Chapter 91: Act 2: Chapter 31

Eighth day, Ninth Moon, 257 AC (+38 days)

We were waiting on the docks again as the fleet came in, though carrying more guests than ever before – and even more distinguished.

The Mormont and Glover families were already present, having arrived separately, with a few of their smaller vassals accompanying them. Redbridge was rapidly filling, and the guest quarters at the castle were filled up – though I had obviously saved room for the rest of the major nobility.

Accompanying the Mormonts had been some of the boys I sent to be apprenticed to learn how to build boats of the smaller size, such as knarrs and longships. The ones sent to the Manderly's that were learning the larger ships were still another year or so away from completing their apprenticeship. The Journeymen shipbuilders were already hard at work, and I was excited to finally stop relying solely on the Lady Alice and Sown Wind to fulfil all our transport and trade needs.

The docks were already filling up rapidly as the trade fleet began to land, and I was worried that the entire fleet would not have enough room. The situation was similar in the village – really more of a town now at its current size – as I was uncertain if we had enough room to house everyone. Most of the minor nobility that came were already filling many of the inns I had constructed, but they had been unplanned additions to this event, so the merchants would be squeezed for space. I had men working feverishly to complete even more inns, and I hoped another two would be completed before the trade fleet left again.

On top of the additional nobility, I also had a contingent of whalers that were coming, as well as some of my Braavosi contacts. I had no idea where everyone was going to fit, but on the bright side, I would at least be too busy to worry about it.

Lord Stark and his son, Rickard, were the first off, the boats, followed by Lord Tallhart and his family, then Lord Flint and his family, and a few other retainers and hangers-on.

I moved to greet Lord Stark first. "Hail, Lord Edwyle. I am happy to see you and your son safe and well."

"Michael," he greeted. "It is good to be on land once again."

"Lord Tallhart; Lady Tallhart; A pleasure to see you again," I said, greeting the next two off the boat.

"Master Michael, it is good to see you again," replied Brandon Tallhart. The man had large bags under his eyes and looked worse for wear.

I smiled in greeting at Robin Flint. "Robin, it is good to see you in person again!"

"You as well Michael. I'm glad to have the chance to visit your lands."

"Lady Brynna, you look lovely," I said.

"Thank you, Michael. And thank you for inviting us."

"You are quite welcome." I moved to greet the last member of the group. "William," I said.

William Manderly smiled. "Michael! It is good to be back!"

"It is good to have you back." I addressed the rest of the group "I have obtained a few carriages to bring us up to the castle if you are all ready?"

Edwyle nodded. "That will be fine."

I led them over to where the carriages waited and said, "While I'm sure they lack the finery you may all be accustomed to, it's a nice enough day I think and the lack of a roof, I find, gives an excellent view."

After everyone had entered the roofless carriages, we set off, with everyone's men-at-arms following in their own carriages, leaving the busy docks behind as we entered the village proper. We passed by the warehouses by the docks and went onto the concrete road that served as the main road of the village. I carefully watched Edwyle and his son's faces as we progressed through the city, as they were alone in the carriage with Nyra and myself.

Edwyle's face had changed from its normal impassiveness to curiosity as we continued, tinged with something I couldn't quite place. Smugness?

I pointed out buildings as we went. "Down that way is the Workman's Quarters, where carpenters, tanners, blacksmiths and all manner of tradesmen ply their craft. We have a few places for food up ahead, such as a bakery and an empty square where farmers can come in with wagons to sell their goods.

"What type of buildings are these?" asked Rickard, as we passed by some of the nicest homes in the town, that lay along the main road leading to the castle.

"These are the homes of some of wealthier smallfolk. People like my construction managers or people I've put in charge of others."

"Hmm, and what type of material is that?"

"The outside of the building is made of a red-clay brick that we can easily make here, but the inside is still a wood construction."

Rickard blinked. "And how many people live in each building?"

I shrugged. "However, many in the family that want to, I guess?"

"You mean a single family lives in each?"

I nodded. "Aye. As I said, it is some of the wealthier people in the area, so there is only a few of them," I said, as we passed the last of said homes.

"There are surprisingly few farms," said Edwyle, as we continued along the road, but as we were nearing the halfway point to the castle, there was little but forest on either side of the road.

"Most of the farms are concentrated near the rivers and are slowly expanding outward, claiming the best land as they go." I pointed to the land around us. "The land right around here isn't prime farmland, and no one is in a rush to farm it. Not enough water sources and uneven ground make it poor farming, but I hope to let the village expand here and have homes instead."

"Err, about those houses. So, people like your Master Builder would live there then?" asked Rickard.

"Yes, people like that."

"What was that tall thing that was back there?" a voice shouted from behind me.

I turned to see Robin pointing back to the water tower we had passed.

"Ah, that is the water tower. The big arms on the top of it allow the wind to push the insides of it to collect water from the well beneath it and bring it up into the tank at the top."

Robin blinked. "And what is the point of that?"

Surprisingly, Rickard answered for me, "With the water above, it is much easier to collect since it just has to fall."

I smiled. "Correct. Using a series of pipes, we can even direct the water where we want it to go."

"That must have been quite expensive," commented Edwyle, as the other carriage pulled alongside ours so we could better talk.

"It was, especially for a larger one like that. It gets less expensive each time, though, as the workers get more practice with building such things."

"I imagine it is quite helpful?" inquired Rickard, politely.

"Very – I even have one in Sunset's Rest."

"Vulnerable in a siege though," commented Brandon.

I inclined my head. "True, but even if it breaks, I would still have access to the well beneath it. Truthfully, short of a siege itself, I don't know how well my castle would stand up to a siege, but I've done my best and have multiple plans in place in case something fails – like the water tower."

Brandon looked confused. "Why would your castle not withstand a siege?"

"It is not made in the traditional way of stone, though it is stronger than wood. I used the same material that you see on the road below us."

Everyone poked their heads over the edge of the carriages. "I call it concrete, my lords and ladies. It is easily shaped, and while not as strong as rock, it is much easier to work with. I've had a few people compare it to the wonders of Valyria, but that is nonsense." Best to nip that thought in the bud. "As you can see beneath us, it is very smooth, but already some of the edges have had some cracks. Very useful stuff, and allows for quick construction, but I think in time it won't stand up as well as a traditional castle, like Winterfell which has stood for thousands of years."

"Is the road why the carriage feels so smooth?" asked Lady Tallhart.

"In part," I replied. "The smooth concrete certainly makes things much better than a dirt road, or even a cobblestone road. However, these carriages have something called leaf springs that help erase many of the bumps you might otherwise feel."

"How do they work?" asked Rickard.

I scratched my chin. "Imagine, standing on a tree limb. If you bounce on it, the limb will bounce with you – to a degree, but less than what you are bouncing. The leaf springs play a similar role, only instead of you bouncing, it is the road, and you are on the other side of the branch, bouncing less than you would normally." I tilted my head. "Does that make sense?"

