Tyrosh originally only had a few thousand women left. Among the recent immigrants were those with families and a large number of bachelors, with the past year or two seeing a peak in births.
In many parts of the city, the cries of infants could be heard, and many young parents were busy with work. This led to the establishment of Westeros' first daycare, followed by the second and third in quick succession.
One of these was funded by Wright, and it had the best servants and the most experienced women caring for the children, with the best food provided. Many wealthy merchants' children and knights' children were sent there. Other daycares were set up by other nobles and merchants, after being inspected by Wright and granted special approval, mainly to serve the children of small merchants, soldiers, and craftsmen in the city.
There was also an orphanage directly under the Lord of Tyrosh, housing orphans from King's Landing. Women in the entertainment industry had also given birth to many children, and according to custom, they would be raised by the managers of the establishments, continuing their work once grown. However, Wright decreed that these boys and girls, once they turned twelve, must come to the Lord's administration hall to choose their future careers. Any manager found forcing or coercing these children would be immediately executed.
Wright was handling administrative matters in the morning. He had just reviewed the latest list of Tyrosh infants when he was about to have lunch. He saw three young maidservants carrying three children down the hallway, followed by a large group of people. Quaithe was also among them. Wright asked, "Where are you all going?"
"Lord Wright, two new wet nurses have arrived in the castle. They just finished feeding, and now they're taking the children back to the bedroom."
"Oh, why did you change them?" Wright asked, surprised.
The three young maidservants giggled. "The previous ones, Darkseid and Sauron, cried whenever they were fed. Today, we've changed to two younger women."
"These two boys! So picky at such a young age!" All three wet nurses had been chosen by Wright. They were sturdy and healthy-looking, with their daughters doing well. Yet, his two sons didn't seem to appreciate them?
Wright leaned in, looking at the three children sleeping, but didn't notice anything unusual.
One of the maidservants said, "Lord Wright, the previous two were fishermen, and the smell of fish on them might not have been to the children's liking."
"I see. I didn't notice that before. You can return to your rooms now," Wright said.
The women who had been following Nymeria to fight in Dorne—Dacey Mormont, Jenny Fowler, and Jennilyn Fowler—had gone to Dorne for the war. Wright had assigned the three little girls to Tyene as maids. They took care of the children while the regular maidservants handled the chores. Tyene also liked these three girls with platinum blonde hair and purple eyes. Whenever she had free time, she would speak with them in High Valyrian and teach them sewing.
Odahviing had followed Nymeria to Dorne. Wright had made sure to reward him, allowing him to bring the remaining four dragon eggs back to the castle.
Wright had placed one black dragon egg in his eldest son Darkseid's cradle, and another black one with his second son Sauron. Since he thought girls might like the red ones, his daughter Lilith's dragon egg was red and white, the same color as Odahviing's. There was also a golden egg, which Wright kept beside the Dawnbreaker sword, warming it in the furnace.
Wright had the three little girls take care of the children because they spoke High Valyrian, the language of dragons. This way, as the children and dragons grew, they would have a better linguistic environment.
After having lunch with Tyene and a brief afternoon nap, Wright spent the afternoon teaching the mages.
The mages from King's Landing and Asshai were also exchanging knowledge. Wright's lessons included both theory and practical application, and every afternoon, magic spells flew all over the castle grounds.
With his wife leading the army to war, Wright didn't just work and care for the children. After dinner, he would attend the military meetings at the lighthouse, as scheduled.
As the castle expanded, the once solitary lighthouse was now surrounded by the castle's buildings. The personal guard had their own dormitories, and the space vacated by the lighthouse was used to store weapons and equipment and for military meetings.
At the bottom floor of the lighthouse, in the center, there was a large stone table. Wright had modeled it after the map table at Dragonstone, but instead of wood, he had it made of stone. It was larger, more refined, and much sturdier.
As the nobles, officers, and Maesters of Tyrosh gathered, Wright asked, "What new news do we have today?"
A Maester, accompanied by three assistants, walked to a nearby cabinet, took out a box of copper chess pieces engraved with various family crests, and they methodically set them on the map of Dorne.
The Maester said, "House Jordayne was decisively defeated. The remaining forces fled by boat and seized Ghaston Grey. The lord forces supporting Lord Anders have now joined him, and the main army is on its way back to Yronwood, likely resting in Wells for a few days. The Manwoody is besieging Blackmont, awaiting the arrival of the Dayne forces before they launch their assault."
Wright looked at the map and took a small flag from the nearby box, placing it on the map. "Why did the Jordayne come out to meet the enemy?"
Garlan Tyrell pointed at the map, "Lord Trebor Jordayne hoped to break out before the enemy arrived, but he didn't expect House Allyrion to attack him first. The two houses had been on relatively friendly terms before. Now, Lord Trebor Jordayne is dead, and his title has passed to his daughter Myria Jordayne."
Wright said, "She fled to Ghaston Grey with her troops. I remember that this castle is a prison of Dorne, so it should be defensible, but food will be scarce, and they can't hold out much longer."
Garlan Tyrell replied, "We can only hope there are no pursuing forces."
