The Empire's Strongest Iron Throne
The Twins - Chapter Three
"You are in no place to insist on anything. I would have thought you would have learned your lesson…the first time you tried to overplay your position." Roose Bolton spoke as he stared coldly at Jaime and Brienne.
Jaime narrowed his eyes in rage wanting to strangle Bolton at this point but with only one hand and current under his rule at Harrenhal he has to watch how he acts.
A loud knock on the door interrupted the three from their dinner as Roose calmly turned his head to the door.
"Lord Bolton! I-it's urgent! It's about your son! We have him with us! He's dying! The Dreadfort was attacked just this morning!" A Bolton man cried out through the doors with the mangled Ramsey held between his and his comrade's arms.
As soon as those words were spoken a gaze was cast towards Jaime and Brienne more callous than before with beady narrowed eyes as all amiable atmosphere left the room.
"House Lannister had nothing to with this I assure you Lord Bolton." The Kingslayer spoke to appease the angered gaze out of fear the man would have them killed with no regard for what his father thought.
"Bring Ramsey in. He never listened to me. He is a fool. But he is my son." The Lord of the Dreadfort commanded coldly as he gazed at the doors.
Jaime mused Bolton sounded rather like his father speaking about his children…always finding something wrong with them.
Brienne shivered…what a cold man.
The doors opened with two Bolton guards carefully carrying Ramsey in between the two them as even Roose widened his eyes ever so slightly gazing at the state of his son.
"Who did this?" Roose demanded as he stared with a cold fury at his son mutilated beyond recognition.
'I…am suddenly grateful to have only lost a hand.' The Kingslayer mused as he widened his green eyes in shock.
Three pairs of eyes at the dinner table gazed at Ramsey missing his tongue with blood dripping down his mouth, his right eye missing leaving only a gaping hole.
Fingers flayed and broken on each hand, his arms hung limp with the tendons severed brutally from a sword, knee caps crushed from superior strength.
His chest had a name carved into it…Esdeath with a strange emblem drawn into the man's skin below the woman's name.
His stomach slowly bled as he barely clung to life.
Most humiliating of all was the fact that his manhood was somehow frozen to his neck much like a necklace, and blood dripped from his pants to the floor where he stood.
The men held a letter in their hands as they awaited further orders.
"Y-you won't believe this but she was a demon Lord Bolton! She destroyed the Dreadfort! I-it's gone! It no longer exists! Monster!" The man cried out with eyes full of terror as he held onto Ramsey's near dead body.
The words the 'she destroyed the Dreadfort' caused Roose to snap to attention with a seriousness in his pale eyes.
"Speak more concisely. Talk deep breaths." The Leech Lord ordered with fury in his voice as he stood striding over towards them vowing to make whoever did this suffer the wrath of hell.
How does the Dreadfort just crumble so easily? It is an ancient castle.
Jaimie held onto his fork musing on the words the Dreadfort is gone…how strange an entire castle doesn't usually crumble to nothing even when attacked.
"One woman attacked the Dreadfort. She has supernatural powers of ice. I-I am not joking Lord Bolton. We saw it when we rode up. Then she carved into your son's back…you best read it." The second Bolton guard explained more calmly so they didn't get killed on the spot in the man's wrath.
"Are you two drunk? Supernatural powers of ice? That is a good one." The Kingslayer questioned only to silence himself when Roose gazed his way showing he was shorter on patience for quips than usual.
"I suggest you be silent. It sounds preposterous but I am in a wrathful mood. I may just flay you both because it will make me feel good if you continue to annoy me." Roose spoke with no emotion while striding to the Ramsey with a frown on his lips then he walked behind his son.
The Maid of Tarth glared at Jaime deciding that death by flaying to a furious man that is about to lose his son and has lost his seat is not something she wants to experience.
"Understood." Jaimie agreed as he could tell even the threat of Tywin Lannister isn't enough anymore when Bolton has lost his seat and his son…only a fool would push him.
The Leech Lord gazed down at his son's back widening his eyes ever so slightly once more.
In fine penmanship this brazen woman wrote a declaration of war for all of Westoros…declaring she is joining the 'War of the Five Kings'.
It wasn't even a war of five when she wrote this, it was a war of three. Renly had died long ago, you would think she would know this.
Balon…that is more excusable since it is recent news.
'I, General Esdeath have now entered your War of the Five Kings,'
'Herald my coming for I am the apex predator.'
'I am the winter storm that blows your way.'
'This world shall bear witness to the power of my Teigu.'
'I will leave imprints in the land itself as proof of Demon's Extract's abilities.'
'Ice, snow, hail, and frozen corpses are all you will get for opposing me.'
'I will pave my way to your King's Landing and build my own army.'
'There I will seat myself upon the Iron Throne and rule as Emperor.'
'After witnessing her might, Lords, soldiers, and townsfolk may submit to me for safety and join my army.'
'Those who fail to heed the first warning will be cleansed from this earth. Signed yours truly Emperor Esdeath.'
"That is the most arrogant message I have ever read. Emperor Esdeath. Who does this woman think she is?" Roose questioned softly more angered by the destruction of nearly all of his house than her desire to conquer Westeros.
Like always he wants to be on the winning side. If she was the winner by chance he would go to her side but obliterating his house seat and maiming his son?
"Could you repeat that? I do not mean to be insensitive but did you just say this woman declared herself Emperor?" Jaime requested as he refrained from laughing so he was not sent off to be flayed.
"Did I stutter?" The Leech Lord inquired as he walked to the front of his near dead son.
"You want to read? We sent a letter to all Lords in the North via raven detailing her declaration warning them of impending attack. Here." The first Bolton soldier stated as he threw the letter toward the Lannister as he caught it with his single hand.
"You sent a letter without asking me? Broadcasting my houses disgrace?" The Leech Lord demanded with anger in his eyes.
The Kingslayer shuddered for the poor bastards as he read the letter admitting the two had a valid point in warning the other Lords.
He scanned the contents of the letter with Brienne reading by his side balking at the words.
Unbelievable!
Apex predator? Winter storm?
From what he gathers she has no army and yet she is stylizing herself as Emperor already.
"This woman is delusional. Just because she destroyed a fort does not mean she can conquer Westoros." Jaime concluded with a snort pushing the letter away.
"That is a foreboding message…" Brienne trailed off for some reason feeling as if it was not just bullshit as they say.
"You don't actually belief that horseshit do you?" The Kingslayer questioned with an incredulous look in his eyes.
"L-Lord Bolton she is beyond human. She created a huge ball of ice bigger than the Dreadfort and crushed it. I-I am serious. W-we thought to warn the other Lords even if it sounds like a joke." The man stammered terrified that they escape only to be flayed by the knife.
