EBE #409 - Chapter 143: Wolf-Deer Marriage
#409 - Chapter 143: Wolf-Deer Marriage
The fierce battles of the past few days have cost the allied forces dearly.
The Northmen suffered the fewest casualties, but even they lost about seven hundred men, mostly sailors from the twenty-odd ships.
The Night's Watch fared even worse, with eight hundred dead and over five hundred wounded. Fortunately, they received timely treatment, or the casualties would have been even greater.
In comparison, the Southern army suffered the most grievous losses, with over three thousand of the seven thousand land troops who went into battle lost. Furthermore, the navy lost more than seventy percent of its strength, and the recruited pirate fleet was also severely damaged, almost completely annihilated. Most importantly, they also lost Stannis, their leader.
Of the seventeen thousand wildling strongmen who were tasked with holding off the enemy, only a little over eight thousand managed to escape successfully. The Night's Watch and the Northmen slaughtered nearly a thousand of those who remained at Hardhome. Nevertheless, over seventy thousand people successfully migrated.
Salladhor Saan had originally planned to lead his pirate fleet away, especially since their employer, Stannis, had been killed in battle. However, faced with the threat of the Skagosi ironclads and the promise of Jon and Robb to cover the hiring costs, the captains reluctantly agreed to continue following orders.
With so many wildlings, plus the various armies, the number of people totaled over a hundred thousand. It took a thousand ships a full two days to safely transport them south of the Wall. Subsequently, these people were dispersed and temporarily settled throughout the North, with most of them being placed in the newly conquered Bolton lands.
The women and children were provided with all the necessities of life by the North and Skagos. They became hostages in a way, while Tormund led almost all the able-bodied men to resist the Others on the Wall.
Out of respect for Stannis, the high-ranking members of the allied forces held a grand funeral for him at Castle Black. The raging flames consumed his remains, turning his ideals and pursuits to ashes along with him.
Currently, there is another pressing issue to be resolved: the question of what to do with Stannis's army. These men include nobles from the Stormlands, the Crownlands, and even the Reach. They joined his ranks because they were inspired by Stannis's personal charisma, even abandoning their own families and fiefs.
Now that Stannis has died in battle, his only surviving child with Selyse Florent is his thirteen-year-old daughter, Shireen Baratheon. But after all, she is still young and unable to inherit her father's legacy. And those soldiers who have followed Stannis in battle for many years are facing a homeless plight.
In this war, many soldiers lost their lives, and many more were seriously injured. They need time to recuperate, and they also need a new leader to guide them.
However, at this critical moment, who can step forward and take on this responsibility? Some have suggested that Davos should take the lead, as he has a high reputation in the army. But Davos declined the suggestion, believing that he does not have the talent to lead everyone. But no matter who leads, feeding these people is a very serious problem. The Iron Bank is unlikely to continue investing in projects with no hope.
The crowd argued in the conference room, and just the issue of these armies, the resettlement of the more than 80,000 wildlings who had migrated was also a major problem. The Night's Watch's two Gifts could not accommodate so many people, and the lords of the North also needed to receive them in a dispersed manner. But these wildlings were unwilling to be divided up like this, and if not handled properly, it would definitely cause civil strife.
Rickon suddenly remembered something: "I remember that Marquis Garon has an unusual relationship with Daenerys Targaryen. If we can get his help, perhaps we can solve the current predicament smoothly."
Someone echoed: "Yes, maybe we can try to join Daenerys's camp. This will not only solve the immediate crisis, but may also gain more resources and support."
However, some people questioned: "But is Daenerys really willing to accept us? After all, we were once her enemies."
Faced with all kinds of doubts and concerns, Davos fell into deep thought. He knew that this was a difficult choice, but for the sake of survival, they had to make a decision. In the end, he said: "In any case, we must try first. If Daenerys can accept us, then we will have the opportunity to rebuild our home; if not, then we must be prepared to deal with the difficulties."
