Chapter 7
Unexpected Tides
Jon had returned back to the Northern Army camp few days later with his victorious force and the head of Gregor Clegane for all to see. Despite it being a minor victory in reality, their soldiers had roared and cheered in high approval for bringing a monster like the Mountain to justice.
The fact that Jon killed the brute in single combat had earned him the respect of almost every lord and their entire army.
Yet when the feeling of victory had faded, Jon was morose over the hundred soldiers of his own that were lost in the form of dead or wounded while inflicting three times the number upon the enemy. It was an acceptable triumph.
Still, he couldn't help but wonder if he could have done something different to limit those losses.
They were his men and he should have done better by them.
He had frozen upon that realization in shock for despite everything, he was still a Brother of the Night's Watch. Perhaps the first in any known history of their order to actively take sides in the machinations of the Seven Kingdoms. Dread crept up in his heart as he wondered what this meant for the ancient order.
It was a somber reminder to him that while helping his brother win this war and avenge their father, he also had duties towards the Night's Watch by bringing aid to them in the fight against the dead alongside the Wildlings.
A mission he had been not accomplishing truly, only having convinced Robb to send a hundred Lannister common prisoners to the Wall alongwith a decent cache of supplies.
His friend- Sam had agreed with his assessment and Jon wondered if it was why Lord Commander Mormont had sent the Tarly boy with him.
To not forget who I am truly, Jon Snow of the Night's Watch.
It was not the only matter that concerned him for in the two weeks he had been away, the Warfront had also changed quite a bit.
Not only was Robb declared as King of the North, Riverlands and Vale...but news came to them of the assassination of Renly Baratheon in mysterious circumstances. It had made most of the Stormlands flock back to Stannis's cause with a few handful exceptions who chose neutrality or flocked back to Jofferey.
Tywin Lannister hadn't yet moved his army from Harrenhal but their Scouts had reported the enemy force was preparing for something big and would strike soon with the new developments in the War, another new Lannister host was being gathered at Oxcross in the Westerlands. Some 10,000 strong under the command of Stafford Lannister.
It was clear the old Lion wanted to crush Robb Stark's main army before the Young Wolf descended upon him with the might of the Vale behind him.
But wouldn't that leave King's Landing open to the renewed might of Stannis Baratheon?
There were also troubling reports of the Ironborn Fleet having disappeared off its coast through the few merchant vessels that had reached the Riverlands bringing the dire news.
It was why Jon had summoned all the leaders of the North and Riverlands left within the army camp to seek their counsel, for unlike his brother...he just didn't have the mind for tactics of this scale or the experience of their few loyal lords who had fought in the Rebellion.
When all the information was shared with the entire council of nobility, the victory against the Mountain wore off their jingoism except for a few overconfident ones like the Lord Umber.
"How many men do we have?" asked Jon,
"Including the losses we have taken in the battles and the garrisons we have left to hold the Riverland castles except Harrenhal: 15,000 Northmen and some 10,000 Rivermen as Lord Tytos Blackwood gathered some scattered hosts and returned this morning" informed Lord Glover, giving a respectful nod to the Riverlands lord making many others do the same.
"If we combine Tywin's host and the new army being raised by Stafford, the Lannisters have 30,000 men. If we assume the worst, the Iron Fleet could have nearly 15,000 raiders atleast or slightly more. Where they attack is a troubling question, but should they attack the North..." warned Lord Cerywn, worry clearly evident on his face.
"The old Lion won't attack us until we have his son-Jaime" refuted Lord Umber,
"He must be preparing a march upon King's Landing to defend the city against Stannis most probably. If he loses it, then there goes their claim to the Iron Throne" suggested Lady Maege Mormont,
"The Reach is now undeclared once again with Renly dead, they do not seem to have any intention of allying with Stannis since many believe he had some part in his brother's death. They could easily field an army nearing 80,000 to 100,000- we can't afford to have them ally with the Lannisters" warned Dacey Mormont,
Jon felt his head throbbing and wondered how Robb dealt with so many uncertainties and added stress of the war. But he agreed with Dacey's point, the Reach could be a very useful ally or a terrible enemy with the sheer army and resources they had.
