Chapter 163: Wights, Surrender, and the Weepers

On the night of the great battle beneath the Fist of the First Men, snow began to fall from the sky, and many captives shivered in the snow.

Some wildlings who had fled north returned, shouting about blue-eyed, walking dead men.

Eddard took several hundred cavalrymen and went on patrol in the north himself, where he indeed ran into several wights.

There were over a dozen of them in total; some were dead Rangers, others were dead Thenns, Hardfoots, and spearwives.

Jon's eyes widened, Theon felt his stomach churn, and Robb's mouth hung open.

"The wights from Old Nan's stories—they're actually real."

Although Eddard had repeatedly emphasized the danger of encountering wights during this war, it was still terrifying when they truly met them.

Experienced Rangers like Benjen, Qhorin, Thoren Smallwood, and Jeremy Lake were stunned at the sight of the wights. Some cavalrymen instinctively reached for their obsidian daggers.

"Use fire against them," Eddard shouted. "Obsidian is the bane of the Others, but it cannot harm wights; wights fear fire."

Whether they were Rangers or Winterfell cavalry, fear was written on every man's face.

Eddard encouraged them: "Do not be afraid. They move slowly and fear fire. They are already dead; this attack will bring them final rest."

The horse archers released a volley of fire arrows, and as the wights caught fire, they fell to the ground screaming.

The cavalrymen laughed nervously and encouraged one another; soon, all ten-plus wights were killed, reduced to charred skeletons.

The Old Bear muttered, "The wildlings have always had a custom of cremation; so that is why."

The last wight was a little girl only about three years old; the direwolf Summer pinned her down, and subsequently, Eddard sent soldiers to chain the little girl and bring this little blue-eyed wight back to the Fist of the First Men.

At the Fist of the First Men, Eddard displayed her to the wildling captives, and the fear of every wildling was clearly written on their faces.

"If you do not surrender, your children may all turn into this terrifying state."

Tormund said in a rough voice, "I don't want my sons or my daughters to become like this. Actually, the Free Folk have been fighting the Others and wights for a long time; we always thought you noble lords of the south had long forgotten about the Others."

Eddard said, "The North never forgets. If you swear fealty to Winterfell, we can resist the Others and the wights together and save one another."

Harma Dogshead, holding her bloody dog-head banner, said, "Wolf King, if that is the case, I am willing to surrender with my people."

The wildlings were truly a very strange group of people.

Before the war, the wildlings clamored that they would never kneel, never bow, and the raider leaders clamored that they would rather die than submit; however, after the Northern cavalry and Rangers crushed the wildlings' resistance and they witnessed the little wight girl with their own eyes, the raiders knelt before the heart tree one after another, declaring their service to Stark and Winterfell.

Harma Dogshead, Tormund Giantsbane, the Lord of Bones, Varamyr Sixskins, and Eagle King McCain—these renowned raider leaders, despite grumbling, chose to kneel and submit.

After all, bending one's knees wouldn't kill anyone, but resisting to the end was a dead end.

Wildlings worshiped strength and the strong; Eddard had displayed the power of the Northern cavalry and the direwolves, which was why these people were willing to submit. When Mance persuaded the various tribal leaders, he either gave promises or issued threats, but more often than not, he conquered with sword and blade. Mance was one of the most powerful warriors among the wildlings beyond the Wall; he became the King-Beyond-the-Wall because of the power and skill he displayed.

Qhorin Halfhand and the Shadow Tower Rangers brought Mance Rayder forward, and Eddard asked, "Mance, some leaders have surrendered; are you willing to surrender? Kneel and submit, and I will spare your life."

Mance shook his head. "A Night's Watch deserter cannot escape death. Eddard, stop the hypocrisy; give me a clean end. I hope you treat the wildlings better; they were already a people plagued by disaster."

Eddard lowered his voice, "Then what about your pregnant wife? If the child loses a father and the wife loses a husband, who will protect them?"

Mance pondered for a long time, "You are threatening me with my wife and child?"

Helen and Osha brought the pregnant Dalla over; Mance felt slightly relieved when he saw that Dalla was unhurt.

