I added more detail in chapter 1 in chapter 2. It doesn't really change the story, but it adds more information and dialogue.

I do not own this story. I am just playing in the world that great authors have written and created.

CH21

Leon Stark

As we soared through the vast expanse of the sky, I peered down below at the sight unfolding beneath me. Through the billowing clouds, I caught glimpses of a solitary ship slicing through the cerulean waters, its billowing sails catching the wind as it hugged the rugged coastline of Sothoryos. For hours on end, my men had been tracking the ship's progress as it navigated its course, steering clear of the rocky shores and dangerous reefs that lurked beneath the surface. The vessel was supposed to be making its way out of the port of Crakehall, then continuing on towards the bustling city of Lannisport. yet it is on the other side of the known world. As the clouds began to gather in the sky, casting shadows over the vast expanse of the sea below, I had my ship steered towards the stolen trading vessel. The darkening sky provided the perfect cover for our covert operation.

I surveyed my crew as they prepared to execute the plan. With a nod, I signaled for them to proceed. One by one, they dropped pellets containing a potent and noxious gas onto the deck of the unsuspecting ship. The pellets burst upon impact, releasing a thick cloud of purple vapors that quickly enveloped the entire vessel and the surrounding waters. I watched with a sense of satisfaction as the gas spread like eerie wisps across the surface, obscuring our stolen ship from view. Even from the hovering ship, we got a whiff of the acrid smell in the air as the vapors slowly dissipated, leaving behind no trace. Even the small amount that I inhaled caused my stomachs to turn for a second before settling.

As the thick smoke slowly dissipated into the night air, revealing the shadow of the ship, my eyes were fixed on Brandon Snow, his silhouette illuminated by the fiery flare he just ignited in his hand. The flare was one of the many things I had the alchemist that I had brought to the north develop. Together they came up with a flare that would be used during the nighttime siege and would be brighter than any torch. Brandon wasted no time in throwing down the flare to the ship below.I watched as the light drifted down until it hit the deck of the ship below, casting a bright light that illuminated part of the ship.

Clipping his harness to the rope with a steady hand, he made his way down onto the deck of the ship. His descent was a signal for the men to follow suit, one by one, each one grabbing a rope line as they quickly descended below. The night was filled with the sound of their footsteps as they landed on the wooden planks of the ship. Once they arrived, two of the men pulled out their own flares, lighting them as they started moving around the deck. Their shadows danced eerily in the glow of the flares, creating a haunting image.

Despite the tense atmosphere, there was a sense of unity among the men as they moved in silence and quickness to subdue any enemies, eliminating all threats that stood in the way. They swiftly made their way through the ship, their movements coordinated. These men have been briefed on the layout of the vessel. My archers were positioned and standing at the ready, arrows notched, prepared to strike down any foes who dared to resist.

Peering over the wooden railing on my ship, I felt the cool sea breeze gently tousling my hair as I watched my men efficiently drag and secured and unconscious enemies onto the deck.

About 10 minutes into the mission, Brandon Snow appeared on deck, after talking to a few men he ignited a blue flare, signaling to the rest of our men that the ship was now secure and it was time to collect any documents and prepare the prisoners for transportation. I observed as the prisoners, now stripped and bound, were hoisted onto my vessel. They were then unceremoniously thrown into cages that lined the side of the ship, their hands still shackled behind their backs and connected to their feet. Each cage held ten prisoners, magically secured against the iron bars inside.

By the time the prisoners were safely contained, the sun was beginning to rise, casting a golden glow over the scene unfolding before me. I knew it was time for me to retreat to my cabin for what was left of my night. As I made my way below deck, a sense of pride and confidence washed over me. I trusted my men to handle the rest of the operation with skill and precision, knowing that everything was under control.

Brandon Snow

Observing the final prisoner being escorted off the ship, my attention shifted to Tom, the leader of the wolf squadron. Tom, a man in his early thirties, possessed a youthful appearance that belied his age, with a boyish face that bore the scars of past battles on the left side. His jet-black hair peeked out from under his helmet, framing his features. His piercing blue eyes held a hint of grey, catching the light of the rising sun. Despite his slender frame, there was an undeniable strength in his stance and presence.

