It would have taken a day to cross the valley and another day to climb the mountain, but for the sake of Sir Rodric's willingness to speed up, even Tyrion was surprisingly quiet and closed his sarcastic mouth. Pen | fun | pavilion www. ｂｉｑｕｇｅ。 On the one hand, no one provoked him, giving him a rare quiet, and on the other hand, he was hurrying to think about countermeasures.

The horses galloped, and "Blackfish" Brinnden rode fast, but Zhao Mai was able to drive by his side and follow steadily. The car ran over the wet ground, making clear ruts, often skewing to the right and side, but the occupants didn't feel much shaking, much to the amazement of Catelyn and Tyrion, who had never seen a vehicle like it before. Even His Majesty's cart, with dozens of springs, was only able to remain smooth at slow speeds.

But it was Brinnden who was even more surprised. His horse carried him alone, while Mike's carriage was pulling six people on one horse, but it was still not slower than himself, and even looked like he still had the strength to spare. Blackfish peeked at the horse pulling the cart and noticed that the animal hadn't even shed a drop of sweat. "Good boy, what kind of divine beast is this?"

"Don't pay attention to it, it only listens to me. Zhao Mai sat in the carriage, still chatting with Brinnden at leisure. "Sir Blackfish, how long have you been at the Bloodgate, have you seen any strange creatures?"

"Three years at the Bloodgate, and before that in other parts of the Arryn Valley. What do you mean by strange creatures?"

"Are there no other monsters in the mountains besides the mountain people?"

Blackfish shook his head: "Seven gods bless, there is no news of monsters infested yet." However, since the death of Lord Jon Arryn, the outcasts of the mountains have become more dangerous, often raiding trade routes and villages. You guys are so presumptuous, I was shocked when I heard the news. Thankfully, nothing happened to you. ”

"There are several dead, but it can't be considered that there are no accidents. However, when we leave, do we have to fight a bloody way to get out?" Zhao Mai pursed his lips and said to Brynden: "It's not that I'm talking about you, but I can't even sweep the snow in front of the door, and one day the house will be buried and crushed." ”

Blackfish glared at him, then kept silent. He knew in his heart that what this "coachman" said was not wrong at all, the current guardian of the Arryn Valley was just a six-year-old child. Not to mention the frail and sickly, the character is still very cowardly. Lord Jon Arryn has suffered many misfortunes in his life, and his successors have passed away before him due to various events. It wasn't until he was in his fifties that he married the second daughter of Strauss, Horst Tully, who was Caitlin's sister. Eventually, luck befell him, and after surviving several miscarriages and premature deaths, Lyza finally gave birth to Robin Arryn for him.

He gave all his doting to the child, which, combined with Lysa's overly caring motherhood, led Robin to become a spoiled guy. Now, after the death of Lord Jon Arryn, a terrified Lysa and her son have fled from King's Landing to the Eagle's Nest, ordering the Blood Gate to be closed, not allowing any knights to leave the East, not even the new Prime Warrior Tournament. Even if the homeless people in the mountains are in trouble, she should not be able to see it, as long as the Eagle's Nest City is safe, and all the knights are by her side to protect her and the child, it doesn't matter anything.

It was impossible to expect her to be like the tough Lord Jon. However, this matter can be said to Caitlin, after all, Caitlyn and Lysa are sisters, and they are both Blackfish's nieces, so to a certain extent, they can be discussed as a family matter. But in front of a coachman, Blackfish Brynden will not say a word more to maintain the majesty of the sovereign.

He picked up speed again, letting the words dissipate into the wind. But the carriage still followed closely, and the horses that didn't sweat always seemed to be laughing at the mounts of the Arryn Valley. By the time he climbed the mountain, the horses outside were dumbfounded! Blackfish turned the thought in his heart and pursed his mouth tightly.

The result of the wild run was to arrive early, but even so, by the time they reached the fortified castle at the foot of the Giant's Spear Mountain, it was already dark. The battlements were lit with torches, and there were no fewer soldiers on patrol than during the day. The drawbridge across the moat has been raised, and iron gates have fallen to protect the bridge. Only the pitch-black water flowed slowly, tearing the bright reflections of the torches into mottled shards.

"This is Moongate Fort, currently in the hands of Lord Nest, and I think he should see our banner and open it soon. Blackfish pointed in the direction above his head, "You stay here tonight, and I'll arrange for the basket to hang Sir Rodric up." ”

Looking up, the vertical rocks continue to rise and stretch until they are hidden and disappear into the night. Then it continued upwards, all the way up, and through the dark phase, some lights appeared higher in the distance, blending with the light of the stars.

It was the tower of the first castle, and it was only halfway up the hill. On top of that, there is a second, a third, a fourth...... Taller and farther away, far above where only an eagle could fly, a castle dyed white by the moonlight stood at its peak, overlooking the entire Arryn Valley.

