The Valyrians left behind very few written sources. This is quite natural, considering exactly how their civilization perished. Yes, a number of literary monuments were preserved in Dragonstone, in the colonies and among the neighbors, but it was a small fraction of the lost cultural heritage. First of all, I was interested in how the Valyrians fought, organized their troops, and how they took cities and fortresses. One way or another, it was possible to find answers in the grains of available information. And... the answers to these questions were, frankly, disappointing.
The dragons.
The dragons. The dragons. Dragons again.
In ancient Valyria, only the dragon lords were respected, and no one else. They did not need a permanent and professional army, because there were enough mercenaries and slaves for their tasks. They weren't interested in sophisticated siege engines, although they could learn about them from their neighbors. Why, if there are dragons? What army can resist their flames? Which fortress or city will last long under their onslaught? Death from heaven, from which nothing can protect, will quickly or slightly less quickly make any resistance useless and break the spirit. And then hordes of obedient slaves and greedy mercenaries will collect the spoils, chase the prisoners, and the leaders of the former defenders will bow to the generous new ruler. There was no need to hold territories either – outsiders were kept in check by the reputation and undeniable power of the dragon lords, while the Valyrians themselves made do with the creation of colony cities in strategic locations, that's all. There was also no mass exploration of the expanses of Essos by the Valyrians. Of the professions in Valyria, besides dragon riding, seamanship was more or less respected. These were the ships the Valyrians loved and respected. A dragon can't carry off so much gold and junk.
However, the Ghiscari Empire looks more solid against the background of Valyria. Unlike the Valyrians, the Ghiscari managed to preserve a lot of their past, despite the terrible genocide and devastation. The Ghiscari once managed to create the strongest army in the world, similar to the Roman one. Numerous legions consisting of trained and disciplined soldiers. Advanced tactics, material support, progressive centralized recruitment. The Ghiscari, unlike the Valyrians, did not use slaves as a military force, because they were not as reliable at a crucial moment and were not as flexible on the battlefield. And the Ghiscari did not feel the need for such a thing. The legions of Old Gis were based on free citizens who served as "conscripts" and then went into reserve, creating a huge mobilization potential. It took several centuries and five major wars for the Valyrian freehold to destroy the Ghiscari Empire for a reason.
Today, the New Gis and Astopor can only boast of such an army. But times have changed, too. The dragons had disappeared, but the heavy cavalry had appeared. Many mercenary units, recruited from the Westerosi and fighting according to the canons of the western continent, have become serious competitors even to the iron legions and the unsullied. This is still well demonstrated by the ongoing and numerous local wars in Essos. There were also those who tried to combine the two approaches. The best example is Golden Swords.
Just imagine this picture! The Roman legion is reinforced with knight cavalry and elephants. Napalm mixture in local realities. The Golden Swords simply have no competitors, from the word "absolutely". Neither the Unsullied, nor the legions of New Gis, nor the slave armies of Yunkai and Miirin, nor the Dothraki, no one, absolutely no one has cracked this tough nut yet. Well... except that they have absolutely no luck with trips to the west. On the Steps, during the war of the Ninepenny Kings, they were severely defeated by the royal army, but in my humble opinion, there is no particular fault of the golden collective. Meilis Blackfire was a formidable fighter with colossal ambitions, but he was not very good as a captain general, like his colleagues in the dangerous business. The pirate kings couldn't properly use the cards they had in their hands. In short, the Golden Swords recovered for a long time after an unsuccessful war for them, which, however, benefited them in terms of new experience and the ability to analyze their actions and inactions.…
He rubbed his tired eyes in annoyance. This is not the first time I've started reading the book "Battles and Sieges of the Bloody Age," but still, over and over again, my thoughts start to wander to completely different topics. Whether it's the author's fault, the font of the letter, or just the critical amount of knowledge that has already been gained, I don't know. It's possible, however, that I'm just confused and even quite upset from my recent conversation with Varys.
