A commander chosen at court, dragon wings pointed west

A few days later, the Red Keep's Small Council was held in the throne room, which was filled with the cool scent of marble and aged candle wax. Colorful light spots cast through the high windows moved slowly across the floor, illuminating the solemn figures standing in the room.

The Bittersteel spikes of the Iron Throne gleamed in the morning light. Jaehaerys, who was already quite the Conciliator, sat upright on it today, his silver-white beard and hair hanging down over his dark black royal robes. His purple eyes, though weathered by time, were still as sharp as Valyrian steel sword that had never been covered in dust.

On both sides of the hall, the ministers who participated in today's Small Council were arranged according to their positions. The atmosphere was so solemn that the crackling of the candlelight could be heard almost directly.

Our Prince of Dragonstone, Hand of the King, Hand of the King, and Crown Prince of Spring Dawn Baelon Targaryen, is clad in armor today, the three-headed dragon emblem on his chest gleaming in the light.

He had just returned to King's King's Landing from his fiefdom of Dragonstone this morning, and the salty, damp scent of the Narrow Sea still lingered on his armor. Standing beside him were his two sons, the eldest of whom, Viserys, wore a deep purple silk robe today, his face gentle and his brows radiating kindness.

The second son Daemon Targaryen, was dressed in a black leather outfit, the scabbard of the Valyrian steel sword "Dark Sister" at his waist still gleaming with a dark light. His purple eyes were incredibly arrogant today, and his fingertips unconsciously caressed the hilt of the sword, reverting to his "Rogue Prince" demeanor.

The current Master of Laws Leonno Strong, stood beside Viserys, his black robes making his expression even more composed. Behind him followed his eldest son Harwin Strong, and his second son, Larys Strong, who was using a cane.

Larys kept his eyes slightly narrowed, just like in the past few days, seemingly nonchalant, but actually taking in the expressions of everyone in the hall.

Former Master of Laws Otto Hightower, dressed in a dark green robe with the Hightower emblem on his chest polished to a gleaming shine, stood in the shadows, his gaze frequently sweeping over his close friend Viserys, a hint of scheming in his eyes.

Grand Maester Alar, holding a scroll of parchment, stood as usual beside the Iron Throne, his white beard hanging down to his chest;

Master of Ships Corlys House Velaryon wore a navy blue robe, the seahorse emblem on his body swaying gently with his breathing. He had just returned from his fiefdom of Tidehead Island after arranging matters, and his eyes still showed the fatigue of a long journey.

The Master of Coin, Earl Lyman Beesbury, a slightly overweight man, usually wore his signature gentle smile, as warm as the honey from his hive. But now he frowned, clutching a roll of trade loss invoices.

Earl Bartimos Celtigar, who replaced Daemon as Minister of Intelligence, wore a silver-grey robe today, concealing his arrogance—his bloodline being ancient Old Valyria, just like the royal family—without revealing his true nature. He stood with his arms crossed, silent.

Ser Lyan Redwyne, captain of the Kingsguard, stood tall and straight, his white robes gleaming, longsword at his waist, his gaze sweeping warily across the hall.

"Lord Gorne Greyjoy of the Iron Islands condones his people's slave trading and plundering, tramples on the Laws of the Seven Kingdoms, and slaughters his coastal subjects," Grand Maester Alar his throat, unfurled the parchment, and, as usual, spoke on behalf of the king, his aged voice echoing in the hall, "Prince Daemon Prince Blackfyre has destroyed the Summer Isles' supply depots and rescued countless captured slaves. He now requests the Iron Throne to order the Joint Fleet to completely eradicate the Ironborn and blockade all their shipping lanes."

After he finished speaking, a brief silence fell over the hall. Jaehaerys slowly raised his hand, his gaze sweeping over the ministers below the throne. "The position of Commander-in-Chief of the Joint Fleet is of great importance. In your opinion, who is suitable for this post?"

The Grand Maester Alar spoke first, "Your Majesty, the Joint Fleet was originally commanded by Crown Prince Baelon. His Highness rode the Vhagar, a veteran of many battles, and his reputation spread far and wide."

