Post by The Stranger on Jul 9, 2008 21:46:14 GMT -5
From the corner of Dragonstone Citadel castle looking down upon the spit of land that helped guard the port of Dragonstone, Avery and his cousin Rhaegar Velaryon were deep in discussion.
“What make you of this news coming from the west?” asked the young Lord Velaryon.
Avery frowned.
“I mislike it. Lannisport by all reports has fallen to an unknown invader from the west.”
Rhaegar Velaryon nodded.
“Alessa is frantic with worry about her father Steffen and her wider family. I am concerned too, but far more concerned for the realm.”
With an air of resignation Avery agreed.
“I don’t think we have any choice. Dragonstone must assist where we can. The invasion force is large by all reports and my nephew Rickon will need every man he can call upon."
Avery looked over the battlement to the team of labourers working far below and sighed.
Rhaegar tried to reassure him. “Our preparations are as best we can make them. You would agree?”
Avery nodded and slapped his cousin’s shoulder.
“You will be in command in my absence. Take note of the defences I have constructed and use them as best you can, if you need to.”
He began pointing them out so Rhaegar would be clear to what had been done.
"You see," Avery said, "there is a row of man-made small islands across the mouth of the inner port, and the port castles that command the chain, and those on this wall, would prevent any hostile fleet from entering.
"The chain allows us to form a useful place of refuge. In case a great fleet came to attack us, our galleys would lay up in the inner port, with the chain up which would be cleared of all the merchant craft, as these would hamper the defence. The only way the fleet could be damaged was if there were landingfs made and the port castles taken.
"Even if they did and the fleet were taken, they could surely scarce pass our new deep fosse," Rhaegar said, looking down into the tremendous cutting in the solid rock that ran round the whole circuit of the walls; it was from forty to sixty feet deep, and from ninety to a hundred and forty feet wide. It was from this great cutting that the stones for further construction of the walls, towers, and buildings of the town had been taken, the work having been going on ever since Avery had become the Prince of Dragonstone, and being performed by a host of captives taken in war, together with labour hired from neighboring islands. Upon this immense work the Prince had expended no small proportion of his revenue since their taking of Dragonstone some four years before and the result was a fortress that, under the conditions of warfare, seemed almost impregnable.
Avery had also made some other innovations. The houses inside the Citadel were all built of stone, with flat roofs. The streets were very narrow, and were crossed at frequent intervals by broad stone arches. These had the effect, not only of giving shelter from an enemy's fire, but of affording means by which troops could march rapidly across the Citadel houses upon the roofs of the houses to reinforce the defenders of the wall, wherever pressed by the enemy. Thus the buildings in the Citadel from above presented the appearance of a great pavement, broken only by dark and frequently interrupted lines.
By the time Avery and Rhaegar had made the circuit of the walls with Avery pointing out his innovations and instructions to Rhaegar darkness had fallen, and concealed the martial features of the scene. Lights twinkled everywhere upon the stone terraces; the sound of lutes and other musical instruments came up softly on the still air, with the hum of talk and laughter. The sea lay as smooth as a mirror, and reflected the light of the stars, and the black hulls of the galleys and ships in the harbour lay still and motionless.
Two days later Avery and his company of young knights went down to the port to take part in the launch of the fleet, which was leaving Dragonstone for Kings Landing. This was the occasion of a solemn ceremony, a large number of dignitaries from Dragonstone, Driftmark and Claw Island being present. A religious service to the Seven first took place on the flagship. When the ceremony was over, Rhaegar was solemnly invested with the command of Dragonstone; then the gangplanks and other moorings were struck away, and the twenty five galleys began moving towards the entrance of the harbour, amid the blowing of trumpets, and the cheers of the spectators who had gathered at the port to witness the ceremony.
Only a portion of the knights had been out each day while the crew were learning to row, as there was but little for them to learn. The galleys carried one or two sails, and the knights were soldiers rather than sailors, and fought on the deck of their ship, as if defending a breach, or storming one held by the enemy. Moreover, as all of them had already made one or more practice voyages under the command of Lord Velaryon, they were accustomed to such duties as they would have to discharge on board.
Avery’s power when at sea with the fleet would be absolute. He had made that clear to his men. He could suspend any officer or knight from duty, and had unquestioned power of life and death over the crews. He had been frequently on board the fleet since is plans to leave Dragonstone had been formulated, and had been pleased with the attention paid by his captains to his duties, and with the ready manner in which the young knights carried out his orders.
Avery spoke to his cousin Rhaegar as he invested him with command of Dragonstone in his absence.