I was betting big on marrying the Tyrells. Very big ones. Especially for the dowry. I need money like air. They are needed, first of all, for hiring ships. Not "if", but "When" the expedition to the Summer Islands succeeds, and tons of valuable raw materials will be brought here, I will need to somehow transport it to the Free Cities and collect my profits. Freight is a bold "no" right away. The masters themselves won't let me do that. They don't allow it anymore. While I'm scratching my head here, prices are already being charged for my merchants in Tyrosh and Mirra. I need a merchant fleet. I need my own merchant fleet, large and numerous. Without him, all my efforts to cut a window to the south will end in a zilch, which no one will even remember. Without transshipment of exported goods from the Summer Islands to the east, selling them only in Westeros, I will bring down the local market. I'll bring it down, eventually, with a beautiful whistle like that, flying down the chimney and enriching the overseas merchants along the way. That would be great!
Where can I get the ships. Build it? The average kogg has been under construction for a little over a year. Only if I order the construction of ships at all shipyards in Westeros, I will get thirty ships in a year (if there are still free boathouses, or their local equivalent). In a year! And I needed the fleet yesterday!
There is an option to order the construction of ships in Braavos or Pentos. They build faster there, they build better there, but it costs more there. You can, in addition, just start buying ships, but it's hot! How expensive it all is! Thanks to all my initiatives, projects, plans and financing of entrepreneurial activities, a huge amount of money has been squandered for almost six months. Yes, I still have the means, and decently, I want to point out, but the navy... the navy is a completely different matter. Ships absorb money like a vacuum cleaner, rapidly progressing exponentially. How much will it cost me to build a merchant fleet? Even the most low-tonnage. Thirty pennants, forty dashes? And the set of commands? And the maintenance of the ships? The result is a truly obscene amount. And, going back to the beginning, with the dowry from the Tyrells, I could compensate for these expenses without having to go into the untouchable stock. I could have bet on the purchase of already built ships, although they cost a little more, but they are "here and now".
In a short time, at the expense of the rulers of the Expanse, I could create a real trading empire. But marriage to the Tyrells is not only a huge dowry and a powerful political ally, but also full access to their domestic market. The gods! What were my plans to create an overland-river trade route bypassing Dorne? And the Redwine merchant fleet? Would they really have refused their overlords a couple of small requests and favors? What a convenient combination! One, two, and the ladies! Gold, ships, lands! Everything would be mine! Already mine! I made all my plans for this marriage. Only through him could Westeros avoid many future troubles and evils. The War of the Five Kings might not even have started. But noooooo. Some people are afraid for their monopoly at court! A monopoly on power! Not for Robert or his family. Not for the sake of the Kingdom. And for the sake of yourself and your stunted Home! Pig!
Jumping up from an overabundance of emotions, he hit the table hard with his fist, causing all the relatively light objects on it to bounce and fall, turning the moderately chaotic desktop into a banal dump.
"Not a falcon, but a winged pig!" You bastard! The old fart! Let them all go to hell! The clay mixes are uncut!
The door to my chambers swung open and my pale squire froze in front of my eyes.
"WHAT!?"
"M-my lord, do you need anything?"
It is worth paying tribute to Marik. He's holding up well, even though it's the first time he's seen his lord in such a blatant rage. Although ... I must admit that I rarely have this, but all this stay in the capital clearly does not add to my mental health.
Take a deep breath in and out, and so on several times, until I regained control of my emotions.
- Yes, paper and ink! I'll write letters... lots of letters.
I may be inferior to all the local players in terms of awareness, spies, connections and influence, but I have energy and drive. There is no reception against scrap! Don't you like Tyrells, John? What do you think of the Martellas? Was it an influential House from the Valley that was tired of the ever-absent overlord? Are the Arryns from Gull City or the Royces from Runestone? Or maybe I should write to Tywin's dad right away? He'll probably have a couple of pretty blondes! Or... well, no, we'll leave the Freys as a last resort.
***
A few days later, through Storm's End, messengers received a thick letter from Loras, which was only a couple of days ahead of the official, polite, but still rejection of the engagement.
***
I spent the morning of one of the new days surrounded by my entourage at the pier in the port.
Preparations for the expedition to the Summer Islands were in full swing. The Seaworth brothers turned out to be, as expected, quite active guys who know how to organize large events. Having made contact with the Seven quite easily, they quickly organized themselves, which made the process go much faster. The "Spirit" and "Lady Maria" underwent rapid repairs, replenished the crews and holds, filling the latter not only with supplies, but also with numerous goods and gifts. The logistics were also thought out. There was no point in bringing all the ships involved in the campaign here to the capital. Dale and Allard, starting their journey from the capital, will first go to the island of Tarth, where they will be joined by my two restored carracks, and then the Sun Spear will be waiting for them. There they will be able to replenish their supplies of fresh water and provisions. And then – heading south.