Rickard laughed. "A little."

I waved my hand. "You can examine them later if you wish. I personally find things easier to understand if I can get my hands on an actual example of it."

Rickard nodded. "I would like that, Master Michael."

We soon approached the castle proper, and all of my visitors gawked a bit – not that they would admit it. While much smaller than Winterfell, and indeed many of the great castles in the North, it put to shame many of the smaller castles, and its location atop the cliffs gave it an even more impressive look. My etched and colored sigils along the wall were also a unique feature that drew the eyes of my guests.

"That is more than I had hoped for, Michael," said Edwyle, as he gazed contemplatively at the castle.

"It is only thanks to your generosity that it is there, my lord."

Edwyle inclined his head, acknowledging the point. "Still, you have done well."

My chest swelled with pride. "Thank you, my lord."

Brandon said, "I see what you mean about plans. Even if the walls are not as strong as true stone, that would be a hell of a castle to try and storm."

"Thank you, Brandon."

We passed by my men-at-arms who stood at attention at the gates as they watched us pass, and we soon entered into the lower courtyard and made our way to the stables. When everyone had disembarked, I waved my hand to indicate the assembled waiting servants and announced, "I know you have all had a long day, my lords and ladies, so I will have my servants show you to your rooms so that you may rest if you wish. Otherwise, the feast shall begin in four hours, but if you desire something before that, feel free to ask a servant for anything you might wish."

As the group dispersed, I let out a sigh of relief. The first few hours down, only days left to go.

Xxxx

The dinner feast went well, with the large host of nobility being seemingly happy with the accommodations. Salads and soups were served first, alongside a copious amount of drinks, followed by a shrimp and lemon zest pizza made with imported olive oil, rather than tomato. Roasts of different meats were also brought out, and I made sure there was a variety of sauces and spices available to all my guests.

Some of it was rare and expensive, but I hoped to make a good impression and hopefully advertise some of the local wares, like soy sauce, and try to recoup some of the expenses I was spending on this lavish feast. Not that I would come close, but a man could dream.

I had musicians playing in the background, mainly playing the Westerosi classics, but a few Braavosi songs and songs of my making as well were interspersed in between. Nyra and Anari both seemed to be enjoying themselves, and Rickard and Ryden were getting along quite well.

The seating had been a pain to get right, but seeing as no fighting had broken out, I figured I had gotten it mostly correct. Edwyle had received the seat of honor and had been fairly quiet throughout the meal with a thoughtful look on his face. I didn't know if that boded well or ill for me.

As the night wore on, Edwyle eventually stood up and clanked on his cup for attention. "It is good to see so many of our best here tonight!" A welcome cheer greeted his claim. "It has been many years since I have been this far west, and never to the Stoney Shore, but clearly, I have been missing out!" The hall broke out into laughter. "Still, as ever I am impressed by the North and its people. I look forward to spending more time with you over the coming days, but for tonight, I shall leave you to your fun!"

A good-natured cheer broke out, as Edwyle pushed his seat back and beckoned for me to follow him.

"You and I," he said, giving me a look, "Have much to talk about."

Xxxx

Edwyle and I were seated in my study, with the crackling fire making the only sound. Edwyle and yet to say anything since we left the hall, and I was nervous. I opened my mouth to ask him what he wanted to talk about, but he raised a hand and cut me off.

"Peace; we are just waiting for someone to join us. They should be here in but a moment."

I nodded and went back to my thoughts. What the hell was this about?

Shortly, a knock sounded on the door. "Enter!" I called out.

A young man, likely in his early thirties, entered the room. He was wearing a simple grey robe, with a chain around his neck - a Maester.

"My lords," he said, bowing his head.

"This is Maester Simon – I picked him up from the Citadel. I was tired of waiting for them to select a Maester for you finally, so I forced the issue. He hails from the Karstark lands, so he's accustomed to the North."

"A pleasure," I said.

"Likewise, my lord. I look forward to serving you."

"Forgive me, but I am not knowledgeable about what exactly the chains mean. What subjects are you focused in?"

"I have two links in black iron for my mastery of ravenry, two in yellow gold for mathematics and economics, two in silver for healing, one in lead for construction, and two in bronze for history."

"That sounds like you are well versed in many subjects."

"Thank you, my lord."

"It's about time you had ravens for communications, Michael," said Edwyle. "I am sure you two can get well acquainted on another day, I just wanted to make the first introductions."

"Thank you, Edwyle," I replied. "And I am sure we will have much to talk about in the coming days, Maester Simon."

Simon bowed and exited the room, and silence descended again. Before it could settle, I said, "Thank you, again, Edwyle. It will be beneficial to be able to send letters quickly, instead of by ground."

Edwyle nodded. "Of course, with a silver mine now, I need to be able to reach you quickly. I have paid for the first year of the Maester's service, but you will have to make the future payments yourself."

I bowed my head. "Again, thank you for your generosity."

"Hmm.. you have done well here. Redbridge is booming and clearly prosperous. Tell me how many people now live here?"

"In Redbridge itself? I think it is around two thousand people, but if you expand a bit for the surrounding area, I would say three thousand."

"And in the Stoney Shore itself?"

"I would say 41 to 43 thousand. I don't have the capabilities to quite measure the growth away from Redbridge just yet."

"That is impressive growth," mused Edwyle. "It was what? 35 thousand when I first granted you the lands seven years ago?"

"About that," I confirmed.

"Excellent work. Your taxes have also increased, even more so than what I used to get without you taking a share."

"I have been working hard, my lord, and making sure my people are doing the same."

"You are very clever," he said, making it sound almost like a compliment.

"My lord?" I asked.

"This chair I am sitting in. A curious thing, I have not seen its like before. Did you make this?"

I nodded. "I did, my lord. Many years ago. A rocking chair I call it. My carpenters are making them now; I have neither the time nor energy for such things anymore."

"And do they sell well?"

I gave a half-hearted shrug. "To some of my wealthier people. It is a rather expensive chair, so many cannot afford it. I hoped to find a market in selling it to the other nobility."

Edwyle looked amused as he rocked back and forth, slowly. "I might buy one myself. It's an impressive thing, seeing how many different things you have to make coin for your House."

"Thank you, my lord. It is, after all, only with your generosity that I am able to be in such a position to make the most of it."

"Yes, my generosity. I have not recouped the coin I originally gave you for your castle, or for the people I have sent you, but the amount is rapidly shrinking. Overall, I must say I am pleased – even more so by the discovery of silver. I must congratulate you on your discovery."

If he was congratulating me, why did his words feel so ominous?

"Indeed," he continued, "you have accomplished much through my generosity. However, I have noted something quite distressing."

"My lord?"

