Flight of the Gryffin Chapter 6: The council of Orsus, a Harry Potter + Game of Thrones Crossover fanfic

The newly constructed meeting hall on Orsus was a simple structure—wooden walls reinforced with runic carvings, large windows that let in the island's golden sunlight, and a broad, rectangular table at its center. Around this table gathered Harrold's most trusted associates and clones, each representing a facet of the island's growing community.

Included in the meeting are the two captains of the ships, Elissa and newly appointed captain of Helena, Thoren. The first mates of Hedwig Garen and and Miran, the first mate of Helena were also present.

They sat in a rough circle, each wearing expressions of anticipation and focus. The hour was late morning, and through the open windows, the distant sound of surf mingled with the calls of exotic birds.

Harrold rose to address them, placing both hands lightly on the table's smooth surface. "Thank you all for coming. We've made tremendous progress these past months—two ships now dock here, hundreds of magicals have arrived, and Orsus is on the brink of becoming a true community. But there are important matters we must discuss."

With that, he nodded to Anya, signaling her to speak.

Anya folded her hands on the tabletop, her voice calm but insistent. "I know we've all been busy, but many of the new arrivals have asked me the same question: Why don't we just stay here forever? Orsus is safe, hidden, and full of potential. Why must we move on to the North?"

Harrold breathed in, organizing his thoughts. "That's a fair question," he began. "And one that deserves a clear answer. Orsus is indeed safe—its wards and isolation protect us. But the island is also delicate. Its ecosystem is unlike anything I've seen, and I've lived a long time."

He glanced around the table, taking in the curiosity on their faces. "In my estimation, this island can sustain perhaps five thousand souls before we risk destroying what makes it special. We can't raise endless crops here without clear-cutting the forests. We can't keep building without disturbing the wildlife that thrives in these jungles. Beyond that threshold, the very magic of Orsus might suffer. We've all seen how its natural wards respond to our presence. Too many people, too many demands… the island would struggle."

A faint hush followed his words. For a few moments, only the rustle of palm leaves outside broke the silence.

Anya pursed her lips. "Five thousand? That's a sizable number, but we already have close to a thousand on the island, counting the children. We'll reach that limit sooner than we think—especially if we keep rescuing magicals from the Free Cities."

Harry—Harrold's primary clone—spoke up next. "The plan was always to create a permanent refuge in the North. A land big enough to support a larger population and offer the stability that Orsus can't. Orsus is our beginning… or Orsus, as Harrold named it. But it was never meant to hold all who might come to us."

Captain Elissa nodded, folding her arms across her chest. "Aye, it makes sense. The more we bring here, the more land we'll need to clear for fields and housing. We'd risk turning this paradise into something… less than paradise."

Thoren, the new captain of the Helena, furrowed his brow. "Still, the North is dangerous too—harsh winters, old feuds, the Faith of the Seven breathing down our necks eventually. Orsus doesn't have those problems."

Harrold considered his words carefully. "You're right that the North isn't free of dangers. But it offers space. Vast forests, untamed lands, a culture that respects harsh conditions. We can use their reverence for the Old Gods to mask our activities, attributing magical phenomena to ancient spirits. It's not perfect, but it's more workable than the South, with its intolerance for heresy and rigid Faith."

Miran, the first mate of the Helena, spoke up. "So Orsus remains our cradle, our sanctuary to gather and train magicals, but the North is the long-term solution?"

Harrold nodded. "Precisely. We'll keep Orsus for those who need a safe haven—children too young to travel, those whose magic requires special instruction, or anyone who benefits from its unique environment. But once they're ready, or once we exceed the island's capacity, we must guide them to the North. Think of Orsus as a hidden gem we must preserve."

A murmur of agreement circled the room.

Anya placed her hands flat on the table. "I understand now. It's not that Orsus can't be a home—it's that it shouldn't be forced to house everyone. We'd ruin what makes it special. The North will serve as the broader refuge."

Harrold offered a reassuring smile. "Exactly. Orsus is the foundation of our dream, but the North will be its wider stage. We protect Orsus by limiting our footprint here. And in doing so, we ensure that the island's magic, its creatures, and its people can thrive without overrunning its delicate balance."

