The Bronze Dragon-A House of the Dragon fanfic

Chapter 21

When Prince Jacaerys embarked on his second trip to Runestone, it would be his first long-distance flight on his dragon, Vermax. Of course, the Prince had been flying around Dragonstone, but this was the first time he had gone outside the bounds of the Blackwater. My father and mother had sent a message to Princess Rhaenyra, saying they would meet him in Gulltown.

We must remember Gulltown is the only major city of the Vale, and at the time was divided between the nominal lords in the Graftons, Isembard Arryn and the Arryns of Gulltown, and two branches of House Shett, of which the Gull Tower Shetts were sworn to House Royce. It was against this backdrop that my mother and father awaited the Prince.

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One problem, Helanea was quickly finding out about Gulltown, were the roving packs of enforcers from each family in the city. Most of them seemingly paid her little attention, or were simply too afraid to attack the Lady of Runestone. What she did know was that the only reason she felt safe enough to walk the streets was if Daevar were with her. Arrangements had been made for them to stay with the Gull Tower Shetts, who resided on a small island in the middle of the harbour.

"Don't worry, love. I'm here." Daevar said. The half-dozen knights that were with them made her feel a bit calmer, she had to admit. "Besides, they wouldn't dare attack a princess of House Targaryen." He added, though his hand was resting on the hilt of Lamentation in case any of them did try anything. He eyed up one group of rough looking men, who promptly went back to their own conversation after meeting his gaze for a few seconds.

He wasn't a physically intimidating man, but he was still the Lord of Runestone, and his power was secondary only to Lady Jeyne's.

After spotting two men by a rowboat in the harbour, Daevar dropped a few silvers in each of their hands to row them out. The tower, which Helaena could see more clearly now, was an imposing structure, and apart from the single tall spire that pierced upwards towards the sky, it was more of a small fort than a single tower. The walls were around the height of two men, though what got her attention most of all were the fearsome siege weapons positioned on the walls. Scorpions adorned them, focusing out at the bay, while what looked like a massive ballista was emplaced on the roof of the tower.

"Why all the weapons?" She asked Daevar as the boat was tied onto the island's wharf.

"The Gull Tower Shetts are a key part of the city's defence." Daevar said as he stepped off, offering his hand to Helaena to help her. She took it gladly. "When the harbour is attacked, Gull Tower can target ships coming all around. Many a pirate fell to Gull Tower before the Conquest."

Helaena nodded as the gate of the fort was opened for them. Right in the centre of it was the tower, reaching up to the heavens and bristling with arrow slits and murder holes. She was reminded for a moment of how Maegor the Cruel had insisted on defences being built into the Red Keep itself to forestall attackers, but Gull Tower was far simpler in its construction and she realised that for all the pretences to being the seat of a noble house, it was a purely defensive structure. "This is the seat of a house?" She wondered out loud.

"The Gull Tower Shetts are the smaller of the two branches." Daevar replied. "They can only call on a few hundred fighting men, and most of them are back in the city. Their guard stays here and mans the defences with the Knight of Gull Tower and his family. Speaking of which . . ."

From the oak door at the base of the tower emerged a short and stocky but powerfully built man with hair as black as coal and close set brown eyes, accompanied by a scar on his cheek and arrow-straight posture. Either the man was trying to make himself look taller than he was, or he was even more of a soldier than he looked. "Helaena, allow me to introduce you to Ser Jon Shett, Knight of Gull Tower."