Iron Islands.
Main castle, council chamber.
The salty sea breeze, like the caress of the dead, swept across the towering towers and damp courtyards of Park City, yet it could not dispel the lingering stench of blood in the hall.
Baron Greyjoy sat on the sea stone seat carved from twisted sea monster rocks, his expression one of extreme rage.
His fingers gripped the handrail tightly, his knuckles turning white from the force, as if he wanted to crush the stone.
"Youlun"
His deep voice betrayed a crazed killing intent, "You actually dare to come back to see me!!"
Euron Greyjoy, the Raven-Eye, stood in the center of the hall, his black scales stained with blood, his right eye burning like a wildfire in the sea, fixed intently on his elder brother.
Why not?
He retorted hoarsely, his voice like a dull knife scraping through bone, clearly piercing everyone's eardrums.
"Baron, we underestimated the North, we underestimated Glover!"
"Your daughter, Asha, was defeated and captured by Glover the moment she stepped onto the sea serpent's horns."
"And our younger brother, the invincible Victarion, was personally killed by Grover in the Battle of Horn Mountain!"
"We were wrong! Utterly wrong!"
Euron ignored the growing rage burning within Baron and suddenly spread his arms wide, the movement almost manic.
When he mentioned Victalion's name, there was no sadness in his tone, only a cold regret for a broken tool.
"wrong?"
Baron made no attempt to hide his murderous intent. "If there's anything wrong with me, it's that I believed your lies!"
"You caused the Iron Islands to lose a third of their forces and resulted in the capture of my heir."
"Euron, you shouldn't have come back!"
"Now, I'll show you what the price of failure is!"
He was about to wave his hand, preparing to order his men to arrest Euron and lock him in the dungeon.
But at that moment, Euron burst into maniacal laughter, which then transformed into an even more fervent seduction.
"Ha ha-"
"fail?"
"Baron, who told you we failed?"
"Don't forget, we still have dragons! Real dragons!"
"Once we control the dragons, the entire world will have to pay us iron coins..."
The moment Euron spoke, Baron realized something was wrong.
He immediately interrupted Euron's remaining words, coldly shouting, "Shut up!"
But it was too late.
Euron's mention of a dragon that could be captured instantly drew the attention of the other captains in the hall.
"A dragon?"
"Could there be a giant dragon in the North?"
"King Baron, what is the dragon that Raven-Eyes spoke of?"
The captains were buzzing with discussion, and some of the more senior captains even asked Baron questions, all of them showing great interest in the dragon.
After all, that was the foundation upon which the Targaryen family had ruled Westeros for hundreds of years.
The captains' questions made Baron's expression even more unpleasant.
"dragon?"
Baron slowly stood up, his sharp eyes sweeping over everyone present, and the noise in the hall subsided once again.
Although he is old, his accumulated prestige remains.
None of the captains present dared to forget Baron's methods.
"For the sake of that ethereal dragon you speak of, the Iron Fleet led by Victalion was annihilated, and my heir became a prisoner of another!"
"A third of the Iron Islands' forces are buried in the cold lands of the North."
"You've come back to me now and are telling me you still want to go?"
"Just for some nonsensical illusion you brought back from the shadows?"
These words successfully calmed the captain in the hall down.
Baron Eagle's gaze swept over the crowd, suppressing his anger, and he said in a deep voice.
"What we should do now is retreat to our nests like wounded sea monsters, lick our wounds, and wait for the next ancient path and opportunity."
"We must send someone to Winterfell to negotiate, even at a cost, to get Asha back."
"She is my heir, of Greyjoy blood!"
"Instead of letting you take the last of the Iron Islands' power to chase after mirages and head towards utter destruction."
Euron laughed, a laugh that was sharp and cruel.
"Asha?"
He stepped forward, fearlessly approaching Baron.
The two were so close that they could smell the alcohol and murderous intent in each other's breath.
"My dear brother, are you so old that you can't even tell the difference between seawater and wine?"
"There's war in the south; the Lannisters, Baratheons, Tully, and Starks are all expanding their power."
"And you, you actually plan to stay in the Iron Islands and do nothing?"
"Just for your poor daughter?"
Euron feigned surprise, spread his hands, and looked around at the captains.
This caused others to whisper among themselves.
He successfully turned his failure into Baron's conservative strategy toward the Iron Islands.
But Baron is not easily fooled.
He stepped forward and roared, "It's because of your insane plan that we're stuck here!"
