Robb

There he stood before the mirror admiring himself. Although everyone else seemed to be doing that for him. A cape hund from his shoulders, the silver trout all over his back.

"Its looks good on you, my Lord." Olyvar said. He stood on Robb's right, holding out the garments.

"It does indeed." His mother agreed. Her attitude had turned around recently, Robb was at least happy for that." You look very dashing."

"Dashing yes." Lord Hoster agreed." But still not good enough. We need something more. Try the other one." He pointed to Olyvar who quickly began shifting cloths around until he found the right one.

"I still don't know how you plan on doing this grandfather." Robb said as he traded one for the other.

"I have my ways." He snickered.

"I don't know if Ned will like it." His mother spoke up." I think he was planning to marry Robb to Wynafryd Manderly." Robb had figured out as much the last time Ser Wylis and his daughter had visited Winterfell. Lord Hoster simply nodded his head.

"Wyman Manderly is a good man and I've no doubt his children are just as good. And had you been only Lord of Winterfell she'd be a great match. But he's not just the Lord of Winterfell anymore he's heir to Riverrun as well. And a bond with the Tyrells would benefit us all." Robb was still thinking about Wynafryd and trying to replace her face with Margaery Tyrells." King Robert trusts Mace Tyrell no more than he does Tywin Lannister. I had offered this match before with Edmure, hoping to gain our King an ally to the South. That way with this alliance, and the Greyjoy boy as Ned's ward Tywin would never dare rise against us. But Lord Tyrell refused me."

"He doesn't know what he missed out on." Catelyn said.

"But he does now." Hoster continued." He'd have to be a bigger fool than I realized to refuse me now." Robb had just finished fashioning the new garment onto his shoulders.

"How do I look?" He asked turning to them. Olyvar was the first to speak.

"Well my Lord. It matches you perfectly." Robb turned to view himself. Drapped down from his shoulders and down his back were the blue and red mud of House Tully. As Olyvar said it matched him, bringing out the color of his hair and eyes.

"It doesn't look right."

"Don't be silly." Catelyn said." You look perfect."

"It doesn't feel right that I only represent one House." Robb said. He had already begun to take it off to replace it with the Stark grey, clasped by Roaring Direwolf pins.

"If you want to represent both House." His grandfather said." Then wear this." He held up both hands from his chair, revelaing a belt inbetween his hands. Robb extended his hands and took it from him. Without question he turned and wrapped it around himself. And when it clicked just above his waist there was the silver trout of House Tully. This Robb could deal with. "That will do." His grandfather nodded.

Suddenly their attention was called knocking at the door.

"Come in." Hoster commanded. In popped the Maester. Robb suddenly found himself on edge, wondering if the Tyrells had finally come. His fears were quickly put to rest.

"Lord Hoster. A raven, my Lord." The old Tully took it, inspecting it carefully.

"The Night's Watch?" he questioned. Curious Robb stopped in his tracks and turned around. His grandfather had already opened the letter and began reading.

"An army of Wildlings is marching on the Wall." Hoster read." The Night's Watch is pleading to all of Westeros to send them aid." It had finally happened Robb thought. Mance Rayder was coming down with his army." Maester." Hoster snapped to him." Inform Ser Desmond Grell to empty the dungeons and send them North."

"Yes my Lord."

"That won't be enough." Robb said gaining his attention.

"What did you say?"

"Grandfather this is a dire situation. The Night's Watch is a shadow of it's former self, if an army's marching on them we need to do something. We need to call the banners and ride North to meet them." His grandfather did not seem to agree.

"You forget boy. I sat on the King's council for thirteen years. And do you know how often we heard from the Night's Watch complaining about this problem or that. They always have trouble with Wildlings."

"But this is different. "Robb pleaded." Deserters have been leaving by the dozens these past few years. And groups of Wildlings had managed to get over the Wall before."

"Hardly something to concern ourselves with here." He pointed to the ground.

"We have to do something. I have to do something." He stressed.

"You've been heir of Riverrun no less than a week and your already going to call them to War. They'll never do it."

"Then I'll go back North. They'll listen to me and-"

"NO!" Hoster exclaimed slamming his hand onto the side of his chair." Your bride is riding from Highgarden to meet you, you cannot leave now!"

"But I-"

"I have spoken!" Hoster said, beginning to cough." I have spoken!" He coughed once more. Robb looked between the tired look on his grandfather's face and the concerned one of his mother's.

"At least allow me to write to Jon." He said." Let him lead in my place."