I relayed Leon's instructions to him, "Corporal, you have now been tasked with leading two additional squadrons that will be stationed on this vessel until it reaches its destination at Barbrey port on Northern Great Moraq. During this journey, you will be working closely with inquisitors who will aid you in conducting a thorough search of the ship and scrutinizing any vital documents that may be discovered."

Corporal Tom Thatcher, saluted Commander Snow with a fist to his chest before turning to his squad to disseminate the new directives.

Sighing Brandon made his way to the rope dangling from the flying vessel, he took a moment to secure his harness tightly. The wind whipped around him as he prepared to be pulled back up into the airship. With a firm tug, he couldn't help but feel a rush of adrenaline as he felt himself being lifted off the ground and back into the vessel.

Standing before him was corporal Janice, a formidable woman with a short stature but a commanding presence. Her dark hair framed her steely blue eyes, and a thin scar on her forehead told a story of past battles fought alongside Lady Sybelle during the Grayjoy insurrection. Brandon couldn't help but admire the new inquisitor armor she wore, a combination of black gambeson, grey mail Hauberk, and a blackened breastplate that seemed to shimmer in the dim light of the vessel.

Janice handed Commander Snow the stack of documents containing the preliminary information they had gathered. Brandon's eyes lingered on the steel patch adorning her breastplate. Three dire wolves were emblazoned on the patch, running underneath a white heart tree, a symbol that marked her as an inquisitor. Rumors had been circulating about the new Stark steel she wore, said to rival the legendary Valyrian steel in both lightness and strength.

As he skimmed through the details, she made sure to provide additional context. "He's not here, commander," she began, her voice laced with a hint of disappointment. "Based on what we've found so far, it appears that he has no connections to these pirates."

Leaning in closer, Janice continued "Commander Snow none of the crew members are awake at the moment, but we did go through their personal belongings." she explained, her eyes focused intently on the commander's reaction.

Taking a pause to gather her thoughts, "A significant portion of the crew members are Yitish, evidenced by the currency, documents, and personal items that point to their origins in that kingdom. I had Owen, who is fluent in YiTish, review several documents and it appears that they are working for a magistrate in Yin."

Janice hesitated for a moment before finally speaking up, "Commander Snow, given the current circumstances, do you think it would be wise for us to wait for Prince Leon before we proceed with interrogating the prisoners?"

Commander Snow considered her question, his expression serious as he mulled it over. After a brief moment of silence, he responded, "I believe it would be best not to disturb the Prince while he is resting. We can start the interrogation process without him. Perhaps we can provide him with some valuable information that will appease him, especially since he may be disappointed that he traveled all this way without achieving his objective" As he handed the documents back to Janice, he watched as she carefully stowed them in the satchel hanging from her shoulder.

"We should prioritize speaking with any prisoners who are able to communicate in either the common tongue or high Valyrian. It's about time we put our language skills to good uses," he remarked with a cocky grin before becoming serious again. "We can shift our attention to those who speak Yitish once Owen has had a chance to go through more of those documents."

Ros Stark

Ros sat at her desk, surrounded by stacks of paperwork and ledgers detailing the city's income. She let out a tired sigh and rubbed her eyes before closing the heavy leather-bound books. As she reached for a glass of chilled water, she couldn't help but smile. The city was thriving, thanks to the new tax regulations imposed on ships passing through the Straits of Qarth.

The decision to charge a fee for any ship wishing to trade or travel through the straits had been a controversial one, but it was proving to be highly lucrative. Thinking about how she had to deal with those who try to outrun her patrols or even fight back in the first few months of the policy being placed. Now, all ships had to dock in either Qarth Harbor or Stark Harbor, bringing a steady stream of revenue to the city.

Ros leaned back in her chair, feeling a sense of satisfaction wash over her. With newly increased taxes had benefited the city greatly, providing funds for much-needed development in infrastructure. As she gazed out the window at the bustling port below, she couldn't help but feel proud of the work she had done to ensure her city's prosperity.

