Chapter 197: Ironborn Invasion, Beggar Renly, and the Tragic Imp

One thousand Ironborn longships are surging toward Blacksmith City at Sea Dragon Point.

"Iron Bitch" Helen Pyke, standing on the watchtower atop Flint's Finger, looked on, dumbfounded, at the Ironborn longships in the sea; they were surging in from the south like sea wolves.

When Eddard originally chose to build Wolf Castle and Blacksmith City at Sea Dragon Point, he ordered the craftsmen to set up a series of arrow towers and watchtowers on Flint's Finger; now, every single watchtower along the Flint's Finger coast has been lit with signal fires.

The wolf smoke, like black fingers, caressed the clear sky, warning the North that Ironborn longships were attacking.

Helen Pyke used a telescope produced in Winterfell to observe, and she saw that the leader was the "Iron Victory," the ship of Iron Fleet Commander Victarion, and also the flagship of the Iron Fleet.

When Helen was young, she often passed by King's Port and would gaze with envy at the great ships of the Iron Fleet, dreaming of becoming a member of the Iron Fleet.

Now, as the Iron Fleet appeared before Helen once again, they were Helen's enemies.

The Iron Fleet served as the vanguard, and on other ships appeared the Scythe Banner of House Harlaw of Harlaw, the Silver Fish Banner of House Botley of King's Port, the Dead Hand Banner of House Drumm of Old Wyk, and the Golden Horn Banner of House Goodbrother of Great Wyk.

In addition, there were the banners of House Codd, House Farwynd, House Stonetree, Blacktyde House, House Wynch, and House Merlyn.

Helen Pyke put away her telescope, "It feels like the ships of every house in the Iron Islands have come. This time, King Balon seems determined to conquer the North."

James Codd said disdainfully, "That old man King Balon has lost his mind the moment he put on the crown. Leaving the gold-filled and wealthy Reach unplundered, he insists on raiding the North; I don't know what he's thinking. We should board our ships immediately and lead the fleet to strike back."

"Facing the Iron Fleet's charge is no different from suicide." Helen Pyke touched James Codd's arm, "I will send people to take the ships to Dawn Watch. Jon Snow ordered us that if a large Ironborn fleet attacks, we are to hold Blacksmith City."

James Codd said gloomily, "Jon is a coward. The Wolf King built ships for us to resist the Ironborn. That boy only knows how to hide the ships."

Helen said, "If the enemy's numbers were three times ours, I would still choose to board the ships and fight, because I would have a chance to defeat them. But now the enemy's ships are more than ten times ours; the Iron Fleet alone is enough to destroy us. I will not lead my soldiers to their deaths."

"I am now the commander of Blacksmith City appointed by the Wolf King, not just a ship captain."

James Codd sighed, "The Wolf King treats us very well, and we ought to die for the Starks. It's just that I would rather die listening to the waves, smelling the sea salt, and feeling the touch of the sea breeze, dying in the depths of the sea, so that after death I could feast in the Drowned God's Liushui Gongdian."

"Standing on a stone castle and dying while facing an enemy siege is not the way of the Ironborn."

Helen drew a sharp dagger, "Who says we will definitely die? Jon Snow is already organizing defenses at Salt Spear. Once Wolf Castle is attacked, Flint's Finger, the Rills, the Barrowlands, and even the Crannogmen will come to our aid."

"Release the ravens and warn the North that the Iron Islands fleet is invading in force."

"We must hold Blacksmith City and make the invaders from the Iron Islands pay a heavy price for every step until reinforcements arrive."

At Seagard, Eddard, Roose Bolton, Theon, and Lord Jason Mallister stood on the beach by the sea; a dozen ships were moored at the nearby pier.

Lord Jason Mallister said, "A storm blew an Ironborn ship to Seagard, and we captured it. This ship was an Ironborn grain ship, and their captain confessed that the Ironborn fleet has already set sail for the North."

Theon nervously rubbed his sword belt; he was heartbroken, as his father King Balon's attack on the North clearly showed no concern for Theon's life.

Roose Bolton said in a soft, whispering voice, "Lord Jason, do you mean to say that the Iron Fleet has gone to raid the West Coast of the North?"

Lord Jason Mallister smiled, "Lord Bolton, the Iron Fleet is the trump card of the Iron Islands, but every leader has their own fleet, though the scale varies. This time, every noble house in the Iron Islands has sent longships to participate in the expedition, and the Iron Fleet is the most formidable one."

"One thousand longships cannot be for raiding; their goal is conquest. According to the Ironborn captain we captured, to deal with the Wolf Castles the North has at Sea Dragon Point and Salt Spear, many longships have been equipped with ballistae and catapults."

Roose Bolton's leech-like eyes glanced at Theon beside him, "Wolf Prince, King Balon wearing the Driftwood Crown clearly forgot that his son is still in our hands. We could cut off one of Theon's fingers and send it to King Balon as a warning."

Theon glared at Roose Bolton. Usually, Theon's relationship with Roose Bolton was not bad; the joking Theon always liked to imitate Roose Bolton's soft, whispering way of speaking at meetings, and he always liked to make fun of Roose Bolton's leeches, calling Roose Bolton "Lord Leech."

