47 The Start of Issues

A council meeting was called and Eragon had an honary position and it doesn't hold much value.But his advice was definitely valued,while Ser Otto Hightower is Hand of the King.

Grand Maester was Mellos

Master of coin was Lord Lyman Beesbury

Master of laws was Lord Lyonel Strong

Master of whisperers is Lord Larys Strong

Commander of the Kingsguard is Ser Ryam Redwyne

Cory's Velaryon spoke up"My lords. The growing alliance among the Free Cities has taken to styling itself "the Triarchy." They have massed on Bloodstone and are presently ridding the Stepstones of its pirate infestation."

King Viserys with smile replied "Well, that sounds suspiciously like good news, Lord Corlys."

Eragon hearing this felt he should really smack this idiot.

This idiot didn't understand how strong this group was,since they were able to clear Stepstones of pirates so quickly.Also he seems to forget that the Stepstone islands are a key trade route for Westeros, east of Dorne and west of Essos. They're monitored by the Triarchy, which is an alliance of three of the Free Cities: Myr, Lys, and Tyrosh.The fact Corlys lost 4 ships to this Crabfeeder itself shows the man doesn't fear Westeros and seems to have the power to go to war with them.

Viserys was a fool who is wants to ignore all the signs of possible war and put his head in the sand.Eragon with a groan thought"Why didn't I push for Rhaenys to be queen."

This was not only his sentiment,but many had similar idea after they saw some blunders done by Viserys.Some say he was the second coming of Aenys.

Corlys ignored that and continued"A man called Craghas Drahar has styled himself the prince-admiral of this Triarchy. They call him "The Crabfeeder" due to his inventive methods of punishing his enemies."

King Viserys with smile and sarcastically asked"are we meant to weep for dead pirates?"

Lord Corlys with fake smile replied"No, Your Grace."

Lord Corlys saw Eragon gesture,they would talk about this.This made him sigh in relief,because his house facing a lot of issues because of Craghas Drahar was overstepping his territory.

While Eragon saw Rhaenyra enter the room,she was slightly worried and gave Eragon a smile.While Viserys with small frown said"Rhaenyra, you're late. The King's cupbearer must not be late. Leaves people wanting for cups."

Rhaenyra went to her father,kissing his cheek and said"I was visiting Mother."

Viserys noticed the scent asked"On dragonback?"

While Rhaenyra just gave shrug and went to do her duty as cup bearer.

Lyman Beesbury decided to talk about another issue"Your Grace, at Prince Daemon's urging, the crown has invested significant capital in the re-training and re-equipping of his City Watch. I thought you might urge your brother to fill his seat on the council and provide an assessment of his progress as commander of the Watch."

Viserys now turned to Lyman and asked"Do you think Daemon is distracted by his present tasks? And that his thoughts and energies are occupied?"

Lyman knew he was slightly overstepping his boundaries, so he decided to step back and say"One would hope so, considering the associated costs."

Viserys smiled and replied "Then let us all consider your gold well-invested, Lord Beesbury."

Lord Corlys decided to give Viserys another chance and said"I would urge that you not allow this Triarchy much latitude in the Stepstones, Your Grace. If those shipping lanes should fall, it will beggar our ports."

Eragon nodded understanding his concerns after all Ser Corlys not only oversees the royal fleet, his house provides it. And he knows better than anyone that if the Stepstones and their shipping lanes fall into the wrong hands it could "beggar" every trader in the Realm. None more than him. No ship will be able to pass by or even near the islands without paying a hefty price to Craghas, whether the cost comes in gold or lost ships.

But he was cut off by Otto"The crown has heard your report, Lord Corlys, and takes it under advisement. Shall we discuss the Heir's Tournament, Your Grace?"

Viserys smiled this time and replied"I will be delighted. Will the maesters' name day prediction hold, Mellos?"

Corlys sighed in disappointment, while Mellos was the maesters incompetent with healing Aenma,if not for Healer Nadia everything could have been terrible,while Mellos said"You must understand that these things are mere estimations, my King, but we have all been poring over the moon charts, and we feel that our forecast is as accurate as it can be."

Viserys nodded,while Eragon knew Viserys placed lot of faith on the Maesters because of his friendship with Otto Hightower.So not matter what he said Viserys would just tell the Maester to focus or he will blame it on old age.

Lyman spoke up"The cost of the tournament is not negligible. Perhaps we might delay until the child is in hand? Ugh, most of the lords and knights are certainly on their way to King's Landing already. To turn them back now..."

But Viserys cuti in"The tourney will take the better part of a week. Before the games are over, my son will be born, and the whole realm will celebrate."

Grand Maester Mellos was slightly worried said"We have no way of predicting the sеx of the child. Of course, no maester's capable of rendering an opinion free of conditions, are they now?"

Eragon added"Your forgot Healer from the North is by Aemma side."

Grand Maester Mellos looked as if he had swallowed a lemon and said"Healer Nadia is very helpful."

Viserys clapping his hands causing everyone's attention to focus on him,while saying"There's a boy in the Queen's belly. I know it. And my heir will soon put all of this damnable hand-wringing to rest himself."