The journey of film and television world is endless

#349 - Chapter 83: Faith is a double-edged sword (Part 3)

Meanwhile, in King's Landing, large numbers of Sons of the Warrior roamed the streets unchecked. Like a pack of crazed beasts, they rampaged through the city, looting shops belonging to merchants from the Eastern continent. Exotic idols, sculptures, and artworks were smashed to pieces under their violent assault. Even the luxury stores catering to the wealthy were not spared, suffering severe damage.

At the same time, a group of church militants dressed in black appeared. Wielding weapons, they forcibly smashed open barrels of wine throughout the city, mercilessly pouring the precious liquid into the filthy gutters. The entire city was soon filled with the pungent aroma of wine, even masking King's Landing's usual stench. Ordinary merchants were helpless against these thugs cloaking themselves in faith, unable to stop their misdeeds. Even the gold cloaks responsible for patrolling the city turned a blind eye, choosing to remain uninvolved.

The service industry in King's Landing suffered the most severe impact. From high-end brothels like the ones Littlefinger operated to the hidden prostitutes in the back alleys, none were spared from the Sons of the Warrior's destruction. Furthermore, prostitutes and their patrons were subjected to varying degrees of beatings and injuries. In just two short days, they successfully undid all the efforts Tyrion had put in over the previous two years. Commercial activity in King's Landing suffered a huge blow, and the economic situation regressed to a state of depression.

The church's armed forces can be mainly divided into two parts. The first, the actual Sons of the Warrior, also known as the Holy Swords, is a knightly order devoutly believing in the Seven Gods. These Sons of the Warrior wear dazzling rainbow cloaks, with rough wool shirts underneath, and shining silver armor on top. They wield longswords with star-shaped crystal pommels. Their emblem is black, with a dazzling seven-colored crystal sword in the center, symbolizing their noble status and glory. Historically, only knights who have undergone the sacred ritual of being anointed with holy oil are eligible to join the Sons of the Warrior. Most members of the Sons of the Warrior have special backgrounds; many of them were once mercenary knights or knights with estates. However, some come from higher echelons, such as older lords eager to atone for themselves or their sons.

The other corresponding armed religious order is the Poor Fellows, also known as the Starry Knights. The red star symbol of this organization can be traced back to the time when the Andals invaded Westeros, when zealous warriors carved seven-pointed stars onto their chests.

Unlike the Sons of the Warrior, anyone, regardless of their origin, gender, or profession, is eligible to join the Poor Fellows. While they may not be as well-trained, disciplined, or well-equipped as the Sons of the Warrior, the Poor Fellows possess a vast private army. These people are filled with piety towards the Seven Gods and exhibit a near-paranoid fanaticism. The Poor Fellows are somewhat like the modern-day Beggar Sect; they patrol the roads, guarding travelers from one sept to another, from one town to another. They are light infantry, using whatever weapons they can find, commonly axes and clubs. They wear seven-pointed star badges, usually white, and some even brand or tattoo the seven-pointed star on their bodies.

Due to a lack of time and weapons, the High Sparrow first armed the Starry Knights in the name of the Sons of the Warrior. In exchange, the church forgave the royal family's debts over the years, totaling approximately 1.6 million gold dragons. Cersei secretly rejoiced, feeling that she had gotten a great bargain, leaving a huge fortune for Tommen.

However, Varys looked at Cersei's back with a pained expression, his heart filled with helplessness. He knew very well that the church would become extremely terrifying once it was freed from its restraints. Back then, King Maegor had gone through great hardships to force the church to submit and disarm. And now, a fragmented Westeros simply cannot bear such a cost; neither the Lannister family, Tommen, nor Aegon VI can afford it.

Varys stepped forward, leaned close to Cersei's ear, and said, "Your Majesty, I have just received news that the Iron Bank has dispatched a special envoy, Tycho Nestoris, to King's Landing. He will arrive soon, and his purpose is to demand that the Iron Throne repay its loans, and at least thirty percent of the total debt."

Cersei frowned upon hearing this, and said, "Duke Mace clearly told me that the Iron Bank had agreed to postpone the repayment!" There was a hint of doubt and dissatisfaction in her voice.

Varys hesitated before reminding her, "Your Majesty, perhaps it is because too many things have happened in King's Landing recently, and these things have affected the Iron Bank's view of us. Moreover, Lord Tyrell's last trip to Braavos did not result in any written agreement."

Cersei's face became extremely ugly, and she gritted her teeth and cursed, "These damned vampires are so untrustworthy! They must have seen that my father has passed away and feel that we have no hope. Hmph, one day, I will make them taste my power!"

With a loud crash, the door was pushed open violently. Tommen walked in with an angry face. Cersei quickly gave a look, and Varys retreated tremblingly, closing the door tightly behind him.

Tommen, who was originally full of momentum, suddenly deflated after being interrupted, and could only timidly say, "Mother, I request that you immediately release Ser Loras! He has been captured by the church."

Cersei calmly retorted, "Did I order him to be arrested?"

Tommen mustered up his courage and retorted, "But you armed them and gave the High Sparrow an army."

Cersei: "You are right, Margaery has every reason to complain. Regardless of whether Loras's character is depraved or not, those fanatical religious believers should never be allowed to imprison the Queen's brother."

Tommen asked hesitantly, "Then… can I tell Margaery that Loras will be back soon?"

Cersei replied, "I have already said that I am not the one who arrested Loras. You are the King. You can go to the High Sparrow yourself and ask for him back. He might release the boy."

Unsurprisingly, things developed as Cersei had predicted. Tommen couldn't even get through the doors of the Sept. He was blocked on the steps by a group of Poor Fellows. Tommen's personality was already somewhat cowardly, and faced with this situation, he didn't dare to clash with them at all, and could only choose to back down. This undoubtedly gave the church and the High Sparrow further opportunities to push their advantage.

Immediately afterward, they imprisoned Margaery in the dungeons of the Sept on charges of perjury before the Seven Gods and blasphemy. At this moment, Cersei was still immersed in her smugness, but she did not notice that the respect in the eyes of the people looking at her was gradually decreasing, even carrying a hint of contempt.