However, the cold-blooded Roose Bolton would not show pity to Theon at a critical moment.

Theon said angrily, "Attacking the North was my father's decision; what does it have to do with me? It must have been those nobles who put the Driftwood Crown on my father's head who suggested he attack the North. Perhaps my uncle and Asha were even inciting him; they knew that once the Iron Islands fleet attacked the North, I might be executed, and that way, they could seize my right of inheritance."

Roose Bolton said coldly, "You grew up in the North, and King Balon attacking the North clearly shows he doesn't care if you live or die. You fancy yourself the heir to the Iron Islands and the Seastone Chair, but I suspect King Balon has long forgotten you; he must have chosen another heir."

Seagard has been attacked by the Ironborn many times in history; Seagard is the front line for the Riverlands to defend against Ironborn pirates, and Lord Jason Mallister of Seagard has always hated the Ironborn.

"Wolf Prince, I also suggest you execute Theon. The Ironborn are always fickle; keeping Theon is a disaster."

Theon looked at Eddard nervously. Eddard spoke, "Theon is my ward, but I have always treated him as my own son. He grew up with Robb, dined at the same table as my children, laughed together, and shared the same table and hearth."

"I will not harm my son Theon because of King Balon's foolish actions."

Theon was deeply moved and quickly knelt on the ground, "Wolf Prince, I swear in the name of the Drowned God and the New and Old Gods that I will be loyal to the Wolf Prince forever; you are my father."

"I announce that I am severing ties with House Greyjoy!"

Eddard helped Theon up, "Theon, remember that you are a member of the wolf pack, and that is enough. Your father King Balon might give the right of inheritance to the Iron Islands and the Seastone Chair to Asha or your uncle. King Balon ignores your right of inheritance and even ignores your life, but I will help you win back your inheritance."

Theon said excitedly, "Wolf Prince, with the Iron Islands army attacking the North, the defenses of the Iron Islands must be empty. Please give me enough ships, and let me lead troops to sweep through the Iron Islands; I will force my father to give up the Driftwood Crown and offer the Iron Islands to the Wolf Prince!"

Eddard shook his head, "Attacking the Iron Islands rashly is not wise; after all, the Iron Islands are not short of longships and warriors. Moreover, Seagard has too few ships, and I will not let you take the risk of attacking."

Even if Theon had now broken with House Greyjoy, he was still the heir to the Iron Islands. Letting him lead troops to attack the Iron Islands was a test of human nature. If Theon and King Balon reached Pyke and had a moment of "father-son affection" and reconciled, Eddard would lose such an important bargaining chip as Theon.

Most importantly, counting on the few ships in Seagard to conquer the Iron Islands was simply unrealistic.

The sea breeze blew, and Roose Bolton said, "Wolf Prince, if you refuse to execute Theon, then please immediately mobilize the Northern Army to return to the North and protect the North itself."

Eddard shook his head, "I suspect the Iron Islands' attack on the North was instigated by the Lannisters. I estimate that Lord Tywin used gold to win the support of the Iron Islands. The Lannisters' goal is to make the Iron Islands attack the North, forcing the North to withdraw its troops from the Riverlands so he can ravage the Riverlands. Therefore, I will not withdraw the Northern Army."

"I will take the giant eagles and the Magic Dragon and return to the North. Once I reach the North, it will be time for us to counterattack the Ironborn."

Lord Jason Mallister said worriedly, "The Wolf Prince is willing to keep the Northern Army in the Riverlands to help the Riverlands defend against the enemy, which is excellent, but one thousand longships prove that the Iron Islands have dispatched tens of thousands of troops. Can the North hold out against so many Ironborn? Relying solely on the giant eagles and the Magic Dragon might not be enough."

Eddard looked toward the North, "I have left enough garrison troops all over the North. My son Jon Snow is the Warden I left in the North, along with my Harlen. I believe Jon and Helen will definitely be able to hold back the tide of the Ironborn attack before I return to the North."

Below Blacksmith City, there were corpses of Ironborn everywhere. The Winter Wolves in Wolf Castle used heavy crossbows and boiling oil to fight the invaders. The Ironborn on the grappling hooks and ladders screamed and died one after another, either dying under the scalding boiling oil or dying from sharp arrows.

Asha stood on a hill outside Blacksmith City, and in the bay nearby, her longship, the Grey Wind, was moored. Asha looked at the Winter Wolves on the battlements of Blacksmith City and the Ironborn corpses below the city, feeling very gloomy.

"The wolf pups are just a bunch of cowards; they don't dare to fight head-on and only know how to hide in Wolf Castle."

"Maiden" Qarl the Maid had a handsome appearance and a thick beard; he was Asha's lover and also the most formidable warrior under Asha.

Qarl said, "I heard the commander of Blacksmith City is Harlen. I saw her when I was raiding the Stepstones. I thought the Iron Bitch would fight head-on, but it turns out she took the ships and ran away."

Asha said, "Harlen must still be in the castle. From the fact that she dared to cross the sea to raid Lannisport in the Westerlands, we know she is not a coward. I estimate she figured out that the Northern ships could not beat the Iron Islands fleet, so she sent people to take the ships to the Wolf Castle at Salt Spear."