Ros watched as several city guards started the rotation process. She was happy with a marshall strength her city held. The guards were a mixture of northern and local troops. She had a system to solve a lot of issues with guard fatigue and guard rotation.

Every six months she has been receiving 4000 new Northern soldiers, freshly trained in the former Bolton lands now under the rule of Sybelle, a comprehensive program was put in place to further enhance their skills. These recruits were not only proficient in spear combat, horse riding, and tactical strategies but also underwent rigorous training to build their endurance.

In addition to these soldiers, a significant number of locals were recruited to join their ranks. Many of these individuals were either freed or escaped slaves who sought refuge in our territory, knowing that once here, they would be safe and protected. These individuals, fueled by loyalty and admiration, have proven to be some of our most dedicated supporters. Their reverence for the Stark name and my late brother is evident, as they often pay homage to a statue of Leon that was originally meant as a monument but has now evolved into a sacred site, where offerings are left as a sign of devotion to their burgeoning beliefs.

With the escape, slaves and many people moving from settlements that were decimated during the Ivory wars and still haven't recovered even 40 years later, started to arrive in the city, seeking shelter and prosperity. With the influx of refugees and many northerners who arrived with my brother and decided to stay. My city's population has grown to over 150 thousand.

Altogether, with at least 4000 northern troops stationed alongside my own forces, I have a little over 25,000 soldiers under my command. Among them, we have a mix of free individuals, former slaves, and those of Yiti descent. And if I need to, I can raise another 29,000.

During our recent discussion, Jack also mentioned that he continues to see an influx of free slaves in Qarth, with many people from Western Essos making their way to his city. Additionally, he noted a surge in refugees from Yiti seeking shelter in Qarth.

It appears that the people of Yiti and its surrounding areas have been fleeing due to the ongoing war with the Jogos Nhai, which has not been going well for them. My brother's successful destruction of a significant portion of their defenses has only exacerbated their situation. The slow reaction of the emperors of Yiti to the Jogos Nhai invasion has led to internal rebellions within their lands, further weakening their ability to defend against the invading force. As a result, the people of Yiti find themselves not only fighting against the Jogos Nhai but also facing internal strife and rebellions.

After rigorous training in the North, nearly a quarter of the northern naval soldiers are now gaining invaluable hands-on experience patrolling and safeguarding the bustling port. Spending approximately six months stationed here, they will soon be transferred to the vibrant city of Qarth, where they will be assigned to the state-of-the-art vessels recently constructed in the bay of Lyarra. From there, they will be deployed wherever their expertise is most needed, with many expected to remain in the vicinity of Qarth.

The gradual expansion of my naval forces is crucial to our ability to patrol more distant waters effectively. In a strategic move, I have dispatched an ambassador to engage in negotiations with Vanilla Bay, a region that technically falls within our territory following our successful conquest of Qarth. In recent years, we have been steadily fortifying and strengthening our presence in the straits of Qarth, laying the groundwork for further expansion and consolidation of our maritime power.

I have made a deliberate choice to maintain a hands-off approach to the situation in Cinnamon Straits. However, I do keep a close watch on the area, allowing the presence of pirates to gradually increase.

Only once have I found it necessary to deploy a fleet to Cinnamon Straits, as the pirates were amassing a force that had the potential to pose a threat. After decisively defeating their naval forces, I have once again allowed them to regroup and rebuild their fleet.

There are two main reasons behind my strategy. Firstly, by allowing my naval personnel to engage in combat with the pirates, they gain valuable experience in naval warfare. This hands-on training is crucial for their development and preparedness for future encounters.

Secondly, the presence of pirates in the Cinnamon Straits serves as a deterrent for traders and travelers. Most would opt to avoid the area altogether, knowing the risks involved with pirate activity. Instead, they would choose to take the safer and more cost-effective route through the straits of Qarth, where they can simply pay taxes for passage.

By maintaining this delicate balance in Cinnamon Straits, I am able to achieve multiple objectives simultaneously - providing training for my naval forces and ensuring the safety and security of trade routes for those who choose to abide by the laws of the land.

