Novels2Search
A New Life
Chapter 5

Chapter 5

Percy POV

Summer: 296 AC

A groan escaped Percy’s lips as rays of light bled through his tent, rousing him from his slumber. The sound of Construction was a reminder that work was already underway for the day as his castle and city were in the process of being built by a mix of his people and a King’s Landing construction company known as the ‘Storm Masons’.

It was a company that Percy knew had risen to stardom because of its political connection to King Robert. It was founded in Storm’s End and was the company hired for all the reconstruction, and new construction, in King's Landing by the crown after the rebellion.

It was no doubt political corruption at its finest, but he supposed that’s what happens in a monarchy. No one could really refute the king on the company he wanted to use for all the construction in King’s Landing.

The sole reason Percy hired them was that they were the only company with the manpower & expertise to get his castle and city built within two years, and that was with the help of a demigod son of Poseidon.

Granted, his powers weren’t at a very helpful level yet, considering the fact that he could barely mold a dozen stones with water before being exhausted for the day. But, his help did speed along the construction, no matter how minuscule it was.

He was also certain that his practice was slowly but surely helping to strengthen his powers in this new world. He was optimistic that with enough time he would be able to hollow out a portion of the cliff underneath his castle to make room for a personal ship dock.

Because they were building the settlement on a cliff side, their docks were a little over a couple miles to the right if one was facing the ocean. This meant in the event of an attack, it would be difficult to get people to a ship in time for safety.

Not to mention, that he would no longer be taking up valuable space with his own personal vessel. Their current impromptu dock on the shore was fine for now. But Percy was hopeful that the same wouldn’t be able to be said in the coming years as they built up more of a trade, and each spot became more valuable to leave open.

It took some work to secure the Ironborn ships to the shore after they had cleared them from the area eight months ago, but it was worth it in Percy’s mind as it allowed them to start fishing for food immediately. It also allowed them to conduct some small trade with the Mormonts, of which they had been able to get some resources that helped to speed up construction.

From there, he and his followers set up a more permanent camp before they then began work on his settlement. They had around three and a half acres for his castle and another twenty or so acres for the city and people.

Once that was laid out, Percy helped his people get started on construction and outlined his plans for their future home. Afterward, he had traveled to a halfway point between King’s Landing and Winterfell to meet with one of the owners of the Storm Masons.

With a small deposit, the public backing of Winterfell, a promise for more payment, and showing the man a small green dragon. Percy had successfully convinced the owner to start assisting him and his followers with construction immediately.

Within three months construction was in full swing, and after another four, there was a noticeable difference. He could visualize the layout of the city and castle, along with a proper shipyard and dock that was being built on the shore.

The castle would be along the cliffside with walls thirty feet high and five feet thick that would make a ‘U’ shape, leaving the castle face open to the sea. From the wall outwards would be his inner city and what Percy would consider his wealthy district.

This is where his: barracks, town marketplace, water tower, amphitheater, bathhouses, spa, houses, archery, and training yards would be. It would be surrounded by his primary wall that would be sixty feet tall and about nine feet thick, with two turrets built into it that would act as watchtowers, twenty feet taller.

Then, surrounding his primary wall would be a barn and grazing field for his animals during the summer. Along with the main horse stables, farmland, and a path that would lead down to his docks and shipyard. He already had a section in mind for where he could add additional housing outside the wall if needed.

The thing he was most proud of however, was the sewage system that was scheduled to be completed today. He knew from all his history classes during his past life that a lot of disease and death was caused by human excrement.

So, with that threat in mind, he wanted a sewage system put in place before they began work on building the houses or the castle. So, after outlining all of the structures inside the wall and setting their foundation, they began work on the sewage system.

It was about twenty feet underground to account for the harsh winters and smell, while also containing a couple of access points inside the city for any possible maintenance. The castle and city would each have their own system inside the walls. Until they eventually converged into a massive culvert outside the walls that was ten feet in diameter and stretched dozens of miles before dumping out into the ocean.

