Chapter 132: Chapter 132: Death
Bloodstone lies in the heart of the Stepstones, the largest of the islands in the archipelago.
After a brief naval skirmish between the Stormlands fleet and the Tyroshi navy, the latter was forced to retreat swiftly due to their inability to contend with the speed of the Stormlands' ships.
Once the fleet landed, they began sending out the army to clean up the remaining pirates while expanding the pirates' original ports. This area was set to become the first frontline supply point and would eventually grow into an important town.
While the royal fleet was still engaged in conquering the first island, King Robert had already arrived, attending the noblemen's funerals.
The burial grounds were chosen on a hillside facing the western sea, allowing the deceased to gaze toward Westeros.
Not many nobles were buried here. Those who perished in the naval battle typically sank into the sea with their ships, serving as fish feed. Only a few bodies had been recovered.
The remains of major nobles were transported back to their family tombs, while lesser lords, landed knights, and soldiers who died valiantly in battle could be laid to rest here.
Rows of burial pits had already been dug by the soldiers, and support staff were rushing to prepare coffins for the nobles.
A large crowd had gathered, their expressions somber.
Many clergy members from the Faith of the Seven had also accompanied the army. The fallen warriors had already removed their armor and weapons, now wearing simple clothing. Silent Sisters were performing the final rites, cleaning up the dead. After the ordinary soldiers were prepared, they were carried away, while the small lords and knights were draped in their family banners and placed in coffins.
As each body was cleaned, they would be carried to the pit, where priests would deliver eulogies. Once the eulogies ended, soldiers would immediately fill the pit with earth. In wartime, everything was kept simple, and the fact that these deceased received this much care was due to King Robert's foresight in preparing supplies.
A group of nobles had gathered around the body of Lord Randyll Tarly. His body had been preserved for transport back to the family tomb.
Everyone mourned the loss of the man who had been hailed as one of the greatest warriors of Westeros. However, due to his bizarre behavior before his death, magic academy members were brought in to investigate the cause.
Qyburn was closely examining the wound on Lord Tarly's chest.
Now dressed in a fine robe, Qyburn no longer looked shabby. Lord Renly had instructed that the kingdom employ mages for this campaign, and since they were representing the magic school, he arranged for both Qyburn and Thoros to receive fine clothing — though the cost was deducted from their payment.
Beside him, Garlan Tyrell, his injuries magically healed, spoke up to explain:
"At the time, Lord Tarly and I were slaying enemies, and the closest ones were three steps away when he suddenly froze. He was struck by a heavy crossbow bolt from a pirate ship, piercing his armor. His two sons witnessed the entire event."
After hearing this, Qyburn placed one hand on Lord Tarly's forehead and used his other hand to peel back his eyelids, inspecting his pupils.
Those present knew that Qyburn was highly skilled in conjuration magic, as well as elemental and necromantic arts. When he roamed King's Landing, he was often followed by elemental spirits or reanimated animal corpses, awaiting his examination results.
"Lord Tarly was struck by powerful illusion magic."
"Illusion magic?" The crowd murmured, confused. Most people's understanding of magic was limited to visible elements like fire, ice, and lightning, with little knowledge of illusions.
Qyburn nodded. "What about Lord Tarly's sons?"
The plump Samwell Tarly and tall Dickon Tarly stepped forward from the crowd.
"I will temporarily take charge of your father's body," Qyburn continued. "If he truly fell victim to illusion magic, his head movements will appear disjointed. Do you consent?"
The two brothers exchanged glances, unsure of who had authority to speak. The more timid Samwell Tarly spoke up first, his voice trembling.
"Please, Master Qyburn, investigate the cause of my father's death."
"Please, Master Qyburn, investigate the cause of my father's death." His brother, Dickon, added. A strong and capable man in his prime, Dickon was also eager to know the cause of his father's mysterious death right before his eyes.
Qyburn nodded. Since the heir had agreed, there was no problem. "Septon!"
A Septon stepped forward.
Qyburn continued, "When my magic is complete, you will come to comfort the spirit of the deceased."
This approach was outlined in the book on corpse conjuration magic by Wright, a method used to avoid frightening the living, as necromancy could appear too sinister. Qyburn wanted to ensure the spell looked less evil.
Qyburn's hand glowed with blue magic, and Lord Randyll Tarly's body sat up.
The residual magic inside Lord Tarly clashed with Qyburn's magic. The body, which should have followed Qyburn's instructions, was motionless, with only the head twisting wildly. Purple Magicka seeped from his eyes.
Seeing the blue glow in Qyburn's hand, the gathered crowd began to understand the situation.
Qyburn withdrew his magic, allowing the Septon to proceed with the eulogy.
"A powerful illusion spell. Even a week after his death, traces of it remain in his body. Based on the fact that he stopped moving while fighting pirates, I suspect you encountered Euron Greyjoy."
Wright had been ambushed by Euron during the Iron Islands rebellion, and afterwards, he wrote down the details and methods for countering Euron's magic, leaving it in the school library.
"Was he a pirate here?" "He can use illusion magic?" The crowd murmured in surprise.
At that moment, King Robert and Renly arrived with their retinue.
Surrounding Robert were seven Kingsguard, while other officers from the royal fleet were still dealing with the pirates and had not attended the funeral.
Renly was accompanied by his captain of the guard, Loras Tyrell, Thoros, and a tall, heavily armored knight.
The Stormlands fleet had suffered a crushing defeat when they encountered Euron's pirate fleet.
"Your Grace!"
Robert looked to Qyburn. "What's the situation?"
Qyburn explained, "Lord Tarly fell victim to Euron Greyjoy's illusion magic and died."
Robert asked, "Is there any way to deal with him?"
"Only someone skilled in illusion magic can combat it. I cannot," Qyburn replied, hesitant, not daring to assign the task to his former mentor, Renly.
Renly, hands clasped behind his back, grinned confidently. "It seems I'm the only one who can deal with him."
"Anyone who encounters him must retreat immediately. It's not desertion, but you must notify Renly's fleet as quickly as possible!" Robert, one of the few who truly understood the dangers of magical duels, knew that ordinary men should not meddle in such affairs.
"Understood, Your Grace."
Robert then turned to Lord Tarly's sons. "Which of you is the heir?"
The plump Samwell Tarly hesitated, unable to speak. It was Garlan Tyrell who stepped in to clarify:
"This is Samwell Tarly, Lord Tarly's eldest son."
Now, the issue of who would inherit House Tarly was to be decided. Lord Tarly had sworn fealty to House Tyrell, and with Mace Tyrell still in King's Landing, King Robert could confirm the decision after verifying their identities. With several nobles as witnesses, Samwell was confirmed as the heir to Horn Hill.
After the ceremony, Samwell spoke up again. "Can I give my father's sword to my brother to use? I'm no good with a sword, and it's better suited for him."
Samwell had little interest in martial skills; his passion lay in books. Accompanying his father to the battlefield with his brother as a squire, he had seen Dickon's prowess and thought it only natural that the sword should go to him, never considering other deeper matters.
Robert replied, "That is your house's ancestral sword, Heartsbane. Now that you are the head of the family, who you give it to is your decision, but you must be clear whether it's a gift or an official assignment!"
Samwell thought for a moment, recalling the books he had read about other families' customs of giving and granting swords. Finally, he said, "I grant my brother, Dickon Tarly, the use of our family's heirloom, Heartsbane."