Chapter 17: Seagard

The road to Seagard had been long, but now the city's tall stone walls loomed before them, a promise of safety after the devastation of Harlenor. Seagard was not just a refuge, it was a strategic place, a coastal city ruled by House Mallister, with bustling markets, a vibrant harbor, and an air of maritime prosperity. As the caravan neared the gates, the excitement among them grew, tempered by the weight of the journey that had brought them here.

Ethan, Bjorn, Kieran, and the twins had been traveling for days, and though their destination was in sight, the road still held a few surprises. The twins, once playful and full of questions, had become subdued. The horrors they'd seen in Harlenor had stripped away their innocence. Now, their wide eyes scanned the surroundings with wary curiosity, as if the world had become a much darker place.

Bjorn, ever practical, kept his eyes fixed on the road ahead. But when they reached the gates of Seagard, his demeanor shifted. There was business to attend to, a promise to keep, and the twins had a father waiting for them in the city.

"I need to take them to their father," Bjorn said, his voice low as he glanced at Ethan. "He's a low-born noble here in Seagard, one of the Mallister retainers. He'll be expecting them."

Ethan nodded, understanding the importance of fulfilling their promise. Bjorn had been tasked with escorting the children to their father, and it was a duty they could not ignore. The children's father, a man named Alistair Mallister, had been away from his family for some time, serving in one of the various military campaigns across the Riverlands. Now, with Seagard as their base, it seemed the time had come for the children to be reunited with their father.

"Are you sure you don't want us to come with you?" Kieran asked quietly, as they dismounted near the gates.

Bjorn shook his head. "Best I take them alone. Alistair will want to see them without any other distractions. You and Ethan can scout the city, make your plans. We'll catch up later."

The twins, still quiet and distant, exchanged uncertain glances as they climbed out of the cart. Their small hands gripped Bjorn's arms as he knelt down to greet them. His usual gruffness was replaced with an unexpected softness as he looked at the children.

"Don't worry," he said gently. "Your father's waiting for you. You're safe now."

They nodded, though their expressions remained uncertain. The journey had changed them, and the comfort of a reunion was more distant than they realized.

Bjorn straightened up and gave Ethan a curt nod. "We'll be back soon. Keep an eye on things."

Ethan watched them head off toward the city's heart, their figures becoming smaller as they disappeared into the crowd. He couldn't help but feel a mix of relief and anticipation. With the twins in good hands, it was time to turn his attention to Seagard's bustling markets, its hidden opportunities, and the powerful people who could make or break his plans.

The market in Seagard was alive with energy. Stalls lined the cobblestone streets, each one brimming with goods from across the Seven Kingdoms. Fish and salt from the sea, textiles, furs, and spices filled the air with scents both familiar and foreign. The hustle and bustle of trade was as much a part of the city's identity as its fortified walls.

Ethan, Bjorn, Kieran, and the twins had all ridden in, but now, with Bjorn taking the children to their father, Ethan and Kieran found themselves in the thick of the action. The narrow streets seemed to stretch endlessly, with merchants shouting out prices, their voices competing with the calls of sailors unloading goods at the harbor.

Ethan's mind was already racing with possibilities. His fabrics, the ones dyed in the bright colors of the southern lands, had already caught the eye of a few traders. He could see the flicker of interest in their eyes as they passed by his group, and it was clear that Seagard's market offered a new set of opportunities to expand his trade. This was more than just a place of refuge; it was a launchpad.

"You stay close, Kieran," Ethan instructed, his voice steady as they wove through the crowd. "I'll talk to the merchants here. Get a feel for the market, see who's worth our time."

Kieran gave a short nod. "I'll keep an eye out for anything… unusual."

The city of Seagard was not without its dangers, especially for newcomers like themselves. The local power structures were unknown to them, and though the city was known for its commerce, there was always the chance that some darker deals were being struck in the shadows. Ethan was more than prepared for such a thing. He had the knowledge of trade and the drive to outmaneuver anyone who might stand in his way.

As they moved through the crowded market, Ethan found himself drawn to a stall piled high with luxurious fabrics, their colors vivid and rich under the sunlight. He made a mental note to approach the merchant later. It was an opening—one that could work in his favor.

Meanwhile, Bjorn had made his way through Seagard's streets, the twins trailing behind him as they navigated through the labyrinth of buildings. The city's atmosphere, rich with commerce and salty sea air, was a stark contrast to the desolate remnants of Harlenor. The twins were quiet, their expressions a mixture of curiosity and apprehension. Their mother's passing, along with the trauma of their journey, had made them more cautious, more withdrawn.

Bjorn's thoughts, however, were focused on the task at hand. He had made a promise to the children's father, Alistair Mallister, and he intended to keep it. Alistair, though not a noble by birth, had earned his place among the Mallister retainers through years of loyal service. His position in the city was one of quiet influence, and Bjorn knew that this would be a reunion filled with both warmth and the reality of their new lives.

They arrived at a modest townhouse near the center of Seagard, its stone walls weathered but well-kept. As they approached, the door opened, and a tall man stepped out, his face a mixture of relief and disbelief.

"Bjorn," Alistair Mallister said, his voice thick with emotion. "You've brought them home."

Bjorn gave a short nod, handing over the twins. "They're safe now," he said gruffly, his tone a mixture of satisfaction and quiet pride.

Alistair embraced his children, his face lighting up with the joy of their return. The twins, though still shaken, seemed to find solace in their father's presence. For a moment, the world seemed to fade away, and there was only the reunion—a small piece of peace in a world of turmoil.

"We'll talk more later," Alistair said, his voice thick with emotion. "But for now, you're here. And that's all that matters."

Bjorn gave a silent nod and turned to leave, knowing his job here was done. As he made his way back through Seagard's streets, the weight of the task felt lighter, but there was always more to be done. Ethan would be waiting, and the city was full of opportunities that could change everything.

For now, though, the twins were where they needed to be. Their future was uncertain, but at least they had family—and for the moment, that was enough.