WebNovels

Chapter 11 - Chapter 11

[Chapter Size: 1500 Words.]

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After most situations had been dealt with, Theon was finally able to relax and take care of Apollo.

When he first arrived in the world of Game of Thrones, Theon was solely focused on surviving. Later, after receiving a starter gift package from the system, the system disengaged, believing this world's power level to be too low.

Eventually, Theon found the right opportunity to leave King's Landing and return to the Iron Islands. Although he wasn't yet familiar with the region, it was at least a more suitable place to use as a base of operations.

His tricks may have seemed powerful, but in truth, Apollo and the high-yield food supplies, which could actually influence the outcome of war, still needed time to develop.

As for the armor, although it appeared nearly immune to all current physical attacks, its limited offensive capabilities made it unsuitable for large-scale warfare, and it continuously drained the wearer's mental strength.

Although the system had absorbed the low-level gods of this world, the tide of magical power was still rising. They could only hope to find a way to cultivate spiritual power in the future.

The heart of the Iron Islands was Pyke, and the central area of Pyke was Fort Pyke, located atop a small hill.

Theon had now dug a massive cave behind Fort Pyke, where he stored all of his 50,000 gold dragons.

After all, Apollo was still a dragon. Faced with a sea of gold coins, he was overjoyed and immediately dove into the glittering pile.

Watching Apollo, who looked more like a playful husky than a fearsome beast, Theon couldn't help but smile. After all, the dragon couldn't yet be seen in public.

Creating a cozy lair for Apollo, one he wouldn't want to leave, was a necessary move. In Theon's mind, dragons were meant to soar through the skies.

But perhaps Theon didn't realize just how much Apollo loved caves filled with gold, silver, and treasures, almost to the point of obsession.

He told Apollo not to wander too far. Apollo was still just a hatchling. Once he matured into a young dragon, he would no longer need food and would start absorbing magic to continue growing.

Before leaving, Theon assigned 200 of his best Iron Guards to protect Fort Pyke. Fortunately, the fort wasn't very large.

As Theon departed, Apollo stared after him with a confused expression. He didn't understand why his father didn't live with him in the golden nest.

But his father had done his best for him, even giving him such a beautiful room.

After leaving, Theon gathered the remaining 300 Iron Guards.

"You will be the last to leave. Wait until the Northern army passes through the Twins, then begin your movement. Someone will notify you when it's time."

Once his preparations were complete, Theon went to find Yara. There were still many fertile lands outside Pyke, and the Ironborn hadn't abandoned agriculture entirely. After all, they couldn't survive on raiding alone.

"Sister, take 1,500 men westward. Watch for the right moment to strike, don't act recklessly. I'll send word when the battle begins. Don't forget to fly the Stark wolf banner and pose as deserters."

Yara nodded. Her mission was vital, and if it were exposed, it could cause serious problems for Theon.

Putting her in charge of the task was a clear display of his trust in her.

The original plan was to gather 1,500 men from the Riverlands and Westerlands, but Theon later realized these armies only fought when there was loot to be gained.

Therefore, he only needed to send 1,500 men and 300 Iron Guards into the western and northern territories to seize gold and skilled craftsmen.

That way, Theon would still have 2,500 men ready to participate directly in the war.

But he wasn't in a hurry. He estimated that Joffrey was about to execute the old wolf. Once Ned Stark was dead, true chaos would follow.

By then, Cersei Lannister would surely write to him, begging for help to defend King's Landing.

Indeed, one week later, Theon received a raven from the capital.

After reading the message, he tossed the letter into the fireplace.

"Joffrey had a 'brilliant' idea, he executed Ned Stark during the trial. Now is our chance!"

"Yara, the Westerlands are now yours. The amount of gold you seize will determine our future development."

"Don't worry. I'll do my best. King of Salt and Rock, please trust me!"

It was the first time Yara publicly called Theon the King of Salt and Rock.

Though he hadn't officially claimed the crown, more and more nobles were starting to refer to him as king.

But Theon wasn't in a rush to seize the throne. As their ancestors once said: Build high walls, stockpile grain, and become king slowly.

