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#482 - Chapter 216: Western Border Defense Breaks

Jaime, taking the lead, spearheaded a fierce charge with his warriors, attempting to cleave a path through the enemy lines for the army behind him.

However, they had barely left the encampment when a storm of arrows, like a swarm of locusts, descended upon Jaime's forces from all directions. Undeterred by the sudden assault, Jaime, with his prosthetic left hand, wielded his spear, deflecting the incoming arrows with all his might.

Alas, the enemy's arrows were too numerous and dense. Despite Jaime's superior martial skills, he could not withstand such a relentless onslaught. Soldiers fell one after another, struck in vital spots, collapsing into pools of blood with agonizing screams. Seeing the rising casualties and the worsening situation, Jaime gritted his teeth and, with heavy heart, ordered a retreat back to the camp.

Robb, closely monitoring the battle's progress, seized this golden opportunity after witnessing the West's failed attempt to break out, immediately issuing a full-scale attack order.

Instantly, the Winter Wolves and Falcons surged forward like a raging tide, bearing down on Jaime with earth-shattering war cries. The Western army, now on the defensive, was forced to retreat, struggling to hold its ground. Jaime led his remaining troops in a desperate defense against wave after wave of enemy attacks.

Jaime, gazing at the overwhelming enemy forces, knew escape was unlikely. He turned to his soldiers and declared, "Men, this is a matter of life and death! If you wish to return home, to see your loved ones again, fight with all your strength! Even in death, let us not disgrace the honor of the Westerlands!"

The soldiers responded with a unified roar: "We pledge our lives to follow you, Duke!"

At that moment, a gust of wind swept through, causing the banners to flutter wildly.

An idea struck Jaime. He shouted, "The wind is up! Set fire to the forest!" The soldiers quickly lit torches and hurled them into the nearby woods. The fire spread rapidly, throwing the enemy into chaos. The wildfire blocked the encircling Winter Wolves, and taking advantage of the confusion, Jaime led his remaining forces in a counterattack, plunging into the enemy ranks with fierce determination.

Despite being outnumbered, Jaime managed to lead a portion of his cavalry out of the encirclement, but the infantry and supplies were left behind. With a commander's ruthless pragmatism, he didn't hesitate, abandoning the soldiers still fighting and leaving without looking back.

Jaime knew that Golden Tooth could not hold Robb's army, and his current forces were insufficient to defend against the enemy's advance. He abandoned Golden Tooth and Crakehall, concentrating his men and resources at Sarsfield, the last bastion before Casterly Rock.

After many years, the Northern army once again invaded the Westerlands. Golden Tooth, Crakehall, Clegane's Keep, the Hornvale, and Castamere all fell in succession.

Jaime stood on the city walls, gazing at the approaching enemy forces. He knew this war had reached a critical juncture. He had to do everything possible to hold Sarsfield, buying time for his family and King's Landing.

He summoned the city's generals and officials to discuss their strategy. Everyone remained silent. The lords of the Westerlands were somewhat disgruntled with him; they had painstakingly raised armies, only to have Jaime send them to King's Landing. The remaining twenty thousand men had been sacrificed in the Riverlands, and now their homeland was under attack.

Jaime looked at everyone with determination and said, "We have no retreat now. We either die on the battlefield or become prisoners of the Northmen. Everyone knows Robb's target is Casterly Rock. If Sarsfield falls, the entire Westerlands will be in dire straits. This is no longer just our family's affair; this is a battle that will decide the future of Westeros. If we fail, my family and yours may cease to exist. Therefore, I hope you can put aside your grievances and unite with all your strength to resist the invaders."

An elderly lord stepped forward and said, "But Duke, our troops and resources are limited. How can we withstand the Northern army?"

Jaime pondered for a moment and replied, "Sarsfield has geographical advantages. Most of the Queen's army are cavalry; they cannot break our defenses easily. Furthermore, I have requested reinforcements from King's Landing. The King will send more troops and supplies. As long as we persevere, we will see the dawn of victory."

Jaime's words moved the lords, temporarily stabilizing their collapsing morale. He began actively preparing defenses and recruiting farmers from the rear to train.

However, King's Landing did not respond for a long time. Jaime was extremely anxious, but he still firmly believed that his choice was correct.

One night, the Northern army launched a fierce attack. Jaime led his soldiers in a desperate resistance, and the battle was extremely intense. Despite the difficult situation, Jaime did not retreat. He took the lead, boosting the morale of his soldiers.

Finally, after several days of bloody fighting, Sarsfield remained as solid as a rock. Ser Kevan Lannister arrived with an army from Casterly Rock to provide support. The Northern army, unable to capture the city after a long siege, had to temporarily retreat. This victory made the lords of the Westerlands look at Jaime with new respect, and they all expressed their willingness to follow his command.

However, Jaime's expression was gloomy and extremely unsightly. Kevan keenly noticed his abnormality and asked with concern, "Jaime, now that we have successfully repelled the enemy, why are you not happy at all?"

Jaime frowned and replied in a heavy tone, "Uncle Kevan, my heart is indeed full of doubts. It is puzzling that the enemy chose to give up and retreat so easily this time. If they had sent dragons to participate in the attack just now, even if you had arrived in time to provide assistance, I am afraid that we would have been unable to hold our ground."

Kevan paused slightly, thought for a moment, and said, "Perhaps those Northerners did not expect this! After all, dragons cannot be dispatched at will."

Jaime slowly shook his head and retorted with a solemn expression, "Absolutely not. When I was stationed at the Wall, I witnessed their way of fighting. Robb is an excellent commander, and he would not let go of an opportunity to defeat us in one fell swoop. Then there is only one possibility: their dragons have a more urgent mission."

Hearing this, Kevan's heart trembled, and he exclaimed, "Could it be..."

Jaime took a deep breath and continued to analyze with an increasingly serious expression, "According to my speculation, it may be too late. Their real target this time is most likely the Eastern Army. Only the Eastern Army has the ability to pose a threat and hindrance to the Queen's army's sea transport lines."