Chapter 146 Intelligence from Outside world

Today, the sky in Lys was clear and deep, like a flawless sapphire. Snow-white clouds floated lazily, like leisurely tufts of cotton candy. The golden sunlight poured down without reservation, bathing the courtyard of the Governor's Mansion in brilliance.

In the courtyard, vibrant flowers competed in splendor — crimson like fire, soft pink like clouds, and pure white like fresh snow. A gentle breeze stirred their petals, releasing bursts of sweet fragrance into the air.

The emerald grass, soft as velvet, blanketed the entire courtyard. Crystal dewdrops clung to the blades, shimmering like scattered gemstones under the sun's reflection.

Gavin, dressed neatly in a riding suit, walked side by side with Daenerys and Margaery, who were similarly attired. The three strolled through the stunning courtyard, approaching the fiery shadow sprawled at its center.

Since the envoys of the Three Cities had departed, Myr and Volantis, worn down under Gavin's relentless fleet pressure, had finally signed surrender letters — grudgingly sending all the demanded reparations for their defeat.

Gavin, however, deliberately refrained from reclaiming the disputed lands once controlled by Rees. Instead, he left them to spark endless infighting between the cities. It was a simple trap. Even though the leaders understood the game, the alliance had already fractured with the signing of the surrender. No side could negotiate calmly. All sought to grab more land to make up for their heavy losses, leading to constant skirmishes and disputes that sapped their strength and attention.

With the war's end, Gavin had announced his forthcoming coronation as King of the Stone Steps, summoning all the lords and envoys for the ceremony two days later on Bloodstone Island.

As Gavin and the others approached, the sleeping dragon, Syndor, stirred. Its gem-bright eyes snapped open. Stretching its massive wings wide with a deep, resonating roar, it rose to its feet.

"Hiss!"

Syndor's growth had been nothing short of astonishing during the war. Battles seemed to have accelerated its strength. Now, it spanned more than forty meters from snout to tail; even the broad deck of the Belleris could no longer bear its vast body.

Margaery's eyes shone with excitement as she gazed upon the magnificent golden dragon. This would be her first flight. Yet, standing close to Syndor's colossal form, an instinctive fear rose within her. When Syndor's gaze shifted toward her, she involuntarily took a step back.

Seeing this, Daenerys leaned in and said gently,"Don't be afraid. Syndor holds no hostility toward you. He's very intelligent."

Gavin smiled warmly and added,"That's right. Syndor flies very steadily — you have nothing to worry about."

Margaery nodded slightly, cheeks flushed, and said,"It's just... the first time being so close to him. It's natural to be a little nervous, isn't it?"

Gavin chuckled softly and gave a reassuring nod."Believe me," he said, "after your first flight, you'll never want to set foot on land again."

At his command, Syndor crouched low. Carefully, the three climbed onto the dragon's back.

With a powerful sweep of his wings, Syndor launched into the sky. Margaery's heart leapt into her throat; she clutched the handles of the dragon saddle with white-knuckled hands.

Yet as Syndor soared smoothly above Lys, the cool wind brushing against her face, Margaery's fear gradually melted away. The breathtaking vistas unfolding beneath them replaced her anxiety with awe.

Wide-eyed, she drank in the scene — the endless blue sea, the glimmering rivers, the patches of blooming fields. She could feel the raw strength beneath her, the rhythm of Syndor's wings cutting through the heavens. She felt as if she too had become part of the vast, boundless sky.

In that moment, Margaery understood the pure ecstasy of flying — an ultimate freedom that left her utterly enchanted.

As evening fell, Bloodstone Island finally appeared on the horizon.

Syndor descended toward the familiar square before the Governor's Mansion, raising a cloud of dust as his immense form touched down. Waiting below was Boris, who hurried forward and bowed deeply as Gavin and the others dismounted.

Straightening, Boris announced respectfully,"Congratulations on your triumphant return, my lord — and with your lady by your side."

Then, noticing Margaery, he momentarily hesitated — clearly surprised to see her arriving astride the dragon. Even Brienne, Daenerys's loyal bodyguard, had returned by ship, not dragon. Boris, however, wisely asked no questions. Bowing again, he said calmly,"Lady Margaery, welcome once again to Bloodstone Island. May your stay here be most pleasant."

