Robb Stark's encampment.
20 leagues northwest of Ruby Ford.
7 days after the Battle of Green Fork.
Theon Greyjoy.
The past several days had been rather strange for Theon. 2 days after their decisive victory at Green Fork, Robb had moved his encampment around the Old Crossroads Inn, he and his bannermen having taken up residence in the Inn itself. What was left of the Lannister host was on the run, fleeing west where they belonged, or so Theon was told.
The Northmen were well and truly inspired, upon hearing the news of the death of Tywin Lannister at Theon's hands. All of the sudden, people respected him. Rickard Karstark for one, held Theon in high regard, for avenging his son. Eddard Karstark didn't seem to want to leave his side.
Daryn Hornwood and other younger knights now looked at Theon in awe. Robb, Robb fully trusted him. For the first time in his life, since leaving the Iron Islands, Theon knew he wasn't an outsider anymore.
Theon was strolling through the camp, hoping to find a skin of wine that wasn't sour, when he ran into Dacey Mormont. The Mountain breaker, as she was also called, had been taking a sip of wine from her makeshift chalice, out of Gregor's helm when she noticed Theon. '' Alpha slayer!'' She greeted. '' Finally I meet the one other person in this camp who killed someone who looked scary.''
Theon hadn't been the only one who had been showered in praise and respect. Dacey had overnight became one of the most respected woman in the camp, even more so than Catalyn Stark. Everywhere she went, people showered her with praise, though she was hardly left a moment alone anymore. Which of course felt odd to her- before Green Fork, the vast majority of the camp had looked down on her for being a woman. But after she succeeded where a dozen men failed, at killing the Mountain, everyone seemed to want to be her friend, which sort of wore on her nerves.
'' Nice to see you, Mountain breaker.'' Theon replied. '' Where would you be off, perchance?''
'' Lord Robb has called a war council, in 10 minutes. We're both invited. ''
'' What sort of an emergency could possibly be happening?'' He asked. '' I thought we killed all the Lion's. ''
'' Only half I'm afraid. And Robb want's to remain one step ahead of the Kingslayer.''
'' Well in the mean time, I suppose we could walk together?'' He asked suggestively.
'' Fine.''
When Theon and Dacey arrived at the great hall in the Inn, they found Robb surrounded by his banner-men- Roose Bolton, Smalljon umber, Rickard Karstark, Bryden Tully, Steveron Frey, and the lords Flint and Glover.
Robb looked up and greeted his friend. '' Theon, Dacey. We were just discussing the battle.''
Within 10 minutes of listening to the lords report casualties, Theon knew the nurse had been right.
They had functionally destroyed Tywin Lannister's host, killing at least 25,000 of the 30,000 men. But in the process, they had lost roughly 7,500 men. Daryn was now the lord of Hornwood, because his father Halys was killed at Ruby Ford. Steveron Frey had found his son Ryman Frey, skull split in half- the work of Gregor Clegane. Robett Glover and the Greatjon Umber had also died on Gregors' hill assault. Ser Wendel Manderly had been stricken with grief when he learned that his brother Wylis Manderly had been killed during battle with Tywin's reserves, killed by the Lion himself.
They had started with 22,000 men, and their causalities had brought that total down to 14,500 men. Thousands more had been wounded. Robb declared that for now, they should avoid engaging the Kingslayer at all costs.
'' And what about Riverrun?'' Catalyn asked, a hint of worry in her voice.
'' The Kingslayer has for the moment, refused to budge, though he might only just have received news of the destruction of his father's army. Most likely he'll do one of three things; Abandon his siege, continue it and hope for the best... or he'll try and take Riverrun by force, and then come to deal with us.'' Robb said.
Theon nodded and clapped once. '' Well then. When are we going to set the other Lion pack on fire?''
Rickard Karstark let out a booming guffaw. '' ha HA! Its only been a couple day's and the boy's already eager to crush the Golden Kingslayer's head as well!''
Robb let a small smile, before it disappeared. '' I'm afraid Theon won't be able to do that just yet. I have other plans for him.''
