Chapter 33: Joffrey Victorious?

Joffrey

All of King's Landing was celebrating, not only the victory of the Battle of the Blackwater but also the birth of Robert Baratheon's final child by his queen, the Princess Cerelle. Everyone was enamored by the new member of the family. His mother, uncle Jaime, uncle Tyrion, great uncle Kevan, but none were as happy as Myrcella and Tommen they both refuse to leave the crib. Cerelle's eyes were blue just like her father and brother, but unlike Roland who's eyes were dark blue, Cerelle's eyes were a lighter shade and bright as gemstones.

As his siblings watched Cerelle nursing from her mother, Joffrey was in his chambers staring at the mirror sulking. Cerelle looked like Roland, black hair and blue eyes just like their father.

Despite the fact that Joffrey always boasted about his Lannister heritage. There were many times where Joffrey was envious of Roland. 'It's not fair' he thought, "I'm the elder but Roland got everything, father's strength, father's lust for battle, father's approval, father's attention. But most of all he had father's looks. Joffrey had always thought that Father favoured Roland because they looked so much alike. He was certain that is he and Roland had shared the same looks Robert would have treated them as equals. Joffrey tugged at the fabric of his garb. 'Silks,' he thought, 'I'm a King, Kings shouldn't wear silk.' He removed the garment and had his servant changed him into something more suitable. He checked himself in the mirror again and nodded in approval. His armour had been cleaned and polished to a mirror shine. After donning his crown Joffrey headed for the throne room to receive his grandfather and the Tyrells. he sat himself down on the Iron torn and the guards opened the doors permitting the people entry. Once everyone had assembled the members of the small council and the Tyrells stood at the very front

He turned towards the Tyrell siblings, he first noted the older brother Garlan, a powerfully built man in dazzling green armour. The same armour that his uncle Renly had been fond of wearing. He turned towards Margaery and his heart skipped a beat. 'My father did not lie after all,' he thought. 'Margaery was indeed breathtakingly beautiful more so than that simpering fool Sansa could ever be. My brother can keep his Stark bitch, I would have the golden rose of the Reach as my queen if the gods are willing. She looked humble but the dress she wore showed plenty, much to his delight. The doors opened again and Tywin Lannister entered the throne room the time had come.

"I, Joffrey Baratheon, the first of my name. Rightful King of the Andals, the Rhoynar and the First Men. Lord of the Seven Kingdoms and Protector of the Realm. Do hereby proclaim my grandfather, Tywin Lannister Lord of Casterly Rock, Shield of Lannisport and Warden of the West. The Savior of the City and Hand of the King!"

Joffrey placed the Hand's brooch on a pillow held by a servant, The servant stepped down and handed it to Lord Tywin. Tywin took the brooch and pinned it to his surcoat. He gave a deep bow. "Thank you your grace," he said formally before stepping forward and taking his seat at the Joffrey's left side.

Joffrey then made a gesture with his hand. "Lord Petyr Baelish step forward." Littlefinger did as commanded and got down on one knee. Joffrey began again, "in recognition for your good and loyal service to the crown and for your ingenuity in successfully in uniting House Tyrell with the crown once again. I hereby name you Lord of Harrenhal, along with all it's lands, holdings and incomes. To be held by your sons and grandsons, from this day until the end of time."

Littlefinger smiled and stood up, "you honor me beyond words your grace. Now all I need to do is acquire sons and grandsons." This got a chuckle from some but most including Lord Varys just rolled their eyes in annoyance. As Littlefinger returned to his place, Joffrey called upon the Tyrells.

"Ser Garlan Tyrell step forward," The man in question stepped forward his right hand heavily bandaged from his duel with Roland. Joffrey smiled when he learned that this was the man that defeated his brother. and seeing this man kneel before him was a great pleasure. "Your house came to our aid in a time of great need. You defeated my brother and sent his forces in retreat. The crown and the realm is forever in your debt. If you or your family would ask anything in gratitude then ask and it shall be done."