Everything was ready for the expedition. All that remains is to wait for my new galleon and the maesters from the Citadel. The Ebony Elephant, that's the name of my new ship, after a short stop at Dragonstone, is racing at full sail towards King's Landing, where I'm looking forward to it. He was already perfectly visible from the observation towers, but it was already impossible to just sit in the chambers. The same can be said about the Citadel delegation, which is located a few days away from the capital, in terms of the long wait.
In the process of waiting, I involuntarily returned to the problem of marriage, namely, to the letters that arrived on time. If the official rejection of the Tyrells did not contain anything important or shed light on the motives for such a decision, then Loras' letter, on the contrary, was extremely informative.
I couldn't even imagine that with my desire to get engaged to Margaery, I had stirred up the local swamp so much. Not only John was afraid of the Baratheon and Tyrell alliance, but also the rest of the players. Of course, a purely "secret" offer on my part, as soon as he entered Highgarden, ceased to be such very quickly, and everyone who only had spies found out, and those who did not had them deigned to share.
According to Loras, only Mace reacted violently to Arren's proposal to marry Margaery to Jofri, when the rest of his household reacted to this with great skepticism. But no one was enthusiastic about the prospects of marriage with me either, except perhaps Loras himself. The reasons for this turned out to be on the surface, and their name is Stannis and Florenta.
It would seem, what does my brother and his wife's family have to do with it? But no! It's not that simple here. Arren had originally arranged for Stannis to marry Selyse in order to weaken the Tyrells. Florenty is an ancient and very rich House of the Expanse with numerous vassals and supporters, possessing colossal ambitions and equally impressive rights. Including some "career growth," if you know what I mean. At the moment, if there is any confusion between the Tyrells and the Florents, then Stannis will most likely side with the Florents. Not just Stannis, I suspect. I even suspect that, perhaps, the entire royal family. But what a good opportunity! To take and unceremoniously interfere in the internal affairs of the Expanse through the marriage of Stannis and Selisa and take a sweet bite – no one will refuse such a prospect. Sweep away the Tyrells, appoint the Florents as high lords, who, in order to maintain their power and influence, will rely on the royal power, obediently looking into its mouth for generations. It's a good, simple and age-old combination that absolutely everyone reads and sees. Including the Tyrells themselves.
And then a marriage proposal comes from me. It would seem that here is a way out for you! Here's a way to destroy a combination of enemies, breaking out of a shrinking loop, gaining a strong ally. Moreover, few people can imagine that the Baratheon brothers can even raise weapons against each other. But someone quite colorfully conveyed to the trusting ears of Lord Mace about the strong brotherly love of Lords Renly and Stannis, and then a scythe found a stone. If old Mace didn't love anyone very much, it was Stannis. Why? Who knows? There are so many reasons, starting with the fact that my brother did not pass the Storm Limit, and ending with the marriage with the Florents. Someone told the Tyrells that there was a good chance that the Baratheons were making legitimate claims to the Open. And after all, judge for yourself, children are usually born from a marriage between a man and a woman. Suppose Margaery had given birth to my son, and now he would not only inherit Storm's End, but also join the line of succession to Highgarden. We're all adults here, and we understand perfectly well that people are suddenly mortal. And Mace's sons are not married yet and have no children. Do I have any malicious intent, or even a plan, developed in conjunction with Stannis and the Florents? Who knows?
Letters of exactly this kind have been flooding Highgarden lately, and they have been coming from numerous addressees. The capital, Casterly Rock, Oldtown (Grandfather Hightower, apparently, is very worried about his granddaughter, thanks, among other things, to the screams of his lured merchant guild, which is rapidly losing money and influence in the Stormy Lands) and even from the Clearwater Fortress. The Florentines also didn't give up on the alliance between me and the Tyrells.
There was serious debate within the Tyrell family about what was best to do. No one saw me as an independent figure, despite all of Loras' objections. But Stannis, on the contrary, was evaluated as an independent figure, endowing him with the features, character and, most importantly, the expected aspirations of a younger brother offended by the king, in whose evil plans I am just a doll. And, of course, they decided to refuse me, considering that marriage with the prince was more profitable, promising and, in the end, safer, because through him the Tyrells would also become related to the Lannisters. The rose family did not take into account one small factor, that behind the marriage between Stannis and Selisa, and behind the proposal to marry Margaery to Jofri, there is one person – Jon Arryn. And the last thing the Lord Hand needs is a kinship bond between the Tyrells and the Lannisters.
