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Eddard Stark IV
Outskirts of the North's Western Harbour, Year 284 AC
They had been galloping through the Twilight's shores for almost a week knowing they were reaching the destination of their long journey.
It had obviously started at Winterfell and very quickly they were following the dirt paths along the southern border of the Wolfswood where they witnessed deer, wild boar and other small animals. Ashara enjoyed seeing them because she loved all kinds of animals but Ned found himself depressed when he saw the deer as they reminded him of the sigil of House Baratheon and consequently of his best friend Robert who unfortunately was no longer with them.
After six long days, the pair arrived at Torrhen's Square, the castle of House Tallhart that stood proudly at the shores of the Charcoal Lagoon. There they spent three days under the hospitality of old Master Artos Tallhart and his two sons Helman and Leobald. The Tallharts were still not happy with Ned and Brandon's decision to support the Targaryens but just like the Glovers, they were swayed by the plan that Ned had to build a road from Winterfell to the western port that passed through Torrhen's Square. Thus they assured their presence at Winterfell's harvest feast at the end of the year, hoping to get more details about the project that was beneficial to them.
With the negotiations and appeasement done, Ned and Ashara began the more complicated parts of their journey. This was because they would find no more castles to refill their provisions though Ned knew they had enough to reach the harbour if they didn't get lost. Given that both of them memorized the path and the nearby geographical features, Ned had judged this outcome as very unlikely. Sleeping in tents was as Ashara put it exciting and unsettling. While thieves were rare as population centres were sparse and no one expected a rich couple to be in this area, wild predators such as wolves and bears were still a problem and for that reason, Ned usually didn't sleep well, always worried for his pregnant wife and their horses.
After twelve days of travelling, they arrived at the shores of the Lovers' Lake. It was one of the North's largest lakes that almost disappeared in the middle of its lakebed thus giving the appearance of two lakes kissing each other. Ned did vaguely remember a story Nan told him when he was younger about a couple whose names, he didn't remember that apparently kissed there or something of the sort. Suffice it to say the man died and the woman in her grief lost her will to live. Her father was also involved in some capacity, but it had been so long since he heard the story that he didn't recall it well.
Ashara decided and he approved, to kiss three times a day while they were around the lake. Her reasoning was to make sure that their luck didn't run out but it only made them more horny and in the night they had to relieve each other in various ways.
But the Lovers' Lake brought good news because the main branch of the River Twilight was born there and so now they just had to follow it to the coast. This also brought the added benefit of them not having to climb the Rills' Hills, the mountain range from where the rills began. The further west they were, the stronger the currents of the Twilight became. Ashara was nostalgic because it reminded her of the River Torrentine and of Starfall. Ned could not confirm it because he never saw the river in question but he trusted his wife with his life and she suggested that they made a trip to Dorne after their newest child was born. He agreed.
After a fortnight, they started getting worried about little Jon, especially Ashara who had never spent so much time away from her precious son but they knew he was in capable hands. Sure Lyanna was tomboyish and a bit irresponsible but she knew how to run a castle and little Ros was of great help too. They tried to appreciate the many beautiful sceneries in their journey in the company of each other without responsibilities troubling them and it was good.
And at last, they saw what looked like a stone wall on the other side of the river, a landmark that indicated that they had finally arrived at their destination. Now all they had to do was find a bridge to cross the mighty river.
Half an hour later they found a village by a bridge. The bridge was elevated, roughly ten feet above the current, obviously built this way to avoid its collapse during wintertime. If the Twilight's currents were this strong during summer they were likely terrible during winter. As for the village, it had houses built with stone, wood and straw. The streets were made of dirt and the people there, while not exactly well dressed, seemed well fed and it was clear they were surprised and interested in the arrival of foreigners.
They arrived at what seemed to be an inn because it was larger than the other houses. At the door stood a man, older than Ned with brown hair and eyes. "Good Afternoon!" he said with a cheerful smile. "It's been a few years since we've seen foreigner' in these parts."
"Not surprising, my good man, but I believe our visit will bring many more soon." Replied Ashara with her own smile.
"Oh yes?" The man said with a hint of surprise as he looked at Ned. A crowd was growing around them.
"My name is Eddard Stark, second son of Lord Rickard Stark." Ned proclaimed loudly. "My wife Ashara and I came to see my late father's project and hopefully bring it to the conclusion he wanted."
