Chapter 8: Greyjoy's Folly
In anticipation of the Northern Canal opening, Tywin Lannister had prepared Lannisport to receive increased trade and expanded the harbors of Lannisport. He had moved the bulk of the Lannister Navy on rotation outside Lannisport as new ships were being built in the Harbor. The Iron Fleet led by Victarion and Euron Greyjoy silently crept upon the unsuspecting Lannister fleet. Small makeshift rafts were deployed as the Ironborn quietly boarded the Lannister ships in the middle of a moonless night. 4 ships were quietly taken over by the Ironborn before a Lannister soldier raised alarms when he woke up to take a piss.
Fighting started breaking out all across the Lannister ships and an Ironborn soldier set fire to the mainsail of a ship. All Ironborn ships immediately pulled out their oars and advanced towards the unsuspecting Lannister Navy. The surprise was blown but the Lannisters could not be allowed to organize a defense. Many Ironborn ships smashed into the Lannister ships as Ironborn poured into the ships as the battle spread. The Lannister ships were quickly turned into floating boats of carcasses and aimed towards Lannisport. All sails were unfurled as Dagmar Cleftjaw led the largest ship towards Lannisport. One Ironborn was left to steer each ship straight into the harbor and set the ship on fire and make a battering ram of flaming wood.
Alarms were rung all across Lannisport as they noticed the burning ships on the water. The defenders assembling on the water were further alarmed when the ships approaching the harbor set themselves on fire. Fires spread all over the port as the ships crashed into the port and spread their fires. The Ironborn ships landed soon after and the outpouring of Ironborn began.
The incessant flood of Ironborn pushed the Lannister guardsmen back into the streets of the city. The Ironborn troops continued to pour out onto the docks as Ironborn peeled off and started attacking the smallfolk of Lannisport and burning houses and raping the women. Victarion led the charge in full steel plate armor. He was the one of the few Ironborn to wear steel plate armor as most Ironborn feared being drowned if they went overboard. His steel armor protected him from arrows as he swung both his great axes and fought with the fury of the oceans in his veins.
That is when the battle began to turn. The reinforcements from Casterly Rock had arrived and joined the guardsmen in the streets. They began pushing back and pushing the Ironborn back towards the docks. The Ironborn were not a people that were ever familiar with the concept of surrender. This was demonstrated most evidently with the way they fought that night. Even a fatally injured Ironborn in his very last breaths would still try to slash the ankles of his enemies. Many a Lannister guardsman would walk with a limp for the rest of their lives and many more bled out and died in the confusion of the battle.
The Ironborn were gradually pushed back and began setting fires everywhere they could. The guardsmen and soldiers were forced to fight the fires as well as the Ironborn. Confusion and panic spread alongside and faster than the fires. The Ironborn kidnapped as many children and women they could and were all dragged to the ships screaming and pleading. Some Ironborn decided to take a saltwife then and there before they were found by the Lannister men and raped many a wife and daughter that night.
The sun rose on a city ravaged by battle as the Ironborn took to the waters and returned to the Iron Islands with their loot. The waters of the Sunset sea had turned red. Bodies of Ironborn and Lannisters alike washed up on the beach for weeks after the battle. The Lannister Fleet was broken in the very first engagement of the Greyjoy Rebellion. Ravens from Casterly Rock could already be seen flying to Kings Landing and Winterfell. Over two thousand Ironborn had died and ten thousand Westermen fell in one night.
The Iron fleet was split into three parts and sent to raid the Riverlands, Westerlands and the Reach. Rodrik Greyjoy had left Pyke enthusiastically and led the ships raiding the Riverlands and headed straight for Seaguard. However, Seaguard sat in a bay named after the Ironborn and were well prepared for Ironborn attacks. The storming of Seaguard failed miserably and Jason Mallister slew Balon Greyjoy's heir in single combat.
Euron led the largest part of the Iron fleet straight for the Shield Islands in the Reach. Euron caught the Redwyn fleet unawares and burnt it down completely within a day of Lannisport burning. The Reach was now completely open for the Ironborn to plunder. Victarion continued reaving across the coasts of the Westerlands.
