iron throne of ice and fire

Chapter 513 Loyal Advice
Lord Selwyn was forced to support Lord Renly's claim to the throne because of his only child and heir, Brienne.

As Duskhurst Hall slowly gathered troops, Renly's sudden death gave him a good excuse to remain neutral.

Later, his daughter became one of Green's personal guards and guard captains, which gave her the opportunity to choose and serve the Regent.

The isolated island of Tass in Dusk Hall did not suffer any losses in the war and can now be said to be the most powerful lord in Stormland. This also makes Earl Selwyn the leader of the neutral forces in Stormland.

And, because of his daughter, Earl Selwyn easily became a member of the Green Group.

According to the information provided by Leighton, people around him regarded Earl Selwyn as a benevolent lord.

Also, he loved music very much and had a new mistress every year, leading a romantic life.

Combining all of the above, Earl Selwyn was a wise ruler and could be said to be lucky enough.

Green pointed ahead and said, "Walk with me again."

During the stroll, Green mentioned Selwyn's daughter: "Brienne is outstanding. She is not only powerful, but also has a firm knight's heart."

Earl Selwyn smiled like an old father, nodded, and said, "To be honest, she has been very outstanding since she was a child. Her eyes are as pure as spring water, and her heart is even more pure and spotless. She is the greatest pride of my life."

Green also nodded: "You taught her very well. I am looking forward to her future achievements."

Hearing this compliment, Selwyn smiled broadly and nodded humbly: "It's all because of your sharp vision, Your Highness the Regent."

Green smiled gently, walked a few steps silently, and then slowly said: "I will carve out a fertile earldom from the Baratheon territory and give it to the Tarth family."

Hearing this, the steady musician could not hide his excitement and bowed deeply: "This... I have no way to repay you, Your Highness Green. The Tas family will always be at your service."

Green tapped his chin, paused, and said, "Storm's End will become the royal family's summer palace."

He paused and said, "Selwyn, Storm's End or the twenty-three Storm Lords in the camp, which one do you choose?"

When Lord Selwyn was stunned, Green looked at him and continued, "You should choose Storm's End. You will be different from the Tyrell army. They are outsiders, and you are all our own people. I think Ser Gilbert Farring (the acting lord of Storm's End appointed by Stannis) or his men will definitely make a wise choice."

The sensitive musician lord smelled blood and gore from Green's gentle voice, and his tone became respectful: "Then they..."

Green paused for a moment and said, "We'll go back later and find a reason to drive them out. Let them return to the Stormlands."

He doesn't need to bleed...

Earl Selwyn was moved. He knelt on one knee in front of Green and said, "Your Highness, the House of Tarth will always remember your kindness and will always be loyal to you. I swear to the gods in heaven."

Green lowered his eyes and looked down at Earl of Tars who bowed his head reverently for a while, then helped him up.

"Selwyn, I will trust you. I hope that Stormland will be safely incorporated into the crown. Next, there is a very important task. The weather is getting colder, which means that the long winter is about to come. We must be prepared."

Patting Selwyn on the shoulder, Green took a step forward and said as he walked, "The nobles have castles and fireplaces to withstand the severe cold, but the people of Stormland are not prepared at all. They need solid houses, warm fireplaces, thick fur clothing, and enough food to survive the winter."

Finally, Green drew a big and round pie: "If the people of Stormland can survive the long winter safely, based on your contribution, I will consider including members of the Tas family in the future marriage partners of the royal family."

.........

After leaving the camp, Green sent someone to the Royal Forest to convey his military order to Mason Baker, a retainer knight who was supervising the construction of the Royal Forest Garrison barracks there.

If one wants to establish Crabb's rule over the Stormlands as quickly as possible, supporting the pro-Crbb forces led by Earl Selwyn is naturally the best choice.

However, limited time and resources do not allow Green to directly mobilize the army for deterrence, so... Selwyn Tass, as Kleber's spokesperson in the Stormlands, needs a good reputation to assist in establishing a new rule more smoothly.

Although it would be easier to maintain the current peace in the kingdom with less bloodshed, he didn't mind drawing his sword when necessary.

