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Chapter 6

"Not everything said is done, not everything done is said." – The Obsidian Pen, 2018. Consider this a staple part of writing politics and thriller, whether I'm good at it or not.

For those interested, I'm updating my stories in this order. TDBOI, then 'A Hawk's Plight', then 'Frosted Steel', then 'Still Half Empty', and then I repeat. It helps with the monotony and helps me write and think.

If This Story Was Simply Of Combat, A Fool Can See Who'd Win Without A Fit; That's Boring, So Let's See Who'd Win A Battle Of Lies And Wit!

Chapter Six: An Unforeseen Haze

"White Walkers?" Pain repeated, disappointed. "I pray you're not wasting our time to inform us only fiction."

Konan turned her eyes away from her old friend and looked at the distorted image of Itachi Uchiha within the Magic Lantern Body Technique. "That's what the people here at Castle Black are reporting," he said. "Outside of the inter-political strife within this small rabble and the Wildlings, they consider White Walkers their biggest threat to themselves and Westeros."

"Don't blame us for their stupidity. We're just telling ya' what they're telling us," Kisame said. "Though these guys are certainly acting like they've seen it. Not sure about you guys, but something happened that spooked 'em."

Kakuzu scoffed. "These people jump at a bird with a birth defect and claim it's a sign of doomsday. Claims of ice wizards with a flock of undead is hardly something we need to take seriously." Sounds of agreement filled the mindscape. "I'd rather you focus on acquiring that army rather than rattle on about local folklore."

There were many things Nagato had told Konan and the rest of the Akatsuki, and while she was interested in the fables of this land, she had little patience when it pertained to useless stories, especially when they had much to do. Still, she knew the Uchiha enough that he would rather bring no information than useless information.

Itachi nodded. "Which is why I intend to use this to our advantage." Heads turned to him, waiting for the explanation. "If the Wildlings truly believe in a White Walker invasion, then we can use that to have them accept Akatsuki's aid." And thus, have them repay the Akatsuki by being their army. A strategy that was simpler explained than done.

"What did you have in mind?" Nagato asked, now sounding more on board with the idea than before.

The Kiri-nin chuckled. "Well, we open up the gates, obviously," he said with a matter-of-fact tone.

"Something tells me your new comrades won't like that, hmm," Deidara commented with a growing smirk. Like Konan, he knew the simple and brutal answer to that, as well.

"Really~?" Kisame said with faux shock. "Guess we'll just have to kill everyone at Castle Black then. Too bad, I almost started to like these guys." Indeed, that was a plausible plan. The Night's Watch was easily expendable.

"Obviously we won't kill everyone the moment the Wildlings arrive," Itachi said quickly. "We will let the standoff ensue, then Kisame and I shall meet with Mance Raider to discuss terms, and see from there how we must continue."

Konan knew that they didn't even have to ask if the two swordsmen weren't able to convince the Wildling army to join, they were given their task, how they go around it was up to them as long as they completed their objective.

"Good," Nagato said and turned to the artists. "What of you two, what is there to report from Essos?"

Yes, Konan knew that the two succeeded in placing their lot with the queen, though relations weren't exactly warm. As previously stated by Sasori in a previous report, it was more of a cautious trade agreement than a partnership with the dragon queen. It wasn't warm, but they weren't fighting, so there was room for progress.

"There's not much to report of interest," Sasori said. "Daenerys Targaryen still hopes to have the slaves take back their freedom, and we are unable to convince her to use our abilities. So far, the army here is still waiting for the right moment to strike."

It was an interesting move, to have the oppressed remove their oppressors, it should bring them a sense of independence and hard-fought victory. She was certainly an interesting person that seemed to have the people's interest at heart.

"No sign of the Asher brat yet," Deidara added. "Though considering how long it's been, he should be here soon enough, maybe even before Targaryen goes in with a coup within Meereen, hmm." She was arming the slaves, so then she was giving them the opportunity to get their freedom, though that didn't mean she wouldn't give them a helping shove.

"Then remain on standby until you deem fit to intervene," Nagato said, earning a nod from the two. He turned to Zetsu. "What news from King's Landing?"

"We're still collecting information on our rivals and certain individuals of interest," White Zetsu said. "Mira Forrester is following our guidance and using what information we dad gather rather impressively to turn the odds to her favor." Blake Zetsu then said, "Queen Cersei, however, is being a pain, likely the bitch knew about the Forrester deal with Tyrion, or she just hates Northmen."

Tobi nodded his head. "Furthermore, I ate what the people here call a bowl-of-brown, and. . . It looks the same going out as it does going in. The cuisine isn't exactly great here."

"Heh, tell me about it," Kisame commented, then gave pause. "Actually, don't."

"Aside from Tobi's recent tourist adventure," White Zetsu said, ignoring both comments. "Tyrion Lannister's trial isn't going so well in his favor. We expect to see him executed within the week or sent to Castle Black as his best bet."

Kisame chuckled. "I guess Castle Black could use at least one occupant."

Nagato gave un uncaring nod. "What happens to Tyrion is of no concern to us nor our goals. However, keep me informed of the situation if anything of interest comes up." Zetsu nodded. He looked to Kakuzu. "How goes the forests?"

"Horrific," the Taki-nin answered. "Exactly as we want it. We've been seeing fewer and fewer tree cutters after each event, and spying indicates rumors have already circulated within the camps that it was a curse from the gods to the Whitehills for betraying the Starks." He scoffed. "Though it's hard to say if the fewer people were because of the events we made, or simply because we've been killing them off."

Looking to Hidan, he was just humming joyously, and it made it all the easier to know what he wanted to report and went unasked.

"Continue as you are," the leader said. "The less the Whitehills tear down the merchandise, the more validity Mira Forrester has to work with merchants." Which means income, and later on, a mercenary force. More so, it cuts down the Whitehills income, dropping their forces as well. Two birds with one stone.

With all the reports taken, now it what was left on their end, and Konan had to say, there were certainly some interesting developments, some even worthy of being called treason. Of course, that wasn't a problem, it was being found out so early that was the issue.

"On to the matter of Ironrath, things have become a bit more interesting." What that meant was an event emerged that could go either way for them. "It seems Elaena Glenmore has brought twenty archers in an effort to topple the Whitehill influence in Ironrath."