Qarl the Maid said disdainfully, "These Wolf Castles will sooner or later fall into the hands of the Ironborn. What is the difference between keeping the ships in Blacksmith City and hiding them in other Wolf Castles?"

Another ladder was smashed through by stones thrown by the Winter Wolves on the battlements, and the people on the stairs screamed as they fell to the ground. Then a barrel of boiling oil was poured down, and the Ironborn let out bursts of wails.

Asha walked up to her third uncle Victarion. Victarion was wearing a suit of silver-white plate armor, with steel gauntlets on his hands, and was as strong as a bull.

"Uncle, use the catapults and ballistae! If we continue to siege the city like this, more of our people will die."

In fact, several ballistae and catapults were already parked by the sea. The Ironborn could completely use siege engines to smash through the city walls. However, according to King Balon's orders, it was best to capture these Wolf Castles intact so they could be used as Ironborn strongholds by the sea in the future.

If the city walls were smashed down, the Ironborn would be occupying a ruined Wolf Castle, and its strategic value would be much lower. When the North counterattacked, the Ironborn would have no way to rely on the ruined castle to resist.

Victarion's lips were tight, "King Balon told me before we set off that the Wolf Castles by the sea would become the castles of the Sea Monsters in the future. Asha, tell me, if the city walls are smashed down, are the castles of the Sea Monsters still useful?"

As the third brother of King Balon, Victarion always worked without complaint, obeying the orders of King Balon.

Asha said, "If my father saw that a Blacksmith City cost the lives of so many Ironborn warriors, he would certainly agree to smash down the walls, or even destroy the entire castle without hesitation."

"My uncle, the 'Reader' Roderick, the leader Botley, 'Cleftjaw' Dagmer, and others have already taken the fleet to attack Stony City on the Stony Shore, Warhorse City in the Rills, and Dawn Watch in the Barrowlands; if other leaders capture the more distant Wolf Castle at Salt Spear, and the Iron Fleet cannot take the Blacksmith City at Sea Dragon Point, it would be a laughingstock."

Victarion still appeared somewhat hesitant, "But, this Wolf Castle of Blacksmith City is very close to the Iron Islands; it would be a pity to smash the walls with a catapult."

Asha said, "Third Uncle, once the North is conquered, we can have Northern bondmen build castles. Do not forget, the order my father gave you was to occupy Moat Cailin; if we waste too much time at Blacksmith City, when will we be able to capture Moat Cailin?"

"Moat Cailin is the top priority. Think about it, surely the Wolf King must have received the news by now; he knows the North is under attack by the Iron Islands, and he will certainly recall his great army from the Riverlands to the North. Only by capturing Moat Cailin can we throttle the throat of the North. As long as the Ironborn control Moat Cailin, the wolf pups and the Wolf King in the south will never be able to return home."

Victarion sighed, and with a wave of his hand, he said, "Bring up the catapults and ballistae!"

"Iron Bitch" Helen commanded the Northern soldiers on the ramparts of Blacksmith City to loose arrows, when suddenly, the catapults hurled giant stones.

A Winter soldier nearby had his head struck directly by a giant stone, his brains splattering everywhere. The stones crashed into the boiling oil on the ramparts, sending hot oil splashing, and the defending soldiers let out a series of horrific screams.

The walls of Blacksmith City were soon smashed into gaps, and the battering rams reached the foot of the walls; subsequently, Victarion and Asha, leading the Ironborn, flooded into Blacksmith City with a torrent of steel.

Helen led the Winter soldiers, fighting the enemy on the ramparts; her longsword carved a lethal arc, cutting down a soldier of House Harlaw, before facing a burly man wielding a battle-axe. Helen sliced off half the man's head with one sword stroke, but the longsword snapped as it became wedged in the enemy's skull.

An Ironborn warrior swung a great blade at Helen, but Helen tore open the enemy's throat with a Dragonbone Dagger; her next enemy was the Iron Fleet Commander, Victarion.

Victarion's longsword easily knocked the dagger from Helen's hand, and then, the Iron Fleet Commander smashed Helen to the ground with his steel-gauntleted fist.

Helen saw stars and collapsed to the ground; in a blur, she saw the invaders cut down the Direwolf Banner on the ramparts and hoist the Golden Kraken Banner of House Greyjoy. Blacksmith City had completely fallen.

In a haze of consciousness, Helen felt a foul mouth biting and kissing her face, and the belt on her breeches was being undone.

"This is the Iron Bitch, I'm going first!"

"I will take her as a Salt Wife, I should be first!"

Asha walked over, "Lucas, Theo, you two idiots, get away from me immediately."

Lucas glared at Asha in frustration, "We captured her, so of course we can ravage her. The Ironborn have the right to take captured women as Salt Wives; we killed the enemy, we have already 'paid the iron price'."

Theo chimed in, "That's right, after a bloody battle, isn't it normal to find a woman to vent with? We were the ones who captured this Iron Bitch."

Asha said, "I saw with my own eyes that it was my uncle Victarion who captured the Iron Bitch; only he has the qualification to take the Iron Bitch as a Salt Wife."

Then Asha brandished her battle-axe, "Either you bastards get lost, or you'll be spending the rest of your lives as eunuchs."

