Night had fallen, but the fires lit up the chambers well enough for Daenerys Targaryen to see her allies. Lady Olenna, the last surviving Tyrell, sat at the far end of the table, exhausted enough to sleep any moment. Beside her sat Ellaria Sand, very much awake, with slits for eyes. Theon and Yara Greyjoy sat opposite the pair, looking the least seasick of the Dragon Council. Beside them was Varys the Spider, papers in his hand, eager to disclose their contents. Grey Worm guarded the door. Closest to Dany was her handmaiden Missandei and her Hand the Imp, Tyrion Lannister. The rocking ship had quenched his lust for wine. For now.
Before Varys could speak, Yara interjected. “We are almost approaching the Iron Islands, Your Grace. I thank you for holding your end of the bargain.”
Daenerys could hear the blood pumping through her. This would be her first test in Westeros, the measure on which her legacy would be judged. Dany found herself more impatient than nervous, and she knew the reason why. They were the three giant-winged creatures sailing above the ship, hungry for fire, hungry for blood. She was the Mother of Dragons, but no Westerosi outside those in this chamber knew that. They would find out soon enough… starting with the ironborn.
She turned to Grey Worm. “Have arrangements been made for battle?”
Before Grey Worm answered, it was the Spider’s turn to interject. “They have not, Your Grace.”
Dany’s eyes narrowed. “Not?”
“It is why I called for the Dragon Council. I have heard news that Euron Greyjoy has left Pyke with his ships. The islands are unarmed, defenseless and ripe for capture.”
Yara was surprised. “Why would Euron do such a thing? Why does he not wish to fight for his people?”
Tyrion Lannister chuckled. “My sweet sister Cersei does it again. This war will be easier than I thought.”
Varys chimed in. “Tyrion is quite right, Your Grace. Euron has openly sided with Cersei Lannister and, for tactical reasons, moved his men to another location, before your dragons could lay waste to them. I do not know where for certain.”
Dany was puzzled. “But where could they go?”
Tyrion’s eyes locked hers. “Oh, I have a pretty good guess.”
*
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