Korley, Velaquo, Belomas, Rufus, quills
The odd foursome, and Quills, exited the Red Keep, and proceeded to the gates of King’s Landing, where the troops were waiting to ride.
Bastard, Korley’s cremello courser, was frothy with anger as usual, giving the squire who was grooming him a hard time.
The four hundred, or the three hundred and eighty seven to be precise, were divided into four units. As Korley feared, the make-up of his impromptu army was less than ideal. About half the men were actual fighters who had recently battled Stannis Baratheon’s men on the Blackwater. These men were hardened. And tired looking, Korley noted. Then there were about one hundred “reserves”, either Gold Cloaks (city guardsmen) converted to soldiers, or simply men who longed for battle. The rest were greenboys and old timers, some maimed, a few recently un-retired, a few too young but able.
The horses themselves at least, Korley considered, seemed fresh and able mounts.
The officers were as follows:
Ser Leomun Lefford, a blonde-bearded youth, he had a talent for looking good atop his mount in his shining armor. He managed to seem both eager to please his new commander (Korley) and simultaneously sour with having to take orders from an “improper Lannister”.
Ser Philip of Rosby, another young man, whose only claim to fame was his relation to the Lord of Rosby, a man who recently had perished from a persistent cough. Ser Philip was a freshly made knight, and seemed the overly proud type. He also had a persistent cough. His hundred men had crossbows, besides the standard lance and sword.
Belton Jast, a converted Gold Cloak and seemingly sober and direct. He spoke calmly, listened intently, and his unit seemed the least disorganized of the four.
Jon Piper, “Rowdy” as his men called him, a barrel-chested bastard, with the voice of five men, and an air of pompousness about him.
Korley studied them and had the fleeting thought that Belomas, Velaquo, and Rufus might make better commanders.
Quills sidled up to Velaquo and whispered in his ear, "General, fresh troops to rebuild the Silks" and grinned widely, then, "Do we ride on this campaign? Or a boat to retrieve our gold? What is your wish?"
Rufus Gargalen was given a huge destrier, befitting the warrior's size and weight, though the horse had only one eye.
The gathered troops awaited Korley's word.
