The Summer Isles and First Contact with Westeros
4 971 Renewal (259 AC , 39 years before Events of Game of Thrones)
High Empire of Albion, Silvermoon, Imperial Palace of Camelot,
Harry was heading for the Council Chamber with a smirk and twinkling eyes.
As he crossed the hallways of the palace, several servants (formerly House Elves) bowed while Royal Guards kept a stoic pose. He was followed by Fenrir Greyback, his faithful Captain and Bodyguard. He rarely left Harry alone (only for Council Sessions), and went as far as to personally guard his room. Of course, this situation suited Harry’s needs, glad to have someone to count on at all times.
They ended up arriving in front of a gigantic golden carved double door. The two guards standing in front of it stood at attention as the door opened thanks to magic. Unwilling to waste time, Harry entered the room, followed closely by Fenrir.
The room was richly decorated with a few sculptures and paintings and a gigantic glass wall giving a breath-taking view of the lake and the Sunwell, as well as a splendid gold and crystal balloon chandelier in the centre of the room. Not to mention the floor of white veined marble with gold, or the walls covered of tapestries representing elves through various scenes.
Yet, the most important was the round table with central base located under the chandelier and resting on a large round carpet. It consisted of a gold base in the form of a phoenix as well as a dark blue crystal top surrounded by golden wood. Very wide, the table was surrounded by twelve armchairs with high backs and armrests in gilded wood with cushions in ultramarine blue velvet.
There was also a throne French Baroque style in gold and ivory damask fabric embellished with crystal buttons. Although imposing, this throne was barely used as Harry avoided these councils as much as possible. After all, the Council was specially created to manage the Empire in his stead.
The room was not empty, and the various members of the Council were standing, each in front of their chairs. Harry went to the throne while Fenrir took the seat in the left armchair. Sitting to his right were successively Tormas, Perseus, Sirius, Apolline, Lucius, Magorian, Octavian, Jason, Luna, Dracula and Fenrir.
“Good Morning!” Harry greeted them as he sat down.
The members of the Council were then able to sit down and Lucius spoke.
“Your Majesty, we thank you for attending this meeting.” Lucius thanked Harry.
“I understand that my opinion is required, Lucius. Don't keep me waiting.” Harry answered in a trailing voice.
Lucius nodded, not surprised by Harry's scathing response. The latter had changed over the years, becoming more austere and thoughtful. While Harry previously liked to act on a whim and could be parsimonious, he was now more thoughtful, patient and cruel. Lucius knew he was safe, as the elves in general. But Muggles ...
What amused Lucius the most was the love Harry had for his family. Although Harry was cold and calculating in a meeting, he knew perfectly well that he would not have the same behaviour if it were only Sirius, Tormas and himself. Or Draco and Narcissa. Anyway, Harry wore a continuous mask, and Lucius was quite proud.
“As you may know, we are going to make contact with the rest of the world”, Lucius started under the nods of those at the table. “However, members of the Magisterium and many of us have raised a possible problem.”
“I think I have an idea of what this ‘problem’ is. Carry on.” Harry responded with a dismissing wave of his hand.
“Despite our superiority and our plans for spreading our culture, our fellow citizens have expressed a certain reluctance regarding Muggles. Our autarky has separated us for millennia, and most see the arrival of muggles as an invasion that could endanger our way of life.” Lucius explained with a frown.
He noticed out of the corner of his eye a nodding Ragnok.
“I confirm what the High-Counsellor said,” Ragnok spoke. “Our citizens are suspicious of Muggles, which is understandable. Eh, they're not against showing off and bragging, but they’d like to avoid too much muggles among us.”
Harry nodded, fully understanding the situation.
It had been almost five thousand years since elves had not come into contact with Muggles, and only the first generation had known them. The population of the Empire totaling more than two million individuals, only 1/10th of the population had knowledge of muggles. For the remaining 9/10th, muggles were monstrous creatures illustrated in children's books…
The elves would not bear a large influx of muggles for long.
“We need an outpost to limit the flow of muggles. We would exchange our products through this exchange point and could create museums and performance halls there to start spreading our culture. That way, only Important Muggle families could come to Quel'Thalas.” Sirius proposed under the Councillors’ approval.
“Don’t forget the Church! It is our duty to spread the Holy Light to these barbarians!” Octavian exclaimed fervently.
