Chapter 183: The First Unlucky Fellow Sprayed to Death by Dragonfire

As a member of one of the few First Men houses in the Vale, Andar Royce likewise possessed gray-brown hair and gray eyes.

But unlike the average First Men, he was very tall, and his thick palms made him look extremely strong.

In fact, perhaps due to generations of genetic selection, the height of some First Men nobles could match that of the tall and sturdy Andals, such as members of houses like Karstark, Amber, and Glover.

After nodding to the people present, the young yet steady Ser Andar began to put forward the conditions of his father, Bronze Yohn:

"Under the persuasion of that mysterious lady and with the consent of the Vale's liege lord's mother, Lady Lysa Arryn, my father and the other three loyalists to the Iron Throne have agreed to send troops to the North to recover Winterfell for House Stark. But before sending troops, my father hopes the Targaryen family can pardon all the crimes committed by the Vale houses in that war fifteen years ago..."

Andar observed the changes in the expressions of those present as he spoke.

"You have made the best choice." War Minister Marquess Innes took the lead in applauding, but after discovering he was the only one clapping foolishly, he awkwardly stopped his hand movements and then pointed at Wylis Manderly.

"This young master of White Harbor will provide you with enough barges, and the Iron Throne will also send a portion of soldiers to accompany you."

This was the established plan; Marquess Folei repeated it, as if this could demonstrate his value as War Minister.

The King, sitting steadily on his wooden chair, waved his hand to signal Innes to be quiet, then said:

"Let us talk about other matters. Although Lady Lysa is a good mother, she is too doting on her son, so I think she is not suitable to raise the heir of House Arryn, Robin Arryn. How about..."

He paused, waiting for Andar to pick up the conversation himself.

The heir to Runestone indeed had something to say.

"Yes, yes, my father thinks so too. Lord Robin is the future Warden of the East and liege lord of the Vale; naturally, he needs the qualities of a brave and skilled warrior. In this regard, my father believes he can do better than Lady Lysa."

Andar rolled his eyes left and right, and after confirming that Hand of the King Mace Tyrell, War Minister Marquess Innes, Master of Laws Randyll Tarly, and others would not raise objections, he said loudly:

"On behalf of Earl Yohn Royce of Runestone, I formally request to the Iron Throne and Arthur I that Lord Robin Arryn be temporarily fostered at Runestone to cultivate the fine character befitting a liege lord of the Vale. After he comes of age and succeeds to his position, he shall return to the Eyrie or Moon Door to live."

The several courtiers sitting around the round table whispered to the several earls who often accompanied the King to meet vassals here, discussing this matter.

But no one raised an objection.

Arthur I nodded slightly, "After House Arryn and all the Vale houses submit to the Iron Throne, Lord Robin Arryn may go to live at Runestone."

If he remembered correctly, Robin's heir, Harrold Hardyng, was also in the hands of House Royce.

Harrold, also called "Ha Li the Heir," was the son of Ser Elyas Waynwood and the youngest daughter of Jon Arryn's sister, Alys Arryn; he inherited the Arryn bloodline from his mother's side.

Because everyone closer to House Arryn by blood had died, Harrold was currently the heir to House Arryn and the Eyrie, and he was also the ward of Lady Anya Waynwood.

If Lord Robin met with an accident, Harrold would inherit the position of Duke of the Eyrie and Warden of the Vale.

In other words, both the Jiaodu of House Arryn and the heir were in the hands of Bronze Yohn.

If operated well, House Royce could very likely dominate the entire Vale in the coming decades.

Andar Royce was overjoyed; even he, steady as he was, could not suppress the excitement in his heart, and a smile of a wish fulfilled appeared on his face.

"May the gods bless you, wise King. After I return to Gulltown, the Vale's army can be mobilized and concentrated. House Waynwood of Ironoaks, House Hunter of Longbow Hall, House Templeton of Nine Star City, and other houses will all send troops. If you order the mobilization of all Vale houses, I think the number of soldiers to pacify the North could double."

Arthur listened; it seemed the houses sending troops this time were the same batch tricked out by Littlefinger last time, just with the addition of the Royces.

This would not do. The entire Vale had been biding its time until now, preserving its strength the best; how could it continue like this?

Moreover, that place was where Littlefinger focused his operations; it had to be slashed.

The King looked at War Minister Innes, "I remember the Night's Watch sent a letter some time ago saying they wanted the southern lords to send troops to help defend against the invasion of the Wildling army and the attack of the White Walkers, right?"

Marquess Folei, finally showing his duties, nodded hurriedly, "That's right, the Night's Watch also needs a large number of soldiers, and the other houses of the Vale should also send soldiers to the Wall. Let me think, at least five thousand soldiers."

