Illyrio: Tactical Planning and Pre-Battle Deployment on the Flagship
The morning mist over Blackwater Bay had not yet dispersed. Lord Illyrio stood on the deck of the "Sea Fury" (Daenerys's alliance flagship, originally belonging to the Dragonstone navy, modified by Tyrion with fireproof planks), his fingertip tracing the red and blue markers on the parchment map—red representing Euron's fleet (40 warships, including 10 giant warships), blue representing the alliance fleet (25 modified warships + Yara's 10 Iron Islands longships).
"Grey Worm, how are the pressure tests for the fireproof spray nozzles?" Lord Illyrio turned to the Unsullied commander behind him. Grey Worm was bent over, inspecting the metal nozzles on both sides of the deck—these nozzles were crafted from the associated metals of dragonglass veins and could spray fire oil mixed with dragonglass powder, with a range of ten zhang, specifically designed to counter Euron's wildfire crossbow bolts.
"Reporting, Lord Illyrio, all nozzles have normal pressure. Each warship is equipped with three spare fire oil tanks, enough to sustain half an hour of continuous spraying," Grey Worm's voice was steady, his fingertip gently turning a valve on a nozzle. The metallic friction sound was exceptionally clear in the morning mist. "The Unsullied are all in position. Each warship has twenty fire oil operators and ten dragonglass archers."
Lord Illyrio nodded, his gaze sweeping towards the distant horizon—the black masts of Euron's fleet were vaguely visible in the mist, like a row of menacing fangs. He pulled out a pocket watch from his In my arms (a precise instrument gifted by a Maester from The Citadel, used to calculate tides). The dial's hands pointed to chen shi san ke (around 8:45 AM): "The tide will reach its highest point in another hour. Yara's Iron Islands longships are skilled at shallow-water surprise attacks. Have her lead her team to the shallows on the west side of Euron's fleet. After we engage them head-on, she will cut off their retreat from the flank."
Tyrion, leaning on his cane, coughed twice beside him—he had stayed up late in the cabin last night to refine the tactics, and his eyes still showed faint dark circles. "Euron's giant warships have a deep draft and cannot navigate the shallows, which is perfect for Yara's longships to exploit their advantage," Tyrion tapped the shallow-water marker on the map with his cane. "But she needs to be warned that Euron has installed 'chain saws' (crafted from black iron provided by Qyburn, capable of cutting off longship oars) on both sides of his warships. She must destroy the chain saws before approaching."
Lord Illyrio immediately sent a raven to inform Yara, then ascended the lookout tower—through the telescope, Euron's flagship, the "Iron Claw," was particularly conspicuous. Its sails bore drawings of black crows and skulls, and a string of dried human heads hung from the masthead, reportedly Iron Islands nobles who had resisted Euron, according to scout reports.
"Lord Illyrio! Queen Daenerys's dragons are here!" The lookout's shout came from the top of the tower. Lord Illyrio looked up and saw Drogon and Rhaegal emerge from the clouds. Their bronze and amber scales gleamed with a metallic luster in the morning light. The roar of the dragons echoed across the bay, making the ropes on the deck tremble slightly.
Daenerys, riding Drogon, landed beside the mast of the "Sea Fury." She wore a black leather combat suit, a dragonblood jade belt around her waist, and her silver-white hair was blown against her cheeks by the sea breeze: "Illyrio, Euron's fleet is making a move. Their wildfire crossbows are already strung, it seems they intend to attack proactively."
"Perfect, our tactic is to lure the enemy deep," Lord Illyrio unfurled the map, pointing to the reef area in front of Euron's fleet (marked with buoys by scouts last night). "Have the five vanguard warships feign a retreat, drawing Euron's giant warships into the reef area. Their deep draft means that once they hit a reef, their maneuverability will be severely compromised."
Daenerys nodded, patting Drogon's neck. The giant dragon let out a low rumble in response: "I will have Rhaegal support the vanguard, igniting their sails with dragonflame to attract attention; Drogon will be responsible for suppressing the crossbow positions on the 'Iron Claw,' preventing them from firing wildfire projectiles."
