The Glory of the Seven Gods of Ice and Fire

Chapter 12 Lobbying and Recruitment

"Your Majesty the King, and your two lords, if you say that I planned to gather so many people at the Trident River from the beginning, it is undoubtedly wrong. I must defend myself here. It is not only my personal self-defense, but also your own defense." Material to judge what I personally do.

When my father returned to the heaven of the Seven Gods with righteousness and glory, his lifelong comrade-in-arms Sir William Byker canonized me and promoted me from a squire to a glorious knight. As all knights do, I swore an oath of bravery before the warriors, an oath of justice before the Father, and a determination to protect the weak, women, and the innocent in the name of the Virgin and the Maiden. These oaths are still in my heart.

After I fulfilled my wish and followed my father's footsteps and became a knight, I originally wanted to be like most knights in the kingdom and keep running in tournaments to gain praise and glory for myself. Unfortunately, things didn't work out. As you all said, You know, although my father Ork won many martial arts championships, he did not leave enough wealth for his family.

When I discovered that my remaining property could not even redeem the weapons and horses that were taken away after my defeat, I had no choice but to bid farewell to the game I had longed for in tears, and used the little gold and silver to put together a set of the most basic equipment. He became a hired knight and traveled around the seven countries, running for a living.

When I crossed the Blood Gate and traveled along the Kingdom Road to the Seven Kingdoms, King's Landing was still the stage of the Mad King and the Dragonborn. Every place was still prosperous and the people lived and worked in peace and contentment, without the tragic scene today. But the crazy actions of the Mad Targaryen ruined everything.

And Prince Rhaegar, who was highly regarded by the world, also tolerated it. The mad king imposed tyranny on innocent nobles and abused the seven kingdoms with violence.

For this reason, when your lords raise the flag of righteousness and fight to the end, this cause is undoubtedly noble and a virtue passed down from the heroic age - if our ancestors bowed to the tyranny of Valyria, the Andals' only chance The destination can only be the mine of the Fourteenth Fire Peak.

It is precisely because of the feats of your lords that I am determined to fulfill my glorious duty as a knight - to abide by the oath when I was canonized and protect every weak person I see.

When this revolt against tyranny was first launched, I was in the service of Lord Holt in the Reach, a noble and honorable lord who did not want a knight to be disgraced by refusing to respond to his lord's call, so he He took the initiative to end my contractual relationship early and gave me some additional rewards.

However, I did not return to the valley, but this was not because I was timid or weak, but because I realized that there were more important places that needed me:

When I passed through the Three Rivers Wilderness, I did not see the heroic army in the ballad. On the contrary, I only saw an army composed of ruffians, bandits and blind people.

There are thousands of villages between the three rivers working hard to produce food for lords, knights, citizens and themselves. The days are busy and leisurely, men are farming, peasant women are weaving, girls are laughing, children are playing...

But as the smoke rose, everything changed. I saw armored men crushing innocent villages, clutching bloody swords in their hands, and started killing ferociously wherever they went. I also saw a large number of ferocious and violent so-called government troops, who were advancing like locusts across the land of Three Rivers. , no matter the flag is hung with a red dragon or a horn, or the shield is printed with a gryphon or a scorching sun, they are fully dressed in military uniforms, with swords and lances constantly ringing. They look more like knights than any other knights, but they have forgotten the knights. Honor and oath!

Many lords also abandoned their obligations to govern their fiefdoms. They should have led knights and militia to fight back against the invading enemies and rampaging bandits, but they lost the courage to fulfill their obligations and would only close the city gates and block their people and responsibilities behind high walls and Outside the moat.

I could have endured and ignored it all, quickly left the riverlands and set foot on the road to return to my hometown, but the reason why human beings can stand out among all things is because they possess emotions, courage, honor and wisdom that are beyond the reach of those who possess them. , after all, I couldn't stand it all. When a group of bandits had robbed all the poor people's property, but also killed the men and took away their wives and daughters, I violently killed these scum and used Lord Holt to The property given to me purchased food and knives and gave them to the common people.

