Difference between revisions of "Battle of the Fords"

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{{Battlebox
 
{{Battlebox
| image =
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| image = [[File:Riders of the Red Fork Lin Bo.png|300px]]
| caption =
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| caption = Riders of the [[Red Fork]] by Lin Bo © Fantasy Flight Games
 
| battle_name = Battle of the Fords
 
| battle_name = Battle of the Fords
 
| conflict = [[War of the Five Kings]]
 
| conflict = [[War of the Five Kings]]
 
| date = {{Date|299}}
 
| date = {{Date|299}}
| place = Red Fork of the [[Trident]]
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| place = [[Red Fork]] of the [[Trident]]
 
| result = [[House Tully|Tully]] victory
 
| result = [[House Tully|Tully]] victory
 
| colour_scheme =  
 
| colour_scheme =  
| combatant1 = [[House Tully]]
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| combatant1 = [[File:House Baratheon (King's Landing).svg|33px]] '''[[Iron Throne]]'''/ [[House Baratheon of King's Landing]]:<br>
| combatant2 = [[House Lannister]]
+
 
| commander1 = Ser [[Edmure Tully]]<br> Lord [[Jason Mallister]]<br> Lord [[Karyl Vance]]
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[[File:House Lannister.svg|30px]] [[Westerlands]], led by [[House Lannister]]
| commander2 = Lord [[Tywin Lannister]]<br> Ser [[Flement Brax]]<br> Ser [[Gregor Clegane]]<br>Ser [[Addam Marbrand]]<br>Ser [[Lyle Crakehall]]<br>Lord [[Leo Lefford]]+
+
*[[House Banefort]]{{ref|ACOK|38}}
| strength1 = 8000 Foot <br> 3000 Horse
+
*[[House Bettley]]{{ref|ACOK|38}}
| strength2 = Slightly less than 20,000. Roughly a third mounted.
+
*[[House Brax]]{{ref|AGOT|62}}{{ref|ACOK|38}}{{ref|ACOK|45}}
| casualties1 = unknown
+
*[[House Clegane]]{{ref|AGOT|62}}{{ref|ACOK|38}}{{ref|ACOK|45}}
| casualties2 = [[Leo Lefford]]+ <br> [[Robert Brax]]+<br> [[Lyle Crakehall]] (captured)
+
*[[House Crakehall]]{{ref|AGOT|62}}{{ref|ACOK|38}}{{ref|ACOK|45}}
 +
*[[House Falwell]]{{ref|ACOK|38}}
 +
*[[House Ferren]]{{ref|ACOK|38}}
 +
*[[House Foote]]{{ref|ACOK|38}}
 +
*[[House Hamell]]{{refn|group="N"|name=Corpse|Houses Hamell, Moreland, Turnberry & Yarwyck are not directly mentioned at this battle. However the banners of these houses are present during the escorting of the corpse of Tywin Lannister back to Casterly Rock{{ref|AFFC|16}}, which suggests that these houses were loyal to Tywin and were likely to have contributed men to Tywin's host. Therefore the men of these houses were likely present at the Battle of the Fords.}}
 +
*[[House Kenning of Kayce]]{{ref|ACOK|38}}
 +
*[[House Lannister of Lannisport]]{{ref|AGOT|62}}
 +
*[[House Lefford]]{{ref|AGOT|62}}{{ref|ACOK|38}}{{ref|ACOK|45}}
 +
*[[House Lydden]]{{ref|AGOT|62}}{{ref|ACOK|38}}
 +
*[[House Marbrand]]{{ref|AGOT|62}}{{ref|ACOK|45}}
 +
*[[House Moreland]]{{refn|group="N"|name=Corpse}}
 +
*[[House Myatt]]{{ref|ACOK|38}}
 +
*[[House Payne]]{{ref|AGOT|62}}
 +
*[[House Peckledon]]{{ref|ACOK|38}}
 +
*[[House Plumm]]{{refn|group=N|name=FindingJaime|House Plumm is not directly mentioned at this battle. However in [[A Storm of Swords]] the brothers Plumm were sent to find Jaime following his release, which takes before this battle.{{ref|ASOS|62}} This suggests that House Plumm is a part of Tywin's host, and therefore took part in battles involving the host, including the Battle of the Fords.}}
 +
*[[House Prester]]{{ref|ACOK|38}}
 +
*[[House Sarsfield]]{{ref|ACOK|38}}
 +
*[[House Serrett]]{{ref|AGOT|62}}{{ref|ACOK|38}}
 +
*[[House Stackspear]]{{ref|ACOK|30}}
 +
*[[House Swyft]]{{ref|AGOT|62}}{{ref|ACOK|38}}
 +
*[[House Turnberry]]{{refn|group="N"|name=Corpse}}
 +
*[[House Yarwyck]]{{refn|group="N"|name=Corpse}}
 +
| combatant2 = [[File:House Stark.svg|30px]] '''[[King in the North|Kingdom of the North]] and [[King of the Trident|the Trident]]'''/ [[House Stark]]:<br>
 +
 
