The Hedwig's maiden voyage was a resounding success, and word of her speed and efficiency spread quickly throughout Braavos. True to their word, the Iron Bank finalized Harrold's payment upon the ship's return. In a grand chamber of polished marble and gold accents, Harrold sat opposite the bank's senior representatives. Chests of gold dragons—100,000 in total—were ceremoniously presented to him, each coin gleaming in the lamplight.
"Your design," said Thalys Naar, the senior banker, as he gestured toward the Hedwig docked outside the bank's private pier, "has exceeded all expectations. This is the first ship of its kind. Braavos shall benefit greatly from it."
"As shall I," Harrold said with a slight smile, leaning back in his chair. "I trust my terms remain intact? Ownership of this ship is mine, and two additional ships will be delivered within two years?"
"Of course," Thalys assured him. "The Iron Bank always pays its debts. But your success raises... questions."
Harrold arched an eyebrow. "Such as?"
Thalys leaned forward, lowering his voice. "You've brought something new to Braavos. Something no one else could. What other innovations might you be hiding? The Iron Bank values partnerships, Lord Harrold. We are always interested in new ventures."
Harrold's smile widened slightly, but he offered no promises. "For now, I'll focus on expanding my fleet. Let us see where the tides take us."
With the deal concluded, Harrold had the gold packed into chests and sent aboard the Hedwig. He had plans far greater than Braavos, and the Iron Bank's payment was merely the first step.
After the successful maiden voyage of the Hedwig and the conclusion of his lucrative deal with the Iron Bank, Harrold decided it was time to establish a base of operations in Braavos. His growing wealth and influence required a home that reflected his status and allowed him to entertain powerful allies and dignitaries. For this, Harrold purchased a magnificent mansion overlooking the canals, inspired by the opulent architecture of the Braavosi elite, but subtly altered to suit his own tastes.
The mansion was a late-Gothic masterpiece, its elegant façade adorned with intricate carvings of sea creatures and Braavosi motifs. Rising four stories high, it stood proudly on the edge of a bustling canal, with two private water doors opening directly to the water. The mansion's stone exterior was weathered by time but impeccably maintained, its arched windows framed by delicate columns and iron railings.
A sottoportego—a covered passageway—ran beneath the mansion, leading to a hidden courtyard at the rear. The courtyard was a tranquil retreat, featuring a Medieval well surrounded by lush greenery and a handful of flowering vines that climbed the stone walls.
A private boat space lay tucked beneath the mansion, ensuring Harrold's vessels could dock discreetly. This area was guarded day and night, as Harrold valued both security and privacy.
Upon entering the mansion through its main water door, visitors were greeted by a grand reception hall on the ground floor. The hall featured authentic stone flooring from the period, polished to a gleaming finish. To the right of the hall was a modest shop Harrold decided to convert to storage.
To the left of the reception hall, a larger shop had been converted into staff lodging.
Beyond the reception hall, a wide staircase led upward, its balustrades carved with depictions of ships and waves—a nod to Harrold's maritime ventures.
The first floor was where Harrold entertained guests. It featured high ceilings adorned with intricate stucco work, depicting the constellations of the night sky. The centerpiece of the floor was a grand entrance hall, illuminated by a massive chandelier of Braavosi glass.
Off the hall were several luxurious rooms:
Dining Room: A spacious dining room with a long, polished table capable of seating twelve. The room's arched windows opened onto a small balcony overlooking the canal, providing a breathtaking view of the city's bustling waterways.
Living Room: A bright and airy living room with richly upholstered furniture, a marble fireplace, and tapestries depicting Braavosi naval victories.
Kitchen: A fully equipped kitchen with state-of-the-art appliances and a magical cooling box for preserving food. The kitchen staff, many of whom were magicals in Harrold's employ, were skilled in preparing both traditional Braavosi dishes and exotic recipes Harrold had introduced.
Bedrooms: five bedrooms occupied this floor, each featuring a four-poster bed, velvet drapes, and a private balcony.
