The old scholar from Gates of the Moon raised his chin, paused, and was about to speak when Gryn impatiently waved his hand and said, "Someone, take him to see the Stranger." 💚♢ 😲💞
Two Blue Cloaks roughly lifted the old scholar up. He sighed and said, "Find a sharp axe, don't let him suffer too much."
Gryn's final act of kindness seemed to have brought the old scholar back to his senses from the sudden turn of events and touched his heart.
The old scholar, being dragged away by the Blue Cloaks, shouted, "Wait, wait, Lord Crabb, I pledge my allegiance to you! I swear to the Gods!"
Just as the two Blue Cloaks were about to drag the Gates of the Moon Scholar to the doorway, Gryn gestured and said, "Bring him back."
In a short period of time, the emotional fluctuations were too great, coupled with the desperate struggle, and the old scholar collapsed to the ground, panting heavily.
"I don't know your name yet." The old scholar, who was almost lying on the ground, heard Gryn's voice.
He rose unsteadily and replied, " Erlin, I am Erlin, the scholar of Gates of the Moon."
Gryn nodded slightly, then instructed a nearby waiter to help Erlin to a chair in front of his table.
With a clatter, Gryn picked up the silver pot and poured two cups of wine. After Erlin sat down, he pushed one of the cups in front of the old scholar.
He dismissed the others in the room and said, " Erlin, the House Crabb is here for the dominion of the Vale."
Thump! Erlin nearly slipped off his chair in shock... What did he say? No, it doesn't matter, he didn't hear it, he didn't hear anything!
The benevolent Lord Gryn continued, " The Gods in heaven bear witness, thank goodness for you, loyal Erlin."
Erlin trembled violently, his wine glass swaying precariously like a small boat about to capsize in turbulent waves.
Am I right?
Gryn's voice sounded as gentle as the summer sun, but Erlin felt the chill of winter. His breathing was rapid and frantic, like a rabbit being chased by a hunter with nowhere to escape.
The over-sixty-year-old Erlin, with his grey and white goatee, has served the House Arryn for nearly forty years as a Maester of Gates of the Moon.
Lord Gryn smiled, showing great patience; he gave Erlin ample time to "recover".
Like the Night's Watch at the the Wall of the End, maesters are considered servants of Westeros. Upon completion of their studies, maesters are assigned to castles or other dwellings, serving as tutors, healers, and advisors to their masters.
According to the tradition of the Maester, no Maester is theoretically apolitical, and if control of their place of residence changes, the Maester should pledge allegiance to the new master. For this reason, the person who wins the Maester's necklace is stripped of his surname and from then on is referred to only by his first name and title.
However... some scholars still retain or persist in their original subservient relationship.
Erlin had lost track of time. When he finally regained his normal breathing, Gryn's voice rang out. "Have you made up your mind, loyal Erlin?"
Swallowing the little saliva in his mouth, Erlin's lips trembled as he said, " Earl Lord, according to the True History (which recounts the history of Westeros ), House Arryn has ruled the Vale of Arryn for thousands of years, and House Arryn rule is deeply ingrained in the minds of the Vale people."
" Vale people..."
Gryn tapped his fingers lightly on the armrest of his chair, paused, and said, "Are you referring to Vale Vale Knights or the people of the Vale?"
Erlin paused, pondered for a moment, then licked his dry lips and said, "My lord, no one cares about the voices of the people of the Vale. They only know how to serve their own lords. The vassals of the House Arryn are their true masters."
Gryn chuckled and said, "It's a pity that the man they call the Bloody Earl has caused the House Arryn to lose most of its loyal vassals."
After saying this, Gryn raised his glass in acknowledgment, Erlin quickly nodded in thanks.
Then, gulp, gulp... he downed the wine in his glass in one go, and some color returned to his pale face.
He stroked his beard and said slowly, "Forgive my intrusion, but the name of the Bloody Earl resounds throughout the Vale. The remaining vassals of House Arryn and their heirs... they will close their gates and hold their fortress atop the steep cliffs of the valley until you are forced to leave the Vale of Arryn."
Gryn took a sip of his Summer Wine and said, "I like your suggestion; it's very insightful, Erlin."
His brown eyes flickered slightly. "When Crabb arrived at Gates of the Moon, you sent out several ravens pleading for help."
