Irrefutable testimony, unequivocal royal commands
Aeron Harlaw, the "messenger" of the Iron Islands, was terrified by Lord Otto Hightower's outburst of anger and fled the Iron Throne Small Council hall with the help of his attendants.
Even the heavy oak doors of the conference hall slammed shut behind him, shutting out Otto's raging anger and contempt, but still failing to dispel the oppressive atmosphere and indignation that filled the hall.
The hall was deathly silent, except for the distinct sound of Otto's heavy breathing.
His chest heaved violently, his dark green robe was soaked with sweat and clung to his back, his usually meticulously combed silver hair was somewhat disheveled, and his eyes, which always carried arrogance and calculation, still burned with an unquenchable rage, as if they wanted to burn away all the remaining traces of the Ironborn.
"A bunch of ignorant fools!" Otto cursed under his breath, his fingertips still trembling slightly. Clearly, his outburst had exhausted him, but it had also released the pent-up frustration of the past two years.
Just then, Larys Strong, leaning on his cane, slowly emerged from behind his father Leonno Strong, and his brother Harwin Strong, his eyes gleaming with cunning and a faint smile playing on his lips.
He seemed to have anticipated that the Ironborn would eventually flee in disarray and had prepared a backup plan. At this moment, he took over the conversation, breaking the silence in the hall. "Lord Otto is right, these Ironborn do indeed deserve to die."
However, before His Majesty and the other officials make a decision, perhaps it is necessary to hear the testimonies of these individuals.
They were eyewitnesses who almost became playthings of the slave owners in Slaver's Bay.
As soon as he finished speaking, two soldiers dressed in Red Keep guard uniforms led the three men into the hall.
The three men were dressed in tattered clothes, and although they had been given a simple wash, the scars on their faces and the fear in their eyes were still clearly visible.
The leader was a middle-aged man whose left arm was empty; the sleeve was rolled up, revealing a gruesome scar where it had been severed.
Beside him was a young woman with a long scar on her cheek, her eyes timid yet carrying a hint of defiance;
Finally, there was a boy of about ten years old, so thin that he looked as if a gust of wind could blow him over, with dark marks left on his wrists from the chains.
"Your Majesty, Your Excellencies," the middle-aged man slowly walked to the center of the hall, knelt down on both knees, his voice hoarse yet firm, "My Arnold, and I used to be the Smith in Stoney Sept, Riverlands."
Three months ago, I took my apprentices by ship to the Westerlands to deliver an order, but we encountered a pirate ship of the Ironborn on the Summer Sea.
They killed my apprentice, cut off my arm, and locked me and other prisoners in the ship's hold, intending to sell me to Slaver's Bay! Had Prince Daemon's fleet not arrived in time, I would already be a victim of the slave owners' swords!
As he spoke, he suddenly lifted his shirt, revealing crisscrossing whip marks on his chest. "These are marks left by the Ironborn to make us obey."
They drove us like livestock, throwing us moldy wheat cakes when we were hungry and making us drink the dirty water from the bottom of the ship when we were thirsty. Countless people died of disease and starvation, and their bodies were thrown directly into the sea to feed the fish!
The young woman also knelt down, tears streaming down her cheeks and wetting her tattered robes. "My name is Ila, and I am the daughter of a proletarian knight from near Castamere in the Westerlands."
The Ironborn plundered our village, killed my parents, and kidnapped me and other young women, saying they would sell me to the nobles of Yunkai as concubines.
They humiliated us in every way along the way, and beat and kicked us for the slightest resistance.
Her voice choked with emotion, and she couldn't continue. She just clenched her fists so tightly that her nails almost dug into her palms.
The boy, supported by Arnold, timidly raised his head and spoke in a voice barely audible yet clear enough for everyone present, "My name is Tom, and my father is a knight of House Flint's Finger Flint the the North."
My father went hunting for the lord, and the Ironborn kidnapped me from our home by the sea. I saw them throw an old man who refused to board the boat into the sea, laughing and saying, "One less mouth to feed!"
