Chapter 66: Preparing another campaign
301 AC
Robb
They had celebrated for days when the message came that Casterly Rock had fallen. They hadn't known much, only that Tywin was dead and they had taken control of the fortress. A few days ago, the long and detailed report had finally come. Jon had done an amazing job and everyone in Riverrun was singing his praises, even the Tullys. He loved that for his brother. He finally got what he deserved.
Yet, in the end he was still a king and they were still at war with the Reach and the Iron Isles who, luckily enough, were also at war with each other. Jon had exceeded his expectations an taken over the Westerlands months earlier than he had anticipated. This had many advantages. Trade would start earlier, gold from installments was coming in more quickly, less coin would need to be spent on supplies for the army in the Westerlands, … and much more. Yet, it also brought with it some challenges. He had expected that he would have more time to firmly control his new lands and patrol the borders in strength.
"I have received word that Ser Stafford is making headway with Lady Alysanne. He seems to be helping her set her lands in order. My sources in his guard tell me they work closely together every day." His great-uncle told him. Without Jon and Harrion, he had undoubtedly become his main advisor. He had wanted Torr to be at his side as well, but his friend often showed little interest in ruling. Every task he had given him had been executed to perfection but deciding himself was not something that interested him. He had still not given up on changing that, but progress was slow.
His uncle looked at him expectantly. They had wanted to influence the succession of House Lefford. He and the Tullys had a reasonable relationship with Lady Alysanne and she was right on the border of their kingdoms. She was also one of the Lannister's most important vassals, and due to her being a woman, her influence in Casterly Rock would be more limited than other heads of house Lefford in the past. Together with some Riverlords, he had concocted a plan to convince her to marry Ser Stafford Piper.
Ser Stafford was a capable man in his early twenties and one of the cousins of Lord Piper. He had lost his elder brother during the war and deserved to be rewarded for his loyal service. Through his mother's side, he was also related to one of the Vance branches. Something that would further consolidate stability on their border. While many Riverlords had proposed the idea to have a Riverman ruling the Golden Tooth next to Lady Alyssanne, it was his uncle that had come up with Ser Stafford. He had personally led him in battle a couple of times, and he had caught his eye when talking strategies and the like.
Their marriage could work wonders for them. It would provide them with a voice and ears in the highest circles of the Kingdom of the West. The possibility of the Leffords not joining in any wars or even siding against them would also serve as a major deterrent for the Lannisters to ever go to war against the Riverlands. It would effectively close the mountain pass for any enemy army, without feeding any revanchism.
"Thank you, uncle. It was a good idea to send Ser Stafford with Lady Alysanne to her homeland to help her settle in." He nodded.
"He is a handsome and courageous man, who could possibly win her heart. He's certainly a better option than what the Vances, Brackens or Mallisters proposed."
"Do you think those small lands will be enough to entice her to the deal?" The Pipers offered her parts of the borderlands, that she had lost in the peace treaty, back. The border would be pulled back to a small creek, which was a much better demarcation line anyway. Even so, a large village and half a dozen farmsteads would not make a difference in the strength of the kingdoms, but it might make a big difference in the perception the Leffords and Lannisters had off the peace deal.
"I think it's better than she can hope for. She loses less lands than she had to anticipate and gets a clear border and allies right across it. If she were to marry a Westerlander, the only dowry she would receive would be the respect from her peers. Besides, by marrying a Riverlander she will be able to keep more power in her own hands, as Ser Stafford will be limited by his lineage in dealing with the Westerlords. The other Pipers will never be able to meddle directly in the affairs of the Golden Tooth or appoint people, which wouldn't be the case if she were to marry a Lydden, Crakehall or Serret." The Blackfish explained his reasoning.
"So, you think that she'll take the deal?"
"Yes, but I think she'll wait until her lands are in order to show her strength and maximize her own power. We'll probably receive news about the betrothal in a few months or so."
He nodded, satisfied with the answer. The marriage could create good relations with the Leffords for fifty odd years, waiting a few uneventful months was a small price to pay. Initially, he had hoped for the betrothal to be announced before the fall of Casterly Rock. If so, it would have been much easier to get it past the Lannisters. Now, they would have to wait and see anyway, so those months made no difference. Luckily, Ser Stafford had agreed to take on the Lefford name, as he doubted such an old and proud house would accept its name and traditions being replaced.
