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Chapter 45 The Battle Approaches

Owen lingered a little longer in Maege Mormont's tent, then bid Daisy Mormont farewell and returned to his own quarters as the night grew late.

At first light, the camp stirred. Soldiers ate a quick meal, and by sunrise, everyone was ready. Robb gathered his lords and the entire cavalry, preparing to march for Seagard. He left Owen with all the infantry—only a handful of mounted scouts remained—and most of the supply wagons and draft horses.

Owen stood outside the camp, watching Robb's cavalry ride south.

"Spend much time in Lady Mormont's tent last night?" Wyman Manderly asked, sidling up to him with a grin.

"How did you—" Owen asked, startled.

"I saw you follow her after Robb's meeting. Thought I'd watch for you getting chewed out. Instead, Lady Mormont left first, and I heard laughter from inside," Wyman said, chuckling. "I think she's got her eye on you for Daisy. You're a lucky man."

"Didn't know you were such a gossip," Owen said, rolling his eyes. The old lord had clearly been waiting to tease him.

"Be careful out here, boy. Tywin Lannister isn't some Frey fool," Wyman said, his tone softening.

"I value my life too much to be reckless," Owen replied with a smile.

"And about the Mormont girl—think about it. A good match," Wyman added.

"Wait, are you trying to marry me off to your granddaughter next?" Owen joked.

"Not out of the question—if you survive this," Wyman said seriously.

"Really? I'm just a knight. Your family's far above mine," Owen said, surprised.

"Titles don't mean much if a man's weak. Prove yourself against Tywin, and we'll talk," Wyman said, clapping his shoulder. Then he rode off to join Robb's cavalry.

Owen watched the horsemen vanish over the horizon, then turned back to the camp.

"Ser Owen, what's our next move?" the remaining lords asked, gathering around him as he entered his tent.

"Assemble the men. Unfurl the Stark banner—march openly along the Green Fork toward Harrenhal. Send out scouts to map the terrain, and hunt down any Lannister scouts. Keep them in the dark about our numbers," Owen ordered.

The lords nodded and left to organize their men. Owen summoned Jon and Fran—two of his most trusted hunters from Ram's Village.

"Take the Ram's Village men as scouts. Split into two teams, ride 5 to 10 miles ahead. Watch for Lannisters—and kill any scouts you find," Owen said.

"Aye, ser," they replied, and left immediately with their men.

Soon after, the infantry formed up and marched south. The supply train followed, with soldiers dismantling the camp and loading wagons.

It was Owen's first time commanding a large army, but as a modern man, he'd absorbed enough from films, books, and documentaries to know the basics. He chose campgrounds carefully—high ground, near water—and posted guards diligently. The lords were surprised by his competence; no mistakes were made.

Far to the south, at Tywin Lannister's camp outside Harrenhal, the air smelled of ash and steel. Every tent, every breastplate, was crimson—the color of House Lannister. Inside the largest tent, Tywin dined with his lords, discussing strategy.

"Scouts report the Starks have taken the Twins. House Frey is gone," one lord said.

"Where are they now?" Tywin asked, cutting into a piece of meat.