He also had a bad feeling about the Ironborn and was more worried about the North above everything else.
"How many men we have defending the North?" he asked,
"Lord Brandon has started amassing additional forces, at first we couldn't understand why but the young Stark has good sense. He had ordered another 20,000 to be raised in the past few weeks, but only half have managed to gather in the form of the Mountain Clans, Skagosi, Crannogmen, additional men from White Harbor and many other castles. They can raise another 2,000 more if given more time but that shall be it for we simply do not have enough food, coin, supplies, time or arms to field an even larger army" informed Lord Glover,
"Most of these new and raw forces are deployed towards the coasts where the Ironborn have invaded in the past including my own seat. Did Lord Brandon foresee such a possibility?" asked Lady Maege curiously,
"They do not have a military capable commander leading them at the moment"
Jon agreed and decided upon a course of action that Robb would mostly agree with if he knew his brother's mind and heart.
"Until we are certain of the Iron Fleet's whereabouts and intentions, we cannot leave the North-our home and rear open for attack. Lord Glover and Lord Blackwood shall lead a force of 4,000 from our ranks- a thousand of whom shall be cavalry units. Upon reaching North, you are to assume command of the Northern host alongside your own. Split your combined army in two halves if needed, the larger one to be commanded by Lord Glover as you know the lands to defend if the Ironborn choose to attack. While Lord Blackwood with a smaller force will defend Winterfell, under no circumstances can we allow it to be taken or sieged. I already have two sisters taken as hostages, I will not allow my younger brothers or my home to meet the same fate" said Jon decisively,
"That would leave our main army here with hardly 21,000 men against the 30,000 Lannisters" warned the Blackfish with a frown,
"We cannot risk battle with Tywin's host which equals our own, not until Robb comes back with the Vale in a fortnight atleast. Lord Brynden, take command of 18,000 of our forces and station across Harrenhal with the commanders of your choosing. Maintain enough pressure so Tywin doesn't come seeking battle, I will take the remaining 3,000- all cavalry to destroy or atleast harass Stafford Lannister's host so they do not fall upon you from the rear" explained Jon,
"And if Tywin does attack Lord Brynden's host?" questioned Lord Umber with a frown,
"He won't for he knows Lord Brynden's skill and the fact that we still have the Kingslayer, if he still attacks by any chance then defend but keep the option of retreat open back to Riverrun. The old Lion won't risk besieging it again, not with Robb coming down upon them with the Vale forces" assured Jon,
"We are relying too much upon the Vale, while it's lords have declared for King Robb- Lady Lysa has not. Until she does, we are in deep shite" growled Greatjon, sending a frustrated look towards the Blackfish over the actions of his niece. The Tully lord didn't flinch but didn't protest either.
"Lord Umber, Lady Maege- I want you to join my host as I could use your help" requested Jon, earning nods from the two Northerners.
Jon looked around the room as the remaining lords realized they would be deployed with the Blackfish to keep Tywin at bay while waiting for Robb to create another miracle by bringing the Vale.
Most didn't look content with their situation but saw little choice when their forces were limited and stretched thin across multiple fronts.
"I know this isn't ideal but we must be defensive and hold our lines until our King comes back. We risked everything when we took up arms against Tywin and his House, the stakes were never going to be easy. Trust in King Robb" implored Jon passionately,
He saw the confidence being regained among their commanders as they remembered Robb's victories, The Young Wolf always did the impossible. Maybe if they kept believing in him then they could win even if the war would be brutal.
Dacey found Jon overseeing the handful prisoners they had spared from the Mountain's force, men too pitiful and weak who had begged and shat themselves while pleading for their lives. In truth, Lord Umber wanted to end their miserable existence but Jon insisted they be spared and sent to the Wall.
The Night's Watch needed men, even if they were cowards such as these.
