The Vanguard

[The Flint]

Talyn raised his eyebrow, "I can't say that I recall you doing so Lord Bolton. You'd have to speak with Lord Selwyn or her grace about being released from duty after we reach Winterfell I suppose, if that's what you'd prefer."

[The Smith]

Bolton picked mites out of his beard, "I am not sure if I want to or not. Retreating home seems tedious. Yet more battle..." He sighs, and studies the terrain.

[The Flint]

"Let me put it like this, the sooner King's Landing is retaken, the sooner the Queen and all her courtiers are out of the North and back south where they belong. That must be a compelling reason to stay," Talyn says, only half joking.

[The Smith]

Bolton snorted, "Though from what I know of Thatcher, some how I doubt this will be simply war."

[The Flint]

"There is no chance of it." Talyn confirmed, "I would not be surprised if we find King's Landing's gates unbarred and unguarded in fact."

[The Smith]

Bolton shook his head, "You do not think dark enough. King's Landing sold off to the Braavos, and it guarded by an army of Dothroki. If it can be arranged, he can arrange it."

[The Flint]

Talyn laughed in dark humor. "it's possible."

[The Flint]

/////////////////////////
The Vanguard force begins its march towards Winterfell. The pace is quick, but deliberate, with cavalry watching the flanks and screening the front and rear of the column.

[Sam]

Ser Brandon Tarly rides near the front of the column with Talyn, Ser Danwell Costayne having been left in command of the Reach cavalry. Bran raised his flask to his lips, and frowned. He had long since run out of whiskey, and was making do with simple water, which did not give the same warmth as one drank it.

"If I may ask, what do you expect to find at Winterfell, Ser? Starks and Lannisters rarely get along, although to be fair it's seemed like Lannisters don't get along with anyone for the last few decades. It seems rather strange that any northman would allow the lion to fly over Winterfell."

[The Flint]

Talyn nodded, "I agree. There are any number of possibilities Ser Brandon, most of them less than ideal. But whatever the situation, I expect us to be ready for it. When we arrive, I do NOT want men wandering around throughout the town or castle, and no slacking on sentries just because we're in the shadow of their walls. With any luck, the war has simply turned two families into uncomfortable allies."

[Sam]

"Aye. I barely remember passing Winterfell on the way up, but it seemed right far then. Although we did have to fight for every bloody inch, so I wonder if we won't make pretty good time getting there, at this pace," he said.

[The Flint]

Talyn nodded, "We're moving at a fast clip, that's true enough. Traveling on the road helps, especially knowing that Tallbody's scouts have already been over every inch."

[Dyther Morrigen]

//

A few miles outside camp, Dyther Morrigen rides. He awaits the outer pickets to note his presence. If Bolton and Thatcher weren't watching their backs he'd be utterly disappointed.

[The Flint]

True to form, the Stormlander is intercepted by a small patrol of cavalry. At their head is a lithe attractive young woman in black leather armor, and wearing a fierce expression. There is a bow strung across her back.

"Halt. Identify yourself at once." She says in a formal way. The remaining riders form a line behind her which blocks the road.

[Dyther Morrigen]

"Dyther Morrigen. I've come to deliver a message to...well, Commander Thatcher, I suppose, or someone. Not really a big deal who. May I ask who I'm speaking to?"