Chapter 53 - Strategic Missteps

124 AC

The fifteenth day of the tenth moon

Addam POV

We were already supposed to intercept Lady Jeyne's retinue before it was attacked. But now, we were mired in confusion and bickering, our plan unraveling at the seams.

"We are fucking lost," Ser Hugh bellowed, his frustration boiling over.

"All because you can't read a fucking map," he sneered, pointing an accusing finger at Mushroom.

Even the usually jovial Mushroom looked furious. "You oaf, we are not fucking lost," he retorted, his voice seething with anger.

"We are right where Lady Jeyne's retinue is supposed to pass by. Either they've gone ahead of us or they are inexplicably lagging behind," he explained, trying to reason with the hot-headed knight.

"Both of you, calm your tits," Harlon interjected, attempting to mediate.

But his words fell on deaf ears. Both Ser Hugh and Mushroom shot him furious glares.

"They might have already attacked the fucking caravan, and you," Ser Hugh pointed an accusing finger at Mushroom, "are the reason why we have fucking messed up, bloody dwarf!" he shouted.

The tense atmosphere thickened as Mushroom's face turned scarlet with rage. "What did you call me, you bastard?" he roared, his voice shaking with fury.

I stepped forward, trying to restore order before the situation devolved into a brawl. "Enough! Arguing among ourselves won't solve anything," I said firmly, locking eyes with each of them in turn.

"We all knew the risks when we took on this mission," I continued. "We were to locate Lady Jeyne's retinue and ensure their safe passage through these dangerous lands. There's no time for infighting or pointing fingers."

For a brief moment, it seemed like my words had an effect, as both Ser Hugh and Mushroom hesitated, their anger momentarily subsiding. But it was short-lived.

"You dare lecture us?" Ser Hugh growled, his nostrils flaring with anger.

"I'm not trying to lecture anyone. I'm merely reminding us of our purpose here," I replied evenly, trying to keep my own emotions in check after all Ser Ulf had taught me too.

Mushroom stepped forward, his fists clenched tightly. "You may be Ulf's squire but that doesn't mean you get to speak down to us," he spat.

"I'm not speaking down to anyone," I said calmly, resisting the urge to let my frustration show. "We need to focus on the task at hand. Lady Jeyne's life is at stake, and the longer we waste arguing, the closer she gets to danger."

Ser Hugh snorted derisively. "The bloody kid has a point. We need to find them, and fast," he grumbled, his stubbornness giving way to reason, at least for the moment.

I nodded in agreement, grateful that they seemed to be coming to their senses. "Let's gather our wits and retrace our steps," I suggested. "If Lady Jeyne's retinue has already passed us, there must be signs or tracks we can follow."

With a begrudging nod, Mushroom agreed.

"We'll find them," I said resolutely, "together."

The pressure of this crucial mission seemed to have unhinged us.

As the hours stretched on, the tension in the air became palpable. Every misstep was met with a volley of blame, and frustrations threatened to boil over once more. I found myself caught in the middle, trying to maintain harmony among my companions while also grappling with my own doubts and fears.

And so, we set out once more, our tempers still simmering beneath the surface, but a glimmer of cooperation shining through. As we combed the landscape for any trace of Lady Jeyne's retinue, I couldn't help but wonder how we had come to this point of discord.

The vast wilderness seemed to taunt us, offering no clear direction or sign of Lady Jeyne's passage. Doubt gnawed at my resolve, and I began to question whether we would be able to find her in time. The weight of responsibility pressed heavily on my shoulders, and I couldn't shake the feeling that I was failing both Lady Jeyne and Ser Ulf.

As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a fiery glow across the landscape, we trudged onward, desperate to cover as much ground as possible before darkness enveloped us. But with each passing minute, the odds seemed to slip further from our grasp.

"We should set up camp," Ser Harlon finally suggested, breaking the silence that had settled among us.

Mushroom and Ser Hugh grumbled their agreement, and we made camp amidst the stark wilderness. The crackling of the fire provided little comfort as we huddled together, the chill of the night seeping into our bones.

