Chapter 433: Resolution

As night descended, the small town that had just been ravaged by the fires of war finally returned to calm.

Samwell sat at his table, eating dinner while listening to the post-battle reports.

The battle had been a resounding success. Not only had they retaken the forward outpost, but they had also annihilated an elite force of Westerlands troops.

With this victory, the entire area south of the Blackwater River had come under Samwell's control.

The next step was clear: cross the Blackwater River and march on King's Landing.

If Varys, the "Spider," was to be believed, Braavos was now embroiled in chaos, forcing the Sealord's fleet to turn back. In that case, crossing the river would pose little difficulty, and the assault on King's Landing would follow naturally.

---

Of course, Samwell wasn't about to take the word of a eunuch who had once betrayed him at face value. He couldn't confirm whether Braavos had truly descended into turmoil, but he could verify one thing: whether or not the Sealord's fleet had departed.

Before he could investigate that, however, he received some unexpected news.

"Reports from Sunspear indicate that the Ironborn have not attacked the vulnerable lands of the Reach. Instead, they are heading toward the Blackwater River. Upon hearing this, Lord Lucas Dayne has ordered the Stormlands fleet to return."

When Samwell announced this development during a military council, the gathered lords exchanged uneasy glances, clearly taken aback.

After a brief silence, Lord Leyton Hightower was the first to speak:

"Your Majesty, how did Lord Lucas learn of the Ironborn's movements toward the Blackwater?"

"He heard it from surviving members of House Redwyne."

At this, one of the Reach lords immediately objected:

"The Redwynes may not be trustworthy!"

"They may not be entirely reliable," Samwell conceded, "but their hatred for the Ironborn runs deep. On this matter, it's unlikely they would conspire with them to deceive us."

"But why would Euron Greyjoy abandon the wealthy, defenseless lands of the Reach to sail for the Blackwater River?"

"Perhaps he's allied with the Lannisters," someone suggested.

"If that were true, he wouldn't have slaughtered Paxter Redwyne in the first place," another lord countered.

"Euron is a madman! Can you truly apply reason to a madman's actions?"

"Even madmen have motives. Why would he make such an arduous journey to the Blackwater? There must be a reason."

---

As the lords argued, Samwell remained silent.

He understood their true concern. The Reach lords, in particular, weren't really debating the credibility of the Redwynes' information; they were questioning whether Lucas Dayne's decision to withdraw the fleet had been justified.

In Samwell's view, Lord Lucas's choice was undoubtedly correct. Ensuring the army could cross the Blackwater was the highest priority.

Even if the information about the Ironborn proved false and the Reach suffered raids, the loss would be insignificant compared to the prize of taking King's Landing and eliminating House Lannister. The Ironborn's raids would be little more than a nuisance in the grand scheme of things.

But that was from Samwell's perspective.

To the lords of the Reach, however, the safety of their lands was paramount. Call it shortsighted or self-serving, but it was an unavoidable reality of the feudal system.

---

In that moment, a thought Samwell had been suppressing rose more sharply to the forefront of his mind.

He loathed the feudal system.

Perhaps this is the natural desire of a monarch, he found himself yearning for central authority, a government where loyalty and resources weren't fragmented across self-serving lords.

But Samwell also knew it wasn't yet time to dismantle the feudal order. King's Landing was still unconquered, the Seven Kingdoms were not yet unified, and the looming threat of the White Walkers demanded unity above all else. Attempting to centralize power now would alienate his vassals and risk plunging his fragile coalition into chaos.

It was a goal to pursue later, when the time was right.

For now, he would play the role of a benevolent overlord, but his resolve to restructure the kingdom hardened with every passing day.

His smile widened as these thoughts churned in his mind, creating an unsettling contrast to the heated debate unfolding in the council tent.

The Reach lords, sensing the king's mood, began to falter in their criticisms. Their protests grew quieter, and the tension in the room dissipated.

Finally, Samwell spoke:

"Gentlemen, I understand your concerns."

He addressed them with a calm but commanding tone.

"Lord Lucas Dayne's actions may have been premature, but they were understandable given the circumstances. And as for your worries about the Reach, let me offer you my word: if the Ironborn do raid your lands, the losses will be borne by House Caesar."

Samwell knew that he had to make a compromise at this time, but the more concessions he made to these nobles, the stronger his desire to centralize power became.

The promise worked.

The Reach lords, who had been simmering with resentment moments ago, were now effusive in their praise of the king's generosity.

"His Majesties kindness are boundless "

Of course, they had no idea that this very generosity was solidifying Samwell's determination to eventually strip them of their autonomy.

Once the room was back under control, the council shifted to the matter of crossing the Blackwater.

With the possibility of the Ironborn arriving on the river, most lords agreed that it would be unwise to attempt a crossing immediately. It would be safer to wait for the Stormlands fleet to return and secure the river.

Samwell shared this view.

With the fleet on its way, he felt less urgency to confirm whether the Braavosi fleet had truly withdrawn.

After finalizing the details of the crossing, Samwell adjourned the council.

He had just settled into his chair to rest when a guard arrived with a message.

"Your Grace, the Spider's 'Little Bird' has returned."

"Bring him in."

A moment later, Mario stepped into the tent and bowed deeply.

"What brings you here?" Samwell asked without preamble.

"Your Grace, Lord Varys has sent me to warn you: the Braavosi withdrawal is a ruse."

"Oh?" Samwell raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "What do you mean?"

"Braavos has indeed fallen into chaos," Mario explained, "but the news was intercepted by Lord Tywin. The Sealord's fleet is only pretending to retreat. Their plan is to lure your army into crossing the river, then strike when you are halfway across."

Samwell's expression remained calm as he absorbed the information.

He had already decided to wait for the Stormlands fleet before attempting a crossing, so this revelation did little to change his plans. He had never placed his faith entirely in the Braavosi withdrawal.

Still, he was surprised that Varys had gone to such lengths to warn him.

It seemed the Spider was genuinely committed to earning his favor.

"Thank you for the warning," Samwell said, nodding slightly.

Mario bowed. "It is our honor to serve you."

As Mario turned to leave, Samwell called him back.

"One more thing. Could you deliver a letter to Lord Varys for me?"

"Of course."

Samwell quickly penned a letter, sealed it, and handed it to the messenger.

Mario took it without opening it, tucked it securely into his coat, and departed.

(End of Chapter)