Chapter 67 Chapter 67 Theon

Maester Luwin came looking for him when the first scouts showed up below the city. "Your Highness," he said, "you must surrender." Theon stared blankly at the plate of oatcakes, honey, and blood sausage in front of him for breakfast.Another sleepless night left him sore and gagging at the sight of food. "My uncle hasn't answered yet?" "No," said the bachelor, "there is no news from your father on Pyke Island." "Send some more birds." "It's no use. Before the birds reach you—" "Send out!" He slammed his fist on the dinner plate, threw off the blanket, and got naked from Ned Stark's bed in a rage. "Do you want me dead? Do you? Luwin, tell me the truth!"

The little gray man didn't change his face. "My job is to serve." "Exactly. For whom?" "For the country," said Maester Luwin, "for Winterfell. I have worked tirelessly to teach you counting and writing, history and strategy, Theon. If you had been more studious, I would have taught you more. I dare not Bragging how much I love you, no, but I can't hate you. Besides, even if I hate you, as long as you occupy Winterfell for a day, I am bound by an oath to give you loyal advice. Now, I suggest you Kaesong surrenders." Theon stooped to pick up a dirty cloak, shook off the rushes, and draped it over his shoulders.Fire, I want to light the fire and clean the clothes.Where did Weeks go?I can't go to the grave dirty.

"You can't hold it," the master continued. "If your lord wanted to help, help would have arrived long ago, but all he cares about is the Neck. He will only march north after conquering Moat Cailin." "You're right," Theon said, "so as long as I occupy Winterfell, I can restrain Ser Rodrik and the Stark vassals and lords, making them unable to attack my uncle south." I'm not like you As ignorant of strategy as you can imagine, old man. "If necessary, the food in my hand is enough to last a year of siege." "There won't be any siege. For the first day or two, they may set up camp to process ladders and bind hooks. Once ready, your walls will be breached in hundreds of places at the same time. You may be able to retreat to the main castle and hold on for a while. , but the rest will fall within an hour. Instead of that, you might as well open the gates and ask—"

"—they're showing mercy? I know exactly what mercy they'll give." "It's not an option." "I was born iron," Theon reminded the other. "I have a choice. Did they ever give me a choice? No, no need to answer, I've had enough of your 'admonitions'. Do as I order, set out the ravens, and call Lauren to meet me. Still There is Wicks, let him wipe my armor clean. Tell the guards to assemble in the square." For a moment he thought the maester was about to disobey, but Luwin finally bowed stiffly, "Yes." His ranks were pitifully small: few ironmen, an empty and lonely square. "Before nightfall the Northmen will arrive," he told them. "Sir Rodrik came with all the lords who called, but I will not run away. I have taken this place, and I will hold it. I am the Prince of Winterfell whether I live or die. However, I don't force anyone to die for me, before Sir Rodrik's main force arrives, those who want to leave should retreat as soon as possible, and they should have a chance to escape." He drew his long sword and drew a horizontal line on the ground. "Those who want to stay and fight, please come forward."

No one answered.The people in mail, leather, and studded leather armor were as motionless as stone sculptures.A few people exchanged glances.Uzi shifted his weight on his feet.Dick Harlow cleared his throat and spat out a mouthful of phlegm.Qingfeng's fingers messed up Anderha's neat long hair. Theon felt that he was the one drowning.Why are you surprised?he thought bleakly.My father abandoned me, my sister, my uncle, even that cunning monster Reek, they all abandoned me.That being the case, why should my subordinates be loyal to me?There is nothing left to say, nothing left to do.I had no choice but to stand under this majestic gray city wall, under this harsh pale clear sky, holding a long sword, waiting, waiting...

Weeks was the first to cross the line. He took three quick steps and stood beside Theon with his head bowed.Perhaps ashamed by the boy's behavior, Black Lauren followed with a sad face. "Who else?" Theon asked.Red Raff came forward, followed by Cormon, Weilag, Taymor and his two brothers, Uff the Patient, Harrag the Sheep Thief, four Harlows and two Potteries, Finally, "Whale" Kendall.A total of seventeen people. Those who didn't move included Uzi, Stijge, and the ten people Asha brought from Deepwood Motte were unmoved as expected. "Well, you go," Theon said to them, "and run away to my sister. I assure you, she will welcome you warmly."