Ser Garlan stood up, "Your grace We would ask but for one thing. To prove our undying loyalty, we ask that you find it in your heart to do us the honor of uniting our houses by marrying my sister Margaery."

While Joffrey was indeed thrilled by this he had to make sure about certain things. They did after all support another traitor before Roland dealt with it. Joffrey made a mental note to thank Roland for not only getting rid of a threat to his throne but also making a widow out of such a beautiful woman. A widow he would soon take for his own."

"If I recall correctly Ser Garlan, your sister was previously married to my traitorous uncle Renly Baratheon. Tell me why should I consent to a marriage with a house that instead of acknowledging me as your rightful ruler, rose up against me?"

The Tyrell siblings looked at each other nervously as the court murmured amongst themselves. Garlan spoke up. "My sister only ever did as our lord father commanded. She was made a widow before that marraige was consummated. I assure you your grace Margaery remains innocent."

Joffrey nodded slowly before turning to the beautiful woman. "Is this truly what you want Lady Margaery?"

Margaery stepped forward and gave Joffrey a dazzling smile. "With all my heart your grace," she thrummed. "Tales of your courage, wisdom and strength have never been far from my ears. Now those tales have taken root deep inside of me."

It took all of Joffrey's willpower keep a straight face, but in the inside he was turning giddy and grinning with delight. Taking a deep breath Joffrey returned with his own smile, 'two can play at this.' "You do me a great honor Lady Margaery, I too have heard tales of your beauty and grace. But it is clear those tales are a lie, for they cannot even begin to do you the justice you so rightly deserve. I would be honored to return your love." Margaery's smile broadened and Joffrey turned to her brother, "Ser Garlan I will gladly marry your sweet sister. She will be my queen and I shall love her from this day until my last day."

Upon hearing Joffrey's declaration the court began to clap and cheer loudly. Joffrey smiled, this was what he had expected from his own coronation and now he finally got what he so rightly deserved.

The next day Joffrey decided to attend one of the small council meetings. Now that his degenerate Uncle Tyrion had been removed from his position as hand of the King, Joffrey felt that it would now be more interesting.

When Joffrey arrived at the council Chambers he found that he wasn't the first to arrive. His grandfather Tywin was already standing ay his seat. Joffrey took his own seat across from him as the other council members filed in. Joffrey scoffed to himself, such a degenerate small council. Grand Maester Pycelle, always sleepy and moves slower than death, a worm works faster. Varys, for someone claiming to be the master of whisperers he sure doesn't know much. He didn't know about Roland's escape, he didn't know about the riot in the capital. The only two members of the small council he still had respect for aside from his grandfather was Uncle Jaime and Petyr Baelish. Littlefinger, a upjumped lowborn, yet more useful than the other two. He actually knows how to do his job and can do it right besides he often gives me fun playthings every now and then.

Shortly after, Mace Tyrell entered with his two most trusted commanders Randyll Tarly and Mathis Rowan. "Finally people who will be worth something," Joffrey muttered.

Tywin spoke, "Before we begin with current affairs. There are certain matters that need to be resolved such as filling the gaps in the King's small council." Tywin turned to his Uncle Kevan. To fill the role as Master of Laws I have appointed my brother Kevan Lannister for the position. Kevan nodded in acceptance.

Tywin then turned to Mace Tyrell, "Lord Mace, in light of our new alliance I hereby name you Master of Ships."

"Lord Tywin does me a great honor to grant me a seat on the small council." Lord Mace boomed a huge smile spread across his face.

Tywin ignored him and continued. "furthermore I have appointed Lords Randyll Tarly and Mathis Rowan to serve among the king's principle advisors." The two men gave a curt nod in thanks.

Tywin now turned to the Master of whisperers. "What are our losses from the battle Lord Varys."

