The Glory of the Seven Gods of Ice and Fire

Chapter 228: White Harbor's Decision

Since its founding, White Harbor has become the largest port and the largest city in the North. The Manderly Family of the River Bay brought not only their belief in the Seven Gods, but also the more advanced technology and thinking of the South to the wild North. It is precisely because of these that the Manderly Family was able to gain a foothold in the North where the ancestors were all over the place.

After the Eastern Expedition, White Harbor became more prosperous. The choice to join the Eastern Expedition allowed the Mandalay family to acquire a large amount of land and political capital in the East, and also opened up a wider market for White Harbor. Goods from the East flowed into White Harbor in an endless stream, and then were imported into the entire North. The huge output of the North was no longer limited to local production and sales. The merchant ships of White Harbor transported them to the seven eastern countries, and the profits generated by trade and taxes made Mandalay earn a lot of money.

At the same time, as the East became the destination for the surplus population in the North, White Harbor made a lot of money from the flow of people. There was huge wealth in the people coming and going. Even if they did not engage in trade, this behavior alone could feed many people in White Harbor.

Naturally, the prosperity of White Harbor also brought about further expansion of the city, the docks were widened, residential areas were increased, and the surrounding areas also gained more wealth from the prosperous trade, and the whole area became prosperous. The prosperity of White Harbor and the success of the Seven Gods in the East also had a huge impact on the North. When the people of the North looked at the wealth in the hands of the people of White Harbor and listened to the songs of the Eastern conquests, they inevitably yearned for the Seven Gods and began to convert to the Seven Gods or the northern variant of the Seven Gods - the Heart Tree of the Seven Gods.

In this context, as White Harbor's unique heterogeneity quickly emerged, the Northern lords gradually isolated White Harbor. Of course, White Harbor was not afraid of this isolation. After all, these Northern lords still had to rely on White Harbor's channels to export goods and make money. No matter how isolated they were, could they really cut off contact?
However, because of the same desire for profits from the eastern trade, another lord of the East, Bolton, was determined to get a piece of the pie. They rebuilt the trade port that had been destroyed by the King of the North for countless years in order to maintain exchanges with the eastern territories. This action won the support of many northern lords. Naturally, Bolton's move led to a conflict with the Manderly family, but under the mediation of Duke Stark, the two sides did not tear each other apart, but continued some minor frictions, and the Stark family seemed satisfied with the balance of power among the vassals, so they did not interfere with their actions further.

It was against this backdrop that the dark cloud of civil war in Westeros descended upon White Harbor.

As loyal subjects of the Stark family, the Manderly family responded actively at the beginning of the war. They provided Stark with a large number of troops and equipment, and a large number of young people in the family also went out to fight for Stark's Wolf Banner. Even when the war situation was greatly unfavorable to Stark, they did not give up their support for the lord.

But at the end of the war, the tragedy that occurred in Riverrun greatly changed the attitude of the Manderly family, causing this most loyal family in the North to take a sharp turn for the worse in its attitude towards their lord.

When the remnants of the Wolffish's army were trapped in Riverrun, some angry northern nobles blamed the failure on Robb's wife Jeyne Westerling. On the one hand, it was because the marriage between the Stark and Westerling families made the Frey family, the most important ally of the Riverlands, turn to the Iron Throne. On the other hand, they strongly suspected that the wizard blood of the Westerling family was the reason that catalyzed the Young Wolf's irrational behavior.

In Riverrun, these nobles soon found an opportunity. They launched a surprise attack, slaughtered the witch and her relatives, and threw their remains into the Trident. As for the "mutiny" of the vassal, the angry Duke Robb was determined to seek justice for his lover. He soon ordered the execution of all those involved in the incident. Unfortunately, this included Wyman's eldest son and the earl's heir.

After the tragedy, the nature of everything has changed. No matter how loyal Manderly was to Stark, the heir being executed for no reason is unacceptable.

Therefore, as the Bolton family was sharpening their knives, Manderly rarely chose to remain neutral and gave up sending troops to aid Winterfell, preparing to watch the outcome of this battle for the throne with other northern lords.

However, the return of the old duke soon broke the deadlock. Eddard Stark, who had been presumed dead, crossed the narrow sea and returned to the North with an army composed of immigrants from the east.

Eddard's prestige is not comparable to that of the Young Wolf, even after he left for many years. After landing at the port, Eddard had a long conversation with Earl Wyman in the Mermaid Palace. In the end, White Harbor opened the port to Eddard and allowed his army to enter the city. At the same time, White Harbor also gave a lot of resources to Lord Stark.

