THE LION, THE STAG, THE WOLF, AND THE TIGER
TYWIN LANNISTER
CASTERLY ROCK
Tywin sits at his desk in his solar looking for ways to destroy his longtime enemies the Romyns. Always House Romyn has stood in way of House Lannister's complete domination of the West. It was not common knowledge, but the legendary gold mines of House Lannister were on the verge of drying up. The vaults of Casterly Rock are overflowing, but a war or something monumental could strip them of their wealth.
Taking control of the Western Expanse would really benefit House Lannister. Tywin was also considering marrying Lord Lefford's daughter. The lands and gold of House Lefford would keep House Lannister in power for years to come. He often considered it especially since his son Jaime Lannister is a member of the King's Guard. He would be damned if he handed over Casterly Rock to Tyrion. Lady Lefford is tempting for other reasons as well, she could provide him with new heirs, but always his hand is stayed by thoughts of his late wife Joanna.
There is a knock at his door, "Enter!" He unkindly commands. It is Maetser Culwyn with a Raven's message.
"A raven from the Capitol My Lord…"
Tywin takes the letter, breaks the seal and reads in private. He frowns, "Send the Ravens and summon my banners to Silverhill…"
"My Lord…"
"King Robert is dead…Call my small council…" They meet in the private council room. "King Robert is dead…" He declares when everyone is assembled.
"What?" Genna exclaims.
"How? Why?" Kevan asks.
Tywin hands his brother the letter, "Killed while hunting…A boar gored him…"
"This says Tommen has been named King…How can he be King over Joffrey?"
"Jaime sent me a letter from Silverhill…Robert was going to send Joffrey to the Maesters of Old Town…He stripped Joffrey of the crown and named Tommen his heir…"
"Eddard Stark! Treason…I don't believe it…" Genna says.
"Nor I…"
"Doesn't matter…They arrested him and when the North hears it there will be war…" Tywin looks at Kevan, "You dear brother are coming with me…I have ordered our Banners to Silverhill…"
"Right…"
"Lord Emmon I am entrusting you to raise conscripts…here at Casterly Rock…" Before dismissing the meeting he gives out other orders. Three days later Tywin marches out of Casterly Rock with twelve thousand men, leaving ten thousand to protect his ancestral home. From Casterly Rock they march up the Golden Road past the mountains and turn south to Silverhill.
"Lord Tywin welcome to my home…Silverhill is yours…"
"Thank you Lord Serret…" He dismounts his horse. "Is my son Jaime here?"
"He has not arrived yet My Lord…"
"When he does I wish to speak with him immediately…And pass the word to the Lords…After they have rested I will meet with them in the main hall…"
"Yes My Lord…"
Five days later Jaime shows up, "Father!"
"Sit down…" He obeys and Tywin pours two glasses of wine, "Now tell me…what happened? Did Eddard Stark really commit treason?"
Jaime sighs, "Stark convinced Robert to send Joffrey to the Maesters of Old Town…"
"I know that…I asked you if he committed treason…"
"He placed my sister…The Queen…Your daughter under House arrest…"
"Why?"
"Blames me for what happened to his son in Winterfell…The boy fell from the broken tower…But it was Joffrey who hired the assassin that tried to kill his son…"
"Why does Eddard Stark think you pushed his son from the broken tower?"
"Baelish…More of his lies coming to light…"
Tywin does not believe Jaime and decides he will not force the issue. ("Eventually I will get all of the truth…") He thinks to himself. "I sent a Raven to Lord Lefford commanding him to have scouts watch the roads and castles of the Riverlands…"
"What of House Romyn…" Jaime asks.
"Scouts are reporting troop movements…Small folk and troops are moving behind the Great Western Wall…"
"Any word from Stannis yet…"
"None yet…I sent Ravens asking for his support…" Jaime has a look on his face that Tywin notices, "What?"
"I don't think Stannis will support us…"
"Why not?"
"The new Master of Whispers thinks he wants the Iron Throne for himself…"
"Great…Another traitor…Now we play the waiting game see who makes the first move…"
"Why not just attack Riverrun?" Jaime asks.
