The next day, several parchments arrived by raven, scattered across the table. Neat maester handwriting bore news from King's Landing—some from years past, others recent. Euron organized the intelligence according to timeline.
• 262 AC: Euron Greyjoy born.
• 276 AC: Defiance of Duskendale; Aerys II imprisoned, later rescued by Ser Barristan Selmy.
• 280 AC: Rhaegar Targaryen marries Princess Elia Martell of Dorne.
• 281 AC: Jaime Lannister joins the Kingsguard.
• 282–283 AC: Robert's Rebellion erupts—Rickard and Brandon Stark executed; Lyanna "abducted."
• 283 AC: Battle of the Trident; Rhaegar dies, Aerys II falls, Robert crowned.
Euron paused at 283 AC.
"267 to 283 AC… sixteen years in all," he murmured, eyes tracing the parchment. The Usurper's War would sweep across Westeros like a tidal wave, leaving ruin in its wake—a perfect storm for the Iron Islands to rise, but only if they were ready. Strength, cunning, and timing would decide whether they seized the tide or were swallowed by it.
He exhaled, scanning the islands, noting every strength and weakness.
____
[Strengths of the Iron Islands]
• Faith and Culture: Worship of the Drowned God, reverence for the "Old Way," raiding as sacred duty.
• Seafaring Mastery: Generations knew the Narrow and Sunset Seas like the back of their hands.
• Longships: Fast, shallow-draft, highly maneuverable—ideal for raids and riverine operations.
• Geography: Isolated, treacherous waters, costly to invade.
• Resources: Iron ore, salt, fish—foundations for weapons, trade, sustenance.
• Warriors: Fierce, fearless, devoted; exceptional in melee and boarding actions.
[Weaknesses of the Iron Islands]
• Scarce arable land: Most food must be imported or raided.
• Limited timber: Shipbuilding depends on imports or pillage.
• Few skilled blacksmiths: Weapons and armor production constrained.
• Small population: Insufficient manpower for prolonged campaigns.
• Internal disunity: Competing lords; "Old Way" undermines cohesion.
• Weak administration: No formal bureaucracy for taxation, logistics, intelligence.
• Information deficit: Poor knowledge of mainland movements; often reactive, not proactive.
____
The fire in the hearth crackled, casting flickering shadows across Euron's eyes. The greatest challenge loomed: convincing his father, Quellon Greyjoy, Lord of Pyke, to adopt a patient, strategic approach.
Quellon's vision had merit: reform, end poverty, embrace trade, encourage peace. But his plan—though noble—was dangerously premature.
Free the slaves? Euron's fingers drummed the cold stone. Mines, salt pans, volcanic pits—who would work them if not the thralls? The economy would collapse.
Abandon the Old Way? Raiding was faith, honor, survival. Tear it away, and rebellion would flare.
Welcome the Faith of the Seven? Fantasy. The drowned men's devotion ran deep; a handful of septons could not replace it overnight.
Open the ports? Smart, but trust was earned, not demanded. Merchants feared the Ironborn. A lighthouse alone would not change that.
Euron's gaze drifted to the stormy sea. True change required patience, strategy, incremental proof. Reform must erode like a patient tide—subtle, precise, careful—not a tempest smashing all at once.
His father sought to leap to the destination; Euron would navigate the long journey, step by step. The ship of the Iron Islands did not need a storm—it needed a cunning navigator who understood winds, currents, and reefs, guiding it safely to the horizon.