Wright: "The House Jordayne was the first noble family to engage the enemy after responding to Nymeria's call. Even if they lose, we must rescue them; otherwise, it will have a significant impact on morale."
Garlan Tyrell: "But Nymeria's forces are in the southwest; she has no influence over the northern part of Dorne."
Wright thought for a moment. "The ships from Tyrosh are distinct and easily recognizable. We can't intervene directly. However, hasn't the Royal Fleet recruited many pirates? Let them use pirate ships to rescue those trapped at Graystone Castle."
Hobber Redwyne: "There is a pirate leader in the royal fleet named Salladhor Saan. We drank together before when his ship came to Tyrosh. Let him take the pirate ship, and the navy will not be recognized when they change into ragged clothes to rescue people."
Wright: "Maester, send a raven to King's Landing immediately. Tell Stannis to dispatch Salladhor saan to us. I'll cover the expenses."
"Understood, I'll handle it immediately," the Maester responded, moving to a nearby desk to write.
Wright glanced at the map again. "The rebel forces supporting Lord Anders are headed toward Yronwood, meaning the Velaryon family at the northern tip of Boneway will likely reinforce the city. Any updates from Skyreach?"
The Maesters shook their heads.
Intelligence Officer Andrew Estermont leaned over the table, smiling. "The Maesters only receive public messages, but my network gathers less visible news."
Andrew placed a small disc on the table. "Skyreach Castle, located upstream on the Yronwood River, is holding its ground to delay the northern forces. But Prince's Pass is guarded by the 'Old Falcon' Franklin Fowler, who is no lightweight. He poisoned the river with a concoction of toxic herbs, and his stronghold lies at the river's source. The people of Yronwood downstream will soon suffer—if they don't die, they'll certainly suffer from food poisoning."
Wright turned to his cousin: "Do you have any additional news?"
Andrew placed a Dane family piece on the board. "House Dayne and their branch from Highgarden are advancing up the Torrentine River, preparing to join the Manwoody in laying siege to Blackmont."
He turned to Garlan Tyrell. "Meanwhile, despite the blockade from the Reach, ships from Sunhouse are still supplying Starfall with goods. The prices are remarkably high."
Wright's gaze darkened as he glared at the financial officer, Gunthor Hightower. "The Hightower controls Sunhouse, yet goods are being sold to the Dayne at inflated prices while I've strictly ordered a blockade. Was this your idea? Or perhaps the Tyrells'?"
Gunthor Hightower quickly explained, "Wright, I had no knowledge of this! I know my family has been trading with the Dayne, but it's managed by my second brother. I've passed your concerns along, but this price hike is beyond my knowledge."
Wright slammed his fist on the table, shaking the massive stone surface, causing the pieces to scatter. "Waging war for profit—who wouldn't be tempted? I understand that, but!" He paused, his voice rising in anger, "I've worked for so long, negotiating with King's Landing, compromising on so many points, all to establish a complete blockade of Dorne! Doesn't the King's decree mean anything to you? During wartime, the Dornish can only receive supplies from Nymeria, and I've been selling at cost—at a loss, even—and now this!"
Garlan Tyrell, Hobber Redwyne, and Gunthor Hightower, all from the southern Reach houses, now realized that Wright intended to win over the Dornish with food. Garlan and Hobber both hoped that their families had no involvement, knowing full well that opposing Wright's interests would have severe consequences.
Gunthor Hightower: "I'll write to my family immediately to halt the sales."
Wright slammed his fist again on the table, his anger palpable. "There must be a price for everything gained. Let House Cuy sell goods at half the market price in Nymeria's name to the Dayne! As for the profit they made—double it and return it to me!"
"Understood!" Gunthor Hightower was visibly shaken. He had known Wright for years, but he had never seen him this furious. His family's greed had put him in a dangerous position.
Wright: "Continue."
The assistant Maester adjusted the pieces on the map, setting more family tokens in place. "In southern Dorne, the forces from Sandstone and the Hellholt have moved into Hellgate Hall. It's an abandoned fortress, and they'll be waiting for Nymeria to join them."
Wright observed the map for a moment. "Their marching routes... they're different from ours."
The others gathered around the map, examining the varied routes and thinking carefully.
Captain of the Guard Balon Swann interjected, "Lord Wright, I remember my father once told me that Dornish forces fight close to water, only leaving when they retreat or attack."
"That's it!" everyone exclaimed, now understanding the strategy. The differences in the marching routes became clearer.
Wright: "Dorne has five rivers, and we can ignore the northernmost one. The other four, Nymeria's loyal forces have already secured the Brimstone River. The Dayne and the Manwoodys are contesting the Torrentine River. For now, the Yronwood River controls the upper reaches, but the most abundant waters, with the richest farmlands—the Greenblood River and its tributaries—are under the control of the Yronwood."
As Wright finished speaking, the assistant Maester quickly placed the flags of each faction on the map at the relevant rivers.
Wright continued, "As for Lord Anders, he is currently in Wells, occupying the upper reaches of the Scourge River. But he can't afford to ignore the Vaith River. He must have deployed his men at that location."