Theo and Lucas could only leave while cursing and swearing.

Helen Pyke lay on the ground, and Asha walked up to her, "You are my captive now; you are safe."

Helen said gloomily, "I am already the Salt Wife of the Wolf King; no Ironborn can claim me as a Salt Wife."

Asha frowned, "You are Ironborn, and a notorious Pirate Queen; why must you pledge loyalty to the Wolf King?"

Helen revealed a sweet smile, "Because the Wolf King treats me as kin. In the Iron Islands, I was just a bastard daughter; in the North, I am the Admiral of the Wolf King, a part of the wolf pack."

Asha said with disdain, "Then you are a very failed Admiral; the Iron Islands fleet will capture every Wolf Castle along the Northern coast."

Helen said calmly, "The Wolf King Eddard and Jon Snow will defeat you. This is land belonging to the Old Gods, belonging to the Direwolf and the Stark; the Sea Monster is destined to never ravage the North."

At Dawn Watch in the Barrowlands, Lady Barbrey and Jon Snow watched as hundreds of Northern ships sailed upstream along the Barrow River.

Lady Barbrey had just given birth to a son for Fellan last month; having the child she had dreamed of, Lady Barbrey was full of fighting spirit.

Now, Fellan was fighting in the Riverlands, and Lady Barbrey remained at the Barrowlands to resist the Ironborn invasion alongside Jon Snow.

Lady Barbrey looked at the fleet, which included fishing boats, longships, and rowing warships, and she said gloomily, "The Wolf King spent money to build ships to defend against the Ironborn invasion, but I never expected that as soon as the Ironborn arrived, our ships would all hide in the upper reaches of the Barrow River. What is the use of building ships?"

Jon Snow explained, "The longships my father built were strictly for defending against Ironborn Pirates. This time, the Iron Islands sent hundreds of longships, and the Iron Fleet has mobilized in full force. If our ships were to engage them, not only would we sacrifice the lives of the crew in vain, but the Northern ships would also all be captured by the Iron Islands."

Avoiding battle to preserve the ships was a difficult decision. Jon Snow ordered the ships from the three Wolf Castles—Stony City on the Stony Shore, Blacksmith City at Sea Dragon Point, and Warhorse City in the Rills—as well as all fishing boats, sailboats, and even rafts from Salt Spear, to hide in the upper reaches of the Barrow River.

Furthermore, Jon Snow ordered all shipwrights and shipbuilders from all shipyards on the West Coast to be sent to Barrowton, which was far from the sea and relatively safe.

Ghost and Ygritte stood guard by Jon's side, and Jon told Lady Barbrey.

"According to the news brought back by the ravens, Stony City and Warhorse City have both been attacked by the Ironborn, and Blacksmith City has completely fallen; the fate of Helen Pyke is unknown. I have already ordered Lord Ryswell of the Rills and the Acting Castellan of Torrhen's Square to prepare to reinforce these Wolf Castles; even if these Wolf Castles have fallen, they must be retaken. We cannot let the Ironborn have a foothold at Salt Spear."

Lady Barbrey worried, "The Ironborn longships seem to be crowding Salt Spear; they could attack Dawn Watch at any moment. If Dawn Watch falls, will the Ironborn sail up the Barrow River to burn, kill, and pillage? Will they attack Barrowton directly?"

Jon Snow shook his head, "That possibility is very low. I estimate that King Balon's goal is Moat Cailin; the Ironborn fleet will sail up the Heatwave River to attack Moat Cailin north of the Neck. I have already ordered the garrison at Moat Cailin to make some preparations along the Heatwave River."

Near the source of the Heatwave River, Jon Snow had prepared Alchemist's excrement and Wildfire for the Ironborn fleet.

Since the North could not compete with the Iron Islands fleet on the sea and water, Jon Snow decided to use fire attacks. The Wildfire that the Wolf King Eddard brought back from King's Landing could be put to use this time.

Jon Snow and Lady Barbrey inspected the defenses of Dawn Watch together, and subsequently inspected the armory.

In the armory, a type of massive chainmail caught Jon's attention.

"What is this chainmail for?"

The commander of Dawn Watch, Shad, said, "The Wolf King once intended to send giants to guard Dawn Watch, and the Wolf King ordered Dawn Watch to forge chainmail for the giants. This kind can only be pieced together from large chains; we forged for a long time before we managed to put together two sets of chainmail."

Jon Snow said excitedly, "Take this chainmail apart."

Shad said in confusion, "Take it apart? Jon, this cost the heart's blood of many smiths!"

Jon Snow said, "The giants do not need this chainmail for the time being. After the chainmail is taken apart, send it to the mouth of the Heatwave River; I have my own clever use for it."

At Highgarden, Renly was in his bedroom, looking at the lunch brought by the servants under the direction of Duke Mace.

"Where are my peacock meat and lark meat, peppered pies, and black truffles? Why is there only turnip and black bread?"

"I asked for Golden Wine from the Arbor and Blue Noble from Winterfell, yet you have sent me ale; what exactly is going on?"

