章 132: The decisive battle is coming
Golden Avenue, near Cave Castle.
In the central tent of the Bolton-Karstark coalition, Lord Leech and his spies were routinely exchanging intelligence.
At first, when he heard that Arthur led people to capture the Golden Tooth City, Marquis Bolton's expression was normal until he heard a piece of news that he couldn't believe.
A surprised Roose Bolton stared at his spy, "Say it again!"
The spy also heard that his master's tone was wrong, and he carefully said: "In order to win over several nobles in the northern part of the West, His Majesty Robb married Jeyne Westerling. This family brought fifty people to His Majesty. Soldiers, and then the Frey family's 1,200 cavalry broke away from His Majesty's army."
Master Leech's face was so gloomy that water dripped from his face.
He added: "When did this happen?"
The secret agent thought for a while, "It happened roughly after we set off from Riverrun. His Majesty was slightly injured when he attacked Cliff City, and the news that Theon Greyjoy led the ironmen to attack Winterfell reached him. Side, this gave the King of the North a double blow, so..."
Roose Bolton was furious and growled in a low voice: "So he married a 'noble girl' in the West who could only provide him with fifty soldiers, leaving twelve hundred, oh no, more than three thousand Frey soldiers. own army."
The spy whispered back: "The two thousand Frey infantrymen on Arthur Bracken's side have not expressed their attitude yet!"
"Is there any difference?" Bolton clasped his hands tightly, "I can marry a fat man as my wife for the sake of my family's great business, but he can treat his most powerful vassal like a monkey for the sake of a beautiful girl. "
The Frey family has always been despised by the mainland nobles, and Old Walder has been ridiculed by his lord, Duke Hoster, for his entire life. He finally climbed up to the top of the Stark family, but he didn't expect to be treated like this.
Frey's army did not join the Western Army on the spot, which was a great loss to the King of the North.
After taking a deep breath, he murmured to himself: "Looking at the Young Wolf Lord's deeds and his various actions before Riverrun, he can be called a wise lord. But becoming king, freeing Theon, and marrying the maiden of the Westerland made Frey evil. Three things make me question his mind. Didn't Duke Ed teach him how to be a good governor? "
"Duke Ed himself has not received such an education. His mind is full of glory, and he is like a knight." The spy followed the master's words.
Eddard Stark is the adopted son of Jon Arryn. He was originally trained according to the position of commander and warrior. He was also influenced by the Arryn family's clan language of "high as glory", so he behaves like the "alpha wolf" in history. Tuckers are the complete opposite.
Only in the Usurper War, Ed, who had not been defeated in a single battle, had enough reputation and influence (the Battle of the Tower of Bliss was unknown) that he could control the entire Northern Territory.
Roose Bolton stood up and walked to the map hanging on the side. The spy cleverly came closer holding a candle.
"I can bear the instigation of the Greatjon and others to become king. There are already three kings at that time. I can tolerate this. Letting Theon go will threaten the North, but my territory is in the east and the ironborn have never been able to attack it. I can't I can tolerate this mistake, but I really can't bear to hate Frey. Isn't this a doomed situation?"
In the current situation, the Western Army has a main force of 15,000 people and a new army of 3,000 people.
Among the 4,000 people in Golden Tooth City, 1,500 were captured, more than 1,000 died in battle, and the rest fled into the mountains and became a rout.
If the Frey family did not break away from the Fish and Wolf Alliance, the Young Wolf Lord would have 14,000 men. Considering that the new army in the West does not have much combat effectiveness, the alliance's strength is not too small.
Lord Leech looked at the map to the south again and asked, "How are Storm's End and Bitterbridge? Are there any major changes?"
The spy swallowed and replied in a low voice: "Duke Renly was killed outside Storm's End. Stannis got the fifteen thousand men there, and another five thousand cavalry fled to the river. The news came to At Bitterbridge, the army rioted on the spot, and Lord Randyll Tarly took action to suppress it, killing two to three thousand people before stabilizing the situation. Now the 60,000 people are still standing there, waiting for the Tyrell family to place their bets. "
Although Renly claimed to have an army of 100,000, 20,000 were geishas, circus men, servants, etc. who served in the army, and only 80,000 were warriors armed with weapons. Of the 80,000 people, another 20,000 were brought to Storm's End to confront his brother.
