The Summer Sea, two weeks later…
The vast armada made its way through calm seas towards the Stepstones, a thousand ships of varying size and function but all carrying as many people as they could fit aboard. Rune stones hidden on each ship made them strong enough to weather the journey and stay upright given how heavily loaded they all were.
At the head of the formation was the Silence, a large but fast warship formally belonging to Euron Greyjoy but now it was Harry Tyrell that stood at its helm making a mental note to change the kraken style wheel for something less 'Greyjoy' the next chance he got. The sun was high in the sky and it was clear of clouds as a strong wind blew them towards their destination. The general mood in the fleet was optimistic after their escape from Volantis and rather gentle voyage so far. A few storms but nothing the ships and runes had been unable to handle. Harry took a deep breath of sea air and smiled, relishing the feeling of the wind against his face. At his side Rhaenys and Kanoro smiled enjoying the day as much as he was, on the deck behind them Alys, Myria and Zara played with Maekor and Noelle while Calla and Caelys chatted quietly amongst themselves and in the cabin Jothos was spending time with his family, it was a warm and friendly atmosphere that filled everyone with a sense of hope that they were heading for somewhere good to start new lives. But Harry thought his smile dimming slightly there was a lot to do when they got there.
As if sensing his thoughts Orion flew down from the ship's rigging which he had made his perch while they sailed and landed on his shoulder. Harry's smile returned as he stroked the blood hawk's plumage, the bird butting his head against Harry's in gratitude. Rhaenys and Kanoro themselves grinned at the sight before Kanoro asked a question that had been on his mind.
"When we get to the Stepstones do we have a plan to conquer them? Or are we simply invading?"
Harry nodded before he answered.
"I have a plan, most pirate dens are designed to resist attacks from the sea, not over land so I intend to land our forces on the other side of the island and travel over land. Then do the same on each of the other islands one by one. Pirates rarely co-operate or fight well against professional soldiers so hopefully we can overwhelm their dens quickly. Preventing their escape during our attack should be relatively easy if our warships sail around and blockade the den from the sea, sealing them in." Harry said knowing it was a better approach than trying to land against opposition in the dens themselves. If they came over land then it would give them the element of surprise, especially as most pirate dens were geared toward attack from the sea rather than land as he had said. The other two nodding seeing the simple approach as the best way to do it with their limited resources.
-x-
Later that day Caelys watched as Noelle showed her aunt Daena her drawing of the three of them as a family, her young daughter never failed to find the bright side of any situation. It brought a wide smile to Caelys' face, perhaps the one ray of sunshine in a very dark world and although she knew the world was not so kind that she could stay that way forever she hoped that she never lost that joyousness.
Daena did not seem sure of what to do when confronted with such a happy and energetic girl, so she sat and just let Noelle talk excitedly about how thrilled she was to have an aunt and how much she loved the sea and any other topic that came into her head. When she finally stopped to ask Daena a question, it took the teenager a moment to catch up with what the little girl had said.
"What do you want to be when grow up?" Noelle repeated with a giggle, knowing her aunt had not been following the rather one sided conversation. Daena did not know what to say at first, the first words that came to her tongue was that she was grown up but it sounded rather childish so she stayed silent for a moment until she was able to say something more intelligent.
"I want to train as a warrior." Daena said seeing the worried look in her older sister's eyes although it was strange to think of her as such. Their parents had died in poverty and misery, selling them both into slavery so they could survive but she had been on her own too long to let Caelys decide things for her. They were near complete strangers but both had been brutalised by the ones they had been forced to call master.
She would never be a victim again she thought to herself quietly as Noelle showed her another picture, doing her best to smile and enjoy her niece's company.
-x-
Brynden was staring at the bars of Valyrian steel Harry had acquired in Valyria in stunned disbelief, never having seen so much of the rarest metal in the world. Harry looked on and asked.
"Well how many weapons can you make with all that?" He was eager to find out as given the value of such weapons, he could use this as an asset towards getting allies in the future. Brynden looked again before telling him.
"Each bar could make a single great sword or two longswords, maybe a dozen daggers. Ten bars so you do the math, this is worth a hundred times its weight in gold." Brynden said eager to make some of this rather boring looking bars into beautiful swords, smithing was as much an art form as a trade in his mind. He always tried to make his works as eye catching as possible while remaining functional. Harry now smiled himself before telling Brynden something that made the master smith look up in shock.
"When I acquired the bars I also learned how the metal is made, so there may well be more reworking of Valyrian steel in future. I hope that will not be a problem?" Harry asked, secretly enjoying the surprise he had given his blacksmith.
Bloodstone…
Under the cover of darkness with the moon providing the only illumination, in small boats and ships that had the right draft six thousand of their fighters came ashore, while the rest stayed with the ships to keep them secure. They pulled their boats securely onto land so they could retrieve them later before disembarking and securing the landing sight. Already dressed in their armour and weapons they looked around to adjust to the surrounding terrain, Harry used Orion's eyes as his bloodhawk flew overhead to confirm all their warriors had made it ashore before taking a flaming torch and waving it towards the ships in the distance, telling them the landing was completed successfully. On the deck of the Silence, Rhaenys repeated the signal so they could continue with the plan. The ships would stay anchored here for the next two days while they traversed the island before sailing to the pirate den and blockading it, leaving the pirates trapped while they attacked from land.
Harry and Kanoro got together and pulled out a map drawn from aerial observations curtesy of Orion, the mountains in the centre of the island were too difficult to move across without training or proper equipment so they would have to move around the coast. Given the size of the island it would take a couple of days but it was far easier terrain to navigate. Rather than move in the dark though they set up camp and waited till first light.
-x-
Two Days Later, early evening…
The sun was blazing against the horizon, causing a spectacular red and orange sky not that the pirates were bothering to marvel at the sunset. Being sailors they saw it all the time and it was nothing new to them.
They were at anchor, celebrating looted wealth or gains from their days at sea. None of them had any reason to fear, none of the Free Cities or Kingdoms of Westeros ever came here and no-one else would bother them.
Total freedom meant no one bothered with the responsibility of keeping up the watch, it was not necessary as no one but the pirates themselves came here. Nor did they maintain a land based patrol, after all who would want to march overland?
One drunk pirate stumbled out of one of several taverns, his vision blurry and singing at the top of his voice in inebriated song. He saw the mass of warriors coming into the town but to his unsteady gaze they looked more like some kind of shadow, he stopped singing and walked closer trying to get a good look at what they were. A distorted and large figure came closer and the pirate blinked furiously as he tried to focus his eyes but the only thing he could do was gasp as cold steel was thrust through his belly.
-x-
The moment the first drunken pirate fell, things moved very quickly Harry grabbed a horn on his belt and blew hard to signal the order to attack. All of his warriors, men and women alike screamed their battle cries as all attempts to be stealthy were abandoned shocking the pirates that were still sober enough to react.
Harry and Kanoro led the charge, swords in hand they began to cut down any pirates that were in their way. Rough falchions swung towards Harry only for him to block the strong but unskilled strikes with ease, deflecting them away from himself before thrusting Orphanmaker into his belly and then beheading another going on to press his attack against the rest of the mob.
Kanoro nearby was blocking the drunken pirates with ridiculous ease and striking men down left, right and centre. Pirates while good at raiding poorly armed sailors and small folk on the coast in hit and run attacks they were no match for experienced fighters in proper armour, a few when they saw how quickly Harry's warriors were gaining ground going from building to building and killing whoever they found inside fled towards their ships in the harbour only to see in horror the entrance was blockaded and escape was impossible.
