Before the morning mist had fully dispersed in King's Landing, Tyrion, leaning on his cane, stood outside the council chambers of the Red Keep. He watched the lords arriving one after another; some looked grim, others had flickering eyes, clearly still unsettled by the chaos of yesterday's assembly.
Lord Jason Lannister of the Westerlands walked at the forefront, his red brocade robe particularly striking in the mist. As he passed Tyrion, a mocking smile played on his lips: "Little Imp, are we to continue discussing 'how commoners can command nobles' today?"
Tyrion ignored his provocation, merely stating blandly: "Today's discussion is about how to prevent Westeros from being frozen solid by the cold god. If Lord Jason only wishes to contend for power, he might as well warm himself in his castle in the Westerlands, lest he waste time here."
Jason's face instantly darkened, but he was held back by Edgar Frey behind him—their plan to forge Jon's letter had not yet been implemented, and it was not the time to fall out with Tyrion. The two walked sullenly into the council chambers, leaving Tyrion standing, looking towards the gradually clearing direction of The Vale in the distance—Drogon's bronze figure was circling the valley entrance, indicating Daenerys had, as planned, strengthened defenses.
Inside the council chambers, the lords were divided into two factions by allegiance: the opposing nobles from the North and Westerlands sat on the east side, while Daenerys's supporters sat on the west, leaving an empty long table area in the middle, like an invisible chasm. Tyrion walked to the center of the long table and unrolled a new parchment, on which was written in charcoal, "Cold God Resistance Alliance Division of Labor Plan," the ink still fresh.
"My lords, before discussing the plan, I would like to ask you to see something first." Tyrion clapped his hands, and two Unsullied walked in carrying a wooden box. They opened the lid, revealing a dozen dragonglass arrows and a bag of wheat seeds. "This was sent by the Night's Watch at the Wall yesterday—only this many dragonglass arrows are left, and the wheat seeds are only enough to feed the Northern commoners for half a month. And Bran's Greensight shows that the cold god's ice mist has covered two-thirds of the Arctic ice field, and the Wights army is gathering, and will reach the Wall in less than a month."
The murmuring in the hall gradually ceased, and the lords' gazes fell upon the wooden box, their eyes showing a new gravity. Tyrion continued: "While we argue over who should sit on the iron throne, the Night's Watch at the Wall are fighting Wights with broken spears; while we quibble over noble dignity, the commoners of the North are gnawing on bark to sate their hunger. I ask you all, can power and bloodline block the cold god's ice mist? Can they bring the starved commoners back to life?"
Earl Manderly's face flushed crimson, and he rose, saying: "Lord Tyrion, it's not that we don't want to resist the cold god, it's just that Lord Jon is the legitimate Targaryen, and he—"
"I know Lord Jon's identity better than all of you." Tyrion interrupted him, turning his gaze to Jon, "But Lord Jon made it clear last night that he does not wish to split the alliance for power. And Queen Daenerys has also agreed that once the cold god is defeated, the iron throne's ownership will be decided jointly by the council and the various territories. Now, I have a division of labor plan that I would like to discuss with you all."
He pointed to the contents on the parchment, his voice clear and strong: "First, appoint Jon Snow as 'Supreme Commander of the cold god Resistance United Army,' to lead all military forces, including the Northern Soldiers, the Night's Watch, the Unsullied, and the Dothraki Riders, responsible for formulating northern tactics and allocating weapons and equipment; second, Queen Daenerys will continue to serve as 'Council Leader,' coordinating food transport, civilian resettlement, and rear defense, ensuring the united army has no worries; third, establish a 'Cold God Resistance Council,' composed of one representative from each territory, to hold weekly meetings to coordinate military and logistics, with any decision requiring approval from more than half of the representatives to pass."
As soon as the plan was read, Jason immediately objected: "This is clearly letting Daenerys continue to hold real power! Lord Jon is just a commander in name only, and isn't the council still Daenerys's say?"
"Lord Jason seems not to have read the 'Council' clause in the plan." Tyrion sneered, "The council has veto power. If Daenerys's logistical arrangements are unreasonable, the representatives can veto them; if Jon's tactics have problems, the representatives can also propose modifications. If your Westerlands are not satisfied, you can certainly send representatives to the council to fight for your rights. Why use 'legitimate bloodline' as an excuse to incite division?"
