Only the occasional crackling from the brazier could be heard inside the tent.
As he read the letter, King Robb's expression was like the sky before a thunderstorm, dark and oppressive.
When Robb's deep gaze left the letter and shifted to her, Lady Sybelle couldn't help but clench her fingers.
After a pause, Robb said, his voice slightly hoarse, "Lady, thank you for your help. This is very important to me."
Lady Sybelle's eyes were slightly red. "I was always worried… that bringing it out at this time… would lead to misunderstanding… I am truly overjoyed to be able to help you, King."
She stepped forward and took one of Robb's hands in both of hers. "I know your difficulties, but please, you must be wary of Old Walder. All Seven Kingdoms know he is not a kind man. For Jeyne's deep love for you, please protect yourself."
Looking at Lady Sybelle's sorrowful face, Robb slowly said, "I will remember, Lady."
"She was so young… so kind…"
Taking a half-step back, Lady Sybelle wiped away tears from the corner of her eye with the back of her hand. "I'm sorry, but when I think of my poor daughter, I just… Please allow me to take my leave, King."
King Robb lowered his eyelids and nodded slightly. "You may go, Lady Sybelle."
Robb's army was camped by the Blue Fork, and Brynden Tully had just arrived outside the camp with a dozen guards.
Jumping off his horse, Duke Brynden suddenly paused, gazing at the surging river.
The Tully are born of the river, their strength extinguished, ultimately returning to the great river.
That scene seemed to have happened just yesterday…
His brother Hoster and nephew Edmure, the silence sisters of Riverrun, had dressed them in shining silver armor and helmets adorned with bronze and silver Trout, their blue and red striped cloaks spread out beneath them, and their coats also in blue and red waves… Both of them held a glazed wooden longsword tightly to their chests, lying in two slender wooden boats piled high with hay, kindling, and parchment.
Seven people escorted the funeral boats, representing the blessing of the Seven Gods.
The morning mist spread over the river, and the funeral boats of his brother and nephew were carried down the waterside steps, waded into the shallow water, and pushed into the river.
The two funeral boats drifted through the arched red stone water gate, caught the swift current of the Tumbling Stone River, gradually accelerated, and headed straight for the noisy river confluence.
Just like that time… when he and his brother sent off their father, the boats sailed steadily, heading towards the rising sun.
With the silver Trout banner flying high at the bow, he notched an arrow to his bow and fired two flaming arrows in quick succession.
Red flowers bloomed fiercely, the burning sails dyed the mist pink and orange, and the outlines of the boats struggled and withered in the dancing flames.
Perhaps the Tully funeral boats were still drifting, or perhaps they had already broken apart and sunk.
Finally, his brother and nephew's armor would carry their bodies to rest in the riverbed mud, in an underwater palace where the Tully family would eternally reunite, and various fish would be their subjects.
The roaring of the Blue Fork seemed like the furious roar of Edmure's ghost, and a look of grief flashed across Duke Brynden's weathered face.
Slowly exhaling, he walked towards the camp gate.
King's Camp.
"Uncle."
Duke Brynden lifted the tent flap and entered, hearing Robb's voice. He kindly looked him over and placed his hand on his chest, saying, "King."
After a brief exchange of glances, Robb's lips parted slightly. "Thank you for everything you have done for me."
Duke Brynden reached out and patted his grand-nephew's sturdy arm, saying, "Old Walder is cunning. This is just the first step, King Robb."
After sitting down, Robb handed over the letter Lady Sybelle had brought.
Duke Brynden read the letter, furrowed his brows in thought for a while, then looked at his grand-nephew, whose brows were also tightly knit, and said, "King Robb, do you trust Lady Sybelle?"
Upon hearing this, after a moment of silence, Robb's deep blue eyes trembled, and he said in a hoarse voice, "Uncle, I intend to show this letter to Greatjon and Daisy."
He looked at Brynden and continued, "Lady Sybelle is Jeyne's mother. She is my family."
Family, Duty, Honor.
Duke Brynden suddenly… for the first time felt the contradiction of the family motto, then secretly shook his head. Perhaps he had never been a qualified Tully.
Seeing Duke Brynden sitting there in silence, Robb said again, "With this letter, our reasons are already sufficient, Uncle."
Duke Brynden looked at his grand-nephew, whose eyes were bloodshot, opened his mouth, and said, "Compared to the original plan, your current choice is too risky. Child, as your Uncle, I must ensure your safety."
"I am not just for my burning hatred…"
Pausing, Robb suddenly said painfully, "I am not afraid of danger. I am only afraid that I will win every battle, but lose this war."
The North Cavalry were brave and skilled in battle, but they had been far from home for a long time, trapped in the Riverlands, and received no support from the North. Their only hope was their unwavering belief in King Robb's ultimate victory.
At this moment, they could not even afford a single… defeat.
Therefore, The Twins, which had "cut off" the North from the Riverlands… needed to be dealt with quickly. This was no longer just a matter of hatred.
Moreover, after only a short time apart, Robb had already lost patience. He could feel it… his grand-nephew wanted blood for blood even more.
The letter brought by Lady Sybelle… had completely solidified King Robb's resolve.
Brynden thought of his nephew who had died agonizingly in his arms, his brother who had passed away on the spot upon hearing the terrible news of his son, and his grand-niece-in-law who was still laughing. They could not rest in peace.
Recalling the wedding at Riverrun, only the color of blood remained in his memory.
Indeed, the fire of hatred would only grow stronger… Now… Family, Duty, Honor… Duke Brynden muttered to himself.
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