Good!" Baldric praised as Prince Jace slammed his wooden sword into Baldric's. "Now you have some power to the strike. When you go for a decisive blow, it is not just the arm and hand that move."
The clacks of wood on wood echoed repeatedly as Baldric continued to show pointers to the young prince. Harwin and Joffrey were watching in the distance. Occasionally Harwin would shout out some encouragement to Jace.
"You are striking well, Jace, but your footwork is going sloppy. Let Lord Baldric rest a moment while we return to the basics."
"Yes, ser." Jace said glumly, but without more complaint than tone.
Baldric went over to Harwin's side. The big man nodded to him and paid him a compliment.
"You are good at instruction. If Elaena selects you, her sons will be skilled knights."
"Thank you, Lord Harwin. Will you put in a good word for me?"
"If I thought it would do good, mayhaps I would, but you would be better served by my silence."
Baldric was surprised; he had not heard there was animosity between the two, nor had he sensed any. At Baldric's questioning look, Harwin elaborated.
"I do not wish to talk of it overlong, but the princess feels I am too close to her sister."
"Ah." Baldric said with understanding. He did not approve at all of what Harwin and Rhaenyra so obviously had done. It was not his business either. His concern was for the people under his protection, not the dalliances of the royal family. It was obvious to all that Rhaenyra and Elaena were close, so it could not have been so grievous a concern to Elaena.
"In lieu of that, tell me about Elaena. I've heard disparate views on her."
"Hmm, well Rhaenyra speaks of Elaena often. She adores flying dragons and was incredibly young when she first took flight. She is deathly afraid of the birthing bed, but refuses to allow her family to go through it without her by their sides. In my estimation, that makes her braver than most. Elaena is reserved in speech and manner. I have only seen her truly laugh once. Her courtly bearing and courtesies are always flawless. In truth, I admire her, but I also do not feel that I truly know her. She is like a lake with hidden depths that rarely stir. Is there more in those depths? I think so, but it is a mystery as to what may lay there."
Harwin paused to give another shout of encouragement to the prince.
"She treats Lyra well, and her nephews love her. She is a prize match for any noble man of the kingdom. Princess Elaena is well liked by most save for… ah well, that isn't something I should share. Forget I said the last part."
Baldric was curious as to who did not like Elaena, but he would not push Lord Harwin. He had one other thing to ask, though it bordered beyond a simple breach of propriety. It didn't even matter given what he had already offered to Elaena, but if possible, he wanted to know what he could truly expect. A wise man anticipates problems and plans ahead, even if he can only hope to mitigate the worst of them.
"Is Elaena similar to, ah, how can I say this. Does she have similar tastes to her sister?"
Harwin looked at Baldric and guffawed. "Gods you are a bold one, are all the Marcher Lords like you? To answer your question, she is young yet so who can say? But I do not think so. Rhaenyra and her are most certainly not alike in their… tastes." Harwin laughed again before turning his attention to Joffrey and Jace's practice.
Baldric knew that it had been foolish to even venture into that ground, but it had not dealt his cause any harm. Despite the impropriety and dangerous activities that the Lord of Harrenhal participated in, he found himself liking the man. Harwin had a directness that avoided rudeness.
"If you'll excuse me." Baldric said and left the training yard.
Baldric returned to the quarters that had been granted to him and perused the copied scroll that had been given to him. It spoke of Old Valyria and some of the ancient rites and practices. Baldric found it intriguing that they did not follow the Seven. Even the Dornish followed the Seven! The names of some of the Gods matched the names of dragons. He wondered if the Valyrian Freehold actually venerated the dragons as Gods?
He found the scroll interesting, but was unsure if it contained anything that would help his pursuit. Still, he would make sure to ask Elaena her thoughts on what her ancestors believed in when it came to the divine. With how bookish Elaena was purported to be, it could only win him additional favor!
***
Otto was meeting regularly with Larys for matters of state but of course also for unofficial purposes.
"Lady Laena will most like give birth on Driftmark. This represents a wonderful opportunity as Driftmark is not nearly as well guarded against my ears. Driftmark has Spicetown and a significant amount of trade, whereas Dragonstone is a fortress without much of a town. My brother staffs that castle with the most loyal of guards, and any ship that docks is thoroughly inspected. I have slipped a few servants into Dragonstone Castle, but none that would be in position to strike at Laenor while he's there.
"And you are sure Laenor will be there for his sister's birth?"
"Reasonably sure, and great progress has been made on Driftmark, particularly in Spicetown and in Corlys's seat of High Tide. I have over a dozen who are loyal to me over the Velaryons, including some in the guard. I've also recruited Dornish sellswords, and have secured a potent venom that will ensure death. Though it is a cruel substance should Laenor survive the initial clash with our assassins."