Varys sighed they are heavy my lord, over 5,000 of the men defending the city have been slain. Including Tyrion's 300 clansmen, our 500 remaining sellswords, 4,500 members of the city watch, and 200 hundred contingents from houses Stokeworth and Rosby. Among the dead are Janos Slynt and Ser Lothor Brune."

Tyrion waved it off, "Janos Slynt was about as useful as an asshole on my elbow, but Lothor Brune," He turned to Lord Baelish amused. "Wasn't he one of your men Littlefinger."

"A great loss I assure you," Littlefinger replied, "Ser Lothor was a skilled knight, his services will be greatly missed."

"And what of our own losses," Randyll Tarly demanded.

Varys frowned, "the current tally number is a little over 10,000."

This came as a surprise but not too many. Despite taking Roland's forces in the flank, the Blacks manage to form a temporary defense, while it couldn't stop the charge entirely, it was enough to slow them down enough to give the Blacks time to fall back.

Even after Roland and his war galley's had retreated, the assault from the black fleet still continued. With his forces off the beach, Roland's catapult ships were now free to rain fire and stone across the shore of the city and the Tyrell forces still there. the assault only halted when Randyll Tarly led Garlan and their men into the 'safety' of the city. By then despite their late entry into the battle the losses to the Reach forces were high.

"What of my brother's losses?" Joffrey asked.

"We count four thousand dead thus far your grace, Varys replied. "Tyrion's wildfire plan likely killed many more."

"I must admit it was rather brilliant," Mace spoke up and the others in the council nodded in agreement.

Tyrion seemed unconvinced, "as brilliant as Roland's fire-ship plan," he pointed out.

"How many men have you brought to the capital Lord Tyrell?" Joffrey asked.

Over 60,000 men my king," Mace boasted proudly, "10,000 cavalry, 10,000 archers and 40,000 men at arms."

Joffrey smiled, "Excelent with these forces Roland would have to be as mad as Aerys Targaryen to attack us here."

Lord Varys clear his throat. "Speaking of the Tyrell forces, I think you should know Lord Tyrell that a number of Roland's ships led by the Stormrunner sailed up the Blackwater rush instead of with the rest of the fleet. They attacked your rearguard as it was crossing the river."

Mace's mouth dropped in shock. Mathis was speechless. Randyll however was deep in thought. "Prince Roland was able to retreat with the better portion of his fleet. Since we have no more ships to combat them, the prince's fleet can go up and down the river unchallenged," he said after a moment.

"What of House Martell," Tyrion asked. "Since House Tyrell is now joined with us they may be inclined to march on the Reach."

Varys shook his head, "there has been little activity in Dorne, my lord," he replied. Even though troops have assembled at the Prince's Pass and the Boneway. it seems they are solely for defensive purposes

"It doesn't seem to matter," Jaime quipped, "Roland may not have the Donish army but he got something better." Everyone turned towards Jaime as he continued. "It seems that House Dayne had chosen a new Sword of the Morning and he is currently fighting on Roland's behalf."

Randyll inhaled in realization, "I recall fighting a dornishman wielding with w white sword at the Battle of the Kingswood. I didn't want to believe it at the time but it seems you have confirmed it."

"How do you know it was a Sword of the Morning?" Lord Baelish asked with mild interest.

Jaime rolled his eyes, "I served alongside Arthur Dayne in the Kingsguard for 2 years I know Dawn when I see it."

"How is he then," Tyrion asked intrigued.

Jaime shrugged, "he certainly is not his predecessor, else I'd be dead by now. He seemed rather young but he it's clear he is still highly skilled."

Tyrion threw his hands up into the air, "great he doesn't have the dornish spears, only their deadliest sword."

"So now that the city is safe what is our next move?" Mathis Rowan directed this question to Tywin.

Everyone turned to Tywin. "We may have defeated Roland at the Blackwater, but he is far from beaten entirely." He said after a moment. "Roland has many more men and now unmatched in the narrow sea."

