Bab 31: Chapter 31: Change of Plans
Author's note: Sorry for the two-month absence I must have rewritten this chapter half a dozen times trying to decide which P. I should do and how they should play out. Fortunately, the next chapter should come much quicker. Well, Read, review and enjoy, and apologies again.
Stannis
The attack on Kings Landing would happen soon. Once Roland returned successfully or otherwise, they would sail to the Capitol and take it.
For the last few weeks, Stannis had been on Dragonstone preparing their fleet for the assault on Kings Landing. Many of their merchant vessels were being converted for various roles, while those aboard the warships were doing firing drills on scorpions. Stannis made a note to asked his nephew about it the merchant vessels. Other ships were being torn down to make large rafts. These rafts were meant to carry the battering rams, ladders, and mantlets.
As Stannis surveyed the Harbor, Ser Davos had climbed the tower and bowed his head, "My Lord, the preparations seem to be going smoothly, the entire fleet should be ready in about a week."
"They would be ready by now if Roland wasn't so insistent of converting some of these ships into gods know what."
"I'm sure your nephew has his reasons," Ser Davos remarked.
Stannis nodded, "How many so far?"
"We have 150 ships in total, including 80 war galleys. The rest are merchant vessels, cogs, carracks, barges and whalers."
Stannis contemplated what Roland was making him do with some of those vessels. The whaling ships numbering 10 were being filled with tar, pitch, and hay. Another unusual request was that 20 Carracks be put in pairs and attached with beams and rope. The Fore and aftcastles had been removed as well were the masts. Planks spanned the two vessels creating a single flat deck. The 20 Carracks had been transformed into 10 double-hulled barges. On each of these barges, large catapults were placed in the decks, facing the starboard bow
The lookout reported that a small fleet had been sighted heading for the island. Stannis soon took sight of this as well. even from a distance, Stannis could see the massive hull of his late brother's ship. Stannis' own ship the Fury was the largest warship anchored in Dragonstone, with 300 oars and triple decks armed with scorpions and catapults. Yet despite it's power, it didn't compare to the ship of his late brother Robert. With 400 oars and four decks, the King Robert's Hammer, dwarfed the Fury. The King Robert's Hammer was flying a plain Black Flag, Roland's sign that he was commanding it. The Massive warship docked with the other ships it was leading at the harbor and the men disembarked.
Stannis descended the watchtower to greet his king. He and Roland embraced each other, "welcome back nephew," he said, "I trust you are well."
Roland smiled and nodded, 'nothing I couldn't handle uncle. Is there news from the mainland?"
Stannis lip curled, "Your little raid has the entire capitol spooked. Now every gate is closely watched and they have taken to arresting anyone who even speaks your name."
Roland frowned, "perhaps I should have killed a few more gold cloaks during my 'visit'." Roland turned back to his men who had a blond, boy in chains with them. "This is my cousin Tyrek Lannister," Roland explained.
Stannis nodded and turned to his guards, give him chambers and keep an eye on him. The guards nodded as they escorted Tyrek away who was looking around fearfully. Stannis then took a moment to note the additional ships Roland had brought. "I take it that your mission to Kings Landing was successful."
Roland nodded, "Ten warships and enough information to formulate a full plan."
"What if the rest of Joffrey's fleet?" Stannis inquired, "Did you burn them."
Roland shook his head, "I wanted to get out f the capital before the City Watch knew what was happening, even if I did have time, It would be wasteful to destroy perfectly good ships that we could potentially capture." It was clear the Stannis that Roland had a mind to expand his fleet during the battle to replace any vessels lost.
Stannis said nothing else as they headed back to the castle. They headed to the war room and they placed infantry and ship models on the map. "Once the fleet is ready we shall sail to Kings Landing, and crush my brother's meager defenses." Roland declared confidently. "We shall then storm the Red Keep and force my brother's immediate and unconditional surrender." When Roland finished his speech, he took notice of his uncle's silence. Normally Stannis would give advice but now he was quiet, "you are troubled uncle."
