"Commerce is the best driver of diverse cultural exchange and societal advancement." -From the Saga of Tanya the Evil Vol. 9
Jessamyn was glad she had so many little ears in Gulltown. The place was a center of commerce and the best location to learn about what was going on in the world. They came in handy now to keep tabs on the princess and her betrothal hunt.
"How stands the chances of a Vale wedding for our silver-haired princess?" Lady Jeyne asked her.
"Lord Arwood has already been informed by the princess she is uninterested in marriage to someone so much younger than herself. It seems she let the boy down easily and he was given an opportunity to pet her dragon. As for Lord Waynwood, he seems not to have had any interest in an actual marriage, and instead brokered a deal with her to get a discounted rate on a new loan with the Dragon Bank."
Jeyne smiled. "So you were right, our little princess is a key player and decision maker for the bank. How interesting."
Jessamyn frowned. Princess Elaena being a smart and powerful woman just meant she was more dangerous to them if she married the wrong person. Mentally going back to where she was in her list, her frown turned to amusement.
"Roland Crayne had the idiotic idea of trying to seduce her by meeting her with naught but his small clothes on. The serving maid who was the source of the rumor said that the princess was most wroth and suggested that he should leave the city within the hour or her father would hear of how he sought to bed his 'minor-aged daughter.'"
"Minor-aged? Is that some phrase in King's Landing?"
Jessamyn shook her head. "I'm a bit confused myself. It sounds like a reference to her not yet being six-and-ten, but I'm not sure how that would be all that relevant. Trying to entice and lay with in this manner would get him sent to the Wall, if not executed. Did the fool think she would be so smitten with his appearance that she would give up her maidenhead?"
Jeyne shrugged. "Perhaps he believed those calumnies from a few years ago."
"Regardless, he fled the city, and I suspect he will not show his face around the princess for so long as he lives."
"How did Joffrey do?"
"I was getting there; you'll make me lose my place."
Jeyne chuckled. "You could use a quill and parchment."
"I'm not going to write these sorts of things down! As I was saying, next we have Corwyn Corbray. That one seems to have a chance despite being a second son. The squire who gave the information of the encounter indicated Elaena was fascinated with his Valyrian sword. She also watched him duel against two other knights at the same time, and she seemed quite impressed."
Jeyne motioned for her to continue.
"Joffrey said that the princess was very amicable and asked him questions about how many children she would be expected to bear. He believes they formed a connection…"
"But?"
"There is no follow-up meeting with him. The princess has met with Hamish Arryn and Garland Grafton again after their first encounter, and seems to get along well with both. Maybe she wants to know them more to help solidify that they are not in the running – I just don't see that being the case. I think Joffrey is no longer in contention."
Jeyne frowned. "A pity. So you believe it will be Hamish or Garland?"
"All signs point that way, and that could pose a serious problem for your rule. I don't know enough about Hamish to know where his loyalties lie, and the Gilded Falcon is always unreadable. Garland though, he's spent time with Arnold recently."
"You worry too much, my love. The Vale is but one of the kingdoms the princess will be travelling to. If she's here making loan deals with my lords, I suspect she is one of those rare nobles who enjoys the counting of coppers. She could just as easily be looking to make a match within the Reach or the Westerlands, two kingdoms with more wealth than our own."
"And you worry too little, too many nobles feel slighted by you not choosing any of them. They all look for any excuse to bring you down."
"You exaggerate, I have many loyal bannerman." Jeyne sighed. "I cannot fault you for worrying after what happened with Arnold's little rebellious streak, but you handled it didn't you? His support melted away once we made him a captive. He renewed his oaths, alongside most of the nobility there in the high hall of the Eyrie. Relax and enjoy the fine food and drink our host has provided."
Jessamyn knew making a further fuss would just be counterproductive. Her liege lady could be most stubborn. It was time for Jessamyn to take matters into her own hands and ensure Lady Jeyne would not be challenged.
***
Garland was growing quite irritated with Arnold Arryn. The man would not take no for an answer. Just because he was right about Lady Arryn did not give him the authority to do anything about it. Moreover, it did not give him free rein to badger Garland over it.
"Ser, I've told you, I swore an oath. If you have something of substance to lay before me, I will examine it. Until you do, the matter is closed."
