The Winter King
Chapter 11: In Motion
In King's Landing, everyone was shocked at the massive defeat of the Iron Throne Army. Over six hundred thousand men, went out to end the rebellion of the Winter King, only for a handful to return to King's Landing in utter defeat.
The first thing people wanted to know was how. How did an army that was great in numbers and outnumbered the enemy thirty to one, get defeated? Then the story spread before anyone could stop it. Joffrey proved to be unwise in battle and sent his men to certain death. Despite knowing the odds were against him.
The Winter King apparently commands Direwolves, and they went through his army like they were lambs to the slaughter. The Winter King himself nearly killed Joffrey. As Joffrey turn tail and fled the moment he realized the battle wasn't going his way.
The Coward King. He was called. The one who flees before his enemies.
It did not help Joffrey's case when someone leaked out Joffrey sought the safety of the Red Keep instead of fighting down with his men to protect the city during the Siege of Blackwater Bay.
Cersei Lannister herself was furious at everyone. Yet she did nothing as her father was most angry.
Today a small council meeting was being conducted. On the importance of the Seven Kingdoms survival.
Tywin Lannister was sitting going over the causalities reports. With so many officers died it was hard to get an accurate account on the dead.
Varys, Petyr Baelish, Grand Maester Parcelle, along with his two children; Cersei and Tyrion Lannister walks in the room.
"Sit." Tywin Lannister said as he commands the Small Council to sit in their chairs.
No one said a word. Petry Baelish walks forward quickly to sit next to Tywin Lannister. Maester Pycelle sits next to Petry Baelish as Varys sits on the end. Cersei Lannister grabs a chair and lifts it up till she sits down next to her father. Tyrion, who did not have the height, grabs a chair and moves it to end of the other table and sits down looking at his father with an angry look.
"How is it that the greatest army ever assembled in the seven kingdoms gets defeated by a force far smaller than itself?" Tyrion Lannister asks.
"Keep your snide comments to yourself," Cersei snaps.
"Do you not understand the gravity of the situation? We're losing the war!" Tyrion barks. It was rare for him to raise his voice so loudly. "We have no army left! The Winter King is winning. His victory at Wolfswood Forest has made him the greatest threat to the Iron Throne! How is it that an army, over six hundred thousand men, gets defeated by a force of twenty thousand?"
No one said a word. They all look at Tywin Lannister as Cersei looks at her youngest brother with a deep hatred in her eyes; her nostrils flaring dangerously.
"The Winter King shall be taken care of soon enough," Cersei said calmly.
"Will he? The only thing that is saving our skins right now is the Bolton's and the Frey's. Once he's done with them, he will march to Kings Landing and put all our heads on pikes!" Tyrion snaps. "How long do you think they can hold out?" He added.
"The Winter King… is proven to be less green than we had hope." Varys said slowly.
"Do you know something?" Tywin Lannister demands.
"I have birds trying to find him but he has proven to be most… elusive. He seems to move carefully and his identity alone is shrouded in mystery."
"We need to make peace with the Winter King, soon before he put our heads on Pikes!" Tyrion said.
"You suggest we give him the North? After I've given it to the Bolton's who swore allegiance to the Iron Throne?" Tywin Lannister snarls.
"Would you rather have your families head on pikes? The friendship between Robert Baratheon and Eddard Stark kept the realm at peace. The Winter King will not have peace with us unless the Stark has legal recognition as the rulers of the North once again. It will not be long until the Winter King has the Bolton's heads on pikes. They no longer have the force to secure the North in our name." Tyrion Lannister said slowly.
Tywin Lannister looks at his youngest son carefully.
Even if he didn't like it, his son spoke the truth. The problems between Lannister's and Starks erupted the country into full-scale war.
"I will take your words under advisement. In the meantime, find out who the Winter King is." Tywin Lannister orders. "As for you Lord Baelish, you will return to the Vale and bring Lady Arryn into the fold. Or put her head on a pike."
"I am extremely grateful to you. Lady Arryn and I have always been… close." Lord Baelish said slowly.
"Might I add that it would be unwise to leave the seat of Master of Coin unattended with the Royal Wedding coming up." Tyrion Lannister said slowly.
"Agreed, which is why I'm making you the new Mater of Coin." Tywin Lannister said.
"I'm sorry?" Tyrion Lannister said slowly.
"You heard me, you will take over as Master of Coin of the Small Council."
"Living in a lifetime of wealth has taught me to spend money but managing it isn't my strong suit." Tyrion Lannister protested.
"I'm sure you'll manage just fine," Cersei said slowly.
"Here, here." Maester Prycelle said in a happy tone of voice.
