Chapter 634: Migration of Populace

The sudden golden shimmer over the Red Keep was certainly hard to conceal. That night, many witnessed this spectacle, lasting for almost a quarter of an hour.

Subsequently, this event became the talk of the town for King's Landing's residents. Some claimed that a treasure left by the Conqueror had been found beneath the Red Keep, suggesting that whoever possesses it could control dragons. Others believed it was a manifestation of the Seven Gods, drawing parallels to the legendary tale of the coronation of a past king on the shores of the Narrow Sea.

Rumors of Viserys's impending coronation once again rose to prominence amidst these tales.

However, this miraculous event was more localized than the previous appearance of the Red Comet in the sky, only witnessed in King's Landing and the Blackwater Bay. Many merchants who visited King's Landing saw it firsthand, and with time, word spread.

The golden spectacle emerged from behind the Red Keep on Aegon's High Hill, and all the gossip inevitably pointed to Viserys.

There were old whispers in King's Landing about the King possessing magical powers. These rumors ran rampant, and spies from various factions sent this information to their masters. Amidst these tales, Viserys's image became even more enigmatic.

Those with ulterior motives would instinctively lower their voices when mentioning his name, even looking towards the southeast, fearing that he might magically overhear them from the distant Aegon's High Hill.

Yet, Viserys did not possess such powers, and even if he did, he wouldn't bother monitoring an entire city. Solving problems as they arose was more his style.

The recent 'miracle' caused quite a stir in King's Landing. Up close, the Unsullied, palace maids, attendants, and the council of the Iron Throne 'witnessed' the event.

The source of the golden light was indeed Viserys. There were no gods involved, just their king, deep in the godswood, stirring up this phenomenon and commanding the Unsullied to seal off the vicinity.

The council of the Iron Throne remained tight-lipped, not daring to speak much about it. Those closest to Viserys felt an even more profound awe.

The first Unsullied to enter the godswood must have seen something, but their tight lips revealed nothing.

Hence, this 'miracle' became taboo among King's Landing's elite.

"The Night's Watch has bypassed Carlin Bay, reclaiming White Harbor."

"They're splitting forces, with one heading to Wildling Camp and the other to Howood City."

"It seems there's intent to sail up the White Knife River to Sevan City and Winterfell."

"That's risky."

"Yes, Your Grace."

"So, they probably abandoned that plan and are advancing cautiously."

Inside the council chamber of the Red Keep, the king and his council discussed the northern war. Yet, few noticed a new statue of a horned woman with an obscured face.

The war to reclaim the North proceeded systematically. The White Walkers, as anticipated, didn't resist fiercely but vanished, leaving behind sparse armies of the dead, which, though ferocious in groups, now posed little threat.

The Night's Watch steadily moved north.

"What of the Three Sisters?"

Viserys, looking at the map, remembered the islands.

"Forgive me, Your Grace," Varys hesitated before explaining, "The Three Sisters have been deserted."

"Why? Were they attacked by White Walkers?"

Viserys was taken aback, but Varys shook his head.

"No, Your Grace. It's not like the Iron Islands, where White Walkers sailed to attack."

The impact of White Harbor's fall led the islanders to flee. There were many reasons: fear, dread, and the fact that the entire North had turned into a hellish landscape, causing trade to cease, cutting off the Three Sisters' supplies. Without warmth, fuel, candles, and food, the islanders left for survival.

These were concerns overlooked by the lords, but were real issues for the common folk.

"Lord Triston Sunderland of the Three Sisters had sought allegiance with Lord Baelish for help, hoping for refugees to repopulate the islands. However, Petyr Baelish seems to have plans of his own."

The council members chuckled.

"Euron Greyjoy of the Iron Islands also requested settlers from the Westerlands but was denied by Miss Toyn of Casterly Rock. Not every place is like King's Landing, where population equals wealth, Your Grace."

Varys's spies were everywhere, even in the Free Cities. Perhaps the presence of Ramsay Snow had made the Spider more cautious.