“Why bring people here at this ti?” In the newly built Castle on the Ridge in the western Marches, Lynd sighed helplessly after receiving a letter from King’s Landing.
“You don’t need to worry. Mus and Bert are more than capable of handling these matters, and your prior arrangents were already quite thorough,” Jon Bulwer said with a faint smile, his face still bearing signs of illness.
Lynd didn’t say anything, only nodding in response. Then he turned to Jon and asked, “How’s the dicine been working for you lately?”
“It’s been very effective,” Jon replied with a smile.
After succeeding as the lord of Blackcrown, Jon had fallen gravely ill, hovering on the brink of death. His condition was so dire that House Bulwer had already begun discussing the matter of succession—who would take over as the next lord and head of the family.
Fortunately, by then, the Black Cave had already developed the initial version of the Elixir of the Seven. As soon as Lynd learned of Jon’s situation, he had the dicine sent downriver on the fastest boat available, pulling Jon back from the brink of death.
Even so, though his life had been saved, his body had suffered lasting damage. Over the years, he had been plagued by persistent illness.
It was Malora who later suggested that he move away from Blackcrown to the milder climate of Miracle Harbor, where he could recover more comfortably. The location was also close to Sumrhall, ensuring that any health issues could be treated promptly.
After much deliberation, Jon accepted the proposal and relocated with his family to Miracle Harbor. Fortunately, the manor he had lived in during his tenure as the harbor’s steward was still available, so they didn’t need to acquire another residence.
Managent of Blackcrown was left in the hands of Maester Normund, a trustworthy man who had served the castle since Jon’s father’s ti. He was also a cousin of Lord Mace Tyrell, which further cented his reliability.
Blackcrown had always maintained a close relationship with Highgarden, with generations of intermarriage between House Bulwer and House Tyrell. Jon’s wife, Lady Victaria, was a more distant relation to the Tyrells of Highgarden, but her surna remained Tyrell, and she was still listed in the family’s genealogy. Naturally, that ant they couldn’t miss Garlan’s wedding.
As Lynd’s procession passed through Miracle Harbor, Jon and his family joined them. As had been the case in the past, Lynd instinctively assigned Jon as his deputy, assisting with the affairs of Sumrhall.
“How are the little ones?” With Jon’s help, the relatively small workload was quickly handled. Lynd set his quill back into its stand, washed the ink from his fingers in a basin brought by a servant, and asked casually.
“I imagine they’re watching the wyverns by the cages,” Jon said as he organized the docunts on the table, sealing them before handing them off to a designated ssenger for delivery back to Sumrhall.
“Let’s go have a look!” Lynd left the room and made his way toward the castle’s courtyard.
Castle on the Ridge was still under construction. Only the foundations, walls, and the main tower had been completed; the rest of the facilities were still being built.
Since Lynd’s group was passing through, he had decided to stop and rest for a day, using the opportunity to inspect the site. Ever since it had been brought under Sumrhall’s control, he had not set foot here, and his understanding of the place was limited to reports on paper.
For now, Castle on the Ridge seed to be the least significant of his holdings, but with the gradual developnt of the surrounding mountains’ mineral resources, it was only a matter of ti before the castle beca one of his most valuable assets—just like Red Watch. Because of this, he had a comprehensive plan for its construction. It was never intended to be just a solitary landmark marking his territory; it was ant to serve a vital purpose.
Since they were only staying for a single day, the caravan hadn’t even bothered to unload their supplies. Instead, they simply set up camp in the castle’s courtyard as if they were camping in the wilderness.
Within the courtyard’s encampnt, one section had been set apart from the main camp, positioned near the castle walls. There, several large cages had been set up, and a dozen Chosen Ones stood by them, holding fresh cuts of at to feed the young wyverns inside.
One of the cages was opened, and a Chosen One carefully carried out a wyvern hatchling, placing it on a mat in the center of the camp. Lynd's son, Augustus, and Jon's daughter, Alysanne, sat cross-legged on the mat, playfully teasing the young wyvern. Nearby, a noblewoman and a group of servants watched nervously, afraid that the fierce-looking creature might harm the children.