"Be that as it may. No one will take that message seriously. Powers or no powers, the other Lords will burn that letter disregarding it. You just publicized my humiliating for nothing." Roose concluded in a cold voice only to be stopped by the sound of raven flying in.
He gazed at the bird as it landed depositing a letter in his waiting hand from Lord Wyman Manderly…
As he gently broke the seal he scanned the contents of the letter in shock.
House Hornwood has been seized.
Even more astonishing by far than capturing his small vassal house is White Harbor was conquered by this woman and Lord Manderly has sent out a letter detailing his submission to the 'Emperor'.
"You two may leave. Leave my son here. Consider yourselves fortunate that I lack the time to flay you." The Leech Lord mumbled as he read the letter while the trembling men set his dying son down as they scampered off.
'Charming man…' The Maid of Tarth mused hoping she is not stuck here when Jaime vacates now that this man is in such a wrathful mood.
"Well Lannister. It seems we have an Emperor in the North. She seized White Harbor, House Manderly submits. He withdraws all support from King Robb." Roose murmured as he read from the contents.
"W-what?" Jaime stammered astounded to hear one woman with no army could feasibly achieve that.
"Furthermore she so terrified him that Lord Manderly refuses to acknowledge the current ruler on the Iron Throne. His choices were submission or the complete genocide of White Harbor." The Leech Lord spoke as he began to take this woman more seriously than before.
To my fellow Lords of the North,
I, Lord Wyman Manderly declare myself as the second Northern House to submit to Emperor Esdeath, the Emperor in the North.
I have received word of her destruction of House Bolton, barring Lord Bolton himself. A gigantic ball of frozen hail larger than the Dreadfort they said. It sounded so fantastical.
That was until a man was killed in White Harbor with an ice spear in his chest…
And she kicked the head off another outside a tavern.
Following that soldiers made of ice marched through the streets disabling my hundreds of city garrison while she dined in a tavern killing a patron or so I heard…he insulted her.
Her inhuman troops had horse like lower bodies and human like upper halves, much like a centaur of mythology.
My castle garrison assembled the best last minute defense possible raining arrows down on her and her troops.
She claims to be from another world. I believe it. My men report she erected an ice wall so massive it shielded her and the only human with her…Theon Greyjoy.
My castle garrison were defeated single handily by her using only her fists and feet, her strength is inhuman.
Five or so died, many lived with broken arms and cracked platemail.
Her Majesty defeated over fifty knights on her own without tiring herself out.
She was able to kick down the doors of the inner chamber of New Castle with power that even the Mountain doesn't possess.
I tried to gauge her, to see if I could gain leverage on her until I assembled more forces. She told me would purge White Harbor of all life, and that she had already disarmed my garrison before heading to the castle.
In her words she is kind her to her allies and she has no compassion to her enemies. I did not want to be the first Manderly to break the Stark oath that has existed for over a thousand years.
Yet as I gazed into those callous deep blue eyes. It was no bluff. My city and all of its people would perish if I did not submit.
She told me Theon tells her she is like Aegon the Conqueror but without dragons. She has moved faster than Aegon already.
Currently she is now heading towards the Twin Towers of Frey with an army she ordered me to draft.
She claims that within two days the entire North will fall. Within a week all of Westoros.
Her Majesty states that there is no question of her impending victory. The only question is which houses will remain standing when she sits on her throne at its conclusion.
I do not doubt her.
It is with this vast display of power beyond any force I have ever seen that I officially state that House Manderly and White Harbor submits to her rule.
I was told to advise all Houses do the same before receiving a taste of her power.
Forgive me Robb…but I have to protect the people of White Harbor at all costs and this is a beast far greater than Tywin Lannister.
I am ashamed for breaking the Stark pact that has existed for over a thousand years but knowing my people are safe is enough for me.
I will not break this pact with her Majesty. I have been warned if I do she will encase the city in ice with powers I do not want to test further.
Therefore, I hereby decree that all men of House Manderly under King Robb are relieved of their duties and are to report to their new monarch at the Twin Towers of Frey.
Sincerely,
Lord Wyman Manderly,
"This is…astonishing. Absolutely astonishing. Is this truly like Aegon once more?" Roose inquired as he held the letter in his hand gazing down at his brutalized son sure he did something to incur this torment.
"Like Aegon! Lord Bolton pass me that letter!" The Kingslayer demanded as he stood now alarmed to hear a challenger for the throne has arisen from nowhere.
And she has seized a major house and near destroyed one in one morning!
"Read away. I have to tend to my son and reconsider my position." The Leech Lord declared as he threw the letter at the Lannister.
Jaime narrowed his green eyes at the words reconsider his position but he made no comment. He could not tell him what to do at the moment.
"Why do I have a feeling the maimed Greyjoy has something to do with your current state? You are such a disappointment." Roose muttered as he sighed standing over his son who breathed just barely.
He unsheathed a sword at his hip strolling to put him out of his misery.
Before the Lannister read he felt like his father was standing in the room…only colder.
He has heard terrible things about the bastard of Bolton. Capturing women and hunting them.
Therefore, he doesn't pity the literal bastard.
But the man is as callous as he can get to his own son.
"I presume this woman took a liking to Theon Greyjoy and castrated you in return for your castration of him? Only you received worse than you gave him." The Leech Lord stated as he stood over his son before kneeling.
'Theon Greyjoy was castrated? Once more I feel grateful to have only lost my sword hand…what a sick bastard.' The Kingslayer thought as he suddenly lost even more sympathy for the mangled wreck of a man.
Brienne snorted in disgust not pitying any man who would castrate a man and enjoy it. She heard about how Theon killed King Robb's brothers but still that is just too cruel.
Death by the sword is the proper punishment.
But it is clear this bastard of Bolton was only focused on pleasure.
"I told you a peaceful land, a quiet people was my rule. To make it your rule. You did not listen. Now I have a hunch your bloodlust has led to the ruin of House Bolton." Roose declared as he saw the maimed chest rise up and down.
'Hopefully when I die father is not looming over me in judgement…I have a feeling he would treat Tyrion this way.' Jaime pondered grimly as he watched Bolton put the sword to his son's neck.
"You have let me down Ramsey. It is a shame you killed all of my trueborn sons. But even so. You are still my son. I won't let you linger in torment. Goodbye." The Leech Lord whispered as he shoved a blade in his son's neck without flinching or blinking.
Ramsey opened his single left eye for a brief moment as he gazed up at his callous father as he gurgled on his own blood before dying on the floors of Harrenhal long overdue for death.
'And I thought we had a fucked up family…the man didn't even blink.' The Kingslayer mused as he shivered slightly before opening the contents of the letter.
