Reviews
molefu101
I have no plans to.
Ranmaleopard
Well then. Here is more.
Even with the derp feature Tywin Lannister is a clever man, at least when compared to the other lords.
Team Builder
Part 56
Tourney Grounds. Outside of Kingslanding.
Tywin Lannister did not really care for tourneys, they were expensive and resources spent on them could be put to work better elsewhere, but he understood their importance and so he put up them even funding a few if he felt the need.
Such distractions amused the smallfolk, giving them a break from their labours, and helping to keep them productive. Smallfolk who were productive were busy and less likely to go against their betters.
These events also gave the knights a chance to show their skills, and to practice them somewhat even if it didn't compare to actual fighting, and for Tywin it was good to be able to scout out talent. He had a need for men who were talented with their swords and lances.
The Lion of Casterly Rock was often in need of skilled killers, men he could unleash upon his enemies or send out to punish a bannerman who wasn't showing proper respect. Buring a village or two on some lords' lands could be enough to keep the rest in line.
He was annoyed by the recent disappearance of Ser Amory Lorch, the fool was most likely dead in some ditch after drinking too much and angering someone who was not intimidated by a knight, even one in service of House Lannister.
Lorch was supposed to be fighting in the melee as Clegane would be, and they both had their uses. On the other hand, perhaps it wasn't a great loss. If he found some skilled young warriors here at another one of Robert's many entertainments then perhaps Lorch lands could be placed in the custody of someone who had at least some brains to go with their brawn.
That was why he was out here, watching the qualifying rounds, the men winning matches here were not well-known knights or the sons of powerful lords, and as such, they wouldn't already be in service to someone important or wealthy. It was best to get such people into his service before they were noticed.
Given recent events, it seemed more important than ever to make sure he had plenty of knights and other skilled warriors in his service. The Ironborn Rebellion had cost the Lannisters their fleet and many warriors. The House's forces needed to be rebuilt.
Tywin felt in his guts that there would be troubles ahead. He'd seen the dragon and while he'd forbidden his family to ever speak of it, following King Robert's command, by now stories of a dragon and sea monster doing battle would have spread across the entirety of Westeros.
As would tales of the storm god who had ended the Greyjoy family, although few even among the smallfolk would ever believe the stories as no one trusted the words of an Ironborn. Even if that sudden and focused storm had been rather odd.
The Lion of Lannister didn't believe in Grumpkins and Snarks, these new riders in black, or any of the other fantastical things he was hearing, but he knew that trouble was ahead. The smallfolk were scared, the kind of scared that can turn into anger, and could lead to uprisings.
Besides if dragons had returned to the world, assuming that they had truly ever left, then who knew what else might be out there that should be confined to children's stories. It would be best to be cautious and to prepare for danger.
That was why he'd ordered the creation of scorpion bolt launchers for the defence of Casterly Rock. The Dornish had one used them to kill a dragon and if those savages could do it then so could the men of the Westerlands.
He'd also come here because not only did it get him out of the city, and away from two of his idiot children for a time, it gave him to chance to observe a certain Magister of Braavos who had for unknown reasons decided to enter the melee.
This was odd as Braavos was a sea power. They had fine sailors, and their water dancers could be as deadly as any lord's men at arms, but they were not the type of people to fight even in pretend wars. The Braavosi made use of sellsword companies when they needed an army they didn't train knights as they did in most of the Seven Kingdoms.
Marek Dovahkiin was odd for a Magister, he was young and influential, from what little Tywin knew of the merchant lord he was shaking up the status quo over in Braavos and he was believed to be incredibly wealthy. So rich that he'd brought an entire guild and he was rumoured to give out lavish gifts so as to gain support.
A while back he'd sent Tywin Lannister and the other Lord Paramounts as it turned out, a set of cards meant to be used in a game that was becoming popular with some of the knights under his command and even a few lesser lords. Tywin had given his deck, something he hadn't thought of much at the time, to one of his brother's sons to play with.
Now he was wondering if he should have kept the cards and had copies made as the game seemed to be growing quite popular. Playing such games could be useful as even the Warden of the West needed to unwind sometimes and you could learn about a person when engaging in such activities with them.
What surprised Tywin most was the man had female guards. Was the Magister mocking the warriors of Westeros by saying his women were equal to the guards of the lords? Or was he confident in being able to protect himself?
Tywin would admit if only to himself, that they were pleasant to look at, and he knew that women could be quite dangerous to men who underestimated them. You don't need much physical strength to stab someone with a dagger. But they would be quickly overwhelmed by real fighting men in a straight-up fight, or so he thought.
Since he was a Lord Paramount and Magister Dovahkiin was a mere merchant, granted an important and wealthy one, that meant Tywin would not go to him, but sending a second son to talk with a Magister was socially acceptable.
On the subject of his youngest son, the dwarf was even now waddling his way over to his father who was sheltering in the stands in the section that had been reserved for the lords who wished to view this part of the tourney.
Tywin hoped that the Imp had been somewhat useful in getting some information on the Magister who had offered to sell House Lannister a new Brightroar.
"Good day, father" greeted Imp.
Tywin did not wish to exchange pleasantries with the dwarf.
"Well?" asked the older man.
He badly wanted a new Brightroar and the Warden of the West would get both of the swords that were for sale no matter the cost, he just wished to be able to lower that cost as he had a fleet to rebuild.
"Magister Dovahkiin is content to let the Iron Bank handle the sale of the swords," said his stunted son "Despite my urgings he believes he can get a better deal by letting the bankers sell the second sword to whoever bids the highest".
Twyin was disappointed, but not surprised, you didn't become the newest Magister of Braavos by being a fool. You achieved this by being a shrewd investor and by seizing any opportunity you could get your hands on.
Nor had the Iron Bank hadn't become one of the most powerful organisations in the world by letting themselves be easily swayed. The keyholders would be collecting a fee from the sale and therefore they would wish to profit as much as possible from the swords.
"He has no interest in lands or tiles in the Westerlands due to having him home in Braavos," the son told his father "He pointed out that the distances involved make it undesirable, and I don't think he cares about marriage, although I will enquire about it when next I talk to him".
