Chapter 13: A Change in Strategy

Of course, Margaery understood who her grandmother meant by "Paxter"—Paxter Redwyne, Lord of the Arbor, who had commanded the fleet blockading Storm's End at the time.

Now fully understanding, Margaery said, "So that's why the 'Onion Knight' Davos Seaworth managed to slip his smuggler's ship into Storm's End. It was Lord Paxter's doing, wasn't it?"

"Exactly." Lady Olenna confirmed her granddaughter's guess. "After a prolonged siege at Storm's End, Randyll Tarly actually advised your father to leave a smaller contingent behind to maintain the siege while leading the Reach's main forces north to join the royal army against the rebels.

"But our foolish 'Fat Flower' seemed either too confident in the royal army's chances or too hesitant to risk his forces facing the rebels head-on. Instead, he remained obsessed with Storm's End, clashing endlessly with that damned fortress.

"Then, before long, word came that Prince Rhaegar had fallen to Robert's hammer at the Trident, and the entire war turned. And even then, your father refused to see reason, still pouring resources into the siege of Storm's End. Randyll, as a last resort, wrote that seemingly inconsequential letter to me.

"If not for that letter, Robert's two brothers would have starved within Storm's End's walls. And tell me, if they had perished, do you think Robert Baratheon, having overthrown House Targaryen, would have accepted the Reach's noble houses as easily, considering our former loyalty to the king?"

Margaery nodded thoughtfully. "So, Randyll Tarly didn't want to push things too far—he wanted to leave room for negotiation."

"Exactly. Every noble house in the Reach should thank Randyll Tarly, for he was the one person who stayed clear-headed throughout the war. And you understand now why Randyll didn't directly approach Paxter but wrote to me instead, correct?"

Margaery nodded. She understood that Randyll had wanted to be cautious and avoid any incriminating signs of "colluding with the rebels." He trusted Lady Olenna to understand his intent and to see the bigger picture. Besides, as Paxter Redwyne's aunt and mother-in-law, Olenna's advice would be more effective and safer.

"Now, do you still think Randyll Tarly is a brute without wits?"

Margaery stuck out her tongue playfully. "I didn't expect such a hidden story behind the Siege of Storm's End. Now, I see that Randyll Tarly indeed has a sharp political mind."

Lady Olenna sighed. "You should be grateful that Horn Hill is not a rich domain, nor does House Tarly have enough influence within the Reach. Otherwise, I would have advised your father to get rid of him long ago!"

Margaery felt a shiver at the glint in her grandmother's eyes. But Lady Olenna quickly returned to her usual gentle, doting demeanor as if the prior comment had been mere jest.

Once composed, Margaery asked, "Grandmother, if that's so, why doesn't Lord Randyll see the potential in Samwell? Why strip him of his inheritance?"

"That's the part I can't quite grasp. Perhaps being cast out finally pushed Samwell to his senses, causing him to change his ways."

Seeing her grandmother perplexed was a rare sight, and Margaery couldn't help but feel amused. But once she stifled her laughter, she pointed at the letter in her hand.

"Grandmother, you still haven't told me how to deal with Samwell's demands for money. Should I keep sending him funds?"

"Why not? Besides our roses, House Tyrell has money in abundance," Lady Olenna answered with a chuckle. "Such a promising young man, neglected by his father… it only makes sense we bring him to our side."

Margaery looked hesitant, recalling the incident with Carter. "But aren't you worried that Samwell will slip out of our control?"

Lady Olenna laughed. "He's a landless hedge knight; even if he jumps up and down, he can't escape our grasp. Plus, managing vassals and encouraging them to fight for our cause is an art. Since Samwell is your knight by oath, you might as well use this opportunity to hone your skills."

"I don't have the right to knight anyone—it was done on behalf of my father…" Margaery stammered modestly before continuing in a softer tone, "But Grandmother, if Samwell succeeds with this latest scheme, what if he asks for more? Surely I can't just keep funding him indefinitely."

"That's why you need to set rules—don't let him lead you by the nose."

"What kind of rules?"

"A simple way is to give him a set amount each month, regardless of his requests. Or, you could link rewards to his progress—offering more funds if he reaches certain milestones and withholding money if he falls behind. The important thing is to keep control. Don't just react every time he writes to ask for funds."

"I understand." Margaery nodded thoughtfully. "But Grandmother, what exactly was your original plan for Samwell?"

"At first, I assumed Samwell was a timid fool, so I thought a firm hand would keep him in line. Now it's clear that won't work. But don't worry. Just as flowers grow toward sunlight, people gravitate toward their interests. As long as you keep hold of that string, you can control anyone—especially someone like Samwell, who is both clever and ambitious."

Margaery's eyes sparkled with excitement, though she looked a bit nervous. "Grandmother, you wanted him to settle in that specific place for some reason. I assumed it was related to Dorne, but I haven't figured out the full picture yet. I'm a bit worried I'll mess up your plan."

"How to handle Dorne isn't clear to you yet?"

Margaery shook her head.

Lady Olenna coaxed her gently. "Then consider this: how did the Iron Throne bring Dorne under its influence?"

"Through marriage alliances."

"Marriage was only the end result, not the reason. If marriage alone could conquer nations, what would we need armies for? Without Daeron I's assault on Sunspear that crushed the Dornish dream of independence, do you think House Martell would have willingly married off Princess Myriah to King's Landing? Consider carefully: when 'Aegon the Conqueror' couldn't subdue Dorne with his dragons, how did Daeron I manage to do it without them?"

Margaery thought deeply before answering uncertainly, "Rivers?"

"Exactly. The Red Mountains form a natural barrier, making Dorne nearly impossible to conquer by land alone. But rivers? They are the key to Dorne."

Margaery nodded in understanding but still looked curious. "So that's why you suggested that Samwell establish his settlement at the mouth of the Torrentine River. But, Grandmother, what exactly should he do there?"

"Be patient, my dear. A skilled gardener understands that patience is essential. Once a seed is planted in the right place, all that remains is watering and care—time will bring the results. Besides," Olenna added with a smile, "Todder tells me that Samwell claims he can conduct legitimate business in that barren area. I'm quite curious to see what surprises he has in store."

(End of Chapter)