Roose Bolton didn't speak, so the secret agent had no choice but to continue: "It is rumored that Tywin has sent his brother Sir Kevan to go to Highgarden along the Corniche to discuss important matters with the mother of the Duke of Metz."
Although Duke Mace is the commander-in-chief of the Reach army, his own abilities are mediocre. His military talent can be seen from the fact that Randyll Tarly was needed to suppress the mutiny.
Moreover, the real person in charge of the Reach is the Queen of Thorns, the mother of the "inflatable fish", so the Lion family is the right way to negotiate with Olenna Tyrell.
"What's going on with Lady Stark and the Vale?"
"After following Renly to Storm's End, Lady Stark disappeared without a trace. No news came out in the Vale. She is probably still standing still as before."
"Failed." Roose Bolton groaned weakly, then walked back to the chair and threw himself into it.
Lord Leech closed his eyes and thought, if there were no 4,000 people on my side, then the Young Wolf Lord would have at most 7,000 people. Even if he could fight, he would still be no match for the 15,000 main force and 3,000 new recruits from the Western Region.
What's more, the Hebang Army has not expressed its attitude yet. If these 60,000 people also side with the Lions, then...
Lysa in the valley didn't even give her own sister face. Now that the Yulang family was in an unfavorable situation, it was even more impossible to send troops.
"This ship is about to sink. Now it's precarious. I have to change to a bigger ship and a more reliable ship." Lord Leech whispered.
The spy hid in his master's ear and said, "It just so happens that a relative of yours wants to see you. He can point you in the direction."
Marquis Bolton was slightly stunned, not knowing what this confidant meant.
The latter quietly went out, and soon came in with a guest wearing a gray robe and a hood.
The guest lifted his hood and introduced himself: "Marquis Bolton, may you live long. I am your new wife's second uncle, Emmon Frey."
The Frey family's dowry was as much silver as the bride's weight. In order to maximize the benefits, Marquis Bolton chose the fattest Frey daughter, Walda Frey.
This woman is the second daughter of Old Walder's ninth son, Merry, and Ammon, who is in the Lion family camp, is her second uncle.
"I am a loyal minister of His Majesty Robb. If you come to our camp in the north, aren't you afraid that I will skin you?"
Leech was worried about jumping off the ship. Emmon's purpose was clear without asking, but he still pretended to be loyal to Robb and sold himself for a good price.
Emmon Frey felt a little timid, so he bravely told his purpose:
"After Frey's cavalry left, old Karstark was troubled by the pain of losing his son. He killed several prisoners and was beheaded by Robb on the grounds of military discipline. Seven hundred cahors from Karhor City also left. The Queen of Thorns has agreed to join forces with our Lannister family, and the false king Robb has deserted us, doesn't Lord Bolton have any ideas?"
Since Emmon has lived in Casterly Rock for a long time with his wife "Vicious" Gina Lannister, he often considers himself a member of the Lion family.
"My loyalty to the Stark family is visible to the gods." Bolton emphasized his cheap loyalty again, "You can try to raise a price and see if the determined me will be bought by the weak lion."
These words made Emmon feel confident that as long as the price was raised, there would be nothing that Lord Tywin could not afford.
The richest family in Westeros is not just talk.
"Let's talk about our demands first. You have to lead your army to Robb's side, pretend to gain his trust first, and wait until the decisive battle, then stab the wolf cubs in the back. What I'll give you is the most basic protection of the North. , Winterfell can also be inherited by the ancient Bolton family. In terms of money, how about ten times my niece's weight in silver?"
Ammon considered his words and stated three conditions. But this is still far from the bottom line given by Lord Tywin.
"There is a lot of silver near Yinshan City south of Deep Cave Castle. I can lead my army to dig it myself and then retreat to my northern territory."
