Bound by Blood and Oaths

Chapter 41: Bound By Blood

Driftmark

Strong winds fill the harbor, boats sway left and right in the water. The wind causes ripples over the water. It is the sign of a storm, a fierce one is coming. Spicetown was preparing while Jacaerys stood on the wooden and stone harbor. A few guards stood with him, watching for any enemies or assassins. He is here for a reason, of course. It was only an hour ago he send out his scout ships, to see what the situation is at Dragonstone. But now another matter made him stay. One of the houses that were friendly to him; house Celtigar.

The sour lord Adrian would know of the tidings. Stannis has convinced him to join him yet Adrian is a realist more than anything. Unlike Stannis, he can see when a cause has become hopeless. Besides, Jacaerys' grandmother was a Celtigar. His aunt if he remembers correctly. This visit is a curious one though, Jacaerys wonders what the lord of Claw Isle would want. The ship with red crabs for sails anchors; robes were thrown to the various sailors on the harbor, tying them securely to the wooden poles.

"Lord Jacaerys," Adrian said, walking with sure footing the plank. Even at his age, his body is strong and enduring. The Lord came to a stop, facing Jacaerys in his well-sewn leather outfit. His boots splashed with salt water.

"Lord Adrian, this is a surprise. To what do I owe this visit?" Jacaerys asked, holding his hand out for Adrian to take. They shook hands even if Adrian kept his wrinkled face hard just like the dark purple eyes.

"You're ambitious and a dreamer, Lord Jacaerys. But not an idiot. You know why I am here."

"Of course, I do. Stannis is gone and I move to Dragonstone. That either brings you here to join me or to figure out I will do something against you."

"As I said, not an idiot. Now, let us get to your castle, we have things to discuss. Regarding matters of the future as you know."

"That we do, old friend."

The two lords along with their retinue went to High Tide. Servants came and took care of the men. Each was given quarters and food and drink. For the two lords, it was different, they went to the study without delay. Both of them were seated at the desk of Jacaerys, a pitcher of wine with two cups filled along with a plate of food.

"You want to change things," Adrian notes, slicing through the tender meat before eating it.

"I remember you fighting them at Blackwater Bay for change," Jacaerys retorts, sipping his wine while watching the old man.

"Aye, and I lost. Many men died that day. All of my fighting men too. I have only three ships left. When you get Dragonstone, you become my liege. I must know what you tend to do, but I did not expect this."

"We both have married into their family. They have done right by both our houses and people. The Baratheons have only brought us death, suffering, and war. Besides, they will return. And when they do, they will win their war of reconquest. Our people have done it before. They have dragons."

"Aye, we did. You are preparing. I have seen enough around your harbor and castle to know what war preparations look like. The only thing I want to know is what you plan to do with me and my people."

"Nothing but your support will be a welcome one. Whatever it may be, Adrian, we can do much together."

"Hmm," Adrian put down his utensils, letting his fingers glide over his chin in thought. He looked at Jacaerys for a good moment, like he is trying to find and see what to come of his cousin. "Very well, Jacaerys. Dragonstone is weakly defended. A hundred men defend it as Stannis has set sail north. Something the Red Woman deemed important. I did not follow to find out what that was."