The second floor had the master suite and two additional rooms.
Roof Terrace: A staircase led to a panoramic roof terrace that overlooked the canal and offered a stunning view of Braavos. Harrold often came here to reflect, study, or strategize. The terrace was furnished with elegant seating and a small enchanted brazier that kept the area warm even during chilly Braavosi nights.
Workrooms: Several rooms were converted into private workspaces where Harrold could focus on his magical research and designs. One room was dedicated entirely to the crafting of enchanted items, while another housed maps, charts, and documents related to his maritime ventures.
Harrold infused the mansion with subtle magical enhancements. Runes carved into the walls ensured the mansion was protected from both physical intrusions and magical attacks. Certain rooms were warded to prevent eavesdropping, and a discreet alarm system alerted Harrold if anyone attempted to breach the property's defenses.
The staff of the mansion consisted primarily of magicals Harrold had bound to him through contracts. Each had their own talents and roles, from maintaining the household to guarding its secrets.
Harrold's mansion became a safe haven for magicals in Braavos. Those who wore his enchanted bracelets often visited, bringing news of new discoveries or recruits. Harrold held regular meetings in the dining hall, where he shared his vision and plans with his inner circle.
"Every step we take strengthens us," Harrold told them during one such meeting. "This mansion is not just a home; it's the foundation of something greater. Together, we'll build a world where magicals can thrive."
The staff listened intently, their loyalty unwavering. Harrold's leadership, combined with the security and purpose he offered, ensured their allegiance.
After purchasing his mansion in Braavos, Harrold began to prepare for his next journey eastward. Though his presence in Braavos had already yielded significant progress in gathering magicals, he knew his work had to continue even in his absence. Harrold devised a way to keep the momentum going—a magical bracelet that would enable his most trusted followers to find and recruit magicals while he expanded his influence abroad.
In the quiet of his private workshop within the mansion, Harrold began crafting the first prototype. The bracelet was forged from finely worked silver, chosen for its magical conductivity and durability. Harrold etched intricate runes into the metal, infusing it with enchantments that would allow it to detect latent magical energy.
The enchantment was subtle: when another magical came within a certain range, the bracelet would gently warm, akin to the comforting heat of sunlight. The warmth was discreet, perceptible only to the wearer, ensuring it wouldn't attract unwanted attention. It was a delicate piece of work, requiring hours of focus and the careful blending of magical energy into the silver.
When the first bracelet was complete, Harrold tested it rigorously, fine-tuning the sensitivity and ensuring its durability. Once satisfied, he created four more, each engraved with the same enchantments, ready to be entrusted to his closest allies.
On the evening of his final day in Braavos, Harrold summoned five of his most loyal magicals to the mansion's grand dining hall. These individuals had proven their dedication and competence during their time under his service, and Harrold trusted them to carry on his mission in Braavos.
At the head of the table, Harrold addressed the group. "Our cause must continue, even while I travel east. Each of you has shown exceptional loyalty and skill. I am entrusting you with a tool that will help us grow our network of magicals."
He placed the bracelets on the table, their silver surfaces gleaming in the candlelight.
Arya Saniro, a healer and a natural leader among the magicals, was the first to step forward. Harrold handed her one of the bracelets. "This will help you find others like us," he explained. "When another magical is near, it will warm against your skin. Use it to discreetly identify them. Approach with caution, learn their talents, and if they are willing, offer them a place among us."
Arya slid the bracelet onto her wrist, the warmth of the metal reassuring against her skin. "And if they refuse?" she asked, her voice steady but cautious.
"Do what you can to convince them," Harrold replied, his tone firm. "But never force anyone to join us. If they are a threat or unwilling, walk away. Secrecy and safety are paramount."
Harrold distributed the remaining bracelets to the others:
Ravion Torr, a skilled craftsman with knowledge about runes of Westeros, was tasked with scouting the artisans and merchants of Braavos. His natural charm made him an excellent recruiter among the city's middle class.