Edgar Frey tried to retort, but Tyrion cut him off preemptively: "As for food and weapons, the plan states very clearly—the North, being close to the Wall, will receive priority supply of dragonglass weapons; the Westerlands will be responsible for providing warhorses, the Riverlands for transporting food, and King's Landing will bear the expenses of the Unsullied and the Dothraki Riders. After the war, all territories that sent troops and provided food will have their taxes reduced for three years by the council, and The Citadel will also train agricultural maesters for each territory to help restore production."
These words precisely struck the lords' weak points. The Westerlands' warhorses had long been stagnant in sales, and gaining subsidies and tax reductions through resisting the cold god was no small temptation for Jason; the Riverlands had accumulated food due to war, and the transport mission could both clear inventory and earn compensation, so Edgar's expression also softened considerably.
Daenerys rose at an opportune moment, adding: "I can promise that among the representatives of the council, commoner representatives will account for one-third, and noble representatives for two-thirds, ensuring that all voices can be heard. If anyone discovers that Jon or I are abusing power, they can impeach us directly to the council. If the impeachment is successful, we will be immediately removed from our positions."
Jon also stood up, his gaze sweeping over the Northern lords: "As the commander of the united army, I will establish my headquarters at Castle Black on the Wall, living and eating with the Night's Watch. If the lords of the North are uneasy, they can send deputies to accompany me and oversee military decisions. But I have one demand—from today onwards, no one shall use my identity to incite discord within the alliance. If anyone is found colluding with foreign powers, whether noble or commoner, they will be treated as traitors."
The Northern lords exchanged glances, and Earl Manderly was the first to state: "Since Lord Jon has said so, we in the North have no objections! As long as we can resist the cold god, my House Manderly is willing to provide three hundred cavalry and donate a thousand stones of grain!" Earl Mormont and Earl Karstark also echoed, and the opposition from the North instantly dissipated.
Jason watched the tide turn. Though displeased, he was powerless to refute—most of the Westerlands lords were inclined to accept the plan, and if he insisted on opposing, he would only be isolated. Edgar even directly defected: "The Riverlands are willing to undertake the food transport mission! My House Frey will also send one hundred soldiers to join the united army!"
Tyrion watched the gradually unified stance in the hall, relieved. He raised a hand to signal for quiet: "Since there are no objections, I propose that we hold the first Cold God Resistance Council today to determine the representatives and specific tasks for each territory. Lord Jon, you may proceed to the Wall today to prepare for the united army's assembly; Queen Daenerys, you are responsible for discussing with Yara the blockade of the port to prevent Qarthian Merchants from leaving King's Landing."
Jon and Daenerys nodded in agreement, and the lords in the hall began discussing the selection of representatives, the atmosphere gradually shifting from tense to pragmatic cooperation. Tyrion, leaning on his cane, walked to the window of the council chambers, looking at King's Landing after the morning mist had cleared—sunlight spilled onto the Red Keep's towers, and Drogon's roar came from afar, carrying a hint of lightness. He knew this power arbitration was only temporary; Jason and Edgar would never easily give up their struggle for power, but at least during the critical period of resisting the cold god, the alliance was preserved, and Westeros had temporarily averted the crisis of civil war.
[Castle Black, the Wall: Jon's Inauguration as Commander and Tactical Preparations]
Three days later, Jon arrived at Castle Black on the Wall. Night's Watch Commander Thorne led all the Night's Watch to line up at the castle gate to greet him. They wore black leather armor, their dragonglass spears glinting ominously in the sunlight, and although their faces showed fatigue, their eyes were exceptionally resolute—last night, they had just repelled a small-scale Wights sneak attack, and ice mist and dragonglass fragments still remained below the castle walls.
"Commander." Thorne knelt on one knee, and the Night's Watch followed suit, their black armor forming a continuous expanse in the snow. "All of Castle Black's Night's Watch are at your command!"
