Swiftwaters Visits Once More

[Horas]

"Yes," Marei replies, "I have made contact with several captains of sellsword fleets, and can have them ready to sail to Dragonstone on your command."

[Aerys]

Avery thumped the table making the goblet of wine he had perched close to the edge jump.

"Excellent!" he declared, his eyes shining.

"By the Seven, Marei, we'll give my nephew Dondarrion and his cronies a reception they won't soon forget, if they make an attempt to attack Dragonstone."

He sobered.

"Hopefully resorting to war won't be necessary. I don't want my people to suffer unnecessarily."

He waved her away from the Painted Table towards a large tapestry hanging on the wall

"Come and take a look at this tapestry of Dragonstone, my mother and her ladies have completed from a drawing made by one of my cousin's sailors Ted of Nasmith."



"Impressive is it not? That's what Dondarrion and his friends are up against. Let's hope our defences against them are adequate."

[Horas]

Marei's normally demure smile widens a bit at Avery's exclamation. The Prince's excitement is contagious.

"Very impressive," Marei agrees, admiring both the fortress' strong construction and the elegant threads of the tapestry, "Your Queen mother has an exceptional talent with her quillwork, but I think Aegon's architects showed even greater skill in the construction of this fortress. She will be a difficult nut to crack."

[Aerys]

Avery gazed up at the tapestry again.

"Yes, let's hope so Marei. My smiths and metalworkers are currently constructing a large chain to be placed across the entrance to the Harbour. It is almost complete I think. The fleet will have a safe place to retreat should they need it."

He turned to Marei.

"Is there anything else I should be aware of?"

[Horas]

Marei withdraws a scroll which contains the number and disposition of Dondarrion's troops (30 ships and 6,000 men, not yet mustered) and hands it to Avery. "That scroll contains more detailed information on Lord Dondarrion's army. Beyond that, I have little else to tell you at the moment, your Grace, though I shall be sure to inform you should I find anything new."

[Aerys]

Avery glanced at the parchment and nodded.

"Dondarrion won't take Dragonstone with just 6,000 men. It's who he brings with him that might be a little more problematic.

"Nevertheless I shall continue my preparations.

"I thank you Mistress Marei and I thank your Lord. Yes, please keep me informed."

He lifted her hand briefly to his lips, before resuming his seat to once again ponder the map of Westeros that lay spread before him on the Painted Table.

[Horas]

Marei blushes slightly as Avery kisses her hand, then curtsies elegantly.

"I shall keep you informed, my Prince," she tells him, then turns and leaves the Chamber of the Painted Table.