Harry GOT – Chapter 6 updated
He boarded the Pearl, having sent word to all his men to mobilize. He sailed south to King's Landing, where his father had just called the banners and had them head to the Riverlands or board ships. Stannis's fleet was heading west as well, although his ships were far ahead. The Pearl would catch up around Oldtown. He recovered, prepared, and trained the whole way, as this was to be his first war. He was pushing to go as fast as possible, as the western shore was being pillaged and the people raped and killed.
It didn't take long before he met up with his fleet—seventeen 3x, three 5x, and the Pearl—with 400 Witchers, 600 PK, and his wolf pack. He sailed north.
The king was thrilled. He was finally back doing what he did best: war. His best friend Ned had just arrived the week previous with a northern host. Stannis was bringing the fleet around to crush the ironborn scum and pick them up. And he had received news that thrilled him and made him burst with pride even more—his son had returned, and he had returned with the fury of the Storm God himself, it's said. Ships that previously had ironborn on them began to arrive flying his son Hadrian's personal sigil into Seagard, where his army sat.
He got reports of ironborn raids attacked and stopped all throughout the Reach and Westerlands by a fleet led by Hadrian himself. He couldn't be more proud of the boy. He received a message from nine weeks previous saying he had heard the news of the ironborn and was on his way with his fleet to relieve the Reach and Westerlands so Stannis could break them when he arrived. It worked greatly, as the ironborn couldn't split up out of fear of being picked off by his son's much faster ships.
He was in the war tent now with his commanders after they broke the ironborn forces in the Riverlands. They had received terrible news: Ned's pregnant wife and daughter were taken by the ironborn on the way to Moat Cailin from Riverrun to ransom and use against them.
Ned no longer resembled the quiet wolf when he heard the news and raged against the ironborn as he had when his brother and father died. But luckily, not three days later, they received another raven saying all was well and Catelyn and Sansa were completely unharmed and safe once again and on their way back to Winterfell, along with all those taken from the Neck.
Apparently, the ironborn—learning they couldn't do raids in the Reach or Westerlands due to Prince Hadrian's fleet, or the Riverlands now that Robert's army manned the coasts and rivers—sent ships more to the north. Hearing that Lady Stark was outside the Twins heading back to Winterfell, they struck. But once they left the shore, they were attacked. Hadrian, fearing for the North, took the Pearl, Ruby, and Emerald north, where they caught several ships unaware. One ship had a very special cargo, although no one knew about it.
Catelyn was terrified. She was with Sansa in the bowels of an ironborn ship with many other captured women and children. They were to be hostages, she knew, but from the comments, she and her baby girl would not be treated kindly. The only reason they were untouched was because they were more valuable to Balon unmolested.
The same couldn't be said for many of the other girls they were with; the ironborn showed no restraint. It had been two days of hell before a loud commotion and sounds of battle were heard. Three ironborn ran down the stairs and shut it, but it was kicked open, sending them tumbling down. A handsome boy about sixteen, dressed as a Witcher, followed through and dispatched all three with ease.
He announced that they had nothing to fear and that they had already turned around and were headed for the shore of the North. He left and brought down five other Witchers with food, water, and medical supplies. The boy came over and comforted her and seven-year-old Sansa, who laughed at the jokes and the funny faces the boy was making.
She herself was very wary, though she couldn't help but think of the stories of the evils of magic according to the Faith—and Witchers were known magic users—so she kept her and Sansa's identity a secret. The Witchers and PK proved to be nothing but honorable, though, and took great care of all those captured.
When they reached the shore, they had ten Phoenix Knights escort them, even getting horses, even having the women and children ride as they led them. They were the epitome of chivalrous knight—although not true knights, of course, at least not in her eyes. Ned had been so relieved when he heard what happened and kept thanking Robert for his son's actions.
Two weeks later, news of Stannis's victory over the ironborn reached Robert, and plans were made. When Stannis arrived, the royal fleet was down to sixty-five ships, and Stannis explained what happened.
The fleet was rounding the Reach heading north when twelve of Hadrian's ships met up with them, led by the Witcher Utred. Utred put the twelve into Stannis's command for the upcoming battle, which brought their numbers to 123 against the ironborn's estimated 120–130.
After Stannis learned of the increased speed, durability, scorpion power, and stability, he factored it into his strategy, which led to a complete slaughter of the ironborn fleet, with only two to four escaping due to the superior speed of the Phoenix ships. He was disappointed that all his ships couldn't be outfitted with the enchantments, as Hadrian had to make them and a magical person had to charge them—such as a Witcher, Architect, Red Priest, Wolf Pack member, or some other magical—but Stannis didn't have access to that, as magic outside Hadrian's circle was so rare it was thought extinct in Westeros.
Three of Hadrian's ships were destroyed, and the remaining nine sailed north to join with the other ships he had. After Hadrian's ships all gathered together, they sailed to Harlaw after exchanging letters with Robert via Phoenix. When he arrived in Harlaw, he realized he would need more men to take the island, so they sieged the island, sacking any ship around it and waited for reinforcements.
King Robert decided to split his forces into three: ten ships to Harlaw, twenty to Pyke to begin a siege, and fifty to Orkmont to conquer. Hadrian began the siege—both land and sea—with the added troops. It took another week of using the siege engines lightly on the gate and walls to knock down the gate with magically enhanced siege weapons, but instead of attacking, Hadrian called a parley.
Lord Harlaw was a reasonable man and never wanted to be involved with the rebellion. He had a maester, a library, and tried to forgo the old ways of reaving. He was very surprised when the young prince called for parley after knocking down his gate so easily. So the lord agreed and met the man with his son and six others, as Hadrian had done the same. They sat on chairs across from each other.
Hadrian could tell Harlaw was weary and resigned, but his son was angry and hot-headed. He didn't really care about playing the dominant card or the who's-going-to-talk-first thing, as he held all the power, so he just dove in, talking nonchalantly.
"Alright, how about we settle this quickly to minimize deaths and get on with our lives? As you can see, we can take down your gates and walls and even change targets to your towers. We outnumber you and have better arms. Now, you seem like a smart man, and I get the feeling you didn't agree with Balon's very stupid move of taking on all Seven Kingdoms with 150 ships and 20,000 men. So I will give you a list of demands, and then you will surrender and bend the knee to my father, and we will be on our way."
Then there was silence. Lord Harlaw was deep in thought, but the other six looked angry and spoke out with threats and insults, saying they would all die before then and destroy the soft Greenlanders. Hadrian ignored them and waited for Lord Harlaw to speak. His own men hadn't moved.
"What are the terms of surrender?" he asked, much to the surprise of his son.
"You will bend the knee, as will the next three in line for your title. You will give 5,000 dragons to help rebuild what your people destroyed. You will build ships and sell them to myself and the kingdom to replace those destroyed. You will release all thralls on this island back to where they belong in the Seven Kingdoms. And you will give the sword Nightfall into my custody until your house can prove that you are honorable once again."