If Your Highness could personally lead the fleet to patrol the Sunset Sea, it would surely intimidate the Ironborn and secure victory in a single battle.

Ser Lyan Redwyne, captain of the Kingsguard, immediately chimed in. "Alar Grand Maester Aral is absolutely right. Vhagar is the oldest living dragon, its Dragonfire possessing immense power. His Highness Crown Prince Baelon, as the Prince of Prince of Spring Dawn," possesses superb tactics. With his personal command, the lords of the Seven Kingdoms will surely respond with their full strength. The Ironborn are nothing to fear."

Upon hearing this, many people in the hall nodded in agreement. Baelon's bravery and strategy had long been deeply ingrained in people's minds. Back then, when he quelled the unrest on the border of Dorne, it was he who rode Vhagar and swept across the battlefield, laying the foundation for victory.

But Otto Hightower immediately stepped forward, bowed, and retorted, "Your Majesty, I think this is inappropriate."

His Highness Baelon holds the dual positions of Crown Prince and Hand of the King, and the affairs King's Landing the Kingdom are complex and the operation of the Seven Kingdoms rests on his shoulders, making his responsibilities immense.

The Sunset Sea is treacherous, Ironborn Longships are adept at ambushes. His Highness the Crown Prince is the foundation of the nation; how can he personally venture into such a perilous place?

He changed the subject, his gaze falling on Viserys, his tone carrying just the right amount of admiration. "Prince Viserys is the eldest son of the crown prince, the rightful heir, and his reputation for benevolence has spread throughout the Seven Kingdoms."

If a prince were to go to war in place of his father, it would not only demonstrate the responsibility of the Targaryen Lineage, but also allow him to hone his skills.

Your Majesty and the Crown Prince are willing to assist you personally, or invite Sir Leonno Strong, former Master of Ships, to join you. I am confident that I will not fail Your Majesty and the Crown Prince's trust.

As soon as Otto finished speaking, a few murmurs arose in the hall.

Everyone knows that Otto and Viserys have a deep friendship. This recommendation is partly to let the "low-key" Viserys make a name for himself in this war before his two ambitious brothers, Daemon, and partly to take the opportunity to regain control of Viserys after he lost his military power Master of Laws, since the City Watch was transferred to Daemon Targaryen.

Viserys immediately stepped forward, politely but firmly declining. "Otto for your recommendation, Lord Otto, but I do not consider myself a capable commander. Leading troops into battle requires decisive action, tactical expertise, and the ability to command the army's morale, all of which I lack. If I were to be forced to take command, I fear it would harm the country and its people, and betray the trust of my grandfather and father."

He paused, then added, "The best course of action is for Father to assist His Majesty in ruling the King's Landing and overseeing the overall situation."

I wish to remain here to assist my father in handling state affairs, appease the feudal lords, and provide support for the front lines.

Viserys's candor earned the secret approval of many in the hall, but Otto's smile froze for a moment.

Before Otto could speak further, his other friend and "arch-enemy," Sir Leonno, who had recently "snatched" his position Master of Laws, stepped forward, his voice firm and uncompromising. "Lord Otto, you are mistaken!"

Prince Viserys is not known for his martial prowess; this is common knowledge throughout the Seven Kingdoms of Westeros.

As His Highness's close friend and advisor, it is both morally and logically reasonable for you to send the Crown Prince to a dangerous place, disregarding your close friend, your superior, and the very foundation of the royal family. What are your true intentions in such a disloyal and unjust act?

Leonno's question struck like a thunderbolt, and the room fell silent instantly.

Otto's face flushed red as he retorted, "Sir Leonno's words are too harsh!"

I just think that His Highness needs more experience. The Joint Fleet is strong and well-equipped, while the Ironborn are nothing but a rabble. How can you call it a "dangerous place"?

"Mob?"

Leonno sneered, "Two years ago, Burning of Lannisport, the Ironborn stormed in, looting and burning. If it weren't for Prince Daemon's visit and intervention, the losses in the Westerlands would have been several times greater!"