The prisoners had been all too eager to accept, while the surviving enemy horses had been assigned to the Stark army- the armor and supplies alongwith these prisoners would be sent to the Wall. Apparently, that was the only way Jon could continue to honor his promise to her Uncle Jeor by sending aid in their fight against the wildlings and worse things.
Dacey wondered how torn the young Snow must feel with divided loyalties like these, one to his family and countrymen and the other to the ancient order he had chosen.
Her mother Maege was also walking by her side, the older woman's opinion of the bastard of Eddard Stark having improved quite well after his victory, but more so for the fact...
"Commander Jon"
Dacey blinked in surprise upon hearing the respectful greeting from her mother's lips making the young boy turn to face them and give them a respectful nod.
"Lady Mormont and Lady Dacey, how can I help you?" asked Jon curiously,
"So these scum are being sent to the Wall? I pity Jeor for taking their sorry asses!" cursed Maege and spat gruffly, making many of the prisoners flinch.
"If you would have seen what I and Lord Commander Mormont have, then you would also offer whatever help possible. Even men like these can be useful up there" defended Jon respectfully,
"What do you mean?"
Jon hesitated making Dacey understand the situation as quite a few people nearby were interested in the conversation, so she gestured towards Jon's tent earning a grateful nod in return from him.
Her mother grunted in agreement and followed as Jon took the lead, as Dacey walked alongside her she could not help but see the difference in Jon and Robb.
While Robb was charismatic and decisive, Jon was more reserved and certainly doubted his abilities in the current position of leading the Northern army. Not that it impacted his decisions when it mattered as she had seen in the Council meeting, there she had seen truly that Jon was Robb's brother. He may not be a good strategist but had the makings of a capable commander.
And he was a deadly swordsmen.
She had watched him fight the Mountain with skill far beyond his age or experience, something she could attribute to natural talent. He was decent during their cavalry battle, but a very dangerous enemy on the ground.
For some reason, she found herself attracted to him but doubted if her mother would approve with Jon being sworn to the Night's Watch and forbidden to live a normal life. He was also a bastard which would also be a serious issue in the eyes of their bannermen for she was the heir to their house.
It was a true shame for he was certainly handsome.
"What I am about to tell you should not leave this tent for I do not have hard proof to back my claim. The only reason I am telling you this is because you are Lord Commander Mormont's family, you need to know what he and the Night's Watch are facing and why I am desperate to send them aid. Frankly, I need your help in convincing Robb to do more in the task" explained Jon truthfully, once they were settled.
"Go on" said Maege,
It was then Jon told them about a tale of dead men- former Black Brothers brought back to Castle Black for burial who had risen and attacked Jeor who was saved only by Jon's intervention. He described the brief fight, their terror and how barely they were able to put down the abomination.
As a thanks for saving his life and previously seeing his skill as a swordsmen in the arena had made Jeor give Long Claw to Jon.
Before the Mormont ladies could get over their shock over what they had just heard, Jon told them something else which made them look at him in disbelief.
"Afterwards I learned of my father's death and Robb marching to war...I couldn't stay there. I knew I would die for deserting but I couldn't abandon my brother and not avenge my father. So I deserted knowing I was a dead man, but wanted to help Robb in getting justice before I faced one of my own. But I was captured and brought back to Castle Black, Lord Commander Mormont spared my life and even allowed me to join Robb on the condition that I send whatever aid to the Watch in their fight. I will die for Robb if needed, but I also owe Lord Jeor a debt which I must repay" whispered Jon, and looked down to hide his shame over his oathbreaking actions- no matter how noble his reasons.
He waited for the rebuke over his actions but was surprised when a hand was placed upon his shoulder. Looking back, he was shocked to see Lady Maege giving him a reassuring look.
"Your actions were wrong, young man. But your heart was in the right place. Most men would have forgotten their promise to Jeor after joining this army, but you still remember and are doing everything to keep your promise to him while aiding your brother as well. You are a good man, Jon Snow...but also an honorable fool" said Maege sincerely,
"I don't know what to say, my lady" replied Jon hesitantly, making her chuckle.
