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The Dread Lord of Essos
Chapter 2
Casterly Rock 289 AC
The past three years had been very kind to Harry. The eleven-year-old had grown a bit, now standing at around five and a half feet tall with strong, wiry muscles. His studies continued to be exceptional, and his sword and archery training were well beyond his trainers' expectations. What Harry was most proud of however was his business portfolio. Black Lion Publishing, which was what he named his printing company, was doing spectacularly. Over the previous year, he had to build three more warehouses in Lannisport to accommodate the number of orders he was getting. Like he had thought, both the Citadel and the Faith were repeat customers. They wanted many of their books and scrolls to be mass-produced, which Harry obliged at a somewhat reasonable price. Harry now owned bookstores in every major city in Westeros. The Atlases were good sellers and so were the varied maps he printed. His stores sold many different books ranging from science to fiction. The only complaint that he had was that most people in this world didn't know how to read or write. That of course ate into his potential profits. Even so, he was still earning several hundred gold dragons a week. His uncle Tyrion thought the printing press was the greatest thing on the planet … if you didn't count wine and whores of course. Tyrion even wrote a few books of his own which Harry printed. His uncle earned half the profits from every one of his books that sold. Other authors that wanted their books printed and sold in his stores didn't earn quite as much since they weren't family, but that didn't deter them. Many were still very eager to do business with him. Harry had plans to expand the business further in the coming years.
From what he could ascertain, his grandfather was very pleased with both the elevation of the family holdings and the respect the family was receiving among scholars. Tywin was also pleased that his grandson used the gold gifted to him to become financially self-reliant and had not wasted it on childish pursuits.
Harry's blacksmithing businesses were doing extremely well. He now owned practically every blacksmith shop in Lannisport. The other smiths simply couldn't compete with his prices and quickly sold their shops to him. He kept them on as workers and they didn't complain too much since they got paid well. Many earned more than they did when they owned the shops themselves. Harry was slowly expanding into other cities as well. He had several in King's Landing and the Reach. His smithing business was earning three times what Black Lion was. Harry bought out several other businesses as well. He was the proud owner of a few different taverns and at least a dozen whorehouses. Harry was currently in talks with an Essosi merchant that was looking to sell two dozen of his older ships. Harry could fix them up with a bit of magic and have his own trading company. That was something he needed greatly. With those ships, he could sell his cheap steel and books throughout Essos.
As Harry was sitting in his room finishing a letter finalizing a publishing deal made between Black Lion and the Iron Bank, he heard a bell tolling from Lannisport. The only time the bell rang was when there was trouble. Harry quickly went to his window that overlooked the port city and used his spyglass to see what was going on. His eyes widened as he saw dozens upon dozens of ships burning in the bay. He cursed that Tywin was currently in King's Landing. Quickly putting on his armor and sword he teleported into a rarely used alley near the docks. Immediately panic-stricken screams filled his ears. Moving out into the open he could see ships with gold krakens on the hulls. 'God damn Ironborn!' he cursed. Harry never thought the people of the Iron Islands would be stupid enough to raid Lannisport. They had to know that Tywin Lannister would stop at nothing to reap his vengeance.
Already many dead or injured sailors and lowborn could be seen scattered throughout the docks. Nearby he spotted a group of Ironborn raiders looting a shop. Pulling out his sword he quickly ran after them. Not giving them time to spot him, Harry quickly stuck his sword through one of their backs. "Arrrgh!" came the gurgled sound as he fell to the ground. The others quickly turned and saw an enraged Harold Hill standing there wielding a bloody blade.