The Iron Bank wouldn't want the hand in marriage of a Lannister woman or a lordship, or a castle. Tywin had been hoping to tempt the Magister with such things.
"Did you find out anything of use?" asked the Lord Paramount.
The Imp surprised him by having some interesting news.
"As it turns out the Magister would like to do some business with House Lannister" the dwarf answered "He has some designs for new kinds of ships that you might want to take a look at if you are set on rebuilding the Lannister fleet".
That was something Tywin needed to deal with and one of his agents had mentioned that the Magister arrived on his own ship which seemed to be different that the ones that normally came to Kingslanding from Braavos.
"He offered to go into the vodka business with me personally" his youngest son was now saying "He wants to focus his trade with Kingslanding, Gulltown, and White Habor, so he suggests that I should make and sell vodka to the Westerlands, the Riverlands, and The Reach. He thinks going into business for myself would help to secure my future".
Tywin was about to dismiss such an idea. Even his deformed son was still a Lannister of Casterly Rock and such business dealings with best handled by the Lannisters of Lannisport. Then Tywin realised that there might still be a way to get a reduction in price for the swords he desired.
"Tyrion I want you to go to Braavos with Magister Dovahkiin" he stated.
The Imp was rather surprised by this instruction.
"Father?" he said.
At least the stunted fool was only seeking clarification rather than refusing to do his duty to his noble house.
"I want those swords, so I'll send a group to Braavos, someone who can verify that the swords are real and I have someone who can negotiate terms with the Iron Bank" explained Tywin "Your task will be to befriend the Magister, try to get him to lower his price. Ask to stay with him. Find out about these ship designs, and what products he wishes to sell here in Westeros".
The older Lannister had more to say.
"Prove yourself in this assignment I will fund you as you go into business for yourself" promised the Warden of the West.
His son had not been expecting this.
"I would have thought mere business to beneath a lion of the Rock," said the Imp.
Normally it would be, but Tywin wanted to find some use for his youngest child. Besides, the trade of vodka in a few of the kingdoms could be profitable and it might be another way of ensuring the Lannisters' prosperity.
"You have some wits about you" admitted the older man "And running a business even for a short time will be a good test of your intelligence and your ability to manage people".
He never would have given such responsibility to the twins, but second sons often had to fulfil different obligations than their older siblings.
"If it works out and I find you suitable for duties more suited for a Lannister," said Tywin "then the running of the vodka trade can be given over to another. If it is successful you will have a source of income all your own and a powerful Magister as a business partner who might be useful to us in the future".
Tyrion did like the idea of being able to prove himself. Plus, he had a desire to travel, to see more of this world
"I'll ensure that you have more than enough coin to purchase these designs you mentioned" Tywin was now saying "Have them sent to me so the shipwrights can look over them, and find out what else he has that might be of use to our house".
Tyrion couldn't believe his luck. He would get to visit one of the Free Cities and spend time with one of the few people who seemed to have something between his ears. Marek Dovahkiin had not made a single joke about Tyrion or even commented on his size. In fact, he'd seemed happy to meet the Imp.
"I will do as you command and make my way to Braavos," said the dwarf "You'll be glad to have me gone for a while. I am sure".
Tywin wondered why Jaime couldn't be this easy to direct. Perhaps he could be when he had a Valyrian steel sword to play with and another to give to Robert in exchange for Jaime's release from the Kingsguard. Only time would tell.
Team Builder
Part 57
Tourney Grounds. Outside of Kingslanding.
"That was boring" complained Ciri as I returned from the qualifying rounds of the archery contest, "When does the fun stuff start?".
The smallfolk seemed to enjoy watching people shoot arrows at targets, but it wasn't as if they had much else in the way of entertainment, and there are people who enjoy displays of such skills even in my world.
"It should be more entertaining tomorrow" I assured Ciri "There's been a delay in the proper contrasts because the king wants two melees, one on one combat, and a free for all, so this has pushed everything back while the people organising this find fighters for a free for all".
I should be part of both of those contests since I'd done well enough in the qualifying rounds for the melee so far. I might have to bribe some other greedy fool, but the money they wanted was pocket change for me.
"A lot of lords went to see the qualifying rounds" commented Natasa as I took a seat outside of my fancy tent "Do you think they were looking for talented fighters?".
I did since I'd been informed as much.
"Tyrion Lannister told me as much," I said to the former S.H.I.E.L.D. agent "Tywin Lannister at least is looking for some skilled fighters and so likely some of the other lords are as well. Recent events have made them a bit nervous".
Which they couldn't be blamed for. As the half-man had mentioned, these were strange times.
"So Marek, do you think you'll win the archery contest?" enquired Ciri as she helped herself to a horn of ale.
Given the lavish prize money offered by King Robert, it would be worth coming here if I only won that one contest. The generousness of the prizes was a reflection of the status of the host so Robert was spending a fortune and I suspected that the prizes would be more ridiculous if Jon Arryn wasn't Hand of the King.
"I should do," I said "Two thousand gold dragons could help a lot with the uplift".
As I spoke I saw that Natasa was working out some figures in a book.
"You know if you win the archery contest and the melee you're going to have a lot of gold you don't really need" she commented.
I planned to use that money to encourage lords to invest some time and labour in a few projects. That was why I needed to win some contests as the lords would be far more likely to listen to me if I was seen as a warrior.
Better roads, aqueducts, sewage systems, better farming methods, there were plenty of things I could introduce to improve things here in Westeros.
"Have you considered building an army and conquering one of the Free Cities or the Stepstones?" the Black Widow asked me "With your wealth and the promise of lordships you could attract a lot of minor nobles to your side if you chose to conquer somewhere".
I had thought about becoming a conqueror I'd decided against it because I was trying to uplift the known world and while war can advance technology that's not how things work here.
"For a while, I did consider trying to conquer Slavers Bay and to uplift it by force, but it wouldn't be very practical," I said, "It just made more sense to become a Magister of Braavos and try to use trade to advance this world".
