Hard Decisions

Arryn Encampment

Rodrik looked across the river to Harrenhal. His forces have hit a snag with Tywin, he must've known he was coming and put part of his army to halt his progress. He has 25,000 and if it comes down to a fight then he would be down quite a few thousand men. He could do what he heard Robb had done and had a diversionary force placate the Old Lion while he and the others make an escape into the Crownlands but he won't do that to his men, his honor won't allow it.

"Not far from here was the Battle of the Trident, I was a small child and in Riverrun when it all happened but that doesn't mean I don't know the details. My father said the river went red with blood after an hour, thousands of men killing and drowning in the rush of the water. As a young boy that is exciting, now a man grown I see the tragedy of it, and that I must condemn men to continue on our path towards King's Landing?, I am conflicted." He said to his squire, Gyles Grafton, the son of Gerold Grafton and heir to Gulltown. "What do you think I should do?" He asked.

The boy stuttered a little bit and he sighed, looking back on the river in silent contemplation until the sound of someone walking towards him was heard and he turned to see Lord Yohn Royce.

"Lord Royce." He greeted and the bannerman did a small bow of the head and approached.

"I bring terrible news, Robar and Waymar sent ravens from the Stark and Baratheon camps."

It didn't surprise him that Robb refused even after several days of trying to reach the man, but to go and ask for him to join in his rebellion is atrocious. The Vale would not follow the North and despite his love for Eddard, his son is proving to be anything but the man who raised him. He had the camp Maester send one back to Riverrun and order for Waymar to return, nothing much can be done when a crown is placed on a young boys head, not until he helps Stannis deal with House Lannister.

The letter sent by Robar Royce was treasonous and shocking, he wrote his friendship and loyalty now aligns with King Renly and that he also pleads on behalf of his new liege lord to join the usurper's forces. With Waymar's failure and Robar's defection, the camp has become a little wary of House Royce, Lord Grafton even spouted on about someone replacing the vanguard of the army, a decision he wouldn't allow for House Royce has been a loyal family to the Arryns and he wont condemn a House for the sins of its sons.

"So what will be done, are we going to strike full force to break through? Or are we going down another route?" Lord Corbray suggested and Lord Grafton jumped in and agreed to that.

"We can use the fleet to get to the Crownlands. Close to 100 vessels await us." Lord Yohn disagreed to Gerold's suggestion harshly.

"No! That is the time we can't afford to waste. Lord Arryn, leave me with the vanguard and I will keep the lions busy." He didn't want that to be an option, especially if it costs him Lord Royce and his men so he shook his head, Lord Gerold also agreed to that plan, possibly in the hopes of being placed in the van.

"I can't risk anyone. Because whoever stays behind is going to die." His compassion for the well being if his men are apparent. His lords and their lieutenants all looked at one another before standing to their feet, his blue eyes looked at them as their expressions became as grim and conflicted as his own. Lyonel Corbray cleared his throat and spoke up, his words ringing true.

"Its war. Men will die even if you don't do anything. As a Lord Paramount, you decide our fates and as loyal bannermen, we will obey and be proud of it." Lyonel told him, his voice carrying weight on everyone and then he held his head up, "I volunteer to lead the men." His volunteering caused him to stand back an inch in shock, does he know what he is asking for?

Tears threatened to break from the loyalty his men had just shown him. He contemplated the last two days of whether he will condemn a few thousand or lead them himself in an attempt to take Harrenhal, but as Lyn Corbray has just explained, it is war and with war, all men die. With a heavy heart, he charged Lord Corbray with five thousand men to keep the lion at bay but to defend, not to attack whilst the other twenty thousand get away. Six hours past and camp was loaded back up and his forces back into marching position.

He saw some 8,000 men assemble from the great castle as he rode away. Lyonel got his forces in a defensive formation and readied for the onslaught. After that all he could faintly hear the sounds of battle, the Battle of Harrenhal, the first of his battles and a failure at that as the last hesitation to turn back when he heard him being called but Lord Royce reminded him to keep going ahead, it's too late now.

[Back to the Battlefield]

Lyonel Corbray, Lord of Heart's Home and head of House Corbray watched his liege lord and the rest of the army march away. He is a man that holds to his oath and values. His house is left to his brother if he dies in the coming assaults. He had his men get into a wall formation to cover the areas that the Lannister army might use to bypass them. He closed his eyes and readied.

He is suddenly reminded of the battle of the Trident. Lyn taking Lady Forlorn into the field of battle whilst he had taken their father back to camp to be cared for, he was always envious about the whole matter and felt cheated of his birthright as his brother carried the sword that the Lord of Heart's Home should bare, and shortly before leaving he was given it by that same brother.

Eyes then turned to his forces who looked hesitant and fearful of the coming fight, he must remedy this. "All of you are chosen to be the first to taste lion blood, I see the fear and doubt in your eyes as I had on the rush of the Trident. But take heed, we are men of the Vale, the blood of the Andals run through our veins as the cold breeze in the night sky. I would fight for each of you, bleed alongside you, and if the Seven would bless the Kittens of the West, then die beside you all!" The men's expressions went from fearful and doubt to confident and calm. "Now stand, champions of the east, stand for our Lord, Lord Arryn!"