Harry forced his way into a tavern by kicking the door right off the hinge and stormed inside, seeing a half dozen armed pirates and serving maids, one of which threw a glass bottle straight at his head while screaming 'Fuck Off!' Turning his head quickly, it shattered against his helm and Harry stormed forward, both Blackfyre and Orphanmaker in hand as he started mercilessly cutting down the people in the bar, the confined environment made the fight very brutal, Harry felt more than one hard impact on his armour as either serving girls or pirates managed to get a hit in but their attempts were too clumsy and could not find a gap in his armour although he would have some bruises.
He finished them off with stabs and slashes, he killed the pirates first, hoping the women would surrender once the pirates were dead but they kept hitting him with any implement that they could get. They were he realised with surprise not scared, in fact they were angry that he had killed their customers greed stoking the anger in the hopes they could take his swords and sell them. When one of them reached for one of the discarded swords Harry knew he had to act.
With regret he cut them down, quickly and as painlessly as he could before checking the rest of the building and then moving on to the next.
The Following Morning…
The sun was a welcome sight to the men and women of Harry's fleet as it rose the next morning, the fighting had gone on all night but now the den was in their hands. Two hundred prisoners were marched to the incomplete castle that the den was clustered around, built by Daemon Targaryen during his brief rule here. While some parts had never been finished and others decayed the dudgeons were still in good enough condition to hold the pirates who had surrendered until they knew just what to do with them.
A few hostages and slaves had been found amongst the den, mostly taken during raids and thought important or pretty enough to be spared for a while, by large women who were being seen to by Caelys and her new band of healers.
People started coming ashore from the fleet that was now moored here, the bay was so crammed with ships that some men joked you could walk across it and never touch the water. Harry was very busy moving the food stores and construction materials had taken from Volantis into the store rooms of the castle which he tentatively called Bloodstone after the island, if anyone asked where they had come from he could say that they were pirate loot. He noticed as he looked up at the castle that there were strong walls of around fifty feet in height and twenty feet thick, they at least where complete and lined with guard towers Harry thought with relief not wanting to spend the resources needed to build them.
Inside was a large keep with space around it for a training yard and all of the other things you would expect in a castle of this size. Some roofs were missing or had collapsed due to lack of maintenance, windows missing glasses and a few other things needed completing but it would be very easy to finish the castle.
The rest of the den however Harry thought with annoyance would take longer before it could be converted into a proper town, many of the houses if you could call them that were badly put together wooden dwellings in a state of collapse. Tearing them down and replacing them with stone structures would take time and many of the other pirate dens would no doubt be in a similar condition.
Glad that many stonemasons had joined them as well as other former slaves with skills, Harry was about to go and see the Swan Ships off now that they had dropped off their passengers and were keen to return home. But before he could he saw Rhaenys and her ladies storming towards him looking like demons with their faces contorted with rage, a worried Caelys followed them and Harry started to sweat, wanting to run away but was powerless to move. As soon as they reached him, all four ladies took it in turns to slap him hard, nearly knocking him to the ground but even with his stunned expression he heard what Rhaenys screamed at him as clear as day.
"WE'RE PREGNANT YOU FOOL!"
Caelys winched at the volume of the statement while Kanoro only made things worse by bursting out with laughter as did Calla nearby joined in her husband's mirth. Jothos and family looked on in horror given who Rhaenys was and the fact they cared for her as one of their own. Harry was too scared to say anything as Rhaenys and her ladies dragged him away, presumably to scream at him some more.
When they found a place they thought suitable Rhaenys, Alys, Myria and Zara stopped and slapped him again each, screaming obscenities at him so quickly it was impossible to keep up with who was saying what. Harry meanwhile was still shocked at the fact that he was going to be a father four times at once, admittedly he had been drunk and had not thought of the possibility of pregnancy but to get all four ladies with child at the same time was too say the least a long shot. While the women screamed on at him, he heard one phrase that stuck with him.
"YOU THINK YOU'RE GARTH THE GREENHAND! WHO COULD MAKE ALL WOMEN RIPE WITH TWINS AND TRIPLETS DO YOU?!" One of them screamed but in the confusion he could not tell who had yelled it. Desperately he turned the Resurrection Stone over in his hand three times and then a figure simmered into existence that was thankfully enough to stop the four women from giving him any further abuse…for now Harry shuddered.
The figure that had appeared was tall, standing at seven foot and heavily muscled. He wore a strange crown of flowers on his head and had glorious golden brown hair, a neat beard and emerald green eyes not that different from Harry's own. His smile was wide and those emerald eyes shined with mirth as he chuckled.
"The apple does not fall far from the tree as my favourite daughter Rowan used to say, got yourself in a right pickle here lad." Garth said with humour, seeing the whole thing as one big joke and it put all five of his living witnesses into shocked silence, all aware they were in the presence of a legendary figure and the ancestor to Harry's house along with many others. Harry was about to ask his question but Garth gave a full bellied laugh and as if knowing what he was going to say told him with a smirk.
"You my boy are the first descendant of mine to have my magic…ever. All my children had a basic understanding of it and my grandson Brandon knew runes like no other, he made the most enduring structures in the world with them but only you have had my powers and any woman you lay with will get pregnant unless they take a potion to stop it. Do not worry all of your previous partners were on such potions so there are no other spawn of yours out there. You have made me proud with all you have done so far as will the children no doubt when they inherit your power and lead the Reach back to greatness." Garth told him, his smirk turning to a genuine smile before he simmered away.
There was silence in the room as they all absorbed Garth's words, Harry in particular as he took in the new information. Garth had been magical and he was the first since him to have powers but the fact that he was going to be a father was the main thought in his mind. Children…his own blood would soon be born and would depend on him. For a man that was new to responsibility that was enough to shock him to his core and make him freeze but from that feeling a strong realisation came.
That he would ensure their wellbeing and happiness and he would never allow his children to come to harm.
They would be protected he swore to himself, his fingers pressing hard into the skin of his palms as he stood taller. Resolve straightening his back and he looked at all four ladies with a strong gaze and told them.
"All children of mine will be well cared for and taught to stand for themselves in times of trouble, I will care for them all regardless of whether or not they have my name and favour none over another. If they have my powers I will teach them to use their magic and even if they are not blessed with powers they will learn everything I can teach them. And you their mothers will never be cast aside by me for any reason, I cherish what you are giving me and never will words be enough to convey how much I would thank you for them." Harry said, his words coming straight from the heart as he became calm with determination.
All four women looked at him in surprise, their anger at becoming pregnant accidentally eased somewhat by his declaration and the knowledge he would protect and provide for his children regardless of which mother that they came from.
-x-
The work to complete/repair Bloodstone castle was underway, other stone masons started making better and more long lasting homes and other buildings for the town and port. Farmers outside the city meanwhile were planting their own future crops with fields of olives, oranges and grapes amongst other things. Their supplies would be enough till they were ready to cultivate but while Harry and the rest of the warriors worked for a week to get the town started, they would soon be heading off to conquer the rest of the islands.
That made Harry wonder how they were going to communicate between islands once they were all settled, if they wanted to stay strong here that would be essential. Ravens were the obvious answer but he had no maester to care and train the birds, enchanting owls might work but that would lead to questions about how he did it so ravens Harry thought was safer which led to the next problem finding a maester he could trust. Many were snivelling old men that poison him if he showed even a modicum of what he was capable of and he was still planning on hatching dragons so getting someone who could keep his mouth shut and not turn on him would be key and as he thought back to his times at the Citadel as a boy, he remembered his friend Alwyn who had then been an acolyte but a rebellious one and who had many strong ideas of his own even delving into the 'higher mysteries' wherever he could.
So Harry sent a message inviting him to come to Bloodstone and see some of the lore he had collected on his travels. It would give him a chance to see if his old friend was still as trustworthy as he had been years ago but before then he had eleven other islands to conquer Harry thought with grim determination.
