Plans Before the Throne, Armies on Three Fronts

A plan was devised before the emperor, and troops were dispatched from three directions.

King's Landing, before the morning mist had fully dissipated from the Red Keep, the bronze doors of the council chamber were slowly opened by servants, the heavy hinges creaking as if to herald the upcoming Iron Council meeting.

On the stone walls, portraits of Targaryen family members from generation to generation appeared and disappeared in the morning light. The Bittersteel spikes of the Iron Throne gleamed, reflecting the figures who entered the hall one after another. The air was filled with a solemn atmosphere intertwined with power and war.

Daemon wore black dragon scale armor, with the Blackfyre slung across his waist. The three-headed dragon pattern on the scabbard echoed the dark patterns on the armor, and he moved with a steady and silent gait.

He arrived half an hour early and met up with Baelon and Corlys, who were already waiting there. The three of them sat around the huge map of Westeros, tracing the location of the Iron Islands with their fingertips and discussing the details in hushed tones.

"Following Little Daemon's advice, the western waters of the Iron Islands are riddled with reefs and have complex currents, making them a perfect outlet," Corlys pointed with his ivory cane to the western side of the Sunset Sea on the map. "If Gorne Greyjoy wants to break out, he will inevitably choose this place. At that time, we only need to send the fleet of those cunning bastards from the Three Sisters, who are even more cunning than the Ironborn, to secretly follow him. Once he escapes to the waters near the Reach coast, we can wipe them all out in one fell swoop."

Baelon nodded, the cold light gleaming on his silver armor. "This plan is sound, but we still need to ensure that the three allied forces advance simultaneously, giving the Ironborn no chance to breathe. The three landing points— Seagard in the Riverlands, Eagle Cape and Ironborn Bay, Cape Kraken and Bay of Brightflame in the the North, and Sunset Sea coast in Westerlands Reach —must be attacked simultaneously."

Daemon's fingertip landed on the sea between the Riverlands and the Iron Islands: "As planned, the allied forces on the eastern route will be personally led by me and Big Daemon of the Summer Sea, who has already arrived and begun his patrol. They will board a ship from Seagard and head straight for Ironborn Bay."

Furthermore, according to the message brought by Earl Yobert, their commander in the Vale Earl Corbray, has led his men to open the Bloody Gate.

The lords of Riverlands need to join us as soon as possible after the initial assembly.

11

1

However, the Duke of Grover was ill, and military power in the Riverlands was temporarily held by his eldest son, Medgar, who was eager to purge the mediocre.

"To use that name might be too hasty."

As soon as the words were spoken, footsteps sounded outside the hall. Jaehaerys and Alysanne entered, surrounded by servants, followed by Viserys and Aemma, and the Grand Maester of Alar carrying documents.

The old king, dressed in a black royal robe, moved slowly yet with an air of solemn authority. His gaze swept over the map on the table, and he said in a deep voice, "The representatives of all the vassal lords are now waiting in the side hall. Today's meeting must finalize all the details. Three days from now will be the first day of the centenary of the Conquest calendar campaign."

As Jaehaerys took his seat, representatives of the various lords entered the council chamber one by one, roughly arranged on both sides according to their regions. The chamber was filled with Daemon's old acquaintances.

On the left is Yobert House Royce, Earl of Runestone and Regent of the Vale, Vale has recently caught a cold. As Regent of the Vale, he is dressed today in a dark robe representing the House of House Arryn, with the bronze coat of arms on his chest gleaming.

At the same time, he was accompanied by two outstanding younger members of the family, Daemon's old acquaintances, the regent's nephew William House Royce and grandson Gonsor House Royce, both with longswords at their waists and composed expressions;

The representative from the the North is Benjen Stark, brother of Duke Ellard, who is wearing a thick wolfskin cloak today.

His face bore the resolute look characteristic of people from the the North.

Behind him stood another old acquaintance of Daemon's, Barrowton Rodrik Dustin, Earl veteran of the the North, with his eldest son William Dustin and second son Herman Dustin standing to his side.

Herman had been temporarily sent back to his father's side by Daemon a few days ago, saw Daemon and quietly nodded in acknowledgment, his eyes full of anticipation.

The person in the front row on the right is:

Daemon's "uncle," Duke Boremund Baratheon of the Stormlands, is a burly man dressed in Stormlands- style leather armor.

The key lies behind him today: the squire is the one who inherited the battleaxe "Stormbringer" from his father, Duke Rogar Baratheon.

Then there was his eldest son, Borros Baratheon, whose face, slightly more mature than his peers, was full of eager anticipation.

Behind him followed Lorent Grandson, heir of the Grandson family of the Grandview, and Roland Clinton, the young Earl of the Griffin's Roost, along with other second-generation nobles of Stormlands, their eyes burning with fervor.

The representative of the Westerlands was also an old acquaintance, Lord Taimond Lannister. Today, he wore a deep red robe embroidered with the roaring lion crest of the House Lannister. His face was stern, but his eyes always seemed to conceal an imperceptible calculation. Beside him was his cousin Lancel Lannister, whom he had personally groomed.

