The Crow Lord - In the name of the Father...In the memory of a Mother. (Patreon)

Ser Duncan the Tall, near Starfall – Dorne

-They are magnificent!- said Egg at his side, staring in complete adoration as Lord Harrys landed gracefully, having taken the famous hippogriffs flying near the ocean so they could stretch their wings.

And as usual, every member of the royal family had gathered to watch the spectacle, some with warmth and appreciation, like Prince Baelor and Prince Valarr, who genuinely enjoyed seeing the magnificent creatures.

Others with greater caution, like Prince Maekar, who usually muttered about the overwhelming superiority of House Potter compared to the rest of Westeros with a face full of concern.

But if there was one thing every Targaryen shared…

It was envy.

Every single one of them wished they could ride the noble beasts and soar through the skies the same way Harrys Potter did, something many nobles and guards found perversely satisfying.

-Do you think Lord Harrys would allow me to ride one? At least just once, perhaps for my nameday- asked Egg with pleading eyes while watching the Lord of Duncan descend from the back of the mighty Arion, who stretched his wings and rose onto his rear legs before calmly walking toward the rest of the herd.

-I doubt it Egg, and I doubt your father would let you near them after the incident with the thieves in Oldtown- Duncan answered while shivering completely just remembering the situation from several days earlier.

A group of opportunistic thieves had attempted to use the darkness of night to infiltrate the Potter camp and steal the noble beasts, believing they could sell them and become rich.

Something…

Not particularly intelligent.

Without question, the thieves believed the creatures were merely “horses with wings” and that they would easily mount and tame them.

A notion that died seconds later the moment the men encountered the imposing beasts.

The screams and pleas of the thieves shook the entire camp, both Targaryen and Potter alike, forcing everyone from their tents and carriages toward the stables to discover what in the Seven Hells was happening.

Only to find Lord Harrys calmly observing as the hippogriffs tore the thieves apart with total indifference, a clear warning that the beautiful beasts were dangerous and likely far more intelligent than the average man of Westeros.

The message had been received loud and clear.

The shattered heads had been displayed on stakes outside the camp and the incident never repeated itself, though the servants and guards spoke endlessly about what had happened.

Everyone understood Harrys Potter had allowed the thieves to enter solely to use them as a demonstration of strength.

Something Duncan himself also believed, truthfully speaking.

And speaking of Lord Harrys…

-Duncan, ready for training?- asked the young Lord Potter while Howard and the veteran guards began brushing and bathing the hippogriffs.

Another habit Duncan did not fully understand, though one he had slowly begun adopting himself, bathing every day and using the so-called…cleaning products Lady Lily provided.

At first he failed to understand the use or necessity of such things, but then Duncan began noticing certain…curious reactions.

For example, Darina no longer charged him for washing his clothes, Dana always served him far more food and an extra dessert with his meals, or the utterly unsubtle caresses the women had begun giving him.

One thing led to another and before long he found himself between the thighs and sheets of the young cook, who had been remarkably…vigorous and wild that night.

Duncan still trembled remembering the exquisite sensation of pain across his back caused by Dana’s nails.

However, the pleasant thoughts vanished from the knight’s mind the moment he saw Lord Harrys walking toward him.

His intention to speak with Duncan more than obvious.

-My Lord!- Duncan said while bowing his head respectfully.

-Duncan, Egg- Harrys answered with a smile, a faint layer of sweat covering his body from hours spent flying.

-I have something for you, come with me- ordered Harrys with a small enigmatic smile, immediately intriguing both Duncan and Egg as he walked toward the rear section of the Potter encampment, leaving knight and squire thoroughly confused.

-Do you know what he wants?- asked the young prince, though Duncan merely shrugged and began following Lord Harrys.

-No, but we shall find out soon enough- the tall knight answered with determination.

Knight and squire walked naturally behind the young Lord, who had stopped before a tree, his magnificent Valyrian steel spear resting within his hands while he appeared completely lost in thought.

Once they arrived, Lord Harrys finally began speaking.