The system was a work of art, built entirely out of stone, smoothed out, and made at a slight angle so that gravity would do all the hard work. Leaving Percy to just make sure the excrement entered the ocean far enough away from his castle and city that it wouldn’t pollute his immediate waters.

He knew enough about the ocean around Sea Dragon Point that it would easily consume and dilute their sewage to a point where its impact would be negligible once the water re-entered the water cycle. Currently, the drop-off point was nearly forty miles away from their location, with the exit point being underwater to stop anyone from sneaking in to attack his city from the sewers.

Once the sewer system was complete, Percy would finally be free to sail to Braavos and sell the rest of his valuables. Which should cover the remaining balance of his debt with the Storm Masons, and hopefully leave a good amount to spare.

Considering the owner he met with, had waived the cost of his sewage and water system, seeing the ingeniousness of the idea. Claiming that they would make it back tenfold by convincing King Robert and other castles to do something similar.

Pulling himself out of his thoughts. The demigod rolled his shoulders, grinning, as the motion let loose several satisfying pops. Before finally getting up from his bed and beginning to get dressed, trying to plan out his day.

Ultimately deciding that he would meet with the owners of the Storm Masons and double-check that they were set to continue construction in his absence. Afterwards, he would meet with his council making sure they had everything they needed before he and a handful of men would set sail for Braavos. On their first completed ship’s maiden voyage no less.

Smiling, to himself as he remembered the look on his council members' faces after he told them he wanted to dismantle a majority of the Ironborn ships in order to build a new one several months ago. They had tried to convince the son of the Sea God that Ironborn ships were some of the best around, but Percy knew he could build something much better.

So, the demigod asked them to have faith and hired a shipbuilder in White Harbor to move and set up shop with him instead. The man, who went by Desmor, was practically salivating after seeing the demigod’s ship design.

The ship was completed a week ago and Percy had deemed her seaworthy. Primarily composed of Ironwood and Pine, the ship was a beautiful sight to see. The hull was made up of the pale Ironwood, while dark pine made up the deck and accents, with wrought iron sectioning off the three levels of the ship and making up the figurehead which doubled as a battering ram.

It had two powerful masts that would hold a total of three sails for wind, a modest captain’s quarters, and a dedicated crewmates' cabin on the second deck. The ship was at least one hundred and fifty feet in length and fifty feet wide.

Normally, it would take a crew of fifty to run the massive ship however, Percy’s parentage allowed him to run it by himself. Not that he would, but it allowed him to take a measly crew of thirty people and not have to worry about the ship being unable to run smoothly or properly.

Pale slender hands wrapping around his abdomen and underneath his freshly donned shirt brought the demigod out of his thoughts regarding his ship, as Claire began to pepper the back of his neck with kisses. Something he was somewhat ashamed to say he had gotten used to.

“Good morning my Lord.” The woman’s velvety whisper brought goosebumps to his skin.

“Good morning, my vixen. How did you sleep?”

His voice was hoarse and rough having not used it since the previous day. Claire got a devious smirk as the demigod turned to face her.

“Not well at all, I was up all night tossing and turning. But, I’m sure you already knew that since you were the one doing the tossing and turning.”

The seductive purr in her voice got Percy excited, and he had to ground himself to not let them get entangled underneath his sheets. They had been seeing each other more frequently in the past few months, and Percy was terrified of the effect the redheaded minx was having on him.

They had sex once after they had claimed Sea Dragon Point, and after that Percy distanced himself from the beauty as he traveled and worked on building up his settlement. However, in the past three months, he found himself craving her touch.

Annabeth was a dull throb in the back of his head now and he cursed his demigod physiology for it. As it worked hard to make him forget the loved ones he lost, but not the hole they left. Something that he had found Claire beginning to fill more and more of, and worse, he didn’t know how he felt about it yet.

On one hand, the redhead was beautiful, her personality fun and engaging, and every time they had sex Percy found himself forgetting everything but her. On the other hand, he felt like he was betraying Annabeth, the love of his life, a fact that his demigod brain worked night and day to make him forget.