Once again, the councillors agreed.
Since the creation of the Church of Light, this religion had spread throughout the Empire. So much so that 96 % of the population were devout believers, praying daily to the imperial family.
“I only see one possible place,” Perseus spoke. “The Summer Islands are located between Quel'Thalas and the rest of the World. They would make a perfect outpost.”
“I concur,” Dracula intervened. “My agents have carefully observed the region, and no ship dares to venture beyond the Summer Islands.”
Once again, Harry nodded. For his part, Tormas frowned.
“What can you tell us about the Summer Islands and their inhabitants?” Tormas asked Dracula.
The councillors focused on Dracula, wanting to know more.
“The Summer Islands form an archipelago of fifty islands of various sizes, some no larger than islets. The three largest islands represent the nerve centre of the archipelago. Named respectively Walano, Omboru, and Jhala, their combined surface is equal to Quel'Selama’s.” Dracula began by explaining the geography of the place.
The Councillors listened attentively, intrigued by this often overlooked archipelago.
“The majority of Summer Islanders live on the three main islands, which represents about 90% of the total population. With dark tanned skin, dark curly hair and tall, muscular bodies, the Summer Islanders are above all a curious people who seem to worship various gods symbolizing love, beauty and fertility”, Dracula continued to explain under the horrified gaze of Octavian. “Their veneration is such that they consider prostitution as the noblest of trades, seeing through sexual intercourse a deep liberation and expression of their worship.”
Harry blinked several times at the news, like the other councillors. In short, the Summer Islanders were sex addicts ... It is not very common for a society.
“And their political system?” Lucius asked suspiciously.
“I must admit that their political system is chaotic. The big islands are ruled by princes and princesses frozen in a continuous conflict for power. To sum it up, they do not have a central government and each island has a certain independence.” Dracula answered stroking his goatee.
“What did you expect from these pagans?” Octavian exclaimed with a mocking laugh. “Shamelessly sharing their intimacy, disgusting!”
Once again, the members of the Council nodded.
Although the elves adore sex, experimenting all kinds of practices, they are of unfailing loyalty. It is extremely rare to see couples of more than two people, and orgies are even more so. This may be due to the Magical Contracts binding two people in love with a close of loyalty (often fatal if broken)
“Now is the time.” Luna spoke in a soft voice, her eyes slightly veiled.
Harry watched her carefully. Since the creation of Sunwell, Luna's visions had become clearer and more powerful. Besides that, he trusted her completely as Luna went so far as to swear an Unbreakable Oath to him.
“Can you tell me more, Luna ?” Harry asked with a certain gentleness.
Luna was a very sweet and kind woman, although she could be vicious when her life, or that of hers, was in danger. The latter gave him a large smile.
“A war has broken out among the incestuous because of a forgotten usurper. Even the slavers watch the war, and no one watches the Summer Islands.” Luna simply explained.
Harry nodded, understanding the reference. The Incestuous was obviously referring to the Targaryens, who were not in Valyria during the … purging. The usurper must have been referring to the famous Blackfyre.
What few people know is that Harry is the origin of this family. Wishing to weaken the Targaryens, he devised a plan that was both devious and merciless. During one night of the year 4 894 Renewal (182 AC), Harry sent Dracula in Westeros to cast a powerful Imperius on their King, Aegon IV nicknamed Aegon the Unworthy. The Targaryens having been weakened, their resistance to this spell had diminished. Instead of an order, they felt the Imperius as an advice. Previously, they could just shake it off.
This was precisely the plan, and Dracula advised Aegon to legitimize his bastard son, Daemon Waters, who became Daemon Blackfyre. Harry counted on the legendary greed of the Targaryens for Daemon to rebel, and everything went according to plan. Rebellions broke out, and what used to be a large family was reduced to next to nothing.
It was obviously not the first time that Harry had made such a move. Harry had already weakened the Targaryens already, mixing countless potions before sending spies to Westeros. The Potions were then administered to the Targaryens, and this over several generations. The goal was to decrease their resistance to the Imperius (One of his spies was killed by Aegon the Conqueror when he tried the Imperius the man who resisted, in addition to noticing the intrusion. Fortunately, a rune of combustion was on the spy, avoiding the exposure of his people).
The second goal of the potions was to gradually make the Targaryens paranoid, mad and aggressive. The only Targaryen who resisted these potions was Jaehaerys I Targaryen, who was quite intelligent.
