While Gaimon was still residing in the Red Castle, Bill—the beer merchant from King's Landing—had already set sail toward Oros City aboard a merchant schooner. Thanks to the protection of the Roaring Dao, the waters of Blackwater Bay were generally calm. Even during the typhoon season, the waves and wind here were mild, making sailing relatively safe.
With a favorable sea breeze, Bill's schooner crossed the bay smoothly, passed through the mouth of the Wende River, and sailed upstream. By mid-summer, the sea was tranquil. A few fluffy clouds drifted lazily across a bright blue sky, and seagulls dove from above, snatching fish from the water.
As the ship moved inland, the scenery gradually transformed. The signs of human activity became increasingly evident. Bill stood on the deck, observing the riverbanks while evaluating the development potential of Wendland in his mind.
At the mouth of the Wende River, Bill first caught sight of Snow Salt Town. Even from a distance, the neatly arranged salt fields impressed him. Stretching for miles along the coastline, these fields were unlike anything he had seen before. The scale alone spoke of immense wealth, and although he didn't study them in detail, he could already see their value.
Further inland, the riverbanks were no longer barren wastelands overgrown with weeds. Instead, they were lined with dense farmland. The harvest season had arrived, and the golden wheat fields swayed like waves under the gentle breeze. Bill inhaled deeply and caught the rich scent of ripened wheat carried across the air, a fragrance that made him feel lightheaded with delight.
His curiosity about Oros grew with every passing mile. What kind of city awaited him at the end of the Wende River? The anticipation made time feel slower as the schooner glided upstream, leaving the scenic landscapes behind.
By mid-afternoon, the river began to curve and twist, and the sight that emerged around the bend was a striking mix of desolation and prosperity. The first thing that caught everyone's attention was the river traffic. Various ships moved back and forth—some similar in size to Bill's brigantine, and others far larger, three-masted vessels engaged in maritime trade. Smaller fishing boats and rowboats darted between them, some ferrying goods to and from the larger ships, others simply fishing.
After navigating further upstream, a towering watchtower appeared on the horizon. Standing more than twenty meters tall and covering an area of over ten square meters, the structure bore a flag emblazoned with a black background and a red dragon. The blood-red, three-headed dragon symbol declared the ownership of the land boldly and unmistakably.
Passing the tower, the schooner approached Oros's dock area. The docks were newly constructed, and stone tiles had replaced the dirt floor, giving the ground a cleaner, more organized appearance. Nearby, three-story wooden buildings lined the shore, with people coming and going constantly.
Rows of plank roads stretched from the riverbank toward the city center. Ships were docked along these piers, and workers, their upper bodies bare, moved tirelessly like ants, unloading goods from vessels and transporting them to the shore. Wooden cranes, their thick hemp ropes capable of lifting massive cargo, stood tall among the docks, further emphasizing the city's bustling activity.
"Bump!"
Bill felt the vessel lightly collide with the pier. The sailors, trained and experienced, quickly secured the schooner.
"Quick! Drop the anchor!" the captain shouted. With precision, the sailors cast the anchor into the riverbed, stabilizing the hull. A small sampan was then positioned alongside the schooner to ferry Bill and his belongings to the dock.
"Master, the ship is docked. Why don't you rest while we unload the cargo? Once it's finished, we can leave together," said John, Bill's attendant and bodyguard.
John Baker was a wandering knight from the Riverlands. Once impoverished, he had survived as a mercenary, living day to day on the edge of danger. During one mission, his group abandoned him on the roadside while he was gravely injured. Bill, returning from a trade trip to the Riverlands, had stumbled upon him. Sprinkling some medicine on his wounds and bandaging him, Bill saved John's life.
John recovered, and recognizing his skill and intelligence, Bill took him on as both guard and attendant. Over time, John's abilities saved Bill from countless dangers. Naturally, Bill trusted him above anyone else, and so he brought John along for this trip to Wendland.
"No need. I've been on the ship for several days, and my body is a bit stiff. I'll go ashore and wait for you," Bill replied.
John, standing tall at 1.8 meters with thick black hair covering a scar on his cheek, forced a slight smile. "Yes, sir," he answered calmly.
Bill descended from the sampan and stepped onto the pier. He looked back at the schooner that had been his home for the past few days and murmured with some emotion, "It's always better to be on solid ground. Life at sea is not meant for everyone." Stretching his stiff limbs, he walked along the plank road toward the shore, his senses taking in the city's energy.
Even before reaching the dock, the sounds of bustling activity reached him.
"Grilled fish! Freshly grilled! Only five coppers!"
"Boss, do you need deliveries? I can carry them to your warehouse!"
"Stay at the inn! Boss, we have a new batch of goods. Come check them out!"
As he neared the dock, the din became louder and clearer. Bill could discern the chatter of vendors, porters, and merchants all vying for attention. He stayed near the plank road where he had disembarked, cautious not to wander too far while John oversaw the unloading of their cargo.
Observing the scene, Bill realized that Oros was a city of contrasts. On the river, merchants and sailors hustled to manage trade, while the docks teemed with laborers constantly moving goods. The smell of salt from the nearby salt fields mixed with the aroma of grilled fish and fresh bread, creating a unique sensory experience. Wooden warehouses lined the shore, waiting to be filled with merchandise, while the streets behind the docks promised a bustling marketplace, where trade and daily life intertwined seamlessly.
Despite the city's activity, Bill noted areas where construction had yet to reach or where dilapidated buildings suggested poverty. This blend of wealth and struggle painted a vivid picture of a city in development—ripe with opportunity for those bold enough to seize it.
Bill's mind buzzed with possibilities. Oros could become a hub of trade in the region, connecting Wendland to distant markets. He pictured ships sailing in from other kingdoms, carrying spices, textiles, and precious metals. Merchants like himself could establish lucrative routes, leveraging the city's river and coastal access.
Feeling a mix of excitement and determination, Bill adjusted his hat and took a step forward. This city was different from King's Landing. Here, every decision could shape the future, and he intended to be at the center of it.
"Let's get this cargo unloaded, John," he said, his voice calm but filled with purpose.
John nodded. "Right away, sir."
The two men moved toward the waiting laborers. Crates and barrels were lifted and carried to the warehouses with practiced efficiency. As the sun dipped toward the horizon, the docks of Oros glowed in the warm golden light of late afternoon. The city seemed alive, breathing with trade, effort, and ambition.
For Bill, the voyage had ended, but a new journey was just beginning. Here, at the confluence of river and sea, he would establish himself, navigating the tides of commerce and opportunity. The city of Oros promised both challenges and rewards, and Bill, ever the entrepreneur, was ready to meet them head-on.
As the final crates were unloaded, Bill took a moment to survey the scene once more. Sailboats rocked gently in the river, the towers of Oros cast long shadows over the bustling docks, and the flags fluttered in the evening breeze. In that moment, he felt a profound sense of possibility.
With John by his side, Bill knew that whatever obstacles lay ahead, he would face them prepared. Together, they would carve out a place in Oros, leaving a mark on a city that was still very much in the making.
The river carried the sounds of commerce, laughter, and life into the evening, and for the first time in days, Bill felt truly grounded. Life on land, surrounded by the promise of trade and growth, felt invigorating. Oros was no longer just a destination—it was the beginning of a new chapter in his life.
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