[Renly's POV]
When he heard of his brother's demise and Edric's return, Lord Corbray had arrived quite hastily, although not quite quick enough. Why the rush? One could only imagine that it was the inheritance of his family's prized Valyrian steel sword... the sword that had been denied to him. It seemed unfortunate he'd be rejected again.
"Well, Lady Forlorn cannot be returned at the moment as His Grace seems to have taken it with him..." Renly stroked his chin. "I am certain he will have it sent to you once he returns from this campaign."
"That's... thievery... tyranny!"
"Don't throw these accusing words around, Lord Corbray. His Grace would not steal from his subjects. I'd say he is borrowing it for a good reason. The sword wouldn't see much combat in your hands, regardless, would it? Be patient... and it will be returned to you, I promise you."
"..." His expression relaxed slightly. "Very well... but I wish to be compensated for this delay."
"I'm sure His Grace will see to it."
Renly smiled reassuringly.
...
Edric's adventures never ceased to worry the Lord Regent... but this was his most daring campaign yet. Sailing away with eighteen thousand men on a bid to challenge the colossal slave trade of the East. The journey would end at Volantis for most, but Edric was one for accomplishing the impossible.
When news came that Lys, Volantis and the Golden Company had all united and ambushed his forces at the Orange Shore... it seemed like all of this was a mistake. They didn't simply wish to defeat Edric, they wanted to eradicate him. Then news of the heroic victory came, where the Royal Armada had withstood the onslaught and eventually scattered their foes from all directions.
Word from Lys spread of a warrior of ice who simply could not be passed. A devilish Kraken larger than cities, which Edric had conquered. The Kingsguard all earned great fame, namely Ser Arthur, who led the royal forces to victory and even challenged a dragon to combat - making it avoid him from fear.
It all sounded like a page from a myth.
"Shall we answer their call to war?" Renly inquired of the Small Council. "Lys is a foe that is rather close to our borders."
"That will be difficult to do as His Grace has taken two of the largest fleets in the kingdoms," Paxton Redwyne replied. "The Redwyne fleet remains as the only notable fleet to be called upon..."
"That ambush was treacherous. They declared war just as Edric left the city, leaving him unaware..." Stannis said, frowning. "I will not sit idly while these vermin take a stab at my nephew and King in the back. The Lannister fleet, the Redwyne fleet, the Martell fleet, the ships from the lords of the Shield Islands, Oldtown... I call upon every ship under the rule of the Iron Throne to bring the war to Lys."
"Surely a bit hasty, brother?" Renly raised an eyebrow. "Edric would surely avenge his own losses in due time. Instead of taking a Free City, which could very well lead to even more of them involving themselves, we should protect our borders and prevent them from trading through the Stepstones."
"The Iron Throne's strength does not lie in Edric alone. His might is unlike any other; that may well be true, but we are not helpless and weak without him. The lords of the Realm have made their vows and oaths. It is time to see their worth," Stannis said in an unforgiving tone. "And should more Free Cities gather to reinforce their neighbouring slavers... we shall cut them down as well."
"... Matter of fact, Myr and Tyrosh may jump at the opportunity to put Lys in its place," Maester Gormon Tyrell added. "It may be possible to make allies of both, minimising the Iron Throne's losses."
"Even I know the conflict between those three Free Cities has been nigh eternal..." Renly nodded. "Send ravens to both. Inform them that His Grace shall be favourable to those who aid in bringing down his foes. With the fleets of Lys and Volantis defeated, it is clear enough to see that Edric is inevitable... and they would be wise to fall in line."
"Working with slavers to bring down slavers?" Stannis questioned. "How can they be trusted?"
"You wanted war, brother... we must wage it effectively-"
"Lys wanted war." Stannis clarified. "We are paying them their dues. Those slavers are not needed, nor desired."
Stannis had no thirst for war like Robert or Edric after him, Renly knew. It was his stern sense of justice that drove him to make this decision. His stubbornness, pride, honour and unforgiving nature meant that it would remain unchanged.
"What of Pentos and Braavos, my lords? Braavos stands firmly against slavery and may well provide more than enough ships to invade Lys in mass," Varys advised. "Pentos may believe there is some reward to be gained in fighting on behalf of His Grace. They've suffered his wrath firsthand, after all... and would know his might better than most."
"... That is better," Stannis nodded.
"I would gladly bring my banners for this cause," Randyll Tarly added. "So would many others."
"Edric is of Florent blood; this attempt on his life will not be forgiven until theirs is spilt." Alester Florent nodded.
"I will do what I can to convince my brother," Oberyn Martell noted.
"House Tyrell has provided the most men for the Royal Armada already... but we will answer this call," Mace Tyrell added.
"Your loyalty is duly noted, Lord Tyrell," Renly said with approval. "The Vale has been eager to fight in Edric's name for some time now. I am certain that with the supply of enough ships, we can trample Lys."
"That is my intent."
Stannis looked determined. If not their older brother's strength, he still had a mind for battle and command... one that Renly could admit to lacking. At times like these, he wished he possessed it as well.
Edric had been left vulnerable, his fleet a shadow of its former self with such a long journey ahead. Despite this, he would not turn back, Renly knew. Edric never took a step back... always advancing forward. It was their duty to avenge his losses.
...
It would take over two moons for the fleet to form to completion, rallying ships from across the Seven Kingdoms. With some diplomatic talks, Renly had gained the support of Pentos and Braavos, the latter of which had let them borrow over two hundred ships. This furthered their debt substantially, but the gains from sacking Lys would be much greater...
