Blood And Iron (ASOIAF/GoT)

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-Pov of Wilhelm von Hohenzollern eleventh moon 288 AC

Two days had passed, and the snow kept falling relentlessly. The cold felt even harsher due to the high humidity, and I had no intention of staying in this castle any longer. Pyke, to the Ironborn, might seem like an imposing and unconquerable fortress. However, to any Prussian engineer or architect, it was a complete disaster. The structure looked ready to collapse at any moment—a poorly conceived relic that defied the laws of architectural logic.

The idea of establishing our administration here was absurd. It made far more sense to seek another location, whether on this island or the main one. Building a new headquarters wouldn't be immediate, but it was necessary. This would allow us to exercise complete control, ensuring that the ports and ships remained under strict supervision. With the population concentrated in one place, any attempt at rebellion or escape would be easily neutralized.

The logistics would be complicated but essential. Controlling these islands required more than military strength; it was a matter of strategy and discipline. Every step needed careful calculation, every decision precise, because the true challenge wasn't just maintaining control—it was assimilating the local population.

The plan began with appointing a Prussian noble as the lord of the Iron Islands, someone loyal to our cause. This noble, supported by a council of Prussian officers, would implement our policies without resistance. Under their leadership, we would relocate the entire civilian population to a single island, where they would remain under strict supervision. In this controlled environment, it would be possible to reshape their customs and beliefs to align with Prussian ideals. Their legacy of piracy would be eradicated, replaced by a new order that would transform them into obedient subjects.

I met with Roon, and together we debated the best location to establish the administration of the Iron Islands. We had to consider the northern channel and trade routes, as all goods traveling north would pass near the islands. With piracy eradicated, merchants would likely cross directly through the archipelago's center, making nearly every island a viable option for the administrative capital.

The debate dragged on, but Johann settled the discussion. He pointed out that Harlaw was the best option. Its calm waters and natural harbor made it ideal for administration. Its strategic position in the archipelago made it the perfect place to centralize our operations.

Quickly, with a team of architects and engineers, we began planning the new city. Harlaw was to become a city capable of housing the entire population of the islands and tens of thousands of settlers from The Reach. Designing a city of this magnitude required attention to every detail: functional ports, imposing walls, efficient infrastructure, and an administrative center that symbolized Prussian authority.

"What do they want now?" I murmured when I was informed of a delegation's arrival. I made no effort to hide my irritation. To me, this visit was nothing more than a formality. Among the banners raised, I recognized the iconic eagle of House Arryn and other lesser symbols. They had likely come to discuss who would become the new lord of the islands and, of course, investigate what had happened to the Greyjoys.

I wasn't concerned. What had transpired here required no elaborate justification. The Greyjoy family had been eliminated as a necessary act to ensure stability. If the lords of the mainland wanted details, they would get them.

"Let them in," I said without much enthusiasm, barely glancing up from the map spread out on the table.

My hands continued moving across the blueprints as we discussed the city's details. The architects talked about supply routes, the engineers estimated the necessary materials, and I calculated the number of workers we'd bring from the mainland.

"If we're going to relocate the entire population to Harlaw," I said, drawing lines with a quill, "we'll need precise logistics. Settlers from The Reach will have priority for the fertile lands near the capital. The island population will be confined near the port, under strict supervision. There must be no room for dissent."

I barely noticed the movement outside the tent. The delegation from the Seven Kingdoms was approaching, but my focus remained on the calculations. Supply routes, construction timelines, the quantity of wood, stone, and steel—everything had to be meticulously evaluated.

"We'll need at least five thousand workers," one of the engineers commented, pointing to a critical area. "And we must ensure the maritime routes remain clear for transporting resources."

I nodded. "That won't be an issue. With piracy eradicated and our ships patrolling these waters, nothing will disrupt the shipments. I want the first foundations laid in less than three months."

The delegation waited outside, but for me, the real priority was building the future, stone by stone.

The sound of steel and marching footsteps announced their arrival before anyone even entered my tent. Without lifting my gaze from the maps, I gave a simple order: "Let them in."

I continued reviewing projections and calculating resources for the new city in Harlaw. My mind was occupied with these thoughts when I heard their footsteps entering.

"What do you want?" I asked, without looking up from the map.

"It seems the siege is over, and from what I've seen, you've taken full control of Pyke's castle," Arryn said. "What happened to Balon Greyjoy and his family?"

I took a moment, tracing a line on the map as if his question barely deserved my attention. Then I spoke calmly.

"Balon Greyjoy died defending his castle. He chose to resist until the end, a decision that doomed him and his family. His wife and youngest son, Theon, tried to escape amidst the chaos of the siege but fell from a window onto the rocks while seeking refuge—a terrible tragedy."

I paused before continuing.

"The rest of his children are also dead. They died in battle, as did his brothers. It seems Lothar took it very personally, as he reportedly killed every Greyjoy in their great hall during their last stand. This family chose rebellion, and their fate was sealed with that choice. No one remains who can immediately claim dominion over these islands."

I turned my gaze back to the map. "Euron Greyjoy, however, managed to escape before we arrived. We know he's cunning and dangerous, but for now, he's little more than a homeless coward. He doesn't pose an immediate threat. My best men are tracking him, and if necessary, I'll ensure he receives a dagger between the ribs or a poisoned drink—wherever he tries to hide," I said with a smile.

