Game of Thrones: The Road to Pirate King

Chapter 98 "The Blazing Flames of Qingting Island"

The choice of the old town as the location for the peace talks was the result of careful consideration from all parties.

This oldest and most learned city in Westeros is geographically positioned between the two sides of the conflict—the Iron Islands fleet entrenched on Greentree and the Highgarden army assembled at Three Towers—making it relatively neutral.

The rulers of Oldtown, House Hightower, were the wealthiest of the Tyrell family (and formerly the Gardeners' family).

One of the most powerful vassals, whose family motto "Light the Way" seems to foreshadow a path to peace.

House Hightower is an ancient, proud, and powerful family, but they have always preferred trade to war and rarely get involved in Westeros's internal conflicts. When they mediate, both sides can barely agree to the outcome. Representing House Hightower is Baelor Hightower, the eldest son and heir of Lord Layton Hightower, known as "Baelor the Laughing." He is handsome and impeccably mannered, perfectly embodying the elegance and wealth of House Hightower. His father, Lord Layton, is a close friend of King Coron and has consistently advocated for a peaceful resolution to the dispute.

The peace talks were held in a magnificent hall inside the tower, overlooking the entire old town harbor.

The representatives of both sides strictly adhered to the sacred guest rights of Westeros—sharing salt and bread—before formally taking their seats, which provided the most basic security for the tense negotiations.

Three members of the Highgarden side: Olenna Redwin, the Queen of Thorns; Randyll Tarly; and Ludwig Zenford. Three members of the Iron Islands side: Corin Greyjoy, Euron Greyjoy, and Balf Greyjoy. Intermediary and moderator: Beller Hightower. Negotiations begin!

Elena Redwin, the Queen of Thorns, spoke first. Her voice was steady, yet carried undeniable weight, setting the tone directly: "King Coron. First, I must admit that my brother Adrian is a stubborn fool." She was blunt. "His handling of the interception of Iron Islands merchant ships was indeed ill-considered and utterly reckless. This, of course, was undoubtedly influenced by the absurd orders of that—emotionally unstable—king of King's Landing."

She subtly shifted some of the blame to the Mad King Aerys, but then abruptly changed the subject, looking directly at Coron: "However, in any case, the Redwyn family and the Iron Islands themselves had no prior animosity. This war could have been avoided."

King Coron's face was hard and unyielding, like the rocky outcrops of Pikeshire. He replied in a low voice, "The humiliation he inflicted on the Iron Islands, we have avenged with iron and blood. The glory of Greyjoy must not be tarnished."

"Yes, the war is over," Mrs. Olena immediately replied, acknowledging the fact. "You won an indisputable victory at sea. The Redwin family also paid a very heavy price." A hint of pain lingered in her words, but she quickly masked it. "We are sitting here today hoping to minimize this unfortunate 'major event,' to make it disappear altogether. Let the past be the past."

King Coron refused to back down: "We have already made our demands. A compensation of 100,000 gold dragons, and a public apology from all seven kingdoms. This is what the Iron Islands deserve."

Lady Olena smiled slightly, but her smile lacked warmth: "Ten Golden Dragons? The treasury of Green Pavilion Island should be enough to pay that amount." She was implying that the Iron Islands had already been looted clean.

King Koren let out a cold laugh: "That's what we paid for with iron coins!" (meaning the spoils of war obtained with the blood and strength of the Ironborn).

"Paid the iron money?" Lady Olenna's voice suddenly turned sharp, like the thorns of a thorn bush. "Lord Corinth, have you forgotten the laws of Aegon the Conqueror's time? The Iron Islands can no longer use the Ancient Road against the Seven Kingdoms!" She wielded the legal weapon at the opportune moment, applying pressure. "You demand 100,000 gold dragons; do you intend to continue being an enemy of the entire Seven Kingdoms?"

King Coron remained unfazed and responded firmly: "Then let's put it another way. We are the victors, and according to the laws of war, everything on Green Pavilion Island now belongs to the Iron Islands! Including that emptied treasury! Our demand for compensation is based on our victory and your requests, not on reclaiming what rightfully belongs to us!"

Mrs. Olena took a deep breath; she knew there was no point in dwelling on this point, so she changed tactics, softening her tone but becoming more pragmatic:

"Even if I personally were willing to accept 100,000 golden dragons, the entire Highgarden, the entire Reach, would never agree. King Coron, the Iron Islands need face, and so does Highgarden. We are negotiating to end the war. You should know better than anyone that occupying Greenwood Island indefinitely is not the best option for the Iron Islands. It will only bring continuous hostility and endless trouble from King's Landing and even the Seven Kingdoms. Stopping now and knowing when to stop is the best solution for both sides."

She paused briefly and then proposed an alternative:

"As for the apology from the Seven Kingdoms, I can, on behalf of the High Court, write to all the major families of the Seven Kingdoms, clearly stating that this matter stemmed from the Redwin family's misjudgment, which initiated the conflict. However, through negotiations, both sides have resolved their animosity and reached a reconciliation."

I swear on the honor of House Tyrell and House Redwyn that Greentree and Highgarden will not retaliate in any way for this matter. This matter ends here.

King Coron was silent for a moment. He knew Olena was right; a long-term occupation was indeed unrealistic. He said in a deep voice, "

But compensation must still be paid.

