Robert stood atop a ridge overlooking the small makeshift camps that dotted the Axe. The people who had come to settle on his land were mostly shepherds, tending to their flocks of goats and living simple lives. While their presence was a start, Robert knew that a kingdom could not thrive on goat herding alone. He needed more—more diversity in skills, more resources, and more people willing to work toward building something greater.

He called a council with some of the men, explaining his vision for the Axe. "We can't survive as mere shepherds," Robert began, his voice commanding attention. "This land has potential—far more than any of you realize. But to build a kingdom, we need more than goats and grazing fields. We need trade, industry, and provisions for all. Each of you will have your role to play."

His first task was to send a group of men on a new mission—to establish a fishing village along the coast. "The port is a long journey from here, but the waters are rich with fish," he said, gesturing toward the distant horizon. "You will be our fishermen. Build a settlement by the sea, and I will ensure your safety from pirates, slavers, and the Dothraki. In return, your job will be to supply fish and salt for the people here on the Axe."

The men exchanged glances, some excited, others apprehensive. The port was far, and the dangers were real. But Robert's promise of protection, backed by the sight of the Cannibal resting on the cliffs, filled them with confidence. They knew their Dragon Lord would not let them fall prey to the threats of the seas.

With the fishermen set on their task, Robert turned his attention to the land itself. The Axe was a natural fortress, protected on the northern side by a spine of jagged mountains that stretched far to the south. The mountains acted as a natural barrier, making it nearly impossible for enemies to cross directly into the Axe. Anyone seeking to invade would have to go around the mountains, either from the east or west, both routes easily visible from the peaks.

"This place is easily defendable," Robert said, tracing the range of mountains with his finger as he addressed his council. "We can see anyone coming, long before they arrive. But we need to make sure that we are more than just defensible. We need to expand, and that means building more settlements."

His gaze turned southward, toward the dark expanse of the Qohor Forest, not far from the Axe. "There's wealth in those woods," Robert said. "Game, pelts, and timber. I've ventured into the forest myself, and the land is teeming with animals. We need to set up a new settlement near the forest. Men will hunt there and supply meat and fur for the rest of the people."

A group of hunters was selected, and Robert gave them his blessing. "Build your settlement in the forest's shadow, and harvest the wealth it offers," he ordered. "In return, I will make sure no Dothraki or bandits come near you."

The hunters nodded in agreement, ready to take on the challenge.

But Robert's vision didn't stop there. He knew that in order to build something lasting, he needed more than just resources from the land. He needed the materials to construct strong defenses, a fortress to secure his rule, and eventually a city for his people to call home.

He gathered another group of men, this time selecting those with experience in mining and labor. "The spine of the Axe is more than just a barrier," Robert told them, pointing to the towering mountains. "There's stone in those peaks, strong stone. I want you to mine it. We'll use it to build a fortress here, and eventually, a city."

The men set out toward the mountains with picks and hammers, ready to begin their work. It wasn't long before they discovered that the mountains held more than just stone. Deep within the rocky cliffs, the miners struck iron—large deposits of it, enough to arm an army if properly forged.

When word of the iron deposit reached Robert, he smiled. It was more than he had hoped for. "Iron," he said, inspecting a piece of ore brought down from the mountain. "This is the blood of industry. We can forge weapons, tools, and trade goods. This will make the Axe strong."

With iron in the mountains, fish from the port, and game from the forest, Robert's vision for the Axe began to take shape. He had given each group of people a purpose, and in return, they worked tirelessly to meet the demands placed upon them.

The shepherds continued to tend their flocks, but now their role expanded—they would provide wool and milk for the people. The fishermen began constructing small boats and preparing nets, setting off toward the distant port to build their settlement by the sea. The hunters ventured into the Qohor Forest, scouting for the best places to establish a new village. And the miners dug deeper into the mountains, bringing out stone and iron to be used for future construction.

As the days turned into weeks, Robert watched as the Axe slowly transformed. What had once been a scattered group of shepherds huddled in makeshift camps was now a growing community, each group of people working toward a common goal.

The excess whale meat had been dried and stored, and with the new sources of food coming in from the fishing village and hunting parties, the people were no longer at risk of starvation. The iron ore would soon be forged into weapons and tools, giving Robert the means to defend his fledgling kingdom from any would-be invaders.

And yet, Robert knew this was just the beginning. His fortress was still a dream, and the city he envisioned had yet to be built. But with the resources of the Axe now at his disposal, and with the people following his orders with newfound hope, he could see the future clearly.

The Axe would become more than just a safe haven. It would become a stronghold, a place where people could thrive and build lives free from the fear of bandits, slavers, and marauding Dothraki. It would be the foundation of a kingdom—a kingdom with Robert Baratheon at its head.

