Chapter 15
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kaizerfox
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Chapter 15
Great Hall of the Red Keep, Late 281 A.C., Wedding Night
I scoff at Lord Mallister's words while taking a sip of the fruity-tasting summerwine from my golden, jewel-encrusted goblet. "Great, Lord Frey wants to turn the trade fleet into a place to dump his sons. How many is sending?" I asked in resignation as I cut a piece of roasted auroch and savored a forkful of one of the many dishes on the massive table.
Lord Mallister was seated to my right on the "Stannis side" of the table as I mentally dubbed it. The king sat at the head of the western end of the table, with his new wife and Lord Stark to his right and the Lord Hand with his wife Lysa Arryn and her uncle Ser Brynden "the Blackfish Tully to Lady Arryn's left. Lord Dustin, Master of Laws Lord Royce, Grand Maester Pycelle, the High Septon, and Prince Oberyn filled out the middle of the table. Prince Stannis sat across from his brother at the head of the eastern end of the table, with Princess Cersei and Lord Tywin Lannister to his right and Prince Renly and Ser Ealon Estermont to his left. I was located with Lord Mallister to my right, Lord Lannister to my left, Prince Renly was seated left diagonally form me, Master of Whispers Lord Estermont sat across from me and Ser Herbert Bolling sat across to the right diagonally.
"At least one son from each wife." The Master of Coin answered and I suppress a sign when the old man began listing them. "Ser Emmon, second son of Lord Frey, is leading the Freys with his firstborn son, Cleos, and his nephews Ryman, son of Ser Stevron, and Aegon, son of Ser Aenys. Ser Jared from Lord Frey's second wife, all six sons from his third wife Amarei Crakehall, and Jammos from his fourth wife. They are accompanied by Ser Harys Haigh, son of Lord Frey's daughter, representing House Haigh, sworn bannermen of the Freys." My eyes widen at the dozen Freys joining the Sunset Trade Fleet as part of the Riverland convoy that has grown with participation from much of the western Riverlords such as the Paeges of Fairmarket, the Pipers of Pinkmaiden, both Vances, the Brackens and the Smallwoods of Acorn Hill. The Tullys were the only lords in the area that haven't invested, with Lord Hoster Tully still in Riverrun with his daughter Lady Caitlyn Stark, who was due to give birth in roughly a moon.
"How much gold and how many ships is the Riverlands investing?" I ask before digging my fork into a small shepard's pie, the fork breaking through the pastry to dig out the mutton and vegetables covered in a brown gravy. I put the forkful in my mouth and savor the delicious gravy
"As of now, five thousand gold dragons worth of goods across five ships." Lord Mallister took a sip and lowered his voice. "You have my thanks for your support alongside the other Riverlords against Lord Frey's push for Ser Emmon to be the Lord Captain of the Riverlands convoy. It only got as far as it did due to the Brackens, Smallwoods, Wayfarer's Rest Vances, Vyprens, and outside support." He subtly gestured his head towards Lord Lannister, who was deep in conversation with his daughter and goodson about Storm's End. I quickly glance over to Ser Ealon, talking with Prince Renly and Ser Herbert about Drangonstone, but subtly tilting his head to eavesdrop on our conversation.
"My son Ser Jason, will be the lord captain the Riverlands convoy." Lord Mallister's voice returned to his normal volume. Lord captain was the title given to the leaders of each of the Northern, Riverlands and Westerlands convoys of the Sunset Trade Fleet.
I raise an eyebrow. "You're letting your heir lead, why risk him when you have his younger brother?" I ask before taking my own sip.
"Aye, it's a risk. But my eldest is near thirty and has both a younger brother and a son if the worst happens." Lord Mallister answered before taking a bite of grilled halibut and I ate some sauteed shrimp off my plate. Along with Ser Jason, Wyman was the lord captain of the Northern convoy and Gerion Lannister led the Westerlands.
Gerion became the new lord captain of the Westerlands convoy as of yesterday, when after the king announced the creation of the Royal Trade Fleet, Tywin announced he was investing five thousand golden dragons each into both trade fleets to casually show off his wealth. This was on top of the five thousand dragons and five ships the Westerlands had put together without him led by my future goodfather and Lord Farman. This included investments from all the Lannister cadet branches and most of the major Westerland houses with the Marbrands, Crakehalls, Swyfts, and Silverhills being the biggest contributors.
Of the twenty thousand golden dragons invested in the Sunset Trade Fleet, a quarter was by the North, matched by the Riverlands with the Lannisters now providing half and Tywin was using it to try to put his brother as head captain of the trade fleet. It was only with Lord Mallister and I coming up with the Rule of Two for the Three Captains that prevented a complete Lannister takeover. The rule was, when the lord captains met to plan, if two agreed on a decision, they would take that course of action with the dissenting third lord captain allowed to present their case. This will allow my cousin and Ser Jason to the ability veto Tywin's brother if need be.
"I'm surprised you allowed your heir to join. But then again, both my cousins Galbert Glover and Owen Fisher are joining the trade fleet. Their fathers only allowing it due to both having younger brothers." I say as I cut a piece of auroch and dip it in the brown gravy before eating it.
"Ser Halmon Paege is the heir of Fairmarket and Lord Norbert Vance of Atranta is allowing his eldest two sons to join, so I'm not the only one. Though like your uncles, both houses have spares just in case. Which Northerners are joining?" Lord Mallister asked and I caught Ser Estermont's head tilt again as he was talking to Ser Herbert.
"Besides my three cousins, my future goodbrother Leobald Tallhart, Ronnel Stout, Edwyle Brownburrow, Benjicot Wells and from the western hill clans, Mikken Wull, Brandon Norrey, and Bowen Harclay. The Wolfswood clans of Bole, Woods, Branch, Moss, and Fern are all sending at least one son and nephew." I answered as I polish off my goblet and set it on the table only for a servant to refill it again with summerwine.
"Lord Seastark, I heard you and Lord Dustin were intending to set up trading posts in the Summer Islands." Ser Ealon said across from me with a smile. My eyes met his as I hear the prince and Tywin stop their conversation to listen.
"Indeed, we are Ser Ealon. We intend to set them up to facilitate future trade between the North and Summer Islands." I say carefully as I take another bite of the shepard's pie, ignoring the lords' intrigued reactions as I serve myself an apple baked soft with cinnamon. "I suggested the idea to Lord Dustin back when we were first planning the trade fleet, before it's…expansion."
