The Narrow Sea…
Admiral Sharako Lohar, a Lynese admiral for the Triarchy, stood tall on the deck of his flagship, the Hydra's Lament. His piercing gaze swept across the vast expanse of the Narrow Sea, taking in the sight of his fleet of ninety ships cutting through the waves. Each vessel proudly displayed the banners of the Triarchy on its masts, a once powerful political union now reduced to a shell of its former self, a remnant of the past. But as his eyes scanned the vast horizon, memories from the past flooded Sharako's mind when he fervently urged the High Council of Triarchs to deploy the full might of the Triarchy's navy when Craghas Drahar invaded the Stepstones twenty years ago; however, his counsel had been brushed aside. The haughty magisters from each city-state, blinded by their arrogance, ignored his advice and boldly declared themselves untouchable to any external threat. In their eyes, the Targaryen dynasty had grown soft and complacent after six decades of peace.
However, they failed to see the danger that lurked just beyond their borders. In the end, the Triarchy paid a heavy price for this grave oversight when Aeonar Targaryen flew his dragon Vaelor across the sea and systematically laid waste to each of the Triarchy's powerbases one by one, enacting his Plan Zero in a well-coordinated assault. Lys, Myr, and Tyrosh – once the proud city-states in Essos – had been brought to their knees and were left decimated in the Young Dragon's wake. They never saw him coming. Sharako vaguely recalled seeing Lynese streets and buildings reduced to rubble by the raging inferno, shipyards reduced to ruins, and terrified people desperately fleeing for their lives only to be engulfed by the merciless dragonflame. But amidst the destruction, it was the ultimate betrayal that inflicted the deepest wound; some of the High Council's servants turned against them, slitting the throats of prominent magisters, sabotaging their military defenses, and opening the gates to Aeonar's forces, allowing them to storm each city-state. Unfortunately, Sharako realized too late that these traitors had been operating as undercover spies for Aeonar, cunningly embedded within the Triarchy's ranks to provide him with valuable intelligence from within, working in the shadows to ensure its demise. The Triarchy had been infiltrated, and no one even knew it.
Sharako, like many others, was left to grapple with the bitter truth that their downfall had been orchestrated from within. The High Council of Triarchs did not heed his advice, and they all paid the ultimate price. Aeonar Targaryen… you will pay for this. We have not forgotten! I lost a lot of friends because of you. My sons, my daughters, my wife, my brothers and sisters, all of them are dead. Gone, because of you! The Triarchy remembers. At first, Sharako was reluctant to ally with the Caltrops after receiving a letter from Lord Unwin Peake of Starpike. The idea of joining forces with another prominent family was a double-edged sword that could either lead to success or end in total failure. However, the promise of wealth, exclusive trading rights at King's Landing, control of the Stepstones, and most importantly, the opportunity to seek revenge against the Young Dragon and his allies, Corlys Velaryon and Daemon Targaryen, had ultimately proven impossible to resist.
"Ready your steel and strengthen your resolve," Racallio rallied his men, "Within hours, the Velaryon fleet will be shattered. And once we breach the Gullet, their stronghold will be in sight. Ripe for the taking. You can take whatever you can find, whatever your heart desires! Be it wealth, women, men, boys, or girls, keep it! It's all yours!"
"Hoorah!"
Sharako didn't like the Tyroshi general or his ostentatious behavior. "Keep your men on a tighter leash, general," he firmly reprimanded his counterpart. "I do not tolerate their meddling with my crew's duties. I will not tolerate any more of their misbehavior, their presence, or their having any funny business with tampering with any of my ships."
"Our ships, Lohar. You might be the admiral, but don't forget that Myr and Tyrosh are part of this alliance, not just Lys."