Arnold gave a heavy sigh. The two were seated in an inn along with Ser Jaspar Coldwater.
"My boy…"
"I am not your boy," Garland snapped, letting his frayed temper loose. He angrily stood up.
Jaspar stood up as well, "Don't be a fool, this is the next Lord of the Eyrie, don't…"
Garland was done hearing about petty schemes and treacheries. Many lords would be better suited to rule the Vale over Lady Jeyne, but he was fast coming to the conclusion that Arnold Arryn was not one of them. Besides, he was not about to be late to his ride with the princess.
This would be their second time riding out together. The Princess was an able rider, and seemed to have no issue keeping up well on horseback. They had talked more, and Garland got the sense that she was genuinely fascinated with the history of the Vale, and the intricacies of being a major port to Essos.
When he arrived to pick up Elaena from Isembard's manor, she was waiting by the stables with a guard.
"Princess." Garland intoned and bowed his head.
"Ah, Ser Garland, the weather is pleasant for an afternoon ride. Thank you for arriving promptly."
"Of course, Your Grace. I would not make you wait."
They rode out of the city alone. Although somewhat risky, Garland thought it unlikely anyone would attempt to rob them. He had his arming sword at his side, and they weren't going to the docks. Instead they headed north where the countryside boasted splashes of multihued wildflowers.
Women like that sort of thing.
"Well, Your Grace, could you imagine living out your days here?"
"I could, but you would have to put up with me traveling often. I enjoy flying with Viktoriya, and I would want to regularly visit my family. Could you tolerate such a thing? A wife, often not at your side?"
Garland frowned. He wasn't sure how to respond. Should he object that he could not bear to be apart form her? Or should he say that he would not mind and that she would have the freedom to do as she wished without him making an issue of it.
Elaena waited for his response as they continued their trek.
"I'd want to go with you."
Elaena tilted her head in surprise. "You would wish to fly on dragonback with me?"
He swallowed; his mouth suddenly dry. The idea of being so high above the earth, like a bird, it was not a pleasant thought.
"I… well, I would try, if your dragon would consent to carrying me with you."
Amusement sparkled in her eyes. "Viktoriya is a bit too young for tandem rides given your size. But she is still growing faster than most dragons, so it wouldn't be too much longer." She let her expression go back to its more neutral demeanor. "I am serious, we would not always be together. I have other focuses such as the Dragon Bank, and a few other projects, that will necessitate some time apart. Will that be an issue?"
"No, it would not."
It was only partially true, but that was an issue that could be resolved later. Garland had no desire to even be with a woman all the time. He enjoyed hunting, arms training, and jousting. Still, he was less enamored with the idea of her being out of sight for so long. All knew Elaena's sister, Rhaenyra, slept with more men than just her husband. That would never be something that Garland could accept. A powerfully fearsome man like the Dark Storm, rumored to have similarly vicious and depraved tastes, may be different, but for Garland, he only wished to lay with women.
"Good. As I've said before, I do intend to continue this tour, but the flexibility you are showing does your cause credit."
"Faint praise." He could not help but jape a bit.
Elaena's smile grew broader. "I do wish to temper expectations. May I be direct with you, ser?"
"Please."
"Your family is not wealthy, nor does it control the city where its stronghold is located. Gulltown is an important trade region, but pales compared to King's Landing and Old Town. I do find you personable, and so far, you have agreed to stipulations that I know not all would. I just wish to be clear, that my spending additional time with you does not mean you are going to be my selection."
"Thank you for the clarity, Your Grace. I know there are many that seek your hand. Wealthier and more powerful nobles will fight for your affections. As they should! But none will strive harder than I to keep you safe, and to give you a life of ease."
They talked more as they rode, up until dusk. They rode back briskly as night began to fall.
The gate guards waved them through, and they arrived at the stables of the Grafton keep. Elaena dismounted smoothly and they went on foot back to the Gilded Falcon's manse. Grafton noticed Elaena seemed preoccupied.
"Is something amiss?"
"Not as such, but I will be leaving in a couple of days. Gulltown has grown on me."
"You are the King's daughter; you don't have to go."
Elaena glanced at him; her eyes were strange in the dark. Only a thin blue circle surrounded the pitch darkness inside of them.