Mrs. Olena knew this was the core issue, and she presented the price she had prepared beforehand:

"Twenty thousand gold dragons. Add to the apology letter I just promised. This is the most sincere offer I can make, and it's the bottom line that the High Court can accept without causing a complete breakdown in relations between the two sides."

She then pressed her advantage, her gaze sweeping over the Iron Islands' retinue: "We are, after all, nobles who rule over a region, not merchants and fishermen haggling in a marketplace. There's no need for endless haggling over numbers. I have shown my sincerity; so, King Coron, what about yours?"

King Coron exchanged a glance with Euron beside him. After a moment, Coron spoke, making a concession but also proposing new conditions:

"Alright. Twenty thousand gold dragons, fine. However, these twenty thousand gold dragons must be exchanged for an equivalent value of high-quality grain produced in Highgarden and transported to the Iron Islands. Furthermore," he emphasized, "from now on, merchant ships of the Iron Islands must maintain normal trade relations with the Reach, especially with Green Pavilion Island, and must not deliberately create difficulties, raise prices, or interrupt trade because of this matter."

This is a pragmatic request. The Iron Islands are short of food, and food is more useful than gold coins; moreover, restoring normal trade is in the long-term interest.

Elena Redwin, the Queen of Thorns, nodded slowly, almost without hesitation. Paying with grain was not difficult for the fertile Reach, and restoring normal trade was in the interests of both sides.

"Golden Dragon for grain, no problem." She agreed clearly. "Resuming normal trade is a matter of course and beneficial to both sides. I can assure you of this on behalf of Highgarden and Green Pavilion Island."

Thus, a conflict that could have escalated into a much larger storm was temporarily brought to a close by these difficult negotiations at the Tower of the Oldtown. Both sides preserved their core dignity and interests, albeit at the cost of enormous losses and humiliation for the Redwyn family.

Peace has returned, in a delicate and fragile balance.

In the shadow of the Oldtown Maester Tower, Euron summoned several singers who were renowned throughout the Iron Islands.

These singers have been chanting ancient hymns to the drowning gods and legends of plunder for years, and their voices have become rough and hoarse from the sea breeze and strong liquor.

Euron did not give any complicated instructions. His voice was not loud, but it carried a cold, undeniable penetrating power, each word as if piercing the ice of the North Sea:

"I need a song. A song that tells the story of the Battle of Green Hill, a war song that tells how the Iron Fleet crushed the pride of House Redwyn, along with their golden vineyards, into the sea. Its melody should be as somber and warning as 'The Rains of Castamere,' and its tune should have the penetrating power to seep into one's very bones."

A cold light flashed in his eyes: "I want everyone who hears it—whether they are a farmer from the Reach, a knight from the Westerlands, or a prostitute from King's Landing—to smell the burning stench of wildfire in the song, to feel the biting cold of the sea, and to forever remember who rules those waves!"

"Let everyone understand the cruel retribution that comes with provoking Greyjoy and challenging the Iron Islands! Let everyone feel fear at the mere mention of our names, and thus be compelled to show us the utmost respect!"

The singers received the command to compose a cursed ballad. They drew upon every detail of the battle: the longships gliding silently through the fog, the eerie green flames tearing through the night, the golden rose banners writhing and wailing in the fire, the desperate lyrics of Earl Redwin being dragged by chains. The lyrics were repeatedly hammered, the melody composed to be somber and oppressive, the rhythm like funeral drums and vengeful oars striking the water.

The final song was named "The Flames of Qingting Island".

It was quickly carried by merchant sailors traveling to and from the Iron Islands, wandering singers, and even certain well-informed individuals with ambiguous identities, spreading quietly to the ports and taverns of Westeros like seaweed clinging to the hull of ships. In those places filled with the smells of ale and sweat, rugged songs began to rise:

"Listen, listen to the horn of the sea monster echoing in the deep fog. It is a summons, a death knell, for the proud King of Grapes!"

Flames burned through the anvil, and blood-red flames licked the enemy's comb. Their golden fleet, which once dominated the seas, was shattered into dust on that night of green flames!

Hey yo, hey yo, hey yo!

It summons warriors, it reaps glory!

Hey yo, hey yo, hey yo!

It will burn with pride, letting the fine wine flow freely!

The Earl of Redwin, once overflowing with fine wine, now kneels beneath the sea rocks of Pike, his cellars empty, his craftsmen gone, leaving only the sea wind's mockery, ceaseless day and night!

Who still remembers how delicious the wines of Highgarden were?

Who still mentions the glorious past of Qingting Island?

Now only the overlords of the North Sea and the kings of the deep sea, their stories are spread with strong liquor and fear!

If you hear that deep horn sound from the shore, kneel down and pray, or prepare for your demise!

The sunset over Qingting Island dyed the pirate flag red. The king raised his trident amidst the flames, and the flames burned away the old god statue. Ironborn shouted the name of the new king!

...Now there is only Greyjoy! Only the Iron Islands!

"Eternal victor, king of the waves!"

This song became another invisible fleet, conquering not only the ports, but also the minds of everyone in the Seven Kingdoms who heard it. Its melody and warning shaped the Iron Islands' reputation and terror more profoundly than any sword.