Lyanna Grell, a quiet but observant woman with a gift for sensing magical auras, was to explore the marketplaces and quieter corners of the city, where hidden magicals might linger.
Darios Flin, a former sailor turned navigator, was charged with scouting the harbor and the seafaring communities, where magicals with maritime skills might be found.
Kira Vos, a Braavosi native with ties to the underworld, was to focus on the slums and alleys, where magicals who had been abandoned or overlooked might be hiding.
Each of them slipped the bracelets onto their wrists, the faint glow of the runes shimmering momentarily as the enchantments bonded to their wearers.
Before the group dispersed, Harrold addressed them one last time. "These bracelets are more than tools—they are a symbol of our trust and purpose. Build connections, but tread carefully. This city holds opportunities, but it also hides dangers. The Iron Bank watches closely, and we cannot afford missteps."
Arya stepped forward, speaking for the group. "You have our loyalty, Lord Harrold. We won't let you down."
Harrold smiled faintly. "I know you won't. Our strength lies in unity. Together, we will create something far greater than what this world has ever seen."
The Hedwig, already a marvel of Harrold's design, was about to become a true wonder of engineering and magic. While anchored in Braavos, Harrold spent weeks working with a team of skilled craftsmen, magicals, and shipwrights to implement enhancements that would transform the ship into a vessel unlike any other on the seas.
The first of Harrold's improvements focused on speed and durability. He carved runes of acceleration and wind-channeling onto the keel and the masts. These runes drew energy from the ambient magical field, subtly guiding the winds to fill the sails perfectly. The result was a ship that could travel faster than any other on the seas, even in unfavorable winds.
To make the Hedwig stronger, Harrold reinforced the hull with enchantments of resilience. Using magically infused oils, he inscribed protective runes into the wood itself, ensuring it could withstand storms, scorpions, and even minor collisions with reefs or rocks. The wood shimmered faintly in the sunlight, though Harrold tied the runes to a modified Notice-Me-Not Charm, ensuring that anyone not keyed into the ship would simply see it as an ordinary vessel.
Harrold's most ambitious modification was the magical expansion of the Hedwig's interior. Using a combination of spatial enchantments and pocket-dimension runes, he dramatically increased the ship's storage capacity and living quarters without altering its external dimensions.
Cargo Hold: The hold could now carry ten times its previous capacity, with rows of shelves and crates stacked neatly in the magically expanded space. Yet to the outside observer, it appeared no larger than a standard cargo hold. This allowed the ship to carry enormous amounts of goods, making it ideal for trade and long voyages.
Cabins: Harrold expanded the crew's quarters, ensuring each sailor/crew had a private bunk with extra storage space. The officers' quarters were luxurious by ship standards, with enough room for a desk and a wardrobe. Harrold's own cabin became a suite fit for a lord, complete with a private library, a bathing chamber, and a concealed workshop for his magical experiments.
Mess Hall and Kitchens: The mess hall was expanded to comfortably seat the entire crew during meals. The kitchens were equipped with magically enchanted stoves and storage, allowing the cooks to prepare meals more efficiently and preserve food for months without spoilage.
To protect the ship and its crew, Harrold wove layers of magical defenses into the Hedwig. These included:
Modified Notice-Me-Not Charm: This charm ensured that anyone not keyed into the ship's magical protections would overlook its enhancements. The Hedwig would appear as an ordinary ship, deterring unwanted attention from curious eyes or potential thieves.
Defensive Wards: Runes along the sides of the hull would activate upon detecting incoming attacks, slightly deflecting projectiles or weakening their impact. These wards also offered limited protection against magical assaults.
The most formidable addition to the Hedwig was the installation of three enchanted cannons. These weapons were a blend of advanced engineering and magic, making the ship a force to be reckoned with in naval combat.
Rune-Carved Cannons: Each cannon was meticulously engraved with runes of accuracy and power, allowing them to strike targets up to a kilometer away with deadly precision. The cannons were also enchanted to reload faster than conventional weapons.