Ned Stark and Tywin Lannister had both been anticipating trouble from the Ironborn. What they had not expected was the depth of Greyjoy's folly. Balon Greyjoy had not only ordered the attack on Lannisport but he had also declared himself King. This meant all the Seven Kingdoms were now obligated to put him in his place.
The Northern Navy at Lycansvart had been plagued by Ironborn stealing lumber from the Wolfswood over the past year but, due to the hold winter had, supplies could not be sent fast enough to chase down the ships. What Ned had not anticipated was an outright invasion of Bear Island.
Benjen was visiting Bear Island when the Ironborn attacked. Benjen and Dacey were alarmed to hear the sound of swords clanging and had to stop their nightly activities and get dressed for war. Dacey raced back to her room for her Mace as Benjen raced towards the walls of the wooden keep. Maege and Jorah Mormont were both getting on their horses and Benjen joined them on their mad dash to the beaches.
Both Longclaw and Dawn swung and cleaved through the Ironborn as they made their way to the thick of the fight. Dacey joined them soon and they began making short work of the Ironborn. Maege tried getting Dacey to leave the fight but the daughter matched the mother in stubbornness.
Aeron Greyjoy had led 5 ships full of Ironborn and wanted to claim Bear Island as his seat. He did not anticipate the defenders would stand so ferociously against them. He kept swinging his giant axe until he saw Dacey Mormont. Aeron decided if he could not have Bear Island, he would steal the Bear Lord's cousin and take her as a saltwife. He moved towards her quickly and attacked her. He struck the mace with his axe and used the handle to knock Dacey out with a blow to the head.
Benjen saw this and moved to intercept but the sandy beach made moving difficult. Aeron had knocked Dacey out cold and had begun dragging her by the foot towards the ships. Aeron had almost reached the water when Benjen caught up to them. Swiftly, Benjen reached Aeron Greyjoy and swung Dawn straight for the hand dragging Dacey behind him. The Greyjoy dropped Dacey's ankle just in time for the sword to slice through the steel plate but not draw blood. The two men whirled around and prepared to fight.
Both of them were breathing heavily after near an hour's worth of fighting. Dawn glowed with an unearthly pale white light as blood slid off it. They both rolled their shoulders and charged at each other. Dawn struck the axe and made small knicks and bumps every time it hit the castle forged steel. Aeron decided he could not escape in time with his prize. If he could not have her, he would take her from the wolf. The next swing that was deflected by Dawn was unceremoniously directed towards a Dacey who was just stirring awake. She barely rolled out of the way but was too disoriented to fight back.
Benjen felt his wolfsblood awaken and he howled in anger. Aeron barely got his axe up in time to block a thrust that would have impaled him. The rampaging wolf seemed to be everywhere all at once and Aeron was being pushed back into the water again and again. The wolf and squid were both in knee deep waters when an angry swing from Dawn cut through half the axe and got stuck. Aeron tugged at the axe to free it but Benjen had chosen to let go and attacked him with his bare fists. The wolf lord launched punch after punch at the Ironborn and knocked him to the water.
Benjen turned over the Ironborn, grabbed his head and placed a knee over it and shoved it under the water. The Ironborn struggled ferociously, but the wolfsblood had taken hold and would not let go. The brother of Lord Balon Greyjoy soon stopped struggling as his lungs flooded with seawater. Benjen quietly let go of the corpse and saw Dawn shine from beneath the muddy waters. He retrieved it and began walking back to dry land.
The defenders of Bear Island had already wiped out the remaining Ironborn and were silently watching the wolf walk out of the water. Benjen's grey eyes were glowing in the dark and the Mormonts felt like they were witnessing one of the warriors from the Age of Heroes. A man's silhouette walking out of the ocean with a pair of glowing white eyes and a glowing white greatsword at his side.
Benjen made his way towards the Ironborn prisoners and quietly stared at them as he snarled. A few men began pissing their breeches at his glare. The silence was disturbed by the sound of splashing as all heads turned towards the water.
Aeron Greyjoy was alive and charging towards the Stark with half an axe. Nobody could believe their eyes as the man whose head had been held under water for almost five minutes, rose to fight again. Benjen snarled and sprinted towards the risen Greyjoy and the two foes met again in battle. Benjen could feel nothing but the desire to see his enemies dead and fought with savage brutality. Aeron was not far behind as he fought like a berserker and matched him blow for blow. The water around them churned as both men fought and blocked each other repeatedly.