"You'll pay for that you fucking cunt!" his partner in crime yelled out viciously. Unfortunately, that was all he said as Harry's blade cut through his face leaving a spray of blood to paint the wall. Harry quickly side-stepped a swing from behind that would have split his head open. Turning he pulled up his sword and blocked another strike from a second assailant. He barely had time to duck another wild swing of a sword, spun, and used his momentum to remove the leg of one of the raiders. Pained screams filled his head as he looked down at the iron asshole. Flopping around uselessly on the ground, the ugly fucker was holding his stump as blood squirted out in a near-steady stream. The remaining Ironborn was looking around nervously. It was clear he was searching for an escape. The escape never came as a rider on horseback flew by, taking his head clean off. Harry watched the head spin in the air for a second before hitting the dirt and rolling to a stop. A short distance away Harry saw another raider tearing the dress off a middle-aged woman. Grabbing the severed head by the hair, he launched it at the Ironborn. The blow struck true and knocked the would-be rapist to the ground. In an instant, Harry was on top of him and slid his blade into the man's throat. A few wet, sputtering breaths later, he stopped moving. Harry picked the woman up by the arm. "Run and hide," he commanded. With a quick nod, she ran off in search of safety.
"Ser Hynrik!" Harry called out, spotting the man searching for more raiders. Ser Hynrik Lannister was a younger brother of Lord of the Lannisport Lannisters, Lord Eldrid Lannister. He was tall and muscular with shoulder-length gold spun hair. Harry had heard many maidens in Lannisport speak of his good looks. "What news of the raid do you have?" Harry asked urgently. Ser Hynrik walked over and they clasped forearms.
"Good to see you alive Harold. There are raids all along the west coast of Westeros. It seems the Ironborn have rebelled," he stated grimly. That piece of news shocked him.
"How stupid can they be?" he asked incredulously. "They have to know that they could never defeat the Westerlands let alone the entirety of the Realm."
"No one ever accused the Greyjoys of being smart," Hynrik chuckled darkly. "It appears that Lannisport is on its own for the time being. Thankfully most of the Ironborn have retreated to their ships and set sail. They suffered heavy losses."
Harry looked around. The entire Lannister fleet was aflame and bodies could be seen in every direction. It appeared most of the shops and storehouses were relatively intact. A few were looted and burned.
"I need to head back to Casterly Rock and send a message to my grandfather." Ser Hynrik nodded and wished him luck. Harry found a safe space to teleport and appeared near the gate. He walked through and told the guards, "Bar the gate. No one enters or leaves until word reaches us from Lannisport that the raid has been dealt with." Quickly following his command, the gate was shut and barred. Harry went straight to his room and wrote out a letter to his grandfather explaining what was going on, and that Casterly Rock and his family were safe. Giving the letter to a Maester to be sent by raven, Harry took a deep breath and went to make sure everyone was on guard.
King's Landing
The Lord of the Westerlands was sitting at a desk in his room in the Red Keep. Located in King's Landing, the Red Keep was a large, walled castle made of red stone that housed the royal family. Tywin was sipping his wine and going through some financial reports he had received by raven. It seemed every lord in the Westerlands paid their taxes on time. Tywin smirked. After the incidents with the Reyne and Tarbeck families, no other houses in the west would defy him. That gold would likely be gone in a few moons. The useless whoremonger of a king would need another loan to fill his cups with wine and fill his bed with whores. Tywin sneered at the thought. At least it would raise his family's standing in the capital even more. Sometimes it seemed no one in the Red Keep cared about financial responsibility. Not the king or his flunkies, not even Tywin's own daughter. The idiot girl burned through gold like there was no tomorrow. That brought his thoughts to his grandson. The Bastard of the Rock some called him. At eight namedays the boy was gifted a small amount of gold, and a few, short years later he had built himself a respectable business portfolio and a small fortune in savings. The boy had more gold than most lords in Westeros. Tywin chuckled to himself. Even a bastard child of the Lannisters was better than everyone else.
When he had first heard that his son had fathered a bastard he was suitably angered. He didn't want any shame brought onto his family. Not after all of the trouble that he went through to fix the family name after his father's passing. After thinking about it, he decided to foster the child in the Rock. If needed the boy could be legitimized and made the heir of Casterly Rock. If the boy was a dimwit, he could be quietly taken care of. He quickly paid the girl off and took possession of his ward the moment he was born. Thankfully the boy turned out to be extremely intelligent and took great pride in being a Lannister, even if only a bastard. Tywin was brought out of his thoughts by the pounding on his door. He opened it to find a sweaty, red-faced boy holding some paper. "My lord, a raven just came marked urgent."