The representative from the Riverlands was Elmo Tully, the sickly-looking brother of Grover Tully, who came on behalf of his brother, carrying a...

He wrote a letter in Grover's own handwriting, his brow furrowed with worry:

The Reach representative was Arbor Redwyne of Greenwood, brother-in- Earl of Duke Mathos Tyrell, and father of Alyn Redwyne and Little Horas Oliver Redwyne. He wore a pale green robe, which carried the salty scent of the sea breeze.

Following behind him was not only the servant "arranged for him by his brother-in-law Mathos," but also one of Mathos's illegitimate sons, a group of "wild roses," whose frivolous demeanor contrasted sharply with Redwyne's composure.

As for Otto Hightower, he did not choose to stand with his close friend Viserys or his other friend Leonno Strong, who succeeded him Master of Laws, but instead pulled along the "good old man" Master of Coin, Earl Lyman Beesbury Honeyholt, to stand at the end of the lords' ranks.

Otto was dressed in a dark green robe today, the Hightower emblem on his chest polished to a gleaming shine. His gaze swept over everyone in the hall, finally settling on Taimond. The two exchanged a subtle glance before returning to normal.

The Grand Maester Alar unfolded the document, his aged voice echoing in the hall. "According to reports from various places, Gorne Greyjoy of the Iron Islands has recently been frequently mobilizing his fleet, maintaining close ties with slave owners in Slaver's Bay and merchants from Lys and Myr. His fleet is equipped with ballistae made in Myr and poisoned arrows from Lys, intending to resist."

The Iron Islands are a nation of soldiers, but currently the main force of the Ironborn is concentrated on Pyke, Great Wyk, and Old Wyk, with a strength of approximately eight thousand men and over three hundred longships.

Jaeharis, standing on the high platform, slowly raised his hand in a gesture of respect. His weathered, aged voice was now incredibly loud, revealing the "Bronze Wrath" unique to him, the "King of the Centenarians": "The Ironborn's slave trade and plundering have not only trampled on the laws of the Seven Kingdoms of Westeros, but have also harmed the people along the coast of the Iron Throne. In this campaign, we will not only destroy their fleet, but also completely dismantle their power and eliminate any future threat."

Today's final meeting before the new year is to finalize the battle plan. All leaders must work together without fail.

Baelon rose, walked to the map, and pointed the ivory staff that Daemon had given him a few days earlier at the Iron Islands: "This battle will employ a 'surround three sides, leave one open' strategy, with specific deployments proposed by Prince Blackfyre Daemon Blackfyre."

Daemon stepped forward, the scabbard of his Blackfyre lightly touching the ground with a crisp sound, "The Eastern Route Allied Force, with myself as the commander-in-chief and Earl Corbray as the deputy commander, will integrate the forces from the Vale and the Riverlands, totaling 15,000 men and 80 main warships. Departing from Seagard, they will launch a major attack on the core Harlaw, Old Wyk, and Blacktyde on the eastern side of the Iron Islands, while containing the main force of the Ironborn."

The Northern Allied Forces, led by Benjen Stark of the the North as commander-in-chief and Rodrik Dustin as lieutenant commander, consist of 10,000 the North troops and 50 warships. They will land at Ironborn Bay and attack Old Wyk and Great Wyk, in coordination with His Highness Big Daemon, who has already begun patrolling the "Sunset Sea," to completely sever the Iron Islands' connection with the outside world.

The Southern Allied Forces, led by Lord Boremund Baratheon as commander-in-chief, with Lord Taimond Lannister and Earl Redwyne as lieutenants, comprised 20,000 troops from the Stormlands, the Westerlands, and the Reach, along with 120 warships. They set sail from the Sunset Coast to blockade Saltcliffe and Pyke, south of the Iron Islands, cutting off their direct escape route to the Summer Isles.

He paused, his fingertip tracing the western side of the Iron Islands: "If necessary, Saltcliffe and Great Wyk in the western waters of the Iron Islands will be deliberately left open, allowing the remnants of the Gorne rebellion to break through. The Marquess Sunderland of the Three Sisters will lead a fleet to secretly follow them, waiting for them to escape to..."

In the Sunset Sea area along the coast near the Reach, we will combine the remaining forces of the Joint Fleet from this battle to annihilate them and eliminate any future threat.

"This plan is brilliant!" Yobert House Royce was the first to agree. "Miss Jeyne is young, and I have unfortunately caught a cold today, but my Vale has already gathered five thousand troops, who will be led by my Vale's veteran Earl Corbray. They can join Prince Daemon at any time. Earl Corbray is experienced and will surely assist the Prince in a steady and methodical advance."

Benjen Stark said in a deep voice, "My soldiers in the the North have already gathered at Bay of Brightflame from the Sea Dragon Point Bay of Ice, before Frozen Harbor. My nephew, Brandon Stark, who is also an old acquaintance of His Highness, will lead the vanguard."

Three days later, we can set off south to the Cape Kraken ahead of schedule, and we will certainly not disappoint the Iron Throne's trust."

