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The Ironborn are good at making enemies become allies it seems.

Thanks! The writing I am doing for a war which seems like side content to the main chapters has ballooned into something far bigger than intended, but I am glad people are enjoying it. I have gone too far now, so I will see it to the end! We will get back to normal chapters soon!
I'm curiously waiting to see the events to unfold. So if Tarths make an apperance does that mean Brienne will be mentioned .... or this time Lord Selwyn had a son for an heir hmm..
 
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I'm curiously waiting to see the events to unfold. So if Tarths make an apperance does that mean Brienne will be mentioned .... or this time Lord Selwyn had a son for an heir hmm..
Now that you mention it, it would be pretty epic if Brienne ends up fighting and killing Euron at the end of this war.
 
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Lord Tarth joining the battle? Oh hell yeah what a sight that'd be, and I second CaptainAlvious, if Brienne joins up with her father, well, she'll probably be able to make a name for herself, one even her granddad, Duncan the Tall would approve!
 
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This section is great.

It seems that Euron predicted what the Tyroshi-Pirate Alliance would do, but I doubt he would expect this audacious gambit. Will the Admiral Myrmello pull it off?

Is there any opposition in the Tyroshi Fleet to Myrmello's power grab? He proclaimed himself Admiral, after all, so it's not like Tyrosh approved the promotion.
 
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I'm curiously waiting to see the events to unfold. So if Tarths make an apperance does that mean Brienne will be mentioned .... or this time Lord Selwyn had a son for an heir hmm..
So Selwyn has had a son but...well you will see ;)
Now that you mention it, it would be pretty epic if Brienne ends up fighting and killing Euron at the end of this war.
That would be too perfect!

This section is great.

It seems that Euron predicted what the Tyroshi-Pirate Alliance would do, but I doubt he would expect this audacious gambit. Will the Admiral Myrmello pull it off?

Is there any opposition in the Tyroshi Fleet to Myrmello's power grab? He proclaimed himself Admiral, after all, so it's not like Tyrosh approved the promotion.
Myrmello Uhoris' rise to become Admiral has not been formally accepted by the Archon, but as of this moment there is little they can do. He is fairly well liked by his men, and most of those loyal to Admiral Moreo are dead or trapped on Grey Gallows. It is likely that Tyrosh will eventually have something to say on the matter though.
Lord Tarth joining the battle? Oh hell yeah what a sight that'd be, and I second CaptainAlvious, if Brienne joins up with her father, well, she'll probably be able to make a name for herself, one even her granddad, Duncan the Tall would approve!
Hopefully she is better on a boat that Dunk the Lunk!
 
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Sorry for the lack updates, life is very hectic at the moment. I am hoping to have a chapter out during this weekend.
 
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Appendix - The War of the Crow’s Eye (295 - 299 AC) Part 4
Appendix - The War of the Crow’s Eye (295 - 299 AC) Part 4

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Pirate King Gyleno Vunatis arrived at the island of Tarth in the seventh month of 296 AC. It had not been the first time he had visited the Sapphire Isle, his first time on Tarth had been when he was barely a man, when he was a buccaneer on his father’s carrack. Back then he had been one of the few who survived the shipwreck of the vessel. His father was not so lucky. That time he had been captured and nearly hanged for being a pirate, but had managed to convince the Lord of Tarth’s son and heir that he would be more useful alive than dead. That lordling, whom Gyleno owed his life, was now the Lord of Tarth himself. Selwyn of Tarth, the Evenstar, had become known as a just and even tempered ruler, who had dabbled in the great power plays of Westerosi politics. Gyleno had last seen him ten years earlier, when he had fallen out with the Lord of Tarth. Selwyn had helped Gyleno defeat his elder brother and take the island of Bloodstone, but Gyleno did not wish to part with what he had promised his ally, the Vunatis sword, Poison. Despite their feud, he had chosen not to raid the Lord of Tarth’s vessels, but he knew that would not be enough to convince the Evenstar to join the cause of the Pirates. As Gyleno’s ship dropped anchor in the harbor of Evenfall Hall, Tarth’s imposing seat of power, the pirate king took in the familiar surroundings. The shimmering blue waters and rugged cliffs of the island seemed as serene as ever, belying the tension that weighed on his heart. He knew that Selwyn of Tarth, known across the Narrow Sea for his even-handedness and just rule, would not be easily swayed, especially given their history. Gyleno and a small retinue of his most trusted men were escorted from their ship to the halls of Evenfall. The castle was as imposing as he remembered, a testament to the centuries-old lineage of the Tarth family. Banners of Tarth flew high above the ramparts, flapping gently in the wind. As they entered the keep, memories of his near-hanging years flashed before Gyleno's eyes. The irony of returning now, not as a prisoner but as a king seeking aid, was not lost on him. In the grand hall of Evenfall, Gyleno was brought before Selwyn Tarth. The Evenstar sat upon a simple but dignified chair, dressed in the colors of his house—blue and rose—his expression calm but unreadable. The years had been kind to Selwyn; his face, though marked with lines of age and experience, still held the same sense of authority that had spared Gyleno’s life all those years ago.

The meeting was tense. Lord Selwyn had not forgotten the slight that had led to their parting, noting that Gyleno had “brought property which is rightfully mine”, meaning the sword Poison. The Pirate-King tried to get to the matter at hand, but the venerable Lord of Tarth seemed disinterested. “Forgive me” he was reported to have said to Gyleno “but I trust the words of pirates less than a gift from the Stranger himself”. In the years since their parting, Lord Selwyn had tracked down and hung many pirates that had chanced to bother the shores of his island, key amongst them Laaziros of Kios, a famous Tyroshi pirate that had once plundered galleys of the Pureborn of Qaarth. Laaziros had made landfall, hoping to refit his vessel, when Tarth men-at-arms stormed his ship. He was hung in the harbour, a warning to all future pirates. “Your kind have preyed on the innocent for years” said Lord Selwyn “now you are threatened by a power that can wipe you out forever, you come with open hands, begging for help from those who you preyed upon?”. Gyleno stewed for a moment, before replying “I didn’t take you for a fool, my lord. Aggrieved? Yes. Proud? Yes. Loyal? Yes. But not foolish…or self-destructive.” Selwyn raised an eyebrow, but he said nothing, waiting for Gyleno to continue. "Do you truly think the Ironborn will stop with us?" Gyleno pressed, stepping forward. "Euron Greyjoy does not want control of the Stepstones alone. He wants the Narrow Sea. He wants to rule these waters, to choke every trade route from Westeros to Essos. And Tarth—your Sapphire Isle—is not just in the path of that ambition. It’s one of the jewels in his crown." Gyleno’s voice grew firmer, his pirate swagger replaced with the hard-earned wisdom of a man who had spent his life navigating the treacherous currents of war and pirate politics. "When Euron is finished with the Stepstones, he’ll come for you. Your ships. Your people. Your lands. He’ll come with iron and salt, and he’ll burn everything in his path. But together, we have a chance to stop him. Alone, you’ll be just another prize for him to claim."


