Great projects and impactful news

The development of the Royce lands proceeded as planned by Artys when he was on campaign, the irrigation system was implemented in several fields, and the free peasants were being employed and trained under Axel's supervision. The organized production of saltpeter was very good, and there was a large amount in storage, just waiting to make gunpowder.

There were also the two big projects, which he was able to convince his father to do easily, after the large amount of gold they got by selling a small part of the steel produced. One was a large barracks, built for him to train his army with firearms, away from prying eyes. The other was the expansion of the small port of Runestone and the construction of a shipyard.

Although he already had a secret war fleet built in the Braavos arsenal, the ships were not much better than the ones that currently exist, their superiority was in the modifications he requested, to put cannons when they were produced. He didn't want to build more advanced vessels in shipyards he didn't own.

The barracks was ready, just waiting for the soldiers. As for the port and shipyard, they would soon be finished.

In the following days, my father and I organized the clans, about 2000 were accommodated in the newly built barracks. Meanwhile, the remaining 1,500 remained camped near Runestone to learn some trades. Many of them would learn a few things about wood, leather and metallurgy and would also be introduced to factories and other occupations as needed. This will ensure they can contribute more than just being soldiers to House Royce and, more importantly, to me.

Merka would be staying at Runestone Castle, as she will be learning the ins and outs of lordship, she will be being groomed to officially lead the Mountain Clans as a whole.

***

I am currently in my father's manor. He said he had something important to let me know.

A serious look appears on his face. It starts:

"Now it's time to tell you a little secret I've been keeping for a while." Lord Yohn goes to his desk and takes an unopened letter from one of his drawers, before addressing me.

"A crow came yesterday from your grandfather again."

'Oh boy, last time this happened I had to go on a campaign against the mountain clans, what does the old man want now?'

Artys,

As I write this letter, you will be returning from the Moon Mountains after successfully influencing the Mountain Clanmen to your side. It was exactly what I wanted, my boy. I was a little worried that you'd just kill them all and be done with it, but it looks like you've decided to make friends with your enemies, without spending all the coin you've been given. If the king were more like you, the kingdom would actually be a much better place.

Unfortunately, this letter does not bring good news, at least not for me. I'm afraid your uncle Robb isn't really your uncle. My wife Lysa has betrayed her vows, with none other than Petyr Baelish, the master of the crown coin. The gravity of these allegations is what drives the decision to send him against the Mountain Clans. You'd earn the respect of the Vale by eradicating them, you'd earn an army and respect by befriending them, or you'd go home empty-handed.

Glad to hear you've made it so far.

Currently, only her father and Stannis Baratheon know of Lysa's betrayal, but when you receive this letter, Lord Horton Redfort, Lord Nestor Royce, and Lady Anya Waynwood will also know. As soon as I finish some business in King's Landing, I'll expose Lysa and Petyr. If I can't do this anymore, the gentlemen and ladies I've informed will help you get the Vale back.

Also because of his excellent military performance on this expedition, I have reason to honor him, even with his young age, we have the example of Daeron I, the young dragon, who conquered Dorne at 14 years old.

So I, Jon Arryn, hereby appoint you Warden of the Vale. With this position you have the legal right to create and move troops across the Valley if necessary.

Jon Arryn, Hand of the King, Lord of the Eyrie and Warden of the East.

'Shit?! What happened to all the maneuvering, political intrigue and my super advanced army I used to get to the top?! I knew he was investigating King Robert's bastards, but I didn't know he would make such a big move.'

'Anyway, I'm not going to complain about having an entire kingdom handed over to me. But Anya Waynewood? Isn't she Harrold's guardian? I imagine she would support him, but it's probably smarter to stick to the line of succession for now and just discard me later, leaving Harrold as the only remaining Arryn heir. That is, if she's up to something...

Harrold turned out to be pretty cool, so I doubt it. There I go, preparing for betrayal, but in this world you can never be too careful.'