ebookpocket.com #248 - Chapter 22 Red Wedding (VI)
#248 - Chapter 22 Red Wedding (VI)
As the music faded, Old Walder spoke again, "Your Majesty, I fear my hospitality has been somewhat lacking. I have offered my guests wine, meat, and music, but these are trifles. I have yet to present you with the proper welcome, a final grand gift remains outstanding," he said slowly.
Catelyn's suspicion grew with each passing moment. Suddenly, she noticed a glint of light reflecting from Roose Bolton's sleeve in the candlelight. She reached out and turned back his cuff, revealing that beneath his cotton garments, Roose Bolton wore sturdy chainmail. In that instant, Catelyn understood.
Incensed, she slapped Bolton hard across the face, shouting at the top of her lungs, "Robb! Beware! It's a trap!"
At that very moment, several members of House Frey pounced on Edmure like ravenous wolves, pinning him to the ground, quickly twisting his arms behind his back, and securing them with shackles.
The second-floor windows, where the musicians should have been playing, were instantly filled with crossbowmen. With a 'swoosh,' a bolt flew through the air, striking Robb squarely in the back. The immense force caused him to stumble and fall.
The fog of drunkenness that had clouded his mind vanished instantly. He looked up sharply, his gaze as keen as a hawk's, and saw two Freys rushing towards him with daggers concealed in their sleeves. Quick as a flash, Robb executed a sweeping leg, tripping one of them. He then snatched the fallen dagger, his movements fluid and seamless. In the blink of an eye, the cold blade sliced across the enemy's throat. Swiftly, he seized the wrist of the other attacker, and using the momentum of rising, plunged the dagger into his opponent's chin, driving it deep into his head.
"No! Joffrey! Deryn!" Robb realized their identities amidst the terrified screams. Without hesitation, he hoisted the corpse, successfully blocking two more incoming crossbow bolts.
Roose Bolton, ever the cunning fox, ducked and weaved away after the slap. His foolish son, Dommett, however, failed to grasp the danger and reached for Sansa. Rickon grabbed a wine jug and smashed it into Dommett's face. Brienne followed up with a powerful punch to his gut, then stomped him into the ground.
The Hound, baring his fangs, shoved the table aside, shielding Sansa and the others. He seized Black Walder, squeezing his throat until his eyes nearly rolled back into his head, and snatched the dagger from his grip.
At that moment, Freys hidden amongst the crowd sprang into action, drawing concealed daggers and short swords, and attacking those around them. Others rushed toward the sides of the hall, where they had stashed long-handled weapons.
As Robb was attacked, Catelyn was seized with fear, but a strong arm pulled her back. It was Liu Yuan, who wrapped his arm around her waist, whispering, "Don't worry, trust me, he will be alright." Catelyn stared at Liu Yuan, her eyes filled with doubt and worry, yet also with a strange sense of reassurance.
Sure enough, as Robb moved, the arrow that had pierced his back clattered to the floor, without drawing a drop of blood. The seemingly light and airy gown had been meticulously crafted with three layers of metallic thread in the torso, the innermost layer being made of priceless Valyrian metal, its defense surpassing many common breastplates.
Seeing Robb unharmed, the stone in Catelyn's heart finally settled. She looked at Liu Yuan with gratitude, her eyes glistening with tears.
The Northern lords and knights were initially disoriented by the sudden treachery. Seasoned warriors, they quickly recovered. Though their enemies wielded short, sharp daggers, the damage they could inflict was limited as long as they guarded their vitals. Meanwhile, the Frey guards in the hall charged towards Liu Yuan's guards. The guards' bright red robes made them too conspicuous.
A smirk crept across the guards' faces as they kicked over the wooden boxes that had been used to hold wine. Splintered wood flew everywhere, revealing a variety of hidden weapons… Not only were there common melee weapons like whips and ring-pommel swords, but also devastating hand axes and even small round shields.
The Frey soldiers exchanged bewildered glances. They had expected to face unarmed enemies, but now found themselves confronted by fully armed opponents.
The Frey soldiers looked at the daggers in their hands. Led by a few brave Frey family members, they clenched their daggers, gritted their teeth, and bravely charged forward. Not because they were fearless, but because the enemy was already upon them.
"Bang!" With a muffled crash, Roger Frey flew through the air like a broken kite, slamming into the hard wall. He opened his mouth and vomited a mouthful of blood, the crimson liquid splattering on the ground, forming a shocking pool. He felt as if his chest had been struck by a thousand-pound hammer, the pain unbearable, even breathing became difficult.
Looking down, he saw that his once-strong chainmail had been shattered into pieces scattered around him. Just now, Roger Frey had clearly charged forward, but for some reason, he had suddenly been sent flying back.
He struggled to lift his head, only to be met by a warm liquid that instantly soaked his face. He focused and realized it was the blood of a Frey soldier. At that moment, another Frey soldier had his head smashed by a sharp iron mace, the red and white matter splattering everywhere, a gruesome sight.
On the battlefield, a group of guards in red armor were wielding their whips and maces, fiercely fighting the numerous Frey soldiers. In this melee, the seemingly clumsy whip and mace displayed astonishing power. The most important aspect of a mace on the battlefield is not skill, but ferocity, a reckless bravery after going berserk. Emotions are contagious during battle, and the mace can unleash a storm of concentrated damage.