Chapter 144 Mission, Army Expansion, Sea Power

Clay issued the order overnight, and the family guards broke into Maester Xiomer's room and took him into custody without listening to his explanation.

The raven in his hand was also taken away from him. This was to prevent him from sending any more messages to the outside world. Clay did not order a search of Maester Theodore's personal belongings or letters. The old man had done this many times. No flaws were found in him, so this time, Clay didn't expect any direct evidence.

After Clay has finished dealing with Eli's side, he will have to take care of this mess.

Early the next morning, Clay rode straight to the wolf's den. He had a lot to do today.

The blood-red gemstone ring on his hand made all the guards who saw it bow and salute. Clay went straight to the back of the Wolf's Lair, to the main castle of the White Sea Guards.

All the intelligence managers who received the news put down their work and quickly headed towards the conference room where the commander was. They knew that the commander led his troops back to White Harbor yesterday, but they did not expect to come here today.

Sitting in the chair, looking calmly at the familiar figures filing in, Clay waited for them to sit down and said in a calm tone without sadness or joy:

"Everyone, you are all here. You have done well during my absence."

The people present were all smart people, and no one would really take this as a compliment. Moreover, they also knew very well that they did not play a big role in the commander's journey south.

The few that were effective were arranged by the commanders themselves before leaving, and those they commanded and monitored did not play any role at all.

When did the Kingslayer leave King's Landing and go to the West to lead the army? Their people in King's Landing gave no such information at all.

The White Sea Guards have no idea what happened to Eddard Stark after he escaped from King's Landing.

Also, when Clay, the commander of the White Sea Guards, led his troops to the city walls of Twin Rivers, he had no way of effectively commanding the White Sea Guards as to what preparations they had in the city and how they were going to act.

After he sneaked into Twin River City on his own and met the commander of the White Sea Guards of Twin River City with great luck, he took over the White Sea Guards in the city again, and then he cooperated inside and outside to attack Twin River City.

The intelligence network they originally built was too slow to transmit news and could not keep up with the speed of Clay's horses. It can be said that in this battle south, it was Clay who was leading the hounds, not the hounds for their masters. Pathfinding.

This is a big problem. Clay is dissatisfied with the results of their work. It is really normal. Clay withdrew them and they couldn't even say a word.

"Sir, we...didn't do well, please forgive me."

Steward Snow, as the more prestigious one among the several stewards, saw that no one spoke, so he had no choice but to speak up.

After hearing what he said, Clay sneered, waved his hands, and the temperature of his voice dropped instantly, and he said:

"What's the point of me forgiving you? What's the point of me just pushing you out and chopping them up? What I want is the result, the information you got me. Understand, everyone!"

"Your own heads are not that important. Whether it can rest firmly on your shoulders depends on your achievements. You are not here to beg for mercy."

The stewards didn't say anything. They didn't want to get into trouble with the commander now. This commander was not a noble young master who lived deep in the castle and could only give orders.

He was a ruthless man who personally led his troops south and killed more than 10,000 Lannister people without anyone's help. He could kill so many people without blinking an eye. How could he kill himself? There was half hesitation.

Since you didn't do well, then don't say anything. Let the commander do whatever he says.

"I have other things to do, so I won't talk nonsense with you here. Now, put your thoughts aside and obey my orders!"

Clay slammed the hand with the ring that symbolized the power of the White Sea Guards on the table.

"You don't have to worry about King's Landing. Let the three kings named Baratheon fight for that stinking city. It has nothing to do with us anymore."

"You send me people to garrison Harrenhal. Remember, once enemies from the south besiege Harrenhal, send a message to White Harbor or Twins immediately. Remember, it is immediately. Don't delay it for me."

"The Iron Islands are now attacking the Western Territory head to tail. This is the best opportunity for you to infiltrate into the Western Territory. Remember, no matter if the Iron Islands are defeated or the Western Territory is defeated again, report them all to me."

"Finally, please pay attention to Duke Ed's physical condition. I always feel that something is wrong with him. Can Lannister put him back so easily?"

As for the Valley, Clay didn't mention it. They are probably already in a quarrel internally. Under the leadership of Lysa Tully, they insist on implementing the shrinking turtle policy of closing the Blood Gate.

