Third Times's The Charm

by Dr.Absent-Minded

A very sick person dies and transmigrates to Harry Potters body during the horcrux hunt. What changes will he bring there. What if this itself was a test for qualifications for his next journey. What's going to happen if he born as Brandon Stark's and Ashara Dayne just after the Tourney at Harrenhal. Lets watch as he shocks the North, the Westeros and then even maybe the Essos.

9. Chapter 09 Greyjoy Rebellion

Chapter 09 Greyjoy Rebellion

~~Author's notes~~

-Please read the previous chapters, especially the 8th one, once more, and if you see many changes in this one to what you have read before, please accept my apologies for the confusion.-

-I have edited some of the grammar mistakes and changed some contents a bit.-

-There might still be mistakes, so no promises there.-

Bravos, Essos, 290 AC, Harry POV

We were getting ready to leave. Elia is giving her goodbye to Daenela, my father is managing the people to get our things to the ship. I was standing nearby the new friends, and Elia is about to start her waterworks. I go to them and promise Elia that she will be seeing her best friend soon. A few more farewells and I turn to my future betrothed. I very much wanted to kiss the living daylights out of her. But considering our company and the age we are in front of others. I just gave a big hug. After separating I said,

"I'll call you when I am not busy or in battle. Take care of everything. And just because you have a wand doesn't mean you have the license to go on adventure trips. Use the lab I have given you, there are still many potions that we could use but many I have not found proper substitutes. Be a dear wife refer my notes and start working on that will you?"

"Just because you have the experience of the biggest war veteran in this world doesn't give you the right to jump into danger either. I know about the Greyjoys rebelling. Finish it without risking your life OK?"

"That's the problem with this world I can't just fire of fire whip spell and end everything. These guys consider magic as some taboo. So as long as the north cannot stand independently from the rest of the Westeros alone, we can forget about the not-risking part. But I will watch myself, don't worry your pretty little head about it."

"Whenever it's possible I will come to see you, and tell Elia about magic already, so I can come to see her often. She reminds me a lot of Astoria."

"I could complain a bit about you more wanting to see my sister than me. But it seems like it's time to leave for me. See you soon my dear. I love you."

"I love you too."

Looking into her blue eyes a little more I said my final goodbye and walked towards my ship.

We set sail soon after.

As we went we overtook both Tyrell fleet and the Lannister ships. They will be going through the canal while we stop at the Moat. They will be joined by their additional vessels which will take them back to Lannisport and Oldtown at the entrance of the Northern Chain.

I will send all the guards I have with my sister to Winterfell, and just to be sure send Fawkes and the three pups with her. Fawkes will come back after she is home safe and we will wait for our bannermen and fleet to arrive in Moat Cailin.

I was in my cabin checking the map to find the positions of the southern armies. The Navy is not that easily monitored. But any movement inland is very easy for me to notice. They are all moving to their respective ports. Only 10,000 Knights are moving west from Vale while the rest are still stationed home.

That Jon Arryn is a clever individual indeed. Well, I am not that bad either I guess. Not even half of my standing army is marching to meet the King in Lannisport.

Cailin City, North, 290 AC, Harry POV

After a few weeks, we reach Moat Cailin. As the ship is approaching the port I see my uncle Ned and his family lined up with his guards to welcome me. When the ship is docked, I, Elia, and our father leave it to meet our uncle.

"Moat Cailin is yours, My Lord." Says my uncle, bowing to me. The rest of the people around him follows his movement.

"Arise uncle. Let us move to your solar uncle we have much to discuss. Aunt Catelyn if you don't mind please bring Elia to her quarters, we have very urgent matters to discuss before we leave for Lannisport."

"You are coming with us?" my uncle and father ask almost at the same time.

"Who will follow a lord who is not willing to lead his army? And frankly, there are more things in play, which I can tell you guys if you can just come to the solar."

"As you say. Cat, take little Elia to her quarters, make sure it's near Lord Stark's and her father's this way my Lord." I make Elia follow my aunt and goes with my uncle to his solar.

After Me, father, uncle, Vayon Poole, and the Cassels enter, we close the door behind us. I make sure everyone is settled and take out my analyzer. Using it I put on some temporary sound wards around the room and move it magically right before us. While doing it I am also contacting Jack who is in his room waiting for me in Winterfell and my uncle Ben who is in his solar in Sea Dragon Point. Almost all of them in the solar has seen me do this before except Poole. So he is almost freaking out. My uncle calms him down a bit. And we see Jack on the screen.

"My Lord, it's good to see you are safe," Jack says as soon as he sees my uncle.

"Thanks to you Jack." my uncle gives out his gratitude.

"For those of you didn't know it yet, there was a plan out there courtesy of Euron Greyjoy to kidnap any one of the Lady Starks or one of the children, from Winterfell, or Moat or Sea Dragon Point, take them to the Pyke as a hostage or later a salt wife or thrall to keep us out of this war. His possible list of people includes people from my mother to Lady Arya. He doesn't know that Lilly Potter is my mother. Just that she is extremely important to me. And he guessed that because she is not a Stark they will have a chance at capturing her due to low security. When his people couldn't give him a reply on the possibility, he abandoned the idea of coming anywhere near Wintercity. The same happened for Moat Cailin. We had his people killed before they even made a move." I continue.

"The same cannot be said about Sea Dragon Point. A fleet of 200 ships attacked the Stony Shores, Bear Island, and Sea Dragon Point as a distraction at the same time in the dead of the night a few weeks back. They aimed to move our attention to somewhere else, so they could use the window of opportunity to capture a distracted Dacey Mormont, or my sleeping cousin Rickon. That Euron and the newly self-appointed King Balon Greyjoy's son Rodrick themselves led a group of their people into my uncle Ben's Castle very quietly. They somehow made it to the castle walls only to get decimated."

"According to our calculations, Rodrick was heavily injured but captured. Euron lost most of his men but managed to escape with his life, but was still wounded according to the report. Though I would like to know how they got this far. I'll leave that investigation to you, Jack. For now, I am ordering all the non-fighting Ladies and Heirs male or female to be moved to Winterfell just to be on the safe side. That included all the Starks, no exception."

The tension in the room was almost unbearable. The other lords will have already reprieved ravens detailing the facts way before they left. So they will make sure it is done. There were small skirmishes inside Cailin City, Winter City, Torrhen's Square, Deepwood Mote, Flint Finger, Bridge Town (the new town formed near the bridge connecting North and South in the Neck, opposite Cailin city), and several other of our ports were equally tested. But because of our army earlier being deployed in several such places the losses were minimal.

All in all, we lost 45 soldiers from several squads and 74 civilians 1023 ironborns dead. But in all those exchanges we came on top and there was not a single survivor in any of the enemy groups. Except for Euron Greyjoy and his group. That hit my pride a bit. If a bloody pirate was able to do this what about a few thousand. How the hell did he find the weaknesses in my defense. We have to fortify everything again.

"Euron Greyjoy broke through our new defense. If he had made a few more changes and some more creative moves, he would have been able to reach one of my family members. This is unacceptable. So I want to know how he did it, I have to split open his head so be it. I want Euron Greyjoy. That's the main reason I am going. I want to be seen doing that. If it's just capturing him. It might be a child's play for us. But this just became a matter of pride for us. I need Jack to keep me updated on if we have any leaks. He knew the layout of our Town in Sea Dragon Point and many other of our Towns. If not we will not lose almost fifty well-trained soldiers in mere skirmishes. I need detailed reports when I come back, Jack.

"Also Jack keep tracking Euron and every other important commander of the Greyjoy fleet for me. Tell Marwyn to write to the lords to compensate the families of the dead civilians. Find out the families of the dead soldiers and remind their senior officers to personally offer our condolences to their families and compensate them as usual. Again, don't forget to warn each Keep, City, Town, and Villages about their security, west or not I want all of them on alert. Now report on the things happening on South for us Jack."

"Yes my Lord. I'll follow each of your instructions carefully. On the reports of the battlefields, we have confirmed from the prisoners that Victorian Greyjoy may have burned down the Lannister fleet but almost all of their planning came from the heads of Balon and Euron, especially Euron. They also didn't get much from the attack on Reach borders including the Shield Islands. Though both sides lost thousands in the battles. Both Soldiers and civilians. The people they have taken from Westerlands, Reach and Riverlands are in Thousands. The people of the Riverlands are equally facing the same situation as the Westerlands. Lannisport, Feastfires, Fair Castle, Seagard, Banefort, and Crag were hit massively. Very few infrastructures remain unharmed.

