The Battle of Ironrath is the climactic battle in the Forrester-Whitehill Conflict. Following the death of either Rodrik or Asher Forrester in an ambush, House Whitehill besieges Ironrath with an army outnumbering the Forresters ten to one. The ensuing conflict leads to the capture and razing of the Forrester stronghold, along with the deaths of most, if not all, of its soldiers and smallfolk, leaving House Whitehill the apparent victor of the conflict between the two houses. However, the victory comes at the cost of either Gryff or Ludd Whitehill, and while most of the Forrester household is killed, several members of the family escape, including the surviving Lord, Talia, and Ryon.