-I had a conversation with Lyonel regarding a certain…incident that occurred during the trial, involving the young Fossoway- said Lord Harrys, causing an icy sensation to crawl down Duncan’s spine.

Lord Harrys turned calmly toward him, staring directly into his eyes before continuing.

-Lyonel mentioned that when Raymun knelt and requested to be knighted so he could fight at our side…you did not know how to respond- his Lord said with a calm and steady voice.

Duncan lowered his gaze while swallowing with difficulty, his hands trembling while breathing itself became hard.

-You are not a knight, are you?- his Lord asked, no accusation within his voice, only complete certainty.

Duncan, still staring toward the ground and overwhelmed by shame, simply shook his head, unable to answer properly.

-I see- Lord Harrys answered cautiously, causing Duncan to sigh heavily before finally speaking.

-I…I shall gather my things and leave tomorrow my Lord, I…- Duncan began heavily.

Duncan knew this was far too good to last, that his fortune in finding a great Lord, good people and a promising future could never survive his luck, that he would always remain nothing more than a damned rat from Flea Bottom and that—

However, Ser Duncan’s destructive thoughts were interrupted by Harrys’ firm voice.

-Enough Duncan, I am not dismissing you from my service- Lord Potter declared firmly, causing Duncan to lift his gaze in complete shock, utterly unable to believe what he had just heard while Egg stared beside him with naked hope.

-I am not?- Duncan asked incredulously, uncertainty plain upon his face while Egg looked equally hopeful.

-Of course not Duncan, but if there exists a single man in the Seven Kingdoms deserving of the title of Ser, then it is you. Therefore…we simply need to solve that small inconvenience- Lord Harrys declared with a smile and before the emotional and disbelieving eyes of Duncan and Egg, the spear within Lord Potter’s hand began glowing with mysterious and arcane golden light.

-Magic!- Egg whispered, completely astonished as Lord Harrys’ spear transformed entirely and gave way to a beautiful Valyrian steel sword.

It was…

Simply magnificent.

It overshadowed even Dark Sister itself, designed perfectly for one or two hands alike.

A literally flawless weapon.

A blade worth entire kingdoms.

Wars had been fought over Valyrian steel according to Egg and Duncan had absolutely no reason to doubt him.

Lord Harrys moved the sword through the air with enviable mastery, his full attention focused upon the act while he remained lost within his own thoughts.

Duncan did not know what those melancholic emerald eyes concealed, but they were filled with longing and…something else he could not quite identify.

-Kneel, Dunk of Flea Bottom- commanded the powerful Lord while staring toward the enormous young man with determination.

Egg gasped beside him, but Duncan scarcely heard it.

Those words from Lord Harrys…

They were a dream come true.

The greatest desire of young Dunk, who had followed Ser Arlan like a starving dog for weeks.

The greatest dream of a young squire.

And now that moment had finally arrived.

-Ser Harrys- Duncan whispered with a choked voice while lowering himself slowly onto one knee, his gaze filled entirely with uncertainty and yearning focused upon Lord Harrys.

And the instant the great young man felt the weight of the sword upon his shoulder…

Everything around him froze.

And Lord Potter began to speak.

-In the name of the Father…I charge you to be brave- Lord Harrys declared toward an overwhelmed Duncan, whose eyes now burned with tears threatening to fall.

The weight of Lord Harrys’ sword shifted toward his other shoulder as the oath continued.

-In the name of the Warrior… I charge you to be just-

Duncan felt pressure building inside his chest, a strange sensation for him, his entire body trembling while he struggled to comprehend what was happening.

-In the name of the Maiden… I charge you to protect women-

-In the name of the Crone… I charge you to protect the weak-

The weight of Ser Harrys’ words settled upon Duncan’s shoulders, not as privilege nor burden, but as an immense responsibility.

One he accepted gladly.

And once more, Ser Harrys shifted the sword across Duncan’s shoulders…and the final part of the oath was spoken.

