Tall sails gathered in Blackwater Bay, dragonfire and waves tempered the troops

In early February of the 99th year of the Conquest calendar, at Blackwater Bay, before the morning mist had been evaporated by the rising sun, it had already been cut into pieces of silver by hundreds of sails.

The wind blew from the Narrow Sea, carrying salty, damp air, sweeping over the seahorse-patterned spear shafts of the Valerian silver ships, brushing past the grape insignia of the Redwyn Greenwood fleet, and then crashing against the lion-headed statues of the Lannister golden ships, finally blending into the black cloak of Damon Blackfyre standing on the back of the Gluttonous Dragon—this was the third day of the initial assembly of the combined fleets, and the first day of the formal commencement of unified training. The waves of Blackwater Bay were imbued with the aura of steel and dragonfire.

As Daemon leaped off the back of the Glutton, the scabbard of the Blackfyre clinked softly against the deck, and the splashed seawater clung to the soles of his boots, carrying the chill of early spring.

Corlys House Velaryon's flagship, the "Sea Snake," was anchored not far away, its silvery sails shimmering with seahorse patterns in the mist. The old Sea Snake was leaning against the gunwale, clutching a brass telescope, its lens reflecting the morning sun.

The Joint Fleet's training was often "assisted" by him, a seasoned sailor-captain, as well as the former Master of Ships and the Royal Fleet Commander. However, even with House Velaryon's historically formidable naval power, this was the first time he had commanded such a large fleet.

"Little Daemon Damon," Corlys's voice carried on the sea breeze, tinged with his usual shrewd amusement, "Your Glutton is even more energetic than yesterday. Did he steal quite a bit of the bar liquor on deck last night?"

Daemon shook his head with a smile and walked to the bow of the "Blackfyre"—this was a flagship specially arranged for him by Prince Baelon, with a configuration that even the Sea Snake would envy. The hull was reinforced with volcanic rock from Dragonstone, and eight improved crossbows were mounted on both sides of the deck. The arrows in the quiver were all tempered with Dragonglass powder.

"Good morning, Lord Corlys," he said, his gaze sweeping across the fleet in the bay, the House Velaryon ships lined up like silver fish.

The House Redwyne's Arbor ship followed closely behind, its sides lined with archers, their green-feathered arrows in their quivers particularly conspicuous;

Several golden House Lannister ships were on the west side, their hulls heavy and imposing. On their decks, heavily armored infantry, a testament to the Westerlands and the House Lannister' immense wealth, were training in formation; the clanging of their armor could be heard across the waves. "Has Viserys's fleet not arrived yet?"

"Soon," Rhaenys's voice came from behind. She was dressed in a dark, practical outfit, with a Valyrian steel dagger at her waist. Laena and Laenor were beside her, the two children peering over the ship's railing at the Grey Ghost circling low overhead. "Last night, Viserys sent a message saying that Aemma Rhaenyra were worried about him and were delayed by half an hour. But Uncle Baelon has already gone to meet him, so don't worry."

Daemon nodded, his gaze falling on several ships slowly entering the bay from a Vale to the east. The House Corbray's Three Crows Hearts fluttered on the mast, and Lyonel Corbray stood at the bow, holding the scabbard of "Lady Forlorn." When he saw Daemon looking over, he raised his hand in a sword salute.

On the ships funded by the House Bracken and House Blackwood nearby, although most of their Riverlands vessels were riverboats, it would be foolish for any of the feudal lords not to send people to the trade treaty signed by the Joint Fleet.

The archers from both sides were busy checking their bowstrings. During yesterday's training, the two sides almost came to blows on the deck because of their long-standing feud. In the end, Baelon had them compete in archery to calm them down.

"Attention, all!" Prince Belron's voice suddenly rang out from the Royal Banner. He stood atop the flagship's watchtower, his crimson robes fluttering in the wind, the dragon-patterned sword at his waist gleaming coldly in the morning sun. "Today's drills will be conducted in three groups: the Valerian, Redwyn, and the Riverlands coastal lords' fleets will form the left flank, practicing 'arrow rain coverage' and agile maneuvers; the Lannister West, the Reach, and some Riverlands coastal lords' fleets will form the right flank, practicing 'heavy armor defense' and 'fire-shielding ship raids'; the Royal Territory, the Vale, and the former Royal Fleet's fleets will form the center flank, practicing the coordinated operation of dragons and ships! Little Damon, you will take Gluttony and Grey Shadow to coordinate the left and center flanks. In case of any emergency, use Dragonfire as your signal!"

