This was also the lesson from House Targaryen's past wars with Dorne and in the Stepstones.
But the Westerlands, or indeed the Seven Kingdoms, had only one Casterly Rock. A king without subjects was still a king.
"How well defended is Deep Den now?" Gendry asked, his gaze piercing as he looked at Gerold.
"Deep Den guards the Goldroad. Its defenses are much tighter than ours."
By comparison, Silverhill was a flank stronghold that could be abandoned.
Normally, without magic dragons patrolling, longships heading north, and so many elite troops, few would choose to break through Silverhill.
Thinking it over, Gendry realized that Tywin could abandon all of Silverhill, including the troops stationed at the Golden Tooth and along the Seaside Road.
Their ultimate aim was still to hole up in Casterly Rock. Stationing too many soldiers inside would instead be dangerous. Sheltering in the rock castle, Tywin could hold out longer.
"I require you to march with us!" Gendry put away the map and immediately addressed Gerold Shallot.
"Your father is in Casterly Rock. We cannot trust you completely," Ser Barristan Selmy said, looking at Ser Gerold.
"I understand, Your Grace." Gerold Shallot changed into his armor.
"Now, then, we need to cross the mountains and continue our attack on Deep Den."
"Will your men not rest here for a day or two?" Ser Gerold asked.
"Speed is everything in war. One night sleeping out of our armor was enough," Gendry answered confidently.
"Very well."
"My soldiers, forgive me for making you cross the mountains with me. Let us venture deep into the lion's den together and seize the lion by its whiskers. Do you dare follow me over the mountains?" Gendry asked, looking at the soldiers in the courtyard.
"Into the lion's den! Capture Tywin!" Their spirits soaring,