To some degree, it was working. New goods were being traded, more jobs were being created, and I felt sure that Braavos would begin building new kinds of ships once they saw how profitable the Greywind was for me.
"I even considered going north of the Wall and trying to civilize it by force so I could build my own kingdom," I told Natasha "But the land and the natives are very hostile. Braavos is more advanced than the rest of this world and its people aren't as stuck in their ways as they are elsewhere".
The Black Widow made some notes in her books.
"The problem I see in trying to uplift the Seven Kingdoms or the Free Cities is that a lot of powerful people are invested in the status quo," she said, stating something I was well aware of "They don't want things to change. Braavos is more accepting of change sure, but there are limits to how far you can push your agenda, and you're going to struggle against those limits".
I had already considered this and it was why I was so focused on becoming rich and influential outside of Braavos., and then using my wealth to bring about some changes in Westeros. But there was a limit to how many problems could be solved by throwing money at them.
"If you were to conquer even one of the Stepstones then you could build the kind of society you want," Natasha said to me "You wouldn't need to worry about lords getting in your way because anyone with a position of authority there would owe their position to you".
It was worth thinking about. Even if the whole thing collapsed once I was gone from this world my mission would still have been completed and that was what mattered. However, there were some issues with outright conquering those islands.
"I don't think the Free Cites would like it if I took over the Stepstones" I pointed out "And Dorne might feel threatened".
The Free Cities could afford to hire a sellsword army of their own and the lords in Dorne had fighting men of their own.
"Just summon a dragon if they get any ideas" suggested Ciri.
Unlike the Targaryen dragons, the dragons I summoned from Skyrim didn't stick around after the fight so they couldn't be poisoned and no mob would be able to find them. But such use of brute force wouldn't win me many allies.
"Aegon the Conqueror took over most of Westeros with three dragons and a small army" Natasha, who had clearly been reading up on local history, pointed out "One of the Targaryens conquered the Stepstones with a single dragon, even if it didn't last".
In 106 AC, Daemon Targaryen and Lord Corlys Velaryon, known as Lord of the Tides, allied together to conquer the Stepstones, due to Prince Daemon desiring his own kingdom and Corlys wanting to rid the Stepstones of its rule by the Triarchy, which was an alliance of three of the Free Cities that had long since collapsed.
While Corlys provided the Velaryon fleet, Daemon flew on his dragon, Caraxes, he led an army of adventurers, hedge knights, youngest sons of lords and other fighters.
After conquering all but two of the islands, Daemon declared himself King of the Stepstones and the Narrow Sea in 109 AC, being crowned by Corlys Velaryon.
The Triarchy launched a massive fleet under Racallio Ryndoon to retake the isles, and Dorne joined the alliance against Daemon. If I did become a conquerer I would need to make sure that there was no alliance strong enough to threaten me.
These days what passed for civilization in the Stepstones were pirates, smuggling gangs, slavers, and other groups that would only look after themselves. They would not be able to work together.
If I got together enough hedge knights, sons of lords who were looking to make their own way in the world, adventures and other fighters, then I could have an army.
Westeros was in no state to go to war to stop me because they'd just finished a war, and the lords here were busy playing the game of thrones with each other.
"The Free Cities could become a problem" I mused "A new power rising up the in Stepstones could be seen as a threat to them".
Natasha must have spent quite some time thinking things over. Even I didn't have detailed plans like hers when it came to conquest. I'd been focused on becoming a Magister of Braavos and then using that position to spread a web of influence over the known world.
Now that I was a Magister and my webs of influence were being spun. It was time to consider making bolder moves.
"You'll need to win some of the Merchant-Princes over" advised the Black Widow "Bribe them, offer their ships safe passage through the Stepstones with toils, and if you need to then you should kill a few of them. I'd consider finding some way to destabilise Slavers Bay if only to give the Free Cities something else to worry about".
I already had some ideas on that. I could do to the slave masters in Slavers Bay what I did to the Greyjoys. I could get Ciri to teleport me into their pyramids and then simply kill the masters. If I had enough time I could loot their treasuries.
New masters would raise up in time, but it wouldn't happen overnight, and it would prevent Slavers Bay from interfering with my conquest of the Stepstones. Perhaps if I fucked up the Dothraki I could screw with the slave trade enough to keep the Free Cities that used slaves from being able to interfere with my conquest.
"We'll need ships, a lot of supplies and support," said the Black Widow "Even with your wealth it would take between six months and a year to prepare. Actually getting any army together won't be that hard if you make the right promises and can supply pay. It's the logistics of feeding, arming, and transporting them, that's going to take time to set up".
I wondered how much work that would be for me. Even with my minions and Natasha, I might need to seek more help.
"It sounds like for now I should just keep doing what I have been doing" I reasoned "Build up a reputation, make some allies, find ways to increase my income and take out people who could get in my way".
In the short term agreeing to this plan wouldn't change much for me.
"I think so," said Natasha "I'll have to look more into how that Targaryen Prince managed it, we'll need ships so try to make connections with people who could lend us some ships for a reasonable price".
Given King Robert's spending, the crown should soon start building up a lot of debt. Perhaps when the time came I could offer to help with the debt in exchange for support from the royal navy.
I was giving the idea some more thought and starting work on carving the pieces for a new chessboard (meant to be a gift to someone I might want support from later) when a knight came over to my little camp.
"Magister Dovahkiin," said the man in armour "Lord Rosby wishes to speak with you".
The arrogance of the local nobility was impressive. They thought they could just send for me like I was some mere trader.
"I'm free for a few hours," I said.
It was easy to tell that the knight was annoyed that I wasn't going to go running to his lord.
"He wishes to speak with you now," the native insisted.
One day the lords of these lands would kneel before me and beg for my favours. People in Braavos paid tribute to me when not so long ago I had chased after their attention. It would be the same here.
"Very well," I said, "If your lord insists".
The knight led me, Ciri and a couple of my guards to another fancy tent that contained a lord who right away I knew to be an old and wealthy man. He had a lot of red silk about and other trappings that let me know that he had more money than sense.
"Magister Dovahkiin," said the important man "I am Lord Gyles Rosby".
