The Crow Lord - Harrys Potter (Patreon)

Aegon “Egg” Targaryen, Ashford – Westeros

“What did you tell me was your family name, my lady?” Egg asked as they entered the tournament. The carriage, as expected, instantly caught the attention of most of those present—nothing really strange, considering how luxurious it was. Aegon was sure that not even the royal family had a work of art like this.

“Egg, don’t disturb Lady Lily,” Dunk said for the tenth time. The tiredness in his voice made both Egg and Lily laugh softly.

“Lily Potter, Egg. My name is Lily Potter,” she said with a soft smile, as she made herself comfortable inside her carriage, although with the window open so she could chat with Egg and Dunk.

Something that seemed quite strange to Aegon, and made him begin to suspect that Lily was not an ordinary lady.

No lady would spend a whole day chatting with an errant knight and his improvised little squire.

And yet, Lily treated them with dignity and respect.

The beautiful woman shared her food with them. She did not give them her leftovers, but sat down to eat with them at the same time.

Another thing that made the mystery surrounding Lady Lily greater.

On the way, Egg asked about her family’s trade. It was evident that they handled significant amounts of gold, and the young prince found it strange not to know such a distinguished woman or her elusive son.

The famous Lord Harry

Egg didn’t know much about him, only that he was the only son of Lady Lily and her deceased husband, that he was a knight and the strangest thing...

That he was a blacksmith…

Something that didn’t make much sense to Egg. No knight he knew would stoop to having a trade as humble as blacksmithing.

Another layer to the mystery of the lovely woman.

“Where is Lord Harry’s shop, m’lady?” asked Dunk, as he looked around curiously. His back was straight and proud, wearing the garments that the kind woman had provided for him.

Even if they were a little too small, Egg thought with amusement, noticing how the boots barely touched his pants, and the tunic did not cover him to his feet as the dress code dictated, but was quite short at his knees.

Although Dunk looked pretty good, like a worthy knight at least—or one in the service of a beautiful and sophisticated lady like Lily.

Of course, the sword and shield still were dog shit, but one step at time.

“My son is in that place, Ser Dunk,” said the beautiful lady, as she pointed to a huge black tent with subtle green trimmings, even larger than the tents of some lords they had passed along the way.

An iron chimney was visible from the outside, exhaling black smoke into the sky. Evidently, it had some specific function, although he was unaware of it at the moment.

A lot of people stood at the entrance of the shop—nobles, commoners, and merchants. All were eager to get a glimpse of whatever was inside.

The entrance was guarded by two soldiers in exquisite-quality black armor, with emerald cloaks on their shoulders and beautiful steel spears in their hands.

And while that was truly impressive, what surprised Egg was recognizing the symbol engraved on the store’s entrance.

The young prince inhaled sharply, his eyes widening as he recognized the symbol.

“Harrys Potter! Your son is Harrys Potter, one of the richest men and the best blacksmith in all of Westeros!” Egg exclaimed at the revelation, before looking directly at Lily, who raised an eyebrow, daring him to continue.

Egg snapped his mouth shut, now quite sure that Lily was suspicious about his secret, though he was certain she didn’t know his true identity.

At least, not yet.

Dunk, for his part, looked at both of them curiously and asked in confusion:

“Harrys Potter? I don’t recognize the name. Who is he?” asked the giant, making Lily laugh softly and Egg look at him as if he were crazy.

“Harrys Potter is the best blacksmith in the entire kingdom, the owner of the famous Snitch Workshops, from Winterfell to Dorne, the weapons and armor he sells are exquisite, of great quality, totally superior to any steel forged in a castle. Nobles fight as soon as they see one. The last time one was auctioned for more than ten thousand golden dragons, it was won by the Grey Lion of Casterly Rock” Egg said, completely forgetting his role as a stable boy.

“How the hell do you know that, brat?” Dunk asked in disbelief, causing Egg to open and close his mouth, not knowing what to answer, at least until Lily intervened and saved him.

