Game of Thrones: The Road to Pirate King

Chapter 236 Reorganization and Deployment

Euron Greyjoy, without even convening a meeting to discuss the distribution of the enormous compensation of one million gold dragons, directly announced his plan: "The Iron Islands, sixty percent. Dorne, and Greenwood, two percent each."

This means that overnight, 600,000 gold dragons were deposited into the Iron Islands' treasury, and Prince Oberyn and Earl Paxter Redwin would each lead a fortune of 200,000 gold dragons back to their homeland.

Moreover, Euron explicitly stipulated that from then on, all trade revenues, customs duties, and other profits generated on the Steppes would be permanently distributed according to this "six-two-two" ratio.

Faced with this plan directly drawn up by the conquerors, Prince Oberyn of Dorne merely raised an eyebrow lazily, a predictable smile playing on his lips, and offered no objection. He knew all too well that in this new order, obtaining such a clearly defined share was already a generous reward, and Euron's "generosity" had a deeper meaning.

Lord Paxter Redwin of Greenwood Island reacted even more strongly. The distribution far exceeded his most optimistic expectations. He had originally thought that as a supporting force, he would be lucky to get a share, but Euron had been so generous.

Amidst his surprise and a touch of unease, Paxter Redwin stepped forward, his posture humble and sincere, his voice tinged with caution: "My lord, you have rendered outstanding service in this battle, and the Iron Islands have borne all the major risks and sacrifices. Our contribution to Greentree Island is limited—perhaps we should not receive such a generous share. We are willing to voluntarily reduce our share to ensure fairness."

This humble statement stems from the merchant family's precise calculation of risk and reward, and also reveals a deep-seated reverence for the new leader. He is willing to retreat strategically, sacrificing some immediate benefits in exchange for greater stability and trust in the long run.

Euron's gaze lingered on Parker's face for a moment upon hearing this, discerning the weight in his heart. He did not accept this "kindness," but simply shook his head slowly and firmly: "No need."

"Distribute them according to this ratio." Euron paused slightly, his gaze sweeping over the mountain of golden dragons as if looking towards a more distant future, and smiled as he added, "The days ahead are still long."

This is not only the final ruling on this allocation, but also a clear signal: Euron values ​​lasting cooperation and loyalty, rather than short-term gains or losses. This seemingly "generous" share is actually an investment in future value, binding his allies together.

Three months passed like the tide, enough time for a new order to take deep root in this once chaotic sea.

The Iron Islands Alliance's rule over the Steppes has transitioned steadily from a bloody conquest phase to a period of substantial control.

Trade routes were replanned, tariff laws were strictly enforced, and all transactions were conducted in an orderly manner under the watchful eye of the Black Sail. The once lawless land now flowed with a cold yet efficient order.

The changing of the seasons is beyond human control.

The northern air was quietly moving south, and the warmth in the sea breeze was gradually replaced by a biting chill, while the sky grew increasingly gray.

Winter is fast approaching.

Whether they were warriors from the Iron Islands, shrewd sailors from Greenwood Isle, or sand knights from Dorne, they had all been fighting and stationed in this foreign land for far too long. Homesickness and a sense of responsibility to their homeland prevented the key figures among them from leaving for long.

Prince Oberyn of Dorne cannot remain forever absent from the affairs of Sunspear and the deserts of Dorne; Paxter Redwyn, heir to the Isle of Greenwood, also needs to return to his family's castle to prepare for the coming winter trade; Balon, heir to the Iron Islands, even if he is enamored with the days of constant battle, must return to fulfill his duties.

The evacuation of some people became an inevitable choice.

Fleets began their final resupply and preparations, ready to carry their victorious soldiers and rich spoils of war on their return journey.

The massive coalition forces began an orderly withdrawal and troop rotation, transforming their initial imposing presence into pragmatic post-victory planning.

The warriors of the Iron Islands were the first to complete the reorganization.

