Dragonlord Chapter 119: The woes of a squid (Patreon)

Harry felt like he was wasting his precious time in his father’s solar. Unfortunately, he couldn’t ignore a direct order from his father, and that was why he was here listening to the little pirate girl as she whined and whined without an end. It was grating on his nerves, and he regretted not putting an end to the entire pirate-infested Iron Islands to the sword.

“We want autonomy! We want our shores back! We want our ships to sail without the threat of your fleet.” Asha shouted while glaring indignantly at him as if he was somehow in the wrong.

“As I have repeatedly said for the last hour…” Harry sighed tiredly with a bored look, “…the Avalonian fleet is charged with routing pirates in the Sunset Sea.”

“Then why are your ship attacking Ironborn ships in the open seas?” Asha asked, enraged.

“Because they are pirates who rape, pillage, kill and steal.” Harry said calmly. “I have charged my ships to eradicate such scum from my seas.”

“Your seas!” Asha screamed.

“Yes, my seas! If you haven’t noticed, Blacktyde and Harlaw are sworn to Avalon. I won’t have those islands and the waters around them infested or threatened by pirates.” said Harry, glaring at the Ironborn woman.

“Those islands are not yours to hold. These are part of the Iron Islands.” Asha growled, turning in her seat to glare at him openly.

“You are welcome to reclaim them from my control using the old ways. I took them by force after your people attacked Avalon. Isn’t that how Ironborn trades? Take anything they want by force? I have paid the Iron Price and claimed two islands with force. If you have the mettle, you’re welcome to try and reclaim them.” said Harry, staring challengingly at the Greyjoy girl.

He could see Asha Greyjoy was ready to blow up with all the pent-up righteous anger. Harry could understand why the Greyjoy woman was incensed. If he were in her position, he’d be similarly hostile and looking for any means necessary to reclaim the islands. But the simple fact was that, in Westeros, only might and will determine all outcomes. If Avalon hadn’t had the might and will, they wouldn’t have conquered Harlaw and Blacktyde.

“But you have to admit, Lord Stark, it is because of your people that a grave injustice has been visited on myself and my brother.” said Asha, turning her attention to the lord of Winterfell, making Harry raise a brow.

“What injustice is that, Lady Greyjoy?” Eddard asked with a stoic face.

“The injustice of having my birthright being denied. My uncle has usurped Pyke when it should have been mine.”

“Yours? How can Pyke be yours when Lord Balon has a trueborn son? It seems you are simply a thief who got disgruntled that another thief stole your loot.” Harry snarked while rolling his eyes.

“Pyke is mine and Theon’s. It’s our birthright.” said Asha, as if the slip of tongue didn’t happen.

Harry snorted and rolled his eyes at Asha Greyjoy.

“I’m afraid you are in the wrong place with your case, Lady Greyjoy. If you feel your uncle has stolen your birthright, you are more than welcome to reach out to the Iron Throne. King Stannis shall hear your plea in his court and take due measures he deems necessary.” Eddard spoked.

“My father is right. House Stark has no reason or interest in the internal matters of House Greyjoy.” Harry also pitched in.

“You caused this situation. If it weren’t for you, Victarion wouldn’t have usurped my birthright.” Asha said, incensed.

“Your father is the cause of all your misfortunes, Asha Greyjoy. The man started two unprovoked wars. Consider it a mercy that his head remains on his shoulders.” Harry growled back, losing his patience with the uppity Ironborn.

“I’ll…” Asha started, but Eddard cleared his throat quite loudly, earning her attention.

“That’s enough. I have summoned my son, and we’ve heard you. While the situation with Victarion Greyjoy is unfortunate, the North has no interest in the internal matters of House Greyjoy.” Eddard said firmly while looking nonchalantly at Balon's daughter.

Harry was also quite happy with that stance. After all, it didn’t matter who ruled from Pyke. The systematic destruction of the Ironborn was already happening. A civil war would only accelerate their destruction, and Harry believed he ought to do nothing when his enemies made costly mistakes.

“However, in the spirit of your visit, I shall promise you that no Ironborn ships will be attacked.” Eddard added, making Harry frown.

