Bound by Blood and Oaths

Chapter 11: The Lord of Driftmark

Driftmark - High Tide

The Lord of Tides sat wist his hands clasped together and his chin resting on it as he watched. His gaze was on the sea as he looked at the port that was once greater. Spicetown that was once greater. Their fleet may be reaching its past glory, but the war rages across every part of the Kingdoms. Or so it feels.

When he took his brother's place as Lord when he died of fever, he set out to restore Driftmark to its former glory. A fleet that was the second most powerful in Westeros. Trade coming and going from Spicetown. To bring prosperity to the island once again. The island with fields that look beautiful. The mountainous and hilly landscape that covers a small section of the side of the island. It is a beauty of an island, and Jacaerys wants the best for it and its people.

He has restored large parts of the fleet. Repaired many parts of the once-ruined harbor of Spicetown. Even the town has been upgraded to make way for greater access and housing for traders and citizens alike. But it's not enough it seems. More traders have come, but not the amount Jacaerys hoped for. The coffers are running low. And now war. How can he make his House, and his people prosper when war rages?

"My Lord, the weekly reports and a letter," Felix says as he hands a scroll out to him.

"Is it good or bad?" Jacaerys asks as he took the scrolls to read it.

"It is good, mediocre, and bad, my Lord," Felix says as he lets out a sigh.

"Well, well, all three at once. I feel special. I put blood, sweat, and tears into rebuilding Driftmark. And nothing as a reward came," Jacaerys says as he read the reports.

"The people are grateful for what you've done," Felix argues as he stands next to him. A small smile as he watches him. A good Lord he is, sometimes a bit eager to share his mind, and he is much more diligent than the previous two Lords combined.

"And I am proud to receive their praise, but I want better. They deserve better. Ah... Stannis found his ships. Good for him. Only no army."

"I am sure the Red Priest will whisper something in his ear to fix that."

"That's what they do. Whisper and whisper..." Jacaerys mumbles as he read the letter next, "Baelor? Ah, he found them. Took him long enough. Viserys was apparently more like his old man. Jaehaerys though, Baelor seems to think he is worthy."

"Will you support him, my Lord?" Felix asks curiously. Jacaerys laughs as he shook his head. "Without meeting him first? No. I am sure he is better than all of these four kings combined. If Baelor vouches for him, he already has more going for him than any of the others. So, considering what I just read, this is not bad or necessarily good news. What is the bad news?"

"Well, the same as always. No increase or improvement to the trading from and to Driftmark. And no increase in the amount of income coming from the land," Felix answers.

"Of course... we can't keep this up, Felix. I am burning through my coffers. One more year and I am out of all the gold and silver my father and grandfather saved up. Tell me, what is the good news?"

"We found silver."

Jacaerys stood up as if lighting went through him. He smiled like he never smiled before. Two of his hands touched the man's shoulders who has said the news as Jacaerys looks at him.

"Really?!"

"Yes, my Lord. Your sister Alysanne went for, uhm, a 'walk'. She found a silver vein in between two rocks," Felix answers with a smile.

"Thank the Gods for her rebellious nature! Gods, I am starting to turn into a religious man! Send men and investigate how much there is! We are blessed!" Jacaerys says as he almost shouted from happiness. He marched out of his room to find Alysanne.

Jacaerys walked with renewed vigor and energy through the halls of High Tide. It took a lot of work to repair the castle again. Dragon fire can ruin a castle thoroughly but he rather paid for the repairs than live in the old castle.

"Alysanne!" Jacaerys exclaims as he enters her room.

"What is it now? Don't start with-"

"I love you, sister! You are the hero of the day! No, year!"

"What? When I leave, you call me reckless, stupid..." Alysanne starts to say before Jacaerys spoke again. The short-haired silver lady of Driftmark is well known for disobeying anything and everything the Lord said. A free spirit that does as she likes. A woman that acts more manly than most men on the island.

"Not this time. You, sister dear, are a hero! A feast, sword, ship, whatever you want. Name it and it is yours."

Alysanne frowns as she looks him over. "Why? Because I found some silver?" She asks.

"Alysanne, I kept us going during the years, but if what you found is real and there is plenty of silver... You saved us from bankruptcy. A year. That is what remained of our coin. You saved me from a lot of trouble."

"Well... A ship. The strongest and fasted in our fleet, one made for long voyages," Alysanne says with crossed arms and a smirk.

"Done! I will ask Felix to take care of the details," Jacaerys exclaims and tugs Alysanne in his embrace. "Thank you, Alysanne. Truly."

"Careful now, our dear sister Alyssa will not be happy to see you hugging me so tightly," Alysanne says with a chuckle.

"My wife should swallow that jealousy of hers this time," Jacaerys says with a roll of his eyes. "Even if her jealousy can barely be stopped at times."

"Tell me about it. I would have chosen Elaena, Jack."

"Hey! I love Alyssa, even with her flaws. And you know Elaena refuses to marry anyone."

"Yes, she still hopes for Baelor. He's an idiot."

"Mhm, he knew about her feelings, but still he joined the Kingsguard. Well, go with Felix to the harbor tomorrow and he will show you to the ship."

"Thanks, brother," Alysanne says as she hugged him back.

"By the way, why do you want a ship? Don't tell me you want to imitate Corlys."

"Of course! The lands he visited were so grand. Imagine visiting Volantis, Qarth, or Yi Ti! It sounds amazing!"

Jacaerys sighed nodding along with every word. He knows the stories. Every Velaryon knows about him and his famous voyages. There is even a book about it. No one done it again as there were only a few Velaryons around until their father gave birth to three sons and three daughters. And there was the painful rebuilding of Driftmark.

"I'll give you two ships. Based on the ships that Corlys used. The best I have and I'll give you the best and most loyal sailors. You won't go without the proper protection. Promise me to be careful," Jacaerys says with utter seriousness as he looked at her. He only received a roll of her eyes as she pats his shoulder.

"I am a better fighter than you, brother. Don't worry about me," she says with a smirk.

"As if that is such a grand feat. Everyone is a better fighter than me! Just promise to come back alive. The world is not the kindest place."

"I am not going to die. I am going to return with fame, stories, and riches! Sit back and watch brother."

"Make us proud, sister."