 +
[[File:House Tully.svg|30px]] [[Riverlands]], led by [[House Tully]]
 +
*[[House Blackwood]]{{ref|ACOK|39}}
 +
*[[House Bracken]]{{ref|ACOK|39}}
 +
*[[House Darry]]{{ref|ACOK|39}}
 +
*[[House Frey]]{{ref|ACOK|45}}
 +
*[[House Mallister]]{{ref|ACOK|45}}
 +
*[[House Paege]]{{ref|ACOK|39}}
 +
*[[House Piper]]{{ref|ACOK|39}}
 +
*[[House Vance of Wayfarer's Rest|House Vance]]{{ref|ACOK|45}}
 +
| commander1 = [[File:House Lannister.svg|20px]] Lord [[Tywin Lannister]]<br>
 +
[[File:House Brax.svg|20px]] Ser [[Flement Brax]]<br>
 +
[[File:House Clegane.svg|20px]] Ser [[Gregor Clegane]]<br>
 +
[[File:House Marbrand.svg|20px]] Ser [[Addam Marbrand]]<br>
 +
[[File:House Crakehall.svg|20px]] Ser [[Lyle Crakehall]]<br>
 +
[[File:House Lefford.svg|20px]] Lord [[Leo Lefford]]
 +
| commander2 = [[File:House Tully.svg|20px]] Ser [[Edmure Tully]]<br>
 +
[[File:House Mallister.svg|20px]] Lord [[Jason Mallister]]<br>
 +
[[File:House Vance (Wayfarer's Rest).svg|20px]] Lord [[Karyl Vance]]
 +
| strength1 = 20,000{{ref|ACOK|31}} or near 22,000{{ref|ACOK|39}}
 +
| strength2 = 11,000
 +
*<small>8,000 infantry{{Ref|acok|39}}</small>
 +
*<small>3,000 cavalry{{Ref|acok|39}}</small>
 +
| casualties1 = heavy <br> [[Leo Lefford]]<br> [[Robert Brax]]<br>[[Lyle Crakehall]] (captured)
 +
| casualties2 = unknown
 
}}
 
}}
  
The '''Battle of the Fords''' was a series of engagements fought between the forces of [[House Tully]] and [[House Lannister]] during the [[War of the Five Kings]].  
+
The '''Battle of the Fords'''{{ref|ASOS|Appendix}} is a series of engagements fought between the forces of [[House Tully]] and [[House Lannister]] during the [[War of the Five Kings]]. It takes place on the fords of the [[Red Fork]] of the [[Trident]].  
  
