Army of the Vale and Storms

Richard was lately returned from the North, having planted a son in Walda Frey's belly. He had missed much of the southern campaign while he recovered from his wounds from the battle of Winterfell.

Lester, however, looked resplendent. Newly restored to Lordship in truth as a member of the Small Council, all he had to do now was retake Crow's Nest and all would be set right. The Crow is his house was embroidered on his surcoat and his sword hung by his side. His surviving squires and retainers, fewer now than ever but joined by the main strength remaining of the loyal Stormlands, were gathered to strike this final blow to retake their keeps from the bastard traitor Aurane Waters.

He makes two decrees:

1. Any former Golden Company sellsword previously pardoned by the King may join Lester's host and sweat him their swords as household knights. They will be granted their spurs should their service prove chivalrous.

2. The Rebel Stormlanders are ordered to surrender in the name of King Stannis Baratheon. Those who refuse will be executed for treason. Ravens are sent to Storm's End and Crow's Nest

With those out of the way, Lester invites the Vale Lord's to a war council.

Morrigen nodded as Arryn entered. "Lord Arryn, good to see you. This war is nearly over, we have but to brush some flies from our path and then onto Dorne. Tommen has been outed as a bastard, and this bastards' alliance cannot stand. Stormlords are proud, they will be outraged to have been super in such a way. These are my people, and my peers. I should be able to convince them to open their gates instead of fighting, but perhaps not if they see foreigners before their gates. Five thousands should be sufficient enough for Crow's Roost, but Storms End is another matter. We must of course take Storms End first, and leave a garrison and castellan loyal enough not to lose it again without a fight. What say you, Arryn?"

"Every hour that passes that Storms End is held by rebels is an insult to the King's honor - you are right. It must fall first." Morrigen agreed.

"If that is not enough to compel loyalty, then the sword will. Many have turned their cloak in this war, but the one true King now sits the Iron Throne. All others are pretenders, bastards, or usurpers. Tommen Waters is a child, and the sins of his parents are not his own. I am sure the King will allow him to take the Black. Should we capture this Aurane Waters, I shall pass judgment on the pirate myself in the King's name."

"Forward to Storm's End, and victory." Morrigens concluded, and raised a glass.

He would rally whatever men remained in the Stormlands, this time under the banner of the crowned stag for good and all.

"All forces to Storm's End, I will send outriders to scout the advance south."

An army of Valemen, over ten thousand strong, is situated outside of the walls of Stonehelm. They fly the banners of many Vale nobility, but most prominent among the standards were the flaming heart banners of House Arryn and House Baratheon, with a crowned stag upon the latter. Harrold Arryn sends forth a rider, demanding that House Swann bend the knee and surrender to the rightful and victorious king, Stannis of the House Baratheon.

With Ser Templeton, Ser Royce, and a strong guard of knights, Lord Arryn rides into Stonehelm, his army remaining outside the ways in a stance of show of force. He rides up to the keep, dismounting, to go and speak with Lord Swann. Once in his presence, Harrold greets him with due respect.

I, along with Lord Morrigen, have been tasked with securing the Stormlands for the victorious King, Stannis Baratheon. He will be pleased to know that a principle vassal has submitted.

Now remained the important question.

Now, Lord Swann, do you know where the rebel Aurane Waters is?

Only two places remained, either to the West or to the East of him. He planned to send outriders either way, but wanted to see if Lord Swann would be honest if he knew anything.

Harrold ponders. Only three directions remained: either north, up Shipbreaker Bay, to the West towards Summerhall, or to the East into Rainwood.

For now, Lord Swann, remain here and keep the peace over your lands. If the traitor, Waters, comes to your walls, refuse him entry and send a raven.

Lord Arryn says as he requests the usage of a raven, which is sent to Lord Morrigen. Three groups of outriders are sent in three directions to see if the pirate warlord could be found. With his army encamped, for a time, outriders are regular sent out to monitor the nearby areas.

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Pinkerton
Gandalf

During his time, a rider arrives, bearing a message. Reading it, he summons the Vale nobility. When they gather, Lord Arryn, in his tent, is seen drinking a cup of wine. Setting it down, he looks at the Valemen.

The spider of the Vale is dead! The man who denied me my rights as Robert's heir and deceived you all is dead!

He declares to all gathered.

Stannis Baratheon, our King, declared him guilty of treason. It seems the spider tried to escape to the Vale, but my wife, Lady Sansa, did the Seven Kingdoms a great deed by seeing him executed. A raven has reported of this and his deeds... including a hand in the death of Eddard Stark! He was also accused of stealing from the Crown, from Robert and those bastards pretenders of Cersei and Jaime's loins.

Harrold's eyes glance at Templeton, remembering how that man almost drew his sword upon the Arryn because his master was Baelish, not Robert's heir.

The Vale is free. My wife is free from his grips!

He says, tossing the letter to the ground.

We are all free from his plots and schemes.