In a quiet district of the grim isle, behind the palisade, where none but crabs walk, Aenyx stood and gazed. Amidst the barren field, a tall tree was grown, where he leaned. he beheld the infamous spears of the merling king, the spears that confined him into this barren isle. He chose safety over the storm for which now he was bound to Lord of Claw Isle to deliver him to King's Landing. 'A favour' He called it, for Aenyx was a dictatorship. not that he cared for the tribe; for He was more concerned about the confidence Cedryc Celtigar would gain if Aenyx provided his wish; would He become a tool in the lord's game? he for sure seemed full of plans for future.
Aenyx thought many times to find a way to deceive the master of the whispers into a situation where to find repose he would free Aenyx of his dire plan to enslave the tribe forever to his house. However, every thought of his was crushed when he reminded himself that the man was the spymaster of the king. An apt title for him.
I still could curse him, 'the curse of God upon you, you porker'. the thought got him a chuckle. he realised that it's good to laugh at times.
"Here you are, my prince." a familiar voice called him. Aenyx turned to the source and saw the most unfavourable person in the list of ones he knew. Aradrin Celtigar, heir to Claw Isle, drunk as a soaked cat. Aenyx hated him. a rapist, a reaver and a son of a supposed vampire. "Hello there," he answered his call.
"'Tis a good day to break the will of life, eh?" he asked. It seemed like the Celtigars truly hated the men of the tribe from the bottom of their hearts. For what reason though? taxes?
"I'm sure their will of life broke when you brought their women with yourself."
Aradrin laughed. "True on that, my prince. I should not mention these to you but the girl I had was quiet like a rabbit waiting for the hound to hunt her. I had to slap her to be sure she wasn't dead."
"I cannot fathom how much joy you got from that slaps," Aenyx said disgustedly.
"Joy is underselling, my prince. I went to the seven heavens and touched the maiden herself," he again talked. Aenyx just could not listen to him. of things he said.
"Sure."
Silence fell between the two. Aenyx thought of pushing Aradrin to fall to his death. he could not do that, unfortunately, but, the thought of him falling into one of those spears brought him a smile.
"After the Claw Isle, we are heading to King's Landing immediately," he stated.
Aenyx frowned at 'We'. "If you consider Lord Celtigar, my companions and I as a 'We', you're right there."
"You were not aware, were you, my prince? I am going to King's Landing too," he said with a smirk.
Aenyx cursed quietly. "I thought as an heir, you would rather in your birthplace and rule."
Aradrin huffed. "Heh, I'd sooner be a beggar down the Flea Bottom than the lord of Claw Isle."
Aenyx was puzzled by his remark. "Alright. why's that?" he asked.
He hesitated for a moment, then looked back to the tower. "Father knows what I am as well as what I will be as a lord. he doesn't want me as his heir, he wants me as a bogeyman, for the small folk to besmirch, for lords to loath. he wants me to be Harren the Black come again for his 'heir' to be the Dragonknight." he laughed bitterly and saddened. Aenyx was melting in joy, however.
"How obscure of him, to ostensibly praise you and show proud, only to replace you in the right moment with the right person," Aenyx said pretendedly sad. "But, are you sure this is his plan?"
"I know so, my prince. I can see it in his eyes, he doesn't want me."
"But he has to, unless he wants his house extinct." Aenyx has seen Cedryc's wife, Myra. she was way past the years of childbearing. to omit Aradrin from succession, he either has to kill his wife and remarry or disinherit his son and adopt a familyless boy.
"He has plans for that too."
Good. tell me all. "Oh? and what that could be?"
Aradrin's eyes were uncertain. "I don't know if I can trust you, my prince," he said softly.
Aenyx went closer to Aradrin and whispered in his ear: "You can't. but if you don't tell me, you will live in a dilemma of trust. you believe your father to be scheming against you, to detect that you need the help of men that have the same motivation as you." then he picked up a rock and handed it to Aradrin. "The rock in your hand is the future your father has in mind. how far will you throw it with only your strength?" then he put his hand on Aradrin's hand ", And how far will it drown in nothingness with two hands?" Aenyx left him hanging on his thoughts as he ended his master monologue of manipulating. though he wasn't sure if he had to declare his despise of Cedryc to his son so clearly.