I take a bite of the cinnamon apple, the sweet cinnamon pairing nicely with the natural tartness of the granny smith apple as the lords absorb my response. I turn to Lord Lannister next to me to see him finishing up some internal debate in his mind before he answered. "I would be willing to invest in the establishment of these trading posts in return for House Lannister gaining access to them."
Well, that answered my question on what he was debating. It seemed that he decided that it would be easier and cheaper to work with me in establishing trading posts instead of competing against me and setting up his own.
"I would also be willing to agree to a similar arrangement." I hear Lord Mallister say and I nod.
"Equal investment for equal profits?" I ask the Master of Coin and Warden of the West and get nods and murmurs of confirmation. I take a sip of wine as I see Prince Stannis having his own internal debate and I take another bite of cinnamon apple.
"I will also invest in the construction of your trading posts. The Royal Trade Fleet will arrive moons after your trade fleet and it makes little sense to me to waste coin creating our own trading posts when yours will be already established. Therefore, I will invest in yours on the condition that the Royal Trade Fleet gets use of them." Prince Stannis stated to the table's surprise. I was caught flatfooted as I looked to Lord Lannister and Lord Mallister before answering. "Uh… I have no objections." I say slowly while the Master of Coin shrugs and the Warden of the West nods and confirms his agreement.
"I heard you intend to only visit half of the islands. Are we only building trading posts there?" Lord Lannister asked me and I gave an awkward chuckle.
"That was back when the trade fleet was just Northerners and was planned for a moon or two of sailing around the northern half of the islands. Now that it's much larger and with better funding, we can add the other half of the Summer Islands. Though that will extend their stay to at least three or four moons." I respond as I cut up another piece of auroch and dip it in the brown gravy again and placing it in my mouth before chewing and swallowing. "Although now that I think about it, we're putting a lot of money into this trade fleet and the construction of trading posts guarantees this isn't a one-time thing. Which means we will need better organizational structure and funding."
Lord Lannister gives me a raised eyebrow. "And what do you propose?" He says, seeming to half anticipate and half dread what I'm about to suggest. I simply smile. "I propose instead of a trade fleet; we create a trade company!" My words are only met with looks of confusion. I suppress a sigh and dredge up all the memories I had about the British and Dutch East India Companies.
"Have you ever heard of a joint-stock company?" I ask and he shakes his head. "Well, it works like this…" I begin to explain after taking a large sip of summerwine.
Two hours later…
A slow melody plays as the royal couples having the first dance of the night shortly after each couple cut their ceremonial pigeon pies, letting out live birds trapped in the pastry. I was scanning the crowd for Myrra, my uncles, cousins, anyone really as I try to exit the awkward conversation I found myself held hostage to.
"…think you're better than us despite being a younger house…" The Late Lord Frey himself, flanked by his two eldest sons Ser Stevron and Ser Emmon, quietly ranted his displeasure at my support for the Mallisters while Ser Emmon glared at me. My eyes flicker to the dancefloor and I notice the first song ended, as I see the Lord Hand lead his new wife by the hand, with lords and ladies following their example.
"Now Father, mayhaps we can remedy this by tying our houses closer." My eyes shift back as Ser Stevron turned to me with a diplomatic smile. "My firstborn son Ryman, has just become a grandfather with a newborn granddaughter, Walda and his third son, Petyr was born last year. I know your house is currently spoken for in betrothals but mayhaps the next generation of Seastarks can be betrothed to one of them." I'm caught flatfooted by the off as Ser Emmon turned his glare to his older brother while his father frowned and awaited my answer.
"That is an… intriguing offer." I say half politely, half-truthfully. On the one hand, I didn't want to tie myself to the Late Lord Frey for obvious reasons. On the other hand, Ser Stevron is his firstborn son and heir, considered one of the few decent Freys by both the Westerosi highborn and the fans, and marrying into his side of the family would give me a decent amount of influence within House Frey.
"Hugo! There you are!" I heard a soft, feminine voice cut in. The eyes of the three Freys widen at the interruption as I turn to see Myrra walking up to us. "Trying to get out of that dance you owe me?" She asked with a knowing smirk. I didn't remember any promised dances, but I saw my chance to escape and played along.
"Of course not, Myrra. I wouldn't dream of using Lord Frey to dodge my obligations." I say smoothly as she walks up next to me and gives a polite curtsy to the Freys, who return her greeting but look at us strangely.
"No titles, eh? Awfully close aren't you two?" Lord Frey points out the lack of titles when addressing one another with a slimy grin and I narrowed my eyes. "What are you implying, Lord Frey?" I ask with a slight edge to my voice.
"Oh, I just find your lack of titles interesting, Lord Seastark. The last time I saw such a young betrothed couple calling each other by their given names, they were betrothed because the lad took her maidenhood…" He trails off with his grin turning into a slimly smile and I don't like what he's implying.
"No. I have done no such thing, and would never dishonor her or her house." I coldly state while Myrra blushes furiously and denies Lord Frey's implied accusation. "Now if you excuse me, I have a promise to keep to my betrothed." I offer my hand to her and she takes it. We both make our way to the dancefloors and begin to dance.
"Thank you for getting me out of that conversation." I whisper with a small smile. "Well, how could I allow my betrothed to be hounded by Lord Frey?" She said with a smirk and we both giggled.
"What was that about anyway?" She asked with a curious tone and I sighed. "Lord Frey was…displeased that I didn't support his son for Lord Captain and Ser Stevron was pushing for a future betrothal between our houses."
Myrra's eyes narrowed slightly. "And what did you say?" She asked warily, remembering how I betrothed our future child to House Dustin without her say.
"You saved me from giving an answer when you swooped in and rescued me" I said playfully and she smiled. "How was your dinner?" I asked.
"It was good, I sat with my family, my good friend Jeyne Farman, and her betrothed Ser Gareth Clifton. Ser Gareth, along with her brother Sebaston are both part of the Western convoy. They're both very excited about the Sunset Trade Fleet's voyage to the Summer Islands." She says with a radiant smile and I can't help but smile back.
"I'm glad to hear it. How many Western highborn are joining?" I inquire since so many Northern and Riverland highborn were participating.
"Ser Burton Crakehall, Ser Swyft's heir, Ser Samwell Spicer, Ser Cedric Banefort, Ser Addam Marbrand, Lord Lydden's second born son, Lord Kenning's cousin, Ser Forley Prestor, and Lord Serret's heir are the most notable. Not to mention the other Lannister cadet branches, the Lannys, Lantells, and Lannetts are all sending second and third sons." Myrra listed the various Westerland highborn being thrown in with all the other Northern and Riverland highborn on the voyage.