When Green returned to the Red Castle, night had fallen and the full moon hanging high in the sky cast a faint silver light.

"Regent Green."

Seeing Green's figure appear, Brienne of Tarth, who was standing outside the study door, immediately strode forward to greet him, her voice rarely able to conceal her excitement.

Green looked at her with a smile and said, "You're back? Thank you for your help during this period, sir."

Brienne's clear blue eyes quickly glanced at Green, she shook her head shyly, then silently moved her feet and came behind him, naturally returning to her original guard position, her hand firmly grasping the hilt of the sword, her posture straight.

Green smiled and walked towards the study, saying, "Please call Soros."

"As ordered, Your Highness."

Outside the study, Ser Monton glanced at Brienne who was striding away, and then looked at Anger and laughed.

"I always thought you were a good-hearted friend, Monton."

"Hey hey hey!"

Monton just smiled foolishly. Sir Ange shrugged and said, "It's tiring to keep watch. We can have a good drink later. I'll arrange it."

"hey-hey………"

"If you laugh again I'll get angry!"

…………

In the study, the tall, fat, red-robed Thoros touched his chest and said, "Your Highness Green, you called me."

Green's rule is becoming more and more stable. Given the current situation, if someone wants to turn the tables, the only means left is assassination.

However, the cautious Lord Green paid great attention to his own protection and arranged his personal defense forces very strictly.

Only by breaking through the heavy defenses of Crabbe's most elite soldiers can the assassin get close to Regent Green Crabbe, who is said to be good at archery and won the lance competition championship in the King's Landing Tournament.

However, magical means are hard to guard against, such as... Melisandre's "shadow baby".

Therefore, he really disliked evil magic without chivalry. "Please take a seat."

Green pointed to the chair in front of the table, and after Thoros sat down, he said, "Any progress in the investigation of Stannis' witch?"

The candlelight flickered, casting a small shadow on Thoros. He hesitated for a moment and replied respectfully, "I have studied all the information Lord Leighton has found. I speculate that Renly died from the magic of the legendary Lord of Light and the priestess - the Shadow Killer."

Green's eyebrows raised slightly: "Priestess?"

Thoros nodded and said, "Red priests are human beings, just like other humans. We are different from each other, and there are also differences between men and women."

Green first motioned for Brienne to get the wine, then said, "Please continue."

Thoros paused and said slowly: "Most of my knowledge of Shadow Killer magic comes from the books I have read and the rumors I have heard. As far as I know... those who master this magic are all female priests of the Lord of Light, because the way to summon it is 'childbirth'."

Green took the glass of wine from Brienne, took a sip of the wine, and asked, "Delivery?"

Soros nodded slightly: "Yes, I heard that the process of performing this magic, or the experience, is almost exactly the same as a normal childbirth for a woman."

After a pause, he added: "As everyone knows, this is not an easy thing to do."

Green stroked the golden wine glass and asked, "What are the conditions for summoning the Shadow Killer?"

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Thoros smiled slightly. "It seems that you have also noticed the abnormality. Stannis suddenly became haggard, as if he were an old man. Everyone thought that he could not bear the blow of the defeat... Everything has a price. The real fact is that his body has suffered the price of summoning the Shadow Killer."

He was silent for a moment, and then continued, "Since it is childbirth, it naturally needs a 'father' to provide its 'seed' and nurture it. What needs to be provided is the life fire of the father role."

"The fire of life..."

Green took a sip of wine, thought for a moment, and asked, "Can any man provide the fire of life for the priestess?"

Thoros shook his head slightly: "It is probably difficult for ordinary people to bear this price, and they may even lose their lives. It is rumored that only men with the blood of the king can allow the priestess to successfully perform this magic."

"The blood of the king?"

"The lore passed down by the Lord of Light tells me that anyone who claims to be the king, or who has his blood, can be called the blood of the king. However, according to the rumors I have heard, only the blood of the Valyrian royal family is the true blood of the king, and Stannis' grandmother happened to be from the Targaryen royal family, so he has the blood of the king flowing in his body."

