Sword and Magic and Taxi

It originally took one day to pass through the valley, and then another day to climb the mountain, but everyone was willing to speed up for Ser Rodrik. Even Tyrion was surprisingly quiet and closed his sarcastic mouth. On the one hand, no one bothered him, giving him a rare quiet time; on the other hand, he was seizing the time to think of countermeasures.

The horse galloped, Blackfish Brynden rode very fast, but Zhao Mai was able to drive beside him and follow him steadily. The car ran over the wet ground, leaving clear ruts. It often tilted to the left and right, but the people inside the car did not feel much shaking. This surprised both Catelyn and Tyrion. They had never seen anything like this before. vehicle. Even His Majesty the King's large car, equipped with dozens of springs, can only remain stable when traveling at a slow speed.

But it was Brynden who was even more surprised. His horse only carried one person, while Mike's carriage used one horse to pull six people, but the speed was still not slower than his own, and it even seemed to have some energy left. Heiyu peeked at the horse pulling the cart and found that the animal didn't even shed a drop of sweat. Hey, what kind of mythical beast is this?

Don't pay attention to it, it only listens to my words. Zhao Mai sat in the carriage, still chatting with Brynden leisurely. Sir Blackfish, how long have you been in the Blood Gate? Have you seen any strange creatures?

Three years in the Blood Gate, and before that in other places in Erin Valley. What do you mean by strange creatures?

Besides the mountain people, are there no other monsters in the mountains?

Blackfish shook his head: Blessed by the Seven Gods, there is no news of monsters appearing yet. However, since the death of Lord Jon Arryn, the refugees in the mountains have become more dangerous, often attacking trade routes and villages. You are too presumptuous to come here. , I was shocked when I heard the news. Fortunately nothing happened to you.

Several people died, so we can't say nothing happened. However, when we leave, do we have to fight a bloody way out? Zhao Mai curled his lips and said to Brynden: I'm not talking about you, but even If you can’t sweep the snow away from the door, one day the house will be buried and crushed.”

Heiyu glared at him, then remained silent. He knew in his heart that what this cartman said was absolutely correct. The current guardian of Erin Valley was just a six-year-old child. Not to mention being frail and sick, he also has a very cowardly personality. Lord Jon Arryn encountered many misfortunes in his life and had no descendants, and his successors died before him due to various things. It wasn't until he was in his fifties that he married the second daughter of Hoster Tully of Riverrun, Catelyn's sister. Finally, luck fell on his head. After surviving several miscarriages and deaths, Lysa finally gave birth to Robin Arryn for him.

He devoted all his doting to the child, coupled with Lysa's overly caring motherhood, resulting in Robin becoming a spoiled guy. Now, after the death of Lord Jon Arryn, the frightened Lysa fled from King's Landing with her son back to the Eyrie. She ordered the Blood Gate to be closed and no knights were allowed to leave the East. Even the new Prime Minister held a joust. No one is allowed to participate. Even if the refugees in the mountains were causing trouble, she would pretend that she couldn't see it. As long as the Eagle's Nest City was safe and all the knights were around to protect her and her children, nothing mattered.

It is simply impossible to expect her to be as tough as Lord Jon. However, this matter can be discussed with Caitlin. After all, Caitlin and Lysa are biological sisters and Blackfish's biological nieces. To a certain extent, it can be discussed as a family matter. But in front of a coachman, Brynden wanted to maintain the majesty of his master and would not say a word.

He picked up speed again, letting the words dissipate in the wind. But the carriage still followed closely, and the sweatless horses always seemed to laugh at the mounts in the Vale of Arryn. When we climbed the mountain, the horses outside were dumbfounded! Heiyu turned around this thought and pursed his lips tightly.

The result of their frantic running was that they arrived early, but even so, when they arrived at the strong castle at the foot of Giant's Spear Mountain, it was already dark. The battlements were lit with torches, and there were no fewer patrolling soldiers than there were during the day. The drawbridge across the moat has been raised, and the iron gates have been lowered to protect the bridge. Only the dark water flowed slowly, tearing the bright reflection of the torch into mottled pieces.

This is the Gates of the Moon. It is currently in charge of Lord Nestor. I think he should have seen our flag and will open the door soon. Blackfish pointed to the direction above his head: You guys will stay here tonight, I will arrange it The hanging basket hoisted Ser Rodrik up.

Looking up, the vertical rocks continue to build up and extend until they are hidden and disappear into the night. Then it continued upward, ever higher, crossing the dark stage, and some lights appeared in the higher distance, blending with the light of the stars.

That was the tower of the first castle, and it was only halfway up the mountain. Above that, there is a second, third, fourth... Higher and further away, at a very high place that only an eagle can fly to, a castle dyed white by the moonlight stands at the top. , overlooking the entire Vale of Arryn.

