WMK 135

Chapter 135: Piper's Choice

The Red Fork was broad and gentle, its shallow waters so clear one could see the bottom. Glittering under the morning sun, it flowed quietly past small islands, sandbars, and fords, winding and twisting into the distance.

In the center of the riverside camp, a long table was set up before a tent. William, Bennard, Miles, and several cavalry captains gathered around it, enjoying a lavish breakfast. Alongside various meats and vegetables were over a dozen exquisitely crafted pastries, their enticing aromas filling the air.

The pitchers were filled with low-alcohol wine from the Reach, boasting a rich, jam-like flavor that paired perfectly with the meal.

On the march, William naturally insisted on eating and living with his soldiers to boost morale.

But now, near a city, with conditions permitting, he saw no reason to refuse a more aristocratic lifestyle.

Clutton took a large gulp of wine and exhaled contentedly. "Steward Avery is truly capable. To arrange such a spread overnight..."

William laughed. "Indeed. But what I appreciate more is that he managed this without neglecting the procurement of supplies. Come, let's drink to Avery!"

Everyone raised their glasses in a toast.

Jermaine set his cup down. "Ser William, Lord Clement also seems to have no intention of resisting the Westerland army. Do we ride for the inn today?"

"No need to rush. The Westerland forces likely won't reach the Pinkmaiden until tomorrow evening. We can rest here another day."

They faced a long period of continuous campaigning ahead. If there was a chance to let the men rest properly, he would take it. Being an all-cavalry force, even if they couldn't win a fight, running away wasn't a concern.

After the recent series of ambushes, the knights were in awe of William's scouting abilities. They had brushed shoulders with the main Westerland army several times, yet emerged unscathed each time.

William and the knights ate and chatted, enjoying this rare moment of peace and leisure.

Suddenly, two guards escorted Marq Piper into the camp. His steps were hurried, his expression grave.

"Marq! Perfect timing. Join us for a drink," William rose to welcome his devoted fan.

Marq managed a smile, exchanging greetings with the knights at the table. When his eyes fell on Jermaine, his expression turned serious again. He handed Jermaine a letter. "My apologies, Jermaine. I bear ill tidings."

Jermaine took the letter, read it, then lowered his head in silent contemplation.

Seeing the inquiring looks from the others, Marq said quietly, "The Mountain went to the Lord Lychester's keep. He killed Ser Leggen and burned half of the castle."

Those present were shocked, their faces filled with confusion.

Clutton asked, "But didn't Ser Leggen swear not to resist the Westerlanders?"

"The letter says Ser Leggen indeed offered no resistance," Marq said through gritted teeth, his eyes burning with anger. "That Mountain is a madman. A demon."

The knights present voiced their agreement, a sense of shared outrage uniting them. Most were nobles by birth or striving to join their ranks, and they deeply despised the Mountain's indiscriminate slaughter of nobility.

"Jermaine, you should return home," William said. "Lord Lymond's health is poor. You may need to assume the lordship at any time."

Jermaine thought for a moment, then slowly shook his head. "There's nothing I can accomplish by returning now. But I still wish to take my vengeance against House Lannister on the battlefield."

He met William's gaze. "Please allow me to continue fighting under your command, Ser."

William clapped him on the shoulder. "The honor is mine!"

'Once Jermaine inherits the Lord Lychester's keep, perhaps I can offer some economic assistance, turning House Lychester into a staunch ally of House Whent. That would not only expand Harrenhal's influence in the western hills but also secure a firm supporter should House Whent ever need to assert control over the Riverlands.'

Jermaine thanked Marq solemnly for bringing the news, then took his leave from William, needing some time alone.

William watched Jermaine's straight back disappear behind the tents, then turned his gaze to Marq. "I also have ill tidings for you. A Lannister force, about three thousand strong, is marching on the Pinkmaiden. They'll likely arrive tomorrow. Their commander is also the Mountain."

Marq drew a sharp breath.

***

In the lord's study of the Pinkmaiden, a large window faced the meandering, glittering Red Fork. Occasional gusts of moist, cool breeze made the study pleasantly comfortable.

Lord Clement and William took their seats, host and guest. Marq stood to the side, his anxious eyes darting between their faces.

"The Whent scouts are truly extraordinary, with a reconnaissance range that extends over twenty leagues," the Lord of Pinkmaiden said, a hint of mockery in his tone.