The group seemed to accept his reasoning. A sense of resolve settled over them as they prepared to tackle the next items on their agenda.

When the first matter—how to preserve Orsus by limiting its population—was settled, Harrold turned the discussion to the next major concern: permanent buildings. The makeshift dormitories and communal spaces had served well for the island's initial influx of magicals, but with the population growing steadily, it was clear that stronger, more durable structures were needed.

Harrold gestured at a rudimentary map pinned to the meeting hall's wall, marking out the locations of current dorms, the dining hall, and the budding classrooms. "These temporary buildings won't last forever. They're made from local timber and basic stone, and while they serve our needs now, they aren't designed to stand the test of time."

Harry, Harrold's main clone, nodded in agreement. "People have been asking when the dorms will be improved. Some of the new arrivals are skilled builders—they can help, but our materials are limited."

Anya, the island's chief healer, chimed in. "The biggest issue is the climate. The heat, humidity, and storms put a lot of strain on the buildings. If we don't reinforce them, they'll start to deteriorate quickly."

Captain Elissa from the Hedwig folded her arms, taking a quick look at the map. "We also need proper classrooms if we're to educate all the new magicals. And we can't forget the medical facilities. Anya's makeshift clinic has already run out of space."

The council members exchanged glances, recalling the previous discussion about preserving the island's ecosystem. Thoren, captain of the Helena, voiced what they were all thinking. "If we harvest too much lumber from the island or start quarrying stone locally, we'll damage the very environment we vowed to protect."

Harrold nodded. "Exactly. Orsus is resilient in its magic, but it's still a fragile ecosystem. Over-extraction could ruin its natural wards, drive away its creatures, or disrupt the island's delicate balance."

One of the clones assigned to environmental research—Clone Dara—cleared her throat. "We've observed that even small-scale logging has caused noticeable shifts in certain areas of the jungle. Wildlife has relocated, and some magical plants are declining in number."

Harry tapped a pencil against the table. "We need building materials, but we can't source them all from here. Fortunately, Volantis is relatively close. We can buy stone, hardwood, metal, and anything else necessary to construct stronger, longer-lasting structures."

Captain Elissa nodded. "Volantis is a massive trade hub. If you have the gold, you can purchase just about anything. And with the treasures from Valyria we've gathered, we have more than enough to fund such a purchase."

Harrold glanced at the council. "Then it's decided: we'll dispatch both the Hedwig and the Helena to Volantis. They'll carry enough coin to acquire all the lumber, stone, and metals we need to start building.

Thoren raised a practical concern. "We should plan out exactly what we need—measurements, quantities, and the sort of durability we're looking for. Bringing the wrong materials back would be a waste of time and gold."

Miran, first mate of the Helena, spoke up next. "And we'll need to coordinate loading and unloading. The new harbor can handle large shipments, but we need stevedores and clones ready to process everything quickly when the ships return."

Garen, first mate of the Hedwig, jotted notes on a small parchment. "I'll gather a team to handle the logistics. Once we have a clear list from the council, we'll set sail in two days' time."

With consensus reached, Harrold stepped forward, a rare smile easing the tension in his features. "Good. In a few months, we can begin constructing truly permanent structures—stone buildings strong enough to weather storms, well-ventilated and reinforced to handle the island's unique environment."

Anya grinned. "I look forward to having a real clinic. No more patching people up on wooden tables."

Harry and Thoren exchanged glances. "We'll make sure to bring back enough to meet all your needs—and a little extra for when the community grows."

As the council meeting progressed, one of Harrold's clones—an individual who had been assigned to architectural studies—rose to speak. His voice carried an undercurrent of excitement, and he held a sheaf of sketches in one hand. "I've been researching alternatives for construction," he began, his gaze sweeping the room. "Stone and lumber from Volantis are valuable, but I believe we can supplement our needs here on Orsus with clay bricks."

A wave of murmured interest passed around the table. The clone continued, pointing to his drawings. "Clay is abundant in certain areas of the island, particularly near the banks of the northeastern river. After surveying the land, I've identified several clay deposits that we can excavate without harming Orsus's delicate ecosystem. By carefully rotating our digging sites and refilling them once we're done, the environment will have time to recover naturally."