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Lord Selwyn of Tarth had sat on the regency council of both Lord Renly Baratheon and his son, Lord Gladden, before falling out with Lords Swann and Wylde and returning to Tarth. Having fought during Robert's Rebellion at most of the major battles of the conflict, he had become respected across Westeros.


Lord Selwyn remained silent, his face unreadable. Gyleno knew he was treading dangerous ground, but he had no choice. He had to make the Evenstar see reason, to show him that this was not a battle of pride or revenge, but of survival. "The Ironborn will not stop until they’ve broken every fleet and seized every island between Pyke and Pentos," Gyleno said, his voice lowering as he approached Selwyn’s seat. "You can hate me. You can despise everything I’ve done. But if we don’t stand together now, there won’t be anyone left to hate. Euron Greyjoy will see to that." For a moment, the hall was filled with only the sound of the wind rattling the windows. Gyleno stood tall, meeting Selwyn’s cold gaze head-on. His heart pounded in his chest, but his expression betrayed none of the desperation he felt. This was a gamble, and he knew it. Finally, after what felt like an eternity, Lord Selwyn Tarth spoke. His voice was calm, almost measured, but there was a flicker of something in his eyes—perhaps understanding, perhaps resignation. "You are no king, Gyleno," he said quietly. "But you are right. The Ironborn are a threat to more than just your pirates." The tension in the room eased, if only slightly. Gyleno knew that the Evenstar’s words were not a declaration of friendship, but they were the closest thing to an agreement he was likely to get. "You will have my fleet," Selwyn said at last, "but only on my terms."

The days that followed the tense negotiation between Lord Selwyn Tarth, the Evenstar, and Pirate King Gyleno Vunatis were filled with intense deliberation. Both men, despite their past grievances, understood the necessity of the alliance if they were to rid the Stepstones of the Ironborn menace and preserve their own interests. The terms of the agreement were ambitious, designed to serve the goals of both Tarth and the pirates, while subtly undercutting the Tyroshi. They began with the shared objective that had brought them together: the Ironborn had to be eradicated from the Stepstones, driven out completely and their power broken once and for all. The islands had become a gateway for terror under Euron Greyjoy’s command, and no peace would be found in the Narrow Sea until that gateway was shut. Both Selwyn and Gyleno agreed that capturing Euron alive would be a danger, given his cunning and charisma, so the second term was clear and uncompromising: Euron Greyjoy was to be killed immediately upon capture. There would be no trials, no ransoms, only death for the Crow’s Eye. The third term struck at the heart of the tension between the pirates and Westeros. Lord Selwyn insisted that the pirates cease all raiding of the mainland—no more innocent lives lost to their plunder, no more villages burned or ships pillaged along the coasts. Gyleno, though reluctant, knew this was non-negotiable. If he wanted the Evenstar’s support, he would have to bring the pirate lords under control. He was already powerful enough to enforce it, but keeping the more unruly captains in line would be a challenge.

However, it was the fourth term that required the most delicate handling, a term kept in secret between Selwyn and Gyleno. Both men understood the true danger of the situation: Tyrosh’s growing ambition. If the Free City of Tyrosh succeeded in expelling the Ironborn from the Stepstones, they would seek to consolidate their control over the islands. That meant tolls and tariffs, costly fees for safe passage, and a potential stranglehold on trade through the Narrow Sea. Lord Selwyn feared that the end of one tyrant—Euron Greyjoy—would only give rise to another in the form of Tyrosh. The pirates, too, would suffer under such control, as their very way of life depended on the independence of the Stepstones. Thus, Gyleno promised Selwyn that the pirate lords would remain free from Tyroshi rule after the war. While the Tyroshi had assumed they would have the Stepstones under their dominion, neither the Evenstar nor the Pirate King would allow it. This secret pact would be kept from the other pirate lords and the Tyroshi themselves, leaving Gyleno and Selwyn in control of the situation once the war was over. In exchange for his support, Lord Selwyn would be granted a significant share of the war’s spoils—one third of all plunder taken in battle, a highly generous portion for an ally who would not be engaging in much direct combat. Additionally, Tarth would be granted free passage through the Stepstones, ensuring that the Evenstar’s ships could move unmolested through the strategic islands without fear of pirate or Tyroshi interference. Finally, Selwyn would be paid a stipend of 20,000 in gold dragons per year for five years, paid by the Free City of Tyrosh. This would allow the lord to recoup the costs of his involvement and reinforce his position in Westeros. By the end of the week, the terms were drafted, debated, and signed. The agreement was sealed in ink and blood, the foundations of a fragile but formidable alliance. Gyleno departed Tarth with the agreement in hand, setting sail once more for Bloodstone to present the terms to his pirate compatriots and Admiral Myrmello Uhoris.


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Bloodstone Castle, located on a small islet off the island of Bloodstone, it was the most formidable holdfast of the Stepstones archipelago. It had first been built by Volantene traders, before the Tyroshi raised a large castle during the Centaury of Blood. It had fallen to the pirate dynasty of Vunatis by Aegon's Conquest.

The agreement between Gyleno Vunatis and Lord Selwyn of Tarth was met with mixed reactions, especially from some of the pirate lords who grumbled about the limitations on their freedom. The idea of ceasing raids on Westeros and submitting to any kind of pact with mainland powers chafed against their way of life. Even the hint of order imposed upon them was enough to stir discontent. Yet the gravity of their situation could not be denied: the Ironborn were resurgent, and the longer they delayed, the more ground they would lose in the Stepstones. Salladhor Saan, ever pragmatic, suggested that they accept the terms now and deal with the consequences later. For him, survival and the opportunity to strike back at the Ironborn were paramount. Admiral Myrmello Uhoris, however, was more cautious. As a Tyroshi noble, his mind was not just on the pirates but on how the Archon and the Conclave of Ten would react. He had essentially promoted himself to Admiral of the Tyroshi Fleet without their formal approval, and the idea of paying Lord Selwyn a yearly stipend of 20,000 gold dragons would certainly raise eyebrows back in Tyrosh. He feared the Conclave might see him as acting beyond his station, and there was no guarantee they would accept the terms. But even Myrmello understood that time was running out. The Tyroshi forces, trapped on Grey Gallows for nearly two months, were starving and morale was crumbling. The Ironborn had already begun raiding the Central Stepstones again, emboldened by the Tyroshi fleet's defeat. Faced with little choice, Gyleno sent word to Tarth, confirming that the pirate lords and the Tyroshi fleet agreed to the terms.

