Author's Note: Hey guys, sorry for the wait. I was on holiday in Orkney last week and so spent more time admiring the islands and not enough time writing. Anyway, here is chapter ten for you.

Before we start I just want to tell you guys that updates will be much slower now. The reason being is that I am working on a couple of other fics that I have had sudden inspiration to do (again... gods and ancestors damn my imagination) so it'll take time to put up chapters. The new stories won't get put up just yet (and depending on whether or not I like them I might not post them at all) but I am also aiming to try to upload more than one chapter at a time. So if it takes weeks or a couple of months to post new chapters then hopefully you'll get more than one chapter at a time.

I won't divulge what my new stories are about, but I will tell you that one of them is my own original work (i.e. you won't see it here on FanFiction), so I'll be chopping and changing between fics where I can. So I'll try not to keep you guys waiting too long, but if I do take a long time, that is why. When I have enough chapters to upload for any new fic that I do on here I'll put up a notice of sorts on my account profile, so be sure to check that every now and then.

Right, enough from me, let's get to the story.

Chapter 10

Before The Storm

Jon

His head was still a mess, despite ten days passing since Eddard told him the truth. All his life he had wondered who his mother was, and now he learned not only about his mother but also his true father. Learning that he was half Targaryen was a massive shock, though not as much of a shock as learning that he was the result of rape. He felt bitter, angry at that piece of knowledge. He was still trying to come to terms with it, trying to accept it. Why? he thought. Why couldn't I be the son of Eddard Stark? Why didn't he tell Lady Stark? She would've followed her husband even if she didn't love him at the time, wouldn't she? The more Jon thought about it the more his head hurt.

Since the day he learned the truth he had tried to avoid Eddard and Catelyn as much as possible. The day after learning the truth Catelyn kept a respectful distance, giving him kind looks and kind words when she was close enough to speak with him. Eddard on the other hand was harder to avoid, mainly because he included him in meetings with Robb and a few others. Both Eddard and Catelyn did give him space and did not try to force him to spend time with either of them. His cousins were a different story though, apart from Sansa who was being overly friendly with him, showing him more attention than she used to. Robb and Arya however were still the same with him, as they had always been when they thought they were siblings.

Right now Jon and Grenn were teaching some of the newer men-at-arms how to fight properly. Grenn stood with a shield and spear-shaft in his hand. Instead of having an iron tipped head the shaft had a blunt end like a pommel for training purposes. Jon held his sword in hand while he had a shield in the other.

"The first thing to remember when someone charges at you with a spear is to use your shield to block them," he said to them. "Most spear-men you'll fight won't have shields themselves, which gives you an advantage, but if you should come across men with both spear and shield you will need to use your shield more aggressively. Grenn." Taking his queue Grenn lunged at Jon with his spear, aiming for Jon's head. Jon reacted quickly, smashing his shield upwards into Grenn's spear, sending it off course above his head before bringing the shield back down and rushing forward. When their shields met Jon raised his sword and placed the tip against Grenn's neck just beneath his jaw. Grenn smirked as he stepped back while Jon turned to face the men. "As you saw there I put my sword against Grenn's throat. Most of the time your opponent won't have a gorget to protect their neck, so the neck is the best place to aim for. Usually it's only knights that wear gorgets, but sometimes you'll find a well paid sellsword or a lord with one as well. It is still possible to go for the throat, but it'll be a lot harder for you." Jon nodded to Grenn who then stepped off to the side and pointed the tip of his spear to the training rack.

"Right, everyone, pair up and arm up," Grenn called out. "We'll go over this step by step."

For the next half hour Jon and Grenn taught the men how to fight and block with spears. They started without shields first before having half of the men use shields and spears while the other half used shields and swords, swapping them around after ten minutes. They kept this up for the half hour until Robb walked over to them. Jon watched his cousin wander over, his off hand gripping the hilt of his sword as he walked with Grey Wind beside him.

"You got this Grenn?" Jon asked his friend as he decided to go over to Robb. Grenn nodded his head and took over the training, calling Pyp over to help him. Jon walked over to Robb and bowed his head. "My prince," he said with a smirk. Robb rolled his eyes in annoyance.

"You're never going to stop that, are you?" Robb huffed. Jon chuckled as his cousin folded his arms in front of his chest. "Anyway, father wants us to gather in the great hall. He's decided on what our next step is I think." Jon nodded his head, his smirk falling.

"Let's go then," Jon said, walking past Robb who quickly fell in step beside him. "Any idea what the plan is?" Jon noticed Robb shake his head.

"We'll find out when we get there Jon," he answered. "All I know is I'm glad I'm not a Westerman."

Ten minutes later and the two of them were in the great hall. The tables had been rearranged in the middle of the hall to let the gathered lords get an easier look at the maps that were sprawled out. Jon saw that the maps were of the neighbouring Westerlands. Eddard was standing by the table, dressed in his usual grey and white clothing, but now with a crown on his head. The crown suited him, despite his initial grumbling about having to wear one. Like the crowns of the Winter Kings of old, Eddard's crown was an open circlet of hammered bronze with nine black iron spikes in the shape of longswords surmounted on it. Standing to his left was Greatjon Umber, who towered over everyone in the room. His son and heir, Smalljon, was standing next to him, with Maege Mormont and her daughter Dacey to Smalljon's left. On Eddard's right was the Blackfish, Ser Brynden Tully, who was leaning on the table looking at the maps. On his right was Robb's uncle, Ser Edmure, and Beric Dondarrion, the Stormlord who Jon learned had been tasked by Eddard to deal with the initial sacking of the Riverlands. There were other lords as well, including Lord Karstark and Lord Blackwood, but most Jon did not have time to register.

"Your grace," Robb spoke as he gave a respectful bow which Jon mimicked. Eddard looked at both of them before nodding his own head.

"Robb, Jon," he acknowledged, pointing to the map before them. "Now that you are here we can begin. Ser Brynden, what is the situation over the border?" The Blackfish straightened up and looked around the table at everyone who was gathered.

"The scouts I sent after we lifted the siege have reported back that an army is being assembled at a village called Oxcross by Tywin Lannister's cousin Ser Stafford Lannister," the Blackfish said. "It is south west of the Golden Tooth, near the pass beneath that castle. The Golden Tooth is the only way to gain easy access to the Westerlands from the Riverlands, but it is held by the Leffords who will have a garrison large enough to hold us up just long enough for Stafford Lannister to march this host along the pass should word reach them. Scouts can easily get past without being spotted, but an army is a different story. We will have to take the Golden Tooth, and quickly. If the Vale lords get here soon then any siege would be in our favour, but the longer we wait the sooner that host will be trained enough to march out and do damage." Jon looked at his uncle as he nodded his head.

"Is there any way to get around the Golden Tooth?" Eddard asked.

"None that we know of your grace," Lord Blackwood spoke. "Unless you want to go through the Reach and attack from the south the Golden Tooth is the only way in for us." Eddard looked at the young lord, nodding his head after a moment.

