Asha Greyjoy stood at the prow of the Daughter of the Sea Monster, gazing south across the calm sea, where the hazy gray horizon blended into the deep blue water.
Her fleet had been at sea for seven days since leaving the Iron Islands. In that time, they had raided only three small ports in the Reach, taking some food and valuables. The spoils were nowhere near as plentiful as she had imagined, leaving her restless and irritated.
"My lady." Quenton, one of her captains, hurried over and lowered his voice. Traces of sea salt still clung to his leather armor. "Our scout ship has returned. They spotted a merchant convoy thirty nautical miles ahead. They're flying the banners of House Hightower of Oldtown, and the ships are heavily laden. They're probably full of grain and wine."
A sea breeze swept past, carrying the warm, salty dampness of the southern waters. Asha's short brown hair stirred gently in the wind.
Asha's eyes brightened at the news. "How many ships?" Her voice remained steady, but her fingers tightened involuntarily around the prow railing in a flicker of delighted surprise.
"Five large merchant ships, with only two small warships escorting them. They probably have fewer than a hundred men altogether." Quenton grinned, exposing several blackened teeth, greed glittering in his eyes. "Looks like cargo bound for Highgarden from Oldtown. Exactly what we need right now."
Asha did not give the order at once. She never forgot why she had come in the first place. This raid was meant to ensure the survival of the Iron Islands, not to inflict pointless slaughter.
But then she thought of the Ironborn in her fleet, who had spent a week braving the wind and waves alongside her. They needed plunder to lift their spirits. Their greedy