As Ros lifted her glass of water with shaved ice, she made her way to the balcony that offered a breathtaking view. Her eyes drifted over to Jenny as she walked past, the young woman diligently working on organizing yesterday's reports into the ledger for record-keeping. Ros couldn't help but feel a sense of pride in having found such a talented and hardworking individual in Jenny.

Jenny was once a slave who had managed to escape with her father and a young companion from the clutches of a magistrate who oversaw the docks of Tyrosh. When she found out her master was planning on selling her father, she was determined to figure out a way to not lose him as she had lost her mother two years ago. It was during the arrival of a trading vessel from the north that Jenny seized the opportunity to plead with the captain to smuggle them to New Stark, where they could start anew.

When Ros first took her under her wing, Jenny was a mere shadow of herself, malnourished, and draped in oversized, tattered clothing. However, over the course of the past year and a half, Jenny had blossomed into a more confident and content version of herself, her frame now adorned with a healthy, happy plumpness that hinted at her newfound security.

As she stood gazing out at the bay, her eyes scanned the horizon with anticipation. She was eagerly searching for her brother's ship, which was expected to arrive around noon. Turning her attention back to the cliffs above the shore, she couldn't help but be in awe of the magnificent cannons that stood proudly atop the hills. These cannons, with their magical abilities, had a remarkable range of 40 kilometers and were incredibly accurate within 30 kilometers. They had only been used once before, when a group of pirates, mercenaries, and slaves attempted to attack the port. Thanks to the cannons, the intruders were promptly annihilated before they even reached 10 kilometers from shore.

The sight of the cannons in action, with their precise targeting and powerful explosions, was truly a spectacle to behold. In moments like that, as she marveled at the destruction wrought by the cannons, Ros couldn't help but reflect on the brilliant mind of her sister Sybelle. It was Sybelle who had developed the rune that powered these magical cannons.

As she sat down in her chair on the balcony, memories flooded her mind of the arduous task she had faced in rooting out the remnants of pirates and opportunists that still lingered from the Ivory War. It had taken nearly six months of tireless effort to gather all the necessary information and resources to bring the port city of Faros under her control.

A pirate company that had seized control of Faros three decades ago after the end of the Ivory War. To liberate the city from the clutches of the pirates, she mobilized the citizens of Faros, rallying them to her cause. Ros orchestrated a coordinated attack, sending her fleet to approach from the sea while her soldiers stealthily made their way through the dense island jungle. The element of surprise was on her side as she led her forces in a fierce battle that ultimately led to the defeat of the pirates and the restoration of Faros under her rule.

With the newly established government in Faros pledging allegiance to her, she gained access to a vast pool of manpower. This enabled her to not only consolidate her power in the region but also to expand her influence by establishing sprawling farms around the two port cities of Greater Moraq Island. The fertile land yielded abundant resources, ensuring a stable food supply and provisions for her people. The surplus goods also allowed her to initiate trade with Asshai, further boosting the prosperity of her province.

Leon Stark

I awakened from my slumber to the enticing aroma of a freshly cooked fish that awaited me on the table in my chamber. With a slight groan, I stretched and then rose from my bed, feeling the cool wooden floor beneath my bare feet. Before indulging in my meal, I relieved my bladder and washed my hands, preparing myself for the day ahead.

As I settled down to eat, I noticed a stack of parchment placed next to my plate, containing reports on the prisoners. With a practiced eye, I skimmed through the documents while slicing the fish into bite-sized pieces and adding some sautéed onions to my rice, creating a delectable combination of flavors that danced on my taste buds.

As I sat at the head of the table, savoring the last few bites of my meal, the sound of a sharp knock echoed through the room. I looked up to see Petter, one of my eight Wolf guards, standing at the door. His voice was muffled as he announced, "Commander Snow to see you." I nodded in acknowledgment and replied, "Enter." He nodded respectfully before stepping aside to allow Brandon Snow and Inquisitor Janice to enter the room. They were followed by the leader of my Wolf guard Morin.