Claire’s kiss brought him out of his internal struggle, taking a moment to return the kiss himself before pulling away, a smile on both their faces. His internal thoughts were forgotten as he stared into her forest-green eyes. Her voice was now full of affection and concern.

“You had that far-away look in your eyes again, silly. Do you want to talk about what you were thinking about in that big head of yours?”

Percy hesitated, deciding to go with a partial truth rather than a lie.

“I was thinking about the progress we’ve made so far, and my journey to Braavos that starts today.”

At his words, the feisty redhead got a glazed look in her eyes that Percy recognized. Whenever he told her he was going to go on a long journey, she always got the same look. He knew what she was about to ask him, and for the first time, Percy didn’t know what he would say when she asked.

“Will you allow me to accompany you? The trip to Braavos and back will at least be months at sea, surely you would not want solely men’s company?”

Percy took a moment to ponder her words, the dull throb of blonde princess curls resurfaced in his mind. But this time, the demigod didn’t feel sick to his stomach at the idea of Claire sharing a bed with him for an extended amount of time.

Considering it progress, he slowly nodded his head. Clearing his throat to get rid of the hoarseness.

“I would enjoy it if you did accompany me on this journey, although you will have to deal with Thalassa in our cabin.”

The redheaded vixen grinned, a genuine smile before she kissed him hard. Percy was quick to reciprocate the kiss, and before long the clothes he had just put on were quickly discarded. The redheaded beauty was eager to show her happiness at being able to join him on his journey to Braavos.

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With each step, his boot sloshed up mud as Percy traveled through the beginnings of his new home. He could see the foundations of the walls, houses, bathhouses, etc. Everything that needed a drain, Percy had outlined first in order to build the sewage and drainage system properly.

Now, he was on his way to the owner's tent of the Storm Masons. He was shocked to learn that what they considered major storms in this land were known as Hurricanes back on Earth. His only comfort on the matter was that they seemed to follow the same logic from his old world, pending no goldy interference that is.

Shifting his focus to the upcoming conversation with the owners of the group, Percy began to rehearse his plan in his head. He wanted this meeting to go by quickly so he could get out to sea quickly and towards Braavos by dinner.

It had been forever since he was last on the ocean, and since he expected the journey to take several months, he wanted to make sure the company would stay on task without his presence or supervision.

Instead of leaving the second he set sail for a better job. Realizing that he reached his destination, the demigod pulled back the tent flap of the owner's tent to see them all talking amongst themselves as they had a mug of ale.

“Morning Gentlemen, I assume we are still on track to complete our first major project today regarding the sewage and drainage system?”

The three older men who made up the Storm Mason’s owners fit the stereotype of a large and politically corrupt business. With two of the three being fat and gluttonous with their fortune, and the other being fit and strategic with his.

Percy understood the one man truly in charge was Riverall and his two companions, Harten and Lonfor, were just lucky business partners. Riverall greeted him with a smile while the other two nodded their heads at his greeting, entranced with their beverage.

“Yes Lord Perseus,” said Riverall. “We should complete the last tunnel today, which would be the fifth access point. After that, we just need to install the iron covers, conceal them, and we can begin work on the Castle.”

Percy nodded his head. “Good, I’m glad to hear it. Although I would like to split the resources into two in my absence. While half of your team works on the construction of my Castle, I would like the other half to focus on building the docks and shipyard, before shifting to the residents' housing.”

“I would then have my followers start working on the outer wall. I think that’s the best way to split our resources for the most efficiency. Do you agree?”

Riverall nodded his head after a moment. “I agree Lord Perseus, your planning skills are masterful indeed, where did you learn them?”

Percy gave a tight smile. “The teacher of my skills passed away nearly two years ago, so I am afraid there is no one to learn from but myself. She is also where I got my design skills from as well.”

Riverall nodded before one of the other owners spoke up, Harten if Percy remembered correctly.

“A woman taught you those skills. Did she take control in bed too?”

The two fat oaf’s let loose a chuckle, and Percy felt his anger rise as the two talked about Annabeth like that. Riverall seeing his murderous expression was quick to speak up.