He put out a map of the Riverlands and Westerlands. '' Theon, we defeated Tywin, but the Lannister's are still a threat. We need a fleet to attack the Westerlands. In two day's, I'm sending you to Seaguard. Once there, you will board a ship to Pyke, and win your families support to our side.''
'' Pyke?'' Theon was astonished. For the past 10 years, he had never been let out of the Stark's sight, and now Robb was going to send him back to the Iron Islands?''
'' Yes. If they listen to you, they might be more likely to be swayed to our side. Besides, the Westerlands contain far more wealth than the north does. ''
Theon shook his head. '' I'm sorry Robb, but the Iron Islands is a very harsh place. My father hasn't seen me in years, and I wouldn't be surprised if he was still sore over Rodrik and Marron. Besides, I doubt he would have much respect for me. Which means he is much less likely to listen to me.''
Robb nodded. '' You're right. Which is why you will come to Pyke, with the helm of Tywin Lannister. ''
He turned back towards Dacey Mormont, and was about to speak when Eddard Karstark burst in the room, pale faced, holding a letter.
'' Eddard, what is it?'' Robb asked. Eddard looked at him and handed him the letter. He and his mother both read it. Catalyn gasped, and suddenly started sobbing. Robb seemed trapped in a daze, though every now and then, he would clench his fist in anger.
'' Robb what is it?'' Dacey asked. Wordlessly, Robb handed her the letter.
Theon was rose up and waited to hearthe contents of the letter, and saw Dacey swear. '' My lords and ladies.'' She announced. '' Lord Eddard Stark is dead. ''
Traitors of the North.
Your lord is dead, traitors. He tried to take my rightful throne and has paid with his head. And you will also pay with yours. I arrested the traitor Eddard Stark, the former Hand of my father. Despite his treachery, I generously offered you the chance to swear your fealty. Instead, my new Lord Hand, my Grandfather Lord Tywin Lannister, Lord of Casterly Rock and Warden of the West, was wrongfully murdered by your treachery.
Because of this, my mercy has extinguished. I had Eddard thrown from the top of the Red Keep upon hearing of my lord Grandfather's death. My betrothed Lady Sansa screamed and wept but after a little coercing from my Knights of the Kingsguard, she agreed that her father was a traitor and rightfully suffered a traitor's death.
As King of the Iron Throne, I denounce House Stark, and all their bannermen, as traitor's to the realm. Mother says a Lannister always pays his debts. You are all traitors, past redemption. You will all die traitor's deaths. I made lady Sansa swear that she wouldn't smile until she saw her traitor families heads on spikes.
I offer you to surrender to my rule, and I will grant you all a merciful death. Remain defiant, and I will show no such mercy.
Justice is coming. By the middle of next year, you will all be exterminated.
Signed, King Joffery Baratheon, first of his name, King of the Andals and the First Men, Lord of the Seven Kingdoms, and Protector of the Realm.
Robb angerly snatched the letter from Dacey's hands, and ripped it into shreds. He left the room without another word, his mother following him.
From what Joffery's letter had said,Theon could gather that following the news of Tywin's death, his grandson Joffery had retaliated by executing Eddard Stark. Robb hadn't been seen by Theon for the entire day. Catalyn had blamed him for her husbands death, arguing that if he had captured Tywin instead of killing him, Ned would still be alive.
Later that night, Robb was finally present. They had received news of the declarations by Stannis and Renly, both claiming the Iron Throne.
The bannermen of the North broke into a heated argument about which king to support. House Dustin and Flint supported Stannis, but most preferred Renly. The argument ended, when House Mormont, followed by Karstark and Glover declared that there was only one king they would be willing to follow, and that king was sitting in the room with them. With that, Northern House after house declared Robb the King in the North. With that, History would repeat itself, the Rebellion war would be fought all over again. The realm would be cut in half.
The King in the North! The King in the North! All Hail the King in the North!
Second Lannister encampment, beseiging Riverrun.
8 days after the Battle of Green Fork.
Jaime Lannister.
'' My father is dead.'' Jaime Lannister said, before his war council. The council had been called in a state of emergency, following the news of the disastrous battle at Green Fork. While there was no immediate threat, either from the castle of Riverrun that Jaime's 30,000 army had been besieging, or from Robb Stark, the threat would come soon.
