章 773: Chapter 773: The Long Night Descends
This bizarre 'heavenly dog devouring the sun' phenomenon was occurring not just at King's Landing, but simultaneously across the world.
The sun was being nibbled away bit by bit by the dark, sunlight cast on the ground also fading gradually. Never having witnessed such a sight before, people reacted in panic and horror, many falling to their knees in desperate prayer.
From the North still under reconstruction to the Dornish end of the empire, from the Lonely Light in the Sunset Sea to Pentos, Andalos and the Three Daughters across the Narrow Sea.
The sun was being stolen away.
That vital core bearing all human life and hope.
Yet all were helpless but to watch the sun vanish, without any means to save it.
Even the emperor of the current strongest nation on earth, the Valyrian Empire, could only stand motionless on his balcony, hands tied.
In the fields the farmers, dockworkers in the harbors, soldiers struggling to keep order - all were lost in bewilderment inside.
"What's happening?"
Having just quarreled with Viserys earlier, Daenerys was riding her dragon toward Dragonstone.
The sea winds had cleared her previously fevered mind.
She regretted arguing with Viserys somewhat.
Even more so for some irreversible words said in the heat of their fight.
For words were like knives, especially toward loved ones. Spur-of-the-moment utterances could not be taken back. Even if friends and family forgave, it would still leave a knot in their hearts.
Fortunately she had only said those words before Viserys himself. Rhaenys and Arianne were unaware. But there had been another woman present then.
Would Margaery repeat what she said to them?
Daenerys regretted her rashness a little. Astride her partner Viserion's back, endless seas and wisps of clouds stretched below.
The silver-haired girl clenched her little fists. Her dragon seemed to sense its master's inner turmoil too.
Somewhat embarrassed to simply fly back now, Viserion tilted its head. Icy eyes regarded Daenerys as the dragon let out a low rumble, seeming to encourage her.
But just then, the skies above abruptly darkened.
"Does anyone know what is happening?"
"What should we do?"
On the other end at Braavos, current Sealord of Braavos Tormo Fregar stood in the Sealord's Palace questioning the key holders of the Iron Bank.
"This is..."
Yet these men reputedly presiding over the greatest fortune in the world could only look helplessly at one another, left speechless.
Because at times like these, in the face of such circumstances, all the wealth and gold in their coffers had become worthless.
Volantis.
Guided by High Priest Benerro, believers of the Red Temple ignited a great fire before the temple so huge it was visible across the whole of Volantis.
Whoosh—
The flames burned, surging wildly into the clouds.
"Ancient evil gods gather power!"
"Evil and mighty beyond mortal resistance."
"The cold winds have stirred. Soon comes an endless Long Night, unless righteous men gather courage to uphold the fiery faith of R'hllor."
Kneeling before the blaze, the high priest led his followers in impassioned prayer, beseeching the Lord of Light to grant them dawn again, to return the vanished sun.
And this was actually the daily prayer ritual conducted by the red monks.
Every dusk they would light fires and pray to R'hllor for the next day's sun to still rise as usual. Yet now was the largest such ritual in history.
Vaes Dothrak.
"Shekh!"
"Shekh!"
As the sun disappeared, even the formidable Dothraki riders who feared nothing on the battlefield reacted in panic now, prostrating before the Mother of Mountains praying for the Horse God to protect them.
Outside the hall of Khal of Khals, Mango who had unified the Dothraki, a warlock masked in red varnish raised his eyes watching the skies.
"Warlock!"
Just then, a voice called out behind the warlock. The female warlock named Quaithe turned to look at her companion.
Their eyes met, both filled with dread.
Amidst the mists shrouding the ruins of Valyria, thunder and lightning flashed through the dark clouds here. Ships navigating nearby heard terrifying sounds echoing from within, unsure if thunder or something else.
They could even vaguely glimpse giant shapes wheeling in the distant heavens.
Slaver's Bay.
Astapor, Yunkai, Meereen.
New Ghis.
The Shadow Council.
Queen of the Summer Isles Asha Greyjoy and her clan heads also jolted up in shock.
Across the world, everywhere touched by sunlight had sunk into terror.
In King's Landing, only a short while had passed yet already half the sun was gone.
"Men!"
"Tell Brynden 'Blackfish' Tully to seal all the city gates!"
"Maintain order in the capital!"
"Forbid any chaos!"
Emerging from his shock within the Red Keep, Viserys swiftly issued orders like flowing water.
No matter what happened, preserving stability took first priority. He could well imagine the turmoil outside now without even stepping out.
Initially Viserys assumed it was a solar eclipse. Yet upon careful recollection, it seemed humanity here had no records of any eclipses before.
No solar eclipses in this world?
Or were they simply too rare?
Coupled with this world's inexplicable chaotic changing of seasons, each lasting years... Viserys reached a chilling conclusion.
"Could it be..."
"The Long Night descending?"
Yet by Viserys' memory, Year 299 After Aegon should be around the timeline when the War of the Five Kings took place. Winter might have come silently, but not the Long Night.
Why would such changes occur? What governed the workings of this world? Were all these the will of the gods? Whims of nature? Or might of magical tides?
But the chaotic rules of this world remained incomprehensible to Viserys.
"Your Grace!"
"Terrible news!"
Then Grand Maester Marwyn rushed over, the letter from the Citadel in hand.
Of course, that letter had now lost all meaning. The maesters' speculation over coming calamity from celestial anomalies was already unfolding.
"Grand Maester Marwyn, do you know of solar eclipses?"
Viserys had thrown on a cloak. Seeing Marwyn arrive, he asked directly.
Indeed, the exceptionally learned Marwyn was completely blank.
Clearly he had never heard of any solar eclipse either.
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