Chapter 192
Riverrun.
Walder Frey, the ninety-year-old, dying old man, sat on his high seat, his cloudy eyes scrutinizing Petyr Frey, who knelt below.
Below him, Roose Bolton maintained his usual calm demeanor.
“So,” Old Walder’s voice was as grating as sandpaper, “the Lannister army has pushed the allied forces to the brink?”
“Yes, Lord Count.”
Petyr bowed his head, his face showing just the right amount of fear and lingering terror of someone who had narrowly escaped death.
“I saw it with my own eyes!”
“The Lannister army was like a tide; we… we couldn’t hold them back at all.”
“If Lord Glover hadn’t arrived in time with a thousand soldiers, we would have been routed by the Lannisters right then and there.”
“And seeing the reinforcements, the Lannisters retreated promptly, preparing to observe the situation before re-engaging, which is why I had the chance to come and ask for help.”
Roose Bolton stared at Petyr, a hint of suspicion flashing in his eyes.
After Petyr finished speaking, he immediately posed various questions to test him.
And Petyr, following Galon’s instructions, answered these battlefield questions flawlessly.
It wasn’t until Old Walder could find no fault that he allowed Petyr Frey to go and rest.
As Petyr’s figure disappeared from the council hall, Roose Bolton turned to Old Walder.
“It seems our plan is going even smoother than expected. The allied forces probably won’t last more than a few days.”
“Once the Lannisters occupy Ruby Beach, their only way out is north, either through Riverrun back to the Riverlands or back to the North.”
“Heh heh…” Old Walder twisted his body, letting out a hooting laugh like an owl.
“Then we will wait for them on the Kings Road near Riverrun!”
“At that time, we’ll lure them into the castle for a wedding feast and let them taste the Frey Family’s hospitality.”
But Bolton cautiously reminded him, “Don’t be careless, Glover is not Stark!”
“He is more cunning and more dangerous. When they arrive, don’t rush to act. I want to see what tricks he will play.”
“By the way, how is Edmure doing now?”
Old Walder’s lips curved into a smug smile.
“What else could he be doing? He’s so infatuated with my daughter that he can’t leave his room. I reckon he’ll die in bed sooner or later!”
Roose Bolton nodded, then stood up and said, “I’m going to talk to Rodrik again and ask him to write a letter to Greyjoy…”
The two conversed for a moment longer, then went their separate ways to attend to their own affairs.
They had no idea that their enemies had already buried several barrels of wildfire beneath Riverrun, awaiting the final ignition and explosion.
Riverrun.
When Maester Wyman arrived at the Godswood with Galon’s letter, Brynden Tully, the Blackfish, was squatting by the stream, cleaning his battle-hardened longsword.
“Lord Brynden, something terrible has happened!”
Maester Wyman, looking anxious, hurried to Brynden’s side with his aged body and handed him the letter.
“What’s the matter, why so flustered?”
Brynden put down his sword and took the letter curiously, “Is it Lannister…”
He only glanced at it before trembling all over.
“Robb… Robb… he’s dead?!”
“Frey… and Bolton conspired?!”
The contents of Galon’s letter made his resolute face, which seemed to have been washed by river water a thousand times, show an uncontrollable grief and anger for the first time.
“Stannis… Stannis actually killed him with sorcery!”
“Frey and Bolton betrayed us?!”
Maester Wyman’s aged face still showed lingering shock.
He never imagined that the Young Wolf, who had always been victorious, didn’t die on the battlefield, but rather by sorcery.
He also never expected that the Frey Family and House Bolton would unite with the Lannisters to drag everyone in Riverrun into hell.
Brynden closed his eyes in pain, letting the grief that almost tore him apart surge in his chest.
He knew that with the death of Robb Stark, the Riverlands, which had just seen hope, was about to collapse again.
So, after only a few breaths, Brynden opened his eyes again.
In those cloudy eyes, there was only an iron-like, cold resolve.
Now was not the time for sorrow.
He immediately tore the letter into shreds and threw them into the stream before him, letting the water soak and destroy them.
“Maester Wyman, does anyone else know about this besides you and me?”
Maester Wyman shook his head.
