Chapter 50: Chapter 50 Closing
Seeing no response from the sentries, the defenders quickly realized something was wrong. A team of more than 500 men was hastily assembled and launched a counterattack at the cliff. Their shouts and the clash of steel broke the silence of the early morning.
From both ends of the cliff, over 300 defenders rushed up, their battle cries echoing through the predawn air. The Blood Dragon Guards stood firm, an unyielding fortress awaiting the enemy's advance.
As the two sides clashed, the battle escalated to a fierce crescendo. Blood splattered, screams filled the air, and chaos reigned.
One Blood Dragon Guard raised his longsword high and swung with devastating force. The blade whistled through the air, severing a defender in half. Blood sprayed in a crimson arc, and the lifeless body collapsed, spilling its contents across the stony ground.
Another guard sidestepped a thrusting spear, countering with a swift, backhanded slash that severed the attacker's arm. The dismembered limb spun through the air as its owner crumpled, his screams drowned by the chaos of combat.
Yet another Blood Dragon Guard plunged into the enemy ranks, his swordsmanship precise and deadly. With a single thrust, he pierced a defender's chest, lifting the body off the ground with sheer strength. He swung horizontally, decapitating another foe in one fluid motion. Blood erupted in fountains, painting the battlefield.
The defenders, knowing their survival depended on holding the cliff, fought with reckless abandon. Wave after wave crashed against the unyielding Blood Dragon Guards. Despite their prowess, the guards began to falter under the relentless onslaught.
One guard, isolated and surrounded, fought valiantly but was eventually overwhelmed. Wounds covered his body, and as his strength waned, a defender's blade struck true, claiming his life. Several more guards fell in quick succession, their legendary resilience unable to withstand the sheer numbers.
From a distance, Gavin observed the battle, loosing flaming arrows into the enemy ranks. He noted grimly, "Even the Blood Dragon Guards are not invincible. These defenders fight as though they have nothing to lose."
By now, more than half of the defenders lay dead or dying. Gavin's arrows and the relentless assault of the Blood Dragon Guards shattered their resolve. Panic spread through their ranks as they witnessed the carnage. Some hesitated, their weapons trembling, while others fled outright.
Meanwhile, Gavin's fleet reached the port unopposed. Soldiers poured from the ships, forming ranks as they advanced towards the city. More boats ferried reinforcements to the shore. With the defenders at the cliff in full retreat, Gavin ordered his Blood Dragon Guards to pursue them relentlessly.
The battlefield at the cliff's summit became a ghastly tableau. The ground was strewn with severed limbs, shattered weapons, and pools of blood that seeped into the cracks of the stone. The smell of iron and death hung heavy in the air as the rising sun bathed the scene in an eerie light.
Standing amidst the carnage, Gavin surveyed the horizon. A triumphant smile spread across his face as the sun's rays heralded his victory.
In the city, the remaining members of the Saan family gathered in a somber silence. Desperation was etched on their faces as they peered at the army massing outside the gates. They knew resistance was futile.
Salado Saan, the head of the family, broke the silence with a weary sigh. His voice was heavy with resignation:
"Send a messenger to the enemy. Inform them that I am willing to surrender, but only if my family's safety is guaranteed."
When the messenger approached Gavin with a white flag, the terms were relayed. Gavin agreed.
The heavy city gates creaked open, and Gavin's disciplined soldiers marched in. Their synchronized steps echoed through the silent streets, marking the end of the Saan family's rule.
Gavin took a cursory tour of the city, issuing orders to secure prisoners and inventory the warehouses. Finally, he gathered the Thorn family members, including Salado Saan, and escorted them to the Belleris.
Onboard the Belleris, the envoys of the Kingdom of the Three Daughters awaited Gavin. Their expressions betrayed a mix of shock, anger, and thinly veiled fear. Gavin strode onto the deck, exuding the confidence of a conqueror.
He gestured towards the captives brought forward, including women and children, with Salado Saan at the forefront. Addressing the Reese envoy, Gavin's tone was calm but edged with menace:
"These are members of the Thorn family. I understand their fleet is currently in Reese. Kindly inform your governor that their families are now my guests on Bloodstone Island. I trust he'll know how to proceed."
The Reese envoy's face turned a deep red. His voice shook with barely restrained fury:
"Thank you, Sir Gavin, for your... kindness. I will be sure to convey your message."
Gavin smirked, his gaze cold:
"I trust your governor will understand the balance of power. Safe travels."
With that, Gavin turned and walked away, his cape billowing in the sea breeze. Behind him, Salado Saan stood in silence, his face a mask of despair.
Later, in the underground treasury, Gavin sat on a throne carved from dragon bones, absorbing the room's faint magical energy. Nearby, Hassan supervised the soldiers as they cataloged the spoils.
Hassan approached and saluted before reporting:
"Sir, we've secured a substantial haul. The warehouses are filled with food, spices, and rare jewelry. However, the gold dragons amount to less than 30,000. It seems the Saan family distributed most of their wealth before the battle."
Gavin nodded thoughtfully, then instructed:
"Provide shelter for the Saan family in Bloodstone Town. They are not to be mistreated, but no one leaves without my permission."
Hassan bowed deeply:
"It shall be done, sir."
As Hassan departed, Gavin leaned back in the throne, a faint smile on his lips. His thoughts wandered to the pirate Salador Saan, who would one day serve Stannis Baratheon in the War of the Five Kings.
"It seems I've already altered the course of history," Gavin mused. "Perhaps one day, it will be me Stannis seeks to hire."
Chuckling to himself, he returned his gaze to the spoils of his conquest.