The sun burned high in the sky, casting golden light over the Wende River, while a sharp sea breeze swept inland, carrying the scent of salt and wet mud. Gaimon stood on a gentle rise near the river's mouth, observing the landscape spread before him. As the tide receded, vast mudflats were revealed, teeming with life stranded by the retreating water. Fish and shellfish wriggled helplessly on the sand, while crabs scuttled busily across the wet surface.
Above the flats, a swarm of birds wheeled in the sky, their cries carrying over the wind. They were drawn here by the bounty left behind by the sea, ready to feast on the exposed creatures. Gaimon's eyes followed their flight, tracking their movements with a calm and calculating gaze. He had always loved observing nature, not just for the beauty of it, but for the lessons it offered about strategy, survival, and opportunity.
Before long, a rapid thundering approached from behind. Gaimon turned to see the familiar figures of the Order of the Golden Fleece galloping toward him. They had departed with him early in the morning, but Gaimon had chosen to fly ahead on Bahamut, his dragon, to survey the terrain from above. Now, they arrived, dust rising behind them as their horses tore across the open land.
"Your Highness, we are here," Jon called, his voice carrying easily in the open air.
Gaimon nodded, lowering his gaze from the birds circling above. "Tell me, Jon," he said, "what do you think of this place? Is it suitable for building a city?"
Jon wiped sweat from his brow, then straightened his posture. "Your Highness, this land is fertile and rich. Rarely have I seen a river mouth with such abundance." He gestured toward the flats and the river. "Yet, I would advise against building the city here, so close to the mouth of the river."
Gaimon tilted his head slightly, listening. Jon continued, his tone measured and serious. "Mudflats and swamps dominate this area. If we were to establish a city here, it would demand immense manpower and resources just to make it habitable. A safer, more practical location would be further inland. There, construction could proceed more efficiently, and the city would be less vulnerable to flooding or storms."
The prince remained silent, pondering Jon's words. Jon did not rush to fill the silence. "Additionally," he went on, "the surrounding land is poor for farming. Settling here would require reliance on external supplies, which is risky in the long term. But if we find a location with better terrain nearby, we can utilize the forests and stones from local manors to build strong city walls. This would save time, labor, and gold."
Gaimon's eyes narrowed slightly as he nodded in agreement. "I see that you have observed carefully. Very well. We shall continue to search for a more suitable location. This is a matter we cannot treat lightly."
Jon inclined his head respectfully. "Indeed, Your Highness. On our way here, I noticed several points that might be of interest. I would like to show them to you."
"Good. But first, let us rest briefly. This journey will continue, and we must be cautious in selecting the city site. Every detail counts."
With their plan agreed upon, the group set down their packs and replenished their water and food. Though brief, the rest rejuvenated them enough to press on. This time, Gaimon rode a horse like the others, eschewing Bahamut's wings for the stability of the earth below.
The journey continued along the river, with the group stopping periodically to survey the terrain and discuss potential sites. The first location Jon marked was near a significant bend in the Wende River, about thirty kilometers from the estuary. Here, the river's course shifted from a westward direction to the south. Gaimon carefully studied the area, taking note of the terrain on both banks, the river's flow, and the surrounding vegetation.
Despite the potential of this spot, he withheld judgment, knowing that thorough observation required patience. They continued along the river, walking and riding for hours, stopping to examine key locations and discuss the advantages and disadvantages of each. As the sun began to dip toward the horizon, they finally returned to camp, having surveyed the first stretch of river in detail.
Over the following days, Gaimon and his team traversed the Wende River multiple times. Gaimon often soared above the landscape on Bahamut's back, drawing detailed maps of the river basin and its surroundings. His goal was to fully understand the terrain, including the heights, river bends, and potential obstacles to construction.
The Wende River, he observed, was a remarkable natural asset. Stretching over 340 kilometers, it originated deep within the Imperial Forest at Youlutun, passed through Hero Territory and Haiwanlinhe, and meandered past the Wendehe Forest before finally emptying into Blackwater Bay. Its course presented both opportunities and challenges for city building and trade.
After days of careful observation, Gaimon identified a site over thirty kilometers inland from the estuary. The location offered elevated terrain on both sides of the river, ensuring protection from potential flooding. It also allowed for a stone bridge to connect the east and west banks without obstructing river traffic. This spot, he realized, could become a city of great strategic and economic significance, much like Luanhe City, where tolls alone brought prosperity.
Gaimon's mind, however, envisioned something even grander. He imagined connecting the Wende River to the Mande River, creating a waterway linking the east and west continents. Such a canal would revolutionize trade, enabling grain from the Reach to reach King's Landing swiftly, and allowing rapid response to crises across the continent. The vision was ambitious, but Gaimon knew that every grand endeavor began with a single, well-chosen step.
With plans forming in his mind, Gaimon returned to camp, enjoying daily meals of freshly hunted game. For him, this was a simple pleasure, and he relished the flavors of venison, pheasant, and fish prepared over open fires. Yet even a prince with a fondness for hunting could tire of routine. By the end of the week, after feasting on barbecue nearly every day, Gaimon found himself longing for a lighter meal. Unlike others who could wash down rich food with wine, Gaimon abstained from alcohol for health reasons, relying solely on the natural flavors of his meals.
The hunting competition itself drew to a close with King Jaehaerys triumphing in the final challenge, skewering a bound wild deer with precise skill. Exhausted from days of rigorous hunting, the participants began packing up their camps, preparing to return to their homes and territories. The royal entourage departed first, followed by nobles with distant fiefs, each heading toward their respective domains. The once-thriving forest, filled with the sound of horns, hooves, and laughter, gradually fell silent.
Yet even as the hunt ended, the land continued to teem with life. The two dragons accompanying the party roared in farewell, one high-pitched and sharp, the other deep and resonant, as they ascended into the sky. The knights, carrying banners of black and red, returned northward under their protection.
Gaimon sighed, a mixture of relief and satisfaction in his chest. "It is finally over," he said quietly. "Though I must admit, I have had enough barbecue to last me a lifetime."
The Royal Forest, seldom hunted on such a grand scale, had been abundant. Knights found game wherever they looked, and chefs struggled to keep pace with the sheer volume of meat prepared daily. Initially, Gaimon had enjoyed the hunt and the feasts that followed, but the relentless succession of grilled meats had tested even his stamina. Still, the experience left him with new maps, new knowledge of the land, and a clear vision for the city he would one day establish along the Wende River.
As the sun set over the horizon, painting the sky with shades of gold and crimson, Gaimon gazed across the river. He imagined bustling streets, markets filled with traders, and ships gliding along a canal that connected continents. He thought of the laborers who would build stone walls, the farmers who would till the fertile lands inland, and the scholars and strategists who would help turn this vision into reality.
Though the hunt was over, a greater challenge lay ahead. The task of transforming the wilderness into a thriving city, of connecting rivers and continents, and of building a lasting legacy awaited him. Yet Gaimon felt ready. His heart swelled not with greed or ambition alone, but with the promise of possibility and the knowledge that careful planning, patience, and courage could turn even the wildest dream into reality.
For now, though, he allowed himself a moment of rest. The wind carried the scent of the river, the mudflats, and the distant sea. Birds still circled overhead, oblivious to human concerns. The dragons roared in the distance, a reminder of power and freedom. And Gaimon, prince and visionary, sat among his companions, watching the world as it stretched before him, knowing that the hunt may be over, but the real journey was only just beginning.
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