"I don't care if you're a general or a stable boy. If you can't keep your soldiers in line, then you have no business being here! It took every ounce of our stockpile reserves, drained the last of our treasury, just to build this damn fleet. We lost here, then it's all over. For you, me, all of us! So, for your sake, general, I will not let this chance slip through my fingers because of your unruly troops!" Sharako turned to his sailors. "Man the oars! Get those bolts up! Ready the scorpions! And get ready! Once we navigate through this blasted fog, the final battle will begin." The sound of thunder rumbling in the cloudy skies above drew his concentration.
"There's a storm upon us," one of the sailors said.
"It's just some mad Westerosi weather." Sharako then glanced over his shoulder. "Daemion, Daeron! Get up here."
Ser Daemion and his brother Ser Daeron Velaryon, both sons of the late Ser Vaemond Velaryon, fled King's Landing after their father was executed and their relatives's tongues ripped out for questioning the legitimacy of Rhaenyra's sons. Burning with a desire to avenge their father's death and restore honor to their family name, they made the difficult decision to defect and join the Triarchy in their quest for revenge against Aeonar and Daemon for their father's death. Being sons of Driftmark, their familiarity with the Blackwater's surroundings surpassed that of the majority aboard the Hydra's Lament. "Admiral," they acknowledged.
"Whichever of you can prove their excellence will earn a place beside me."
"Don't forget your end of the bargain," Daemion mentioned. "We want Driftmark intact so that we can assume our rights as lords."
"If you can guarantee me a victory, then you shall. But lose that attitude. Insubordination is unbecoming."
"Forgive my brother, admiral," Daeron apologized. "Our house survived the Doom. We'd rather not see our line end on the account of Rhaenyra Targaryen's bastard sons. You will taste your victory. I guarantee it. You have my word and my life."
Sharako was uninterested in Westerosi politics; it was only his interest in the youths' knowledge of the Velaryon fleet and navigating territorial waters that he required. "Good. So long as you keep the objective in mind. I'm told Lord Corlys is again leading his fleet."
"Again? Well, to know he survived our last encounter is somewhat surprising," Racallio said. The memory of their previous encounter was hazy, but the last time they fought, the Tyroshi general defeated Corlys Velaryon, nearly tearing open his neck in the process. Had it not been for the intervention of Addam and Alyn of Hull, Racallio would have undoubtedly claimed victory over the Sea Snake. With meticulous preparation, he eagerly looked forward to finishing what he had started. "The old man just refuses to stay down."
"Don't underestimate Corlys Velaryon," Daemion warned. "He might be an old man, but he's more dangerous than you could ever realize. He'll most likely come back with help. An old ally of his you once faced."
"Aeonar Targaryen," Sharako remembered.
"There's more, admiral," Daeron mentioned. "He has five children, all of them dragonriders, but lost one of them."
"Oh?"
"The Targaryens are in the middle of a civil war. Fighting for the right to sit the Iron Throne."
Sharako found himself raising an eyebrow in curiosity as he pondered the reason behind the fracture of the Targaryen dynasty. He knew that it wasn't too long ago that the House of the Dragon was unified, so what could have caused such a great divide? As he contemplated the possibilities, his thoughts turned to the current state of affairs in Westeros. If the rumors were true and the realm was engaged in civil war, then Sharako realized he could take advantage of the confusion to weaken one of the rival factions.
"Our rules of engagement?"
"Humiliate the Sea Snake's navy and lay waste to any who stand in your way. And general, prepare your men for a boarding party."
Knowing that attacking Dragonstone head-on would prove to be ineffective, given the island fortress's defenses and its ability to fend off a naval invasion with just a token garrison, Sharako opted for a different strategy by dividing his fleet for the attack. One pincer was to enter the Gullet south of Dragonstone, the other to the north. The southern fleet was entrusted with the utmost crucial responsibilities: eliminate the Sea Snake's navy from the Narrow Sea, burn all of Driftmark to the ground, and impose a blockade on the Gullet to deprive the Westerosi capital King's Landing of essential trade routes, cutting off their supply lines. This was undoubtedly the most crucial and risky mission, as they would undoubtedly cross paths with the Targaryen dragons. Nevertheless, they made thorough preparations before setting sail. Each ship was armed with bolt-firing scorpions and manned by highly skilled marksmen, who had been assured a handsome reward of their weight in gold if they succeeded in bringing down a dragon.