'Killed his trueborn sons? I have even less pity for the man now.' The Maid of Tarth thought as she still was shaken by how cold the execution of his own son was.
But she turned her eyes away as she leaned down reading with Jaime stunned by the words…incredible and terrifying.
Jaime gazed down at the letter widening his eyes finding what he is reading to be so outrageous that he would have laughed!
Would have if Bolton men had not dragged in the maimed bastard citing the destruction of the Dreadfort.
And this astonishing submission of Lord Manderly.
"She captured White Harbor with soldiers of ice while eating at a tavern? She defeated fifty knights?" The Kingslayer questioned in amazement finding it hard to believe this is real.
"That is what it says. Fanciful as Lord Manderly says but he submits. I am inclined to believe it is true." Roose Bolton spoke as he calmly as he returned to his seat after wiping his blade slowly of his son's blood.
"You cannot be serious Lord Bolton. Perhaps this exaggeration to frighten her enemies." Jaime stated with a frown as he knew he had to send word of this to his father.
He had to leave right away.
"The Dreadfort is gone. It was there last night. My own men verify that. Lord Manderly is of the most loyal Stark men, he would not submit unless she truly had the force to genocide his city." The Leech Lord concluded as he finished cleaning his blade setting it down on the table.
"What sort of ruler would genocide an entire city?" Brienne asked in a horrified voice as she found she could not tear her gaze away from the letter.
If this woman was that powerful with no army what would she become if she did conquer Westeros?
"One with no mercy for those against her." Roose Bolton replied in a cold tone as he mused if he had a chance to sway the woman of his use.
Or if his bastard son mucked it up already.
"I think that is clear Lord Bolton. Let's speculate these powers of ice are real. Everyone bleeds. That is something I have learned. Maybe she is a demon…a witch but she cannot defeat entire armies." The Kingslayer declared firmly as he slammed the letter down locking his eyes with Bolton.
"That remains to be seen. Like Aegon one with such overwhelming might will inspire those to join her through fear and awe." The Leech Lord stated as he folded his arms staring back at the Lannister.
"No one can conquer Westoros in a week. Even with supernatural powers. This woman is raving mad!" Jaime insisted as he narrowed his eyes at the man seated opposite of him.
"That may be the case Kingslayer. Or it may not. But I have to consider my position." Roose Bolton mumbled as he rang a bell for guards to come to his dining hall.
"What are you doing Lord Bolton?" The Maid of Tarth demanded with dread rising in her being as she heard footsteps run down the hall.
"Don't do this Lord Bolton. You do not want to anger my father." The Kingslayer stated only for the man to softly laugh at him.
"Tywin Lannister? I am afraid that means nothing to me anymore. My House seat is gone. My son is dead. I have nothing to lose." The Leech Lord announced while drinking a glass of milk as guards came in by the dozen.
"Yes Lord Bolton? You called?" The Head Bolton Guard questioned as Jaime and Brienne readied to fight.
"Two orders. Ready my son for a proper cremation…the Dreadfort has been destroyed. Take the prisoners to the cell under the Widow's Tower." Roose Bolton ordered as he smiled slightly while locking eyes with Jaime.
"Lord Bolton! Don't be foolish! Think about what you are doing!" Jaime shouted as he was grasped from behind and hit in the gut.
"Let us go! Now!" Brienne roared as she overpowered three or four guards only to be brought down when they ganged up on her.
"I have. As of this current moment in time I no longer owe allegiance to any monarch be it King Robb, King Joffrey or even this Esdeath. I am evaluating my position." The Leech Lord commented as he sipped his milk.
"Father can give you another castle. I am sure he would if you return me alive! Greater than the Dreadfort! House Bolton will not fade away!" The Kingslayer exclaimed with gritted teeth.
"Perhaps he would. But what good would that do me if this woman wins the Iron Throne? None. Leave the Kingslayer unharmed. I may present him to our new Emperor in the North as a gift." Roose Bolton commanded as he set down his glass of milk.
The guards stared at each other nodding quickly as rumor had spread already about the destruction of the Dreadfort by a woman claiming to be Emperor in the North.
"You bastard!" Jaime snarled wishing he had gotten the chance to leave before all of this had occurred.
"And the wench?" The Head Bolton Guard sneered while gazing at the struggling Brienne.
"I was going to give her to Vargo as a reward. She has little value compared to the Kingslayer." The Leech Lord muttered as he smiled watching Jaime stew in rage at his words.
"If you give her to that scum I will find a way to escape my cell and tear your throat out!" The Kingslayer hissed with anger in his voice.
"Thank you Jaime." The Maid of Tarth whispered with a tear falling from her eye.
"But I have changed my mind." Roose Bolton stated with a mysterious glint in his voice.
"What does that mean?" Jaime questioned hoping it did not mean the knight was suffering an even worse fate.
Like torture at the hands of Bolton himself.
"Take a look at my son and what do you see." The Leech Lord remarked with a cold voice as two guards picked his corpse up.
"A man that got maimed in so many ways he was scarcely recognizable afterward?" The Kingslayer answered not understanding the point.
"Yes. But you are missing the point. He was tortured by someone who clearly has been doing so longer than my son has. This Emperor in the North has a dark compulsion." Roose announced as he smiled at the Lannister.
"Your point Bolton?" Jaime breathed as he felt shivers crawl down his spine that the man deduced that about the woman without even meeting her.
"She is a torture expert. Like me. I deduce it is her private hobby. You are both going to greet her soon." The Leech Lord concluded as he stood up strolling towards them.
With that more guards came in to make sure their transition to prison was a smooth one while Jaime and Brienne paled at the statement made by Bolton.
"I-if she loses you will suffer in ways you cannot imagine. What makes you think she wants you? She tried to destroy your house?" The Kingslayer spoke as he struggled to no avail fearful for their fates.
"That is true Kingslayer. I may be killed on the spot. But I have nothing to lose. With the son of Tywin Lannister as a peace offering to absolve whatever my son did to offend her and a second token pet for her to play with. I may well live." Roose Bolton explained as he shrugged casually dismissing the possibility of death.
"M-may well live? Be reasonable!" Brienne pleaded as she shook in terror at the thought of death by torture.
This woman was already sounding like a more terrible ruler than the Mad King!
"I am being reasonable. Take them away and ensure they stay in optimum health…especially the Lannister. Cut off all ties from the Iron Throne. Kill all soldiers that won't obey my order." The Leech Lord declared as he returned to his seat with his smile gone.
"Bolton you bastard! Bolton!" Jaime roared as he was dragged away to a dark cell unknowing of the fate awaiting him and his companion.
