HOUSE GREYJOY
WEST POINT - ILLYRIO MOPATIS
Illyrio Mopatis had risen from obscurity and poverty to become Magistrate of Pentos and Spice Lord. He is one of the most richest and influential men in the east. Mopatis had developed a close friendship with Caster Romyn and when he heard about his death he mourned him and sent his condolences to his son Julian Romyn. When Mopatis didn't receive a reply he decided to sail West and meet with the new Lord of West Point to establish a business relationship. When Moatis arrived he had been made to wait in the parlor and had been waiting for hours. "Julian Romyn Lord of West Point and the Western Expanse..." A man announces.
"Finally..."
"Lord Illyrio Mopatis..."
"Is that all you have to say? I have been waiting on your pleasure for hours..."
"I am sorry it could not be helped...Would you like a drink..."
"Thank you no...I do business first then I drink..."
"To my solar then..." When they enter the room Julian pours himself some wine, "So what can I do for you Lord Mopatis..."
"First the business venture concerning Old Valyria..."
"Were you not satisfied with the compensation?"
"The compensation was more than fair...but your father and I..."
He is interrupted by Julian who raises his hand, "I'm afraid I will have to stop you there my Lord...I am not my father...and while a business relationship with you would greatly benefit us both...I was seriously considering sending you back across the Narrow Sea..."
"Have I offended you in some way?"
"Not you...Your friend in the Capitol...See it was Lord Varys who told King Aerys of Prince Rhaegar's plans..."
"You speak as if I had something to do with that!"
"Guilty by association..."
Mopatis is getting angry as well and he was not someone to make angry. Mopatis is extremely protective of his friends. "Lord Varys is a very good friend of mine...We both come from the streets and have similar stories...We both rose beyond our circumstances and bettered ourselves..."
"Your friend cost me my father...Rhaegar's plan would have succeeded if not for him and my father would be alive right now..."
"I admired your father...Lord Caster was a good man...And from what I hear he raised a good son..."
"I try..."
"I want to earn your friendship and trust..."
"Actions have more weight with me than words...For my father's sake I will show you what we took from Old Valyria...In regards to Prince Viserys and his sister...My people tells me he is not doing well...The boy is impatient, tyrannical, given to angry mood swings...If he continues to immolate his Grandfather then I cannot back him as King..."
"Who then his sister?"
"She is young, but Rhaegar's children have a better claim than either Daenarys or Viserys..."
"So it is true...Prince Rhaegar's heirs live..."
"One...Rhaenys Targaryen...She is in Dorne...but again I am waiting...I do not want another Mad King or Queen on the Iron Throne..."
Mopatis can tell that Julian is hiding something, but he won't push the issue, "Alright...I went to Braavos to see the Young Prince...I have the resources to protect them and help the Targaryens get an army..."
"I sent seven ships east...Five carrying two hundred soldiers each, one carrying servants, a Septa, and a Maester, and the last ship carrying enough gold that if used wisely they can build an army with...I am in negotiations with House Tyrell and Martell...We may also be able to pull in the Starks and all their allies, but for now it is a waiting game..."
"Why would Starks help put the Targaryens back on the Iron Throne?" Mopatis asks.
"In time my Lord...I will reveal all after you have earned my trust..."
Mopatis is taken to a treasure vault holding the things taken from Old Valyria, "Are those Dragon Eggs?"
"Yes they are...My Maester has translated some of the scrolls...He believes that all can be hatched if one of the Targaryens has the gift..."
"How?"
"Fire and Blood Mopatis...Fire and Blood..."
Mopatis leaves West Point hoping that he would get to see a Dragon one day.
THE IRON ISLES - CASTLE PYKE
The Iron Islands and the Iron Born are ruled by House Greyjoy and House Greyjoy is ruled by Balon Greyjoy. The words of House Greyjoy are We Do Not Sow. With Balon are his brothers Victarion, Euron, and Aeron; his sons Rodrik (18) and Maron(17) by his wife Alannys of Harlaw. The two youngest are Yara (7) and Theon(6). The Greyjoys have ruled since the fall of Harren the Great whose Kingdom stretched from the Riverlands to Iron Isles.
Balon stands over a map of the mainland with his brothers and two eldest sons. "I say it's fool hearty…" Rodrik Hralaw says addressing the group, "…We don't know the military strength of House Romyn. Nor do we know the defenses of Port Romyn…" Rodrick Harlaw is Lord of Harlaw and the brother of Alannys Harlaw.
"The Romyns stand alone…No one would come to their aid…I agree brother we should attack…" Euron says.
