Dragonfire Burns the Raiders, Heads Sent to Their Kin

The twilight at Dragon's Roost Port carries the unique salty smell of the sea. The setting sun dyes the sea surface into a molten gold, and the sails of the ships on the dock glow with a warm red in the afterglow. It should have been a tranquil moment, but it was broken by the sound of rapid hoofbeats.

Jarman Waters rode his horse swiftly across the cobblestone road, his one eye gleaming sharply in the twilight. Behind him followed two panting Shadow Guards, their armor still smeared with grass and mud.

"Your Highness! Our Shadow Guards have discovered that Bloodtooth Pyke's remnants, numbering around fifty, have gathered at Stony Bay, thirty miles north of the peninsula. They've seized three dilapidated merchant ships and seem to be planning to plunder passing vessels!"

Jarman dismounted, his usually calm voice now tinged with urgency, "They've also kidnapped several fishermen from a nearby village, apparently intending to take them hostage or use them to threaten us!"

Daemon stood on a high platform on the castle foundation, watching the sunset alongside Gael. The Blackfyre was slung across his waist. Upon hearing the news, his gentle demeanor vanished, and his eyes sharpened like knives.

Gael's hand tightened slightly, a hint of worry flashing in her light purple eyes. "Should we go ourselves? Colin and Alyn can go."

"We must go." Daemon grasped her hand, his fingertips conveying a steady strength. "Pyke's remnants are a threat. Without eliminating them, the trade routes to Dragon's Roost Port will never be peaceful. Moreover, this is a perfect opportunity to settle this old score."

He turned to Rayford behind him and instructed, "Immediately notify Colin and Alyn to bring ten fast boats and assemble at the dock in half an hour."

Lyonel and Rupert led two hundred private soldiers to encircle the area by land, blocking the land exit from Stony Bay;

Arad and Jorvik, along with their Shadow Guards, infiltrated the fishing village ahead of time to rescue the kidnapped fishermen.

"Yes, sir!" Rayford responded and left, his steps light as he relayed the order.

Watching his retreating figure, Gael whispered, "Be careful, or the Glutton will follow you."

"Don't worry," Daemon said, lowering his head to kiss her forehead. "I'll be back before dark."

Half an hour later, the dock was brightly lit.

The sails of ten fast ships were already raised, and the scarlet and black Targaryen dragon variants stood out vividly in the twilight.

Colin stood at the bow of the flagship, holding a battle map in his hand, his fingertips tracing the location of Stony Bay: "Stony Bay is full of reefs. The pirate ships are hiding in the natural caves on the west side. We'll flank them from the north and south, blocking their retreat."

Alyn stood to the side, while Little Horas behind him inspected the ballistae. The boy's eyes were focused. "Our ship is lighter and faster than the pirate ship. They definitely can't withstand a head-on attack. Plus, with the Glutton's Dragonfire, they won't be able to escape."

Lyonel, clad in silver armor, and the "Lady Forlorn," gleaming with a cold light, followed by Rupert and two hundred private soldiers, boarding the transport ship one after another. "We'll arrive by land ahead of time and seal off the cave's land exit, preventing a single pirate from escaping."

Daemon rode Glutton down from the sky, his black dragon scales gleaming dark gold under the dock lights. Grey Ghost curled up on his shoulder, emitting a low dragon roar.

He landed on the flagship, his gaze sweeping over the crowd. "Remember, leave them alive. I want to personally ask those remnants of Pyke's gang who gave them the audacity to cause trouble near Dragon's Roost Port."

The fleet slowly sailed away from the dock. Gael stood on the high platform, watching the sails gradually disappear into the distance. Mysaria and Johanna stood behind her, while Brienne and Lia gripped their sword hilts, watching the sea warily, fearing any unexpected events.

Alys Rivers walked up to her, her green cloak billowing in the evening breeze. "Don't worry, with the Glutton around, those pirates won't be able to cause any trouble."

Bethany joined in, her eyes brimming with excitement. "I really want to see the scene of Dragonfire burning the pirate ship; it must be spectacular!"

Gael didn't speak, but just clutched the silk handkerchief in her hand tightly, her gaze following the direction of the fleet.