“So long as they are trade vessels and not reaving parties, your ships will be allowed to sail the seas.” Harry quickly added to his father’s promise before any unnecessary constraints were placed on the current doctrine of his fleet.

“Who are you to judge which of our ships should pass through the seas?” Asha asked, glaring at Harry.

“I’m the one who decimated your islands and can easily do so a second time if you so wish. I will put the trade interests of the North above any perceived difficulties of a bunch of pirates who want to rape, murder and loot my people.” Harry shot back, and once again, they were back to the initial argument.

Harry was getting the urge to just put the uppity Greyjoy under the Imperius curse and be done with this farce. He was losing precious time planning for the Sunset Canal and some quality time with his siblings, all due to the constant whining of Asha Greyjoy.  

“Lady Greyjoy, while it is unfortunate that Pyke is under your uncle’s control, this has nothing to do with the North. It would be best if you dealt with the internal matters of House Greyjoy yourself. The North has no interest in getting involved in your affairs. If you have more grievances, I suggest you take them up with King Stannis.” Eddard said with a note of finality that brooked no argument.

“Fine! Then how do you expect us to show that sour ships are trade vessels? Do you want us to paint our sails with big letters so that you can see from your castles?” Asha snarked.

“Of course not. I wouldn’t ask such a difficult task of the illiterate pirates that infest your islands – no… not at all…“ Harry shook his head innocently, “Instead, your ships will be boarded by my officers and inspected to determine whether they are traders or reavers.“

The protests came immediately from Asha Greyjoy, accusing him of insulting her people and being unfair to her ships. But all her huffing and puffing didn’t move his father, who ended up taking a strong position for once. Perhaps it was his father’s disinterest in getting involved in the Iron Isles or his silent approval in keeping the Ironborn confined to their islands. Harry didn’t mind what it was so long as his plans for the Sunset Sea were undisturbed. Many of his plans for expanding the North’s grip on the Seven Kingdoms depended on their hold on the Sunset Sea and the Narrow Sea. If he couldn’t control the Sunset Sea, then the Sunset Canal would become a waste of time and resources.

Unfortunately for the Ironborn, they were in his way.

Harry watched with an amused smile as Asha Greyjoy left his father’s solar with a huff. Only when the door slammed shut he turned to his father with a look of approval.

“Not a word.” Eddard said, holding up his hand, making Harry frown. “I know what you’re doing. You’re somehow fomenting a rebellion amongst the Ironborn. If it weren’t for those White Walkers, I’d have ordered you to stop all this nonsense.”

Harry got the urge to correct his father but bit his tongue at the last minute. Sometimes, it was like looking into a mirror. Most of the time, he could see the old, naïve Harry Potter in his father. Whenever he saw that manifest, he was overwhelmed by a sense of exasperation and nostalgia.

“There are different ways of dealing with an enemy, and not all enemies require the same method. Would you be happy if I allowed these pirates to regain their strength and wait for them to attack?” Harry asked rhetorically.

“It is not honourable to wage a shadow war on a defeated foe.” Eddard said stubbornly.

“And when the Ironborn grow their strength and attack our people… how many innocents will pay the price with their blood and tears for your honour?” Harry asked, but his father had no answer. “If Theon Stark hadn’t set Andalos ablaze, do you think House Stark would’ve survived to this day?”

“I’m not interested in this argument, Harrion.” Eddard said, sighing tiredly. “You read too much of our family’s past and think everything can be solved with brute force. Your actions in Myr have made many lords uneasy.”

“Good. They should know that if they come after a Stark, a certain death is all they can expect.” said Harry.  

“This is the impetuousness of the youth speaking, my son. Needless bloodletting has never sustained great kingdoms for too long. Look at the Targaryens. They thought they could rule for thousands of years, and look where that has landed them.” Eddard said wearily, rubbing his face.

“They fell because of the illusion of power and the stories of dragons long lost in the Dance. They believed in the myth of old Valyria’s power as their own, which led to their defeat. They had a deranged King and Prince who were disengaged from reality, unlike their predecessors who saw the kingdoms as their power, not prophecies and dragon skeletons.” Harry said patiently.