Sam also took out the books sent from the Citadel, which made everyone aware of an amazing fact: there are rich deposits of dragon glass beneath Dragonstone. These dragon crystals are powerful weapons against the Others, and former Bear Island Earl Jorah Mormont was once an important minister of the Dragon Queen, perhaps he can persuade the Dragon Queen to support them against the Others.
So, everyone began to discuss how to contact Daenerys and win her support. This task was not easy, but everyone agreed that they must act as soon as possible, otherwise the North would face great danger.
However, whether or not they can successfully obtain the Dragon Queen's support is all unknown.
In the end, Robb decided to seek help from Dragonstone and Highgarden to solve the imminent problem of the Others. He selected a team to go south, led by Rickon. This team included Earl Mycah Seaworth, Samwell Tarly, the red priestess Melisandre, the new Lord of Bear Island Lyanna Mormont, the free folk leader Morona, and Gendel, among other important figures. They will travel to Dragonstone on Skagos's fastest ship, the Vermillion.
The next day, the allied forces' meeting continued, and at this time everyone began to discuss how to deal with the army left behind by Stannis. In fact, some people have already proposed to break up these troops and distribute them to the lords of various regions. At this moment, Sansa suddenly stood up and interrupted them, and told Robb and Ser Davos that she had something she needed to discuss with them alone. So, the three of them went to the adjacent tower together, and also ordered the guards to leave.
When only the three of them were left, Sansa said: "I have a suggestion, now that His Majesty Stannis has passed away, and the army under his command has become a problem. Shireen is young and a girl, even if she has Ser Davos's support, I am afraid it will be difficult to win everyone's support." Seeing that both of them agreed with her point of view, Sansa continued: "Our Stark family is a family with a long history and a noble status, and I also have two younger brothers - Bran and Rickon. I suggest choosing one of them to marry Shireen, so that we will be our own people. If the negotiations with the Dragon Queen are successful this time, there may be an opportunity to return to Storm's End and continue the Baratheon family."
Robb frowned and said in a heavy tone: "I heard that Princess Shireen has greyscale, will it be contagious? This is not a joke."
Davos quickly explained: "Princess Shireen, she contracted greyscale when she was young, but it has not recurred after careful treatment by the scholar. Just... there are some scars left on her face. But these scars will not affect her health and life."
Sansa suddenly interjected: "I remember that when I was in Highgarden, I heard that Marquis Garon had developed a method to treat greyscale a few years ago. In the East Continent, there are many patients who have been treated and have now recovered as normal people. So, don't worry about it being contagious to others."
After hearing this, Robb nodded to show his understanding. Then, he turned to Davos and asked: "Well then, since that's the case, who do you think is more suitable for Bran and Rickon to marry Princess Shireen?"
Sansa thought for a moment and said: "It's Bran! Rickon is now the adopted son of Marquis Garon and will inherit either Skagos or Highgarden in the future. But Bran doesn't have a better arrangement yet. If he can marry Shireen, then we can use this marriage to give Bran his own team. In this way, even if we can't take back Storm's End in the future, at least there is still the territory of the Dreadfort to rely on."
After hearing this, Robb nodded to show his approval of Sansa's idea. He turned to look at Ser Davos on the side and asked: "Ser Davos, what do you think of this matter?"
Ser Davos bowed slightly and replied respectfully: "I have no objection, this matter is indeed feasible. Later, I will report this matter to Queen Selyse and ask her to decide, she should not refuse this proposal."
At this time, Bran, who was far away in Eastwatch-by-the-Sea, was standing on the dock, watching Rickon's ship sail away. Suddenly, he felt a chill and couldn't help but sneeze several times in a row. He rubbed his nose and muttered to himself: "Someone must be talking about me behind my back..." However, Bran did not know at this moment that his fate had been unconsciously controlled by his brothers and sisters, and a forced marriage was about to befall him.