"Lord Arryn!"

"Lord Arryn!"

"LORD ARRYN!"

[Ten days later]

Darry and Wode were the first keeps that they met and neither stood against him, they tipped their banners and allegiances to House Stark and Tully and swore to aid King Stannis, castles mainly as the fighting men were with Robb's forces and so he re-garrisoned them with two hundred men to hold it and scout for any Lannister or Stark movement, next was the border houses of the Crownlands being House Edgerton, Buckwell, and Stokeworth though neither were garrisoned and empty of anyone besides servants and officials to maintain them, these were garrisoned as well with a hundred men each.

Lord Gerold suggested that a raven be sent to the Vale for his brother to gather another 10,000 men and send them with the fleet to take the northeastern side of the Crownlands, he refused because if their castles are also empty of fighting men then they are no threat at the moment.

He had assumed that they all left to reinforce King's Landing, if so then it will be a siege battle but coming close to Duskendale he saw a small host of four thousand men baring the banners of the Houses that he had mentioned. The last defense against the invading forces it seemed, he called for a parley between him and the leading commander who appeared to be Lord Rykker.

"Lord Arryn, you and your companions seem lost. Shouldn't you lot be marching north to aid Lord Tywin?" Lord Rykker knew why he was there, he just wanted to be cheeky about it.

"King Stannis Baratheon has commanded me to assemble the Crownlands to fight or be destroyed, what will you do?" He answered his question with another question and the Lord of Duskendale smirked. He would rather get to the point and be away with talking. "I outnumber you ten to one, don't presume to think you can defend as history proved the city of Duskendale can be easily infiltrated." He remarked and his guards held in their amusement, Lord Rykker sighed and dismounted from his horse, a good choice indeed.

"I was a young man when I came in charge of this city. Saw it sacked by a single man who saved the Mad King, to see my liege lord butchered along with his family." The Lord of the City got to one knee, "We were ordered to gather and march to King's Landing to reinforce King Joffrey, but now you are here and I am powerless to stop you. We pledge fealty to King Stannis, let us march together."

He was wary of the man's sincerity and put him and his followers on the far right of his camp as he decided to rest for a couple of days before getting back on the road. He was convening a meeting between his men and his new Crownlander allies about going forward. He is slightly happy about being close to full strength, 23,300 men now stand and soon will march again.

"Lord Arryn! Good news!" the camp Maester shouted as he ran down the column to their pavilion as Yohn and Gerold were arguing strategy once again, "Good news from the Stormlands." He was handed a letter with King Stannis's seal, a crowned stag in a flaming red heart.

With each word, he was more and more shocked and surprised. On the eve of battle between the brothers, King Renly had been assassinated by Brienne of Tarth and the army scattered to either desertion or joining Stannis. Sadly in the chaos, Robar had been killed by Loras Tyrell and Andar almost gave chase but didn't. King Stannis now has the numbers he needs to attack the capital on both land and sea, House Tyrell retreated back to Bitterbridge. He informed everyone but withheld the news about Robar until he was alone with Yohn, he even sent his squire away.

"Why ask me to remain?, What other news is there." Lord Yohn asked and he cleared his throat before handing the letter to his father's good friend. "No... No, no, no... " His friend's death was a blow despite his defection to Renly's side, he remembered his friend fondly and the talks he and the second son shared. "Tell me we will avenge him, tell me you will help me get revenge on this, Loras Tyrell?" Yohn was beside himself now, and he couldn't blame man, he can't compare but the loss of a member of your family is a hard thing to hear, moreover the loss of a son.

He had the men prepare a feast the next night to mourn Lord Royce's son. He also wrote back to Andar to send Robar's bones back to Runestone, while doing this he sent a raven to Robb's camp to inform Waymar if he hasn't left yet. He toasted to a good friend and ally, bidding him a good rest with the Seven and also toasted to their coming victory, for the coming days will be filled with bloodshed. He drank quite a bit that night and so did many within the camp, he was a deserter and an oathbreaker aye, but he was a knight of the Vale and will be avenged.

[Two days past]

Rodrik and his advisers looked at the city they have come to sack, to sack for their King. King's Landing changed much, looks like more shite and an encampment of dejected villagers are at the first of its gates. He pities them as most have been rejected from being sheltered by the horrors of war that will be engulfing the city. He told Lord Rykker to send a rider and tell those people to make for Duskendale and Rosby, they will be given adequate shelter there.

"Get forager parties ready and start building siege weapons, trebuchets and towers right now and begin getting trenches made!" He began and Lords Waynwood and Grafton nodded and went to their seats, "Lord Corbray!" He called for the new Lord of Heart's Home, Lyn stood forward with a grim look on his face, his brother and forces had perished as none returned from the back, "I am sending you into King's Landing to parlay with the false King and Queen Regent, and be careful." Lyn said nothing and nodded before going to do what he has asked.

"Why parlay with them? We should begin battering the walls right now instead of talking." Lord Royce actually spat in anger which was surprising coming from a man he looks up to for advice.

