The Lion's bane

Alan's achievements soon became the talk of the realm. His name and his deeds were discussed and debated by people from all walks of life, from the highest lords and ladies to the lowest peasants and beggars.

In the North, Eddard Stark, the Warden of the North , heard of Alan's restoration of Castemere and his protection of the Westerlands. He heard how he had rebuilt the castle and the mines, how he had defended his lands from bandits and raiders, how he had treated his people with kindness and respect. He admired his skill and courage, but he also distrusted his ambition and cunning. He remembered how Tywin Lannister had betrayed the king during Robert's Rebellion, how he had sacked King's Landing and ordered the deaths of the Targaryens. He wondered if Alan was a friend or a foe, if he was loyal to the king or to himself.

In the Reach, Margaery Tyrell, the daughter of Mace Tyrell, the Lord of Highgarden and Warden of the South, heard of Alan's kindness and generosity to his people and his allies. She heard how he had given them food and water, clothes and blankets, medicine and tools. She heard how he had welcomed them to Castemere . She was impressed by his vision and wisdom, but she also coveted his wealth and power. She plotted to seduce him and sway him to her side. She planned to use her beauty and charm, her wit and grace, her family and influence.

In Dorne, Doran Martell, the Prince of Dorne and Lord of Sunspear, heard of Alan's justice and wrath to his enemies and his rivals. He heard how he had crucified the bandits along the road from Casterly Rock to Castemere, how he had buried the Reynes in a mass grave near the lake, how he had challenged anyone who would dare to harm his people or his land. He heard how he had sworn vengeance against the Greyjoys for their attacks on the Westerlands during Balon Greyjoy's rebellion. He respected his strength and honor, but he also feared his vengeance and fury. He recalled how Tywin Lannister had ordered the murder and rape of his sister Elia and her children during Robert's Rebellion, how he had shown no mercy or pity to them. He wondered if Alan would seek peace or war, if he himself should would forgive or avenge.

In King's Landing, Jon Arryn, the Lord of the Eyrie and Hand of the King to Robert Baratheon, heard of Alan's brilliance and talent in engineering and mechanics. He was amazed by his inventions and creations, but he also envied his independence and success. He wished that he had such a son and heir instead of his sickly and spoiled son Robert.

Varys, the Master of Whisperers on the Small Council, heard of everything that Alan did or said. He was curious about Alan, but he was also intrigued by his potential and destiny. He knew that he was a player in the game of thrones. He wondered what role he would play.

In King's Landing, Petyr Baelish, the Master of Coin on the Small Council, heard of everything that Alan did or said. He heard how he had rebuilt Castemere and made it his own. He heard how he had drained the mines and restored them, how he had used limestone and cement to repair the castle, how he had used windmills and pumps to power his machines and tools. He wondered if he could use him or manipulate him, if he could ally with him or betray him.