Game of Thrones: The Bronze and Fire Lord.

Chapter 297 Getting Ready to Start Excavation!
at the same time.

The Stone Steps Islands are under full martial law. Acting Lord Cameron Tas has summoned his soldiers to defend Bloodstone Island and Gray Gallows Island to the death.

"Notify the Valerian fleet to consolidate its forces and not disperse."

Count Cameron gave instructions to a messenger.

The messenger set off swiftly.

Immediately, Count Cameron gazed at the azure sea and sky outside the window, a hint of melancholy creeping onto his serious face, and he couldn't help but sigh softly.

After several years of trade, the garrison gradually became lax in its duties.

His Highness the Prince's army is in a better position.

Seagull Town is garrisoned by the Myr Navy on a rotating basis, and both Sir Ryan Shet, the "Seagull Knight," and Sir Cohen Cobree, captain of the Runeguard, are cautious and discreet individuals.

In comparison, the Valerian fleet was far inferior.

Relying on their superior combat experience and the fact that half of their commanders were Valerian members, they acted with extreme licentiousness and had very poor military discipline.

Perhaps it's a common problem of our times, but professional armies are like professional pirates.

"Alas, I hope His Highness will provide support soon."

Count Cameron regained his confidence and went out for inspection as usual.

……

Broken arm angle.

On the churning sea, dozens of large ships slowly approached the Stone Steps Islands.

On the mast of the half-masted ship, the Vance family flag, featuring three black panthers arranged vertically on a yellow background, was flying.

The remaining half consisted of a mixed flag of iron and Tyrossi mercenaries.

Since the fall of the Kingdom of Three Women, nobles and wealthy merchants fled to Braavos or Valantis to survive, while mercenaries and pirates wandered around, creating new jobs.

"The patrol area of ​​the Valerian fleet is fifty nautical miles ahead."

The lookout shouted his report.

Count Vance maintained his cold smile, rubbing the hilt of his scimitar at his waist, and shouted, "The defenders of the Stone Steps Islands number a mere three thousand. Destroy the Valerian fleet, and gold and silver treasures will be within our grasp!"

"Gold and silver treasures!!"

"..."

Upon hearing that they were being robbed, the sailors cheered with genuine excitement.

Upon seeing this, Earl Vance scoffed.

Coollen is too weak.

The destruction of the Three Women's Kingdom terrified him.

Dorne is barren; how can it feed its people without plundering the nobles of the Reach and Stormlands?

So what if the Iron Throne has dragons?

Even though Aegon the Conqueror was incredibly powerful, he still couldn't subdue Dorne in the end.

Soon, the Valerian fleet, flying the azure seahorse flag, came into view.

Upon seeing this, Earl Vance roared excitedly, "Long live Dorne! Charge!!"

"..."

A somber bugle call sounded, and dozens of large ships, carrying tens of thousands of sailors, set sail at full speed to launch an attack.

The Valerian fleet initially put up a brave resistance, but was quickly surrounded.

They had only eight warships, with a full complement of 1,500 men, but 1,200 men actually arrived.

The sheer number of personnel meant they were no match for the Vance fleet.

Under the intense bombardment of rockets and catapults, the Valerian family's azure seahorse banner burst into flames and crashed into the sea.

"Everyone, get your spirits up! Attack Bloodstone Island and plunder the trade market!"

Earl Vance laughed heartily.

Just now, he personally beheaded a member of the Valerian family.

He seems to be one of the nephews of the sea serpent Corliss.

Damn it!

With their initial victory, the Vance Fleet, riding high on momentum, launched a massive attack on Bloodstone Island.

At this time, Bloodstone Island had only 1,500 Seagull Town Navy personnel, 300 Tas Guards, and a few dozen Valerian Fleet sailors who frequented brothels.

Under the heavy firepower of the Vans fleet, it quickly showed signs of defeat.

Count Cameron was shot in the chest with an arrow and was hurriedly carried off the plane for treatment.

The battle was taken over by Sir Asby Shet of Seagull Tower, the eldest son of Seagull Knight Ryan.

The young Asby made a decisive decision, leaving five hundred sailors to cover the rear while leading the remaining troops in a breakout attempt.

After losing several warships, they escaped to the nearest city, Tyros.

News of the fall of the Stone Steps Islands reached King's Landing.

……

Red Castle, conference hall.

"what!!"

Corliss flew into a rage, slamming his hands heavily on the conference table.

The force was so great that the stone ball in front of Tyran almost jumped out of the slot.

"Calm down, Lord Corliss."

Tailan covered the stone ball as if it were his backside, trying to calm himself down.

How can you expect me to stay calm?!

Corliss's face turned as black as the bottom of a pot, and he cursed, "Thirteen hundred skilled men, ten fine ships, Cameron Tass must have grown up eating shit."

"Uh……"

Tailan was stunned by the shouting and clenched her hands in a pitiful manner.

Whose fault is this?

Sir Asby's report was very clear.

It was your nephew, Regal Valerian, who disobeyed orders and delayed his return voyage, resulting in him being taken away by the Vance fleet.

The garrison on the Steppe Islands was insufficient and no match for the large number of Vance troops.

In all accounts, Valerian bears half the responsibility.

Corliss clearly did not attribute the mistake to his own magnanimity.

The people he assigned were undoubtedly all top-notch. If Earl Cameron couldn't get them to work, it means you're not capable enough.

"Lord Corliss, it's no use saying all this now."

Prime Minister Leonor spoke.

Corliss glared and said, "Dorn has become a major threat. Why don't you all share your insightful opinions!"

As he spoke, he glanced at Viserys, who remained unmoved.

Viserys remained seated and even took the time to look after Rhaenyra, who was pregnant.

