Queen of the Iron Islands Chapter 3
Ila and Asha Greyjoy travel to Old Wyk to attend the King's Moot and to bring tidings of Balon Greyjoy's murder. Can they stop Euron Greyjoy from laying claim to the Seastone Chair? All recognisable ASOIAF characters belong to George R.R. Martin and HBO. As always feel free to read and review.
Ila's POV: Sailing into a Storm
It had been three days and nights since they had set sail from the Ten Towers to Old Wyk on Asha's longboat, the Black Wind. This was not the first time that Ila had sailed in an Ironborn longboat. The first time was after she and her mother had been taken captive during that fateful raid on that northern fishing village. During her voyage, Ila learnt a great deal about her Balon's daughter, Asha.
Asha was a tall and comely woman with short jet-black hair and a sharp nose on her thin face. As a mariner, she had wind-chaffed skin and strong, weathered hands. Since the deaths of her two older brothers Rodrik and Maron during a great rebellion, Balon had raised Asha as a son. Asha also had a younger brother called Theon, who was Balon's rightful heir but he had "died" during a battle with the Northmen. Asha had risen through the ranks of her society to become the Captain of her own longship, the Black Wind. She had led her men into battle and even captured a kneelers' castle called Deepwood Motte on the mainland. Asha's upbringing had been an atypical one in a society where women were still expected to stay at home.
By witnessing the murder of Balon, Ila had found herself swept into the intricacies of grownup politics on the Iron Islands. From Asha, she learnt that Euron was a very "bad man" who had consorted with heathens, demon-worshipping wizards, and monsters. He had been banished three years ago for doing something "very bad". Apparently, it involved taking of his clothes and lying in bed with someone else's wife, the wife of Asha's other uncle Victarion, a fierce warrior who wore thick armour.
Asha also seemed to believed that the two "bad men' who had thrown her down the bridge were working with Euron. Why had Euron returned to Pyke the very day after Balon's death? Having heard of something unpleasant Euron had done to a certain Lord Botley, Ila was worried about her mother Orla. Was she safe? Would Euron hurt her? Asha assured her that no harm would come to her and that she would do everything in her power to protect her mother.
Asha could be a stern commander but she could also be like a loving, big sister. She had enough time in her busy schedule to tuck Ila into her blanket and tell her bedtime stories about Nagga the Sea Dragon and the Targaryens, conquerors from the distant east who rode fiery dragons that could burn entire armies to the ground.
"Did Aegon the Conqueror really marry his sisters?," asked Ila. Even among the Free Folk, marrying your own brother or sister was a taboo.
"Yes, he and his descendants ruled for the next three hundred years," explained Asha "But many of them were mad in the head. The last of the Targaryen was Aerys the Mad King, who had plunged the Green Land into a great war. My father Balon saw it as a chance for my people to break free from the Iron Throne. But alas that was not to be."
"Why," Ila asked curiously.
"We can continue the rest of the story tomorrow night," replied Asha.
Ila was too tired to whine. She was already having trouble keeping her eyes open. She fell into a deep sleep. At dawn, she was awaked by the shouts of a man.
"Land aho," shouted Qarl the Maid, a pink-cheeked member of Asha's crew. Unlike other men, he wore no beard. The grandson of a thrall, Qarl had risen to become one of the fiercest warriors on the Iron Islands. He seemed to be very close with Asha.
In the distance, Ila could see a big mountain rising from the sea. That had to be Old Wyk. The Ironborn considered the island to be sacred because it was where the Grey King had slew the great sea dragon Nagga on it shores. Old Wyk was also home to the Seastone Chair, the great oil black throne which Balon had set on. The island was also where the Ironborn had held "kingsmoots", grand meetings to choose who among them would be their next King.
"We'll drop our anchor at Nagga's Cradle and set up camp," said Asha to her crew "Be armed and alert at all times. They should have received word of Balon's murder by now so things will be tense down there."
