Game of thrones: the Sunblode rise

Chapter 23: The Lion's Maneuver

The aftermath of the Lannister raid and the ambush by Timothy's team had rippled across the Riverlands like waves crashing on the shore. Ivar's success emboldened some lords, but others questioned his motives, their whispers fueled by Tywin's manipulations. The Riverland Accord was holding—barely—but cracks were beginning to form, and Ivar knew it.

Tension on Sunblode Isle

On Sunblode Isle, the air was thick with the smell of salt and ash. The docks buzzed with activity as laborers repaired damaged ships and soldiers trained relentlessly under Timothy Sunrise's supervision. The enhanced soldiers, their movements sharp and unnaturally fast, drew uneasy glances from the regular troops.

Timothy leaned against a stack of crates, watching as two enhanced recruits sparred with short swords. Their strikes were a blur, faster than any normal man could follow. When one recruit overextended, the other moved with almost mechanical precision, striking his opponent's exposed flank.

"Enough," Timothy called, his voice carrying over the clang of steel. "You're fighting like machines. Read your opponent. Anticipate, don't just react."

One of the recruits, a tall man with close-cropped hair, frowned. "We're stronger, faster than them. Why not use that advantage?"

Timothy approached, his dagger spinning lazily in his hand. "Strength without control is a liability. You think Tywin's men will fight fair? They'll exploit every mistake you make. Learn to think, or you'll die."

As the recruits nodded and returned to their drills, Roland Emberhill approached, his armor glinting in the sunlight. "Still molding them into warriors, I see."

"They're not ready," Timothy replied. "The enhancements make them strong, but strength isn't everything."

Roland's gaze lingered on the recruits. "You don't trust them."

Timothy's smirk faded. "I don't trust what we've become. These enhancements—they're useful, sure. But they take something from us. Something human."

Before Roland could respond, a rider galloped into the courtyard, his horse lathered in sweat. He carried a message bearing the sigil of House Tully. Roland took the letter, his brow furrowing as he read.

"Jonos Bracken is on the move," he said grimly. "He's mustering men at Stone Hedge and refusing to answer Lord Tully's summons."

Timothy's eyes narrowed. "Looks like our 'unity' is already falling apart."

A Meeting at Riverrun

The great hall of Riverrun was cold, its stone walls reflecting the tension of the lords gathered within. Ivar entered with his usual air of calm confidence, his crimson cloak trailing behind him. He could feel the weight of their gazes—some admiring, others wary, a few outright hostile.

Hoster Tully sat at the head of the table, his face lined with age and worry. Beside him stood Brynden Blackfish, his sharp eyes sweeping the room as if daring anyone to challenge him.

Jonos Bracken's absence was palpable. His seat at the table remained conspicuously empty, a silent testament to his defiance.

"We have a problem," Hoster began, his voice heavy. "Lord Bracken's refusal to answer our call is not just an insult—it's a threat. If he acts against the Accord, the Lannisters will seize the opportunity to divide us further."

Walder Frey, seated near the end of the table, smirked. "Perhaps Jonos has the right idea. Lord Sunblode's… ambition has made us all targets. Why should the rest of us suffer for his provocations?"

Tytos Blackwood glared at Frey. "You'd rather grovel before the Lannisters than stand and fight? Typical."

"Enough!" Ivar's voice cut through the bickering like a blade. He stepped forward, his gaze sweeping the room. "Jonos Bracken isn't just defying the Accord—he's endangering the Riverlands. If he continues unchecked, he'll invite chaos to our doorstep."

"And what do you propose, Lord Sunblode?" Frey sneered. "March on Stone Hedge and force him into compliance?"

"If necessary, yes," Ivar said, his tone cold. "But first, I'll speak with him. If Jonos can be reasoned with, we'll avoid bloodshed. If not…"

"You'll crush him," Brynden finished, a faint smile playing on his lips. "Good. It's time someone reminded the lords of the Riverlands what's at stake."

The Road to Stone Hedge

Ivar rode with a small retinue, including Roland, Timothy, and a handful of enhanced soldiers. The journey to Stone Hedge was tense, the quiet countryside offering no solace as they approached the seat of House Bracken.

Stone Hedge loomed before them, its gray walls stark against the green hills. The gates were closed, the banners of House Bracken fluttering defiantly in the wind.

A guard atop the wall called down, his voice sharp. "Who comes to Stone Hedge?"

"Ivar Sunblode," Ivar replied, his tone steady. "I'm here to speak with Lord Bracken."

After a tense pause, the gates creaked open, and they were escorted inside. The courtyard was bustling with activity—men sharpening swords, smiths hammering armor, and horses being prepared for battle.

Jonos Bracken awaited them in the great hall, his broad frame clad in a suit of dark armor. He greeted Ivar with a thin smile that didn't reach his eyes.

"Lord Sunblode," Jonos said, his tone dripping with mockery. "To what do I owe the honor?"

"You know why I'm here," Ivar replied, his voice cold. "Your actions threaten the stability of the Riverlands. I'm here to give you a chance to reconsider."

Jonos laughed, the sound harsh and mirthless. "Reconsider? Do you think me a fool? You've made yourself the centerpiece of this so-called Accord, but you're no different from the Lannisters—hungry for power and willing to trample anyone who stands in your way."

"This isn't about me," Ivar said, stepping closer. "It's about survival. If we don't stand together, we'll fall."

"And who will lead us in this grand unity?" Jonos sneered. "You? A boy playing at war?"

Timothy bristled, his hand drifting toward his daggers, but Ivar raised a hand, stopping him.

"Unity isn't about one leader," Ivar said. "It's about purpose. The Lannisters want us divided. Don't give them what they want."

For a moment, Jonos hesitated, his expression wavering. But then his gaze hardened. "You speak well, Sunblode. But words won't save us from the lion's jaws. I won't bow to you—or to anyone."

The Storm Breaks

As Ivar and his retinue left Stone Hedge, it became clear that Jonos had made his choice. That night, as they camped in a nearby forest, scouts reported movement from Stone Hedge—Bracken's forces were mobilizing.

"They're coming for us," Roland said, tightening the straps on his armor.

"Let them," Timothy replied, his grin fierce.

Ivar stood by the fire, his expression unreadable. "We'll make our stand here. If Jonos wants a fight, we'll give him one he won't forget."

The following morning, Bracken's forces advanced on the forest. The clash was brutal and chaotic, the trees echoing with the sounds of steel and shouts. Ivar fought at the forefront, his blade cutting through Bracken's men with precision.

Timothy led the enhanced soldiers in a flanking maneuver, their speed and strength overwhelming the enemy. Roland held the line, his shield a bulwark against Bracken's advance.

By the time the battle ended, the ground was littered with the dead, and Jonos Bracken was among them. His defiance had cost him everything.

The Aftermath

The victory at Stone Hedge sent a clear message to the Riverlands: defiance would not be tolerated. But it also deepened the rift within the Accord. While some lords praised Ivar's decisive action, others whispered that he was becoming too powerful, too ruthless.

Back at Sunblode Isle, Ivar stood on the cliffs, watching the waves crash against the rocks. Lysa approached, her expression thoughtful.

"You did what had to be done," she said.

"Did I?" Ivar asked, his voice quiet.

Lysa hesitated. "The Riverlands are stronger because of you. But strength comes at a cost."

"I know," Ivar said. "And I'll pay it. Whatever it takes."