Euron roared back without backing down, "It's your cowardice! If you had sent me more Ironborn, I would have taken Winterfell long ago!"
The brothers' argument was like two clashing scimitars, shooting out cold sparks in the hall.
The captains below were trembling with fear, and none dared to utter a word in the eye of the storm.
Some people were so agitated by Euron's descriptions of dragons and conquests that their breathing became heavy and their eyes gleamed with greedy red light.
Others looked fearful and preferred King Baron's conservatism and prudence.
The future of the Iron Islands hangs in the balance amid this fierce confrontation.
However, the argument yielded no results.
Ultimately, the story temporarily ended with Euron's departure.
Baron sat alone on the Sea Stone seat, his bloodshot eyes filled with anger, sadness, and murderous intent.
"It's time to kick Euron out of the Iron Islands!"
"If we let him stay here, he'll only entice more people to join his unrealistic plans."
"Damn Euron, if you weren't my own brother, I would have killed you long ago!"
Baron cursed under his breath, and fearing the charge of patricide, he decided to expel Euron from the Iron Islands first thing tomorrow morning.
Having made up his mind, he got up and left the main castle, walking along the bridge made of the rock pillars in the sea towards the tower in the sea.
By this time, it was already dark, and the rain was pouring down.
Heavy raindrops pounded on the stone buildings, silencing all other noises.
Baron, who was already used to the weather in the Iron Islands, continued to move forward with firm steps until he stepped onto the last wooden bridge, where a familiar figure blocked his way.
Euron, what do you want to do?
Euron looked at his brother and said calmly, "The Iron Islands do not need a cowardly king!"
Baron realized something was wrong.
As he slowly backed away, he questioned, "You want to commit patricide? This is a grave sin that the Drowned God can never forgive!"
Euron gave a strange laugh, "Parricide? Drowning a god? Haha…"
After the laughter subsided, he strode closer to Baron. "My dear brother, do you really think Haron died of gray scales?"
Euron's words made Baron's pupils shrink.
Do you know?
"The day after I killed him, I went to the beach specifically to see how the Drowning God would take me away."
"And then what happened?"
He shook his head, a maniacal smile spreading across his face. "Nothing happened! Your god doesn't exist!"
Euron grabbed Baron, who was still swaying on the wooden bridge, and said, "But my God is the only true God!"
"Anyone who wants to rebel against my God will only face death!"
After saying that, he pushed Baron down without waiting for his reply.
In an instant, Baron plunged into the abyss of darkness in despair.
Euron paused for a moment before leaving the scene with a strange feeling.
The rain subsided slightly by the next morning.
Euron Greyjoy stood before the Seastone, his face grim, and announced devastating news to the assembled captains.
"Due to the defeat, King Baron lost his focus while crossing the bridge last night and unfortunately fell off."
"The drowning god has summoned his faithful servants."
A collective gasp and whispers filled the council chamber.
Falling off the bridge?
On a rainy night like this?
Many people understood instantly.
Their eyes were filled with suspicion and fear as they looked at Euron.
But Euron didn't give them much time to think.
He clapped his hands, and several crew members carried in several corpses, roughly throwing them into the center of the hall.
Those were several captains who were highly respected and might question or even be hostile to Euron.
"These traitors!"
Euron's voice was like ice, devoid of yesterday's fervor, leaving only a pure, chilling coldness.
"They dare to question the cause of King Baron's death, attempting to instigate a rebellion when the Iron Islands are at their weakest!"
"For the glory of drowning God, for the future of the Iron Islands, I have executed them!"
Then, he looked around at the terrified captains and had his servants bring up the Dragon Horn that he had brought back to the Iron Islands.
"This is the key to controlling the dragon!"
"This is power!"
Euron ordered his servants to put their mouths to the horn and blow it loudly.
It will take time, and the voice that shook the soul in Pike City last time will ring out again.
The captains of the Ironborn ships stared at the huge, twisted horn, and were deeply shocked.
They didn't even know when the person who sounded the horn died or when the playing ended.
"From this day forward, I, Euron Greyjoy, am your new king!"
"Follow me, and we will ride on the wings of dragons and make the whole world tremble!"
"Questioning me...:"
He kicked the corpse at his feet. "This is what happens!"
Fear, and the irresistible allure of the dragon dream, ultimately overwhelmed all doubts.
One captain after another knelt before the new King of the Seastone.
Until only Asha's uncle, Rodrik Harlow of Ten Towers, remained in the entire hall.
"So, Captain Harlow, what do you mean?"