"Father, if I may?" Robb asked, drawing everyone's attention. Eddard looked at him and nodded his head. "If we march the bulk of our forces up to the Golden Tooth we can either have scouts on the other side to bring down ravens or any other messengers that are sent to Stafford Lannister's host, or see about trying to find another path that can bypass the Golden Tooth."

"The first idea sounds good my prince," Ser Marq Piper replied. "But as for the second, you'd be spending the next ten years at least trying to find such a path, and it'll take half that long at best for a new host from the Westerlands to be trained up."

"Have enough men looking Ser Piper and I'm sure you'll turn up something pretty quickly," Lord Karstark said as he folded his arms and stared at the Heir to Pinkmaiden. "Your grace, I agree with Prince Robb. We should send men to look and see if such a path exists. We wouldn't need a lot of men for such a search."

"Aye, we can take a few thousand men from Harrenhal once the Vale lords pull their fingers out of their arses," Greatjon boomed. Jon has learned over the last few days that when the Lord of Last Hearth speaks he actually shouts. The man only talks normally when he tries to whisper. "Those lads will have been dying for a fight for weeks now."

"Even so, I would rather we march out now your grace," Lord Jonos Bracken said. "We have enough men to trample the Leffords garrison into the dirt. We take the Golden Tooth and burn it down, and then we can advance into the Westerlands as we please." Robb scoffed at the suggestion, turning to face Lord Bracken.

"The Golden Tooth is more valuable if it still stands my lord," he responded. "If we take the Golden Tooth, we have to hold it. And with men coming from the Vale we will have the means to hold it." There was silence for a time, until Eddard cleared his throat. Everyone looked at him, waiting for him to speak as he looked over the map. When he spoke he pointed at the map, his finger hovering over the marker for the Golden Tooth.

"We will march on the Golden Tooth within a week," he spoke. "In the mean time I will send my son Prince Robb ahead with a large enough host that won't draw attention. Robb, you will take Lord Karstark and Lord Umber, along with their men, and you will search the area around the Golden Tooth and see about finding another path that we can use. Be as quick as you can though, it won't take long to march the rest of the host west." Jon watched Robb nod his head in response.

"When do I set out?" he asked.

"Tomorrow morning once you have broken your fast," Eddard replied. "If you find such a path you will send a messenger to inform us so that I can send more men, who will be led by Ser Edmure and Lady Mormont. If there is a path that we can exploit then we can take the Golden Tooth from two sides. Lady Lefford, who I understand is in charge of the castle, will more likely surrender at the sight of two hosts on either side. Once that is done we can march on Stafford Lannister's army and shatter them."

"Very well father, but can I make a suggestion?" Robb asked. Eddard nodded for him to continue and Jon looked at him, interested in what he was going to say. "If I find a path to bypass the Golden Tooth who can say where it will lead me to. I could find myself right on top of Oxcross, and then I will have to deal with the new Lannister host before marching onto the Golden Tooth. If that is the case then I will need more men with me if I am going to be able to deal with Stafford Lannister." Jon looked back at Eddard who looked to be deep in thought, his eyes narrowed as he stood with his arms folded. A few moments passed before Lord Blackwood leaned forward.

"Your grace, Prince Robb speaks sense in this regard. If you will allow me I will send my brother Lucas to ride out with him along with a portion of my men." The young Blackwood lord looked around the table at the gathered lords. "I am sure some others would gladly volunteer for such a task." Jon looked around the table and noticed that some of the others were nodding their heads in agreement, except for Lord Bracken who looked like he had swallowed something foul. Probably annoyed that a Blackwood made the suggestion instead of him, he thought.

"A very good point from both of you," Eddard spoke. "If you find a path Robb then I will send enough men to be able to destroy the army that you will encounter. However, you will scout this host first and ascertain their strength before sending me a report. How strong the host is will determine if I should need to give you more men, and how many I give you will depend on the size of the path that you will need to march through. Take your time and do not rush. Keep a good distance from Stafford's host, and once we are in place you can strike, if it is necessary to do so." Robb nodded his head, and then the conversation turned to other matters.

For the next hour the lords discussed matters in regards to the North and their allies; how secure are their shores and borders, how many men are left in reserve, what supplies will be needed to ensure survival during the next winter. For a while Jon was bored and wondered if his uncle felt like he did during such tedious discussions, until finally Eddard dismissed the lords. Everyone left, leaving only Jon and Robb alone with Eddard. The man that Jon has called father for all of his life regarded them with a serious look in his eyes, his face stern as always. Jon knew then that they were dealing with their King, and not a parent figure. After a few moments Eddard spoke.

"So Jon, I see that you and Grenn are helping to train the men-at-arms," he stated. Jon shifted on the spot, feeling uncomfortable all of a sudden.

"We are indeed," he said. "It seemed like a good idea at the time." Eddard nodded his head as he sat down.

"Edmure has noticed that quite a few of the men look up to you," he said with a hint of amusement. "He seems to be under the impression that you are taking his men away from him." Jon was startled by that.

"I can assure you that..." he began before Eddard held up his hand.

"Relax Jon. I pointed out that the men that you are training are from several areas, many of which don't fall under his jurisdiction. But I have to admit that training fresh levies how to fight with spear and shield as well as teaching then how to fight against men who do so seems unusual." Jon smirked slightly, looking down at the floor before chuckling slightly.

"It's not something usually taught to militia and levies as it can be difficult to wield both a spear and a shield, and requires the kind of training given to regular guardsmen and professional soldiers rather than new recruits," he answered. "I told Grenn about it and he suggested that we train the men up like that, should we ever come across a situation like that." Eddard smiled widely at Jon's explanation before gesturing to both him and Robb to sit down. Both of them sat down, Robb looking relaxed while Jon felt nervous. After a while Eddard spoke.

"I have been thinking about a lot of things recently Jon," he began. "Things that I should have done a long time ago, and things that I can do now myself. I have spoken with Catelyn, as well as some of my more level headed lords. And we have all come to the same agreement." Eddard fell silent for a moment, looking off to the side before looking back at Jon, his eyes gleaming with sadness. Jon felt a shudder go up his back, wondering what Eddard was about to say. "There are many things that I regret, but regardless of the truth of the matter, I do not regret you Jon," he said. "You might not be my son, but you are a Stark by blood. Cat and the others I spoke with agree with me in what I have decided to do." Eddard sat up straighter in his seat, clasping his hands together as he looked right at Jon.

"Father?" Robb spoke, his tone one of confusion and curiosity. Eddard looked briefly at Robb before looking back at Jon.

"If you still wish to take the name Stark you can," he said. "If you decide that you want this, then I will not only name you as Jon Stark, but I'll also give you a holdfast with plenty of land in a location of your choosing, and raise you up as a lord." Jon was speechless at this. Me, a lord? With my own holdfast? That's... Jon felt elation at this news, but he was not sure if he wanted it.

"I would gladly take the Stark name," Jon began, "but I'm not entirely sure about taking a holdfast of my own. I'm good with a sword, but being a lord is completely different." Eddard gave him a sad smile.

