iron throne of ice and fire

Chapter 153 Black News 5
Eddard Stark, who was sitting high on the Iron Throne, pondered: "Duke Tyrell, I will send someone to investigate and I will give you a satisfactory answer. Before that, I hope you can act with caution."

Mace Tyrell did not speak, he made a gesture, and soon a group of men, women and children in tattered clothes walked in followed by a young knight.

They were also covered in blood and looked terrified.

"Duke Stark, they arrived in King's Landing last night. These villagers came from two neighboring villages. This is the only one who survived."

The Duke of Metz was still speaking slowly, but everyone present could feel the suppressed anger in his voice.

In the throne room, exclamations of varying sizes arose one after another.

Varys exclaimed: "Oh, how terrible, how cruel!"

Duke Mace added: "Duke Stark, more people in the River Bend will suffer misfortune. Is this something ordinary bandits can do? People in the River Bend bleed every day."

"eye for eye!"

"Never die!"

…………

After the Duke of Metz finished speaking, the nobles of the River Bend present stood up and echoed loudly.

After a moment of silence, Duke Ed looked at the group of villagers who had just been brought in.

He stretched out his hand to signal everyone present to be quiet, and said, "Tell me, are the robbers you met the same group of people?"

The middle-aged knight nodded first, then turned to talk to the villagers.

After a while, he replied loudly: "Your Majesty Prime Minister, they are also masked, well-equipped and riding war horses."

The young knight said angrily: "It must be Lannister. I followed them with a few people, and I found that group of people ran into the hills of the Lannister family. They must be Duke Tywin's lackeys!"

Pycelle said stiffly: "I would like to remind this young knight that Lord Tywin Lannister is the father of our Queen."

The young knight blushed with anger, and at this time the voice of the Duke of Metz came over.

"Pycelle, even without your reminder, we know that Tywin is the queen's father."

…………

Green: Duke of Mace, the gods can also feel the sadness in your heart, but I have to remind you that you are the leader of the Reach, and the harassment on the border is a very rare opportunity.Duke Runwolf's noble character is known to all seven kingdoms. If you can prove your reputation, Casterly Rock City will be isolated and helpless by then.

Green: If things go well, the Golden Rose will become the first noble of the Seven Kingdoms in your hands.

…………

The Duke of Mace touched his beard, and after finishing speaking, he stared at Grand Maester Pycelle... The golden rose of the Reach is not afraid of the golden lion of the West.

Pycelle glanced at Duke Metz. He moved his lips but made no sound.

From the high throne, Lord Eddard saw someone "quietly" slipping out at the end of the hall. He thought to himself that the rabbit just ran away... No, it should be said that it was a mouse that was greedy for Queen Lannister's cheese.

Duke Eddard has investigated the murderer of Jon, and he has already begun to plan how to clean up the mice in the Red Keep.

From Duke Ed's position, he could clearly see the actions below. Everyone was talking about it... and the matter in front of him had to be dealt with.

…………

"Duke of Metz, please give me an order! I am willing to use all the troops in the territory. We will retaliate in kind and let the people of the West experience the power of the people of the Reach."

"Yes! Let the cowards of the West experience the power of the people of the Reach!"

"Yes! One Reach man can defeat five Westland cowards!"

"Please……"

"The Duke of Metz,..."

"Shut up!" Duke Metz glanced at the vassals of the Reach, and the nobles of the Reach quickly stopped shouting.

After a pause, Duke Mace turned his eyes to Duke Eddard on the throne: "Prime Minister Stark, before getting permission from King Robert, the people of the Reach will only capture those bandits in the Reach. I Will restrain them.”

Duke Ed's gray eyes trembled slightly. He nodded slightly and said, "Thank you, Duke of Highgarden, for your wisdom."

Running Wolf was really impressed by the unknown head of the Tyrell family today.

Lord Eddard felt that Tywin Lannister was more of a fox than a lion.If it was really him who sent his old Magic Mountain troops to kill people and set fires, he would have specifically ordered them to pretend to be ordinary bandits, to act without flags and with caution.

