Arthur reined in his horse and looked back.
The army, like a long grey snake, advanced in formation across the plains.
The soldiers, with their spoils of war at their belts and faces alight with excitement and satisfaction, were heading towards Lions Den.
The only anomaly was Brynden Tully, riding leisurely amongst the troops, claiming to be going his way.
He suddenly had a sense of déjà vu, as if he had done this himself before.
The Black Lion seemed to sense his gaze, spurred his horse, and rode up alongside him: "Young man, don't look at me like that."
"We really are going the same way."
His voice carried a hint of teasing.
"Besides, I'm also helping you."
Arthur looked at the road ahead with an expressionless face.
"I have a feeling you're going to cause a lot of trouble for my family, Arthur."
"So, you'd best follow me, pick a few more people, and don't go back to Lions Den yet. We'll detour to the Vale and talk to the Mull Family."
He pointed his riding crop towards the mountains to the east.
"I'll personally mediate the negotiations for you."
Arthur stopped his horse, pondered the matter, and after a brief thought said: "Knight, your suggestion is good."
Indeed, as he said, the disputes with the Vale were different from internal Riverlands disputes, and with the Black Lion mediating, it would certainly save a lot of trouble.
He turned his horse and rode back, instructing Lucien and Olivier to lead the majority of the troops, escorting the ransom and spoils, back to Lions Den first.
Then he had Brin and twenty Knights follow him, turning onto another road leading to the Vale. The Vale was truly rugged and easy to defend, difficult to attack. From the plains to the mountain road, the path grew steeper, and the horses' hooves clattered crisply on the gravel.
The Black Lion seemed to enjoy this journey; the closer they got to the Vale, the higher his spirits became.
He spurred his horse closer to Arthur and resumed his instruction.
"The Vale has many excellent young men, of long lineage, all honorable Knights, Arthur."
His tone was like a merchant peddling rare goods.
"Second sons of nobles, and quite a few hedge Knights. They are all strong, brave, and loyal."
"They just lack an opportunity, a lord willing to grant them land."
Arthur did not speak, nor did he interrupt the Black Lion, listening quietly.
"I know and understand most of these people. You should know that the Knights of the Vale prioritize chivalry and honor."
"As long as you are willing to grant them land, they will surely swear fealty to you and serve you and your family for generations."
Arthur finally spoke, his voice calm: "Why should they follow me?"
The Black Lion laughed: "You may not know it yourself, but you are very famous in the Vale, extremely famous."
"The High Mountain Clan calls you the Black Lion. Because of you, they no longer dare to invade the Riverlands, and you've even become a bogeyman in the wildlings' tales. The young Knights of the Vale regard you as their role model."
He paused, as if recalling something.
"Originally, there was news that Lord Jon Arryn intended to mobilize the second sons of noble families and hedge Knights from the Vale to follow you up the High Mountain to clear out the wildlings."
"It's just that the war with the Ironborn later didn't go as smoothly as initially planned, so that plan was shelved."
The Black Lion looked at Arthur.
"Your military achievements against the wildlings, your current reputation, are enough to attract their fealty. Or rather, not just them, even the children of some great nobles who have no inheritance rights will come to follow you, as long as you announce to the outside world that you need followers."
"And everyone knows that you are now highly regarded by Lord Jon Arryn."
"Lord Jon is deeply beloved in the Vale."
A faint smile appeared on Arthur's face. He turned to look at the Black Lion: "Have they ever rendered me any service?"
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