The deadlock was broken when Benjen over-extended, as he slipped on a piece of kelp and in punishment, Aeron struck the handle of Dawn with the broken side of his axe. Benjen ignored the pain that radiated throughout his arm and swung around Dawn and shoved it into Aeron's crotch and pulled upwards and spilled the guts of the Ironborn into the water. The newly risen Ironborn had been split apart from balls to his neck and fell into the sea, never to rise again.
Lord Duseren walked towards the Ironborn prisoners and snarled, "You will travel to the Iron Islands and tell them what you saw here today. Tell them the Wolves of the North are hungry for squid and are coming. But first, I am owed a price for your release."
He called for a pair of knives and a fire pit and placed a knife into the fire. "You Ironborn have gotten into a habit. You are nothing more than pirates and yet you have Lords and call yourselves a kingdom. One of your Lords attempted to kill an unarmed unconscious woman while he fought me. History dictates the North must retaliate, butcher you and forget about you till you rise again. No more. You have a choice now. Take the black and remain unharmed. Or be released after paying for it. How many of you would like to take the Black?" Benjen asked with the snarl still rumbling in his chest.
A few dozen men rose and Benjen said, "Very well. Lord Mormont. See to it that they reach the Wall. As for the rest of you, tell me. How shall you like to pay for your release."
The prisoners began screaming about gold and treasures on their ships. Benjen held up a hand for silence. "You all lost. All the gold and treasure and the ships are now the property of House Mormont to do with as they see fit. What could you offer me that is yours?"
A moment of silence passed as no answers came forth.
"Nothing? Very well."
Benjen moved to the Ironborn closest to the firepit and placed a knife into the fire. "You. Hold out your hands" Benjen ordered.
The man held out his tied up hands. Benjen held the ropes and said, "Your payment is to never fight or sail again."
With that he used his other hand to cut off both the thumbs on his hand. The man yelled loudly to the high heavens and began screaming hysterically when a red hot knife was used to cauterize the wounds.
The process was repeated on each of the Ironborn who had refused to take the Black. The remaining Ironborn who had chosen to take the Black were forced to witness their screams long into the night. The sounds and smells they bore witness to would haunt them for years to come.
Domeric Bolton, Smalljon Umber and Asher Forrester entered the main solar of Winterfell exhausted. The three boys had been sent to foster in Winterfell as they were closest in age. The boys of 14 had been hard at work all day studying and training to be a Lord. They had just spent a hard day after training in the yard at dawn and attending lessons with Old Nan and Maester Luwin. They had complained to each other in the early days but they saw Lord Stark follow the same routine as they were and it killed their desire to voice any dissent.
The suffering they endured made fast friends of them. Especially when they got drunk one night and were made to follow their routine while hungover. This time however, they had their lessons on the Old Tongue with Old Nan being interrupted. The three boys entered to see the Warden of the North with his back to them and facing out the window.
"Boys. You will all be returning home. The Ironborn have declared their independence and war against the Seven Kingdoms. Your fathers and I must head out for war and you will all be made castellans of your respective houses. Castellans will watch over and advise you if necessary but this is a test of what you have learnt here", Ned said somberly
The three boys were shocked. Ned turned around and walked over to his desk and sat down. "I'm going to be honest with you. All three of you have conducted yourself well during your time here. I believe you have what it takes to act as Lords of the North. Do you have any questions?"
"My Lord? How are we supposed to sentence people to death? Smalljon is strong enough but Asher and I are not ready to pass the sentence and swing the blade," Domeric asked
"You have seen your fathers and I do clean beheadings. But even we have made mistakes. You will make mistakes as well. You will need to swing many times to complete the job in the beginning. Killing a man in combat is different from passing a sentence. It weighs on your soul more. You will need to find a way to deal with that burden in your own ways. Whatever happens, know that I am proud of the men you are becoming. Go on. Pack your things. We leave at first light tomorrow", Ned said with a small smile.
The three boys left the solar, but before the door could close, 4 kids ran into the room. "Father? Are you really leaving?" an eight-year-old Robb asked.