With that, their work in the Westerlands was mostly done. Jon was overseeing the war reparations and the transport of Tywin's loyalists to the Wall himself, taking a lot of work out of his hands. Uncle Brynden agreed with him and this gave them much more time to focus on things closer to home.
Specifically, to fixing the Riverlands and the North. He looked on the desk that formerly belonged to his late grandfather Hoster and the papers that showed all the work they had done this morning. Another round of food shipments and convoys were set to depart not only to the North but also the most damaged parts of the Riverlands. Refugees who had lingered in and around Riverrun, Seaguard, Blackwood Vale and other seats were cautiously returning to their homeland. Settlers from the Crownlands were settling in the best they could and many Northern soldiers were already courting local women and inquiring about lands to cultivate and live upon in the South.
He stacked away the papers on the left side of his desk and looked at the parchment and maps staring at him from the other side. He had put them there this morning, unwilling to deal with them at that time. Yet, now he couldn't put it off anymore.
He picked up the parchment and read it for a third time, although he already knew its contents. He offered it to his uncle, but he waved it away. "I know what it says by now lad."
It spoke of civil war among the ironborn. Apparently one of Euron's bastard sons had survived the disastrous campaign against Oldtown and he was trying to rally the remaining captains to his side. Yet, many outright refused to join him. Some had thrown their support behind a distant Greyjoy cousin, others still proclaimed for Balon's children in captivity. Another group simply abandoned them all and left for home.
Fighting between the factions had already occurred and apparently Euron's son had taken command of the Arbor, but much of its garrison was fleeing north. A great grouping of ships had been seen at the Shield Islands and it was believed that they would soon pull back towards the Iron Isles from there. In the meantime, the Greyjoy cousin had raced back to Pyke and taken control of the ancestral capital. All the while, Lord Harlaw had proclaimed for his niece and nephew and thrown all who disagreed from Harlaw, the most populous of the islands.
The Tyrells hadn't been idle at the news. All towns and castles on the mainland had already been reconquered, although most had been abandoned before any army had ever come near them. It was rumored that Lord Randyll Tarly was preparing a strike force to hit the Shield Islands and none of the ironborn seemed willing to die for them.
"You still hold true to your estimations about Tarly and Tyrell?" He asked, without lifting his eyes up from the paper.
"Yes, it will only be a matter of a few months before Highgarden has once again full control over all its territory. Most rebels have already submitted to Willas his rule. Yet, I still don't think these last bits will all be that easy. The fact that Euron's bastard is promising high rewards to those pirates from the Stepstones to join his service will swell his numbers. That one will be a nuisance, just like his father. However, once the Shield Islands are retaken their days are limited. A combination of Tarlys army and the remaining Redwyne fleet should be enough to invade the island in time."
He wanted to ask more questions, but his uncle just shut him. "As I told you this morning, I agree with your assessment that this is an opportunity we cannot let go to waste. The ironborn are divided and many of their remaining soldiers are on the Shield Islands. Action should be undertaken now." Nonchalantly, he pushed a certain map closer to him from the other side of the desk. He looked over it. It was a map that showed the Sunset Sea Coast. With his finger he traced the coastline from the Shield Islands, to the lands of House Oakheart, House Crakehall, Lannisport, Fair Isle, Banefort and at last Pyke.
Would he dare to take the risk? If they failed, any opportunity to put the Iron Islands in its place could be gone for years. If he succeeded, the road to Pyke would be wide open. He searched for an old letter from Jon detailing the Lannister Fleet to him and read the contents out loud. Was it big enough? The message mentioned many dozens of light ships for the Ironborn. Yet, they were divided, undermanned and very low on morale. It could be the opportunity of a lifetime.
He looked over the map again and then over another detailing the coast of the Westerlands, whilst listening to suggestions from his uncle. His uncle had actually been to many of those places like Lannisport and Crakehall, a thing which greatly helped him in visualizing the lay of the land. He looked over the houses that lay on these coasts and together they estimated their additional naval presence. Houses Prester, Kenning, Farman and Crakehall should all have a handful of extra ships. If they were combined with the fleet at Lannisport, could they take the ironborn on their retreat?
