Author's Note:
A huge thank you for all your patience and interest in the story! I really appreciate all your kind reviews and they give me lots of motivation to keep up my writing :)
I think this new chapter is my longest chapter so far ... I originally planned for two chapters but decided to move some things around (which contributed to the delay in this update). I hope you enjoy this new chapter!
Chapter 13: A Force United
Sow's Horn, Crownlands, 283 AC
The polite conversation around the dinner table was interrupted by a sudden and violent fit of coughing and heaving. Ser Boros Blount almost knocked over his chair when he pushed himself to stand and took a shaky breath. Another round of a strangling cough shook him, making his spit and phlegm fly in all directions before he doubled over dramatically.
The chubby knight pounded his fist on the table each time he tried to cough away the choking pain. After a few minutes, he wiped the tears away from the corners of his eyes and massaged hard on his throat.
Careless to the scene around him, the knight from House Blount cleared his throat once more and retched forcefully, this time straight at the roasted veal dish that the table was sharing. His face flushed red as he tried to recover from choking on his wine.
Aerion curled the corners of his lips in contained disgust and gently placed down his cutlery. He was sitting right next to Ser Boros and his food was surely ruined from the knight's coughing frenzy. He lost the little appetite that he had and pushed his plate slightly further away.
"Fetch me more water! Damn it!" Ser Boros choked hoarsely at the maids tending by.
"A-Aye mi'lord!" The young maids, both no older than five and ten, gave haste curtsies and rushed out of the tent to fulfill their task.
"Imbeciles!" Ser Boros spat under his breath and sat back down. His chair squeaked at the load of his weight.
Aerion rolled his eyes. Ser Boros was crude and vulgar, and it was almost a sign from the Seven to have him choke on his own wine. Aerion wouldn't normally wish ill on a fellow ally and nobleman, but still, a part of him was hoping that Ser Boros would be seriously incapacitated by the accident, if only just to shut him up for a little while.
The large military command tent fell silent at Ser Boros' cursing. Ser Boros continued to massage his throat while most of the other dinner attendees looked down at their meals. Holden Darry, who sat to Aerion's other side, shoved the last bites of his food in his mouth and concentrated on chewing. His two younger brothers sat further down the table and kept their heads low.
Ser Alfred Stokeworth offered fresh napkins to Ser Boros before wringing his hands in his lap. Lord Hogg and two more landed knights sat near the exit of the tent, but did not dare to speak up lest they would annoy Ser Boros.
Initially an obscure cousin from House Blount, Ser Boros had risen quite quickly over the last few years in rank and influence. He had made his name through a tourney in the Westerlands, and then demonstrated his savagery during the melee tournament at Harrenhal. Savagery was how Aerion would describe Ser Boros' performance, but the Master of laws, who witnessed the sparring, had other interpretations. Lord Symond was so impressed with Ser Boros' skills that he offered to introduce the knight to the King.
It was the turning point of Ser Boros Blount's life, as King Aerys II was swayed to give him a position in the capital. Since then, Ser Boros had steadily won the King's favor and became a frequent guest to the King's formal audiences.
Indeed, as a rising noble before King Aerys II, Ser Boros had been appointed by royal decree as a high commander of the Crown's army at Sow's Horn. When Aerion arrived with five thousand southern Crownlands and Stormlands soldiers, he had found that most lords and knights who were already there were terrified of upsetting Boros the Belly.
Their host at Sown's Horn, House Hogg, was content to have Ser Boros make all the important decisions of where each household camped in their holding, how patrols were organized, and how provisions were distributed. Things went the way Ser Boros wanted, and that was the end of it.
At the moment, only Aerion and Lord Hayford ranked equal to Ser Boros at Sow's Horn, with the latter lord reluctant to disagree with Ser Boros in any matter, as he feared repercussions from the Iron Throne.
"Fucking worthless cunts!" Ser Boros threw his goblet forcefully at the floor. The metallic cup gave a muted thump against the carpet and rolled from his feet.
Ser Boros' last bit of patience was about to wear off when the maids returned. They each carried a heavy tray of jugs of water and clean glasses. They laid one tray at the center of the table and one tray immediately in front of Ser Boros.
One of the maids moved to pour a fresh glass of water for Ser Boros, but the knight batted her hands away irritably. Instead, Ser Boros reached for a full jug and gulped hungrily, tilting it back with both hands.
Aerion watched as Ser Boros finished the jug. Water ran down his chin and neck through the corners of his mouth, but he did not seem to notice or mind.
Aerion stretched his lips into a polite smile when Ser Boros was done. "Feeling better?"
"Humph." Ser Boros grunted and slouched in his chair. His hands rubbed his belly through his robes. "Fucking cursed horse piss. I'm never having that Dornish wine again!"