Meanwhile, upon receiving the message, Lord Selwyn Tarth began to call his banners and assemble his forces. The Evenstar of Tarth was known for his pragmatism, and he moved swiftly, understanding that the balance of power in the Stepstones could shift drastically if Euron Greyjoy solidified his hold on the islands. His fleet was not massive by the standards of Westeros’ great houses, but it was formidable. Fifty vessels in total, with thirty-five of them warships—dromonds, carracks of war, and nimble caravels, all built for naval combat. The remaining vessels were cogs and merchant ships, refitted for war, often carrying supplies or troops but capable of defending themselves in battle. The fleet carried approximately six thousand men at arms, many of whom were experienced soldiers, sailors, and knights, alongside a contingent of levies from Tarth. Selwyn himself led the fleet, commanding his forces with the steady hand of a seasoned leader. Alongside him were key figures of the Sapphire Isle, including Ser Rolland of Sapphire Point, a village on the southern tip of Tarth, whose loyalty and battle experience made him a trusted commander. There was also Aurane Waters, the handsome and ambitious bastard of Driftmark, who had married into the Tarth family by wedding Lord Selwyn’s daughter, Lady Brienne of Tarth. Brienne, famed across Westeros for her strength, fighting skill, and notorious plainness, was also part of the fleet. Despite her unconventional looks, Brienne had earned respect as a warrior—strong as any knight, skilled with sword and shield, and utterly fearless in battle. Her marriage to Aurane Waters had surprised many, given the stark contrast between Aurane's renowned beauty and Brienne’s reputed ugliness. Yet those who knew them said that their relationship, while not one of passionate romance, was built on genuine respect and affection. Though closer to friendship than love, the bond between Brienne and Aurane had strengthened over time, and they made a capable pair both in war and in the politics of Tarth. As the fleet sailed, the Evenstar knew that he was marching into the unknown. The Ironborn were as dangerous as they were unpredictable, and Euron Greyjoy’s cruelty was legendary. Yet Selwyn Tarth was not a man easily cowed, and he believed that with his forces—and the pirates’—he could make a decisive impact in the Stepstones.


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Ser Aurane Waters (left) and Lady Brienne of Tarth (right), had married in 295 AC, when Brienne was fifteen years old. Aurane had been very resistant to the match, but his half-brother, Lord Monford Velaryon of Driftmark, desired an alliance with Lord Selwyn of Tarth. Whilst their wedding was tense, with the proud and curt Aurane barely hiding his disdain, the coming months would prove to be the making of the pair. The Bastard of Driftmark grew to respect Brienne and her martial prowess, and Brienne noticed that Aurane was a smart and sometimes empathetic young man. In his letters back to his brother at Driftmark, Aurane noted that "my lady wife knows nothing of laying with a man, but I can teach her. She can teach me how to win in the lists, and dispatch a foe with ease."

 
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Great update! Oh the irony that Aurane is married to Brienne and fighting against the ironborn at the Stepstones! Interesting turn of events. I understand that Lord Tarth wants that valyrian steel sword, will he get his reward after the war?
 
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Now that's an unexpected match right there, Aurane and Brienne, what a pair.
 
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The expansion of the alliance against the Crow's Eye is good.

What did Gyleno promise Lord Selwyn to make him more useful alive when they first met? Was it just the Vunatis sword, Poison?

Will there be conflict (maybe even a war) between the pirates and Tarth and Tyrosh after Euron falls?
 
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Aurane Waters and Brienne got married? Wasn't expecting that for sure. Guess my prediction might not be too far off the mark.
I was shocked when I saw it, but in game they are classed as friends so it seems to be working out.
Great update! Oh the irony that Aurane is married to Brienne and fighting against the ironborn at the Stepstones! Interesting turn of events. I understand that Lord Tarth wants that valyrian steel sword, will he get his reward after the war?
Lord Selwyn has not let go his desire for a Valyrian steel sword, and in wars death is commonplace. There may be a way of procuring one on the battlefield, even if an ally falls...
Now that's an unexpected match right there, Aurane and Brienne, what a pair.
I feel like the game is playing with me :p
The expansion of the alliance against the Crow's Eye is good.

What did Gyleno promise Lord Selwyn to make him more useful alive when they first met? Was it just the Vunatis sword, Poison?

Will there be conflict (maybe even a war) between the pirates and Tarth and Tyrosh after Euron falls?
Both were young when they met, and Selwyn harboured grand ambitions when he was a young man. His house, whilst important in Stormlander politics, was a fairly forgotten about dynasty in the wider context of Westeros. Fighting in the Stepstones for glory was a very tempting proposition.
 
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Appendix - The War of the Crow’s Eye (295 - 299 AC) Part 5
Appendix - The War of the Crow’s Eye (295 - 299 AC) Part 5

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As the pirate lords tried to woo Lord Selwyn of Tarth to join their cause, the Tyroshi forces stuck on Grey Gallows island were fighting for their lives. Cut off and blockaded by a giant Ironborn fleet, the Tyroshi warriors stripped the island of food and game in an attempt to feed themselves. Horses and pack mules were quickly butchered and devoured, with even their bones being boiled to make a horrid soup. The Tyroshi Captain-General, Cossoquo Tysorrion, marshaled an impressive defense of the island, taking the last holdfast on the island that was still held by the Ironborn. At first the attempted landings of Ironborn forces were repelled, but eventually the Tyroshi were worn down and the Ironborn began to gain a foothold. By the eighth month of 296 AC, the Ironborn had established a foothold on the island, and hope began to fade for the Tyroshi forces. Cossoquo attempted to negotiate with the commander of the Ironborn on the island, Stygg Goodbrother, but he rejected all attempts at terms. However, the Ironborn were suffering too, with casualties running high. Stygg Goodbrother, a warrior of renown, had been given the command by Euron himself, but was proving to be a poor commander. Some more ambitious men under his command wished to take control, but were often murdered by Stygg in a bout of rage. By the tenth month of 296 AC, the Ironborn blockade of Grey Gallows was starting to unravel. Lucos Sunderly, the commander of the Ironborn fleet, had grown increasingly frustrated with Stygg Goodbrother's reckless leadership on the island. Despite having established a foothold, Stygg's incompetence had resulted in unnecessary losses that were weakening the Ironborn forces at an alarming rate. Lucos, a younger but more calculating leader, admonished Stygg for his mismanagement, warning that the Tyroshi and their pirate allies would not stay away forever. The Ironborn might soon find themselves outmatched if they didn’t finish the job. Stygg, in typical Ironborn fashion, took Lucos' criticism as an insult to his honor and challenged the younger commander to a duel. Lucos, however, was no fool. Despite the Ironborn tradition of resolving disputes through personal combat, Lucos declined, pointing out that the Crow's Eye, Euron Greyjoy, was watching from afar. With Euron’s reputation for cruelty and unpredictability, even from his distant post on Shame Isle, Lucos knew that their real test was not each other but in holding the blockade against an impending Tyroshi counterattack.