Stannis neither confirmed or denied it and simply said. "We could be sailing to Kings Landing by now. Yet you have me converting perfectly good ships into something else. What are these new ships you are having us build?"
Roland smiled, he had expected the question. "All in good time uncle, I do not intend to simply defeat Joffrey's remaining fleet through conventional means. Though it would be simpler it will cost more lives and ships than necessary. I will not suffer such losses if I can help it. We now have 90 Warships, but the rest are merchant vessels hardly fit for battle so they will serve different purposes. most as troop transports but others will serve through other means." Roland then went on to explain the role of the ships and by the time he was done Stannis had a lot to consider
Stannis frowned, he was a hardened battle commander. But he was used to conventional warfare, with straightforward tactics and simple ends. He didn't know what his nephew had planned but he hoped that Roland knew what he was doing. But these ship conversions were trivial matters compared to the two letters he held in his hand with a tight fist
Roland seemed to sense his nervous as well. "Yet I sense something else is troubling you. Something more serious."
Stannis handed him a raven scroll, "Ser Loras Tyrell has escaped."
Roland's eyes widened and snatched the scroll from his uncle's hand, He seemed to read it over and over again. When Stannis thought Roland would have an outburst, he simply said one word, "How?"
"Cortnay Penrose led a force of Renly's loyalists including that beast of a woman Lady Brienne Tarth. They attacked the force we sent to escort the Tyrell and freed them. Scouts report that Ser Cortnay's company was last seen riding for the Reach."
Roland closed his eyes and sighed and banged his fist on the table snarling. "This complicates things," he said darkly. "Without Loras, we have nothing to keep back the Tyrells."
"What will you do?" Stannis asked.
Roland clasped his hands behind his head and pressed his arms to his skull. He turned back to Stannis and reach out his hand. "What is the other message?"
Stannis looked at it hesitantly, the last thing he wanted was to put more pressure on his nephew. But Roland gave him an insistent glare and Stannis handed the letter over. Roland unrolled it and started to read.
King Roland Baratheon
I wouldn't ask for anything unless I have absolutely no other choice. I know you may think that I am crazy or delusional. But I swear by the gods that what I am about to tell you is the truth. I'm sure you have read the legends of the White Walkers. In another time I would dismiss all claims of the sighting of such creatures as myths. But that all changed a short while ago.
A fortnight after you left Riverrun Ser Alliser Thorne of the Night's Watch came to us with a disturbing message. A hand of a man who tried to kill the Lord Commander. This would not have been noticeable if not for the fact that the hand was still moving when we received it.
The hand had come from a wright, proof of their existence. If the Wrights are real then that means the White Walkers are real. There is also the matter of the Wildlings army under Mance Rayder who has styled himself King Beyond the Wall
Roland, I ask that you grant me permission to march north with the remnants of our northmen to aid the Night's Watch in this endeavor. I understand that you can barely afford to spare any more men with the enemies we have around us. But if we don't deal with this threat soon there may not be a Seven Kingdoms left to rule over.
Please inform us of your decision swiftly If you want us to remain in the south I shall honor it. I pray that it does not come to that.
Signed your loyal bannerman
Eddard Stark Lord of Winterfell and Warden of the North.
Roland looked over the letter, again and again, trying to take in what he had learned. Roland rubbed his forehead. 'This just get's better and better,' he thought. He tapped the painted table with his fingers as he stared at the carving of Kings Landing for the longest time. He had an impossible decision to make. "It seems that things will not be going according to plan Uncle."
"Do you believe Lord Eddard's claims?" Stannis asked.
Roland nodded, "Ned Stark knows the position I am right now, he would not bother me with anything unless it was absolutely important.
"So what is our plan now?"
Roland shook his head, "forgive me uncle but I need to sleep on this. But in the meantime continue with the preparations."