Sturgi at least knew how to blush, and the others turned away without saying a word.Theon looked at the remaining seventeen. "Go to the city wall. If the gods open their eyes and survive, I will never forget you." Black Laurent stayed for a while after the others left, "Once the war starts, the people in the city will rebel." "I know. What do you want me to do?" "Kill it," said Lauren, "kill them all." Theon shook his head, "Is the sling ready?" "Okay. Are you really going to use this?" "Do you have a better idea?"

"Yes. Please let me take the ax up to the drawbridge and let 'em hit me. One, two, three at a time. No one will pass as long as I'm alive." He's looking for death, Theon thought, not for victory, but for being praised after death. "We still use the sling." "Of course," Lauren replied, with contempt in his eyes. Wicks dresses him up for battle.Under his black tunic and golden cloak, Theon wore a well-oiled mail shirt with a layer of hard leather underneath.When he was fully clothed, he took up his weapon and climbed up to the watchtower where the east wall meets the south wall, so as to witness his own destruction with his own eyes.The northerners are spreading out and surrounding the castle.It's hard to judge their total number from here, but at least a thousand—perhaps twice that number.Two thousand to seventeen.They brought trebuchets and ballistas.Though he had not yet seen the siege towers rumbling from the Kingsroad, there was as much wood as he needed in the Wolfwood.

Theon inspected the opposing flag with Maester Luwin's mir lens.No matter which direction you turn, you can see the tomahawk banner of the Severn family flying in the wind, the three-tree banner of the Tallhar family, the mermaid banner of the White Harbor, and occasionally the emblems of the Flint family and the Karstark family. He even saw a Hornwood moose banner or two.But no sign of the Glover's—Asha had killed them, no Boltons from the Dreadfort, no Umbers from the Wall.However, the troops in front of us are completely sufficient.After a while, the boy Clay Seven came to the gate of the city with a long pole holding a banner of peace, and declared that Ser Rodrik Cassel wanted to talk face-to-face with Theon the Chameleon.

chameleon!The title is as bitter as bile.He remembered that he had returned to Pyke to lead his father's fleet of longships to attack Lannisport. "I'll come right out," he called down, "I'm all alone." Black Lauren disagreed. "Blood debts must be paid in blood," he persuaded. "These knights may have some kindness and morality among their peers, but we are just robbers in their eyes, and they are afraid that they will disregard the code of honor." Theon became angry: "I am the prince of Winterfell and the heir of the Iron Islands. I can't look forward and backward, and be afraid of the east and the west! Don't worry about it, go find the girl and do as I say."

