Taking Clegane's Keep didn't take too much effort. Marcus Valerius and the Iron Legionaries marched into castle which looked like it was left to wither away and took it with little resistance. Castle servants were easy to persuade with the coin they took from House Cornfield and House Crakehall's treasury while the guards, Men-at-Arms and servants who refused to surrender in fear of the Mountain were cut down or imprisoned in the dungeons.
Had the Mountain That Rides, Ser Gregor Clegane, been in the castle at the time, things would have gone differently. But he wasn't in the castle. He was too busy fighting the Rivermen and the Northmen as well as raising chaos in the Riverlands under orders of the Old Lion.
Since Marcus didn't have to fight a mountain and break the bastard down into pieces, the Centurion was free do as he wished with the castle. He had Clegane's Keep fixed up and everything related to House Clegane was removed and locked up in the deepest levels of the castle. Ordering his men to make it more accommodating to the Legionaries.
Banners of House Clegane were torn down and replaced with the Iron Legion's. Areas gathering up dust were put to good use as store rooms or sleeping chambers for the Legionaries and unnecessary furniture were used for firewood among other things. The weapons in the armory were melted down and were used to forge blades, as well as other weapons, worthy of the Legions. Even an altar was erected. One for the Knights and one for the Centurions.
As per usual, the Iron Legionaries built two walls surrounding Clegane's Keep, now named Castra Ferrata. Marcus had plans to expand the castle and the wall but not yet. Not until the Westerlands was theirs. Only then will he expand Castra Ferrata.
Out of all the Legions that set foot, the Iron Legion was now the closest to Lannisport and Casterly Rock. They were waiting for the Lord Warden, along with the rest of the Iron Legion, to arrive who had left the Crag two weeks ago by horseback and was now taking a ship from Feastfires to circle around Lannisport and make landfall by the Ocean Road. Somewhere close to Castra Ferrata.
Now Casterly Rock and Lannisport is effectively surrounded. The south covered by the Stormhawk Legion and the east by the Royal Legion while the north was guarded by the Regal Legion and the northwest by the Penitent Legion. The Gallant Legion would form a blockade around Lannisport along with the Classis II Westerosia. Cutting off supply lines and preventing anyone from escaping the siege.
The Seat of House Lannister would fall. The Legions would see to it and when the whole of the Westerlands is theirs. Marcus entertained the thought of holding a Triumph for the Legions or a Honorem Ludi.
When the Lord Warden finally arrived at Castra Ferrata three days later, she was greeted by the sight of numerous siege towers and siege weapons just outside of the fortress. Iron Legionaries can be seen working on them or practicing with the siege weapons in a practice range. She then noticed the changes to Clegane's Keep and found the fortress bear the banners of the Iron Legion but a few banners she realized were that of the Great Empire. A golden eagle spreading it's wings with a laurel wreath behind it on a crimson field.
In addition to the changed banners, a wooden wall was constructed around the keep with archer towers and towers for onagers and ballistae. She could see Vigiles patrolling the wall along with the Legionaries stationed to defend said wall. Some Knights can be seen commanding the Legionaries.
The gate was opened and the Legionaries marched inside the fortress while Adrastia rode her horse beside them. A stable approached her and the Lord Warden climbed down the saddle before handing over the reins to the boy.
"Put your backs into it! The General wanted those shields finished yesterday."
Adrastia watched as the Camp Prefect or Praefectus Castrorum yelled at the Legionaries who were making the large scuta for the rest of the Cohorts. This task would normally go to the Architecti but they were all focused on building siege weapons and siege engines. A single Century would be provided with one Scorpio and a single Cohort would be provided with one Ballista. Other siege weapons like Heavy Onagers, Mangonels and Trebuchets would be handled by specialized units.
There was also the Eagle's Head. A massive battering ram like the one the Blackstone Legion used during the Siege of Svengård except a barrier was added to the platform on top of the ram along with a mounted Ballista that was flanked by two mounted Polybolos. Aside from the Ballistarii, Archers and Crossbowmen were also placed on top of the battering ram to add more men defending the Eagle's Head.
That would be a sight to see. The Eagle's Head against the Lion's Mouth. A massive gate built in the shape of a lion's head with it's mouth acting as the entrance to the fortress. Who will win? The Eagle or the Lion?
