Prologue

In an unprecedented move, the Citadel had announced that in the Thirteenth Season of The Siege of Winterfell there would be a single elimination playoff for a title. The newly formed TsM had worked hard to get well placed with their 6th Match and final win of the regular season against Fs1.

This afforded them a first round bye week and time to prepare for their next opponent. The local taverns were animated with talk of battles and past heroics.  Lords and ladies talked of little else in anticipation to learn who it would be; although many surmised that it would be their opponent from their second loss of the regular season tSN The SINNERS. LadySam remembered the scouting reports of their opponent and the caution that eyaka1 and Scott Teller had voiced.

The final score had told the tale, it had been closer than LadySam recalled. After the disappointing loss, eyaka1 had said that participation had played a role in the defeat. 

Planning

LadySam was determined to use the seven days to her advantage and trained troops; going so far as to have two shifts, day and night to ensure she had enough t4 Infantry to field three full infantry marches. Previously she had been forced to add  t4 spears to make up the difference in her third march.

Consulting with books on military strategy and her own commanders; even going so far as to request to visit with eyaka1. He was a wise and patient warrior and accepted the invitation to her holdfast and reviewed her troops to see if improvements could be made. 

LadySam thought that she was putting her best commanders to work for the event; Latz, Haley and Leila as leaders. They had proven themselves in the past and so she would send them this day in the hopes they would emerge victorious and move on in the playoffs.

They enjoyed a glass of wine as they talked and she got the feeling there was something unsaid; left in the air when he bid her farewell. LadySam would put it out of her mind and set to the task of readying her military equipment and making sure that TsM was in the best possible position to succeed.

Later that evening after everyone had gone to bed; a single rider arrived to alert LadySam that Lady STar had fallen ill and was being treated. Her friend and most trusted advisors would more than likely not be there for their match but her health was far more important. The hour was late and LadySam knew that sleep would be impossible. She dressed quietly and went to her study to read up on the Siege of Winterfell and to pray to the Old Gods and the New for her friend's full recovery.

The following day, whence news of STar’s illness was shared with the lords and ladies of TsM; it was a rallying cry for everyone. Many prepared for battle that day against tSN and for STar’s full recovery.

Shout out to my Friend and co-duke of TsM:  STar!  Positive vibes and prayers for a full recovery! We Love you!

Battle

The plan was to split into two groups, one would go West to Armory and one East to Hot Springs.  Eyaka1 scouted the enemy encampment and saw that their strong spear players would be heading to Armory so that is where LadySam would go; where she was most needed.

Armory

Latz, Haley and Leila were ready and led her troops into battle.  The tSN forces were fast but soon after they arrived they were swamped with TsM forces. LadySam and others were able to secure the Armory and waited for orders on where they were needed next. Owning the Armory was worth a significant attack buff.  When the timer ticked to 3 minutes they would head to Winterfell to escort the resource from the castle to a TsM occupied base.

Hot Springs

On the other side of the battlefield, half of the TsM forces were busy battling it out for Hot Springs and the healing buff.Scouting reports showed that it was secured and it was almost time for the resource to drop. LadySam headed for the closest base.

Stark Outpost 1

LadySam took the opportunity to freshen her troops however in her haste, she had forgotten Sapphire! Seven Hells!

The Outpost was secure but the resource had not yet been dropped yet, dare she try to recall and resend or leave it as it is?

She opted for the latter and prayed to the Seven that it would be enough to fend off the enemy!

Leila swore under her breath as they arrived, no dragon in their wake. Latz and Haley held their tongues when they realized the error.LadySam could scarcely imagine what Sapphire thought!

Winterfell

SmoKer had adequate health to make the trip to the base to score the points and further the TsM lead. The horses' thunderous hooves could be heard as the troops raced through the maze that was the battleground to find the available base. Whilst LadySam’s slow infantry tried to catch up to assist in escorting her friend and fellow alliance member.



As the match progressed, ScottTeller would successfully recover the second resource and TsM’s lead grew. The win was a validation of all the hard work that the lords and ladies of TsM had done throughout the Siege of Winterfell Season and showing that working as a team, you can accomplish most anything!

As LadySam reflected on her performance she would need to continue to train her commanders and for the love of the Old Gods and the New NEVER forget your dragon!

Thank you for taking the time to read my story. I hope that you found it as entertaining as I did writing it for you all!

LadySam67