It had always been like this with his father. The Targaryens had left a burning scar in his father's mind that could never heal. Having great insight into the mind and the thoughts that occupied it, Harry already knew his father thought doing things the Targaryens did was bereft of honour. It was as if the shadows of the Targaryen regime ruled his father through fear.

“Enough. I grow weary of talking so callously of lives lost and battles fought in the past.” Eddard said firmly, looking anywhere but into Harry’s eyes.

Harry let the matter drop and instead broached a less controversial subject.

“Once I have made some inspections with the fleet’s status, I’m ready to carve out the canal.” said Harry, “With your permission, shall I call on the lords of the North to stand witness to the spectacle?”

Harry watched his father ponder for a long moment before looking at him.

“Legends say the Children attempted the Hammer of Waters from the Children’s Tower of Moat Cailin, which led to the creation of a swampy Neck. You are attempting something similar. I suppose the lords of the North should be informed beforehand, and they must stand witness.” said Eddard, nodding to himself towards the end.

“A feast then?” Harry prodded.

“Yes. Winterfell could host it, and it should be enough time for you to settle matters with the fleet and prepare, is it not?” Eddard inquired.

“Indeed. That’s more than enough time.” Harry agreed.

“Good.” Eddard nodded, “I’ll ask Maester Luwin to send the ravens immediately.”

“There is one other thing, father.”

“Oh. What is it, son?” Eddard asked curiously.

“While we were journeying in Essos, I took the Liberator across the ruins of Valyria and…” Harry started but was cut off by a shout from his father.

“You did what!” Eddard bellowed in utter surprise.

“I looted Valyria, father. There was a substantial haul of wealth found in Valyria, and I have brought it back with me. I want to part with a portion of it in Winterfell. Consider it a gift.”  

It was quite accurate to say that he had stumped his father into shock.

But that was nothing compared to the shock of the rest of his family when he brought a portion of the treasure into Winterfell and created a small treasure room in the Great Keep.

****

“I don’t think Sansa will ever stop wearing that sapphire necklace.” said Jon. “I could see that in her eyes.”

“Oh, I wouldn’t be so sure. When she realises it is not a magical necklace that captures bad dreams, she might let the thing gather dust in a safe.” Harry snickered.

“You made her believe that?” Jon asked in surprise.

“Oh, yes. It was quite easy. All I had to say was there were ancient enchantments by Valyrian sorcerers on the necklace.”

“But wouldn’t she have known it was not so? I mean, she has taken lessons from you about magic.” said Jon.

“Some lessons are better learned from experience and a healthy dose of curiosity. Let’s see how long it’d take her to realise the necklace is not magical.” Harry said with an amused look.

“You ever thought about what Sansa would do to you once she realises you were deceiving her?” Jon asked.

Harry looked at the clouds passing by and shrugged his shoulders.

“I’m sure she’ll appreciate the lesson.”

“And the lesson being?” Jon raised a sceptical brow.

“Trust but verify.”

“Oh.” Jon hummed thoughtfully before he froze all of a sudden.

Harry watched his brother shoot him a searching look before bolting from the Liberator’s portside and climbing down inside the deck. Harry just shook his head and leaned over the railing, watching the passing forest and hills as the Liberator drew closer to Avalon.

“What’s wrong with your brother?” Alaenera asked, joining him on the port side. “He was cursing your name and swearing vengeance against you as he ran past me.”

“Don’t mind him. He is just mad that he got tricked into believing a medallion I gifted him chased away ghosts.” Harry said with a grin.

“That’s so inconsiderate. You know Jon fears ghosts.” Aleaenera admonished him.

“If anything, I’m the one who is supposed to be offended. I taught him all about magic, but he can’t even sense a transfigured pebble.” Harry shook his head in exasperation.

“You are so childish sometimes.” Alaenera said with a huff.

Harry let the comment wash away by deigning it unimportant for a response. Instead, he cast his eyes on the long road that stretched across the centre of Wolfswood. The Wolfswood road led straight to Avalon, and its width made it easily identifiable, even if it was cutting through a thick forest.

