Game of Thrones: The Black Dragon King

Mill, the white marble residence of Grand Speaker Plessy.

"How much was lost?" Plessy's face was grim.

"Half of the ships we sent out did not return," said Representative Kristoff, trying to suppress his emotions.

"We shouldn't have listened to the nonsense of Rojaer and that Tyrosian guy! That short-sighted pirate captain only cared about the meager gains on the Stone Steps Islands and didn't notice the involvement of external forces."

"The most pressing matters now are two other things outside the battlefield." Kristoff paused, then slowly continued, "The Grand Chancellor of Tyros has issued an inquiry letter because that fool Krajas has harmed many Tyrosians on the battlefield. In addition, we need to worry about the second phase of the Iron Treasury's war loan; the unfavorable war situation will make the Braavos people doubt our ability to repay."

"Now that things have come to this, let's propose a withdrawal of troops in parliament?"

"Giving up already?"

"The Stone Steps Islands were originally a private conflict between some self-proclaimed pirates and individual lords of Westeros, at least legally. Besides, for an investment that doesn't generate returns, the initial investment is no longer important."

"Krajas?"

"Today's situation is 80% his own fault for his greed. We need to leave a scapegoat for the angry Dragon King and the Tyrosi to vent their anger, right?"

"I will give orders to take control of his family."

……

Braavos. The Neptune's Palace on the Lagoon.

At this moment, five figures stood at opposite ends of the long table in the council chamber, the silence in the air heavier than the still waters of the lagoon.

The messenger's voice, hoarse from the long journey, reported the battle situation on the Stone Steps: "Valerian launched a landing on Bloodstone Island at the first tide. Damon Targaryen and Reid Seris rode dragons into battle, and half of the island's trebuchets and giant crossbows were destroyed. The Three Cities Alliance navy launched a surprise attack when the Valerian army was halfway through the landing. The serpents abandoned the landing force to carry out a decoy operation, and the dragons retreated to wait for the enemy to tire themselves out..."

"By nightfall, the Three Cities Alliance navy had suffered nearly 70% losses, and the remnants had withdrawn to the ports of Mil, Ries, and Telosi. The Valerian coalition forces are currently resting and there is no indication of a second landing operation. This concludes all the intelligence information gathered recently."

The first to break the silence was the caretaker of the Iron Treasury. Nearly sixty, his face withered like dried parchment, a string of brass keys around his neck clinking softly. "The Three Cities Alliance owes the Iron Treasury enough gold and silver to fill an entire vault. When they controlled the Steps Isles and monopolized the trade routes of the Narrow Sea, their ability to repay was beyond question, but now it seems this will be an investment that fails just like Meereen's."

"Have you recouped your investment?"

"For Iron Vault, no profit means a loss."

Neptune weakly raised his hand. "This is already a very good result. Under these circumstances, we can't ask for more. My biggest worry is whether Braavos's maritime trade will be safe once they control the Stepstone Islands."

Upon hearing this, the port authority frowned. Having spent years dealing with ships and sailors, the wind and sun had left him with a dark complexion and a resolute face. At this moment, he was unconsciously stroking the anchor emblem on his cufflink.

"Half of Braavos' merchant ships sail south through the Stepstone Islands. The Three Cities Alliance's tolls have been rising ever higher. Six months before the war began, toll collection had even degenerated into plunder. Now, the shipping routes are completely cut off, and many merchants have suffered greatly. They hope this war will end as soon as possible." The Port Master looked at Aquaman. "If order can replace chaos, it would be a good thing for trade. But Damon is no pushover. Westeros' merchant ships may be able to pass unimpeded, but it's hard to say about the merchant ships of the Free Cities."

The key-holder didn't take it seriously: "Whoever becomes the new ruler of the Narrow Sea will need money to maintain the fleet, build ports and checkpoints. Damon may need the Iron Treasury's help, and the maritime trade rights can be conveniently included in the loan treaty."

"The last loan from the Targaryen royal family was so bad that we couldn't even realize the return. The dragons... gave them a more flexible repayment method."

"The Iron Treasury does not tolerate delays! Even the Dragon King cannot violate the loan agreement," the key keeper shouted.

"Indeed, there was no breach of contract, but it's practically the same as one," Neptune said with a wry smile. "Also, I have some unfortunate news to share with you: the Black Dragon King already knows that the Iron Treasury was involved in investing in the slave trade and facilitating the purchase of special services from the Black and White Courtyards for the Lords of Meereen."

"Impossible! We always operate with secrecy, and besides, Master Faceless hasn't sent back any news..." The Key Man suddenly realized something and said incredulously, "The assassination failed?"

