The heavy iron gate closed behind them, completely sealing off the inner city from the outside world.
Brynden Tully's face remained unreadable, while the knights were filled with indignation at the insult to Riverrun.
Robin Leger's face was ashen. He looked back at the tightly shut gate, as if he could see through the wood and stone to the blood relative inside, consumed by madness and grief.
In Willow Town's makeshift command hall, Brynden and Robin entered, and Suleiman waved for everyone else to leave.
He did not sit in the seat of honor. Instead, he stood before a map, turning a game piece from it over in his hand. His tone was calm, his face smiling. "It seems Lord Roger Leger has still refused to negotiate."
Robin's voice was weary. "He refuses to surrender."
"He intends to fight to the death."
Brynden looked at Suleiman, his gaze sharp. "There are already the remains of women and servants in the city. His supplies are cut off, and the defenders' morale has collapsed."
"You only need to keep up the siege. In a few days, that gate will open on its own, and he'll come out to negotiate with you."
"On behalf of Riverrun, I ask you to wait and resolve this peacefully."
Suleiman did not answer at once. He set the game piece back on the sand table. It landed precisely on the main tower of the inner keep.
Then he neatly pulled a letter of parchment from a stack of papers on the desk and held it out. "Perhaps it won't take a few days."
Brynden took the letter and unfolded it in confusion. Robin leaned in as well.
The writing on the letter was hurried and messy, the ink even smudged in places, as if it had been