บท 746: Chapter 746: Suspicion
Soon enough, a small boat bearing the banner of the King's Landing City Watch sailed toward the battle-scarred brigantine. After a brief exchange, the soldiers on the warship, recognizing the City Watch's banner, hastily lowered the gangplank to allow the passengers to board.
Davos Seaworth, the Master of Imperial Customs, was dressed in simple attire. He was not particularly imposing, and his appearance was unremarkable. A longsword hung at his waist, and his brown hair and hazel eyes were streaked with gray. His left hand was missing the first joint of all but the thumb, the severed digits now serving as a talisman around his neck, a constant reminder to himself.
Leading a few soldiers of the City Watch, Davos boarded the warship. On the other side, 'One-Eyed' Romy Pyke and Jack, the co-captains of this brigantine named 'Fury,' hurried over to greet him.
"Good day, my lord."
The two brothers exchanged glances. 'One-Eyed' Romy, of low birth, was unsure how to converse with nobility. Jack, his sworn brother, quickly glanced at the sigil on Davos's chest.
It appeared to be a small black ship on a gray background, with an onion on its sail. Jack was momentarily puzzled. Although not a direct Lannister, he had been taught to read and recognize the sigils and mottos of the Seven Kingdoms' major houses.
But this black ship and onion were unfamiliar to him. The design seemed rather crude, making him think that even his two-year-old daughter's doodles had more depth.
Fortunately, one of the City Watch soldiers, bearing a seven-pointed star on his shoulder, tactfully intervened.
"This is Davos Seaworth, the Master of Imperial Customs, of House Seaworth of Storm's End!"
"What? Lord Seaworth?"
"I've long heard of your reputation."
Upon being prompted, Jack quickly extended his hand to shake Davos's, while his 'One-Eyed' brother looked somewhat bewildered. He turned to Jack, wondering when he had ever heard of a Lord Seaworth.
But Jack, born to a merchant family in Lannisport, was more adept at social interactions than Romy, a mere Iron Islands bastard. Despite the scar on his cheek from a previous naval battle, Jack's visage was not fearsome but rather added a touch of valor to his handsome face, unlike his one-eyed companion who looked anything but trustworthy.
"I am Davos Seaworth."
"Welcome, friends, to King's Landing."
The Master of Imperial Customs finally spoke, shaking hands with Jack, who was clearly in charge on this ship. At the same time, he cast an approving glance at the soldier who had just spoken.
This young man was indeed promising—sharp, perceptive. Perhaps there was an opportunity to have him transferred to serve under 'Blackfish' Brynden Tully as his personal guard. Davos pondered this as his keen eyes swept over the crew, lingering especially on 'One-Eyed' Romy Pyke.
The warship was marred with battle scars, clearly having weathered numerous storms and intense naval skirmishes. The soldiers on deck, though wearing outdated Imperial armor, were unmistakably battle-hardened, as if they had recently returned from the front lines.
Yet, the Empire had been at peace for the past two years, with no wars or naval battles breaking out.
Who were these people?
The Onion Knight's eyes narrowed slightly, his face betraying nothing, but his inner suspicions deepening.
He had already been skeptical about this ship and its crew, and boarding it had only raised more questions.
"This friend's attire is indeed...haha..."
Davos then turned his gaze to 'One-Eyed' Romy, who had remained silent, and spoke in a teasing tone. It might have seemed like a jest, but his eyes were locked onto Romy, as if trying to see through his true identity.
"Uh, this is our captain, Romy."
"Romy Pyke."
"He's also a member of the Imperial Fleet."
Jack, hearing the Master of Imperial Customs, turned to look at his companion and spoke somewhat awkwardly.
Because Romy Pyke's appearance and demeanor were indeed a bit too conspicuous, making him look no different from a pirate.
He wore a black eyepatch, his shirt unbuttoned to reveal his chest, coarse hemp shoes on his feet, and a curved blade at his waist. His face was unshaven, and he wore a fierce expression.
The very image of a pirate, through and through.
"Hmm?"
When the conversation suddenly shifted to him, 'One-Eyed' Romy was a bit taken aback. He looked down at his attire, not seeing any issue with it.
Isn't this how all Ironborn dress?
"Oh?"
"You're part of the Imperial Fleet?"
"But I see you're flying the banner of House Greyjoy of the Iron Islands. Are you under the command of Governor Euron?"
After a brief verbal probing, the conversation finally shifted to the crux of the matter, bringing them to the point of no return.
The Onion Knight's gaze sharpened, his voice steady as he inquired. Yet, behind his back, he subtly signaled his men. The soldiers of the King's Landing City Watch, who had already sensed the tension, discreetly rested their hands on the hilts of their swords, ready for anything.
"Governor Euron?"
"Euron Greyjoy?"
"What's a governor?"
Upon hearing the Onion Knight's words, the pirate-like 'One-Eyed' Romy finally spoke up.
He had fled overseas when the White Walkers invaded and was not familiar with the Empire's recent changes, including the new title of governor and the revamped noble system.
"We are indeed a ship of House Greyjoy."
"But we're not under Euron's command."
'One-Eyed' Romy Pyke spoke bluntly.
"We serve Lady Asha Greyjoy, hailing from the Summer Isles."
"Asha Greyjoy?"
"From the Summer Isles?"
The Onion Knight was slightly taken aback upon hearing this.
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