"And what happens afterward? What is to stop the Lannisters from trying to take back their city?" Rodrick asks.
"Spoils of war…We appeal to the King…" Aeron says.
"Well brother?" Victarion asks.
Balon nods and places the Cracken marker over Port Romyn. "We attack! Summon the Lords and Captains of the Iron Isles…" Over the next few weeks the fleet assembles on the far side of Blacktyde Island to hide from the Romyn ships patrolling the waters in between Crakehall and the Crag. When the fleet is gathered the Iron Born number four hundred ships and 25,000 warriors.
PORT ROMYN
The city of Port Romyn is governed by House Cavenaugh; their sigil is that of a black Octopus on a red field with its arms spread holding different weapons. It holds a bow, a sword, a spear, a mace, a dagger, a shield, and an axe. Masters of the Sea are their words. Lord Michael Cavenaugh is the grandson of a pirate Captain who was recruited Julian's grandfather to help teach seamanship to his people. Eventually the pirate was knighted and now his Grandson is Lord of a city.
Lion's Castle had been renamed Pearl Stone after the ship Michael's grandfather captained. Michael has black hair and beard, and strong muscular build. He is married to the daughter of Lord Axel and she is expecting their first child. "Our agents on the Iron Isles have been reporting ship and troop movements for a possible attack on the city…"
The man speaking is Michael's chief advisor, they are in the solar discussing city business. "Balon Greyjoy is a bigger fool than I thought…What is status of the army?"
"We have eight thousand troops on active duty in the city…and another twelve in reserve…A hundred ships in dock not including merchant ships…Twenty out scouting and another fifty under construction…" The Lord Commander says.
"Arm the reserves…I want all ships fully crewed for war…I want all port catapults and scorpions manned at all times…And send a Raven to Lord Romyn…" They discuss other matters before ending the meeting. Reserve forces are summoned to the armory and men start drilling immediately. Every ship in dock is manned for a possible attack.
THE CRACKEN – BALON'S COMMAND SHIP
The Iron Fleet sails out to sea and turns back in to hit the port city from the west and avoid scout ships. As they sail towards the coastal city three scout ships are sunk, but one the Sea Goddess which is made of Iron Wood sails back to the city with oars out and full sails. The ship is a war galley and is faster than the Iron Born long boats.
"Signal the Black Barnacle and tell my son he will lead the assault on the city from the southern beach…" Balon commands. A month had passed since the decision was made.
"Signal from the Vanguard my King…They couldn't catch the ship…"
"Doesn't matter…It will be hours before they can mount up a defense…"
The ships enter the bay and the alarm bells echo across the water. A hundred ships break away from the main fleet to drop troops off on the beach south of the city while the main force attacks the port. When the main force reaches catapult range the docked ships come to life and start firing at the attacking Iron Born ships. Several ships in the Vanguard are engulfed in huge green explosions.
"Wild Fire!" Lord Harlaw whispers as the heat can be felt aboard his ship Ten Waves. "Signal the Fleet!"
The Romyns have towers on the water armed with scorpions and trebuchets. There are twenty towers in all and they come to life and start firing at the enemy fleet. The Night sky is lit by flaming projectiles from both sides. Balon turns his ships toward the beach to attack the city from the south, but the men on the beach are greeted by arrows. The Sand Gate is opened and four thousand men on horseback ride out to greet the Iron Born.
CASTERLY ROCK – TYWIN
Casterly Rock sits on a cliff overlooking the city of Port Romyn. Many people in the castle are awakened by the bells ringing from the city. Tywin Lannister walks onto the roof of the tower and looks through a mounted spyglass. "The Iron Born my Lord…" Emmon Frey says.
"How many ships?" He asks looking through the spyglass.
"We counted four hundred…The defenders were waiting for them…"
Tywin shakes his head, "What a waist…" Tywin had considered making a deal with the Iron Born to attack the city and then double cross them, but he knew they would never accept his offer in the first place. "I'm going back to bed keep an eye on the battle…"
"Yes My Lord…" He already knew how the battle would turn out, but suddenly he stops and realizes something. "Shit!" Tywin has Emmon wake the Household council.
"What is so important brother that it cannot wait until the morning?" Kevan asks.
"As we speak the Iron Born are attacking Lannisport…" The Lannisters still refer to the city as if it belonged to them.
"They underestimate House Romyn…" Kevan says.
"The Romyns will drive them off and attack the Iron Isles…They will claim the Islands for themselves…We must move quickly…" Tywin looks at Emmon, "What is the status of the fleet?"