I took a seat when offered one, and sipped at the wine he offered that had been served in a golden goblet. I wasn't worried about him having slipped something into my drink as I knew a spell to counter such things.
"How are you enjoying Kingslanding?" I was asked.
Hopefully, he'd skip the small talk when he realised that I wasn't interested in pleasantries.
"It stinks," I said.
To my surprise, the old man laughed.
"Yes, it does" he agreed "I prefer Rosby, but my lands supply much of the food to Kinglanding's lords and ladies, so I have to often visit to ensure that the Red Keep is well supplied".
I recalled that the majority of the supply of food for King's Landing comes from Rosby and Stokeworth. Well that and the Reach, but that is what feeds the smallfolk. The nobility gets their food directly from the Crownlands so it's fresher.
That was why it wasn't the people in the Red Keep going hungry during the War of the Five Kings. Food was cut off from the Reach and the Riverlands were a totally mess so you couldn't buy goods from there either.
"Stokeworth mostly supplies meat and grain" Lord Rosby "I deal more in fruit, vegetables, that sort of thing, and most importantly I ensure that the royal family is supplied with the best wine and ale".
I think I knew where this was going. I'd heard that my vodka was popular with the elite and enjoyed with chilled fruit juices as it was in Braavos. I was going to need to use a portkey to bring more here just to keep Tyrion supplied.
"So I wish to ensure that the royal family keep being well supplied," said the lord "To that end, I desire to purchase regular shipments of vodka from you".
That was possible, but not the best outcome for my mission.
"I can supply you," I told the Crownlands noble "But why not make your own? That way you wouldn't be dependent on me to make regular shipments and you could sell vodka to everyone in the Crownlands".
It was clear to me he hadn't even considered that option. I would allow it because I could only produce so much, I'd be able to easily meet demand much better if only exported vodka to Gulltowen and White Habor.
"I'd be willing to sell you means to produce your own vodka in exchange for a small portion of your profits".
That would be less work for me and it would force this lord to build new stills, thus trying something new.
"The Iron Bank can draw up a contract between us" I suggested "And while there are others with an interest in producing vodka they don't have connections here in the Crownlands. You could even export into the Stormlands if you wished".
Rosby gave the matter some thought. I imagined that he might want to buy from me directly in case vodka became unfashionable in the Red Keep and the demanded dried up. If that happened hen he could just stop importing it. However, if he invested in the infrastructure to make his own and sales dropped it could cause problems for him.
It amused me how the lords of Westeros looked down on trade when they were dependent upon it to stay in power. I would prove that you could be both a merchant lord and a warrior.
"I'll call for you when I've made up my mind" stated the lord.
He wasn't someone I wished to spend time with anyway and as much as it prickled my pride to be dismissed like I was a mere servant, I needed to put up with people like this to advance my plans. I soothed the irritant by reminding myself that I was advancing my position.
Team Builder
Part 58
Tourney Grounds. Outside of Kingslanding.
The watching smallfolk cheered loudly as I brought up my steel shield, made lighter by mixing in some mithril with the iron, just in time to block the blow of the mace that would have struck my shoulder, or even my head if I hadn't reacted so quickly.
Such a blow could have cost me this match if it connected, unlikely as that was, as while my armour was vastly superior to anything the locals could make its protection wasn't absolute. A good blow to my head would be unwelcome.
The shield would not be broken or dented by the blows that had rained down upon it as the hedge knight I was going up against was putting on a show as much as he was trying to win. No doubt he wished to catch the eye of some lord or perhaps to impress somebody's daughter.
Right now my concern was focused on the giant of man, he was tall even by my standards, and he was trying to beat me down with mace. It was a blunt instrument in more than one sense of the word, however, it was still heavy and the man swinging it about, who was a poor knight judging by the quality of his armour, could put a lot of strength behind each blow.
The crowd were loving every second of this, despite the fact that this knight might seem to them to be trying to smash me into a sticky paste or at least leave me a bruised mess. I didn't think they'd mind much if I got my skull broken as long as I put on a mood show.
My superior reflexes and strength were keeping me safe, and already the man's blows were slowing down, they were becoming weaker as well. Hardly unexpected given the sheer weight of his weapon as well as the armour he wore. He lacked my superhuman strength and stamina.
I blocked blow after blow, knowing that if my shield did somehow break or if I missed a strike I would be in trouble, but I kept myself safe and wore the hedge knight down, letting the combat drag on while remaining far more in control of the situation than it would appear.
Defeating the hedge knight would have been simple enough, even without Shouts, magic or one of my special weapons, yet I had let things drag on so the smallfolk would cheer for me and their betters would be amused. After all, they came here for the spectacle, to be entertained, this wasn't only about proving my superiority as a warrior.
When I could hear the hedge knights panting over the cheering of the crowd I knew it was time to go on the offensive. I wanted to hide my true skill as a fighter, but I couldn't come off as weak either.
This time I didn't just block the blow, I used my shield to force the mace aside and swung my sword around. The knight brought up his shield to block, and from that moment on he lost his momentum. Unlike me he wasn't allowing his shield to be struck, he'd lost all control.
Most serious duels were over rather quickly with the stronger, and often more skilled warrior overpowering his foe's defences before going in for the kill. In a tournament, both knights held back so as not to kill or seriously injure each other, and they fought to entertain as much as to show off their skills.
Now I was working to end the match rather than to make the crowd happy, or to hide my true skill. Using my shield, which would already need repainting after this, I bashed into the large warrior with such force that he soon began to topple backwards onto the dirt.
For a moment it looked as if he might regain his balance, however, I didn't allow this, and once more I used my shield to unbalance the enemy knight, who fell to the ground. He couldn't simply get back up, since he was tired and he was in full armour.
Before he could even attempt to roll out of the way I had my sword pointing at his heart. It wouldn't penetrate the armour, it was a blunted blade, and his chest was well protected, but the move made it clear that I considered him to be defeated.
"I yield," said the hedge knight.
Perhaps I could have let the man get up and carry on fighting, I didn't due to his breathing, he'd not last long even if he could get back up and the knight knew it. He let go of his shield and mace, and I did the same before helping the man to his feet.
