War: Part 1
You were on the Flag Ship of the Valien fleet, The Soaring Falcon before another moon passed. The last time you had to sail was when you were a small child. That time was far behind you, and since much of your life was spent on dry land… so you were unaccustomed to the rigors of sailing.
Emptying the contents of your stomach over the side was something you found yourself doing quite a few times.
Fortunately, you were not alone. Your father didn't enjoy sea travel as well.
"You know, I was expecting it to be easier after a few weeks… instead, I'm here next to you son." He said with a smile as he wiped the bile from his mouth.
"Yeah… I still don't know how I survived the first time traveling south by boat." You replied with a cough.
There was a small chuckle. "You have to move with the ship, and focus on the horizon every now and then while your legs adjust, then moving around should be like second nature." You saw the old man in leather armor as Lord Garlan Grafton, Lord of Gulltown and the man with more sailing experience than almost all the lord's here combined.
Save Lord Tion Sunderland and his son Triton. Both men were on another ship, flying the Sunderland Colors.
"Easy for you to say Gar, your not the one who only sails two times in his life, the second time going to the fucking Steptsones." Your father stated.
"Just trying to make the journey easier for you and your son sir." He replied. "Where the hells is Marq. MARQ!" The older Grafton bellowed.
As if he were flying, the young Grafton flew across the ship, holding onto a rope that was rigged. He then flew across the ship with a skill that only a sailor of decades could have, and one who was light enough to not stress the mast, rigging, and ropes.
He then let go and rolled on the deck. "Yes, father?" He said with a smile, whipping his long brown hair that was wet from seawater.
You could only imagine what was going through your father's mind, but Lord Grafton was laughing. "Everything clear on the horizon Marq?"
"Yes father, though I must say, if our travel times and charts are indeed correct, we'll be at the Stepstones in a few week's time," Marq replied. "I hope Lord Ormmund has a plan."
Lord Grafton frowned. "He does have a plan." he hit his son in the back of the head. "And it would be wise to stick to your duties."
Marq quietly nodded. "Yes, father." The boy than quietly sulked away to the other side of the ship.
"Ah, Arstan! Lord Arryn" Ser Gerold appeared from below deck, and his sword dangling on his side. "There you are, I thought there was another meeting."
"There is going to be one shortly Lord Commander, we chose not to disturb you so you may deal with your sickness." your father replied.
"Aye, but I should be there, to bring another opinion to the table." He replied.
"It would be best if you rested, and allowed the fever to subside." your father stated. "Take it from the Warden of the East."
The Lord Commander nodded. "Arstan, keep me informed."
"Yes, sir." You replied.
Your father looked at the sun slowly dipping past noon. "Ah… It's time." He whispered. "Arstan, come." Your father said. "We're stopping by the cabins, bring the cape."
"But I hate the cape." You replied. "I always trip."
"Than you will not be allowed entry." Your father replied.
You sighed. "Than can I least trim it so I don't trip over myself."
"You'll grow into it." Your father started with a griff smile.
"Not everyone is as tall as you." You shot back.
"Your right, you'll probably be even taller." your father laughed.
Bugger.
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The meeting was filled with rank, nobility and fresh wine.
If it were a palatial party, with guests, notables and envoys, drinking away as they fantasized who they would sleep with, and were so drunk they could fall for everything, you would have been in your element.
However, this was not your element… quite the opposite in fact.
Steffon and Lord Rickard Stark were enjoying a nice arm wrestle, while Lord's Royce and Lord Stark were… well grimacing the prospect of the table breaking from the boy's pure strength and need to win.
Aerys was quietly making bets with Tywin, who looked quite… intrigued by both his friend and new acquaintance… and perplexed that Aerys actually brought money with him.
Lord Baratheon, however, was amused by the boyish contest… at least when your father walked in. "I believe it is time to begin." Lord Ormmund stated as the boys both stopped their contest, falling in behind their father's.
"Yes… Quiet." the Baratheon lord then pulled out a small wrapped piece of paper.
Intelligence Roll:
1D100 => 63
"Our spies within the enemy camp were unable to locate any of the commanders, however, we do have a window to make landfall and set up a base of operations to continue this campaign without being constricted to the fleet." Lord Ormmund stated.
"A question, why would we need a base, when being on the move would be more enticing, both to disguise our movements, and to be at full strength?" Aerys asked.
"Quite simply, if the fleet is attacked, and we lose ships, we not only lose the ship, but our focus will be damaged in ways we will not be able to recoup until the Ironborn arrive with the Reinforcements from them, the Reach and Dorne." Lord Royce stated. "That will cost us time, equipment, supplies, men, things we can ill afford to lose when on the offensive."
Your father then spoke. "And this will be a naval war Prince Aerys, where much of the fighting will be at sea. That does not mean, however, our army will be lacking in tasks and objectives... our forces will need to be on land, raiding or destroying the enemy bases of operations on the stepstones, force them into making riskier plays to either take our supplies or face us in open battle."
"The enemy lacks superior cavalry forces, something we have a distinct advantage in." Lord Stark stated though he seemed a bit off.
"But the enemy fleet is still superior to our own without the Arbor fleet, the Lannisport Fleet and the Ironborn" Lord Baratheon stated. "So we must remain cautious until the time they arrive."
"But we can't wait too long. Sunspear is not a viable supply route, not until the Broken Arm is cleared of the enemy fleet." Your father stated. "So that means supplies would have to come from Storms End."
"Quite, but even then there is a lot of water between us and the Stepstones," Ormmund stated. "Our plan will need a measure of speed if it were to be successful."
You felt like an idea came to your mind, an idea that seemed… Quite interesting.
Do you speak up:
[]Yes
[]No (If you do not speak, Lord Baratheon will make his own plan)
If you do what do you say:
[]Secure a Base on Bloodstone: Lord Baratheon said that the fleet would need a base, not on Westeros, so why not choose the closest island to the Broken Arm, to Spotswood.
[]Strike at the Heartland: The Enemy would never expect you to strike at Tyrosh. There was a chance there were Archon Loyalists in the city that would help you, and winning that would destroy the enemy's main supply base, treasury, and key manufacture. Perhaps draw their attention away from the western shores and turn back to the East.
[]Hunt them Down: You think you should hunt down the enemy's fleet, destroy their ability to dictate battle on their terms. Destroy enough, it may leave entire army groups clustered on other islands, alone and unable to communicate.
[]The Disputed Lands: The Disputed Lands are perfect lands for an army of your size, lots of provisions, terrain that is very suitable for mounted knightly combat, and with their calvary disadvantage, will be a clear edge, however, nothing is there, save for trading caravans, large farms that grow cash crops, and it would be a hostile land where you would be seen as the invaders.
[]Write in
What would you like to do after the meeting:
(Choose 2)
[]Train with Ser Gerold: The Lord Commander is so close to allowing you to fight on your own or with the other boys if a battle were to come.
[]Spend time with Your Father: your father and you haven't talked in years… it would be nice to change that.
[]Spend time with Uncle Yohn: You always wanted to hear the stories about the rune blade and rune armor that his family claim to craft.
[]Spend time with the Graftons: Perhaps Marq will be interesting to be with… if you can keep up with his acrobatics.
[]Calm Winds and Pale Skies: You sit on the deck and breath, and hear the falcon cry.
[]Dream: You dream a dream, of flying, of fighting… of holding your father in your arms as he lay dying.
AN: Enjoy. And please:
VOTE IN PLAN FORMAT!
