Game of Thrones: The Red Dragon Lord

Gavin responded calmly, his tone measured and resolute:

"The Thorn family is no longer a threat. Their fleet, as far as I know, is sheltering in Reese. How many ships remain, I'm sure you're more informed than I am. Now that I govern the Stepstone Islands, I'll establish a new order that ensures stability without hindering our cooperation."

The Myr envoy let out a derisive snort, his bloated face twisting into an expression of disdain. Clad in a loose golden brocade robe that failed to mask his bulk, he sneered:

"New order? That sounds laughable. We don't share your confidence."

Tyrosh's envoy quickly stepped in to diffuse the tension, wearing a placating smile as he spoke in a soothing tone:

"Gentlemen, let's not allow tempers to flare. Sir Gavin has proven himself capable of securing the trade routes and safeguarding our mutual interests. Surely, we can set aside differences to discuss a fair and beneficial arrangement."

The Lys envoy silently observed the exchange, thinking to himself, "Tyrosh is only this eager because their survival depends on these trade routes."

Reese's envoy, however, was not so easily swayed. With narrowed eyes and a sharp tone, he pressed:

"Sir Gavin, Gray Gallows Island was originally the territory of the Thorn family. Your continued occupation seems provocative. Don't you think it's time to return it to its rightful owners?"

Gavin's eyes glinted with steely determination as he replied without hesitation:

"The Stepstone Islands are under my command now. Gray Gallows Island falls within that jurisdiction, and its ownership is not up for negotiation. If the Thorn family wishes to challenge this, they are welcome to send their fleet."

The Reese envoy's face darkened, his voice becoming colder and more threatening:

"So, you're deliberately ignoring Reese's stance on this matter? Aren't you afraid of provoking conflict?"

Unfazed, Gavin leaned forward slightly, his voice calm but unyielding:

"Conflict is not my goal, but Gray Gallows Island is not negotiable. If Reese intends to meddle in the Stepstone Islands by propping up the Thorn family, I'll meet them head-on."

Tyrosh's envoy, now visibly nervous, interjected quickly, his voice tinged with urgency:

"Please, let's not escalate tensions further. Disputes like these will harm all of us if the trade routes are disrupted. For the sake of our mutual prosperity, let's focus on cooperation and avoid unnecessary hostilities."

The Myr envoy smirked, his tone dripping with sarcasm:

"Trade routes? Without the support of our fleets, Sir Gavin, can you truly claim to secure them? You must weigh your choices carefully."

Gavin's expression hardened as he spoke firmly:

"I intend to honor the revenue-sharing agreement established with the Thorn family. Merchant ships flying the flags of Myr, Lys, and Tyrosh will continue to pay only half the tolls. However, I caution you all against any attempts to undermine my authority in the Stepstone Islands."

Tyrosh's envoy nodded quickly, trying to de-escalate the growing tension:

"Sir Gavin's terms are fair and reasonable. We gain more by maintaining peace than by pursuing divisive schemes. Surely, that much is evident."

Reese's envoy, however, remained unmoved. His tone was icy as he responded:

"Of course, we have no intention of interfering in the Stepstone Islands, but the Thorn family's plans are not within our control."

Gavin's reply was as sharp as steel:

"In that case, I eagerly await their challenge."

After the tense banquet, Gavin returned to his study. Without hesitation, he turned to Hassan and issued an order:

"Prepare the fleet. We seize Gray Gallows Island in two days."

Hassan's brows furrowed with concern as he asked cautiously:

"Sir, Reese and Myr seem poised to involve themselves in the Stepstone Islands. What if they send their navies to intervene?"

Pouring himself a glass of wine, Gavin remained composed as he replied:

"They might, but they're not united. Tyrosh is too dependent on the trade routes to align completely with Reese or Myr. They also fear provoking the Iron Throne, which they suspect may support me. At most, they'll provide the Thorn family with ships and funding. We must act swiftly. Capturing Gray Gallows Island before the envoys depart will shatter their ambitions."

Hassan hesitated, his voice tinged with worry:

"Sir, what if this move provokes an all-out war? Can we withstand their combined strength?"

Gavin took a measured sip of his wine before answering:

"It's a risk, but we hold the advantage. Tyrosh's reliance on trade routes divides their loyalties. As long as we strike quickly and decisively, they'll hesitate to escalate the conflict. Prepare the fleet."

Hassan nodded firmly, determination replacing his initial doubt:

"Understood, sir. I'll make the arrangements immediately."

Two nights later, Gray Gallows Island loomed in the moonlit darkness. The sea stretched like a vast black satin cloth, shimmering faintly under the starlight. Five small boats approached the island silently, carrying Gavin and his Blood Dragon Guard.

As they neared the shore, Gavin gestured to his men. One of the guards scaled the ten-meter cliff with practiced ease, securing a rope for the others to climb. Moving with ghost-like precision, they advanced towards the high cliff where the enemy trebuchets were stationed.

Dawn was breaking as they reached their target. The sentries, drowsy and unprepared, were dispatched swiftly and silently. Gavin's dagger flashed in the pale light, cutting down a guard before he could sound the alarm. The Blood Dragon Guards followed suit, eliminating the remaining sentries without a sound.

Gavin raised his hand, signaling one of his guards to light a torch. The fire danced in the wind as it was waved in a circular motion towards the sea—a signal for the fleet to approach.

Aboard the flagship Belleris, the envoys of the Kingdom of the Three Daughters stood on deck, their expressions ranging from irritation to curiosity. Reese's envoy broke the silence, his voice laced with impatience:

"Sir Gavin drags us here in the dead of night for a spectacle? Does he think we have endless time to waste?"

Myr's envoy grumbled in agreement:

"Exactly. The sea breeze is freezing. How much longer do we have to endure this?"

Even Tyrosh's envoy, usually calm, looked puzzled, though he refrained from voicing his complaints. Hassan, ever polite, offered a placating smile:

"My lords, please be patient. The results will soon justify the wait."

Suddenly, a flickering fire signal appeared from the direction of Gray Gallows Island. Hassan's eyes gleamed with satisfaction as he gestured towards it.

"Gentlemen, the show is about to begin."

As the fleet approached the island, alarm bells rang out from the defenders' camp. However, confusion spread quickly when no response came from the cliffside watchtower. The guards sent to investigate never returned, having fallen to Gavin's swift and ruthless assault.