Edwyn II
Fallow Hill, the Riverlands
Edwyn exhaled, easing himself down into his chair. This was the first time that he felt able to breathe easy in weeks. It was ironic to him, truly, that as a boy he had longed to leave the walls of Fallow Hill behind, but now, as a lord, he felt uncomfortable leaving it behind. It wasn’t necessarily his own safety that he feared for, but the organization of his house and home, and the safety of his family as a whole. He was confident that Ashton, Priscilla and Baldric, together, would have kept things in order in his time away, but he hated having no control whatsoever.
He’d changed from his travel clothing, and now wore a simple leather jerkin over a blue doublet. Having sent Axell to gather Maester Oylen, Ashton, and Ser Baldric, he now had a rare minute to rest and gather his thoughts. It was almost poetic; the longest summer in recorded history was almost over. A decade of peace and prosperity. And it seemed that the winter that loomed on the horizon would be a cruel one. It wasn’t as if he hadn’t prepared for what was to come. His garrison was well-drilled and trained, and his granary was plentiful. But that only meant longevity in war; not victory. Nonetheless, he felt that something had to be done in response to the raids, and his gut said that.
A rhythmic rattle sounded on the door. Two knocks, a beat, and then a third. Edwyn knew at once who requested entrance. ”You may enter, Maester Oylen.”
The old Dornishman slowly pushed the door open, a smile upon his face. In his hand, a closed book. He had likely headed straight over from his quarters having learned of Edwyn’s return. Oylen was a good man, a loyal man, and his happiness to see his lord return was earnest. He was not only a trusted advisor and tutor to the Landry family, but a friend, and he counted himself truly grateful for how the lord and his issue treated him. Not all maesters were afforded such respect.
“My lord,” Oylen spoke. “It is good to see you. Are you in good health?”
”I am, maester. But I cannot say the same for the men and women of the Red Fork.” Edwyn gave a slight, pained smile to Oylen, before reverting the neutral, cold frown that was almost synonymous of him.
Oylen’s smile faded, too. He was well aware of the situation. “Lord Ashton has been working tirelessly to keep things in check whilst you were away, my lord. The boy has excelled, given the situation.”
”I expected no less.” Edwyn nodded. He had raised all of his boys to be good, reliable men. He had hammered the house words and values into them since they were babes. He acknowledged his mediocrity as a loving father, but his harshness had moulded each of them into honourable men. Now, in this time of war, his sons were what the Riverlands needed. ”And where is he now?”
“In a meeting, my lord, with Ser Royce and Ser Baldric,” Maester Oylen stood up straight. “Preparations for what may be to come, I believe.”
Edwyn stroked his greying brown beard as he thought. He was a perfectionist when it came to preparation, and would likely repeat what his son had already addressed in the meeting, but he was happy to hear that the lad had taken his own initiative to tackle the subject, knowing that he could have left it for Edwyn upon his return. He looked back up at the Dornishman, and allowed for a slight smile to grace his face. ”That will be all for now, Maester Oylen.”
“Of course, my lord,” Oylen said, dipping his head respectfully, and departing the room.
It was only seconds later that Axell came bustling through the door, looking flustered and unsure. He looked to Lord Edwyn and spoke, once he had gathered his thoughts. “My lord-”
”Do not fret, Axell.” Edwyn immediately interjected. The boy’s bumbling clumsiness was frustrating to him, at times, but had a certain charm that Edwyn found endearing. ”Maester Oylen has informed me of Ashton’s council.”
Axell looked relieved, but continued nonetheless. “He wishes for you to attend, if you would, my lord.”
Lord Edwyn tilted his head back a little. He looked almost slighted by the request. For his call to be answered in another call was most irregular. But he took it as a message; Ashton truly believed the meeting he was holding was important. So important that the lord himself could wait. So he stood. ”Very well. See to it that some food is prepared for me. After, you may spend your evening how you see fit. We’ll be up early tomorrow.”
“Yes, my lord,” Axell spoke with relief. The last two months had likely been the most exhausting of his life. “Thank you, my lord.” And with that, the boy, too, took his leave.
Edwyn made his way to the meeting room.
“If you are nothing else, you are courageous,” Baldric mumbled to Ashton. “The morale courage to do what is you know is right in your heart, is a rare and precious quality. Your father has taught you well and you have learned from him. For this I am proud of you. Let us see how he responds.” Baldric smiled at the young lord, who was cut short of a reply as the door opened.