-In the name of the Mother… I charge you to protect the young and innocent-

With the final part of the oath spoken, Ser Harrys removed the sword from Duncan’s shoulders and stepped back, looking toward Duncan with solemn pride.

-Rise, Ser Duncan the Tall, Shield of the Innocent, knight of the Seven Kingdoms- intoned Lord Harrys, a proud smile resting upon his face while offering Duncan his hand.

Without contempt.

Without mockery.

Without superiority.

In that moment they were not vassal and Lord, knight and Ruler.

For that single instant…

They were simply two knights, equals beneath the eyes of the Seven.

And all of Duncan’s composure shattered.

Unable to stop himself, traitorous tears began running down his face while he rose to his feet feeling prouder and stronger than ever before.

Dunk of Flea Bottom had vanished.

And Ser Duncan the Tall had taken his place.

A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms.

-Thank you my Lord- Duncan said, his voice broken and his gaze filled with gratitude.

Lord Harrys smiled softly and, placing a hand upon Duncan’s shoulder, answered.

-Continue being the man you already are, protect the innocent and never forget your honor, and we shall be even- he said with a smile before granting privacy to the newly made knight.

Ser Duncan looked toward Egg, who smiled brilliantly beside him.

-Will you train me with the sword Ser Duncan?- asked the young prince with a conspiratorial grin, emphasizing the word Ser.

Duncan smiled…

Nodding while walking beside the young prince toward the training grounds.

Neither of them suspected that the adventures of Dunk and Egg had only just begun.

Harrys Potter, Starfall Crypts – Dorne

Lord Harrys of noble House Potter stared impassively toward the plaque.

It was beautiful.

A genuine work of art.

But…

It was cold and lifeless, nothing resembling what Dyana Dayne had been in life, a warm woman full of smiles and laughter whom Harrys remembered with immense affection.

Within his hands rested a crown of peninsular gardenias, the princess’ favorite flowers while she lived.

Slowly and delicately, Harrys placed the ornament upon the crypt.

-So you may have a small piece of the outside world within your place of eternal rest, Aunt Dyana- he said with a sad smile.

At least until a familiar voice interrupted the silence.

-Her favorites, she would appreciate the gesture- said a feminine voice, painfully familiar to Harrys.

-I know- he answered without turning around, already sensing Daella’s delicate footsteps approaching behind him.

-You did not forget. You are the second person to visit this place today- the princess declared while positioning herself beside him, her gaze impassively fixed upon the plaque carrying her mother’s name.

-I assume Prince Maekar was the first to visit this place. He always disagreed with this being her resting place, the princess preferred open fields and enormous trees- Harrys answered quietly.

-I expected to find your mother here, truthfully speaking- Daella admitted distractedly while slowly brushing her delicate fingers across her mother’s plaque.

Harrys frowned slightly before sighing.

-My mother…is a complicated matter. I am certain she shall visit her old friend tonight once…-

Daella interrupted him.

-Once my dear uncle Baelor stops monopolizing her time and body, I am sure- she answered.

There was no mockery in her voice.

None of Shiera Seastar’s poisonous teachings.

For one brief moment, Harrys glimpsed the Daella he remembered so fondly.

-I waited for you, you know?- she suddenly admitted calmly, her gaze never leaving her mother’s resting place.

Harrys frowned deeply before answering.

-I do not know what you mean- he declared impassively, concealing the thousand buried emotions beneath his calm tone.

Daella remained silent for a long while, unconsciously tracing her fingers over the plaque beneath them.

-I thought that…when my grandfather broke the engagement, you would fight for it, that you would find a way to force the marriage through. In my mind I imagined Harrys Potter challenging the Crown itself for our betrothal…- the princess admitted, clearly lost within the fantasy she had cherished for years.

Harrys remained silent, simply staring ahead and allowing her to continue.

-But…it never happened. You left King’s Landing, created your empire and your influence continued growing, along with your wealth and your armies. Part of me was excited, I believed every action you took was merely the next step before your final confrontation with grandfather, that you would fight publicly for the right to marry me before every Lord in the realm. A story worthy of being remembered for generations-

Harrys could not stop himself from frowning before sharply replying.