And as expected, though Ned didn't really want it, the crowd knelt before him. "My Lord, welcome to our humble village." Said the same brown-haired man they had been speaking to. "Please accept our condolences on the death of yer father. He did a lo' of good for this area."
"Condolences are truly appreciated, good man." Ned thanked him and everyone with a smile. "Please rise. My wife and I have information that there is a castle in these parts and would appreciate some directions."
"The castle is pretty big, My Lord." Assured the man. "Lord Rickard buil' it near Logmine, northwes' of here after passing the river. Some folks didn' like them trees being cut down but it was necessary…"
"Logmine is one of the villages, am I correct?" Asked Ashara.
"Yes. You are in Redfish, passing the river will take ya to Bull Rill Brook, named after one of the streams that flows into the Twilight. Following the brook to northwest yer will be at Logmine and Lord Rickard's castle." The man explained. "Outside the walls, there are other villages too."
"And what is your name, good man?" Ned inquired.
"Joseth, My Lord." Replied the man before pointing to the woman and two girls beside him. "This my wife Maisie and my daughters Mara and Jeyne."
"A pleasure to meet you." Ned avowed. "Please accept this coin bag for the information and sympathy."
"My Lord I can't…"
"We insist." Ashara said. It had been her idea to reward whoever gave them information so that they could count on them in the long run and be well-perceived by the population. It wasn't much, just a couple of silver stags but it was a nice sum for a peasant.
"My wife and I will now follow the stream to the castle," Ned said as he gave the coin bag to Joseth. "May you have the best of luck."
"Thank you, My Lord. And may you and your gracious wife be lucky too."
Without any more delay, Ned and Ashara crossed the wooden bridge and passed by the village of Bull Rill Brook which was slightly larger than Redfish as it stretched along the banks of the brook. They crossed a smaller bridge to the other side of the brook and were thus able to see the docks Ned's father had built there.
They stretched almost two miles to the west, following the course of the Twilight and were paved with stone and divided into smaller wooden piers that were mostly empty aside from half a dozen fishing boats docked. The defensive wall was also made of stone and there were watchtowers that stretched evenly across the pier but seemed to have no guards in them. "The docks must be half the size of White Harbour, right?" Ashara asked him. "I also think they ought to be larger than any in Dorne..."
"I don't know about Dorne but it does seem to be as large as White Harbour," Ned admitted. "There isn't much movement though..."
"Well, it hasn't been officially opened yet." Ashara pointed out the obvious. "I wonder why though...it is clearly ready to receive ships."
"And how do you open a port?" Ned asked laughing and his wife joined him in it.
"That is a good question is it not? We are so used to ports already existing and thriving that we have no clue how they were opened in the first place."
"Logically, if a port has commercial transactions, it's opened right?" Ned deduced aloud.
"Logically, yes."
"Then we need to promote these transactions."
Ashara nodded in agreement. "I suppose we will have to get the Westermen, Reachners and Riverlanders to come and trade with us."
"But how do we do it? Do we send messages saying something, like we opened a western port, come and trade with us?"
Ashara laughed again. "I would think so, I mean we do it with a more flowery language but I would think so."
"Seven Hells..." Ned shook his head. "Lord Mallister will surely be interested, he gets along well with the North and rode with us in the war even against Hoster Tully. Willam might be interested too..."
"You know we need more than that." Ashara pointed out. "We need the Lannisters, Tyrells and Hightowers. Without them, this will not go anywhere." Hearing his wife say they needed these three Houses' support left a prick in Ned's throat because he didn't fully trust them but he also knew she was right in her assessment without Lannisport and Oldtown there would be no new White Harbour. "I'm confident that the North's wood will attract buyers..."
"You're right."
"I know you already promised the position of Castellan to Lord Glover's brother and I agreed with you but now I wonder if a Manderly would not be better..." Ned wondered the same, after all, the Manderlys were used to administrate a harbour. But the Glovers were not as supportive as they once were so having them get the position was more beneficial from a political perspective, unfortunately, not so much from the administrative and economic perspectives... "Well, there is not much we can do now. Shall we see the bloody castle already? The anticipation is getting the better of me."
"You are not the only one, Shining Star," Ned assured smiling. "Who knows...perhaps there's a bathtub waiting for you there."
"Oh, that would be great!"