"I hadn't expected so many lords to send their heirs, brothers, cousins or second sons. There's already a lot of Northern and Riverland highborn involved." I say as we continued dancing.
"Many lords see your trade fleet as opportunity for both profit and experience for the young highborn." Myrra explained before she gave me a curious look. "So… How was dinner at the royal table?"
"Ah, there is no more Sunset Trade Fleet." I say solemnly, seeing Myrra's eyes widen in shock then caused me to laugh. "It's been replaced by the Sunset Trade Company." I say, emphasizing the last word to Myrra's visible confusion.
"What's the difference?" She asks. "Well, it will be funded by a joint-stock exchange…" We continued to dance while I explained what a joint-stock company was.
Later…
"…So a Council of Directors, led by you or your cousin as Head of the Council, elects a Lord Director to run the company but can vote to remove them." Lady Darlessa Marbrand says trying to understand the organizational structure of the new trade company while we danced. The Council of Directors is the Westerosi version of Board of Directors for the trade company. "Aye. The council of one-and-twenty directors is made up of seven houses each from the North, Riverlands, and Westerlands and only needs two thirds vote to remove a Lord Director." I continue explaining the trade company…
"…Who's going to be the first Lord Director?" Lady Gwenys Blackwood nee Piper, wife of Lord Grover Blackwood asked me as we danced. The Lord Director is the name I gave to this world's version of a CEO. "Lord Lannister and I agreed to a compromise that his brother Gerion Lannister would be the first Lord Director while House Seastark would get the Head of Council position." I informed her as I spy Myrra dancing with Prince Oberyn and Wyman dancing with Lady Staunton…
"…I noticed you and Lord Lannister arguing earlier." Queen Lyanna commented while she pierced me with her sharp, gray eyes. "Arguing is a strong word… more like debating where the trade company's headquarters would be." I say with a shaky smile.
When I pitched the idea for a trade company, both lords were surprisingly receptive as the experienced lords quickly grasped how creating a trade company could profit them. When we were negotiating things like the Council of Directors and who would be the first Lord Director, things went relatively smoothly. Lord Lannister, not surprisingly pushed for his brother, Gerion to get the position with Lord Mallister and I letting him have it with the compromise of me getting the Head of the Council position and the promise that the next Lord Director would be elected to be Ser Jason Mallister. Then the topic of where the company's headquarters would be and all three of us heavily debated it's location.
"Each of us pushed our city, or in the Mallisters' case, large town, as the location for the headquarters but Lord Mallister dropped out of the running fairly early, leaving Lord Lannister and I to decide." I explained as the song changed but we continued to dance.
"And how did that go?" The Queen asked with a tinge of wariness.
"I proposed that since the whole thing was my idea, that it should be in Wolfsport, while Lord Lannister countered that Lannisport was larger, richer, and most importantly, closer to trade routes. Of course, I didn't want Lord Lannister to have too much power within the company, so in the end, Lord Mallister came up with a compromise. The Council of Directors would have an annual meeting that's location would rotate between Lannisport, Wolfsport, and Seaguard with the first meeting being in Lannisport after the dual wedding." I inform her and she looks thoughtful for a moment.
"Prince Oberyn looked quite intrigued by your idea for a trade company." She finally says. "He and everyone sitting in the middle of the table heard your debate, I was too far away."
"Oh? And did he mention his thoughts?" I asked, curious to hear the Red Viper's reaction.
"He only said it gave him an idea. How did Prince Stannis react?" The Queen responded.
"He was intrigued like Prince Oberyn and was mulling it over last I talked to him. What did your brother, the Lord Hand, and his grace think of it?" I inquired because if she knew about it, then they definitely did too.
"My brother and the Lord Hand see the merits of your idea for a trade company, but are cautious of such a new idea. His grace didn't seem to care one way or another and simply decided to entrust the decision to the Lord Hand." She answers.
I snort. "Really? Because they had no issue taking my idea for a trade fleet."
"A trade fleet isn't a new idea, but a trade company, especially funded by your stock exchange…thing, is. The Small Counsel will no doubt discuss it, since the Master of Coin is your co-conspirator." She says with shrug, looking thoughtful for moment before speaking again. "So, this trade company. It means this partnership with Lord Mallister and Lord Lannister will be a long-term thing, will it?" Queen Lyanna said with a neutral face I couldn't read.
"Aye. I'm sure there will be more trips to the Summer Islands and trips to the Free Cities at the very least. Though the two places I really want to send to trade fleets are Ibben and Yi-Ti." I say as the Queen looks surprised.
"Yi-Ti I can understand, but why Ibben?" She asked inquisitively.
"To trade of course! But no, really, the Ibbenese are renowned sailors and are the only people to build a whaling ship large and strong enough to catch leviathans. If some kind of deal could be worked out with the Ibbenese for their knowledge on whaling and shipbuilding, I could build up a whaling industry in the Bay of Ice and Sunset Sea!" I say half-drunkenly, feeling the eight glasses of summerwine I had during the dinner as the Queen absorbs my words.
"That is an interesting idea, Lord Seastark." She says slowly. "My brother would support such a venture provided any obtained knowledge benefits all the North. The Manderlys would no doubt want to establish their own whaling industry based out of White Harbor."
I nod. "As long as it's the Manderlys and not the Karstarks or Umbers with a whaling company, I'll tolerate it. Hells give it to the Skagosi if you must, mayhaps it'll give them something to do other than eat each other." I jape and the Queen chuckles before catching herself and forcing her face to reform the same regal look she had on earlier.
We both hear the song end and switch partners and I end up face-to-face with Princess Cersei.
"Lord Seastark." She greets neutrally. "Princess Cersei." I greet back with a strained smile. "I see you've taken up falconry as a hobby now that Prince Stannis gifted you that peregrine falcon." I say, mentioning Prince Stannis' wedding gift to her.
"Yes, my husband prefers falconry to hunting and I find myself enjoying it to my surprise." She responds with almost befuddled look on her face, as if finding any common ground with her husband was unexpected.
"Well, it's great to see you two bonding." I say as we dance…
A few songs later I'm dancing with a very drunk Lady Jeyne Farman. "Sos, Myrra and I was talkin' and I try and makes a friendly wager *hic* about which of us would have more childrens." She says slurring her words yet dancing with no problems.
"Oh? And what did you two wager?" I asked with a chuckle, remembering that Lady Jeyne would go on to have a dozen children.
