had done much to raise the reputation of the city watch and his house, his father Lord Damon Reyne was a idiot who thought more with his sword than his brain. The man continued to antagonize Tytos Lannister and continued to alienate himself from his own bannermen let alone potential allies. Brynden knew that Edwyle thought he was allowing so much antagonism within the Westerlands to stand because he had never liked his nephew's father, and whilst that was partially the reason, there was more to it, but it was something he could not voice not openly, and not even in his own thoughts.

There had also been troubling news from the Vale, Brynden's goodbrother Jon Arryn's wife Jeyne Royce had died, without any issue, according to the letter and from what Rowena had told him, Jeyne Royce had given birth to three stillborn sons and a stillborn daughter, the daughter being the child that killed her. Lord Arryn was now looking for another bride, and as such was looking closer to home, his cousin Selena was now betrothed to him, and whilst Brynden wished his goodbrother the best of luck, somehow he doubted that much would come from the betrothal. There seemed to be some sort of curse hovering over the Arryns of the Eyrie, something that thankfully seemed to have evaded his own wife and children, but still there was something there, and it was concerning.

There had been whisperings from the Vale that some of its lords were conspiring for what Brynden knew not, and he was not entirely sure whether or not he believed the rumours. The lords of the Vale had always been loyal to the Arryns had been since the Andals had conquered the kingdom of the Vale. But there were reports that Maron had given him that reported that the cadet branch of the family, the Arryns of Gulltown had been meeting with a series of nobles close to the city, and had been having deep discussions. Maron did not have the sources to get close to the Gulltown Arryns the Lord was far too clever to allow that, but something about it was giving Brynden sleepless nights. After all his grandson Aegyl was squiring in the Eyrie, along with Tytos' son Tywin, according to the letters that Brynden got from his grandson and from Ser Lucas Goodbrook of the Kingsguard, his grandson was having a thoroughly enjoyable time in the Eyrie, learning all it meant to be a knight and to be a soldier. According to his daughter Rhaenys, when Aegyl wrote to her, he always gushed about Tywin Lannister, it was clear that his grandson was in awe of Brynden's great nephew. A thought that amused him greatly, considering the history between their two houses.

He had met Tywin once very briefly at the Rock when he had come for the tourney to celebrate the life of his sister. The boy seemed to be very serious and dour, as if he was constantly angry with the world. This was something that seemed to be reflected in his siblings, especially the boy Tygett who always walked around with a permanent scowl on his face. If he was being brutally honest, Brynden was not surprised that Tywin Lannister seemed to always be angry and unsmiling, if he had a father like Tytos, he too would be pissed off much of the time. His nephew had a good heart but was not meant to rule, he was too kind and the Rock had given out loans to its bannermen that had yet to be paid, in fact Brynden remembered hearing that the Westerlings stilled owed the Rock some 200 dragons repayment on a loan the lord of the crag had taken out some six years ago. There would be war in the Westerlands soon enough, Brynden knew the only question was when and who would be the ones leading the sides.

There had also been a marriage in the time since his visit to the Rock. Edwyle's oldest son Rickard Stark had married one Arya Glover, some two moons past, and as such both the newlyweds seemed very happy. Edwyle himself had seemed much fuller of life after the wedding than he normally did, most likely because his son was now married and there would be a high likelihood that the succession of Winterfell would be secured. That was good and Brynden was happy for his friend, after all when the darkness came the North would be the key to holding it off.

Sighing, he looked at the papers in front of him, so much was riding on the words written on these two sheets of paper, the future of the Targaryen Dynasty and that of Westeros was written on those two sheets of paper before him. Whilst he was not exactly old, he knew he was no longer as young as he had once been, and as of late death had been on his mind, and he did not wish for a succession crisis to happen, Aegyl was still a boy after all but Rhaenys, she was a woman grown with experience in ruling and politics. That was why he had summoned his closest advisors to his solar today to discuss the words written on the two sheets in front of him.