"Because I would rather react than act…"
As the days pass troops arrive to support Lord Tywin. A week after Jaime arrives all the Banners of House Lannister have assembled. Tywin summons the lords and Knights to the Great Hall. They discuss plans for strategy, supply lines, and pay for the army. A man enters the hall, walks up to Tywin, and whispers in his ear. "My Lords…I have just been informed that Twenty thousand men of the Reach will arrive today to support us…"
They all cheer at the news. The Lannister army numbers fifty thousand strong, with the arrival of the Tarly forces they now have seventy thousand troops. Then House Corbray arrives boosting their ranks to 82,000. "Why should I trust you?" Tywin Lannister asks Roose Bolton. "A man who would betray his countrymen is not a trustworthy man…"
"Do you trust Randyl Tarly? He too betrayed his liegelord…House Stark and Bolton have always been at odds with one another…I am here because your Grandson the King promised my House Wardenship of the North."
"You and your men will march to King's Landing and help defend the city…Leave after you have rested…"
The next day as Roose Bolton and his men are leaving a Raven arrives from Dragonstone claiming that Tommen, Myrcella, and Joffrey are all bastards. Tyrion balls the letter up and burns it, but in the back of his mind he wonders. Then another Raven arrives from the Banefort. Robb Stark's forces are laying siege to the castle. "What's happening?" Jaime asks entering the tent.
"My Scouts believed Robb Stark is still at Riverrun…The Boy left his tents up around the river…A ploy well used…His army is laying siege to the Banefort…You will take 40,000 of our troops and march on Riverrun…As you march burn everything in between Stoney Sept and Riverrun…Take the livestock of the small folk…"
"Where will you be?"
"Marching to relieve the siege of the Banefort…" Jaime's army numbers 40,000 strong and marches into the Riverlands heading Northwest. Meanwhile Tywin marches his army back to the gold road towards the coast and then North to the Banefort.
STANNIS BARATHEON
DRAGONSTONE
Stannis is the second son of Steffon and Cassana Baratheon. As a child Stannis always envied his brother who was a favorite of both his parents. When their parents died Robert was taken to be fostered by Lord Jon Arryn while he was fostered at Bronzewood with House Buckler. Renly was taken in by his mother's family House Estermont.
When war broke Stannis did his duty and held Storm's End as his brother commanded. The two had never been close and because of Robert's indiscretion at Stannis' wedding they drifted farther apart. After the war Robert made Renly the Lord of Storm's End over him and gave him Dragonstone. For a few years Stannis served as Master of Ships, until Robert's children were born.
The moment he laid eyes on Joffrey Stannis had a feeling that they were not truly his. As Joffrey got older his lack interest in the things his father liked became prevalent and Jon Arryn only confirmed his suspicions. So Stannis decides to leave court and serve from afar biding his time. The Stormlords had no real love for him and favored both Robert and Stannis.
Like most great Lords in the south Stannis has paid informants in the capitol. So when his brother died a messenger arrived at Dragonstone to deliver the news. "My Lord a messenger has arrived from the Capitol with urgent news…" Maester Cressen says entering the Solar.
"Show him in…" A young man of eighteen name days enters the solar. "Leave us Maester Cressen…"
"My Lord…"
"Speak who sent you…"
"My name is Tyson my Lord…I bring regards from Ser Dustyle…I regret to inform you My Lord that your brother King Robert suffered an injury while hunting…He was gored by a Boar…The King is dead…Lord Stark has been arrested for treason…Tommen has been named King in his father's stead…"
Stannis receives this news a few days after Tywin receives a letter from the Capitol. Tyrion had sent Ravens out a week ahead to all potential allies. "Robert is dead…" As a military man Stannis respected his brother's accomplishments in war, but as his brother he felt little to no sorrow for his brother's death. "What of my other brother Lord Renly?"
"Imprisoned when he returned from the hunt with the King along with Ser Loras…"
"You serve as Ser Dustyle's Squire don't you?"
"I do My Lord…"
"I am not a Lord…All of Cersei's children are bastards…And since my brother had no true heirs I am King in his place…"
Tyson drops to one knee, "My King…"
"Stand up…for delivering this news to me I shall Knight you…"
"Thank you Your Grace…"
"Leave me I have much planning to do…But keep this news to yourself for now…"
"I will my King!"
No sooner had he left when Melisandre knocks on his door. He stands up, "Lady Melisandre…What may I do for you?"
Melisandre is a priestess who serves the lord of light. A fire god she and those who follow her faith say is the only god. She came to Dragonstone a year after Stannis and converted his wife, her uncle, and brother. "He is dead is he not? Your brother King Robert?"