Despite having looked as if I was going to get pulverised mere moments ago as far as the crowd were concerned I'd turned the tables against what looked to be a superior foe, and as I helped the man I'd just defeated to get off the field the crowd cheered all the more loudly.
Before long I headed back into the fancy tent that was waiting for me just a few moments after my match against Ser whatever his name was, had ended, and I sat down on a chair designed to take the weight of a man in full armour.
I'd won, and I could have beaten the man sooner, but I'd needed to make it look good so I'd let the match drag on longer than it needed to. Of course, the crowd had loved it, and the people had not only accepted my victory, but they'd also cheered me as Ser, who cares what his name was, fell to the ground and yielded to me.
Despite how tiring that had been I had to admit, to myself at least, that it had been fun to play at fighting like that. It had been far too long since I'd traded blows with anyone outside of a bit of training back at the Manse. I spent far too much time making deals, doing research and finding ways to spread my influence.
"Looks like you won over the crowd," said Natasha.
This was important as while impressing the lords matter being liked by the smallfolk could also have a positive impact on my plans to spread my influence over the Seven Kingdoms.
"It's more work than it looks," I told the assassin.
Although it wasn't actually that dangerous, as we used weapons meant for practising rather than killing, and our armour was of high quality, relatively speaking, however when fighting in the duel, ring it can feel very deadly. The crowds certainly cheered as if it was all real.
"You have another bout this afternoon" Natasha needlessly reminded me "I'll have one of the maids prepare you a light lunch, you don't want a heavy meal before a duel, and you there's formal meal tonight so you'll have plenty to eat then. I recommend a good night's sleep after that".
It was sweet how much she already cared for me. She was certainly showing her maternal side.
"Sounds like a plan," I said.
While the main feast was still a few days away, the winners of today's matches would dine with the king tonight and tomorrow if they kept winning, this would give everyone the chance to get to know each other.
Many of the knights were from quite some distance away, and the royal family would be formally introduced to the visiting warriors before sitting down to dine. I supposed that this could be considered an honour.
I didn't care much for the formal meet and greet, but I might get the chance to introduce myself to a few VIPs this evening. I needed to make connections that would be useful for my future plans.
"You should rest" Natasha urged.
I would do just that and then prepare next match, which again I would have to allow to drag on. At least the crowd would enjoy that, and I was impressing some of the noble ladies judging by some looks I'd gotten.
The maids I'd brought with me certainly seemed impressed as they began to remove my armour and I was glad that the supplies sent to me by the CYOA included hygiene products or I'd smell rather bad by now.
"There's no need to wash me," I told the maids who were as eager to serve as ever "Just get my lunch and I'll check my armour once you've cleaned it".
It was important to properly maintain your equipment and while a blunted sword could be easily replaced my armour was the product of a lot of work. I'd transmuted a small fortune of iron ore to get the amount of ebony and mithril that I'd used to make steel with special properties.
"Lord Rosby just sent a note," Natasha told me.
Ciri was off watching the other matches and she had no love of deal-making and politics anyway so it was for the best she went off to find her amusements.
"He agreed to my terms," I said after reading the note.
The old man had thought over my offer and waited for me to start winning before agreeing to the deal I suggested. Not surprising given the 'might makes right' attitude of these savages.
"When we return to Braavos I'll inform the Iron Bank and arrange the contract," said the Black Widow "You should write a thank you note".
I'd let the bank sort out the details and make sure that I got a small share of the profits from the sales. The Iron Bank would take its share as well, and it was worth it because even the lords in Westeros would think twice before failing to give the Iron Bank its due.
Since I didn't need to do anything about that business once the note was done and sent off via a maid, I finished eating and decided to lie down for an hour. I wanted to be fresh for my match later, although the feast tonight would be more tiring since I'd have to deal with the smug cunts that passed for nobility in the Seven Kingdoms.
This made me glad that the Black Widow was willing to handle so many of the details for me. She was enjoying her role as far as I could tell and she was good at it.
I was roused from my nap by one of the maids who let me know that Ser Rork Waters was here, it took me a moment to recall who that was. The hedge knight I'd just defeated was a bastard from the Riverlands and he'd come here to pay his ransom.
An old tradition in these sorts of events was that if you lost a match you had to hand over your armour to the winner or pay its value to the winner. I couldn't help wondering if that rule had been suddenly implemented because some important knight wanted to win my fancy-looking armour.
I recalled from the Dunk and Egg series that it was possible for a knight to lose his armour, sword and horse as ransom. Since the melee was being fought with blunted tourney swords and on foot, only our armour was at stake during the matches.
"Invite him in" I instructed as I took a seat at my big table.
I poured some watered-down wine into two goblets. The man was a bastard hedge knight, but I wouldn't hold that against him, and since he had a bastard's name he might have an important father, so no sense in being rude.
Natasha must be busy with some tasks as she wasn't here to make the introductions or see the man in.
"Ser Rork," I said, "I am Magister Marek Dovahkiin of Braavos".
The young man took the offered seat and the wine. He was now wearing a simple tunic so it seemed safe to assume that he has armour ready to hand over.
"I can't afford to pay the ransom, Magister" he admitted.
Since I had no need for his armour, I could make better stuff with one hand tied behind my back, and he wouldn't have enough coin to be worth taking, I decided to make him an offer.
"Keep your armour," I told him "I want a favour for your ransom".
I could see the glint of hope in the man's eyes.
"One day I might call upon you for a service" I explained "Nothing that would dishonour you or violate your oaths I promise".
Rork agreed and then left, a smile on his face, I wondered if he would spread the word of my kindness to others. That would be worth more to me than a poor knight's set of armour.
Team Builder
Part 59
The Red Keep. Kingslanding.
This Great Hall, the very place where the king would hold court, listen to concerns, render judgment and give out honours, had been converted into a suitable location for a large feast.
Despite the entertainment, such as the jugglers, bards and fools, and the sheer amount of food on offer, this feast was just one of many that I might attend should I keep winning during the tourney and I certainly intended to keep winning.