Daemon responded loudly, then turned to see Gael riding Dreamfyre flying from the direction of the Red Keep, her light purple skirt like a flower floating in the wind.

She circled once above the "Blackfyre" before gently landing on the deck, carrying a food box. "My mother asked me to bring you some hot bread, and also a star chart that Uncle Vaegon asked me to pass on—he said there will be a southerly wind this afternoon, which will be favorable for the left flank of the fleet to turn."

Daemon took the food box, his fingertips touching her hand, which still carried the warmth from riding the horse.

"Thank you for your hard work," he said, opening the food box. The bread inside was still steaming, filled with bacon and cheese. "After training, I'll take you to see the archers from Redwyne Fleet perform. Their archery skills look even better than they did at the opening ceremony of last year's Rose Field Tournament."

Gael smiled and nodded, her gaze sweeping over the soldiers on deck— Rayford Rosby was counting heads from a roster, Myles Rivers was checking the mechanisms of the ballistae, and Rupert Crabb was teaching the young men of Crab Claw Peninsula how to stand on the rocking deck.

"Sir Lyonel said the archers in the Vale are ready," she said softly, "Except the House Royce twins are still arguing about who should go first, and it took Sir William a long time to calm them down."

Daemon couldn't help but laugh, and just as he was about to speak, he heard a commotion coming from the west.

Turning around, Daemon Targaryen, riding Caraxes, landed beside the House Lannister "Golden Lion," and said something that drew laughter from the soldiers on deck.

Lord Taimond Lannister stood at the bow of the ship, his face somewhat grim, his hand gripping the silver cup tightly—clearly, the Rogue Prince was once again mocking the Westerlands soldiers' armor for being too cumbersome.

"I'll go check it out," Daemon said to Gael, then flipped onto the Glutton's back.

The Black Dragon let out a deep roar, spread its wings, and carried him toward the "Golden Lion".

As they drew near, they heard Daemon Targaryen's voice. "Your armor is as heavy as lead. If you encountered a Triarchy fast ship, you probably wouldn't even be able to draw your sword!"

"Your Big Daemon Damon!" Taimond's voice was filled with suppressed anger, "Our Westerlands's heavy armor relies on defense and impact, not on those fancy, landlubber archers from your Vale Wives!"

Daemon rode Glutton onto the sea between the two ships, his dragon claws gently touching the waves, creating ripples.

"Alright," he said helplessly, looking at Daemon Targaryen, "Have you forgotten Uncle Baelon's orders again? No fooling around during today's drill. You're in charge of the right flank's dragon and ship coordination training. If he sees you joking around with the Westerlands soldiers again, he'll definitely punish you by making you clean the deck of the ' Golden Lion '."

Daemon Targaryen pursed his lips but didn't refute the fact that he had been severely reprimanded by Baelon the night before, and if he made another mistake, he might really be confined to the ship.

"Understood," he said, leaping back onto Caraxes's back. "I'll check the right flank, but Lord Taimond, you'd better get your fireboats ready quickly, or they'll become a hindrance!"

Taimond snorted coldly, but said nothing more, only nodding to Daemon.

Regardless, Little Daemon, under the guidance of that cunning Sea Snake Corlys, helped him adjust the fireproofing system on the fire-resistant ship yesterday, making the fire-retardant coating on the hull more durable. He still had to acknowledge that favor.

When Daemon rode the Glutton back to the Blackfyre, Prince Baelon had already sounded the horn for training. The House Velaryon and Redwyne Fleet on the left flank took the lead, with Corlys commanding the silver ships to form an "arrow formation." With each rise and fall of the sails, dozens of silver ships moved swiftly through the bay like a silver lightning bolt.

Little Horas Redwyne. and House Redwyne elder brother, Alyn Redwyne, stood at the bow of the "Arbor." Under the guidance of their uncle, Big Horas Redwyne the Elder, they held up a green flag. Following his gesture, the archers simultaneously nocked their arrows, and a rain of arrows shot towards the distant target ship, each hitting the bullseye. The "adjusting the angle with the wind" technique they had practiced yesterday certainly came in handy today.

"Excellent archery!" Rhaenys, standing aboard the "Sea Snake," led the applause and amused the two children. Laena and Laenor joined in the cheers as the two children, imitating their father, used binoculars to observe the target ship.

Corlys chuckled and shook his head, "That House Redwyne kid really is like his uncle of the same name, obsessed with archery. But the methods he learned through sea waves and Storm are definitely effective; the methods from Arbor are much more practical than the books written by the Maesters of the Citadel."

