Game of Thrones: The Red Dragon Lord.

Chapter 44 Boris

The huge explosion attracted the attention of the pirates. The death of their leader made them panic in an instant, but the two sides on the front line were already blood-thirsty and the battle continued.

The Blood Dragon Guards who were in charge of supervising the battle team behind him also immediately rushed out to join the battlefield. Gavin, who had broken through the formation, immediately launched an attack on the pirate team on the left from behind.

As the formation was attacked from behind, coupled with the bravery of the Blood Dragon Guards and Gavin's miraculous fire power, the pirates' already shaken morale completely collapsed. Some pirates began to flee the battlefield, and the dense formation gradually began to loosen. With a wave of crossbow arrows, the entire pirate team fell into rout.

Gavin immediately commanded everyone to start the pursuit, all the way to the Bloodstone Town.

The pirates, who were trying to escape, rushed to the city gate like a tide, pushing and shoving each other in panic, and kept passing through the city gate. For a while, the town gate could not be closed at all, and the scene was in chaos.

Taking advantage of this opportunity, the Blood Dragon Guards charged forward like wild beasts out of their cages, charging at all costs. They were agile and swift, charging towards the town gate with the force of thunder.

Under the powerful impact of the Blood Dragon Guards, the pirates at the city gate were instantly defeated and fled in all directions.

The Blood Dragon Guards successfully seized the town gate, and Gavin's army following closely behind them was greatly boosted in morale. Their shouts of killing shook the sky, and they attacked the city like a raging torrent.

The streets of the city fell into chaos, and Gavin's soldiers engaged in fierce street fighting with the remaining pirates. Swords gleamed and blood splattered, and every corner was filled with tension and blood.

The battle lasted until dusk, and the sounds of fighting in the city gradually disappeared.

Gavin sat in front of the city lord's mansion, watching the pirate captives being brought to the square, silently waiting for the battle to end completely.

The afterglow of the setting sun dyed the sky orange-red, and gave the entire square a hazy blood-red color. Gavin's figure was stretched out, his frown still not relaxed, his eyes revealing thought and worry.

Finally, Hassan hurried over, bowed, and reported solemnly: "Sir, the battle is over. We suffered heavy casualties, but fortunately we have successfully occupied Bloodstone Island." Gavin nodded slightly and said in a deep voice: "First, properly arrange for the wounded, keep a close watch on the prisoners, and count the specific casualties."

In the evening, Hassan returned again: "Sir, we have 376 casualties and 1124 captured pirates. We haven't had time to count the seized supplies, but there are 25 longships and 5 sailing warships in the port." Gavin took a deep breath and looked around at the captives in the square: "Give the surviving soldiers money as agreed before, and also search for all the officials and people in charge in the city and bring them to me."

"Speaking of officials, a man who claimed to be the tax officer of Bloodstone Island just found me and wanted to see you. I told him to wait on the grounds that the war has not yet ended. I will go and bring him here now." Hassan reported.

Gavin nodded: "Go ahead, if you are not a pirate, be polite."

Hassan immediately responded, "Yes, sir."

After a while, Gavin met the tax collector, who was about forty years old and short. His long life by the sea had given him dark and shiny skin, and he exuded a simple temperament that blended with the sea.

After seeing Gavin, the tax collector bowed and said, "Hello, sir. My name is Boris, and I used to be the tax collector of Bloodstone Island."

Gavin seemed to be thinking about something. "Hassan said you came to see me on your own initiative. What do you want?" Boris raised his head slightly. "Sir, it's not my personal business. Many islanders want me to ask you about your arrangements for taxation on the island. Half a month ago, the islanders paid this year's taxes. We would like to ask for your mercy and hope to delay the collection of taxes for a while."

Gavin looked at him with suspicion in his eyes: "Boris, aren't you a pirate?"

Boris waved his hand hastily: "My Lord, I am definitely not a pirate. I have always been responsible for collecting taxes on this island."

Gavin frowned. "Then why would pirates hand over such an important task as collecting taxes to outsiders?"

Boris took a deep breath and said, "Sir, the biggest benefit of taking Bloodstone Island has always been the tolls from the nearby trade routes. The output of the island itself is not important. As long as it can be controlled and no trouble occurs, it will be fine. So no matter who rules here, they will appoint local islanders as officials, so that they can better control Bloodstone Island. That's why I was appointed as the tax officer."

Gavin nodded slightly and asked, "How many people are there on the island?"

Boris replied: "There are more than 20,000 people on Bloodstone Island, about 30% of them are fishermen, and the rest make a living by farming."

Gavin crossed his arms and said, "What about taxation during the pirate rule?"

Boris answered cautiously, "Sir, it was better when the Thorn family was here. They only wanted some of our harvest. After the arrival of the Black Shark "Earl", taxes were only collected in money, not food. The islanders had to exchange food for money to pay taxes, and the previous severance of trade caused the islanders to suffer terribly."

Gavin was silent for a moment. "I can collect taxes according to the way the Thorn family collects taxes. As for delaying the tax, that's fine. Now that I control this island, you are all my subjects. I will take proper care of you, and you must obey my rule accordingly."

Boris said affirmatively: "Thank you for your kindness, sir. I'm sure the islanders will support you when they know about this."

Gavin thought for a moment and said, "Okay, I need your assistance with some matters. I will now appoint you as the deputy director of Bloodstone Island, responsible for managing the production and taxation of the islanders. As for your superior Hassan, I believe you have already met him."

Boris bowed and said, "Of course, please rest assured, sir. I will do my best."

Gavin waved his hand: "Go down and do your job well."

Boris saluted again: "Yes, sir, I will take my leave."

After Boris left, Hassan, who was standing nearby, stepped forward and reported: "Sir, I asked some captives. The management of Bloodstone Town is very chaotic. Many officials during the management period of the Sann family were killed by Black Shark "Ear" after landing on the island. Many merchants in the city have already fled. The shops are vacant and the port is not open to foreign business. Black Shark "Ear" did not appoint any officials. He only left a few pirate managers. Many of them died in the previous battle, and the rest were captured."

Gavin nodded. "You heard what I said just now. From today on, you are the supervisor of Bloodstone Island. First, you need to improve the law and order on the island to prevent the remnants of pirates from causing chaos. Block the port and no ship is allowed to leave. Rest for a few days and sort out the pirate captives. Execute all pirate captains and stewards and above. Gather the remaining pirates tomorrow and I will personally recruit them. After we take down the last pirate group, we can consider opening up business."

Hassan bowed and said, "Yes, sir. I will do it now."

(End of this chapter)