Harlaw's son nearly drew his weapon as he stood up in rage, but his father quieted him.
"Perhaps you would like to think on it and inform me tomorrow?"
"If I agree to this, you will leave Harlaw unmolested?"
"Indeed. Perhaps even come away as friends, which I'm sure you'll agree is better than enemies."
A few minutes later, Lord Harlaw agreed to surrender and gave up Nightfall to Hadrian and shook on it.
"I thank you for choosing peace, my lord. I look forward to more cooperation in the future. Perhaps I can visit and see your library."
Lord Harlaw was still upset and only nodded. He, his son, and his brother all swore fealty and bent the knee.
He spent a week there while the terms were met, and he took ten Phoenix ships and ten royal ships to Orkmont while the rest completed the business in Harlaw. When Harry arrived, it was too late, as Orkmont was conquered and sacked with brutality, and the majority of the fleet had moved on to Pyke, with Stannis sent to Old Wyk.
When he arrived in Pyke, they had already started the siege with catapults and scorpions after destroying Lordsport and Botley Castle. He arrived at the command tent to find his father and his commanders all around the table.
Lord Eddard Stark was glad the madness was soon to end. He had no love for war and wished to live in peace in the North. He was speaking to Robert about strategy when a handsome boy of about sixteen entered the tent brazenly, with a sword on his hip and confidence. He smiled and said, "Here I was thinking the Demon of the Trident would already have this island taken when I arrived."
Most looked at him in confusion at the audacity of some unknown person. Robert looked up in shock and then smiled and laughed loudly before charging him and wrapping him in a crushing hug, lifting him off his feet.
"Nearly four years you have been gone, boy. I barely recognized you!"
"It's good to see you, Father—and you as well, Grandfather." He nodded to Tywin once he was put down.
Robert's eyes shone with pride as he looked at his second-born son. Robert had always favored Hadrian over his siblings, as he was the most like himself—with the Baratheon looks and larger build, unlike his other three children who looked like Lannisters through and through.
"This is my second son, Hadrian." He then proceeded to introduce or reintroduce him to everyone. When he got to Ned, Ned said, "It is good to meet Your Grace. I feel I must thank you for your men's actions in the North when you rescued my lady wife and daughter from the ironborn vessel."
Hadrian looked at him in confusion. "I wasn't aware that they had, but I'm glad they are safe."
"You have my gratitude."
Hadrian nodded respectfully and redirected attention to the attack at hand. He said he could likely bring down the gate this afternoon, and oddly enough, no one scoffed at the idea. They had all either witnessed his magic or heard all about it.
They spoke more of strategy, and Hadrian left to gather his men before the walls. The King and Ned also gathered outside the gate with their men. They were still gathering when his attention was diverted to the wall, as Balon's sons had brought out a small group of women and children—all blonde-haired and green-eyed.
He was still charging his Stormbreaker, which was glowing softly, when one of the Greyjoys slit the throat of one of the girls around sixteen years old and grabbed a young girl of about six.
Hadrian was horrified and furious. He yelled so loud—amplified by magic and his rage—his eyes glowing with lightning, and the clouds themselves seemed to react, rumbling and growing.
All those present would remember the Baratheon words: Ours is the Fury.
Hadrian bolted forward, his men immediately following without hesitation. Albus and Padfoot, both the size of large tigers, raced up beside him, ready for their first battle. Robert yelled for him to stop, afraid for his life, but he didn't listen. He charged forward thirty yards in front of the Witchers. The few arrows sent flying at him were diverted with a gust of wind, and before they could knock more, he slammed his hammer against the door. As he did so, the door blasted apart from the impact. Those unfortunate enough to be behind them were torn apart by the force and the debris.
His eyes were arcing lightning, as was his axe. He was furious they would kill an innocent child—especially his family. He would have his vengeance.
He ran through the destroyed gate and fought with axe and sword, with Albus and Sirius tearing into anyone close to their master. He made his way up onto the wall. His energy was fading. He was just hoping he wasn't too late.
He saw the huddled group of Lannisters being protected by his Phoenix as he charged in and fought both Greyjoy brothers with righteous anger. He slew them both, but not before he received a few blows to add to his many injuries. Five Witchers were behind him fighting at his back, including Utred and Violet.
He commanded Violet and the other three to stay and protect the Lannisters, then eyed the battle as he went back down into the fight. His father and his men had already taken the yard and fought into the keeps. The battle was far from over, but his killing was done.
He had Utred gather his men and the wounded and make for the closest hall, where he would set up a hospital. Ten minutes later, he and his Witchers were tending to the wounded as more streamed into the hall, helped by his unharmed PK, when two PK brought in Lord Stark, who had two arrows in his stomach.
Hadrian went right to him, giving him a painkiller and a healing potion. He wasn't doing well, and his men were very concerned and unsure if he would survive. Hadrian worked on him with potions, herbs, and two Tears until he was finally out of the woods and could move around. His wounds scabbed over and he dressed them. Then Hadrian quickly went to his next patient.
Ned saw he was busy and left to find Robert. Another forty-five minutes, and the fighting was over. More wounded poured into the hall as their stock was beginning to run out. He had to send Witchers back to the ships for more supplies several times. He used up nearly all his Tears and medical supplies. He was also completely out of power, and he knew he would be weak for many months. He could barely stand, so he just sat and rested, allowing Utred to finish healing his many wounds—and a few minutes later, he passed out.
⸻
Robert had a good day. The squid was kneeling in front of him with his family. Ned was at his side, injured but well thanks to his son.
His son.
He couldn't be more proud—and not for the first time, wished Hadrian were his firstborn. He had led the vanguard, brought down the gate, killed both of Balon's sons, fought like a demon, saved Ned's life, and continued to heal his and Robert's men until he passed out.
He was being hailed a hero—the White Wolf or Black Lion due to his white bangs and his Wolf Pack and large animals—but the ironborn were calling him the Storm God due to his magic, whispering of him in awe and fear. His deeds and fury were already becoming legend in this war.
Decisions were made, and things settled.
Hadrian woke up in the hall, his head on a rolled-up cloak. He sat up gingerly and got his bearings. He had four Witchers standing guard over him as others milled around the injured. Utred was sitting next to him, keeping watch. He got a report of the injuries and deaths.
His familiars were back on The Pearl, unharmed. The Lannister hostages were on Tywin's ship. Balon and his two brothers had bent the knee. The only surviving son, Theon (10), was being given to Ned to foster. Euron fled on his ship south. Stannis had conquered Wyk and just arrived. Everyone else was in the great hall having a large feast.
He had bandages wrapped around his torso and his left bicep with the faint color of blood. He had no shirt, but he went without it with Utred to the great hall.
There was lots of loud talking and revelry as he looked into the hall. Robert was at the front on the large sea stone chair shaped like a kraken, the whole hall drinking and feasting—people side by side with those they were fighting against just hours before. He shook his head at his father. Some of the people obviously didn't want to be there, as there was still very clear animosity, but his father chose not to see it, it would seem.