"My good-for-nothing son was tortured and framed on Tidehead Island," the Sea King said helplessly. "Although he didn't tell me explicitly, based on my understanding of him, he's probably already confessed everything he needed to."

"You must take responsibility!" the key keeper scathingly accused.

"I will. This flickering flame of life, battered by storms, can be used to secure peace in Braavos at any time, as long as my son has enough to eat and wear," Aquaman said, looking tired but nonchalant.

The chief swordsman stood up. He had been sitting beside the Sea King, leaning on his Swift Sword. He rarely participated in politics, but now he finally spoke, his voice deep and clear: "Perhaps this has nothing to do with His Majesty the Sea King and the young master. There is something that you gentlemen should know. The stonemason who maintains the Sweetwater Canal reported this morning that he discovered a terrifyingly large footprint near the intake. I went to see it, and it is most likely left by a dragon. The broken branches trampled in the footprint have been dead for some time."

"So, a dragon once came by silently?"

"Considering the previous attack and arson on the Isle of Gods by fanatics, and the fact that the temple of the Thousand-Faced God suffered the greatest damage, we might as well make a bold guess that the Black Dragon King was already aware of this and carried out his revenge."

The benevolent figure, whose face was veiled by the shadow of a cloak, finally revealed his captivating gaze: "Profanation will inevitably incur the wrath of the gods. Now, every facet of the Thousand-Faced God will unleash its fury!"

The custodian of the key didn't care: "The Iron Treasury never cares who should inherit the debts; it only cares whether the figures in the ledgers are accurate and whether the debts are paid on time."

"Ahem, I understand that you all have your own demands, but allow me to remind you that this mercenary leader, who has inexplicably gained the favor of the dragon, is not a king like Jaeheris with weaknesses and concerns. He is a barefoot man, a figure who has climbed from the bottom of the mercenary ranks to the top of power, just like the ruthless swordsman who fights for his life by the Moon Pool. When pushed to the limit, he will unleash a reckless and mutually destructive determination."

"The Isle of Gods is a case in point. He doesn't care what benefits he might gain; he only cares about whether we suffer heavy losses. With this kind of person, you can use bribery, but never coercion. I only hope that his thirst for revenge has been satisfied..."

"Illness weakens you!"

"The gods will not forgive."

Neptune suddenly coughed violently, a sickly flush rising to his pale cheeks. He covered his mouth with a silk handkerchief, and it took him a while to suppress the urge to cough: "Gentlemen, you surely don't think the dragon's footprint by the Sweetwater Canal is a coincidence, do you? It was a warning he left behind, the subtext being: he could easily cut off our city's water supply, but he didn't. This is to urge us not to act rashly. Do you know how long it took to build the Sweetwater Canal, and how many people were mobilized, as recorded on the Braavos Epic Tower of the Temple of the Moonsingers? It was the labor of eight whole years of the city's able-bodied men!"

"That's all I have to say. Whether you listen to my opinions is up to you. Anyway, my crippled body will soon become a bronze statue on the riverbank, where birds will defecate." The sea king's gaunt figure stretched long against the wall, his turbid yet insightful eyes sweeping over everyone present with an almost pitying mockery.

"The second item on the agenda is about the recent frequent outbreaks of dysentery in the urban area."

"The cause of the illness has not yet been determined?"

"The doctor sent to investigate also contracted the disease."

Is it highly contagious?

"It's rather random; the patients don't have much in common."

"Could it have been brought by a foreign merchant ship?"

"We have begun strictly enforcing the 40-day quarantine requirement for foreign vessels docked outside port. However, no such cases have been found on foreign merchant ships so far."

"That's strange."

······

In King's Landing, at the Red Keep's royal council, the atmosphere was far less tense than in Braavos.

Warm sunlight streamed through the high windows, bathing Viserys in its comfort.

"Daimon..." the king murmured his brother's name, a name that contained a multitude of emotions: the elder brother's helplessness towards his younger brother, the king's scrutiny of his subject, and a hint of barely perceptible pride. "So, the Stone Steps Islands have essentially resolved the problem for the vassals along the entire eastern coast?"

Prime Minister Sir Otto Hightoar sat below the King, his dark green robes accentuating his stern expression. He bowed slightly, his tone respectful yet carrying an undeniable authority: "Your Majesty, while Prince Damon and the Valerian fleet's victory has severely damaged the Three Cities Alliance and secured the Narrow Sea route, Your Majesty must also be aware—the Valerian family's power has grown to a point that cannot be ignored." He raised his eyes, his gaze sweeping over the assembled ministers. "Over a hundred warships, three dragon knights, and nearly five thousand battle-hardened elite soldiers—such strength is enough to threaten the authority of the Royal Family."