"The old bear always had a soft spot for foolish boys like you, but he was not wrong in sparing you or giving you Long Claw. The fact that you saved my daughter's life...I wanted to thank you for that as well" said Maege truthfully,
"You don't need to, my lady. Dacey is my comrade- I only did my duty" replied Jon respectfully, earning a harsh appreciative slap on the back from the gruff older woman.
"You Starks and your honor! No wonder us Northmen can't get rid off you lot"
Jon grinned as Maege laughed at her own joke quite boisterously but both were taken by surprise with Dacey's question next.
"So you plan to return to the Wall to face these dead men and Wildlings once we are done with the War in the South?"
"Yes, I am still a Brother of the Night's Watch. It is my duty" replied Jon without hesitation, making Dacey clench her fist.
"If the threat is as grave as you say then you will die without an army backing you" pointed Dacey, earning a somber nod from Jon.
"Robb has promised to help me with this threat at the Wall once we win this War, hopefully we can gather enough forces to neutralize it. Otherwise, I intend to fight beside Lord Commander Mormont with whatever strength we can muster...even if it means going to my death for if we don't stand up against what's coming, no one will be safe" answered Jon, steadfast in his determination towards his duty.
He saw Maege looking back at him with a surprising respect while Dacey looked conflicted to say the least.
"You are as stubborn as Ned. But equally brave and honorable...I can see why King Robb chose you and would like to apologize for not treating you well" said Maege honestly,
"Your concerns were not unwarranted, Lady Mormont. I was an unknown, besides my father always said you find your true friends on the battlefield. I am only glad to be a friend to House Mormont" thanked Jon,
Maege shook his hand respectfully and departed with her daughter afterwards only for Dacey to send an unreadable look to Jon before she exited the tent.
Edmure Tully had been quite dissatisfied over the past couple of weeks.
While the War had been going well for them so far, he was not pleased with Robb for not naming him to lead their army in his absence. Uncle Brynden had chastised him for having such feelings and instructed him to continue managing the logistics and supplies of their army- a task which he was proving himself quite adept at much to everyone's surprise.
Now Ned Stark's bastard had killed the Mountain, gaining the praise and respect of their entire army...while Edmure who was the Lord Paramount of the Riverlands with his father's declining health was stuck managing bloody supplies!
He feared by the time this war was over, even lesser men would have achieved more fame and glory than him. How was he supposed to lead his bannerman after that?
It was why he was quite surprised when Jon Snow had requested an audience with him in Edmure's own solar at Riverrun.
Unlike his sister, he didn't have any true ill will towards the boy for he was not responsible in his birth. To an extent, he was also glad the lad was proving himself useful to their cause and his opinion of the bastard was improving with the way he had asked to see Edmure in person instead of ordering him to come and meet him.
He watched as Jon was allowed entry into his solar and the current Commander of their army actually offered him a respectful bow.
"Thank you for seeing me, Lord Tully. I need your counsel in an urgent matter" said Jon directly but respectfully,
"Please sit, Jon" offered Edmure, and was pleased when Jon didn't decline when a servant poured wine to both of them before walking out of the room leaving them truly alone.
"To your victory against the Mountain" toasted Edmure, and saw the boy raising his own glass.
"To King Robb and his long and prosperous reign" toasted Jon, earning an approving nod from Edmure.
They both had their drink and Edmure asked Jon if he wanted to eat something but the boy declined and looked at him earnestly.
"What help do you need from me, Jon?" asked Edmure curiously,
"With Renly dead, the Reach is undeclared for. I cannot help but worry if they side with the Lannisters now..." answered Jon with a heavy frown,
"That would be a serious threat to our cause with the men and resources at their disposal. But we can't do anything about it until Robb comes back atleast. If only my nephew was not promised to a Frey already" bemoaned Edmure,
"Actually we can"
Edmure blinked in surprise and nodded at Jon to continue with his thoughts.
