Game of thrones: the Sunblode rise

Chapter 54: The Tumblestone Gambit

The Riverlands were a landscape of contrasts—verdant fields giving way to charred ruins, bustling strongholds surrounded by the desolation left by Tywin Lannister's campaign. Yet amidst the chaos, Ivar Sunblode prepared to turn the tides once more. His gambit to draw Tywin toward the Tumblestone crossings was beginning to bear fruit. Reports from Lysa's spies confirmed the lion's army was shifting, spreading itself thinner as it pursued the bait.

In Riverrun's war room, the final preparations for the plan were underway. Ivar stood at the head of the table, his eyes fixed on the map, his mind racing with calculations. Around him, Roland Emberhill, Lysa Blackthorne, Timothy Sunrise, and Duncan Greenfield watched and waited, their expressions tense but resolute.

"Tywin's forces are moving toward the Tumblestone," Lysa began, her tone brisk. "Our reports suggest he's split his army into three groups—one for the crossings, one to continue the scorched-earth campaign, and a third in reserve near Harrenhal."

Ivar nodded, his fingers tracing the routes on the map. "That's exactly what we wanted. By dividing his forces, he's weakened his ability to respond quickly. We need to hit the crossings hard and fast, before he realizes it's a trap."

Roland crossed his arms, his brow furrowed. "The Tumblestone defenses are strong, but they won't hold indefinitely. If Tywin commits his siege engines, we'll be overrun."

"That's why the mobile forces are key," Ivar said. "Roland, your archers will hold the high ground near the river. Lysa's spies will disrupt their supply lines, and Timothy's enhanced soldiers will target their siege crews. The goal isn't just to defend the crossings—it's to destroy their ability to regroup."

Timothy grinned, leaning against the table. "Sounds like a good time. But what's our signal to strike? We'll need perfect timing for this to work."

Ivar looked at Lysa. "Your spies will provide the signal. Once Tywin's forces are fully engaged, they'll send a raven to Roland. That's when we launch the counterattack."

"And what about the reserves near Harrenhal?" Duncan asked. "If Tywin sends them to reinforce the Tumblestone, we could be caught between two armies."

"That's a risk we have to take," Ivar said, his tone firm. "But if we move quickly enough, they won't have time to react."

The room fell silent as Ivar's words hung in the air. Each member of the council understood the stakes. If the plan succeeded, it could cripple Tywin's ability to wage war in the Riverlands. If it failed, the consequences would be catastrophic.

"Are we all clear on our roles?" Ivar asked, his gaze sweeping over his council.

Roland nodded. "The archers will be in position by nightfall."

Lysa smirked faintly. "My spies are already moving. Tywin won't know what hit him."

Timothy gave a sharp salute. "We're ready when you are, boss."

"Good," Ivar said. "Then let's make this count."

The next morning, the Riverlands' forces mobilized under the cover of dawn. Roland's archers took up positions on the ridges overlooking the Tumblestone, their bows strung and arrows ready. Timothy and his enhanced soldiers moved stealthily through the woods, their eyes sharp and their weapons gleaming in the early light.

Ivar rode alongside his men, his crimson cloak billowing behind him. The air was thick with anticipation, every soldier keenly aware of the battle to come.

"Stay focused," Ivar said, his voice carrying over the sound of hoofbeats and clinking armor. "This isn't just about winning a fight. It's about sending a message—to Tywin, to the lords of the Riverlands, and to everyone who thinks we're finished. Today, we prove them wrong."

At the Tumblestone crossings, Tywin's forces were already beginning their assault. Siege engines rumbled into position, their crews working quickly to load stones and prepare for the attack. Lannister infantry advanced in tight formations, their shields raised as they moved toward the fortified defenses.

From his position on the ridge, Roland watched the enemy movements with a practiced eye. "They're committing more men than I expected," he muttered to one of his captains. "Send word to Ivar. He needs to know."

The captain nodded, signaling a messenger who rode off toward Ivar's position.

Meanwhile, in the woods, Timothy crouched behind a fallen log, his enhanced senses attuned to every sound and movement. He glanced at Serah, who knelt beside him with her bow drawn.

"They're getting close," Serah whispered.

Timothy grinned. "Good. Let them think they're winning."

The battle erupted as the Lannister forces clashed with the Riverlands' defenders. The sound of steel on steel echoed through the valley, mingling with the cries of the wounded and the roar of siege engines.

Roland's archers unleashed a devastating volley, their arrows cutting through the Lannister ranks like a scythe. From the woods, Timothy's soldiers launched their ambush, targeting the siege crews with brutal efficiency.

Ivar watched from his vantage point, his heart pounding as he directed the battle. Every move, every decision was a calculated risk, but so far, the plan was holding.

"Send in the reserves," he ordered, signaling a nearby captain. "Reinforce the right flank and push them toward the river."

The reserves charged into the fray, their war cries echoing through the valley. The Lannister forces began to falter, their lines breaking under the combined assault.

At the center of the battlefield, Ivar rode into the chaos, his sword flashing as he cut down enemies with precision and skill. Around him, his soldiers rallied, their morale bolstered by his presence.

"We're turning the tide!" one of his captains shouted.

"Keep pushing!" Ivar replied. "Don't give them a chance to regroup!"

As the sun began to set, the battle reached its climax. The Lannister forces, now disorganized and demoralized, began to retreat. Timothy's soldiers pursued them relentlessly, ensuring that no reinforcements would arrive from Harrenhal.

By nightfall, the Riverlands stood victorious. The Tumblestone crossings were secure, and Tywin's forces had suffered another crushing defeat.

Ivar stood amidst the aftermath, his armor streaked with blood and dirt. Around him, his soldiers cheered, their voices carrying across the battlefield.

"We did it," Roland said, approaching him with a weary smile.

"For now," Ivar replied, though his expression was resolute. "But Tywin won't stop. He'll come back, stronger than ever."

"Then we'll be ready," Roland said.

As the fires of the battlefield burned low, Ivar turned his gaze toward the horizon. The lion had been wounded, but the war was far from over.