“We’ve arrived, guys. Dunk, be a sweetheart and help me down,” said the beautiful lady, sending Egg a look of amusement that made the bald prince blush completely.

As they got out, the people lining up to enter the store frowned, thinking that it was an arrogant lady who did not want to wait like the rest.

“Hey you, the line is there! We’re all waiting!” said an old merchant, not poor, but evidently without nobility, as he frowned and took a couple of steps forward.

Egg watched as Dunk put his hand on his sword and prepared to step between the merchant and his lady. However, Lily’s next action made it unnecessary.

“Howard, Willem, nice to see you. Is my son here?” she asked, while the carriage was parked on one side of the workshop by another pair of soldiers.

Howard and Willem looked toward Lily and bowed their heads gently, showing total respect, without a single hint of lust in their eyes.

“Lady Lily, it’s a pleasure to see you. I’m afraid not. Lord Harrys is at a meeting with Lord Ashford at the castle, something about an deal of great importance,” said the one Egg assumed was Willem.

Egg watched with satisfaction as the impertinent merchant paled and stepped back, cursing his stupidity while casting furtive glances at Lily, who ignored him with elegance and class.

“I understand. I’ll take care of preparing everything to open the shop. My son’s meeting with Lord Ashford will last several hours. I’m sure that at this moment he’s talking wonders about how submissive, demure, and helpful Gwyn Ashford is, and about giving her to him with a bow,” Lily said softly, drawing laughter from the guards and Egg, with the exception of Dunk, who didn’t seem to understand the joke.

Lily began to walk, and both Egg and Dunk followed her. The guards at the entrance made a feint to stop them, until Lily’s quick intervention dismissed the idea.

“They are both traveling with me. Make sure that a couple of beds and a of seats are available for both of them at all our meals. These brave knights escorted me here, and I will repay their kindness with proper courtesy,” Lily said softly.

Both soldiers nodded and removed their spears, allowing Egg and Dunk to enter the exclusive tent.

And when they entered… it was like being in another world.

“Damn,” Dunk whispered, overwhelmed by everything he saw, and Egg couldn’t blame him.

Spears, axes, halberds, and swords. Light, medium, and heavy armor. Everything was beautiful—works of art instead of instruments of murder, as lethal as they were sublime.

Everything around them was absolute luxury, from the wooden tables carved with lilies and antlers to the servants, men and women dressed in black linen robes, straight-backed and proud, who did not look like normal servants in Egg’s humble opinion.

And not to mention the weapons. Even the humblest ones, made of simple steel without any detail or luxury, were works of art.

Harry Potter’s mastery of steel was simply unparalleled. There was no one in the Seven Kingdoms who had his skill and ability.

Or his wealth, Egg thought, as he looked around. The Potters were traveling in style. This huge shop was better equipped than Lord Ashford’s own castle.

Egg was not an expert in weapons, but he recognized quality when he saw it. They all shared the same style: polished metal, matte hilts, and the lily with antlers as a seal of guarantee.

The Potter Guarantee.

“Howard, be a sweetheart and take Dunk to Dalissa and Marisa. Have his exact measurements taken and commission a full knight’s armor, as well as a steel sword and shield. This man kept me safe along the way, and I will repay his kindness generously,” Lily declared with total conviction, paralyzing both Egg and Dunk, although for different reasons.

Egg couldn’t believe that Lady Lily was able to give away a full set of Potter-brand knight equipment. Even of the most basic quality, that was at least a thousand golden dragons—much more than some lords earned in six months.

However, Dunk’s reaction was much simpler. It was the first time in his life that someone had given him such a generous gift or actually treats him with kindness.

Much less a lady like Lily Potter.

“It will be as you order, my lady,” said the guard, as he began to guide Dunk toward the west side of the immense tent.

Egg quickly followed, sending one last glance toward the elusive lady, who was walking toward the back of the shop while talking to the other guard. The subject of their conversation unknown to him.