Three Weeks Later…
Harry and his men were landing on the final island of the chain that they had yet to conquer, Whitebone Island. The Island hopping campaign had been by large a success, reefs around some islands had made landing difficult but with the eyes of Orion they had managed it. One by one the pirate dens had fallen and the islands were settled by Harry's own people. Work on building the new towns and villages was already underway with Jothos and Rhaenys running Bloodstone while he was away and his warriors were eager to finish the campaign so they could get back to their families and the matter of making their own new homes. Kanoro too wanted to get back to Bloodstone to be with his wife and son and Harry himself was eager to return there but he sighed as they secured the boats and got ready to travel to the last pirate den.
This island had been harder to land on than the others, white reefs surrounded nearly the entire island and two boats had been holed by them as they came in. Fortunately they had been able to rescue the stranded men and continue on to land but it delayed them by nearly an hour and their troubles were not yet over Harry realised as he looked down at the island by warging with Orion who was flying overhead.
The terrain of the island was very rocky and difficult to traverse, the only flat parts were around the pirate den itself. As it was one of the smaller islands and the only entry point through the reefs was at the cove where the pirate den was located it made the island very defensible. Crossing the terrain was going to be hard on the men and take nearly a day. Worst there was an added complication…the worst of the pirates in the island chain could be found here and they would not give up without a vicious fight.
Well best get started Harry thought as he told his men to prepare to move out.
-x-
Ten broken legs, forty broken arms, many sprains and dozens of other injuries all before they got the edge of the pirate den, Harry thought with anger. Even being as careful as they could the journey had proved too much for some of their men, setting the broken bones and tending to injuries as best they could (with him providing some healing magic as quietly as he could to prevent permanent maiming) it had made the journey twice as long and much more difficult and now they would have to strike during the day rather than night like they had with all the others, so this time the pirates would be more alert. But finally they had made it Harry thought with relief as he looked down at the town below.
It was just like the other wooden shack dens he had seen throughout the islands with a few primitive stone buildings here and there, ships moored in the makeshift harbour. Harry wished they had not lost so much time getting here last night, attacking by day was not part of his plan. Night usually meant the pirates were drinking and their ability to resist was far lower not to mention they had the cover of night for their attack, now they would be seen further away than he had planned and the pirates were in better condition to resist.
Nevertheless they readied their weapons and armour, not willing to wait until nightfall in case they were spotted before then and advanced on the den as quickly as they could. A few shouts of alarm sounded followed by a loud bell to signal an attack. Pirates rushed out of the buildings with weapons drawn and met them with jeers and war cries engineered from years of raiding that would normally scare the pants off regular sailors but by now Harry's warriors were battle hardened and unaffected as they engaged the poorly armed and unprotected pirates who rarely wore armour.
Harry with both his swords in hand led the charge, he confronted first by a man that Harry would have sworn was related to the Lannisters in some way judging by his golden hair and green eyes but while finely dressed it was clear he was a pirate who took clothes from those he robbed, shown by how missed matched they were. The man fought with a Morningstar, swinging it hard and fast against Harry but he side stepped each blow and with Orphanmaker jammed into the prongs on the balled end forced the Morningstar into the ground and before the pirate could react, Harry slashed across his throat with Blackfyre in a reverse grip. Blood poured from the gash in his throat and a kick to the stomach sent him flying so Harry with his sword still dripping with blood went to the next closest pirate who was also wielding a Morningstar and cut him down with a well-timed thrust of his swords in the gut. Kanoro was finishing off another pirate who despite weighing at least two hundred and fifty pounds (most of it fat Harry thought with derision) was trying to use Braavosi water dancing against the veteran warrior but Kanoro cut him down with ease regardless.
Harry was about to go back to killing pirates when he heard a disturbingly familiar laugh, turning to look he saw the man that had rung to bell which alerted the pirates to their presence.
Hanging from the rope as he swung down from the tower it was mounted on was a sight Harry had hoped to never see again…Euron Greyjoy. The man was laughing like a maniac as he swung with rope in one hand and his axe in the other, slamming the axe into the chest of one of Harry's warriors. His nervousness given how badly he had fared against the infamous pirate/raider the last time was ruthlessly suppressed as Harry made his way towards him. Euron's one remaining eye quickly caught sight of him too and stared for a moment before his face became contorted with rage and likewise he started to make his way towards Harry.
They finally met on the docks where the pirate ships were moored although many were struggling to get ready to sail against the blockade Harry's ships had put in place. Euron with snarling rage on his directed at the man that had stolen his ship, his treasure and his eye all in the same moment, slashed hard at Harry with his axe.
Harry remained calm and avoided the strike before he counter attacked with both his swords, forcing Euron block with his axe's ironwood staff before falling back a step. There was a clang in the air as their steel met again, followed by another and then another as Harry and Euron met each other blow for blow. Euron wore only leather armour and was enjoying the speed it granted him at the cost of protection but the many small plates that made up Harry's armour and the Basilisk leather underneath rather than chainmail meant he could keep up with the older man and still have better protection. Harry was light on his feet, moving to avoid certain strikes while meeting others head on to keep his enemy off-guard and his sequences were unpredictable which unfortunately was also true of his opponent who likewise changed tactics mid fight to confuse Harry although this was a result of madness and anger rather than conscious thought.
Losing an eye Harry discovered to his own surprise did not diminish Euron as a fighter, his visual acuity had suffered but a skilled and blazing array of focused fury was enough to keep nearly any fighter off-guard until Euron could find an opening and butcher whoever he happened to be fighting. If Harry had not taken him seriously before the fight, it would have cost him his life.
But Harry did take Euron seriously and the advantage was firmly his, better armour, two weapons in his hands and unlike the last time they had fought Harry was rested and had energy spare not to mention more experience since they had last met. He moved decisively, slowly starting to gain the upper hand and forcing Euron onto the back foot as the fight progressed.
This troubled Euron greatly, the greenlander whelp had not been this good last time and he was started to feel his own defence weakening under this skilled assault which only infuriated him more and with a sinister smile decided to use his greatest weapon, it had come to him while he was drifting in the ocean after their last encounter and it was only fitting that it aid him now.
Harry noticed the smile and was immediately alarmed but he had no time to react and much to his shock he saw a massive wave of water rise from the dock and slam right into him, Harry was unable to do anything as the water flung him back several feet into a nearby wall. The pain was more than Harry had felt in a long time and he was sure to have bruises after but his immediate concern was that Euron while laughing like a lunatic kept pouring the water onto him, Harry struggled to move his arms and legs to get away but the pressure of the water kept him right where he was. Winded by the impact of being forced back Harry had little breath and already black spots were appearing in his limited vision, he realised he was in genuine danger of drowning on dryland.
His body pinned by the force of the water, he struggled to move and he could feel his strength waning as his supply of air diminished, with effort he managed to get dragon ring pointed at his face and with as much concentration as he could manage cast the bubblehead charm.
The relief of air was enough to make him light headed but grateful, now he could breathe again Harry managed to see what Euron was doing and the water that was still being forced against him was being directed by what looked like a bracer on Euron's wrist. It was not made of metal, wood or cloth but seemed to be constructed out of an oily black stone which Harry had seen in Asshai, Sothoryos ruined cities and on Battle Island where Hightower was located. No one knew just what the stone was or where it came from but this was of little use to Harry as he now had to figure a way out of his situation.
Euron sure the bastard greenlander must be dead by now let the water fall before making his way quickly to one of the largest pirate ships which was preparing to sail. The men on-board made no move to stop him as he climbed onto the bow and focused his attention on the blockade at the bay's mouth. He summoned up all the energy he could and willed the water in the bay to move as his directed.
