Chapter 20: The Power Granted by Bloodline
50 retainers and servants, 30 warhorses, 3 doctors, 3 stablehands, 1 barber, 3 handmaidens.
This was the size of Glyn's retinue for his journey to the Red Keep, with Surana the steward as the accompanying manager.
The total cost for the merchant ship to the Red Keep was 520,000 Gold Dragons, which Steward Hershel had arranged with the merchants to pay for with pelts of equivalent value. Not having to pay with Gold Dragons directly somewhat comforted Glyn. Glyn couldn't help but sigh that if one had the power, it was still best to commission one's own ocean-going ships.
On average, Mermaid Port now saw 1-2 merchant ships docking daily, a far cry from its initial desolation; it finally resembled a proper port.
Glyn had arranged everything that could be arranged; the rest would require time to slowly accumulate.
"My Lord, Steward Hershel and several merchants have confirmed through inquiries that the unit price for an Unsullied purchased locally in Astapor is 1,000,000 Gold Dragons. This price does not include transportation costs."
Unsullied?
Glyn remembered that he had asked Steward Hershel to inquire about the price of Unsullied with his friendly merchants, should the opportunity arise.
Glyn no longer held the same enthusiasm for the Unsullied as he once did.
After the war, House Clegane's integration of the Mountain Clansmen was much smoother than he had imagined.
Glyn was very satisfied with the Mountain Clansmen acquired for free; they were fierce and strong, and with a weapon, each was a warrior.
After Glyn made sure they were well-fed and warmly clothed, their loyalty became exceptionally high.
After training and disciplinary reinforcement, they all became elite troops.
A unit price of 1,000,000 Gold Dragons. The total price for 10 Unsullied would be 10,000,000 Gold Dragons. If it were 100... In the future, Daenerys subdued 8,000 Unsullied with a single lure, equivalent to 800,000 Gold Dragons. He gasped.
She obtained the treasuries of several major Free Cities without much effort! He gasped!
Thinking of this, the overly envious Glyn actually felt a hint of jealousy... House Clegane had shed blood for House Targaryen!
House Clegane was a model loyal subject to House Targaryen. After Robert's Rebellion, House Clegane had not known a single good day, having been suppressed by the Red Keep for over a decade.
At the appropriate time, Glyn felt he could plan to "swindle" Gold Dragons from Daenerys to soothe his wounded soul.
"Hmm, I understand, Surana. How has Lyanna been lately?"
"After the news from Seagull Town arrived, Miss Lyanna locked herself in her room for an entire day. Since then, Miss Lyanna has been very well; I feel she is very at ease here, and she trusts you implicitly."
"Keep a closer eye on her; I am not as attentive as you. Also, pay more attention to her emotional matters."
Surana, her chin slightly lowered, her eyes trembling slightly, said: "My Lord, I will arrange suitable people and report to you promptly."
Hearing Surana's reply, Glyn's eyebrow twitched, and his gaze shifted from the sea to Surana: "Surana, thank you for understanding my painstaking efforts. House Clegane now has only my cousin Lyanna and me. Lyanna's heart is overly kind; this is a virtue worthy of praise, but it is also easily exploited by those with ulterior motives, especially in matters of the heart."
Glyn's gaze once again turned to the vast sea, and he sighed softly: "You've watched Lyanna grow up since she was a child, and I know you've always been fond of her, so you don't need to worry too much. I am a Lord; as a Lord, I have responsibilities that I must bear, but I will do my best to ensure Lyanna's future is always peaceful and happy."
Surana pursed her lips: "Actually, you should have Miss Lyanna sign documents relinquishing her right to inherit House Clegane. This would be a greater protection for her. I had originally intended to advise you on this, but then I considered that you don't yet have an heir, and I hesitated again. Others say I am too rational, but I know myself; in many situations, I am indecisive."
Glyn's right thumb moved against his index finger: "Lady Surana, in my heart, you are like family to me. In front of me, you can always speak freely; leave the decisions to me, you don't need to worry about this. As for my cousin Lyanna's inheritance rights... I wish more that she could find her own love."
"As you command, my Lord."
King's Landing, Red Keep, Tower of the Hand.
Petyr Baelish leaned against the balcony railing, his gaze fixed on the distant vista, his eyes deep.
"Lord Sheep's Ass, Half-man noble... also objects of ridicule... and yet, hah!"
Through the regular reports from the Citadel, on the long-peaceful continent of Westeros, Baron Glyn Clegane's name spread quickly. As a new hot topic, much intelligence concerning Glyn gathered on Petyr's desk.
Having received the favor of the previous king, when House Clegane reappeared in the Clegane Old Lands with formidable strength, they were able to easily regain influence, despite over a decade having passed, as if it was the will of the people.
Truly enviable, the deep-rooted governing power brought by bloodline.
Truly unlikable, the bloodline that represents power.
The traditional power that reveres bloodlines is so stubborn; even the strongest Wildlings are deeply affected by it.
Compared to noble bloodlines, ability, on the contrary, becomes a mere accessory.
Therefore, only chaos is the ladder.
Petyr Baelish's gaze became even deeper.
"Lord Petyr, how rare; from you, I actually sense a certain indignation."
Varys, bald and plump, clad in a loose crimson silk robe, clasped his hands together.
Petyr calmly withdrew his gaze, his grey-green eyes turning towards Varys. Varys offered a demure smile and a nod in greeting.
Petyr Baelish elegantly curled his lips: "Lord Master of Whisperers, is it because of your duties that you are always so full of curiosity? But I must tell you, this time your nose has failed you."
Varys's smile didn't diminish: "Lord Petyr, ever since I met you, what I have always read from you is a measured elegance and exceptional wisdom. Even the slightest changes in you catch my attention."
The elegant Petyr admitted to himself that he increasingly disliked this old spider.
Petyr told himself that he must act with caution, always remembering that the Little Birds were watching him.
Regardless of what he thought internally, Petyr Baelish maintained a decorous smile: "Indeed, the sweetest tongue in King's Landing; every conversation with you brings joy to my body and mind."
Varys nodded in greeting once more: "It is Lord Petyr's demeanor that exuded sweetness; I merely bask in your light."
Petyr shrugged, having no interest in continuing to discuss matters of tongues with Varys. His grey-green eyes subtly shifted, and he changed the topic: "Our esteemed Queen, I hear her mood suddenly brightened. Normally, she would be displeased for many days."
Varys moved to Petyr's side, likewise fixing his gaze on the distance: "Her Grace the Queen retains the innocent heart of a maiden; upon receiving something she loves, she will naturally forget her momentary sadness."
Petyr's voice was hoarse and magnetic: "Something she loves? Lord Varys, you speak with hidden meaning."
(Author's note) Almost forgot, this book has been signed! Please vote and show your support! Thanks!
(end of chapter)