The knight of House Moore came galloping toward them.
As he drew closer and recognized Brynden Tully, the fierce expression on his face immediately changed to one of respect.
He put away his bow, swung down from his horse, and strode a few steps toward the Blackfish, giving him a proper knight's salute.
"Ser Brynden Tully! My respects!"
The Blackfish's expression darkened. He glanced at the corpse on the ground, then looked at the knight. "What are you doing?"
The knight straightened. His expression remained respectful, but there was also a matter-of-fact cruelty in it.
He pointed his riding crop at the trembling refugees. "These people are smallfolk of House Moore, trying to flee their lands without permission."
"Under the laws of the kingdom, their lord has the right to deal with runaway serfs. They've been sentenced to death, and the sentence is being carried out!"
The words "sentenced to death" rang out like a funeral bell.
The refugees kneeling on the ground completely broke down. Forgetting the corpse beside them, they desperately prayed and prostrated themselves toward the knight, the Blackfish, and Suleiman. Dirt and tears smeared their faces as they cried out hoarsely.
"Ser! Spare us! We only want to live!"
"We're smallfolk of House Legg! We only wanted to go to our relatives in the Vale!"
"We aren't runaway serfs!"
"We'll hand over all our possessions."
"Please, ser, let us go."
Brother Meribald trembled with rage. He pounded his staff against the ground, and his dog, sensing its master's fury, barked incessantly.
He pointed his trembling staff at the knight. His voice shook with anger. "How can you do this? Where are your knightly vows?!"
The monk's accusation rang out, loud and mournful.
"You swore before the Seven to protect the weak and show mercy to the