"It is Jon, and I learned the hard way what being a lord meant," he told him. "I was a second son, and so I was never supposed to inherit Winterfell, but after my brother Brandon was killed along with our father I had to step up and do my duty." Eddard drummed his fingers on the table in front of him before he continued. "If you feel that you would not make a good lord then let me assure you that you would be. You and Robb have both been given the same education, which I will insist that Bran and Rickon receive when they are old enough. You know how to fight with a sword and shoot arrows with a bow, but you also know more than that. You know your sigils, which lords rule which castles, where keeps and towns of importance are. You also know how to deal with matters of law." Eddard paused then, leaning slightly over the table and looking straight into Jon's eyes. "I have raised both you and Robb to be lords, knowing that you would work well together. Before Robert came to Winterfell and named me his Hand I had hoped to convince you to remain and be a part of our household, to help Robb and be his man when he needed further counsel." Jon was surprised at this admission from Eddard.

"Be my man, as in an advisor?" Robb asked, sounding surprised. "I'm sure that mother wouldn't have liked that, back then that is." Eddard chuckled lowly at that, shaking his head.

"No, she would not have," he said with a sigh as he leaned back. Jon looked down at his hands, thinking on what his uncle had said. It was true that Jon knew the basics of lordship, but that did not mean that he wanted to be a lord, not when he still had a lot to learn.

"I would like time to think about this," Jon said in answer. "I'm not sure that I could just accept this straight away. I need to consider everything that this means to me, and our family." Eddard looked at him and gave a small smile that disappeared quickly.

"Very well Jon," he responded. "I cannot expect you to accept this just like that. Take all the time you need to think this over, and when you are ready just come to me, and we'll talk about it." As he spoke he removed his crown, putting it down on the table in front of him. "Damn Greatjon for naming me King. That blasted thing is heavy." Jon and Robb both chuckled before stopping themselves. Eddard looked at them, trying a stern look before he smiled at them. It was the first smile that Jon has seen from him since the day Eddard was named King. "You're still boys despite what you've been through," he told them. "But you both know what responsibilities lay ahead for you, you especially Robb." Jon looked at his cousin and saw the awkward look on his face. That's one thing I'll never envy you Robb, he thought. "Lord Karstark has been speaking with you about his daughter, Alys." Jon leaned back, his eyebrow raised and a smirk on his face while Robb bowed his head.

"Yes father," Robb replied. "Ever since Daryn Hornwood was killed Lord Karstark has been trying to get me interested in Lady Alys." Eddard chuckled, stroking a hand through his beard, which he had recently trimmed.

"Of course you wouldn't have needed to worry about that had you not stated that you would only take a Northern bride," he said with a slight grin. Robb looked down, his cheeks redder than the beard that he had grown. "Anyway, Lord Rickard only wishes our lines to be joined because we are distant kin, and he wants to have a grandson be the future King in the North. There are other Northern lords who have sons who need wives, and I am sure that one or two Riverlords would welcome a Northern bride. I would recommend your uncle, but Lord Frey wants to have his sister Roslin marry Ser Edmure. When the lords of the Vale arrive however we will have an opportunity to strengthen our alliance with them." Jon looked back at Eddard in surprise as he said that.

"But aren't the Vale already tied with the North and the Riverlands?" he asked.

"Aye Jon," Robb answered him. "My Aunt Lysa and her son, my cousin Robert. When he grows up he'll be the Lord of the Eyrie and the Defender of the Vale of Arryn. But there are some who are not happy with my aunt's demand that the Vale stay out of the war. A marriage between one of the more powerful Houses, like House Royce, would put my aunt in a tight spot, perhaps sour our relations with the Arryns, but would still ensure good relations between the North and the Vale." Eddard nodded his head at Robb, his eyes filled with pride.

"Indeed Robb," he responded. "You're learning fast. Tying ourselves further with the Vale would ensure that there will be less chance of a recurrence of our blood soaked history. Northmen and Valemen have shed enough blood over the Three Sisters and other islands in the Bite during the War Across The Water. The more we tie ourselves to them though..."

"The less likely we will go to war with them in the future," both Robb and Jon spoke as one. They looked at each other before looking back at Eddard, whose eyes were still full of pride.

"We would still have to appease Lysa and young Robert, but we can worry about that later," he said as he stood up. "For now though, I suggest that you both go and get some rest. Robb, as you already know you'll be riding out tomorrow with Lords Umber and Karstark. I'll be keeping Theon close at hand, while organising whatever men need to be organised."

"Okay father," Robb said as he rose from his seat. He turned to leave before stopping and speaking again. "Before I forget what will you do about the Dornish? They might still send an envoy to treat with us." Jon looked at Eddard whose eyes seemed to fill up with discomfort then.

"I'll deal with them and deliver the Mountain's head to them, as well as give them Amory Lorch," he answered. "Tywin Lannister I will deal with myself, but I see no reason to deny the Martells their justice in regards to the deaths of their sister and her children. The man who murdered Princess Elia and her son is already dead, we only have to deliver the murderer of Princess Rhaenys and ensure that Tywin Lannister will face justice, and then the Dornish will be appeased." Robb seemed content with that answer and he left the room, bowing to his father before he did so. He called out to Jon to ask if he would follow, but Jon declined. He wanted to speak with Eddard about Tyrion Lannister, to ascertain what would become of him. When Robb had left Jon waited for Eddard to speak, and he did not have to wait long. "Go on Jon, speak your mind." Jon cleared his throat before he started.

"I am wondering what you plan to do with the other Lannister prisoners your grace," he began. Eddard sighed quietly before rubbing his forehead.

"You don't have to address me by my title when it's just us Jon," he said softly. Jon gulped and looked away for a brief moment before looking back at him again.

"Even after the last week or so I still don't know what to call you," he admitted.

"Uncle or father, that is up to you Jon," Eddard said. "I know that a lot has changed for you, but that does not mean that you have to feel obligated to call me by a title when in private. And I won't demand you to call me father or uncle until you are ready, but can I ask you to not call me 'your grace' when it's just us?" Jon looked at Eddard and saw the look of pain in his eyes. Have you always felt pain when looking at me, or is it only recent? Jon nodded his head to Eddard, trying to ignore his cynical thoughts.

"I can manage that I think," Jon replied. Eddard nodded his head, breathing out as if he had just been holding a deep breath.

"To answer your question Jon, I am still to decide," he said. "Willem and Martyn are both boys, but Tyrion is a man grown. Tywin Lannister will die for the crimes that he has committed, there is no doubt about that. Jamie Lannister will also die for trying to murder Bran as well as his other crimes. The boys and Tyrion however I am thinking of sending to the Wall, but that might be harsh to do, especially to the boys. Perhaps I'll take young Willem as a ward when this war is done, and raise him to be a lord. I might seize Casterly Rock from the Lannisters and give it to someone else, but I will not let Tyrion go back there to become a lord. He has his father's wits about him, and that makes him dangerous." Jon nodded his head in understanding.

"So you'll send Lord Tyrion to the Wall?" he asked. Eddard nodded his head.