Thus they continued their journey, now following the Bull Hill Brook northwards. After the village's houses, there were only flat lands with even smaller streams of water crossing them until after half an hour of riding they saw a wall with watchtowers. Behind them was the castle that should be his.
As they got closer to it, its walls grew bigger and more pronounced. They were made of stone and looked to be a third the size of Winterfell except when there was a sentry tower at which point they would be slightly above half the size of Winterfell's. The dirt path they had been following stopped abruptly in front of a huge iron gate. "Who goes there?!" Asked a guard on the second floor of the sentry tower to the left of the gate.
"Eddard Stark and his wife Ashara Stark." Ned responded loudly, hoping they wouldn't face problems.
The sentry guard seemed rather confused by the looks of it and disappeared for a while until he returned with two more guards at the iron gates. "Are you really a Stark?" Asked the guard who had inquired them earlier.
Ned smiled and showed them his outfit that had the sigil of House Stark stitched into it. Ashara also added the following: "My husband has grey eyes, long dark brown hair and the famous long face. I would say we are looking at a Stark..."
"He looks like Lord Rickard did." An older guard proclaimed. "He has to be a Stark."
"Yes..." The initial guard agreed. "Forgive us, My Lord, but it has been a while since a Stark has been here...I never saw one myself..."
"All is good," Ned assured. "But we would like to see the castle that my father left me."
"Of course, Milord. And please have our condolences." They said while bowing to them before opening the iron gates to allow the couple in.
The dirt path turned into a cobbled road and the duo followed at a trotting pace to allow the guards to match their pace. At last, they arrived at the castle itself. It had an unusual design being more akin to the manses of Essos and the Westerosi port towns and yet the materials were clearly from the North, namely polished stone that lacked ornaments except an unusual number of windows.
"I was not expecting this," Ashara confessed. "It looks like the manses of King's Landing but on a much larger scale...it somehow reminds me of Starfall too..."
"Does it?" Ned asked surprised.
"Yes...it must be the windows..."
"Milords, let us take the horses to the stable so they can rest." Pleaded one of the guards who escorted them.
Ned and Ashara were quick to dismount and give some much-needed rest to their trusty horses. They quickly noticed the curious heads peeking from the windows and not long after the doors of the castle opened and half a dozen female servants exited it. They introduced themselves and the more extrovert ones confessed they were surprised to be in the presence of Starks. The most extroverted one, a woman of black hair and eyes with an ample buxom introduced herself as Kyra and offered to show them the castle, an offer they took.
Right at the entrance they were met by a spacious Entrance Hall with a large stairway leading to the second and third floors. Potted plants clearly from south of the Neck or from Essos decorated the Entrance Hall. "This is the main staircase that leads to the upper floors." Kyra led to the right hallways which were lit by the spacious windows that were reflecting sunlight. Corridors branched from the hallway and potted plants were everywhere, alternating with unlit fireplaces. "This is the corridor for the nobles to pass through. The fireplaces are usually lit at night but being summer and only living here seventeen servants, we only keep an eight of 'em lit."
"It makes sense. You ought to conserve wood for winters." Ashara provided.
"All these corridors lead to the servants' quarters but only those on the eastern wing are occupied and not entirely." Kyra continued with her explanations while leading them to a different part of the castle. "Here's the Lord's wing. On the opposite side of the castle stands the Lady's wing which is identical to this one: there is a banquet room on the first floor, you only have to pass those double doors, following these stairs, you will find the Lord's office to receive guests and the living room where he can spend time with his family if so wishes. Finally on the third floor is the Lord's quarters as well as rooms for his family and visitors to sleep in."
"Does the Lady of the castle have a banquet room of her own?" Ashara asked.
"Everything you see on this side of the castle is reproduced on the opposite side," Kyra assured. "Though the other side has never been used and the last time this side was used was when Lord Rickard was here four years ago and no big feasts were ever done."
"And are there rooms for the servants on the upper floors?" Ned inquired.
"There are rooms upstairs but they are not used. I forgot to say that there is a noble's corridor on each floor at the front of the castle. The servants have corridors of their own at the back and there is a connection to the kitchens beneath the main staircase."
"Can we see the banquet hall?" Ashara asked.
"Of course, Milady."
Kyra led them to the banquet room. It was a spacious room with a huge polished wooden table and around twenty chairs made of the same material though he knew there was room to put twice or four times the number of chairs in there. The side windows illuminated the room and there were fireplaces and potted plants scattered throughout as they had already gotten used to. "It is spacious…" Ashara stated. "And it certainly serves what it was made for."
