Although the Targaryen blood within Galladon was thin and not yet awakened, it did not matter.
He had his golden finger.
Not only could he activate the Targaryen bloodline—he could continuously improve its development.
Sooner or later, he would possess strong enough Targaryen blood to become a dragon rider like the Mother of Dragons.
And that was crucial.
In the world of Game of Thrones, dragons were unavoidable.
Having a dragon and not having one were entirely different matters.
Galladon looked forward to riding one.
"My lord, the bathwater is ready. I will take you back to your room."
Claude's voice pulled him from his thoughts.
Galladon stood slowly. Though dry now, dried salt still clung to his skin, making it itchy.
He gently passed Brienne to their father.
"Go and rest well," Selwyn said softly.
Galladon nodded and followed Claude up the spiral granite staircase of the Dusk Star Tower.
The Fifth Floor
His bedroom was located on the fifth floor, overlooking all of Dusk Hall.
The spiral stairs were worn smooth from centuries of footsteps. Oil lamps flickered along the walls, and through narrow windows came the distant sound of waves crashing.
His heavy oak door bore the golden sun and blue moon of House Tarth.
Inside, the room was simple but noble.
A faded tapestry depicted Morning Light Galladon holding hands with the Pure Maiden among the Seven Gods.
A thick wool carpet covered the stone floor.
In the center stood a large wooden bath filled with warm water. Lavender petals and herbs floated upon the surface. Steam curled upward.
By the tub stood a maid—Carina.
She was about thirteen or fourteen, wearing a simple gray linen gown. Chestnut hair tied back, movements gentle and practiced.
"Master, I have prepared the bath. I will help you undress."
Galladon nodded.
She removed his salt-stiffened clothes with practiced ease.
He stepped into the tub.
Warmth enveloped him instantly.
The scent of wood and rosemary relaxed his muscles.
Carina had been chosen for him by his late mother. She had served him since childhood and was close to him.
"Carina, you may leave for now. I'll call you when I'm done."
She bowed and withdrew.
A New Era
Leaning back in the tub, Galladon remembered something important.
It was now 275 AC.
The Mad King Aerys still ruled.
Ned Stark was only twelve—just four years older than him.
The main storyline was still over twenty years away.
He was living in the same era as young Jaime Lannister, Ned Stark, and Petyr Baelish.
"Interesting."
He smiled.
The Tourney at Harrenhal.
Robert's Rebellion.
The Ironborn Rebellion.
This era was far more dramatic than the peaceful years under Robert's rule.
By the time the main plot began, he would be about thirty—at the peak of his power.
And his status?
Only slightly below Robert and Jaime.
He was heir to Evenfall Hall. The legitimate son of a lord.
The Strength of House Tarth
Tarth Island was wealthy and well-positioned.
Mountains, forests, hills, and grasslands.
Though not as wealthy as the Arbor, it had a larger population and abundant resources.
Its location was excellent.
It guarded Storm's End like a shield.
It was the closest island in Westeros to Essos—five days by ship to Pentos, three to Tyrosh.
Trade potential was immense.
Though lacking famous exports besides occasional sapphires, Tarth had approximately 150,000 people.
Three towns. Twenty to thirty villages.
At Selwyn's command:
200 knights
3,000 soldiers
A fleet of over a dozen ships
The fleet handled trade in peace, defense in war.
No other vassals ruled on Tarth—House Tarth controlled everything.
The wealth was visible in the castle's decorations and clothing materials.
"It's truly a blessed land," Galladon thought.
With modern knowledge, he could develop new industries.
Trade with Westerosi nobles and Free Cities alike.
Wealth meant influence.
And when Robert's Rebellion came…
House Tarth, vassals to House Baratheon, could rise alongside them.
After the Bath
"Master, shall I add more hot water?"
"No, I'm done."
Carina returned, wrapped him in a warm towel, and helped him dress in black silk sleepwear.
After preparations, servants removed the tub.
Galladon stood by the window.
The sea stretched endlessly under a clear blue sky.
Below lay Sapphire Harbor and Sapphire Town—merchant ships docked, fishermen returning, children running, vendors shouting.
A living painting.
He studied the castle itself.
Granite walls twenty feet high and ten feet thick.
Battlements lined with arrow slits.
The Dusk Star Tower rose a hundred feet into the sky.
In heavy fog, a beacon fire would guide ships home.
Additional towers housed kitchens, armories, storage.
A stable stood in the southeast corner.
The courtyard was clean—nothing like the muddy chaos of Winterfell in the television series.
Behind the castle lay the sacred grove, filled with ancient trees.
This was not the grimy, decaying castle aesthetic he once disliked.
House Tarth had built something beautiful and strong.
That was the foundation of a great house.
He slept deeply.
In his previous life, sleep had been restless and fragile.
Here, he slept soundly.
Perhaps the three legendary bloodlines granted exceptional vitality.
When he woke, he felt refreshed.
Time travel, it seemed, was not so bad.
Morning
"Master, you're awake!"
"Good morning, Carina."
She brought hot water for washing.
Then came the toothbrush.
Or rather—a crushed bramble stick dipped in salt.
He sighed and carefully cleaned his teeth, though his gums bled slightly.
"I need to invent a proper toothbrush…"
After washing, Carina dressed him.
A soft linen shirt.
A wool and silk outer robe embroidered in gold.
Black linen trousers.
High leather boots.
A wide leather belt with a golden buckle.
Noble attire.
In his previous life, though handsome and intelligent, he had avoided romance due to poverty. He owned few clothes and felt ashamed of his worn appearance.
Now, he could wear tailored garments daily.
The difference felt immense.
At last, he stood before a bronze mirror imported from Myr.
Polished smooth, framed in carved bronze vines.
Not as clear as glass—but clear enough.
He looked at himself for the first time in this world.
(End of Chapter 5)
A/N:
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