He flipped a page to reveal a diagram of a kiln. "We can build a rudimentary brick kiln using local stone. Once fired, these clay bricks are surprisingly resilient in this climate. We can then carve or imprint runes into the bricks themselves, especially runes designed for temperature and humidity regulation. This will help keep our structures cool during the hottest parts of the day and reduce the dampness that leads to rot and mildew."

Harrold leaned forward, intrigued. "That would mean fewer resources bought from Volantis," he mused aloud, "and more self-sufficiency for Orsus. Are you certain the clay is high quality enough for a permanent build?"

The clone nodded. "I've done some tests, and the clay, once fired properly, becomes quite durable. We can reinforce it further by mixing in certain magical plants that grow near the river's edge, which should improve overall structural integrity."

Anya, the chief healer, tapped a pencil against the table. "So, if we rely partly on clay bricks, we'll still protect most of the island's forests, and we won't have to rely as heavily on imported stone."

"Exactly," the clone affirmed. "It's a balanced approach. We still need supplies from Volantis for reinforcements, roofing materials, and specialized stone for foundations in some areas—but locally made bricks can ease the burden and preserve Orsus's natural resources."

Harrold nodded thoughtfully. "This is excellent work. I'd like you to proceed. Mark the clay pits clearly on our map, and begin small-scale brick production. Let's see how these bricks hold up over time. If all goes well, we'll incorporate them into the final designs for our permanent buildings."

A sense of optimism filled the meeting hall. The idea of weaving Orsus's own resources into runic-enhanced construction felt perfectly aligned with Harrold's vision of a balanced, self-sustaining sanctuary, one that respected the island's unique magic while providing a stable home for its growing population.

As the council's discussion of construction materials and strategies drew to a close, Harrold cleared his throat, drawing everyone's attention back to him. "We've made progress regarding permanent buildings and the resources we need," he said, his voice calm yet purposeful. "But there's another matter that grows more pressing with every new arrival: food."

A ripple of acknowledgment passed around the table. Though Orsus had abundant fruit-bearing trees and an occasional supply of fish from its coastal waters, the island's human population was swelling. The makeshift farming patches they'd started were barely enough for the current demand, let alone the hundreds more magicals who might come.

Anya, the chief healer, tapped her pen thoughtfully against her notepad. "I've been worried about our diets. Fruit and fish alone aren't enough for proper nutrition. We'll need grains, vegetables, and livestock if we want to maintain everyone's health."

Harrold nodded. "Precisely. We must expand our farming efforts, but do so carefully. We can't clear too much land, or we risk damaging the island's ecosystem. We've discussed rationing and supplementing with imports from Volantis, but relying entirely on imported food isn't sustainable."

One of the clones—Clone Jaren, who had been tasked with environmental and agricultural studies—spoke up. "I've been researching potential crops that can thrive in Orsus's climate. Rice is a strong candidate. The island has plenty of fresh water from the mountain streams and rainfall is abundant year-round. If we create terraced paddies in some of the lower valleys, we could grow rice without drastically disturbing the forest."

He paused, pulling out a rough map. "Here and here"—he pointed to two areas shaded in green—"the land is naturally marshy. We can divert a small portion of the river flow into terraced fields. The rest of the surrounding jungle remains intact."

Garen, the first mate of the Hedwig, leaned in, studying the map. "Rice? Don't see much of that in Westeros. Is it easy to farm?"

Jaren smiled. "It takes work, but once established, rice fields can provide multiple harvests a year, especially if we use magic. A simple growth acceleration spell can shorten the time from seed to harvest without harming the soil."

Harrold crossed his arms, weighing the idea. "A few specialized wards or enchantments might help keep pests at bay and ensure healthy yields. However, we can't forget that we need the seeds themselves."

At that, Harry, Harrold's primary clone, raised an eyebrow. "You mentioned seeds. Where do we get them if they're not sold in Volantis?"

Jaren shrugged. "Rice isn't commonly grown in this part of the world. We might find some variety in Volantis, but the best, most robust strains are said to come from the Far East—places like Yi Ti. They've been cultivating rice for centuries."

The mention of Yi Ti brought a thoughtful hush to the room. Trade routes to the mysterious eastern lands were long and perilous, but the goods that originated there were said to be exquisite.