"Yes." Ned confirmed by nodding his head.
"Can you show us the upper floors, please?"
"Of course, Milady."
The couple followed the servant up the side stairs, passing the second floor and reaching the third. They followed the corridor to the end where they found a double wooden door which was opened to them. Inside, they found a large bed, a small desk next to one of the windows and a large wardrobe. "I like it." Ashara proclaimed beaming. "Kyra, can you give us some time alone?"
"Certainly. I reckon you know how to get down from here."
"I do not think we will get lost." Ashara winked at the nice servant who bowed and left, saying she could be found in the banquet room when they needed her. Once they were alone, Ashara's gaze fell on him. "So, my Quiet Wolf, what do you think?"
"I'm a bit overwhelmed by all this," Ned confessed. "My father certainly spent a great deal of money on this project..."
"But there is plenty of room to recover the investment and turn it into profit," Ashara said hopefully. "We will boost trade when we return to Winterfell with Maester Yolan sending messages to the Mallisters and Dustins and then we will debate how to best approach the Westermen and Reachners."
"Yes, that sounds good to me." Ned agreed. "What about you, Shining Star? What do you make of all this?"
"I'm as surprised as you are. Your father did a great job and everything has been far beyond what I expected. I do, however, see plenty of opportunities to improve it further. Starting with diversifying the decoration..."
Ned laughed loudly at that comment and she did too. "I guess you have a point there...I'm not much for decorations but I'm sure you will make it all better."
"A few flags here...a few portraits there..." Ashara hummed. "Speaking of flags...if we are to form a collateral branch of House Stark, should we create a new sigil?"
"Do you think Brandon will get married?" Ned asked. "It was not something he wanted long before this whole mess happened."
"I do not know, my love. You know your brother better than I do." Ashara said. "In any case, he is still the head of House Stark until he dies or abdicates and even if you or Jon get Winterfell, the harbour will have to go to a second son."
"Yes...if it becomes as big as White Harbour, it will be very hard to administrate it from Winterfell but I'm still unsure if it's a good idea to create a new sigil for any child of ours."
"You are probably right...and what will we name this harbour?"
"Direwolf Harbour?" Ned proposed. "I'm not that good with names..."
"Nonsense! Direwolf Harbour sounds good to me, especially if a Stark does get it." Ashara assured. "We can even build a statue of a direwolf in the middle of the docks to intimidate pirates!"
Ned decided to fuel her nonsense a little. "How about we make something akin to the Titan of Braavos but with a direwolf instead?"
"Oh, that sounds phenomenal! What if we forced the boats to enter through the mouth of the wolf? That would scare them senseless!"
"I think we have gone overboard with this, no?" Ned asked amused before the two of them started laughing.
"Perhaps we are..." Ashara admitted after she controlled herself. "Let us go see Kyra and the rest of the castle. I reckon we have plenty of things to still see. We will have a few days to get acquainted with this bedroom."
After meeting the pleasant and talkative servant downstairs, she took them to a servant named Darren who gave them a guided tour of the parts of the castle outside. First, they visited the animal cattle sheds which only had a dozen pigs, sheep, goats, two cows and several chickens and ducks, likely enough to feed the castle's population. Right next to the corrals was the stable, a copy of Winterfell's but only Brooding the Second and Starlight were contentedly eating straw, no doubt happy they did not have to share it with other horses. The granary was to the east of the stables and beyond it was the kennel that only had four dogs.
In the northwest of the defensive wall was a small courtyard around which were the empty dungeons below the watchtower, the Guard's Hall and the armoury. On the opposite side of the main entrance was another watchtower that served as the Rookery and to its left side were the empty Maester's quarters and an equally empty library. Ned was not looking forward to having the Citadel stalling the arrival of a new Maester again...
Following that, Darren led them to the Godswood that covered the eastern third of the castle complex. According to Darren, the castle's location was dictated by Godswood, just like Winterfell had been, with the wall being built to surround the Godswood. There was an eastern entrance so that the peasants could come and pray as they always did before Lord Rickard found it in himself to build a castle there.