At the moment, he didn’t think much of it. His main concern was helping Ser Dunk get his reward.

He was curious about the armor that Potter family would provide for his knight.

Oh, Egg knew his family would die of envy as soon as they found out.

A short time later, Howard took them to a different part of the abnormally large store.

Egg watched as Dunk walked cautiously, looking around, totally dazzled by the luxury: carved wooden statues, beautiful fabrics, even carpets.

To be honest, Egg was dazzled as well.

The place was exquisitely decorated. The luxury it exuded was far superior even to the Red Keep.

Something that gave him mixed feelings.

The walk ended when they reached a kind of private pavilion, where two beautiful women in linen dresses received them. They were feminine, clean, and elegant.

One had black hair and blue eyes. The other was fuller, with pronounced breasts and broad hips, though no less charming.

Both were commoners, and yet they moved with the elegance of noblewomen.

Around them were large rolls of cloth of good quality, as well as two wooden steps beside a small platform, where measurements were taken.

When they arrived, Howard allowed them to enter and spoke.

“Dalissa, Marisa, Lady Lily sends new orders. This man must be clothed in steel armor. Take his measurements and send them to Lord Harrys’s apprentices,” he said, before turning sternly to Dunk and Egg.

“Lady Lily trusts you, and she is dear to us. Do not betray that trust. Behave like a knight should, with honor and dignity” Howard warned.

Egg watched as Dunk looked offended at the insinuation that he would do something nefarious, though his shyness overcame his annoyance, and he simply nodded.

The guard studied them for a moment before leaving them alone with the women, who laughed softly at Dunk’s discomfort.

“Oh, Ser, ignore Howard. He’s loyal and protective, sometimes too much,” said the one Egg assumed was Dalissa, walking toward Dunk with playful grace.

Her eyes sparkled with amusement as she looked at him like Daeron looked at wine.

“I… I… um… m-my lady…” Dunk stammered, blushing furiously.

Both women giggled.

“Oh, relax, Ser. My sister and I won’t hurt you,” Dalissa said gently, taking his hand and guiding him to the center of the room.

Marisa stood ready with a measuring tape, smiling broadly.

Dunk looked at Egg with desperation.

The prince struggled not to laugh. Dunk looked like he was about to faint.

Egg didn’t understand why. It was just measurements.

But then...

“You must be Egg, the young man who accompanied Our Lady,” said a soft voice behind him.

Egg turned and froze.

A beautiful girl stood there, with ebony skin and golden eyes, slightly older than him, with pronounced curves.

She wore an elegant emerald robe with black details, with the Potter emblem showing proudly on her chest.

“Our Lady ordered that your measurements be taken. You will be rewarded with new robes, as well as your Ser” she said kindly.

She took his hand and led him beside Dunk.

Egg let out a muffled squeak.

When he arrived, Dunk looked at him with malicious amusement.

Both knew what that look meant.

Neither would ever speak of this again.

A pact of men.

Ser Dunk, the next day - Ashford Castle.

“Are you sure this is the right way?” Egg asked, walking behind Dunk toward Lord Ashford’s castle, looking for the tournament manager.

“Yes, and keep quiet, child. We are in a lord’s castle. The last thing we need is to attract attention,” Dunk said, walking quickly toward where the guard at the entrance had told him the castle’s steward would be.

The corridors were… just horrible, wet and cold, nothing compared to the warmth and luxury he had witnessed the day before in the Potter store.

Dunk had not yet had the pleasure of meeting Lord Harrys. Apparently, the young lord had returned quite late from his meeting and had left quite early that morning, since only Lady Lily had breakfast with them.

That was another thing Dunk had never thought possible: all the Potters’ servants and guards ate together at one table. Dunk really wasn’t surprised at the fierce loyalty these men and women felt for the Potters if that was the treatment they received on a daily basis.

He had only been receiving the Lady’s benevolence for a couple of days and was more than ready to destroy anyone who dared to threaten her.