"He is too much of a threat to us. We're better off taking him away from the Rock than leaving him to his own devices." Eddard's voice was hard then; not full of hate or anger, but full of stern determination. Jon nodded his head before he spoke again.

"Or perhaps, if I may suggest this, he can be made use of by you?" Jon's suggestion was met with confusion from his uncle.

"What use would I get from him Jon?" Eddard asked him. "The man is a Lannister, and he will not help our family."

"He might help us after the war is ended though," Jon said, trying not to sound as if he were pleading for Tyrion. "Lord Tyrion has no love for his father, who from what I know has treated him like dirt his entire life. He has no love for him but he still holds affection for other members of his family." Eddard looked at Jon as he spoke and grunted an acknowledgement to him.

"A fair point Jon," he said. "But how would this help us?"

"If we offer to aid his younger cousins then maybe Lord Tyrion will aid us in restoring stability to the Westerlands after the war is done," Jon answered. "If we do this then we will have someone who knows the people of the Westerlands to help us with maintaining peace with whoever rules Casterly Rock, which will help immeasurably after this war has ended." Eddard walked around the table towards Jon, and when he closed the distance he placed his hand on Jon's shoulder.

"This is why I gave you the same education as Robb," Eddard spoke. "You both have good minds, and are quick learners." Jon stood up from his seat as his uncle spoke. "I will consider your words Jon, and once I have made up my mind I will speak with Lord Tyrion and see what he says. For now though go and get some rest. You might not have anything planned for tomorrow but I'm sure Robb would like to spend time with you before he rides off in the morning." Jon nodded his head.

"Of course," he said softly before turning to walk away.

"Jon," Eddard called out as he reached the door. Jon turned to face him, noticing a familiar look in his uncle's eyes; a look of fatherly affection. "I am proud of you lad. You're a better man than I'll ever be." Jon felt a lump form in his throat then. Praise from Eddard has always been something that Jon has wanted, and even though he now knows the man to be his uncle Jon still feels the same as he once did when he thought that Eddard was his father.

"Thank you, uncle," he said before walking out of the great hall.

Oberyn

Oberyn was still grinning even as Riverrun came into view. The night before he had a wonderful experience with a lovely young woman with sandy blonde hair that reached her waist. The woman was a widow who was helping the healers treating wounded men who served the Tullys, and she had been seeing off some of the men who had healed enough when Oberyn and his escort (which included his two eldest daughters) arrived. He gave some help to the healers, and then when Nymeria gave further assistance he went to set up rooms at the nearby inn for his escort. As the men and Obara settled for the night Oberyn took the lovely young widow into his room to have his way with her. The woman was pretty, and seemed shy at first, but after talking with each other for quite a while the woman willingly took off her clothes and spread her legs. Oberyn was gentle with her, but after he had given her his seed she took him into her mouth and pleasured him, much to his delight. They spent the next few hours enjoying each other, getting wilder and wetter, and the widow's moans of joy were music to his ears. When he woke up that morning Oberyn found the widow sat up and marvelling his body, running her fingers along his chest before gliding down to his stiff manhood. Before long they were at it again, until the widow had had enough and pulled herself off of him just as his seed squirted out and splashed onto her thighs.

That had been about five hours ago now. Oberyn could not stop grinning even as they rode towards the Tullys ancestral seat. He knew that he would need to be on his best behaviour as Doran would say, but he would try to find a woman for himself if it were possible. Keeping his eyes on Riverrun as his escort caught up Oberyn shifted himself in his saddle, watching the numerous men go about their daily business. Oberyn watched as a group of mounted men rode back into the camp on his side of the Red Fork, while just across the river from them a large band of infantry marched out from the camp. He followed the path that they took and saw that they would join up with a large group of men, some mounted and some on foot. That host had several banners fluttering above them; the white sunburst of Karstark, the roaring giant of Umber, and the grey direwolf of Stark. Oberyn heard the host from this distance as they bellowed out before they started to march.

"Looks like the Young Wolf is marching already father," Nymeria said from beside him. Oberyn looked at his second eldest daughter, who looked out of place in the warm clothes that she was wearing. Oberyn and his daughters, along with the twenty men who were escorting them, were all bundled up in warm clothing for the chillier climate of the Riverlands. Granted their clothing was nothing like the clothes worn by the Northmen, but it was more than what a Dornishman would wear in Dorne during the winter. "Do we ride up to that host or to Riverrun?" Oberyn looked back to the castle as his daughter asked her question, but before he could answer he saw a small group of over a dozen riders heading towards them.

"Looks like that's been decided for us Nym," Oberyn said to her as the men got closer to them. At the head of the group of mounted men was a young Northman who had brown hair and a small beard.

"You are approaching Riverrun, the seat of House Tully, sworn to the Starks of Winterfell, state your business," the man said in a tone of authority. Oberyn bowed his head and smiled in greeting despite being taken aback by the man's words. Since when does Riverrun answer to Winterfell? he wondered.

"I am Prince Oberyn, brother to Doran of the House Nymeros Martell, the Lord of Sunspear and Prince of Dorne," he responded when he raised his head. "I come here at the invitation of the Heir to Winterfell, Robb Stark, to discuss how our two Houses can work together against the Lannisters." The Northman's eyes widened slightly before he bowed his head.

"My prince, I apologise for any hostility that I may have shown you," he said. "I am Hallis Mollen, captain of the household guard. My liege, King Eddard, wishes to speak with you as soon as possible." Now it was Oberyn's turn to look wide eyed. King Eddard? Well well well, that's a new development, he thought. He looked to his side and saw that Nymeria was pretty shocked as well.

"That explains why Riverrun would answer to the Starks," Obara said from Oberyn's other side. Oberyn hummed in agreement before looking back at Mollen.

"Lead us to the King then Hallis Mollen," Oberyn said.

The ride up to the gates of Riverrun took nearly an hour for the group to make. During that time Oberyn spoke with Mollen who told him everything about Robb Stark, who was now the Crown Prince of the Northern Kingdoms. Oberyn was very interested in what Mollen had to say about his liege and his family. Aside from Prince Robb and King Eddard, Mollen spoke about the Princesses Sansa and Arya, who were as different from each other as night and day, as well as King Eddard's bastard son Jon Snow. He also spoke briefly of the youngest sons Brandon and Rickon and their mother Queen Catelyn. Oberyn got the impression that Mollen was a man who spoke often and almost non-stop. Just as well that I am not plotting against your liege lord's family, he thought. Soon the group were through the gates and walking into the main keep of Riverrun. Oberyn was glad to be inside the castle having forgotten just how cold it gets in the Riverlands. Mollen and three of his guards led Oberyn and his daughters through the castle to the lord's solar. Once they reached the door Mollen nodded to the guardsman stood outside the door, who opened the door and walked into the room. Oberyn heard the man speak briefly before a louder voice told Mollen to enter. He followed the guardsman with Obara and Nymeria beside him and found himself looking at Eddard Stark.

