Mya Stone's expression was sorrowful. " The Crackclaw Point men summoned a rain of arrows before entering Gates of the Moon. Most of them hid in houses at the time, and only a few were hit by arrows. My master... Lord Nestor happened to be one of them. ••¤(`×[¤ ¤]×´)¤••"
Lady Catelyn seemed to be remarking, "In times of chaos, to be alive is a blessing from the Gods; at least you're a lucky child."
Mya forced a smile and said, " Michel also said I'm a lucky girl, but unfortunately, I'm not."
Lady Catelyn took a sip of her wine and said, " Michel... who is he?"
"He was my lover, my former..."
Mya shrugged and continued, "His name was Mychel Redfort. In a few years, after he became a knight, we were going to get married. Michel joined the Battle of the Vale, which shocked the Seven Kingdoms. Before he left... I kissed his sword and blessed him, but he will never come back."
Lady Catelyn's eyes trembled slightly. The House Redfort was a noble family with a long history in the Vale, and they even had the blood of their First Men in their veins. The girl in front of her might be able to become Michel's lover, but the Redfort would never allow him to marry an illegitimate daughter. Even if she had slept with him, it didn't mean anything.
Lady Catelyn thought to herself, perhaps Mya was a lucky girl. The death of her lover was sad, but for her... it might be better than the pain of being betrayed by her beloved.
She gently comforted her, "You will meet someone who truly loves you, Mya."
Mya had big, beautiful blue eyes. She smiled, revealing her teeth, and said, "I'm not sad anymore."
She paused, then continued, "Compared to me, many of my friends have lost far more—fathers, brothers, younger brothers, and lovers. They cry all the time, and watching them, I suddenly find myself unable to feel sad."
Looking at Mya's face, Lady Catelyn suddenly felt a strange sense of familiarity. A thought struck her, and she said, "Child..."
She looked Mya up and down again, then said, "Excuse me, do you remember your father?"
"Father..."
Mya shook her head slightly and said, "I only remember when I was a baby, there was a man who liked to throw me into the air. He was as tall as Optimus Prime, and his hands were so strong that it felt like I was flying. We laughed and laughed until I couldn't breathe, and tears streamed down my face, which made him even happier. I wasn't afraid at all; I knew he would always catch me."
She brushed aside a lock of her dark hair, then pulled it back up, and continued, "Then one day, he failed. Later, that man left, and I realized that's how men are—they either lie, die, or leave."
After a pause, Mya's little face lit up with a bright smile, and she said, "The mountains in the Vale are different from men. Shi Dong is its daughter, and I believe in my 'father,' he will never leave."
Mya's smile was joyful and beautiful. Lady Catelyn couldn't help but think of Sansa. She smiled slightly and said, "May the Gods bless you, my child."
Lady Catelyn had almost guessed who Mya's father was. After a moment of silence, she asked, " Mya, did Lord Crabb send you to accompany me?"
Seeing Mya nod, her slightly lighter blue eyes flickered, and she said, "Child, do you know why Lord Crabb chose you? Did he tell you anything... other than that? If you can, please tell me honestly."
"To be honest, I don't know why I'm here, madam."
Mya for a moment, then continued, "When Lord Crabb was inspecting the mountain road to the Eyrie, his guards brought me before him... I was terrified. I thought I was going to be... I was even prepared to provoke that man. If I couldn't avoid being humiliated by a barbarian, I would rather die."
She sighed softly, "When I saw the Bloody Earl everyone talked about, he didn't have long, sharp teeth and a bloody mouth, nor was he surrounded by grotesquely screaming heads... He looked like... He looked like..."
She opened her mouth. "The legendary knight sung by bards..."
Mya looked at Lady Catelyn, made a face, and said, "I meant his appearance, madam."
She paused, then explained somewhat sheepishly, "This isn't just my opinion; many of my friends share the same view, and some even doubt the truth behind that challenge..."
Lady Catelyn smiled and nodded. She too had been filled with fantasies about legendary tales as a child, Gryn Crabb was indeed... She suddenly remembered the sour wine she had unwittingly drunk, and her smile faded slightly. The Tully lady clenched her fist.
