Chapter 26: Winds of Change

The breeze off the Narrow Sea carried the scent of salt and wine through the vineyards of the Arbor as Paxter Redwyne made his way through the rows of grapes. The tranquility of the scene was at odds with the turmoil that churned in his mind. The shadow of the Lannisters loomed large over his house, and the situation with the Tarlys had only grown more tense. Yet, as always, the Redwynes had to move carefully, lest they draw unwanted attention from their more powerful allies and enemies alike.

Paxter found himself reflecting on the legacy of his house—how the Redwynes had risen to prominence through strategic marriages, naval power, and a keen understanding of the shifting political landscape. It was a legacy that had been tested many times, and now, once again, it was being put to the test. The weight of it all bore down on Paxter, but he also knew that there was strength in that legacy, a strength that he would need in the days to come.

As Paxter reached the edge of the vineyard, he was joined by Lady Mina, who had been overseeing the latest reports from their agents in the Reach. She approached with a purposeful stride, her face reflecting the gravity of the situation.

"Paxter," Mina began, handing him a parchment, "we've received word from Oldtown. The Hightowers are growing uneasy with the Tarlys' movements. They fear that if the Tarlys are allowed to continue unchecked, it could destabilize the entire region."

Paxter took the parchment and quickly scanned the contents. The Hightowers were one of the most influential families in the Reach, and their support could be pivotal in any effort to counter the Tarlys. But the Hightowers were also cautious, preferring to avoid conflict whenever possible. Convincing them to take a stand would require careful diplomacy.

"This could be the opening we need," Paxter said thoughtfully. "If we can bring the Hightowers into our fold, we'll have a powerful ally in the Reach. But we need to tread carefully. The Hightowers won't commit to anything unless they're certain it's in their best interest."

Mina nodded. "We'll need to present them with a united front. The other houses of the Reach—those who share our concerns about the Tarlys—must be brought into the conversation. If the Hightowers see that they're not alone, they may be more willing to act."

Paxter considered her words, weighing the risks and benefits. "I'll send a raven to Lord Leyton Hightower, requesting a meeting. We'll need to bring the other houses into this as well, but it has to be done discreetly. The last thing we need is for the Tarlys—or the Lannisters—to catch wind of what we're planning."

Mina agreed. "I'll begin reaching out to our allies. We'll need to move quickly, but we also need to ensure that everything is in place before we make our move."

As Mina left to carry out her tasks, Paxter turned his attention back to the parchment in his hand. The Hightowers had always been a cautious house, preferring to avoid direct conflict whenever possible. But the situation in the Reach was becoming increasingly unstable, and if the Tarlys continued to grow in power, it could threaten not just House Redwyne, but the entire region.

Paxter knew that they couldn't afford to sit back and wait. The winds of change were blowing through the Reach, and if House Redwyne was to survive—and thrive—they would need to act swiftly and decisively.

The following days were a blur of activity as Paxter and Mina coordinated with their agents and allies. Ravens were sent, messages exchanged, and plans set into motion. The tension in the Arbor was palpable, as everyone knew that the stakes had never been higher.

Finally, the day came for the meeting with the Hightowers. Paxter chose to travel to Oldtown by ship, taking a small but formidable fleet as a show of strength. The journey was uneventful, but the sense of anticipation grew with each passing mile as they approached the ancient city.

Oldtown, with its towering lighthouse and sprawling docks, was a testament to the Hightowers' wealth and influence. As Paxter's ship docked in the bustling harbor, he couldn't help but feel a sense of awe at the sheer scale of the city. But he quickly pushed those thoughts aside—he was here to secure an alliance, not to marvel at the sights.

Paxter was met at the docks by a delegation from House Hightower, who escorted him to the towering keep that overlooked the city. The Great Hall of the Hightower was an imposing space, filled with the echoes of centuries of history. As Paxter entered, he was greeted by Lord Leyton Hightower, a man known for his wisdom and caution.

"Lord Paxter Redwyne," Leyton said, his voice calm and measured. "Welcome to Oldtown. I've been expecting you."

"Lord Leyton," Paxter replied.