The peninsula's lords gather: prelude to the march on King's Landing
As the afternoon sun at Dragon's Roost Port dispelled the damp chill of the morning mist, it bathed the stone walls of the temporary council chamber in a warm yellow light.
This property, Earl donated by Lord Bartimos Setiga of Celtigar Crab Island to Prince Daemon Prince Blackfyre of Targaryen Lineage, was originally the House Celtigar's stronghold on Crab Claw Peninsula.
The hall, built of logs and bluestone, was not luxurious, but it exuded a pragmatic and sturdy feel. Not only did it display a hand-drawn map of the Crab Claw Peninsula, but it also had recent grain and fodder statistics piled up in the corner. Freshly baked wheat cakes and Arbor wine were already laid out in the center of the long table, showing Daemon's consideration for his Crab Claw Peninsula "vassals".
Early in the morning, Daemon had just returned from the castle construction site in the heart of the Vegam Peninsula. His Blackfyre was quietly slung across his waist, and his cloak was still covered with a little dust. As he stepped into the hall, the lords who had been waiting for a long time all stood up and bowed.
The Earl of Whispering Castle, Earl Crabb, whose hair had begun to turn white this year, still stood straight, wearing dark brown leather armor, the scabbard of the sword at his waist polished to a shine. Standing beside him was his heir, Raynavor Crabb. Unlike his brother Rupert's bravery, Raynavor appeared more composed, his fingertips unconsciously stroking the family's swamp marigold crest at his waist.
"Your Highness, all twelve lords and nobles of the Crab Claw Peninsula are waiting here."
Earl Crabb bowed, his voice carrying the weight of years, "Having heard that Your Highness has answered the call of the Iron Throne and is about to go to King's King's Landing a council, we have come specifically to await your orders and to do our part for the defense of Your Crownlands domain."
Daemon gestured for everyone to sit down, his gaze sweeping across the table:
Berna Brune, the Earl of Dyre Den who had already pledged allegiance to Daemon, was dressed in a silver-grey outfit today. His face bore the same hearty smile he had before losing his father, and the scar at the corner of his eye was a mark left from a youthful fight with neighboring tribes.
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As the former "peninsula overlord," a friend of Count Kleber, and the son of the former Count Bren of Terror Cave, he has now become the complete master of Terror Cave, and even the branch of his family, Brown Cave Mountain Bren, has to obey his orders.
As Daemon's only follower who didn't participate in the tour, this childhood rival of Rupert Crabb is now their closest ally:
Berna's cousin, William Brune from Brown Burrow Mountain, wore a dark brown robe and had a more composed demeanor than Berna. As another branch of the House Bren, he was also more adept at planning and always carried a scroll of border map in his hand.
The lord of the House Boggs was a burly man, wearing leather armor and carrying a battle axe at his waist; he was clearly a pragmatic military commander.
The lord of the House Cave wore a wool hat and held an agricultural book in his hand, clearly indicating that he was a lord who valued land reclamation;
The lord of the House Hardy had a shrewd look on his face and wore a silver ring on his finger, suggesting he was a skilled trader.
The lord of House Pyne was younger, dressed in light armor, and his eyes were full of sharpness; he was perfectly suited to be in charge of the dock defenses.
"No need for formalities, lords," Daemon, sitting in the main seat with his Blackfyre leaning against the table. "Dragon's Roost Port's prosperity today is inseparable from your support."
This summons from King's Landing is for the campaign against Gorne Greyjoy of the Iron Islands. I must lead my core followers there, and the defense of the Crownlands is entrusted to you all.
Earl Crabb spoke first, "Your Highness, please rest assured, Crab Claw Peninsula is our home, and we will defend every inch of it. I am willing to temporarily assume the duties of the Crownlands and coordinate with all parties to ensure that Your Highness has no worries while you are away."
Daemon nodded in approval. Earl Crabb was the oldest lord of the Crab Claw Peninsula, and he was also highly respected and experienced in handling affairs. He was the most suitable person to be the peninsula's governor.
Earl Crabb had been reluctant to get involved, but his two "foolish sons" and his best friend and "arch-enemy," the former Earl Berna, who had entrusted him with the task on his deathbed, all wanted to "stir up trouble" with this prince.
In addition, Daemon is now deeply rooted in the hearts of the people on the peninsula, and the younger generation only recognizes the Prince Blackfyre's Black Dragon flag with a black dragon, not the Iron Throne's black flag with a red dragon.
