Replanning

The sun rose from the clear blue sky above and shone through the open window of Linde's room at Grafton Keep. Lighting up the scene of Artys embracing intimately with Linde. He was already awake and rearranging his plans.

Artys had planned to call the meeting of the Lords of the Vale at Eyrie, to unmask Lysa Tully and try her for her crimes. But he thought better of it, if he did that, when Catelyn Stark captures Tyrion Lannister and takes him to the Eyrie, she will learn of her sister's trial and that will cause a lot of trouble. Therefore, the best thing to do is to call the meeting in Runestone, which will be the Capital of my government. With that, I can leave Lysa in the Eyrie to fulfill her role in Tyrion's trial and leave her as nominal 'Ruler' for everyone outside the Vale for as long as I need it.

As he thought, Linde began to stir. She gave him a kiss and then looked at him obsessively.

"Do you really have to leave today?"

"Unfortunately yes, it's been 2 days since I summoned the Lords of the Vale and the traitors have started to make their moves. I will set sail with my ships after I have finished organizing the administration and defense of Gulltown. I'll make a quick stop at Runestone Harbor to gather troops and then leave for Heart's Home."

As he expected, the Lords of Houses allied with the Royces will attend in person. Those who are not allies and undecided will at least send representatives to participate. Only Houses Corbray and Linderly have not responded at all, and after they receive a raven from 'Petyr Baelish' informing them that Lysa is on her way to the Vale, they have called their banners and are gathering at Heart's Home planning to march to Eyrie to meet with Lysa and protect little Robb Arryn's claim (Baelish).

"I'll leave Ser Damon and an officer from my army in charge of a Garrison of 700 men here in Gulltown to govern and keep order in the city. You can go and live in Runestone after I return."

Linde smiled happily and kissed Artys passionately as the two hugged tightly. After they parted, Linde encouraged Artys to the best of his ability. As her lover, it was her duty to support her man in his endeavors. Despite the worried expression on her face, she forced herself to take her leave.

"Make sure you come home in one piece!"

Artys smiled confidently and stroked the woman's shiny blond hair.

"If it goes according to my plans, I should be back safely in no time!"

Having said that, Artys kissed her on the forehead before leaving the room. After doing that, he went to organize the last details for the city's garrison.

After rejoining the rest of his army, which had already assembled in port, Artys set sail in his flagship with his top officers.

***

Eventually 1 day later, his forces were fully replenished at Runestone and his army was readied to sail to Heart's Home; as such, Artys once again set sail with his ships.

So, with an army of 4,000 men, Artys departed the city of Runestone for their destination in Heart's Home, where they would engage in the decisive battle for domination of the Vale. Artys would clear the traitors and set an example for the rest of the Lords.