Eddard placed a hand on Mance's shoulder, "I have heard the story of how you abandoned your Night's Watch vows for a cloak; I think you are a remarkable man who yearns for freedom. A warm life in the south awaits you. In the future, the Others may threaten all of humanity; Mance, I need you, the wildlings need you, and your wife and unborn child need you even more."

Mance nodded, "Lord Eddard, I am willing to fight for you and Winterfell."

The Old Bear, Benjen, Thoren Smallwood, Othell Yarwyck, and other Night's Watch officers watched as Mance, Tormund, Eagle King McCain, the Lord of Bones, Harma Dogshead, and other wildling leaders knelt before the heart tree to swear fealty to Eddard.

After the wildling leaders left, the Old Bear said in a rough voice, "Lord Eddard, are you truly going to take these leaders to settle in the North?"

Eddard nodded, "I have given them my word."

The Old Bear said excitedly, "Lord Eddard, you are the Duke of the North; it is your business if you accept these wildlings. However, the Night's Watch cannot accept the wildlings being settled in the Gift."

The Gift nominally belonged to the Night's Watch, but due to the shortage of men in the Night's Watch and the ravages of wildling raiders, the Gift had almost become a no-man's-land. After Eddard reached a cooperation agreement with the Night's Watch, Winterfell migrated people to the Gift and established military colonies and manors, which then sprang up like bamboo shoots after a rain; the Gift was effectively under the control of Winterfell.

Eddard smiled, "Lord Mormont, rest assured, there will not be a single wildling in the Gift; I will settle them in Winterfell."

If settled in the Gift, the wildlings might run around everywhere, and since wildlings had always hated the Night's Watch, there was no guarantee they wouldn't attack the Night's Watch castles, which had almost no defenses on the southern side. After careful consideration, Eddard decided to take the wildlings directly to the lands of Winterfell.

The population of the Winter Town at Winterfell was rising quickly, but the lands of Winterfell were vast, and there was plenty of uncultivated land to settle the wildlings.

The Old Bear was finally slightly relieved, but Benjen felt it was inappropriate: "Winterfell is the heart of the North; how can you ensure the wildlings won't run around if they are settled in the lands of Winterfell? If they gather and rebel, it would be a disaster for Winterfell and the North."

Eddard said calmly, "The wildlings have sworn upon the heart tree; wildlings value oaths. Of course, I will not pin my hopes on oaths alone. I will have every wildling leader offer up a foster son. Wildlings follow the strong; if the leaders do not cause trouble, the wildlings beneath them will remain peaceful."

Thoren Smallwood said disdainfully, "Lord Eddard, the best way to deal with wildling leaders is to execute them and hang their heads on the Wall to feed the crows."

If these leaders were executed, this war would be difficult to end, and there would be more and more rebels. Simple warriors like Thoren Smallwood only knew how to use brute force; they had no understanding of the principle that winning hearts is the superior strategy.

Thoren continued, "Many wildling raiders are polygamous and leave their seed everywhere; they have no concept of bastards, and many sons are worthless in the eyes of wildling parents. Taking foster sons as hostages may not necessarily work."

Eddard said, "Wildling tribes are bound by blood; although their marriage customs differ from the Seven Kingdoms, family affection is just as precious in the eyes of the wildlings."

The wildlings worshiped the strong and despised the weak; Wolf King Eddard had displayed his power, and they feared Winterfell and House Stark. Eddard believed that once the wildlings moved to the North, he could use benevolence to win the loyalty of this ancient and proud people.

The Old Bear said, "Wildlings are cruel and bloodthirsty; rape and robbery are everyday occurrences. Some wildlings will inevitably break the law in the North. How does Lord Eddard intend to deal with them? You won't be sending them to guard the Wall, will you? The brothers of the Night's Watch and the wildlings are mortal enemies; we will never allow wildlings to join the Night's Watch."

"I will not." Eddard looked toward the Wall in the south. "I intend to perfect the laws in the North. Once the law is broken, anyone will be reduced to a forced laborer for labor reform. The wildlings call themselves Free Folk and cherish their freedom; if they break the law, they will have to be reduced to forced laborers, farming, mining, and working to atone for their sins for House Stark."