Stannis nodded, "Of course nephew."
In truth, Roland was incapable of getting any sleep, too many thoughts swirled in his mind So he just laid on the bed staring up at the blank ceiling. 'So the White Walkers are real after all,' he thought. A big part of him wanted to believe it was nonsense. Yet Robb had once told him of the increasing number of deserters from the Night's Watch, as well as the increased number of wildlings south of the wall. Regardless of the Walkers, the Wildling army was undoubtedly real and a great concern. The Night's Watch had less than a thousand men, most of whom had questionable integrity. If the Night's Watch failed the wildlings would overrun the north and even the troops Roland sent back would not be able to stop them. Fighting a war on two fronts was bad enough but three or four would be near impossible. One thing was certain the situation in the North had to be dealt with sooner rather than later. But how to do that when they had so many enemies in the south.
Roland turned to stare at the stone dragons That stood guard at the entrance of his chambers, fierce looking and steadfast, like silent sentinels. Roland smirked, "I don't suppose you two can give me any advice," he told them. He was met with silence as he shook his head, "no I guess not." Roland scoffed, 'look at me,' he thought. 'I'm talking to statues, I should get some air.'
As Roland walked wearily back the Painted Table, he caught sight of Shireen playing with the fool Patchface in Aegon's Garden. Seeing his cousin there laughing in the sun made Roland smile. 'It's amazing that people can still find time for joy in the terrible time of war.'
With a shrug Roland decided to enter the garden, 'maybe a serene environment will help me clear my head, gods know I need it.'
As he approached the pair he heard Patchface sing another one of his nonsensical rhymes. "In the Dark, the Dead are Dancing, I know I know, Oh Oh Oh."
"You don't know how true that is it seems," Roland spoke up.
Shireen turned and smiled at him. Roland returned the smile as the girl embraced him. The two sat on a stone bench ."Father says you fought in a battle," she said.
Roland nodded and gave her a small grin, "I did."
"Did you win?"
"Yeah."
Shireen's smile dropped slowly, "I heard uncle Renly was killed."
Roland's face turned solemn and he nodded.
Shireen looked down, her face equally sad, "Uncle Renly was always kind to me, he always gave me wonderful gifts on my namedays."
"I'm sorry Shireen."
Shireen leaned forward and hugged his neck, "I glad you weren't killed too."
Roland returned the hug as he patted her back, "So am I little fawn." He didn't want to damper her mood yet Shireen was adamant in continuing the subject. "They say you will be sailing to the capital soon."
Roland nodded, "I'm not sure about that anymore."
Shireen looked at her cousin curiously, "why not, does it have something to do with the flower knight."
"Partially."
Shireen's face turned to worry, "be careful Roland." She pleaded, "you killed the man he loved and scarred him, The Tyrells will be thirsting for revenge and will throw everything they have at you."
That statement jogged something in Roland mind as he turned to Shireen, "what was that?"
"They'll throw everything they have at you," She repeated curiously.
It was like a light flickered on in Roland's head, after scratching the back of his neck, he slowly grinned as he cupped Shireen's cheeks and kissed her forehead. Shireen laughed, "what was that for?"
Roland headed back to the castle and turned to his cousin, still grinning, "You're a brilliant wonder."
Shireen giggled and as Roland left, Patchface sang another rhyme. "Clever king, clever girl, clever clever fool."
Roland went to his solar and grabbed two pieces of parchment. Taking a quill and ink, He began writing rapidly while still making it proper as befitting a royal. One was addressed to Lord Stark and the other to Lord Edmure Tully. After looking over each letter and rewriting them several times until he was satisfied with the contents. One they were, he sealed the letters and stamped it with the Stag of Baratheon.
Roland left his chambers with the letters in hand to find Maester Cressen. He found him conversing with Uncle Stannis. The old man bowed respectfully once he was aware of Roland presence.