As the Black Wind sailed into the holy bay of Nagga's Cradle, Ila saw that the shore was lined with countless longships. Larger ships including cogs, carracks, and dromonds floated in deeper waters. Harmund Pyke, a young crew member with skin the colour of mud and hair like wool, explained that these big ships had been spoils taken by Ironborn reavers. Gazing inland, Ila saw rows of tents lying between the shoreline and a hill that was lined with what looked like great white trees.
"Are those trees," asked Ila curiously
"No, they're the ribs of the great sea serpent Nagga," explained Harmund "With the help of the Drowned God, the Grey King slew her and raised a hall there."
"Is that where they will be meeting to choose a new King," asked Ila
"Yep," interjected Asha "That's where we're heading to."
Later…
It had been half an hour since the Black Wind had dropped anchor in Nagga's Cradle. While some of Asha's crew set up camp, Asha and a party strode towards the other tents on the shoreline. Ila followed along and gathered up her skirt to avoid tripping onto the coarse sand. In the distance, they heard the rumble of people shouting and arguing. Peering ahead, Ila saw two large crowds had gathered.
In the middle of the two crowds, Ila saw two men haggling furiously over who was the rightful King of the Ironborn. One was a warrior with greying hair who wore heavy armour and long cloak sewn in the shape of the kraken, the sigil of House Greyjoy. His opponent was a handsome looking man with jet black hair and a black leather patch covering his left eye. Over the roar of the crowd, Ila picked up patches of their conversation, which turned out to be nothing more than political mud-slinging.
"Balon's son and heir Theon is dead," boomed a haughty voice, which Ila took to be Euron's. "As Balon's younger brother, I am next in line to sit on the Seastone Chair. Not this brute dullard here!"
"Don't listen to this godless scoundrel who has forsaken the Drowned God," replied a gruffer voice, which Ila guessed was Victarion "If you want someone who will stay true to the Old Ways, pick me as your King. All you'll get from me is more of what you got from Balon."
"Do I have a coward for a brother," taunted Euron "I am the only living kraken to have sailed to Asshai by the Shadow. I have seen wonders and terrors beyond imagining! I have sacked many cities and burnt Lord Tywin's fleet at Lannisport. If you chose me as your king, I will give you all of Westeros stretching from Dorne to Winterfell, and from Arbor to the Vale of Arryb. Join me and I will make the name Ironborn feared and respected throughout all the Seven Kingdoms again. Or would you rather have a craven for your King?"
"Euron would have us shed more blood and waste more gold trying to conquer the impossible," retorted Victarion "I may not have travelled as far and wide as my brother here. But, I remember one important lesson that our late father Quellon taught me. The Black Line of Hoare tried to conquer all of the Green Lands only to be extinguished by the dragons. Euron would have us repeat the same mistake again."
Both men were surrounded by their supporters who raged and cheered as their leaders haggled over who should sit on the Seastone Chair. Ila caught a glimpse of Lucas Codd's flowing dark hair and then recognised Germund Botley's blonde curly hair and his gilded breastplate. Both men were standing on either side of Euron and seemed to be in high spirits. Perhaps, this had been their reward for murdering their King.
Euron was about to talk about his plan to conquer all of Westeros when one of his men informed him that more visitors were approaching. Upon seeing Asha's party, the two brothers ceased their campaign and went to greet their niece.
"Uncles, I knew I didn't have to walk far to find you two," said Asha in a solemn tone "I recognised your longboats moored along the shore. I see that I'm a bit late for your party."
The armoured warrior was the first to turn his attention to Asha. Ila later learnt that this man was Asha's uncle Victarion Greyjoy, the Lord Captain of the Iron Fleet and a fierce warrior.
"Asha, my niece," said Victarion in a condescending tone. "I hope you have not come to pursue your futile dream of sitting on the Seastone Chair. But, I would welcome your support against this foul usurper."
