Chapter 9: Chapter 9
Kai ran ahead, his steps quick and steady as he followed the mountain path. Kartiga came behind him, his pace slower but determined. Still his breath hitched now and then, the climb taking its toll, but he kept going. Noticing this, Kai slowed slightly, giving Kartiga time to recover without saying a word.
At last, they reached the edge of the mountain, where the forest ended, and the view opened up to the valley below. Kai stopped first, leaning forward to catch his breath, while Kartiga joined him a moment later.
Below, a long procession stretched out, heading north. The King's entourage moved like a giant snake below the valley, crossing the river in order. Bright House Baratheon banners flapped in the wind, and the glint of armor was visible even from this distance.
Kai stood silently, watching the scene, while Kartiga stepped closer to the edge. He looked at the grand procession for a long moment, then spoke softly.
"Huh, so it's really starting…"
He took a deep breath, his eyes still fixed on the procession below. "This damn world..." he muttered. He had spent so many days thinking about this moment, worrying about what might happen, running through the same thoughts over and over. It felt endless.
At least the meditation Kai had taught him helped a little. It eased the pressure when things felt too heavy. But even with that, the waiting had been hard. And now, it was finally beginning. All this time, and it hadn't even truly started yet.
Kai stood silently beside him, watching the procession below without a word. His calm presence was steady, like it always was, even when Kartiga's thoughts felt like they were spinning out of control.
After a few minutes, the sound of footsteps broke the silence. Kartiga glanced back to see more men arriving. Slowly, they gathered around him, their numbers growing until nearly a hundred stood waiting.
Kartiga looked at them and gave a small nod. "Hmm. Okay," he said, his voice quiet but firm.
Then, without saying a word, the men began to lead Kartiga down the mountain toward the King's Road, where the wagons they planned to use were waiting. Kartiga glanced around as they moved, noticing how they all blended in so well. To anyone watching, they would look like simple travelers—common folk moving from one place to another.
Each man carried supplies on his back, tied to simple wooden frames that made it easier to manage the weight. It was a practical setup, designed for ease. Most of these men were spies Kartiga had placed in the Vale, watching and waiting, ready if caution was ever needed.
But now, their mission there was nearly over. Only a few remained, tasked with retrieving Lady Forlorn, the ancestral Valyrian steel sword of House Corbray. The rest were no longer needed in the Vale.
They moved quietly through the woods. No one spoke until Kartiga broke the silence, glancing at Kai. "Is there any news about the lady?"
Kai gave a small nod. "It's still in the Eyrie."
Kartiga frowned, not happy with that answer. "Why is that guy still holed up there?" he muttered, more to himself than anyone else.
Kai kept his tone calm. "He might leave the castle for a few days.".
Kartiga hummed in thought, then said, "I hope our men don't try to take him head-on. He's supposed to be pretty skilled. And he's got a Valyrian sword."
Kai gave a faint smile, a rare flicker of amusement crossing his face. "My Lord, we don't play by their rules."
Kartiga chuckled, shaking his head as if realizing he'd forgotten who they were. "Littlefinger's gonna be pissed," he thought with a smirk, imagining Petyr Baelish's reaction since Lyn Corbray was one of his hidden supporters.
Then his smirk faded, replaced by a more stoic expression. "I just wish I could find more Valyrian chunks," he muttered.
Kai turned to him, his expression calm but with a flicker of curiosity in his eyes, almost like a silent question.
Kartiga caught the look and smirked. "There are some mofos out there Kai, ones who don't play by logic. You can't reason with them, can't scare them. To deal with those types, you need something... special."
Kai tilted his head slightly, still waiting for an explanation.
Kartiga's smirk widened into a grin as he finally said, "Grenades.".
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Lyn Corbray rode alongside his men and It was already getting dark, but Heart's Home wasn't far now. But something felt off.
He couldn't shake the feeling that they were being followed. His eyes scanned the empty land around them, but there was nothing—just the soft curves of the ground and the rustling grass. Even his men seemed uneasy, their usual banter replaced by a tense silence.
What really made Lyn wary was the sound of a dog barking. It came out of nowhere, sharp and sudden, yet there wasn't a dog in sight. He frowned, gripping the reins tighter. "Let's pick up the pace," he said, urging his horse forward.
The men obeyed, nudging their horses into a quicker trot, their heads turning nervously as they rode.
Then, out of nowhere, it happened. Arrows zipped through the air aiming horses. Horses screamed as they were hit, collapsing mid-run. Riders were thrown, hitting the ground hard. Lyn's horse stumbled and rolled, nearly pinning him beneath its massive body.
The chaos was brutal and quick. Some men were killed instantly, crushed by their falling horses. Others groaned in pain, trapped under the weight of the animals. Before anyone could react, figures emerged from the shadows—dressed in dark clothes, faces covered.
The attackers moved swiftly showing no mercy, stabbing the fallen men before they could fight back. Trapped under his horse, one man screamed for help, but an arrow silenced him.
Lyn, disoriented but alive, got to his feet, his sword ready. But before he could even swing, an arrow struck him clean in the head. He froze for a moment, then crumpled to the ground, the blade slipping from his hand.
One of the attackers stepped forward and picked up the sword- Lady Forlorn.
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I'm back, guys! It took so long, but we're continuing in the end. By the way, there's another chapter on my Patreon. There might be a chance I'll change those chapters on Patreon if I feel the need. So, I can't guarantee they'll be the same as the public release. And within the 12th chapter, the war will begin—I'm hoping for it. Take care!
link: patreon.com/AmouxCreationX
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