The testimonies of the three eyewitnesses struck the ministers like a hammer blow, intensifying the indignation in the hall.
Lyman Beesbury clutched his chest, his face ashen, muttering repeatedly, "Seven above."
Several noble ministers from the coastal region of the Sunset Sea on the western coast of the continent looked grief-stricken, clearly aware that their own territories might have suffered similar plundering.
Even Crown Prince Baelon, who had been silent all along, frowned even more deeply, and the cold light on his silver armor seemed to carry a chill.
Larys watched this scene, a hint of satisfaction flashing in his one eye. He tapped his cane lightly and said, "My lords, please look. This is only part of the survivors we have found."
Among the slaves Prince Daemon rescued in the Summer Isles were many more commoners and nobles from across the Seven Kingdoms, whose plight was far worse than that of these three.
"The Ironborn Triangle Trade," to put it bluntly, is using the blood and freedom of the natives of the Summer Isles, but rather the blood and freedom of us Westeros, to exchange for the gold, silver, and spices of Slaver's Bay. How can such a heinous act be tolerated?"
As soon as he finished speaking, a messenger from the Red Keep strode into the hall, carrying a sealed oak box with the three-headed dragon emblem of Daemon Blackfyre on the lid.
"Your Majesty, Your Highness the Crown Prince!"
An urgent dispatch from Dragon's Roost Port, a personal document from Prince Daemon, delivered overnight by ravens!
Jaehaerys raised his hand in a gesture, and the Grand Maester Alar took the box, carefully opened it, and took out the two rolls of parchment inside.
The first volume contains Daemon's memorial to the Summer Isles, written in vigorous and powerful handwriting, detailing his interactions with the horses of Walano.
The account of Prince Marcus's alliance, including the destruction of Ironborn supply depots and the opening of trade routes, is appended with a list of Goldenheart and gems gifted by the Summer Isles, along with Prince Marcus's joint signature, proving the legitimacy of the trade alliance.
The second volume contains the impeachment proceedings against Ironborn, which lists Ironborn crimes in great detail:
The list of crimes included plundering coastal villages, kidnapping civilians and nobles, selling slaves, disrupting maritime trade, and colluding with the nobles of Slave Slaver's Bay. Each crime was accompanied by specific dates, locations, and names of victims. It even included Ironborn troop deployments at the Red Flower Vale supply point in the Summer Isles, a map of the slave transport routes, and finally, Daemon's handwritten signature and the seal of Dragon's Roost Port. Next to it was the Joint Fleet's pass stamp, which was issued by Corlys House Velaryon during his tenure as governor of the Stepstones, proving that Daemon's actions were authorized by the Joint Fleet.
The Grand Maester Alar read out the memorial and the complaint one by one, his voice echoing in the empty hall.
As one piece of evidence after another was made public, the ministers who were fortunate enough to participate in today's meeting began to murmur louder and louder, and their anger finally erupted.
"These Ironborn are utterly lawless!"
To dare openly plunder the sons of noble vassals is a provocation against the Iron Throne!
"To collude with the slave owners of Slaver's Bay is a betrayal of the Old and New Gods and the entire Westeros!"
They must be severely punished!
Prince Daemon did the right thing!
These pirates should have been wiped out long ago, otherwise our trade routes will never be peaceful!
Corlys House Velaryon stepped forward and spoke again, "Your Majesty, Prince Daemon's memorial and petition are entirely true."
As the Master of Ships, I can attest that the Ironborn slave ships have long harassed the merchant shipping routes of the Seven Kingdoms Seven Kingdoms, causing them heavy losses to trade.
Prince Daemon's alliance with the Summer Isles has opened trade routes across the Summer Sea. If the Ironborn can be completely eradicated, not only will peace be restored to the Westeros Seas, but it will also bring immense wealth to the Seven Kingdoms. The Summer Isles ' Goldenheart and gems are rare treasures in Westeros.
Bartimos Celtigar immediately chimed in, "Lord Corlys is absolutely right!"
Crab Island's fleet is willing to fully cooperate with Prince Daemon and the Joint Fleet to wipe out the Ironborn longships and protect trade routes.