On the other side, some people, led by the Royce family, firmly opposed this slow death policy and insisted on participating in the war.

The valley has the most powerful cavalry in the Seven Kingdoms, but they choose to huddle behind the Blood Gate and watch as the blood flows across the Seven Kingdoms.

Clay didn't know if Littlefinger had already arrived at the Eyrie to deal with Lysa Tully, who loved him regardless of anything else.

If so, then the Valley is a constant source of instability, because no one can tell when Littlefinger will let the Valley Cavalry rush out of the Blood Gate.

He now has no way to contact the opposition led by the Royce family. He really has no good solution for the Valley at the moment. The resistance of the Alliance of Justice in his memory also came to nothing.

Littlefinger still has considerable control over the private land of Arryn Valley, and Clay has no intention of forcing his way in to attract Littlefinger's Lord Petyr's attention.

It's not that I'm afraid of him, but that I'm leaving soon and there's really no need to play happily with him at this point in time.

"After that, I will leave White Harbor for a period of time. All your reports, as well as the command of the entire White Sea Guard, will be temporarily handed over to Lord Weiman. However, the orders I gave you must be strictly implemented. I don't want to see any Don’t let me slack off anymore.”

"As you command, Commander."

…

Clay is leaving soon, and there is no extra time to clean up the White Sea Guards from top to bottom. Therefore, now we can only use the previous structure, completely abolish their own power of blind command, and focus on those few. Very important point.

Coming out of the wolf's den, Clay didn't waste any time and directly found Sir Malone who had returned to White Harbor with him. Uncle Willis, as the general guard of White Harbor, was not good at commanding troops. Clay must hand over the military power to a man. Someone you can trust.

After much deliberation, there is only one person in White Harbor, Sir Malone, who is suitable for this position. The rest cannot restrain these arrogant generals who have made great achievements in battle with Clay.

Sir Malone, who is as old as his father, is staying on the school grounds at this time, watching some young boys training in swordsmanship. He has loved this all his life, and his interest is still unabated.

Seeing Clay coming to see him, he also knew what he was here for. On the way back from Calim Bay, Clay talked to him once. Although he didn't tell him what he was going to Essos for, he told him in advance. Said this.

"Clay, are you done with the matter there? Come on, let's go to another place. This place is full of ashes caused by these boys."

The old jazz laughed, stood up from where he was sitting, kicked a kid whose movements were obviously deformed, and then led Clay towards a deserted place.

Clay's departure from White Harbor, or even Westeros, is a top-secret matter within the family. It can be allowed to be leaked, but it must be long after Clay has left. Now, it is absolutely not allowed.

The Riverlands and the current Tully family are like a beautiful woman with half-undressed clothes, surrounded by a group of men with red eyes. The reason why they did not rush to execute her on the spot is because there is a person behind this woman. The vicious brother.

And the North is this brother, Clay, is the symbol of this brother's evil spirit.

Now, if he leaves Westeros and this news is leaked, there is no guarantee that no one will have evil thoughts about the Riverlands. If nothing else, his old man is in the Riverlands.

Therefore, Eli and the Lannister maesters and Clay behind him must be dealt with, and at least ensure that the area around Poseidon Tower is clean during this period.

Sir Malone led Clay to the second floor of Poseidon Tower, a relatively quiet balcony where no one was disturbed and the view was very good. Anyone who wanted to peek here would be discovered immediately.

"Okay, Clay, tell me carefully, if you leave, how long will it take for you to come back?"

"I don't ask you what you are going to do. You decide what to do. Your grandfather and I support you, and the family is your backing."

Clay smiled and looked at the quiet garden outside the balcony, where a maid was cleaning fallen leaves. When she looked up, she found Master Clay looking at her. She quickly lowered her head, pretending not to see Clay. However, her clutching The hand on the broom had turned red due to exertion, the same color as her exposed face.

Sir Malone also noticed this. The old Sir pursed his lips and turned towards Clay, laughing in a low voice:

"Do you know how popular you are in our White Harbor and even in the entire Northern Territory?"

