Chapter 18.3- The Seadragon's Roar

“I was unaware that the position of Master of Ships was a hereditary one” Darklyn commented with a chortle. His animosity with the Velaryons spawned from little but petty jealousy. Regardless of its origins though, Runciter was aware that the Hand had leveraged that animosity on more than one occasion. Especially when he did not want to be seen as overtly anti-Velaryon even as he worked to oppose them underneath the scenes.

“Daemon to Aethan to Daemon to Manfryd to Corlys and then Corlys again. Only one of those names does not belong to a Velaryon, so it might as well be” Lyonel Strong was the next to speak. He did not give an opinion any which way, just clarified a statement made by another. That was custom for him, never giving away his position unless asked to vote on some particularly piece of policy to be presented to the King when the Council sat in his absence.

“Well, Corlys did not attend diligently to the role, quitting once and then returning later on to foment trouble and cause chaos here as he roused the rabble for support in his war in the Stepstones. Another Velaryon would be a mistake. A non-Velaryon has held the position before, yes? What was it? A Mallister? I am good friends with Lord Mallister. He would be good for the role”

“The only non-Velaryon to hold the position was Manfryd Redwyne” Strong said simply, not quite spelling out how dim he felt the Master of Whisperers was. Runciter was barely able to cover his chuckle. It was a wonderful thing to take pleasure in the misfortune of others.

“Laenor Velaryon is not a man grown and is away at war besides. A new Master of Ships must be chosen now, the position has been left fallow for too long. The Royal Fleet stands in disrepair and disarray.” Otto spoke, bringing an end to that argument. The King watched them all, silent and imperious from his seat. Just like wise Grandsire, Viserys seldom involved himself in their debates. He listened to counsel but his decisions were all his own. Runciter ignored the traitorous part of his brain that whispered that Viserys’ rulings did always closely resemble the Hand’s advice.

“I will have suggestions now” The King said, and that was that.

“Ser Rickard Redwyne, the second son of Manfryd, former Master of Ships, rules the Redwyne Fleet as its admiral. He would make a good addition to this Council” The Hand spoke after a few seconds of silence.

“I have already volunteered Lord Mallister for the position. His house boasts the largest fleet in the Riverlands” Darklyn said, voice proud.

“The Riverlands are known such because of the rivers that spot them. They border no sea in truth. The Mallister Fleet, while impressive by Riverlander standards is a herd of fishing boats when compared to the Redwyne fleet.” The Hand authoritatively countered. No one else spoke afterwards. The decision was made.