Night fell even faster at Stony Bay, and by the time the last rays of the setting sun disappeared below the horizon, the fleet had already reached its destination.

On the rocky coastline, three dilapidated merchant ships were moored at the entrance of the cave, with tattered black flags flying on them. Pirates could be vaguely seen drinking and making noise on the deck, while cries for help from fishermen could be heard from deep within the cave.

"Begin the operation." Daemon gave the order, and the Glutton spread its wings, spewing down jet-black Dragonfire from the sky, instantly igniting the outermost pirate ship.

The flames were particularly glaring in the twilight, and the pirates screamed and fled in all directions, plunging the once bustling dock into chaos.

"Attack!" Colin drew his longsword, and the flagship rammed into the pirate ship in the middle. The sound of the ships colliding was deafening. The sailors jumped onto the enemy's deck and began to fight the pirates.

Alyn's fleet flanked the pirates from the south, raining down crossbow bolts. Little Horas's ballista struck the pirate ship's sails precisely, tearing them instantly. The pirate ship lost power and spun around on the sea.

Lyonel and Rupert's private army had arrived by land and blocked the cave's exit.

Lyonel, wielding the "Lady Forlorn," flashed his sword, and two fleeing pirates instantly fell to the ground. His silver armor gleamed coldly in the firelight. "Lay down your weapons, and I'll spare your lives!"

The pirates, already terrified by the Dragonfire, were now surrounded on land and at sea, and they threw down their weapons and surrendered. Only a few die-hards continued to resist, but they were quickly subdued by Colin and Alyn's men.

Daemon landed on the open ground at the cave entrance on his Glutton. Grey Ghost jumped off his shoulder and let out a low growl towards the depths of the cave, frightening the pirates inside into immobility.

"Bring Pyke out." Daemon's voice was icy, and the Blackfyre was drawn, its tip gleaming coldly.

Two fleet sailors dragged a wounded man out of a cell in the ship's hold; it was none other than "Bloodtooth" Pyke.

At this moment, his hair was disheveled, and a hideous scar marked his face. He instantly showed a venomous look in his eyes when he saw Daemon, but when he saw Glutton, a hint of fear flashed in his eyes.

"Daemon Blackfyre! Don't get cocky!" Pyke roared, struggling to stay awake. "I am the younger brother of Lord Gorne Greyjoy, the Lord King of the Iron Islands! If you dare touch me, Lord Gorne will not let you get away with it!"

Daemon raised an eyebrow, a hint of amusement flashing in his eyes alongside his surprise. "Gorne's brother? I seem to remember his two brothers, Uragon died at Eagle Cape Dagon disappeared in Lannisport. When did you come along?"

"I am his younger brother who was separated from his family in his early years!"

Seeing that threats were ineffective, Pyke softened his tone and began to beg for mercy, "I know I was wrong. I shouldn't have plundered Your Highness's Dragon's Roost Port shipping route. Please spare my life. I'm willing to serve you and help you fight against the enemies of the Iron Islands!"

"Serve?" Myles Rivers stepped out from the crowd, his dark face full of mockery. He and Tybolt Crakehall led several pirate captains over. "Why don't you take a good look at yourself! Gorne Greyjoy's two brothers, one was killed by His Highness's sword, and the other was defeated and disappeared without a trace. Who do you think you are? Daring to beg for mercy in front of His Highness!"

Tybolt echoed, his longsword pointed at Pyke's throat. "When you were raiding the fishing village and killing the fishermen, did you never think of begging for mercy? Now that you've fallen into our hands, you only have death to face!"

Pyke's face turned deathly pale. He wanted to say something more, but Daemon raised his hand to signal, "No need for further words. All pirates today, behead them all. Pack their heads together and send them to the Iron Islands to Gorne Greyjoy. Tell them that my Dragon's Roost Port's shipping lanes are not to be trifled with; this is the fate of those who oppose my Dragon's Roost Port."

"Yes, sir!" Myles and Tybolt responded in unison, picked up their battle axes, dragged Pyke and the pirate captain, and headed towards the open space on the shore.