From the mont these wyvern hatchlings erged from their eggs, Lynd had been searching for suitable dragonriders for them. Naturally, the Chosen Ones who had passed the loyalty trials were his first candidates. Through his connection with the wyverns’ spirits, he was able to identify a dozen Chosen Ones whom the hatchlings felt comfortable around—ones they would not instinctively attack.
Once chosen, these wyverns were assigned to their respective Chosen Ones, who took on the responsibility of feeding and taming them. Though only a few days had passed, the progress was already apparent. Thanks to Lynd’s ability to sense the wyverns' emotions, he could imdiately correct any mistakes in their handling and training, allowing trust to form quickly between the hatchlings and their caretakers.
Because this dostication process could not be interrupted—if it were, resuming the training would be extrely difficult—Lynd had no choice but to bring the wyvern hatchlings with him on this journey to Highgarden.
Despite their strong predatory instincts, the hatchlings were not truly dangerous due to their young age. With the Chosen Ones keeping watch, Augustus and Alysanne were in no real danger. If anything, it was the wyvern hatchling that was suffering. The two children were entirely too rough in their play, and Lynd could feel the strongest emotions radiating from the little creature: frustration and indignation.
As soon as Lynd approached the mat, the hatchling scrambled toward him, seeking safety.
Lynd picked up the small creature, stroked its back twice, and handed it over to a Chosen One to be placed back into its cage. He paid no attention to Augustus, who was clinging to his leg, yamring for the wyvern hatchling to be given back.
“My lord,” Lady Victaria said, holding her daughter's hand as she curtseyed to Lynd.
Lynd reached out and ruffled Alysanne’s hair. “I’ve told you before, with my friendship with Jon, there’s no need for all this formality.”
Lady Victaria simply smiled slightly, saying nothing.
Lynd didn’t press the matter and instead pulled the two children onto the mat to play a ga of stacking wooden blocks.
Watching how attentively Lynd looked after Alysanne, Lady Victaria’s smile deepened. When Lynd wasn’t looking, she subtly signaled Jon. However, Jon only frowned and shook his head slightly.
Victoria’s idea was simple: with Augustus and Alysanne so close in age and already growing fond of each other, and with Lynd showing such affection for Alysanne, this was the perfect opportunity to discuss a potential betrothal. If such an alliance could be arranged, it would be a boon for both House Bulwer and House Tyrell.
But Jon knew Lynd’s character far too well. He was certain that Lynd would never agree to such a proposal. Moreover, Jon was realistic about their respective standings—though both of them were earls and lords of their own lands, the difference in their actual power and influence was vast. Even if Lynd were to agree, the noble houses sworn to Sumrhall would strongly oppose it. It wasn’t even worth bringing up.
Seeing her husband’s response, Lady Victaria imdiately understood that he had said nothing on the matter. A hint of displeasure flickered across her face.
While the couple exchanged silent glances, Lynd suddenly spoke up. “Did you know? After clearing out the ghosts of Sumrhall, I specifically sought out records on Aegon V Targaryen. I found that while Aegon V may not have been a great king, he was a truly admirable man.”
Jon avoided his wife’s gaze and added, “Yes, he was indeed worthy of respect. His legendary journey with Ser Duncan the Tall is still spoken of throughout the Seven Kingdoms, and I believe those stories will continue to be told for generations.”
“You misunderstand ,” Lynd said, turning to Jon. “I don’t admire him for his adventures with Ser Duncan the Tall. I respect him because he was one of the few truly good fathers in the Seven Kingdoms. Even when his children broke their betrothal vows in pursuit of true love—bringing danger and instability to their house—he never punished them. Instead, he silently bore the burden of their choices.”
Jon and Lady Victaria imdiately understood the implication behind Lynd’s words. A trace of unease flickered across their faces, and they lowered their heads slightly.
Lynd smiled and said, “I’ve decided to follow Aegon V’s example—I won’t arrange Augustus’s marriage, nor will I force him to marry soone for the sake of political gain. I hope he finds true love on his own. What do you think, Jon?”
“I think that’s a great idea,” Jon responded imdiately.
Lynd then turned to Lady Victaria and said, “If you have ti, you should visit the castle more often. Let the two little ones spend more ti together. Who knows what the future holds?”
Lady Victaria smiled at his words. Although Lynd had subtly made it clear that he wouldn’t interfere with Augustus’s marriage, he had also given Alysanne an opportunity, which was already good news for her.
anwhile, the two children, Alysanne and Augustus, were still innocently playing with their blocks, completely unaware that the three adults had already begun planning their future.
