With the fighting at Harrenhal settled, Aegon did not linger. Instead, he came to Riverrun, which had just been captured by the Golden Company.
At this moment, Aegon was standing on a steady small boat. The boat moved slowly, breaking through the debris floating on the water's surface.
Broken ship planks, scattered timber, thatch, tiles, and even the occasional bloated, pale corpse drifted up and down in the murky waves.
His gaze moved past the mess left by the war and landed ahead.
Riverrun, which once stood at the confluence of the Red Fork and Tumblestone, looked quite strange at this moment.
The towering walls still stood, but the base of the castle and the vast surrounding lands, fields, and villages had all been submerged by the flooding river.
The murky mud water surrounded the castle and the heights it sat upon, forming a broad, temporary lake floating with various debris, making Riverrun look more like a lonely island in the middle of a lake.
"Laswell and the Golden Company," Aegon spoke, his voice flat, "their performance in this battle has exceeded my expectations."
Henry and Commander Luke stood behind him.
Commander Luke kept his head lowered, his expression looking rather grim.
"They are indeed worthy of being the Mercenary company that captured Qohor and Tyrosh," Aegon continued as the boat rowed slowly toward the castle. "The title of being the best in Essos is quite well-deserved."
Commander Luke lowered his head even further.
His Highness had entrusted the battle of The Trident to him, yet he had fought it so poorly that His Highness had to personally clean up the mess in the end.
In contrast, the Golden Company, which had faced the formidable fortress of Riverrun alone and ultimately breached it, seemed to have the upper hand.
The boat slowly pulled up to a patch of high ground that had not been completely submerged and had been cleared to serve as a temporary dock.
Laswell Peake had long been waiting there with a group of senior officers from the Golden Company.
Seeing Aegon step ashore, the group collectively saluted by placing their hands over their chests.
Aegon waved his hand to dismiss the formalities, his gaze sweeping over Laswell.
The commander of the Golden Company had the fatigue of consecutive days of battle on his face, but his eyes were sharp, his back straight, and he showed little arrogance.
"Are the sluice gates closed?" Aegon asked, casting his gaze toward the distance where the gates controlling the river were faintly visible.
"Yes, Your Highness. According to your orders, the main and diversion gates were closed immediately after capturing the castle," Laswell answered, his voice steady.
"However, it will take time for the accumulated river water to fully recede and for this marshland to return to its original state."
"Even if the water level drops, the soaked land will remain muddy for a long time, and the foundations beneath the castle will need careful inspection and reinforcement."
"Furthermore, the surrounding flooded villages and farmland... they are effectively ruined for this year."
Aegon nodded in understanding.
He looked up at the castle soaked in water and said to Laswell, "You have done well. You shall also preside over the aftermath. Clear the silt, drain the water, and repair the castle and surrounding facilities."
He paused, his gaze landing on Laswell's face, his tone flat yet meaningful:
"Riverrun has now lost its master. The era of House Tully ruling this place is over."
"This land needs a new lord, one who is capable of governing it and can prove their value and loyalty to me."
Laswell Peake's body shook slightly.
He understood.
One of the most central and strongest castles in The Riverlands was being casually promised away like this.
The prerequisite was that he could handle the tasks ahead well.
A massive opportunity struck his heart like a heavy hammer. From a Mercenary, he had the chance to leap into being a Great Lord of Westeros!
He could hardly suppress his excitement, but he forced it down, his right hand thumping his chest heavily. His voice was slightly hoarse from the effort to control it: "I shall not fail Your Highness's trust! Peake is willing to die for you!"
Aegon said no more. Surrounded by a group of generals, he crossed the temporary trestle bridge and slippery slopes to enter the interior of Riverrun.
Traces of water and chaos remained inside the castle, but the main areas had been cleared.
They went straight to the castle's Great Hall.
The hall was empty; the place where the trout banners of House Tully once hung was now bare, and the long tables and chairs appeared somewhat cluttered. Aegon naturally walked to the high seat and turned to sit down.
