The Mountain of Ice and Fire

Chapter 608: Sword Master

(Bonus chapter! Thanks to '无聊小写' for the reward of Helmsman, thank you for your support.)

*

雅西娜·罗伊斯 (Yashina Royce) returned to her boudoir. The boudoir door, which had been smashed by the 魔山 (Demon Mountain), had already been replaced with a new one.

The maid 玛利亚 (Maria) followed behind her, her head lowered, like a frightened little rabbit.

“玛利亚 (Maria), go to the training ground and call my uncle over. I have something to discuss with him.”

“Yes, Miss.”

A moment later, 菲尔德 (Field) walked into 雅西娜 (Yashina)'s boudoir. He noticed that the door to the Miss's room had been replaced with a new one. He felt a slight unease in his heart. What unpleasant things had happened to the Miss?!

“Uncle, I have a matter to ask of you.” Miss 雅西娜·罗伊斯 (Yashina Royce) spoke very humbly.

“Miss, what is it? Please instruct me.” 教头 (Instructor) 菲尔德 (Field) knelt on one knee, feeling ashamed in his heart. His eyes were red. He had failed to protect the Miss properly. After being captured, he was forced to surrender and was incorporated into 魔山 (Demon Mountain)'s army, becoming one of 魔山 (Demon Mountain)'s guards.

*

魔山 (Demon Mountain)'s guards numbered over two hundred, and 菲尔德 (Field) became a new recruit in this legion. He was undergoing new recruit training in the training ground, mainly learning to line up, learning the centurion's military whistle commands, and understanding the officer's hand gestures.

This set of things was unfamiliar to 菲尔德 (Field). The armies of the 谷地 (Vale) had no officer hand gestures or military whistle commands. The military whistle was the first time he had ever seen it.

The thousand or so 罗伊斯 (Royce) warriors were incorporated into 魔山 (Demon Mountain)'s ten-thousand-man legion. Some became naval warriors, some entered the cavalry regiment, and some entered the infantry legion. Everyone was undergoing new recruit training.

Everywhere 魔山 (Demon Mountain) went, he would train new recruits and reorganize some of the captured legions, thereby continuously expanding his forces.

Many of 魔山 (Demon Mountain)'s training methods were things that 菲尔德 (Field) had never seen before.

*

“Uncle, I request you to propose marriage to Duke 格雷果·克里冈 (Gregor Clegane). I want to marry General 兰登·加尔 (Landon Gahr) and be wed in the 圣堂 (Sept) of 符石城 (Rune Stone City).”

“No!” 菲尔德 (Field) was shocked. “Did 魔山 (Demon Mountain) send someone to threaten the Miss?” 菲尔德 (Field) looked back at the new door.

“No, it is my own free will, Uncle!”

“No, this is too sudden. Tell me, did 兰登·加尔 (Landon Gahr) coerce you?”

“Uncle, I beg you.” 雅西娜·罗伊斯 (Yashina Royce) almost knelt down.

菲尔德 (Field) quickly got up and helped the Miss up. He looked at the maid 玛利亚 (Maria). 玛利亚 (Maria) lowered her head, not daring to meet his eyes.

“Miss, I will apply to 格雷果 (Gregor) to be your personal guard, to protect your safety from infringement.”

“Uncle.” 雅西娜·罗伊斯 (Yashina Royce) gently shook her head. “Uncle, 符石城 (Rune Stone City) has fallen. 格雷果 (Gregor)'s troops are elite and brave. Although the 谷地 (Vale) can gather tens of thousands of troops, it will take at least a month to come to 符石岛 (Rune Stone Island) to save us. Moreover, they need to cross the 海湾 (Bay). Our 谷地 (Vale) has no navy. The ships we have are just fishing boats. 海鸥镇 (Gull Town) only has twenty or so warships, and they have already been seized by 魔山 (Demon Mountain). 魔山 (Demon Mountain) has brought more than fifty warships. Who can fight 魔山 (Demon Mountain)'s navy in the 海湾 (Bay)?”

