Chapter 35: Throwing back the squids
299 AC
Halys Hornwood
He walked from the rookery to the Lord's solar of Winterfell. Shouldn't it be named the King's solar now? He asked himself. He shrugged and quickly opened the letter he had received from Maester Luwin. It was from Donella and he longed to go home again soon, but he couldn't.
He read its contents, but nothing major stood out. The border was calm, the villages were being rebuild and the taxes were once again flowing in as they should. Most of the lower nobles that stayed home didn't cause any trouble either. He sighed contently. His wife might have only been a Manderly cousin, but she damn sure knew how to take care of business.
Satisfied that his own home was doing well, he switched his thought onto the whole North. A lot of news had apparently come in and he was expected to be briefed by his queen and Lady Catelyn. He had been out to instruct patrols along the borders of the Wolfswood for the past four days and was eager to know of any news.
He rounded a corner and admired the strong granite walls. Even from the inside they still looked formidable. Not long after he reached the door to the solar. The two guards in front of it greeted him respectfully and he was soon allowed to enter after being announced.
"Lord Hornwood, it is good of you to join us. Please, take a seat." Lady Catelyn offered him with a smile. He respectfully bowed his head to both her and his queen next to her before seating down. "Do you want anything to drink, my lord? Wine or ale, I can ask the servants to bring something to eat aswell, would you wish it."
"Just some wine would be good, my lady." He responded. Soon a servant brought him a glass of red wine. He thanked both the servant and the king's mother, before taking a sip. It clearly wasn't from the arbor, but its flavors were rich nonetheless.
After he put the glass down, he looked at the two women in front of him. "What news has there been when I was away?" He came right to business.
"Many new developments have been heard, Lord Halys." Queen Alys responded. "First concerning your mission, I suppose everything went as planned and that you found no ironborn?"
He nodded. That was exactly what had happened, but how could they know? "We received word from House Woods, one of House Glover's major vassals. The ironborn under Asha Greyjoy have been forced to the western portions of the Wolfswood. They tell me they are slowly being forced towards a perfect ambush location. The mountain clans have ambushed two of their foraging parties already and many of the ironborn scouts have 'dissapeared' overnight, it is reported. It seems the ironborn are both lost and out of supplies, we expect to hear of their defeat in the next week or so." His queen said evenly, although a small smile betrayed her thoughts on the matter.
"That is great news, Your Grace. I will look forward to the day the news arrives." He said honestly. Those ironborn scum had had it their way for far too long. It was time they met some Northern vengeance."
"Aye, it is." The young woman now openly smiled. "However, that is not all. There is more joyous news to report on the ironborn. It seems Theon Greyjoy and his remaining men have managed to link up with his sister's force inside the Wolfswood. If all goes well, both will be dead or captured before the fortnight is over."
He took this information with a nod. It wasn't that surprising, to be honest. The squid had disappeared into the woods some time ago. Still, it was good news all the same that he was finally boxed in as well.
"A good squid is a dead squid, Your Grace." He replied simply.
"If that is what you believe, the next news will elate you, my lord." Lady Catelyn joined in.
He looked questioningly at her. What did she mean by that?
"A raven came three days ago, Balon Greyjoy is dead." She explained with clear satisfaction in her eyes.
Now he looked at her in complete and utter shock. "He's dead?"
"Aye," his queen replied with glee, "but it keeps getting better. His death corresponded with the arrival of his banished brother Euron Greyjoy. The man has taken control of Pyke and apparently drowned Lord Botley. With both of Balon's heirs trapped in the Wolfswood, Aeron Greyjoy has called for a Kingsmoot to decide on Balon's heir. All the Greyjoys that are able to, are leaving our shores to fight amongst themselves over Balon's crown."
He tried to process all he had heard. 'The king of the Iron Isles' had died, which was great news. However, the return of the brigand Euron Greyjoy wasn't. It was clear both Stark ladies underestimated the man. Still, Greyjoys leaving was interesting so he decided to focus on that first. "Who is leaving and with how many?"
"Aeron Greyjoy has left with the few ships he had. They were raiding along the coast of the northern parts of the Stony Shore and a little beyond. Reports from small local houses say they have left. Much more significant is the fact Victarion Greyjoy has left Moat Cailin." Lady Catelyn explained. As he heard the last news, he immediately sat straight. Now this was interesting.
"Victarion left? Are you sure?" He responded very seriously.
"Yes, the report from House Dustin have been very clear. Most of the ironborn fleet has been seen sailing away. Among them was the Iron Victory, Victarion's own flagship." Lady Catelyn explained.
"Most of the ironborn fleet left as well? How many?" He asked in complete surprise once again. The news kept getting better and better with every answer and he couldn't believe his own ears.
"They couldn't say, but it was estimated that close to a hundred ships left." Queen Alys explained, before Lady Catelyn could reply.
