Game of Thrones: The Red Dragon Lord

The massive explosion that killed the pirate leader sent shockwaves through the battlefield. The enemy, already on edge, broke into disarray. While the frontlines still clashed in blind fury, panic rippled through the pirates' ranks.

The Blood Dragon Guard, who had been overseeing the battlefield, joined the fray with lethal efficiency. Gavin seized the opportunity, leading a flanking assault on the left side of the pirate formation.

The pressure proved too much. The pirates' resolve crumbled as Gavin's flames burned through their ranks, and the Blood Dragon Guards' relentless assault left no room for recovery. The once-dense formation splintered as many pirates turned and fled.

"Chase them down!" Gavin ordered. His soldiers surged forward, pushing the retreating pirates all the way to Bloodstone Town.

The Fall of Bloodstone Town

The gates of Bloodstone Town became a bottleneck as fleeing pirates piled in, shoving and trampling each other in their desperation to escape. Chaos reigned as the gate, overwhelmed, remained open.

The Blood Dragon Guard charged like unleashed beasts, their momentum unstoppable. They smashed through the fleeing pirates, breaking their last lines of defense. Gavin's army, reinvigorated by the breakthrough, poured into the town like a raging flood.

The town descended into chaos as Gavin's forces engaged in brutal street battles. Blades clashed in narrow alleyways, arrows flew through the air, and cries of pain echoed off the stone walls. Blood stained the streets as both sides fought fiercely.

The battle raged until dusk, the fading light casting long shadows over the carnage. By nightfall, the sounds of battle subsided, and the city fell silent.

The Price of Victory

Gavin sat on the steps of the city lord's palace, his gaze fixed on the square where pirate prisoners were being corralled. The setting sun painted the sky in hues of red and orange, mirroring the bloodshed that had soaked the streets.

Hassan approached with a hurried but solemn gait, bowing deeply.

"Sir, the battle is over. We've suffered heavy casualties, but Bloodstone Island is ours."

Gavin nodded, his voice steady despite the weight of the day.

"See to the wounded first. Secure the prisoners. Begin tallying the casualties and resources immediately."

Later that evening, Hassan returned with the report.

"Sir, our casualties stand at 376. We've captured 1,124 pirates. The port inventory includes 25 longships and 5 sailing warships. Material statistics are still pending."

Gavin took a deep breath, his gaze lingering on the prisoners.

"Distribute payments to the surviving soldiers as promised. Bring all officials and those in charge of the town to me."

Meeting Boris the Tax Officer

Hassan hesitated before speaking again.

"Sir, a man claiming to be the tax officer of Bloodstone Island requested an audience. I told him to wait until the situation stabilized."

Gavin nodded.

"Bring him to me. If he's not a pirate, treat him with courtesy."

Soon, a short, weathered man with sun-darkened skin stood before Gavin, bowing deeply.

"Sir, my name is Boris. I've served as the tax officer of Bloodstone Island."

Gavin's eyes narrowed slightly.

"Hassan said you came of your own accord. What do you want?"

Boris straightened, his demeanor calm but deferential.

"Sir, I come on behalf of the islanders. Many have asked me to plead for a delay in tax collection. The islanders have already paid this year's taxes just weeks ago. They seek your mercy."

Gavin scrutinized him, suspicion evident in his tone.

"Boris, why would pirates entrust tax collection to someone who isn't one of their own?"

Boris replied earnestly.

"The wealth of Bloodstone Island comes from controlling the trade routes, not its meager resources. Appointing local officials ensures smoother governance without stirring unrest. That's how I was assigned this role."

A Plan for Stability

Satisfied with Boris's explanation, Gavin pressed further.

"How many people live on the island?"

"Over 20,000," Boris replied. "About 30% are fishermen, while the rest farm for a living."

"And the pirates' tax policies?" Gavin asked.

"Under the Thorn family, taxes were manageable. But when the Black Shark 'Earl' took over, they demanded coin instead of crops, forcing islanders to sell food to meet their demands. With trade routes disrupted, many suffered greatly."

Gavin nodded thoughtfully.

"We'll revert to the Thorn family's system and delay tax collection. As long as I govern here, the islanders will have my protection. In return, they must recognize my rule."

Boris bowed deeply.

"Thank you, sir. The islanders will be grateful and loyal in return."

After a pause, Gavin continued.

"I need capable people to restore order. I hereby appoint you as the deputy director of Bloodstone Island, responsible for production and tax matters. Report directly to Hassan."

"I'll do my best, sir," Boris promised.

The Path Ahead

After Boris departed, Hassan delivered another report.

"Sir, the town's management is in shambles. The Black Shark 'Earl' killed most Thorn family officials. Merchants have fled, shops are vacant, and the port isn't operational. The remaining pirate leaders have been captured or killed."

Gavin nodded grimly.

"Here are your orders: restore order, prevent pirate remnants from stirring trouble, and blockade the port—no ship leaves without my approval. Execute all pirate leaders and managers tomorrow. As for the rest, I'll deal with them personally. Once stability is achieved, we'll reopen the port for business."

Hassan saluted sharply.

"Yes, sir. It will be done."

As the night deepened, Gavin gazed over the square, the weight of responsibility heavy on his shoulders. Bloodstone Island was won, but the battle for its future had only begun.