26 Chapter 25
After three days of sailing from where they encountered the pirates, the ship finally arrived in Braavos.
As they were passing through entering the largest lagoon in Essos, Auron finally saw the iconic Titan of Braavos, holding his broken sword up with a shield in its left hand. It was so majestic Auron couldn't help but stare in awe of such magnificent structure.
When their ship pass through between the statue's legs, what welcome them was the Arsenal sitting upon a knob of rock. It was a fortress bristling with scorpions, tribuchets, and spitfires always ready to give its taste of hell for those who's crazy enough to attack Braavos. Apart from that, many warships were docked surrounding it. He can also see some ship being made near the docks.
Then the ship turned right following some other ships foreign to the land. Another five minutes, they were able to dock at Ragman Harbor. One of the two harbors of Braavos available to non-local ships.
Auron thank the captain for the journey before disembarking the ship. He was carrying a sack of goldcoins over his shoulder when he left. He wasn't afraid being robbed since his black robe was covering the bag and he was pretty confident in his combat skill to worry.
As a matter of fact, his actions became more carefree to hide the fact that he was carrying something precious. The more nervous he acts, the more he was prone to being targeted by the local thieves and cutthroats.
He walked on the streets looking at the architecture of the city. It was very similar to a city in Italy called Venice. There are canals big enough for a small boat to pass through. He enjoyed the long walk that he didn't noticed he already reached the iron bank. Without a second thoughts, he entered the bank. He was assisted by keyholder and helped him deposit the gold coins in his sack which totaled seven thousand gold coins.
To his surprise, he got that much from a pirate and that's just the half. He was having some second thoughts wether to continue performing in the pubs or just hunt pirates in the sea.
He reign in his thoughts and bid his farewell.
He became hungry so he went around the moon pool to find a place to eat.
When he went inside on one of the pubs, he was instantly recognized by the patrons and the owner greeted him warmly.
"Ah~ welcome! Welcome to my humble pub Storyteller. Say, could we schedule a performance tonight?" The owner smiled sheepishly while rubbing both of his hands in anticipation.
"Sure! Let's talk about that later. I'm quite famished from travels, I wonder what's on your menu today?"
"Of course, of course. You know what? I'm feeling generous today, lad. I'll give our finest dish for you, on the house. Just make sure you come tonight, aye?"
"That's very kind of you. I won't refuse then, I'll try my best to make your pub full tonight."
"Deal, hahahahaha."
Then the owner shouted on his customers and said, "Spread the word, The Storyteller will be on my pub tonight!"
"Aye! Finally he's here!"
"We go to tell the others!"
"We should come early, this pub wilm be full in no time."
Some the customers even left their food and ran outside excitedly to tell the news.
After a few minutes, Auron's food came. While he was eating, the owner suddenly asked, "Do you have a place to stay?"
"No, not yet, I'll only stay in Braavos for a few days only. Then I will resume my journey. Not sure where though."
"You can stay here if you want, of course it is a standard inn fee. I have a vacant room upstairs. It was my son's.."
"Was?"
"Yeah, he died. He was murdered by a sellsword group who mistakenly took him for someone."
"Sorry to hear that, old man."
"Naaah~it was a couple of months ago. I couldn't do anything about it anyway."
"Which sellsword?"
"Why?"
Auron shrugged and said, "Just asking. Quite curious too."
"Windblown."
"Oh the Tattered Prince? I thought they were decent."
"Don't be fooled. Sellsword are only decent towards their employer. As for how they treat the common folk, no one talks about it unless you have a death wish. Thankfully, they are far away from here. I heard they are camped outside the plains of Pentos."
Auron frowned be he didn't say anything. He just continue eating his food.
After Auron finished eating his food, he hesitated for a moment before asking, "Say old man, is there anyway I can get to the Arsenal?"
The owner was stunned for a moment before seriously asking, "What are you going to do there?"
"I heard they make ships in a day, I wonder if it's true. I want to commission them to build my own ship."
