Chapter 84: Chapter 84 The Sea lord's Invitation
Gavin stood on the deck, lost in thought. Daenerys approached him quietly, her voice soft but concerned. "Gavin, could this be a trap?"
Gavin gently took her hand, his tone reassuring. "Don't worry too much. Even if it's a trap, I'll handle it."
After a long night of battle, Gavin was utterly drained, with little magic left in his body. Even Syndor, his trusted dragon, lay sprawled on the bow of the ship, exhausted and fast asleep. Choosing to meet the Sea King in the morning was a calculated risk, born out of necessity.
That night, no one aboard the Bellerys could find peace. The moonlight shimmered across the sea, making the waves sparkle like silver, yet it did little to dispel the tension gripping their hearts. Outside the port, the Sea King's warships stood vigil, blocking the canyon's mouth with unyielding precision. Braavosi soldiers, stoic and silent, lined the docks like statues, their presence oppressive.
As dawn broke, sunlight bathed the Bellerys. Gavin emerged from the cabin to find Syndor alert and energetic once more. Relief swept through him, though unease lingered. What if the Sea King, in desperation, acted recklessly?
With a firm resolve, he ordered Syndor to meld into the flames, ensuring he could summon the dragon's full power if needed. Turning back, he returned to the cabin.
Daenerys was waiting for him, her face shadowed with worry. She stepped forward, her voice trembling slightly. "Gavin, do you really have to go? It's too dangerous."
Gavin placed his hands gently on her shoulders, his voice calm but resolute. "My dear, don't worry. If I refuse, it might look like cowardice. Besides, Syndor is at full strength again, and I've prepared for anything."
Daenerys bit her lip, her unease palpable. "Then let me come with you..."
Gavin interrupted with a reassuring smile. "You don't need to. If something goes wrong, I can escape with Syndor's help. And since the Sea King invited me, it's unlikely he'll act rashly right away."
Knowing she couldn't change his mind, Daenerys sighed and nodded reluctantly. "Just promise me you'll be careful."
Gavin smiled softly and kissed her forehead. "I promise."
With two Blood Dragon Guards at his side, Gavin disembarked.
The Neptune Palace
As Gavin stepped onto the dock, the soldiers bristled, their hands tightening around their weapons. Yet none dared act, silently parting to let him pass. Gavin moved with measured composure, his steps unwavering as he made his way to the Neptune Palace.
Inside, he stood before the Sea King, who sat brooding on his throne. Rego Antalian's face was a mask of anger as he spoke, his voice cutting through the silence. "Gavin Belerys, I welcomed you as a guest, and yet your dragon wreaked havoc in Braavos, destroying the House of Black and White!"
Gavin met the Sea King's glare with steady calm. "Your Highness, I have always acted in good faith here. But as your guest, I was attacked in Braavos. When my safety could not be guaranteed, I had no choice but to defend myself."
The Sea King's voice rose, frustration creeping in. "I promised you compensation and protection!"
Gavin inclined his head slightly. "And I am grateful for that, Your Highness. But tell me, what happens if the Faceless Men target me again after I leave? You cannot guarantee that the House of Black and White will cease their assassinations. I took action to resolve the issue at its root. Until the problem is truly addressed, such incidents will only repeat."
For a moment, Rego Antalian was silent, his anger simmering beneath the surface. Finally, he retorted, "The House of Black and White has its rules—"
Gavin interrupted, his tone firm and unwavering. "Rules mean little when my life is at stake. I will always act to protect myself."
The Sea King's expression darkened, his voice sharp with finality. "I have promised you compensation! You may take whatever you wish from my treasure vault. But once you've claimed your gifts, you and your fleet must leave Braavos immediately—and never return!"
Gavin's expression remained calm. "Your Highness, I had no intention of causing trouble here. Now that the matter is resolved, I will honor your wishes and depart."
The Sea King's eyes narrowed as he issued a final warning. "See that you do. If you violate this agreement, the wrath of Braavos will be unrelenting."
Gavin bowed slightly, his tone respectful. "You have my word."
With a dismissive wave, the Sea King ended the conversation.
The Treasure Vault
Escorted by a water dancer, Gavin walked through the palace's labyrinthine corridors. Guards lined the halls, their polished weapons glinting faintly in the dim light. As they approached the treasure vault, the air grew heavier, the silence oppressive.
The entrance to the vault was marked by two colossal stone doors carved with intricate patterns. Elite guards stood watch, clad in heavy armor and bristling with weapons, their presence a silent warning.
The water dancer stepped forward, speaking softly to the guards. With synchronized effort, they pushed open the massive doors, the deep groan of stone filling the air. Beyond lay a trove of unimaginable wealth.
"Sir Gavin," the water dancer began solemnly, "as per His Highness's orders, you may select only two items—one for yourself and one for the Targaryen princess. You have one hour."
Gavin nodded and stepped into the vault. The sight that greeted him was breathtaking.
Shelves stretched into the distance, laden with treasures. Valyrian steel swords, their rippling patterns exuding deadly beauty, gleamed under the dim light. Nearby, exquisite daggers of the same legendary metal rested in velvet-lined boxes.
A set of golden armor caught his eye, its surface encrusted with brilliant gems, shimmering with an almost ethereal glow.
In one corner, furs of the finest quality were piled—white pelts from northern wolves and the rare, spotted hides of snow bears. At the heart of the vault sat a massive crystal orb, its interior swirling with misty clouds. Beside it rested dragon egg fossils, their textured shells hinting at ancient origins.
Deeper in, Gavin found dragon bone artifacts, mysterious tomes with gilded covers, and delicate ornaments crafted from Valyrian steel. Each piece seemed to whisper its own story, rich with history and power.
With only two choices to make, Gavin steeled himself. Every item called out to him, but he knew he had to choose wisely.