"Now I just have to hope House Bolton can survive this war." Roose Bolton murmured as he drank his milk once more when the door closed leaving him in private.
Esdeath stood with Theon by her side as the Manderly and Hornwood army awaited her obediently.
They were understandably frightened given what they have heard about her but she stood with her hands on her hips preparing to speak.
She mused there were near three thousand soldiers…
The Frey's must think she cannot cross the river…how laughable!
As if that bridge would stop her.
On the Western Tower's side, she saw a Frey force assembled of a greater number by nearly a two thousand more…
She smiled as she saw a smaller force of maybe two thousand soldiers composed on the opposite side of the water loyal to her as well…splendid.
So they did abandon Robb Stark after all.
The Freys must presume they are going to deal with her splinter force and then her?
They are in for a brutal awakening.
They were keeping their distance from the superior enemy army seeing as they were too far away to reach their new Commander but they were there for her to utilize.
"You have heard that I am ruthless! That I am a demon…a witch and more! But that is only to my enemies! I do not mistreat my subordinates or my soldiers!" The blue-haired woman shouted in a thunderous voice as her soldiers straightened snapping to attention.
Theon folded his arms wearing much warmer clothing and his body was at the least cleaned up of any possible infection as she had taken him to a physician before they left White Harbor.
He had a deep respect for her despite her bloodlust.
She has great charisma and he has no doubt in her victory.
"As your new Emperor and your Commander I will lead you from the front to a great victory! I guarantee casualties will be next to zero!" The General bellowed with a smile on her lips as she nodded.
"Yes your Majesty!" The army chimed in unison still afraid but pacified by her claim that casualties will be near zero.
"Your orders are as follows! In this battle you watch me fight! You do not have to do anything! Follow me and observe as I make House Frey kneel on my own!" Esdeath roared while strolling towards the Green Fork with a smile.
The army was awed to hear their leader would head into battle on her own and they watched with bated breath curious if the stories about her are true as she knelt before the Green Fork with her finger tips glowing.
"Be it wild beasts, the very air I breathe, or the river that obstructs my path. All will freeze before me!" The blue-haired woman bellowed as a shimmering light emitted from the Green Fork creating a frozen bridge as thick ice rapidly formed across the water.
Esdeath's new army gaped in astonishment as they watched as she single-handily created a bridge across the Green Fork several times the size of the Crossing.
Their new Emperor indeed had supernatural powers of ice.
She is the only one to ever cross without taking a toll from the Freys in the centuries since the creation of the Crossing!
The Greyjoy stared in shock as well despite knowing he shouldn't be amazed since he has seen her do more than anyone else.
It shouldn't faze him since he has seen her destroy the Dreadfort with that massive chunk of hail and create soldiers of ice.
But to see water freeze before her?
"Amazing." The brown-haired young man whispered as he stared at the panicking Frey army.
He muses they were not expecting this move. Who would?
They likely did not believe the stories either.
"Fufu. I held back a bit unlike when I invaded the Southwest Tribes. There was no need to freeze the entire river. Now to see if they submit." The General spoke as she smiled maliciously but inside she knew she had to refrain from giving into her bloodlust.
If she did she would wipe the army out and she would never become their ruler.
It is all too easy for her to travel this country and wipe out these pathetic armies.
Especially since they have such weak weaponry. It is primitive compared to the Imperial Empire!
No guns, no ammunition.
She dashed crossed the makeshift bridge watching as the army launched arrows down at her as she smiled.
"Weissschnabel!" Esdeath roared as she released a huge volley of icicles into the air that were aimed with great marksmanship smashing the arrows effortlessly.
The General pushed her cap up while watching the army stand unsure of what to do.
They had never had someone force across on their own bridge before.
She has powers beyond their own comprehension.
Her army is not even fighting on either side yet.
This would be amusing.
Or so she thought.
"Wait! My great-grand father would like to speak with you about possible submission!" Black Walder yelled with a pale face afraid of such an ice demon.
And her army had not joined the battle yet.
Esdeath blinked as she placed her hands on her hips pleased to hear that but at the same time…she had been hoping to kill a few hundred or so before he surrendered.
"Hoh? How satisfying. Have him come speak to me." The blue-haired woman declared with a smile on her lips.
"Y-you have to come to him. He's ninety years old! He is rather frail!" The Frey shouted hoping she didn't kill out of spite.
The General scowled in annoyance wondering how such an ancient old man hasn't died yet for someone else to take his place.
"So be it. But let it be known if you attack my army I will decimate you all!" Esdeath assured with narrowed deep blue eyes before following after glancing back at Theon with a nod.
Theon watched as his Master walked off in the vast distance towards the Eastern Tower of Frey.
It was no shock that the Late Lord Frey was terrified after seeing her freeze the Green Fork.
He likely believes in her conquest now.
The blue-haired woman walked inside the east castle as she was guided by several Freys…whom she mused looked similar in appearance.
"Lord Walder Frey is in the great halls of the east castle; he will see you now y-your Majesty." Edwyn Frey announced deciding to be on the safe side since the woman was superhuman.
The General chuckled deciding though many of the titles were to be blunt silly she enjoy the sense of power it gave her.
"Ah I hope he has chosen wisely. Open the doors." Esdeath commanded sternly as the Frey's speedily obeyed opening the doors to the great hall while she strolled past them.
As the blue-haired woman strode in she saw a ridiculous number of young girls surrounding a decrepit old man in a massive chair of black oak.
Even she thought it was preposterous how many women were surrounding this old rat…near twenty?
"Don't spill my wine! Stupid woman what good are you." Walder Frey snapped as he glared at one of his wives for near spilling wine when she poured it wrong.
Then he turned his old eyes to eyes to the woman who was quickly becoming the talk of Westoros…
The Lord of the Crossing watched her stride in at a solid six feet tall with blue hair draped to her knees like a cloak northerners wear.
A black scarf was wrapped around her neck.
He mused that he has never seen blue hair before…how bizarre but there is no doubt that she is the most stunning woman he has ever laid eyes upon.
But the most dangerous as well.
Her cold deep blue eyes were just as piercing as Roose Bolton's if not more so. She had lips formed in a smile ever so slight.
Her uniform was black and white bearing a cross on her belt as well as on her cap that she wore upon her head.
He mused she had the loveliest knockers he had ever seen, they bounced just the right amount as she took each step.
A strange crimson tattoo was above her cleavage but he wasn't paying much mind to the tattoo.
Her white heeled combat boots clicked as she strolled across the great hall gazing at the décor…or lack of it is the better word.
Two lengthy white furs hung from her back as she stood facing him with her hands on her hips now smirking in amusement.
He eyed the deadly sword on her right hip.