"I need not warn you to act with prudence as well as courage, for you have proved that you possess both qualities. Do not allow yourself to be carried away by the impetuosity of your knights; it is more often the duty of a commander to restrain than to encourage his crew, and with such young blood as you have under your command the necessity will be greater than usual. Be kind to your servants, but be ever watchful; yet this I need not tell you. Maintain a strict but not over severe discipline. As on shore, as you would be familiar with at sea, and as acting regent of Dragonstone you are the captain and they are your soldiers. I have this afternoon had a meeting of your captains and knights, and have urged upon them very strongly that they must obey your orders as promptly and willingly as if you were the Prince of Dragonstone, and that it behooves them specially upon the present occasion, when your garrison is composed entirely of young knights to show themselves worthy of the honour that has been done to them by entrusting Dragonstone to their charge. I told them I should regard your report of their individual conduct with the same attention and respect with which I should that of any other commander, and that they might greatly make or mar their future prospects in my service by their conduct during their time in the garrison. I am convinced, from what I know of you, that you will exercise no undue harshness, but will act with tact and discretion, as well as firmness."
Rhaegar knelt and kissed his cousin’s hand.
"I will try to do so, my Prince. I feel that it is a heavy responsibility and will spare no pains to justify the unmerited honour that has been bestowed upon me."
Avery smiled before asking his cousin.
"You have seen that the taking in of stores is complete, and that nothing is wanting for the voyage?"
Rhaegar nodded. “I stood by while the overseer of stores checked off every sack and barrel as it came on board. The water is to be brought off this evening, and as I was unable to be present, Ser Vortimer Rivers is there to count the barrels and see that all are full."
On the following morning the knights and men-at-arms of Dragonstone all went on board. Their baggage was carried down by their personal servants who were to go as their attendants during the voyage. Avery had ensured that he had purchased a stock of the best wines, and various other luxuries to supplement the rations supplied when at sea. Avery had to go round early with Ser Vortimer Rivers to check that his orders had been followed to the letter. By the time he arrived on board all his knights and men-at-arms were therefore, on board before him and, when he arrived, were drawn up in military order to receive him.
Every knight and captain was in full armour, and at a word from Ser Vortimer, they drew their swords and saluted the young Prince, as he boarded.
The knights were all, with the exception only of Ser Vortimer, between the ages of seventeen and twenty-five. There was no mistaking the ardour and enthusiasm in their faces, and if there was any lack of breadth and weight, that years alone would give to them, was compensated by skill in their weapons, acquired by long and severe training, and by the activity and tireless energy of youth.
"Knights and comrades," Avery said as, after walking through the double line to the end of the flagship, he turned and faced them,
"I am proud indeed to command so gallant a body of knights and men. The success of our expedition depends upon you as well as upon me as your Prince and captain, and as I feel assured of your warm cooperation I have no fear as to what the result will be. The enemies of Westeros I feel certain, will be crushed and the men of Dragonstone and Driftmark will play an important role in their defeat, together with our kinsmen of Westeros.
A shout of approbation greeted the close of his address. Avery then walked forward to the end of the poop deck, and looked down upon the rowers, who, with their oars out, were awaiting the order to row.
“It is my desire that, while it is necessary that you should do your work, your lot shall be no heavier than can be avoided. You will not be taxed beyond your powers, save when the enemy is in sight, or there is supreme need for haste, but then you must be called upon for your utmost exertions. I wish your work to be willing. I abhor the use of the lash, and so long as each man does his fair quota of work, I have given the strictest orders that it shall never be used. I have, at my own cost, made provision that your daily rations shall be improved while under my command. Meat will be served out to you daily, when it can be obtained, and while engaged in such severe labour, a ration of wine will also be served out; and such other indulgences as are compatible with the discipline and safety of the fleet, will also be granted to you."
There was a murmur of gratitude among the rowers, many of whom were captured prisoners, criminals or servants who had volunteered seeking a break from the boring monotonity of their lives, or were men-at-arms put to work as rowers due to shortages. The Prince then gave the order to row, and the fleet began to move out of Dragonstone Harbour. The knights had now fallen out from their ranks, and were soon laughing and talking with abandon. Being all of noble families and knightly rank, there was, except when on actual duty, a tone of perfect equality and good fellowship prevailing among them.
Until noon the oarsmen rowed steadily and well. Work was then stopped for there was scarce a breath of wind stirring the water. Even under the awning that had, as the sun gained power, been erected over the poop deck, the heat, even out to sea was still oppressive. Still the memories of the long-lasting blizzard were still vivid and few complained. The knights had all divested themselves of their armour, and many of them retired below for a rest and shelter. As soon as the oarsmen stopped rowing, an awning, which Avery had designed, and which was rolled up under the break of the poop, was, to their astonishment, drawn over them.
