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As the Fury sailed into the harbor of Starfall, Arthur and Stannis disembarked to find Ser Baelor Dayne, who had been waiting there for some time. He informed them that the delegation from the Reach had arrived at Starfall a week prior.
"So soon?" Stannis frowned. "Is Mace Tyrell not the representative?"
"No," Ser Baelor explained. "The representative for the Reach is the heir to Highgarden, Willas Tyrell. With him are Lord Mathis Rowan, Baelor Hightower, and the new Lord of the Arbor, Horas Redwyne."
Arthur pondered this briefly and understood. Highgarden likely feared that the "Lord Pufferfish" would inadvertently hand them another disastrous deal—like the Governorship of the Dornish Marches—so they had sent Willas Tyrell ahead to handle the fallout.
Baelor Hightower's younger brother, along with many vassals and landed knights of Oldtown, were currently prisoners in Starfall. Horas Redwyne was a direct party to the conflict, heavily involved. Mathis Rowan was likely dragged along to act as a peacemaker.
"Is the transfer of the prisoners complete?" Arthur asked.
"It is done." Ser Baelor signaled for the guards to bring horses. "The Reach prisoners previously held at Eagle's Nest have been moved. The high-value hostages are now in Starfall, while the rest are being held in the arena."
Squires brought the horses down from the Fury.
After instructing Ser Imry Florent to see to the Royal Fleet's accommodations, Stannis took the reins from a squire and looked at Arthur. "In that case, let us ride to the castle and meet with the Reach delegation."
Arthur didn't say more. He mounted his horse, and the party of twenty riders quickly passed through the streets of Starfall's port, galloping along the newly paved, wide stone road toward the castle.
Upon arriving at Starfall, Arthur immediately convened a meeting with the Reach representatives in the reception hall.
"Ser Arthur, Lord Stannis. It is an honor to meet you both." Willas Tyrell wore a gentle smile and spoke with impeccable manners. "I represent my father, the Duke of Highgarden and Warden of the South, Mace Tyrell, with full authority to handle the subsequent matters."
Stannis glanced coldly at Willas's crippled leg. "Why did Mace Tyrell not come himself? Or at least send an able-bodied man to represent him?"
Willas's smile didn't falter. "My father considered that his return journey by land from King's Landing would be slower than your voyage by sea. Fearing that any delay might hinder the trial and the payment of compensation, he sent me and my brother Garlan ahead to demonstrate our sincerity."
"Besides, there was an... incident on the Arbor recently that required his personal attention."
Arthur waved a hand, gesturing for everyone to sit. "Lord Willas, my lords, let us settle this dispute between Dorne and the Reach."
Arthur watched Willas limp to his chair, leaning heavily on his cane. He felt a pang of pity.
In Westeros, while cripples weren't as openly despised as dwarfs, their lot wasn't much better.
Especially for the heir to Highgarden. To make his vassals obedient and accept his rule, he would have to work twice as hard as any other man.
At the same time, Arthur felt a surge of wariness. Oberyn had once told him that after Willas was crippled in a joust against him, instead of blaming Oberyn, Willas frequently wrote to him to discuss breeding horses, training hawks, and raising hounds.
This meant the man either possessed the heart of a saint or was incredibly shrewd, adept at hiding his true feelings.
Regardless of which it was, for Willas to suffer such a devastating setback at a young age—falling from the clouds to the dirt—and not only recover but thrive proved he possessed a will of iron.
Once everyone was seated, Arthur produced a scroll.
"This document is the agreement reached after discussions with the Hand of the King, the three judges, and Duke Mace Tyrell. Both Duke Mace and the Iron Throne have a copy."
"The Arbor is to pay Starfall over one million two hundred thousand gold dragons. When will this money arrive in Starfall?"
Baelor Hightower spoke up. "And when will you release the prisoners?"
"Naturally, after the terms of this document are executed." Arthur curled his lip. "Forgive my bluntness, but Paxter Redwyne dared to lie to the Gods themselves. I dare not rely on the credit of House Redwyne of the Arbor."
Horas Redwyne, the new Lord of the Arbor, looked dark enough to storm. "You..."
He started to speak, but Willas interrupted him. "We have raised a total of eight hundred thousand gold dragons, currently deposited in Oldtown. The remaining amount will be paid off gradually through the additional tax on Arbor wine, as stipulated in the document."
"However, I hope Ser Arthur will release all prisoners from the Reach. They are innocent men dragged into this conflict. They should not be traded like slaves or bargaining chips!" Willas said solemnly.
"I swear by the honor of House Tyrell and the Seven! Highgarden will ensure the Arbor pays the remaining balance!"
Arthur narrowed his eyes, considering using his Lightning card to test the oath.
Ultimately, he dismissed the idea. Willas was impressive.
The words Willas had just spoken would surely reach the ears of the captive Reach nobles, earning him their immense gratitude.
"Lord Willas speaks wisely. If I had any other choice, I would not resort to such measures. I agree to release the innocent prisoners." For the sake of eight hundred thousand gold dragons, Arthur was willing to grant this favor.
"But the not-so-innocent ones stay."
Baelor Hightower frowned. "Speak plainly. Who is innocent, and who is not?"
Mathis Rowan reminded him, "Arthur, Highgarden's word is good."
Stannis cut in coldly. "The Royal Fleet encountered a group of pirates—Arbor ships—en route to Starfall. We crushed them and took over seven hundred prisoners."
"Is this true?!" Horas Redwyne stood up abruptly. "Those captains were shameless brigands who betrayed the Arbor! Most of them were involved in the attack on the Peach Orchard!"
"As Lord Horas says. Upon interrogation, many confessed to being involved in the attack and provided this list." Arthur produced another scroll, covered in densely written names.
"These seven hundred prisoners, along with the men on this list, must be identified by the survivors of the Peach Orchard. Afterward, they will face trial by myself, Lord Stannis, and the representative of the Reach, Lord Willas."
Willas nodded in agreement. "Ser Arthur's proposal is fair and reasonable."
Horas Redwyne asked, "Lord Stannis, can the captured ships and cargo be returned to the Arbor?"
"Lord Horas, you should ask the pirates who stole them," Arthur laughed. "The Royal Fleet has no obligation to pay for the Arbor's mistakes."
"However, Lord Stannis is known for his justice. If you insist, we can calculate the losses the Royal Fleet suffered in suppressing these pirates and present you with an itemized bill."
Arthur emphasized the word "itemized."
Hearing Arthur threaten another "itemized bill," Mathis Rowan, suffering from a bit of PTSD, hurriedly interjected. "I don't think that's necessary. The task of investigating and trying so many people is already arduous. Let's let the matter of the ships go."
"Please, don't force yourselves," Arthur said with a straight face. "Lord Horas, if you insist, I don't mind spending a little time to clear things up. It would give everyone a proper accounting..."
Horas Redwyne realized his mistake and forced a smile that looked uglier than crying. "Thank you, but really, there's no need."