"I take my obligations seriously. The Manderlys will be expecting me. I also wish to see how my family is doing in King's Landing. My siblings can be quite the handful at times, and my mother expects me to help them understand what is expected of them as royal princes and princesses. 'Twas merely a statement that I appreciated my time here."
Garland expected the answer. It would likely be months before he learned of Elaena's choice. Her bluntness about his family's fortune was a surprise, but it was better to know than not. At least the others in the Vale had not found much success either. Outside of her excursions with him, she spent most of her time in Isembard's home.
They bid each other a pleasant night, and Garland began the walk back in the cool night air to the keep. This was the well-off side of Gulltown, and he passed the homes of wealthy captains, merchants, and other minor lordlings. He now wished his forefathers had made wiser decisions; if they had, he would have the wealth to attract the princess.
Garland gripped his sword hilt, and looked around as the sound of steel being drawn nearby alerted him. His ears strained and he looked to his right. He heard faintly a dull thud. It came from one of the streets which winded down back toward the docks. Garland could not see past the corner of one of the upscale inns from where he stood.
"Who goes there?" He shouted, voice firm and not displaying any trepidation. He could not imagine what kind of footpad would be desperate enough to try to rob someone here. Isembard turned a blind eye to crime in the poorer sections, but not here. Not where he and the other important powers of the city lay their heads and kept their families at.
Silence answered. He wished he was wearing more than riding leathers. In the dark, even an incompetent could strike true. He was a knight, and he would not allow some petty would-be brigand cause him to quail.
He moved forward and got a look into the street. He blinked in surprise. There was no one there to waylay him, instead three corpses. One had a sword still in his hand. His throat was cut open. Despite the potential danger, Garland moved forward to examine the scene. Another man had been thrust through the heart, but the weapon that caused it was not there. The last man had a large hole in his throat.
"ALERT THE CITY GUARD!" Garland shouted. As he looked at the bodies, he felt an uneasy cold trickle down his spine. If he heard a blade being drawn, where were the sounds of battle? He moved and drew his blade and put his back against the wall of the inn. Thoughts swirled as he recalled and pondered over what he'd heard. A drawn sword. A dull thud. Three people dead. Their blood was still even now spilling, so the deaths were recent, very recent. Was this some quarrel and these three had been killed by another group of men, who had been fast and deadly, allowing only one person an opportunity to draw a blade?
Only once the guards arrived, did Garland lower his blade and explain what he heard and what he had found.
***
Hamish sat in his uncle's opulent office. Gold finish was on nearly everything, and precious gemstones lined portraits of the Arryns of Gulltown. Hamish knew that Isembard deliberately put on such a display. Oh to be sure, he appreciated the finer amenities that wealth offered, but that had little to do with the office décor.
"You've spent much time with the princess, could your bid prove successful?"
Hamish spread his hands out, "Who can say? She does seem fond of me, but over the past week I've learned that she is a planner. She does not bend with the twists and turns of an unexpected wind, but only moves to her advantage."
Isembard raised an eyebrow, "So she shares your temperament."
Hamish nodded, "Yes, she's quite impressive. She bested me on our third match, and I've yet to beat her since. In truth, it has been quite humbling."
Isembard let out a low laugh. "It is about time someone pricked your ego. 'Tis healthy for a boy to be reminded there is always a bigger fish. Granted, for most boys it is swordplay, but an important lesson learned. You are clever, but don't think you can outwit everyone."
"I understand, uncle."
"Now, to put your mind to use. What do you know of the murders?"
Murders didn't happen often in Gulltown. And when they did occur, they were almost solely restricted to the docks and the poorer parts of the city. Very rarely an occasional drunk noble would start a fight and be accidently killed, but the last time that occurred Hamish was half his present age.
"I know that Ser Garland discovered three dead men. He found them on his way back from delivering Princess Elaena here. One of the men is a local and known to the city guard as a gambler who no one would lend money to anymore. Another most likely came from Myr, given his description. The last was a sellsword with a reputation for skill who has done escort duty around the Vale for years. The latter two had good castle-forged steel. As of today, I am unfamiliar with any leads the guard may have on the likely culprits."
