The Northern Sagas

[Pontifex Maximus]

Several crews of men knelt along the cold, sandy shore on the far side of Pyke. The Drowned priest was just finishing up his sermon; something about how the fallen would feast forever in the halls of the Drowned one. At last he finally concluded and the assembled men gave a low and somber chant of "what is dead may never die." With the formalities out of the way, the crews began their short march back to the harbor where their preparations were being completed. Their ships were imposing, five of them with room enough for one hundred rowers. Among the finest was Lamentation, Herleif's flagship. He was the captain of this fleet, and they would sail north to reave the lords of ice and . Herleif looked proud of his fleet, and he was confident in success. His plan was bold without being brazen.

Hild, his sometimes lover and a fighter of no small measure was at his side. Although a woman, she was welcome aboard because she had proven to have a man's fighting ability. "How many will come?" she asked.

"I do not know." Herleif responded honestly "There's chance for rich plunder, I expect some will." Yet even if no help came, that would just mean for plunder for him, albeit some added risk.

The pair scanned the horizon, looking for who would come.

[Narf]

And he would see something some minutes later. White sails with a grey tree would arrive in a lose formation, and make their slow approach towards pyke. The oars had a steady rhythm as the twelf ships came closer. The men had uniforms on and standing in front of the first ship stood Lady Salthair, staring back. Wearing the same uniform as the rest. It would be but an hour before they were at the beach.

[Pontifex Maximus]

"Behold," Hild nodded towards the horizon, her vision being the sharpest of the two. "A ship approaches, at least one, a ship of grey sails, or at least that be their sigil." Herlief labored to remember what sigil that might be so they waited for the newcomer to come in closer.

At this point all of Herlief's men were loaded within their ships, supplies were now being loaded aboard so while the longships stood stationary in the harbor, their keels were weighted down with bread and salt.

As the newcomers approached, Herlief stood above his ship, Lamentation, as he greeted the newcomers. "Welcome!" he called "what strength do you add to our fleet?"

[Narf]

Young Salthair in her uniform of the white tabard with the grey tree, with mail under it, called back.. "Twelf ships. Three hundred good men." As the ship came into the harbour they could see all the men had the same uniform on, longswords, shields, mail, belt, boots and a cotton sack folded, held by the belt. They were ready to plunder.. The young girl made a laboured jumb from the ship to the bridge with a rope, the mail was still a bit heavy to her. It became lighter and lighter with use. She tied the ship as oars were pulled in and men tied it in the other end. She nodded to those welcoming her, placing her hand on the hilt of her sword. She looked around at the ships and men already here, but didn't like to guess. "And you?"

[Pontifex Maximus]

Hild looked enthralled to be joined by another woman of war, and Herleif was just as equally amused. "Five Longships of one hundred oars, and another of forty, along with six hundred crewmen eager to make a name for themselves." he declared, as some three dozen men bearing the golden Kraken sigil nearest him gave a cheer." Hild and Herleif in the meantime welcomes Salthair aboard their own ship with a flourish. "Shall we discuss terms?" And by that Herleif meant the terms by which plunder would be shared among the reavers.

[Narf]

She couldn't help but to smile a thin smile as she witnessed the Krakens mens eager response to their lords words. Her eyes transfixed on the women for a few moment, older, more experienced. Shed keep a eye with her, she was not too proud to pick up anothers practises if they did something better... She squinted her eyes slightly, sending a smile with her eyes for but a moment, before the greyhaired girl returned her expressionless gaze to Herleif... Nodding. "I agree. Best to get that out of the way first." .She gestured to a man on her ship Daegon. It was her way of saying to him, that he should take over organising their ships as they docked. Double check weight balance, provision distribution, and so forth.. She had met him some days earlier and he had proved competent and effective already. She allowed the Kraken to lead the way to his ship.. These people looked fierce. Good folk to go reaving with.. Silise 'Salthair' Stonetree was lean girl, beautiful. Her pale complexion might worry some of the sailors though. Her long hair was white, some places grey, and a few places there was still some black hairs left.

[Pontifex Maximus]

"I've brought six ships and six hundred reavers." Herlief began. "So if it comes to a raid upon the land, I shall insist upon 2/3 of all plunder if we are not joined by any others." It was as fair a deal as he could make, the share of the loot divided up among the two lords of war pro rated. "If we come across cargo being transported across the sea..."he continued, somewhat unsure as how to divide the booty fairly. He had the larger number of men, but half the number of ships. "Then perhaps we should split the plunder equally." He felt confident enough in that.