Jon helped Thorne to his feet, his gaze sweeping over the familiar Castle Black: the ice cracks in the walls were larger than his last visit, the tops of the watchtowers were covered in thick ice, and the 'whoosh' sounds of new recruits swinging their dragonglass short-blades echoed from the training ground.
"You've all worked hard," his voice was a little hoarse.
"I've come this time to consolidate the allied forces and head north as soon as possible to fight the cold god.
Commander Thorne, please take me to see the defensive deployment map."
In the Night's Watch's war council room, a giant map of the Arctic ice field hung on the wall, with the Wights' activity marked in red and the allied forces' potential gathering points circled in green.
Thorne pointed to Eastwatch-by-the-Sea on the map: "This is the closest port to the Arctic.
If the allied forces land here, they can save three days' travel.
But Eastwatch-by-the-Sea's defenses are weak and need heavy troops stationed to prevent surprise attacks from the Wights."
Jon nodded and pulled out the 'Allied Forces Dispatch Schedule' drafted by Tyrion from his 懷: "Three thousand Northern Soldiers will arrive in five days, led by the son of Lord Manderly; two thousand elite Unsullied will depart from King's Landing and provide support by land; Dothraki Riders will patrol the coastline to prevent surprise attacks from the Wights by sea.
We need to build a temporary dock at Eastwatch-by-the-Sea and store enough dragonglass weapons and provisions."
He paused and looked at Thorne: "The Night's Watch are familiar with the Arctic terrain.
I'd like to ask you to serve as 'Vanguard Captain', leading five hundred experienced Night's Watchmen to scout the northern route in advance, marking the ice cracks and Wight strongholds on the ice field.
Additionally, Bran's Greensight shows that the cold god's altar is in the center of the Arctic ice field, guarded by an Ice Dragon and Ice Field Beast, so we need to develop targeted tactics."
Excitement flashed in Thorne's eyes.
He had guarded the Wall his whole life and finally had a chance to directly confront the cold god: "Rest assured, Commander!
We of the Night's Watch are already prepared!
I will select the men tonight and depart for reconnaissance first thing tomorrow morning!"
Outside the war council room, the Night's Watchmen were distributing newly arrived dragonglass weapons.
The new recruits curiously touched the faint glow of the spear tips, while the veterans taught techniques for fighting the Wights.
Jon walked out of the war council room and looked towards the distant Arctic.
The cold wind, carrying snowflakes, hit his face, but it only made him more clear-headed.
He knew that as the Commander of the allied forces, the responsibility on his shoulders was heavier than that of a Night's Watch commander—he not only had to win this war but also maintain the unity of the alliance, not letting Tyrion's mediation be in vain, nor Daenerys's trust fall short.
At the same time, in the council chambers in King's Landing, Daenerys was discussing logistical deployments with representatives of the Anti-cold god Council.
On the long table lay lists of provisions from various territories, and a commoner's representative was arguing fiercely: "The commoners in the North are starving to death, why should the allied forces still be prioritized for provisions?
King's Landing's granaries still have reserves, they should be distributed to the commoners first!"
Daenerys patiently explained: "The allied forces need a large amount of provisions to go North.
If provisions are insufficient, the soldiers won't even be able to hold their weapons, how can they fight the cold god?
Once the Wall is breached, not only the Northern commoners, but commoners throughout Westeros will suffer.
I have already ordered that three-tenths of King's Landing's granary provisions will be distributed to the commoners, and the remaining seven-tenths will be used for the allied forces.
This distribution already takes both sides into account."
The commoner's representative still wanted to retort, but Sam, the representative from The Citadel, suddenly spoke: "I support the Queen's distribution plan.
Agriculturists at The Citadel have found that if the cold god breaches the Wall, it will cause a sharp drop in Westeros's temperature, and this year's harvest will be ruined.
Prioritizing the allied forces now is to preserve next year's harvest and the livelihood of all commoners."
The commoner's representative fell silent, and other representatives also expressed agreement.
Daenerys breathed a sigh of relief and continued: "Lord Yara, your Iron Islands fleet has blockaded Blackwater Bay, can you ensure that Qarthian Merchants' messengers cannot leave King's Landing?"
