Chapter 278
2021-01-06
Chapter 278 Conservative Strikes Back"We've all been tricked by that guy!" Yohn · Royce called together the Vale princes who had been exiled to the Wall with him, and said to them both surprised and angry, "He announced that he would not participate in the election and left Castle Black, and everyone thought that he had seen the form and chose to be aware of the current affairs. But everyone was wrong, he didn't give up at all, he took advantage of the fact that we were all focused on the election - went to North to do something, and went to House Stark to take advantage!"
"Relax, Old Guy. Robb Stark is just announcing that he's coming to North, not necessarily to support Igor West's land-grant resettlement plan... In fact, after he's finished watching the wildlings, he might be against it."
"The words themselves are true, but how can the big bosses who are waiting to die in the Wall have such judgment? They will only see Igor run south, and then the current head of North will Follow him back to Wall! I have some friendship with Robb's father, Ed. The two generations of House Stark are known for their honesty and honesty. It's a good deception to say something ugly! When I meet a cunning and bottomless scum like Igor, only Afraid of being sold, he would even help with the money.”
Another Vale noble nodded with a solemn expression: “Lord Yohn is right, North has always been the most solid backing of the Wall defenders, and Night’s Watch nominally Not under anyone's jurisdiction, but in fact all relying on North Breathing action. Even if Robb Stark came to the Wall and said nothing and did nothing, there will be a lot of willful and imaginative people in Castle Black People are figuring out what he means, and even vote for Warner Buckwell because of his 'come with Igor' act—"
"No, vote for Igor." Old Royce accepted He said, "As expected, Buckwell is just a shadow of the kid. When he returns to Castle Black, he will announce his participation in the Lord Commander campaign. And Warner will take the opportunity to withdraw from the election, and the original votes for him will come in a flash. That guy's name goes down, plus some Castle Black's Night's Watch changed his mind-"
"But he's already publicly announced he's not running, go back on one's word..."
"There is no law that prohibits running mid-run, in fact, any Night's Watch who has sworn an oath can declare his candidacy on any day, or even at any point, before the next Lord Commander is elected. "Yohn Royce said annoyed: "I even dare to conclude that he will definitely not oneself publicly announce his re-entry into the candidacy, but will let his henchman perform a 'other brothers take the initiative' and 'he has to accept the popular expectation. ' or something disgusting drama to come! "
…
"I have to say, it is very feasible for him to do so. There was a brief silence in the room for a few seconds before someone spoke again, "Who made us waste two months without choosing the Lord Commander?" Many Castle Black's Night's Watch are tired of canvassing votes and elections after day. At this time, some people stand up to disrupt the situation... Those who don't care who are Lord Commanders, maybe just for a fresh and happy, they will Vote for new entrants! "
"Even if all the soldiers in Castle Black voted for him, he won't get the votes on 2/3/2022 - two commanders Cotter and Denys hold more than 400 votes ticket. "
"You fool, haven't you seen it yet?" What that guy wants is that the Night's Watch Legion can't choose the next leader, he's the chief logistics officer, and only the Lord Commander can order him to end the land-grant resettlement program - he just needs to hold on to those who might otherwise go to Cotter or Denys. Any one's vote, so that the two stubborn Old Guys can't win the election, can continue his plan and continue to be his goddamn wildling king! "
Someone finally pointed out the only way out now: "Cotter Pyke and Ser Denys Mallister . , to end the damned land-grant resettlement program. "
"Cotter Pyke and Denys Ser hate each other." "Tampaton Ser regretfully shook his head. "They'd rather throw their votes into the sea than vote for each other." "
"Indeed, if you really have the ability to convince them to vote for each other, you might as well save your efforts and go directly to convince Igor to give up his land-grant resettlement plan." "another old noble snorted," at least the latter mission is a little easier. "
"You Old Guys!" "Yohn murmured complainingly, and then quickly realized: oneself can't continue wrangling with these people anymore.
If you don't want to watch the oneself son who killed oneself and break the principle of neutrality to King Robert's plan to break the Bloody Gate and bring oneself down to this scumbag gets what he wants, and he has to figure out a way to make the result of this campaign come to fruition before Igor returns.
Yohn Royce decides Get into action now.