The morning mist gradually dispersed, and the outline of Euron's fleet became clearer. The Golden Company soldiers on deck (wearing red uniforms and carrying spears) began to stir. The tips of the wildfire crossbow bolts glowed with an eerie green light in the sunlight. Lord Illyrio descended the lookout tower, drew the dragonglass short-blade from his waist, and pointed it in the direction of Euron's fleet: "All hands to battle stations! Let Euron know that Blackwater Bay is not his hunting ground!"
Yara: Preparing for Revenge on the Iron Islands Longships
Yara stood on the deck of the "Wavebreaker" (her flagship, with the Iron Islands kraken totem carved on its bow), her fingers tracing the knife marks on the ship's hull—these were left three years ago during the battle with her fleet when Euron usurped the Iron Islands throne. Tiny iron shards were still embedded in the marks, like a scar that would never heal.
"Chief, Lord Illyrio's orders have arrived!" A squire handed her a rolled parchment. Yara unrolled it, her eyes quickly scanning the words "destroy chain saws" and "flank attack." A cold smile played on her lips. She looked up at the Iron Islands warriors behind her—these were all old subordinates who had followed her father, Balon Greyjoy. Disgusted by Euron's cruelty, they had secretly gathered on a small island near Pyke after she fled the Iron Islands, awaiting an opportunity for revenge.
"Brothers, do you remember how Euron killed our kin and stole our homes?" Yara's voice, carried by the sea breeze, had a metallic quality. The warriors raised their battle-axes, their shouts echoing among the longships. "Today, we will make him pay! Blackwater Bay will be his grave!"
She gestured for the warriors to prepare—the advantage of the Iron Islands longships lay in their flexibility. The oars, controlled by four strong warriors simultaneously, allowed for quick turns in shallow waters. "Spear-throwers" (made of animal sinews, capable of launching dragonglass spears fifteen zhang) were mounted on both sides of the deck, specifically designed to destroy enemy defenses.
"Chief, Euron's vanguard warships are moving!" The lookout shouted. Yara looked in the direction he pointed, where three giant warships were charging towards the alliance fleet's vanguard. The chain saws on their sides rotated at high speed, splashing water that shimmered white in the sunlight.
"Circle to the shallows! Don't engage them head-on!" Yara ordered. The longship formation quickly turned, the sound of oars cutting through the water exceptionally clear in the shallows. She pulled a horn (a relic left by her father) from her In my arms, put it to her lips, and blew—a low horn call pierced the bay, a signal to the alliance fleet that "the flank is in position."
As the longships entered the shallows, the water gradually became shallower, revealing the reefs at the bottom. Yara bent down, retrieved a dragonglass dagger (a gift from Lord Illyrio, its blade quenched in dragonblood) from a hidden compartment beneath the deck, and tucked it into her boot: "When we get close to Euron's warships, first use the spear-throwers to destroy the chain saws, then send boarding parties up to kill those Golden Company bastards!"
The warriors cheered in unison, their battle-axes glinting in the sunlight. Yara looked towards the distant alliance fleet. Orange-red flames were already burning in the morning mist—that was Rhaegal's dragonflame. The battle had begun. She gripped the horn, with only one thought in her mind: to avenge her father and reclaim freedom for the Iron Islands.
Daenerys: Aerial Suppression and dragonflame Coordination from Dragonback
Drogon's wings skimmed the sea, and the salty sea breeze hit Daenerys's face. She lay on Drogon's neck, her hands tightly gripping the reins—the alliance vanguard warships below were retreating as planned, and Euron's three giant warships had indeed fallen for the trap, dragging their heavy hulls into the reef area.
"Rhaegal, left flank!" Daenerys shouted into the air. The amber-scaled Rhaegal immediately understood, flapping his wings and diving towards the leftmost giant warship. Orange-red dragonflame poured like a waterfall onto its sails. The canvas instantly burst into flames, thick smoke billowing and obscuring the warship's vision. The Golden Company soldiers on board ran around in a panic, some even falling into the sea, swallowed by the icy water.
Drogon, meanwhile, flew towards Euron's flagship, the "Iron Claw," his dragonflame directly hitting the wildfire crossbow positions on the deck—before the crossbowmen could even fire, they were burned by the dragonflame, screaming in agony. The wildfire crossbow bolts piled together, ignited by the flames, emitting crackling explosions. Fragments flew, blasting deep craters into the deck.
