Upon entering the banquet hall, Samwell immediately noticed Lady Margaery Tyrell. Tonight, the "Rose of Highgarden" wore a pink satin halter gown, the backless and cinched design elegantly accentuating her graceful figure. Her deep brown eyes sparkled like rare jewels, and her soft red lips curved into a charming smile. Margaery's noble bearing and stunning beauty ensured that, wherever she went, she was the undeniable center of attention.
Samwell, of course, didn't rush over to her. Here at the Hightower, he knew he needed to first pay his respects to the host.
Lord Leyton was easy to find.
The gentlemen gathered to the right side of the hall were subtly centered around four figures: Ser Baelor Hightower, who had welcomed Samwell earlier; the flamboyantly dressed "Knight of Flowers" Ser Loras Tyrell; a tall, handsome young man bearing the crowned stag of House Baratheon—this must be Renly Baratheon, the Lord of Storm's End and younger brother of the king. Finally, the white-haired elder engaged in friendly conversation with Lord Renly had to be the lord of the Hightower, Leyton Hightower.
Noticing Samwell's approach, Ser Baelor leaned over to whisper something to his father, and soon Lord Leyton's gaze shifted to Samwell.
Before Samwell could speak, Lord Leyton smiled warmly and said, "Ser Caesar, I received your gift. I liked it very much!"
"The honor is mine, my lord," Samwell said, bowing deeply.
Lord Renly then looked at Samwell with a hint of curiosity. "Forgive my intrusion, but is Caesar an old house of the Reach? I don't recall hearing the name before."
Ser Loras chimed in, "Lord Renly, Ser Caesar here is a pioneering knight of House Tyrell. He is the eldest son of Lord Randyll Tarly, named Samwell. Recently, he's established a new fiefdom in the Red Mountains and adopted 'Caesar' as his new house name."
Lord Renly looked surprised, wondering why the heir of House Tarly would choose the harsh lands of the Red Mountains over his own inheritance at Horn Hill. Yet, showing good manners, he merely smiled and said, "Ah, so a knight from the Hunters' line. No wonder you succeeded in carving out a territory in those wild mountains. A promising young hero!"
"You flatter me, my lord," Samwell replied with a gracious smile. "The castle isn't built yet, so I wouldn't say I've truly settled the land."
"I'm sure you'll have your castle completed soon enough," Renly encouraged. Then, seeing that Samwell clearly had business with Lord Leyton, he added, "I'll fetch some food. Please, carry on."
"I'll join you," said Loras, trailing after him eagerly.
Now alone with Lord Leyton and his son, Samwell got straight to the point. "Lord Hightower, I came to Oldtown with three requests I hope you might assist me with."
"Do tell," Leyton said, still smiling in his relaxed manner.
"First, my territory has a newly discovered silver mine. I've sent word to King's Landing to request official authorization. However, I still need a maester skilled in mining, smelting, and coinage. Might you be able to recommend someone?"
Leyton folded his hands and replied, "It's tradition for the Citadel to assign each noble with a maester as an advisor. But, until your castle is fully built and you're recognized as an official lord by the Warden of the South, I'm afraid the Citadel won't appoint one to you."
"That's precisely why I sought your help, hoping perhaps you could influence the Citadel to make an exception and assign someone early. If that's not feasible, then perhaps just a maester willing to teach me the methods of silver mining and refining."
"The Citadel's rules are quite rigid, I'm afraid," Leyton said slowly, "and even I cannot change them."
Samwell barely stopped himself from rolling his eyes—considering the Hightowers founded and funded the Citadel, it was hard to believe they lacked influence.
But before he could speak further, Lord Leyton added, "However, I could ask my daughter, Malora, to teach you the processes for mining and refining silver."
Malora Hightower? The "Mad Maid"?
Samwell swallowed his earlier grumbling, offering a sincere "Thank you, my lord! Is Lady Malora here tonight? I'd like to extend my gratitude personally."
"She's not," Baelor said with a rueful smile. "My sister has no interest in noble gatherings. I'll take you to see her in the morning."
True to her reputation, thought Samwell. "Thank you, I'd appreciate that."
Moving on, Samwell continued, "My second matter concerns supplies. As you know, the Red Mountains are barren, unsuitable for farming. I'll need a steady source of grain and other provisions, and I wondered if House Hightower might be willing to serve as my supplier."
Although Samwell had arranged a supply line with House Cuy, he wasn't comfortable depending entirely on a single house for his fief's resources. Diversifying his suppliers was only prudent.
"That won't be a problem," Leyton replied immediately. Profitable trade arrangements were very much House Hightower's style. "You can settle the details with Baelor."
Baelor inclined his head with a polite smile. "Indeed, Ser Caesar. I handle our house's trade affairs."
"Very well." Samwell nodded at Baelor, then added, "The third matter involves a new wine I've crafted in my lands. I'm hoping to collaborate with you to distribute it."
"A new wine?" Leyton's nose twitched, curiosity piqued. "May I try it?"
Samwell chuckled internally—so he's a wine lover, is he?
Taking an oak cask from Todd Flowers, Samwell explained, "This wine was made with wild grapes from the Red Mountains. I think you'll enjoy it."
He poured a cup from the cask, but before he could warn Leyton about the strength of the brandy, the lord tipped the entire glass back in one gulp.
"Splendid!" Leyton breathed out, his forehead now dotted with beads of sweat and his nose a deeper shade of red.
Baelor, intrigued, said, "Could I have a taste as well?"
"Of course."
At that moment, Renly and Loras returned, and seeing the new drink being sampled, they also requested a cup. Westerosi nobles, by and large, had a penchant for drink—whether for health or sociability.
In all, the debut of brandy was a hit beyond Samwell's hopes.
"The sweetness of the grapes and the oak's aroma merge beautifully," Leyton praised, swaying slightly. "Ser Caesar, you're truly gifted in the art of winemaking! Does this have a name?"
"Brandy," Samwell said. "Though, unfortunately, it hasn't been aged long enough for the full flavor to develop. Lord Hightower, would House Hightower be interested in helping distribute this brandy?"
"Absolutely!"
(End of Chapter)