70. Small Steps

Daeranyx's POV


"How is the progress, Lord Stane?" I asked, addressing Lord Stane, who was present with Lord Magnar to provide me with a report on the small changes we had begun implementing over the past month and a half.

"It is going better than we expected, My King," Lord Stane replied. "The harbor near Skagos is under construction as we speak, and, as you ordered, small boats are being made. We've also begun cutting trees to build larger ships. Additionally, we have started mining dragon glass, and leather is being collected from the smallfolk who can spare it for export when winter arrives."

I nodded in satisfaction at the progress of the harbor and the small boats. The small boats will allow us to take advantage of the abundant fish and seals in the waters around Skagos, providing a temporary means of export until our trade of exotic goods begins with large ships.

I then turned to Lord Magnar, eager to hear the reports on the tasks I had assigned him. He seemed to understand my expectation and said, "As you instructed, The Shields are composed of well-trained men capable of defending Skagos without much difficulty, provided they are not heavily outnumbered. We are also providing basic training for everyone to ensure they can defend themselves if necessary. Furthermore, the men we sent to Skane have returned with good news regarding the iron mines. I have already dispatched a few men from Crowl's territory, who are skilled in iron mining to Skane with a few of my own to oversee the process too. I also brought a blacksmith with me as you ordered."

"That's excellent. I no longer need to travel to Lannister tomorrow to import weapons and armor from them as we can manufacture weapons for The Shields as well as the Skagossi army here on Skagos," I said. "Now, it’s time for me to teach shipbuilders how to construct ships that are far more advanced than the current designs. Lord Stane, I want you to be present at this training as these ships will be used for trade, and I want your house to oversee their production in the future."

Lord Stane nodded, his face filled with happiness and determination. "Lord Magnar, I would like you to identify a few individuals interested in smithing and begin 'unicorn' husbandry, as we will use these beasts in warfare. And if we are fortunate, we could also sell them in Essos and Westeros."

I pondered for a moment, considering that the Vale would likely be interested in acquiring these shaggy goats, given their excellent mountain-climbing abilities. With specific breeding, we could enhance traits that would benefit us as well. Additionally, I realized I needed to construct roads on Skagos to facilitate faster transport and travel.

"If either of you has anything else to say, now is the time," I declared. They both shook their heads in response. "Then let's get to work, shall we?"

With that, I stood up and headed to my chambers to prepare the blueprints for the ships from what I could remember.



***__***


I couldn't help but let out an embarrassed chuckle because it wasn’t until I returned to my chambers and started contemplating designs for better ships that the glaring truth hit me: I didn’t know a single thing about shipbuilding. Embarrassment crept over me as I realized I’d promised Lord Stane innovations without possessing the faintest knowledge of how to achieve them. My ignorance felt like a weight pressing against my resolve.

Determined not to let this failure stop me, I shifted my focus to another pressing task—improving our weapons and armor. This was a challenge I could face with confidence. But before that sitting at my desk, I began sketching the small boats and crogs, used in this world, brainstorming where I could inscribe runes to enhance their speed. After meticulous work and some magical experimentation, I was ready to test my theory.

Heading to the shore, I etched runes into the hull of a small boat and infused them with magic. To my relief, the test was a resounding success. The runes worked splendidly, propelling the boat faster than I’d imagined. Satisfied, I immediately ordered Lord Stane to begin production of the crogs. Although he looked at me with bewilderment, he eventually nodded, albeit reluctantly. I considered explaining my methods but decided against it—time was of the essence. The runes inscribing part I have to do it myself because they will need magic to activate them and only I can do that.

Returning to my castle, I instructed the servants, drawn from both Stane's and Magnar's households, to summon Jon the Smith. The man arrived promptly, and after a brief conversation, I had a clear understanding of his capabilities. He led me to his forge, where I began teaching him how to create crucible steel, a significant improvement over the carbon steel used across Westeros.

But as someone attuned to magic, I couldn’t resist experimenting further. Using magical flames imbued with purification properties, I refined the steel, making it stronger and sharper than anything Jon had ever seen. His eyes widened as he held the weapon we produced, marveling at its weight, sharpness, and quality despite its crude shape. He peppered me with questions about the process, which I answered patiently, ensuring he grasped the fundamentals.

Before leaving, I encouraged Jon to take on as many apprentices as possible to help mass-produce these superior weapons and armor for Skagos’ defense. The smith swore he would teach every willing young man the craft, and I left him engrossed in his work, his enthusiasm palpable.

Now, sitting back in my chamber, the day's events weigh heavily on my mind. There is still much to be done. Roads must be constructed to connect the island's scattered settlements, paving the way for trade and prosperity. But Skagos’ true transformation will take time, and alliances with the northern lords will be crucial.

My thoughts turn to the upcoming tourney at King’s Landing. With any luck, Lord Stark will attend, providing me an opportunity to secure his goodwill and cooperation. If he agrees, I can travel back to the North under his banner, forging alliances that will benefit both him and me.

For now, though, I allow myself a brief respite, knowing that tomorrow will bring another tide of challenges.