He pondered over it for a while. Checking and double checking all possible information, while his uncle lazily sat back on his chair. They had done this countless' times before. In the beginning, he had often apologized for his need to double and triple check everything. His uncle had been the only one who had consistently waved away all his excuses. "You do what you have to do. Better to look over it one time too many than one too few and miss something." Since that moment, two years ago, they had settled in a comfortable dance. He asked for clarification on certain details and bounced his doubts off of his uncle and Jon, while his uncle just sat there waiting for him to make up his mind.
In the end, he scribbled a message on a fresh piece of parchment and called for the guard at the door. "Walk this over towards the Maester's quarters. Sent it to my brother." He demanded. The soldier simply bowed and left.
He sat back, letting his mind settle on the decision he had made. He nodded to his uncle to confirm and after a deep breath, he picked up a stack of other parchments and started writing. It was time to reassemble his army for what hopefully would be his last campaign in many years to come.
(Three weeks later)
The last of his troops had finally arrived in Seaguard. He looked proudly over the tents and flags that littered the flatlands around the town. He had gathered seven thousand veterans here with him, consisting of six thousand Northerners and a thousand men under the banner of House Mallister. They had all fought during the war, but not all had served directly under him. The most notable example of these was his old friend Cley Cerwyn.
The friend from his youth was now Lord Cerwyn, after the death of his father. He had loyally held the Twins and helped transport food and recruits for the Night's Watch towards Moat Cailin. He had successfully pacified the stronghold and overseen the division of its lands. Now, Olyvar had taken his seat there and was taking control of the Crossing with the help of a small Northern garrison.
"Are they all here now?" Torrhen asked.
"Aye, all those I called up at least. As you know, many of our countrymen still remain in garrisons at the Twins, King's Landing, Maidenpool, Hayford, as well as the lands we took from the Reach. They will be called home once the Iron Isles and the Reach are dealt with. Some others have already scattered across the Riverlands in search of a new home. They will remain here under Rodrik Umber, Ser Lucas and one of your cousins. You could still receive Rosby yourself, you know that?"
"Bah, Robb stop pestering me about that. You know I do not wish for a wife, let alone lands and sons to watch over. That has always been Harry's fate, never mine. Just let me go with you back to Winterfell. Let me reunite with my sister and meet my niece. Once there, give me a couple of nephews to care for and roughhouse with. That'll more than enough for me. If you really want to make me happy, sent me on a few trips every couple of years. I would like to see my home once in a while and would love to see more of the world, especially the North. Never have I set foot on Bear Island, only once have I seen the Wall. Never have I ridden across the Rills and the Flints of Flint's Finger have yet to be graced with my presence. Do that and I'll be happy." His oldest friend told him.
"What would you do in Winterfell then?" He asked him.
"How should I know? I thought you were the all-knowing genius king, not I!" His friend laughed loudly. He grinned back, while rolling his eyes at his antics. "If you don't know what to do with me, just get me a room in the cellars where you keep the mead. I'll die a happy and satisfied man over there." His brother-in-law kept joking.
"Seriously, Torr … what would you like to do? I owe you so much. If it's in my power, I will give you whatever you want. If not lands or a wife and a family, what can I do to make you happy and fulfilled?"
"As I said, just keep me close and send me on a trip now and again. What I would do? I don't know. I always saw myself as a captain of the guards or master-at-arms in Karhold when I was younger. Then, after you married my sister, I thought maybe I could do the same in Winterfell? Don't you have a need for a guard? You could make me the sworn shield of my sister or something. That way I would be close to her and both your children, while serving you and being useful."
He looked in shock at his friend. "You mean you would be willing to serve in my Kingsguard?"
Torr shrugged. "I don't care how you call it. I don't plan on having children, not unless something were to happen to Harry. However, I won't serve in any group of seven. The one thing I learned here in the South is that I hate that bloody number. Seriously, why always seven?"
He laughed. "You know just as well as I that it's because of their gods. However, that's not a bad idea. I guess I would need a Kingsguard sooner or later. Even so, having the holy number of the Seven right in the capital of the North won't do, so I guess ten or twelve guards would be more suitable. It would also give you more time to sample the mead in my cellar haha!"
Torr grinned from ear to ear. "See, father and I have been telling you this for years. Once you shrug of all Andal influences, life becomes a lot better."
He just shook his head, while trying to hide his smile as he thought about all the lessons Lord Rickard had thought him about feeling pride in his First Men heritage, while minimizing his Tully influences.