The Old Bear glanced at Mance in the distance, "Lord Eddard, I will not interfere with how you deal with the wildlings, but Mance must be handed over to the Night's Watch."

Ser Othell Yarwyck nodded weakly, "Indeed, Mance is a deserter of the Night's Watch; he not only abandoned his sacred vows but also usurped the title of king and gathered a wildling army to attack the Wall. According to the law, we must execute this deserter."

If Mance Rayder died, many of the wildlings who had fled into the deep mountains and forests would never surrender; Eddard could not let Mance die.

"My lords, I will give you a satisfactory answer. I promise."

On the night the Northern cavalry and Rangers destroyed the wildling camp, Fellan gained his freedom; he ran into Dalla and Val and, in the chaos, voluntarily protected them and handed them over to Eddard.

Seeing Eddard, Fellan was very ashamed, "Lord Eddard, I have let you down; you entrusted the scouts to me, but I was greedy for glory and rash, leading the scouts into an encirclement."

"Silly boy, everyone makes mistakes." Eddard patted Fellan on the shoulder, "Fortunately, you are still alive, otherwise Lady Barbrey and I would have become enemies again. Besides, you have performed a meritorious service; you captured Mance's wife Dalla, and Dalla's sister Val—she can be considered a wildling princess."

"I did not capture them." Fellan explained, "I only went to protect them from harm. In fact, during the time I was captured, it was Samantha, Dalla, and Val who protected me; otherwise, I would have been torn apart by Harma Dogshead, the Lord of Bones, and those people long ago."

"You captured them." Eddard insisted, "Externally, it must be claimed that this is your merit. You are a hero of the North; if you have no merit after this triumphant return, how am I to promote you in the future?"

The Northern cavalry rescued Jory Cassel from the prisoner wagon. Thus, the Northern nobles captured in the war beyond the Wall—Jory Cassel, Wull the Bucket, and Fellan—were all rescued.

The news that the King-Beyond-the-Wall Mance, Tormund, Harma Dogshead, the Lord of Bones, and other leaders had sworn fealty to Eddard spread quickly. Coupled with the appearance of wights in the north, the wildlings were in a state of panic, and many wildlings who had fled into the forests and valleys gathered one after another beneath the Fist of the First Men to surrender to Eddard.

Because the number of Wildlings was too great, staying for even one more day would consume a massive amount of military rations; furthermore, with the threat of wights and Others in the north, Eddard immediately ordered the cavalry to take these Wildlings south to first camp in the wilderness outside Castle Black.

Mance Rayder suggested to Eddard, "There are still many Wildlings in the valleys of the Frostfangs. I am willing to go to the valleys to recruit them for Lord Eddard. I need horses, weapons, and a few followers. I know many Cave Dwellers in the Frostfangs; may I choose a few to be my followers?"

Eddard nodded, "Go! Be careful on the way."

As soon as Mance Rayder left, Theon, who was at his side, hurriedly tried to dissuade him, "Lord Eddard, Mance Rayder is an Oathbreaker. If he goes to the Frostfangs, he certainly won't come back. It's not too late to chase him down and bring him back now."

Eddard said, "I believe Mance Rayder will return. He suffered a crushing defeat before the Wildlings; even if he wanted to rebel again, no one would support him. Mance Rayder yearns for life south of the Wall. Rest assured, he will return."

Eddard sent out all the Wildling leaders at his side—Tormund Giantsbane, Morona White Mask, Magnar Styr, the King-Beyond-the-Wall, Harma, and Alfyn Crowkiller—to absorb the Wildlings scattered across various regions.

Half a month later, the several leaders returned one after another.

Magnar Styr of the Thenn brought back for Eddard the King of the Giants, "Strong" Mag, and over two hundred giants, along with over two hundred mammoths. The territory of the Thenn bordered the giants' domain, and the Thenn spoke the Old Tongue just like the giants; therefore, Styr had always been close with the Giant Tribe.