Just like she thought, seconds of silence that gave the mindscape and odd atmosphere. Sasori was first to speak up. "Did the girl think she'd succeed and get away with it with merely twenty men?" he said, sounding genuinely confused. "Even if she did topple the Whitehills in Ironrath, did she plan anything afterward?" Pain shook his head. "The people here seem to be mentally deficient."

"More than that," Itachi said. "The people here speak highly of honor and lineage. It wouldn't be a mistake to say these people are more prideful and don't think things through as a result of it." He turned to Nagato. "Did you tell them that their manpower wasn't required anymore?"

"I didn't inform Elaena Glenmore, but Rodrik Forrester had deemed it fit to do so himself, for nothing more than for the woman he loves." Konan sympathized with the two, and she knew Nagato certainly did as well, but they had plans that involved millions, not just the romantic couple. "In the end, Elaena Glenmore gave us their twenty men as aid and gratitude, though I suspect it won't be long until Lord Glenmore recalls them."

Indeed, it would even be considered treason if the Boltons found out that another house was being disloyal along with House Forrester. If the Lord of Rillwater Crossing cared for his people, he'd pull the men back before it was found out.

"So, nothing's changed," Kakuzu said firmly. "We merely have an added small amount of manpower if a fight ever broke against the hundreds the Whitehills certainly have." Their number had jumped to almost seventy, so it's still a loss if the Akatsuki stayed out of the fight.

"Kakuzu is correct," Pain announced with a nod. "Konan, the Forresters, and I are still en route to Highpoint to discuss with Ludd Whitehill, and all of you are to proceed to your assigned roles. Is there anything more to add?" No one answered. "Then the meeting is adjourned."

The ten shinobis vanished.

Highpoint was easily visible from ways away, but up close, even if slightly ruined, Nagato still thought it held an imposing presence, especially since it sat on a hill. Its tallest tower looked as though it was sheered or simply incomplete in construction. A shame, Sasori would've been greatly appreciative if it wasn't for its evident flaws.

"This is Highpoint, the name of the castle and the land," Rodrik said from beside him, looking towards a blue banner that portrays white mountains and a star. Then looks around the barren fields. "I've never been here, but looking around shows how true my father was in that they decimated their ironwood forests."

Looking around as well, Nagato found himself agreeing. The only sign of life was the shrubbery and grass, all that remained from the ironwood trees were old stumps that might've been ironwood trees. And now they're nothing, and the Whitehills took the Forrester's share.

Looking towards their little group, there was the matriarch of House Forrester, Ser Degore, Lord Rodrik Forrester, himself, and his longtime friend Konan sitting behind him, all on horseback. Not exactly a show of strength with a sickly-looking man and woman, but that was the point.

"What do we do from here?" Elissa Forrester asked as she looked at him. "Is there a plan to retrieve my son?" Her desperation was understandable, and if the situation allowed it, they would actually save little Ryon Forrester, but that wasn't even part of the schedule.

"We have plans in place," Pain lied. "However, today's meeting is merely a quick reconnaissance of their assets, and to show the Akatsuki's presence to the Whitehills." Those last two were the truest of what he told her. "For now, approach the situation calmly and carefully."

"Both your presences aren't exactly intimidating," Rodrik said as he saw the two Akatsuki. "To them, all they'll see is a sickly thin man and a woman." He then eyed them a bit more curiously. "Or do you intend to show them some of your powers?"

Degore scoffed. "That'd certainly get Ludd quaking." Even though relations between the Akatsuki and Degore weren't warm, it seemed the man hated the Whitehills exponentially more, to the point he'd even be happy to ignore his distrust of the Akatsuki.

"No to both accounts," Nagato said, making the sentinel frown at the lack of magic to strike fear into his most hated enemy. "Konan will not be joining us, she'll be within the castle procuring information, hidden from view. Also, as I've stated before leaving Ironrath, we won't be showing any kind of intimidation, my presence is to serve as a misdirection."

Degore grunted more in displeasure. Regardless, this was part of the plan that would help both Akatsuki and House Forrester in the end. The armies from the north and Essos were soon to be on their way, the Whitehill merchants were hitting 'unforeseen' obstacles, and the Whitehills were finding difficulty in finding more woodcutters willing to even approach the ironwood forests. Things were slow, but that's how it was.

Looking back ahead, he could see they were getting considerably closer to the ruined castle, enough so that he started seeing vague forms of people. Considering he had the Rinnegan, that meant they were distant enough that they shouldn't notice them, and there weren't any he could sense nearby.

"Konan," he called, feeling her shift behind him on his horse. "Approach Highpoint from here while we continue forward. We'll meet back here once we leave." He turned to see her nod and hop off the horse.

"How would she be able to find the information we're looking for?" the matriarch asked as she eyed his friend. "Highpoint is a large castle, and we likely won't be there for long enough for her to scour every room."

Valid points for the uninformed. Instead of answering, he just gestured to Konan and let her show the answer. She formed a seal, and the next second she vanished in a gust of wind and raindrops.

"By the gods!" Degore exclaimed. "She just vanished!" Not exactly, Konan just moved faster than the eye could see, but he didn't feel the inclination to explain that.

"Likely she already reached Highpoint by now," Pain said to his already stunned audience. "As previously planned, she will begin searching for documents, listening to rumors and even take note of persons of interest. You won't need to worry about her being found, Konan is highly skilled in matters of stealth." Not that it'd be difficult considering the how the people here were.

Rodrik took a deep breath, held it for a few seconds, then exhaled. "Among all the magic I've seen, I suppose this was least surprising," he said. "Though it still astounds me that humans are capable of so much."

They continued their approach to Highpoint castle. "Very few are capable as we are," Pain answered, and he couldn't help but feel a bit of pride how Yahiko's Akatsuki have risen. A force to be reckoned with by entire countries, one that could change, and will change, the world. "When we meet Ludd, I will remain on the sidelines. If they ask about me, simply answer that you hired mercenaries with Gryff Whitehill's blessing to aid in keeping Ironrath in check."

Degore scoffed. "That fat cunt would rather believe the mountain flat than his blasted son allowing Rodrik any say in the goings of Ironrath."