He chose to ignore the obvious competition between the two Stark women and thought about the news. That many ships meant most of the Iron Fleet and its soldiers were gone. That would leave only a few hundred men left in Moat Cailin. Still, a formidable obstacle due to the protection of the fortress, but not impossible to take from the north or west.
He ignored everything around him and stood up, walking towards the maps with troops that were displayed on the table behind him. "Lord Halys?" Lady Catelyn asked him. He was of a mind to ignore her, but he obviously couldn't so he simply replied. "Just a moment, my lady. I need to take a look at the troops positioning once again before I formulate my idea."
He looked towards all the pieces on the map and added those he knew had switched positions or been recently raised. He looked around the map. His mind was racing. The Cerwyns have two hundred and fifty men left. Winterfell could only send one hundred if they didn't want a repeat of last time's ambush. He himself had three hundred here. The Manderlys had over five hundred, the Ryswells were busy but the Dustins should have some more. Maybe the Reeds could help?
He looked over all the pieces and keeps on the board as his mind kept adding the numbers. Suddenly he remembered something. Robett Glover had been left at the Twins with another two thousand men. This could work. Two thousand south of the moat and between one and one thousand five hundred men north of it. Would that be enough? It could be. Worst case scenario, couldn't he siege them out?
He thought it all over again. "Lord Halys, may I ask what plan you might be considering?" His queen finally said, disturbing his thoughts. He looked up and saw that both women were becoming very impatient. "I'm sorry, Your Grace and my lady. I was looking over the troops and the numbers and I think we might be able to take Moat Cailin back once and for all."
Now it was their turn to look stunned. "Are you sure? You only have a few hundred men here that could march. You would only slightly outnumber the ironborn and they hold the fortress, a considerable advantage."
"Aye, Your Grace, it is. That's why we need more troops, but they are available. We have my men, those from House Cerwyn and a small portion of Cassel and Stark men but also more. House Manderly could raise at least five hundred and House Dustin could levy some as well. In total we would have between eleven and fifteen hundred men to my estimation." Both women looked at him, trying to crunch the numbers. At last both nodded, so he continued.
"The biggest game changer is Robett Glover with two thousand men on the other side. If he marches up the Causeway, he will distract most of the ironborn's attention. We might even send worth to Lord Reed to help as well. He and his crannogman could harry the ironborn from the bogs and help Robett in his advance. Even if the assault fails, we could still starve them out from all sides until they surrender." He explained, feeling quite proud of himself for the plan.
Lady Catelyn and his queen looked at each other before looking back at him. "Are you sure of this?" They asked him seriously. He nodded, the more he thought about it the surer he was. "This could be a game a changer … If we open Moat Cailin we can finally send aid to Robb. He could also start sending some of the loot up North. With it, we could start fortifying the North against another ironborn assault." Queen Alys summed up. It was clear she liked the idea.
Lady Catelyn was more reserved. She asked him again if he was sure and checked all the details with him. After a while she finally relented. "We will ask Ser Rodrik to take a look at your plan, but it seems good. If everything checks out, you and Ser Rodrik can start planning the campaign out. We will write the letters to Houses Manderly, Cerwyn, Dustin and Reed as well. Robett Glover at the Twins will also be ordered to move north."
He nodded thankfully. He knew the old Lady of Winterfell put a lot of trust in the Cassel knight. He didn't mind too much, as the men was a good commander and they worked well together.
He prepared to leave, but Queen Alys stopped him. "We almost forgot, there has been some more news as well.
"What news?" He asked.
"Roger Ryswell, the heir to his house, has raised a band of troops and defeated around one hundred ironborn raiders on his border with the Stony Shore." His queen explained.
"That's good news. It means the ironborn are paying for their raiding all along the coast. They will think twice before attacking us again." He looked over the map and noticed the remaining presence of ironborn on the Stony Shore. "With your agreement, Your Grace and my lady, I would request you immediately send a letter to Roger Ryswell to unite with Leobald Tallhart. Together they could drive the remaining ironborn force from the Stony Shore. This would have the doubled benefit of finally stabilizing the region, as well as cutting off the last remaining possible retreat for Asha and Theon Greyjoy."
Both ladies agreed with him. He bowed low and left the room. Pleased with all they had planned and agreed. Soon the ironborn in the North would be no more.
(ten days later)
He sat straight on his horse and smelled the cold afternoon air. They had departed from Castle Cerwyn a few days ago. Six hundred and fifty men strong they marched down the Kingsroad.
Any moment now, Ser Marlon Manderly would join them. Some Dustins would as well, but they would ambush the ironborn ships on the Saltspear first.
Last they heard, Roger Ryswell had reached Torrhen's Square. Soon this Dagmer Cleftjaw and his men would be no more. The North would be rid of those godless pillagers. That would leave only the Boltons as a possible threat.
