The bay near Hardship formed a natural deep-water harbor and was rich in various resources. As a result, the place almost developed into a savage town, governed by several tribal leaders. The timber merchant that Vika mentioned before obtained the huge timber from here.
In Hardship, the sun shone on the sea, making the waves sparkle like tiny pieces of gold. The originally peaceful and calm savages were busy, each performing tasks in an orderly manner. Suddenly, someone pointed in the distance and shouted in panic: "Look! What is that?"
Everyone turned their heads and saw dozens of huge ships suddenly appearing on the sea, like towering mountains.
The crowd instantly fell into chaos, with shouts and screams blending into a noisy chorus.
"What's going on?"
"Is it the crow's ship?"
"Go and inform the leader!"
People scattered in all directions. Some hurriedly ran home to grab their weapons, while others ran toward the leader's direction.
Gavin stood on the bow of the Belerys, looking at the chaotic wildlings gathering on the shore in the distance. He turned to Daenerys and said: "You will stay on the Belerys in a while. When I am not around, the fleet obeys your orders."
Daenerys frowned, a worried expression on her face. "Gavin, I always feel that there will be danger. You'd better ride the Blazing Shadow over there."
Gavin smiled reassuringly. "Don't worry, it's just a business matter. Besides, riding the Blazing Shadow might provoke an overreaction from the savages."
After that, Gavin took several Blood Dragon Guards and captains in three small boats, rowing slowly towards Hardhome.
The savages on the shore, seeing the three boats approaching, clenched their weapons and gathered at the shore, staring at Gavin warily.
As Gavin stepped ashore, the savages relaxed slightly, seeing that his group numbered only a dozen people, but they still surrounded him tightly, showing no sign of dispersing.
Gavin surveyed the area calmly and saw a group of savages in the distance pushing through the crowd and striding toward him.
As the wildlings made way, Gavin's eyes fixed on a woman walking at the front. He instantly recognized her as the female leader who would later cooperate with Jon Snow in evacuating the wildlings. As for her name, Gavin thought for a moment but couldn't recall it. He thought to himself: She must be the rightful owner.
The woman was tall and slender, with sharp eyes like an eagle. She wore a dress made of thick fur.
She walked straight to Gavin, eyed him coldly, and said: "People from the south, why have you come to our territory?"
Gavin bowed slightly, then said politely: "Hello, madam. My name is Gavin Bellerith. I've brought enough food, sophisticated weapons, and some living supplies, and I would like to exchange goods with the free people."
The woman snorted coldly. "Hmph, I hope you are telling the truth. Merchants have come here before, but many of them had evil intentions. They wanted to rob the free people and make them slaves. The Thenns have eaten those merchants. I suggest you put away any other thoughts here."
Gavin smiled and nodded. "Madam, I only brought a dozen people with me this time. This should show my sincerity. What should I call you?"
The woman's expression remained cold. "Just call me Osha. Come with me, southerner."
She turned around and walked toward the depths of the camp. Seeing this, Gavin led his team to follow closely behind.
Osha led Gavin and his team through the camp. Gavin looked around and saw that the environment was extremely basic. Roughly built shacks were scattered haphazardly, and simple tools were placed carelessly around. Several dirty savage children ran up curiously, watching Gavin and his party.
After a while, they arrived at a large wooden house.
Osha motioned for Gavin to wait outside and entered the house. Gavin stood quietly outside, and faint voices of conversation could be heard coming from within. After a while, Osha came out and invited Gavin inside.
The house was heated by a strong bonfire burning in the center of the hall. Several savage leaders sat around it, all staring at Gavin. One of the leaders spoke first: "Southerners, tell me, how many furs do you want to exchange for, and how much food do you have?"
Gavin responded calmly: "Dear leaders, I am not here for furs. I have come to exchange for giant trees that can be used to build ships."
The leaders exchanged looks and then one of them frowned. "Wood? Someone did come here before to exchange for it, but the wood was brought by the giants. There is no stock here now. If you need it, you can only go to the Giants. But the Giants aren't in Hardhome right now."
Gavin remained calm. After thinking for a moment, he said: "I want you to help me contact those giants. I am willing to pay a reward for this. If they agree to trade with me, I'll offer another generous reward to show my gratitude."
Another leader rubbed his chin thoughtfully. "That sounds good. How much are you offering?"
Gavin continued: "Half a ship of supplies. If you help me strike a deal with them, the remaining half of the ship's supplies will also belong to you."
At this point, Osha, who had been silent, spoke up: "Southerners, we agree. But we need time to contact the giants. Half the shipload of supplies you promised must be delivered to us now."
Gavin nodded slightly. "Yes, I'll stay here while I wait. I hope you can give me a definite answer as soon as possible."
Countless boats were busy shuttling back and forth on the sea, transporting supplies.
Osha opened a bag containing grain at random. The grain inside was bright in color, full, and emitted an enticing aroma.
She picked up a long sword, admiring the sharp blade and its exquisite workmanship.
Osha looked at these supplies. These goods were far superior to what the merchants had previously paid with.
She walked towards Gavin, who was standing on the beach. Gavin felt someone approach and turned around, seeing it was Osha. He smiled and greeted her.
Osha saw that Gavin's eyes had lost the previous alertness and said: "We will send out men to search for the giants soon. It will take about five or six days before we have news. Southerners, don't you plan to exchange some of our furs?"
Gavin replied calmly: "Yes, but my priority is the wood. I only brought 30 shiploads of goods. If there's anything left, I wouldn't mind exchanging it for some furs to take back."
Osha immediately responded: "I'm afraid the wood you can exchange for these things will only be enough for half, even if the giant's inventory is included. They only need food and do not require these weapons or supplies. For them, these weapons are too small, and you'll probably have plenty of supplies left."