"Go to King's Landing, let Cleos Frey go. I will do my best for Lord Eddard's children," Gendry said.
The envoy, Cleos, was the eldest son of Ser Emmon Frey and Genna Lannister, and also a captive from the Battle of the Whispering Wood.
"That Little Weasel?" Lord Jason of Seagard said. "The Child is alright, I suppose. Just deliver the message anyway, even if these cousins aren't worth much." Cleos had not inherited the Lannister beauty, height, or golden hair and blue eyes; instead, he resembled a Little Weasel. He was slender, with brown hair, a short chin, a gaunt face, and pale, watery eyes.
"I thank you for your generosity on behalf of Sansa and Arya," Robb Stark said, rising to express his gratitude.
Most of the Lords understood that this exchange was impossible. Cersei Lannister, though mad, was not foolish enough to trade the main line of House Stark for a few cousins. However, the hostage exchange also served as a smokescreen, covering their strategy for the Vale.
"Lady Catelyn, you are a person I respect. I am grateful for your journey to the Stormlands. You must choose your guards carefully to ensure your safety," Gendry said to Catelyn. Gendry felt no hope for either of these envoys, viewing their efforts as merely going through the motions.
Catelyn saw that the general will was hard to defy. Though unhappy, she came forward to show a high demeanor, forcing a smile as she said, "This, this is my honor."
Catelyn felt an unbearable pain in her heart. She had likely already lost her husband, and if she were to lose her daughters as well, it would be as if her life had lost its foundation. But given the current situation, Robert's son was to be a good king, and a strong one, so he would never listen to her womanly compassion. As for her son Robb, he was quickly stepping into his role; he was a Lord, merely the King's general, and he had to wear a mask of sternness and composure.
"Your Highness, I have a small suggestion," Robb suddenly proposed. "We have already sent out two envoys: one is a Child of Lannister and Frey, and the other is my mother. One is going to King's Landing, and the other will go to the Stormlands. I think that to harass Casterly Rock, we should contact Lord Balon and have him deploy his longships fleet. We are currently in Riverrun, and Seaguard has ships that can go to the Iron Islands."
Gendry then looked at Theon, whose eyes also held anticipation. Theon was known for his arrogant personality and cynical smile. He was a slender, dark-haired, handsome nineteen-year-old. Perhaps for the grand banquet that day, Theon was dressed like a young Lord. He removed his black silk gloves with gold swirl embroidery, wore supple black leather boots, silver-grey wool breeches, a golden necklace around his neck, and a dagger and a longsword in a black-and-gold scabbard at his waist, all very elaborate and showy.
"Your suggestion is good, Robb, but I think at a time like this, you need people by your side even more. Theon is like your brother. As for sending an envoy to the Iron Islands, I will write a long letter to King Balon myself." Gendry looked at Robb and immediately cut off his suggestion. After all, Robb was still a fifteen or sixteen-year-old boy. Trusting Balon and Theon only showed that he didn't understand these two people yet. Balon was mad, and Theon was vain and rootless.
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