The flowers in the garden swayed gently in the breeze, exuding a faint, elegant fragrance that refreshed both body and mind.
Seeing Brienne's hesitant expression, the keen Green smiled and said as he walked, "Loyal Brienne, you seem to have something to say?"
After a moment of silence, Brienne spoke, "Lord Green, I witnessed a legendary war, and this is my glory."
Green stopped, stretched, and said, "This victory belongs to everyone in Kleber, including you, Brienne."
He turned his head to look at the dull-eyed Brienne, a slight smile on his face, and said, "Whether you are on the battlefield or in the rear, performing your duties faithfully is the best contribution."
Brienne's deep blue eyes looked at Green, she opened her mouth and said, "I... I was worried about you..."
"Are you worried about Seven Kingdoms being enemies?"
Hearing Green's words, Brienne hesitated, then nodded.
Green resumed his walk, saying as he went, "Brienne, you only see that the Valley Knight shed a lot of blood, but you don't realize that this is actually a continuation of the war from sixteen years ago..."
"The war sixteen years ago? The one where Robert I fought the Mad King?"
Green nodded slightly, saying, "Some people call it the Usurper's War."
He continued, "When Robert slew Prince Rhaegar on the Trident River, and when King's Landing fell, I was still in my mother's womb. When Balon Greyjoy of the Iron Islands rose up, I was still enjoying a carefree childhood, but I learned the cruelty of war from Maester Al's teachings."
He looked at Brienne: "The wars sung in ballads are beautiful and desirable. There, it is always summer, all knights are heroes, all maidens are beauties, and the sun always shines upon the earth."
Brienne nodded in agreement, saying, "Yes, Lord Green."
Green smiled and said, "Yesterday's battle... if placed within the history of warfare in Westeros, it was actually quite ordinary. At least after entering the Valley, Kleber did not commit acts of burning, killing, or looting against ordinary civilians."
He rubbed his head: "The only trouble is that quite a few nobles were eliminated... Let's find a place to sit down."
After Green sat down on a garden bench, Brienne spoke, "Lord Green, I am worried that they will, out of fear... come to despise you... just like... just like..."
Green chuckled, saying, "Like Stannis Baratheon?"
Brienne nodded and said, "Many people in the Stormlands, they all dislike him very much..."
After a pause, Green said, "Thank you for your reminder, loyal Brienne."
Brienne showed a shy expression, and a glimmer of light appeared in her eyes: "Lord Green, this is my duty."
Green nodded slightly, rubbed his temples, and slowly said, "Kleber's Crab Claw Peninsula only has a little over a hundred thousand people; we cannot withstand the attrition of a long war."
Under Brienne's puzzled gaze, he continued, "The widely known challenge between the Valley and the Crab Claw Peninsula gathered the essence of the Valley Knight, or rather, they are the backbone of the Valley people. For Kleber's future strategy, as a ruler, I cannot waste this hard-won opportunity; I must break it with one decisive battle. Brienne, this is war."
"Lord Green, our war with the Valley isn't over yet?"
"No, I will fight until I am satisfied."
Three days later, Runestone, the northern neighbor of Seagull Town and the seat of House Royce, was captured by Cleber Soldiers disguised as remnants of the Alliance of the Righteous.
The next day, over 1,000 soldiers transported by the Kleber fleet launched a surprise attack on Candlehall, located on the coast of Crab Bay, northwest of the Crab Claw Peninsula. Upon seeing the swamp marigold banner, House Wykley immediately chose to surrender and swore fealty to House Clebber.
It is rumored that Lord Green personally met with many down-and-out Valley Knight on his way to Iron Oaks with over 8,000 soldiers.
After the news of Stannis's fleet arriving at Dragonstone reached King's Landing, noblewomen and ladies began to sing in the magnificent Septs for the Mother's mercy.
Gentle Mother, font of mercy,
Save your children from the fray,
Stay the arrows, blunt the swords,
Let them see a brighter day.
Gentle Mother, hope of women,
Help your daughters through their pain,
Calm our fury, tame our madness,
Teach us mercy, time and again.
Huge colorful beams of light slanted in through the crystal high windows, and candles burned all around, their flames flickering like stars.
Cersei Lannister stood among the crowd, perfunctorily comforting those who were frightened, while her expression grew increasingly impatient.
The Lord Steward had to whisper in her ear, "Your Grace, please..."
The Lannister Lioness shot a cold glance at the Lord Steward, who swallowed his remaining words.
After quite a while, under the respectful gazes of the crowd, Queen Cersei walked out of the Sept.
After getting into her litter, Queen Cersei said coldly, "I'd rather face swords than pretend to comfort this flock of frightened hens."
The Lord Steward, who was walking beside her, wanted to tell Her Grace that most of the noblewomen there had come at her invitation, but he responded with a silent smile.
He thought for a moment, then respectfully said, "Your Grace, your decision is wise. When they return to their husbands and fathers, they will spread all sorts of stories about you... how brave you were, how strong, how you inspired them... They will say how steadfast you were in the face of powerful enemies, never doubting for a moment."
Queen Cersei showed a hint of satisfaction, saying, "These hens are worthless in themselves, but the roosters in their flock are the key right now; my son needs their protection..."
As she spoke, her expression suddenly turned angry: "I wish I could take up a sword and go to battle!"
Queen Cersei recalled her childhood. Jaime and she looked so alike that even their father often couldn't tell them apart... Sometimes, for mischief, she and Jaime would swap clothes and pretend to be each other for an entire day.
But... when Jaime got his first sword, she found there was no share for her.
Father taught Jaime to practice with longswords, spears, and morning stars, while she had to learn how to smile and how to please... At that time, she couldn't understand why she and Jaime, being so similar, were treated so differently.
Jaime was the heir to Casterly Rock, while she was sold like a horse to strangers... Her new master could ride her or beat her as he pleased, and if he got a new mare, he would just cast her aside.
Thinking of this, Queen Cersei's anger flared instantly... Just because she didn't have * * *, the Gods granted Jaime glory and power, while they granted her fertility and moon blood.
Recalling her thoughts, Queen Cersei said coldly, "Lord Steward, as soon as Stannis's army appears outside King's Landing, your task is, in my name... to invite all those hens to Maegors Holdfast."
"As you command, Your Grace."
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