iron throne of ice and fire

Chapter 657 Wolf Forest 2
The inky night was as hard as iron, gripping the Wolf Forest into boundless silence.

The campfire flickered and trembled, the sparks that had just risen were extinguished in mid-air by the biting cold before they even touched the air, leaving only a few wisps of smoke that soon vanished without a trace.

Stannis's blue eyes, seemingly frozen, were fixed on the leaping flames. Ever since he banished Melisandre, the divine "prophecies" that had once writhed in the flames had completely vanished.

perhaps.

From the very beginning, his eyes never truly saw anything, only illusions woven by the witch with fire and whispers.

According to the laws of the seven kingdoms, he should have hanged that woman...

Why didn't he do that back then?

Perhaps he already knew he was destined to fail. Stannis's withered, stone-carved face suddenly broke into a faint smile, as if mocking or self-deprecating.

Why does he still insist?
He was unwilling to accept it; his entire life was built upon this sense of "unwillingness to accept it."

When Robert raised his army against the Targaryens, it was he who defended Baratheon's ancestral home, Storm's End, to the death, protecting his brother's rear and safeguarding the family's honor.

After Robert ascended the Iron Throne, he ordered Robert to wipe out the remnants of the Targaryen. Robert then personally oversaw the construction of warships and led the newly formed royal fleet to launch a strong attack on Dragonstone, bringing the land that symbolized the former crown prince under his control.

Stannis's teeth suddenly started grinding.

Robert ignored his contributions and instead granted the rich land of storms to their brother, Renly.

Robert simply gave him Dragonstone, an island devoid of dragons and filled only with cold, rocky rocks!
Even so, he faithfully fulfilled his duties and obligations, firmly guarding Blackwater Bay, the sea barrier of King's Landing, for Robert.

However, he remained loyal to Robert, guarding Blackwater Bay, the bulwark of King's Landing.

Robert is dead.

The elder brother, who had indulged in wine and women and lived a dissolute life, finally paid the price for his foolishness.

However, Robert's son, and his heir, was a bastard born of Lannister Lund.

According to the succession laws of the Seven Kingdoms, he should inherit the Iron Throne.

therefore.

He raised an army; it was his duty and obligation.

But Renly raised the flag of rebellion…

His spoiled younger brother, who always wore a fake smile, bypassed him as the rightful heir and declared himself King of the Seven Kingdoms in the Stormlands.

that time.

If he chooses to back down in the name of reason, this kingdom will only produce more "kings" who covet the throne.

Therefore, he had to be forceful and use iron and blood to deter those with ill intentions.

He gave Renly a chance, but all he got in return was his brother's mockery and humiliation, treating him like a clown.

He could only kill Renly and end that ridiculous rebellion with Melisandre's eerie shadow.

He told himself that this was a necessary evil, and that it was all for the sake of the kingdom's peace.

then.

He was defeated by the combined forces of the Lannisters and Tyrells at the gates of King's Landing.

Wildfires burned on the sea, his fleet turned to ashes, and his soldiers perished in the flames.

Even so, he did not lose heart. He firmly believed that the Seven Kingdoms needed him as their legitimate king, a ruler who could end the chaos and bring order.

later.

For the sake of the seven kingdoms, he resolutely came to the Wall of Despair.

He would personally save the kingdom—as the rightful king, defeat the White Walkers, and win the final victory.

His choices have always been correct, and have always been so.

He will drive out the darkness and bring true light to the seven kingdoms.

however.

The Targaryens returned, with their three-headed dragons, and once again sat on the Iron Throne.

His title of king lost its legitimacy.

For the first time, he felt lost. Even when he watched his parents sink to the bottom of the sea with the Storm, and even when he was besieged in Storm's End and on the verge of starvation, his faith never wavered.

What else could he do?
He asked himself the same question over and over again, and finally came to the answer—he could still defeat the White Walkers and become a hero of the Seven Kingdoms.

As long as he can win this war that concerns the survival of humanity, he will not be a loser.