"Fifty golds to whichever *hic*one of us has the mostest children." She slurs with a drunken smile. Poor Myrra, she would have never made that wager if she knew she had to beat a dozen. I hope she doesn't expect us to keep up baby for baby because I'm not sure Castle Warg or the North could handle that many Seastarks.
"My brother and betroths are really *hic* really excited to goes on the big trade fleet everyones talkin about. Gareth says hes gonna get me *hic* somethings nice in the Summers Islands."
"I bet they are." I say casually. Seeing just how drunk she was, I scan the crowd and spot her brother and her betrothed talking off to the side as the current song winds down. "Hey let's go talk to your brother and your betrothed." I say and gesture my head towards them.
She looks around in that direction, squinting her eyes. "Oh yeahs, let's go talks to them!" As we began to walk to them, all of the grace and coordination Lady Jeyne had when she was dancing vanished and she immediately sways to the left before I quickly grab her arm. She mumbles a thanks as I stick out my left elbow for her to grasp onto for support. The courtiers that saw us walking gave us confused looks before seeing Lady Jeyne drunken swaying and nodding their heads in understanding.
"You're a goods friend Lord Seastark. Myrra's lucky to bes marrying you. It's funny, shes was so *hic* upset when the woods witch tolds her she woulds be marrying a Northerner!" She whispered to me and it takes a second for her words to register.
"Wait, what?" I asked confused. Surely, she couldn't mean…
"We wents to a woods witch with Cersei and Melara, *hic* but I gots scared by her eyes and Melara gots lost and drowned." She mumbles the last part sadly, remembering her childhood friend.
"Sister!" "Lady Jeyne!" I'm prevented from asking more by two voices.
"Brother! Gareth!" Lady Jeyne slurred drunkenly at her brother and betrothed walking to us worriedly at seeing her state.
"Evening Ser Sabaston. Ser Gaerth." I say and nod to each of them. "I believe Lady Jeyne has had enough summerwine this evening."
"Indeed, she has. You have my thanks for bringing her to us, Lord Seastark." Ser Sabaston said with an appreciative smile.
"You have my thanks as well, Lord Seastark for looking after her." Ser Gareth chimed in with a respectful nod.
"It was no problem, good Sers! Lady Jeyne is very good friends with my betrothed and would hate to see anything happen to her. I'll let you take it from here" I said and left quickly.
I looked for Myrra while wondering how I was going to subtly ask her about it, considering no one is supposed to know what happened that night and Melara Hetherspoon was probably murdered by a ten nameday old Cersei. Which meant my betrothed might be an accomplice to murder. Great.
I'm pulled out of my thoughts when I hear someone shout. "TIME FOR THE BEDDING!" Followed by a round of cheers.
I look for the royal couples and see Prince Stannis. His eyes met mine and he nodded before being surrounded by various ladies, who began to carry and strip him. I returned the nod and headed toward his wife, who was already being surrounded herself by various Storm, Crown, and Westerlords. I made eye contact with Ser Herbert Bolling and Ser Davos as we work on the task the Prince Stannis entrusted with us: participate in the bedding ceremony while making sure the lords stripping down the princess didn't get too handsy. Even with the aid of Ser Tyrek Lannister, the task proved easier said than done as the lords stripped her dress and shouted bawdy japes about stags and lionesses mating or quips about her body. All the while, similar bawdy japes about stags and wolves could be heard not too far away as both couples were having the bedding ceremony in Maegor's Holdfast. Lord Farring glared at me when I smacked his hand from the Princess' left breast and I simply gave him a defiant look that dared him to do something. He settled for facing forward and joining a jape that involved rhyming the words stag with shag.
After a few more minutes of walking, and a few smacks later, we dropped the naked couple on their bed and when they scrambled under the covers, we cheered as the ceremony was complete. The prince gritted his teeth while his wife glared at us as the lords began to leave the room, still making dumb, perverted japes on the way out.
"My prince, there's too few Baratheons so you need to make more." I give him a simple pep talk as make my way out and see him raise an eyebrow. "Also, I'd love if you'd give me the details since I'd like to have notes for my own lioness." I chuckle as the prince grits his teeth harder, exiting the room. I headed back to the Great Hall while several lords stood outside the couple's chambers yelling japes and advice to the couple newlyweds within.
I eventually found Myrra again in the Great Hall and we talk again as I figure out a way to broach the subject of Maggy the Frog. Eventually I decided to just come out and say it. "You friend mentioned a woods witch she fled in fear from because her eyes were scary."
I see Myrra freeze and curse under breath as she looked at me with worried eyes. "Hugo, please. Not here or now." She says before leaning closer and whispering solemnly. "I will tell you everything after we have become married in the eyes of both the Seven-Who-Are-One and the Old Gods, I swear."
I keep silent, staring her beautiful, jade-colored eyes before sighing. "Alright. But I'll hold you to that promise, Myrra." I stated firmly and she nodded. We awkwardly bid each other good night as I met up with Wyman and called it a night.
One week later…
Wyman and I rode with the House Seastark men-at-arms and levies as the army of the North marched out of King's Landing. Lord Stark led us out of the Gate of the Gods after his sister gave an emotional goodbye to both her brother and son, while the king stood respectfully silent before giving his foster brother a warm goodbye of his own. Prince Stannis and I exchanged nods and small smiles.
I look back at the Seastark host, two-and-ten hundred infantry, of which four hundred where men-at-arms and the rest smallfolk levies, alongside two hundred horsemen. Behind them marched an odd sight of a small caravan of smallfolk artisans and their families, numbering just under fifty. The new immigrants to Wolfsport included carpenters, masons, blacksmiths, tailors and their families, a chandler, a silversmith, a bowyer, a Braavosi shipwright named Horesso, and of course, Lucos of Flea Bottom. All met by myself and/or Wyman and eventually convinced to move up to Wolfsport due to lost homes and businesses in the Sack while I was setting up the Wayfinders Guild since it was always good to get more skilled workers.
"So, cousin, I forgot to ask. Did Prince Stannis ever give you any notes on how to tame lionesses in bed?" Wyman asks me with a grin and I chuckle. "As a matter of fact, he gave me one great nugget of knowledge." I said and my cousin looked curious. I frown and put on my best Stannis impression. "They like getting yanked by the hair!"
A/N: Finally, out of King's Landing! Woo! We see the creation of the Sunset Trade Company and see some internal friction between the "Big 3" of the new company. The Lannisters and Seastarks are the two main ones vying for control and influence with Lord Mallister being the weakest of the three. A lot of lords are interested in the trade fleet and are sending their brothers, cousins, sons and nephews in hopes of riches and experience. We also find out Myrra's big secret! Next time, we're finally in the North!