"That'll do just fine." His mother answered. Robb turned and followed the Maester.

"Lord Stark." Olyvar said getting his attention." Will that be all?" Robb paused in the doorway for a moment.

"Just fetch me a cup of wine." Robb said." And bring it to my room."

"Well what are you waiting for?!" Hoster said the second the command exited his grandson's mouth." Get going!" Olyvar sprinted out the door just after Robb.

Robb meanwhile waited in his room using the paper and pen the measter had given him. He would write the letter himself telling Jon to call the banners of the North in Robb's name and march North….he would meet them as soon as he could.

He was his father's son after all.

Just as he had finished there was a knock at the door. Robb hid the message under his sleeve.

"Come in." To his relief in walked Olyvar.

"My Lord." He said." The wine you reqest-" But Robb didn't call him here for wine. He jumped to his feet and jumped across the room, closing the door behind him and leaning in close to whisper.

"Olyvar." Robb whispered. The Frey was quickly on edge and leaned in to listen." Go to the stables and get my horse."

"My Lord?"

"I have to get up North. I have to defend the Wall." Olyvar was silent for a moment.

"Let me come with you." That Robb certainly didn't expect." I am your squire, please." But this was the kind of dedication Robb needed now.

"Yes." He nodded." Go and get two horses then. One for me and one for you."

"I'll be waiting in the stables-"

"No the courtyard. It's closer to the rookery, I can get my message out by raven and meet you there faster."

"Yes my Lord." Olyvar nodded. Despite the situation the boy was clearly excited, adventure and danger awaited them. In his joy he nearly dashed out the door.

"But!" Robb stopped him in a harsh whisper." Keep quiet."

"Yes my Lord." Olyvar nodded.

Eddard

Petyr Baelish was gone. Gone with Janos Slynt and all the other corrupt men he employed. But while Slynt and his men were sent North to the Night's Watch, Baelish got off slightly easier. He was simply removed from his position and sent back to his home in the Fingers. By Ned's own advice Robert dismissed him from court. But where one problem closes another opens. Now they were short a Master of Coin.

"Perhaps Tywin Lannister?" The Grand Maester suggested." You offered it to him once your grace. And Jon Arryn did desire it before he-"

"No." Robert waved his hand." I'll hear no more of Tywin Lannsiter from you or anyone!" The old man shrunk back down in his seat.

"Mace Tyrell?" Renly spoke up." He's nearly as rich as Tywin. And surely you could trust him more than a Lannister."

"He's married to the Lannisters." Stannis said dryly.

"Not he himself, only his son. "Renly replied." And it's not a happy one I hear." And Renly had good sources, the Tyrell family themselves. The youngest Baratheon brother was always in correspondence with them, especially with Loras Tyrell whom they call "The Knight of Flowers".

"Mace Tyrell is no better than Tywin." Stannis shook his head. Other names were put out there. But between Tywin and Mace none shared as large an understanding of money and funds. Although Ned could think of one.

"Your grace?" He spoke up.

"Yes? Yes?" Robert turned to him." Speak up man. You've hardly said a thing this whole time."

"I know a man. A Northman. Ser Wylis Manderly."

"Manderly?" Renly questioned." Lord Too Fat To Sit A Horse?" He snickered.

"That's his father." Ned shook his head." I suggest his son, the heir to White Harbor." He turned again to Robert." His Father was your previous Master of Coin, your grace. And I know he'll be just as dutiful as his father." Robert did not even wait a second.

"Very well Ned." He nodded." If you think Ser Wylis is a suitable candidate then I believe you. Write to him when you can, offering my personal invitation for him to join my council."

"Yes, your grace." Ned nodded.

And he had prepared to do just that. Until some worse news appeared.

It hadn't been too long since Ned had last passed through Riverrun. They had visited with Robert on their way down from Winterfell. When they last saw him Hoster seemed to be at the end of his rope while Edmure was still full of life. It was a shame what happened.

"How did he die?" Robert asked.

"Drowning." Ned replied. The raven had just arrived early in the morning." Fell off his horse and into the stream, drunk of course." Another one gone and dead before his time.

It seemed hard on Aurora and Prince Lyonel who had known Edmure since they were children. He was always so full of life and would help them laugh their troubles away.

"He was a good man." Robert mused." A bold man, a brave man! The world is a lesser place without him." He said the same thing in his letter to Hoster, begging forgiveness for not attending the Funeral. But the Old Trout was forgiving.