"Tywin going for an auction with a part of their fleet at the same time took a toll on their defense hard. The Warden of the West has lost a bit too much of his reputation. Mallisters lost their small fleet too. They have only 7 ships now. Lannisters have 45. And Reach has lost 43 ships but still retains almost 500 longships and 120 galleys. They are preparing to move to Lannisport according to the King's command led by Mace Tyrell. 100 of their ships are at the chain waiting for the Tyrells who went for the auction to be escorted back home. The Royal Navy, including mainly the ones they took from the Targaryen loyalists, numbered something similar to the Reach. Stannis Baratheon the Master of Ships is already leading the fleet to attack the Iron islands directly.

"The King has ordered all the available boats in the Redwyne fleet and Tyrell fleet to join him in Lannisport. They will attack from the south, while the North fleet and Royal fleet are to attack from the North, cutting any escape route for the Greyjoys. Whatever men we can spare is to join the king in freeing the captured islands in the West, then join the combined attack. We were able to capture 20 longships from Ironborns. The rest either escaped or sunk in the sea.

"The Greyjoys managed to acquire and make a total of 954 ships at the beginning of their attack. Now they have lost over250 ships. Almost 150 in the North alone. And we have their Heir in custody. We now have the upper hand." he concluded.

"Make sure the Royal Navy pays no tolls. Welcome them with enough food and supplies. As far as our information goes Stannis Baratheon will not rest for more than a few days before he will move out. If possible we will move before he arrives and gets a small lead in the fight. Uncle Ned will stay back and welcome him, then sail to Lannisport or Iron Islands with him. Uncle Ben has decided will remain to hold off the Western defense. Robb will be the Stark in Winterfell until I come back. And please make sure everyone knows that it's a title and no one can use my brother to cause new problems in the North." when I said that I discreetly looked at my uncle and he nodded. I continued.

"Uncle Arthur will be in charge of security of Wintercity and everything in it until I return. I will take our flagship on its maiden voyage with my father and including enough frigates to include 5000 troops. Willam Dustin and Lord Manderly will follow my uncle Ned with the rest of the soldiers. Take only enough necessary ships and the new ones we got from the ironborns. Leave the rest for trade with the Essos and defending our ports. Uncle, Jack, send out the orders now. We will make detailed plans according to the new information Jack will provide to attack the Iron Islands. Let's take some rest for a few days before the other bannermen arrive."

A few days went like that in preparation for the upcoming war and I sent my sister and cousins to Winterfell with a few extra guards than I earlier decided. Elia almost started her waterworks but was stopped by a look from her father and she reluctantly boarded the carriage.

When the Mormont ships and a few of the Stark ships including the flagship enough for 5000 soldiers was prepared, me, father, Jorah Mormont, Ethan Glover, Martyn Cassel, and several other Lords boarded the Back Wolf. Almost everyone was watching her their eyes wide as the ship came to the port in Cailin City. She was the biggest ship anyone there has ever seen. After loading the supplies for our trip the Black Wolf and an all frigate ship fleet enough to board 7000 soldiers boarded the soldiers and left the port in hours. I left some space because we will have prisoners and hostages to add along the way.

I led all the Captains to my ship before we left and had a meeting.

Flashback

"The main reason we are going to this war is that the King called for his banners. That's what I want everyone else to think. But the main reason I am personally going to this war is to possibly end the Greyjoy bloodline. If not cripple it enough to let it die gradually. The second reason is I want that bastard named Euron Greyjoy to rot in my prison cell for an eternity before he turns hopeless and dies a miserable death. Starks has gone against the Dragons for touching one of us. It's not that big of a difference. This one is only a slimy squid."

"My Lord, are we directly going to Euron's fleet. His Silence is almost as fast as our frigates. If we wait for the war to end he might just escape." a Captain asks me.

"You are right, he might escape. But there is nowhere in this world he can escape from my eyes. Let's go over our plan to take Blacktyde and Orkmont for now. Let me worry about Euron. I am intending to put him down like the dog he is before this war is done. So we are …"

Flashback Ends

Iron Islands, Sunset Sea, 290 AC, Harry POV

Our fleet had been in the sea for a few weeks. We are about to reach Blacktyde in about a few hours. We will engage their defensive fleets any moment now. I was in front of Black Wolf enjoying the wind brushing against my face. Still in the process of mulling over the latest news, Jack had given me. They are abandoning other islands and making a grandstand in Pyke. To fight us face to face in the sea. They still have enough ships to do that according to logic. A squid is always better than a wolf, lion, stag, or rose in water. So we will always have the disadvantage when facing them at sea on a prolonged war, which they have long since been preparing for.

I was approaching our plan from different angles to see any loopholes that can be filled when Lord Mormont approached me from behind. I turn to the sound of his footsteps.

"Lord Mormont."

"Lord Stark."

"Is there anything you need me for my lord?"

"Just thought you should know your aunt is furious that you ordered her to stay back in Winterfell. Even more furious you gave her the duty of a Lady along with your other aunt. She wrote me a letter asking me to tell you that the next time she sees you she will take your ears."

I felt my chills at that moment. Unlike my other Lady Stark aunt, this one does care for me. But the problem is she doesn't care one bit that I am her lord or ruler of the North, Winterfell, or any other titles. The woman shows her affection and displeasure, both very strongly. The only adult woman other than my mother to ever hug me and kiss me on my head is my aunt Dacey. She is also the only one to twist my ears in front of the whole working force of Winterfell.

My other aunt is afraid of me. Especially after the septa incident. She almost always gives me a guarded look when she thinks I am not looking. Even uncle Ned, father, Sirius, mother, Elia, and Robb have noted this. Robb asked me later why his mother looks at me like that, not his mother me. I told him to find that out by not asking anyone. Will be a good exercise for the future Lord of Moat Cailin. He should also understand his mother better. It's better to start young.

Now she has threatened me to remove my precious ears.

"So it's settled. I might be the only lord to not have ears while ruling the North as far as we know. Right?"

"It appears so my lord. My Lord are you sure of engaging in the battles to come?"

"I'll fight as much less as possible. But no matter what Euron is mine. And will have to fight in front of the King. Just to show off you know."

"My Lord you are the most accomplished Lord in Westeros. That is including all your ancestors. No Lord has been this generous and kind to his subjects. Ever, nor anywhere. I don't think there will be one in the future like you. All your bannermen will never starve in the future if they follow you. This is considering how dire the circumstances were for North before you came along. You will make North the most prosperous land in all seven kingdoms. On top of that, I have heard even at the tender age of 12 you might even have the chance to beat a very seasoned knight, imagine what you will be at your prime my lord. I don't think you have anything to prove to anyone my Lord. If it's your bannermen. I can assure you every one of them will follow you to their death if that's what you wish of them. So please reconsider my lord."

"He doesn't listen to his parents or his favorite uncle, Jorah, what makes you think this idiot will listen to you." father who I think heard all that walks up to us with a prideful smile on his face. He was really happy to hear all those things from Jorah I guess.

"My Lord."

"Don't forget Jorah. I am Ser James Potter, here. Even if others can't hear us or even if all of them are very loyal to us let's be careful for a few more years. And why do you think he didn't go back home. His mother would have fried him alive if he told her that he was commanding the army at 30 let alone 12. Right my Lord?" as House Mormont is one of the most loyal houses of mine, right next to Dustin, Reed, Glover, Umber, and Cerwyn, they were all in on the secrets involving my parents, sister, and brother. But even with them, we have avoided talking about Sirius's real identity.

"I am good enough to fight a warrior of the level of you guys and survive or at least escape. So don't worry. And I told you, I won't jump in headfirst. I'll let you people do that. Now go and give out orders to the men. We are only about a few hours away from Blacktyde. Tell them to arm themselves. Our first battle is about to happen. Oh and father, Old Nan lost her sons in the Robert's Rebellion, lets make sure she doesn't lose her grandson in this one."

"Yes my Lord." both of them went to do what I asked of them.