However, to defeat the White Walkers, the support of the North is required.

To defeat the White Walkers, he needed the North, so he chose to eliminate Ned, but... he failed.

Since losing his legitimacy, betrayal has followed one after another. Melisandre's betrayal was just the beginning; more and more subjects abandoned him, and his "kingdom" crumbled.

……

Stannis took a slow breath, the cold air filling his lungs and temporarily suppressing the surging anger and resentment in his heart.

However, a wave of exhaustion suddenly swept over him, like a tide... threatening to engulf him.

He is old.

He didn't know when it started, perhaps when he looked down and saw the age spots on the back of his hand, or perhaps when he felt the heaviness and weakness in his legs—he had to admit that he was truly getting old.

But he will never fall at this moment!

He would fight to the last moment, and he chose his final enemy—Green Clayber.

He had to kill him, not for the Targaryens, not for the Seven Kingdoms, and certainly not for the so-called Light.

He is Stannis Baratheon!

He was burning with rage so as not to betray the Baratheon blood flowing in his veins!

.........

...

At the other end of the Wolf Forest, the lights of the King's Camp shone a warm yellow in the night, like scattered gold dust on a dark velvet cloth, softening the surrounding chill.

Inside the largest tent, His Majesty Green, accompanied by Arya, was receiving the hired wolf hunters—who knew where the prey was and where the dangers lurked, and were familiar with every inch of this land.

A gentle smile spread across Green's face as he slowly swept his gaze over them. He waved his hand, his voice steady and kind: "Rise, my brave hunters."

The people with their heads bowed looked at each other, feeling awkward and awe-inspiring, yet their tension was somewhat eased by the king's kindness.

Finally, led by the oldest hunter, the others slowly stood up.

Although they were the "kings" of the wolf forest, they were still somewhat uneasy. A few bold young men, with curious and innocent eyes, secretly observed the unfamiliar king sitting there.

Green smiled slightly, then gestured to the side and said, "Please allow me to introduce you. This is Arya Stark, the youngest daughter of the Duke of Winterfell."

Arya had been restless in her chair for a while, her eyes sparkling as she looked at them. As soon as Grimm finished speaking, she immediately broke into a big smile: "Good night, hunters."

Good night! Good night!

"Miss Stark!"

May the Old Gods protect you!

"You are even brighter than the sunshine of Winterfell..."

Amidst the chaotic greetings from the hunters, they knelt down once more.

It must be said that, compared to Green... at this moment, the respect in their eyes was much more genuine.

Green, of course, didn't mind their differential treatment at all; after all, he was a benevolent and wise king of the Seven Kingdoms.

Arya stretched out her hands to them: "Get up, it's nice to meet you!"

She was filled with curiosity about the hunters in the northern part of the wolf forest and asked them many questions. As the atmosphere became more relaxed, Green raised his hand.

Immediately, the servants brought out steaming bread, glistening roast meat, and the Northerners' favorite drink—strong liquor.

The tent floor was covered with furs, and Green told them to sit down directly: "Have something to eat first."

"Oh!"

"Thank you, Your Majesty!"

"What a drink!"

The strong liquor quickly boosted public goodwill towards the king, and heartfelt expressions of gratitude echoed throughout the tent.

Arya secretly took a sip of the strong liquor, and her little face immediately scrunched up. Green, who was standing next to her, couldn't help but burst out laughing.

Arya felt slighted and, unwilling to accept it, took another big gulp of alcohol, which made her cough and caused everyone around her to burst into laughter.

Amidst laughter and chatter, as the hot food and strong liquor were finished, Arya had already fallen asleep in her chair.

After Sir Brienne carried her away, at Green's signal, the servants brought in several heavy wooden chests and placed them in front of everyone.

With a "click," the lid of the box was opened.

The flickering firelight and the dazzling golden light dazzled everyone's eyes, and the air inside the tent seemed to freeze.

The hunters' breathing became exceptionally clear. After a pause, Green's voice slowly came through: "This is only part of the bounty..."

(End of this chapter)