Great Hall of the Red Keep, Late 281 A.C., Wedding Night
I scoff at Lord Mallister's words while taking a sip of the fruity-tasting summerwine from my golden, jewel-encrusted goblet. "Great, Lord Frey wants to turn the trade fleet into a place to dump his sons. How many is sending?" I asked in resignation as I cut a piece of roasted auroch and savored a forkful of one of the many dishes on the massive table.
Lord Mallister was seated to my right on the "Stannis side" of the table as I mentally dubbed it. The king sat at the head of the western end of the table, with his new wife and Lord Stark to his right and the Lord Hand with his wife Lysa Arryn and her uncle Ser Brynden "the Blackfish Tully to Lady Arryn's left. Lord Dustin, Master of Laws Lord Royce, Grand Maester Pycelle, the High Septon, and Prince Oberyn filled out the middle of the table. Prince Stannis sat across from his brother at the head of the eastern end of the table, with Princess Cersei and Lord Tywin Lannister to his right and Prince Renly and Ser Ealon Estermont to his left. I was located with Lord Mallister to my right, Lord Lannister to my left, Prince Renly was seated left diagonally form me, Master of Whispers Lord Estermont sat across from me and Ser Herbert Bolling sat across to the right diagonally.
"At least one son from each wife." The Master of Coin answered and I suppress a sign when the old man began listing them. "Ser Emmon, second son of Lord Frey, is leading the Freys with his firstborn son, Cleos, and his nephews Ryman, son of Ser Stevron, and Aegon, son of Ser Aenys. Ser Jared from Lord Frey's second wife, all six sons from his third wife Amarei Crakehall, and Jammos from his fourth wife. They are accompanied by Ser Harys Haigh, son of Lord Frey's daughter, representing House Haigh, sworn bannermen of the Freys." My eyes widen at the dozen Freys joining the Sunset Trade Fleet as part of the Riverland convoy that has grown with participation from much of the western Riverlords such as the Paeges of Fairmarket, the Pipers of Pinkmaiden, both Vances, the Brackens and the Smallwoods of Acorn Hill. The Tullys were the only lords in the area that haven't invested, with Lord Hoster Tully still in Riverrun with his daughter Lady Caitlyn Stark, who was due to give birth in roughly a moon.
"How much gold and how many ships is the Riverlands investing?" I ask before digging my fork into a small shepard's pie, the fork breaking through the pastry to dig out the mutton and vegetables covered in a brown gravy. I put the forkful in my mouth and savor the delicious gravy
"As of now, five thousand gold dragons worth of goods across five ships." Lord Mallister took a sip and lowered his voice. "You have my thanks for your support alongside the other Riverlords against Lord Frey's push for Ser Emmon to be the Lord Captain of the Riverlands convoy. It only got as far as it did due to the Brackens, Smallwoods, Wayfarer's Rest Vances, Vyprens, and outside support." He subtly gestured his head towards Lord Lannister, who was deep in conversation with his daughter and goodson about Storm's End. I quickly glance over to Ser Ealon, talking with Prince Renly and Ser Herbert about Drangonstone, but subtly tilting his head to eavesdrop on our conversation.
"My son Ser Jason, will be the lord captain the Riverlands convoy." Lord Mallister's voice returned to his normal volume. Lord captain was the title given to the leaders of each of the Northern, Riverlands and Westerlands convoys of the Sunset Trade Fleet.
I raise an eyebrow. "You're letting your heir lead, why risk him when you have his younger brother?" I ask before taking my own sip.
"Aye, it's a risk. But my eldest is near thirty and has both a younger brother and a son if the worst happens." Lord Mallister answered before taking a bite of grilled halibut and I ate some sauteed shrimp off my plate. Along with Ser Jason, Wyman was the lord captain of the Northern convoy and Gerion Lannister led the Westerlands.
Gerion became the new lord captain of the Westerlands convoy as of yesterday, when after the king announced the creation of the Royal Trade Fleet, Tywin announced he was investing five thousand golden dragons each into both trade fleets to casually show off his wealth. This was on top of the five thousand dragons and five ships the Westerlands had put together without him led by my future goodfather and Lord Farman. This included investments from all the Lannister cadet branches and most of the major Westerland houses with the Marbrands, Crakehalls, Swyfts, and Silverhills being the biggest contributors.
Of the twenty thousand golden dragons invested in the Sunset Trade Fleet, a quarter was by the North, matched by the Riverlands with the Lannisters now providing half and Tywin was using it to try to put his brother as head captain of the trade fleet. It was only with Lord Mallister and I coming up with the Rule of Two for the Three Captains that prevented a complete Lannister takeover. The rule was, when the lord captains met to plan, if two agreed on a decision, they would take that course of action with the dissenting third lord captain allowed to present their case. This will allow my cousin and Ser Jason to the ability veto Tywin's brother if need be.
"I'm surprised you allowed your heir to join. But then again, both my cousins Galbert Glover and Owen Fisher are joining the trade fleet. Their fathers only allowing it due to both having younger brothers." I say as I cut a piece of auroch and dip it in the brown gravy before eating it.
"Ser Halmon Paege is the heir of Fairmarket and Lord Norbert Vance of Atranta is allowing his eldest two sons to join, so I'm not the only one. Though like your uncles, both houses have spares just in case. Which Northerners are joining?" Lord Mallister asked and I caught Ser Estermont's head tilt again as he was talking to Ser Herbert.
"Besides my three cousins, my future goodbrother Leobald Tallhart, Ronnel Stout, Edwyle Brownburrow, Benjicot Wells and from the western hill clans, Mikken Wull, Brandon Norrey, and Bowen Harclay. The Wolfswood clans of Bole, Woods, Branch, Moss, and Fern are all sending at least one son and nephew." I answered as I polish off my goblet and set it on the table only for a servant to refill it again with summerwine.
"Lord Seastark, I heard you and Lord Dustin were intending to set up trading posts in the Summer Islands." Ser Ealon said across from me with a smile. My eyes met his as I hear the prince and Tywin stop their conversation to listen.
"Indeed, we are Ser Ealon. We intend to set them up to facilitate future trade between the North and Summer Islands." I say carefully as I take another bite of the shepard's pie, ignoring the lords' intrigued reactions as I serve myself an apple baked soft with cinnamon. "I suggested the idea to Lord Dustin back when we were first planning the trade fleet, before it's…expansion."
