They sped forward into the straight, the sellsails hot on their trail. Doing their best to keep up with his faster ships. He looked over his shoulders to see some of the ships diverting around the islands hoping to catch them on the other side, he smirked at the attempt. They would only save themselves a few hours of safety.
The last of his ships reached the halfway point of the straight just before the Lyseni fell entered. The ships could only fit in two at a time making them jammed into the straight. Not bothered bothered by the tightness the Lyseni.
The chase continued at pace until his ships breached the exit to the other side and raised the flag for his men to turn around. He knew the Maneuver would take time, but he had just the friend to prevent the Lyseni from leaving the strait.
As his men began to turn the sails and he spun the wheel, his fleet doing much the same, the water in front of the Lyseni began to rise giving way to the only Sea Dragon in the world. With a shrill cry Seafoam revealed herself and all her majesty. Her blue and white scales glimmering in the sunlight. Blinding any man who looked at her at just the wrong angle.
His ships, even from at the distance, lifted from the displaced water, but the ships held strong. Those closest to her did not have the same fate. Their last two ships capsizing.
With her grand entrance came a spray of her own personal acid covered the first two capsized ships wholly. Melting wood, skin and everything else came into its path. Even the sea sizzled when it came in contact with the acid. It was a horrid sight seeing the ships melt in a matter of seconds.
She submerged back into the water after using her acid. The world stopped, ships ceased to move, the sea stopped waving, and the breeze slowed. It was if the world had stopped to allow man to process what it had just seen. Allowing the Lyseni to take in their mistake in all truth.
But the world had not stopped and Laevon and his fleet were barring down on the Lyseni. Even on his ship Laevon was wide eyed at Seafoam's distant destruction. He had seen her used her acid plenty of times, but it was different in war. More brutal, more beastly. Their was a pure savageness it possessed in this wild environment, one it did not have in the past. It was if she had been holding back previously.
He shook the ideas out of his mind and watched as the Lyseni tried to refocus on fleeing the strait. But it was too late, their fates were sealed. His ship was about halfway through its giant turn.
The world came alive again when Seafoam emerged only seconds later from under a ship in the third row, knocking it in the air where it violently crashed into the neighboring ship. Both ships were then sent careening into the jagged cliff faces. The ships cracked apart from the impact. Any men surviving the impact were sent flailing into the sea. Into the maw of the beast.
With four ships down and not satisfied, she turns to the third row, and with five rows of jagged teeth in her massive maw she aims for the closes ship. Having no real way to resist the ship can only take it. With a sickening crunch, the sound even reaches him, she bites hard into the ship and drags it under the sea. Capsizing the ship in mere seconds. Men were flung from the ship into the sea from the force. Their fates sure to be grim.
To their credit the men on the latter rows of the ships quickly gained their bearings and aimed their crossbows and scorpions at her. But she was already under water before they could aim.
When she emerged again to attack the second ship in the third row, they shot. It was not effective. The arrows his like rocks and the scorpion bolts hit like arrows, all of them bouncing off her scales. No more than annoyances.
He smiled at this. A Sea Dragon's scales were thick, thicker than even a Fire Dragon's. From what he could guess, and what he knew about evolution, it was possible due to the fact she did not need to fly, therefore she did not have to compensate for weight like Fire Dragon would. Though, it all went out the window when considering how massive Fire Dragons are. In truth he did not know, and could only guess.
By this point the smaller ships had already turned, thanks to the rowers on the ship, and were charging full speed ahead. With a mental command, Seafoam cleared the wreckage of the first four ships, ignoring the artillery fired at her, before diving down and heading toward the back line. She was to prevent anyone from fleeing.
His men cheered loudly at the slaughter, energized knowing they had a dragon on their side. He was not above joining in. His own cheer had gone manic as he whooped and howled for his own dragons success.
With vigor his men worked to turn the ship and join the charge. It took only a few more seconds before they were turned and the sails catching the wind. They quickly picked up speed, in no time they were passing their smaller companions and leading the charge. In a matter of minutes they were back into the straight and about to ram into their first ship.
The Lyseni had done their best to exit the straight and prevent themselves from being trapped. It was a valiant effort. The foremost ship has made it within a few meters of the exit. But it was not enough. The other Sea Dragon of this fleet were on them now.
He took his helm from Elaenys and dawned it. "Brace for Impact!", he screamed at the top of his lungs.
He let one of Syrio's second, a trusted man named Oliver, man the helm while they fought. The man was a decent sailor but too old to be any good with a blade.
"Let's go!" he said while unsheathing his unnamed Valyrian steel sword, and rushed to the front. His followers were right behind him, at the front they were quickly met with the rest of the boarding party. At their head was Mago with his massive warhammer rested on his shoulders. Laevon could almost feel the bloodlust in the air. All the men quickly held onto the closest support and braced.
The Sea Dragon hit through the first ship with a loud crash, and flying of splintering of wood ripping the bitten ship in half from tip to end. Their was a heavy jerk from his ship and a few men lost their grip and were sent sprawling across the deck. But no men fell off. They quickly scrambled to their fleet and braced for a second impact. And it came. His ship cut through one more Lyseni ship before it finally stopped on a ship in the third row.