"There is nothing to forgive good King." It read. And Ned could hear a sweet, soft voice unlike Hoster Tully reciting it. "I know you have a lot on your mind, a lot of pressures ruling the Kingdom. Edmure would have understood that." It brought Robert to tears.

The letter to Ned had been not as kind.

"I missed you at the Funeral." It began. No 'Greetings Lord Stark, Good Morning Son'. That is how Ned knew this was off to a bad start. Hoster had always been a prickley man, like Ned's own father." Not to worry though it was a lovely ceremony. Your wife and son were in attendance. Robb helping to launch Edmure's boat. We Tullys go back to the River when he die not in the cold, hard crypts." Ned rolled his eyes but the next line caught his attention." It is concerning Robb why I write to you now." Ned straighted out at that as if he was having the conversation with Hoster right now." With Edmure gone that makes Robb my new heir. And as such I have taken it upon myself to find a proper match for him. Something you have greatly ignored." Ned bit at his lip nervously. He had already had his mind set on Robb marrying Wynafryd Manderly of White Harbor. All it required was for he and Ser Wylis to seal the deal. But that was before all this had happened." I have offered Mace Tyrell and his daughter Margaery to meet us at Riverrun to discuss the match. And he would be a fool to refuse it." That was where it ended. Hoster was outright telling Ned this would happen.

With a defeated sigh he set the letter down and sank back into his chair. Suddenly there was a knock at his door.

"Come in." Ned called trying to not sound defeated. The door swung open and in marched Robert. Waiting by the door was Ser Lyle Crakehall and Ser Balon Swann.

"Well Ned is it done?" He questioned.

"Hmh? Is what done your grace?"

"The raven, the raven. To Ser Wylis offering him position as my Master of Coin." Ned took a deep breath. Now he was starting to have second thoughts. About the Master of Coin, about White Harbor, about Robb, about everything.

"Your grace." Ned said straightening himself out." I have…..I have another idea."

"Hmh?" Robert questioned." And what would that be?"

"Lord Mace Tyrell."

"Tyrell?" Robert questioned." But you spoke against the man Ned. What's changed your mind? Was it Renly? Don't believe a damn thing my brother says. He's been talking for years about how I should honor the Tyrells with a marriage to my son, to seven hells with that I say."

"No, your grace." Ned shook his head. "It wasn't Renly." He pushed the raven's note across the table and towards him." It was this." Robert picked up the paper and examined it.

"Wonderful." He smiled." It is wonderful indeed. Will you accept? Or is it Lord Hoster who has since he made the arrangement."

"My father in law is taking care of it." Ned answered with a sign. Robb might have been named Stark but now as the heir to Riverrun his marriage was as much Hoster's business as it was Ned's. Robert nodded his head.

"He's done well. Let the fat flower refuse him, he'd have to be mad. HA! And now Renly will finally shut his damn mouth." The King paused a moment, the smile fading from his face. " My only regret is that Edmure had to die for this to happen."

"Agreed, your grace."

"This talk is exctly why I've come to see you." Robert leaned forward to sit on the desk before him, crossing his legs and placing a hand on Ned's shoulder." I've decided to cancel the Tourney for your promotion to Hand."

'Thank the Gods' Ned thought. Given everything that's happened recently they didn't need that going on.

"I've instead decided to host one for my son's marriage." That was unexpected.

"Marriage, your grace? To whom?"

"Aurora Arryn of course." Robert smiled. Ned leaned back in his chair. "I had always wanted it you know. That way you" He pointed a finger at Ned." Me and Jon Arryn could all share blood." He slapped his hands together." But I never asked him because he was so focused on the Lannister's. Jon was a good man and did what he had to do for the good of the realm. He wanted Tywin as an ally and he would have had it, had he not died and Lysa undid all his work. But now is my chance." Ned really didn't know what to say.

"Have you….spoken with Lady Lysa?"

"Not yet." Robert said rising to his feet." But I plan to. How can she refuse me? A shrill woman if you ask me but she's not dumb enough to refuse her daughter becoming Queen." Robert beamed with pride, pleased with himself." Well I'll leave you to it Ned. Write to Lord Tyrell, invite him to court. While I" He pointed a finger into his chest." Have matchmaker to play."

Jaime

Every man was going about his duties as best he of Oil were being place atop the wall, swords and spears were being sharpened, the gate was being reinforced with anything they could manage.