Adrastia was informed that Casterly Rock was positioned near the edge of a cliff. Something the Legions would take advantage of. The first phase of the siege would be building a camp near the outskirts of Casterly Rock, followed by a wall and preventing any of the occupants of the fortress from leaving as well as cutting off their supply lines. It was dangerous and the Cohors Fabrorum or Engineer Cohort would be exposed to attacks from the defenders' arrows. There was also the possibility that they would sally out and attack the Engineer Cohort while they build the wall.
Once the wall were finished, the enemy's only way out would be blocked as well as their supply lines cut, the defenders of the Rock would effectively be cornered. The second phase of the siege will then commence. Siege weapons will begin their assault on the fortress but will mostly target the Ballista Towers and the battlements to cover the Legionaries as they bring the Eagle's Head to the Lion's Mouth and the siege towers to Casterly Rock's wall to breach the gate and assault the wall respectively.
The third and final phase of the siege begins when the gate is breached and the cavalry ride into the fortress. Spearheading the charge and breaking through the defenders' ranks as the rest of the Cohorts swarm through the breach and take the fortress. Servants and members of the household who are unarmed would be taken prisoner along with those who surrender. Political prisoners. Hostages. It was the Lannisters' home after all. Someone in there would be important enough to negotiate with the Lannisters terms of surrender and if that doesn't work, they can always send a message to the Lions and the Iron Throne by executing the prisoners but she rather not do that. Too much blood has been spilled in this war. She was not about to add more innocent blood in the mix.
"Lord Warden."
The Legionaries and Knights she passed by saluted her or nodded at her in greeting as she made her way to the keep in the center of Castra Ferrata. As she neared the keep, she noticed that there was a massive camp near the keep and a number of Valkenheim Swordsmen and Hirdmen as well as Vikings. Farther east was another camp but this one belonged to the Dawn Empire evident by the Samurai standing guard at the camp's entrance. She wondered how they got here and resolved to ask Marcus about it when she meets him.
The doors to the keep were opened and Marcus' Optio, Decimus Cornelius, walked out and saluted her.
"Lord Warden."
"Decimus."
"The General is in the Meeting Hall. Follow me if you wish to talk to him, Lord Warden."
Adrastia nodded and followed after the Optio before looking around the keep. Just like it was outside, the banners in the halls were replaced with those of the Iron Legion's. She stared at one of the banners they passed and recalled the first oath taken by the Knights of Ashfeld a thousand years ago.
'We are the guardians of our people.
We stand strong against all invaders.
Duty is our shield. Order, our weapon.
When we defend the weak, we are immortal.'
In the beginning, the Legions upheld that oath without question but time passed and the Legions of Ashfeld fell into a decline. They were shattered. Unity between the Knights was gone. Many have forgotten or, God forbid, abandoned their oaths to pursue selfish desires and it cost them dearlt as Apollyon the Destroyer brought ruin to Heathmoor.
But when all hope seemed lost as the Blackstone Legion ravaged Heathmoor, the Iron Legion rallied the Legions of Ashfeld against Apollyon and took their role as guardians of the people once more. Ending Apollyon's tyranny and driving the Blackstone Legion from Heathmoor with the help of the Samurai of the Dawn Empire as well as fighting off the Great Viking Horde of Valkenheim that ravaged their lands.
Order was brought back to Ashfeld and the Viking Invasions were repelled. Alliances were made yet the Legions remained steadfast and vigilant even in times of peace. They have lost their way once and they made sure that such a thing would never come to pass again. They are guardians. They cannot afford to be lax for they are bound once more by an unbreakable oath.
'We are the righteous, avowed to shield the weak from the wicked.
Where lawlessness and oppression reign, we deliver swift and uncompromised justice.
We are the noble Legions of Ashfeld and we have sworn to defend our homeland to the death.
Those who dare to seize it, will be pacified by our steel.
Legio aeterna. Aeterna victrix.'
This was the renewed oath the Legions shared and nothing would break it.
The door to the Meeting Hall was opened and Adrastia saw Marcus and two Knights as well as three Vikings and three Samurai were gathered around a table with the map of Casterly Rock and Lannisport lying on top of it.
"I can have a group of Bow Ashigaru stationed at the top of the battering ram's platform. We will bring down a storm of arrows down on them." Ishida, a Kensei, said. An Orochi and an Aramusha acting as his bodyguards.
"The Berserkers and Shield Biters would be the first one to the wall. They'll cut down the bulk of their defenders before they go down. They'll give you enough time to get as many Legionaries as you can on that wall." Agnar, flanked by a Valkyrie and a Viking Captain.