The other courtiers did not know why the already-agreed-upon plan to send Reach soldiers had been changed to Vale soldiers, but they still cooperated with the King.

"That's right, the Vale has strong power and is closest to the Wall; they should be the ones to send troops."

"The people of the Vale committed unforgivable crimes in the Usurper's War. Even if the merciful Arthur I does not pursue the faults of sixteen years ago, you Vale houses should show some sincerity and actively share the burdens for the Iron Throne and House Targaryen."

Mace Tyrell even put on the appearance of a Hand of the King; he stood up and sternly rebuked:

"Atone for crimes with merit. Either the Vale houses send troops to recover the North and assist in defending the Wall, or each house pays enough fines to the Iron Throne to fill the Iron Throne's treasury."

The King's son-in-law was not as rich as a ruler of the Seven Kingdoms, so all the royal expenses during this period were being covered by House Tyrell.

Andar frowned, "This is not something my father can decide. Perhaps the lords can write to Lady Lysa and the Protector of the Vale, Lord Petyr Baelish, to let them assign the tasks."

The influence of House Royce was only in Ironoaks, Heart's Home, Nine Star City, Longbow Hall, and other places; House Corbray of Heart's Home, House Grafson of Gulltown, and other houses were closer to Littlefinger.

"Earls and houses below them not only owe allegiance to their liege lord but also to the King." Arthur set the tone first, "All Vale houses must send a portion of soldiers, either to deal with the Boltons or to defend the Wall."

He pointed to the Iron Throne next to him, "The King's seat is cast from iron swords, not lip service. If the people of the Vale do not listen this time, when my dragon grows up, I will ride the dragon to visit the Jiaodus in every castle."

"In addition, some old rules must also be followed; I have never seen the tariffs of Gulltown."

The former lord of Gulltown, Mark Grafson, was a loyal subject of the Mad King Aerys II, but was hammered to death by Robert. The successor, Gerold Grafson, had an unclear attitude; currently, it was only known that he was very close to Littlefinger.

After saying this, Arthur I stood up and walked straight out of the hall, preparing to attend the wedding banquet.

Several courtiers and great lords followed to maintain consistency with the King, leaving behind the slow-moving, obese Wylis Manderly and Andar Royce.

Although Ser Andar felt there were many things he had not yet said to the King, he did not dare to chase after him to tell the King.

Seeing that Wylis stood up with great difficulty, the heir to Runestone took two quick steps and ran over to help Manderly up.

"Sigh, the task my father gave me was not completed; I just forgot the most important thing."

Andar said casually.

After Wylis was helped up, he first expressed his gratitude, and then replied in the same tone: "Me too. My father reminded me to let the Red Keep find the heir to Karhold, Harrion Karstark, but I didn't think of it at all just now."

After the former lord of Karhold, Rickard Karstark, was beheaded by Robb and Harrion was captured by the Westerlanders, the forces of Karhold leaned toward Roose Bolton.

And Earl Wyman Manderly, who was bent on breaking up the Bolton alliance, naturally cared about Harrion's whereabouts.

Andar Royce comforted Wylis, "It's just one person; I imagine it won't be hard to find. We in the Vale have it worse. Listening to His Majesty's meaning, if we don't put in a lot of effort this time, we will have big trouble after the dragon grows up."

He did not mention the most important task Bronze Yohn gave him: to let a member of House Royce or House Waynwood secure the position of Castellan of Winterfell.

Since the main branch of the Starks after Duke Rickard Stark only had Queen Sansa left, the descendants of Duke Eddard's great-aunt had the right to inherit Winterfell.

Carefully calculating, Symond Templeton, Lady Anya Waynwood, and Yohn Royce, as well as their descendants, all had the possibility of inheriting Winterfell.

Just now in front of the King and a bunch of great lords, Andar Royce did not dare to say this, but it was also hard to explain to his father.

He decided to take the time to drop a hint to Hand of the King Mace Tyrell or some member of the Small Council to see if anyone supported the people of the Vale inheriting Winterfell, and then go find His Majesty Arthur I to ask about this.

The two quickened their pace and walked toward the garden, where the wedding banquet of the King and Queen Margaery was in progress.

……

King's Landing, Rhaenys Hill in the north.

The well-known slum, Flea Bottom, is located on the southern side of this hill, but there are not many people on the streets nearby right now.

The generous Queen Margaery is holding a wedding, and most commoners believe the Red Keep will bestow a considerable amount of food, so they have gone eagerly to wait near Aegon's High Hill.

Tyrion Lannister, wearing a headscarf, follows behind Bernard Brune and the others; with his beard oiled and split, and dressed in the style of the Eastern Continent, he looks every bit like a wealthy merchant from Pentos.

"Why have we come here? Can't we just go straight to the Red Keep?"

