Be Born a King, or Be Worthless

In the forest, Suleiman's gaze passed through gaps in the branches and fell upon House Vance's lax camp in the distance.

Rosso Brune stood at his side, breathing heavily and looking somewhat restless.

Suleiman picked up a long, dead branch and drew a rough circle in the damp earth, representing Wayfarer's Rest.

"We must weaken the lords of the West Riverlands as much as possible."

"So we need to split our forces."

With the branch, he drew another arrow beside the circle to represent their own cavalry.

"Take the cavalry and approach House Vance of Wayfarer's Rest in the name of the Westerlands' vanguard."

"Claim that we are joining forces."

Rosso Brune's brow relaxed. It was a good plan. House Vance's troops would surely be unguarded, allowing them to crush the enemy in one stroke.

As though seeing through his thoughts, Suleiman continued.

"If Norbert Vance trusts you and approaches your army with his guards, capture him directly."

"That will avoid a battle."

"Once the lord is captured, his levied army will collapse without a fight."

Suleiman drew a line through the circle representing House Vance's army.

"If he is cautious enough not to approach, then launch an attack while closing in."

"The disparity in strength is not balanced. With a sudden attack once the distance has been closed, defeating them will take no effort at all."

He paused, his tone growing heavier.

"If possible, capture Norbert Vance alive."

"We can use him to open the gates of his family's castle."

Suleiman moved the branch across the map, drawing toward another direction.

"At the same time, send someone to request aid from House Vance of Resting City in the name of House Vance of Wayfarer's Rest."

"Say that the East Riverlands army besieging the city is too small in number."