Green tapped the armrest of his chair with his fingers. After a moment of silence, he said, "Soros, how can I prevent it?"

Thoros smiled and said, "Please rest assured that the priests of the King of Light generally will not go against a king. This is a very unwise behavior."

"I have stripped Stannis of all his rights. He is now like a trapped beast."

Green looked at Soros: "We can't judge a trapped beast based on common sense. She is his witch and he is the source of her success. I think... they will not easily admit defeat, let alone give up their only trump card."

Listening to his words, Soros's expression gradually became solemn. After a moment of silence, he said, "Perhaps assassination is the fastest way to solve the problem directly, but I don't recommend you to choose this path... I am not good at the magic of the priest of the King of Light, please forgive me for being presumptuous..."

As he spoke, he raised one hand and moved his fingers slightly. The candle on the candlestick suddenly rose and twisted. The originally dim surroundings were instantly illuminated by the rising flames. The light and shadows swayed and jumped on the wall, outlining strange shapes, as if countless hidden shadows were baring their fangs and claws.

Then, as his fingertips retreated, the wildly dancing candlelight seemed to lose its support in an instant, quickly wilting down, and soon returning to its previous soft flame.

Soros' voice then rang out: "Ever since the red comet passed through the sky, I can clearly feel that my magic power has increased. I was not good at this before and was even burned by it. Therefore, I judged that she was in danger at this time, and I could not predict the consequences of murdering her."

"You are responsible for the safety of the kingdom. You should avoid putting yourself in danger." He nodded slightly. "As wise as you are, this is my sincere advice, Your Highness."

Green looked at Soros, his lips curved slightly, and said, "It seems that you already have a way to deal with the danger of the priestess."

Thoros nodded, was silent for a moment, and said, "If necessary, I can invite the high priests of the Temple of the Lord of Light to protect your safety. He or they are enough to intimidate Stannis's witches."

Green raised an eyebrow: "High priest? Everything has a price. What is the price for inviting him and them?"

"The night is dark and full of dangers, while the day is bright and full of prosperity."

Soros shrugged: "The mission of the servants of the Lord of Light is to spread the faith of the Lord of Light."

"There can be no more unrest in the Seven Kingdoms."

Green rubbed his temple with a finger and continued, "The Church of the Seven, which has just experienced a dispute, is very hostile to the beliefs advocated by Stannis. They are very sensitive now. As the Regent of the Seven Kingdoms, I cannot ignore their feelings."

"Of course. Your Highness, my words are only suggestions based on my unreserved loyalty to you. From beginning to end, I will unwaveringly support any decision you make. Moreover, the merciful King of Light never forces others to change their beliefs. Everything is based on the original choice of the believer."

Soros stood up and bowed. His robe swayed slightly with his movements, and a faint light seemed to appear between the corners of his robe.

"Shadows are born from flames. When the flames go out, the shadows will also disappear. I firmly believe that flames will always be your most solid and reliable shield. Your Highness, I also believe that no one will dare to hinder your great cause of saving all mankind."

After a pause, he straightened his chest and said, "At least I absolutely won't allow it unless my chest stops beating."

Green nodded his chin and said, "Thank you for your loyal advice, Priest Thoros."

After the red-robed priest left, Green sat alone behind the desk, his elbows resting on the armrests, his fingers folded against his brows, his eyes slightly narrowed, and he fell into deep thought.

After a long time, he slowly put down his hand, called Brienne, and sent someone to call Leighton.

When Leighton entered the study, Green was standing in front of the long table, looking down at the map of the Seven Kingdoms spread out on it.

"Your Highness."

Green looked up at him, waved, and asked, "Where are Lancel and the others?"

Archbishop Lancel, who accepted Green's funding, and his brothers - more than 100 fully armed devout monks - have boarded the Crab merchant ship heading north.

"The three transport ships traveling with us (loaded with food and other supplies for Lancel and his party) are moving slowly..."

Leighton observed the map for a while, and slowly moved his finger along the predetermined route. After stopping at a position, he said, "...They should be in the Bite Bay area now."

[The Bite Bay is connected to the Narrow Sea, between the North and the Valley]

(End of this chapter)