Mya continued, "Lord Crabb asked me my name and age, then looked me over for a while before letting me leave. Then, yesterday at noon, he summoned me and ordered me to serve as your handmaid until we reach Winterfell. And..."
She touched her chest. "There's a letter here. He wants me to deliver it to Eddard Stark personally."
Inside the swaying carriage, Lady Catelyn had just finished lunch, drew back the curtain and gazed into the distance.
She was very worried about her eldest son, who, despite claiming to be the King in the North, was still a teenage boy.
Lady Catelyn longed to be back in her husband's arms as soon as possible, but... she couldn't abandon Robb.
She was at ease knowing the other children were under Ned's protection. Robb was out there alone, and she was very worried... If she were there, she could at least help her eldest son appease the Riverlands lords and get her father and brother to do everything in their power to ensure Robb's safety. She wanted to bring the Little Wolf home safely.
Thinking this, Lady Catelyn withdrew her gaze and said to Mya, "Please tell the coachman that I need to go to Riverrun first."
Mya met Catelyn's determined gaze, hesitated for a moment, and said, "Madam, I'm sorry, you can only go to Winterfell."
Lady Catelyn frowned. "Is this another order from Lord Crabb? Mya, I am not his prisoner."
Mya said cautiously, "If you wish to change your destination, Lord Crabb instructed me... to convey some words to you..."
Lady Catelyn didn't want to make things difficult for the girl in front of her. She pursed her lips and said, "What did you say?"
Mya nodded slightly and said, "He said... he specifically selected 52 guards with families to escort you to Winterfell. If they don't follow his orders, even if they escape, their families will not escape punishment. He said... he hopes your mercy can save his innocent soldiers."
The Tully lady clenched her fists, and then Mya said, "He also said... you will only be free when you see Lord Eddard."
At night, Griven Hershey, the treasurer of the Eyrie, along with his eldest son and second daughter, traveled along the treacherous mountain path to Gates of the Moon and sought an audience with Gryn Crabb, who had declared himself "Governor of the Vale."
Upon hearing the news, he downed his drink in one gulp and strode off, as Lord Gryn intended to greet him personally.
Gates of the Moon Small Hall.
House Hersy is one of the noble families of the Vale, their sigil being a winged chalice on a pink background. Griven, nearing forty, is tall and thin, with slightly thinning chestnut hair and deep green, almost black eyes. His deep-set eyes and deep wrinkles make him look much older than his actual age.
Sir Griven bowed deeply and announced, " The House Hersy pays its respects to you, Lord Gryn Crabb."
"Welcome, Sir Griven of House Hersy." Lord Gryn smiled the warmest smile he had shown since entering the Vale.
"Please allow me to introduce myself..."
Sir Griven pointed to the young man to his Right Hand and said, "His name is Rion Hershey, he is my eldest son and heir."
Rion Hershey, dressed in dark brown leather armor and a pink cloak draped over his shoulders, resembled a younger version of Griven. He shyly placed his hand on his chest and said, "Greetings, Lord Crabb."
Gryn smiled faintly, nodded slightly, and said, "Welcome."
Then, Sir Griven pointed to the Maiden standing to his Left Hand and said, "Her name is Miranda Hershey, and she is my second daughter."
Miranda Kerr wore a blue off-the-shoulder gown (and came down in a cape), her chestnut hair seemingly casually tied with a snow-white hair tie, hanging naturally in front of her chest.
A pair of bright, deep green eyes glanced gently at Gryn, and Miranda curtsied, saying, "Good night, Your Excellency Crabb. It is an honor for Miranda to be received by you."
Gryn smiled slightly, "Good night, charming Miss Miranda, welcome."
Gryn raised his hand in greeting, and a waiter waiting nearby brought a plate of bread and salt to Sir Griven and his party.
Gryn's gentle voice rang out. "Welcome back again."
The hall was quiet, with only the occasional sound of pages turning.
At the table, Gryn was flipping through the book presented by Sir Griven, which detailed the wealth accumulated by the House Arryn over generations.
