Eyes on the Hills (Edmure)

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The encampment of soldiers was vast and stretched out across the lands that surrounded Riverrun. The Northmen and Rivermen alike had gathered there in pursuit of the defeat of their common enemy. Still, Robb had been making mistakes and things seemed to get farther and farther away from him. His men still remained loyal to him, through and through. He supposed that's what mattered the most. The Boltons had secured Winterfell on his behalf. That meant he could keep him mind on the battle that raged across the Riverlands.

"The Lannisters have moved a vast majority of their numbers to King's Landing. Stannis Baratheon has them scared.", Robb said as he looked out over the battlements to the troops below and all the campfires that were alight with the sun going down.

"The Westerlands are weaker now. Much easier to take, but their men still have Harrenhal."

Robb wanted to see them fall quickly, but he could not forget that there were problems that were still closer to them. If Robb went to invade the Westerlands with a large force, there was a chance that Riverrun could be taken. There was no way that could happen.

Robb turned to his uncle, Lord Edmure Tully, who had proven to be a great help to this rebellion. The sooner this was done, the sooner he would get his sisters back as well as everything else that belonged to the Starks.

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Trailing behind his nephew, Edmure observed the weight his grace was under. Going to his side he peered out at the amassed forces of Tully and Stark. Edmure had truly admired his nephew for his great feats at such a young age. While at every turn it seemed he’d only hindered the war efforts. With the passing of his father it was time for resurgence. This was his chance to start anew and regain his honor on the field.

“Your grace, we could put Harrenhal to siege. Yet, even in ruin the city is still a formidable challenge. Also we’d be putting some of our men in danger, as their backs would be to King’s Landing and its Lannister horde.” He said returning the gaze of his King.

“Our best chance is to meet them in the open. We need a way to draw them out, perhaps another invasion west is the key.” He hadn’t expected the Lannister armies to return so quickly to the Riverlands after Blackwater Bay. There was still the threat of the Vale and their unknown allegiance. If their luck held out the Vale would stay undecided until the war began to sway further to their cause.

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"Yes... Draw them out and when they give chase, we can surprise them with a second force.", Robb said, agreeing with Edmure's plan. Robb would need to weaken the forces around Gold Tooth as they would most certainly be fortified. He knew of the secret pass into the Westerlands. It would be instrumental in this invasion. The last time, they hadn't reached Casterly Rock. This time would be an entirely different story. The gold supplies in the west could help them out quite a bit in this war. He hoped Edmure would be able to keep Riverrun safe and Bolton's bastard could keep Winterfell away from the Lannisters. After taking all he could, Robb could possibly ransom Casterly Rock off to the Lannisters in exchange for his sisters. No easy task, but it was well worth a try.

"We have more than enough men for the job. Should Tywin Lannister send forces from King's Landing, I'll double back to aid you in the defense of Riverrun. Taking Gold Tooth is important, now. I can have men from the North sent down to aid us if need be. Roose Bolton has command there."

It was important to have all the swords they possibly could for this plan. There was so much ground to cover and so much to think about before even making one move. His gloved hands gripped the walls of the battlements as he continued to stare out at all of his bannermen.

"I have to keep their faith in me. I've brought them all so far away from their homes..."

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Satisfaction rolled over him as his nephew acknowledged his plan, and chose it as the next course of action. Following the chain of events that afflicted him thus far, the fire within him burned bright. Edmure was already mentally preparing for his defense of the riverlands. It was a great honor and an important task to leave to Edmure. Fighting in pure defense while trying to protect the whole of the riverlands from considerable threat would come at severe cost.

“As lord of these lands it is my duty and honor to protect these people. Our stalwart defense will be known throughout Westeros for generations. Consider taking the long route, for you won’t be needed back here any time soon.” He claimed boisterously. “Yet, I wouldn’t say no having a few extra swords from Bolton.”

Through his boast, the king’s mood was nearly lost to him. Not far separated in youth, the burdens they bore were much different. Gloom hung over his majesty’s head as the weight of another heavy decision fell on him.

“Your grace, you have not yet lost a battle. In their eyes you cannot be defeated. It will be tough on us all, but they must know what awaits them in defeat. The rule of the iron throne is corrupted and subjecting to it will corrupt them as well. Your path is just and your rule strong, yet balanced. Have faith in your judgments.

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It never hurt to have a few extra swords. That much was certain. He silently thanked the Old Gods that he had enough men to fight this war. Any lesser lord would have likely lost it all by now. Granted, House Stark has come out a little worse for wear during this whole war. But what house didn't at the end of the day? Wars were not meant to build and if they did, they couldn't really be considered wars. Robb understood why his father preferred to remain North with his family. There was so much death and chaos away from their homeland.

"I shall instruct him to write a letter to his bastard.", Robb said, nodding to Lord Tully. The extra forces coming from the North would likely have Tywin Lannister on edge. Robb only hoped the threat of Stannis Baratheon would keep the old lion occupied while Robb made his invasion on the Westerlands. With the west under their control, the Stark-Tully forces would be in control. He would have his sisters back soon.

"Thank you, Lord Tully.", Robb said, looking his uncle in the eyes. He gave the man a curt nod before turning away to head inside the castle.

"I will get you those men. We will begin movement when the sun rises."