 
==Prelude==
 
==Prelude==
Lord [[Tywin Lannister]] was attempting to return to the [[Westerlands]] to defeat King [[Robb Stark]] there. In order to do so, he had to cross the Red Fork of the [[Trident]]. Ser [[Edmure Tully]] learned of Lord Tywin's advance and called his banners to prevent Lord Tywin from crossing the river.<ref>[[A Clash of Kings]], [[A Clash of Kings-Chapter 39|Chapter 39]], Catelyn</ref>
+
When [[Robb Stark]], the new [[King in the North]], marches west from [[Riverrun]], he leaves his uncle, Ser [[Edmure Tully]], to hold Riverrun and guard his rear.{{ref|ACOK|39}} Edmure commands the rivermen, as his father, Lord [[Hoster Tully]], is ill.{{ref|AGOT|71}} Robb's [[northmen]] and [[House Frey|Freys]] bypass the [[Golden Tooth]] using a goat track found by [[Grey Wind]], Robb's [[direwolf]].{{ref|ACOK|45}} Near [[Lannisport]], Robb surprises the newly-raised host of [[Stafford Lannister]], who neglected to post enough sentries, in the [[Battle of Oxcross]].{{ref|ACOK|35}}{{ref|Acok|39}} The northmen [[Taking of Ashemark|capture Ashmark]] and pay the [[westerlands]] back in kind for the devastation inflicted on the [[riverlands]].{{ref|Acok|39}}{{Ref|ACOK|45}}
  
==The Battle==
+
Expecting [[Stannis Baratheon]] to be preoccupied for months with the [[siege of Storm's End (299)|siege of Storm's End]], Lord [[Tywin Lannister]] risks leaving [[Harrenhal]] to stop Robb's raiding of his homeland.<ref>[[So Spake Martin]]: [http://www.westeros.org/Citadel/SSM/Entry/1044 Tyrion and Tywin], July 27, 1999</ref> In response, Edmure orders Ser [[Helman Tallhart]] to leave the [[Twins]] and aid Lord [[Roose Bolton]], who is at the [[crossroads]], with recovering Harrenhal. Edmure thinks that once Robb returns from the west, Tywin can be trapped between Riverrun and Harrenhal and then defeated. Edmure's plan is supported by Lords [[Tytos Blackwood]] and [[Jonos Bracken]],{{ref|ACOK|39}} fierce rivals who usually disagree.{{ref|AGOT|71}}
Ser Edmure organized his forces so that every crossing both north and south of [[Riverrun]] was defended by a strong force. Lord [[Jason Mallister]] was commanded with the defense of four fords, while Lord [[Karyl Vance]] commanded the defense of fords to the north of Riverrun. The west bank of the Red Fork is higher than the east and wooded. The defenders used those trees to hide archers and placed scorpions as support. Ser Edmure kept his best knights as a reserve, to ride where they were needed most.
 
  
Initially Lord Tywin probed the defenses, attempting to find an unguarded ford. Ser [[Flement Brax]] was sent south to attempt a breach there, and there was also fighting to the north of Riverrun. After two days of skirmishing, Lord Tywin launched a number of heavier assaults. Edmure believed the main attack was directed at the [[Stone Mill]], under the command of Ser [[Gregor Clegane]]. Ser Gregor and his men managed to gain the west bank with terrible losses, but Ser Edmure smashed him with his reserve. Elsewhere, Ser [[Addam Marbrand]] was thrown back three times, Lord [[Leo Lefford]] drowned and Ser [[Lyle Crakehall]] was taken captive. At the end of the day, Lord Tywin's army was seen to be marching south-east.<ref>[[A Clash of Kings]], [[A Clash of Kings-Chapter 45|Chapter 45]], Catelyn</ref>
+
In order to return to the westerlands, Tywin must cross the [[Red Fork]] of the [[Trident]]. Edmure calls his banners, approximately eight thousand foot and three thousand horse, to prevent Tywin, who has near twice as many, from crossing the river.{{ref|acok|39}} While returning to Riverrun, [[Catelyn Stark]] spots the tents of Lord Blackwood and Ser [[Marq Piper]], as well as [[House Darry|Darrys]] and [[House Paege|Paeges]].{{ref|ACOK|39}} Edmure allows [[smallfolk]] to seek refuge in Riverun.{{ref|ACOK|39}}
  