She always knew things and had told him that Robert's end was fast approaching. "You said it would happen."
"Now is your time my Prince…My King…For only you can stand against the long night and defeat the great evil…"
"Devan get in here!" Stannis calls. The door to the side opens and in walks a young man. Devan is the son of Stannis' most trusted advisor and only friend, Davos Seaworth.
"My Lord…"
"Address him as Your Grace lad…" Melisandre says.
He bows, "My Lady…Your Grace?"
Stannis looks at him, "Summon my small council immediately…" A few hours later they meet in the great map room of Dragonstone. A wooden map of Westeros had been built by Aegon the Conqueror long ago. Selyse Baratheon is present, along with her brothers Ser Axell, and Ser Imry, Ser Davos Seaworth, Maester Cressen, Melisandre, the Steward of Dragonstone Michael Gans, and Lord Yenssen Buckler, Stannis' mentor.
"Read me the letter…" Stannis commands.
Devan serves as Stannis Squire. He clears his throat, "To all the Lords and Ladies of the Great Houses of Westeros…Let it be known that the children of Cersei Baratheon are all bastards fathered by Ser Jaime Lannister. All children of House Baratheon are born black of hair and blue of eyes. As such my brother King Robert had no true heirs…Therefore the right to sit the Iron Throne falls to me…I call on all people born of nobility and of common birth to support their one true King…Stannis of House Baratheon First of his name…King of the Andels and the First Men…Lord of the Seven Kingdoms…Protector of the Realm…"
"Good send it all corners of the realm…Even to the Night's Watch…"
"My King if it please you…You will need a Hand…" Selyse says speaking up, "I can think of no one better than my brother Ser Axell Florent…"
"I would be honored to serve as your Hand your Grace…"
Stannis grunts, "I am sure you would…But I have decided to name Ser Davos Seaworth as my Hand…"
Everyone at the table is shocked and looks at Ser Davos, "Me your grace…"
"Your Grace I must protest…This man…"
Stannis cuts off Ser Imry, "Is a Knight…And an upstanding man of character…He has a wisdom that will serve me well as King…My decision is final and I expect you all to give him the respect he is do…"
"You honor me your Grace…"
"Ser Axell I will name you as Admiral of my fleet…Ser Imry will lead my King's Guard…Lord Buckler shall be Lord Commander of the Royal army…" He looks at Melisandre, "The faith of the lord of light shall be the official faith of my Kingdom…"
"Your Grace…May I speak…" Maester Cressen asks speaking up.
"Speak!"
"The Seven has been the faith of the people for generations…If you ban it the people will resist your rule…"
"When they see the true power of the lord they will believe…"
"If what you say is true then allow the people to choose their faith…"
Stannis looks at Ser Davos, "What do you say my Hand?"
Davos clears his throat, "I have never been a pious man…But to force Lady Melisandre's faith on the populous is wrong…In Braavos the people are free to serve whatever god fancies them…"
"There is only one god Ser Davos…" Melisandre says.
"Maybe…but people have the right to choose for themselves…But the issue of faith is rather moot…We have bigger issues…Which House will support us and which will support the false King Tommen…We need an army…I think the Stormlords will be more apt to follow you if they knew that Lord Renly has been unjustly imprisoned along with Lord Stark…"
"Very well we shall put this issue of faith on the side for now…First we build an army then we take King's Landing…"
The Stormlords flock to Dragonstone, outraged that Renly was unjustly imprisoned. When Meisandre tries to force her religion on them some threaten to leave. Davos convinces Stannis to tell Melisandre to back off in so many words. The throne room of Dragonstone is filled with Lords and Knights swearing an oath to Stannis.
"Step forward…and the address the King…" Daven says.
The large knight removes his helm shocking the assembled Lords, because the knight is actually a woman and not a Knight at all. "Your Grace…I am Lady Brienne of Tarth…I consider Lord Renly your brother to a friend…I ask that you would give me a place on your King's Guard…"
Some people laugh, "Silence!" Davos yells getting angry.
"You are a lady of a Noble House and a Woman…" Queen Selyse says speaking up.
"I am…I have trained with the sword since I was eight…I am not a beauty among women…But I can fight Your grace…"
"A woman cannot serve on the King's Guard!" Ser Imry says speaking up.
"Why not?" Ser Davos asks.