Some time later, they arrived at the room in question, where there was a well-dressed man with white hair and a tired face, talking to a chubby well-dressed man who could only be Lord Ashford and a young maiden with blue eyes and an orange dress, his daughter.

“Everything must be perfect for the tournament. The Potters are here. Do you have any idea what that means?” said the man-

The steward bowed his head and replied submissively.

“Yes, my lord. All the preparations are ready. The gold is flowing, and the Potters’ businesses are attracting many people. Lady Lily’s healing shops and exotic fabrics are bursting with customers, not to mention Lord Harrys’ wandering forge,” said the man, causing Lord Ashford to nod with pleasure.

“Excellent. Gwyn, dear, how was your walk with Lord Harrys yesterday?” asked the man.

The young woman smiled radiantly as she blushed.

“It was spectacular, Father. Lord Harrys is...just amazing, cultured and intelligent. As you ordered, I gave him my favor for tomorrow’s jousts,” said the young woman, lost in her fantasies.

“Perfect. The Targaryen are coming today, and I want to avoid problems. The relationship between Lord Harrys and the Crown is not the best, not that I can blame him, of course,” said Lord Ashford with some cynicism in his voice, catching Dunk’s curiosity and making Egg frown softly.

Feeling that he had heard too much, Dunk cleared his throat and entered cautiously, bowing his head to the lord, who looked at him in surprise for an instant.

“Oh, m'lord, my apologies. The guards sent me to this room to register for the tournament. This is Egg, my squire,” Dunk said, not knowing where to look.

“My lord,” said the bald little one, bowing his head.

Lord Ashford looked at him in disbelief for a moment before speaking.

“Dunk? What kind of name is that?” he asked.

Before the knight could answer, Egg spoke first.

“Short for Duncan, Ser Duncan the Tall,” said the little imp.

Dunk was about to rebuke him, but his words seemed to satisfy Lord Ashford’s curiosity.

“I see. You dress like a knight. That’s a good tunic. Who do you serve, boy?” asked the lord, looking directly into Duncan’s eyes.

“I… I am a hedge knight, m'lord, although I recently escorted Lady Lily Potter to Ashford. It is my wish to participate in the tournament to prove my worth and to be able to enter the service of her family,” he said, standing straight.

At these words, even Duncan noticed how the expressions of the three people present changed to deep interest.

“Oh, you know Lady Lily? Do you serve her? If so, then you will have no problem with Lord Harrys backing up your story. If he confirms it, you will be registered in the tournament without any problem,” said the lord.

Duncan looked confused and opened his mouth to answer, but at that moment, someone else entered the room.

“I confirm his words. My mother told me about Ser Duncan, newly appointed and in search of glory. Let’s hope he has what it takes to achieve it.”

The voice was masculine, deep, and powerful. A young man with messy black hair and striking green eyes stood there, dressed in a black robe with green details of sublime quality.

Everything about Lord Harrys screamed one thing.

Power.

Even Egg seemed shocked by his presence.

“Lord Harrys, we didn’t expect you until the afternoon. Was everything in order?” asked Lord Ashford, placing his hands on his daughter’s shoulders.

“Yes, my lord. Everything is in order. As agreed, one hundred thousand golden dragons in exchange for two hundred acres, one hundred of them on the banks of the Cockleswhent River,” said Lord Harrys, handing him a sealed parchment and a shield with two inverted triangles and stylized hands.

Lord Ashford accepted it as if it were a divine gift.

Duncan watched as the lord thanked Harrys, while Harrys kept his gaze fixed on Duncan, studying him carefully.

Duncan felt uncomfortable but remained silent.

Lord Harrys walked toward him, his presence overwhelming.

“My mother told me about your actions, Ser Duncan. She sees potential in you, just like I do. We will do great things. Of that, you can be sure,” he said calmly, extending his hand.

Dunk took it.

They both smiled.

Not knowing that this small gesture would change the fate of the Seven Kingdoms.

Forever.