Clearly, our Sea Snake Lord, as a legendary navigator renowned throughout Westeros, has had no shortage of dealings with families like House Redwyne.

Daemon didn't reply, his gaze falling on the central route—the fleets of the Crownlands and the Vale were beginning their drills.

Lyonel Corbray commanded the ships of the Vale to form a "shield," with the infantry on the decks raising their wooden shields to create an impenetrable wall.

Prince Baelon's "Royal Standard" was in the middle, and soldiers on the Watchtower waved red flags. As if receiving a signal, Vhagar in the sky suddenly swooped down from the sky, spewing towering Dragonfire onto the sea in front of the "shield array," stirring up water splashes several meters high. This was a drill of the tactic of "Dragonfire covering infantry boarding ships," which was also key to dealing with the ballistae of the Triarchy.

Grey Ghost and Glutton followed behind Vhagar. Although Grey Ghost was small, it was exceptionally agile. It skimmed low over the deck and used its Dragonfire to ignite the signal torches on both sides of the ship, guiding the fleet.

Rhaenys was also riding Meleys on the eastern flank, occasionally firing crimson Dragonfire at the distant reefs, testing the range of her firepower.

Yesterday, Larys Strong sent word that the Triarchy's ballistae had a longer range than expected, so today's drills specifically included the range of Dragonfire.

"What's going on on the right flank?" Daemon suddenly frowned and looked to the west.

The Lannister and Riverlands fleets, which should have launched their "fire-fighting raid," were instead thrown into chaos.

Daemon Targaryen circled above the fleet on his steed, Caraxes. For some reason, the fire-prevention ship's ignition system failed to light. Taimond stood at the bow, roaring angrily, as the sons of House Bracken and House Blackwood began arguing again.

"I'll go take a look!" said Gael, and rode Dreamfyre westward. Daemon followed closely behind, and the Glutton's dragon roar echoed in the bay, instantly silencing the chaotic fleet.

Upon closer inspection, it became clear that the captain of the House Bracken's fireboat had deliberately slowed down, claiming that "the House Blackwood's ships were blocking the way."

Daemon Targaryen was about to step forward to argue, but Taimond stopped him. "Your Highness, please don't be impulsive. Let Little Daemon handle this first."

Daemon landed on the deck of the Golden Lion, his gaze sweeping over the arguing sons of the two families. "The Joint Fleet is here to protect the Seven Kingdoms, not for you to fight over who's better! The House Bracken ships, turn left; the House Blackwood ships, turn right. Anyone who dares to delay will be withdrawn from the Joint Fleet and await His Majesty the King's reprimand!"

Both families lowered their heads, not daring to speak again. Daemon Targaryen seized the opportunity to direct the fire ships to their positions. With his gesture, the ten fire ships simultaneously ignited their ignition devices, their hulls instantly engulfed in flames, like ten burning meteors, rushing towards the simulated enemy ships in the distance.

Taimond's expression finally softened as he looked at the burning fireboat, and he nodded to Daemon: "Thank you again, Your Highness."

Just as Daemon was about to respond, he heard a cheer from the east side.

Turning around, the House Velaryon and Redwyne Fleet on the left flank had completed their "Arrow Rain" drill. Corlys was directing the silver ship to turn, forming a "pincer attack" with Redwyne's fleet, simulating a scenario of encircling enemy ships.

Rhaenys was now back on the Sea Snake, waving at Daemon, while Laena and Laenor excitedly pointed at the target ship in the distance.

Those target ships had been riddled with arrows and were slowly sinking into the sea.

"It's about time to practice the coordination between the dragons and the fleet," Baelon's voice came from above the "Royal Standard" as he rode on Vhagar. "Little Daemon, you lead the Glutton and Grey Ghost in a flanking attack from the left. Rhaenys and Meleys will scout from the right. Big Daemon, you'll provide Dragonfire cover in the middle!"

Daemon responded loudly, leaping onto the Glutton. The Black Dragon let out a deafening roar, spread its wings, and flew towards the simulated enemy ship on the left.

The Grey Ghost followed closely behind, nimbly weaving between ships and marking the enemy's positions with Dragonfire.

Rhaenys rode Meleys from the right, her crimson Dragonfire drawing an arc across the sea, guiding the fleet.

Daemon Targaryen rode Caraxes in the middle, his crimson Dragonfire spewing onto the deck of the simulated enemy ship. Although it didn't actually ignite, the soldiers on deck felt the threat of the Dragonfire.

