Camp of the Blacks in the Reach

**Pontifex Maximus** · June 21, 2015, 12:34 PM

ooc: RP for anyone in this army

Lucian dropped the message he received from his son and cursed. He was the Hand of the Queen, but this felt like an empty title compared to Daemon who was Lord Protector. The breakdown of authority was not clear. THe Northmen should have arrived days ago and the gathering clouds of battle meant that they would not be here in time for the battle. Meanwhile in the Westerlands, his son's army was about to be engaged by a larger force from the Westerlands and Ser Vance had abandoned them. Lucian surveyed the men around him. The grand army of the Vale had been heavily reduced, but still stood proud. Who knows how many would remain after this battle. No Targaryen marched with them. Rhaenyra, broken in spirit, went off to Dragonstone to try to find another mount. She would likely die in the process. Daemon remained in the capitol. Who knows where Jace was. He had been absent the entire war. This was definetely a low point for the Blacks. Lucian became increasingly aware that all his own men were on the frontlines along with the Crownlanders, alone. "We shall barely have the strength to defend our own territories from attack." He sighed "And we cannot rely on our so called 'allies' to lift a finger for us in the event that occurs."

He began penning letters. It was time to think of their homes. The Vale has expended itself on this cause. It was time for the others to show their support, or lose the Vale.

**Trot** · June 21, 2015, 05:10 PM

Yorwyck enters the tent looking worn. His clothes were unkempt and a shadow of a beard had begun to grow around his usually clean shaven face. Yorwyck was not as young as he used to be and campaigning was beginning to take it's toll.

"Is there any new from the North yet?" he asks taking a seat across from his liege.

**Velasco** · June 21, 2015, 05:12 PM

Having made his landing towards the back of the camp, Prince Jacaerys makes his presence known.

**Pontifex Maximus** · June 21, 2015, 05:13 PM

Lucian shook his head. "Nothing cheerful. Our sons move to engage the Westerlands, and in the meantime the North and Riverlords are at odds. I am not fully aware of the details. All I know is that our sons are currently on their own against the ful force of the Westerlands."

**Trot** · June 21, 2015, 05:24 PM

Yorwyck shakes his head, seven hells alone against the full host of the west?

"Is their no way we could relieve them in time? A fast force of cavalry may be able to..." He trails off. If there was a way Arryn wuld have already issued the order. he sighs looking resigned. "Let us pray the Warrior leads them to victory, and the mother shelters them from harm." Yorwyck was not a very religious man, but at this moment he would of prayed to any number of gods if it saw his son home safe.

Originally Posted by Velasco

Having made his landing towards the back of the camp, Prince Jacaerys makes his presence known.

After departing from Lord Arryns command tent Yorwyck passes the young heir appearing in a hurry. He doesn't notice the prince at first.

**Velasco** · June 21, 2015, 05:34 PM

Originally Posted by Trot

After departing from Lord Arryns command tent Yorwyck passes the young heir appearing in a hurry. He doesn't notice the prince at first.

Lord...Royce...!

Somewhat lost in the camp Jace flashed his infamous smile as he caught sight of an important nobleman and identified him readily, thanks primarily to Lord Yorwyck's distinctive bronze armour, with the runes the ancient Kings of Runestone had had inscribed on them...First Man magic, no doubt. He wondered if it worked. Perhaps he would get to see it in action...

Prince Jacaerys of House Targaryen, at your service. I come to fight at my Lord of Arryn's command, if he shall have me.

**Pontifex Maximus** · June 21, 2015, 05:27 PM

Lucian felt helpless, it was not a good feeling not only as a commander but as a father. "The one advantage that gives me hope is that they have occupied Nunn's Deep. It may prove that the tactical advantage offered by such an advantage will at least make the Westerlands pay a dear price for challenging them on such favorable terms."