A massive wave suddenly appeared at his will and surged towards the ships guarding the entrance to the bay. The sailors aboard were terrified at its appearance and had no time to react as it smashed into their ships, sending them crashing into each other or drifting off, creating a breach in their line that all of the pirate ships quickly took advantage of and sailed through before Harry's ships could reorganise to stop them.
Euron turned once they were free and clear to see all of the pirates kneeling to him, the ship's captain Seria the Red being held by her own men and glaring up at him but her eyes showed the fear she trying so hard to hide. Euron cast a lecherous eye over her, although in her late thirties now and her red hair showing signs of greying she was a good looking woman. She would he decided be a good enough salt wife once he had broken her and cut her tongue.
Nearby he could see the corsair Morgan Twelvetoes who bowed to him with a vicious smile, a man after my own heart Euron thought gleefully, a ruthless raider from the Summer Isles that did not care at all for who stood in the way of whatever he wanted. Skilled at commanding ships and an expert fighter with his Valyrian steel spear Sky Spike he would be an excellent right hand man Euron thought. He let out a triumphant roar as his pride soared, he had killed the prick that took his eye and now commanded a fleet of twelve ships. Nowhere near as good as the Silence would have been but it was a start he thought to rebuild his fortune as they plundered the world's oceans.
It was going to be a lot of fun Euron thought with glee.
Back on Whitebone Island, Harry was casting drying charms on his armour while he wondered what in the hell had just happened. When the Hell he thought with anger and some fear did Euron get control of water? He had no magic of his own and yet he could command water like the people of the Chroyane with that gauntlet, it was enough to almost make him go in pursuit but with his own fleet in chaos and Euron and the pirates out of sight there was nothing he could do. He would have to keep his ear to the ground and hope for some lead on where the hell Euron had gone and then take care of him in any way he could. The last thing the world needed was a notorious pirate and raider like Euron Greyjoy with the ability to control water.
He walked back to his men who were now dealing with any prisoners that they had taken, supervised by Kanoro who looked tired and worried at what had happened but glad that the island was secure.
"What do we do with these pirates?" Kanoro said his distaste clear in his voice and his looked over the few dozen men that had surrendered rather than fight. Harry looked at them before saying coldly.
"Join the Nights Watch or die. It is that simple." Harry spoke loud enough for the prisoners to hear and some looked panic stricken at the thought of death and started crying out for the Wall while others stayed silent preferring execution rather than be bound to the Wall forever. All prisoners would be given this choice, any female prisoners on the other hand would be sent to the Silent Sisters if they did not choose execution. Harsh but Harry knew better than to try and integrate such people into his rule, they would be like poison undermining the new regime and possibly spying for their enemies.
Then he thought there was the matter of sorting out all the assets they had acquired during the campaign. Aside from the islands themselves Harry's warriors had acquired nearly a hundred and twenty ships formerly owned by pirates, many were converted merchant ships and would be more useful to them as such but forty or so were purpose made warships and once he had men to sail them would be very useful to his fleet. But they had also found quite a bit of gold and treasure that Harry had shared out amongst his warriors for their good work and the foodstuffs they had confiscated would be a good addition to their existing stocks while the new towns and villages were established and there was enough seized weapons to equip a few thousand more men once they had been reworked by his smiths.
For now though he sighed allowing himself to forget about his worries concerning Euron and just about everything else, he would be glad to just get back to Bloodstone and see his girls. He had definitely had enough of fighting for a while.
One Month Later…
Harry sat in his newly furnished solar on Bloodstone as his hawk slept on his perch and Balerion the cat slept in his basket, looking out the window as he prepared for perhaps the most important day of his life. His wall had shelves for books that he filled with books and scrolls that could be publically displayed while some banners and weapons taken as trophies hung on the walls as some did on the walls of the castle. Furniture he had acquired along the course of his journey meant they had easily furnished the castle which saved some time, time Harry had spent underneath the castle.
A series of tunnels and caverns which might have been created by the legendary Children of the Forest had been discovered under the castle, Harry had reinforced and secured them with his magic, layering protection after protection and increasingly strong security on them before storing his more sensitive and secret items as well as a large portion of his personal fortune inside. Only he could access it.
Iron and coal mines had been discovered in the small mountains of the islands to feed their forges and some ex-Targaryen navy officers known to Jothos had come to the island to train up new men to run their fleet.
Caelys had set up her own healing centre on the island and Harry had given her land that she and those she recruited could use to grow herbs and other ingredients for potions that he had told her about, aside from that he would support her centre to maintain public health on the island. A good thing considering many of their people had no idea of hygiene or medicine and they had just taken in five thousand Myrish slaves who had just escaped, given most of his people had been either extremely poor folk or slaves themselves and the Myrish escapees spoke Valyrian they had been able to integrate them into the population. The seven hundred odd prisoners that they had taken had already been shipped off to either the Wall or the Silent Sisters, a personal letter of thanks had much to Harry's surprise arrived not long after from the Lord Commander himself Jeor Mormont for the new recruits making Harry wonder how dire things must be at the Wall if they needed this many criminals.
The towns and villages were now finally ready and the harbours repaired at last so things were settling down although there had been a few unexpected discoveries, clearly missed by the pirates who had never taken the time or had the interest to explore the island Harry thought with an ironic grin. Apart from the caverns and tunnels under Bloodstone there was also a large Weirwood tree some distance from the town. Mussels could be found in the pools on the mountains which produced pearls which he was keeping to himself, Rhaenys, Jothos and Kanoro as an emergency source of wealth if it was ever needed and to keep the creatures who made the pearls protected from treasure hunters.
But today Harry thought as he put on his best clothes he had other things to think about, once his appearance was acceptable he left the room and made his way down the winding staircases where Kanoro, Brynden and some of his men were waiting. They smiled mischievously at him as they witnessed his nerves grow as they got on their horses and rode towards the Weirwood, Harry looked up from Storm's back and saw Orion flying overhead and he could feel amusement directed solely at him coming from the bird too, enough to make Harry grit his teeth. It was bad enough that his men were sniggering behind his back but now his bird was too.
Arriving at the Weirwood tree which looked out across the island with stern expression carved into its bark. A number of people including Caelys already stood in place, all smiling and dressed in their best. Harry walked up to the base of the tree where Caelys smiled, Noelle and Daena stood with Kanoro's wife Calla and Maekor. He honestly was buzzing with nervousness and had to fight himself from fidgeting as he waited, Caelys caught his eye and gave him an encouraging smile which made him feel well enough to smile back but his breath was taken away when he saw her approach.
On the arm of Jothos and with her ladies and Jothos' family following closely behind was Rhaenys, her curvaceous body was hugged by the white silk dress she was wearing, her hair was arranged in elegant waves that fell around her shoulders with the slim golden band around her forehead. Her face was delicately painted to bring out her natural beauty in a subtle but stunning way. She was absolutely breath-taking Harry thought with dazed appreciation before he shook himself out of it when he saw that Rhaenys was smirking at him having noticed his 'appreciation' and instead took her hand once she reached him.
Caelys began the ceremony, as Jothos was acting as father of the bride and Kanoro his best man. They had repeated the vows as Caelys spoke them, having decided on an Old Gods wedding given it was legally acceptable in Westeros and neither he nor Rhaenys were particularly fond of the Seven.
-x-
Rhaenys was despite her confident exterior shaking inside with nerves…her wedding day she could hardly believe it. Harry at her side as if sensing her fear tightened his grip on her hand, a gesture she was grateful for…this was not how she had dreamed of her big day.