"That's true," Harrold said quietly, his gaze shifting to the distance as though recalling a memory. "And that brings me to my next point."

Harrold placed his hands on the table, leaning forward. "I'm planning to travel east, as far as Yi Ti. I've gathered knowledge about the route from sailors in Pentos and Braavos, and from ancient charts left behind in Valyria's ruins. It won't be easy, and it won't be quick, but if we can establish trade connections—or even bring back seeds from the best rice-growing regions—we can secure our food supply for good."

A murmur of surprise spread through the council. Captain Elissa frowned, crossing her arms. "That's a long voyage, my lord. Dangerous, too. The Summer Sea is perilous, and beyond that… well, who knows what awaits?"

Harrold nodded. "I'm aware of the risks. But if we're to turn Orsus into a lasting sanctuary, we can't rely on haphazard imports or patchwork solutions. We need stable, long-term agriculture. Rice could be our cornerstone crop—nutritious, high-yield, suited to our climate. Yi Ti is the best place to find the strains we need."

The room fell silent, each council member absorbing the news. Rice farming, magical growth acceleration, a venture to the far east—these were ambitious plans, but ambition had guided them from the start.

Anya broke the silence with a tentative smile. "Then, if we do this right—growing rice and using runes or enchantments to improve our yield—Orsus could feed itself without tearing apart the jungle."

Harrold nodded. "Precisely. And with seeds from Yi Ti, we can ensure a quality crop. We only need caution and planning. We'll outline the exact farmland, the irrigation channels, and the spells we'll employ. We'll finalize who will join me on the journey east."

A sense of resolve filled the hall. The community of Orsus was not just about surviving; it was about thriving. And if that meant braving the unknown frontiers of Yi Ti, then so be it. Harrold had stepped into countless perils before, and with this council at his side, he was confident they could meet this new challenge.

When the discussion of food and farming reached a pause, Harrold shifted in his seat, the change in his demeanor drawing every eye at the council table. A hush fell over the gathering, and even the clones seemed to straighten, sensing that a difficult topic lay ahead.

Harrold's voice was quiet but firm as he spoke. "We've covered shelter, food, and construction. Now, we come to something more troubling—defense. We live in a dangerous world, and many powers would be hostile to what we're building here. The question is: how do we protect Orsus without drawing unwanted attention?"

A ripple of unease coursed through the group. Anya's expression grew troubled, while Captain Elissa's brow furrowed. Thoren tapped a finger on the wooden table, and the various clones looked among themselves, waiting for Harrold to elaborate.

Harrold exhaled. "I've spent time in Slaver's Bay, observing the Unsullied. Every one of them I've met has been magical, though often at a squib level or faintly beyond. Their training and brutal conditioning help them channel any latent power into a near-superhuman discipline. If we could gain their loyalty, we'd have a formidable defensive force."

Anya's eyes flickered with empathy. "But the Unsullied are enslaved. They've been through unimaginable horrors, stripped of identity and freedom."

Harrold nodded gravely. "Which is precisely why I want to free them. I've no desire to perpetuate slavery. But to do that, we'll need to buy them from their masters—something that will cost more gold than we've ever spent in one place. And yet, it may be the most straightforward option."

One of the construction clones, assigned to monitor external politics, leaned forward. "But if you just pay the slavers, aren't you supporting their trade?"

A ghost of a smile tugged at Harrold's lips. "I plan to pay them… then rob them. They'll get their coin only long enough for us to finalize ownership of the Unsullied. Once that's done, we take back the gold—and more, if possible. They'll never know who struck them, only that they've been duped."

Captain Elissa set her hands on the table. "It's a bold plan, my lord. But these aren't small players. The slavers have connections, especially in Astapor, Yunkai, and Meereen. If we're discovered, we could draw heat from powerful men."

Harrold met her gaze. "I know. But we can't grow complacent. If we want a force capable of defending Orsus and the magicals we're gathering, we need trained soldiers. The Unsullied are the best in the known world."

Thoren, captain of the Helena, exhaled. "If that's our course, we should be ready to smuggle them out quietly. The last thing we want is a chase across the Summer Sea with slavers hot on our heels."

