iron throne of ice and fire

Chapter 373 Judgment Day 3
The old lion's reminder brought silence to the conference table. After a pause, Green Crabbe's voice rang out, "Will the new Lord of the Iron Islands seek an alliance with the Dornish?"

The Duke of Mace glanced at Green, stroked his beard and said, "If the Little Wolf gets the support of the Iron Islands, he will not be trapped in the Riverlands any longer."

Tyrell's worries ended with a sigh. Ser Kevan looked over and said, "The Iron Islands have just invaded the North. You are too worried, Lord Highgarden."

Just as the Duke of Mace was about to respond, Green's voice came first: "Sir Kevan, there are no eternal enemies. Besides, what can a father not do to save his son?"

As soon as the words fell, everyone's eyes first focused on Green, and then turned to Lord Tywin who was sitting in the main seat.

Looking at Green who spoke for the nobles, Duke Mace stroked his beard with satisfaction. He looked at Duke Tywin, his eyes revealing: You've gone too far this time, alas!

"James let the criminal go without permission."

After a solemn silence, the old lion's sharp eyes slowly swept over everyone present and said, "As punishment, Jaime will take off his white robes and be expelled from King's Landing."

After hearing the old lion's response, some people nodded, some sighed, and the expressions of the people present varied.

The Duke of Mace's face flushed red. What kind of punishment was this? Lannister was as cunning as ever. Did he take the nobles of the Seven Kingdoms for fools? !
Green frowned and said, "Prime Minister Tywin, I am worried that your 'punishment' will affect the justice of the Iron Throne."

He glanced at everyone and continued, "Excuse me, but will Jaime Lannister, without his white robe, become the heir to Casterly Rock?"

Lord Tywin stared at Green coldly for a while and said, "He is my son, Lord Crabbe."

"Of course I know."

Green spread his hands and glanced at everyone present again: "So, that's why I asked this question, because... this doesn't look like a punishment."

The Duke of Metz nodded vigorously and paused. The Lord High Lord of the Admiralty, Count Matus Rowan, also nodded. Grand Maester Pycelle, who had been quite active just now, now had sleepy eyes and seemed to be about to fall asleep the next moment.

Ser Kevan glanced at Lord Tywin, whose face was as cold as winter, and said, "Lord Green, do you have any good suggestions?"

"I think... we should still consider Prince Doran's feelings a little, Ser Kevan, Lord Tywin."

Green smiled faintly: "Jaime Lannister can become the heir of Casterly Rock only if he gets the fugitive's head... If you make a mistake, find a way to correct it, how about that?"

The Duke of Mace's eyes moved slightly. He stroked his beard and said, "I support the Duke of Green's proposal. This also gives Sir James a chance to restore his honor."

Count Matus thought for a moment and said, "I agree. We really cannot give up the possibility of negotiating with Martel."

Adam Marbrand, the commander-in-chief of the gold cloaks, who was sitting at the end of the conference table, suddenly stood up and said, "Duke Green, your proposal is too cruel to Jaime!"

Green leaned back in his chair, stared at the reckless golden-cloaked commander for a while, and said coldly: "Sir Adam, do you have a better idea?"

Sir Adam opened his mouth: "I...I I..."

After waiting for a while, Green waved his hand towards the end of the conference table with a little impatience: "This meeting room is held to solve problems. If you don't have reasonable suggestions, please don't interrupt us. Our time is precious."

Ser Kevan pressed his hand towards him, and Ser Adam glanced at Lord Tywin, then sat back down with a look of shame and anger.

The Duke of Metz only realized at this time that this was a good opportunity to interfere in the inheritance of the Western Territory in a legitimate way!

He coughed lightly and said, "The Dornishmen in King's Landing are still waiting to see what the Red Keep will do. Why not let Ser Jaime come back first?"

Lord Tywin glanced coldly at Lord Mace, whose thoughts were almost written on his fat face, and said, "He is on his way to the battlefield. I will send someone to inform him."

Then he looked at Green.

Facing the old lion's sharp gaze, Green smiled.

After a pause, Lord Tywin retracted his gaze and said, "I agree."

…………

The meeting was over, and only Lord Tywin and Ser Kevan were left in the Prime Minister's study.

Ser Kevan placed the wine glass on Lord Tywin's table and asked, "Could Lord Green's proposal have been instructed by Cersei?"

