Game of Thrones: King of Magic

Chapter 31

Solomon. Braavos.

Upon his arrival, Tarmo immediately walked to the back of the hall and gave a short speech of thanks, his goals, and how he was going to run his business if he won the election. All in all, nothing much except for one thing.

Money.

As it turns out, the Crown of the Seven Kingdoms has a large debt to the Iron Bank. Large enough that everyone present at this event would know about it. And it wouldn't concern Braavos as a whole, were it that a portion of the bank's profits go to the city's treasury. That's not the main reason, though.

The people of this city are wealthy and quite proud. And judging by the looks on the faces of those present, they are, to put it mildly, not happy with the current state of affairs. In fact, most, if not all, realize the debt the Crown is in no particular hurry to repay. It's as if Braavos is simply being taken advantage of, while simultaneously disrespecting its inhabitants.

Since the city was formed by slaves and refugees from Valyria, its inhabitants don't like to feel like what their ancestors were. And Tarmo, having taken over as Sea Lord, plans to address that.

No, of course, it's not about war. At least not with weapons. It's about money. He wants to raise the toll on ships leaving Westeros, and also, exclusively for the Crown, raise the lending rate.

So the Crown will be under pressure from both inside and outside. Merchants from Westeros will, frankly, complain to the Crown about the unfairness of Braavos' new policy, and the Crown itself will be far from happy about the increased debt. Besides, the Keepers of the Keys, who run the Iron Bank, are not opposed to Tarmo's idea.

Go to war with the city? You could certainly try, but the only way to get to Braavos is by sea. It would take money to cross the sea. And not just for ships, captains and crew, but for weapons, armor and provisions. What can't be said, but to lead an entire army on a, to put it mildly, well-defended city is sheer folly.

The arsenal, which is just beyond the Titan of Braavos, can perfectly hold off the onslaught from the sea, as there is only one way through it. Leading troops around it is ridiculous because of the huge expense, exceeding the sea option several times over.

Braavos, on the other hand, can afford to be aggressive. Covertly, of course. Sending assassins is nothing compared to shipping an entire army. All they need to do is eliminate the commanders and the ruling circle.

It won't come to that, though. One side and the other knows about all this. Perhaps no one gains anything from it, but not really. Braavos will be reminded that he is to be reckoned with and respected, and that's what matters.

After his speech, Tarmo, his bodyguard and Velano's younger brother moved from one group of guests to the next, greeting each one personally and exchanging a few words with them. After a while, it was our turn as well. He first studied my appearance quickly, and only then did he begin to speak.

- Greetings, Mistress Lina, it's nice to know that you are in good health, - he started politely but confidently with Lina, who in response made a slight bow, and then turned to me - We do not know each other, Mr. Solomon, but I have heard some good words about you from our mutual acquaintance and some from rumors. Tarmo Fregar, an experienced cloth and silk merchant. Behind me are Zehir Sand, my bodyguard, and Oris Antarion, my assistant. Will you satisfy my curiosity by telling me what position you hold? Judging by the High Priestess' clothing and demeanor, far from one that can be ignored.

"Sand"? Isn't that the surname given to bastards in Dorne? Quite expected, since he came from Sunspear.

"Oris Antarion... Well, now I know Brother Velano's name. He looks really uninterested in everything going on around him. And that's pretty weird, since he's supporting Tarmo in his cause. Exactly as strange as the complete lack of magic in his body and mind. Apparently Velano was a bit mistaken, and his little brother has another reason to follow Tarmo.