Game of Thrones: The Road to Pirate King

Chapter 215 Limited Time Offer (Three Days)

When the latest battle reports from the Stone Steps Archipelago reached Sunspear City, Oberyn Martell was polishing his spear in the courtyard.

After reading the secret letter, a hint of surprise flashed in his narrow eyes: "The little sea monster's actions are astonishingly fast! It has already taken Blackrock Island, a full five days ahead of our expectations!" He chuckled and shook his head, "Crown of the Sea Bones? That's quite a gimmick."

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Prince Doran sat upright in the shade, his fingers lightly tapping the armrest of his wheelchair, a rare smile playing on his lips. "It seems I really am starting to take a liking to this lad." Sunlight filtered through the grapevines, casting dappled shadows on his wise face. "Perhaps you're right, his future will certainly not be limited to his identity as the second son of the Iron Islands."

Oberyn chuckled and tucked the parchment scroll into his pocket. "I must take this good news to my sister; she'll surely be delighted." As he turned, his copper-colored cloak drew a graceful arc, the Dornish sun gilding his departing figure with a golden edge.

Ashara soon learned from her close friend Arianne that Euron had arrived at the Stone Steps Islands. She gently put down her embroidery, a hint of confusion in her eyes: "Why didn't Euron come to Sunspear City first?"

'

Arianne raised an eyebrow mischievously, a playful smile curving her lips: "What? You've only been apart for a short while, and you're already missing that little sea monster?"

Asara didn't refute as usual, but simply smiled, her fingertips unconsciously rubbing the hem of her clothes: "I have been thinking about it." She looked out the window at the shimmering sea, her tone becoming pragmatic, "But more importantly, didn't Prince Oberon say he would fight alongside him? If the two armies join forces, casualties will definitely be reduced significantly."

Sunlight streamed through the window, casting a soft glow on Asara's serene profile. Her worries carried both the sentiments of a young girl and the strategic vision befitting her status as the heir to Starfall City.

Arianne twirled the latest intelligence report in her hand, her tone tinged with confusion: "The last report said they were still resupplying on Qingting Island. At normal speed, it would take at least three more days to reach the Stone Steps Archipelago." She leaned closer to Asara, her eyes gleaming with curiosity, "Who knows how your little sea monster did that? So fast—"

A gentle smile appeared on Asara's lips as she lightly twirled a strand of golden hair between her fingers: "Yes, he always manages to do something unexpected."

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Arianne suddenly remembered her aunt's increasingly obvious pregnant belly and snorted irritably, "It's really unexpected—unexpectedly infuriating!" The more she thought about it, the angrier she became, and she even clenched her fist. "If you ask me, just beating him up isn't enough; we should put his head on that 'Crown of the Sea Bones' too!"

Asara immediately reached out and pinched her hard, scolding, "Don't talk nonsense! Do you want me to become a widow before I'm even married?" Sunlight streamed through the window, illuminating the blush of embarrassment and anger on her face, while her eyes held an undisguised worry.

Ilya gently took the intelligence scroll handed to her by Oberon, her gaze sweeping over the text recording the battle results. She couldn't help but sigh softly, "Isn't this a bit too hasty? The waters around the Stone Steps Islands can't be completely conquered with just a few victories."

Oberyn smiled faintly, the Dornish sunlight dancing on his bronze skin. "No need to worry about that little sea monster." He leaned lazily against the porch. "His thoughts are far more profound than most people's. For every problem you can think of, he has already devised at least three solutions."

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The copper-colored spear twirled gracefully in his hand: "Even the strategies and escape routes after failure have probably been rehearsed countless times in that head."

He straightened up, his cloak billowing in the hot desert wind: "Now that he's made his move, it's time for me, his uncle, to set off too." A sharp glint flashed in Oberon's eyes. "You can rest here and wait for our good news."

I will definitely fight for my future nephew a glorious title worthy of his bloodline.

6C

Euron ordered the Ironborn to drag a drunken pirate from a tavern on a nearby island—this man was a member of the Pirate League.

The pirate was forcibly pressed onto the blood-stained beach. The pungent smell of blood and the terrifying mound of skulls instantly sobered him up. He trembled violently and dared not look up at the "Crown of Sea Bones" made of skulls.

Euron indifferently tossed a gold dragon coin in front of him. The coin rolled among the dark red sand, finally settling beside his trembling hand. "Deliver this letter to your leader," Euron's voice was as cold as ice scraping across the coast, "and that is your reward."

The pirate, trembling, picked up the golden dragon stained with sand and blood, then grabbed the letter sealed with tar and coated with golden sea monster wax, and scrambled away from the death-stricken coast. The letter in his arms felt like a branding iron, and every step felt like walking on burning coals.

As night fell, darkening the sky, Euron's handwritten letter was nervously presented to the Pirate King of the Pirate Alliance.

On the rough parchment, the handwriting was as sharp as if carved with a knife and axe: "Hand over the master of Skull Island to me personally, and offer an apology! You have three days, or I will annihilate you!"