One of the clones who specialized in infiltration, Clone Ronin, offered a nod. "With the runic illusions we've developed, we can mask the ships' identities. We can slip in, buy the Unsullied under a false banner, then vanish by night."

Harrold let the room fall silent, giving everyone a moment to weigh his words. He understood the gravity of what he was proposing: an orchestrated theft on a grand scale, deception at multiple levels, and a massive investment of Orsus's resources. Yet, the potential gain—an elite, magically inclined guard who, once freed, would have every reason to be loyal—was enormous.

After a moment, Anya broke the silence. "These men need freedom, and we need protection. If this is how it must be done, then so be it."

Others around the table nodded slowly in agreement, though discomfort lingered in their expressions.

Harrold stood, his bearing resolute. "Then it's settled. We'll prepare a mission to Slaver's Bay. We'll approach as humble buyers—wealthy merchants or lords from distant lands, we can decide. Once the transaction is complete, we ensure our gold returns to us. But remember we have to do this little by little. Lets plan to free 500 unsullied. Each ship and will first go to Astopor and get 250 unsullied each."

He paused, scanning the faces gathered. "This will be dangerous. But if we succeed, Orsus will gain not just formidable soldiers, hundreds of new magicals in need of sanctuary."

As the council began to break for the day, one of the clones—Clone Alden, who specialized in logistics and provisioning—cleared his throat, drawing everyone's attention back to him. "Before we end," he said, flicking his gaze from Harrold to the other members seated around the table, "I'd like to circle back to our discussion about food. We've planned out farming, especially rice, but we've only touched the surface of storing and preserving what we produce—and what we might import."

A hush fell over the group once more. Anya, still in her seat, nodded in encouragement. "Yes, please go on. Storage could be critical, especially when storms or unforeseen setbacks stop our supply lines."

Clone Alden spread a small parchment across the table, revealing sketches of box-like containers covered in runic symbols. "I've been consulting with our runes experts," he began, nodding at Clone Irene, who was responsible for many of the island's new runic applications. "We believe we can create magical 'ice boxes' to store fish and meat. Essentially, we'd be weaving cold runes and minor stasis spells into insulated containers. With the correct materials—metal linings, insulating layers, and precise runic layouts—these boxes could keep perishable goods fresh far longer than mundane means allow."

Clone Irene took the cue. "Exactly. There's a rune set from our old world, combined with some we've discovered here, that effectively siphons ambient magical energy and converts it into a cooling effect. The process isn't as powerful as the older conjured ice spells, but it's stable and won't melt or break unless the runes are damaged."

An appreciative hum rippled around the table. Captain Elissa, always practical, asked, "How large would these boxes be, and how many could we build?"

Irene shrugged. "We can vary the size. Smaller ones for fishing boats, larger ones for the communal kitchen, and a few massive ones for extended storage. The biggest limitation is gathering enough of the right materials—iron, specific crystals, and insulating substances. Most of that we'll have to buy from Volantis."

Harrold, attentive and thoughtful, picked up one of the sketches. "I'll add those items to our purchase list. We'll need to estimate how much we can transport at once without overburdening the ships."

Next, Alden tapped another set of drawings. "For fruits and vegetables, we can use a milder form of magic—stasis boxes that slow down ripening without freezing everything. This is crucial for tropical produce that tends to spoil quickly."

Harry, Harrold's main clone, raised a hand. "Good idea. These stasis boxes would work similarly to the ice boxes but use gentler runes, correct?"

Irene nodded. "Exactly. Instead of deep cold, these boxes subtly reduce the passage of time around the produce. It's not full stasis—too complicated for large-scale storage—but enough to keep food fresh for several extra weeks. Again, we'll need carefully inscribed runes and high-quality containers."

A third clone—Clone Jaren, their resident agricultural expert—returned the conversation to livestock. "We've managed so far with fishing and foraging, but if we want a stable food supply, raising livestock is the next step. Goats, cows, and chickens, for starters."

Harrold exchanged a glance with Anya. "You think Orsus can support them without harming the ecosystem?"

Jaren nodded slowly. "If we're careful. We'd have to fence off pastureland and ensure the animals don't overgraze or wander into the island's more sensitive zones. But a small population of goats and cows could provide milk and eventually meat. Chickens, of course, give us eggs and can thrive in smaller enclosures. We just need to buy quality breeding stock, bring them here, and watch them carefully."