'' I fear so, my lord.'' The messenger said, his uniform covered in dried blood, a nasty cut over his face. Jaime's bannermen and officers sat in stunned silence as the man from Lord Tywin's army continued to tell his long tale.
Jaime had been taking some practice with a longbow when he had been interrupted by his squire. A few Lannister men - not from Jaime's army- had arrived at Ser Forley Prester's camp on the east bank of the Red Fork, with dire news. And thus they informed Jaime and his men that the other Lannister Army to the east had been functionally destroyed.
His war council was on a median, much younger than his father's. To his left was Ser Andros Brax, the current lord of Hornvale. His appearence reminded Jaime of Robert Baratheon in his prime, though he had dirty blond hair, not coal black. He always looked like a fearsome bear, though his House Sigil was a purple unicorn. He certainly had the personality of a bear.
On the other side sat Alestar Lefford, who's grandfather Leo Lefford had been slain during the Green fork, making Alestar the new lord of Golden Tooth. He looked similar to Lancel, though a far cry from the pious fool that was Jaime's cousin. On Brax's other side, sat Ser Forley Prester, who commanded the eastern host besieging Riverrun. He was a shortish man, though taller than Jaime's brother Tyrion. He could be mistaken for an innkeeper. The type who's features didn't result in pretty daughters.
And finally across from Jaime, was Ser Dylan Marbrand, his elder brother Ser Addam had been taken captive. He looked very much like his brother, but could hardly be more different. Addam's skill was with the sword, just like Jaime. Dylan on the other hand preferred to study books in times of peace and maps of Westros in times of war.
'' How could this happen?'' Ser Forley Prester asked, weakly. '' You had just as many men as we do. You had the best commanders, the best steel, and the best horses! A third of your forces were cavalry! How? ''
'' You are correct, Ser.'' The messenger said. '' Ser Addam sent outriders to screen the enemies movement. We had enough notice to set up formations, ready for any attack. The majority of the soldiers managed to be armed and armored in time to meet the attack. Lord Tywin was certain that the enemy would attack us head-on. '' He spat on the ground. '' That's for the bloody coward, Robb Stark, and those fucking pyromancers he had with him. We had cavalry, aye. It was Ser Addam's right wing that went first. Knights and Cavalry, by all rights they should have broken the Stark host. Instead, he uses pack horses with saddlebags full of Wildfire, to charge into Ser Addam's flank, and then set his fire-arrows upon us. That was game over, for the right wing. ''
Wildfire. Jaime was stunned. Well the Stark boy certainly isn't as honorbound as his father was. He truly did not envy the knights who had been caught in the blast. Armour can repel a sword but such a hot substance as Wildfire, would have melted a man's armor into his flesh. Jaime himself had an intense personal dislike for the substance. It gave too many bad memories, when he was serving kind, gentle King Areys the Mad.
Lord Andros Brax slammed a fist on the table. '' Bloody Northern cowards, indeed! What sort of man hides behind dark, evil substances created by wrinkled foul men in moldy robes, with such unnatural obsessions? What sort of man hides on top of a hill and allows such substances to do his dirty work for him? ''
'' Indeed.'' Alestar Lefford grumbled. '' What happened afterwards?''
And so the messenger went on to explain how Lord Tywin had attempted to attack Robb on two fronts, sending his left wing, all mounted, to charge up the hill and attack Robb's infantry posted there. His center meanwhile, mostly infantry, flanked around the hill to meet the northmen behind it.
'' A woman killed the Mountain? Truly? You better not be jesting. '' Alestar Lefford warned.
'' I fear not. The Mountain rushed ahead of most of his men, and charged straight up the hill, or so my fellow fleeing comrade swears. He started cutting a path trough the northmen, killing many nobles from the North and Riverlands, attempting to get to Robb. Then the woman ambushed and beheaded him. House Mormont, I am told.''
So the Mountain that Rides was finally dead. Good Riddance too.
'' What news of my brother Tyrion?'' Jaime asked. Don't tell me that I lost my brother too.
