Assel Floren's sword blade struck Corleone's neck.
This strike was unreserved. Judging from his more than 30 years of experience in knight training, this sword would never fail against an unarmed and unarmored ordinary person!
Longsword roared in, Axell seemed to have seen the tip of the sword sink into the flesh and heard the sound of the heretic wailing and falling to the ground.
Faced with this sudden change, Stannis leaned forward slightly and tightened his grip on the armrest.
Reason told him that Corleone couldn't die like this, at least not before he solved the siege of Storm's End for himself. What's more, executing a person for no reason was not in line with the justice he had always insisted on.
But on the other hand, I don't know since when, he has become accustomed to relying on Melisandre's prophecies and Magic, and is accustomed to using fire to purify everything!
Stannis sat on the chair and wanted to speak out, but his throat felt tight for a moment and he could not stop drinking immediately.
And just this moment of hesitation was long enough for Axell, who was skilled in martial arts. It was almost long enough for him to kill guys like Corleone several times.
At the same time, Corleone's eyes were firmly fixed on Stannis.
The King of Dragonstone didn't move.
There is no stopping, or there is no obvious tendency to stop.
Ha...
I have been talking to you for so long, and now you are going to let your men kill me just for the sake of a hollow so-called word?
You really think I'm easy to bully, don't you?
You have such soft ears. You deserve it. When Stannis raised an army, everyone would rather follow Renly than follow you. You deserve it that you will never be able to sit on the Iron Throne!
With this thought, Corleone locked his eyes on Axell who was slashing towards him Longsword.
He didn't try to dodge completely. At such a close distance, facing the knight who was attacking with all his strength, it was almost impossible.
Corleone just took a step to the side and back, then twisted his body slightly and turned his head, so that the tip of the sword that was supposed to hit the neck brushed the skin on the side of the neck.
However, Assel's inevitable sword failed, and his body rushed forward due to inertia, revealing a very brief flaw.
At this moment, Corleone moved.
He did not retreat, but faced the opponent's forward momentum, twisted his body with his left foot, and kicked hard on the joint behind the knee of Assel's left leg with his right foot!
"Uh!" Assel groaned, and his left leg went limp uncontrollably. He threw himself forward and knelt down, hitting one knee heavily on the stone floor, making a dull impact.
For Corleone, long before the duel with the Magic Mountain, he spent ten thousand Gold Dragon to defeat [Basic Swordsmanship]
Promoted to Lv4.
During the battle with the Magic Mountain, he also roughly understood the level of his current swordsmanship.
He should probably be a little stronger than before James lost his right hand. If he assists [Insight Iv3][Surgery lv3][Dignity Iv3], he may be able to reach a higher level.
However, it is not known whether he can achieve the feat of taking the enemy general's head from ten thousand troops like Barristan Selmy.
After all, it was the right time, right place, and right people, and neither one of them could be missing. Even if you let Barristan go back to the battle of the Nine Copper Penny Kings, and let him do it all over again, I'm afraid he himself wouldn't be sure.
But it is completely enough to deal with a mere Axell Floren!
The only question now is, where to get a sword?
The answer is right in front of you!
Axell knelt down on one knee uncontrollably. His sword was still in his hand, but his posture was messed up.
At the same time, Corleone's right hand quickly penetrated under the sword-holding arm of Assel, his thumb pressed against the back of the opponent's hand, and four fingers clasped the acupuncture point on the inside of his wrist and squeezed hard!
At the same time, make a fist with your left hand and punch the outside of the opponent's elbow joint hard!
Bang!
Assel felt a sharp pain in his right hand accompanied by a sore numbness, and his fingers involuntarily let go of the sword hilt.
When I came back to my senses, the fine steel Longsword had changed hands.
Everything happened in a blink of an eye, from Assel drawing his sword and thrusting, to him kneeling down and missing the sword, it only took two or three breaths.
Corleone grabbed the sword in his hand without any pause.
He didn't even adjust the posture of holding the sword. He just relied on the inertia of his body's forward pressure when grabbing the sword. The tip of the sword pointed downwards and stabbed hard towards the left side of the neck of Assel who was kneeling on the ground!
"Pfft!"
The sharp blade penetrated flesh and blood, split tendons, and finally pierced the carotid artery.
The angle is terrifyingly precise. Under the guidance of [Surgery Iv3]'s professional knowledge, the armor's protection seems to be in vain.
Longsword completely avoids the upper edge of the neck armor and penetrates from the most vulnerable part of the human body. The proficiency of its movements is even as good as that of the most sought-after pig butcher during the Chinese New Year.
"~~~~Yan, his life force was rapidly draining away along with the hot blood spurting out from the side of his neck.
