LGHTNOVELBOOK Chapter 47: The Tides of War
Chapter 47: The Tides of War
The ambush at the depot had been a success, a clear message to Tywin Lannister that the Riverlands would not crumble under his assault. But the victory came with its own weight. The war was far from over, and everyone at Riverrun knew that Tywin's retaliation would be swift and devastating.
The castle was alive with activity as soldiers drilled in the courtyards, blacksmiths forged weapons, and messengers carried orders to distant lords. Yet, even amidst the bustle, a tension hung over the stronghold, an unspoken understanding that the next move could decide the fate of the Riverlands.
In the war room, Ivar Sunblode and his council gathered once more. The map before them bore the scars of constant planning—creases, ink stains, and hastily scrawled notes marking their victories and vulnerabilities.
Roland Emberhill stood with his arms crossed, his sharp gaze fixed on Ivar. "The ambush was a success," he began, his tone measured. "But we can't keep relying on skirmishes and deception. Tywin will adapt, and when he does, he'll bring his full might to bear."
Ivar nodded, his fingers tracing the path of the Lannister forces on the map. "That's why we need to anticipate his next move. The ambush wasn't just about disrupting his supplies—it was about forcing him to react. Tywin thrives on control. If we can take that away from him, we create opportunities to strike."
Timothy Sunrise leaned back in his chair, his ever-present grin tempered by a hint of exhaustion. "So, what's the plan, boss? Another ambush? Maybe we burn a few more wagons, keep him chasing shadows?"
"No," Ivar said, his voice firm. "We've disrupted his supply lines enough for now. The next step is to consolidate our position and fortify the key crossings along the Red Fork and Tumblestone. If Tywin wants to move deeper into the Riverlands, he'll have to fight for every inch."
Lysa Blackthorne, standing by the hearth, tilted her head thoughtfully. "That's a sound strategy, but it won't stop him completely. Tywin has the resources to sustain a prolonged campaign. Even if we slow him down, he'll keep coming."
"That's why we need to do more than just slow him," Ivar replied. "We need to make him question the cost of this war. Lysa, I want you to intensify your efforts with the smaller houses. Spread word of our victories, bolster their confidence. If they see that Tywin can be beaten, they'll be less likely to defect."
Lysa nodded, though her sharp eyes betrayed a flicker of doubt. "The smaller houses are skittish. They'll need more than promises to stay loyal. Fear of Tywin still weighs heavily on them."
"Then we show them strength," Ivar said. "We make it clear that standing with the Riverlands is their best chance for survival."
Duncan Greenfield, seated at the table, leaned forward. His expression was grim but thoughtful. "And what about the Tyrells? They've sent some reinforcements, but they're still holding back their full strength. If they're waiting for us to prove ourselves, we'll need to give them a reason to commit."
Roland frowned, his brow furrowing. "How? The Tyrells are cautious, and Highgarden is far from the front lines. If they decide to stay neutral, we'll be on our own."
Ivar's jaw tightened. "We give them something they can't ignore. A decisive victory, one that proves we have the strength to stand against Tywin. If we can hold Riverrun and repel his next assault, it'll send a message—not just to the Tyrells, but to the rest of the realm."
The room fell silent as Ivar's words sank in. Each member of the council understood the stakes: the next battle would not be just another skirmish. It would be a test of their resolve, a defining moment in the war.
As the meeting ended, the council dispersed to carry out their orders. Timothy prepared his soldiers for another mission, while Lysa set to work rallying the smaller houses. Roland took charge of the fortifications, ensuring that every crossing was secured and every defense strengthened.
Ivar remained in the war room, his gaze fixed on the map. The firelight cast flickering shadows across his face, highlighting the lines of exhaustion and determination etched into his features.
Lysa returned later that evening, her footsteps soft against the stone floor. She approached him cautiously, her sharp eyes studying his expression.
"You've been here all day," she said. "You should rest. Even you can't carry the weight of this war alone."
"I'm not alone," Ivar replied, his voice quiet but firm. "But every decision I make affects thousands of lives. I can't afford to falter."
Lysa crossed her arms, her tone softening. "You're doing everything you can. The Riverlands are still standing because of you."
"For now," Ivar said, his gaze dropping to the map. "But Tywin's not going to stop. If we don't win the next battle, everything we've built will fall apart."
"You'll win," Lysa said. "You've outmaneuvered Tywin before. You can do it again."
Ivar looked at her, his expression unreadable. "I hope you're right."
Days passed as Riverrun prepared for Tywin's next move. Scouts reported increased Lannister activity near Harrenhal, and rumors spread that Tywin was gathering his forces for a massive assault.
In the meantime, Timothy led another raid on a Lannister outpost, striking with the precision and brutality that had become his signature. The attack disrupted Tywin's supply lines further, but it also drew attention to the Riverlands' growing defiance.
Back at Riverrun, Roland oversaw the fortifications with meticulous care. He walked the walls daily, inspecting every weak point and ensuring that his soldiers were prepared for the inevitable siege.
"Double the archers on the southern wall," he ordered one of his captains. "And make sure the ballistae are fully stocked. If Tywin wants to breach these walls, he'll have to pay for it in blood."
Lysa, meanwhile, worked tirelessly to rally the smaller houses. She traveled to key strongholds, meeting with lords who wavered in their loyalty. Her sharp tongue and unyielding determination left a lasting impression, and one by one, the houses pledged their support.
"You have our swords," one lord said during a meeting in his hall. "But if Riverrun falls, we won't be able to hold for long."
"Riverrun won't fall," Lysa replied, her tone cold and certain. "And if you stand with us, neither will your lands."
As preparations continued, Ivar found himself standing alone on the battlements one evening, watching the sun set over the war-torn landscape. The fields beyond Riverrun were scorched and barren, a stark reminder of the cost of war.
Roland joined him, his armor clinking softly as he approached.
"You're thinking about the next battle," Roland said.
"I'm always thinking about the next battle," Ivar replied.
Roland nodded, his gaze fixed on the horizon. "We've come a long way, Ivar. The Riverlands are stronger than they've ever been. But Tywin… he's still a force to be reckoned with."
"I know," Ivar said. "But so are we."
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