Margaery responded gracefully,"Thank you for your warm welcome, Governor Boris. Your thoughtful arrangements have made us feel truly at home."

Gavin's sharp gaze swept the square. His tone turned serious as he asked,"Are all those attending the ceremony already present?"

Boris bowed once more."Yes, my lord. All the island governors arrived yesterday. The envoys from the city-states have been properly lodged as well."

Gavin nodded, a rare flicker of satisfaction in his expression."Good. We've flown long enough. Let's eat first. Send word to have Maester Qyburn meet me in my study afterward."

Boris quickly responded,"Yes, my lord. A banquet awaits you. Please, follow me."

Nightfall draped the island in thick velvet darkness. After ensuring Daenerys and Margaery were settled, Gavin made his way to the study. When he pushed the door open, Qyburn was already waiting, bowing respectfully.

Without a word, Qyburn handed over a slim notebook.

"This is the intelligence you requested, my lord — regarding the Iron Throne and the North."

Gavin accepted the book with a slight nod, gesturing for Qyburn to sit, then quickly flipped through its pages.

As expected, much of it confirmed his earlier suspicions.

Robert Baratheon had returned to King's Landing from the North, accompanied by the new Hand of the King, Eddard Stark, and two of his daughters.

Meanwhile, Bran Stark, the youngest son, had fallen from a high tower under mysterious circumstances and remained unconscious. Shortly after Ned Stark's departure, there had even been an assassination attempt on the boy.

Catelyn Tully was now traveling south — prematurely, according to the report.

Gavin leaned back, rubbing his forehead thoughtfully.Aside from Daenerys, history is unfolding just as I remember it.

Ned Stark would soon begin investigating Jon Arryn's death. Robert would no doubt go hunting soon — and never return.

Setting the notebook down, Gavin fixed Qyburn with a sharp gaze.

"What about the Royal Fleet?"

Qyburn straightened at once.

"The fleet's size remains stagnant. Stannis drills the sailors daily, but the Iron Throne has allocated no funds for new ships. Some damaged vessels have been repaired, funded by Stannis himself. As for finances, Lord Petyr Baelish borrowed another two hundred thousand gold dragons from the Iron Bank. He remains in Braavos. We do not yet know how that sum will be spent."

Gavin frowned slightly, drumming his fingers against the polished wood of his desk.

"Keep close watch on Petyr and the funds. Every move in King's Landing — especially that of the new Hand — must be reported immediately."

"Yes, my lord," Qyburn said solemnly.

Gavin nodded, then asked,"What of the world's reaction to my coronation?"

Qyburn thought for a moment before replying.

"The Usurper Robert has convened several royal councils. Their discussions remain secret. Some Westerosi houses, particularly those trading with us, sent brief, polite refusals to attend — your uncle among them. As for Essos, only Pentos, Tyrosh, Myr, and Volantis sent envoys. The Sealord of Braavos sent a letter of congratulations but no emissary. Astapor has yet to respond."

Gavin smiled thinly."Not surprising. Westeros's lords are eager to distance themselves from a 'traitor.' And from Pentos — who did they send?"

"A governor named Illyrio Mopatis," Qyburn answered. "He brought many gifts, congratulating you both on your crowning and your marriage."

At that, Gavin's eyes lit with interest.Illyrio... then the dragon eggs must be among the gifts.

His mind flickered to Varys — and the quiet schemes already in motion.

"Have our men watch these foreign envoys carefully," Gavin ordered. "If they have secret dealings on the island, I want to know immediately."

"Of course, my lord. Surveillance is already in place."

Qyburn hesitated slightly, then added,"There's another matter. Two days ago, a timber ship returning to Dragon Flame Bay encountered a wildling woman named Osha. She requested an audience with you. The captain dared not act without orders and left her behind."

Gavin's expression turned contemplative.Could the White Walkers already be stirring?

After a pause, he spoke decisively.

"Send orders. Next voyage north, the ship must bring Osha to us."

"Understood, my lord. I will relay the message immediately."

Satisfied, Gavin glanced out at the starlit sky.

"You've worked hard, Qyburn. Go and rest."

Qyburn bowed deeply."Thank you, my lord."

With steady steps, he withdrew, leaving Gavin alone with the gathering weight of the future.