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Stygg Goodbrother disobeyed his lordly cousin and joined the Crow's Eye in 294 AC. He held ambitions to found a new branch of House Goodbrother in the Stepstones


By the third day of the tenth month, Grey Gallows had reached a breaking point. The Tyroshi forces, led by Captain-General Cossoquo Tysorrion, were close to collapse. Starvation, disease, and constant raids had ravaged the troops, and tensions between the different factions in the Tyroshi army grew more violent. The sellsword companies, driven by their own survival instincts, began to openly speak of cutting a deal with the Ironborn in exchange for their lives. But Cossoquo, ever loyal to Tyrosh and proud to the last, refused to entertain any such betrayal, commanding his loyal militia to stand firm. Amidst this chaos, hope appeared on the horizon. In the early morning of the third day of the tenth month, the silhouettes of sails were spotted far to the north. Panic gripped the Tyroshi and Ironborn alike, as both sides scrambled to confirm whose ships were approaching. When the colors of Tyrosh and their pirate allies were finally identified, a wave of relief spread through Cossoquo's forces. The Tyroshi fleet had returned, and this time they were not alone. The combined forces of Tyrosh and the pirate lords had sailed back to Grey Gallows, determined to lift the Ironborn siege. Lucos Sunderly, observing the approaching armada, knew that the Ironborn fleet was now vastly outnumbered. With his own ships already suffering from previous engagements, he faced a critical decision. Should he stand and fight, risking his entire fleet and potentially dooming the Ironborn cause in the Stepstones, or retreat and preserve his ships, abandoning the garrison on Grey Gallows to its fate? Before Lucos could make his choice, a second set of sails was spotted, this time on the northwestern horizon. The distinctive sigils of Tarth fluttered in the wind—the Evenstar had arrived. Lord Selwyn of Tarth had brought his fleet, reinforcing the Tyroshi-Pirate alliance. The Ironborn on the island watched in horror as the sea surrounding Grey Gallows filled with ships, their enemies now outnumbering them in both ships and men. The balance of power had shifted. Lucos knew he had no other option. An hour after spotting the second fleet, he made the decision to retreat. He could not afford to lose his fleet, especially with Euron's wrath looming over him should he fail completely. Without hesitation, Lucos Sunderly ordered his ships to raise anchor and sail away, abandoning the Ironborn forces still stranded on Grey Gallows. The Ironborn soldiers, left behind by their own fleet, could only watch helplessly as their salvation sailed off into the distance, leaving them isolated and surrounded by the combined might of Tyrosh, the pirates, and Tarth.

Stygg Goodbrother’s Ironborn forces were swiftly overwhelmed in the final clash at Grey Gallows. The remaining Tyroshi host, bolstered by the fresh relief force of pirates and Westerosi, attacked with renewed ferocity. Cossoquo Tysorrion's beleaguered men were inspired by the sight of Lord Selwyn of Tarth and his formidable daughter, Lady Brienne, cutting down Ironborn reavers with relentless precision. The Ironborn, shocked to see Westerosi fighting among their enemies, were taken aback by Brienne's prowess. Despite her enemies mocking her with the nickname "Mare of Tarth," the Tyroshi sellswords soon started calling her the "Bloody Beauty," a name that carried both admiration and a hint of scorn for her battle prowess. Her sword, red with the blood of Ironborn, became a symbol of the devastating blows the Ironborn suffered that day. Stygg Goodbrother, though a poor commander, fought to the bitter end, dying amidst the many Ironborn corpses littering the battlefield. His mangled body was discovered the next day, marking the end of his leadership and Ironborn control over Grey Gallows—at least for the time being. Few Ironborn prisoners were taken, and those that survived were divided into two groups. The highborn among them were taken as hostages, valuable bargaining pieces for future negotiations. The lowborn were less fortunate, shipped off to the slave markets of Tyrosh, where they would be sold as chattel—a cruel fate fitting the harsh world of the Stepstones. In the days following what would be called the Third Battle of Grey Gallows, a name marking its bloody place in the history of the island, the victors convened to decide their next course of action. It quickly became clear that Grey Gallows was no longer a prize worth holding. The island’s holdfasts were in ruins, and the toll of war, starvation, and disease had stripped the land of what little remained of its resources. Cossoquo’s host was in desperate need of rest and refit, while the pirate lords, along with Lord Selwyn of Tarth, refused to occupy an isolated, strategically vulnerable island. They had won the battle but holding onto Grey Gallows would stretch their resources too thin, and Euron Greyjoy’s forces would likely return with greater strength. The decision was made to abandon the island. A week after the battle, the allied fleet sailed away, leaving Grey Gallows behind to recuperate and prepare for the next phase of the war. With their sails disappearing over the horizon, Grey Gallows fell silent once more, a land ravaged by conflict. Barely a week later, twelve Ironborn ships arrived, led by Sawane Flatnose, one of Euron Greyjoy's most trusted captains. With no opposition left on the island, Sawane reclaimed it for the Crow's Eye, re-establishing Ironborn control over Grey Gallows.


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The year 297 AC saw a marked decrease in the ferocity of the war in the Stepstones. The relentless and costly battles, particularly the bloody engagements at Grey Gallows, had drained both sides of manpower, resources, and the will to continue fighting with the same intensity. The conflict’s momentum slowed as the major players in the war turned their attention to matters closer to home. For Lord Selwyn of Tarth, his commitment to the war in the Stepstones was abruptly curtailed by urgent developments in Westeros. The outbreak of Lord Staunton’s Rebellion demanded his attention. There were growing concerns that the rebellion could spiral into a wider conflict, posing a threat to the stability of the Realm. As a dutiful vassal, Selwyn returned to Tarth to gather his forces and support his liege lord, leaving behind a token force under the command of his son-in-law, Aurane Waters. Aurane, though a capable leader, lacked the overwhelming presence of his father-in-law, and his smaller force was left in a precarious position, tasked with maintaining a fragile peace in the volatile Stepstones.

