In the study that morning, the candles were still burning.
The commanders of the Dornish Marches, Bronzegate, and Sharp Point had all assembled at Aegon's command, along with Oberyn, who had just returned from Clegane's Keep.
The four stood before the desk, waiting for Aegon to speak.
Aegon looked at Oberyn first. "How did things go at Clegane's Keep?"
The corners of Oberyn's mouth rose, a chill lurking in his smile. "Not a soul left alive."
Aegon nodded calmly without asking anything further.
Then he turned to the three commanders. "The Westerlands are all but pacified. I intend to march on the Vale."
The three commanders exchanged glances.
They all knew how their forces were currently deployed.
The Narrow Sea Fleet had sailed to the Iron Islands. The Golden Company had marched north to attack the Twins, preparing to advance into the North. The Blood Oath Band and the Ashen Company had pursued Tywin all the way and should have reached the vicinity of the Vale by now.
In other words, the only army Aegon could mobilize for this campaign was their combined force from the Crownlands and the Stormlands.
But the problem was that they had only just conquered the Westerlands. If this army was withdrawn as well, who would remain to garrison the region?
The commander of Sharp Point spoke first, his tone cautious. "Your Highness, we lack the troops at present. If we march on the Vale now, the Westerlands will be left far too exposed without a large army stationed here."
"It was precisely that lack of a standing army that left the Riverlands vulnerable before, allowing Tywin to exploit the opening. He burned, killed, and pillaged his way through the Riverlands, then withdrew to the Vale at his leisure."
Aegon nodded in agreement.
He knew