"I'm sorry," Ser Hugh's voice cut through the quiet, surprising us all. "I let my anger get the best of me. We're all in this together, and bickering won't help."

Mushroom nodded, his expression softened. "I'm sorry too," he admitted. "This mission is important, and we need to find Lady Jeyne. Let's put our differences aside and focus on the task at hand."

I appreciated their sincerity, and I couldn't deny that I had allowed my own doubts to affect my leadership. "I'm sorry as well," I said, the weight of my words echoing in the stillness of the night. "We need to work together, trust each other, if we're going to succeed."

"Who would have thought that a child of ten namedays would be the one helping us keep our emotions in control," Ser Harlon said with a soft smile as he patted my head.

"Ulf would be proud of you, boy," Mushroom chimed in, his voice carrying a hint of warmth.

Blushing at the praise, I replied, "Ser Ulf is the best, isn't he?"

"That he is," Ser Hugh agreed, his gruff demeanor softening. "He came to my rescue without even knowing who I was, and that's why I owe him my life."

Turning to Ser Harlon, I couldn't help but ask, "And what about you, Ser Harlon? How did you come to know Ser Ulf?"

For a moment, a shadow passed over Ser Harlon's face. His pale eyes closed briefly, and his hand moved through his dark hair as if to steady himself. "You are right," he finally said, his voice tinged with emotion. "Ulf is a good man. He saved my life too, and for that, I owe him a debt I can never repay."

As the memories flooded back, Ser Harlon seemed lost in thought. It was evident that Ser Ulf had left a profound impact on him, just as he had on me and many others. I could sense a mix of gratitude and sorrow in Ser Harlon's expression.

"Mushroom is right, though," Ser Harlon continued, glancing at our companion. "As much as I admire Ser Ulf, he's not without flaws. None of us are perfect. We all have our struggles and shortcomings."

Mushroom nodded sagely, his eyes still fixed on the vast expanse of the sky above. "Indeed," he said softly. "Even the greatest of men have their moments of weakness. It's what makes us human."

A moment of quiet reflection enveloped us, the weight of our shared experiences settling in our hearts. Each of us had faced hardships, and it was the bond we shared that helped us through those difficult times. Ser Ulf had been the catalyst that brought us together, but it was our friendship and understanding that kept us united.

"Ser Ulf taught me that being strong doesn't mean hiding your vulnerabilities," I said, breaking the silence. "It means acknowledging them and facing them with courage."

Ser Hugh grunted in agreement, while Ser Harlon gave me a faint smile. "You're wise beyond your years, lad," he said. "And I suppose that's another testament to Ser Ulf's influence on you."

Mushroom chuckled softly. "Indeed, our little Addam here has grown into quite the remarkable young man."

"I know I shouldn't say this, but I've noticed something rather peculiar about Ser Ulf," I began hesitantly, and everyone around the campfire turned their curious eyes towards me.

"Back on Driftmark, there were nights when I would catch him leaving his room late at night, and when he returned, he had this look of contentment on his face and his hair would be all disheveled," I revealed.

At first, silence hung in the air, and then a mischievous grin spread across Mushroom's face. "Late-night training with his sword, eh?" he said, winking playfully. The implication of the bawdy joke elicited hearty laughter from Ser Hugh and Ser Harlon, and even I couldn't help but join in, despite the blush creeping up my cheeks.

Mushroom continued, "Ah, it seems our noble Ser Ulf has a secret admirer! Perhaps he's sneaking off to rendezvous with a mysterious lady."

The idea of Ser Ulf being involved in romantic escapades seemed amusing, but a hint of mystery also swirled in my mind. "It's possible," I mused, "but it's not just that. There's something more to it, I can feel it."

Ser Harlon's brow furrowed, and he leaned in closer, intrigued by the prospect of a hidden secret. "What do you mean, lad? You think there's more to his nightly excursions?"

I nodded, my mind racing with curiosity. "It's like he carries a secret burden, and these nocturnal activities seem to be his way of seeking solace or answers."

Ser Hugh chuckled, raising an eyebrow in mock seriousness. "A secret burden, you say? Are you sure you haven't been reading too many romantic tales, young Addam?"