If the Reach counterattacked in the same way and started killing people in the Westerlands, Cersei and her father could insist that it was the Tyrells, not the Lannisters, who broke the peace...and who would Robert believe? Words, only the gods know.

He thought that the wise Duke of Metz had taken this into consideration, so he asked the victims to petition the Iron Throne for justice.

…………

Maester Pycelle stood up again. He caressed Duke Ed's chest and said, "Your Majesty Prime Minister, if these villagers firmly believe that the masked bandits are the old members of the Magic Mountain, please let them see the Lord of the West and go to him. Complain. The crimes they describe have nothing to do with the king, and they should ask Lord Tywin for justice."

Duke Eddard said coldly: "Pycelle, of course these are related to the king. Regardless of east, west, north or south, we all act in the name of Robert I."

Pycelle's turbid eyes moved, and he said: "It has something to do with the king... This makes sense, so we should wait until the king comes back..."

Lord Eddard interrupted: "The king is hunting at the moment, and waiting will only make things worse. Robert wants me to handle the affairs of the kingdom for him as Hand, listen with his ears, and use his voice." Speak, and I shall do my duty.”

After a pause, he added: "But I agree to report today's events to him, Sir Robert."

Sir Robert Royce took a step forward, held his chest and saluted: "Your Majesty, Prime Minister, what are your orders?"

Lord Eddard said: "Your father (Bronze Yohn) is out hunting with King Robert. Can you please go there and inform them of today's events?"

Sir Robert accepted the order happily: "Accept your order, Prime Minister, I will set off today."

After Sir Robert retreated, the young knights from the Reach stepped forward and saluted: "Just Prime Minister, can we directly seek revenge from the old tribe of the Magic Mountain?"

"revenge?"

After asking, Duke Ed shook his head and continued: "I thought we were talking about upholding justice. Setting fire and killing people in the West will not restore peace in the kingdom, but can only make up for your damaged self-esteem a little."

Before the angry young knight had time to refute, Duke Edd turned his attention away and moved towards the group of villagers.

"Villages of the Reach, I cannot return your homes and crops, let alone resurrect the dead, but...perhaps I can give you some overdue justice in the name of our king."

"Since he is masked and even hides his identity to commit the crime, there must be a dirty purpose behind it."

Duke Eddard said as he slowly stood up from the throne.Every eye in the hall was on Lord Eddard, waiting.

"Lord Beric Dondarrion, Ser Gladden Wilder."

Earl Berry and Sir Gladden, whose names were called, strode out, stood in front and looked at Duke Ed.

"Please lead fifty cavalry to investigate the incident in the River Bend. I will also send twenty of Stark's guards to accompany you.

Count Berry, this mission is under your command. You have to capture the bandits together with the vassals of the Duke of Metz. Remember, help me figure out the identities of those people. "

The blond and red-haired Lord Berry caressed his chest and said, "Prime Minister Ed, please obey your orders."

Duke Eddard tapped his chin, then glanced at the people below with his sharp eyes, and said loudly: "To the king of the Andals, the Rhoynar and the First Men, the ruler of the Seven Kingdoms and the guardian of the entire territory. , the name of Robert I of House Baratheon.

I, Lord Eddard of the Stark family, in the name of the Queen's Hand, hereby order you to immediately hold high the king's banner, go to the northwestern border of the Reach, and arrest the bandits who commit murder, arson, and all kinds of evil. May the gods have mercy on you, life or death. their souls. "

Duke Ed sat back on the throne and said: "Today's petition ends here."

…………

After Duke Eddard walked down the steps, Varys came closer with light steps.

"Prime Minister Ed, you are more courageous than me."

Duke Ed was not in the mood to play word games. His gray eyes moved slightly and said, "Varys, tell me what you have to say."

Varys first raised his head and glanced around, then whispered: "Prime Minister Ed, if it were me sitting on top, I would send Ser Ilyn. After all, he is the law enforcer after all, and it is his duty to ask others to do it. The matter... may be interpreted as your malicious insult to him."

Duke Eddard frowned and denied, "I meant no offense."