“The 三姐妹群岛 (Three Sisters Islands) have naval warships.”

“We have always been at odds with the lords of the 三姐妹群岛 (Three Sisters Islands). They are pirates in the 狭海 (Narrow Sea). Even if Duke 琼恩·艾林 (Jon Arryn) were alive, he would not be able to command them.”

菲尔德 (Field) fell silent.

“If you don't want me and the 罗伊斯 (Royce) family to be humiliated and have a clean reputation, please help me propose marriage to 格雷果 (Gregor). I hope Duke 格雷果 (Gregor) will agree to me marrying his adopted son, General 兰登·加尔 (Landon Gahr). 兰登·加尔 (Landon Gahr) will marry me openly and have the monks in the 圣堂 (Sept) anoint us with holy oil. Uncle, I don't want to be humiliated, I don't want the 罗伊斯 (Royce) family to lose 符石城 (Rune Stone City) and also lose the family's clean honor.”

“兰登·加尔 (Landon Gahr) is not a general, he is not even a knight.” 菲尔德 (Field)'s face was ashen. “He is not worthy of you at all, Miss.”

Miss 雅西娜·罗伊斯 (Yashina Royce) forced a smile: “Uncle, on the night we were captured, it was 兰登·加尔 (Landon Gahr) who stopped Commander 瓦格纳·加尔 (Wagner Gahr), so I was spared the humiliation of the 加尔 (Gahr) tribe. He is about my age, a young hero. If you propose marriage, 格雷果 (Gregor) will knight him.”

菲尔德 (Field) said in a hoarse voice: “Miss, did 魔山 (Demon Mountain) come to coerce you? He wants to force you to marry 兰登·加尔 (Landon Gahr) because you are the only heir to 符石城 (Rune Stone City).”

“If I didn't have inheritance rights, maybe I wouldn't be standing here talking to you. Uncle, war is merciless, so let me survive.”

菲尔德 (Field)'s eyes turned red, and tears welled up in the corners of his eyes.

That night, he was responsible for protecting the Miss to escape from the West Gate, but he fell into 兰登·加尔 (Landon Gahr)'s ambush. 菲尔德 (Field) was tripped by a tripping rope before he could fight the enemy and became a prisoner.

Soon, 瓦格纳·加尔 (Wagner Gahr) led two thousand-man regiments of naval elites to break through the entire city, rushed out of the West Gate, and saw 雅西娜·罗伊斯 (Yashina Royce). That guy was stunned by 雅西娜 (Yashina)'s beauty, immediately stepped forward to get close to 雅西娜 (Yashina), and ordered his guards to form a human wall on the spot, but was stopped by 兰登·加尔 (Landon Gahr).

On the night the city fell, 雅西娜·罗伊斯 (Yashina Royce) was captured. Many barbaric generals and soldiers were amazed by 雅西娜 (Yashina)'s beauty and eager to try, but no one succeeded. 兰登·加尔 (Landon Gahr) protected her until he brought 雅西娜·罗伊斯 (Yashina Royce) to 魔山 (Demon Mountain)'s side.

“Uncle, I beg you. I don't want to never see you again, and I don't want you to hear the news of me becoming a camp prostitute. We have no choice.”

“Miss…”

“Don't say anything, Uncle, can you help me?”

“…………” 菲尔德 (Field) couldn't speak. He felt like he had nodded.

“Do you want to be free, leave 符石城 (Rune Stone City), and go find my father?”

“…………” 菲尔德 (Field) looked up at 雅西娜 (Yashina).

“Then help me propose marriage. I will find a way to let you, Ser 达蒙·谢特 (Damon Shett), Baron 罗伊斯·寇瓦特 (Royce Corway), and Baron 乌瑟·托勒特 (Uther Tollett) all be free. If you can leave safely, we can still meet again in the future.”

