Robb at the Crossing, Part I

"Do you consent?"

He regarded the Frey host trooping across the draw bridge. Grey Wind watched, too, hair up and crouching.

"Robb?"

He motioned his mother closer. "What do you make of Ser Stevron Frey?"

"When Walder spoke rudely to me, Stevron objected. He rides and fights; maybe the best of the brood. More Royce than Frey, I'd say. He has been waiting a long time."

"And how did Walder respond to his heir's words?"

"Harshly."

"And how does grandfather deal with oathbreakers?"

"As your father would, as you would. Robb, what is your meaning? We have a pledge."

"Mother, I must speak with my council. Let Walder think I can't make my own decisions. To me, boy!" Robb wheeled his mount and trotted back to camp.

The lords bannermen fell silent when Ser Stevron was ushered into the tent.

"Welcome, Ser; I apologize for this delay. It was important that we set the order of march. You would do me honor by escorting Lady Catelyn across the Green Fork. Your words today are not forgotten."

For a moment Stevron glanced at Catelyn, and then back to Robb. "That was my intent, and all the way to Riverrun. I take it then that you would be my brother. Shall I tell my father?"

"Tell the Lord of the Crossing that I consent to his conditions, and that I would cross while there is still light."

"I will meet you at the gate within the hour."

"We will remember."

After Ser Stevron left Rob turned to Umber. "The third wagon; make it look real. Kill the horses if necessary. We will need an hour." And then to Bolton, "Hold this bank. See that Ser Jared does not interfere." And to all, "Keep it friendly with Frey's men; share wine, trade japes, but move your men quietly into the gate houses and on to the walls. I pray there will be no fighting; but if so end it quickly."

Robb, Lady Catelyn, Ser Brynden, Theon, and 100 chosen Tully and Stark men waited just beyond the moat as the great column crawled through the eastern gate. The vanguard had swiftly ridden ahead and occupied the far shore. Ser Stevron sat his horse restlessly. "Stark, is it your plan to march all night? At this pace it will already be dark before all your men cross. Look, even now the column stops."

"Seven Hells! You're right. Forward. I'll know what is wrong!"

Robb and his escort found a path among the halted wagons and entered the eastern gate. He cursed long and loud upon seeing the jammed mass of men, horses and laden carts stretching ahead toward the water tower. Everywhere men of many sigils mingled amiably. Robb seethed. A rider making his way urgently back to the eastern shore shouted to Robb, "Wagons block the far gate!"

"How bad is it?"

"A shambles! The Greatjon himself is clearing the wrecks."

"My, such troubles. I am certain the Greatoaf will acquit himself in due time, but perhaps you'd best send your fishy uncle across the river to help. I hear he swims well, heh!"

Robb glanced around and seemed to notice for the first time Walder Frey reclining in his litter beside the tower entrance. Four men-at-arms stood guard. Brynden was glaring at Walder.

"My lord Frey I assure you we will be gone by nightfall." Dismounting, Robb walked up to the litter and curtly nodded. "Is there a place where we may talk? I have no doubt there are Lannister ears about."

"In my keep? Only guests. But I'll hear you in the hall. Stevron! I believe you know the way; lead on! Try not to stumble. And Stark, keep that mangy wolf of yours outside."

They ascended the wide steps into the reception hall, the Freys first. Robb, Catelyn, Theon and Brynden walked abreast just behind Walder's litter. A dozen burly Northerners loitered at the tower entrance. The remainder waited at the foot of the stairs until the litter and its bearers turned a corner at the top. Robb paused and raised his hand. The men surged up the stairs and into the hall. With undrawn swords they filled the chamber, blocking the doors and windows with their bodies. Grey Wind leapt to Robb's side. The twenty Frey men in the hall and Walder's bodyguards hesitated, looking at Ser Stevron. His sword remained sheathed.

"Treachery!" screamed Walder, "kill them all!"

Ser Stevron folded his arms. Grey Wind growled.

"Only justice," Brynden replied. "Lord Hoster lies near to death, his son wears Lannister shackles. I speak for House Tully. You refused your lord's banner call. You barred your gates to our passage and treated with our enemies. I declare your lands and titles forfeit. You will be taken to Riverrun to suffer your fate."

"Hold there, Tully get, I have the word of young Stark, my future son. Defend me!"

"My promise was to the Lord of the Crossing. Brynden, do you hold House Frey attainted?"

"No. I recognize Ser Stevron as Lord of the Crossing."

"Then my word is kept."

"Tywin was right; the Kingslayer would have made a better match. Traitors all! You think you can shove old Walder aside so easily? Your archers missed a few crows. I'll outlive you all." Walder rose from his litter unassisted. "Stevie, you worthless whoreson, have you nothing to say?"

"Father, I fear you may not survive the journey." Drawing his sword and pointing it at Walder, Lord Stevron told the Frey men-at-arms, "Bind, gag and hood this man. If he resists, kill him."