“Harten, Lonfor. Perhaps you should check with the site managers and make sure that everything is on schedule as expected?”

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The two nodded their heads and left, leaving Percy fuming. Taking a deep breath to get his anger under control, before turning his attention to Riverall as the man addressed him.

“I do hope you accept my apologies on their behalf, they can be quite brash. I am sorry for your loss.”

Percy nodded his head, accepting the mug of wine that Riverall handed to him as a peace offering.

“How is Thalassa? Our offer still stands for building you a dragon pit like the one of old. I’d even be willing to do the project for free in exchange for one of her eggs if she has any.”

Percy shook his head.

“I appreciate the offer, but I plan to allow her to roam as she pleases. Dragons are much like the sea in that they don’t like to be restrained.”

Whether or not it was because she took his energy to hatch, or because she was a dragon, he didn’t know. What he did know however, was that Thalassa hated being confined, and he pitied her being forced out to sea with him. It was for her own good though since she wasn’t able to fully take care of herself yet, and Percy didn’t want to leave her for that long.

Riverall nodded his head, drawing him out of his own thoughts, Percy knew the man was semi-downtrodden over the rejection. But, he knew the man ultimately wouldn’t resent him. Once Thalassa was fully grown, he might allow Riverall to ride her once as thanks for a job well done.

“I understand, I do hope you at least consider my offer. I also hope you consider becoming an investor in the Storm Mason’s after this project. Your ideas and planning are some of the best and I would love to have you as an advisor.”

Percy actually paused at that suggestion; it was intriguing to him.

“And, how much would it take for me to be an investor?”

At this Riverall got a certain gleam in his eye, one that Percy was all too familiar with, it was like a shark circling its prey. The demigod had seen it when he first met with the man about the contract to build his castle and city.

“Well,” the businessman began. “Typically my investors buy in at $10,000 Gold Dragons. However, I am willing to give you a pass and make your buy-in $1,000 Gold Dragons. So long as you are an active partner in major projects.”

“You would also get the benefits of being an initial owner. Making five percent off of our profit per every project you are consulted on.”

Percy took a moment to ponder the proposal.

“I appreciate the offer. Can I give you an answer when I return from Braavos?”

Riverall put on an easy-going smile.

“Of course, Of course. It is a big decision after all. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I want to make sure everything else is moving along as planned.”

Percy nodded his head, following the man outside into the early morning sun. Bidding Riverall a good day, Percy made his way to his command tent where Pearson, Gelder, and his newest advisor would be waiting for his council meeting.

His newest advisor was an older woman in her mid-thirties if Percy had to guess and went by the name Ronna. She had dark chestnut brown hair that complimented her vibrant green eyes well. Pearson was actually the man to bring her into the fold, and Percy was grateful for it.

She was incredibly smart and had filled an important role as his new Master of Coin. Taking over for Pearson since he had become akin to his second in command for the city. While Pearson still somewhat oversaw the financial side of things due to his experience, Ronna had basically taken over the day-to-day.

Freeing Pearson up to focus on the bigger tasks, such as running things in Percy’s absence, or helping manage certain building projects while Percy managed others. The demigod never knew how time-consuming and intense it would be to build and run a city until he was put in the position.

Now, he had a whole new respect for the mayors and city leaders of his old world. Percy was brought out of his thoughts once again, as one of the guards opened the tent flap for him. Walking into the tent, Percy saw Pearson, Gelder, and Ronna already waiting, something he was thankful for.

“How was the meeting with Riverall?” Pearson knew just as much as Percy that Riverall was the man running the show at the Storm Masons.

“It was interesting, I have no worries though of them leaving once I set sail.”

Pearson let loose a sigh of relief, that was mirrored by everyone else, and Percy chuckled.

“Now,” the demigod continued. “I wish to be out to sea before dinner, what do you have for me?”

Pearson went first, which was typical considering his new position.

“Everything is moving according to schedule. The second ship of our fleet should be completed by the time you return, our food stock is gradually increasing, and the crops are doing excellent!”

