The Army of the Riverlands

[Horas]

A long column of armed men by day and a city of tents and campfires by night. Currently en route towards Harrenhal.

[Horas]

A page in Blackwood colors runs to Lord Tully's tent and informs him that Lord Terrence and Ser Desmond have noticed something troublesome that requires his attention immediately.

[Tytos]

Two guards take Lord Terrence and Ser Desmond to Pieter. They are disarmed before they enter the tent, and several guards stand around it.

[Horas]

"My lord," Terrence gives a quick military bow. Darry looks irritated at being deprived of his sword.

"Ser Desmond's scouts and my own have found that Rodrick Baratheon's army is not heading towards Harrenhal. They are avoiding it by many miles to the north, despite the fact that the castle is held by a garrison friendly to the King. I believe Baratheon is attempting to bait us out of position by making us chase him to Harrenhal, only for him to arrive at a more important target."

[Tytos]

Pieter took a moment to think. "Perhaps his plan is for us to go to Harrenhall, while his army comes up from behind and crushes us upon the walls. I can think of nothing important north of Harrenhall."

[Horas]

Terrence frowns. "Think harder, Lord Tully. I would guess his goal is to meet up with the loyalist garrison at Seagard, though he may simply be attempting to circumvent us and attack Riverrun directly while it is undefended."

"Either way it is to our benefit to cut him off and force a battle in the field before he can shelter behind protective walls. If the Gods' luck is on our side we might be able to catch him as he ferries his army across the Trident."

[Tytos]

Pieter nodded, "Perhaps you're right. He may be trying to get past us... So then our best course of action is to catch him crossing the Trident, as you say."

[Horas]

Terrence nods. "Send the order at once, Lord Tully. There is no time to lose."

[Tytos]

"Just so. Ser Desmond, prepare the army, we march north for the King at daybreak."

[Horas]

The men bow, then leave to make preparations to march.

[Tytos]

/////

After the battle of Skiff's Vale the Riverlands army retreats south, making for Harrenhall. A strong read guard watches for King Rodrick's army.

[Ser Sylvan Dondarrion]

Armen, looking haggard after the battle, spurs hi shorse forwards, looking for Lord Blackwood's or Lord Tully's entourage. Finally, he finds both and slowly pulls his horse up alongside, tilting his head down before speaking. "As soon as possible, I would like to have a raven off to Atranta and Wayfarer's my lords. It would be prudent to have at least my family's holdings defended in case of a King's push further northwards."

He pauses, allowing his breathing to slow before speaking once again. "It may not be much, but I know that the Terricks and Lychesters would answer a Vance call. I also know that Fairmarket would provide men. It won't be much, but there are allies on the Blue Fork."

And with that he tilted his down once again waiting for a reply.

[Horas]

Lord Terrence turns towards the newcomer. His expression is grim, and he bears an open cut above his left eye where is helm was smashed in the battle.

"We have no men to spare defending Atranta or Wayfarer's Rest, nor any other castle," Terrence says, "Though if it will put your mind to ease, they are not like to be targets. The King's army rides hard at our tail. Any levies you can raise would be appreciated, Lord Vance -- we need every man we can get."