I cannot monitor the seas with my map but I can easily do that with islands. All the Irons Islands namely Blacktyde, Orkmont, Harlaw, Old Wyk, Great Wyk, Pyke, and even the Lonely Light. And by that, I know all the Greyjoys, except Euron and Victorian are currently on Pyke. I have sent someone to find Euron, but if my information is right, Victorian is getting ready to face the fleet from the South. Victorian was there somewhere near Faircastle last I heard of him.

After I am done with Blacktyde, Orkmont, and Harlaw, I might not get to do anything else alone. Even before that Stannis might catch up with me. All the strong men of the Iron Islands are far away from these islands and are either with Victorian, Euron, or Balon. So taking these islands is not going to be a big deal.

Time passes by I see the Blacktyde island's north side aligned with a few 100 ships. Pirate ships. Not ironborn.

How the Greyjoys managed to fool them into joining this stupid endeavor I will never know. And I don't even want to. So their real fleet is somewhere else and they put slavers and pirates in charge of their home. House Blacktyde might have gone insane. I turn to my commanders and signal them.

Our ships break formation and cover the entire enemy fleet and a few frigates move towards Blacktyde Castle. I stayed with the large part of my fleet which has now finished surrounding the scum of this world. I didn't have a single ounce of mercy for these groups of vermin. And the moment they started foolishly approaching us I ordered a mass annihilation using our new weapons. Whatever ships escaped and reached the premises of our ships were boarded and slaughtered. A complete order to not keep any survivors.

Some of these pirates are from the deep parts of Essos and some are from even the Step Stones. Now that they are done I ordered the complete fleet to encircle the island ruled by House Blacktyde. By the time the big enemy fleet has destroyed the frigates containing my bannermen had already covered the escape route of the survivors. There were not many so-called noblemen in the run-down castle. All the young ones were on the real battlefield. Seems like Balon was ready to give up this castle and island.

We grouped the thralls and salt wives the bastards kidnapped from the mainland. Made sure they are healthy and led them to the remaining ships on the island. We were going to take them back to their home. But some didn't want to go back to the south so I made them an offer to accommodate them in my domain. Now that there are a lot of budding towns and cities in the North we need people to fill them to call them working cities or towns.

I executed all the Greyjoy loyalists and led the rest of the soldiers to the brigs in our ships. Almost all the prisoners are rapists so the decision was made by me to castrate immediately. Hundreds of castrations happened in the next week we were staying in Castle Blacktyde. Some survived. For them, I ordered a few ships to come from my western navy and take them to the wall.

After these were managed before I left for Orkmont I received news that the King has reached Lannisport and that Stannis has already left the Moat with my uncle. So I don't have many days before they catch up with me. So we left soon after I got this news.

We reached Orkmont in a couple of days. Since it was very near to Blacktyde. We expected the same resistance. But it was a bit bigger than we anticipated. The Houses, House Orkwood, House Tawney, and the cadet branch of House Goodbrother had no intention of surrender, they also had hundreds of ships to defend the islands. More than us by a bit large margin. So many pirate ships and Greyjoy ships escaped after we repeated the performances, almost all the remaining nobles escaped to the Pyke.

After repeating all that happened in Blacktyde. But these bastards had already killed many innocent thralls and salt wives before we conquered the keeps on the island. In my rage, I ordered the demolition of their Drowned God's temples or shrines or whatever they call it, their priests and remaining soldiers, and then moved on to the other island.

Harlaw was an unexpected one. The Lord surrendered voluntarily. Not just him half a dozen Houses that are bannermen to him have also surrendered. I thought it was because they might have known what happened to Blacktyde and Orkmont. But that was not the case. This is the one island on the iron islands that didn't practice the Drowned God's principles to the core. They don't have salt wives or thralls. They live by mining and trade. Lord Rodrik was unsuccessful in his attempted to dissuade Balon Greyjoy, his brother-in-law from his attempt to take Westeros. They only gave away their ships to the Greyjoys out of necessity, not because they wished for it too.

He even lost another brother-in-law in Faircastle and a son at Seagard. Even though the Greyjoys were successful in raiding a vast area of Riverlands and Westerlands, they did lose many people in these battles. Harlaw lost two of his relatives and Balon was not in the least sympathetic. Hell as far as I know he doesn't care that I have his son in my prison.

Lord Harlaw tried to enquire about his nephew. I was straight with him and told him if I have a say in it he will lose all his nephews except the little one Theon and also his niece Asha. He was someone rational and knew fighting my fleet even with a larger number will be a confirmed loss.

All the Castles in the islands were given for our accommodation and we were provided food and other supplies. And I used Fawkes and verified each and every castle, village, and town. The only ones making trouble on this island are people from outside, which Lord Rodrik Harlaw and his bannermen took care of. The Greyjoy loyalists and many other undesirables were imprisoned made ready to be given to us before we even arrived, as a present.

I am impressed. we managed to lessen the confrontation that much in this war. I made my fleet rest on Harlaw until we meet up with the Royal fleet, which is almost near us. I sent a raven to my uncle saying that he can meet me in Harlaw.

The Southern fleet had a brief confrontation with the fleet under Victorian and I for the love of God know not how Lord Mace suffer a loss only to be saved by Lord Redwyne. They lost almost 150 ships and men in that fight. And yes it was because Slavers and pirates were large in number there too.

Where do these people pop up? I didn't know that there were thousands of pirates in this world. Either way, it's not going to be a walk in the park for us. Ironborns proved to be a greater adversary in water. Good thing I have the better ships, it more than evened out till now. By the time we make a move next, the King would have also made his way to the iron islands, using whatever ships the Lannister and Reach has.

I, uncle, and Stannis will meet the King in his war council at Harlaw. It has been decided through ravens in a few days before Stannis caught up. I was congratulated for capturing three islands in such a short time but was ordered to stay put until the King arrives in Harlaw. The major part of the fleet will return south and take Saltcliffe after the drop of the King and the major commanders of the fleet. We will attack the Pyke from all grounds. But the Royal fleet is to take charge. So now I wait.

There is still a search going on for Euron from my side but it bears no result. The last information on him was from Pyke, he went to meet his brother and was kicked out of the island by his brother to defend it in the sea as a punishment for losing his son. But the Crow's eye deserted iron islands with almost 50 ships and his flagship to god knows where. He was last seen near Lonely Light but that's it. The fifty ships that went with him were his most loyal men.

The current me has a spy in every city, town, and almost all village. Not all of them are the trained agent of mine they are just normal indispensable ones. Most of these are not even from the North. They just work for money. But they don't even know who they work for. They report to my agents and they report to me. I didn't want to unnecessarily deploy valuable agents in such lowly places when I can place more of them at the Red Keep or Casterly Rock or the Highgarden or the Eyrie or the Watergardens for that matter.

This is not just in Westeros my network now covers all of Essos too. But for that, I have my wife to thank. Hers and mine combined we have a spy network bigger than any. I now have a plan to combine our networks in a way that others are not so aware of it. If this slippery squid Euron or his ships lands anywhere in Essos, Westeros or any other places I have a trade relation with I will know that in an instant. He can run, but not far or long enough to escape me.

Stannis was indeed the first to come. He was all business and very strict. But never treated me like a kid. We discussed the plans I already implemented to capture the three islands, his travels, his brother, and everything that came to my mind. He was not a very amicable man. But a loyal and decent man nonetheless. The Master of the Ships. Lord of Dragonstone.

Weeks later the King, Lord Hand, Lord Lannister, Lord Tyrell, Ser Blackfish, and all their bannermen were at Harlaw. Me my uncle and our bannermen along with Stannis were there to welcome him.

The King was the first to walk down from their ship. The Lannister flagship. Which survived the burning along with a few others. Followed by other lords and commanders from other ships. The King as expected made a beeline towards my uncle instead of his brother or me. Before he reached us we all bowed.

"All arise," he said as he came near us.

"Ned, my dear friend, how long has it been 8,9 years. Why didn't you come to meet me Ned all you had to do was get on a bloody ship. And I hear you have the fastest one in all the seas. And if what my small council says is true, the north has the best Lord Paramount since Bran the Builder himself." he says looking at me, and I give him a bow in return.

"Your Grace, the north has just calmed down from all the things that have been happening ever since the war. And I have barely made Moat my home. But I promise you I will visit as often as I can after our current crisis. But you indeed say. The people are all in praises for my nephew. Best decision of my life, letting him lead our land." uncle says with pride.

