Game of Thrones: I Created the Magic Web
#151 - March to Storm's End
“Ser Barristan Swyne.”
Joffrey called out one of the White Cloaks of the Kingsguard from the ranks.
Quite a few Kingsguard accompanied him this time.
“I appoint you Castellan of Stonehelm. You will sail with the Fourth Fleet to appease the Swyne family and its people, and persuade Lord Gulian Swyne to see reason.”
Joffrey gently instructed, “Try to avoid bloodshed, on both sides.”
The burly Barristan Swyne had a loyal, brave, and youthful face. He bowed steadily, showing unexpected courtesy and composure.
“Yes, Your Grace.”
Since the unexpected death of Ser Arys Oakheart of the Kingsguard, Barristan Swyne, who remained at the Red Keep to serve the royal family, had taken his place, becoming one of the seven.
After the Kingsguard was expanded to seventy-seven, Barristan Swyne rose with the tide, promoted to squad leader, commanding ten noble-born companions.
These were all good things.
But times changed too quickly, too unexpectedly. Barristan Swyne often felt lost.
He could only fulfill the duties of the Kingsguard: protect, remain silent, and be loyal. He would only watch with his eyes and listen with his ears, but never speak or express opinions on his own, unless the King asked.
Although his career as a Kingsguard was short, he had already learned much, understood much, and buried even more questions in his heart.
Now, he understood something else:
His father probably had this intention when he asked him to go to the Red Keep to serve.
Thinking of his elder brother Donnel serving in Renly's war tent, and thinking of the cannons and the Holy Warriors, Barristan Swyne didn't know whether to be happy or sigh.
He also had another doubt:
Could seventy-seven Kingsguard satisfy the King's wishes?
Barristan Swyne's inner turmoil had no impact on the outside world. The King's voice continued steadily and firmly.
“Lord Beric Dondarrion.”
“I appoint you Castellan of Blackhaven, to appease the people, handle government affairs, and take care of the Dondarrion family.”
It sounded somewhat redundant.
But that was what Joffrey wanted, and more.
“From now on, half of the annual tax revenue will be at the Dondarrion family's disposal, and the other half will be used for the needs of the castellan and various administrators.”
“Other castellans will follow this example.”
The King's words immediately shocked everyone. Another upheaval!
Everyone's eyes glanced at Beric Dondarrion. The Lord of Blackhaven had already pledged allegiance to the King, but he would also serve as castellan, and the tax revenue would be divided into two parts.
Gods…
Even eleven-year-old Richar Wylde tightened his mother's sleeve.
Lord Beric Dondarrion's expression was very firm. “The Dondarrion family will always be loyal to Your Grace. I am grateful for Your Grace's trust in entrusting me with the important duty of castellan. I will definitely do my best to teach the people and manage the land for Your Grace.”
Joffrey nodded with satisfaction. “With Lord Beric's loyalty and ability, I am naturally at ease.”
Joffrey looked around, smiled at the respectful faces of the crowd, and said, “Loyal and capable people all have suitable positions.”
The crowd looked thoughtful.
“Lord Beric is both loyal and capable, and is hereby specially appointed as 'Lifetime Castellan of Blackhaven'. All territorial affairs shall be managed by the castellan until the final resignation.”
Beric Dondarrion calmly saluted and thanked him. “I will not hesitate to serve Your Grace.”
Castellan, Lifetime Castellan. Beric Dondarrion couldn't imagine what kind of waves these two brand-new titles would cause in the future.
But at least, Blackhaven could be stabilized.
Could it? Beric Dondarrion stepped back into the ranks, looked at the King, but could not see the true intention behind that smile.
Joffrey looked to the left.
“Ser Barristan, you are the commander-in-chief of this force, and also the Lifetime Castellan of Goldengrove.”
Barristan Selmy's face was serious, his brows furrowed, as if he wanted to say something. Joffrey raised his hand to stop him.
“Ser, please don't decline. Your great contributions and outstanding abilities are obvious to the entire kingdom. Letting you, this great knight, govern Goldengrove, I believe no one will be dissatisfied.”
“Besides,” Joffrey pointed to the six-pointed star on his cloak.
“With the Grace of the Gods light screen, you can completely handle the affairs of Goldengrove at the Red Keep, without delaying the duties of the Kingsguard.”
Barristan Selmy didn't know what else to say. Should he ask the King to spare the rebellious Selmy family?
Goldengrove.
Am I going to govern Goldengrove?
Barristan Selmy's memories surged uncontrollably.
When he was young, he gave up his right to inherit Goldengrove, gave up the woman he was betrothed to, and chose to join the Kingsguard.
The Selmy family was then inherited by his cousin and continued.
For decades.
He had won countless honors and was known as one of the greatest knights.
He created the glorious title, "Barristan the Bold", respected by the world, and sung in stories.
He did not regret his choice.
But he also missed his family. The current head of the Selmy family had to call him "Great Uncle", but he had to return to Goldengrove to govern the territory?
Should I refuse?
Would the King agree? Or would he appoint another castellan? Who would it be?
There were many candidates present, but Barristan Selmy didn't think any of them were qualified to govern Goldengrove and take care of the Selmy family.
In the end, he remained silent.
“Ser Barristan, your specific tasks are as follows.” Joffrey pointed to the map in the hall.
The marching route on the map was brighter.
“Greystone, on Estermont, faces the sea. Station warships there to coordinate supplies. The Estermont family should not refuse.”
The consequences of refusal would be cruel.
“Weeping Town, of House Wylde, has prosperous trade and a wide harbor. The Fourth Fleet will be stationed here, transferring personnel, transporting supplies, supervising trade, and assisting in combat.”
The light spot on the route then moved to Stonehelm further west.
“Stonehelm is located at the mouth of the Slayne River. Send warships north along the river to bring the Seventh Regiment of the City Watch close to Crow's Nest and Mistwood.”
The commander of the Seventh Regiment was Theon Greyjoy.
“The Eighth and Ninth Regiments will follow Ser Barristan and Lord Beric to garrison Blackhaven and Goldengrove, organize the territories, and mobilize resources. Prepare to attack Nightsong to the south and Haystack Hall to the north, threaten Highgarden, and monitor the rebel army at Bitterbridge and intelligence from the Green Grove.”
Everyone finally understood the King's plan. These territories formed an east-west line, dividing the Stormlands, isolating Dorne to the south, and stabbing into the Reach to the west.
Besieged on all sides.
But with the Holy Warriors as a sharp blade, this was a direct thrust into the enemy's heart.
“Ser Davos Seaworth, the Fifth Fleet and the Sixth Regiment will sail along this route.” A new route appeared on the map.
Jon Snow, hearing about his Sixth Regiment, immediately observed the map more carefully.
The route sailed west from Rain House, passing the entire north shore of Cape Wrath, ending at Griffin's Roost. Combined with Ser Barristan's route, it just surrounded the entire Cape Wrath.
“Garrison Amberly, of House Rogers, along the way, Ser Davos's family castle, as well as Griffin's Roost, of House Connington. Be sure to open up the transportation line, conquer the castles, and then stand by at Griffin's Roost.”
“Depart at dawn.”
“The remaining warships and the City Watch will follow me.” Joffrey stood up.
“Advance on Storm's End.”
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