Appendix - The War of the Crow’s Eye (295 - 299 AC) Part 6
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.