“I personally found this letter while tending to the ravenry; even my servants don’t know!”
“Very good!” Brynden instructed, “This matter is of great importance, Maester. Don’t tell anyone, to prevent others from finding out and disturbing morale!”
Maester Wyman nodded, indicating that he understood the gravity of the situation.
Seeing this, Brynden immediately grabbed his sword and walked towards the council hall.
“Effective immediately, Riverrun is to enter the highest state of alert!”
“Close all city gates, raise the drawbridges. No one is allowed to enter or leave without a command personally signed by me!”
Following Brynden’s orders, the entire Riverrun was once again shrouded in the clouds of war.
“Family, Duty, Honor!”
“No matter what, I will defend Riverrun to the end!”
“So…”
On the ramparts, Brynden looked in the direction of Riverrun and prayed to the Seven Gods: “Galon, it’s all up to you!”
Gods Eye Lake.
On the mist-shrouded lake, a small boat carrying several people gradually rowed towards the shore.
Arya was at times excited, at times anxious.
She and Gendry, who had been staying on the Isle of Faces, had no idea what stage the war had reached.
If the Lannisters were to win a complete victory, wouldn’t her returning to the mainland be a death wish?
But no matter what she thought, she couldn’t change the fact that she was gradually approaching land.
Just this morning, the Green Men leader found them and said it was time for them to leave.
Before Arya and Gendry could react, their belongings were packed, and they were put on the boat.
Until now.
Seeing the land drawing closer, Gendry, who had been living well lately, hesitated for a moment before pleading.
“My lord, I want to stay on the Isle of Faces!”
“As long as I can stay, I’ll even join the Green Men!”
But the Green Man rowing the boat shook his head, refusing him.
“Your destiny is not on the Isle of Faces; your destiny has already been decided by the gods.”
“Alright, we’re almost at the shore. Take your things and go ashore!”
With that, the Green Man docked the skiff in the reeds.
Gendry still wanted to plead, but seeing the Green Man’s indifferent expression, he could only pick up his bundle and jump into the shallow water with Arya.
The skiff slowly retreated until it disappeared back into the mist.
“Let’s go, my prince. Maybe the Lannisters have already lost, who knows?”
Arya tucked Needle into her waist and walked ashore, half excited, half anxious.
Gendry, helpless, hoisted his luggage onto his shoulder and followed her through the reeds towards the shore.
“No matter if the Lannisters win or lose, Arya, you have a home to return to, but what about me?”
“I just want to find a quiet place to live now. I don’t want to get involved in all that prince and inheritance stuff anymore.”
Arya shrugged, “Come on, that’s the iron throne. Do you think you can hide if you want to?”
“My father told me that your father, King Robert, still wanted to kill the Targaryen girl across the Narrow Sea.”
“When the new king ascends, do you think he’ll let you go?”
As a blacksmith, politics was too unfamiliar to Gendry.
He couldn’t understand, “Why? She’s not a threat?!”
Arya walked to the shore, listened quietly for a moment, and seeing no sound, cautiously poked her head out to look at the shore.
Only after confirming no one was there did she jump ashore and replied, “My father said the King was worried she would have many, many children in the future to compete with his sons for the iron throne!”
“Perhaps the new king will think the same of you!”
Gendry followed her ashore, sighing silently.
He looked dispirited and asked, “Where do we go now?”
“North?”
Arya looked in the direction of Harrenhal and cautiously said, “Let’s find a place to hide first, and then decide after we gather some information.”
Gendry had no objection.
After discerning the direction, he headed towards the cellar of the fishing village where he had previously hidden.
The two were careful all the way, fearing discovery by Lannister men.
But just as they returned to the village where they had stayed before, a somewhat familiar voice came from behind them, “Miss Arya?”
Arya’s body trembled slightly.
She turned her head, and a familiar figure emerged from the corner of the village.
It was none other than “The Bold” Barristan Selmy, former Lord Commander of the Kingsguard.
“Lord Barristan?!”
Arya’s eyes darted around, her heart already sinking into despair.
“Did Joffrey send you to capture me?”
She still didn’t know that Barristan had been dismissed from the Kingsguard by Joffrey.
“No, I no longer serve Joffrey.”