He had sworn that Roose Bolton would pay his due. However, as of yet, that had been impossible. The vile man still commanded over a thousand men in the king's army and His Grace needed them. Still, his treasonous bastard and his cronies had been beaten back and the greatest threat had passed for now. While at Winterfell, he had made arrangements that the bastard would pay if he ever entered his lands again.
He kept thinking about his home and his lovely wife, until finally her cousin's banners were seen on the horizon. He greeted Ser Marlon happily. Ever since the fight at the Hornwood, they got along well. "I have brought you another six hundred men from my lordly cousin, Lord Halys." He had said.
This took their force to more than twelve hundred soldiers. They set up camp, some two days marching from Moat Cailin. Scout reports came in that night. It seemed the ironborn had some three to four hundred men left in the castle. Lord Reed was already hunting down their scouts and foragers that wandered too deep into the swamp.
They also received news that Lady Dustin's men had succeeded in burning the ships along the Saltspear. Soon her three hundred men would join them as well. All the while, Lord Reed also reported that Robett Glover had reached the beginning of the Causeway. In a few days he would reach the moat from the southside and their attack could commence.
The raider scum didn't know what would hit them. His orders had already come in. All of them would be offered one choice, execution or the Wall. None of these would ever get the possibility to take up arms against the North again
Robb
He had been looking over his maps all morning. Thirty thousand men had been gathered beneath the red sandstone walls of Riverrun. Riverlanders and Northmen alike, both eager and ready to fight. The morale was reasonably high, the equipment of high quality and the supply lines ready and secure.
They would leave on the morrow. He would lead the main force, while he had already chosen the other commanders. His uncle Brynden would lead the the scouts and outriders, the vanguard would be given to his father-in-law and the rear to Lord Blackwood. He wanted to balance out the Riverlands and North as much as he could, and the people of the area already knew Lord Rickard.
Before he left however, his affairs needed to be in order. He had already dealt with everything he needed to do in the Riverlands. The death of his grandfather had given them much pause but most of it had been arranged by the combination of him and his two uncles. His uncle Edmure would remain in Riverrun and take control of the communication and supply lines. Their shared uncle, the famous Blackfish would lead the Riverland forces.
He had also fixed the situation in the west. Small forces were building up there and the garrison at the Crag could never hold. As such, he had recalled Ser Rhaegar Frey and his men straight to Harrenhall. He had also instructed Lord Vance to reinforce the Golden Tooth with an additional two hundred men and ordered Os to leave Ashemark and retreat to the Tooth if he felt he could not hold his position.
All that left him with, was the North. Many things were developing there, for once all of it was good news. The Greyjoys trapped in the Wolfswood, Moat Cailin almost under siege from all sides, raiders being picked off all along the Stony Shore. The first phase of the war with the ironborn was almost at an end. What the second phase would be, he didn't know yet. Either they wholed them up in their islands again, leading petty raids but not much else untill he was ready to bring his vengeance to them, or they launched a renewed offensive.
He was ready for both scenarios. The clans had three thousand men around the Wolfwood, the Ryswells, Dustins, Glovers and Tallharts were fortying their coasts and castles and another big force was gathering around Moat Cailin. As long as the fortress didn't fall a second time, they would be fine. He had already sent a message to make Lord Halys the castellan of Moat Cailin untill the end of the war, if they managed to take it. A force of his own men, Dustin soldiers and Stark troops would be under his command to do so. He was given leave to fortify the fortress in any way he saw fit as well. He hoped it would be enough.
Less than ten minutes ago, Maester Vyrman had delivered him a letter from Winterfell. He had expected word about the battle in the Wolfswood for many days now and was glad he received it before he left. He had asked both the Umber families and Lord Glover with him and would wait to open the letter untill they were here. Asha Greyjoy had sacked the Glover lands and threatend his family. For the Umbers it was twofold, the Greatjon's own uncle was in the fight but Theon was too. The whole family wanted revenge for the death of Allara and they deserved to know before anyone else.
Not much after, both lords joined him. They had to wait a while longer untill both the Greatjon's sons, Smalljon and Harmond, and his two brothers, Osric and Rodrik, arrived. They came from all sides of the camp but finally made it. When all got a seat around the table, he sat down at the head with Grey Wind lazily sprawled next to him under the table.
He picked up the letter and opened the wax with his dagger. Recognizing that it was not Alys her handwriting but Maester Luwin's, he let out a small sigh before reading aloud.
"To His Grace, King Robb
News has come about the battle in the Wolfswood.
The entire Greyjoy force has been ambushed and defeated. Eight hundred died in the fighting and some one hundred and fifty were captured, among them Asha and Theon Greyjoy. The former was knocked out during the fight and the latter has received a serious wound on his right arm, he might lose it.
The Northern casualties are minimal, around one hundred men dead or seriously wounded.