Robert finally saw him by the entrance and called out, "Hadrian, my son, come and join this celebration."
He was just in pants and bandages, his sword on his hip and axe in his hand. Whispers spread as everyone fell silent. He just walked to his father and took the wine cup. He sat to his father's right as he began to eat slowly and politely, with Utred on his right.
He ate and observed the room as his father regaled him with what he missed and the battles he wasn't present for. Hadrian, polite and dignified as ever, spoke to his father of the war. He was slightly distracted by the large sea stone chair behind him and the large magic it was projecting.
He spoke to Tywin and learned of Lannisport and of the hostages, who were the Lannisport Lannisters' children. He spoke to Stannis of his battles and of naval subjects, the aftermath of the battle, and the plans moving forward.
He stood up and said his good nights. Ned stood up as well, saying, "You saved my life today, Your Grace. You have done so much for me and the North—I don't believe I could ever repay you."
Hadrian just smiled and shook his hand, replying with a hand tapping his shoulder as he walked by.
"I guess it's a good thing you don't have to, my friend."
He then picked up his axe and walked out, with Utred following—and every eye in the room was on him.
⸻
The next day, Harry was preparing to leave when he was told about a tournament in Casterly Rock in two months' time that he was expected to attend.
He spoke to Ned a little about the North, securing his permission to have his Witchers hunt demons there, and speaking a little about glass shipments to White Harbor for use in the glasshouses. Ned was surprised he had the secrets of glass and marveled at the glass samples he was given.
He got along with Ned very well, and by the end of his time on the Iron Islands, he could call him friend.
He spoke quite a bit with Stannis as well, who inquired about putting some enchantments on his ship and on Dragonstone for him. Hadrian agreed to come visit when he next passed by. He saw this as an opportunity to get one of his people close to Stannis as well and planned to position one of his fanatical magical Red Priestesses with Stannis to charge the enchantments—perhaps to also whisper in his ear.
He finally packed up his ships and left. Soon, Ned headed back to the North and the rest of the army to Lannisport for the tourney. Hadrian sent his ships and men back to their posts.
He longed to return to the far North, but knew he couldn't until after the tourney, so he took The Pearl to Oldtown, where he would resume his studies and get the rest of his links.
He rested and recovered at the Citadel as he was hailed a hero throughout the Seven Kingdoms. He studied with Marwyn, brushing up on topics before he went before the various Grand Maesters. He forged his links in all fifteen subjects, and a second in magic, math, and healing—but he refused to take the oath to become a maester.
He was the youngest ever to forge all fifteen chain links at twelve years old. The next youngest was nineteen.
He was up to about 50% power by the time the tournament happened. He arrived in Lannisport and spent the tournament with his father and grandfather. He received many thank-yous from the Lannisport Lannisters for saving their daughters and nieces. The six-year-old Selena, who he had rushed to Pyke to save, was especially attached and watched much of the tourney from his knee.
He bonded with his father and grandfather for four weeks before leaving. He received permission from his father to work with the Iron Islands to turn them into a productive kingdom. He had sent word to Ned asking to purchase large amounts of ironwood and other timber from the North, and Ned quickly agreed.
Hadrian had wondered if there was a better way to get the lumber than to go all the way around Westeros to White Harbor. He sent a letter to Ned again, asking to purchase some land along the west coast so he could construct a small harbor town.
After he left the tourney, he sailed straight to Harlaw, where he met with Lord Harlaw about studying his library, as he had a few rare books about the history of the Iron Islands. He also studied maps, legends, and castles. He studied there for a few weeks before leaving for Pyke. He was not overly welcomed, as he had killed many of their people. He spoke to some drowned men about their god at the port before making his way to Pyke. None of the drowned men he met had any kind of magic, unlike several of the red priests and the glimpses he caught of the Many-Faced God's priests in Braavos.
He went into the great hall at Pyke with his wolf pack: Utred, Violet, Arthur, Marwyn, Mel, Thoros, Crixis, and Spartacus. The hall had several people—mostly hostile-looking, but all fearful.
"What do you want?" Balon asked.
"I'm here to study your chair, so if you would, I'd like to look at it."
Balon looked thunderous but stood up and stepped away. Hadrian studied the chair a minute before touching it, and where he would touch, it would absorb a little magic and runes would light up within 4–6 inches from where he touched. Some of those in the hall gasped and fell to their knees. There were legends of the Seastone Chair wielding great power. Hadrian knew this was a lie, as the chair was taking his magic and sending it into the ocean just off the coast. It was the same oily black stone as the wall in the storm tomb—enchantable magic stone that didn't need to be recharged, which was impressive.
It was starting to make sense now about an ancient race of humanoid magical creatures. The more he touched, the more Marwyn was writing down. He dared not sit in the chair, as it could very well suck all his magic out.
After about 10 minutes, he could feel the source getting closer and decided to go meet this drowned god, so he announced to the large audience, "Your drowned god has come to meet me, to challenge me. I imagine you would like to see him yourselves. Follow me to the water."
He walked out, with everyone talking loudly, following after him. The crowd got a little larger as he made his way down. There were many lords that were in the castle sorting out the aftermath of the war, and they all joined him.
He made it to the water after an hour to where he felt the magic. He stood on the shore just out of the water and expanded his senses. There were multiple magical signatures—one huge like his hammer, one large like Melisandre, and about a dozen smaller like the Witchers. This was interesting.
The audience of about 100 stood behind him and up on rocks, silently watching. He stepped into the water until he was up to his waist, about 20 feet from the medium-power being. A naked, pale, almost deathly white young woman stood out of the water in front of him. She was hairless besides the hair on her head and had complete black eyeballs. Everyone gasped in shock and reverence—and even more so when all around, beautiful mermaids came above water.
The woman spoke in a strange, haunting language. He started to understand the more she talked. He replied, "Perhaps your master will stop hiding." Then the powerful signature moved toward him until it was beside the woman and stood up.
He was right about his guess. It was the same creature as the undead ones in the storm cave and the cold skins from the Thousand Isles, except this one had magic—but not a full core like himself. This race was old, very old, and the trident in its hand was the elemental stone weapon of water. The creature was magical as well, likely a sorcerer. He would have to tread lightly and get in a sneak attack.
The people on shore were on their knees at this point. Hadrian stared at the creature and decided to look deep into its magic, which was just like Fawkes—a doorway to another realm. This was an actual mortal god like himself who could die. He needed that trident, and he assumed the god wouldn't give it to him voluntarily, so he needed to get the creature out of the water or something, as he could see that's where its power was linked to.
He smirked as he made a plan. He built up his power in the axe. The creature obviously sensed it and leveled the trident at him. It was about to attack when the earth underneath the creature lifted up—a round pillar of the earth about 20 feet in diameter, with both of them on it, clear out of the water about 10 ft—where he created a vortex, like a tornado, around the edge after knocking the woman off and lunging at the creature.