"Don't you think you are spoiling these rowers, my lord Prince?" one of the Driftmark knights asked doubtfully.
"On the contrary, Ser Valarr, I hope that I am improving them. You have not worked as a galley slave, but Ser Vortimer here has in his youth. He has assured me that when they were lying broiling in the sun, doing nothing, much more trying than those during which they were at work. He used to be quite giddy and sick with the heat and on getting out the oars again had scarce strength to work them. But this is not the most important point. On shore our oarsmen always sleep with a roof over their heads, but at sea they must rest on their benches; and to do so with clothes soaked with the heavy dew must be a severe trial, and most prejudicial to the health. The awning costs but a few gold pieces, and I believe that, putting aside the comfort to our oarsmen, many of whom will have to fight, it will be very speedily repaid by their better health and capacity for labour. And in case I have always felt the greatest pity for the unfortunate wretches when at daybreak, in their drenched clothes, and shivering with cold and wet, they rose to commence their work.
Two or three of the knights standing by expressed their warm approval of Avery’s comments. Servants, be they oarsmen, labourers or other, were everywhere regarded as little more mere beasts of burden by their superiors. When, however, they had the question put to them, as Avery had done, those same superiors were ready to give a hearty agreement, although it was the utilitarian, rather than the humanitarian side of the question that recommended it to them.
After three hours' rest the journey was renewed, and just at nightfall the fleet was anchored off Sweetport Sound on the mainland, ready to follow the coastline west and then south to King’s Landing.
Results:
Prince Avery Baratheon gains Master in Command
Prince Avery Baratheon gains Master in Engineering (Fortification)
Lord Rhaegar Velaryon moves to Noteworthy in Engineering (Fortification)
Lord Rhaegar Velaryon moves towards Master in Command.
Lord Rhaegar Velaryon is made castellan of Dragonstone.
The defences of Dragonstone are further improved by the construction of a deep fosse around the whole circuit of the Dragonstone walls measuring forty to sixty feet deep, and from ninety to a hundred and forty feet wide.
4,000 men and 25 warships from Dragonstone, commanded by Prince Avery sail for Kings Landing to help re-inforce the capital against the foreign invaders from the west.
“What make you of this news coming from the west?” asked the young Lord Velaryon.
Avery frowned.
“I mislike it. Lannisport by all reports has fallen to an unknown invader from the west.”
Rhaegar Velaryon nodded.
“Alessa is frantic with worry about her father Steffen and her wider family. I am concerned too, but far more concerned for the realm.”
With an air of resignation Avery agreed.
“I don’t think we have any choice. Dragonstone must assist where we can. The invasion force is large by all reports and my nephew Rickon will need every man he can call upon."
Avery looked over the battlement to the team of labourers working far below and sighed.
Rhaegar tried to reassure him. “Our preparations are as best we can make them. You would agree?”
Avery nodded and slapped his cousin’s shoulder.
“You will be in command in my absence. Take note of the defences I have constructed and use them as best you can, if you need to.”
He began pointing them out so Rhaegar would be clear to what had been done.
"You see," Avery said, "there is a row of man-made small islands across the mouth of the inner port, and the port castles that command the chain, and those on this wall, would prevent any hostile fleet from entering.
"The chain allows us to form a useful place of refuge. In case a great fleet came to attack us, our galleys would lay up in the inner port, with the chain up which would be cleared of all the merchant craft, as these would hamper the defence. The only way the fleet could be damaged was if there were landingfs made and the port castles taken.
"Even if they did and the fleet were taken, they could surely scarce pass our new deep fosse," Rhaegar said, looking down into the tremendous cutting in the solid rock that ran round the whole circuit of the walls; it was from forty to sixty feet deep, and from ninety to a hundred and forty feet wide. It was from this great cutting that the stones for further construction of the walls, towers, and buildings of the town had been taken, the work having been going on ever since Avery had become the Prince of Dragonstone, and being performed by a host of captives taken in war, together with labour hired from neighboring islands. Upon this immense work the Prince had expended no small proportion of his revenue since their taking of Dragonstone some four years before and the result was a fortress that, under the conditions of warfare, seemed almost impregnable.
