Chapter 27: The Council of Oldtown

The Great Hall of the Hightower was bathed in the dim light of early evening, the flickering torches casting long shadows on the ancient stone walls. The grandeur of the hall, with its towering columns and intricate tapestries, spoke of the wealth and power that House Hightower had accumulated over centuries. Yet, as Paxter Redwyne stood before Lord Leyton Hightower, he knew that the true strength of this house lay not in its riches, but in its influence—an influence that could tip the balance of power in the Reach.

Lord Leyton Hightower, often referred to as the Old Man of Oldtown, was a figure of considerable repute. Despite his advanced age, his mind remained sharp, and his eyes, though weary, held a glint of the wisdom that had guided his house through countless political storms. Seated beside him were his sons, each a reflection of their father's cautious demeanor. The air was thick with anticipation as the gathered lords awaited Paxter's words.

"Lord Leyton," Paxter began, his voice steady as he met the older man's gaze, "I thank you for your hospitality. It is an honor to stand in the halls of Oldtown, a city that has long been a beacon of knowledge and stability in the Reach."

Leyton inclined his head slightly, acknowledging the compliment. "The Arbor is no less renowned, Lord Paxter. Your house has long been a pillar of strength for the Reach, and it is that strength that brings us together now, is it not?"

Paxter nodded, sensing the weight of the moment. "Indeed, my lord. The Reach has long been a land of prosperity and peace, but recent events have threatened that delicate balance. The ambitions of certain houses, particularly the Tarlys, have begun to unsettle the region. It is my belief that, unless we act, the Reach could be plunged into chaos."

Leyton's gaze remained fixed on Paxter, his expression unreadable. "Chaos is a word often used to describe change, Lord Paxter. And change, as we know, is inevitable. But how we manage that change—that is the true test of leadership."

Paxter allowed a moment of silence to pass, considering his next words carefully. "You are right, Lord Leyton. Change is inevitable, and the Reach is indeed changing. But it is up to us, the lords of the Reach, to guide that change in a way that preserves our stability and ensures our continued prosperity. The Tarlys, however, seem intent on disrupting that stability, and their recent actions suggest that they seek to assert control over the Mander and, by extension, the entire region."

Leyton leaned back in his chair, steepling his fingers as he regarded Paxter thoughtfully. "And what do you propose, Lord Paxter? How do you suggest we address this growing threat?"

Paxter straightened, his resolve hardening. "I propose that we, the great houses of the Reach, come together to form a coalition—one that is strong enough to counterbalance the Tarlys' ambitions. House Hightower's influence, combined with the naval power of House Redwyne and the resources of our other allies, would create a formidable force, one that could ensure the continued stability of the Reach."

A murmur rippled through the gathered lords at Paxter's words, the prospect of such an alliance clearly intriguing them. Leyton, however, remained silent, his gaze never leaving Paxter's.

"You speak of stability," Leyton said finally, his voice measured, "but stability often comes at a cost. To unite the houses of the Reach against the Tarlys is to risk open conflict. And if conflict arises, there will be consequences—consequences that could reverberate far beyond our borders."

Paxter met Leyton's gaze evenly. "I understand the risks, my lord. But I also understand that inaction could be just as dangerous. The Tarlys are already fortifying their positions along the Mander. If we allow them to consolidate their power, we may find ourselves at their mercy."

Leyton was silent for a long moment, his expression inscrutable. Finally, he nodded, as if coming to a decision. "Very well, Lord Paxter. I will consider your proposal. But before we commit to any course of action, I will need assurances—assurances that this coalition will serve the best interests of the Reach, and not simply the ambitions of House Redwyne."

Paxter inclined his head. "You have my word, Lord Leyton. The stability of the Reach is my foremost concern, and I will do everything in my power to ensure that our actions serve that purpose."

Leyton studied Paxter for a moment longer before giving a slight nod. "Then let us speak further, in private. There is much to discuss, and time is of the essence."

With that, the gathered lords were dismissed, leaving Paxter and Leyton alone in the Great Hall. The silence that followed was heavy, charged with the gravity of the decisions that lay ahead.

As Leyton gestured for Paxter to follow him to a more private chamber, Paxter felt the weight of his family's legacy pressing down on him. The Redwynes had always been a house that valued honor and loyalty, but the situation they now faced required a different kind of leadership—one that could navigate the treacherous waters of Westerosi politics without losing sight of the ultimate goal.

Once they were seated in a smaller, more intimate chamber, Leyton turned to Paxter, his expression serious. "You understand, of course, that by proposing this coalition, you are setting yourself—and your house—on a dangerous path. The Tarlys are not a house to be taken lightly, and if we move against them, we must be prepared for the consequences."

Paxter nodded. "I am fully aware of the risks, my lord. But I believe that the greater risk lies in doing nothing. The Tarlys have already shown that they are willing to challenge the established order, and if we do not act, they could seize control of the Reach. We cannot allow that to happen."

Leyton sighed, his gaze distant as he considered Paxter's words. "You are young, Lord Paxter, but you have the wisdom of a man who understands the true nature of power. House Hightower has survived for centuries by remaining cautious, by choosing our battles wisely. But there comes a time when even the most cautious of houses must take a stand. Perhaps that time has come."

Paxter remained silent, knowing that Leyton was weighing his options carefully. The Hightowers were a house with deep roots in the Reach, and their support would be crucial in any effort to counter the Tarlys. But Leyton was also a man who valued stability above all else, and he would not commit to any course of action without considering every possible outcome.

Finally, Leyton looked up, his expression resolute. "Very well, Lord Paxter. I will lend my support to your coalition, but on one condition. House Redwyne must commit to the defense of Oldtown, should the need arise. The Tarlys may be our immediate concern, but there are other threats on the horizon—threats that could endanger the very heart of the Reach."

Paxter nodded, understanding the gravity of the commitment he was making. "You have my word, Lord Leyton. House Redwyne will stand with House Hightower, and we will do whatever is necessary to protect Oldtown."

Leyton seemed satisfied with Paxter's response, but there was still a note of caution in his voice as he spoke again. "The future of the Reach hangs in the balance, Lord Paxter. The decisions we make in the coming days will shape that future, for better or for worse. I trust that you will choose your allies wisely, and that you will remember the lessons of the past."

Paxter met Leyton's gaze, his resolve firm. "I will, my lord. And I will do everything in my power to ensure that the Reach remains strong, united, and prosperous."

Leyton nodded, a small smile playing at the corners of his lips. "Then we are in agreement. I will call a council of the great houses of the Reach, and we will present your proposal to them. If all goes well, we will have the support we need to counter the Tarlys' ambitions."

Paxter felt a surge of relief at Leyton's words, but he also knew that this was just the beginning. The road ahead would be fraught with danger, and there would be no turning back once the coalition was formed. But Paxter was ready for the challenges that lay ahead. He had the support of House Hightower, and with that support, he could begin to rally the other houses of the Reach.

As Paxter made his way back to the docks of Oldtown, he couldn't help but feel a sense of anticipation. The winds of change were blowing through the Reach, and he was determined to steer his house through the storm. The future was uncertain, but one thing was clear: House Redwyne would not be a passive observer in the unfolding drama of Westeros. They would be active players, shaping the future of the Reach with their own hands.

The journey back to the Arbor was swift, the sails of the *Golden Vine* billowing in the strong winds as the ship cut through the waters of the Narrow Sea. Paxter stood at the helm, his thoughts racing as he considered the next steps.