"Two hundred ships are seaworthy…Another ten under construction…"
"Send out the Ravens summon all our Banners…Convert Merchant ships to warships if you must…"
"Perhaps we should a Raven to the Capitol and ask the King for help in mobilizing a fleet…" House Baratheon has the largest fleet and army in all of Westeros.
PORT ROMYN
The Iron Born are losing the battle and Balon's son Rodrick had been killed on the beach, his head sliced open by a soldier riding by on a Horse. "Sound the Retreat!" Balon says. The horn echoes across the water and the Iron Born sail back to their Islands in defeat. As they sail away the defenders cheer. As they sail away Balon retires to his cabin not wanting to speak with anyone.
MICHAEL
"I want an accounting of losses immediately…"
"Yes My Lord…Right away…"
By midday the next day a final count is rendered, "We lost five scout ships…fifty men on the beach, two galleys and three longboats…The Iron Born lost seventy-eight ships…We have captured a few survivors…"
"Interrogate them and have them executed…Grant them last requests…"
"Yes my Lord…" The master replies, "A Raven arrived from West Point…Lord Romyn is on the way with three hundred ships and 50,000 troops…"
"He plans on invading the Iron Isles and subjugating them…" Two days later Michael stands on the pier as Julian Romyn walks down the ramp of his flagship, "Welcome to Port Romyn My Lord…"
"Are your men ready to set sail?"
"Yes they are…My scouts have reported Lannister troop movements…They seem to be heading for Banefort."
Julian smiles, "Tywin Lannister realizes what we intend to do…We have a head start…I want to leave as soon as possible…"
KING'S LANDING
When Robert received a letter from Tywin he summons his small council and reads the message.
To his grace King Robert Baratheon
The Iron Born are attacking Lannisport…The defenders will most likely be able to repel the attack, but it will not end there. The Romyns will invade the Iron Islands and claim it as their domain…This cannot be allowed…I am summoning my banners to Banefort as I am building a fleet there…I do not have enough ships to transport my entire army I ask that send ships immediately and do whatever you can to stop Julian Romyn
With Kindest Regards
Your Father by Law
Lord Tywin Lannister Warden of the West
Jon shakes his head, "Even if you send the ships by the time they get there the Romyns will have their forces in place…Besides…House Romyn is independent…If you intervene this will lead to war…"
"So what…The Romyns cannot stand against the rest of Westeros…" Jaime Lannister is present at the meeting on guard duty. His words cause both King Robert and Ser Barristan to look at him. "Sorry…Your Grace…"
"I must agree with Lord Arryn…" Lord Varys says. "By law this is a dispute between House Romyn and Greyjoy…"
"I've been itching for a fight…" Robert says.
"House Greyjoy is subject to the Iron Throne…" Maester Pycel says. "They disserve the King's Protection…"
"The Iron Born started a war with an Independent House…" Nathan Estermont the Current Master of Laws and cousin to the King says, "They forfeited protection of the Iron Throne when they did so…Had they asked the King's Permission that would be different…"
"Your Grace…" Jon says in a mentoring type of way, "Do the right thing…"
"I really wanted to go to war…" He slams his fist on the table, "Maester Pycel…Write Lord Tywin…Tell him to stand down…"
Tywin didn't like it and wrote his daughter Queen Cersei to try and convince the King to change his mind. He would not and told her to drop the matter. Needless to say the Lannisters were not happy. If the Romyns took the Iron Islands their power would surpass even that of the Lannisters. It already had since they won their independence and was no longer honor bound to share the income from city.
THE IRON ISLES - JULIAN
Four days after the attack on Port Romyn Julian leads a fleet of 400 hundred ships to the Iron Isles. The fleet is also composed of Merchant ships to help transport the army. As they approach Pyke a hundred ships break away from the main force to hunt down all Iron Born ships and destroy them. "Fire on the castle and at the town…" Julian orders from aboard his ship.
Castle Pyke sits on three pillars of rock rising up out of the sea. The three sections of the castle are connected by breeze walks, rope and stone bridges. There is a town a few miles from the castle on the main island. In the first volley barrels of Wild Fire are launched at the castle and town from six vanguard ships. The rest of the projectiles are regular catapult arms.
People run and scream as the town is devastated. For three days the castle is pounded, then Julian lands his army on the beach. Any men over the age of 13 found hiding in the village are killed. The women, children, and old are placed in holding pins and barns under guard.
A camp is erected out of catapult and arrow range before the castle. "My Lord…The gates are opening…" Lord Axel says.
