Chapter 366: A New Type of Warship

About three miles southwest of Storm's End, the jagged coastline dipped inward, forming a natural harbor.

A troop of a few dozen cavalry escorted a luxurious carriage along the rugged cliffs. At the front of the formation, a knight carried a double-headed eagle banner, his gray-scaled armor clinking rhythmically with each movement.

Overhead, a black dragon and a white dragon circled, occasionally letting out deep, guttural roars.

The cliffs abruptly ended, and a gentle slope led down to the sea. The slope was surrounded by a wooden palisade, with simple watchtowers spaced every few dozen yards. Guards manned the main gate, standing alert.

This was a military port, strictly off-limits to civilian or merchant ships.

As the gates opened, the cavalry dismounted, and Samwell stepped out of the carriage. He turned back to help Margaery and Daenerys down.

"Is this your fleet, Sam?" Daenerys asked, her gaze immediately drawn to the dozen or so warships docked in the harbor.

"Yes," Samwell said with a smile.

Leaving the horses and carriage behind, the group descended the slope on foot.

The steep path was particularly challenging for Margaery, whose advanced pregnancy made every step a careful endeavor. Noticing her struggle, Samwell swept her into his arms, carrying her the rest of the way.

Margaery blushed slightly but relaxed into his embrace, planting a playful kiss on his cheek.

"Sam, are you building this fleet to attack King's Landing?"

"Yes."

Whether attacking from the Reach or the Stormlands, any assault on King's Landing would require crossing the formidable Blackwater Rush—a major river originating in the Mountains of the Moon and flowing eastward, dividing Westeros into two halves before emptying into the Narrow Sea south of the city.

To seize King's Landing, Samwell first needed a solution for transporting his army across the river.

Traditionally, three fleets dominated Westeros's naval power: the Royal Fleet under the Iron Throne, the Redwyne Fleet of the Arbor, and the Iron Fleet of the Ironborn.

The Royal Fleet had been decimated in the Battle of Blackwater Bay by Stannis Baratheon.

The Redwyne Fleet, staunch supporters of the Stag's, remained intact but was beyond Samwell's reach for now, as he lacked the naval strength to confront them on their island stronghold.

The Iron Fleet, being sworn enemies, posed another significant threat.

Should Samwell march on King's Landing, the Redwyne Fleet and the Iron Fleet would almost certainly mobilize to block the Blackwater Rush.

Thus, Samwell needed a naval force capable of rivaling them, ensuring safe passage for his army. Otherwise, any campaign against the capital would be doomed from the start.

Margaery appeared concerned but didn't want to dampen her husband's enthusiasm. Instead, she offered a gentle reminder.

"Sam, my grandmother once told me that building a navy isn't a short-term endeavor. While ships can be constructed quickly, training competent captains and sailors takes years."

"I know how challenging it is to build a navy," Samwell reassured her with a chuckle. "That's why I said Qyburn has a surprise for us."

Relieved, Margaery fell silent, though her eyes gleamed with curiosity.

The Stormlands had a history of shipbuilding thanks to its abundant rainforests, which provided excellent timber. However, its naval forces were relatively weak.

When House Baratheon ascended to the Iron Throne, they focused on the Royal Fleet, neglecting any independent naval development. Meanwhile, other Stormlands lords lacked the resources to maintain significant fleets.

Even with the capacity to build ships, a navy without trained sailors and officers was useless.

Margaery wondered what kind of "surprise" Samwell had in store.

"Those ships look... unusual," Daenerys suddenly exclaimed, her voice tinged with curiosity.

Margaery turned to see the ships in question. Bathed in the golden glow of the setting sun, they were colossal vessels unlike anything she had seen. One ship glided slowly across the calm sea, coming to rest at the dock.

It was semi-oval in shape, approximately 100 feet long and 30 feet wide. From the waterline to the deck, it stood as tall as a three-story building. Four towering masts carried immense sails, which were now being carefully furled.

What truly caught Margaery's attention, however, were the enormous wheels affixed to either side of the ship.

"Wheels?" Daenerys voiced the question on everyone's mind. "Sam, why does this ship have wheels? Can it travel on land?"

Samwell burst into laughter. "Of course not."

"Then why are they there?"

"They're not ordinary wheels," Qyburn interjected as he approached, bowing slightly. "They're paddle wheels, designed to replace oars."

"Replace oars?" Margaery noted that the ship indeed lacked the traditional oar arrangements.

"Precisely. This was His Grace's concept," Qyburn said, nodding respectfully toward Samwell.

Samwell set Margaery down and explained, "Dany, you once said you dreamed of becoming a ship captain. Do you know what makes a great captain?"

Daenerys lifted her chin, her violet eyes reflecting the shimmering sea. "A great captain should command a ship as effortlessly as they command their own body, moving as one with the vessel, attuned to the currents and winds, navigating through storms with ease."

"How long do you think it takes to train such a captain?"

"Ten years?" Daenerys tilted her head, considering. "Maybe longer?"

"Much longer. And a captain alone isn't enough. You need seasoned sailors and fighters to man the fleet. In fact, a strong navy values its crew even more than its ships." Samwell sighed. "Unfortunately, the Stormlands lack skilled captains and sailors. If we want to compete with the Redwyne Fleet and the Iron Fleet in the short term, we must innovate with our ships."

"So that's why you designed these ships with wheels?" Margaery stepped closer to inspect them. "How do they differ from traditional galleys?"

"They use paddle wheels instead of oars for propulsion when there's no wind," Samwell explained, taking both wives by the hand. "Come aboard, and I'll show you an even bigger surprise."

A gangplank was lowered, and Samwell carried Margaery onto the deck.

Daenerys followed, immediately drawn to the strange black iron tubes lining both sides of the deck.

"Sam, what are these? Are they the surprise you mentioned?"

Fixing Margaery's slightly rumpled dress, Samwell smiled.

"They're cannons."

(End of Chapter)