Chapter 41.2- The Seadragon's Roar

“Are you scared nephew?” He asked, already saddling his horse. I shrugged. His funeral then.

A few minutes later, we were thundering at each other from opposite ends of the field, and seconds after that, he was on the floor. He had missed with his thrust entirely, and mine had got him straight in the breastplate. He rolled on the ground with the impact, managing to make out to his feet with little delay.

“Swords” he called, drawing his blade and holding it out towards me. I shook my head. Was there any need to take this so far. Still, I accepted the challenge. Did I have any other choice than to take it? I drew my sword and dismounted my horse, tapping it towards the page I had recruited to handle my things. He swung first. I ducked backwards, allowing his blade to kiss the sand. A second later, he froze still.

I had taken advantage of his imbalance to close the distance between us and place my sword at his neck.

“I yield, Nephew.” He said.

“Good. Now mind telling me what the fuck that was about?” I asked him, lowering my voice as I did so.

“I simply wanted to test something. Corlys was not a martial man. He had been named a Knight more because of his last name and age at the time than because he had any special skill at arms. On the other hand, you were named as the youngest Knight in a generation. I just wanted to see it for myself. Clash lances and blades with you. Sadly, it seems I’ve let myself go somewhat. That didn’t even qualify as a clash” He said somewhat despodently.

“At your age, it’s impressive you managed to survive that fall even. Chin up, Uncle. You did well. The glory of the elders is in passing their burdens on to the younger generation. Rest easy knowing I am ready to deal with what may come” I said, and that made him straighten up somewhat. He nodded at me, and I nodded back before we clasped arms.

XXXX- ONE MONTH LATER

“And how many of these can you make in a day now?” I asked as I turned the newest product of Driftmark around in my fingers. I hadn’t expected to make it so far so quickly. In truth, I had underestimated the potential for exponential growth in just having people who had been doing something together for a while working together on it for even longer and longer.

“The woodwork is somewhat difficult. We are not carpenters, my lord. And the carpentry division is busy on other projects so at present we can make about two a day” He said somewhat sullenly. I could tell he wanted me to say his work was more important and so the carpenters could drop whatever it was they were working on. If only I could.

“The carpenters are making essential pieces for completing the ships sent over from Driftmark.” I said, watching the way his face fell. At least he understood that the ships were the most important thing. It meant he had some sense of awareness of things, at least. Driftmark was working at 100% capacity, making ship after ship. We were importing wood from Yronwood, the Reach, and even exploring options to the North for more wood. We were burning through the stuff quick as we could get it in.

“I might be able to have a single carpentry apprentice reassigned to your division for the next two sennights. Let’s see if we can get up to six a day with his help. That should make about fourty and eight, enough to ensure all the Captains on patrol have one for doing their jobs” I said, and he nodded, clearly excited.

“Continue on with the other projects now that the binoculars are complete” I said. He nodded again, head moving up and down excitedly.

I turned to walk away, making it to the door before I turned around to look at him.

“And Thoren?” I called back.

“Yes my Lord?”

“Good work” I said, and watched his face split in two with a smile that was all teeth.