The clans have agreed that the prisoners will be given the choice of execution or the Wall. This has sparked a lot of internal strife as Lord Hother Umber wanted them all put to the sword and crucified all along the Sunset coast, the Greyjoys chiefly among them. Lord Hugo Wull has stopped this and taken the Greyjoys into protected custody. The Umbers have left in rage back to Last Hearth.
They will take care of the area and the local population that has felt the Greyjoy presence in the Wolfwood. After that they will march back to Deepwood Motte and fortity the castle. There they will wait on your instructions.
The same day we received this news, we also got word from Leobald Tallhart. He and Roger Ryswell have ambushed the three hundred strong force of raiders under Dagmer Cleftjaw on the Stony Shore. They inform me that none have survived. Most of their ships have been burned, while three of them are being sailed along the coast to Barrowton and Torrhen's Square for their own use.
Maester Luwin"
He looked up after reading this and already the Umbers were talking heatedly amongst themselves. He quickly decided to deal with Lord Glover first. "Lord Galbart, it seems your lands are free from the ironborn at last. Your keep and family are safe, and the clans will reinforce it even further." He said, while he forced a smile on his face. The only forced part of it was him trying to ignore the Umbers next to the loyal Glover lord.
"Yes, it is amazing news, Your Grace. I thank you for dealing with it so decisively. I will thank the clans for it as well when I return." The man said with a smile that was much more genuine than his own. "First of all, I want to thank you and your kin, Greatjon. Your men were also present, and your uncle devised the plan that put an end to those ironborn. House Glover won't forget that."
This made all the Umbers look up. It was a very intelligent move from his vassal and could help soften the mood around Hother Umber. Their giant lord looked respectfully towards Lord Galbart. The two had always had a reasonable relationship. "I thank you for the kind words, Galbart. Our houses have had good relations for a long time now, so don't think much about it. I'm sure killing ironborn scum was more than payment enough for Hother."
Then he turned towards me. "Why are the clans offering those common raiders the chance to take the black? My uncle is right, they should be hanged from the Wall down to Cape Kraken to show the ironborn what happens when they set foot on our lands. The two Greyjoys heads would do well on the Stony shore, as they like to raid those parts even more than others."
"First of all, because the Night's Watch is weaker than it has ever been, Lord Umber. House Umber is the closest house to the Wall so you should know this even better than me. The once proud organization has less than a thousand men left. All Westerosi prisoners will get a chance to join them out of necessity." He responded. He looked over the faces of all the Umbers gathered as he said this. It was clear Smalljon and one of the Greatjon's brother agreed it with him, however he others' blood still ran hot.
"Secondly, concerning the Greyjoys … they are nobles, even royalty if you believe Balon's crowning. They can be used to enforce peace with the Iron Isles. We'll send them a message that if they send another force into the North both heirs will die. By doing so, we can enforce peace in the North until the war in the South is finished. In the meantime, we will reinforce our shores and lands until we are ready." He finished evenly. This met fierce reaction from all the Umbers, except Smalljon.
While his kin was busy shouting and cursing, he stared deep into his own eyes. It wasn't really a surprise, as his friend new him far better than the others. After apparently having found something in his eyes, the Umber heir's voice boomed over everyone else. "Ready? Untill we are ready for what?"
He smiled at his friend, as he looked over all the other Umbers until they quieted down. "Untill we are ready to sail a fleet right up to the Iron Isles and smash Pyke, House Greyjoy and the 'Old Way' to pieces like Robert Baratheon should have done a decade ago."
Now they all just stared at him, until Lord Umber's booming laughter finally pierced the air. "Aye, I should have known. King Stark here won't let us down."
"Any idea when we will be ready?" Harmond Umber asked, eager to avenge his little sister.
"No, I don't. First, we'll have to defeat both the Lannisters and Tyrells and bring some resemblance of order to the Riverlands and its border areas. Then we will need to procure a fleet and get rid of the Iron Fleet. Only then will we be ready. Until that time, we will use every raider that sets foot in the North as either reinforcements for the Wall or to feed the crows on our fields." He responded with determination.
He had no clue how this would take place, but he would try anyway. The ironborn had always preyed on his homeland and they were the sole reason the western coast was underdeveloped. If he wanted to change the lives of his people for the better, that needed to change and as such something needed to be done about those islands. Still, the Lannisters and the safety of the Riverlands had priority and so they had to wait.
The Umbers didn't look entirely happy with his honest answers, but they seemed to realize there weren't any other options. After a little small talk, his nobles left him to his own thoughts.
(Over a week later)
He was sitting in the solar of House Whent in Harrenhall. The solar had been almost entirely redecorated by his father-in-law after the Lannisters had left and so he found himself in what could be described as a cheap knock-off of the solar in Karhold.
Their march had been uneventful, but the rest of the world hadn't stood still. He had postponed all correspondence when they arrived in the early evening yesterday. Now, yesterday's procrastination forced him to go through all of it. Luckily, he wasn't alone. He had asked Jon, Lord Rickard and Ser Brynden to sit in with him as advisors.
