SWNOVELXO Chapter 63: Turning the Tide
Chapter 63: Turning the Tide
The fires from the siege of Riverrun had barely cooled, but Ivar Sunblode's mind was already turning to the next phase of the war. Though Tywin Lannister's forces had been forced to retreat, the lion remained a threat, licking its wounds and waiting for the opportune moment to strike again. Ivar knew that the Riverlands could not afford to simply hold their ground. Victory required action, and action required risk.
The War Room at Riverrun
The council convened in the war room, its members weary but resolute. The long oak table was covered in maps, reports, and notes from spies and scouts. Ivar stood at the head of the table, his sharp eyes scanning the documents as his mind worked through the layers of strategy.
"Tywin's retreat doesn't mean he's finished," Ivar began, his voice steady. "He's regrouping at Harrenhal, and he'll strike again when he's ready. If we wait for him, we're playing into his hands. We need to take the fight to him."
Roland Emberhill frowned, his arms crossed. "Harrenhal is a fortress. Even with his reduced numbers, Tywin can hold it for months. Attacking him there would be suicide."
"That's why we won't attack Harrenhal directly," Ivar said. He pointed to the map, tracing the path of the Lannister forces. "Tywin's strength lies in his ability to project power. His gold, his supply lines, his influence. If we undermine those, we weaken him before he can recover."
Lysa Blackthorne nodded, her sharp mind already catching on to Ivar's plan. "You're talking about a campaign of disruption. Sabotage his supplies, raid his outposts, and force him to bleed resources just to hold his position."
"Exactly," Ivar said. "Timothy's enhanced soldiers will lead the raids, targeting key supply depots and communication lines. Roland, your archers will provide cover, hitting their reinforcements before they can react."
"And Harrenhal itself?" Duncan Greenfield asked.
"We isolate it," Ivar replied. "Cut off their supplies, block their scouts, and spread rumors of betrayal within their ranks. Tywin's men are already demoralized from the siege—if we apply enough pressure, they'll break without us ever needing to breach the walls."
Preparing the Campaign
The days that followed were a flurry of activity as Riverrun's forces prepared for the campaign. Timothy Sunrise and his enhanced soldiers trained relentlessly, their movements precise and deadly. In the forests surrounding the castle, they practiced ambush tactics and sabotage techniques, honing their skills for the missions ahead.
Roland's archers, meanwhile, set up hidden camps along the roads leading to Harrenhal. From their concealed positions, they could strike at Lannister patrols and supply convoys, vanishing into the woods before the enemy could retaliate.
Lysa worked tirelessly to coordinate with her network of spies, sending agents deep into Lannister-held territory to gather intelligence and spread misinformation.
"Rumors are powerful weapons," she told Ivar one evening as they reviewed her reports. "If Tywin's men believe their commanders are incompetent or corrupt, they'll lose faith in the chain of command."
"Good," Ivar said. "Make sure they believe it. Fear and doubt are as effective as swords in this war."
The First Strikes
The campaign began with precision and ruthlessness. Timothy's soldiers struck at night, their enhanced speed and strength allowing them to overwhelm Lannister outposts before disappearing into the shadows. Fires burned in the distance as supply depots were destroyed, leaving Tywin's forces scrambling to recover.
At the same time, Roland's archers turned the roads into death traps. Lannister patrols found themselves ambushed at every turn, their numbers dwindling with each passing day.
In one particularly daring raid, Timothy led his soldiers against a heavily guarded supply convoy. The attack was swift and brutal, the Lannister guards cut down before they could sound the alarm. The wagons were set ablaze, their precious cargo reduced to ash.
As Timothy watched the flames, a grin spread across his face. "That's another blow to the lion. Let's see how he roars without his gold."
The Psychological Toll
Within weeks, the effects of Ivar's campaign began to show. Reports from Lysa's spies painted a picture of growing chaos within Tywin's forces. Soldiers grumbled about insufficient rations and poor leadership, and desertions became more frequent.
At Harrenhal, Tywin's frustration was palpable. He paced the war room, his commanders silent as they awaited his orders.
"They're bleeding us dry," Kevan Lannister said cautiously. "Every supply route, every patrol—it's as if they know our every move."
"Because they do," Tywin said coldly. "Sunblode is playing a dangerous game, but it's one that can be turned against him. Increase patrols, double the guards on supply convoys, and spread counter-rumors. Let his men believe he's overextending himself."
"And if that doesn't work?" Kevan asked.
"Then we make it work," Tywin snapped. "Sunblode thrives on fear. Let's see how he fares when we turn that fear on him."
The Next Move
Back in Riverrun, Ivar reviewed the results of the campaign with his council. Despite the success of their raids, he knew that Tywin would adapt.
"This won't last forever," Roland said. "Tywin is already reinforcing his positions. We need to stay ahead of him."
"We will," Ivar replied. "The next phase is already in motion."
"What phase?" Lysa asked, her eyes narrowing.
"We don't just weaken Tywin," Ivar said. "We break him. His soldiers are already questioning his leadership. If we target his commanders—take out his trusted men—it'll send his entire army into disarray."
"And how do you plan to do that?" Timothy asked, his grin returning.
"With precision," Ivar said. "Lysa's spies will identify the targets, and your soldiers will eliminate them. No mercy, no loose ends."
Lysa hesitated. "That's a bold move. If it fails…"
"It won't," Ivar said, his voice firm. "This war isn't just about battles. It's about breaking Tywin's will. And by the time we're finished, he'll have none left."