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While Logar was busy rebuilding the Stepstones, he had no idea that the Three Daughters—urged on by Otto Hightower—were secretly assembling a massive fleet in the Disputed Lands, preparing to strike the Narrow Sea.
He had burned the last enemy holdouts on Grey Gallows and Bloodstone to ash. The islands were now nothing but blackened ruins.
Perfect timing.
Addam's supply fleet had just arrived from Dragonstone, loaded with timber, stone, tools, and hundreds of skilled craftsmen and laborers.
Logar gave the order at once. A massive construction effort began across the Stepstones.
On the beaches of Bloodstone, bare-chested workmen hauled enormous blocks of stone, sweat pouring down their backs and hissing as it hit the scorching sand. Laborers chanted in rhythm as they drove thick oak piles deep into the ground for the foundations of the new lord's hall. The heavy thud of mallets echoed across the empty island as everyone worked with fierce energy.
In Logar's vision, Bloodstone would become his true stronghold.
It was the largest island, sat at the very front of the chain, and commanded the Narrow Sea's gateway—perfect geography.
He had already abandoned the old Blackgold Island. That barren rock had nothing but a little tar and worthless soil.
Grey Gallows and Broken Spear Island would serve as satellite outposts.
While the construction surged forward, Logar never forgot the threat from Dorne and the Three Daughters.
Both powers had been driven back, but they could strike again at any time. So the first phase of building focused entirely on defense.
He remembered that after the Blacks recruited the bastard dragonriders, a massive naval battle would soon erupt in the Narrow Sea against the Triarchy.
He didn't remember the exact date, but that didn't matter. He would be ready.
With the Cannibal under him, Logar's confidence had skyrocketed. He was certain he could destroy any enemy fleet that appeared. So he told his men to build boldly.
In just a few days, the core structures on Bloodstone were already taking shape.
Logar stood inside the half-finished lord's hall. The stone floor still bore fresh chisel marks; tables and chairs had yet to be installed.
Outside, the shouts of workmen and the clang of tools filled the air.
He listened as Alyn and Chaman gave their reports.
"My lord, as you ordered, we sent the request to Lord Corlys. In a few more days, five merchant ships will arrive from Driftmark loaded with supplies and nearly two hundred additional craftsmen."
Alyn, who now looked at Logar like a living god, spoke with total seriousness.
"Good work," Logar nodded, "but two hundred men isn't nearly enough for what I have in mind."
His expression turned serious. "I'm building on the Stepstones to protect the Velaryon trade routes and secure the Narrow Sea. I've heard the old Sea Snake is richer than most kings—surely he can spare more than this?"
Alyn broke into a cold sweat. Lord Corlys is rich, but even he can't keep up with your demands forever.
He wisely kept that thought to himself and simply nodded.
Logar turned to Chaman, who had thrown himself into the work with surprising diligence. "Buying everything from Driftmark and Dragonstone won't be enough to turn this island into what I want. You're a Lysene merchant with connections. I'm putting you in charge of recruiting more craftsmen and purchasing materials across Essos."
"Rest assured, my lord!" Chaman wiped sweat from his brow and bowed deeply. "I've already reached out to my old trading partners and placed orders for building materials and warships exactly to your specifications. The only issue is… the budget you gave me is running a little tight."
"Money is not to be skimped on," Logar said firmly.
Every part of building a proper domain—materials, equipment, wages—cost a fortune.
On top of that, word of his victories and his new dragon had spread. Every day more mercenaries and adventurers arrived from both Westeros and Essos to join the World Devourers.
The rapid growth was burning through coin faster than he could count it. Even with his recent windfall, the treasury was starting to feel the strain.
"This is becoming a real problem," Logar muttered. No money meant no progress.
"My lord, I may have a solution," Chaman said, eyes gleaming. "Among the Nine Free Cities, Braavos's Iron Bank is the most famous. They lend gold to kingdoms and great powers alike.
With your fame as the Sea Burner now known across the world—and riding an unmatched dragon—the Iron Bank would never refuse you a loan!"
Logar's eyes lit up. "That's actually a good idea."
He remembered the Iron Bank of Braavos well. "To solve our immediate cash shortage, we'll have to go that route. Since you suggested it, you'll handle the negotiations with the Braavosi bankers."
"Leave it to me, my lord!" Chaman bowed even lower, secretly thrilled.
He was already positioning himself as Logar's top lieutenant. In a few more days, he might even outrank Femon and Kendel.
Logar didn't notice the merchant's scheming. He simply sighed at the fact that he—the Sea Burner, rider of the Cannibal—now had to borrow money.
But there was no other way. Building a domain and expanding his company required constant investment. Only a strong foundation could generate real, lasting wealth.
He remembered his early days when plunder had been his only income. That method brought fast gold, but now he was an officially titled lord of the Stepstones. He couldn't keep acting like a common pirate.
"I need to find better ways to make money—fast," he thought, gazing out over the sparkling sea.
In the harbor below, several new warships were already under construction.
He could sense a great naval battle coming soon. When it arrived, he intended to turn it into pure profit.
While Logar pushed his reconstruction plans forward, news arrived from Dragonstone: a bastard girl named Nettles had successfully tamed the wild dragon Sheepstealer.
Logar smiled. He was genuinely happy for her.
Before he could enjoy the moment, another message followed.
Emboldened by their growing number of dragonriders, Queen Rhaenyra had officially decided to launch the assault on King's Landing.
Logar saw the coming storm and recognized it as his chance to earn even greater rewards.
He began sharpening his forces, waiting for the queen's summons.
What he didn't know was that Prince Jacaerys, fearing for his younger brothers' safety, had secretly arranged to send Aegon and Viserys to Pentos.
Only Baela, stubborn as ever, had refused to leave.
Because Jacaerys feared the plan might leak, he told almost no one. He simply asked Corlys to provide seven warships disguised as ordinary Velaryon merchant vessels for the escort.
Logar knew nothing of this.
And at that exact moment, the Triarchy's fleet—already sailing across the Narrow Sea—sailed straight into the path of the disguised royal convoy.
Just as the original timeline had dictated, the fateful encounter between the princes and the enemy fleet was about to begin.