The Golden-Haired Maiden

The White Walker army also had an advance force; it would not simply arrive in one overwhelming wave a few months later. If time were truly that tight, the cautious and prudent protagonist would not have set a one-year agreement, but a six-month engagement.

Gryn's brow lifted slightly. "Do we have a specific location?"

Kevan Lannister nodded faintly, and the two of them casually moved to a less crowded corner.

"Someone spotted her Black Wind in the waters near Ten Towers."

Ten Towers was the seat of House Harlaw, the ruling family of Harlaw. Though not the largest of the Iron Islands, Harlaw was the wealthiest and most populous among them.

Gryn pondered for a moment. "If I recall correctly, the lord of Harlaw, Rodrik Harlaw, is Asha Greyjoy's uncle."

Lord Kevan nodded. After a brief pause, he took a sip of wine and said, "It is said that after Balon Greyjoy died unexpectedly, her mother has been living at Ten Towers."

Gryn took a sip of wine as well. "It seems she will soon receive the goodwill of the Red Keep."

"If there is new intelligence, Lannisport will soon send a raven. When the time comes, I will have my attendant deliver the message to you."

Seeing the slight surprise on Gryn's face, Kevan smiled gently. "The friendship between Lannister and Crabb is no less than that between Lannister and Tyrell. Perhaps there will be more possibilities in the future... It is regrettable that I had actually hoped you would take up my brother's burden, but for the moment, my voice has not gained the support of the others."

With a sigh, he looked into Gryn's clear brown eyes and continued, "Cersei likes to think of herself as her father. She refuses to let herself cry, believing that her