Duke Mace Tyrell said apologetically, "Your Majesty, the Reach has suffered defeat after defeat. Now Stannis and Alester Florent are stationed at Green Valley with a great army, and they are constantly tempting the vassals of the Reach. We are fighting a war against Stannis, and the Lannisters of the Westerlands and the Dorne in the south may both attack the Reach, so we have no choice but to tighten our belts and live frugally."

Renly smiled ingratiatingly, "Duke Mace, even if we are poor, we can still afford a pot of Golden Wine, right? Lord Paxter Redwyne is your relative, and Highgarden has so much Golden Wine in its collection, why must you be so stingy?"

Duke Mace said coldly, "Your Majesty, your crown is supported by House Tyrell. For the sake of your crown, House Tyrell has fought for you and lost too much money. I am saving money to protect the Reach, and even more so to help Your Majesty keep that golden Rose and Stag Crown of yours."

"You say I am stingy? That makes me very sad! I believe Your Majesty has grown accustomed to a life of comfort and has forgotten about diligence and thrift."

Duke Mace clapped his hands, and several maids and servants entered. They removed the feather mattress, velvet, and silk bedding from Renly's bed and replaced them with straw mats and old wool blankets.

The servants also removed the Myrish carpet from the bedroom floor and replaced it with rush mats, replaced the Aromatic Candles in the room with ordinary tallow candles, and the gold chamber pot was also removed.

Brienne and Ser Loras watched all of this with heavy hearts.

Renly said indignantly, "Duke Mace, what is the meaning of this? Have you forgotten? I am your King!"

Duke Mace's face, like an inflated fish, suppressed a laugh.

"Yes, the great King Renly I Baratheon, King of Highgarden, King of the Rose and the Stag, King of the Stormlands! But your Stormlands have been stolen by Stannis; perhaps we should call you the 'King of the Lost Storm'."

"You also remember this: after losing the Stormlands, you are nothing in Highgarden. Your crown was given by Highgarden, and House Tyrell of Highgarden can take it back at any time!"

Renly said gloomily, "I am Margaery's husband; without me, Margaery cannot be Queen."

Duke Mace patted his bald forehead, "My foolishness lies right here, thinking that once you married Margaery, my grandson would be able to wear the crown, and that Westeros would have a king with Tyrell blood. It is a pity that you are a master of court social life, and apart from that, you are good for nothing; you know nothing of military or politics, you cannot be king."

"What is worse, you cannot give Margaery a strong son."

Renly felt a pang of guilt, "What do you mean by this? Are you doubting my ability as a man?"

Duke Mace gave a light snort, "Margaery has told me everything; on the nights you share a bed, you have no interest in her body at all, and she is still a maiden to this day. I know you always love to mess around with handsome squires and knights, but I did not expect your tastes to be so firm, having no interest in women at all."

Renly said in a fit of pique, "You are talking nonsense."

Duke Mace said, "You say I am talking nonsense? You could go and pluck Margaery's flower right now, possess her, and make her your true Queen. I only fear that you are as limp in bed as you are on the battlefield."

"You cannot conquer a woman, cannot make my precious Margaery pregnant, and naturally cannot conquer Westeros; I should have thought of this sooner."

"Highgarden and House Tyrell will no longer support you, Rainbow King."

Renly collapsed onto the ivory chair as if struck by lightning, but soon, a servant moved the ivory chair away as well.

Ser Loras said indignantly to Duke Mace, "Father, King Renly may have lost a battle, but you should not humiliate him like this. I am going to tell my grandmother!"

Duke Mace shrugged indifferently, "Go ahead and find your grandmother! Your grandmother will tell you that for the sake of House Tyrell, we should change to a new king."

Ser Loras and Brienne watched Duke Mace leave. Loras took Renly's hand and said affectionately, "Your Grace, I did not expect my family to betray your cause."

Brienne said, "Your Grace, we had best leave Highgarden quickly. Since Duke Mace has openly ridiculed Your Grace, staying here is very dangerous; who knows if Duke Mace will throw you into a dungeon next?"

Loras said in astonishment, "My father wouldn't go that far, would he?"

Brienne said, "Duke Mace has already said he will no longer support King Renly. Now that Stannis is invading The Reach, in order to trade for Stannis's withdrawal, Duke Mace could very well tie King Renly up and hand him over to Stannis."

Renly smiled bitterly, "Stannis will surely execute me; I have not a single chance of survival. The Stormlands have abandoned me, and Highgarden and The Reach have also abandoned me. Had I known that wearing a crown would end like this, I should have stayed at Storm's End and honestly been my Duke of Storm's End and Protector of the Stormlands."

Loras held Renly's hand, "Your Grace, even if House Tyrell abandons you, I will follow you forever."

Brienne covered Renly's other hand, "I as well."

Renly was deeply moved; he picked up a rough wooden cup and poured a few cups of ale, "For our friendship, let us get drunk once more."

In Stoneway of the Riverlands, Tyrion's face was hidden in his hood as he walked through the town's market.

That night, Varys and Tyrion failed to assassinate the Undead sorcerer Ogbeta, and countless skeleton warriors pursued them.

Under the protection of The Hound Sandor, the mercenary Bronn, and the squire Podrick, Tyrion fled in a sorry state to the Lion Gate. Fortunately, the Captain of the Lion Gate was someone Tyrion had promoted himself, so they successfully passed through the Lion Gate, escaped King's Landing, and galloped west along the Golden Road.

