Robb

The attack was sudden. One moment the Lord of Winterfell had been in his chambers, the ones that had belonged to his Uncle. With a cup of wine in his hands Robb had been sitting in front of the fire. Grey Wind licked at his legs and Robb reached down to scratched his ears. But then the sound rang out, the sound of a horn echoing all around the camp. Robb poked his head out the window to see everyone scrambling around the camp for their weapons and to their positions. Grey Wind jumped after Robb as he jumped to his feet.

"Will you wield your family's sword into battle, My Lord?"Dacey had asked him. He did not know how to answer. His father had wielded the family's sword in war it only made sense to do the same. But he was hardly ready to wield Ice, it was still too big and heavy for him. But he thought not to look weak in his men's eyes, even if they were women. He wore the sword over his back with his own at his hip.

He'd seen both Umbers in the courtyard. GreatJon with his massive broadsword and his son with an axe in both hands. Dacey Mormont was with them, her normally long hair tied in a bun. Longclaw was across her back as she held her mace and short axe in her hands. Benfred Tallhart's armor was shining like the fire as the reflection of the moonlight bounced off him. He fastened his helmet to his head and armed himself with a spear and shield with the trees of his house painted on it.

Now Robb stood in his armor on the wall with Lord Commander Denys Mallister. Out there in the darkness he could see the wildlings. Moving like thousands of shadows in the night across the snow covered ground. They clattered and roared, backing their weapons together and screamed at the top of their lungs. Robb saw amongst them to his great surprise a giant, a true giant.

Looking to his left he saw the Lord Commander and thousands of archers along the wall. Looking right he saw the same thing headed by his friend Theon Greyjoy. At his back was Domeric Bolton, Torrhen and Eddard Karstark of his personnel guard. They had argued amongst themselves about who would stand by Robb's side during the battle. In the end Robb had to choose for them after SmallJon had threatened to rip Benfred in half.

The chanting and roaring of the wildlings grew as they marched towards the wall. Robb turned to Denys Mallister and nodded. The Lord Commander returned the gesture and then looked forward.

"Nock and Hold!" He yelled. The command was repeated down the lines as men filled their bows and readied the barrels. The Wildlings continued to advance taunting their enemies with the banging of their weapons and the sound of their calls in the night." Loose!"

The arrows illuminated the night and there were many more than the wildlings had expected. They fell like flies as nearly ten thousand arrows flew at them. Some found their mark burying deep into the chest or head of a wildling, the fire catching to his cloths and body. But those who survived the first wave began to chant and cheer once more. And that forced them into a second charge against the fire arrows once more.

"Their brave." Robb said aloud. The wind roared around him, blowing snow and cold into his face." I'll give them that." He could see them advancing once more and prepared for the next volley. But then another noise broke out in the night. Not the cheers of wildlings or the moans of the dead, a great horn blast. Lord Commander Mallister turned around to see the horn at his back was untouched. The call in particular was coming from below them.

At that moment Roose Bolton appeared at Robb's back and spoke to him.

"The Southern Gate is under attack." His voice not giving away the direness of the situation. Looking down the length of the wall Robb saw what had just been reported. Fire arrows flew across the darkness, looking like a wall of light flying into the night. Robb looked to the Lord Commander. Even though Robb was not a sworn brother of the Night's Watch this was his army that now supported it. His bannermen, his people, his friends. Don't let your men die for a stranger his father had always told him. It was in that moment that Robb knew what he had to do.

"I'm going down there." He said." Lord Bolton stay on the wall with Commander Mallister." Roose Bolton only nodded as Robb turned and marched for the stairs. Domeric Bolton quickly appeared at his left while Theon was at his right, their swords already drawn. Torrhen Karstark gripped his axe and he and his brother Eddard followed them. Grey Wind followed at the end of the group.

They entered the lift together and began to descend to the bottom. Looking back he saw another volley fire from off the walls. Looking down he saw everyone scrambling like ants. Once the elevator door opened Robb drew his sword from his hip. His soldiers crowded the gate. He could see the wildlings had already broken through, seeing the shadows of combat through the window. The rest waited with their weapons pointed forward, waiting for the wildling charge.

