Blackfish Settles the River

In Riverrun's triangular hall, candlelight cast shifting shadows across the enormous map.

Outside the windows, the ceaseless roar of the Tumblestone and the Red Fork converging crashed against the thick stone walls day and night.

Around the massive oak table at the center of the hall, the atmosphere was even more turbulent than the raging currents outside.

The lords of the West Riverlands stood gathered around the table, every face etched with grave concern.

Blackfish Brynden Tully leaned against the seat of honor.

His fingers rubbed the obsidian fish-shaped brooch as his hawk-like gaze swept over every marker on the map.

Tytos Blackwood was the first to break the silence.

The lord of Raventree Hall wore a magnificent cloak woven from raven feathers, and his hooked nose cast a sharp shadow in the candlelight.

His long, powerful fingers struck the northern side of the map.

"House Frey is holding still. The gates of The Twins are shut tight—we cannot count on them marching south."

"Relying on them would be harder than expecting the Trident to flow backward."

His finger traced an arc across the map.

"House Morrison killed our envoy and hung his head from their flagpole. Their stance is exceptionally resolute."

"House Bracken has yet to declare its position, either."

He pointed southwest, toward the lands representing House Lychester.

"Suleiman has deployed an army in both the Southwest Riverlands and House Lychester's lands, each numbering between five and six thousand men."

"The two armies can support one another and reinforce each other's strength."

Tytos Blackwood raised his head and looked at the others.

"Suleiman's plan is obvious. He intends to drag this out, leaving us threatened from both front and rear, unable to move."

"It is like a pair of bared fangs."

He drew a dagger from his waist