"You have shown me a great many things while I have been here, and this is but the first day. It does beg the question, though, why have you not brought this forward sooner? Rodrik has told me of your farming machines, but he never brought any back with him – though he brought back the Fresno Scraper. Why is this? And why do I feel you have been hiding it from me?"

I shifted in my chair. "My lord, I haven't been hiding anything! I didn't want to go before you with things not completed. I hoped to have proof of my claims ready before I talked to you about them!"

Edwyle raised an eyebrow, but otherwise, his expression remained unchanged. "Oh? And how much 'evidence' do you need? How much do you think I need? Do you think I am stupid? Unable to comprehend what I see before me?"

"No, my lord! Not that!" I exclaimed panicking. "Truly, I intended to bring this to you first! I just needed to get things ready!"

"Ready? More of your 'evidence'?"

I grasped for some reasoning I could use to get myself out of this mess. "No! No, I just wanted to solve any future problems! I wanted to make things easier for you! I – I wanted to set up a bank before I went to you!

"A bank? Whatever for?"

"These machines are expensive! Some of the wealthy lords, like yourself or Lord Manderly, could afford some, but to equip everyone, or even have smallfolk buy it? They could not! So, I wanted to solve that problem before I brought it to you!"

"And a bank is your solution?"

"Yes, it has worked so far on a small scale, but I've been in contact with a few Braavosi who are familiar with the concept to make sure I am on the right track for a larger scale operation."

"You've invited the Iron Bank?" he asked, incredulously.

"No, no, nothing like that. Mostly a few merchants who have worked with the bank. And I have just been asking them about how they work with the bank, letting them think I am thinking of getting in business with them."

Edwyle scratched his chin. "An interesting concept, and much more workable with a silver mine. That will need to be talked about more, but we have other matters to discuss tonight."

"Very well, my lord."

"I can accept you were not acting maliciously or abusing my generosity. But the point remains, you have not been forthcoming with me, even after all I have done for you. I find this unacceptable, but I also find myself happy with your other work. With this in mind, I have moderated my punishment."

I bowed my head in submission. "Of course, my lord."

"As with all precious metal mines, the Iron Throne takes its share of 5 parts of every 100. I will take my share of 20 parts. You may keep 10 parts to do with as you wish, but the remaining must be sold to the mint in White Harbor. Further, you will pay for a road that stretches from the mine to Torrhen's Square so as to ensure prompt delivery of all metals. I will fund the remaining portion of the road from Torrhen's to the Kingsroad. In addition to this, your second son, Arthur, will marry my niece, Branda, and they will be given a castle near the mine."

My eyes popped at the last condition. The rest I cared little for. They either fit with my plans, or was just reducing an already large windfall, so I cared little. But marriage? "But, my lord, they hardly know each other!"

Edwyle waved off my complaint. "They've met once. That is more than many. But they can meet a few more times if need be. We will announce their betrothal before I leave."

"But they are so young!" I protested.

"Your son is 16 years old, and Branda is 15 years old. It will be a good match, but they can remain betrothed for a year before they marry – but no longer."

I sighed, defeated. "Very well, my lord."

"This is barely a punishment, but you will not hide things from me – even if you believe it to be to my benefit. Are we clear?"

"Yes, my lord. We are clear."

"Excellent. I believe I shall retire for the night. We will be busy in the coming days, Michael. You have a lot to show me."

Xxxx

The next few days passed in a blur, as I led Edwyle all over the place showing him everything, though we made sure to be back at Sunset's Rest for dinner so that we could socialize with the other nobility. Ryden and Rickard frequently hosted many lords for hunts, games, spars, and other forms of entertainment. Nyra made sure to keep engaged with the few Ladies that made the trip, while the rest of my children had only some basic duties.

Once I had finished giving Edwyle the tour, and he wrung every last detail about everything out of me, he seemed contemplative. After that first night, his anger seemed to have disappeared overnight, and he was relatively pleasant – very direct and unyielding, but pleasant. I had no idea what to make of it, and it felt like there was lead in my stomach.

To take my mind off it, I decided to have the meeting with the Braavosi I had invited.

"Hail, Irrys Orliris!" I greeted the man as he entered my study.

Irrys Orliris, was a young man, the scion of an insurance family. He was dressed in dark purple clothing – so dark, it appeared to be almost black – and with some grey interspersed and looked vaguely what I pictured a Renaissance man to be. Irrys was a skinny, young man with black, feathered hair that was neatly trimmed and his face clean-shaven. He was young to be an envoy for his family, in my opinion, but no doubt, he had been raised to do this task since he could first walk.

"Good morning, Master Michael. How may I be of service?" he replied, in a smooth voice with a heavy accent.

"My contacts in Braavos have recommended your family quite highly, and I hope we can come to an arrangement."

"I am happy to hear about my family's good reputation. What type of arrangement do you seek?"

"I have a few in mind, but the first would be to seek insurance for the Lady Alice when she trades over the winter in Essos."

"Ah, that is a simple enough deal, Master Michael. It would depend heavily on the type of cargo she wishes to carry as well as the situation during the winter, and her exact route. The Lady Alice, is the large ship in the docks, correct?"

I nodded. "She is. Her route would be similar to last year, I believe. Pentos – King's Landing most likely. Perhaps Myr and Tyrosh to King's Landing as well."

"And what would she be carrying?"

"Silks and wines to King's Landing and probably timber and wool to Pentos. I am not sure yet what would be on a Myr or Tyrosh route."

Irrys looked thoughtful, likely running calculations in his head, before he replied, "I cannot give you an accurate cost, simply because the situation may change by the time winter hits – increases in pirates, war, or a whole host of factors can affect the price. As the ship has an experienced crew – though not veteran – the price won't be too bad. I would say no more than half a silver per ton for trips to Pentos, carrying timber and wool. Five silvers per ton for silk and two for wine – at most, barring any outbreak. If you purchase now, I can reduce the price after the first trip to reflect market levels."

"And what of Myr and Tyrosh?"

Irrys frowned. "I can't give you an answer this far away. Both cities have been experiencing some issues lately, and I cannot fathom a guess this far out if they will be resolved or worsened. I would advise avoiding them for even current insurance prices, when I left Braavos, were exorbitant."

I sighed. "Very well. Half a silver per ton to Pentos. I will arrange for someone to deliver the payment to you. Will you have the records ready for them?"

Irrys smiled, clearly not expecting me to understand that I needed a record if I ever wanted to collect. "Of course! I can have it ready for tomorrow."

"Very well – onto the next proposal. I want to insure the Lady Alice for trips from here to The Arbor and Oldtown, carrying alcohol, wool, and processed timber. Perhaps a few other miscellaneous goods. On the way back they would bring some more exotic goods from those towns and maybe Dorne as well."

"Ah, that is a trickier proposition. It would be more expensive than a similar, pre-established route since this route lacks the history to substantiate our rates."

"Oh? How much does history influence the rates?"