The Bull Rills Brook ran through the middle of the Godswood and the peasantry was confined to the eastern bank while the western bank and a patch of land north of a fork of two smaller streams were exclusive to the Lord and his entourage. The Heart Tree was large, about three-quarters the size of Winterfell's and was isolated on a small island in a place where the Bull Rills Brooks seemed to form a small lake. To access the island there were wooden boats on both shores.
Ned and Ashara found the boat crossing funny and joined a mother and two daughters who were caught by surprise at the arrival of the two nobles. The Stark couple knelt in front of the Heart Tree and prayed. Ned asked that his wife would have a safe delivery, that his brothers would be healthy and lucky in their endeavours and that he would be able to rule this castle and surrounding lands well.
Once the prayers were finished, Darren sailed them down the Bull Rills Brook until they reached the southern wall. While doing so, they learned that the eastern entrance was the busiest because of the peasants who came to pray which was not that surprising. Next to the southern wall were, to their surprise, glass greenhouses, perfect copies of those at Winterfell with vegetables and fruits inside though in small quantities which by now was the pattern that Ned had found about his castle.
It was late afternoon after their quick visit to the greenhouses and thus they returned to the castle where the very happy servants prepared them a whole pig to eat. As the animal was so big, Ned invited all the servants to help eat it up and so an unexpected party was held with the guards improvising songs with The Bear and the Maiden Fair being sung no less than seven times that night.
When only the bones of the pig were left behind and everyone seemed filled, Ned ended the party and retired with Ashara to his quarters. Or should he say their quarters? Ashara's kisses seemed to be telling him so... "So what's your verdict?" Asked Ned as kissed his wife's cheeks and neck.
"I really like the castle. As I said, I can see bits of Winterfell and bits of Starfall but I can the castle's own character shining through." His wife explained as she clearly enjoyed the treatment she was receiving. "I still defend it needs to be better decorated and it is quite empty but if we come here more often and Lord Robett does a good job, things will certainly change for the better."
"We have many messages to send once we reach Winterfell..." Ned pointed out.
"I say we spend a week here..." Ashara suggested as she kissed his lips. "And enjoy our time by the seaside...I know I will when you take off my dress...massage my sore shoulders...my breasts...and then something down there...front and back."
"You are pregnant. Is it wise?"
"It is still early in the pregnancy, Master Yolan told me there was no harm until the sixth or seventh."
"I thought you didn't trust Maesters..."
"And I do not. But in terms of pregnancies, I trust myself even less."
Ned laughed at that but his worry was ever present. "Are you absolutely sure about this?"
Ashara hesitated for a little bit but she resolutely responded: "Yes." Ned nodded removing the straps from his wife's shoulders and gently turned her back to him so that he could massage her shoulders. Ashara promptly began moaning in pleasure. "Ned...so good..."
The new Lord of the castle of Direwolf Harbour smiled, thinking they would consecrate the castle with a good night of sex. He began fondling with his wife's breasts and nipples as she moaned more luxuriantly and even if it was wrong, all of his worries disappeared...
Victarion Greyjoy I
Pyke, Iron Islands, Year 284 AC
The seas outside were calm as Victarion arrived at the Throne Room at Pyke's Sky Tower where his remaining younger brother Aeron and his oldest nephew Rodrik were already waiting for his older brother Balon, who was sitting on the throne with a thoughtful look, begin speaking. When Balon saw him, a smile formed on his face. "Vic, my wife told me yours was pregnant, is that true?"
His salt wife Ferysa, a buxom Lyseni woman with blue eyes and blonde hair was indeed pregnant and that left Victarion happy. Ferysa didn't love him but she had warmed to him as the years went by. Being born in the Stepstones to a Pirate Lord and one of his many concubines, she had expected to be a plaything and to some extent she was but Victarion was infatuated with her so he tried to treat her right and she appreciated it. "Yes," Victarion responded with a smile of his own. "I hope everything goes well."
"It was a good catch, that Stepstones lass," Balon stated with a grin. "I assume she is good in bed as a Lyseni."
"I can't complain..."
Laughter erupted in the Throne Room before his brother Aeron decided to give his opinion on the matter. He was tall but still a boy of fifteen, his black eyes showed he was still a boy because of their mirth. His aquiline nose made him somewhat unsightly but his lust and courage compensated for it and made Victarion wonder if Aeron had already become a man... "With Lysenis one can't complain. I will be sure to find one for me at some point. What about you Rodrik, do you want one too?"