Aerion raised an eyebrow in slight amusement. "More food to do away the taste?" He gestured at the platters of food on the table. He hoped that Ser Boros would call it a night and wrap up the dinner. Spending more time with the nitwitted Ser did not make a pleasant evening.
"Nay, I'm heading back to my tent. The whole dinner is ruined." Ser Boros wiped his mouth with the back of his hand.
By you. Aerion added in his head. However, he smiled and stood up with Ser Boros, as many of the guests around the table did the same. "I do hope you feel better. Have a pleasant night, Ser Boros."
"Thanks." Ser Boros still had some respect for Aerion, but clearly thought of the other lords and knights at the table as negligible. He huffed at Aerion and stormed out of the tent without sparing a glance at anyone else.
Aerion watched behind Ser Boros with a slight smirk. The thick woolen tent drapes fell back down after the knight left and blocked the chilly evening air from the warmth inside.
Aerion sat back down in his chair and surveyed the table. Everyone was about done their meals, and it was a good time for a friendly chat with Ser Boros gone. He called softly to the maids who stood in the corner with downcast gazes, "Clear away the table and bring us some more wine. Fruits and cakes too."
The maids nodded timidly and started their work. They carried Ser Boros' mess at his seat and the platter of roasted veal away first, which earned them an appreciative smile from Aerion.
As the maids worked around the table, Aerion turned to the eldest House Darry sibling, "Holden, how are your men settling in?"
House Darry was one of the Riverlands Houses who remained loyal to the Crown. After Lord Hoster Tully declared an alliance with the rebel forces, House Darry members and their bannermen had to evade capture by their liege and other opposing Riverlands Houses. Their loyalty to the Crown essentially made them fugitives in their native land.
Lord Darry marched his household and bannermen for the royalists' base at Sow's Horn, but got ambushed north of Harrenhal. Half of their forces managed to break away, including the three older Darry brothers, but the older lord and his youngest son and daughter were taken captive by the enemy legion.
Holden Darry, a boy of five and ten who has not yet earned his knighthood, had to make the difficult decision to lead his wounded and disordered forces to Sow's Horn, and not pursue his family. After accounting for casualties, his legion of barely two thousand soldiers was no match for House Vypren and House Nutt's army of more than four thousand.
Holden and his bannermen had arrived a few days ago to Sow's Horn and have been enduring cruel and nasty mockery from common Crownlands soldiers and Ser Boros. Despite Aerion's frustration, Ser Boros enjoyed insulting the Darrys for fleeing from their castle and lands.
Other thick-headed commanders and foot soldiers joined in with Ser Boros' encouragement, and fanned hostility against House Darry. Whispers were going around of how House Darry cannot be trusted since they were Riverlands men, as if House Darry did not just sacrifice their banners and kin for the Crown. Aerion had punished the more vocal commanders by stripping away their privileges at camp, which had helped quiet things down.
Holden Darry turned to Aerion to answer, "My lord, we are all settled in well. We lost some of our supplies outside of Harrenhal, but Lord Hogg has been very kind to help us find what we need."
The stout and middle-aged Lord Hogg nodded modestly from across the table at Holden's words of appreciation.
"That's good. If you need anything else, come to me." Aerion held Holden's gaze. The boy has grown up quickly since he arrived, as all boys do in times of war. "Any news of your family?"
The last time they've sent for scouts, Lord Darry and his two youngest children were being taken to Riverrun to answer their breach of faith against House Tully. Holden grimaced as concerned etched across his face, "They are almost at Riverrun, it will be another day or two."
Aerion offered a comforting smile, "There is no custom to abuse or execute noblemen during armed conflicts. When we capture House Tully bannermen, we will trade them for your father and siblings."
"Yes, my lord. We understand." Holden took a deep breath and looked to his younger brothers. The two boys looked worried but hopeful at Aerion's words.
"You made the right choice, Holden. You would have risked your own life and your brothers' lives if you chased after House Vypren. Don't let Ser Boros' nonsense bother you."
"Thank you, my lord." Holden nodded and gripped on the corner of his cuff. Ser Boros had prattled about the cowardice of Riverlands Houses when they sat for dinner, and Aerion noticed that Holden's cheeks had burned in embarrassment. Aerion pushed to change the conversation topic before the younger boys jumped to challenge Ser Boros to a fight.
Aerion nodded at Holden's maturity. His younger brothers and bannermen looked up to him through aggressions and alienation around camp. Aerion could only do so much to quell the hostility, so it was still up to Holden Darry to keep his men tough and resilient.
Aerion turned to Ser Stokeworth and asked about the defences at his family seat. Holden Darry took an interest in Ser Stokeworth's explanation of how he arranged patrols at his castle, and looked eager to learn more about military protocols. Aerion was glad to leave the conversation to young Holden and leaned back in his chair with a goblet of sweet wine.
The lords and knights broke into smaller conversations around the table, and passed around the new platters of cakes and fruits in a lighter mood.