I take a bite of the cinnamon apple, the sweet cinnamon pairing nicely with the natural tartness of the granny smith apple as the lords absorb my response. I turn to Lord Lannister next to me to see him finishing up some internal debate in his mind before he answered. "I would be willing to invest in the establishment of these trading posts in return for House Lannister gaining access to them."
Well, that answered my question on what he was debating. It seemed that he decided that it would be easier and cheaper to work with me in establishing trading posts instead of competing against me and setting up his own.
"I would also be willing to agree to a similar arrangement." I hear Lord Mallister say and I nod.
"Equal investment for equal profits?" I ask the Master of Coin and Warden of the West and get nods and murmurs of confirmation. I take a sip of wine as I see Prince Stannis having his own internal debate and I take another bite of cinnamon apple.
"I will also invest in the construction of your trading posts. The Royal Trade Fleet will arrive moons after your trade fleet and it makes little sense to me to waste coin creating our own trading posts when yours will be already established. Therefore, I will invest in yours on the condition that the Royal Trade Fleet gets use of them." Prince Stannis stated to the table's surprise. I was caught flatfooted as I looked to Lord Lannister and Lord Mallister before answering. "Uh… I have no objections." I say slowly while the Master of Coin shrugs and the Warden of the West nods and confirms his agreement.
"I heard you intend to only visit half of the islands. Are we only building trading posts there?" Lord Lannister asked me and I gave an awkward chuckle.
"That was back when the trade fleet was just Northerners and was planned for a moon or two of sailing around the northern half of the islands. Now that it's much larger and with better funding, we can add the other half of the Summer Islands. Though that will extend their stay to at least three or four moons." I respond as I cut up another piece of auroch and dip it in the brown gravy again and placing it in my mouth before chewing and swallowing. "Although now that I think about it, we're putting a lot of money into this trade fleet and the construction of trading posts guarantees this isn't a one-time thing. Which means we will need better organizational structure and funding."
Lord Lannister gives me a raised eyebrow. "And what do you propose?" He says, seeming to half anticipate and half dread what I'm about to suggest. I simply smile. "I propose instead of a trade fleet; we create a trade company!" My words are only met with looks of confusion. I suppress a sigh and dredge up all the memories I had about the British and Dutch East India Companies.
"Have you ever heard of a joint-stock company?" I ask and he shakes his head. "Well, it works like this…" I begin to explain after taking a large sip of summerwine.
Two hours later…
A slow melody plays as the royal couples having the first dance of the night shortly after each couple cut their ceremonial pigeon pies, letting out live birds trapped in the pastry. I was scanning the crowd for Myrra, my uncles, cousins, anyone really as I try to exit the awkward conversation I found myself held hostage to.
"…think you're better than us despite being a younger house…" The Late Lord Frey himself, flanked by his two eldest sons Ser Stevron and Ser Emmon, quietly ranted his displeasure at my support for the Mallisters while Ser Emmon glared at me. My eyes flicker to the dancefloor and I notice the first song ended, as I see the Lord Hand lead his new wife by the hand, with lords and ladies following their example.
"Now Father, mayhaps we can remedy this by tying our houses closer." My eyes shift back as Ser Stevron turned to me with a diplomatic smile. "My firstborn son Ryman, has just become a grandfather with a newborn granddaughter, Walda and his third son, Petyr was born last year. I know your house is currently spoken for in betrothals but mayhaps the next generation of Seastarks can be betrothed to one of them." I'm caught flatfooted by the off as Ser Emmon turned his glare to his older brother while his father frowned and awaited my answer.
"That is an… intriguing offer." I say half politely, half-truthfully. On the one hand, I didn't want to tie myself to the Late Lord Frey for obvious reasons. On the other hand, Ser Stevron is his firstborn son and heir, considered one of the few decent Freys by both the Westerosi highborn and the fans, and marrying into his side of the family would give me a decent amount of influence within House Frey.
"Hugo! There you are!" I heard a soft, feminine voice cut in. The eyes of the three Freys widen at the interruption as I turn to see Myrra walking up to us. "Trying to get out of that dance you owe me?" She asked with a knowing smirk. I didn't remember any promised dances, but I saw my chance to escape and played along.
"Of course not, Myrra. I wouldn't dream of using Lord Frey to dodge my obligations." I say smoothly as she walks up next to me and gives a polite curtsy to the Freys, who return her greeting but look at us strangely.
"No titles, eh? Awfully close aren't you two?" Lord Frey points out the lack of titles when addressing one another with a slimy grin and I narrowed my eyes. "What are you implying, Lord Frey?" I ask with a slight edge to my voice.
"Oh, I just find your lack of titles interesting, Lord Seastark. The last time I saw such a young betrothed couple calling each other by their given names, they were betrothed because the lad took her maidenhood…" He trails off with his grin turning into a slimly smile and I don't like what he's implying.
"No. I have done no such thing, and would never dishonor her or her house." I coldly state while Myrra blushes furiously and denies Lord Frey's implied accusation. "Now if you excuse me, I have a promise to keep to my betrothed." I offer my hand to her and she takes it. We both make our way to the dancefloors and begin to dance.
"Thank you for getting me out of that conversation." I whisper with a small smile. "Well, how could I allow my betrothed to be hounded by Lord Frey?" She said with a smirk and we both giggled.
"What was that about anyway?" She asked with a curious tone and I sighed. "Lord Frey was…displeased that I didn't support his son for Lord Captain and Ser Stevron was pushing for a future betrothal between our houses."
Myrra's eyes narrowed slightly. "And what did you say?" She asked warily, remembering how I betrothed our future child to House Dustin without her say.
"You saved me from giving an answer when you swooped in and rescued me" I said playfully and she smiled. "How was your dinner?" I asked.
"It was good, I sat with my family, my good friend Jeyne Farman, and her betrothed Ser Gareth Clifton. Ser Gareth, along with her brother Sebaston are both part of the Western convoy. They're both very excited about the Sunset Trade Fleet's voyage to the Summer Islands." She says with a radiant smile and I can't help but smile back.
"I'm glad to hear it. How many Western highborn are joining?" I inquire since so many Northern and Riverland highborn were participating.
"Ser Burton Crakehall, Ser Swyft's heir, Ser Samwell Spicer, Ser Cedric Banefort, Ser Addam Marbrand, Lord Lydden's second born son, Lord Kenning's cousin, Ser Forley Prestor, and Lord Serret's heir are the most notable. Not to mention the other Lannister cadet branches, the Lannys, Lantells, and Lannetts are all sending second and third sons." Myrra listed the various Westerland highborn being thrown in with all the other Northern and Riverland highborn on the voyage.