“Your modification to the glasshouses has allowed our food to grow quickly, and we don’t have to worry about the crops freezing from a storm.”

Percy grinned. The glasshouse was this world's version of a greenhouse, and he had realized that most of them didn’t use any sort of insulation around the walls. So, he built walls around them and used glass to make a mirror that would reflect more sunlight onto the glasshouses. He had made that and the sewage/drainage system the priorities once they started construction, and he was happy to see it starting to pay off.

“Good, I’m glad my ideas have been successful. While we are on the subject of the construction, I would like to add that after speaking with Riverall our sewage and drainage system will be finished today. Afterward, he will split his men between the resident houses and the castle itself. Meanwhile, I would like our men to begin work on the outer wall.”

Pearson nodded his head and made a note, Percy then turned to Ronna as she spoke up.

“Thank you for the update Lord Perseus. I am glad you are leaving today, as I am afraid our finances couldn’t afford you to wait any longer. After speaking with the Storm Mason’s Coin Master, we owe a balance of $23,627 Gold Dragons for the work already done, and they are budgeting another $14,789 Gold Dragons to finish the construction.”

“Once that’s paid, our debts will be settled. We have enough money coming in from taxes at the moment to handle our monthly expenses. Although I have heard some mumbling of dissent from the people.”

Percy nodded his head.

“Thank you Ronna, I should be able to return with enough coin to cover our debt and allow us to lower our tax on the people. Plus, once we build our second ship, it should be able to provide adequate protection so that we can become a more appealing trade option.”

“As for the dissent, if you believe we need to lower taxes to stop a revolt then I am giving you and Pearson the authority to do so.”

Ronna nodded her head at his declaration, pausing a moment to write some notes before speaking up once more.

“I have also heard a multitude of names generated by the people for our settlement. I believe it would go a long way for morale if we gave people a name for their new home.”

Percy nodded at that; it had been on his mind after getting back from his initial meeting with Riverall months ago. It had taken some time, but he had come up with a name he liked earlier in the week, and now was as good a chance as any to get feedback on it.

“I agree with you, and it has actually been something that has been on my mind for some time now. What do you all think of Seahaven? A place for refuge in the coming storm.”

His council talked amongst themselves for a moment before they all came to an agreement that they liked the name causing Percy to grin. Pearson took that moment to speak up as well.

“I am a fan of that name Lord Perseus. I will write to Winterfell for them to make a formal request on our behalf to the crown. Hopefully by the time you return, we will be recognized by the crown as ‘Seahaven, Seat of House Wake.’”

The demigod smiled at his second command, nodding his head to give him the go-ahead, leaving Percy to turn to Gelder who gave a tight smile.

“I was only able to recruit twenty more men, Lord Perseus. Bringing our total count up to eighty-six capable fighters, and that includes the thirty men you're taking with you to Braavos.”

“I pray you can recruit more men to join you on your journey, or we will have some issues properly manning the ships and walls. Which will leave us unable to patrol the streets or roads, ultimately allowing crime and bandits to roam free. Which is not something we should let happen.”

Percy once again nodded his head, feeling the familiar weight of a heavy responsibility on his shoulders.

“Thank you for the reminder Gelder, I will do my best. Does anyone have anything else to add?”

The demigod waited a moment for one of them to speak up, and when none did, he put on a confident smile.

“Well, if that’s all everyone has, then I will see you when I return. I wish you all the best and good luck!”

With that Percy turned and made his way towards his tent for a quick lunch. After which, he would hunt down Claire and his men letting them know to meet him at the ship before finally setting sail to Braavos.

A trip that he was looking forward to, but one he was certain that no one else was. Mostly because of the fact that they had to sail around Westeros, a trip that would normally take three to four months one-way.

What his men didn’t know, was that he was the son of the sea, and despite his powers not being back to their full strength yet. A few fishing trips had given him enough information to know he was infinitely stronger in the ocean still.

Based on that, he was confident he would be able to make their journey in at least two months, and that didn’t even take into account his ship design itself. With the massive sails and streamlined design, he figured his ship was at least one-and-a-half times faster than anything else currently on the water.

