"I hope we work well together, old maester. I hope you change your attitude toward the Lord of Light."
"Likewise, my lady, but I only study scholarship, not science. I have already squandered too much of my life. Now I am devoted only to studying science and serving Storm and the True Dragon."
Chapter 249: Bloodlines and legacy
Storm's End was not the largest castle, but it ranked among the strongest.
After the bloodline of House Durrandon, the Storm Kings, had continued down to Argilac the Proud, that influence passed to House Baratheon.
Storm's End stood by the sea, and coastal lands readily gave rise to large towns or fortresses. Westeros's five great cities-King's Landing, Oldtown, Lannisport, Gulltown, and White Harbor-had all risen because of the sea.
The seaward walls of Storm's End perched upon pale cliffs, whose steep, sloping chalk faces were almost twice the height of the outer walls. An opening at the foot of the cliff led through a tunnel directly beneath the castle, to the dock of the ancient Storm Kings. Stout gates guarded the waterway within. The route was extremely difficult to navigate, however, and could only be sailed at high tide. Even then, it was fraught with danger; only the most nimble sailors could master the waves.
Hooves clattered before Storm's End. Gendry wore black armor and rode a fine black horse. Daenerys rode beside him on her little silver mare. Beautiful black wicker baskets hung from both their mounts, the handiwork of Myrish craftsmen. The little dragons lay curled inside: the Black Dragon and the white dragon accompanied Gendry, while the green dragon accompanied Daenerys.
"What a well-matched young pair. Just like the king in his youth, only taller and bigger than the king." The two young people showed their faces: a black-haired,