At the makeshift command post in Willow Town, Brynden watched the young man confronting Robin Leger at close range, his manner aggressive, and slowly began to speak:
"Lord Suleiman, in your Declaration to the Lords, you claimed you were targeting only House Legg and waging a limited war."
"I've read your Formal War Petition. It was very well written, with sound arguments and evidence."
"Do your actions now really align with your promise to wage a limited war?"
Brynden's voice paused, then grew more serious.
"You've entered House Legg's lands, set fires everywhere, laid siege to its principal castle, and even killed its heir."
"That doesn't look much like a 'limited war'!"
Robin Leger leaned forward and lifted his head to meet Suleiman's gaze. A glimmer of hope kindled in his eyes.
Suleiman turned around with a smile. Ser Brynden suddenly sensed that something was wrong.
Meeting Brynden's gaze without flinching, he said, "Ser, in this war, who struck first?"
"Did I send out my troops during those five days?"
Suleiman paused, then turned to look at Robin Leger before facing the Blackfish. His questions shot toward them like unexpected, icy arrows.
"Who was it that started this war without a declaration? Who struck first? Who sent troops to occupy my ancestral keep?"
"And who tore down my family's castle? Who desecrated my ancestors?"
His words rang out, forceful and unyielding.
"Who started this war?!"
Brynden froze. Robin's face went white in an instant. It was true.
Suleiman turned and walked to the table, as if trying to compose himself through his grief and fury. His fingers tapped lightly on the tabletop, making a dull sound.
"Lord Hoster's network of informants covers the Riverlands. These matters shouldn't be hard to verify."
"House Legg attacked my ancestral keep first, escalating the