The peak of the Giant's Lance towered into the clouds. Even standing beside the Gates of the Moon at its foot, Yohn Royce could see the white castle on its summit-the Eyrie.
He gazed at that bastion of the Vale, conflicting emotions in his eyes.
A squire's voice came from behind him. "Lord Yohn, the earls have been waiting for some time."
Yohn looked away and nodded. "Let's go."
He strode toward the allied army's council chamber, leading a group of squires and guards.
As expected, all the lords had arrived.
Countess Anya Waynwood of Ironoaks, Earl Jasper Hunter of Longbow Hall, Earl Rayton Redfort of House Redfort, Earl Beneda Belmore of Strong Song, and Ser Symond Templeton of Ninestars.
Yohn's gaze lingered on Ser Symond for a moment. Though House Templeton was only a knightly house, its lands were wealthy enough to muster a thousand men with ease.
This time, Ser Symond had mustered two thousand men in answer to his call, matching the forces of some earls.
Seeing Yohn arrive, Earl Beneda of Strong Song spoke first, his voice thick with barely contained irritation.
"Earl Yohn, how much longer must we stand guard here? That Petyr Baelish has tucked himself away like a turtle in its shell. He hasn't stirred at all."
"We've been waiting for over a month. Every moment costs us provisions, and our gold is dwindling before our eyes. Strong Song isn't wealthy, as you well know."
Everyone turned toward the rather stout Earl of Strong Song.
They were not surprised. Strong Song lay toward the Mountains of the Moon. Compared with the outlet to the sea at Old Anchor, where Ironoaks stood, or the plains of the Vale around Runestone, its lands were poorer and frequently suffered raids by the mountain clans.
Besides, Beneda