The last time that Oberyn saw the Northern lord was nearly eighteen years ago at the tourney at Harrenhal. The man sat before him now was older, but otherwise had the same dark brown hair and grey eyes that Oberyn saw when he first laid eyes on the then young man who was like him just a second son. The only real difference was that Eddard now wore a sword-crown of bronze and black iron, which Oberyn had to admit suited him. Sitting beside him was a woman who was the same age as him, with lovely auburn hair and blue eyes, wearing a dress of grey and blue. This was Catelyn Stark, now a Queen instead of a lady. Sitting next to her was a young girl who could have been Queen Catelyn's double; a girl with her long hair a brighter shade of auburn that Oberyn thought would shine with a copper hue in certain lights, and dazzling blue eyes. She wore a dress of blue and white and her smile was wide, and she looked the total opposite of the younger brown haired girl sitting opposite her beside King Eddard; this young girl had a long face that her brown hair framed and her eyes were grey in colour. She looked incredibly bored and did not smile.

"Your grace, your grace, my princesses," Mollen spoke as he stepped to the side. "Prince Oberyn of the House Nymeros Martell of Dorne, and his daughters..." Mollen trailed off then, leaving Oberyn to introduce his girls.

"Obara and Nymeria," he said with a smile. The Northman nodded his head before he continued.

"Prince Oberyn, my ladies. His grace Eddard of the House Stark, King of the North and the Trident, Defender of the Northern Kingdoms and Shield of the First Men. Beside him is her grace Queen Catelyn Stark, born of House Tully, the Lady of the Northern Kingdoms. And their daughters, the Princesses Sansa and Arya." When Mollen was done talking Eddard gestured for Oberyn and his daughters to take a seat. Oberyn sat down on the chair across from Eddard, while Obara and Nymeria sat down beside him.

"Well I must say that this is an interesting development," Oberyn said. Eddard inclined his head to him, a slight smile on his face, or at least what Oberyn thought was a smile.

"It is only a recent development Prince Oberyn," he replied. "My own bannermen decided that they no longer wanted to be bound to the Iron Throne, and after recent events I can only agree with them. It is time for the North to go its own way. The Riverlords only join us because they too are fed up with the Iron Throne, and I am certain that the Vale will follow us as well. A new age seems to be rising from this conflict. I can only hope that it will not mean the repeating of history from before the Targaryen conquest." Oberyn snorted at that.

"Maybe not now your grace, but who knows what will happen a hundred years from now? Perhaps our descendants will find themselves fighting each other as our ancestors did." Eddard narrowed his eyes at him then, his face becoming more stern than Oberyn thought possible.

"That is why we must settle the matter upon resolving this conflict," he spoke. "I intend to make an example out of House Lannister, but I won't do to them what Tywin Lannister did to the Houses Reyne, Tarbeck and Targaryen. I will bring them to heel and show them why lions should never goad a direwolf. They have started this war by placing me in prison for crimes I did not commit, and I will end it with justice. For the small folk of the Riverlands, for the lords whose families have suffered, and for all the victims of the past, which I believe brings us to why we are here." Eddard stood up from his seat and walked to a desk where Oberyn saw a scroll of paper with a wax seal with the Stark direwolf upon it.

"I had hoped to have justice for Elia and her children, my niece Rhaenys and my nephew Aegon," Oberyn stated. "I had hoped to be the one to kill the Mountain for what he did to Elia and Aegon, but under the circumstances I can accept his head. All the same I would like to meet the man who killed him so I can thank him, and get him a drink." Eddard chuckled slightly at that.

"I am sure that Ser Wylis Manderly would appreciate that, though you may want to get him some food too," he said in a light-hearted tone. Oberyn chuckled as well before continuing.

"Your son, Prince Robb promised my family that we would have Amory Lorch," he said as he folded his legs. "There was also something about Tywin Lannister, but Doran is of the mind that you will execute him yourself." Eddard sat back down with the scroll of paper in his hand.

"That is true Prince Oberyn," he replied. "Tywin and his son Ser Jamie will die by my hand for their crimes. Cersei I will deal with accordingly depending on what the lords say in regards to her, but unlike what her father had done with your niece and nephew I will not harm her two youngest children. Joffrey will be dealt with harshly for wanting me and mine dead, but Myrcella and Tommen are innocent, and I will not harm them." Oberyn smiled at that; he may hate the Lannisters and the Baratheons but he has never liked the idea of harming children and he never would do so, not even to the children of his enemies.

"I would not argue with you in this your grace," he said. "But I would ask that you stay your hand where Tywin is concerned until my brother and other lords from Dorne have arrived to witness said justice being carried out. I know that many from Dorne would like to see the Old Lion put to death for what I am certain he had ordered done to my sister and her children, and it would take time to allow them to travel." Eddard looked over to his wife, who sat up straighter in her seat.

"I am sure that we can agree on that my prince," Catelyn spoke. "Lord Lannister is the reason for so many of our woes, and the people of Dorne are not the only ones who would like to see him brought to justice." Oberyn smiled at her as he bowed his head while trying not to let the smile become a smirk; something told him that Eddard would not take too kindly to him if he knew what filthy thoughts Oberyn was having in regards to what he would like to do with Catelyn.

"Ser Amory Lorch will be delivered to you to take to Dorne, along with the head of Gregor Clegane," Eddard said then, interrupting Oberyn's thoughts. "If your brother would offer military aid then I would welcome the additional men." Oberyn smiled at that and relaxed in his seat.

"I am sure that Doran would be willing to send in additional spears for your cause, but I fear that by the time that we get them ready then the conflict could well be over," Oberyn said. Eddard inclined his head.

"Very true, but both Lannisport and Casterly Rock would have enough guardsmen to withstand an assault," he stated. "Therefore we would need additional men to take those places. Surely the Dornish would be willing to aid in the downfall of the Rock?" Oberyn grinned wider than he did earlier that day.

"I trust that we would get the," Oberyn cleared his throat before he continued, "lion's share of the spoils, if you'll pardon the jape?" While Eddard and Catelyn did not seem to find his jape funny the girls did; Sansa brought her hand up to hide her mouth and disguise her giggle as a cough while Arya just laughed shamelessly until a glare from her mother silenced her.

"As recompense for waiting nearly sixteen years for justice I am sure that we can come to an agreement, though we would have to discuss the further details after the Rock has been taken," Eddard said. "The Riverlords want justice as well. We would need to speak with everyone present to determine a fair settlement."

"Of course your grace," Oberyn said. "Now, with you being declared as King in the North I trust that you won't kneel to the Iron Throne?" Eddard nodded his head. "I doubt that Doran would see Dorne bow to either of Robert's brothers, and the spoiled little fool on the throne right now won't get our support, so taking that into consideration I think it would be in our best interests to form an alliance with each other to keep the Baratheons at bay. Dorne can defend itself the way it has for thousands of years, as can the North and the Vale, but the Riverlands will always have to worry about invasion." Eddard hummed in agreement.