"Nobody cares about the color of your hair, young Stark. What they care about are your true colors as a man. What's in here and in here." His foster-father said, as he poked him harshly in his chest and head. "Stark blood flows through your veins, Northern blood, First Men blood. Much the same as it flows through me and mine. Once it is your time to rule, you'll have to show the Lords of the North what you are made of and I say you are made of the blood of the First Men just like they are. All you have to do to is show it to them and they will all hail you as their overlord and one of their own from the moment that you ascend to your father's titles until the day you pass them onto your own son."
It was a lesson he had never forgotten. While needing context and nuance at times, the lesson had shown itself a good one. In this manner, he had won over Domeric Bolton and the Ryswells. A thing which his father had never completely managed to achieve. It had won him the friendship of the Umbers, Glovers, Mormonts, Clans and many more. All he had to do is bring nuance from time to time to also adhere to the Manderlys and their neighbors, but even they respected the First Men talk.
Ser Wylis had told him that before the arrival of the Andals and their conversion to the Seven, the house had already been an old and strong one. Since coming to the North, a thousand years ago, they had more often married into First Men houses than not. Although adhering to some of their Southern customs, they considered themselves to be First Men and Northern as much as all the others. This had opened his eyes to just how foreign some of his mother's ways had been to his homeland, even for those that also followed her religion.
Yet, they had also proven useful. As he now also ruled the Riverlands and those people adhered to her customs. His lineage from her and his knowledge and respect for their rituals brought him much goodwill, even if he did not follow them himself. In the Riverlands only the Blackwoods had proudly looked upon his First Men heritage, the others had needed more of the approach he had learned from his mother.
"I agree Torr." He finally said.
"What? The less Andal influence the better? Of course, you do." His friend laughed.
"No, not that. If you still want to join my Kingsguard by the time we get back to Winterfell, you can. I have only one condition."
"What may that be, my royal sovereign?" His friend asked with a mocking bow as he raised his eyebrow.
"You look for possible candidates to join you during this campaign. You can also think back on others you have fought with before. I will have need of men from all corners of my realm, so not only Northerners. I don't care about their heritage, as long as they are capable and loyal. However, pleasing some houses would be a boon."
"Hmmn, not an easy task. All the obvious candidates, Rodrik Umber, Lucas Blackwood, Corlys Menning, … you have all rewarded them with lands already." His friend summarized his own thoughts.
"Aye, I thought much the same. It will be your task to find those less obvious."
"Very well, I'll gladly stomp a few dozen men into the ground in the training yards so I can separate the wheat from the chaff myself." Torr said jokingly.
"Good, I'm counting on you."
His brother-in-law nodded. "Robb, speaking of Rodrik and Lucas, have you had any word from them?"
Rodrik had accepted the lordship of King's Landing, although both had agreed the name would have to change. Together with him had gone the remaining men they had once levied from the city before their campaign in the Stormlands. These men had served dutifully and had more than once served as arrow fodder in the first lines of battle. Over half of the six hundred men had died, but those that remained were fiercely loyal to Lord Rodrik and would be handsomely rewarded by him.
With him had also gone two hundred and fifty Umber men and hundreds more Northerners from all over the kingdom searching for a home along the Blackwater. Lord Rodrik gave him biweekly updates on the progress of the lands that he was given.
"Aye, the strengthening of the defenses and the repopulation of the rural areas goes as planned. He has sent me plans to convert the former tourney fields into farmlands for Northern settlers who have joined him. He has also restarted the first trade with the Stormlands. I expect that it will bring him much goodwill in the region."
"Has the widow's fair happened yet?"
"Aye, I received news yesterday evening. A very successful widow's fair had been held, with over three hundred Northerners marrying local women and some two hundred Old Gods' believers from the lands of House Paege also intermarrying with the locals. Rodrik's engagement to a member of House Paege seems to have been a very good idea. Already Rodrik and Ser Halmon are discussing population exchanges. The Paeges could use city folk and craftsmen in Fairmarket, while Rodrik needs a much larger farming population if he is to make the lands viable on their own again. The Paeges will most likely sent a few hundred Old Gods believers from their lands south, maybe even more."
"That'll help him in ruling the area. Rodrik won't do well with the most zealous of the Seven believers." Torr remarked.
"Aye nonetheless he will have to learn. Even so, this population exchange could help him set up a minor loyal powerbase from which to expand his legitimacy over the area. The result of the widow's fair is over five hundred Old Gods believing families along the Blackwater, with more to follow from the Umber lands and those of masterly houses once the war is done and Old Gods believing Riverlanders. Soon they will become a large minority in the area which will help combat influences from across the border in the Reach and the Stormlands in the future."
