Pyke, Pyke, 289 AL
Even inside the thick walls of Pyke, you could here the stormy waves battering against the stones.
Balon Greyjoy was bent over a map of the Seven Kingoms, on the other side of the table stood Euron, Victarion, Sawane Botley and Waldon Wynch.
"It is a good plan" admitted Victarion.
"I told you so did I not, Balon?" said Euron.
"I agree" said Sawane Botley, echoed by Wynch.
"Do it" said Balon curtly.
"What is dead may never die"
Seven days later
Sea outside Lannisport, 289 AL
Victarion threw the torch. All around his the captains of the other ships of the Iron fleet threw their own. The Lannister fleet was afire within minutes, well most of it, a few ships had escaped the flames.
Victarion ordered Iron Wind, Grief, and Grey Ghost to pursuit the ships joined by his own Iron Victory. They bordered the westerman ships quickly. Victarion slew the captain of a ship called the Lion's Mane.
Winterfell, the North, 289 AL
The clatter of wood hitting wood erupted from the yard. Ned walked out onto the balcony and saw Jon and Robb practicing at war with small wooden sticks. Ser Rodrik stood at the edge of the yard shouting: "Strike low! Strike left! Strike high! Thrust!"
Eddard turned around and walked down the stairs.
Maester Luwin met at the foot of the stairs.
"Lord Eddard..." he said "there was a raven from King's Landing. Balon Greyjoy declared war on the crown and his brother burnt the Lannister fleet whilst Lord Tywin was marshalling his power
below Casterly Rock"
"Thank you maester, I must confer with Ser Rodrik. Send ravens to Castle Cerwyn, Torrhen's Square, White Harbor, Old Castle, Barrowton and Swordpoint, inform them to gather their hosts by Moat Cailin, we are marching for King's Landing"
Luwin bowed and scurried off.
Once in the yard, Ned walked over to Ser Rodrik.
"How many men are at Winterfell at present?"
"Two thousand, my lord" replied Rodrik Cassel.
"Balon Greyjoy has declared independence and burnt the Lannister fleet whilst it lay at anchor in Lannisport. I have sent ravens to Lords Cerwyn, Tallhart, Manderly, Locke, Dustin and Archell to send their hosts to Moat Cailin. Ready the men, we march in five days"