The eunuch Varys was lost in the pitch-black streets, and Tyrion believed Varys was likely already dead; at the time, the skeleton warriors had easily cut down seven knights, so killing Varys would naturally have been easy.

It is estimated that after the Undead sorcerer Ogbeta killed Varys, he would resurrect the Spider, letting the Undead Varys lead his Little Birds to serve the Corpse Queen Serxi; why not?

Everything that happened in King's Landing was truly too terrifying; the Undead had already taken control of the King's Landing court, yet all over Westeros, people were still fighting for the Iron Throne and the crown—it was truly ridiculous. Tyrion made up his mind that he must rush back to the Westerlands to tell Jaime and Duke Tywin what had happened in King's Landing.

The Lannister family could fight for Serxi and Joffrey, but fighting for the Great Other was not worth it at all.

Stoneway was Tully territory, the territory of the Wolf King Eddard. Now, the Riverlands were at war with the Westerlands Lannisters, and Tyrion did not want to be recognized, so he kept his face covered tightly while riding on his horse.

When it was lunchtime, The Hound Sandor shouted, "Time to eat."

Tyrion said nervously, "There are too many eyes here; let us find a place to eat after we leave Stoneway!"

The Hound said disdainfully, "What are you afraid of? Even if people aren't hungry, the horses are exhausted. I'm thirsty as hell and need a drink."

Bronn chimed in, "I'm starving too; let's have a meal and leave immediately."

If Tyrion wanted to reach the Westerlands safely, he had to rely on the protection of The Hound and Bronn, so he had no choice but to resign himself to fate and, with his squire Podrick, follow Bronn and The Hound into a tavern.

They handed their horses to a stable boy. After entering the tavern, The Hound found a seat near the door and shouted for ale, while Bronn ordered Plum Wine.

Tyrion ate his meal anxiously, while Sandor gulped down cup after cup of ale.

In a dark corner, a bald mercenary looked viciously at Tyrion and The Hound; sitting next to the bald mercenary was a large mercenary with a green beard.

The bald man gave a few instructions to a young man, and that young man immediately left the tavern.

"That bald man and the green-bearded man have been watching us," Tyrion whispered to warn Bronn and Sandor.

Sandor looked at the bald and green-bearded mercenaries with disdain, "What, are you afraid?"

Tyrion said, "I suspect they recognize you and me."

Sandor's burned face revealed a ferocious smile, "I often participate in the Tourney, so plenty of people recognize me, and you are the most famous dwarf in Westeros; it would be strange if we weren't recognized while walking on the road."

Tyrion said, "Finish your meal and let's go!"

No sooner had he spoken than the Red Priest Thoros of Myr, leading a squad of soldiers with Crossbows in hand, surrounded them.

The Red Priest Thoros of Myr smiled, "Tyrion, I was hunting down a group of remnants from the Westerlands, I didn't expect to run into you here."

With so many crossbowmen, resisting would mean certain death, and Tyrion realized there was no chance to escape.

Tyrion said with a forced smile, "Thoros of Myr, we were good friends back in King Robert Baratheon's court! We often drank together."

The Red Priest Thoros of Myr gave a light snort, "And then you Lannisters killed King Robert Baratheon. I follow the Wolf King Eddard now."

The bald man and the green-bearded mercenary walked to Thoros of Myr's side, and Thoros of Myr introduced them, "This bald man is the Mummers captain Vargo Hoat, and the one with the green beard is the Brave Companions captain Greenbeard."

Tyrion frowned, "The Lannisters hired you to attack Harrenhal; I heard the Wolf King crushed your mercenary company, and I thought you two were already dead."

Vargo Hoat said, "The Wolf King Eddard defeated us, and now Greenbeard and I are already part of the Winter Wolves."

The crossbowmen on the side were ready to fire, and Thoros of Myr looked down at Tyrion, "The question now is, will you obediently surrender, or choose to be shot through the heart by Crossbows?"

The mercenary Bronn unbuckled his sword belt, "I surrender; if possible, I, Bronn, am willing to join the Winter Wolves to earn a living."

Although the mercenary Bronn had taken much gold from Tyrion, at a moment of life and death, a mercenary would not die for money.

The Hound Sandor was drunk, "If I serve Eddard, will it hinder me from killing my brother Gregor?"

Thoros of Myr smiled, "Of course it won't hinder you, Sandor; actually, the Wolf King has always admired you."

Sandor surrendered his weapon.

The squire Podrick drew his Longsword, "I choose to die protecting my master!"

Tyrion gave a great start, "Podrick, where have your manners gone? I am the best of friends with Thoros, why the need to draw your blade?"

Podrick was a brave and loyal child, but unfortunately, he had no brains; drawing a sword at a time like this was no different from suicide.

Tyrion took Podrick's sword and handed it to Thoros, who praised, "Podrick, you are a good child; perhaps the Wolf King will take you as his foster son!"

Afterward, Thoros put shackles on Tyrion, who said, "You have absolutely no need to do this; I will not run away."