'' He escaped, with a few thousand of the host. Infantrymen, cavalry, men who were smart to escape when they realized we were lost. I had rejoined him one day after the battle. He is alive and well. He sent me here both to inform you of our defeat, and that he is heading southwest fast, in hopes of rejoining your host. ''
Jaime sighed in relief.
'' The entire Stark host was focused on the left wing and the center. In total, that made what, half the host? Lord Tywin commanded the reserves. Why did he not use them to reinforce his brother behind the hill? That might have changed the tide.'' Ser Forley demanded.
'' You were not there, Ser.'' The messenger said. '' It was complete and utter chaos. The battle leaned from our side to theirs quickly. And then back again. The Starks were camped on the other side of the hill. Ser Gregor had failed to take the hill from the Stark infantry, so we could not get eyes on the other-side, except to go the long way around it. There are two ways around the hill, one by the Riverside, where there is a narrow pass between the bank and the slope. The other side is a long way around, to the east. Our outriders, from either side of the hill, never made it back to Lord Tywin alive, until it was too late. Stark must have had archers posted on the hill. By the time we got proper reports, Kevan's center had already been routed. At this point, I had fled the slaughter to join Lord Tywin's reserves. ''
'' So what happened in Ruby Ford?'' asked Lord Brax.
'' By this time, Lord Tywin was left with only his reserves. We realized the battle was lost, so Lord Tywin attempted to salvage the situation, by driving his remaining forces as fast as possible, towards the Ruby Ford. He hoped to cross, and retreat west or east. Alas, Jaime, your father was an excellent tactician but that day at Green Fork, there was not a thought that went through his head that the Stark boy hadn't already considered. Our hopes were dashed when the second Stark army fell upon us. We almost broke them, once Tywin put his longbow men to work, but then the north-men formed into wedges and started cutting our infantry to pieces. The archers and pikes were next to go. They stood no chance against the wedge formations, they went through them like spikes through ripe cheese. The cavalry, they went in and almost cleaned up the mess, until the Stark cavalry regrouped and charged us. So the cavalry is distracted, but Lord Tywin is personally directing the action, so we never budged. But then a couple groups of northmen spotted Lord Tywin and his personal guard. And while they suffered high casualties, they broke though the guard. You all know what happened next.''
'' What about my son? Ser Tytos Brax, he was among Lord Tywin's personal guard. ''
'' I'm sorry for your loss, Lord Brax. Ser Tytos would sooner die defending his liege than be taken prisoner. I fear he was cut down, possibly by the same man who slew Lord Tywin.'
Lord Andros Brax yelled in fury- and smashed his wine-glass with his bare fist, shattering it into dozens of glass shards. He clenched his bleeding fist, and put his other hand to his head, taking deep heavy breaths. Jaime couldn't blame the man- he had just learned that two of his sons were dead, one burned alive in the wildfire that had consumed thousands of knights, and the other died in a noble but futile attempt to defend Lord Tywin.
Is this how I would react if one of my children were to die? If I were to learn that Joffery was burned? Or that Tommen was butchered in a duel? He doubted it.
'' By all rights this is a bloody mess.'' Ser Forley Prester grumbled.
'' No need to repeat that again, Ser Obvious.'' Alestar Lefford said. '' The Question is what we do about this?''
'' Such as? Lord Tywin is dead, his army put to the sword... or torch. The Starks hold both crossings of the Green Fork now, and can possibly move south towards the capitol if he so chooses. The Baratheons threaten us from the south, and they gather their forces even as we lose ours. Green Fork may well not be our only defeat in this war. We may very well lose the capitol to the enemy. My lords, I believe we must sue for a truce with House Stark, to give us more time to deal with Lords Stannis and Renly. ''
'' Peace?'' Suddenly, Lord Andros Brax turned red with anger, and rose from his seat. '' Are you proposing a peace with the cowards that burned thousands of good men, and butchered thousands more? They killed the Lord Of Casterly Rock, might I remind you? Tell Ser Jaime that you want to have peace with the one who killed his Lord Father. Go on.''
'' Lord Andros, enough.'' Jaime intervened.