The first letter was sent from Greywater's Watch. It had been sent to Riverrun, but a rider had made it in the early morning here with some correspondence. He read the lines and smiled in satisfaction. "It seems that Moat Cailin is finally under siege. The attack is imminent. Lord Howland has already been lowering the ironborn's numbers by constantly attacking their foragers and scouts. One time the ironborn were stupid enough to send forty men after a few of his scouts. They managed to lure them into an ambush. None got away."
All men looked pleased at that. His brother replied. "Lord Howland Reed was a good friend of father, was he not?" He nodded in response, clearly remembering his father's vague story about how Howland had saved his life in the Rebellion. "I always wanted to meet him, but he never came to Winterfell." Jon continued, "I never understood why."
Lord Rickard waved his hand through his beard as he responded slowly. "Hmmn, … the Crannogmen have always been distant and more focused on themselves. Many stories about them are told in the North and I suppose in the Riverlands too." The last he added as he looked questioningly to the Blackfish, who agreed with the statement.
"Howland had been an exception in his youth. Before his father died and he became lord, he travelled quite a lot. He travelled to the tourney at Harrenhall, where he met your father, aunt and uncles. After that he even took a company of Crannogmen with him to fight with your father. Cregan and I and were there too and I spoke to him often on campaign. A peculiar man, as I suppose all Crannogfolk are. However, one thing can never be doubted. He is fiercely loyal to House Stark and was especially so to your father and aunt Lyanna. The two of them were the only ones to return with her bones after the war." He finished deep in thought.
"Since his return after the war, Howland has never again left the Neck. He is noted to have visited his own vassals regularly and married one of their daughters. A few years after the war, his father died. He became the lord of his house and became even more secluded. All I know from him is that he has two children, a boy and a girl. At least the girl is close to marriageable age, but no offers to any houses have been made to my knowledge. I guess the seclusion of the Crannogmen will persist and that she will marry one of her own people." His father-in-law explained, shrugging at the end of it.
He thought about that. The Reeds had always loyally followed his father and his forefathers before that. They hadn't sent any troops with him south, but he doubted that was where their strengths lay. The fact that they were both hunting ironborn and briefing him on the situation, was enough for him to conclude they were still loyal to him.
He would really like to talk to Lord Howland and look at a possible way to include the people of the Neck more into his realm. They lived in the middle between the Riverlanders and the Northerners. If he wanted his realm to be more united, he couldn't have them living in between with no connection to the outside world. Lord Reed also personally intrigued him. He could probably tell them stories about their father they never knew before. Things they never would have heard as kid but could learn from as adults.
"Thank you, Lord Rickard. I will look the situation with House Reed over at another time. Untill then, the more important thing is that soon the Causeway and the gate to the North will be back under our control." He finally said when his thought process ended.
"Aye, that's the most important thing. We could also send down some of those levies we had been talking about some months ago. In the very least the two thousand veterans under Robett will be very useful. Maybe one or two thousand recruits as well. It would greatly bolster our ranks."
"Aye, that would be good. We will look that over once the Moat has fallen." He finished the conversation.
He looked at the pile of other letters. He opened two of them but nothing new was in it, so he discarded them quickly. The third one bore the seal of House Darry. He read it over. It seemed Ser Raymun Darry would finally be joining him. For months he had been stuck in his keep and had secluded himself. He had managed to fend off a few raiding parties from when the Lannisters were in Harrenhall but hadn't done much more than raise his levy and protect his own lands.
Lord Rickard shared that he had aided them with guides and food when he had marched on Maidenpool but that he hadn't joined them with any troops, just like House Roote had done. He knew the Darrys had no reason to be fond of his mother's house. Them joining now, even when the situation with House Tyrell was dire, was a good sign. Moreover, he was marching with more than a thousand men at his back and would be here in two days.
This would take his total force to around thirty-three thousand men. A little under fourteen thousand Northmen, the rest Riverlanders. He thought about how he left with over twenty thousand from the North and now less than seventy percent of those remained. He calmed down when he realized Robett Glover commanded another two thousand of his original force. Besides that, Lord Hornwood had also taken hundreds North as well, while Os had five hundred in the west.
Calmed down, he moved onto the next letter. To his surprise it bore the golden lion of House Lannister. He quickly told his advisors and they all bent forward in their seats, as he started reading aloud.
"To Lord Robb Stark"
The good King Joffrey Baratheon has seen it fit to offer you peace. He is prepared to forgive your rebellious tendencies and allow all of you to retain your titles. Your father's bones will also be returned to you as a sign of good will after signing the agreement.
In return, he demands you turn over all your hostages and loot, abandon the Westerlands and come to King's Landing to swear fealty as the Lord Paramount of the North. He will recognize your claims and help condemn the ironborn invasion. His Grace has also shown an interest to marry your youngest sister to his brother and heir Prince Tommen.