"What about casualties?" Marcus asked but the Warlord waved him off.
"It's what they want. To die a good death. Let them."
Marcus nodded before noticing Adrastia and cleared his throat.
"Lord Warden."
The Kensei and the Warlord stood straight and turned to face the Lord Warden who Marcus proceeded to introduce to her.
"This is Ishida and Agnar. They're the leaders of our Valkenheim and Myre allied forces. They arrived here a few days before we took Clegane's Keep." He took out a parchment and showed it to Adrastia.
"They were sent by Empress Ayu and Jarl Stigandr."
"We're also tasked with establishing trade and a Non-aggression pact with the North and the Riverlands. Once Casterly Rock is taken, we will head north and treat with House Stark." Ishida explained.
"Any word from the Wu Lin?"
"Bah! Those lonesome bastards are at it again. Some woman named Dou is challenging Gao Lei for the throne. Whole damn place is in a civil war. Again." Agnar let out an exasperated sigh "The only Wu Lin that actually wants to be a part of the alliance is the ones sworn to Wyverndale."
"The Wu Lin Ambassador of Wyverndale, Ying, will be arriving soon with her own force. While the Wu Lin beyond Qiang Pass is emroiled in a civil war, the scattered Wu Lin forces in Ashfeld, Valkenheim and the Myre rallied behind Ying and she was declared the leader of the Wu Lin faction." Marcus cut in.
"So the Wu Lin are split into three factions?" Adrastia asked.
"Indeed, Lord Warden." Ishida nodded and crossed his arms "They are too divided and many of their leaders are too ambitious. Ying's Wu Lin is the only one willing to treat with the other factions and help in this war."
"We didn't ask her to. We didn't ask any of them to help in our war but they volunteered." The Centurion added as he looked at the Warlord and Kensei before turning back to the Lord Warden "The least we can do is reward them with territory in the Westerlands."
"What do you have in mind?"
"Lane wishes to return to Ashfeld once this war is over and he is bringing the Stormhawk Legion with him when he returns. We can give ownership of Cornfield and Crakehall to the Dawn Empire and the Viking Horde as reward for their help. They are free to do whatever they wish of the land."
"When this war ends, we'll take the one closest the sea." Agnar added.
"Fair enough." Adrastia nodded "How many men did you bring?"
"I got about 1,600 Valkenheim Swordsmen, 1,280 Valkenheim Axemen, 80 Shield Biters and 40 Vikings." The Warlord answered.
"2,000 Yari Ashigaru, 800 Bow Ashigaru, 160 Katana Cavalry and 40 Samurai." Ishida replied.
"3,000 each. 6,000 combined." Adrastia began muttering to herself "Add it to the Iron Legion's and that makes 16,240. Count in the Gallant Legion and the Second Fleet. That makes 21,360 with the Legionaries alone and 28,860 if the Second Fleet's Classiarii are mixed in with the Legionaries."
During the time it took for Marcus to seize Crakehall and Cornfield, the lesser Legions in Heathmoor swore their allegiance to the Iron Legion and were absorbed into the Iron Legion's ranks. They then sent a force of 5,120 Legionaries and Knights to the Crag. Now that they arrived and linked up with the 5,120 Legionaries Marcus had, the Iron Legion in Westeros now had force of 10,240. Doubling their original numbers. However, if the rest of the Iron Legion left Heathmoor and arrive in Westeros, they could take over the entirety of the Westerlands without the help of the lesser Legions like the Royal, Regal and other Legions. But Heathmoor is their home and they could never abandon that. So they would make do with the combined force of 54,460 Legionaries and Knights.
"The Old Lion would have a hard time trying to take back his lands." Marcus cut in "Especially with a host of 20,000 Northmen and Rivermen blocking his path through the Riverlands. He fielded 60,000 men in the beginning of the war. He lost 30,000 in the Battle of the Whispering Wood, either dead or scattered throughout the Riverlands, and his eldest son taken prisoner. He has 30,000 left in Harrenhal, tired and shaken. For now, he has the Mountain raiding the Riverlands. His 15,000 reinforcements defeated at Oxcross. From what our spies told us, the Iron Throne has the City Watch but they're 2,000 at most along with a hundred Lannister Men-at-Arms and some Hill tribesmen. The 'Royal Fleet', if you can even call it that, has about 20 ships at the most. The majority of the Royal Fleet under Robert Baratheon fall under Stannis Baratheon's command as Master of Ships and went with him after the late King's death. If Joffrey was smart, he would hire sellswords, mercenaries, from the Free Cities to help defend King's Landing but I doubt it. The boy is mad from what I hear and the Queen Regent isn't any better. The one who is actually running the city or at least trying to keep it from destroying itself is the temporary Hand of the King. The Imp. Tyrion Lannister."