It is Victarion Greyjoy and he leads a large force to counter attack. "Mount up!" Julian commands. His Calvary is in the Vanguard already on horseback. He rides to the front to lead the attack with Lord Axel. "STRENGTH AND HONOR!" Julian shouts, his men cheer as they charge the Iron Born. A hail of arrows is fired before them killing thousands of men.
10,000 mounted soldiers smash through the defender lines. Julian rides over a man and swings his sword killing the next. A spear is thrown at him, but he leans to the side and splits the man's head with his sword. Another man charges him on horseback with an axe. Julian swings his sword cutting the axe head off and severing the man's arm at the shoulder.
"What is dead may never die!" Victarion screams. He swings his axe into Julian's horse killing it.
Julian rolls off his horse and comes up on his feet beheading a man. A spear is thrust at him from the left, but Julian catches the spear on the shaft with his free hand. He brings his sword across breaking the spear and spins into the man burying the spearhead into his skull. He turns at the last minute to face the giant of a man Victarion Greyjoy. Julian ducks an attack and swings his sword severing Victarian's right leg; down the giant goes, but keeps fighting. Julian leaps into a flip and stabs his sword into Victarian's head landing on his knees.
As he gets to his feet, Julian is joined by Lord Axel and his men. When Victarion falls the Iron Born retreat back to the castle. "That was fun."
"Any prisoners?" Julian asks as they walk back to the main camp still under construction.
"Over a hundred…"
"Kill them…Wounded?"
"Less than a hundred…Still counting the dead…"
A few hours later the Camp is set up and ships are sent out to help hunt down the remaining Iron Born ships. A few days later word arrives that Octavian Romyn is attacking Ten Towers, but Lord Harlaw had surrendered and is sending Ravens encouraging the Iron Born to do the same. Some do and others do not. After five days Julian orders the attack on Castle Pyke. A barrel of Wild Fire is hurled at the main gates. After the fire dies out Julian leads the charge into the castle.
Julian personally kills Euron and Maron Greyjoy, but Balon is captured by a soldier who is granted Knighthood by Julian. The battle inside the castle didn't last long as many Iron Born surrendered. Balon Greyjoy is bought before Julian in the main hall and forced to his knees. "Balon Greyjoy…"
"Fuck you!" He defiantly replies.
Julian nods, "House Greyjoy is no more…The Iron Born are finished…These Islands are mine now…Your son and daughter…I will raise them and mold them into my image, as for you…You will live out the rest of your days in a cell in Port Romyn…Take him away…"
For the next few days Julian hosts a feast to honor his men. A few soldiers are knighted, while a few knights are given Lordship of the castles whose occupants had been slaughtered. After the feast Julian stands before what is left of the Iron Born Captains and Lords. "Your days of reaving are over! We do not sow...Those words are done with...These Islands are the domain of House Romyn...There are no more Kings to sit the Seastone chair or wear the Driftwood crown...Your houses are now Banners of House Romyn...These Islands will be sown and you will learn a new way of life..."
Julian spends the next two months setting things on the Iron Islands in order and establishing his dominance over the people. Families from the Western Expanse are transported to the Islands to teach the people how to farm and sow crops. Trees are planted and workers search the Islands for precious minerals. In the second week of the second month gold and silver deposits are found; along with Iron and Steel ore. With the Iron Islands under his belt House Romyn becomes the richest family in Westeros.
When Julian returns home his wife is waiting for him on the docks. "This is our ward Theon Greyjoy..."
"Welcome to Capri Theon..." Lay Bethany says to him. He does not respond, "I hope we can become good friends..."
Instead of heading home Julian and Bethany head for Romyn Manor in the city. They had not seen each other in two months and immediately head to their suite to make love. They leave the next morning after breaking their fast. "You wanted to see me father?" Jordan Julian's eldest son asks entering his father's solar.
"Yes...I want you to do your best to befriend Theon Greyjoy...He lost his family because of his father's stupidity..."
"Yes sir..."
"Maester Holland tells me you are doing well in your lessons..."
"Yes sir..."
"Good...Continue the good work...Dismissed..."
He stands up, "Father."
"Yes son..."
"When you get some time...can we go riding just the two of us?"
"Of course..." he smiles and leaves the solar, then a few minutes later Jon enters.
"You wanted to see me father?"
"Yes come in...I already spoke with Jordan...I am telling you the same...I want you to do your best to be friend with Theon Greyjoy..."
"Yes sir..."
"He lost his family because of his father's stupidity...He will need family...Now more than ever..."
"Do I tell him my secret?"
"No! Keep that to yourself..." Julian does his best to make a home for Theon and he treats him like a member of the family.