Do not destroy the Riverlands any more in a fight you cannot win. Accept this fair peace deal for the sake of the people and the Kingdom.
Lord Tywin Lannister,
Lord of Casterly Rock, Shield of Lannisport, Warden of the West and Hand of the King"
He looked stunned at the letter. This couldn't be serious, could it? They had been winning this war, had ravaged almost half of Tywin's homeland and retaken all of the Riverlands. His heir was in his custody and his army decimated and he dares to call this a fair peace deal?
Most of his advisors looked equally stunned, while his uncle just scoffed. "Ha, the Old Lion is getting desperate."
He turned towards the Blackfish. "How do you mean, uncle?"
"Tywin Lannister would never offer peace. He basically allows you to retain the situation before the war. It's my guess that he is anxious about his bloodline and his legacy. I think he wants the Kingslayer back, especially after he lost his hand. If you also take into account the instability that we have created in the west with all the hostages and the fact his Tyrell alliance is very unbalanced, you get why he's doing this."
He thought about that and had to agree with it. He was going to leave it there, until Jon joined in. "If his alliance with the Tyrells is so unbalanced and it is true that the fight at the capital was as brutal as they say, couldn't it be that he is also stalling for time?"
"You think he wants us to stall and bog down in peace negotiations while he reorganizes his forces and gets the Tyrells in line?" Lord Rickard asked.
"Aye, it's what I would do. Our scouts even tell stories of a planned wedding. It might be that he is stalling until after that. It could ensure the Tyrell support and would leave their armies and commanders free to engage us."
As he saw how his most experienced commanders agreed with it, he tended to do the same. "I agree, but how do we react?"
Now Ser Brynden peaked up with a smile. "If he wants to give us an outrageous peace offer, let's return our own."
"What do you propose?" His father-in-law asked.
The Blackfish's grin became broader and broader. "Well, let's say our independence for starters. We keep all the loot, demand outrageous sums of money for all the prisoners, maybe the annexation of the Golden Tooth and Prince Tommen as a hostage to ensure the peace. Let us say we want to examine him first before we formalize a betrothal with Arya, due to his incestuous parents he could have crazy tendencies. They would need to understand our reluctance because of that."
He looked in shock at his uncle before he started laughing out loud. He was soon joined by Jon and Lord Rickard. "Aye, if you include the incest part, I can live with that offer." The latter laughed.
"That's settled then. I'll write it up later." He shrugged.
"Wait, brother, are you serious?" Jon asked.
"Yes, why not? That incestuous freak killed our father and usurped his friend's throne. He plunged the whole continent in multiple wars and all accounts tell us he is good on his way to become Aerys the third. If they wish to insult us, we do it back at them and we don't even need to lie about it." He simply replied.
His brother looked at him completely stunned, before nodding seriously. It was clear he agreed with the sentiment.
"Who will you send as messenger?" His father-in-law asked suddenly concerned. "There is a good chance that man won't be coming back."
He waved that comment off. "I'll add a line at the bottom that the Kingslayer's life depends on the safety of the messengers."
This seemed to calm Lord Rickard. He continued and opened a few more letters. Mostly routine information or scout reports where it said that all was quiet. There was also a personal letter from Alys, but he would read that when he was alone.
One of those scout reports dealt with the ruins of Maidenpool. "Do you want to reinforce or rebuild the castle?" His uncle asked him. He knew the man was quite fond of the boy lord of House Mooton.
"In time? Aye, but not now. We will just lose men and resources in doing so. I don't want us to spread out too much. I wouldn't put it past either Tywin Lannister or Randyll Tarly to pounce on us then." He responded.
This answer seemed satisfactory. Soon they had reached the last letter. It bore the bronze shield of House Royce. This intrigued him, as he hadn't expected more news this soon after the last report a few weeks ago.
"To King Robb Stark
I bring ill tidings from the Vale. It seems the Lannisters have finally joined Lysa's faction in the civil war. Littlefinger has arrived in Gulltown with a combined force of mercenaries and Reachmen under Lord Ashford. In total some eight thousand men arrived from King's Landing, but word has it that he is contacting sellsword companies from across the Narrow Sea.
How he did it no one knows. We expected the Baratheons to close the Blackwater Bay, but it seems this hasn't happened.
Sadly, this isn't the only bad news. Baelish has also bribed multiple Vale Houses to his bastard son's side. The Corbray's and Sunderland's betrayal will pose a real problem. Already fighting has broken out along the Corbray and Belmore border. Besides that, he has also managed to convince the small island houses of Upcliff, Pryor and Elesham to join him and they are mustering their small forces.
He has complete naval control now and can easily move his troops up and down the coast to fight where we are weakest. This concerns me greatly.