In Tyrosh, political tensions began to simmer once more. The alliance that had overthrown Syrio Zokan’s leadership and elevated the current rulers had started to fray. The powerful factions within the Free City, united temporarily during the crisis, were now turning on one another. The root of the unrest lay in the rise of Myrmello Uhoris. After his battlefield promotion to Admiral of the Tyroshi fleet, Uhoris’s growing influence began to alarm some members of the Conclave of Ten, the ruling body of Tyrosh. Many feared that House Uhoris was overreaching, threatening the delicate balance of power in the city. These concerns led Archon Moredea Ryndoon to summon Myrmello back to Tyrosh to face the Conclave’s judgment and ensure his power was kept in check. When Myrmello arrived at Tyrosh, however, the situation took a dramatic turn. Rather than submit to the Conclave’s authority, Myrmello defiantly refused to enter the port, anchoring his fleet just off the coast. This triggered a tense standoff that lasted for four days, with the city of Tyrosh on edge, uncertain whether this confrontation would escalate into violence. The Archon, faced with the very real possibility of civil strife, ultimately backed down, confirming Myrmello’s status as Admiral and allowing him to return to the Stepstones with his command intact. This outcome severely undermined Archon Moredea’s authority, and the Conclave, already divided, began to plot against her. Gyloro Zokan, the brother of Syrio Zokan, was particularly active in these machinations, eager to regain the power and prestige his family had lost.

The war in the Stepstones, while still unresolved, shifted into a lull as these internal conflicts brewed on both sides. The Ironborn continued to raid the islands, taking advantage of the weakened state of their enemies, but they were not yet ready to commit to another full-scale invasion. The pirates and Tyroshi forces, wary of another crushing defeat, were also content to regroup and refit their ships, waiting for a more opportune moment to strike back. But beneath this calm surface, tensions continued to smolder, both in the Stepstones and within the cities and courts of those involved, setting the stage for future betrayals and renewed conflict. It was clear that the Crow’s Eye had not given in, and in time the war would ignite once more.


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Wow, another great update ! Soo other problems keep the allies away form the stepstones ,,,, it seemms that conflict will be resolved slowly.
Thanks! Yeah, lets just say it is about to hot up...
 
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Appendix - The War of the Crow’s Eye (295 - 299 AC) Part 6
Appendix - The War of the Crow’s Eye (295 - 299 AC) Part 6

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The beginning of 298 AC brought a renewed wave of violence to the Stepstones as Euron Greyjoy and his Ironborn launched a devastating surprise assault on Wreckstone. The island, a key pirate stronghold, was under the control of Tycho Quanis, a notoriously cruel pirate lord known for his sadistic nature and iron-fisted rule. Quanis had grown complacent, failing to adequately defend his island, which proved to be his undoing when the Ironborn, led by Euron himself, struck with overwhelming force. The attack on Wreckstone unfolded with brutal efficiency. The Ironborn reavers descended upon the island with little warning, overwhelming Quanis’s unprepared defenses within a single day. In a panic, Quanis attempted to flee the island, hoping to reach his ship and escape to safety. However, the Ironborn were relentless, capturing his vessel and cutting off his last avenue of retreat. With no way out, Quanis retreated to his castle, his last remaining refuge on the island, and desperately attempted to negotiate with Euron Greyjoy. His pleas were met with nothing but silence from the Crow’s Eye, who had no interest in mercy or bargaining.

In his most desperate moment, Tycho Quanis met a grisly end—not at the hands of the Ironborn, but through betrayal from within. His slave, Thromor Codd, a fellow Ironborn who had been captured and enslaved by Quanis two years prior, took matters into his own hands. Forcing Thromor to serve both as his personal attendant and lover, Quanis had inflicted endless cruelty on the man. But in that dark hour, Thromor saw an opportunity for vengeance. He broke free of his chains and strangled Quanis to death using those very chains that had bound him. However, Thromor knew that returning to his people would bring him no honor. His capture and enslavement were a source of shame, and so, rather than face the Ironborn and risk scorn or death, he threw himself from the battlements of the castle, plunging to his death before the Ironborn breached the stronghold. When Euron’s forces stormed the castle, they found Tycho Quanis already dead, his reign of terror over. Euron Greyjoy, ever capricious and unpredictable, showed no interest in taking Tycho’s wife as a salt-wife, a fate that was common for captured women of the Ironborn’s enemies. Instead, he offered her to his men, who brutally abused her until she died that same night.


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The fall of Wreckstone sent shockwaves throughout the pirate lords of the Stepstones. The sudden death of one of their own, Tycho Quanis, coupled with the rapid capture of his island, shattered their previous confidence and plunged the pirate leaders into a state of panic. All of their islands, long-standing pirate strongholds, were now vulnerable to the relentless advance of Euron Greyjoy and his Ironborn fleet. The message was clear: if they did not act swiftly, their entire way of life was at risk of annihilation. In response, the Tyroshi fleet immediately mobilized, with Admiral Myrmello Uhoris, newly confirmed in his role by the Archon of Tyrosh, taking command. Aurane Waters, the commander of the Tarth forces left in the Stepstones, sent urgent ravens to Tarth, calling for Lord Selwyn to return with reinforcements. By the fourth month of 298 AC, the allied fleet had assembled outside the pirate stronghold of Bloodstone, their largest and most formidable stronghold in the Stepstones. The fleet was a patchwork of vessels from the Pirate Lords, the Tyroshi navy, and the forces of Tarth. Despite the threat looming from Euron, the pirate leaders were cautiously optimistic, with Khorane Sathamantes boldly declaring that "Euron has flown into the trap himself!"

However, while the allied forces were gathering, Euron Greyjoy had not been idle. Following his triumph at Wreckstone, he began amassing an even larger Ironborn fleet. Ironborn ships from every corner of the Stepstones, inspired by Euron's conquests and promises of plunder, flocked to his banner. As more vessels swelled the ranks of the Ironborn fleet, Euron's proclamations grew more grandiose. He openly declared that “the final battle is nigh,” and his forces began to prepare for what they believed would be the decisive confrontation of the war for the Stepstones. Euron’s key commanders were amongst the most fearsome warriors the Ironborn had to offer. Lucos Sunderly, the young and rising star of the Ironborn navy, had proven his mettle in earlier engagements and was eager to cement his reputation. Sawane Flatnose, known for his brute strength and brutal tactics, had successfully reclaimed Grey Gallows and remained fiercely loyal to Euron. Erik Ironmaker, an old and grizzled veteran of countless raids, was now well into his twilight years, but his experience and the loyalty of his many sons made him a valuable asset. Together, these commanders formed a formidable force under the Crow's Eye's banner. Euron, ever unpredictable, began spreading tales among his men, claiming that his victory was already assured. He spoke of his visions and dark omens, feeding the growing myth of his invincibility. The Ironborn, many of whom believed that the Crow’s Eye was favored by the gods themselves, were more than ready to follow him into what they believed would be their final and greatest victory.


