Battle of the Kingsroad
Battle of the Kingsroad | |||||||||||||
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Conflict | Dance of the Dragons | ||||||||||||
Date | 131 AC | ||||||||||||
Result | black victory | ||||||||||||
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The Battle of the Kingsroad, called the Muddy Mess by those who fought in it, was the penultimate battle of the Dance of the Dragons. It took place between the greens and the blacks on the Kingsroad not far from King's Landing.[1]
Prelude
Despite the death of Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen, there were still those who fought againt King Aegon II Targaryen.[1] Lord Borros Baratheon, who had been reluctant to face the dragons in the war personally, had seized King's Landing during the Moon of the Three Kings, and restored the city to King Aegon II's rule. With a host of riverlanders marching towards the city, Lord Borros decided to march with his strength against all what remained of Rhaenyra's forces[1][2] in the last days of the war.[3]
Battle
The two forces met on the Kingsroad. The host of riverlanders was led by young Lord Kermit Tully, the even younger Lord Benjicot Blackwood, and Blackwood's aunt, Lady Alysanne. Upon learning that these three were leading the host ("boys and women"), Lord Borros became confident in his victory.[2]
It was Lord Benjicot Blackwood who brote Lord Borros' flank, and Black Aly Blackwood who led archers against Lord Borros' knights. It is written in accounts that Lord Borros kept fighting, and that he personally killed Lords Darry and Mallister.[2] In the end, he himself was slain by Lord Kermit Tully.[1][3][2] His host was shattered,[1] and the victory for the riverlanders secured.[2]
Aftermath
After the battle, Benjicot Blackwood was known as Bloody Ben Blackwood, and Kermit Tully, who had been the chief commander,[3] and Benjicot together were called the Lads.[1]
The Lads advanced on King's Landing, as they were only a stone's throw removed from the city. New armies supporting Prince Aegon were also advancing, asLord Cregan Stark was marching down the Kingsroad with his own host, leaving the tidings severe for King Aegon II.[4] Aegon had lost the war, which was plain for those advising him, but not to the King himself. Lord Corlys Velaryon, now serving on King Aegon II's small council, advised him that the only remaining option was to surrender and take the black. King Aegon refused, and gave orders to have his nephew's ear cut off as a warning. King Aegon was carried back to his chambers in his litter, but when the litter arrived and the curtains were lifted, the king was found dead, with blood on his lips, having been poisoned.[4]
References and Notes
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