[Narf]

Sitting down where he had lead them to negotiate, she took off her gloves, put them on the table and placed a lock of hair behind her ear which had annoyed her. She then looked up giving him, her undivided attention. He unexpressive features nodding as he made his case. He was fair.. She liked that.. She would certainly not be opposed to sailing with him another time. When he was done, she straightened her back a bit, she was dignified but not arrogant in her posture.. She thought for a few seconds before speaking. "I accept." she said with a calm confident voice.. "I might even have accepted less fair terms, this being your arrangement, and me not having much experience or glory to my name, yet. I wish to thank you for your just conduct in this, and assure you, that you will receive the same treatment if you one day come to Stonetree hall, to reave with us.". She said melodiously, her intense grey-blue eyes letting him go and visit Hild. She nodded to her as-well, she could not deny she was intrigued. To let her know that such a future invitation was extended to her too. She was unsure who this woman was, she could be one with her own ships or a companion of Herleif. She didn't want to take the chance that the first option wasn't the case.

[Lucius Malfoy]

A horn blares across the open waters as the sight of Goodbrother masts could be seen on the horizon. Five longships and ten dromond sailed forth towards the outskirts of Pyke's harbor. Leading the small fleet were the ships of King Harl's sons. The foremost was the Maidensbane, personal ship of Torwyn, heir to the throne of Hammerhorn and Great Wyk. Sailing on his right was the dreaded Iron Scourge, whose crew was said to be as black as their captain. Harrald Goodbrother, also known as Black Harry and Harl's secondborn son, commanded the vessel himself. With them also came Gormond Goodbrother, Sea Captain of Great Wyk and commander of Seahorn, whose presence was more to advice his two nephews and keep an eye on them.

Once more, the horn was blared from Prince Torwyn's ship as it came closer to the fleet of Greyjoy and Stonetree ships. The small flotilla was loaded with eager Hearth Warriors and hawk-eyed Crossbowmen. The crews were eager for blood, gold and battle since the last reave performed by King Harl himself, almost half a decade ago. Torwyn's ship would drop anchor just on the outskirts of Pyke's harbor and close to the other Ironborn fleet formations. A crewmen walked into plain view, waving a pair of flags to signal the nearest ship. The message was clear; Goodbrother was with the Greyjoys and they awaited the permission to join the fleet.

She gestured to a man on her ship Daegon. It was her way of saying to him, that he should take over organising their ships as they docked. Double check weight balance, provision distribution, and so forth.. She had met him some days earlier and he had proved competent and effective already.

Daegon was upon the ship that Silise was departing from when he noticed her gesture. The Ironborn nodded and turned to the crewmen present.

Alright boys! Reel her in! Get your elbows and back into it! Lets get these ships into port!

The crew responded immediately and began to relay the orders to the other ships, causing a chain reaction among the Stonetree ships as they maneuvered into the harbor and began to dock. Reports were brought to Daegon, who ensured the current ship he occupied docked first before the rest began. He had already met the Captain before they left Harlaw Island and was doing his best to prove himself on this new job of his. Throughout the procedures, no report had been met with Daegon's disapproval. All ships reported exactly what the Captain would want and not a scratch was placed upon the hulls of the Stonetree vessels.

[Pontifex Maximus]

As his own troops were nearly completing their tasks and ready to push off into the hazy morning, Herlief and several companions went to what he surmised was the Goodbrother flagship. "Good morning!" he said darkly, for this morning would indeed not be good for many people who would become their victims.

"Goodbrother, we're glad you've come. We shall sail immediately. How many men have you brought?"

He gave the signal and his own ships started pushing out of the harbor into the open ocean. He brought six ships of war and an additional five with no troops within the act as an insurance plan. He hoped the Storm God would be culled.

[Lucius Malfoy]

Torwyn ordered that his vessel be pulled closer to the Greyjoy formation as the remaining of the flotilla steered itself to depart Pyke with the Greyjoy and Stonetree forces.

600 Hearth Warriors and 300 Crossbowmen. Our ships number five longships and ten dromonds with myself as appointed commander over this flotilla. Who all comes with you and what are your forces, sire?