Taimond commanded the Lannister heavy infantry to board the simulated enemy ship, and together with the archers from the Riverlands, quickly "cleared out" the "enemies" on the deck.

"Excellent!" Prince Baelon's voice was full of approval. "In today's drills, the left flank completed the task the fastest, and although the right flank encountered some setbacks, it ultimately met the standard. The coordination between the dragon ships in the center was the best!"

As the sun set, the drills finally came to an end. On the sea of Blackwater Bay, the ships of the Joint Fleet stood in a row, their sails stretching to the horizon, like a the Wall of steel.

Daemon rode Glutton onto the deck of the Blackfyre, his inner clothes soaked with sweat, but he didn't feel tired at all.

Gael handed over a towel, smiling as she said, "Brother Vaegon said there will be an east wind tomorrow, which is suitable for practicing the 'fleet breakout' tactic."

Daemon took the towel, wiped the sweat from his face, and glanced at the fleet in the bay— the House Velaryon Silver Fleet, the Redwyne's Arbor Ships, the Lannister's Golden Ships, the Vale's Flagships, the Riverlands ' Flagships, and the Crownlands's Dragon-patterned Ships. They came from different families, yet at this moment, they were united for the same goal.

Corlys and Rhaenys approached, the old Sea Snake holding a parchment scroll. "This is the record of today's drills. The archery accuracy on the left flank reached 90%, the coordination time of the dragon ships in the center was a quarter of an hour faster than expected, and the fire-resistant ship raid on the right flank was also satisfactory. However, the ballistae of the Triarchy are still a concern. I have already had the artisans of the House Velaryon improve the deflection shields, and they will be installed on all ships tomorrow."

Daemon took the parchment and read it carefully, "Thank you, Lord Sea Snake. Tomorrow, during the fleet breakout drill, Redwyne's archers will provide primary cover for the deflector shields, Lannister's heavy infantry will be responsible for boarding operations, and the Vale knights will hold up their shields to protect the ballistae. This will be a more reliable way to deal with the ballista threat."

Rhaenys nodded. "I'll have Laena and Laenor help with the notes. The two kids are very interested in ships, and they might come up with some different ideas."

Daemon Targaryen and Taimond also approached. The Rogue Prince, holding a wine jug, handed it to Daemon: "Thank you for getting me out of that predicament today. This is wine from Arbor; I reckon it's better than the last one you had."

Taimond added, "The fleet from the Westerlands is ready. We will be at our best for tomorrow's fleet breakout drill."

Daemon took the flask, uncorked it, and a rich aroma of liquor wafted out. He poured a glass and handed it to Prince Baelon: "Uncle Baelon, today's training went smoothly, thanks in large part to everyone's cooperation."

Baelon took the glass, took a sip, and nodded in satisfaction. "Not bad. Keep up the good work tomorrow. After training, we'll head to the Stepstones and show the Triarchy the might of the Seven Kingdoms Joint Fleet!"

The afterglow of the setting sun spilled onto the sea, turning the water golden.

The sails of the Joint Fleet swayed gently in the wind, the roar of the dragons intertwined with the rustling of the sails, like a prelude to the upcoming battle.

Looking at the scene before him, Daemon recalled that morning on Dragonstone in the ninety-seventh year of the Conquest calendar —back then, he was just a lone soul who had just traveled to a hundred years ago, all alone. But now, he had partners to fight alongside him, and people to protect.

He raised the wine jug, faced the setting sun, and drank it all in one gulp. The rich aroma of the wine spread across his tongue, carrying a hint of the warmth of Arbor.

Tomorrow's training awaited him, and the battle of the Stepstones beckoned from the front, but at this moment, he only wanted to enjoy this moment of peace.

Because he knew that when the sails of the Joint Fleet sailed toward the Narrow Sea, he would lead this iron army to end the maritime threat posed by the Triarchy, to protect the world of a century ago, and to fulfill his promise to everyone.

The wind in the bay gradually picked up, blowing Daemon's black cloak and the dragon-patterned flag on the deck.

The Glutton hovered above the ship, letting out a deep dragon's roar, as if in response to his resolve. Daemon gripped the Blackfyre tightly in his hand, the dragon patterns on the scabbard gleaming coldly in the setting sun. This sword had witnessed the bloody battles of the Red Grassland and protected the peace of the Crab Claw Peninsula with him; now, it would continue to accompany him, writing his own glorious chapter amidst the waves of the Stepstones.