She would be in Sunspear with the heat of the desert cooled slightly in the sept, her mother and brother smiling at her side as her uncle Oberyn walked her to the altar. She had not seen him since she was a very young child but his grin she remembered…that and his laugh as he played childish games with her. Doran her other uncle was watching from the side, healthy enough to stand while the septon read the words and tied the ribbon around her wrist and that of her new husband.
But those dreams had always ended when she woke and remembered her life such as it was, her mother & brother dead well before their time and neither of her uncles knew she was alive. On those mornings often she would spend time to herself with tears running down her face, holding on as best she could to the few memories she had of them to take even a shred of comfort in those dark moments. How she wished that they were with her now, it stabbed at her heart and caused her smile to dim. But the smiles of those around her, her surrogate family the Velaryons and her ladies who had been there with her through so many highs and lows brought a small amount of relief to her wounded spirit. The comfort of her new friends Kanoro, Calla, Caelys and Daena strengthened her further and Harry who stood at her side and held her hand firmly but not so tightly that it hurt.
Her lips began to curl upwards slightly again, a glimmer of happiness gaining strength inside.
-x-
Harry unlike Rhaenys was not thinking of his family, not the one he had come from anyway. His only regrets in regards to them was that Margaery was not here. His sister who he had not seen since she was a little girl and he would he hoped have liked Rhaenys, the rest of his family would not that he knew he thought bitterly.
Without revealing her true identity and making a play for the Iron Throne they would look down on her as a foreign harlot who wanted to ingratiate herself with their wealth. Marrying her provided no advantage for their house so nothing would soften the blow, his grandmother would resent her for that alone and his father and brother would treat her with such disrespect and open hostility that he would banish them from his islands to protect his wife. Best marry her before she had a chance to meet them rather than they try and sabotage things, forcing them to accept it.
And there was not just Rhaenys to consider Harry thought with worry. He would have married each of her ladies under a different religion each if he had his way but they had convinced him otherwise, it would lessen his standing in Westeros where the Seven held sway to have so many wives. Their children by him could be legitimized and only Rhaenys was in genuine danger if discovered, his name would help hide her true heritage while the cover story of her being a Volantis noble was secure given there was no one of note left alive to contest her story. Not to mention however much Rhaenys hated her own claim to the Iron Throne it would be best if worst came to worst if her children were not born bastards.
Harry could not care less if his children were born within wedlock or not, he would love, teach and protect them all without exception but he knew how bastards were treated within Westeros. It was hard to stop his face from scowling in his anger at the thought of someone looking down on his children when they had no right. It infuriated him and right then and there he swore a vow to himself that he would raise all of his children the same and no one would ever threaten them while he was around.
With his vow made he turned back to the wedding to complete his vows and then he and Rhaenys turned to each other, both of them scared for a moment as they embarked on this journey as husband and wife together but they took the plunge as Harry took the orange Martell cloak that had been made for her and replacing it with a green cloak with his own red hawk, swords and rose emblem and they kissed for all they were worth as their audience cheered and clapped. Jothos had a tear in his eye as the girl he had raised took a husband and started a family of her own.
He knew how much she hated her father's family but he couldn't help but think Rhaella and even Aerys when he was younger would have had tears of their own as their grandchild married.
The next day Harry was woken from his sleep by Aeron Velaryon banging hard on the door, his shouts being muffled by the thick wood and Harry was slow to wake, he had really hoped for a couple of days peace so he and Rhaenys could get used to their new status but obviously something had come up. So he carefully untangled himself from the still sleeping Rhaenys and pulled on his robe.
"What is it?" Harry asked still blinking away the sleep from his eyes as he reached the door and pulled it open.
Aeron looked anxious as he reported speaking so fast the first time that Harry in his still half-asleep state could not keep up with so he held up a hand and said calmly.
"Slowly Aeron. Slowly."
Aeron stopped at Harry's command and took a deep breath which allowed Harry a moment to awaken some of his wits before they continued.
"A small squadron of ships with azure sails and purple grapes on them are sailing towards Bloodstone, one of our patrol ships spotting them and just reported back. They will be here within the hour." Aeron told Harry and looked at him expectantly, wanting to know what Harry was going to do about it.
Harry was confused though, the azure sails and grapes made them sound like Redwyne ships but he had received no notification of any coming let alone a squadron, his concern rising as he asked.
"How big is the squadron?"
Aeron blinked for a second, surprised at the seemingly random question but answered his lord as best he could.
"Twenty ships my lord."
Too few in number for it to be an attack Harry thought but enough to be an escort for someone, but who? He asked himself so with a slight nod to Aeron he gave his orders.
"Get everyone ready to receive a visitor, I will be down in a few minutes." Aeron nodded and ran off to follow his orders. Harry sighed as he closed the door, was it so wrong of him to hope for a few days peace he thought to himself sadly? Apparently the old saying was true here 'No rest for the wicked'.
Turning back to the bed he saw Rhaenys sitting upright with the blankets protecting her modesty, apparently having woken while he was speaking to Aeron.
"Who is coming?" She asked wearily but Harry could only shrug before telling her what he knew.
"Twenty Redwyne ships, almost certainly someone from the Reach but that is all I can guess from that." Harry told her regretfully as he sat down on the bed and took her hand. "I suppose we had best get dressed and ready to receive a guest."
Rhaenys tightened her hold before sighing herself. What she would not give for a few days peace.
-x-
An hour and a half later, the Redwyne ships came into the harbour. On the now repaired stone quay Harry waited with Rhaenys, Kanoro and some of their soldiers. The town's folk all gathered to see what was going on as the strange ships entered the harbour, the sight of grapes on the azure sails made many frown as to who was stupid enough to use grapes as an emblem but thankfully no one said anything to that effect.
The largest ship, a galleas at the centre of the squadron drew up alongside the dock and lines were thrown to secure the ship. A long plank dropped down with a hard clatter and everyone looked up to see who the hell was coming to see them.
It came as quite a surprise when a wiry looking young man about three or so years older than Harry came down the gangplank wearing hooded robes and with a large chain around his next with links made of different metals. Harry's eyes which had been very weary of whoever have come to his islands, instantly relaxed as the wide smile and amused eyes of his old friend caught his.
As Alwyn walked down the plank Harry walked to meet him and the two men clapped each other in a manly hug with an honest and hearty laugh that made everyone on the dock relax. Once they had broken apart Harry turned to introduce him to Kanoro and Rhaenys who looked unsure of the maester.
"Rhaenys, Kanoro allow me to introduce you to Alwyn an old friend of my growing up in Oldtown. Alwyn this is my wife Rhaenys and my good friend Kanoro." Harry said cheerfully, a quick scan of Alwyn's thoughts showed no hostile or hidden intent so Harry was confident enough to introduce his wife by her real name although they would have to change that soon Harry thought with worry, given her looks and name it would not take people long to wonder just where she came from. The trouble was that too many of their people already knew her name was Rhaenys leaving it too late to change it, so a fictional family name was essential now if they were going to pull this ruse off.
Alwyn was not in the least surprised by Harry calling Rhaenys his wife and Kanoro his friend, in fact he smiled wider and rushed forward to greet them and quickly kissed Rhaenys' hand and shook Kanoro's before talking very quickly.
"Hello it is a pleasure to meet you! Can you tell me what was it like in Volantis or the other Free Cities? Are the star patterns there any different to Westeros or here for that matter? Do you know anything of the local medicine?" Alwyn hit both of them with a barrage of questions in Valyrian so fast that neither had a chance to speak.
Seeing them looking worriedly at Alwyn Harry laughed again and came to the rescue. "Easy Alwyn, you have only just arrived. Let us show you to your quarters and I will show you some of the various lore I picked up on my travels?" Harry said and just as he predicted Alwyn clasped him by the hand and eagerly went back to the ship to supervise the unloading of the books and tools he had brought from the Citadel which knowing him Harry thought would be enough to fill his library hall twice over. Kanoro looking rather worried asked whispering the words in his ear.
