Sixth Month of 280 A.L. Longtable
Prince Rhaegar Targaryen
Thoughts of his flight from King's Landing still echoed in his mind all these weeks later, he had been suspecting that his father would have him arrested for some time, but he had never truly thought that it would happen quite so suddenly. After Lord Tywin's resignation, his father had named Lord Varys as his hand and the man had been whispering in his ear for some time, and then the arrest had come as Rhaegar had known it would. Rhaegar had been sparring in the yard with Arthur when Ser Jonothor Darry and Ser Oswell Whent had come calling with a warrant from the King, a scuffle had ensued in which Arthur and Ser Richard Lonmouth had managed to disarm both knights and then they had gotten onto their horses and ridden as hard and as fast they could for the docks of King's Landing. From there they had met with Ser Morn Tyrell and boarded one of the many trading vassals from the Reach and sailed from the port. Elia and Rhaenys were in Sunspear having been sent there to visit her family the day of Tywin's departure from the capital and as such Rhaegar was glad of that, for he was not ignorant to the threat they could have been under had he not taken action.
Just now thought Rhaegar did not have enough time to think and worry over his wife and daughter. He had arranged a meeting with Lord Tyrell and his mother as well as with Lord Tarly and Lord Merryweather to discuss what their next move should be. As always Rhaegar spoke first. "Well my father has at last shown his colours and the extent of his madness. He has sent out arrest warrants for myself and my wife, and has called upon his loyal lords to take arms and hunt for me. No doubt that is the spider's work, but there are those at court who are working to undermine his whole regime. Now my lords what can you tell me, will the Reach be able to mobilise and move in full order once war truly begins?"
Lord Mace spoke then. "Well Your Grace, since we last spoke I have been marshalling men and having them trained, so far with have some 30,000 men on standby ready to mobilise whenever the need comes. We can have another 20,000 men ready and armed by this time in three moons should the need arise. Plus there is the Redwyne Fleet which has seasoned sailors on it ready for battle and plunder."
Rhaegar nods and then turns to Lord Merryweather. "Now my lord I understand that Lord Varys has been making enquiries of your son, and asking him what he knows of our plans and movements. I would know what news your son has been able to gather."
Lord Orton Merryweather is a big and red faced man who stumbles over his words for a moment before speaking. "Malcolm reports that King Aerys has begun to retreat into his shell and has allowed the spider more and more power to do as he sees fit, as such all of your former allies at court have either turned against you or have been killed. The Kingsguard remains silent, but Ser Arthur and Prince Lewyn are being threatened with removal from the Kingsguard if they do not come forth from where they are. Furthermore there has been word that Aerys sent word to Storm's End and Robert Baratheon eager for glory has called his banners and means to march on the Reach to strike quick and fast."
Rhaegar nods he had suspected that his father might attempt something like this and so he says. "Aye, Lord Connington has assured me that Robert Baratheon shall not be allowed to pass. He has gathered the Lords of the Rainwood as well as House Swann and House Caron and they are meeting at Summerhall to meet the challenge that Robert Baratheon poses."
Lord Tarly speaks then. "Would it not be wise to send a host from the Reach to perhaps aid in this battle against Robert Baratheon? A greater amount of men might help in seeing that he is dealt with and Aerys is dealt a significant blow. Alternatively should he push past Lord Connington's host then he will look to Ashford to secure his border."
Rhaegar nods. "Aye, Lord Tarly I want you to take command of 10,000 men and ride forth for Ashford at once, be ready to deal with Robert Baratheon, kill him if you must and strike a hard blow. Lord Mace I want you to take the rest of the men and wait for the battle of Summerhall to be done with before riding around the Stormlander host and laying siege to Storm's End. We must keep them away from the main fray of battle. The Redwyne Fleet will also be needed to blockade Storm's End from the sea. Lord Tarly once you are done at Ashford ride forth for the Trident and join up with Lord Tywin's host and do as you must to weaken the riverlands. I shall command the remainder of the men and march into the Riverlands when the time comes."
There is some silence and then Lord Mace asks. "And what of the north what are they to do during this war?"
Rhaegar is silent a moment and then he says. "Lord Rickard has said that he will draw the Vale's attention away from the Riverlands and he will do as the Kings of Winter did in ages past and take the Sisters. Once they have fallen there will be war back and forth between the two kingdoms. Lord Arryn might send some men before hand to aid the Tullys but it will not be enough to damage our chances."
"And what of the Dornish? What is their role to be in this war Your Grace?" Lord Merryweather asks.
Rhaegar is silent a moment and then says. "Prince Doran and some 5,000 spears shall remain behind to hold Dorne, and Prince Oberyn and some 6,000 Dornish spears shall march towards the Stormlands to aid in the battle against whatever forces remain after Summerhall."
"So it is war then? A shame I was so looking forward to speaking my way into some power." Lady Olenna says.
Rhaegar smiles at her and says. "I thank you all for your help. I shall not forget it when I come to power."