THEOMORE
"Come on you lazy lot, get in line. We are gonna have to organize if we want to have any chance against the kings men"
Theomore didn't like what he saw, swords men and archers mixing together at the front, pike men cowering behind them, it was a mess. This army looked more like a band of outlaws than a fighting force, the fact that they only had the morning to train before marching didn't help either. A big part of this newly raised 'army' was armed with aged weapons, by examining them Theomore could theorize that they'we been last used during the war of the Ninepenny kings or the Reyne-Tarbeck revolt, ten and nine years ago, respectively.
True, some have kept their weapons in great shape by cleaning them regularly and storing them in safe places, the others not so much.
"Attention men, I want to see those pike up front, swords on the sides and archers at the rear"
The men did try, you had to admire that, still they barely kept formation.
"What do you think of our new army Theomore?" Kevan arrived by him, he was organizing the army as well and like Theomore he had little success.
"I don't have much praise for it ser, now they are just a pile of shit with blades, but if you gave me a month I could make something out of them"
"I believe you can Theomore, but we do not have a month, the enemy is besieging Casterly Rock, my home. Out of all the Lannisters vassals only two actually stand with us"
"And why is that ser?"
"They have already suffered under the weak rule of my father and as long as those men attack my home I am also perceived as weak and do you know what happens under weak rulers?"
"I guess their bannermen rebel ser"
"They do, but that comes latter. First they ask for loans they can't repay in a thousand years, then they laugh at you, even now I can remember everything they said to my father, twisting the lions tail they called it. My father laughed, maybe he sincerely believed that they were laughing with him, but then again, my father was weak, not an idiot. The loans became bigger, the bannermen did as they wanted, some landed knights even swore allegiance to the Tyrells, claiming that Tytos could not protect them... it was the truth. Hell, if it wasn't for my mother and latter my brother we would not be standing here. You see, I have witnessed first hand what those 'loyal' bannermen do when they get the chance. As long as I am alive they wont get one again"
Rage was evident on Kevans face.
"I understand that ser, but if we just had another day to get the lads to learn something we might be better of"
"Perhaps, but lord Marbrand and lord Sarsfield have already raised their levies and are waiting for us, we should also take the chance to attack the enemy before they dig in"
"I guess there is no convincing you to postpone this ser?"
"No Theomore. Have you appointed officers?"
"Aye ser"
"Good"
Kevan turned to leave to his tenth when Theomore grabbed him by the coat.
"May I request leave for about a hour ser?"
"What for?"
"I think a local millers daughter might fancy me"
Kevan gave a small smile.
"You have your leave, don't get caught, I'm afraid it would tarnish our reputation"
"I'll try ser"
As he left Kevans presence Theomore could hear him saying about everyone is going to get fucked soon.
CREYLEN
"I wish to have audience with ser Kevan Lannister" a man in a white cloak yelled from the outside, a kingsguard Creylen realized. The man had been yelling the whole morning, greatly irritating many of the inhabitants of the Rock, still no one answered him, it was for the best.
But as morning became day threats started to appear.
"We shall raze Lannisport and butcher every last one of the inhabitants and paint your castle in red" among other threats, Creylen could not believe that they would let such a man dishonor the white cloak.
Casterly Rock gave a big view so Creylen could see everything that was happening beyond the castle.
Lannisport was already razed, the City Watch had fought valiantly, but they were to few, outnumbered six to one they retreated inwards until only the docks remained under their control and even they were at threat of capture. The Lannister fleet provided as much support as they could and this did slow down the enemy, if help didn't arrive soon they will be overrun and then the enemy could turn their entire strength at Casterly Rock.
Speaking of help, a raven arrived yesterday, from lord Damon Marbrand, promising an army of at least 4000 thousand to march to relieve the siege of the Rock.
Would this be enough men? Creylen did not know, he was only a maester, not a soldier.
"Get out hear Kevan" the kingsguard yelled once again. The man was annoying and the siege really dull, so Creylen decided to do something about it.
Creylen turned to a servant girl who was helping him with organizing some books.
"Get me the commander of the defense"
The girl curtsied and left.
It didn't take long for the commander to arrive, a tall, old and strong man with a big stomach.
"Yes maester?"
"The boy has been asking for an audience the whole morning, lets go and give him one"
"But maester, it is greatly forbidden to leave the Rock during the siege"
"I know, but this might distract them long enough for some of your men to sneak out and sabotage their equipment. You also know that ser Kevan is coming to relieve the siege"
Those final words were spoken in a whisper. The commander nodded.
"Then I think you know that ser Kevan would be delighted to meet your men"
"Well if we could find their siege weapons and sabotage them we might be able to distract them from lord Kevans attack force" the commander was deep in thought, thinking of tactics to use against the enemy.
"Precisely, and he is your ser, Cersei is your lady, remember that"
"Right maester, I shall go and get the men, wait by the main gate in fifteen minutes"
Creylen nodded and the commander went to gather the men.
Exactly on time the commander arrived with twenty guards at the main gate.
"Are you ready maester?"
"I am"
"Remember, don't tell them about ser Kevans absence"
"I'm not stupid man, open the gates"
The commander gave the guards the signal and they opened the gate, another signal was already given to the enemy that they would have the audience they were looking for. As the gates opened in front of them appeared a man in a white cloak and around thirty guards.
The kingsguard analyzed them with a confused face.
"I asked for ser Kevan, not you two old farts" the kingsguard laughed at his own joke, it seemed he was the only one that found it funny.
From the distasteful joke and the bat on the mans helmet Creylen could determine this was Oswell Whent. He had never actually seen the man, but had heard a lot.
"I am maester Creylen, I would guess you are Oswell Whent, correct?"
"How did you know... never mind, I will not speak to you old man, I asked for ser Kevan, but it seems that he is to busy hiding behind his wife's skirts"
"Ser Kevan has been busy as of late, so he sent me in his stead. I assure you, everything you tell me will reach his ears"
Oswell thought about it for a few seconds, before finally speaking:
"I will tell you only this, he has until nightfall to surrender, or we will assault the Rock and bring him to the king in shackles"
"It will not come to that ser, ser Kevan will meet you by nightfall"
"Good"
Oswell turned around and with his guard left down to the rest of his forces, Creylen and the Lannister men went back in.
"He's bluffing" said the commander once they were inside.
"You think?"
"The Rock has never fallen, it's three times as tall as Hightower or the Wall, legend also says that Visenya Targaryen said that the it could not be taken even by dragon flame. Even if ser Oswell took it, the casualties would be to high"
"So we go abound our duties in peace?"
"Yes"
"Good, have your men snuck out?"
"Yes, they are instructed to lit fires when they see ser Kevans host"
"Very well, I will be in the library if you need me"
The commander nodded and went to check the garrison.