Don't scare his unborn grandson.

If the king doesn't express his opinion, the prime minister has to step in.

Leonor confronted him directly: "Lord Corliss, what exactly do you want to discuss?"

When it comes to assigning blame, no one can escape responsibility.

Corliss sneered, "I just want to know, what will happen to my lost ships and men?"

"The King will compensate you for the loss of your ship and men, and provide condolences and supplements to the families of the fallen soldiers." Leonor asked for money and he gave it to them.

Kolis scoffed, fixing his gaze on Viserys, and said solemnly, "What I want is not compensation, but a military siege of the Stone Steps Islands, to wipe out that arrogant King Vance!"

That's right.

After conquering the Steps Islands, Earl Vance declared himself king.

While showing contempt for the Iron Throne, he unleashed a powerful attack right up close to Prince Coolen of Sunspear City.

Leonor immediately fell silent.

Viserys remained calm and said, "The Stone Steps Islands are the territory of the kingdom, and I will definitely take them back."

He paused, then emphasized, "But first of all, I am not ready to go to war with Dorn!"

This statement touches upon deeper political issues.

"Jon Vance doesn't represent Dorne," Corliss said.

"Then who provided Jon Vance with the money and ships?"

Viserys countered with a question.

The answer is: all Dornish who are hostile to the Iron Throne.

Otherwise, the Vance family's wealth wouldn't be enough to raise an army of tens of thousands.

Tyran said in a low voice, "The marriage alliance with Dorne is imminent, and the fleet sent by Prince Coollen is about to dock."

Corliss turned his head sharply and said coldly, "The Dornish are already shitting on our heads, and you're still dreaming."

One of their nephews died, and they lost thousands of soldiers and ten warships.

During the investigation on Tidehead Island, clues were found that Elaine's bodyguards were frequenting brothels.

He doesn't want any of that bullshit arranged marriage right now.

All I want to do is lead my army and dragons to smash Kooren's bastard head in.

Wife and children separated, ruined by the fire...

“Watch your words, Lord Corliss.”

Count Thaddeus corrected him indignantly.

Her Highness is still in the hall, really.

Corliss suppressed his anger, lowered his head to avoid looking at the king and princess, and offered a token apology.

The proper etiquette should not be forgotten.

Feeling helpless, Renilla stepped forward to mediate: "Lord Corliss, please don't be in such a hurry."

"A letter has arrived from River Valley. Imon has dispatched the navy from Seagull Town to the scene."

Upon hearing this, Corliss finally calmed down and retorted sarcastically, "Fortunately, there's still one person who's actually getting things done."

He and Aemon suffered the greatest losses in this rebellion.

As the lord of the Stone Steps, Aemon suffered even greater losses.

Thinking about it this way, Corliss felt much better.

Suddenly, the Imperial Guards outside the door bowed respectfully: "Your Highness."

"..."

When everyone turned around, they saw Imon with his long hair flowing down his shoulders.

Aemon glanced at the sea serpent and frowned: "Why are you still here? Go to the Stone Steps Islands."

I flew on a dragon.

You're traveling by boat, why don't you set off sooner?

Corliss's face darkened at first, then he strode out the door with an imposing air.

Amidst the ministers' astonished expressions.

Aemon pulled a letter from his pocket, slammed it on the table, and pushed it forcefully toward his uncle across from him. He then called out, "Aemon and Helena, come with me."

Viserys was a little stunned.

My nephew said he had something to discuss with him when he got back.

Should we discuss it?
As Amon left, he gave Renilla a kiss before he went out.

Tell her to stay put in King's Landing and not wander around.

Renilla: ...

……

a few days later.

Stone Steps Islands, Bloodstone Island.

A thin mist hung in the air, staining the beach red, and mournful screams echoed across the island.

Bloodstone Island has served as a trading post for many years, and trade has continued uninterrupted.

After Count Vance seized control of the area, he took control of thousands of residents and various merchants and began a brutal and inhumane looting spree.

The Dornish, in particular, are cruel to ordinary residents.

It was like meeting an enemy, with all sorts of torment and humiliation.

Blood Dragon Castle.

Lord Vance sat on the newly crafted throne, discussing strategies for the Iron Throne counterattack.

"The Stone Steps Islands have many caves. As long as we hide inside, the dragons can't do anything to us."

The leader of the Tyrosi mercenaries came up with the idea.

Many of the mercenaries were originally pirates from the Three Women Kingdom.

Earl Vance listened to the suggestion and thought it made some sense.

He immediately ordered half of the Vans army to disperse and hide in caves on Bloodstone Island and Gray Gallows Island, while Ironborn set sail to plunder Stormlands along the way to share the firepower.

Finally, he selected his trusted confidants and a group of Terosi mercenaries, and sent them to Valantis with a large sum of money to recruit more mercenaries.

Barring any unforeseen circumstances, the plan is already very meticulous.

……

A small island in the Stone Steps Archipelago.

"Hiss!"

Vomisol swung its dragon head, devouring the sea monsters it hunted in the ocean, its massive body struggling to hide in the tropical forest.

"Quiet, Vomisol."

Imon kept his head down, holding a topographical map of the Stone Steps Islands in his hand.

That island has caves and tunnels, that island has water sources for farming.

Even the distance between islands, wind direction, and water flow are all recorded in perfect detail.

"Tsk, what a pity."

Aemon put away the map and instead took out a completely black hammer engraved with flames.

He has already explored the continental plates of the Steppe Islands.

The tectonic plates broke apart, and some parts sank.

However, most of the sectors are just scattered and there is still a possibility of them regrouping.

Isn't the Vance Army known for its hoarding?

They hid it properly, but one hammer blow dried it all up.

(End of this chapter)