"Ah, Asha," sneered Euron "A thousand condolences for the death of your beloved father. It's not a ladies' business to meddle in the affairs of men. But if you would support my claim to the throne, I would marry you off to one of my loyal captains."
Several of Euron's supporters sneered and laughed at Asha. However, Asha kept a stony face and brushed off their insults.
"No, I believe you're both mistaken, my uncles," replied Asha solemnly "I bring grim tidings from the Ten Towers. As you know, my father and your King Balon, the Ninth of His Name Since the Grey King, has died. It seems that the Drowned God had need of another oarsman. However, I have learnt that his death was no accident. He was murdered by a masked assassin, who was abetted by two men sworn to serve him. I name them Lucas of House Codd and Lord Germund of House Botley as accomplices to this act of Kingslaying. In the name of the Drowned God, I have come to deliver justice for your King and my father. "
Asha's proclamation generated a cacophony of gasps, roars, and outcries from the assembled hosts. Lucas and Germund's faces turned a deep red and the two men raised their swords.
"This is an outrage," roared Lucas who raised his sword at Asha "This is a vile conspiracy to smear my name. I may be a Codd but I am not a Kingslayer or a murderer. So, why don't you stop your lies and go and play with dolls and dress."
Germund swore and spat.
"These are lies and I denounce them with every bone in me," thundered Germund "Ask all the servants and guardsmen at Pyke, they will all swear by the Drowned God that I was away that night."
Ila knew that this was a lie but she held her tongue. These were armed men who would not hesitate to cut her down. She hid behind Asha and her men.
"What is the meaning of this charade, my niece" taunted Euron, who pretended to be unfazed by these accusations "Are you trying to steal your way to the throne, woman? You cannot prove that I had anything to do with my beloved brother's death. So, now you accuse my supporters? This is nothing more than a vile plot by one of my jealous relatives to keep me from my rightful place as your King."
Euron's followers murmured in agreement.
"Ah, but we have a witness, Uncle" responded Asha sharply "Qarl, bring the girl forward."
Qarl the Maid gently led Ila forward.
"This is Ila, a thrall at Lord Balon's household on Pyke," announced Asha "She witnessed Lucas Codd and Germund Botley with her own eyes helping the assassin to murder my father, your King. Then, they threw his body into the sea to hide their tracks. Ila swears she is telling the truth in the name of the Drowned God, the one true God. "
Euron's supporters booed and raged like a pack of baying dogs. Ila clung tightly to Asha's hand. She could feel the sweat pouring out of her hands.
"All you have are the words of a child," sneered Germund "Perhaps she was some street urchin you picked up during one of your raiding parties, my niece. You then bribed her with toys, milks, and fine dresses. "
Ila had been kicked and spat upon since the night she had fled her home Beyond the Wall. She remembered what her father had taught her. Sticks can break my bones but words will never hurt me. Botley's caustic remarks only convinced Ila that she had to speak up and tell the truth.
"But, I'm not making all this up," shouted Ila. "I saw the King being murdered. Lucas and Germund stood by and let it all happened …"
"Ah, so that thing can talk," interjected Lucas sharply "All you have are the words of a child, and one who is nothing more than a thrall. Perhaps, I should add her to my doll collection."
Lucas' words slashed into Ila like a sword. Soon, she felt a trickle of tears streaming down her cheeks. The Ironborn seemed to regard Lucas' remarks as being beyond the pale. Ila heard a roar of outrage from Asha and Victarion's supporters. Even, some of Euron's supporters were horrified. Euron appeared to be shocked at Lucas' remarks and ordered Lucas to leave. Asha whispered for Qarl to take Ila away and the warrior gently led her away from the fray.
"Fellow captains and reavers, I apologize on behalf of one of my men," said Euron, as he went into damage control mode. "As King of the Iron Islands, I do not condone the mistreatment of thralls in anyway. They are spoils of war but still men and women like you and me nonetheless."