The last rays of the setting sun fell on the guillotine, where the Glutton Dragonfire still burned the dilapidated pirate ship, the firelight illuminating the pirates' terrified faces.

A flash of sword light, and heads fell to the ground, blood staining the beach red.

Daemon stood to the side, his eyes calm and devoid of any pity—these pirates had committed countless atrocities, plundering merchant ships and murdering fishermen; they deserved to die long ago.

The House Royce twins had rescued the kidnapped fishermen, who repeatedly kowtowed to Daemon in gratitude, their eyes filled with thanks.

After dealing with the pirates, Daemon had the heads packed into wooden crates and sent two trusted sailors to the Iron Islands overnight.

The fleet began its return voyage, the Glutton circling high in the sky, the dark dragon shadows intertwining with the shimmering waves on the sea, and in the night, the lights of Dragon's Roost Port drew ever closer.

It was already late at night when we returned to Dragon's Roost Port.

Gael was still standing on the dock waiting when she saw the fleet return. She immediately rushed forward, her eyes filled with joy. "You're back?"

Are you alright?

Daemon stepped off the ship, took her hand, his fingertips slightly cool. "It's alright, it's all resolved. Pyke and the remnants have been beheaded, the Dragon's Roost Port shipping route is now safe."

Gael breathed a sigh of relief and leaned on his shoulder, "It's good that you're back. I was so worried about you."

Mysaria and Johanna stepped forward and offered the warmed ale, while Brienne and Lia smiled with relief.

In a corner of the camp not far away, Ellyn Beesbury and Maester Maron turned deathly pale when they saw Daemon return and the pirate head being carried off the ship.

Looking into Daemon's cold eyes, their fear intensified, and they dared not harbor any further thoughts of spying. They only wanted to leave this place that terrified them as quickly as possible.

Bethany stood by the medical station's light, her eyes brimming with excitement. "I've heard everything! The scene of the Dragonfire burning the pirate ship was truly spectacular. Prince Daemon, you looked so brave wielding your sword!"

Alys Rivers stood beside her, glancing at her indifferently without saying a word, but in her heart she was thinking that Daemon's methods were becoming increasingly ruthless, which might not necessarily be a bad thing for the threats they would face in the future.

The followers returned to camp one after another. Colin and Alyn were checking the damage to the ships, Lyonel and Rupert were counting the spoils, Rayford was recording the losses of the operation with Tommen House Peake, and the House Royce twins were reporting on the resettlement of the fishermen. Everyone was doing their job, their faces showing the exhaustion and joy of victory.

Daemon held Gael's hand as they stood on the high platform, looking down at the bustling crowd below. The returning Glutton lay not far away, with Grey Ghost curled up beside them. Dreamfyre circled and patrolled high in the sky, and pale blue dragon wings swept across the night sky.

On the distant Narrow Sea, Racallio's merchant ships were already faintly visible, the "bone and sword" emblem on their sails appearing and disappearing in the moonlight.

"Racallio's ship has arrived," Gael said softly, her gaze fixed on the sea.

Daemon nodded, a barely perceptible hint of understanding flashing in his eyes. "Perfect, let him see the consequences of going against Dragon's Roost Port."

As night deepened, the lights of Dragon's Roost Port remained bright. News of the pirates' annihilation spread throughout the port, and the refugees and fishermen cheered with joy, their awe of Daemon growing even stronger.

Ellyn Beesbury and Maester Maron huddled in their tent, trembling with fear, daring not to make another move.

Bethany was still writing something down, the fervor in her eyes undiminished;

Alys Rivers was organizing herbs at the medical station, a mysterious smile playing on her lips.

Daemon knew that this was just a small episode in the development of Dragon's Roost Port, and there would be more challenges in the future. But as long as he had Gael by his side, these loyal followers, and the protection of Dragonfire, he could protect this land and this hard-won peace.

The news that the head had been sent to the Iron Islands would let Gorne Greyjoy know the might of Dragon's Roost Port and strike fear into the hearts of the pirates of the Narrow Sea.

Racallio's arrival may bring new opportunities and challenges; the story of Dragon's Roost Port continues.