The Vale

Despite the dangerous challenges that stand between you and the Bloody Gate, you feel as though the trip would be worth it.

Based on what you've heard of it, the Vale is perhaps the most secure of the Seven Kingdoms. All of the noble houses are unquestionably loyal to their liege lord, the smallfolk are kept fed and relatively happy, the terrain allows for impenetrable defenses, there is no shortage of paying work, and they have no notable conflicts or rivalries with the other eight regions of Westeros. In fact, the Vale was the only region that had remained completely neutral during the recent War of the Five Kings.

The only real downside is that most of the women from the Vale are not especially noteworthy in appearance. But you can accept that. After all, beauty means nothing if a loving and caring personality do not complement it. Besides... there are bound to be some attractive women there.

At any rate, you have Aerion follow the road to the east. Within a few hours, you arrive at the border of the Riverlands and the Vale. Based on maps and what you've heard from fellow travelers, it is about a day's ride to the Bloody Gate if you move at a leisurely trot. Some have gotten there in as little as half a day if they gallop straight there without stopping.

You decide to go with the latter approach. You are already accepting a huge enough risk by entering the Vale through the west by yourself. You are unwilling to risk your life or Aerion's any further by being too slow.

Thankfully, you have not done much riding in the past few days, and Aerion had plenty to eat and drink before you left the inn. With that in mind, you should be able to reach the Bloody Gate without tiring him. You just hope you are not overestimating his tenacity.

After taking a couple minutes to prepare yourself, you strike the reins and urge Aerion to proceed. He breaks into a gallop, and the two of you enter the Vale. All you can do at this point is pray that the gods will watch over both of you for the next twelve hours.