Chapter 14
Day turned into the night, seeds sown grew seeds, time passed for for Rickard in a blink of an eye. Now he could harvest the first harvest of meadowgrove farm.
The fields of meadowgrove turned golden ready to harvest. The number of aurochs had increased by 10. Gidden smith finally became proficient in making rivets. Rickard was content as he could be.
On this calm summer day a shocking news came to rather still Flint's Finger. Ironborn were raiding the western coast of the westeros. For more than centuries Ironborns never raided any westerosi soil. Some even postulating that Ironborn were finally becoming civilized shedding their barbarian ways. Oh, How wrong they were!
Balon IX Greyjoy announced himself as the king of iron islands and attacked the lannisport successfully destroying the Lanister navy. Balon Greyjoy believed Robert I Baratheon to not enjoy the loyalty of his vassals which resulted in his rash actions.
Eddard Stark, friend of Robert Baratheon and warden of the north, sent calls to rally to the banner to all northmen. The letter arrived at the Flint's Finger and an emergency meeting was held at the castle.
Flint's and their bannermen prepared their soldiers to depart. Rickard would be participating in his first war as a squire.
°°°
Ironborn armies melted away before the alliance of Wolves and Stags. Stannis Baratheon, Lord of dragonstone and master of ships, decimated the navy of iron islands into smithereens with the help of royal fleet, redwyne fleet, and fleets from oldtown and reach.
The ground invasion that followed was also a success, Ironborn not able to put much resistance against Baratheons and Starks. Rickard was walking down the streets of Lordsport in the hope recruiting some craftsmen after the siege was over.
Godwin Harcourt idenfied four people who were most likely to agree to offer of working for Flint's of Flint's Finger. Rickard now meeting the first one on the list. Victar Saltforge.
Victar Saltforge was thin of build, had long flaxen hair which was let loose to flutter in the air. His skin color was akin to that of almond.
"Shipwright Victar, I would like to extend an offer to join Flint Conglomerate ." Rickard proposed.
Victar had just lost his patron and didn't need much convincing. Rickard had his first ever shipwright.
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Gorold Ironhelm was an mastersmith in the lannisport. He was three quarters height of a normal man. Had strong muscles that can work the forge for weeks. He had very thick black eye brows, crooked nose, clean shaven look. He wore very little clothes; his wore a red vest that showed his chest and brown trousers.
Gorold hurried to Rickard after Rickard entered the smithy. "My lord, My smithy will do utmost to fulfill any wish of your's."
The man had slightly bowed while he respectfully spoke. There was no lack of etiquette just because he was before a boy. Person like this would be ideal to serve any lord.
"Mastersmith Ironhelm, I came to request you whether you may dedicate your service to Flint Conglomerate. You and your apprentices will be provided lodgings and handsome salary on top of it." Rickard proposed.
"My lord, we would be greatful for a patron in these tough times." Gorold agreed.
"This is Gerrard Trant." Gerrard took a slight step forward. "he will coordinate with you from now on." Rickard arranged.
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Rickard wanted a Master Smelter to join his company, so that he could not have to rely on trade to get iron or steel. To this end Godwin had identified most likely candidate who was itching for any support from lords or rich merchants.
Dagmar Blackforge is taller than any normal human having a height of six and a half feet. He had very short dark grey hair, thick beard and snout nose. his eyes and eyebrows were black in color. He had the physique of an bodybuilder, muscle bursting forth from every inch of his bronze body.
This Dagmar Blackforge was the desperate individual that was in need of a patron. In his desperate time Rickard appeared before him holding an olive branch.
It didn't take much for Rickard to convince Dagmar. Dagmar leaping at very first opportunity and did not let go of it. Rickard had most of what he needed.
Rickard turned to Gerrard Trant " We have most of the personnel we came for. I want you to convince Torrek Blackfin to join us. If not atleast get him to wait 3 months. I'll have a merchant ship by then."