"Leave that to me," Pain said, and looked to Lord Forrester. "I have a few abilities that would make him more. . . accepting of the idea." Namely Genjutsu. He wasn't as proficient on it as Itachi Uchiha, but with such weak-minded people, it's hardly a challenge.

Rodrik just grunted in understanding, signifying that he'd play his role, as would the other two. If they didn't, then the damage wouldn't be completely disastrous. They had a Plan B, which was leveling the entire area to the ground with everyone in it including the Forrester delegation. The one thing that couldn't be allowed was the Akatsuki's existence and power to be known, even if few would believe it.

Be it their allies or enemies, all sources that would lead to them no matter how thin or vague must be culled before he decided it was the right time to reveal the Akatsuki.

"Halt!" the Whitehill guard shouted when they finally reached the castle gates. "Identify yourselves." The guard had three others, all of which held spears and had swords in their scabbards, on the walls men there were several crossbowmen at the ready. A pitiful defense if Pain wished to neutralize the occupants.

"Rodrik Forrester, Lord of Ironrath," the lord proclaimed proudly, ignoring the guard's scowl at his name. "Step aside, we were summoned here by Lord Whitehill himself."

The Whitehill looked visibly in pain as he held his tongue for being ordered by their most hated rival. The guard looked to the entourage, his eyes passing over the matriarch, but his eyes lingering slightly on the sneering master-at-arms before eventually passing onto Pain and flinched in surprise at his eyes, before slowly morphing into disgust to his face.

"Looks like the Forresters are throwing their lot in with the sick and freakish, boys," the guard yelled, receiving some laughter for his quip. The plan seems to be working, though, even if Degore was biting his own tongue not comment on anything, his glare to Pain notwithstanding.

He understood that the Sentinel wanted him to show their new strength and decimate them, but again, they had plans that go further than simple pride. What's more, as long as they stayed silent on his and the other's abilities, Pain didn't have to kill them.

"Move aside, soldier," Rodrik repeated firmly. The soldier gave a patronizing bow and did just that, the only one visibly showing their displeasure at that was Degore, the matriarch and Rodrik not deigning that with a reaction.

The large gates creaked open, and when the horse trotted in, his eyes went a little higher, where he saw Konan looking at him through one of the higher windows, give him a nod, and disappear to wherever she was meant to go. Considering how everything was calm, what guards there was were sharpening their weapons.

A bit of theatre on the Whitehill's part, but a look at his employers said it didn't work, and not just as though they were pretending, the Forresters knew whom they had on their side and what'll come soon. . .

Though on Royland Degore's case, he just wasn't impressed.

A figure stood out ahead of them, using the language of the locals, she was a 'fair maiden' with light-brown hair in a blue dress. This one Nagato knew without ever needing to meet her, it was Gwyn Whitehill, the only Whitehill sympathetic to the Forresters, but that didn't mean she was an ally.

"Gwyn," Rodrik greeted with a nod to the only Whitehill that he might not fully hate.

"Rodrik," she said back with her own nod and looked to the men at the side. "What're you waiting for? Care for their horses." While the men grumbled at Rodrik's orders, they didn't hesitate or even complain and jumped into action as stableboys took the reins and aided them off their horses.

Of course, Degore turned the boy away and handled it himself, though Elissa and Rodrik Forrester were not as resisting and allowed them to be helped off. Rodrik likely had little choice due to his leg, the matriarch simply because it was the norm, and he did to help with his image.

Once Pain finally stood on solid ground, he hunched himself slightly and let out a few coughs, some of which were more genuine than he'd have liked. The past few weeks had been a little difficult, he'd usually be in his machine and control the seven paths, but the job required his true sickly-looking self. Unfortunately, he wasn't as healthy nor as energetic as he once was.

"Lady Forrester and Ser Degore, thank you both for answering my father's summons," she gave them a more formal bow. When she turned to Pain, she was startled when she saw his eyes, but did not turn to disgust as her soldiers, but rather confusion. "And you as well." Her uncertainty was clear in her reaction as she visibly tried to understand what she was seeing.

It didn't matter if she did, of course, there was no situation where she wouldn't be killed along with the remainder of her House.

"That man's name is Pain," Rodrik said, drawing her attention. "He's a hired sword to help keep the peace, I deemed it fit he comes with me for this." It'd have been easier if he could simply pass off as a Forrester soldier, but he was too foreign to even pass as such. "You need not care for that, Lady Gwyn."

With a final look to Pain, she turned back Lord Forrester and nodded, then furrowed her brows. "Did my brother approve of this?" And thus, began the first hurdle.

Rodrik looked displeased. "Look at the man, and tell me Gryff wouldn't approve of him being under my control." It was clear now that it was faux displeasure. It sounded convincing, he might've even called upon his irritation from his earlier experience with the Whitehill guard.

Gwyn took another look at his sickly face before turning away and dipped head a little with a shake of the head and a sigh. "I see what you mean." Good, her lifespan had been extended. "Gryff can be cruel, I know that." The idea was that Gryff essentially suited Rodrik with armor made from wood and linen, then handed him a broken sword and called him a knight. It was its own form of mockery, thankfully for the girl she could see that. "But the eyes… What are they?"

"I initially came from a city in Essos called Qarth," Pain said. "The warlocks there are very fond in their experiments with their subjects." He pointed to his Rinnegan. "I was fortunate enough to leave only with pigmentation of the eyes." Also fortunate that the artists in Essos gathered enough information from the Targaryen camp to spin such a story based on truth.

"I see," she said awkwardly, clearly unsure of how to respond to the sickly man who supposedly was used for experiments by an old covenant of blue-lipped magic practitioners who liked to be called the Undying. So instead of looking for what to say, she stood a little straighter and looked to Rodrik. "We have more important matters to speak of. Follow me."

Keeping his lightly hunched form, he kept his chin lower than normal, Pain followed behind the Forrester delegation. He made sure to make himself look as unthreatening as possible, though his gaunt visage should be already enough.

Through the open doors they stepped into a hallway, and like Ironrath, it was made of stone and something resembling plaster and painted over, tapestries almost on every wall that related to House Whitehill. Most prevalent was the blue banner with white mountains and the star.

