Chapter 738: The Lizard Head Outpost

"How should we proceed?"

"Will you turn into that monster too, Uncle?"

Asha Greyjoy saw the fish scales growing on Victarion's back. Although it was just a small patch, it was almost certain that if no measures were taken, he would eventually transform into that monstrous form.

Asha's words rendered Victarion silent. He had thought of this possibility the moment he felt the itch on his back and touched the scales. He was somewhat in denial, but his niece's words shattered his illusions.

Will I become such a creature?

Victarion remembered the night when the half-man, half-fish creature lunged at him. He clenched his fist, closed his eyes, and spoke in a raspy voice.

"No, I won't."

"If that day ever comes, I'll choose to leave or end it myself."

While Victarion didn't have the honor of Eddard Stark or Jon Connington, he had his own principles.

On the battlefield, he was a calm commander and a brave warrior. Off the battlefield, he often respected his enemies.

If he ever turned into such a monster, Victarion's preferred way out would be to jump into the sea and let the Drowned God take him. However, based on what he knew about the creature, this might not be a feasible solution.

"It's slowly consuming and changing my body."

As Victarion spoke, he saw the sorrow on Asha's face, which made him frown.

"Don't mourn for me yet!"

"I won't die that easily..."

Victarion clenched his fist. Apart from fainting recently, he felt fine.

"The great Drowned God will protect me. I can still resist this feeling."

The change wasn't too intense, and Victarion believed he could resist it for a while. Maybe he could find a cure and survive. If not, the worst outcome would be death.

As a warrior, he was always prepared to die in battle. He never thought he would succumb to an unknown virus or curse.

Asha, with her black hair, calmed down after hearing her uncle's words. The creature that attacked them was once human? Thinking of its ability to speak, Asha shivered. She couldn't bear the thought of losing one of the few trustworthy relatives she had, nor could she accept that Victarion might end up like that creature.

Asha wanted to ask if the red-robed priests might have a cure since they knew how to deal with the creatures. But recalling how they burned the creature alive, she hesitated. Victarion thought of the same scene, shook his head, and said in a low voice,

"If I fall into their hands, I might share the same fate."

"I don't want to be burned alive like that creature. It's not a death befitting an Ironborn."

The red-robed priests were extreme in their beliefs. In their eyes, the world was black and white. They would do anything to achieve their goals, even if it meant breaking the law or moral codes. Everything was justified in the name of their god.

Victarion, cursed as he was, might be burned without a second thought. He wasn't ready to walk into their trap.

"I still have a few years left. Let's wait and see."

Victarion added in a low voice.

Asha Greyjoy didn't find any gold mines on the Golden Peninsula, but she didn't give up. She was sure she was right.

So, the commander of the Imperial Fleet ordered the establishment of a small outpost on the Lizard Head islands, north of the Golden Peninsula. They left 200 soldiers and ships.

The island of Zhaler was not far from the island of Nas. If there were no suitable islands near Nas for the army to station, they might come back.

Zhaler Island lacked freshwater resources, relying mainly on the Red Flower Valley and Sweet Lily Valley rivers. The Golden Peninsula had no tribes because of the lack of freshwater.

However, this wasn't a big issue. Many in the Imperial Fleet, who once followed King Balon Greyjoy of the Iron Islands, knew how to find groundwater by digging wells.

With the help of experienced Ironborn, they found suitable places to dig wells and extracted groundwater. Although not abundant, it was enough for the 200 people in the temporary outpost.

The Imperial Fleet set up a temporary outpost on the Lizard Head islands, building walls, wooden houses, and tents. They raised the banner of the Valyrian Empire's three-headed dragon, declaring temporary sovereignty. Any outsiders landing on the island would face retaliation from the Imperial soldiers.

The Lizard Head islands, although not on Zhaler Island, were very close to the Golden Peninsula and could be seen from the coast.

The only presence on the islands was the Imperial Fleet's temporary outpost.

The chief of the Red Flower Valley tribe was initially concerned about the outsiders' intentions. But when he learned they only left 200 people on the Lizard Head islands, he relaxed.

After all, 200 people weren't a threat. He also hoped to use the name of the Imperial Fleet to deter his enemies in the Sweet Lily Valley tribe, who had the upper hand.

So, the chief of the Red Flower Valley tribe chose to turn a blind eye to the Imperial Fleet's encampment.

A few days later, a thousand golden heartwood bows were delivered in exchange for some supplies from the fleet. Asha left her uncle Victarion as the commander of the Lizard Head outpost, while she led the army to Nas Island.