After some time, someone lifted the heavy drapes of the tent exit and admitted a rush of cold air. Three armed men entered the command tent one after the other, all scruffy in face and clothing. The gathered noblemen turned their gazes to the sudden visitors.
Lorent and Lord Hayford led the way and shrugged off their thick cloaks. The maids hurried over to add new chairs for both lords and took over their discarded articles of clothing. Lorent Grandison and Lord Hayford had left camp a few days ago to patrol the Crownlands and Riverlands border – and they shouldn't have returned so soon by Aerion's estimation.
Another younger man, dressed in common foot soldier attire, looked like he had been on the road for quite some time. He wiped away the sweat and dirt from his face, which revealed dark circles around his eyes. Aerion examined the soldier closely and could not find any colours or sigil to identify him.
"He's a messenger from the Mootons." Lorent grabbed a glass of water and thirstily downed his drink. He clarified when some of the landed knights from the Stormlands seemed unfamiliar with the name. "Maidenpool."
A heavy thump on the carpet made everyone look from Lorent to the ground. The soldier knelt before the table and pled, worry and urgency clear in his tone. "My lords, Maidenpool is besieged by House Hawick and House Vance. We are outnumbered six to one and cannot hold the castle for much longer! Lord William sent us messengers to find aid in the Crownlands."
He searched through an inside pocket and produced a sealed scroll to Lord Hogg, who was the closest to him. "Please! Maidenpool will fall in a week or so if we don't get reinforcement." The soldier locked eyes with Lord Hogg intensely before looking to all the lords at the table.
Lord Hogg was taken aback by the sudden plead and reached out hesitantly for the scroll. When he took the message over, Aerion could make out a small red salmon drawn on the parchment. Red salmon on a white field, for House Mooton.
"We found him hiding two-days' ride from camp, no doubt trying to find out if we were Riverlands forces or Crownlands forces." Lord Hayford dropped into his chair and rubbed his temples tiredly. "He says that Maidenpool sacrificed hundreds of men to open a path through the siege – just for a handful of messengers to call for help."
"We left the patrol to our captains and rode back, in case we want to investigate his claim and send relief for Maidenpool." Lorent explained. "We only found him, though, no other messengers."
"I was with another rider, but we went separate ways near Harrenhal. There were lots of House Vypren men in the area and it weren't safe." The soldier answered in a clear voice, worried that the nobles were doubting the information.
Aerion furrowed his brow in consideration. "If what you claim is true, we will certainly offer help. No need to be on your knees." He gestured for the soldier to rise.
Holden Darry bit his lip at the mention of House Vypren. He looked to Aerion, "My lord, may I take a look at the letter? I can recognize Lord William Mooton's hand from his letters to my father."
Aerion nodded quickly in pleasant surprise. "You can? That's very helpful."
Lord Hogg handed the sealed letter to Holden. All eyes turned to the eldest Darry brother as he broke the wax seal and laid out the small piece of parchment. Holden scrutinized every line under the candlelight and Aerion found himself holding his breath as he waited.
"This is Lord William's hand." Holden spoke confidently and held the letter out for his younger brothers to see. The slightly younger Darry brother, at four and ten, nodded earnestly in confirmation.
"What does it say?" Lorent asked from his seat while Holden handed the letter to Aerion.
"Pretty much what his messenger said, and a request to march over as fast as we can." The letter was only a few lines. Aerion answered and slid the note across the table for others to read.
Lord Hayford narrowed his eyes, "How many men are defending Maidenpool? You said he is terribly outnumbered – did Lord Mooton not call his banners?"
The soldier straightened and replied, "We've only the garrison, around five hundred men left, my lord. Lord Mooton and Lady Viviana were held up at Riverrun for the House Tully weddings, and were only given permission to return to Maidenpool two weeks ago."
He clenched his jaw, "There wasn't enough time to gather banners and raise levies. House Hawick's forces blocked off the roads to Maidenpool when Lord Mooton didn't send weapons and horses to Riverrun as Lord Hoster commanded."
Lorent scratched his chin, "So five hundred men on guard. And how many men are besieging you?"
"Lord Mooton's estimate was more than three thousand, my lord, that was four days ago."
The noblemen at the table paused for a few minutes in thought. Without a map, a landed knight from the southern Crownlands spoke up. "How far is Maidenpool from here? Can we even do anything about it?"
The soldier turned to the knight. "Four or five days on fast horses, my lord."
Having just besieged several keeps and castles in the Stormlands, Aerion could understand House Hawick and House Vance's perspective. Maidenpool was not built as a fortress, but as a trade town and harbour. With such an advantage in numbers, the Riverlands Houses could force House Mooton to surrender soon enough – maybe a little longer if House Mooton's banners attempt to rescue their lord.