Thoren, captain of the Helena, raised an eyebrow. "And how do we transport them? Livestock can be tricky aboard ships. The journey from Volantis isn't terribly long, but it's not a day trip either."

Alden grinned. "We can modify part of the cargo hold on each ship into pens. Build wooden stalls to keep the animals secure. We'll need feed, but that can be handled similarly to any cargo. It's doable, just requires planning."

he council meeting seemed to stretch into the afternoon, each topic revealing new challenges and opportunities. After deciding on how to handle the food situation, Harrold leaned back in his chair, his gaze drifting across the faces gathered around the table. A persistent thought had been gnawing at him for weeks: as Orsus grew, so too did its need for sea power.

Harrold cleared his throat. "With our current and future plans—construction materials, livestock, seeds, and more—two ships simply won't be enough." He tapped a finger on the table. "We'll need more vessels to keep supply lines open and to bring more magicals from the Free Cities without overwhelming the Hedwig and the Helena."

A quiet murmur passed around the group. Captain Elissa, captain of the Hedwig, nodded in agreement. Thoren, captain of the Helena, exchanged a glance with his first mate, Miran.

Harrold's gaze flicked to Harry, his primary clone. "We have an ongoing arrangement, remember? The Iron Bank grants us first priority on any Hedwig-class ships they build. We should take advantage of that."

Harry inclined his head. "Indeed. The Iron Bank's terms allow us to buy newly finished Hedwig-class ships before they're offered to anyone else. But can we crew them?"

Turning to Captain Elissa, Harrold asked, "How many additional ships can we sail with the sailors we currently have?"

Elissa took a moment to consider. "We've got enough experienced sailors to fully man three to four ships. If we stretch our resources—promoting experienced deckhands to mates, training new arrivals quickly—we can crew an additional five ships with minimal risk." She shrugged apologetically. "But that would be pushing it."

Harrold exhaled, a pensive look crossing his features. "Then we'll do it. We'll buy five more ships to ensure we're not caught short when demands increase. I want one of the ships stationed here permanently for any emergencies and to use for trainings. We need a lot of sailors fast."

"We'll recruit them from the Free Cities, where sailors are plentiful and willing to work for good pay. Make no mistake—we have gold. It's just a matter of careful vetting. We need them to have atleast a little bit of magic"

Harry chimed in. "We can focus on Braavos, Pentos, and Volantis. Each of those cities has a steady flow of sailors, some looking for adventure, some for a new start."

Harrold nodded. "Exactly. Plus, I can send clones to Westeros—there are men in Kings Landing, White Harbor, Sisterton, Old town and even the smaller port towns along the coast who might be eager for employment if the terms are right.

With the decision made, Harrold turned to the practicalities. "First, we'll load the Hedwig and Helena with gold and a detailed list of what we need from Volantis for our immediate building projects. After that supply run is complete, both ships will continue to Braavos. We'll invoke our deal with the Iron Bank and purchase five more ships."

Elissa nodded briskly. "And then we'll sail them back here, crewed by whoever we can recruit in Braavos?"

"That's right," Harrold affirmed. "We'll also dispatch some clones to scout the other Free Cities for suitable sailors. The moment we have enough crew to handle all seven vessels, we can run more frequent supply missions—or rescue missions for magicals—without straining our current resources."

A sense of determination filled the room. They had laid out an ambitious agenda: building up their navy, recruiting new sailors, maintaining supply lines, and keeping ties strong with the North. Orsus was no longer just a hidden refuge; it was evolving into a bustling hub of trade, magic, and ambition.

As the council rose, Harrold took a moment to visualize the future: a small fleet of Hedwig-class ships anchored in the new harbor, ferrying goods and magicals alike. The island's wards shimmering with renewed strength. Rice paddies thriving in the lowlands. Dormitories, workshops, and runic-based storage facilities bustling with activity. And far across the sea, the North waiting for his eventual return.

It was a vision growing closer to reality with each decision they made. And with every new plan, Harrold felt the weight of possibility settle on his shoulders—an exhilarating burden he was more than willing to bear.

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.