The Iron Islands, Pyke.
The sea wind howled, making the suspension bridge connecting to the Sea Tower sway from side to side.
It seemed as if the wind might knock it down at any moment, sending it plunging into the sea.
Asha Greyjoy had long since grown used to Pyke's winds and waves. She strode steadily across the swaying bridge and soon reached the Sea Tower.
She paid no mind to the sea wind soaking her quilted coat. With her long legs carrying her swiftly, she strode into her father Balon Greyjoy's room.
"Father, you wanted to see me?"
Asha stood in the doorway, knocked, and smiled.
At the sound of her voice, Balon Greyjoy, who had been sitting in a chair reading a letter, snapped out of his reverie.
He looked up at his daughter, his expression complicated, and an indescribable sorrow welled up inside him.
From now on, Asha was the only child he had left!
"Father?"
Noticing Balon's strange expression, Asha called to him again, puzzled.
Balon came to his senses and said hoarsely, "Take a look at this letter."
He tossed the letter onto the wooden table in front of him, gesturing for Asha to come over and read it.
Then, weighed down by grief at the loss of his son, he shuffled to the window and opened it.
In an instant,
the damp, salty sea wind battered Balon's face, leaving it streaked with moisture. He couldn't tell whether it was tears or seawater.
He gazed silently out at the sea for a long time without saying a word.
Asha watched her father's strange behavior, full of confusion and uncertainty.
Still, she obediently went to the table, intending to pick up the letter and read it.
There were two letters on the long table.
Asha glanced