As he stood on the cliffs, watching the sun set over the sea, Robert felt a sense of pride. He had come far from his days as a wandering sellsword and a so-called bastard lover of a Targaryen princess. Here, on the Axe, he was building something real. And soon, the world would know the name of Robert Baratheon, not as a mere lord's son, but as the ruler of a new and powerful kingdom.

Two years had passed since Robert first settled at the Axe, and his once small, isolated outpost had grown into a thriving settlement. The demands of governing his kingdom consumed much of his time, and he found himself absorbed in building, protecting, and leading his people, so much so that he almost forgot about his larger ambitions. More and more villagers arrived from the south, seeking shelter from bandits, slavers, and the ever-present threat of the Dothraki hordes. Robert welcomed them all, knowing that with more people, his kingdom would grow stronger. In exchange for protection and sustenance, the people worked hard to build their homes, cultivate the land, and shape the Axe into something greater than just a refuge.

By the end of the two years, the fortress he envisioned was complete—a basic castle but one solid enough to withstand any attacks. It wasn't a grand seat of power yet, but it was a start, and Robert had finally secured a place to call home, high on the Axe's cliffs. His castle overlooked the sea and the lands below, where his people lived in scattered settlements, working hard to ensure the kingdom's prosperity.

The Cannibal, his formidable dragon, had also found his place on the Axe. A massive cave at the top of one of the mountain spires provided him with a comfortable home. Though the dragon rarely ventured out, preferring long periods of rest, he would occasionally stretch his wings and fly out to the Bitterweed Bay to hunt sperm whales. The villagers knew of the dragon's existence but kept their knowledge quiet, for Robert had instructed them never to speak of it. He did not yet want the world to know that the Axe was home to a Dragonlord. The time would come when he would reveal his power, but for now, secrecy was the key to survival.

In those two years, the Axe saw its share of challenges. Three times the Dothraki attempted to raid his lands, but they were met with brutal resistance. Robert unleashed the Cannibal upon them, and the dragon made short work of the invaders, devouring most of them. The survivors, if any, had no time to warn others. Their horses were taken as trophies and given to Robert's growing force of warriors. The Dothraki would remember the Axe as a place of death, one they would never dare attack again.

With the Dothraki threat subdued, Robert turned his attention to training his people in the arts of warfare. He selected the strongest and most capable men and women, drilling them in the basics of sword fighting, archery, and strategy. Robert knew he couldn't rely on the Cannibal to defend the land forever. His people needed to be able to fight for themselves. Over time, a small but disciplined force was established, capable of defending the Axe from raiders and other threats.

Meanwhile, the fishing village that Robert had started along the coast had grown into a bustling port town. The rich waters of the Bitterweed Bay provided a steady supply of fish, and the villagers worked tirelessly to salt and preserve their catch, which became a valuable commodity for trade. Ships traveling along the coast began to stop at the port, bringing goods from distant lands and allowing the people of the Axe to trade for items they couldn't produce themselves. This growth in commerce gave Robert a steady stream of income and solidified his position as the ruler of a burgeoning kingdom.

Despite these successes, Robert knew that the peace wouldn't last forever. The secret of the dragon's existence would eventually reach the ears of the world, and when it did, he needed to be ready. But for now, his focus remained on strengthening the foundations of his kingdom. The people were loyal to him, grateful for the protection and prosperity he provided. And they never spoke a word of the dragon that slumbered atop the spire. The legend of Robert Stronghammer, the Dragonlord of the Axe, would remain hidden until the time was right.

Two years had passed in the blink of an eye, and as Robert stood on the walls of his newly completed castle, looking out over the sea, he felt the stirring of old ambitions. He had come to the Axe to build something lasting, and he had done so. But now, it was time for the next step. The kingdom was thriving, the people were safe, and the Cannibal was well-fed and rested.

It was time to return to Westeros. It was time to claim his bride.

Rhaenyra Targaryen was still unwed, waiting in Dragonstone, while rumors of her bastard lover had long faded from the tongues of gossips. But Robert had not forgotten her. He had spent years building his strength, preparing for this moment. Now, with a kingdom behind him, wealth in his coffers, and the power of a dragon at his command, he could return to Westeros and take what he had always wanted—Rhaenyra's hand in marriage.

With the Cannibal ready to fly once more, Robert began to make his preparations. He called a council with his most trusted men, leaving instructions for the governance of the Axe in his absence. Then, in the dead of night, he mounted the Cannibal and took to the skies, his heart set on reclaiming his destiny.

The time had come to return to Westeros and take what was rightfully his.

Author's Note:

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