Two days later, Eddie returned from the mountains, dusty and tired, bringing intelligence on the bandit camp.
Aldric immediately convened the officer corps. Once everyone arrived, Eddie sketched a simple map on the ground with a stick. "Harry, Ron, and I tracked them all the way. We found about twenty to thirty bandits in an abandoned stone fortress in the mountains."
Eddie and his team observed from outside the fortress for a day. They found most bandits wore animal skins, rarely woven fabric.
People constantly entered and exited the fortress. Some carried wild boars hunted from the mountains; others were busy collecting firewood.
Clearly, these were Wildlings from beyond the Wall. Only they dared hunt so recklessly, ignoring the fact that game on the mountain belonged to the lord.
Aldric asked Eddie, "If we forcibly attack that fortress, can we succeed?"
Eddie thought for a moment and shook his head. "Though dilapidated, the fortress is tightly defended. Broken parts are plugged; wooden scaffolds are built behind walls with archer sentries. Even if we breach it, we'll suffer heavy losses."
From Eddie's map, the fortress was a day and a half's journey from Purple Wisteria Village.
Even with just the twenty-four Silver Hand members, sneaking up to the enemy camp undetected was hard.
Even if they arrived, how to siege was a big problem.
Aldric even considered charging in solo Dynasty Warriors style, but then the money spent raising soldiers would be wasted.
So, Aldric asked everyone, "Do you know why there's a stone fortress in the Northern Mountains?"
After a silence, Jon Snow, the only noble descendant present, explained, "Before House Stark unified the North, conflicts between major families were constant. The Northern Mountain foothills are exactly where the spheres of influence of House Stark and House Umber meet. Whoever built it, a defensive outpost there is normal."
Aldric said thoughtfully, "The fortress is strong; a siege is inadvisable. Best to lure them out for a field battle?"
But how to lure them out became the problem.
Conrad suggested, "Wait until the Wildlings run out of food and come out to raid again. Then raid the fortress while it's empty."
Aldric shook his head. "They just extorted a month's food from Nicholas recently. Plus mountain game, they likely still have food."
"And we don't know if they extorted other villages. Waiting here takes too long and costs us too much."
Finally, Aldric pondered and proposed a strategy. "To completely solve the bandit problem, it's best to make them appear at a designated time and place, then catch them all in one net."
Rennel couldn't help laughing. "Aldric, do you think this is a game with children? Why would bandits listen to you and stick their heads out for you to chop?"
Others felt Aldric's idea was unrealistic too, but being less close, they only questioned in their hearts, not daring to speak out.
"Rennel," Aldric turned to his Liaison Officer seriously. "If the rumors you heard in the village tavern are true, our plan might succeed."
Rennel had wandered the village for two days, gathering trivial news. Though mostly inconsequential gossip, it sketched a small, complex relationship web for Aldric—and the key to victory lay therein.
Instructing others to continue training, Aldric took Rennel and left camp, heading straight for the Solag house.
Outside the Sheriff's fortress, Aldric knocked on the door.
Entering the yard, they saw Nicholas carefully grooming a brown warhorse outside the stable.
Seeing Aldric, Nicholas greeted him friendly, saying Sheriff Gage was resting. If Aldric needed him, he could wait in the hall.
But Aldric shook his head. "Mr. Nicholas, I'm here for you."
Nicholas looked puzzled. "For me? What is it?"
"Let's find a quiet place to talk." Aldric suggested.
Nicholas hesitated but agreed, leading them to a side hall.
The side hall was where the Solag family entertained honored guests. Precious trophy heads hung on walls; a suit of plate armor and weapons stood in a corner. Compared to the main hall, it was less casual and more solemn.
After sitting, Aldric asked directly, "Mr. Nicholas, regarding the bandits, do you intend to wipe them out completely or leave them be?"
"Of course, wipe them out," Nicholas answered. "Before Roland went to Winter Town to hire you, we discussed it. I didn't object."
Aldric changed tone. "But according to my observation these days, you don't seem to put much energy into this. Some even say your relationship with the bandit leader is unclear, suspecting you of harming Purple Wisteria Village's interests."