Tywin nodded and sent him on his way. He read the first note. His fleet was burnt at anchor and a raiding party had hit Lannisport. He crumpled the paper in rage. Those cursed squids were going to pay! He calmed slightly and read the second note. It was from Harold. Apparently, the boy was at Lannisport when the raid began. He had killed a few squids and spoke to Ser Hynrik. It appeared the Ironborn were rebelling. Harold then went back to the Rock and had the gates closed and put the guards on high alert. Everyone was safe for the time being. That calmed him a bit more. At least someone over there had half a brain. His drunkard of a son, Tyrion was probably passed out in his cup during the entire raid. He got up to go speak with the King. He had work to do.
The Dread Lord of Essos
Harry sat on the deck of a large war galley sharpening his sword. They were heading to Pyke. The last few months had been both exciting and boring in equal measure. It was exciting preparing for war. What wasn't exciting was spending a month at sea on a cramped ship with hundreds of smelly men. His grandfather, Lord Tywin had arranged for Harry to be King Robert's personal squire for the duration of the war. Harry was pretty happy about it. He got to spar with the King and spend time with his father. Harry was shaken out of his musings by a loud yell. Pyke was in sight! Harry rushed to get his armor on and made his way to the King's side. "About fucking time!" cried the King.
All the waiting had finally paid off. Over a month ago King Robert's brother Stannis Baratheon had led the Iron Fleet into an ambush in the Straits of Fair Isle. With the majority of their fleet destroyed the Iron Islands were open to invasion. At that moment Stannis was invading Great Wyk, Ser Barristan Selmy was taking Old Wyk, and his grandfather was taking Saltcliffe.
"Hill! You ready for battle, boy?" asked the King in a booming voice and Harry walked up. It was clear to all that he very much loved war.
"Aye your Grace! I'm itching to put my foot up some iron asses," he stated with a smile.
"Baaahahaha! A lad after my own heart!" he laughed loudly, slapping Harry on the back.
Unfortunately for Harry, he didn't get to do much fighting. Most thought him too young even if he was a good swordsman. Most of the time was spent helping King Robert or tending to the wounded. Sometimes he would be used to carry messages between commanders. Occasionally he would get to fight a squid or two and cut them down with no trouble. It was only a few weeks later that the enemy forces were pushed back, and the castle on Pyke was stormed, ending with Balon Greyjoy's surrender.
All in all, Harry thought it was a boring war and was glad to be back at the Rock. He had business to conduct after all! He had recently made a deal with the Iron Bank. Harry was to produce large amounts of various forms and standard contracts for them. A new account with the bank was made and his payments from them went directly into it. The deal with the Essosi merchant was also completed, and he expected the ships to arrive within the next few moons. It was a long journey from Pentos after all.
Harry spent the next few days checking in on his many businesses. All were doing well enough, but he needed more. Already possessing a decent fortune was great, Harry thought, but he would need more if he wanted to become a Lord of his own land. Harry already knew that he would be legitimized by Robert. If necessary he would use a bit of mind magic on him. Getting more gold was the harder part. He had a plan for that as well, but that needed to wait for a few years until he set off on his own. In the meantime, Harry needed more businesses.
Sitting at the ornate oak desk in his spacious room in the Rock, Harry tapped his chin while thinking. What would sell well in this world that he was recently born into? Men controlled the money. What do men want? Harry snorted. Wine and women mostly. He would most definitely expand his holdings by opening more whorehouses. He needed several in every major city and town. The wine industry was already dominated by the winemakers of the Arbor and Dorne, though Harry did know how to distill different kinds of spirits. Whiskey, rum, and vodka were easy enough. He would simply need to get another large warehouse and conjure up some distillers. The ingredients were all easy enough to buy. Harry immediately got up and took a trip to Lannisport.
