[h2][center][i][color=brown]King Tyget Crakehall[/color][/i][/center][/h2] [sub][center][i][color=brown]On march to King's Landing[/color][/i][/center][/sub] Three days of hard marching. Three days of fast, hard and backbreaking march. The pace was punishing, but it had been necessary. Although Casterly Rock was far from the border of the Reach, an army of fifty thousand men mobilising was hard to keep secret. By moving so quickly Tyget had shaved days or even weeks of off the march to King's Landing, ensuring the small force he imagined held garrison there would receive little to no warning of their approach. That was worth it. Even with destroyed walls and small numbers a well enough prepared force could hold King’s Landing. Tyget would ensure that they could not hold it against him. He awoke on the fourth day of march, ready to tell his Lords and men that they would be slowing down to a regular pace, no doubt to their relief. He awoke to prepare his armour, his Banefort Paige ready to assist him. His armour sat kneeling proud on its rack, the proud steel suit still shining from its recent forging. His sword the reforged ‘[i]Red Rain[/i]’, now called ‘[i]Heart’s fire[/i]’, stood in it sheathe. He had had the blade reforged to be more appropriate for him, the thick inelegant blade now undulated like flames, ending in a thick point. The red smokey Valyrian steel had been tested time and time again, no less effective in its new form from its old. The armour, newly forged after his ‘resurrection’, matched his new heraldry. The deep earthy tones of the layered and segmented plate were accentuated by the thick bands of gold and red rims, the colors of bright flames stuck out against the dark armour. The plate leggings and gauntlets bore red and gold detail, the fauld and cuisse similarly colored black, red and gold. His sloping helm had its edges shaped to undulating fire, the plumage once white had been replaced with feathers of a bright fiery red taken from some exotic bird. Its golden crest stood tall, its top undulated like fire and was tipped with blue. A pair of horn-like tusks stretched up to the sky, tipped with blood red. Tyget stood before his paige, and helped to put on his Gambeson. The breast and backplates were tied and clasped together, his gauntlets and vambrace similarly placed on his arms. His spaulders, shaped to be flaming boars, were tied as well. His bright yellow surcoat was put on, on its back his new heraldry. A Boar, reared up on its hind legs, screaming to the ground as he prepared to come crashing upon its foe. Its fur was fire, orange, red and gold. Its tusks were black and ringed in golden flame, its proud head a flaming blue crown set atop. He took his helmet under his arm, and marched for the large council tent at the camps center. He opened the flap to find Lord Payne waiting for him already. The King chuckled, [color=brown]“Ah, Lord Payne. Always early, never on time. Why is that?”[/color] Lord Payne smiled, the short, stout man gave a sly smile to his King,“Your Grace, a man who is early misses nothing, and gains much more.” [color=brown]“Well regardless it's good you're here. Any word from your brother on my son and the forces I sent with them?[/color], “No your grace, but my brother is anything if not skilled. I’m certain your son is fine.” Lord Payne smiled assuringly Tyget nodded… he needed to stop worrying, Tywin could take care of himself. He sighed and took a drink from the goblet of wine his paige poured him. [color=brown]“Of course, its why I made him my first Kingsguard after all. Tell me Payne, surely you have reservations about my plan? Take a city whose walls are ruined by dragon fire? Give me your sage counsel old friend.”[/color] Lord Payne stroked his chin in thought, no doubt he had some hole to poke in Tygets plan. But, he simply shrugged. “Well your grace, if you believe you can hold it, then I will see that its held. I am but a loyal servant after all. Kings Landing holds your throne, why wouldn’t you take it when it’s so weakened?” Tyget smiled, Payne almost always gave counsel pointing problems in a plan and this day he was silent… good. Unfourtanetly, their peaceful conversation was broken by Lord Lorrence Lorch storming into the tent. Lorrence was not unlike his father Joramy, massive and intimidating, he was by far the tallest amongst the lords, even over the traditionally tall Cleganes. He was about 6’4 or ‘5 and carried about a massive maul whose head was shaped like the tail of a manticore. This maul swung at his side for now, his helm under his arm, his mustachioed face on full display as he slammed his hand down on the table. [color=yellow]“You give the landing party to Ser Falwell?! A Kingsguard?! I should be the one breaking into that damn city!”[/color], Lorch declared loudly. Tyget sighed, [color=brown]“Falwell is an experienced knight and, most importantly, [i]expendable[/i] Lord Lorch. If my gambit to take the city fails all we lose are a knight and his men. I’ll not lose another lord in a gambit.”[/color] [color=yellow]And if they find Lord Garland or Ser Wilas? Their Head are mi-”[/color], Payne interrupted him. “Garland is not [i]in[/i] Kings Landing Lord Lorch, w-”, [color=yellow] “And how do you know that Lord Payne?! Are you the new master of Whispers?!”