Whispers, Lord's Hall.
Gryn took the horn glass handed by Kalaia, took a sip of the territorial red wine, and naturally frowned.
Still tastes so bad!
Gryn handed the horn cup back to Kalaia, and said to the short and sturdy man kneeling below, "First Men, descendant of Rick, I accept your allegiance."
[Rick·Snow, early thirties, the North illegitimate son, Vale Sea Mercenary Company leader, Petyr's "gift"]
With that said, Gryn stood up from the chair and strolled towards Rick.
Tread... Gryn stood in front of Rick, looked down for a while, choked, and pulled out his sword.
Gryn stared at Rick, who had his head lowered and remained motionless, and slightly tapped his chin.
Rick felt the cold sword on his right shoulder, and a drop of cold sweat slid down his forehead. He felt like a Trout waiting to be slaughtered.
He had no chance of survival... Rick didn't even dare to move.
In a moment, the back of sea mercenary Rick was covered with fine cold sweat.
"Rick·Snow, I hope that the next time I draw my sword it will be for my Sea Knights."
Hearing this, Rick couldn't help but raise his head and looked at the owner of the voice.
Rick suppressed the turmoil in his heart, held the long sword on his shoulder, and spoke in an excited tone, as if he was shouting, "Lord Gryn, I will always be at your disposal, and I swear to New and Old Gods that I will remain loyal until death."
Gryn took back his sword, glanced at the excited Rick, turned around and went up the steps, and sat down on the lord's wooden chair again.
Gryn lowered his eyes and stared at Rick without speaking again.
Under the gaze of Gryn, Rick calmed down his excitement and lowered his head anxiously.
Gryn then said, "Rick, I order you to recruit sailors at Mermaid Harbor, enough sailors for three ships to sail across the ocean."
"I obey your orders, my lord!"
"Get up, Rick."
Gryn's gentle tone at this moment made Rick's heart flutter, and his expression became more respectful after he stood up.
Gryn looked at Foley who was standing aside, and said, "Captain Foley, help me settle Rick's family."
Before Foley could reply, Rick's eyes trembled slightly and he said first, "Sir, thank you for your kindness!"
Gryn glanced at Rick, showing a look of satisfaction. "Rick, Crabb is the descendant of First Men, you will have a new life, go on."
Rick nodded and left Lord's Hall with Foley.
After the two left, Gryn tapped the armrest of the chair with his slender fingers.
He was thinking about his cousin whom he met yesterday, Lyanna·Crabb.
Lyanna has given up the inheritance rights of Crabb, and Gryn needs to make corresponding arrangements.
Lyanna has already married once for the benefit of the family. Now whether she is beautiful alone or looking for true love, Gryn has no intention of intervening in Lyanna's emotional choices.
Will you meet a bad person again? Please Whispers of the Crypt... and Whispers will always be Lyanna's home. As long as Gryn is still there, Lady Lyanna's treatment will always exist and he will always be protected by Gryn.
Therefore, as long as Gryn is still around, the people who should worry are the people who are attracted by Lyanna·Crabb.
A week later, after Gryn inspected New-Style Farmstead of Crabb's Lands, he and the retainer knight Mason·Baker came to the Whispers, which was once the home of Crabb.
The Whispers is an abandoned castle overgrown with weeds. The castle is made of ancient rocks without mortar and stands on the top of the cliff.
Thick moss grew between the cracks in the rocks, trees sprouted from beneath the foundations, the walls on the cliffside collapsed, and clusters of poisonous red vines sprouted from the piles of rocks.
Fifty feet below, waves poured into a dilapidated old lighthouse, and behind the tower was the entrance to a large cave.
The sea water has eroded holes under the cliff. When the waves pass through the underground holes and passages, they will make a rumbling sound. This is where the name the Whispers comes from.
There is another legendary version of the origin of the name the Whispers. It is said that the legendary heroes Crackclaw Point Clarence Crabb·Crabb were eight feet tall and strong enough to pull up a pine tree with one hand and throw it half a mile. No horse could bear his weight, so he could only ride a bison.
Clarence Crabb's wife is a forest witch. Every time he kills a person, he will bring the head home and ask his forest witch wife to kiss the head's lips to revive it. These people are lords, wizards, knights, and pirates, and one of them is the king of Duskendale.
After resurrection, because they only have heads, they cannot speak too loudly. They never shut up in order to pass the time, so Crabb's home fort is called the Whispers.
Gryn stared at the ruins of Ancestral Keep for a while, then said, "Mason, I plan to repair Ancestral Keep."
Mason, as a descendant of Crabb's previous retainer knights, was naturally very happy after hearing Gryn's words.
Mason grew up in the Whispers and has a special affection for this place.
In Mason's memory, the Whispers at that time was at best a semi-ruin... Yes, it seems that the ancestors of Crabb never cared about the living environment, as long as they could accommodate people, they were truly Half-Wildling nobles.
