Blood ran in rivers through the High Hall.
The wails and pleas of House Frey gradually gave way to deathly silence.
Nine black-robed White Walkers moved among the bodies, turning each one over to check for survivors.
The vassals of House Tully stood on the other side of the hall.
The hellish sight before them made their stomachs churn.
But in many more eyes, a strange light flickered, mingling fear with greed.
Their fear came from Lynn's unfathomable methods and those nine guards, who seemed like incarnations of death.
Their greed came from the promise Lynn had just made.
House Frey's wealth, the lands of the Twins...
Such rich pickings were enough to make any hungry wolf in the Riverlands gladly risk his life for Lynn.
Everyone present was shrewd.
Duke Hoster had spent years bedridden, his power slipping into other hands. This had tangled the balance of power in the Riverlands, and every vassal had begun entertaining thoughts he should never have had.
You want me to risk my life for you without giving me anything?
What are you thinking?
The terms Lynn offered had struck them squarely in their weak spot.
Of course, Lynn had only made this decision after careful consideration.
Take the long view.
Don't let petty gains right in front of you cloud your judgment.
House Frey's wealth was far less than the wealth of the entire Riverlands.
As it happened, the entire Riverlands was exactly what Lynn wanted.
So I have to make sure I don't look greedy!
Besides, the wealth would not be divided among the Riverlands nobles alone. His own people would get their share too.
The Wildlings and the vassals of the North had risked their lives following him. Surely he could not send them home empty-handed?
In truth, he would