Chapter 493: Chapter 493: Armies Face Off
However, Duke Tywin's concerns for Deep Castle were indeed superfluous.
The mountainous terrain was indeed unsuitable for the Targaryen Second Legion, noted for its cavalry prowess. Oberyn's Second Legion consisted mainly of cavalry, each soldier well-versed in archery and horsemanship.
This was a clear representation of the Dornish army style, with Dorne's superior desert horse breeds giving them an advantage in cavalry duels. The Second Legion, led predominantly by the people of Lorraine, allowed them to move as fleet as the wind.
Deep Castle was such a place where an uphill assault on the castle, even by a small garrison, could halt a large army's advance. Oberyn might have feigned a strategy to confuse Tywin, but he would never actually use this as a point of breakthrough. The cost would be too great, unless he had lost his mind.
In fact, the more intelligent a person is, the more they pursue perfection and excellence. Anything less would be unchallenging for a clever mind, unable to satisfy their dopamine release.
Oberyn sought not only victory but victory at the lowest cost, achieving the most glorious results.
"Quick!"
"Everyone, run faster!"
Days later, this race against time finally had a preliminary result.
The Targaryen army moved faster, reaching Red Lake in the blink of an eye. The Lannister family's troops responded swiftly, with Duke Tywin rapidly deploying his forces. Ravens were sent, commanding his cousin Stafford Lannister to lead the remaining troops, even those from Lannisport, to rush to Hen Hall in support.
Oberyn was faster than Tywin, but not as swift as Stafford, who had the advantage of a straight road.
Thus, the two armies faced off by the shore of Red Lake, leading to a minor skirmish.
"Kill!"
With the sound of horns and thundering hooves, swords and blades clashed as the Targaryen's general led his men with spear in hand.
"Dornish barbarians! Die!"
At that moment, a tall, strong, bearded brute wielding a mace charged at Oberyn.
Stafford Lannister's expedition included not only Lannister soldiers but also the remaining noble forces of the Westerlands.
Iron Islands had become a ghost shadow, and Lannisport required no protection. They didn't need it.
The second son of the Earl of Hen Hall, nicknamed "Sturdy Boar" Ser Lyle Crakehall, charged at Oberyn. His large, strong figure was evident from his nickname.
Lyle Crakehall considered himself unmatched in bravery, a trait reflecting his family's motto 'Unmatched in Courage.' The family's emblem was a black and white wild boar on a brown field.
Though he had lost to Jorah Mormont of Bear Island in a tournament at Lannisport, Lyle blamed the bright sunlight that had blinded him in the charge.
Oberyn saw him coming, but his face showed no fear. He slightly licked his blood-stained lips, savoring the pungent taste of blood.
"Hmph."
With a cold smile, the Red Viper charged at Lyle.
"Kill!"
Lyle roared, and their weapons collided heavily.
*Clang—*
Oberyn felt a slight numbness in his hands, almost unseated from his horse, but his superb riding skill kept him mounted. His horse surged forward before turning to face Lyle again.
"Such strength."
"Sir 'Sturdy Boar' is indeed worthy of such a nickname."
Oberyn recognized his opponent, shaking his somewhat numb hand, still wearing a mocking smile.
Oberyn and his sister Elia had once visited Hen Hall in their youth, following their mother to the Westerlands for a betrothal. The memories brought back images of his innocent, lively sister.
The smile on the Prince of Dorne's face slowly faded, and the 'Sturdy Boar' had no interest in reminiscing with Oberyn.
Back then, when Oberyn and his sister were guests at Hen Hall, Lyle even wanted to propose to Elia. However, due to his physique, he faced Oberyn's poisonous ridicule, which had frustrated Lyle for a long time.
"Enough talk!"
Lyle Crakehall charged at Oberyn again with his mace, but this time Oberyn's smile disappeared, replaced by cold determination.
In the clash of their charging steeds, Oberyn showed no mercy. His long spear, like a hissing snake, effortlessly pierced Lyle Crakehall's throat, lifting his body high into the air before casting it to the ground, raising a cloud of dust.
The Prince of Dorne easily killed the bravest of the Westerlands' warriors, the 'Sturdy Boar' on the battlefield. This act demoralized the Westerlands' troops.
Eventually, the Westerlands' army retreated to their camp, leaving the dead behind. The battle ceased temporarily, and the Targaryen army set up camp on a flat area by Red Lake's shore.
"Legion Commander!"
In the Targaryen camp, Oberyn, with the help of his squire, removed his blood-stained armor as a soldier hurriedly reported.
"Cornfield City has been captured by Count Evin Pasber. He inquires how to deal with the Swyft family."
"Kill."
Oberyn casually replied as he headed towards his tent.
"Yes."
The messenger quickly retreated to convey the order, and another officer approached to report.
"Commander."
"Our scouts have captured some prisoners in battle with the enemy. Perhaps they can be interrogated."
"You conduct the questioning. Tell me the results later."
"Yes, my lord."
The scouting officer also left, and the logistical officer stood to report.
"My lord, the logistics side—"
The Targaryen army's discipline was strict, and their regulations clear. Problems were addressed methodically, making them more efficient than the other armies of the Seven Kingdoms.
On the other side, the Westerlands' army, having retreated to their main camp after the battle.
Led by the army's commander, Stafford Lannister, and surrounded by a host of nobles and knights, they were a noisy, chaotic group, examining a letter from their cousin, Duke Tywin.
In the letter, Tywin urged his cousin to prioritize the defense of Hen Hall and then engage the Targaryen army.
If possible, avoid battle and wait for him to arrive.
Though not explicitly stated, the letter almost wrote Tywin's mistrust of Stafford's abilities on its face.
The central army's tent was somewhat chaotic, with nobles seated together.
"This..."
The plump Lannister army commander's face turned slightly awkward.
"Lord Tywin asks us to retreat. My lords... what shall we do?"
He looked around, seeking the opinions of the other nobles and knights.
Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone