Kapitel 17: Chapter 17: The Beginning of Everything
"Lord Mullendore, so you have finally decided?"
Just as Samwell was preparing to depart Uplands, Lord Mullendore finally sent a messenger, requesting his return to the castle.
In the reception room, Mullendore didn't respond right away. Instead, he pulled out a bottle of red wine, smiling as he said, "This is wine from Dorne. Care for a taste?"
"Of course." Samwell accepted the glass eagerly and took a sip.
The wine was robust and full-bodied, with strong tannins and a sharp, spicy bite.
Lord Mullendore also took a sip, remarking, "This was made from Syrah grapes grown in God's Grace. Like the Dornish themselves, it's raw and bold; best be careful, or it'll catch you off guard."
Samwell chuckled, draining his glass in one gulp. "I was blessed with a strong stomach, my lord. No matter how intense, any drink goes down smoothly."
Lord Mullendore laughed along. "I'm beginning to wonder how someone like you ever gained such a reputation as a wastrel."
"Call it the folly of youth." Samwell waved off the comment, then got straight to business. "So, Lord Mullendore, regarding my proposal, I assume you've made your decision?"
The lord set down his glass, his face turning serious. "I have. This matter involves the centuries-old rivalry between the Reach and Dorne, and the Mullendores have no intention of standing idly by. So, I've decided to lend you every craftsman in my lands, including apprentices—two hundred and seventy-five in all—for one year."
Unable to hide his delight, Samwell immediately thanked him. "My lord, you are both a generous nobleman and a wise investor! Trust me, this investment will bring you great returns."
"Hold on." Lord Mullendore raised a hand. "I'll require collateral, just as a precaution."
"Collateral?"
"Yes. Raiding merchant ships is hardly a simple matter. Should you fail to repay me in the future, I'll claim the collateral as compensation."
Samwell's eyes flickered with thought, and then he replied, "In that case, how about using the most crucial feature of my future land—the port—as collateral?"
"The port? And the rights to mooring fees and taxes there…"
"Naturally, those will be yours as well."
Lord Mullendore pondered this, then nodded. "Agreed."
In his view, whether it was Samwell's piracy scheme or House Tyrell's larger plan against Dorne's western coast, both ventures would hinge on that vital port. By securing it as collateral, he was confident he could not lose.
With the agreement in place, they discussed further details, drafted a contract, and both signed.
"To a prosperous partnership!"
"To a prosperous partnership!"
With that, House Mullendore of Uplands formally became one of Samwell's backers.
---
To gather the craftsmen from Uplands, the expedition delayed their departure by three days.
This time, the expedition swelled to more than double its original size of two hundred, becoming an even more imposing force.
As the leader, Samwell couldn't help but feel some pride. With this solid team in place, the most challenging stages of the settlement were likely to be smooth.
As for the debt he'd incurred, he gave it little thought. As a former businessman, Samwell knew well that those who owe money are in a stronger position. The more he owed, the less his creditors would want to see his venture fail.
In fact, he had another plan in mind: once the settlement began construction, he would write to Lord Mullendore again, citing a shortage of laborers and requesting additional hands.
Given Lord Mullendore's generosity, he'd likely oblige such a small request from a business partner.
After all, if the port weren't completed in a year, wouldn't Mullendore be the one to lose out?
With a larger force, however, the demand for food and resources also surged. Currently, the support from House Tyrell was barely covering their needs, and he would need more investors soon.
But for now, the priority was reaching the designated territory.
They had left Highgarden nearly three months ago, marking a slow march that must have set a record for the most leisurely expedition in Westerosi history.
And with the trek now taking them deeper into the Red Mountains, the path ahead was likely to grow even more treacherous.
There was even a chance of wildling attacks.
Therefore, once they entered the mountains, Samwell suspended their usual military drills, conserving the soldiers' strength to prepare for any potential threats.
But to Samwell's surprise, the journey proceeded without any harassment, despite the rough terrain.
It seemed the wildlings were wise enough to recognize the strength of this party, with its two hundred well-armed soldiers, and chose not to challenge it.
There were, however, some foolish wild beasts that attacked the expedition. Needless to say, they ended up as dinner over the campfire.
After nearly another month of brisk marching, the settlers finally glimpsed the Summer Sea in the distance.
The salty, humid sea breeze blew away the mountain mists, bringing a sense of calm and fulfillment to the group.
Samwell was just as delighted, and he hastened his pace.
Heading southward, the terrain gradually evened out into a rare valley that stretched outward to form a rocky cape by the sea.
"This is Eagle's Point," said Todd Flowers. "It's well-suited as the site of your new holdfast, Lord Caesar."
Samwell looked around and couldn't help but nod in agreement.
It was an ideal location: flanked on both sides by mountains, backed by the Summer Sea, with only a narrow pass through the valley to the northwest.
The central valley stretched over ten thousand acres. Though the rocky ground was too poor to farm, it was ample space to build a fortress, and the jutting shore was perfect for a port.
The way Todd Flowers navigated this route suggested that House Tyrell had scouted the area before.
Being deep in the Red Mountains, the site was difficult to reach and lacked farmland, meaning any stronghold here would be reliant on outside support.
Apparently, House Tyrell hadn't been committed to founding a settlement here until Samwell came along.
The original plan was likely for Todd Flowers to manipulate the "cowardly" pioneer knight, having him raid merchant ships in his own name to keep the hold afloat.
Yet Samwell had no intention of following that plan.
Piracy, if exposed, would ruin any chance of acceptance among Westerosi nobility. He'd end up like Jorah Mormont, who'd been disgraced for trading in slaves and had to flee across the Narrow Sea to join Daenerys.
Actually… that didn't sound so bad.
Samwell quickly shook his head, dismissing the thought as foolish.
Since he'd taken the name Caesar, he would never settle for serving beneath anyone.
If he intended to rise in the chaotic times to come, he needed a hold of his own and loyal soldiers to defend it.
And here, at Eagle's Point, with four hundred settlers at his command, lay the beginning of everything.
(End of Chapter)
Wöchentlicher Energiestatus
-- Power-
Rangliste 
-- Power-
Stein