Sat before him were his hand Edwyle Stark, his wife Rowena, his cousin Prince Aegon of Summerhall and the Lord Commander of the Kingsguard Ser Oberyn Dayne. He trusted all of them implicitly, and knew that should he go before he was ready, they would carry out his orders to the best of their abilities. "My lords and lady," he began. "We are here now, to discuss my will and testament. Whilst you might say that it is early to be discussing such things, recent events have shown me that we must prepare for all eventualities. As such the two documents bear my last will pertaining to whom I wish to succeed me as King or Queen on the Iron Throne, should I die before Aegyl becomes Sixteen. What is said in this room must not leave it until I am dead and buried." Once the lords and his wife had all nodded their agreement and voiced it he spoke again. "In the first sheet of paper, I have named my eldest daughter Rhaenys as my heir, should I die before Aegyl turns ten Rhaenys shall assumed the Iron Throne not as Queen Regent but as the first Queen Regnant Westeros has had in some time. Whilst I know the rules the Dance enforced on us, I know Rhaenys will do all she can to ensure that a Targaryen always sits the throne. She has not wed since Maelor's death though she has had plenty opportunity to do so. She is also skilled in the arts of court and the game that these sheep play. The second sheet of paper, names Aegyl as my direct successor should I die after Aegyl turns ten but before he turns sixteen, Rhaenys and my wife shall serve as Regents for him until he comes of age. Should either scenario arise it will be up to you three and the small council to decide which will to use."

There is silence for a moment and then Edwyle speaks as Brynden knew he would. "A wise move Your Grace, especially considering the threat across the narrow sea. We shall all endeavour to maintain the standards you have set should you pass before your time. Have no fear on that count."

Rowena, Aegon and Oberyn all voice their agreement and then they along with Edwyle fix their seals to the document with Maester Pycelle being present as the witness to it. After that Rowena leaves to see their children, and Brynden, Edwyle and Aegon are left in the room. Brynden lets them all settle down once more before he speaks once more. "Aegon, I have let this issue sit for some time now, as there have been other more pressing matters that were needed to be discussed. However, now I feel that now is the right time to discuss this issue once more. Duncan and Jaehaerys both wed for love and only Jaehaerys marriage has produced children, Rhaelle has wed Tyrek Baratheon with his good side and his bad and has children. Only Aelix has not wed and now at the age of twenty eight that must be a concern for you. The boy must marry Aegon, and we must discuss whom."

His cousin- his brother in truth- is silent for a long moment clearly uncomfortable with what they are discussing, Aegon always has been, he wed his sister Rhae for love before he thought he would become Prince of Summerhall, and as such has been reluctant to stop his own children from marrying for love, despite some of the consequences this has had. "Whilst I can appreciate why you belief it is necessary for Aelix to marry now Your Grace, I do not see what the hurry is. The line of succession for the Iron Throne is secure, as is the line of succession for Summerhall. The Blackfyres are wilting away, with only Maelys Blackfyre and his sister left."

Brynden sighs and says. "Yes that is all true, but Duncan still has no children himself, and I would rather see him sit as Prince of Summerhall when your time comes than Jaehaerys, for though Jaehaerys is strong of mind, his health is the key issue. Summerhall is the key to holding the Stormlands from invasion, and it is a strong symbol of Targaryen power. Duncan needs to have an heir who is healthy and can lead men, if not from his own body than surely Aelix is the next best option?"

Aegon bristles slightly then and says. "Whilst Duncan may have no children with Jenny, Jaehaerys has children, Aerys will be Jaehaerys heir, and will be more than capable of ruling should anything happen to Duncan and Jaehaerys. You need not worry on that account Your Grace. Allow Aelix some more freedom before we confine him to marriage."

Brynden grits his teeth then and says. "I will not allow a half Blackfyre to rule Summerhall Aegon. Good men and women have died over the past sixty years fighting to keep the Blackfyres from any sort of power. I will not give them the satisfaction of having one of their own sitting in one of the most powerful seats in the realm. No Aelix must wed and he must wed soon, he has been a bachelor for long enough now."

Aegon does not shout but his tone is deathly cold when he replies. "You might not want a Blackfyre sitting in Summerhall, but might I remind you Your Grace, that Aerys and Rhaella are also Targaryen. They would rule well, and would help keep Tyrek in line. I will speak with Aelix but I can guarantee you nothing more than that." With that he bids leave to go, and Brynden grants it to him with a heavy heart.

Edwyle speaks after a moment of silence. "You could have approached that with some more subtlety Your Grace. Prince Aegon has always been sensitive when the matter of his children's lives comes into perspective. A lighter touch could have gotten him to agree more readily to the proposal."