Barristan gave Arya a kind look, then his gaze shifted to the black-haired, blue-eyed Gendry.
“You are Prince Gendry?!”
Having lived in King’s Landing for many years, Gendry naturally knew of the renowned Barristan the Bold.
His eyes held a hint of excitement at seeing an idol, and he said cautiously, “Yes, I am Gendry!”
Instantly, Barristan drew the greatsword from his waist.
Before Arya and Gendry could react, he walked in front of Gendry and knelt on one knee.
He laid his sword horizontally at Gendry’s feet and made his vow.
“Prince, I once served your father, His Majesty King Robert, but I failed to fulfill my duties, which led to His Majesty’s demise.”
“For this, I have been searching for you, hoping to receive your understanding.”
“Today, I ask your permission to once again pledge my loyalty to House Baratheon.”
“I will be your shield, offer you counsel, and if necessary, sacrifice my life for yours.”
“I swear by the New Gods and the old gods!”
Barristan’s words echoed in Gendry’s ears, leaving him momentarily at a loss, and he instinctively looked at Arya beside him.
Arya’s eyes showed excitement, and she nodded to Gendry, then stood on tiptoe and whispered a few words in his ear.
“I swear, by my hearth, you shall always have a place.”
“And share mead and meat with me.”
“I swear, I will not make you take a dishonorable vow!”
“I swear by the New Gods and the old gods!”
Then, Gendry stepped forward and helped Barristan to his feet.
“Ser, how did you come to be here?”
Only then did Arya, who had witnessed the entire oath-taking, ask curiously.
“Miss Arya, it’s a long story. This is not the place to talk. I will first take you to meet someone.”
“Prince, this way, please!”
Barristan returned his sword to his waist and led Arya and Gendry to a secluded room, where Hooliman was waiting.
“Miss Arya…”
Hooliman exclaimed in delight, his eyes welling up.
“If the Hand of the King knew you were alive, he would be so happy!”
Arya looked at Hooliman curiously and couldn’t help but ask, “Are you my father’s subordinate?”
Hooliman shook his head slightly, then, in front of Gendry, introduced himself again.
“I was the squire who served His Majesty the King in the Red Keep…”
He recounted everything that had happened to him in King’s Landing.
Gendry and Arya finally learned that there were so many schemes and secrets surrounding their father’s death.
“That bastard Joffrey!”
“I must kill him!”
Arya’s eyes were blurred with tears, and she shouted that she would avenge her father.
Even Gendry, who had never met King Robert, felt sorrow.
“Prince, this is no place to linger. I think we must leave here as soon as possible.”
“Go to The Vale. Once you reveal your identity, the knights of The Vale will surely help you reclaim the iron throne!”
Barristan, seasoned and steady, proposed the subsequent plan.
He and Hooliman had been busy searching for Gendry recently and were completely unaware of Robb’s death.
“Why don’t we go find Robb?”
“Robb will definitely help us too!”
Arya was confused.
Hooliman gave a wry smile and explained, “Miss Arya, the situation has been unpredictable lately. Your brother Robb has already crowned himself king!”
Hearing this, Arya was instantly stunned.
“How could… this happen?”
Arya stood bewildered on the side, unsure what to say.
Barristan shook his head slightly and once again persuaded Gendry, who had originally wanted to settle down somewhere, but ultimately had no choice but to reluctantly agree.
After preparing briefly, the four immediately rushed toward The Vale.
King’s Landing.
Inside the Small Council chambers.
“Bang!”
Tywin smashed a cup full of wine onto the floor in front of his son and daughter, roaring in a voice full of suppressed anger.
“Good!”
“A fine Bolton indeed!”
Tywin, who was usually calm, lost his temper for the first time, “To dare scheme against me like this, heh heh…”
Cersei, standing beside the long table, was struck dumb with fear and dared not speak.
She had never seen her father so furious.
But Cersei understood.
She glanced at the two letters on the table: one was a letter of cooperation written by Bolton to Kevan, and the other was an urgent battlefield intelligence report sent back after Kevan was defeated by the Northern allied forces.
Anyone who read the two letters would conclude that Bolton was pretending to pledge allegiance to the iron throne but was actually trying to swallow the Lannister army whole.