"Is he insane?"
Harry shook his head slightly before answering with a smile.
"No just eccentric, Alwyn is a genius. He forged that chain by the age of seventeen, each link is a discipline he has learn and each additional link of the same metal shows his level of skill." Harry pointed to the chain in question that had links of black iron for ravenry, bronze for astronomy or astrology, yellow gold for math and economics, silver for biology and even a Valyrian steel link for the higher mysteries. Other links included brass, platinum, steel, red gold and at least one additional copy of each link. While Kanoro looked slightly doubtful Harry noticed other people where now coming ashore including another old friend of his.
"Gunthor, it is good to see you!" Harry said cheerfully although his mood was dampened slightly by the stern gaze on the young man. He was now as tall as Harry with a heavily muscled frame from hours of training, his dark hair was cut shorter than most men and a slight beard made him look years older despite being the same age as Harry himself. Gunthor stood there in silence for a few moments which made everyone slightly nervous before he finally spoke.
"You did not say goodbye." Gunthor Hightower said with a low voice looking stonily at Harry who nodded before saying.
"I had too, you know that." Harry said simply, it was the truth after all. To avoid potential civil war within the Reach, though he had left without saying goodbye to Gunthor or Alwyn. Perhaps Harry thought he could have tried harder but Gunthor shook his hand and then allowed a slight smile to grace his face which Harry returned.
However before they could talk further the last two passengers appeared at the gangplank and Harry's attention was drawn to them straight away. The younger passenger was a girl on the cusp of womanhood but her slender curves would be enticing to any man who saw them, her thick brown hair fell in straight around her shoulders and her eyes were a warm and caring hazel. Harry knew who she was on sight, many of her features were given to her from their late mother and although they had not seen each other in many years he was certain that this was his younger sister Margaery Tyrell. She looked down at Harry with curiosity, not really sure what to make of him but he smiled and she returned it both wondering deeply about the other.
However surprising it was to see Margaery there on the deck of the ship, the person standing next to her was such a shock that Harry had to try very hard not to react. She was a much older woman than Margaery, in her mid to late sixties and had her white hair concealed under a hat. Her face was lined with all her years but to those who could read such things the intense and strong will that held up the old woman could be seen burning in her eyes, not to mention her great intelligence. She might be leaning on a cane but it was anyone's guess as to whether or not she actually needed it, just like how she would claim her hearing was going.
He had never expected to see both of them here, the surprise had knocked him way out of his comfort zone and he had not planned to introduce Rhaenys to any of his family until they had an airtight cover story for her origins but it seems they were just going to have to be very careful. Rhaenys already was looking rather unsure of herself when confronted with the matriarch of House Tyrell.
Kanoro not understanding why Harry and Rhaenys were suddenly acting this way when they saw the old woman asked Harry quietly in Valyrian, thinking she would not understand.
"Who is this old woman?"
He came to regret his question however moments later.
"I young man am not a deaf woman and nor am I stupid." Olenna shouted at Kanoro in Valyrian which shocked everyone but Harry who knew she could speak the language. So instead he stood as tall as he could, refusing to show weakness which he knew grandmother or not would be fatal in front of her.
"Rhaenys, Kanoro, this is Lady Olenna Tyrell. My grandmother and the true leader of House Tyrell." Harry said in a voice that was calm and steady, lacking affection on the surface which did not seem to upset Olenna as much as it did Margaery.
Kanoro and Rhaenys bowed or curtsied immediately now they knew her significance but Olenna focused her attention solely on Harry.
"Young man…we need to talk."
-x-
While Margaery was distracted by Rhaenys, Kanoro kept Gunthor in the training yard and Alwyn was distracted by some of the lore provided for him, Harry was face to face with Olenna in his solar, staring silently at each other. Harry was unsure of what to say, she had been and in some ways still was his most favourite relative who had the cunning and intelligence that his house had lacked for decades if not longer. But much to his own regret he could not fully trust her, her ambition and ruthlessness was equal to her positive attributes and given he was now married with children of his own on the way he must he knew be cautious.
Olenna however was not one to wait longer than she had too and spoke with irritation in her voice.
"Well are we going to talk or waste more of my final years sitting here and glaring at each other?"
Harry did not react however with the same tone or in any way with emotion, he spoke calmly and directly.
"I for one was enjoying the silence but you are right, there are things we need to discuss."
Olenna was unsettled by how Harry was talking, she was used to idiots who could easily manipulated like her son and eldest grandson but Harry was sharper than both of them put together and she realised being out there in the world on his own had only made him more aware and alert to such things. But her feelings of concern that her favourite and most accomplished grandson was treating her so coldly would have to wait until they spoke of other more pressing matters.
"What of the Free Cities that claim these islands? Will they not send armies to kill or enslave you and your…people?" Olenna asked him but Harry gently shook his head and said.
"They are far too busy fighting the war over in Essos to worry about islands they claim but have never actually controlled or contributed to their cause. With a slave revolt across the continent going on as well, they will have too many headaches to have time to waste on me and mine. By the time the war is over they will have to spend years rebuilding their treasuries and forces before coming here and that is if they want to waste their efforts. We will be well-fortified and be a vassal of the Iron Throne by then, war with us might risk the wrath of Westeros which I doubt any of the Three Sisters would want, even if they stand together." Harry told her and Olenna could only nod seeing the logic and reality of his arguments but there was still one rather big issue that Olenna was desperate to bring up with him, one that could spell doom for House Tyrell.
"And what of the fact you have married Rhaenys Targaryen?" Olenna asked him with worry now clear on her face, Harry was about to deny that was who she was but Olenna cut him off before he could talk. "I have lived long enough to see generations of both snakes and dragons, not to mention I was at her mother's wedding and even saw the girl herself was she was young. I know Rhaenys Targaryen when I see her…putting aside how she is alive when she was supposedly slaughtered in Kings Landing, what are you going to do if she is discovered? Or makes a play for the throne herself?" Olenna asked him, it worried her no end the danger of having that girl in her family even if Harry now had an army of his own and the Reach behind him, she would make sure of that at least.
"If Dorne learns Rhaenys is alive they will pledge their spears to her in an instant, our two kingdoms together will be enough to make a fight of it. But more importantly my wife despises her Targaryen family for what happened…all her father and grandfather did to her mother. She hates the Iron Throne and would rather cut off her own hands than reach for it. Our children might think differently I grant but for now that is not an issue." Harry said and while Olenna looked doubtful at Rhaenys' apparent hatred of the Iron Throne given how many would kill their own kin for a chance to sit on it her eyes widened at the mention of children, no doubt because it would mean she would soon have great-grandchildren and they would have a claim on the damn thing.
Harry then changed the subject, onto one that he did not particularly want to talk about but in his mind needed to be addressed. He steadied his nerves before telling her what he had learned in the House of the Undying.
"I know that you had grandfather murdered."
The silence was tense as Olenna looked at him, genuinely shocked at what he had said but when she was about to deny it, she caught the look of certainty in Harry's eyes and knew her secret had been discovered and she felt herself age ten years. Rumours flew around gossiping nobles that were close to the truth but no one left could actually testify to that, she had made certain of it but it seems somehow Harry had discovered it. It would she admitted with sadness explain his caution around her, it stabbed at a heart that she guarded closely that a member of her family, one of her own blood would think her a kinslayer but Harry was staring at her not with a questioning look rather than condemnation which made her realise he wanted an explanation for what she had done. He wanted to know why she had done it, to hear her side of the story and nodded deciding to let him know the truth.
