The terms proposed by the Lannister man were undeniably harsh. The first stipulation mandated the Greyjoys to surrender their arms and open their doors to the King's Army. The second condition required Balon Greyjoy to either take the Black or face execution for instigating the rebellion. The third condition obligated them to compensate every party affected by their attacks, such as the Lannisters who had lost the majority of their ships, with either money or other resources.
The fourth condition insisted on the disbandment of their navy, allowing them only to construct fishing and small merchant-class vessels.
The fifth term dictated that House Greyjoy relinquish their position as lords of the Iron Islands. Should Balon reject these terms, the consequence would be the decimation and execution of his entire house in front of Pyke's gate after its inevitable fall.
It appeared that the Lannisters weren't aiming for Balon's surrender; instead, they seemed to hope for a confrontation to completely eradicate the Greyjoys.
Despite the potential severity of the terms, many nobles voiced their support, affirming from their seats. Even those who might not have liked the terms didn't stand up to challenge the Lannisters.
Damian, harboring no affection for the Greyjoys, had no qualms with the proposed terms of surrender.
After settling on these terms, the meeting shifted to discussing war strategy in case Balon chose not to submit the following day. Damian remained silent throughout the hour-long deliberation, lacking the position or desire to interject.
"Alright, it's settled then. I don't want to lay siege and waste months here until they starve, so we will attack with all our strength and overwhelm Pyke's defences with numbers. If that's all, then you can all leave. I want some rest," Robert declared at the end.
As Ned and Damian turned to depart, Robert asked them to stay behind, indicating he had something to discuss with them.
"What's on your mind, Your Grace?" Ned inquired once everyone else had left the tent, even the Kingsguards were dismissed.
Rather than providing a direct answer, Robert turned to Damian and said, "I heard you're rounding up the thralls and killing Drowned God's priests back at Lordsport. Don't you think taking away the thralls and killing so many Ironborn priests would make you the eternal enemy of the Ironborn? They might not attack you now, but in the future, they will undoubtedly seek revenge."
Damian had no idea why Robert asked him this, but even if he was not aware of Robert's intention, he answered truthfully.
"I hold no concern for the enemies seeking revenge on me, as such animosity is to be expected. Nevertheless, should they come after me, I'll confront them head-on and fight to the last breath. If my fate is to perish, it shall be after returning sisters, wives, and mothers to their homes," Damian responded with a resolute tone.
"So, you were serious about eradicating the whole Ironborn religion and changing their ways?" Robert inquired again. "If that is so, then I have a task for you. If you complete it, I will grant your wishes and abolish the Thrall system forever. What do you say, lad?"
Damian's brows rose in surprise at that, and it was the same for his brother, Ned. Abolishing the Thrall system was a significant undertaking, even more substantial than eradicating a paramount house of the Iron Islands.
"I will gladly accept any task if it can help free thousands from a miserable life of slavery," Damian said with confidence.
"It would put your life at great risk and perhaps mine as well," Robert scoffed as he let out the last words. "Well, mine is always at risk as I'm the King, but still, do you want to do it?" Robert asked again.
Ned couldn't take it anymore and stepped in, "Robert, what is it that you want him to do?"
Damian was unsure what this task was or why Robert had given it to him in exchange for implementing a ban on the Thrall system.
"Why not? I'm Stark of Winterfell; I will never fear putting my life in danger for the safety and peace," Damian said without backing down.
Robert seemed to like his confidence, apparent from his face, and said, "Haha, Ned, hear that. I like your brother more and more. It doesn't seem like false bravado; I can sense that now that I have lived in that shitty place called King's Landing for so many years."
Robert's face then turned from impressed to serious.
"The task is about what you talked to me last night. I thought it over and over what you said, and I couldn't get it out of my head. There are so many girls like my beloved Lyanna who are abducted against their will. The Ironborn has been doing it for centuries, and I can't let it happen," Robert said.
"As you have been the one to suggest those plans last night, which was appointing a trusted outsider as the Lord of the Iron Island and changing its culture, it has to be you who will do the task. You will be the Lord of Iron Island from the day we take over Pyke. You will marry the squid's girl and rule the islands and make the changes to it as you see fit."
Robert threw a bomb so big that it was a little hard to believe for a few seconds. Even Ned looked dumbfounded at Robert's decision to make the young teenage Damian Stark the Lord of the Iron Islands.
"Robert, you can't be—" Ned started but he was stopped.
"I'm serious, Ned. Your brother is right. The Ironborn culture needs to be changed, by hook or by crook."
"But still, Robert, Damian is still young, and the Ironborn Nobles won't accept it. Many of our allies wouldn't accept it."
"They can get shagged by the Others for all I care. I will take care of them. Anyone who has any complaints faces my hammer. As for Damian being young, it won't matter much as I have seen that he is capable and smart. What do you say, Damian Stark? Are you up to the task?
Damian had his head down, trying his best not to grin maniacally. The notification that appeared in front of him was the reason.
[King Robert Baratheon of the Seven Kingdoms wants to appoint you as the High Lord of Iron Island. Do you accept?
[Yes/No]
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