Lord Gryn raised an eyebrow. The territories and castles he directly or indirectly controlled... countless jewels... warehouses full of gold, silver, and copper... precious fabrics, etc., this was wealth on par with millions of Gold Dragon.
As Gryn rose from his chair, he said, "Sir Griven, I see your sincerity and loyalty."
Griven's expression grew even more respectful. "Lord Gryn, I believe this is the choice of the Gods, and I am merely following the Gods will."
Gryn smiled, tapped his fingers on the book, and asked, "Where did the House Arryn hide these things?"
"As wise as you are, Lord Gryn."
Griven bowed slightly. "Most of our valuables, such as gold and jewels, are stored in the Eyrie. Since its completion, House Arryn has always believed that, without dragons, no one can breach its defenses."
He paused, then continued, "As for other valuables... the ancient House Arryn owns warehouses in almost every part of the Vale, with dedicated personnel to guard them, many of whom are minor nobles of the Vale who have earned the House Arryn's trust."
Gryn's brown eyes flickered slightly as he asked, "Will they obediently hand over those things?"
"That's exactly what I wanted to report to you..."
With that, Sir Griven turned to his daughter and said, "My Miranda, come, give the things to Lord Gryn."
As Miranda approached, Gryn proactively raised one hand, in which she held a rolled-up piece of parchment.
Then, as Miranda handed him the parchment, her fingertips lightly brushed against Gryn's fingers.
Gryn slightly raised his eyes and met Miranda's passionate gaze.
Gryn lowered his eyes imperceptibly and unfolded the parchment. At that moment, Griven's voice rang out. " Jon Arryn's death was too sudden, and Lady Lysa was in such a hurry to escape back to the Eyrie that she failed to properly inherit the House Arryn's wealth. This list was compiled at Lady Lysa's behest, based on past records. Much of the House Arryn's wealth is now untraceable... Later, when I learned of Lady Lysa's poisoning of Lord Jon, I hid it."
"Well done, the rest can be done slowly."
Gryn tapped his fingers lightly on the table and said, "Sir Griven of the House Hersy, please kneel."
Griven's face lit up with excitement, and he and his children knelt down on one knee.
" Griven Hershey, your wisdom and courage have proven your unwavering loyalty. Your family will receive the glory and rewards you deserve in both the New Lands ( the Vale ) and the old land ( Crackclaw Point ) of Crabb, in recognition of your merits."
After a pause, Gryn announced in a loud voice, "I, Gryn of the House Crabb, in the name of the Governor of the Vale, hereby grant Ironoaks the ancestral home of Griven Hershey, and appoint Griven Hershey as Baron of Ironoaks, granting him the tax revenue of the fiefdom of Ironoaks, which his descendants shall inherit for generations."
Because Gryn is not yet the true ruler of the Vale, his investiture is not legitimate. To make it legitimate... is a political tacit understanding.
Baron Griven's voice trembled. "Lord Gryn, the House Hersy will always be at Crabb's beck and call."
Gryn nodded slightly, then personally helped Baron Griven to his feet. He patted his arm and said, "Come, Baron of Ironoaks, I have prepared fine wine and food by my fireplace. Let me listen to the advice of my loyal vassals."
The wood in the fireplace crackled and popped as it was consumed by the flames.
Baron Griven set down his wine glass, paused, and then said, "Lord Gryn, your fame has spread throughout the Vale; they all fear you, but..."
Seeing Baron Griven hesitate, Gryn smiled and continued, "But they won't submit to my rule. They have fear, and hatred. Griven, I know you, fear won't buy true rule."
Baron Griven sighed softly and said, "Most people still harbor unrealistic fantasies about the House Arryn. The idea that they have ruled the Vale for thousands of years is deeply ingrained, or rather, the people of the Vale cannot believe that they are about to have new rulers."
Grylls leaned back in his chair, his brown eyes flickering slightly, and said, "Loyal Griven, are you trying to tell me that even if the House Crabb becomes the ruling family of the Vale in the future, the people of the Vale will still miss the House Arryn... is that right?"