Aradrin went deep into his thoughts for a long time. he supposedly was thinking through Aenyx's words. "Your words, my prince," he said as he looked at Aenyx. "Are of a man full grown. your wisdom is the crone blessing... or a curse at that. you're right on the dilemma. I have one right now: to confide in your inhuman mind or to fear your demonic thoughts."
Aenyx was baffled by the drunk's words. Just spite it already. he was irritated by Aradrin's resistance. however, he knows that he's close to breaking his will to talk. I need to approach him in another way. he thought. "your concern is fair. there's no need to be beguiled by my words. consider this: I get drunk with you, therefore, I lost my ability to build an immersion in which you would be forced to tell me the secrets you don't want to tell. in the end, you have told someone of your concerns and did not put your family's secrets in the wrong hands." Aenyx said with an innocent smile. He, of course, was not going to get drunk, but to made Aradrin more than he already is.
He smiled broadly. "That is a bright idea, my prince. we shall go to the harbour's tavern, right now." with that, he lifted Aenyx and put him on his shoulders, then headed towards the tavern. Aenyx, though unease up in Aradrin's shoulders, grinned at how his plan worked.
A few minutes later, they were in the inn. Aradrin was drinking ale while Aenyx, unnoticed by the lord's son, ordered water. "To your ever-lasting health my friend," he said as he drank his water.
Aradrin chuckled. "Friends over ale. the best of friendship."
"Indeed." Aenyx agreed. He turned around to find a bard. when he found one, he gestured towards him. "Sing a song for your lord's son bard And you might get a lif-long fortune." at that bard bowed, tuned his lute and sang:
The Dornishman's wife was as fair as the sun,
and her kisses were warmer than spring.
But the Dornishman's blade was made of black steel,
and its kiss was a terrible thing...
At the lyrics, Aradrin constantly laughed while Aenyx faked one. the two spent an hour singing and laughing. after that, it was time to question Aradrin. "Feelin' good friend?" Aenyx asked him.
Aradrin struggling to find words looked at him and laughed: "Never... been better."
"I'm glad. because you can't bring up uneasy questions when you're not well."
He dipped his ale. "Right... right you are." he closed his eyes and frowned. "What was it that we wanted to talk?"
"Oh, nothing of the high matter, just the fact that what is your father's plan on omitting you from the line of succession," Aenyx said like it was an ordinary matter.
"Yes, yes, I remember." he took a sip from his ale. "I have heard-not seen, just heard- that my father has been corresponding with... with a red priest of Essos."
"Alright. And...?" said Aenyx confused.
"He wants to work on dark magic," said Aradrin horrified.
Aenyx was disappointed. he sighed at his words. Well, at least I didn't spend any money. he stood and headed to exit when Aradrin suddenly asked: "Where you're going, friend?"
"You forgot already? I have a tribe to deal with." Aenyx said as he exited the inn
There were fifty warriors of house Celtigar coming with them. sent by Lord Cedryc to ensure the sense of frightfulness in the tribesmen. their captain, Flavian Waters was master-at-arms of Celtigar castle, he was riding next to Ser Selvy. The two were conversing on the strategy if the situation gets dire.
Valter Mooton was next to Aenyx. He was viewing nature. Aenyx on the other hand was thinking on his words to the tribesmen. he would start the conversation by reminding them of their history. a classic move to make the target feel smart of themselves. next, he should build an image of a hierarchy in which he was at the top and clansmen were lower.
A horseman rode to them. "My prince, Lord Mooton, someone's coming in our way," he said.
Aenyx looked back to see who that is. he was a rider riding with utmost speed. His hair and his cape both were black. Ser Selvy put his hands on his sword if a fight was to come. As the rider came closer, Aenyx realised he was none other than Aradrin Celtigar, drunk as hell.
