Chapter 23: Tensions at the Mander

The air was thick with humidity as the first light of dawn crept over the horizon, casting a pale glow on the waters of the Mander River. The once tranquil waterway, a vital artery through the Reach, now seemed to pulse with an undercurrent of unease. The Tarlys' recent movements had not gone unnoticed, and Paxter Redwyne knew that the coming days would be critical in determining the balance of power in the region.

Paxter stood on the deck of the *Golden Vine*, one of House Redwyne's swiftest ships, as it cut through the river's calm surface. The ship's hull was sleek, built for speed rather than battle, a testament to the naval prowess of the Arbor. Paxter had chosen this vessel for its ability to navigate the narrower sections of the Mander while still projecting an image of Redwyne strength.

Around him, the crew moved with quiet efficiency, their eyes scanning the riverbanks for any signs of movement. Paxter's orders had been clear: they were to patrol the Mander, establish Redwyne dominance, and ensure that any attempt by the Tarlys to exert control over the waterway would be met with resistance.

At his side stood Ser Martyn Harte, ever vigilant, his gaze fixed on the distant bend in the river. "The Tarlys have fortified their positions near the mouth of the Mander," Martyn reported, his voice low. "If they mean to control the flow of trade, they'll have to make a move soon. We should be prepared for anything."

Paxter nodded, his thoughts focused on the task at hand. "And we will be. The Mander is too vital for us to allow the Tarlys—or anyone else—to seize control. Our ships will maintain a constant presence, and if they attempt to interfere with our trade, we'll respond swiftly."

Martyn's expression was grim. "The Tarlys are formidable, my lord. If it comes to a confrontation, we'll need to be ready for a full-scale battle."

Paxter's eyes narrowed as he considered the possibility. The Tarlys were known for their military might, and Randyll Tarly was a commander who had earned the respect and fear of many in Westeros. But Paxter had no intention of backing down. House Redwyne had risen to power through careful planning and strategic alliances, and he wasn't about to let that power slip away.

"We'll avoid open conflict if we can," Paxter replied. "But make no mistake, Martyn—if the Tarlys force our hand, we'll defend our interests with everything we have. The Mander is our lifeline, and we won't allow anyone to choke it off."

As they continued their patrol, the riverbanks remained eerily quiet, the stillness only adding to the tension that hung in the air. Paxter's mind raced as he considered their next steps. The Tarlys were making their move, but so too were other players in the Reach. It was a time of shifting alliances, and Paxter knew that he needed to secure his own position before the tides turned against him.

The morning wore on, and just as the sun reached its zenith, a rider appeared on the riverbank, waving a banner that bore the sigil of House Tarly—a striding huntsman on a green field. The rider dismounted and waited as the *Golden Vine* drew closer, signaling for a parley.

Paxter exchanged a glance with Martyn before nodding. "Let's hear what they have to say," he said, though he suspected the message would be anything but amicable.

The ship anchored near the riverbank, and Paxter disembarked, flanked by Martyn and a small contingent of guards. The Tarly rider, a grizzled man with the look of a seasoned soldier, stepped forward, his expression stoic.

"My lord Redwyne," the rider began, bowing respectfully. "I bring a message from Lord Randyll Tarly. He bids you to withdraw your ships from the Mander and return to the Arbor. The Mander is under the protection of House Tarly, and any attempt to challenge that protection will be considered an act of aggression."

Paxter listened to the message with a calm demeanor, though inside, he felt a flash of anger. The audacity of the Tarlys to claim dominion over the Mander was a direct challenge to House Redwyne's authority and an unmistakable power play.

"Return to your lord," Paxter replied evenly, "and tell him that House Redwyne has no intention of withdrawing from the Mander. This river is the lifeblood of the Reach, and we will continue to protect the interests of all who rely on it. Any attempt to interfere with our ships will be met with the appropriate response."

The Tarly rider's expression hardened slightly, but he remained respectful. "Very well, my lord. I will relay your message to Lord Randyll. I trust that you understand the gravity of this situation."

"I understand perfectly," Paxter said, his voice firm. "And I trust that Lord Randyll does as well."

The rider bowed once more before mounting his horse and galloping back along the riverbank, leaving Paxter and his men to consider the implications of the exchange.

"This is only the beginning," Martyn said quietly, his hand resting on the hilt of his sword. "The Tarlys won't back down, and neither can we."

Paxter nodded, his gaze fixed on the disappearing rider. "I know. We'll need to be prepared for whatever comes next. The Tarlys are testing us, and we can't afford to show any weakness."

As they returned to the *Golden Vine* and resumed their patrol, Paxter's thoughts turned to the broader picture. The Mander was just one front in a much larger struggle for control of the Reach, and he knew that the next moves would be crucial. If the Tarlys were determined to assert their dominance, Paxter would need to rally his allies and ensure that House Redwyne was ready for the challenges ahead.

The river flowed steadily beneath them, its surface deceptively calm, but Paxter could feel the undercurrents of tension that ran just beneath. The game of thrones was a complex and dangerous one, and Paxter Redwyne was fully aware that the stakes had never been higher.

As the day wore on and the sun began to sink towards the horizon, Paxter knew that the time for careful planning and quiet maneuvering was coming to an end. The Tarlys had made their move, and now it was time for House Redwyne to respond.

The Mander would be the battleground, and Paxter was determined to ensure that his house emerged victorious, no matter the cost.