Skyrim System In Westeros

Chapter 59: Chapter 59: The City of Pirates and Mercenaries



After seeing Wright off from Dragonstone, Stannis chose not to return to King's Landing with Robert. Instead, he dispatched his fleet to escort the king while remaining on Dragonstone to spend time with his daughter.

When matters of state arose, Robert and Stannis could hold discussions, but in the absence of pressing concerns, their conversations rarely extended beyond brief exchanges. Stannis harbored long-standing resentment over not being granted the title of Lord of Storm's End, a grudge he kept to himself. Robert, for his part, had his own reasons for the decision. Their relationship had settled into this strained dynamic over the years.

Once informed that Robert had safely arrived in King's Landing, Stannis set out for the capital, where he had business interests to manage.

Stannis owned a property on Iron Street, near Visenya's Hill, a district renowned for its luxury goods. Years earlier, Wright had gifted Stannis a set of mahjong tiles, inspiring him to open an establishment on this street. The ground floor of the shop sold mahjong tiles and other gaming supplies, while the upper floor featured interconnected rooms forming spacious halls and private lounges. These catered to noble patrons seeking entertainment, with servants dressed in fine attire offering drinks and refreshments.

Over time, the establishment became the premier venue for nobles in King's Landing to indulge in gambling. Stannis collected commissions from each table, a portion of which was discreetly shared with Robert.

As Stannis reviewed the account books, he frowned.

"Why are this month's profits so low?"

Davos Seaworth, the Onion Knight, replied, "It's because of the king, Your Grace. The nobles in King's Landing have been busy hosting feasts, leaving no time to visit our establishment."

Stannis tapped the table rhythmically, a habit Davos had grown accustomed to, knowing it signaled deep contemplation.

"Close the shop and hire the best craftsmen to renovate it," Stannis declared.

Davos nodded. "Understood. I'll make the arrangements immediately."

"Have your son oversee the renovations. You and I are going to the Eyrie," Stannis added.

"The Eyrie? Is there a tourney being held?" Davos inquired. Stannis rarely traveled beyond King's Landing or Dragonstone unless invited to organize a tourney by the local nobility.

"The nobleman who was supposed to host the tournament has decided to take his daughter to King's Landing instead, so he canceled it. We'll assist Jon Arryn with the preparations. The timing conveniently coincides with his son's nameday celebration."

Stannis had little choice; Robert's influence made it increasingly difficult to conduct business as usual.

---

The Narrow Sea separates the continents of Westeros and Essos. Although it appears navigable at first glance, the central ocean is plagued by treacherous storms. Most merchant ships opt for the southern route through the Stepstones. Only the most skilled and daring attempt to cross the central waters, and many end up feeding the fish.

The city of Tyrosh, one of the Nine Free Cities, sits strategically close to the Stepstones, serving as the only major port where ships can stop to resupply on the vital trade route between the two continents.

The tension between the city-states of Myr, Tyrosh, and Lys had been simmering for years, often resulting in small-scale skirmishes. Given the strategic location of the Stepstones, a major trade route, the region became a breeding ground for pirates. Where there were pirates, mercenary escorts for merchant ships soon followed, and Tyrosh evolved into a haven for both mercenaries and pirates alike.

The city, built on an island with a natural harbor, boasted an endless array of anchored ships. Tyrosh was a paradise for mercenaries—and for pirates. Many men moonlit as both: mercenaries by day and pirates by night. Chaos, greed, mercenaries, slaves, and debauchery were the hallmarks of Tyrosh.

Prince Oberyn Martell, who spent much of his time in the city due to its proximity to Dorne, commanded significant respect among the mercenary and pirate groups. His personal mercenary company gave him influence in the region, and even the unruly factions recognized his authority.

However, Oberyn's interest in managing his company had waned in recent years. He left it in the hands of his subordinates, only occasionally taking on contracts when the mood struck him.

In a grand villa overlooking the port, Oberyn sipped on pear brandy while addressing a group of pirates who had just entered.