Euron stared at Rodrik with a malicious look, as if he would kill him on the spot if he did not pledge allegiance.
Rodrik Harlow's heart pounded, but he still managed to speak in a hoarse voice.
"I can pledge my allegiance, but on one condition!"
"I will write a letter to Stark to get Asha back; after all, she is Balon's only daughter!"
Rodrik emphasized the word "daughter," seemingly reminding Asha that she could not compete with Euron for the Seastone throne.
The other captains nodded in agreement upon hearing this.
"Yes, it's time to bring Captain Asha back."
"That's right, after all, King Baron only has this one child left..."
A murmur of discussion arose, and Euron glanced around, knowing he had no choice but to agree.
"Okay, I promise you!"
"You can write to Stark, but if Stark's demands are too unreasonable, don't blame me for disagreeing!"
He looked Rodrik Harlow up and down, a strange smile playing on his lips.
Rodrik Harlow nodded, then knelt on one knee and swore allegiance.
Euron burst into laughter.
"Pass down the order: the Iron Islands will begin a new selection process for Iron Fleet members..."
At Euron's command, a raven carrying a letter that only Harlow and Asha could understand flew toward Winterfell.
Stormy Land.
About ten kilometers northeast of Windbreak Fortress lies a green meadow dotted with gray and white mushrooms and newly felled logs.
This is where Stannis and Renly negotiated.
When Caitlin arrived, the lawn was empty; Stannis and Renly had not yet arrived.
"Madam, it seems we've arrived the earliest!"
Harris Moran, holding the Stark direwolf banner, rode alongside Catelyn.
Caitlin nodded and looked around.
In the south, a massive Windbreak Fortress stands beneath the sky, obscuring the vast ocean behind it.
To the northeast, Stannis's soldiers are assembling siege equipment, ready to attack Storm's End at any moment.
But Stannis's army appeared so small and helpless in the face of the massive boulder of Storm's End.
Mrs. Catherine sighed as she thought about recent events.
She was originally sent by Robb to meet Renly at Bitterbridge in order to unite Stannis and Renly against the Lannisters.
But to their surprise, the two refused to make peace and insisted on fighting first.
Harris Moran and the others who accompanied Lady Caitlin saw that the alliance was no longer viable, so they persuaded Caitlin to return to Riverrun.
But to everyone's surprise, Lady Catelyn learned from Renly that her youngest son, Rickon, was actually on Dragonstone.
Now she had no choice but to stay and demand her son back from Stannis.
Just as Caitlin was pondering how to begin, two riders emerged from Stannis's camp and slowly approached.
As they approached, Lady Caitlin recognized the newcomer as Stannis, who was wearing a crimson gold crown.
Beside him, a mysterious woman dressed in fiery red priestess attire held up a banner of a crowned stag surrounded by flames.
"The red-robed priestess?"
Lady Caitlin thought of the religions on distant continents, a hint of inquisitive curiosity in her eyes.
But then Stannis approached, reined in his horse, and gave a curt greeting.
"Mrs. Stark!"
Caitlin responded politely, "Lord Stannis!"
Stannis nodded slightly, getting straight to the point as he was never one for formalities.
I am deeply saddened by your husband's death.
"Although Ned Stark is not my friend, since he sent your son to Dragonstone, I have chosen to protect him!"
When Caitlin saw Stannis bring up Rickon, she followed suit and said something in response.
"Thank you for your protection, my lord. Stark will never forget our friendship. When will you send someone to escort my Rickon to me?"
Stannis's eyes turned icy. "Wait until your son kneels down and pledges allegiance to me!"
Upon hearing this, Caitlin's heart skipped a beat; her worst fear had come true.
When Caitlin learned that Rickon had landed on Dragonstone, she had already foreseen this scene.
She moved her lips a few times, trying to persuade him.
"Lord Stannis, my husband entrusted Rickon to you because he trusted you, but Rickon is of no help to you whatsoever."
"For the sake of the gods, please return it to me."
"You will gain the friendship of the Starks and the North!"
Stannis was unmoved by Caitlin's words, and instead made a cold and direct statement.
"A king has no friends, only subjects and enemies!"
Caitlin was momentarily speechless. Fortunately, a cheerful voice rang out from behind her, "Don't you still have your brothers?"
Caitlyn turned her head to look back, and Renly arrived on horseback with Brienne of Tarth.
Lannister stopped to Caitlyn's right, staring intently at the flag Melisandre was holding, and snorted twice.
"Is this really your flag, Stannis?"
