The morning sun is beautiful and warm, shining on the sparkling surface of the narrow sea.

At the pier of Yang Halberd City, the fleet flying the double-headed eagle flag slowly docked.

This is the Stormlands fleet heading south from Storm's Breath through Halberd City, entering the harbor to replenish fresh water and food.

Count Lucas Dayne stood on the deck and caught a glimpse of the new Duke of Dorne standing in the welcoming crowd.

She was wearing a white floor-length dress, an embroidered white curly-brimmed hat, and thin white gloves, which was not only beautiful, but also had an awe-inspiring and noble temperament than before.

After Dorne surrendered to the Storm Queen, Natalie, as the new Duke of Dorne, did not return to her own territory, Starfall, but stayed in Halberd City.

Although the city is now only a fief of the Martell family, and no longer has the same special significance as before, in the hearts of most Dorn, Starfall City still cannot be compared to Halberd City.

Moreover, the city of Halberd is located at the mouth of the Green Blood River, and is the central hub of communication between Dorne and the free trade city-states on the other side of the Narrow Sea.

Therefore, due to various considerations, Samwell suggested that Natalie stay in Pycamore City before leaving, and wait until the political situation in Dorne, and indeed the entire Westeros political situation, to stabilize in the future, before returning to Starfall City.

As for the Duke of Dorne's occupation of his old palace, the Martell family naturally did not dare to say much. As the vanquished, they could keep the city of Yang Halberd City and the title of earl, and they didn't dare to ask for more.

As soon as the ship came to a stop, Count Lucas jumped off the pier and walked a few quick steps to Duke Natalie, where he saluted.

"It's been a hard journey, Count Lucas." Natalie's smile was sincere and bright, after all, the naval commander in front of her was her kindred, and he was the first knight to follow Caesar, so she naturally had a good impression of him, "I have prepared a sumptuous dinner to welcome your arrival." ”

"Your Excellency the Duke, you are so polite." Lucas said respectfully, "But I'm afraid we won't be able to stay long, after all, we have a mission ahead of us, and we must rush to the sunset sea as soon as possible." So, when the fleet is replenished with fresh water and food, we will set off again. ”

"Is it in such a hurry? At least have a light lunch before you go. ”

Count Lucas couldn't refuse again: "Lunch should be in time, thank you for your hospitality." ”

Natalie smiled lightly and turned back to the city.

Count Lucas followed half a step behind, and asked as he went:

"Lord Duke, have you received news from Riverbend lately?"

"Yang Halberd City has indeed received a few ravens." Natalie said crisply, "Two weeks ago, the Iron People had already captured Qingting Island, and it was said that there was a fire on the island, and the merchant ships did not dare to approach it at all. ”

"Except for Qingting Island," Lucas was extremely heartbroken at the thought of his future fiefdom being ravaged by the Iron People, but at this time he could only forcibly endure it, "Have the other river bend territories been plundered by the Iron People?" ”

"We haven't heard from it yet."

Lucas nodded silently, his face solemn.

The group returned to the Old Palace and had a brief lunch.

As the fleet was still replenished, Count Lucas rested in his room.

But when he woke up from his lunch break, he saw that the sky had completely changed outside.

The blue sky was covered with dark clouds, and the wind howled from the narrow sea, cracking the windows like a storm.

Count Lucas hesitated for a moment, but still found Duke Natalie to take his leave.

"The storm is coming, do you want to leave now?"

"Yes, the military situation is urgent, please forgive me."

Natalie didn't insist: "Okay, you be careful all the way. ”

"Take care, too."

As soon as he finished saying this, a deafening thunderclap was heard outside the window, and in an instant, a thunderstorm swept in, enveloping everything in heaven and earth.

Although the maids had closed the windows, the wind still penetrated through the tiniest cracks, blowing the candlelight in the crystal lampshades. From time to time, lightning streaked across the sky and left a shocking arc of fire on the windows, followed by a continuous thunderclap.

Count Lucas strode into the corridor, and saw that the entire city of Halberd seemed to be in the center of a thunderstorm, and the terrible lightning and thunder seemed to destroy the city completely.

"I'm afraid I can't go away in this weather." Count Lucas shook his head with a wry smile.

Natalie's face turned slightly pale with fright from the sight outside the window, but she still took the posture of a duke and comforted her:

"Don't worry, the Iron People won't come out to loot this weather, you should be able to save Riverbend in time."

Count Lucas was silent, he was not worried about the Bendlands, but about the Blackwater.

He had wanted to solve the problem of the iron people as soon as possible and return to the Blackwater River to escort the army on the south bank to cross the river, but now it seemed that it would be delayed for a few more days.

The storm lasted for three days, and when the weather finally cleared, Count Lucas immediately ordered the fleet to prepare for sea.

But just then, the adjutant came over with a man who was wet:

"My lord, this man claims to be Sir Desmond of House Redwin, and says he has important information to tell you."

"Desmond?" Count Lucas froze his mind, and finally recognized the man in front of him who seemed to have just been shipwrecked and was extremely embarrassed, "What information do you have?" ”

Sir Desmond had apparently suffered from the previous storm, and had to rely on the support of his soldiers to barely stand his feet:

"Lucas, don't go to Qingting Island! The Iron Fleet is long gone! ”

"Oh? So where did they go? ”

"Where else can I go? Blackwater River, of course! ”

Count Lucas was shocked, but on the surface he didn't move, just looked at the man in front of him with a scrutinizing gaze, as if he was thinking about the truth or falsehood of his information.

"Do I have to lie to you?" Sir Desmond said in a hoarse voice, "Those scum of the Iron Islands have treacherously slaughtered the Redwin family, and my hatred for them is bigger than the Summer Sea, do you think I'll help them lie to you?" ”

Count Lucas nodded, turned to the adjutant and ordered:

"Inform everyone, cancel the original plan, and we will return!"

"Yes, sir!"

Sir Desmond laughed when he heard this:

"Good! Good! Help me kill Euron Greyjoy! Kill all the scum of the Iron Islands! Kill them all! ”

Count Lucas waved his hand at the guards, motioning for them to escort Desmond down.

In fact, he did not fully believe this man's information, but Count Lucas decided to return anyway.

It is more important to escort the army across the river than to be plundered by the iron people.

He could afford Desmond's lie, but if what Desmond said was true, he would have to go to Blackwater to help.

Protecting the Riverlands and marching into King's Landing was a matter of great importance to Count Lucas.

There's another chapter to wait a little longer

(End of chapter)