"But with an alliance with Dorne the kingdoms under the Iron Throne's dominion would have to worry about an attack from the south which would force them to choose between committing forces to the Riverlands and loosing castles along the Dornish Marches, or commit forces to the Dornish Marches and loosing ground gained in the Riverlands," he stated. Oberyn nodded his head in answer. Eddard narrowed his eyes at that, as if contemplating something that was unpleasant for him. "I take it that your brother would prefer a marriage to seal this alliance?" he asked, his voice strained. Not a topic we like to discuss I take it? Oberyn thought to himself.

"If I know Doran then he would be open to the idea of marriage," he replied slowly. "He would however like to discuss such a matter himself, so if it is alright with you we can worry about that at a latter date." Oberyn noticed how Eddard seemed to relax a little when he said that.

"That seems fair enough, though such a conversation would have to happen with my wife and other family present, especially those of my children who would be affected," he stated in a tone that left no room for argument.

"Agreed your grace," Oberyn said with a respectful smile. "That is understandable." Eddard nodded his head and leaned forward, passing the scroll over to him. Oberyn took the scroll and looked at it, brushing his thumb over the wax direwolf seal.

"That is a letter for your brother Prince Doran," Eddard spoke. "I trust that you can make sure that it gets to him without delay?" Oberyn raised a brow before standing up.

"I shall send it with the head of Clegane and Ser Amory your grace," he answered. "I don't suppose we can have rooms to rest up for the next few days can we?" Eddard looked at Catelyn who gave him a small smile.

"I am sure that I can persuade my brother to give you some rooms Prince Oberyn," she said, her voice kind. "Girls, come with me will you?" Catelyn walked out of the room with her and Eddard's daughters following close behind.

"Shall we go outside for some fresh air Prince Oberyn?" Eddard asked him.

Oberyn followed the Northman outside with Obara and Nymeria following him. Mollen and a handful of guardsmen joined them on their walk, a couple of the Northmen eyeing him and his daughters warily. They walked through the corridors until they came to a door that led them out to a wall. Oberyn walked beside Eddard as he led them along the ramparts that gave them a view of the courtyard of Riverrun on one side and the land on the other side of the water-filled moat on the other. Oberyn was looking down at the small group of men in the courtyard who were being trained by three young men, one of whom looked incredibly similar to Eddard; his dark hair was untamed, he had the beginnings of a beard, and his eyes were grey in colour. Oberyn noticed that the young man was rather skilled with a sword, and he was trouncing three of the men he was training. He watched as the young man parried a blow before stepping to the side and tripping his opponent just in time to deflect the incoming slash from another. He smacked the flat of the blade against that man's shin before smashing the pommel against the wrist, forcing the man to drop his sword. The third man lunged at him, thrusting his sword at the young man only to have the blow parried away and receive a jab to the ribs.

"Just as well that they are using blunt training blades," Obara said. Oberyn chuckled slightly before looking over to Eddard who had a strange look in his eyes; a look that seemed to be a mix of pride and sorrow.

"Jon has had an affinity for swordplay since he was old enough to wield a blade," Eddard said. "He and Robb are both good at many things, but Robb is better at just about everything that a lord should be able to do. When it comes to swordplay though, Jon is the better of the two." Oberyn looked from Eddard to Jon, and after a few moments he then realised that he was looking at the bastard son of Eddard Stark; the one spot on the honour of the Lord of Winterfell.

"He does look very much like you your grace," Oberyn said, watching as Jon spoke with the men he just trounced in training.

"You need to be more aware of your surroundings," he heard Jon say to them. "A skilled swordsman can deal with more than one foe at a time if he's skilled enough."

"He does indeed," Eddard said quietly. "Robb has his mother's Tully look, as do my other sons and Sansa. Jon and Arya are the only ones of my blood to look like Starks, but I care not for their looks." Oberyn was a little bit surprised at that as he thought that most people from outside of Dorne cared about how their children looked. He kept quiet though, not wishing to insult Eddard if he can help it. They stood silently for about twenty minutes, watching Jon train the other men, until Nymeria decided to speak.

"I apologise if I seem a bit too forward your grace, but where is Prince Robb?" she asked. "I expected him to be present when my father arrived." Oberyn looked back at Eddard and saw him looking at his second eldest daughter with a serious expression.

"He is leading a host west, to deal with any troublesome Westermen," he answered. "I'll be following him in the next few days with more men." Oberyn was about to speak when Obara spoke up.

"Your son is scouting ahead isn't he?" she stated. Eddard looked back at her with a raised brow. "His host seems too small to be going to battle, and you have twice as many men here as have gone with Prince Robb." Oberyn contained a sigh at his eldest daughter's bluntness.

"Very perceptive of you," Eddard responded. Oberyn cleared his throat.

"Obara here is military minded your grace, and not anywhere near as diplomatic as Nymeria, are you my dear?" He said that last remark towards Obara with a tone telling her to remain silent until spoken to. Obara looked at him with hardened eyes but bowed her head regardless.

"Nevertheless your daughter is right Prince Oberyn," Eddard replied. "I sent Robb ahead to determine the situation and to plan our next move until I regroup with him, hopefully with reinforcements." Oberyn looked at the man and opened his mouth to ask what he meant when a young lad who looked just old enough to be a squire ran up to them.

"Your grace," the boy shouted breathlessly. "A large host has been spotted... riding from the east... just now. Ser Ryger sent me to tell you." Eddard looked at the boy and nodded his head.

"Show me," he told him. The boy walked back with Eddard and Oberyn following close behind. Oberyn looked to his side to see both his daughters walking along with him. After a few minutes Oberyn and Eddard found themselves watching a large host of mounted men riding from the east alongside the river. Oberyn squinted his eyes as he observed the fluttering banners above the men before leaning to his side to speak to Nymeria.

"Nymeria, your eyes are better than mine. What banners do you see?" He looked across at his daughter who was leaning with her hands against the ramparts.

"The black iron studs on bronze of House Royce, the red castle on white field within a red embattled border of House Redfort, and the black broken wheel on green of House Waynwood are the more prominent banners father," she answered. Oberyn looked back at the host and sure enough he saw those same banners that Nymeria called out.

"The knights of the Vale are here," Eddard said. Oberyn looked at the man and saw him smiling, and then he remembered what Eddard told him earlier and he understood why.

"They are coming to offer their support aren't they?" he asked.

"They are indeed Prince Oberyn," Eddard said before he walked along to a tower. Oberyn followed him and soon found himself standing in the courtyard with his daughters stood on either side of him. They stood and watched for twenty minutes as the courtyard became a hive of activity with men moving crates and barrels out of the way while gathering training equipment and putting it away as well. As this happened important individuals arrived, namely Ser Edmure Tully and his sister Catelyn who walked to stand beside her husband. Two minutes before the first knights rode in Eddard and Catelyn's daughters walked over to join them; Sansa looking the picture of a perfect lady while Arya looked a little bit dishevelled, as if she had been running about or sparring. A minute later the activity in the courtyard died down and Oberyn watched as Eddard and Catelyn stood together, looking very much like how a King and Queen should be, with Sansa and Arya standing quietly next to them. It was then that Oberyn noticed the massive beast that looked like a dog, only much bigger, standing beside Arya. Oberyn looked around the courtyard and saw Jon Snow standing a little bit further away, with a white furred beast beside him.

