139 A.L. King's Landing

King Aemon III Targaryen

The faith were finally at peace with the decisions he had made many years ago, when he had been a hot headed youth of sixteen and had wed two more girls and made it so that he now had four wives. The High Septon was a practical man and though Aemon knew that the man had not been too happy with what he had done, he had accepted it and had given the weddings his blessing. Aemon had then spent much of the past few years ensuring that the Faith was kept sweet, he had given positions of power and influence to Septons in Essos and had had new septs built within the Essosi territories that were under the throne's command. This had as such led to an increase in the followers of the faith in Essos and as such had made the High Septon and the Faith much more happier and content with the Targaryen rule, something that made Aemon sleep a lot easier at night, for he still knew how some of the more fanatical followers of the faith might demand a blood sacrifice at some point or the other.

As for his family, well a lot had come from his four wives, he loved Saera and Daenaerys the most, they were his blood and his connection to peace and sanity. Baela and Rhaena he was fond of they were more friends than true confidantes and as such were the tools he used to ensure the Driftmark and the Stepstones remained loyal and got no ideas into their heads. As to the children that he had from each marriage, well his eldest son and heir Aemon the younger who was also Rhaena's son was a worry to Aemon, for he was a weakling and seemed to be more content in nursing with his mother than playing with his other siblings. His eldest daughter Rhaenys reminded Aemon a lot of Daenaerys in that she was a very sharp child and as such knew more about certain things than many other eight year olds, that she had also bonded with her namesake's dragon was another thing in her favour. Rhaena had also borne him another two children a son Aenar who at four was stronger than his brother Aemon was at six, and a daughter Daenaera who was healthy and a robust babe. Baela had borne him four children, Alysanne who was a smart girl as well and had bonded with a hatchling dragon she had named Charon, a son named Daemon who was five years old and seemed to be just as fierce as his namesake and grandfather and had bonded with a hatchling named Saphira, Daemon's twin sister Laena was a sweet girl the perfect lady whom Aemon loved dearly, then there was two year old Maelor who was a quiet child. As for the children his two sisters had borne him, Daenaerys had given him Rhaenys, a son named Vaemon, and two girls named Daella and Daenys. Saera his favourite wife had borne him a son named Maegon who had the look of a warrior, and a daughter named Visenya who was a warrior just like her namesake. Yes as far as Aemon could tell things within the family were well and the dynasty was secured, though he did worry about the strength of his eldest son and heir, hopefully if Aemon hatched a dragon he would mature and strengthen.

Of course there were plans Aemon was making for his children's future, plans that involved a long war in Essos to ensure that the whole of the known world was under the Iron Throne's control. To this end he had called a council meeting to discuss how the plans were coming along. The small council had seen some change in recent years, Prince Viserys who had served as hand for thirty four years had died two years ago in his sleep to be replaced by Aemon's goodbrother Lord Aenys Celtigar, Lord Laenor Velaryon had also died in a quarrel with a friend of his Ser Qarl Correy and so had been replaced as master of whispers by Aemon's own wife Daenaerys, master of laws remained Lord Borros Baratheon, master of coin was Lord Lyman Beesbury and it did seem as if the old man would never die, master of ships was Ser Addam Velaryon his sister Visenya's husband, and finally there was Grand Maester Orwyle and Lord Commander of the Kingsguard Ser Criston Cole. Aemon spoke once the members had all settled down. "My lords, you all know why you are here. It has been sometime since we looked east and thought about perhaps bringing more territory into the throne's dominion. We have all heard the reports of the Slaver Alliance looking towards Volantis and bringing it back into the fold. That is something we cannot allow to happen, and so war must happen if we are to see peace for a long time."

Taking on from what he had said Lord Aenys spoke then. "As the king has requested several enquiries have been sent out to the lords ruling under the throne's name in Essos, and as such the situation is this. The Daughters can marshal somewhere between 40,000 men between them and can add some 60 war galleys. Pentos and the surrounding area of Andalos can muster some 50,000 men and some forty war galleys as well Lord Joffrey's dragon Sunfyre. Volantis and the Demon cities can muster some 30,000 men and of course there are their monstrous fleets and the dragons there as well. All in all we are in a strong position to bring down the Slaver alliance and take control of Essos. The only thing standing in our way is Bravos."

Lord Lyman spoke then. "Bravos was a city founded from people fleeing the Valyrian empire. And as such they have always reacted harshly to those who look to infringe on their own sovereignty, this is why they often hold the monopoly on financing the area of Essos so that all are tied to them and would wish to protect them from such risks. As such, with most of the Free Cities belonging to the throne and refusing the custom of the Iron Bank, Bravos has been seeing a lot of economic turmoil and as such there are different factions arising now, that we could use to our advantage."

