The Bronze Dragon-A House of the Dragon fanfic

Chapter 51

My father at this stage had won the war in the Vale. The fall of Newkeep and Grey Glen had resulted in the last houses of the Vale falling under his control, apart from those based on the Three Sisters, that is. It was now that he began building towards his next plan, which would end up leading to the most severe setback the Bronzes would suffer in the war.

He was counselled against it by everyone, and perhaps the death of Ser Gerold played too much with his mind. Regardless, there can be no excuse for my father discarding the advice of men vastly more experienced in war than he.

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The Eyrie

The Bronzes' high-ranking commanders were all there for the planning of the next stage of the war. It had taken months, but the Vale had finally fallen under the control of Daevar, and they could begin striking out and bringing the fight to the enemy. Most had counselled a march into the Riverlands, but Daevar had his eye set on a much greater prize. A map had been spread out on a table in Lady Jeyne's solar, and his eye couldn;t leave one target.

"Claw Isle." He said, tapping it. "We have captured enough ships to do it. We can transport a force there, take it, and threaten Dragonstone directly."

Kermit, peering at the map, spotted the problem straight away. "We'd be heading right into the mouth of the Velaryon fleet. Daeron's still trying to pacify the Three Sisters as well, so we won't have him and Tessarion behind us."

"We can do it without them." Daevar said. "We have won victory after victory against a vastly more seasoned enemy in the Vale. The second Rhaenyra comes under direct threat, she'll sue for peace."

"She can't, Daevar." Jeyne said. "If she does, she'd lose face in the eyes of her supporters." She added. She had been in this situation before, and backing down to Arnold's incessant threats would have made it impossible for her to take back her title even if she had any supporters left.

"Then we strike at Dragonstone. Simple as that." Daevar shrugged. "We have defeated Ser Eldric on his own soil. The morale of our men is sky-high, and we have revenge on our side as well." He said. Rhaenyra would pay dearly for Gerold's death; her desire to fight a war had led to his mentor and father figure dying, so it was only fair he repaid the debt somehow.

"You're putting too much stock in our men." Lord Redfort said. "Their morale may be high, but we barely have enough warships to escort a trade convoy, much less mount an invasion." He turned to Daevar. "Most of the ships we captured at Gulltown are merchant vessels. They're not suited to war."

"Then we'll make them suited for war." Daevar said resolutely. Surely such a project could be completed in a quick time, right? It wasn;t like they were building a fleet from scratch. Besides, the chances that Rhaenyra would foresee this attack happening were minimal at best.

"It would be ruinous on our finances, Your Grace." Isembard said. He had come up from Gulltown to inform Daevar on how he was keeping the economy afloat while they were at war. "As it is, we are already taxing most of the commoners quite heavily, and my own trade network has suffered badly." He smiled that thin, lipless smile that had become characteristic of the man. "A rather unfortunate development, seeing as I am invested in your victory. Quite literally, seeing as it is my coin that is funding this war."

"You've survived this long on your fortune, Isembard." Jeyne replied. "You can survive longer."

"I can feel your love for me radiating off of you, cousin." He replied.

"Enough!" Daevar snapped. "Rhaenyra is reeling after Rook's Rest, and she will pay for the death of Ser Gerold. We will be striking at Claw Isle and we will win!" he slammed his fist on the table. "If you are not ready to march, then I will leave without you." He snapped. Kermit leaned back, slightly in shock as Daevar stormed out.