Black Lauren glared at him fiercely. "Yes, Your Royal Highness." Even he is against me, Theon realized.Every brick of Winterfell was against him.If I were to die now, I would be alone and forgotten.So I have to live, what choice is there? He wore a crown on his head and rode out of the city gate.A woman was drawing water from a well, and Gage, the chef, stood by the kitchen door. Their blank slate faces and sullen expressions belied a lot of hatred, but Theon could feel it. The suspension bridge was lowered, and the biting cold wind sighed across the river ditch and rushed towards us.Make him tremble all over.It's just a little cold, that's all right, Theon told himself, just shivering, not shivering, and even the bravest man shiver when he's cold.He drifted away, riding into the teeth of the wind, out of the gate, and across the drawbridge.The gate of the outer wall opened in front of him, and walking under the city, he felt that the children were staring at him with empty eye sockets. Ser Rodrik was waiting for him in the market square on his spotted horse, and young Clay Seven was the standard bearer Stark's direwolf fluttering over their heads.There were only the two of them in the square, but Theon noticed that the surrounding crowded houses were full of archers on the roofs, spearmen on the left, and a long line of knights on the right, carrying the mermaid banner of the Manderly family holding a trident .Everyone wants me to die.Many of them drank, gambled, and even went to prostitutes with him when they were young, but as long as he fell into the enemy's hands at this moment, none of these could save him at all. "Sir Rodrik." Theon reined in the reins, "It is a pity that we meet on the battlefield today." "My only regret is that I couldn't hang you right away." The old knight spat on the dusty ground. "Theon the Chameleon." "I was born Greyjoy of Pike," Theon reminded him, "and my father swaddled me in a golden kraken, not a direwolf, the day I was born." "You have been the adopted son of the Stark family for ten years." "Hostages and prisoners, that's how I see it." "Duke Ed should have chained you to the dungeon if he knew the truth. Not only did he not do that, but he treated you as the same as his own children. These lovely children are being killed by you now. For me, this life will never die The shame of oblivion is that I taught you the art of fighting. If I could go back in time, I would rather pierce your stomach than put the sword in your hands." "I'm here to negotiate, and I don't have time to listen to your insults. Tell me about the conditions, old man, what do you want from me?" "It's very simple, just two." The old man said, "Winterfell, your life. Order your subordinates to open the city gate and throw down their weapons. Anyone who can prove that they have nothing to do with the murder of children can leave freely, but you must stay. Accept King Robb's punishment. When the king returns, you will pray to the gods for mercy." "Robb won't make it back to Winterfell," Theon promised. "He'll be battered at Moat Cailin, as every army that has gone north for ten thousand years has ended. The North is ours, ser." "Three Lonely Cities are yours," Ser Rodrik answered, "and this one will be taken by me shortly, Chameleon." Theon pretended to ignore it. "The following are my conditions: Disband the troops before sunset. Willing to swear an oath of fealty, recognize Balon and Greyjoy as king, and recognize me as Prince of Winterfell, their rights and property will be recognized, and they will not be harmed. ; those who dare to defy will be utterly destroyed." Young Seven couldn't believe it. "Are you mad, Greyjoy?" Ser Rodrik shook his head. "He's only pompous, boy. Theon always thinks too much of himself, lest he dies." The old man pointed at him with a finger. "Don't imagine I'm waiting for Robb." It was only after breaking through the neck and joining forces with me that I won't be able to get you. I have nearly two thousand soldiers in my hand...and if the news is true, there are less than fifty on your side." Only seventeen.Theon forced a smile. "I have better aces than soldiers." He clenched his fist above his head, which was the signal agreed with Black Lauren. Behind him were the high walls of Winterfell, and Ser Rodrik could see them straight on.Theon studied his face, and when the old man's jaw began to quiver behind his prim gray beard, Theon knew he saw.He wasn't surprised, Theon thought sadly, he was just terrified. "A cowardly act," said Ser Rodrik, "to take advantage of children . . . that is despicable." "Oh, I know very well," said Theon, "I've tasted it too. Have you forgotten? I was taken from my father's room alive when I was ten years old, just to make sure he never rebelled. " "It's not the same thing!" Theon looked indifferent. "It's not a rough hemp rope around my neck, it is true, but it feels exactly the same. It strangles me, Ser Rodrik, it hurts me." He had never said that before. However, as soon as the words came out of his mouth, he suddenly realized that this was the truth. "No one ever hurt you." "No one will hurt Beth, as long as you—" Ser Rodrik let him finish. "Snakes!" cried the