Game of Thrones: The Red Dragon Lord

Gavin frowned slightly, speaking slowly, his tone heavy with concern.

"Bloodstone Island is a strong choice, but it's crawling with pirates. A direct assault could lead to heavy losses—or worse, outright failure. I'm worried that the newly recruited pirates might defect during the battle. We simply haven't had enough time to secure their loyalty."

Hassan, ever calm and calculating, offered a counterpoint.

"Sir, the news of the Black Shark 'Earl's' death hasn't spread yet. As long as we fly his flag, we can bypass their toughest defenses. Once we're ashore, we'll destroy their ships, crippling their ability to retaliate. Besides, your Blood Dragon Guard is the ultimate deterrent. The soldiers have seen what they're capable of—they won't dare defect."

Gavin's unease was evident. Bloodstone Island was defended by over 2,000 pirates, while his forces numbered barely 800—half of whom were recently captured prisoners. The island was unlike Shipwreck Bay; its strategic position meant frequent ship traffic, and news of their prior attack could reach it by morning.

Should he gamble?

If the death of the Black Shark 'Earl' remained a secret, there was a fleeting opportunity to strike before the island fortified itself.

Gavin's decision came with resolve, his voice firm as he spoke.

"We've just wiped out the pirates on that smaller island. Word will spread across the Stone Step Islands soon enough. Rather than waiting for Bloodstone Island to prepare its defenses, we'll strike now while we have the element of surprise."

Hassan nodded in admiration.

"You're absolutely right, sir. Once they know our strength, they'll entrench themselves, and a second attempt would be nearly impossible."

Turning to face Hassan directly, Gavin issued his orders.

"The fleet won't return to Shipwreck Bay. We'll change course immediately and head for Bloodstone Island. Gather all the prisoners on my ship—I need to speak to them personally."

"As you command, sir," Hassan said with a bow before hurrying off to relay the orders.

The Voyage to Bloodstone Island

The summer sea shimmered like glass under the golden sunlight, its surface sparkling like fine gold dust. A gentle breeze carried the salty tang of the ocean, filling the sails and propelling Gavin's fleet eastward. The formation consisted of two imposing warships flanked by thirteen sleek longships, cutting through the waves with purpose.

During the voyage, Gavin took time to address the soldiers and the newly recruited pirates. He poured out the 20,000 gold dragons he had seized, letting the coins spill like a waterfall before the assembled men. Their eyes gleamed with greed and excitement.

With a booming voice, Gavin made his promise.

"Fight well in this battle, and your rewards will be even greater! The more enemies you kill, the more gold you'll earn."

His tone then turned cold, his sharp gaze sweeping over the gathered men.

"And know this—the Blood Dragon Guard will be watching. If anyone retreats, they will face swift and merciless punishment."

Though outwardly confident, Gavin felt the weight of the risks. His army was a precarious mix of loyal soldiers and barely loyal captives. To succeed against the vastly superior forces on Bloodstone Island, he would have to rely on the intoxicating lure of wealth and the paralyzing fear inspired by the Blood Dragon Guard.

The fleet, flying the Black Shark's flag, sailed steadily under the warm summer breeze. From a distance, the banner flapped like a symbol of undeniable authority.

Arrival at Bloodstone Island

As the fleet neared Bloodstone Island, its sentries saw nothing amiss. The Black Shark's flag was a familiar and fearsome sight, enough to lower their guard. The ships passed through the defenses unchallenged, and the bustling port slowly came into view.

Gavin stood at the bow, his gaze cold and calculating as the first ships docked with a faint thud. The sailors moved with practiced efficiency, dropping anchor chains and securing the vessels. Gavin and Hassan disembarked alongside the Blood Dragon Guard, their crimson armor glinting menacingly in the sunlight.

Hassan strode forward to greet the approaching pirates, his face a mask of warmth and charm. He exchanged hearty laughs and tales of the sea, expertly stalling for time while the rest of Gavin's forces quietly gathered on the docks. The soldiers moved like shadows, their expressions tense and their weapons at the ready.

More ships docked, unloading their armed crews onto the port. Gavin, still stationed on the bow, silently counted the moments. Finally, the last of his forces stepped onto the shores of Bloodstone Island.

The pirates, at first oblivious, soon noticed the growing number of armed strangers. Their confusion turned to alarm as they realized the danger, but by then, it was too late.

The Battle for the Port

"Attack!" Gavin's command rang out like thunder.

His soldiers surged forward like a tide, their momentum unstoppable. The chaos erupted in an instant—swords clashed, and the air was filled with the screams of the dying. Blood sprayed like fountains, staining the port's cobblestones crimson.

At the forefront, Gavin cut down his enemies with precision, his sword a blur of lethal motion. Behind him, the Blood Dragon Guard advanced like an unyielding wall, their disciplined formation crushing any resistance.

The pirates at the port, caught off guard and outnumbered, broke into a panicked retreat. Gavin's forces quickly seized control of the ships anchored there, ensuring no escape or reinforcements.

The Siege of Bloodstone Town

With the port firmly in his grasp, Gavin refrained from pressing deeper into the island. Bloodstone Town, with its towering walls, would be a costly assault if attacked head-on.

"We'll hold the port and force them to come to us," Gavin declared, his voice steady with determination.

He directed his men to fortify their position, organizing barricades and strategically placing crossbows from the ships.

"Aim all the crossbows at the shore," he instructed Hassan. "Be ready to fire on my command."

As the fortifications took shape, Gavin stood at the center of the activity, his mind racing with strategy. The pirates in Bloodstone Town would soon realize the threat. When they did, Gavin would be waiting to strike the decisive blow.