“…Miss…” 菲尔德 (Field) was so ashamed that he wanted to draw his sword and commit suicide.

“Uncle, there is no other better way. I don't want to be humiliated, and I don't want to die, let alone be humiliated after death, defiling the family and my own clean reputation.”

菲尔德 (Field)'s heart was twisted like a knife. He hugged 雅西娜 (Yashina), just like a father hugging his daughter.

“I will propose marriage.” 菲尔德 (Field) said, “But I will not leave the Miss. I hope the Miss can save Ser 达蒙·谢特 (Damon Shett), Baron 罗伊斯·寇瓦特 (Royce Corway), and Baron 乌瑟·托勒特 (Uther Tollett).”

“I will.” 雅西娜 (Yashina) said with certainty, her expression firm, “格雷果 (Gregor) will agree to my request. He gave me a choice, and I need him to pay a certain price.”

Baron 罗伊斯·寇瓦特 (Royce Corway) of 冷水城 (Coldwater City), Ser 达蒙·谢特 (Damon Shett) of 海鸥塔 (Gull Tower), and Baron 乌瑟·托勒特 (Uther Tollett) of 灰谷城 (Grey Glen City) are the three major vassals under the 罗伊斯 (Royce) family. These three people are also the patriarchs of the three major families of 冷水城 (Coldwater City), 海鸥塔 (Gull Tower), and 灰谷城 (Grey Glen City).

雅西娜·罗伊斯 (Yashina Royce) decided to exchange herself for the freedom of the three family patriarchs and her uncle 菲尔德 (Field).

If 魔山 (Demon Mountain) does not agree, 雅西娜 (Yashina) also decided not to agree. This is her condition and her bottom line. Her three older brothers are already dead. She is the heir to the 罗伊斯 (Royce) family, the future patriarch and countess of the 罗伊斯 (Royce) family. She knows her weight. Protecting her vassals and rescuing 菲尔德 (Field) are things that Miss 雅西娜 (Yashina) is worth doing.

*

菲尔德 (Field) returned to the training ground.

魔山 (Demon Mountain) was on the training ground, riding 赤烟兽 (Red Smoke Beast) to inspect the old soldiers' training of the new recruits.

菲尔德 (Field) came to 魔山 (Demon Mountain), put his right fist on the heart position of his left chest, and bowed: “My lord, I have a family matter to ask of you. I don't know if I can ask you to talk in the main castle hall.”

魔山 (Demon Mountain) rode on 赤烟兽 (Red Smoke Beast), looking at 菲尔德 (Field) without answering him.

菲尔德 (Field) felt humiliated. 魔山 (Demon Mountain) did not even bother to answer him, but just looked at him coldly, waiting for him to speak.

When things came to a head... 菲尔德 (Field) suppressed his anger... The feeling of humiliation was churning in his heart... However, 魔山 (Demon Mountain) was a Duke, and his status was even higher than that of his lord, Bronze 约恩·罗伊斯 (Yohn Royce)'s Earl title. He was fully qualified to ignore 菲尔德 (Field). It was just that 菲尔德 (Field) had overestimated himself.

“Duke, this is a private matter.”

魔山 (Demon Mountain)'s side was followed by two tall and handsome warhorses. On the warhorses were two people: Guard Team Leader Ser 埃林 (Erin); Guard Team Leader 乔伊斯·福卡 (Joyce Forka). 乔伊斯·福卡 (Joyce Forka) had suddenly charged into the 鸦眼 (Crow's Eye) legion in the 西境 (Westerlands) war, and almost lost a cavalry unit. Although he killed several times the number of enemies, he had not been promoted to knight because he violated military orders.

菲尔德 (Field) glanced at 埃林 (Erin) and 乔伊斯 (Joyce), implying that there were others beside 魔山 (Demon Mountain).

魔山 (Demon Mountain) still did not say a word, but his eyes revealed a sharp look, as if he was about to lose his patience.