"A fair bit, but never as much as the current situation. But it helps to give perspective. To start, I would have to give you a base rate, for the materials the ship would be carrying. At least a fifth of a silver per ton for timber and wool, with half a silver for the alcohol. Then, the risks of weather for another tenth of a silver per ton. The risk of Ironborn or other pirates would add another silver to the cost."

"An entire silver? Come now, I have reached an agreement with Lord Greyjoy, and the Ironborn have been quite amenable lately."

Irrys inclined his head. "I did come across that in my research; however, Lord Greyjoy clamping down on his people will have negative effects eventually. I must price that in."

"Negative effects?"

"Every action has a reaction. In this case, he has clamped down on violence without directing it elsewhere. The timing of such a thing is beyond guessing, but it must be factored in regardless."

I frowned. "I can see your logic, but a price of half a silver seems high enough to start."

"Half a silver then," he replied, smiling. "Then there must be a fee for us insuring the unknown – no one has ever insured such a route after all. A quarter of a silver per ton on all materials. Then we must charge so my family can eat – though I will be gracious and say only a twentieth of a silver per ton. That would bring us to one and one-tenth of silver per ton for wool and timber, and one and two-fifths of a silver per ton for the alcohol."

I sucked in air through my teeth. Bloody expensive. That would be over twice the rate for wool and timber for this route over the King's Landing – Pentos route. "And would that come down over time?"

"It would, as my family gains more familiarity with the route and its dangers."

At least with the Pentos route, the price had a chance of dropping immediately. Still, I had learned how they went about pricing out insurance, which was all I really wanted.

"I am afraid I will have to pass on this for now, but perhaps we can revisit this in the future?" I asked.

Irrys smiled politely. "Of course, I hope that we can reach many more deals in the future."

Once he had left, I waited for my other Braavosi guest to arrive. My plans for him were much more ambitious, but at least I had the full backing of Edwyle for this. It would be a limited venture, but with a lot of room for growth.

Eventually, a knock sounded on the door, and one of the servants let in the next Braavosi.

Donoquo Nahios was a large, overweight man, who was getting on in years, likely over sixty years old. A renowned merchant, he made his money plying the waters between Volantis and Braavos, along with many of the ships he owned. Not as wealthy as the Magisters of Braavos or even the upper crust of Braavos, he was nonetheless a wealthy man. He wore similar clothing to Irrys, except in a dark blue rather than purple, and his hair was longer with a neatly trimmed beard.

"Hail, Donoquo Nahios. I am pleased you made it."

"I am happy to be invited, Master Ragnar, and to be of service, I hope," replied Donoquo.

"Please," I said, pointing to the chairs before me. "Be seated."

After he was settled, I had a servant pour them some wine and then leave.

We exchanged a few pleasantries before we got to business.

"So, what prompted you to contact me, Michael?" asked Donoquo.

"Trade is the lifeblood of any community, and who are more connected to it than the Braavosi?"

He chuckled. "True, but I find that is a rare enough opinion on this side of the Narrow Sea."

I nodded. "A fact I am fully willing to use to my advantage."

Donoquo looked intrigued. "Oh? How so?"

"I have already arranged this trade fleet – a completely unique idea in all of Westeros. It is a good idea, but it is infrequent and just a steppingstone. I wish to expand even further."

"A wise move. But what role would I play in this?"

"I want to add an additional route to your fleets courses."

"To Redbridge."

"To Redbridge," I agreed.

"And how would this benefit me? It is very far from my normal routes – one might say it is on the very edge of civilization."

I nodded. "And what fetches some of the highest prices on the markets? Those goods that originate the farthest from the market."

Donoquo looked amused. "That is a nice sentiment, but it does not hold true all the time. What items could I get from here, that I could not get elsewhere?"

"I trust you have explored the markets here while you waited?"

"I have."

"And? Have you seen the ice? The cheap wool? The alcohol that is not sold anywhere else?"

"Ice is not unique to here, and the wool is cheap – even cheaper than the linen produced by slaves in southern Essos. But there would be no profit in bringing it all the way to Essos."

"Ah, but the ice is available from just north of here all year round without having to brave the northernmost reaches of the Shivering Sea – a dangerous journey and one most don't return from."

"But such distance is prohibitive. Surely the ice would melt before I reached Essos."

"It would be something to test, I agree, but even failing that, bringing ice down to Lannisport or Oldtown would fetch a nice price."

"Perhaps, but not enough to trade for the profits I make on my current routes."

"I don't disagree. A faster ship would be beneficial."

Donoquo's gaze sharpened. "A faster ship? You have such a thing?"

"No, not yet. But with your help, I hope to."

The intensity of his gaze diminished. "Oh? And how would I help you with such a thing? If I could make a faster ship, I would have done so."

"But could you test it in private? Protect it from sabotage by your rivals?" Donoquo shook his head. "Therein lays another benefit from working with me. As you say, we are at the edge of civilization. Nice and tucked away, surrounded by wood and water, with many private bays that few ever pass by, let alone go into."

Donoquo sipped his wine. "Intriguing, but that leaves the problem of designing such a ship."

I shrugged. This was the hardest part of the pitch. "I have a few ideas floating around my head." I may be exaggerating a bit, but I had an idea of sleeker ships, but no idea of the challenges of creating such a thing – which there must have been, or someone would have built it already. "I also have a few Journeymen shipbuilders trained in the northern style of sleek, smaller craft, and within a year, I will have a few more Journeymen trained in larger ships. I plan to build my own fleet, but if we work together – a few of my men, and a few of yours – and invest in innovation, I am sure they can put something together."

He looked intrigued. "Possible – a melting of styles as it were."

"Exactly! If you were to provide an experienced man or two, on top of some of my new Journeymen, the combination of styles should result in something interesting. And something that can be tested without jealous eyes stealing or sabotaging what is ours."

"And how would we share the costs and profits of such an endeavor?"

"We would form a Company."

"A Company?"

"Yes. I am uncertain of how exactly you run your fleet currently, but I assume you have it in a stock format?"

"Yes, members of my family own stock, based on the value of their boats."

"I would seek to expand such a thing to include me."

Donoquo frowned. "And how would such a thing be enforced? In Braavos, the only joint-stock organization is the Iron Bank, which is an entity onto itself. The laws cannot enforce such a thing, only what a family can do to its members. What if you were to break your end of the bargain? I would have no legal recourse – not even counting that you are Westerosi, not Braavosi."

"I have my lord, Lord Stark's, favor, and he is willing to petition the King on my behalf."

He looked incredulous. "You? You are saying that you, can influence the King – albeit indirectly?"

I shook my head. "Nothing so grand as that. Lord Stark looks eagerly to what I can accomplish and has not been shy in his generosity in seeing that I succeed. Before I was raised to a Masterly house, this region languished and provided little in taxes. Redbridge was a sleepy little village with only 100 souls in it. After seven years, the population has exploded - as has the taxes. Lord Stark wants that to continue, and he looks to my next project with interest. This, Donoquo, is my next project. I want to build a fleet. I want to trade all over Essos and Westeros, and if we partner, we can accomplish it."

