(Disclaimer: I do not own A Song of Ice and Fire nor its characters. Those all belong to George R. R. Martin, aside from my OC.)


(Erlend POV, Maidenpool)

William Mooton was a coward, a timid fool whose wife held him by the balls. The Lord of Maidepool had fleshy and pale skin, he looked soft and acted soft. Probably having lost any bravado he might have had when his brother died at Robert's hand during the Battle of the Bells.

Unsurprisingly, after seeing the 3,000 men of the 3rd Banner camped outside his seat, the man quickly gave in, swearing fealty to me. He could've held out and attempted to withstand a siege but he wisely chose to give in.

I had hoped more from one of the most powerful men in the Riverlands, but the disappointment was expected, reports from the Shadow Wardens had already informed me of the craven's attitude and personality. Then again this was the same fool that let Maidenpool burn and hid behind his castle walls during the War of Five Kings.

The true power behind House Mooton had been Ser Myles, the younger brother of the Lord. That power had now shifted to his wife, who had been part of the entourage that welcomed me into Maidenpool after William swore fealty to me. It was obvious she was in charge, as the Knights and Household all deferred to her.

Kneeling before me the young Lady showed a deferring stance, clearly wary of insulting me anyway. Her husband chose to remain quiet, simply choosing to take a step back.

"Maidenpool is yours, My Lord" Keeping her head low.

"Excellent, I hope everything is well within your Household, Lady Mariya" I responded.

"Indeed it is My Lord, it's an honor for us to host you here" Completely brushing over the fact that I had fully intended to besiege this place if needed.

"I hope your brother, Lord Marcus Darry will be just as accommodating as you and your… husband has been" One could practically feel her stiffening at that statement.

Though true to her upbringing she quickly got ahold of herself and merely smiled thinly at the not-so-subtle threat of mine.

"Of course My Lord, I'm sure my brother would be honored to host you within Castle Darry" I couldn't help but inwardly snort at the fake smile, but chose to ignore it.

"Well then, it's been quite a while since a Mudd has stepped through these walls if you wouldn't mind guiding me" Deciding to move on.

This time seemingly coming to life, Lord William began happily recounting all he could about the ancient town and castle as we moved, oblivious to the gaze I kept on his wife, curious about what she would tell her brother.

(Erlend POV, Harrenhal)

5 large towers could be seen as the men marched close towards Harrenhal, with thick walls that would've seemed more at home with giant inhabitants rather than the humans that inhabited it.

The banners were finally converging around Harrenhal, as the surrounding seats were subjegated and either choosing to kneel and swear fealty or resisted and were promptly besieged and imprisoned.

Overall, we've lost about 150 men with another 86 injured, though they were supplemented by men that joined after their lords knelt and swore fealty.

Lord Marcus Darry had chosen to kneel after getting a raven from his sister Mariya, it seemed the two realised where the winds were sailing and didn't want to end up on the wrong side.

A wise decision, considering the situation, so I didn't begrudge it, having allowed the raven to make it there in the first place.

Harrenhal would likely be the first major battle since the Trident. House Whent was a fairly young house and was likely only choosing to fight due to some misbegotten loyalty to either the Targaryens or their kin the Tullies.

Having chosen to remain neutral in the rebellion due to their divided loyalties, House Whent was one of the neutral powerhouses in the Riverlands I had to deal with.

Frankly, I couldn't care why they were fighting, what was important was that they had about 4,000 raised men guarding that monstrosity of a castle, and that could prove costly should they choose to flank me as I dealt with the Vance's.

Old Horton had already ridden into camp towards the command tent, while I directed the 3rd to begin setting up camp and move into siege positions. There was no need for me to meet up with the Lords again, everyone knew their positions and should be in place.

Once I was sure that the 3rd was settled, I rode the command tent. The commanders were studying a map of the castle while the Vale Lords gave their input and suggestions that they could be useful.

"Ah, My Lord. We were just discussing the siege" Yohn bowed his head as he spoke.