After Usurper's War, as Lady Crabb (Gryn's mother) moved westward with the remaining tribesmen (now Whispers), more than ten years later, Crabb Ancestral Keep was completely in ruins.
"Loyal knight Mason, I plan to leave this matter to you."
Mason caressed his chest and nodded to Gryn: "My lord, it is a great honor for you to entrust Crabb Ancestral Keep with the important task of reconstruction!"
Gryn nodded slightly.
Repairing Ancestral Keep is a sign that Gryn has completed the recovery of Crabb's Lands.
Crabb's Eastward Expansion is already in the final stage. The Whispers is not only a symbol of House Crabb's dominance, but also related to House Crabb's title.
After Ancestral Keep completes the repair, Gryn plans to change the name of Whispers. What should it be called... How about changing it to Blue Keep? Is it a distant echo of Red Keep of King's Landing?
Before the separation, Gryn appointed Mason·Baker as the commander of the "Garrison Legion" corps. From the name of the Garrison Legion, we can know the responsibilities. Mason will be responsible for the general defense of Crabb Territory.
We separated Mason and Gryn without stopping and inspected the current locations of Survey Corps and Thorn Legion.
Survey Corps, Pell·Pili and Thorn Legion Commander received the same order after seeing Gryn, recommending Trierarch.
Gryn The main purpose of establishing Trierarch is to further strengthen the control of the corps, and the ultimate purpose is to act like an arm.
The lowest-ranking officer of the Crabb Legion is Decurion, and the one above him is Centurion.
The newly established Trierarch is higher than Decurion and lower than Centurion.
After the Trierarch is established, the officers under one Centurion are generally one directly subordinate Decurion, three Trierarch, and nine Decurion, that is, under each Trierarch, there are three Decurion.
As for the name Trierarch...Gryn was worried about making a scene, so he didn't name it Platoon Leader.
The commander of the corps of the Crabb Legion is equivalent to a commander of a thousand in terms of scale. After the selection of each corps Trierarch is completed, Gryn will set up the superior level to select Centurion - Tricenturion.
Starting next year (Westerosi Calendar 298), every year Gryn will hold a banquet for officers at all levels.
For example, Decurion banquet.
At that time, Crabb Legion and all Decurion will gather together to participate in the banquet hosted by Gryn himself.
By analogy, there are Trierarch banquet, Centurion banquet, Tricenturion banquet, etc. Gryn will be held once every year, just like Crabb Territory's annual festival.
These are just one of the means by which Gryn controls military power. No matter how big Crabb Legion becomes in the future, Gryn will be firmly in its hands, starting from now on.
When Gryn returns to Mermaid Harbor, it will be exactly one month since he last left.
Mermaid Harbor, Small Council Chamber.
Gryn looked at the changed Dick and nodded secretly.
Dick is still very thin, but when he stands he has a straight waist and behaves like a nobleman.
The eyes... still like to wander around, but they are much better than before, and people will not mistake them for a thief at first glance.
Gryn will not force 100 points, 60 points is a pass, and now Dick with more than 70 points is enough for Gryn.
Ahem, Lord Gryn has always been strict with himself and lenient towards others.
Gryn looked at Julia, who had completely transformed into a noble lady, with a look of satisfaction.
"Sit down, Dick, Julia."
Gryn's gentle voice made Dick and Julia's hearts tremble at the same time.
Perhaps, Gryn's cold face would make their brother and sister feel more at ease.
Gryn smiled and said, "Sit down... sit down!"
Julia was a little better, Dick shook immediately and then they all sat down.
After a pause, Gryn said, "Dick and Julia, I have never treated you as outsiders. You have always been my tribesmen. But... even if you are tribesmen, you should be punished if you make mistakes."
The smile on Dick's face suddenly stiffened and he nodded tremblingly.
Gryn said to Julia, "Julia, you will get a manor from Crackclaw Point and be protected by Crabb."
Julia seemed to be confirming whether he heard correctly, with a look of disbelief on his face.
She thought Gryn dressed her up as a noble lady just to...Julia's mood was complicated, and she didn't know what to feel for a moment.
Julia stood up and nodded towards Gryn: "Lord Gryn, thank you for your kindness. I will always remember your kindness."
Gryn smiled and nodded, looking at Dick who looked happy.
Feeling Gryn's gaze, Dick immediately stopped smiling.
"Dick·Waters, your sister is going to get married. Whether Julia can maintain a superior life depends on you."
Dick stopped Julia who wanted to speak, stared at his sister and nodded.
Dick gritted his teeth and said, "Sir Gryn, please give me your orders. I am confident that I can complete the task."
Dick has a certain degree of confidence in his ability to kill chickens, and... for Julia, he is willing to risk his life. As long as his sister can continue to live a good life, he is not afraid of sacrifice.
Gryn looked at Dick and Julia looking like they were about to leave, and nodded secretly.
"Dick, you are my tribe. I will not put your life in danger or arrange dangerous tasks such as killing people. If possible, I hope you live well and have a castle of your own."