"Why not build a fleet yourself? You have the wood; you have the goods – why partner with me?" he asked, curiously.

"You have contacts and established relations in Essos, which I want. I could do it myself, but it would take years. Similarly, Westerosi merchants pay less in tariffs in Westerosi ports – I can help you there. A whole new market for you to explore. As to the other goods? Westeros already provides most of the westernmost Free Cities most of their wool needs. I can do it cheaper. Alcohol? I already sell most of it quickly to the other nobility here in the North, and I am quickly expanding my production, and I need a way to get it to other markets."

"And how could we value such a partnership? I own most of the boats."

"I am already building my own, and I would be provided testing facilities and the goods."

"None of which, by your admission, are ready to use on their own. That would not be valued highly."

"It would be worth quite a lot, especially in the future. I propose that I would own 40% of the company, with additional shares being purchased on the basis of new ships joining the fleet."

"40 percent?! That is much too high. 5 percent is a much more reasonable amount with the total buy-in cap of an additional 45 percent."

"5 percent is ridiculously low. To capture the value of what I am providing, one must look to the future. And the future value of what I am offering is immense. 35 percent to start to a cap of 50."

"The future value, eh? True enough, but what of the present costs? Of the money I have invested in my fleet already? 20 percent to a cap of 55."

"30 to 60."

"30 to 50."

"30 to 55, with the cap being in place only for the next twenty years."

"30 to 55, for ten years."

Damn, could I begin to outbid him in ten years? I knew I wouldn't want a cap forever, but the cap also protected me in the short-term. "30 to 55, for fifteen years, with yourself being capped to no more than 70 at any point in time."

Donoquo looked contemplative. "Capped to 70? But my friend, this is my family business! The lifeblood and history of my family! You are asking me to sell my family's future! While you may have this castle to pass on to your children, what shall I have if I give you stock in my fleet? Capped to 80.

I grinned. "A legacy and something to pass on to your children is important. What greater legacy than the first Westerosi-Braavosi Company to ever exist?"

"Ah, but a legacy will not feed my children and grandchildren! To take food out of the mouths of my grandbabies! I do not know if I could do such a thing!" Donoquo loudly lamented.

I chuckled. "Something to pass on is always important, and the stock of such a company would be a valuable thing. But I am not one to begrudge a man his contingency plans. I offer this: 30 to 55, my cap at 55, yours at 70 for 15 years, you are the Director for the company's routes for the next ten years before it passes to someone in my family for the next ten. Tell me, have you enjoyed your stay at the inn?"

"I have," he confirmed, cautiously.

"Have you noticed that some of those comforts are not available in Braavos? The toilets in particular."

Donoquo leaned forward. "Yes, yes, I have."

"I will build and provide your family with a house, a large one – we can even call it more of a mansion – with those comforts. This would be your family's property to do with as you wish. You would be responsible for furnishing it, but I would provide the basic structure."

Donoquo relaxed in his seat and took another sip of wine. "That would be something to pass on to my family," he agreed. "But it would not provide my family with money in the future."

"I cannot grant you lands or a title," I said immediately, cutting that thought off. "But I have faith that your family will continue to earn money in the future if they follow in your footsteps and enter into such good deals as this."

Donoquo laughed and stuck out his hand. "You have a deal!"

We clasped hands, and I said, "We have a deal."

"Provided you can get a legal structure in place," he cautioned.

"Of course," I agreed. "It may take a year, possibly two, but it shall be done. In the meantime, we can start to work together on a smaller basis, perhaps and build a good relationship."

He smiled toothily. "I like the sound of that."

"Unfortunately, I am out of time today, but we have much more to discuss over the coming days if you are amenable?"

We made plans to meet again soon, and he left my study, leaving me alone, much happier than when Irrys had left.

Progress.

Xxxx

It was another week later when I was able to have my second meeting with the whalers. I met with them a few miles outside of Redbridge, along the beach – mainly for security, but also because they stank.

"How was the whaling?" I asked.

The Captain, a grizzled man, smiled toothily – even if he was missing most of his teeth. "Right good, right good, Master Ragnar. Found a few good pods, 'n what I think might be a course they might follow."

"Enough to start whaling here?"

"Oh, aye. More than on the other ocean – that's for sure. Ain't never had anyone whaling here before, and less rivals t' boot!"

"So, will you and your family move here?" I asked. The man's extended family ran four whaling boats and was well-connected with other whalers on the east coast.

He scratched his chin as he thought over the question. "I guess, but we'd be real far from the markets."

"You wouldn't have to worry about the Ibbenese attacking your boats though," I pointed out.

"True."

"And here you would be closer to Oldtown, which uses a lot of whale oil. You could charge a higher price since it wouldn't have to be sold in King's Landing first."

"Where would we do our work, though? Redbridge is all fancy, and I know people don't like us doing our thing near fancy towns."

"There is a small village north of here, called Northshore, in the northernmost bay in my lands. Good harbor with lots of whales nearby. A perfect place for you to set up."

The Captain, Tobin, looked over the map I had pulled out and traced his finger to the village I pointed out, about 140km north as the crow flies.

The village was small, only about eighty people, and wasn't set to expand any time soon, as my plans for roads didn't go near there. I needed to diversify and to do so I needed to introduce a trade to the area. Whaling was my solution.

"Aye. Aye, I can do that. You've got yourself a deal, Master Ragnar."

"Perfect," I replied, smiling. "Absolutely perfect."

Xxxx

I kicked my feet up as I relaxed on the couch, while Violet and Nyra busied themselves in the kitchen. We were back in the farmhouse, taking a brief break from all the guests up at the castle. Their visit had been going well, a few issues had popped up, but had smoothed over – the issues mainly revolved around ego. As Nyra brought over some tea, she and Violet sat down in the living room with me.

"It's nice to be back here, if only for a while," said Nyra.

"Mhm, nice and relaxing," I replied.

Violet chuckled. "It is. Shame it doesn't see more use."

"Evelyn might end up using it when she gets married," I said.

"Maybe if she marries a farmer," replied Violet.

Nyra smiled secretively. "Oh, I don't think she is too interested in farmers."

Violet, who didn't see her mother's expression, said, "True, she's always been more of an artist. I imagine a village-dweller."

Nyra's smile turned to a full-blown grin. "You sure do know your sister."

Violet looked up from her cup to look at Nyra quizzically. "Thanks?"

I laughed. "So, my dear wife, what do you know that we don't?"

She batted her eyelashes coyly. "Oh, nothing, I'm sure."

Violet rolled her eyes. "Come on; out with it."

"Evelyn has been spending quite a bit of time with that Braavosi – Irrys. They seem to get along quite well."

I blinked. "Really?"

