Chapter 19

Asha did arrive within the next week, the very next day after I recieved Balon's letter in fact. I was notified of the approach of the Black Wind by the scouts I had sailing around the point and decided this would be the perfect time to show off my Flagship, the Iron Promise. I had modeled her design after the Scottish Warship Great Michael of the 16th Century. A shade over 73 meters long, three masts, two gundecks with 30 ballistae to each broadside as well as 2 fore and 2 aft mounted catapults. It was also made of Ironwood from the Firtop Grove. If anything was likely to show my family I wasn't to be fucked with, it would be a ship they couldn't hope to beat.

Still, I had high hopes for this meeting Asha was supposed to be the reasonable one of all the Greyjoys. If anyone could understand me going the Hoare way and taking a patch of land to settle, it would be her. Still best to take no chances as I set sail on my most bad ass warship accompanied by a company of 30 Pikemen and 20 crossbowmen, all armored of course, no sense not trying to impress Asha by infusing Ironborn Customs into my fledgling navy.

As I sailed out to meet my Cousin, it ocurred to me that this was my first time Captaining a ship. Oh sure, I had sailed before, as part of a crew, but never truly commanded. It felt good. Real good. I suppose it was the Iron in my blood. If I'm not careful with that I may get the sudden urge to put a fleet together and head for the Stepstones. . .although thinking of all the Gold that could be made by taxing passage through the Stepstones made that an attractive prospect.

As my crew tacked into the wind, I caught sight of a longship with black sails. Standing on the prow of the ship was a lithe woman with short black hair and a full chest. Damn. . .my cousin was hot. . .and wouldn't that be a lot to unpack for a therapist back on Earth.

"Come alongside them, show them our broadside!" I commanded.

And like clockwork my sailors did so, tacking just right to come up alongside them and give them a view of all 30 ballistae on the Port side.

As I leaned over the side to speak into Asha's face, I couldn't help it.

"Mine's Bigger." I said, cheeky grin on my face.

"Ah, cousin did no one tell you it's not the size of the ship but how you use it?" Grinned Asha back.

"I suppose, but it does tend to take a long time to get to Pentos in a Rowboat." I shrugged.

At that both crews burst out laughing.

"Well met, Cousin. If you'll follow me, we'll be in port enjoying a flagon of mead in a little under an hour." I said.

A hearty cheer went up from both crews at that. Perhaps this family reunion wouldn't end in disaster after all. .