(Third-person perspective)
Aermir, wanting to further provoke the lords' anger, shifted his attention to the lord of Manderly, his voice heavy and his purpose clear.
"I have only just begun to assemble my fleet, Lord Manderly, and it pales in comparison to yours. Therefore, I must ask, how many ships and how much cargo are taken from you by the Three Sisters each year?"
Wyman Manderly carefully considered his answer, torn between loyalty to Lord Stark and the predicament Aermir had placed him in. Left with no other choice, he spoke the harsh truth.
"Typically, they account for about 20% of our annual trade volume."
These words caused an uproar among the lords present. Aermir then turned his gaze to Lord Stark, his question directed at him.
"My lord, I ask again: what measures did Jon Arryn take to resolve this matter? Allow me to offer another hypothetical scenario. If Jon Arryn accused you of the House Drasil or House Manderly of plundering the Vale's ships, how would you react? Would you merely seek evidence, or would you conduct a thorough investigation to eradicate the problem?"
Lord Stark found himself in a predicament, knowing that Jon Arryn was incapable of effectively dealing with the threat from the Three Sisters. Aermir pressed further, his resolve unwavering.
"If this problem cannot be solved permanently, I will not accept it. If Jon Arryn is unwilling to solve it, then it is our responsibility to do so. I cannot stand by and watch my ships be swallowed up by these cowards. If you, my lord, will not seek justice for me, I will seek justice for myself with the help of the Druid."
Aermir quickly wrote a message on the parchment and handed it to a Crow perched nearby.
"I have already spoken to the Druid, and I believe he will provide the assistance we need."
One of the lords present was very interested in the discussion and raised a question.
Do you know where the Druid are?
Aermir replied confidently, "I may not know his exact location, but my Crow will carry my message to the temple, where the Druid's Crow will receive it and relay it to him. I am preparing to set sail for Moon drift port and will depart immediately. Even if I must face our adversary alone, I will not hesitate."
The House Umber, House Flint, House Karstark, and several other noble families rallied behind Aermir, expressing their unwavering support for Aermir's cause.
Aermir expressed his gratitude to the lords present, but also conveyed his own predicament.
"I thank you for your unwavering support, but I find myself with only ten merchant ships left, insufficient to transport our warriors. Lord Manderly, please allow me to request that you join our cause and lend us your warships to assist us in battle."
Aermir once again placed Lord Manderly in a challenging position. If he refused, he would be seen as allying with the Seven, jeopardizing his position among the lords of the North. Lord Manderly carefully weighed his options before answering.
"Although a large portion of my fleet is currently deployed at sea, I possess 20 warships, and any other vessels in our dock are at your disposal, sir."
Lord Stark realized that trying to dissuade Aermir was futile, and he understood that the foolish pirates had stirred up a precarious situation. A seasoned ruler of the North, Lord Stark observed the unfolding events with a mixture of worry and helplessness. He knew Aermir well enough to understand that once Druid made up his mind, nothing could sway him.
Listening to Aermir's impassioned plea to the lords of the North for justice and support, Lord Stark couldn't help but reflect on the perilous situation they found themselves in. To the lords of the North, insulting the Emre the Druid and the Old Gods was a grave matter, and Aermir's determination to seek revenge was evident.
He understood the impact of the pirate attacks and the potential conflict with the Three Sisters. Lord Stark's duty was to maintain the fragile peace and unity of the North, and he least wanted his lands to be embroiled in a costly and bloody war. However, he also recognized that Aermir had eloquently reminded the lords of the North that courage and survival were deeply ingrained values.
Lord Stark harbored doubts about whether Jon Arryn, Lord of the Vale and Warden of the East, would truly take decisive action against the Three Sisters. History had shown that diplomacy was often ineffective against these pirates. Nevertheless, the prospect of military confrontation lingered in his mind.
Ultimately, the Lord Stark understood the gravity of the situation and the fanaticism of his vassals. While he might try to guide them toward a more diplomatic solution, he knew that Aermir's resolve, coupled with the support of other influential families, could inevitably plunge the North into conflict, and he had to accept that.
Aermir was farsighted and ruthless; long before the incident occurred, he meticulously planned the invasion of the Three Sisters. To ensure the success of this audacious operation, he organized numerous training exercises. About 50 kilometers from Moon drift port, one of his elite troops, along with a select group of Templars and Paladins, conducted simulated combat drills.
On a picturesque but remote makeshift training ground, the sounds of clashing weapons and the soldiers' fervent shouts echoed in the air. Driven by unwavering dedication, each participant honed their combat skills and tactical acumen. This training was not merely a physical exercise, but a testament to their shared commitment to the mission they were about to undertake. They were like a unified whole, thinking and acting in unison.
Through tireless practice and refining their movements, they forged a strong bond of friendship and solidarity. This unity will be crucial in the upcoming battle, where every member of this well-prepared force will play a key role in executing Aermir's meticulously crafted plans.
Upon receiving the messenger, Aermir immediately put his plan into action. He swiftly and decisively issued orders to Harrick through his magical connection with Berus. Under the banner of the Sword of Winter, an army of two thousand valiant soldiers began their journey. Their boots pounded the rugged terrain as they advanced with a clear objective.
As Aermir addressed the North lords and forged an alliance at Moat Cailin, his army steadily closed the distance to its destination. An atmosphere of unity permeated Aermir's march, bridging the divide between his Templars and his loyal followers. Of the two thousand determined souls marching toward their destination, half came from the Temple, and the other half were Aermir's own faithful followers.
Among them, five hundred knights stood proudly, forming the backbone of this powerful force. Among them were three hundred paladins from the temple. Although these warriors differed in title and role, their training, purpose, and unwavering determination were strikingly similar. They received the same physical, tactical, and martial arts training.
Essentially, the paladins and knights of Drasil are elite commandos or special forces within Aermir's army, a cut above the rest. Each of them possesses the skill and strength equivalent to three to five knights from other families. Clad in meticulously crafted armor that provides full-body protection, they are awe-inspiring and a testament to the exquisite craftsmanship of Tobho Mott and Aermir himself.
These enchanted weapons and armor, each imbued with magic, set them apart. The paladins and knights both wore dark green robes adorned with large tree emblems on their chests, distinguishing them from the others. However, the paladins wore weirwood emblems, while Aermir's knights wore black tree emblems, identical to the symbols on their own badges.
These elite warriors are the embodiment of Aermir's vision, possessing exceptional martial skills, magical artifacts, and unwavering loyalty to him. As they march forward, their imposing presence conveys a clear message to all who see them: the Sword of Winter is not to be underestimated.