But for the Vale, for the honor of House Arryn and House Tully, we need to confront Lysa's threat," Ser Brynden said gravely.
"Besides, young Robert's health... you should be prepared."
Gendry looked at Catelyn.
Deep down, Lady Stark still harbored thoughts of peace, wanting to redeem the girl.
Her heart was good, but war was war.
"Young Robert..." Catelyn recalled the Child.
Duke Robert was small, pale, with brown hair and large eyes.
The Duke of the Vale was just a Boy hiding in his mother's arms, a sickly and frantic Boy.
When Catelyn left The Eyrie, she had suggested to her sister to let the Child see the light of day or go to the North to be with her own children, but Lysa had responded with a furious outburst.
"The Duke's health has always been poor, as Lady Lysa only bore an heir after five miscarriages.
But out of love for the late Lord Jon, I believe we will try not to provoke the young duke when we act," Bronze Yohn remained silent.
In reality, many in the Vale also suspected that the Child would not live long, let alone marry, and many had already secretly ingratiated themselves with the heir, Harry.
Robert Arryn suffered from a condition where even slight stimulation would trigger seizures.
His maester often bled him and gave him painkillers, but continuous use would lead to a buildup of toxins and side effects.
His intellectual and physical development were stunted, and he hadn't even been weaned yet.
"Women are soft-hearted, Lady Stark.
Even if Duke Robert is your relative, you must also consider our taxi soldiers marching south; how many children cannot return home because of the war.
This is not a family matter; it is a nation, a kingdom," Rickard said.
"Mother, I understand your feelings.
But the Lannisters will not make peace because of our tears; we must act quickly," Robb looked at Lady Catelyn, signaling her not to offer any more opinions.
Their words made Catelyn somewhat uncomfortable, but she could only accept them.
Now, House Stark had once again become a partner in war; this was all that war brought.
"Then it is settled.
Our divided forces will each have their focus: the army on the Green Fork will feign as the main force to deceive Tywin, while I will lead a portion of the Knights across the Mountains of the Moon and The Bloody Gate." Gendry's gaze swept over everyone.
"I need the taxi soldiers most familiar with the mountain paths and capable of enduring hardships.
My sworn Knights can certainly do it, but I believe you all can also offer me some assistance."
"I will march with you," Bronze Yohn stood up and said.
"Knights of the Vale, more or less, have experience traversing the Mountains of the Moon.
When Duke Jon passed through the Mountains of the Moon before, he also brought a large number of men."
"Please bring the Knights of the Claw Peninsula," Ser Boros said.
"The crabfeeders men also have experience in mountain and water travel."
Thus, the plan was decided, and only execution remained.
The eastern path was more rugged and perilous, involving climbing rocky hills and dense forests, entering the Mountains of the Moon, and then passing through steep passes and deep abysses, which would lead to The Vale of Arryn.
"winter Is Coming, the North, the Riverlands, and even the Seven Kingdoms will remember your achievements.
Fight if you can, retreat if you cannot, the main goal is to tie up Tywin's attention," Gendry bowed to Count Rickard and Lady Maege.
If the Direwolf Army marched south, the possibility of its annihilation was quite high.
(According to the original timeline, Robb's southern land army of seventeen to eighteen thousand men, after being defeated at the Green Fork, lost about seven to eight thousand men who either perished or fled.)
"winter Is Coming, with heavy snow.
The pack survives, the lone wolf dies," Robb shouted.
"winter Is Coming," everyone recited the house words together.
If the longest summer was ending, then the cruelest winter was surely approaching.
"Since winter is coming, there must be old wolves willing to sacrifice themselves," Rickard patted his chest.
Sacrifice was also ingrained in the minds of Northerners.
The North was harsh and cold, and to leave survival resources for their families, others had to sacrifice themselves.
"For the direwolf force marching south, I can provide more fine equipment, plate armor, and Myr multi-shot crossbows."
"That would be excellent!" Rickard laughed heartily.
"Let that bastard Tywin see our armed Direwolf Army."
"There is also another matter that urgently needs to be resolved: the situation with your uncle Renly and Stannis," Lord Roose interjected.
"I hear they have been negotiating, but I don't know if there has been any progress."
"You reminded me, Lord Roose," Gendry said.
"Perhaps I need an envoy to go and see the eye of the storm."
"It's just that we are truly short-handed at the moment, Your Highness," Ser Barristan said softly.
"Ser Barristan, Lord Yohn, Ser Brynden, and others will accompany you to the mountains, while the others will also have their own wars."
"Envoy." Everyone pondered.
At present, there might not be a suitable candidate for the role of envoy.
Ser Barristan, Ser Brynden, and Bronze Yohn, venerable Old Knights, were all going to the Vale, and the Lords of the Claw Peninsula seemed even less likely to succeed.
"Lord Roose?" Lady Catelyn suggested.
"That won't do," Robb said.
"After the Twins, Lord Roose needs to verify supplies and troops, and prepare our future reserves."
Everyone's gaze, however, fell upon Catelyn, and Robb's eyes were burning.
If it was about noble status, Lady Catelyn was readily available, and besides, Renly and Stannis both at least considered themselves Knights.
"I..." Catelyn opened her mouth.
"my father, Lord Hoster, is too ill at Riverrun.
I think I should stay at Riverrun with my father; things will be better in the future."
"Lady Stark, I understand your feelings," Ser Brynden looked at Catelyn, his eyebrows so thick.
"To be honest, I also want to return to Riverrun, but at present, I can only ask you to go to Riverrun and greet him on my behalf.
I am doing this for the future of House Tully."
"As we march, I hope everything goes smoothly, Mother.
Prince Gendry is going to the Vale, and Uncle still needs to hold the Twins."
"You can rest at Riverrun before going to the Stormlands."
Catelyn's mouth fell open.
She wasn't sure what her role was in the war, and now she had become a noble envoy again.
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