Brandon began to speak, "Prince Stark," but I interrupted him. "Come now, Brandon. We've been friends since we were young. When it's just us, you know you can call me Leon," I said with a warm smile. I gestured for both of them to sit down, noticing the exhaustion in Brandon's eyes. "You look tired. I know you've been working all night and haven't had any rest. Pour yourself some tea at least, unless this information is time-sensitive."

Brandon, looking tired, but amused, slumped in his chair before reaching for the kettle to pour himself some tea. He then turned his attention to inquisitor Janice, encouraging her to sit down. "You heard the prince, have a seat and enjoy a cup," Brandon said, trying to make her feel more at ease. Janice, looking uncomfortable yet obliged, sat down and accepted the cup of tea that Brandon had prepared for her. She took a few sips, the warmth of the tea calming her nerves but still looked uncomfortable.

"I must say, Leon, your taste in tea is quite impressive. Much better than the coffee that your sister seems to prefer," Brandon commented with a sigh as he savored his tea. Smirking, Leon responded, "Let's keep that between us, I don't want my sister to hear you say that." "I don't think she's ever forgiven Morin for spitting out her caff the first time he tried it," he added with a mischievous grin as he glanced at Morin. "Isn't that right, Morin?"

"Pardon me, Leon, but I truly cannot understand how your sister manages to stomach that bitter brew," Morin replied, shaking his head in disbelief. Inquisitor Janice visibly relaxed as the conversation unfolded before her.

Brandon, carefully setting his cup down, sifted through the parchment spread out before him. With a thoughtful expression, he began to recount the details to Leon. "I'm sorry to say that your quarry that you were looking for was not involved with a hijacking of the vessel." Brandon explained. "though you might be interested to hear that we did find some interesting information." "Our investigation revealed that while The N.C. Ice Trader was docked in Lys, a group of ruthless pirates launched a brutal attack. Tragically, they managed to kill over half of the crew, leaving Captain Lance gravely wounded."

"Under such dire circumstances, the first mate, Rob, stepped up to take command," Brandon continued. "With their crew decimated, Rob had no choice but to hire local sailors to fill the gaps. Despite his efforts to vet them, time constraints forced them to set sail before he could thoroughly ensure their loyalty."

"Once they were out at sea, the hired sailors turned on Captain Lance, Rob, and the remaining crew members," Brandon concluded solemnly. "It was a betrayal that resulted in a tragic loss of life and the hijacking of your vessel."

"After conducting thorough investigations, we have uncovered a conspiracy behind the theft of your ship. It appears that the Pirates from Cinnamon Straits collaborated with individuals from Yiti, in particular two magistrates from Yiti, in orchestrating the heist". Looking down at the paper, Brandon continued. A magisters Yang and Xie."

Placing another file on the desk, we don't have a lot of information about them, but I was able to pull up several reports that were written by Intelligence. They seem to be small-time magisteres but since the war and the increase in size of refugees into the city of Yin. They have seemed to increase in their wealth. There's also a small connection between Xie, one of the rebelling generals. It seems that one of his nieces had married the general's nephew.

What's more intriguing is the involvement of someone from Leng. I have not been able to confirm who the individual is but we have documents that allow these people to have safe harbor." saying that he handed me the document. "it seems that that's where they were heading. I believe that they were going to the Cinnamon Straits , but they were going to sail through it to bypass your sister and brother patrolling ship in the Straits of Qarth."

"Interestingly, we have managed to capture one of the sons of magister Zhu, identified as his elder son Hu Zhu. It has come to light that most of the Yiti pirates involved in the operation are actually his family guards, or are those who are willing to defect with him. Adding another layer to the situation, it seems that magister Zhu himself was not directly involved in the plot and was hesitant to participate when approached by magister Yang and Xie."

Brandon, with a mix of annoyance and exhaustion evident in his voice, continued to divulge more information. "It appears that magister Zhu's son, Hu Zhu, was persuaded by the other magisters to go against his father's wishes and take part in the theft. It seems Hu Zhu had his own motives, seeking to garner support in a bid to overthrow his father and claim his position, especially since it was perceived that his father favored his younger brother." With a deadpan expression, Brandon added, "Now that he's been caught, he's demanding his release while also trying to make a case for himself as a valuable ally in taking over his father's territory."