Yara sat on the west side, wearing black leather armor, with a kraken-emblazoned battle-axe hanging at her waist: "Your Majesty, rest assured, my fleet patrols day and night, and any ship attempting to leave King's Landing will be stopped by us.
Additionally, I have sent scouts to the Qarthian Merchants' residential area to monitor their movements, and if anything unusual is discovered, it will be reported immediately."
"Very good," Daenerys nodded, "Melisandre will arrive in King's Landing tomorrow.
Her holy fire can counter magic, and I will have her lead the R'hllor Warriors to The Vale to assist Jorah in defense, preventing surprise attacks from Qarthian sorcerers.
Lord Tyrion, I entrust the daily operations of the council to you."
Tyrion bowed with a smile: "Your Majesty, rest assured, I will make the council's efficiency higher than you imagine.
However, I have a request—let my attendant help at The Citadel.
Sam said they need help organizing Others' documents there, and perhaps they can find the cold god's weakness."
Daenerys agreed to his request, and the council concluded in a pragmatic atmosphere.
Daenerys walked out of the council chambers and saw Jorah leading Dothraki Riders towards The Vale, their horses laden with dragonglass weapons, and their banners flapping in the wind.
In the distant sky, Rhaegal's amber figure soared, and his dragon's roar carried power, filling all of King's Landing with hope.
She knew that Tyrion's mediation was only the first step, the road to fighting the cold god was still long, and the hidden dangers of power had not been completely eliminated.
But at least for now, the alliance was reunited, and everyone was working towards the same goal—to defend Westeros, to defend this land ravaged by war.
As the sun set, golden rays illuminated the walls of King's Landing.
Daenerys stood on the Red Keep's terrace, looking towards the Wall, and silently thought: Jon, we must win.
When the mediation in King's Landing settled, in a noble's mansion in the Westerlands, Jason Lannister was throwing the parchment with the forged Jon's letter into the fireplace.
As the flames devoured the paper, a flicker of unwillingness flashed in his eyes.
Edgar Frey stood by, pacing anxiously: "Is that all?
We finally exposed Jon's identity, and now we let their division of labor succeed!"
"That's all?" Jason sneered, pulling out another letter from his pocket, stamped with the seal of a Qarthian Merchant.
"I'm just biding my time.
Tyrion's plan is full of loopholes, and while there are many noble representatives in the council, they all have their own agendas.
As long as we fan the flames again, it won't be long before they start arguing over provisions distribution and tactical decisions.
By then, the alliance will still break apart."
He pointed to the contents of the letter: "Although the Thirteen of Qarth did not receive my messenger, their merchants have sent word that Daenerys's The Vale defenses are tight, and sorcerers cannot approach for now.
However, they are willing to provide the formula for an 'Anti-cold god Potion', on the condition that after the war, they are allowed to establish trade outposts in the Westerlands—this potion allows soldiers to move in the ice mist.
As long as we have the formula, we can gain more influence in the allied forces."
Hope rekindled in Edgar's eyes: "So what do we do now?"
"Follow Tyrion's plan," Jason's lips curled into a calculating smile, "Send representatives to the council, pretending to cooperate with their logistical arrangements, but secretly delaying the transport of Westerland warhorses; then send people to the North to stir up dissatisfaction among the lords towards Jon, saying he 'only cares about the allied forces, not the North'.
When the allied forces get into trouble heading North, we will then produce the Qarthian potion.
By then, all of Westeros will be begging us to cooperate."
The fireplace flames gradually died down, leaving behind a pile of ashes.
Jason walked to the window, looking towards the Red Keep, his eyes full of malice: "Daenerys, Jon, Tyrion... do you think one mediation can solve all problems?
The game of thrones has just begun."
As night deepened, the lights of King's Landing gradually lit up, and the preparations for fighting the cold god proceeded in an orderly manner.
No one knew that the conspiracy of the Westerland nobles was still brewing in the dark, and the magical forces of Qarth had not given up their ambition to meddle in Westeros.
But at this moment, the unity of the alliance was like a glimmer of light, illuminating Westeros under the shadow of the cold god—as long as this glimmer of light did not die out, there was still hope to gather all forces before the ice mist arrived and win this war that would decide life and death.