The Great Hall was packed with people from the very elite such as the King, the Queen, the Hand of the King, Tywin Lannister and other lords who were important enough that Robert had to pretend to be friendly with them.
While the ruling monarch wasn't a fan of the Dornish or the Tyrell family they were granted seats at the table that faced towards the door, meaning that the rest of us could check out who was honoured by being placed near the king.
Further down the hall were the guests such as myself who were too important to ignore, but not worthy enough to sit near the important people. I sat here with some minor lords, other important merchants, knights of some reputation and Tyrion Lannister who'd taken a seat next to me even though he could have gotten a place at a better table.
While the nobility sat at the 'high table' and the important visitors were close by, the more important commoners sat at lower trestle tables. Hedge knights, lesser merchants, squires and a few bastards as well I'd guess.
Salt was placed in the centre of the high table and only those of a certain rank had access to it. Those less favoured on the lower tables were below (or beneath) the salt.
The middle tables had access only to small amounts of salt. Not this was a concern for me as I had brought my own. The CYOA supplied me with food and this included salt, so I ended up refilling the salt bowl at my table. This might not seem like a big deal, but it was a display of my wealth to share salt this so freely.
I'd considered going into the salt business for a time as I knew methods of obtaining it much more cheaply than the locals, but the salt trade was well established and it would have caused problems if I'd tried to muscle in on it. The same would have been true if I'd tried to make my fortune in wine, silks, or other goods.
Since the Iron Throne was gone, I'd stolen it, the king had a new fancy chair. One made from wood I guessed, I couldn't be sure as it was covered in furs and decorated with antlers. It was certainly not a Targaryen throne that was sure.
It suited Robert much more than the Iron Throne and since it wasn't fancy I had no desire to steal this one. Maybe one of the Lord Paramount had a fancy throne worth taking? The Seastone chair had been cool looking.
By far the oddest sight here, at least in my view, was Ciri as she wore a fancy dress or at least fancy by Braavosi standards. I'd not even known she owned a dress or that she knew how to wear one. It was laced up at the back so I couldn't see how she'd put it on alone. She must have gotten help from the maids, and that alone would have been a sight worth seeing.
She'd even done her hair and she wore earrings. It was easy to forget that she was a princess by birth. That just made it all the more satisfying that she liked me to fuck like she was a tavern wench.
"Thank you for bringing more of your vodka to this feast," said Tyrion "It makes spending time with my family far more bearable".
The king liked it so a lot of the other nobles were at least pretending to judge the stuff, which should increase sales.
"What are friends for?" I asked.
The half-man smirked.
"Are we friends?" he questioned.
Having a Lannister as an ally could be helpful in many scenarios.
"I assume your father ordered you to befriend me," I said "I see no reason to disappoint him".
The Imp didn't bother to lie to or spin the truth.
"He did" the small man confirmed, "I told him about you and sees some advantage in sending me to stay with you, other than simply having me gone from his sight".
Tywin Lannister was one of the few men in Westeros who wouldn't allow tradition or the opinions of others to stop him from using one of my inventions if it benefitted his position and could aid his family. So it made sense he'd send his youngest son to try to find some advantage.
I didn't mind gifting some of my knowledge to the Lannisters as it would only benefit my mission.
"You're welcome at the manse, my lord," I said.
The derp feature made it hard to find intelligent people to talk to. Some of my fellow Magisters weren't so dullwitted, they were just so boring that I found it hard to sustain any sort of conversation with them.
If the son of Tywin Lannister was going to stay at my manse I'd need to portkey back to Braavos and have Hermione take anything magical out of our home, and move it to the pocket dimension. Best to keep Danny there as well since Tyrion is smart enough to figure out who she really is.
"Dear Magister, if we are to be friends then just call me Tyrion," the half-man insisted.
I smiled.
"Then please call me Marek" I requested.
I didn't wish to eat the local food, but this was the Red Keep so if there was any food that wouldn't make me sick in the entire of the Seven Kingdoms it would be served in this castle. I picked at my meal and drank enough to get another man totally plastered.
Being the Dragonborn came with many benefits, including some resistance to poison it seemed, as it took a lot to get me drunk.
"Where is that lovely red-headed assistant of yours?" wondered Tyrion.
Natasha was off dealing with some matter that involved the Mountain. I had wanted to kill him in combat, but the Black Widow had insisted on dealing with the false knight herself and given that the rapist wasn't here she might have done her work already.
She was a professional assassin after all. No need to question her methods or prevent her from making use of her skills. Besides the Mountain was a murderer of women and children, even Hermione wouldn't argue about me having him murdered.
"She isn't nobility," I said "Ciri is a more suitable guest for such an event".
Tyrion leaned back so that he could look at the witcher.
"So my lady, you're a lady?" he asked.
More than that.
"I am Princess Cirilla Fiona Elen Riannon, the daughter of Emhyr var Emreis, Emperor of the Nilfgaard and daughter of Pavetta Fiona Elen the Princess of Cintra," she told my new friend "I am still the Heiress to the throne of Cintra I simply don't wish to rule so I left my homeland for adventures in far off land, and to avoid my father who wishes me to be his heir. Your father is a lot like mine from what I hear".
The half-man was surprised as was I since I knew Ciri didn't like her fancy name or titles. But she was smart to know that her noble origins could be used in some way to advance my goals. That would explain the dress and her acting as a lady this evening.
For some reason, I got the feeling that later tonight she was going to ask me for some sort of favour that I wouldn't want to grant.
"I've never heard of Nifgaard or Cintra," he said.
We couldn't exactly tell him why he'd never heard of them so I just did my best not to lie. I didn't think Tyrion thought Ciri was fibbing, and I could understand why he would question her origins even if she wasn't the only royal in exile here. There was a prince from the Summer Isle hanging about the Red Keep if I recall correctly.
"You won't find them on any map even if you went to the Citadel" I informed the Lannister Lord, "I met Ciri in Braavos when she was travelling and she agreed to become my consort for lack of a better word. I have never regretted bringing her into my life".
Tyrion was amused.