'Well, it helps when I have aerial reconnaissance!' William felt a small surge of pride.

"Actually, we spotted this force before we even arrived at the Pinkmaiden," William explained. "We simply didn't consider it important enough to mention last night. But after hearing of the Mountain's atrocities at the Lord Lychester's keep, we realized the severity of the situation."

Lord Clement's fingers tapped lightly on the desk, producing a rhythmic tap-tap sound. Suddenly, the tapping stopped. "House Piper will not engage the Mountain. We suffered heavy losses at the Golden Tooth and lack the strength to fight again. Ser William, though it is discourteous, I must ask you to depart as soon as possible."

Marq couldn't believe his ears, his eyes widening in disbelief. "Lord Lychester's keep was just sacked, Father!"

"House Piper is different from House Lychester. The Mountain would not dare act so recklessly here," Clement said coldly.

An unhealthy flush spread across Marq's face. "The Mountain killed Ser Leggen without cause and burned Lord Lychester's keep! He returned without any punishment and is now leading an army to attack Pinkmaiden! Can't you see? This is Lord Tywin's will!"

"Then we shall withdraw temporarily! The Pinkmaiden belongs to House Piper. The Mountain cannot take it, nor can Lord Tywin!" Clement declared with confidence.

House Piper had ruled the lands around the Pinkmaiden for generations, their roots deep. Unless the King or their liege lord stripped them of their lands, even if an enemy force captured the castle by brute force, they could never effectively govern the vast territory and would eventually be forced to leave.

"The Pinkmaiden is a castle our family has held for centuries!" Marq stared intently into his father's eyes. "And the Mountain will burn it! He will destroy centuries of our family's legacy!"

Clement also shot to his feet, glaring back at his son. "Then what do you propose we do?"

"The castle still holds over a thousand infantry, enough to hold it. I will lead two hundred cavalry and, together with Ser William's five hundred, launch a surprise attack from the rear while the enemy assaults the walls. We can definitely defeat the Mountain," Marq stated, outlining the strategy he and William had already discussed.

William added at the appropriate moment, "I swear by the Seven, if the Mountain dares to show himself, I will kill him."

"I do not doubt your courage, Ser William," Clement said, turning his gaze to him. "And I believe your plan has a good chance of success this time. But what happens after you win?"

"What happens when Lord Tywin comes himself? Edmure is captured, Riverrun is under siege. No one is coming to relieve us!" he roared at Marq, veins bulging on his forehead. "You will doom our entire house!"

A deathly silence fell over the study.

***

Early the next morning, the Pinkmaiden was in chaos. Nobles and wealthy merchants hurriedly left the city, seeking refuge in the countryside to escape the coming conflict.

Marq, accompanied by thirty or so loyal retainers, blended into the crowd leaving the city, riding slowly out through the gates.

He could not override his father's decision, but he had no desire to hide in some backwater until the war was over. Fortunately, as the heir to the Pinkmaiden, he still had men willing to follow him on this risky venture.

Once outside the city, Marq headed straight for the Whent camp.

The Whent cavalry had already packed their gear and were preparing to depart.

Having come and gone in a hurry yesterday, Marq hadn't had time to observe closely. Now, looking carefully, the glare reflecting off the segments of plate armor nearly dazzled him.

Full plate armor was typically something only knights could afford. Yet, he saw that nearly half of the Whent cavalry were equipped with it, further raising Marq's expectations of William and this force.

William was surprised to see Marq dressed for travel. "Where are you headed?" he asked. 'Shouldn't you be helping with the urgent evacuation? There must be countless tasks.'

"I'm going to Riverrun, to see if there's a chance to rescue Edmure," Marq said, hope shining in his eyes. "William, where do you plan to go next?"

"Riverrun is currently a stalemate," William explained patiently. "With Lord Tytos Blackwood there, the Kingslayer will never take the castle. And until the Riverlords can gather their strength, we cannot hope to defeat the Kingslayer's army either. So, for now, I plan to shadow the army led by Lord Tywin himself, slow their march, and buy more time for the other territories to prepare."

Marq looked somewhat disappointed but nodded with a smile. "Take care then!"

"Take care, Marq. I believe we will meet again soon, and fight side by side!"