Assel's body stiffened suddenly, his eyes widened instantly, as if he wanted to turn his head to see who had given him the fatal blow, but when he opened his mouth, only blood foam gushed out, and a "ho ho" sound came from his throat.
Immediately afterwards, the fanatical eyes quickly dimmed, and the burly body fell forward and hit the ground. The blood quickly spread under him and mixed with the urine left when his brother Alester was dragged away, indistinguishable from each other.
Quiet.
Deathly silence.
The expressions on the guards' faces froze.
They looked at Assel's corpse on the ground, and then looked at Corleone who was holding a blood-dropping Longsword next to him and looked extremely calm, with no breathing disorder at all. Their minds suddenly went blank.
Who is that?
Assel·Floren Ser, Acting Lord of Dragonstone, theoretically a senior knight whose martial arts can rank among the top five on the island.
He was wearing a full set of armor and took the initiative to kill an unarmed...Emissary?
But for such a trivial matter, in full view of everyone, the opponent snatched the blade with his bare hands and pierced his throat with the sword?
The whole process was clean, efficient and mind-numbingly efficient.
Axell From the beginning to the end, there was not even a chance to resist. Except for shouting "For the Lord of Light" before drawing the sword, he never made any sound.
How cruel!
This is not a duel at all, this is simply a fucking execution!
Rub!!
Bang!!!
After a brief silence, the knights present all pulled out their sword blades and glared at Corleone.
The guard guarding the door seemed to have heard the noise, opened the door and rushed in.
In the blink of an eye, more than ten bright Longsword and long spears were pointed at Corleone from all directions, surrounding him in the center, and roars came one after another.
"Put down your sword, bastard!"
"Kneel down! Now!"
"Damn Lannister lackey, how dare you kill Floren Ser!"
For a time, Corleone suddenly faced the accusations of thousands of people.
However, he turned a blind eye to the swords around him and did not even put up a defensive posture. He just casually hung the bloody Longsword down, pointing the tip of the sword diagonally at the ground, and the blood slid down the sword body and dripped on the stone slab.
He ignored the guards, his eyes passed through their angry and tense faces, and fell directly on Stannis not far away.
The two people's eyes met in the air, and Stannis was surprised to find that this Lannister Emissary not only killed people in front of him, but there was no fear or apology in his eyes.
Those calm, dark eyes seemed to be warning him not to mess around, otherwise I guarantee you will die in front of me!
After a brief warning look, Corleone looked around for a week.
[Dignity Iv3]'s momentum fell on everyone, making them all feel a sense of pure oppression.
"I... am Vito·Corleone!"
He spoke with a loud voice, which for a moment overcame the scoldings of the guards.
"I was taught by Lord Commander of the Kingsguard Jaime Lannister Ser, and I was taught by Rainbow Guard Brienne Tarth!"
"You can go to King's Landing and find out. Just a few days ago, how many pairs of eyes in House of Order watched me beat Gregor Clegane the Mountain, the tallest and strongest monster in the Seven Kingdoms, until he knelt down and begged for mercy, and then cut out his dirty tongue with my own hands!"
As soon as these words came out, several guards couldn't help but exclaimed.
Magic Mountain?
He was defeated and his tongue was cut out?
If this is true...
Corleone saw all the panic in their expressions, and he danced his sword neatly, shaking off the blood from the sword body.
Immediately afterwards, his cold eyes swept over everyone around him, and his voice suddenly rose, full of naked threats. "I'm telling you, boys!"
"Just because you are the cowards who lost the battle and huddled on Dragonstone and had to eat seaweed to survive, even if I don't have any armor, even if you are all wearing this useless iron..."
As he spoke, the tip of his sword flicked past the nearest guards one after another, his eyes as sharp as a knife. "I can chop you all down one by one like cheese on the dining table!"
"If you want to try it, just come!"
A person's name, a tree's shadow.
The corpse of Assel on the ground is still warm, and coupled with the news of the fiasco at Magic Mountain.
The guards looked at each other in confusion. Although the weapons in their hands were pointed at Corleone, no one dared to step forward easily.
But just when the scene was controlled by Corleone.
"Kill him!"
Beside, Melisandre's voice sounded again, more urgent and unquestionable than before.
Everyone turned to look, only to see her eyes locked on Corleone's sword-holding hand, her red eyes full of anxiety.
It's too fast, too neat.
This extraordinary swordsmanship is so similar to the Black Hand knight she saw in the fire vision, who accurately beheaded Stannis on the ice field!
"The enemy of the Lord of Light is good at disguise, and the force he shows is proof that he is a heretic!"