"Perhaps we should reach out to the Greyjoys," Kevan suggested. "We need ships and the Ironborn have the ones we need.

"How many ships do we have?" Joffrey asked.

Mace tallied the number, "Roland may have gotten the Redwyne Fleet, but House Hightower remains loyal to you your grace. Their ships plus the ones from the shield islands number 100 warships."

"And our fleet stationed in Lannisport, numbers 20 dromonds, 20 galley's, 10 Cogs and 10 Carracks, plus 40 longships," Kevan added.

"It won't be enough to stop Roland," Tyrion said grimly.

"No it won't," Tywin agreed. "I will write to Lord Balon later, but first let us continue with other matters Lord Varys."

The Spider took a scroll out and summarized it's contents. "In your absence, Ned Stark and Brynden Tully have seized Harrenhal, the Blackfish was put in charge of the garrison." Varys thought on this for a moment. "Which would make him Lord of Harrenhal in practice though not in name."

Tywin waved it off, "Let him have the castle, the title serves us better than the blasted ruins itself." He turned to Lord Baelish, "I think the Lord of Harrenhal will make a worthy suitor for the Lady Arryn."

Littlefinger smiled, "Something I am extremely grateful for I assure you. Lady arryn and I have known each other since we were children. She always was ...predisposed towards me."

Varys and Pycelle shared a look before the elder man spoke. "A successful union would make Lord Baelish acting Lord of the Vale."

"Titles do tend to breed titles," Baelish replied with a grin.

Tywin nodded, "you will leave as soon as possible and bring Lysa Arryn into the fold."

Joffrey smiled and took a sip of wine, "My brother can add the aunt of his future goodbrother among those who have taken up arms against him."

All nodded in agreement until Tyrion cleared his throat, "Father, I hate object but Lord Baelish's absence would create certain problems, the Royal wedding between King Joffrey and Lady Margaery wis in order, summer has ended and Hard times lie ahead. With a war still to fight it 's may not be the best time to leave the crown's financed unattended."

Tywin nodded, "fully agreed, which is why I'm naming you the new master of coin."

Joffrey suppressed a chuckle but not very well. as Tyrion was reeling at his new post. "M-master of Coin father?"

"You wanted a position that best suited your talents," Tywin pointed out.

"I'm good at spending money with a lifetime of outrageous wealth, but it hasn't taught me much about managing it."

"I have no doubt you will prove equal to this new challenge uncle," Joffrey sneered delightfully at his uncle as Tyrion was still trying to get over his shock.

After the council meeting was done Joffrey decided to get to know his queen to be a little more. So he summoned her to his chambers. As he waited Joffrey started polishing his crossbow making sure all the grime it received from the battle was long gone and it was working properly. He had already fired several bolts into a stuffed bear in the corner when a knock from his kingsguard interrupted his musings.

"Lady Margaery Tyrell your grace," the voice of Ser Mandon Moore called out.

"Send her in," Joffrey commanded as he placed the crossbow over his lap. Margaery stepped in wearing a new gown that was no less revealing than the one she had worn when they first met. Joffrey's eyes leered for a moment, 'I wonder if there is any dress she doesn't look beautiful in?' he thought.

Margaery flashed her glowing smile and curtseyed deeply before him. '"You wished to see me your grace?" she asked.

Joffrey nodded, "I will be leaving on a hunting trip shortly, he declared, I want to make sure you have everything and anything you need before I left."

Margaery's smiled widened, "That is very thoughtful your grace, I have everything I could want here."

Joffrey returned the smile, "That's good to hear, I trust your chambers are suitable."

Margaery nodded, "they are your grace, you have been so generous to me as well as my family."

Joffrey waved it off, "it's the least I can do for the house that saved my family, and the city." he paused as he began to inch closer to the real reason why he summoned her. "I'm sure this must be a real change to Renly's vast camp."

"A most welcome one," Margaery replied. "A military encampment is hardly a place for a lady."