"Aye son. I must." Ned said, kneeling down to their eye level. "In my place, you will be the Stark in Winterfell. Jory will watch over you all and help you rule. Jorah, Dany. You two will stay by Robb's side and help him. Sansa? Would you like to help?"
The little five-year-old redhead cutely nodded. She did not want to cry and look like a baby in front of her father. The four children hugged their father and quietly left the solar. Catelyn had been watching by the door and walked in next. Ned saw her nostrils flaring and knew he was in for another fun discussion with his wife.
"You would really place the Mad Kings daughter and the bastard next to Robb?"
"Is a child born evil or is it the world that makes them evil?"
Ned's question completely flummoxed Catelyn and she said, "Bastards covet that which their trueborn siblings have."
"Is it a castle or a place to call home that they covet?"
The question disturbed Cat. She had never questioned the Septa who taught them the Seven Pointed Star. She was at a loss for words. She hated when her husband made her question things like this.
"Jorah considers Robb and Sansa his siblings. He loves them more than any ambition he could ever have. Family. Duty. Honor. Those are your words. Both Robb and Jorah place family above all. I do not expect you to consider him your family. I am asking you to place your son's affections for Jorah and your duty as the Lady of Winterfell above your honor."
"You ask too much of me, my lord"
"Cat. I ask of you only that which I know you can give. I know your heart and it is capable of loving every child of the North. All I am asking of you is to let your hate go before the kids see they need to choose between loving their mother or loving their brother. Is it too much to ask so my children do not face a choice where either choice leads to their loss?"
Catelyn could feel tears build up and rushed out of the room. Ned sighed and headed to the Maester's Tower. Ravens had already left that morning calling for his banners. Winter had just loosened its grasp over the North and he intended to make the most of it.
Within a week, the North gathered at Lycansvart with twenty-five thousand men. The Western Navy contained just as many refitted Targaryen ships as it did Northern ships now. The ships were ready and moved out within a fortnight. Benjen and Ned met in the cabin of the flagship Frostbite.
"How is your hand?" Ned asked.
"Still sore. The Maester had to cut off two of the fingers off my left hand after they turned black" Benjen replied.
Ned could feel his wolfsblood surge to the surface. His brother had been maimed. His pack member had been hurt. His blood demanded vengeance. His wolfsblood surged alongside his rage but was kept in control with his iron will. Now was not the time to lose control.
"Can you fight?" Ned asked
"Try stopping me," Benjen said with a bloodthirsty grin.
"Good. Because we are going to wipe out the Ironborn way of life," Ned said, matching his bloodthirsty grin.
Benjen was shocked. His brother was not one to suggest massacres lightly, if ever. "Why?"
"Because the time has come for the Old ways of the Ironborn to die. They seek to pay the Iron price. Now the North is going to pay its debts with the Iron price for 8000 years' worth of reaving, raping, pillaging and stealing. With the Northern Canal opening soon, the Ironborn piracy cannot be allowed to survive. So I am going to do what Theon the Hungry did in Andalos and break them," Ned said.
"How?" Benjen asked.
"Nagga's bones on Old Wyk. The Seastone Chair on Pyke. Both will be taken in the name of the North. All thralls and saltwives will be released. The Ironborn will be given a choice to take the black. Those that take it will be gelded and sent to the wall. The rest will be killed. All men older than seven and ten will be given the choice. No boy younger than that will be touched. All noble houses will be wiped out. The wives and children will be taken as hostages'' Ned said coldly.
"What about the castles?" Benjen asked.
"Bloodraven will prevent a siege and we'll fight them in the Lannister wants to turn the Islands into a haven for merchants. He will be given complete control over the Islands in return for the North controlling everything North of Cape Kraken and Blazewater Bay."
"You trust him?" Benjen asked with a raised eyebrow.