"So Marek, you are a Braavosi Magister, one who can fight as well as any knight, you're well-travelled, richer than man has the right to be if the rumours are true, and you have a princess from a far-off land as a consort" the half-man stated, "I think my time with you will be very interesting even if only half of what I know about you turns out to be true".
I wondered if it would be worth the risk to tell Tyrion the truth about myself, to show him our dragons, and my magic. I'd have to get him to make some sort of magical vow, but it could be worth it if meant I could have an actual guy friend who might be able to help with the uplift since he was part of a rich and very important family.
We ate and talked some more about things that didn't matter until I noticed some people who were going up to the high table so that they could present gifts to the royal family.
"My sister is enjoying the attention" Tyrion commented.
I couldn't tell if he was envious or just annoyed by the display of sycophancy.
"Alas, it is something I have to do to promote my interests," I said as I took out two boxes from my expanding pouch "Wish me luck in impressing your sister".
Both of the boxes were too big to have been on my person yet Tyrion didn't enquire about that for some reason. Perhaps he thought I'd been hiding them under the table. I figured that the pouch would serve as proof that I had access to magic when the time came.
I headed over to the high table and waited until the royals were free to pay some attention to me. The queen was for all her internal ugliness a striking woman on the outside and Robert still had some of his youthful vigour left at this point in his life.
"Your Grace, and Your Grace," I said as the king and queen bothered to pay me some attention "I am Magister Marek Dovahkiin of Braavos".
King Robert recognised my name despite his drunken state.
"You're the fellow who sent me that fancy warhammer" he recalled.
Not the most original of gifts, but it had served its purpose.
"Yes, Your Grace" I confirmed, "I trained under a master smith during my travels, and I come baring more treasures from far-off lands".
I placed the two boxes in front of the king and queen, making sure that each of them got the right present. The king opened his first and found an impressive-looking fang within the box.
"Take from a sabercat" I explained "Those creatures come from a land beyond Essos".
The king liked his hunting trophies and it was certainly impressive. The Daedra Merchant I'd gotten from had demanded a high price for both of the items I gifted to the king and queen. I hoped that the expense was worth it.
"I've never seen anything like this" Cersei remarked
She held in her hands a Welkynd Stone. After the fall of the Ayleids, the ways of production and proper use of Ayleid stones were gradually lost. The remaining stones could be still found inside the remains of their cities even hundreds of years after, at least up to the end of the Third Era.
Although they could be still used for restoring magicka, they would just crumble to dust after usage due to improper use. I doubted there were many left so how the Daedra Merchant had gotten his claws on one I could only imagine.
"That, Your Grace, is a treasure from the ruins of a long-lost civilization," I told the queen "I doubt that there is another of those in all of Westeros or even Braavos".
Unless some ROB sent one of their playthings here it was a guarantee that it would be the only one in this entire world. It was highly unlikely that the merchant would ever be able to sell me another.
I went back to my seat and got there just in time to see the Mountain stagger into the Great Hall, and then collapse onto the floor, when he did I saw that he'd somehow gotten a dagger in the back.
Due to his sheer size and prowess in battle, I found it hard to imagine the false knight dying from something as simple as a dagger in the back, yet it had happened and everyone here had seen it.
"Well that's a show stopper," remarked the half-man.
Now I knew that Natasha had been busying herself with. I didn't know if the big guy had managed to stagger here after being stabbed or if he'd been close by, and I also wondered if The Black Widow had wanted to cause a scene. I'd find out later.
Team Builder
Part 60
Tourney Grounds. Outside of Kingslanding.
King Robert allowed for no further delays to his Grand Tourney so the next morning I was in another ring trading blows with another Westerosi fighter, only I knew this man and while he was little better than the people on my list of corpses that needed to be made, I actually had no desire to kill to him.
This might seem odd given what he might have already done and would do if allowed to live, however, I couldn't help feeling sorry for the burned man called, Sandor Clagane, the younger brother of the Mountain so I would not end his life or send the Black Widow after him. Even if it might be better to wipe out the entire family of mad dogs.
Knowing about his lift as I did I couldn't help thinking that not killing him was the crueller thing to do. If I'd been a kinder man I'd have offered to heal his burns.
As for sparing his life, if nothing else Tywin Lannister might start to suspect that my presence here in Kingslanding had something to do with why his killers kept disappearing if he lost yet another of them in so short of a time.
The Hound, a name he might not have been given yet, didn't bother with a shield, he fought with a blunted two-handed sword. I hadn't gotten a good look at the weapon so far, but it looked like the Scottish variant of the late medieval two-handed sword known as a claymore.
I'd never bothered with such large swords myself as I preferred the longsword that could be held with one hand if I wanted to cast a spell or make use of a shield. Besides when you have blades from magical weapons their size doesn't matter much.
Sandor had no real style he just swung his massive sword at me. He was not yet the fearsome fighter he was known to be in the books/movies, that and his brother's sudden death had thrown him off his game, or perhaps he was just drunk despite it not even being lunchtime.
I moved to the side as the big man made a move that could have split my skull if I'd allowed it to land. I was not that foolish even if I had faith in my well-crafted helmet as the Hound like his brother could put a lot of power into his blows.
"Stand still you coward" the Hound demanded.
I didn't allow his petty insult to goad me into action.
"Letting yourself be struck isn't brave it's idiotic" I stated.
I really was doing the people of this world a favour by removing certain people from their gene pool.
Sandor didn't like me implying that he was an idiot and charged at me. Again I just moved out of the way, an impressive feat given that I was fearing plate armour and I wasn't exactly a small person.
I could tell that while my attempts to let the Hound wear himself out while dragging on the match had amused the smallfolk until now, the mood of the crowd had shifted, they wanted to see something different.
To amuse the audience, which now included King Robert and many important lords, I let Clegane attack again, he went past me as he did more sluggishly than before I hit him in the back.
"About time!" the monarch called out.
The Hound got his second wind and ignoring any pain caused by my blow, he attacked again and this time I blocked the blow with my shield. Then I began pushing with more strength than I should have and certainly more than Sandor was expecting.