Only cavalry legions could relieve Maidenpool, as infantrymen would be too slow. Aerion had brought just under two thousand light cavalry, a mix of surviving Stonedance forces, Grandison forces, and Wendwater men. The only other House that had readily available cavalrymen was House Hayford. House Rykker and House Rosby are the remaining Crownlands Houses that have sizable cavalry legions, but they have not arrived at camp.
Aerion turned to Lord Hayford, "My lord, if we ride out in the next few days, we could get there in time to relieve the siege. We will have three thousand and two hundred cavalrymen, enough to secure the victory."
Lord Hayford bit hard on his lip and looked wary, "Lord Aerion, I want to help, truly. But I don't know if Ser Boros will allow me to take leave. Ser Boros was quite clear about how no divisions other than patrols were allowed to leave camp. We are to wait for the rest of the Crownlands forces to congregate."
"That was before House Mooton sent word for aid. We can't just watch Maidenpool invaded and sacked when we have ample time and men to do something about it!" Aerion countered.
Lord Hayford didn't answer and scratched the back of his head in contemplation. Aerion looked to Lord Hogg and the other landed knights at the table, but no one would meet his gaze. Holden Darry was holding Lord William's letter again. His lips pressed into a thin line as he sympathized with the fellow Riverlands House's position.
Lorent cleared his throat and suggested gently, "Aerion, let's go to Ser Boros and discuss this. He doesn't know yet."
Lord Hayford looked apologetic and torn, "Yes, my lord. If Ser Boros approves of the plan, I am more than happy to ride out with Stonedance's forces."
Aerion held out his hand to Holden for the letter. "Alright, let's go to Ser Boros."
The Crownlands army camp was bustling with activity as Aerion led Lorent and Lord Hayford from the command tent towards House Blount's camping grounds. The soldiers chatted over well-lit fire pits, some eating, some polishing weapons, and some running errands. The night air was chilly but refreshing to Aerion, having spent most of his day indoors.
Ser Boros' round pavilion was in view soon enough. The dome was painted in bright red while the walls were green, signifying House Blount's red bend sinister and green field. The colours were unmistakable even at night against torch light, and Aerion wondered how Ser Boros could sleep soundly in such a recognizable tent in times of war.
As Aerion got closer, he could make out the shining outlines of two black porcupines on the tent drapes. House Blount's blazon is complete.
But before Aerion and the other two lords behind him were within ten paces from the door, a guard rushed forward and blocked their way.
It took a second for Aerion to recognize the man, and he was one of Ser Boros' closest personal guards. Aerion raised an eyebrow and waited for the fellow to explain why he felt it appropriate to block the way of three high-ranking nobles.
The guard took half a step back and bowed respectfully, but he still blocked the direct path to Ser Boros' door. He scratched his nose and looked uneasy, "My lords, may I take a message for Ser Boros?"
"No, you may not." Lorent stepped forward to Aerion's side and crossed his arms, "We have something that needs his attention now. Get out of the way!"
The guard ran a hand through his hair and glanced at the green tent behind him. He stood his ground and offered weakly, "Ser Boros is … occupied right now. I will inform mi'lord of the matter as soon as he is free, and he can go over to the command tent?"
"Go tell your lord that we are all here waiting for him. With urgent matters." Aerion was slightly annoyed at what was happening. He needed to get Lord Hayford his peace of mind so they can plan their trip the rest of the evening.
The guard grimaced and considered Aerion's request. He stepped out of the way and hurried towards the tent, stopping at the closed drapes.
Seeing that the three lords are approaching, the guard cleared his throat and called out, "Mi'lord! Lord Aerion, Lord Lorent, and Lord Hayford are here, and have urgent matters to discuss!"
Aerion couldn't hear a response from Ser Boros. They waited for a few more breaths but still received no acknowledgement. Aerion nodded for the House Blount guard to try again.
"Lord Aerion, Lord Lorent, and Lord Hayford are here! Mi'lord?" The guard used a louder voice.
This time, Aerion could hear something from the tent. Suppressed giggles and squeals, from more than one source, as it seems.
The House Blount guard looked like he was ready to hide in a hole. He scratched his head and stumbled a few steps back in an effort to keep his distance.
What a remarkable appetite Ser Boros has, for food and for women. Aerion sighed deeply and debated whether he should interrupt Ser Boros or wait it out. Lorent was smirking in amusement while Lord Hayford tried to keep a straight face.
Whores weren't banned in camp, at least not for nobles. Aerion would gladly leave Ser Boros alone if it were any other night, but he needed the knight's endorsement to assemble the cavalrymen that he needed.
Light pleasured moaning could be heard from the tent followed by rough and husky chuckles. Some piece of furniture, a small stand perhaps, got pushed over. Another woman gasped loudly and joined in with laughter.
Aerion pursed his lips and decided that Ser Boros could very well get back to his business after their talk. If not, there is always tomorrow night to make up for his activities. He cleared his throat and called to the tent, "Ser Boros! You are needed out here!"