'I didn't believe the stories in either of the letters until my men told me she froze the Green Fork. Someone that can so that…she'll conquer won't she?' Walder Frey mused as he bit into a piece of meat knowing he would be decimated if all the stories were true since her army on both sides equaled his.
That and she had supernatural powers.
Is she really like Aegon or even better?
"I pity these girls'. I would be doing them a favor if I encased them in ice." Esdeath greeted callously with her hands on her hips watching the many young girls cry out in terror at her words.
"I'd rather you didn't. A few are my wives. The rest are my granddaughters and daughters. Conqueror of Westeros or not. I'd be cross with you." The Lord of the Crossing remarked as he gazed at the women surrounding him with eyes that told them to keep to their tasks.
"Your wives, daughters and granddaughters? I pity them even more. Ah well I cannot imagine you are functional at this age." The blue-haired woman commented surveying the skeleton of a man with a smile.
Walder Frey narrowed his eyes as he held his cup of wine silently thinking to himself that he would have killed anyone else or severed an alliance at the least for those words.
She's fortunate she seems to be invincible.
So it seems...
"This body is old…but I cling to life. I have so many great-grand sons waiting for me to die. Ha! I am not dead yet! I have been here for over ninety years I may be old…but I am not senile." The Lord of the Crossing stated while drinking from his chalice of wine.
"As happy as I am for you that you have retained your mind in your golden years. Do you submit? Or must I use the brutal force I have used on my past conquests?" The General inquired as she created a huge throne made of ice seating herself with a cold smile.
The wives, daughters and granddaughters of Lord Frey shivered as they watched the blue-haired woman recline crossing her legs as she rested her arms on the sides of her chair made of ice.
What is she?
"How do you do that? Are you even human?" Walder Frey breathed in amazement as he couldn't believe he was watching someone create ice from nothing.
There was no question that he would submit…he'd be a fool not to.
He was going to try to get a term out of her.
"…Yes I am human. I am not a demon and I am not a witch. I am from another world. I received these powers in my world when I drank a super weapon called a Teigu that fused with my body…to put it plainly." Esdeath responded as she gazed at the wiry old man chuckling.
"I must say that is the most astounding thing I have ever heard. Even more so than Aegon and his dragons…another world." The Lord of the Crossing muttered as he stroked his chin curious how she got here.
So it is as Lord Manderly's letter states…she is not of this realm…that explains the blue hair.
"I am disappointed that this Aegon and his dragons are already dead. It would have been fun to hunt them." The blue-haired woman grumbled as she leaned on her elbow sighing in annoyance.
She raised an eyebrow when the old man cackled holding his wine glass high spilling it in amusement.
Her eyes narrowed curious how she is comical.
"You are unlike any woman I have ever seen! No boar would satisfy you! You want to hunt dragons!" Walder Frey cried out as he knew this woman had more balls than King Robert already.
"Why not? I used to hunt beasts in my world the size of dragons from time to time…I am saddened to hear my hunts must be…tame now but oh well." The General said with a shrug knowing she will find a way to occupy her time as the ruler of this world.
"That so? I see no way that I can resist you. But beyond living what do you offer me if I bow? Would you grant me a small term?" The Lord of the Crossing requested with a crooked grin as he gestured for his wives to pour his guest wine.
"What term? It depends. I could theoretically genocide your House and all under it into non-existence. You should be grateful I am even treating with you." Esdeath spoke as a trembling mid teen ran over to her with a chalice handing her the glass as she took it.
Walder Frey flinched at those words hoping she'd be workable…Lord Manderly wasn't jesting about her.
"H-here your Majesty." Joyeuse Erenford stammered as she poured wine with the most careful skill into the beautiful blue-haired woman's glass.
"Are you a wife or a granddaughter?" The blue-haired woman inquired with a raised brow as she watched the girl cower as if she was going to murder her on the spot.
She mused she has to be a bit more careful how she conducts herself or she will just have near a million or however many people terrified of her.
Fear is good…but devotion is better right?
"I-I am L-Lord Frey's eighth wife your Majesty." The young girl answered as she stood bowing without spilling the wine jug hoping the woman is not displeased.
She could tell this woman is by far more powerful by than King Robb Stark.
"Eighth wife girl? Aren't you fortunate." The General remarked as she took a drink of her wine actually feeling ever so slight pity for the teen.
But at least she isn't being raped like the Minister would do to her…
Then cannibalized afterward.
"T-thank you your Grace." Joyeuse Erenford replied to Esdeath bowing over and over as the woman smirked enjoying ruling already.
"Yes she is my eighth wife. Bethany is your name isn't it?" The Lord of the Crossing questioned with squinting eyes.
"N-no my Lord. My name is Joyeuse Erenford. Bethany was your sixth wife." The young girl explained as she strolled back to her husband actually wishing she would continue serving the woman instead.
"Bah! What does it matter what your name is! More wine!" Walder Frey barked as he held out his wine glass as the girl got to it right away.
"You have had so many wives you don't know their names?" Esdeath questioned as she rolled her eyes finding she was wasting her time sitting here.
"Can't bother with names on all of them. Back to the subject of discussion. I kneel. I am a vassal House to the Tully's…I detest them. They call me the Late Lord Frey. Do you want to know why?" The Lord of the Crossing snarled as he held his wine glass like an angry old creature.
"Not really but I have a feeling I am going to hear it." The blue-haired woman remarked as she drank her wine hoping Theon was fine.
But she told herself either of the armies would have to be foolish to touch him knowing the power she possesses.
"Aegon Targaryen whom you heard so much about, creating a dynasty lasting for near two hundred eighty-five years. Until the Targaryens were disposed in Robert's rebellion nearly seventeen years go." Walder Frey spoke as he drank from his glass.
"Oh? They ruled for that long…fascinating but all dynasties come to an end at some point." The General stated as she wondered where the misery man was going with this history lesson.
"True. The Mad King was burning people alive in mass…he garnered quite a good deal of hate. But his son Prince Rhaegar was much beloved…still died to Robert's warhammer in the raging rivers of the Trident." The Lord of the Crossing told the General as he sipped his wine.
'I will make a note that as the new ruler of Westoros I will educate myself on their history on a later date so as not to seem like a fool.' Esdeath thought while curious of the history on this 'Mad King' and his burnings.
"I will read up on this subject later. I require you to get to the point." The blue-haired woman demanded sharply as she spoke coldly tapping her ice throne.
"The Later Walder Frey old Tully called me because I failed to get my men to the Trident in time for battle. He thought he was witty." Walder Frey muttered as he spat the name Tully holding out his chalice for more wine.