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Erik Ironmaker, an elderly reaver who had lived for over eight decades. He had travelled and plundered most of the known world and held closely to the beliefs of the Drowned God.

On the 27th Day of the Fourth Month of 298 AC, the allied fleet was spotted by the Ironborn on the Wreckstone. The Ironborn fleet mobilzed and soon it was clear that the battle was about to begin. The Allied fleet was split into three parts, the centre was commanded by Admiral Myremello himself and was mostly made up of Tyroshi vessels, the left was commanded by Gyleno Vunatis and was mostly made up of the pirate ships, and the right was commanded by Lord Selwyn of Tarth, and was composed of his host. The Ironborn force was commanded by Euron in the centre, by Lucos Sunderly on the left and by Sawane Flatnose on the right. The ensuing sea battle was brutal, but it became clear that the Ironborn were gaining the upper hand, for their brutality was only matched by their ingenious naval tactics. The right flank of the Allied fleet was the only successful one by midday, with the left in disarray and the centre slowly losing momentum. A pivotal moment in the battle occurred when a small Ironborn cog commanded by Arrek Pyke, a bastard desperate for renown, charged head on into the Tyroshi flagship, ramming it and lodging itself in its bow. Arrek’s forces then boarded the flagship with the intent of killing Admiral Myrmello. The Ironborn boarders fought furiously and even reached the top deck, with the Admiral engaging in a duel with Arrek himself. The young Ironborn captain would gain the upper hand, severely injuring Myrmello by plunging a grapnel hook into his ribs. However, before the brave reaver could deliver the killing blow, a Tyroshi slave-soldier plunged his dagger into Arrek’s back. For saving his life, Myrmello freed the slave and granted him a station on his personal guard. Shaken, and believing that they were faltering, Myrmello ordered the retreat, and the badly mauled allied fleet fled northwards.

Euron Greyjoy wasted no time in pressing his advantage. Fresh from his victory at sea, he turned his attention toward Bloodstone Island, the heart of the pirate resistance. As his armada advanced, the allies on Bloodstone faced a dire dilemma. Admiral Myrmello Uhoris, still gravely wounded from his duel with Arrek Pyke, knew the Tyroshi fleet was in no condition to face Euron again. The Tyroshi ships were battered, their crews exhausted, and their morale shaken. Myrmello made it clear to the pirates and Lord Selwyn of Tarth that he had no choice but to return to Tyrosh to refit and reinforce. Tormo Cithien, one of the more seasoned pirate lords, tried to warn Myrmello that Euron was only days away and would soon launch a full-scale assault on Bloodstone. Myrmello, however, remained unmoved, his focus fixed on Tyrosh and his own recovery. Frustrated and desperate, Lord Selwyn accused the Tyroshi admiral of treachery, believing that Myrmello was abandoning them to their doom. Under pressure, Myrmello relented only slightly, ordering Captain-General Cossoquo Tysorrion to remain on Bloodstone with a force of two thousand Tyroshi soldiers, though Cossoquo himself was displeased by this order, knowing the island was likely to fall. The next day, the Tyroshi fleet lifted anchor and sailed back to Tyrosh, leaving the pirate lords and Lord Selwyn to prepare for the inevitable Ironborn assault. Knowing that their ships would be easy prey for Euron’s fleet if they remained in the waters around Bloodstone, Selwyn and the pirate lords made a calculated decision. They ordered all warriors and as many provisions as possible onto the island itself and gave the command for their ships to retreat. The ships, laden with supplies, headed for the safety of Tarth, where they hoped to join forces with the Tyroshi fleet again—if it ever returned.


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Lord Selwyn of Tarth and his men.

Now stranded on Bloodstone, Selwyn, his daughter Brienne, the pirate lords, and the remnants of the Tyroshi garrison prepared to make their stand. The island’s natural defenses, combined with its fortified holdfasts and steep cliffs, would give them some advantage against the coming Ironborn assault. The pirate lords, though normally chaotic and unpredictable, united under the threat of total annihilation. They knew Euron would show no mercy if they were defeated. The Ironborn did not keep them waiting for long. Within days, the black sails of Euron's armada appeared on the horizon. The Ironborn ships, sleek and menacing, surrounded Bloodstone, cutting off any hope of escape. Euron, aboard his dread ship Silence, surveyed the island with cold detachment. He knew the pirates and their allies were cornered, and now it was time to crush them. The first assaults began by sea, with Ironborn reavers attempting to land on Bloodstone’s shores. The defenders, under the joint leadership of Selwyn, Gyleno Vunatis, and Cossoquo Tysorrion, fought valiantly to repel the invaders. Brienne of Tarth, wielding her greatsword, was once again at the forefront of the battle, cutting down Ironborn raiders who tried to scale the cliffs. The island’s defenses held firm for several days, but the Ironborn were relentless. The pirates had built formidable fortifications, but the Ironborn's brutality and Euron's strategic cunning soon took their toll. Euron deployed specialized tactics, using grappling hooks and fire ships to assault the fortifications from unexpected angles. Sawane Flatnose, commanding the Ironborn ground forces, led devastating raids against the pirate strongholds, slowly eroding the defenders' morale. The siege of Bloodstone descended into a brutal war of attrition, a grinding and bloody stalemate where the tides of battle ebbed and flowed, but no decisive blow was struck. The Ironborn, despite having established beachheads on the island, struggled to push further into the interior. Bloodstone Castle, perched atop the island’s natural defenses, remained a formidable bastion that had yet to be breached. Euron Greyjoy's forces, though fierce and relentless, faced staunch resistance from the defenders. Every inch gained on the island came at a high cost. Among the defenders, the pirate lords suffered devastating losses. Allaquo Nazzar, a cunning and influential leader, was killed while personally defending one of the beaches from an Ironborn assault. His death sent shockwaves through the ranks of the pirates, who had already been pushed to the brink. Morale wavered, yet Lord Selwyn of Tarth, Gyleno Vunatis, and Captain-General Cossoquo Tysorrion rallied what remained of their forces. They knew they had to hold out, though it became increasingly clear that the siege would not end quickly.

