The North arrived at the starting point, and those who thought the North would bring an army to fight the Greyjoys were mistaken.
A single black ship with black sails, bearing the Stark sigil, docked at the port.
Surprisingly, that one ship overshadowed all the ships the other kingdoms could present, even the king's ship was dwarfed by the monstrosity of the Pearl.
Eddard Greystark was the first to disembark, serving as the direct representative of Lord Stark, which made a bit of sense. Behind him were Artemisia and Barbossa, who attentively observed the display of the other kingdoms.
Barbossa found it pathetic; the Pearl could destroy all these ships without any trouble, and the soldiers paled in comparison to the Vikings, Persians, and Spartans. The North's intensive training ensured that its warriors had the endurance and physical condition to adapt to any terrain. For Harry, a war was not only about numerical strength but also about being well-prepared for the terrain, as it could rain, be scorching hot, or snow in a war, and the North was prepared for all.
Artemisia knew what she had to do—earn respect, especially knowing her biological father would be present. She knew who he was and wanted to prove she was much better than him. She might hate him, but at the same time, she was grateful. Thanks to him, she had a real family, bore the Stark name, and with it came many good things. She had become one of the most outstanding warriors of her age, and many young girls aspired to be like her at the young age of 18. She earned this respect because when Stannis abandoned her, Harry sent someone to pick her up and polish the diamond that others did not value.
Their stay here would not be long; they came to fetch Tywin Lannister and nothing more.
Ned knew Artemisia would show her hostile attitude and say nothing more.
When they entered the tent where Jon Arryn was explaining the strategy, everyone stopped to look at the newcomers. More than one was staring because Harry Stark was not present, which undoubtedly drew everyone's attention. Why wasn't the boy here, given that this war would be a good place for him to accidentally die?
- "Ned, it's good to see you again, but why isn't Lord Stark with you?" - Jon was the first to speak, and his question was answered by Artemisia, who stepped forward and threw a flag on the table. That flag bore the Greyjoy sigil covered in blood, something that caught everyone's attention as they didn't understand what was going on.
-"The North will attack the Greyjoys head-on. My brother sent me to fetch Lord Tywin Lannister to pursue Euron Greyjoy." - Artemisia said, looking directly at the named lord, who only stared back at the young woman. He wanted to know more to see if he could take advantage of the situation, given that Jon's expression clearly showed he didn't like the girl's words at all.
- "And who are you? Why don't you go wash clothes like the other women?" - A Lannister soldier spoke up.
Tywin watched closely, annoyed that the man had opened his mouth. The soldier approached Artemisia and touched her shoulder. Before he could say another word, a dagger pierced his neck, leaving the onlookers even more surprised.
The only ones who anticipated something like this were Ned and Barbossa, who expressed their reactions differently—Ned with a grimace because he knew this might anger Tywin and Barbossa with a smile because, after all, that was his pupil.
- "Lord Tywin, my brother, ordered that only you and five of your most trusted men board the Pearl. No one else." - Artemisia said, not willing to continue the conversation. As the captain of the Pearl, she needed to demonstrate absolute coldness to other lords, ensuring they didn't think they could get what they wanted just because they were lords. - "We depart in ten minutes... good luck, Uncle Ned."
Artemisia and Barbossa left the tent, leaving Ned alone with the others, who still stared in disbelief.
Tywin Lannister watched Ned intently, searching for answers. With a subtle glance, Ned indicated that Tywin wouldn't get any answers here but was on the ship waiting for him. Tywin then headed for the exit, pausing beside Eddard Stark, who kept his gaze fixed on the table where the bloody Greyjoy flag lay.
Without a word, the golden lion left, determined to find answers from the girl who killed one of his men—a deserved death, as the man had spoken without thinking.
They didn't know that Barbossa's sword had been enchanted with a bit of control magic before departure, allowing Artemisia to showcase a bit of her capability, and what better way than with a Lannister? The magic worked only once, so the occasion had to be perfect, and indeed, it was utilized well.
- "What just happened, Ned? How does Harry Stark permit such behavior from that woman?" - Jon was already quite angry, not only because the Starks were going to attack the Greyjoys directly but because he didn't approve of Harry Stark's methods. Ned, his former pupil, looked at him with a stern expression, knowing that Artemisia was now part of his family and Eddard Greystark had to defend his family.