"Your grandfather was slighted by the Targaryens many times, passed over for positions on the Small Council, for members of his family to be named to the Kingsguard and lastly for betrothals to members of our family. He was much like your father is but without any of the charm and refused my council, so he got into bed with the Blackfyres." Olenna said, saying things she had not thought about in years. If Harry was surprised at what was being said he did nothing beyond raising an eyebrow and allowed her to continue. "They whispered many sweet promises in his ear if he threw the Reach behind them, it would have meant our destruction if it became public. I had to stop him and those that were tempting him." She said with certainty and Harry averted his eyes for a moment before meeting her gaze again, he looked unsettled slightly but he nodded in acceptance.
"Then you did the only thing you could do to save our family." Harry said sadly before sighing and poured himself and Olenna a drink of water each. They took a sip and he told her. "Do not worry about anyone else discovering the secret, it will stay between us but do not think I will be a puppet or a fool. Our family's survival comes first and I will do whatever I must to secure the future of my children." Harry told her with a note of warning, her schemes would come second to his own children and his people.
Olenna nodded and finally said something that had been on her mind for a while now with wounded expression on her face.
"You really scared me grandson, when I heard about what you had done in Volantis. I honestly thought you would die." Olenna said looking vulnerable, something Harry had never seen in his grandmother before and likely never would again. It stabbed at him, he had never wanted to scare her or hurt any member of his family by doing what he thought was right. He reached over and took her hand and told her.
"I never wanted to worry you."
"Then don't do something so foolish again." Olenna said with exasperation. "Sometimes I wonder if you ever grew up from being that little prankster who consistently interrupted me breakfast."
Harry only grinned, not sure if there was any point to growing up if you could not be a little childish at times.
Olenna sighed realising he wasn't going to make that promise but could content herself with something…at last House Tyrell had a real man, someone for her to work with to secure its future given she could not trust Mace or Loras. Harry returned her smile and then went over to a cabinet, withdrawing something which she thought might be wine but instead it was a walking stick, the wood was intricately carved and had many plant like patterns finely made into it but otherwise was just like any other piece of wood.
"A piece I picked up in Qarth for you on my travels. I think you might be interested in what you find when twisting the top." He told her with a smile and she was curious so twisted the top off to find a hidden compartment inside with a glass vial filled with some greenish liquid. "Basilisk venom, one of the most deadly poisons in the world so be very careful with it. But of course you can use it for all manner of poisons whatever you preference." Harry said with a smile and she carefully put the vial back inside with a smile of her own.
Her kind of stick Olenna thought.
-x-
The still growing gardens of Bloodstone were a labour of love for Rhaenys and her ladies who worked daily on them so hopefully one day they would have a beautiful place to run and play with their children. Some magic and plants donated by Harry had sped the work along but it was only with care and attention that these blossoms had begun to sprout and make the place an oasis of calm and beauty.
Still it was irritating Rhaenys as she walked around the garden area with her goodsister Margaery, the younger woman was perfectly polite and warm but Rhaenys could feel the derision in her eyes as she looked at the still growing gardens, hardly surprising Rhaenys thought given Margaery had grown up in a castle that was filled with gardens that had been created long before either of them had been born and cared for by servants constantly.
Margaery was eager to change the subject and said with a big smile.
"I have always wanted a sister, older or younger it would not matter just so long as I have someone to talk to that was closer to my age and more importantly female. My brother and father are not the most empathic people in the world, grandmother is brilliant but she is far older than I. I cannot wait to show you our home at Highgarden, it is the largest castle in Westeros next to Winterfell or the Red Keep with gardens and musicians there to enjoy all day. What was yours like?" Margaery asked looking expectantly at Rhaenys who merely smiled for a moment.
Fishing for information on me already are you? Rhaenys thought to herself with wariness, while not really trained in the game she was not ignorant and knew how to spot a hidden agenda when talking to someone. No doubt she thought Harry was being quizzed by his grandmother and if she found the truth it was all they could hope for that she would keep it to herself. As for her granddaughter Rhaenys thought as she turned her attention back to Margaery and tried her best to answer while sticking to the cover story that had been hastily assembled.
"My father and mother were people of importance that were killed by rivals before their time. I had no family but I had a fortune that a rival wanted so he took me in and I remained as his hostage until your brother took the city and gave me my freedom. As we travelled here I came to know him far better and we fell in love, we actually only married yesterday so our children will have his name." Rhaenys said her hand going instinctively to her belly and Margaery's eyes widened as she took in what Rhaenys had told her and like a good cover story most of the details were true.
Margaery however was now beaming from ear to ear at the news that she was going to be an aunt, whether it was a niece or nephew she did not care. What mattered was she was going to have someone to spoil rotten, little children that would call her aunt and who she could be mentor to like her grandmother had been to her. She was almost laughing out loud with the anticipation of it. She linked her arm with Rhaenys and was about to ask about names for the babes when a little girl ran across their path and fell over on an uneven stone. Rhaenys and Margaery immediately went to help the girl up but instead of crying like many young children might or reject their help, the girl eagerly got to her feet and smiled brightly at both of them. She was clearly Valyrian Margaery noted with purple eyes and silver hair and Margaery asked her.
"Are you okay young lady?"
But the girl looked at her puzzled as if not understanding the question, Margaery was used to dealing with children given all the orphanages she frequented at home but they at least understood her when she talked to them. She was about to repeat the question when Rhaenys beat her too it and spoke words that sounded almost gibberish that the girl instantly responded too with an big smile and spoke quickly in the same tongue leaving Margaery looking between feeling an idiot.
Once the girl had run off Margaery asked Rhaenys.
"What language was that? It was not the Common Tongue?" Margaery wanted to know what tongue they had been speaking, her grandmother had used something similar on the dock earlier but she had not really bothered to learn another language. She had never expected to travel and everyone in the Seven Kingdoms spoke the Common Tongue, her grandmother had been exasperated but not pressed the point now something Margaery knew she would have to fix when she got back to Highgarden.
"Valyrian. A common language throughout Essos where nearly everyone on these islands comes from. The world is not Westeros you know." Rhaenys told her with a little smirk before steering them back towards the main solar where Harry was talking with Lady Olenna, the outcome of these talks would determine whether or not they would have support from the Reach or not. A crucial step in towards them being secure.
Walking up through the castle they arrived just as Olenna and Harry were finishing, seeing his wife and sister arm in arm made Harry rise from his chair and seeing the smile on his face that looked genuine Rhaenys surmised that their little talks had gone well. Harry then gestured to the corner of the room.
-x-
"Margaery." Harry said proudly as he looked his sister in the eye. "I regret that my travels have made me miss many of your namedays so I have all the presents here at once." Harry said pointing to a chest in the corner. Margaery looked at him in surprise not having expecting this and Olenna was looking on with curiosity as Margaery went over and opened the chest, gasping in shock when she saw what was inside. Olenna looked on and just shook her head with a small smile.
Bolts of green, blue & gold coloured simmering silk and lace for her to have some dresses made from, jewellery from all over the world and a few other things her brother had collected in the course of his travels that a noble lady like her could enjoy. One thing did stand out from the rest however was a dagger, not the sort of thing she was known for but it was wrapped in a series of straps and was slimmer and more elaborate than a normal dagger. Its steel was light, studded with a few small emeralds and more importantly it had ripples in the very metal itself.
Margaery was amazed at how beautiful it was, the small crossguard and hilt were styled like a hawk. She withdrew it from the straps and was surprised at how light it was, thinking the metal would have been heavier. Olenna looked on in concern while Harry explained.
