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#389 - Chapter 123: Shocking Changes in the Frontier (Part 3)

Before the fortress ruins, the wildlings had built a simple wall out of logs and stones. Although this wall could withstand attacks from the dead, it was clearly no match for Stannis's army. At this moment, dozens of wildling leaders stood together, nervously watching Stannis's army, arguing about what to do next.

Some proposed launching a direct attack to crush the enemy before them. After all, they were numerous and could swarm the enemy, delivering a fatal blow. However, others were cautious, pointing out that these 'kneelers' had sophisticated equipment, and defeating them easily would not be easy. Moreover, the enemy had not yet attacked, and rushing forward rashly could lead to significant casualties. So they suggested immediately retreating to Hardhome to preserve their strength.

Just then, a female leader named Morna suddenly stood up, and she said sternly to the person who advocated retreat: "You damned coward! Don't you know that the people behind us are working hard to build large rafts, which is our only hope for survival! If we give up now and let the southerners chase us, they will definitely send a fleet to stop us from crossing the river, and none of us will be able to leave alive."

After hearing these words, everyone fell silent, thinking about the next course of action. Finally, the most prestigious leader, Tormund, made a decision: "Morna, Hammha, Thistle, Ygritte, Freya, and Munda, the six of you lead the spearwives to retreat first."

When Munda heard this, she immediately objected: "Father, I can't go! I'm a warrior!"

Morna also angrily questioned, "Tormund, do you look down on us women?" The other female leaders also looked angry, expressing their dissatisfaction. They were all brave warriors and unwilling to be seen as weak and retreat.

Tormund: "Stop talking nonsense! It's not the women's turn to risk their lives until the men are all dead. Get the hell out of here!"

Tormund's voice was deafening, as if to overturn the entire battlefield. Although the female leaders were unwilling, they obeyed the order and retreated from the battlefield with about a thousand spearwives. The scene was surprisingly calm, without any conflict or resistance.

Tormund was determined to defend this place to buy more time for the rear. He knew that if the people in the rear could retreat safely, it would be worth it even if all the men died in battle. At this moment, Stannis also needed time. He was anxiously waiting for Robb and Jon to outflank from the sea. Once they launched an attack, the fleet would quickly come to support them. However, before that, he had to hold his ground and prevent the wildlings from fleeing back to the haunted forest.

Stannis knew that as long as he controlled the women and children in the rear, these wildlings would lose the motivation to fight. After all, no one wants to see their families harmed. These burly wildlings were excellent sources of soldiers, and he had reached an agreement with Robb that he could get 70% of the prisoners after the war. This was undoubtedly a huge fortune for him. Of course, these people had to participate in the battle against the Others. Only in this way would they be qualified to follow Stannis to King's Landing and fight the Lannister family. It is worth mentioning that the Iron Bank has agreed to provide food and funds to support these people.

However, for some reason, Melisandre had become restless since stepping into the haunted forest. She suggested to Stannis: "Your Majesty, I have a bad feeling about this place. I think we should leave here as soon as possible."

Stannis had always trusted this red priestess, but facing the current situation, he decided to seek the opinion of other close officials first. At this time, Davos stood up and said: "Your Majesty, the fleet has not yet arrived. If we act rashly now, we may become passive. It is better to wait a little longer and see what happens. In addition, we can try to bring that Mance Rayder to the front and let him try to persuade the wildlings to surrender. Maybe there will be unexpected gains!"

Stannis thought this was a good idea, so he immediately ordered people to build a wooden platform in front of the battle line. Soon, Mance Rayder was brought to the platform. Stannis looked down at him and said, "Mance Rayder, although you have repeatedly rejected my goodwill, I am still willing to give you one last chance. As long as you can persuade the wildlings to surrender, I will not only not kill you, but also grant you the honor of pledging allegiance to me."

Mance Rayder looked up at Stannis and smiled bitterly: "Stannis, do you think I don't want to surrender? The free folk will not give up their freedom and become your slaves. We have our own pride and dignity."

Stannis's face darkened: "So, you intend to resist to the end?"

Mance Rayder took a deep breath: "This result will not change, even if you kill me. The free folk will fight to the last moment!"

A trace of determination flashed in Stannis's eyes, "Since this is the case, you have once again rejected my mercy, then don't blame me. Davos, hang him." After saying that, he was about to turn around and leave.

Melisandre took a step forward and shouted: "Your Majesty, can you hand him over to me? The blood of the King-Beyond-the-Wall should be magical. I want to use him to sacrifice to the Lord of Light."

Stannis turned around, looked at Melisandre, a trace of doubt flashed in his eyes, but he nodded and said, "Okay, do as you please." After thinking for a moment, Stannis agreed and left with his men. Soon, Mance Rayder was escorted back to the high platform and tied to the wooden frame. The soldiers were busy piling firewood on the wooden frame, as if preparing for a grand ceremony. On the other side, the wildlings witnessed Mance Rayder's impending fate, and their emotions gradually became agitated. They began to whisper and discuss, and the originally orderly team became chaotic.

On the high platform, Mance Rayder stared at the increasingly high pile of firewood around him, his eyes revealing despair and anger. He knew clearly that he was about to face death, but he was powerless to change anything.

At the same time, the wildlings opposite saw Mance Rayder's situation, and a sense of unspeakable fear surged in their hearts. Many wildlings began to stir, pushing and shoving each other, trying to rush towards the high platform. But they were stopped by the surrounding warriors and could not move forward half a step.

The union of the wildlings beyond the Wall was not only due to the survival pressure brought by the Others, but more because of Mance Rayder's personal charisma. With his strength and leadership, he brought many tribes together to fight against foreign enemies. Now that this leader was about to face a tragic fate, the wildlings' mood was naturally very complicated.

Tormund watched the chaotic situation outside, his brow furrowed, trying to restrain the anger in his heart. Facing the noisy wildlings below, he roared: "Quiet! Everyone shut the hell up!" His voice exploded in the air like thunder, shocking everyone.