[/color] Tyget answered, taking another sip of wine, [color=brown]“We know that because Garland would have no reason to stay and every reason to stay. Its a city with ruined walls and he has better things to do that babysit it. Wilas may yet remain as leader of the Goldcloaks and the Tyrell men still there. However, we can’t know for sure because we have no spies like we did before.”[/color] Lorch turned back to Tyget, his eyes filled with anger, [color=yellow]“I want both their heads your Grace! It is because of them my father is dead and they will die by my hand alone!”[/color] [color=brown]“I cannot guarantee that Lord Lorch. For one a battle is a chaotic place, any man could kill Wilas or Garland on one. And, you will not be receiving Garlands head. He will not be dying if it can be avoided.”[/color] [color=yellow]“Why? He has risen arms against you, rightful ruler of the Seven Kingdoms! And he may live?!”[/color] Tyget growled to his rowdy Lord, [color=brown]“If I have Garland executed the Reach will burn its crops before they give them up to my seven kingdoms. I will not starve the people for your revenge Lorch, a King must consider things far into the future. Garland is simply doing what he, as Hand of the King, is meant to do. Keep the succession line unmuddled and ensure the correct heir takes the throne. I will not have him killed because he was wrong. When the North and Riverlands join me he will bend the knee then. Wilas is yours if I can give him to you, but I make no promise.”[/color] Lorch huffed and sat down heavily in his place at the table. following his outburst the other Lords filed in, ready to be briefed on their King's plan. ____________________________________________________________________________ [color=brown]“If our scouts are to be believed, the vast majority of the Reach’s forces reside within the Reach for fear of an attack by our army as they learned it has returned to the West. We also know, following the burning of King's Landing no Tyrell forces have been sent, meaning the forces there have not been bolstered. With estimations from our scouts and spies, the Reach stands ready with eighty thousand or more in their homeland. That, paired with observations of their forces in King’s Landing before the burning means there may be ten to fifteen thousand men or less in King’s Landing. We have about fifty two thousand with us here; five time their number. It has been too short a time for the walls to be repaired, this we know from the fact dragons fire melts stone, making it hard or impossible to repair without removing whatever is left. All the masons in the seven kingdoms could not repair it in that time. But, they are still the defending force and may decide to dig in like a damned tick and wait for help. That will not happen.”[/color] Tyget pointed to the black water, several towns a few miles from King’s Landing, and the King’s Wood. [color=brown]“As we are not bringing or fleet, we will muster before the main gates, make it appear that we intend a frontal assault. Ten thousand men will muster at the King’s Wood, further drawing attention to the front battlements. This will leave the mud gate, and all other gates along the blackwater undefended or sparsely defended. Sir Falwell will split with us before arrival at King’s Landing and commandeer enough boats for two thousand men. Under cover of night this small flotilla shal float into the blackwater, undetected, and take the mud gate. That done they will assault the likely smaller force holding against our men in the King’s Wood and open that gate. That done, they will assault our enemies at the main battlements, trapping them betwixt our forces. Any questions my lords?”[/color] The many assembled Lords sat in thought, there were few holes in his plan but Lord Marbrand spoke up. “What of the fleet in the blackwater?” Tyget nodded and tapped the blackwater, [color=brown]“The fleet is not going to be expecting any sort of attack and, is most likely scattered to allow for trade. The Tyrell’s fleet prevents us from bringing ours, so why would they be readied? They will think nothing of a few boats ferrying in and out even if they notice them, which is unlikely at night regardless.”[/color]T heir Kings logic sound, and the Lords seemed satisfied. It was only when the Elderly Lord Lefford spoke that again the Lords seemed worried. “Your Grace, w-without the walls… how shall we hold the city against Lord Garland Tyrell? Surely he will mount a siege to retake it?”, the assembled Lords began to grumble “Y-you yourself said there is not time to mend the great walls… what is your plan?” Tyget smirked at the elderly Lord, then spoke. [color=brown]“That, Lord Lefford, is the most important question you could have asked. For we are already outnumbered, and will no doubt take casualties in the taking of King’s Landing. That, and none have declared yet for us, how will we hold against a siege with no walls?”[/color] He pointed again to the blackwater, front of King’s Landing, and the King’s Wood. [color=brown]“As you know, I ordered masons, wood cutters, blacksmiths and other craftsman marched with this army correct? They are for our defense. The masons will do what they can with the walls then abandon them, they are our last line of defense. The King’s Wood, or very much of it, will be cut down and made into trebuchets, catapult and other defenses. Every smallfolk in King’s landing will be given work, food and pay to assist in this, as well as digging the trenches.”