Two ravens soared high above Westeros—one to the Iron Islands and one to King's Landing. Each carried a letter written in Rodrik's firm, unwavering hand. The message was clear: the atrocities committed by the Ironborn would not go unpunished.
Response from the Iron Islands
Lord Dalton Greyjoy, known as the Red Kraken, received the letter in Pyke. The hall fell silent as he read its contents aloud. The threats were not veiled—they were explicit. Rodrik of the Vale had declared a reckoning.
Dalton chuckled darkly. "He threatens to erase us?" he growled. "Let him come. We are the sons of the sea, not children of soft hills and gardens."
One of his captains barked, "Shall we respond, my lord?"
Dalton slammed his goblet down, wine spilling across the stone table. "No. Let him wait for remaining days for our response on that time prepare to strike the Vale from multiple points."
In the Red Keep, King Viserys read the letter aloud in the small council chamber. Lord Lyonel Strong, the Hand of the King, stood by his side. Princess Rhaenyra, now an active part of court affairs, sat across from him, her brow furrowed.
Viserys sighed. "He threatens to commit genoside in Iron Islands."
Rhaenyra leaned forward. "He's not wrong. If even half of what he wrote is true, those reavers deserve this & more."
Laenor, seated beside her, smirked. "It's bold I give him that."
Queen Alicent looked perturbed. "I feel their pain & want to punish the offenders Still… it is not proper. A Lord Paramount declaring war unilaterally? The crown must stop him?"
Lord Lyonel Strong, ever measured, replied, "Lord Arryn's actions are dangerous, yes. His words in the letter are basically warning the crown not to intervene in this. In any other situation I would have suggested to take action to mediate or stopping this by force "
Alicent gazed at Lord Hand "But we can't do that now ?"
Lord Strong looked to the gathered faces. "As per the words written by Lord Arryn in his letter he doesn't have any intention of giving up this crusade & he has proclaimed these bold claims which I am sure has spread to the whole Vale so backing down now would result in major loss of reputation & trust of his bannerman & the crown can not force him too."
Lord Beesbury sitting quietly asked " Why can't his grace force him ?. If he decres them he has to stop"
Lord Strong signed " If the opponent was anybody else we could have done that but the opponent is Iron Borns. There reputation is clear in the seven kingdoms & if the crown stops Vale then that would send a message to the realm that we support Iron Borns & are in support of their ways. We can't in any scenario let that happen. Peoples trust towards crown will shatter. Other lords who have been impacted from Iron Borns will have resentment in thier hearts".
The small council chamber was quiet for a long time.
Then Viserys asked impatiently "Then are you suggesting we let this war happen."
" The only cource of action I can think of is to make Greyjoys hand over the Iron borns who have caused this incident & return the thralls." Lord Hand replied.
Viserys though for some time " Send a letter to Iron Islands. Order Greyjoys to fulfill the condition of Lord Arryn".
A letter went to Iron Islands & soon a reply came in which Greyjoys confirmed that they tried to find out the responsible persons for the rade but they were not able to do so & they have no part in this incident & that if Vale comes for War they will drown them.
After reading this letter Viserys decided to let them go at it. They will intervene when the war is at the end to make sure both houses gets to survive this.