His greatest success was in 4 841 Renewal (129 AC), when Harry ordered Dracula to Imperius Criston Cole after the death of Viserys I Targaryen, forcing him to crown Aegon II Targaryen instead of Rhaenyra Targaryen as the former King wanted. Yes, Harry was at the origin of the Dance of Dragons, allowing him to greatly reduce the dragon population of his enemy... to the point that the Valyrian Dragons have now disappeared.
“I see. And what do you suggest?” Harry asked Luna.
The latter pretended to think before smiling. She began to rummage in the pocket of her robe before uttering an exclamation of joy.
In a grandiloquent gesture, she placed a piece of paper on the table. With a simple gesture, Harry levitated the paper to him. He opened round eyes when he recognized the drawing.
“I didn't expect such a proposal from you.” Harry said to her with a smirk.
“They are useful and know how to work the land well. It would be a shame to waste it.” Luna replied with a wink.
Council members did not understand the discussion. They jumped when they heard Harry's thunderous (and cruel) laugh.
“I agree, my dear.” Harry exclaimed, giving the sheet to Tormas.
The latter raised his eyebrows before revealing a sadistic smile. The design on the sheet was actually a runic tattoo used in Babylonian times in the Old World. In simple terms, it was a Compulsive Obedience Tattoo, modifying the psyche of wearers so they become obedient and helpful without altering their behaviour. In short, a Slaving tattoo.
“So, you are proposing to enslave the Summer Islanders. Not a bad idea, and more labour in crops and fisheries can only be an advantage.” Tormas explained aloud.
The surrounding Councillors were amazed at Luna's proposal before frantically nodding. It was, after all, a great idea.
“I only see one drawback with this plan. The tattooing can take up to ten minutes, not to mention that Summer Islanders will immediately notice the change in behaviour of their fellow citizens.” Tormas explained with a frown.
“Invade! We conquer them and we force them, that's it!” Luna exclaimed with a large smile.
Harry pursed his nose as he heard Luna's childish voice. It's not as simple as invading territory, unless ... Harry raised his head.
“Dracula. What are their defences and armies?” Harry asked his spy master.
The vampire smiles, shaking his head.
“Their defences are almost nil, your majesty. Living quite far from everyone, the Summer Islanders are completely dependent on their fleet and archers. According to the latest report, their fleet is made up of 100 caravel-like ships called Swan Ships. Each ship has a battalion of archers armed with Goldenheart bows.” Dracula described with panache.
“That it? Eh, our spells can easily block their arrows, and my ships are faster and more powerful!” Perseus exclaimed, tapping his fist on the table.
The other councillors expressed their agreement.
The Imperial Navy was made up of five fleets of fifty ships called Dothutheesh. Skilfully mixing aesthetics and power, the ships were a clever mix of Elven Destroyer and Ironclads of the Old World. In blue and silver metal, the ships were imposing with four gun decks of fifteen canons on each side. The ships had two masts with fan sails as well as propulsion runes connected directly to the helm. Without forgetting that each ship had a squadron of War Mages specializing in naval battle and capable of protecting the ship from ranged attacks.
Without taking into account the flagships, which were even bigger ... or even the gunships, huge armoured aircrafts ...
The rumours even spoke of the construction of a Flying City, and only the members of the Council knew the truth.
“Excellent,” Harry exclaimed, clapping his hands. “Perseus, prepare the first fleet for the invasion. You will be leaving in a week. Jason, coordinate your efforts with Perseus for the ground invasion. Capture as many Summer Islanders as possible and kill anyone who refuses to submit.”
“At your command, your majesty !” Perseus and Jason exclaimed at the same time.
“For my part, I'm going to prepare the Guild of Scribes, the Guild of Runomancers and a group of Archimages.” Tormas exclaimed.
“If his majesty allows it, I wish to draft a code of laws for our future… second-class citizens.” Apolline proposed with a smile.
“Agreed.” Harry replied with a smile.
Apolline nodded gracefully, a smile on her lips. For his part, Magorian frowned.
“Your Majesty, what shall we do with the Prostitution Houses and their culture?” Magorian asked.
Harry pretended to think. For his part, Octavian flared up.
“We shall close them of course. Such behaviour is intolerable. I shall go myself with several priests to convert them, teaching them the error of their ways.” Octavian exclaimed, holding a pendant in his hands.