He began struggling against me and while his muscles were tired I was still fresh, and in a moment of what I could only think of as desperation he took his dominant hand off the hilt of his sword so that he could punch my helm.
This was a mistake as the iron/mithril alloy of my helm was far stronger than normal steel and I'd forged the armour to fit me as well as it could without me being able to use modern tools, so all the Hound did was break a few of his fingers against my quality workmanship.
Had I been anyone other than the Dragonborn the blow might have still distracted me enough for him to take control of the fight, alas for Sandor I wasn't a mortal man. Something I proved when I headbutted him.
The Hound has his own helmet, that of a snarling dog, and it made a lovely clanging noise when our heads met and for a moment I smelt wine, the fighter had been drinking just before the match started.
Even for me that had been painful, but at least I'd been expecting it so when Sandor staggered back, I swung my sword into his shoulder, with the intent of not harming him, rather I just wanted him to become unbalanced.
"Fuck" the killer swore.
Despite his pauldrons, the blow caused him to fall over as he was already unsteady on his feet, and he fell onto the hard ground.
"Alright I'm done," he said "Fuck all of this".
I didn't care to hear his cursing and so I quickly made my way back to my fancy tent and found a bath waiting for me. The maids began to undress me and take care of my armour as Natasha decided that she was going to fuss over me.
As I bathed, she scrubbed my back and brushed my hair, making me wonder if she was going to stop fussing over me like this once she got pregnant or if she'd worse, either way, I'd tolerate her actions as she was doing good work for me.
"So what happened with the Mountain exactly?" I asked.
While the bells had been run last night and the guards had searched the castle for an assassin, I'd been allowed to leave in short order as the other guests. Even Tywin Lannister doesn't accuse other nobles of murder without some evidence.
I'd been seen mere moments before giving gifts to the king and queen, so there was no reason for anyone to suspect my involvement directly and little reason to think I'd been involved indirectly. What reason would a foreign Magister have to send someone to kill a Westerlands knight in any case?
Black Widow had not returned to my fancy tent until late into the knight and I'd known that she would have her reasons for sneaking about.
"I want to find out what Varys had planned in case of his death," said the agent as I got out of the bath and began to dry myself "The Keep is full of tunnels and the Spider has an office. I needed to see if he had papers as if nothing else it might give us material to blackmail some of the lords with".
Made sense as Varys had been part of the Small Council and would have chambers in the Red Keep and therefore an office.
"So you killed the Mountain as a distraction?" I asked.
Natasha nodded and I couldn't help noticing that she was looking at my cock rather than my face.
"Go bend over the table" I ordered "Then you can answer my question".
She did as she was told and as I lifted up her dress, and found that she wore a very modern black thong under her dull Braavosi clothing, I instructed her to tell me more about what she'd been up to as I removed her thong and threw it across the tent.
"I stabbed that bastard in the back with his own dagger," said Nastaha as I rubbed her pussy "I stabbed him in just the right spot so he'd bleed out slow enough for him to stumble his drunken ass in the main hall".
She'd done it effectively. No one had missed the last moments of the older Clegane.
"Then I went to the chambers the Spider kept in the Keep," she let me know.
The Black Widow was very good at ignoring distractions, even as she started to get wet, as I explored her pussy with my fingers, she kept talking.
"The man didn't have much in his office" Natasha let me know.
Well, he wouldn't have been a good spymaster if he just left important information lying around.
"But I did find a few interesting documents" Widow was now saying "Reports on expenses, taxes and information on expected crop yields.
Varys was keeping an eye on a lot of little things".
I didn't see why any of that could be considered interesting even if had been important, but to be fair I was more focused on getting Natasha wet enough for my cock.
"Did he have something like a safe?" I asked.
I slid my dick into the assassin and she did her best to not let it distract her.
"Not that I could find," she answered as I began to fuck her at a slow pace to start with, "He can't have memorised everything, he must have a stash somewhere. I want to go looking for it tonight".
The information she was hunting for could be useful to my plans so I would allow her to go out, but I'd tell her that later as right now I was more interested in slapping her firm ass.
"Time to knock you up" I stated.
Her ass looked really good when she was bent over and she accepted my slapping her backside without any complaint or signs of discomfort.
"Thank you," she said "I want you to put a baby in me".
That was the plan.
It still made me smile because I got to fuck Natasha Romanoff's tight cunt, I was fucking her and I would get to do it again. There were people out there who would kill to be able to do this just once, but none of them was ever going to get to fuck the Black Widow, to her moan like a slut as I pushed my dick deeper inside her eager pussy.
"Please don't stop" she called out "I'll do anything you want!".
Of course, she'd normally do whatever I wanted, but it was nice to hear and to have her bent over like this.
She normally did all the work and controlled the action, even if she focused on my pleasure and not hers, but there was nothing more satisfying to me than to have a powerful woman who I could just use for sex. I much prefer having this kind of power than ruling over strangers I'll never meet.
I grabbed hold of her hips and began to thrust into Natasha harder than ever before. She held onto the table and pushed her hips into mine, trying to get me as deep inside her as possible.
"Do you want my cum?" I asked.
She was eager for it.
"Please" she begged, "Cum inside me".
I almost teased her by saying something about cumming on her ass, but I couldn't be that cruel to her. Instead, I focused on pleasing myself and got myself to climax as soon as I could. There was no sense trying to please Widow when all she cared about was getting her cunt filled with my seed.
Once I was done I left the assassin to recover and went for a drink. As I did a maid entered the tent and let me know that the Hound wanted a word. It must be about the ransom.
"Give him some wine and tell him I'll be there in a few moments," I ordered.
By the time I got outside, I found the wine cup was empty and that the Hound had just left his helm behind. I was supposed to get all of his armour, but I was fine with just the helm, I would have accepted a few coins, and I figured that this prize would look in my trophy room.
I didn't yet have a trophy room, but the house with the pocket dimension would provide me with a suitable room I was sure. If it didn't I could build a museum within the pocket dimension.
"He didn't want to wait" one of my immortal warriors let me know, "He said 'fuck this city' and left".
The Hound was not my concern I had a lot of other things to focus on, including more matches.