The laughing and the chuckles ceased. But Ser Boros was stubbornly holding out in his tent.
"It's urgent!" Aerion raised his voice and added a hardness in his tone. Lorent called out too, visibly annoyed that Ser Boros is wasting their time.
They waited for a little longer before they heard irritated huffing and heavy stomping of footsteps from inside. Ser Boros snarled about something under his breath but Aerion couldn't make out his words.
When Ser Boros' podgy figure emerged from his tent, his robes were sloppily thrown on and his hairy chest was exposed and perspiring. He fumbled with the laces of his breeches and was blinking fast to get used to the darkness outside.
Sharing a glance with Lorent and Lord Hayford, Aerion walked up to the disoriented knight. "Ser Boros, I apologize for the interruption, but I do have an important matter to share."
Aerion explained what happened while Ser Boros fixed his robes. When Ser Boros heard that it was Maidenpool that needed reinforcement, he scoffed and cut Aerion off mid-sentence.
"Fuck Maidenpool! I'm not wasting my men on those Riverlands sons of bitches. I'm telling you, they're all conspiring against us!"
Aerion clenched his fist so he wouldn't be tempted to smack the ill-tempered knight. He took a deep breath, "We have good reason to believe that House Mooton is loyal to the Iron Throne. Their House has always been loyal, and we've received no warning from the Red Keep to suspect otherwise."
"I don't see how Maidenpool is my problem! It's their fault that they were too slow calling their banners. If House Darry could make it to our camp, then surely House Mooton could too if they tried harder."
"Again, Lord Mooton was held up in Riverrun. How would you have him call his banners against House Tully while he was under Lord Hoster's watch?" Aerion sighed, "I just need House Hayford's fourteen hundred horsemen. I'll bring the forces back within two weeks, I promise."
"My lord, I am happy to accompany Lord Aerion. It will be an easy fight since we are just driving the besieging army away." Lord Hayford offered.
Ser Boros shook his head wildly and glared daggers at Lord Hayford, "My orders from his grace is to assemble our troops. You can do whatever you like, Lord Aerion, as you answer directly to the King, but I won't allow our forces to split up. The soldiers who are already at camp will stay exactly where they are."
"Ser Boros, what will our other allies think of us if we do nothing? Why would other Houses fight for the Crown if we refuse to help our allies? The last thing we need is more enemies." Aerion tried to reason.
"You either stay loyal or you will have death. It seems like a clear choice to me." Ser Boros snorted, "I won't send a single soldier unless we get orders from King's Landing. I won't be responsible if something happens to the men if they leave camp."
He sneered and continued, "Besides, House Goodbrook sent word for aid last moon and I properly ignored them. They are cowards, running off to us instead of standing their ground."
Aerion took a slow and steadying breath and forced his words, "House Goodbrook requested aid and you ignored them?! On what grounds?"
"Because they're not worth my effort! Those Riverlands bastards can either make it here or die trying, that's karma for swearing allegiance to the damned Tullys in the first place."
A hundred ideas came to mind of how to drill some sense into Ser Boros Blount. Just how much trouble would he get into, if he detained the knight and sent him back to King's Landing in a jail wagon? Aerion's thoughts also flew to House Goodbrook, a House that hasn't been mentioned to him in the war until now.
It's been too long since House Goodbrook's message; there is very little that Aerion can do. Maidenpool is what's important now and bickering with Ser Boros will not help. When Aerion spoke again, he tried a last argument.
"Myles Mooton is Prince Rhaegar's squire. He follows the Prince everywhere he goes." Perhaps winning the Prince's favor will move Ser Boros. "I'm sure Prince Rhaegar will be glad to hear that you took the initiative to save his squire's family seat."
"Myles Mooton?" Ser Boros raised an eyebrow, "Never heard of him. Even if that's true, he's just a squire. I've no orders from Dragonstone to pay special attention."
"If that's all, I'm going back to my tent." Ser Boros held up a finger at Aerion's protest, "Lord Aerion, you do need to loosen up and enjoy the free time before we march off. You can borrow one of my girls tonight, I won't mind."
He snickered at his own joke and waved them off, heading back to his tent.
Aerion watched behind Ser Boros and rubbed his brow to ward off a headache. Looking to Lord Hayford, Aerion tried to sway him, "My lord, your House does not answer to House Blount. We can ride out and return quickly. If the Red Keep asks, I will answer for both of us."
Lord Hayford had a pained looked and swallowed hard, "My lord, Ser Boros will report me to the King, and my words will mean nothing against his testimony. I really can't take part in this, I am sorry..."
Aerion kicked the dirt at his feet and breathed a heavy sigh. "I won't pressure you, but you do need to make your own decisions in due time. You rank higher than Ser Boros, or have you forgotten about that?"
