Chapter 7: The Seagull Knight
Just as Aemon had anticipated, before the sun dipped below the horizon, the group arrived at a town encircled by low white walls.
Gulltown sprawled over a vast area, with wisps of cooking smoke rising against the backdrop of the setting sun, and the lively sounds of commerce underscoring its prosperity.
As a bustling ice-free port, Gulltown thrived on constant maritime trade.
"Whoa!"
Before the group could approach the town, a mounted knight clad in armor rode up to block their path.
The knight bore no hostility. Upon seeing the proud and imposing party of Vale knights, he dismounted and bowed.
"Honored lady, the Shetts of the Gull Tower have been eagerly awaiting your arrival."
The knight knelt on one knee, courteous and composed.
The commotion outside roused the drowsy Aemon in his carriage. Rubbing his eyes, the boy peeked through the curtain to see what was happening.
The knight, dressed in silver-gray plate armor, was handsome, with dark brown curls and a neatly trimmed goatee. His upright posture exuded strength, and his sharp eyes gleamed with intelligence.
Aemon tilted his head, studying the man who appeared to be in his mid-thirties.
Compared to Gonsor, this knight was far more likable.
"Rise, Ser Laen," Lady Rhea Royce said with her characteristic calm demeanor, maintaining the grace befitting a high noble.
"Yes, my lady," Ser Laen Shett replied, standing.
Aemon rested his chin on his small hands, watching from the carriage window. His growling stomach reminded him that he wanted nothing more than to eat and sleep.
Fortunately, the Royces had an established foothold in Gulltown, with vassals under their command.
Ser Laen was clearly a capable man. He promptly ordered his attendants to ride ahead and prepare for their arrival while he personally led the group into town.
Gulltown was picturesque, with buildings painted in hues of white and orange. Towering structures dotted the central and coastal areas, lending the town an artistic charm far removed from the purely defensive architecture of Runestone.
As the last light of day faded, the group reached a tall white tower within the town.
"Please, my lady, this way," Ser Laen said respectfully, gesturing for them to enter.
His wife and children greeted them at the door, offering a platter of broken bread and salt.
"Thank you for your hospitality," Lady Rhea said, allowing a rare smile. She took a piece of bread, dipped it in salt, and ate it, handing another piece to Aemon, who stood by her side.
"Om nom nom!"
Aemon chewed enthusiastically, clearly famished.
As they entered the tower, his gaze fell on a banner hanging in the narrow hall.
It featured three golden wings spread wide on a black checkered field.
Aemon's mind turned to the lessons from his old maester's books.
The Shetts of the Gull Tower were one of the Royces' most loyal vassals.
Historically, the Shetts had a long and complicated relationship with Gulltown.
Once, they had been bitter rivals of the Royces. After the last Bronze King of the Royces defeated the Shetts and captured Gulltown, the Shetts attempted to hire the Andals from across the Narrow Sea to reclaim their homeland.
Unfortunately, the golden-haired, blue-eyed Andals betrayed them. Not only did they drive out the Bronze King, but they also decimated the Shetts, allowing a powerful Andal family, the Graftons, to take control of Gulltown.
Though the Shetts were not wiped out entirely, they were forced to swear fealty to their conquerors.
Like the Royces, the Shetts adapted to defeat by submitting to their victors.
Ser Laen Shett's branch of the family lived in the Gull Tower, maintaining their status as landed knights. Their fief and castle, both bearing the name "Gull," earned him the title "Seagull Knight."
"Prince, if you're tired, you can rest upstairs," Ser Laen suggested politely, noticing the silver-haired boy looking around curiously.
"Thank you, but can I eat first?" Aemon replied with a bright smile.
When the young prince said he was hungry, no one in the Gull Tower dared ignore him.
A sumptuous dinner was prepared, featuring high-quality ingredients not easily found in Runestone. Clearly, great effort had gone into the meal.
Aemon's eyes sparkled as he carefully sampled each dish, savoring the flavors without compromising his royal demeanor.
The meal was a resounding success, leaving both hosts and guests thoroughly satisfied.
The next morning, Gulltown's bustling port was alive with activity. Over a hundred ships, large and small, were moored in the harbor.
Hand in hand with his mother, Aemon walked through the crowd, flanked by guards.
The area was as lively as a marketplace, with merchants and sailors bustling about. The noise carried far across the docks.
"This is incredible," Aemon muttered, standing on the shoreline and gazing at the endless blue waves.
It was the first time in either of his lives that he had seen the sea, and his wide-open mouth betrayed his awe. Even watching sailors unload cargo felt like an exciting adventure.
"My lady, my prince, our ship is over there," Ser Laen said, still dressed in his armor as he pointed toward a three-masted vessel docked nearby.
Following his gesture, Aemon's gaze landed on a tall mast flying a triangular banner.
The flag bore a fiery red background with a black triangle and a yellow burning tower emblazoned upon it.
"That's one of the Grafton ships," William chimed in, appearing out of nowhere to show off his knowledge.
"I know," Aemon replied with a nod.
The Graftons controlled Gulltown, one of the Five Great Ports of Westeros. Their fleet dominated the region, amassing untold wealth.
With their invitation to the royal hunt, the Graftons would not only attend but likely transport goods to King's Landing for profit. Offering a ride to fellow nobles along the way was a practical gesture.
"Let's board!" Aemon exclaimed, eager to experience his first sea voyage.
Lady Rhea, never one to dawdle, led the group onto the ship. She exchanged polite greetings with the captain, who was introduced by Ser Laen.
The captain, a rotund and obsequious man, beamed with enthusiasm.
Upon learning that a Targaryen prince was among his passengers, he declared, "What luck! I'll rename this ship the Prince Aemon in your honor!"
Aemon's reaction was one of muted horror.
Something about the words "what luck" gave him a vague sense of unease.
Before he could protest, the captain scurried off to arrange accommodations. He quickly assigned two clean and spacious cabins to his "esteemed guests" and disappeared.
The young prince quickly pieced it together.
By currying favor with the royal family, the captain was laying the groundwork for future business advantages. Tying himself to the Targaryens or the Royces could only enhance his status.
"Cunning merchants," Aemon muttered, resigned to their machinations.
Soon, the ship set sail, cutting through the waves as it left the harbor behind.
Aemon stood at the bow, watching the port grow smaller in the distance.
The harbor was crowded with other ships, all departing in neat rows like pieces on a chessboard.
On either side of the port, cliffs hundreds of meters high formed a natural triangular barrier against the elements.
This natural defense shielded Gulltown from winter storms, making it a warm and bustling ice-free port year-round.
"This place is amazing," Aemon murmured, his admiration growing as he gazed at the picturesque surroundings.
Resting his cheek in one hand, he whispered to himself, "If I lived here, I'd definitely find even more magical items."
His violet eyes sparkled with ambition. Someday, he vowed, he would claim a land as prosperous as Gulltown—perhaps even more so.
And then, he'd live life to the fullest.
Set sail! Onward!
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