"Wright's fleet, which I arranged to depart from Sunspear, is en route and will soon dock for resupply," Oberyn said.

The pirate leader inquired, "What's the ship's name, Prince?"

"Golden Rust. Keep an eye on the port over the next few days. The moment it docks, let me know."

"Understood. I'll inform the other pirate captains nearby to ensure the ship passes through unimpeded." With that, the pirates made to leave, but Oberyn called out

"Wait! Change out of those clothes — put your mercenary attire back on."

---

After docking at Sunspear in Dorne, Wright's task for Davos was complete, and the Onion Knight returned to report. Following a courteous visit to Prince Doran, Wright chartered a Dornish merchant ship bound for Myr. The Stepstones, rife with pirates, were safer for ships flying the Dornish banner.

Wright didn't fear pirates, but he preferred to avoid unnecessary trouble. Having always favored the stability of solid ground over the sway of the sea, he felt more at ease once they were docked.

Flying the banner of Dorne, the merchant ship passed through the pirate-infested waters without incident, arriving at Tyrosh a week later. The ship docked for resupply, but Wright intended to make the stop brief. Logistics and payments were left to the ship's captain, as Wright had no interest in such matters.

Accompanied by Nymeria and Tyene, Wright disembarked to stretch his legs, relishing the feeling of solid ground beneath him after the ship's constant rocking. Their Dornish attire drew no unwanted attention from the mercenaries loitering around the bustling port.

The trio strolled for a time before entering an opulent-looking inn for a meal. The menu was predictably dominated by seafood. As they were eating, Nymeria suddenly waved toward the entrance and called out, "Father! Over here!"

Tyene joined in, "Father!"

The inn's open design, with multiple doorways to let in the sea breeze, had apparently led Wright to miss their arrival. Turning toward the commotion, Wright saw Oberyn entering with a nobleman of striking Dornish features — brown, wavy hair and sharp, handsome looks. Behind them trailed a small entourage, likely bodyguards. Recognizing Oberyn immediately, Wright greeted him warmly:

"Prince Oberyn, good afternoon."

Oberyn nodded, exuding an air of paternal authority.

The nobleman accompanying Oberyn looked familiar, and Wright quickly recalled him as one of the guests who had attended his wedding alongside Oberyn.

"Greetings, Ser Daemon Sand."

"Greetings, Ser Wright."

Oberyn approached with his entourage, seating himself without hesitation beside Nymeria. "What brings you here?"

Nymeria replied, "The three of us are traveling across Essos."

"Essos?" Oberyn said, casually helping himself to their meal. "Where are you headed next?"

Wright answered, "First to Myr, then Braavos."

Unlike the formality required in Westeros, the atmosphere in Tyrosh was far more relaxed—mercenaries and pirates cared little for etiquette. Oberyn, already eating, continued the conversation. "I happen to be heading to Myr as well. Why not join me on my ship? I carry some influence in Essos, and it'll save you a lot of trouble."

Wright considered the offer and nodded. Traveling with Oberyn would indeed be safer and more convenient. "Alright, I'll cancel the charter after we finish this meal. By the way, Prince, do you have any connections with the Iron Bank?"

Oberyn raised an eyebrow. "I do. Are you looking for a loan?"

"Yes, a legitimate one. Storm's End needs expansion, and I was wondering if your mercenaries might be interested in escorting the funds."

"Not a problem. The price is negotiable, and I'll see you safely to Braavos as well. What's the name of your ship?"

"Golden Rust," Wright replied.

Without turning his head, Oberyn waved at a few Dornish guards. "Go inform the captain of the Golden Rust that his passengers will be traveling on my ship instead. Make sure he doesn't pull any tricks and refunds the excess payment to Wright."

The guards departed immediately to carry out the orders.

"Thank you very much, Prince Oberyn!" Wright said with genuine gratitude.

Oberyn smirked. "Anyone doing business in these waters is always ready to rob you blind. Either you get plundered, or you turn the tables and kill them first." Rising from his seat, Oberyn gestured for Wright and the others to follow him to the docks where his ship awaited.

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