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Ian's original plan was to cooperate with Black Falcon to set up mercenary teams at all the key inns, ports, and villages along the northern shore of Divine Eye Lake to hunt down players passing through the area.
With such a large operation, Ian naturally couldn't get involved in the Black Fire treasure. First, he was too busy, and second, he didn't want to ruin his relationship with Black Falcon.
But now, with Black Falcon dead and no longer having the support of the mercenary group, Ian was left to focus on just two places—the inn and King's Avenue outside it. These were the only areas of importance now, with other locations left up to chance. There was little he needed to do himself anymore.
Moreover, with the Black Falcon mercenary group embroiled in infighting after Black Falcon's death, Ian saw no reason to avoid getting involved in the Black Fire treasure anymore.
"But before we discuss that," Ian shifted the conversation, "I need to arrange the mission I originally intended for you."
"Sir, what exactly do you need us to do?" Sir Grantham asked, his tone much more eager than before.
"Hunting."
"Hunting?" Grantham echoed.
"You can explain it to them, Martha." Ian chose not to explain directly but decided to let Martha handle it.
Soon, Martha shared the story of how 'Sir Lucien' and the others had come from King's Landing to capture the fugitives. It was unclear whether she had any personal motives, but she didn't mention the reward offered by the queen.
"In short, your mission is to monitor this inn and the King's Avenue outside, and to secretly capture the person I'm after," Ian took over the explanation.
"My men don't have horses, so I'll take charge of the operations inside the inn," Denzel spoke first.
"How many of you can ride a horse?" Ian asked, before quickly rephrasing, "How many of you can fight on horseback?"
"Three of us, including me, Lern the Cucumber, and Jimmy the Crotchless Pants. We used to be free riders, but the market's been poor the last two years, so we sold the horses."
"Well, you're free riders again. I'll equip you with horses, better weapons, and either chain mail or plate armor embedded in iron plates, all hidden beneath your coat. These will be my gifts to you," Ian said, turning to Grantham, "Of course, you'll have them too."
"Your generosity is overwhelming," Denzel said, clearly pleased.
"I'll provide you with funds to arrange for purchases at the nearby castle. After that, you and your two cavalry will join Sir Grantham's command. You'll be tasked with monitoring King's Road and chasing down those who are hiding in the inn."
"Oh, I don't mind Sir Grantham leading us, but what about the rest of my men?" Denzel asked.
"The others will stay at the inn under my personal command. But first, you need to choose a leader from your men to report directly to me," Ian responded.
"This will hurt my reputation, ser," Denzel objected.
"Aren't you supposed to be my attendant? Does your reputation in the mercenary group still matter to you?" Ian retorted.
"As you wish." Denzel choked, unable to come up with another excuse, and reluctantly lowered his head in submission.
"Bring the man in now. I want him to attend my war meeting."
After a short while, Denzel returned, bringing in a strong man with a gray beard.
"This is 'Eric,' a senior swordsman and my life mentor, hahaha," Denzel pointed to the man and said. "I recommend him to temporarily take over my mercenary team's command."
Ian couldn't help but think, Pickles, Crotchless Pants, Dirty Jokes—I'm taking back your nickname of 'Spiky.' You're not qualified for it anymore.
"Sir, it's an honor to serve you," Eric smiled at Ian. However, before he could speak further, Ian interrupted him coldly.
"My first order: Don't tell dirty jokes in front of me."
"Oh, seven levels of hell," Nasty Daenerys Targaryen feigned fright. "I didn't know you were the son of a warrior. But I'm sure the Archbishop isn't as pious as you."
"My second order: Don't smile in front of me," Ian cut him off again.
"As you wish," Daenerys Targaryen replied noncommittally, still wearing that playful smile.
"Then, everyone listen closely to every word I'm about to say," Ian clapped his hands, signaling the group to focus.
"What I want to capture is a gang. They're made up of mercenary knights and wandering mercenaries. Among them are a few archers and possibly ironborn. During our chase, they all managed to escape, but they may come here to regroup."
"The mercenary knight wears full chain mail, including chain gloves and greaves. His weapon is a half-hand sword. He has only one horse and no attendants."
"The archers use yew longbows and daggers as secondary weapons, but no armor or horses."
"The ironborn carry three throwing axes, one of which is larger and can be used as a fighting axe."
"The wandering mercenaries wear leather armor and carry short swords and daggers."
"Sorry, Sir," Denzel couldn't resist interrupting Ian. "Seven out of ten mercenaries look like that."
"Patience, my friend, this is not all," Ian smiled. "What you need to focus on are the new faces and loners—those you've never seen before—and... someone who looks especially wary."
"Your mercenaries are divided into two groups. The first group is all cavalry, commanded by Sir Grantham, and will monitor King's Road outside the inn. If anyone matching the description passes by but doesn't enter the inn, follow them and capture them. I will personally identify whether they're the fugitive I'm after."
"The second group—"
"I have a question, Sir," Denzel interrupted again.
"Go ahead."
"What if we capture someone who's not the person you want?"
Ian was momentarily stunned. He hadn't thought about this possibility.
If the mercenaries caught someone by mistake, it was normal, but what should they do with those people? Letting them go was clearly not an option, so should they lock them up until the hunt was over and release them then?
"You don't plan on letting them go, do you?" Denzel seemed to have guessed Ian's thoughts. "Sir Lucien, you come from the great Lannister family, so you don't have to worry about the emotions of the knights and mercenaries. But we, the mercenaries, can't afford to do that."
"We've been operating here for a long time. If we arrest someone, no matter the reason, it creates an enemy. And if they turn out not to be the person you want, releasing them will create discomfort for us."