If Corlys Velaryon was indeed back commanding his navy, and if he requested assistance, then Aeonar Targaryen would be with him as well with his dragon, Vaelor. Furthermore, based on the intelligence shared by Daeron, Aeonar's offspring would also bring their dragons into the battle as well. The Triarchy sailors had experience fighting Daemon Targaryen and his dragon, Caraxes, during the War for the Stepstones.
Nevertheless, this battle would occur in the vast expanse of the Narrow Sea's open waters, devoid of any dwellings to seek refuge in. There would be no guerilla-style hit-and-run tactics. No, this was going to be a fight to the death.
And only one will make it out alive.
"Begin the advance!"
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Corlys, clad in his battle armor and gripping his war axe, his hand firmly grasping the pommel, stood resolutely at the forefront of his flagship, the Sea Snake. Its sails billowed in the wind, displaying the sigil of House Velaryon - a silver seahorse on a sea-green field. Each ship in the Velaryon fleet crashed through the waves with a purpose that could not be denied; its oars rowed across the water to help it propel forward faster; he knew that the time to face the Triarchy remnants had come again. But this time, he wasn't alone. No, Aeonar would bring nine dragons into the battle, each one a symbol of the power and might of House Targaryen.
With more than 200 ships at his disposal, Corlys would make full use of them.
"Forward!"
With a nod to his crew, Corlys gave the command to advance. The ships surged forward, their sails billowing in the wind. The Sea Snake led the charge, slicing through the waves like a knife through butter.
The war galleys, armed with trebuchets and ballistae, were positioned at the heart of the Velaryon fleet. Their sturdy hulls and skilled crews made them a force to be reckoned with. Corlys had personally overseen the modification of each ship, ensuring that they were equipped with the latest advancements in naval warfare. Their firepower was unmatched, capable of launching devastating volleys that could cripple even the largest of enemy vessels.
Encircling the war galleys were the longships, swift and agile, manned by skilled sailors from High Tide, Hull, and Spicetown. These vessels, with their shallow drafts and maneuverability, were perfect for harassing the enemy's flanks and launching surprise attacks. Their crews, hardened by years of seafaring and naval warfare, were eager to prove their worth in battle.
To the north and south of the fleet, the cogs formed an impenetrable defensive blockade. These sturdy merchant ships had been repurposed for war, their hulls reinforced and armed with catapults and archers. Their role was to protect the flanks of the fleet, ensuring that no enemy ship could slip through and attack from the sides.
Each squadron in the Velaryon fleet swiftly assembled into a formidable defensive line, determined to block the Triarchy remnants' ships from breaching the Gullet.
As the Sea Snake and its naval escort sailed, a shadow suddenly covered them, casting an eerie darkness over the deck. The crew, caught off guard, exchanged bewildered glances, their eyes searching for the source of this sudden obscurity. Corlys, blinking momentarily, instinctively looked up, his gaze piercing through the gloom.
"*Raaaaaaaaaaaaaaahh!*"
Above the Velaryon fleet, soaring through the sky with a grace that defied belief, was Vaelor with Aeonar Targaryen mounted on his back. The Swiftrunner's colossal wings beat against the air with a thunderous sound as he passed over them, creating a gust that tousled the sails and caused the crew to hold onto anything they could find for stability. Some whispered prayers to the gods, seeking their blessings, while others stood in silent reverence. The fleeting shadow cast by the dragon's size stretched across the sea momentarily before Vaelor flew higher into the vast, expansive sky above the fleet.