"We can't waste time and sit back while the Lannisters surely try to seek their loyalty. My friend Samwell was once the heir of Randyll Tarly before he was forced to join the Night's Watch. He informed me that the Tyrells always wanted to make one of their own tied to royalty...with Robb now King of three Kingdoms and perhaps able to rule all Westeros one day..." hinted Jon carefully,
"Walder Frey will not break Robb's marriage with his daughter under any circumstances, certainly not when he is declared King now. The Frey's will desert and even betray our cause if we try to break that promise, even Robb would not do something dishonorable like that. The Tyrell's know about all of this and would not promise their daughter to a King already promised to another" cautioned Edmure seriously,
"The Tyrell's ambitions are a lot higher and a promise won't bother them much, if we are able to give Lord Frey suitable compensation in return. Maybe a new seat in the Westerlands once we capture some castles, he already has a large family to spread around Westeros to increase his influence. While I agree this is not honorable, my brother is far from happy in this proposed marriage and only consented to save our Father. The Frey's have provided us 4,000 men...the Reach can provide us twenty times more atleast and one less powerful house to aid the Lannisters" argued Jon,
"Is that why you reached out to me since the Frey's are my bannermen?" questioned Edmure, earning a firm nod.
"As Lord Paramount of the Riverlands I need your consent on this matter and also your help in going to Highgarden alongwith Samwell Tarly to negotiate with the Tyrell's. With Robb and Lady Catelyn tied up in the Vale, you are the highest and most capable nobility who can accomplish this task" explained Jon seriously,
Edmure blinked in surprise at the implications, if he managed to broker an alliance with the Tyrell's it could change the entire war effort. Maybe even prove to be the decisive factor in their victory...making his role in it unforgettable.
He gave Jon a very pleased smile in return.
"I am glad you came to me with this. Rest assured, I would be happy to assist but know I cannot promise the Tyrell's anything without Robb's consent" stated Edmure frankly,
"I understand. I only want you to secretly open up discussions with the Reach, understand what are their terms for support and present those findings for King Robb to make a decision. It would also allow us more time as the Tyrell's won't blindly fall in line with the Lannisters when they have another King seeing their support- one with three kingdoms sworn to him already"
Edmure nodded as he saw the sound reasoning in those actions provided they negotiate with the Tyrell's in secret or risk the Frey's betraying them or deserting at best. Jon also caught on to his concerns wordlessly and explained further...
"I am taking most of the Frey Cavalry with me into the Westerlands, and have assigned their remaining ground forces to the force going North. Should they discover this by any chance, most of their men would be too far away to communicate in time. If they betray us, Lord Brynden with our main army in the Riverlands will surround and storm their castle taking Lord Walder hostage. I know this is not honorable, but we must do everything in our power to win for our enemies will do the same. If there is any backlash for these actions, then the blame shall rest with me for I ordered you to do it" said Jon seriously,
Once again, Edmure found himself surprised by the actions of this young boy. Perhaps Robb had been right in naming him Commander of their forces in his absence after all.
"Who gave you this idea?" asked Edmure curiously,
"Dacey Mormont and Samwell Tarly came up with this strategy. The decision to choose you for its execution was made by me" confessed Jon truthfully,
"Why me?"
"You are Lord Paramount of the Riverlands, from the respected House Tully. I cannot send any lesser nobility to negotiate with another great house. You are also young and handsome, perhaps if not Robb then the Tyrell's could be convinced into marriage between you and Margery Tyrell for you are the King's Uncle. I also know that I haven't been able to truly seek your help in meaningful tasks in this war so far and wanted to make amends for my neglect"
Edmure was very pleased as after being ignored for months by his own family, somebody had atleast decided to give him another chance to truly do something important in their war.
