Game of Thrones: I Created the Magic Web

Chapter 161: The Raging Sea and the Storm

“Don't take it seriously; it's all lies.”

Balon Greyjoy said this after the wild woman Osha left.

“We are heading south, but certainly not to serve the little king obediently. There is only one goal: to make this war even longer.”

“Three years, five years, ten years, until they bleed themselves dry, like beached whales.”

Asha understood.

Her father wasn't choosing anyone, but rather wanted the weaker side to continue fighting, to continue tearing the Seven Kingdoms apart.

Now it's the Iron Throne, and later it might be Renly.

Balon Greyjoy looked regretful. “There are too few kings in the Green Lands, only two.”

In the era when the Andal kings each ruled Westeros, the ironborn longships could plunder freely, occupying all the coasts. No single kingdom could match the longship fleet.

Euron stared at his elder brother's crown, made of driftwood, not black iron.

Since the Age of Heroes, the Grey King, beloved by the Drowned God, chose a 'driftwood crown' to display the power granted by the sea. The Rock Kings, Salt Kings, and later the High Kings of the Iron Islands all inherited the tradition of using driftwood for their crowns.

But after Urragon 'Goodbrother' broke the taboo and slaughtered the captains who participated in the kingsmoot, the driftwood crown was ended along with the kingsmoot.

That was five thousand years ago.

Later kings were no longer chosen jointly by all captains and priests, but were inherited by the old king's eldest son.

The crown was also changed to be made of black iron.

Now, Balon Greyjoy, blessed by God, not only wants to practice the Old Way, but also restore tradition?

Looking at the gorgeous and huge driftwood crown, Euron's voice trembled, “Your Majesty. Where did the driftwood on this crown come from?”

According to tradition, after each king's death, the driftwood crown he wore would be broken and thrown back into the sea. His successor should use driftwood from his home island that had just washed ashore to make a new crown, and could not inherit the crown of the previous king.

Of course, it is impossible to inherit it now; the ancient driftwood crown has long since disappeared.

Balon Greyjoy knew what Euron was thinking, “Driftwood from Pyke, just washed ashore today. Thanks to the supreme Drowned God for giving me such a magnificent crown.”

Euron raised his hands excitedly, “The holy Drowned God has given a sign that the Iron Islands will surely regain their glory!”

Asha guessed that in a few days, she would be able to hear this so-called 'sign' from the mouths of everyone on the island.

“Asha.”

Hearing her father's call, Asha immediately looked up and met her father's gaze firmly and respectfully.

Balon Greyjoy began to announce the plan, “You will lead twenty longships into the Mander, attracting the Shield Islands' fleet to pursue. Be sure to choose the fastest longships. And send Dagmer Cleftjaw to you.”

Am I bait? Asha hummed coquettishly, “Well, for my father's plan, this little woman has no choice but to run around.”

Balon Greyjoy responded lightly, “You are my daughter, and also my son.”

Asha was stunned for a moment, then tried to calm the violent beating of her heart. Theon is still alive. It's just that can Ser Theon, who is loyal to the Iron Throne, still be considered Balon Greyjoy's son?

Asha's mind raced.

“Victarion.” Balon Greyjoy had already turned to instruct his second brother.

“You are the main force in the battle. Quietly approach the Shield Islands, wait for the fleet to leave port, and then launch a surprise attack to capture the castle. Then set up an ambush at the mouth of the Mander to wipe out the Shield Islands' fleet in one fell swoop.”

The commander of the Iron Fleet nodded silently; he never refused any battle.

“By that time, the entire coast of the northern Reach will be open to us.” Balon Greyjoy looked at his younger brother.

“Euron, you take the longships of the various leaders to 'exchange' goods as much as possible: slaves, gold, grain. Pay them iron coins and let the people of the Green Lands taste the ancient way.”

The priest responded, “May the holy Drowned God bless our swords.”

“And the Arbor fleet.”

Balon Greyjoy obviously hadn't forgotten this powerful opponent.

“For the sake of his two sons, Paxter did not send troops to King's Landing. But for us, Redwyne is probably eager to.”

“And now, the fleet of King's Landing has gone south, heading towards Storm's End.”

Balon Greyjoy smiled coldly.

“Once the Redwyne fleet is dispatched, Asha, Victarion, Euron, all the longships stop moving and run south, luring the enemy to pursue.”

“Then notify the little king to let his fleet continue south and join us in destroying the Arbor fleet.”

Asha couldn't help but frown.

The Iron Throne's request was originally just to keep the Iron Fleet peaceful, but her father wanted to wear the crown and have the fleet attack the Reach.

After all, it was invading enemy territory, and her father was willing to accept investiture and appointment.

The Iron Throne was very likely to tolerate it.

But to have the Iron Throne send out a fleet to launch a war against the Arbor fleet, which was not an enemy.

The hope wasn't very great, was it?

Balon Greyjoy said, “Either they come over and fight Redwyne on the coast of the Arbor or Dorne, or we go over, and the longships sail all the way to the Stormlands, luring the Redwyne fleet over to see what he does.”

If Redwyne refused to leave his lair, then they would plunder the Reach.

But he knew that Euron's ambition must be even greater.

“In short.”

Balon Greyjoy earnestly instructed, “Neither side is good, so you must preserve your strength and seek opportunities to weaken their power, especially the fleet.”

“Drowned God bless.”

“May the fleets of Redwyne and King's Landing be completely destroyed after a sea battle.”

How is that possible?

Victarion looked into his elder brother's eyes and understood the deep meaning.

Euron Greyjoy spread his arms like a pair of wings: “The wrath of the ocean will eventually erupt, and the great Drowned God will gain authority in the Green Lands!”

“What is dead may never die.” Victarion chanted, and Balon Greyjoy and Asha responded almost in unison.

Afterwards, the few people left the study.

Balon Greyjoy sat quietly in front of the brazier and spoke after a long time, “You all leave too, go sleep with women, go to the banquet, get drunk, do whatever you want, but don't get in my way here.”

The few guards inside and outside the study immediately retreated, leaving the floor to the king alone.

The study became even quieter.

The sound of the wind and rain outside never stopped, the surging waves below beat against the rocky cliffs, and the swaying rope bridge made a faint sound.

“Valar morghulis.”

Balon Greyjoy of the Iron Islands said a sentence in High Valyrian from the continent of Essos.

Then.

He lowered his head, and in the light of the fire, his face suddenly turned into that of a slave serving Balon.

Balon Greyjoy was taken out of the secret compartment behind the seat by him. The old man had lost all his vitality, his mouth and nose were full of foam, his hands and feet were twisted, his skin was pale, and corpse spots had not yet formed.

The slave helped Balon out of the room and onto the violently shaking suspension bridge.

In the raging sea and the storm.

Balon fell into the sea below, and a huge wave immediately swallowed him.

Without causing any ripples.

Finally.

The slave changed his face and went to the banquet to fulfill his duties.

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