"Your Excellency is absolutely right! The Valerian family is already incredibly wealthy, and if they control the Steppes Islands, the trade revenue will make their pockets even fuller. I think we no longer need to support Prince Golden Dragon..." Count Bisperry, the Minister of Finance, quickly echoed. The kingdom's finances were far from prosperous, especially after the resignation of the Minister of the Navy, Corliss, whose various hidden expenses for the royal fleet had gradually surfaced, catching him off guard.

Ser Harold Westerling, Captain of the Kingsguard, spoke slowly: “My lords, perhaps we should first consider the significance of this victory. The Three Cities Alliance has occupied the Stepstones for years, plundering merchant ships and disrupting trade, causing heavy losses to many families in Westeros. Prince Damon and the Valerian's intervention not only eliminated this major threat but also demonstrated Westeros's power to the entire Narrow Sea. Moreover, the war on the Stepstones is far from over; is it too hasty to withdraw support for Prince Damon now?”

Sir Otto scoffed, unconvinced. "Our prince is arrogant and never submits to anyone. If he were to regain control of a large army and occupy a strategic location, it's hard to guarantee he wouldn't harbor rebellious intentions. Intervening during the process is always better than trying to fix things after something bad has happened."

"Enough!" The king's voice carried the sternness and authority of a monarch. "Daemon is my brother; he will not betray me, much less the Targaryens. As for the Valerian family... they are allies of the Targaryens. Generations of intermarriage have bound them together, sharing weal and woe."

Rutner produced a letter: "Speaking of this topic, there is some news that I need to inform you, my lords. Prince Damon claims that he and Lady Rhea are not compatible, and for the sake of the family's interests and the future of their offspring, he requests that the King annul their marriage and instead marry Lady Lannar of the Valerian family."

"This is utterly absurd! The engagement between Damon and Miss Rhea Lois was ordained by the late King, and they have sworn seven vows before the Seven Gods. How can they do something so dishonorable, breaking their vows?"

"This is not surprising to Damon."

"Legally speaking, to annul a marriage, one needs a reason for 'annulment' recognized by the Church—adultery, blood relations, uh… that's not a sufficient reason, but in short, one or both parties must be morally deficient or unable to fulfill their marital obligations. But Lady Rhea is healthy and morally impeccable, while Prince Damon…"

"Your Majesty, we cannot grant this request. The Royce family of Runestone City is a prominent family in the Vale. Annulling the marriage would be a serious humiliation, and they will never let it go. This would provoke the strong anger of the Vale lords, and it would not be in line with the current policy of...checks and balances on the Valerian."

"Damon's request is rejected," Viserys ruled.

"Then the next issue, the lords of the royal domain, and the families of those fallen soldiers, have already begun to gather outside the Red Keep." Otto's voice was low, with a hint of barely perceptible irritation, as he slammed the petition on the table: "They demand an explanation—for the sons who followed Prince Damon to the Stepstone Islands and perished."

"The Seven Gods! It's about Damon again. Has my council become his toilet paper?"

"War has endless consequences. Some people only see the glory and achievements at the front, completely ignoring the mess at the rear."

"Prince Damon recruited the Golden Robes and incited many royal nobles, saying he wanted to wipe out the pirates from the Steps Isles for the kingdom, but now... he died in battle far from home, and even his bones are being fed to the crabs on the beach. Naturally, his family is full of complaints."

"A chorus of complaints?" Earl Birbahce, the finance minister, scoffed. "Was any of those recruited forced? Weren't they all after the spoils and fiefs? Now that someone's dead, they're crying poverty and demanding explanations. That's rather disgraceful."

Sir Harold added: "Among those families are many widows and orphans of the Gold Robes, as well as several eldest sons of lords, who are leading men at the city gates, shouting that they want to see the King and demand an explanation from Prince Damon. I have increased the guards at the gates, but this does not solve the fundamental problem."

"The church has also sent people over, saying they want to hold a requiem mass for the fallen and hope the royal family can issue a eulogy acknowledging their achievements. But if they do, the promises of pensions and fiefdoms will be impossible to renege on."

Otto suggested, "The trouble Damon caused shouldn't be left for the royal family to clean up. Let the prince deal with the mess he left behind when he returns to King's Landing, since he received quite a few golden dragons from Lord Corliss."

"Damon, Damon! We've been talking about Damon all afternoon, but where is my little brother Damon?"

"There are reports that he is flying to the valley."