There was no signature, no mark, only an overwhelming murderous intent that was as chilling as a physical presence.

The candlelight flickered in the suddenly contracting pupils of the pirate king of the pirate alliance, as if he too trembled in shock at the brief threat.

The sea breeze howled past the window, carrying the bloody scent of the distant "Crown of the Sea Bones," transforming that seemingly insignificant threat into a crushing weight, pressing heavily on the hearts of everyone who saw it.

Edwin Ramirez, the pirate captain who recently joined the alliance, stroked his beard and smiled mysteriously: "My friend, you still love to surprise us..."

Inside the Red Keep of King's Landing, the atmosphere at the King's Council was as heavy as iron.

Lord Naval Commander Luthris Valerian reported the latest intelligence in a clear and restrained voice: "The 'Ice and Fire Merchant Guild' ships of the Iron Islands have been hijacked. Euron Greyjoy is personally leading twenty longships and two thousand Ironborn on an advance towards the Stepstone Islands. Yesterday's battle report stated that they have captured Blackrock Island and built a landscape called 'Crown of the Sea' using pirate skulls."

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King Iris II's fingers tapped nervously on the armrest of the Iron Throne, its sharp steel blades seeming ready to slash anyone who touched it. "That little Ironborn," the king's voice was hoarse like a broken gong, "is stirring up trouble again. Last time it was Green Pavilion Island, this time it's the Stone Steps Archipelago." He suddenly leaned forward, his gaunt face appearing particularly menacing in the shadows: "Tell me, is the merchant ship hijacking true or false? Or is it a carefully orchestrated drama?"

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The courtiers exchanged cautious glances, none daring to speak. Only the candlelight crackled in the silence, as if echoing the king's suspicions.

Varys's voice slid through the tense air like silk: "Whether it's true or false is no longer relevant or important. What matters is that the Iron Islands clearly harbor ambitions to occupy the Steppes."

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King Aerys II bared his teeth and asked like an enraged beast, "Lucris Valerian, while their main force is on a campaign to the Stone Steps, what would happen if the royal fleet launched a surprise attack on the Iron Islands right now?"

'

Luthris Valerian maintained the composure of a naval commander: "Your Majesty, this move is likely to be unjustified and will be criticized by the Seven Kingdoms."

"No just cause?!" King Aerys II abruptly rose from the Iron Throne, the sharp edge of the chair tearing his sleeve. "Have they paid their taxes? Have they given their provisions? We have sent out decrees to the seven kingdoms, and so far only Highgarden has responded!" The king's voice trembled with rage. "Isn't disobeying the king's orders the best justification for launching a campaign?" The candlelight flickered violently in the throne room, casting the king's distorted figure onto the stone wall, like a raging dragon about to break free of its restraints.

Lusris Valery paused for a moment, his voice as deep and steady as a still pool: "Winter is coming. The main force of our fleet has gone to Braavos to purchase food, and our current reserves are insufficient to sustain a war." He raised his eyes and continued, "Although the Iron Islands have launched an expedition to the Steppes, they have only sent two thousand men; their main fleet remains stationed on the islands. The odds are at most fifty-fifty, and we must also guard against other forces taking advantage of the situation."

Aerys II slammed his fist on the armrest of the throne in a rage: "What use are you?! A mere Iron Islands—"

'

Varys interjected softly, his voice like a viper's hiss: "Why is Your Majesty in such a hurry? The Stepstone Islands have always been a huge quagmire. If the Iron Islands truly dare to attempt to conquer them in one fell swoop, they will surely taste the might of the Three Daughters Kingdom." His slender fingers interlaced lightly. "Even Prince Damon Targaryen failed back then; their fate will only be worse. Wouldn't it be much easier for us to take over then?"

Iris II snorted coldly, but a calculating glint flashed in his eyes: "They got off too easily. Fine, keep a close eye on them for now, sooner or later—" The unfinished words echoed in the throne room, carrying with them an unfulfilled threat and madness.

The flickering candlelight cast a long shadow over the Iron Throne, making it appear like a beast poised to pounce.

On the vast ocean, the Redwin family's fleet is cutting through the waves.

Parker Redwin stood on the deck of the flagship, the Golden Rose, having just received an urgent message from Raven.

When he unfolded the small parchment, his usually composed face was instantly filled with disbelief. His fingers unconsciously tightened, almost crushing the thin, brittle paper: "How is this possible—" he muttered to himself, looking at it three more times to confirm.

The sea breeze ruffled his dark green cloak, but it couldn't dispel the shock in his heart.

Not only had the Iron Islands reached the Steps Islands, but they had also captured Blackrock Island in such a short time! This news came like a tidal wave, catching him completely off guard.

He gazed at the distant horizon, as if he could see the sea burning. After a long while, Earl Parker finally let out a slow breath and said to his adjutant beside him, "Order the entire army to accelerate their advance."

Seagulls circled and cried out at the bow, as if they too were exclaiming in surprise at this astonishing news.