The Ironborn's lair is located in the Iron Islands. With His Majesty's order, our Joint Fleet of Seven Kingdoms can blockade the entire Summer Sea, making it impossible for them to escape!
Otto stood there, his expression shifting several times.
He looked at the documents passed to him; Daemon Blackfyre's actions could be considered legal and compliant, while the Ironborn's crimes were undeniable.
It's difficult to explain; even if he wanted to find an excuse to suppress Daemon, he wouldn't know where to start.
But the resentment in his heart did not dissipate; only this time, the target of his anger was completely turned to Ironborn.
He took a deep breath, stepped forward, and said in a still sharp tone, "Your Majesty, these Ironborn of the Iron Islands are simply guilty of heinous crimes. The testimonies and documents before us are enough to sentence them to death!"
Prince Daemon's military campaign to eradicate them is a righteous act. I humbly request Your Majesty to authorize Prince Daemon to command the Joint Fleet, to completely annihilate the Ironborn, burn their longships, and destroy all their shipyards in the archipelago, so that their Black Sails will never again wreak havoc on the Seven Kingdoms!
He paused, then added, "Furthermore, the trade alliance in the Summer Isles is extremely important. I suggest that Your Majesty send envoys to Walano to formally recognize the trade agreement between the two sides, exchange envoys, and consolidate the alliance."
This will ensure the supply of materials such as Goldenheart and gems, and also allow the Summer Isles to assist us in monitoring the Ironborn forces, preventing them from making a comeback.
Jaehaerys sat on the Iron Throne, his gaze slowly sweeping over the ministers in the hall, finally settling on Baelon.
The old king's voice, though aged, carried the unquestionable authority unique to the Conciliator: "Baelon, what do you think?"
Crown Prince Baelon stepped forward, his silver armor gleaming coldly in the sunlight. His expression was composed as he replied in an official tone, "Your Majesty, the Ironborn's atrocities have aroused the wrath of the Seven Kingdoms, and their extermination is imperative. Prince Daemon's alliance with the Summer Isles has opened up new trade routes, which has benefited the Seven Kingdoms."
Your Majesty, I believe that Prince Daemon's request should be granted, authorizing him to command the Joint Fleet to exterminate the Ironborn; at the same time, envoys should be dispatched to the Summer Isles to formally sign a trade agreement; furthermore, orders should be issued to the coastal lords to assist Prince Daemon in blockading all ports of the Iron Islands, cutting off their retreat.
He paused, then added, "As for Gorne Greyjoy, the leader of the Iron Islands, if he surrenders and hands over all the pirates suspected of slave trading, he can be spared and imprisoned in the Dragonstone dungeons."
If he resists stubbornly, burn his island and exterminate his clan as a warning to others!
Jaehaerys nodded slowly, a resolute look on his aged face. "Granted."
He raised his hand, and the Grand Maester Alar immediately took out a blank scroll of parchment, ready to record the king's decree.
The old king's voice echoed in the hall, each word carrying immense weight. "First, I authorize Prince Daemon Prince Blackfyre to lead the Westeros Joint Fleet, along with the fleets of the coastal lords, to wipe out the Iron Islands pirates, destroy their slave transport routes and supply points, and rescue all the captured slaves;
Secondly, an imperial envoy was dispatched to Walano in the Summer Isles to formally sign a trade alliance agreement, exchange envoys, and jointly safeguard trade security in the Summer Sea and the Narrow Sea;
Third, strip Gorne Greyjoy of his title as King of the Iron Islands and strip him of his peerage; if he refuses to surrender, kill him without mercy.
Fourthly, issue an order to the Seven Kingdoms: anyone who assists in eradicating the Ironborn will be rewarded with one hundred pieces of gold; anyone who harbors the Ironborn will be punished the same as the Ironborn itself!
"Your the Conciliator!" The ministers knelt in unison, their voices echoing throughout the Red Keep's Great Hall.
