The soldiers of House East let out a cheer as they charged across the simple wooden bridge to the gate of the Twins. With heavy axes, they hacked through the thick iron chains of the drawbridge, letting it crash down into place. Gunpowder charges were set against the main gate.
BOOM!
The sound of the explosion shook the castle to its foundations. The tall, wooden gate was blown to splinters. With battle cries echoing through the fortress, the soldiers poured through the shattered entrance.
The remaining Frey soldiers scattered and fled. Jason's men, flintlocks slung over their backs and swords drawn, stormed through the castle courtyards.
"Ahhh—"
"Don't kill me! Please, don't kill me!"
Maids and servants screamed, hiding in corners or kneeling on the ground, their faces masks of terror as they begged for mercy.
Bud led his military police unit into the castle behind the main force. His task was twofold: ensure the soldiers adhered to military regulations, and arrest every member of House Frey.
Finally, the logistics troops entered the city and began to take over the storerooms and treasury, taking inventory of the money and food supplies. The entire operation was carried out with orderly precision. No one dared to harm an innocent or lay a hand on the women of the castle.
Any soldier who dared to disobey military orders and commit murder or rape would be hanged by Lord Jason in front of the entire army. The men recruited by House East were honest youths from humble backgrounds, and they had all undergone at least half a year of rigorous training. No one was foolish enough to break the rules.
Their pay as a soldier was a generous fifteen silver stags a month, with handsome bonuses for valor in combat. Pensions were even provided for the families of those killed or disabled. To be kicked out of the army, or worse, executed for violating military law, would not only be a personal disgrace but would also bring shame upon their families in Starfire City.
Honor was something every soldier was taught to cherish.
By teaching them the difference between honor and disgrace, Jason had given these sons of farmers, who had once known only hunger, a life of purpose and stability. He vigorously promoted a culture of honor within the army, elevating the soldiers' sense of self-worth.
As a result, the army of House East was completely different from the feudal levies commanded by the other lords of Westeros. This was a force with strict military discipline and a profound respect for honor.
Deep within the castle, Edmure Tully, Lord of Riverrun, and his wife, Roslin Frey, were rescued by Kent and a squad of soldiers.
Edmure held his beautiful wife, pulling the terrified woman behind him for protection. He summoned his courage and faced the intruding soldiers, shouting, "I am Edmure Tully, Lord of Riverrun! I am Robb Stark's uncle! You are Lord Jason's soldiers, I wish to see Lord Jason East!"
The soldiers looked at one another. The Lord of Riverrun was a high lord, a true nobleman to them. They dared not show any disrespect and immediately escorted Edmure and his wife to the Great Hall to meet their commander.
Jason waited until the Twins were completely under his control before striding into the infamous hall, flanked by his personal guard.
Bud had already rounded up all the members of House Frey. They were bound with ropes and forced to their knees. Even Lord Walder, who had been paralyzed by fright during the cannonade, was carried in and placed on the stone floor. The Freys were a large family; the famously virile Lord Walder had married many times and fathered a horde of children. In total, more than fifty family members were captured.
Looking at the men kneeling on the ground and the women shivering and crying, Jason ordered Kent to have them separated and taken into custody. As for the half-paralyzed old man who could barely speak, Jason ordered him to be guarded carefully. He had to ensure the old weasel made it back to Winterfell alive to stand trial alongside the Boltons.
As Edmure Tully walked in with his wife, he saw the last of the Freys being escorted out of the hall as prisoners. His eyes, full of complicated resentment, fell upon Lord Walder being carried away. This was the man who had murdered his sister Catelyn and his nephew Robb at the Red Wedding, who had filled him with boundless fear and held him prisoner. Now, he was just a helpless, paralyzed old man.
Roslin Frey watched her family being led away in chains, her face pale with fright. She clutched her husband's arm, trembling. Edmure put his arm around his wife. He had truly grown to love Roslin, the prettiest of the Frey girls. During their days in captivity, she had comforted and supported him, and their bond had deepened.
Kent emerged from the hall and saw them standing there. He coughed lightly and smiled. "Lord Edmure, Lord Jason will see you now."
Edmure let go of his wife but kept her hand in his. He nodded with a slightly embarrassed smile. "Good. I must thank Lord Jason personally. He is a benefactor to House Tully."
Kent simply smiled and led them into the hall.
Stepping back into this room, Edmure was filled with pain and fear. It was here that his sister, his nephew, and the northern lords had been brutally murdered.
Jason saw Edmure enter with a beautiful woman by his side and immediately guessed they were the couple from the Red Wedding. He walked briskly toward them, a polite smile on his face. "Lord Edmure, it's good to see you again. I'm glad you're safe. Jon Snow has been worried about you. Before I left Winterfell, he specifically asked me to rescue you."
Edmure had never been especially close to his nephews and nieces, but he had spent the last several weeks imprisoned here in constant fear. To be rescued now, thanks to Lord Jason and the Starks, filled him with a profound sense of gratitude.
"Thank you, Lord Jason. Thank you," Edmure said, his voice thick with emotion and his eyes rimmed with red. "If it weren't for you, I'm afraid I would have been locked in this castle for the rest of my life!"
He looked at Jason, the raw pain of his memory evident on his face. "The horrific scene of that day… it still haunts my mind. My poor sister and nephew, murdered by the plots of Walder Frey and Roose Bolton, and I could do nothing to avenge them. Thanks to you, that has changed. I swear on the honor of House Tully, you will always be a welcome friend in Riverrun and our most honored guest."
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