Each was like a turtle shell, with ample food inside.
Although Riverrun was not grand and imposing, its castle design had unique features.
Riverrun was a sturdy triangular castle.
It was flanked by rivers on two sides, and on the third side to the west, there was a large artificial moat.
When attacked, the sluice gates could be opened to flood the entire moat, turning the castle into an island, surrounded by water on three sides and impregnable.
However, losing the heir of House Tully and castles across the Riverlands was a huge blow to the defending soldiers, no matter what.
"The defenders have been holding Riverrun, and there are still rangers in the Riverlands harassing House Lannister's supply lines, so Lannister cannot focus on besieging the city," Gendry said.
Tywin's burning, killing, and looting had indeed turned the Riverlands into a wasteland, but the people of the Riverlands, united by common hatred, scattered and fled.
House Lannister often had to rely on its own supply lines to transport grain from the Westerlands, which naturally was a vulnerability.
"Ser Edmure is not a good Commander; a good heart that only cares for the people is not enough in war," The Handsome Man lamented.
Edmure's love for his people and defense of his lands were good, but he was simply too incompetent.
"Firstly, the Riverlands lack the capability and habit of positional warfare, and secondly, Edmure Tully is indeed too incompetent.
But now is not the time to criticize Edmure, but to raise an army to relieve the siege," Gendry said.
The most crucial thing in war was opportunity; if he could reach Riverrun and set an ambush near it, it was possible to wipe out this army of the Kingslayer.
"If we attack Ser Jaime," Barristan said, "however, if we act at Riverrun, there are indeed some favorable factors.
Jaime has won continuously, and the Lannister army is arrogant and complacent.
The Kingslayer is also flamboyant and proud, with little patience.
The siege will wear down these soldiers' tempers, and beneath Riverrun, they can only divide their forces into three routes, weakening their military strength."
The Old Knight and the Kingslayer were colleagues for a time, so he naturally understood the Kingslayer's style very well.
In fact, it wasn't just the Kingslayer; even the Old Lion Tywin was somewhat inflated by his continuous victories, looking down on his green opponents.
Although Gregor Clegane was now defeated, Tywin's strategy remained unchanged, and this arrogant mindset was his exploitable weakness.
"Indeed, although the Kingslayer has won continuously, he also has weaknesses," Gendry nodded.
"To play the game well, the opening move must be in the Riverlands."
The Kingslayer wanted to take Riverrun, but his soldiers were scattered across three camps, unable to fully utilize their numerical advantage, and facing supply pressure, making it actually very difficult.
"It's just that our army and the crossing points, these all need careful consideration," the Old Knight said seriously.
"Your Highness, do you still intend to recruit crabfeeders men and Knights of the Vale?"
Gendry nodded.
"Speed is of the essence.
Once these legions of mine Across the Narrow Sea move, the commotion will be too great, easily prompting Lys and Volantis to intervene.
It's better for me to lead a contingent of elites, along with crabfeeders men and The King's party of the Vale."
"The half-savages of the Claw Peninsula are known for their ferocity and barbarism, and the loyalty and reliability of the Knights of the Vale are also well-known, but you have never met them.
Leading such an army into battle is simply too difficult," The Handsome Man said earnestly.
An army, after all, is a disciplined unit, and fighting a regular war with newly attached soldiers is particularly risky.
"I will be the vanguard.
If I appear, I am confident I can persuade them," Gendry said confidently.
crabfeeders men and the Knights of the Vale were all groups whose interests were harmed by the Lannister new order.
If they didn't want to seize the opportunity to take a few bites, there would be a problem.
As for how to persuade them, it still depended on his own ability.
"Since you have this confidence, I request to protect your safety," Ser Barristan said.
"Please let me go with you, Your Highness.
I am your attendant and companion," Anguy quickly said, his red hair like flames.
"I will definitely take you," Gendry patted Anguy's shoulder.
"I also need to bring my Marksman to escort me."
"No matter how many soldiers you send, I will arrange their supplies," the Arrow Maker also said.
"However, there's still the issue of the marching route below," Dick the Fletch said.
"The Claw Peninsula and the Knights of the Vale will converge.
Whether by land or after sailing, we must cross Ruby Beach or open a new crossing point before Tywin's army reaches Harrenhal, and then cross the Green Fork."
"The plan is good, but we must be careful of Tywin's scouts and leaked information," Ser Barristan suggested.
"Tywin's primary defensive task is the North; he will certainly set up scouts near the Kingsroad in the north."
"This is precisely what we need to solve: a perfect flanking maneuver," Gendry said.
This plan was bold, but it also had the possibility of being realized.
Even gods bleed, let alone Lannister making a mistake at the start.
The glory and say in the war belonged to him, and more importantly, it was to prevent the North and the Riverlands from becoming alienated.
"Furthermore, there is one more matter," The Handsome Man asked.
"If you appear in the Westeros campaign, I fear our enemies will also quickly launch attacks."
"I will deal with the enemies in the area, relieve the siege of the Riverlands, resolve the situation at Riverrun, and when the passage between the North and the Riverlands opens, I will make House Tully and House Stark understand the situation, and I will command them to submit.
If Robb Stark refuses, I will also block the Northern Army's southward passage," Gendry said coldly.
"However, Lords, our focus remains Across the Narrow Sea, managing the Two Cities well.
As for the situation in Westeros, as long as the Vale, the Crownlands, the Riverlands, and the Stormlands are united, then even if Tywin returns to Casterly Rock, he will merely be clinging to life."
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