Clay shook his head and smiled:

"Forget it, my family will agree to whoever I choose. There is no one suitable for me in the entire Seven Kingdoms."

"Oh, you are so loud. The king is not as powerful as you."

The old jazz chuckled, taking Clay's words as a joke, but as he spoke, his voice became silent, because he thought about it in his mind, as if what Clay said was really right.

The old knight was a little embarrassed and muttered:

"This is really true. It's better not to fight this battle. At least your kid doesn't have to worry about getting married..."

Immediately, he looked calm and said seriously:

"Clay, no matter what, the family must have an heir. You must consider your marriage partner. You must understand what the old man means when he gives Wilfield to Stark."

When it comes to this, Clay becomes a little angry, not because the old man let his sister Wilfield be taken away by the Stark family, but because he is not strong enough and needs to be controlled by others.

If Galesos was the size of the Black Death, would the Mandalay family still give Wilfield to the Stark family?

At that time, it will be Wilfield who chooses her favorite person in Westeros, instead of like this now. This is the helplessness of the family's lack of strength.

"I understand, Sir Malone. Grandpa and I have already made plans for this matter. Don't worry, the Mandalay family will definitely continue to be passed down in my hands."

"I have no doubt about this. Okay, let's not talk about this. Now you tell me what the regulations are for the army you brought back. It is really a pity that they have put down their weapons and gone home now."

Clay nodded and agreed with Sir Malone's statement. He said:

"Sir, during my absence, the people who came south with me were all veterans who had seen blood. Especially these hundreds of cavalry, they followed me from beginning to end. I told them that they were not allowed to go home to farm. As a As compensation, military pay will be doubled.”

"Also, the family's current financial resources are enough to expand our cavalry team. You should keep this in mind and try to expand our cavalry team as much as possible. As for the infantry, just keep it at its current size."

Sir Malone had no objections to Clay's arrangement and agreed immediately. He followed Clay all the way and knew what a terrifying force this kid would be on the battlefield if he held a powerful cavalry in his hands.

The name Clay Manderly can be remembered by the men of the Seven Kingdoms because of the cavalry in his hands and the result of completely showing his power in front of the Lannister.

"Okay, I understand. You are still very good at leading cavalry. I will definitely not hold you back, okay?"

"Yes, and it's more important than what happened just now."

Clay stopped his smile and became extremely serious. He said:

"Sir Malone, I want you to do your best to build a fleet that can compete with Stannis's royal family. In addition to maintaining the family's operation, I want you to invest all the golden dragons in it."

This request was completely beyond Sir Malone's expectation. In his mind, Clay would definitely expand his power, but it was on land. He really didn't expect that Clay would ask him to come out early. A royal fleet came out.

"Why, maintaining such a large fleet will put a lot of financial pressure on the family. This is equivalent to investing more than half of the entire White Harbor tax revenue."

Sir Malone's eyebrows almost flew up. He couldn't understand Clay's request at all, but it's not his fault. The nobles in Westeros rarely set their sights on the sea, so no one understands sea power. the value of.

For most nobles, even if their family is close to the sea, with this money, they can get one more cavalry without adding an extra piece of wood to the ship.

But Clay never considered this issue. If he could gain control of the sea, even if the dragon was not as effective as expected due to various possible black technologies in the future, Clay would still be invincible in the war.

As long as they can gain control of the seas on both sides of Westeros, guess how many people the nobles will leave to visit their homes?

Casterly Rock, The Academy, King's Landing, Storm's End, etc., which one is not close to the sea? Even in the valley, if you land from the sea, the Blood Gate Natural Barrier is just a decoration.

It can be said that if the North had a maritime force the size of the royal fleet on the west coast before the war started, the Lannister would be able to pull out at most 20,000 people and the remaining 10,000 people would have to stay to guard the long coastline.

Because you can't guess where I will land, and the troop transport speed is much faster at sea than on land.

Before the fight even begins, I will hold at least one-third of your strength in place and prevent you from moving. This is the power of sea control.

This is the last manuscript in my hand. I have been taking exams these days and have to go to work. mgj is exhausted. I have been relying on manuscripts to survive. Readers, please bear with me.