Damian's return with the three valuable captives was met with surprise and admiration among the crew. They marvelled at his audacious plan and its successful execution, attributing the credit to their capable leader. However, Dacey couldn't help but notice that the number of men returning was fewer than when they had set out. Concerned, she questioned Damian about the missing men.
Damian, with a knowing grin, turned his gaze back to the diminishing castle of Pyke on the horizon. It was true, their numbers were not as they had been before the mission.
"No, I didn't lose any men," Damian replied confidently. "I've strategically stationed them, waiting to carry out specific tasks upon my signal when King Robert's army reaches Pyke's gates. They're well-hidden in a secure location, ready to act as needed."
His words left the crew reassured, understanding that every move Damian made was calculated and part of a larger plan, one that aimed to bring his enemies to their heels.
If Balon decided to surrender, Damian knew he wouldn't require those hidden men. However, in the event that Balon chose not to surrender, Damian had prepared a contingency plan. He would instruct his concealed men to create disturbances inside the castle, adding to the chaos and potentially weakening the Greyjoys' defences.
This, in turn, would result in fewer casualties on their side and hasten the end of the war. It was all part of his calculated strategy to ensure that there were fewer casualties on his side, at least among the ranks of the Northern Army, as every man saved now would count in the future struggle against the main enemies of the North.
. . .
"Where are they? You useless bastards!" Balon's voice roared through the stone halls of Pyke as he vented his anger at the baffled guards. "My wife, my children, and now Euron, gone! How can they just vanish from our own castle?"
The guards were flustered, unable to provide answers, which only further incensed Balon. He raged on, suspicions mounting. "Did Euron plot this? Is he trying to seize my power and offer my family as a pawn? Does he think I'll be defeated? No! I'll triumph, the Drowned God favours me! I'll bring back the old ways and make those Greenlanders pay the Iron Price!"
Balon's tirade continued, a tempest of anger and ambition swirling within him. The uncertainty of his family's whereabouts was maddening, but the treachery of his own brother weighed even heavier on his mind.
Little did he know that the cause of his remaining family's disappearance was not Euron but someone else entirely, a cunning plot waiting to unfold as the Royal Fleet made its way towards Pyke.
. . .
"Your Grace," a guard, bearing the sigil of the Stormlands, intruded into the cabin of the warship. Robert and Eddard Stark, deep in conversation, wine glasses in hand, paused at the interruption.
Robert grumbled in annoyance. "What now, for the love of the Seven? Ten ships? Send them to the Drowned God if they dare block our way!" He was clearly irritated by the disturbance. He had been regaling Eddard with stories of the exotic beauties of the Summer Isles, specifically those running a brothel in King's Landing where he was a regular customer. Eddard was forced to endure these tales, his role as the king's friend obliging him to do so. Despite his annoyance, Eddard intervened, sparing the guard from Robert's wrath and suggesting that the man explain further.
The guard quickly continued, "Thank you, My Lord. Those ships are not Ironborn. They bear the flags of House Stark, Manderly, and Mormont."
Robert pondered this information. "Is it your brother, Ned? Hasn't he gone to Old Wyk? If not there, he should have been at Orkmont, no?"
Eddard shrugged, just as confused as the king. "I am in the dark as much as you are. Let's go out and see if it's really Damian," he suggested.
They made their way onto the deck and observed ten ships in the distance. The Royal fleet had encircled them, undoubtedly verifying their identity before allowing them to approach the king's main warship.
Robert and Eddard watched as the ship was permitted to pass, reasonably certain that they were not facing foes. Eddard's attention was drawn to a bird soaring above, and he recognized it as Damian's companion.
From the group of ten ships, one displaying the Stark banner broke away and sailed in their direction. As it drew closer, Eddard finally glimpsed the face he had missed for so many years. The ship expertly manoeuvred to align itself with the king's main vessel. With the arrangement complete, a ramp was extended to allow Damian and his party to board.
Eddard's voice carried a mixture of astonishment and relief. As Damian set foot on the deck, Eddard embraced his younger brother.
"You have gotten quite big," Eddard remarked, his eyes running over Damian's well-built frame. "Strong as well."
Damian returned the favour, his gaze taking in Eddard's appearance. "You have... put on some weight, brother."
Eddard chuckled heartily.
"See, I told you I wasn't the only one who has gained weight after all these years," Robert laughed as he came forward.
"Your Grace, it's an honour to meet you finally," Damian greeted the King with a respectful nod. It was a greeting that bore the due respect of a vassal, respectful yet not overly familiar.
Robert responded warmly, "It's good to see you as well, young man. I've been hearing about your merits quite a lot in the past few days. You've made your House and brother proud with your accomplishments. Isn't that true, Ned?"
Eddard nodded in agreement.
Robert's curiosity piqued, and he asked, "So, tell me, how come you are here and not where you told us you would be?"
Damian went on to explain their success at Old Wyk and why he had chosen to come to Pyke rather than join the battles on Orkmont or Great Wyk.
"I didn't think Lord Stannis or Lord Wylis needed my help," Damian continued. "They are strong enough to capture enemy holds on their own. I thought it would be better if I helped the war effort in another way to end this conflict as quickly as possible."
Robert was intrigued. "How would you do that, Damian?"
Damian smiled and signalled to his men, who brought forward the gifts he had mentioned earlier. "Well, I went to Pyke and 'picked' a couple of gifts for you on the way, Your Grace. It might help persuade Balon Greyjoy to surrender without further bloodshed."
As Damian introduced the Lady and the children, ages 8 and 13, to Robert and Eddard, a palpable shock rippled through the onlookers. The unexpected appearance of Balon's family had caught everyone by surprise, leaving them momentarily speechless.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++
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