His uncle nodded. "We have little more. Some witnesses claim they were spotted near the city gate earlier that day for several hours not doing anything. The gambler was a man of ill repute who briefly worked as a sailor on one of my vessels, but had no friends. What do you think happened?"
Hamish wasn't sure. A murder, let alone three, here near the estate was unheard of. This could have been a targeted affair, but for what purpose?
"I'm sorry uncle, I can think of a dozen potential scenarios, but there simply isn't enough evidence to draw any real conclusions. We don't even know if Grafton being there is relevant. It could have been a group of criminals gathering to rob a wealthy, but lightly guarded home. Perhaps they had a falling out and murdered each other. Or perhaps Grafton is lying and he and his own guards murdered them for some reason."
Hamish paused. "Them watching the gate before they were slain is interesting. How reliable are those witnesses? No chance that they could be delivering a false story?"
"I can follow up with the captain of the guard. For the moment, let us assume what they said was true."
"In that case, they could part of a plot aimed at the princess. Possibly working as spies, but they could also have been looking to take her for ransom, or even kill her. Who knows what sort of plotting may be going on in King's Landing."
The Gilded Falcon drummed his fingers on his desk.
"Then who killed them?"
"Hmm, judging by how Princes Elaena plays Cyvasse, she's the master of killing two crows with one rock. Her itinerary has been known for months, ample time for the crown's own people to set up security for her. She walks and rides freely without any guards, which is odd for a young woman of her stature. Understandable, given her method of travel, but curious nonetheless." Hamish replied with a frown.
"You think the princess had them killed?"
Hamish sighed. "Uncle, I just told you there isn't evidence for me to draw any firm conclusions. However, if we followed this trail of thought, no I don't think she would know in this circumstance. It is far more plausible that the crown's agents saw that the princess was being spied upon and sought to question or apprehend them. Once steel was drawn, they moved with formidable speed and skill and took care of matters."
"I see."
"Or perhaps Garland's good-brother sought to murder him so he could inherit his holdings, and the would-be-killers had a falling out, much like my earlier theory. Uncle, I truly cannot stress enough that I am grasping in the dark here. Without more information, I cannot solve this dilemma for you."
Isembard smiled. "I hear you, truly I do. I have grown used to you having ready answers, that I expect the impossible. We will continue the investigation, but if we cannot discover the truth, we must still address the concerns the people have. Killings occurred quite near the royal princess, the aristocracy of Gulltown, and the Paramount Lady of the Vale. It reflects poorly on us."
Hamish grinned. "Yet another theory, someone killed them as part of a ploy to make the vaunted Gilded Falcon look bad."
His uncle snorted. "I've tripled patrols in the evening, and suggested everyone, including the princess and Lady Arryn travel with guards. I've also ordered all vessels to be inspected and their manifests looked over. Do you have any other recommendations?"
"No, I do not. You've things well in hand. The princess will be leaving soon, if you have not done so already, during the departure feast I'd provide her an apology for all the additional security and fearmongering."
"I'll see to it then, my thanks."
Hamish knew a dismissal when he heard one, and left the room. His mind already switching over to thinking about what stratagems he would employ in what would likely be his last game of Cyvasse with Elaena on this leg of her tour. He knew she had plans to introduce the game in King's Landing. He felt excited at the idea of the game becoming popular in Westeros. The occasional game with a visiting captain who knew of it, and his repeated victories over his uncle, simply wasn't enough to satiate him. Having a challenge, someone who was now better than him at it, was a wonderous feeling.
***
"By the Seven, can you believe those damnable idiots?" Rhaenyra, heir to the Seven Kingdoms, swore as she broke her fast with her husband, his lover, her other lover, and her lover's wife.
She had been eating her meal when a raven had arrived from her cousin, Lady Jeyne Arryn, Lady Paramount of the Vale.
"What is the matter?" Laenor asked.
"Jeyne wrote to me regarding matters at Gulltown. She met with Elaena, and Jeyne was most impressed with my sister."
"Naturally, Your Grace," Lyra replied, "everyone can see what a fine woman she has become."