'I preferred the obese man over this creature….' The General mused as she groaned in annoyance but told herself a true conqueror is patient waiting for the right moment before she stomps on her prey.
"My heart weeps for you…" Esdeath sneered while taking another gulp of wine.
"Your dead Tully. I am still here. Just because I don't foolishly march to my death without knowing the outcome of victory doesn't give them the right to laugh at me!" The Lord of the Crossing yelled as he slammed his wine glass down after it was filled.
'I am close to killing this creature…surely a son can succeed him…' The blue-haired woman pondered as she gritted her teeth in annoyance radiating cold impatience that the old man seemed to miss.
"I get the point old man. You don't like this Tully." The General spoke more coldly than before with narrowed eyes as she glared his way.
"I-I am a cautious man. I only aid a winning cause. That is why old Tully mocked me. I have a feeling you are a winning cause…" Walder Frey murmured with a bead of sweat dripping down his forehead when she grew to be less jovial.
She is truly frightening as Manderly said.
He cannot be play games like he usually does with people.
"Humph. Of course the Empire's Strongest is a winning cause. If you are worried about backing me with troops and me failing, don't. I died once recently and came back to life." Esdeath declared with a smug smirk.
"W-what how is that possible?" The Lord of the Crossing asked as he spat out his wine on the table.
"Even I do not know that. I died in a battle…after losing an arm and killing thousands upon thousands upon thousands of soldiers in a rebel war. I woke up in this world. Here I am." The blue-haired woman concluded as she extended her arms open wide eyes gleaming in pride.
'Naturally I simplified it for his frail old mind.' The General mused as she chuckled leaning back on her frozen throne.
"You become more astonishing the more I hear. She's impressive isn't she Bellany?" Walder Frey spoke to his eight wife who was closest to his side.
"Her Grace is amazing my Lord but my name is J-Joyeuse Erenford." The young girl insisted to her miserable husband who flicked wine droplets at her face.
'His wife is more pleasant to speak to than him…and that is saying something. I do not usually enjoy conversing with weakling women.' Esdeath mused as she sighed waiting for this to end.
"I will proceed to the point. Rob Stark previously was aligned with me but he spurned me. He was supposed to marry one of my girls but he broke the marriage vow for some Western cunt!" The Lord of the Crossing barked as he grasped a piece of meat chewing on it with difficulty.
'Can't imagine why the boy broke the marriage pact…' The blue-haired woman pondered as her eyes scanned the homely daughters and granddaughters in disgust.
Although one did stand out as being pleasant compared to the rest but nothing that piqued her interest. She was bisexual.
"If you are proposing I marry one of your deformed sons…you can forget it. I have standards. I am not marrying anyone from your disgusting brood of male circus freaks." The General insisted as she scoffed hearing a few of the women giggle to her amusement.
"What are you laughing at! Did I say you could laugh just because she is mocking my family eh? No I was not referring to a marriage vow but fuck the Stark boy. I was planning on killing him." Walder Frey remarked as he drank his wine seeing no harm in speaking of this aloud.
"Oh? How so…pardon me but I fail to see how you were going to kill a king and his army from your chair?" Esdeath questioned in a tone of genuine curiosity as she gazed down into an empty wine glass clapping her hands smiling for his wife to come to her.
To her amusement the young girl was all too happy to come wait on her hand and foot despite knowing she could still be killed by her if this goes south.
"Tywin Lannister and Roose Bolton that's how. The young wolf he calls himself…pompous little shit. The Lion of Lannister has his death arranged, a lovely wedding affair hah shame you ruined your Grace." The Lord of the Crossing cackled as he grinned in amusement.
"A wedding? You fools need to kill the boy at a wedding? How pathetic. Not that I care but that is just weak." The blue-haired woman stated as she watched the teen pour more wine for her carefully.
"Pardon us for not having amazing powers like you huh! I was to hold the wedding and Roose Bolton was to guide the boy here. Hmm, under my roof we'd break bread signifying that I won't harm them…it's called guess right." Walder Frey muttered as he showed ample spaces in his gums.
"Your husband is an annoying creature girl." The General commented as she leveled the girl with a stare curious how she ended up with this man of all Lords.
"Hey! I am talking to you!" The Lord of the Crossing shouted furious the supposed Emperor of the North is paying more mind to his wife than him.
"W-well your Majesty…he's…" Joyeuse Erenford trailed off as she stared at the floor afraid to say her true opinions of the old man.
Yes, the woman was terrifying but she was being nice as of current unlike her husband who is never nice.
"Fufu…poor girl can't even state how she feels old man. Anyhow get to the point." Esdeath purred while patting the girl on the head like a dog.
"Hm. A complete slaughter of all of the Stark and Tully forces would have been the result. Bolton would have killed the boy personally…must be torture being that upstart boy's General. Doesn't listen to advise." Walder Frey announced as he grinned crookedly.
'Hmm. It does sound like the father is more cunning and useful but I did tell Theon no Bolton's.' The blue-haired woman mused as she nodded admitting this was a malicious plan.
"With Tywin Lannister backing us both, previously the most powerful person in the seven Kingdoms…we were going to receive a handsome reward." The Lord of the Crossing concluded as he picked up his wine glass once again.
"What sort of reward?" The General questioned while removing her hand from the girl's head as she watched the girl step back in amusement blushing.
"I was going to be…Lord of Riverrun. A position previously filled by a Tully. One of the seven Kingdoms of Westeros." Walder Frey admitted as he finally voiced his desires to the possible new monarch of Westoros.
Esdeath narrowed her eyes at the gall of this old weasel. This Tywin Lannister may be desperate to end his war with these Tully's and Stark's so he was throwing out titles in exchange for a murderous wedding.
But why should she presume these Tully's and Stark's her enemies before she meets them?
They may well submit…if she strips them of their power they will refuse naturally.
"Listen well. You have two choices. Submit here and now as I conquer Westeros or fade into frozen dust. If I offer you anything it will be on my terms." The blue-haired woman spoke while releasing an aura with blackish tints.
Joyeuse dropped the wine jug she was holding as she fell to the ground in terror staring up at the woman with widened eyes…she just went from nice to horrifying.
The Lord of the Crossing's mouth fell open in shock as he trembled in his seat now seeing what Lord Manderly meant by he tried to gauge her and found he did not want to test her further.
"S-settle down." Walder Frey stammered in fear losing his composure seeing a woman emit a blackened aura on a throne of ice.
"Don't give me orders. Now I am not about to strip the Tully's of their power when they may well submit…I am not in Tywin's position. But I know how you hate them…" The General muttered with a hand under her chin.
The Lord of the Crossing listened hopeful that he was being offered something.