I blushed again, realizing how my words might sound, but I pressed on. "No, I mean it! There's something mysterious about those late-night wanderings. It's like he's on a quest of his own, searching for something hidden in the darkness."

Mushroom's eyes gleamed with intrigue, and he leaned back against a tree, his mind clearly working on some wild theories. "Could be treasure he's after! Or maybe he's got a long-lost love that he meets in secret. Oh, the drama!" he exclaimed, adding a touch of theatrics to his words.

Ser Harlon, however, took a more serious tone. "If there's something troubling him, we should try to help," he suggested.

"He has been there for each of us when we needed him. It's only right that we return the favor", he said.

With newfound determination, we all agreed to keep a watchful eye on Ser Ulf, not with the intention of prying into his personal matters, but to offer support if he needed it. Our quest to find Lady Jeyne had not only united us in purpose but in a bond of friendship that went beyond the surface.

As the night wore on, our imaginations ran wild with speculations about Ser Ulf's secret nighttime activities. We spun tales of hidden treasure, forbidden love, and even encounters with mythical creatures in the dark woods. The more we joked and laughed, the more the initial mystery surrounding Ser Ulf's actions seemed like an amusing adventure of its own.

When morning finally broke, we greeted the day with a renewed sense of camaraderie. The mystery of Ser Ulf's late-night wanderings remained, but it no longer weighed on us as a source of concern. Instead, it became a lighthearted topic that brought smiles to our faces.

As the morning sun cast a golden glow over the landscape we set forth on our search for Lady Jeyne's retinue. The sense of urgency weighed heavily on our hearts, knowing that danger lurked nearby.

With each step, our anticipation grew, and the mystery of Ser Ulf's nightly wanderings faded into the background. The safety of Lady Jeyne and her entourage was our paramount concern.

As we delved deeper into the woods, the scene that greeted us was one of devastation and chaos. Lady Jeyne's retinue had indeed been attacked, and the sight was heart-wrenching. Injured men lay scattered among the debris, and the ground was stained with the blood of those who had fought valiantly to protect their lady.

My heart sank as I saw the lifeless bodies of the fallen, and a sense of fury rose within me. We had arrived too late, and I couldn't help but wonder if there was anything we could have done differently.

"Stay focused," Ser Harlon's voice broke through the haze of emotions. "We must find Lady Jeyne. She may still be alive."

As we pressed forward, our senses on high alert, a sudden shout cut through the air. "Put your weapons down!" a commanding voice boomed, and we found ourselves surrounded by more than twenty men.

A knight stood at the head of the group, his armor stained with blood, and his grip firm on a sword that looked distinctively different. My eyes fell upon his shield, bearing the emblem of three black ravens in flight, clutching three red hearts on a white background. It was unmistakable – Ser Corywn Corbray, the wielder of Lady Forlorn, the Valyrian steel sword of House Corbray.

Tension filled the air as we faced the formidable knight and his men. "State your intentions right now," he demanded, and the archers nocked their arrows, ready to unleash a volley at any moment.

"We came here to save and inform Lady Jeyne about the attack that was going to take place," I hurriedly shouted, trying to defuse the situation. "We mean no harm; we're allies."

But Ser Corywn's brown eyes flickered with distrust as he surveyed us. The weight of the situation was palpable, and I knew that our words alone might not be enough to convince him of our true intentions.

"Arrest them!" Ser Corywn's command rang out, and we found ourselves forcibly restrained, hands bound behind our backs. Ser Hugh couldn't contain his frustration, cursing at their stupidity, but it was Mushroom's wise words that eventually calmed the situation. The tension in the air was palpable as we were blindfolded and taken away to an unknown destination.

We stumbled forward, guided by our captors, the journey shrouded in darkness and uncertainty. The sound of footsteps and hushed whispers surrounded us, but I couldn't discern where they were taking us.

As we walked, I could sense Ser Harlon's stoic resolve beside me, while Ser Hugh's grumbling made it clear he wasn't one to submit quietly. Mushroom, on the other hand, remained composed, his calming presence a reassurance amidst the chaos.