As the months dragged on, the siege became a slow, painful ordeal. Both sides suffered from mounting losses, starvation, and the ravages of disease. The defenders, trapped on the island, had limited supplies, and those that remained were dwindling fast. The Ironborn fared little better, as the prolonged siege strained their resources and tested their patience. Bodies began to pile up on the shores and around the fortifications, feeding the crows and worsening the conditions for all involved. In the midst of this bleak scenario, a startling revelation added to the tensions within Bloodstone Castle. It was discovered that Lady Brienne of Tarth, the formidable warrior and Selwyn’s heir, was pregnant. She had conceived the child with her husband, Aurane Waters, during the course of the war. The news caused a stir among the defenders, for Brienne was not only a fierce warrior but also the hope of her father’s line. Aurane had been sent back to Tarth by Selwyn, commanding the Tarthian fleet to regroup and wait for word from Admiral Myrmello in Tyrosh. When Lord Selwyn learned of Brienne's pregnancy, he made the difficult decision to order her to take no further part in the battle. As much as he respected her skill and bravery, he could not risk the life of his daughter and her unborn child. She was forced to remain within the walls of Bloodstone Castle, under heavy guard for her own protection. Brienne, who had never backed down from a fight, chafed under her confinement, but understood her father's reasoning. Her presence on the battlefield had already stirred fear among the Ironborn, and now her absence added an element of uncertainty for the defenders. However, when word of Brienne’s condition reached the Ironborn, it ignited a grotesque ambition among their ranks. Sawane Flatnose, ever cruel and bloodthirsty, vowed to capture Brienne and her unborn child, declaring that he would “take the giant and her babe as my salt-wives!” His declaration spread through the Ironborn camp, fueling gruesome speculation and a morbid competition among the reavers. Many began to wager on who would capture her first, turning Brienne’s situation into a sickening game.

The second day of the Eighth Month of 298 AC marked the turning point for the siege. The Ironborn, who had been relentless in their siege, finally managed to breach the island’s interior, opening the door to fierce and brutal fighting across the island. The defenders, though battle-weary and under constant pressure, fought back valiantly, led by Lord Selwyn of Tarth and his knights. But the Ironborn, emboldened by their progress, showed no mercy, pushing deeper into the heart of the island. By the fifth day of the month, the Ironborn had closed in on Bloodstone Castle itself. The castle's defenders, forced to retreat further inland, prepared for the final stages of the siege. It was then that a tragic and pivotal event unfolded—one that would shake the resolve of the defenders and send ripples through both sides of the conflict. In the midst of the chaos on the battlefield, Lord Selwyn of Tarth, the seasoned and venerable leader who had held the allied forces together for so long, was leading a charge on foot with his knights. His forces had broken through several groups of Ironborn reavers, their swords felling many of the invaders. It was a moment of brief victory as they forced the Ironborn into retreat. Bloodied and exhausted, Selwyn took a moment to lift his visor and survey the battlefield, his keen eyes scanning the carnage below. But it was in that moment of pause that fate struck. From a distance, an Ironborn archer loosed an arrow that found its mark. The arrow struck Lord Selwyn directly in the eye, and he fell to the ground instantly, lifeless. His men, horrified by the sudden loss of their commander, quickly gathered around him, dragging his body back behind their lines. When they realized their lord had died, an open and raw grief spread through his forces. Veteran knights and seasoned soldiers, men who had fought beside Selwyn for years, wept openly on the battlefield, their spirits crushed by the loss of the man they had followed so faithfully.

The news of Lord Selwyn’s death quickly reached Bloodstone Castle, where it had a profound effect on those within. Lady Brienne of Tarth, confined to the castle for her protection, received the news in quiet grief. Though known for her strength and resilience, Brienne mourned the loss of her father with a deep, quiet sorrow that weighed heavily on her. Her grief was private, but her pain was undeniable. Gyleno Vunatis, however, reacted quite differently. The Pirate King of Bloodstone, known for his ambition and ruthlessness, flew into a rage upon hearing of Selwyn’s death. Gyleno had relied on Selwyn’s leadership to hold the fragile alliance together, and with his death, he feared the unity of the defenders would unravel. His fury was palpable, and he raged against the Ironborn, swearing vengeance for the death of the Tarth lord. Meanwhile, among the Ironborn, the news of Selwyn's fall was met with celebration. The death of such a key figure in the defense of Bloodstone was a significant blow to the morale of the defenders. Euron Greyjoy himself, upon hearing of Selwyn’s demise, let out a wry smile, recognizing the psychological victory it represented. The Ironborn, ever bloodthirsty and driven by conquest, reveled in the death of such a noble and respected foe. Sawane Flatnose and other Ironborn commanders loudly boasted that Bloodstone would fall soon, and that they would capture both Brienne and her unborn child.


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Two beleaguered defenders of Bloodstone Castle taking a short and well earned rest.

The seventh day of the Eighth Month of 298 AC marked the final and most decisive assault on Bloodstone Castle by the Ironborn. The defenders, already battered and exhausted, were now facing a full frontal assault by Euron Greyjoy himself. The Ironborn attacked with unmatched ferocity, determined to break through the castle’s defenses and claim final victory. After a brutal siege, they managed to breach the first defensive wall by slighting it, opening the way for Euron and his vanguard to plunge into the castle, cutting down the weary defenders in their path. Inside the castle, Lady Brienne of Tarth, newly ascended as the ruler of Tarth after her father's death, though the world had yet to know it, refused to sit idly by. Pregnant and grieving, she donned what armor she could find and took to the secondary wall, rallying the remaining knights of Tarth to make a final stand. Her presence, fierce and unwavering, inspired the defenders, even as the Ironborn forces advanced relentlessly. At the southern gate of the secondary wall, Captain-General Cossoquo Tysorrion and his Tyroshi warriors barely held their position, frustrating the Ironborn advance and keeping the southern flank from falling. Meanwhile, Euron, always daring and bold, led a handpicked group of his best warriors to scale a rocky section of the wall that had long been thought impregnable. In doing so, they managed to gain access to the central yard of the castle, catching the defenders off guard and plunging them into chaos.