Roland gave the Maester a curt nod before handing him the two letters. "Make sure these get to their respective destinations Maester Cressen. Use your best Ravens, they must arrive swiftly."
Cressen took the letters and nodded, "of course your grace."
"You have a plan nephew?" Stannis asked.
Roland nodded. "Make sure the men are ready. I want to sail as soon as the fleet is completed."
"I take it we are not postponing the Assault on King's Landing."
Roland shook his head, "no uncle the attack will still happen, but this time it will serve a different purpose."
Cersei
"Winter is coming indeed," Cersei thought amusingly as she lit the candles in her chambers. This summer had been so long Cersei had forgotten the concept of the cool night air as a breeze swept through the room every time the door opened. Tyrion was at the desk reading a raven scroll that had arrived recently, Jaime was drinking a goblet of dornish red.
"Since when do you light your own candles, dear sister?" Tyrion asked with a half smile.
"Since I decided I can't stand to look at my handmaidens for another instant." Cersei replied as she blew out the wick."
"Well on the bright side you did get what you wanted." Jamie pointed out.
"And what is that?" Cersei asked her twin.
"Tommen and Myrcella will be staying in King's Landing with you." He replied with a small smile. "Ironically we have Roland to thank for it."
Cersei couldn't help but nod in agreement, she turned to her little brother who was still staring at a raven scroll he had just received. "How many times can you read one raven scroll?" She asked with amusement.
Tyrion's expression was grim, "Roland Baratheon's Fleet has been spotted sailing from Dragonstone, reports say his fleet numbers 160 ships."
"More than we have," Cersei concluded.
Tyrion rolled his eyes at his sister stating the most obvious. "Yes, that's more than we have." He put the scroll on the table and sighed heavily. "Roland will be here in six days, five if he has the wind."
"We have strong high walls," Jaime said confidently. "When they come, we'll rain fire on them from above."
"Are you quoting father?' Tyrion asked amused.
Jaime shrugged, "Why not he has a good mind for strategy."
Tyrion nodded in agreement, "personally I call it tactics rather than strategy, but yes he has a good mind for it. The best mind some say but sadly he's not here. It's just you, me, Cersei and Joffrey standing against Roland and Stannis Baratheon."
"Nothing you can't handle brother," Jaime said confidently.
Tyrion frowned, "I wouldn't be so smug if I were you, escaping the mad clutches of Lysa Arryn is a little different from outwitting our nephew. The fact that the boy has been tutored by Lord Stannis is bad enough but prior to this war Tywin had also taken Roland under his wing."
"Why would father express such interest in Roland when he barely spared Joffrey a glance," Cersei asked visibly annoyed. "Maybe if Tywin had done the same for Joffrey he would be a better king."
"There's more to it than that I'm afraid," Tyrion replied with a sigh. With the war, the secret was no longer necessary. "Ever since he turned twelve father has been grooming Roland for Lordship of Casterly Rock."
This revelation left the twins stunned. One would have thought that Tywin would have at least give it to Uncle Kevan. But their own father was willing to give it to a Baratheon even if it was his grandson.
"Why my son and not a Lannister, perhaps Uncle Kevan?" Cersei wondered still getting over her shock.
"Who better in the family?" Tyrion asked. "Uncle Kevan makes a better follower than a leader, and as for that son of his. Lancel can't tell his ass from his elbow, he is arrogant, impulsive and thinks too highly of himself. Genna is capable but her husband is a Frey and father would never let a Frey rule Casterly Rock, blood or not."
Jaime shrugged, as a Kingsguard, it was no skin off his nose Though he did want Tyrion to take over Casterly Rock. 'Tyrion would make a fine lord,' he thought. 'If only Father could see him as I do.'
Tyrion had something else on his mind, "Any luck finding Tyrek."
Jaime shook his head sadly, Bronn and I have picked the city with a fine tooth comb but there's no sign of our cousin." Jaime sighed, I fear he may be dead, devoured by the mob."