"I will leave for Highgarden first thing tomorrow night once I make arrangements to assign a replacement who will oversee the logistics and supply situation of the army. I will take a very small group from my own castle and Samwell Tarly to be quick and discreet in our approach" decided Edmure,
"Well said, my lord. I will officially declare that I have given you some Scouting duties near Harrenhal to prepare for our army's advance there. I will inform Lord Brynden of this plan as well so he does not wrongly assume anything or bash my head too much" whispered Jon sheepishly,
Edmure chuckled but nodded for nobody was brave enough to keep the Blackfish out of something important like this.
"I will do my best, Jon. Thank you for thinking of this and trusting me in this task" promised Edmure sincerely,
"Thank you, my lord" replied Jon gratefully with a bow, before he left his solar.
All things considered, maybe his sister was truly wrong in her hatred of the young bastard for Edmure had now seen how loyal he was to Robb and their cause.
It had been three days since Jon had watched Sam ride out with Edmure Tully's small group in the darkness of the night. His friend was nervous, but had agreed to help in the task however possible as a favor to Jon for all the help he had provided to the boy at Castle Black and for Sam's own actions of wounding him and dragging him back to Castle Black.
Only the Blackfish knew of their plan and had actually approved of it, even going so far as to provide some advice to his nephew-Edmure and wishing him well.
It was deemed best that only their small group knew of this decision for preventing any dissension among their ranks, especially the Frey's.
Lord Glover and Lord Blackwood had left the next day after Edmure taking most of the Frey ground forces alongwith others North, while the main army led by Lord Brynden had finished gathering supplies and preparing the men to surround Harrenhal to keep Tywin in check. To prevent any attack, Jaime would be kept nearby- heavily guarded with the threat of being killed should his father do anything rash. It was risky having the Kingslayer so close to his father, but was also a strong deterrent for Tywin to stay his hand and not attack Robb's army or risk losing his son in retaliation.
He had also been preparing for his campaign with Greatjon and Lady Maege into the Westerlands.
Oxcross.
Jon kept himself occupied with overseeing the supplies necessary for the campaign to be gathered for their cavalry attack while preparing the necessary men. He would come up with the plan to engage the enemy later once he reached those lands and had a true measure of their strength and layout of the battlefield.
He was finishing his dinner while overseeing a list of supplies at his desk when Robin Flint entered making Ghost perk up.
Dacey Mormont, Robin Flint and Ser Wendel Manderley had also again volunteered to go with him by saying they wanted to protect his sorry arse during the upcoming cavalry engagements since he was hopeless on horseback.
Jon had given a friendly chuckle at the somewhat well deserved remark and gratefully accepted their help.
"What is it?" he asked now to his new friend and cavalry companion,
"We have a visitor from King's Landing. Said he needed to urgently speak to Robb, when told he is not here the man asked to see the next person in charge. Preferably someone from the Stark family, says he has brought a last message from Lord Eddard and his greatsword- Ice" answered Robin seriously,
Jon was up on his feet instantly, surprise and hope clearly burning in his eyes.
He had not been able to say a true goodbye to Father, or learn the truth of his mother. Perhaps he could get a chance to interact with father one last time even through a last letter and learn the truth if he was lucky.
The fact that the Stark's ancestral sword- Ice was also brought back to them was a great relief.
"Bring him in to me immediately. Who is he but?" asked Jon curiously,
"Ser Barristan Selmy, formerly of the Kingsguard he says"
Author's Notes: End of chapter.
Hope you guys liked it.
More of a politics, strategy and Jon centric chapter which I loved to write. Lots of things are gonna happen once I am able to fulfill the overall plan. It's only going to become more harder for the Starks despite their initial few successes...
Pairings are also something which I have decided.
Without giving away spoilers of the future plot, I am asking you all to give me time to flesh this out as I am aiming to make this tale as unique as possible.
You are free to make guesses and predictions as much as you want, I really loved reading all your reviews last chapter even the constructive one regarding the sword fight thing...it was more of a spur of a moment in an isolated battle, instead of a regular practice as I can't see Jon being able to wield two swords effectively as a practice.
Until Next Time,
Blackwolf501