Dawn over Gulltown

The voyage from Crab Island to Gulltown was calmer than Daemon had expected. House Celtigar's three-masted ship, the Red Claw, sailed steadily across the emerald waves of Blackwater Bay. Glutton and Dreamfyre occasionally circled overhead, their enormous shadows cast across the sea and sending flocks of seagulls scattering.

Colin Celtigar stood by the rail, one hand gripping it and the other holding a spyglass. From time to time, he introduced the islands along the way to Daemon. "Your Highness, once we pass that little island ahead, we'll be nearing Gulltown."

Colin pointed to a barren islet on the left. "There's hardly anyone living on these little islands, just a few fishermen's huts. But the Three Sisters are much livelier. House Stark and House Arryn fought for thousands of years over them."

Daemon followed the direction of his finger, but from this distance, he could see only where the land met the horizon. In the histories, however, the Three Sisters were like three scattered pearls set between the Narrow Sea and the Bay of Crabs.

"I've heard of them," he said blandly. "The islanders are said to be notoriously fickle, loyal only to themselves. The Eyrie cannot command them at all. To the septons, they are greedy and wicked as beasts."

Gael quietly added from nearby, "Father only settled their disputes with the Vale and the North last year."

"Yes." Colin nodded, a flicker of admiration in his eyes. "His Majesty's methods were indeed impressive. But speaking of methods, Gulltown ahead is the true treasure."

He paused, pride coloring his voice. "Gulltown is the Vale's foremost port, ruled by House Grafton. Our House Celtigar once intermarried with the late Lord Grafton's predecessor. My grandaunt, Prudence Celtigar, married the lord at the time, so our two houses remain fairly close."

Gael walked over to Daemon's side. The sea breeze lifted her silver hair, making it shimmer beside Dreamfyre's pale blue scales. "Is House Grafton famous?"

"In the Vale, it is." Colin smiled. "Their sigil is a yellow burning tower upon a black triangle, set against a flame-red field. They say it symbolizes their ancestors' achievement in seizing Gulltown from the First Men." He pointed toward the coastline growing clearer in the distance. "Look, that is Gulltown's lighthouse. You can see it from far away."

Daemon raised his spyglass. On the shore of Crab Bay stood an enormous stone tower, its fire glimmering beneath the sun like a star that would never go out.

Beyond the tower, the outline of the town unfolded. Gray walls wound along the coast, while countless ships were moored in the harbor, their masts packed together like a forest.

"What a bustling place," Mys Rivers remarked. He stood beside Rayford Rosby, and the two were discussing the warships in the harbor.

"They say Gulltown is one of Westeros's five major cities, roughly the same size as White Harbor," Rayford added. His gaze was drawn to a cluster of merchant vessels from Braavos. "The tailors here are renowned. Even nobles from King's Landing come here to have clothes made."

Lubert Crabb was more interested in the defenses atop the walls. "Those walls look sturdy. Much stronger than the palisades in our Crabb Lands."

Daemon said nothing. His gaze settled on a white building deeper within the town. Colin told him that it was Maris Sept, built upon a small island outside the harbor.

"Many nobles send their bastard daughters there to be raised." Colin lowered his voice. "Alys Tarbeck, for instance, gave birth there."

Daemon recalled the scandal from King Jaehaerys's reign. The absurd affair involving Alys Tarbeck and Princess Senyra had caused quite a stir. He withdrew his gaze and thought, This city is far more complicated than it appears.

When the Red Claw entered Gulltown's sheltered harbor, the docks were already crowded with people waiting to receive them.

At the front stood a tall, middle-aged man wearing a red cloak embroidered with the burning tower sigil. He had to be Lord Grafton.

Behind him stood a gathering of nobles. Some were finely dressed lords, others plainly clothed septons, and several looked like wealthy merchants, their bulging belts clearly stuffed with gold coins.

"Prince Daemon, Princess Gael, welcome to Gulltown!" Lord Grafton bowed. His voice was loud and carried the roughness of the sea wind. "I am Colton Grafton, lord of Gulltown. To receive Targaryen royalty is an honor for our entire town."

"You are too courteous, my lord." Daemon stepped forward and shook his hand. "We apologize for imposing upon you."

"This way, Your Highness." Lord Grafton turned and led the way. "My humble home has prepared a modest feast to welcome you and the princess."

The streets of Gulltown were cleaner than Daemon had imagined.

The stone roads had been worn smooth by the waves. Most buildings on either side were built of stone, their roofs covered in red tiles, their windows fitted with colored glass. Sunlight streamed through the glass and cast dazzling patches of color across the ground.

Pedestrians streamed through the streets: laborers carrying goods, merchants clad in silk, knights leading horses, and children chasing each other in play.