Cannonballs: Harrold designed rune-inscribed cannonballs that exploded on impact, causing devastating damage to enemy ships. He stocked the Hedwig with a variety of cannonballs, including those designed to create magical smoke screens or unleash bursts of flame.
Harrold replaced the ship's sails with custom-designed fabric, dyed in the midnight blue of his house colors and adorned with the silver griffin of House Griffin in flight. The sails shimmered faintly in the sunlight, thanks to a protective enchantment that made them resistant to tearing and wear.
The ship's flag, a silver griffin on a midnight blue field, was raised proudly on the mainmast, a symbol of Harrold's growing power and influence.
Before departing for the east, Harrold conducted a thorough inspection of the Hedwig, accompanied by his first mate, Thoren, and the ship's master carpenter, Boros.
Thoren ran his hand along the runes on the hull, his eyes wide. "I've sailed for twenty years, but I've never seen a ship like this. She's a masterpiece, my lord."
Harrold nodded, his expression proud yet focused. "She is more than a ship, Thoren. She is a tool for our future. Take care of her, and she will carry us to greatness."
Boros examined the enchanted cannons, whistling in admiration. "These beauties alone could sink half the Braavosi fleet. You've outdone yourself, my lord."
Harrold smiled faintly. "Let's hope we won't need them. But if we do, I expect them to perform flawlessly."
As the crew prepared the Hedwig for departure, Harrold took one last look at the ship from the dock. With its midnight blue sails billowing in the wind and its silver griffin flag flying high, the Hedwig was ready to carve a path across the seas—a symbol of Harrold's ambitions and the legacy he intended to build.
As the Hedwig approached the sprawling city of Pentos, Harrold stood on the deck, gazing at the horizon. The city, with its domed rooftops, towering walls, and busy harbors, rose like a jewel along the Essosi coastline. Pentos was one of the Free Cities, a hub of trade and power, its history stretching back to the Valyrian Freehold. Once a vassal to the dragonlords, the city had earned its independence after the Doom of Valyria, but the shadow of its past still lingered in its wealth, its corruption, and the desperation of its enslaved underclass.
As Harrold disembarked, the sheer opulence of Pentos became evident. Wealthy merchants and magisters paraded through the streets in palanquins borne by slaves, their silken robes glittering with gold embroidery. The air smelled of spices, roasted meats, and the salt of the sea, mingled with the faint stench of poverty that clung to the lower quarters.
The architecture of Pentos was a blend of old Valyrian splendor and newer Free Cities pragmatism. Grand marble mansions lined the streets of the wealthier districts, while the poorer areas were a maze of crumbling stone buildings and narrow alleyways. Over it all loomed the Great Hall of the Magisters, a palace-like structure where the ruling class of Pentos gathered to discuss trade, politics, and their own ambitions.
Harrold's exploration of the city led him to discover unsullied. There, in the sweltering heat, he saw a group of Unsullied—eunuch soldiers famed for their discipline and combat prowess—standing in perfect formation, guarding the gate to one of the mansions. Their faces were expressionless, their bodies scarred from years of brutal training. Harrold, asked about them and delved into their minds to find about them.
The knowledge sickened Harrold. Though he had encountered slavery before, the methodical destruction of humanity in the creation of the Unsullied revolted him. These were men who had been stripped of their identities, molded into tools for the highest bidder. Surprisingly each and every one of them were magicals. Which makes sense as to survive the brutal creation of an unsullied, they must be above a normal human.
"This is no life," he muttered under his breath as he walked away, his disgust simmering into quiet resolve. "I will do something about this. I don't know how and don't know when but I will." he promised to himself.
Harrold soon turned his attention to the Magisters of Pentos, the city's ruling elite. These men were fabulously wealthy, controlling the city's trade and politics through bribery, intimidation, and cunning. They lived in sprawling mansions adorned with gold and jewels, dining on delicacies imported from across the world while the lower classes struggled to survive.