"You want to build a ship?"
Auron nodded seriously.
"If you really must build your ship, I have a friend who works in Arsenal but he's a senile old man who's always so grumpy but he certainly can make you a fine ship. His name is Yonas, you can tell him I, Genon has referred you to him. He might take your request."
"Might?"
"Aye, he's a grumpy old man and he's quite hard to negotiate with. Prepare your ears for some harsh words and scolding."
"How can I go there?"
"I'll give you a recommendation letter later, you can take a boat at the purple harbor. Just tell them that you are just going to deliver some letter to Yonas. They will let you through."
"Thanks, I owe you one."
"No need to owe, just bring me more customers will you? Hahaha."
Auron smiled and nodded.
"Well, old man Genon. I have to excuse my self so I can prepare for tonight's performance."
"Of course, here's the key. Just head upstairs, second room to the left."
"Thanks."
Auron stood up from his seat heading upstairs towards the room he's going to stay at.
He put down his lute and his things in the bed and went towards the table where a lamp quietly stand.
He fished out a large piece of paper, and some parchments from his pack. Then he carefully spread them out on the table. He gathered his quill and ink putting them down at the corner of the table to keep the paper from rolling.
He sat down facing the table, took a deep breath and muttered excitedly.
"Let the legend become alive."
--
It was already night fall when he finished what he ought to do. Contained inside on one of his scrolls of paper was the blueprint of the ship he drew. He was very satisfied with the outcome of his drawings. He also wrote a letter to Marlena. He figured they are already there so he wrote some instructions how they will start the business there. As for the business name, he chose Amazon Trading House since his goal was to practically sell everything.
After sealing the letter with wax, he tied it in Hedwig's feet. He warged into Hedwig's mind telling how he will be able to reach Marlena by hitching a ride with ships going to White Harbor. He opened his window and send Hedwig on his way.
He rested for another hour before heading down with lute ready to perform the Tale of the Shadow and a new song that night.
--
Meanwhile
Marlena and the rest already arrived at White Harbor. Marlena suddenly transform her demeanor from a servant to a cunning merchant.
She instantly made a deal with House of Manderly to purchase an existing pub by letting them taste what they will be selling and the impact it'll bring to White Harbor.
Learning that they came from Tyrosh and there doesn't seem to be a problem with their group. Wyman Manderly, the Lord of White Harbor allowed them to start their business without any problem as long as they pay the tax due to them.
Marlena didn't waste her time, she quickly search for a small pub in the outskirts that are far more deserted.
She was able make a deal and the old owner happily moved out of the property. He said they already plan to move to King's Landing and Marlena's purchase of the property were very timely.
After that, Marlena and the rest moved in to settle down. They cleaned up the place to make it more presentable. Next day, Marlena planned to talk to some local merchants to book a steady supply of ingredients from them. That way, the pub can be opened as soon as possible.
-------
Volantis
It's already Tristan's group turn to get supplies in the city. After they secured the supplies ready for transport, the boys decided to relax a little and go to a pub to have a few drinks.
As they were enjoying sipping their ale, they heard something interesting. Someone who was going from city to city to sing a song and tell a tale. They heard he was called 'The Storyteller' and he came quite famous throughout Essos and even some parts of Westeros knew his existence. Every pub he visited became lucky, Boosting their income tenfold. Wherever pub he go, people came to listen to his stories and songs.
Tristan and the boys couldn't help but think of Auron. Because his nickname Storyteller came from their camp.
Torman asked, "Do you think that's him?"
Tristan burst out laughing and said, "It's definitely him! Who else can earn money like plucking grass from the streets. Remember how that lad 'scammed' us with our gold just to get out of the camp? I'll cut my beard if it isn't him."
"Looks like our little retiree is thriving well, haha. I wonder what expression will Ser Jon make when he hear this." Laswell chimed in amused with the thought.
"It's good if he become wealthy. How else would he be able to support us brothers in the future."
"You're right, hahahaha."