- "As far as I'm concerned, Jon, that man got what he deserved. He didn't just insult my niece; he insulted one of the North's captains. How do you think my nephew would have reacted to such an insult?" - Eddard made it clear what would have happened. If Artemisia reacted that way, how would Harry, who held the status of lord and commanded immense respect from the lords of his realm, have reacted? Their loyalty to the boy was something any other kingdom would envy. - "And the Greyjoys brought this upon themselves. They messed with the wrong house... and winter is coming for them."
.
On the Black Pearl
Tywin boarded the ship with his five trusted companions: his three brothers and two experienced soldiers.
The ship was undeniably impressive, exuding grandeur. Any smaller vessel encountering a ship of this magnitude would likely try to avoid conflict. It wasn't just the ship that commanded respect; its crew, mostly dressed in black clothing, were a sight to behold. They were barely visible behind silver masks and rugged, wild attire, adding an air of extreme danger.
As soon as they boarded, the ship began to move, leaving no chance for Tywin to even speak. He said nothing and approached the helm where the young girl and the man who had arrived with Ned stood.
All the crew, though continuing their tasks, kept a wary eye on these new arrivals, fully aware that they were dealing with lions.
Despite his awe at the Northern ship, Tywin was seeking answers and was somewhat angered by the North's superior naval strength, something that would need to be addressed once the war was over. They were supposed to be the most powerful house in all of Westeros.
- "If we use this route, we can attack Euron from behind. It's not a strategy I would normally employ, but it would prevent him from escaping." - Barbossa advised Artemisia.
She was looking for a point that would allow them to attack from another angle. She understood perfectly that the goal was to prevent Euron from escaping; they needed to capture him and turn him over to the Lannisters. That was the plan.
- "We can use the left flank, attack with cannons, and the fog will be in our favor." - Artemisia said.
She noticed Barbossa's sword, and he smiled at the mention of using the fog to blind the Greyjoys and attack from the left flank. This would give them the necessary time to get among the ships and use their cannons effectively.
- "With you at the helm, nothing will go wrong. I can't put anyone else in that position." - Artemisia said. She saw Tywin Lannister approaching her with a serious demeanor. Despite his high status, he was not someone Artemisia felt she needed to impress. - "Lord Lannister, I think it's time I properly introduce myself. I'm Artemisia Stark, Captain of the Black Pearl."
- "Attempting to position myself as a lord will only anger the North further. For the lords, being trained and having spent much of my life in the Vale isn't well-regarded." - She added.
- "I apologize, Captain, for what happened before." - Tywin had to show respect to the girl. The ship that the North possessed, denoted the naval power that they were creating and now possessed, far surpassing what any kingdom achieved in these years, where the Masters were not able to advance anything compared to the marvel that the Northerners created - "Can you tell me what plan we have to defeat a fleet of 100 ships, we only have one."
- "Don't worry, you will have Euron Greyjoy at your feet, Lord Lannister." - Artemisia looked at the golden lion who was serious, who then passed his gaze over every man who was going to this war evidently to kill, because this time, they were not going to leave not even a piece of those ships was going to be able to be reusable - "It is not the first time we face the Greyjoy's ships... we never lost and we will never lose, right Barbossa?"
- "Very well useless cockroaches, you heard our captain" - It was Barbossa's shout, before a strong breeze hit the ship, making it move faster than usual, as if the wind itself was on their side, men and women, because the Viking women were also waiting for this war with great eagerness, and even more because Artemisia was going to have a ship only women could board, Silent Merry - "It's time to hunt the squids Hahaha."
.
Port
Jon was not happy the North did not follow the orders he sent and did his holy will, he was quite annoyed by that and the desire to want to complain about the boy was latent, but it was going to be very badly received even by his ward, Ned was staring at him waiting for any answer.
He trained Ned thinking that he would be able to use him in the future when he would be the one to rule Winterfell, but no, he was not even close to it, and even being the one who watched over Moat Cailin, he did not allow him to visit him, because according to him, he was too busy and could not receive him or when he asked about something from the north, he did not receive any answer.
That was the most worrying thing, he could not complain to Robert because Robert looked favorably on Harry Stark's courage to send his troops forward to attack the Krakens, and with that he had already earned Robert's defense.
So he had to get someone to do something, and he saw the look on Mace Tyrell's face. Fear, he had heard the assassination attempt the man tried to make, no doubt something stupid, that if it managed to happen was going to make him the happiest man in the world, and was going to put him on the royal council just for the job he managed to do.
