Arthur's retreat order swept through every unit of the Starfall forces like a gale.
The soldiers moved immediately, their actions so swift and practiced it seemed they had rehearsed this a thousand times. They rapidly transferred all prisoners and spoils from Ring to Derring Keep, and then along the Pebble Way into the Red Mountains.
Livestock that couldn't be easily moved, like cattle and sheep, were slaughtered and eaten along the way. For days, not only Arthur and the officers, but even the common soldiers had fresh meat at every meal.
Grease gleamed on the soldiers' beards in the sunlight. Even the scrawniest men now had a healthy glow to their faces, carrying supplies with boundless energy.
As for the horses, Arthur couldn't bear to kill them. These were warhorses, each worth at least ten gold dragons.
After weighing his options and realizing he had ample time, Arthur ordered engineers to repair the mountain paths to see if the horses could be transported back.
When the last batch of supplies was moved out of Derring Keep, Arthur personally lit the torch.
Flames spread rapidly over the oil-soaked timber, soon engulfing the castle.
Without this fortress guarding the Pebble Way—the main passage from the Red Mountains to the Ring—it would be much easier for Arthur to return as master of Ring next time.
A few days after Arthur had settled affairs in the Ring's territory and retreated to Eagle's Roost, he received news that the Reach army had arrived in the Ring's lands and occupied Ring.
Additionally, Ser Barton sent word from Beaconwatch that the Redwyne Fleet had attempted a coastal raid but was repelled by the cavalry under Lothor Brune and the defense forces.
"Gerold, Jimmy, take your units back to Starfall to bolster the defenses," Arthur ordered, his gaze burning bright in the council hall of Eagle's Roost.
"Ensure you strengthen the patrols and defenses along the coastline and the mouth of the Torrentine."
Jimmy hesitated. "My Lord, if we take the troops away, what if the Reachmen enter the Red Mountains... to attack here and rescue the prisoners?"
Arthur smiled faintly. "If they dare come, we'll just have to build more cells."
But on second thought, if the army was led by "Lord Pufferfish," Mace Tyrell, it might actually be possible.
Considering this, Arthur summoned the scout who brought the news. "What banners did the Reach army fly?"
The scout recalled, counting on his fingers. "Besides the golden rose and the white tower, there was a golden tree on white, three green leaves on yellow, and a flock of golden cranes on pale blue."
"Rowan of Goldengrove, Oakheart of Old Oak, and Crane of Red Lake. These are the lords of the northern Reach bordering the Westerlands," Gerold said, sipping his unsweetened lemon water.
"It seems the Reach lords closer to the Red Mountains are pinned down by the Fowlers and the Yronwoods."
Arthur had signed a franchise agreement with Lord Mathis Rowan. Knowing Mathis was present, he was sure the man could talk sense into "Lord Pufferfish." He dismissed the scout, losing interest in the threat.
"Go and prepare as ordered," Arthur instructed Gerold and Jimmy. "The threat on the coast is far greater than here. Be vigilant."
The two acknowledged the order and left quickly.
Arthur turned to the others in the hall. "Ser Bard, Crow-Eater, recruit four hundred men from the wildlings to serve as a reserve for the Mountain Corps. Begin their training."
"As you command, My Lord," Crow-Eater, chieftain of the Stone Crows, responded quickly, then added, "I have something to report."
Arthur waved a hand. "Speak freely."
"Some tribes from the upper Torrentine wish to pledge full allegiance to Starfall. They contributed significantly during the raids on the Reach."
Under Arthur's command, the wildling tribes of the Red Mountains had achieved a string of victories, capturing three castles in succession. The spoils they gained were more than the sum of the past few years combined. They now practically worshipped Arthur as a god.
"Granted. They will be under your management, following the model of Eagle's Roost," Arthur said.
Finally, Arthur ordered the other two tribal chieftains to send scouts to closely monitor the movements of the Reach army at Ring.
Meanwhile, in the council hall of Ring, the atmosphere was heavy enough to wring water from.
This Tyrell army, joined by the main force from Oldtown, now numbered over twenty thousand.
The supreme commander of this force was not "Lord Pufferfish," but his second son, Garlan Tyrell.
Garlan, elder brother to the Knight of Flowers, Loras, was known as Garlan the Gallant. He resembled his brother but was taller, broader, and more rugged, with a thick beard that gave him a more commanding presence.
Sitting in the high-backed chair, Garlan asked seriously, "My Lords, what is your counsel on the current situation?"
"We have retaken Ring without losing a single soldier," Lord Mathis Rowan said blandly, his face expressionless. "That is a rather good start, is it not?"
"An empty castle means nothing to us," said Baelor "Brightsmile" Hightower. Since learning of the destruction of the Hightower vanguard and the capture of his brother and numerous vassals, the smile had vanished from his face.
"Arthur Snow holds a large number of hostages. We must march into the Red Mountains and rescue them!"
"Marching into the Red Mountains is marching into the Seven Hells," Mathis Rowan countered.
"Ser Arthur was wise enough not to face Paxter at sea. Are we to abandon our horses and fight wildlings in the mountains?"
"Lord Mathis, we have no choice," Baelor said to Rowan, though his eyes remained fixed on Garlan.
"First Earl Quentyn Roxton, then the knights of Oldtown. They were captured while defending the Reach. If we do not rescue them, it will chill the hearts of all loyal bannermen!"
"Can we not negotiate with Ser Arthur for the ransom of the prisoners?" Mathis continued, turning his gaze to Garlan as well. "I have dealt with Ser Arthur. He is not an unreasonable man."
Ser Arys Oakheart, heir to Old Oak, interjected timely. "My Lords, I hear rumors that this whole affair started because of 'pirate' attacks on Starfall's territory. I wonder what Lord Paxter's thoughts and plans are now?"
Garlan took a deep breath, his beard twitching. "Lord Paxter has consistently and firmly denied Ser Arthur's accusations from the beginning. He claims it is merely a pretext fabricated by Ser Arthur to justify his aggression against the Reach."
"Let me negotiate," Mathis Rowan offered. "I have some acquaintance with Ser Arthur. Using ransom and terms to redeem the prisoners is better than sending soldiers to their deaths."
The hall fell silent. Everyone looked at Garlan, waiting for the young commander's decision.
Garlan looked at Baelor. Baelor stated his position: "House Hightower is willing to pay a ransom that satisfies Ser Arthur. However, I fear I cannot offer the terms Arthur demands."
Garlan nodded. "I must trouble Lord Mathis to make the trip. Ascertain Ser Arthur's demands."