菲尔德 (Field) felt a mountain-like pressure: “My lord, my Miss 雅西娜 (Yashina) has taken a liking to General 兰登·加尔 (Landon Gahr)... The Miss hopes to marry General 兰登·加尔 (Landon Gahr).” 菲尔德 (Field)'s mouth was full of bitterness. Saying the word 'General', he felt even more absurdly ironic. Because 兰登·加尔 (Landon Gahr) was not a general, but a personal guard in 魔山 (Demon Mountain)'s guard legion. He was neither a captain nor a deputy captain, let alone a knight, and had no title at all.

He was just a barbaric young man from a barbaric tribe, and his family background was not prominent at all. He was not worthy of Miss 雅西娜·罗伊斯 (Yashina Royce).

“Hmm!” 魔山 (Demon Mountain) nodded, raised his head, and looked to the other side.

菲尔德 (Field) bowed his head, waiting for 魔山 (Demon Mountain)'s next words. He raised his head, but 魔山 (Demon Mountain) was already looking elsewhere. 菲尔德 (Field) followed 魔山 (Demon Mountain)'s gaze and looked over. In the distance, 安盖·克里冈 (Angai Clegane) and 朱莉·克里冈 (Julie Clegane) were training light cavalry recruits. The cavalry from the 罗伊斯 (Royce) family were mixed in with the 克里冈 (Clegane) cavalry, training in changing formations, from a galloping phalanx to a wedge formation for breaking through the enemy.

魔山 (Demon Mountain)'s diligence in training troops was something that 菲尔德 (Field) had only seen. The morning after the war ended, 魔山 (Demon Mountain) personally incorporated the captives into his various legions, and then, with an order, the old soldiers led the new soldiers to learn their unique military whistle command tactics.

菲尔德 (Field) did not dare to rashly ask 魔山 (Demon Mountain) for further instructions. After a while, 魔山 (Demon Mountain) rode 赤烟兽 (Red Smoke Beast) straight away. Captain 埃林 (Erin) shouted at 菲尔德 (Field): “New recruit, what are you still standing there for? Return to the team and train in the military whistle command tactics.”

“…Yes, my lord…”

“In the future, during training time, report any private matters to your captain first.” 乔伊斯·福卡 (Joyce Forka) reprimanded.

“…Yes, my lord…”

The two captains then caught up with 魔山 (Demon Mountain) and inspected the soldiers' training in the various legions with 魔山 (Demon Mountain). Inside and outside the city, 魔山 (Demon Mountain)'s soldiers were practicing blocking and killing. Shouts, the sound of swords clashing, commands, and the sound of military whistles resounded throughout 符石城 (Rune Stone City). It was like students attending classes. There was morning reading every morning, and formal classes in the morning and afternoon. Fighting the enemy was like doing homework.

菲尔德 (Field) watched helplessly as the three people and three horses left.

What was this?

He represented Miss 雅西娜·罗伊斯 (Yashina Royce) in proposing marriage to 兰登·加尔 (Landon Gahr) to 魔山 (Demon Mountain), and only received a 'Hmm' response from 魔山 (Demon Mountain).

The knightly dignity deep in 菲尔德 (Field)'s heart collapsed rapidly like thin snow. He didn't know how he entered the ranks of the guard regiment. When he came to his senses, he found that he had chosen a training position close to 兰登·加尔 (Landon Gahr).

“New recruit, come and try your hand!” 兰登·加尔 (Landon Gahr) laughed.

菲尔德 (Field) slid forward, feinted with his sword, drawing away 兰登·加尔 (Landon Gahr)'s defense. With a snap, the training sword hit 兰登·加尔 (Landon Gahr)'s arm hard. 兰登·加尔 (Landon Gahr) felt pain and became angry, shouting: “You…” He counterattacked with all his strength, and the training sword swung up, whistling.