"Lord Celtigar, we did not expect you to join us," said Valter smiling.
"I'm... sorry my prince, my lord. I... I felt I was needed to be here with... you." Aradrin hardly answered.
"You are welcomed to join our cause, my lord," said Valter.
Aradrin nodded and went to ride next to Flavian Waters. Valter turned to Aenyx and said: "My prince, can we talk, privately?"
Aenyx hesitated for a moment then nodded. he turned to the group. "Men. We stay here for refreshing," he said as he followed Valter who was heading towards the lower parts of the side-road. Valter got off of his horse and helped Aenyx dismount. at the silence, Aenyx looked around and saw nothing but trees. "Is this one of those murder things when you do a murder?" Aenyx asked Valter with concern.
"No," Valter quickly answered.
"I mean, I'm looking around, I feel, you for sure gonna do a murder on me."
"I'm not going to murder you, my prince, at least not today," Valter admitted.
Aenyx wasn't shocked by his word. remembering that Valter doe not believe in death. "Alright. so why are we here?"
"We have Aradrin Celtigar in our party," Valter said excitedly.
"You just told me useless information I already knew."
"I beg to differ, my prince, we have Lord Aradrin and we are heading to the tribe he reaved. we could grant the tribesmen, their reaver." Valter's eyes were wide And his grin was great.
"What will we get from handing him over? I need a ship to go to King's Landing. They don't have one." Aenyx's voice was hoarse from Valter's proposal.
"But from your demeanour and your words, I can see that you do not desire to go there," said Valter confusedly.
Aenyx blinked. Mooton was right on that. Aenyx did not want to go to the place where his half-brother was in the most power. but he doesn't desire a stay right under the nose of Cedryc Celtigar either. "There are many ways to be away from King's Landing, Valter. I will think about that matter later. for now, let's get back."
Valter nodded as the two mounted their horses and got back. with them, the wrigglers and the carts went on. The road was straight and empty of sound. A concerning grade of silence when the road is open to the wilderness. No chirp, no whir, no buzz, nothing. Either there are some hidden men on those trees or this isle is devoid of insects.
Fortunately for him, it was the latter. Aenyx asked some of the guardsmen And they confirmed that the isle is as barren in the case of animals as it is for farming. that got him more questions than answers: how would they provide food, how would they provide cloth? What could they trade? What is this damned island?
Of course, every one of those questions somehow made its way to Lord Celtigar, previously only known by the coldness in Aenyx's mind now was more of a puzzle for him. His son, Aradrin, who was now sleeping in a cart, reported rumours about him working on dark magic. that is unlikely. What if he's a mad scientist? that would make sense. Mayhaps he envenomed the land of the isle and as a result, all of the animals and plants left? At this point, I just want something to believe.
They made their way to the lower parts of the hill and faced a settlement from afar. It was the tribe or what that has remained of it. Aenyx smelt the sense of burnt wood and saw the death. The corpses, not yet buried. Aradrin did a genocide here. Good thing he made sure to break them completely. At least, my work would be over quickly.
As they entered from the ruined gate, Aenyx felt the gloomy atmosphere. He saw the despair and the hunger of these people. One of them, strong enough to walk, made his way to him. Aenyx saw him and asked: "Hello there good man, what's your name if you don't mind me asking?"
The man was astonished by his hair as he constantly stared at them. "'Twas the time a Targaryen give the honour and come to us. If only you'd come sooner..." he said as he bowed, others followed him. They are loyal then.
"Your name good man?" he asked again kindly.
"Jeor Jarmonant," he answered.
Aenyx nodded "That almost sounds like a real name, sure." then he looked around at the settlement "The times were not kind to you I take."
His face saddened. "No my..?" "Prince," answered Ser Selvy. "My Prince. we have not been living the best of our lives." he was building a rage. "Is it fair for the lords you have put your trust, to come and plunder our home? is it per law for a Lord to attack the property of the king? My ancestors bent the knee to Queen Visenya. for that, she gifted us the honour of having fealty to only the crown. She gifted us the freedom we held for centuries. Then Celtigars came here, demanded that freedom, threatened us, killed us, and for what? What could they gain of us?" his raging was leading to yells.