Vermithor glided through the sky, his massive wings beating with a rhythmic power; the air around him seemed to tremble with his presence. The elder dragon emitted a deep rumble, a sound that resonated through the clouds as Jaehaerys gripped the reins of his dragon's saddle. Trailing behind Vermithor were Silverwing and Sheepstealer, with his sister Aemma and the dragonseed, Nettles. Unlike Nettles, Aemma was a skilled dragonrider in her own right, her presence adding to the grandeur of the aerial formation as Silverwing's wingspan synchronized with her mate. Nettles rode upon Sheepstealer, her eyes filled with a hint of mischief. Each of these large dragons formed a triangular formation, with the Bronze Fury taking the lead.
Following closely were the smaller dragons Syrax, Corxes, Maelyx, Vermax, and Arrax. With their sleek bodies and graceful movements, the dragons displayed superior agility and nimbleness as they effortlessly weaved through the air. As they trailed closely, their wings beat in perfect synchronization, creating a mesmerizing sight in the sky. Leading the group was Rhaenyra, the eldest and most experienced dragonrider. With her silver hair flowing behind her, she commanded her dragon, Syrax, with grace and confidence. Her nephews, Aegon and Viserys, followed closely behind on their own dragons, Corxes and Maelyx, respectively. The young princes were eager to prove themselves and were determined to keep up with their aunt. Rhaenyra's sons, Jacaerys and Lucerys, were not far behind. Jacaerys, the older of the two, rode Vermax while his brother Lucerys rode atop Arrax.
Together, these smaller dragons encircled Vermithor, Silverwing, and Sheepstealer, their synchronized flight patterns creating a mesmerizing spectacle that seemed almost otherworldly. They danced through the air, their wings almost touching as if engaged in an intricate aerial dance.
Jaehaerys extended his arm, gracefully rotating his index finger swiftly and purposefully through the surrounding air. With a subsequent gesture towards the left, he replicated the circular motion towards the right, signifying the moment had arrived for each rider to disperse and commence their assigned tasks before the battle began.
Viserys, Nettles, and Lucerys swerved to the left on their dragons Maelyx, Sheepstealer, and Arrax, respectively, with a mission to scout the northern region. Their primary goal was to detect any Triarchy activity on the ocean's surface and relay the information to Addam of Hull on the Queen Rhaenys, who had been entrusted with leading the mission to intercept the Triarchy's northern advance. Although the task seemed relatively safe at first, the dense fog made it difficult to see, which could force them to fly to lower altitudes to get a better look but posed a significant risk to their safety if they did so.
Rhaenyra, Aegon, and Aemma directed their dragons, Syrax, Corxes, and Silverwing, towards the right to confront the Triarchy remnants' southern fleet. Their plan was to entice the enemy closer to the Lord Aethan's Glory so Alyn of Hull's auxiliary fleet could attack. Once both the northern and southern fleets were successfully repelled, Lord Corlys would direct his main fleet to encircle the Triarchy remnants, ensnaring them in a meticulously planned double envelopment. This strategic move would effectively trap the enemy, leaving them with no means of escape.
Jaehaerys and Jacaerys were the sole ones left, soaring high above the Velaryon fleet on Vermithor and Vermax to defend them. They diligently surveyed the Narrow Sea, searching for any indication of movement. Nevertheless, similar to their family, the thick fog obstructed their view, making it arduous to spot the enemy. The fog seemed to thicken, swirling around them like a shroud as if mocking their efforts. But Jaehaerys and Jacaerys were undeterred, their determination unwavering. The dragons' keen senses were also attuned to the task at hand, their nostrils flaring as they sniffed the air for any hint of danger.
"Keep your eyes peeled, Jace," Jaehaerys cautioned.
"You too, cousin," Jacaerys reciprocated.
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Viserys sat on his saddle while riding Maelyx, a spyglass pressed close to his right eye. He turned the crystal in the device's slot to change the view, hoping to catch a glimpse of anything that might lie beyond the thick fog. Despite the safety of flying above the clouds, the lack of visibility made him uneasy. He strained his eyes, searching for any sign of land or danger that might lurk beneath the mist. "Damn it, this fog makes it difficult to see anything. I can't get a good look," he cursed, putting the spyglass back in his pocket.
