UPDATED Chapter 651: Breaching Prince's Pass

In the face of an inevitable confrontation, the Lord of Skyreach hoped that the matter could be downplayed. However, the Riverlands nobles were not willing to let it go so easily.

The Riverlands nobles, with their imposing army stationed before Prince's Pass, were not there to conquer it. With only two thousand men, they couldn't possibly breach such a formidable stronghold, especially when it was defended by an equal number.

Their intent was to make a grand spectacle, ensuring the entire realm knew of the crime committed by Franklin Fowler, hoping he would face justice.

Lord Fowler, having retreated to Prince's Pass, was actively seeking allies. He tried to negotiate with the Riverlands nobles, offering them benefits in exchange for their forgiveness, but was met with rejection. On the other hand, he was also trying to rally the Dornish lords to his cause. The more support he had, the better his chances of survival.

Now, he penned another letter of plea, hoping Prince Doran would intercede on his behalf with the king, considering their past relations. Since the incident, aside from a single letter from Prince Doran inquiring about the situation, there had been no further communication between them. Franklin Fowler was now desperate and constantly on edge.

Meanwhile, soldiers from the royal army, who had secretly infiltrated Prince's Pass, began their covert operation. Among the Dornish, there are the Salt Men, Stone Men, and Sand Men. Not all resembled the Rhoynar. For instance, the Stone Men had pale skin and blue eyes. Among the infiltrators were Riverlands soldiers and knights, as well as Rhoynar warriors from the Second Legion.

They blended perfectly, except for their distinct accents. The unsuspecting Dornish guards let them in without a second thought. Once inside, they had a place to rest. The supply team members would stay in these rooms before returning to King's Landing the next day. A knight from House Oakheart kept a close watch on Dickon Manwoody, ensuring he made no suspicious moves.

"What's our next move, sir?" one of the royal soldiers asked their commander, Ser Caswell.

Ser Caswell pondered for a moment before replying, "The Hand of the King instructed us to set a massive fire in Prince's Pass."

"Then we should locate the city's supply storage."

To start a massive fire, they needed wildfire. Every city had stores of it, typically kept with military supplies. Finding the storerooms in Prince's Pass would lead them to the wildfire, allowing them to set the blaze.

Outside Prince's Pass, in the royal army's camp, the night was dark, but the main tent was still brightly lit.

The Hand of the King, Jon Connington, was pondering how to breach Prince's Pass. He had four thousand soldiers, while the defending Fowlers had two thousand. Even with the numerical advantage, the defenders had the stronghold's advantage. A direct assault might be costly.

He had pinned his hopes on a surprise attack by fifty brave soldiers he had dispatched earlier. However, days had passed without any news.

Suddenly, a shout interrupted his thoughts. "My Lord! Look outside!"

"Prince's Pass is on fire!"

Jon Connington and the other commanders rushed out to see a massive fire engulfing the ancient stronghold.

"They did it!" The commanders exclaimed.

"Prepare to attack!" Jon Connington ordered.

As the fire raged inside Prince's Pass, the royal army outside was ready to strike. The Dornish defenders were in chaos, trying to put out the fire while defending against the royal army's assault.

The Dornish command was in disarray. Soldiers couldn't find their commanders, and commanders couldn't rally their troops. The relentless fire consumed many lives.

The battle raged all night. By dawn, the royal army had breached Prince's Pass. The defenders were either dead, wounded, or had surrendered. Franklin Fowler, the 'Guardian of the Pass', sensing the tide turning against him, abandoned the city and fled to his ancestral home, Skyreach.