"What do we know about this Imp?" The Lord Warden inquired.
"As the insult implies, he's an Imp. A dwarf. What he lacked in martial prowess, his brilliant mind made up for it. He's smart and I wouldn't put it past him to think of a way to defend King's Landing from invaders with the bare few defenders he has on hand. He may not be a warrior but he is still a Lion. That alone makes him dangerous."
"...We leave King's Landing to Stannis. Let him and Joffrey fight for the throne. We have no claim nor are we interested in it. We must keep our focus solely on taking the Westerlands. Once all the siege weapons and engines are complete, we muster our army and march for Casterly Rock. The Gallant Legion and the Second Fleet would begin their assault a day before we march. How long until we can leave?"
"In two days. The Architecti will finish it by the end of the day and tomorrow would be a time for them to rest and the Legionaries to train and prepare. By the second day, we march for the Rock." Marcus answered.
Adrastia nodded before walking over to a desk and grabbing a parchment and quill. She wrote down her orders on the message before handing it to a Legionary and telling him to send it to the Gallant Legion and the Second Fleet by their fastest raven. The ships had already sailed out and were waiting for her orders. By this time tomorrow, the Second Fleet and the Gallant Legion would be at Lannisport's harbor.
(Line Break)
In Harrenhal, the Old Lion was silently fuming after he finished reading a message from House Lydden and House Serrett. Despite combining their numbers and forming a force of 5,000 men, their journey to Casterly Rock by the Gold Road was blocked by a massive wall bearing the banners of a black crown and sword on a blue and white field. They tried to advance but a massive cavalry force rode out to meet them and they were forced to retreat to a safer distance. The riders, however, did not give chase and returned to the safety of the wall.
He had tasked House Lydden and House Serrett to provide additional men to garrison Casterly Rock and Lannisport. He had thought that the Legions of Ashfeld had taken only the northwest part of the Westerlands but as it turned out, they had the Rock surrounded. The Western Lords north, south and west of the Rock had been silent and he had received no ravens from them that told him of what was happening in the Westerlands. The only reason he managed to find out about the situation in his homeland was by a raven sent by House Crakehall.
Tywin had tried to gather information about the Legions but all he got was that they came from the Sunset Sea and have nearly annihilated the Ironborn. Aside from that, nobody knew anything about them nor this Ashfeld. But they were not his only problem.
The Northern Lords and the Riverlords led by the Stark boy still has his eldest son in captivity as well as blocking them from taking the River Road to reach Casterly Rock. Then there was the mess in King's Landing. His grandson nearly losing his life, as well as the Stark girl's, to a riot. Why did he even had Tyrion act as Hand if the Imp can't even prevent the riot from happening in the first place?
Tywin shook his head. The death of Renly Baratheon had taken out an enemy of the Iron Throne. The Reach had pulled themselves out of the war and the Stormlords under Renly's banner swore their allegiance to Stannis. Where he had barely enough men to even siege King's Landing, now Stannis had enough men to take the city and the Iron Throne and still have enough to take on the Warden of the West's army.
All of this because the damned boy didn't listen and killed off Ned Stark as well as impulsively declare war to the Legions for not bending the knee to him. What was Cersei doing? Had he taught her nothing? Had she taught the boy nothing? Apparently not.
Still. There was a way to salvage this.
The Old Lion handed the finished letter to a servant and ordered it to be given to his fastest rider. If they hoped to get out of this war alive, they needed help. They needed an alliance. Luckily for them, Mace Tyrell was an oaf and exactly what Tywin needed. After all, the Lord Paramount of the Reach was always so eager to further increase House Tyrell's prestige. A chance for his daughter to become Queen of Westeros would easily win the man over to their side along with their army.
(Line Break)
Robb Stark, for all his victories against the Lannisters, has yet to meet the Old Lion in battle. But that wasn't his concern right now. It was the fact that Clegane and his men were routed from Stone Mill and the Lannisters withdrawing to Harrenhal. They managed to capture Tywin's nephews, Willem and Martyn Lannister but that wasn't what Robb really wanted. He was luring Clegane's forces further west into the Riverlands so they can surround and destroy them. Unfortunately, his uncle, Edmure Tully engaged the Mountain too early and forced them to retreat. Edmure received quite the earful from the Blackfish after that.