However, Manderly's obligations as a vassal ended here. Eddard Stark did not stay in White Harbor for too long. He recruited a number of new soldiers there and then returned to Winterfell to begin presiding over the confrontation with the Dreadfort.

As for White Harbor, it once again returned to a neutral state, but neutrality did not mean peace: a large number of northerners came to the city with their families.

The reason for this phenomenon is very simple, that is, winter is coming. As the northernmost place in Westeros, the North is very sensitive to the arrival of a long winter, and the news of the coming winter can often spread quickly throughout the North.

Before the Eastern Expedition, the North could only let many burdensome people fend for themselves. The lucky ones could start over in the South, while the unlucky ones were buried in the snow. In comparison, the situation is different now. After a stable shipping route was established between White Harbor and the East, people can go to the North's colonies in the East through White Harbor. The land in the East is warmer, and there are more choices for starting a business. Naturally, the people of the North changed their migration direction. This is also the origin of many northern settlements in the seven eastern countries.

At present, the streets of White Harbor are crowded with people from all over the North. The strong atmosphere of the ancestors collides with the Andal culture of White Harbor, making the city exceptionally lively. A large number of ships are setting sail from the docks loaded with new immigrants, and their destinations are all eastern ports without exception.

However, while a large number of ships were sailing south, a huge fleet was heading north to White Harbor, which was something no one had expected.

As it arrived at White Harbor, the city became more lively and prosperous, and the eye-catching seven-pointed star on the fleet's sails also made the citizens understand who the leader of this fleet was - Hugo Tollet, the Regent of the East.

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"It's really touching. At a time when everyone is thinking about heading to the land further south, Lord Hugo actually leads a fleet of this size to the north to fight the enemy."

Wyman Manderly moved his big butt with some difficulty. Although the Earl was not a noble who pursued a life of luxury, the large size of the Manderly family bloodline was a burden, especially when he got older.

Even so, there were many times when Count Manderly tried to walk under his own power as much as possible, such as now, when he was walking with Count Marlon Manderly and his second son - now the eldest son - Wendel Manderly.

In front of Earl Manderlay, a fleet of ships of various styles was entering the port. Looking around, the masts were as dense as a forest. This fleet was so magnificent that it reminded people of the former Easter Fleet and the Iron Throne Fleet.

Under the command of the White Harbor pilot boat, this huge fleet was docking in an orderly manner. However, since the White Harbor port was visibly unable to accommodate such a large fleet, many ships turned around and left in another direction after unloading personnel and supplies.

This was the largest fleet White Harbor had ever received. Even an experienced family like Manderlay was inevitably in a mess. The opponent's organization seemed to be just so-so, so there were some troubles from time to time, which greatly delayed the movement of supplies.

Compared with this fleet, White Harbor, the largest city in the North, seems like a small seaport. This shows how large a team Hugo led to the north this time.

"Weiman, when this fleet began to assemble, I didn't expect that Lord Hugo had been preparing for so long, and it was actually to go north. Thinking back to the many arrangements over the years, Lord Hugo may have prepared for this operation long ago. Many choices that others did not understand in the past have only revealed their true colors today. This can probably only be explained by accepting the favor of the Seven Gods."

Earl Malon expressed his views, his tone full of praise for Hugo, which surprised no one. Earl Malon had stayed in Andas for so long, it would be even more strange if he was not Hugo's. This time, it was he who informed White Harbor of the news that Hugo's fleet was heading north.

"To be honest, when you came across the sea and told me that Lord Hugo was going north, I really thought I had misheard." Lord Wyman said. Recalling his feelings at that moment, he still felt a little incredible. "In our opinion, if Lord Hugo sent troops, it would most likely be to fight for the Iron Throne. Even if not, it would be more likely to attack Stannis or drive away Littlefinger in Gulltown. I didn't expect that his goal would be to go north to fight against the White Walkers. I didn't understand why Lord Hugo gave so much support to the Wall before, but now I understand."

"However, if it weren't for the wight you brought, I wouldn't have let Lord Hugo's army in."

In this era when relatives killed each other and neighbors watched out for each other, it was a foolish thing to rashly let foreign troops into one's own city. Therefore, if it weren't for the corpse ghost that couldn't be killed no matter how hard he stabbed, Earl Wyman would never have let Hugo in.

