The Iron Islands had just tasted defeat, their pride and coffers equally shattered. They dared not provoke King Robert again, lest he return with fury unmatched, to crush them once more, and this time, perhaps, for good. Their treasures had been plundered by the victors, leaving their chests bare and spirits low. Recovery would be slow, unless some outside benefactor saw fit to fund another rebellion. Thus, Damian had time to muster an army of loyal men, drawn from both the noble and common folk of the Iron Islands.
First, Damian had to fill the fleet he had acquired with his men. After the war, he found himself with at least twenty-nine longships in working condition, including those he had captured himself. He distributed twenty of these among Ser Wendel, Raymond, Sirius, and Arsen. They were to use these ships to transport goods and men across the waters and to patrol the islands and nearby seas. The remaining ships were stationed at Lordsport.
The very next day, Raymond, Ser Wendel, Sirius, and Arsen departed for their respective islands, each taking five longships and five thousand gold coins as starting funds. Ser Wyman would undoubtedly send some money to his second son, but that would take time—at least a month or so. Therefore, Damian gave his former mentor some funds, earning great appreciation in return.
For the next few days, Damian was busy replacing the men and women in the castles with his own loyal followers. He released thirty of his summon soldiers from duty and appointed them to crucial offices and posts, small or big, vital for the functioning of the castle and the island.
Damian appointed Jory as the commander of the guards. His primary task was to guard Pyke, patrol the nearby villages, and keep the peace.
Selena was made the Master-at-Arms. Her duty was to train new soldiers for Damian's forces. This appointment surprised Eddard Karstark and the other northern lordlings who had stayed behind, for it was uncommon for a woman to hold such an important post. But a single sparring session with Selena changed their views.
Though she should have been at a disadvantage due to her gender, Selena's skills had been elevated. Damian, with new status, has unlocked some features in the system and thus has spent a considerable sum to enhance her abilities, bringing her to the level of an advanced knight.
He had done the same for Raymond and Arsen before they left, costing him around eight thousand gold coins in total. It was a hefty price, but worth every penny, for now, he had three knights capable of standing toe-to-toe with the top fighters of Westeros. He had one elite archer summon token yet to be used, but the time for that had not yet come.
Selena proved more than capable of training new soldiers, and thus, fit for the post. Dacey took no official position, choosing instead to focus on improving her skills after being bested by Selena. Each day, she sparred with Damian or Selena, learning from them. She also fought with the northern lordlings sometimes, often emerging victorious.
Damian appointed a summon, Leobald, a former soldier who lost his arm in battle, as the harbormaster. He provided Leobald with the skills to manage the port facilities, oversee trade, and ensure the smooth operation of shipping activities at Lordsport.
In a similar fashion, he appointed Jenson as the master builder, Jaydon as the master shipwright at Lordsport, and Harvey as the chief smith, all chosen from his loyal summon soldiers.
Damian knew that proper management of resources was crucial. He placed his most trusted men in key roles. The Tax Collector ensured the steady flow of revenue, the Master of Mines oversaw the productive operation of Pyke's iron-rich depths, and the Master of Trade orchestrated the bustling commerce that would breathe new life into the Iron Islands.
Understanding the vital importance of sustenance, Damian created the position of Master of Agriculture. This role was charged with overseeing the island's meager farms, managing food storage, and implementing crucial agricultural improvements. Damian did not stop at mere appointments. He purchased the necessary skills for his new Master of Agriculture from the system, ensuring competence and expertise.
The soil of Pyke, however, was unforgiving—rocky, barren, and stubborn. Damian would need to make use of the Book of Fertility, and runes, to improve the soil.
But the magic alone was not enough. Damian enlisted the help of a few pixies, with affinity to nature to help him grow the vegetation and trees around Pyke.
On the rugged cliffs of Pyke, Damian's pixies also planted the seeds of the seaflame herb, a unique plant he got from the system that would take four months to mature. Though not expert spies, some pixies were assigned to discreetly monitor the castle's inhabitants.
Maester Qalen, though allowed to retain his position, was kept under constant watch by the Pixies. Damian distrusted Maester's, yet he recognized their utility and the knowledge they possessed so he kept him for now but in future he would definitely be replaced.
High above, the skies were not forgotten. Ace was appointed as the Master of Sky. This new role filled him with pride, and he diligently patrolled the heavens above Pyke and the surrounding waters.
Two sennights had passed, and Damian sat in his solar, sifting through a stack of parchments that detailed the demography and economy of Pyke. His keen eyes scanned the figures of ores and food in storage, requests for funds to reconstruct the war-torn structures in Lordsport and Pyke, and various problems faced by the villagers and people of Pyke, such as food shortages.
The flickering candlelight cast dancing shadows on the walls as Damian leaned back in his chair. He heard a knock on his door.
"Come in," Damian said, still focused on the papers before him. The sound of the door opening and the clicking of chains, accompanied by soft footsteps, reached his ears, but he paid no heed, knowing well who had come.
Only after finishing the parchment informing him of a few Ironborn vagrants harassing fishing villages did he look up to acknowledge Maester Qalen.
"A raven arrived with a message from your brother, Lord Eddard Stark, my lord," said Maester Qalen, holding out a sealed scroll.
Damian's expression remained inscrutable as he took the scroll from Qalen's outstretched hand. He broke the Stark seal and unfurled the parchment, his eyes scanning the familiar handwriting of his brother.
Damian's brows furrowed as he read its contents.
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