In the abandoned Council Chamber at Oldstones, charcoal burned in the brazier, crackling softly.
The nobles and knights of the two armies sat around a fallen stone pillar, now serving as a table. Exhaustion and the dazed relief of having survived the ordeal were etched on every face.
Suleiman was the first to break the silence. His gaze swept over the commander of the allied army, Lymond Lychester—his unknown, biological father for the time being.
"Lord Lymond, we can't stay here long."
"The Ironborn have a massive land force in the West Riverlands, and their longships are everywhere. We must lead our troops back to the East Riverlands immediately and establish a solid line of defense there."
Raymun Darry rested his bandaged arm on the table and nodded slightly. Pain from his wound had left him pale.
"Suleiman is right. Please give the order, Lord Lymond."
Lymond Lychester looked somewhat distracted and was about to agree when a deep, powerful voice cut in.
"Before you return to the East Riverlands, I have a request."
Everyone turned toward the voice.
Tytos Blackwood rose to his feet. The lord of Raventree Hall was tall and lean, with a hooked nose and a short gray beard. His splendid cloak, woven from raven feathers, gleamed darkly in the firelight, making him look like a raven weathered by years of hardship.
"I want the allied army to take a detour and help me free Raventree Hall from the Ironborn siege."
His words were met by a suffocating silence in the Council Chamber. A spark burst from the charcoal in the brazier, its crack startlingly loud in the stillness.
The thought of rescuing Raventree Hall sent a chill through everyone present. It meant charging headlong into the Ironborn's main force and fighting them. It meant that