But if what Benjen said was true and there really was a hundred thousand out there the First Ranger couldn't help but wonder if it was worth it. The Shadow Tower and Eastwatch were on high alert as well but their manpower was less than that of Castle Black's. And Mance Rayder who was a former member of the Watch knew the strength's and weaknesses of each castle. And that was the worst part of all.

Sam was wearing a sword on his hip at Jaime's instruction.

"You know how to use that?" He asked turning to his squire.

"Well..um… no, no not really." He answered. Jaime let out a sigh in response. When the fighting started Ranger, Steward, Builder it didn't matter. Every single man had to fight." I don't want to go into battle." Sam continued." But waiting on the edge of one I can't escape is even worse."

"It is a gut wretching feeling. "Jaime agreed. Before coming to the Wall the only real battle he'd ever been in was against the Kingswood brotherhood. But since then he'd been a veteran of over a dozen battles against the Wildlings beyond the Wall. He turned back to Sam, noticing the pale look over his face." You shouldn't worry too much. The Wall is the best defense we have. Noone could hope to climb it. On Rangings I've seen the bodies of those who have. And the gate is four inches of steel, not even a giant could break it." His talk seemed to lighten Sam's mood somewhat." But still it would be best if we got some reinforcements."

"I helped Maester Aemon send out the Ravens." Sam told." All of them, to all across the Seven Kingdoms." He paused a moment." Do you…Do you think anyone will come?"

Jaime wondered what Lord Tywin would do when the Raven arrived? Would he stand up in a fit of pride and rally every fighting man in the West to march North to the Wall to help his firstborn son. He knew the answer before he could finish the thought. He turned to Sam.

"Would your father come?" He asked.

"No." Sam shook his head." My Father doesn't care about the Night's Watch. He cares even less for me."

"That's another thing we have in common."

Suddenly a cry went all around Castle Black, echoing from one to the other.

"To the gate! The Gate!" they called. It seemed as if their worse fears had been realized. The Wildlings had come and before any reinforcement could come. Jaime drew his sword and began running.

"Follow me Sam!" he called. His fat squire followed his example and drew his blade although he nearly dropped it in the process. Jaime bursted from out onto the ramparts but immediately found that he was running in the opposite direction.

Looking around he saw everyone else running in the opposite direction. Instead of running to the Wall of ice to the North, they were running to the castle gate looking South.

Confused Jaime turned and tried to make sense of the situation. Had the Wildlings already gone over the Wall? But if that was so then why come back?

"First Ranger?" Sam said confused." Ser?"

"Come on. "Jaime said. He marched down the steps to where the brothers had been gathering." Make a hole!" He commanded, and men quickly parted for him.

"Open the gate!" He heard cry above them. Jaime looked forward to see what or who was coming. What he got was a surprise.

The first thing that came in through the gate were two great Direwolves. One a mix of grey and brown while the other was pure white. The two beasts bolted in startiling every man that laid eyes on them.

"Get back!" Jaime said pushing Sam out of the way. But the beasts hardly seemed to have noticed all of them. Instead they looked to the gate and so did everyone else. Next came a host of horses with mounted men armored for war atop them. With them came the banners of House Umber, Manderly, Karstark, Bolton, Hornwood, and most importantly Stark.

It seemed their prays had been answered. Help had come at last. The brothers jumped up and cheered as more and more came into the courtyard, but there were still thousands more waiting beyond the gate.

One of the riders, a boy of Sam's age stood tall atop his horse.

"Who commands here?" he called. Since Lord Commander Mormont was abscent it fell to Jaime.

"I am First Ranger." He said stepping forward and making himself known. The boy turned to him and looked him over. Since he spoke out it was safe it was safe to assume he led this army, which made him a Stark. Although he didn't look much like Benjen.

"ROBB!" he heard Benjen call. He watched as his brother in black moved across the crowd to the boy. That proved everything, the boy was a Stark. He had dismounted his horse and greeted his Uncle with a hug." And Jon!" he said doing the same to the bastard.

"Have we come too late?" Robb asked.

"No! No!" Benjen laughed." Just in time, couldn't be better."

"Then we must speak with your commander and see to the Castle's defenses." Benjen turned his head and his eyes fell on Jaime.

"Ser Jaime is our First Ranger."

"The Kingslayer." Robb said looking at him with the same anger everyone else had.

"Boy Lord." Jaime replied. That didn't appear to make him very happy, indicated by the slight scowl on his face. Now he could see the Stark in him. Benjen broke up the situation with a laugh.

"Nevermind that." He said to his nephew." He's an accuired taste. Come, I'll take you to see the Lord Commander."