"I hadn't expected so many lords to send their heirs, brothers, cousins or second sons. There's already a lot of Northern and Riverland highborn involved." I say as we continued dancing.
"Many lords see your trade fleet as opportunity for both profit and experience for the young highborn." Myrra explained before she gave me a curious look. "So… How was dinner at the royal table?"
"Ah, there is no more Sunset Trade Fleet." I say solemnly, seeing Myrra's eyes widen in shock then caused me to laugh. "It's been replaced by the Sunset Trade Company." I say, emphasizing the last word to Myrra's visible confusion.
"What's the difference?" She asks. "Well, it will be funded by a joint-stock exchange…" We continued to dance while I explained what a joint-stock company was.
Later…
"…So a Council of Directors, led by you or your cousin as Head of the Council, elects a Lord Director to run the company but can vote to remove them." Lady Darlessa Marbrand says trying to understand the organizational structure of the new trade company while we danced. The Council of Directors is the Westerosi version of Board of Directors for the trade company. "Aye. The council of one-and-twenty directors is made up of seven houses each from the North, Riverlands, and Westerlands and only needs two thirds vote to remove a Lord Director." I continue explaining the trade company…
"…Who's going to be the first Lord Director?" Lady Gwenys Blackwood nee Piper, wife of Lord Grover Blackwood asked me as we danced. The Lord Director is the name I gave to this world's version of a CEO. "Lord Lannister and I agreed to a compromise that his brother Gerion Lannister would be the first Lord Director while House Seastark would get the Head of Council position." I informed her as I spy Myrra dancing with Prince Oberyn and Wyman dancing with Lady Staunton…
"…I noticed you and Lord Lannister arguing earlier." Queen Lyanna commented while she pierced me with her sharp, gray eyes. "Arguing is a strong word… more like debating where the trade company's headquarters would be." I say with a shaky smile.
When I pitched the idea for a trade company, both lords were surprisingly receptive as the experienced lords quickly grasped how creating a trade company could profit them. When we were negotiating things like the Council of Directors and who would be the first Lord Director, things went relatively smoothly. Lord Lannister, not surprisingly pushed for his brother, Gerion to get the position with Lord Mallister and I letting him have it with the compromise of me getting the Head of the Council position and the promise that the next Lord Director would be elected to be Ser Jason Mallister. Then the topic of where the company's headquarters would be and all three of us heavily debated it's location.
"Each of us pushed our city, or in the Mallisters' case, large town, as the location for the headquarters but Lord Mallister dropped out of the running fairly early, leaving Lord Lannister and I to decide." I explained as the song changed but we continued to dance.
"And how did that go?" The Queen asked with a tinge of wariness.
"I proposed that since the whole thing was my idea, that it should be in Wolfsport, while Lord Lannister countered that Lannisport was larger, richer, and most importantly, closer to trade routes. Of course, I didn't want Lord Lannister to have too much power within the company, so in the end, Lord Mallister came up with a compromise. The Council of Directors would have an annual meeting that's location would rotate between Lannisport, Wolfsport, and Seaguard with the first meeting being in Lannisport after the dual wedding." I inform her and she looks thoughtful for a moment.
"Prince Oberyn looked quite intrigued by your idea for a trade company." She finally says. "He and everyone sitting in the middle of the table heard your debate, I was too far away."
"Oh? And did he mention his thoughts?" I asked, curious to hear the Red Viper's reaction.
"He only said it gave him an idea. How did Prince Stannis react?" The Queen responded.
"He was intrigued like Prince Oberyn and was mulling it over last I talked to him. What did your brother, the Lord Hand, and his grace think of it?" I inquired because if she knew about it, then they definitely did too.
"My brother and the Lord Hand see the merits of your idea for a trade company, but are cautious of such a new idea. His grace didn't seem to care one way or another and simply decided to entrust the decision to the Lord Hand." She answers.
I snort. "Really? Because they had no issue taking my idea for a trade fleet."
"A trade fleet isn't a new idea, but a trade company, especially funded by your stock exchange…thing, is. The Small Counsel will no doubt discuss it, since the Master of Coin is your co-conspirator." She says with shrug, looking thoughtful for moment before speaking again. "So, this trade company. It means this partnership with Lord Mallister and Lord Lannister will be a long-term thing, will it?" Queen Lyanna said with a neutral face I couldn't read.
"Aye. I'm sure there will be more trips to the Summer Islands and trips to the Free Cities at the very least. Though the two places I really want to send to trade fleets are Ibben and Yi-Ti." I say as the Queen looks surprised.
"Yi-Ti I can understand, but why Ibben?" She asked inquisitively.
"To trade of course! But no, really, the Ibbenese are renowned sailors and are the only people to build a whaling ship large and strong enough to catch leviathans. If some kind of deal could be worked out with the Ibbenese for their knowledge on whaling and shipbuilding, I could build up a whaling industry in the Bay of Ice and Sunset Sea!" I say half-drunkenly, feeling the eight glasses of summerwine I had during the dinner as the Queen absorbs my words.
"That is an interesting idea, Lord Seastark." She says slowly. "My brother would support such a venture provided any obtained knowledge benefits all the North. The Manderlys would no doubt want to establish their own whaling industry based out of White Harbor."
I nod. "As long as it's the Manderlys and not the Karstarks or Umbers with a whaling company, I'll tolerate it. Hells give it to the Skagosi if you must, mayhaps it'll give them something to do other than eat each other." I jape and the Queen chuckles before catching herself and forcing her face to reform the same regal look she had on earlier.
We both hear the song end and switch partners and I end up face-to-face with Princess Cersei.
"Lord Seastark." She greets neutrally. "Princess Cersei." I greet back with a strained smile. "I see you've taken up falconry as a hobby now that Prince Stannis gifted you that peregrine falcon." I say, mentioning Prince Stannis' wedding gift to her.
"Yes, my husband prefers falconry to hunting and I find myself enjoying it to my surprise." She responds with almost befuddled look on her face, as if finding any common ground with her husband was unexpected.
"Well, it's great to see you two bonding." I say as we dance…
A few songs later I'm dancing with a very drunk Lady Jeyne Farman. "Sos, Myrra and I was talkin' and I try and makes a friendly wager *hic* about which of us would have more childrens." She says slurring her words yet dancing with no problems.
"Oh? And what did you two wager?" I asked with a chuckle, remembering that Lady Jeyne would go on to have a dozen children.
"Fifty golds to whichever *hic*one of us has the mostest children." She slurs with a drunken smile. Poor Myrra, she would have never made that wager if she knew she had to beat a dozen. I hope she doesn't expect us to keep up baby for baby because I'm not sure Castle Warg or the North could handle that many Seastarks.