My own men were very clearly winning the war against House Grafton before they arrived. As such, our lands are secure for now and we will hold back the main force until the others can come to our aid. However, we would ask you to send any help you can. If Houses Sunderland, Elesham and Pryor unite with the Corbrays and Lynderlys, we could lose the whole northern part of the Vale and be encircled.
Yohn Royce,
Lord of Runestone and loyal vassal to the memory of Jon Arryn
Stunned he looked at the letter. Really? Every time some things seemed to work out, the whole situation turned against him and his allies once more. He couldn't believe it.
His advisors looked as stunned as him. The only sound that could be heard was the sound of Ser Brynden's silent curses.
Littlefinger's actions changed everything. It made reinforcements from the Vale against the Lannisters almost impossible.
"What are we going to do about this? Can we actually help them?" Jon asked.
He stroked his beard for a while before he got up and walked over to a chest. He started rummaging through it until he found a map of the Vale and one of the Bite.
He spread them on the table above the other ones and all looked at it. "So which lords have joined Littlefinger, uncle?" He asked the Blackfish.
The man got up and walked around the table until he stood next to him. He first pointed his finger towards Heart's Home. "The Corbrays are here. They are a strong and proud house. They will directly oppose the Belmores and with the help of the Lynderlys they could beat them. If they do so, Coldwater Burn is in mortal danger. Another possibility is that they march along the coast. As such they could threaten the gathered allies at the Eyrie in the back."
He sighed and so did Jon, but they didn't interrupt Ser Brynden. "The next house is House Sunderland." He explained, as he pointed towards the Sisters. "They are mediocre in strength but support a small navy. They could easily harass the Coldwaters and make it unable for them to help the Belmores. After the Coldwaters earlier defeat, they might even be able to put their keep under siege."
"The last houses are very small. They hail from these three islands. The only problem is that they can harass our allies in their own lands very easily. House Hunter and Royce especially, but they could even go upriver and attack the lands of House Waynwood and House Redfort. They won't be strong enough to siege the castles, but it could be enough to put pressure on the alliance." His uncle finished in an annoyed tone.
"Is the Vale lost then? With over eight thousand men, maybe more, around Gulltown?" Lord Rickard asked.
"Hard to say really. The Royces can muster thousands of men on their own. They might be able to hold them off for a while. If they can hold them long enough untill the Redforts and others defeat the Arryns and Egens at the Bloody Gate, they have a good chance still. A token force of around a thousand could siege out the Eyrie, while the others march south and help what's left of the Royces. Still, if the Corbrays and Lynderlys move up the coast and attack Longbow Hall the Hunters will abandon the alliance. From there on out everything will fall apart quickly …" He finished concern written all over the veteran Tully's face.
"So, we need them to win at the Bloody Gate quickly and need to hope the Belmores can defeat the Corbrays?" Jon summarized.
"Yes, that's about it." His uncle agreed.
"Maybe we could help with the latter?" Lord Rickard added, deep in thought. As always when he was thinking, he was stroking his beard. A habit he himself had since taken to it seemed, as he noticed his own hand in his beard at the same time.
"The Manderlys are building a fleet, are they not?" His father-in-law asked.
"Yes, but it isn't finished yet." He responded, not knowing where this was going.
"Well, when it is finished, could we send it to capture the Sisters? Maybe the smaller islands further along as well? This would allow the Coldwaters to join the fight and stop the raiding from happening. It could also be a shock to morale if we join and take out some of their houses." The Lord of Karhold explained his plan.
"Aye, that could work, but with what men?" He asked, not seeing them anywhere.
"After Moat Cailin falls we could send the Manderlys and a portion of the other men. The Manderlys have over five hundred men there." Lord Rickard responded.
"Aye, but we can't send Robett Glover and his men. We need those reinforcements here. We are already outnumbered to badly and without Vale support we'll need them. A while ago we spoke about adding a thousand more recruits, we can't go from over three thousand to less than two." He added and all agreed.
"What about the Flint and Locke men?" Jon suddenly asked.
"What about them?"
"Well, they have been raising and training a few hundred men themselves to send south towards us. Those could be sent with the Manderlys. Together they should have some thousand men. It will be tricky to deal with Sisterton, but if they can sink the Sunderland ships it should be possible." Jon responded.
"He looked it all over. Yes, that could work." He thought aloud.
Lord Rickard then joined in once more. "The troops with Robett are from Houses Cerwyn, Glover and the Flint's of Widow's Watch. If we send the latter veterans with their recruits, that force could number over fifteen hundred men. Robett's forces could then be augmented by Cerwyn, Stark and Cassel men to around its original strength. Most of those are veterans from the fighting in the Hornwood and around Torrhen's Square. We wouldn't lose any real experience."