After a pause, Lord Tywin opened his closed eyes and said, "It doesn't matter."

Ser Kevan hesitated, then said, "But Jaime... can he do it? Or will he accept it?"

Reaching out for the wine glass, Lord Tywin took a sip of summer red and said, "If he wants to become a qualified heir, Jaime must learn a lesson."

Although Sir Kevan was reluctant, he still supported his brother's decision. He nodded and said, "I will arrange for someone to go in a moment. As for Davon... I will send a raven to inform you of your decision in advance."

Putting down the wine glass, Lord Tywin narrowed his eyes and said in a cold voice: "Kevan, Lord Mace and Lord Green... cannot be allowed to appear in the Red Castle for a period of time."

Ser Kevan thought for a moment and said, "Dragonstone and Storm's End are both easy to defend and difficult to attack. Although Stannis only has a few soldiers left, if they are prepared, it will be easy to hold them back for at least half a year."

"Half a year..."

Lord Tywin tapped his fingers slowly on the armrest a few times and said, "That's enough time."

…………

…………

Robb led more than 2,000 northern cavalry troops towards the Twins, while the rest of the army continued to rest in Seaforth.

After leaving Haijiang City, the heavy rain continued day after day and never stopped.

Although the journey was difficult, they did not stop, and five days later they could vaguely see the outline of the Twins.

The Northern Army chose a flat location near the river outside the Twins and began to set up camp.

The banks of the Green Fork River were filled with the sound of surging water, which continued like the roar of a giant beast.

Lord Brynden retracted his gaze and said, "As Lord Frey requested, you must apologize to him in person for the offense against the Frey family, King Robb."

Robb wiped the rain off his face and said, "I will."

Clack-clack, the king's little squire, Loram Westerling, trotted over and said, "King Robb, here comes Black Walder, and he requests an audience with you."

Robb's eyes were deep, and after a pause, he said, "Please invite him to my tent."

The young servant was about to leave when he was stopped by Lord Brynden, and then they left together. While walking, Lord Brynden glanced at Loram who was struggling to step on the muddy ground and said, "Is Lady Sybelle settled?"

Loram looked up, his voice filled with the tenderness of a child: "Yes, Your Excellency the Duke, my mother's tent is set up next to the king's tent. Your Majesty takes good care of her, and I am very grateful."

Duke Brynden stretched out his big hand and rubbed the little servant's head, saying, "She has worked very hard to keep up with the march. Please take care of Lady Sybelle."

Facing the amiable Lord Blackfish, Loram couldn't help but complain: "My brother and I both wanted mother to stay in Haijiang City to rest, but she insisted on coming with us. She is getting more and more..."

As he spoke, the little servant suddenly paused, and then said in annoyance: "I'm sorry, sir, I shouldn't blame my mother..."

Duke Brynden patted Loram and said, "It's okay. Most children will secretly complain about their father or mother. I used to do the same."

"Hehe." Little Loram scratched his head shyly.

In the evening after the rain, the afterglow of the setting sun illuminates the earth.

Lord Brynden stared at the Frey army setting up tents in the distance and frowned, "Is this Lord Walder's welcome ceremony?"

Black Walder grinned, "Lord Blackfish, Great Grandfather was acting out of love for the King. After all... we will soon be a family, and the Freys must ensure the King's safety."

Lord Brynden's expression froze for a moment, then he sighed and said, "That's good. If there are too many troops in the Twins, it might cause misunderstandings among the northern lords."

Black Walder chuckled: "That depends on how many people His Majesty intends to bring to the wedding. The first thing the Frey family should consider is... still His Majesty's safety."

He moved closer, stared into Brynden's eyes, and said, "Lord Blackfish, is the guest list for the wedding ready? Before we set off, my great-grandfather was still worried about how many yaks he needed to roast."

"Lord Ward is very generous."

Lord Brynden walked towards the Northern army's camp. "Time is short. Most of the river vassals cannot make it, mainly King Robb's northern vassals. I will let you get the list after the audience with the king."

King's tent.

Black Walder stroked his chest, revealing a mouthful of uneven yellow teeth. "Due to the heavy rains over the past few days, my great-grandfather was worried that Your Majesty would not be able to arrive on the agreed wedding date. He was very pleased to see that you did not violate the schedule, Your Majesty."