"Fuck no. But securing the canal completely under our control is more important. Tywin is an arrogant man. He thinks himself smarter than everyone else. He wanted Red Rain and he was so singularly focused on that he negotiated himself into a chokehold. The fool thinks I'm after Nightfall" Ned said amused
"Nightfall?" Benjen asked confused
"Tywin has been after a Valyrian steel sword since he fought in the Stepstones during the Ninepenny wars. I used his desire for the sword and to take his revenge on the Reynes by offering him Red Rain and made it seem like I was after Nightfall. Tywin thinks he got the better end of the deal with a Valyrian steel sword and control over the islands. He is a man of numbers. He does not see the magnitude of trade that is going to flow through the canal. His greed has blinded him to the magnitude of trade we can now choke, if we choose to do so. As soon as he realizes this, he will try to build a second canal under his control. The only place to do so is at the Twins. But the Iron Bank will not finance it to protect their investment with the Northern Canal. I have contingencies in place should they try this as well," Ned explained, and added with a smirk, "Remind me to thank Balon before I take his head."
Benjen couldn't help but laugh. Ned had screwed over Tywin but he would not see it until the canal was opened and trade began flowing.
"Now let's talk about Dacey," Ned said with a glint in his eye.
Benjen gulped. Dacey had declared that she would fight beside him and had fought with her mother when she tried to dissuade her. Benjen had barely opened his mouth when Dacey had grabbed his crotch and squeezed until Benjen agreed to let her come with him in a high pitched voice.
Ned couldn't help but laugh at his brother's expression. "Marry her as soon as you find a weirwood brother. The only black you'll be taking now is on your sigil."
Benjen sighed at that. It seemed after all these years, Ned had finally managed to convince him to not join the Night's Watch. Although, his wife-to-be had done most of the convincing for Ned.
The Northern Navy raced to the Iron Islands. By the time the ravens carrying the news of the burning of Lannisport reached Robert, The Northen Navy had already mobilised and missed Robert's raven demanding he be present for the assault of the Iron Islands. The Northern navy split into two and attacked Blacktyde and Great Wyk at the same time. The islands were poorly defended and any defenses that were mustered up were brought down quickly by the invading forces. The Ironborn were ill equipped to fight on land. Bloodraven used rats and mice to destroy stockpiles of food and soiled the drinking water with their corpses. This forced them to fight instead of choosing to hide behind their stone walls.
It was a matter of time before the Ironborn were ruthlessly cut down by the Northmen until the Lords surrendered. Ned kept his word and joined the Northmen in beheading every Ironborn that refused to take the Black. Bolton men carefully gelded all the Ironborn who surrendered. The thralls were freed and were ferried to the mainland.
Benjen repeated the same process on Blacktyde. House Blacktyde was put to the sword and their women and children were imprisoned. The Northmen then planted stakes on the beaches of both Islands and mounted the heads on them. They lined the shores of the entire length of the Islands. The North Remembers, but others needed reminding of the story of Hungry Wolf.
That evening, Ned walked back to his cabin. His wolfs helm was drawn over his face to hide the face underneath. As he walked past his men, he could see everyone look at him in fear. He felt his blood rush to his head as his stomach flopped around. He closed the door to his cabin and barely got his helm off before emptying his guts out into a bucket. He stumbled around and made his way into a chair. He slowly took his armor off with shaking hands. He couldn't help the tears that streamed down his face. Sleep would not come easily to him that night.
However, when he did sleep, he saw Bloodraven talking to Benjen. The two brothers embraced and cried again and broke down in hysterics. It took them quite some time to calm down. They could not look the other in the eye. Bloodraven tried talking to them but both of them had become silent. Their eyes had gone glassy grey as they relived the horrors they had inflicted.
Bloodraven sighed. He transported the brothers next to a raven watching over the thralls. The cries of the people broke them out of their stupor and they began looking around. They saw women crying and felt guilt crash over them again. The tried to break the vision and stop it but Bloodraven would not let them go and kept them trapped.
The brothers became increasingly agitated and the raven squawked in protest of the magical energy they were giving off. Bloodraven shook his head and slapped them both. This broke their concentrated desire to get out long enough to see Bloodraven point at the women. He pushed them closer to the women until they heard the whispers.
"Thank the gods, it's over.", "The Gods bless the North", "I'm free" were some of the murmurs they could overhear. That is when they realized the women were not crying tears of sorrow but of joy. They were happy their nightmare was over.
