A Group of Friends from Hejian, Ascetic Bright Moon High Mountains

The prisoners, stripped of their weapons and armor, were shoved forward roughly.

Ser Old Lopin and his Second Son walked at the very front, ropes biting deep into their wrists, all traces of their former noble bearing gone.

They were escorted before a tall black horse.

The knight atop it wore black scale armor, the silver trout on his breast gleaming beneath the dim sky. It was Brynden Tully.

"Ser, Suleiman has already been defeated. Kneel and surrender."

"Dying for nothing serves no purpose."

The Blackfish looked down at the prisoners, his voice devoid of emotion.

Ser Old Lopin slowly raised his head, his clouded eyes turning toward the man on horseback.

He let out a long sigh. "Give me a quick death, Ser Blackfish."

As though he had not seen the old man's resolve, Brynden Tully continued.

"Even if Suleiman takes King's Landing, what then? Can you truly win?"

"Even if you somehow prevail, it will take countless battles—and you, Ser, will not live to see that day."

The Blackfish's cold voice laid bare the reality.

"You will be beheaded and displayed to the public. Your last son will be beheaded alongside you."

"Your house will be implicated, and the Iron Throne's punishment will surely see your bloodline extinguished."

Ser Old Lopin's body trembled violently. He lowered his head and said nothing.

Mounted on his tall horse, the Blackfish's voice continued to press down upon him.

"Never in Westeros has a vassal remained loyal to his liege until his entire house was wiped out."

"Besides, you are not Suleiman's vassal. You are a vassal of House Deddings."

"Suleiman coerced House Deddings into rebellion. What crime have you committed?"

"Kneel now, and House Tully will protect you."

He paused, his tone softening somewhat.

"I know Suleiman showed you favor and