Chapter 17: Everything has a purpose
"Ser Gerold how are our men?" The number of people in my Solar dwindled as they left after they gave their reports.
"My lord." He lowered his head. "We have the approval for the five thousand in total that Lady Dustin requested from Lord Stark but we won't be able to expand anymore. All will be trained, equipped and ready in one maximum two years." Of course uncle won't agree for more. He only did so, as mother gave him some clues that she knows about Jon Snow. The man was terrified.
I don't really care about that undecided cunt Snow. Blood is the strongest oath, not running to Nights Watch because some words hurt your feelings.
"How is our cavalry?" I asked as that was what was the most important to us and for our plans in the future.
"As per Lady Dustin orders we favor them when recruiting and training. 1000 heavy riders will be ready at your command followed by 600 light riders, 400 archers and 3000 infantry. If needed the infantry can grab the bows, they aren't the best but they know to shoot the pointy end of the arrow out and the basics." The ex Lord Commander of Kingsguards is perfect for this job just as I thought.
After he regained his consciousness and spoke with my mother he stayed with us. Since then he has been an invaluable asset when training and commanding our army. He himself said he never had tougher and more disciplined men under his command.
Since Lord Stark won't allow it we have to go at it the other way.
"We will start the plan in Essos as well. Is everything ready?" I asked expecting nothing less than perfection.
"Yes my lord. Everything is ready and waiting for you. The first batch of 6000 recruits was sent to our fort and awaits your arrival while continuing their training. The old ships will take you with the Ironborn commanders and the new batch of marines for training. Later, the shadows will come back and resume their posts." That's perfect.
The shadows is how we address the skin changers. Since we can't build our army and fleet here we will do so in Essos. Maybe even earn some as sell sword company.
We have the gold, the supplies, the facilities and the men. We only need enemies and that's where I will spend the rest of my time with my sworn shields before Greyjoy's rebellion.
"What is the composition there? Not counting supporting troops taking care of everyday needs we have 500 heavy cavalry 2500 light cavalry 500 archers and 2500 infantry in training by experienced soldiers. The next batch will be send after they finish."
The supporting troops were basically the ones responsible for logistics and keeping the camp running, doctors and medics, blacksmiths, cooks, stable boys etc. We build our fort close to the Skahazadban river near Meereen with everything we might need there.
"Thank you Ser." I stood up and looked at my wolves. "Let's go for a ride guys!" They looked so happy after hearing me and as soon we went outside they sped of their own way.
We rode around my land for few hours with Ser Arthur and Ser Bryce following me before we made a stop for rest.
We were ready to get back, I was feeding Warrior an apple and bonding with him when a rider came rushing.
"My lord! My lord!" He was shouting just as he saw me. "Lady Dustin requests your presence urgently in her solar!" He waited for me to acknowledge which I did by nodding my head and he sped off again this time in the direction of the port and barracks.
I got up on my saddle and started to ride with two people following me. I could see Ser Arthur and Ser Bryce catching up.
"What do you think this is about my lord?" Bryce was asking but I have to admit I still feel a bit of resentment to him for playing me like he did I just didn't show it.
"Mother wouldn't call us so urgently if it wasn't important she would send a falcon not a rider." I said and concentrated on leading my horse but he really didn't need to be led.
He was smart and since I bonded with him I could simply give him the destination with my thoughts and the feeling of urgency and he would sped off. But then the rest wouldn't be able to catch up.
We started using falcons after some tests. The less talented and competent shadows are responsible for managing that. It's a real improvement to ravens as the birds are faster and fiercer. It's almost impossible to shoot one down with an arrow.
"Maybe it's about young lord lessons. It's nice to watch him singing and playing a harp like Prince Rhaegar did. You don't loose to him in it after you actually learned how to control your voice my lord." He's not joking. I learn everything I can that can help me with manipulation and getting what I want as per my mother order.
Including my favorite lessons about women from a Lysenian Pleasure slave. I didn't touch her. No. But she teaches me how to resist and use women.
It was good until she came with another girl and... you know... I was happy for not having the tent between my legs, but what do you expect. I might be adult in my mind but my body is seven years old.
"Ser Arthur I thank you for the compliment but I do not think my mother would call us so urgently for that." I said and sped up again.
"That's because you didn't hear yourself singing young lord. That's because you didn't hear yourself singing..." he said for only Ser Bryce to hear.
"You think he still holds a grudge?" Ser Bryce asked the new commander of the young lord guards.
He and Ser Arthur became friends after he joined the Dustin House.
"Wouldn't you Ser Bryce? You technically did betray him even if it was on Lady Dustin orders... he trusted you." They looked at each other. "I'm sure the young lord appreciates you. Just give him more time to trust you again." Ser Arthur said and sped up as well leaving the sad knight alone.
We arrived at the Barrow Hall soon after.
I got down from my horse and handed him to the stable boy that was already waiting.
The way to my mother solar was traversed with haste and I just opened the doors to let Loki and Laika In to see her sitting behind her desk.
"Mother..." I smiled a bit seeing the woman that was always there for me.
"Brendan." She looked up from her documents and smiled as well making me calm down.
If she's smiling then it means it's not something terrible.
We spoke for a moment when Lord Davos and Ser Gerold joined us.
Now me, Ser Arthur, Ser Bryce, Ser Gerold and Ser Davos were standing In front of my mother when she started telling us about the issue at hand.
"We received the word that the Ironborns are raging again. 15 ships passed Flint's Finger about half a day ago. Now the question is what will we do with that information." My mother looked at us.
"We don't know where they are headed but I doubt it's the Stony Shore. They know we are ready because of the Finger. Bear Island?" I said and looked at Ser Davos.
"Possible my lord. They could try the coast but Deepwood Motte would throw them back fast." He gave his expertise.
"So we possibly know where. Now what do we do?" My mother is testing me. I just know it.
"Which house from the islands?" I asked my mom.
"Two headed pelican. House Dunn." That makes it easier.
"Then we follow and fight." I looked around and saw our men agree.
"Your reasons my son?" Lady Dustin in full form. Everything needs to have a purpose.
"We weaken House Dunn for later, get in the good books of house Mormont and other Northern houses and Old Gods know we need them after my previous... actions. We could use new friends that owe us favors." That's the first thing. "We can get their ships, sell them, use or gift. We can inform House Stark how dedicated we are in protecting the coast and get rewarded for our service. Maybe they will even allow us to increase our fleet size seeing credible threat. We always can exaggerate our losses if everything goes well." I finished and looked around.
"I like the young lords plan." Ser Davos was always happy for more ships.
She smiled...
"Ser Gerold, Ser Davos. You heard my son, Lord Dustin. Mobilize the army and the fleet." Lady Barbrey ordered. "The two ships of Ryswell's and 1 of Glenmor's will join you on the way." She already knew what will be my decision and arranged support. Will there be a time when I outsmart her? Probably not.
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