"This is why I said the Ironborn needed to be wiped out. I am aware of the pain you are going through. But such is the burden of command. It will not get any easier from now on. But the greater good of the realm depends on such suffering not being allowed to continue to go unpunished. Take comfort in the pain you are feeling for it is but the pain that one feels when one is removing the thorn already stuck in the skin." Bloodraven said and returned the brothers to their bodies to rest for the night.
The Lannister Navy was battered and barely scraped together enough ships to from a fleet. What they lacked in ships, they made up for in bloodthirsty Westermen looking for blood. The ships sailed quickly in the cover of night.
Tywin chose to attack Old Wyk first even though Pyke was closer. Tywin would not let the North steal Red Rain away from him and needed it at any cost. Red Rain was being wielded by Dunstan Drumm. The Captain of the Thunderer had recently returned from the attack on Lannisport with the recently gathered loot.
One quiet morning, Tywin led the Westerland ships to attack Old Wyk from the east. The ships were noticed too late as they were hidden by the early rising son. Dunstan Drumm had positioned all his men towards the North end of the island expecting the Northern Navy along with the fortifications. They barely made it to the Eastern side of the island in time to meet the Lannister men. The mad dash from the northern to the eastern side of the island left the Ironborn winded and tired and they were cut down by the fresh Westerman quickly. Ser Harras fought viciously and led his men well.
Tywin saw the red sword from atop his ship and nodded to Gregor Clegane who stood beside him. The absurdly 8 feet tall giant of a man drew his giant sword, jumped off the ship and charged towards Lord Drumm. Ironborn and Lannister men alike felt the earth tremor under their feet as the Mountain Who Rides charged towards them. Those unlucky bastards who could not get out of his were cut in half by his sword, Ironborn and Lannister alike. The poor Lord of House Drumm stood no chance and died quickly after deflecting two swings from the Mountain's six foot greatsword. The Mountain retrieved Red Rain and brought it back to Tywin. House Lannister finally had a Valyrian blade he had long sought. Tywin smiled as he looked down at the blood red sword. Tywin half wished he had left some Reynes alive to witness this.
The Ironborn soldiers soon surrendered and were unceremoniously put to the sword. Tywin had a reputation to protect. He would not be outdone on brutality by the savage Northmen. Thralls and Ironborn alike were slain. None were given the option to take the black. The entire island was put to the sword indiscriminately and their corpses were left strewn around the island. The women suffered fates that could not be put to words at the hands of the Westermen.
The Royal Navy led by Robert quickly sailed around the arm of Dorne. Robert's blood sang for combat and he would not be denied combat. Robert chose to not liberate the Shield Islands and avoided attacking Euron because he needed to attack the Iron Islands before the Lannisters and Starks wiped out the Ironborn before he got there. Robert expected Euron and Victarion would chase the Royal Navy back to the Iron Islands to defend it anyway.
However, Euron was a shrewd man. He knew his brother's rebellion would fail long before it began. He had 20 ships under his command pillaging the Reach and had no intention of going back to Pyke. He would spend the rest of the war ruthlessly ravaging the Reach as Mace Tyrell attempted to fruitlessly defend his coast. The arrogant flower of Highgarden dismissed Randyll Tarly's experienced command and sent the Reachlord back to Horn Hill after insulting him.
Victarion was pillaging the Westerlands and was about to head home to protect it when he heard the King was himself heading to the Iron Islands. He decided to intercept them and kill the King and cease the assault on his homeland. The two fleets met off the coast of Crakehall and charged head on at each other at midday. Victarion was pissed off at the savage butchering of his people and Robert hadn't had a decent fight in years.
The ships crashed into each other and men started jumping onto enemy ships and battles broke out on every ship. Victarion jumped from his ship onto the deck of the flagship of the Royal Navy in full steel plate armor and his greataxe. Robert picked up his Warhammer and the two men charged at each other. The battle raged around them as the two men let their angler loose.
Winds picked up and the waves rose in intensity. Rain began falling as the stag and squid did their best to kill each other. Robert had spent 5 years whoring and drinking and was out of shape. He had trained only for the last month or so after the attack on Lannisport. However, that did nothing to diminish his fighting prowess as he swung his large Warhammer at Victarion.