"You hear that lad. You are doing a good job. But never let it go to your head and make your uncle proud." the King said to me.

"Without a doubt your grace. I may love some people more than my uncle here. But he is the person I respect more than anyone I will not make him ashamed of something I did. Please let's get inside where it's warm Your Grace, my Lord, winter still has not left our lands completely, and it's cold here. Harlaw is yours Your grace and her guest rights wait for all of you."

"Yes our little Lord is right so let's all get inside and warm. Oh, and the fleet going for Saltcliffe will leave after 2 days of rest and refilling of supplies, so Lord Stark please make arrangements for them. They may have to wait there until we give them the go for starting attacking the other islands. Get it done."

"At once you grace." I turned and motioned one of my men to carry out the needed arrangements.

The King and his entourage went inside. I had employed a few people to monitor the food that they are taking in the castle, just to be on the safe side. We are not at the Ten Towers as that is up in the North of Harlaw. We are in one of the two castles in the south currently. It's barely able to fit a few thousand people. So there are hundreds, maybe thousands of tents all around the castle.

While I was at the beginning of talks with the Lords in Harlaw, I had sent a fleet of 50 ships with Jorah Mormont in charge with all of them being frigates to conquer Old Wyk. He took the route around the Orkmont to throw off the Ironborns and it worked most of the men defending the Old Wyk left for the Pyke, the moment they heard that we landed on Harlaw and that the Lords there surrendered. He had come back one day after the King came. It all became extra sweet when he did the same thing I did to Orkmont and Blacktyde at Old Wyk too.

Here we got some more ships and at least half the thralls and salt wives alive from the iron idiots in the island. As usual, all the ones that survived from the raw castration were sent to the wall. My ships from the navy stationed to defend my borders are taking nonstop trips to the wall lately. All the prisoners are to be escorted to Castle Black away from the sea.

Now that Old Wyk has also fallen, the only ones remaining are Saltcliffe, Great Wyk, and Pyke. After the conquering of Saltcliffe, the part of the Reach fleet that is going to attack the Great Wyk will wait for the signal to suspend the attack all together to focus on the siege of Pyke.

After the fleet for Saltcliffe left we formed a war council and started meeting in the biggest tent. Lord Tyrell has been eyeing me the moment the party landed, as is Tywin for some reason. I didn't give them the time of day. I think that angered them even more. As we were waiting for the other Lords like Lord Hand and the King to come, Lord Tywin came to me to talk for the first time.

"Lord Stark we meet again."

"I think you have mistaken Lord Lannister. This is the first time we are meeting face to face." my father was behind me like a dutiful guard and several other Lords were there too, especially the Reach Lords.

"Seems like even though you were young you couldn't remember seeing me in Bravos a few weeks back."

"WE were at the same place at the same time. That does not establish us meeting my Lord. Entirely different matter." Tywin scoffed at me a little. I was sitting at the table drinking my butterbeer and he had a cup of firewhiskey with him. Almost all of them were supplied with drinks by us. Only some stubborn people like Lord Tyrell waws drinking Arbor wine.

"Yes, we didn't talk face to face. But I had a very important task in mind. Apologies if I was not mindful to a fellow Lord."

"Don't mention it, my Lord. Although I hear you did have a very deep conversation with my betrothed Daenela Maegion. She told me all about it."

"Your betrothed?" Tywin's mask fell for a second.

"Yes, we finalized it even before the auction."

"But you did not announce it."

"We decided it among the families. Starks and Maegion. And yes we haven't told anyone else yet. I am waiting for the next Harvest Feast. But almost all of them may have already known by now."

"Should you be marrying a bride from Westeros or better yet the North itself? What would your bannermen say."

"I don't know how it goes in the West but my bannermen men follow me and not the other way around. In North, a Stark's word, my word, is final. And my bannermen will surely congratulate me on marrying someone as pretty as Daenela. There are some business interests involved too. So it will benefit the North." no point in hiding from him. I plan on telling everyone either way. And these are things this little kitty can guess on his own. I just like rubbing it in.

"You may want to be careful with that girl. She has no idea how to respect her betters. It may cause friction between you and the rest of the Lords in North and South."

"I think I am more than capable of protecting what is mine. Starks has a way of striking back harshly when provoked. With her demeanor, she will fit just right in."

"Good luck to you and your betrothed then Lord Stark." I didn't need to know mind-reading to know that he wanted me dead then and there. The face was all red from pure rage. And he got up left to sit at the opposite seat to me. All the rest of the people came rushing in and he was still looking at my smiling face and seething.

The King sat at the front of the table, uncle Ned to his left, Lord Hand to his right, me next to my uncle Tywin next to Jon Arryn, Mace Tyrell next to Tywin, and so on so forth. Some of our bannermen were sitting there and some standing behind us. The meeting started with Jon Arryn speaking.

"This rebellion was started with a huge disadvantage for us on several fronts. Only North was left unscathed. The rest of the three kingdoms bordering the seas in the West was brutally destroyed by the ironborns starting from Lannisport. Today we have with us here the collective strength of the seven kingdoms against a few measly islands. Victory is a given. What we have to be careful of is making the loss on our side to the minimum and giving a good lesson to the Greyjoys that they will never think of retaliation again. I propose after we defeat them and keep hostages of the younger generations, to keep the older ones in line."

"I agree with Lord Hand's suggestion. We should keep one of their own in our hands to keep them away. Limit the ships in their fleet to a few dozen. I say we should make the captured ones be sent to the wall. Where they can freeze themselves to the death." Mace said.

"I am more receptive to Lord Stark's approach. Kill all the weeds root and stem don't give them the chance to rise again." that was a Lord from the Narrow seas.

"What Lord Stark did in those islands was a blind slaughter. It's against honor. We cannot repeat it." Mace said against it.

"So you are saying, let the pirates live, let them amass a force in silence like they did this time let them come. Next time I will let them kill more of my men. Next time I will let them burn more of my ships. Is that it Lord Tyrell?" I asked.

"You know nothing brat, I have seen war, and you haven't, what you did was barbaric. Cutting of the dick of people and sending them to the wall. Killing thousands of people letting no one escape. Barbaric I tell, savagery." Mace roared.

"Maybe you are more used to causing harm to yourself than others. I will gladly repeat what I did to the other islands too. They were pirates, slavers, rapists. I have no mercy for their kind, neither should you. How many times has it been? Thousands of years? We end one house another one pops up to lead. We end one rebellion another one starts up. There is only one way to end this Your Grace, and it is not Lord Hand's way. We should end the old way. Once and for all. Get rid of all the pirating houses like I did in the Blacktyde and Orkmont. Appoint the houses that faced serious damages in the attacks the ironborns caused as the new owners of the land. I know North won't get a dime from this and we are alright with that.

"Imagine a pirate free west if you will my Lords, Your Grace. We can sail the seas without fear of pirates for centuries. By that time we will have flourished enough to face any land or sea attack. If you want to think of an immediate problem, think about what will happen when the crown prince will take his throne, Your grace. These vermin will rise again at that time. We will have to face another unneeded war again. Winter just ended my Lord. Our resources are at a minimum. If the siege at Pyke prolongs because we want to spare them, we will have to suspend it altogether. If we are afraid of hurting them, then who has an alliance with slavers and seasoned pirates from Step Stones and Essos, what do you think they will cook up the next time?" I continued.

"I say we end them once and for all. Remove all the Drowned gods, temples, and priests. Have prominent houses from Westeros form their cadet branch houses in these islands and monitor them. End the ones we are sure will be a thorn again later for us. Make ports, mines, do trade, and recover from the damage we have been caused in just 10 years again. We don't need this diseased part on our lands my Lords, Your Grace. Let's cut it off. For once let's make the Iron Islands part of Westeros for real. Our next generations can learn about it as they will learn about Harrenhall. It's not just the dragons that can end things and bring a new dawn. Let's show them that we can do it too." I finished my speech. And it was received with wine glasses slamming on the table and applause from behind, overwhelmingly so that even Jon Arryn didn't dare say a word against it. But Mace was an idiot.

"But what about the children of these broken houses." Everyone looked at him like a fool. Even his bannermen.

