Facing the urging of his companions, Ser Folk remained silent, weighing the options in his mind.
He knew that Derring Keep guarded a vital pass, the key defensive position against the Red Mountains. It had historically been the first target for any large-scale wildling invasion.
Judging by the attitude of the Sword of the Morning, Ser Arthur, the massive army gathered here was clearly intending to strike deep into the Reach.
For that purpose, Derring Keep—a fortress lodged in their potential retreat path—was a must-take target.
If he refused, he would bear the brunt of Starfall's relentless assault. Furthermore, his liege lord was already in their hands.
Reinforcements from the Ring wouldn't arrive until the long summer ended.
Having thought it through, Ser Folk slowly exhaled and said:
"Ser Arthur, I hope you will honor your promise. If you lose, release my liege lord and retreat to Starfall."
A single duel to decide the outcome would avoid a siege, preserve his honor, and spare bloodshed. It was an excellent choice. And if he won... it would bring him immense renown.
Arthur breathed a sigh of relief. He knew Ser Folk was willing to take the way out he had offered.
There were many reasons for this, but a large part was his identity and reputation. Being the Sword of the Morning carried weight, and he had intentionally spread his reputation for sparing those who surrendered, along with the elderly, women, and children.
"If we win," Arthur said, "I will grant you the treatment due to noble prisoners. As long as you swear by the Seven not to oppose me, I will grant you a certain degree of freedom."
The duel was held in the open ground in front of Derring Keep.
Many soldiers of the garrison crowded the battlements to watch.
The septon of Derring Keep held a censer, chanting prayers and calling upon the Seven in the heavens to bear witness, render a fair judgment, and grant victory to the just.
Arthur stood on one side of the field, holding his dual swords, looking somewhat amused.
His opponent was the burly knight. Perhaps wary of Arthur's undefeated record in the joust, the knight had specifically requested a trial by combat on foot.
If Arthur, fighting on horseback without his familiar steed, had a sliver of a chance to lose, then on foot, wielding two swords and channeling the skills of the Warrior, the outcome was never in doubt.
"Give him a proper burial." After cleanly dispatching his opponent, Arthur wiped the blood from his blades.
"Ser Folk, order your men to march out and surrender."
Ser Folk waved to the knights behind him. Soon after, the gates of Derring Keep groaned open. Soldiers marched out in long lines, laying down their weapons and armor.
Seeing Ser Folk surrender the castle so readily, Arthur was in high spirits. "You made a wise decision."
"I made a helpless decision, Ser," Ser Folk shook his head.
"The atrocities of the Redwynes have nothing to do with us, yet we must pay the price for their actions.
"If you were a wildling chieftain or the Vulture King, even with my liege lord in your hands, I would have fought to the last man."
With Derring Keep secured, his supply lines and retreat route were open. Without looking back, Arthur left a garrison of one hundred men and led his army rapidly west along the Pebble Way. Target: The Ring!
The Ring was bounded by two streams to the north and south, with a moat dug around its walls. Numerous manors, farmhouses, and dense fields lined the moat.
Relying on this castle, House Roxton had ruled this part of the Reach for generations.
Inside the castle, in the audience hall.
Earl Quentyn's wife, Lady Ayana, sat on the lord's high seat, her face pale as milk.
She had already heard the nightmare news from the cavalrymen who had fled back: the ambush, the death of her eldest son, and the uncertain fate of her husband.
It was a thunderbolt from a clear sky.
Lady Ayana gripped the armrests tightly. "Was the ambush laid by wildlings from the Red Mountains, or... Starfall troops?"
The three cavalrymen standing below the dais showed fear in their eyes almost simultaneously, clearly recalling the horrors of the ambush.
One of them stammered, "Their equipment was excellent. I struck an enemy's armor with my longsword, but it bounced off."
Another added, "Their leader wielded two swords. One was a greatsword I've never seen before—pale as milkglass, seeming to glow with its own light."
The captain of the guard standing below the lord's seat spoke up. "That is Dawn, the ancestral sword of House Dayne, wielded by the current Sword of the Morning, Ser Arthur Snow.
"Rumor has it he dislikes shields and fights with dual blades."
"My Lady." Just then, the Maester of Ring hurried in with a letter.
"This came from Derring Keep yesterday. They spotted a large army entering our lands from the Red Mountains. At least a thousand strong."
Lady Ayana felt faint. She remembered the letter sent from Highgarden, joyfully informing Quentyn that Arbor wine would sell well and fetch high prices due to the destruction of the Starfall orchards, compensating for the burnt villages and outposts—perhaps even earning a profit.
She never imagined things would take such a bizarre turn. The cavalry destroyed, her eldest son dead, her husband Quentyn missing.
After the three cavalrymen finished their report and left the hall, Lady Ayana suppressed the pain of losing her son and asked:
"Maester Hicks, sirs, this is a moment of crisis for the Ring. What do you advise?"
The captain of the guard spoke first. "We must immediately muster the levies and call the banners to reinforce Derring Keep.
"As long as we hold Derring Keep, the enemy won't dare launch a full-scale invasion into the heart of our lands."
"That is a sound plan," Maester Hicks agreed, then added after some thought.
"Additionally, we must quickly send a raven to our liege lord for aid and report that Starfall's main force is here. Urge Paxter Redwyne to lead the Redwyne Fleet up the Torrentine to attack Starfall's heartland.
"Force them to retreat to defend their own homes."
"Maester Hicks, Captain, you always give me loyal and wise counsel." Lady Ayana let out a breath, her tense body relaxing slightly.
"Maester, do as you suggest. Write quickly to Highgarden and the Arbor, reporting the situation."
She turned to the captain.
"Send men to conscript levies from every village and town. Tell them that although it is harvest time, if the enemy invades, not only will their grain be stolen, but their houses will be burned to the ground.
"Also, organize the castle guards quickly and take the small paths to reinforce Derring Keep."
Finally, Lady Ayana added, "Send an envoy to the Starfall camp. Confirm if my husband, your lord, is still alive."
The captain and the Maester bowed. "As you command, My Lady."
Watching the people leave the hall to carry out her orders, Lady Ayana secretly wiped away the tears spilling from her eyes and instructed her handmaiden:
"Call my children to the sept. I want to pray for Quentyn and for the soldiers fighting at Derring Keep. May the Seven protect them and give them courage!"