"It is unseemly Lord Davos…The King's Guard only takes the best swords…These men pledge their lives for the King…It is a brotherhood not a sisterhood…"
"Allow me to prove myself…I will face any sword you would place before me…"
Stannis looks at Davos, "Well Lord Davos…"
"Your Grace I must protest…"
"Why?" Davos asks. "You are the Lord Commander of the King's Guard…You should face her…Especially since you are against her becoming a member of the guard…"
"If the King permits it then so be it…"
Stannis nods, "Make a place for them…"
The two face off in the center of the room with fifty men standing in a circle around them. They are given practice swords. "Begin!" Stannis shouts.
It was all anyone could talk about, Lady Brienne's defeat of Ser Imry who in shame withdraws his commission from the King's Guard and retires. Both Stannis and Selyse try to talk him out of it, but he would not here it. He changes his mind after Ser Davos talks to him. "The Starks and House Arryn are rallying at Riverrun…" Davos says in the next meeting.
"Houses Corbray and Bolton have declared for Tommen Baratheon…So has Randyl Tarly who has taken High Garden from the Tyrells…"
"What of House Romyn?" Queen Selyse asks.
"They haven't declared for anyone, but are mustering their forces…Agents report troops moving into the Expanse from Crakehall and Axel Ridge…"
"Send a letter to the Starks and their allies…Tell them to send a representative to bend the knee in their name…In the meantime what is the status of our forces?"
"One hundred thousand troops…We don't have enough ships to carry the entire army…" Lord Buckler says.
"Actually we do now…" Ser Davos says speaking up.
"How?" Stannis asks.
"Pirate ships…My Lord…"
Stannis sneers, "You know how I feel about Sell-Swords and Pirates…"
"I do your Grace…But we need more ships…Lord Paxter Redwyne refuses to fight for us…Even though his sister's family is being held hostage by Lord Tarly…If we are going to attack then it must be soon while the majority of Tywin Lannister's forces are in the field…"
"Can these Pirates be trusted…"
"So long as we pay them…Yes!"
"Alright make the preparations we sail in a week's time…"
ROBB STARK
RIVERRUN
Robb had convinced the Lords of the North, the Roverlands, and the Vale to name him overall commander. Now he had to back up his words with action. All this crosses his mind as he follows his mother Lady Catelyn Stark and his Uncle Edmure Tully down a hall to the room of his Grandfather Lord Hoster Tully.
Lord Hoster had fallen ill these past few months the wasting disease they called it. He was given a lot of milk of the poppy to ease his pain and help him sleep comfortably. "Father…Father it's me Cat…"
His eyes open, "Cat…Cat is that you?"
"Yes father…I am here with my son…My eldest Robb…"
He steps forward, "An honor to meet you My Lord…"
"You are a man grown now…Last time I saw you boy…You were a babe…Now look at you…You have the Stark eyes, but the hair is Tully…"
"Is there anything I can do for you my Lord…"
"Call me Grandfather! Duty, Honor, Family…Those are our words…"
"Grandfather…"
He nods, "Yes…Win this war…You are young…Do not be afraid to ask for advice from those older than you…"
"Yes sir…"
He closes his eyes, "Now leave me I am tired…"
"I wish you could have known him in his strength…" Catelyn says to Robb as they walk up the hall.
"I know…I will make him proud mother…" Later Robb meets with his Uncles Edmure and Brynden, Lord Yohn Royce, and Jon Umber. Grey wind is at his side as usual. "My Lords…Well leave our tents erected and a thousand men to patrol it…"
Brynden smiles, "Good plan…The Lannisters will think we are still at Riverrun…"
"Yes…We will send a portion of our forces to attack the Banefort…"
"We should not divide our forces…"
"It is a ploy to lure Tywin Lannister to us…He will most likely divide his forces…And when he does we will strike the one he sends to Riverrun…"
A week later when the moon is full Robb leaves Riverrun with forty thousand men. Meanwhile Jaime Lannister attacks Stoney Sept. Then he moves on towards the Stone Mill, meanwhile Robb's forces travel along the Red Fork and cross the river. They flank Jaime from behind winning a decisive victory and capturing Jaime Lannister, along with some knights, and soldiers.
