The Snow-Stricken Stannis Army and Its Journey to Winterfell

In the vast and perilous world of A Song of Ice and Fire, George R.R. Martin weaves a narrative that is as intricate as it is chilling. One of the most intriguing aspects of his story is the journey of Stannis Baratheon's army as they march towards Winterfell. However, their path is fraught with challenges, most notably the harsh winter storms that delay their progress.

The Initial Estimates

Stannis Baratheon's army was originally planned to cover the distance from Deepwood Motte to Winterfell in a ten-day march, a distance of 100 leagues or approximately 300 miles. According to the cautious estimations of the A Complete Analysis of the Upcoming Siege of Winterfell Part 1, this journey, as the raven would fly, was forecasted to take 15 days based on maps and travel data.

Delays Due to Harsh Weather

Unfortunately, the journey was never as straightforward as the initial plans suggested. The first signs of trouble appeared on the 26th day of the march, when the last of the vegetables were exhausted. By the 32nd day, the army had consumed the last of its grain and fodder. This scarcity made the men rely on raw, half-frozen horse meat to sustain them, leading to Asha, the daughter of Balon Greyjoy, to question the sustainability of their situation.

Despite the dire conditions, Ser Richard Horpe, one of Stannis' loyal adherents, maintained optimism. He reassured the king that they were only three days from Winterfell, but this encouragement was soon tests of reality. On the following day, the king's scouts stumbled upon an abandoned crofter's village located between two lakes. This poorly maintained huddle of buildings, consisting of a longhall and a watchtower, was the army's only respite for quite some time.

The Unexpected Delays and Estimations

Stannis and his army seemed to be held up at the crofter's village for a prolonged period. By the time they left, they had been three days from Winterfell for nineteen days. The distance from Deepwood Motte to Winterfell still remained 100 leagues or around 300 miles, acting as a stark reminder of the challenges that lay ahead.

Given their reduced progress, it becomes imperative to estimate the actual distance they are from their intended destination. Based on the rate of 10 miles per day, the remaining distance is estimated to be somewhere between 15-30 miles. This significant delay in reaching Winterfell not only impacts the morale of the army but also raises questions about the efficiency of Stannis' march under such harsh conditions.

Conclusion

The journey of Stannis Baratheon's army to Winterfell is a testament to the challenges faced by the characters in Martin's complex narrative. The harsh winter rains and the subsequent delays not only impede their progress but also test the resolve of the army. As the story unfolds, the accurate estimation of their distance from Winterfell remains a critical component of the overall plot, influencing the strategic decisions of the characters and further shaping the dynamics of the ongoing conflict in the realm.