章節 31: Courting the Enemy #31
"You might as well consider them trees since they're only here to listen," Gale said with a chuckle, nodding toward the wildling warriors standing in the background. He turned his attention to his fellow Night's Watchmen, Benjen and Edd.
"Remember what we talked about? About how we needed to work with the wildlings?" Gale asked, alternating his gaze between Benjen and Edd.
Benjen replied with a frown, "That, I do... But that doesn't explain a group of wildlings suddenly showing up in our camp," he cautiously added.
Gale continued to explain, "Well, I met them by coincidence, and after a minute of trying to kill one of them and then another minute talking, we reached an understanding." His words drew a chuckle from Tormund.
"The point is, I happen to have something they really want... remember that old war horn we found at the Fist?" Gale asked, to which Benjen nodded in recognition."Our wildling friends here think it can awaken giants from the earth or some such, meaning we can negotiate with them."
Qhorin's eyes widened at those words. "I don't know what this old war horn is, but it's a good thing that we can find common ground," he said, turning to Tormund, who was standing ahead of the wildling warriors.
"Tell me, how badly do you want this... trinket?" He raised an inquisitive eyebrow, waiting for their response.
"Afraid it doesn't work like that..." Tormund replied with a dismissive shake of his hand. "If you want to negotiate, you'll have to talk to Rayder," he explained. "We'll just kindly take the lad to his place," he added with a smirk, hinting at the need to transport Gale.
Benjen seemed confused by Tormund's choice of words. "The lad?" he questioned, turning to Gale. "What's that supposed to mean?" he asked, seeking clarification.
Gale nodded at Benjen. "The same way these fellows can't negotiate on behalf of their king, we can't negotiate on behalf of the Lord Commander," he explained. "I need you three to go back to Castle Black and explain the situation to Lord Mormont-- prepare the Night's Watch for actual negotiations while I talk to the wildling king."
Edd couldn't contain his alarm. "What?! Are you out of your mind? They'll just gut you and feed on your corpse!" he protested vehemently, his eyes fixed on Gale as if he'd gone mad.
Tormund interjected with a sly grin, "We weren't trying to keep it a secret. I already told the lad he'd most likely end up dead..." His comment earned him sharp glares from Qhorin and Benjen.
Gale couldn't hide his frustration as he gave Tormund a dirty glare and muttered, "Not helping, you bastard." Then, with a more serious tone, he looked at his companions. "Anyway, I need you to trust me. I'll be fine," he insisted, trying to reassure them.
Benjen and Qhorin exchanged knowing glances, silently reaching an agreement. After a brief moment of non-verbal communication, they both nodded in Gale's direction.
Growing increasingly agitated, Edd couldn't hold back his concerns any longer. "Has everyone lost their minds?!" he exclaimed. "You can't trust these people!" He pointed his sword at Tormund and the wildling warriors, earning a friendly wave and toothy grin from Tormund.
Qhorin spoke with conviction, addressing Edd's concerns. "If Westeros is to survive the undead threat, we must work with the wildlings," he stated firmly. "The lad has made up his mind. He can take care of himself." His words left no room for further argument.
Edd attempted to continue his protest, but Benjen intervened, ending the discussion. "That's enough, Edd. It's already decided," Benjen said, turning his gaze to the wildlings.
"The lad can go with you, but before that we'd appreciate some privacy." He effectively silenced Edd, who fell silent, albeit with visible reluctance.
Tormund nonchalantly shrugged and turned around, addressing his companions. "Come on, lads. Let's let the crows kiss each other goodbye in peace." He chuckled and began walking away, his companions following behind him, sharing his laughter.
Benjen waited until the wildlings had left their camp before turning his attention to Gale, his expression grave. He firmly grasped Gale's shoulders, his concern evident. "Are you sure you want to do this, Gale?" he inquired. "We can easily take them now that their guard is down," he suggested.
Gale shook his head, showing determination. "I could have taken them down myself if I wanted to," he responded. "No, we need to negotiate with the wildlings and get them on our side. Otherwise, the odds of us beating the Night King would be grim."
Edd sighed and chimed in, his tone lighthearted despite his unease. "Look... it must be all the snow giving you weird ideas... it's driving me crazy too," he said with a chuckle. "Just take a deep breath and think this over. Those savages are not to be trusted."
Gale maintained his resolve. "My mind is clear and made up, Edd," he replied with a reassuring smile. "If they try to screw me over, I'll just make a run for it... who knows, I might even annihilate them if I let loose." He offered this with a touch of humor, though Edd only shook his head in resignation.
Qhorin, standing to the side, added his perspective. "Call me cold-hearted if you will, lad, but I won't try to talk you out of it," he stated. "The truth of the matter is that we need you to do this... just..." He trailed off, but the unspoken plea was clear.
"Just remember who you are and where you came from. Remember what's at stake, and try not to die." Qhorin finished with a pat on Gale's back before turning away.
Gale nodded in acknowledgment. "I will. You guys take care now," he said, steeling himself as he turned and headed toward the group of wildling warriors in the distance.
While Gale approached the group, Tormund turned to one of his companions, a wildling man with long hair who had been kneeling on the ground, his eyes upturned. As the man's eyes reverted to normal, he slowly stood up.
Tormund regarded him with a grin and asked, "Well, are they going to fuck us over or what?" He rubbed his beard, curiosity clear in his eyes.
The warg, who had been eavesdropping on Gale's conversation by possessing a nearby bird, shook his head. "Doesn't look like it. No," he replied. "What's interesting is that the lad thinks he can take us... his companions didn't doubt him either." The warg cast a puzzled look at Gale, who was steadily walking toward them.
Tormund raised an eyebrow, his grin widening. "Oh?" he responded with interest. "Now we know who massacred those wights, at least..."
"What do you think?" Tormund inquired, turning to Threya. "You fought the lad twice," he added. Before Threya could respond, one of the wildlings chimed in, "And lost twice," which provoked laughter from the group.
However, a sharp glare from Threya silenced them.
"True enough, he kicked my ass," Threya admitted with a grimace. "He's good, but not good enough to take us all," she added, shaking her head.
Tormund seemed amused. "Maybe there's more to him than meets the eye," he mused. "I guess we'll just have to wait and see," he said, turning his attention to Gale as the young man finally reached them.
"We're good to go now," Gale stated. "Let's not waste any time," he urged.
"So be it," Tormund agreed with a casual nod. "Start moving!" he instructed his companions, and everyone quickly obliged.
...
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