Black armor and a deep crimson cloak formed a sharp contrast with this ancient, simple hall.
"Now, the main resistance forces in The Riverlands have been essentially purged," Aegon spoke, his voice echoing in the hall. "Robb Stark's main force is destroyed, and his remnants are scattered."
"Riverrun has fallen, and Edmure Tully is captured. The general situation is settled."
Below the dais, Henry, Commander Luke, Laswell, as well as the primary officers of the Bloodsworn, Ash Company, and Golden Company stood solemnly listening.
"What remains is the clearing of some peripheral fortresses and the complete pacification of the region. These," Aegon's gaze swept over everyone, "I leave to you. I will not take action again."
Everyone's spirits rose, and they responded in unison.
They understood that this was an opportunity given by His Highness to earn merit and consolidate power.
The conquest of The Riverlands needed them to complete the final stroke, and this achievement would determine their status in the future new order.
"Consolidate our existing forces, gradually clear the remaining resistance, restore local order, procure grain and fodder, and pacify the people," Aegon issued his instructions.
"This is a period for rest and reorganization, but also preparation for the next campaign. There won't be much time."
His finger tapped the direction of the Westerlands on the map spread across the long table: "Toward Golden Tooth, additional scouts must be sent to maintain strict surveillance. The Lannisters will not sit by and watch The Riverlands fall completely into my hands."
"Be wary of their counterattack, and also be prepared... our next target is the Westerlands."
"As you command!" Everyone took their orders, battle intent burning in their eyes.
The wealthy Westerlands was another piece of fat that made one's mouth water.
"I will stay in Riverrun for a period until the situation is initially stabilized," Aegon continued.
"Afterward, I will return to King's Landing. There are some matters I need to handle personally. The main strength of the army will remain stationed here."
He made specific deployments: "The Golden Company will garrison Riverrun, reorganize and prepare for war, and be ready to advance toward the northwest, the area of The Twins, to completely control The Trident basin."
Laswell Peake thumped his chest again: "Yes!"
"The Ash Company will move to Wayfarer's Rest, keep a close eye on Golden Tooth, and guard against any movement from the Westerlands."
Commander Luke bowed: "As you command, Your Highness."
"The Bloodsworn will return to garrison Harrenhal. That is our logistics hub, and it also needs to deter the east and guard against any potential restlessness from the Vale."
Henry responded in a deep voice.
The series of arrangements was clear and logical, pinning down the newly conquered territory of The Riverlands with three elite legions, supporting each other like the horns of an ox, yet ready to strike in coordination at any time.
With the discussion settled, Aegon rose, preparing to leave the hall to see this newly acquired castle.
At that moment, Laswell Peake stepped forward, hesitated for a moment, but still spoke to ask for instructions:
"Your Highness, in Riverrun, our army captured Catelyn Tully, the mother of the Northern pretender-king Robb Stark; his wife, Jeyne Westerling; and his uncle, Edmure Tully of House Tully."
"May I ask... how should they be dealt with?"
Aegon's steps paused slightly. He turned his head, his violet eyes looking at Laswell, his gaze calm and rippleless.
"I told the Blackfish at Harrenhal," his voice was not loud, yet it carried a cold texture, "that I would make the name Tully vanish from the world. I am a man of my word."
Laswell's heart shuddered.
Aegon paused, seemingly thinking of something, and continued: "As for Robb Stark's family..."
"Autumn weeds, even if they endure the cold winter, will still recover and fill the courtyard come next spring. Though they do no great harm, they are annoying."
He turned his head and stopped looking at Laswell, his voice drifting over, clear and decisive:
"If one wants to completely solve the weeds in the courtyard, one must... pull them out by the roots, leaving not a single blade of grass."
Laswell Peake lowered his head deeply, his right hand again thumping heavily against his breastplate, making a dull sound.
He fully understood the unquestionable meaning of total extermination in those words.
"As you command, Your Highness!"
Aegon did not linger any longer and strode out of the Great Hall.
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