Chapter 264 Crossing the River

  Twin River City is the territory of the Frey family. It is located in the riverlands and consists of two castles separated on both sides of the Green Fork River and a stone arch bridge connecting them.

   This is the only crossing point for hundreds of miles up and down the Green Fork River, just on the road from Winterfell to Riverrun.

  It took the Frey family three generations to build this fortress, and relying on it to charge high bridge tolls, they quickly jumped from an unknown small family to the richest and most powerful lord in the riverland today.

  Looking at the majestic castle in front of him, Duke Eddard Stark could not help but frown.

This time against the Lannister family, the Duke of Hoster Tully issued a call-up order to the princes of the riverland, and the other families responded quickly, and sent troops to the Kneeling Stack to join the army of the north. Only the Frey family, dragging their feet After dawdling for more than a month, he sent 300 infantry soldiers here.

   No wonder Lord Hoster has been calling the Lord of the Twins "Late Frey".

   Duke Eddard certainly didn’t like this conceited, sensitive and grumpy old Frey. If it wasn’t for returning to the northern border in the shortest possible time this time, he would rather take a detour than pass through the Twin Rivers.

  Four Freys rode out of the city gate, each wrapped in a thick gray wool cloak.

The Marquess of Walder Frey has many heirs, hundreds of them. This is also because he has married eight wives in his life. Now the old Marquis, who is over ninety years old, has heard that he can actually impregnate his new wife. .

   "Lord Ed, welcome to Twin River City."

   Duke Eddard nodded vaguely in response, he really couldn't tell these Foyles apart, he just thought they all looked like weasels.

   Entering the castle through the iron gate, Duke Ed finally met the Lord of the River Ferry.

  Although Lord Walder Frey lived a long life, he also suffered from gout. He was sitting on a large oak chair, the back of which was carved in the shape of two cities connected by an arch bridge.

  By his side stood the old marquis's sons, daughters, grandsons, great-grandsons, sons-in-law...almost forming an army.

   "Master Ed." Marquis Wade opened his toothless mouth, showing a slightly perfunctory smile, "Please forgive me for not being able to stand up to greet him."

   "You don't have to be polite." Duke Ed leaned slightly, "I hope you can allow my army to cross the river through your castle. Don't worry, you won't lose a penny of the bridge toll."

  Marquis Wade let out a hey laugh: "Master Ed, your army has a lot of people. And now, at this time of year, there are wars everywhere and people are dying everywhere, so the bridge toll will also increase."

   Duke Ed suppressed his anger: "How much do you want to raise?"

   "Don't worry, Lord Ed. I have prepared a sumptuous dinner, let's eat and talk later. Now, you go to the city to change your clothes and take a rest."

   "Okay." Duke Ed took a deep breath and suppressed his impatience, thinking that no matter how much the old Marquis asked for later, he would agree.

  Just as he was about to move forward, he saw an attendant approaching his ear and said softly:

   "My lord, Lord Walder did not provide us with bread and salt."

   Duke Ed stopped suddenly.

   Before he could speak, Marquis Wade on the opposite side didn't know whether he heard their conversation or guessed it, and said:

   "Oh yes, the ancient guest rights, I almost forgot. Lord Ed, would you like some bread and salt?"

   "Okay." Duke Ed nodded, "It would be even better if there is more wine."

   "As you wish." Marquis Walder clapped his hands, and a servant brought bread, salt and wine.

  The old Marquis first filled a glass for himself, and held it up high: "My respected guests, welcome to my roof!"

   Duke Ed and his party also ate the bread dipped in salt, and raised their glasses:

   “We appreciate the hospitality of our hosts.”

   Entering the city, Duke Ed was brought into a beautifully decorated room. He wanted to sleep, but he couldn't fall asleep after tossing and turning in bed.

  It was raining lightly outside.

  Duke Ed was worried about his army left outside the city, so he called his attendants to give some instructions.

   After finally waiting until night fell, Duke Ed changed his clothes and went to the banquet hall for dinner.

  As soon as he entered the door, the loud music made Duke Ed frowned again, but he didn't say anything, and came to his seat and sat down.

   "How can you be so virtuous? Your lord proudly declares that you must make me bow down..."

  It was only then that Duke Ed noticed that the music played in the hall was actually "The Rainy Season of Castamere"!

   This is a song that describes the extermination of the Reyes family, the vassals that Duke Tywin Lannister will betray.

What's the meaning?

threaten? intimidate?

