Early the next morning, the council chamber in the fortress on Bloodstone Island was charged with fighting spirit.
Jelena, Chai Yi, Rollo, Hal, and Intelligence Officer Mezzo Maher gathered to hear Liu Qian's next deployment orders.
Their target this time was Tyrosh.
As long as they captured the main city of Tyrosh, they could take complete control of the Stepstones and prepare for a future advance into the Disputed Lands.
As for the Seven Kingdoms, only a single night had passed, and news of the coalition's crushing defeat had not spread at all.
The king had not yet returned to the Red Keep, either.
Even after Robert returned, discussing how to respond to the defeat in the Stepstones would take some time.
Liu Qian was not worried about the Seven Kingdoms making a comeback. He was worried about them passing word to Tyrosh.
Their most urgent task, therefore, was to attack Tyrosh before the various parties could react.
Rollo was the first to step forward, his dark face filled with eagerness. "My lord, please let me lead the vanguard fleet straight at Tyrosh Harbor. I know every reef there."
Everyone frowned at his words.
Although Tyrosh Harbor was an excellent deepwater port that required no transfer to smaller boats, its towering walls stood almost directly behind the docks.
Landing troops would be fully exposed to the defending archers, crossbowmen, and catapults on the walls, making them little more than living targets.
Hal hesitated, then suggested in a lowered voice, "My lord, why not ride the Great Dragon ahead and destroy the defenders on the walls first? Then our landing would be as easy as walking on level ground."
His proposal instantly kindled an eager gleam in Rollo's and Mezzo's eyes.
Ever since the stunning sight of the golden Great Dragon