GOT: House Redwyne

The air was thick with anticipation as the forces of House Redwyne prepared to march at dawn. The Arbor, typically known for its tranquil beauty and the rich scent of ripening grapes, was now a hive of military activity. The sounds of clanging armor, the clatter of weapons being sharpened, and the murmurs of soldiers preparing for the coming conflict filled the air, creating an atmosphere of barely restrained tension.

Paxter Redwyne stood at the edge of the castle's outer wall, looking out over the rows of tents that had sprung up like mushrooms overnight. The dawn was still a few hours away, but the entire camp was already alive with the final preparations for the march to Bitterbridge. The light from the torches cast long, wavering shadows over the assembled forces, giving the scene an eerie, almost otherworldly quality.

Lady Mina joined Paxter at the wall, her presence a calm anchor in the midst of the brewing storm. She had been working tirelessly to ensure that everything was in place for the march, coordinating with the captains, overseeing logistics, and sending out the last of the ravens to their allies.

"The men are ready," Mina said quietly, her voice steady but laced with the same tension that gripped the camp. "We'll be able to move at first light. Our allies are also preparing to march—House Rowan and House Florent have pledged their support and are mobilizing as we speak."

Paxter nodded, his gaze never leaving the horizon. "That's good news. We'll need every man we can muster if we're to counter the Tarlys' advance. Bitterbridge is a key strategic point; if they take it, they'll control the Mander and the surrounding lands. We can't let that happen."

Mina studied Paxter's profile, noting the strain in his features. "You've made the right decision, Paxter. We've done everything we can to prepare. Now we just need to trust that our forces—and our allies—are up to the challenge."

Paxter finally turned to look at her, his expression a mix of determination and concern. "It's not just the Tarlys I'm worried about, Mina. It's the Lannisters. We still don't know if they're backing the Tarlys or if they're content to let us fight it out among ourselves. If the Lannisters decide to intervene, this could become much more than just a battle for Bitterbridge—it could turn into a full-scale war for control of the Reach."

Mina placed a reassuring hand on his arm. "We've anticipated that possibility, Paxter. We've taken every precaution we can, and we've strengthened our position as much as possible. The Lannisters may be a threat, but we're not without our own resources and allies. We'll deal with whatever comes our way."

Paxter took a deep breath, nodding as he processed her words. "You're right. We've done everything we can. Now it's time to face the storm."

The first light of dawn began to creep over the horizon, painting the sky in hues of pink and gold. It was a deceptively peaceful sight, belying the violence that would soon erupt as the armies of the Reach converged on Bitterbridge. Paxter and Mina made their way down from the wall and into the camp, where the captains were already rallying their men and issuing final orders.

Ser Martyn Harte was waiting for them near the command tent, his armor gleaming in the early morning light. He was a seasoned warrior, and his presence had always been a source of reassurance for Paxter. Now, as they prepared to march into battle, Paxter was grateful to have such a capable and loyal knight by his side.

"My lord, my lady," Martyn greeted them with a respectful nod. "The men are ready to move out on your command."

"Thank you, Martyn," Paxter replied. "We'll lead the vanguard ourselves. I want our presence to be felt from the very beginning. We need to show the Tarlys that House Redwyne is not to be trifled with."

Martyn's eyes gleamed with resolve. "They'll feel our presence, my lord. And they'll regret underestimating us."

The camp was abuzz with activity as the final preparations were made. The Redwyne banners, bearing the symbol of the grape cluster on a white field, fluttered in the breeze, a stark contrast to the dark clouds that were beginning to gather on the horizon. The soldiers, their armor clinking as they moved, were tense but determined, their faces set with the grim resolve of men who knew they were marching into a battle that could decide the fate of their house—and possibly the entire Reach.

As Paxter mounted his horse, a powerful black stallion named Tempest, he took a moment to survey his troops. These were the men who had sworn their lives to House Redwyne, who had trained and fought under his command for years. They were farmers, fishermen, and sailors by trade, but they had been transformed into soldiers by the necessity of war. And now, they were ready to fight for their home and their lord.

Paxter raised his hand, signaling for silence. The murmurs of the camp fell away as the soldiers turned their attention to their lord, waiting for his words.

"Men of the Arbor!" Paxter's voice rang out across the camp, strong and clear. "Today, we march to defend our home, our lands, and our way of life. The Tarlys seek to take what is ours, to dominate the Reach with their ambition and their might. But we will not let them! We are Redwynes, and we will fight with the strength of the sea and the resolve of the vine. We will meet them on the field of battle, and we will show them that the Reach belongs to us—to the true lords of these lands!"

A cheer rose up from the assembled soldiers, their voices echoing across the camp as they raised their swords and spears in salute. Paxter felt a surge of pride as he looked out at the men who were ready to follow him into battle, who believed in him and in the cause they were fighting for.

With a final nod to Ser Martyn and Lady Mina, Paxter turned his horse toward the road that led out of the Arbor and toward Bitterbridge. The vanguard began to move, the sound of marching feet and clattering armor filling the air as the army of House Redwyne set off on its march to war.

The journey to Bitterbridge was grueling, the tension growing with each passing mile as the Redwyne forces made their way through the rolling hills and fertile fields of the Reach. The weather, which had been clear and mild when they set out, began to turn as they approached their destination. Dark clouds gathered overhead, and the wind picked up, whipping through the ranks and carrying with it the scent of impending rain.

As they neared Bitterbridge, scouts were sent ahead to gather information on the Tarlys' movements. The reports that came back were troubling—the Tarlys had already taken up positions around the town, fortifying their defenses and preparing for a prolonged standoff. The Redwynes would have to fight their way through if they were to have any hope of preventing the Tarlys from securing control of the Mander.

Paxter called a halt as they reached a ridge overlooking Bitterbridge, the town's walls and the Tarly encampment spread out below them. The scene was one of organized chaos, with Tarly soldiers moving about the camp, setting up siege engines, and fortifying their positions. It was clear that the Tarlys were well-prepared for the battle to come.

Ser Martyn rode up to Paxter's side, his expression grim as he surveyed the scene. "They've dug in deep, my lord. It's going to be a hard fight to dislodge them."

Paxter nodded, his mind racing as he considered their options. "We'll need to be strategic. A direct assault could cost us too many lives, and we can't afford to weaken our forces with the Lannisters still a potential threat. We need to find a way to break their lines, disrupt their defenses, and force them into a position where we have the advantage."

Mina, who had been riding just behind Paxter, spoke up. "If we can create a diversion, draw their attention to one area, we might be able to launch a flanking maneuver. If we can get behind their lines, we could cut off their supply routes and force them to retreat."

Paxter considered her suggestion, nodding slowly as the plan began to take shape in his mind. "It's a risky move, but it might be our best shot. Martyn, I want you to lead the main force in a frontal assault. Make it look like we're putting all our strength into breaking through their front lines. Mina and I will take a smaller force and circle around, hitting them from behind while they're focused on the main attack."

Martyn nodded, his expression determined. "We'll give them hell, my lord. Just make sure you come back in one piece."

Paxter allowed himself a brief smile. "I plan to, Martyn. We all have a part to play in this, and if we succeed, we'll have secured the future of House Redwyne—and the Reach."

The orders were given, and the Redwyne forces moved into position.