A cheer broke out as the soldier looked back to see Robb amongst them. They cleared a path as he made his way to the front lines. Looking forward he saw the wildlings climbing over the wall and touching down on the ground no less than twenty feet in front of him. Robb gripped his sword with both hands and led the charge. Theon Greyjoy, Benfred Tallhart and Dacey Mormont to his right. Domeric Bolton with Torrhen and Eddard Karstark to his left. And right behind him was Smalljon like a lumbering shadow.

He was the first to collide into the enemy. Swinging his sword at the first wildling he saw, slashing him from one side of his chest to the other. Blood splattered from his chest and onto the ground, covering both Robb's sword and his armor. Grey Wind took a man to the ground and ripped out his throat in one bite. He quickly turned and raised his sword. Just in time to block an incoming attack. Robb quickly kicked up his leg and knocked the wildling back before jumping forward with an attack of his own. He lunged forward and jabbed his sword half-way into the wildlings stomach. Left and right they came at him. Robb turned his back on one to defend from another, luckily he had Grey Wind. The Direwolf tore the man's arm off in one great bite as Robb slashed a wildling across the stomach.

The battle continued to rage all around him. There was no clear sight of victory for either side. With the fighting spread everywhere and more wildlings arriving by the minute. His father had never spoke of his battles but Robb never thought it would be like this.

He was suddenly broken from his thoughts as a wildling axe swung at his face. Robb turned and blocked a second swing from the axe. He gripped his sword with both hands and gave his blade a swing, causing the arm of the ax to fly off to the side. Then Robb plunged his blade into the wildling's chest and with a swift kick free his blade from the body.

Suddenly a sharp pain suddenly shot itself into his left shoulder. Robb thought he'd been shot, that an arrow had found it's way into his back. The sudden attack forced him down onto his knees and he used his sword for support. No doubt he'd be dead within a few moments if another Wildling had not picked him off sooner. Lucky for him his personal guard was there.

Benfred stood over Robb with his shield and spear in the air. Domeric, Theon guarded Robb on the ground.

"Are you alright?" Domeric asked.

"Am I dying?" Robb gasped." How bad is it?" Together Domeric and Theon looked to see an arrow poking out of Robb's back. Theon reached out and ripped the arrow from his back. The Young Wolf had only been half-right, his armor was too thick for the arrow to pierce.

"You're alright." He chuckled showing the clean arrow's head to Robb. And even then in that moment the Young Wolf couldn't help but laugh with them. But their smiles died when they heard the sudden sound of rumbling earth. It was so strong Robb thought the earth was about to rip open under them. But looking forward he saw something much worse.

Their gate had been destroyed. A giant broke it down with one mighty ram of his shoulder, and now stood there as real as day. The Giant let out a roar instilling fear in any man who'd stand against him.

The giant took one massive step forward and stood before Robb and his friends. Then with one swing of his arm Robb was launched into the air and slammed into the wall. As he rolled over onto the ground he saw the giant coming for him once more. But he'd been slammed against the wall so hard he could barely move. He felt as if his back had been snapped in two.

The giant reached down and held Robb in one hand as if he was a doll. Then slowly brought the boy up to his mouth and prepared to bite off his head. Robb knew this was the end unless he did something. He how could he, his sword was on the ground below. It was now he remembered that he had another sword, Ice. He was able to wiggle one arm free and with that arm he reached for his back. He felt Ice was still there and he grabbed the hilt with one hand. Then as the Giant opened it's mouth to bite down Robb freed the sword from it's sheath and held it in the air.

But the sword was not meant to be wielded one handed. But with all the strength he could manage Robb swung down, letting gravity and the Valyarian steel do most of the work. His sword slashed the giant across the left side of it's face, from above it's left eye and down it's cheek. It let out a roared as it dropped Robb to the ground. He landed hard on his back right between the legs of the monster.

