Chapter 188: Tyland and the Sea Snake’s Charge

At dawn the next day, the aftermath of the previous night's battle on Bloodstone Island was grim. Wrecked ships and debris floated on the sea, smoke lingering in the air. Corpses littered the beach, their blood staining the sand and attracting fish and shrimp to feast on the remains.

"Ah! ..." A scream echoed through the area as the sound of hammering nails filled the air. Rows of wooden posts had been erected along the beach, each bearing a captured pirate of the Triarchy, left to the mercy of the tides and sea creatures.

"Roar..." The light silver-gray dragon Seasmoke appeared on the horizon, soared, and then landed gracefully on the island.

"Father, the remaining pirates have escaped to Gray Gallows Island," Laenor reported, dismounting from Seasmoke and approaching the blood-soaked Sea Snake.

After a night of relentless fighting, the Sea Snake, visibly exhausted, responded with a numb voice, "Send the fleet on patrol. Don't act rashly."

The pirates of the Triarchy were experts in guerrilla warfare, constantly harassing the kingdom's forces to prevent them from establishing firm defenses. This had been their sixth night attack in recent times.

"Father, the fleet from White Harbor will arrive tomorrow. We'll soon be out of this mess." Laenor handed over a note, a hint of excitement in his voice. He had longed for a significant battle to prove his worth and bring honor to his house, hoping to silence the rumors about his despised sexual orientation.

The Sea Snake took the note, his stern expression softening slightly. At that moment, Tyland Lannister arrived with a guard, his face urgent.

"Lord Corlys, I must speak with you about the problem of attrition," Tyland said quickly. As the Adviser of Maritime Affairs, he was responsible for the logistics and supplies of the Stepstones campaign.

The Sea Snake squinted at Tyland, replying dismissively, "Lord Tyland, war is all about money and supplies. There's not much to discuss."

]Tyland persisted, pointing to the wreckage in the sea, "The fortifications were destroyed again last night, and the casualties are mounting. Building forts in the face of constant harassment will only increase the kingdom's financial burden. We should eliminate the pirates first and then build the walls."

The Sea Snake's sole focus on naval command often clashed with Tyland, who had to manage both the logistics and the progress of the defensive fortifications. Seeing resources rapidly depleted for minimal progress was unacceptable to him.

"Lord Tyland, do not be upset. We are not the only ones suffering," Laenor interjected diplomatically. "The pirates of the Triarchy have also suffered heavy losses, losing nearly ten warships. We have the advantage."

Tyland shook his head. "The Triarchy has three wealthy trading city-states behind them. They can easily replace warships and hire mercenaries. Our resources are limited."

As a Lannister, Tyland's innate financial acumen made him acutely aware of the economic disparities. The Triarchy's control of the Stepstones meant they could levy high taxes and intercept ships, further enriching themselves.

"Enough, Lord Tyland," the Sea Snake interrupted impatiently. "There is no fairness in war. We must wait for the kingdom's support. Rest assured, I am more sensitive to our losses than you!"

He discarded the note and walked away. Tyland, stung by the rebuke, turned red and green before picking up the note and leaving.

Watching them depart, Laenor stood there, caught in a dilemma, and let out a deep sigh.

...

Runestone.

Rhaegar woke up slowly, his sleepy eyes fluttering open. Across the room, Rhaenyra stood before the dressing table, adjusting her skirt and admiring the Valyrian steel necklace around her neck. Since receiving the necklace, she hadn't wanted to take it off for even a moment.

"You're awake, Rhaegar," Rhaenyra greeted happily, catching his reflection in the mirror.

"Good morning, Rhaenyra," Rhaegar replied, sitting up and rubbing his long, messy hair.

"Come on, get up. I'll tell Jeyne not to prepare for the farewell party. We'll leave right away." Rhaenyra walked over to the bed and pulled him up, hastily helping him with his clothes.

"I'll do it myself; I'm not a child anymore," Rhaegar protested, struggling as the collar of his shirt caught on his ears.

"Oh, adults don't beg for milk?" Rhaenyra teased, curling her lips into a mischievous smile.

"Ahem ..." Rhaegar coughed, trying to hide his embarrassment, and resignedly accepted her assistance.

An hour later.

After a hurried breakfast, the siblings said their goodbyes and mounted their dragons. With a roar, Cannibal and Syrax took flight, leaving Runestone Castle behind.

In the castle's front yard, Jeyne, Gerold, Old Grimm, and others watched them depart.

"Lady Jeyne, we should also be on our way," Erryk said respectfully, clad in his silver armor and white robe.

With the rebellion quelled, it was time for Jeyne to return to the Eyrie. At her request, Rhaegar had left Erryk and 500 Dragonkeepers to serve as her guards. This also provided an opportunity to sell transported goods and establish a trade route from the Crownlands to the Vale.

"No problem, Ser," Jeyne replied with a faint smile. She pulled a note from her sleeve and handed it to Gerold.

At Gerold's questioning look, she said, "Send a raven to deliver the letter to King's Landing."

Gerold nodded and turned to find the maester.

"Come along, Ser," Jeyne said, her smile widening. The letter expressed her gratitude to the crown and set a date for her visit to King's Landing. She also hoped to receive an honorary knighthood for Rhaegar.

Having secured the benefits of backing the royal family, Jeyne knew exactly the attitude she needed to display.

...

Evening, King's Landing.

"Roar..."

A pitch-black dragon soared through the sky above King's Landing like a meteor, its roar echoing throughout the city. The mighty roar caught the attention of countless residents. Nobles and commoners alike raised their heads, knowing that the appearance of the black dragon could only mean one thing:

The heir has returned!

"Roar..."

Cannibal circled King's Landing twice, releasing green flames that showed off the fierce dragon's formidable power. Moments later, the dragon descended to the Red Keep and landed gracefully in the spacious courtyard.

Rhaegar leapt from Cannibal's back and shouted, "Jump down boldly, I'll catch you."

"You'd better catch me," Rhaenyra replied, rising nervously from her saddle.

With a reassuring smile, Rhaegar held out his arms. Rhaenyra jumped, and he caught her with ease, spinning her around twice in a joyous embrace.

Syrax had been too slow, so when they left the Vale, Rhaegar had suggested they both ride Cannibal to shorten their journey.

"Haha, you've caught me where it hurts," Rhaenyra laughed, playfully slapping Rhaegar on the shoulder.

"Well, let's get going. Father's waiting," Rhaegar said, taking her hand and leading her towards the castle.

"Wait."

(Word count: 1,130)