There was a shift in the mood of the room as the riverlord entered. He had been the face of this castle and house for sixteen years, and commanded a level of respect that few others could. He wore a neutral expression. Unreadable. First he gave his master-at-arms a nod, ”Ser Baldric,” he spoke with a warmness to his voice. He'd surely catch up without the formalities at a later point. He gave the captain of the guards a similar nod, ”Ser Royce.” And then, Edwyn's gaze fell to his youngest son.
”Ash.” The Lord's voice was unflinching. ”You look in your element.” He peered at the boy, his pale hazel eyes unblinking. It was unapparent if he was about to scold or praise.
Ashton was in the middle of a respectful nod to the Master-At-Arms when the door opened once more. The appearance of his father seemed to have no real impact on Ashton at first, he simply bowed his head and allowed the man to speak. He was never really able to read his father, something that he had tried to copy in his own mannerisms of command, and this time was no different. Ash decided he wouldn’t even try to decipher the facial expressions and body language. He was proud of his decisions and as Ser Baldric said, he would stand by them. ”Father, welcome home. If I am in my element it’s because of your teachings." He was going to go on about the road and how he hoped the travel was to tiring before he stopped himself. ”I was just going over a potential plan to destroy the raiders on our trading routes.” He inclined his head once more and moved away from his chair. It was a silent way of telling Edwyn ‘the seat is once again yours’, and Ashton took the chair directly to the right. Edwyn took a moment, before obliging, taking his place and allowing the meeting to resume.
“The young lord was detailing his plan to strike at the raiders. Lord Ashton believes the raiders scout the traders here,” pointing at a hilly location on the map arrayed between the men. “They then ready themselves to strike. They could not be very large as they tend to strike at the smaller caravans only. Based on the locations they have struck, the young lord believes the raiders base camp is in this general location here,” Baldric pointed the location. “You can see where Ash placed a black circle on the map. Ash had just told the Captain and myself to employ a ruse; have a caravan leave Fallow Hill, running along a similar route as the previous caravans. He suggests we place soldiers in the wagons instead of foodstuff or supplies. The soldiers must remain hidden else they ruin the surprise. The Rangers could position themselves at a distance here,” Baldric pointed at the map. “We would then dispatch riders as though answering a call to banners. The raiders won’t know the difference, but our men will be further down the road here waiting in ambush.” The markings were already on the map displaying Lord Ashton’s plan. “The young lord suggests we use the Landry Lancers to come in from the opposite end. Personally, those smallfolk have proven to be unreliable. I suggest we merely use one of the other troops of cavalry to close the door on the raiders.” Baldric took a sip of wine. “M’lord, it is a viable plan. I recommend we put Ashton’s plan into action. We’ll need to assemble the troops and brief the leadership on their specific roles.”
”Aye…” Edwyn stroked his chin and looked Ashton's way. He had kept his tongue at bay thus far. ”Aye,” he said again, this time more firmly. ”A sound plan, Ash, and a wise suggestion Baldy.” Edwyn stood from his chair, observing the map. ”You will lead this operation, Baldric. I trust no-one else more to ensure it is safely executed. I suggest you take the Rivers boy,” the lord spoke, drawing his finger down on the map. ”He's got a shrewd bowfinger, and can cut the bandits short a couple before they have the situation clocked.” Edwyn nodded to himself, side-glancing Baldy. ”You know the men better than anyone, I trust you can assemble the unit..”
“The Rivers boy,” Baldric murmured. “The best place for me to be is in the Wagons. That way, I can initiate the attack on the raiders. We’ll plan to use a horn to signal the mounted element. How about Edmund lead the cavalry and use that Rivers boy to lead the Rangers in their ambush. He really only needs about fifty or a hundred.” Baldric hesitated a few seconds and then made another suggestion. “Would it be acceptable if I took Ashton in the wagon with me? It is his plan. Maybe he could see it happen.”
Lord Edwyn mulled over his thoughts. ”I’m not so sure about the wagon.” Edwyn shook his head slightly. ”But he could do with the experience. I'd allow for him to observe the ambush from the rear… accompanied by Ser Tristifer.” Edwyn didn't want to cushion the boy. But Lady Priscilla would never allow for him to accompany the vanguard - and even though Edwyn's word was final, the lady of the house was unflinching if met in disagreement. ”See to it that he is well guarded.”
