THE WAR OF ICE AND FIRE

Preparations for the Final Clash

303 AC

The Reach

Highgarden

Robb Stark

It had taken two Weeks after the Battle Of Summerhall, for their army to march back to Reach. Their destination Highgarden, where the combined Army of Westeros is assembling for their attack in Dorne.

Even though Robb disliked the opportunist Tyrells, he had to admit that Highgarden was beautiful. The White Castle glistens in the sunlight, surrounded by a field of flowers. The Perfect Seat for a House, whose Sigil is a Rose.

He smiled when his eyes fell on the massive army camp just outside the Walls of the Castle. Banners from all across The North, Riverlands, Vale, The Crownlands, were present.

He was pleased to see that his call had been answered.

"Impressive isn't it" Randyll Tarly, who was riding beside him, said.

"It is Lord Tarly" Robb answered with a nod, as the forces silently marched towards the Camp. His men blew their War horns to signal their arrival.

As they neared the Castle, the Soldiers in the Camp cheered their return. No doubt they have heard about Robb's victories near Highgarden and their recent victory in Summerhall.

"You saved The Reach from the Dothraki raiders" Tarly said amidst the cheering Soldiers "You are a hero to them".

"I am no Hero, my Lord" Robb spoke quietly. A hero never commits the type of atrocities like Robb had committed during the War of The Five Kings.

As they neared the Castle, Robb instructed "Lord Tarly, tell the men to make camps and take some rest. Have them polish their armour and sharpen their swords" He ordered "We will march two days from now".

"Two days" Dickon Tarly, who was just behind them, asked a little concerned "Isn't it too soon?".

"We still have the momentum in the war" Robb replied calmly "I don't want to lose that. The more we delay, the more they have time to kick their wounds".

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Robb looked at the Council with a smile. Finally, all his allies were together. Lords from every corner of Westeros, from North to Stormlands and from Crownlands to Westerlands were present in this meeting.

"My Lords" Robb began slowly surveying the room "The time has come to end this war once and for all. Too long we have tolerated the foreign invaders ravaging our soil. This time we will teach them such a lesson in blood, that no eastern horde will ever dare to look at Westeros in the future".

The unruly Northern Lords shouted in bloodlust, banging their heels on the hard floor. Some of The Reach Lords whose lands had been ravaged by the Dothraki, joined their Northern brethren in their cheer.

"Your Grace" Harrold Hardyng asked hesitantly "Is it wise for us to push in Dorne?"

Before Robb can reply, Greatjon shouted "Are you questioning our King's judgement?"

Robb sighed at the Greatjon's overzealousness. He was greatful that he such a loyal man like Lord Umber, but sometimes his antics can be tiring.

Harrold gulped. It isn't pretty to be yelled by a 7 and a half foot tall giant, who can rip him in half with his bare hands. But he kept his calm and replied.

"I am not questioning the King's Judgement" Harry answered calmly "But armies have been known to dissapear in the sands of Dorne. The Targaryens with all their Dragons and the might of The Seven Kingdoms couldn't bring the Martells in their fold. We can defeat them in open field, but what if they engage in hit and run war? They will bleed us dry"