==Aftermath==
+
==The Battle==
The three day delay at the Fords allowed Lord Tywin to learn of [[Stannis Baratheon]]'s attack on [[King's Landing]] and he hurried his army south-east in time to take Stannis's army in the rear. [[Robb Stark]] later claimed the victory by Ser Edmure destroyed his plans of forcing Tywin to return to the west, where he would be unable to save king's landing from [[Stannis Baratheon]].<ref>[[A Storm of Swords]], [[A Storm of Swords-Chapter 14|Chapter 14]], Catelyn</ref>
+
Ser [[Edmure Tully]] organizes his forces so that every river crossing north and south of [[Riverrun]] is defended by a strong force. Lord [[Jason Mallister]] commands the defense of four fords, including the closest to the castle, while Lord [[Karyl Vance]] commands those upstream. The west bank of the [[Red Fork]] is higher than the east and wooded, so the defenders use those trees to hide archers and place scorpions as support.{{ref|ACOK|45}} Caltrops and iron spikes are spread in the Red Fork.{{ref|ACOK|39}} Edmure keeps his best knights as a reserve, to ride where they were needed most.{{ref|ACOK|45}} Ser [[Perwyn Frey]] and [[Martyn Rivers]] lead [[House Frey|Freys]] during the battle,{{ref|ASOS|2}} and Ser [[Desmond Grell]] commands the remaining garrison of Riverrun.{{ref|ACOK|45}} When the castle is informed that Storm's End has fallen to [[Stannis Baratheon]], Maester [[Vyman]] sends a [[raven]] to [[Ashemark]] so that [[Robb Stark]], who is en route to the [[Crag]], can be informed.{{ref|ACOK|45}}
  
==Quotes==
+
Initially, Lord [[Tywin Lannister]] probes the [[rivermen]]'s defenses, attempting to find an unguarded ford. [[House Mallister]] repels a group from [[House Brax]] during daytime and another group of westermen at night.{{ref|ACOK|45}} In the morning, a rider informs [[Catelyn Stark]] that Ser [[Flement Brax]] was defeated six leagues to the south by Mallister archers and scorpions.{{ref|ACOK|45}} [[House Vance of Wayfarer's Rest|House Vance]] also fends off an attack.{{ref|ACOK|45}}
{{Quote|I mean, that you owe [[Robb Stark|His Grace]] your thanks for his forbearance. He played out that mummer’s farce in the Great Hall so as not to shame you before your own people. Had it been me I would have flayed you for your stupidity rather than praising this folly of the fords. {{Ref|asos|14}}}}
 
- [[Blackfish]] to [[Edmure Tully]]
 
  
 +
Three days later, Tywin attempts to force a crossing in a dozen places, but all are defeated by the rivermen. Lord [[Leo Lefford]] drowns,{{ref|ACOK|45}} Ser [[Robert Brax]] is slain,{{ref|ASOS|Appendix}}  Ser [[Lyle Crakehall]] is taken captive,{{ref|ACOK|45}} and Ser [[Addam Marbrand]] is forced to retreat three times.{{ref|ACOK|45}} The most heated fighting is at [[Stone Mill]], where Edmure faces Ser [[Gregor Clegane]]. Although the [[Mountain's men]] manage to gain the west bank, they suffer heavy losses. Edmure turns back Gregor's men with his reserve, with the Mountain wounded by a dozen arrows. Unable to cross the Red Fork, Tywin is forced to retreat. The westermen army is last seen marching south-east.{{Ref|ACOK|45}}
  
