The faint light of dawn pierced through the temporary command hall.
Arthur was slowly and meticulously wiping his mier longsword with a clean linen cloth.
Roger Legge's blood, long since congealed on the blade, was now being peeled away little by little.
Ser Brynden Tully stood at the doorway, arms crossed over his chest, watching him silently. He seemed to always be wearing his worn black chainmail.
Brynden's voice broke the silence, hoarse with a hint of weariness: "You could have pardoned him."
He walked in, his boots making clear sounds on the flagstones.
"Roger Legge has already lost. Beheading him brings you no advantage."
Arthur paused his movements and looked up. His gaze was as calm as water, without a ripple. He sheathed the now clean mier longsword.
Arthur spread his hands, his tone stating an obvious fact: "I gave him many chances, Ser."
"I only show mercy to those who are loyal to me and friendly to me."
He paused, his gaze sweeping over Ser Brynden's face.
"As for my enemies, I will only let them know the fate they deserve for opposing me."
The air seemed to freeze. After a long silence, Brynden Tully's taut lips relaxed.
He slowly nodded, even letting out a slight sigh: "You are far more honest than those who speak of honor and mercy."
"But, child, in Westeros, you cannot rely solely on swords."
Arthur smiled faintly: "That only means there aren't enough swords."
Arthur picked up a letter sealed with wax from the table and handed it over. The envelope bore the crest of Daedings Family.
"A letter from Lord Balon via raven."
Brynden took the letter, tore open the seal, and read it quickly, his eyes scanning the parchment swiftly.
In the letter, Balon Dading highly praised Arthur's bravery and wisdom, explaining why he was unable to send reinforcements—he was not in his territory, and his lands were empty. Otherwise, he would have surely sent his army.
Finally, he solemnly promised to fully support Arthur in the upcoming negotiations to secure his lands, ransom, and compensation for castle repairs.
Brynden folded the letter and placed it on the table.
He looked at Arthur, his eyes sharpening: "Roger is dead. The Legge Family needs a new lord."
"The one we will negotiate with will be his brother, Gales Legge. You should release him immediately without ransom, allowing him to represent the Legge Family.
This is the first step towards a peaceful resolution."
Arthur's answer was crisp and decisive, without any hesitation: "Of course."
He didn't even ask another question, turning directly to Lucien at the door and giving the command: "Release Ser Gales Legge and his family."
"Withdraw most of the troops from the city and release all the original servants of Willow Wood City."
"Return the heads of his brother and nephew so he can bury them."
"Also, 'invite' him to see me."
Lucien departed to carry out the orders.
Brynden Tully was very surprised by Arthur's attitude regarding the release, withdrawing troops from the city, and even returning Jero Legge's body. He had expected Arthur to hesitate, weigh his options, or even refuse.
He couldn't help but ask: "Aren't you afraid he will seek revenge?"
A faint smile finally appeared on Arthur's face: "I welcome it at any time."
That composure and certainty astonished even the battle-hardened Brynden Tully. Where did this young man get such confidence? The scene fell into silence.
But then, Brynden unbuckled his sword from his waist. His voice was solemn: "This is the Royce Family's ancestral sword, grief."
Arthur looked over. The Valyrian Steel sword belonging to the Royce Family lay there quietly.
"I have already sent someone to inform the Royce Family."
"Remember, they will promise you generous rewards, but sometimes friendship is more important than gold dragons, especially the friendship of Lord Bronze Yohn."
Arthur nodded. He understood Blackfish's hint; he was telling him to either take the Royce Family's gold dragons to sever this friendship or to establish a generational friendship between the two families.
Brynden continued, re-wrapping grief.
"After handling matters here,"
"I will return to Bloodgate and personally escort it to Runestone."
He paused, adding: "And then, I probably won't be returning to the Riverlands."
Arthur was somewhat surprised. Wait, what did he mean? What about his official brand certification then?
He stood up and looked at Blackfish, speaking: "Ser, aren't you going to report everything that happened here to Governor Hoster? Just leaving like this?"
Brynden Tully suddenly laughed, a cunning glint in his smile. He pointed to Robin Tully, who was talking with a few knights in the distance: "Oh, that."
"Robin will report it on my behalf. Besides, strictly speaking, I now serve the Eyrie. My liege lord is the Warden of the East, Lord Jon Arryn."
He leaned in closer, patted Arthur's shoulder, and lowered his voice.
"Besides, my brother and I... you know, our ideas are always a bit different. He thinks I'm the black sheep of the House Tully."
"Riverrun has enough of him and his talk of family, duty, honor."
Arthur pointed a finger at him: "Wait a moment!"
"What about my Dragon Slayer and Warrior of the Seven Gods family certifications? If you leave, who will help me confirm with the Governor?"
Blackfish blinked, his smile undiminished.
"Robin will report that on my behalf too."
He seemed to enjoy Arthur's bewildered and shocked expression, pausing for a moment before leaning in again, his voice even lower, almost audible only to the two of them.
"Furthermore..."
His eyes became playful, carrying an elusive depth of meaning.
"How about the Hand of the King's certification?"
Arthur was about to say something, but his words were interrupted. Gales Legge entered, led by soldiers. Brynden Tully watched all of this and silently left the room.
The middle-aged knight, though dressed respectably, looked haggard. He remained silent, observing Arthur.
Without saying much, Arthur merely waved his hand, signaling him to sit down.
His voice calmly resounded: "Ser Gales."
"Your brother chose trial by combat. The Seven Gods have pronounced judgment. Now, he is guilty, and I am innocent."
He pointed to the chair across the table.
"Sit down, Lord. The Legge Family needs a new lord, and you need to secure a future for your family."
"Or, you can choose to solve the problem with a sword, like your brother."
Gales Legge's body stiffened. He looked at Arthur, and reason led his heavy legs toward the chair.
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