She pointed at Corleone, with strong incitement in her voice. "For Stannis Your Majesty, and for the Lord of Light, I ask you to eliminate this blasphemer immediately!"
"For the Lord of Light!!"
The two young knights, who were already fanatical in their beliefs, were immediately ignited by Melisandre's words.
They looked at each other, roared from left to right, picked up Longsword, and rushed towards Corleone who was surrounded in the center in coordination!
The sword edge cuts through the air, attacking from both sides.
Facing the sword attacks from the two fanatical believers, Corleone instinctively wanted to draw out his sword to resist. However, at this moment, he glanced out of the corner of his eye and the sword he was about to raise was lowered again.
Such behavior made the expressions on the faces of the two young knights become more ferocious and fanatical.
In their opinion, the "blasphemer" in front of them was obviously frightened by the power of the King of Light and their momentum, and stood motionless, so they could only wait to be killed!
Mom, you are right to follow the King of Light!
The King of Light... mighty!
"For the Lord of Light!"
"Death for heretics!"
The holy precept that flame purifies everything echoed in their minds, as if they saw the sacred flame igniting on their swords, completely burning the sinful man in front of them!
They have even begun to imagine that after they cut off the heretic's head, the red-robed priestess would look at them, thereby gaining the king's appreciation, and since then they have become the sword of faith and the darling of the King of Light!
Thinking like this, the two of them felt that their steps were brisker than usual and their strength was endless.
This must be the blessing of the King of Light!
However, when the two of them were only a few steps away from Corleone.
Boom! Boom! Boom!
Rapid and heavy footsteps sounded.
The two knights were stunned by the movement and couldn't help but turn their heads to look.
I saw a strong figure galloping over the long stone table, then jumped into the air and landed directly between them and Corleone!
The hem of the dark gray woolen robe was raised, revealing the simple mail and leather underneath.
The face of the visitor was a little blurred in the rapid movement, but the deep-set dark blue eyes and the iconic flaming crowned stag badge showed his identity.
Stannis·Baratheon!
Their king!
"Your Majesty...
The knight on the left only had time to spit out a vague syllable. Before he could react, he felt a flash of sword light in front of his eyes and a cold feeling in his chest.
He lowered his head and saw a blade without any gorgeous decoration piercing straight through his heart.
The hilt of the sword is in the king's hand.
Stannis had no expression on his face. He didn't even glance at the knight. He twisted his wrist and pulled out Longsword cleanly, bringing out a cloud of hot blood mist.
The light in the knight's eyes quickly went out, and his body fell softly.
The knight on the right was completely stunned, his mind went blank.
He even forgot to attack and just froze in place, watching his companions fall and watching the bloody Longsword king turn towards him.
However, Stannis did not give him any time to react.
While drawing out the sword, he kicked the knight on the right's outside of the knee hard with his left foot. The knight screamed, lost his center of gravity, and fell heavily to the ground. Longsword flew out.
He struggled to get up, but saw that the king had stepped forward, holding the bloody Longsword high and aiming it at his chest.
The shadow of death completely enveloped him.
"Your Majesty! Your Majesty Spare your life!"
The knight was so frightened that he raised his hands in front of him indiscriminately, as if he could block the sword, tears streaming down his face, and the previous enthusiasm was gone. "We all obey the will of the King of Light, want to eliminate heretics, and protect Your Majesty!"
"I'm waiting... I'm waiting to fight to the death, Your Majesty Why...
Stannis looked at him condescendingly. There was no anger in his eyes, but just as bottomless as ever.
He spoke, his voice was not loud, but it reached everyone's ears very clearly. "What are you going to... do to my guest?"
Stannis emphasized the word "guest" very strongly.
According to the general laws of Westeros, anyone who is recognized by the host's house or who eats salt and bread under its roof will enjoy the rights of a guest.
During the subsequent stay as guests, neither party is allowed to harm the other.
Violators will violate sacred laws and are believed to be disallowed by the old and new gods, both in the teachings of the old gods and the Seven.
Now that Stannis has recognized Corleone as a guest, it means that he must ensure his safety on Dragonstone.
And those who take action against Corleone will of course be "justly" executed by the King of Dragonstone!
Before Stannis could finish his words, the Longsword he held high thrust straight down without hesitation!
"No!!!"
The knight waved his arms desperately, trying to block, but in vain.
"Pfft!"
Longsword penetrated the leather armor and penetrated the chest, nailing him firmly to the stone floor.
The knight's body twitched violently several times, and there was a roaring sound in his throat. Finally, he jerked up and became completely motionless.
Blood spread on the ground again.
Dead silence.