When the ship stabilized his men let down the boarding ramp to the lower ship. His archer provided cover fire as they began their attack.
"For Driftmark!" he screamed as led the charge down. It took more effort to not tip over himself than he would like to admit. But he had trained for moments like this and kept his feet.
Jumping to skip over the last few paces he landed onto the other ships. He was promptly surrounded by the defenders. Not bothered he raised his sword.
The first an older man with a checkered grey and blue beard, armored in boiled leather with a sword and spiked shield. Swung for his Laevons head.
A bolt of energy shot through him. His hands moved faster than his mind bringing his blade up to block the strike.
He pushed his opponents blade away leaving them open for attack and he swung at them. The greybeared brought his shield up in time to block the slash. His blade bit deeply into the shield leaving a long scar on the wood. His opponent stumbled from the attack and he brought his blade up and attempted to strike again. But out of the corner of his eyes he saw something approaching.
His heart jumped. Almost falling backwards he dodged the piercing strike aimed for his throat. "Fucking hell" he cursed. He took a few steps back, dodging two more stabs from the same person.
Enraged and scared, as the flanker tried the third attacked again he brought his sword up with almost inhuman speed. His blade sliced through skin and bone like air. A spray of blood came from the severed forearm. The flankers screams came moments later. They were horrid and dreadful. But he drowned them out.
Seeing his friends injury his original attacker screamed "I'll Kill you!" and with their shield up they made to stab him.
Not having any room room retreat anymore he stepped into the opponents guard and tried to side step the stab. The blade hit his side cutting through the plate but skimming off the chain underneath. Inside his opponent guard he rammed his shoulder hard into the mans shield. Hoping to use the older man's age and smaller size against him.
It worked as the greybeared stumbled back from the unexpected impact. As he tried to catch himself his feet slipped on the blood of his ally's severed arm. He caught himself with his free hand and shield.
Bloodlust rushed through him at the mistake. He swung with all his strength at the exposed head.
The man lifted his shield just in time to block the strike, but slipped again from the force.
Rage coursed through him, this man dared to resist his fate! Laevon hammered down with his sword. The swing cutting more than halfway through the wood. The shield was now no better than parchment.
He could see the fear forming on the mans face. He realized this was not a fight he could win, and opened his moth to speak.
Unfeeling Laevon brought his sword down once more. The shield gave in, splitting in half and his momentum continued on. He watched as he split the mans face in half. His surrendering words never leaving his mouth.
Blood showered Laevon as he stood, gasping for breath. Out of the corner of the eye he could see the flanker still screaming in pain. He jerked his sword out of the body, letting it slump to the ground, and walked over to the man.
His eyes filled with a primal fear at seeing him approach. His opponent backed away on hands and feet. "P-please, m-mercy" they begged
Laevon chuckled, stopping just in front of the man he said "You should've said 'I surrender'."
The man looked at him confused but Laevon only laughed again and he swung his sword. Severing the man's head from his body. The head rolled to his feet.
He kicked the head out of the way and with his opponents downed used the freedom to look around.
He could see Syrio leading a group of men to take the bow of the ship. Near the center Elaenys was leading an assault on the lower level of the ship.
While Mago, caving skulls with vigor, was fighting his way across the ship. He was more than halfway there. His job was to begin boarding the next closest ship and preventing help from coming from the other ships.
In the distance he could just barely see Seafoam wrecking havoc to the back line. To his right he could see the ships in his fleet had chained together and boarding the ships on the right side of the strait.
The good thing about having his enemies crammed into the strait was now their ships were close enough to board without any difficulty. The closest ship to them was only a short jump, one even a child could make. Unfortunately, the same thing benefitting them also was an aid for their enemies. The closeness of the ships allowed reinforcements to jump to from ship to ship.
The Lyseni couldn't expect aid from their friends near the middle, Seafoam took most of their attention, but the ones close by were doing their best to join in.
Near the helm he saw a man in much better equipment than anyone else not from his side. Half plate with chain mail underneath. With the bastard sword in his hands hand he was cutting through any who dared to approach him. More men were rallying around him by the second.
Knowing he could not let this man shift the momentum he called out. "Men, to me!" he shouted rallying the nearby men to himself. When enough gathered they made towards him.
With a sharp left he began his slaughter, cutting man after man down with ease. His blade claiming lives early with each swing. None of the men he encountered in his charge weren't nearly as equipped as the first man he fought nor as skilled. Which was not saying much.
About halfway through his charge he felt eyes on him. Looking up he saw his opponent had seen him. The two of them locked eyes for a moment. Their battle to the death was written then.
Both men charged towards one another.
Laevon and he met only moments later, they did not strike immediately, instead the warrior lifted his helm revealing a face of classic Valyrian appearance silver gold hair and stark blue eyes with flecks of purple.
"I am Fazen Irren, Captain of the Great Wave. Who is it that will have the honor of dying to my blade." the man spoke in common, his accent giving way to his Lyseni origins.
