The Weight of the Tides

The vast expanse of the Narrow Sea glistened like molten silver under the golden light of the setting sun as Corlys Velaryon stood on the deck of his ship, the Storm's Fury, anchored off the coast of Driftmark. The salty sea air whipped through his dark hair, carrying with it the familiar scents of tar, oakum, and the faint tang of seaweed. As he gazed out at the endless blue horizon, his mind was consumed by the turmoil brewing in the Seven Kingdoms. As the Lord of Driftmark and a member of the Velaryon family, Corlys had always walked a delicate balance between his duty to the Iron Throne and his own ambitions. His younger brothers, Monford and Aurane, often jested that he was as cunning as a sea siren, but Corlys knew that his true strength lay in his unwavering resolve. He was the eldest son of Lord Ryker Velaryon and had long been groomed to succeed him, but fate had other plans. The unexpected death of his father in a tragic shipwreck had thrust Corlys into the role of Lord of Driftmark at a young age. Since then, he had worked tirelessly to expand the family's influence and secure their position as one of the most powerful houses in the Seven Kingdoms. His marriage to a clever and beautiful lady from a neighboring house had brought him wealth, prestige, and a strong alliance. As he stood on the deck, lost in thought, a shout from the forecastle broke the silence. "Lord Corlys, a ship approaches!" The crew scrambled to prepare for the arrival of the visitor, and Corlys's gaze shifted to the horizon, where a sleek, black-hulled vessel was making its way towards the Storm's Fury. He recognized the ship as belonging to his brother, Monford, and a mixture of curiosity and concern stirred within him. What could Monford want, and why had he come to Driftmark in such secrecy? Corlys's eyes narrowed as he watched the ship dock alongside the Storm's Fury, and his brother's familiar figure emerged, flanked by a retinue of guards. The two brothers had always been close, despite their vastly different personalities. Monford, with his charming smile and silver tongue, had always been the favorite of their parents, while Corlys had been groomed for the harder, more practical tasks of ruling their house. Aurane, the youngest of the three, had often been the peacemaker between them, but Corlys had not seen his brother in many moons. As Monford boarded the Storm's Fury, Corlys descended from the quarterdeck to greet him, his eyes scanning the younger man's face for any sign of what had brought him to Driftmark. The brothers clasped each other in a firm hug, and Corlys invited Monford to join him in his quarters to discuss the reason for his visit. The door closed behind them, and the sound of raised voices and the creaking of the ship's wooden hull filled the air as the two brothers began to talk, their conversation shrouded in secrecy.