"Nymeria, look at those big dogs there," Obara said. A couple of the men beside them heard them, but the Starks did not. However the beast beside Arya looked at them as if she had heard them, tilting her head to the side and looking at them inquisitively. Arya looked at the beast and tugged at her fur pelt.

"Nymeria, stay," Oberyn heard Arya say to the beast, who looked up at her and then settled down.

"Those are not dogs," the man behind them said. Oberyn looked over his shoulder to see a man wearing the armour of a Mormont guardsman. "They are direwolves, a gift from the old gods to the Starks." Oberyn's eyes widened with shock; he had heard how Robb Stark has a direwolf riding beside him in battle, but he always thought that that was mere rumour. Now though he has seen two such beasts, and he was not sure what to make of it.

After a short while the gates opened up and a group of knights rode into the courtyard. They were dressed in steel plate, with various banners displaying allegiance to some of the Houses of the Vale. As most of the horses came to a stop three continued to move towards the Starks, with two men and a woman mounted upon them. When they were five yards away they stopped and dismounted their steeds before walking the rest of the way. Eddard stepped forwards a couple of feet, and when they were three feet away the three Valemen knelt down muttering 'your grace' to him. They were knelt down for a short while until Oberyn noticed the Stark patriarch signal to them to stand up.

"Lord Royce, Lord Redfort, Lady Waynwood," Eddard spoke in a voice that seemed devoid of emotion. "I bid you welcome to my good-father's home." The Vale lords and lady bowed their heads.

"Here we are again, your grace," Lord Royce spoke.

"Sixteen, nearly seventeen years ago we joined you here with Lord Arryn to ally ourselves with the Riverlands to help with our fight against the Targaryens," Lady Waynwood said.

"We were allies then," Lord Redfort began, "and we come as allies once again." Oberyn watched as the two lords drew their swords and planted them down before Eddard's feet while a man dressed in the same colours as Lady Waynwood walked up with his sword drawn and handed it to the elder lady who planted it by Eddard's feet. This is turning into an interesting day, Oberyn mused as he watched the proceedings with a look of shock.

Bran

Bran woke up with a slight twinge in his bad leg. He groaned as he sat up, feeling stiff and sore. The day before he had gone riding outside the walls of Winterfell, but he had decided not to go near the Wolfswood until his family had returned from the south. His leg has been slowly getting better, and he could now walk a short distance without his cane. Still he kept it close by, not wishing to leave it as he still has need of it. As Bran put his feet down on the floor he felt a jolt of pain shoot up his leg. He bit down on his lip and muffled the curse that threatened to bubble up. After a few minutes the pain ebbed away and Bran was slowly standing up. He limped over to where his clothes were and put them on, sitting down once his breeches were pulled up. When he was dressed he grabbed his cane and walked to the door. He opened it to find Maester Luwin standing on the other side approaching his room.

"Ah, good morning Bran," Luwin said with a smile. Bran smiled back and walked out into the corridor.

"Good morning Maester Luwin," he answered. "Do we have much to do today?" he asked. Luwin nodded his head in response before walking along the corridor with Bran following beside him.

"As I understand it we have only got a couple of people coming to see you about their troubles," the aged tutor answered. "It shouldn't take too long. After that we will have a meeting with Ser Rodrik about training more guards. With your brother away with the bulk of our forces we will need more men to replace them." Bran sighed at this.

"And then we will need to find more stonemasons, more farmers, more sheep herders, and more merchants willing to travel over here," he said trying not to sound too bitter. "How has father managed to put up with all of this?" Luwin gave a little chuckle.

"Your father was the exact same as you when he first settled as Lord of Winterfell Bran," he told him with a smile. "There is nothing wrong being frustrated, just so long as you remember to not let it drive you. If you get too frustrated then you'll make mistakes, and that won't go down well with anyone will it?" Bran returned Luwin's smile as they walked along.

"Well then, let's go and see what we can do," he said.

A couple of hours later after breaking his fast Bran was sat on the high seat in the great hall with Maester Luwin sat on his left and little Rickon to his right. Rickon was bored to tears with just sitting there with nothing to do, so he was fidgeting in his seat. Bran had to scold him a couple of times when he got out of hand, but other than that he was fairly quiet. Luwin sat quietly beside Bran with his hands clasped together on the table before him with sheets of parchment nearby along with an inkwell and quill if he had to write anything down. Bran sat with his right hand resting on the top of his cane while his left hand rested on the arm of the chair. A couple of servants wandered over with cups of water for them; one of them was the wildling girl Osha, whom Robb and Theon took prisoner that day when Bran went riding for the first time since he fell. She was one of a handful of wildlings being led by a Night's Watch deserter, and she was the only one to survive; Robb, Grey Wind and Summer killed most of the wildlings while Theon shot an arrow into the deserter when he held a dagger to Bran's throat. Osha was spared and questioned on why they were south of the Wall.

Osha had explained to Robb and Bran that there was trouble brewing beyond the Wall that she and her friends wanted no part of. A deserter called Mance Rayder who has lived with the wildlings for many years now has been getting the various wildling clans to join him in a bid to force the Thenns to share their bronze with the other clans. Osha explained that the Thenns are far more organised than other wildlings with their own lords and laws, and are led by a man who goes by the title of Magnar. Theon had laughed at the thought of wildlings being better organised, but Robb had ordered him to be silent. Osha told them that Mance was preparing for a possible war with the Thenns if they did not share, and there had been talk of some skirmishes between the Thenns and the other wildlings. Robb had sent a raven to Castle Black to ask if this was true, and the Lord Commander had responded that he has heard of these rumours and has sent men to investigate.

As Osha and the other servant put their drinking cups down a group of small folk entered the great hall. The herald announced the start of the session of court and Bran waved the first petitioner over. The man was old, with a weathered face and grey hair. He identified himself as the elder of a village some twenty miles to the north of Winterfell and mentioned that with many of the village's men south fighting with Robb that they had few men to carry out repair work where it was needed, especially around one of the village's main buildings which was falling apart. Bran spoke with Luwin briefly and agreed to send additional men to the village to help with the repairs. The second man was about the same age as Bran's father and had the look of a man who has seen battle with a scar on his face cutting over his right cheek, and he walked with a limp. He was asking for help with finding a new home for his family; his wife was pregnant with their third child and their old village couldn't support another mouth to feed at the moment even with his eldest son, a seventeen year old, fighting in the south.

"Our village had been falling on hard times milord," he said when Bran asked how the village was able to feed its inhabitants before Robb issued the call to arms. "The crops from the nearby farm were not as plentiful as the last time and with our taxes that we have to pay to Winterfell we barely had enough food to last the next year." Bran looked over to Luwin when the man finished speaking.

"Ideas?" he asked him quietly.

"If the man has a trade then that could help with finding a new home for his family," Luwin counselled. Bran nodded his head and looked back at the man.

"Do you have a trade that you are trained in?" he asked the man, who shook his head in answer.

