The warm scene stirred Glyn's heart for only a brief moment.
Some things were still hard for him to accept so quickly.
In Glyn's memory, Kaleya was still the shy little girl from over a year ago, quietly following beside Surana.
For a moment, he marveled at how fast people grew up in this world.
But truthfully, his main concern right now was much more practical—castle security needed improvement. No matter how alert he was, and no matter how much he trusted his own strength, relying on personal vigilance alone to guard against danger every day was foolish. It would wear him out.
Important people and important places in the territory also needed stronger protection.
A careless moment, a fragile neck, a dagger flashing past—he did not like that thought at all.
When he had the means, he planned to buy Unsullied to serve as guards.
Unsullied were reliable.
Two Unsullied standing guard outside the door at all times.
A poor lord's hopeful dream.
–
A faint smile appeared on Glyn's face. "Kaleya, it's been a long time. Has Lady Surana started assigning you duties?"
"I want to become your maid, my lord," Kaleya said softly. "But Mother believes I am not mature enough yet and need more training. She said I must first satisfy her standards before I can serve you."
"But I couldn't wait," she added. "So I came to see you directly. Please forgive my boldness."
Her words were reasonable. Surana was doing her duty, and Kaleya's bold act was still, in its own way, a show of loyalty to the lord.
As the family of a trusted attendant, she would not be blamed for this.
Glyn had soaked long enough. With Kaleya's help, he put on his night robe.
He took the red wine Kaleya handed him and sipped it. His brow immediately tightened.
Sour red wine—one of House Crabb's local products.
He had no idea how they brewed it. Why was it so sour?
Maybe it was the grape type.
Good red wine needed to be imported. No, Too expensive. This would do.
After a deeper taste, it was… acceptable.
Still, he set the cup down and decided not to drink more.
Glyn now had one more reason to seek power.
–
The night passed quietly.
The next day, Glyn arranged for Kaleya to follow Maester Al.
Maester Al was very old. He walked with unsteady steps, and Glyn worried greatly about his health.
If a lord's maester died, the Citadel would send a replacement at once. But the Citadel was far away. The gap would last at least three months.
And in Whispers Castle, only Maester Al knew how to send ravens.
In daily life, this also included feeding and caring for the ravens.
Messenger ravens were the most important way to communicate, and Glyn took this very seriously.
All of this was part of what Kaleya needed to learn and master.
Glyn had too many matters to handle and far too few capable people. A literate girl like Kaleya was rare.
Most importantly, Kaleya was reliable and worthy of trust.
–
Knight Massen finally returned.
According to the count, there were thirteen blacksmiths in the territory and thirty-two carpenters.
Apprentices needed to be assigned at once. The work would be split into steps, with each apprentice learning only one task at first. Progress would be fast this way.
The basic structure for workshops was barely sufficient.
In response to the lord's call, these craftsmen would bring their families and move over one household at a time.
Steward Herschel of Whispers Castle was in charge of arranging their settlement.
–
Whispers Castle, the lord's study.
Lord Glyn, Ser Pell, Ser Massen, and Maester Al held a military meeting about the mountain clans.
Glyn's original plan was to weaken the enemy and then use fire, hoping to deal with them without losses.
There was plenty of dry grass nearby. Burning it would clear the land, and areas close to water could later be farmed.
As for real combat, most of Glyn's memories involved following his mother's commands and leading people to hunt down stragglers.
After listening to their reports, Glyn reached a simple conclusion—War here was a lot like arranging a street fight.
Whispers Castle would send people to negotiate. If war could not be avoided, both sides would agree on a time and place.
Then, at the chosen time and place, the two groups would clash.
Exactly like a planned brawl.
Glyn tapped the table lightly, drawing everyone's attention.
"Ser Pell, I will have Herschel prepare shields, longswords, bows, and ten clan soldiers for you. You will then recruit another ninety men. Focus on experienced hunters."
"When you are done, you will command one hundred men."
"...They will be called the Recon Corps. You will be its first commander."
"Find people who know the terrain well. When Massen and I fight the mountain clans on the front lines, I want you visiting their homes."
"I have endured the raids long enough. This time, I will wipe them out."
"I need many prisoners. Territory development requires people. The more captives you take, the greater your merit."
This plan was slightly more complex than past battles, but not hard to understand. Ser Pell grasped it quickly.
He accepted the order with solemn respect.
Maester Al spoke in a trembling voice. "Lord Glyn, I have a map. In my spare time, I have long followed news about the mountain clans. Over the years, I recorded and organized it. Their activity areas and main camps are marked on the map. It may not be perfect, but it should be mostly accurate. I hope it can help you."
Glyn placed a hand over his chest and spoke with sincerity. "Thank you, Maester Al. House Crabb will never forget your service."
–
King's Landing, the Red Keep.
Cersei held a letter in her hand, savoring the affection given to her by Jaime.
After a while, she rose and pulled a crimson robe over her body.
Though over thirty, Cersei was still slender, with pale and smooth skin.
She lifted a wine jug, poured herself a full cup, and took a large sip to ease the dryness in her throat.
As she picked up the letter again, Jaime watched her with a doting smile.
Jaime's smile always carried confidence and pride.
"That boy is nothing but a flatterer," he said.
Cersei's lips curved upward. As always, she lifted her sharp chin slightly when she spoke.
"Jaime, you don't understand me. He does."
Brave and beautiful, all in one. I like that opening.
Jaime said helplessly, "That boy isn't honest."
Cersei walked up to him, gently touching his handsome face, smiling as she said, "Jaime, you're not jealous of a child, are you? My dress really should be worn by you."
Jaime Lannister did not bother to answer whether he was jealous or not.
"Are you planning to bring him along on this hunt?"
Cersei smiled.
"He's quite cute, isn't he?"
(End of chapter)