King Robb's brows knitted slightly, and he pointed to an empty chair. "Please take a seat, Black Walder."

Black Walder did not move. He continued, "My great-grandfather, who is over ninety years old, always feels that his days are numbered. He is afraid that he will not be able to see the day of victory in this war. If he can see his beloved daughter has someone to rely on before he is summoned by the gods in heaven, it will calm his heart and make him feel at ease that his daughter has a good husband who loves and protects her."

King Robb's brow furrowed noticeably this time: "Since I have promised, I will protect Lady Roslin for the rest of her life."

Hearing this, Black Walder looked at Robb with an offensive look and said, "I think Lord Blackfish has described Miss Roslin's beauty to you. She is not only gentle by nature, but also good at playing various musical instruments. Most importantly..."

His expression became obscene. "She was a seventeen-year-old virgin, and my great-grandfather's most cherished treasure in the Frey family."

King Robb clenched his fists and said in a slightly cold voice: "I believe this is all arranged by the old and new gods. Thank you Miss Roslin Frey for being willing to be my wife."

Black Walder sneered at first, then took a step forward, looked directly at Robb, and said gloomily: "You are not going to break your engagement again?"

Lord Brynden immediately stood up and shouted, "Black Walder!"

Black Walder stared at Robb motionlessly, ignoring Lord Brynden's voice.

With his chest rising and falling slowly, Robb pressed his hand towards Lord Brynden and said, "My uncle has renegotiated the marriage with Lord Frey on my behalf, and I am here too. I will not break my engagement with Miss Rosalyn. But..."

His deep blue eyes stared, "Black Walder, if Lord Frey orders you to humiliate me, I am willing to listen, but when you are done, I will treat it as Lord Frey's rejection of my proposal to Lady Roslin, and I will leave immediately with my troops."

Black Walder was stunned. Robb's attitude was really beyond his and his great-grandfather's expectations. How should he continue his test?
Looking at the serious Duke of Brynden, Black Walder's eyes turned slightly. He smiled flatteringly and said, "Your Majesty, Lord Frey welcomes you very much. Just now... it was my own selfishness that was at work. I hope you will forgive my offense."

After saying that, he knelt down with his short, fat and sturdy figure to show his sincere apology.

"Please stand up."

Robb's expression became better. "Black Walder, it was not my intention to cause the rift. The Frey family has always served me loyally and bravely. I am very pleased to have your assistance again."

"Yes, Lord Frey is also very pleased. He has been so happy that he can't sleep recently."

Black Walder grinned and said, "I will not disturb your rest any more. Please give me the list of those who will be attending the wedding tomorrow so that the Twins can make thoughtful arrangements for the wedding banquet."

"It's time to take care of yourself."

Robb called the captain of the guard and said, "Sir Reynald, please give the list of those who will be attending the wedding to Black Walder."

Reynald Westerling looked at Black Walder expressionlessly and handed over the parchment.

After reading the names and numbers, Black Walder couldn't help but look up at King Robb in surprise.

His eyes moved slightly, "Your Majesty, I think there are only about ninety people. You can bring more guests. The hall of the Twins is big enough."

"I will bring most of my vassals with me. That should be enough. Plus some retainers, the number will be a hundred at most."

Robb shook his head slightly and said solemnly: "It is still a war, and we have not yet won the final victory. I don't want to see my army relax too much because of my wedding."

Black Walder put the parchment in his arms and said, "The Frey family will do their best to arrange your wedding."

Robb stood up, nodded to his uncle, and said, "Black Walder, I brought some gifts for Lord Frey and Lady Roslin. Please take them to them."

When Black Walder left the king's camp, he took away a gift of seven strong horses, and each horse was loaded with two large chests of jewels.

late at night.

A dark shadow sneaked out of the Northern Army's camp, but didn't get far before being surrounded by Lord Brynden himself and a dozen guards.

Lord Brynden grasped the hilt of the sword at his waist, stepped forward, and said, "Where are you going?"

He directly lifted the hood of the person in front of him and said in a deep voice, "Mrs. Xi Bei'er."

Lady Sybelle, who was about to escape, was stopped by the Tully family's guards. She trembled and said, "Lord Brynden, I just couldn't sleep. I just came out for a walk."

She was almost unable to stand because of deep fear. Lord Brynden's voice was cold: "Lady Sybelle, I don't want to see the guards search you."

(End of this chapter)