"And what are these two factions that have arisen Lord Lyman?" Aemon asked intrigued.

"Much like how Volantis once had the tiger and elephant parties, Bravos now has two class of people. Those who believe that the only way to solve the monetary woes of the city is by going to war with the other cities under our control and trying to force them into accepting the Iron Bank. And the other party that believes that Bravos can become prosperous again by trading with the cities, not through the bank but through good honest trade and as such it seems this party is becoming the most popular majority." Lord Lyman said.

Aemon turned to his wife then and asked. "And what has your research found Daenaerys? Do you think we should take Bravos by force or by trade?"

Daenaerys was silent for a moment and then replied. "Well Your Grace, from what my research and contacts has turned up, I would suggest that Lord Lyman's suggestion of dealing with the monetary party in Bravos would be the surest way of ensuring that Bravos bends to the throne's will. Though we have more dragons than the family has ever had before, using them as a force to antagonise the Bravosi will not end well for us or for anyone else. As such, trade is the surest way to ensure that the Bravosi bend the knee to the throne, especially if they are made aware of the benefits of such an arrangement. Otherwise we shall be looking at facing down that most mysterious of cults, the Faceless Men."

Lord Borros snorted then. "Those many faced assassins? Pah, what threat could they prove to the dragons and their riders? The Bravosi have not used them for many years, and besides those would use them do not have the money to use them anymore. I say we have the faceless men removed and storm the walls of the city, with fire and blood."

Aemon smiled slightly then and said. "My lord, as tempting as that sounds. I am afraid that it might not be the best solution to the problems we face now. We are looking at a long war ahead of us, Bravos, Bravos will give us some sort of time to reduce the number of years we shall be away at war. After all Norvos, Lorath, Qohor and those cities in the north of Essos will follow Bravos' lead. We must offer them trade and resources that will make them question why they never bent the knee before. Lord Lyman that will be your job."

Lord Lyman nodded and then Ser Addam spoke, a rarity. "Your Grace, there has been some new information from across the narrow sea if you would hear it?"

Aemon nodded. "But of course Ser Addam, what news have your sources brought you?"

Ser Addam was silent for a moment and then he spoke. "Well as you know, Yunkai, Meeren and Astapor have all signed a treaty that has brought them into an alliance and as such have begun looking at different places that they can begin a campaign with which to end the control that the Throne has over Essos. Though one might expect them to go for Volantis what with Lord Laenor dead, they have instead decided to attack the lands between Volantis and the Bay. Hoping to draw out whatever men remain in Volantis, as well as to draw my father out of his castle and to ride out in battle to reduce the number of dragons that the throne has under its disposal."

Aemon nodded and then asked. "And what does your father intend to do about this threat?"

Ser Addam was silent for a moment before he said. "He intends to send some men out under the command of Ser Garon Dayne to give the Slaver forces some sort of battle to wear their men down. But he does hope that the throne will send some assistance as he does not wish to exert the full force of Volantis for this force before he knows what the situation is and what the throne wishes to be done."

Aemon nodded, what Ser Addam said made sense and so looking briefly at Daenaerys he said. "Write to your father and tell him that the throne shall soon be coming to his aid. There some things that we need to see to here before we can make a move. But I want you to return to Volantis, taking Seasmoke with you of course, and I want you and your father to deal with whatever force the Slaver alliance has sent to cause havoc. I want that force completely destroyed no matter the cost."

Ser Addam nods and then Daenaerys says. "There has also been word from Norvos Your Grace. It appears that Arnold Yronwood has begun making overtures to the High Magister, requesting some sort of financial aid in removing the Martells from power, in return for military aid against the throne and whatever forces we send to take the city. Qohor it seems are also interest in this deal and Yronwood it seems is mustering men in the Boneway."

"Is Prince Alor aware of this movement? And if so why has he not done anything about it?" Aemon asked sharply.

Daenaerys replies. "Because Prince Alor has been hooked and sinkered by Arnold's daughter Lady Lyressa, the two have begun an affair and it seems the lady is doing her best to keep Prince Alor away from Sunspear, and away from his people. Her uncle Ser Gargon has taken over the ruling of Dorne and is doing everything possible to ensure that his brother's plan goes off well."

Aemon sighed and asked. "And what of Prince Alor's grandfather where is Prince Daeron?"

His sister's next words shake him to his very core. "By now? Ghaston Grey."