- "My king, are you sure to have a lord with this attitude, to disregard the order of the crown?"
Mace saw Jon's worried face, so he sensed that he was a little worried about Harry Stark's stupid decision to attack the Iron Islands by himself, something that would undoubtedly influence him to break the engagement he had with his daughter, which until now had only caused him annoyance, not realizing that this engagement would be much more serious to the Tyrells than to the Starks - "Why not pass the lordship to Eddard Stark, who is a knight in every class and would never disrespect the crown."
- "And what will the rest of the North think about that, Lord Tyrell, we took the boy out for not obeying the order of the council, because I did not give the order, Jon did, and knowing that the Greyjoys tried to kidnap his mother, I think his action was justified." - Robert did not look with much interest to anyone, since in his mind only the battle he wanted to have at this time, that was what Harry feared the most, Robert was a good warrior, but not a good ruler, with a little magic, he forced to show a little of his intelligence so that no one could take the position from him - "As we tell the Northerners, that the boy should no longer rule, they would take it as an insult to the Starks of Winterfell was the only house that tamed the north, fighting... they will not allow anyone else to bend it that way, and we have no dragons."
Ned knew Artemisia was respected in the North. She was a good person, a knight, and very honorable. The North recognized her for being a skilled swordswoman, but she was not seen favorably for governance, even if she were next in line should anything happen to Harry. - "It's most likely that Mya or Artemisia will govern the North, or even Ashara until young Lyanna comes of age."
Jon continued to ponder how to remove Harry Stark from the equation. Ned wasn't on his side, and the Boltons in the North were losing political power. The information he received seemed trivial compared to what he saw.
They knew the North had two ports, Manderly and Dustin, but those ships were never shown. Then, the fog appeared out of nowhere, and no one could see what was happening at those ports. They had never been informed of such a naval force. The ship described to him was not a common transport vessel but a warship superior to theirs.
Stannis shared his disdain for this, seeing the North's advantage in being impenetrable by land, with the only option to enter being through Moat Cailin. The ship he had seen made a maritime invasion appear suicidal, which infuriated him. He had hoped to use the North for a coup, and the lack of Crown assistance seemed like a perfect way to deceive the North. But it appeared they didn't care at all.
Ned was more alert than ever. His nephew had instructed him to keep a close watch on everyone's expressions, as none were to be trusted. Although he didn't entirely agree with his nephew's perspective, as the ruler of the North, he had to follow the given orders and could now see his nephew's point.
Jon's stern face was not a good sign; he only wore such an expression when things weren't going as desired. It seemed his nephew was a nuisance to him, making Ned wonder what plans he had for the North.
This was troubling, especially with Stannis appearing more serious than usual. There was information suggesting that Robert's younger brother resented being sidelined by his brother, believing he should be the ruler of the Stormlands instead of Renly, who was also not well-liked in that realm. It was rumored that Stannis was attempting a revolution but lacked the necessary allies.
Ned also noted Mace Tyrell's and his companion's reactions. Mace's palpable anger was evident from his failed attempt to break off his daughter's engagement to Ned's nephew. His companions' expressions showed denial, as they seemed to realize that their efforts only harmed House Tyrell.
Olenna Tyrell, who governed the Reach, was a woman to be wary of, not only for her venomous words but also for her thorny nature. It was essential to be attentive and report back to his nephew about everything he observed, as, in this part of the army, he was the only Northerner. He hoped not to encounter too many things that could irritate his nephew.
From the faces of those around him, it seemed unlikely to be easy, with Oberyn Martell being the only one smiling widely, seemingly enjoying how these people were digging their graves.
.
Open Sea
Aeron Greyjoy awaited the Northerners, commanding a fleet of one hundred ships, and his men were primed for battle, eager to flay the Northerners as they had always done. They were thrilled, knowing that after defeating these men, they would head north and ravish every woman they encountered.
He was particularly looking forward to depriving his brother of the chance to violate Ashara and Elia Martell, along with all the other women married to lords. He was already savoring the thought of having a woman submit to him until he grew bored of her.
Impatient, he anticipated the ships emerging from the fog, a constant for their northern incursions, but he knew it wouldn't happen this time. Without the fog, the North was nothing, and he was determined to prove that to everyone, to end their fear of mere fog.