With the War of the Five Kings about to erupt in Westeros, it was the perfect time to store supplies.

Everyone packed up and split into two groups.

It took Theon ten days to reach King's Landing. With his arrival, the tense atmosphere in the capital noticeably lightened.

After all, Theon was clearly an ally. And one more ally meant one more chance to defend the city. Without that, once the city fell, there would be fires and looting.

With his troops stationed outside the Red Keep, Theon and a few guards made their way to the throne room to meet with Cersei and Joffrey.

When they arrived, the hall was nearly empty, just a few people, along with some guards.

"Your Majesty. Your Grace, the Queen."

Cersei looked up at Theon Greyjoy's arrival and let out a subtle sigh of relief. If Theon had stayed hidden in the Iron Islands, the Lannisters might have been powerless against him by now.

Joffrey wore a smile as well. Ever since Theon had left, he'd been stuck with that annoying Hound again, which had become a source of endless boredom.

Amid all the recent unrest, he also had a vague sense that things were beginning to spiral out of control.

He hadn't expected that his "loyal" guard Theon would return at this moment, bringing more than 2,000 soldiers to protect him.

Joffrey rose cheerfully and exclaimed.

"What did I say? Ser Theon, no, no, no, Lord Theon would definitely return with troops to help. You didn't believe me!"

Petyr Baelish (Littlefinger) frowned, casting a long look at Theon Greyjoy. He couldn't understand why this little sea monster had shown up with 2,000 men.

Because, by all accounts, the situation was grim:

Renly Baratheon and the Tyrells had 80,000 infantry and 20,000 cavalry in the south.

An additional 10,000 troops from the former royal fleet at Dragonstone bolstered the eastern naval forces.

The only possible strategy was to hold King's Landing until Tywin could crush the Northern Alliance, then return south to repel both the southern forces and the eastern fleet.

From that perspective, Theon's arrival looked like a suicide mission.

But Petyr knew Theon was a player, just like him. He'd been watching Theon closely ever since he entered King's Landing, trying to figure out his motives.

Given everything Theon had done, especially betraying his adoptive father, Ned Stark, in exchange for a chance to return to the Iron Islands, Littlefinger had assumed he would never come back.

But shortly after Theon returned home, the old sea monster, Balon Greyjoy, mysteriously died, burned alive in his chambers.

After Joffrey's remark, Theon drew his sword and knelt.

"I, Theon Greyjoy, pledge my loyalty to Your Majesty. Tell me,who said I wouldn't return? I will challenge them to a duel!"

Joffrey quickly waved his hands. "It's fine, it's fine, Lord Theon. The Gold Cloaks are yours to command!"

Everyone in the hall was stunned at Joffrey's impulsive decision.

"Your Majesty, no!" Cersei quickly stepped forward to stop him.

Perhaps compelled by something deeper, her voice carried a tone of sharp rebuke. Joffrey turned toward her, his expression darkening.

"I'm the king. Were you just scolding me?"

Realizing that she had just embarrassed Joffrey in front of others, Cersei quickly recovered and replied.

"Your Majesty, Lord Theon only just arrived in King's Landing. He's not yet familiar with the situation. Perhaps it would be wise to give him time to understand the current state of affairs first?"

Then, throwing a meaningful glance at Theon, she added.

"What do you think, Lord Theon?"

Theon understood exactly what Joffrey wanted and immediately played along.

"I've always said I'll remain loyal to His Majesty Joffrey. Whatever His Majesty commands, I will obey."

Pleased with this answer, Joffrey nodded.

"In that case, the command of 5,000 gold cloaks is yours, Lord Theon. Don't disappoint me."

"Your Majesty can always count on Theon Greyjoy!"

At that moment, Ser Mandon Moore could barely suppress a smirk.

"You're just handing him the Gold Cloaks like that?"

Meanwhile, Theon was fully aware that many of the Gold Cloaks would likely pretend to obey while secretly resisting. But that didn't matter to him.

Most of the Gold Cloaks were commoners. The knights and noble officers numbered fewer than 2,000.

Theon's plan was simple: recruit the elite among the commoners and mold them into his own private force.

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