{{Quote|'''Edmure:''' I held [[Riverrun]], and I bloodied Lord [[Tywin Lannister|Tywin]]’s nose-
+
==Aftermath==
 +
[[Riverrun]] simultaneously celebrates Ser [[Edmure Tully]]'s victory in the Battle of the Fords and [[Robb Stark]]'s [[storming of the Crag]].{{ref|ACOK|55}} The [[King in the North]] is wounded at the Crag, however, and treated by [[Jeyne Westerling]]. After being told that his brothers, [[Bran Stark|Bran]] and [[Rickon Stark|Rickon]], have [[capture of Winterfell|been killed]], the grieving Robb sleeps with Jeyne, and then marries her to preserve her honor.{{ref|ASOS|14}} Since Robb has broken his betrothal to a daughter of Lord [[Walder Frey]], the [[House Frey|Freys]] at the Crag and Riverrun angrily depart.{{ref|ASOS|2}}{{ref|ASOS|14}} The Freys at Harrenhal are also outraged.{{ref|ACOK|64}}
  
'''Robb:''' So you did, but a bloody nose won’t win the war, will it? Did you ever think to ask yourself why we remained in the west so long after [[Battle of Oxcross|Oxcross]]? You knew I did not have enough men to threaten [[Lannisport]] or [[Casterly Rock]].
+
After Robb returns to Riverrun, he and Ser [[Brynden Tully]] criticize Edmure for having confronted Tywin. They explain that Brynden's scouts had found an advantageous position on the [[Goldroad]]. Robb had hoped to draw Tywin into the [[westerlands]] and then either defeat Tywin on the Goldroad or lead the westermen on a chase along the [[Sunset Sea]]'s coast. Robb explains [[Stannis Baratheon]] would have been able to conquer [[King's Landing]].{{ref|ASOS|14}} Edmure's defense of the fords delayed Tywin long enough for riders from [[Bitterbridge]] to inform him of happenings in the east, however. With Lord [[Petyr Baelish]] having negotiated an alliance between [[House Tyrell]] and [[House Baratheon of King's Landing]],{{ref|ACOK|65}}{{ref|ASOS|68}} Tywin turned back east, rendezvousing with Lords [[Mace Tyrell]], [[Mathis Rowan]], and [[Randyll Tarly]]. The combined army then defeated Stannis in the [[Battle of the Blackwater]].{{ref|ACOK|62}}
  
'''Edmure:''' Why ... there were other castles ... gold, cattle...
+
To make amends, Edmure offers to lead Robb's van in the next battle.{{ref|ASOS|14}} After the passing of Lord [[Hoster Tully]], Edmure, now Lord of Riverrun, is convinced by Robb, Brynden, and [[Catelyn Stark|Catelyn]] that he should wed one of Walder's daughters, so that the Freys will again support Robb.{{ref|ASOS|35}}
  
'''Robb:''' You think we stayed for plunder? Uncle, I wanted Lord Tywin to come west. {{Ref|asos|14}}}}
+
==Quotes==
- [[Robb Stark]] to [[Edmure Tully]]
+
{{Quote|'''Edmure''': Tell [[Hoster Tully|Father]] I have gone to make him proud.<br>
 +
'''Catelyn''': He was always proud of you, Edmure. And he loves you fiercely. Believe that.<br>
 +
'''Edmure''': I mean to give him better reason than mere birth.{{Ref|acok|45}}|[[Edmure Tully]] and [[Catelyn Stark]]}}
  
 +
{{Quote|That was the brush of Lord [[Tywin Lannister|Tywin's]] fingertip, my lady. He is probing, feeling for a weak point, an undefended crossing. If he does not find one, he will curl all his fingers into a fist and try and make one. That's what I'd do. Were I him.{{Ref|acok|45}}|[[Brienne Tarth|Brienne of Tarth]] to [[Catelyn Stark]]}}
  