It was actually a rosary made of fine gold and precious stones (rubies, sapphires and emeralds) with a golden sun with in its center a sapphire phoenix holding between its wings the symbol of the Deathly Hallows in silver. It was the symbol of the Church of Light.
Harry nodded.
“We shall effectively close and destroy these Prostitution Houses,” Harry replied, nodding. “Schools will be opened to teach them our culture while suppressing theirs. The Church will be essential in their reconversion in order to remove from their heads these non-existent gods whom they keep praying for.”
“And the cities?” Magorian asked, intrigued.
“We will build more suitable cities for the population. However, we will keep their main city as a Museum so that their culture does not disappear in its entirety.” Harry replied with a smile.
Magorian nodded, satisfied with the answer. He did not see very well the eradication of a peaceful culture.
“We are now going to talk about the topics of the day. Would you like to attend, your majesty?” Lucius smirked.
Harry gulped. Taking the most serious face, he stood up.
“No need, I have full confidence in you. I wish you a good day!” Harry exclaimed as he left in a hurry.
When the doors closed, the Counsellors shook with laughter.
“Coward ...” Tormas and Fenrir whispered together.
They too would have liked to flee this place and avoid these boring meetings.
* Timeskip *
Nine days later,
Summer sea, Near Jhala,
Percy kept smiling, as did his husband (Jason and he married a few years after their arrival). He loved adrenaline and the thrill of war, and today he was going to be served.
He was on board the Poseidon, his flagship 277yd long and 33yd wide. Being the second largest built ship, the Poseidon was very similar to Percy’s favourite warship, the Yamato. Of course, the Poseidon had the characteristics of the Dothutheesh with its gigantic masts with fan-sails (more decorative as the ship advances thanks to the runes) and its blue-silver hull. On the other hand, it had many more cannons six gun decks with fifty cannons on each side) in addition to two Crystals of Protection.
Crystals of Protection being huge crystals imbued with magic and runes that can launch devastating attacks. Apart from the Poseidon and the Hogwarts (Harry's flagship), the Crystals of Protection are only found around Quel'Thalas, integrated into Thalas’Dinoriel. The largest being the one at the top of Camelot's Sunfury Spire.
“Ships in sight!” The ship's watcher exclaimed.
“It was time!” Percy smiled at Jason.
Jason rolled his eyes as he sighed. Percy had been really untenable since the announcement of their mission… He sometimes wondered how he had the courage to have two children with him. They had a boy and a girl, respectively named Jupidon (mixture of Jupiter and Poseidon) Chiron, and Sally Thalia (Thalia having stayed with Artemis).
“How many ships?” Percy shouted.
“Around sixty, Admiral!” The watchman answered.
Percy frowned. About 40 ships were missing.
“Either they underestimate us,” Percy said to Jason. “Or they will try to take us in a trap.”
An elf holding a staff and wearing a red robe approached. He was Magister Cerulus Noctis, Count of Nolthul of Volterra. The latter was also a war Mage and a former sailor during the Seven Years' War (Cerulus being a former British vampire).
“Your grace, our magical reports indicate movements coming from East and West.” Cerulus explained.
“I see… they intend to take us in pincers”, Percy smiles. “In this case, they shall be the first to taste our cannons.”
Cerulus nodded before returning to his colleagues.
“To all ships, fire at will on siders incomers!” Percy ordered.
He did not have to wait very long, for only a few minutes later, cannon shots could be heard. Not wanting to miss the show, Percy climbed on the poop deck (high rear part of the ship) to observe the fight.
His smile widened when he saw several Swan Ships sink while the Summer Islanders howled and drowned. He noticed a volley of arrows heading towards one of his ships, but a shield was erected by the War Mages and the arrows deflected. After two minutes, the forty ships were sunk.
“There is only the main fleet left.” Percy smiles.
“Indeed.” Jason answered him.
With a wink, Percy ordered the fleet to stand in a horizontal line to the incoming ships. The Dothutheesh being manoeuvrable and fast, the fleet was quickly set up with the Poseidon in the centre of the line.
“At my command…” Percy exclaimed with a Sonorus.
He was waiting for the Swan Ships to be within range of the cannon. After a minute, a broad smile appeared on his face.
“FIRE!” Percy cried out with all his might.