He pointed to a region on the map. Garlan glanced over and said, "This place is called Deep Sand Gorge, a treacherous area full of valleys and mountains. It's barren—no animals or people can survive there. Lord Anders must have sent his forces to guard another source of the Vaith River."
Wright agreed, "Maester, consolidate all the information we've gathered today and send it to Nymeria."
Nymeria was leading the frontlines, while Wright supported her from the rear. He didn't involve himself in the specifics of desert combat or large-scale military strategy, leaving those decisions to Nymeria, as he had no experience in such matters.
In Tyrosh, Wright's daily schedule was tightly structured: handling political affairs in the morning, teaching magic in the afternoon, and dealing with Dorne-related matters in the evening.
---
King Robert's entourage had also departed from King's Landing.
The officials remaining in the capital were only those directly involved in the kingdom's administration, while the king took his queen, princess, and all other key ministers along. They traveled with their retinues and the royal guards, accompanied by a large merchant convoy, forming a massive procession of over a thousand people. Their first stop was at Robert's ancestral home, Storm's End.
Upon meeting the son of Renly Baratheon, Robert commented that the boy resembled his father greatly, noting his sturdy build, and praised Renly for finding such a good wife, encouraging him to continue his efforts and have more children.
In the evenings, Robert often used feasts as an excuse to secretly meet with the five Bracken women, who had been hidden in Storm's End. These women had given Robert three illegitimate children, all of whom Renly helped raise.
After a week at Storm's End, Robert's entourage set off again, stopping at the castles of various lords in the Stormlands, staying anywhere from two to five days. Wherever they went, they were warmly welcomed, and Robert enjoyed the company of different women in each place.
Renly and Margaery, along with their children and dragon, also began their journey toward Tyrosh.
Meanwhile, in Tyrosh, Wright's first guests were his apprentice, Robb Stark, and the Lord of White Harbor, Wyman Manderly.
Lord Wyman, at 60 years old, was in good health and sharp-minded, though he had grown too large to walk on his own. After disembarking from the ship, he had to be carried by servants. His eldest son and heir, Wylis Manderly, had accompanied him, and he too was quite overweight.
"Lord Wright!" Wyman greeted loudly. "The last time I saw you, you were just a child! I can hardly believe you have children now! Ha, let me see them."
"Ha! I remember the last time we met, you were still able to walk on your own! What happened?" Wright chuckled, not minding Wyman's open comments.
Wyman laughed heartily. "It's your fault, Lord Wright! The spices from Tyrosh have made me eat so much more at every meal!"
"Ha ha!" The two of them quickly fell into comfortable conversation.
Because of Lord Wyman's large frame blocking the gangplank, Robb Stark and his blonde wife, Seran, remained on the ship, admiring the view.
Seran asked:"Is this Tyrosh? It's beautiful!"
Robb replied, "The last time I was here, the city was still in ruins from the war. I never thought your master would rebuild Tyrosh so quickly, and make it even more beautiful."
Seran pointed to the tallest lighthouse. "I heard from the sailors that there's an eye at the top of the lighthouse. But I don't see it."
Robb: "That's called the Eye of Wright. It's used to detect enemies, but it can only be activated using magic. Normally, Wright doesn't use it unless there's a threat."
Robb and Seran hadn't yet shared a bed, but they had already held their formal wedding. Spending time together had allowed Robb to understand Seran's character. He noticed she seemed a little tense, so he walked behind her, gently running his hand through her hair as he asked, "Are you feeling seasick from the long boat ride?"
"Just a little," Seran replied, her back still to Robb, but her eyes kept glancing at Wright, who was talking with Lord Wyman.
Seran couldn't help but wonder about Wright's reaction to her. She knew about the tangled history of her family—how her house had fallen apart, how her father had moved their household from King's Landing and changing their name. She had managed to subtly extract the truth from Jaime Lannister. Her family's problems were truly chaotic.
Now, in Tyrosh, Seran felt nervous. Would Wright recognize her? If he did, what would he do? Would he kill her, or spare her out of some distant regard for Robb? It was a terrifying thought. But after all these years, surely Robert's roguish ways would have dulled any resentment he had, and Seran hoped that Wright's memory wasn't as sharp as she feared.
Robb squeezed Seran's hand and led her off the ship. "Wright, my lord!"
With others around them, Robb made sure to address him formally, as his father had instructed.
Wright looked at Robb, now donned in his black leather armor with two swords at his side. "Ha! You've finally arrived! I hear you've married a Westerlander. Don't keep her a secret—introduce her to me!"
Robb pulled Seran closer. "This is my wife, Seran of House Farman from Fair Isle."
"Lady Seran," Wright greeted with a respectful bow. "A pleasure to meet you."
Seran curtseyed formally, a noblewoman's grace in her movement. "It's an honor to meet you, Lord Wright."
"She's quite the beauty, Robb. You've got good fortune," Wright remarked, already recognizing her, though it took a moment for him to place her name. She wasn't a Baratheon anymore. Had Joffrey been here, Wright would have struck him down on the spot, but he had no reason to harm Seran. Wright had no qualms about women because of how this society works, and this girl was no threat. Once he gathered the necessary information, he would send it to Robert, and let the king handle his own affairs.