Stannis looked at his brother, his brow furrowed. "Who else could it be?"
Lan Li shrugged lazily. "I'm still far from sure which company you're using as a front."
Stannis scoffed, "It's mine!"
Melisandre added, "His Majesty the King's emblem is the blazing red heart of God, the Lord of Light!"
Renly's eyes flashed as he carefully examined Melisandre, who had suddenly spoken, seemingly finding it amusing.
Caitlin, worried about her son, couldn't help but interject when she saw that both sides of the negotiation had arrived: "In any case, we have a common enemy, so why don't we join forces to fight it together?"
Stannis examined her face again, but there was still no smile on her face.
"The Iron Throne belongs to me, and anyone who denies that is my enemy!"
Renly chuckled flippantly. "Brother, the entire Seven Kingdoms reject you. Even our eldest brother would rather legitimize his illegitimate son before he dies than hand over the crown to you."
Stannis clenched his jaw; Renly's words had struck a nerve.
"A bunch of bastards have no right to inherit the Baratheon name."
"I am the only rightful heir to the Iron Throne!"
Renly agreed with his first statement.
"That's right. A child born out of wedlock is a child born out of wedlock. Even if it's legalized, it's still a child born out of wedlock. What right do they have to inherit what rightfully belongs to me!"
But Stannis coldly corrected him in response to his agreement: "It's mine!"
At this point, Caitlin finally couldn't hold back anymore.
"What you're saying is utterly ridiculous!"
"Tywin is still leading an army of 20,000 at Harrenhal, while the new army at Casterly Rock is undergoing intensive training and is ready to be deployed to the battlefield at any time."
"Cersei and her son still hold King's Landing and your precious Iron Throne. You all call yourselves kings, yet the kingdom is constantly bleeding."
"Is there no one besides my son who is willing to draw his sword and defend the kingdom?"
Lanley shrugged at Caitlyn's shrill voice and said nonchalantly.
"Your son has won a few battles, but I will win the whole war."
"Let's take it one step at a time. I'll definitely deal with the Lannisters when the time comes."
Stannis completely ignored Catelyn's words and said coldly, "If you have anything else to say, say it now, or I'll leave immediately." Renly stared at Stannis, his tone becoming slightly more serious.
"Very good. I suggest you dismount immediately, kneel on one knee, and pledge your allegiance to me!"
Stannis wanted to take his time and immediately go up to teach his arrogant brother a lesson.
He stared back at Lanley, suppressing his anger, "You'll never be able to do it!"
"So there's no room for negotiation?"
Renly, with a relaxed smile on his face, reached his hand under his cloak. Stannis immediately became alert and gripped his sword hilt tightly. But before he could draw his sword, his brother produced... a peach.
"Want one?"
"Brother, before the battle, why don't you try some peaches first?"
"This is from Highgarden, I guarantee you've never tasted anything so delicious!"
Upon hearing this, Stannis could no longer maintain his composure and roared in fury, "I didn't come here to eat fruit!"
Seeing that Renly was about to say something more, he suddenly drew his Lightbringer and gave the final command.
"I do not want to taint my sword with the blood of my own brothers!"
"For the sake of the mother who nurtured us, I'll give you one last night to reflect on your mistakes."
"Swear allegiance to me before dawn, and I will bestow upon you the title of Duke of Storm's End. Even before my son is born, I may acknowledge you as my heir!"
But Renly laughed twice, stepped aside, and pointed to the army with its banners billowing behind him.
Its meaning is self-evident.
Do you think you can beat me with your numbers?
Stannis snorted coldly, too lazy to waste any more words.
Just you wait, little brother!
"Everything will be clear by dawn tomorrow!"
Then he looked at Caitlin and gave her the same final ultimatum.
"My lady, I'll say it again: as long as your son kneels down and pledges allegiance to me, I can retain his northern border."
"Otherwise, tomorrow Renly's fate will be your son's fate!"
Before Caitlin could say anything, he turned his horse around and rode away.
Melisandre, standing beside him, glanced at Renly and Caitlyn with a strange look before following them away.
Renly ignored Stannis's threat, laughed twice more, and then returned to his camp with Catelyn.
As she walked, Catelyn thought about Stannis's words and the Red Priestess's eerie gaze, and for some reason, a sense of fear rose in her heart.
She spoke politely with Renly, her face showing deep concern about how to rescue Rickon.
As for the Alliance's Renly and Stannis, she had completely given up.
Caitlyn followed Renly