Tormund Giantsbane also brought back a team of giants for Eddard, numbering over one hundred. The leader of this team of giants was a female giant named Xixi; almost every giant had a mammoth. However, from their appearance, it was impossible to distinguish female giants from male giants, as they all had beards and dense body hair. Xixi was clearly pregnant.

"Wolf King, after I give birth to the child, I am willing to give it to you as a foster child," Xixi told Eddard.

Eddard laughed, "That would be wonderful. I reckon that as soon as this child is born, its size will catch up to mine."

In Xixi's giant team, there was also a giant named Wun Wun; he was the strongest among the younger generation of giants, and he liked to let out thunderous laughter. Eddard's children, Jon, Robb, and Domeric, soon became friends with Wun Wun.

In addition, Tormund Giantsbane also brought back Daron the "Hellhound" of the Hound Tribe. He was a skinchanger who possessed a terrifying Cerberus, as thick-set as an ox. Daron had thousands of followers under his command, almost all of whom led hounds.

Tormund Giantsbane told Eddard, "Harma and Daron are enemies; it is best not to let the two of them meet."

Eddard asked curiously, "Harma kills dogs to sacrifice to her banner; is that because of Daron?"

Tormund Giantsbane gave a mysterious smile and did not answer.

Morona White Mask brought back Mole's Mother. Mole's Mother, like Morona, was a Forest Witch. Mole's Mother brought nearly seven thousand followers.

The King-Beyond-the-Wall brought back Daveth the Seal-skinner and over two thousand followers, mostly people from the Seal Tribe and the Coastal Clan.

Harma brought back Jorgen the Big Daddy. He had eighteen wives, not including those who had passed away, and he had over a hundred descendants. Jorgen's followers were either his relatives or his descendants.

When Jorgen the Big Daddy spoke, spittle flew everywhere.

"Wolf King, when that old man Mance Rayder issued the call, I didn't come. I had always thought that the North and us Wildlings were one family. Half of my eighteen wives were snatched from the North—from Skagos, the Umber house, the Wull house, and Mole's Town. They were crying and wailing when they arrived, but I provided for them like a real father, hehe, and they still gave birth to plenty of descendants for me. We're very loving now!"

Alfyn Crowkiller brought the Harley brothers, "The Hunter" Harley and "Handsome" Harley. Both brothers had their own followers, and they harbored hatred for each other over a woman.

Mance Rayder did not appear for a long time. Theon laughed maliciously, "Lord Eddard, I told you long ago that Mance Rayder cannot be trusted. Look, he's run off."

Thoren Smallwood chimed in, "Exactly. Who knows which valley he's hiding in, living it up. Lord Eddard, Wildlings are all this sort of trash; they're either liars or thieves. Keeping them around will be a disaster sooner or later."

At this moment, the guards outside the door reported that Mance Rayder had returned with some Wildlings. Theon and Thoren exchanged an awkward look and left in shame.

Eddard was very gratified; this proved that Mance Rayder could stand the test.

The number of Wildlings Mance Rayder brought back exceeded ten thousand, which took Eddard by surprise.

This was the stature of the King-Beyond-the-Wall.

The first Wildling leader Mance Rayder introduced to Eddard was Byers, a skinchanger who rode a black bear. Byers was dressed in a bear-skin coat and was as thick-set as a bear. As soon as they met, he gave Eddard two bear cubs, one snow bear and one black bear.

"Wolf King, our territory is frequently harassed by the Others, and we can barely hold on. If you would kindly take us to live south of the Wall, from now on, our swords will belong to the Starks."

Eddard liked the two bear cubs very much; they were very cute and got along well with the direwolves, Night Runner and Sunshine. The cute bear cubs stood on their hind legs to play with the direwolves.

Among the Wildling warriors, many were skinchangers. Varamyr and Eagle King McCain could both control several animals at the same time. Eddard believed that in time, perhaps the direwolves and the two bear cubs could all be controlled by Eddard to become his beasts.

"Byers, thank you for these two bears you gave me. They shall be my black and white bears. I have decided: this black bear shall be called Randolph, and the white bear shall be called Little Gasol."