'' We cannot sue for peace, unfortunately. They slew the Lord of Casterly Rock, and King Joffery retaliated by executing Eddard Stark. We have no chance of bringing Robb Stark to the table now, I fear.'' Ser Dylan Marbrand said.
Jaime responded by unsheathing his dagger. He reached over, grabbed the wolf piece representing Robb Stark's host at Ruby Ford, and started to whit the wooden piece. '' What did you see, when you walked through our camps?'' He asked the messenger. The man looked puzzled, until Jaime sighed in exasperation. '' You saw an army, besieging a castle. We have the finest weapons and armor that money can buy. A Lannister always pays his debts. There are some here who believe that we should sue for peace. But that is a burned bridge.
His knife caught in the pieces wooden ear, until he sawed it off in one stroke from his knife . '' Nor can we hope for peace. On Stark's side, he has just destroyed one of our two large armies, and slew some of the most feared men of the Westerlands. Why would he even consider bending the knee to us? Why would he consider not finishing what he has started? His bannermen would never stand for it. They have won so far, they want more. They don't want peace. Even if they did, we can't make peace with them. ''
Several of his council members started to nod, Andros especially, who had just realized that Jaime did not intent to pursue peace.
He continued. '' Lannister's pay their debts. Catalyn Stark abducted my brother. My lord father felt obligated to invade her family homeland in retribution. The last time I saw him, he told me if another house can seize one of our own, and not suffer retribution, we are no longer a house to be feared. If invading another kingdom is the proper retaliation for the kidnapping of one of our own, then for killing the Lord of Casterly Rock, how can anything less than the complete and utter destruction of the slayer's house and army, be considered acceptable for the debt to be paid?''
Utter silence followed, as he let the knife fall from his hand, the small direwolf piece now whited to a small pile of crudely cut shavings.
'' I just hope to be there when the skinning begins.'' The messenger said.
'' Aye, a question of when. '' Lord Andros Brax agreed. '' One battle does not make a war. Robb's host is exhausted, and I would say that at least half of them are wounded one way or another. He will have his hands full, and he won't be able to march anywhere without leaving masses of wounded to succumb to their injuries. He took heavy casulties. We are fresh, 30,000 strong, and itching for a real fight. Not like the Riverlords gave us one anyway. We should pack up our siege of Riverrun, and march on Robb Stark at once, and take revenge for our fallen. ''
'' Would that we could. We still have Renly and Stannis to contend with. If we spend too much time concentrating on Robb Stark, they will make their move and might snatch the capitol and Iron Throne out from under us. We could however offer them a truce for now, and work and a prisoner exchange.''
'' More nobles died than were taken captive at Green Fork, but the Starks still outweigh us with prisoners. We have Edmure Tully and a number of riverlords, but they have Ser Kevan Lannister, as well as Ser Addam Marbrand, and a number of other western nobles still. And with Eddard Stark dead, I don't see any hostages here that we could trade for Kevan.'' Alestar Lefford said gravely.
'' We still have Robb Stark's sisters, Ned Stark's daughters. The Queen has them in custody.'' Ser Forley offered hopefully.
'' He just outsmarted Lord Tywin Lannister on the battlefield. Something no one else has done for decades. Unfortunately, he doesn't appear to lack the brains necessary to trade Kevan Lannister, a proven battle commander and experienced politician, for two girls, no matter what their last names may be. '' Lefford shot back.
'' Then we must ransom him back, whatever the price.'' Forley said.
'' Small chance of that.'' Jaime rolled his eyes. '' Robb Stark has won against my father, and slew the mighty Tywin Lannister. No doubt he thinks himself above peace and truces. Nor would he be foolish enough to accept any sum of gold for his only two valuable hostages. If he has any brains at all, he realizes that he has just put the lives of his two sisters in peril. And as good as killed his own father, when his ward Theon Greyjoy cut Lord Tywin down. Kevan and Marbrand are his insurance that the Queen keeps them alive, and he is not going to trade that for any amount of gold. ''
'' So why should we budge from Riverrun? They attacked Tywin, and spared us. If they retake Riverrun, the Starks and Tullys can unite against us. We should take the castle. Tonight, we bridge the moat, and shatter their gates. Put the Riverlords to the sword, and use the castle as a strongpoint for us to further conduct our military operations.'' Alestar Lefford said.
