Chapter 38: Preparing The Board

Robb returned to Riverrun leaner than he had left, freshly shaved but with his auburn hair falling to his shoulders, topped by the sword crown they had fashioned for him of bronze and iron. He had hoped to return with Tywin as captive, or at least his head, but his uncle had ruined that.

Edmure was never meant to face Tywin as he had, nor send away men to recapture Harrenhal. His defense of the Red Fork at Stone Mill wasn't only a waste, but actively harmed their plans. If he'd let Tywin pass he would have fallen into their trap. Their battle had also given Tywin time to receive news from the south and rush to King's Landing. Still, Edmure was his uncle, so Robb would praise him publicly to spare him disgrace.

For a moment he was surprised to see his mother and sisters there to greet him, but then remembered the news he'd heard at the Crag. The news which had sent him into bed with the tall woman riding near him. While that explained their presence, he had expected them to look more mournful.

Instead when he dismounted and Grey Wind went off to greet Nymeria and her pack, his sisters rushed over to greet him with hugs, followed by his mother. "Father left?"

"To retake Winterfell," Catelyn told him near tears while smiling. "He wrote to say he found the boys in the crypts. They had been hiding while Theon faked their murder."

Robb felt the knot in his chest break and fall away, letting out a breath which felt like he'd been holding for weeks. "So they're alive?"

"Bran wrote us himself," Arya told him. "He said the wildling you took on helped them."

Robb nodded. "And Theon?"

"We only know he was captured."

"If not for Moat Cailin I might march there myself to see justice done."

"Your father did write he plans to retake it," Catelyn said thinking back to his letter.

"Then I'll lead a force to meet him," said Robb, looking to Brynden at his side who nodded.

"Distract them from the south, leave the ironborn open to your father in the north."

"We should have time before Tywin takes to the field again," said Robb.

"There is other news though," Catelyn told him. "There was an incident with the prisoners."

Robb frowned. "What happened?"

"Jaime Lannister got free, he-"

"He escaped?" asked Robb.

"No," she assured. "He killed another prisoner but then returned to his cell."

"Another prisoner?" Brynden asked with a laugh. "Who is worth the trouble?"

"Amory Lorch."

"Did he say anything before or after? Did he speak with anyone?"

"None of the guards mentioned anything," said Catelyn, "nor did you father."

"Father?" The knot in his stomach reformed.

"He spoke to the Kingslayer before he left."

Robb sighed, wondering if his father had told Jaime the truth. If he did that meant that he was no longer someone they could ransom or exchange. Instead Robb would have to take his head before anyone else spoke with him.

"I'll speak to him," Robb told them. "I'll decide his fate afterward."

Once he'd made a show of thanking his uncle, and let him know of his blunder in private, Robb left for his quarters. It was there he found letters waiting for him.

The first were those from his father and brother telling him of their retaking Winterfell and survival. His father had apologized for not being there to greet him, but said he hoped to see him at Moat Cailin. Robb found himself remembering Dom questioning if he would give up the crown should his father ask, but shook his head and moved to the next.

Aemon at the wall had sent him a letter on behalf of his uncle, or the letter seemed to say. In truth, he saw it was a message from Jon relayed to Aemon through Samwell Tarly. It was mostly an explanation of what Jon had planned going forward. Should he get his gold back it seemed he intended to buy boats and set up trade, which he hoped would allow him to slip north and visit them, while also traveling to gather allies.

The last letter bore a seal he didn't recognize immediately, taking a moment to remember the burning heart of Stannis Baratheon. Opening it he found it was from Davos Seaworth, Hand to Selyse Baratheon, asking to meet with the intent of forging an alliance. Robb had laughed, sitting back as he looked the letter over again. It was clear they were desperate. Unwilling to claim Selyse as queen yet claiming to have a hand, offering marriages and suggesting to legitimize bastards.

Yet before he could pen a reply he needed to know all he could, so went to the dungeons to meet Jaime Lannister. The guards left as Robb commanded, leaving him with Grey Wind as he opened the cell.

Jaime's gaze rose toward the lantern before shifting to Grey Wind, who entered and stared at him while Robb stepped into the cell.