"Relocate them and the Ladies to Harlaw or any other one of the islands and strictly monitor them using the cadet branches that we are going to form. Either way, it is a wish come true if their old way ends with this war." it was a Ser Blackfish that replied now.

"So Lord Stark, you are giving up the land you captured. Are you sure about this?" Randyll Tarly asked me.

"Yes, it will be easier for the Reach, Westerland, and Riverland houses to form cadet branches, monitor its land, people, and rule over it. North already has enough land to govern we don't need new ones. All I want is complete permission to pursue, capture and do whatever I want with Euron Greyjoy from Your Grace."

"You know what Lord Stark. Let's go as you suggested. We will bring down the salt throne once and for all. There will be no new king on it. Ever. These pirating bastards must end once and for all. We will divide the lands based on the contributions from the respective lands. All islands except Harlaw will be ripped apart and divided among the regions except the North. And your request is granted. Go after the Crow's eye and do whatever you want with him. We depart soon, so make arrangements. Tell your men after the news that Saltcliffe is ours comes. We move for the Pyke. We make it fast we will not prolong it. We will be brutal and cruel and fast. Are you with me?"

Then there was yelling from all the Lords in the King's name and a little in my name for a long time.

Harlaw, Sunset Sea, 290 AC, Ned Stark POV

It's been a long day. Now we are preparing for the war again. I was a bit against this plan of my nephew at first. Then he started using his usual long speech of reasoning. I had to agree with him. Why always leave a space for an enemy to grow silently while watching by the sides and doing nothing. He attacks us again and again. This has become a routine nuisance. I hope he will do it moderately. At least Robert is onboard. If what Harry said was correct Jon will not be happy about this. And I think I am about to know if he is right about the other thing about Jon.

"Ned, when you said you were proud of your nephew. Did you mean this too? Killing indiscriminately. There are children there Ned, little children, and innocent women. They will die if we follow this route of option. And castrating all those people for crimes whatever they may be? Thousands of castration in just weeks. Ruthless Ned this is ruthless."

"You want me to help you change Robert's decision?"

"Yes, and teach your future Lord better. If you cant send him to King's Landing, I'll do it for you."

"Majority of Lords support this action, as do I. I will tell my nephew about your offer. It's him who commands the North not me. The Lords follow him, not me. Even if my father or any of our ancestors are still alive they will still follow Harry. And Jon? He is a wolf, a direwolf not a falcon. Enough honor has been met in every single decision he took, as far as I am concerned. Castration is the right form of punishment for rape. I am going to recommend that to Robert to be a rule all over Westeros. Good day, Lord Hand. Oh, just so you know the children and innocent women were killed by the criminals you want to spare not my nephew. "

So Harry was right he wants to keep the Ironborns as a check for ports in the West. He and his predecessors kept the three sisters as it is to keep our only good port in check too. The bloody bird can suck his cock. Starks and North are done being pawns for these people.

Harlaw, Sunset Sea, 290 AC, Jaime Lannister POV

Seeing the young wolf Lord in action was something else. He literately made even the Reach Lords turn to his side at the end of the speech. And if father was right they were all set against the boy before this war. Now it's a maybe scenario.

But for some reason father is unhappy. He is playing with a glass of whiskey for so long, I had had enough and asked him.

"You are getting new land, at half the effort. Even though it's not Casterly Rock and the gold mine. It's not a waste either. They have one of the biggest iron mines in Westeros. We will also get to make all of our Lords and bannermen happy when we get rid of the ironborns. So what is the matter father? Is there something I missed here?"

"That's exactly the problem. Neither you nor I missed anything. So why is he giving away the land in his hand, that he captured for free to his enemies? A money-making genius like him who has this much of a big debt with the Iron Bank should be much more interested in taking these lands for himself, not give them away. So why?"

"Maybe we should ask Tyrion he might have some weird idea why," I said laughingly. My father is being paranoid.

"Maybe we should."

That stopped my laughing. Him asking Tyrion for help. So this is not just paranoia.

"Are you sure brother? There is a plot in there planted by him?" asked my uncle Kevan.

"It must be. The boy is not some greenhouse flower. As I talked to him, as I looked at him, it was like looking at a battle-hardened general. He was not in the slightest bit afraid of me. He cared very little for what I thought and was challenging me to have a go at him. For the first time, I got a feeling, I didn't even get from the past kings or the present. If I fought him I knew I would lose, physically or not. This boy is dangerous. We need to keep every available eye on him, and his people. So yes write to that imp now. Make himself more useful. As much as I like to deny it. His head is worth something in things like this. It will be his job to find out what the Starks are up to. It's killing me to not know. Do it, Kevan."

My uncle left the next second. So did I after finishing my drink. That conversation spooked me a little.

As I was walking through the camp, watching all the tents that have been made, I reached the northern camp. The tents here are not in the least cheaper than the Lannister's. The armors and weapons used by the soldiers are even better than us, even close to my quality. I was a bit stunned seeing their coordination and discipline. The other ground forces' camps are like a market. There are no camp followers in this one. They are all about the business. Now I noticed I am under their eyes and they are not in the least bit mindful of it. They all seemed battle-hardened. It's the best outcome we get with a standing army. They are always ready and no training is needed. Ready at the beck and call of their Lord.

The insignia on each and everyone's breastplate is different. All of them have Stark sigil on their left side. Then I think it's the sigil of some of the bannermen of the Starks on the right. It varies for all. Then comes the star, they differ in number and color. Then it hit me…

They are RANKS. They gave their soldiers ranks and stations no matter the house, blood, or birth. They are all behaving as they come from a single House, not separate ones. No quarrels. No indifference. A perfect united front. No wonder they won all those battles that fast. If I face more than five of these people I can't guarantee myself coming out of it without a scratch. Hell, some of them could be better than some of the kingsguards we have now with us other than me and Ser Barristan Selmy. Father might have a point here.

I was about to turn and walk back when Lord Stark himself walked up to me. He didn't look at me but kept looking at his soldiers. So I followed his gaze and kept watching them too.

"Ser Jaime. A pleasant surprise. What can I do for you?"

"Nothing my Lord I was just admiring your men. But is it a pleasant surprise my Lord?"

"You coming here? Yes. Meeting you? No. I was told you were here, and I have wanted to personally thank you for ridding Aerys Targaryen, of this world. Whatever reason may have compelled you to, doesn't matter to me. Just thank you for doing it. If you consider it a shame please know that it's not. A knight's first and foremost duty is to protect the innocent, uphold justice, and lead with honor. But your fellow kingsguards including my uncle forgot all that the minute they became kingsguard. The Mad King had unjustly and unfairly killed my family. Even though it was not by a Stark you gave us closure. You righted a wrong for us. I am grateful."

"You might be the first person to not call me a Kingslayer and even thank me for killing the person I should have protected."

"As I said earlier. No matter how you feel about it you have my thanks." I smiled slightly.

"Your men seem to be well trained. And the weapons they carry are all at the very top quality."

"Not much of it is my credit. The only thing I did was pester my uncle until he agreed to keep a standing army. That's all. The rest, well they got where they are all on their own. They are all hard workers."

"You are being modest. I don't think there is an army as strong as this in Westeros. Maybe the unsullied can match this or more. But no other. Are you a Swordsman yourself my Lord."

"Oh, I am. Dual-wielding. But these guys are conspiring together with my uncle and all my top officers. They have not let my sword see the fresh air let alone any blood in this war. Stingy people." it's true I have not used my swords yet. And by the way, these Lords and my father have done their best to keep me far from the war front I don't think I will ever get to wield it in this war either.

"They must love you a lot then. Making sure their precious Lord is safe and sound."

"Most of these people have not seen me fight. If they did, they won't be treating me like glassware."

"Why not show them then? I can be of help if you need."

"That is a great idea. I think I might take you up on that offer." he turned towards a man with 2 stars on his breastplate that was behind us the whole time and commanded. "Captain" the man turned towards him and stomped his right leg down and lifted his right hand to his head and said.

"Yes General."

"Send someone to my tent and bring me my swords here now."

"General, right now?"

"Yes right now. Go on fast." he went on about to do his thing.

"I have a small doubt. What is the meaning of the stars in their breastplate."

"Every extra star is meant for a higher rank in the army. And they answer their immediate officer and no other. A pretty nifty little system. To keep them all in check."