Joffrey's smile tightened, "Indeed, but what about the bedside of a traitor Lady Margaery. Is that a place for a lady?" He asked with menace in his voice.

Margaery's smile faltered as Joffrey stared at her his crossbow pointed straight in her direction. The sudden change in mood caught the Tyrell girl off guard but she knew she had to play it cool. she knew she was walking on eggshells here so she chose her next words carefully."Your grace, I only did as my father commanded when I married Renly Baratheon, as all girls are supposed to. Later I tried to do my duty as a wife, that is all."

Joffrey's eyes narrowed, "and what was your duty to this traitor as you saw it."

"The duty of any wife to any husband," Margaery said immediately, "to provide him with children."

"Yet you failed to do this," Joffrey observed. Margaery nodded and bowed her head, "why?"

Margaery kept her head down, "I-I would not speak ill of the dead your grace."

"Do you think one ought to speak kindly of a traitor simply because he got an arrow through his neck?" Joffrey sneered.

Margaery shook her head, "no, I do beg your pardon your grace, the subtleties of politics are often lost on me, she gave him a slight smile which for some reason relaxed Joffrey. though he didn't know why. Margaery continued, "Renly was not like most men, I don't believe he had any interest in the company of women."

Joffrey relaxed more upon hearing this, 'so it he did fail to bed her after all,' he thought. He laughed inside. "It seems his perversions had its use after all and ended up serving me well." But he needed to make sure. "What makes you say this?"

Margaery shifted somewhat clearly uncomfortable with this. she stepped forward and took a seat Joffrey shifted to make room for her. "Whenever I wanted to make a child with him he would alway put it off, so many excuses, so many late night war-councils. He didn't seem to want to try." She paused for a moment. "Until one evening he proposed something." This peaked Joffrey's interest and he leaned forward to listen more intently. "something that sounded very painful and could not possibly result in children."

Masrgaery nod had Joffrey's full attention, Margaery shook her head, "Maybe the fault was mine, or perhaps-"

Joffrey stopped her, "No, you aren't to blame."

Maegarery breathed a sigh "It's such a relief to hear you say so." Joffrey grunted as she placed a hand over his.

Joffrey smirked, "Renly was a famed degenerate, everyone knew of his disgusting appetites, I did to." Joffrey smiled slightly, "it's funny, Roland was the first person to reveal what kind of person he was to me." Margaery's eyes widened and Joffrey continued. He showed me one time and we both had a good laugh about it. sometimes we made jokes as to whose company he was with on certain nights, Lancel, Moon Boy-" Joffrey wanted to mention Margaery's brother the Knight of the flowers yet looking into her eyes he found himself unable to do so. "I have considered making such a thing punishable by castration and death."

Margaery shrugged, "as is your right your grace." She placed her other hand on his crossbow and ran her fingers down the string. "You must do whatever you need to do, you are after all the king."

Joffrey could almost feel as if that hand was caressing him and her words, they sounded so much better coming from her than they ever did with mother. He looked at her and smiled, "yes, I am." He could feel his heart racing with every second. Taking note of her hand on his crossbow Joffrey's smile widened, "do you like it, it's possibly one of the finest weapons in the seven kingdoms."

Maegaery's smile returned as her eyes widened. "It's beautiful your grace, would you show me how it works?"

Delighted as seeing Margaery take an interest in his favorite weapon, Joffrey proceeded to show her. Noting that it used a lever instead of a crank. After loading a bolt he aimed the crossbow from the hip and loosed the bolt straight through the eyes of the boar's head, the very same one that killed his father. When he hit his mark, Margaery laughed and clapped. "A fine shot your grace," she exclaimed, "the finest archer in the seven kingdoms." Joffrey took pride in those words, even Roland had once told him that he was great with a crossbow. Yet it meant much more coming from Margaery.