**Trot** · June 21, 2015, 05:34 PM

Yorwyck rubs his temples feeling tired. "I wish a could say that brings me hope, but by all accounts Nunn's deep is an unremarkable keep." He pauses looking down to hide his worry. "I can not say it brings me comfort, but I guess it is better then nothing." At worst the boy's could take shelter in the keep until reinforcements arrived.

**Pontifex Maximus** · June 21, 2015, 05:42 PM

Lucian looked tired, his eyes ringed with dark circles on his otherwise proud face. "my Prince." He said executing a short bow, wincing in the pain that seared in his arm. "We will welcom your aid in this fight."

**Velasco** · June 21, 2015, 06:05 PM

Originally Posted by Pontifex Maximus

Lucian looked tired, his eyes ringed with dark circles on his otherwise proud face. "my Prince." He said executing a short bow, wincing in the pain that seared in his arm. "We will welcom your aid in this fight."

Jace's mouth was agape a little at the sight of his uncle, but he bowed lower than Arryn had before replying. Internally he chastised himself for letting the older man bow in the first place, with his arm like that.

Nuncle, I pray I shall be of assistance...place me where you wish.

He glanced discretely at the arm.

Is there no maester here who can tend to the Queen's Hand? We would be lost without you in this war, uncle, and you have bled enough...too much. I pray Vermax shall allow me to take on a fuller brunt of what these curs throw our way, so that no more honourable men burn...

His voice trailed off, uncertain of what he meant to say. He didn't want to end the battle day hearing those Green scoundrels had killed another of his relatives, they might well try and make use of the injury to off Lucian altogether....although Lucian probably knew what he was doing better than Jace. He tried to smile sympathetically and avoid being thrown into a dungeon again.

**Pontifex Maximus** · June 21, 2015, 06:17 PM

Lucian gave a small laugh. He had seen the same look come from his younger soldiers. they always seemed to panic when they saw the older men injured. "There's nothing for it. The maester has done his best, and I refuse their tomes - it dulls the senses." Lucian pointed to the map where he had been planning their tactics.
"I suggest the following for you, your grace."

Spoiler Alert, click show to read:

**Velasco** · June 21, 2015, 06:20 PM

Originally Posted by Pontifex Maximus

Lucian gave a small laugh. He had seen the same look come from his younger soldiers. they always seemed to panic when they saw the older men injured. "There's nothing for it. The maester has done his best, and I refuse their tomes - it dulls the senses." Lucian pointed to the map where he had been planning their tactics.
"I suggest the following for you, your grace."

Spoiler Alert, click show to read:

Jacaerys smiled uncomfortably at the laugh and nodded.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read:

**Pontifex Maximus** · June 21, 2015, 06:44 PM

"That should be sufficient for the initial plan, but you will be able to see the entire battlefield. Do not expose yourself to undue risk, but assert your presence where you deem it useful." He pounded a fist on the table. "We will smash them here then turn our attention to the Stormlands." He placed a comforting hand on the boy's shoulder. "It is normal to feel nervous, but find your courage." He presumed it was the boy's first real battle.

**Velasco** · June 21, 2015, 06:51 PM

Originally Posted by Pontifex Maximus

"That should be sufficient for the initial plan, but you will be able to see the entire battlefield. Do not expose yourself to undue risk, but assert your presence where you deem it useful." He pounded a fist on the table. "We will smash them here then turn our attention to the Stormlands." He placed a comforting hand on the boy's shoulder. "It is normal to feel nervous, but find your courage." He presumed it was the boy's first real battle.

He nodded and appreciated the hand on his shoulder. Thank you, uncle. When the time comes I trust the Warrior shall grant me strength, to add to what I draw from the justness of our cause and the desire to avenge our kin. Whatever comes my way, be it victory, gods-willing, or an end like my brothers'.

**Velasco** · June 22, 2015, 11:56 AM

Having gone out and flown a little, Prince Jacaerys hastened back.

It seems there is no army awaiting us, uncle. Either they are trying to draw us deeper into the Reach so we fall into a trap, or they have marched off elsewhere altogether.