Rodrik was more handsome than Aeron but was a little shyer. Since Urrigon unfortunately died, Aeron had been spending more time with his nephew, as they were only one year apart, and was pushing him to do things the lad wouldn't otherwise do. But Victarion liked the kid, he had determination and was ready to learn and make his family proud. The future was bright for the kid. "Would not mind," Rodrik replied. "I heard they give good blowjobs."
"Maybe you should ask Victarion..." Aeron said while looking at him, a smirk on his face. "He is the one with a Lyseni in his bed..."
Victarion was just about to answer his brother when Balon anticipated him. "The time will come for that," Balon stated firmly but Victarion could see a hint of pride from the father to his son. "As Euron is not here yet and I cannot talk about the subject for which I called you, I will start with something else." His gaze on the younger ones grew harsher. "Rodrik, Aeron, you will serve in Victarion's fleet as his underlings for a year in Aeron's case, two in Rodrik's, before I give you command of a ship of your own."
The excitement of the lads was clearly visible and although Victarion was only informed now, he was far from disappointed. Under his command, these lads would become true Ironborn. "Thank you, father, I will not disappoint you!" Rodrik said in a bow.
"I know, Rodrik. Aeron, however, certainly will with his pissing contests." Balon said with scorn. "Nevertheless, commitment is not enough, I expect results. Your mission is extremely important to our cause. You will conduct sorties in the Summer Islands and your main objective is to acquire wood to build our invincible fleet. The wood from the Summer Islands is of excellent quality and I won't stop you from enjoying your victory spoils, it's the wood I want." Victarion found his brother and Lord, soon to be King, locking eyes with him. "Understood, Victarion?"
"Yes." Victarion nodded.
"Excellent. If you succeed, my brother, I will reward you as you deserve."
"Understood."
At that point, the sound of heavy footsteps in the hallways began to increase until the doors creaked a little before the last person missing in their reunion entered. Victarion noticed that Aeron lost his smile and almost trembled as soon as Euron presented himself. Euron was a man with pale skin, black hair and beard, handsome according to the women despite wearing a patch over his left eye since he was thirteen because of an accident he had. He was the only one of the Greyjoys who had blue eyes the colour of the summer sky, however, Victarion no longer even knew what his left eye looked like because he had never seen it since the accident. Perhaps he didn't have it anymore.
Euron was very smart but malicious, always ready to insult. Balon being the eldest and Victarion being always taller and stronger seldom received such insults of his malice, but Victarion knew that his late brother Urrigon and Aeron were not so lucky, suffering slaps and other types of violence with a servant stating that he once found Urrigon being raped though his deceased brother denied it, causing Balon's investigation to cease and the servant disappeared shortly afterwards. But even without confirmation of such vile profanities, Victarion did not like Euron. There was something about this brother of his that made him uncomfortable.
"Forgive my delay, Balon," Euron said kneeling. "I was organizing my fleet and some sailors…didn't quite understand my instructions."
"So be it," Balon said. "Well, then, let's get to the point that matters: the Iron Throne wrote me a message."
Everyone in the Throne Room smiled. "Did they? And what do these fools wish?" Euron asked, clearly amused with the situation.
Balon picked a sheet of paper and said. "I will quote their words:"
To the Lord Paramount of the Iron Islands Balon Greyjoy,
It has been noticed that none of the positions granted to the Iron Islands in the Council of Advisors to His Grace, King Aegon the Sixth, has been filled after a year. We, the Regency Council in His Grace's name urge those positions to be filled in the next Council Meeting to be convened on the Twelfth Month of this year.
Failing to do so, will convince the Regency Council that the Iron Islands are not willing to accept the current situation of the Realm and will force us to take more drastic measures that will include using the force of arms if, the Iron Islands are deemed a threat.
We await your response,
The Regency Council of His Grace, King Aegon the Sixth:
Queen Dowager Rhaella Targaryen
Princess Elia Martell
Lord Paramount Mace Tyrell
Lord Paramount Brandon Stark
Lord Yohn Royce
Lord Derek Morrigen
Ser Brynden Tully
"Well, those Greenlanders are squeezing us a little, heh?" Euron laughed.
"We should show them what we think about their threats!" Aeron protested.
Balon raised his hand to stop Aeron's proposal. "Rodrik, what do you think of this situation?"
"Me?" The lad asked surprised. Even Victarion who wasn't the brightest of individuals concluded that Balon was testing his son.
