Hadrian Peverell: High Lord of Skagos

Chapter 40: The Winds of Trade

The cool northern winds swept across the docks of Norhold, stirring the crisp air and ruffling the cloaks of the sailors preparing for departure. Hadrian stood at the edge of the bustling harbor, his gaze fixed on the vast horizon. Behind him, the heart of Norhold pulsed with life, the town's once rugged and isolated population now growing in confidence and prosperity. The docks, once crude and quiet, now echoed with the sounds of trade and industry as workers loaded the first fleet of Skagos's trading ships.

It was the midst of the year, and the ships were ready. Their holds were packed with crates of fine goods—Skagos's finest products that would soon reach the markets of Westeros and Essos. Barrels of whisky and vodka sat alongside intricately crafted glassware, some clear and pure as ice, others dyed in vibrant colors no one in Westeros had yet seen. Carefully packaged jewels, particularly emeralds, sparkled in the sunlight, their green glow a promise of Skagos's newfound wealth. Hadrian's emerald mines had proven to be even more valuable than anticipated, and he was certain these gems would draw the attention of lords and merchants alike.

He watched as his sailors moved efficiently, loading the goods with a practiced ease that had developed over months of preparation. The Skagosi men, once wild and unpolished, had become adept at handling their new roles as sailors and traders. Their rough hands were now skilled at tying ropes, navigating maps, and stowing goods securely for long voyages. What they lacked in refinement, they made up for in grit and determination. They were ready to face the challenges of the seas, ready to represent Skagos in distant lands.

Hadrian had not been idle in the months leading up to this day. The island had flourished under his guidance, its wealth and resources steadily growing. Mines were now fully operational, producing a steady stream of copper, silver, iron, and emeralds. Blacksmiths worked tirelessly, forging weapons, tools, and intricate pieces of jewelry from the precious metals, while distillers ensured that Skagos's whisky would stand out in every tavern it reached.

But Hadrian knew that wealth alone was not enough. Skagos needed to secure its place in the world by making alliances, building relationships, and proving its worth to the great houses of Westeros. Trade would be the first step in achieving that. Skagos was no longer an isolated island on the fringes of the known world—it was a rising power, and the ships leaving Norhold's docks today were the first tangible proof of that.

Thirty-five of the trading ships were destined for the major ports of Westeros. White Harbor, Lannisport, Spicetown, The Arbor, Gulltown, and even King's Landing would soon be receiving shipments from Skagos. Oldtown, however, remained off-limits. Convincing the Skagosi to trade with Gulltown, the southernmost port of the Vale and point of entry for the Andals thousands of years ago, had taken Hadrian nearly a month of negotiations. The deep-rooted hatred for the Andals and their "false gods" still lingered strongly among his people. Trading with Oldtown, the seat of the Faith of the Seven, was out of the question for now.

Nevertheless, the 35 ships would sail under the banner of Skagos, their holds full of goods ready to be sold and bartered. To protect them, Hadrian had arranged for 10 additional ships to accompany the trading vessels. The seas were not always safe, especially in the northern waters where pirates still roamed. These makeshift warships would serve as a deterrent, and if necessary, as protection against any who might seek to plunder Skagos's wealth.

In addition to the ships bound for Westeros, Hadrian had set his sights on the rich markets of Essos. Another 10 trading ships, escorted by 10 defense vessels, would sail for Essos's bustling cities. The waters of Essos were even more treacherous than those of Westeros, teeming with pirates and slavers. But Hadrian was confident that his men, now trained and battle-ready, could handle whatever dangers they encountered.

Hadrian himself would not remain behind. His journey, however, would take him first to White Harbor, where he planned to meet with House Manderly. From there, he would travel by caravan to Winterfell. The Starks had granted him the title of High Lord of Skagos, and now, he would reinforce that bond with another gift. For Lord Manderly, he had crafted a trident, a symbol of the Skagosi warrior culture. The weapon was formidable, its shaft gleaming with polished steel, while its hilt was embedded with small emeralds. At the base of the middle spike, a larger emerald shimmered—a reminder of the riches Skagos now possessed. It was a gift that Hadrian hoped would reflect the growing strength of his people and the respect he had for the Manderlys, the lords of White Harbor.

As the ships were loaded, and the sailors prepared to depart, Hadrian allowed himself a moment of reflection. Three years ago, Skagos had been a land of wild men and forgotten potential. Its people had lived in isolation, shunning the outside world, content to remain apart. But now, under Hadrian's leadership, they were stepping onto the stage of history. These ships were not just vessels of trade—they were ambassadors of a new Skagos, a Skagos that would no longer be ignored.

Regulus Black, known to the Skagosi as Kreacher, appeared beside Hadrian, his human form tall and slender. His eyes, though sharp with intelligence, still carried the weight of years spent in servitude. He had been invaluable in organizing the fleet and ensuring that the island's defenses were strong. Without a word, he handed Hadrian a roll of parchment, a list of the goods loaded onto the ships, as well as the names of the captains who would lead the voyages.

"All is ready, my lord," Regulus said quietly.

Hadrian nodded, scanning the list briefly before handing it back. "Good. The winds are favorable, and the tides are with us. Let them sail."

Regulus hesitated for a moment before speaking again. "And your journey, my lord? Do you have any further preparations to make?"

Hadrian shook his head. "No, all is in place. The Manderlys will receive me warmly, and the Starks—well, I have something special for them as well. Skagos's future depends on more than just trade. We need alliances, trust. The gifts will help to build that."

Regulus bowed slightly, a sign of his respect. "As always, you are wise, my lord."

As the last of the cargo was secured, Hadrian's gaze shifted back to the ships. The sails, now unfurled, bore the sigil of House Peverell.

Hadrian watched as the ships slowly began to leave the harbor, their sails catching the wind. One by one, they moved away from Norhold, heading south toward the mainland or east toward the Free Cities. The sun glinted off the water, and for a moment, Hadrian allowed himself to feel a sense of accomplishment. This was only the beginning, of course. There would be more ships, more trade, more alliances. But for now, this moment was a victory.

As the last ship disappeared over the horizon, Hadrian turned and made his way back toward Norhold. There was still much to do—preparations for his journey to Winterfell, the continued growth of the island's infrastructure, and the training of his forces. But today, the first step had been taken.