The Gold Road

[The Stranger]

She pursed her lips. "I hadn't though of it. Perhaps."

[Flex]

Darien was glad to have instilled that thought in here - even if she had already decided on her participation. He looked around for a moment before deciding to switch topics; Fighting was the last thing he wanted to talk about. "I have heard the king is quite young. How are relations between the Iron Islands and the Iron Throne?" He mentally remarked on that play on words for a moment. "I've been told there were times when the ironborn were quite, independent."

[Deleted]

A large company was cantering up the Gold Road that ran west, the golden lion of Lannister clearly visible on the many banners held aloft by household knights. A train of wagons followed the knightly company.

Cedic and Aranya Lannister rode at the head along with Cedric's twin brother Clive, followed by their retinue of knights and men-at-arms. Ser Ustice Kettleblack rode at Aranya's side. Back in one of the wagons were Aranya's three youngest children - Wulf, Tiberion and Allyria. Up at the front, Aranya's ten-year old ward Daeron Blackwood rode beside Ser Clive Lannister, who he was squired to.

Aranya spurred Wenhaver up to Cedric's horse and leaned over to her husband. "What has happened?" she asked. "There hasn't been any time to ask questions - who has invaded us, and why?"

[Bunny-Rabbit]

Cedric looked to her, "I am not sure, but they took Lannisport. I have heard talk of a strange banner with a lizard on it."

[Deleted]

"Wasn't Steffen at the Rock?" Aranya demanded. "What has he done to stop this?"

[Bunny-Rabbit]

"I have heard talk of battles. But I did not hear he was in the Rock. He was in Lannisport last I heard." Cedric replied, "He either lost or is lost."

[Deleted]

"Trust the Worm not to stick out a battle," Aranya muttered. "For all we know, he fled when defeat was inevitable. When we reach home, no doubt you will find him protesting his bravery and how he stuck it out until he felt he had to retreat home to protect Casterly Rock. Or worse, he'll ally with the enemies against you. He fought your father bitterly, and you, Clive and Jeyne block his way to Casterly Rock. Who knows what he'll make of this situation?"

Her mouth set grimly. "But first these black-masked invaders must be driven back. How far till Deep Den?"

[Bunny-Rabbit]

"More days... many more." Looking at the sinking sun he said, "But no more today." Turning to Lord Myatt he motioned for the camp orders to be given. He stepped off his horse and threw the reigns to a squire.

Quietly he began to walk off the road over a small rise to the north of the road.

[Deleted]

As Daeron began to tend to Cedric and Clive's horses, Aranya unsaddled and rubbed down Wenhaver herself, tethering the powerful grey mare outside her tent and calling for hot bathwater. In Cedric and Aranya's tent, their tub was filled with heated water from the river, and Aranya disrobed and slipped into the hot water beside Cedric. It was soothing, and eased a little of her tension, but only a little.

"They only took Lannisport so easily because they had the advantage of surprise," Aranya said, sounding as if she was trying to convince herself. "Right? In an organized battle, our numbers should be greater than theirs, both on land and at sea. If we combined the Redwyne, ironborn and the remainder of the Lannisport navies?"

[Bunny-Rabbit]

Cedric leaned back against the wall of the tub. "I am not sure. I can not think that any force capable of taking Lannisport would squeeze past both of their navies." He raised a hand to his eyes and closed them. "But we should... we should"

[Deleted]

"Did you send a raven to Dagon Harlaw?" Aranya asked, looking over her shoulder. Dagon was Felryn's son and Wulf's brother, she thought with a pang. "If he is his father's son, he won't let this go unanswered. He should have already mustered his forces. I know that technically Roose Stark is his Warden, not you, but these people are an immediate threat to him, after all." She frowned for a moment. "Have you thought about how we will communicate with these people, should the need arise? Can they even speak the Common Tongue?"

[Bunny-Rabbit]

"I did not. I received word from Irwyn that he was summoning help. I figured the Ironborn are callous enough to ignore a plea for help, and stubborn enough to ignore any commands. I will have to trust to Alex." Cedric ran his hands through his wet hair. His lips twisted like he was tasting something bad.

[Deleted]

"They're stupid arses if they do," Aranya said bluntly. "What, do they think these black-masted ships won't attack Pyke next?" There was a long silence, before she took Cedric's hand and squeezed it gently. "Don't worry. Casterly Rock defeated a dragon. It can defeat a few pirates from across the Sunset Sea."

[Bunny-Rabbit]

"They may not attack Pyke. Deals can be arranged, and the Ironborn have always wanted to be unleashed." Cedric squeezed her hand back. "I am worried, the Burning of Lannisport... it is a travesty."

[Deleted]

"Erik Coldiron is the Master of Ships. Surely his influence with the Harlaws counts for something?"

She kissed him. "But Lannisport has burned before," she said softly. "And it always rises again. If it can weather dragonfire and the forces of Hightower, it can stand the sacking of pirates. And it won't be long till all the armies of the west come to Lannisport's aid. At dawn we will ride for Deep Den." She rose and stepped out of the tub, wrapping a towel around herself. "Come, husband. You must sleep now. Don't worry about this anymore tonight - there is little enough of the night left anyway."