Second most prevalent were the guards posted nearly every few meters. Seemed even though the fallen House Forrester would still feel the pressure from Whitehills even if just a visit. Considering how these people took guestright seriously, they had their protection, but that was if they decided to honor it. If they didn't, then that was just unfortunate for everyone involved.

To some more so than others.

Gwyn Whitehill took the walk to wherever as her moment. "I know it must be difficult," she said calmly to Rodrik as he limped beside her. "Putting up with Gryff can't be easy for you." A little easier now than before. Royland's discreet scoff said he thought the same.

"It isn't," Rodrik said. "But I'll do whatever it takes to protect my family." What's left of it, anyway.

"And what you're doing is just that." She turned to speak to him before a large set of doors and a large tapestry, this one looked like they held the current family, though much younger. "I reasoned with my father as best I could, now you must play your part."

Pain did not know much about Gwyn Whitehill, or any Whitehill for that matter. His only experience was the brief meeting with Ludd Whitehill from Ethan Forrester's memories, and some other trivial information also from those same memories.

However, Gwyn seemed to genuinely care for House Forrester, but was it due to her previous and failed relationship with Asher Forrester? It could be but mattered little, it must be assumed that her allegiance was to House Whitehill first and foremost and may not coincide with Pain's plans. He'd have commented on the matter, but he was playing the role of a sickly mercenary, which meant he played the quiet follower for the most part.

"I'm here as you requested, aren't I?" Rodrik said, earning a nod from their host. "I wouldn't be here if I wasn't prepared to do what it takes." Pain told the Forresters of what it would most likely be about, that Ludd would offer them an ultimatum for their skills with ironwood.

"I know, Rodrik," she said as she stepped in closer. "You have to take my father seriously, listen to what he has to say and consider them." More and more it sounded as though Ludd Whitehill wished to present Rodrik a choice.

Lord Forrester looked to Pain for merely a glimpse, an acknowledgment that it might be what he warned them of. "I can't promise anything, Gwyn. You know how your father is, the same he'd been as long as I've known him. A Whitehill that hates the Forresters."

Gwyn clearly couldn't bring herself to deny it and walked to a small wooden plaque. A curious thing that held the etchings of both the mountains of House Whitehill and the tree of House Forrester. Pain knew that there used to be a union long, long ago, but to think the Whitehills kept such a sculpture up was contradictory of what he knew of them.

"He's a lord the loves to boast and show off his power," Degore said, ignoring the scowls he received by the nearby guards. Enjoying it, actually. "Hard to imagine we'd like anything your father says."

Lady Whitehill gave a defeated sigh. "Our Houses were close once," she said dreamily, clearly indicating the ancient plaque. "We could be close again, no more of feuding between our families." She looked to the tapestry that held her current family. "Father wasn't so cruel before my mother died, and even while my brothers bullied Gryff, he'd even come to his defense. 'A Whitehill is still a Whitehill', now imagine if the future our families became that?"

Nagato couldn't help but raise a brow. Maybe Ludd's proposition wasn't for Forrester's skills in their ironwood craft, but rather a whole union, a marriage. An interesting development, certainly, but should he allow it? More so, it seemed unlike the current Whitehill lord, the man who reveled in the death of Ethan Forrester.

The look on Rodrik's face said he shared his confusion. "What're you proposing, Gwyn?"

"A future," she said. "One where both our Houses are no longer at each other's throats." He didn't respond, and Pain didn't know what to think. Whatever the Whitehills wanted from them for this meeting, he wasn't certain anymore.

"You're assuming what can happen today can rectify what's been done," Elissa Forrester said stoically, but all who heard knew what she meant. Ethan and Gregor Forrester likely at the forefront of it all, and more so about Ryon. "Is that what will happen, Gwyn?" Stoic again, but accusative.

"I can only hope so, Lady Forrester," she said but with a certain amount of uncertainty. "Let's continue with why you're here." She opened the large doors and walked through, the Forrester delegation following close behind.

It was one way to dodge the topic, but the room itself brought its own problems. The table held metal plates and silverware, all of which were surrounding some food that would fit nobles. It fit well for negotiations between rulers, but that wasn't all there were.

The room the table was in had another entryway behind a metal gate, and worse was that it had its own rampart above them a level, which so happened to be occupied by a dozen Whitehill crossbowmen.

This wasn't a dining room, it's a kill box.

"What the hell is this?" Degore yelled angrily, hand on the hilt of his sword, eyes darting between crossbowmen, who now were more on edge from Royland's actions.

"As far as they know, the enemy is within their walls, they won't harm you, I promise you," Gwyn quickly said, looking around the empty lower level. "Father's not here. . ."

The main host wasn't here, and several crossbowmen have clear shots on them from the higher level; Pain didn't like this one bit. He could kill them all and take little if any damage, of course, but that wasn't part of the plan. If he were to show his abilities, he'd have to kill every occupant of Highpoint along with the Forresters to make sure no loose ends existed.

"Gwyn," Rodrik warned as he eyed their so-called guards.

"My father adheres to guestright as any nobleman," she said a little heatedly, though Pain would like to comment about how House Frey adhered to guestright as well before breaking it in the most prolific way possible. "I'll go find my father, you wait here."

If this wasn't a danger to the Forrester's before, it certainly was now. Before the Whitehill girl left, Pain considered taking her hostage as their means of non-powered exit. He could easily jump over the table and grab her, but instead left it be and watched her leave.

"Pain," Rodrik whispered as he got close to him to make sure none else heard. "I don't think I need to share my feelings on our current situation." No, he didn't, and he shared a few.

"While I would say Ludd Whitehill would've attempted to kill us in the courtyard, I'm familiar with his theatric tendencies," Pain said. "However, I have a plan should things turn violent." Kill everyone here and return as the sole survivor along with Konan back to Ironrath, then see how rage motivates people to work for the Akatsuki. Tedious, but that was damage control for their plans.

Lord Forrester grunted. "Whatever the case, you save my mother first, understood?" Pain nodded. He'd kill her first as not watch her eldest son die by his hands. Rodrik took in a deep calming breath and let it out slowly. "All right then, what are we to do for now?"