It was strong—a little more so than him, actually—but it didn't have much magic power now that it was out of the water and seemed to panic. The fight was furious, but Hadrian had the advantage of earth, wind, lightning, and most importantly, surprise, to combat the creature.
The creature fired a powerful blast of water that nearly sent him flying, but he ducked while hitting the water stream with lightning, which traveled up the stream, striking the creature with a painful jolt. It then abandoned a water attack for a physical one. The creature finally landed a blow, putting the trident prong straight into his thigh—but with the blow was unable to stop Hadrian's swing, decapitating the creature.
He screamed in pain, but as he did, the trident turned to water and absorbed into him like the others. The vortex and the pillar both dissipated and sent Hadrian into the water below. He felt empowered beyond anything he had felt before, and it was intoxicating. The water around him oozed with magic.
He could feel another doorway to a well of magic and many souls. He could finally feel the afterlife he had unwittingly created for his Witchers and Architects. He pulled on the power and connected the three, but kept them separate. He was starting to put the pieces together of the many mysteries of this world.
He felt the mermaids like they were the same as the Architects and the Witchers. The woman felt almost the same as Fawkes and the energy from the weirwood. He focused the power and was able to partially heal his leg—but not fully. He grabbed the drowned god's head and stood up out of the water, holding the head up as he summoned the trident that formed out of water in his hand and said loudly:
"The war between the Storm God and the Drowned God is over, and the two have merged into one!!!"
He yelled, holding his hands up. Everyone got down on their knees. The woman and mermaids also bowed to him.
This was going to be interesting.
He was on board The Pearl with the wolf pack, explaining everything. He had the Ironborn spread the word and ordered them to convene the Kingsmoot of all the lords of the islands, and he would have the Ruby, Emerald, and Pearl go around and pick them up quickly. He spoke to Balon before he left, telling him to support him and he would remain king.
After he spoke to them, the ships left with messengers, leaving Hadrian on a deserted beach to speak with the now-identified Siren and the mermaids. She was old and was created from a woman after the Great War with the Others. She was technically the Drowned God's wife and received his powers over water and the ability to birth his children. She didn't know much about the surface world but could talk about the Deep Ones, although there weren't any others around the Iron Isles and she never went anywhere else. She was connected to her giant clamshell as a form of immortality but couldn't venture too far away from it.
The merpeople were children of the Drowned God and Siren, with power over water, having a blood connection to the trident and aged very slowly. The pantheon power was amazing. The water where it is worshipped, religious beliefs, and rituals added to the pool, and he could draw from it. It could run out, so he would need to be selective on how he used it.
He spoke with them for a while before he entered the water, using his new ability to breathe underwater to venture to the clamshell. He entered a meditative state, slept, and explored the waters around the Isles, as he could swim very fast, propelling him through the water as fast as The Pearl, but he wasn't going to waste the energy. He ordered all the mermaids gathered, which took a few days, in which he explored and gave instructions to them to search the ocean floor for treasures.
It took 12 days for the Kingsmoot to gather. Only the lords and heirs were present when they were at Nagga's Bones. They spoke about what happened, to everyone's disbelief, until Balon's brother prayed—and surprisingly, Hadrian felt it, which shocked him. He then stood out of the water with the trident, the Siren, and the merpeople around him, all 26 of them.
He played his part of the production and asked for a volunteer lord to receive his blessing. Lord Farwynd spoke up first, as he was old and a disease was making him feeble. He made his way slowly down into the water, where Hadrian had the mermaid pull him under. He pointed his trident, which glowed blue in the slowly fading light. The water around the lord glowed a faint blue and then stopped.
The lord then stood straight up out of the water without a hunchback and no longer feeble. He seemed 10 years younger and stretched in amazement. He called Balon, Victarion, and Aegon Greyjoy up and repeated the same. He then announced that this was a reward and not a right, and all others would have to prove their worth and loyalty.
He also announced the Storm God, Drowned God, God of Light, and the Old Gods would all be worshipped on the Iron Islands now, and together they would restore the Iron Islands to greatness. The lords all cheered.
He went up to Pyke—surprisingly, he wasn't tired at all, as he was using the ambient god magic and not his own. The blessing he bestowed turned the side bangs of the men's hair a darkish blue like the ocean water around the island, like the Witchers, and used huge amounts of power. The eyes of the new drowned men also turned bright blue and seemed to glow softly like the Witchers. He couldn't use it too often or it would be used up, although he quickly thought up a ritual to have the same effect using the water gem, parts from the fish people, and the kraken instead of his pantheon power.
He named Balon king, Victarion his admiral, Aegon his high priest, and Farwynd his general. His wolf pack was present for all of this and were amazed at his new powers. The blessing didn't grant any powers except minor physical enhancements, health, and slower aging, along with very slight hydrokinesis. They would be able to charge his enchantments but not create the enchantments.
He planned to switch out all the Witcher captains and crew for blessed Ironborn known as the Drowned Men. He set up plans with his wolf pack for everything that needed done. The next step was ships, soldiers, and supplies. He had Fawkes combine the weapons, which made the handle longer to about 3 ft, with a point on the bottom and a spike at the top about 8 inches tall.
He arranged for shipyards to be built, massive shipments from the North of lumber, mines opened and mined on the islands, shipments of slaves bought and freed from Essos in exchange for thralldom. Fields, woods, and orchards planted with thralls. Castles and keeps fixed and expanded, armies trained, a thriving trade port town built with a walled harbor, and a godswood with a weirwood tree planted in the middle of a large walled orchard enchanted with a combined water, earth, and Fawkes' tears—which was a life enchantment to enhance growth and production. It took a huge amount of magic, but the orchard produced a tree full of fruit every week, and the weirwood grew very fast. The magic ran deep and connected with the other trees. He set up the honey bees, zappers, and he brought 130 life seeds for the pastures.
He used 600,000 dragons of his own money to fund the plans. When the first shipments of wood came in and the ships of his new design were started, he boarded The Pearl and headed out. He would work on his various enchantments every time he was on the water. He did learn that the Siren could enchant his water runes, which would lighten the load considerably, although she couldn't do very many at a time, as her power to the trident was nowhere near his own.
He left the Iron Islands and arrived in King's Landing and spent 4 months with his family. He hadn't seen them in quite a while and decided he would spend much more time with them. He developed all his holdings further, created more Witchers, Architects, Drowned Men, enchanted ships 3x, and worked on recruiting. He focused on building Britain up the most—with the new glass and rubber factories up and running, along with many new alcohols and food goods, he was becoming famous across the world and also was gaining enemies threatened by his power and success.
When lords heard of his new economic power, betrothal requests streamed into the Red Keep. He made it clear he was not going to commit any time soon, much to his mother's dismay.
He was getting restless from sitting still. His reports stated everything was going smoothly, except he got news from his man Jax in Pentos that was rather disturbing. Crixis and Spartacus were in Meereen building his interests. Thoros and Mel were at Pyke overseeing things and bringing the Red God religion to the people. Violet and Uhtred were running King's Landing and Phoenix Trading.