-Curious…the reports from my spies were quite clear. Those little adventures with stable boys, bards and that young knight who disappeared rather discreetly seem to disagree with the love you claim to have for me- Harrys answered, old wounds surfacing violently.

The princess did not look toward him, yet responded with the fury of a dragoness.

-Curious, I did not believe there would be any issue with those insignificant affairs considering your own adventures with the Stark bitch, or perhaps sweet Bella finally managed to keep your bed warm all those years- she spat with cold determination, the reproach in her voice unmistakable.

And Harrys did not answer.

Because she was right after all.

-I see Seastar’s informants are remarkably efficient- Harrys finally answered, a dangerous edge coating his voice while Daella once more focused her attention upon her mother’s plaque.

-But then…I hear of the curious engagement to that small and painfully bland Ashford girl. Pretty enough, I suppose. Obedient and eager to please, just like every other Lady in the realm. I imagine her fat father kissed the ground you walked upon to secure the marriage- Daella continued with apparent calmness, though the fury burning within her violet eyes was impossible to miss.

An uncomfortable silence grew between them.

Heavy.

Suffocating.

One destined to explode sooner or later.

-Lord Sorcerer Harry of noble House Potter…a powerful title for a man rising so quickly. Have you breed the little whore already? I know your carnal appetite, you shall devour little Gwyn alive, training and taming her like some obedient little bitch- Daella declared cruelly.

Making Harrys immediately frown and snap with fury.

-Leave Gwyn out of this. She is a good woman and does not deserve to be sullied by your venomous tongue- he spat angrily, causing Daella to finally look directly toward him, her eyes overflowing with fury and…something else entirely.

Treason.

-Then why? If you have been a powerful sorcerer for years, why did you not reveal your secret long ago and take me as your wife? Why now? Why? WHY!?- Daella screamed furiously, tears of helpless rage and betrayal pouring freely down her face.

Harrys stared toward her firmly before answering.

-It was not my decision. My mother forced the secret into the open when she saved your uncle. Had it been my choice I would have...-

Daella interrupted him instantly.

-You would have let him die, I know. I suppose you would have considered it sweet vengeance, the death of one of the men responsible for your precious master’s death- Daella spat venomously, wounded and furious, desperate to hurt him as deeply as possible.

Harrys did not answer.

But the fury burning within his emerald eyes revealed the entire truth.

Daella was right after all.

-This is not over Harrys, you know that perfectly well- the princess declared while turning her back toward him, her full attention returning toward her mother’s tomb.

Harrys did not need to be a genius to realize she was crying silently, overwhelmed by helplessness and desperation.

-It is over. I shall marry Gwyn within months and you…I assume you shall eventually be sent away to some Lord or highborn knight- Harrys answered, the mockery and resentment within his voice painfully obvious, the humiliation from years ago still burning with hatred and fury.

Daella’s response?

A bitter laugh.

-Do you truly believe you shall marry little Ashford? Gods Harrys…you know perfectly well what my grandfather is capable of. You know how his mind works, you know exactly what he shall attempt. Even I know it- Daella answered, her voice heavy with emotion and threatening to break entirely.

-But I no longer care. Go to your little whore Harrys, enjoy her skin, her cunt and her moans while you still can. Both of us know this has only just begun. We know Daeron Targaryen after all-

Harrys frowned deeply, preparing to respond, though Daella interrupted him one final time.

-Leave please Lord Potter. I wish to remain alone with my mother- Daella declared quietly, ending the conversation abruptly and refusing to continue any further.

Harrys remained silent and without another word turned around and departed from the crypts, leaving behind an overwhelmed princess.

And far more problems than he initially expected.

Because at that precise moment…

Prince Maekar was receiving a message from King’s Landing carrying very specific orders.

Orders that would plant discord between the already strained relationship of House Potter and House Targaryen.

Things had only just begun.