菲尔德 (Field)'s swordsmanship was very powerful. He had been an instructor for decades, and his practical experience was also extraordinary. He swayed left and right, causing 兰登·加尔 (Landon Gahr)'s counterattack to miss, leaving his defenses wide open. He kicked 兰登·加尔 (Landon Gahr) over with a sudden kick...

“Good!” The new and old soldiers shouted together.

“Get up, kid, let me teach you how to use a sword.” 菲尔德 (Field) said contemptuously. The training sword pointed vaguely at 兰登·加尔 (Landon Gahr). This idiot would become the Miss's husband. The anger in his heart could not be relieved. He shouted and pounced on him...

噼噼啪啪 (Pī pī pā pā), the two training swords clashed, getting faster and faster! This time, 兰登·加尔 (Landon Gahr) cheered up and was extra careful. Although 菲尔德 (Field) succeeded repeatedly, he could not quickly knock the opponent down.

Thus, the original team training unknowingly turned into everyone cheering and watching the two people's swordsmanship duel. If it were real swords, 兰登·加尔 (Landon Gahr) would have been cut and stabbed seven or eight times. His chest, both arms, shoulders, and waist were hit by 菲尔德 (Field) repeatedly.

As a result, the faces of the old soldiers in the guard regiment gradually became serious. They looked down on the fair-skinned noble soldiers, and could not believe that this old man still had such agile skills and unpredictable swordsmanship.

Suddenly a roar came: “魔山 (Demon Mountain) commands—Ser 菲尔德 (Field), soldier 兰登·加尔 (Landon Gahr), go to the main castle to see the lord quickly.

魔山 (Demon Mountain)'s generals and soldiers are mostly butchers and mountain tribesmen. Even though 魔山 (Demon Mountain) is a duke, many of them are still used to calling him 魔山大人 (Lord Demon Mountain) rather than 格雷果·克里冈大人 (Lord Gregor Clegane). This point is also looked down upon by traditional nobles: barbarians are barbarians, lacking education and etiquette.

*

Main castle hall.

魔山 (Demon Mountain) stood in the middle of the hall, like a giant.

兰登·加尔 (Landon Gahr) came in with a bruised nose and swollen face but radiant, 菲尔德 (Field) walked behind him.

“兰登·加尔 (Landon Gahr), what happened to you?” 魔山 (Demon Mountain) was a little surprised.

“I was beaten by Ser 菲尔德 (Field).” 兰登·加尔 (Landon Gahr) laughed, “But I also hit him with a punch, kicked him, and almost cut him with a sword.”

“How many times did Ser 菲尔德 (Field) hit you?”

“Me? A lot. I don't know how many swords I took, but there were many. It was fun, hehe!”

The Mountain was surprised that there was a true swordsmanship master here. Every noble family had instructors, but there weren't many who were truly first-rate. They mainly taught soldiers basic swordsmanship.

To beat Landon Car, who had been diligently practicing swordsmanship with The Mountain, to such a state without even a flush on his face or a single drop of sweat on his forehead, this guy was a talent.

If he's a talent, then he must be respected and used by me. If he doesn't submit, then give him an offer he can't refuse.

Duke Tywin once said that everyone has a price, it's just that some people's price is high and some people's price is low. But Duke Tywin's vision was still too narrow, only knowing how to measure people with money, but in fact, for some people, the price isn't purely money, but other things.

But whether it's purely money or other things, in short, everyone has their own weakness and price, there's no doubt about that.

"Captain Erin, bring a chair for Ser Field."

"Yes, sir."

Captain Erin brought a chair, but Ser Field didn't sit down.

The Mountain sat down, and only then did Ser Field sit down.

Being hostile to The Mountain was one thing, but Ser Field's upbringing made him adhere to the rules of hierarchy.

"Ser Field, you proposed marriage to me for Miss Ysilla Royce in the training grounds just now. The lady intends to marry the soldier Landon Car, is that right?"

"Yes, Your Grace!"