The surging flames spiraled and twisted, chasing each other as they climbed higher into the night sky.
Clang~~ Clang~ Clang-clang-clang~ Clang~ Clang-clang-clang~~~
Greene Kleber stood at the front, one hand on the hilt of the longsword at his waist. The immense flames generated a strong wind, making his blue cloak, embroidered with swamp marigolds, flap loudly.
The firelight reflected in Lord Green's eyes... Would she be alright? Although he knew Daenerys was not afraid of fire, at this moment... facing the raging inferno directly, he couldn't help but worry.
How many dragons would there be? Lord Green's eyes trembled slightly; he might just get to witness his own finishing move.
Who was Young Griff? Lord Green didn't believe Young Griff was the true Young Aegon; he was more inclined to think this "imposter" was a descendant of the Blackfyres or Aerion Brightflame.
This was the Game of Thrones, and Young Griff had foolishly taken the initiative to contact him. As a qualified player of power, Lord Green naturally wouldn't waste such a good opportunity; he would strike first and ask questions later.
As for Young Griff's true identity... it wasn't important. Lord Green had already set up a new card table, and everyone was coming to the feast... The flames rose high, flapping huge, fiery red wings, and glowing embers drifted into the boundless night, like thousands of newborn fireflies.
Varys... Jon Connington (former Kings Hand to the Mad King, disguised as Griff, Young Griff's foster father)... the Golden Company... Lord Green rubbed his thumb against his forefinger on his other hand... The fireworks writhed before Daenerys, like female dancers... spinning... swaying... They seemed to be showcasing the vitality within the flames, appearing exceptionally beautiful.
Fire had consumed Daenerys's family. She smelled the scent of cooked meat, no different from the roasted meat she was familiar with.
Fire melted flesh, leaving only bones.
The intense heat of the flames made sweat run down every part of her body; it even replaced the tears that should have flowed, streaming down her cheeks.
These were not tears. She had sworn never to cry for Viserys again.
Daenerys's clothes began to smoke. She tugged at them, letting what was in her hands fall to the ground, bursting into red flames.
A wave of heat rose from the fire and surged towards Daenerys. She stood motionless; she was a true Dragon, with raging flames within her.
The flames were so beautiful. Daenerys saw fiery red lions, golden giant snakes, and unicorns made of pale blue flames, each more beautiful than the last.
Daenerys spread her arms and embraced them. Her skin glowed red in the scorching flames... Lord Green's eyes flickered, and he turned to look behind him. He just saw Mondon Wei Shui's warhammer smash violently into the head of an orange-haired strongman.
The warhammer was terrifyingly powerful in Mondon's hands, instantly crushing the man's head, sending viscous red blood splattering everywhere, showering the ground.
The strongman fell to the ground on the spot, his life extinguished.
Seeing his Lord's gaze fall upon him, Mondon said Silly, "My Lord, he kept staring at you..."
Lord Green's eyebrow twitched slightly.
Seemingly realizing his explanation wasn't very good, Mondon scratched his head and added, "He harbored murderous intent towards you."
Mondon had a beast-like intuition; his keenness was second only to his own. Lord Green nodded slightly, turned around, and walked over.
As Lord Green observed, Othana's voice rang out: "Lord Green, he... his name is Rolly, and he is Jon's friend."
Lord Green looked at her: "Othana, have you completed the blockade?"
CRACK!
A loud cracking sound of stone suddenly erupted. Lord Green even felt the ground shake.
CRACK!
A shrill rumble like thunder, thick smoke billowed, and the ground shook again.
CRACK!
The fire roared, shaking the heavens as if the sky and earth were collapsing... The flames extinguished, and the ground cooled slightly.
Crunch, crunch. Lord Green took a step, his feet making crisp sounds as they trod on charcoal.
Lord Green found Daenerys Targaryen amidst the ashes. All around her were charred charcoal and glowing embers.
Daenerys was naked, covered in ash, and her beautiful silver hair, as he remembered it, was completely incinerated.
Daenerys was unharmed. She held a creamy white and golden little dragon in one arm and a bronze and emerald little dragon in the other. A black and red little dragon hung from her shoulder, its long, winding neck coiled around her chin.