Tyrion closed his eyes at this, Tyrek father Tygett had always treated him well. Tygett was a powerful man who raged against Tywin's authority. Though he served his older brother loyally, he only did so with burning anger. Tyrion felt that the one way to repay his late uncle's kindness was to look after his only child, now Tyrion felt that he had failed in that regard.
"He may be alive," Jaime attempted to reassure him. We never found his body so he might have got out or better yet Roland's men got him." Jaime decided to change the subject to the more pressing matters. "In any case once Roland goes running back to Dragonstone with his tail between his legs, We will make it a point that Joffrey knows who to thank for a glorious victory."
Tyrion struggled to hide his laugh, "Ahh yes King Joffrey Baratheon, the Lord of the Seven Kingdoms and Protector of the Realm." He didn't even bother to hide the sarcasm behind the words as he cocked an eyebrow at Jaime.
Cersei caught the implication, "I'm certain that he will make a point of it eventually." She cut in confidently.
Tyrion rolled his eyes, "Joffrey needs to start acting like a King, the war he started is sailing right to his doorstep." Tyrion sighed, it was hard work as Hand when Joffrey undermined everything he was trying to do. Then there was the fact that all of Joffrey's follies were being blamed on him. "You need to bring him in line Cersei, because if the entire city wants him dead. All they have to do is swarm our city watch and open the gates to his brother."
Cersei turned on him with an incredulous look on her face. "What do you think I've been trying to do for the past year. Ever since he tried to kill Roland I've tried to make him see reason." To Jaime and Tyrion's shock, Cersei's eyes looked pained. "But he doesn't listen to me anymore."
Tyrion shook his head in dismay, Cersei spent too much time whispering in Joffrey's ear, telling him what he can do instead of what he should do. Now, even she has lost control over her 'golden son'. "It's hard to keep a leash on a dog once you've put a crown on its head," Tyrion said finally.
"As father once said, 'if a lion knows his own strength, no man can tame it'," Jaime added grimly.
"I never thought you would remember any of Father's lessons." Tyrion quipped with a smirk.
"I still remember some things, little brother," Jaime retorted with equal amusement.
Cersei closed her eyes fighting back the small tears, she sat on the bed and set her goblet on a nearby bench. "I always hoped he would be like you Jaime," She said miserably.
Jaime frowned slightly, "The boy is more Robert than me I think," he said dismissively.
Cersei scoffed, "Robert was a drunken warmonger, he may have been cruel at times but he never enjoyed it." Cersei then shook her head, "sometimes I can't help but wonder."
"Wonder what?" Tyrion asked curiously.
"If this is the price we had to pay," Cersei clarified. "For what we've done, for our sins."
Jaime cocked an eyebrow, "Sins?" he came towards his sister and sat down next to her. He took her hand in his and turned her head to his own. "Cersei the Targaryen's wed brother and sister for hundreds of years. If they can do it why not us."
Cersei looked down, "that is what I told Ned Stark when he was stupid enough to confront me. But half the Targaryens went mad didn't they?" Jaime couldn't answer that as Cersei looked up and continued, "What is that saying? 'Every time a Targaryen is born the gods flipped a coin and they will be either brilliant or mad."
Tyrion shrugged, "if it's any consolation, you've beaten the odds." the twins looked back at him and he continued. "Myrcella and Tommen have become good decent children, both of them."
Cersei could hold it in no longer and allowed a few tears to escape from her eyes as she placed a hand over her heart. "I don't know how this war will turn out," she said softly. "But the one thing I do know is that I will have one less son when this comes to an end."
Jaime remained silent as he embraced his sister, Tyrion in a surprising gesture placed a hand on Cersei's shoulder. Cersei didn't shy away, most likely ignoring the gesture' as she buried her face in her twin's chest. The three siblings sat there silently for a while before Tyrion left for his chambers. The twins now sat alone as Jaime contemplated the Targaryen madness.
