The journey of film and television world is endless

#194 - Chapter 4: The Kings...

Storm's End: News from King's Landing had already reached here.

In the main hall of the castle, countless vassals from the Stormlands were gathered for a wedding. The bride was Margaery Tyrell, the daughter of House Tyrell from the Reach, known as the 'Little Rose of Highgarden'. She was very beautiful, with soft brown curls, brown eyes, and a graceful figure.

The groom was Renly Baratheon himself. After King Robert's death, Renly and Loras, escorted by 50 guards, had fled back to Storm's End overnight, immediately gathering troops to defend the castle. Sure enough, within two days, he received news that the Hand of the King, Eddard Stark, had been imprisoned for treason. Following that, the Northern armies, led by Robb, had taken up arms in defiance. And Tywin Lannister from the Westerlands had also launched a large-scale military campaign, occupying a significant amount of territory in the Riverlands.

The country was in chaos. Meanwhile, Renly, at Loras's encouragement, secured the full support of House Tyrell of Highgarden and formally declared himself king at Storm's End, summoning his vassals.

Renly, only 21 years old, was tall, handsome, charismatic, and likeable, and paid great attention to his appearance. His black hair was always neatly combed.

Renly looked very similar to Robert in his youth. He liked to wear green clothes and a set of enameled green armor, with a pair of golden antlers on his helmet, giving him a regal air.

The lords of the Stormlands had been thoroughly subdued by Robert in his earlier years. Now, seeing Renly, it was as if Robert had returned. Renly also presented evidence that Joffrey was not Robert's biological son to persuade them. With the strong support of the Reach, these nobles wisely pledged their allegiance to Renly.

…………………………………………

Stone Hedge, located on the Red Fork not far east of Riverrun, was the seat of House Bracken. It had been captured by Lannister forces in the previous battles, but now it had been retaken by the Eastern army led by Roose Bolton.

Just as Robb was leading his cavalry to provide support, news arrived that Eddard had been beheaded in King's Landing. All the lords and generals convened a full meeting at Stone Hedge. There was only one topic: how to seek revenge! The premise was, what should become of the Northern army?

Lord Karstark: 'Renly has already declared himself king at Storm's End. I think we should pledge allegiance to King Renly. Then we can march south and join his army, attacking King's Landing together. I don't think anyone here is willing to pledge allegiance to Joffrey! He killed our beloved Lord Duke.'

Robb: 'That doesn't mean Renly should become king. He is only Robert's younger brother. Stannis comes before him, just as Bran cannot surpass me to become the Duke of Winterfell.'

Karstark: 'Lord, are you planning to side with Stannis? He is still on Dragonstone and doesn't have many troops. Can he really help you take revenge?' The people below were also noisy, expressing different opinions.

Lord Umber stood up: 'Gentlemen, gentlemen, please be quiet. Let me say a few words. My attitude towards these kings... bah! To me, whether it's Renly or Stannis, they're all bullshit. Why should those Southerners rule us proud Northmen? They haven't seen the Wall and the Wolfswood; they don't understand the pride of the Northern men in the cold wind. They don't even believe in the true gods!'

'Hahaha~' Everyone burst into laughter. Clearly, these words were very popular, and some even whistled.

Greatjon Umber continued: 'For thousands of years, we have managed ourselves. Why can't we do it now? Once, dragons made us submit, but now the dragons are all dead. Now, there is only one king who can make me kneel...' Greatjon drew his longsword with a 'clang' and knelt on one knee, planting the sword in the ground. 'That is the King in the North, long live Robb Stark, the King in the North!'

Everyone stood up solemnly, and Lord Mormont also drew his sword and knelt: 'Well said! To hell with the Red Keep! To hell with the Iron Throne! Long live the King in the North!'

One after another, people knelt to pledge allegiance to the King in the North, shouting in unison: 'Long live the King in the North!'

'Long live the King in the North!' 'Long live the King in the North!'

'Long live the King in the North!' 'Long live the King in the North!'

……………………………………

Dragonstone: In the hall, there was a very peculiar table. At the moment, it was full of people, Stannis's few vassals and followers.

Stannis, a stern and rigid man, was jokingly called 'the Iron Block'. He announced loudly: 'This secret letter was sent by Duke Eddard before his death. He told me the truth. I will not make the same mistake as him. Immediately transcribe its contents and send it to all the lords. I want every corner of the Seven Kingdoms to know that Joffrey is nothing but an incestuous bastard. Whether in law or blood, I am the rightful ruler of the Seven Kingdoms. All truly honorable and loyal people should quickly join my ranks to exterminate those rebels.'

Davos: 'Your Majesty, if I may be frank. The real enemy is only the Lannister family. Our strength is insufficient. If you can reconcile with Lord Renly and fight against the rebels together...'

Stannis: 'That's impossible. Unless he abandons his claim to the throne and immediately comes to pledge allegiance and apologize to me, I might consider sparing him.'

'That's right, Stannis needs not beg for the support of those lords, for he has the support of the true Lord, the Lord of Light.' Along with the clear voice, a figure in bright red appeared, a high-ranking red priestess of R'hllor. Her fair hand brushed across Stannis's shoulder.

Davos: 'Lady Melisandre, may I ask how many ships your Lord of Light has?'

Melisandre sat in the empty seat to Stannis's right, smiling: 'My Lord does not need ships!'

Davos spread his hands: 'I guessed He wouldn't need ships, but we need ships, and we'll need even more when the war starts!'

Stannis: 'I have a way to get ships. House Velaryon of Driftmark and House Celtigar of Claw Isle both have their own fleets. They have always been vassals of Dragonstone. Send them letters and order them to set sail immediately to pledge allegiance to their king!'

Davos: 'Your Majesty, Lord Monford has already replied and will depart from Driftmark soon. But there is some trouble with House Celtigar. A few years ago, King Robert made them direct vassals and granted them jurisdiction over the eastern part of the Claw peninsula.'

Stannis: 'So what? I am the rightful heir to the Iron Throne. If Ardrian dares to refuse the summons, I will crush Claw Isle when I have the time!'

Davos said helplessly: 'As you command, my King.'