The Joint Fleet is powerful, but it requires a skilled commander. Prince Viserys has never led an army before; to put him in command is to treat the lives of tens of thousands of soldiers as a joke!

Viserys stood in the middle, looking somewhat embarrassed. On one side was his close friend Otto, and on the other was his good friend Leonno. He wanted to speak up to ease the tension between the two, but he didn't know how to phrase it.

Just then, he caught a glimpse of Leonno's second son, Larys, coughing softly and tapping the ground twice with his cane.

Leonno immediately understood, and changed the subject, softening his tone slightly. "Of course, Prince Viserys is benevolent, and sitting in King's Landing, pacifying the people and coordinating logistics, is truly making the best use of his talents."

"For matters concerning the frontline campaign, we still need to select other capable generals."

Viserys breathed a sigh of relief upon hearing this, and looked at Larys with a hint of admiration.

This second son of the lame Strong, who followed Little Daemon, may seem unremarkable, but he always manages to defuse awkward situations at crucial moments, demonstrating his truly meticulous mind.

Seeing this, the kind-hearted Earl Beesbury Lyman Bisbury quickly smoothed things over. "Sir Leonno is right."

Since both Crown Prince Baelon and Prince Viserys have important duties to attend to, why not let Lord Corlys House Velaryon, the Master of Ships, take command of the Joint Fleet?

Lord Corlys is renowned throughout the seven seas, having not only undertaken nine voyages but also commanded vast territories for decades. His naval combat experience is unparalleled, and as the current Vice Admiral of the Joint Fleet, his expertise in fleet command makes him the perfect fit.

Corlys shook his head and bowed, replying, "Thank you for the recommendation, Earl Beesbury, but I cannot leave King's Landing at the moment."

The Joint Fleet consisted of the fleets of the Seven Kingdoms, and all of them needed to coordinate their forces, provisions, and supplies in advance, and formulate detailed blockade plans.

These matters are complex and require my assistance in overseeing the overall situation King's Landing the capital. Leaving the capital prematurely could lead to chaos in fleet operations and missed opportunities."

Even Jaehaerys nodded slowly. "Corlys is absolutely right."

Your role in King's Landing, overseeing fleet logistics and coordination, is of paramount importance.

Seeing that his chance had come again, Otto spoke up once more, "Your Majesty, I have something to discuss."

Also a former Master of Ships and Duke of the Westerlands, Lord Taimond Lannister, had long resided in the Westerlands and was familiar with the Sunset Sea route; his Westerlands Fleet was formidable.

Lord Mathos Tyrell of the Reach. The Reach home to not only the Shield Islands fleet, but also to the Duchess, who hails from House Redwyne Arbor. The Redwyne Fleet is one of the three great fleets of Westeros, alongside the former Royal Fleet and the Iron Islands fleet.

If Duke Taimond were to lead the fleet of the Westerlands and the Reach, with Duke Mathos as his assistant, and then join forces with the fleets of other lords, they could quickly blockade the Iron Islands.

Upon hearing this, an eerie silence instantly fell over the hall.

Everyone's eyes instinctively turned to Otto, their expressions filled with complex emotions.

Not to mention that Mathos Tyrell's incompetence had already spread throughout the Seven Kingdoms from the Reach, he almost messed up the logistics when the Joint Fleet set sail for the Stepstones at the beginning of the year, let alone commanding troops in battle.

Two years ago, Taimond Lannister resigned Master of Ships precisely because during his King's Landing's Landing, Lannisport in the Westerlands was burned and looted by Gorne, the brother of Dagon Greyjoy, resulting in countless deaths and injuries, and nearly all the wealth was plundered.

If it weren't for Daemon Blackfyre's timely visit to the Westerlands, leading his followers to decisively defeat the Kraken's Son once again, following their joint slaying of Uragon Greyjoy with Big Daemon at Seagard—

So, the splendid crown of the Westerlands, the Summer Sea, the pearl of the west coast of Westeros, the backyard of House Lannister.