Thoros said, "Then wear the shackles well. We will escort you to Riverrun; perhaps when your brother Jaime and Tywin see that we have Lannister flesh and blood in our hands, they will restrain themselves a bit."

Tyrion said, "Please take me to see the Wolf King Eddard immediately. Something terrible has happened in King's Landing; Cersei has fallen and become a Corpse Queen, King Robert has become a death storm, and Rhaegar Targaryen has been reborn."

Greenbeard, standing to the side, laughed loudly, "The Imp has started making up horror stories just to save his life."

The Hound said in a gruff voice, "This sounds absurd, but the dwarf speaks the truth."

Thoros nodded, "I believe the Imp's words; I have seen these terrible scenes in the holy fire."

Now it was Tyrion's turn to be surprised, "You are a drinking and eating priest, you have that ability? I thought only Melisandre, who is by Stannis's side, had that ability to stare into flames and prophesy."

Thoros said, "I still eat meat and drink wine now, but ever since I followed the Wolf King and lived in Harrenhal for so long, I have begun to see many visions in the flames and attempt to interpret them. I believe this is power granted to me by R'hllor, or perhaps the Old Gods, who can say for sure?"

Tyrion said, "Since you have seen the terrifying scenes of King's Landing, have you warned Eddard?"

Thoros smiled, "The Wolf King Eddard is a man who can hatch a Magic Dragon; he can control animals and do many things we cannot imagine. The Wolf King Eddard knows that King's Landing has been eroded by the Undead. The Lannisters of King's Landing are so depraved that it was only a matter of time before they were used by dark forces."

In the Great Hall of Highgarden, the Duke Mace and the Heir of Highgarden, Willas Tyrell, welcomed the Lannister envoys, Ser Kevan and the Golden Lady, who was riding on a lion.

Willas was a cripple; years ago at a Tourney, he clashed with the Red Viper Oberyn of Dorne, fell from his horse, and had his leg crushed by his warhorse. Duke Mace still held a grudge against Prince Oberyn.

However, Willas had become friends with the Red Viper, and the two often corresponded by letter. Willas was a gentle, polite man with a handsome appearance.

As soon as Ser Kevan came up, he presented three chests of gold, but Duke Mace did not even glance at the gold, his attention entirely on the lion.

Duke Mace asked worriedly, "Will this lion bite people?"

The Golden Lady revealed a sweet smile, "Absolutely not, this lion is just my little pet."

Duke Mace turned to Kevan, "Ser Kevan, you and I serve different kings; why have you come to Highgarden?"

Ser Kevan said, "Duke Mace, Renly Baratheon, who has usurped the throne, has already proven that he has no ability to govern the country. If House Tyrell continues to follow Renly, your house is destined to fail."

Duke Mace gave a light hum, "So, you want me to follow Joffrey Baratheon?"

Ser Kevan said, "His Majesty Joffrey Baratheon has already won the support of the Iron Islands."

Willas said, "If I remember correctly, King Balon has already crowned himself king."

Ser Kevan said, "King Balon of the Iron Islands has indeed declared himself king, but he has allied with King Joffrey. With the Westerlands now possessing the Iron Fleet, pray tell, what does the North or the Riverlands have to contend with the Iron Fleet?"

"If Duke Mace abandons Renly and supports the Lannisters, the alliance of The Reach, the Iron Islands, and the Westerlands will be enough to defend His Majesty Joffrey's Iron Throne. Margaery can marry Joffrey, and in the future, Margaery and Joffrey's children can rule Westeros."

"Or, the marriage alliance could be completed between the Queen Regent Cersei and Willas. Queen Regent Cersei is young, beautiful, and fertile; she can bear many babies for Willas."

Willas was somewhat worried, "Queen Regent Cersei, she has had three children; I feel I might not be suitable for her."

Ser Kevan said, "If Willas feels Cersei is not suitable, he could marry Cersei's daughter Myrcella Baratheon; all of this can be discussed."

The Heir of Highgarden, Willas, said gently, "Ser Kevan, the Lannisters have shown enough sincerity for an alliance, but I must point out that Joffrey's kingdom is in jeopardy; King's Landing has already been surrounded on all sides by Stannis."

Ser Kevan said, "Stannis has no intention of attacking King's Landing, otherwise he would have attacked it directly long ago. House Tyrell should see the situation clearly; Stannis will first occupy The Reach, and then go to deal with the enemies of King's Landing."

Duke Mace frowned, "How do you know Stannis's plan?"

Ser Kevan spread his hands, "Isn't it obvious? Stannis's Hand of the King is the traitor of The Reach, Alester Florent. Highgarden had Renly strip House Florent of Brightwater Keep and bestow it upon Duke Mace's second son, Ser Garlan Tyrell. How could House Florent swallow this insult?"

"House Florent has always believed that before the arrival of the Dragonlord, House Tyrell was merely the steward of the King of the Reach. House Florent believes that in terms of bloodline, their house is more qualified to inherit Highgarden and The Reach. It is clear that after Stannis conquers The Reach, he will reward Highgarden to House Florent. By then, where will there be any room left for the Rose of Tyrell?"

Duke Mace and Willas looked at each other, both still hesitating.

