Chương 20: Gold and Power
Hugh stirred from a restless sleep, his body aching from the injuries he had sustained the night before. His eyes fluttered open, but his vision was blurry, making it difficult to discern his surroundings. He tried to move, but a sharp pain shot through his arm and leg, forcing him to lie still. As his vision slowly cleared, he took in the room around him. It was unlike any place he had ever been. The walls were adorned with rich tapestries, and the bed he lay in was covered with fine linens. The air smelled clean and fresh, a stark contrast to the dank, musty atmosphere of the taverns and alleys he was used to. Hugh's heart began to race. Had Alyn captured him? Was this some elaborate ruse before the money lender exacted his revenge? He struggled to sit up, his body protesting every movement. As he did, he noticed a young boy with silver hair sitting in a chair next to his bed, watching him with a blank.
"You're awake," the boy said, his voice gentle and soothing a far cry from the flea-bottom speak he was getting used to. "How are your wounds?" He asked. Hugh squinted at the boy, his mind racing. The boy's hair was the same colour as his own but his shined almost ethereally in contrast to his own dull colour.
"Who are you?" Hugh demanded, his voice rough and suspicious. "Where have you taken me?"
The boy smiled, unperturbed by Hugh's harsh tone. "My name is Jace. You're in my family's home. We found you injured and brought you here to recover." Hugh's mind reeled. He had expected Alyn or his guards, not a child. He tried to process the information, but his head throbbed with pain.
"Why would you help me?" Hugh asked, his suspicion still evident. "You don't even know me."
Jace didn't say anything and continued to smile at Hugh, though the tall man felt a little unease at the smile, it looked too perfect, too practised. Hugh's eyes narrowed. "And where exactly is this place? Who are you really?"
Jace leaned back in his chair, his eyes thoughtful. "This is my home in King's Landing, I brought you here because you were more injured than I was able to treat alone."
"You don't have to worry," he said softly. "You're safe here. No one will harm you."
Hugh grunted, still wary but too exhausted to argue. "Fine." He knew there was a catch, there was always a catch when it came to stuff like this.
Hugh glanced at the table beside the bed, noticing the tray of food and a pitcher of water. His stomach growled, reminding him that he hadn't eaten since the previous day. He reached for the water first, taking a long drink that soothed his throat. As he ate, Jace remained seated, watching him quietly. Hugh couldn't shake the feeling that there was more to this than what Jace had told him, it concerned him, to say the least. Never one to mince words Hugh was straight with him "Why are you really helping me?" Hugh asked between bites of bread. "What do you want from me?"
"I'll be honest with you, I want you to be my sworn sword," Jace replied.
Hugh barked out a laugh. "I'm a blacksmith boy, not a soldier," he replied.
"That didn't seem to matter to the men last night," Jace commented.
Hugh growled, "I'm good with my hands, but I'm useless with a sword."
"What about a hammer?" Jace asked.
"Of course, I can boy! Anyone can swing a hammer," he spat out.
"Then I see no issues," Jace stated.
"Except one, I won't do shit for you," Hugh replied in a growl.
Jace was silent for a moment before breathing out slightly. "You owe people quite a lot of money, you're also in trouble with the guards, if you'd rather deal with them than me then be my guest," he said gesturing to the door.
Hugh felt his anger boil over at the tone Jace used, he hated being cornered or blackmailed. His hand flashed out of the bed grabbing Jace by the collar of his shirt; despite his pain, he lifted him up high while moving out of bed. "You think you can blackmail me, boy!" Hugh spat at him as his fist tightened.
Jace however much to his surprise remained calm and raised his hand gesturing to someone behind him. Hugh turned and saw a man with his sword drawn ready to impale him, he hadn't heard him creep up on him. "Let's be honest with each other," Jace said struggling to talk slightly.
Hugh turned back to Jace the scowl still present on his face. "You walk out those doors you die, so the way I see it."
"You don't have a choice," Jace said completely toneless.
Hugh felt his anger swelling up inside him. "I could kill you and take whatever gold I can find, make a new life in Essos."
"Do it then..." Jace said, his crystal blue eyes bore into Hugh, and it started to make him nervous. He wasn't scared of Hugh one bit, he didn't even look like he was alive; his eyes were absent and his face blank. He didn't like it, seeing such a look on a child, it was making his arm shake; Hugh dropped Jace back to his feet and to his surprise, the boy pretended none of it happened and just straightened his tunic. "You will have a place to sleep, protection from the guards and your debt collectors, gold, even a Knighthood eventually if that's what you want," Jace said as he sat back down on the chair.
Hugh laughed humourlessly "A Knighthood? Who are you to offer me that," he asked.
"He is Prince Jacaerys Velaryon, son of Rhaenyra Targaryen, the current Heir to the Throne... in case you're curious who you've throttled," Edryck said from behind the two having sheathed his sword —though he still kept his hand on the pommel.
Hugh's eyes widened he had just threatened to kill the future King of Westeros. He'd also grabbed him and nearly choked him, if he was lucky he'd lose the offending hand, but most likely he'd be executed. "Enough Edryck, I'm sure we can leave that in the past," Jace said as he sat down.
