Hadrian Peverell: High Lord of Skagos

Chapter 39: Foundations of Prosperity

The survey of the island had been a massive undertaking, stretching across eight long moons. Hadrian had tasked his elves—now human in appearance—and the most skilled surveyors of the island to explore every inch of Skagos. The process had been tedious and exacting, yet the results were beyond anything he could have imagined. As the year 100 A.C. began, the survey was complete, and what they had uncovered promised to reshape Skagos forever.

They had found two substantial copper veins, along with a large silver mine tucked deep within the island's rugged hills. Even more surprising was the discovery of a vast emerald vein, one of such size that the wealth it promised was nearly unimaginable. The silver and emeralds, in particular, were precious resources that could be sold or fashioned into valuable trade goods and jewelry, bringing a steady flow of riches to Skagos.

Yet, even more important were the five large iron veins that crisscrossed the island's rocky underbelly. Iron would be crucial not for trade, but for Skagos itself. Its blacksmiths, already skilled in crafting weapons and armor for the island's warriors, would have more than enough material to work with for generations to come. Hadrian, always strategic in his planning, decided to leave three of the iron veins untapped for the time being. Two would suffice to supply the island's needs, ensuring that the rest would remain a valuable reserve for the future.

With the mines established, Hadrian's mind turned to how he could further solidify Skagos' relationships with the wider world, starting with two of the most powerful houses in Westeros: House Stark and House Targaryen. Gifts would be a way to make Skagos memorable in their courts, a gesture of goodwill and power alike.

For House Stark, Hadrian commissioned a signet ring, an exquisite piece of craftsmanship that any northern lord would envy. The ring featured two snarling direwolves, frozen in an eternal chase around the band. Their emerald eyes gleamed in the light, each stone cut from the newly discovered emerald vein on Skagos itself. The ring was a perfect representation of House Stark's strength and heritage, but also a subtle reminder of Skagos' growing wealth.

For House Targaryen, Hadrian devised something grander. A necklace was to be crafted, a masterpiece of art and metalwork. The pendant depicted two dragons, their wings spread wide as they danced together in the sky. The dragons' eyes had originally been set with emeralds, but with a flick of his staff, Hadrian changed them to rubies, as red as the dragon on House Targaryen's banner. The necklace was a symbol not only of Skagos' newfound wealth, but also of its respect for the ancient, fire-blooded house that now ruled Westeros. It was a subtle but powerful gesture, one that hinted at an understanding of Targaryen pride.

With the mines established and the gifts crafted, Hadrian turned his attention to Skagos' future on the seas. The fleet he had ordered constructed was nearing completion. Seventy ships now floated in the harbors of Norhold and the surrounding coastline, their hulls painted with the red-and-gold insignia of House Peverell. Of those, fifty were designated for trade, sturdy vessels built to carry goods across the narrow sea and beyond. The remaining twenty of the same type would serve as temporary warships, capable of defending the island and its other ships from any would-be invaders or pirates. They were not the true warships Hadrian had envisioned, but for now, they would do. They were fast, agile, and equipped with archers and men-at-arms, ready for any threat the seas might bring.

The distilleries, too, were running at full capacity. The stills bubbled and boiled, producing whisky and other spirits in quantities that could soon be exported. Thanks to Hadrian's magic and the skill of his transformed elves, they had even managed to produce aged whisky in a fraction of the time it would have taken through natural means. The whisky had a rich, smoky flavor that would appeal to the noblemen of Westeros, and there were enough casks already stockpiled to begin shipments within the year.

Glass production had also been ramped up. Hadrian had taken inspiration from the great glassworks of Myr and sought to replicate—and surpass—them. The glass Skagos now produced was finer, clearer, and stronger than any found in Westeros. With enough stored for future trade, it would soon become another valuable export, adding to the growing list of goods Skagos could offer the world.

As he stood surveying the harbor, watching the ships sway gently in the breeze, Hadrian felt a rare moment of satisfaction. The plan he had set in motion two years ago was beginning to take shape. Skagos was no longer the isolated, savage island it had once been. It was now a place of industry, of wealth, of growing power. The people, once divided into warring tribes, were now united under his rule. Norhold had become a thriving city, its streets busy with traders, blacksmiths, and sailors.

Hadrian knew, however, that this was only the beginning. The world beyond Skagos still viewed the island with suspicion and wariness. They saw it as a place of wild men and savage customs, a forgotten corner of the North. That perception would take time to change, but with the fleet, the mines, and the growing wealth of Skagos, change it would.

The gifts he had prepared for House Stark and House Targaryen were just the first steps in that direction. Skagos would need allies, and it would need trade partners. The North was isolated, much like Skagos had been, but it had the potential to connect with the South, and through the seas, even to the Free Cities. Hadrian envisioned Skagos becoming a hub of trade, where ships from Braavos, Pentos, and even Oldtown might dock to buy the finest glass, the richest whisky, or the most precious gems.

But first, he needed to secure his foothold in the North. House Stark had recognized him as the Lord of Skagos, but he needed their active support if Skagos was to flourish. He had a plan for that, a way to ensure House Stark would see the value in a strong Skagos. And as for House Targaryen, they were distant, their concerns focused on the Iron Throne and the affairs of the realm. But a gift of such craftsmanship, of such wealth, would not go unnoticed in King's Landing.

Hadrian turned from the harbor and walked back into Norhold. It stood tall and proud, a symbol of his power and vision. Inside it, his elves—now human in form—worked tirelessly to carry out his commands, their loyalty as unshakable as ever. Kreacher, now Regulus Black, oversaw the day-to-day affairs of the island, his sharp mind ensuring that everything ran smoothly.

As he later entered the grand hall of Norhall, Hadrian smiled to himself. The pieces were falling into place. Skagos was on the rise, and soon, the rest of the world would have no choice but to take notice.

For now, though, there was still work to be done. The mines had to be secured, the fleet prepared for its maiden voyages, and the trade routes established.