Game of thrones: The fire lord

Just as he expected.

Before the sun dipped below the horizon, a town enclosed by low white walls appeared before the traveling party.

Seagull Town sprawled across a vast area, its streets bustling with activity as smoke from kitchen fires curled into the twilight sky—a testament to its prosperity. As a frost-free port, it thrived on maritime trade, attracting merchants from across the region.

"Halt!"

As they neared Seagull Town, an armored knight urged his horse forward, blocking the road.

The man's intentions weren't hostile. Spotting the distinguished company of valley knights, he dismounted and bowed deeply.

"Honorable madam, the Shet family of Seagull Tower is expecting you," he announced, kneeling politely.

The commotion stirred Aemon from his half-asleep daze inside the carriage. The young prince lazily pushed aside the curtain, rubbing the sleep from his eyes as he observed the scene outside.

The knight standing before them was clad in silver-gray plate armor, his dark brown curls framing a sharp-featured face. A short beard adorned his chin, and his tall, well-built frame exuded both strength and confidence.

When he lifted his gaze, a keen intelligence flickered in his eyes.

Aemon tilted his head, studying the man who appeared to be in his thirties. He was middle-aged but undeniably more charismatic than Gunsor.

"Rise, Ser Lyon," Rhea Royce commanded, her voice steady and composed despite the dust of travel clinging to her attire. She upheld the dignity of a great noble with effortless grace.

"Yes, my lady," Ser Lyon Shetter replied, standing and bowing once more.

Aemon leaned against the carriage window, resting his chin on his small hands, thinking only of food and sleep. Thankfully, the Royce family had an established foothold in Seagull Town, with their own vassals ensuring their comfort.

Ser Lyon, proving himself a capable host, sent attendants ahead to prepare accommodations while he personally remained to escort the travelers.

Seagull Town was a sight to behold. Its architecture leaned toward hues of white and orange, with numerous towers punctuating the skyline, especially near the coastline. Unlike Old Runestone City, which was built purely for defense, Seagull Town possessed a picturesque charm.

As darkness crept in, the party finally arrived at a towering white structure in the heart of the town.

"Please, my lady, enter," Ser Lyon said respectfully.

His wife and children stood at the entrance, offering the customary plate of bread and salt.

"Thank you for your hospitality," Rhea Royce responded with a smile, breaking a piece of bread, dipping it in salt, and eating it before handing a piece to Aemon.

Observing tradition, she upheld the sacred laws of guest rights.

Aemon, now fully awake, eagerly accepted the food. "Mmm!" he hummed contentedly as he chewed, his hunger making the simple meal all the more satisfying.

Inside the hall, a banner hung prominently on the wall, catching Aemon's attention.

Three golden wings spread across a black checkered background.

Aemon's mind immediately sifted through the teachings of the old maester.

The Shet family of Seagull Tower—a long-standing vassal of House Royce.

The history here was tangled, to say the least.

Seagull Town had always been a wealthy port, attracting noble families with vested interests. The Shet family, originally known as the Shet family of Seagull Town, had been bitter rivals of House Royce for generations.

However, after the last Bronze King of House Royce conquered Seagull Town, the Shet family, refusing to accept defeat, sought aid from the Andals across the Narrow Sea to reclaim their land.

To their misfortune, the Andals were not bound by loyalty. After defeating the Bronze King, they turned on their own employers, crushing the Shet family instead. A powerful noble from the invading forces seized the town, establishing what is now known as House Graffson, the current lords of Seagull Town.

Despite this upheaval, the remnants of House Shet were not eradicated. They bent the knee to the new rulers and continued to reside in Seagull Town under their new overlords, much like the Royce family had once done under Andal conquest.

Time, as it often does, branched the once-mighty House Shet into several cadet lines.

Ser Lyon Shetter, their host, belonged to one such branch. His family, though not as influential as their predecessors, had lived in Seagull Tower for generations, earning him the moniker "Seagull Knight."

"Prince, if you're tired, you may retire upstairs to rest," Ser Lyon suggested, noticing Aemon's drowsy expression.

"Can I eat first?" Aemon grinned, his priorities clear.

A prince's request could not be ignored.

A lavish dinner was quickly set before them, featuring delicacies unavailable even in Old Runestone City. The effort put into the feast was evident.

Aemon's eyes gleamed as he took measured bites, savoring each dish while maintaining the dignity expected of royalty.

The meal was a success, leaving both host and guests satisfied.

The Next Day

The port of Seagull Town was alive with activity.

Hundreds of sailboats, large and small, bobbed on the shimmering waters.

Aemon, his small hand tucked into his mother's, moved through the crowds, marveling at the sight. Merchants and sailors bustled about, their chatter and bartering filling the air.

"This is amazing," Aemon breathed, his silver hair glinting under the morning sun.

As someone who had lived two lifetimes, this was his first time seeing the sea.

The sight of sailors unloading crates mesmerized him.

"Lady Rhea, Prince Aemon, our ship is docked over there," Ser Lyon announced, gesturing toward a three-masted vessel moored at the pier.

Aemon followed his direction, his gaze landing on the flag fluttering atop the mast.

A black triangle emblazoned with a burning yellow tower against a crimson background.

"That's the Graffson family sigil," William commented, sidling up beside Aemon.

"I know," Aemon replied.

House Graffson, the dominant force in Seagull Town, controlled an extensive fleet of merchant vessels and had accumulated staggering wealth through trade.

It was only natural that they would receive an invitation to the royal hunt.

Not only would they attend, but they would also seize the opportunity to transport their wares to King's Landing for profit. Offering passage to a few nobles along the way was a mere convenience.

"Let's board," Aemon urged, eager to experience a sea voyage.

Rhea Royce, never one for unnecessary delays, led the group onto the ship.

The captain, a rotund man with an ingratiating smile, practically stumbled over himself in excitement upon learning that a Targaryen prince was among his passengers.

"By the gods, what fortune!" the man exclaimed. "I should rename the ship 'Prince Aemon' in his honor!"

Aemon's brow twitched.

Why did that sound ominous?

Before he could protest, the captain swiftly assigned them two of the best cabins and scurried away, his mind already calculating future profits.

Building ties with a young prince? It was an investment in his own future.

Even if Aemon never ascended the throne, his connections to House Royce would make him a powerful ally.

Aemon sighed.

Merchants were always scheming.

Soon, the ship set sail, cutting through the waves.

Aemon stood at the bow, watching as Seagull Town gradually faded into the distance.

Countless other vessels dotted the waters, resembling chess pieces scattered across a game board.

Looking back, he observed the towering cliffs flanking the port, forming an inverted triangle that shielded the harbor from harsh winter currents.

Aemon's admiration for the town grew tenfold.

"One day, I'll have a place like this," he mused, his wide eyes gleaming with ambition.

Set sail! Set sail!

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