The horns from each ducal territory were not unified. This time, the living had gathered at Moat Cailin to face the dead. Renly was the first to order the Night's Watch's three horn blasts to be heard throughout the army.
Woo~
The sound of horns from the main castle echoed through the towers, and the military horns resounded across the camp, one after another.
"This is not the Wall, and the patrols don't need to blow horns as they approach the broad fortress. What reinforcements are arriving?" Willen asked Harry. South of the fortress, there were scouting forces from the Westerlands and the Vale, and no human troops had been spotted heading toward Moat Cailin in the past few days.
Harry, as a Riverlander, was more familiar with the newly constructed Moat Cailin. After thinking for a moment, he said, "They should be coming from both land and sea, walking along the walls once they've reached the shore."
"Let's go check!" Willen immediately started running back.
Not only Willen but many nobles from the inner city also emerged from their tents and ran toward the fortress. Harry quickly followed. With the looming threat of the White Walkers preparing for a large-scale assault, everyone was under immense pressure. The arrival of any reinforcements, no matter how many, was a much-needed morale boost.
A long convoy of wagons was slowly making its way along the eastern city walls toward the Moat Cailin fortress. From the tower, Willen and Harry, having climbed the stairs, opened the window and looked out. The convoy stretched as far as the eye could see from the fortress.
"The White Walkers couldn't care less about empty castles; yet they still evacuated several of them!" Harry kept lamenting.
Willen responded, "These are the northern nobles from the east, fleeing their homes. As long as they have their wealth, people, and ships, they'll quickly be able to rise again after the war."
"We only brought soldiers. With these men and supplies, Robb is a step closer to securing the position of Commander," Harry continued thinking aloud.
Willen placed his hand on his friend's shoulder. "Harry, if you want House Bracken to endure for generations, don't get involved in these matters concerning Edmure."
Harry, who had risen from humble beginnings and was now the heir, had become somewhat carried away with his newfound position. Every person who went through such experiences would inevitably go through this period. Seeing Harry running around the camp, trying to network and secure support for the Supreme Commander position, Willen didn't want to see his friend burn himself with unnecessary efforts.
Harry recognized his friend's intention and lowered his head, speaking slowly, "I understand, but years ago, when our lands were plundered by the Demon Squad, Edmure did nothing. House Blackwood has been eyeing us, ready to wipe us out. I haven't had a peaceful night's sleep for years. I have to fight for my family's interests."
Willen smiled. "Martyn, Myrielle—they're all here. Remember when we swore our oaths beneath Odahviing's feet? We will all support you!"
"Of course, I remember! Back when Lord Wright was asleep, we gathered and swore our oath, who would have thought that Odahviing understood the Common Tongue and even lowered his head to mock our childishness? How could I ever forget that!" Harry smiled at the memory.
Willen added, "Do you remember the woman you once pursued, Joy Hill? Our house doesn't have many direct heirs, but she's now an official member of the family. She'll be fighting alongside us this time."
"She's here at Moat Cailin?" Harry was delighted and then added, "I remember she was already married."
Willen replied, "She never had children, and her husband died in a fall a few months ago. You're still not married either, so if you think she's suitable, I'll arrange for you two to meet."
"Does she still remember me?" Harry felt a bit uncertain.
Willen said, "I believe you two will get along very well. If you both agree to an engagement, I'll suggest to Edmure that House Bracken soldiers be reassigned to the Westerlands."
Harry grasped Willen's arm tightly. "I'm so glad to have friends like you!"
Joy was the late Tywin's brother's illegitimate daughter, and after officially taking the Lannister name, she became a cousin to the current Lord of the Westerlands, Jaime. With someone advocating for him, as Joy's potential suitor, Harry could naturally align with his father-in-law's forces.
Harry then remembered something. "By the way, speaking of Joy, where's your wife, Rosamund? I thought she came with you?"
"She's looking after the sick Nymeria," Willen replied.
As they walked toward the hall, Harry nodded. "That's right, Rosamund has been with Nymeria since she was young. She loves running around with her."
Harry lowered his voice and said, "I've heard that the women around Nymeria have all been with her. Has Rosamund…?"