The main force of the Lion family is still confronting Robb in the middle of the Western Territory. There are very few troops near Cave Castle, Corner Valley City, and Silver Mountain City. Marquis Bolton, who has four thousand troops, can indeed come and go freely.
Ammon thought for a while, "Then change it to ten carts of silver. After we deal with the false queen, we will attack Riverrun. Sansa in the city can give it to you then. Lady Stark is still in the south, and we will let her go quietly." Die quietly in the countryside. All the northern soldiers who go south, except yours, will die. Are these conditions enough?
"My loyalty to His Majesty Robb goes beyond that. Mandalay and other families are still loyal to the Wolf family, and their White Harbor cavalry has not moved."
Of the four major families in the north, Dustin only sent a handful of people south, Mandalay sent 1,500 people, and there were at least 2,000 more people in the territory.
Coincidentally, one of the two supports the Wolf family and the other is against the Wolf family.
Emmon was determined and told the bottom line: "When we deal with Stannis, two thousand elite Lannister troops will go north to follow the newly appointed Guardian of the North to quell the forces that support the false king."
"My loyalty to the Iron Throne is evident to the gods, and I wish His Majesty Tommen I a long life." Lord Leech quickly changed his statement.
After learning of Joffrey's death, Queen Cersei had ordered Tommen to inherit the throne.
Ammon was very satisfied with the attitude of Marquis Bolton, oh no, the Duke.
The two discussed in the tent for a long time and finalized all the details.
Finally, they swore to the Seven Gods and the Old Gods, cementing this alliance with a sacred oath.
On the second day, Roose Bolton led his army westward along the Golden Road, and at the same time sent people to report his marching route to the King in the North.
Then, attracted by the more than 800 Northern troops led by Arthur Bracken, the main force of the West began to return to Lannister Port for reinforcements.
Five days later, Burton's tribe and Robb's tribe, who were heading south, joined forces to prepare for a decisive battle with the Western Army on the flat coast.
…
Half a league from Lannister Harbor, Arthur's men were encamped.
In the main tent of the Chinese army, Little Jon, Big Jon, Rona Stowe and others were looking at each other with big eyes.
Arthur also looked at the distribution of enemy and own forces marked on the map and felt a little confused.
The battle of Golden Tooth City happened half a month ago. After being intercepted by Arthur and others, Da Feng led his people back near the south gate. After fighting, he was squeezed to the west border where he could not even breathe. More than 1,500 soldiers surrendered, and some others took advantage of the chaos and fled up the mountain.
The richness of the loot far exceeded the imagination of the coalition soldiers. In order not to provoke a mutiny, Arthur ordered three carts of gold to be divided on the spot.
Of course, the golden dragon coins of the nobles on the river bank that were robbed were also exchanged, and then Arthur was asked to return them to the nobles on the south bank on the spot.
But after the gold was distributed, the soldiers no longer had the mind to fight for wealth and wealth, and most of them began to cherish their lives, which made Arthur stay in the Golden Tooth for two days to solve the morale problem.
Then, the Frey cavalry led by Lyman Frey arrived at the Golden Tooth.
Because they showed a neutral position in the war and the loyal Stevron had died in the battle, Arthur did not dare to let this group of people enter the city.
But the lame Rosso promised that he could make the Freys of the eldest sons obey, and finally let the Frey cavalry pass through the Golden Tooth and return to the riverlands.
Most of the Frey infantry also left.
Aenys and Rosso agreed to fight for the Iron Throne for Arthur, who had a dragon, not to follow him and fight for other kings.
Moreover, Rosso and others had to go to the Twins to deal with Lyman, Black Walder and other eldest sons, and staying in the Golden Tooth would delay things.
Fortunately, Roslin's half-brother Olyfa was intercepted by Arthur, and he was loyal to Robb and was still useful.
After many negotiations, two hundred Frey infantrymen stayed in the Golden Tooth in the name of protecting Olyfa, and also participated in the defense of the city.
Donal Locke of the North also stayed with three hundred Northland soldiers to defend the city. Of course, they also had to deal with a large number of captives.
For the convenience of management, all the captives were tied with their hands and feet, and then locked in an abandoned mine somewhere outside the city.
