Chapter 694: Henvry Hightower

Following its reconstruction, Myr was governed by three magisters. Salladhor Saan, backed by the Lyseni, was one of these magisters. One would assume that the Lyseni would rejoice upon hearing that their backed magister had eliminated the competition.

However, the reality was far from this assumption.

The Lyseni Governing Council had never truly viewed Salladhor Saan as a magister. To them, he was merely a pawn, a tool to squeeze benefits for Lys.

The Lyseni council never actually considered taking over Myr. Such an endeavor would be overly ambitious, like a snake attempting to swallow an elephant. Lys lacked the strength to dominate Myr on its own.

Moreover, such an act could potentially spark a war. Both Tyrosh and Volantis had been eyeing this territory, like hungry wolves lurking in the shadows.

However, Salladhor Saan, the Lys-backed pawn, had ignored the Council's directives. Acting on his own, he launched an attack, successfully assassinating the other two magisters and taking control of Myr.

This self-proclaimed 'Prince of the Narrow Sea' and pirate magister's acquisition of Myr meant he had effectively broken free from Lys's influence, becoming the de facto 'King of Myr'.

Upon hearing this news, the Lyseni Governing Council was initially furious, ready to send troops to punish this disobedient pawn. But it was then that they realized they were under a looming shadow of war.

Because of the political upheaval in Myr, regardless of how the Lyseni Council tried to explain themselves, both Tyrosh and Volantis viewed Salladhor Saan as the Lys-backed magister. In their eyes, Lys had successfully taken Myr.

Compounded with the assassination incident, the Lord of Tyrosh became convinced that the mastermind behind it was the poison-skilled Lyseni. He swore to make them pay.

In swift response, he amassed an army, signing contracts with several mercenary groups active in the region, preparing to wage war over the disputed lands.

Now, the clouds of war loomed over the disputed territories. The Lyseni were in a tight spot, hesitant to retaliate, fearing a surprise attack from Tyrosh.

So, Salladhor Saan had indeed put Lys in a precarious position, and their grudge against him was well justified.

But now, the newly appointed Magister Henvry Hightower suddenly proposed an alliance with this rebel, Salladhor Saan. How could this not create an uproar?

Yet, amidst the chaotic debates in the grand hall of the Lyseni Governing Council, Henvry Hightower exchanged subtle glances with an opposing affluent magister. The latter, understanding the silent message, rose from his seat.

"I support Magister Hightower's proposal!" he announced.

His voice instantly silenced the room. All eyes turned to him.

For this magister, Trigg Omoren, was not a newcomer like Henvry Hightower. The Omoren family had been influential in Lys for generations, and under Trigg's leadership, their influence soared, earning him a seat among the magisters.

When Henvry first arrived in Lys, it was Trigg Omoren who had subtly assisted him, ensuring his stable footing in the city.

Interestingly, few outside knew of their relationship. Publicly, they seemed like strangers. Yet, Trigg's most cherished concubine was Lynesse Hightower, Henvry's sister.

Lynesse, the youngest and most beautiful daughter of Lord Leyton Hightower, had once ensnared Jorah Mormont of Bear Island. To satisfy her material desires, he had spent all his fortune and even dabbled in the slave trade. When his deeds were exposed, and he was penniless, she left him for Lys, eventually marrying the affluent magister, Trigg Omoren.

Thus, Trigg was Henvry's brother-in-law. Their private relationship was naturally close.

At this moment, Trigg's voice in support of Henvry left the council puzzled. To them, these two seldom interacted.

Trigg Omoren, calm and composed, scanned the room, and declared, "Honorable Magisters! Salladhor Saan's betrayal must be punished, but not now."

The room buzzed with whispers.

Continuing, he said, "We now face the Tyroshi army on our borders and misunderstandings from the Iron Throne's envoy. We need allies!"

"Salladhor Saan, having killed envoys from Tyrosh and Volantis, cannot possibly join our enemies. He has only us to turn to. We can use his fleet to overcome this immediate threat, repel the Tyroshi forces, and then turn our attention to him."

Trigg's reasoning was sound. Lys was surrounded by enemies and desperately needed allies. Saan, after his actions, had no choice but to seek help from Lys, and they, in turn, needed his fleet for battle.

Settling old scores could wait.

"Magister Omoren speaks the truth."

"I agree."

"Agreed."

"Agreed."

Of the twelve magisters in the council, excluding Henvry Hightower and Trigg Omoren, the remaining ten seemed persuaded, nodding in agreement. After all, immediate survival was paramount.

"But there's one more concern, Magister Hightower," another magister voiced.

"The Iron Throne's envoy fleet is nearing Lys. What do we do?"

Although young Magister Hightower hailed from Westeros, none believed he would conspire with the Iron Throne. After all, the fall of the Hightower family was still fresh in their memories.