"I have to say. It's amazing what you have done with them."

"The unsullied proved to us that numbers don't matter in a war. I just learned my lesson from it and improved it further."

The so-called Captain and the couple of guards that were with Lord Stark never left his side just like the kingsguard would never leave his king's side. We didn't have to wait for long, several people who I think are Lords from the North including his fleet commander and shield guard came with another one carrying the sword. These swords caught my attention instantly. They are identical and are almost completely black. Exquisite hand word, and by the looks of it, done by someone equally as good as the blacksmiths from Qohor. The North has extensive trade routes. Maybe he had it made there.

"My Lord I heard you are going to spar with Ser Jaime. Is this real?" asked Ser James Potter, his sworn shield, I hear.

"Yes, you people conspired to keep in the boats far away to remove me from the battles. don't even pretend that it's not the case. I need to flex my limbs a bit. Since Remus and Syrio are not here why not one of the best swordsmen in all of the seven kingdoms. And he was kind enough to offer."

Then they all looked at me like I am someone who came to take away their precious treasure or something. A child that can inspire this kind of loyalty from these many adults. What will he be capable of when he grows up. I hope father knows what he is doing. Because I really don't want to face a group of people I think are bigger than the Mountain that rides. I think that Lord Umber was among that group. The one that's looking the most intimidating. But the shield guard Ser James smiled at me and said.

"Don't mind them, Ser Jaime. They are all more afraid of what will happen to them if my wife finds out that we let him on the battlefield. They are more terrified of her wrath than their liege lord. The spar might do good for him. The Syrio he just mentioned was once the first sword of Bravos and Ser Remus is someone equally good. Getting to spar with you might bring out an entirely different perspective for him. So please give him some more proper guidance."

Syrio Forel. Dear Seven. They made a first sword come to their castle to teach their young lord, and another on too. Maybe this spar will be more interesting than I thought.

People stood while making space for a big circle in an open ground space the soldiers used to spar these days in the camp. It's now not just the Northern Lords and army that is watching. The circle is getting bigger and I even see the king with a big glass of some alcohol in his hand standing there. Near him, there is Lord Commander of the Kingsguard Ser Barristan, Ned Stark, Jon Arryn, Blackfish, Lord Tarly, Lord Tyrell, father and several other note-worthy Lords and warriors are waiting to see this. These people have made this little spar into some kind of a spectacle.

Well, let's see what the little Lord is made of.

We both unsheathed our swords. He is gripping one of his swords in reverse grip and the other forward. And then we started moving in a circle with each other. After a few dozen seconds of this, we moved right in and engaged each other. I tried to slash his shoulder and all it met was air. He crouched and stabbed me with his sword upwards. But that was just the beginning. One after another stab, slash, spinning slash, swipe, it was a dozen non-stop moves for my head, gut arms, legs, and whatnot. Even the slightest mistake would have been a serious injury.

I parried or dodged all of it successfully. He is moving a lot and is bound to get tired pretty soon. Oh, how wrong I was.

I started to fight seriously, like when I used to spar with Ser Barristan or Ser Arthur. He is Arthur's blood alright. The speed and accuracy are uncanny. And the strength in each strike is that of a wolf. A Stark indeed. And there is no end to it. There are mistakes in his moves like using the sword in a reverse grip to defend and several others. It's because of the lack of experience. But even those are being corrected as the fight goes on. He is treating me as a whetstone to sharpen himself. The sly wolf. Well, it ends now.

I got even more intense, and the little Lord is still barely holding on. He didn't just use sword moves. He incorporated hand-to-hand combat moves in his fighting. His elbows, knees, shoulders, feet, and even his head. Even though I got him more time than he did me, still this 12-year-old boy managed to wound a seasoned knight like me multiple times. I am afraid of Ser Potter's wife now. What kind of a terror can this woman be to keep these people in line.

He used a very complicated move and spun like a tornado and came at me. But it also made an opening for me, which I used to disarm one of his swords and my sword was at his neck. "It's over my Lord" I was tempted to gasp after that fight.

But to my surprise he said. "A draw it is." then I looked down and his other sword was at my chin. We both removed our swords and sheathed them and I laughed out loud. I haven't had this much fun in years.

"Well fought my Lord. Well fought. If he was alive your uncle and father will be immensely proud of your prowess alone. Good job." my compliment was accompanied by the King, Ser Blackfish, his uncle, Lord Tarly, and several others.

I slowly went towards Ser Barristan. He asked me "How far did he make you go?"

"More than 90% of might strength."

"So in a decade…"

"He might even surpass his uncle. Yes," I finished for him.

"You fought well. I almost thought he got in several places. You have become complacent in these years of peace. You need to train more to keep up with these youngsters. Me too."

"You are right." then I walked to my father who motioned me to him. We slowly made it to our tent. Inside he asked me.

"In Westerlands you can be considered an expert in everything swords. So is that boy as good as everyone says?"

"There is a chance to be as good as Arthur if he works hard."

"What else?" sensing my hesitation he asked.

"To be frank, the Northern army is ten times better than ours in all areas. As far as I saw, their training, discipline, and equipment are all above ours. When facing them, ours will fall like butter to a hot knife. So if you are not sure about it I recommend not going against the Lord who each and everyone in that army considers more important than themselves or their own family." after that, I walked out leaving my stunned father to mull over my words.

Harlaw, Sunset Sea, 290 AC, Jon Arryn POV

The whole Ironborns was a deterrent to the west side. Even with Essos as close as it is. They were more prosperous with their resources. Now with the Northern Straight, it's even more so. But if the pirates in the west become less and less. They will improve even more. Especially the North. The three sisters are no longer capable of being a problem for them only an annoying fly. Now if the Iron islands become tamed and the Sunset Sea becomes a very stable area for trade, places my land will fall a lot behind.

For the first time ever Ned seems to care not what I think. The whole Northern people seem ready to drink the water that Harrold Stark washed his legs with. And now he proved himself a good military leader too. Just watching their army's marching drill is enough to arouse fear in the best knights of Westeros. While Vale had nothing to fear from these savages before. Now it will not be the same after a decade. And I don't seem to be lucky enough to have an heir to continue my line.

It's not like people of like-mindedness are not available. I will have to usurp the North. Or my coming generation will do it. The Andals will have their day. The light of seven will conquer the whole seven kingdoms.

Pyke, Sunset Sea, 290 AC, Harry POV

It didn't take long for the whole army to get ready. Our fleets had timed it right we have now surrounded the Pyke from all sides. It's the middle of the night. The siege equipment is getting ready. Their ships are above our estimation and it seemed to have crossed 1000 somehow. Maybe they were much better at hiding the real strength from us or there are too many damn pirates that Euron managed to convince. But with what?

Iron islands don't have much to offer. Neither does Westeros. But …

Bloody hell. They are after the bigger fish in the pond. They want the Westeros as a whole for them. They know that if things go the way they are, in the future any attempt on Westerosi lands will end up in their complete annihilation. They are attempting a pre-emptive strike before we get a chance to bring the fight to them. I first thought of laying back and letting the Royal and the Tyrell fleet taking charge of the whole siege.

But if what I am thinking is right Euron could have enticed almost all the criminals of Planetos into this mission if he had a little more time. Balon may have jumped the gun before he could. Now he knows this is a lost cause with this many amateurs with no good commanders to lead them or a proper plan to get us in a trap or separate us…

My thought process stuck there and I ran inside my cabin in the Black Wolf. Turned on the analyzer and contacted Jack.

"My Lord is there anything wrong, you are contacting me at this late hour."

"All the port in Westeros that we have our men on, tell them to be alert this instant. Euron may have a bigger and nastier brain than we thought. Tell them to make a loud noise if they see pirate ships attacking the posts or keeps in the dead of the night. Hell, tell all our men to be on deep alert everywhere. Keep the women and children safe. I know Winterfell is the safest place in the world but take extra care. In this war, Greyjoys have managed to add an extra 500 ships and as many men as we can fill in it to face us. This has slipped right by us. I don't want the bastard to do it another time. Let me know if Euron pops up anywhere. Do you hear me? Anywhere anytime you hear a piece of news about Euron. He is much more devious than we thought him to be. He may be nothing dangerous to us right now. But left alone he could become the most dangerous enemy for us. I am going back, you have your orders. Make it happen."

