(Third-person perspective)
Eddard still couldn't quite understand why he was only attacking the Vale, so he said...
" The Lannister may hold the Westerlands firmly, but the Crownlands and the Stormlands are as devout as the Vale. They will launch their invasion from there. Therefore, this war is entirely pointless."
Aermir shook his head, smiled maliciously, and then said.
"No, I already have a plan for dealing with the Westerlands, the Crownlands, and the Stormlands. If they turn their swords against us, I'll make them easily kill each other."
Eddard said with a curious look.
What is """?
"If you know, I can't tell you what it is. I trust you'll tell Robert."
Upon hearing this, Eddard's face darkened, and he said angrily:
Do you think I'm a big mouth?
"Of course not. I've lived next door to you, so I know you like family. In fact, I know that once you learn of dishonorable behavior, you seek a more honorable outcome. Suppose you knew some lords of Stormlands were plotting against Robert. What would you do?"
Eddard said without hesitation.
"I must help my king defend himself."
"That... that action, that act of seeking honor at the first sign of trouble; that's why I can't tell you. If you knew someone had betrayed you, you would have told Robert. I can't let the Civil War happen on my watch before I'm ready."
Aermir was certain that once Eddard found out their good queen was getting too close to her brother, Eddard would definitely tell Robert, or worse, he might feign schadenfreude because Robert had no qualms about killing children. He might even rashly tell Cersei. If he could, Aermir would only want to erase everything he had seen from his memory, but the scene was etched deeply into his mind. Aermir couldn't help but cry out, "Disgusting!"
He couldn't help but shiver. Then he turned to Eddard and continued.
"That's why, my lord, don't waste your time trying to stop me. I won't destroy the Vale, but I won't sue for peace either. I need the Mountain Clans's buffer zone against the invasion of their faith. After two more conflicts, I will sue for peace. Instead of chasing me for peace, you should use your energy to persuade Jon to give the Mountain Clans some Vale; if he gives them Coldwater Burn and Newkeep, I will accept peace, but as I said, two more battles will be needed. They still have too many knights."
Aermir and Lord Stark disembarked, where Lord Grafton greeted them at the small dock. Aermir laughed, saying they had managed to smuggle him off the island, having authorized the dispatch of supply ships, thus making the island's ten thousand men a financial burden on the Vale. Aermir laughed, saying, "Ah! Lord Grafton, I am so glad to see you safe and sound. I heard you were anxiously awaiting my arrival at Paps. Did you smuggle yourself out on a supply ship?"
Hearing this, you could see Grafton's face turn as red as a tomato. " The Vale Knights do everything in loyalty to their lord. My master needs me here, so I've found a way through your master's familiar."
"Ha! Oh, sir, did you really think the Druid wouldn't know you left that island? You were able to do it because he simply didn't care whether you stayed on the island or came here. But I'm glad you're safe and sound. Let's not delay any longer; we don't want to keep our master waiting."
Aermir brought Sith along as well. The moment the enormous Shadowcat appeared on the ship, the Vale soldiers began to feel uneasy. The giant cat turned to the knights and roared, frightening the horses and causing some knights to fall from their horses.
Aermir suppressed a laugh and pretended to reprimand Sith for his disruptive behavior. The Vale soldiers were unaware that this was a carefully planned tactic by Aermir to psychologically confuse them.
After a formal exchange of pleasantries, the 500 knights and paladins brought by Aermir disembarked and embarked on their journey to Newkeep, the home of the House Hersy.
Jon Arryn, unwilling to hold talks in a tent, moved his army to Newkeep. Newkeep, a two-day journey from the coast, was nestled in the picturesque landscape of the Vale. However, to reach their destination, the group had to cross a mountain pass, a treacherous route for transporting an army.
The mountain pass lay ahead, its rugged terrain a stark contrast to the tranquil waters behind. Towering peaks, adorned with snow-capped canopies, framed the narrow path that wound its way through the vast, rocky landscape. Aermir, Lord Stark, and Lord Grafton, accompanied by a retinue of knights and attendants, ventured across the pass.
In the middle of the narrow valley lies a defensive position with moderately high the Wall and sturdy gates. An attack on Bite would inflict heavy losses here. It is easy to defend and difficult to attack because the number of attackers at the same time is limited, making it a vital choke point.
As they ascended the pass, the air grew increasingly fresh, and when they reached the other side, they could see Newkeep. Newkeep is a sturdy Citadel nestled in a picturesque valley between two majestic mountains. The Citadel's solid stone walls blend seamlessly with the rugged terrain, giving it an air of defiant grandeur.
Towering cliffs and cascading waterfalls embrace the valley, forming a natural fortress that has withstood the test of time. Lush trees adorn the valley floor; fertile farmland and forests extend to the the Fingers thanks to a large river flowing through it.
When Jon Arryn and Aermir met in the sunroom of Newkeep, the sun was low on the horizon, casting long shadows in the room. A table between them was laden with delicious food. Inside, Aermir, Eddard Stark, Jon Arryn, Galen Hersy, and Gerold Grafton were engaged in lively conversation.
Jon Arryn, a seasoned old lord, with wise lines etched on his aged face, spoke in a calm voice.
" Aermir, representative of the Emre the Druid, we are at a crossroads. The Vale is bleeding, the people are suffering. This conflict is pointless. I suggest we end the bloodshed and seek peace terms."
Aermir stared at Jon, a strong emotion lurking beneath his calm exterior, but he had no intention of making peace. "Peace, Lord Arryn, is a luxury you cannot afford. I have heard that the First Men of the Vale have grown weary of the Andals ' oppression, and they have risen up."
As the discussion teetered on the brink of hostility, Lord Grafton, sitting beside Jon Arryn, could no longer contain his rage. " Lord Drasil, you are not content with mere war. I've overheard whispers that you're selling weapons to the Mountain Tribes, fueling the chaos you so vehemently abhor!"
Aermir shook his head.
"I never said I abhorred chaos or war; when words fail, they are necessary evils. Yes, I did sell weapons to the Mountain Tribes."
Lord Hersy slammed his fist on the table and stormed toward Aermir. Just as he was about to grab Aermir by the collar, he was suddenly punched. Galen Hersy was astonished by what had happened. Aermir's fist was too fast; Hersey didn't even realize that Aermir had hit him. Aermir had his throat in his hand, and all the force left Galen's body.