Chapter 151: Advancing on Storm's End
"Ser Balon Swann."
Joffrey called out a member from the sea of white Kingsguard in the formation.
There were quite a few Kingsguard accompanying him this time.
"I appoint you Governor of Stonehelm, to go with the Fourth Fleet, pacify the entire domain and people of House Swann, and persuade Earl Gulian Swann to return from his misguided path."
Joffrey instructed gently, "Try to avoid bloodshed, on both sides."
The sturdy Balon Swann had an honest, brave, and youthful face. He bowed steadily, showing unexpected courtesy and composure.
"Yes, Your Majesty."
Since the unexpected death of Ser Arys Oakheart of the Kingsguard, Balon Swann, who remained at the Red Keep court serving the Royal Family, had taken his place, becoming one of the Seven Kingsguard.
After the Kingsguard expanded to Seventy-Seven, Balon Swann's position rose accordingly, and he was promoted to Squad Leader, commanding ten noble-born companions.
Although these were all good things.
But the changes in current events were too fast, too unexpected, and Balon Swann often felt lost.
He could only fulfill the duties of a Kingsguard: guard, be silent, and be loyal. He only used his Eyes to see and his ears to listen, but he would never speak or express opinions on his own, unless the King requested it.
Although his career as a Kingsguard was short, he had already learned much, understood much, and buried even more questions in his heart.
Now, he understood one more thing:
His father probably had this intention when he asked him to go to the Red Keep to serve.
Remembering that his elder brother Donnel was serving in Renly's tent, and thinking of the Ship Cannons and the Holy War Army, Balon Swann didn't know whether to be happy or sigh for a moment.
He also had another question:
Could the Seventy-Seven Kingsguard satisfy the King's ideas?
Balon Swann's inner turmoil had no effect on the outside world; the King's voice continued steadily and firmly.
"Earl Beric Dondarrion."
"I appoint you Governor of Blackhaven, to pacify the people, handle government affairs, and look after the Dondarrion Family."
This sounded a bit redundant.
But this was exactly what Joffrey wanted, and more.
"From now on, half of the annual tax revenue will be at the free disposal of the Dondarrion Family, and the other half will be used for the needs of the Governor and various administrative personnel."
"Other Governors shall follow this rule."
The King's words immediately surprised everyone. Another drastic change!
Everyone's eyes glanced at Beric Dondarrion. The Earl of Blackhaven had already pledged allegiance to the King, but he was also to serve as this Governor and divide the tax revenue into two parts.
The Gods...
Even eleven-year-old Rychard Wylde clutched his Mother's sleeve tightly.
Earl Beric Dondarrion's demeanor was very firm, "The Dondarrion Family will always be loyal to Your Majesty. By Your Majesty's grace, I am granted the important responsibility of Governor, and I will certainly do my best to teach the people for Your Majesty and manage the land."
Joffrey nodded with satisfaction, "With Earl Beric's loyalty and ability, I am naturally at ease."
Joffrey looked around, smiling lightly at their respectful faces, "Loyal people and capable people all have suitable positions."
Everyone looked thoughtful.
"Earl Beric is both loyal and capable, so he is specially appointed as 'Governor for Life of Blackhaven'. All matters of the domain shall be managed by the Governor until he finally steps down."
Beric Dondarrion calmly bowed and thanked him, "I will serve Your Majesty without hesitation."
Governor, Governor for Life. Beric Dondarrion could not imagine what kind of waves these two new titles would cause in the future.
But at least, Blackhaven could remain stable.
Could it? Beric Dondarrion retreated back into the formation, looking at the King, but he could not see the true intention behind that smile.
Joffrey looked to the left.
"Ser Barristan, you are the overall commander of this force, and also the Governor for Life of Harvest Hall."
Barristan Selmy's face was serious, his brows furrowed, as if he wanted to say something, but Joffrey raised his hand to stop him.
"Ser, please don't refuse. Your great contributions and outstanding abilities are witnessed by the entire kingdom. Letting you, this great Knight, govern Harvest Hall, I believe no one will be dissatisfied."
"Besides," Joffrey pointed to the Six-Pointed Star on his cloak clasp.
"With the Divine Grace Light Screen, you can handle the affairs of Harvest Hall from the Red Keep, and it won't delay your duties as a Kingsguard."
Barristan Selmy didn't know what else to say. Should he ask the King to spare the rebellious House Selmy?
Harvest Hall.
I am to govern Harvest Hall?
Barristan Selmy's memories surged uncontrollably.
In his youth, he gave up his right to inherit Harvest Hall, gave up the woman he was betrothed to, and chose to join the Kingsguard.
House Selmy was then inherited by his cousin and continued.
for decades.
He had won countless honors and was known as one of the greatest knights.
He had earned a glorious name, Barristan the Bold, respected by the world and sung about in stories.
He did not regret his choices.
But he also missed his family. The current head of House Selmy would have to call him "Granduncle," and yet he was to return to Harvest Hall to govern the territory?
Should I refuse?
Would the King agree? Or would he appoint another Governor? Who would it be?
There were many candidates present, but Ser Barristan Selmy didn't feel that any of them were qualified to govern Harvest Hall and look after House Selmy.
In the end, he remained silent.
"Ser Barristan, your specific tasks are as follows." Joffrey pointed to the map in the hall.
The marching routes on the map became brighter.
"Greenstone on Estermont is by the sea. Station warships there to coordinate supplies. House Estermont should not refuse."
The consequence of refusal was severe.
"Weeping Town of House Whitehead has prosperous trade and a wide port. The main body of the Fourth Fleet is stationed here to transfer personnel, transport supplies, supervise trade, and assist in combat."
The light spot on the route then moved further west to Stonehelm.
"Stonehelm is at the mouth of the Slayne. Send warships up the river to bring the Royal Guard Seventh Regiment close to the inland Ravenry and Mistwood."
The Commander of the Seventh Regiment was Theon Greyjoy.
"The Eighth and Ninth Regiments will advance west with Ser Barristan and Earl Beric to garrison Blackhaven and Harvest Hall, reorganize the territories, and mobilize resources. Prepare to attack Nightsong to the south and Fawn Hall to the north, threatening Highgarden and monitoring intelligence on the Bitterbridge rebels and Greenvalley to the north."
Everyone finally understood the King's plan. These territories formed an east-west line, dividing the Stormlands, isolating Dorne to the south, and thrusting towards the Reach to the west.
Besieged on all sides.
But with the Holy War Army as this sharp blade, it was a direct thrust into the enemy's heartland.
"Ser Davos Seaworth, the Fifth Fleet and Sixth Regiment will sail along this route." A new route appeared on the map.
Jon Snow, hearing about his Sixth Regiment, immediately observed the map more carefully.
The route went west from Rain House City, sailing along the entire north shore of Cape Wrath, ending at Crow's Nest. Combined with Ser Barristan's route, it just encircled the entire Cape Wrath.
"Along the way, garrison Amberly of House Rogers, Ser Davos's Seat, and Crow's Nest of House Connington. Ensure the supply line is opened up, the castles are taken, and then await orders at Crow's Nest."
"Depart at dawn."
"The remaining warships and Royal Guard will come with me." Joffrey stood up.
"Advance to Storm's End."
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