Hugh was still reeling from the revelation, but as he snapped back to reality he immediately went to his knees. He didn't want to make things worse by acting disrespectful to a person who could kill him in broad daylight and have no one question it. "I heard that Targaryens often execute people by turning them alive and feeding them to their dragons," Edryck commented.
Hugh felt his body tense, he'd seen the massive creatures flying above Kings Landing, and it made him shake, the thought of being devoured by one of them. "You needn't worry Hugh Waters, I have no plans on executing you," Jace chimed in.
He then rubbed his face "Being sworn sword to the future Crown Prince and King isn't a bad alternative considering the other is death or who knows how long in the Black Cells."
He could see the anger once again appear on Hugh's face. "Don't misunderstand me, I don't plan on turning you in either should you deny my request, you're free to leave, but if you do I won't help you."
Hugh did feel a bit better about not being Blackmailed, and now that he could think with a clear head he recognised what an opportunity this was. Gold, status, a Knighthood, perhaps some land of his own with a castle and a young fertile wife.
"I accept my Prince."
...
Jace couldn't help but smile as he sat near a fountain near the street of silk, Edryck and Ser Erryk by his side. His brother Ser Arryk stood a bit further away watching over Helaena and Daella who had come to join him in Kings Landing. The reason he came here was to watch the debut of his travelling store; it wasn't difficult to find an old man to sell his product, for a few gold dragons he'd managed to fill the cart with other food products at Edrycks suggestion. Stood behind the old man was Hugh who wore a cloak with the hood drawn, he was there to deter would-be thieves.
Jace turned and watched as Daella and Helaena splashed their feet in the fountain. It was a hot day, Jace felt a little bad for the other kids who may have wished to cool down in this fountain. The City Guard had practically blocked off most of the area surrounding the fountain, though people still stopped and stared, for many of them it was the first time they'd ever seen a Targaryen. A common trait with Targaryens is that they are beautiful and almost otherworldly, in fact, it would be more uncommon to find a Targaryen that wasn't beautiful. Daella and Helaena were no exceptions; it did bother Jace somewhat to see some of the older men leering at them, but he couldn't exactly order them whipped. 'Maybe I should have Hugh deal with them...' he thought to himself.
"Jace." Edryck tapped his shoulder gesturing to the store. Jace looked over and saw that a group of the castle servants were approaching the cart; he had prepared around twenty bottles of Valyrian wine that he'd sell for twenty gold dragons. '400 gold dragons, a good start...' Jace thought to himself.
He watched as his wine was sold almost instantly, he wouldn't sell anymore for a couple of weeks. If he'd learned anything from his lessons from Lord Beesbury it was that scarcity would drive up the price. Right now he just needed to let people have a taste. Jace rubbed his eyes, he felt so tired as of late; the worry he was not doing enough or he was doing his business the wrong way weighed heavily on his mind, but he couldn't ask for help. "Jace, are you coming in yet?" Helaena asked with a giggle as she splashed some water against him.
Jace rolled his eyes "That water is probably dirty," he replied.
Helaena stuck her tongue out at him "Stop being a baby and come in," she said splashing him again.
Daella moved over sitting next to him and leaning against his shoulder. "You look tired, are you okay?" She asked in a quiet voice.
Jace let a small smile grace his features before knocking her head with his own. "I'm okay, how've you been adjusting to the city?" He asked. He hadn't managed to talk to Daella much about how she was settling in, he'd been too busy.
Daella smiled brightly "I never realised I could know such happiness, Helaena has made me feel so welcome."
"I'm glad, I'm sorry I haven't been able to spend as much time with you as of late," Jace said offering a weak smile.
"Then mayhaps you can make it up to me by spending more time with me," Daella said linking her arm through his.
"I'll do my best," Jace said.
"My Prince, Princesses, I believe we around start making our way back to the Red Keep, the sun is close to setting," Ser Erryk stated.
"Can't we stay for a bit longer," Helaena pleaded, it wasn't very often they were allowed out of the Red Keep, so she would take every moment she could get.
"We can come another time Helaena, Ser Erryk is right," Jace stated as he stood up. Helaena looked disappointed but she didn't argue and moved her feet out of the fountain slipping her footwear back on, Daella did the same.
"We have the welcoming feast for Uncle Daemon and my Mother, we shouldn't be late," Jace added.
Both girls grumbled but they soon entered the wheelhouse they had come in, with Jace following close behind. Hugh would bring the earnings to him later, he had already scouted the buildings he wanted to buy; considering they were in Fishmongers Square he knew he'd get a good price —not everyone could stand the smell. They were also close enough to the mud gate that crime was relatively low.
Jace sat down in the wheelhouse looking out the window to the city. His plans were going well at the moment, he hoped they'd continue to do so, but he couldn't afford to fail.
———————————————————-
The grand hall of the Red Keep was alive with the sounds of celebration. Laughter and conversation mingled with the music of minstrels as the feast to celebrate the return of Daemon Targaryen and Rhaenyra Targaryen was in full swing. The long tables were laden with sumptuous dishes, and the air was thick with the scent of roasted meats and spiced wine.