"Daenerys! You bitch!" Euron's roar came from the masthead of the "Iron Claw." He wore black leather armor, a giant axe in his hand, its blade stained with dried blood. "I will skin your dragons alive and hang your head on the gates of King's Landing!"
Daenerys ignored his taunts, patting Drogon's neck. The giant dragon sharply ascended, dodging a giant wildfire projectile launched by the "Iron Claw"—this was a weapon specially made for Euron by Qyburn, its body three times larger than a normal wildfire jar, with an explosion radius of twenty zhang. The wildfire projectile landed in the sea, creating a massive pillar of fire. The seawater boiled, emitting white steam.
"Illyrio's signal!" Daenerys saw a green signal flag rise from the deck of the "Sea Fury"—this was the command for "frontal assault." She immediately had Drogon turn, and his dragonflame swept across the "Iron Claw"'s rudder again. The metal rudder wheel glowed red-hot, losing control, and the "Iron Claw" began to spin in the sea, like an out-of-control behemoth.
Rhaegal, meanwhile, coordinated with the alliance warships' fireproof spray nozzles. The dragonflame and fire oil spray formed a double wall of fire, trapping Euron's other two giant warships in the middle. The Golden Company soldiers on board tried to jump into the sea to escape, but were shot down one by one by the alliance's dragonglass archers. The seawater turned dark red, and floating corpses and burning wood chips swirled on the surface.
Daenerys looked down towards the shallows—Yara's Iron Islands longships had begun their action. The dragonglass spears fired by the spear-throwers accurately destroyed the chain saws on Euron's warships. The longships cut into Euron's flank like sharp swords. The Iron Islands warriors, wielding their battle-axes, boarded the enemy warships. Shouts of battle and the clang of metal carried across the sea.
Euron: Mad Counterattack and Rout on the Iron Claw
Euron stood on the deck of the "Iron Claw," watching his fleet descend into chaos, his eyes filled with furious madness. He violently drew the dagger from his waist and stabbed it towards Harry Strickland, the Golden Company commander beside him—the dagger pierced Strickland's throat, and blood splattered on Euron's face.
"Useless! You can't even defeat a bunch of women and Unsullied!" Euron's roar carried the scent of blood. He kicked away Strickland's corpse, grabbed a wildfire crossbow bolt, and personally aimed it at Drogon in the sky. The moment the crossbow bolt was fired, Daenerys had Drogon move sideways to dodge. The bolt grazed his scales, flew past, and landed in the sea, igniting a ball of green flame.
"Throw out all the wildfire bombs! Even if we burn the entire Blackwater Bay, we must destroy their fleet!" Euron yelled at his crew. Several trembling crewmen were kicked into the sea by him, and the rest had no choice but to carry wildfire bombs and throw them towards the alliance fleet.
wildfire bombs exploded around the alliance warships, green flames shot up dozens of feet high. The starboard side of the "Sea Fury" deck was affected by the flames; although the fireproof planks blocked the fire, they were scorched black. Lord Illyrio stood on the deck, directing the Unsullied to extinguish the remaining fires with fire extinguishing buckets (containing seawater mixed with dragonglass powder), while also ordering the fire-suppression nozzles to spray at full power, suppressing Euron's wildfire offensive.
"Leader! Yara's longship has gone around behind us!" A crewman shouted in panic. Euron turned around and saw that the bow of the Iron Islands longship had already crashed into the stern of the "Iron Claw". Yara, holding a battle-axe, was the first to jump onto the deck. Her battle-axe split open the head of a Golden Company soldier, and blood splattered on her black leather armor.
"Euron! Your time has come!" Yara's roar echoed on the deck. Iron Islands warriors jumped onto the "Iron Claw" one after another, engaging in a fierce battle with the Golden Company soldiers. Euron swung his great axe at Yara. Yara dodged to the side, and the battle-axe struck the deck, leaving a deep crack.
Just as the two were entangled in combat, Drogon suddenly swooped down. His dragonflame swept across the mast of the "Iron Claw". The mast collapsed with a crash, smashing onto the deck and crushing more than a dozen soldiers. Euron was grazed by fragments of the mast, and blood flowed from his left arm. He looked at the increasing number of alliance soldiers around him, a hint of fear flashing in his eyes—he knew he had lost.