"Yes. What do you think of this and what is your suggestion on what we should do?"
"Huh...I wanted to show them what we think about their threats but..."
"But what?" Asked Balon with a raised eyebrow.
"We are not ready yet, right? That's why you are sending us to the Summer Islands."
Balon smiled. "You are right, my son. As much as I and all the Ironborn wish to show them Greenlanders what we think of them, at the moment, we do not have the conditions to do so. We need time. What do you think we should do to get this?"
"Huh...I don't really know...I thought we should accept the demand but doesn't that make us look weak?" Rodrik said.
"The answer, dear nephew, is simple." Euron intervened much to Balon's irritation. "Satisfy their demands but on our terms."
"The question was directed at you, Euron." Balon scoffed.
"No, but I think my nephew has already shown he has no clue of what the best answer is." Euron pointed out. "I do think he made a good effort in your test, Balon. He has wits in him." Balon was now gritting his teeth but said nothing and thus Euron continued his speech. "So they wish for us to send someone to those councils of theirs? Then let's do it. Idiots and retards would have been a good option if we wanted to humiliate them but if we take it too far, it will be the same as not sending anyone. Instead, I think we should send old men smart enough to defend our interests and delay and undermine those councils from within."
And there it was Euron's famous cunning at work. No matter how evil he was, no one could take away his intelligence and in a way, Victarion envied his brother for it. His own plan was just like Aeron's.
"I had thought of sending some trusted but unimportant men but I see merit in your suggestion, brother," Balon admitted. "Destroying the Greenlanders' shittery from within sounds more enticing and advantageous. Well then, while Euron and I spy on the ports of the Sunset Sea and all their defences, Victarion will take the lads to acquire all the resources we need and soon we will smash these fucks!"
"Aye!" They all cheered.
"You did well, Rodrik. Keep it up and you will be on the right track to follow my steps." Balon said with pride.
"Thank you, father."
"You will certainly be a great King, Rodrik," Euron assured but his smile left Victarion very uncomfortable for some reason. "You are certainly above your two younger uncles in intellect."
"Fuck off." Victarion hissed irritated, making Euron chuckle and lift his hands in peace. Aeron was quiet.
"My brothers," Balon began. "Let us make the Iron Islands great again, rebuild the Kingdom it once was. What is Dead May Never Die But Rises Again, Harder and Stronger!"
"Aye! Aye!"
It's alive! The story is alive but I do have to apologize for taking seven months to update it...I wanted to take a pause of a month or two and focus on other projects but said pause grew in time as I got invested in other fandoms and then I struggled with the descriptions of this Chapter for so long that I had to rewrite everything in my native language to get better descriptions and translating everything was a pain...but it's here at last.
Here's a late address to the reviews...I should probably start answering them in the reviews section if I take so long to update...
Kundi: It was a bit of a mess was it not?
CardigansAndLeathers: You are right, sometimes you can spot something from a mile away but I don't know...it feels weird when people have been guessing the outcome for months and you can't do anything about it because if you change, the story doesn't make sense anymore. Thanks for the kind words.
Radomir's Renegades: Doesn't make sense in my opinion for Tywin to push for a new Rains of Castamere against Brandon and Ned wouldn't support Tywin at all, he would be supporting Brandon even if he didn't approve of the conduct and would certainly go to war if he found out Tywin killed or attempted to kill Brandon.
Ovleer and Ashley Cooper1: Thank you for the patience and kind words.
After so long I finally was able to introduce the western harbour. I have read a few fics where Ned or Jon got a harbour at Sea Dragon Point but I didn't think the location was the best so I looked at the map and found that nameless river between the Stony Shore and the Rills and I thought it was a good place for a harbour. I think I did a decent job at portraying Direwolf Harbour though I expect it to grow pretty quickly in the near future.
And then we have those Greyjoy fellows, making plans, talking about women...your usual Ironborn conversations.
A small time skip of three months or so will likely be coming after the next chapter which I hope will not come after a real-life time skip of three months...
Lastly, I have been improving a few of the earlier chapters of Part 1 on Archive and I haven't had the opportunity to repeat it here, but before the end of the week, the improved chapters, roughly 7 of them will be updated here.
Thank you for the continuous support and again I'm sorry for not being able to publish at a faster rate as I used to. Thank you for sparing time reading and I hope everyone has a nice day and stays safe.