Chapter 111: One Month

Robert tapped the table with his knuckles, the sound echoing loudly. Though still portly, Robert had lost much of the weight he once carried and had recently resumed his martial training, hoping to join the battlefield himself during the war.

"This war is for the collective good of all. The lords of the Crownlands will send 5,000 infantry as landing forces, and the Royal Fleet will be fully mobilized. I hope each of you can rally your vassals. Eddard, how are things in the North?" Before Eddard could respond, Robert continued, "I almost forgot — King's Landing's gold cloaks will assign 1,500 men to escort the poor from Flea Bottom to the Stepstones, to serve as pioneers. These people will sail on merchant ships during the later stages of the war."

Posters were plastered across King's Landing, advertising the colonization of the Stepstones. Men were promised five acres of land for farming, while women would receive four acres. Additionally, the king was providing materials to build houses. The Stepstones had no lord yet, and the conquest of the islands would be carried out in the king's name. Once captured, the islands would belong directly to the crown, and the king had already decreed a two-year tax exemption, which would remain even if the islands were later granted to a lord. Many poor people had signed up, as even limited land was better than starving in Flea Bottom.

Eddard Stark spoke up, "The North has stationed 1,000 cavalry at the Green Fork, 500 cavalry at Greywater Watch, and 3,000 infantry are ready to move south. Additionally, a small naval force has already departed."

Robert nodded. Eddard had previously told him that the Northmen could manage coastal battles but were likely to fall ill before reaching the Stepstones in long-distance engagements. Eddard's small naval force was truly modest, no more than 200 men. Robert then turned to Jon Arryn. "Jon, what about the Vale?"

Jon Arryn, the Hand of the King, replied, "The Vale will send 500 knights and 3,000 infantry to King's Landing. About 100 warships will be placed under the Royal Fleet's command."

Robert was grateful for the support from the Vale. With its rugged mountains and vast unpacified wildlings, the Vale had few resources to spare. Yet Jon had managed to offer such significant assistance to maintain order in King's Landing, and Robert, touched by his loyalty, filled Jon's wine cup.

Robert then looked to Edmure Tully. "Edmure, what's the situation in the Riverlands?"

Edmure, lost in thought, snapped to attention when his name was called. "Your Grace, 1,000 cavalry and 4,000 infantry are on standby."

The room's occupants exchanged glances. The figures Edmure had provided were surely exaggerated. The Tullys' power had waned significantly, and Robert seemed uninterested in further discussion.

Maester Pycelle noted down the figures, understanding they would be part of the kingdom's history, recorded for future generations.

Robert turned back to the matter at hand. "Next, the forces heading for the Stepstones. Ser Sawane Botley?"

"Your Grace, the Iron Islands will send 10,000 sailors and 300 longships."

Sawane Botley had been elevated to the Lord of the Iron Islands, but his position was shaky. Some of the Ironborn lords were too powerful, and he lacked the deep political foundation of House Greyjoy. Once the Iron Islands had boasted double this number of men, but following the Greyjoy Rebellion, many Ironborn had joined the Royal Fleet, leaving the islands too depleted to raise a large force.

Robert then asked, "Ser Kevan Lannister?"

Kevan, knowing that his nephew Jaime's affair with Cersei was a delicate subject, rose from his seat to address Robert and the council. "The Westerlands will mobilize all 300 warships, as well as 500 cavalry and 3,000 infantry to assist with the landings."

Robert was pleased with the numbers. If the Westerlands didn't initiate full mobilization, this force would be just half of their current military strength. "Mace Tyrell?"

Mace Tyrell proudly declared, "800 warships and the corresponding army!" The number of 800 warships sounded impressive, but in reality, it included all types — large two-decked ships counted as one, and even small rowing boats with ten men counted as one. It was clear to everyone that Mace had misunderstood the ship types and simply combined them into one large total. No one pointed it out, as long as Robert didn't reprimand him. Grand Maester Pycelle, fully aware of this, opened his papers and recorded the figures in the logbook.

Robert nodded, knowing their military strength was second only to Storm's End, and moved on to the next person. "Renly?"

Renly responded, "100 large sailboats, 1,000 knights, and 5,000 infantry."

Robert raised an eyebrow in surprise. "That many?"

Renly smiled and replied, "Our Stormlands have suffered the most from pirate raids. The vassals are highly motivated for this campaign against pirates. I ordered them to bring 100 men, but there will likely be 300."

Robert nodded, "Quentyn Martell, what about Dorne?"

Quentyn Martell, short and stocky with a few silver strands in his black hair, stood up and spoke seriously, "Your Grace, Dorne has never had many warships. This time we will send 1,000 cavalry and 4,000 infantry."

Robert simply nodded, dismissing any need for further negotiation. He then turned his attention back to the strategic plans. "Unlike previous Targaryen campaigns, this time we're taking the Stepstones completely into the realm of the Seven Kingdoms. We will build castles, ports, garrisons, and start cultivating the islands. The mercenaries from Tyrosh, Myr, and Lys are in conflict, which is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Renly."

Renly reached into his cloak and passed a letter to the group. "I have some news," he said. "My brother, Wright Baratheon, has secretly arranged an agreement with the ruling council of Volantis. Volantis will send a fleet to hold off the Lys fleet, leaving us with just two enemies."

"That's excellent! From three down to two," Mace Tyrell said happily. Although the Reach had a large fleet, they hadn't engaged in naval battles for a long time, and Mace had no idea how well they would perform in combat.

Renly added, "Wright also has an informant in Myr. With some luck, their fleet may be significantly reduced."

The mood around the table lifted. What had once been thought to be a multi-year war now seemed like it could end within a year or even sooner. Praise for Wright followed, and everyone began discussing the letter with increasing optimism.

Quentyn Martell, however, knew from his father that the war had been planned by Wright to shift the growing tensions on Westeros to a common external enemy. While Wright was already handling matters across the seas, he was only three years older than Quentyn, and he could do better. Clenching his fist under the table, Quentyn steeled himself.

Robb Stark, sitting in the audience, listened with pride as everyone praised his mentor. Although Wright were not in the magic school and they were all taught by Renly, they all learned according to the contents of the manuscript left by Witte.

Monford Velaryon, who had always believed that Wright rose to power due to his formidable strength and the influence of his two brothers, had recently grown more curious about the man he had only met once. What was he really like?

Garlan Tyrell, reflecting on his father's words, wondered what he would have said or done in the same position.

Tyrion Lannister, having studied Wright's actions for years, believed that no one was perfect, and Wright must have flaws.

Robert stood, drawing the attention of everyone. "Do not underestimate the enemy. Even if they don't send armies, they will dispatch scattered pirates. We must be prepared for a full-scale confrontation with the three cities. This is a war we are certain to win, but we must minimize our losses."

He looked around at the gathered lords, "Notify your subordinates. The forces from the North will proceed as planned. For the offensive, the army from the east will gather at Stonebridge in the Stormlands, while the army from the west will gather at Sun Spear in Dorne. The war will begin in one month!"

---

If you can, support me on pa treon:

Pa treon. com/ RightTranslations (No spaces)

Up to 50 chapters ahead on the four novels i am translating.