'' I fear we have neither the time nor the strength. '' Ser Dylan countered. '' We had delayed constructing our siege towers until too late. It will be several more days before we have enough siege towers fully constructed. Even so, the moat stands in the way. Even if we somehow manage to take the castle, we will suffer high causalities. Meanwhile, the Starks and Baratheons will continue to gather their strength. We have only one army left. We should manage it wisely.''
' '' There is graver tidings to be had. Renly has taken up against us, but not in support for his brother Stannis. Instead, he has claimed the crown for himself. The good news is that the brothers will clash against each other, in their own bids for the crown. The bad news is that Renly has allied with Highgarden, and has taken the lady Margery Tyrell for his wife and Queen, effectively binding the entire Reach to his cause. '' Marbrand continued.
Forley Prester actually choked on his own wine. '' The Tyrells? He has the Reach on his side? Oh Seven save us, we are truly beaten. The Reach is the most fertile kingdom of Westros, and almost as rich as the West. Except our wealth comes from Gold. Their wealth comes from their extremely abundant amounts of fertile soil, which means they can support a very large population. The Tyrells can amass an army of nearly 100,000, and their all well equiped too, almost as well equipped as our own men. Do you know how many men Renly has right now?''
''He has won over most of the Stormlands as well as the Reach. As of last report, his forces total 70,000 and growing. '' Dylan answered.
'' And Stannis?''
'' Not so well, fortunately. He's calling his banners on Dragonstone, and is finding more swords than seashells nowadays. He's hiring sellswords and sell-sails, and is building his fleet. Numbers? About 10,000 and I would call that generous. '' Dylan said. '' Stannis might be a better soldier, but even Robb Stark in his current state outnumbers him 3 to one. And Sellswords are not you want as a majority in your forces. No, its Renly who is the real threat. '' He directed everyone's attention to his new map of Westros.
'' Green Fork has left us in a bad situation. The Starks are allied with the Twins and hold Moat Cailin. The majority of Robb's army has survived the battle against Lord Tywin, and is more or less positioned right where Tywin's army once stood. Despite this, he is still isolated from his main ally- the Riverlords- and now he is wounded. For the time being, we still hold Riverrun under siege, and are free to move West if we please, to Casterly Rock and Lannisport. Robb holds Ruby Ford, so we cannot cross the Green Fork unless we wish to give battle. Stannis is calling his banners, and Renly is still in the Reach. Neither of their plans are ripe yet, but they are ripening.
Meanwhile, we are surrounded by enemies on all sides but West. We have the Reach to the south, Stormlands and the Vale to the east, the Starks to the North. At this point, our only ally is the capitol, and if it falls, as Robert's brothers intend to see that it does, we will be on our own against every kingdom that has made us an enemy.
Lord Tywin has been slain. His brother Ser Kevan has been captured. Their army has for all purposes ceased to exist. That leaves only our own forces, 30,000 men. Against the Starks we still outnumber them 2-1. Against Stannis we outnumber him 4-1. But Renly however outnumbers us 2-1 and that number will soon turn to 3. Soon he will march, either towards us or the capitol. Ser Jaime, I fear that if we remain here for too long, tied down with the siege, we could be caught between the Starks to the North, and Renly to the South. And we are in danger of losing the capitol.''
Jaime stopped to gather his thoughts. Why is this happening to me? Father would have known what to do.
But Father was gone, and his council killed or in captivity. Jaime's own officers were younger, less experienced. The judgement of some was clouded by desire for revenge. Others were terrified under the surface, by Tywin's defeat and were afraid to do anything, lest they suffer the same fate.
'' Queen Cersei has responded to these new enemies.'' Dylan continued. '' In the name of King Joffery Baratheon, she commands us to march our entire force, down to Kingslanding, to defend the capitol against King Renly and his Tyrell host. She does not ask, she commands, in the name of King and Council.''
Jaime had to bite back a curse. '' Does anyone else think that marching to the capitol is a good idea?'' He asked.