After a pause, Gryn continued, "When you complete the task and reunite as brothers and sisters, you will not only get my reward, but I will also let you legally own the surname Crabb.
Julia, who is a legitimate child, will find a husband who satisfies her, will become the mistress of a certain territory, love her husband, and raise their children together.
And you, Dick, you will have your own territory and castle, and your legitimate son will become your Lawful Heir."
Why did the surprise come so suddenly? Dick's eyes turned red and he said, "Master Gryn, I..."
Dick couldn't speak anymore, and wiped the tears from the corners of his eyes fiercely... I couldn't shed tears, it was too embarrassing!
Gryn came over and patted Dick on the arm. "It concerns the future of the family. A strong Crabb is your foundation. Work hard for the strength of the family, and the family will also protect you. Dick, for your sister and for yourself, complete my mission well."
The North, Winterfell.
Winterfell is located in the center of the northern area of Seven Kingdoms, and Kingsroad connects it with King's Landing and the Wall.
Winterfell is a huge castle covering several acres, including two thick walls and a village located at the door.
Winterfell itself is built around an ancient Godswood and a hot spring. The steaming hot water is transported between the walls through pipes, flowing through the high walls like blood in the human body to warm each room, making Winterfell more comfortable than other castles in the harsh the North winter.
Of all the rooms in Winterfell's main castle, Catelyn's bedroom is the hottest, so much so that there is rarely a need to light a fire in the fireplace for warmth.
[Catelyn·Tully is the wife of Eddard·Lord Stark and the eldest daughter of Riverlands's Riverrun Duke Hoster·Tully.]
Eddard·Stark could never stand the heat. He said that people in House Stark were born to be around the world of ice and snow. Catelyn smiled and replied: If this is true, then their castle was built in the wrong place.
[Eddard·Stark is the head of House Stark, Duke Winterfell, Warden of the North, nickname Ned]
Eddard·Stark, who had finished sleeping with his wife, got up from the bed, opened the heavy brocade curtain, opened a narrow window, and the chill of the night suddenly poured into the bedroom.
The 35-year-old Eddard has a burly build and always has a serious look on his face. He has a House Stark long face, dark brown hair, gray eyes, and a neatly trimmed beard that has begun to turn gray.
Catelyn pulled the warm fur and covered it to her chin, looking at her husband silently. She was still in a little pain, but it was a pain that felt good.
Catelyn has auburn hair and blue eyes. Although she has given birth to five children in her thirties, she is still beautiful.
"Catelyn, I received a letter from Robert a few days ago. He said that Jon's physical condition is very bad and asked me to come to King's Landing to share Hand of the King's government affairs."
Hearing this, Catelyn sat up from the bed and said angrily, "Lord Arryn? Is it serious? My poor sister, Ned, you should have told me this kind of thing earlier!"
"Sorry, Catelyn, I always feel uneasy and don't want you to worry with me."
Catelyn snorted softly and said, "The lone wolf dies, but the pack of wolves survives."
Eddard shook his head and said, "I can't say anything better than the Tully family."
Catelyn glanced at Eddard and said comfortingly, "Pycelle Grand Maester has great medical skills, so don't worry too much."
After a pause, Catelyn suddenly said, "Robert The king actually asked you to go to King's Landing. Then... could it be that you are already terminally ill?"
Eddard nodded and said, "I am also worried about this, but I don't think it is the case. I understand Robert. If this is the case, he will write it down."
Catelyn was relieved. What she was most worried about was Lysa and Lysa's youngest son.
"Ned, what do you want to do?"
After thinking for a while, Eddard said, "Winter is Coming, my home is here, and my responsibility is in the north."
At this time, Catelyn was worried and hesitant. "He doesn't care about this. He is the king now, and the king cannot be treated like an ordinary person. If you reject him, he will definitely wonder why, and then he will doubt whether you are hiding your heart because of this matter. Can't you see the danger that may bring to us after rejecting?"
Lord Eddard shook his head and said firmly, "Robert will never do anything bad to me. He loves me more than his own brother. If I refuse, he will fly into a rage and curse endlessly, but after a while he will sneer at it. That's the way he is!"
Catelyn disagreed. She felt that Eddard was sometimes too naive and advised, "That was him in the past. The current king has become a stranger to you."
Eddard's tone was sad. "My father only went to the south once in his life, and he never came back."
King's Landing will always be a painful memory for Lord Eddard. His father and brother both died there.
Catelyn Regardless of the fur quilt slipping off his body, he reached out to his husband who looked sad.
"Ned..."
Lord Eddard came over and held his wife's slender fingers in his big hands.
"What are you going to do about it?"
Eddard patted Catelyn's hand and said, "Tomorrow morning, I will ask Maester Luwin to arrange the messenger. I want to contact Renly to understand the situation first and then make a decision."
I don't know why, Catelyn suddenly felt scared and hugged her husband deeply.