Chapter 62: The Decimation of the Rockborn Army

First of all, I would like to apologize to you, but I was suffering from depression, and my computer was unavailable, and my work requires a lot of time currently, so I did not publish for a while. Also, there is a novel that I started writing, and I published the first chapter. If there is support, I will continue.

My new book : Game of Thrones: Rise of the Golden Raven

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Billy Stern watched in fury as the Northern horse archers ravaged his forces. He led the Rockborn army in pursuit, chasing them to the outskirts of Frostvale.

Chief Gavin of the Frostclaw Clan grew suspicious. "These Northern horse archers harass us while retreating, almost as if they're luring us in. The path through Frostvale is narrow—could it be that Eddard Stark has laid an ambush? Lord Stern, we should send scouts ahead."

Billy Stern dismissed his concerns. "The Northerners are unfamiliar with the terrain. How could they ambush us in the mountains? Besides, we have our unicorn cavalry. Even if Eddard Stark has an army waiting, I do not fear him!"

Just then, Feryn, a red-haired warrior with a scarred face, galloped forward and loosed an arrow, striking down Stern's bannerman. The withered driftwood sigil of House Stern fell to the ground with the man's dying scream.

Feryn sneered, "Is there any Rockborn brave enough to face me?" With a sharp tug on his reins, he led his archers into the valley.

Enraged, Billy Stern roared, "I will cut that red-haired bastard down myself! Charge!"

The Rockborn cavalry, unicorn riders, slingers, and infantry from House Stern, House Frostclaw, and House Icedrake surged into Frostvale.

From atop the rocky slopes, Middle Riddle of the mountain clans, "Big Barrel" Worr, and Donnel Flint watched the Rockborn army move below them.

As Billy Stern pressed the pursuit, he noticed piles of pine branches scattered throughout the valley. A strange scent lingered in the air. The harsh salt, pine, and stone aroma of Skagos was tainted by something foreign.

Lord Ice of House Icedrake sniffed deeply. "Tar. The pine has been doused in tar—this is kindling!"

A Rockborn rider on unicorn-back shouted, "My lord! The Northern army has set up camp on the ridge ahead!"

Billy Stern shaded his eyes and saw banners flying over the high ground: the direwolf of House Stark, the broken chains of Greatjon Umber, the sunburst of Lord Rickard Karstark, the rearing black bear of Lady Maege Mormont, the battle axe of House Cerwyn, the horsehead of House Ryswell, and the rusted crown of House Dustin.

The Northern encampment stretched endlessly across the slopes, and their archers lined the ridges in dense formations. A chill ran down Billy Stern's spine, as well as those of Lord Ice and Chief Gavin.

"We've walked into an ambush! Form up! Rear guard to the front—retreat!" Stern ordered.

"Fall back!" The command spread through the Rockborn ranks.

However, the twenty massive unicorns in their midst caused chaos, blocking the valley exit. As they struggled to turn, a new threat emerged—three hundred mountain clansmen, led by Middle Riddle, Donnel Flint, and Big Barrel Worr, pushed boulders from the cliffs above. The stones crashed into the valley, forming a barricade at the entrance.

Panic set in among the Rockborn soldiers. From the heights, the mountain clans rained down smaller stones, crushing warriors below.

On the other side of the valley, Eddard Stark stood beside his archers and raised his fist. "Loose!"

A volley of flaming arrows streaked through the air. Some struck Rockborn infantry and unicorn riders, while others ignited the tar-soaked pinewood.

Flames erupted. Unicorns shrieked and reared in terror, trampling soldiers in their panic. Some gored their own riders, while others turned on one another in blind fury. Drummers, cavalry, and foot soldiers were tossed aside like rag dolls.

Feryn and his archers pursued the fleeing Rockborn, loosing arrows into their disorganized ranks.

Billy Stern, still mounted on his unicorn, saw the blocked escape and drew his sword. "Our retreat is cut off! If we do not fight, we die here. Rockborn warriors, charge! If we fall, we take them with us!"

The Rockborn forces, driven to desperation, rallied. As they moved beyond the archers' range, the unicorns adjusted to the fire, their panic subsiding. Drummers beat a steady, defiant rhythm: Boom! Boom! Boom!

Feryn's horse archers had been picking off the retreating Rockborn when, suddenly, the unicorns bellowed. The Rockborn counterattacked. Unicorn cavalry, infantry, and slingers surged forward.

The ground trembled as unicorns charged. The Northern horses, terrified by their cries, reared or bolted, throwing their riders. Some were trampled beneath the unicorns' massive hooves. Dismounted archers were crushed by slingshot stones.

Among the Rockborn, warriors wielding axes and greatswords rode mountain steeds, cutting through Northern archers before they could switch from bows to blades. Feryn was forced to retreat to higher ground with his remaining riders.

From the Northern lines, Jon Snow, Theon Greyjoy, and Domeric Bolton watched in surprise.

Jon muttered, "Lord Stark, they know there's no escape, yet they fight on. The Rockborn are terrifying foes."

Eddard replied, "An enemy with no retreat is the most dangerous kind. But we hold the high ground. Their last stand will fail."

Billy Stern and his warriors pushed forward, reaching the Northern encampment's base.

"Loose!" Eddard commanded once more.

Another volley of fire-tipped arrows rained down, igniting soldiers and beasts alike. Northern warriors hurled torches onto the battlefield. The unicorns panicked again, turning on their own ranks.

Chief Gavin took an arrow to the arm and tumbled from his mount. Lord Ice's unicorn reared, throwing him, his slinger, and his drummer to the ground.

Watching his warriors fall, Billy Stern realized it was over. Suddenly, a panicked unicorn slammed into his own steed. Stern leapt clear, only to be struck by a riderless warhorse.

Through the flickering firelight, Feryn stood with an arrow nocked, aimed at Stern's chest.

"Lord of Driftwood Hall, Billy Stern of House Stern—you are captured."

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