Tyrion Lannister scurries with his short legs to keep up with the soldiers of normal stature.

Before entering the city, Velo Quy and his Redwyne soldiers had already parted ways with them; naval soldiers naturally belong at the docks.

As for that rhinoceros, a steward from the Red Keep will come to receive it.

"You saw it yourself just now; the area near Aegon's High Hill is packed solid with soldiers and commoners, how could we possibly squeeze in?" Bernard replied.

Tyrion asks again: "Then where are you taking me? I recall there is only the ruined Dragonpit near Rhaenys Hill?"

Sir Brune pats Tyrion on the head, "As expected of a Lannister, you are truly clever. The location we are going to is indeed the Dragonpit; it is now the garrison for the soldiers of the First Men from Crab's Claw Peninsula, and His Highness the Dragon Alduin also lives there."

Tyrion pulls a long face and says nothing more.

It seems he will not be able to attend the wedding feast, and the fine wine he was looking forward to will not be had either.

"At least I get to see a dragon," the Imp comforts himself.

Since childhood, he has had a unique obsession with dragons, not only knowing the names of the twenty-five dragons in the history of House Targaryen (not counting the three of the Dragon Queen), but also fantasizing about owning a dragon of his own.

It doesn't need to be big, just as big as me will do. This is what he said when he asked his uncle Kevan for a dragon as a gift.

After the group climbed for quite a while, the Dragonpit, crawling like a giant beast on the top of the hill, appeared in their sight.

The size of the Dragonpit cannot be described with specific numbers, but perhaps the gate that allows thirty Knights to enter side-by-side on horseback can illustrate it.

The complete Dragonpit was a huge, nest-like structure, but its massive dome has collapsed from within, and its bronze doors have been closed for over a century.

It has become a ruin scorched black by flames.

After Arthur I returned to the loyal King's Landing with the dragon Alduin, the Dragonpit, which was already an open-air structure, became an excellent place for raising dragons; to ensure outsiders could not reach the dragonets, the King ordered a detachment of soldiers from Crab's Claw Peninsula to be stationed here.

"Lord Brune returns to the city—"

On the bronze gates of the Dragonpit, the sentry soldiers, seeing their Commander return, shout with all their might.

A few minutes later, the giant gate finally opens a crack.

Tyrion asks in confusion: "I remember one can enter the Dragonpit from other places, why must we go through the main gate?"

Bernard smiles, "It is not dignified to go through other places. We are now members of the King's Landing City Watch, representing the face of the King; how can we climb collapsed walls?"

The twelve men pass through the giant bronze gate in turn, and then the gate slowly closes.

Revealed before Tyrion is a massive, black-gray ruin, with only a few flat areas cleared, where dozens of tents are displayed in a chaotic manner.

"Being in the Dragonpit, I feel like a tiny insect," he sighs helplessly.

"Who isn't? Heaven knows how the Dragon family built such a magnificent structure!"

Bernard echoes.

Then he points to a spot diagonally above their heads, "See that? His Highness Alduin is sleeping there. The one climbing down is Lord Gendry; except for the King, only he can get close to the dragon."

Since House Tyrell began funding the feeding of the dragon, Alduin's diet has been excellent, with tender lambs delivered here every day, so the well-fed dragon spends all day growing and sleeping.

Sir Brune looks very envious of Gendry.

"Able to get close to a dragon? That must mean he has dragon blood," Tyrion whispers.

The soldiers return to their respective tents, but Bernard and Tyrion stare at the dragon for a long time, until the sentry soldier above cries out in alarm.

"Lord Brune, a large number of soldiers are ignoring our warnings and climbing up from the collapsed wall."

Upon hearing this, Bernard becomes tense at once, and he shouts repeatedly toward the tent area: "Everyone out, everyone out, prepare for battle."

Although he does not know where these soldiers came from, the King had instructed that anyone attacking the Dragonpit must be an enemy.

After his men assemble, Sir Brune picks up Tyrion and leads the soldiers to climb toward the top of the ruins.

"Go report to Lord Gendry, tell him to wake up His Highness Alduin; it is only safe when the dragon flies high."

His idea is sound, but the energetic Alduin has already been awakened by the foolish humans.

This dragonet stands up from its sleeping spot, pushes off with its hind limbs, flaps its wings, and takes flight instantly.

It catches a glimpse of the first unfamiliar human near it, opens its giant maw, and a glob of phlegm-like fire is sprayed out.

A bridge of flame connects the dragon's mouth to the person, and the latter is engulfed by the fire.

Sir Lai Si Wei Er Pei Ke, who is closest, closes his eyes in despair; he becomes the first to die by Alduin's dragonfire.

PS: Seeking recommendation votes and monthly tickets.

Recommending a friend's book, "Path of the Dharma Immortal".

(End of chapter)