The Young Wolf quickly rolled out from under him before he was stomped like a bug. A volley of arrows got the giants attention giving Robb the chance to get away. As he rolled to his feet a wildling swung a sword at him. He quickly gripped Ice with both hands and raised it to block. The Wildling sword cut right in half when it came into contact with his Valyarian steel. Jumping to both feet Robb held the sword high above his head and prepared to strike, and with one great swing took the head off his wildling foe.

Turning around he slashed through another wildling that was coming at him. It was in this moment as he faced inwards towards Castle Black that he noticed the battle was dwindling. Whatever wildlings weren't dead were being picked off, they weren't ready to face this much resistance. Only the giant was a real threat now. It was surrounded as men jumped forward stabbing their spears and swords into it's feet and legs. Others on high positions fired arrows. The Giant raised it's arms to block incoming arrows and with one swing of it's arms sent half a dozen men slamming into the wall.

Robb quickly ran in to join them. With Ice in both hands he slashed deep into the Giant's leg. Domeric Bolton jumped up beside him and did the same. The giant was being assaulted on all sides, it could hardly defend itself. It swung it's arms wildly managing to knock his foes back, those who weren't distanced themselves from him. It wasn't until the giant raised it's head that an arrow managed to find it's way through it's thick beard and into his neck. Then with a great crash the giant came tumbling down.

The horned sounded from above signaling the Wildling retreat. Robb then turned to his soldiers, standing before them coated in blood as much as they were. His breeches are ruined, stained with dead men's blood and bits of brain. He feels the sweat along his tunic and down his breeches under his armor. A lone strand of hair stuck to his face, staying there by means of sweat and blood.

His friends turned to him and he was relieved to see they were alright. Theon, Domeric, Dacey all stood back and smiled at him. But the GreatJon did not look so pleased. With a scowl on his face and blood staining his beard he pushed past everyone and walked towards Robb. The Young Wolf didn't know what to expect, but what did happen shocked him.

"A green boy, no more!" The GreatJon roared. Without any notice he picked Robb up in one of his big arms holding him high in the air for all too see. This was surprising coming from the GreatJon but now he believed in his Stark Lord and would forever be his sworn champion.

"Stark! Winterfell!" They roared as they shot their weapons in the air. Robb looked directly in front of him. His oldest friend Theon, Domeric Bolton, Dacey Mormont, Smalljon Umber, the Kartstark brothers. They instead chanted 'Robb'.

And after the battle there was a celebration. The courtyard was practically filled shoulder to shoulder. Men laughed, sang and danced all around. Although it wasn't any formal dance Robb had ever seen, more of a drunken stupor of men jumping and leaning on the other trying to stand up and sing in tune. Robb was not left out of the festivities, sitting with his friends and drinking just as much. Next to them the GreatJon was leading them in the singing of the Bear and the Maiden Fair.

"A bear there was, a bear, a bear! All black and brown, and covered with hair. The bear! The bear!" A drunken Galbart Glover put an arm around Lord Umber and began singing with him. Everyone else was jumping back and forth their boots stomping up the mud." Oh come they said, oh come to the fair! The fair? Said he, but I'm a bear! All black and brown, and covered with hair!" Smalljon and Torrhen Karstark were jumping back and forth around the fire. Then they reached out their hands and pulled Domeric and Theon into the dance, who then pulled Dacey into it. Robb smiled as he watched his friends dance back and forward without a care in the world. He looked up when a hand was outstretched to him. Looking up he saw Dacey Mormont looking down to him with a smile.

"And down the road from here to there. From here! To there!" Everyone sang around them.

"Dance with us." Dacey said although he'd read her lips rather than heard her voice. He saw a different light in her this night and it caused a strange feeling to warm all around his body. He didn't know how long he'd been starring at her but when he realized it he looked down. But when he didn't answer right away she answered for him, grabbing his forearm and hosting him to his feet.