Nyra nodded. "Yep. It makes sense if you think about what Violet just said."

"I guess… is it serious?" I asked.

Nyra waved my question off. "Hardly, they are just getting to know each other. Besides, she is very level-headed, just like her father."

"Her father, who also fell in love with her mother at first glance?" I asked, amused.

Nyra leaned over and kissed me. "And then you went about your chase in a very level-headed manner."

Violet laughed. "I'm sure she'll be fine – she's smart."

"And I have been watching over her," said Nyra.

"Good," I said, relieved.

"On a different topic," said Violet, "How has the trading been? I haven't been keeping too close an eye on it."

"Good, good. Really good even," I replied. "We've sold most of what we were hoping, so everything is starting to wind down now."

"Even the paper?" Violet asked.

"Even the paper," I confirmed. "Lord Stark bought most of it though, with William Manderly buying the remainder."

Violet smiled. "Excellent! The printing press is coming along slowly since I haven't been prioritizing it yet. Should I start?"

I shrugged. "It would be nice, but we don't have the ink necessary. We have too little, and for some reason, it doesn't want to stick to the press."

"I'm sure we just need to try different materials to make the press with, and we can find something that works."

"That doesn't solve the issue of the lack of ink. We need something cheaper and easier to make."

Violet sighed. "I suppose I could try and work on that instead then."

"I'll do my best to help, but it's not at the top of my list."

"I understand, Dad. Don't worry; I'll get it eventually."

I smiled. "I have no doubt."

Xxxx

The next day was another hunt, one which I was obligated to go on, but was rather relaxed as far as these things went. I was riding a horse alongside some of the other minor nobility while we let the bloodhounds track our prey. When they did so, a few of the men would take some of the other dogs in a loop around the back, while the rest of the lords waited with our bows in hand.

A bit like Duck Hunt, if less exciting and with arrows.

It was an opportunity to network, and while the minor nobility that I was with today lacked the power and wealth of those that they were sworn to, one could never have enough friends. Most of them were at least pleasant, with some becoming much more so the longer they stayed. I had another chat with Lord Stark tonight about our future plans, so I had to refrain from promising anything to anyone in the meantime, which meant networking was difficult.

"Oh?" said Lord Treefell. "And you plan to visit Lord Forrester after seeing Master Glover?"

"I am, though I am not sure of the timeframe just yet. With my days being so busy here, I found I have not been able to take the time to visit yet."

"Well, my keep is a bit out of your way, but still in the general direction. I would love to offer my hospitality to you for a day or two."

I smiled pleasantly. "That would be most gracious of you, Lord Treefell."

"Please, call me Dustin."

"You honor me, Dustin."

And so, went the rest of the hunt. A few brief explosions of action when the dogs routed the animals to us, but otherwise just general chit-chat. One I tried my best to put my heart into, or at least convince my fellows that I was doing so.

Some lords were a bit pushier about coming to agreements, but at this point, most seemed to realize I wasn't being pinned down on anything and had switched tactics to establishing closer relations so that they could ask again in the near future.

A pity Nyra couldn't do this – she was much better at it than I was.

The rest of the day passed slowly, but it passed, nonetheless.

Eventually, I found myself in my study again, seated across from Edwyle.

He sat, rocking in the chair gently, seemingly happy if not quite content.

"Have you enjoyed yourself so far, Edwyle?"

"I have," he said. "It's certainly been an eye-opening experience. How went the meeting with the whalers?"

"They have agreed to move," I replied. "I've already discussed it with William, so the Manderlys will not take issue with it, so long as they can continue to buy oil."

"Good, I trust you will have them expand?"

"Aye and keep them out of the eyes of the Ibbenese. I will have them take on apprentices and greatly expand their fleets."

"Speaking of fleets, did you reach an agreement with the Braavosi?"

"I did. Donoquo agreed to form a company with me, provided a legal framework of some sort can be set up to protect the both of us."

Edwyle nodded. "I will discuss it with the King. I'm sure I can get his agreement on it since it does not overly affect any of the nobility. Did this Donoquo indicate what protections he would need specifically?"

I shook my head. "Nothing specific. But I would imagine that the Crown would need to recognize the joint company as a legal entity. Something that any ship under its flag could be treated as at least a partial Westerosi boat. The law would also have to give recourse to both parties to solve any disputes in the valuation or splitting of profits. Something that would be fair to both the Braavosi and Westerosi. Finally, something to give format to the dissolution of a company. Essentially, the law would need to create a structure for a company to be created, manage any disputes or deviations from the company contract, and how to dissolve a company."

Edwyle rocked in his chair as he mulled it over. "A framework," he said, slowly sounding it out. "I think I grasp what you are talking about. Recognition as an at least partial ownership of a Westerosi would allow for reduced tariffs in the Seven Kingdoms. "

"Yes, whether it would be fully exempted or not is not something I could suggest, but I do think there needs to be some benefit at the very least for doing this."

"A benefit, yes. I will think over this more before I bring it to the King. I plan to see him again within the year – provided it is still summer."

"Thank you, Edwyle."

He hummed in acknowledgement. "On another topic, I have had preliminary discussions with House Manderly, though only through William, so it is far from certain, but we will both be a part of this bank. We will let you run it as you see fit, but we will invest a portion of the capital and see an equal portion returned in profits."

I nodded. "I see; that will allow the bank to grow much quicker than it would have otherwise."

"And the insurance idea you wished to pursue?"

I scratched my cheek. "I got some good information from my discussion, and I can hopefully use it to get everything up and running – but it isn't a priority just yet."

"Agreed. I have also decided on the plan for expansion of the farming machines."

"Oh? Good, because Lord Tallhart has been hinting that he wants help of some sort, but I have been avoiding the issue until I talked with you first."

"He has also commented it to myself as well," confirmed Edwyle. "Who did you want to expand to first?"

"The Glovers, Mormonts, and Flints first. I have had good relations with them for some years now and I think moving forward with them is smart. The Tallharts too I suppose."

Edwyle cupped his chin in thought. "My House, as well as the Manderlys, will also be included," he said, his tone brooking no argument. "However, by doing this, I hope you realize that you will be making your own political sphere."

"Political sphere?"

"Aye. That is what Lord Dustin was trying to do – bring you into his. By creating your own, he will not be pleased."

"I – forgive me, but what does that mean, exactly?"

He chuckled. "Nothing immediately. It all depends on how you handle it. You may be able to smooth the ruffled feathers, but if you leave it alone? Well, he may try to undermine you politically. I doubt it would break out into war – the North rarely wars among its own as I do not accept such a thing, and the slight you are giving him is minor in nature."

"No war – that's good?" I asked rhetorically. Who the fuck would go to war over not picking their team?

"It is, but how you handle the situation is on you alone."

"I understand."

"Good. Now, I will be sending apprentices to you so that you can train them on how to build such machines so that I can begin to use such machines." I squirmed in my chair a bit. Edwyle raised an eyebrow. "Something to say?"

