Dragonstone

Night fell over the land like an immense sheet of black silk, with twinkling stars scattered across the boundless heavens like dazzling gemstones.

On the vast open ground outside Whispers, bonfires spread like fallen stars. Their blazing, dancing flames intertwined, like a brilliant and magnificent bridge between earth and sky.

Beside every bonfire, whole fat sheep turned on enormous spits. Golden grease dripped continuously into the flames with a sizzling sound, while the aroma of roasted meat filled the air.

The long tables nearby were laden with fresh fruit, steaming bread, and all manner of delicious dishes.

Barrel after barrel of fine wine was opened in turn, and its fragrance instantly spread through the air.

Dressed in golden armor and a blue cloak, Gryn slowly passed through the Crabb warriors, surrounded by his household knights and personal guards.

With his exceptional memory, Lord Gryn nodded to every warrior whose gaze met his and called each of them by name.

When the chief spoke his name, a warrior built like a black bear welled up with tears. With a bang, he slammed his right fist against his chest and roared excitedly, "I will fight for you forever, until death!"

Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang!

The fists of Crackclaw Point began to spread, the sounds growing denser and denser until they soon filled the entire grounds.

Amid the warriors' contorted faces and howls, Gryn climbed the raised platform one step at a time.

At the signal of the household knight and commander of the Garrison Legion, Ser Mason Baker, several soldiers on the platform immediately blew their horns.

Wooo—Wooo—Wooo—

As the horns sounded, the Crabb warriors gradually quieted and looked up at the platform in unison.

Gryn raised his cup and called out, "My loyal and fearless warriors—"

His steady, powerful voice echoed