The noise was deafening as thousands of projectiles (Cannons using Magic instead of cannonballs) launched at full speed on the enemy fleet. The result was simply impressive as half of the enemy fleet sank.
“Launch a Cristal attack!” Percy ordered.
It wasn't really necessary, but Percy wanted to see the extent of the power of the Crystals. He then felt a magical concentration in his back, making him shudder.
Under the amazed eyes of the elves, a gigantic red ray left the end of one of the Crystals to fall on the remaining enemy ships. The beam did not stop, forming an arc which reduced in to cender twenty enemy ships.
“Magnificent ...” Percy whispered.
Jason watched the massacre, as you couldn't call it a fight, with astonishment. The enemy fleet now numbered only a handful of ships. He smiled when he saw a white flag being hoisted by one of the ships.
“Looks like you won.” Jason congratulated Percy.
Percy came out of his contemplation, all smiles.
“I told you that my fleet is the best !” Percy exclaimed, brandishing his fist.
“Stop showing off and start the invasion!” Jason smiled back.
“Didn’t I earned some reward?” Percy asked with puppy eyes.
Rolling his eyes, Jason grabbed Percy by the neck as he kissed him. The latter purred in pleasure before stepping back, a smile rivalling the Cheshire Cat’s on his face.
“Start landing as planned!” Percy ordered .
The ships quickly set sail for the archipelago. They took the opportunity to imprison the enemy survivors on the way. About twenty ships bypassed Jhala to capture Walano and Omboru.
The Summer Islanders having seen the destruction of their fleet, most decided to surrender. Jason was slightly disappointed that he didn't have to fight, but at least they would have more slaves. It only took them a week to regroup and repatriate all the Summer Islanders from the Summer Islands to Jhala.
The Mages then opened a portal to Silvermoon in order to connect the Summer Islands to their capital. Very quickly, scribes, runomancers and priests crossed the portal to begin the ‘integration’ of the Summer Islanders in their glorious Empire with Octavian at their head.
While the scribes and runomancers began the ‘branding’ of the slaves, Octavian questioned some natives to find out the location of the Prostitution Houses. He learned that these places were called ‘Temples of Love’ and that there were thirty-one. One in each city (such as Ebonhead, Last Lament, Tall Trees Town or the Lotus Point capital) and a last present on the Isle of Love (between Walano and Jhala). At the same time, he discovered that the largest was the latest.
Not wishing to lose a single instant, Octavian ordered several mages to destroy these temples. It was with a vindictive smile that he personally went to destroy the Temple of the Isle of Love. The building was so imposing that he had to use a Fiendfyre with a dozen additional priests. Without losing a moment, he renamed the piece of land ‘Isle of Redemption’ and ordered the construction of a Cathedral. The Summer Islanders would be sent here to learn the truth of the ‘Light’.
For their part, Perseus and Jason began the tedious colonization of the place. In order to help them (and above all because colonization is not their domain), Harry sent the greatest expert in the field: Nicolas Flamel.
Yes, Nicolas Flamel had become an elf, in addition to being one of the most eminent Archimages and Magisters (He obtained the title of Duke) of the Empire. Harry had offered him the post of Grand Magister, but he was not interested. In the end, Harry granted him the title of Grand Master of the Alchemists' Guild, an Order of Merlin and the title of ‘Royal Alchemist’, specially invented for him.
Nicolas Flamel having lived for centuries on Earth; he had participated in several expeditions including the founding of Quebec which was the capital of the Viceroyalty of New France. He was also present at the founding of certain French overseas cities such as Port-de-France (renamed Noumea) or Saint-Denis. No one was more qualified than Nicolas Flamel for the establishment of a colony.
Knowing the importance of his mission, Nicolas began by setting up a muggle-repelling ward around the archipelago. A necessary precaution in order to avoid any possible interference. For this, he ordered the founding of an Energy Portal in the centre of Omboru, the central island of the archipelago. The portal was in fact an arch connected to the Sunwell, making it possible to feed wards and enchantments over several thousand miles around (the archipelago having a total area of 3 million square mile). The wards formed a barrier called Thooth'Dinoriel meaning Guardian of the Conquest. This barrier was also composed of Crystals of Defence with a space of 50 mi between each, or 134 Crystals in total.