Lord Hayford didn't answer and slumped his shoulders. Lorent glared at Lord Hayford and shook his head in disappointment.
Seeing that Lord Hayford won't change his mind, Aerion turned to leave. Sow's Horn must send aid to Maidenpool, especially after they've failed an ally in House Goodbrook. Aerion won't allow word to go around of how the Crown's army sat unmoved while their allies died in vain.
Aerion had half expected Ser Boros not to cooperate. It was why he tried to settle their plans back in the command tent. But Lord Hayford didn't fall for his insistence, and now House Hayford's cavalry is entirely out of the question. If worse comes to worse, he'll ride for Maidenpool on his own. It will be a risk worth taking.
Maidenpool, Riverlands, 283 AC
It was a great relief to see the pink stone walls of Maidenpool with its castle gates tightly shut. Sure, hundreds of enemy tents surrounded the castle, and organized arrays of soldiers under House Vance's banners were keeping all types of siege weapons busy, but at least Maidenpool hadn't been breached.
Two full-sized standards of House Mooton still flew from its castle walls, both tattered and smeared by dirt and smoke. A dozen disheveled guards were returning flaming arrows from the walls, but it was a trivial effort of resistance against House Vance's catapults. In contrast, the legion loyal to Riverrun were all dressed in polished armour and looked well-provisioned.
The focus of the battle at the moment was a battering ram, with the besieging army trying to haul it closer to the castle gates, and the defending garrison trying to rain arrows at the advancing soldiers and equipment. Two siege towers slowly followed the battering ram on either side, which further diverged Maidenpool's firepower.
After a last check that their men were ready and in position, Aerion gestured at Lord Rambton to sound the war horn. Their silent formation came alive in a thin patch of woods four hundred yards from House Vance's camp. All around Aerion, the Crownlands' cavalrymen raised their swords and charged to the long and low blast.
The thundering hoofbeats of an army immediately caught the attention of the besieging forces. Urgent calls of trumpet responded to the new threat from behind, and stunned Riverlands soldiers and commanders whirled around to brace for the clash. Aerion's Crownlands' forces flowed into the clearing like a river, devastating Riverlands arrays before most soldiers had processed what was going on.
Thank the Seven that they had made it in time. After the late-night meeting with Ser Boros, Aerion had spent two days deliberating in his tent about what he can do. An option would be to ride for Maidenpool on his own, but he would not have enough numbers to drive the besieging forces away for good. It would be a temporary relief for Maidenpool at best. Another option was to write to the Red Keep for a formal decree. Aerion was unsure of how the King and the Small Council will react to his request, and it would be too slow of a reply anyway.
On the fourth day, during a routine patrol meeting, House Hogg's scout had reported that House Rosby's forces were nearby. The Rosby twins, Kamden and Kaelyn, were leading their banners on behalf of their sickly uncle, and wanted to inform the host, House Hogg, their numbers and supplies.
Immediately after the meeting had adjourned, Aerion gathered his men and rode out of camp without bothering to notify most of the noblemen. Lorent had wanted to go with him, but the southern Crownlands infantry that he was leaving behind still needed a commander.
Aerion talked Lorent into staying and promised that he would be back quickly. He then led his men past Rosby's vanguard on their way out, as the Rosby banners were moved in.
After less than an hour's ride, Aerion and his two thousand cavalrymen met the main Rosby army in a valley. House Rosby hasn't engaged in any battles so far, and their three thousand soldiers and a thousand levies were perfectly intact. The army looked beautiful to Aerion, with their shining standards and lines upon lines of provision. They were Maidenpool's best chance.
The sudden appearance of another army took the Rosbys by surprise, but the tension eased quickly as Aerion's men did not unsheathe any weapons. Aerion wasted no time and explained everything as soon as he was led to Kamden and Kaelyn Rosby, commanding from the middle of their formation.
Kamden Rosby donned a frown when Aerion explained Ser Boro's reaction and his plans to go alone if he must. Kaelyn Rosby had a neutral expression and Aerion could not tell if she supported his plans or not.
Kamden then paused for some time to contemplate. "Uncle bid us to not upset Ser Boros Blount, given his influence at court… if Ser Boros is strict about not leaving camp… then I don't know…"
Kaelyn leaned towards her brother and whispered a few lines in his ear, a grin tugging at her lips when she was done. Aerion watched with some amusement but was mentally prepared to count the Rosbys out. He didn't know that Lord Gyles Rosby was also nervous of Ser Boros – the twins will have to honor his wishes first and foremost.
To Aerion's surprise, Kamden sat up straighter and smiled at Aerion. "We will be glad to follow you, Lord Aerion. Our captain of the guards can take our infantry to Sow's Horn and settle in. Kaelyn and I can go with you with our two thousand cavalry."