Otto frowned. "What do you mean?"
"It is not simply the extract of a venomous animal or poisonous plant. I have dabbled in these substances but am far from a master. I chose this for a few reasons. One, the complexity will ensure the Maesters know that it is not a simple poison, this is another piece of evidence that will focus the King's ire upon the Dornish. Two, the poison does not kill instantly. If he survives the initial attack but is wounded by one of the blades or bolts dipped in it, he will scream and thrash for days. The blood will blacken and induce excruciating suffering."
"For what purpose?"
"To enrage Rhaenyra and the Velaryons. When Laenor passes, it will drive them to wroth and war with Dorne is assured. A war where their dragons and their men will fight. Dorne slew Meraxes, it is possible they succeed again. Or perhaps they kill a dragonrider and not the dragon itself with a lucky arrow, or a blade in the dark. But this is only if Laenor survives with wounds instead of dying outright, the latter is more probable."
"Fine, see to the details, but this must not fail. Laenor's reputation prevents me from gathering needed support. Is there anything else?"
"Yes, one of Princess Elaena's suitors approached me asking for information about the political situation here in King's Landing. I provided a brief overview of the obvious tension between Alicent and Rhaenyra, but was shy on the details and promised another meeting. I had not thought to ask you before, but do you wish for me to arrange events to push a particular suitor as a more likely selection for Elaena?"
Otto exhaled slowly. The entirety of King's Landing was gossiping and discussing Elaena's selection. His hope of having Aegon and Helaena's marriage take centerstage was nonexistent at this point. She was a persistent thorn in his side and he would relish when Viserys finally died and he could see her dealt with. The question of who she should marry was not a simple one.
"It would be best if she chose Manderly. Getting her far away from King's Landing would be ideal. Selmy would be my second choice, though Hamish has merit as it provides little influence, and the Vale will almost certainly side with the Blacks."
"Beesbury and Lefford would put her firmly in your territory, and she is close to your daughter, do you truly think she cannot be swayed?" Larys asked.
"No. She is firmly in Rhaenyra's camp and has advocated for her. Due to the favor she has with the King, it has been all that I have been able to do to keep things balanced when it comes to policy. As it is, despite all my efforts, I have been able to only hold things to a rough parity between the Greens and Blacks when it comes to the crown's projects."
And Rhaenys was swapped to replace Elaena as soon as she went on the tour. It should be obvious, but even my most capable catspaw is fooled by that girl's charms.
"Matters of the heart are not so simple, my lord. I merely suggest that she may have a different perspective after marriage if her husband were on our side."
Otto shook his head firmly. "No, Larys. It would be the opposite, anyone loyal to us would no longer be secure if they married Elaena."
"As you say. Shall I then sabotage Ser Forrest's chances? Perhaps tell him some falsehoods or steer him to saying something she would dislike?"
"With a light hand Larys. This is one of those rare situations where Viserys will not be able to be reasoned with whatsoever. Should your actions come to light, you would lose your position with haste. And in truth, who she marries does not matter overmuch. She is marked for death, and any of the estates she may be residing at will have less security than Dragonstone."
"Very well, a light hand it will be." Otto saw Larys consider for a moment. "My ears tell me that that Elaena often sits in prayerful vigil during the Queen's births. She also never misses the Holy Days and her knowledge of the Seven-Pointed Star is better than most. I will tell Ser Forrest that Elaena is upset with the Gods over having taken her mother before the girl ever got a chance to know her, and that he should subtly indicate his doubts on what the septons deliver in their sermons."
Otto furrowed his brow. "I had not thought her particularly devout – not when she seems to take no issue with her sister's bastards. Yet I do recall Alicent speaking fondly of how well Elaena memorized her prayers. Very good, if she stills chooses the Frey, it matters little."
Larys took his leave, limping out the door. Otto watched him go and wondered again if he was right to entrust such sensitive tasks to someone who could so easily betray his own family.
***
"Hamish of House Arryn." Ser Harrold Westerling announced.
Viserys smiled as he signaled for him to be brought in. Hamish was a slight young man, still a boy by age and size. His sandy-blond hair was cut shorter than most men of the Vale, and his face was devoid of facial hair. Hamish also was not the heir to any great holding, and only temporary heir for his uncle who had mercantile interests. Simply put, Viserys hoped to learn why Elaena placed him on the so-called 'short list' to be her husband.
"Your Grace, it is an honor to meet with you."