He looked to his 'employer'. "Nothing, we wait here, meet with Ludd Whitehill, see what his demands may be."

"Which you say is for our ironwood craftsmanship?"

"Correct, though it might be a marriage proposal from how Lady Whitehill sounded." Pain could hear steps from the gate where Gwyn left. "We hear it, then see what he intends to offer back. Should it be fruitful, we'll accept. Otherwise, we reject and continue our operations in Ironrath." Relatively simple.

The lord couldn't get a word in before Ludd burst through the gate with his daughter by his side. "Rodrik!" he shouted almost jovially, more patronizing than anything. "Now, now, take your seats, I'll have wine poured for us shortly."

Rodrik looked to Pain with a knowing look, then went to take his seat, along with Ser Degore and his mother. Pain stayed standing, however, this was a table of those with noble birth and would be out of place for him to join. Instead, he stood by the wall near the door they entered in.

"My, I see you've brought a friend," Ludd commented as he looked to Nagato, face twisting in disgust when he looked him in the eye, and that was what he needed. "To think my son would allow you to hire sellswords." He clapped his hands and called for wine. "Though I'd have at least hoped you'd have someone with slightly more muscle than skin, instead you were allowed a gaunt freak." He laughed a cruel laugh, now suspiciously more relaxed at the idea that it was Gryff's idea.

Good, his Genjutsu was effective. It was a rather weak technique with little effect against those even mildly prepared, but in this case, it helped against these weak civilians who can't fathom magic as anything real. It'd break if he put more thought into why he felt comfortable with the idea, but it didn't matter, it'd be too late before he could do anything about it.

"Your father visited Highpoint once, you know," the large man said as a servant poured the seated occupants wine. "He was amazed, said it was a castle fit for the gods! I might have to say that he even sounded rather envious." It was an obvious lie to brag, but one made to make the Forresters upset rather than have them believe it.

Rodrik took a gulp of the wine, uncaring if it was poisoned, or he knew it wasn't. "Why am I here, Ludd?" Rodrik demanded, keeping his tone strong and in control to get to the point. "I know we're not here just to listen about your keep."

Lord Whitehill grunted placed his cup back on the table and looked the Rodrik in the eye. "The ironwood business is thriving," he said, though that fact was already known to any who were involved in the trade. "The Boltons, Lannisters, and Tyrells all want ironwood products from shields to ships, and that says nothing about the cities in Essos."

So he's planning on expanding into exports as well, a good business decision if he had enough manpower to craft it all. They didn't have to wait long to hear how it involved them.

"And you Forresters are on your way to being wiped out of Westeros." If Pain wasn't involved, Ludd would've been very right. "You extend us your manpower, and I'll make sure House Forrester survives." How laughable.

"You wouldn't happen to be suggesting an alliance, would you, Ludd?"

He scoffed loudly. "Nothing of the sort." He even sounded disgusted at the idea. Seemed Gwyn's plan didn't involve her father nor his authority, which meant her plan was worth nothing.

"He'd have us his slaves," Lady Forrester said with practiced neutrality, but he knew better.

Ludd shrugged. "I'm offering you a way to survive, a rather generous trade." Even if Pain wasn't involved, did he think they'd accept? While foolish in nature, it helped solidify that they didn't suspect them to be part of their new problems.

"Can you protect us, Ludd?" Rodrik asked, the same tone as the host was when he first entered. "Word has it you're unable to even enter the ironwood forests, let alone cut more down." Pain's eyes shot to Rodrik. "If you can't make more ironwood products, then what do you really have?" He was playing a dangerous game already, now he felt the need to abandon subtlety; in front of Pain, no less.

The man growled. "Those rumors are false, we are cutting down the trees as needed. I've no clue where you heard such." If Ludd assumed because of rumors, that'd be helpful. He supposed Lord of Highpoint would execute a few villagers for not maintaining their silence, so be it. "I invite you to my home to aid you, and this is what you do?"

"Father, calm down, we've talked about this. He'll cooperate, just give him time," Gwyn said and turned to Lord Forrester. "Rodrik, think of your family, this will save House Forrester."

"I'd consider it if it was an alliance," Rodrik said. The way Ludd's face twisted that it wasn't going to happen. "What will you have us do? Work our fingers to the bone in making carts and scorpions, but all gold that comes from it goes to you? That's unacceptable."

Ludd slammed his palms onto the table and stood from his seat. "I've heard enough!" he bellowed, his patronizing tone gone and in its place was one of anger. "You Forresters had your time and are approaching your downfall. Not only do you throw away my kindness, but propose yourselves as something higher. When I get word to Gryff, I'll make sure you come back here groveling on your stomach."

"Have you heard from your son lately?" Rodrik said vehemently, and Pain couldn't help but frown and stare at the back of Rodrik's head. Did he think he was invincible from repercussions? Pain would show him how wrong he was.

But first, to salvage the situation.

"What're you talking about?" Ludd asked, his anger lessened to suspicion.

"Gryff's not in charge anymore." Rodrik leaned forward, his tone became challenging. "We took Ironrath back."

"You fucking what!?" Ludd slammed his fists onto the table, rattling all its contents and the soldiers above them; now a dozen arrows pointed at the Forrester delegation.

Lord Forrester stood from his seat, looking tall and fierce. Unlikely he'd tell them that Gryff was killed, otherwise, Ryon didn't have long either, he must've known that even after this spur-of-the-moment mistake.

Pain stepped forward, though the most attention he received was tenser crossbowmen. "We have your son imprisoned," he told them, now the attention was his. Rodrik said nothing, more than content to leave that part to him. "If you do not comply to Lord Forrester's wishes, your son's life will be forfeit." He nodded to Rodrik to continue.

"He's correct, Ludd," he began. "Gryff's now rotting in a cell, living on bread and water."

Gwyn limped back onto her seat. "Rodrik, you didn't," she said weakly, but received no reply. Things escalated and it was time to rise with it, even if it meant losing the only sympathetic person to the Forresters in Highpoint. A shame, she might've been useful before he'd have killed her.

It wasn't exactly ideal, it accelerated things before they were ready, and that put the plan in a precarious position. Not fatally as he'd only just bought some time with that bluff, but it was far less than they would have if Lord Forrester had stayed quiet. Now they need to get. . . Ryon. . . back.

