Gifts from the East.

Aegon with the company of Ser Arthur Dayne, entered the Great Hall of the Red Keep from the king's personal entrance. Once inside, the king met eyes with members of his small council and his Kingsguard knights. Aegon immediately turned away to walk up the steps and take his place on the Iron Throne. The great hall on any other day, would contain a thousand people on a royal feast or a dozen or so courtiers giving their praise and adoration to the king. But besides the Kingsguard and counsel, the hall was silent.

Aegon sat upon the throne of his house. 18 kings sat here before him. Five of them were also named Aegon. The conqueror, the usurper, the dragonbane, the unworthy, and the unlikely. A small part of the young king's mind would often ponder, what name would they give him in the stories and songs.

“You may address the court lord Jon Connington.” Aegon spoke.

“I apologize for the sudden call to court but a merchant band from Essos arrived to the keep requesting an audience.” Said the griffin lord.

“When did we start granting royal audiences to worthless merchants.” Said a slightly annoyed Stannis.

“They claim to be business associates of King Rhaegar.” Said Varys.

Aegon’s intrigue peaked when his fathers name was said. His father was in Essos when he died. May yes these merchants had information about his fathers activities. Plus whatever arrangements he had made in the east.

“Bring them before me.” Aegon commanded. The griffin signaled to the gold cloaks at the hall doors and opened them. A group of men walked in, A couple of them were carrying things. Items wrapped in cloth. The men themselves were dressed like nobles. No poor merchant would wear cloth this finely sewn. A few of them carried chests of various sizes. These were very rich merchants who approached the throne and knelt in respect.

“You stand in the presence of Aegon Targaryen, Sixth of his Name, King of the Andals, the Rhoynar, and the First Men, Lord of the seven kingdoms and protector of the realm.” Said the Hand of the king.

“I am Quirrio Mazz. is an honor to have an audience with the iron throne your grace. And let me start by offering condolences for the passing of your father.” The merchant said.

“How do you know my father?” Aegon asked.

“Before his passing, your father hired us to transport certain valuable cargo to kings landing.”

”May we inquire about these valuables?“ Asked Lord Varys.

“We do not ask questions about our clients cargo.” Quirrio Explained. “We only take it from one place to the other.”

“How do we know King Rhaegar hired you?” The hand asked.

The merchant pulled out a document neatly sealed with string and a seal. Aegon asked one of his Kingsguard to take it and hand it to Grandmaester Pycelle. He opened the parchment and examined it intricately.

“This is Rhaegar’s handwriting I’m sure of it.” The old maester said.

While this was happening, Aegon’s mind raced with many questions. His father hired merchants from a foreign land to transport cargo back to Westeros. Whatever was kept in the chests was of great worth to the former king,

“What were my father’s instructions to you?”

“We were to deliver the cargo directly to the red keep and hand over the keys to the king.” Said the merchant. In his pocket he had a metal ring containing keys to each of the chests. “He also said only the king was allowed to open them.”

“Sir Barriston, hand me the keys.” Said Aegon. The lord commander took the keys and turned away to climb the iron steps. He handed the keys directly to the king.

“I’m assuming we have to pay you for finishing the job.” Said Tyrion opening his book of finance.

“We always demand payment in advance.” Quirrio said. “This concludes our business.”

Aegon was still a little speechless. “I thank you gentlemen for finishing this delivery. I will have men escort you to the harbor.”

“There is no need your grace. Our voyage was long and hard, so we shall take residents In the city. It was a pleasure to serve the crown of Westeros.”

The merchants were escorted out of the great hall. The counsel members gathered to the throne.

“Are we sure of the legitimacy of these merchants?” Asked Stannis.

“If they plan to stay in the city, I’m sure my little birds can dig up something.” Varys smiled.

“Do you have anything to add your grace?” Lord Jon asked.

Aegon broke his silence. “I will think about this another time.” He sighed.”Have some servants take these chests to my chambers. I must prepare for my progress to the north. Dismissed.”

Aegon rose from the throne, his back sore from sitting on the cold hard steel and he walked down the steps. The counsel had dispersed except for the spider. As if he was waiting for the king to give him the order.

“Find out who these ‘merchants’ are.” Aegon commanded.

“Of course your grace.”