House Ryswells War

Rodrick I

They sat outside of the twins with their host. Waiting for the signal that the twins would let Robb pass so Roose Bolton can begin marching down the Green Fork. Unfortunately during the march south. The division between his sons has become even more evident. So much so that he has been forced to send Roger and Rickard to Robb with half the force then he and Roose go to Bolton with the other half taking mostly golds and some browns.

After half an hour of waiting, the signal was raised and Roose Bolton began to march his men. His son Roose Ryswell was named leader of the van, which was composed of Ryswell and Manderly men. While Rodrik was in the centre with Lord Hornwood and Harrion Karstark. Their movement was slow as they moved through Charlton land with a few dozen men joining every three days or so.

Their outriders told them that the Lannisters were south of them near Harrenhal and that was when Lord Bolton called a meeting inviting nearly all commanders including himself and his son. So near the hour of the wolf they all met.

Lord Hornwood was the first to speak. "We should fall back, draw them into unfamiliar land and turn around to smash them. The Lannisters will not see it coming and the victory will be easy." Rodricks son Roose let out a chuckle. Making Hornwood turn as red as a beet. His anger and embarrassment was palpable. Fortunately Ser Wylis composed himself as his son Roose started to speak "What makes you think Tywin will chase us? He is no fool like you, Hornwood."  Rodrick was visibly surprised by what his son had said but decided not to say a word. Something which was common of Rodrick often being pushed around by his sons.

Wylis began to speak now, his bushy moustache moving up and down with every movement of his mouth. "The Manderly knights will no doubt smash the Lannisters to pieces. There is a reason we have been placed on the vanguard. Even if their cavalry outnumbers ours 12-1 our quality is no match for them" He slammed his hand down onto the table with his last word.

Harrion Karstark began to shake his head. "We can not waste our cavalry so quickly into the battle. Due to the number disadvantage it is likely that your Manderly knights you treasure will lose themselves inside the lines of the lions.we do not want that do we?" Rodriks gaze left the speakers, blocking out their endless chatter and he stared at Bolton. Who sat, tracking the arguing men but refusing to say a word.

Rodrik wished to end the argument and he had found the way. "Lord Bolton, what do you suppose?" Roose Bolton began to speak and to hear him the whole table went quiet. Everyone's eyes now focused on Bolton. Who had leaned forward and looked down onto the map that they had been given. "I do not see any other way except stealing up on them in the night. Tywin's head could be taken by someone here today if this plan works.

After around two hours of discussing the plan which Bolton proposed and who should be where. It was finally decided. Rodrick was able to go back to his tent and enjoy some rest. He was awoken in the morning to break his fast with Roose Ryswell.

His job in the vanguard only allowed him little free time however it was enough to at least spend time with his family and friends. They have gathered in quite a large tent in the centre of the encampment that was set for the night. Ten men were invited, five browns and five golds, and ten men had come, half of them were in the vanguard with his son. The other half in the centre of the formation.

Roose Ryswell quickly began to speak. "We will be on them in three days. Two if Roose really plans to have us march overnight. I see how this could win us the battle but it also could lose us the war. If our tired men are forced to fight with a full organised and rested Lannister force. I doubt we will hold for long enough. This entire plan is situated on pillars of luck." Rodrik nodded, if he was going to be honest to himself. He was terrible at strategy, and fighting in general. Especially as he grew older, so he let someone else speak.

A brown called Red Kyle offered his input. "At least the ones who'll end up dying are your dirty golden asslickers." Rodrick was about to calm things down, when the gold supporter Ser Farlen of the Rills stood up and unsheathed his sword. "Say that again, I dare you. I will cut you down where you stand."

Kyle took out his dagger and jumped across the table. Causing Roose to stand with his shortsword out shouting something at his men that could not be overhead. That was when he saw Red Kyle's dagger stab straight into the throat of Ser Farlen. One of the Browns flipped over the table, causing drink to fly all over, a goblet of red wine spilling into Rodricks lap. He knew no-one respected him as their lord, they were all waiting for him to die so they could get an actually able lord.

He did not doubt the fact that he might also be killed here. Unfortunately there were no guards to protect him and no sword to rely on, he stood and began to shout "Stop this madness now! As your lord I command you! Stop it now!" His efforts were futile the fight continued as even more ran into the tent hearing the commotion outside. Some made attempts to stop the fight which were quickly put down while others just immediately joined in on the fight. After ten minutes it was over.

At least 10 men littered the floor of the ten. Roose was slightly injured himself. A gash on his face, he stood furious looking at Red Kyle who stood across the tent. Standing over the dead body of Ser Farlen, his dark red blood pooling the expensive carpet. Furious, Lord Rodrick turned around and left, this what he thought was childish quarrels between lordly brothers had turned into something much much more. Rodrick may not know this yet, but this singular moment would lead his house into bloodshed.

The day after what many now call the "incident" was any and all involved in the incident minus Roose Ryswell and himself. It was hardly a trial instead being a mass murder. Out of the 30 men on trial, 15 were innocent and in fact had nothing to do with the incident in the first place. Rodrick had told Roose Bolton this half a dozen times with his only answer being "If they are innocent they will be found innocent" Rodrick did not know why the man wanted some of them dead but it seemed he could not convince him to leave them alive.

Roose Bolton had named five judges including himself. He sat in the middle, Roose Ryswell on his right, to the far right Wylis Manderly, Rodrick sat on his left and to his left was Hornwood. Hornwood seemed uninterested, his son daydreaming into the sky and Manderly blubbering to himself. Roose Bolton lifted his hand and the first man was brought forward.

It was Red Kyle, the man who started it all. He could see his son tense then whisper into Bolton's ear. Bolton began to speak in his horrible whisper. "Kyle, you are being trialled for murder and attacking a noble. What say you?" It was obvious what the man would do next. It was his confidence and grin that gave it away, he spat on the floor and spoke. "I request a trial by combat" Wylis stood up, shaking the table as he did so. "I would love for a Manderly knight to have the honour of killing this wretched man." Bolton nodded and waved for one of them to step forward.

Ser Dickon Rodd of the three dolphins sigil stepped forward and was approved . He wore heavy plate armour with a greatsword which complimented his size. Red Kyle had his light armour and two axes. The ensuing fight will last at least five minutes. Dickon had his greatsword on his inside right, Kyle held his axes in a way that was never seen before by Rodrick and as he glanced at the others. It was clear that everyone else hadn't seen the stance before. Everyone except Bolton, his pale eyes rested on Red Kyle never moving or blinking. Just staring.

Dickon came in with a thrust to Kyle's chest, Kyle sidestepped and pushed the sword away with one axe. The over slammed into the back of Dickons shoulder with immense speed. The rest was a simple slaughter, with Dickon eventually lying limp on the floor dead. Red Kyle was seen as innocent by the gods, when Rodrick saw the dagger in his hand and then the dagger in Farlens throat with his own eyes. The rest of the trials all resulted in guilt and death. Two others also asked for a trial by combat, both died to Bolton men. With that, the march continued.