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#324 - Chapter 58: Burning Flag (I)

The Night's Watch soldiers shouted loudly, relaying orders down the line. Strong warriors gripped massive iron hammers, putting all their strength into smashing the ice-encrusted iron springs. The resounding clang of metal echoed through the air as the ice shattered. Together, they worked to lower the giant anchor. With unstoppable force, it swept across the wall, sending shards of ice flying.

Where the anchor and chains struck, only a mist of blood remained, clinging to the frigid ice wall.

The heavy anchor crashed against the iron-hard ice wall repeatedly, the thick chains now coated in鲜red and gruesome remains. Finally, the swaying ceased. Any wildlings caught within the weapon's reach were instantly annihilated, either torn to pieces by the chains or plummeting to a shattered end at the base of the icy cliff.

Jon shouted to the surrounding soldiers, "Haul the scythe back up! If those wildlings dare to climb again, give them another dose!"

"Doo-doo-doo!" A sharp, urgent horn blast echoed from the east. Jon turned to see a watchman on the tower shouting, "That's not our horn! The sound is coming all the way from Eastwatch-by-the-Sea!"

Jon turned to the officer beside him. "Grenn, send men to investigate. I want to know what's happening on the eastern front."

Grenn acknowledged the order without hesitation, dispatching two capable men on mules eastward at a gallop. Moments ticked by. Soon, the massive, creaking lift of Castle Black began its slow ascent. A flustered officer rushed to report, "Lord Commander! A company of rangers has returned, reporting a massive army has landed north of Eastwatch-by-the-Sea! And...and they carry an urgent message from Commander Cotter Pyke!"

Jon felt a jolt. He snatched the letter and eagerly unfolded it. The dense script detailed the mysterious army. At dawn, an unknown fleet appeared off Eastwatch-by-the-Sea. The fleet was enormous, with over one hundred and fifty large ships. They made no contact with the Night's Watch, landing directly on the coast beyond the Wall. Armed soldiers poured ashore, seemingly without end.

Commander Pyke estimated the army to be well-equipped, numbering nearly ten thousand, with over four thousand cavalry! Such strength could only belong to a major power, almost certainly from the Seven Kingdoms.

Yet, their banner was unfamiliar. It displayed a golden field emblazoned with a flaming red heart, and within the heart, a crowned stag stood proudly! Though contact between the Wall and the Seven Kingdoms was infrequent, Jon recognized the banner of Dragonstone: Stannis Baratheon!

Jon never imagined Stannis would be the first to reinforce the Night's Watch! He wasted no time. "Pyp, send word to the rangers, rally them quickly! Everyone, be on high alert, ready for battle! It's time to strike back!"

The order sent a jolt of tension through the wall. Soldiers efficiently organized their gear, preparing to leave the wall in an orderly fashion. Jon stared intently at the wildlings swarming below, his gaze fixed on the distant horizon, silently praying his gamble would pay off, securing Stannis's cooperation to crush Mance Rayder and his horde.

Pyp had already left to organize the rangers. These brave warriors knew the battle ahead was crucial, filling them with nervous excitement. The guards on the wall watched the wildlings intently, anxiously awaiting the arrival of Stannis's army.

Jon stood on the wall, his gaze firm, hope rising within him. This battle could be the turning point for the Night's Watch. He took a deep breath, awaiting the decisive moment.

Finally, on the horizon, Stannis's army appeared. Seven or eight thousand strong, a mix of infantry and cavalry, their banners snapping in the wind, proclaiming their might. The soldiers marched with disciplined steps, their morale high.

Jon gripped his sword hilt, his eyes sharp as a hawk. He turned to Grenn. "Grenn, I'm leaving you in charge. When I give the signal, unleash the arrows, clear the area around the passage!"

Grenn nodded solemnly. "Understood, Jon. It's in your hands. But be careful out there!" Jon smiled reassuringly, clasped Grenn's hand firmly, and turned toward the lift.

Stannis's army advanced slowly and deliberately. He understood the brutality of war, knowing that victory demanded not only courage but also the conservation of strength. He deliberately controlled the pace, ensuring his horses and soldiers conserved energy for the coming battle.

Meanwhile, Mance Rayder stood alone on a hill, calmly surveying the battlefield. His vantage point concealed the approaching enemy. After deliberation, he decided, "The battle is over for today, retreat! Hardhome is our true hope, I'll hold this position. Tormund, Ygritte, you both go as well." A look of determination hardened Mance Rayder's face.

The tribal leaders bowed respectfully to the King-Beyond-the-Wall, then turned and departed with their trusted followers.