Ghost's Past was precisely what Lelinus desired in a stronghold: isolated, but at a strategic location to run his spy network, defensible, and rich in resources to support itself and his men, though it came with a few setbacks. Apparently, the old Baron of Ghost's Past was more interested in gathering raw materials such as iron, granite, and lumber and selling it in Arva or Caerwyn than using any of it to maintain his castle or the infrastructure of his people's settlements. Luckily, Castle Cadarn itself was quite sturdy. His men should have its defenses serviceable within the month and the peasants would appreciate the lumber and granite sent their way for the change.
Yet, as he supervised his men working on the castle or read through the reports his spies were already directing towards his new fief rather than Winnfell Palace, Lelinus was unsatisfied. For the longest time, he had always had Rivera at his side, to make helpful suggestions or speak about the events of the day or even just to train with. This had been the longest he had been separated from his best friend and lover. Was she his lover? He asked himself. They had only discovered their feelings for one another at one night, only for a viper to frame her for treason the next day. Lelinus frowned slightly. How he longed to order Lady Christine's assassination and yet, he dared not, lest he cut off one of the only ways to prove Rivera's innocence.
Lelinus shifted through the papers before him. His study in this castle was much smaller than the one he used in the palace, but it was servicable with an oak desk a few bookcases, and a roaring fire to keep him warm and, more importantly, burn any incriminating documents. He heard a knock on his door and he looked up.
"Come in," he stated and looked up to see one of his knights stood. He frowned slightly, "What news, Ser Wesley?"
"It's all in here, milord," he told him, handing him the letter. Leo opened it and smiled slightly when he saw it was Rivera's handwriting, but frowned at the contents.
To my Lion,
If you are reading this, then my fate has been sealed. I have been found guilty and condemned to death by the Eagle, one of the ones I have considered my family. I have escaped, and am currently pushing to Edgebrook, where I shall seek refuge under the man who is assumed to be my father. Avalon cannot touch me there. I shall get to the bottom of this, the Viper shall not win this battle. If she truly be my sister, then she has quite a lot to answer for. Know that, for the moment, I am safe, and shall return to your side as soon as I am able.
Forever faithful & forever yours,
The Wolf
He looked at the letter for a moment, almost wistfully, before he sighed and threw it into the flames, "I know nothing of this. I have heard that my brother condemned my dearest friend to death and will not suffer his men to cross this Pass for as long as I grieve over her."
There. That blocked the easiest way into Duke Huor's lands. He only hoped that Rivera persuaded the man of the truth.
Castle Greyon, Edgebrook
Duke Peter Huor stared at the portrait of himself critically, his study bright with the light of the sun shining through a window. Was he really that fat? Granted, he hadn't seen combat in quite a while, but he still trained when he could and he thought he was taller than that, but, looking at the nervous artist before him, he smiled slightly, "Yes. I think I shall hang this upon my mantlepiece. Ser Ulrick, please hand the man his fee."
As he handed the portrait over to one of his servants, a messenger flew in, out of breath, and eyes wide. Duke Huor frowned.
"What is the meaning of this?"
"A l-lady, milord. She rode to the castle's entrance-claimed sanctuary."
"And who might she be? Speak."
"I-I d-dunno, but-."
"Send her away. I do not welcome strangers into my home. Not since youngest daughter died."
"B-but, milord!"
"You are dismissed!"
"She's in the spitting image of the late Lady Huor, your wife!"
"..."
"Milord?"
"Send her in and if you are lying, I advise you put some distance between yourself and Castle Edgebrook and never enter my site again."
"Y-yes, milord."