Lannisport would probably have long since become an even more desolate wasteland.

This incident is not only a disgrace to Taimond, but also a hidden pain for the House Lannister and the entire Westerlands. Otto's recommendation of Taimond at this moment is undoubtedly rubbing salt into Taimond's wounds, who is currently far away in Casterly Rock.

Otto realized his mistake, his face flushing red and then pale. He opened his mouth, but couldn't utter a single word in defense.

Although Taimond is the Duke of the Westerlands, his prestige was damaged by the "Burning of Lannisport". Now, if he is put in charge of the fleet to wipe out the Ironborn, it will not only be difficult to win over the people, but may also cause the soldiers of the Westerlands to become resentful.

A moment of silence followed in the hall. Corlys House Velaryon stepped forward, breaking the silence. "Your Majesty, I have a plan. Although Prince Daemon Prince Blackfyre is still on his way back from the Summer Isles, he has sent a letter via raven, proposing that Targaryen Daemon Targaryen take command of the former Royal Fleet within the Joint Fleet."

He paused, unrolled a roll of parchment, and continued, "His Big Daemon, wielding the Dark Sister and riding the dragon Caraxes, is exceptionally brave and skilled. In his early years, he accompanied Crown Prince Baelon in his campaigns against the pirates of the Narrow Sea."

Furthermore, in his letter, Prince Little Daemon. indicated that Big Daemon Sr. could temporarily take his place in the campaign, with the Iron Throne under the pretext of cruising the Sunset Sea.

He summoned the Redwyne Fleet from Arbor in the Reach Bend, the Shield Islands Fleet, and the fleets of the Three Rivers Lords from the Trident Basin in the Riverlands.

The Farman fleet of Fair Isle in the Westerlands, the Mace Reynes fleet, the Lannister fleet, and the Bear Island fleet in the the North, all of them.

"Blockade the waters along the Iron Islands."

Daemon Targaryen's eyes lit up. He stepped forward, knelt on one knee, and said in a defiant yet resolute voice, "Grandfather, Father, I am willing to go!"

The Ironborn burned the lands of my Targaryen allies and slaughtered the people of my Seven Kingdoms. This hatred is irreconcilable!

Riding on my Caraxes, I will surely command the Royal Fleet, unite with all the lords, and trap the Ironborn on their rocky island, making them pay for their evil deeds!

The "Dark Sister" sword at his waist jingled softly with each movement, and a warlike flame burned in his eyes.

This "Rogue Prince" in the eyes of the world, though unruly in his daily life, is brave on the battlefield, no less than anyone else. At the beginning of the year, when he went to the Stepstones with his father Baelon, he and his cousin Daemon Blackfyre terrified the pirates of the three cities.

Baelon looked quietly at his second son, who was a few years older than him, with a complex expression, containing both worry and expectation. "Daemon, this expedition is not for you to show off your bravery and belligerence, but to coordinate the various fleets, blockade the Iron Islands, and not to launch a rash attack."

You are arrogant and unruly; you should listen to the advice of the captains in the fleet and avoid acting unilaterally.

"Father and Grandpa, you can rest assured!"

Daemon Targaryen looked up and laughed, "Though I am unruly, I know what is important."

I have my own plans regarding the deployment of the Royal Fleet, and the fleets of other vassal states will also coordinate in the name of the Iron Throne. I will not let you down.

Corlys added, "Little Daemon Jr. also mentioned in his letter that Big Daemon Sr., riding the Caraxes, is extremely fast and can fly ahead to the Riverlands to await the fleet's rendezvous at the mouth of the Trident."

The Royal Fleet can depart King's Landing today, sailing south along the Narrow Sea, passing the Stepstones to the Summer Sea, rounding Dorne, and then heading to the Sunset Sea to join the Reach Fleet and the Westerlands Fleet. Finally, it will sail the North to meet up with the Riverlands Fleet and the Bear Island Fleet, forming a complete blockade of the Iron Islands.