"It is a Lady Talon, many Valyrian noblewomen had one hidden beneath their skirts using the straps. I would rather my sister have the means to protect herself than rely on idiot knights that would desert or kill her for the right price." Harry told them having recovered this dagger in Valyria. Rhaenys and each of her ladies had one too and they all knew how to use it so it would not be right for him not to make sure his sister had the same protection Harry thought given what his grandmother and father no doubt had in mind for her.
Olenna was two minds about it herself; she was wary of what other nobles would think if they knew that her granddaughter went around armed with dagger but at the same time she would sleep far easier if she knew Margaery could take care of herself with more than just words. A beautiful woman like her would always be in danger of a man that would not take no for an answer but this rose would have her own thorns Olenna thought and Margaery it seems was of the same mind as she grinned at the dagger in her hand.
"Lady Talon, I like the Lady part but I think I will call it Lady Thorn." Margaery said her grin turning calculating as she slipped the dagger back into the straps.
A feast was held that night to celebrate their new arrivals which Alwyn did not attend as he was still going over all the bits and pieces Harry had made available to him and would likely be distracted for several days, Harry made a note to make sure the kitchens sent food up to him and the guards to ensure he ate it. He admired Alwyn's intelligence and loyalty but he could become swept up in things easily if you let him. Rhaenys had also told him about the language issue Margaery had with Noelle in the gardens, a potential worry since they had so few translators on hand so he would talk to Jothos and Alwyn about that once they got the latter away from his books and scrolls.
While the rest of the tables all talked and enjoyed themselves, Harry took the chance to speak to Gunthor who had not left the training yard all day and come back winded and with more than a few bruises but smiling wider than Harry had seen in a long time.
"I hope Kanoro did not humiliate you too much." Harry said knowing full well Gunthor had tried and failed several times to defeat Kanoro at swordplay, but however many times he had been defeated and knocked down, Gunthor always got back up and tried again. It was not that he lost and couldn't stand the fact, it was that he enjoyed the fighting with a great opponent and then laughing and joking about it afterwards. He loved a challenge Harry thought but enjoyed making friends more once he had come out of his shell.
Gunthor laughed and said.
"I have not had a fight that good in years, your man can wield a sword like he came out of the womb with it in his hand." Gunthor smiled as he nodded to Kanoro who accepted the rather rough compliment with good grace, having heard far worst in the fighting pits.
"What have you been up too all these years?" Harry asked glad his friend no longer held any anger towards him after parting so abruptly.
"Won a few melees in tourneys here and there, got knighted by Lord Rowan. Went around the country a bit but never managed to contend with the likes of Ser Barristan Selmy or the Kingslayer, then…I met this girl." Gunthor said suddenly becoming shy when he added the last part, looking younger than his seventeen years. Harry smiled and was delighted his friend had found a girl he liked, while it would be a great honour for him and his house to be named to join the Kingsguard there were far greater things you could do out there if one had the courage and opportunity to try.
"Who's the lucky girl?" Harry asked with a smirk, his friend looking sheepish as he mumbled an answer which Harry and the others could not hear. Kanoro smirked himself and Harry said teasing his friend slightly. "Sorry I didn't catch that."
"Talla Tarly." Gunthor said with a blush burning on his face. Harry's eyes widened at the girl in question, the only daughter of Lord Randyll Tarly the greatest general in the Seven Kingdoms and one of the strongest lords in the Reach. Harry had never seen her in the flesh but she must be quite something to have smitten Gunthor so.
"How did you meet?" Kanoro asked in rough common tongue which he had been learning. He had been smitten with his wife from the moment that they had first seen each other and it seemed the young warrior here was much the same as him at that age in regards to women, unsure of himself.
"At a tourney near Goldengrove, only a small thing but when I saw her dancing I couldn't take my eyes off her." Gunthor said with a faraway look in his eye that both Harry and Kanoro knew well smiling for him. "We talked awhile and she is the nicest girl you could imagine, even let me wear her favour during the joust which I won by the way." Gunthor said with a dreamy smile before a frown took its place. "Her father did not like it at all, less when I asked if I could marry her." Gunthor said with anger creeping in.
Seeing Kanoro look confused as he knew nothing of Westeros politics Gunthor explained. "I am a second son with no castle or chance of one unless something happens to my elder brother, I give him no real advantage apart from a slight alliance with House Hightower. He intends Lord Fossoway to marry his daughter."
"Old Fossoway!" Harry said in surprise knowing the man well from the times he had come to Highgarden and Oldtown, a rotting carcass of a man that was in his late fifties and never bothered with his personal hygiene anymore. His hair was filthy, his breath foul and his teeth yellow and rotting, he would not know what do with a girl as young as Talla Tarly even if he lived long enough to wed her. He had never been married and was said to be a pillowbiter, another reason why this was a waste of such a highborn lady. She wouldn't even get his castle if he died as his nephew was the declared legal heir, had Lord Tarly taken a dislike to Gunthor Harry wondered and was angry if that was the case.
"Yes, he did say I can marry her if I can give him twelve thousand gold dragons." Gunthor said with annoyance. There was no way of him raising that kind of coin before Talla was married, he could win smaller tourneys but the entry fees of many would drain his collected coin even if he won and with the competition being much harder in higher level tourneys like the royal ones thrown by the king he had no chance of winning them. Not against the likes the Mountain, Barristan the Bold or the Kingslayer to say nothing of Harry's own brother Loras. His family would not help him, the figure was far too high to spend on a second son and they had advised him to change his focus to another girl but he was not ready to give up yet.
Harry felt for his friend, he knew Lord Tarly was proud and a difficult man at times not to mention he had a cruel streak that he indulged against his enemies and even his own eldest son. He had seen the way Randyll treated Samwell during the few times they had come to Highgarden and there were tales that he had a habit of tormenting prisoners in secret although nothing had ever been proven. This was probably a way of tormenting Gunthor for having the gall to try and court his daughter without his approval when he had made other plans for her.
In a split second he made his decision.
"I will give you the coin you need."
Both Gunthor and Kanoro looked at him shocked while Harry gave them a smile, he could well afford it and not only would it make his friend happy but would give him a good ally on the mainland. In the coming years he was going to need Gunthor's help, someone who he could trust and was capable of handling themselves. It would also tighten his connection to House Hightower through Gunthor.
-x-
Olenna heard nothing of this as she and Margaery were talking with Rhaenys, the Tyrell Matriarch was of course deeply worried about tying her family to the Targaryens and Martells given how things were in the continent right now but her appreciation of her grandson's wife rose when she found her to be intelligent and rather fierce in her protectiveness of those she cared about. Olenna smiled as she was reminded of Princess Sarella Martell, Rhaenys' grandmother on the Dornish side. Never had Olenna seen a woman of such fierceness and grace in the same package, ruling Dorne with an iron fist but wrapped in a silk glove. She could charm anyone and crush her enemies just as quickly and her spirit was strong in Rhaenys. If she ever did decide to be a queen then Olenna could see her much like her ancestor, a fierce warrior queen that would be sung about for centuries.
The festivities were interrupted when Jothos entered holding a letter in his hand and handed it to Harry with a frown on his face. Harry lost his smile knowing it must be something serious as he opened the letter and indeed he thought with a grimace it was.
Harry Tyrell of Bloodstone,
His grace Robert Baratheon, First of his name. King of the Andals, the Rhoynar and the First Men. Protector of the Realm hereby commands that you appear in Kings Landing to pay homage to him within a month's time.
An immediate response is expected and failure to do so would invite severe penalties against you and the islands you now rule.
Writing on behalf of his grace,
Lord Jon Arryn,
Hand of the King, Lord Paramount of the Vale and Warden of the East.
The silence around those that had seen the letter was complete, no one said a word as they realised the implications.
Olenna eventually spoke with a grave sadness.
"You have conquered my boy, now let's see how well you can play the game."