Victarion deflected the blow with his axe and used the wooden handle to smash Robert in the face. The great antlered helm Robert wore was knocked off by the blow. Robert was a quick learner and recovered from the blow by rolling away from his attacker. He shook his head clear as Victarion approached him and reengaged. This time, Robert used a feint to make Victarion duck and swing his Warhammer at his legs instead. The large spikes of the Warhammer smashed into Victarion's knees and decimated his right knee.
With a broken knee, Victarion could barely stand let alone fight. The next swing by Robert's Warhammer smashed into Victarion's chest and he shared the same fate as Rhaegar. His armor and chest crumpled with the hard blow and his broken ribs punctured both his lungs and flooded them with blood. Victarion would drown in his own blood as Robert charged into the fray and lost himself in battle lust. The Iroborn fleet would be decimated but the Royal Navy also suffered heavy losses. Robert would not make it to Pyke in time for the final assault to begin.
The Northmen continued their vicious campaign across the islands. Every island was systematically wiped out. The Northmen only left when the entire island had been surrounded by heads mounted on pikes. The Navy was split into three parts each led by Ned Stark, Benjen Duseren and Roose Bolton, each of whom continued the cleansing of the Iron Islands of all Ironborn influence. Within a month, the Iron Islands were devoid of men. Liberated thralls were dropped off at Seagard and Banefort and given some money to make their way home from the Ironborn treasuries. The Lannister Navy only managed to claim Old Wyk and Orkmont.
The Iron Islands had long raided ships as far away as Slavers bay and Asshai. Every keep was heavily filled with Gold and valuables. The Northmen claimed it all and shipped it back to Lycasvart. Naggas bones were uprooted and sent to Deepwood Motte and Bear Island. Nightfall was taken from House Harlaw. Galbart Glover and Jorah Mormont wanted their trophies to be mounted in the halls of their new stone keeps.
After a month of butchering men, Ned had grown cold to the brutality. He had been having nightmares that hadn't let him sleep since the first assault on Great Wyk. The Northmen had stuck to Ned's orders to the letter. A few men who had raped were gelded and sent to the Wall along with the Ironborn. It took 15 men for the message to reach every single Northman. Behave like the Ironborn and you will be treated like the Ironborn.
The final assault on Pyke was almost too easy. Reports of the genocide occurring on the other Islands had led to men fearing for not only their lives but for their very way of life. They held Balon Greyjoy responsible and decided it was safer to offer Balon's head to the invaders. This led to major infighting spreading all over Pyke as every man turned on the one next to him. Lordsport burned as chaos spread.
The castle of Pyke sat on an island of its own. No ship could dock at the castle and used the bridges at Lordsport instead. The sea surrounding the castle was always violently churning and no ship could survive for long in those waters. The task of attacking Lordsport was made considerably simpler by the fact that the city had been ripping itself apart for the past week.
The Northern army quickly dealt with Lordsport and set up a siege around the bridges linking the castle of Pyke to the mainland. Almost a week went with the castle sending no envoy to negotiate terms. Any envoy sent to the castle would get arrows shot at them.
After the third envoy returned after being almost hit by an arrow, Ned decided to take extreme measures. He ordered the dismantling of a bridge linking the Castle to the island. This time no envoy would be sent. The bridge crumbled and fell into the churning ocean below within a day. The next day, a new bridge's dismantling began. By the third bridge's dismantling, white flags were raised above Pyke and the gates were thrown open.
Ned walked into the castle and saw the Greyjoys bound and gagged as they knelt before the Seastone Chair. Blood spattered the walls around the castle as corpses were littered everywhere. The Ironborn had turned on each other in a bloodbath when they saw their bridges being dismantled. The Northmen immediately took charge and set about their task with practiced efficiency. Ned also ordered the Seastone chair be uprooted and made the Ironborn carry it onto the ships as a final insult. It would be taken back to Lycansvart and kept in the keep as a trophy.
Ned personally beheaded Maron and Balon Greyjoy and placed their heads in a box. He placed the driftwood crown on Balons' head and sent them off to Robert with Theon, Asha and their mother Alannys Greyjoy as hostages. Wives and children of other nobles from the Iron islands joined them. Pyke was then emptied of all valuables and all but one bridge linking Pyke to the Island were demolished. The Greyjoy Rebellion was over and so was the Ironborn way of life.