AN: Consider joining P@treon among the many others that have.
LINK IN PROFILE
~~~~~~~~
ONE MOON LATER….
The waters of the Stepstones had become a battlefield as of now.
Dozens of Velaryon warships cut through the sea in disciplined formation, their silver seahorse banners fluttering proudly above the sails.
Ahead of them, a small pirate flotilla desperately fled between the rocky islands, rowing with every ounce of strength they possessed.
Their captains knew exactly who pursued them, the Sea Snake rarely gave quarter.
Most of the Velaryon fleet maintained their positions, continuing the wider operation to secure the surrounding channels, while a smaller detachment broke away to hunt the fleeing pirates before they could disappear among the countless islands.
“They’re gaining!” one pirate shouted desperately.
“Row harder!”
“They’re almost within range!”
The gap continued shrinking between them and the flagship chasing them, then one of the Velaryon lookouts suddenly pointed toward the eastern sky saying “Dragon!”
Every head instinctively turned and far above the fleet, a massive silhouette glided through the clouds, its broad wings swallowing the afternoon sun each time they descended.
Golden-brown scales shimmered beneath the light while an impossibly long tail trailed behind the beast like a banner.
At first sight, everyone became stiff, even the Velaryon sailors became tense.
No one aboard recognized the dragon immediately and the Stepstones had never been home to dragons.
“Hold formation!” one captain barked.
“Do not provoke it!”
Another sailor swallowed nervously saying “What if it’s wild?”
“Then pray it finds the pirates more interesting than us.”
No one laughed at this, every man kept one hand close to his weapon despite knowing how meaningless steel became against dragonfire.
Its golden eyes locked onto the fleeing pirate ships instead.
A second later It folded its wings, and the beast descended like a falling star.
Only when it was almost upon them did the pirates finally realize they had become the target.
But it was too late as Smaug opened his jaws while a river of blazing fire erupted across the sea in a jet stream.
The pirates had made the fatal mistake of remaining in close formation during their desperate retreat.
So when one ship caught fire, the other too followed
The flames spread with terrifying speed, consuming sails, rigging, and men alike.
Some pirates leapt into the sea, hoping to escape the inferno, only to disappear beneath burning oil and floating debris.
Others never even reached the water before the fire overtook them.
Within minutes of this assault, nothing remained but drifting wreckage and resounding screams from people still burning alive.
Not a single vessel survived, let alone a single pirate escaping.
There would be no survivors returning to whisper stories of the dragon that had descended upon them.
A deafening roar erupted from the Velaryon fleet saying “Victory!”
“The pirates are finished!”
Cheers echoed from ship to ship as sailors beat swords against shields in celebration.
Even Corlys found himself smiling, he had recognized the dragon the moment it banked toward the pirates.
And only one person in the world would be riding upon its back, so this made him say “…So you came after all.”
His smile widened, although he doubted Aethon had suddenly changed his mind.
Sure enough, after circling once above the fleet, Smaug veered toward a nearby island before landing upon a stretch of rocky shoreline overlooking the sea.
Corlys watched his son dismount in the distance and his intentions were clear, so he said “He came for me.”
Without wasting another moment, he turned toward his flagship’s captain saying “Signal the fleet.
“Aye, my lord.”
Within minutes, a small rowboat separated from the flagship and headed toward the beach.
The waves gently lapped against the shore as Corlys stepped into the shallow water before walking the remaining distance.
Aethon was already waiting for him while Smaug rested behind him, lazily observing the approaching sailors without the slightest concern.
Corlys smiled warmly saying “It’s good to see you, son.”
Aethon returned the smile as he said “And you, Father.”
Neither spoke of war this time around, they simply embraced briefly before stepping apart.
Corlys looked toward the dragon saying “I’ll admit…I didn’t expect you.
You made that rather clear in your letter.
So…Have you finally decided to join my campaign?”
Aethon shook his head saying “No.
I came because I wanted to make you an offer.”
“I’m listening.”
Aethon didn’t waste time with unnecessary pleasantries saying “You intend to hold the Stepstones permanently, if so then you’ll require more than soldiers.”
Corlys nodded slowly saying “Go on.”
“You’ll need a proper harbor.
A fortress overlooking the shipping lanes and a settlement large enough to support both.” He gestured toward the surrounding islands saying, “Stone walls, dry docks, markets and a permanent population while residing here beside the fortress in a small town, the place could act as a hub for trade.
Otherwise, the moment your fleet sails away….someone else will simply reclaim these islands.”
~~~~~~~~
AN:
LINK IN PROFILE
~~~~~~~~