I coughed in embarrassment. "I had hoped to retain control of the machines – for a while at least. I know that the knowledge will get out eventually, though."

Edwyle frowned. "We've been over this. It cannot stay locked in your lands."

"I know – I know. I don't mean it like that. But I want to build and supply the machines for everyone," I said, watching Edwyle's expression. I hurried on, "My people are experienced already, and I can have them make them quicker than anyone else can. I have already hired more people, and we can make them steadily and supply everyone else."

"I am sure my workers can match the pace in time."

"It's not individual workers doing this though. I have made them into a system of sorts that allows each person to specialize in the work they perform, and it drastically increases their working speed."

Edwyle frowned. "I will want to have a look at this then before I leave. Assuming you provide all the machines, how many can you make per year?"

I shrugged. "It depends greatly on how many people I hire. Right now, I've made around 3,000 of these machines over the past seven years, but that is with a relatively small team. If I increase their numbers, I can easily produce in much higher quantities."

"And how much land does each machine cover again?"

"It's dependent, but I have each machine working for five families, each having about forty acres -though not all farmland. So about 200 acres per harvest per machine? Roughly."

"I don't think the math works, Michael. Farmland in the North is much greater than I think you can produce machines to cover."

"But how many will actually adopt such things? And how quickly? I'm sure there will be resistance. Even to the Glovers and Mormonts, they will be slow to adopt I'm sure. No one wants to risk all of their farmland on something new and untested - at least, in their eyes."

"Hmm, you do have a point," he conceded. "I will allow you to do so for now, but if the needs of the lords outpace your ability to supply them, you will have to train some of my men."

"Understood, Edwyle. Thank you."

He waved off my thanks. "And of your new farming methods? I doubt you can manage to avoid teaching others in the same way."

I chuckled. "No, that is something I can't do. I would welcome perhaps a delegation from each lord to come and learn. I have also been compiling a book of sorts that would help to address some of these topics."

"A book would be helpful to the lords' maesters. Is it near completion?"

"Close, I just want to get the format right and have some people who have never heard of my new methods read through it first to see if they understand."

"Your new maester can help you with that."

"I will seek his help then."

"Onto the next topic then. Your alcohol."

"My lord, I feel this is something I should be able to retain full control of. No one else would have something like this stripped from them, and it is hardly necessary like the farming machines are."

Edwyle smirked. "I don't disagree. Paper?"

"I feel the same way about it as I do the alcohol."

Edwyle hummed in consideration. "Again, I don't disagree. But I feel like I should warn you, the maesters have a similar product that they keep in the Citadel, though of inferior quality. So, you will not be the sole producer of paper – likely just the best."

"I can live with that, Edwyle."

"And, your spinning wheels?"

I frowned. "The same as everything else, Edwyle. They were created by my wife and child, and they belong to my House."

He chuckled. "True, but is clothing not important for the North? To keep warm is necessary for the survival of my people."

"But food has always been the issue, not wool," I countered.

"People are always hungrier when they are colder, though."

"With more food, that would not be a problem."

"True, true. Very well, you can keep them for now. But once someone successfully copies you, you are to give me the design."

"Fair enough."

"Come now, Michael. It's not all bad; you have a bright future ahead of you." He raised his cup in the air and toasted, "To the future!"

I raised my cup and replied, "To the future!"

Even if I could get rid of the feeling like I was being ripped off.

Xxxx

"Finally, with the combined methods and these new machines, you will start massively increasing your harvests and the land you can farm," I said, to the assembled group before me. It was small, consisting of Glover, Mormont, Manderly, Tallhart, Flint, and of course Stark, without any of their smaller vassals.

We were gathered on the family farm as I showed them my farming methods and tools and did some general politicking. At least I thought it was politicking – because really, what exactly waspoliticking?

I then talked about the bank I had set up and how it would benefit them. It was a bit tricky since technically very few of their smallfolk owned their own land. Most rented from their local nobility, not dissimilar from how they did it in the south, though it was much less restrictive. In some areas, not directly under control of a lord, like how the Stoney Shore used to be, the smallfolk did own the land. It was a carryover of a decision made by one of the old Lord Starks to encourage population growth.

It failed, not because it was a bad policy – at least in my opinion – but because it was unsupported. Why would someone travel from where their families are, and typically the best farmland was, to somewhere far away without help to marginal lands?

Oral history was finicky, but I had never met anyone who claimed their ancestors had ever utilized that policy. But it did mean that the people already present in those regions came to own their land.

So, with these Lords having their lands under a very controlled system, it meant that loans to smallfolk would be rather irrelevant. I needed to sell to these men instead.

"With these loans, being paid off with a portion of your increased harvest, it will allow you to drastically increase your wealth and allow you to stop the starvation of your people," I explained.

"Ah, so this is how you were able to trade so much food for new smallfolk," said Mormont, chuckling.

"Yes, it is. Now I share this with you all."

"And if we wanted to build our own machines?" asked Glover.

"You are welcome to try, but they are fairly complex. And I can make them quicker and cheaper than anyone else."

Seeing Edwyle nod along with my words, the men before me finally started to digest what I was saying.

"So, if I understand this correctly; you are saying that if we use these methods along with these machines, we will see large increases in our harvests? Do they both have to be used?"

I shook my head. "No, they can be used independently, but together they will provide even more."

"I suppose I can buy a few of these things and try them out. Test them out for a harvest to see how they do," mused Mormont.

"I as well," replied Glover.

"Interesting – very interesting," said Flint. "Improving the yields in my lands would be beneficial as I lack farmable land to expand to."

"Even that might be fixable, Robin," I said. "I hope to compile a book with my new maester that will share what I know with you all."

"Truly?"

"Truly. Thin soil can be improved; rain can be managed; many things can be accomplished. Some just require a lot more work," I replied, with a chuckle.

Robin laughed. "Aye, I can see that. Still, I would be interested in that."

Tallhart looked relieved as he said, "I, too, would like to buy quite a few of these machines."

Edwyle gave me an encouraging nod, so I took a deep breath before I made my final pitch. "If we work together, my friends, we can accomplish much. I see how much I have done here, and I can't help but think how amazing it would be to see that all along the west coast. Even across all of the North. I see the wealth of King's Landing and of places like Essos, and think why can we not have that?" I made eye contact with Mormont. "Has House Mormont not seen their coffers more full of coin than ever before with the ice trade?" I looked at Glover. "And has House Glover not seen more fur and amber trade than ever before?"

"I see all their wealth and think; we can do better - if we work together."

Mormont raised an eyebrow. "And how can we work together? I assume you mean more than we currently do."

"We need to stand together on issues, petition together, and even consult amongst ourselves. Many of our interests align – we need more sea travel, we need more trade, and we need more food. Lord Stark has continued to advocate for us, but we must stand firmly behind him. When he goes south again to see the King, if he was backed by representatives from our Houses to show both the King and other southerners that we stand behind Edwyle, he may accomplish even more!"