A week later he had everything set. He purchased another old building in need of repair, which he did with a wave of the hand. Conjuring up the distillers was child's play, but the difficult part was finding glass blowers to make bottles. Larger amounts of liquor would be sold in oak casks, but commoners wouldn't be able to afford that. Their only option would be to buy it at taverns which would cut into his profits. He needed bottles. Thankfully there was always someone looking for a job in Lannisport. Finding dozens of low-skilled workers was easy. It wasn't a problem providing them with the place and equipment, and teaching them how to create bottles in different sizes. He decided on two different sizes. A larger bottle that was pretty much the standard size on Harry's original world, and a smaller bottle about a quarter size of the former. Now he just needed to wait on the farmers to deliver the goods he would use to start the brewing process.
Casterly Rock 293 AC
Harry packed the rest of his items in his satchel, some of which included plenty of food under stasis. He was now fifteen years old and was setting off on his adventure around the world. Taking a look at himself in the mirror, he saw an incredibly handsome young man staring back. Reaching over six feet with tightly corded muscles had many women swooning. Of course, this was all aided by the use of magic. Only a sucker would spend time exercising and working out when you could simply use a shortcut. This wasn't done to sate his vanity, at least not completely. A big reason was that no one would take a normal-sized fifteen-year-old seriously, especially in Essos. At least this way people would likely assume he was a few years older than he actually was.
In the past few years, his businesses had done very well. The different liquors were a big hit and were now one of his biggest earners. Tyrion was placed in charge of his holdings until he decided to reclaim them. Harry would still keep an eye on them. He did after all have to Fade back here in secret every so often to replenish stocks of steel and other supplies for his various enterprises.
Placing heavy compulsions on his grandfather was already done to make sure the old lion didn't raise too much of a fuss. The mean, old bastard liked to have everyone at his beck and call. Checking one last time to make sure he had everything, Harry met up with the convoy that would follow him to King's Landing.
King's Landing
King's Landing was the capital of Westeros and the seat of power in the Seven Kingdoms. The largest of cities in Westeros, King's Landing was also the vilest, filthy, and dangerous, with even the most trustworthy of people willing to stab you in the back for gain. Even from a mile away, Harry could already smell the pungent aroma of stale piss and shit. Located in the Crownlands, it was situated near Blackwater Bay and the Narrow Sea. It was a place of both danger and opportunity.
His caravan entered through the Lion Gate and made its way through the cramped city past the Great Sept of Baelor and up to Aegon's High Hill where the Red Keep stood. The Red Keep was monstrous, constructed out of red stone. It was said that Aegon used red brick to remind people of the dragon fire he used to roast his enemies. Descending the stairway that led to the keep was his father Jaime Lannister. Wearing his golden armor and cloak, Harry had to admit that he was still a handsome man.
"Father. It's good to see you again," Harry said, giving the man a hug.
"It's good to see you again son. You've grown quite a bit since I last saw you," Jaime smiled.
Harry returned the smile. "Eating healthy, drinking sparingly, and fucking like a rabbit will do wonders for the body." His father laughed loudly.
"So it would seem," he replied, leading Harry into the Keep.
"I brought a wagon load of liquor for the King. Is he in court today?"
"The King went hunting and won't likely return till week's end."
"That's a shame. I wished to see him again. Perhaps next time." Harry really didn't care. He didn't much like Robert anyways. He was too loud and too drunk too often.
"You're only staying the night correct?" Jaime asked his son.
"Yes, father. The ship to Essos leaves just after daybreak."
"Be careful over there. Essos can be a dangerous place. Especially for someone so young," he warned. What he said was the truth. Or rather it would be for anyone other than Harry.
"I'll be careful," Harry promised. They had just made it into the Keep and came face to face with a somewhat attractive maid.
"Excellent. Now I'm sure you'd like to rest before dinner. She will show you to your quarters," he said, indicating to the young woman.
"Thank you. I'll see you shortly." The trip to his room was filled with pleasant chit chat and once reached, he bid her a hasty farewell. He was still grossed out from the journey through the city and wished to bathe. Thankfully a large tub of warm water was already provided. Stripping down until he was only in his boxers, he was interrupted by the opening of his door. Assuming it was the maid again, he turned around only to see his aunt, the Queen standing there.
