A song of Fire and Blood

Chapter 51 – The Battle of Blackwater Bay

Fire and Blood at Sea

The black sails of the Dragon Company's fleet loomed over the horizon like a storm, their hulls sleek and swift, unlike anything seen in Westeros. Their ships, crafted in Braavos famous Arsenal, were built for maneuverability and speed, adorned with the three-headed dragon sigil of House Targaryen.

Stannis Baratheon, standing atop the Fury, watched grimly as his fleet clashed with the enemy. His warships, built for brute force and ramming tactics, found themselves outmaneuvered at every turn.

The Valyrians among the enemy—House Velaryon and House Celtigar, exiled from Westeros—led the charge with devastating precision. They commanded their ships like artists wielding a brush, turning their sails with ease, circling around Stannis' cumbersome warships, and raining fire upon them.

"We're being outflanked, my lord!" Ser Gilbert Farring shouted, eyes darting over the chaos.

Ser Andrew Estermont cursed. "They sail like ghosts!"

Stannis clenched his jaw. "Press on. Get to King's Landing. Half of our fleet is all we need."

The battle raged. Stannis lost ship after ship, but his core force pushed through the chaos, forcing a path forward toward Blackwater Bay.

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Randyll Tarly and Penrose – The Siege Continues

On land, Lord Randyll Tarly surveyed the thick walls of King's Landing, his sharp mind already calculating their next move. The Gate of the Gods stood firm, its defenders holding against every push.

Penrose, beside him, growled in frustration. "Damn these walls. We should've breached them by now."

Tarly wasn't so sure. Stannis was late. Why?

He cast a glance toward the bay, where smoke was already rising.

The sea battle had begun.

"Hold the line," he ordered his men. "Stannis will break them soon."

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The Wildfire Trap

When Stannis' ships finally reached the Blackwater, the Lannister forces unleashed their final gambit.

A solitary ship, drifting toward Stannis' fleet, carried a deadly cargo—wildfire.

The green flames erupted like a dragon's breath, engulfing the sea in a wave of hellish fire.

Davos watched in horror as his son's ship was consumed.

"No!" he roared, but the flames showed no mercy.

Stannis, atop the Fury, gritted his teeth. "We press on!"

Even as half of his remaining fleet burned, he would not yield.

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The Arrival of the West

Then came the final blow.

The banners of Lannister, Hightower, Hewett, Rowan, and Oakheart appeared on the horizon, their armies marching toward the battle.

Tywin Lannister had arrived.

Stannis stared at the incoming army, his expression hard as iron. This battle was lost.

Turning to Davos, he gave the final order. "Retreat. We sail to Wendwater. We will fight another day."

Defeat had come to Stannis Baratheon, but the war was not over.