Hearing this, Nicholas's tone turned stern. "You were hired to suppress bandits, not judge me! Recognize your position and do your job!"
Unmoved, Aldric continued. "Mr. Nicholas, your village's attitude toward bandits is puzzling."
"Neither providing men nor effort, only sending two hunters as scouts. We handle everything else, yet the pay is only fifteen Gold Dragons."
"Is such cooperation fair to us? I could return the gold and treat this as a field training exercise. But then, if word gets back to Winter Town or Winterfell, finding help later will be harder for you."
A trace of killing intent flashed in Nicholas's eyes, but seeing Aldric's confidence, he wavered, softening his tone. "Commander Aldric, speak your purpose."
So, Aldric detailed Eddie's reconnaissance to Nicholas, emphasizing, "We must catch all bandits harassing Purple Wisteria Village in one net. Any escapee becomes a hidden danger."
"To root them out completely, the best time is when they are all turtle-up in the fortress. We storm it and destroy their nest."
"But this plan carries too much risk. Casualties would be heavy. I can't bear my brothers dying, and I guess you can't command that many men either."
"So, a safer method is to lure them out of the fortress, set a trap, and let them jump in. Then they become fish on our chopping block."
"How do you plan to lure them out?" Nicholas asked curiously.
"That requires your cooperation."
Aldric shifted gears. "Before that, I want to confirm something."
"What?"
"Are you truly willing to let Crow succeed your father-in-law as Purple Wisteria Village Sheriff?" Aldric asked seriously.
Nicholas looked into Aldric's eyes frankly. "Of course. Crow is my father-in-law's only son; inheriting the Sheriff position is only right."
"And Anya and I haven't had children in fifteen years. Crow is called our brother, but he's no different from my child."
"Good. I understand."
Seeing Nicholas's sincerity, Aldric nodded. "But the problem is, you currently lack enough prestige to unite the village."
"For Crow to inherit Purple Wisteria Village, you must first become the Sheriff, or at least Regent. Only then can you manage this village for the Lord until Crow comes of age."
"Otherwise, even if we luckily solve the bandit problem now, other issues will arise. If one day the Lord summons Sheriffs to war, this village might change masters."
Nicholas was silent for a moment, then smiled bitterly. "Seems Commander Aldric knows our village situation well. Do you have a specific suggestion?"
Aldric said, "We can use this bandit suppression to let you claim great merit, boosting your prestige."
"Of course, there might be risks, but with a thorough plan, chances of success are high. Are you willing to risk it?"
Nicholas didn't hesitate long before nodding.
So, Aldric detailed his plan to Nicholas and sent for Roland. The three discussed every detail, ensuring nothing would go wrong, then went to prepare.
Early next morning, Nicholas, led by hunter Harry, set off for the Wildling fortress. After over a day's travel, they arrived outside the stone fortress occupied by Wildlings.
Just as Nicholas prepared to approach, an arrow thwacked into the dirt at his feet.
"Stand, Southerner!" A sentry behind the wall shouted.
Nicholas raised his hands, signaling no malice. "I'm here to see your leader. Important business."
He turned slowly, showing he carried no weapons. "I come with sincerity and goodwill."
The other sneered. "Southerner's goodwill? Stinks like an old hag's fart."
A while later, the fortress gate opened slowly. Nicholas walked in under Wildling watch.
Harry tried to follow but was blocked. Only Nicholas was allowed to see the leader.
Nicholas told Harry, "Find a warm place to rest. If I'm not out by dark, go back and report my death."
The fortress sat at the mountain foot, a square box shape. Near the mountain side stood a tall main keep, about three stories high.
Outside the main keep was a square bustling with Wildlings—chopping meat, skinning hides, cutting wood to repair the fort. They seemed planned for a long stay.
Led by a brown-haired man, Nicholas entered the main keep's ground floor hall.
In the hall, a tall black-haired man sat in the main seat, cutting a rib rack. Flanking him sat a brown-haired man in black clothes and a youth resembling the leader.
