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Chapter 98! Ambush! - Part 1
🕑 Added 2024-07-12 19:19:24 +0000 UTCWith his work at the mines finished, Damian set out for Lordsport, eager to inspect the progress of the town's repairs. As he approached the gates, he was met by his trusted lieutenants: Jaydon, Harvey, Jenson, and Leobald.
The administration of Lordsport was a joint effort, with each man overseeing a crucial aspect of the town's restoration. Jaydon, the Master Shipwright; Harvey, the Chief Smith; Jenson, the Master Builder; and Leobald, the Harbourmaster. Important decisions, of course, were made by Damian himself, conveyed through letters sent by his falcon, Ace.
As the sun dipped toward the horizon, casting long shadows across the town, each of his men began to report on the progress and challenges they faced.
Jenson, the Master Builder, stepped forward first, unrolling a parchment covered in detailed sketches and notes. "My lord," he began, his voice steady and clear, "we have completed the reconstruction of the northern district. The new homes are built with sturdy timber and stone, far superior to the old structures. We're also reinforcing the town's defences with additional watchtowers and a new gate."
Damian nodded, his face looking pleased. "Excellent work, Jenson. The people of Lordsport will see the value in these improvements. What of the challenges you mentioned in your letter?"
Jenson's brow furrowed slightly. "The primary issue has been the shortage of skilled labor. Many craftsmen were lost during the rebellion, and while we've trained new ones, it takes time. Additionally, supplies have been difficult to procure consistently."
"Hm, alright, I shall summon three or four dozen more skilled labourers who can help you."
Turning to Jaydon, the Master Shipwright, Damian asked, "Jaydon, how are the docks and shipyards faring?"
Jaydon, a broad-shouldered man with calloused hands, inclined his head respectfully. "My lord, we've managed to repair three of the main docks, they were only lightly damaged after all. The shipyards are back in operation, and we're currently building two new longships. However, we still need more timber and skilled hands."
"Timber can be arranged," Damian said thoughtfully. "I will send word to my brother, he can help me with that and in return, I will provide him with minerals. As for skilled hands, I shall summon helpers for you as well."
Harvey, the Chief Smith, was next. He stepped forward, his face smudged with soot and his eyes sharp. "The forges are running hot, my lord. We've increased our production of tools for agriculture as you have asked in the letter. It shall be delivered to the villages with farmlands. But like Jaydon, we face a shortage of materials. Iron has particularly fallen short lately."
Damian allowed a small, knowing smile to touch his lips. "You will have more iron soon, Harvey. The mines will be producing at an unprecedented rate soon enough. Ensure the blacksmiths are ready to handle the influx Deliver the agriculture tools to the villages as soon you can, they need it direly."
Most farmers in the Neck did not even have access to agricultural tools and animals like oxen or horses to farm. They did it mostly by their own hands. Damian wanted to make their lives easier. Maester Qalen had strongly protested, questioning whether it was right to use precious metal and give it to commoners to farm lands that barely grew anything. There were more like him in the hall who advised against it, but Damian stayed firm. He knew that the picture of Pyke was soon going to change. He had started learning the runes and fertility spells, and in a month or two, he should be able to work out a plan to enrich Pyke's soil.
Finally, Leobald, the Harbourmaster, gave his report. "The harbor is bustling again, my lord. Trade has picked up, and more ships are docking every day. The merchants are pleased with the improved security and the efficient operations at the docks."
Damian's expression remained calm, but his eyes gleamed with satisfaction. "Good. We must ensure that our harbor remains a beacon of safety and prosperity. Continue to maintain vigilant oversight and keep the harbour running smoothly."
Leobald nodded, his pride evident. "I will, my lord. The merchants will continue to know they are safe and welcome here."
The reports concluded, Damian turned to face his assembled men. "You have all done well. Continue your efforts, and do not hesitate to bring any issues directly to me. The prosperity of Lordsport is crucial to our future."
"Leobald, prepare the ships. In ten days, I shall be leaving to visit Winterfell," Damian said. His brother Ned was heading back to Winterfell and was taking the land route rather than the sea. Ned wanted to meet with his father-in-law, Lord Tully, and probably Howland Reed while going via the Neck to the North. Damian wished to go to Winterfell and meet his kin, as it had been a long time. There were other reasons as well, like establishing some trade with the northern lords. Before, it was just a promise; now he needed to meet some of them to talk specifically about things they could trade, how it would be done, and the pricing.
"It will be done, my lord," Leobald replied, his voice filled with determination.
Damian stayed at Lordsport for another day and night before leaving for Pyke at noon on the third day. As he passed through the gates, a group of men, hiding nearby, began to follow him at a distance.
When Damian was halfway to Pyke, he found Ace circling in the sky over some scant woods close to the dirt road. This brought a smile to his face. He turned to his eight guards and said, "Get ready for some action."
The guards, seasoned warriors all, nodded and tightened their grips on their weapons. The path ahead, winding through the sparse trees, offered plenty of cover for an ambush, and Damian had been expecting one ever since he left Lordsport.
