Chapter 38.3- The Seadragon's Roar

“First of all, fine coastal sand from the Tor, then I will need sand steeds from Yronwood to see if I can breed them with my own horses and make a more unique breed of horse. Ideally, I would like herbs, spices, salt, as well as fruits. As many as can be shipped efficiently. Wood from Yronwood was well will be essential for my shipbuilding and construction efforts” I said, giving them a basic list. Most of the other things I would be needing would be sourced from elsewhere.

“And from you we will need gold as payment, and security. As well as a promise that if we find ourselves starved out by the other houses that you will take steps to see to it that we. Receive food aplenty as well as all other resources we dnd ourselves in need of.” Jordayne said. That made sense. It wasn’t like the Stepstones were producing all that much right now that they could need.

“And nothing else? The Stepstones is making massive strides in becoming one of the key players in production of all sorts of things. From glass to ships.” I asked.

“We would prefer to receive our payment in gold rather than in goods” He said. I nodded. They would, of course, come to regret that in time

“Then all that remains is for us to discuss price.” I said.

—

“And that will be all, gentlemen” I said with a smile as I took another sip of their wine. It was good negotiating with fellow lords rather than merchants. For one they were less interested in raking me over for every loose bit of gold they could find.

Of course, it was possible that it wasn’t because they were Lords but because they would be relying on the Stepstones and my security umbrella to keep them safe in a Kingdom where they had just pissed off a good portion of the nobility.

“It was good doing business with you, Lord Velaryon” Icarus, said rising. I nodded, and shook his hand.

They escorted us out of the ship, and then I turned to Ser Ben. I nodded at him, and he walked towards the Igneel. No other dragon would have allowed any but their rider get so close as to unlatch something from their saddle— at least not without a lot of soothing, but Igneel was superior in that he was above such things.

Ser Ben returned with a raven.

“My Maester has trained it to find its way to Bloodstone. If you do find yourself in need of my help, then I will only be a raven away. Of course, I will be taking steps today to ensure that is not the case.”

“What? What do you mean?” The confusion on Jordayne’s face made me wish I had a camera or something similar to immortalize the look.

“You committed treason against the Principality of Dorne when you delivered her Prince to me. But now you are my trade partners. While I could let you return and then intervene when Dorne crowns a new Prince and comes for your heads, it would be better if I prevented all of that from being an issue in the first place”

“How do you plan to do that?” Yronwood asked.

“You intend to end House Martell.” Jordayne said next, connecting the dots.

“They can’t really crown a new Prince if there’s no one to put the crown on, can they? Knowing what I know about the Houses of Dorne, there’s no chance they manage to agree to crown one among themselves.” I said.

“You will end Dorne” Yronwood said, sounding far more aghast than a man who had committed treason against his Prince should have.

“No. I will end the Principality of Dorne. Dorne itself will be fine. Maybe you will fight a few more wars tho usual against each other, but you are both about to become very wealthy men so I am sure you will be fine” I said.