'' No. I must heavily advise against it.'' Dylan Marbrand stated. '' It would be the most shortsighted move we could make. We might be able to defend the castle, but that would put an even heavier strain on food supplies in the Crownlands. Worse still, it could invite the likes of Robb Stark and Renly Baratheon to turn their heads west instead of east. It might make the Queen feel safe, but it would cause more problems than it would solve. I advise you to ignore her 'command', Lord Jaime.''
Jaime hesitated. On the one hand, what Marbrand said made too much sense to ignore. On the other hand, it was Cersei, his twin. She needed his help. One army or another was coming to destroy her and her son Joffery. How could he ignore her like that?
His war council was turning towards him, and he realized that they were expecting him to make a decision, a decision that would ultimately affect their position in this war.
His father's words came back to him. We can create a dynasty that will last 1000 years, or we can collapse into nothing, just like the Targaryans did.
What in Seven Hells was he supposed to do? What would father have done? You were the one experienced, father. What would you do?
Lord Tywin's officers and bannermen would have done him the courtesy of allowing him to take as much time as he needed to come to a decision. Not so with Jaime's own. Andros and Forley were impatiently tapping the table with their fingers, looking increasingly impatient. He examined his map, and evaluated different options.
'' My lord, If I could suggest something.'' Dylan said.
'' What do you advise for, considering you advised against marching to defend the capitol?'' Jaime asked.
'' We need to be in a position where we can keep Robb Stark in check, yet can move fast at short notice, should a threat arise against the west, or our southern front. We have only one large army to work with now, and we need to make good use of it. Before they met their end at Green Fork, your father's host had taken the castle of Harrenhal and left a garison to it. Its an excelent place for us to conserve our strength and rest. Robb cannot touch us there, Renly cannot touch us there. That's where I saw we should go.''
Jaime put his hand to his face, and took a long gulp of wine. He had still been considering moving to Kingslanding, where he would make sure no threat came to his sister and 'nephew'. He had no illusions that sooner or later, an army would descend upon the capitol. But what Dylan Marbrand said, was definitely not being ignored by him either. Dylan had proven to be his best strategist in his entire group of generals that Tywin had given him with his army of 30,000. When they had been engaging the Riverlords at the onset of Tywin's campaign, Dylan Marbrand had devised a set of battle strategies for Jaime to follow. Which was why he only lost a few hundred men when he smashed the Riverlords at both Golden Tooth and in the later battle where he went through Edmure Tully's host like a knife through cheese.
Thus, unlike with generals such as Andros Brax and Forley Prester, Jaime took Marbrand's advice with more than a grain of salt.
'' We march to Harrenhal.'' He announced. '' Dylan is right, we need to get somewhere close to the Crownlands, but Robb cannot be allowed to slip through our fingers. We hold the castle, and no enemy can touch us. If Renly or Stannis make an attempt on the castle walls, we can always come south to welcome them before they set foot in the crownlands. Give the orders, generals. In two days, we pack up camp, and march to Harrenhal.''
'' And what do we do until then?'' Lord Andros asked.
Jaime allowed a small smile on his face. '' Tell the men to prepare the siege equipment. Its about time we started to pay off our huge debt to the Stark's and Tully's. We're not leaving until that castle of Riverrun is a ruin like Harrenhal. And then we march east. '' He commanded.
Next chapter: The Lannister's start paying off their debt.
Andros Brax and Ser Forley Prester are from the Books, serving in Jaime's army. One was killed, the other fled during the Battle of the Camps. The other character's I created.
And finally, this is NOT a '' Stark wish fufilment fic.'' Those stories are indeed boring, but this is not it. And the Lannister's are far from done. Militarily, the Lannister's are actually not in a bad spot- Jaime still has a stranglehold over Riverrun, keeping the Riverlords pinned down. Robb is still isolated from his main ally, is exposed and vulnerable to attack, camped out north of Ruby Ford, at the Old Crossoroads Inn. On top of that, he has lost a third of his men.
A considerable Step down from where he was in Canon, by the end of AGOT, admittedly. The Westerlands is secure, Jaime can easily defend against any possible invasion.
Pollitically, of course, Tywin Lannister's death is not such a happy picture ( For the Lannister's).