"Right away master."

When I walked back we are all ready to fire at the huge fleet in front of us. I have covered all the bases. Still, my mind is not at ease. The bloody king is all armed up and standing in my ship. Since it is the biggest one, and my idiot uncle invited him and the Hand of the King into my vessel, I cannot be the one to give orders as I please.

I go to him and tell him my worries. There is Blackfish, my uncle, and the Hand of the King with him. My father is behind me. With him Lord Umber, Lord Manderly, and several others.

"Your Grace we might have a slight problem."

"Oh, what is it, Lord Stark. As far as I see everything is going according to your plans."

"Here, yes. It is. But we missed a few anomalies when we made our plan.

We didn't see the fact that these many pirates will come to the band with Greyjoys to fight us. It was unprecedented for this group of selfish cowards to do anything for anyone but themselves. So why did they join the ironborns?

If they did, then for what? They can't defeat us. So why? And why now?

If our information is correct Euron is not on the islands. He and a few of his trusted captains have already sailed south. He is the one who brought all these pirates and slavers to this war. So why did they not go with him?

At the critical moment when all our armed forces are concentrating on here, he left, at the key moment. Why?

He ran away. That is a perfect fit answer. What if he didn't? What if this war itself is a big diversion for him? What if we didn't let him complete his ultimate plan or something and he left on a last laugh revenge journey?

What is the status of all the defense in our ports and keeps in the mainland? Even dragons can't break Dorne, so they are safe. I know Winterfell is safe. North is safe. All my important people along will the important people of the Northern army are there. It's impregnable. What of King's Landing? Dragonstone? Highgarden? Lannisport? And every other place. Can they stand a sneak attack from someone like Euron Greyjoy who planed the burning of the Lannister fleet?"

They all looked like their eyes were about to pop out.

"Fuck, fucking squids. And you wanted me to forgive them?" he looked at the Lord Arryn. He had the decency to show a little shame now. Even he got a bit scared of the big problem of Euron getting a hand on any one of the Heirs to a great house.

"Let's hope for the best now Your Grace. Push throw and finish this as fast as we can and get back to each of our homes. We cant send raven from here. Or let them reach there fast enough. But we can still attempt to warn them just in case. If everything went according to the best-case scenario. This will end with Euron dead or missing and all our people home safe. We will deal with the worst-case scenario when it comes."

They went into a lot of discussions then and there. Informed all the other commanders of our predicament. Then sped up our siege. There was new energy seeping into them when thinking about their loved ones.

The siege and battles went on for days. Our supply ships were making multiple rounds from the western coast. After 4 days of fighting the ships of the opposite parties, namely the slavers and pirates started to escape. But my fleet was on stragglers duty we made sure to kill off as many of them as we could. And the number was in thousands, and there were no prisoners. The main attack force reached the Pyke Walls. Meaning the ships that were assembled in front of the island have almost all been destroyed or in some cases captured.

The losses on both sides are huge. The Greyjoys had amassed an army of more than 55,000 pirates, and several types of outlaws. We had an even greater one in number, but a more experienced and united force of 85,000. When met they lost almost all the soldiers in their ships but the few who escaped which amounted to 4000 deserters were hunted down and killed by the Northern navy. Our side has lost 7000 men. Even I lost a total of 143 me in this war as of now.

A few thousand of their men went running to the walls and were permitted in.

Now we are waiting to recoup our strength before the final battle. The real siege. The Siege of the Pyke.

It is a really good thing that giants like Yi Ti are not interested in anything outside of their domain. As per my intelligence network their army, navy, and technologies far outstrip us. Still, their fast-growing population left a gap for our trades.

These pirates rarely even go anywhere near the God Emperor's lands. They are afraid of the sheer number of the army Yi Ti has. But they had no problem of thinking Westeros was a pie they could have a piece of. I made a promise in my mind to free these pests of my seas, the Sunset sea, the Shivering Sea, and the Narrow Sea, once everything settles down. While I am at it the Bite and the Stepstones too. While I don't care who keeps these lands I cannot leave it for unknowns to occupy any longer. In their cases, I have to take Tywin's approach.

As we were preparing to move to retreat for the day. I got a vibration from my analyzer. So I went to my cabin after excusing myself, my father came with me this time. It was Jack.

"My Lord your suspicions were spot on. Euron himself is moving towards the Highgarden. We as of right now have no idea how he got this far, but I suspect it's through the Mander. It will take at least ten minutes for him to get here. Ony one of our wargs noticed him from far. They are a group of 100 people at least. As we speak they are making diversions in Oldtown with almost twenty ships self sacrificed to destroy any amount of ships that are left here. They had somehow procured a batch of wildfire for this sole purpose. It doesn't stop there.

Many keeps in Reach asked for help and they have made their forces a bit thin in Highgarden. They possibly have someone inside very high up. Because everything Euron needs is a few doors unguarded and he can kill or kidnap all the Tyrells and maybe even get away with it. None of our frigates are nearby. They are boxed in. They really won't see this coming."

"So if someone like me doesn't help and if something magical doesn't happen, the mighty Tyrells will become the same as many other great houses like Targaryens or Tullys or Arryns, at the brink of extinction. Father, what is your opinion? Should I save them?"

"I remember you saying a known enemy is better than an unknown one. We know how Mace and his family will behave, but if another takes their place they may lead the south a bit more wisely. And it's also many children that you can save. Even if nothing else matters, we get to end Euron once and for all after this. I say we do it."

"It's not we father, it's me who will be doing it. I'll be back in a few minutes or an hour the longest. Make sure no one notices that I am missing. Jack, I will ask for the exact places of the raiders when I get to Reach. my time will be limited. It's not just Highgarden we are going to save but every house possible. We are going to save every single house possible. And don't bother coming with me I am not using conventional means but magic to act, so I need to keep all thought to myself and not someone with me. So I am going alone." when I saw father trying to argue. "Fine mother doesn't need to know. Are you happy now?"

"Yes my Lord." Both of them replied, my father in relief. I changed my clothes. Strapped a common short sword, a good length of climbing rope, and half a dozen ordinary throwing knives into my body for appearance and emergency sake. Because this trip is all going to be magic.

I closed my eyes and called for Fawkes. And he appeared on my shoulder. "Let's go for a short trip partner." he chirped in delight and we flamed out of my ship.

Highgarden, Reach, 290 AC, Harry POV

I appeared in the woods near the wonderful sight of Highgarden. I changed my facial appearance and voice. I pulled out my analyzer and got the places of the infiltration squads. They are already almost here. Faster than we thought them to be.

Fawkes flew from my shoulder and went on to do his thing. Whatever that is. I apparated fast many times and reached the top of Highgarden made myself invisible and appeared behind the nearest group of people that were trying to get inside the castle and then appeared right in the middle of them. Used my short sword to parry and magically used Diffindo to cut off each pirate's head to not leave anything to chance. Since I can't use the large analyzer here and the map to find them I had to appear within each group like this repeatedly.

But I was still too late because Euron somehow again got inside the princess to Highgarden's room and kidnapped her. That was his goal. Maybe each of those groups had different goals getting to each of the Tyrells to be one of them. But he again got away the way he got in with Margery Tyrell. The whole castle was in an uproar. They were finding bodies everywhere thanks to me.

But thanks to some luck now he took Margery Tyrell not someone else. She had a necklace. That I compelled her mind to buy in Bravos, which had a locator enchantment on it. I don't know how Euron got in or out of the castle. But since the place was on full defense now they may be able to take care of whatever is remaining of the pirates. So went after Euron. I want to find out how he pulled so many things past me so well.

I feel the necklace moving faster so they are on horses. I called for Fawkes and we flew up. Soon I noticed a group of twenty plus moving and one of them carrying a sack with them. Might be lady Margery.

Soon they reached a tied-up small boat and made their way back through the Mander. I saw many more boats hidden here. As they were about to have a small relief, I jumped off Fawkes and apparated right in the middle of the boat. The moment I did I started cutting off my head soon only four were left. I knocked them all out. Then I killed the next guy. But as I was about to kill the last two I felt something poking on my occlumancy shield. I stopped there and turned around to see the culprit behind the act.

"You can come out of that illusion, it's the same as a piece of paper in front of me. I will tear it along with you if you don't come out before I count to 2. One."

