Game of Thrones: Tragedy and Reunions

Next chapter of my Game of Thrones story, enjoy :)

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Now onto the story.

Disclaimer: Game of Thrones belongs to George R. R. Martin.

Catelyn

The hard forest floor with its gnarled roots and leaves was hardly the most comfortable. But to Catelyn, who had been running and going without sleep for so long, it felt almost as good as the best featherbed. Following the disaster at the Red Wedding she had been on the run, fearing for her life. As far as she knew almost everybody there had been lost; precious few escaped. Her one relief came from the fact that Robb has escaped. They had been separated when she had been forced to run a different way, but she knew he had escaped. She had seen him mount a horse and ride as if the wind itself was chasing him. After that she had ran and never dared to look back; her horse had perished only three days ago, or was it four, she could not remember. She did remember, with fear, that her brother Edmure was still in the hands of the Freys.

'Is he even alive now, I wonder?' She thought fearfully.

She lay into a fitful sleep where she dreamed terrible dreams. She was awoken some time later by the sound of beating hooves. She leapt to her feet.

'Not more of them?'

Everyday she heard hoof beats: she hid each time and watched as riders bearing the Frey banner rode past, searching for her. Now she no longer had the strength to hide.

She waited in suspenseful agony, the cold fingers of fear closing like a vice around her heart. Her hands groped at her waist for a dagger that was not there. However she then saw the riders, and felt like all the weight left her body. She fell back and sat on the ground. The banner was not the twin towers of Freys, but the fish of the Tully's. Her breath came out in short gasps as she waited. The riders approached and stopped before her; she looked up and saw the leader of the group; it was her uncle Brynden. The moment he saw her he dismounted and hurried to her, kneeling down level with her.

"Cat?" He didn't ask if she was alright, his tone said it all. She nodded slowly.

Finally, as Brynden exhaled heavily, his relief obvious, she found her voice. "I thought I'd never see a friendly face again; nevermind one of my own family."

Brynden nodded and managed a smile as he embraced his niece. "I am greatly relieved to find you safe and sound... But... What of the others?... What of your brother, what of his Grace, King Robb?"

Catelyn sighed and answered. "I do not know where Robb has gone, but I know he lives... Edmure lives too; he is a prisoner of the Frey's."

"We'll get him back." Brynden promised as he assisted her to her feet and helped her to mount a spare horse. Catelyn was too tired to ask him where they were going, so she decided to wait and see. She followed as he led the riders back the way they came, heading for whatever destination they had in mind.

When Brynden told her they had arrived she noticed they were at a camp; no banners were flying, however the men she saw were definitely those in service to Robb. They dismounted their horses and her uncle began to lead her to a tent.

"You'll want some rest, proper sleep; this tent is yours Cat…"

She stopped him, "Uncle I… I understand that you are trying to look out for me, but… I would like to see who is in charge here."

He smiled and led her to the largest tent, clearly the commander's tent. They walked over and he lifted the flap and she stepped in. Standing at the head table and pouring over a map was Jon Umber. He looked up and when he saw Catelyn, his face split into a wide smile. He stepped around the table and walked over.

"My Lady, you are safe, this is great news!" He remarked jovially; her uncle then explained.

"Lord Umber and I share command of what remains of the army just now."

Catelyn nodded and smiled; 'The Blackfish and the Greatjon, the army is in good hands.'

The Greatjon seemed restless. "My Lady, have you… do you know if…?"

"My son lives still; I do not know where he is but he is alive."

That seemed to relieve him and he nodded. However she noticed he was still troubled.

"Something troubles you, what is it?" She asked.

There was silence and then Brynden spoke. "Cat, this isn't the best time." He stated; "You are tired and…"

She shook her head. "No, I must know what is going on." There was silence again as she waited for an answer.

Finally, after a long time, Greatjon sighed and answered. "The men are restless; it turns out the Westerlings were part of a Lannister plot. It was Sybell Spicer's doing; it turns out she was giving her daughter Moon Tea; not fertility herbs." He paused and then shook his head. "It was apparent that Queen Jeyne was married to Robb to drive a wedge between us and the Frey's. Yet… I for one don't believe Queen Jeyne had a knowing part in the ploy."

Brynden spoke then, although Cat barely heard his words through her shock.

"Nor I. I don't believe it either; she loved his Grace, truly." He shook his head. "She was her mother's unwitting puppet, as much as any of us."

Finally Catelyn found her voice. "What is to happen to her?" Brynden shook his head.

"We don't believe she is guilty, but the men are not convinced, they've demanded a trial."

The words chilled Catelyn to the bone; she had every faith that her uncle and the Greatjon were right. But the trial was likely to go against Jeyne, as without any of the other Westerlings or people who knew about the plot was present, there would be nobody to confirm or even aid her and her story. Her mind was racing as she was led to her tent to rest. She wanted to visit Jeyne but her uncle insisted that she get a proper night's sleep first; Jeyne's trial was to take place in two days. Finally, she accepted and managed to sleep, despite her fears and worries.

The following day she prepared herself and went to visit Jeyne. She was shown to the guarded tent and was allowed inside. She looked around the tent; despite the guards the tent was well decorated and had every comfort imaginable. It occurred to Catelyn that Jeyne Westerling was, right now, the most comfortable prisoner in Westeros. The young queen looked up when Catelyn entered and smiled.

"My Lady, I am glad to see you safe. I heard such terrible things." She stated, Catelyn nodded and returned the smile.

"I am relieved to be back your Grace." She replied. "I have heard about the things that have happened since my absence."

Jeyne lowered her head. "I would never betray my King, how can anyone suspect me…?"

"Your family's actions have made things look black against you, your Grace." Catelyn explained, "But I do not believe you to be guilty, neither does my uncle or the Greatjon. They are trying to appease their men but it will be difficult. I do have good news for you. Robb lives."

Jeyne brightened up at that but then her face fell again. "That is good news, but what good will it do me, if I do not live to see his return?"

Catelyn sighed. "I will find some way to help you out of this bind your Grace. I promise."

With that she left, wondering just what she could do to help Jeyne.

As she walked through the camp she heard word that a rider had arrived, and was looking for her. She hurried to where the rider was said to be and she was met with the familiar tall woman.

"Brienne." She gasped. The warrior woman turned to face her and nodded politely in acknowledgment.

"My Lady, I am relieved to find you." She replied. "I had heard about this Red Wedding on my way back. I rode as hard as I could to return."

Catelyn looked around questioningly, but only Brienne stood in the clearing; she turned back to her. "Brienne, my daughters?" Brienne's sad expression sent fear into her heart again.

"I apologize, my Lady, I have failed you." Brienne stated before explaining. "Your younger daughter has been missing since your lord husband's death. Your eldest daughter has been missing since the Battle of Blackwater. Some say she was taken away from the city by 'The Hound'."

Catelyn shuddered, she remember Sandor Clegane, the tall man with the burned face. Her daughter's weren't in King's Landing; so that was why the Lannisters refused their terms. As she thought of this she thought again of Jeyne and suddenly an idea occurred to her; Brienne had returned at the perfect time.

End of chapter, hope you enjoyed it, read and review please.