After a pause, he continued: "Varys, the Pine family has been Lannister vassals for generations. I think it is more appropriate to deal with this matter by choosing someone who has not sworn allegiance to Lord Tywin. Don't forget the Reach." The locals almost believe that those bandits are the old Lannister Mountain tribe."

Wallis nodded slightly: "Prime Minister Ed, your approach is undoubtedly very cautious, but..."

Varys glanced around carefully again, and Duke Eddard frowned at his timid behavior.

"I happened to see Ser Ilyn standing at the back of the hall, his pale eyes staring at us. I must admit, he didn't look very happy."

As he said that, Wallis couldn't help but shrink his neck.

He continued: "Our former law enforcement officer has always been taciturn, and his inner thoughts are not easy to guess. I also hope that he will soon forget the unpleasantness of today, but don't affect the job he loves."

…………

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Outside the throne room.

"Jon, I heard that your leg injury is not serious..."

Green tilted his head, glanced at Jon Snow's left leg, and continued: "You don't take good care of your injury... Do you want to be called a lame bastard? It sounds like a good nickname. , your courage is worthy of appreciation, and I wish you can achieve your wish as soon as possible."

Jon was angry, but endured it.

It's not because of the difference in status, because descendants of the ancestors like to speak with swords regardless of their status... The main reason is that he really can't beat the earl who is about the same age as him in front of him!

As long as they met on the practice field of the Prime Minister's Tower, Earl Green would always call him to compete with his sword skills... During that time, Earl Green almost became a shadow in the growth of the northern boy!

Menton Weishui looked at the embarrassed Jon and laughed silently.

Jon's face turned red from holding back, and he finally couldn't help but retort: ​​"My lord, I am here to protect Lord Stark."

Green raised his eyebrows and said, "Are you going to limp behind Duke Ed? Others will definitely praise your loyalty behind your back."

"I..." Jon opened his mouth, but no other words came out.

By this time, Jon also understood the kindness in Green's words, but... he was still very angry.

"Earl Green." A soft and melodious voice came from the other side.

Green's eyes moved slightly, and he turned around to salute: "Good day, Miss Margery."

Although Margaery Tyrell wore a sweet smile, her haggard face could not be concealed.She wore a light gray round-neck dress, and wore no other jewelry except for a golden rose emblem.

Margaery's beautiful eyes swept across Jon and Monton, the smile on her face remained unchanged, and she nodded slightly.

Jon just glanced at it, then lowered his eyes and held his chest in greeting.

Mengton scratched his head and smiled innocently.

"Can you walk with me?"

Green turned sideways and stretched out his hand forward: "It's an honor, Miss Margery."

…………

During the walk, Margery remained quiet, and Green could easily feel her sadness.

He took the initiative and said: "There is an old clan soldier in my territory. He is now responsible for teaching some soldiers sword skills. He is considered one of Kleib's best instructors."

Margaery looked over with wet eyes, showing just the right amount of confusion.

Green continued: "Before I was born, he lost his right arm in a battle, but with his remaining left arm, he still fought for the Kleb family for more than ten years. After regaining the old territory, I took this nearly 50-year-old The [-]-year-old veteran soldier was appointed as the new recruits’ instructor.”

Margery paused: "Earl Green, what do you mean..."

Green nodded slightly: "He is responsible for teaching the sword skills of all the left-handed soldiers in Kleib's territory. Please believe me, he has experienced hundreds of battles and his sword skills are very good."

After a pause, a smile appeared on his face: "Miss Margaery, if you are willing, when the time is right... I can arrange for him to meet Sir Garland."

Margery and Green looked at each other for a while, then she lowered her eyes slightly and started walking again.

After a moment of silence, she whispered: "Thank you, Earl Green."

She added: "After the injury, Brother Garland was in very bad condition. I have never seen him so depressed. Every time I see him, my heart breaks... My brother has always been the pride of the whole family, and everyone calls him brave. Garland..."

Green comforted him: "The warrior is fearless. Give him some time. I believe we will see the more courageous Sir Garland soon."

Margaery nodded slightly, looked at Green and smiled: "Earl Green, you are always very thoughtful. Thank you again for your help. I also believe that my brother will be able to hold the sword and fight again soon."

(End of this chapter)