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Eastwatch's commander is lean, strong and tough, but not handsome in the slightest: two tiny eyes too close together and a broken nose , with a spear-like hairline protruding from the center of his forehead. Measles completely ruined his face, and the beard he had grown to cover was sparse and sparse.
Cotter was in the Shield Hall when Yohn found him again. Playing dice with three subordinates, seeing the former Lords Declarant leader come over, he didn't even look up: "You want to convince me to vote for someone else? "
"Yes, but this time is different..."
"No difference, my answer remains the same: impossible." "Cotter Pyke coldly snorted: "I know, you're a nobleman, and I'm an illegalimate child, so even if I work with you at Eastwatch, you still prefer Mallister, who is also a nobleman." But—well, I won't talk nonsense with you anymore, go back and tell him, it's not a curse: he's too old, and if we choose him, it's probably less than a year before we'll have to come back and choose someone again. "
"No, my lord—"
"Have you asked what he plans to do when he becomes Lord Commander?" Write letters to ghouls? He's a good Knight, nothing but a Warrior, and he's too old - I don't fucking care who he knocked off his horse in some stupid tournament fifty years ago, blind old man Everyone knows: Shadow Tower's defense is all carried by Qhorin Halfhand for him. We are now dealing with ghouls and a horde of wildlings that have entered the wall, and we need strong and combat-ready leaders more than ever! Pyke slapped the table angrily: "Tell you, Lord Bronze Yohn, I simply don't care about the damn job of Lord Commander, I grew up on deck, and Eastwatch is the best place for me - but Night's Watch Legion to Shadow Tower's fancy eagle, and Wall's defense is over! "
"My lord, you have said these words more than once." "Yohn raised his voice to interrupt Cotter Pyke's chatter. "I know your attitude: you would never vote for Ser Denys Mallister, and if it was someone else, would you consider it?" "
"Who, Bowen Marsh?" This guy who only counts spoons? Not to mention Orsel, he's used to obedience, he does whatever the Lord Commander wants him to do, and now that Mormont is dead, he's listening to Bowen Marsh again—"
"Me. "Yohn resolutely and decisively said, "If it were me, would you consider it?" "
"You?" Cotter Pyke stopped complaining in amazement, stared at the other party for a long time, and shook his head: "no no no, your qualifications are too low, you have only joined Night's Watch for only a year, your opponent Igor Wei. Stuart is older than you. "
"Even though I'm a Night's Watch who only joined yesterday, I'm eligible to run." Yohn retorted unceremoniously, "When Old Bear was successfully elected Lord Commander, he didn't put on black clothed for many years. He was successfully selected because of his aristocratic status in the original Earl of Bear Island, who had managed a party and brought The experience and ability of soldiers who have fought in wars, and the bloodline where House Mormont and the princes of North broke the bones and connected the tendons were born! And I have all of these conditions! "
Royce has the same First Men bloodline as House Stark, he is the original Runestone count, nicknamed Bronze Yohn, there is no doubt about his ability and experience, bloodline and birth are also famous and noble enough... Cotter Pyke frowned and thought. Yes, I really can't find any reason to refute it. It took a long time before I came up with a question: "Old Bear joined Night's Watch voluntarily, and you were forced to wear black clothed because of a failed rebellion. "
"King Robert calls it 'treason', but... swear to Gods old and new, we just wanted to get Lysa Tully - who murdered our king - out of Vale, Seven Kingdoms all over the place." understand what's going on. "
"Don't mention conspiracy or conspiracy, you are indeed eligible to run for election." Cotter waved his hand and motioned several subordinates to put away the dice and coins and leave: "But what are you using to convince me to vote for you with the two hundred votes in my hand?" "
"Because you can't win the title of Lord Commander in this way, and I can offer a better option, and that is -- we rule three." Yohn · Royce raised his head and said his idea: "You are good at sailing and fighting, and Ser Mallister is good at dealing with noble kings, these skills Night's Watch Legion are useful, let me be the honorary Lord. Commander, you are still in charge of Eastwatch, Ser Mallister is still in control of Shadow Tower, and other major events of Night's Watch Legion, we discuss and decide together, how? "
"Sh--" Cotter chuckled and didn't answer right away.