Willen also lowered his voice, laughing as he spoke to Harry, "When I married Rosamund, she was still a maiden, but in bed, I can't win against her."
"Ah~~~" Harry understood.
"Mm~~~" Willen nodded.
The bedroom, furnished with a simple dressing table, was unique within the military stronghold of Moat Cailin. It had been specially prepared to welcome Princess Nymeria, and Wright had built it himself from scratch, not wanting to lead with any special treatment. A golden, ornate metal staff lay on the otherwise empty dressing table.
"Rosamund, get me a glass of water."
On the soft, large bed, Nymeria, feeling weak all over, said feebly.
Rosamund walked to the wooden cabinet, retrieved a cup, and returned to gently lift Nymeria's head, ensuring she wouldn't choke while drinking.
After Nymeria drank, she seemed to feel a bit better. After a moment of silence, she suddenly started kicking the blankets with her feet, muttering angrily, "I hate winter! I hate this damn weather!"
Every time Nymeria visited the north, she would fall ill. It was due to her body's inability to adapt to the cold, and no healing magic seemed to work; she could only endure until the weather passed.
Many people said that Nymeria's name alone was a sign that her bloodline would always clash with the cold and snow.
But it wasn't just her. A number of Dornish vanguard soldiers who had traveled with Nymeria this time were also now bedridden.
"What's Wright doing?" After venting her frustration, Nymeria asked.
Rosamund replied, "Lord Stannis, Lord Manderly, and Lord Velaryon have arrived. Wright and the King are discussing maritime operations."
Right now, Nymeria couldn't muster the energy to focus on military matters. She turned her head to look at Dacey Mormont, who was sitting silently on a chair. "What's wrong with you? Did something happen at home?"
Sitting in the chair, Dacey kept absentmindedly patting the bear-shaped emblem on her chest armor. She didn't snap out of it until Nymeria asked again. "The people from the eastern North have arrived at Moat Cailin, but there's still no word from Bear Island or Deepwood Motte."
At that moment, a female knight from Wright's personal guard entered the bedroom. "Princess Nymeria, the latest news is that the Iron Islanders raided a fleet, killing many, including several accompanying mages. The King has ordered the execution of the Iron Islanders who violated military orders."
"So serious!" Rosamund exclaimed. She couldn't understand why the Iron Islanders hadn't changed their thieving ways, even in such dire circumstances.
Nymeria motioned for Rosamund to help her sit up and then patted the edge of the bed. "Come sit and tell me more."
Dacey looked up, hands shaking. Her mind was filled with hope for news of Bear Island. If the island had been overrun by the Others, their family's retreat route would cross paths with the Iron Islanders on the western coast.
The female knight stood at attention beside the bed. Wearing heavy plate armor, she couldn't sit beside the bed:
"Among the attacked ships, we can confirm that Sansa Stark and Geralt were on board, as well as some people from Bear Island. The King has sent Lord Wright to handle the matter."
Dacey stood up, excited. "Are my family members okay?"
"Lady Dacey, the messages from the ravens are limited. What we know is that Jorah and several of his sisters were injured, but they're all still alive."
Dacey looked relieved, but her worry remained. She quickly got up and ran out of the bedroom. "I'll go to the meeting room to check!"
The knight followed her, closing the door behind them.
"I'm pregnant." Rosamund kneeled on the bed, taking off her mage robes and revealing her slightly rounded belly to Nymeria.
Nymeria gently touched Rosamund's smooth belly. "Looks like you're about three months along. I'll have Wright transfer you to the logistics unit."
"No, I want to fight alongside the soldiers, even with the child." Rosamund snuggled under the covers and hugged Nymeria tightly.
Nymeria tightened the blanket. "Wright should have told you about the dangers of this war in his letter."
"I'm Wright's disciple. Robb, Jon, and Ashara are on the front lines, I can't be any different."
Rosamund was much younger. She had always heard stories about the three of them at the academy, especially the time Ashara beat Robb and Jon with two punches. She was an idol to many female apprentices.
Nymeria and Rosamund weren't lovers, but they were extremely close, like a mother and daughter.
---
In the city of Sunspear, Darkseid wasn't particularly surprised by Sauron's arrival.
