The great hall of Riverrun now seemed a little desolate, and Gendry could still hear the gurgling of water.
Because the news of Riverrun's relief had not yet spread, the Lords of the Riverlands had naturally not returned. Currently, the only great Lords of The Three Rivers present were the Blackwood Family of Ravens Tree City and the Mallister Family of Seaguard.
"Taking the Two Cities, the plan is indeed a bit too bold," said Duke Tytos.
"Hold still, observe the situation, do not act unless the situation is clear – that is Walder Frey's style. So we must do the opposite," Gendry said.
"We need a meticulous attack to capture all the Frey in one fell swoop," Ser Barristan also agreed.
The Two Cities, Riverrun, and Harrenhal were all famous strongholds in the Riverlands. Harrenhal had few defenders because the House Harroway had declined and neglected its upkeep, but the Two Cities was very different, with a large nest of weasels and about four thousand troops gathered by the Frey Family.
The Frey Family had long managed the east of the Green Fork, and with their tolls, their strength was extraordinary.
"I once thought about talking to Marquess Walder, but he is not trustworthy," Gendry said. "Unless they smell victory, the Frey Family will never send troops. Counting the Battle of the Trident, this is already the second time they've been late. Moreover, Frey is different from other Lords of the Riverlands, as they are Lannister's relatives after all."
Old Walder was conceited, sensitive, ambitious, and untrustworthy, famous for his many wives and numerous children. He was very vengeful, and coupled with his kinship with the Lannister, he had the conditions to switch sides.
"That's true. They didn't send a single soldier when we were raising troops in Riverrun," said the sorrowful Ser Edmure.
"We will still launch a night raid," Count Jason Mallister said confidently. "Although the Two Cities is known as an unbreached castle, it is by no means impossible. It would be impossible with our Seaguard army alone, but with so many reinforcements and warriors now, we have a chance to fight."
"If we can truly open the gates, and we advance by land and water, it's not impossible to succeed," Bronze Yohn also agreed.
"My lands and fields were burned by the Lannister long ago, so let me collect some interest from the Lannister first," said Count Tytos.
"Let the Mercenaries' leader in."
The blue-bearded Tyroshi Mercenaries leader then entered the hall. He had splendid attire and flamboyant hair, which was characteristic of the Tyrosh.
His curly hair and beard were all brightly colored blue. He wore a tight-fitting vest embroidered with medals, soft deerskin gloves, and smelled of Tyroshi pear brandy.
"the liberator, The Conqueror of the known world. It is an honor to meet you here. I am Reso, you may also call me Bluebeard," the Bluebeard Mercenaries leader knelt down.
"You know me?"
"Of course, everyone who makes a living in the Narrow Sea and the Disputed Lands has heard your name. The Red Comet in the sky illuminates your path," Bluebeard said respectfully. "Many Mercenaries have joined the Two Cities Alliance, and many Mercenaries, like me, couldn't stand the army's discipline. We still prefer to make a living outside, earning gold on the tip of a blade; it's easier that way."
"Then it will be easy for us to talk," Gendry said to Reso. "But why would you betray the Lannister?"
"How can it be called betrayal, my Lords? Mercenaries love gold, but they love their lives more," Bluebeard Reso spread his hands. "The Lannister are retreating after a great defeat; the northern and western camps are both burning. We don't need to follow them to our deaths. Besides, I don't have many men. With so few, I think Riverrun can afford to pay some gold. Where one earns money doesn't matter."
Bluebeard was very frank, which was the belief of most Mercenaries. After all, they were out to make money and didn't need to risk their lives too much. The only truly militarized organization was probably the Golden Company; the Windblown and the Cats Company barely made up the numbers, but that violent Cats Company had already been wiped out by Gendry.
"How many men do you have?" Gendry asked Bluebeard.
"About three hundred, my Lord," Bluebeard replied.
"Very good." Gendry nodded, and Anguy took out some gold to give to Bluebeard. "This is my welcome gift."
"This..." Bluebeard saw the beautiful gold, a hint of apprehension in his expression. "My Lord, you have something to trouble us with, don't you?"
"I can afford the price, and I need your help," Gendry looked at Bluebeard. "You take a few dozen good men to the North... In short, this mission is quite dangerous. If you are unwilling, I will not force you. This gold is just a gift for our first meeting. Also, I hope the news of my presence here does not leak out."
"I'd like to ask again who will command this operation?" Bluebeard asked.
"It is I," Gendry said.
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