"Did you intentionally place them on the border for that reason?" Torr asked him.
"Aye, at least partly I did it because of that. The influx of Northerners and Riverlanders and the exodus of many locals will also help the area with abandoning its Crownlander identity. I need to have anything that would provide loyalties to Targaryens, Baratheons or a united Westeros in that area to be stamped out quickly if I wish my descendants to hold onto it. Rodrik and his veterans will also prove a powerful deterrent to any outside force wishing to content the mouth of the Blackwater with us and ensure our southern border."
Torr nodded to him in thought. "You seem to have thought it all through, Robb. I just hope it works."
"So do I Torr, so do I." He replied. "Any news from Lucas?"
"Yes, similar news from the former Goodbrook lands. Another widow's fair has been held there. Lucas himself has quickly married the maiden daughter of House Goodbrook. With him one hundred Northerners and seven hundred Old Gods believing Riverlanders have married local women. Many of those have received gifts and farmlands for their participation in an attempt to revitalize the damaged economy. The Goodbrook lands have been ravaged harshly by the war and much of its population has died. It will help repopulate the lands, while also giving Lucas the opportunity to quickly build up a powerbase similar to Rodrik's. Already the Tullys are discussing sending some of their Old Gods population towards there to help repopulate it and the remnants of the community around Stoney Sept will most likely migrate completely into those lands."
"That will provide two more beacons of First Men culture in the Riverlands, next to Blackwood Vale then?"
"Aye, Hayford and Rosby will also shift towards there, but less than the others. I hope it will serve to provide us an anchor in the Riverlands and help stamp out extremist Seven believers like the Faith Militant through more interaction between the faiths. We will have to see." He replied, as he walked back inside his command tent atop the hill. Torrhen followed him inside.
"Anything else worthy of repeating?" His brother-in-law asked.
"Aye, the Riverlords are resettling in their lands. Groups are being organized to help Lords Corlys Menning and Harry Parell to take control of the lands around the Goldroad. They will consist of groups of peasants coming from the Crownlands and the Riverlands, some guards loyal to them and groups of Northern soldiers to keep the peace for the short term."
"Do you really think the Tyrells will part with those areas that easily?" He was asked.
"No, but I'll sweeten the pot with small parts of the Crownlands that once belonged to the Reach centuries ago. Besides, what will they do? By the time they come to us to negotiate those lands will already be under the control of our lords and all traces of their former overlords will already be thrown out. Their only option will be war. Their armies are heavily battered, their homeland ravaged, their morale low and their ability to build solid supply lines towards the area are almost none existent. I will tell them how it is. Either they accept it, or they face a destructive war on Reachmen's soil." He responded.
"Wouldn't it be a completely senseless war for us too? There is nothing for us to win in the Reach. We have all the land we want, there is no revenge to be had there that we don't already have after killing Mace Tyrell and his favorite son, … why even go there?" Torr challenged his idea.
"Ideally, we wouldn't go there at all. Peace is my preferred option. However, it's not true that there is nothing to gain. There are huge amounts of coin and food laying all around that wretched kingdom. If we were to march into the Reach, it would be to pillage and plunder until the rest of their kingdom is aflame. We could give some borderlands to the Baratheons or even sell off some to the Dornish and the Westerlanders. We could also end the last true threat in Westeros. We could plunge the whole kingdom into ruin and extort them with war reparations for the next couple of decades to build up our homeland. In the end, I would prefer not to commit to another campaign that forbids me to go home and see my daughter but if I have to, I will make it worthwhile for myself and for the kingdoms."
His friend looked at him in thought. After a while, he simply nodded as he picked up a green apple from the bowl the middle of the table. He took out a deep bite and shrugged. "Whatever you decide to do, I'll join you as always."
He smiled at that. "I know Torr. If everyone else fails, I can always count on you I know that." He told him, as he slapped his shoulder fondly.
"Any news from the Mallister fleet?"
"No, they are still patrolling Ironman's Bay. Still no news of any real enemy presence. It seems almost all the remaining ships are back on the islands for their civil war. I have been thinking it over for days. How can ot be that they are leaving their own backyard so undefended? I have sent word to Flint's Finger for them to start scouting from the other side as well. I don't want any surprises." He replied.
