Damian, with characteristic composure, introduced the unexpected guests - Lady Alannys Harlaw and her two children, Theon and Asha Greyjoy.
Amidst the revelations, Lady Alannys Harlaw remained an almost ghostly presence on the deck of the Royal fleet warship. Her pale countenance contrasted starkly with her husband's fiery ambitions. She hadn't envisioned finding herself here, abducted alongside her two cherished children.
The shock of waking up on a foreign ship, her children in tow, was a chilling ordeal. The knowledge that she had been plucked from Pyke, right under her husband's nose, sent shivers down her spine. The reassurance of her family's safety, albeit conditional on Balon's surrender, provided scant comfort in these tumultuous times.
A shadow of fear clouded her eyes, and her grip on her children was unyielding as if they were the last bastions of her once-mighty House. The ominous legacy of the Targaryen children's fate loomed in her thoughts. Having already suffered the loss of two sons in this war, she harboured an agonizing dread of parting with Theon and Asha. The mother's fierce protection concealed her terror.
The little boy, Theon, perhaps too young to fully grasp the gravity of their situation, remained hidden in his mother's embrace, seeking refuge in her maternal warmth. Asha, the older sibling, wore her fear more boldly, her defiant gaze meeting the eyes of her captors, a glimmer of resilience beneath her trepidation.
As Lady Alannys Harlaw, a member of the Greyjoy house, stood with her children in the midst of the Westerosi nobles, a hushed murmur rippled through the gathering. Whispers swirled among the lords and knights, speculation and intrigue taking root.
The nobility's reactions ranged from surprise to curiosity, as they tried to fathom the intricacies of the unfolding drama. They, of course, recognized the importance of Damian Stark's audacious coup. The presence of Balon Greyjoy's family on King Robert's warship marked a turning point in the ongoing conflict.
Eddard Stark, his countenance a mask of restraint, exchanged subtle glances with King Robert, silently communicating their shared astonishment. Both understood the implications of this unexpected development, knowing it would have far-reaching consequences for the Greyjoy rebellion.
King Robert, though puzzled, kept his emotions in check, waiting to assess the situation fully.
"How, in the name of the Seven, did you manage to spirit away Balon Greyjoy's kin and slip past Pyke's grasp?" Robert exclaimed, dumbfounded by the development.
Damian proceeded to unravel the tale, recounting the audacity of his men's nighttime escapade, the daunting climb up Pyke's walls, and the daring abduction of Balon's family. His meticulous planning and execution of the mission under the shroud of secrecy left an indelible impression.
The accounts of a dozen brave souls scaling the castle walls, and the subsequent extraction of three of the Greyjoys conveyed Damian's boldness and shrewd thinking. He showcased his capabilities as a leader and tactician, eliciting the respect and admiration of all present.
Eddard, although harbouring private concerns about Damian's audacity, could not deny the efficacy of his brother's actions. Damian had paved the way for a swifter and potentially less blood-soaked conclusion to the war.
King Robert beckoned Damian to join him in his cabin. He had further matters to discuss in private, including listening to the details of Damian's successful capture of Lonely Light, fighting Ironborn at sea and the battle to take down Blacktyde.
As Damian made his way towards the cabin, his men guided Lady Alannys Harlaw and her two children, Theon and Asha, back to their quarters, ensuring that they remained in their confines.
With a gesture, King Robert invited Damian to take a seat, and a glass of ale was placed firmly in his hand.
"Go on, lad, don't be shy," Robert encouraged, his own glass being drained with hearty gulps. "Ned's like a brother to me, and by extension, that makes you family. No need for formality here."
Damian glanced at his brother Ned, who nodded in agreement.
The ale, brown and murky, was an acquired taste that Damian didn't quite favour. Still, he sipped it politely, not wishing to offend his royal host. As they conversed, the gentle sway of the ship, combined with the muffled voices of the crew, formed a backdrop to their clandestine discussion.
"How do you find it? I procured it from the Inn at the Crossroads on my way here," Robert inquired.
"It's decent, though I believe it could be more refined," Damian responded candidly.
"Well, it might not be the finest ale, certainly not like what they sell at the Sherrer's alehouse. Nevertheless, I'm eager to hear about the battles you've faced in this war. I think Ned's quite keen on the details too," Robert remarked. His interest was clearly piqued by the accounts of the battles, taking precedence over discussions of future strategies to compel Pyke's surrender while minimizing bloodshed.
"Well, I can't say I'm not interested in hearing about your battles, Damian," Eddard chimed in, equally eager to delve into the finer details.
Damian then embarked on a detailed narrative, from the moment he had persuaded Lord Jason Mallister to lend him an Ironborn ship, to the audacious ambush of an Ironborn vessel with the assistance of his trained pet, the sky-blue falcon named 'Ace.' His story continued with their encounters with Ironborn captives, their decision to lend aid, and his negotiations to win over the foreign mercenary company led by Raymond, who were stranded due to the ongoing conflict. This alliance, initially transactional but later swayed by Damian's persuasion, was integral to their victories.
Damian narrated the full tale, from Lonely Light to the Battle of Blacktyde, the takeover of Old Wyk, and a more detailed version of the daring midnight abduction of Balon's family, although he left out certain elements, skillfully modifying the narrative as he shared it.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Chapters until 70 are already posted on my Patre_n page. If you want to have early access to this novel and "One Piece: Incubus Bloodline System" then visit the link p_atre_n.com/Axelwheel. Your support there helps me make a living out of my hobby and motivates me to write more. Even if it is the lowest Tier, please consider joining. Also, a big thank you to all my old and new patrons who subscribed to my page.
Check it out.