The current Prince Daemon Prince Blackfyre on Crab Claw Peninsula holds a higher title than Queen Visenya Targaryen, who once commanded the entire peninsula as her Queen's Guard.
"The Earl is mature and prudent; I am naturally at ease entrusting you with the overall management of the affairs left behind."
Daemon looked at Berna Brune, "Berna, you are familiar with the terrain of the peninsula and your private army is brave. You will be in charge of the security of the Crownlands, clearing out the remaining bandits, guarding against external disturbances, and paying close attention to the movements of the maesters in the Citadel."
Berna Brune immediately stood up, patted his chest, and laughed heartily, "Your Highness, just give the order! Anyone who dares to cause trouble in the Crownlands, my battle Berna won't stand for it! That lad Rupert has helped you achieve great things, so I also have to protect the home and not let him laugh at me!"
He's been happy ever since he learned from that rascal Rupert this morning that he was actually His Highness's first vassal.
"William Brune," Daemon turned to Lord Brune of Brown Burrow Mountain, "You are steady and meticulous, responsible for guarding the northeastern border of the peninsula, especially at sea, and even along the coast of Crab Bay where it meets the Vale, additional outposts should be set up to prevent outsiders from taking advantage of the situation to infiltrate."
William Brune bowed and replied, "Yes, Your Highness. I have already set up three concealed outposts along the border, and two more patrol teams will be dispatched to ensure the border is secure."
"Baron Boggs," Daemon, looking at the burly lord who was quite prestigious on the peninsula, "I'd like you to be in charge of the Crownlands's logistics, coordinating the storage and deployment of food and weapons, ensuring the supply of the private troops and refugees left behind, and contacting Princess Geri in King's Landing's Gael immediately if there are any shortages."
Baron Boggs replied in a deep voice, "Your Highness, rest assured, the provisions in the storehouse are enough to last for six months, and the weapons have been inventoried. I will ensure that the logistics are in good order and that the brothers do not go hungry or lack equipment."
"Sir Keffer," Daemon said, looking at the lord holding the agricultural booklet, "The agricultural affairs of the peninsula are entrusted to you. Guide the refugees in harvesting the new wheat, replanting winter crops, and, with the help of the seeds left by Rickard, ensure food self-sufficiency."
Sir Keffer nodded quickly. "Your Highness, the salt-tolerant rye seeds you provided are growing exceptionally well recently. I have already had the harvest plan finalized, and I am certain that a bumper harvest will be guaranteed."
"Sir Hardy," Daemon turned to the shrewd Lord Hardy, "You are needed to oversee trade at Dragon's Roost Port, coordinating merchant ships between the Reach and the Stormlands, ensuring the transport of goods such as Goldenheart and gems, while also monitoring pirate activity along trade routes and promptly informing Lord Berna."
The shrewd Sir Hardy bowed and smiled, "Your Highness, rest assured, all merchant ships on the trade routes are guarded, and I will coordinate with the remaining vessels of the Redwyne Fleet to ensure absolute safety."
"Sir Paine," Daemon finally turned to the youngest lord of the peninsula besides Berna, the young sergeant of House Pyne, "You will be responsible for the defense of the docks and shipyards, oversee the maintenance of the warships and the training of the new recruits, and, in coordination with the fast ships left behind by Colin, patrol the eastern side of the Narrow Sea to guard against Ironborn attacks."
Sir Paine's eyes lit up with joy. Feeling valued, he replied loudly, "Thank you for your trust, Your Highness! I will certainly guard the docks for you, ensuring the warships are always ready and giving the Ironborn no opportunity to take advantage."
Daemon watched as the lords accepted their orders and nodded in satisfaction. "The affairs of those left behind are of great importance. You all need to perform your duties and cooperate with each other. In case of emergency, you can King's Landing me in King's Landing through the ravens, or discuss the matter directly with Princess Gael."
Remember, Otto Hightower is eyeing King's Landing's Landing and might try to sow discord. You must remain steadfast and not believe rumors. If there are any unusual developments, stabilize the situation first before sending any messages.
Earl Crabb rose and declared, "Your Highness, rest assured, we are all vassals of the Crownlands, and we will follow Your Highness's lead without question. We will not be swayed by Otto, and we will guard the Crownlands well, awaiting Your Highness's triumphant return."
The other lords also rose and responded in unison, "We are willing to defend our lands for Your Highness and await your triumphant return!"
Daemon gestured for everyone to sit down, then added, "In addition, the private soldiers left behind need to continue training, with each lord taking turns supervising them, especially in the skills of boarding ships for combat. We may need the support of the Crownlands for the subsequent campaign against the Iron Islands."