Stark broke the brief silence. "And what about Asha Greyjoy?"

I raised my eyes. "Captured. She's under our custody. Her fate is yet to be decided, but she doesn't pose a threat to the stability of these lands. If needed, she'll marry the next lord of the Iron Islands—or we'll send her to the Silent Sisters, provided we capture and eliminate Euron Greyjoy to avoid any blood claims."

Stark pressed his lips together but said nothing. His eyes showed distrust, but he had no way to refute my statements. Arryn remained silent, evaluating every word. Stannis, for his part, held his tongue, his gaze fixed on me.

Finally, Arryn spoke. "And who will govern these islands?"

"According to what we agreed," I said, lifting my eyes from the map, "and after our little altercation over religious matters, I have reflected on who would be the most suitable candidate to govern these islands."

I paused briefly before continuing. "I have considered Konrad von Falkenhorst, a Prussian naval officer with an impeccable reputation and a steady hand in managing difficult situations. Who better to govern islands that have been a haven for pirates for centuries than one of their fiercest enemies? With him in charge, we ensure that piracy will never reign in this region again. Moreover, as a minor Prussian noble with no blood ties to me, there's no risk of him being perceived as directly under my command once he becomes the new Lord of the Iron Islands."

I let my words sink in for a moment. "Of course, before releasing Konrad from his oath to me and allowing him to serve under King Robert, I will leave a garrison of several thousand men here. They will protect the islands, support him in the rebuilding process, and ensure everything progresses as planned."

I gestured toward the map. "This region is crucial for the stability of northern trade. Harlaw will serve as the administrative and military center, closely supervised by Prussian officers for a time until the islands can function autonomously. This place could become one of the key trade hubs between Westeros and Essos through the northern channel. But as we agreed, its loyalty will be to the Seven Kingdoms and King Robert."

Arryn nodded. "Then, as agreed, King Robert will recognize this noble as the legitimate Lord of the Iron Islands. Let's make this quick. Bring him before Robert tomorrow, and let's avoid the other nobles filling my ears with endless complaints about another lord being chosen for the position," Arryn concluded, and the group began preparing to depart. They had accepted the terms, albeit without enthusiasm, aware that their influence over these islands would be little more than nominal. For me, it was a necessary formality, one already resolved.

Before they left, I looked up and addressed Stark. "Stark, I need to speak with you."

The rest of the group paused momentarily. Arryn inclined his head and left, followed by the others. Stannis was the last to leave the tent, silent as always, though his gaze lingered longer than necessary.

Once we were alone, I approached the map on the table and pointed to a line marking the Neck. "Now, with the Ironborn no longer a nuisance, and a port under House Stark's control in this region, trade between our lands is destined to flourish. The news will spread quickly: the waters are finally safe, the pirates are gone, and merchants will flock like flies. You'll see dozens, perhaps hundreds, of my ships passing near your coasts, carrying raw materials."

Stark remained silent, his face cold but attentive. I knew him well enough to understand he wouldn't accept this arrangement without scrutiny.

"As promised in our defensive alliance, I have eliminated the threat that plagued the North," I continued, meeting his gaze. "Pirates will no longer be a problem, at least not from the Iron Islands."

"You kept your word," he finally said, his tone low but firm. "But your methods… I feel like you're not telling me the whole truth." Lord Stark looked at me directly, his sharp gaze searching for any cracks in my story.

I took a deep breath, maintaining my composure. "Lothar led the charge, Lord Stark. You've seen what that man is capable of on the battlefield. If you had seen the bodies, you'd better understand what happened. They were nearly unrecognizable. Balon Greyjoy was only identified by his clothing—nothing else."

Stark remained silent, his unyielding eyes fixed on me. I continued, knowing every word had to be measured.

"My orders were clear: capture any of Balon's children who surrendered. You can ask any of my men; they'll all tell you the same. But Balon's children didn't surrender. They weren't found alive."

His jaw tightened, but he didn't interrupt. I seized the moment to reinforce my point.

"As for his wife and youngest son… They were trapped by fear, Lord Stark. They believed they'd be executed. In their panic, the woman and child sought refuge in the tallest tower, but a poorly secured window was their downfall. They tried to escape and fell. It was an accident, nothing more."

Stark stood motionless, studying me with the patience of a man accustomed to observing every detail. He couldn't refute my words without evidence, but his distrust lingered.

"An accident?" he finally said, his tone cold. "Everything seems conveniently tragic, but I doubt the truth is as simple as you paint it."

"It's the truth, Lord Stark," I replied, letting a note of firmness creep into my voice. "I know you disapprove of my methods, and I don't expect you to. But the results speak for themselves. The Iron Islands are pacified, and the North can rest easy. No more pirates haunting your shores or rebels planning raids. Just peace."

"At what cost?" Stark muttered, more to himself than to me.

"At the necessary cost," I replied without hesitation. "History will judge whether it was right or not, but for the living, this means stability. And that, Lord Stark, is something neither you nor I can ignore. Now, let's discuss the trade agreements," I concluded.

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Leave a comment; support is always appreciated.

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I remind you to leave your ideas or what you would like to see.

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