"Ser Mallister has already said that as long as you agree with the plan, he will vote for it too." I, as long as I get 200 votes from Castle Black's Night's Watch, the major event can be done. Royce gritted his teeth and told a big lie. "Igor West has been out of Winterfell for a few days and will be back at Castle Black in two days. I hope to hear from you as soon as possible." ”
…
The commander of Shadow Tower was born under the Hong Bell Tower in Seagard and was a Mallister through and through. His black velvet tunic was trimmed with mink at the collar and cuffs, cloaked by The claws of a silver eagle were clasped in. He had a snow-white beard, most of his hair was falling off, and his face was deeply wrinkled, but he was still agile, and had teeth in his mouth, and the years had not dimmed his blue-gray eyes, nor Detracts from his nobility.
"Lord Yohn. "When Yohn entered the Lance Tower, where the Shadow Tower delegation lived, the old noble was the first to say hello. "Royce's family and Mallister's family are friends since ancient times. After all, we two knew each other several decades ago... ...I sincerely hope that you are not here to convince me to vote for Cotter Pyke this time. No offense, but it should be Pyke that should quit. I have more votes than him and a better fit than him. "
"You are indeed a better fit than him." Yohn · Royce nods, determined to express the purpose of oneself quickly, so as not to be forced to listen to a bunch of nonsense as he persuaded Pyke: "But you and Cotter Pyke have been enemies for too long, and he is worried that when you come to power and become commander, you will be Strip him of his commander status in Eastwatch. "
"Would he say that?" Denys glanced at Yohn unexpectedly, "You and I both know that a decent person would never do such a dirty thing using public office to avenge private wrongs." Tell him that if I win, he can keep his position. "
"Of course I trust you, Ser Mallister." "Yohn spread his hands helplessly," Cotter Pyke didn't express his concern, I could see it all. He's an Ironmen born, raised on deck watching rape and murder, intrigues... Violence and suspicion soaked through his bones, and believe it or not, he will not accept your promise. "
"That's a shame." Ser Mallister said deadpan. "Cotter Pyke is an admirable Warrior, but you and I, both born into aristocrats, should be clear: some things can't be solved by swords alone." The Lord Commander of Night's Watch Legion must be a leader, not a general, must have connections, have the ability to communicate with other nobles, deal with troubles - must be convincing and respected enough. "
Old Ser leaned back in his chair. "I'm not a power-hungry man. Last election, when Lord Mormont's name was brought up, I gave up convincingly." Earlier, I had made way for Lord Gyle too - as long as the Night's Watch Legion was in reliable hands, I was content. But unfortunately, I can't convince oneself to make way for Eastwatch's Pyke. "
"I understand and understand your concerns, Ser Mallister." "Yohn · Royce nomination: "But if the commanders of Shadow Tower and Eastwatch continue to hold the votes held by oneself like this, Night Watch Legion will not be able to elect Lord Commander next year. In that case, our Chief Logistics Officer, will continue to play with his 'land-grant settlement plan' again for a while until the wildlings finally destroy the Night's Watch Legion. "
"If you can't choose, keep choosing until I die or Pyke changes his mind - not without precedent in history." "Ser Mallister had no son "killed" by Igor. He shrugged: "As for Igor and his wildling, they won't last long, and there is not enough food. "
"There is not enough food. Yohn nodded: "But once Igor can't feed the wildlings, do you think he will send them away obediently?" Don't forget, Castle Black also has countless winter reserves hidden in the cellar. In case he pushes the thugs to attack Castle Black, without Wall's cover, Night's Watch can't resist the impact of tens of thousands of wildlings with only one wall. "
Mallister frowned and thought for a few seconds, nodded: "It's really worth worrying, what advice do you have for this?" "
"I've got a nice proposal to offer -- three people rule." "Yohn said resolutely: "I am the honorary Lord Commander, who has neither selfish grievances nor great friendship with you two, to exercise the power of the Night's Watch top leader to stop the land-grant resettlement program and retain the two commanders." The position of , Legion's major event -- decided by the three of us together. "
After a pause, he added, "Cotter Pyke has already said that as long as you agree to vote for me, he will join." ”
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(end of this chapter)