"My Lord" The rest of the Commanders and Lords quickly followed suit.

"Lord Lorimas has done significant damage to the morale of the defendants so far, and we think we've found a place by which we can infiltrate the castle" Yohn continued.

"We agreed that I will be part of the attack that gains their attention," My Uncle said. "They're still unaware of your presence or your men, so should the 3rd banner join in the siege midway, their forces would be in disarray"

"Giving the infiltration force more than enough time to get to positions" I continued the thought.

"It's a dangerous gamble, but my son has agreed to lead the infiltration contingent," Horton informed me.

"I'll not let you down My Lord, we are ready to take the risk," Jasper spoke up.

"I am sure you will succeed." I smiled, hoping to ease his nerves.

"See that the trebuchets are ready, we attack as soon as everyone is in position," I ordered.

"At once My Lord." They all responded, and quickly left the tent.

The preparations took a bit longer after that, as we integrated the riverlanders with the banners while making sure to keep the 3rd Banner out of sight.

The attack commenced at first light, the Banners and its allies were ready to attack the monstrosity that was Harrenhall.

With Ardent on my right, and a shield on my left, protecting me from any attacks. My men and I remained silent as we waited for the signal.

"Let us go ahead My Lord, it would be disastrous if something were to happen to you" Raymond the head of the household guard spoke up, staring at the thick walls that surrounded the cursed castle.

"If I can ride against Horsefuckers without flinching, then I can take on a bunch of cravens hiding behind their walls" I responded bemusedly, because my body was way beyond human at this point, dying by blade or arrow was unlikely.

"I still insist one of us goes ahead, My Lord"

"You worry too much Raymond, it will take more than a cravens arrow to put me down"

Before he could insist any further, a horn that signaled for us to make our move could be heard from the besieging banners.

"YOU HEARD THAT LAD, LETS SPREAD TERROR IN THE HEARTS OF THESE CRAVENS!" My roar was loud as could be, as the three thousand men that made up the 3rd Banner cheered in response.

4,000 men guarded that castle, Whent had called all he could to his side, yet my forces easily surpassed that number with nearly 18,000 men at the helm. The rest had positioned themselves to guard us should the other River Lords come to Whents aid.

My Uncle and Yohan were taking on the Main Gates with a significant portion of the Banners, while I led the 3rd Banner to take the east gate that was located near the Tower of Ghosts and lightly defended compared to the main gate.

Throwing myself at the walls, I couldn't help but feel relieved as arrows whizzed past me without harming me, while I could take them without much damage, it wouldn't be easy to explain.

The ladders were quickly raised, and I was the first up, with my men following suit. Having made it to the top, I caught several arrows aimed at me.

Quickly putting myself in a defensive position as the guards caught themselves and charged at me. Ducking a swing by my attacker, I rammed my dagger through his leather armor, straight to his heart.

My men ran over towards me, shoving any guardsmen off the thick walls who stood in their way. One even stabbed a guard straight through the eyes as they tried to resist.

Pulling Ardent, I noticed the sword of an incoming Knight and quickly parried his attack. Holding him off for a bit, It wasn't long before I noticed the knight growing tired, I did not hesitate to press the advantage given and kill the man.

"My Lord!" Raymond shouted, shattering his opponent's arm with his mace, then ending him with a killing blow and moving towards me. "The infiltration was a success, the gates are open".

The walls quickly fell after that, as the guardsmen dropped their weapons in surrender once it became clear that they were vastly outnumbered within their keep.

The Banners did not relax, as they gathered themselves, and we moved to kill any stragglers foolish enough to play hero.

Soon enough, Walter Whent surrendered, the old man offering his own life to protect his family. I refused and simply put all of them in house arrest, choosing not to have any of the Whents killed, as they were an important piece due to their relation to the living tullies.

With Harrenhal now mine, I headed towards the war room, to begin my plans for dealing with my next opponent.


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