"Would you take me hunting sometime?" she asked. Joffrey looked at her curiously, most women are not interested in such things, Sensing his pause she quickly retracted. "Forgive me, I know a hunt is no place for a lady."

"Usually," Joffrey replied, "but it's not unheard of."

Margaery shook her head, "my father would never allow me to-"

"You no longer belong to him," Joffrey cut her off sharply. He didn't like the idea of someone else controlling her. Joffrey shook his head to erase the though and extended the crossbow to her, "would you like to hold it?"

Maegaery seemed giddy about the idea, "may I, please." Joffrey showed her how to hold it and let his hands wander across her arms and her slim waist liking how it felt. The closeness of their bodied sent a happy chill up his spine. They both stared into a mirror on the far wall.

Margaery sighed, "I imagine it must be so exiting to simply squeeze your finger here and watch something die over there."

Joffrey looked at her, his eyes widened in surprise. Taking an interest in his weapon was one thing but this was the last thing he ever expected her to say. "C-could you do it?" He wondered, "could you kill something?"

"I don't know your grace, do you think I could?" Margaery asked sounding unsure.

Joffrey grinned, "yes," he whispered. "I believe you can."

"Would you like to watch me?"

Joffrey's grin broadened as they stared into their own reflections, "yes Margaery, and please call me Joffrey when we're alone."

Asha

'It doesn't seem to end,' Asha Greyjoy grumbled as she led her army south along the northern coast. It seemed forever ago that they had retreated from the disaster at Deepwood Motte. 'I lost so many men, good men, my men,' along with Tristifer Botley, she had also lost two distant cousins Quenton Greyjoy, Dagon Greyjoy. The memory of Tristifer was still fresh in her heart. Even though she didn't share his affections towards her he was a capable man and she was fond of him in a way. 'All this loss and for what...'this?' She looked around, few villages to raid, and little treasure to be taken. 'A whole lot of nothing, that is what the north is.' She looked towards Qarl the Maid, 'at least he manage to make it out.'

After the defeat they had fled to their ships only to find that ten of them had been burned and the other 20 were missing. Among the men she had left behind to guard them a number of Mormonts could be found among the dead. Asha gripped her axe and dirk in her hands, "Bear Island will pay for this, I swear it by the Drowned God," she vowed.

With her fleet gone and a third of her men dead. Asha could do nothing but march her army south in hopes of finding Theon and his men. "I hope he wasn't caught in a trap as well," she thought. She hated to admit but it seemed Theon had the right of it. The boy King Roland proved to be more trouble than her, her father or any of her uncles thought. "But how could he have known?' she wondered, "are there spies on Pyke?". Ashe shook those distracting thoughts out of her head. she had no need for them right now.

Asha had two choices either cut across the Wolfswood to a nearby lake or follow the coast. Going through the wolfswood would be considered suicide with House Glover and it's vassals patrolling it. Asha had no choice but to make a long and grueling march along the coast.

As they moved through the stony shore, they came across several villages. There were no signs of a struggle nor were there ay sign that people had been living here for weeks. 'So all the north knows,' Asha thought bitterly. 'They could bare down on us at any point.' She ordered her men to stay vigilant as they continued on.

It seemed like forever had passed when a scout returned with hopeful news, a force of ironborn was spotted camped at a nearby lake to the east. With all haste Ashe marched her men in that direction, they finally reached the encampment a week later. Asha counted at least 900 men here which confused her, 'Theon had no more that 8 ships, he wouldn't have any more than 250 men with him unless these are reinforcements.'

Ashe and her men reached the campsite, while her own men were beaten and battered these men looked as fresh as ever. Obviously they had not gotten any trouble. as she walked through the camp Asha took note of a few hundred men constructing some longships. In the camps she saw many familiar faces, Black Lorren, Harrag Sharp, Dykk Harlaw, Gevin Harlaw, Red Rolfe, Kenned the Whale, Ulf the Ill, Urzen, Stygg, Uller, Kromm, Werlag and Tymor

A squire approached her, Asha recognised him as Wex Pyke, He was Theon's squire and had been sent to take her to Theon. Asha entered the command tent, were her brother was. He was standing over a table with a map placed over it alongside him was Dagmer Cleftjaw and Ralf Kenning. Kenning's presence confused her even more, 'wasn't he with nuncle Victarion?' A dreadful thought creeped through her spine.