Perhaps, having learned a similar scenario earlier, I could have influenced the result. And after all, Loras wrote to me, wrote to me repeatedly, but all his letters did not reach me. It took him a long time to find out that his letters were being intercepted– the clerk who was in the service of Maester Highgarden blabbed and... I don't want to know under what circumstances and poses it turned out. In any case, Loras was able to get the letter to me through a merchant caravan traveling to Storm's End, wisely assuming that Maester Pycelle doesn't bring me all the letters that arrive at my address. Even though I refused his services a long time ago.
If only a certain circle of people knew about the engagement negotiations, then the refusal became public knowledge. And, along with the simultaneous marriage proposal between Jofri and Margaery, in the eyes of the royal court, I appeared as a figure who was considered unworthy and who was slightly wiped off her feet. A high lord who can't even arrange a marriage! And with whom?! With stupid Mace! Oh, the Gods! Renly is a hopeless loser! Is he sure he knows how to drive? There is also a reason for the promotion of such topics, and it is spread by very specific people.
Well, well, gentlemen, wait a bit. You will have a lot of new experiences waiting for you! Interestingly, Robert, when news of the matrimonial intrigues reached him, reacted exactly as John had expected, namely, he sent the Tyrells in a harsh manner and instructed John to convey his refusal in a more polite form. Robert hates Tyrells, even more than he hates Lannisters. Soon they will laugh not only at me, but also at the Tyrells, but the one who laughs last laughs well.…
"What a handsome man, my lord! Allard Seaworth exclaimed in admiration.
I, along with the entire hop company, settled under a canopy on the upper deck of the Spirit, waiting for my brand-new boat to appear. Looking in the direction of the bay, I witnessed the unhurried and somewhat majestic approach of the "Ebony Elephant". The galleon was beautiful and impressive in its size. The blackened oak paneling was a dark charcoal color, and on the bow was a figure of an elephant's head with gilded tusks. The hull is forty meters long and at least fifteen meters wide. By eye, the ship should have a displacement of five hundred tons, six hundred dashes. The beauty is crowned by three tall masts, on the yards of which sailors were fussing, furling the sails. There were holes for oars on the lower deck of the ship, thanks to which the galleon was moving at the moment, slowly approaching the pier. My standard, a black crowned rebellious stag on a golden background, proudly flew at the stern.
We did not wait for the ship to dock at the piers, but lowered the boats and rushed to meet it. On the galleon, having noticed us from afar, both the greeters and the ladders were already ready. Fortunately, we were not in armor, because the side of the "Ebony Elephant" was about the height of "mama, do not grieve" meters. Due to the absence of powder artillery, the ship clearly has no problems with carrying capacity, stability, draft and, consequently, speed. And the high sides, if necessary, play the role of fortress walls during boarding, perfectly protecting the crew, which, in turn, has the advantage of elevation.
I cheerfully climbed the wicker ladder and climbed aboard, where people were already hurrying towards me.
"My Lord!
Malcolm Black himself. One of the Seven, dressed in black as always, he bowed deeply, taking off his hat. Next to him, the captain of the ship was standing half a head taller, waiting to be introduced. The man was clearly in his fifties. A shovel-shaped gray beard. An expensive green Braavosi doublet, high boots and a wide-brimmed hat with bright fluffy feathers of all possible colors and shades. In her right ear is an earring with a large white pearl. And on his belt was a long and narrow blade with a hilt and guard decorated with gold and stones.
- Master, I am glad to see you in good health! I hope the trip was uneventful?
"The gods have favored us, my lord. Malcolm bowed briefly once more and pointed to the captain, "allow me to introduce you, Captain Rigaro Baryon of the Ebony Elephant.
"At your service, sir!" Rigaro abruptly took off his hat and bowed, revealing a completely bald head. "It is a great honor for me to appear before such a great lord.
- Ahahah! You just don't know me very well, Captain!