"Good, neither do any of us. Do you think a crossing will be possible?" The questioning continued.
"I think so, yes. However, I won't risk it until I have news that the Ironborn fleet from the Shield Islands has been defeated. Word should reach us at any moment. If the Lannister fleet manages to win against them, the way is open for us to attack. If not, we'll have to reconsider our plans."
"Well, let's hope those Westerlander rats fight better on water than they do on land." His friend grinned.
The rest of the day passed by in a blur. He met with all his commanders and captains and discussed possible plans for a crossing, as well as possible ways to attack the Iron Islands itself.
When night fell, he could finally loosen up a little. He was having dinner at Seaguard with Patrek Mallister, Torr and a few of their friends. Patrek and his father were very gracious hosts and he had noticed himself and the heir of Seaguard getting along better and better as the days passed. He actually enjoyed the older man's company and his father Jason was one of his most capable commanders. That wasn't to say Patrek was stupid, not at all. His father was just extremely experienced in both warfare and diplomacy. Not surprising, when you had ruled one of the strongest houses in the Riverlands for twenty years and survived another twenty-five years as heir before that time.
Suddenly, their dinner was abruptly interrupted. The Maester of the castle walked in together with Lord Jason himself. All looked at them in anticipation for what was to come. He looked deeply into the Mallister's blue-grey eyes and his piercing gaze looked back at him. Suddenly the handsome face of the man split into a grin.
"The Lannisters have managed to defeat the ironborn. Over half their ships have been captured or sunk. Your brother tells us the way to Pyke lays wide-open and that he is ready to leave on your command. I have already sent word to call back my fleet. We have some squids to catch." All his friends cheered, calling loudly for the heads of the ironborn. He simply matched Lord Jason's grin. Soon, the ironborn would learn what it meant to have stirred a wolf.
This is it for this chapter!
Robb prepares for a campaign against the Iron Isles and the Lannister fleet gets a decisive victory on the remaining Ironborn.
On top of that you get updates on the situation in the Riverlands as well as on the life of Torrhen Karstark and the construction of Kingsguard for Robb.
I noticed that I use too much inner monologues when writing, so what did you think of this situation? Where Robb bounces his ideas of his friends and advisors and where they come to a conclusion together? It feels more dynamic to me.
Future uploads will also become a little smaller as they often will be less action packed. I will try to aim them between 5.5-7.5k words instead of the often 8-10k words from the latest 8-10 chapters.
Sorry for the reupload. I forgot to add my author notes and some of the editing.
Fannic
Reviews:
- Alek Sands: They marched the army out and checked it. Even if he hadn't been dead, he would've been trapped in the mines and died. However, they were presented with his body and it will be entombed with the other Lords of Casterly Rock. He won't be getting back up ;-)
- Rebfan90: Thank you!
- Supremus85: No, because they would flee to the courts of the other kings. This would give the Arryns, Baratheons, Tyrells and Lannisters claims on parts of the Riverlands and reasons to invade for the next century or so.
Besides that, let's say the twelfth son (before Olyvar in the line of succession) would go to the Brackens and marry into that house and then a grandson through the sixth son would do the same with the Mallisters. It would create tension. In response, the Blackwoods would ally Olyvar. In less than 20 years you would have one giant battle royale for the Twins that would devastate the region and undo all Robb has done to rebuild and unify it.
- KingOfSummer 245: I don't agree. I wrote a a large reply in PM, but if any other readers have questions about how Robb/Jon handled the Westerlands/Stormlands etc. I will forward it.
- George Cristian810: Yes, also he was in no position to give out any carrots. His wealth, prestige and power to hand out trade concessions and titles etc. was long taking away from him by now.
- Andy2800: Thank you so much! I thought about him being executed, but it was just too Hollywoodesque for my liking. Glad you agree that this was more realistic.
Vengeance against the Ironborn is coming and soon. Robb/Jon and the Glovers/Umbers/Mormonts/Ryswells, … have been waiting for their revenge for what the Kraken's did in the North for two years. They will want it to be swift and brutal, we'll see how that turns out. I won't spoil anything about their homecoming.
Well, first there will be the aftermath of the realm etc. This will be shown in multiple chapters with small to middle-sized time jumps. After that I have in my head a handful of jumps spanning 5, 10 or even 20 years, but those aren't all thought out in detail yet.