This was on purpose, wasn't it?

"You imprisoned Gryff!?" Ludd shouted at them. "The Bolton's will hear of this, and you can rest assured that I will personally lead the charge to raze Ironrath and everyone in it off the map."

"Perhaps, but then you'll lose Gryff. How would that go, hearing that Lord Whitehill threw away his son? Not too good, I imagine." The man seethed at Rodrik's words. "You will bring me Ryon, and you have my word you'll have Gryff back."

Pain found himself more bothered now than before. Had Rodrik Forrester forced his hand to bring his youngest brother back? He couldn't have known his myriad of abilities, but maybe that didn't matter to him, as long as it forced this powerful mage to aid him directly in his brother's return.

"A son for a son, Ludd," Elissa said coldly. "Give us back Ryon, immediately, or Gryff will taste steel." If this was the plan all along, did she know of it?

Lord Whitehill slumped onto his chair, playing with his fork on his food, deep in thought. Clearly weighing his options, or begrudgingly accepting what has become of the situation that he was meant to be in control of.

"Bring the boy," Ludd shouted finally. Nagato watched as one of the guards above was delegated to fetch Ryon, which left the involved groups in a rather tense standoff.

All the while Pain kept wondering if Rodrik bringing up Gryff was intended or not, and what happened was merely a convenient development. He couldn't find it in himself to give them the benefit of the doubt, and they must pay the price for it.

Looking to the mother and son, they both had the face of someone confident, but it might've been just a façade while in enemy territory. While they might get Ryon back, this opened the doors sooner to an open war while they were far from prepared to face both Whitehill and Bolton forces, they must've known that. . . but did they know Pain was more than able to handle them all? Impossible, or did they simply believe that he had more abilities than he'd let on?

Steps echoed from behind Ludd, and the appearance of Ryon with the soldier had broken the mother's stoicism. Even Rodrik broke his guard after finally seeing for the first time in so long.

"Ryon," Elissa called with open arms.

"Mother, Rodrik!" the boy ecstatically yelled, pushed off of the soldier and ran to his mother. "I knew you'd come for me- Ah!"

Ludd grabbed the boy's shoulder and drew him close. "You Forrester's fucking dare to make a fool of me in my own home? Think again!" he yelled, grabbing the knife and drawing to the boy's neck.

"Ludd!" Rodrik yelled angrily. "What do you think you're doing!?"

"Showing what happens when rats think themselves wolves," he answered, pressing the knife to the boy's neck, drawing a line of blood. The boy was surprisingly quiet, even if he was panicked and hyperventilating, which was why Degore and the Forresters looked panicked themselves.

"We have your son, you wouldn't dare!" Rodrik shouted, giving a small glace Nagato's way. Did he expect him to intervene and save the boy? That wasn't happening, his only intervention was killing them all.

Lord Whitehill laughed. "You think I give a fuck about a fucking fourthborn? Kill Gryff, I have two other sons far more important than him. However, this little shit means far more to you than he does to me." His rough handling caused the boy to whimper, earning more exclamations from their delegation.

"You coward," Degore exclaimed, hand on the hilt but not drawn, he knew the dangers entailed when so many guards have the high ground. "You'd hide behind a child? Sounds like something you Whitehills would do."

"The boy's here to keep you Forrester's in line, and that's what I intend to do." He tapped the knife on the boy's throat. "You will return home, release Gryff, and prepare yourself for hell, otherwise Ryon will return to you as a rotting corpse."

Elissa looked to her eldest son. "Rodrik, just do as he says," she pleaded. "We can manage this later, I know we can."

If there was a reason Pain wouldn't intervene, it'd for this result. If they returned back to Ironrath, the armies would be at bay, giving them more time to gather up resources and manpower. As bad as this might've gone, it could be rectified from simply agreeing.

"Do it, Ludd!" Rodrik shouted, ignoring both his mother's call and Pain's displeasure. "I'm fucking waiting."

"You think I can't?" he yelled back angrily. "I swear I'll do it, then raid you heaps of timber you call a home and slaughter everyone inside!"

"I know you won't do it." Whatever Rodrik was planning, the result wouldn't be beneficial to the Akatsuki. Pain was half tempted to kill them all and acquire some more time to prepare before their reveal. "Your son's life is connected to Ryon's, and you wouldn't dare end it."

Again, Ludd laughed. "Some cunning lord you are, thinking someone like Gryff would ever amount to anything." He shrugged with the hostage still in his arms. "As soon as I'm done with this little cunt, Ironrath is next."

"Then do it!" Rodrik ignored his mother's cries. "You care for your son too much to do so, a Whitehill is still a Whitehill." He was repeating an earlier comment from Gwyn. Was that all he was basing to call out his bluff? A risky move, certainly.

But at this point, even Pain knew Lord Whitehill wasn't going to kill Ryon, the man was taking too long to act out his threat. This wasn't even stalling even with the staredown between the two lords.

With a final growl, Ludd threw the boy to the soldier, looking upset, but not all that furious of how this meeting went. Such looks after a failure meant the man had other things in mind. While Gryff was dead, what did Ludd thing he had over the Forresters?

The answer was easy, he had an inside man, and that needed to be dealt with as soon as reasonably possible.

"You want your brother back, and I want my son," he growled out to the Forresters.

"Then give him here."

"No!" As if it would've been that easy. "We'll exchange on neutral grounds, a son for a son at Sea Dragon Point. May the gods have mercy when the Boltons come down on us both for their ironwood."

Rodrik frowned, likely knowing he can't really exchange the corpse for his brother. In the end, he relented. "Fine."

"I'll send you a raven when," Ludd grunted. "Now get the fuck off my land."

With a longing look to his brother, Rodrik said, "you'll be home soon, Ryon."

The boy looked relieved before he was forcibly taken by the soldier, and begrudgingly, Rodrik did the same and turned to the doors they came through.

"Iron from ice!" Ryon shouted from behind.

It was a meaningless saying, words of House Forrester, but Pain could see the downtrodden face of Rodrik turn hard and determined. Once Degore and the matriarch passed, he followed behind, there was no Gwyn to guide them, but rather another soldier.

