Game of Thrones: Lord of the Flames

The sun dipped low on the horizon, casting a golden glow across the calm sea. A few seagulls swooped down, disrupting the shimmering reflection on the water.

But Samwell had no mind for the beauty before him. He turned to Todd, who had just returned.

"The sentry group—no sign of them yet?"

"None," Todd replied grimly.

"And the wildlings who attacked? Have you tracked them?"

"Not yet. They won't engage us head-on, only ambushing us and then disappearing into the mountains. We aren't familiar with the terrain and can't catch up." Todd clenched his jaw. "I'm thinking of taking ten men out further to see if we can find anything."

Samwell was silent.

Thinking that he might refuse, Todd's frustration flared. "My lord, I sent those men out, and I will bring them back! Otherwise…"

"I'm not stopping you from going to find them," Samwell interrupted. "I just think you should take more men."

Todd's expression softened a bit, though he shook his head. "Ten will do. Any more, and the camp's security could be compromised."

Samwell smiled slightly. "That's exactly what I want the wildlings to think."

"What do you mean?" Todd looked puzzled.

"You were right before. I underestimated their hostility. It's clear now they have no interest in peaceful exchange. If that's the case, then we need to show them who's in charge." Samwell's eyes held a glint of steel. "Take all the Tyrell soldiers with you and make it appear the camp is vulnerable. I'll stay with my men to lure them in, and you'll circle back at the right moment and trap them in the valley."

Todd stared, incredulous. "My lord, wouldn't that be too risky? We don't even know how many wildlings there are…"

Samwell replied calmly, "A pack of skulking wildlings—what is there to fear? If they were capable of facing us head-on, why rely on sneak attacks?"

Todd hesitated. "Wouldn't it be wiser to get a sense of their numbers first?"

"And how do you propose we do that?" Samwell cut in sharply. "This is the Red Mountains; it's their terrain. We can't even catch a glimpse of them here."

Seeing Todd look away, Samwell continued coolly, "Now is the best time to strike. Once we build the watchtower and secure the barricades, any feigned weakness won't fool them into attacking us. If we delay, they'll simply wear us down with hit-and-run tactics, lurking unseen. The constant harassment would cripple the development of the settlement, and we'd be forever trapped here.

"We need to act now, while our position is still vulnerable. Let them come in for what they think is an easy target, then strike hard enough that they won't dare try it again."

Todd considered his words, and then, gritting his teeth, he nodded. "Very well. Since you have the courage, and you trust me to handle this, I will not disappoint you!"

He struck his chest in a knightly salute and departed.

Turning to find his squire Gavin, Samwell noticed his hesitation. "What is it?" he asked.

Gavin lowered his voice. "My lord, aren't you worried Todd Flowers might deliberately leave you to die?"

Samwell gave his young squire a long look and then smiled. "Don't worry. Todd is no fool. He wouldn't make such a reckless choice. Besides, all our supplies are here. If he abandoned us to the wildlings, what would he do with a hundred men and no supplies? Even if he escaped, would the Tyrells spare him?"

Gavin hesitated but persisted, "My lord, what if he delays on purpose? Even if he doesn't abandon us, he might wait until we're battered by the wildlings. Why not switch roles? Let him stay to defend the valley while you lead the sortie and then return in the midst of battle."

Samwell shook his head. "All of you are green recruits, better suited to hold a fortified position. Leaving the feint and re-entry to Todd and his seasoned men makes more sense."

Seeing that Gavin wanted to protest further, Samwell cut him off.

"Gavin, do you know what's most dangerous in a battle?"

"My lord, what is it?"

"Distrust and division among one's own." Samwell's tone was deadly serious. "No matter our differences, Todd and I stand on the same side against the wildlings. If I made him defend the valley, he'd sense I don't trust him. We'd lose spirit before the fight even began. And if we won, it would leave a rift between us that would never heal."

"I understand, my lord," Gavin murmured, lowering his head.

Samwell's tone softened. "Good. Tell the men we may face a wildling assault tonight. Have them eat early, get some rest, and keep their armor on and weapons close. And find Vito for me."

"Yes, my lord."

In truth, Samwell's trust in Todd also stemmed from a recent letter from Margaery, which had included a warning: he was to refrain from indiscriminate killing, and that Todd would now be under his command.

That subtle remark had alerted Samwell that Lady Olenna's view of him might have changed.

Initially, she'd likely regarded him as a controllable puppet. But after seeing him take decisive action, she'd apparently revised her stance, granting him more freedom to act.

For now, Todd could be trusted.

However, Samwell knew that if he failed to prove his worth, Todd would undoubtedly step in to assume control.

This was, after all, Lady Olenna—there would be no leniency.

That was why this upcoming battle was so crucial.

It was not only a test of his recruits, who had been given proper arms, food, and training over the past four months. This was the moment for them to prove their worth.

If they won this battle, these recruits would emerge as his first cohort of seasoned soldiers.

All they had to do was win…

As Samwell pondered, Gavin returned with Vito in tow.

Shaking off his reverie, Samwell shared his plans with Vito, and together they discussed ways to bolster their defenses.

It was too late to complete the watchtower, or even the palisades.

Fortunately, the craftsmen had already created a small mound at the valley's entrance, which they could reinforce as a defensive point.

The entrance was narrow, just wide enough for six or seven men to pass abreast. From the mound, Samwell's men would have the high ground.

With the plan set, Samwell instructed Vito to gather some stones and logs to be stacked atop the mound.

As the sun finally sank below the horizon, Todd and his men slipped out of the camp.

The craftsmen worked on the defenses, while Samwell and his soldiers rested, conserving their strength.

Staring up at the vast, starry sky, Samwell found sleep elusive.

Listening to the rhythmic pounding of waves on the rocks, his mind drifted to memories from his previous life. Though not long ago, it felt like an eternity.

The night deepened, thick with the sense that something was brewing, gathering strength.

(End of Chapter)