Over fifty thousand men had been rallied to this cause, the Vale providing the most out of any kingdom. Lys had already asked for peace, offering quite a great settlement, but both Renly and Stannis ignored it. They had dug their grave already.
"Why do you look so downcast, Renly?" Stannis questioned as he prepared for war. "You get to have the court to yourself in my absence. That would be your dream, wouldn't it?"
"It will feel odd without you stepping on my feet at every turn," Renly smiled, shrugging. "I would be the only Baratheon in King's Landing. Gods, I may even miss you."
"..." Stannis let out a dry chuckle. "I will not be long."
"Don't fall off the deck of your ship," Renly smiled.
"And you... Don't burn down the Red Keep while I am away," Stannis countered.
In a way, their work in King's Landing in the service of Edric had unified them. They were more like brothers now than ever before... or so, Renly felt that way.
~
[Arthur's POV]
Qarth's fleet was, upon closer inspection, daunting... collosal, even, as more ships revealed themselves from the Jade Gates. They had seemingly called upon their merchant guilds, including the powerful Ancient Guild of Spicers and Tourmaline Brotherhood. They possessed well over a thousand ships combined, dwarfing Arthur's own fleet.
Even Edric wouldn't be able to destroy it singlehandedly...
Not in a single confrontation, at least.
This will not be easy...
Arthur gathered Jaime Lannister, Sandor Clegane and Valaegor on their fastest ship, choosing to abuse the one great advantage they possessed. Edric was the finest of all in this regard; having never suffered a single loss in any of his naval battles in the Iron Islands. Although Arthur did not possess his prowess with a bow, he believed he could replicate it in another way.
They would advance on this one ship, closing the distance. It was there that Arthur would add the Hound's flame to his own, forming a massive wave of fire... and sending it to their centre. Dozens of ships went up in flames - creating a barrier of sorts. The winds grew with Valaegor's influence, and so did the fire.
Jaime's ice would impede the faster Qartheen ships as they retreated..
And so, the loop began, as all four regained their strength and repeated the same dance...
A dance that Qarth's seemingly endless ships could not halt.
Over the days, dozens became hundreds, and hundreds became over a thousand...
The straits of Qarth looked more like a field of burnt and broken wood than anything. Arthur had perfectly controlled the sea and every other element in his favour... there was even a favourable storm which had devastated their fleets. Some believed it to be Edric's own wrath.
Within a week of constant harassing, all of the ships had either scattered past the Jade Gates, been destroyed or returned to port. They had officially surrendered, though Arthur was wary... and made certain of their retreat by destroying the rest of the ships at port.
There was a chance that they could've been surrounded and ambushed past the Jade Gates, and Arthur wasn't leaving that on the table.
All in all, it was a dominant victory in the name of the Iron Throne. Qarth's naval supremacy had been thoroughly burned to a crisp... opening way to the greater East.
"You played Qarth like a fiddle while not losing a single ship or man," Rhaerra remarked, impressed. "This may yet be the greatest victory featured in your White Book."
"I could not have done it alone," Arthur smiled. "The other three were all just as crucial as I. We simply worked together in perfect harmony."
"Ever so humble. Your magic is more potent than the other three combined."
"My point remains."
When they passed the Jade Gates, it was as if a new world had opened. The foreign, powerful and influential Golden Empire of Yi Ti awaited. It was ruled by Bu Gai, the seventeenth azure emperor, who held the title God-Emperor as did all of his predecessors.
"Do not let the Emperor's title mislead you, Arthur... he is no God and hardly an Emperor. There are many pretenders to his throne alive and well, while his Realm is divided between ambitious warlords, a hundred princes, imperial generals, brigands, priest-kings and so-called sorcerors who rule their domains as they see fit."
Rhaerra informed him.
"Well, it all... sounds chaotic."
"It is," Rhaerra nodded. "The Emperor is little more than a puppet, in truth. It's the perfect storm for one mighty warlord to sweep the land. But that isn't your concern, is it?"
"... Depends."
...
In the night, Arthur sought out Edric's word through dreams.
"I do know the state of YiTi," Edric stroked his chin. "What of it?"
"You said my goal was to spread your name... so what better way than to change the fate of the Golden Empire of YiTi?"
"... Are you confident that you can accomplish that? Besides, it would be time-consuming. You could do something less extensive, which still leaves a good enough mark."
"True... I'll figure something out."
"Be cautious."
[Edric's POV]
When Lys came into view, Baratheon banners already soared from its high walls. Hundreds of ships flying dozens of different banners crowded the ports, from Dorne to the Vale and Riverlands. Although a little frustrated that I couldn't exact justice myself, my pride in the Seven Kingdoms and my family was much greater.
The Seven Kingdoms were not to be trifled with.
Nor was House Baratheon...
I truly love my uncles.
"Looks like you'll be meeting some of my family early," I remarked, looking at Daenerys.
"I am certain they will be fond to see me," Daenerys replied with enough sarcasm to fill the ocean.
"I'm a smooth talker."
I smiled, shrugging.
I almost feel like a white guy bringing an African girlfriend to a supremely racist household who wants nothing to do with that... or something to that tune. If Robert were still alive, oh my, the circus I'd have created. I almost wish he were just to see a little glimpse.
You intend to marry a dragonspawn? Bah, you are no son of mine... where can I rescind your legitimisation?
Probably less tame than it would be in reality.
"Make way for Robert's Hammer and His Grace, the King!"