Check out advanced chapters on : patreon.com/Veni_V
---------------
The sun was at its highest point, and the walls of Storm's End Castle were in full defensive mode.
The enemy's fierce offensive had made the defenders miserable.
Toot, toot~
A loud and clear horn blew long and far, like a call from the ancient lands.
The archers lowered their bows, the horsemen tightened their reins, and all the soldiers, servants, and knights looked toward the strange source of the sound.
A flag fluttering in the wind slowly rose from the corner of the mountain. As the flag ascended, the knight holding it gradually came into view. His gray cloak danced with the wind like flowing silver water and rolling waves.
He swung the flag in the air before planting it firmly in the mud. With a swift motion, the two swords at his waist were unsheathed, and with a battle cry that resounded through the sky, the sound of impending combat shook the earth.
Countless figures rushed from behind him—burly men with thick beards wielding huge axes, young boys holding blades, and even women among them.
They charged down the hill like fearless wild bulls with a thunderous roar.
Some people recognized the flag and the armor.
The flaming white bird flag and the silver armor with wings.
The Highgarden soldiers were very familiar with this armor.
The mountain clansmen came in waves like an endless stream.
They hurled javelins and short spears that filled the sky, scattering their enemies like a receding tide.
The silver knight charged forward on his horse. Among the gray crowd, he was like a flashing fish scale shining brightly. He was so conspicuous that no one dared to face him. Wherever his dual swords went, enemies fled in terror.
The free folk army swept directly from the rear. Seeing the silver knight's arrival, the Highgarden forces abandoned all hope of victory.
Mace Tyrell was shocked to find his army disintegrating at an alarming rate. When he came to his senses, the battlefield had already become a one-sided slaughter.
"My lord, we must retreat now!" his squire said anxiously.
He hurriedly pulled the reins and ordered several knights who followed him, "Go and stop him."
The silver knight led a dozen riders in a devastating charge, proving invincible as they advanced. No one could slow their momentum.
Several Highgarden knights led some cavalry to intercept the silver knight. Some still hoped to kill the enemy general and win fame, but glory always came at a price.
The silver knight engaged them and killed two men instantly, then continued his charge, striking with deadly precision. One by one, his opponents fell from their horses. Some were knocked down, others killed by his sword.
In an instant, no one dared to stand in his way. This was not merely a warrior—this was a devil straight from the seven hells.
Lord Mace led his guards in a slow retreat, but watched from a distance as the cavalry he had sent to stop the knight collapsed at first contact. He cursed them inwardly for their uselessness and hurriedly ordered his guards to form a defensive line.
The fully armored guards, holding spears and shields, formed a tight formation. The silver knight tightened his reins and spurred his horse forward. His mount crashed directly into their ranks. He leapt from his saddle, landing steadily, and swung his sword with lethal precision, blood spraying through the air.
On foot, his fighting prowess grew even more terrifying. Before the guards could surround him, he tore a hole in their formation, allowing his cavalry to charge through the gap. Someone brought him a fresh horse. After cutting down several more guards, he quickly mounted and continued his advance.
Mace Tyrell watched as the silver knight headed straight for him.
He dug his spurs deep, forcing his horse to gallop faster. Several servants stepped forward to intercept the knight but were swiftly dispatched, falling from their horses after brief exchanges. The silver knight held one sword behind him and spurred his mount forward with his free hand.
Mace gritted his teeth, drew his sword and turned to face his enemy. He, Mace Tyrell, was also a renowned knight in the Seven Kingdoms.
His soldiers watched as their commander was knocked from his horse by the silver knight in a single exchange, after which all the rose banners were cut down. Seeing their leader's standard fall, all will to resist vanished. The battle was over.
The free folk shouted "Long live!" loudly, and Storm's End erupted in celebration. They had defeated the Highgarden forces once again.
Large numbers of Mace's men surrendered and were taken prisoner, while the free folk collected equipment from the battlefield.
Disarmed captives were supervised by guards as they cleared the battlefield.
Ravens circled overhead, occasionally swooping down to peck at the corpses.
The victors set to work repairing the city walls, rebuilding the drawbridge, and cleaning the moat.
After victory, there was still much to be done.
Lord Mace, bound and placed on horseback, finally regained consciousness after a period of blackout.
He no longer thought about avenging past humiliations. His only concern now was whether his captors would execute him.
He was led across the drawbridge. The gates of Storm's End stood open, with people lining the way to watch.
Mace saw the angry eyes of the onlookers, and a clump of mud struck his face. The soldiers escorting him shouted at the offender.
But more mud and stones still hit him.
The front yard of the castle was filled with the wounded, but a path remained clear. As he was marched through, all eyes turned to Mace. He heard cheering, and saw those with burns and missing limbs shouting:
"Long live the lord!"
"Long live Jon Snow!"
He and his captured knights were led in a line by guards with spears to the dungeon of Storm's End. Along the way, they passed through the great hall, its doors standing open, and he glimpsed the antlered chair on the dais.
Mace was given a cell to himself.
After his imprisonment, another cavalry unit entered the castle. At the head of the column rode a knight in silver armor. His hair and armor gleamed together in the sunset. Wherever he went, he was greeted by waves of cheers.
Countless people stood to salute him.
Jon Snow walked directly to the antlered chair in the hall, lifted his cloak and sat in the lord's seat. He placed his helmet on the table, waved his hand, and everyone sat down.
"Tell me what happened after I left?"
Davos stood up and reported all that had transpired at Storm's End.
After hearing everything, he rewarded those who had defended the castle.
Although Stannis felt humiliated that Jon did not trust him, the knight's divine combat skills still impressed him and dispelled his complaints.
The next day, Jon rewarded the entire army and promised that everyone's gains in the war would be their private property.
He personally led the free folk leaders to the Kingswood. He kept his promise and allowed them to settle there.
Once again, the free folk hailed him as the King Beyond the Wall.
A few hundred wildlings like Shagga could have harassed Stannis's army in the Kingswood, but now there were four thousand free folk present. When they entered the Kingswood, they blocked all paths through. No army could easily pass through the Kingswood again, unless led by Jon Snow himself.
To transport all the free folk to the Kingswood, he made two journeys and hired every ship in White Harbor. Of course, this was only possible with Lord Manderly's help. The lord agreed to payment on credit, with Jon offering a piece of territory on the Blackwater Rush as collateral.
After all, he hadn't taken over the land yet, and its ownership remained in question.