"That's enough out of all of you. Be gone." Tywin Lannister demanded as he gets up and the rest of the Lords got up as well and left.
Everyone looks up at Harry who opens his eyes. His listening charm worked like a charm.
"What kind of force are we looking at?" Commander Brise asks the moment the Commander's enter the tent.
"None, they're going to rebuild their army first. They have none to send up here." Harry said calmly.
"You mean they threw everything at us. Army and reserves?" Commander Cyrus said in surprise.
"It would appear so. Where are the Bolton's?" Harry asks.
"In Winterfell, we have men watching their movements and it's safe to say that Roose Bolton will not venture out of Winterfell. He barely has the men left to hold the place down. We could siege Winterfell, force him to surrender it." Commander Cyrus said slowly.
"Only he won't. Roose Bolton has seized power, and he's not the type to let go of that power. In order for his rule in the North to be recognized, he needs to be seen to hold it. He doesn't command the same amount of respect as House Stark. Who is throwing their support behind us?" Harry asks.
"House Reed and House Cerwyn have answered the called. Others aren't so keen on answering. Especially with the Ironborn still in the country." Commander Cyrus said.
"The Ironborn still hold many forts and keeps. We will have to liberate them to win the support of the North." Commander Brise replies.
"See to it that our men start attacking the Ironborn and cut off their supplies. Leave no survivors. Their dead will send a message the North does not take kindly to invasions of any kind. Also, start constructing a navy. We need to control the seas around us to also protect our troops from any kind of invasion." Harry orders.
"We can move out as soon as possible. The recent battle has left the men in high spirits. But they crave something more." Commander Cyrus said.
"We're not going to get into any big battles anytime soon. The victory at Wolfswood sent warning bells to all corners in the seven kingdoms. No army will dare challenge us anytime soon. In the meantime, send our spies to King's Landing. Have them watch the Lannister's movements and find out what they're up to. If they make a move, I want to know about it." Harry orders.
"Understood." The commanders said as they all got up and left.
Harry looks at the board carefully and could see that while many houses weren't answering the call to support him in reclaiming the North for the Starks, they also weren't answering the Bolton's call to support their claim to the North.
Harry knew he wasn't a Stark by blood. So he had no real claim to the North. However, he would do everything he could and that was within in his power to reclaim the North in the Stark's name. His best bet was to find Sansa or Arya.
"My lord," A sentry said walking in. Commander Cyrus was behind him holding a letter.
"What is it, Commander?" Harry asks.
"Daenerys Targaryen rides for Mereen." Commander Cyrus reported.
"So, she's finally set her sights on Mereen." Harry replies bringing his hands together.
"Should we eliminate her? She does possess the Unsullied army, not to mention Ser Jorah Mormont and Ser Barristan Selmy at her side. If she sets her eyes on Westeros, it could be problematic if she seeks to claim the Iron Throne."
"True, however, she's a wild card in this. For now, let's watch her, and see what she does. She may prove to be a powerful ally." Harry said calmly.
"Or she could be a threat. What if she doesn't share your ideas and sentiment. It may be her birthright to rule the Iron Throne, but that doesn't mean she'll be a good queen." Commander Cyrus replies.
"True, that's why we need to see how she responds. It's also not going to be easy to get to her. The Unsullied protect her as does her two commanders. For now, we'll watch, see what she does. If she does prove to be a threat, I'll issue the order. For now, I'm curious on how she'll prove herself." Harry said calmly.
Commander Cyrus nods his head and walks out the tent.
Harry leans back and looks at the report on the King's Landing Wedding. It would be without a doubt the biggest event in King's Landing. Joffrey, who wasn't even a true king was walking around with a bigger ego than usual. It seemed the Battle of Wolfswood had become a memory of him. Almost as if it never happened. Harry scoffs at that. He remembers all too well how Joffrey was whimpering once his first arrow killed the Kingsguard next to him. If it wasn't for Jaime Lannister quick thinking then Joffrey would have died at the Battle of Wolfswood.
The real problem in this war were the ones pulling the King's string. Tywin Lannister, and Cersei Lannister. Harry was no fool, as long as those two still retain their power, the war would never end. Cersei wanted all the power to herself. She wouldn't accept anyone who can challenge her position or her power. As such, Harry was a threat to her. Due to the simple fact, he would never bow to her. It seemed the lions and the wolves should never dine together. Both have a tendency to show their fangs.
Harry sighs as he closes his eyes and decides to get some sleep.
Author Notes: Sorry it wasn't longer, had trouble filling in the chapter. Hope you guys enjoyed the chapter.