His numbers were growing rapidly, which was good, as he lost quite a few in the war. He left King's Landing, much to his family's dismay, but they were placated that it would only be a quick trip. He took The Pearl to Pentos at max speed.
After he arrived, he met Jax, who took him to a manse owned by a magister named Illyrio. They were announced, and Illyrio came to meet them. Jax the Witcher was known to Illyrio, so was allowed in and could meet with his two honored guests. Hadrian stood with Jax, waiting to meet with the Targaryens. They, along with Illyrio, entered.
The Targaryens recognized Jax immediately, as he followed them and had protected them from assassins—even giving them coin or food as needed—only ever saying it was his job to protect them. Neither knew who he worked for, but they were thankful for their unknown ally.
"What is it? Are we in danger?" demanded Viserys.
"No, I am here to introduce you to my lord," he said, motioning to Hadrian.
They were both very surprised. Daenerys was scared—her brother had arranged for her to be sold to a barbarian Dothraki. She didn't know what to do but agree. When she heard Jax introduce his lord, she looked at the very handsome man who was well-muscled and looked to be a great warrior with his sword on his hip. She blushed as the man looked at her and smiled.
"Greetings, cousins. I'm glad to meet you at last. I've kept an eye on you for a long time."
"Cousin? You have a little of the Valyrian look to you, I suppose. What is your name?"
Here we go, Harry thought.
"My name is Hadrian Baratheon. We are third cousins from my great-grandmother."
Viserys snarled, "The usurper dog's son?!"
As he grabbed the hilt of his sword, Hadrian was unimpressed by this would-be king and just raised an eyebrow, amused and unconcerned.
"Hadrian Baratheon, the White Wolf, the Black Lion, Sorcerer Prince of Westeros, and the Iron Fury?" Illyrio cut in, fascinated.
"The Iron Fury? I haven't heard that one yet—but yes, I have been called those names."
"If you are the usurper's son, why have you helped us? Protected us?" asked Dany meekly, yet curious.
He looked at her, and she blushed again. "We are family. You were innocent children who had no part in your father's mad cruelty or your brother's foolishness."
"How dare you, dog, speak such lies!" Viserys was practically foaming at the mouth.
Hadrian scoffed. "Common knowledge is common for a reason. King Aerys' actions were completely insane and no one can refute the facts. Rhaegar seemed like a good man and would have made a good king, but he made some very huge mistakes chasing prophecy that caused his end."
Viserys just kept denying it, but at least he had the sense not to draw his sword on him. Harry just looked amused as he began insulting him until he wound down.
"Well, now that your little temper tantrum is over," he turned to Dany, "I've come because I heard about your possible forced marriage to the Dothraki khal in the next few years. I've come to see if you wish to do so—or if you wish to go elsewhere."
"Now you listen to me, you—uh…" Viserys choked and grabbed his throat and fell to his knees as Hadrian held up his hand, sucking the air out.
"I just want you to know that you have options. I will always help you if you ask for it."
"I… I… please don't hurt him."
Harry released the hold on his lungs, and he coughed and gasped for air as he lay on the ground.
"He should learn some tact. If he wasn't family, I would have already killed him for the insults and the way he has treated you over the years."
"Can I have time to think?"
"Of course you can. Jax will stay by your side and protect you. He will follow your orders and can contact me whenever you need help." He smiled at her.
"Thank you, Magister, for your hospitality, and I apologize for the violence within your home."
Illyrio bid him goodbye, and Hadrian left that afternoon for Braavos.
⸻
He arrived in Braavos and visited the Iron Bank, depositing 130,000 dragons and checking the sale of his other artifacts. He had made a killing. He received word his order was complete, as he ordered 20 of his basic 3x galleys to King's Landing and 10 fishing ships filled with supplies to Winterport.
He now had 3.6 million dragons in the Iron Bank, 400,000 in Oldtown, 60,000 in Meereen's bank, 200,000 in Volantis, and 500,000 in his new Phoenix Bank in the Iron Islands, Basilisk Isles, Britain, and the Winterlands—that was under construction.
He stayed in Braavos for two weeks, making a plan to negate the Dothraki and be in a position to help when needed. He taught Spartacus and 20 Witchers the Dothraki language using the cloak, then sent them to Meereen where he had them buy 200 Dothraki slaves and 200 horses and go into the Great Grass Sea to become Dothraki and build a khalasar to rival others.
He sent Spartacus since he wouldn't mind the reaving ways and culture of the Dothraki. He used some magic potions to grow their hair faster, and by the time they were in the grass plains, they would have long braids with bells.
He left Braavos to the Winter Lands. It had grown to 3,000 people, and construction was steady. His people were constructing a glass factory, shipyard, lumber mill, and a paper mill along with many more townhouses, markets, bathhouses, a brothel, and a good-sized castle—all designed and started within the Wall.
When Harry arrived, he took a horse and rode out with Albus and Sirius straight to the newly dubbed Winter Home. The village of five houses and twenty-three people had grown to 160 people due to the stone homes, heat, steel weapons, and the Witchers that came to trade with them, protect them, and charge their heating runes.
People looked at him but thought him a Witcher and moved on. He arrived at Val's house. Val was outside and was surprised to see him. He greeted her warmly, and Dalla came outside to say hi. He learned that Val would be gone for months at a time before returning. He spent the day and night with them as he busied himself by building another few homes over the next few weeks. He worked in Winterport for a month before he left the Winter Lands, after checking for Val once more.
⸻
The Ironborn were constructing his new ships and should be done with the first soon, so he returned to King's Landing to be with family and train with Barristan and Pycelle. He would always go to small council meetings and learn all he could. His relationship with family was great—even his uncles. The only one who seemed to not like him was Joffrey, who was a cruel, spoiled little monster. Hadrian didn't hesitate to put him in his place, and that made the animosity worse.
His free time was spent enchanting his ships and expanding his trade company. He was in a Hand meeting not long after arriving before he brought up fixing the sewer and clean water system problems of the city. Jon Arryn was supportive, having always liked him and was like another grandfather to him—although constantly warning him of the ills of magic.
Renly agreed, not liking the smell and didn't care as long as he didn't have to do anything. Stannis agreed to the practical side, but the costs would be high, and he didn't have any idea how to do it. But Stannis always liked him and was still grateful for the enchantments on his ship: the wind engine, full bathrooms, and temperature control he added. He also supplied a Red Priestess named Katterass to keep the runes charged. She was a beautiful but insanely devout follower of R'hllor who seemed to have gained Stannis and his wife's attention, becoming an advisor to them.
Pycelle just agreed, but the project would be large. Littlefinger told him there was no money for such a venture, and Barristan stayed silent. Hadrian spoke about the plans and the cost, to which he said he would pay for some of it himself. Jon told him to get his father's signature. Hadrian told them he would speak to his father.