While we were getting acquainted, the rest of my companions climbed onto the deck and began to look around with great interest. I also carefully examined the ship, asking Rigaro questions. The ship's crew consisted of two-thirds Braavosians, recruited from the old crew and ready, along with their old captain, to serve the new owner of the ship. The last third were from the Westerosi that Black had brought with him. Barion said a lot of unflattering things about the sailors from the western continent, but he couldn't help but admit that for people who had never sailed on galleons, they were still nothing.
Rigaro Barion had been a captain in the service of the previous owner of the Ebony Elephant for fifteen years, and had become very attached to the ship. He participated in many sea voyages and trade expeditions, having traveled all over the famous ecumene over the years. Unfortunately for him, he failed to save up his own funds to buy back the ship, and he did not have time to borrow money from the bank, because the Black Galleon had already staked out. Rigaro, however, did not lose his head and at first tried to either intimidate the merchant or outbid him, but when he found out who became the new owner of the ship, he asked for a service, which I willingly provided. With certain conditions, of course. I don't want any surprises. It is because of this that the Westerosi make up part of the crew. Now a third, and then they will be the majority. Rigaro did this quite calmly and consciously, he doesn't care what language his sailors and officers speak, the captain speaks a variety of languages perfectly, including Andalusian. Is it even worth saying that it's stupid to waste such shots? Especially considering that his resume included repeated visits to the Summer Islands. Extremely relevant.
I searched the ship from the poop to the forecastle, all four decks. The galleon did not come empty, its decks were packed with all kinds of goods produced in Braavos. In particular: fabrics, carpets and dyes, which are so highly valued in Westeros. They also showed me the cabins. One captain's room and four officers' rooms. The captain's cabin, as it should be, is large and spacious. The officers' quarters are much smaller, and are designed to accommodate from two to four officers, but they are also quite decent living quarters.
Summing up, I must say that I am absolutely delighted with this ship! Emotions like when buying your first car!
***
When I sent letters to the Citadel offering to participate in an expedition to the Summer Islands, I could not imagine what the response would be. It is not known what caused it, my rich gifts or my scientific zeal, but the facts speak for themselves – almost two dozen maesters arrived in the capital with their students, who expressed a desire to participate in all this outrage. At the head of a crowd of young and not so young naturalists and medieval researchers, a real archmaester arrived. Namely Marvin the Magician. The latter allows me to make the assumption that those who were sent here were... not very sorry. I accommodated medieval scientists in the Rusalka Tavern with full board. In general, he provided an opportunity and, most importantly, funding in order to prepare for the campaign better.
- Archmaester, maesters and students! I am glad to welcome you to King's Landing!
As soon as the delegates were settled, I came to visit them, wanting to get to know such a colorful character as Marvin the Magician as soon as possible. By the time I arrived, the gentlemen of science were clearly finishing their lunch, and everyone jumped as one at my appearance. The group huddled together, and a gray-haired man with a natural robe on his head came forward and, frankly, looked a lot like a dwarf. He was short, had a disproportionately large head, broad shoulders, long strong arms, and a mighty beer belly. Thick eyebrows and a repeatedly broken nose. The Maester's robe is patched and stained, with a narrow Valyrian steel chain over it. Here he is, Marvin the Magician.
"Lord Renly! We are glad to welcome you! Let me introduce myself! Archmaester Marvin, these are my colleagues.…
Marvin's voice matched his appearance, loud and rough, and his teeth were covered with red spots. As far as I remember, this is the effect of regular consumption of sour leaf, a local analogue of chewing tobacco. We spent about half an hour while I was properly introduced to all the maesters. Of course, we didn't waste time on students and students. After I finished scraping, I invited the archmaester to go to a separate room and discuss the upcoming expedition.
Sitting opposite each other at a round table in a small room, I couldn't resist taking a closer look at the other person.
- Archmaester, I did not expect that the Citadel would send such an authoritative person. But, frankly, I am extremely pleased with your candidacy. As far as I know, you traveled a lot in your youth. If I remember correctly, did you even visit Asshai?
- My Lord, - Marvin smiled broadly, showing an uneven row of red teeth, - it was my initiative. It is not often possible to visit the Summer Islands for scientific purposes.
"For free."
The door to the room opened, and a student or a candidate, apparently, slipped in. A pretty and slender guy with a dark skin tone and short curls. Sharp chin and big eyes. He was holding a jug and two glasses in his hands. Obeying Marvin's nod, the young man quickly organized a clearing and poured the wine. Noticing my interested look, Marvin explained.