Aenyx, with the help, dismounted from the horse. "Please My good friend calm down. there is no need for that. Why don't you invite us to a tent of yours and we could discuss this further. I'll promise you, I will do my best to benefit you.
"Of course, my prince please this way." he led the way. Aenyx gestured to Ser Selvy and Mooton to follow him. The three followed Jeor into a grand brown tent made of fur. The first sight Aenyx saw was a man, older than Jeor, sitting abed, reading. His stern face at the sight of Aenyx went soft. "Elder Yoryn, This is Prince Aenyx Targaryen."
"Bring bread and salt," Yoryn said. His voice was deep and commanding. Jeor quickly went to a desk in the corner of the tent and returned with bread and salt. He offered them to Aenyx. When he hesitated at first, Yoryn said: "Please, My prince, accept the guest right. we would never harm you but it's only fair for you to be assured." Aenyx ate bread and salt.
"Elder Yoryn, I'm truly sorry for what happened to your home," said Aenyx.
"'Twas not your fault, my prince," he said as he turned to Jeor. "Bring the table and the chairs, Jeor." Jeor nodded and went on with his order. "We've hadn't been graced by the royal presence for a long time, my prince. it's a surprise to see you here."
What a cruel joke: You have royalty to my silver hair, and I want you to give that away. "I admit, if not per accident and chance, my companions and I wouldn't land in Claw Isle," Aenyx admitted.
"Crab Isle, my prince." Yoryn corrected. Jeor and four tribesmen brought chairs and a table, by then. Yoryn and Aenyx sat in front of each other. Valter, next to Aenyx and Ser Selvy stood guarded. Jeor then brought wine and cups.
"I wasn't aware you have another name for this place," said Aenyx.
"The isle is filled with crab and crab only, my prince. 'Crab Isle' has meaning while 'Claw Isle' gives an incorrect image for the isle." he explained.
"An interesting interpretation," Aenyx said as he poured wine for Yoryn and offered him the cup. Yoryn politely accepted. "I learnt from Lord Cedryc Celtigar that the relations between your tribe and house Celtigar have been hostile at best. why's that?" Aenyx asked.
"Celtigars are proud people, my prince," said Yoryn as he took a sip. "Too proud for their good." his voice was bitter and filled with suppressed rage. "They falsely claim over Crab Isle and Cracklaw point, bah!. Through generations, they, filled with ambition, attacked us and we answered firmly. Then there came Cedryc Celtigar and his hound of a son." he hissed the last part.
"Are they worse than their precessors?"
Yoryn huffed. "More than worse, my prince. That monster Aradrin is an ordinary thing but the father..." he shook his head. "I know not what he has done, but since his lordship, the Isle has become silent. Lifeless, I could even say. I remember the times of his lord father, Aran Celtigar. Back then, Crab Isle was different. When Cedryc became lord, the isle became gloomy and dark."
Aenyx was frowning. "Are you blaming the decline of Crab Isle on Cedryc Celtigar?" he said.
"They say he was born in the darkest district of Asshai, with a witch as a wetnurse." his face dimmed as he said those words. he ran his fingers through his hair in frustration. "I know not how much is true, but hear me out, your grace. that man, whoever birthed him, burned our weirwood. He is not something natural." he clenched his hands in anger.
"I..." Aenyx couldn't find the right word to describe the things Yoryn said. Two men now were claiming Cedryc Celtigar of association with sorcery. But it's not strong evidence, just drunk talk and rumours. He did consider the possibility of him being a mad scientist. Maybe he should begin to think more about this man. After all, They're to be neighbours in King's Landing.
