Game of thrones: the Sunblode rise

Chapter 61: Shifting Allegiances

The war in the Riverlands had sent ripples through every corner of Westeros, from the verdant fields of Highgarden to the shadowed halls of the Twins. As Ivar Sunblode solidified his position, the decisions made by his potential allies and enemies threatened to tip the balance of power.

Highgarden: The Tyrell Delegation

The delegation from Highgarden arrived at Riverrun with much pomp and ceremony. A dozen knights in golden-green armor, their cloaks embroidered with roses, rode under the banner of House Tyrell. Leading them was Ser Garlan Tyrell, the second son of Mace Tyrell and a man known for his chivalry and skill in battle.

Riverrun's gates opened to receive the visitors, and Ivar stood at the castle's entrance, his crimson cloak billowing in the breeze. Beside him were Lysa Blackthorne and Roland Emberhill, their expressions guarded as they assessed the Tyrell party.

"Lord Sunblode," Garlan said, dismounting and bowing deeply. "House Tyrell extends its greetings and congratulations on your victory against the Lannisters. My father sends me as a token of our support."

Ivar stepped forward, his gaze cool and calculating. "Support comes in many forms, Ser Garlan. Are you here to offer words, or something more tangible?"

Garlan hesitated, his chivalrous demeanor momentarily faltering under Ivar's intense scrutiny. "Highgarden stands with the Riverlands in principle. My father believes Tywin Lannister's actions have destabilized the realm, and we seek to restore order."

"And yet," Lysa interjected smoothly, "your swords remain in the Reach."

Garlan's jaw tightened. "My father is cautious. He wishes to ensure that our intervention would be both just and… effective."

Ivar's lips curled into a faint smile, though his eyes remained cold. "Then let me make this simple for you, Ser Garlan. Tywin Lannister is vulnerable. His forces are broken, his supply lines are in disarray, and his reputation is tarnished. The time to act is now. If Highgarden waits too long, there may not be a place for you at the table when this war is over."

Roland stepped forward, his voice calm but firm. "The Riverlands have bled to keep the lion at bay. If House Tyrell truly stands for justice, then show it. Send your soldiers, your supplies—whatever it takes to end this war."

Garlan's hesitation lingered, but he finally nodded. "I will convey your words to my father. But know this—if House Tyrell commits to this war, we expect loyalty in return. The Reach does not involve itself lightly."

"Nor do the Riverlands," Ivar replied. "Your family is known for its patience, Ser Garlan. But even roses wither if left to wait too long."

The Twins: Walder Frey's Ambition

In the cold, damp halls of the Twins, Walder Frey sat upon his high-backed chair, surrounded by his ever-growing brood. His sharp, watery eyes gleamed as he listened to the messenger from Riverrun.

"Lord Sunblode has requested your continued loyalty to the Accord," the messenger said, his voice steady despite the oppressive atmosphere of the room. "He has made it clear that any betrayal will be met with swift and decisive action."

Walder snorted, his lips curling into a sneer. "He makes it sound so simple, doesn't he? Loyalty. Accord. What do I care for such things when my lands sit between two armies ready to tear each other apart?"

One of his sons, a lanky man with a cruel smile, leaned closer. "The Lannisters are rich, Father. Tywin's gold could make us powerful beyond the Riverlands."

"And what happens when Tywin loses?" another son asked, his tone cautious. "The lion is wounded, and this Sunblode is no fool. He's beaten Tywin twice already."

Walder waved a hand dismissively. "Beaten, yes. But a cornered lion is still dangerous. The question is, who do we fear more—Tywin or this upstart lord?"

The hall fell silent, the assembled Freys exchanging uncertain glances.

Finally, Walder leaned forward, his expression thoughtful. "Send word to Riverrun. Tell Lord Sunblode that the Freys remain loyal—for now. But we will require assurances. Gold, protection, and… certain considerations when the war is won."

The messenger bowed. "I will deliver your message, my lord."

As the messenger departed, Walder smirked, his fingers drumming against the armrest. "Let's see how far this wolf will go to keep his flock in line."

Riverrun: A Balancing Act

The reports from Highgarden and the Twins reached Ivar within days, and he reviewed them in the quiet of his solar. Lysa stood nearby, her expression grim as she read the missives over his shoulder.

"Walder Frey is playing his usual games," she said. "He wants bribes to stay loyal."

"Let him," Ivar replied, his voice cold. "The Freys will fall in line when they see what happens to those who cross us. For now, we give him what he wants—just enough to keep him complacent."

"And Highgarden?" Lysa asked.

"They'll commit when they're certain we'll win," Ivar said. "Until then, they'll send pretty words and empty promises. We need to give them a reason to act."

Lysa arched an eyebrow. "And how do you propose we do that?"

Ivar's gaze hardened. "By reminding the realm what happens to those who stand on the sidelines. If the Tyrells want to wait, we'll show them what it costs to hesitate. And if the Freys waver, we'll make an example of them."

"You're playing a dangerous game," Lysa said quietly.

"The whole realm is a dangerous game," Ivar replied. "And I intend to win."

The Ripple Effect

As the Riverlands prepared for the next phase of the war, the decisions made by Highgarden and the Twins sent ripples across Westeros. Allies questioned their loyalties, enemies recalculated their strategies, and in the shadows, the pieces continued to move.

For Ivar Sunblode, the path to victory was paved with ambition, fear, and ruthlessness—and he would stop at nothing to see it through.