After inspecting her treasury, Danyla gave Samwell a few more instructions about what to watch for in the coming days, then mounted Dreamfyre and left with Myracis and the others.
Danyla reckoned Saewan and his companions' plan in the Stepstones should be going smoothly. With a great dragon like Seasmoke on their side, along with all the measures they had put in place over the past six months, neither the Triarchy, the pirates of the Stepstones, nor the Braavosi forces drawn into the affair would come out ahead.
Holy Flame Island should soon reap another windfall! That was why Danyla had told Samwell to prepare to receive them. Once the Stepstones Plan succeeded, it would be time for her to occupy the entire island chain.
Holding the Stepstones meant controlling the route that ocean-going trade between the eastern and western continents had to pass through. The taxes alone would amount to a considerable sum.
The Stepstones' unique location made them a vital strategic position for controlling the Narrow Sea. They were not only a major gateway for world trade, but also a prize every military power would fight to possess.
This was the first long journey for Phoenix and the other three hatchlings, so everything seemed new and fascinating to them. That made Danyla's return journey much slower than her trip out, but also far more entertaining.
Hognara took the lead, snatching a large fish over half a meter long from the sea. With a toss of her head, she flung it into the air, roasted it with a burst of dragonfire, then swallowed it contentedly.
Hogras followed close behind. Taking advantage of her speed, she skimmed over the sea like a gust of wind. Her beating wings whipped up such a swell that several fish weighing a few pounds