Rhaenyra tried not to react. Lyra had become somewhat of a lickspittle these days. She couldn't help viewing the baseborn waif as unworthy of Harwin's hand. Worse still, it had been Rhaenyra's fault he was wed to her, so it wasn't as if she could get angry at anyone else over the matter. Laenor had pointed out that Rhaenyra had gotten a bit lazy about controlling her expression and her distaste for Harwin's wife had shown a few times, and now the bastard girl was fearful. She made up for it by trying to ingratiate herself with her words, and it was all just so tiresome.
"That was all well and good, however the Arryns of Gulltown can't see fit to make sure their city is safe! Three men were killed not an hour after Elaena walked past."
Harwin rumbled, "Crime is present in cities. In King's Landing murder occurs more often than you might think."
Rhaenyra waved off his statement. "Yes, yes, in Flea Bottom, this was nearly right outside Isembard's manse! You know how delicate Elaena is, the thought of men dying so close by will have her shaken."
Laenor let out a cough and set his cup down.
"Are you all right?" Lyra asked.
"Just…" he made some more coughing sounds, "went down the wrong way, I am well, please continue my love."
Harwin interjected, "Rhaenyra, I believe your worries are a bit overwrought. The princess attends the melees and jousting events, and even when serious injuries occur, she does not balk from her duty, nor allow her countenance to be impacted."
"Perhaps," Rhaenyra sighed, "I just want her to find someone. But I also worry for her safety. If three men can be murdered in such a refined area of the city, are they taking steps to protect her properly? I should fly one of the Kingsguard to White Harbor, so she can have adequate protection. Though I would expect the Manderlys to know what they are about, unlike the Arryns of Gulltown."
"That may be a bit much, Rhaenyra." Joffrey interjected. "You know how your sister dislikes being followed about. Her dragon couldn't carry the weight of a Kingsguard and her, so you would need to fly him back, or to her next destination."
Rhaenyra threw up her hands, "Are you all against me this morn?"
"I'm not against you, Your Grace," Lyra replied.
Rhaenyra felt the lid of her eye twitch. She set the letter down on the table.
"I know she is a woman flowered, but she's still my little sister and it is my duty to see that she is protected. I have half a mind to fly over there and ensure a proper guard is set." Rhaenyra said stubbornly.
"She wanted to do this alone, I remember it well, because you were aggrieved when she told you that, and we all heard of it." Harwin pointed out.
Rhaenyra gave him a look. "Seven Hells, fine, I'll sit and do nothing while incompetents place my sister in danger. Satisfied?"
Joffrey and Laenor looked at each other, then looked back to Rhaenyra and spoke in unison, "Yes."
She threw a glazed roll at Laenor who deflected it away. Harwin let out a roar of laughter, and Lyra just looked around nervously.
Rhaenyra shook her head at the antics. She did feel better now, knowing she was being silly. It was one thing to have men killed nearby; it by no means meant that Elaena was in danger. Still, it was worrying that she had to hear it from Lady Jeyne and not Isembard or Elaena. Even if it wasn't a true source of concern, she wanted to stay in the know of the happenings on the tour. Surely there was some juicy rumors over the killings that Elaena could share. She fondly recalled her own marriage tour and remembering two men fought a duel over some insult. It was shocking behavior, but it had been exhilarating.
After White Harbor, Elaena had said she would most like return to King's Landing and visit Dragonstone as well before moving on to her other stops. She would get her sister to talk about what all went on, and keep her there until she heard it all! She'd also have to write a response to Lady Jeyne thanking her for keeping her so well informed.
***
The Princess Elaena Targaryen seemed to tolerate the cold well enough, in Medrick's eyes. The Manderly heir had expected the southern-born princess to be bundled up from head to toe in furs to keep warm, but that was not the case. She wore her dragon riding leathers, and Medrick knew that leather could keep one warm, but the thinness of Elaena's attire probably would not do much. Despite that, she seemed unbothered by the frigid environs.
Her bold greeting after she landed and dismounted her dragon had reminded him of the Mormont women, but her form reminded him more of the thinner Ryswell ladies. It was not battle-boldness, but a directness and poise that made it clear she knew what she was about. This demeanor endeared her to him, and he had gone from not much caring if the match was made, to desiring her. He had offered his arm, and she had accepted as he escorted her into the city proper.