Avery had also made some other innovations. The houses inside the Citadel were all built of stone, with flat roofs. The streets were very narrow, and were crossed at frequent intervals by broad stone arches. These had the effect, not only of giving shelter from an enemy's fire, but of affording means by which troops could march rapidly across the Citadel houses upon the roofs of the houses to reinforce the defenders of the wall, wherever pressed by the enemy. Thus the buildings in the Citadel from above presented the appearance of a great pavement, broken only by dark and frequently interrupted lines.
By the time Avery and Rhaegar had made the circuit of the walls with Avery pointing out his innovations and instructions to Rhaegar darkness had fallen, and concealed the martial features of the scene. Lights twinkled everywhere upon the stone terraces; the sound of lutes and other musical instruments came up softly on the still air, with the hum of talk and laughter. The sea lay as smooth as a mirror, and reflected the light of the stars, and the black hulls of the galleys and ships in the harbour lay still and motionless.
Two days later Avery and his company of young knights went down to the port to take part in the launch of the fleet, which was leaving Dragonstone for Kings Landing. This was the occasion of a solemn ceremony, a large number of dignitaries from Dragonstone, Driftmark and Claw Island being present. A religious service to the Seven first took place on the flagship. When the ceremony was over, Rhaegar was solemnly invested with the command of Dragonstone; then the gangplanks and other moorings were struck away, and the twenty five galleys began moving towards the entrance of the harbour, amid the blowing of trumpets, and the cheers of the spectators who had gathered at the port to witness the ceremony.
Only a portion of the knights had been out each day while the crew were learning to row, as there was but little for them to learn. The galleys carried one or two sails, and the knights were soldiers rather than sailors, and fought on the deck of their ship, as if defending a breach, or storming one held by the enemy. Moreover, as all of them had already made one or more practice voyages under the command of Lord Velaryon, they were accustomed to such duties as they would have to discharge on board.
Avery’s power when at sea with the fleet would be absolute. He had made that clear to his men. He could suspend any officer or knight from duty, and had unquestioned power of life and death over the crews. He had been frequently on board the fleet since is plans to leave Dragonstone had been formulated, and had been pleased with the attention paid by his captains to his duties, and with the ready manner in which the young knights carried out his orders.
Avery spoke to his cousin Rhaegar as he invested him with command of Dragonstone in his absence.
"I need not warn you to act with prudence as well as courage, for you have proved that you possess both qualities. Do not allow yourself to be carried away by the impetuosity of your knights; it is more often the duty of a commander to restrain than to encourage his crew, and with such young blood as you have under your command the necessity will be greater than usual. Be kind to your servants, but be ever watchful; yet this I need not tell you. Maintain a strict but not over severe discipline. As on shore, as you would be familiar with at sea, and as acting regent of Dragonstone you are the captain and they are your soldiers. I have this afternoon had a meeting of your captains and knights, and have urged upon them very strongly that they must obey your orders as promptly and willingly as if you were the Prince of Dragonstone, and that it behooves them specially upon the present occasion, when your garrison is composed entirely of young knights to show themselves worthy of the honour that has been done to them by entrusting Dragonstone to their charge. I told them I should regard your report of their individual conduct with the same attention and respect with which I should that of any other commander, and that they might greatly make or mar their future prospects in my service by their conduct during their time in the garrison. I am convinced, from what I know of you, that you will exercise no undue harshness, but will act with tact and discretion, as well as firmness."
Rhaegar knelt and kissed his cousin’s hand.
"I will try to do so, my Prince. I feel that it is a heavy responsibility and will spare no pains to justify the unmerited honour that has been bestowed upon me."
Avery smiled before asking his cousin.
"You have seen that the taking in of stores is complete, and that nothing is wanting for the voyage?"
Rhaegar nodded. “I stood by while the overseer of stores checked off every sack and barrel as it came on board. The water is to be brought off this evening, and as I was unable to be present, Ser Vortimer Rivers is there to count the barrels and see that all are full."
On the following morning the knights and men-at-arms of Dragonstone all went on board. Their baggage was carried down by their personal servants who were to go as their attendants during the voyage. Avery had ensured that he had purchased a stock of the best wines, and various other luxuries to supplement the rations supplied when at sea. Avery had to go round early with Ser Vortimer Rivers to check that his orders had been followed to the letter. By the time he arrived on board all his knights and men-at-arms were therefore, on board before him and, when he arrived, were drawn up in military order to receive him.
Every knight and captain was in full armour, and at a word from Ser Vortimer, they drew their swords and saluted the young Prince, as he boarded.
The knights were all, with the exception only of Ser Vortimer, between the ages of seventeen and twenty-five. There was no mistaking the ardour and enthusiasm in their faces, and if there was any lack of breadth and weight, that years alone would give to them, was compensated by skill in their weapons, acquired by long and severe training, and by the activity and tireless energy of youth.