knight, his face flushed with rage under his white beard. "I'll give you a chance to save my men, and then die with what little honor I have left, Chameleon! I should have known that I have nothing to say to a child murderer." He put his hand on the hilt of his sword, "I should have killed you immediately Knock it to the ground, and stop this endless lie and deception. In the name of the gods in the sky, I can do it!" Theon wasn't afraid of a rickety old man, but the line of archers and cavalry watching intently nearby was no joke.At the sight of the sword, his hope of returning to the city alive is gone. "You murder me against your contract! Your little Beth will be strangled to death with a rope." Sir Rodrik's knuckles turned pale, and after a long time, he finally let go of the hilt. "Honestly, I've lived long enough." "I agree, sir. Will you accept my offer?" "I have a duty to Lady Catelyn and House Stark." "What about your own family? Beth is the last of your blood." The old knight straightened his back. "I am willing to exchange myself for my daughter. Let her go and take me as a hostage. The acting city lord of Winterfell must be worth more than a child." "Not to me." Noble and heroic move, old man, but I'm no fool. "I bet it wasn't the same for Lord Manderlay and Rambard Tawhar." You're nothing to them, old bones. "No, I'll keep the girl...and keep her safe, as long as you do as I'm told. Remember, her life depends on you." "Gods, Theon, how can you bear to do such a thing? You know that I must attack the city, I swear..." "At sunset, you are still sharpening your knife in the city, and I will hang Beth." Theon said, "If you continue, I will execute the second hostage before dawn tomorrow, and execute the third hostage at sunset. From now on From now on, every morning and every evening will mean the death of a hostage until you withdraw your army. You know, I have a lot of hostages in my hands." Without waiting for the other party to answer, he turned the comedian's horse and returned to the castle.At first he rode slowly, but when he thought of the crowd of archers behind him, he couldn't help kicking his horse and started to run.Two young heads still watched him at the point of the gun in the distance, and as the distance approached, the flayed and tar-soaked face grew larger--little Beth stood between them, with a rope around her neck, Crying.Sean clamped the comedian tightly and ran into the city, his horse's hooves clattering on the suspension bridge like drums. He dismounted in the yard and threw the reins to Weeks. "Hopefully it will stop them from acting rashly," he told Black Lauren, "Anyway, there will be an answer before sunset. Take that girl down and send it to a safe place." Under the layers of leather, steel and wool, he has already Sweat all over. "I want wine, preferably a barrel." Ned Stark's bedroom was on fire.Theon sat by the fireplace, pouring a glass of summer red from the wine cellar, only to feel that the wine was as rancid as his mood.They will attack, he thought gloomily, watching the flames.Although Sir Rodrik loved his daughter dearly, he was a knight after all as acting castellan.Today, if Theon was on the top with the rope and King Balon commanded the army on the bottom, the horn of attack would have sounded long ago, and he had no doubts about it.Thank the gods, Ser Rodrik is not of iron, and the people of the Green Land are made of weak material-but he is not sure whether they are weak enough to submit. If he was wrong, if the Don attacked recklessly, Winterfell would fall at once - Theon had no illusions about that.His seventeen subordinates may be able to kill enemies three times, four times, or even five times his own, but in the end they are outnumbered. Theon gazed at the firelight on the rim of his goblet, meditating on all the injustice. "I fought with Robb Stark in the Whispering Wood," he whispered.That night, he was actually very scared, but it was far less intense than today.It's one thing to go to war with friends, it's another to perish alone amidst the scorn of others.Have mercy, he thought sadly. Empty wine brings no consolation, so Theon asks Wicks to take out his bow and arrows, and accompany him to the old inner courtyard—the courtyard before the expansion of Winterfell.He stood there, aiming at the target and shooting arrow after arrow until his shoulders ached and his fingers were bleeding.He paused for a moment, pulled the arrow from the target, and began another round of shooting.I saved Bran's life with this bow, he reminded himself, and it will save himself, too.Occasionally, women would come to the well to draw water, but no one would stay—seeing Theon's expression, everyone turned around and avoided. Behind him stood the ruined tower, long ago the fire had consumed its upper stories, leaving a jagged point like a crown.As the sun moved, the shadow of the tower followed suit, gradually lengthening, like a black hand stretching towards Theon.Before the sun set behind the wall, he was completely in the hands of black hands.If I hang the girl, the northerners will immediately attack the city, he thought as he shot, and if I let it go, they will ignore my threat.He hitched