Euron then returned to his combative tone. From a gap behind two of Asha's warriors, Ila watched the spectacle unfold.
"But the fault lies with my jealous relatives over there, my brother and niece," boomed Euron "They are seeking to keep me from the Seastone Chair by scraping the bottom of the barrel. My niece has taken advantage of a young servant girl to keep me from my destiny, your destiny as a people."
However, Asha was prepared for this trick.
"Sorry to disappoint you again, Uncle," said Asha smoothly. "But, I do have some evidence that will corroborate my little friend's story. Rogon and Grimtongue, bring the plank forward."
Asha's companions carried the same white-washed weirwood plank that Ila had clung on for dear life with. Ila recognised a few dents on the wooden surface left behind by her nails. This physical evidence had an immediate impact on Euron's supporters, who quickly dropped their confident and defiant front. Some of them expressed shock and began muttering among themselves.
"Don't let my relatives fool you," protested Euron "They must have found some old plank and then claimed that it came from one of Balon's wooden bridges."
Euron's words only elicited roars and glares from Victarion's and Asha's supporters. Victarion then grabbed the plank with both his strong arms and raised them for all men to see.
"I recognise this plank," roared Victarion with a voice that sounded like ocean waves "This is a weirwood plank that belongs to the outermost rope bridge at my father's keep on Pyke. Dalton, the Red Kraken whose blood runs through my veins, brought home a weirwood trunk from one of his raids into the North. He used the weirwood to build the planks of that very bridge which carried Balon to his death. Don't let the usurper deceive you. I am your rightful King. Euron is only a rogue and demon worshipper."
Victarion's words seemed to have the desired effect. Half the crowd roared with agreement. Several had already begun chanting for Lucas and Germund to be tried and drowned for their crimes. Even Euron's supporters began demanding a trial.
"The Drowned God speaks through this man," ranged another voice. Ila saw an unkempt, bearded man bursting forward to stand beside Victarion. This man was tall and gaunt with a thick beard that fell to his waist. At first glance, he looked like a filthy beggar. However, as Ila would learn, appearances could be deceiving. This man was none other than Aeron "Damphair" Greyjoy, a Drowned Man and Asha's third uncle. He was a leading priest of the Drowned God.
Speaking in a hoarse voice, Aeron addressed the crowd.
"In light of these serious allegations concerning King Balon's death," Aeron announced "I have no choice but to adjourn this Kingsmoot. In the coming days, we will convene a hearing to examine these allegations regarding the late King's death. Now in the name of the Drowned God, I order you to disperse peacefully."
Sensing the wavering tide of public opinion, Euron bowed and addressed his crowd.
"For once, I have to agree with my brother, the Drowned Man," said Euron in a more conciliatory tone. "In the name of the Drowned God, we shall work together to discover the truth about Balon's death and if so we will bring justice to those who are responsible for killing our King. As your King, I command you to comply with the Drowned Man's wishes."
This man seemed genuinely concerned about his brother's death, thought Ila. Or maybe he is a very good actor. After Aeron and Euron's announcements, the crowds began streaming back to their tents and ships. Ila caught a glimpse of a stony look of triumph on Asha's face. To avoid getting lost, Ila clung tightly to Asha's hand. It seemed that the Old Gods had a very good reason for saving her from a cold watery grave in foreign shores. The two bad men were still out there but Asha would protect her.
Endnotes
For those of you who have read my earlier fanfic story The Black Ironborn, you may recognise Harmund Pyke, one of my Original Characters. This chapter takes some artistic liberties with Victarion's first chapter in A Feast of Crows. For the purposes of this story, Asha arrives after her Uncle Victarion Greyjoy has already landed. In the book, she and her followers arrived first having landed at Norne Goodbrother's castle and ridden across Old Wyk on horseback. For dramatic effect, I decided to have a two-way contest between Euron and Victarion. Asha and company stumble upon scene, changing everything…