The High Road.
Calling it a road was generous. In many places, it was little more than a narrow, winding trail carved through stone.
Galon led nearly seven hundred men from Houses Glover and Mormont along the twisting mountain pass.
The climb was slow, and they frequently halted to keep watch.
This was the only route into the Vale of Arryn.
It was also the hunting ground of the mountain clans and the shadowcats that prowled the Mountains of the Moon.
Galon had every reason to remain cautious.
Fortunately, luck favored them.
The journey passed without incident.
Several days later—
A mighty fortress came into view, standing astride the mountain pass like an unbreakable guardian.
The Bloody Gate.
Galon narrowed his eyes as he gazed at the formidable stronghold.
Lady Mormont rode up beside him, her brow furrowed.
"Will the Bloody Gate allow us through?
My lord Protector, ever since the war began, every force that has tried to pass this way has been turned back.
Even Stannis sent envoys to the Vale, and the Knights of the Bloody Gate drove them away."
Galon smiled.
"We have Lady Catelyn's letter. I don't think they'll stop us."
He gave his reins a gentle shake.
"Come on."
"It'll be dark soon."
The banners of House Glover and House Mormont fluttered proudly behind the column, making it clear they were no enemy host.
Even so, when Galon's force came into view beneath the Bloody Gate, the defenders immediately grew tense.
The newly appointed Knight of the Gate, Ser Donnel Waynwood, stood atop the walls looking down.
"Who seeks passage through the Bloody Gate?"
Galon rode forward.
Facing the nervous garrison without the slightest hesitation, he called back,
"I am Galon Glover of Deepwood Motte, Commander of the Northern and Riverlands Alliance, the Protector, and the Bearslayer."
"I have come to the Vale to escort the Lady of Winterfell home."
The entire fortress erupted into murmurs.
A great name cast a long shadow.
By now, Galon's deeds in the North, the Iron Islands, and the Riverlands had spread throughout the Vale.
Above all else, there was the Battle of the Green Fork.
When the allied army had been on the verge of collapse, Galon had turned the battle around, captured Kevan Lannister alive, and earned the title of Protector by swearing his oath in blood.
His reputation had become legendary.
Now, hearing that the famous Glover himself stood below them, soldiers crowded along the battlements to catch a glimpse of him.
Even Ser Donnel leaned farther over the wall.
Seeing their curiosity, Galon reined in his horse and looked up with an easy smile.
'So...'
'You all wanted to see Galon Glover?'
He paused for a heartbeat before grinning broadly.
"I am the Protector. But I'm only a man.
I don't have four eyes or two mouths. I simply possess a little more courage and a little more wit than most."
Laughter spread across the walls.
Even Ser Donnel chuckled.
Without realizing it, he found himself warming to the northern lord.
But his expression soon turned serious again.
Unlike the ordinary soldiers, Donnel, as Lady Waynwood's son, knew far more.
The Alliance of the Just had only come into existence because of the secret letter Galon had sent.
"Open the gate!"
Donnel ordered.
He immediately descended from the walls to greet his visitor in person.
Galon turned toward Lady Mormont and gave her a reassuring nod, signaling her to remain where she was.
He then dismounted and walked forward alone.
"Lord Glover."
Donnel introduced himself politely.
"I am Ser Donnel Waynwood, the newly appointed Knight of the Gate. I have been assigned here by the authority of the Vale."
The phrase caught Galon's attention immediately.
By the authority of the Vale.
From those few words alone, he could already guess that Lord Royce had begun putting his plans into motion.
"Ser Donnel."
"I've heard much about you."
Galon smiled warmly.
"Even in the North, I've heard stories of your honesty and your devotion to honor.
Meeting you today, I can see those tales were no exaggeration."
Donnel looked genuinely surprised.
"You've actually heard stories about me?"
Galon met his rather plain features with complete sincerity. "Who needs stories? Your face already tells quite a few."
Donnel burst into laughter.
"My lord flatters me. I've only managed to win a few tourneys."
To receive such praise from the famous Protector filled him with obvious delight.
Galon smiled.
"Ser Donnel. You know why I've come.
Lady Catelyn has remained in the Vale far longer than expected.
The loyal lords of the North have grown deeply concerned. They entrusted me with bringing her home.
I hope you'll allow me to pass."
Donnel's expression became solemn.
The situation within the Vale had become increasingly complicated.
The Alliance of the Just had gathered its forces at the Gates of the Moon. Yet Lady Lysa remained secluded within the Eyrie, refusing to meet anyone.
Lord Royce and the others dared not storm the castle.
First, they lacked undeniable proof.
Everything concerning Lysa and Littlefinger remained rumor, however convincing.
Second, the Eyrie was virtually impossible to assault.
Perched atop its towering mountain, it was beyond the reach of any conventional siege.
"Lord Glover. You've arrived at exactly the right time."
Donnel smiled.
"My mother sent me instructions earlier.
If anyone from the North or the Riverlands arrived, I was to escort them into the Vale."
He glanced toward the army behind Galon.
"There is one condition.
Your men must remain here at the Bloody Gate. They cannot accompany you farther."
The words immediately stirred unease among the Glover officers and Lady Mormont.
"What do you mean?"
"Our lord is supposed to go alone?"
"My lord, it's too dangerous!"
Galon raised a hand.
Silence fell immediately.
He considered the situation carefully.
'The messengers I sent ahead haven't returned.'
'Lord Royce and the others have likely gathered at the Gates of the Moon by now.'
'No matter what, I have to go. I also need to give them the final push.'
'I can't allow Littlefinger to break their alliance apart the way he did in the original course of events.'
'As for danger...'
'I have no quarrel with Lord Royce. A man as honorable as he is won't harm me.'
Having reached his decision, Galon nodded.
"Very well."
"I accept your condition."
His agreement immediately caused another stir among his followers.
"My lord—"
Galon silenced them once again with a single look. "However, Ser Donnel... I have one request."
He looked earnestly at the knight.
"The High Road is treacherous.
My men have marched all this way with me. I can't simply send them back through the mountains.
So I'd like to leave them here under your care until I return.
Would you agree to that?"
Donnel hesitated.
Remembering his mother's instructions, he finally nodded.
"Very well.
Go without worry, Lord Glover. I'll see that your men are properly looked after."
Galon inclined his head before walking back to his companions. "While I'm in the Vale, Lady Mormont and Ron will be in command."
He turned toward Sparta.
"Keep your tribesmen under control. No unnecessary trouble. Everything waits until I return."
Lady Mormont, Ron, and Sparta all nodded.
"My lord."
"Travel safely."
Galon clasped Sparta's shoulder before mounting his horse once more.
He nodded to Donnel.
Then he rode through the Bloody Gate.
Beyond the fortress, the vast green expanse of the Vale unfolded before him.
Donnel rode alongside him for a moment before calling over one of the gate's soldiers.
"Escort Lord Glover to the Gates of the Moon."
The soldier acknowledged the order, mounted his horse, and took the lead.
"Ser Donnel."
"My men are in your hands."
Donnel smiled.
"You have my word."
Seeing everything settled, Galon wasted no more time.
He urged his horse forward, riding into the Vale.
Behind him, the soldier from the Bloody Gate followed closely, guiding him toward the Gates of the Moon.
Within moments, the two riders disappeared into the distance.
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