Brynden groans then. "I am done being subtle with him, it is time his children did their duty and did what was good for the realm. That commoner that Duncan has wed has not given him an heir despite years of marriage, no pregnancies; I have a feeling that perhaps she is letting that wood's witch give her moon tea. Soon I will need to have that marriage annulled. No matter what he says, Aegon knows that having Aerys as the heir will be the biggest mistake he could make, that boy is not so stable as to rule. No Aelix must wed and soon before what we both know will come to pass comes."

They are both silent after that before they both get up and leave for their respective rooms. A few days after that meeting, news comes from Summerhall, Princess Jenny died during childbirth, the child was stillborn, Brynden gives his cousin leave to return home for some time to allow him to mourn and console his oldest son. Eventually a few weeks after that it is made official that Aelix Targaryen the third son of Prince Aegon and Princess Rhae Targaryen of Summerhall shall wed Genna Lannister when the girl comes of age. The Frey betrothal being broken a blessing in disguise. As for Duncan, well Brynden is not so heartless as to bring up potential marriages for him now no that can wait for another time.

When the council meets for the first time in a moon, some good news is finally heard. Lord Allem Dayne, Brynden's cousin by marriage speaks confidently. "I have good news my lords, Your Grace. After months of waiting, the royal bank has finally been finished. It shall stand on the Street of Copper guarded by some forty Goldcloaks with the best people there to provide services. Already demand is coming in thick and fast for use of its services. From Riverrun to Highgarden."

"That is good."Brynden replies. "How soon will we be able to match the Iron Bank for reputation and loans?"

Lord Allem is silent for a moment before he says. "I would say roughly ten or so years, the Iron Bank has fallen out of favour with the Lords of Westeros since the debacle with the Archon in Tyrosh and in Myr as well. Their repute is slowly being eroded as well. Soon we shall have their trade and custom."

Brynden nods and then turns to Maester Pycelle the young maester still so nervous and unsure of himself despite being on the council for three years now. "Pycelle what news from the West? How fares our red lion?"

Maester Pycelle is silent for a moment before he replies. "Gravely ill Your Grace. Maester Barbar writes that Lord Damon is knocking on death's door and will likely be gone by the year's end if not sooner. His son will soon be Lord of Castamere."

Brynden nods. "That is good, very good. Once Damon Reyne is dead, then we can begin thinking about the future of the Westerlands good and proper without worrying about that oath getting in the way." As he says those words he looks to Edwyle then, and though his friend's expression is neutral, he knows that his goodbrother is unsure what to think or feel, on the one hand Damon Reyne was a friend to him, on the other his death will mean that soon enough his goodson and then his grandson will be one of the most powerful lords in the Westerlands able to combat the Lannisters influence and wealth. Brynden asks a question then. "Now Maron, what news do you have for me?"

Prince Maron Martell, a sly devil but fun as hell to be around grins slightly before speaking. "Well Your Grace, as you have asked me to do the Archon of Tyrosh is now someone who is sympathetic to our cause, and our sources within the Golden Company report the discord amongst the higher ranking officers. According to one source, some of the commanders are not happy with having Maelys Blackfyre constantly leading them on death marches through the Disputed Lands and Volantis and are considering simply trying to come back to Westeros."

Brynden snorts. "Unless they kill both Blackfyres for me, they can keep dreaming. What of our friends of flame?"

Maron Martell smiles a sly smile then and says. "They are safe and secure Your Grace. There was an attempt by men loyal to the old Prince of Pentos to smuggle them to Tyrosh, but the men were killed and the Prince disappeared the next night. Both sets of children are safe, though one of my sources reports that a red priest has ventured from Volantis for them."

Brynden snaps to attention then. "A red priest? Why would a red priest be interested in them? They have no claim to the throne."

"They have royal blood Your Grace. Other than that I know not what this priest is doing so far from Asshai." Maron replies.

"Very well, I want more information as it comes. And I will want this priest dealt with should his motives be in conflict with our own." Brynden replies.

After that discussion alternates between the building of more Drummonds for the royal fleet, discussing taxes and other sources of income for the royal coffers, and finally the death of Lord Matarys Velaryon the old Lord of Driftmark, a man who had ruled the Driftmark since Brynden's grandfather had ascended the Iron Throne. The Velaryons had fallen from favour during his time, he had made some questionable moves and alliances and had even provided some support to the Blackfyres during the third Blackfyre rebellion. Still the man was a proud lord and an able soldier and as such condolences are sent to the Driftmark. Three weeks after that council meeting, a raven arrives from their sources across the sea, it seems Maelys Blackfyre has finally stirred himself from the east, an alliance with pirates has captured Myr.