Boremund Baratheon laughed heartily, "Our 10,000 troops from the Stormlands are ready to go. Apart from our old comrades who are deployed with the Reach in the Dornish Marches, those lads Borros have been itching for a fight for a long time. Borros said yesterday that this time he'll definitely let the Ironborn taste the power of the Stormbringer!"

Taimond Lannister bowed slightly. "The Westerlands have also mobilized eight thousand troops and forty warships, under the command of my nephew Lancel. We are willing to work together with all the lords to wash away the shame of the Burning of Lannisport."

Redwyne Earl and said, "The Reach has dispatched sixty warships, which I personally command. Although Duke Mathos has not personally led the campaign, he has ordered my nephew, the duke's heir, and my sister's only son Garlan Tyrell, to lead three thousand troops to participate in the battle. This time, we will surely be able to blockade the southern seas."

Elmo Tully held the letter, his voice weak. "Seven thousand troops have been assembled in the Riverlands, led by my elder brother's eldest son, Medgar Tully. However, my brother, Duke Grover, has fallen ill today and may find it difficult to coordinate the lords of the Riverlands in person. I humbly request the Iron Throne's assistance."

After exchanging glances, Baelon and Corlys silently looked at Elmo and said solemnly, "Sir Medgar is brave and fierce, but you must remember that this battle is all about teamwork and you must not act on your own."

The logistics of the eastern allied forces will also be coordinated by Prince Viserys, assisting the Duke in overseeing the operations. Sufficient supplies will be provided to the Riverlands, and the landing will proceed simultaneously once all three fleets are in position.

Mentioning his book friend Medgar, known Seven Kingdoms for his mediocrity, Viserys, reminded by his close friend Leonno, quietly added, "I have sent word to Ser Medgar, instructing him to strictly adhere to the plan and not to act rashly. The Riverlands and the Ironborn have the deepest enmity, but disrupting the overall situation would be counterproductive."

Just then, a Riverlands attendant rushed in, handing over an urgent letter. "Your Majesty, Your Highness the Crown Prince, Ser Medgar Tully has led three thousand Riverlands vanguard to Seagard ahead of schedule, claiming he will 'seize the first victory and avenge the Riverlands' shame.'"

The room fell silent instantly, and Elmo Tully's face began to turn pale. "This child, in the end, still couldn't hold back!"

Daemon frowned slightly, gripping the hilt of his Blackfyre until it turned white. "Medgar Tully's actions may alert the enemy and expose our military deployment."

Grandfather, Uncle Baelon, and Lord Corlys, we should immediately send a message to Earl Lymond Mallister, the lord of Seagard, instructing him to stop Medgar Tully and order him to remain in place until the allied forces arrive.

Corlys nodded in agreement, then turned and quickly left to send a message.

Jaehaerys sighed, "The Riverlands are too eager for quick success, which could lead to unforeseen problems. Baelon, send Dragonknight rider to the Riverlands to lead the lords of the Three Rivers on behalf of Grover. He will personally deliver the orders to ensure that Medgar remains obedient."

"Yes, sir," Baelon replied, a hint of worry flashing in his eyes.

Otto Hightower spoke up at the opportune moment, his tone seemingly impartial. "Medgar Tilly's eagerness to wash away the shame of the Riverlands is understandable, but military law is paramount. If he truly disrupts the deployment, he must be punished as a warning to others."

Viserys frowned and retorted, "Medgar isn't a bad person by nature, he's just too impatient. Now is the time to use his talents. We can discuss punishment after the war."

Daemon said calmly, "The most important thing right now is to ensure that Medgar does not land without authorization."

Once the allied forces have joined, I will personally communicate with him. If he obeys orders, his past actions will be forgiven; if he persists in his wrongdoings, he will be dealt with according to military law.

Jaehaerys nodded, looking at Corlys who had returned. "Let's do as Little Daemon said."

Viserys, you are in charge of logistics and coordination. Ensure that food, weapons, and fresh water are supplied to the three allied forces in a timely manner, especially the eastern allied forces. Remember to share the burden of the ailing Duke Grover.

Corlys, you assist Baelon in coordinating the Joint Fleet and the routes of various warships;

Sir Leonno, you are immediately tasked with drafting a decree to announce to the Seven Kingdoms the Ironborn's evil deeds and formally launch a campaign against the Iron Islands;

Sir Otto, you will assist Viserys in handling rear affairs and pacifying the coastal people.

"Yes, sir!" the crowd responded in unison.

The commotion in the council chamber gradually subsided, and Daemon, Baelon, and Corlys stood in front of the map of Westeros, forming the central group.

As dawn broke and the cold light of the Iron Throne cast a long, narrow shadow on the map, the three men's fingertips still traced the coastline of the Iron Islands, finalizing the coded signal for the scouts to relay messages and the time for the fleet to rendezvous.

Queen Alysanne's attendants entered quietly, bowing as they presented warm ale and pastries. The soft tinkling of the silver bells on the tray broke the last vestiges of solemnity in the room.