It was there, in the central yard, that two self-styled kings—Euron Greyjoy and Pirate-King Gyleno Vunatis—would face one another in battle, a duel that would be remembered for years to come. Both men were formidable warriors, but they were also larger-than-life figures whose reputations preceded them. Gyleno, armed with his Valyrian steel sword Poison, a rare and precious weapon, was determined to defend his kingdom to the death. Euron, however, shocked all who saw him, for he was not wielding a Valyrian steel sword but instead clad in a suit of Valyrian steel armor—another testament to his dark and mysterious power. The duel was intense, closely matched from the start. Gyleno’s swordsmanship was exceptional, and he used every ounce of his skill to match Euron blow for blow. Yet, as the fight wore on, it became clear that Euron’s armor was giving him the upper hand. Gyleno’s strikes, powerful and precise, were often deflected by the near-mythical strength of the Valyrian steel armor, while Euron's attacks began to wear Gyleno down. At a crucial moment in the duel, Euron landed a blow that knocked Gyleno to the ground, his sword sent flying from his hand. The Crow’s Eye, with a cruel grin, stepped forward to deliver the final, killing stroke. But just as he was about to strike, Gyleno, in an act of desperation and quick thinking, grabbed a handful of dirt and sand from the ground and threw it into Euron’s one good eye. The blinding sand caused Euron to stagger back, clutching at his face. In that brief moment of distraction, Gyleno scrambled to his feet, retrieved his sword, and lunged at Euron. With a powerful thrust, he plunged the Valyrian steel blade into the mouth of the Crow’s Eye, driving it deep until the blade went nearly to the hilt. The courtyard fell silent as Euron Greyjoy, the fearsome and enigmatic leader of the Ironborn, paused for a brief moment, as if contemplating his fate. Then, with a long sigh, his body slumped to the ground.

Euron Greyjoy, the Crow’s Eye, was dead.

The death of Euron Greyjoy marked a dramatic turning point in the siege of Bloodstone Castle. Both the defenders and the Ironborn had seen him as an unstoppable force, a figure of fear whose ambitions had driven the entire Stepstones campaign. Now, with the Crow’s Eye dead, the Ironborn, previously assured of victory, were left stunned and leaderless. Confusion spread through their ranks as the reality of Euron's death hit them. The momentum of the battle shifted almost instantly. Cossoquo Tysorrion, hearing the news, rallied his Tyroshi forces, who had been barely holding the southern gate. They surged forward, pushing back the Ironborn reavers in a bloody counterattack. Meanwhile, Lady Brienne of Tarth, despite her pregnancy and the personal toll of her father’s death, led a final, desperate defense on the secondary wall. Her courage and leadership inspired the knights of Tarth to stand their ground, even as the Ironborn had breached key positions within the castle. In the chaos following Euron's death, the Ironborn assault lost its cohesion. Without their leader’s brutal and cunning tactics, their ranks faltered. The demoralized reavers began to fall back from the walls, abandoning their siege of Bloodstone Castle. By nightfall, the Ironborn had retreated to their camps on the mainland of the island, leaving the allied forces victorious—for the moment.

That night, a cautious sense of celebration filled the defenders' ranks. The castle had held, and the most feared enemy in the Stepstones was dead. Wine was passed among the weary soldiers and pirates, who toasted their survival. Yet, there was also a pervasive sense of unease. Many knew that the Ironborn still outnumbered them significantly, and though they had retreated, the battle could resume at any moment. Still, for that one night, they allowed themselves a small victory. As one pirate put it, "We didn’t care. The hated enemy was dead, his body clear to see. He wasn’t a god, a demon, or a monster. He was a man of flesh and blood. And we killed him." His words echoed the sentiment of many who had viewed Euron as something more than human—a terrifying enigma who had defied all expectations. Euron’s body, a symbol of both terror and power, was stripped of the Valyrian steel armor that had deflected so many blows in the heat of battle. The once-proud Crow’s Eye, who had crushed the will of men with his cruelty and cunning, was now reduced to nothing more than a lifeless corpse. The defenders, bitter from the long siege and the heavy losses they had suffered, took their vengeance on him even in death. His body was hacked into pieces by the victorious warriors, who had no desire to grant him any dignity in death. His head, still crowned with the remnants of his dark, salt-stained hair, was mounted on a pike and placed above the secondary wall, in full view of the Ironborn siege camps below. It was a deliberate and brutal message to the remaining Ironborn: their leader, the Crow’s Eye, was gone, and the defenders had survived his fury.

The morning after Euron Greyjoy's death saw the Ironborn preparing to resume their siege of Bloodstone Castle. Sawane Flatnose, hastily appointed as the temporary leader of the Ironborn forces, faced the monumental task of rallying the disheartened reavers. The plan was simple: continue the siege and claim the castle, and then decide the future of the Ironborn kingship. But fate had other plans. Just as it seemed the battle might continue, an Ironborn scout ship arrived with alarming news. The Tyroshi fleet, refitted and reinforced with fresh ships and soldiers, had left Tyrosh and was sailing for Bloodstone. Led by a new Admiral, Allaquo Adarys, as Myrmello Uhoris’s injuries forced him to remain in Tyrosh, the Tyroshi were ready to bring overwhelming force against the battered Ironborn. This new fleet was larger, stronger, and more prepared than the one the Ironborn had faced in their previous engagements. Lucos Sunderly, captain of the Ironborn armada, understood the gravity of the situation. He warned Sawane Flatnose that they would be annihilated if they remained. Reluctantly, but knowing he had no choice, Sawane agreed to withdraw. The Ironborn hastily boarded their ships, abandoning the siege of Bloodstone and sailing southward toward friendly islands, hoping to regroup.

With the Ironborn retreat, Bloodstone Castle had held. The defenders, exhausted and bloodied, had endured the worst assault of the war and survived. The death of Euron had proven to be the pivotal moment, turning the tide against the Ironborn and ultimately saving the island. Though neither side knew it then, the withdrawal of the Ironborn marked the end of the War of the Crow's Eye. Euron's death had shattered his ambitions, and without his leadership, the Ironborn lost their unified purpose. While the Stepstones would remain a turbulent and contested region, the brutal war that had ravaged the islands for years had finally come to an end. Conflict would still plague the region, but the iron grip of the Crow’s Eye was broken and with that a common purpose, for both the Ironborn and the unlikely allies that had defeated them.


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And there we have it, the last Appendix chapter of the Crow's Eye war. I did not plan it to on that far (I originally planned it for two parts) but hey ho, the whole gardener vs architect thing again!

All updates on the aftermath will occur in future chapters. Next time we return to the goings on in Westeros, after months away!
 
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Soo our ironborn excursion ends, poor Brienne , now thst her father is gone she must rule over Tarth. OH Euron got his deserved fate , a death satisfying to read .... soo the ironborn without a leader can't continue their war, but who gets the Stepstones, it seem to me that Tyrosh, but the westerosi must be careful...
Triarchy hmmm pirates, extorsion, tools....Anyway another excellent chapter!!
 
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