I didn't need to continue until the guy came out. A frail old bald guy.

"Who are you? Why are you with this trash? And please before you speak don't bother lying."

"I am the last of the House of the Undying a warlock of Qarth. A very ancient order of …"

"A group of filth that tried to kidnap my wife and got burned to death for it. Seems like a rat escaped. I might have to go on a hunt for the rest of your friends it seems. No matter I know now how you hide and how to find you. Don't worry I will send you to death, and your friends will join you soon."

I lifted my hand to kill him.

"Your wife is Daenela Maegion. You have the same powers as her. How are you..."

I didn't bother continuing the conversation. He doesn't deserve to live after having the thought of harming my love, let alone trying to do it. He dared to utter her name. Just standing in his presence makes me want to vomit. The number of human sacrifices he committed can be traced from his aura alone. Filth indeed. The moment he used his magic I got the idea of how he used it to hide. Now I know how Euron got close to my uncle's castle. Ans failed the moment he touched the castle. My wards prevent this illusion. But the route leading to it doesn't. not like Winter City and Cailin City.

Now that I know how he did it I can easily figure out some way to track down his friends who share his aura and end them once and for all.

Then I killed the last of the men dumped their bodies into the river for their god to eat or whatever. I took the body of the warlock to extract a way to track his friends. And now I turned to Euron fucking Greyjoy. Now it's just me, him, and the Lady Tyrell on the boat. Both of them sleeping.

I tied up the squid stuck his ass to the boat and woke him up. He woke up and looked around. Then he found me and the lade behind me. He was awe-struck for a second then started smirking.

"May ask Lord Greyjoy why are you giving me that disgusting and annoying smirk?"

"You don't know what you are dealing with. Even after you successfully capturing me you won't escape your fate today. I will still win."

"Your friends who came with you - dead, including the dumb Warlock. All the other distractions you planned will be soon gone too. Your family seat will be broken down and sold for parts. Your dreams will stay with you, but as nightmares instead. You will lose the ability to speak, procreate, and move. From now onwards you will live with this moment being your last memory of the outside world. And now (removing my disguise) I Harrold Stark, Lord Paramount and Warden of North, Lord of Winterfell, sentence you to an eternity of torment in this realm until your death. You should remember it all happened when you planned to hurt my family. Even centuries-old dynasties fell when a Stark was harmed. Even the dead ran from my ancestors. You should have known better."

I broke all his limbs including his third one and his tongue. Then broke it even further just to be sure and made him drink a potion to make sure he will at least live for five years. This will paralyze a person but will make him or her stay awake to hear all that is happening around his body and within. So he will starve in immense pain for five years and then die. His nourishment will be his own body. Maybe he will die before the five years. But I just want him to feel like it is an eternity. I untied him and flamed him into one of the lowest of dungeons in my city.

I came back and apparated Sleeping beauty to the guard who are running around trying to find her and left after making sure she got back home safe.

Then went around doing this in many other places. Now they have a lot of dead squids and no way to know how these people who got there died like this.

After everything I planned to do was done. I went to Lady Olenna's chamber and left a note on her mirror that said "You can thank a Stark for the lives of your family that was saved tonight." and left from there.

The remaining ones can be rounded up by the soldiers on the ground so I went back to my ship on top of Fawkes. God knows if it has changed its position. If I apparate now I might end up somewhere else.

Pyke, Sunset Sea, 290 AC, Harry POV

I told Jack and father the contents of my trip. Jack knew before my arrival because one of my men so my handiwork through warging.

The siege went as expected. Took a lot longer than I would have liked. It would have been faster if I was willing to reveal a few of my cards and new weapons to the world. But who knows what the future holds so I let them do the work and the northern forces held the back position at all times. Though I let a few trigger-happy fellows like Jorah and Lord Umber go in through the gate in the first team of other kingdoms to have some fun.

As usual, I was benched to watch the whole thing by my people. Their coddling of me and my father's fear of my mother is getting on my nerves.

When Castle Pyke was captured, all the main Lords went along with the King and Hand to finish this whole ordeal. I, my father and my uncle was with them.

We saw all the remaining Greyjoys and their loyalists kneeling in their so-called throne room.

After sentencing and killing all the minor and major lords and removing all the lands and names from their children. We came to Balon Greyjoy. His children were kneeling near him. His face had lost all hope. He thought that even if they lost the war they would have had the chance to keep their land under the new king. But Robert laughed at Balon's offer and told him where he can shove it.

"Balon Greyjoy, for the crime against the crown and the lands of Westeros, which include, theft, rape, kidnap, murder, even genocide you are hereby sentenced to death. Your blood will not carry any position in the lands belonging to the seven kingdoms. They are hereby exiled to Harlaw until their adulthood, under the direct supervision of their uncle, Lord Harlaw. After reaching maturity they will leave Westeros like every other Greyjoy loyalist children never to come back."

All the other adult Greyjoys died in the siege, only Balon remained. As per the plan now the King evaluated the merits and divided the lands equally. Great Wyk was left out up to now so the remaining fleets except the Northern fleet left to conquer it and the Lonely Light. The king felt that the North was not rewarded enough for their services so he was kind enough to exempt us for four years of taxes for each island we conquered. My idea is his mouth. His mental faculties were down when he was drunk so why not take some advantage.

Jon was fuming inside and out. Maybe that was because I shut him up real nice when he decided to put the Greyjoy kids on us as hostages.

Flashback - Start

Seeing the kneeling Greyjoy's brother and sister Jon Arryn started speaking.

"It will not be a wise choice to send them off to their uncle in the Iron islands itself. They will grow up with the same mindset and become like their ancestors in the future. Why not sent them with Ned as hostages, maybe with him they will grow up to be upst…"

"Let me stop you right there Lord Hand." I interrupted him mid-speech. "I or my people do not condone the quids for centuries of miseries they have caused us. Now that they are not noble and ordinary children. Someone might have evil intentions towards these children in my lands. So even if I can punish the people after the deed is done it might still not be good for them to grow up there among all those people who want them dead or even worse. So if you are not willing to accommodate them on your mountains where I believe they might lose a bit of their sliminess, I suggest they be returned to their mother and uncle."

The King agreed with my suggestion to just finish off this mess. Jon Arryn was sporting a raging look at me. He later set me aside and tried to advise me.

"Lord Stark your steps against the Greyjoys are neither noble nor honorable. There were alternative methods to dismantle this situation. You certainly didn't have to suggest a plan this extreme. Based on your reputation if you asked those kids will be safe from your people too. So why did you take such drastic measures to purge an entire way of living? We could have slowly integrated them into a new and better way of life. If you continue on this way this will one day bring you a bad reputation."

"My Lord you are mistaking me for my uncle. I never promised to be a saint or priest. Those who wronged me, my family, or my people must be punished. And for me, this punishment will always be extreme. And those kids, if I am to see them commit a crime in their life when they are at Winterfell or the Moat I will have t punish them the same as my other civilians. So trust me when I say this their Greyjoy blood will make them die in my lands very fast. I am not an idiot to believe in absolute justice. Nor am I honor to a fault.

History or people may condone my deeds as extreme. As long as my people are safe I care not for the rest of them. I don't know how Kings and Lords before could endure this tumor growing in their backyard for so long. Frankly, I would have let it be too because it's too much of a hassle. But they decided to harm my family. I don't care if it's the gods themselves, if anyone just as much thinks of hurting my family I would annihilate their root and stem, similar to what you just saw happen here.

Politics is not really my field. But I don't remember you condoning Tywin Lannister for the death of two kids and a mother and several other lives in Kings Landing several years ago. So please don't preach what you cannot do and please, do remember that I am not my uncle."

Flashback - End

The old man and his web of hypocrisy can go to his seven hells for all I care. And thus the Greyjoy Rebellion came to an end. The king announced a tourney at Lannisport after the Great Wyk is conquered and divided among the Lords.

There was a rumor that people from all of Westeros are coming to see this since it was announced just after the Siege of Pyke was done, people had time to come from almost any part of Westeros.

I send my men who wanted to go back home except 2000 men who wanted to stay and watch the tourney. The war is over after all, and the south's army can finish up the rest. I went with all the Northern Lords and my family to Lannisport. This will be my first tourney ever. So of course I have to see this.