Aerion couldn't hold back a relieved smile and thanked the twins sincerely. They settled on a fast trail north and rode despite the nearing dusk. They used another four days on the road, and Aerion dreaded the prospect of finding Maidenpool in ruins when they did arrive.
Against all odds, Maidenpool had held on another week and a half since their messenger's arrival at Sow's Horn. Judging by the piles upon piles of fallen men beneath the castle walls, Maidenpool's garrison had both suffered and caused significant casualties.
The battle plan to relieve Maidenpool was decided long ago. They would attack as soon as they reached the castle and hopefully catch the besieging army by surprise. Kamden Rosby had insisted on leading the charge with Lord Rambton, so Aerion opted to stay with a small reserve to observe and to protect Kaelyn. Kaelyn was a better strategist than a fighter, and keeping her away from the fighting was a unanimous decision.
Aerion waited on his horse with the reserve's two hundred men. They had enough numbers to overpower the besieging forces, so the plan changed from driving the enemy forces away to crushing the full legion. They would not let any lord or knight, or even foot soldier, to flee and bring news to Riverrun. The surrenderers will be prisoners at Maidenpool and every deserter will be chased down.
Aerion watched the edges of the battlefield for signs that a group might be planning to break off. Ser Grant had stayed by his side and was watching the battle intently as well. The cries and screams of men were fainter from hundreds of yards away, but the unmistakable scent of blood was quickly carried over by the wind.
Aerion relaxed a little and loosened his grip on his reins when the Riverlands forces seemed to be struggling to keep a uniform line of battle. Kamden and the bulk of Rosby forces were closing in on a group of House Hawick banners, that seemed to be part of House Hawick's command.
Glancing around him, his men were ready to charge with hooves of their horses digging anxiously at the dirt. Only Lady Kaelyn looked pale, with her lips pressed into a thin line as she observed the scene. Concerned, Aerion urged his horse towards her.
"My lady, are you alright?"
Kaelyn took a shaky breath and smiled weakly, "I am. I just – I just didn't expect the smell of blood to be so heavy, so smothering."
Aerion looked over to the battlefield and offered softly, "We will clear the field properly when it's done. It won't be too long now."
Kaelyn rubbed her nose and nodded. She stared up at the sky for a little while, as if trying to tune out the shouts and screams along with a myriad of other noises of battle. When she looked down, she held a steady gaze at the pink walls of Maidenpool.
Aerion scrutinized every faction of Riverlands soldiers who were putting up a tough defence. No sizable group seemed to be close to breaking free, which was a good thing. Seeing that Lady Kaelyn could probably use some distraction, Aerion asked, "What did you whisper to Kamden back in the valley, to convince him to come?"
Kaelyn smiled, "My brother is not as mischievous as I am; he doesn't think to bend the rules. Ser Boros wouldn't let anyone leave camp, but we weren't at camp yet, at least not our main forces."
"You are right, my lady." Aerion smiled back at her, "Maidenpool would be lost without House Rosby – thank you."
"It was the right thing to do. Kamden was only hesitant because uncle made him promise to not get in trouble. Plus, Maidenpool is our stronghold north of the Crownlands, we can't cede it to just four thousand garrison and levies."
"I agree. I am grateful to both of you."
They turned back to observe the battle, with Aerion checking the perimeter and Kaelyn focused near the gates of the castle. The besieging forces seem to dwindle in size, as their standards and banners are struck down and replaced by fresh Crownlands banners.
Maidenpool's garrison had stopped firing flaming arrows at the sight of reinforcements. Instead, they are throwing large boulders down at any Riverlands soldiers looking to retreat to the foot of the castle walls.
The group that formed House Hawick's defence could not be seen anymore. House Rosby's banners had swept the area and pushed Riverlands forces between their camp and Maidenpool's walls, leaving them less and less room for resistance.
When the Riverlands forces looked like they only had a few hundred men left, three urgent blows of trumpet rang across the field. The battlefield seemed to pause as most Riverlands soldiers looked to their command for confirmation.
One. Two. Ten. The remaining Riverlands soldiers dropped their weapons and standards where they were and held up their hands in surrender. Crownlands soldiers still trained their weapons at the enemy and waited for either Kamden Rosby or Lord Rambton's orders.
Two groups bearing House Rosby and Rambton colours rode toward the only House Vance standard left in the field. Aerion sat up straighter on his horse for a clearer view.
Soon, their warhorn sounded almost as a reply to the trumpets. Crownlands soldiers moved to line up the surrendered men and seize their discarded weapons. The last House Vance standard was taken down and most riders dismounted to help with the cleanup. The Gods are kind; It was wasteful of men to put up a futile struggle.
Aerion looked to Ser Grant and gave the slightest nod. His retinue formed a tight circle around Aerion and Lady Kaelyn as they rode towards the castle to regroup with Kamden, Lord Rambton, and the Mootons.
