(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, Banners Encampment)
I was looking over a map of the Riverlands within the War tent.
The east was secured, including the territories that bordered it within the Crownlands.
The north was somewhat divided, with the Vyprens and their allies having been destroyed by the Mallister coalition before they could link up with the brackens. Following that, Stone Hedge was put to siege by said coalition, who had declared for my Banner.
As for the Freys, they were now defending against a northern siege led by Benjen Stark and surprisingly enough the Charltons had begun raiding Frey camps after declaring for me. There were suggestions about making allies with the Stark but those plans were put off for now, as no one wanted to involve another kingdom in this conquest.
The west and south were a mess, Piper and Tully having chosen to hole up in their seats, with their minor vassals following suit.
I know that Catelyn had intended to send a raven to me but it seemed that she was hesitant to do so at the moment, worried that it might be intercepted by the Vances.
Now came the real issue, both Vance branches have united and were intent on marching toward the Stoney Sept. They were under the assumption that I would end their House for something that occurred several millennia ago.
Marcus Darry, the current Lord Darry had attempted to send ravens to Norbert, his former squire to stand down and kneel, but the stubborn fool ignored it.
I had no intention of ending the Vances. Still, uniting and gathering a significant portion of my enemies with them was something I was happy about, as it would allow me to get rid of my most irritating enemies in one fell swoop. Instead of having to look for justification to do so in the future, they knelt immediately.
"I take it that the Vance's have made their move?" It was my Uncle, having just arrived from writing his letter to Aunt Dalia.
"They've launched several small raids, testing the waters so to speak" I sighed.
"Should we not respond?" He asked.
"Not yet, they haven't gathered all their support yet," I said, a look of concentration on my face. "They're handing us the perfect opportunity to quickly finish this conquest"
"The younger Lords might not like this"
"Perhaps, but they'll change their minds once they realize it would be more 'Glorius' if we remain patient, the deciding battle you could say"
"Will the Pipers stand aside" His worry was warranted, the Pipers were the last of the Major Houses that had enough men to be an issue, but I was confident that Clement will remain silent.
"Unlikely, he can't afford to make a move as his nephews have been eyeing his seat and any move could give them the opportunity they seek"
"And what of the Tullys Sisters?" He asked.
My uncle was no strategist, he could lead men in the middle of the battle and inspire them for our cause, but when it came to politics or long-term planning, he needed to prepare more. It's why I had Yohn stationed with him most of the time since Aunt Dalia couldn't be here for obvious reasons.
"They've held funerals for their deceased kin, they seem to be afraid of stepping out of Riverrun since Edmure's death"
There was a look of pity on his face, but I ignored it, while I understood their worries and pitied their situation, they were inconsequential. Not to mention House Tully's current situation benefited us the most.
…
"My Lord, ravens have arrived from the West." Yohn looked troubled.
"I take it the Vances are ready?" I asked him.
"The Scouts have sent word that the Vances have raised approximately 12,000 men, and are nearing Stoney Sept" Yohn said.
I nodded at that, as it confirmed the information my wardens had gathered.
"We march as soon as we can, I want to deal with them before they can hole up in the Stoney Sept" I made clear to the gathered Lords.
"They will know about us, it isn't easy to hide the Banners march, My Lord." Ser Symond stated.
I nodded, knowing this. "Aye, but it would be better than simply marching into their territories, where we would be vulnerable to ambushes and our supply lines being cut"
Symond nodded in understanding, It would be the height of foolishness to go deep into enemy territory, as whilst their host was smaller, it was also more familiar with the land. Far better to meet on open grounds, where we could make full use of the Banners.
"Any news from the rest of the Kingdoms? My Lord" Belmore spoke up.
"Indeed there is, the Florents have been agitating the northern reach Houses to rise against the Tyrells who have the support of their southern Lords, whilst the marcher lords look south, wary of Dornish incursions" I responded.
Symond continued from there "House Wylde has attempted to convince Stannis to interfere but the Stag Lord refused, as the Stormlands has barely enough men to guard their borders and gather their harvest."
Nodding to his words, Lord Belmore was put at ease, and the rest of the Lords followed suit, it was a rather pressing worry for them that the other kingdoms would try to interfere.
As for the Westerlands and Iron Islands, little attention was paid to them, Genna had taken over regency for Tyrion and was focused on making sure none of their vassals got out of hand. There would be no aid coming from her end towards the Freys as she detested them greatly, regardless of what her puppet husband wanted.
The Ironborn were squabbling among themselves, as Baelon and his brothers went against Quellons reforms, seeking to revive the 'Old Ways'.
The Dornish were at each other throats, with no viable target to push their hatred towards. Doran was now squarely in the unpopular zone and had to be cautious around his own brother who blamed him and their mother for Elia's supposed fate.
Should I've sent ravens in regards to Elia and Rhaeny's survival, perhaps, but that would give the seven kingdoms someone to rally behind. Even if barely any responded to the call due to the Targaryen's own actions, I'd rather not make my conquest any more difficult.
Westeros was still a mess and heavily divided, and I intended to take advantage of it.