Chapter 191: Bad News from the Stepstones Inds


    Maynard and Syrio stepped onto the terrace where Rhaegar had been waiting.


    Maynard was the first to speak. "Prince, I''ve assigned the craftsmen from the ve ships to work at the Dragonpit and arranged for the children to learn their crafts. I''ve also started the apprentice training you ordered. There are one or two with promising talent."


    Rhaegar nodded. "How many craftsmen are there in King’s Landing?"


    Before his trip, Rhaegar hadid out several long-term strategies, one of which involved gaining control over the city’s smiths.


    Maynard replied, "Including cksmiths, carpenters, masons, and others, there are probably several thousand craftsmen in the city."


    These craftsmen made a living through their trades and generally had no trouble making ends meet. It was amon upation among the popce.


    "Select some of the most skilled smiths to expand the workforce at the Dragonpit. Leave the rest for now," Rhaegar instructed.


    It was sufficient to have a count of the craftsmen. They wouldply when their skills were needed.


    Havingpleted his report, Maynard stepped back, maintaining a respectful demeanor.Syrio then stepped forward with a smile. "Prince, I''ve found an exceptional girl and n to teach her myself."


    "As you wish, just don''t neglect your primary duties," Rhaegar responded, confident in Syrio''s capabilities.


    "I''ll bring the girlter so you can meet her in person," Syrio said with a mysterious smile.


    Rhaegar nodded, signaling them to retire with a wave of his hand. He turned back to watch his younger siblings as they continued their attempts to tame their dragons.


    ...


    Noon.


    The army of the Rivends marched into King''s Landing, their armor and shields adorned with n crests:


    A leaping trout, silver, on a field of blue and mud red, a flock of ravens on scarlet surrounding a dead weirwood upon a ck escutcheon, A red stallion upon a golden escutcheon on brown and a red salmon.


    Each banner represented the noble houses of the Rivends.


    Lyonel and his eldest son, Harwin, rode at the forefront, receiving cheers from the crowds and bing the center of attention.


    Viserys, looking healthy and vibrant, stepped out from the gates of the Red Keep, nked by Rhaegar, to greet the army personally.


    At the sight of the King and the Heir, the army halted, and representatives from each family came forward to pay their respects.


    Viserys, calm and rxed, warmly weed the Rivends nobles. Rhaegar, by his side, took on the task of greeting the noble representatives.


    "The ckwood House greets you, honorable prince," a slender, dark-haired young man said, kneeling on one knee.


    "Rise. What is your name?" Rhaegar asked, studying the youth who appeared slightly older than himself, with hands full of calluses.


    "Samwell ckwood, Your Grace," the young man replied, his chest puffed out and eyes gleaming with pride.


    Rhaegar''s interest was piqued. "The Samwell who dueled and killed the Lord of Bracken?"


    Samwell flushed with excitement. "Yes, Prince, that was me."


    "You should be proud of yourself, killing a grown man while still a teenager," Rhaegar noted, sensing a hint of modesty in Samwell''s demeanor.


    Samwell smiled sheepishly. "It was the Bracken House''s foolhardiness that led them to fall before my sword."


    "Hehe, I like your modesty," Rhaegar said, amused. He then invited Samwell to return to the Red Keep with him.


    A group of young nobles, mostly second sons or illegitimate children seeking to make their mark, apanied them. Rhaegar weed them warmly, memorizing their names and engaging them in conversation.


    He learned about their backgrounds and situations, offering words of encouragement rather than rushing to recruit them. This subtle approach allowed him to gradually win their loyalty and trust.


    ...


    The wee banquet was in full swing.


    Nobles gathered in the Red Keep while soldiers enjoyed wine and meat in the courtyard. Rhaegar sat at a table with the children of the nobles, a gentle smile on his lips, listening intently as they shared their dreams. He mentally noted a few promising candidates.


    Taking a sip of sake, Rhaegar leaned back in his chair, absently ying with a ruby in his hand. The gem, about the size of a pigeon’s egg and carved into an octagon, was warm and smooth against his palm.


    He had acquired it from the Red Witch, believing it to be a magical treasure capable of extraordinary feats. However, it had yet to reveal its secrets.


    "It can absorb mes, that''s all I know for now," Rhaegar murmured to himself, contemting its potential.


    Halfway through the banquet, Grand Maester Mellos hurriedly entered the hall. The elderly man, gasping for breath, handed a sealed letter to Viserys. "Your Grace, urgent news from Stepstones Ind. You must be prepared," he said, his voiceced with worry.


    Viserys, maintaining hisposure, opened the letter and read it silently. As he progressed, his expression shifted from calm to deeply troubled.


    Rhaegar, sensing the gravity of the situation, left his seat and made his way through the bustling hall to his father. "What is the news, Father?" he asked quietly.


    Viserys''s voice was grave. "The Dornish fleet has attacked Bloodstone Ind, in coboration with the Triarchy, destroying all defenses. The Sea Snake and his men have suffered heavy losses."


    Rhaegar took the letter and read it carefully. Just two days ago, Prince Dorne had joined forces with the Triarchy to assault Bloodstone Ind.


    Rhaenys had rushed to aid with Meleys, and Laenor''s Sea Smoke had incinerated many enemy ships. However, despite a patrol fleet from Storm’s End driving back the attackers, the Sea Snake was injured, and Bloodstone Ind was no longer secure.


    "Damn it, the Dornish did get involved," Rhaegar cursed. He then turned to his father, his expression serious. "Father, the army of the Rivends has gathered. Tomorrow, I will ride my dragon and lead our forces to the Stepstones."


    King’s Landing had received news that the White Harbor fleet had arrived at the Stepstones Inds, with fleets from Oldtown and Arbor en route.


    House Grafton in Gulltown was consolidating its power and had dispatched half of their fleet in support. The kingdom had the strength to confront the Triarchy.


    Viserys, his face stern, advised, "The Stepstones need support, but the Rivends army has never participated in a sea battle. Listen to the Sea Snake’s advice and don’t be impulsive."


    Rhaegar nodded solemnly, understanding his father’s caution. The kingdom had been at peace for a long time, and the Rivends armycked experience, particrly in naval warfare. Their true strength was uncertain.


    "Aegon is still on his honeymoon. You’ll have to lead alone, so be careful," Viserys urged.


    "I will, Father," Rhaegar replied, his resolve firm. The ambush by the Mountain ns had taught him caution.


    Viserys summoned Lyonel to discuss the army''s situation. After a brief conversation, Rhaegar was the first to leave the table. As he exited the hall, the second sons and bastards, who had been captivated by his words, rose to follow him, ready to pledge their lives to his cause.


    Noticing the shift, Rhaenyra excused herself from thedy she was conversing with and followed, her dress trailing behind her. Harwin Strong, ever vignt for the princess, also departed with her.