So he did and explained what he wanted to do. His father didn't really care and left it to Jon. So he sent a letter to his grandfather to have Tyrion sent to King's Landing to help him with his project. He arrived on one of his ships soon after.
He had been making detailed plans with Marwyn, Pycelle, and his mages. Tyrion modified some based on his experience with sewers and began a huge construction plan to bring three new aqueducts into the city to replace the two old worn-down ones. He devised the whole plans, implementing bathhouses—both extravagant and small, cheap ones—and included many public restrooms that didn't smell. The waste would then be washed down a large tunnel away from the city, just up the coast into a holding pond that Hadrian owned in his walled 500-acre compound.
The compound was still completely under construction. He was able to persuade his father to give him the land in recognition of his valor during the rebellion. He explained he wanted a vacation home by the sea he could farm and produce the alcohol his father loved so much.
The walls were only 15 feet high but went all the way around and even enclosed a walled harbor with lighthouse. Harry used modern farming techniques like strip farming, plant breeding, husbandry, fish farming, greenhouses, and some magic to create a huge plantation that would produce massive amounts of food. He was bringing in exotic plants from all over—including the potato.
A large, beautiful manse was being built along with three dozen outbuildings that were spacious barracks, military supplies, training halls, school, huge stables, and ten warehouses at the port. He also was building a winery, vodka distillery, and large blacksmith. He built roads all through the compound and from there to King's Landing.
He was putting 1.5 million dragons into the compound and another 0.5 into the septic system of the city. He spent the rest of the year just building his wealth, projects, and being with his family. He continued to increase his trade empire.
The Basilisk Islands were growing well, and he ended up using 500,000 dragons to buy slaves and set them free to increase the population as more of the city was finished. He made many Witchers, Drowned Men, and especially architects. His men in Lorath were gaining power and wealth, infiltrating the highest levels of society. They had five docks with many shipments passing through every week. The ruin of the maze entrance was cleared away, and a large castle was being built. This was beginning to cause some friction with the Lorathian people. Through the use of bribes and threats, he was able to calm the nobles of the city.
The underground city now had 800 permanent residents and was being completely renovated. The farming of the fish, mushrooms, and chitlins was going very well. Many uses for the various fungi were being discovered from the ancient texts. The maze levels were now fully mapped and were almost completely cleaned up, with repairs underway. The fight against the Falmor was slow-going and very costly.
Mining was also begun in the earth for precious gems, as there was very little metal besides a small amount of copper. He also learned that the wall around Marcella Isle was finished, and a larger walled port was being built along with a castle and the beginnings of a town. The isle had 1,600 people on it, who were mostly soldiers and architects. The attacks by the Cold Skins continued and occurred every few days. He decided to send another 1,400 people to the island to provide it with all the necessities of a town.
The British Islands had grown the most, having a population of 90,000 on the farming island and having large amounts of the land cleared for farmland. The architects were building nice stone homes for every farming family with roads, barns, plumbing, and all the property sectioned off into parcels. Several small towns and a port were designed to be built as it grew. The factories on the island were all based on the fruits and nuts, except a massive lumber mill and shipwright building five ships at a time with all the lumber being cleared from the fields, and a small glass factory making bottles, jars, and panes for glass houses.
They had 25 fishing ships and produced large amounts of trade goods. They had 500 full-time soldiers stationed there called the English. These soldiers were armed with light leather armor and spears. He ordered the recruitment and training of 500 more to be ready soon. This is, of course, on top of the defense force, which was every citizen from ages 15–45. The reserve was anyone over 45. They no longer had to do the training but kept their weapons. Training for the defense force now started at 10 with basic fitness and nutrition. They received their equipment at 15.
⸻
He left King's Landing and headed to the Iron Islands with the Wolf Pack—minus Jax, Crixis, Spartacus, and Utred, who were running his empire in Meereen. He stopped at Oldtown to look up some stuff and purchase some books. He forged another three chains while he was there, making 20 links.
He went to the Iron Islands and convened the New Drowned Council, which had the lord and heir from each of the eight main islands and his select personal council. He received a fantastic update. The thralls and saltwives were being treated well, and any born on the island were confirmed Ironborn if they joined the army or navy or had an Ironborn parent. The ranks had swelled considerably the last three years.
The huge amount of freed slaves, vastly increased trade, and wood from the north made a huge difference. The mines were up and running, producing decent amounts of iron. The fields generated a large bounty with modern agriculture techniques and some magic. The Iron Fleet was growing back to where it was—but that's not what Harry was here for.
He called out Lord Harlaw to receive the blessing for all his work on Hadrian's new ships and men to sail them. After that, they finalized plans for a huge and very risky move—one that would be remembered for its folly or greatness.
He spent four months preparing, mostly enchanting his new ships and creating Witchers, architects, and Drowned Men using the new ritual. It used bone of the fish men, powdered kraken barb (of which he had several barrels full), and a little of his blood. He learned he could breed his mermaids and have more be born. All the mermaids were female, and normally he would need a fish man to breed with the siren—but he learned that not all the mermaids were the Drowned God's children. They were also his grandchildren.
The mermaids could breed with a male human while ensnaring him and drowning him, and with this sacrifice would become pregnant and birth another mermaid. He decided that any criminal who was sentenced to death would be given to the mermaids to breed with or sacrificed for the life seeds. Currently, his mermaids were hard at work as well, scouring the ocean floor for treasure and guiding ships safely.
He left with his 10 brand new 7x ships. They were large ships modeled after the galleons of his world that could pack in 500 people on each, made out of ironwood and enchanted with one group bathroom/kitchen, the normal enchantments, and the 7x wind engine. The difference was they had three scorpions on each and were nearly indestructible with the magically hardened ironwood. It was very, very difficult to make—not to mention extremely expensive—and the wood was rare. It was only his friendship with Ned that allowed it to happen at all. He sailed them all down and landed at Prince's Port, which was his complex's name. He was gathering his fleet and recalling his forces. He spent another month with his family, knowing he would not be around much. He was waiting for the Iron Fleet, which was not enchanted, to be in place.
He was on a ship approaching an island in the distance. He looked around at all the ships joining him in this insanity. He was leading an army to conquer the Stepstones. His fleet consisted of 10 7x ironwood war galleons, 1 10x—The Pearl—five 5x, fifty 3x, and forty galleys. One hundred and seven ships packed with most of his men: 600 Witchers, 2,500 PK, 1,000 Phoenix Men (his sellsword company), and the rest Ironborn or sailors. Over 13,000 men joined him. Hopefully, he wouldn't let them down.
He sent his 3x and 5x ships to sweep through the Steps, never landing, and sacking or taking over every pirate ship, slave ship, or any ship with slaves on board. The merchant trade ships would not be harmed in any way. The rest attacked Bloodstone. The island had 38 ships in the bay, but with the speed of the attack and the help of the mermaids, they were captured quickly as the rest of the ships unloaded the soldiers and began attacking, with the scorpions covering them.