Of the three of them, Jaime knew all too well the madness that had plagued the Targaryens for centuries. Maegor the Cruel, Aegon the Second, Aegon the Unworthy and especially the mad king himself Aerys the Second. Yet for the madness, good also arose. Maegor was succeeded by Jaehaerys the Conciliator and Aegon the Unworthy was succeeded by Daeron the Good. If not for Robert's Rebellion Aerys would have been succeeded by Rhaegar. Rhaegar Targaryen seemed to be everything a King should be. Tall, handsome, kind, and intelligent, a skilled warrior and a talented musician. Yet Jaime couldn't help but wonder if even Rhaegar was afflicted with the madness. What else could have possessed him to break his vows to Elia Martell and steal Lyanna Stark, thus igniting the war that nearly destroyed his entire house?
The thought of Elia made his stomach churn, of the many sins of his life, not saving Elia Martell and her children were the one he regretted without question. The Martell princess had been a warm caring woman. To Jaime, this was what cemented his ultimate failure as a knight. 'I didn't think father would harm them,' he tried to reason with himself. 'Like you didn't think he would do what he did to Tyrion's wife?' A voice pointed out, The thought caused Jaime to look at Tyrion his eyes masking the pain. 'If Tyrion ever learned the truth about Tysha, would he ever forgive me?'
Jaime needed to take his mind off these things as he walked over to the chandelier and blew out the candles. Cersei gave him a confused look as Jaime strode up to her and began to undo his sister's gown. Cersei started doing the same to Jaime's tunic, they ripped at each other's clothes desperately until they were piled on the floor at their feet. The two lovers were nude as they collapsed on the bed. No one disturbed them as they made love in the light of the hearth.
Tywin
Tywin continued to receive reports on Robb Stark's invasion of the Westerlands. Lord Damon Marbrand had been slain by Robb Stark when he had taken Ashmark making his son Addam the new Lord of House Marbrand
When Tywin learned that Robb had captured the Crag, Tywin decided that he had enough of the Stark incursions into his lands. As swiftly as possible, Tywin ordered a full night's march from Harrenhal and headed for the Red Fork. Tywin had hoped to cross the river before the Starks and Tullys knew what was happening. Tywin still had 30,000 men left enough to crush Robb's force of 6,000 men.
Unfortunately, a Tully scout took notice of this and informed Lord Edmure Tully. Edmure feared that Tywin wanted to gain a decisive victory by taking Riverrun. He was also concerned about his nephew Robb being taken from the rear by Lord Tywin. Determined to prevent either of those things from happening Edmure called what banners he could and marched to the River. By the time he had arrived Edmure had managed to gather 10,000 infantry and 3,000 cavalry.
The Lannisters outnumbered the Tullys nearly 3 to 1, But the Tullys were in a good position. Their side of the bank was higher and had the additional advantage of woods. Edmure had placed a strong force at every ford to prevent Tywin from finding a vulnerable spot. In the woods, Edmure hid his archers and scorpions.
For two days Tywin assaulted the Tully positions probing the fords for a weak spot and thus far he had little luck. He divided his forces into five groups of 6,000 men each under the commands of Lord Roland Crakehall, Ser Robert Brax, Lord Addam Marbrand, Lord Leo Lefford and Tywin himself. Despite being outnumbered the Tully's fought well and inflicted heavy casualties on Tywins forces. By the third day, Ser Robert and Lord Leo had been killed, Roland Crackhall's son Lyle was captured and Lord Addam was badly wounded.
After these losses, Tywin convened another war council. Thus far they had been getting nowhere fast. He had several options, press the attacks, return to Harrenhal or ride to Kings Landing. Despite his injuries, Addam Marbrand was determined to attend the meeting.
"King's Landing will fall once Roland and Stannis attack," Kevan reported. "It isn't too late for the King and his family to flee before that happens."
Tywin turned to his brother. "You want to surrender King's Landing."