It was even worse than when Corleone counter-killed Assel.
All the guards, including those who had been tense just now, froze in place as if they had been petrified.
The weapons in their hands hung down weakly, their eyes widened, looking at their king in disbelief, and then at the two more slightly twitching corpses on the ground.
The king... killed his own guard with his own hands?
Why?
Huge confusion and horror overwhelmed everyone.
Stannis slowly withdrew Longsword, the blade rubbing against the bone with a teeth-piercing sound.
He shook off the blood beads on his sword, then raised his head and looked around.
Wherever his gaze swept across, all the guards subconsciously lowered their heads or looked away, not daring to look at him.
The air seemed to have solidified, leaving only the strong smell of blood and the crackle of burning fire.
"Next time."
Stannis's voice was unquestionable. "Before I give the order, I don't want to see anyone taking action without permission."
"Yes! Your Majesty!"
The guards responded in unison as if they were waking up from a dream.
They quickly sheathed their swords, backed away with their guns, and made some space. Their postures were respectful and they did not dare to offend in the slightest.
The movements were crisp, powerful, and uniform, proving that Stannis's personal bodyguards were by no means a motley crew.
Stannis nodded slightly, seeming satisfied with the re-established order.
Then, his eyes crossed the crowd and rested on Melisandre.
The red-robed priestess stood there. Her face could not be clearly seen in the shadows, but her body was obviously tense.
Stannis's determination to kill just now, and the cold eyes he looked at her at this moment, both sent clear signals.
"Don't forget, woman."
Sure enough, in front of everyone, Stannis warned Melisandre clearly word for word, "I am the king."
This sentence not only reaffirms the royal power, but also reminds the priestess that who has the final say and whose will is the highest law of Dragonstone.
Faith can assist the king, but it can never override it, let alone make life and death decisions for the king.
Melisandre's body trembled slightly, and she looked deeply at Stannis, her eyes were complicated and difficult to understand.
There is shock, confusion, offended sullenness, and perhaps a deeper confusion about prophecy and reality.
But in the end, all her emotions were suppressed by her reason and turned into superficial submission.
"Of course, Your Majesty."
She bowed slightly, her red hair hanging down, covering part of her face.
"Your will is the manifestation of the King of Light's will in the world."
After hearing this, Stannis nodded slightly with satisfaction. In any case, this woman finally recognized the supremacy of the royal power, at least on the surface.
Stannis ignored her, as if the warning was enough.
He turned around and looked at Corleone, who had been standing quietly, like a bystander.
Corleone The sword in his hand has long been lowered, and there is no expression on his face, as if the conflict and bloodshed just now were all an illusion.
"Our business isn't over yet, Vito·Ser Corleone."
Stannis looked at him for a long time before speaking slowly, his voice hoarse than before. "Please go back to the guest room and have a rest. I will send someone to bring clean water and food."
As he spoke, he made a concise gesture to Corleone, telling him to leave.
There was no apology or explanation for the previous conflict. They just let the matter pass very bluntly and directly, blood for blood, tooth for tooth.
Perhaps any lord of the Seven Kingdoms would not handle it this way, not even Ed Stark.
But this is Stannis Baratheon.
In his dictionary, there is no such thing as apologizing or admitting mistakes.
Maybe he was born to be like this, as Stannis himself said, "This is not a question of whether or not. As Robert's heir, the throne is mine. This is the law."
This "just" and "upright" approach may be able to attract many followers.
But unfortunately, for Corleone, it doesn't work.
Perhaps in Stannis's view, he is a born king, and he has the responsibility to save thousands of people. Everything he does is for this the Seven Kingdoms and to maintain the Seven Kingdoms's laws.
But Corleone knew it very well, when he chose to use Magic to assassinate his brother Renly, when he chose to suck the blood of innocent people to fight against a powerful enemy.
The "just" and "upright" Stannis Baratheon has long since ceased to exist.
What's more, he, Vito·Corleone, has always wanted revenge. Even for him, business can sometimes take precedence over personal grudges. But Corleone remembers very clearly that Stannis allowed Axell to attack him.
Just kill two guards by yourself and you want to end this matter?
Haha...
When Stannis loses his due value, he will know that the North is not the only one who has never forgotten.
On the surface, Corleone nodded slightly and seemed to have no objection to Stannis's handling of the matter.
He took the handle from Assel in his hand. Longsword, which was now stained with blood, was still on the ground very casually, and then nodded slightly.
"As you wish, my lord."
Hearing this, Stannis glanced at him and made no further comment.
He just glanced at the blood on the ground, glanced at the shocked guards, and added like a true monarch.
"Carry the body out."
"Enough people have died today."