Ser Claw Coldhand POV
Why in the seven hells am I doing this? I'm no messenger boy. I should be on the Trident, fighting the royalists beside Ser Julius. Sigh.
Before the fight began, he ordered the three of us to stay out of it. "Listen to me," he said. "Don't be foolish. Your lives are more important to me than my own. I won't take that risk. A single mistake can get you killed, no matter how experienced you are. So, you will do as I say. I have a different task for you. You'll have your glory in other ways."
We wanted to fight with him! To protect him with our lives if necessary. Though we knew he hardly needed it. The man is a one-man army. But it still bothered us. Sigh.
I was disappointed, but seeing how much he cared… it brought us to tears. He puts our lives before his own. I swear I will repay that love and care someday, with undying loyalty.
Ser Julius gave each of us a different duty.
Colt was given command of two thousand knights from the Vale—mostly from House Waynwood—to protect the main rebel camp. It sounded simple, but Ser Julius was clear: if the battle was lost, Colt was to escort Lord Arryn to the Bloody Gate safely. He also had to be wary of the Frey army arriving late. So, Colt's job was to protect the camp and ensure a retreat if needed.
Ser Julius gave Hale a different task. He and a hundred veteran knights were to watch the west, eliminate any Lannister scouts, and monitor their army's movements. Hale is the best rider among us and a fine scout, so the mission suits him. But Ser Julius seriously warned him: "If you see Gregor Clegane, do not engage at any cost. Even if you must sacrifice your own men." The words were dark, but we all knew he said them to protect Hale. Hale is clever; he can take care of himself.
And lastly, my duty was to report the battlefield situation to Lord Arryn and the other lords in the main camp. A messenger boy. The most annoying job I could imagine. Sigh. Why me?
But how could I refuse an order from the man I've devoted my life to? So I did my duty, watching the battle from a safe distance.
The battle is over. We've won, of course. The royalist army is crushed, and I needed to report this to Lord Arryn.
A few minutes later, I reached the main camp and entered the tent after a nod to the guards.
Inside, Lord Arryn and Lord Tully were deep in discussion with other elderly lords. Lord Arryn saw me and immediately called for silence, signaling me forward.
"Ser Claw," he asked. "What news do you bring?"
"We have won, my lord," I replied. "The royalist army is defeated."
The tent fell silent for a full minute before erupting in overjoyed shouts. I was delighted too, as were my comrades. Watching these lords celebrate was a feast for the eyes.
When they finally calmed down, Lord Arryn spoke again. "Thank you, Ser Claw. But we would like the full report. Please explain in as much detail as you can."
I cleared my throat. "Yes, my lord. While we have won, it came at a great cost. Half of our foot soldiers died in the first clash. Most were from the first wave, led by Ser Julius Harlane. They were nearly wiped out… but they killed twice their number."
I paused to see their expressions. Some looked sad, but most didn't seem to care about the common soldiers.
"The Vale cavalry on our left flank successfully defeated the Dornish forces. Our right flank held strong. The victory was sealed by Lord Robert himself, when he slew Prince Rhaegar Targaryen in a duel. However, Lord Robert was fatally injured. Ser Julius has taken charge of capturing as many loyalist soldiers, knights, and lords as possible."
They looked satisfied. I added one last thing. "Also, my scouts report that the Citadel and the Septs have sent hundreds of healers to aid the wounded. I am sorry, my lords, but this is all the information I have gathered so far."
They didn't seem surprised by the last part. These organizations always help the wounded and stay neutral, though I feel they're supporting us more than the crown.
Lord Arryn thanked me again, saying I'd done excellent work and the reports were enough for now. They were about to dismiss the meeting when Colt entered the tent.
"My lords," Colt reported. "The banners of the Frey army have been sighted."
We all saw Lord Hoster Tully curse them for being late. He even announced he would hang Lord Frey for it.
Half an hour later, another person entered: Lord Hoster's son, Edmure Tully. What followed wasn't a happy reunion.
"I gave you one job!" Lord Hoster scolded. "To protect Riverrun and your sisters! Was it too much to handle? Why did you come here with the Freys? What if they took you hostage? Do you know what would have happened to your family? You have disappointed me for the last time. Now get out of my sight and return to Riverrun immediately!"
The young lord was heartbroken and left angrily. But a few minutes later, he returned.
"Father," Edmure said, apologizing. "I came with the reinforcements from the Twins, hoping they would be helpful. I rode ahead to inform you in advance. I am truly sorry I left my sisters at Riverrun alone."
Lord Tully forgave his son and gave him some advice. Then Young Lord Edmure shared news that made the two elderly lords overjoyed: his sister Lysa was two months pregnant.
Me and Colt offered our congratulations, but I had other duties. I took my leave and rode back to the Trident to find Ser Julius. I needed to gather a full report on the casualties.