“When you said the North was huge, I never understood just how huge it might be. I don’t think I have ever seen a forest this large.” said Alaenera, looking down from the Liberator at the Wolfswood, which stretched across for leagues as far as their eyes could see.

“It’s because you’ve lived inside a city and never went outside its walls. Considering the landmass, I’m sure there are more forested areas in Essos.”

“You might be right. But look at this road. It stretches on for miles. I have only heard about the dragon roads being this long and wide.” said Alaenera as she looked at the shiny white road in awe from the deck of the Liberator.

“You’ll see more roads like these in Westeros.” said Harry. “How is your training as a Valkyrie coming along?”

“Anya has started training me with a knife.”

“You don’t sound that excited.” Harry noticed.

“I don’t think Anya approves of my relationship with you. She thinks it’ll be a distraction from the duties of a Valkyrie.” Alaenera shrugged.

“Ah, she was a spearwife in the Northern Mountains. She is more martially inclined than most women. Once you show improvement in her lessons, she’ll come to like you and treat you as a sister.”

Alaenera suddenly gasped and pointed westward.

“Is that Avalon?” Alaenera asked excitedly.

Sure enough, he could see the silhouette of some towers in the distance. The walls and other constructs around the castle slowly became visible as the Liberator moved closer to the castle.

“Yep. That is Avalon.”

“Is it as huge as Winterfell?” Alaenera asked, her eyes pinned on the castle drawing closer.

“You’ll see soon enough.” Harry smiled.

As the Liberator sailed into the space directly over the castle, he could see some marked changes on his land. The ships at the harbour had decreased, but that was understandable. They were spread out in the Sunset Sea along the islands of Blacktyde, Bear Island, and the three small islands near the Saltspear. But he was happy to note that there were many ships under construction in the harbour.

He could also see the namesday gift he was building for Robb was nearly finished. It was another airship, and once completed, he hoped to give it to Robb as a namesday present someday. It was one of the reasons why he had Anya train Robb on flying the Liberator. From a cursory look at the newly built airship, he could see that some work was required to be completed on the captain’s cabin above the deck. There was also some work to be done with the enchantments inside the deck. However, such works could be completed once he found some spare time after the canal was built.

The Liberator lowered into the courtyard and gently touched down on the ground. Already, he could see Maester Marwyn and the other Valkyrie guards assemble near the courtyard to welcome them into the castle.

“Have the people escorted into the castle and find them ample lodgings. We’ll have their houses built after I plot a land suitable for their lodgings.” he said to Anya before disembarking the Liberator.

“Yes, my lord.” Anya nodded but looked expectantly at Alaenara.

“Go with her. Some of those Lyseni do not speak the Common Tongue.” Harry said to his paramour.

“As you wish, my lord.” Alaenera gave him an exaggerated bow, which let him glimpse down her dress before scurrying off.

Harry shook his head at her antics and looked around for Jon.

The last thing he wanted was a stampede from the former slaves he brought from Lys. Having them spread out into the land without any plan was also a bad idea. But he could host them in his castle and slowly insert them into Avalon proper. After all, if he just left them to their own devices, he had no doubt they’d huddle together and form a little Lys in Avalon. That was not an outcome he had in mind.

Suddenly, he found Jon walking out of the ship.

“Jon, you’ll escort the rest of the treasure into the castle. Take whatever men you need, but I doubt you’d need more than ten. After all, they’re safely stored in trunks.”

“I’ll see it done.” Jon nodded.

Jon talked with Josera and Elsera, enlisting their help transporting the treasure into the castle.

With that done, Harry approached Maester Marwyn, Kyla and Adela.

“My Lord, welcome back to Avalon.” Maester Marwyn greeted him while the two Valkyrie bowed.

“It’s good to be back.” Harry breathed in the minty smell of Avalon with a pleased grin, “The ravens have been sent to all the Northern houses to gather at Winterfell for a feast. After that, we’ll carve out the canal. But before that, I need to know the status of my fleet and the missions I gave them.”

“Please, let’s go inside and discuss this in detail, my lord.” said Maester Marwyn.