On Dragonstone, Melisandre was telling everyone in the hall about the thrilling battle, and everyone was engrossed in listening. This great war between the living and the dead sounded like a mythical story.
However, when she mentioned that Stannis had died in battle, Tyrion couldn't help but sigh: "What a pity! Although I didn't like that guy, I didn't want him to die so easily."
Daenerys nodded to show her understanding: "I know Stannis, it was he who led the army to capture Dragonstone back then. It caused me and Viserys to be forced to leave our home and wander around for more than ten years."
Tyrion was silent for a moment and said: "Um... this is indeed regrettable..." He really couldn't answer this.
Daenerys shook her head gently, a trace of firmness flashed in her eyes: "Now that Stannis is dead, then my grievances with him are over. After all, he died in the war against the Others, and he has proved his value with his actions. So, I decided not to pursue his past and let him get the rest he deserves."
Tyrion nodded slightly to show his approval: "You are right, Your Majesty. Stannis's behavior is worthy of our admiration, and your kindness is also admirable!"
Daenerys took a deep breath and continued: "Now that the child Rickon has come here, let the Northern envoy come in, I want to hear their opinions.
Tyrion responded with a smile: "Okay, I will arrange this. I believe the Northern envoys must have brought important information and suggestions, and we can discuss how to better cooperate together."
With Daenerys's order, the atmosphere in the hall became serious. Everyone waited for the arrival of the Northern envoy, hoping to find a way to solve the problem through this meeting.
Summoned, the members of the Northern delegation walked into the throne room. Missandei said loudly: "Before you is the Queen of the Andals, the Rhoynar, and the First Men, Ruler of the Seven Kingdoms, Protector of the Realm, Liberator, Breaker of Chains, Khaleesi of the Great Grass Sea, Queen of Meereen, Daenerys Targaryen of the Stormborn." It was really difficult for her to recite it in one breath.
The representatives of the Northern delegation bowed and saluted to express their respect to Daenerys.
"It is a pleasure to meet you, friends from the North," Daenerys said with a smile.
The representatives looked at each other, and then Earl Seaworth, who was the leader, said: "Your Majesty, we are here this time, hoping to reach an alliance with you. To jointly fight against the Night King and his army of the dead."
Daenerys frowned and gave Tyrion a wink.
Tyrion stepped forward: "Earl Mycah Seaworth, I would like to hear your specific plan first."
The representatives elaborated on their plan in detail, including integrating the power of the North, strengthening fortifications, and uniting with other forces. Everyone listened carefully, and from time to time they raised some questions and suggestions.
"Very well, I think this plan has some feasibility, and I hope we can reach a consensus." Tyrion said, "However, all of this has a prerequisite. You must offer your loyalty to Her Majesty the Queen!"
Earl Seaworth said hesitantly: "Prince Robb explained that three hundred years ago, the North succumbed to the Iron Throne because of the dragons. If Your Majesty the Queen does not pursue the rebellion of that year and guarantees the special status of the North. I will represent the people of the North and offer you our loyalty! May your rule be like a raging fire, dispelling the darkness and illuminating the entire continent of Westeros."
Lyanna Mormont stared at Jorah on the steps, and she also said: "Our Mormont family only pledges allegiance to the Stark family. Since my lord is willing to pledge allegiance to the Queen, the swords of our Bear Island warriors will fight for the Queen!"
Daenerys showed a satisfied smile: "Get up, my friends. From today onwards, we will work together to fight against evil."
However, several free folk leaders said dissatisfied: "We are the descendants of the true First Men, the proud free folk, not the kneeling people of the South. Our cooperation is equal, and we will not kneel to your king."
"No rudeness! You must be in awe of Her Majesty the Queen." A general in armor stepped forward, he walked to the few people and took off his helmet.
"You are 'Thoren Smallwood'! Haven't you been eaten by the Black Demon?" A wildling leader recognized him and shouted in surprise.