The Redwater Offense

Combatants| Kingdom of Stepstones~* House Darkspear
* House Maloris
* House Lightingfyre
* House Mallery
* House Flameheart
* House Dayne

Commanders| * Kian Darkspear
* Lord Jaq Maloris
* Lord Martin Lightingfyre
* Lord Robin Redwater
* Ser Marq Mallery
* Lord Darron Flameheart
* Ser Ian Dayne

Forces| * Various Darkspear ships

Casualties| * Heavy casualties

## Prelude

> *Robin: Forgive us Lord Rheagon, we have been disconnected from this Rebellion too long.*
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> *Jory: Indeed. You've done well but now we intend to make up for our absence by putting a swift end to the Bloodshed Haywin's stubbornness has brought.*
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Accompanied by the Master of Whispers Ian Dayne, Robin Redwater, and Jory Redwater had made it to Sunstone prepared to end the War in the Stepstones, given how all threewere members of the King's small councils It showed how invested the crown was in the war, for all the good and bad this meant. For one it caused issues with some of the Free Cities who felt it was pointless conquest, and lead to later rising tensions, it also caused some divide in the Seven Kingdoms that had grown as the small council's actions were supposed to be in the benefit of the Realm yet most couldnt see a reason for participating that didnt come off as merely a power game. These tensions would play there part in alter events but for now it should be noted Jory and Robin seemed more interested in honoring there marriage alliance to Rheagon then they did throwing there weight around and there friendship with Ian, mainly Jory and Ian, was well known reason Ian may have joined them. Another noticeable thing was unlike during the Black Rebellion where Jory had proposed the removal of Privat Kalkuho's position in the small council both to punish the man for opposing him and an incentive to give to someone else to gain allies Jory offered no such ultimatum or proposed calling people traitors for helping Haywin. This likely has to do with how controversial the decision was the last time to do so and he understands better that his position was a stressful one that needed to be weaved much more carefully.

Nevertheless the three of them and there allies took the lead on this next attack knowing that it was needed, though Marq and Darron were quick to offer there assistance as well, there forces battered but there determination strong and looking to avenge there previous losses, neither man was about to back down either. On the opposite end of the spectrum Kian had ordered the Prince back to Bloodstone, and given more ships was ready to press the attack he knew that he was looking at another big fight but he was ready to make sure that he could end the war in one final battle, securing the way for Haywin to land on Sunstone in the process. Backed by a determined Jaq and a confident Martin he went on the attack

## Battle

> *Kian: Id wager ive sunk more Redwater ships then anyone in history Jory, would you like to join them!?*
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> *Jory: I'll die of old age in my keep or on the front lines for the Brightflames, not to you!*
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Kian Darkspear came prepared, but the fleet forces the Redwater brought was an impressive fleet that outnumbered his, despite this Kian was determined to win and kept on the attack. Each of Jory's commanders kept there fleets organized and kept on there guard for Kian's smaller ships that tried to slip through any openings and hit them where it hurts. Marq Mallery especially was more then prepared to keep them from doing there job and Ian and Robin lead there parts that smashed into the fleets to board them. Martin was trying to keep them back with artillery on his own ships and Kian tried to keep his own forces mobile, knowing that if they were surrounded by the larger numbers they would fail. House Maloris few ships were also trying to fight fire with fire as they rammed a few of the enemy and Jaq himself lead an attack and take over of another ship, but was able to pull away during the battle just as the tides began to turn. Despite Kian's best efforts, the fresh forces, the numbers game, and the determination to avenge there previous losses, followed by some impressive tactical skills of the opponent forced Kian to retreat after many of his ships had fallen. By most reports he had barely escaped with his life.

## Aftermath

> *Kian: Forgive me brother...I have failed..and we have lost a lot of our ships.*
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> *Haywin: Damn. It seems the battle will make it to my doorstep soon enough.*
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The victory turned the tides again bringing the Redwaters fully on the offensive and they spent the rest of there time clearing out any opposing ships or driving them back meaning that the way to Bloodstone was open and available. The Darkspear lords returned in time to inform the King who knew that a battle on his land was inevitable now. But he made no small effort to praise his lords for there work and dedication as his men were marshalled and his intent made clear to meet them on the land and not let them surround his castle. Rheagon sensing that this could be the final battle of the war didnt hesitate to come to Bloodstone himself once the way was made clear, he wanted to be able to see the castle and his opposition fall for good and sit on the throne he had coveted since its creation. That and he wanted to reaffirm to his men and the rest of the Stepstones that he was a capable leader and fighter.