The mountain paths of the Red Mountains were far more rugged than Mathis Rowan had imagined. The rocky trails wound like coiled snakes between steep cliffs.
Even with Arthur's guides leading the way along the most manageable routes, the journey was grueling.
At first, Mathis thought he and his two attendants would be blindfolded to prevent them from memorizing the route to Eagle's Roost.
However, Bear Di, the guide, laughed and said, "It doesn't matter if you know the way. Besides, we don't want to carry you on our backs."
Now, Mathis finally understood the meaning behind those words. Some sections were so steep that they barely allowed one person to pass at a time.
In such terrain, if they were to invade, a single squad of archers could make an entire army pay a terrible price.
Mathis gripped a protruding rock, his knuckles white with strain, moving his feet carefully.
Thinking back, his proposal for negotiation instead of Baelor's demand for a military expedition seemed more and more wise and correct.
By the time Eagle's Roost finally appeared in view, Mathis's boots were worn through, the soles of his feet burning with pain, and his clothes had been soaked with sweat multiple times.
His two attendants were in even worse shape; one looked green in the face, retching as he leaned against the rock wall.
Meanwhile, Bear Di and the two soldiers, who had been chatting and laughing along the way, looked perfectly normal.
"You don't look tired at all?" Mathis had asked them during a rest stop on a flatter section.
The Mountain Corps soldiers shrugged. "I used to live here. Now with the training we get, I can handle much steeper paths than this. This is nothing."
Leaving his attendants to rest, Mathis followed Bear Di into Eagle's Roost, his astonishment growing with each step.
It was hard to imagine such a large settlement existing deep within the Red Mountains.
He estimated the population here was close to ten thousand, if not more.
Passing through the terraced fields that ringed the settlement like giant steps, they reached the heart of the community. His gaze was drawn to a large building. Unless his eyes deceived him, was that a sept of the Seven?
He saw many people dressed as wildlings praying inside.
"This... truly is..."
Mathis suppressed his surprise, gaining a more intuitive understanding of Arthur's control over the Red Mountain wildlings.
Besides the architecture...
As they walked through the streets, Mathis noticed the orderly life of the wildlings.
Women fetched water and washed clothes by the oasis, half-grown children herded goats and mountain ponies, and craftsmen repaired houses and roads.
If not for the unique tattoos and fur decorations on the people, he would have thought this was an ordinary mountain village.
"Lord Mathis, it's been a long time."
Arthur's voice pulled Mathis back to reality.
The young Acting Castellan of Starfall, the Sword of the Morning, stood before the camp gates, a smile twinkling in his violet eyes.
A servant respectfully offered bread and salt. Sunlight danced on the hilt of the greatsword Dawn strapped to Arthur's back.
Mathis took the bread, the salty taste spreading on his tongue.
He studied Arthur. Compared to their last meeting at Starfall, the young man had grown his beard longer. Combined with his tall stature, he looked more composed and authoritative.
"Ser Arthur," he smiled bitterly. "You have certainly... made quite a commotion recently."
Arthur gestured for Mathis to follow him toward the main keep.
"I had no choice," Arthur said calmly.
"Paxter disguised his men as pirates, burned my lands, and slaughtered my people just to stop the sale of Amber Peach Nectar. That is something no lord can tolerate."
In the reception hall, Arthur signaled servants to bring wine and fruit.
"Arthur, I trust you know why I am here." After a brief exchange of pleasantries, Mathis cut to the chase.
"Name your price for the ransom."
"Normally, a knight's ransom is around three hundred gold dragons. For a highborn lord, it is more expensive," Arthur stated.
Mathis nodded in agreement. "That is a fair price."
Arthur shook his head slightly. "But the ransom paid by their families means nothing to me. I am not a kidnapper holding hostages for money.
"My purpose in attacking the Ring was, from start to finish, to seek justice for the atrocities committed by the Redwynes.
"These prisoners are merely innocent people dragged into this conflict. I need House Redwyne to pay for their actions, not the other houses of the Reach."
"Then what are your terms?" Mathis asked.
"House Redwyne must admit to their atrocities and hand over the murderers. They must compensate me for all losses caused by their attack.
"Once they have compensated me, I will release all prisoners unconditionally."
"Hmm." Mathis pondered for a moment. "So, what exactly are 'all losses'? Do you have a rough figure and a basis for it?"
"Let's do a rough calculation." Arthur took a blank sheet of parchment, dipped a quill in ink, and began to write as he spoke.
"The franchise agreement we signed... now that the orchards are burned, I certainly can't fulfill it. What was the penalty for breach of contract set in our agreement?"
"Uh..." Mathis hadn't expected this angle. He recalled, "If I remember correctly, it was fifty thousand gold dragons."
Arthur waved his quill. "Let's call it a hundred thousand. Plus the contracts I signed with House Tarth and House Fowler... that makes three hundred thousand gold dragons."
Mathis nearly choked on his wine. "This... this isn't quite right."
"Lord Mathis, I know you are related to Paxter by marriage and care about that bond," Arthur said without looking up.
"But did Paxter care about your interests as his kin when he attacked my orchards?"
Mathis's eyes flickered. Finally, he exhaled. "Go on."
"The peach trees burned, the winery completely destroyed, the large stock of Amber Peach Nectar in the cellars ruined. These losses, plus the cost of rebuilding..."
Arthur's quill didn't stop, scratching as he recited.
"Peach trees take two years to mature. For two years, the orchards will produce no Amber Peach Nectar or peach wine..."
"To seek justice, Starfall mobilized levies and crossed the Red Mountains. The supplies consumed..."
"Depreciation of weapons and armor for the soldiers..."
"Pensions and compensation for all soldiers killed in the Reach..."
"Losses caused by the Redwyne Fleet's blockade of Starfall's trade..."
"Cost of building beacon towers and lighthouses to defend against the Redwyne Fleet, plus wages for coast guards and cavalry..."
"Food and lodging for eight hundred prisoners, plus the cost of musicians, septons, and gaolers for them..."
Under Mathis's incredulous gaze, Arthur spent a full quarter of an hour filling three sheets of parchment, creating a long, detailed list.
At first, Mathis tried to argue on behalf of the Redwynes for some expenses, but by the end, he was reduced to silence.
"Finally..."
Hearing the word "finally," Mathis perked up.
"Finally, House Redwyne must pay me one million five hundred thousand gold dragons to cover my losses." Arthur put down his quill, examining the bill with satisfaction.
"In addition, for my people who were murdered—two hundred and seventy-three in total—blood cannot be compensated with gold. A life for a life.
"I need the survivors to identify the murderers. The killers must pay with their lives."
Mathis stared at the terrifying number on the bill. "Arthur... this... I'm afraid..."
Arthur stretched his body. "These are my terms. If you can get House Redwyne to agree, I will release the prisoners gradually."
Then, Arthur changed his tone. "Lord Mathis, since you traveled a thousand miles to the Red Mountains to negotiate, I won't make things difficult for you personally.
"You may choose seventy men from the captured sellswords and City Watch guards, and seven from the landed knights. Make it seventy-seven people in total. Take them back with you, along with this bill.
"Consider it a gesture of my sincerity."