Jaime is bought before Robb and forced to his knees, "Jaime fucking Lannister…The Sword of the West…"
"My father was under the impression you were marching your entire army to the Banefort…"
"No only a portion and he did exactly what I wanted him to…"
"Come boy let us end this war…You and I shall fight and the winner takes all…"
Robb smiles, "You would like that wouldn't you Sword of the West…You would probably beat me…But we aren't playing this game your way…Your son unjustly arrested my father for treason…"
"I don't have any sons…"
"Sure you don't…Take him away…" Robb takes his army to Wayfarer's Rest to recover and plan their next move.
TYWIN LANNISTER
When their forces arrive at the Banefort all they find are horse tracks and abandoned burned out catapults. "You fool!" Tywin yells at Lord Banefort, "You could have sent word that they fled…"
"I am sorry My Lord, they attacked at night and hid during the day…We did not know how many of them there were…Every night at sunset they fired stones and flaming jars of pitch at us…We thought it another trick of some kind…"
"Shut up and get out of my sight…"
As he walks away Kevan joins his brother, "A clever ploy to lure us here…Our scouts say that they were all on horseback and had wagons to carry catapults they assembled here…They abandoned the wagons and burned the catapults when they knew we were coming…"
"Clever in deed…My son is walking into a trap…" Tywin orders his forces to march to Golden Tooth. Upon arriving he receives news that his son's army has been routed and Jaime captured. Only nine thousand of the forty thousand Jaime commanded return to Tywin.
"They came at us from behind my Lord …" A knight reports standing before Tywin Lannister. "Before we realized what was happening we had lost the rearguard along with our supplies and the archers…"
"Dismissed!" Tywin coldly commands. He salutes and leaves the tent.
"Over thirty thousand dead or wounded…" Kevan says.
"Perhaps we should sue for peace…"
Tywin looks at his cousin Reginald Lannister, "Peace! Peace he says after one loss…If you weren't my cousin…"
"I only meant…"
"Get out! All of you! Kevan you stay…"
WAYFARER'S REST
House Vance rules one of the largest castles in the Riverlands. The House is so large that it has two castles and four banners. It sits on the Red Fork and is strategically placed for another attack against the West. The Lords gather in the main hall to discuss whom to support. Some do wish to support Stannis as King while others argue that it is the right thing to do. "My Lords! My Ladies!" Jon Umber yells standing up, "This is what I say to these two Kings…A Bastard and man born with a stick up his ass…" Everyone laughs as Jon Umber spits at the floor.
"It was the Dragons we bowed to and they are all dead…Tommen is a boy still sucking on his mother's tits…" They all laugh again, "And Stannis can kiss my ass…What do they know of the Wolf's Wood or Riverlands…The Mountains of the Vale…" He draws his sword and points it at Robb, "There is the only King I mean to bend the knee to and he sits right there…The KING IN THE NORTH!"
Torrhen Karstark stands up, "Am I your brother…"
Robb nods, "In all things…"
"Then from this day until my last you are my King…The King in the North!"
"THE KING IN THE NORTH!" They all start shouting.
Later Robb is in his Solar and hands Grey Wind a plate of meaty bones. "Your Grace the men you wanted…" Dorryen says after knocking and being given permission to enter. Four guards are with Dorryen and they have two Lannister prisoners. "What are your names?"
"My name is Holsten my Lord…"
"Grace you witless Westerner…" A Soldier says.
"I'm sorry your grace…My name is Reed Holsten I serve House Serret…"
"Able Miles of Silverhill Your Grace…"
"Good strong Western Names…Holsten I will give you two horses...One to ride and the other to carry supplies…You will deliver my terms for peace to the Bastard King and his advisors…They are non-negotiable…" He looks at Able, "Able you will ride to Golden Tooth and deliver this letter to Lord Tywin Lannister…Send him my regards and tell him they are non-negotiable…The two of you eat bathe and then leave…"
"Yes Your Grace…" Able says.
"Thank you Your Grace…" Reed replies.
AUTHOR NOTES: I love epic fantasy battle scenes the best one is when King Theodin charges the Elephants in Return of the King so in this battle I borrow a lot of stuff from that…Hope you like…
JULIAN ROMYN
WEST POINT
During the time Robert hunts, is injured and dies. House Romyn holds a feast to celebrate Arianne Romyn who is with child. The feast lasts all week, by which time a Raven is making its way to Casterly Rock with news of Robert's Death. "I guess we are grandparents now…" Julian says holding his wife on the balcony of their room.
"The baby hasn't been born yet…" Bethany replies.
