Chereads / A Song Of Ice And Fire: Shadows of skagos / Chapter 5 - Stalling for Time,

Chapter 5 - Stalling for Time,

A tavern in the harbor filled with sailors wasn't hard to find. Just follow vulgar songs, and you find yourself surrounded by sailors. Entering one of the taverns, I looked around and found someone who looked like a captain, with fine leather clothes and a fancy hat.

"I need a ship," I spoke to the man after sitting in front of him.

"And?" The man didn't even look at me and asked.

"And I need to get somewhere," I told him and threw a pouch full of gold.

"And where would you like to go, my lord?" The man's tone instantly changed as he checked the contents of it. "I, captain Hadvir, can bring you all over the world."

"I will keep that in mind this is half the payment the other will be given after the job is done" I told him. "I might bring some more men with me, and I want to go to skagos. There is plenty of gold to you if you agree."

"This captain would be pleased. When do you need the ship to be prepared?" He asked me

"We will be leaving today," Narcius declared, his tone firm. "I need to gather some supplies before we set sail. Meet me at the docks." He tossed another pouch of coins. "Prepare two ships; expect a lot of servants."

After parting, Narcius made his way to the gathering spot where his group awaited him. Relief and happiness washed over them as he conveyed the news of their departure. 

With his mission clear, he ventured into one of the most dangerous and jobless areas of King's Landing. The sight was grim: starving children, worn women, and hardened men, all eyeing him with greed. 

As he stepped into the alley, he took a deep breath and shouted, "My name is Narcius Olympain! I'm looking for people willing to leave a life of poverty and follow me to Skagos. There, you will find fair work for fair pay. I will take care of all of you, and you won't starve under me!"

The people were bewildered, but faced with the urgency of escaping Flea Bottom without losing their lives, many women quickly gathered their children and rushed toward him. Some men, as if resurrected from their slumber on the streets, joined the throng, running with their children.

In total, 250 answered his call: 120 of them were hardened men, whom he sent away, prioritizing strength and capability. He dismissed all the elderly and incapable, knowing he needed every ounce of muscle available. Among those who remained were 90 women of various ages and 40 children, each with their own stories and hopes.

As they were leaving, The Gold Clocks stopped him. "Narcuiss Olymapin, you are required by Queen Cersei Lannister for a private matter."

Narcuiss turned to his followers and instructed them to head to the docks and find Captain Hadvir. They were to leave as soon as he returned. With that, he followed Gold Clocks to meet the Queen of the Seven Kingdoms.

Cersei Lannister POV:

The first time I saw Narcuiss Olymapin, I had to admit he stood like a living statue—tall and strikingly beautiful. His sculpted frame embodied perfection, every sinew and contour honed as if crafted by the hands of the gods. His skin gleamed with an ethereal glow, smooth and unblemished, while his hair flowed like spun gold, cascading around his shoulders in soft waves.

His features were sharp and defined: high cheekbones, a strong jawline, and lips that seemed forever poised in a knowing smile. I couldn't help but admire the way his intense gaze held a captivating depth, drawing me in yet leaving me feeling strangely distant. There was an allure to him, a magnetic quality that made the world around him fade into insignificance.

As I observed him, I felt a mix of envy and fascination; Narcissus embodied everything I desired—beauty, power, and the adoration of all who gazed upon him.

"Narcuiss, is that right?"

"Yes, Your Grace. I have to say I've heard a lot about you."

"All good things, I hope," I joked, noticing that he didn't seem at all entranced by me. Well, I could understand; handsome men always had women throwing themselves at them.

"Tell me, Narcuiss, is it worth it?"

"I beg your pardon, Your Grace?"

"Is it truly worth it, Narcissus, to play lord over a desolate island filled with barbarians and savages? What do they offer you? Stay with me and be my sword, and you will have much more than you've ever had," I said, leaning closer.

Narcuiss POV:

I had heard of many crazy queens, but none compared to this one, seducing me while her husband was in the throne room. It would be exciting, but according to my memories, a war was about to ravage Westeros, all because of her. I wouldn't be able to benefit becuase i have no power for now. But what if she were imprisoned? With that thought, I slowly placed my left hand on her neck, softly caressing it.

Cersei Lannister POV:

All men are the same, aren't they? This man, having abandoned lordship for my beauty, now caressed my neck, only to suddenly tug at my hair with surprising force. He seemed to relish in rough play.

The sharp crack of the slap echoed through the quiet room as I fell to the floor, face first, a shout escaping my lips that resonated into the throne room.

"Get your filthy hands off me, you filthy hag!"