Chapter 62: Then Prepare Your Army
Alex signaled for the Silver Moon Legion to form up as they rode to Winterfell. As they reached a distance, Alex halted and raised his voice, commanding attention.
"We are the Silver Moon Legion. I will give you time to tend to your fallen and mourn your losses. I will retreat my army to Crofter's Village, where I will wait. I give all the lords of Westeros seven days to gather there. Those who refuse or ignore my summons, I will send my dragons to burn their strongholds to the ground."
Aided by magic, his voice was calm but echoed through Winterfell, reaching even the deepest dungeons where common folk had hidden. The entire castle fell into a heavy silence after his words.
No one expected such a declaration after the recent battle with the White Walkers. As Alex's vast army began moving toward Crofter's Village, discussions broke out.
Many feared that this was the beginning of a long war. Not all the lords of Westeros were likely to comply. Greed, selfishness, and arrogance ran deep among them. However, Alex's strength left little room for doubt.
Winterfell grieved and cremated their dead, and the people celebrated their victory, temporarily pushing Alex's ominous words to the back of their minds. Ravens flew out across Westeros, carrying word of the events at Winterfell.
"My queen, what do you think the Silver Moon Army wants?" Missandei asked Daenerys.
"I don't know, but war may be inevitable. Even if I have ten more dragons, we can't win." Daenerys replied.
"The lords and ladies will never unite," Jon Snow said, glancing at Tyrion. "Westeros cannot stand against that army, even if we combined our forces."
Tyrion Lannister spoke up. "What can we do? We can't just ignore them."
Lord Varys muttered, "I guess we'll have to hear what they have to say first."
Sansa Stark asked, "What do you think they eat, with that many soldiers and dragons?"
"We don't know," Jon answered.
Days passed. The joint armies, along with Daenerys's forces, stayed at Winterfell. Lords from around the realm began arriving, each with their entourage. The day of reckoning quickly approached.
Seven days later, the lords and ladies of the major houses gathered in Crofter's Village. Alex had erected a large wooden cabin, enhanced with magic, providing warmth and comfort.
Among Major houses, House Stark was represented by the Stark siblings, Bear Island by Lyanna Mormont, House Arryn by Robin Arryn and his advisors, House Targaryen by Daenerys, House Lannister by Tyrion and Jaime, House Baratheon by Gendry, House Tully by Edmure, and House Martell by the Prince of Dorne, House Tarth by Lord Selwyn Tarth, but House Greyjoy of Iron Island was notably absent.
The lords and ladies exchanged tense glances as they sat at a long wooden table laden with food and drink, but no one moved to touch it. Soon, Alex entered, and they rose out of respect, aware of the army and dragons outside. As Alex sat at the head of the table, they followed suit.
"Please enjoy the meal I've prepared for you," Alex invited, starting to eat. The room remained tense as the lords and ladies hesitantly sampled the food. None could shake the unease of having such an unknown and powerful force at their table.
Finally, Alex spoke. "I seem to not see the House Greyjoy of Iron Islands. Have they been wiped out as well?"
"No, my lord, they've been informed," Tyrion began, but Alex interrupted, coldly finishing the sentence, "They ignored my summons?"
The room fell into silence, a few whispers flickering between the lords and ladies. Alex raised a hand, signaling one of his soldiers. "Send soldiers to destroy the nobility of the Iron Islands. Ride 20 dragons there and burn their castles. Leave the women, children, and common folk be, but station fifty soldiers and two dragons as sentries."
The room was still. Some wiped sweat from their brows.
Alex turned to the gathered assembly. "My purpose here is simple. I wish to unite this world, end the endless cycle of war, and free the people from the tyranny of noble rule. I ask that all your houses surrender their power and disband your armies."
A thick silence followed. The words sank in. Daenerys was the first to speak. "Unite this world?" Her voice was controlled but uncertain. "Your intentions sound noble, but asking the great houses of Westeros to surrender their power is no small thing. It has been our way for centuries."
Alex's blue eyes locked with hers, steady. "Your way has brought nothing but war, suffering, and endless tyranny. How many lives have been lost to the whims of those who claim to rule by birthright? My goal is not to argue history, but to end the suffering it causes."
Jon Snow leaned forward. "And what would you offer in return? What system would replace the lords and their armies? How do we ensure this peace is not another form of subjugation?"
Alex nodded at Jon's question. "I will establish a system grounded in merit, justice, and the well-being of the people. No longer will power be concentrated in the hands of a few. I will select leaders for each region, if your houses have the ability to hold that position, then you shall. Governors will be guided by a council that ensures their rule aligns with my policies."
He paused, his gaze steady. "A central military force will oversee the security and safety of the regions. No governing body will be permitted to control or deploy military power, either within their region or beyond."
Gendry Baratheon frowned. "You speak of fairness, but what about loyalty? How can you expect the people to follow a system they don't understand?"
"They will follow a system that feeds them, protects them, and helps them prosper," Alex replied. "Loyalty born from fear or tradition is fragile. Loyalty earned through respect and trust is unbreakable."
Robin Arryn, still young and unsure, cleared his throat. "And if we refuse?" His voice quivered with unease.
Alex's gaze grew colder. "Then you will face the full might of the Silver Moon Legion. But know this: your refusal will only harm the people you claim to serve. I will not allow their suffering to continue because of the arrogance of a few."
Edmure Tully shifted uneasily. "You ask a great deal, Lord Alex. Disbanding armies and surrendering power, this is not something that can be decided lightly."
"Nor should it be," Alex replied. "But hesitation will not save you. My army is not here to negotiate indefinitely. Those who align with me will be on the right side of history. Those who do not will face the consequences."
Tyrion Lannister leaned back, sipping his wine before speaking. "It seems your vision offers little room for compromise. You demand submission but offer no guarantee of success. Some might call that tyranny in another form."
Alex's expression remained impassive. "Call it what you will. The difference is that my rule will not favor the few over the many. And as for guarantees, my actions will speak louder than promises. The peace I bring will speak for itself."
The tension in the room deepened. Finally, Sansa Stark broke the silence, her voice decisive. "House Stark will not oppose you. The North has seen enough war. If your intentions are true, we will support your efforts."
Jon shot her a surprised glance, but she met his gaze with determination.
Daenerys, after a long pause, nodded. "If the North will stand with you, so will I. The people of Westeros deserve a better future, even if it means giving up my goals and the power I hold. But, I wish to have King's Landing and the Iron Throne under my name."
Tyrion sighed, turning to Jaime. "It seems we're outvoted, my brother," he said. "House Lannister will comply, but I doubt my sister will willingly give up her power."
One by one, other houses began to voice their agreements, some hesitantly, others more firmly. But a few remained silent, their faces filled with defiance. The Prince of Dorne stood. "House Martell has always stood apart. We do not bow easily, and we will not do so now."
Alex's eyes flashed with cold resolve. "Then prepare your armies. You will need them."
The Prince of Dorne departed, followed by a few other lords who chose defiance over submission. Alex did not stop them but turned back to those who remained. "You have made the right choice. Together, we will build a new world."