He looked it all over and crunched the numbers in his head. "Aye, that could work. I also had news that the Flints of Flint's Finger have send three hundred to join Lord Hornwood in his attack. Those could either move south as well afterwards. It would give me the opportunity to send the Winterfell men home. I don't want a repeat of what happened with Theon Greyjoy." He responded, as he spat out the latter's name.
All nodded then, the mood in the room slightly lifted. "If we can hold off the Corbrays and Lynderlys in the North, the Royces and their friends have a good fighting chance. Their opponents are Reachman levies and not the strongest beside. Added to that are unreliable sellswords. Defeat them or bog them down and they will desert faster than you can count them."
"Let's hope so. We could see if they can raid the lands of those houses after securing the islands. This will be all for today, I think. I have some personal correspondence to catch up with." He finished the meeting.
His uncle got up first, nodded to them all and left. Jon walked over to Ghost by the fire and scratched him behind his ears. "Get up, buddy. We're leaving for today. You can play with Grey some more tonight." He heard him say. Soon the white direwolf stood up and together they walked out.
Lord Rickard was the last one to walk out. With his hand on the door, he turned around and winked at him. "Give my daughter my regards. My granddaughter too, while you're at it." As the last words were said, a small smile spread around his mouth.
"I will." He smiled back tiredly. His father-in-law left and he finally picked up the letter Alys had written him. He couldn't wait to hear about his daughter anymore. Every time he read his wife's letters, he felt almost as if he was there with them … almost.
Reviews:
- Wolflord456: It is a possibility. However, wouldn't it be much crueler to just have a servant tell him and leave him in his dirty cell?
- George Christian: Thank you! Rickard has received a lot already:
His daughter is queen.
His grandson will be king, and his granddaughters will be princesses who will marry the most important lords of the land.
He himself is the number one candidate for Hand of the King after the war.
Harrion and Torrhen are two of Robb's most trusted friends and advisors and Harrion's firstborn son will be raised with the future king.
He is expected to receive much coin from the war, while Torrhen, Osric or other Karstarks may still receive lands.
Being greedy here is just bad politics! :P
- Poly19hum: Thank you! They will be interesting, to say the least.
- Kuman: Yes, that is very possible. However, there is one big problem: the commanders. Lords Tarly and Rowan would probably drill those levies until they bleed every day in preparation for their campaigns. Tarly won't care if he kills a few dozen/hundred of the Reach's men if he toughens the rest up and he has had weeks since the Blackwater to do just that. So, he won't just break all of them. Tarly will be on the verge of making a solid core of men that won't flee as easily.
- Warberserk: Why? In cannon you only got Tyrion because of the court intrigue and Sansa's health etc. Half the court is dead now and the other intrigue is the same as cannon: the Tyrells slowly taking more and more power. We never got a view from inside the army until Jaime marched on Riverrun and the war was basically over by then. Still I'm thinking of adding a small bonus part from King's Landing. Haven't decided yet. It won't be a Lannister though.
Kingmanaena: Thank you! Yes, Gendry is in Dragonstone with Shireen. Ned sent him there before he was captured.
Javi30: Thank you! Bless you too.
Angeluszuko-z: Yes, but he is holding on better here (No Jeyne Westerling situation or ignoring Grey Wind's warnings). Lord Rickard and Jon's presence are helping a lot.
I think they were a lot harder times. Some will have been better, some the same and some worse. The thing is some things were definitely better. They didn't have to pay pax to the south, so either less tax or more money for the North AND the Night's Watch was held in honor and was far stronger. Also, the influence of the Seven and Andal ways was less which greatly irks a lot of Northern Houses now. That doesn't mean that they didn't have bad kings, bad harvests and overall awfull times under them. In return, trade will have been much less and the revenue from that will be much lower too.
The Vale is entering the second stage of its civil war now. The Vale's future will remain a mystery for now.
Force Smuggler: Thank you! Yeah, I wanted some more personal interaction in that chapter. The conclusion with Tywin is slowly coming forward, although he remains in King's Landing for now.
Osterreicht97: Thank you!
OneDocToHealThemAll: Thank you! I want to clean some of the rough edges from the earlier chapters still. I have done so for the worst of the first 10 chapters but not after that. The coin escalation was needed as a plot point, but it should be possible to wright it better. I will look into it once the story progresses some more. I must say it was more about "A Northern savage can't decide what a queen spends and can't reign her in, especially a Lannister and even more so for the golden crownprince." than the coin's on their own.
The speeding up the Westerlands plot is valid and I did so at the end because I felt the same. I learned from it because normally there is quite a big calm before the storm now before the real battles begin and I'm shortening that too. Still, the Westerland plot needed to have some length to show Robb and Jon's personal progress. This plot will showcase other things as well. The Tyrells/Lannisters won't just march to Harrenhall and be defeated. This is not that kind of fanfic!
Guest: Thank you! Yes, I can't imagine myself at 16 seeing what he has done and taking that amount of responsibility, being raised to do so or not.