As for the captured wights, they were from the order issued by Hugo. Hugo had always asked the Wall to find opportunities to capture some wights. He needed these things to temporarily end the chaos in the country, and he also needed this ironclad evidence to clear the obstacles for his northward march. Unfortunately, the White Walkers seemed to know his plan, so Hugo's goal had never been successful. However, this time the White Walkers' large-scale attack on the Wall gave the wight catchers an opportunity. These people immediately captured a group of wights, and then sent them to the south overnight, to Hugo's hands, and then Hugo handed these wights to the messengers he sent to various parties.

Hugo knew that when history became chaos and legend, in Westeros where the White Walkers had not appeared for thousands of years, empty talk about fighting against the White Walkers would only be regarded as foolishness, so he needed strong evidence to convince others.

The zombie puppet of the White Walkers is a very suitable thing.

This thing played an important role in White Harbor. If it weren't for the zombies locked in cages for display, Hugo's fleet would not have been able to enter White Harbor.

Count Malon is also the messenger responsible for displaying the wights in White Harbor. The wights are now on display on the streets of White Harbor. Similar things are happening in other cities in the Seven Kingdoms of the East and West.

Of course, he came here not only to allow the fleet to enter White Harbor, he also had a more important mission - to act as Hugo's lobbyist.

The three Manderlays walked on the city wall for a long time, constantly commenting on Hugo's fleet. Finally, Count Malon got to the point.

"Cousin, to be honest, when the tragedy of Riverrun reached the east, not only me, but even Lord Hugo was surprised. Therefore, this time, in addition to the official business of fighting against the white walkers, as a member of the family, I also have private matters within the family that I would like to discuss with you." Willis called his subordinates and handed some documents to Earl Wyman.

"Willis met with misfortune when he was thirty, leaving behind only two daughters without a father. Although we don't have the tradition of female inheritance here, it's still awkward for them to stay in White Harbor. Even if they get married, they're afraid of being bullied by their husband's family without the support of their loved ones. So before I came, I met with Lord Hugo and asked for a few estates in the East for them, so that they would have confidence when they get married. In addition, Lord Hugo also asked the courtiers to compile a list of good unmarried men from all over the East. I know many of them and can guarantee that they are of good character."

"Marlon, thank you so much. Please also ask you to thank Lord Hugo on behalf of me and the entire Manderlay family."

The Earl of White Harbor took the documents and handed them to Wendel. "Lord Hugo attaches so much importance to this that he is even willing to allocate land to help. I believe he has thought it over carefully. Is there anything else he wants you to tell me?"

"I do have a suggestion from Lord Hugo." Malon dismissed his followers and lowered his voice, "Lord Wyman, given the current situation in the North, why don't you just become independent? Lord Eddard is indeed a virtuous lord, but look at history. Aegon the Conqueror was so great, but he had weak offspring, and King Centennial was so wise, but he also had offspring like the mediocre King. The North is lucky now that it has only produced a "Young Wolf Lord" who is like the "Young Dragon Lord", but who can guarantee that there won't be a mad king who worships the old gods in the future? We are aliens in the North, and we are protected by Stark only because of our loyalty and ability to restrain Bolton. Now the Wolf is willful, ignoring our loyal lord and imposing punishments at random. This is not a good sign. For the continuation of our family, we must make long-term considerations."

"The atrocities committed by Robb Stark before can be used as an opportunity for Manderly to gain independence. After all, it was the Wolf Runner who first committed tyranny, and the family is not considered to have betrayed them. If you wish to do so, Lord Hugo can support your independence."

The current situation in the North has gradually become clear. With the return of Eddard Stark, it is impossible for the Dreadfort to take Winterfell in a short time. The lords from all sides have already taken sides between Stark and Bolton. The forces of both sides are complicated. Every Northerner can see that the confrontation between the King in the North and the Red King will reappear.

This kind of environment is undoubtedly the best opportunity for Mandalay to become independent. The surrounding lords are also willing to gather under the mermaid banner of White Harbor. As long as Mandalay is willing to take the first step, White Harbor, where the White Blade River is located, can become a third-party force in the North.

The reason why Hugo instigated Manderlay's independence was simple. As a favored one of the Seven Gods, Hugo must serve the interests of the Seven Gods. The more believers there are, the better it is for the gods. White Harbor in the North, as the base of the Seven Gods in the North, is very suitable as the center for the spread of the Seven Gods' faith in the North - in fact, this is indeed the case. The Manderlay family has always retained the honorary title of "Shield of the Church".