As Aenyx was thinking through, sounds of shouts and yells came from outside. a Celtigar soldier came with haste to the tent. "My prince, Lord Aradrin is coming this way," he warned. After him, came the young Celtigar himself. His face was frowning And his hands clenched. Yoryn pursed his lips at the sight of him And Jeor leid his hands on his sword. Ser Selvy did that in following And Valter was watching everything in excitement. "My prince, the men are unease. tension is growing. what are your orders?" he asked.
Aenyx breathed heavily for a second. he couldn't allow the soldiers to go crazy, he also couldn't leave Aradrin and Yoryn without knowing that they would kill each other. "Ser Selvy, do not let any fight occur. I will go outside and speech for the men." Selvy nodded in agreement.
Aenyx went out of the tent and found his men ready to use their swords. "Men!" all eyes turned to him. "There is no need to be stressed. Nothing horrible is going to happen. probably." he muttered the last part. "The situation is under control. for the most part." again he muttered. "I strongly believe the adding of Aradrin Celtigar to negotiations is nothing to worry. maybe." as he was to speak again, sounds of glass breaking and a cry of pain came from the tent. Then Ser Selvy from the tent rushed to him. on his face was blood. "My prince, Lord Aradrin and Cheifman Yoryn..." he paused for a moment. "they are dead!"
At that, the Celtigar soldiers went wild. Their swords clashed the tribesmen one's. roars of pain and cries of fear filled the air as steel cut through the flesh. Aenyx, frozen in his spot, saw the blood of men spilling. Soon the soldiers, after defeating the short fight, went towards the tents for women and children. Aenyx couldn't witness the scene. He made his way to the tent to wait for the massacre to end.
In the tent, he saw the corpses of Yoryn, glass from the bottle of wine in his eyes, Aradrin, with Jeor's sword in his chest and Jeor himself with a wound in his neck (probably by Ser Selvy's sword), all dead. He sighed at the sight, turned to Valter in concern, only to find him drinking his wine. At least one heir is still alive.
What a little adventure I had today. Aenyx thought as he saw the tower from afar. The Celtigar soldier's fun lasted for ten minutes before their torches set the settlement on fire. Destroyed a tribe and led the heir of a barren isle into his death. If I keep going like this, I might fight in a war someday. Aenyx glanced to the cart that carried Aradrin's body. The poor man died as a drunk. Maybe it's not that bad, you'd die without any worries, leaving a mess like this for someone like me to clean up.
Aenyx and his companions were heading to the harbour. Where Cedryc awaits them. Even if he did not have a sense of affection towards his now-dead son, it's only fair to deliver his body to him per what Ser Selvy calls courtesy. If it means to get out of this island sooner, then sure, why not. The harbour was busy. A galley from King's Landing was waiting for Lord Celtigar. They saw him near the port with his belongings. He was discussing with the captain.
"Lord Celtigar." cried Valter Mooton. Cedryc turned his head and saw them and with that, the cart. He walked to them while his eyes never left the cart. "Prince Aenyx and Lord Mooton. I'm glad you returned from your journey. The cart?" he said coldly.
Aenyx took a step forward. Breathed deep and said: "I'm sorry Lord Cedryc, your son..." he struggled to find the right words. "He clashed with the tribesmen and they cowardly killed him." he tried to sell him another story because he figured out that no father would want to hear that their son died in a drunk fight.
"Don't lie to me, prince. It's an insult to my intelligence." he seemed offended by Aenyx's story.
Aenyx sighed. "In that case, I tell you the truth. Your son was highly drunk. He interrupted our negotiation only to kill the tribe's chief with a broken bottle of wine, breaking the guest right if I understand correctly. Then, as a result, a tribesman killed him."
Cedryc went to the corpse. he touched his son's cheeks gently. "He was hot-headed and impulsive. I knew one of these days he would do something rash and get himself killed." he turned to Aenyx. "I thank you for bringing him here. His corpse shall be sent to silent sister to be cleaned. But on more important matters, our ship is ready we shall set off immediately."
"If you want to be here for the funeral..."
"No," he answered as he headed to the ship. with nothing else to do, Aenyx and his party followed him. Aenyx hoped that he would never return to this damned isle.