"Why don't we fly a little lower? Get a better look that way," Nettles asked, calmly sitting atop Sheepstealer.
"You know our orders, Nettles. Do some reconnaissance and relay what we can find back to the Queen Rhaenys. If we fly too low, we'd risk being exposed."
"You Targaryens need to learn to take a chance. Too cautious. Nothin' works out without taking a lil' risk, innit? Gives one a liberatin' feelin'. Danger's there, but the greater risk means the greater prize is worth it."
"Why would I want to take an unnecessary risk for something that might not bear fruit? Especially if it turns out to be a wild goose chase?"
"What's fruit or goose gotta do with 'em?"
"It's a figure of speech, Nettles! Not meant to be taken literally. Besides, I'm content with where I am. I wouldn't tempt fate by asking for more."
"And how is it you're the Young Dragon's boy? Are you sure he's your father?"
"Of course, His Grace is my father! I grew up with him. Now, please, focus!"
"Sheesh, don' get so uptight, nah! Just loosen up a bit, Serys."
"It's Viserys, Nettles, not 'Serys!' Viserys of House Targaryen, after my grandfather. Please, if we're going to work together, you need to learn how not to be so…"
"So what?!"
"So… ugh, infuriating!"
"Who you callin' 'infuriating'? Just 'cause you're a prince doesn't mean you can act like yer holier than thou! You can't stand me 'cause I'm a bastard, huh?!"
"I don't hate you because you're a bastard; I'm annoyed because you keep asking me so many ridiculous questions like that over and over again!"
Lucerys sat atop Arrax, his gaze fixed on the horizon, but he couldn't help but notice the bickering between his cousin and Nettles. The dynamic between them was reminiscent of a married couple, not in the literal sense, but strikingly close. It brought back memories of his own childhood, where his mother and his late legal father, Ser Laenor Velaryon, would argue only to reconcile and pretend as if nothing had happened. However, those days were long gone, buried in the depths of the past. Despite the tumultuous circumstances, Lucerys felt a deep sense of gratitude towards his cousins for their unwavering support. Although his uncle Aeonar remained silent on the matter, Luke couldn't help but believe that his uncle held him responsible for Daeron's death. The weight of guilt hung heavily upon him, but he made a solemn vow to himself that he would find a way to make amends and rectify the situation.
Before long, a scorpion bolt whizzed through the air, missing Maelyx and Sheepstealer.
"*Reeeeeee!*" Maelyx screeched.
"*Raaaaaaaa!*" Sheepstealer roared.
"What the…?!" Nettles gasped. "What the fuck was that?!"
Viserys let out a low groan as he pulled back on the reins of his dragon, trying to steady the beast. Leaning in closer, he squinted through the thick fog, straining to catch any movement beyond it. Suddenly, a bolt whizzed past him, just missing his head. As he waited for the next attack, the fog began to clear, revealing the Triarchy remnants' northern fleet in the distance. "Wha…? That's them!" he shouted. "Quick! Get back to the Queen Rhaenys! Addam needs to know before it's too late!"
Chapter End
Author's Note: The Battle of the Gullet has begun. Like with Rook's Rest, I'll be breaking this fight into multiple parts. So what was your take on Sharako Lohar, his relationship with Racallio Ryndoon, and the interaction between Viserys and Nettles? Notice anything? And what is your early prediction on how the battle will play out? Let me know.
Code Westeros: Another chapter, and woow is amazing, i can see Viserys and nettles like a good parners in crime, I hope Jaehaerys dont die in this battle, and Aemma too... the are me favorites Targeryan, i hope see a great battle and combat with Sharako Lohar and Racallio vs Corlys, Jaehaerys and Aeonar, maybe they use poison in his wepends to be sure to kill his enemies (i cant see Sharako Lohay or Racallio Ryndoon like man of honor in combat) who kill who...
A question, they remember Crahas Drahar or remember how his feild? they be friend or rivals? I hope see Aeonar take his Weapends like trofie or somthing like Corlys do it with Drahar mask...
