Chapter 467: The Sea Monster’s Daughter

"How many eyes does the Bloodraven have?

A thousand eyes, plus one."

This song, A Thousand and One Eyes, had been sung across the Seven Kingdoms since the reign of King Aegon IV. It described none other than Brynden Rivers, the infamous Bloodraven.

Brynden Rivers, a legendary figure from over a century ago, was the illegitimate son of King Aegon IV, known as Aegon the Unworthy, and his mistress Melissa Blackwood.

He was one of Aegon IV's legitimized bastards, referred to as the Great Bastards.

Once a member of the Small Council, Brynden oversaw the realm's intelligence and was said to have spies and informants scattered across Westeros. The phrase "a thousand eyes, plus one" originated from this reputation.

Even Varys, the so-called "Spider" of King's Landing, would pale in comparison to the power and influence of the Bloodraven in his time.

On the eve of the Blackfyre Rebellion, it was Brynden Rivers who uncovered Daemon Blackfyre's plans and informed King Daeron II, leading to the issuance of arrest warrants and the eruption of the rebellion.

In the battle to suppress the rebellion, it was Brynden who personally killed Daemon Blackfyre, his half-brother and the rebellion's leader.

Brynden played a key role in crushing the Second and Third Blackfyre Rebellions as well.

He served as Hand of the King under King Aerys I and King Maekar I. After Maekar's death, with no clear heir to the throne, Brynden presided over the Great Council that ultimately crowned Aegon V.

However, Brynden's ruthless methods in suppressing the Blackfyre Rebellions, coupled with his use of deceit and underhanded tactics, eventually led to his downfall. Aegon V, citing kin-slaying and broken oaths, imprisoned Brynden Rivers.

Despite his crimes, Aegon V dared not execute the Bloodraven. Instead, he exiled him to the Wall.

Brynden later became Lord Commander of the Night's Watch, only to vanish mysteriously during a ranging expedition beyond the Wall.

Most people in Westeros had long since forgotten the once-formidable Bloodraven. The contemporaries of his time had turned to dust, the Targaryen dynasty had fallen, and even the Baratheon reign was nearing its end. Yet somehow, Brynden Rivers still lived.

By now, the Bloodraven was nearly 130 years old.

This was far beyond the natural lifespan of any ordinary human.

Samwell gazed at the figure before him, an old man so intertwined with the weirwood roots that it was hard to tell where the tree ended. Samwell's wandered in his heart: Could this man still even be considered human?

"Your Grace, winter is coming," Brynden Rivers spoke again, his voice dry and ancient. "You must lead the armies of the Seven Kingdoms north to reinforce the Wall. The White Walkers are coming, and their terror far surpasses anything Euron Greyjoy could conjure. Humanity's only hope lies in unity, sacrifice, and prayer to the gods."

"I will do everything in my power to stop this disaster," Samwell replied calmly. "If there's nothing else, I will take my leave."

"Very well."

Samwell had expected Brynden to mention the blood-red Raven's Eye again, but the old man remained silent on the matter.

Samwell glanced at Bran Stark, sitting nearby in a daze. A faint sigh escaped his lips.

The Stark boy has no idea what he's truly facing.

His fall, his dreams, and his destiny felt too meticulously orchestrated to be coincidental.

The puppet master behind it all needed no introduction.

Samwell felt a deep wariness toward the Three-Eyed Raven.

This unease stemmed not only from Euron's dying warning but also from Samwell's knowledge of the Old Gods' influence over the Three-Eyed Raven.

He had long since lost faith in gods of any kind.

The Three-Eyed Raven's sudden involvement in Samwell's battle against Euron, while helpful, reeked of ulterior motives.

Moreover, Brynden Rivers had an infamous vendetta against the Blackfyre lineage.

Though Samwell had never publicly acknowledged being a Blackfyre descendant, rumors of his lineage had spread far and wide in Westeros. It was likely that Brynden Rivers believed them as well.

Given these circumstances, Samwell knew he had to remain vigilant.

He certainly wasn't going to hand over the blood-red Raven's Eye so easily.

The scene around him began to dissolve, melting into green smoke that dissipated into the air.

Samwell's consciousness returned to reality.

As he prepared to leave for King's Landing, he noticed a longship drifting unsteadily toward the shore.

Its sails were torn, but the remnants of a golden kraken sigil were still visible.

Samwell's curiosity was piqued. He could hardly believe anyone had survived the storm and the undead horde.

He approached cautiously.

"I surrender, Your Grace!"

The voice was raspy but unmistakably feminine.

Samwell looked up and saw a slender, short-haired girl standing at the bow of the ship. She wasn't stunningly beautiful but carried a certain rugged charm. Her smile was disarmingly bold.

"Who are you?"

"Asha Greyjoy, eldest daughter of Balon Greyjoy, King of the Iron Islands."

"I've heard of you." Samwell watched as the girl guided her longship to the shore.

There were three others aboard: a red-bearded man, a hulking figure wielding a large axe, and—

"Lucas?" Samwell exclaimed in surprise, recognizing his fleet commander lying on the deck.

"Your Majesty…" Lucas Dayne struggled to rise, his face filled with shame. "I've failed you…"

"This wasn't your fault," Samwell reassured him with a wave of his hand. Against someone like Euron Greyjoy, even the most formidable fleet was bound to struggle.

"I couldn't protect your ships…"

"The fleet can be rebuilt. What matters is that you're alive."

"Your kindness humbles me, Your Majesty…"

"Yes, our gracious Caesar," Asha interjected with a sly grin. "You'll forgive us too, won't you? It was my uncle Euron who fought against you, not me. I've wanted peace with you for a long time."

As she spoke, the ax-wielding man behind her subtly moved closer to Lucas, clearly ready to strike if Samwell refused.

Samwell chuckled.

"If the Ironborn are willing to submit, I am willing to forgive."

Without hesitation, Asha dropped to one knee and proclaimed loudly:

"I, Asha Greyjoy, daughter of Balon Greyjoy, rightful heir to the Seastone Chair, pledge my undying loyalty to Caesar, King of the Stormlands, before the Drowned God!"

Samwell drew his greatsword and gently tapped her shoulder.

"I accept your fealty."

The Iron Islands, long ravaged by Euron's madness, no longer posed a significant threat to Westeros.

With winter fast approaching, Samwell had no time to deal with them thoroughly. Asha's loyalty was a convenient solution, allowing her to manage the Ironborn on his behalf.

"Gather your people," Samwell ordered. "Have them search Blackwater Bay for survivors of this disaster."

"As you command, Your Grace."

With that, Samwell mounted Cleopatra, carefully lifting the injured Viserion onto the white dragon's back. Together, they took to the skies, heading for King's Landing.

(End of Chapter)