Game of Thrones: The Red Dragon Lord

Gavin shook his head decisively, his tone firm. "Mance Rayder, my ship is not a tool for you to invade the Seven Kingdoms. To prevent the White Walkers from growing stronger, I'm willing to use my ships to take you and your people to the island of Skagen for refuge—but that's the extent of my offer."

Mance Rayder frowned, stepping forward with a hardened expression. "Skagen? How can such a small island possibly accommodate all my people? Gavin, you're denying us our only chance at survival."

Gavin's gaze remained steady, his voice calm yet unyielding. "I understand your situation, Mance Rayder. But invading the south and provoking war will only lead to more death and chaos. That's no solution to your problem. Worse, it will weaken the Wall, making it easier for the White Walkers to break through. A divided and chaotic Seven Kingdoms won't stand a chance against them."

Mance sneered, his voice laced with bitterness. "Death and chaos? When have the lords of the south ever cared about the lives of us free folk? They built that wall to shut us out and called us savages."

Gavin's expression remained indifferent, though his words carried weight. "Even if you succeed in crossing the Wall, Mance, what then? The White Walkers will not halt their march south. You'll face the same fate, only this time you'll face it amidst a kingdom already broken by war. Your invasion would doom everyone—including your people. That's why I offer you another way. Swear loyalty to me, and I'll see your people safely settled in lands where they can truly survive."

Mance Rayder's face twisted with anger. He waved his hand dismissively and roared, "Loyalty? You'd have us kneel? We are free folk, Gavin! We bow to no one! Never have, never will. We're born free, and we die free."

Gavin spread his hands, a faint smile tugging at his lips. "Freedom, Mance? Is that what you call raiding, plundering, and killing? When you step into another's land, shouldn't you respect the laws of that land? I don't demand blind loyalty—I offer survival in return for cooperation. Reject it, and you'll face the White Walkers alone."

Mance stood his ground, his voice firm. "We live by the laws of nature beyond the Wall. We fight to survive—that's how it's always been for the free folk."

Gavin chuckled softly, his tone turning sharp. "If you can't change the way you survive, Mance, there won't be any survival left."

Mance fell silent, his brow furrowed in thought. His eyes flickered with defiance, but there was a hint of uncertainty in his expression.

Gavin took a step closer, his voice low and resolute. "If you're thinking of seizing my ships, let me warn you—it's a fool's errand. Even if you manage to capture one or two, they'll be sunk by the fleet before you get far."

Mance snorted, attempting to mask his frustration. "You think you have us all figured out, Gavin Balerion, but you don't understand the free folk."

Gavin nodded slightly, his tone even. "Perhaps not. But I understand human nature. When faced with life or death, people often abandon their old beliefs."

His eyes shifted to Osha, who stood silently nearby. "Think about your children, Osha. Isn't it your duty to ensure they survive?"

Without waiting for a response, Gavin turned and began to walk away, his voice carrying over his shoulder. "There's still time, Mance. Think it over carefully."

Mance didn't respond, his eyes fixed on the ground as he stood in tense silence.

Transition to the Night's Watch:

Some days later, Osha sent word to Gavin that the giant had agreed to their terms and was transporting wood to Hardhome. However, the vast distance and immense quantity meant the task would take time. Gavin, after careful thought, delegated experienced captains to oversee the remaining operations. Leaving behind only armed merchant ships for defense, he ordered the remaining warships to set sail for home.

With his plans in motion, Gavin mounted his dragon alongside Daenerys and flew toward Castle Black.

The sight of the Wall came into view—a towering structure of ice and stone, stretching seven hundred feet into the sky. It gleamed in the sunlight, a stark contrast to the low, dark walls of the Black Castle below. Snow clung stubbornly to the frozen ground, even in the height of summer, casting an eerie chill over the land.

As they approached the castle on foot, guards soon noticed them. One shouted from the wall, "Who goes there? State your business!"

Gavin stepped forward, his voice carrying authority. "I am Gavin Bellerys, Lord of the Stone Archipelago. I've come with my servant to see Lord Commander Jeor Mormont. Kindly send word."

The guard frowned, his eyes scanning Gavin and the hooded figure at his side. After a moment of hesitation, he relented. "Wait here. I'll inform the Lord Commander."

Not long after, the guard returned and motioned for them to follow. "The commander will see you. This way."

Inside the Black Castle, Gavin found Jeor Mormont seated behind a sturdy wooden table, his broad shoulders and gray beard exuding an air of authority. Beside him sat Maester Aemon, his clouded eyes giving him a serene, thoughtful presence.

Mormont studied Gavin carefully, his voice gruff. "Gavin Bellerys? I've not heard of your house before."

Gavin bowed respectfully. "Lord Commander, I hold no ancient title. I earned my lands under the king's pioneering order and have since governed the Stone Archipelago. It is a remote place, which likely explains your unfamiliarity."

Mormont nodded thoughtfully. "I've heard of the Stepstones being taken. You've done well if you've made something of them."

Maester Aemon tilted his head, as if attempting to see more clearly, while Mormont continued. "So, Lord Gavin, what brings you all the way to the Wall? And why come with only a single companion?"