"What kind of father would I be if I did not take an interest in my children's futures? I will likely get around to meeting all her suitors in more private settings, but I also want to get your thoughts on the wedding gift I have planned for her."
Viserys rose and removed the curtain around a table, revealing the custom Cyvasse board that was created. He had the stone cutters and artisans work the same day after his daughter had brought up the idea of pieces with Targaryen colors.
Hamish looked and smiled. "The color scheme is brilliant. I see they have been reversed for the opposing players. Are those tiny rubies for eyes on the dragon? May I touch the pieces?"
"Go on, just be careful, but I asked you here for your opinion. I'm not that familiar with the game and there are some modifications that I hope do not impact the players' ability to recognize the piece."
Hamish took his task seriously and closely examined each figure. "No, it is quite clear what each piece is. I am also certain Princess Elaena will love it. Her brothers will be envious!"
"Oh? They play Cyvasse too?"
Hamish blinked, and then answered. "Yes, I had the privilege to play against both of them, Aemond is anxiously awaiting a rematch, which I intend to give him before going to Dragonstone."
Perhaps Elaena appreciates his ability to get on with others well. Like me she enjoys tranquility.
"I wish you luck." Viserys said, and then moved to the crux of his concern with Hamish. "Hamish, I understand you are not set to inherit any great lands, or even a fortress of your own. How do you intend to provide for my daughter? She is a princess of House Targaryen. She is no spendthrift, but she should be decked in fine clothes, adornments, and luxuries. Elaena also has a dragon who can be costly when it comes to feeding."
Hamish nodded. "It is good of you to ask, Your Grace. I am currently set as heir for a mercantile fleet of some substance. While my uncle hopes to have a child soon, nothing is assured. Isembard has promised me a substantial portion as a wedding gift if I were to be married to your daughter."
He spoke clearly and directly, not fearing to look the King in the eye. Viserys counted it as a mark of favor for him, and he seemed more like Lyman than Alan.
"My uncle would be well pleased to have a marriage connection with the Gulltown Arryns to the royal line. We have looked upon the main branch of our family with some envy for the honor they received in marrying into the House of the Dragon. I can assure you that she will be well provided for. In truth, I am surprised it is even a consideration for you given Elaena's incredible success with the Dragon Bank. If I had two coppers to my name, she would find some way to turn them into dragons before the turning of the moon."
Viserys let out a hearty chuckle. Already he was feeling better about Hamish's candidacy in just their brief private conversation.
"Still, I cannot help but note your rivals are knights and could defend my daughter's honor if the need would come. You have not squired; do you not hope to become a knight?"
Not every male noble became a knight, even south of the Neck, but the vast majority did.
Hamish gave a slight shrug. "If Elaena wishes me to, I will do so. I do not currently have plans to but if she wishes to marry a knight, I will become one. Elaena is not like other noble ladies; she already has the greatest defender one can imagine. Mighty Viktoriya."
"One would think that." Viserys said with some bitterness, thinking about the toad in Casterly Rock.
Hamish stayed quiet, waiting for the next question. Viserys looked him over once more.
"You aren't quite what I envision when it comes to the type of man my daughter is to marry, but I believe she would be happy with you. You are respectful, but confident, knowledgeable, and have a good eye. Good favor to you and your suit."
It was a clear dismissal. Hamish bowed his head. "Thank you, Your Grace, your well wishes mean much to me. House Arryn has always wished to be closer to your house, and we are thrilled that I was even considered."
***
Alan considered the Dragon Bank to be, in actually, three distinct places. The first was the royal treasury, where the actual gold and silver was kept. The second was the nearly as heavily guarded room which contained records of all transactions. It was adjacent to the Master of Coin's office, but it held over a dozen bookshelves and there were work areas where up to a score of people could work. The third was the public-facing Dragon Bank building which was a place where those with money could deposit, and those with ideas could seek lending for them.
Elaena was with him when they visited all three sites. At the second location they had a chance to review the 'books' on those noble houses who were using the bank's services.
"How are the rates set? Some are different."
"Not all risk is the same, and some are favors by the crown. The Velaryons, who borrowed great sums of money dealing with the Triarchy and Dorne, were lent the money essentially for free." Elaena replied. "It will be years before they pay it off, but things are looking quite well for them."
Elaena enjoyed speaking about the Dragon Bank, and Alan found the way it was run fascinating. His grandfather was the official person in charge of the bank, but after its first year, it was primarily an oversight role. Elaena had been running the bank for years.
"I know the loans to the nobility are stable and secure, given the dangers of not paying the crown! But what about these other loans? To the smallfolk, merchants and to junior members of a house?"