The blindfolds were removed, and before us stood a woman with bright red hair. Her tear-streaked face now displayed determination as she confronted us. "You said that you knew we were going to be attacked," Lady Jessamyn said, her voice tinged with suspicion. "How? Were you working with the clansmen?"

"We were not, Lady Jessamyn," Mushroom spoke up, his voice calm but resolute. "And to answer your question, we knew about their plan to attack Lady Jeyne when our companion overheard them talking about it."

Lady Jessamyn seemed taken aback for a moment, and then she realized something. "What the fuck are you doing here, Jester? Aren't you supposed to be in the king's court?"

"Well, I got tired of all that," Mushroom replied nonchalantly. "And to be honest, the intrigue in the court was nothing compared to the adventure we've had."

"Who?" Ser Corywn asked, his voice filled with anger wanting to who it was whoa attacked Lady Jeyne

"It was Ser Arnold Arryn and Isembard Arryn of Gulltown," Mushroom replied, his voice steady.

Lady Jessamyn's face contorted with anger upon hearing the names. "I told her to put him in the sky cells, but she did not listen," she lamented, her frustration evident.

My heart sank as I realized the gravity of the situation. "Lady Jessamyn, please tell me that Lady Jeyne is with you," I implored, my voice trembling with concern.

A single, solitary tear fell from Lady Jessamyn's eyes. "They took her away at night when they attacked," she revealed, her voice choked with emotion.

"I lost thirty good men," Ser Corywn said, his anger seething. "All due to that treacherous cunt, Arnold," he spat.

"But do not worry, Lady Jessamyn, because the White Knight is there," I interjected, hoping to offer some glimmer of hope.

"The White Knight?" Lady Jessamyn questioned, her eyes searching mine.

"Yes, Ser Ulf is secretly traveling with them, and he will surely save Lady Jeyne," I reassured her, hoping to ignite a spark of optimism.

"Ser Ulf is a skilled and resourceful knight," Ser Harlon added. "If anyone can find a way to rescue Lady Jeyne, it's him."

Lady Jessamyn's eyes flickered with a mix of doubt and hope. "But he is only one knight against more than forty. There is no hope unless we pursue them," Ser Corywn pointed out, his voice filled with determination.

"That's true," I admitted, "but we have to try. Ser Ulf is the White Knight, and we must trust in him."

"Agreed," Lady Jessamyn said, her resolve strengthening. "We shall gather our forces and set out to find Lady Jeyne."

"Ser Corywn, send some of your fastest riders to the Bloody Gates! Summon Ser Jofferyn Arryn and his forces to gather near the Mountain of the Moon! We must also send word to the Eyrie. The other houses of the Vale must be warned about this treachery!" Lady Jessamyn commanded with fierce determination, her voice echoing with authority.

Ser Corywn wasted no time and swiftly dispatched messengers to carry out Lady Jessamyn's orders. The camp bustled with activity as preparations for the impending battle intensified. The tension was high, but a newfound sense of hope permeated the air. We were not alone in this fight, and together, we would face the darkness that threatened Lady Jeyne and the Vale.

As everyone dispersed to carry out Lady Jessamyn's orders, a mix of emotions overwhelmed me. The hope that surged in my heart clashed with the fear that gnawed at my mind. I could only pray that everything would be alright for Lady Jeyne, and that Ser Ulf would protect her with his life.

But amidst the tumult of thoughts and emotions, there was one realization that hit me like a thunderbolt. The aftermath of the battle I had witnessed, the fallen soldiers and the bloodied bodies, marked the first time I had seen death up close. The gravity of it all dawned on me, and a wave of sickness swept over me.

With a heavy heart, I found a secluded spot and doubled over, the bitterness rising in my throat until suddenly, I vomited. My body convulsed, and I retched out the turmoil that churned within me. It was a visceral reminder of the harsh reality that lay beyond the romanticized stories of knights and adventures. As I wiped my mouth and took a deep breath, I knew that I couldn't turn back. The challenges and uncertainties of our quest were now an integral part of my life, and I had to find the strength to face them head-on.