-Chapter 95-
-Chapter 95-
-3rd day of the 3rd moon of the year 301 AC-
-POV Tommen Baratheon-
'Finally,' I thought as I finally emerged from that cursed forest, relieved to no longer be at the mercy of soldiers lying in ambush throughout the Kingswood.
Over these three days, we lost nearly a quarter of our men, either to desertion or to the various ambushes set by Ronnet's soldiers.
But instead of dampening my morale or that of my troops, it strengthened us, for we all understood that only by pressing forward could we put an end to these attacks.
Once the fear had passed, each of my soldiers awakened a deep anger toward our enemies, who were hunting us like fleeing rabbits.
'But the worst part is that they always manage to escape because they know this damn forest better than we do, and they've set traps along their escape routes,' I thought, quickly realizing that chasing them into the woods would be futile, as we would only lose more soldiers for nothing.
'The game clearly wasn't worth the candle; the risk is far too high,' I thought.
"The troops are already stationed on the walls of Bronzegate," said Ser Balon, squinting.
"That's expected. If they've attacked us like rabid dogs chasing their prey throughout the Kingswood, it was to organize their defenses," I said, finding nothing strange about it because I knew Ronnet very well, and I was fully aware that the family of his second, Rodrik Buckler, was now leading House Buckler.
'None of them are fools, whether men or women. They all know how to hold a siege. He even taught it to Mother while we listened with Ronald,' I thought, sparing a brief moment for my childhood playmate who had sided with his father.
'It's not as though he had a choice,' I thought, understanding it wasn't personal.
'I hope you'll understand why I'm doing this as well,' I thought, raising my hand high before lowering it sharply to give the order to immediately begin the siege.
'There are still about 60,000 of us. If we give it our all, tonight we will all sleep inside that castle,' I thought, spurring my horse forward.
---
-POV Alynne Connington-
"Princess, go to safety. We'll handle the wall's defense," said Ser Arlan, as cold as ever.
I turned my eyes away from the 'Baratheon' soldiers advancing quickly toward us and replied in the same tone:
"My brother brought you back to protect me and assist his son, not to give me orders, Ser."
"My apologies," he said in a tone so flat I wondered if he had even listened to what I'd just said.
I sighed without adding anything, then stepped forward to take the bow from a soldier whose hands were trembling so much he wouldn't have been able to shoot a single arrow properly. Then I shouted, "Soldiers!"
All the murmurs among the soldiers on the wall abruptly ceased, and I said:
"You are the elite of Houses Buckler and Connington."
I paused for a few seconds, turning my head to meet each of their gazes before continuing:
"If you weren't taken with your king to conquer the lands of our enemies, it's not because he didn't trust you to accomplish your tasks… No, it's simply because he knew you could do much more. He knew you would fight with all your might against the enemy, that you would never admit defeat, and that you wouldn't stop unless the last drop of blood left your body."
"YES!"
"Today, the peasants and cutthroats of the bastard Tommen Lannister stand at our gates, demanding our land! Will you give it to them?"
"NO!"
"They demand your wives and daughters. Will you give them those as well?"
"NO!!"
"THEY DEMAND EVERYTHING WE POSSESS AND SEEK TO TEAR THE WINGS OFF YOUR KING'S SIGIL!"
Seeing that the tension had reached its peak, I shouted with all my might, raising the bow I had confiscated earlier:
"WHAT WILL WE GIVE OUR ENEMIES?"
"DEATH!!!" they all roared in unison.
I smiled, catching my breath, my chest rising and falling rapidly as I saw that the 4,000 defenders were now fired up and ready to fight to the death.
---
-POV Asha Greyjoy-
"Where is your leader?" I demanded, looking at the heads of Houses Drumm, Harlaw, and Goodbrother, who stood before us with their heads bowed, not daring to meet our gaze, as nearly a third of Euron's fleet, already outnumbered, had fled with him.
None of them had the courage to answer, so I drew my sword and pointed it at the head of House Drumm, shouting in a rage:
"WHERE IS THAT BASTARD EURON?"
Everyone remained frozen, too afraid to speak, until the head of House Drumm, Dunstan Drumm, finally said:
"Euron fled during the night with a third of our ships and his cowardly brother."
"What have they done with Theon?" I asked, my heart pounding because even though Theon was a little shit, he was still my brother.
'My little brother, the last son of Balon Greyjoy, the last one capable of inheriting the title of King of Salt and Rock,' I thought, holding onto the hope that one day I could restore a true Greyjoy to the throne.
'Instead of twisting our culture and family name for this cutthroat,' I thought, casting a brief glance at Bronn, who remained silently by my side for once.
"Your brother was taken by Euron," said Dunstan Drumm, and as I sighed, closing my eyes in anguish for my brother's fate, he hesitantly added:
"He did leave a message for you, though."
I frowned as he handed me a hastily written letter along with a small box.
---
My charming niece,
It seems I bet on the wrong ship, but it doesn't matter, as the Drowned God is still on my side.
It's only a matter of time before I return to claim, once and for all, the throne that is and always should have been mine.
To ensure you no longer harbor any illusions or consider re-electing another king besides me, I've taken away from your brother what made him still useful to you.
You'll find it in the box I left for you.
I took great care to wrap it nicely for you. No need to thank me—I did it with great pleasure.
I hope you enjoy your victory for as long as possible because when I return—and I will return, rest assured—I will drown your puppet king's kingdom while my wife burns everything and everyone he holds dear to ashes.
When I return, I'll offer you to each of the men in my crew.
I'll make sure every one of them knows the pleasure of bedding royalty… except Theon, of course.
Your loving uncle, who cares so much for you.
---
"AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!"