- Kuman: Not only the modern ones, many in history too. Darius III was killed and usurped by his own nephew for failing against Alexander the Great and that's 2300+ years ago. It is the fate many a (failing) tyrant faces.
- Cliff West: Thank you! By now he's catching maggots, I believe.
- MasterOfDragonsGod: Robb has won the war against the Lannisters.
- Foxy-Floof: Yes, he is. Tyrion has been dead for over a year now. Willem gives him the honor of being buried in the Hall of Heroes, a thing Tyrion would have never imagined. it's the only thing he can do for him.
- Praetorian96: No, it had no real benefit for the flow of the story.
- RoseLockhall: Wow, it is amazing to hear that! Thank you very much! I did, yes. I will look over my notes and make sure to include it, even if it is just to satisfy your interest in the subject.
I won't go into much detail of kingdoms outside the North/Riverlands. The only important thing about the other coins will be their trade value/purity, not how they look.
- Grimmjow: Of course, they can. At least for a while. Their gold mines can still produce a lot and the Rock has many untapped gold veins left. They will replenish their wealth in time. However, you can't mine it all at once and even if you could you have to take inflation into account. It will take many decades to reach early Tywin levels.
In the last fifteen years they spent (amount in golden dragons): 3+ M to the Iron Throne, at least 1M for rebuilding the fleet/restoring the damage of the Greyjoy Rebellion, hundreds of thousands (maybe more) for raising, arming and supplying 55k-60k troops over the course of this war, they still need to pay 130k to the Iron Bank, 1M+ to House Stark, they will need to rebuild many lands around Lannisport/Casterly Rock as well as the northern third of the kingdom, Willem will need to hire a lot of new people, … all the while having lower income due to loss of population/livestock/crops/property. All in all, I would say they lost between 7 and 10 million dragons since the fall of the Targaryen dynasty (if you include open debts).
- Force Smuggler: He ruled for too long. Now a whole new generation/philosophy will rule the Westerlands under the watchful eyes of Robb to make sure it doesn't threaten him.
- Poly19hum: Thank you! Glad you liked it.
- Angeluszuko-z: Yes, not all historic leaders have great heroic endings.
- Cravingsforthesoul: Thank you for your insights! Selmy would have won against Jon Snow without a doubt. The only way Jon would be able to win is if he sets Ghost on Selmy. With the death of Jaime Lannister, Barristan Selmy is the best swordsman in Westeros. Yes, he is older and not as fast as he once was, but he is still technically stronger than all others. Jon is a great swordsman, definitely better than Robb, but I personally think there are at least a few who are clearly still better than him: the Greatjon, perhaps the Blackfish, … Selmy did not mellow down! He trained every day against the likes of Jaime Lannister and Arys Oakheart. Before that, he trained for years/decades with Arthur Dayne, Oswell Whent, Gerold Hightower, … and fought in multiple wars and numerous battles. There is no equal to him, Jon would be slaughtered 1v1 without Ghost. Thinking otherwise is a Hollywoodesque view of society. The big heroes with the best ancestry are also honorable, the best fighters, … most of the time they aren't. Jon had "crown jewel moments": leading the army in the Westerlands, his moment with Rhaegal, his part during many battles, his victory in negotiations, parading in Rhaegar's armor before (F)Aegon's army, … Jon will be his own man, but he will still be loyal to his brother, best friend and king.
- Saga686491: I answered in PM.
- Farroljgk: Thank you so much for the kind words about the story!
Exactly, we'll have to see what the future brings for House Lannister, but they are far from the situation they were in 20 years ago.
Ramsay and the wildlings are still problems that will have to be dealt with once he comes back home. However, Ramsay has lost all of his offensive capabilities in his two failed attacks. He might deal with them himself or he might send his vassals to do it for him. Whatever the case, you know Robb won't let it up to fate. He will plan it ahead and closely monitor the result whether he does it himself or not.
I think it's clear here what he plans to do with the ironborn. The same goes for the Reach. Whether it proves itself fruitful, we'll have to wait and see.
I won't spoil anything about Eddara.
- Guest1: Thank you so much!
- Guest2: Oh, thank you! Well, we had some POV's from Kevan and Oberyn that gave some insight. However, those POV's would have taken a lot of extra work, worldbuilding, … for minimal gain in the story. I still thank you for the constructive criticism.
