Roads to Power

299 AC, Fair Isle

The wind howled across the deck of the Ravenous Tide as Damien surveyed the smoldering remains of Lord Hawlaw's flagship. The skirmish had been brutal but swift. Damien's blade, newly claimed from Lord Hawlaw himself, gleamed ominously in the pale light of dawn. It was a masterpiece of Valyrian steel, its dark ripples catching the light like waves upon a stormy sea. He had named it Widow's Wail for the cries that echoed as its edge drank life from its victims.

Damien cleaned the blade with meticulous care as he reflected on the night's events. The rebellion had given him much—a reputation forged in blood, respect begrudgingly granted by high lords, and now this weapon, a symbol of his ascension.

The rebellion, however, was far from over. The Ironborn's strength had been severely diminished, but their defiance burned bright, like a moth drawn to a flame. But for that, he was elated that many opportunities that were still apparent or would arise were ripe for the taking that would significantly increase his standing and that of his house. However, reality set in, careful not to get too lost in the sauce as the price of death still loomed.

Trouble in the Vale

The rebellion's effects rippled beyond the Iron Islands. The chaos emboldened smugglers and raiders from the Three Sisters in the Vale. Long-skilled in deception, these islanders exploited the realm's turmoil to increase their illicit activities. Worse still, the mountain clans—wild and untamed—descended from their strongholds to raid the lowlands with renewed vigor.

Jon Arryn, Warden of the East and Hand of the King, stretched himself thin. The demands of maintaining peace in King's Landing left little room for addressing the Vale's mounting unrest. His bannermen clamored for action, but resources were scarce. Desperation turned to relief as news arrived of Stannis's actions.

Stannis, ever the dutiful commander, took decisive measures. Leading a fleet to Sisterton, he delivered a harsh lesson to the smugglers of the Three Sisters. Twelve men—friends of Lord Godric Borrell—were hanged as an example, their bodies swaying in the cold sea air. Stannis's ultimatum to Lord Borrell was clear: should the Night Lamp go dark again to lure ships to their doom, the punishment would be swift and merciless.

Damien played a crucial role in suppressing the rebellion's peripheral threats. His presence at Sisterton added weight to Stannis's words, and his reputation as a relentless enforcer ensured compliance. Together, they ended the Three Sisters' lawlessness and gave Jon Arryn the breathing room needed to stabilize his lands.

The rebellion reached its zenith on the island of Pyke. King Robert Baratheon himself led the assault, accompanied by his childhood friend, Eddard Stark. Lordsport was razed, and the nearby Botley castle reduced to rubble as Robert's forces unleashed their fury. The southern wall of Pyke's ancient fortress bore the brunt of siege engines, their relentless assault shaking the very foundations of Greyjoy power.

Damien and Stannis arrived as reinforcements, their fleet anchoring off the coast to prevent any escape. Damien's command of a detachment ensured that no Ironborn longship slipped through the blockade. The young lords efficiency earned him a place among the king's council of war, where his insights into the Ironborn's tactics proved invaluable.

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Next chapter will include pov/thoughts of other lords and soldiers. Hope you enjoyed

Power Stones!!!!!!!!!