CHAPTER 255

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CHAPTER 255

296 AC

POV THIRD PERSON

Ned still could not fully understand why he was only attacking Vale, so he said,

"Lannisters might have an iron grip on Westerlands, but Crownlands and Stormlands are as devout believers as Vale. They would have mounted their invasion from there. So, this war is completely useless."

Aermir shook his head and smiled impishly, then said,

"No, I already have a trick up my sleeve against Westerlands, Crownland, and Stormland if they point their swords against us. I will pit them against each other easily."

Ned looked curious and said,

"What is it?"

"I cannot tell you what it is if you learn it. I am sure you will go and tell Robert about it."

When Ned heard this, his face sagged, and he said angrily,

"Do you see me as a loudmouth?"

"Of course not; I have grown right next to you, so I know you as well as your family does. So, for a fact, I know the second you learn about dishonorable actions, you will seek honorable outcomes. Let's say you learned some of the Stormland lords are conspiring against Robert. What would you do?"

Without hesitation, Ned said,

"I have to help my king defend himself."

"That... That action there. The behavior to seek honor the second you hear something is amiss; that is exactly why I can't tell you. If you learn there is a betrayal, you will go and tell Robert about it. I can't have a civil war in my hand when I am not ready."

Aermir was sure the second Ned learned their good queen and her brother were a bit too close to each other. Ned would definitely go and tell Robert about it, or worse, he might act honorable since Robert has no qualms about killing kids. He might go and tell Cersei about it without taking precautions. If he could, Aermir wanted nothing more to erase what he saw from his memory, but that sight was seared into his mind. Aermir couldn't help but blabber, "Disgusting!"

 He shuddered. Then turned to Ned and continued,

"That is why, my lord, do not waste your time trying to stop me. I will not destroy the Vale, but I will not sue for peace either. I need that buffer zone of Mountain Clans in case of a Faith invasion. After two more clashes, I will ask for peace. Rather than trying to pursue me to make peace, you should use your energy to convince Jon to give Mountain Clans some land in the Vale; if he gives them Coldwater Burn and Newkeep, I will accept the peace, but as I said, there need to be two more battles. They still have too many knights."

...

Aermir and Lord Stark disembarked from the ship, greeted by Lord Grafton on the small pier. Aermir smiled they managed to smuggle him off the island when he allowed for supply ships to be sent to the island so the 10 thousand men on the island became a financial burden to the Vale. Aermir smiled and said, "Ahh! Lord Grafton, I am so happy to see you safe and sound. I had heard you were eagerly waiting for my arrival in the Paps. Did you get yourself smuggled out with a supply ship?"

Upon hearing this you could see Grafton's face become as red as a tomato, "A knight of the Vale does whatever he does to serve their lord. My lord needed me here so I find a way to pass your master's accursed beasts."

"Haha! Oh, my lord, did you really think you left that island without Great Druid knowing it? You were able to do this successfully because he just didn't care whether you stayed on the island or came here. But I am happy you are safe and sound. Let's not delay, we don't want your master to wait."

Aermir had brought Sith with him. As soon as the giant shadowcat emerged from the ship, unease spread among the Vale soldiers. The massive cat turned toward the procession of knights and roared, inducing fear in the horses and causing some knights to be unseated.

Aermir, maintaining a facade of anger, pretended to scold Sith for her disruptive behavior. Unbeknownst to the Vale soldiers, this was a calculated move by Aermir to mess with them psychologically.

After 500 knights and paladins Aermir brought disembarked amidst formal pleasantries, the group set forth on their journey toward Newkeep, the seat of House Hersy. 

Jon Arryn didn't want to have the talks in a tent, so he moved his army to Newkeep. The keep lay at two days' travel from the shore, nestled within the Vale's picturesque landscapes. However, to reach their destination, the party had to traverse a mountain pass, a route that would have its hardships if you were moving an army.

The mountain pass loomed ahead, its rugged terrain offering a stark contrast to the calm waters they left behind. Towering peaks adorned with snow-capped crowns framed the narrow path that wound its way through the rocky expanse. Aermir, Lord Stark, and Lord Grafton accompanied by a retinue of knights and attendants, ventured throughout this pass.

In the middle of the narrow valley was a defensive location, with moderately high walls and a strong gate. An attack from the Bite would mount many losses in this location. It was so easy to defend and hard to conquer since only a limited number of men could attack at the same time, providing a choke point. 

As they ascended through the pass, the air grew crisper, and when they reached the other side of the pass, they could see the Newkeep. Newkeep, a formidable castle, lay cradled within a picturesque valley between two imposing mountain ranges. The castle's sturdy stone walls blended seamlessly with the rugged landscape, giving it an air of defiance. 

Towering cliffs and cascading waterfalls framed the valley, creating a natural fortress that had withstood the tests of time. Lush greenery adorned the base of the valley; thanks to the great river passing through the valley, fertile farmlands and forests reached as far as the Fingers.

...

The sun dipped low on the horizon as Jon Arryn and Aermir convened in the solar of Newkeep, the light casting long shadows across the room. The table between them was adorned with delicacies. Inside the room were Aermir, Ned Stark, Jon Arryn, Geyron Hersy, and Gerold Grafton, who were having heated conversations. 

Jon Arryn, a veteran lord with wisdom etched into the lines on his old face, said with a calm voice,

 "Aermir, representative of the Druid Emrys, we find ourselves at a crossroads. The Vale bleeds, and the people suffer. This conflict is senseless. I propose we end the bloodshed and seek terms of peace."

Aermir met Jon's gaze with an intensity that belied the calm exterior, but he had no intention of peace. "Peace, Lord Arryn, is a luxury you cannot afford. I hear the First Men living inside the Vale are tired of Andal oppression and have raised up."

As the discussion teetered on the edge of hostility, Lord Grafton, sitting right next to Jon Arryn, could no longer contain his anger. "Lord Drasil, you are not content with war alone. I hear whispers of you selling weapons to the Mountain Clans, aiding the chaos you claim to detest!"

Aermir shook his head,

"I never said I detest chaos or war; they are necessary evils when words cannot reached, and yes, I did sell weapons to the Mountain Clans."

Lord Hersy slammed his hand to the table, and in his anger, he advanced on Aermir. As he was trying to grab Aermir's collar, he received a punch out of nowhere. Geyron Hersy was surprised at what had happened. Aermir's punch was so fast that Hersy still could not understand that it was Aermir who had hit him. Aermir grabbed him by his throat and all power left Geyron's body.