"Lannister influence had been steadily growing within the Red Keep. The old Lord Arryn may have had no choice but to remain wary of the Lannisters and the Lannister-born Queen."
"Clearly, Cersei had been somewhat isolated and helpless at the time. She desperately needed a sharp sword in her own hand, while I desperately needed Gold Dragons."
After quietly listening to Gryn's account, Lord Eddard let out a soft sigh. "You took a great risk. You were more... reckless, and far braver, than I was in my youth."
Eddard and Robert had spent the most carefree years of their youth together at House Arryn's Eyrie. Looking at Gryn before him, those unforgettable memories inevitably rose to the surface.
The corners of Gryn's lips curled slightly. "Actually, my most reckless thought at the time was to gather all the forces of Crackclaw Point and launch a surprise attack on King's Landing, plunder it thoroughly, and solve Crackclaw Point's food shortage."
After a brief pause, he shook his head and continued, "But after thinking it over carefully, I ultimately abandoned that mad yet tempting idea. If I had done it, Crackclaw Point would have faced the frenzied retaliation of the entire Seven Kingdoms. Perhaps the valleys and swamps of Crackclaw Point could have halted the armies of the Seven Kingdoms, but what if we won? The price Crackclaw Point paid would inevitably have been devastating. We might never have risen again, losing our honor forever."
Lord Eddard remained silent for a long while before his hoarse voice slowly sounded. "That is the price of war, Gryn. I can only be glad that you are a leader wise enough and rational enough."
Gryn's calm brown eyes shifted slightly, and he nodded. "May the Old and New Gods bless us and grant the Seven