Oserion's decision set the nobles of Crackclaw Point below him whispering among themselves.
Though the other nobles of the Seven Kingdoms called these impoverished nobles of Crackclaw Point half-wildlings, they took immense pride in their noble birth.
This was also the fundamental reason why internal strife had never ceased on Crackclaw Point.
Nearly all the tribes of Crackclaw Point, large and small, were descended from a mixture of First Men and Andals. Yet these nobles, who considered themselves a breed apart, had never contemplated fully integrating with the local primitive tribes.
The nobles exchanged uneasy looks. By keeping a tribal wildling at his side, Oserion was undoubtedly giving the Lava Tribe, whom they regarded as savage and backward, an enormous advantage. Yet he was also breaking the Peninsula's long-standing class traditions, which they had so carefully maintained.
Still, none of them dared oppose the dragon Prince's decision. They could only swallow their displeasure and accept it.
Hawk imitated the nobles and bowed deeply to Oserion once more before taking his place beside him.
Meanwhile, all the other small tribes of primitive origins cheered at this, making the great noble lords' expressions grow even uglier.
After that day's audience ended, Danyla took Oserion to the highest tower of Otheryon Castle, where they looked out over Crackclaw Point beneath the night sky.
The distant pine forests resembled black waves in the moonlight, while the newly laid stretches of Dragonstone Avenue ran like dark red veins across the entire Peninsula.
"You did very well today. I'm proud of you, my son!"
At his mother's praise, Oserion nestled affectionately into Danyla's arms and said,
"But Mother, the situation on Crackclaw Point seems much more complicated than I imagined!"
"House Brune was already divided internally, with its two main factions fighting both openly and in