[Pontifex Maximus]

"I have twelve ships at my command and 600 Reavers, all heavily armed. Salthair is also here, with twelve ships and 300 reavers. We will number 1,800 good men and 39 ships - an impressive force. We shall sail immediately." He gestured towards the tide, it was on its way out, they had to seize the opportunity now for an easy departure or else wait with the harbor congested. Herleif ran back to his own ship and turned his head. "I will see you aboard Lamentation and reveal my strategy to you!"

Boots pounding along the deck, Herleif began shouting orders to his men. "Pull in the anchor, drop sails, forward oars! Push off the deck!" He took his spot at the helm as his sleekest ships began to slice into the causeway and away from the harbor. The slower ships followed, the Kraken Sigil catching sunlight and glowing gold against the black sails. "Row harder!" He wanted to get the whole fleet into open water as quickly as possible. One th emajority of his ships were northward bound, Lamentation trailed back and waited to be joined by Silise Salthair's flagship and the flagship of the Goodbrothers. Their commanders would be welcomed aboard the ship for a war council.

[Narf]

Silise gave her ships a last minute inspection and then hustled back to Wavecutter. She whistled loudly, got the headmens attention from each of her ships. She then made a short series of gestures, a practise one of her forefathers had created for when raiding in the Neck to avoid giving away their presence. Stepping down from her elevated position she stepped over beside Daegon as the ships rolled in anchor, tied it down, folded and turned the sails to catch the wind. They were very effecient and were in the water fast... She just stood looking expressionlessly forward until they had almost reached the Lamentation.. Without turning her head she spoke in a monotone clear voice to Daegon. "You did well back there, While I speak on the lamentation, you remain in charge here. When we are navigated out of the iron islands and on the right course. Join me over there.." She took off her shield and placed it beside the others on the side of the ship, proceeded to jump over to the Lamentation with some effort. The chain-mail, was heavy. But she landed relatively gracefully, bended a bit in her knees and found balance and synchronisation with the ships movement on the waves and stood up straight again. Silise placed her hand on the pommel of her longsword, walked over to Herleif, and nodded sternly to greet him..

[Lucius Malfoy]

Without turning her head she spoke in a monotone clear voice to Daegon. "You did well back there, While I speak on the lamentation, you remain in charge here. When we are navigated out of the iron islands and on the right course. Join me over there.."

As per the orders of Silise, Daegon would be seen joining the Lamentation shortly after all was arranged with the Stonetree ships. He quietly moved to stand just behind his Captain, remaining in close proximity. His effort had earned him much favor from Lady Stonetree and, in order to remain ready at a moments notice, the Iron Bastard ensured he remained close to the Ironborn female. For now, he remained silent and listened to what was being spoke.

One th emajority of his ships were northward bound, Lamentation trailed back and waited to be joined by Silise Salthair's flagship and the flagship of the Goodbrothers. Their commanders would be welcomed aboard the ship for a war council.

As the war council was well underway, Torwyn could be seen entering the group present with his uncle, Gormond, walking behind him. The heir of Great Wyk listened attentively to what was proposed before reaching forward and tapping his finger lightly upon Cape Kraken and Flint's Finger. It was between them and Barrowton after all.

We cannot rule out the Northern presence at Flints Finger. They will detect our ships before we arrive at Barrowton and ensure that tougher resistance awaits us if they manage to report ahead of our arrival. We should hit Cape Kraken first before moving onward to Barrowton.

[Pontifex Maximus]

Herleif nodded to Silise respectfully, while Hild did likewise. Hild, as essentially a thrall, must defer, she knew. She had been taken as a child from Eiric's raids in the Westerlands almost more than a decade before, and raised as one of Eiric's own household she had gained more than a warrior's sense. She was more useful than a thrall or saltwife, and that status showed. She had two silver armbands, demonstrating her prowess, but Herlief had eight or more. "Silise Salthair, welcome." he called as she came aboard. "We must keep sailing northward as quickly as possible, I'm sure you understand." he said, treating her as a Lord of War and Death as opposed to a woman, though he would be numb in all his male faculties, indeed, if he did not express a desire to know her more intimately. Salthair was a notoriously attractive woman.