"Still I am looking forward to spoiling my grandson…"
She smiles and looks at him sideways. She is standing with her back to him while his arms are wrapped around her. "And what if it is a girl…"
He shakes his head, "All women bare Romyn men male children first…It is an unseen law or something…"
"Yeah sure!"
"Get the book on the lineage of this House…You will see…"
There is a knock at the door. Julian releases his wife and walks up to the door. It is Maester Holland, "Sorry to disturb you my Lord, but a rider has arrived from the Capitol. The messenger tells him that the King is dead and Tommen has been crowned King. Julian meets with his House Council a few days later. "I sent a Raven to Sunspear...Prince Doran agrees with me…We shall mobilize our forces, but wait and see who does what and comes out victorious…"
"Father…shouldn't we support House Stark…They are our King's family…" Jordan says speaking up.
"We should, but Randyl Tarly has betrayed us and sided with the enemy…All of the Reach supports him with the exception of House Redwyne…Lord Paxter is sending his fleet to Sunspear…"
"What of our fleet?" Octavian asks. He had been at West Point for the celebration of Arianne's expected child.
"It will remain in port for the time being at full battle readiness…In the meantime we bring the small folk behind the wall and bring in all crops…"
"We should send out scouts to watch the roads…"
"Of course I have already taken care of that…"
THE GOLDEN COMPANY
HARRY STRICKLAND
The command ship the Golden Ore leads a fleet of one thousand ships carrying the army of the Golden Company. Randyl Tarly had hired them to attack the Western Expanse. No one had ever defeated the Golden in battle. He also tried to hire the Faceless Men to assassinate his son Samwell Tarly, but the Romyn's contract of protection extended to their Wards and Banners.
The Golden Company is led by Harry Strickland. A tall man with a warrior's build, a round head, mild grey eyes and a balding head. Harry had inherited the position from his predecessor Kane the Blackheart who died fighting Khal Drago in single combat. Strickland served as payroll master before he was elevated to Commander General.
Despite his physique he is not well respected by those under him. Harry relies on his right hand the Scorpion of the East Griff Banno. A fearsome warrior who was once a Pit Fighter of Meereen and won his freedom. Griff is tall, muscular, and fast; he prefers fighting with an Arakh a Dothraki sword. Griff is also the military strategist having studied under the Blackheart.
Griff is a risk taker in war and Harry walks with caution which is why Harry was chosen and Griff made his second. The two men don't like each other but they balance each other and always comes to a consensus for the good of the army. It is night and Harry is on deck when a scout ship signals the flag ship. "All hands on deck!" Harry shouts. "Signal the fleet…We are approaching land…"
He is joined by Griff, "What's up…"
"Land is what's up…" He points, "The Scout ship is signaling…The Western Expanse is dead ahead…"
"We should have taken more time to learn about the enemy…" Griff says for the umpteenth time.
Harry sighs, "Have we ever lost a battle?"
"Blackheart lost that duel to Khal Drogo…"
"And who advised him to face Khal Drogo one on one…"
Griff shakes his head, "I don't want to argue…"
"Neither do I…Besides Lord Tarly offered us a lot of gold…The largest contract we ever got…How could I say no…"
"I like to know my enemy before facing him battle…We don't know the military strength of these Romyns who their allies are…"
"Numbers don't win battles…"
"Right…"
They land on the southern beach of the Expanse. The city of Capri is on the North side, but the south is not completely unguarded as there are ten watch towers spread across the countryside with a hundred men to each tower. Ravens are sent then the towers are abandoned before the Golden Company makes landfall. There are a few mines in the countryside, but they had been closed.
The heavy Calvary is unloaded first, then the archers, and infantry; finally five hundred elephants are unloaded along with the supplies. When the army is in lines they march towards the city of Capri.
CAPRI – MARCUS CRASSUS
Marcus Crassus is Lord of Capri. When the Ravens arrive and the people started fleeing to the city for protection he was in the training yard. "Who are they?" he asks to his men.
"We believe it's the Golden Company My Lord…"
He looks at the Maester, "Maester Richard send a Raven to West Point…"
"Already taken care of my Lord…"
They start walking back to the main castle, "Bring as much as you can into the city…Arm the reserves…And I want the trench covered with planks, grass, and dirt…Also mobilize the fleet and sink whatever ships bought the Golden Company to our shores…"
As with the Great Western Gate there is trench before the city wall of Capri. It is twenty feet wide and twenty feet deep. Marcus sends out scouts to kill any enemy scouts so that his people can cover the trench before enemy forces arrive. With the work done and the city forces on full battle readiness all they have to do now is wait.