"My brother and betroths are really *hic* really excited to goes on the big trade fleet everyones talkin about. Gareth says hes gonna get me *hic* somethings nice in the Summers Islands."
"I bet they are." I say casually. Seeing just how drunk she was, I scan the crowd and spot her brother and her betrothed talking off to the side as the current song winds down. "Hey let's go talk to your brother and your betrothed." I say and gesture my head towards them.
She looks around in that direction, squinting her eyes. "Oh yeahs, let's go talks to them!" As we began to walk to them, all of the grace and coordination Lady Jeyne had when she was dancing vanished and she immediately sways to the left before I quickly grab her arm. She mumbles a thanks as I stick out my left elbow for her to grasp onto for support. The courtiers that saw us walking gave us confused looks before seeing Lady Jeyne drunken swaying and nodding their heads in understanding.
"You're a goods friend Lord Seastark. Myrra's lucky to bes marrying you. It's funny, shes was so *hic* upset when the woods witch tolds her she woulds be marrying a Northerner!" She whispered to me and it takes a second for her words to register.
"Wait, what?" I asked confused. Surely, she couldn't mean…
"We wents to a woods witch with Cersei and Melara, *hic* but I gots scared by her eyes and Melara gots lost and drowned." She mumbles the last part sadly, remembering her childhood friend.
"Sister!" "Lady Jeyne!" I'm prevented from asking more by two voices.
"Brother! Gareth!" Lady Jeyne slurred drunkenly at her brother and betrothed walking to us worriedly at seeing her state.
"Evening Ser Sabaston. Ser Gaerth." I say and nod to each of them. "I believe Lady Jeyne has had enough summerwine this evening."
"Indeed, she has. You have my thanks for bringing her to us, Lord Seastark." Ser Sabaston said with an appreciative smile.
"You have my thanks as well, Lord Seastark for looking after her." Ser Gareth chimed in with a respectful nod.
"It was no problem, good Sers! Lady Jeyne is very good friends with my betrothed and would hate to see anything happen to her. I'll let you take it from here" I said and left quickly.
I looked for Myrra while wondering how I was going to subtly ask her about it, considering no one is supposed to know what happened that night and Melara Hetherspoon was probably murdered by a ten nameday old Cersei. Which meant my betrothed might be an accomplice to murder. Great.
I'm pulled out of my thoughts when I hear someone shout. "TIME FOR THE BEDDING!" Followed by a round of cheers.
I look for the royal couples and see Prince Stannis. His eyes met mine and he nodded before being surrounded by various ladies, who began to carry and strip him. I returned the nod and headed toward his wife, who was already being surrounded herself by various Storm, Crown, and Westerlords. I made eye contact with Ser Herbert Bolling and Ser Davos as we work on the task the Prince Stannis entrusted with us: participate in the bedding ceremony while making sure the lords stripping down the princess didn't get too handsy. Even with the aid of Ser Tyrek Lannister, the task proved easier said than done as the lords stripped her dress and shouted bawdy japes about stags and lionesses mating or quips about her body. All the while, similar bawdy japes about stags and wolves could be heard not too far away as both couples were having the bedding ceremony in Maegor's Holdfast. Lord Farring glared at me when I smacked his hand from the Princess' left breast and I simply gave him a defiant look that dared him to do something. He settled for facing forward and joining a jape that involved rhyming the words stag with shag.
After a few more minutes of walking, and a few smacks later, we dropped the naked couple on their bed and when they scrambled under the covers, we cheered as the ceremony was complete. The prince gritted his teeth while his wife glared at us as the lords began to leave the room, still making dumb, perverted japes on the way out.
"My prince, there's too few Baratheons so you need to make more." I give him a simple pep talk as make my way out and see him raise an eyebrow. "Also, I'd love if you'd give me the details since I'd like to have notes for my own lioness." I chuckle as the prince grits his teeth harder, exiting the room. I headed back to the Great Hall while several lords stood outside the couple's chambers yelling japes and advice to the couple newlyweds within.
I eventually found Myrra again in the Great Hall and we talk again as I figure out a way to broach the subject of Maggy the Frog. Eventually I decided to just come out and say it. "You friend mentioned a woods witch she fled in fear from because her eyes were scary."
I see Myrra freeze and curse under breath as she looked at me with worried eyes. "Hugo, please. Not here or now." She says before leaning closer and whispering solemnly. "I will tell you everything after we have become married in the eyes of both the Seven-Who-Are-One and the Old Gods, I swear."
I keep silent, staring her beautiful, jade-colored eyes before sighing. "Alright. But I'll hold you to that promise, Myrra." I stated firmly and she nodded. We awkwardly bid each other good night as I met up with Wyman and called it a night.
One week later…
Wyman and I rode with the House Seastark men-at-arms and levies as the army of the North marched out of King's Landing. Lord Stark led us out of the Gate of the Gods after his sister gave an emotional goodbye to both her brother and son, while the king stood respectfully silent before giving his foster brother a warm goodbye of his own. Prince Stannis and I exchanged nods and small smiles.
I look back at the Seastark host, two-and-ten hundred infantry, of which four hundred where men-at-arms and the rest smallfolk levies, alongside two hundred horsemen. Behind them marched an odd sight of a small caravan of smallfolk artisans and their families, numbering just under fifty. The new immigrants to Wolfsport included carpenters, masons, blacksmiths, tailors and their families, a chandler, a silversmith, a bowyer, a Braavosi shipwright named Horesso, and of course, Lucos of Flea Bottom. All met by myself and/or Wyman and eventually convinced to move up to Wolfsport due to lost homes and businesses in the Sack while I was setting up the Wayfinders Guild since it was always good to get more skilled workers.
"So, cousin, I forgot to ask. Did Prince Stannis ever give you any notes on how to tame lionesses in bed?" Wyman asks me with a grin and I chuckle. "As a matter of fact, he gave me one great nugget of knowledge." I said and my cousin looked curious. I frown and put on my best Stannis impression. "They like getting yanked by the hair!"
A/N: Finally, out of King's Landing! Woo! We see the creation of the Sunset Trade Company and see some internal friction between the "Big 3" of the new company. The Lannisters and Seastarks are the two main ones vying for control and influence with Lord Mallister being the weakest of the three. A lot of lords are interested in the trade fleet and are sending their brothers, cousins, sons and nephews in hopes of riches and experience. We also find out Myrra's big secret! Next time, we're finally in the North!
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