"Retreat! Back to King's Landing!" Euron suddenly shouted, pushing aside the soldiers next to him and running towards a spare small boat. Several loyal crewmen followed him into the small boat, paddling towards King's Landing to escape. The remaining Golden Company soldiers, seeing their leader flee, immediately lost their fighting spirit. Some dropped their weapons and surrendered, while others jumped into the sea to try to escape, only to be shot dead by the alliance archers.
[Lord Illyrio: Post-Battle Cleanup and Prelude to King's Landing]
The battle lasted for an hour. When the last of Euron's warships was ignited by dragonflame, the surface of Blackwater Bay was covered in flames and thick smoke. Lord Illyrio stood on the deck of the "Sea Fury," watching the soldiers clear the battlefield—the Unsullied used long hooks to pull floating bodies onto the ships, while Iron Islands warriors collected scattered weapons and supplies. Yara's "Wavebreaker" was sailing towards the "Sea Fury," with blood still on the kraken totem at its bow.
"Lord Illyrio, the alliance fleet lost three warships and suffered over two hundred casualties; Euron's fleet had twenty-five ships destroyed, ten captured, and the remaining five escaped to King's Landing with Euron. The Golden Company's remnants number about five hundred." Grey Worm held the casualty report, his voice tinged with fatigue. "Leader Yara's longships lost two, with over fifty casualties."
Lord Illyrio nodded, his gaze sweeping over the wreckage on the sea—the burning warships were still emitting thick smoke, and the smell of dragonglass fire oil mixed with the scent of blood was nauseating. He pulled a water skin from his Huai, took a sip, and only then did the dryness in his throat ease: "Have the medics immediately treat the wounded, and repair the damaged warships as quickly as possible. We will set off early tomorrow morning and lay siege to King's Landing."
Tyrion, leaning on his cane, walked over to Lord Illyrio, looking towards King's Landing in the distance—the outline of the Red Keep was faintly visible in the mist. "Euron will definitely seek help from Cersei once he returns. Qyburn might help him repair his warships. We must take King's Landing as quickly as possible and not give them a chance to breathe," Tyrion said seriously. "Also, the intelligence Jaime previously obtained about the Red Keep's dungeons needs to be sent to Arya and Blackfish as soon as possible, so they can cooperate with us by land and cut off King's Landing's supply lines."
Lord Illyrio immediately had the intelligence sent by raven, then boarded the "Wavebreaker"—Yara was standing on the deck, wiping blood from her battle-axe. "Congratulations, Yara, you have avenged the Iron Islands." Lord Illyrio extended his hand. Yara grasped his hand, her calloused palm touching his fingertips, carrying the warmth of battle.
"This is just the beginning." Yara's eyes flashed with determination. "Once we take King's Landing, I will return to the Iron Islands to completely eliminate Euron's remaining forces and make the Iron Islands a home for free people again." She paused, looking at Drogon and Rhaegal circling in the air. "Queen Daenerys's dragons are key to our victory. The upcoming battle for King's Landing will still need their help."
Lord Illyrio nodded, looking up at the sky—Daenerys, riding Drogon, was flying towards the "Wavebreaker". Sunlight streamed through the clouds onto her, her silver-white hair gleaming golden, like a queen from a myth. He knew that the victory at Blackwater Bay was just the beginning; the real battle awaited them in the Red Keep of King's Landing.
[Daenerys: Overlooking King's Landing from Dragonback and Strategic Deployment]
Drogon's wings slowly descended onto the deck of the "Sea Fury". Daenerys dismounted, and as her feet touched the ground, she saw Lord Illyrio and Tyrion approaching. She rubbed Drogon's neck, and the giant dragon let out a gentle growl, resting his head on her shoulder—during the previous battle, his left wing had been grazed by a wildfire bomb, and faint traces of blood seeped from beneath his scales.
"Is Drogon alright?" Lord Illyrio stepped forward, his fingers gently caressing Drogon's wound. The warmth of dragonblood permeated through the scales, carrying a hint of heat. Daenerys shook her head, pulling a small bottle from her Huai (a healing ointment prepared by a Maester of The Citadel, mixed with dragonglass powder) and applying it to Drogon's wound: "It's just a superficial wound; he'll recover after a night's rest. Rhaegal is clearing the remaining warships behind us and will be back soon."