Harry fought along with everyone, leading the vanguard. The fighting lasted for four hours with many casualties before Harry faced the Pirate King himself, who wielded a very familiar blade—Dark Sister, the twin to Blackfyre. He was a strong opponent, as Hadrian was tired, but he slayed the pirate and took the sword.
The island was secured and searched. Bloodstone Castle was a beautiful red keep made of dragonstone. He scoured the island for any hidden pirate treasure or secret coves. Once this was done, they continued island to island, clearing all 14 of the main islands and even the smallest of pirates and slavers. They were all killed, sacrificed, or made thralls of the Iron Islands, Basilisk Isles, and Winter Town—farming, building, and mining.
He spent the rest of the year securing his rule and dominion over all the islands. He freed all the slaves he came across, who then populated his islands. He sent ships to King's Landing, Dorne, the Reach, the Vale, the Westerlands, the Riverlands, Lys, Tyrosh, Braavos, Volantis, Pentos, Myr, Lorath, and Slaver's Bay, selling his goods and, in turn, recruiting among the poor, homeless, or those seeking adventure and new opportunities to immigrate to the Stepstones to increase the smallfolk population.
He promoted his first lord—Lord Arthur Bloodstone, formerly Hill (the bastard Lannister)—Lord Paramount of the Stepstones and General of the Stone Men (Stepstone Army). The Witchers, architects, and Red Priests didn't hold land or lordships, so he appointed Phoenix Knights, merchants, Drowned Men, and other members of his Wolf Pack to be lords and knights. Knights would own and control smaller parts of land underneath their lords.
He started building factories, the Bank of the Phoenix, ports, harbors, shipwrights, lighthouses, forts, farms, breweries, wineries, distilleries, schools, and towns across the islands. He made it a genuine land of opportunity, drawing huge amounts of immigrants. This was sped up greatly by the 200 architects he had on the islands. He spent 3 million dragons to get it started, but knew he would need more soon.
He gathered the pirate treasure together, used the storm chest constantly, and relied on revenue from the Phoenix Trading Company, the Phoenix Sellsword Company, the Phoenix Bank, and selling most of his treasures. He instituted low taxes on his people and finally issued a small toll to anyone wishing to travel through the Steps for trade between Westeros and Essos. The toll was very small and not inconvenient to most, so it wasn't a problem—but trouble was brewing in the Free Cities that were slaveholders.
They were taking a huge hit to their income and having trouble moving goods, as the Phoenix Navy would attack any pirate or slave ship, set the slaves free, and seize the ship and contents—even if there was only one slave on board. Westeros had a mixed reaction: trade was much smoother now as pirates were no longer a danger, there were plenty of places to stop and resupply, there were manned lighthouses, so the way was safer, and it was the king's second son who was declared King of the Stepstones—and he was very well liked by many. They did have to pay a toll now, but it wasn't very high. Still, some didn't like a godless sorcerer gaining more power.
When King Robert found out, he was ecstatic at his favorite son's accomplishments but wasn't sure he would be able to hold them with his honorable and unbending beliefs. His son was now home far more often, much to his family's delight, since he was so close in the Stepstones.
Essos was another story. Braavos was fully behind Hadrian and his new kingdom, as they had a good trade relationship with Hadrian and liked his stances on slavery. They thought the toll he charged was well worth the safety of the trade routes. Pentos, Myr, Lys, and Volantis were not happy with having a new threat to their power but were not nearly as upset as Tyrosh. The slave city, which was part of the Stepstones, started making preparations for war to eliminate the little upstart throwing their world into chaos. Hadrian knew this was going to happen and was already preparing for the inevitable.
⸻
He had been incredibly busy the last nine months securing his hold on the Stepstones. He spent millions of dragons building up the Stepstones into the beginnings of a kingdom. The island of Bloodstone was becoming a huge trade port, as Westerosi merchants would now just come there to sell and purchase their goods instead of going all the way across the Narrow Sea. There were huge bazaars and markets. The harbors and ports were massive and well built. He was in the middle of creating a huge indoor harbor and market even more impressive than Braavos.
During this time, he also paid a visit to Dragonstone after receiving a distressed message from Stannis saying his infant daughter had fallen sick and the maester was saying it was greyscale—the cursed disease that had no cure. The septons of the Faith of the Seven preach that it is a curse brought on by sin to punish the wicked. He rushed to Dragonstone to see if he could help his little cousin.
Stannis was at a loss as to how he should feel. His daughter was sick with grayscale covering some of her face, shoulder, and chest. The septons had said she was cursed because she is wicked. This was the last straw for his wife, Selyse, who completely denounced and broke ties with the Faith of the Seven and took up with the Red God. The maesters, woods witches, and septons all said his daughter was doomed to die an excruciating death and it would be a small mercy to end the child with milk of the poppy. Stannis raged and kicked them all out for even suggesting such a thing.
Then the red witch that his wife was so fond of said the child would die if her lord's champion, Azor Ahai, didn't come to heal her. Stannis couldn't believe he didn't think of Hadrian over the last few days. He honestly didn't even know where the boy was most of the time. But luckily, he had just conquered the Stepstones and was not far. He wrote him a letter asking for his help and sent it off with an Avalonian trading ship that was in the harbor. He just hoped it would get to his nephew in time.
Three days later, Stannis received a reply with that crazy magic bird of his—Hadrian was on his way immediately. His wife nearly collapsed in relief at the news.
Two days after receiving the message from Stannis, he arrived in Dragonstone and was rushed to his young cousin's bedside, where he was joined by Stannis, his wife, the maester, and the red priestess. Stannis and his wife watched as the young Hadrian waved his hand over the fussy child, who was in pain. He then gave the child a drop of a clear liquid from a vial, and the two-year-old fell silent and seemed to no longer be in pain. He pulled out a cream and began rubbing it on the scaly, stone-like skin, much to the maester's horror, who screamed warnings not to touch the child. Hadrian ignored him as he spent a few more minutes examining the child before he got up and approached the assembled group.
Hadrian was intrigued by the magical fungus that was growing on the child's skin. It was consuming her body and turning it into living stone. Luckily, it was only on the surface for now. He should be able to cure her and clear up much of the already petrified skin, but it would take a while. If it got to her organs, he didn't think he could cure her at this time—perhaps in the future. The interesting thing about the disease is it attaches to anything, but you must have some magic in you for the fungus to feed on. But if you have too much, it will destroy the fungus and not let itself be consumed. It was very unique.
He explained to his uncle about what it really was. He then cared for his cousin over the next three days until the fungus was completely dead. He continued to put the lotion on the scales, and they began to start shrinking, and some began to fade slightly. He gave a good amount of cream to his aunt, who had no fear of touching her after Hadrian said it was okay. He said it might take years for much of it to go away. He would stop by from time to time to make sure she was okay.
His uncle was very thankful for his caring, as Robert didn't even send his best wishes or acknowledge him in any way. His aunt, on the other hand, now revered him as Azor Ahai and had complete devotion to the Red God. He left after another day to get back to Bloodstone to manage his newest kingdom.