Two thousand elite Ironborn arrived, but more than two hundred were lost in the naval battle. Now, Baron Greyjoy, the heir, is personally leading one thousand of them on a ship to return north. They will return to the Iron Islands with glory and spoils.

All the remaining Ironborn warriors were placed under the joint command of the experienced Balf Greyjoy, his son Floyd Greyjoy, and the valiant Dagmore. They remained stationed there, becoming the backbone of the force suppressing this sea.

Prince Oberyn of Dorne made similar arrangements. Half of his Dornish Sand Knights and Spearmen boarded the ships returning to Sunspear, while the other half, led by his most trusted generals, remained stationed at Bloodsail and other strategic locations to ensure the continuation of Dorne's influence there.

Earl Pexel Redwin of Green Pavilion Island embarked on his return journey, and a shrewd and reliable member of the Redwin family collateral branch was appointed as his representative to lead the remaining Green Pavilion Island sailors and soldiers to garrison Snake Fang Island, responsible for protecting the Redwin family's interests in the area.

Although the three main forces took half of their old troops with them, the defensive strength of the Stone Steps Islands was not weakened as a result.

In the preceding series of swift and decisive conquests and appeasements, a large number of surrendered pirates and new recruits who came seeking refuge had already continuously replenished the ranks. Their numbers not only completely filled the gap left by the evacuation, but even exceeded it.

A new flag flies over the new land, and a new legion, which combines bloodlines from all sides but is loyal to only one will, has taken shape.

The fleet was about to part ways, and the northward and southward routes converged at this moment.

To the surprise of some, Euron Greyjoy did not board the longship back to the Iron Islands, but instead chose to travel with Prince Oberyn Martell to the scorching Dorne.

His brother, Baron Greyjoy, was not surprised. Before parting, the hot-tempered Iron Islands heir walked up to his brother and patted Euron heavily on the shoulder with his rough, large hand.

Without many words, a tacit understanding flowed between the two. Then, Baron took a small box wrapped in thick sealskin from his pocket and placed it in Euron's hand.

"Take this with you." Baron's voice was still rough and hoarse, but it rarely revealed a hint of tenderness. "It's like—"

—A blessing.

The box was lined with soft velvet, and on it lay a set of exquisite jewelry—a necklace inscribed with ancient Iron Islands runes, and a pair of armlets carved with sea monsters and wave patterns.

Their designs are rugged yet their craftsmanship is exquisite, bearing the unique style of the Tiemin people. Every line carries ancient prayers from the drowning gods, praying for peace and strength.

Euron accepted the heavy gift, which was in the style of the Iron Islands, without refusing it, but gave his brother a deep look.

Baron said no more, turning and striding onto his ship. He understood his brother's choice; calculating the days, Elia Martell of Sunspear, Dorne—Oberyn's older sister—was nearing her due date. Inside were Euron's children, his own nephews and nieces, of the Greyjoy bloodline.

The following morning, before the mist had been completely dispelled by the sunlight, Euron Greyjoy and Prince Oberyn embarked on their journey away from Sunspear.

On the dock, Balf Grejoy stood watching with a complex expression as his nephew's ship slowly sailed away from the port.

Unbeknownst to anyone, beneath the deep blue waters behind Balf, a colossal and chilling shadow lurked silently, like a dragon guarding its treasure, faithfully patrolling the nearby seabed.

It was late at night before their departure that Euron came to the shore alone and, in some ancient and obscure way, summoned the terrifying sea monster—the "Giant Sea Spider." After an unspoken exchange of wills, this deep-sea behemoth, capable of annihilating an entire fleet, was given new instructions: from now on, it shall obey the commands of Balf Greyjoy.

Balf recalled the chilling scene from the previous night, and Euron's unwavering will when he handed over control to him. He rubbed his hands together and let out a low chuckle. Feeling the loyal and terrifying "guardian" in the sea beneath his feet, the seasoned pirate instantly straightened his back, a surge of unprecedented confidence filling his entire body.

With this behemoth here, guarding this newly conquered sea, he felt incredibly at ease.