"Three boys, a goat and a dancing bear! They danced and spun, all the way to the fair! The fair! The fair!" Robb jumped back and forth amongst his guard grinning like a fool. One would never have guessed then and there he was a Lord just a stupid drunk boy. The crowd got tighter, forcing them to move closer together. Shoulder to shoulder with Theon and extending his arms to swing off Torrhen Karstark. This was no formal dance as Robb had been taught, this seemed more like a fighting pit. Suddenly one swing of the Smalljon's great arms knocked Robb forward and into the arms of Dacey. And in this tight space the tallest hair on his head only reached to her chin. Robb felt his face burning as if it was on fire and his heart beating inside his chest like a drum. And there was another sensation in his body, lower than the rest.

"Oh, sweet she was, and pure and fair! The maid with honey in her hair!" She sang in his ear. Robb shivered as she stood before him her hot breath hitting his neck and her hands on his shoulders. He remembered now when they had first met. Lady Maege Mormont brought her daughter to the Harvest feast, and Dacey was as much a woman than as she was now. He tried not to stare then just as he tried not to now. Her long legs, the green of her eyes, way her breasts hung from her chest and her long hair black as Raven's feathers. He could not help but look at her hair then, long and black as a raven's feathers. Robb felt himself propelled to reach out and touch her. With a soft hand he reached out and touched the back of her head. Then slowly his fingers flew through the black locks until there was none left to navigate through. She did not stop him, she kept her eyes on him the entire time though he looked as if he was in a dream. "Her hair! Her hair! The maid with honey in her hair!"

It was only a bump to his back that made Robb suddenly realize what he had done. Robb came back to reality and saw that Dacey was looking down at him, it was then that he realized what he had done. With the song and dance still around them he quickly dismissed himself though not as casual as he might have liked. He removed himself from the courtyard after that, walking up to the battlements of Castle Black hoping to be alone. However there was company fast on his heels.

"Enjoying the celebration are we?" Robb turned and saw Measter Aemon standing before him.

"Measter Aemon." Robb panted. He took a few deep breaths before continuing." Yes, Yes I am enjoying myself. Any you?"

"Is there dancing in the courtyard?" The Old man reached a hand out and Robb grabbed it, guiding the old Measter to the railing.

"Yes." He nodded as he did so." Everyone is celebrating."

"And you yourself are partaking? Your hands are shaking boy are you alright?" Robb hadn't realized it but he was. His hand that was over the Measter's shook like a tree in a storm.

"Just some fatigue from the battle." He answered.

"Men have many cures for that. Wine, Song and women." Robb's attention went out once more to the crowd and spotted Dacey easily . Robb was her liege Lord and it was inappropriate for him to take advantage of her like that. When he was a boy his father had caught him abusing his position to steal kisses from the serving girls, an action that was quickly rectified. Since that day Robb choose his actions carefully, especially around women. Dacey was a warrior and a close friend but most importantly she was a woman and he would not dishonor her by letting others whisper harsh words behind her back. And Robb had his own woman to think about, Margeary Tyrell whom his father had promised him to. Undoubtedly Dacey had most likely not said anything for appearances sake, letting him keep his modesty." Men often find the last choice to be the best." The Old man's voice brought Robb back to his senses.

"I would disagree Measter."

Eddard

They'd spent several days in Storm's End and Ned sat on the council with Robert and the other Lords. They only knew that this sellsword army had retreated from Storm's End, and could be hiding anywhere in the King's Wood. Robert was more anxious than ever to ride out and meet them. To see with his own eyes if the rumors of Targaeyns was true or not. They had ridden till the sun was high in the sky and just alongside the rosby road they had their answer.

And when they saw the three headed dragon of House Targareyn on their banners a wave of dread past over every man present. But Ned saw fury in Robert's eyes. He rose out ahead of the columns, held his warhammer high in the air for all to see.

"CHARGE!" He yelled in the voice of a thousand men. And he was soon joined by them. Robert dashed ahead, with Ned and his brothers, the banners men of King's Landing Storm's End and the Reach combined with him.

Across from them the army of Dornishmen and sellswords rode out to meet them, and they met in the middle of the field.