Nymeria took the Dornish nobles and most of the soldiers with her, leaving the young Darkseid to take control of Sunspear through various means, both coercive and enticing. He had secured the loyalty of the high-ranking guards and the maids in the inner court. They were supposed to be loyal to Darkseid, the heir to Dorne, so this control was not simply about allegiance. Through the use of forbidden magic, he had mentally dominated those sent by their mothers to watch over him.
For those who disobeyed, Darkseid had already used them in his magical experiments.
Sauron followed his brother into the secret base at the bottom of the castle. Looking at the human tissues frozen in magical ice blocks along the corridor, he asked in fear, "Are these real people?"
"They all volunteered for the magical studies. Once my research succeeds, their deeds will be remembered by the world! Stop looking at these, come to the lab with me," Darkseid replied, walking ahead. He illuminated the bizarre underground passage with magic.
Sauron suddenly felt that his brother seemed a little unfamiliar. When they were children, they also had a secret base in the castle, and they had seen skeletons and dead bodies in their mother Tyene's laboratory, but they had never seen such an eerie place.
At the end of the passage was a small room. A few magical lamp stands were activated by Darkseid, instantly brightening the basement. This was a study, with scattered books and manuscripts everywhere.
Darkseid dug out two chairs from the pile of books and found two blankets from a cabinet. He poured Sauron a glass of water.
"Mother's not here, and you're still the same!" Looking at the messy study, Sauron confirmed that the person in front of him was still his brother, not some ghost like the Three-Eyed Raven possessing his body.
Darkseid had been doing well in Dorne during this time, and they talked about recent happenings.
"Still no word from Tyene?" Besides their father, Wright, Darkseid respected and admired Tyene the most, and he was very concerned about her safety.
Sauron shook his head.
"You say the Three-Eyed Raven sent you to find me?" Darkseid asked again.
Sauron quickly nodded. "Yes, he was very certain that you could give me greater power!"
Sauron had already shared why he wanted power when they reminisced earlier.
Darkseid fell into thought. Wright hated the Three-Eyed Raven, and Darkseid had also disliked him since childhood. He couldn't be sure of the Three-Eyed Raven's intentions. It seemed strange that he would send Sauron to him now, just as Darkseid's research was showing some results.
Sauron noticed his brother was lost in thought and knew he was thinking, just like when they were kids. "Can you do it?"
Darkseid looked up at his brother. "Geralt was perfectly transformed by me. In terms of human magic, I believe no one can surpass me!"
"Then can I be transformed like Geralt? The Trial of the Grasses, yes, that's it!" Sauron became excited.
Darkseid said, "Transformation is irreversible and painful. Are you sure you can handle it?"
"I must find mother, I must destroy the Others, I believe I can do it!" Sauron said, blood rushing through him.
Darkseid was more focused on magic and martial arts than the political situation of the continent. He was very protective of his younger brother and sister. Seeing Sauron with a goal in mind, he knew he couldn't leave Sunspear and wanted to do something for his family.
"I've already discarded the Trial of the Grasses. If you want transformation, I will give you the best!" Darkseid said as he stood up.
He walked over to an iron chest, placed his hands on both sides, and with a few clicks, the mechanism inside the chest began to turn as he injected his magic.
Darkseid put on a glove on his right hand and took out a sheepskin scroll from the box.
"Is this the new magic you've written for me?" Sauron, seeing how serious his brother was, quickly got up to approach.
"This scroll is something I found in the box hidden by father in the castle underground. It contains a lava-like magic. Sauron, I plan to use this to transform you!"
Darkseid opened the door to the inner room, which was a magical laboratory filled with strange devices.
"Sauron, this alone isn't enough. The magic on it is too explosive and will destroy your body, so I also need cold, shadow magic to neutralize it."
"I'll go get Quaithe right now!" Excited, Sauron darted out of the room.
As long as Sauron wanted something, Quaithe would provide. She followed him into the lab, drew a vial of her own blood, and waited to the side. She firmly believed in her prophecy—Sauron would have no life-threatening danger this time.
By combining the Trial of the Grasses, lava power, and shadow power to transform the human body, Darkseid had unknowingly walked down an extreme path in magic.