 +
{{quote|They shall not cross, Cat. Lord [[Tywin Lannister|Tywin]] is marching to the southeast. A feint perhaps, or full retreat, it matters not. They shall not cross.{{ref|ACOK|45}}|[[Edmure Tully]] writing to [[Catelyn Stark]]}}
  
{{Quote|We were all horsed, The Lannister host was mainly foot. We planned to run Lord Tywin a merry chase up and down the coast, then slip behind him to take up a strong defensive position athwart the gold road, at a place my scouts had found where the ground would have been greatly in our favor. If he had come at us there, he would have paid a grievous price. But if he did not attack, he would have been trapped in the west, a thousand leagues from where he needed to be. All the while we would have lived off [[Westerlands|his land]], instead of him living off [[Riverlands|ours]]. {{Ref|asos|14}}}}
+
{{Quote|'''Brynden''': You were commanded to hold [[Riverrun]], Edmure, no more.<br>
- [[Blackfish]]
+
'''Edmure''': I held Riverrun, and I bloodied Lord [[Tywin Lannister|Tywin's]] nose—<br>
 +
'''Robb''': So you did. But a bloody nose won't win [[War of the Five Kings|the war]], will it?{{ref|ASOS|14}}|[[Brynden Tully]], [[Edmure Tully]], and [[Robb Stark]]}}
  
 +
==Notes==
 +
{{notes}}
  
 +
==References==
 +
{{references|2}}
  
{{Quote|'''Robb:''' Lord [[Stannis Baratheon|Stannis]] was about to fall upon King’s Landing, He might have rid us of [[Joffrey Baratheon|Joffrey]], the [[Cersei Lannister|queen]], and [[Tyrion Lannister|the Imp]] in one red stroke. Then we might have been able to make a peace.
+
{{War of the Five Kings}}
  
'''Edmure:''' You never told me.
+
[[Category:Battles|Fords]]
 
+
[[Category:House Blackwood battles|Fords]]
'''Robb:''' I told you to hold Riverrun, What part of that command did you fail to comprehend? {{Ref|asos|14}}}}
+
[[Category:House Bracken battles|Fords]]
- [[Robb Stark]]
+
[[Category:House Brax battles|Fords]]
 
+
[[Category:House Clegane battles|Fords]]
 
+
[[Category:House Crakehall battles|Fords]]
{{Quote|I never meant ... never, Robb, you must let me make amends. I will lead the van in the next battle! {{Ref|asos|14}}}}
+
[[Category:House Darry battles|Fords]]
- [[Edmure Tully]]
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[[Category:House Frey battles|Fords]]
 
+
[[Category:House Lannister battles|Fords]]
{{Template:War of the Five Kings}}
+
[[Category:House Lefford battles|Fords]]
 
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[[Category:House Mallister battles|Fords]]
==References and Notes==
+
[[Category:House Marbrand battles|Fords]]
{{references|2}}
+
[[Category:House Paege battles|Fords]]
 +
[[Category:House Piper battles|Fords]]
 +
[[Category:House Tully battles|Fords]]
 +
[[Category:House Vance of Wayfarer's Rest battles|Fords]]
 +
[[Category:Riverrun]]
 +
[[Category:War of the Five Kings|Fords]]
  
[[Category:Battles|Fords]]
 
[[Category:Riverlands]]
 
 
[[es:Batalla de los Vados]]
 
[[es:Batalla de los Vados]]
 
[[fr:Batailles des gués de la Ruffurque]]
 
[[fr:Batailles des gués de la Ruffurque]]

Latest revision as of 22:23, 30 May 2019

Battle of the Fords
Riders of the Red Fork Lin Bo.png
Riders of the Red Fork by Lin Bo © Fantasy Flight Games
Conflict War of the Five Kings
Date 299 AC
Place Red Fork of the Trident
Result Tully victory
Combatants
House Baratheon of King's Landing.svg Iron Throne/ House Baratheon of King's Landing:

House Lannister.svg Westerlands, led by House Lannister

House Stark.svg Kingdom of the North and the Trident/ House Stark:

House Tully.svg Riverlands, led by House Tully

Commanders
House Lannister.svg Lord Tywin Lannister

House Brax.svg Ser Flement Brax
House Clegane.svg Ser Gregor Clegane
House Marbrand.svg Ser Addam Marbrand
House Crakehall.svg Ser Lyle Crakehall

House Lefford.svg Lord Leo Lefford
House Tully.svg Ser Edmure Tully

House Mallister.svg Lord Jason Mallister

House Vance of Wayfarer's Rest.svg Lord Karyl Vance
Strength
20,000[8] or near 22,000[7] 11,000
  • 8,000 infantry[7]
  • 3,000 cavalry[7]
Casualties
heavy
Leo Lefford
Robert Brax
Lyle Crakehall (captured)
unknown

The Battle of the Fords[9] is a series of engagements fought between the forces of House Tully and House Lannister during the War of the Five Kings. It takes place on the fords of the Red Fork of the Trident.

Prelude

When Robb Stark, the new King in the North, marches west from Riverrun, he leaves his uncle, Ser Edmure Tully, to hold Riverrun and guard his rear.[7] Edmure commands the rivermen, as his father, Lord Hoster Tully, is ill.[10] Robb's northmen and Freys bypass the Golden Tooth using a goat track found by Grey Wind, Robb's direwolf.[3] Near Lannisport, Robb surprises the newly-raised host of Stafford Lannister, who neglected to post enough sentries, in the Battle of Oxcross.[11][7] The northmen capture Ashmark and pay the westerlands back in kind for the devastation inflicted on the riverlands.[7][3]

Expecting Stannis Baratheon to be preoccupied for months with the siege of Storm's End, Lord Tywin Lannister risks leaving Harrenhal to stop Robb's raiding of his homeland.[12] In response, Edmure orders Ser Helman Tallhart to leave the Twins and aid Lord Roose Bolton, who is at the crossroads, with recovering Harrenhal. Edmure thinks that once Robb returns from the west, Tywin can be trapped between Riverrun and Harrenhal and then defeated. Edmure's plan is supported by Lords Tytos Blackwood and Jonos Bracken,[7] fierce rivals who usually disagree.[10]

In order to return to the westerlands, Tywin must cross the Red Fork of the Trident. Edmure calls his banners, approximately eight thousand foot and three thousand horse, to prevent Tywin, who has near twice as many, from crossing the river.[7] While returning to Riverrun, Catelyn Stark spots the tents of Lord Blackwood and Ser Marq Piper, as well as Darrys and Paeges.[7] Edmure allows smallfolk to seek refuge in Riverun.[7]

The Battle

Ser Edmure Tully organizes his forces so that every river crossing north and south of Riverrun is defended by a strong force. Lord Jason Mallister commands the defense of four fords, including the closest to the castle, while Lord Karyl Vance commands those upstream. The west bank of the Red Fork is higher than the east and wooded, so the defenders use those trees to hide archers and place scorpions as support.[3] Caltrops and iron spikes are spread in the Red Fork.[7] Edmure keeps his best knights as a reserve, to ride where they were needed most.[3] Ser Perwyn Frey and Martyn Rivers lead Freys during the battle,[13] and Ser Desmond Grell commands the remaining garrison of Riverrun.[3] When the castle is informed that Storm's End has fallen to Stannis Baratheon, Maester Vyman sends a raven to Ashemark so that Robb Stark, who is en route to the Crag, can be informed.[3]

Initially, Lord Tywin Lannister probes the rivermen's defenses, attempting to find an unguarded ford. House Mallister repels a group from House Brax during daytime and another group of westermen at night.[3] In the morning, a rider informs Catelyn Stark that Ser Flement Brax was defeated six leagues to the south by Mallister archers and scorpions.[3] House Vance also fends off an attack.[3]