Tyrion thought the same.
After all, it was too coincidental.
He ignored his father’s rage and pondered carefully.
“Ser Marbrand said that the situation was originally highly favorable, but then Glover’s army stabbed us from the rear, and Uncle Kevan was killed.”
“This led to the complete collapse of the entire army.”
“Now, aside from the fleeing Brotherhood of Mummers, less than five hundred men survived out of the five thousand Westerlands Army troops led by Uncle Kevan.”
“Father, you must prepare in advance!”
“Hmph!” Tywin’s pale green eyes flashed with extremely dangerous light.
“You are right. Glover and Bolton are indeed a huge problem!”
“However, now is not the time to discuss this!”
He forcibly suppressed his anger and regained his composure.
“Adam Marbrand mentioned in his letter that the Direwolf Banner was not seen on the battlefield. Was Robb Stark truly killed by Stannis?”
“Witchcraft?” Tywin muttered.
“Does such strange witchcraft really exist in this world?”
Cersei’s expression changed slightly; she recalled the prophecy she received from a Witch in her childhood.
But Tyrion didn’t believe in such things and speculated, “Perhaps Stannis hired the Faceless Men!”
Tywin glanced at Tyrion, his heart stirring, and said, “No matter the method, as long as Stark is dead.”
“Without Stark, The North and the Riverlands are just loose sand. If we send people to tempt them, they will completely submit to the iron throne!”
Seeing Tyrion look thoughtful, he changed the subject and continued.
“Tyrion, how is Miss Margaery’s health currently?”
Tyrion shrugged and replied, “Maester Pycelle examined her and said she was just exhausted from the journey, and a few days of rest will suffice. The wedding will probably need to be postponed for a few days.”
“Postponed…” Tywin’s mouth curved into a cold arc.
“I think Miss Margaery’s illness won’t be cured anytime soon!”
Upon hearing this, Cersei was confused and didn’t understand why Tywin said that.
But Tyrion reacted quickly and, after a moment’s thought, understood Tywin’s meaning.
“Father, do you mean House Tyrell wants to wait a little longer?”
“Hmph, that Old Rose probably wants to demand more benefits!”
Tywin explained flatly, “If she wants to wait, then let her wait.”
“Tyrion,” he stared emotionlessly at his son, “I am sending you to the Riverlands to find out exactly what happened to Kevan and whether Stark is truly dead.”
“Once you confirm that the Wolf Cub is dead, send word to me immediately.”
“I will send a large army to march directly on them and force their surrender!”
Tyrion was startled and asked, his face full of disbelief.
“You’re sending me?”
“Sending your only safe son to such a dangerous place?”
“Aren’t you afraid that Jaime and I will end up imprisoned together?!”
Tywin sneered, “Precisely because you are my son, I am sending you!”
Tyrion, helpless, could only agree.
“Remember, once you reach the Riverlands, if Stark is truly dead, try to win them over, especially Glover!”
“As for Bolton, I will flay him alive to pay for Kevan’s life!”
Winterfell.
When Sansa, who was in the Godswood, received Galon’s letter, she was still overjoyed and impatient, completely missing the grief in Maester Luwin and Jon’s eyes.
Until she clearly read the contents of the letter.
She instantly collapsed!
“No—Robb, Rickon!”
Sansa’s vision went black, and she was about to fall backward, but Jon, who had been watching her, quickly caught her.
“Sansa… Sansa!”
Jon’s hoarse voice continuously called her name, and Maester Luwin also hurried forward to check Sansa’s condition.
“She’s fine, just overwrought,” Maester Luwin sighed in relief.
“She will wake up in a moment.”
“Alas…”
He sighed, sharing a silent moment with the equally sorrowful Jon.
Who could have imagined it?
Since the Starks had separated, some were missing, some were dead, and some were far away.
Now, the burden of all Winterfell and The North rested on one girl.
“Alas…”
Thinking of this, Maester Luwin sighed once more.
Just then, Sansa slowly woke up.
As soon as she opened her eyes, the contents of the letter she had just read reappeared in her mind.
“Robb… Rickon…”
“No—”
She screamed, so distraught that she nearly fainted again.