Thousands of men lay dead on the bloodied grass, many bent and twisted in terrifying positions. By the clash against horsemen, Aerion realized. Crows had already begun gathering and squawking to make out their territories, undeterred by Crownlands soldiers who were shooing the birds away to find fallen friends.
Some of the bodies were still alive. As the group passed, Aerion could hear faint moaning and whimpering from the carnage around them. Some wounded soldiers tried to reach his horse and boots as he rode on, their fingers brushing weakly against his boots and then dropping back down.
Lady Kaelyn wore a solemn look and kept her gaze evenly forward. Aerion's guards tried to shield her view as much as possible, but Aerion is sure that she is seeing and hearing the full scene as he is.
Kamden was unharmed, and so was Lord Rambton. Lord Rambton mumbled something about how it wasn't a thrilling enough fight, as his side had both the advantage of cavalry and the element of surprise. Kamden explained how he delegated his bannermen to oversee the cleanup, and how a pyre ceremony should be set up. The guards on the curtain walls stowed away their weapons and waved joyfully to the soldiers below as Maidenpool's gates slowly squeaked open.
They couldn't stay very long at Maidenpool. They stayed long enough to rest their men and to bury the dead, but a messenger from Lorent came and informed the group of Lord Jon Connington's defeat at Stoney Sept.
All four rebel armies were sighted at Stoney Sept, which means that the enemy has congregated and will be tougher to defeat. The Crown would need a powerful response to keep the war in their favor.
On the day they rode out, Lord William Mooton and Lady Vivianna escorted Aerion and the Rosbys a full mile outside of Maidenpool, repeating words of gratitude that their castle was not lost. Aerion apologized for not being able to stay longer and help, though Lord William was confident that he could get back most of his banners now that Maidenpool has been relieved. They agreed that House Mooton will ride for Sow' Horn, or wherever the main royalist forces are, once they are ready.
Aerion spent the ride back thinking about Stoney Sept and how the Red Keep might react. The Crown did not lose many men at the Battle of the Bells - the main issue rests at the humiliation of a professional army being defeated by a crude mob.
It was also an intriguing story that spread far and wide, of Robert Baratheon emerging from a brothel to kill some of the Crownlands' strongest warriors. Needless to say, the King was less than pleased with the smallfolk ridiculing the royalist army.
They can't afford to have split leadership back at camp, which means that he will have to compromise with Ser Boros. Aerion was getting a new headache just thinking about seeing the Ser again.
Next to him, the Rosby twins spent their time debating battle strategy and exchanging playful smacks at each other's jests. Having spent almost half a moon with the brother and sister, Aerion knew that the two could only maintain serious faces for so long before all smiles and smirks took over.
They spent five days on the trail before they reached the camp at the northern gates, where newly erected iron fences protected the camping grounds from enemy scouts. Sighting Stonedance and Rosby banners from afar, Sow's Horn's guards dutifully swung open the chained gates to admit Aerion and House Rosby's forces into the massive clearing.
Something is different back at camp. Aerion slowed his horse and realized that the northern side of their base is quite deserted. He glanced around him and met equally confused gazes from Lord Rambton, Kamden, and Kaelyn.
Leaving his men to dismount and settle in, Aerion urged his horse forward to find some answers. His retinue and the Rosbys followed close behind. Where are most of the soldiers? The camp doesn't seem to have been breached and there is no sign of fighting or an emergency – were the soldiers training? Who is leading them?
They rode past rows and rows of tents, stables, canteens, and workshops. The camp was intended to hold more than thirty thousand men, and it took a while to get across the site.
When Aerion rode past the command tent, which stood in the approximate center of the camp, he could see more and more soldiers casually making their way to the southern gates. Yes, there seems to be a lot more activity on this side of camp. More knights and nobles too. They were all facing the south and strolling in that direction, with their backs to Aerion.
Shortly afterward, Aerion was close enough to see what was going on. Banners of the Reach filled the southern clearing of camp. He could count House Oakheart, House Tarly, House Caswell, and many other lesser households. The southern gates were wide open, and more standards were pouring in along with full legions of soldiers and fighters.
Aerion's heart skipped a beat when the mostly flowery banners of the Reach were replaced by a sigil that he couldn't believe he would see. More and more of the flag poured into the clearing, revealing a full legion of cavalry bearing red and black Targaryen colors.
A tall figure atop a majestic stallion was riding confidently in the lead, with a chubby man in Tyrell colors just half a step to his side. Three white cloaks followed a few paces behind and showed off their unemblazoned white shields. The small group rode past their vanguard and came to a gentle stop before the camp's greeting party.
The Crown Prince is cursedly beautiful. His piercing violet eyes and flowing silver hair somehow make him authoritative and warm at the same time. Unlike his retinue's stiff armor, he wore a simple embroidered doublet of crimson and a silver three-headed dragon brooch at his chest. He kept a serene smile as Sow's Horn's noblemen bowed low around him.