Daenerys looked up at the blue figure, seemingly thinking it was an illusion: "Greene!"
The three little dragons opened their bright red, coal-like eyes and, along with Daenerys, all looked at Lord Green.
Daenerys suddenly stood up and repeated, "Greene?"
Hiss~~~!
The little black dragon discontentedly exhaled wisps of white smoke from its nostrils, and the other two joined its roar simultaneously.
Lord Green's eyebrow raised. His gaze swept over the three little dragons. For a period of time... he was the strongest creature!
Lord Green tore off his cloak and draped it over Daenerys. She stared at him, whom she had longed for, without moving, her violet eyes growing brighter and brighter.
Lord Green gently scooped Daenerys into his arms. Her hands tightly grasped his clothes, and she buried her head in his shoulder, softly calling, "Greene."
Hiss~~~!
The three little dragons spread their translucent wings, flapping the air, and cried out in unison... Davos Seaworth surveyed the Dragonstone harbor, which had become crowded for the first time. Large numbers of sailors were transporting supplies at every dock, and every tavern was packed with soldiers gambling, drinking, or searching for prostitutes... Unfortunately, they were wasting their efforts, as Stannis had forbidden prostitution on the island.
Davos sent his sons away and entered the tavern alone. At the far end of the boisterous hall, his friend Salladhor Saan waved to him.
Davos moved through the tables and chairs, pulled up a chair, and sat opposite him. He looked at Salladhor, nodding slightly.
Salladhor smacked his lips and said, "My friend, fire spreads, and too much light can hurt the eyes."
Davos shrugged slightly: "She said the red comet was a prophecy from an ancient book of Asshai."
Salladhor pouted and said, "I think the red comet is a guide for me to return to my old ways."
Davos merely curved his lips slightly and said nothing.
Salladhor burped and then said, "I didn't expect the head of Casterly Rock to send his Dwarf son to manage things in King's Landing. Does he want to use that ugly face to scare away their enemies, or does he want the Little Devil to dance on the city walls and make us laugh ourselves to death?"
Davos raised his cup and took a sip of ale, saying, "Salladhor, how are King's Landing's defenses?"
Salladhor leaned back in his chair and said, "The city walls, well, they're high and thick. They're busy building trebuchets and giant scorpions, but what good is that? Those Gold Cloaks are docile birds, but besides them, the Lannisters have no one else to defend the city."
He paused, then leaned forward and continued, "I think if we can strike quickly, like... an eagle swooping down on a rabbit, the great capital will be ours. If the wind is favorable, our Duke Stannis can sit on the Iron Throne by tomorrow evening. Then we can dress up that Dwarf as a clown, poke his butt with spears, and make him dance for us!"
He chuckled and added, "Maybe your kind Duke Stannis will even reward me with a wonderful night with the beautiful Queen Cersei! Just thinking about it fills me with fighting spirit, my friend!"
Davos put down his cup and replied, "Pirate, didn't you complain that the Westerosi are too impatient? Duke Stannis is just, and every effort you make will be richly rewarded."
Salladhor lamented, "My dear old friend, your poor friend wants gleaming gold, not promises on paper!"
Davos solemnly assured him, "Salladhor, once we capture King's Landing's royal treasury, you will get your gold. Stannis Baratheon is the most trustworthy man in all the Seven Kingdoms; he will keep his word."
Salladhor waved his hand impatiently: "Alright, alright, my friend."
Davos showed a slight smile: "Thank you, my friend."
Salladhor first sighed helplessly, then leaned slightly closer to Davos, his smile fading from his face: "Davos, even if, as you say, we take King's Landing, how long do you think we can hold it? Tywin Lannister commands a large army, and Renly Baratheon..."
He paused for a moment, then continued, "I hear Stannis's brother Renly is preparing to march with his young and beautiful Queen, those flower Lords and shining knights, and a hundred thousand soldiers, along the Rose Avenue towards the great city we just spoke of."
Davos said in surprise, "Are you sure? He's going to war with his new bride?"
Salladhor laughed a little, shrugged, and said, "Unfortunately, that King never thought to explain the reason to me..."