Three days later, Tywin attempts to force a crossing in a dozen places, but all are defeated by the rivermen. Lord Leo Lefford drowns,[3] Ser Robert Brax is slain,[9] Ser Lyle Crakehall is taken captive,[3] and Ser Addam Marbrand is forced to retreat three times.[3] The most heated fighting is at Stone Mill, where Edmure faces Ser Gregor Clegane. Although the Mountain's men manage to gain the west bank, they suffer heavy losses. Edmure turns back Gregor's men with his reserve, with the Mountain wounded by a dozen arrows. Unable to cross the Red Fork, Tywin is forced to retreat. The westermen army is last seen marching south-east.[3]

Aftermath

Riverrun simultaneously celebrates Ser Edmure Tully's victory in the Battle of the Fords and Robb Stark's storming of the Crag.[14] The King in the North is wounded at the Crag, however, and treated by Jeyne Westerling. After being told that his brothers, Bran and Rickon, have been killed, the grieving Robb sleeps with Jeyne, and then marries her to preserve her honor.[15] Since Robb has broken his betrothal to a daughter of Lord Walder Frey, the Freys at the Crag and Riverrun angrily depart.[13][15] The Freys at Harrenhal are also outraged.[16]

After Robb returns to Riverrun, he and Ser Brynden Tully criticize Edmure for having confronted Tywin. They explain that Brynden's scouts had found an advantageous position on the Goldroad. Robb had hoped to draw Tywin into the westerlands and then either defeat Tywin on the Goldroad or lead the westermen on a chase along the Sunset Sea's coast. Robb explains Stannis Baratheon would have been able to conquer King's Landing.[15] Edmure's defense of the fords delayed Tywin long enough for riders from Bitterbridge to inform him of happenings in the east, however. With Lord Petyr Baelish having negotiated an alliance between House Tyrell and House Baratheon of King's Landing,[17][18] Tywin turned back east, rendezvousing with Lords Mace Tyrell, Mathis Rowan, and Randyll Tarly. The combined army then defeated Stannis in the Battle of the Blackwater.[19]

To make amends, Edmure offers to lead Robb's van in the next battle.[15] After the passing of Lord Hoster Tully, Edmure, now Lord of Riverrun, is convinced by Robb, Brynden, and Catelyn that he should wed one of Walder's daughters, so that the Freys will again support Robb.[20]

Quotes

Edmure: Tell Father I have gone to make him proud.

Catelyn: He was always proud of you, Edmure. And he loves you fiercely. Believe that.

Edmure: I mean to give him better reason than mere birth.[3]

That was the brush of Lord Tywin's fingertip, my lady. He is probing, feeling for a weak point, an undefended crossing. If he does not find one, he will curl all his fingers into a fist and try and make one. That's what I'd do. Were I him.[3]

They shall not cross, Cat. Lord Tywin is marching to the southeast. A feint perhaps, or full retreat, it matters not. They shall not cross.[3]

Brynden: You were commanded to hold Riverrun, Edmure, no more.

Edmure: I held Riverrun, and I bloodied Lord Tywin's nose—

Robb: So you did. But a bloody nose won't win the war, will it?[15]

Notes

  1. 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 Houses Hamell, Moreland, Turnberry & Yarwyck are not directly mentioned at this battle. However the banners of these houses are present during the escorting of the corpse of Tywin Lannister back to Casterly Rock[4], which suggests that these houses were loyal to Tywin and were likely to have contributed men to Tywin's host. Therefore the men of these houses were likely present at the Battle of the Fords.
  2. House Plumm is not directly mentioned at this battle. However in A Storm of Swords the brothers Plumm were sent to find Jaime following his release, which takes before this battle.[5] This suggests that House Plumm is a part of Tywin's host, and therefore took part in battles involving the host, including the Battle of the Fords.

References