The three walked into the ship's cabin, where a map of King's Landing was already laid out on the table—the location of the Red Keep was marked with a red circle, surrounded by annotations of Euron's remaining warship anchorages and the Golden Company's defensive positions. "Jaime sent word that the Red Keep's wildfire caches are mainly hidden in the Black Cells of the dungeon. Qyburn's personal guard consists of fifty men, all modified by dark magic, and can only be harmed by dragonglass or valyrian steel," Lord Illyrio said, pointing to the location of the Black Cells on the map. "Arya and Blackfish's forces have already arrived in the forest west of King's Landing and will be able to cut off King's Landing's food supply lines tomorrow."
Daenerys nodded, her finger gently tracing the gates of the Red Keep: "We will divide into three routes: one led by Grey Worm with the Unsullied, attacking the Red Keep's main gate from the front to draw Cersei's attention; another led by Yara with the Iron Islands warriors, landing from Blackwater Bay to attack the Red Keep's waterfront, where King's Landing's food warehouses are located; and Illyrio and I will lead the elite to enter the Black Cells through the secret passage Jaime mentioned, destroy the wildfire caches, and prevent Cersei from detonating the entire city."
Tyrion added: "Most of King's Landing's common people oppose Cersei. We can send people to shout before the siege, telling them about Cersei's wildfire plan, to gain the support of the common people—as long as the common people rise in rebellion, Cersei's defenses will crumble on their own."
Daenerys agreed with Tyrion's suggestion, then walked to the cabin window, looking out at the gradually darkening sea—the burning warships were still glowing faintly, like fallen stars. She thought of her days on Dragonstone, of Viserys's death, and of those who sacrificed themselves to protect their homes, her heart growing more resolute: "Tomorrow, we will end Cersei's reign, restore freedom to the common people of King's Landing, and bring an end to war in Westeros."
Lord Illyrio and Tyrion looked at Daenerys's back, their eyes filled with admiration—this queen from the East had brought not only dragons but also hope. Outside the cabin, Rhaegal's dragon roar was heard; he had finished clearing the battlefield and was flying towards the "Sea Fury". Daenerys turned, a determined smile on her face: "Get ready, tomorrow, we take King's Landing!"
[Yara: Iron Islands Longships' Night Voyage and Vow of Vengeance]
Night fell, and Yara's "Wavebreaker" anchored in the shallows of Blackwater Bay. A bonfire gradually lit up on the deck, and Iron Islands warriors sat around it, drinking ale and cleaning their weapons. Yara sat at the bow, holding her father Balon's old battle-axe. Moonlight shone on the axe blade, casting a cold gleam.
"Leader, Euron escaped back to King's Landing, should we pursue him?" an old warrior asked. He was a veteran who had followed Balon in battle, with a long saber scar on his face, left from a battle with the Lannister.
Yara shook her head, her gaze fixed on King's Landing: "If we pursue him now, we will only alert them. Lord Illyrio's plan is very thorough. When we attack tomorrow, we will assault from the waterfront, which is Euron's weak point—his remaining warships are all anchored at the waterfront. We can ram them with our longships and cut off his retreat."
The old warrior nodded, handing Yara a cup of ale: "Leader, Lord Balon would be very proud if he knew of our victory today." Yara took the ale and drank a sip. The spicy liquid flowed down her throat, reminding her of her childhood, when her father taught her how to row and use a battle-axe.
"Father always wanted the Iron Islands to be a free land, free from King's Landing's control." Yara's voice was tinged with a choke. "Tomorrow, not only will we help Daenerys take King's Landing, but we will also make Euron pay for his crimes, and let the people of the Iron Islands know that the Greyjoy family's honor is not built on slaughter and betrayal, but on protection and courage."
The warriors raised their cups and shouted, "For the Iron Islands! For freedom!" Their voices echoed in the night, contrasting with the bonfires of the alliance fleet in the distance. Yara looked at the warriors around her, her heart filled with determination—tomorrow, she would personally kill Euron, avenge her father, and reclaim the lost honor of the Iron Islands.
Under the moonlight, the Iron Islands longships, like black sharp swords, lay quietly anchored in the shallows, awaiting the dawn. Yara knew that tomorrow's battle would be difficult, but she was no longer alone—she had loyal warriors, the support of the alliance, and the determination for revenge. These were enough for her to defeat any enemy.