"Better the city than Cersei and her children," Kevan pointed out. "Once they become Roland's prisoners, we will have little choice but to surrender on Roland's terms."
Tywin shook his head, "No king that runs will be king for long," he declared. "Joffrey is a Lannister he'll stay and fight." Both he and Kean shared a look, 'the word 'fight' being very loosely used.' Tywin wasn't blind, he and Kevan knew Joffrey was no fighter, but that was not something he wanted to be telling his fellow lords.
Tywin sighed and shook his head sadly, "Joffrey tried to kill his own brother and it is likely that Roland is dying to return the favor. If King's Landing falls the rest of the Realm will declare for Roland and it's all but over." Tywin walked over to the map staring at the geography trying to come to a decision. "Roland a week from the capital and the wolves at my doorstep." He muttered a near tricky situation.
Our scouts insist that Robb Stark remains at the Crag recovering from wounds he received during the attack." Lord Crackhall reported."
Tywin laughed harshly, "the last time our scouts gave us any assurances we were lured into a trap." Tywin shook his head, "which is why my best soldier is now in the tender loving care of House Martell."
"Lord Stark had to send half his men back north to protect his lands from the Ironborn," Lord Addam pointed out. "The Greyjoys have done us a great favor."
Ser Flement Brax nodded in agreement. "Surely Robb Stark will not risk marching on Casterly Rock until he has a full-strength army."
Tywin rolled his eyes and turned to his lords, "Robb Stark is a boy and he hasn't lost a single battle!" Tywin shook his head, "no, he'll risk anything at any time because he doesn't know enough to be afraid."
"Is it true about our fleet in King's Landing."
Kevan nodded grimly, "Roland's supporters stole a fifth of the ships anchored there during a riot many say was caused by Joffrey."
Tywin turned his face to the corner of the command tent with his eyes closed. 'It seems Joffrey is becoming Roland's greatest ally in this war,' he thought. 'The more he does, the more help he gives his brother.' "My sons are convinced that Roland was responsible for the theft," Tywin said after a moment, "whether he merely planned it or took personal hand in it is unknown but knowing my grandson, it is likely the latter."
"Can we expect any aid from the Tyrell fleet?" Ser Flement inquired.
Lord Crackhall shook his head. "Two-thirds of the Reach's naval power belongs to House Redwyne. Unfortunately, Paxter Redwyne has pledged to Prince Roland, now their fleet patrols the Redwyne Straits. Also Houses Bulwer and Costayne flank the Whispering Sound, they too have declared for Roland. Oldtown and the Shield Islands can still muster 100 ships to be sure. But as long as the Whispering Sound and the Redwyne Straits are barred, the Tyrell fleet isn't going anywhere."
"The Greyjoys are fighting the Starks," Lord Marbrand said after a moment. perhaps we should offer them an alliance."
Lord Crackhall scoffed at the idea, "Those ironcunts owe allegiance to no one, but themselves. "they may help us today but they will turn on us tomorrow."
As Tywin's lords bickered about what to do, a squire entered the tent. "Apologies my lord," the squire bowed. "there is an urgent raven from king's landing." The squire said holding a scroll out.
Tywin took the letter and dismissed the squire. He unsealed it and read the contents. After finishing he turned to his lords with a dark expression. "Roland has set sail for Dragonstone headed for Kings Landing, he will be at the city's gates in three days."
One could hear a feather drop in the silence that shadowed the council. Tywin now had a difficult decision to make. press the attack or ride to save the capital. "What are your orders, my lord?" Lord Crackhall asked Tywin saw his council looking at him with anticipation.
In Tywin's mind, the choice was no choice at all. This Battle at the Fords was going nowhere and depleting his already shrinking forces. Tywn stared down at the map, his eyes on the Capitol, He looked up to his lords, determination fierce in his eyes. "Ready the men, we ride east, I want the army ready to march before the Tully's and Starks realize we are on the move."
Up Next BLACKWATER.
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