"I still have yet to understand how every detail of your Kingdoms work but if I arrange it so you are no longer vassal to the Tully's…no longer spat on by them. What could you do for me?" Esdeath purred while leaning forward on her throne.
"No longer vassal?" Walder Fray questioned with delight in his voice.
"Hoh. Not Lord of Riverrun but you don't answer to them. But you must convince me. Because I can just stomp on your frail head and make you squeal while you kiss my boots just like the fat man." The blue-haired woman spoke while laughing softly.
'So that's what she did to Manderly…made him kiss her boots.' The Lord of the Crossing mused deciding there are worse ways to die.
He'd rather kiss her breasts, pussy or ass though…
Best not say that though.
"I have two pieces of information. The Karstarks abandoned the brat once he cut off Rickard Karstarks head for killing two Lannister boys in the name of honor. Ha! Honor doesn't win wars does it your Majesty?" Walder Frey spoke with a chuckle as he leaned back in his large seat surrounded by his girl's.
"You mean to tell me he chopped of the head of one of his Lord's and essentially you are saying I can easily sway them to be now?" The General inquired with a smirk as she released her aura tapping her chin.
She wasn't too impressed with his convincing as she could find this information out elsewhere but it was something.
"Exactly. Lost half his army. It's why he had to come crawling back to me you see. Begging me for my soldiers to defeat the Lannisters after he spurned me once already! I remember when I am slighted." The Lord of the Crossing muttered as he chewed on some meat with a scowl.
"So you keep telling me. But I agree to lose half of your army over honor is a fool's thing to do. I presume his army was shaved down after many battles with these Lannisters." Esdeath stated as she elegantly drank her wine with a so slight smile on her face to know these Karstarks should be easy sway.
"Many, many battles my lovely Majesty. Harrion Karstark is the current Lord. That is the first piece of information. The other is that I hear you don't like Bolton's." Walder Frey chatted almost casually now that she was being almost sociable once more.
He mused the woman was damn strange.
"I don't. Not in the least. My subordinate Theon Greyjoy is my friend. He was castrated by Ramsay Bolton. Traumatized for life, he was the only person to ever try to save my life…. unneeded as it was." The blue-haired woman spoke coldly resting her arms with a tighter grip on her frozen throne.
"Castration…poor bastard of all the things a man can suffer. They train soldiers over the Narrow Sea that way castrate them young…called unsullied. Do you eunuchs still count as men your Majesty?" The Lord of the Crossing snickered only to receive a callous gaze that made him tremble with sweat dripping down his brow.
Bad joke…
"I will castrate you. If you mock my friend one more time. Is that understood?" The General growled with a cold fury in her deep blue eyes.
"U-understood your Majesty." Walder Frey stammered as he began to wish he could conclude this treat or he feared for his health soon enough.
"I destroyed the Dreadfort largely for him and tortured the bastard so brutally for Theon. Why do you ask?" Esdeath spoke as she drank her wine musing he did have a good brew.
"Roose Bolton has a gift for you. His son was brought to him at Harrenhal. He knows of the destruction of his castle, and he even finished his son himself without flinching. But still he is waiting for you." The Lord of the Crossing announced as he smiled slightly.
"Hoh? That sounds rather foolish. He may well die. His chance of death is much greater than living in truth." The blue-haired woman murmured as she held her index finder to her chin not denying she is piqued by this invite.
A man with nothing to lose that did not have to invite her. That by all rights should want her dead and should know he has no way to kill her.
What's more hearing he dealt the final blow to his own son without flinching is impressive.
But she told Theon no Bolton's.
Even if this man has not harmed Theon. As the father he can be blamed for not freeing Theon.
"You obviously do not know Roose. His eyes are as emotionless as yours. If you kill him. I doubt he will shed a tear. He knows he may die. He knows if he sides with Tywin his death is even more likely so…he didn't let his gift leave." Walter Fray snickered as he sipped his wine.
'I admit that is impressive. He is aware death is for sure if he sides with this Tywin…so he believes in the stories about me but he is willing to take the gamble that I may let him live…with this gift?' The General mused as she stroked her chin.
Still once more she said no Bolton's.
Additionally, she mused once again Frey is not doing a good job convincing her. Bolton has the gift…not him.
He is merely informing her of where the gift is.
Perhaps she can meet him halfway?
"What is the gift?" Esdeath demanded as she clapped her hands for more wine noting this time the girl was shaking like a leaf so she sighed rolling her eyes before smiling ever so slightly to soothe her silly fears.
"The Kingslayer…Jaime Lannister. Got the name from stabbing the Mad King in the back…he was his sworn body guard. He's Tywin Lannister's favorite of his three children…" The Lord of the Crossing admitted as he beamed at the General upon saying the words.
"Why do I need a hostage with my superior might? I will continue building an army and I will not always be so gentle as I have been with each House so far. I can simply crush Lannister." The blue-haired woman insisted with a cold smile while the girl approached pouring her more wine.
"You can. By then your army will be much, much larger. Some will remain loyal to Tywin; don't presume you will get all of Westoros without defeating him. But with his son you have leverage…a chip." Walder Frey explained as he ate from his table smirking smugly.
"I see; with his treasured son I can lessen the risk to civilian's in King's Landing. He will give up sooner than he would if a sword is at his throat." The General declared as she nodded taking her cup from the girl signaling she can go.
"Precisely. If you can sway Karhold…which I know you can. You have a little over sixty percent of the North. How does that sound my beautiful Emperor?" The Lord of the Cross cackled musing that flattering may help him in this case.
It wasn't like he was bullshitting either!
"It sounds pleasing to my ears. Perhaps I can work out a deal with Theon's sister Asha to acquire the loyalty of the Ironborn in the North…thus gaining more land." Esdeath murmured as she nodded smiling brightly.
"While you are heading South of here to visit Roose at Harrenhal…whether to kill him or reward him…you will find Riverrun is a bit further Southeast. The brat is there…" Walder Frey confessed as he leaned forward delighting in exposing the location of the Young Wolf.
"Oh? How fun. So in one fell swoop I just crush him and gain the rest of the North…" The blue-haired woman stated as she clenched her fists with a smirk.
"Indeed. But if he does kneel and live. Do me a favor. Mention nothing of the supposed 'Red Wedding' outside of here. I may need them to step inside one day and trust me." The Lord of the Frey requested while smiling.
"I don't…it means nothing to me. I have killed more people than your old mind can fathom when I was General in the Imperial Empire in my world. But as ruler here I must try to be…a bit kinder but not too kind." The General commented as she sighed feeling this has taken far longer than anticipated.