"Good question, for junior members of nobility in part it is due to favors. In some cases it is an investment in the person themself. One of the suitors who I was not compatible with had a desire to repeat Lord Corlys Velaryon's voyage to Essos. I structured the loan as an investment vehicle, by that I mean he is not paying back the loan based on the principal and interest, but on a percentage of the raw proceeds he brings back from Essos. Should he and his ships be lost at sea, our stake is lost, but if he is successful, we could triple or even quadruple the money lent out."
Alan frowned. He was a bit too risk averse to like putting the crown's money in jeopardy like that.
"Essos can be dangerous."
"Indeed, which is why some of the Knights of Victory joined him on the journey."
Alan cocked his head. "Are the lowborn you grant knighthood working for the bank?"
"Many do. Earning a knighthood is not a guarantee that they will rise very far. Hedge knights also exist, though the spectacle of having it awarded during a tournament does raise their status. Highly skilled and grateful for their elevation, I find them ideal employees. Some help guard places like this and the public-facing structure, others help ensure the success of ventures."
"I see. It makes sense in the case of Ser Daemion, but also lending money to smallfolk?"
"Yes, but it isn't always a considerable sum, and I have an ear for ideas. I've even helped refine some of them in cooperation." She gestured toward a book. "Here I forwarded funds to a smithy who had an idea of using the water wheel in an innovative way to mass produce things like nails, chain, horseshoes, and the like. Currently smiths can churn those types of goods out quickly, but if our estimations are correct this will be nearly five times as fast and allow for far quicker mass production."
"The smith came up with this?"
"Hmm well, most of it, I had helped refine the idea with some sketches on how I think it would work best. I am confident that it will work and so my terms were generous. If it works, he and the smiths he shares it with will be able to produce far larger quantities of simple items, making them wealthy and the crown a tidy profit."
Elaena flipped the page to another item. "Here a landed knight brought one of his best field hands with an idea of making seed distribution faster using animals. I worked with the field hand on a device that would save vast amounts of labor during the planting seasons. One that could distribute the seeds in holes made by a pulled device that would then cover the holes back up. After it's been proven to work, I'll work with other farmers and charge a portion of their newfound profit back to the crown."
Alan wasn't sure if such a device would work as promised, but if it did that would be incredible! His mind turned to some of the more pessimistic aspects. If such efficiency would be gained, it would put many laborers and field hands out of work. When he voiced that concern, Elaena gave a smile and explained her reasoning.
"Excellent concern, yes, I do believe it will disrupt the labor market. However, reducing scarcity is never a bad thing. We can also look to export some of the excess food and it will allow for a larger sustained population for Westeros. Westeros is full of empty spaces, and filling those up with new cities, towns, and villages will absorb some of that labor. The additional revenue the crown receives will then be used to hire on those laborers who may not find as many farming jobs, to then help build more roads to more effectively distribute goods and thus improve the whole cycle even more for everyone."
Her planning… it is extraordinary.
"Are these projects reviewed by my grandfather as well?"
Elaena shook her head. "Your grandfather is a bright man, but he is better with sums than in assessing designs. He trusts me, and given the benefits the bank has already provided, he and my father are well pleased."
"I imagine so. Do you intend to stay running the bank after you are wed?"
"Yes, though it depends on some factors. I am training a few people in various aspects. Risk management, underwriting, tax audit, business planning, and physical security. It will make things easier if I stay in King's Landing for a time, but hopefully those I train up can handle most of the day-to-day eventually. Westeros is not so large when flying on Viktoriya."
Elaena flashed a small smile with those words, fondness and satisfaction showing clearly in her eyes before she continued, "Well? Do you have any questions or I have satiated your curiosity of the running of the bank?"
"You've done that and more, Elaena. I am more than ever hopeful that you will choose me as your husband and partner. Being close to the Citadel can only help refine and improve your ideas with the wisest minds of Westeros, so there are advantages."
"Hmm, I have thought of that, but I still have my family's thoughts to consider. You'll soon be meeting my sister and her family on Dragonstone."
"Should I be worried?" Alan asked, raising the tenor of his voice to indicate levity.
"It would be wise to make a good impression, but worried? Just make sure if Laenor is wearing blue, you don't meet his eyes."
Alan froze, his eyes growing wide. "B-blue?"
Elaena let out a sonorous little laugh, muffled by the fingertips she pressed to her lips, but still plenty enough to give away the game. "Forgive me for the jest, Laenor has a well-deserved reputation for terrifying the enemies of the realm, but he is quite cordial and friendly otherwise. So many view him as some sort of monster made flesh, and it really is unfair."