Jace sat next to Helena and Daella, at one of the high tables. It was no surprise that they were seated together. Jace, however, remained unusually quiet, his attention focused on the upper dais where the nobility and his family were gathered. Unbeknownst to most in attendance, the wine being served at the high table was a particular vintage that Jace had orchestrated to be there. Valyrian Bloodwine, a rare and potent drink, had mysteriously appeared in the Red Keep some time ago, causing a flurry of speculation and curiosity. Tonight, it was the centrepiece of the feast, and Jace watched with anxiety as his plan unfolded.
Lords and ladies raised their goblets, swirling the dark liquid and murmuring in appreciation. Rhaenyra, his mother, and Daemon, his uncle, were both inquisitive about the wine. King Viserys, seated at the head of the table, took a sip and smiled, clearly pleased with the drink.
"It's quite remarkable," Viserys announced, drawing the attention of the entire hall. "This wine appeared out of nowhere one day, it is only recently I found the purveyor, but even now he tells me he doesn't know who makes the wine, he only sells it."
Rhaenyra looked intrigued. "It's delightful, Father. Where do you think it came from?"
Viserys shrugged, still smiling. "Who knows? Perhaps a token of goodwill from a distant land. But let us not dwell on mysteries. Tonight, we celebrate the return of my brother and my daughter."
Viserys, sitting beside Rhaenyra, lifted his goblet in acknowledgement. "To family," he said simply.
Viserys turned to his brother, a note of concern entering his voice. "And how is your wife, Laena? We had hoped she could join us tonight."
Daemon's expression darkened slightly. "She is still unwell, which is why she could not be here. But she is receiving the best care possible."
Viserys nodded solemnly. "We wish her a swift recovery."
As the feast continued Jace started to think of something that had plagued his thoughts constantly since he had returned and started taking his training seriously. Knighthood, he realised that he wanted one for himself, Jace was at an age where many noble boys began to squire for knights, of course as a prince he didn't need to do such things, but he didn't feel right about not having such an important title. He wanted to become a warrior of great renown, so he'd feel a little ridiculous not having the title to go with it. Daemon was a renowned warrior, his prowess in battle legendary. If anyone could mentor Jace and guide him to knighthood, it was his uncle. As the evening wore on, Jace resolved to think more on this later. For now, he turned his attention back to the girls beside him, determined to enjoy the feast. He had been so lost in thought that he realized he hadn't spoken much to Helaena and Daella.
"Daella, did you see the new tapestries in the great hall?" Jace asked, attempting to make small talk.
Daella, who had been quietly observing the feast, turned to him with a bright smile. "Yes, they're beautiful! The details are incredible. I heard they were a gift from Dorne."
Helaena nodded in agreement. "I think they add a lot of character to the hall. It's been needing a bit of colour."
Jace smile. "I agree. They do brighten up the place. Have you tried any of the new dishes tonight?"
Daella's eyes lit up. "I have! The honey-glazed ham is absolutely delicious. You should try it."
Helaena laughed softly. "I think Daella is set on sampling every dish on the table tonight. She's quite the glutton."
Daella blushed slightly but grinned. "Well, how can I resist? Everything looks and smells so wonderful."
Helaena leaned in, lowering her voice conspiratorially. "Did you hear about the tournament being held in a few moons? Father mentioned it earlier today."
Jace raised an eyebrow "A tournament? That's news to me. What's the occasion?"
"It's to celebrate the king's name day," Helaena explained. "There will be jousting, melee, and all sorts of competitions. It should be quite the event."
Daella's eyes sparkled with excitement. "I've never seen a tournament before."
Jace nodded. "It sounds like it will be a grand affair, the last one I remember was a long time ago."
Helaena and Daella nodded eagerly, Jace had to admit the idea of a tournament was exciting, though he had to admit he didn't have much experience jousting. He was, however, a natural at horse riding, how could he not be, he was a dragon rider, and riding a horse is easy compared to such things. As the feast began to wind down, Jace's mind returned to the idea of knighthood. He knew it wouldn't be an easy path, but the more he thought about it, the more he was convinced that it was the right one, he would be the Crown Prince one day when his mother took the throne, it wouldn't be seemly for a Prince to not be Knighted.
He would wait for the right moment to speak to Daemon, to ask if he would take him on as a squire. He knew his Uncle was a busy man and could very easily deny him, yet there wasn't much to lose in not asking him, the worst he could say was no and if he agreed then he would be squire to one of the greatest warriors in the land.
"Shall we walk in the gardens for a bit before retiring?" Helaena suggested.
Jace nodded, grateful for the chance to clear his head. "That sounds like a good idea."
(AN: Jace has Hugh Hammer in his service and now is making his gold. He's doing well I reckon and he now has his sights set on a knighthood. Jace is pretty single-minded and every since Valyria he is fearless. He came face to face with death and accepted it, after that how could he be afraid of anything. So don't be surprised if he tries to enter the melee and the joust as a mystery knight. I hope you enjoyed the chapter.)
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