The magic of the Sunwell had an effect on the vegetation, gradually modifying the trees and other plants to give them a more ethereal and fantastic appearance. However, the changes were gradual (not instantaneous like on Quel'Thalas) since the Energy Portal only brought part of the magic of the Sunwell. Pernelle estimated it would take a hundred years for the total disappearance original ecosystem.
To facilitate navigation through the archipelago, canals with a width of fifty miles were dug in an eight-angled star starting from Omboru with the Energy Portal in the centre, and these canals spanned the entire archipelago. Omboru was then divided into eight parts, Jhala in three and Walano in two. The goal was to make Omboru the capital of the new colony and make it perfectly accessible for Muggles.
Noticing Jhala's agricultural potential, Nicolas decided to transform the island into an agricultural area where the majority of Summer Islanders would live. As for Walano, the place was decreed as a Forest Zone for Goldenhearts since the island was full of them.
Finally came the construction of the capital of the archipelago, Atlantis. The city was based on the patterns of the ancient city which sunk into the Old World following a war between two magical factions. It was a city in the shape of five concentric circles and divided by canals. The main circle was the only muggle-forbidden place, housing the Energy Portal protected by a large building called the Atlantean Palace. The other circles were called ‘districts’ and were precisely reserved for trade and exchanges with Muggles.
In order to commemorate their success, the Summer Islands were renamed ‘Archipelago of Light’, Jhala became Reomd which meant Farm in Thalassian. Walano became Indoba which means Golden Wood in Thalassian. As for Omboru, the island got the same name as its city: Atlantis.
This huge project lasted exactly 18 years. Finally, the muggle barrier was lowered to start exchanges ... and as if by chance, a ship was heading straight for the Archipelago.
4 989 Renewal (277 AC or 21 years before Events of Game of Thrones)
Summer sea, Windproud,
“My lord, are you certain of your decision?” A young man with a motley face asked Steffon.
It was Patchface, a young Volanteen slave bought by Steffon Baratheon during his search for a wife for Rhaegar Targaryen. The young man was so named, due to the red and green tiles tattooed on his face, a sign of his slave trade: Buffoon.
“I hear a certain fear in your voice, young man. Why?” Steffon asked while watching the frightened clown.
Steffon was a tall man, 7ft tall and very muscular. Like all Baratheons, his hair was black and his eyes were light blue. As for his wife, Cassana Estermont, she was shorter, measuring 5.5ft with light brown hair and green eyes.
“Very dark rumours. Several years ago, a ship arrived in Volantis from the Summer Isles. On board was a prince named Xanarbah Xho, and his son Jalahbar. They said they were fleeing the Summer Islands attacked by an unknown enemy who destroyed their fleet with a simple gesture!” Patchface explained with a frown.
For his part, Steffon nodded. He had heard rumours about the Summer Islands himself. No one had been able to find them for years, as if they had magically disappeared. But a few months ago, sailors said they saw the Summer Islands but did not dare to approach.
Steffon had chosen to investigate before returning to King’s landing to announce the bad news to his cousin, King Aerys. He had failed to find a suitable wife for Rhaegar. He had a bad feeling about his return before choosing to go to the Summer Isles, which was no longer the case ...
“My lord, we can see the Summer Islands on the horizon.” A sailor came to tell him.
Nodding, Steffon approached the bow. With a wave of his hand, he ordered Patchface to give him his spyglass. He unfolded the object before looking through.
“By the seven! What is this witchcraft?” Steffon asked aloud.
He saw a strange object flying over the sea. It was huge and looked like a big red crystal. Hearing no response, Steffon understood that he was not the only one to be surprised.
“Stay the course! We need to know more.” Steffon ordered the crew.
The captain of the ship nodded, although a little frightened. The other members of the crew were no better, and neither was his wife.
“Is it a good idea, Steffon?” Cassana asked in a worried voice.
“I hope so.” Steffon replied, grabbing her by the waist.
Slowly, their ship approached the huge crystal. As they passed the crystal, the crew of the ship felt a strange shiver. Suddenly the temperature changed, becoming more appreciable.
“How? What …” Steffon started to say.
“Ships in sight!” The watchman cried out with all his might.
Eyes widening, Steffon looked again through his spyglass. To his amazement, he saw two ships heading for the Windproud. He had never seen such imposing ships ... and so fast!
“Such speed! Raise the white flag!” Steffon ordered to avoid bloodshed.
