The midday sun filtered through the sparse foliage, casting dappled spots of light across the forest.
Robb reined in his warhorse and gazed into the distance.
Through the gaps between the trees, the towering black towers of Harrenhal were faintly visible. Farther away, several columns of dark gray smoke rose straight into the sky-smoke from the fighting.
Greatjon Umber had apparently begun his assault on Harrenhal.
Robb watched intently for a long time.
There were only birds in the sky, with no sign of a dragon.
It seemed Aegon Targaryen had indeed been firmly drawn into the fighting at the Trident.
The main Targaryen forces were tied down at the front, and even that most terrifying "big fish" had been lured away. Harrenhal had to be poorly defended now.
They had to seize the moment. The sooner they stormed it, the better.
"Send the order. The entire army is to prepare..." Robb turned, ready to order his cavalry forward to help Greatjon take this vital Riverlands stronghold as quickly as possible and sever the Targaryens' supply lines once and for all.
Just as he was about to give the command-
"ROAR!!!"
A terrifying roar beyond description tore through the sky without warning-and tore apart the hope that had just risen in Robb's heart!
Robb jerked his head up. The blood drained from his face in an instant, leaving only incredulous horror.
On the horizon, a tiny golden speck was growing visibly larger as it approached!
Its speed defied all reason.
In the space of only a few breaths, that golden speck swelled into an enormous shadow that blotted out the sky. With an oppressive presence that made all living things tremble, it descended over Harrenhal!
Against the pale golden demon dragon's colossal body, even Harrenhal's soaring towers seemed smaller.
*No...