"Ha! Never mind them," Robert said with a loud laugh. "The king and the prince can tear each other apart for all I care. It's none of our business!"
He raised his cup and took a long drink of wine. Beside him, the grilled fish crackled over the fire, its skin turning golden and crisp. Robert blew on it impatiently and took a huge bite.
Hot—but delicious.
Garon smiled and nodded in agreement.
If the royal family wasn't in chaos, people like them would never have a chance to rise.
The three boys said no more, simply enjoying the sea breeze and the fresh fish as the sun dipped lower over the water.
That evening, they returned to Evenfall Hall, where Lord Selwyn Tarth hosted a generous feast in their honor. After dinner, he urged Robert and Eddard to rest early.
"We leave for Storm's End at dawn," he said. "Renly's nameday is the day after tomorrow."
Robert woke early the next morning in a clean, comfortable guest chamber.
He had barely finished dressing when the door opened and a maid stepped inside, carrying a wooden wash tray.
"Lord Robert," she said politely, "these are the toiletries prepared for you."
Robert's eyes were immediately drawn to a small object beside the water cup.
"What's this?" he asked, picking it up.
"It's called a toothbrush," the maid replied. "It's used to clean the teeth and mouth, similar to a chew stick. Lord Garon invented it himself and asked that it be given to you."
Robert blinked.
Garon invented it?
"And this?" he asked, pointing to a small box carved from whale bone.
"That is toothpaste," she said. "Apply a little to the toothbrush. It cleans more thoroughly."
Robert's interest was fully captured.
"Interesting. I'll try it!"
He took the tray and shut the door behind him.
The dark green paste had a fresh, sharp scent—stronger than sour grass, but pleasant. When he brushed his teeth, the paste foamed lightly, and he could feel each tooth being cleaned.
When he rinsed his mouth and looked in the mirror, his eyes widened.
His teeth looked whiter.
And his mouth felt unbelievably fresh.
Without hesitation, Robert slipped the toothbrush into his pocket and packed away the toothpaste as well. Then he burst from his room and ran straight to Eddard's chamber.
Ed was already brushing his teeth.
The two stared at each other in shock—then laughed.
Moments later, they stormed downstairs together to find Garon.
"Well?" Garon asked with a grin. "How does it feel?"
"Incredible!" Robert said without hesitation. "It's genius! Cleaning your teeth used to be torture—now it's enjoyable!"
"How did you fix the horsehair to the handle?" Eddard asked curiously.
Garon explained calmly. "Drill small holes in the wood, insert bundles of horsehair, secure them with fish glue, then polish the surface smooth."
"I see," Ed said thoughtfully. "That would hold."
"And the toothpaste?" Robert pressed. "What's in it?"
"Salt, wood ash, charcoal, sour grass, mint, honey," Garon replied. "And a binding agent from boiled flaxseed."
Robert stared at him like he was witnessing sorcery.
"Amazing. Are these gifts?"
"Of course," Garon said. "And I'll give you each ten more sets. Robert, Ed—I want you to give them to the lords of the Stormlands, the North, and the Vale."
Understanding dawned immediately.
"You plan to sell them," Eddard said.
Garon nodded.
"The toothbrush will sell for ten silver stags. Toothpaste—fifty silver stags per box."
"That's cheap!" Robert said eagerly.
Garon smiled but said nothing.
To nobles, it was pocket change. To common folk, it was a fortune.
After breakfast, preparations were made at once.
By midday, the group set out from Sapphire Harbor, boarding a ship bound for Storm's End.
In the afternoon sun, Storm's End rose from the cliffs like a colossal beast of stone. Dark walls clung to the rock, battered endlessly by wind and wave. The crowned stag banners of House Baratheon snapped violently in the air.
Below, the sea roared.
The ship docked in calmer waters, and waiting at the harbor stood Lord Steffon Baratheon, tall and lean, his black hair streaked with gray. Beside him was his second son, Stannis, quiet and solemn for his age.
After bread and salt were shared, they passed through Storm's End's massive gates and into the courtyard.
Brienne clutched Garon's hand tightly, her eyes shining with excitement. This was her first time leaving Tarth.
Servants soon guided the guests to their chambers.
Before parting, Lord Selwyn rested a hand on Garon's shoulder.
"Wash and rest," he said. "There will be a dinner tonight. I'll introduce you to some old friends."
Garon nodded, unaware of the calculating smile on his father's lips.
Storm's End had welcomed them.
And this visit would change far more than anyone yet realized.