But White Harbor has always been subservient to the Starks of Winterfell, which is very eye-catching.

Hugo didn't want a fanatical Lord Stark to come to Winterfell and persecute the believers of the Seven Gods in White Harbor, or force White Harbor to close its port.

At the same time, Hugo has not forgotten the history of the Dance with the Dragons. This civil war exhausted both sides and caused bloodshed. At the end of the Dance, the army led by the Northern Guardian Cregan Stark to the south caught all parties off guard, and many people were worried that more wars were coming. Although the "Wolf Hour" was finally resolved peacefully, Hugo did not think that every Stark head would be as wise as Cregan. The kingdom must avoid the problem of the Stark family dominating the north.

There is no doubt that the Bolton family of the Dreadfort, descendants of the Red King, are the best choices for this plan. This was also the plan for the Iron Throne when Kevan was in power. However, the revived Bolton family still has not restored the influence of the Red Kingdom in the North, making it difficult for it to fight the Starks alone. The situation of two powers competing for hegemony is prone to one side suppressing the other and lacking stability, which is not conducive to the kingdom's long-term planning for the North.

Therefore, instigating the independence of White Harbor and forming a three-party coexistence situation in the North is the most advantageous option for Hugo.

Facing Hugo's attitude as mentioned by Malone, Earl Wyman's face was calm and his eyes showed no emotion. He just turned his head and looked at the sea calmly. This action made Malone a little excited, because the earl's current reaction only meant one thing, that is, the Manderlay family was really thinking about the future path.

In this regard, Malon could not help but thank Robb for his foolish behavior. If he had not ordered the execution of Wyman's eldest son regardless of the consequences, the Earl would probably not have had such an idea at all, and the Manderly family would not have had the ladder to become the first-class nobles in the kingdom. Breaking away from Stark's rule would be the first step in the family's rise.

"Mallon, I roughly understand what Lord Hugo means. After what Lord Robb did, White Harbor should indeed reconsider its relationship with the Wolf Run. However, Stark has done a favor to our family after all. Don't do to others what you don't want others to do to you. Lord Mallon, White Harbor will not target Lord Eddard's descendants, and will not fight with them now."

Wyman's attitude was better than Malon had expected. As for the request made by Manderly afterwards, that was not a difficult matter. Hugo had no interest in the land in the north. After solving the problem of the Great Wall, his army would withdraw completely.

"Of course, Lord Wyman, don't worry, this is not a problem at all."

Next, after chatting about some trivial matters, Marlon left. He was anxious to tell Hu Ge the news so that he could take credit for it.

Watching Marlon leave, Manderly and his son looked at each other. After a while, Weiman sighed, "The situation has come to this point. I really don't know what our ancestors would think when they saw this scene."

"Father, we don't need to feel guilty about this. Just like Maron said, it was Robb who was tyrannical and failed us first. My eldest brother killed the witch who caused chaos in the court for the sake of the country, but he killed my eldest brother for this."

Wendel had already lost his respect for Stark. Wyman had to wave his hand and calm his son down. "Of course I know that I am sad and angry in my heart. But it is still regrettable that things have come to this point."

Faced with the uncertain future of his family, the Earl was inevitably a little depressed, but he soon cheered up again because he thought of a possibility: in the future, the position of Guardian of the North would be competed for by three families, and with White Harbor's current development momentum, it might be completely prosperous when his son or grandson succeeds to the throne; by then, the Earl would be able to see his descendants become Dukes of the North and realize a feat that the Manderlay family never dared to imagine.

This is not empty talk. Hugo's attitude is clear. Earl Wyman also understands Hugo's meaning. In the strategy of the Eastern Regent, he realized the importance of Manderly and saw the opportunity for his family to become the leader of the North. Since Frey could become the leader of two countries from a second-tier noble in the river in just a dozen years, why can't Manderly become the guardian of the North?
The opportunity to rise to become a first-tier noble, this is the real reason why Wyman was tempted. The power of the Manderly family alone in the North is still not enough, but with the support of Hugo and even the entire Church of the Seven Gods, then all this would be very possible.

As for why they had to wait until their descendants took the throne and not compete for the title of leader of the North, the reason was very simple. At least in Wyman's generation, the Manderly family had to show their loyalty to the Starks and make the relationship between the two families amicable, whether for honor or benefit. From then on, Manderly and Stark owed each other nothing.

(End of this chapter)