Chapter 532: Chapter 532: The Siege of Starpike Castle
Count Anders Yronwood, commander of the Dornish army, sat in his wheelchair, intently studying a map and contemplating his strategy against the enemy. He looked up sharply upon hearing his son-in-law's words.
"Silence!"
Anders Yronwood's hair bore streaks of gray, and he fixed a stern gaze upon his son-in-law, Roger Allyrion, before rebuking him in a strict tone.
"Roger, never speak such words again!"
Decades ago, due to an affair his lover had, Anders' grandfather, Edgar Yronwood, had dueled with a sixteen-year-old Oberyn Martell. Both were slightly injured, but days later, Edgar succumbed to an infection. Many believed Oberyn had poisoned his blade, earning him the moniker "The Red Viper." This incident strained the relationship between House Martell and House Yronwood.
Despite the familial discord, Prince Doran maintained a close personal bond with Anders Yronwood. They were of similar age and shared a deep friendship. To mend the relationship with House Yronwood after Oberyn's incident, Prince Doran sent his young son, Quentyn Martell, to be fostered under Count Anders, as a gesture of goodwill.
Thus, the Martells and Yronwoods now enjoyed a harmonious relationship. Prince Doran deeply trusted his friend Anders, and Anders, in turn, understood Doran well.
Prince Doran Martell was a cautious and reserved man, always strategic and never revealing his emotions. Although he had handed over much of Dorne's power to Anders, appointing him commander of the army and entrusting him with the assault on the Riverlands, Anders knew that the prince had many spies in the ranks. He trusted no one completely.
Anders feared that his son-in-law's careless words might reach the prince. While reclaiming the ancient title of 'High King of Dorne' for House Yronwood was tempting, Anders resisted the allure, aware of the potential traps behind such enticing offers.
Seeing the stern look on his father-in-law's face, Roger Allyrion appeared slightly embarrassed and chose to remain silent.
Suddenly, a clamor arose from outside.
"The gates have opened!"
"Charge!"
Muffled cries of battle could be heard, though the sounds were distant from Anders' chamber.
"Listen!"
Both the Dornish commander and his son-in-law, battle-hardened warriors, were keenly attuned to the slightest disturbance.
"Father!"
Sir Roger's expression changed, and he exchanged a quick glance with his father-in-law. Grasping the hilt of his sword, he swiftly stood.
"Roger, find out what's happening. Be cautious."
Count Anders remained calm, issuing his orders with a cool demeanor.
"Yes, my lord."
Sir Roger Allyrion then exited, sword in hand, to assess the situation outside, ordering guards to fortify their defenses and ensure the count's safety.
Outside, Titus Peake, Lord of Starpike, pulled his bloodied sword from a fallen Dornish soldier and hurled the body from the battlements.
Peake, descendant of the illustrious 'Greenhand' Garth, still bore his house's three castle sigil, a reminder of their historical dominance in the Reach. But in recent times, due to political missteps, House Peake had fallen from grace.
Still, Lord Titus managed to rally a loyal group of soldiers and, that night, staged a surprise revolt, killing the guards and taking a gate of Starpike. This bold move was unexpected, as he had appeared submissive for a long time.
"Drive out these Dornish barbarians!"
"Defend the gates!"
Lord Titus, sword dripping with blood, bellowed.
"Charge!"
The soldiers of House Peake, long resentful of the Dornish occupiers, fiercely defended their reclaimed gate.
As flames raged above Starpike, and internal strife erupted within the Dornish ranks, the armies of the Reach outside seized this golden opportunity.
"The time for vengeance has come, father."
Mace Tyrell, nominal commander of the army, looked to his son, Willas. Without hesitation, Willas ordered the assault.
"They've invaded our lands, burned our homes, killed our children, and defiled our wives. We've endured enough humiliation. Now, we repay them in kind!"
Willas Tyrell, always the gentle and cultured heir of Highgarden, stood, pulling his sword, and cried out,
"Drive out these savages!"
And with that, the knights of the Reach, their spirits ignited, prepared to charge.
"Revenge!"
"Blood for blood!"
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