Erlin opened his mouth and confessed, "I only had time to send three letters for help. The ravens aren't safe; they all flew to the Heart's Home of the House Corbray. I didn't expect Lady Lysa's Oath Knights to open the gates of Gates of the Moon so quickly... I had no choice but to put down my quill."
Gryn spoke up, "If there were only a small number of soldiers here, would they leave the castle and rise up to save the Little Lord of the Eyrie?"
"This..."
" Erlin, you know them better than I do. I need your wisdom; it is your duty. And do not test my patience."
Erlin's body trembled, he swallowed hard, and said, "During the last great war, the proud Vale Knights have lost their sense of honor. They will value the continuation of their families more... I think they will find a suitable excuse to defend their clan castles."
Gryn held up two fingers and said, "What if we add Lysa Tully's marriage? For example, the Lady of the Eyrie would marry the first vassal to arrive at Gates of the Moon."
He added another finger, "For example, choose one of the vassals of House Arryn who are supporting the Eyrie to become Robert Arryn's foster father. Before the Little Lord comes of age, that person will assume the duties of the Defender of the Vale and Governor of the Vale."
He stretched out his five fingers. "And, the Little Lord's marriage. And, land, titles, and Gold Dragon."
His hand clenched into a fist. "Are these things... enough to reawaken the honor of the Knights of the Vale, Erlin?"
Erlin nodded blankly.
Gryn's voice held an irresistible allure. "I've heard you've served the Vale for nearly forty years. So, may I assume... you understand the character of those people? Or rather... you know exactly what those families desire most, don't you?"
Erlin's maester's necklace jingled softly. He nodded slowly, then said tremulously, "What will become of those people? Lord Gryn... he... they are the last Knights of the Vale."
Gryn glanced at Erlin's maester's necklace, one of which had a copper chain link, signifying knowledge in the field of history.
"Three hundred years ago, Aegon the Conqueror altered the traditions and heritage of the Seven Kingdoms that had stood for millennia. Your quill is about to rewrite the history of the Vale, and I will entrust this new historical record of the Vale to you, Erlin."
" Cat, the House Crabb is known as Half-Wildling noble family; you're taking a risk."
"I've seen enough of the rudeness of the First Men nobles in Winterfell, and I trust Ned; he would never like a child of such low character. Petyr, I hope you will address me as Lady Stark or Lady Catelyn."
"Very well, I've always known that no one can change your mind, Lady Catelyn."
" Petyr, I decided to go with you for Lysa and Little Robert's sake. I don't want you to have any other misunderstandings, and I certainly don't intend to forgive your crimes."
"What a pointless explanation... but I have to admit... I'm still heartbroken, Catelyn."
"Please address me as Lady Catelyn, or Lady Stark."
"Alright, alright... So... you've brought that dagger again, Lady Catelyn?"
"At least it gives me peace of mind; it's Ned's stuff."
"Don't worry, even if I die, I will protect you, madam."
"Would they search her? They can't possibly assume a frail woman would fight with a dagger, can they?"
"You have never been a delicate flower, Lady Catelyn."
"I will explain if necessary, Petyr."
Crack... Crack... Thump...
After a swaying motion, the Sky Cell Basket that had descended from the Eyrie arrived at Gates of the Moon, Petyr helped Catelyn out.
Catelyn was pale. "I truly hope this is the last time I carry a basket. The Gods help me."
After a brief pause, she immediately pulled away from Petyr's arm. "Thank you, but no need."
Petyr smiled slightly and said, "Madam, please don't be so polite."
Having said that, he glanced at the densely packed Blue Cloaks around him and announced, "We are envoys from the Eyrie. I am Petyr Baelish, and in the name of Duke Robert Arryn, I request an audience with Gryn Lord Crabb."
Petyr and Catelyn waited for a while before the Blue Cloaks surrounding them parted to make way.
"In the name of King Joffrey, Lord Gryn grants you an audience. Please follow me."
Petyr gave a graceful, slight bow to the short, silver-haired herald and said, "Thank you for your trouble, Miss Knight."
"Hey, Mr. Mustache, I'm not a knight yet."
Petyr shrugged and took the first step, with Lady Catelyn tightening her cloak as she followed behind.
A beautiful woman... in her thirties... with blue eyes and reddish-brown hair...
Upon seeing Petyr and his group appear in the main hall of Gates of the Moon Fortress, Lord Gryn snapped out of his thoughts, rose from his high stone chair, and descended the steps.
Gryn smiled and said as he walked, "Lord Petyr, it's a pleasure to see you again. It's truly delightful."
As the two approached, Petyr, who had stopped, was about to offer a greeting when he was interrupted by a hug from Gryn.
Their bodies separated, Petyr's smile tinged with bitterness, " Lord Gryn, it's a pleasure to see you too."
Gryn smiled and said, " The Vale is a nice place."
Petyr's eyes flickered slightly; this was a private deal between the two of them (Chapters 147 and 159).
He subtly changed the subject. " Lord Gryn, your fame has spread throughout the Seven Kingdoms. I, on behalf of Duke Arryn,..."
Gryn raised his hand, interrupting Petyr's next words. He said, "Lord Petyr, King Joffrey is not a warlike king. You should know why he sent troops to the Vale of Arryn. He is a benevolent king, but before negotiations begin, I need to see the Duke of the Eyrie's sincerity."
Merciful Joffrey ... Petyr's eye twitched slightly.
He gave a graceful bow and said, "Of course, please trust in the Duke of Eyrie's sincerity. For the peace of the kingdom, we will do everything in our power."
Gryn nodded slightly and said, " The Bloody Gate is the Duke of the Eyrie's expression of sincerity. If you intend to negotiate, as a token of your sincerity, you must first hand over the Bloody Gate to King Joffrey for safekeeping."
Petyr seemed to be remarking, " Lord Gryn, your sword is as sharp as ever."
Gryn's long, slender fingers lightly tapped the ruby hilt of his sword, " Lady Forlorn," and he said, "Lord Petyr, please forgive my intrusion, but this is a prerequisite for peace talks."
The two stared at each other motionless for a moment, Petyr shrugged. "We know each other well. You and I are indeed good friends."
He sighed, took out a rolled-up parchment, and handed it to Gryn, saying, "This is a letter from the Duke of Eyrie. Please give it to the Knight of the Bloody Gate, and he will open the iron gates of the Bloody Gate."
Gryn unfolded the parchment, read it, and raised an eyebrow. Littlefinger was too clever.
He rolled up the parchment again, turned to look at Lena standing to the side, and said, " Lena, this matter is entrusted to you. Set off immediately."
After saying that, he tossed the parchment to Lena.
Lena snatched it away and exclaimed, "Yes, sir, Lord Gryn!"
After Lena trotted away, Petyr seemed to come to his senses, paused for a moment, and said, " Lord Gryn, it seems you'll soon see the Eyrie's sincerity."
Gryn smiled, turned slightly, and gestured towards the long table, saying, "There's no bread or salt, but I've prepared fine wine. Please, Lord Petyr, and..."
Gryn seemed to have just caught a glimpse of Catelyn's face beneath her hood, and he said in surprise, "Miss Sansa? What brings you here...?"
He quickly shook his head. "You're not Sansa... I'm sorry..."
After Catelyn met Gryn, she secretly observed him. She clearly saw his expression when he mistook her for Sansa – warm and joyful.
It seems Petyr Baelish did not deceive her about this.
Catelyn lifted the hood of her cloak with relief, her blue eyes looking at Gryn, and said, " Lord Crabb, I am Sansa's mother."
Gryn was taken aback, then pleasantly surprised. "I never expected to meet you here. I meant no offense, Lady Stark."
Petyr stepped back, making room for the two of them, and a subtle smile played at the corners of his lips.
Lady Catelyn approached Gryn, stared at him, and said, "I am Catelyn of House Tully, and Duke Ned is my husband."
Gryn patted his chest and said, "It's an honor to meet you, madam."
Lady Catelyn added, " Lord Crabb, I have heard of the friendship between the House Stark and the Crabb."
Gryn's eyes flickered. Meeting Catelyn's gaze, he solemnly said, "Madam, Crabb Remembers."
Catelyn gave a gentle smile and nodded slightly.
Then, her finger suddenly pointed at Petyr, who was standing to the side, and she said, "This man, my father's adopted son, pushed my sister down the Moon Door with his own hands. He is the murderer of Lysa Tully! Lord Crabb, I beg you, have the guards arrest him."
Without any hesitation, Gryn made a gesture, and two Blue Cloaks immediately strode over and firmly restrained Petyr.
Catelyn walked up to Petyr, who exclaimed in shock and disbelief, " Cat..."
"I'm not an innocent little girl!"
With a flash of cold light, Lady Catelyn's dagger sliced across Petyr's neck, and warm blood immediately gushed out.