Game of Thrones: The Red Dragon Lord

The slave steward lowered his head, his body trembling as he answered with a respectful tone, "Sir, the place we live is dark, damp, and overcrowded. We survive on crude food, just enough to keep us alive." His eyes betrayed a glimmer of helplessness and a silent plea.

Gavin frowned slightly, his expression softening with a touch of thoughtfulness. "I will improve your living conditions. Now, tell me—what kind of ships can you build?"

The steward straightened up quickly, folding his hands before him in a gesture of humility. "Sir, we have extensive experience. Small fishing boats, medium-sized cargo ships, and even large vessels like this giant ship—we can build them all if we have the materials."

Gavin nodded thoughtfully. "And what about the wood supply? How many more ships can you produce with the current stock?"

The steward hesitated, a look of embarrassment crossing his face as he bowed low. "Sir, the wood we have is sufficient to build one more longship. But…" He gestured with his hands, trying to explain.

Gavin's gaze darkened, his tone sharp. "Isn't there enough wood? Why can only one ship be made?"

The steward hurried to clarify, panic in his voice. "Sir, the problem lies with the giant woods needed for the keels. The rest of the timber is suitable only for smaller boats."

Gavin pondered the explanation, then spoke decisively. "I understand. I will find a solution to the wood shortage. For now, focus on completing this giant ship. Make it flawless."

The steward exhaled in relief, dropping to his knees and kowtowing. "Thank you, sir! We will do our best!"

Innovation and Promise

Later, Gavin produced a crude blueprint for a three-bow crossbow, its lines uneven and hastily drawn. He unfolded it in front of the gathered craftsmen and began explaining patiently. "This part here… and this connection… focus on these sections."

The craftsmen crowded around him, frowning as they studied the design.

The leader of the group, a seasoned craftsman, raised his hand and said, "Sir, there's no need to start from scratch. We can modify the crossbows we've already made."

Gavin's eyes brightened with interest. "Modify them directly? That's possible?"

The craftsman nodded confidently. "Yes, sir. The existing designs can be adapted for this purpose."

Without hesitation, Gavin gave the order. "Excellent. Begin immediately. Test its power as soon as it's ready, and if it works, replace all the existing crossbows."

The chief craftsman bowed deeply. "It will be done, sir."

Turning to the rest of the craftsmen and stewards, Gavin addressed them solemnly. "Serve me faithfully for three years, and I will grant you your freedom. During these years, you will also receive fair rewards for your efforts."

The group exchanged incredulous glances before bowing together, their voices filled with hope. "Thank you, sir! We will work with all our might!"

Disciplining Chaos

The next morning, Gavin summoned the pirates to an open field. Hassan and the Blood Dragon Guards had rounded up the unruly lot from every corner of the camp.

The pirates gathered lazily, muttering among themselves, their faces a mix of curiosity and unease. Gavin stood on a raised platform, his piercing gaze sweeping across the rabble like a hawk sizing up its prey.

"Listen closely," Gavin began, his voice cutting through the murmurs. "From this moment forward, a new rule governs you. When assembled, no one speaks without my command. Whispering is forbidden. Disobedience will be met with death."

The pirates exchanged startled looks, and a murmur of defiance rippled through the crowd. Gavin's expression hardened. "Who dares defy me? Step forward!"

The murmuring stopped abruptly. Gavin remained silent, his cold stare daring anyone to challenge him.

After an extended silence, a few whispers broke out again. Gavin's sharp ears caught the offenders. With a curt nod, he commanded, "Blood Dragon Guards, pull them out."

The guards dragged the culprits forward, their protests silenced by fear. Gavin's voice was like ice. "You were warned."

With a swift motion, the guards executed the offenders. The crowd recoiled, horror etched on their faces as blood stained the ground.

Gavin let the silence stretch, his gaze unyielding. "This is the cost of disobedience. Discipline ensures survival. Chaos ensures death."

As the sun set, the guards brought forth a chest brimming with golden dragons. Gavin climbed onto the platform again, addressing the pirates. "Those who obey will be rewarded. Today, you've earned this."

Hassan distributed the coins, and the pirates accepted them in stunned silence.

Building Loyalty

The next day, Gavin repeated the process, this time taking the opportunity to interview each pirate individually. He listened intently, making careful notes of their skills and past experiences. Those skilled in navigation, weather patterns, and ship repair were grouped together, while others were trained in combat and logistics.

In the following weeks, Gavin threw himself into the training, personally supervising their progress. He noticed cliques forming among the pirates but dismantled them with a mix of incentives and discipline, ensuring their loyalty shifted solely to him.

At night, Gavin held private discussions with the sailors and captains who had been kidnapped.

Diplomacy

One evening, Gavin sat across from an elderly captain, his tone sincere. "Captain, I regret the circumstances that brought you here. But the past cannot be changed. I seek your help to build a future where you and your crew are respected."

The captain's eyes narrowed, skepticism evident. "Words mean little to those who've been betrayed. How can I trust you?"

Gavin leaned forward, his gaze steady. "Trust is not built overnight. But time will prove my intentions. Serve me, and I will ensure you receive the respect and freedom you deserve."

The captain studied him for a long moment, then nodded cautiously. "Very well, sir. I'll support you—for now."

A Rising Force

Under Gavin's iron-fisted leadership, the shipyard thrived, the pirates transformed into a disciplined crew, and even the once-resistant captains began to see the potential of his vision. With each passing day, his foothold in the Stepstones grew stronger.

Gavin stood atop the newly christened Black Shark, gazing at the horizon. His voice carried over the deck. "This is only the beginning. Together, we will master these seas."