From this moment on, I am no longer eager to return to the Vale, because I have found the noble cause that the knight pursues in his life. For this, I must also confess to Lord Jon, because I have not fulfilled my obligations to the lord, but the Knight of the Vale There are as many pines and cypresses as there are in the mountains, but there are only a few people who the people in the river can rely on. If I leave again, this land will only suffer more severe poison under the sword of the fallen.

At first, I was the only one fulfilling this obligation, but gradually, many people came with me, including knights who were loyal to their duties, and deserters who repented, but most of them were just local farmers and gentlemen in the hometown. The military disaster made them They lost everything and were unable to rebuild their homes due to banditry.

The lords behind the high wall turned a deaf ear to this. When they were desperate, they could only ask me for help. As a knight, I have the responsibility to accept them, because I have sworn an oath in front of the Seven Gods to protect the weak, and I cannot break my promise. oath. And when the flames of war in a place are burned out, I will take them back to their hometowns to rebuild their homes and ask them to fulfill their responsibilities. Your Excellency, you can send people to various places in the river to verify, and they will definitely confirm that I did this.

...When the seventh seal was opened, there was silence in the sky for about two moments, and the dust finally settled. Now that the war is over, His Majesty the King has eradicated tyranny and inherited the throne, my duties are almost over. However, a few days ago, many of the people I had protected came to me again and asked for help. I discovered that the ravages of the war were far more profound than previously imagined - fields were abandoned, livestock were plundered, and remaining grain was robbed by red dragons and bandits. For the most part, although I don’t know much about field affairs, I also understand that the remaining grain is not enough to sustain the people until the harvest, and when the time comes, the river will be a hellish scene again. I couldn't bear to see Sanhe suffer like this, and in the midst of endless troubles I finally came up with a solution, which was to lead everyone east across the Narrow Sea to their hometown of Andas. Only in this way can we escape from the future of famine.

We will be determined to regain our homeland in the East, liberate our brothers who have been enslaved by city-states, and open up a new homeland with our own hands. Because of this, I began to gather people and materials, preparing to try to cross the ocean. At this time, the Lannister warriors discovered us and fulfilled their obligations to the kingdom. I am sorry that this happened. things. If your lords are determined to punish me, I am willing to die, but please let go of the people who follow me and allow them to leave on their own. They are just the most innocent victims in this war.

Finally, the Seven Gods are above, they have witnessed everything about me. "

After Hu Ge finished the speech he had prepared for a long time, he felt his mouth was dry, but he was excited inside. I think the former Hu Ge would also be happy about this. He stood quietly in front of everyone, maintaining the humble posture that a vassal should have, and calmly waited for his fate.

Hu Ge's speech was not a complete explanation of the facts. There were many Spring and Autumn writing techniques and avoidance of important matters, but the so-called meaning of the existence of the speech was not just for these.

"Sir Hugo Tollett."

The first person to speak was his lord Jon Arryn, Prime Minister of the Seven Kingdoms. His face was full of seriousness and some appreciation, "I have seen many tragedies in war. There are no bards to restrain the army." It sounds so easy and simple in your mouth. You still have too little experience, but I can understand that young people will come here like this. As for your obligations, I will not hold you responsible for not being a king. "

"Seven gods above, thank you for your kindness and wisdom." For Hugo, Jon's forgiveness is really good news. Old Arryn is not only his direct lord, but also King Robert's adoptive father and king. With his hand and his forgiveness, the vitality of the team will undoubtedly be greatly improved.

"Hugo." Hoster Tully's sudden words made Hugo's originally relaxed nerves become alert again. As the guardian of the river, Hugo had been fighting with his troops for several years. The old fish would definitely not let Hugo easily. Ge left.

"I heard a few days ago that you are going to conquer your homeland eastward, and today I see your determination here. As the leader of Hejian, I am naturally very pleased to be able to relieve the worries of the kingdom. However, the journey eastward to my homeland is full of difficulties and obstacles, so you can do a good job Prepare? Even if you are determined, what about the common people? You have to know that since ancient times, common people have been poor and ignorant. They grew up in old and small villages and walked on muddy and winding country roads. Most of them have never even left the village. , and even some villages have become dirty nests of inbreeding. These people think that the market next to the road is the most prosperous place in the world.