Alan gave her a side-eye. Elaena had wits keener than Valyrian steel, but she was still a woman who did not know battle. Laenor may very well be cordial and friendly with family. He on the other hand, would be cautious!
***
Forrest had never really given the Gods much thought. He felt reverence for the Warrior and often prayed to him for strength, but the others were a bit of an afterthought. He certainly never really thought about praying to them before making a decision; he just acted. The conversation with the Queen and then with Larys Strong made him realize that the royal family seemed to give their faith more thought.
I now wish my mind had not wandered so oft when listening to our Septon speak.
Forrest was not a man who enjoyed sitting still and just listening to others. A lively conversation that had him participating was an enjoyable affair; such was not the case when someone was extolling the virtues of the Mother or Smith. It didn't help that what he could recall seemed contradictory. How did the Father rule as the head of the pantheon if all aspects were equally valid? What did the Septons mean when they spoke of the Seven Who Are One? Did they mean one family?
Fortunately, it seemed that Elaena was not as enchanted as the Queen was with the Faith of the Seven. He was pleased that his fellow Riverlands noble had provided him with useful information. He had chided himself for feeling some doubt about Larys Strong, for his gut had told him not to trust him, and in that, his first instinct has proven false.
Just because a man is deformed in body does not mean he is deformed in mind.
Forrest arrived at the room and frowned at the lack of a guard at the door. He knocked, and Elaena bade him enter.
"Princess Elaena, thank you for agreeing to teach me Cyvasse. Before we begin, I must ask, why is there no guard at your door? A Kingsguard or from household guard?"
Elaena shrugged her shoulders. "There's a guard at the base of the stairs. I come and go so frequently that I find having minders a bit stifling. There are some valuables in this room, but it would take a bold thief to get this far."
"I see." Forrest knew the Kingsguard would be spread thin. Two were on Dragonstone, leaving only five in King's Landing. The King and Queen were always protected, and men, even Kingsguard required sleep. It was still disquieting to know that a princess of the blood was so unprotected.
Elaena was an effective teacher. When she explained concepts and pieces to him, she preempted some of his questions. Forrest quickly picked up on the implications of how the pieces moved and how they mimicked what would happen during a real battle.
"Now that you know how the game works, we put up a partition and secretly place our pieces. There is a great deal of strategy at this stage before even a single move is played in the game itself." Elaena explained.
Forrest nodded and created a column of forces. Instead of sending weak units up front he would lead with the dragon. When he learned how the siege equipment worked, he became inspired to set a trap. He was a novice and was not expecting to win, but he planned to try and put on a good showing. By playing the part of the amateur, he hoped he could bait a trap for his most powerful piece, and then not fall for it.
As they finished setting up. Forrest turned the subject to the services from earlier in the day.
"I wasn't sure what I saw for certain, but to my eyes during the services we all attended, you seemed to disagree with some of what the Septon said."
Elaena raised her eyes to meet his. "Oh? What part? On occasion I can grow distracted as I am used to monitoring my siblings to ensure their behavior. The serving staff tries hard, but now and then the little ones insist on comfort from me."
Forrest scratched at his cheek. "In truth, I don't recall. If I may be honest with you, Elaena, I've always felt that services go on for too long. Men make their way in the world as they will it. The Gods may approve or disapprove, but it is we who must live and act."
Elaena had grown very still. "Some would consider that sacrilegious."
"But not you, princess. I think you know that the Gods do not control our fates. At least, not fully. Perhaps they could if they chose to, but I think it is clear with all the suffering that accompanies our lives, they do not control our destiny or they are not nearly as good as our Septons say. The loss of precious loved ones taken too soon shows the proof of my words."
Elaena studied him and then let a smile slowly bloom on her face.
"I had not thought to find such an opinion amongst my suitors. I do not speak openly about such things as the Faith of the Seven is highly regarded in most of the Seven Kingdoms. It can be dangerous to risk being viewed as doubting the dominant belief system."
"So is riding a dragon."
Elaena's grin was the largest Forrest had seen.
"Boldness has its place, ser, but some caution is warranted to ensure cordial relationships."
"Of course, and I am not the man to debate theologies and beliefs. I see the world the way I see it, and it would be foolish of me not to share these thoughts with one I would be wedded to."
Elaena nodded. "Your candor is appreciated, Forrest. Let us turn to the game before us; I am curious to see how well I have taught you."
Forrest had noticed the more relaxed demeanor of the princess immediately. Their brief discussion on the Gods had eased a tension that Forrest had not realized was even there. He would have to thank Larys for his brilliant insight. He had brought some coin with him, perhaps some Arbor Gold? Yes, it would be good to properly thank such wonderful advice!