Prince Leon paused for a moment, his brows furrowed in deep thought. After a brief silence, he finally spoke up, "You know my long-term goals in the territory, and it would be beneficial to have a foothold in the port town. I'm not suggesting that we support this moron, but do you think his father would be willing to work with us if presented with this evidence?" Janice chimed in, her voice filled with certainty, "My Lord, I highly doubt that would be the case. Intelligence reports have indicated that Magister Zhu is fiercely loyal to Bu Gai, the azure emperor."

Before they could continue with their discussion, one of Leon's Guardsman named Petter opened the to the cabin, his expression filled with urgency. He informed Leon that a crewmember from the vessel had important information from the captain. Leon waved his hand, signaling for the sailor to be allowed inside. The crewmember entered and relayed the message to Leon. "A storm is approaching our location," he said, "The captain has already taken action and informed the Ice Trader crew. They have begun moving the ship out of the storm's path."

Leon listened, his brow furrowed in thought. "How far away is the storm?" he inquired, wanting to assess the situation. The crewmember replied that they had approximately two hours before the storm would reach them, giving them enough time to navigate their ship away from danger. "The captain is wondering if you would like to move our ship above the clouds to wait out the storm or if you prefer to stay below and follow the N.C. Ice Trader," the crewmember added.

"The captain is wondering if you would like to move our ship above the clouds to wait out the storm or if you prefer to stay below and follow the N.C. Ice Trader," the crewmember added. Leon leaned back in his chair and swiveled it towards the window, gazing out at the dark clouds gathering on the horizon. He took a moment to consider his options, thinking about the safety of the crew and the best course of action to take. After a thoughtful pause, he turned to the crewmember and spoke.

"I think it would be best to play it safe for now and follow the Ice Trader until they are safely out of the storm's path," Leon said calmly. "Once they are in the clear, please inform the captain that I would like for us to venture above the clouds to observe the storm in action and I don't want to miss it." The crewmember nodded in understanding and turned and left the cabin, relaying Prince Leon's instructions to the captain. As the ship changed course to follow the Ice Trader, Leon couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement at the prospect of witnessing the power of nature up close.

00

Leon stood on the deck with the rest of the crew, gazing down at the raging storm below. His eyes scanned the scene before landing on Owen, a middle-aged scribe feverishly sketching on parchments to capture the intricate details of the storm. Aja Emma, one of the crew members, peered over Owen's shoulder, adding her own observations to the mix.

Brandon walked over to Leon, picking up a jar and pouring himself a drink. "This is incredible. I never imagined a storm would look like this from above," he remarked, taking a sip. Morris chimed in, "Is it normal for there to be a hole in the middle?" Aja Vincent, always eager to showcase his intelligence, overheard the conversation and approached the group. "Actually, this is a new phenomenon. Only the dragon riders of old have witnessed storms from above, but researchers from the Blue Rose College have observed this phenomenon. They believe that when some of the rising air in the eye wall is forced towards the center of the storm instead of outward, it causes the air to sink in the eye."

The rest of the crew listened with a blank look on their face most of what he was saying, going right over their heads. Vincent, slightly annoyed by the lack of comprehension around him, let out a sigh before walking over to Owen and Emma to discuss the storm further. The crew continued to watch in awe as the storm raged below, grateful for the opportunity to witness such a rare and mesmerizing sight.

After observing the storm for about three hours, the sky began to darken and I decided it was time to bring the vessel back to the Ice Trader. As we returned to our position above the ice trader, the captain approached me with some exciting news - a vessel matching the description of the Kraken we were searching for was following the ice trader. My heart raced with anticipation as I instructed my men to prepare for the arrival of our most wanted guest.

With eager smiles, my crew quickly gathered their gear as both ships slowly descended behind Euron Greyjoy. Our plan to board his ship did not go as smoothly as when we took the ice trader. Euron proved to be a slippery adversary, able to hold his breath and was mostly unaffected and eager to fight my men. Few of his crewmember were also able to not come to the potion probably they held their breath for most of the duration that the gas was released on his vessel. Despite their resistance, my men overpowered Euron and his crew.