”Father, I only ask that you prepare me for the war to come, because with the tension in the Kingdoms, I think even I know that war is certain. Within the wagons I’ll be in the safest place in the entire attack, as even in the rear I’m a target for retreating bandits or ones we didn’t see. A stray arrow…” He trailed off and shrugs, ”but within the van I’ll be surrounded by our own men and between the surprise and the double flank, I’ll be in no true danger while gaining more experience.” He nodded his head as he finished, letting his father know that in the end he was the last call in the matter.
”You’ve already asked a lot of me today, Ashton,” Edwyn spoke sternly. ”And I'd expect you to respect my judgement..” He peered at the boy, eyes glinting. ”But… I will allow for you to accompany the men. Again, under Ser Tristifer's keen eye. You are to follow Ser Baldric's every instruction.” Edwyn tapped his finger upon the table. ”There are squires who have seen war at your age from Winterfell to Oldtown. I will allow for you to learn. But you are to stay at Ser Tristifer's side, you understand?”
”I only ask of you what you have come to expect from me father. You taught me.” He smiled a bit but backed off, knowing that he was pushing his luck this day. ”I won’t be a problem, I promise.” He glanced back over to Baldric and had enough tact to keep his face clear again.
Baldric looked at the boy with a stern face. He was measuring the man for what he was worth more than anything else. For it is times like this when boys become men. He will either shine or cower and it is not in him to cower. “M’lord, it is a wise notion to place the boy with Paege. Ser Tristifer will take good care of the lad. I’ll keep an eye out for him when I see him as well.” Baldric was more concerned with the bastard, Rivers. “What about Robert Rivers? Do you think he can handle the Rangers? Be at the right place at the right time?”
”I can vouch for the lad.” Edwyn spoke with certainty. ”He’s loyal, and a better aim than any of us with a bow.” He looked to Ashton. ”You certain you're ready, boy?” He spoke with compassion, but the look in his eyes was clear; he would be disappointed with any answer that was not 'yes’.
”Yes father, I’m ready.” He truly was, ever since he put a sword in his own hand and went to Ser Baldric for tutoring. He developed a style that was entirely his own and formed it to his strengths and to cover his weaknesses. Beyond that he would need the experience if war broke out, and it was better to do it against bandits instead of an opposing House’s standing army. ”Will Axell be coming as well?” He and the Deddings lad had promised to be beside each other in the first battle, but while he assumed Edwyn would be going. He wasn’t entirely sure, and if Edwyn didn’t go, Axell may not either.
”This is your operation, Ashton. I will remain in Fallow Hill. I have plenty of matters to attend to.” Edwyn looked at the boy. He was certain that Ash could hold his own on the battlefield. But Axell? Not so much. He stroked his beard oncemore. ”Ser Royce. Do you believe your son is ready for potential combat?”
Ser Dedding puffed up his chest as he stood. He looked Edwyn in the eyes and responded with certainty, “I have no doubt in my mind that your squire, my son would do well on Lord Ashton’s raid. If it is consent you are looking for, you have it. You don’t need it, you can use him as you see fit, but you have it either way. I’m sure he will enjoy this outing.”
“Very well. He shall squire for Ser Baldric in my stead.” Edwyn decided vocally. Ser Baldric nodded in affirmation. ”Ashton, I will find some time tomorrow morning to get better caught up on things with you. You must've had a long few months,” Edwyn continued, as he adjusted his place in the chair. ”I think it's only fair you have an evening to relax yourself. Is there anything that can't wait?” Edwyn exhaled. The trip had been exhausting. The coming weeks would be rigorous, and, tonight, he wished to bathe and to eat a good meal.
”Would you like me to speak to Edmund about it, or leave it until tomorrow? Other than that question I have nothing further. I’m sure Maester Oylen will have pages and pages of notes to go over with you on everything else.” He gave a chuckle at that and stood from chair, bowing slightly in respect to his father. ”Thank you for your time Father, and I’m truly glad to have you back.” He stood until he was dismissed and a rush of excitement ran through him as everything was decided. He made a mental note to get with Axell later on as well, they would finally be entering their first battle! Then again, he supposed Axell sort of already have a smaller engagement near Pinkmaiden, though he didn’t know the specifics.
”Aye. Perhaps leave Edmund to have a night of leisure. He's had plenty on his plate these last few weeks. But I want things set in motion for the ambush immediately.” Edwyn stood from his chair. ”Ser Baldric. Ser Royce. Ashton. Thank you for your time. I trust you will execute this operation cleanly without my supervision.” He cleared his throat, placing his hand, straight, on Ashton's shoulder, his face still stony cold. ”Well done, son.” And with that, he made his leave.
Gladly, when he arrived at his desk in his personal study, dinner was not yet cold.