"Knights and comrades," Avery said as, after walking through the double line to the end of the flagship, he turned and faced them,
"I am proud indeed to command so gallant a body of knights and men. The success of our expedition depends upon you as well as upon me as your Prince and captain, and as I feel assured of your warm cooperation I have no fear as to what the result will be. The enemies of Westeros I feel certain, will be crushed and the men of Dragonstone and Driftmark will play an important role in their defeat, together with our kinsmen of Westeros.
A shout of approbation greeted the close of his address. Avery then walked forward to the end of the poop deck, and looked down upon the rowers, who, with their oars out, were awaiting the order to row.
“It is my desire that, while it is necessary that you should do your work, your lot shall be no heavier than can be avoided. You will not be taxed beyond your powers, save when the enemy is in sight, or there is supreme need for haste, but then you must be called upon for your utmost exertions. I wish your work to be willing. I abhor the use of the lash, and so long as each man does his fair quota of work, I have given the strictest orders that it shall never be used. I have, at my own cost, made provision that your daily rations shall be improved while under my command. Meat will be served out to you daily, when it can be obtained, and while engaged in such severe labour, a ration of wine will also be served out; and such other indulgences as are compatible with the discipline and safety of the fleet, will also be granted to you."
There was a murmur of gratitude among the rowers, many of whom were captured prisoners, criminals or servants who had volunteered seeking a break from the boring monotonity of their lives, or were men-at-arms put to work as rowers due to shortages. The Prince then gave the order to row, and the fleet began to move out of Dragonstone Harbour. The knights had now fallen out from their ranks, and were soon laughing and talking with abandon. Being all of noble families and knightly rank, there was, except when on actual duty, a tone of perfect equality and good fellowship prevailing among them.
Until noon the oarsmen rowed steadily and well. Work was then stopped for there was scarce a breath of wind stirring the water. Even under the awning that had, as the sun gained power, been erected over the poop deck, the heat, even out to sea was still oppressive. Still the memories of the long-lasting blizzard were still vivid and few complained. The knights had all divested themselves of their armour, and many of them retired below for a rest and shelter. As soon as the oarsmen stopped rowing, an awning, which Avery had designed, and which was rolled up under the break of the poop, was, to their astonishment, drawn over them.
"Don't you think you are spoiling these rowers, my lord Prince?" one of the Driftmark knights asked doubtfully.
"On the contrary, Ser Valarr, I hope that I am improving them. You have not worked as a galley slave, but Ser Vortimer here has in his youth. He has assured me that when they were lying broiling in the sun, doing nothing, much more trying than those during which they were at work. He used to be quite giddy and sick with the heat and on getting out the oars again had scarce strength to work them. But this is not the most important point. On shore our oarsmen always sleep with a roof over their heads, but at sea they must rest on their benches; and to do so with clothes soaked with the heavy dew must be a severe trial, and most prejudicial to the health. The awning costs but a few gold pieces, and I believe that, putting aside the comfort to our oarsmen, many of whom will have to fight, it will be very speedily repaid by their better health and capacity for labour. And in case I have always felt the greatest pity for the unfortunate wretches when at daybreak, in their drenched clothes, and shivering with cold and wet, they rose to commence their work.
Two or three of the knights standing by expressed their warm approval of Avery’s comments. Servants, be they oarsmen, labourers or other, were everywhere regarded as little more mere beasts of burden by their superiors. When, however, they had the question put to them, as Avery had done, those same superiors were ready to give a hearty agreement, although it was the utilitarian, rather than the humanitarian side of the question that recommended it to them.
After three hours' rest the journey was renewed, and just at nightfall the fleet was anchored off Sweetport Sound on the mainland, ready to follow the coastline west and then south to King’s Landing.
Results:
Prince Avery Baratheon gains Master in Command
Prince Avery Baratheon gains Master in Engineering (Fortification)
Lord Rhaegar Velaryon moves to Noteworthy in Engineering (Fortification)
Lord Rhaegar Velaryon moves towards Master in Command.
Lord Rhaegar Velaryon is made castellan of Dragonstone.
The defences of Dragonstone are further improved by the construction of a deep fosse around the whole circuit of the Dragonstone walls measuring forty to sixty feet deep, and from ninety to a hundred and forty feet wide.
4,000 men and 25 warships from Dragonstone, commanded by Prince Avery sail for Kings Landing to help re-inforce the capital against the foreign invaders from the west.