Jaehaerys waved his hand, signaling the ministers to rise. "Corlys, you shall immediately draft a royal decree and send it by raven to Dragon's Roost Port to inform Daemon of my decision;
Bartimos, coordinate the Joint Fleet and prepare for battle;
Leonno, you are responsible for drafting the specific terms of the trade agreement and selecting appropriate envoys;
Otto, you will assist Viserys in pacifying the coastal lords and coordinating troop deployments.
"Yes, sir!" the four men who were called out replied in unison, and each withdrew after receiving their orders.
The ministers in the hall gradually dispersed, leaving only Jaehaerys, Baelon, and Larys Strong, who remained standing in place.
Larys looked at the father and son, a deep meaning flashing in his eyes, and bowed respectfully. "Your Majesty, Your Highness the Crown Prince, if Prince Daemon knew of Your Majesty's support, he would surely be able to wipe out the Ironborn sooner and bring peace to the Seven Kingdoms."
Baelon looked at him, his gaze steady. "Larys, you provided a great deal of crucial evidence in this matter; your contribution is significant. Support Little Daemon well; the Iron Throne will not fail those loyal to the royal family."
"Your Highness, I thank you."
Larys smiled slightly, turned around, and slowly walked out of the hall, leaning on his cane.
His steps seemed slow, yet they carried a confident composure, as if he had foreseen all of this.
Outside the Red Keep, the sun shone brightly, and the branches of the Kingswood rustled in the wind.
But no one knew that this purge of the Ironborn would not only once again change the landscape of Westeros, but would also further strengthen the Blackfyre's power, and the power struggle in King's Landing's Landing would thus usher in new variables.
Meanwhile, the fleet at Dragon's Roost Port was en route back to Westeros.
The Summer Sea breeze gently caressed the sails. On the azure sea, thirty warships stood in neat rows, their crimson and black dragon patterns gleaming in the sunlight.
Daemon stood quietly at the bow of the Blackfyre, his hand gripping the Blackfyre at his waist, his gaze fixed on the distant horizon, his eyes resolute.
Crahas walked to his side and silently handed him a glass of water. "Your Highness, according to the voyage, we should arrive at the Stepstones in three days. We can then replenish our supplies and receive news from King's Landing."
Daemon took the water glass, took a sip, and a hint of anticipation flashed in his eyes. "King's Landing must have received my memorial and petition by now."
Ironborn's evil deeds are obvious, and Grandfather and Uncle Baelon will not stand idly by.
He paused, then added, "Once we return to Dragon's Roost Port and have rested, we will immediately send troops to the Iron Islands."
Gorne Greyjoy thought he could rest easy in Crab Bay, but he was wrong. This time, I will make the Ironborn pay a heavy price for what they have done.
Since he's delivered himself right to our doorstep, offering us an opportunity to establish our dominance in this conquest, then he shouldn't blame us!
Crahas nodded. "Your Highness, rest assured, the fleet has rested and the soldiers are in high spirits."
With the Goldenheart Bow and shipbuilding craftsmen gifted by the Summer Isles, our warships can be further improved, making the eradication of the Ironborn a piece of cake.
Daemon gazed at the distant horizon, a cold smile playing on his lips.
He could imagine that the Iron Islands were still dreaming of the triangular trade, unaware that a vast net woven from the Iron Throne and Dragonfire was slowly being laid out for them.
Meanwhile, on the Seastone Chair of Pyke, Gorne Greyjoy anxiously awaited news from King's King's Landing.
Theomore Harlaw stood beside him, his silver-gray beard taut, his eyes filled with unease.
Unbeknownst to them, their much-anticipated "accusation" not only failed to suppress Daemon Blackfyre, but also provoked the Iron Throne's fury, and a catastrophe was rapidly approaching the Iron Islands.
The Red Keep's royal decree seemed to sprout wings, traveling swiftly along the Narrow Sea's sea lanes.
Soon, all of Westeros will know that the Iron Throne has ordered the extermination of the Ironborn, and that Daemon Blackfyre will lead this just war.
Dragonfire and warships are about to sweep across the Iron Islands, utterly destroying the Ironborn's "Old Way" and writing a new legend on the seas of Westeros.