"I want to give her grace and her son a chance to surrender, to try and end this war before blood is spilled- " He began to say and Lord Royce scoffed at that.

"Lord Corbray and 5,000 men have already been spilled, my own son died for the cause of another, there is already blood on the field and right now the city is ripe for the attack." He lost his patience now, Lord Royce is questioning his command and in front of the other generals, he needs to stop this.

"I have given a command and I am Lord, you will follow my orders when given!" He sighed and pointed at the city, "King's Landing has only ever been taken by trickery and dragons, never by military might, we would lose more men by smashing against its walls than trying for another strategy. steps close to Yohn, You lost your son and I sympathize but question me in front of the others again and I won't be so." It was harsh words but you can't be questioned by your subordinates, no matter how loyal and brash they are. Yohn stayed silent and backed up a step.

An hour passes and Lyn returned with a response, his grace wants to meet at the gates and on neutral ground, the acting Hand of the King and ten guards will also be attending and so he allowed it. He decided to take ten of his own along with Lord Grafton and Redfort will come, would have been Yohn but the scene showed he hasn't got over his son's death so he asked him to stay behind. The meeting would take place at dawn on the morrow, he didn't bother to sleep and was ready before his companions and rode out to the pavilion that was set up right at the gate.

The Old Gate which had an abundance of trees is now bare and he quickly assumed the wood was used for ships since King Stannis took the majority of the fleet, or siege weapons. They waited for a half hour before the gates opened and he saw the Queen, not the King but the Queen's brother. He suddenly got a little nervous but forced himself to calm and stand tall.

"Weapons will need to be set aside, check the pavilion." Cersei didn't waste any time in making demands and he followed suit by removing his sword and dagger, Gerold and Lord Redfort doing the same. Lord Tyrion and Cersei did so although the Queen didn't have anything and neither did Tyrion for that matter, the guards will keep their swords for protection. The five met and sat down by the makeshift table. "I assume this is you surrendering and joining our side, the True King demands it." He chuckled at that and she narrowed her eyes at him, "What is funny?" She asked him.

"Stannis is the rightful King, your son is the child of Jaime Lannister, not Robert. I called for this to ask if you love your children? Do you want to see them butchered or burned by Stannis." He asked and neither are something he approves of, on one hand, he hates the butchering of children and he or his lords don't appreciate the new faith his King had taken up. He also knows her children, Myrcella and Tommen are sweet and young, and Joffrey might have been a spoilt child growing up but hardly deserves to be burnt alive for doing several bad mistakes.

"Oh, we can handle Stannis, stags, and falcons don't scare us," Cersei said to him and he lost his smile, does this woman not care at all for the well being of her own blood, Tyrion cleared his throat to get their attention.

"Lord Arryn, if you tip your banners and bow. Then the entirety of Vale and Crownlander lords that joined you will receive pardons, and your brother will also a receive a seat on the Small Council." Rodrik's face turned cold and he rose from his seat and stared hard at Tyrion.

"If I knew of the treachery that House Lannister was going to do, you would have been thrown through the Moon Door, Imp." He spat at the acting Hand of the King before turning her grace, "You have until midday to surrender, or else I begin sieging the city and when I break the gates of the Red Keep. No quarter will be given, for my father, for Robert, and for Eddard." He swore and nodded for Gerold and Lord Redfort to ready the horses before he left the voice of the Queen halted his steps.

"Wait!" Cersei turned to her brother and nodded for him to leave. He saw the confusion on the Imps face as he took his leave, "There is one thing we must speak of, the night you and I shared one bed." She began and the words spoken brought the shameful memories back in full. He grimaced and took a step back only for her to do the same except forwards.

"There is nothing to speak of that sin, I betrayed my friend, you on the other hand never deign to feel the same." He stated and yet the Queen didn't seem shaken and took one last step forth, putting a gentle hand on his chest, he went to remove it but she caught it in a firm hold, "Let go. So that I may leave." He commanded and she smirked and began to bring the hand to her belly.

"That sin you hate to remember has brought a gift, it would be unbelievable if you had only done it once, but you spilled your seed twice that night." He began breathing fast, fearing and praying for it not to be true but when his hand went to her belly, he felt the swelling and it dawned on him in a terrifying truth, "You have a child in me, so tell me. Would you be so cruel as to sack a city from a woman who is baring your bastard child?" She asked and he tore his hand away at once and was going to leave but she grabbed his hand again, "You swore me your loyalty, remember? If I die then you will always remember you sentenced your child to death. And about your father, I had no knowledge or cared if he died because I didn't do it!" She hissed and he tore his hand away once more and left with his men.

He called his advisers to his tent that night. It is not avoidable to hide if the Queen says it's true. He had made a few hard choices already and hoped the next few would be straight forward but it seems that there is no other way around it. He hates Cersei for her son's usurpation of a throne that isn't his and the knowledge that she had killed his father and seduced him still hangs in his head, now she says she had nothing to do with it? Does the woman think him a fool? He took a sip of wine as his advisers flooded the room.

"Thank you for joining me, for news was brought to my attention."