another arrow.Dilemma, no way out. "If you had a hundred archers as good as you, you might be able to hold the castle," said a voice softly. He looked back to see Maester Luwin behind him. "Go away," Theon told him, "I've had enough of your advice." "What about your life? Do you think you've had enough, Your Highness?" He raised his bow, "Don't dare to say more, don't blame me for shooting your arrow through your heart." "You wouldn't do that." Theon drew his bowstring full, gray goose feathers drawn to his cheeks. "bet?" "I am your last hope, Theon." I'm hopeless, he thought, but lowered his bow an inch. "I won't run away." "I'm not suggesting you run away. Put on black." "Being a night watchman?" Theon slowly let go of the bowstring, pointing the arrow to the ground. "Sir Rodrik will devote his life to the Stark family, and the Stark family has always been an ally of the Night's Watch. He cannot refuse this offer. Please open the city gates, lay down your weapons, and openly agree to his terms, and you will surely Get a chance to wear black." Become a brother to the Night's Watch.That meant no crown, no son, no wife... and it meant life, too, a life with honor.Didn't Ned Stark's younger brother choose to be the Night's Watch?So does Jon Snow. I have a lot of black clothes, just take off the sea monster coat of arms, and even my horse is black.According to my ability.Enough to rise to the top of the Night's Watch - to be Chief Ranger, maybe even Lord Commander.Let Asha keep the eggless islands, which are as dull as she is.If I go to Donghai Watch as an errand, maybe I can command my own ship.It must be great to hunt beyond the Wall too.As for women, what wild woman does not fantasize about making love to the Prince?The smile spread slowly on his face, and the title of "chameleon" could be washed away by wearing black clothes, and everything started again... "His Royal Highness Prince Theon!" A sudden shout shattered his daydream.Cormon strode across the yard. "Northern—" The boundless fear made him unable to move. "Attacked?" Maester Luwin took his hand. "Raise the flag of peace while there is still time—" "They're killing each other," said Comon out of breath. "At first another army arrived, about a few hundred soldiers, and joined the besieging team. Now, suddenly, they're fighting their own men!" "It's Asha?" Did she come to save him in the end? Comon's head shook like a rattle. "No, I'm sure not, they're Yankees, and there's a bloody man on the flag." Skinner of the Dreadfort.Theon remembered that Reek had served Bolton's bastard son before he was captured.It was unbelievable that a monster as vile as he had somehow managed to convert House Bolton's allegiance.But none of that mattered compared to the results. "I'll see for myself," Theon said. Maester Luwin followed closely behind.By the time the city walls were reached, dead men and dying horses had filled the market square outside the city gates.He could see no battle lines, only a tangle of banners and swords, shouts and screams in the cold autumn air.Ser Rodrik's men were numerous, but the men of the Dreadfort were better led, and less prepared for a surprise attack, than they were.They charge, fight, and charge again, with flexible scheduling.In the crowded houses, every attempt to form a large group of troops was in vain, and the huge force was broken into pitiful fragments.Amidst the horrific neighing of the dying steed, came the loud clang of iron axes striking oaken shields.He discovered that the inn was also burning. Black Lauren came to the side and stood quietly for a while.The sun was setting, casting a red light on the fields and houses.A thin and trembling scream echoed on the city wall, and a long horn sounded slowly behind the burning house.Theon watched as a wounded soldier dragged, in agony, across the battlefield, struggling to reach the well in the center of the marketplace, life's blood leaving a thin red thread in the mud and dust.Before reaching it, he died.The man wore leather armor and a conical half-helm, but with no emblem in sight, it was not known for whom he fought. Facing the starlight at night, the crow flies to the blue land. "The Dothraki believe that the stars are the souls of the brave," said Theon.Maester Luwin had taught him so, long ago. "Dothraki?" "The horse tribe on the other side of the Narrow Sea." "Ah, it's them." Black Lauren frowned, "Savages believe in stupid things." The night is getting darker, the smoke is filling, and the battle situation below is getting more and more chaotic. Only the sound of metal and iron clashing gradually decreases, and the shouts and trumpets give way to groans and wailing.Finally, a group of people rushed out from the thick fog. The knight at the head was all in black armor, the round helmet above his head was shining with dark red light, and the light red cloak was fluttering around his shoulders.The man reined in his horse in front of the city gate, and one of his men called the door loudly. "Are you friends or foes?" Hei Luolun roared downward. "Will the enemy give such a big gift?" The red-helmed knight waved his hand, and the three corpses were thrown in front of the gate.He had someone hold a