'She's bizarre…to actually rationalize that out.' Walder Frey thought as he gazed at her with a shiver spreading down his spine
"Seeing as that I have no choice but to submit and that I have been helpful. Do we have a deal your Majesty?" The Lord of the Crossing inquired with hope in his voice.
"Hmm. Possibly. I am not likely to rename it the eight Kingdoms. So how it works out I am unsure without reading up more on the law. But even so I wish to see how Tully responds. If they rebel... I may have to wipe them out." Esdeath concluded with a malicious smile as she licked her lips.
Walder Frey leaned forward displeased with the 'possibly' but elated with the she words about her wiping Tully out if they do not submit with Stark.
That may mean he gets their land…
But he doesn't want to push it further.
"The House of Frey accepts Emperor Esdeath as our ruler from hence forth, we no longer acknowledge the Joffrey or Stark. Is there anything else I may do to please you your Majesty?" The Lord of the Crossing announced eagerly ecstatic he has gotten out of bowing due to old age anyhow.
"You are in contact with Bolton? The Karstarks? Send word to Harrion Karstark that my arms are wide open. That I will treat the North well. Better than Robb Stark did. Tell him to ride South if he joins me." The blue-haired woman commanded as she rubbed her chin before standing and kicking her ice throne to thousands of shards absentmindedly as the ice dust rained down on the flooring.
Walder Frey and his 'girls' were awed by the physical might the woman possessed just by a simple kick from the back of her heel she broke her makeshift throne to pieces.
'Hate to be kicked in the face by her.' Walder Frey pondered while chewing a piece of meat as he mused you'd have no teeth left.
Not that he has many to lose but he has his skull to worry about.
"Done. Oh and your Majesty? A small request…before you leave. Could you destroy that bridge you made? I'm quite rich. You wouldn't know it by how cheap I am. Can't have that ice stay there." The Lord of the Crossing requested as he grinned toothily once more.
"Of course. Oh by the way…I need to take troops with me. Say thirty-five hundred, I trust you are okay with this?" The General inquired with a cold smile knowing she was asking for more soldiers then she had with Manderly.
"By all means. Try to keep them all if you could your Majesty." Walder Frey requested stewing in anger inside but he had expected that.
"Oh fret not. With my might. It is the enemy armies that need be afraid. Causalities will be near low." Esdeath assured as she turned around to leave with nod.
The Lord of the Crossing rose a brow for some reason not finding it in him to doubt her.
"Farewell. Lord Frey. It has been amusing…somewhat. Till next time." The blue-haired woman concluded as she walked with her heels clicking down the great hall.
"Yes farewell your Majesty. Good luck in your conquest. I have a feeling it will not take long." Walder Frey Remarked as he watched her walk out wishing to say don't come back for a long while but he hoped for a good reward.
Theon watched as his leader walked out across her ice bridge smiling ever so slightly knowing it was done.
"He is an annoying creature. Never ceases talking but he submits. I nearly killed him several times for being annoying." The General commented as she stood before her army no longer speaking kindly of Walder Frey.
"That is Walder Frey Lady Esdeath." The Greyjoy agreed as he nodded musing she was in there for a long time.
"We cross South. We have two possible destinations. Theon, I suppose you won't like either one." Esdeath declared as she sighed running as hand through her long blue hair.
The young man flinched knowing his friend Robb was one of them…he knew this would come soon given how powerful she is but he hoped it would be a few days off.
The other?
"The destinations?" The brown-haired young man questioned as he gazed into her deep blue eyes.
"The first one you surely surmised. Riverrun. To bring Robb Stark to heel. But I am likely going there second." The blue-haired woman stated as she patted the boy on the shoulder.
"So I had gathered." Theon mumbled staring at the grassy grounds near her boots.
"The next is Harrenhal. To gather the one called the Kingslayer. He is being given as a gift to me by a most unexpected individual." The General announced as she gently increased her grip on the boy's shoulder.
"Jaime Lannister?" The Greyjoy breathed curious who has him detecting slight hesitance in her eyes.
Odd she is never hesitant.
"Roose Bolton has invited me. Knowing that I stand a high chance of killing him and knowing that my chances of letting him live are…much lesser than rewarding him." Esdeath admitted with a frown stroking the boy's shoulder when he shook slightly.
"I-I see. That is like Bolton. Took the destruction of his seat, men and son without blinking." The brown-haired young man muttered as he knew the man was dangerous but unable to harm his leader.
Still Roose frightened him but it is not as if he spoke to the father at all when he was prisoner in the month he spent at the Dreadfort.
But he is damn sure Roose knew he was there.
"Has he harmed you?" The blue-haired woman inquired with a protective growl in her tone that she used only on her meek subordinate.
"N-never my Lady. I never spoke to him when I was at the Dreadfort. He was never there. But he knew I was there. Why would he have me released? He just isn't like his son…he's a different beast." Theon stuttered as he shook.
"I understand. He will not be permitted to be around you in that case. I shall take this Kingslayer and judge him but if he thinks he is receiving a grand reward he is foolish." The General snorted while pushing her cap from her eyes.
"Your protection is appreciated." The Greyjoy spoke as they began crossing the bridge his Master made.
"And you shall always have it." Esdeath stated while her soldiers followed her and her subordinate.
"The Kingslayer is useful to have. Even with your power, it will make Tywin hesitant to push it too far." The brown-haired young man remarked as he walked beside the woman.
"That is what Frey told me. Also your friend Robb cut off Karstarks head for killing two Lannister boy's. They abandoned him. I will pull them to my side." The blue-haired woman purred as she stepped across the bridge waiting for the army to cross to collapse the bridge as agreed.
'Robb…why would you do that? If not for my Master appearing in our world you may have stood a chance against Tywin.' Theon pondered with a frown as he watched soldiers pour across the bridge while his radiant leader stood waiting for them to finish.
He curiously wondered what she was waiting for before he realized the Frey's don't want that bridge to remain.
A short few minutes later the Manderly, Hornwood, and Frey armies linked up understanding they were marching South.
"Time to keep my word." The General declared as she raised her left hand launching a deadly volley of icicles that began piercing the bridges thick ice ever so slowly until it started to crumble into the water.
And then her army watched in awe as the icicles caused the huge bridge to shatter and tumble into the Green Fork in too many pieces too count.
The powerful woman turned around hands on her hips nodding as she smiled at her army.
"Now! Let's march South!" Esdeath roared with delight in her voice as she enjoyed how her army seemed to fear her less than before since she has not armed any of them.
That was part of her strategy after all. If she went about cutting her own army up…how could she lead them?
"Yes Your Majesty!" The army shouted as men on horseback and on foot followed.
The blue-haired woman mused she somewhat preferred Commander over a silly title like Majesty…but oh well.
It was time to conquer.