- Alleras. A candidate for admission to the Citadel. He took him on as an apprentice, a smart guy after all. – Marvin paused, quickly emptying the cup, - moreover, his mother from the summer Islands, and his father, can be useful in this campaign.…
"Dornish."
Marvin probably looked at me for the first time without his trademark grin in his eyes, but seriously and with interest. But "Alleras", startled by my words, looked down and stared at his feet.
- How did you find out? Marvin fixed his eyes on my face, which earned him a slight grin.
- The method of scientific poking, Archmaester.
- "Scientific point"? ... Ahahahaha.
Marvin began to neigh like a horse, hitting the table hard with his palm. So much so that I barely managed to grab my cup.
"Wow," Marvin said, laughing and wiping away the tears, "what a great method!" I should write it down. Ahem, I'm sorry, my lord, for my manners, but... hehe, but let me ask a question that torments me.
In response, the Archmaester received an approving nod.
- What is the purpose of the expedition? Unfortunately, the intent of this escapes me. Why attract so many maesters? After all, no one has done this before.
Rather, you cannot understand where my advantage lies, old man. Out loud, of course, I said something else.
- It's nice to be the first, isn't it? But before answering, let me ask you a counter question, Archmaester. What have you learned during your travels in the Far East?
- Hmm, - Marvin thought funny, wrinkling his big forehead, obviously choosing his words carefully, - a lot. Perhaps the answer will disappoint you, but I have come to the following conclusion for myself: the world is not as simple as many people want to seem, and fairy tales and legends are often not so much fiction.
- OK. He nodded his head in satisfaction. - Personally, I expect you and your charges to conduct a comprehensive and comprehensive survey of the Summer Islands. The peoples that inhabit them, their culture, their customs. Plants and animals. Clear and detailed maps. A description of the diseases and how the locals deal with them. In general, everything that can only be useful to us in the not so distant future. I will say more, I think that you are more suitable for this job than anyone else. I also think that you will be able to perfectly organize the work of your colleagues. After all, I personally petitioned the Conclave and the High Maester for your appointment as head of this expedition.
- what? – Marvin was obviously seriously surprised, fixing his swollen eyes on me, - but no one told me about it.
- Apparently, they did not consider it necessary, observing such enthusiasm.
"Old farts. – Marvin frowned deeply and thought about something, - now a lot of things are becoming clearer to me, but this does not negate my question. I've interacted with many aristocrats, my lord, and you don't strike me as someone who aspires to new discoveries. Otherwise, you would have led the campaign yourself, personally going to the Summer Islands.
- You are right and wrong at the same time. I would love to personally lead the fleet heading to the Summer Islands. But unfortunately, like the rest of Westeros, I don't have much time.
"Time for what, my lord?" Marvin blinked in confusion a couple of times before asking a question in an uncomprehending tone.
- Until winter, of course. A year, two, maybe five, and the Long Summer will be over, and we are assured by your colleagues that a long winter awaits us.
Marvin thought for a moment, not taking his eyes off me, before answering me. I, in turn, carefully studied Alleras, who was trying to keep his head down and breathe as little as possible. Having finally come to a conclusion, the Archmaester grunted with satisfaction.
"Are you afraid of snow, my Lord?" Ha, you shouldn't! Here in the south, it usually falls in a thin layer and melts quickly.…
"I'm not afraid of snow, Archmaester!" But what might come after him... is crazy!
- what? Marvin quickly wiped the fresh smile from his face, becoming extremely serious, "Do you believe…
"It doesn't matter what I believe in! Most importantly, I've learned one very important lesson in my life – it's worth always having a backup position. Everything else is unimportant.
Rising from the table and still not enjoying the cup of wine, he looked around the room. Marvin also did not stay too long and hurriedly got up, not hiding his burning interest in his ugly face.
- Master Ethan Crowe will visit you tomorrow. He will help you prepare for your upcoming trip....
"Ethan?" So that's where he went..." Marvin said faintly.
"... and in fifteen days, the preparations for the event will be completed, and you'll all be on your way." From today on, you are fully supported by me, so do not deny yourself anything and prepare well. There may not be a second attempt.
"That's wonderful news, my lord!
The Archmaester bowed low, hiding his face from me. Before I left, I carefully examined Marvin's acolyte once more, which made him even darker, completely afraid to look at me.