"If we go through the wolfswood we risk an ambush," Theon said. "Those northerners know those trees as well as we know our ships."

"Pardon me Prince Theon," the raider said lowly, "but your sister is here."

This caught her brother's attention as he looked up from the map. Wex Pyke entered with Asha close behind. There was surprise in his eyes, yet Asha could detect the faintest sign of amusement.

"Asha," he said after a moment, I thought you would be taking Deepwood Motte right about now?

'He's taunting me about it,' Asha knew. 'He knows I wouldn't be here otherwise.' But she was not about to give him any satisfaction, "Things didn't exactly go as we had hoped," she said flatly.

"Let me guess, they knew you were coming," Dagmer remarked.

Asha nodded grimly, "apparently, King Roland had told the northmen ahead of time about an attack."

Ralf Kenning nodded, "the same thing happened to us at the Fever River."

'So he was with my nuncle,' Asha gaped, "what happened?"

Kenning sighed, "things were uneventful as we entered the Saltspear, the entire fleet was in the fever river when the attack started. Both sides of the river lit up in the cover of night, lines pf spitfires and scorpions open up on us. We were peppered with flaming bolts and heavy stones. Yet your uncle pressed on, we lost 22 of our ships and several of our lords including Lord Dunstan Drumm before he decided to withdraw.

"Lord Drumm was killed?" Asha gasped, she didn't expect this, the Lord of Old Wyk was a seasoned reaver and a staunch supporter of my father, the loss of one of the iron islands chief lords would be an especially heavy blow. Ships could be replaced but not veteran commanders. "So since I assume you weren't able to raid any fishing villages what have you been doing with your new army brother."

Theon smirked, we've been raiding the rills and even sacked Castle Ryswell and Rillwater crossing. Lord Rodrick Ryswell was slain along with a few hundred of his men. But the Ryswells themselves manage to flee. We know not where"

Asha looked around a noticed someone missing, "where is nuncle Aeron brother?"

"I sent him back to Pyke to report what has happened," Theon replied. "Hopefully he can make father see reason and end this madness before Roland decides to annihilate us."

Asha was enraged, "you would have father bow down to a boy!"

"LOOK AT WHAT THAT BOY HAS ALREADY DONE TO US," Theon snapped. "We don't have Moat Cailin, you don't have Deepwood Motte. I tried to warn you all but nobody listened. You though me weak, you thought me changed, perhaps I am. So tell me then, sister, if you think you know better than me, What will you have us do now?"

Asha was shocked that her little brother had the nerve to stand up to her. For the longest moment, she was. silent, to be honest, she didn't know what to do, they had only several ships and 1,600 men, 'some invasion.' She turned to her brother if you have a better idea than by all means share with us."

Theon turned back to the map and studied it for a moment. Then pointed to a small town near the river, "here". he said finally.

Asha looked to where Theon was pointing, "Barrowton?"

Theon nodded, it's a small settlement, and the keep is not as strong as the likes of Torrhen's Square. "it's located near a river so we can steal some ships we can use."

Asha thought about it. When she attacked Deepwood Motte, the dense forest allowed the northmen to sneak up on her men and take them from the rear. Barrowton's location on a hill surrounded by flatlands would prevent such a thing from happening again. Since the fishing villages were abandoned, settlements like Barrowton would be packed with people. They couldn't stay in this encampment forever and Barrowton would be able to house their host with ease. It should be enough for Nuncle Aeron to return with reinforcements.

Asha locked eyes with Theon, "What is dead may never die."

"But rises again harder and stronger," Theon replied.