A week later as the sun sets fires appear in the distance. Villages being burned by the enemy, then a massive force appears. "Siege towers…" Marcus' son Anton says looking through a spyglass.
"Elephants!"
A horn sounds in the distance as the Golden Company gets ready to attack. Flaming projectiles light up the night as they are fired from catapults. Griff has the men manning the catapults focus their fire on the main gates. "Hold fire until they draw close…" Marcus commands walking down the steps to shelter from the barrage. The drums echo across the land as siege towers are pushed towards the wall.
HARRY
"The Fools do not fire back!"
"They wait for the right moment…Any word from our scouts to the east…" He asks his squire.
"None my Lord Commander…"
After several hours of bombardment the main gate and wall around it collapse, causing the Golden Company to cheer. Their cheers stop as they see that inside the gap they made is another wall of stone and wood built around the main gate. "Clever!" Harry says.
Harry and Griff watch as their Siege towers near the wall, but the defenders haven't fired a single shot. Then they all gasp as the towers tip and fall over into the trench. The men in the towers cry out as they fall into trench. Now the defenders start firing arrows, javelins, and jars of flaming pitch into the trench.
"Fuck…" Harry says looking at Griff, "Elephants!"
"No! Infantry and Siege ladders full attack!"
Soon the barrage of catapults is able to knock down the second wall cupping the main gate. Now the Catapults focus on the wall and the archers on the wall. The Horse Gate opens and two thousand mounted men ride out to take down the enemy Catapults. "ARCHERS!" Harry screams.
"My Lord!" As the archers fire at the approaching horses a rider comes up, "General…Enemy forces approaching from the North…"
"ELEPHANTS!" Griff screams.
JULIAN
Julian leads ten thousand mounted lances to Capri. As they arrive the sun is rising, "Looks like Lord Crassus is holding his own…"
"Yes but the main gate has been breached…" Octavian says.
Then a roar echoes across the battlefield and five hundred armored elephants charge towards them. "Easy men! Easy!" Julian has his son's Tiger at his side. "Octavian take six thousand, of our men and attack the main force…Ser Nicholas take out those damned catapults…Strength and Honor!"
STRENGTH AND HONOR!" His men yell.
"Forward and show no fear…" A horn is sounded and they charge the Elephants. Octavian leads six thousand men and they break the assault on the main gate. Meanwhile Ser Nicholas is able to reach the catapults and kill the men manning them and set them on fire with torches. Meanwhile Julian and two thousand mounted lances charge the Elephants. Julian rides under an Elephant raising his sword and cuts the main strap holding the carriage on the Elephant's back. Meanwhile his son's tiger roars at another Elephant and causes it to rear on its legs. Men hurl spears at the Elephant and down it goes.
Julian ducks under the tusk of an Elephant and stands up on his horse's saddle, he swings his sword and slashes the Elephants neck. He turns his horse around and attacks from the rear. Arrows are fired from the men on the Elephants. His horse is riddled with arrows and falls down dead; Julian leaps free of the horse and takes a fire bomb out. He hurls it at the carriage on the Elephant and it bursts into flame.
Many of the men in Julian's Calvary are armed with fire bombs, some are hurled at the Elephants and some at their carriages. "My Lord!" A man rides up and scoops Julian onto his Horse.
"Give me your sword!" They ride towards an Elephant charging at them and Julian slashes its front two legs and then the back. "Rally to me!" He yells as the Elephant falls to the ground; a horn is sounded. Julian had lost over seven hundred men and horses in the first charge. They had killed over two hundred Elephants and over a thousand men. The city defenders are now sending out reinforcements and the Golden Company is starting to lose ground.
Before he charges again a horn to retreat is sounded from the enemy. The archers and remaining Calvary cover the retreat of the Infantry. "Nephew!" Octavian rides up to him, "Shall we pursue?"
"No not yet…Let them reach their ships and find them burning…"
Julian organizes his forces and leads fifteen thousand men on horseback to follow the Golden Company. When they arrive the Golden Company is trapped between the sea and fifteen thousand men. Julian's orders his men to take no prisoners and they obliterate the Golden Company. Meanwhile on the sea every ship had been sunk by the Romyn naval forces.