[/color] [color=brown]“Every man who can, smallfolk and men in our own army, shall dig a vast network of trenches before the city, interconnected and reinforced with timber from the King’s wood. In addition the vast amount of soil dug up will not simply be tossed, it will be made into a great earthen wall, reinforced with timber atop which another trench shall be dug. Great lumber spiks and fortifications will be placed within it to deter cavalry, and force them to assault it on foot. Archers will be placed in it along with spears to keep them from climbing the steep wall. It will be far shorter though than the walls of King’s Landing, no taller than eight men atop one another. Archer towers will be built peering over it to pour more fire unto our foes. If that wall is breached they will needs contend with out trenches. fighting trench to trench until they finally reach the walls. If they do, they will find us waiting with phalanxes of spears and tower shields pushing them back. Even before the first earthen wall is assaulted or horse, which will be placed several miles away, will join my sons forces who will be called and attack while our enemy prepares for siege. Along with an assault from men at our own front they will agains be caught between two forces in the raid. As they begin to awake both forces will pull back out of their reach. After this, our cavalry will continue to harass them as they attempt to breach our wall. Garland Tyrell will sue for peace long before they breach us.”[/color] The table was silent. Each Lord in his turn trying to find fault. A few spoke about the weakness of earthen fortifications but were quickly silenced when no better alternative could present itself. Purely wooden walls could take too long and be knocked down easily, and an earthen wall so stout would deter traditional siege engines. The trench works were well wrought and would be hard to get any cavalry over and have to be cleared one by one. The night raid was brilliant, and the continuing harassment would be difficult to stop and destructive to moral. It was only when timid Lord Serret spoke that any problem was found that could be realistically solved. “What about the fleet? What if Tyrell calls upon them?” [color=brown]”We will be prepared for them too. The Blacksmiths of King’s Landing, and those we bring, will work on two jobs. Providing our men with the spears and towershileds we need if they pass the trenches, and smithing a great chain. The chain will, much like the battle of the blackwater, be dragged across the bay. Making sure that no ships will be able to assault us. Even if they row their long boats in we will have men posted and waiting with oil, arrow, spear, sword and more.”[/color]I t seemed as if Tyget had covered all his bases… all but one. Lord Payne cleared his throat to speak. “And if Garland can bring dragons to bear, your Grace?” Tyget’s face twisted into a cruel sneer as he spoak. [color=brown]”We will be ready for them too. I will have ballistae made by the carpenters, and we will rain great arrows into their scaly hides and keep them off the earthen wall and trenches. If they try to destroy them… then arrow and spear shall meet them. The ballistae will be spread out so as to cover one another yet be out of reach to be all burned at once, ensuring getting rid of them will take time. Even if they cannot fell the dragons, they will keep them away from our other defenses long enough to readjust or simply hold longer. I am confident the North and Riverlands will eventually ride to our assistance, and the siege will be over. Besides, I doubt Garland will resign the people of King’s to death by dragonfire. [i]None So Fierce[/i].”[/color], Tyget growled [color=brown]Those are the words of my house. Not, [i]None So Fierce, other than Dragons[/i]. Not [i]None So Fierce but my enemies[/i]. [i]It is None. So. Fierce.[/i]. For, there are none in all this world to match my wrath nor strength. There are none to doubt our resolve nor steel. No one will ever doubt us, my Lords. The Westerlands are the Lion, the Boar, the one to break our enemies! When the Lannisters stood all feared them, as Long as the Crakehalls stand no one will breach the Westerlands! We broke the Ironborn on their shores did we not? I drowned the great Kraken in fire and stomped on its corpse!”[/color] T he Lords who had been there let out a cheer. [color=brown]“I died on a ship in those waters, only to stand again and strike the head from our enemies myself! I lead the breach in Pyke! With R’hllors fire I scorched our foes!”[/color] More lords rose in cheer as Tyget stood, his hands balled in fists as he spoke, voice booming throughout the tent.{ color=brown]”A flower will not stop us! We will drive all before us, and take that damned Iron Chair for the West!”[/color] With this declaration the Lords stood and cheered, fists slammed to the table or lifted goblets to the air… Tyget was their King, and while they would run when his brother lead, none dared defy the Old boar. ____________________________________________________________________________ [h2][center][i][color=purple]The Giant and the Boar[/color][/i][/center][/h2] [sub][center][i][color=purple]Several days later, the Crownlands[/color][/i][/center][/sub] [color=purple]I warn you Ser, I have been tasked with guarding this bridge from any men to enter who wear armour. You will not pass, and I would truly prefer not to fight on such a beautiful day.”