The Westerlands army's tents stretched endlessly, like a gray forest of steel, locking down the River Road.
At the center of the encampment, Tywin Lannister sat upright in his command tent.
A huge map of Westeros lay across the table before him, with red pieces marking the various forces.
Recently, Robb Stark's guerrilla campaign in the Westerlands had stoked Tywin's anger.
The young Wolf Cub had relied on his superior arms and armor to dart about like a flea, burning granaries and plundering supplies, leaving the Westerlands seething with complaints.
The target of Tywin's fury was not Robb, but Lynn, who had stirred up such turmoil in the North.
An upstart who had emerged from nowhere had somehow united the North, and now he even dared reach for the Iron Throne.
Now, Stannis's proclamation had become the fuse that ignited Tywin Lannister's ambition.
He knew full well that Stannis was no easy opponent, but cooperating with that madman was better than allowing Lynn, the King in the North, to grow any stronger.
Order in Westeros had to be maintained by House Lannister.
"My lord."
A herald hurried into the command tent and dropped to one knee, excitement in his voice.
"Word has come from the Kingsroad. Stannis's allied army has left King's Landing and is heading for the Trident."
Tywin's gaze settled on the map, his finger tapping lightly on the mark for the Trident.
Stannis was impatient, just as he had expected.
This was an opportunity.
"Pass on my orders."
Tywin's voice was steady.
"The entire Westerlands army is to break camp immediately and march north along the River Road. We will attack Riverrun first, then join forces with Stannis at the Trident."
"My lord, Robb Stark is rather difficult to deal with..." The herald hesitated.
Robb had nearly