...
Lynd spent a day in Castle Ridge, handling so affairs, before continuing on his journey to Highgarden.
The group left the mountainous borderlands and arrived on the southern bank of the River Tuohu, passing through the territory of House Fossoway in Cider Hall.
When they reached Cider Hall, House Fossoway warmly welcod Lynd and his entourage.
For a long ti, the Fossoway family had not been on good terms with House Tyrell of Highgarden. The Fossoways traced their lineage back to Foss the Archer, son of Garth Greenhand, and considered themselves far nobler in blood than the Tyrells. After the fall of House Gardener, they believed they were more deserving of the title of Lords of Highgarden.
However, the Tyrells, once the stewards of the Gardeners, took over as Lords of Highgarden and even beca Wardens of the South. Naturally, the Fossoways resented being forced into a subordinate position.
For more than two centuries, House Fossoway had made nurous attempts to overthrow the Tyrells and reclaim what they saw as their rightful place, hoping to restore the King’s Oakenseat of Garth Greenhand.
Unfortunately for them, the Lords of Highgarden had always been shrewd, skillfully defusing House Fossoway’s sches and gradually dismantling the anti-Tyrell alliance that had ford under the banner of Garth Greenhand. Over ti, House Tyrell firmly secured its hold on Highgarden.
By now, the conflict between House Fossoway and House Tyrell had beco more of a matter of pride than genuine ambition. The Fossoways had co to accept that they had no realistic chance of toppling Tyrell rule, and their relationship with Highgarden had gradually improved.
Garlan was now set to marry Leonette Fossoway, a mber of a cadet branch of the family from Cider Hall. With her marriage, many knights from House Fossoway had also pledged their service to the Highgarden Guard, formally aligning themselves with House Tyrell. This, in many ways, was a symbolic gesture of House Fossoway finally conceding and recognizing Tyrell rule.
House Fossoway’s warm reception of Lynd’s party was not just due to his connection with Garlan or his own influence—it was also because the Fossoways hoped Lynd could help establish a road linking Castle Ridge to Cider Hall.
Since the construction of Miracle Harbor, House Fossoway had long sought to establish a supply route for its wine. However, the current transport routes were inefficient, requiring a detour through Sumrhall and then a long trek south along the Boneway to reach Miracle Harbor—far more costly and cumberso than direct shipping.
However, with Nyria’s conquest of the southern Dornish Marches and the construction of Castle Ridge at the heart of the region, along with a road connecting to the Boneway, the situation had changed.
Now, if Cider Hall could build a direct road to Castle Ridge, it could use the Marches as a shortcut to Miracle Harbor. Not only would the journey be significantly shorter, but the route would also be patrolled by Sumrhall’s elite Chosen Army, ensuring its security.
During the banquet hosted for Lynd, Lord Fossoway subtly brought up the topic, testing Lynd’s interest in the road project. He also made it clear that House Fossoway was willing to share the cost of construction.
Lynd saw no reason to refuse. In fact, even if the Fossoways hadn’t suggested it, he had already planned to visit Cider Hall after completing Castle Ridge to discuss the road’s construction and establish trade links between Miracle Harbor and the Reach’s interior.
Since House Fossoway was so eager, Lynd not only agreed but also suggested that the road construction be divided according to the boundaries of each territory, rather than an equal split of costs as Lord Fossoway had initially proposed.
This arrangent significantly reduced House Fossoway’s financial burden, leaving Lord Fossoway more than satisfied. That very evening, the agreent was revised and signed.
House Fossoway was undoubtedly skilled in cultivating orchards and producing fine wines, but road construction was another matter entirely. Fortunately, Sumrhall excelled in this field.
After signing the agreent, Lord Fossoway promptly drafted a contract to hire Sumrhall’s craftsn to build the portion of the road within Fossoway lands.
Though Lynd was not particularly well-versed in financial matters, he could still do the math—thanks to this employnt agreent, not only would he avoid spending a single coin on the road from Castle Ridge to Cider Hall, but he would actually turn a profit. After all, most of the laborers were prisoners of war and convicts serving their sentences, with the only real expense being basic provisions, which were negligible in cost.
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