Amory Lorch's head had been pickled and sent to Riverrun. To make it more festive, the head was also placed in a big pie.
The outside of the pie was a real pie made by putting bacon, cheese, etc. into the pie base, mixing with the pre-mixed egg liquid mixed with fresh cream and milk, and baking in an oven.
This move was just for fun, but Arthur did not expect that in a few months, Lorch's pie would become a popular snack on the south bank of the Red Fork River.
When some river nobles meet, they often greet each other with "Have you eaten the lodge pie?".
What's more amazing is that after a few months, the Bolton pie, which originated in Winterfell, has also become a popular northern delicacy.
Let's get back to the point.
After leaving 500 soldiers to guard the city, Arthur led more than 800 people along the river road straight to Casterly Rock and Lannister Port.
I thought that this force could not attract the main force of the Lion Family, but Duke Tywin gave Arthur face. He first sent 3,000 new troops to garrison in Lannister Port, and then personally led 15,000 main forces to the south to protect his base camp.
This greatly improved the living space of Robb's troops. They were able to go south and join the Bolton troops to prepare for a decisive battle with the Westerlands Army.
The current situation is that Tywin's troops are around Casterly Rock, and Robb and Bolton's combined forces are two leagues north of Casterly Rock.
Arthur's mini army was east of Lannister Harbor, and the harbor was southwest of Casterly Rock.
Littlejon Umber, the son of Greatjon, was sent to convey the order of the King of the North and the Three Rivers:
"Your troops are too few. In the decisive battle from tomorrow night to the morning of the day after tomorrow, you will not participate in the attack on Tywin's headquarters, but will be responsible for guarding and harassing the enemy in the direction of the harbor, and intercepting the fleeing deserters."
As usual, the young wolf still decided to start with a night attack.
It's just that there are too many soldiers participating in this war, so the battle may last until the morning of the day after tomorrow.
Arthur nodded, indicating that he knew the order.
Although his own troops are not dominant, with the blessing of the direwolves, night battles have always been the strength of the Northern Army.
I just don't know if Master Tywin has summed up experience in several night attacks.
"Coburn, who is commanding the new army in Lannister Harbor?" Arthur asked.
He wanted to make sure whether there would be enemies from the port to participate in the battle.
Coben flipped through his notebook, "Staver Lannister is a very mediocre general of the Lion family."
"Isn't it a coincidence that his son is still in my hands."
Because Dickon had introduced Staver, a mediocre man, before, he entered the power center of the Lion family because his sister married Tywin, so Arthur could still distinguish the relatives of the lions.
"The fight will not start until tomorrow night. Tomorrow morning, someone will go to the port and ask Staver if he is willing to give a cart of gold in exchange for his son."
Arthur said casually.
Little Jon was very dissatisfied, "Why, you want to exchange this prisoner for gold? You can't do this without the order of the King of the North."
He was not familiar with Arthur yet, so he looked like a business person.
The Great Jon glared at his son and said, "Arthur has his reasons for doing this."
"This is a cover. The Westerlands people would never think that we would fight so soon. As long as we offer to exchange prisoners for gold, Stafford will never lead troops to attack us before exchanging their sons."
Arthur explained to everyone.
There are only 800 people here. Even if the 3,000 new Lions have poor combat effectiveness, they still can't handle it if they attack together.
"I'll go there." After hearing the explanation, Little Jon offered to go to the port.
That's how it was settled.
The next day, everything went according to plan.
Staver promised to raise enough gold within two days, and at the same time asked the Northlanders not to hurt his son.
But he didn't wait until Davon was exchanged, and the war broke out.
At midnight, Arthur and others, who had eaten and slept well, dressed neatly and looked at the northeast direction where the fighting had already started.
The sound of fighting there could be heard even from a league away.
"I can't stand it anymore, let's go there to join the battle!" The warlike Great Jon was the first to speak.
Then, Little Jon, Rona Stout and others expressed their desire to fight for the King of the North.
Arthur looked at the Lannister Harbor, which was motionless, and ordered in a deep voice: "Okay, let's go north and kill the red robes."
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