"I have not a trade as such milord, but I'm a decent archer and could hunt well, until I near lost me leg during the Greyjoy Rebellion," he said. "I fought during that war and Robert's Rebellion too and I know how to fight, though I cannot walk far let alone march nowadays before me leg decides to give me grief." Bran sighed at that answer before looking towards Ser Rodrik.

"Do we have room for another guard trained in archery Ser Rodrik?" he asked the old master-at-arms, who gave a slight bow of the head.

"If the man can still use a bow and loose off arrows then I can make use of him," he answered. "And if he is as good as a well trained levy then that helps me even more." The man stood up straighter at that, looking somewhat brighter at what he heard.

"Back during the Greyjoy Rebellion I helped to train other men-at-arms in archery," he claimed. "If it's not too presumptuous of me I can help with training men here at Winterfell, if you'll have me that is milord?" Bran looked at Luwin before looking across at Ser Rodrik. Both inclined their heads to him, Luwin with an encouraging smile while Ser Rodrik had his usual gruff look about him. They want me to decide for myself, Bran quickly realised. He drew in a deep breath before nodding.

"We can always do with another man trained in archery," Bran spoke, trying his best to speak with a voice of authority. The man perked up at that, a broad smile lighting his features. "You'll answer to Ser Rodrik who will oversee any training that he feels you need to re-familiarise yourself with, and then if he is comfortable with it you can begin to help him train guardsmen in archery. The gods know it'll be a massive help to him. In the meantime I'll see about sorting out lodgings in the winter town for your family." The man bowed as low as he could to Bran, the smile not leaving his face. When he raised up from the bow he had a look of relief in his eyes.

"Many thanks milord," he said before Bran dismissed him with a smile of his own. As the man left the hall Bran got ready to stand up, only to stop when a servant came rushing into the hall.

"Maester Luwin, milord Stark, this message just arrived moments ago," the servant said. "The messenger had rode hard for the last few days with barely any rest. Shall I see to him?" Bran nodded his head.

"Make sure the man gets plenty food and a good rest," he told the servant as Luwin took the letter from him and examined it before passing it to Bran. "And pass along my thanks if you would." The servant bowed to him before turning and walking out of the hall. As he left Bran looked at the letter saw the wax direwolf seal of his House and broke it, unrolling the letter to read its contents.

Bran,

Father has arrived at Riverrun. He managed to escape from King's Landing with both Sansa and Arya, and Jon was with them as well. It is because of him that they were able to get to us as knights loyal to Stannis Baratheon had attacked them. There is so much to tell you that it would take many letters to tell you everything. You will learn much from the letter that father will send soon, but there is one thing that I will tell you now.

During a discussion with the lords of both the North and the Riverlands it was decided that we shall never again bow to the Iron Throne. Lord Umber declared our father as the King in the North and was followed by every other lord present. Therefore we are both princes, and the girls are princesses. Mother will return in a few weeks with the girls, but I will stay with Jon and father as we bring war to those who will oppose us.

When you next see them mother will be Queen Catelyn, and our sisters will be addressed as Princess Sansa and Princess Arya. As you may imagine Arya is not happy with her new title. Our father now goes by the titles of King in the North and the Trident, Defender of the Northern Kingdoms and Shield of the First Men. That last title by the way was Lord Umber's idea.

I will see you soon brother,

Robb Stark, Crown Prince of Winterfell

Bran was quite shocked with what he just read. Not once did he ever think that this would be a possible outcome of this war. He just sat there and stared blankly at the letter for quite some time until Luwin spoke to him.

"Bran, are you okay?" he asked him. Bran looked over at the aged tutor and healer, and slowly nodded his head.

"I'm fine Maester," he replied. "News from Riverrun. Father and my sisters are free, having somehow escaped the capitol. They are at Riverrun with Jon and Robb, and..." Bran looked back at the letter again before passing it to Luwin, not trusting himself to say what he had read. Luwin took the letter and read it over slowly, his eyes widening as he got to the end.

"Well then," Luwin started, "I think we had better get ready to receive our Queen and the Princesses when they return mustn't we my prince?"

Author's Note: I hope you liked that guys. So Robb is now marching to the west and Oberyn has arrived and gotten an agreement with Ned. I'd feel sorry for Amory Lorch if he wasn't such an awful excuse for a human being. Next chapter we'll get things from the POV of the Vale lords, and see where else I go.

Now, before I forget there is a couple of points raised in reviews that I would like to clear up:

Felius, if you are still following this story = Anyone travelling from north of the Twins to Riverrun would have to cross the Freys bridge, but the King's Road (which connects Winterfell to King's Landing) goes PAST the Twins, so anyone travelling from one to the other or any point in between would not need to cross the Twins. There are other points along the Green Fork (the river that runs through the Twins) that can be used to cross over and eventually get to Riverrun, but the path Robb's army took in my fic brought them into contact with Tywin Lannister's host. In BOOK canon Roose Bolton marched his part of the army along the Green Fork and engaged Tywin's army to distract him from Robb's force as they made their way to Riverrun via the Whispering Wood and the Twins before that. Tywin's host and the King's Road are east of the river, and Riverrun is west of it. I hope that clears this up for you.

Fapman = I would think that at this stage in the canon story Varys would not seek to remove Littlefinger because he was still there, but as Varys frees Ned and his daughters I would think realistically that he would cause some damage to those who would be detrimental to his plans (he would do a lot of damage even away from King's Landing, but of course he dies in this fic). I can totally see Varys giving instruction to his little birds to spread such news that would lead to the disgrace of Littlefinger if Varys had left the capitol first, but that's just me. And Littlefinger has only been removed from King's Landing, not from the story. As for Renly and Margaery, in Renly's POV earlier on he was not in love with Margaery and felt disgusted with himself after bedding her. Bear in mind that so far that is his only POV. Margaery on the other hand, she is slowly falling for Renly, but doesn't realise it fully until after she is leaving for Highgarden. As for saying 'I love you', Renly was in public view, so he said that for appearances sake (granted I probably should've pointed that out then, but hey ho). As for his actual feelings, we'll have to wait until we get another POV from him (unless I decide to be a total bastard and not give him another POV (think I'm slowly turning into a cruel sadistic monster)).

And to the guest reviewer who made mention of there being not much worth reading since a previous update, that kind of nonsense does not do any good for any author at all. Either review the chapter and point out two positives for every negative, or do NOT bother with leaving a review at all.

Anyone wondering what that last point was all about, I ask you to go to DizzyDG's profile and read what she has typed out. It's a long read, but her words are something that I agree with whole heartedly. I love her work very much and it saddens me that some people out there are being churlish towards her, and it seems that I am getting some people being like that as well.

Right, I hope you guys haven't been put off by that rant at the end there, but I felt that needed to be said. Felius and Fapman, I am not ranting at you guys so please don't take my words the wrong way. The rant was aimed at the guest reviewer.

So, let me know what you guys think so far. Reviews are welcome, just no flames please. We are people after all, not dragons (and there are no dragons here, hehehe).