As temperatures continued to drop, the biting wind grew ever harsher, as though determined to freeze every breath of air into ice. At the same time, the snowflakes began to fall more heavily, shifting from light flurries to a full-blown blizzard. Each snowflake was as thick as a goose feather, quickly blanketing the ground and transforming the landscape into a world wrapped in silver.
In less than a week, it was clear that this pass—once a bustling route for merchants, soldiers, and explorers—would be completely shut off by a deep layer of snow, turning it into a silent, isolated wilderness. Whether travelers eager to return home or adventurers seeking the unknown, all would be forced to stop here, waiting for winter to loosen its grip and spring to bring warmth. Only when the snow melted and the ice thawed would their journeys continue.
After Lord Horton Rayford of Redfort and his thousand soldiers joined the Lannister army, the entire force saw a significant boost in morale and strength. The large army began its descent, advancing slowly until it set up camp at the outskirts of the Gates of the Moon.
The Bloody Gate, this crucial chokepoint, was now firmly under the control of the Lannister-Royce alliance. With the addition of Lord Rayford and his troops, Redfort became the rear base for the allies, providing solid support and supplies to the front lines. Gulltown and Runestone had both fallen under Lannister-Royce control.
Nestor Royce only had four hundred soldiers at the Moon Door, while Petyr Baelish remained hidden within the castle. Another five hundred men from Heart's Home, led by Lyn Corbray, were camped outside its walls.
Their presence made it impossible for Tyrion to lay siege to the Moon Door. Furthermore, the current whereabouts of Harrold Hardyng remained unknown.
"If we can't lay siege to the Moon Door, then the siege is meaningless," Brynden Tully remarked.
"But clearly, we can't lay siege to it," Janos Bracken replied. "Nestor refuses to recognize Lord Timett's claim to the Eyrie, and he won't admit Littlefinger's guilt."
"His rule over the Moon Door is tied to Littlefinger. Of course, he won't betray him."
"What if you agreed to give him the Gates of the Moon?" Lord Bracken asked.
"Lord Janos, are you joking?" Tyrion shot back. "Would I simply repeat the favor I did for Littlefinger? Suppose he came to you, offering to let you keep your lands and wealth if you betrayed me—would you agree?"
Janos Bracken hesitated. "Well… the price would have to be higher."
"And what if Lord Blackwood's condition for kneeling was that he wouldn't give you an inch of land, and I agreed?" Tyrion pressed.
Lord Bracken fell silent.
"The Gates of the Moon now has nearly a thousand men garrisoned there. Our forces are too small to storm the walls. Even a field battle wouldn't guarantee victory." Tyrion grew restless. "When will Lady Wywood's forces arrive? And when will the soldiers from Strongsong reach us?"
"About a week," Lord Horton answered. "Bronze Yohn will need about a week to return from Gulltown."
"Too slow," Tyrion muttered, shaking his head, his displeasure evident. "Is this how your Vale knights operate? Slow and deliberate? By the time he returns, we'll have lost our advantage in numbers."
"The distance from the Eyrie to Gulltown is much greater," Brynden said, patting Tyrion's shoulder. "The situation in Gulltown is also more complicated than you think. During the early days of the War of the Usurper, Gulltown was the center of the Vale's royalist forces. It was only through the combined efforts of Jon Arryn and Robert Baratheon that it fell. Robert killed Lord Marq Grafson and shattered the Vale's royalists."
"That's right," Lord Horton added. "Lyn Corbray initially supported Marq of Seagull in the battle, then sided with Jon Arryn at the Battle of the Trident."
"Enough about his swordsmanship," Tyrion snapped, almost grinding his teeth. "What about his ability to command men?"
The famous Battle of the Trident had not only seen Robert Baratheon slay Prince Rhaegar but also witnessed Lyn Corbray strike down Prince Lewyn Martell.
"He led the charge that broke through the Dornish lines," Brynden Tully said. "Whether fighting alone or commanding an army, he is not a man to be underestimated. We need a numerical advantage—the lords of the Vale are no mere House Frey to be trifled with."
"Then we must wait for Yohn Royce to return. We need his forces," Tyrion replied. "After taking Gulltown, he'll likely bring five thousand men into battle."
"And plenty of supplies," Lord Horton added.
"Very well." Tyrion waved his hand dismissively. "My lords, do me the kindness of letting me rest. This never-ending campaign is wearing me thin. I'll drown my sorrows until the Lord of Bronze returns."
These chaotic houses—looking back to ancient times, the kings of the Vale could be counted on one hand.
During the time of the First Men's rule in the Vale, it was divided into several small kingdoms: the King of the Fingers, the King of Runestone, the King of Gulltown, and others. The Vale was the first place the Andals landed. Unaware of the threat they posed, several kingdoms even helped them cross westward, naively hoping to use the invaders to expand their own power. When they realized their mistake, the First Men's king, Robar Royce, clashed with the Vale's Falcon Knight, Artys Arryn, at the Giant's Lance. Ultimately, Artys Arryn emerged victorious, and House Arryn became one of the oldest surviving Andal noble houses. They ruled the entire Vale for centuries, calling themselves kings, until they submitted to the Conqueror, Aegon.
Shallow waters teem with turtles; every corner boasts a big brother.
As Tyrion lay there, restless and lost in thought, a guard shouted a report outside his tent. A weary party had arrived from the Bloody Gate, and their leader wished to meet with Lord Lannister.
Tyrion ordered them in. It was Thoros, the red priest, and Jaqen H'ghar.
"I won't thank the Seven, since neither of you believes in them," Tyrion remarked.
Thoros worshipped the Red God R'hllor, while Jaqen followed the Many-Faced God—three men, three different faiths.
"Lady Stoneheart. Has she been freed?" Tyrion asked.
"She will sleep forever in the High Heart, my lord," Thoros replied, kneeling on one knee. "Thanks to the friend you sent, who liberated an innocent soul."
"The man in question enjoys solving such matters," Jaqen said with a smile. "Lord, have you chosen your next name?"
"I have, but before that, I have a favor to ask." Tyrion pulled a letter from his chest. "You're from Braavos, correct?"
"Yes, my lord," Jaqen nodded. "I have some private dealings with the Nave King and can deliver your letter."
"My deepest thanks." Tyrion placed the letter in Jaqen's hand.
...
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