Inside the golden command tent on the Blackwater Rush bank, flames lit the candles.
A brazier beside the table gave off heat, while the Dragon Horde rested deeper inside the tent.
Duke Stannis Baratheon pointed at the parchment map of the Seven Kingdoms and said, "The Ironborn fleet was weakened during Balon's last rebellion, but its foundations remained."
The western coastline of Westeros was jagged, like a dancing snake.
The Riverlands and the Westerlands were the closest to the Iron Islands, but all the lands along the western coast had suffered Ironborn raids.
Duke Stannis had grounds to speak about the Ironborn. During the Battle of Fair Isle, he and Earl Paxter Redwyne had attacked from opposite sides, destroying most of the Iron Fleet between the mainland and the islands. But now the Ironborn had recovered their strength.
"Balon was a madman, and Euron Crow's Eye seems even madder than he was," Prince Oberyn Martell said.
Dorne suffered fewer Ironborn raids, but that was not due to Ironborn mercy.
Rather, Dorne had always been barren, and its southern coastline was full of whirlpools and reefs, making it difficult for ships to approach.
"The Ironborn aren't drawing their fist back from the North simply for the Seastone Chair." Gendry studied the long western coastline of Westeros.
"This Euron Crow's Eye is more frightening than Balon," Duke Stannis said. "Some merchants say he is the most vicious pirate in the world. He hasn't returned to the Iron Islands for many years."
"Balon has a son and a daughter. How can his younger brother take the throne ahead of them?" Lord Mace Tyrell asked.
"The Ironborn's rules are different from those of the Green Lands. Euron Crow's Eye is stronger than his nephews and nieces. If a Kingsmoot is called, he will win."