Five ships bearing banners of purple grapes drifted into the port of Eagle's Point.
As Samwell watched Nathalie Dayne skipping off the ship, he wondered why she'd arrived on boats from the Arbor. Before he could ask, Nathalie waved enthusiastically from afar, calling out, "Sam! Come quickly! The two gentlemen from the Arbor said we can hitch a ride with them to King's Landing!"
Looking to the bow, Samwell spotted the Redwyne twins, Horas and Hobber, and waved his thanks to them.
What he didn't know was that up on the bow, Hobber was muttering bitterly to his brother, "Damn it! Nathalie insisted on bringing that Samwell along. Should I try to arrange for him to take one of the ships in the back?"
Watching Nathalie smiling at Samwell with her arm hooked through his, Horas nodded thoughtfully. "Yes. Otherwise, you'll have no chance at all."
The Redwyne brothers hadn't traveled to Starfall solely out of courtesy—they were following an order from their father, Paxter Redwyne, who was hoping Hobber and Nathalie would "get better acquainted." And should love blossom, it would be most beneficial.
Faced with the beautiful young countess—who happened to come with a sizable dowry—Hobber had eagerly agreed to his father's plan, vowing that he'd soon win Nathalie's heart.
If Horas, as the eldest and future lord of the Arbor, weren't set to inherit his father's holdings, he would've fought his brother for the chance. Now, watching the pair chatting and laughing below, he could only feel a touch of schadenfreude.
Little brother, you've got yourself a tough rival.
Hobber realized the gravity of the situation, and as he descended the gangplank to greet Nathalie and Samwell, his mind raced with strategies. When Samwell moved to board, Hobber stopped him and said with a feigned smile, "Apologies, Samwell—the Purple Grape is already full. Would you mind taking the Devotion?"
"No problem," Samwell agreed without hesitation.
Hobber's spirits soared, and he quickly offered his hand to Nathalie. "Lady Nathalie, if you would please…"
But Nathalie shook her head. "If Sam isn't on board, then I'll take the other ship too."
Hobber's smile froze instantly.
...
Ultimately, both Samwell and Nathalie boarded the flagship Purple Grape, with the Redwyne brothers suddenly discovering extra room available. After this little skirmish, Samwell easily guessed what the brothers were after. It was clear now why they'd come all the way here—an attempt to win Nathalie's favor.
There was no way he'd let Hobber court Nathalie; after all, he'd worked so hard to bring Starfall under his influence, and he wasn't about to let the Redwynes take it. Besides, Nathalie wasn't even of age yet.
Savages!
So, once on board, Samwell stuck close to Nathalie, giving Hobber not a moment to be alone with her. Thankfully, Nathalie seemed happy in his company, chatting and laughing as they strolled about the ship together like a couple on a trip, with Hobber tagging along as a very unappreciated third wheel.
"I can't take it anymore! Damn Samwell! I'll kill him!" Hobber stormed furiously in the cramped cabin, pacing back and forth.
Horas, watching with a smirk, said, "Weren't you boasting earlier about how popular you are with the ladies? What's wrong—can't compete with Samwell?"
"He's cheating!" Hobber spat. "That little wildling girl is his find—no doubt he's already bedded her! How can I compete with that? It's totally unfair!"
Horas shrugged. "If that's the case, then just give up. At worst, you'll take a scolding from Father when we get back."
"No! I won't give up!"
"Not giving up?" Horas raised an eyebrow. "Hobber, don't do anything reckless."
Seeing his brother keep silent, Horas grew uneasy, standing up to warn him, "Listen, Hobber. Think carefully—Samwell is the Lord of Eagle Point now. If something were to happen to him on our ship, Highgarden won't forgive us! Tarly and Florent wouldn't let it rest either! Not even Father could save you!"
"I hear there have been pirate sightings near the Stepstones…" Hobber said quietly. "It would be a perfect cover story."
"Cover story, my ass! Do you think people are idiots?" Horas snapped. "Go mad if you want, but don't drag me into it! I have every intention of inheriting the Arbor."
"Understood, brother." Hobber nodded, seeming to calm down. "I won't do anything foolish."
"Good." Horas threw an arm around his shoulder in relief. "It's just a woman. When we reach King's Landing, you'll have your pick of highborn ladies. Don't waste your energy on some wild girl from the Red Mountains."
...
"The Stepstones?" The captain of the Purple Grape sounded skeptical. "Sir Hobber, that would mean steering off the main course. I've heard there are pirates in those waters..."
"Which is exactly why we're going," Hobber replied calmly. "Eliminating pirates is the duty of the Arbor fleet."
"Sir, we're only five ships this trip…"
"That's plenty." Hobber waved off his concerns. "The Purple Grape has three hundred oars, and the other four ships are one hundred-oar warships. What pirates could possibly pose a threat?"
The captain figured he was overreacting; after all, the Ironborn had been crushed seven years ago and were no longer the scourge they once were. Even if the Stepstones held some small pirate crews, they'd hardly pose any threat.
"Very well, sir. I'll set course, but do be prepared—the Stepstones are known for rough waters."
...
"Damn it! How did the waves get this high?"
Inside his cabin, Horas struggled to light his storm lantern, the flickering glow illuminating his now-ashen face as he swayed and stumbled upright. He staggered to the door and opened it to face the pitch-black night outside.
He shouted his servant's name, but his voice was lost in the rolling thunder.
Rain began to pour down in sheets, battering the deck, the water droplets exploding against the wood. The wind only picked up strength, and even with every sail lowered, it couldn't stop the ship from rocking and lurching under the tempest. Against the forces of nature, the vessel felt small and weak.
"The Stepstones? Why are we near the Stepstones?" Horas finally tracked down the captain, who explained that they'd altered course. Realizing that his brother was behind it, Horas cursed. "Damn it, Hobber!"
Before he could order the captain to return to the main route, a flash of lightning suddenly lit up the night, illuminating the entire sea as if it were day.
Boom!
A deafening clap of thunder exploded in Horas's ears, followed by a crashing sound as something massive plunged into the sea.
Before Horas could fully process it, someone nearby screamed in terror: "The mast broke! The mast has broken!"
(End of Chapter)