22 News Travels

We reached Driftmark 3 days later. I can see large number of people waiting for us cheering at the docks. My family included. The ships were docked and we got off.

"Welcome back cousin. Was afraid I was never going to see you again." The 2nd uncle japed at the 3rd uncle who is walking with me.

"Me too. I have almost given up hope. But thanks to our brave nephew here, I have managed to live to see another day." 3rd uncle replied.

A woman came running to 3rd uncle and hugged tightly while crying. She is the wife of 3rd uncle. I left them alone and went to my father and mother standing there with my Sister.

"Father, I came back with victory. Thought I would bring back the ships that our friends in triarchy intend to gift us. We lost ten men from the hostages before we reached there. Our men fought bravely and decimated the pirates." I summarized.

"You have made me …. Made us proud my son. Come I have already arranged feast for your return. Also, don't worry about the 10 dead men. Our house will take care of their family and give them sufficient compensation." My father said with a slight smile on his face.

My mother said nothing and seemed relieved that I came back safely.

While we were conversing, a loud roar came and Vermithor and silverwing came diving and went to the place they usually rest.

Soon we went back to the castle, after freshening up I went to the great room where fest is held. I can see and here 3rd uncle explaining what happened during the rescue with some exaggerated details.

After the feast, the time went by and the news spread by the survivours and my fame increased. The merchents heard the stories and spread them to the lands they visited.

This including the merchents in kingslanding and other famous towns they visited.

<Rhaenyra POV>

Things have not been the same since my father chose to marry Alicent. I lost a friend and a sister that used to share my woe. Due to his decision I lost another friend, Aethen Velaryon, I always feel happy in his presence. He always makes me laugh. Sometimes we go on a ride on dragon back and spend some time alone in a small island. Aethan is very good at roasting lamb. Barbeque, he calls it, I must admit it is very delicious. But it has been few moons since we met. We still exchange letters and it has been a moon since last letter. Seems like he is busy with the issue with stepstones alongside his father.

People in the castle have been careful with Alicent some time now. She is now pregnant with my fathers child. I am happy that I would have a new sibling and half worried that something untowered would happen. Maesters say the birth is to happen in two moons according to the moon charts.

My uncle is still at dragonstone. He doesn't seem to care about me. I thought atleast he would be with me. It feels very lonely even with all these people around me. The only time I feel alive is when I ride with Syrax.

"Princess, small council meeting has been called. The King has requested your presence." A servant said as I was sitting under the wierwood tree.

I nodded at him and followed to the small council chamber, following me was trusted Ser Cristen Cole, whom I have selected as king's Guard almost a year ago.

As I went in the chamber, I see everyone already there. And Ser Otto saying,

"A news has reached me this morning from driftmark, Your grace. Lord Corlys has started a war with the pirates from stepstones and this will lead to unstability in the realm. I would ask you to send a missive to ask Lord Corlys to explain for his actions."

"Explain Otto. Leave none of the details." My father asked.

"Lord Corlys has sent his son Ser Aethan to a war with stepstone pirates. Ser Aethan led the fleet and defeated the pirates and took their ships. This will mark as declaration of war , your grace." Ser Otto said.

"It seems your informats have missed quite a detail Otto. I already know what happened at Stepstones and drift mark. Ser Aethan already sent a raven on the events." My father paused for getting a sip from his goblet and continued, "Velaryon fleet was captured by the pirates and Ser Aethan was sent to resue them, which he did splendidly. He also mentioned that the losses on the Velyron side were minimal and all this without Vermithor taking action. I have already given my word last time I saw him that he could take action if they were attacked. And he did so with my approval. So, I don't think Lord Corlys has anything to explain. Next time Otto, I wish to know whole part. I suggest you to change your messengers who only give you partial information."

"I will see to it, your grace." Ser Otto was quick to respond.

I was finally happy to learn something about Aethan after long time. It seems like Otto is trying to create conflict but Aethan's letter dissuaded it.

If only I could meet him in person.

<Aethan POV, Driftmark>

It has been 2 moons since the battle with the pirates. My name has spread through the kingdoms. Some stories were too exaggerated. They say I killed all the pirates myself and bathed in their blood. I only killed few pirates with bow and arrow and only one pirate with a sword, well publicly.

After coming back I started recruiting people of all ages from above 12 to below 40. I want to create a network of spies. Initially I took in 100 people. Nobody knows about them. I created a new group in the party for them and named them 'Ninja'. Their training includes disguise, Parkour, dagger mastery, Poison mastery, stealth, throwing weapons and acting.

All my existing men who joined me earlier were divided into two groups. 'Navy' and 'Infantry'. One thing I observed is that I don't need to be present in front of anyone to swear an oath. As long long as they swear that they will be loyal to me in front of my men as witness they will be added to the party.

The training was done mostly in uninhabited areas. After training and making sure that they reached their skills to sufficient mastery, I have sent them to spread across the westeros and join various merchant group and recruit individually. I asked them to spread across except for north. I have other plans for north.

While I was busy, news reached driftmark and across the realm that Queen Alicent has given birth to prince Aegon. King Invited everyone for a feast and tourney. My father just ignored the letter. My mother sent a letter to kingslanding to congratulate the royal family. While I have sent a letter to Rhaenyra via my personal raven who can sent letter to the person I intend to.

One thing I was truly shocked was that, as long as I reached certain affinity with animals or birds, I would be able to add them to my party. They are now much stronger, faster, and smarter.