His expression turned lewd, and he added, "Perhaps... he can't bear to be without his bride's warmth for a single night? Or perhaps... he believes victory is already in his grasp."
Davos pondered for a moment and said, "I will report this matter to Duke Stannis."
Salladhor drained the rest of the wine in his cup, wiped his mouth with his hand, and said, "My dear old knight, when do you think our leader will finally give the order to set sail?"
Davos frowned and said, "I think very soon, my friend."
"Still waiting for that guidance from the Red Priestess?"
Davos was silent for a moment, then nodded slightly.
Salladhor spread his hands and then rose from his chair: "I see. It seems it won't be long before we can both feast at the Red Keep and listen to the Dwarf sing cheerful tunes."
He walked over and patted Davos on the shoulder, then added, "When you see Your Majesty Stannis, please remind him that by the next new moon, he'll owe me another twenty-two thousand gold dragons... Hmm, if he lets me spend a night with Queen Cersei, I can reduce the interest a bit."
With that, Salladhor swaggered out of the tavern.
Davos sat for a while longer, frowning, then glanced at the sky outside. He drained the ale in his cup, pushed the cup aside, and stood up to leave... Outside the Dragonstone Sept, flames soared heavenward. The Maiden and the Mother, the Warrior and the Smith, the Crone with pearl eyes, the Father with gilded beard, and the stranger carved almost like an animal, were all engulfed in fire.
Hundreds of people gathered here to witness the burning of the Seven Gods. At this moment... such a disrespectful act towards the gods most had worshipped all their lives made even the soldiers maintaining order feel uneasy.
Melisandre walked slowly around the raging inferno, dressed in a scarlet robe. Her eyes and the large gem at her throat were as red as if they were burning.
As she walked, she chanted: "We offer these false gods to you, these gods of seven faces in one, who are your enemies. Take them, and grant us your light, for the night is dark and full of terrors."
She cried out: "O Rhllor, Lord of Light! Mortals are in darkness, please descend upon us!"
Stannis watched expressionlessly. His wife, Selyse Florent, devoutly recited the prayers alongside Melisandre.
Seeing the gods being burned, Davos, who stood watching from behind, tightened his brow... Those who opposed the Lord of Light were either killed or imprisoned; no one would stop this now.
He sighed inwardly. For Davos, a former smuggler, the gods held no special meaning for him, but he was against harming his own people over questions of true or false gods... Black smoke rose, swirling and twisting. Suddenly, the wind shifted, and the onlookers blinked, teared up, and rubbed their eyes.
Melisandre proclaimed loudly: "According to the ancient books of Asshai, after a long summer, the stars will bleed, and a cold darkness will shroud the world. In this terrible hour, a warrior will draw a burning sword from the flames. That sword is Lightbringer, the red sword of heroes. The wielder of this sword will be Azor Ahai reborn, and he will drive away the darkness that covers the world."
She raised her voice: "O Azor Ahai, favored of Rhllor! Warrior of light! Son of holy flame! Come! Your sword awaits you! Draw your sword!"
As Melisandre's words fell, Stannis strode forward like he was going into battle. In the bonfire, he grasped the hilt with his gloved right hand and pulled, drawing the sword.
Green, jade-like tongues of fire coiled around the blade. Stannis raised the sword high.
Buzz! A low gasp rose from the crowd.
Lady Selyse cried out, "The Burning Sword!"
There was a moment of silence, followed by the crowd shouting, "The Burning Sword!"
"The Burning Sword!"
"The Burning Sword!"
"The Burning Sword!"
Melisandre raised her hands above her head and chanted loudly: "Behold! The promised sign is now fulfilled! Behold, that is Lightbringer! Azor Ahai has returned to the world! Rejoice! For the warrior of light! Rejoice! For the son of holy flame!"
She cried out: "The night is dark and full of terrors! O Lord of Light, grant us your light!"
Suddenly, Davos saw Stannis plunge the fiery sword in his hand into the ground, then immediately pull off his burning glove, letting it fall to the ground.
Lightbringer, stuck in the ground, still glowed red, but the tongues of fire coiling around the blade were rapidly diminishing.
The longsword began to blacken; it looked more and more like scrap metal... Davos thought, is this the red sword of heroes the Priestess spoke of?
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