It's one thing to ask them to protect their homeland, but it's another thing to ask them to gather together and fight in a foreign land thousands of miles away. Do you think they can still maintain their determination and courage? I'm afraid it can't be done. I can even assume that not only will these people not be able to help you, but they will also hinder the originally capable and capable knights, causing some avoidable failures to occur, and even doing evil and causing a lot of evil out of ignorance.

Therefore, I also have a suggestion: Sir Hugo can leave the civilians first, lead some knights and mercenaries to set off first, and use the spear points of the powerful soldiers of the Seven Kingdoms to smash the city-state mercenaries. After that, we can slowly trap the city-state mercenaries. The civilians who made a living were transported across the Narrow Sea for resettlement. This way, even if the progress of the advance team did not go so smoothly, it would be easier for us to deal with it. Of course, as the proposer of this plan, I will also contribute to the cause of the knights. Riverrun can mobilize at least twenty knights to the east, and there will only be more infantry and mercenaries. Sir Hugo, do you accept my proposal? ” ˆ ˆ Hugo would never accept this proposal. Hoster Tully, a slimy and cunning old fish, obviously saw that he could not cure Hugo’s sins, so he tried to weaken him and disturb him. career.

Yes, rural farmers are ignorant, blindly trusting and even ignorant, but they are Hugo’s true base and the basic source of Hugo’s force. Without their participation or reporting, how could Hugo survive on the river? What about Zongheng? I'm afraid Old Man Tully wouldn't have hung him up under Riverrun City long ago.

As for the bait offered by the old fish, Hu Ge didn't even want to take it. If abandoning the civilians would greatly weaken his strength, then these so-called reinforcements were undoubtedly coming directly for Hu Ge's life. Hu Ge could even think of allowing them to participate. what happens.

I just don’t know how they want to arrange their own death: fall into the sea and drown? Die on the battlefield by a stray arrow? Or is it the hunting accident that nobles are most familiar with? The old fish said he was supportive, but actually wanted his life.

"Lord Horst." Although he was unhappy, Hugo controlled his emotions and still maintained a humble attitude.

"My lord, you are willing to support our sacred journey. This is the best thing. Unfortunately, my lord, you are busy with your affairs and don't know what we need. For us, it is more expensive than the soldiers."

Since the Andals migrated westward, the Andals homeland has fallen into the hands of foreigners for thousands of years. Outsiders have desecrated the holy land and oppressed the people, which is unbearable for the people. I heard that they have been praying for the return of their Westerners for many years, but no one has responded. If the number of troops heading to the east is too small now, the residents of the homeland will not dare to respond in large numbers. Only a huge momentum and the sun-shielding flag can rekindle the courage of the residents of the homeland to resist and gain true allies for the expeditionary force.

What's more, the Andas River Valley is known for its rich products, and there will be no shortage of supplies if you capture this place. Substituting elites for many seemed to solve the immediate problem, but in fact it put the expeditionary force in an even more unfavorable situation. As for the cowardice of the common people, I have no worries. Ever since the church took the oath to eliminate King Aenys, the world has only seen loyal servants of the Seven Gods who died in battle, and there has never been a coward who fled in battle! "

"But no matter how loyal a warrior is, he can't resist the flames of the dragon. Otherwise, why would the Andals move westward? Sir Hugo, the piety of faith cannot match the absolute power!"

"And now the dragons are all dead!" Hugo counterattacked unceremoniously. "The Targaryens first lost their dragons because of greed and stupidity, and then they killed each other for the crown and beauty. Just last spring , just because of the obscene and sinful lust in their hearts, they ignored the law and contracts, openly kidnapped other people's fiancées, and burned to death the great nobles and their heirs who came to seek justice. Now, they finally got their retribution - —Successful self-destruction!

