Halys Hornwood knew that crossing the Twins was crucial to his commercial endeavor. Walder Frey was infamous for his greed and his ability to profit from any situation, but also for his pragmatism. One could not simply impose their will upon him; something of short- and long-term value had to be offered.
In the great hall, Walder watched him with a smile that seemed to hide a thousand thoughts.
— "What do you bring me, young Hornwood?" — asked Walder in his raspy voice.
Halys took a breath and laid out the plan with precision.
— "Lord Walder, our caravan carries valuable furs and goods. The journey is long and dangerous, and I want to ensure our caravans can pass through your lands without having to pay exorbitant tolls that would weaken our finances."
Walder raised an eyebrow.
— "And what do you offer me in return for letting your men pass without the usual tolls?"
— "First, a marriage between my brother Robert and one of your granddaughters. It's an alliance that will ensure loyalty and strengthen our ties. Additionally, I will take two of your grandsons as pages, to grow and learn with us."
Walder let out a rough laugh.
— "A marriage and a couple of pages... that doesn't pay the bills, boy."
Halys smiled, ready for his next move.
— "Additionally, I propose a financial deal. You give me five thousand dragons now, as an investment, to strengthen the caravan's purchase and expansion. In return, your house will receive a semi-permanent five percent share of the net profits from future caravans crossing the Twins."
Walder furrowed his brow, intrigued.
— "Five thousand dragons, you say? That's a lot of coin for a greedy old man like me. Why should I take that deal and forgo my tolls?"
Halys explained calmly, unfolding maps and ledgers on a parchment.
— "The Hornwoods currently hold ten thousand dragons in treasure. I plan to use half to buy horses, wagons, and goods — mainly furs — that sell for double or even triple their cost in the Crownlands and the West."
— "If I manage to double the investment on each trip," — he continued — "the ten thousand dragons will become twenty thousand, which will be the base for the next venture. Your five percent share of future profits will amount to one thousand dragons every five trips. In this way, you'll recoup your investment quickly, and afterward, begin earning income without taking any risk."
Walder scratched his chin, doing the math in his head.
— "Interesting... a short-term investment that becomes steady income. I like it. Five thousand dragons now, and five percent for me on each journey."
He extended his hand, sealing the deal.
— "I accept, Hornwood. May this agreement be profitable for both of us."
Reflections of Halys
As he left the hall, Halys reviewed the terms in his mind. The alliance with the Freys not only opened the doors of trade but also laid an economic safety net for House Hornwood.
The initial five-thousand-dragon payment was a significant boost — nearly half their total treasure — but thanks to the reinvestment and expansion plan, that capital would grow exponentially.
The five percent share was a small price considering the projected profits, and the fact that it was semi-permanent meant that, in the long term, Walder Frey would be tied to his success — giving Halys a measure of indirect political influence over the Twins.
This agreement marked the beginning of an ambitious commercial enterprise that could transform the modest House Hornwood into a major player in the North — and beyond.