Chapter 734: Tribal Chieftain

The political landscape of the Summer Isles is peculiar. Despite the archipelago's vast size and considerable population, it has never coalesced into a single nation or ethnic group. Instead, it exists in a state of fragmented rule, much like the petty kingdoms of old.

Islands like Walano, Omboru, and Zalos are dotted with tribes in a primitive state of civilization. Far from united, these tribes are often at war with each other, nursing deep-seated grudges and vendettas.

This tribal structure bears some resemblance to the Dothraki, although the Dothraki have undergone several unifications in their history. Even now, they are united under a formidable Khal named Mengo Kao. Despite their defeat on the Eastern Road, the Dothraki horde remains a force to be reckoned with.

In contrast, the tribes of the Summer Isles have never experienced unification. The largest tribe resides on Walano, boasting the greatest population and overall strength. They also control the island's largest settlement.

Known as Lotus Port, it serves as the de facto capital of the Summer Isles in the eyes of outsiders. However, the locals do not regard Lotus Port as their capital. Instead, it serves as a neutral ground for tribes to trade goods and conduct business, a sanctuary where hostilities are forbidden.

Walano also hosts two other towns, Last Lament and Tall Trees Town, making it the most populous island in the Summer Isles, followed by Zalos and Omboru.

Asha Greyjoy's fleet has docked at Zalos, an island home to two major indigenous tribes: the Red Flower Vale tribe and the Sweet Lotus Vale tribe.

Beneath them are numerous smaller tribes of little consequence, their weakness forcing them to align with one of the major tribes for survival.

These two dominant tribes control the island's primary freshwater valleys, located at opposite ends of Zalos. The Red Flower Vale tribe occupies the eastern part, while the Sweet Lotus Vale tribe is situated in the west.

Asha Greyjoy and her fleet have entered the territory of the Red Flower Vale tribe.

The natives have dark, lustrous skin and speak in an incomprehensible local dialect. They wear brightly colored feathered cloaks, the vibrancy of which indicates their status within the tribe. Lower-ranking warriors are almost naked, adorned only with a single feather in their hair and armed with either a spear or a bow and arrows.

Though the natives were somewhat tense upon seeing the foreign fleet and soldiers, they didn't descend into outright panic. The Summer Isles are not an entirely isolated archipelago; many of its tribes engage in trade with the outside world, and it's not uncommon for ships to pass through.

However, they had never seen a fleet like Asha Greyjoy's—ships of such tonnage, soldiers so disciplined, an aura so commanding.

The warriors of the Red Flower Vale tribe loosely arranged themselves into formations, brandishing their spears and making a raucous display of bravado. They wanted to appear formidable, but their eyes betrayed their nervousness as they glanced at the fleet anchored off the coast and the soldiers aboard.

Asha Greyjoy stood at the prow of her ship, clad in finely crafted leather armor and draped in a black cloak. A longsword hung at her waist.

"Let's go, disembark."

The sea breeze tousled her hair as she looked down at the tribal formations below. Taking a deep breath, she glanced at the soldiers beside her and led a small detachment down from the ship.

On the other side, the Red Flower Vale tribe's formation showed signs of disarray as they saw people disembarking from the fleet.

Soon after, an elder chieftain with graying hair, leaning on a cane and adorned in a vibrant feathered cloak, approached with a translator.

He stood before Asha Greyjoy, placed one hand on his chest, and bowed slightly, uttering words in an incomprehensible dialect.

The young, dark-skinned translator beside the elder chieftain appeared somewhat nervous. After the elder finished speaking, the translator hurriedly addressed Asha Greyjoy in broken High Valyrian, inquiring respectfully about the purpose of her visit and the army she brought.

High Valyrian is the most widely spoken language in the Summer Sea and its surrounding regions. It's a remnant of the Freehold's influence over the various small kingdoms, city-states, and tribes in the area. Everyone here has felt the impact of Valyria.

However, the Dragonlords of Valyria never coveted these lands, so they never conquered and transformed them. As a result, the Summer Isles have retained their original character.

Having spent considerable time on diplomatic missions, Asha Greyjoy had also mastered enough High Valyrian to communicate effectively. As they conversed, the tension on the tribal chieftain's face quickly dissipated.

However, a trace of incredulity remained in his eyes. He hadn't expected the fleet to claim allegiance to the Valyrian Empire.

"The Freehold has been re-established in the West?"

The Freehold may not have conquered these lands, but its influence on the island's indigenous people was profound.

Having such a powerful neighbor was like a mountain pressing down on the chieftains of the Summer Isles, leaving them breathless.

Yet, as if cursed by the gods, the Freehold collapsed overnight. The tsunami that ensued also struck the Summer Isles, causing devastating casualties and leaving an indelible memory on the natives. But the mountain that had weighed on them also vanished.

After the fall of Valyria, the Summer Isles had no powerful 'neighbors' nearby. No one would go to the trouble of traveling such a distance to invade them.

But now, after several centuries, a fleet claiming to be from the Valyrian Empire had arrived at the Summer Isles.

The chieftain of the Red Flower Vale tribe spoke at length again, and his words were translated.

This chieftain was not unfamiliar with the names of Westeros and the Iron Throne; he had heard them from passing sailors.

However, Westeros was too remote for them. To the people of the Summer Isles, Westeros was just an island slightly larger than their own, perhaps as big as the Valyrian Peninsula.

After all, Valyria was already the end of the world for them; the local natives could hardly travel any further in their lifetimes.

The elderly chieftain of the Red Flower Vale tribe mentioned a name to Asha: Jalabhar Xho.