[Narf]

Silise let her grey-blue eyes rest on each of them in turn. She was intrigued by them both, and she knew virtually nothing about either of them, she knew that he was of great import, heir to the kraken, of Hild she knew nothing. She turned a few degrees, letting the wind catch her hair to get a few locks to fall back into place. "Yes, the tide and wind are with us. And thank you. Ulptur did not tell me much of your arrangement, I only now gauge that we are going north and not to the riverlands. We do have cold-weather gear with us. So it's no issue. I would like to know your target ambitions for our venture. And for us to finally get through introductions. I am Silise 'Salthair' Stonetree, little sister to Gawar Stonetree, Lord of my House.". She knew it was slightly awkward to do it like this, but she'd like to gauge the two of them beside what she could see visually and the fact that they conducted the shares of profits most just. She was.. Interested.. And it was her first reave without any family here. She wanted to know a bit more about the people she were carrying out the Drowned Gods holy mandate with.

[Pontifex Maximus]

Herlief was amused by Sathair more than anything else. As if he anticipated that she thought he would treat her with less respect because she was a woman. He cared not, she brought ships and reavers, all that mattered. And beside that she was attractive, a dangerous sort of attractive, she had the sort of looks that many men would open themselves up to danger in order to have access to, and he felt the pull of her attraction. "My lord!" Herleif said in response, half bowing to the woman. He was a sarcastic indeed, though he did it as much for his own amusement as he did his men. Salthair would prove her worth by combat, or prove she was dead weight. Herleif cared not. He managed to regain a more serious stance. "We sail north, it is no secret. Our mission is, however, more difficult than might be guessed. Give me your faith, and I shall lead us all safely through these perils." He drew a leather map across the steer-oar of Lamnetation. "Behold the North in all its icy shittiness!" he said with a laugh. "We shall sail to Barrowtown and bleed it dry." Barrowtown was their first target, an unwitting target. "After we take their gold and silver, we shall march a short distance with our ships and seek the river that will take us to Torhhen's Square, where we will sail north and leave the docks burning. The pillage should be glorious, over 200,000 dragons worth of potential loot if my spies have reported true."

[Narf]

She raised an eyebrow, she had hoped he'd introduce himself and the women at his side, her introduction seemed to have been misunderstood as herself trying to flaunt her name... She cursed herself for her failed intentions and then turned her attention to what his presented doing her best to suppress all signs of irritation and to remain the cool-headed leader that her small reputation thus far had made her out to be. She shot a quick glance at hild to see her reaction to the situation before returning her eyes to the map. She smiled a thin smile at his jest at the norths expense, though suppressed it shortly after.. "Your plan seems sound, I will follow you in this venture, faithfully.". She said calmly. Running a lithe finger over the distance from the sea to the river, she then trailed it a bit east to a forest. "If I might be so bold, I suggest we empty what loot we've already gotten in a hidden camp here." She said pointing at the forest."It will make the ships lighter to carry, and faster on the river, they will have less time to prepare and we will have more space in our hulls for further income." She stand up straight again, locking her hands behind her back. "Ofcourse, feel free to disregard it," She ended calmly.

[Pontifex Maximus]

"You recognize one of the weaknesses of my plan." Herleif said in a sober tone. "There are several moments in which we will be vulnerable. While I do not think Barrowtown will raise the alarm in time, it will be of utmost imoportance that whatever booty we gain be sent downriver immediately." Salthair was a shrewd one.

Hild remained silent, merely a silent party to the planning. As merely something more than a thrall she knew she had no status. She kept her mouth shut.

Herleif continued however. "A staging point and a hidden camp near Barrowtown would be useful indeed, as long ad it was kept temporary."

[Narf]

She nodded, satisfied with the solution. Then ran her finger up to Mormont.. "Once those rivers run with blood, a response from the north will be inevitable. Instead of bolting home, or facing the northmen in their own climate, would sailing back around the coast and taking the island off Ryswells coast not be a good small bonus for us. We'd be able to loot it, and have amble time to pack our ships proper for the journey home, without the worry of the northmen.". She kept her finger on Bear island.. "Or.. If our losses have been light, make a last stop on bear island, and use that as a staging ground for something no Ironborn have attempted before. To make land, with the loot safe on the island." She dragged her finger east of the island into the mainland north. "Enter the lands of house Forester. while they are looking for us down south. And take their entire summers storage of iron-wood.".. She stood up again, locked her hands on her back.. Her face no longer expressionless- For the first time here, she grinned.. "We'd not just return rich. But with the materials to make a fleet of unparalleled durability. Ofcourse you can disregard the suggestion. And it will all depend on our success on the river..". She was keenly aware she was perhaps stepping a bit much into Herleifs plans, she hoped it would turn the right way... No risk no glory.. She swallowed and returned to her expressionless self...