This castle was finally built after the efforts of ten generations of lords of the Aelin family. An impregnable castle represents unbreakable dominion. Although it is located on a high mountain, the Eagle's Nest City still has safe and continuous drinking water, enough to support ten years of food reserves. When necessary, they can also use slings to establish contact with farther mountains to obtain continuous replenishment, and are not afraid of siege at all. The condescending strategic advantage will gradually wear away the attackers. No wise general will choose to attack such a dangerous castle, so it has always been safe.

After a while, the suspension bridge was lowered and everyone entered the city. The hanging basket had been lowered and waiting. In normal times, fresh vegetables, fruits, and piglets that cannot climb mountains are transported up and down in hanging baskets. Although there was no problem for two people in it, the wind in the mountains always made the gondola sway, so it was never a comfortable journey.

Another way is to climb the steep steps with your feet, or you can ride a mule up there. Specially trained mules go up and down every day and will not make mistakes even in the dark night. It is actually the safest and most labor-saving way. But how many people can completely trust their own safety to a mule?

After stopping the car, everyone helped tie Sir Rodrik into a basket, covered him with a blanket, and stuffed a small jug of wine into his body.

I'm afraid you'll have to go up by yourself. He lay in the basket, and there was no extra room in it. Sir Nestor said with a smile: If you feel lonely, I can put some more turnips or cabbages in the basket to keep you company.

Ser Rodrik snorted, not amused by his joke.

The rope creaked, and two servants held the rope under the basket to prevent it from dangling in the air. It will be a thrillingly slow journey, taking forever to get up and down. Moreover, there are not many places where hanging baskets can be installed, and there is also the worry that the ropes of the hanging baskets will get entangled with each other, so only one basket can operate.

Pray that Sir Rodrik can recover. Caitlin watched the basket rise, and then said to Sir Nestor: Thank you for your arrangement. We have traveled a long distance, and if it is convenient, we hope to stay here for one night.

My lady, please be welcome. Ser Nestor said loudly: But your sister Lady Lysa sent a message from the Eyrie and hopes to see you as soon as possible. Those who come with you can stay here tonight, Send them up the mountain early tomorrow morning.”

How to go up? Climb up in the dark with a torch? It's too dangerous! Even a mule rarely takes people up and down at night, let alone an important guest like Caitlin! Blackfish Brynden was obviously very dissatisfied, he spoke Always straight to the point: Don't Lysa know the danger involved? Can't you wait all night? Today is not a full moon. The torches swaying in the mountain wind will make people unable to see the road under their feet, and the same goes for mules!

This is Madam's order, I can only convey it as written. Sir Nestor shrugged his shoulders and continued to say to Madam Stark: Please rest assured, Madam, the mule's trainer Mia is also here and will accompany you. Let's go up the mountain together. She is a clever and good child, and she has sworn to send you up. I believe in her, and she has never taught me to be disappointed.

I'm afraid that her sister does have something urgent. Caitlin actually hopes to see her as soon as possible, so she agrees: In that case, I will leave myself to this child named Mia. Lord Nest, I have given my prisoner to you, please keep a close eye on him.

Then please get this prisoner some wine to warm himself up and a crispy roast chicken to prevent him from dying! Tyrion said loudly. It's best to have a beautiful girl help the prisoner tear the chicken, because his little hands and feet are cold! The mercenary Bronn laughed after hearing this.

Baron Nestor did not smile, but said respectfully: Madam, everything is as you asked. Then he looked at the dwarf, Send Lord Lannister to the prison and help him prepare some wine and meat.

Wait a minute, I'll go up with you. Zhao Mai stood up: I want to see the bachelor's treatment method.

Caitlin nodded, as she had promised. However, Baron Nestor frowned and said: But Mia only brought one mule, you have to walk up there yourself.

It's nothing, just walk up there. Zhao Mai said, This castle is very interesting. It seems like you can't fly if you fall from it.

Well, if it falls, no one will be able to fly. They will all crash into cakes. Sir Nestor replied.

No, it's not that simple. In Zhao Mai's perception, the mountain peak where the castle stands emits a faint light, and mysterious magic characters are looming. Through the perception of the natural force, he could only see two functions: strengthening the stability of the mountain, and being unable to fly except for natural wings.

It's interesting that the magic of Westeros actually covers the entire Giant's Spear. On the way up the mountain, there are slightly shiny runes on the steps at your feet and on the side walls. The natural force flows, and the mules here seem to feel it. The feeling of the natural force is like a beacon to them. This may also be one of the reasons why they can walk at night. Who said magic no longer exists? Zhao Mai glanced at Savre. He seemed to be completely unable to see the light of this magic, and others were completely unaware of it.

Magic has always existed, but for some reason, no one can see it anymore.