The first ship, the Stark's, would have its head severed and shown to his sister before he violated her. Just imagining it, having her before him, he would turn her into his slave until he had had enough.
- "My lord, we haven't detected anything yet." - One of his subordinates reported, just before a noise caught everyone's attention.
Aeron turned toward the fog and felt something whiz past his head. Turning around, he saw the body of the subordinate who had been shot. The sail began to fall, and what they had anticipated came to pass—ships began emerging from the fog, and their courage vanished.
Harry's cold gaze said it all.
He had already ordered that Aeron Greyjoy be the only survivor; no one else was to be spared. The lords accompanying him, including his uncle, had tried to convince him to reconsider, but they had failed.
The orders were given, and the Persians and Vikings were ready.
A series of cannon shots rang out. The Greyjoys, thinking that their hundred ships made them superior, were utterly mistaken. The Northerners had only brought ten ships, confident that the Silent Mary alone could destroy the thousand ships the Greyjoys had built—row and sail ships, weak compared to the warships the Northerners had built during their years of peace.
Jones and Jack were also aboard the Silent Mary, waiting for orders to seek out their prey. Jack was eager to have some fun with Urrigon Greyjoy, while Jones sought revenge against Victarion, though he would have to wait a little longer, his neck would be renewed by him. They were just waiting for orders.
- "Find them." - Harry commanded, raising his wand. Lightning began to manifest, giving the situation an even more terrifying aspect. No one would escape. No ship bearing the Greyjoy banner would remain intact. Jones and Jack, upon receiving the orders, moved to their ships. - "Bring me Aeron Greyjoy."
Harry didn't need to shout like others would. His calm demeanor was frightening in its own way.
Persians and Vikings began boarding the Greyjoy ships as rain began to fall on the battlefield. The clash of swords echoed throughout, accompanied by the booming of cannons.
Harry wielded his wand like a conductor's baton, directing his orchestra of destruction.
The Greyjoys' courage evaporated; they were no longer fighting to crush the Northerners as they had planned but were now merely trying to survive. The superiority of the Persians and Vikings was overwhelming—two armies well-trained in advanced combat techniques of their time could not be compared to a group used to fighting in a completely different manner. The Vikings relied on brute strength, able to seize someone by the head and slam it into the ground. The Persians had agility and speed, were skilled with any weapon, and were even able to fight without them. Harry had implemented martial arts into his army, not just the Persians, turning this into a massacre rather than a war.
- "This is the power of the North." - Lady Mormont shouted, removing an ax from the head of one of the enemies she had slain. Like every Mormont, she had to be on the battlefield, and as the head of a house, she watched with pride at what was happening. All their efforts had borne fruit. She was so elated that she let her guard down, and if not for a Persian, she would likely have been attacked from behind.
- "My lady, please, do not let your guard down until all are dead." - Said a woman in a mask. The mask concealed her face but not her voice.
For a moment, Lady Mormont was thankful for the warning. Despite the liberation in her shout, she realized that they were not wolves like the Starks but bears who felt imprisoned in their own home. Now, they could finally experience freedom.
Benjen BlackStark went straight for the one person who could not be killed. It wasn't difficult to subdue him; he had also trained, not relying solely on the North's military strength. The training was tough, and adaptation was challenging, but the result was magnificent.
Unlike his brother, who merely intended to subdue his opponent, Benjen couldn't hold back. He disfigured Aeron's face, his hands covered in the man's blood. Aeron lay on the ground, and Benjen, though wanting to continue beating him, knew he had to follow his nephew's orders. Taking a deep breath to calm himself, the Black Wolf could not lose control, as his nickname was tied to his house and its emblem.
Benjen dragged Aeron's body to the Silent Mary where his nephew was waiting.
Aeron began to laugh, attempting to stand but failing. He looked at Benjen as if he had told a joke.
- "You call yourselves wolves but serve a Little Wolf." - Aeron taunted, smiling at Benjen. His words did not amuse Benjen, who glanced around to see that all of Aeron's men were dead, and those who had served him were about to meet the same fate. - "You're pathetic."
- "Those Little Wolf's men, as you call them, are destroying your fleet." - Benjen said, grabbing a mace and, without mercy, struck Aeron's head, making him fall to the ground. Benjen checked his pulse; Aeron was alive, which was fortunate because Benjen had hit him hard. Aeron deserved it. - "Winter has come… and it will not stop, Greyjoy."
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