Laevon lifted the guard of his helm, "Laevon Velaryon, Heir to Driftmark and Captain of the *Sea Dragon* and *you* are not worthy of ending my life."
The man's eyes widened as he said his name. Laevon could almost see the man counting the coins he could earn. He looked at Laevon like a hearty meal.
"Son of the Sea Snake. I shall present your father with your head once I finish with you. Then I will use your sword to end his life. It is too precious be held by barbarians." Fazen said, speaking as if his words were destined to become true. The man lowered his visor and raised his sword.
"You will die painfully" Laevon said through gritted teeth, doing the same.
Only moments later Fazen struck at Laevon, an overhead strike meant to end the fight clean and fast.
Laeveon's body tensed at the speed the man attacked at. He tightened his grip of his sword as he brought it up to meet the strike. He roared as their strikes connected.
Sparks flashed as the swords connected. Fazen grunted and used his strength to push down. He was stronger than Laevon and was slowly forcing his blade down.
Laevon's arms shook as he tried his best to keep up. He was weaker but this type of competition only benefited him. Only one of their swords would brake.
As if thinking the same thing, Fazen kicked at Laevon's legs. The kick landed on his knee, crumpling the armor in there and buckling his knee.
Laevons strength lapsed and Fazen took advantage of it. He disengaged his blade and brought it down to slash at his side.
A bolt of raw adrenaline and fear shot through Laevon's veins. His legs pushed off the ground and he was flung to the side. The blade cut through his armor and bit into his side before he escaped his death. He cursed as he stumbled to his feet and steadied himself.
Not giving him much time to recover, Fazen pressed the attack stabbing at his chest.
Deep shame overcame him followed by wild anger at his predicament. He let the anger drive him as he sidestepped the blade, ignoring the pain from his knee. Seeing an opening he slashed at Fazen's elbow joints.
Fazen jerked his arm back. The blade cut deeply into his arm brace drawing blood. The man grunted at the pain but did not falter.
It was not what he wanted but Laevon accepted the trade. He had found a position where he bested the man. Speed. He lacked in experience and strength but he was faster and had a better blade. It was all he needed.
Fazen shook his cut wrist and gripped his weapon tightly. Neither seeing an opportunity they circled each other. A small circle of men had formed around them, giving them their distance. Many had stopped their own fights and wee waiting to see the who the victor of their battle would be.
Laevon' sides burned from the two injuries he had recieved but he was fine overall and had not lot much blood at all.
Fazen's wound was not as good. Blood was flowing from the wound at an alarming rate. The price of a Valyrian bite. Both knew the blood would not stop flowing.
Fazen lost his patience first slashing his sword at Laevon's head. The blade was quick and had all his force behind it.
Laevon smirked and used his speed to bring his sword up to meet it. Only he did not, instead he used the flat of his blade to strike the attacking blade down, sending faster down it intended path, but shortening it length. The blade missed his face by a few centimeters.
Fazen's body traveled with the blade. His eyes widening as he fell forwards
Triumphant, Laevon's gripped his sword and stabbed at the man's open neck.
In desperation, Fazen suddenly stopped his fall and reversed his swing. Bringing a deadly upward swing to Laevon.
Fear overcame him as he through his body back to dodge the arc. His arms raising to avoid contact with the blade. The blade scrapped against his chest piece just barely missing him.
He could hear Fazen's sigh as he adjusted himself.
Laevon felt a cold sweat on his back. He looked at Fazen with wide eyes. Noticing his arms was still up, he brought down the strike had before Fazen could attack again.
Fazen brought his sword up to meet the strike. He realized too late his mistake.
With a snap his blade was cleanly cut in two. The combatant stumbled back from the impact. He stared down at the two pieces of sword in his hands and then at Laevon.
Anger now replaced fear, again. Laevon pressed his advantage and slashed at his open chest.
On instinct Fazen held up his sword to block. The slash cut his chest deeply. He dropped the half of the blade in his injured hand, but held onto the hilt in the other.
"I told you, you are not worthy" Laevon said as he walked forward, reading his blade.
Fazen looked up at him, unwilling to admit his loss. Blood poured from his chest wound like a fountain. Even if he killed Laevon, it would be moons for him to heal. A lifetime for a sellsword.
"You and your incestuous houses will rot in hell." Fazen shouted as he stabbed at him with the broken blade.
Pity over came him as he watched the pitiful attempt. Swatting the weak attack out of the way. He cleaved everything from the elbow down off. Before Fazen could even register the pain, Laevon took his head.
With a groin Laevon bent down and ripped the helm from the body. He interlaced the slick silver locks in his hands and lifted the bleeding head. The expression was one of horrific pain. His mind was just registering the impact from losing his arm before his head was gone.
He felt his stomach churn, but he held it in. He raised the head high, ignoring the blood falling on him, and screamed "Your Captain is dead!"
He watched in joy as the men began to throw down their weapons, or flea. Some trying to jump to the next ship other jumping into the water hoping to swim to one of the islands. His men cheered in celebration and he relished in it.
One ship down, a dozen more to go.