Mako glared at Henk again. Ever since he'd taken over Abyss Keep, Mako had strictly forbidden these guys from eating people.
It was fortunate that their side had a sufficient supply of crops; otherwise, these guys would probably have gone back to their old ways long ago.
In the following time, Kabo and the others eagerly shared the information and intelligence they knew.
Following the principle of seniority, Mako allowed Kabo, who was in his forties, to speak first.
First, Kabo told Mako that he had found an iron ore vein to the north of King's Hall. Although it wasn't a high-grade rich ore, it was still enough to support the use of a noble's castle.
After hearing this, Mako glanced at Henk, who nodded at Mako and whispered a few words to a warrior beside him.
Then, Kabo told Mako that he had been sent by Lord Roose Bolton of Dreadfort to negotiate with the three major tribes on Skagos Island.
He had originally been going to Abyss Keep some time ago, but on the way, he encountered a Crowl Clan squad "hunting" outside. After seeing their meal, the viscount was scared and ran back.
He also revealed he had a base in Seal Bay, garrisoned by a troop of about thirty men. They also possessed a rowing warship belonging to House Bolton.
In early summer, they would come to Skagos Island to "hunt for slaves." After capturing enough, they would send a message to Dreadfort.
Then, a merchant ship would arrive to collect the "goods," bringing food and supplies while rotating the soldiers.
Finally, he mentioned one more thing: the deaths of Marrow Dan's father and grandfather were actually orchestrated by Dreadfort.
According to Kabo's account, the wine sent by Lord Roose Bolton back then was laced with a slow-acting poison. This poison was very insidious, usually taking over two years to take effect, and the victim wouldn't show any signs of poisoning.
After Kabo finished speaking, Marrow Dan grabbed his great axe, roaring that he would split Kabo in two. Fortunately, the other clansmen held him back. Unable to contain his rage, he slammed the axe into the ground.
Sparks flew from the uneven stone floor of the clan hall as it was struck. Mako, seeing Marrow Dan consumed by anger, quickly spoke to calm him.
At the same time, Mako promised everyone that he would find an opportunity for Marrow Dan to personally settle his family's grievances.
Marrow Dan calmed down after hearing Mako's words. He knew his own limitations. Even if he had ships, there was no way he could defeat the great noble of the North.
Then, as if he'd remembered something, he turned his head towards Mandis, glaring at him. "Did you know about this too? Speak! Tell me everything you know!"
The imposing Marrow Dan stood there, his killing intent making Mandis tremble. After all, he was only a fifteen-year-old boy. No matter how cruel his mind was, he was still afraid of death, just like anyone else.
So, under everyone's gaze, Mandis slowly revealed his adopted father's plan.
Mandis explained that if Mako hadn't appeared, Marrow Dan would have died in a year. Mandis, who had the blood of the clan leader, would then take over the tribe. If Driftwood Hall submitted, they would follow the Dreadfort's orders and attack Deep Abyss Hold.
If Driftwood Hall didn't submit, Mandis would lead a fully armed force to attack them, capturing the children and women to be used as slaves.
After that, they would consolidate their forces and attack Deep Abyss Hold, incorporating their people into Mandis's command. The Dreadfort would then appoint him, Mandis, as Viscount, ruling over all of Skagos Island.
Skagos Island would become House Bolton's secret base. The Boltons would send people to mine resources and manufacture weapons, while the island's clansmen would be sold off to generate wealth for the family.
Hearing this, Mako suddenly understood. In his past life, when he watched the television series, he'd always wondered why Ramsay "Littlefinger" Bolton had so many well-equipped troops in "The Battle of the Bastards."
Uniform armor, uniform tower shields; these weren't cheap to equip.
Now, looking back, he finally understood why the Dreadfort's power had surged after the "War of the Five Kings." Moreover, at that time, the entire North had been ravaged by the Ironborn, and there weren't enough people to support the logistical pressure of the Bolton family's powerful army.
Thinking about it now, if it weren't for the support of Mandis and the others, Lord Roose Bolton wouldn't have been able to build up a large army in such a short time.
Even with the support of the Westerlands, Tywin Lannister wasn't a fool. He wouldn't spend a lot of gold to support someone who had betrayed their master.