"Is this true, Edwyle?" asked Mormont concernedly.

Edwyle nodded. "True enough. I can continue my work without additional support, but it will take longer. Getting leave from the King to create the Thane order was simple enough since southerners know the North stands together – especially on an issue like that. But on more specialized issues? It would be quicker with you all."

"Granted," he continued, "the other great houses push their own agenda and they may align at times with ours, it is not something to be counted on. I heard comments while I was in the capital from people from Lannisport that they greatly enjoyed the ice they had been able to purchase over the past few years. They may eventually seek to do something that would benefit us, but I have no wish to wait for the fickle favor of southerners for the North to get what she wants."

"Just as the Dustins and Ryswells; Boltons and their vassals; and Manderlys and their vassals have all come together to represent their interests, so do we," I said.

The assembled lords all agreed, and we began to make our way back to the castle.

Edwyle held me back a little for a private chat. "That was a fine speech," he complimented.

"Thank you, Edwyle. I am happy they are all on board."

"Indeed. The group is now forming, but the leadership is still in question. Your House lacks the history and prestige to immediately become head of such a group, but with time that will change. However, I will say this – your Houses leadership will not come if you do not place yourself in a position to demonstrate your abilities as a leader. For my next trip south, I shall be taking Mormont and Glover with me, as they are both prestigious Houses. If you wish to be a leader, Michael, you need to prove yourself before one of those Houses claims that position – and have no doubt, they want it."

I bowed my head slightly. "I will keep that in mind."

"Good, good. Now, I've seen your daughter, Evelyn, around with that Braavosi from the insurance family quite a bit. Is he courting her?"

I sighed. "I believe so, Edwyle. Nothing formal, but they have both expressed… interest."

"Interest?" asked Edwyle, quirking an eyebrow.

I sighed once again. "Yes, interest. They both seem to be very taken with each other and spend a lot of time together. My wife has been keeping a watch on the situation, but I am thankful that both my daughter and Irrys seem to be keeping a level head."

"Hmm. A Braavosi marriage wouldn't be the worst thing for your House, but far from the best. I will not insert myself into such a situation, but I would recommend against the match. I would seek out a Northern house and create further political ties here in the North, rather than across the Narrow Sea."

"I don't disagree, but I try to allow my children to pick their own spouses," I said, swallowing my bitterness.

Edwyle looked at me, curiously. "A nice sentiment, but a stronger House to protect them would be a greater kindness. Regardless," he said, cutting off my response. "it will be your decision, not mine. Now, I must talk with Mormont and Glover."

As he walked off, I was left to my thoughts. This whole visiting experience had been incredibly draining, and I hoped I would not have to suffer such a thing again for many, many years.

Xxxx

"And so, I wish to petition you consider me for your daughter's hand in marriage!"

I blinked amusedly at the young man in front of me. It wasn't that I didn't expect it, but Irrys and my daughter were moving fast – awfully fast.

"And what will your parents say to this?"

"Ah, they will not object to such a match – especially for one such as your daughter! Besides, as a third son, my duties to my family are much smaller than my older brothers."

"And as a third son, how will you support my daughter and your children?"

"I may be the third son, but I am of the main branch, so I will always have a job with which to provide for Evelyn and our future children."

"And you will move back to Braavos?"

"Primarily, but I do tend to travel as part of my duties, so I have no doubt that we will return here. And I am sure Evelyn would want to visit."

"And what would you think of living here instead?"

"Live here, Master Michael? How could I provide for my family here?"

"I have a few ideas," I said wryly. "But first, I would need you to get permission from your parents first. Go back to Braavos and talk with them. Take your time – you have only known each other for a short time."

"Ah! But to be without her! She is the light in my life! How can I return to even the most magnificent of all cities, if I do not have her to light my way!?" he exclaimed, with a peculiar cadence.

I tilted my head. "Are you quoting something?"

His shoulders sagged. "Ah, but of course. I forgot you wouldn't recognize such a thing. It is from a famous play in Braavos – the most epic tale of romance to have ever been crafted."

I snorted. "Well, I'm sure your sailors are all competent enough to see you home. Talk with your parents first. Send a letter back with their agreement, and we can begin negotiations – provided Evelyn accepts of course."

Irrys' face paled. "You mean – you mean she might not accept?"

I chuckled. "I said nothing of the sort. Once you leave this room, go and ask her. Do something suitably romantic, of course."

He composed himself before nodding. "Of course, Master Michael! Thank you for this opportunity! I shall take my leave now and seek out my light!"

As he left the room, I muttered, "You do that kid; you do that."

I looked over the family portrait that Evelyn had painted and saw my own light.

Irrys seemed like a good man, if a bit overdramatic, but he got on with Evelyn very well. They seemed to just click. Even though they had known each other for only two weeks, they seemed set on each other. Edwyle's recommendations still sat in my head, but after forcing Arthur's marriage, I was not inclined to listen to him and force Evelyn's marriage.

My children deserved the best, and they deserved the freedom to choose.

Xxxx

Nineteen days. Over half a month of hosting dozens of lords, high and low. Of buying and selling; of making money.

Of headaches and nervousness. Of good food and long, happy conversations.

Tonight, was the final night, with the trade fleet leaving tomorrow as those who had travelled further north had finally returned today, and the rest of the nobility was leaving for their own homes after doing their best to eat me out of mine.

Seriously, the amount of meat these people went through was insane but I did my best to keep them fed as it created a good impression. It wasn't insane by 21st century America standards but after living the past forty years as a member of the smallfolk? Insane.

Still, needs must.

The musicians and choir played after each course, while the servants brought in the fresh food.

The choir was singing as Nyra leaned over to me and said, "Finally, the last night."

I chuckled. "Yes, finally. I look forward to some peace and quiet for a change."

"I don't look forward to figuring out how much this cost us exactly."

I winced. "With all that meat, it will be a scary figure. I guess that is why the nobility hunts so much – cheaper than raising the animals."

"I'm sure it is because they find it fun as well."

I rolled my eyes. "Soomuch fun. At least you had a better time dealing with the ladies."

"Better, but not great," she replied. "Too much posturing. I made a few good friends, but most were rather rude – at least in the beginning. They definitely didn't like that we were new to nobility – though they warmed up some when they realized their husbands weren't able to get what they wanted from you."

"Greed and alcohol – the two best social lubricants."

We paused our conversation as the music stopped, and we clapped along with the rest of our guests.

As another song started up, I said, "Don't worry, they'll respect us soon enough. We'll be too important not to."

Nyra frowned. "Perhaps, but even the Manderlys aren't overly respected for their abilities to earn gold through trade – more so their history and force of arms."

I patted her hand. "We'll get there too. No one is going to force a marriage on our family again."