Ser Brynden nodded, his expression grave as he added, "Yes, Edmure Tully couldn't resist the pleas of his elders and let them go, but he has yet to grasp a crucial truth: the more the enemy wants us to do something, the less we should allow it."
He paused, then continued, "Moreover, I intercepted a message indicating that Tywin Lannister, the old lion himself, has assigned Stafford Lannister to train new troops in the Westerlands. This presents us with an opportunity. If we can draw our forces into the Westerlands, we can strike the newly formed army before it is battle-ready."
The knight's eyes swept across the room, his meaning clear: the floor was now Eddard Karstark's.
Eddard nodded. He understood the unspoken question and gave a slow, measured clap. "A good plan," he said thoughtfully.
Turning toward Robb Stark, he asked, "Your Majesty, are you intending to maneuver against Tywin in the Westerlands to prevent him from focusing on King's Landing, or do you plan to use the speed of our cavalry to raid from the Westerlands back into the Riverlands, setting an ambush near Golden Tooth?"
Robb froze, as though Eddard's words had struck a chord. His brows furrowed, and he fell into deep thought.
"The first option," he said finally, his voice quiet but resolute.
Ser Brynden seized the moment to explain, laying out the strategy in clear terms. "We plan to lure Tywin into the Westerlands, letting him chase us eagerly along the coast. Meanwhile, we will move south along the Golden Road, occupying terrain we have scouted and preparing to strike. If they choose to fight, they will suffer heavy losses; if they refuse, we drag them further into the Westerlands, while the Baratheon army seizes King's Landing unopposed."
Eddard's eyes lit with approval. "Brilliant. This plan has elegance and audacity in equal measure." He inclined his head slightly and added, "Now, since you summoned me to discuss, I will speak freely. I ask that you both allow me this courtesy."
Robb Stark nodded, granting him permission. "Karstark, speak freely. You have my word."
At this, Eddard smiled faintly. His respect for Robb grew—he remembered his father, Toren Karstark, who had died protecting Robb, and the loyalty of Count Rickard, who had set aside his personal desire for vengeance for Jaime Lannister. Here was a young king who could command not just armies but loyalty itself.
"Your Majesty," Eddard began, "I do not doubt that you can lead the army into the Westerlands. Yet consider this: what of Edmure Tully and the other Riverlands lords?"
Robb nodded slightly, acknowledging the concern. "I have considered it. My uncle will hold Riverrun and will not interfere with the Lannisters' march."
Eddard shook his head. "If the plan proceeds as is, it may well fail."
Ser Brynden's brow furrowed. "Eddard Karstark! Edmure has pledged his loyalty to the King of the North. How could he possibly defy orders for the sake of some commoners?"
"Do not mistake thoughtfulness for disobedience," Eddard replied calmly. "During the siege of Riverrun, Edmure's kindness toward the refugees added greatly to the burden on the castle. He released lords to reclaim their lands and showed mercy to many. A man with such compassion may well act against orders if he sees innocent people at risk."
Ser Brynden's face darkened, disbelief and indignation mixing in his expression. "A duke's heir, a vassal of the King, disobey the King for commoners? Unheard of!"
Robb Stark, however, remained thoughtful, his mind weighing possibilities. Memories of his father's death in King's Landing lingered, and he recognized the same mixture of duty, loyalty, and compassion in Edmure that had once guided his father. He could understand the potential consequences.
Eddard pressed on, calmly recounting Edmure's past actions. "When Jaime Lannister attacked the Riverlands, Edmure rallied his vassals to fight, only to be captured and humiliated. He will seize any opportunity to reclaim his honor. If he acts independently, the Riverlands lords may gather to oppose Tywin, and your plan could collapse entirely."
Ser Brynden fell silent, his expression slowly softening as the logic became clear. Robb Stark's eyes glimmered with realization.
"My lords," Eddard concluded, "if this plan is to succeed, perhaps Edmure should accompany Your Majesty to the Westerlands. This way, we ensure he is part of the operation and prevent any unintended disruption."
"No," Ser Brynden said firmly, though the edge of his anger had faded. "Unless absolutely necessary, I will not command Riverrun in Edmure's place. That is not my role."
Robb Stark stepped forward, decisive. "Then we adapt. We will change the plan."
The room fell silent. Brynden's eyebrows shot up in surprise; Eddard's expression betrayed mild curiosity. Changing plans so readily seemed almost reckless.
But Robb's voice carried conviction. "The strategy to lure Tywin out remains, but we need not confine him to the Golden Road. We have other options. Look here."
He pointed to Harrenhal on the map. "Lord Bolton reports that Tywin holds 20,000 men there. With our current forces, a direct assault would be impossible."
Robb's finger traced the River Road down to Riverrun. "Here, we can gather 11,000 infantry and 9,000 cavalry, nearly matching their numbers. Ser Brynden and I will take the cavalry south, strike the newly formed Westerlands troops near Golden Tooth, and seize Lannisport if possible. This will force Tywin to return west, while our allies in the Riverlands hold Riverrun."
He looked to Eddard. "Once we coordinate with Roose Bolton and the forces at Karin Bay, we will have at least 30,000 men ready to engage Tywin. Even if we cannot win outright, we can force him back and buy the Baratheons time to secure King's Landing."
Eddard's eyes traced the map carefully. He calculated distances, travel time for cavalry, and logistical challenges. From Casterly Rock to Golden Tooth was a formidable journey; even the fastest riders would tire, and Tywin's forces might still present a threat. He noted that Roose Bolton's 10,000 men could be pivotal in supporting the Northern advance.
He voiced his concerns thoughtfully. "Even with speed, we risk fatigue and attrition. Tywin may leave a garrison at Harrenhal or Lannisport to watch the Northern army's movements. We must ensure our coordination is precise, or all could be lost."
Robb nodded, absorbing each point. "Karstark, your insight strengthens our plan. We will adjust our movements and timing. Once Tywin leaves Harrenhal, Roose Bolton will lead his men to Riverrun, ensuring we meet our allies in time. Our combined forces will outnumber Tywin and give us the upper hand."
Eddard inclined his head, satisfied. Robb had listened, considered, and adapted—a young king learning the burdens of command.
"The plan is bold," Eddard said finally, "but with careful coordination, it may well succeed. Timing, intelligence, and loyalty will determine the outcome. Let us ensure that every vassal, every commander, knows their role and executes it without hesitation."
Robb's gaze hardened with determination. "Then it is settled. We act swiftly, decisively, and without compromise. The Westerlands will be drawn into our trap, and the Riverlands and North will emerge stronger than ever."
A tense but resolute silence filled the room. Here, amidst maps and men, a strategy was born that could shift the fate of kingdoms.
Ser Brynden finally spoke, his voice quieter now. "Very well. If this is your decision, my loyalty remains with the plan and with the King."
Eddard smiled faintly. "And I will stand with you all, for the North, the Riverlands, and for honor."
The young king's mind raced as he traced the paths across the map, calculating speed, terrain, and enemy movements. Every possibility was weighed; every risk considered. In that moment, Robb Stark understood the weight of command, the fragile balance of loyalty and strategy, and the perilous art of war.
And in that room, a plan was set in motion that could change the course of the War of the Five Kings.
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