His father, Lord Desmond Manderly, had suggested the match would elevate their fortunes significantly. Their overlord, Rickon Stark, was of the Old Gods, as was much of the North, meaning a royal marriage was quite unlikely. But the Manderlys, they were Seven-fearing people, and that was the North's best hope for a Targaryen union.
Outside of the trade at White Harbor, relations with the southern part of Westeros were near non-existent. The North still held some grudges over the New Gift, which was seen as a sign of Targaryen arrogance, but to the credit of King Viserys, relations were thawing. The King had lessened the burden of taxation, and trade had flourished. White Harbor had a modest uptick in trade over the last five years, and his father wished to see it continued.
Medrick had thought about how to impress the princess, and had decided the best way was through the gifting of gifts. That, and bold statements about how he would ensure she would be welcome and celebrated in White Harbor. To that end, he, and his father, had brought out the smallfolk, who waved Targaryen banners on her way through White Harbor. The people cheered for her, and she waved back at them. Elaena wore an unwavering smile on her face, though one that did not seem to reach her eyes.
As they arrived at the gates of New Castle, Medrick's father was there to greet her. A servant by his side held a tray of bread, salt, and wine. Guest right was an important ritual all across Westeros, but in the North, it was even more ritualistically done.
"Princess Elaena of the House Targaryen, you are my honored guest. Be welcome beneath my roof, and at my table."
Elaena inclined her head a fraction, "My thanks, Lord Manderly. I am grateful for your hospitality."
With that she took a bite of the bread, and a sip of the wine. The ritual complete, they entered New Castle.
"The servants carrying your things can direct you to your quarters; I suspect you will want to settle in. Would you care for my company prior to the feast?" Medrick asked.
"That would be well, after riding Viktoriya for some hours, I find it pleasant to walk on my own two feet before taking a rest. It will only take me a few minutes to change, if you do not mind waiting outside my door."
He bowed his head, "Not at all, princess."
Elaena was true to her word, and had not taken long to change into a simple, but fetching teal-colored dress. A necklace studded with onyx gems was the only accoutrement she wore.
"Shall I give you a tour, princess?"
"That would be pleasant, ser. I am quite curious about White Harbor, and the broader North."
Medrick answered her questions to the best of his ability. Some of the questions she asked, specifically about how food was stored, and survival through the winter, were subjects he was not as well versed in as he probably should be. The Maester would know more, but not wishing to sound ignorant, he gave her generalities. Eventually those questions dried up, and she moved on to what the city of White Harbor was like.
"We may be the smallest of the five great cities of Westeros, but we are unique. We are a joining point for the ways of the North and the ways of the rest of the Seven Kingdoms. Here you will find worshippers of the Old Gods, but also the Seven. We live in harmony with each other, and we are stronger for it."
"Like a smith melting metals together to form a stronger alloy."
"Precisely, it is how castle-forged steel is created." Medrick praised.
Medrick showed her where his father's solar was. The feast hall, the kitchens, the kennels, the barracks, and many other places. One in particular he wished to show her was the small glass garden they had recently constructed. A far cry from the great one at Winterfell, but they had hastily had it constructed when conversation of Elaena's marriage tour was beginning in the prior year. It was only the size of a typical family's home, but it would be a place where Elaena could grow the flowers, plants, or vegetables she wished.
"This, we have made specifically for you, Princess Elaena. In the North, our winters are hard; I will not deny it. Here, through some artifice I do not quite understand, we can keep summer plants growing even in winter."
Elaena's smile reached her eyes this time. "A very thoughtful gesture, Ser Medrick. The plight of the North during the long winters is one of the concerns I hope a stronger Seven Kingdoms can address. Mass starvation every five or so years is an unacceptable waste of human… talent."
He smiled in return. "I am gladdened to hear you say that. I do also have a gift for you, a token of my appreciation for coming this far north."
Elaena's silver eyebrows rose with what seemed to be anticipation. A servant came out with a large bundle. It was handed to Medrick who unfurled it. The cloak was all in white, made from the fur of a bear. The bear had been killed north of the wall, and the Night's Watch had traded it for some fine bottles of wine.
"It is quite beautiful, no doubt this will keep me warm while I am here. You have my thanks. If your aim was to treat me as, well, royalty, you have succeeded, ser."
We've made a good impression. Hopefully things continue to go well.