Every angry guard they passed, Nagato expected one of them set off an ambush, though they wouldn't dare due to the supposed hostage they had. Sasori was right, perhaps it'd have been best to keep him alive, but Pain didn't think Rodrik would've been so foolish as to test him.

The four stayed silent as they passed the hallways, likely themselves thinking they were bound to be attacked. Even when finally outside none uttered a word, the stable workers brought them their horses, fed and watered. From how quick they got on the horses, they didn't want to stay any longer, and it looked like the Whitehill guards wanted them even less.

The horses trotted out of Highpoint before picking up speed and putting some distance between them and that place. It was when away from arrow's distance did the matriarch sigh in relief, and like a sign, everyone's tension left them.

"I didn't think we'd get out of there alive," Lady Forrester said as the horses slowed their gait. She looked behind to see Highpoint in the distance. "If possible, I'd rather not return to that dreadful place."

Degore grunted. "Aye, but if I were to come back, it'd be with an army to kill all those Whitehill cunts." He turned to Pain. "And when could that be?"

"Not soon enough," Nagato said and looked to Rodrik. "You've made a serious error in judgment, one that will cost you greatly."

Rodrik's shoulders sagged. "I realize that now."

"We have no reinforcements." Rodrik flinched. "We have yet to see the flow of gold from Mira." He flinched again. "And now the time we had has been halved."

"I know!" He rubbed his temples and bowed his head. "I know what I've done and how it'll affect us." He looked at his mother and Degore. "I'm sorry, I put us all in danger with my actions today, especially Ryon."

His mother wanted to speak up, but it dawned on her what it'd be like once Ludd learns his son had been killed. To Pain, it looked like as though what happened wasn't preplanned.

"Fuck," Degore cursed. "Ludd will no doubt bring his army to Sea Dragon Point with some of Bolton's." They'd be outnumbered, and likely killed soon after the exchange took place.

"They'll kill us with whatever army we have at Sea Dragon Point after the trade, then they'll go to Ironrath and. . . and." He cursed. Finally, Rodrik turned to Pain with pleading eyes. "Whatever it is you need, I'll do it. Help me fix my mistake, I beg you."

Nagato frowned, but said nothing. Once he knew he wasn't receiving an immediate answer, Rodrik turned back forward to the road with a look of foreboding.

Was he overthinking it? Perhaps he was. As Itachi said, these people were prideful, and pride often mistakes such as what Rodrik had done.

After they travelled far enough, Pain saw Konan waiting on the road for them. She had more than enough time to gather intelligence from Highpoint and copy whatever document she found that's important.

The horses pulled up when they came upon her, she nodded to them in greeting. "What did you learn?" Pain asked.

"Not much of importance, but I heard the men's pay has been docked recently," she said. "Guards began complaining how they've begun earning less than during the Stark revolt and just managing with their current funds." She reached into her sleeves and pulled out several sheets of white paper and offered it to him, copies she'd made from the originals. "As for records, we can say the operations in the ironwood forests are making an impact."

Nagato took it and began sifting through, and nodded in the results. Kakuzu and Hidan's work has been nothing but effective in their work. Docking the Whitehill soldier's play? That's not all they did.

"Well, what is it?" Degore said desperately.

Pain skimmed through more of the papers, handed it to Rodrik for him to read, and turned to the Sentinel. "The Whitehills are unable to pay for all their mercenaries," he told them, the only good news they've had for months. "Their forces have dwindled." Not enough to make a difference in a battle, but substantial enough, and enough for several sellswords groups to leave due to a missed paycheck deadline.

Degore gave a bloodthirsty smile. "Fucking hell, you really did it."

"Don't celebrate just yet," he told him. "They've been having difficulty selling more ironwood due to their inability to cut down more, and how effective Mira Forrester was in jabbing the Whitehill merchants, but that dropped their number to half of what it was before. They alone outnumber you enough to kill your current army with ease."

Degore's expression turned. "Then what will you have us do, accept our death? Fat chance."

"I'm not saying that either."

Rodrik turned away from the documents to look at him. "Then what's the plan? Whatever it is, we'll do it."

Nodding, Pain said, "Then prepare yourself, what'll happen will be considered very unorthodox to you all."

When they reached Ironrath, things were very different than when they left.

"Where the fuck is everyone?" Degore commented, eyes going from house to house, all windows closed and none outside, not even the livestock.

Nagato could sense people inside the houses, but none even came to greet them. Not the Glenmore soldiers, and not even the Forrester guards stationed here. His first thought was that it was an ambush, but it's late for even that.

They got off their horses, Degore with his hand on the hilt of his sword as he snapped between sounds he heard, as if an enemy soldier was about to pop out with a blade in hand.

"Mother, Degore," Rodrik called. "Both of you hide away. If something happens, then scream." He looked to Pain and Konan. "Can both you of you help me search the castle?"

Between standing outside doing nothing and searching the likely reason whatever caused this, the choice was easy. Pain nodded. "We'll follow," he said.

Lord Forrester nodded his thanks and pushed open the doors, limping his way in with the help of his cane. Pain thought it'd have been ransacked, but it was as tidy as before but was as barren of life as outside.

Only once they walked in further did Pain start to hear someone talking emanating from the hall where the lord would've usually sat and dined with his family. Soon enough, Rodrik would hear it too.

Once he heard the name 'Ramsay', Nagato frowned. Did Ludd send a message to the Boltons from their resistance? If so, then that escalated things far quicker than he though Rodrik's little outburst did.

The hall's door was open, and Rodrik stood straighter when he saw Talia sitting at the table across from Ramsay Snow, or Bolton as recently declared.

"Ah, Rodrik," Ramsay ecstatically called at his first sight. "Talia here has said so much about you. Don't worry, all good, I assure you."

"Lord Ramsay," Rodrik replied, limping closer with the two Akatsuki at his back. "To what do we owe the pleasure?"

"I hear you're a man who's unbreakable, I came here to see it myself." Pain remembered House Bolton's words, and how they made a career of breaking people.

"Well, you're here, and I'm sorry to say that I can't find the servants to offer you wine."