torch and wave it over the corpse, so that the defenders of the city could see the face of the dead. "It's the old knight," said Black Lauren. "And Lambard Tallhart and Clay Seven." The young lord was shot in one eye, and Sir Rodrik's left arm was broken at the elbow.Maester Luwin uttered a wordless scream, turned away from the battlements, and fell to the ground, retching violently. "The big fat pig Mandalay has no guts to leave White Harbor, otherwise I will offer him up together." The red helmeted knight boasted.I'm saved, Theon thought, why is my heart so empty?This is victory, sweet victory, the miracle I pray for day and night.He glanced at Maester Luwin, who was one step away from surrendering, and put on the black... "Open the gates for our allies." Perhaps tonight, I can sleep peacefully, free from nightmares. The forces of the Dreadfort straddled the moat and passed through the inner gates.Theon went out to the yard with Black Loren and Maester Luwin to meet him.The opponent held only a few pale red banners, and most of them held tomahawks, great swords, and battered and battered shields. "How many men have you lost?" Theon asked the Red Helmed Knight as he dismounted. "Twenty or thirty." The light of the torch reflected on the broken enamel of his visor.His helm and gorilla were forged in the shape of a human face and shoulders—skin peeled, dripping with blood, his jaws gaping open in what seemed to be a silent howl of excruciating pain. "Rodrik's army is several times yours." "Yeah, but he thought we were allies. A common mistake. When the old idiot reached out for me, I cut it in half and let him see my face." The knight raised his helmet with both hands. , held high above the top, tucked under the armpits. "Reek!" Theon was a little uneasy.How could a servant have such shiny armor? The other party laughed. "The poor thing is long dead." He took a step forward. "It's all the girl's fault. If she didn't run so fast, his horse wouldn't break its legs, and we could escape successfully. I saw the cavalry appearing on the top of the hill, so I gave him my horse. I first When it was done, it was his turn, and he liked to do it while it was warm, so that I had to push him away and give him my clothes—calfskin boots, velvet jacket, silver silk sword belt, and black Sable cloak. Come back to the Dreadfort, I bid him, and bring as many rescuers as you can find. 'Come, ride my horse, it runs fast; wear this, for this is the ring my father gave me, so my men I can believe that you are entrusted by me.' He didn't ask much, knowing that my words were unquestionable. So I watched him being shot, making myself smell with the girl's filth, and wearing his rotten clothes. In fact, I You know, they might hang me right away, but this is the only chance." He wiped his mouth with the back of his hand. "Now, my dear Prince, didn't you promise me a girl?—If I bring two hundred reinforcements. Hehe, now I bring three times as many people. They are not rookies or countrymen. My husband, they are all the elite troops left by my father." Theon's words have been spoken, and now there is no way to go back.Give him some sweetness to taste first, and then clean him up later. "Harrag," he said, "go to the kennel and bring Palla to...?" "Ramsay—" There was a smile on his full lips, but nothing in those pale eyes. "Mr. Bolton. Tell you, my wife dared to call me Snow before she bit her finger." His smile froze. "Then, for my excellent service, you plan to reward a kennel girl as a reward, isn't it fair?" There was something Theon hated in his voice, just as he hated the condescending looks the soldiers of the surrounding Dreadfort looked at him. "All I promise you is her." "She smells like shit. Actually, I've had enough of the stench. I was thinking, I'd better take that woman who warmed your bed. What's her name, Kayla?" "Are you crazy?" Theon said angrily, "I'm going to make you—" The illegitimate son slapped his backhand hard, and under the heavy steel fist, his cheekbone shattered like a rattle.Theon passed out, and the world disappeared in a red howl of pain. After an unknown amount of time, Theon woke up and found himself lying on the square.He turned over and swallowed a mouthful of blood.Close the city gate!He wanted to shout, but it was too late.The men of the Dreadfort felled Red Raff and Kendall, and filed in like a torrent of armor and swords.His ears were ringing wildly, and his heart was full of terror.Black Lauren drew his sword, but he retreated steadily under the pressure of four opponents.He saw Wufu fleeing towards the hall, but was shot through the belly by a crossbow arrow on the way and nailed to the ground.Maester Luwin tried to come and help him, but he rode off alone, thrust his spear between the maester's shoulders, turned his horse's head, and trampled on the body.Another raised the torch over the top, twirled it a few times, and hurled it toward the thatched roof of the stable. "Leave the Freys," cried the Bastard in a roar of flames, "and burn the rest. Burn! Burn! Burn!" The last thing Theon saw was his comedian.The horses kicked and rushed out of the burning stables, their manes on fire, screaming, standing on their feet...