"We must stockpile ample provisions, accelerate the modernization of warships at the docks, and proceed according to the blueprints left by Crahas. We cannot slacken our efforts."
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"Yes, sir!" the lords replied again, their eyes filled with determination.
After the meeting, the princes went their separate ways to make preparations, but Earl Crabb stayed behind to speak with Daemon alone.
"Your Highness, I am quite at ease with Rupert following you,"
The old Earl looked at Daemon, his tone carrying a sense of entrustment, "This boy is brave but lacks composure. I hope Your Highness will guide him and help him achieve great things."
Daemon laughed and said, "Don't worry, Earl. Rupert is a rare and fierce general. He will surely make great contributions in this campaign against the Iron Islands and become your pride."
"I also trouble the Earl to take good care of the affairs left behind, especially the scholars of the Citadel. Their movements need to be closely monitored to prevent them from spying on the secrets of the Crownlands."
"I understand," Earl Crabb nodded. "I've instructed Raynavor to keep an eye on them; any unusual activity will be dealt with immediately."
This time, Daemon's arrangement was not a decentralization. Jarman's Shadow Guards and Larys's web were everywhere on the peninsula. Even the shipyard was under Daemon's control. By taking advantage of his departure from the Crownlands, he called on these peninsula lords who came to pay homage to him to take over the Crownlands. It seemed like he was entrusting them with important responsibilities, but in reality, he was sending a signal that Crab Claw Peninsula was already his territory.
And indeed, that is the case. The entire Crab Claw Peninsula is now a battleground for the royal Targaryen Lineage.
The only word to Prince Blackfyre Daemon victory and the ability to lead them to even greater glory is loyalty!
After seeing Earl Crabb off, Daemon returned to his temporary residence, where his core followers were already waiting in the courtyard, ready to depart at any moment.
Rayford Rosby was still holding the thick ledger, checking the supplies one last time;
Jarman Waters, carrying a longbow, scanned the courtyard with his single eye, warily observing his surroundings.
Lyonel Corbray, clad in silver armor, and the "Lady Forlorn," gleaming with a cold light, stood tall and imposing.
Crahas Hal stood to one side, organizing the fleet's deployment plan;
Larys leaned on his cane, his eyes narrowed, seemingly pondering the situation in King's Landing;
Alys Rivers carried a medicine chest filled with remedies and herbal remedies for disease prevention;
Brienne Tarth gripped the hilt of her sword, standing guard beside Gael as the princess's personal bodyguard;
Her brother, Budimir Tarth, who believed that "there's a reason he'd do anything," was earnestly embracing our Grey Ghost "lord," Daemon the little dragon was now affectionately nuzzling against the palm of Daemon's personal bodyguard;
Gael's other bodyguard, Lia Osgrey, stood beside Brienne, her eyes filled with determination;
Her maid Mysaria and Johanna Swann helped Gael pack her bags:
Criston Cole was dressed in a tight-fitting outfit, with a sword at his waist, and a calm expression.
Herman Dustin and Willie Fell stood on one side of the group, ready to be deployed at any time;
Rickard Rowan and Lucas Tyrell gave a final inspection of the agricultural arrangements;
As for Daemon's other followers:
The two oldest members, Olyvar Ochhet and Mace Florent, stood together at the back of the group, like a shield for the entire team.
Colin Celtigar, Rupert, Lyonel stood side by side like three sharp blades.
Tommen House Peake followed behind Rayford, while Harlan Hunter stood behind Jarman.
Tybolt Crakehall and Myles Rivers naturally stood together, carrying their battle axes and occasionally exchanging barbs.
The twin brothers Arad House Royce and Jorvik House Royce, along with Alyn Redwyne and Horace Oliver Redwyne Little Horas., are all ready to go.
Everyone's face was filled with high morale.
Bethany stood silently in the outer corner, wearing a hood, clearly wanting to go too, not just to King's Landing, but also to stay with the mysterious man who filled her with a captivating allure.
"Is everyone ready?" Daemon looked at the group, his voice steady and powerful.
"Ready, Your Highness!" the crowd responded in unison, their voices echoing throughout the courtyard.
Gael walked to Daemon's side, holding a red dragon-patterned cloak in her hands, and gently draped it over his shoulders. "Be careful on your journey. The situation in King's Landing will be complicated then, and Otto Hightower harbors ill intentions. You must be vigilant. I will manage affairs in King's King's Landing and keep an eye on news from the Crownlands, awaiting your report of victory in the campaign against the Iron Islands."