We have never surrendered to their sinful bloodline. It is King Renrui who seeks reconciliation from us rather than us surrendering to him. And now, on the other side of the Narrow Sea, the unborn heirs of Valyria are still poisoning the homeland of the Andals and enslaving our brothers. Should we, the Andals, turn a deaf ear and ignore our compatriots? In this case, why did our ancestors cross the Narrow Sea to the west? Wouldn't it be better to throw down the weapon and go mine to death in the Dragon King's mine?
  So far, I have relied on virtue and perseverance to support my life. This is a blessing given to me by God. Even if I encounter a fatal blow and die on the battlefield in the future, I will not have any regrets, because I know that this early death is God’s gift to me. The rewards of my pious faith and faithfulness in my duties have freed me from the danger of dishonouring my reputation. I am very happy that my private life is innocent, and I am very confident that the blessings given to me by the seven-in-one God will remain pure in my hands. I will express my gratitude to the immortal gods with reverent words and deeds before I die. Losing his life to the cruelty of a tyrant, a conspiracy, or a chronic illness, he allowed me to bid farewell to this world in a career of honor and a brilliant career.

Here, I am no longer expounding my determination. Hundreds of brothers will set out with me and will probably die together. But we are not afraid of death. The difficulties we will face are nothing but the difficulties faced by countless devout believers in the past. A drop in the ocean of encounters! In the distant future, scholars may judge our actions in their books at will, but we will not care about this, because for us, this is just washing away the stains left by our ancestors..."

When Hu Ge was explaining the great significance of the expedition, the old sparrow was looking at Hu Ge with enthusiasm and admiration. If the occasion had not allowed it, he would have been kneeling on the ground by now.

Hu Ge also fell into the emotion of the speech. Although in his heart, he was still wary of the Seven Gods, he was still infected by his speech because his goal was always great.

But at this moment, a voice rashly interrupted Hugo's speech. It was Duke Tully. The look in his eyes at Hugo was full of disbelief and incomprehension, as if he was looking at a madman, "But! You cannot……"

"...Horst, stop." A steady voice came from the corner of the tent. Hugo looked and saw King Robert looking at him. The wine bottle on the table was open, but the wine cup had been put down for a long time. Perhaps because he was too focused on negotiating with Tully, Hu Ge didn't notice this change before.

Seeing that the quarrel subsided, Robert left the table and walked towards the three of them. His face no longer showed the previous casualness and relaxation. This was the first time Hugo saw the serious king, and perhaps the first time for others. see.

"Hu Ge, are you determined to lead the people across the sea and face the unknown enemies in the east? I believe your father once told you about the past of the Nine Copper King and told you about the difficulties and dangers of the expedition across the sea."

"With the blessing of the seven gods, we will surely be able to cross the narrow sea, regain our homeland, and build our own promised land." Hugo replied firmly.

"In that case, just go ahead and do it with confidence." Robert's words finalized the final outcome of the meeting.

Hugo's mood became excited because of the king's words, which meant that the strongman named Hugo Tolet disappeared and was replaced by a devout knight named Hugo Tolet. God, he only wants to regain his old land.

Master Horst may not be satisfied with this, but the king has expressed his attitude. He can only accept the current result, and the old fish can only swallow a bitter pill. And what about Hu Ge? He got what he wished for and got the recruitment he longed for. From here and now, he must seriously prepare for the Eastern Expedition he promised - and this was originally his inner wish.

After the meeting, Hugo walked out of the tent and prepared to ride back to the camp. Old Arryn saw him off on behalf of King Robert.

On the way to the camp gate, an old man and a young man chatted. Most of them were talking about the Nine Copper King's Battle decades ago, which included the march, sea crossing and camping of the Seven Kingdoms, and naturally included Hu Ge. Father Ork's heroic appearance.

Although this was one of the few words they had in common, they still had a great time chatting.

"Sir Hugo, please be loyal to your oath and fulfill your obligations seriously. The affairs of the Seven Kingdoms are complicated today, and the Iron Throne will need your help in the future."

When Hugo stepped out of the camp gate, Old Aylin said goodbye to him like this. Hu Ge immediately agreed, but he also had some doubts in his heart:

After all, he was here to beg the king for his peace, so why did he say that he could help the kingdom? But soon Hu Ge didn't think about this anymore. After all, he wanted to rush back to the camp with the old sparrow to tell everyone the great news.

(End of this chapter)