At this moment, the Golden Lady scattered a handful of gold powder, and a team of foxes wearing flower wreaths walked in front of Duke Mace and Willas. The Duke of Highgarden and his heir were stunned.

The Golden Lady revealed a sweet smile, "We all know that the sigil of House Florent is a fox in a wreath of flowers; House Florent are the descendants of the 'fox' Floris. I have communicated with the animals in the wild; if House Tyrell of Highgarden continues to follow Renly and rejects the friendship of the Lannisters, the wreath-wearing foxes will become the masters of Highgarden and The Reach."

Afterward, several foxes climbed onto the Rose Stag throne and climbed with lightning speed onto the banners; the Rose banners instantly turned into the wreath-wearing foxes of House Florent.

Duke Mace, Willas, and the green-robed guards of Highgarden were all dumbfounded.

The Golden Lady smirked, "Can House Tyrell not yet feel the threat of the foxes of House Florent?"

Duke Mace cleared his throat, "In order to deal with the annoying Florents, I have to consider a marriage alliance with the Lannisters. At the very least, we can temporarily cease hostilities."

Ser Kevan smiled, "An alliance is what best serves the interests of Highgarden. Duke Mace, please open your eyes and see the situation clearly! The Reach follows Renly, suffering losses of troops and generals, and its vassals are rebelling one after another. House Florent supports Stannis, and Duke Mace has a feud with Stannis; Stannis will absolutely not forget the Siege of Storm's End from back then."

"All that remains is King Joffrey and King Balon. King Balon is the King of the Iron Islands, and the strength of the Iron Islands is insufficient to oppose the Wolf King Eddard and Stannis. An alliance between House Tyrell and House Lannister is the best choice. Once we defeat the Wolf King Eddard and Stannis, Westeros will be unified once more."

At this time, the Queen of Thorns, Lady Olenna Tyrell, walked out from behind a wooden screen, supported by her left and right guards, "The Tyrells can ally with the Lannisters, but when will the Lannisters send troops to help The Reach deal with Stannis?"

Ser Kevan wondered how much Lady Olenna had overheard from behind the wooden screen. Duke Mace ruled Highgarden and The Reach, but at home, he was ruled by his old mother; the power to decide many major matters for House Tyrell actually rested in the hands of Lady Olenna.

This old woman was much harder to deal with than Duke Mace; she immediately demanded that the Lannisters send troops to The Reach to deal with Stannis.

Ser Kevan said, "The Wolf King Eddard has amassed heavy troops at Riverrun, and the Lannister forces were already smaller than the enemy's, so we cannot send troops to fight in The Reach for the time being. Fortunately, King Balon has already allied with the Westerlands, and King Balon's Iron Fleet has already gone to attack the North. The Wolf King Eddard will inevitably recall the Northern Army from the Riverlands to return to the North to fight."

"Why not do this: The Reach sends troops to attack Stoneway and marches toward the Harrenhal area; the Wolf King Eddard will inevitably divide his forces to rescue them. Once the enemies at Riverrun are reduced, the main force of the Westerlands under Duke Tywin can sweep across the entire Riverlands. After annexing the Riverlands, we can strike in one go and wipe out Stannis; why not?"

The Queen of Thorns, Lady Olenna, revealed a toothless smile, "Your plan is truly perfect; it seems Duke Tywin is much better at fighting than Renly. However, the army of The Reach must first clear out the enemies within The Reach. The Peake family of Starpike, the Merryweather family of Longtable, as well as the Fossoway family of Cider Hall and New Barrel, and the Meadows family of Green Valley—these vassals of House Tyrell of Highgarden have all defected to Stannis."

"Our Lord Randyll Tarly held Bitterbridge and blocked the attack of Stannis's army. If you ask me, Lord Randyll Tarly is truly a master at fighting, but I am just worried that he will rebel. Lord Randyll is a good man, but his father-in-law is Alester Florent; I cannot forget that point. Once we drive Stannis out of The Reach, then we will march into the Riverlands."

Ser Kevan was deeply frustrated, "Then could you send the Arbor Fleet to attack the Stormlands? That way, at least you could pin down Stannis and slow his pace in attacking King's Landing."

Lady Olenna said helplessly, "My good nephew Paxter Redwyne previously took the Arbor Fleet and headed east, already rounding the coast of Dorne and entering the Narrow Sea. Unfortunately, Renly was utterly defeated at the Battle of Bitterbridge. Highgarden wrote to the Arbor Fleet to return to the Arbor; they are probably almost at the Arbor by now. If I write to them again, my nephew will have to head toward the Stormlands once more."

"My nephew Lord Paxter will surely be frustrated, wondering why these orders keep changing back and forth. By the time he reaches the Stormlands, he will probably only discover that The Reach has changed kings. To be honest, my nephew does not like the Stormlands at all; back then, he and Mace's siege of Storm's End already became a joke. Storm's End is a nightmare for him and Mace."

Ser Kevan asked curiously, "Since the Lannisters are allied with Highgarden, how do you intend to deal with Renly?"

Olenna said gloomily, "Kill that waste."

Thanks to Youhai, 150729202248201, A Person's Loneliness, and MR Little Rocket Forever Happy for the monthly tickets; thank you for your support!

(End of this chapter)