The Disputed Lands, Central Heights.
At the top of the rammed-earth fortress's rough tower, Liu Qian's gaze pierced the thin mist and settled on the walls of the Myrish fortress.
Now, not only the Myrish garrison's banners flew there, but the emblems of various mercenary companies as well.
A burning red flag, a heavy black iron shield, a raven quartered by four arrows, a broken sword...
Scouts reported that the mercenary companies hired by the Myrish had arrived at the Highland Fortress.
More than ten thousand mercenaries crowded into the fortress on the heights, and a grim atmosphere shrouded the whole of the Central Heights.
Liu Qian rubbed the coarse grit along the rammed-earth parapet.
His gaze swept over the newly reinforced wooden towers before the opposing fortress, its successive earthen walls, and its deep trenches.
Their defensive works were quite comprehensive.
How should he break through the Myrish defenses?
Liu Qian's mind raced as he considered various ways to break the deadlock.
Just then, a faint creak of wood taking weight came from below the tower.
Chai Yi climbed nimbly up the crude wooden ladder attached to the hoarding and stepped onto the platform atop the rammed-earth tower. She handed Liu Qian a secret letter sealed with dark wax. "Your Majesty, an urgent dispatch from Lord Mezzo in Tyrosh."
Liu Qian paused slightly.
A letter from Mezzo?
At a time like this?
A glint flashed through his eyes. Could it concern King's Landing?
Liu Qian quickly took the rolled letter, broke the wax seal, and scanned the few lines of familiar cipher.
In an instant, a trace of a smile appeared on his previously placid face.
Jon Arryn was dead.
Only a month or two had passed since Eddard Stark, Stannis Baratheon, and their party had left Tyrosh.
The