The sailors hastened to hoist the white flag while others looked with fear and wonder at the foreign ships. In just a few minutes, the two foreign ships had joined them. Steffon turned around when he heard a cry of terror.
Several sailors had backed away while an individual stood in the centre of the ship. ‘He is not human.’ Steffon thought as he looked in detail the being standing on his ship.
The strange individual was shorter than Steffon, with long curly ebony hair and totally glowing blue eyes, though he could discern a slight green colour. But the most shocking were his long ears at least 4inches, or his strange shiny blue and gold armour.
“Muggles, welcome to the Archipelago of Light. You are our first visitors!” the Elf exclaimed in an amused voice.
“Who are you, and how did you get on board?” Steffon asked in a threatening voice while holding a hand on his sword.
“Shit, Jason is going to kill me for that! My name is Perseus Stormwater, Grand Admiral of the High Empire of Albion in my spare time. By the way, know that I'm an elf!” Perseus responded by scratching the back of his head with a contrite smile. “And for your information, I simply Apparated.”
The sailors remained silent on hearing Perseus' response. Apparated? Elf? Albion?
“Since you are the first to enter our Empire, we will escort you to Atlantis! Follow us!” Percy exclaimed with a large smile.
“Atlantis?’ Is this your capital?” Cassana asked.
She was surely the only one not to be frozen by stupor. And considering the amused energetic in front of her, it was obvious that he took pleasure in shocking them.
“Nope!” Perseus responded by popping the P. “Well, yes! In short, it is not our capital, but here it is the capital!”
Steffon’s eyes ticked. Either the ‘elf’ was stupid, or he did it on purpose. He noticed his wife's amused smile while Patchface hid behind him.
“I think I understood. If Atlantis is not the capital of your ... Empire,” Steffon spoke. “But the Capital of the Archipelago of Light, does that mean your Empire extends beyond the Archipelago of Light? And at the same time, where are the Summer Isles?”
Percy smiled as he heard the questions. Nodding vigorously, the elf was obviously playful.
“Our Empire stretches far south. But hey, you have to be important to have the right to go there, is that your case?” Percy asked, ignoring the question on the Summer Isles.
Steffon frowned slightly when he noticed Percy's avoiding of the isles. Thinking that he would have the answer later, he tried to reveal the extent of his titles to impress the elf.
“I am Lord Steffon Baratheon, Lord Paramount of the Stormlands and Lord of Storm’s End as well as Lord of House Baratheon, one of the Seven Great Houses of the Seven Kingdoms, and cousin of His Majesty King Aerys II Targaryen, King of the Andals and the Rhoynar and the First Men, Lord of the Seven Kingdoms and Protector of the Realm.” Steffon exclaimed pompously.
He motioned for his wife to approach.
“And my wife, Lady Cassana Baratheon of House Estermont.” Steffon presented her with a smile.
Perseus didn't seem impressed for a penny.
“If you want to play this game, I can also express myself pompously!” Perseus replied before taking on a face that was meant to be ‘serious’. “I am Prince Perseus Stormwater, Prince Consort and co-founder of the Princedom of Olympus, Lord of the Princely House Stormwater, One of the Eleven Princely Houses of the High Empire of Albion.”
Steffon's eyes widened slightly when he heard Perseus, as did Cassana and the rest of the crew. But Perseus had not finished.
“Grand Admiral of the Imperial Navy of the High Empire of Albion, Member of the Imperial Council of the Empire and Confident of His Majesty the Emperor!” Perseus finished with panache.
He looked at Steffon before delicately arching an eyebrow, seeming to challenge him. A few seconds later, he burst out with a crystal laugh.
“In any case, you are important enough to see the capital. But it will take too long with your ship.” Perseus said to him with a large smile. “We will use the AMTA Portalogare of Atlantis to reach Silvermoon.”
Steffon and Cassana instantly understood that this ‘ Silver Moon ’ must be the capital of their Empire. Steffon frowned slightly.
“AMTA? What does that stand for? Steffon asked Perseus.
The Elven Prince looked at him with a mischievous smile.
“Arks and Magical Transportation Administration! Now, let's go!” Perseus answered as he disappeared in a thunderous noise.
The Baratheon couple blinked several times, still in shock.
“Your orders, my lord?” The captain asked, also in shock.
“We do not have the choice. Follow them!” Steffon replied.
He wondered what he had gotten himself into.