The North used to be managed by House Stark, and the number of soldiers in each family must have been strictly controlled. If Lord Roose Bolton wanted to increase his strength, he could only look for other options.
So, Skagos Island, the closest place to the North and isolated for generations, was the best base. Most importantly, it had iron ore.
Thinking of this, Mako suddenly felt a surge of excitement. Lord Roose Bolton of Dreadfort was an extremely difficult opponent in his previous life. Having such a person as an adversary made Mako inexplicably thrilled.
As a transmigrator, if he didn't go head-to-head with these natives, how could he live up to his knowledge that was hundreds of years ahead of the world?
After saying that, Mandis was so frightened that he collapsed to the ground. He realized that besides Mako, everyone was glaring at him with unfriendly expressions, making him feel like he was being watched. He wanted to die.
Mako watched the two of them, a smile playing on his lips. He looked at Marrow Dan and the other two, and said with a laugh:
"My loyal followers, don't be angry, because you simply cannot harm Lord Roose Bolton right now. Today, I will teach you a trick. Since you can't kill your enemy, then go and disgust him, humiliate him, make him remember you, and hate you!"
After saying this, he gestured to Sas Ting beside him to come forward. Mako whispered a few words to him, then called over a few clan warriors.
They held Mandis down together, face down. Sas Ting tore his clothes, exposing his back to Mako.
Mako slowly took out a dagger from his waist and began to carve on Mandis's back. The pain of the blade cutting through the skin caused Mandis to scream his lungs out, but his body was held down tightly by several warriors.
After the carvings were complete, Mako had two bowls of black dye brought to him. He raised one and poured it over Mandis's back, causing the man to immediately pass out from the pain.
Next was Kabo. After another round of heart-wrenching screams, he too lost consciousness.
At this point, Mako called everyone over, pointing at the characters on their backs as he asked, "Do you know what those mean?"
Everyone looked at the bloody backs, shaking their heads. Mako smiled and said, "The phrase on Kabo's back is the Bolton family motto, 'Our Blades Are Sharp,' and the phrase on Mandis's back is 'Long Live the Red King.'
I don't know if you've heard, but the ancestors of House Bolton were once known as the 'Red King.' They, like House Stark, have historically been a royal family that ruled the North!"
Seeing the bewildered expressions of the three men, Mako laughed again.
"Don't worry, don't worry! You'll understand what I mean later! Hahaha! Alright, take them away! Send them back to the North when spring arrives. I'll even send Lord Roose Bolton a gift.
Since he asked nicely, I'll return the favor. House Baelerys, 'an eye for an eye'! That saying isn't bad either! I just don't know if the Westerosi language can express the same feeling!"
After saying this, Mako instructed Henk to take good care of them, ensuring they didn't die and were sent back plump and healthy.
Actually, Mako had originally planned to write, his family's saying, "Naked men have few secrets, but flayed men have none." Unfortunately, these two fellows didn't have broad enough backs, and Mako's skills weren't that great.
He was afraid he might accidentally kill them both, after all, this was his first exchange with Roose Bolton, playing it safe would be more interesting.
Time passed, and it was already evening. Clan leader Marrow Dan held a large bonfire party to welcome Mako.
Since they were going to Griffin's Hold for the winter this year, this guy was very generous with the firewood, he was originally going to burn a huge bonfire.
But Mako stopped him. Mako ordered him to divide the bonfire into more than twenty portions, and everyone was to roast meat in teams.
Because they were afraid the tribal alcohol was tainted, Marrow Dan and the others didn't bring out any to drink. Mako's group had also finished their supply after joining the Driftwood Hall.
So, a group of burly men were eating grilled meat and drinking boiled snow water. Mako looked at the murky hot water and shook his head.
As winter was approaching, the island's water sources were mostly frozen. The tribe's drinking water came from melted snow.
This made Mako think of many things. He recalled his past life, struggling in society, so similar to these Rockseeds before him.
Then he stood up and said to everyone, that following Griffin's Hold, there would be food, water, and alcohol.
All the Rockseeds on Skagos Island would be his people. He would make everyone lived well and would no longer be looked down upon!
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