Smiling, as he mentally congratulated himself on a job well done.

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The rocking of the boat under his feet was reminiscent of his time back in the Sea of Monsters when he and Annabeth had stolen Blackbeard's ship. That had been the first time of many she had chosen him over her ambition.

He tried to picture her face only to grimace as all he could remember were her gray eyes and princess curls. He could feel his anger and disappointment in himself rise as he failed to remember his once beloved.

A particularly strong wave crashed into the ship at that moment, ruining his concentration and bringing his mind to the present. Based on the size of the wave that hit the ship and sprayed him with water, the demigod expected to see a storm on the horizon.

But to his surprise the waters were calm, and a small breeze lulled him into a calmer state. They had spent the past three weeks at sea on board the ship that Percy had started to call the ‘Sea Fang’. The time at sea had revitalized him, although the same could not be said for everyone else.

Thalassa had spent a whole three days on the ship before leaving. Percy couldn’t blame her too much, but he did worry until she returned to the ship at night. She had grown more since they left for Sea Dragon Point, to the point where she was now able to take care of herself against most things, but she still couldn’t breathe fire.

His only consolation was that his dragon was definitely building up a great deal of stamina flying most of the day, and the fact that she stayed fairly close to the ship. So close sometimes, that Percy could even see her in the clouds, or when she dived down towards the water for a fish.

The men unfortunately didn’t have the luxury of flight and were stuck on the ship. There had been a few requests for stops at a handful of ports for some R&R, but Percy had turned those down. They had a bit of a time crunch, and they would be a target outside of the North or Free Cities.

But, considering the fact that a majority of the crew had never been at sea for longer than a day, the demigod couldn't really find fault in their eagerness for dry land. The captain chose that moment to come up to him, and Percy took in the man’s disheveled appearance.

He was an older man in his late thirties but looked to be closer to his early fifties from his time at sea. Yet somehow, he still had muscles that would put younger men to shame. His skin was a dark tan that looked almost leathery, with graying hair and eyes of steel.

The captain was probably the only other person not bothered by their time at sea. He had been a sailor all of his life until he got enough money for his own ship. He went by the name Barrian and was the captain of a merchant ship that was attacked by Ironborn.

Washing to shore at Seahaven a couple months ago on what remained of his ship, the man was on the brink of death. He spent the next month in recovery and upon laying eyes on the Sea Fang as they were finishing construction, begged to be the captain. Percy couldn’t find a reason not to, and upon witnessing how the man commanded the mighty vessel over the past three weeks, he felt he made a great decision.

The demigod still wanted to learn more about how the clearly experienced and rugged sailor lost his original ship, despite his obvious competence at being a captain. It was something he planned to find out over the course of their journey.

“Enjoying the weather Lord Perseus?”

The demigod smiled. He knew it was customary for everyone to call him by his House’s name, but it felt wrong and a disservice to his mother if his last name wasn’t Jackson, considering that House names acted as last names in this world.

If people referred to him as ‘Lord Wake’ it made Percy feel like he was forgetting his mom, and Chaos knows he’s already dealing with enough of his demigod brain's natural wiring. Had he known at the time that that was the custom, he would’ve made his house name Jackson. But alas he didn’t, and so he had resorted to having people refer to him as Lord Perseus.

“I am, what about you Barrian?”

“I am as well, I always enjoyed watching the to and fro of the waves as the water did as it pleased. It provides an odd sense of calm don’t you think, being surrounded by only your shipmates and the sea?”

Percy nodded along.

“I agree, there is no better way to discover who you really are. Tell me Barrian, how did you lose your first ship?”

The weathered captain got a far-away look in his eyes as the two stared towards the horizon as a few of the men went about their duties. Just when Percy thought the man was going to ignore his question he spoke, his voice full of regret.

“It was a day similar to this actually, the waves calm not a storm cloud in sight. We were on our way back to Bear Island with some supplies from Casterly Rock. We were going past the Iron Islands when my spotter called out five ships on the horizon.”