The second leader was Doss the Blind, one of the most powerful Cave Dweller Cave Masters in the Frostfangs, who brought thousands of followers.

Just hearing the nickname, Eddard had thought Doss was a blind man, but he did not expect him to be lean and have eyes that shone like torches.

"Lord Eddard, my eyes have excellent night vision, even better than the people of the Night Runners. From now on, these eyes will fight for the Starks and Winterfell."

The third leader was Schram, the leader of the Ice River Tribe. Schram wore a white deer-skin cloak and was thick-set. He gave Eddard an exquisitely crafted ice axe, though Eddard highly doubted that this axe would last until they reached the Wall before melting.

The fourth leader was Grig the "Goat" from the Goat Tribe. He was an up-and-coming star among the Wildling Raiders, frequently climbing over the Wall, and was a master of rock climbing.

Another leader of the Goat Tribe was "Goat Girl" Gisela. She was lean, with wheat-colored skin and long black hair. After Qhorin Halfhand captured the Giant's Stair, he pursued the Weeper and Jeyne the Cat Girl north. It was precisely Goat Girl Gisela who led her followers to repel the Rangers. Her mount was a goat as tall as a warhorse, possessing horns like razors.

The only Wildling leader who was bound hand and foot was the Weeper, who had watery eyes, a broad face, and a fat physique.

Eddard did not like the Weeper. This man was known for his cruelty; it was rumored that any woman he captured, whether Wildling or a commoner from the North, could not escape the fate of being raped. He liked to gouge out the eyes of women and Rangers, watching them weep.

"Why is the Weeper bound?"

Goat Girl Gisela said hatefully, "The Weeper was being hunted by Rangers. I led my clansmen to save him. He was injured, and one of my sisters was responsible for caring for him. Once his wounds healed a bit, he raped my sister and gouged out her eyes. If Mance Rayder hadn't stopped me, I would have slaughtered the Weeper long ago."

Mance Rayder said cautiously, "I think it would be better for Lord Eddard to dispose of him."

The Weeper let out a mocking sound, "Hehe! I only raped a few women and gouged out a few women's eyes. Lord Eddard, I am prepared to kneel. Since they can avoid death by kneeling, I can too."

"I am willing to be a servant of Winterfell forever. Untie me quickly so I can be your warrior; I can kill for you, and I can spread fear."

Harma, Helen, the Wildling woman Osha, Jeyne, Gisela, Ygritte, the pregnant Dalla, the Wildling Princess Val, the female giant Xixi, and thousands of women all watched Eddard, waiting for the Wolf King's punishment of this pervert who loved to torture and kill women.

"I have pardoned many Wildling leaders, but I cannot pardon you alone!" Eddard drew his greatsword, Ice.

The smile on the Weeper's face vanished, replaced by fear, "You can't, I, I have already surrendered."

"When you arrived, you were Gisela's captive," Eddard said sternly. "For the cruel crimes you have committed against Wildling women, Northern women, and Rangers, it is enough to sentence you to be beheaded a hundred times."

"You torture others and derive pleasure from it; this is evil, and evil men must die!"

As Dawson and Jory Cassel pressed the Weeper's head onto the chopping block, the Weeper began to wail loudly.

"Spare me! I am willing to work like an ox or a horse for you, Lord Eddard, Master Eddard!"

Ice swung down toward the Weeper's neck; the Weeper's head fell to the ground, and blood stained the snow-covered earth.

The watching spearwives and Wildling women clenched their fists and cheered one after another; Osha, Dalla, and Val all cast looks of approval toward Eddard.

Helen squeezed Eddard's shoulder, "Well done!"

A spearwife clenched her fist and shouted, "Long live the Wolf King, long live the Starks!"

"Long live the Starks!"

"Long live Eddard!"

The shouts from thousands of women echoed around the ancient Fist of the First Men, and Eddard smiled.

So, upholding justice is this sweet.

Thanks to "Meimei Taotao Ba" for the monthly ticket, thank you for the support!

(End of chapter)