   "Lord Walder!" Duke Eddard protested, "Shouldn't you change the song?"

  Marquis Walder smiled, waved his hands and said, "Did you hear that, you idiots! Lord Ed doesn't like this song, change it!"

  The musicians quickly changed to a northern folk song.

   "Master Ed, how about this one?"

   "Yes." Duke Ed took a sip from his wine glass, a little absent-minded.

   "Master Ed, I wonder if you have heard the result of the Battle of King's Landing?"

   "I heard. Stannis was defeated and the fleet was burned."

   "You didn't address your majesty." Marquis Walder really looked like a weasel when he laughed.

   "He hasn't been officially crowned after all." Duke Eddard said, but added, "But Stannis Baratheon is the first legitimate heir to the Iron Throne."

Marquis Walder smiled noncommittally: "Lord Ed, now that Stannis is defeated, his life or death is unknown, but even if he is not dead, he does not have any strength to participate in this game of power again. You know, the Stormlands are about to be destroyed. The people of the Reach have taken them all. House Baratheon is no longer on the Iron Throne."

   Duke Ed stared coldly at Marquis Wade and asked:

   "You don't want me to surrender to Lannister, do you?"

   "Of course not." Marquis Walder leaned slightly and moved closer, "I want to say, why don't you become king yourself?"

   Duke Ed was taken aback for a moment.

  Marquis Walder thought the other party was moved, and hurriedly continued:

   "What do you think of the idea that the Riverlands, the Dales, and of course the North will support you in wearing the crown if you wish?"

   "Not very good." Duke Ed categorically refused, "This country has suffered enough from division and strife, I will not do such a thing. You'd better not think about it!"

   "Master Ed, don't you think about it anymore?"

   "Impossible!" Duke Ed said firmly.

  Marquis Walder shrugged, looking a little disappointed.

  Duke Ed didn't want to continue this topic, and instead asked: "Master Wade, you said before about the price increase of bridge tolls..."

   "Oh, that's right." Marquis Wade said, "Lord Ed, how much are you willing to pay to cross the river?"

   "How much do you want?"

   "I want you."

"Want me?" Duke Eddard put down his glass and stared at the old Marquis coldly, "Walder Frey, I don't have time to play these tricks with you here. My castle, wife, and children are all in the hands of the enemy Li, so if you want to take the opportunity to make a fortune, hurry up and make an offer!"

   "Don't be angry, Lord Ed." Marquis Wade still looked disgusted, "I really want you, I want you to be my son-in-law."

   Duke Ed was annoyed: "I already have a wife!"

   "I know, Caitlin Tully is as annoying as her old father." Marquess Walder curled his lips, "But I heard that she has disappeared."

   "Missing?" Duke Ed's heart ached.

   "It's actually a euphemism for dead." Marquis Walder said, "So, you can pick a new wife. I have many daughters. Of course, if you like younger ones, you can also choose from my granddaughter..."

  Boom!

  Duke Ed slapped his hand on the table angrily: "Walder Frey, even if Caitlyn really suffers from misfortune! I will never marry again! So you should die!"

   "Why bother. Lord Ed, the new one is better than the old one. Look at me, I have already married eight new wives."

   "That's your own business." Duke Ed said impatiently, "I won't agree to this condition, change it."

"Lord Ed, you really don't understand my difficulties. So many daughters and granddaughters can't get married, and I'm so worried." Marquis Walder sighed pretendingly, "Well, since you don't want to marry, then let marry your son Robb."

   "Robb..." Duke Eddard was deep in thought, and asked after a while, "If my son doesn't marry a Frey, don't you plan to let my army cross the river?"

   "How ugly to say that. I just hope that the Frey family can form a closer alliance with the Stark family. Unless, Lord Ed, you think my daughter and granddaughter are not worthy of the noble Stark."

   Duke Ed bit his cheek, and finally said helplessly:

   "Okay. My son will marry one of your granddaughters."

   "That's great!" Marquis Wade clapped his hands happily, and raised his glass, "Come, in-laws, let's toast together to celebrate this happy marriage."

   Duke Ed had no choice but to raise his glass and touch him.

Marquis Walder drank the wine in his glass and said with a smile: "Since we are about to become a family, your troubles are my troubles. Those **** ironmen dare to occupy Winterfell, they are really asking for their own death! Lord Ed, we I will send two thousand elite soldiers to go north with you to help you take back the castle."

  Duke Ed did not refuse this time, and finally squeezed out a smile on his face:

   "Thank you for your help."

  (end of this chapter)