“I knew we didn’t stand a chance against five Ironborn ships. So, I had the youngest sailors take our row boats along with our food rations and more valuable supplies towards the mainland while the rest of us maneuvered the ship into a battle position and covered their escape.”

“We managed to sink one ship before they overwhelmed us and started to board, but they didn’t know that I had explosives rigged in the hull of my ship. A precaution I had done so no one would be able to take her by force. So my first mate, Thleyon, went down to light the explosives once the Ironborn started to board at my command.”

“The next thing I knew was that I was underwater, and it was hard to breathe. Struggling, I made it to the surface and saw a sole Ironborn ship heading back from where they came as the remnants of nearly half a dozen ships floated around me.”

“I looked for any survivors of my crew, but only found them drowned or in pieces. Although it was satisfying to finish off the few Ironborn I found clinging to life. After that, I found a big enough piece of wood to lay on before letting the sea do as it pleased.”

“That’s when you and your people found me.”

The two stood in silence for a moment as Percy processed the man’s story before the demigod son of Poseidon spoke up.

“I am sorry about your ship and crew. If you can give me their names, once we return, I’ll have some people look for the sailors you said escaped.”

Barrian nodded his head in thanks as the two stood there for another minute before Percy gave the captain a pat on the back, as he began to return to his cabin.

“Thank you Barrian for telling me, I’ll let you get first dibs on any Ironborn we see. In the meantime, I wish you a good day.”

The older sailor nodded his head with a grunt of approval as Percy opened the doors to the captain's quarters, one of the few privileges he got to enjoy since he was the Lord of Seahaven.

Claire wasn’t in his cabin and Percy was a little relieved of the fact. She had stayed at his side for the first two weeks, and after encouraging her to find something else to do, he usually found her sleeping or waiting for him in the cabin.

But, with her gone, he would be able to actually lay out a more concrete plan for when they land in Braavos. The redheaded vixen and himself had been fucking like rabbits, and Percy welcomed the much-needed break from their marathon. Sitting down at his desk, he looked over the map he had of Braavos and glanced at his journal which had his current count of gems and precious minerals hidden in Hades’ pouch.

His plan at the moment to avoid suspicion was to take a cart from the docks and head into the city alone. Filling the rest of the gemstones and minerals into the cart and returning with the valuables he had stashed in his ‘home’ city.

From there, they would sell the valuables to the Bank and stock up on supplies. Staying in Braavos for another one to two weeks before making the journey back. The demigod then began to write down some of his thoughts on how to recruit more men, before switching gears and began designing a few more ships.

It wasn’t for another hour until he heard the door to his cabin open and Claire walk in. Percy smiled at the redhead who smiled back at him in return. Her voice was soft as she spoke.

“Hello my Lord, what are you working on?”

Percy rolled his eyes at her calling him Lord and gave her his full attention.

“Just trying to better plan our time in Braavos, and working on a few ship ideas I had. What did you get up to?”

Claire’s eyes lit up as she told him about the game she played with some of the other shipmates called Shartouy. It reminded Percy a lot of a game called Yahtzee back on Earth, where the goal was to roll the most number of the same die.

The only difference with this game was that there were differing punishments or rewards based on the number of same-sided dice a user managed to roll. If a person rolled more than three of any number on one of their three turns, they drank a pint of ale.

If a person managed to get six of the same dice to score between their three rolls, they got to choose someone to drink a pint of ale. If someone got less than three of the same dice to score between their three rolls, then they drank a pint of ale and had to pick up the worst chores available.

Overall, it was a game Percy enjoyed well enough and was happy that Claire had found an enjoyable pastime that didn’t include them fucking like rabbits. The demigod was brought back to the conversation as the redheaded vixen climbed into his lap and began peppering him with kisses.

Percy groaned at the girl's ministrations before picking her up and carrying her to the bed. The kiss growing more frantic as the two fought to remove each other's clothing until there was nothing but skin between them.

Claire giggled as the son of Poseidon threw her onto the bed, climbing on top of her himself. Already making the determination that he wouldn’t be getting any more work done for the day as the redheaded minx had already sunk her claws into him.