When they saw Daemon's party, they all stopped to stare curiously. Their eyes held both awe and curiosity.

"Though Gulltown cannot compare with King's Landing's splendor, it is still a lively place," Lord Grafton said with a smile. "Our fishermen bring in the freshest fish every day, and the oatcakes made by our bakers earned even Duke Roderick Arryn's highest praise."

Daemon nodded, but his gaze was caught by a soaring tower. It was pure white from base to peak, and its summit was carved with countless seagull statues, as though they might spread their wings and take flight at any moment. "What is that?"

"Gull Tower," Lord Grafton said proudly. "It is the symbol of our Gulltown. From its summit, one can see all of Crab Bay."

The evening feast was held in Lord Grafton's castle. It was not grand, but it was exquisite. The walls displayed many oil paintings of naval battles, said to depict House Grafton's ancestors fighting the First Men.

The long table was laden with seafood—roasted lobster, stewed crab, smoked cod—as well as all kinds of fruits and wine.

"Your Highness, try this." Lord Grafton placed a piece of crabmeat onto Daemon's plate. "These are red crabs unique to Crab Bay. They taste far fresher than those from elsewhere."

Daemon tried a bite. The meat was indeed tender, with a faint sweetness. "It is very good."

"You flatter us, Your Highness." Lord Grafton smiled. "More than food, though, I would like to hear of your brave deeds on Crab Claw Peninsula. I heard that you drove back the Wildlings all by yourself?"

Daemon smiled and briefly described the battle at Whispering Castle. He did not embellish his own accomplishments, instead repeatedly mentioning the bravery of Lubert, Berna Blount, and the others.

Lubert lowered his head awkwardly, while Rayford and Mys exchanged smiles.

Gael and Mysaria sat nearby, talking quietly.

Gael was particularly interested in a honey cake on the table, so Mysaria helped her take several more pieces.

Lord Grafton's wife was a gentle woman. From time to time, she served food to Gael and Mysaria and asked whether the journey had been tiring.

The atmosphere at the feast was very harmonious.

Lord Grafton was neither excessively fawning like Bartimos nor probing into Daemon's ambitions. He simply entertained guests from afar with the warmth of an ordinary lord.

He spoke of Gulltown's trade, its dealings with the Free Cities, and the customs of the Vale. Every word reflected his love for this land.

"Tomorrow, I will show Your Highness around Gulltown," Lord Grafton suggested. "You can see our shipyards and Maris Sept as well."

Daemon nodded in agreement. "Very well. I was hoping to see them."

Early the next morning, Lord Grafton set out with Daemon's party.

They first visited the shipyards, where several large three-masted sailing ships were under construction. Craftsmen hurried back and forth among them, while the sound of hammers striking planks rose and fell without pause.

"These ships are all meant for sale to Braavos and Pentos," Lord Grafton explained. "Gulltown's shipbuilding is among the finest in the Seven Kingdoms."

Daemon watched the nearly completed vessels and could not help thinking, No wonder House Velaryon and House Celtigar are so wealthy. The sea truly is a treasury without end.

Afterward, they went to Maris Sept. The sept stood on a small island connected to the mainland by a stone bridge.

Its white buildings gleamed under the sun, surrounded by fields of lavender whose fragrance hung pleasantly in the air.

A group of septas in white robes were working in the courtyard. When they saw Daemon's party, they stopped their work and bowed.

"This is Maris Sept," Lord Grafton introduced. "It was founded by Septa Maris, one of the Seven Speakers, and has existed for several decades. Many noble bastards grow up here."

Daemon thought of Alys Tarbeck, the girl Princess Senyra had led into foolishness, who had ultimately given birth here.

Looking at the tranquil faces of the septas, he could not help but feel moved. Perhaps this was not such a bad home for bastard girls like them.

An elderly septa received them and guided them through the sept's chapel and living quarters.

Statues of the Seven stood within the chapel. Candlelight flickered around them, lending the place a solemn air.

The living quarters were plain but tidy. Every room contained a bed and a desk.

"The girls here learn more than prayer," the old septa explained. "They also learn sewing and reading. When they grow up, they may choose to become septas, or marry common men and begin new lives."

Gael watched the girls reading, sympathy flashing through her eyes. Mysaria silently traced a seven-pointed star over her chest and prayed for them.

By the time they left Maris Sept, it was already noon. The sunlight had grown fierce, but the sea breeze carried a touch of coolness.

Standing on the stone bridge, Daemon looked back at the white buildings and suddenly felt that beneath the city's bustle lay a hidden tranquility.

"Next, let us go see Gull Tower," Lord Grafton suggested.

Daemon nodded and followed him toward the tower. He knew there were still many more people and matters awaiting his understanding. Gulltown's story had only just begun.