His thoughts went to the pact he made with the Freys and grimaced. No wonder nobody like Lord Walder Frey. An arrogant, bitter, shameless, self-centered, lecherous old man. Damned extortionist and no honor whatsoever. By the Old Gods, why isn't he dead from old age yet?
The Young Wolf shook his head while rubbing Grey Wind's ear. No use dwelling on that old lecher. He had more important matters to attend to. Like the fact that the Legions of Ashfeld brought forth a request to have the North aid them in taking the Golden Tooth. Should they succeed, the Golden Tooth would be given to the Starks and the Legions would be open to negotiations for a Defensive Alliance. Should House Stark or their bannermen come under attack, the Legion would help them in battle and in return, House Stark would do the same.
He had been discussing it with the other Northern Lords since the raven arrived. So far, they weren't opposed to the idea. Mostly because the Legions were fighting the same enemy. The Lannisters and their sworn Houses. The trade also helped.
Their iron the Iron Legion had provided his army helped the smiths make weapons and armor of greater quality. The Northmen now had armor comparable to House Glover or even the Valemen. They had mostly iron chestplates and vambraces but many still wear chainmail and boiled leather armor.
Robb could see that benefit from this alliance but that still begs the question of how many can he send to help. From what he had been told, a single Legion normally has more than five thousand men but it varies. Robb knew one Legion can take the Golden Tooth but instead they presented an opportunity to further improve their relations with the Kingdom of the North and Trident. He would be a fool to refuse.
(Line Break)
"King Stark is sending a force of two thousand men from House Glover and a hundred hundred from House Forrester led by Lord Robett Glover and Lord Rodrik Forrester to support the Grave Legion in taking the Golden Tooth. Looks like you're request paid off. But a Defensive Alliance? Are you sure?"
Adrastia nodded as she finished sharpening her blade before placing it on the table. Two days had passed and it was time to march for the Rock.
"It's time we improve our relations with the Kingdom of the North and Trident. I don't think Stannis would be keen to grant the North and the Riverlands their independence and give up a large piece of Westeros."
"What about us?"
"We're not Westerosi nor allies. We're a threat. If he grants the North and the Riverlands their independence then he has to keep vigilant watch of his northern and western borders. The Northmen and Rivermen from the north and the Legions from the west. He could call on the Vale, Dorne and the Reach for aid but he's not exactly popular with the people. Especially with what that Red Woman has him doing."
Marcus noted the Lord Warden's venomous tone upon the mention of the Red Woman. Something happened but he'd rather ask the question after more important matters.
"Besides. The Westerosi don't seem to be too keen on changing their faith as quick as Stannis did. That's bound to cause tensions with those who swore to fight for him."
"Maybe. Oh."
Marcus held up another letter and began reading it before turning to the Lord Warden.
"It seems that Ying and her army has arrived. 1,600 Jian Sword Guards, 960 Heavy Ji Infantry, 320 Wyverndale Spear Guards, 480 Onyx Dragon Archers, 320 Crossbowmen, 320 Wyverndale Lance Cavalry, 160 Jade Dragons Cavalry and 100 Wu Lin Warriors. A total of 4,260. They are joining the Gallant Legion and the Second Fleet in taking Lannisport."
"That would make 16,880 men attacking Lannisport and 10,240 attacking Casterly Rock."
Adrastia stood up and went over to the armor stand before proceeding to put on her armor. Once she was finished, she grabbed a medallion with the symbol of the Iron Legion before putting it on and it was similar to the Blackstone Legion Medallion she wore during her time with Apollyon. The Lord Warden grabbed her helmet before turning to the mirror and stared at her reflection.
Her red hair still hadn't grown out but she was starting to get more grey strands of hair. Mostly on the front. Her eyes show the effects of war and death. Her reflection a far cry from the young and hopeful squire that she was.
Adrastia grunted and put her helmet on before turning to Marcus only to see the Centurion securing his left vambrace. Once he was done, Marcus grabbed his gladius and sheathed it before nodding to the Lord Warden. She nodded back and the two made their way out the door.
It was time to march for the Rock and deal a fatal blow to the Lannisters.
AN: So a little short but that's because the next chapter would be the Siege of Casterly Rock and Lannisport. The Siege of the Golden Tooth would probably happen 'off-screen'.