The black-haired leader saw Nicholas. "I know you. The grain you gave helped us through hard times. How did you find this place?"
Nicholas found a toppled stone, sat on it as a stool, and smiled with a hint of contempt. "You think this fortress is hidden well?"
The leader listened, silent for a moment. "Reca told me you came with goodwill. Speak. Where is your goodwill? If truly sincere, I might consider only keeping one of your hands as a lesson."
Hearing this, Nicholas snorted coldly. "If it's just empty threats, you'll be disappointed. The benefit I bring is something you definitely don't want to miss."
He paused, continuing, "My villagers went behind my back to Winterfell for reinforcements."
"Now, over forty elite warriors from Winterfell have gathered and pinpointed your nest. They are waiting for the moment to catch you off guard."
Hearing "Winterfell," the man in black asked nervously, "Who leads them?"
"Jory Cassel, the Lord's Captain of the Guard," Nicholas answered.
"Captain of the Guard..." the man in black muttered, seemingly uneasy.
The black-haired youth sneered disdainfully. "Trying to scare us away with empty words? Want us to beg for mercy?"
"Shut up!"
The leader shouted at the youth. "Speak only when I let you!"
He turned to Nicholas. "Continue."
Nicholas nodded. "My father-in-law, Sheriff Gage Solag, is senile now, unable to organize the village. Those old veterans don't listen to me either... This reinforcement from the Lord is an opportunity for me, and for you."
Seeing eyes focus on him, he continued, "My father-in-law promised I'd inherit his position, so I married his short, fat, stupid daughter."
"Then he had a son and kicked me aside."
"This time Jory Cassel came to discuss dealing with you, but those old bastards sent me as a scout."
"I want to use this chance to teach those village geezers a lesson. I also need your help. In return, I'll give you a big gift."
"Go on," the leader urged.
"When our troops are ready, we march to encircle you."
"And I, as scout, will lead my trusted men to join them, then guide them on a long detour. When they arrive, they'll see only an empty camp full of shit."
"You, meanwhile, will attack the village while its defense is empty as my Purple Wisteria warriors are marching away. I'll arrange someone to open the gate. You raid at night, take all grain and goods."
"And your benefit? Where is it?" the leader pressed.
"I want you to help me kill every child under ten in the village," Nicholas stated his plan calmly.
The youth exclaimed, "You cold-blooded animal!"
Nicholas responded coldly, "In this cruel North, only beasts survive."
Finally, he added, "As for what happens after looting, that's your business. But if I were you, I'd run as far as possible. Offending House Stark has dire consequences. I don't want you implicating me."
The leader snorted. "Despicable, cunning Southerner. How do I confirm you really marched out?"
Nicholas answered coldly, "Simple. Marching out, we pass the creek at the mountain foot first."
"Just station men there. Seeing our troops pass confirms it. Also, to give you enough time, I'll make the troops march slower that night."
The leader waved impatiently. "Fine. Take your stinking mouth and leave my hall. Scram before I change my mind!"
Nicholas bowed and left.
Once the guest was far, the youth worried, "Father, this Southerner isn't trustworthy."
"How do we know Winterfell really sent aid? What if he just wants to trick us out of the fortress?"
"Then we lose the fortress and can't take the village. We'll be homeless."
The leader pondered, turning to the man in black. "What do you think? Crow."
"First, I'm Ashley, not Crow."
Then Ashley analyzed, "I think his words have credibility. Nobles turn against brothers for inheritance."
"True in the South, true in the North. Nicholas might want to use us to remove his father-in-law's new son to regain inheritance rights."
"And since our camp is discovered, we must abandon it eventually. Better to grab a big score before leaving."
The leader thought it over. An opportunity. "We must try. The creek is the only way between the village and our camp. As long as we prepare, the soldiers encircling us won't have time to return to save the village."
"As for taking the village—with enough men, we fear no tricks."
He ordered the youth, "Raman, contact Gould immediately. I remember his men are nearby. Find them, have them join us to take that village. All loot split by head count."