This castle was finally built after the efforts of ten generations of lords of the Erin family. An unbreakable castle represents an unbreakable right to rule. Despite its high mountain, the Eagle's Nest still has a safe and continuous supply of drinking water, enough to sustain a decade of food reserves. When necessary, they can also use slings to establish contact with the mountains farther away, obtaining a constant replenishment, and not afraid of a siege at all. A condescending strategic advantage will gradually wear away the attacker, and no wise general will choose to attack such a dangerous castle, so it is always safe.

After a while, the drawbridge was lowered, and everyone entered the city, and the hanging basket had been lowered and waited. In normal times, fresh vegetables and fruits, and piglets that can't climb mountains are transported up and down through hanging baskets. Although it is no problem to sit two people inside, the wind in the mountains always makes the gondola sway, so it is never a comfortable journey.

Another way is to climb the steep stairs with your feet, or you can also ride a mule up the staircase. Specially trained mules go up and down every day, even in the dark of the night, and they will not make mistakes, which is actually the safest and most labor-saving way. But how many people can leave their safety entirely in the hands of a mule?

The car stopped, and everyone took the handle, tied Sir Rodric to a basket, covered him with a blanket, and stuffed a small jug of wine.

"I'm afraid you'll have to go up on your own. "He was lying in a basket, and there was no room in it. Sir Nest smiled and said, "If you feel lonely, I can fill the basket with some turnips or cabbage for you." ”

Sir Rodric snorted, not amused by his joke.

The rope creaked, and the two servants held on to the rope beneath the basket to keep it from dangling in the air. It's going to be a thrilling, slow journey, and the next one takes a long time. In addition, there are not many places where the hanging basket can be installed, and there is a concern that the ropes of the hanging basket will become entangled with each other, so only one of these baskets can operate.

"Pray that Sir Rodric will be restored. Caitlyn watched the basket go up, and then said to Sir Nest, "Thank you for the arrangement. We travelled long distances and would have liked to have stayed here for one night if it was convenient. ”

"You're welcome, ma'am. "But your sister, Lady Lysa, has sent a message from Eagle's Nest to see you soon." The people who come with you can stay here tonight and take them up the mountain early tomorrow morning. ”

"How do you go up? Climb up in the dark with a torch? It's too dangerous! Even a mule rarely takes people up and down at night, let alone an important guest like Catelyn!" Blackfish Brynden was obviously dissatisfied, and he always spoke straightforwardly: "Doesn't Lysa know the danger of this? You can't wait all night? It's not a full moon today, and the torches are swaying in the mountain wind, so people can't see the road under their feet, and the same goes for mules!"

"This is Madame's order, and I can only convey it as it is. Sir Nest shrugged his shoulders and continued to Mrs. Stark, "Rest assured, Madame, the mule's trainer, Mia, is also here and will accompany you up the mountain. She's a clever and good boy and swears to send you up. I believe in her, she has never taught me to disappoint. ”

I'm afraid that my sister is really anxious, and Caitlyn is actually looking forward to seeing her as soon as possible, so she agreed: "In that case, then I will give myself to this child named Mia." Lord Nest, my prisoner has been handed over to you, please keep a close watch. ”

"Then please get this prisoner some wine to warm up, and a crispy roast chicken, lest he die!" Tyrion exclaimed. "It's better to have a beautiful girl tearing the chicken for the prisoner, his own little hands and feet are cold!" the mercenary Bolon laughed when he heard this.

Baron Nest did not smile, but said respectfully: "Madam, everything is according to your orders. Then he looked at the gnome and said, "Send Lord Lannister to prison and help him prepare some meat and wine." ”

"Wait a minute, I'll go up with you. Zhao Mai stood up: "I'm going to see the bachelor's treatment." ”

Caitlin nodded, something she had already promised. But Baron Nest frowned and said, "But Mia only brought a mule, and you have to go on your own." ”

"It's nothing, just walk up. Zhao Mai said, "This castle is very interesting, it seems that it can't fly when it falls from above." ”

"Well, if you fall, no one will be able to fly, you will just snap and fall into cake. Sir Nest replied.

"No, it's not that simple. In Zhao Mai's perception, the mountain on which the castle stood exuded a faint light, and mysterious magical characters loomed. Through the perception of the natural force, he could only see two functions: to strengthen the stability of the mountain, and not to fly except for the natural wings.

It's funny, the magic of Westeros actually envelops the entire Giant's Spear in it. On the way up the mountain, there are faintly shiny runes on the steps under your feet and on the walls on the sides. The Natural Force flows, and the mules here seem to sense something, and the feeling of the Natural Force is like a beacon to them, which may also be one of the reasons why they can walk at night. Who said there was no magic? Zhao Mai glanced at Saffer, he didn't seem to be able to see the light of this magic at all, and the others were completely unaware.

Magic has always been there, but for some reason, no one can see it. (To be continued.) )