f you're enjoying these stories, consider leaving a comment, review, or vote.
You can also visit the Pat** on at: CaveLeather
After receiving Prince Aemon's orders, Ser Elio Scars wasted no time. He acted immediately, determined to leave nothing to chance.
His first move was to secure the island's harbor, ensuring no messages could slip out. Then he began a thorough, step-by-step search of the entire island. Thankfully, Dragonstone's population was small—only a few hundred souls living in a handful of fishing villages along the coast. Otherwise, the castle's modest garrison of a few dozen men would never have been able to cover everything.
The islanders lived simple lives. They fished the surrounding seas, cleared small plots for grain, and harvested salt to sustain themselves. Thanks to the Targaryens' low taxes, their existence was comfortable enough.
This was also why the people of Dragonstone were so fiercely loyal to House Targaryen—the royal family had always treated them well.
With the full cooperation of the villagers, Ser Elio and his men swept through the villages quickly. No suspicious strangers were found.
Still, to be absolutely certain, Ser Elio ordered a second, net-like search across the whole island, fearing someone might be hiding in the wilds.
The work was grueling, especially with limited manpower. Even after recruiting extra help from the villagers, it took Ser Elio nearly half a month to comb every inch of Dragonstone and confirm there were no hidden threats.
"Your Grace," Ser Elio reported quietly in the prince's solar atop the Dragon Tower, "after a full half-month of searching every inch of the island—including the fishing villages as priority targets—we found no suspicious individuals. Every person on Dragonstone has been accounted for. There are no strangers or unknowns."
Aemon stood by the window, holding a crystal goblet of wine, his sharp violet eyes gazing out through the morning mist that still clung to the island, as if trying to see through every shadow.
He gave a single nod. "Very good. You completed a full sweep in such short time. You and your men have worked hard these past weeks. Double everyone's pay for this month—guards and the islanders you recruited alike. They've earned it."
Ser Elio, standing respectfully behind the prince, hesitated for a moment. "All of them, Your Grace? Including the villagers I conscripted?"
Aemon turned slightly, his tone leaving no room for doubt. "Yes, all of them. Whether castle guards or the villagers who helped, they deserve proper compensation for their labor. Don't be stingy. This is good for morale. Announce it at once and let everyone celebrate a little."
"As you command, Your Grace," Ser Elio replied. "I will inform them immediately on your behalf. I am certain they will all be grateful for the royal generosity."
"Then go see to it. With the island now secure, it is time to begin the next phase of preparations."
With that, Aemon waved his hand, dismissing the castellan.
Ser Elio bowed deeply and backed out of the solar.
Once the door had closed, Aemon stood silently at the window a moment longer, gazing out over the misty island. Only when he heard the distant cheers rising from below did the corners of his mouth lift in a small smile. He returned to his desk, sat down, and began writing a letter.
Aemon spread a fresh sheet of parchment across the long oak table, dipped a quill in black ink, and began writing in his elegant, flowing script.
The letter was addressed to King Jaehaerys. He needed to report that Dragonstone had been swept clean and was ready for the next stage of the plan.
He wrote quickly and efficiently. Soon the page was filled.
"Guard!" Aemon called toward the door.
The response was immediate. The heavy door opened and several fully armed guards stepped inside. Their leader quickly scanned the room for any threat before turning to the prince.
"Your Grace, what are your orders?"
"Go find Maester Gradys and bring him here. Tell him I need to see him at once."
The guards moved without delay. One immediately left to fetch the maester.
Aemon dismissed the rest with a wave of his hand.
Whether it was the guards' haste or Maester Gradys's own efficiency, the maester arrived remarkably quickly.
"You summoned me, Your Grace?"
After a light knock, Maester Gradys entered the solar with brisk steps. His voice was steady, showing no sign of nervousness.
Aemon lifted the sealed letter from his desk and waved it lightly. "I have just finished a letter for His Grace the King. It must be sent to King's Landing by raven. I need your assistance."
The moment he saw the sealed letter, Maester Gradys understood. Without further questions, he stepped forward and accepted the letter with both hands, bowing respectfully.
"I will see it sent at once, Your Grace."
---