"My, such a great host. Don't worry, I sent them away myself, I won't be here long, regardless." Ramsay stood up from his seat and stood, accentuating purposefully how he stood taller than him. "Imagine my surprise on how I found the state of your keep. Still smells like shit and burnt timber, but not in the way I imagined it."

"Is there something you need, my lord?"

He laughed. "Is there something I need? Well, there is, I need you two to follow me so I can show you something." When he got closer, Rodrik put a hand on the hilt of his sword. "Oh, you won't be needing that where we're going. Give it here."

Pain watched as Rodrik took a few seconds to contemplate before finally giving him the ancestral blade of House Forrester. All in the meanwhile he tried to think of the implications of why he was here in the first place. Did he already kill all the guards? It's possible and it'd set their plans back quite a bit. He'd just have to wait and see how this goes.

Bolton took the swords and set it on the table. "There, that wasn't so hard, was it? Believe me, it's easier this way for you and your House." He walked around Rodrik. "And what do we have here? The mercenaries Ludd told me about? You won't believe how curious I was when I received that raven that anyone accepted to help a crippled lord, thankfully I was in Deepwood Motte when I did, having a little talk with Lord Glover. A shame one of his cousins talked back to my father. Fortunate timing, my dogs were rather hungry."

So that's how he was here so quickly, and what luck that he was nearby to arrive before them. Should he kill Ramsay? If he proved an obstacle, he'd have no choice, but that would involve into a direct war with the Boltons and reveal them too soon. Genjutsu? He didn't have the memory wiping like Sasori had or powerful compulsion like Itachi. So that only left to wait and see then adapt.

"My, what freakish eyes you have," he said as he got closer, standing on his toes for a closer look while Pain stood unflinching. "I was told some magicians from Essos did this to you, is that right?" Pain nodded. "Was it painful?"

"Incredibly so." The problem with people like him was that they're difficult to predict. The characteristics of Hidan but with goals in mind, hard to tell what method they'd use and what they're aiming for.

Ramsay hummed. "I'd certainly like to collect them. Tell me, would it be more painful if I cut out your eyes with a knife?"

'It'd be more painful for you to attempt it.' He didn't need Konan to do what he'd do himself. "Unlikely."

"Ah, a challenge. More so because I really do want them on my bedside table, but another time, perhaps, when I'm not here on business." He turned to Konan, and Pain didn't even feel worried. She'd easily kill him if he tried anything. "My, what lovely little flower. You're a mercenary?" She nodded. "Women soldiers? How progressive, the Mormonts would certainly be overjoyed to hear another House has no issue in recruiting women. What next, the elderly, the sick?" He looked Pain. "Well, I see you have that covered as well. I'd ask if the crippled are also allowed, but. . ." He covered his mouth and pointed to Rodrik as if he was discreet. "You know."

While irritating, it was reassuring to see their show of weakness was effective. Needless to say, should he lay a hand on Konan, things would get very unfortunate.

Bolton turned to Rodrik. "Honestly, I can't say I'm surprised with what kind of soldiers you'd be able to afford to hire. I assume House Forrester doesn't have long to remain standing." He walked closer to Rodrik, then punched him in the gut, having him collapse to the floor in agony. "I have little time to play as a wet nurse for you and Ludd. Honestly, I'd really appreciate if one of you died already," he said through Talia's cries for her brother.

Was this it? Was Bolton commanding the destruction of House Forrester?

He kicked Rodrik in the gut. "You disobeyed me, Rodrik." Another kick. "You killed the guards here and Gryff." Another, but time to the face. "What's more, I had to be called to deal with you and Ludd's little quarrel far too many times." Another, ignoring the younger sister's wailing for him to stop. "So here's what I'll do. I'm going to let you two work it out amongst yourselves."

Pain raised a brow, watching as Ramsay walked to a pitcher of water and poured himself a cup, content with Rodrik's hacks and coughs. As previously, it was difficult to deduce how people like Ramsay wanted and how they dealt with things. This was one of those times, and terribly convenient.

"What-" Rodrik coughed out blood. "What do you mean, Lord Ramsay." He was helped up by his tearful sister.

"I'm saying that I'm done with dealing your and Ludd's shit. You two can battle away, a fight to the death. The last one standing wins." He smiled like it was a convenient solution, at least it was to his convenience. "That, or I kill everyone in your House and be done with it, but this is more fun." He turned, snapped his finger, and pointed to Pain. "I did ask Ludd to keep you alive, it'd be a shame if your eyes just rotted away in your corpse. Might as well use them as decoration."

Nagato couldn't believe his luck. Not only had the mercenary force that Ludd had declined in number, but now he lost the largest ally and source of reinforcements. The fight with the Whitehills had just become a tad more possible to win than before.

"Where was I?" Ramsay said in thought, then snapped his fingers in remembrance. "Oh yes, I wanted to show you something." He looked to Rodrik, who was holding his stomach from the pain. "Now, now, I didn't hit you that hard." He turned back to Pain and Konan. "You two stay here, I don't want to have to pick your sickly form from the ground from the walk, or hear complaints about weak knees from the woman." He looked to Rodrik. "Well, off we go, a little trip to the ironwood forests."

"Why there?" Rodrik asked through grit, bloody teeth.

"To see Arthur Glenmore, of course! Don't worry, It'll be fun." Ramsay walked passed the two Akatsuki and waited at the door. "Believe me, you won't want to miss this. Talia, do help your brother, he doesn't look so well."

Lord Forrester nodded, and with the help of Talia, walked passed them and followed him out to wherever he lead them, leaving the two Akatsuki alone in the hall.

Konan turned to Nagato. "Ramsay's decision was very convenient," she said as she looked to where the three left.

"It doesn't buy us any extra time," Pain said. "But it does allow us a larger victory window."

"Any changes to the plans?"

Pain looked to the tapestry of the current family of House Forrester, or what's left of them. "We need more soldiers, and while I have a few ideas to bring forth more troops from Ironrath, it may not be enough." He looked at his friend. "It's time to hasten our operation in Essos."

Yay! Horrific subterfuge that will lead many lives to their deaths or ruin! Isn't the real world amaz- I mean, isn't the fictitious world great? Because that never happens in our world where people in power plot around uncaring for the lives of the masses (that's sarcasm for those too thick, the real world sucks ass).

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