Maybe Viserys be prisioner of the triarqui or somthing like that...
i hope see the new chapert soon
thanks
sorry for me english
―Sharako and Racallio do remember Craghas Drahar; they were each rivals
randomdude24: Well, here we go, the Battle of the Gullet begins. This battle will be important to the blacks. All the black dragon riders are involved. Unfortunately, they aren't invincible dragons can easily die, I fear this battle will ultimately reduce the number of dragon riders for them. I'm also sort of hoping Aeonar doesn't lose another child. The madness is making him irrational and unstable. If he loses another child, I fear he's forever lost.
I actually understand why Sharako Lohar, is so hell-bent on fighting Aeonar, he quite literally lost everything to him and wants him to pay, as well as the Velaryon cousins, desperation and vengeance sometimes make people irrational.
Viserys and Nettles really do act like a married couple, assuming both survive, I wouldn't be surprised if that grows into something more. I'm not sure Aeonar and Alicent would approve, but they married for love, and their marriage turned out well.
I'm curious what your plan for Lucerys is, he's still haunted by the events of Shipbreakers Bay and Aeonar resents him for it. While the rest don't blame him, deep down I think he wants to make up for it.
Questions,
So, how many parts do you have planned for this battle?
―At this pace, it might be 3 or 4. We'll see. I'll be doing some more research for the battle.
What's the status of the silent five? Didn't Aeonar remove their eyes, ears, and tongues? In a sense, they are useless, right?
―Yes, he did. But the Silent Five aren't with Daemion and Daeron.
What's the status of the rest of the 7 seven kingdoms? Where do they stand on matters?
―The Winter Wolves have arrived in the Riverlands ahead of Cregan Stark; the Vale's forces are marching south to the Stormlands; the Westerlands is stabilizing after Jeyne Lannister took over as Lady Regent for her four-year-old son; the Reach still has houses fighting each other; Dalton Greyjoy is eyeing an opportunity to invade.
C.E.W: So it begins, the Battle of the Gullet.
So Admiral Sharako Lohar and General Racallio Ryndoon is more of necessary partnership. Nevertheless, the Triarchy is on its last leg, they know what's at stake if they fall, and they will fight to the death. Sharako certainly will as he holds Aeonar Targaryen responsible for the Triarchy's current state and the fate of his family. The admiral and the general are not stupid, last time while the Velaryons were able to win, Corlys Velaryon was badly wounded and nearly died. Not to mention the Triarchy have anti-dragon weapons, and have the fog for cover.
The Velaryon fleet's sailors and fighters are among the most experienced and battle-harden in Westeros. The Velaryon fleet outnumbers the Triarchy Remnant fleet by a hundred and ten ships. Corlys Velaryon leads them, and with Aeonar whose aided the Velaryons in the past, and his dragon riders are present, their morale will very high. They also knew the Triarchy were coming, and took every precaution possible, fortify Dragonstone, and Driftmark, reinforce the garrison, move Velaryon treasure, everything.
Viserys, Lucerys, Nettles, Rhaenyra, Aegon the Younger and Aemma have begun their scouting missions. Viserys, Lucerys and Nettles have encountered the Northern fleet first. Maelyx, Arrax and Sheepstealer should be small and fast enough to evade the Triarchy to get back to warn Addam. That is of course if Nettles more reckless and impusive nature doesn't get in the way. If not then, then maybe later in the battle.
Rhaenyra, Aegon the Younger and Aemma might encounter the southern fleet, but I can't vouch how it will go at the start.
So Viserys and Nettles have any known each other for a short time and already she's got a nickname for him 'Serys'. How amusing. Wonder how it might develop, if Viserys survives that is, and maybe there is another side of Nettles, more... compassionate I guess.
Questions:
Where are the forces of the Vale?
―Currently marching south to the Stormlands
I take it that Daemon will great the Northern vanguard at Harrenhal?
―Yes
How many troops do the Lannisters have left?
―Approx. 35,000