9th Month of 298 A.C. Grassy Vale

King Renly I Baratheon

The march toward King's Landing continued, Renly was happy to keep things sedate and peaceful for the time being. Let the boy in King's Landing sweat about the oncoming army, let him worry about the fact that his food supplies were slowly being cut off because of this. Riverrun had been freed, Renly had never had any doubt that Robb Stark would see to that, that he had destroyed the Twins was something that Renly had not expected, the massacre of House Frey was sending waves throughout Westeros, and Renly knew that he was dealing with a man who was not to be messed with. That was why he was somewhat glad that the announcement of his wedding to Margaery had been sent with a letter confirming its falseness to the boy. He did not want to die before he sat the throne. Of course, he knew there would be other issues, and that was why he was discussing them with his lords now.

"The Twins have gone, they are nothing but rubble now. Riverrun has been freed from siege, and Stafford Lannister is retreating quickly back toward the Westerlands. Tywin Lannister has been made to look a fool. We have a chance here, but we cannot squander it. I would hear your thoughts my lords." Renly says.

Lord Tyrell, who has been made all the sweeter, by the recalling of his son from the march toward Riverrun speaks then. "I think we should continue the march toward King's Landing. Tywin Lannister might make it toward the city, or he might well march toward Harrenhal. There is nothing better than ensuring Robb Stark's fortress is taken."

Renly looks at the lord of Highgarden, and sighs. "What purpose would taking Harrenhal serve Lord Tywin. He must needs get to King's Landing, for his grandson has made a mistake in executing Lord Stark, and now he must try and fix that mess. Harrenhal is just another burden for him."

Tyrell looks offended then and says. "Harrenhal is a powerful seat, and it is one that offers a lot of prestige to those who hold it. Stark did not leave many men there to guard it. Lannister has more than enough men to take it."

Renly looks at the man and wonders how he has not been removed yet. Shaking his head he merely responds. "Lannister is not fool enough to try such a thing. Had it been Lady Whent who was trying to keep the castle, then perhaps he might have done so. But because it is Stark, I do not think he will. He will march for King's Landing and not stop until he is there."

Lord Cafferen speaks then. "Then would it not be wise to send men to try and prevent him from getting there?"

Renly looks at the man and asks. "What do you have in mind my lord?"

Cafferen looks at him and says. "Send a force of men from here or from elsewhere within the Stormlands to harass part of his army, the baggage train perhaps. Cause enough hassle for him to be delayed entering King's Landing. Do that, and things will become more heated."

Renly looks at the man and responds. "An interesting suggesting, but one that does not have the realistic possibility of occurring. We already know that there is something happening within some parts of the Stormlands, I would not give Tywin Lannister the chance to come close toward taking any of my men from me."

"Then you would simply allow him to march into King's Landing untroubled?" Cafferen asks sounding surprised.

Renly shakes his head. "Not untroubled no. I have sent word to Riverrun as well as to Loras, they are to join forces and harass what parts of Tywin Lannister's army they can. I do not want him having it easy." he pauses a moment and then looks at Mace. "I trust the preventing of grain leaving the reach is still happening?"

Tyrell nods. "Of course Your Grace. Of course."

"Good." Renly responds. "I do not want anyone in King's Landing getting anything more than what they deserve."

"What will you do when you take the throne Your Grace?" Rowan asks.

Renly is not sure what to make of Rowan, on the one hand the man is a good commander, on the other, he does not like how the man always questions him, almost as if trying to figure out whether he is genuine or not. "I will right the wrongs that the lions have brought to this realm, and I shall see justice dealt."

"Of course first you shall need to take the throne Your Grace." Lord Tarly says, coming as always to his rescue. "And for that I have a suggestion."

Renly looks at the man and says. "Do go on my lord."

Tarly is silent a moment and then says. "Send word to Riverrun, instruct Lord Stark that he is to send men to march toward King's Landing, to draw Tywin Lannister out in the open, or better yet the Kingslayer, when that is achieved, spring a trap."

Renly looks at the man and then says. "Are you suggesting I divert Ser Loras and send him into a position where he can be of use?"

"No, I would keep Ser Loras on the pathway he is marching on now, instead I would encourage Lord Stark to move from Riverrun and make for Harrenhal. Tywin Lannister if he has any sense will ensure that someone is there, marching to meet. Take advantage of that and that is one less Lannister force needing dealt with." Tarly says.

Renly considers this and then says. "Perhaps that is a wise decision. Though similar orders will be sent out to Stark soon enough. I do not want him becoming overtly confused. After all, his father has just died, and the time will come for him to grieve and to wreak revenge."

There is a long silence then, and then there is a knock on the door and the maester for House Meadows enters and hands Renly a letter, he reads and says. "It seems my brother is petitioning the throne for Storm's End."