**The Rise of House Redwyne: A Bannerlord's Conquest**
**Volume II: The Dragonvine Throne**
**Chapter 9: The Wolf and the Kraken**
---
### **The Iron Islands – 276 AC**
The scent of salt and burning whale oil filled Aemon's nostrils as the *Vine Serpent* cut through the fog-shrouded waters of Pyke's harbor. At seventeen, he stood at the prow with Jon Snow at his side, both watching as the grim silhouette of the Greyjoy stronghold emerged from the mist.
**"They won't welcome us,"** Jon muttered, his hand resting on Longclaw's pommel. Ghost, his direwolf, let out a low growl.
Aemon adjusted the silver grape cluster clasp at his throat. **"No. But they'll listen."**
The invitation had come unexpectedly—a raven from Balon Greyjoy himself, its message brief and ominous:
*"Come if you dare, grape lord. The tide is turning."*
**[Quest Alert: The Kraken's Summons]**
*Objective: Secure Ironborn allegiance against coming storm*
*Reward: 30 longships, naval supremacy in Sunset Sea*
*Failure Risk: Betrayal, capture, war*
---
### **The Kingsmoot**
They found Balon Greyjoy holding court on Nagga's Bones, the ancient ribcage of a sea dragon where the Ironborn chose their kings. The air thrummed with the sound of drums and the roar of drunken reavers as Aemon and Jon approached.
Victarion Greyjoy stood at his brother's side, his face still bearing the scar from their last meeting. His eyes burned with hatred when they landed on Aemon.
**"The grape lord comes crawling back,"** Balon sneered from his driftwood throne. **"Did the lions scare you off?"**
Aemon ignored the jab. **"The dragons are coming, Balon. Daenerys Targaryen has hatched three in the Red Waste."**
A murmur ran through the crowd.
Euron Greyjoy, the Crow's Eye, stepped forward—his blue lips twisted in a smile. **"And what does that matter to us? Let the dragons burn the green lands. We'll pick through the ashes."**
Jon Snow spoke for the first time, his voice cutting through the noise. **"Unless you want to kneel to a foreign queen, you'll stand with us."**
**[Persuasion Challenge: Ironborn Pride vs. Common Sense]**
*Balon's Cunning: 15/20*
*Aemon's Diplomacy: 18/20*
*Jon's Honor Bonus: +3*
The debate raged for hours. But when the dust settled, the terms were struck:
1. **Ironborn independence** recognized by House Redwyne
2. **Joint raids** on Lannister holdings
3. **First refusal** on any captured dragonglass
**[Alliance Secured: The Iron Tide]**
*Naval Strength: 53 Ships (23 Redwyne, 30 Ironborn)*
*New Objective: Prepare for Targaryen invasion*
---
### **A Royal Summons**
The raven arrived as they sailed home.
*"Lord Redwyne,*
*Present yourself at King's Landing within the fortnight.*
*Robert Baratheon, First of His Name"*
Jon's face darkened as he read the message. **"This is a trap."**
Aemon stared at the horizon. **"No. It's an opportunity."**
**[King's Landing Questline Initiated]**
*Danger Level: Extreme*
*Potential Rewards: Royal favor, strategic alliances*
---
### **Next Chapter Preview:**
- **The Lion's Den** – Aemon walks into the Red Keep's jaws
- **The Spider's Web** – Varys reveals his true game
- **Dragonfire on the Horizon** – First reports of Daenerys' fleet
*(Type* ***YES*** *to continue the epic saga!)*