LGHTNOVELBOOK Chapter 50: The Lion Strikes Back
Chapter 50: The Lion Strikes Back
The calm in the Riverlands was deceptive. Tywin Lannister's forces had been humiliated by Ivar Sunblode's ambush at the supply depot, and though his lines had been disrupted, his pride burned brighter than ever. Tywin was a man who thrived on control, and now, he sought to reassert it with devastating precision.
At Harrenhal, Tywin convened his most trusted commanders. The grand hall was lit by rows of torches, their flickering flames casting long shadows across the stone walls. Seated at the head of the table, Tywin exuded an aura of cold authority. His steely gaze swept over the map before him, its surface marked with the scars of a prolonged campaign.
"The Riverlands have become emboldened," Tywin began, his voice calm but laced with menace. "Sunblode has taken advantage of our setbacks, but his success has made him overconfident. We will correct that mistake."
Kevan Lannister, ever the pragmatist, leaned forward. "The ambush at the depot was a calculated move. He's not just reacting to us—he's trying to dictate the terms of this war. If we're not careful, he could turn the smaller houses completely against us."
"He won't get the chance," Tywin replied, his tone leaving no room for doubt. "We will remind the Riverlands what it means to defy the lion. We will strike hard, not just at their forces but at their will to fight."
Ser Addam Marbrand, standing to Tywin's right, spoke next. "Our scouts report that Sunblode has fortified the crossings at the Red Fork and Tumblestone. If we want to break through, we'll need to bring siege engines and enough men to overwhelm their defenses."
Tywin nodded. "And we will. But first, we'll make them bleed. The Riverlands rely on their farms and villages to sustain their forces. Burn them. Take everything of value and leave nothing behind."
Gregor Clegane, the Mountain, grunted in approval, a twisted grin spreading across his scarred face. "I'll take care of it."
Tywin's gaze shifted to him, his expression cold. "Do not be reckless, Gregor. I want precision, not chaos. Every action we take must serve the larger goal."
The Mountain's grin faded, but he gave a curt nod. "As you wish."
Tywin turned back to the map, his fingers brushing against the markers representing the Riverlands' defenses. "Once their villages are ashes and their people are starving, we'll move on Riverrun. I want the castle surrounded on all sides. When we take it, we end this rebellion once and for all."
At Riverrun, Ivar received word of Tywin's movements from Lysa's spies. The reports were grim: villages burned, fields razed, and refugees flooding toward Riverrun in desperate need of shelter.
In the war room, Ivar stood with his council, the weight of the news pressing heavily on everyone present.
"He's trying to break us," Roland Emberhill said, his tone grim. "If we can't stop him, the Riverlands will collapse under the strain."
"He's testing us," Lysa added. "Tywin wants to see how we'll respond. If we stretch ourselves too thin trying to defend the villages, he'll strike at Riverrun directly."
Ivar's gaze hardened as he studied the map. "We can't let him destroy the Riverlands, but we also can't leave Riverrun vulnerable. We need to find a way to counter him without playing into his hands."
Duncan Greenfield leaned forward, his expression thoughtful. "What if we turn his strategy against him? Tywin is relying on his mobility to strike at our villages, but if we can disrupt his movements, we can slow him down and force him into a defensive position."
"And how do we do that?" Timothy Sunrise asked, his grin sharp despite the tension. "It's not like we can just throw a wall in front of his army."
"No," Ivar said, a spark of an idea forming in his mind. "But we can control the terrain. The Red Fork and Tumblestone are key chokepoints. If we can force his army to funnel through those areas, we can trap him."
Lysa raised an eyebrow. "And how do we lure him there? Tywin's not going to walk into a trap unless he thinks he has the advantage."
"We make him think it's his idea," Ivar replied. "We'll spread false reports that our forces are stretched thin along the Red Fork. If Tywin thinks he can break through there, he'll commit his forces. When he does, we'll be waiting."
Roland frowned, his concern evident. "It's a bold plan, but it's risky. If Tywin realizes it's a trap, he could turn it against us."
"That's why we need to be careful," Ivar said. "Lysa, I need you to coordinate with your spies. Feed Tywin's scouts just enough information to make the ruse convincing, but not so much that he suspects a setup."
Lysa nodded, her sharp eyes gleaming with determination. "I'll handle it."
"And Timothy," Ivar continued, "your enhanced soldiers will play a key role in this. Once Tywin's forces are committed, your team will hit them from behind, cutting off their retreat."
Timothy's grin widened. "Now you're speaking my language."
As the council dispersed to carry out their tasks, Ivar remained behind, his thoughts racing. The plan was ambitious, but if it succeeded, it could shift the momentum of the war in their favor.
The next few days were a whirlwind of preparation. Lysa's spies spread false intelligence, carefully planting the idea that Riverrun's forces were faltering along the Red Fork. Meanwhile, Timothy and his team scouted the terrain, identifying the best positions for their ambush.
Roland worked tirelessly to fortify the crossings, ensuring that they could hold against a prolonged assault.
"We need to buy time for the trap to work," Roland told his captains. "Every second we delay Tywin's advance is another second we have to prepare."
At Harrenhal, Tywin received the false reports with interest. His commanders debated the best course of action, but Tywin's decision was swift.
"If Sunblode's forces are weak along the Red Fork, then that's where we'll strike," he said. "Send Gregor's men ahead to clear the way. Once the path is secure, we'll bring the full force of our army to bear."
The Mountain's twisted grin returned. "Finally, a proper fight."
Back at Riverrun, Ivar stood on the battlements, watching as the sun dipped below the horizon. The Riverlands stretched out before him, its once-prosperous villages now scarred by war.
Lysa joined him, her presence quiet but steady.
"You've done everything you can," she said. "Now we just have to wait."
"I hate waiting," Ivar replied.
Lysa smirked faintly. "Patience isn't weakness, Ivar. Sometimes, it's the greatest weapon we have."
Ivar nodded, though the tension in his chest didn't ease. "Let's hope it's enough."
As the first light of dawn broke over the Riverlands, Tywin's forces began their march toward the Red Fork. The lion was on the move, and the Riverlands braced for the battle to come.
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