[/color] The massive man stood between the men at arms and their goal, a small town where they had been ordered to recruit. The sergeant gulped at the sight of the man. He was as tall as a man and a half! His girth was as impressive, a mountain of man stood their. He wore what appeared to be simplistic armour, a breast plate over a gambeson, greaves and gauntlets and even a greathelm! “Y-you will move at the order of k-k-king Tyget Crake-” The giant interrupted him, [color=purple]“I’ll move when the fine people of this town who were kind enough to give shelter and food to a wandering knight tell me too friend.”[/color] The sergeant sneered, “If you’ll not move… We’ll move you! Go! Kill him!” He ordered. His men looked at each other briefly, but decided they outnumbered him. Three charged him, spears held high and lunging for his unprotected areas.The giant sighed, before a great rumbling shout echoed from his lungs, he hefted his two massive axes, they would be wielded two handed by any other man, their thick heads shaped inwards like a man's body, not unlike the axe of an executioner. He swung them about like a regular sword. He parried one spear hard enough its haft shattered into splinters. Another was knocked away, and the third caught in between both axes before he snapped it like a twig. The man whose spear had been parried but was still whole swung it back, only to be parried by one axe, and another brought down on his head. The giant split it in two, helm and head, with his axe. Yanking it from the man's skull to turn to his friends. Both looked on in horror as his body fell sputtering to the ground before turning tail and running. Not far away the Army was setting up its camp. King Tyget strolled around the outskirts on his steed as he often did, he found it helped the men if they saw their proud king, he would even occasionally hop off and talk with them or even pitch a tent. He had led men for years, and it never hurt to be near them. Ser Falwell and Lorch marched alongside him as always, never out of arm's reach. It was during this stroll, proud in his full regalia on his horse, that he spotted the giant and his men’s clash. Five bodies lay at the giant's feet, all further failed assaults. He seemed largely uninjured… but it appeared the sergeant had decided to stop just throwing men at the massive knight. A ring of archers stood around him, ready to perforate the hedge knight for daring to stand in their way. “I’ll give you one more chance Ser! Move aside or we will kill you!” The giant sighed once more, [color=purple]”If I am to die here, it will be a knight's death. I do not fear it.”[/color] The sergeant raised his arm. “KNOCK, ARROWS!” The Archer’s knocked. “AIM!” They took their aim, the giant closed his eyes in prepartion. [color=brown]“Halt sergeant.”[/color], Tyget spoke loudly and with authority, but did not shout. The sergeants blood ran cold, and he gave the order to drop their arrows before kneeling before his king. Tyget looked from the sergeant to the armored giant stood at the bridge, who looked him over. He looked down to the sergeant. [color=brown]“Who is this man?”[/color] “S-some dissenter your Grace, he refuses to move so that we may recrui-” [color=purple]“I am more than some dissenter my lord. I am an anointed knight, my Lord”[/color], he bowed his head to the man of noble bearing. Tyget raised an eyebrow, and trotted up before the knight, signalling for his men to stand back, Falwell and Lorch nervously doing so, leaving their king before this massive man alone. [color=brown]“And what is your name Ser?”[/color] [color=purple]Ser Godry Langward my Lord.”[/color] Tyget smiled, [color=brown]Actually Ser Langward, it's ‘Your Grace’ when addressing a king.[/color] The Knight tilted his head, before giving a hearty, booming laugh. “You would dare laugh at King Tyget Crakehall?! You cur! MEN! KN-” Tyget held up his hand to silence the Sergeant, letting the man laugh. [color=purple]”I-I am so sorry your Grace, I did not recognize your sigil.”[/color] Ser Langward bowed deeply, before again facing King Tyget. [color=purple]”Before I left to find my fortune, I know my house sent men to the aid of your brother at King’s Landing. The Targaryens have had their time, we support you your Grace.”[/color] Tyget smiled widely, turning to the sergeant to speak to him first. [color=brown]Return to your posts, there will be another village with young men seeking silver before we reach Kings Landing!”[/color] The men scrambled away, some picking up the bodies and dragging them, ready to be burned or buried. Tygets guard approached, their dark red armour was tinged with flares of orange, yellow and gold. Their cloaks were gold with flared, fire detailed borders. The bottom of their cloaks appeared to be the beginnings of fires slowly creeping up their backs. Their helms had been shaped like screaming boars, whose coarse hair was flame trailing slightly behind them tinged with blue and gold. [color=brown]”Tell me, Ser Langward. What would you say to joining the most prestigious order of Knights in the land?”[/color] Ser Langward gave another hearty, booming laugh before he kneeled before King Tyget. [color=purple]”I would be honoured, Your grace.[/color]