Chapter 8

(Sorry for the impromptu time skip last chapter but I couldn't find a way to make the Duskendale arc more interesting or less stale so I just used to excerpt to show its results and how they got to it. I'll try adding alot more dialogue from now tho. Thanks.)

Year 23 (278AC)

Limgrave

Erd Tree

A year has past since I became a lord.

After putting down the sparks of rebellion by House Darklyn. I was rewarded by the crown by being given lands nobody wants in an area nobody truly cares for.

House Radahn was formed and Aemon Radahn named my heir. No offers of marriage though for an 'upjumped sellsword'. As a part of the deal I became Queen Rhaella's sworn shield or as those in court say, her shadow. Because one is never too far from the other.

My son is still at the Shadow City in Dorne under a steward and a lot of guards for his protection since the castle and the houses and businesses for the small folk are still being built. Out of my own pocket. The crown threw two thousand gold dragons at me as if that will be enough.

The design I was going for is the Castle is built by the sea where a huge mountain rests close by acting as a natural defense for it. From the castle there will be a huge wall going around it and a moat before the wall in the event of a siege.

The design isn't completely done yet but we'll get there.

'My queen. The wedding is starting in a few hours. Is there anything you wish to have?' I asked Rhaella as she was being attended to by maids in preparation to Rhaegar and Elia Martell's wedding.

After the shitshow that was the death of Lord Steffon and Lady Cassandra Baratheon at Shipbreaker's bay on their way back from searching for a 'valyrian bride' for Rhaegar. Elia Martell was swiftly bethrothed and is about to be married today.

Never expected the princess would one day become queen. If I knew I would have rode her wave earlier but there's no need now. I'm already a lord. I have achieved my main objective now everything else is just a side quest.

I see the queen is ready to move to the occasion in the Great Sept of Baelor. As her sworn shield I follow behind her by about two paces. In private we can talk and joke as we like but in public I put on a very quiet and silent persona to deter people from asking questions.

It works because noone bothers us except Aerys.

'Lucas, what do you think of this match?'

'Its advantageous for the Crown. Being linked to a great house deter other great houses. The Starks, Baratheons, Arryns and Tullies are in some kind of power block. Any slight can lead to a rebellion. With Dorne they would be easier to take care of and repel.'

'I still don't know how I did not see it when you said there was an alliance between great houses last year but now it's obvious.'

'The only ones not amongst are the Tyrell's and Lannisters. We can't trust Lord Tywin as far as we can throw him so it really is the Reach with the Crownlands and Dorne.' I said as we walked down the stairs of the Red Keep.

'So we have to be careful or bring them to heel through hostages. Maybe fosterings in domains in our complete control. Like the Celtigars, Velaryons even the here in the keep.' she added before she stopped talking as we got to the throne room where she's to exit together with the king.

As she and Aerys interlocked arms and made their way to the wedding alongside their attendants. I am here as a noble too so I sat down in the section of the sept for nobility but alas I was way down in prestige so I was nowhere close to the front.

The event began with the High Septon spouting some sermon about the Seven and a blessed marriage for what felt like hours. I am confident I slept through most of it. Eventually Rhaegar and Elia sealed the ceremony with a kiss and there was cheers from the crowd as they were officially married.

Now we moved on to the reception before the bedding where people from all over Essos and Westeros were presenting the prince and princess with gifts. I just leaned back in my chair and enjoyed the feast while watching as Lord Bracken presented the prince with a new sword.

I snorted as if he needs more of those. I prepared a guitar. Self made after a lot of trial and errors but I know Rhaegar is a lover of music and an exotic instrument will be right up his alley. I also made one for myself so I can sing some songs from my past life.

We all need hobbies other than making feasts for crows.

'Lord Radahn. How are the celebrations treating you?' asked Lord Celtigar as he sat down beside me.

He's the strongest lord in the vicinity of my house. Possibly the one to keep me in check in case of any funny business. But he's also someone I have to make friends and break bread with for the advancement of my house.

House Celtigar is a very old house and a naval powerhouse in Westeros. They may not be like the Velaryons or Redywnes and Greyjoys but they come close. With them on my side getting resources will be easy.

'Its good my lord. I'm just happy we can get this wedding behind us.'

'Why is that?'

'Do you take me for a fool or do you not feel the tension in the seven kingdoms too.'

'Ohhhh. You're sharp. I thought you were just hired muscle. An upjumped sellsword.'

He's trying to get a rise from me. What I do next defines how he will see me andd my house.

I looked at him in the eyes to take a measure of him myself. Self assured. He is confident no harm will come to him.

Normally I'll prove him wrong but not today. Not yet. This slight will be answered one day.

'I see what you are trying to do my lord. This is low even for you.'

A smile adorned his face.

'Let's talk business. I want to hire some craftsmen from you. Mostly ship builders as my house lifeblood is going to have to be trade.'

'What will you trade?'

'That's for me to know and for you to find out with the rest.'

The old man started laughing before sipping some more wine.

'Okay but seriously lad. Do you need help? If its just shipbuilders I can loan you a few for 30% of your first ten voyages.'

'You might as well go and join the Kingswood Brotherhood with the robbery you just attempted. 7% of the profit a minimum of 3000 gold dragons.'

We kept negotiating until we sertled on 17% of profit with a minimum of 3200 dragons. Eventually I noticed there were less gift givers for the ceremony and took excuse from the lord to go get the guitar and its case with the instructions inside for the bard prince.

As I arrived at his table I saw the prince and princess making fuck me eyes at each other. Ughhh. Let's get this over with.

'Happy celebrations, my prince and princess.' I said while bowing my head to each of them.

'Lord Radahn. Thank you very much. I did not expect you.' said the prince while Elia flashed me a smile.

'I noticed your love of music and decided to get one of the more obscure instruments in Essos, a guitar. It's principle is similar to a harp but well lets just say it's different. It's inside this case along with instructions on how to play it.'

I presented it to him before putting it in the pile. Now that's finally over I can concentrate on more important things.