"Your Grace," he stated, giving a nod of his head. "It's been a long time."
"Indeed it has, nephew," Cersei replied smoothly. It had certainly been a long while since he had last laid eyes on her. She was still a beautiful woman. Cersei was of average height for a woman but had above-average feminine curves and a slim waist. Her lovely face was crowned with long golden tresses that gently flowed over her delicate shoulders and back in soft, loose curls. Her silky maroon-colored dress accentuated her sultry figure. She gracefully stepped up to him and sensually ran her hand down his muscled chest and chiseled stomach.
"Time has done wonders for you. Last I remember you were as thin as a sapling," she purred, looking up to meet his eyes.
Harry wanted to chuckle but refrained. He sorely missed his conversations with Cersei. She could be as sweet as honeyed wine or as foul as tavern stout depending on her mood. Her mood could change at the drop of a hat, so his interactions with her were always fun.
"I worked hard to earn this body," he lied. "You are still as lovely as ever," Harry said confidently, eyeing her body up and down.
Cersei smirked. Harry knew that she enjoyed it when men checked her out. She seemed to get a real thrill out of it, often even encouraging it.
"Yes. Climbing these dreadful stairs keeps my body in top form." She ran her hands down her sides and onto her hips, drawing his eyes to her waist.
"Perhaps you should hire a band of well-muscled men to carry you, my dear aunt," Harry smirked.
"Mind your tongue bastard before my hospitality grows thin," she nearly snarled.
Harry chuckled and said, "Of course, Your Grace. Now if you will excuse me, I would like to freshen up before dinner is served … unless, of course, you came here to watch." He finished his sentence by dropping his boxers and exposing himself fully to her. He watched as her eyes widened when she got her first look at him.
Cersei couldn't believe the nerve of this little shit. It was bad enough that he was the personification of her lover's betrayal, but he also grew up to be even more beautiful than his father. And to add further insult he had a massive cock that was bigger than Jaime's and Robert's and he wasn't even hard yet!
"Hmm," she hummed, her heart beating fast but showing no outward appearance of it. Taking this lovely cock in hand, she hefted it as if testing its weight. Slowly squeezing it, she felt the warmth and softness of it. Running her thumb up and down the topside of his length, she was rewarded with its hardening. Cersei tried very hard not to show her surprise as it continued to grow into an absolute monster. 'He'll surely split many a woman in two with this thing!' she thought. Regaining her composure, she gave it a slow, deep stroke before letting it drop. "It will take more than a large cock to tempt me, nephew," she said coolly and turned her back to him and walked to the door making sure to seductively sway her hips. Before exiting she added, "Make sure not to overstay your welcome." And with that, she was gone.
Harry snickered. He always did enjoy riling her up. She must enjoy it as well since she was always the one to seek him out. Harry figured that she was just trying to find some kind of enjoyment in an otherwise boring life. 'Oh well. That's for her to figure out,' he thought as he slipped into a warm bath.
Dinner with his father was enjoyable. They made small talk and told each other about what was going on in their lives. Cersei never made an appearance, not that he cared. After a few hours of talking both went back to their respective rooms and turned in for the night.
The following morning, the Queen didn't turn up to bid him farewell. Instead, his father told him that she was sleeping in.
"The life of a Queen must be so difficult. I've nearly been brought to tears," Harry added sarcastically.
Jaime chuckled and said, "Of that, I would not know. Now please be careful out there. I will not be pleased if you get yourself killed."
Harry just laughed and replied, "I'll try my best, father. Take heart in the fact that I am your son, and as such, my skill with a blade is nearly unmatched."
"Of course," he said haughtily. "We Lannister men have always been fearsome in battle … "
"AND IN BED!" they yelled out together, startling some unknowing passersby. They laughed loudly and embraced and bid each other a fond farewell.
It was time for Harry's vacation to truly begin.