Chapter 572: The Power of Faith

The power of the Old Gods is closely related to the number of people who have faith in them and the Weirwood trees.

Howland Reed subsequently invited Viserys to sit on the ground with him. They sat down on the earth together, with Viserys showing no hesitation or concern about getting dirty. The two engaged in deep conversation.

Howland revealed more secrets of the Weirwood trees. He was well aware of the power of the Old Gods within Viserys. The Crannogmen, it seems, have an affinity for the Old Gods' power that is not inferior to the Children of the Forest. They are among the oldest races in Westeros, having always lived in the marshlands.

Howland believed that the waning power of the Old Gods was due to the decreasing number of people worshiping the Weirwood trees. The large-scale felling of these trees also impacted the manifestation of the Old Gods' power. Even crossing the Narrow Sea has become a tremendous challenge, let alone influencing the entire world.

In the past, the Children of the Forest could pray to the Weirwood trees and unleash powerful magic, like severing the Arm of Dorne to prevent the First Men from crossing the sea. But now, even using magic to kill a single individual seemed challenging.

According to Howland's analysis, a new perspective emerged, contrasting that of the Children of the Forest. He believed that Viserys's existence wasn't entirely of the Old Gods or the Greenseers. Instead, he stood between them, a common man who held the power of the Old Gods. However, after another glance at Viserys, Howland mused that perhaps "common" was not the right word.

The leader of the Crannogmen appeared conflicted. While he prayed to the Heart Tree, he could no longer sense its presence. Yet, the person before him undeniably held the power of the Old Gods.

The two continued their conversation. Howland sought insights about the changes in the world, especially after learning that humanity had defeated the White Walkers and that the Targaryen army had unified the Six Kingdoms. He was astounded, as during his 'hanging', Robert Baratheon was still king. However, now Robert was imprisoned.

He then inquired about the whereabouts of his children, Meera and Jojen Reed. Viserys, however, merely shook his head. He had never paid attention to where Meera and Jojen had gone and had never met them. Yet, it was likely they weren't killed in the Allied forces, given their youth. They might still be with their people.

Viserys then humbly asked Howland some questions regarding the Old Gods, the Greenseers, and the Children of the Forest.

Howland's assertion that the power of the Old Gods stems from the Weirwood trees and the number of their worshippers intrigued Viserys. He had hit a bottleneck in his own journey and was looking for ways to break through.

Viserys mused about the power of faith. How does it actually work? Although he was just beginning to explore this realm, through his conversation with the mysterious leader of the Crannogmen, Viserys seemed to gain some understanding.

It appeared that these deities heavily relied on the power of faith but could not easily interfere with the human world. Perhaps they could only offer hints when receiving prayers or at a great cost.

Could this be why the Old Gods did nothing when the First Men extensively chopped down the Weirwood trees?

Viserys, the silver-haired youth, pondered while sitting on the ground.

However, if this was indeed the case, then humans, in some sense, held considerable power over these deities.

Especially human kings, as they could decide which deities their subjects worshiped.

Was this why the Lord of Light reached out to Viserys in the first place?

Though Viserys was powerful, even more so than most in this world, he still had much to learn in certain domains. For instance, he was mortal. If someone were to bury him deep underground or throw him into the vast ocean without any land in sight, he could die.

Of course, all this assumed he was captured, unconscious, and that Baelorion was not by his side.

"So, how do you wish to deal with him?"

Howland then brought up his old friend, Eddard Stark. He wanted to plead for Eddard's mercy but was unsure how to approach the topic. After all, Eddard had once led a rebellion against the Iron Throne. Yet, this was in response to Viserys's father, the Mad King, burning Eddard's father and brother.

"You wish to plead for Eddard?"

Viserys, lost in thought about earlier discussions, looked up to respond. Howland nodded cautiously.

"He's a good man."

"There are many good men in this world."

Viserys replied with a shake of his head.

"He's my close friend."

Howland quickly added, and Viserys, studying his face, nodded, sharing the truth with him.

"Eddard might have a chance to survive. But that would also depend on his choices."

As the sun set, casting a dim light, Viserys prepared to depart. He asked if Howland needed a ride out of the Neck. However, the leader of the Crannogmen declined, expressing that the Neck, though perilous for outsiders, was like home to the Crannogmen.

Having come back to life and not turned into a Weirwood tree, Howland had matters to attend to in Greywater Watch. He assured Viserys that he would arrive in King's Landing before the trial, representing the Crannogmen at this grand event, swearing fealty to the king, and looking for his children.