The new power he gained seemed to have brought way too much attention, and Hadrian had just received word that Tyrosh sent 220 ships with a large army from the Disputed Lands to attack him. He anticipated this and had his ships respond before they even made it to the first island. He sent 60 ships, including 15 7x ironships, 5 5x, and the Pearl. The ships were mostly sailed by the Ironborn and were loaded with soldiers.
The battle was a disaster for Tyrosh. He learned so quickly because he had mermaids watching the ships. The same mermaids sank 23 ships secretly before they got close to his fleet. Once they were in sight, things went downhill quickly for the Tyroshi force. Most were sellswords hired with the help of Lys, Volantis, Pentos, and Myr.
Hadrian made the order that there would be no survivors except any slaves, although he planned on just sinking the ships and not boarding many. When they got into sight, the mermaids went to work. Twenty mermaids started hitting weak spots that had been created while the ships had been sitting in port preparing for the attack. One ship after another started sinking. Other ships were able to evacuate many of the soldiers, but then they would begin to sink as well.
It was chaos, and during the chaos is when their attention was redirected back toward his fleet when he sent over 100 scorpion bolts into the fleet—several enhanced with magic and alchemy. Some exploded with wildfire, some tore huge holes in the ships, while most just picked apart the many crew and soldiers on the deck. They fired back, but due to the speed and maneuverability of his ships, the damage was minimal. Then they were getting in close, and the Tyroshi were obviously hoping to board their ships.
So they ran from them using their much superior speed, and Hadrian reduced the wind to zero, only letting his ships move with speed. The Tyroshi were forced to rely on only paddling, and this certainly did not compensate for the lack of wind. So they were continuously picked off by the mermaids and the scorpion bolts. The Tyroshi, seeing they were defeated, tried to flee but were followed and attacked from afar.
All the Tyroshi ships were sunk or captured. 1,500 enemies were captured and immediately sacrificed or sent to the Winterlands or the Basilisk Isles. He lowered nets into the water and had the mermaids load them with all the supplies—shields, armor, swords, and anything else useful that wasn't ruined by the water. He also had the Pearl use the storm chest for two weeks around the area to gather all the treasure that would have been on the ships.
He was very pissed and took his fleet of 60 ships to be repaired from the minor damage and resupplied at Bloodstone. He gathered another 20 ships, making it 80 ships, and went to Tyrosh and besieged it—capturing any Tyroshi ship, releasing or turning away any non-Tyroshi ship. At night, they assaulted the three large Tyroshi ports, sinking or capturing any ships present and assaulting any defenses with scorpion bolts. Eleven of his ships took enough damage, along with 24 captured ships, that they were sent back to Bloodstone for repair.
Hadrian asked for no parlay. He sent smaller attack parties to the two other Tyroshi islands and captured them, as well as to the Tyroshi territory coastline in the Disputed Lands. He finally decided to launch his attack on Tyrosh during the new moon. Unknown to Tyrosh, he had hired the Stormcrows before Tyrosh launched their attack. The Stormcrows were in the city, spending Hadrian's gold for the last month and were waiting for the signal to secure a few key positions in the city, eliminating the soldiers, magisters, and slave masters.
He made sure he kept their loyalty by speaking into their minds with the glass candle and proved he could watch them from afar. They were scared of his magic and remained loyal. When 20 ships arrived back from Bloodstone, he attacked multiple gates, bombarded the city defenses, and signaled the Stormcrows to attack. The fighting was very intense. Hadrian brought down the city gate with Stormbreaker and led his army through the city.
The battle was fierce but quick. The slave owners were all rounded up and sent to be thralls in the Winterlands, Iron Islands, Basilisk Isles, the Remnants, and the Stepstones. All their wealth was seized by Hadrian. Messages were sent out all across the world announcing his victories and warning any who attack him will be destroyed. The rest of the Free Cities would likely not bend to the new status quo, so he had to make sure of their acceptance.
He already had recognition from Braavos as King of the Stepstones—and now Tyrosh. He received word that Pentos had accepted him as well. He needed to make a statement, so he took 100 ships and went to Myr, who, upon seeing his ships, agreed he was king. He then left and went to Lys, who also agreed after he showed up in force.
Next, he went to Volantis, who did not agree and instead gathered their ships near their walls in a defensive formation. He realized he couldn't back down now. He sent a messenger demanding recognition and for them to accept his offer of agreement. They refused, so he had to force them. He could sink their ships and damage their walls, but he didn't have a land army that could win against Volantis.
So over the next two weeks, there were more than 21 skirmishes—sinking 20 Volantis ships and two of his, while doing some damage to the walls. But the thing that finally made them cave was the blockade from trade and the fanatical Red God followers in the city.
He finally came to an agreement with all of the Free Cities that he would not stop ships that had slaves on them that were within 20 miles of the land of Essos, but would destroy all pirates anywhere he found them and also slavers anywhere that would enslave from his or his allies' lands. In exchange, he would be recognized as King of the Stepstones, which included Tyrosh, and would not attack. But his holdings anywhere else, including the Disputed Lands, were not acknowledged and could be attacked.
Hadrian was very happy with this agreement. It allowed him to consolidate and build his power considerably. He spent much time in King's Landing with his family, who liked to jest about him being a king—although Hadrian didn't really do titles and didn't act like a king, much to his mother's dismay. Once things settled down slightly, he had his men be more aggressive gaining power in Lorath. He also instructed his people to expand his holdings in Braavos and Pentos as well.
He was in King's Landing for his coming-of-age tourney, as Joffrey had his almost 12 months previously and went to the Rock with his siblings the past few months, and they had just arrived back. The tournament went very well. He spent much time speaking to all of the lords and ladies. Many of the young maids were very friendly with him, hoping to catch his eye, and their lords seemed to encourage it.
He was asked many times about marriage, and he just deferred, stating he had other things to worry about now. Many of the lords and ladies had heard the whispers of the prophecies about him and were curious. He endeared himself to most, although many were also wary, fearful, and hateful due to his magic, power, intelligence, and many successes. He spoke to many about trade deals and other such things.
After the tourney, in which Harry donated the food to the people along with extra from his complex, the people sang many songs to his name led by the bards from his guild. He spent another two months in KL and the Stepstones working on all his businesses. He dominated all trade in the Narrow Sea, making huge amounts of gold. Bloodstone was developing into a huge, beautiful city—well-planned out and clean. The walls and layout were designed with modern city block structures with nice stone roads.
The huge amount of gold and resources from the Stepstones and Tyrosh was used heavily. The rich slave owners of the city were gone, and all the slaves were spread throughout the islands. The Iron Islands' population was booming, and with the huge amount of jobs, new resources, and religious fanaticism, it became a very productive kingdom. He also purchased warehouses and expanded Phoenix Trading to Myr, Volantis, the Riverlands, the Vale, White Harbor, and the Stormlands.