Through his observations and covert inquiries, Harrold discovered that many of the Magisters were deeply corrupt. They hoarded wealth, exploited the city's laborers, and engaged in backhanded deals with slavers and mercenaries. To Harrold, they represented the worst of humanity—decadent, selfish, and utterly indifferent to the suffering around them.
Determined to make the Magisters pay for their corruption, Harrold devised a plan to rob them of their ill-gotten wealth. Using his magical abilities, he infiltrated their mansions under the cover of night, bypassing guards and wards with practiced ease.
He removed all the treasure from their vaults and then left stones transfigured to look like what he stole. They will hold for at least a week before turning back to stones. By then, Harrold would be long gone from Pentos.
Before leaving Pentos, Harrold summoned Lyessa Morin, one of his most trusted magicals, to his cabin aboard the Hedwig. Lyessa was a gifted empath and healer, with a keen ability to sense magical potential in others.
"You've seen the corruption here," Harrold said, pacing the room. "This city is ripe for change, and there are magicals hidden among its people who could benefit from our cause."
Lyessa nodded. "What would you have me do, my lord?"
Harrold handed her a pouch filled with gold and one of the enchanted bracelets he had created in Braavos. "Use this to find others like us. Build a network, slowly and carefully. Offer them sanctuary, a purpose. When the time is right, I'll return, and we'll move them to Moat Cailin. That will be their home."
Lyessa slipped the bracelet onto her wrist and bowed her head. "I won't fail you."
"I know you won't," Harrold said with a rare smile. "Be cautious, though. The Magisters are cunning, and they won't hesitate to destroy what they don't understand."
As the Hedwig departed Pentos, Harrold stood on the deck, watching the city recede into the distance. The stolen wealth, safely stored in his enchanted pouch, would fund his growing plans, while Lyessa's mission would ensure that the magicals of Pentos were not forgotten.
The Hedwig sailed eastward, its enchanted sails billowing in the wind, a silver griffin on a midnight blue flag flying proudly above it. Harrold's thoughts turned to the future—to the network of magicals he was building, to Moat Cailin, and to the destiny he was forging with his own hands.
Harrold's success in Pentos emboldened him to expand his operations across the other Free Cities: Lys, Myr, Tyrosh, and Volantis. Each city had its own distinct character, its own culture, and its own brand of corruption, but to Harrold, they shared one commonality: the unchecked greed of their ruling elite. With the Hedwig as his mobile base of operations and his growing magical network as his support, Harrold embarked on a calculated campaign to disrupt the power structures of these cities, strip the corrupt of their wealth, and liberate hidden magicals.
In each city, Harrold left behind trusted magicals to continue his work. He equipped them with enchanted bracelets to identify others of their kind, along with enough gold to establish themselves.
In Lys, he left Anara Velys, a former courtesan with a gift for persuasion.
In Myr, he left Torran Vel, a glassblower whose creations shimmered with magic.
In Tyrosh, he left Davryn Solis, the young boy he had rescued from the dye pits.
In Volantis, he left Mara Althys, the water-witch who had been enslaved.
These agents would work quietly, gathering magicals and preparing them for the day when Harrold would return to lead them to Moat Cailin.
After weeks of navigating intrigue, deception, and danger, Harrold returned to the Hedwig with his enchanted pouch filled to bursting with stolen wealth. His network of magicals had grown, his influence spreading like roots across the Free Cities.
As the Hedwig set sail, Harrold stood on the deck, gazing back at the glittering cities he had left behind. Each city had its own scars and its own stories, but Harrold's presence had shifted their balance of power, however subtly.
He turned his eyes eastward, toward new lands and new opportunities. His mission was far from over, but with each step, his vision of a united magical community—hidden yet strong—came closer to fruition.
AN – If you recognize anything, they don't belong to me. Please note that I am using AI to help me write the story. If the words, dialogue feel little off, that's the reason. I simply do not have time, energy or the talent to write without AI. If I did, I would publish my own book. I am writing because it makes me happy and hope you will find it interesting. If not, there are plenty of other talented writers and many amazing stories to read.