But Jon held her tightly in his arms and comforted her.
“Cry, Sansa!”
Jon’s voice was full of grief.
“I know the deaths of Robb and Rickon are a huge blow to you, so cry!”
“Once you cry it out, you’ll feel much better!”
But Sansa’s desolate eyes were red, yet no tears fell.
“Sansa!”
Maester Luwin was heartbroken to see her like this, but he still said, “You must pull yourself together. From now on, you are the Duchess of Winterfell!”
“Do not fail Robb’s final wish!”
“Duchess…”
Sansa murmured to herself.
“Yes, Duchess Sansa,” Jon’s eyes became resolute.
“Robb entrusted The North to you, and we cannot let him down!”
“And Galon, he is still fighting for you. You must wait for him to return!”
“Galon…” Tears welled up and shone in Sansa’s eyes.
She whispered to herself, “Yes, I still have Galon. I must make him return!”
“I cannot lose Galon too!”
Sansa forced herself to stand up from Jon’s embrace and wiped away her tears.
In her blue eyes, inherited from her mother, the innocence of a young girl completely faded, replaced by the resilient flame of a Stark.
“Galon said that Bolton and the Frey Family are scheming for The North, worrying that the Little Flayer might take the opportunity to attack us, and urged us to write to Lord Robert for aid as soon as possible.”
“Maester Luwin, please immediately send a message to Deepwood Motte, asking Lord Robert to come to our aid quickly.”
“Also notify Cerwyn, Howood Castle, and White Harbor, telling them to be vigilant against Bolton’s army.”
“Jon, starting today, no one is allowed to enter or leave Winterfell without my command.”
“Screen the residents of Winter Town, and once cleared, relocate them into the castle…”
The revitalized Sansa immediately issued a series of commands in her capacity as the Duchess of Winterfell.
Soon, Winterfell’s ravens flew out in all directions once again.
Meanwhile, the Little Flayer, having received a letter from his father, was marching rapidly toward Winterfell with the The Dreadfort army.
Another great battle for Winterfell was about to begin.
The North, outside the Wall Passageway.
Lord Commander of the Nights Watch Jeor Mormont, riding his horse, met the gaze of Mance Rayder, who was not far opposite him.
His gaze swept past Mance Rayder, looking toward the dense crowd of Wildlings and Free Folk.
“Commander Mormont, I do not wish to blow the Horn of Winter and collapse The Wall.”
“Therefore, I want you to take your men and stand aside!”
“Let us enter The North to search for the Son of Hope, and I promise not to harm any of you!”
Mormont shook his head.
“The Nights Watch’s duty is to uphold our vows and protect the realm behind us. I will never let you pass!”
“So, there’s nothing left to discuss?”
In response to Mance Rayder’s question, Lord Commander Mormont solemnly stated, “Unless the gods themselves issue a decree, the Nights Watch will never retreat!”
Mance Rayder nodded, stopped wasting words, and turned to walk into the main body of the Wildlings’ army.
And Mormont returned inside The Wall.
The Battle of the Wall was imminent!
Slaver’s Bay, Meereen.
This Pyramid City, built with blood and brick, now flew a brand new banner—the black and red Three-Headed Dragon banner of House Targaryen.
Daenerys Targaryen stood atop the magnificent pyramid, the sea breeze blowing through her silver hair.
Above her, three mythical dragons soared: the black Drogon, the green Rhaegal, and the white Viserion.
Their bodies had grown to the size of small horses, their scales shimmering with a metallic sheen in the sun, and small bursts of hot smoke occasionally puffed from their mouths.
At her feet were tens of thousands of newly freed slaves, as well as the army that struck fear across all Essos and was absolutely loyal to her—the Unsullied.
“Her Majesty the Queen!”
“Mother of Dragons!”
Earth-shattering cheers came from every corner of the city, merging into a torrent of adoration.
She had just conquered the most defiant of the slave city-states, using fire and iron to completely crush the rule of the slave masters.
Now, Daenerys turned her gaze toward Westeros, still engulfed in war.
The choice of destiny was about to unfold!
Galon, who was about to reach Riverrun, knew nothing of all this, still actively preparing his plan for Riverrun.