"This plan is good." Jaehaerys nodded, his aged voice carrying a decisive tone. "Daemon Targaryen, heed my command! You are hereby appointed Commander-in-Chief of the Vanguard of the Joint Fleet, commanding the former Royal Fleet, coordinating the fleets of the various vassal states, blockading all ports and shipping Iron Islands, prohibiting any ships from entering or leaving, and killing any who resist!"

"Yes, sir!" Daemon Targaryen kowtowed deeply, his eyes gleaming with excitement.

Jaehaerys continued, "Corlys, you remain in King's Landing to oversee logistics and ensure the timely supply of food, weapons, and fresh water to the front lines."

Ser Leonno, you are to draft the edict to the lords of the Riverlands, the Reach, the Westerlands, and the the North, ordering their fleets to be under the command of Daemon Targaryen;

Earl Lyman, you are responsible for allocating funds from the national treasury to support the fleet's needs;

Sir Otto, you need to assist Prince Viserys in pacifying the coastal lords and handling the resettlement of the previously captured slaves;

Grand Maester Alar, immediately draft a letter of credence to all the seven kingdoms of Westeros, exposing the Ironborn's atrocities and calling upon the lords to join in their wrath!

"Yes, sir!" the ministers replied in unison, their voices echoing throughout the hall.

After the Small Council concluded, Daemon Targaryen rushed out of the Red Keep and headed straight for the Dragonpit.

Caraxes had already sensed his rider's intentions and circled above the Dragonpit, letting out a deafening roar as his scarlet wings spread wide, blotting out the sky.

Daemon Targaryen mounted his dragon, gripped the reins, and patted Caraxes on the neck. "Buddy, let's go! To the Riverlands, and show those Ironborn what we're made of!"

Caraxes let out a long dragon roar, flapped its wings and took off, speeding towards the Riverlands.

The Blood Wyrm dragon's shadow swept across the rooftops of King's Landing, drawing the city's residents to stop and watch, their faces filled with awe and excitement.

Meanwhile, the soldiers of the Royal Fleet had also received orders to urgently assemble at King's Landing Harbor.

The ten main warships of the Royal Fleet, were lined up neatly, their sails adorned with a three-headed dragon emblem interwoven with black and scarlet.

Unfolding in the wind, the ballistae on both sides of the ship had already been adjusted, and the rams gleamed coldly.

The sailors busily carried provisions, fresh water, and weapons, their faces beaming with high morale.

Baelon and Viserys personally came to the dock to see them off, watching the Royal Fleet slowly sail away from the port and head towards the Narrow Sea.

Baelon patted Viserys on the shoulder beside him. "Daemon has a heavy responsibility this time. As his father and brother, we need to stabilize the situation in King's Landing and provide him with a solid support."

Viserys nodded and said, "Father, rest assured, I will assist you in handling government affairs and ensure uninterrupted logistical supplies. I believe Daemon will also live up to expectations and complete the blockade mission as soon as possible."

On the distant sea, the sails of the Royal Fleet grew smaller and smaller until they finally disappeared on the horizon.

Meanwhile, in the direction of the Riverlands, Caraxes's dragon shadow pierced the sky, carrying the royal mission and the Dragonfire of the Targaryen, heading towards the impending battlefield.

On the high platform of Red Keep, the centenarian King Heris leaned on the railing, gazing into the distance in the direction the fleet had departed, a distant glint in his eyes.

This purge of the Ironborn was not only to punish wrongdoing, but also to consolidate Targaryen rule and maintain peace among the Seven Kingdoms.

Daemon Targaryen's expedition was just the beginning of this Storm; the real battle was yet to come.

At this moment, in the Iron Islands, Gorne Greyjoy was still anxiously awaiting news of King's King's Landing from his Seastone Chair on Pyke. Little did he know that a vast net woven from Dragonfire and warships was slowly tightening around the Iron Islands from every corner of Westeros.

The waves of the Sunset Sea are about to unleash a raging war, and the dragon wings of the Targaryen will eventually shroud this land of sinful reefs.