Long ago, young Willas was crippled in a jousting match by Oberyn Martell, the Red Viper. Since then, the heir to Highgarden had stopped attending tournaments but had found new interests for himself — breeding horses and birds of prey, astronomy, and reading books.
"Margaery said that Willas, among other things, observes the stars."
"Yes, Your Majesty, that is true."
"You know, I am also drawn to the stars. Do you think that if I write a letter to Willas on this subject, he will not refuse to begin a correspondence?"
"I am certain he will be happy to speak with you on such topics."
"Excellent. Then I will send him a raven in the next few days." And I sat down at the table. "I have a proposal for you. I'm just not sure whether it will please you."
"I'll be happy to hear it," Lord Mace replied, settling beside me, one hand resting on his knee, the other twirling his mustache. His doublet creaked menacingly, stretched tight across his rather substantial belly.
"The fact is that my grandfather, Lord Tywin, considering the dire financial situation of the country, has agreed to forgive part of the debt — eight hundred thousand. We intend to celebrate this act, hold a service in the Great Sept, and announce to the whole kingdom the generosity of House Lannister. But before we begin, I came to you. Knowing your kind heart, I asked my grandfather to wait. What if you were willing to make a similar gesture? That is why Lord Tywin is forgiving a sum equal to the Tyrells' debt — he is giving you the same opportunity. If you agree, people will praise your name throughout Westeros — from the Wall in the North to Sunspear in Dorne! However, it all depends on you."
Lord Mace fell deep into thought. The offer was unusual, and I saw how greed wrestled with vanity and concern for his house. I did not blame him — the sum was enormous! Enough to enrich his children and grandchildren. And yet, this sacrifice was not only for the sake of the realm in the abstract, but for his own daughter, who was queen of that very realm, and who would, sooner or later, bear children.
Giving him time, I walked to the window. In the courtyard below, several knights were staging a mock battle, and now cheerful laughter and shouts of approval rising with every particularly clever move or powerful blow. A little farther away, a dozen archers were shooting at targets. Among them I recognized Jalabhar Xho, a native of the Summer Islands — I even noticed he held the arrow in an unusual way, turning his wrist so that his little finger rested on top. Apparently, Xho was using a special finger ring with a hook for drawing the string.
I was in no hurry and tried to hid my excitement. This was a serious moment. If my father-in-law agreed, I would not only reduce the royal debt by over one and a half million, but also gain considerable authority.
Lord Mace still sat pensively, and I decided to add another weight to the scales:
"If you agree, it will be your name — not Lord Tywin's — that will stand first on the list of benefactors of the Kingdom. You have my royal word."
Mace alternately frowned and smoothed his beard. The scales tipped a little further — but still not enough.
"I also think," I added carefully, "that a man as generous as you is exactly the one who should lead the siege of Storm's End!"
And that final argument sealed the deal.
"Very well, I agree, Your Majesty," Lord Mace said firmly, though the tension in his expression betrayed how painful the sacrifice was.
"You are a good man, Father." I could not help myself — I went over and embraced him. "On behalf of the Kingdom, I offer my deepest gratitude. And on my own behalf, I will add that I am simply happy to have such family."
"Well, it's nothing," Mace muttered, embarrassed.
"No, it is not nothing. I will order heralds throughout the realm to praise your generosity."
"Thank you."
"And one more thing — now I can share news that will certainly please you. You have been appointed to command the army that will crush Storm's End. Congratulations, Father — you will go down in history! After all, no one has ever conquered that fortress before."
At these words, Mace's face brightened; he straightened to his full height, pulled in his stomach, and smiled with such gladness and pride that I myself felt pleased. Give a man what he desires, and he will gladly give you far more in return!
After speaking with my father-in-law, I was practically flying — euphoria overwhelmed me. Now that was progress. Now that was an achievement!
After informing the Hand of the conversation and of Tyrell's agreement, I shifted the rest of the work onto someone else's shoulders. Let Grandfather buckle down and handle the organization now. The lords and knights had to be gathered, the news announced solemnly, and a feast held in celebration, followed by a service in the Great Sept. And so on in the same manner.
The state's debt had not vanished — but it still had lessened. Accordingly, I could now use part of the funds that previously went toward interest. And I already knew where to spend them: it was time to organize my own service.
Herald Orm told me much about his brother. Several incidents from childhood — moments when Harald showed wit, quick thinking, resourcefulness, and a particular way of approaching problems — seemed to Herald merely amusing little episodes.
But I saw something more in them: signs of promising qualities in a man I might need.