Daemon held her hand, feeling the warmth of her touch on his fingertips. "Don't worry, I'll take good care of myself and resolve the Iron Islands issue as soon as possible, then I'll come back to reunite with you."
Alys Rivers will stay in King's Landing with you, as will Brienne, Lia, Mysaria, and Johanna, to ensure your safety. If anything happens, contact Larys; his connections in King's Landing's Landing will provide assistance.
Alys Rivers stepped forward and handed Gael a medicine box. "Your Highness, here are daily remedies and herbs for emergencies. If you feel unwell, take them promptly. I have instructed Mysaria on how to prepare them; she will assist you."
Brienne bowed and said, "Your Highness, I will protect you every step of the way and ensure that no one can harm you."
Lia nodded in agreement. "I will assist Sister Brienne in guarding the mansion and preventing any suspicious persons from approaching."
Mysaria said gently, "Your Highness, I will take good care of your food and daily life, so you don't need to worry."
Johanna calmly replied, "If needed, I can go at any time with the princess's orders to mobilize the forces of Her King's Landing's kingdom to ensure safety."
Gael nodded, her eyes filled with gratitude. "With you all here, I feel very reassured. Little Daemon, take care of yourself while you're fighting out there. Remember to take Alys's medicine on time, and don't overwork yourself."
Daemon leaned down and kissed her forehead. "I will. After the campaign against the Iron Islands is over, we'll go back to Dragon's Roost Port together and see our castle."
Daemon then turned to the group. "Let's go! Those on horseback, follow me first. The fleet, led by Crahas, Alyn, Colin, will set off later and rendezvous at Blackwater Bay in King's Landing's Landing!"
"Yes, sir!"
Daemon mounted the Glutton, Gael stood in the courtyard, watching his figure, her eyes slightly red.
The Glutton spread its wings, its dark dragon scales gleaming with a dark gold in the sunlight. The Grey Ghost curled up on Daemon's shoulder again, emitting soft dragon roars.
Because Gael was going to King's Landing, Dreamfyre gently lowered its massive head and rubbed it against Gael's palm, as if to comfort her. Then it spread its pale blue dragon wings and followed behind the Glutton.
"Go!" Daemon commanded, and Glutton and Dreamfyre simultaneously flapped their wings and took to the air. The huge dragon wings stirred up air currents that flattened the grass in the courtyard.
The core followers on the ground mounted their horses and galloped King's Landing, following the direction of the dragon shadow.
Rayford, Jarman, Lyonel, Criston, Herman, Willie, Rickard, Lucas, Olyvar, Mace, Tommen, Arad, Jorvik, Myles, Tybolt, Harlan, and others rode their warhorses in neat formation. The steady sound of their hooves pounding on the cobblestones drew the attention of the port's inhabitants, who stopped to watch with awe and pride on their faces.
And of course, there's Larys, "Mr. Longlegs," riding a black donkey at the back of the group.
Gael stood on the high platform, watching the dragon shadow and the procession gradually disappear into the distance until they vanished on the horizon, before turning back to the mansion.
Mysaria, Johanna, Brienne, and Lia followed behind her, their eyes filled with determination—they would protect everything behind them and wait for Daemon's triumphant return.
Meanwhile, in King's King's Landing, preparations were underway for the Small Council at the Red Keep, with King Jaehaerys and Crown Prince Baelon awaiting Daemon's arrival.
Otto Hightower sat in the shadows beside Viserys, a calculating glint in his eyes.
On the Narrow Sea, the fleet led by Crahas, Alyn, Little Horas, and Colin has also set sail. Thirty warships, adorned with crimson and black dragon patterns, are cutting through the waves towards King's Landing.
The ballistae on both sides of the ship have been tested and adjusted, and the crew is eager to prepare for the upcoming battle.
Daemon rode on the back of the Glutton, looking down at the swamp and hills below, a sharp glint in his eyes.
The political intrigue in King's Landing's Landing, the bloody conquest of the Iron Islands, and Otto's clandestine schemes will all unfold in the days to come.
But he is fearless, with loyal followers by his side, the protection of Dragonfire, and the concern of Gael. He will surely clear all obstacles, take the Iron Islands, and let the name of Blackfyre resound throughout Westeros.
The dragon's shadow swept across the hills, hurtling toward King's Landing; a Storm that would sweep across the Seven Kingdoms was about to begin.