"The King in the North comes to see me?" Jaime laughed. "What an honor. Have you come to bore me like your father?"

"I've come to hear why you killed one of my prisoners."

"I did you a favor, boy," Jaime said with a dismissive nod toward the cell where Amory had died.

"You took away someone I could have sold back to your father for one of mine," Robb told him. "You cost me that deal. I will know why you killed him, and why you returned to your cell afterward."

"Where would I go? Should I have cut down all of your men and opened the gates myself?" Jaime tilted his head as if in revelation. "Ah, I probably should have. It's not as if I couldn't."

"And yet you didn't even try," said Robb. "You didn't even kill our guard. Only Amory, whom they think you must have hated to kill so brutally. Was their some grudge between you?"

Jaime shrugged. "An old grudge over a lost bet."

Robb wore a smile as he shook his head. "I expected you to be a better liar after cuckolding the king all those years."

Jaime leaned his head back. "What do you want, boy?"

He saw Robb's face darken as his brow sank, his blue eyes focusing on Jaime as he whispered and a low growl drew the kingslayer's gaze to Grey Wind. The direwold stepped toward him, teeth bared and snapping his jaw at him. "The truth. You spoke to my father before your escape. You could have left, but you didn't, you killed one of your father's men and returned to your cell. I want to know why."

Jaime looked from the direwolf to Robb. "Get him away." He said nothing Jaime could hear, but Grey Wind took a step back, his growl becoming a low rumble before he went quiet. With a sigh Jaime turned to Robb. "It was your father. He got in my head about what Amory had done, so to find some relief I killed the man. What do you care? It's not as if my father would give anyone of import for him."

"What do you mean my father got in your head?"

"He kept asking about Rhaegar's family," Jaime revealed looking to the floor. "About Rhaenys and what Amory had done to her."

Robb furrowed his brow, wondering why his father would ask about Rhaegar's family and bring up Rhaenys to Jaime. "Amory Lorch was the one who killed Rhaenys."

"So I murdered him," said Jaime.

Robb felt his doubt shift to suspicion. "What else did you speak of with my father?"

Jaime glanced at Grey Wind before sighing. "He spoke of things he knew. Jon's supposed betrayal. He asked if I regretted slaying Aerys, if I regretted letting Elia and her children die. As though I had some hand in it."

"Your father's men did," said Robb. "Likely your father as well."

"And that should be my fault?" asked Jaime. "I take it since you still have your head you've yet to lose a battle?" Seeing the boy nod he asked, "Then should you also take responsibility for your father's failures? For his failure to kill Joffrey and take the throne himself, for his failure raising your brother, his failure protecting Robert."

When Robb didn't answer, Jaime laughed. "Has he even told you he plans to back the dragons across the see? That was what he asked about last he came. If I would back Rhaegar's kin rather than my family. Let them rule the south while you take the north. As if he knows they won't just be like their father. The girl may be spared as Rhaegar was, but I'd bet my life Viserys is like his father. The embers were there, waiting to be fueled by years on the run driving him as mad as Aerys. Now it seems your father wishes to damn us all to suffer another awful king."

"That's it? That's all he said?"

"Why would I lie about that?" Jaime shrugged. "If I were going to lie I'd make him speak of riding north to hunt grumpkins or the like."

Robb nodded. "That still doesn't explain why you killed Amory and returned to your cell?"

"Because he bothered me."

"The gaoler says the man was quiet after his first days here," Robb said motioning to the bench the guards had sat at. "After he squealed he went quiet, though I'm sure he was loud enough when you stabbed him to death."

Jaime growled, not wanting to answer but sitting up. "I saw him kill her."

Robb frowned. "Rhaenys?"

"Not the real one," said Jaime. "But ever since your father spoke of it, I saw it every night after. Every night until I shoved the guard's dagger into his stomach and heart and balls and face. Then it was only some nights. Other specters visit me the rest of the time."

Robb took a knee, raising his hand for Grey Wind to stand beside him. "What other specters?"

Jaime knit his brow. "I don't mean literally, boy."

"What do they say to you?"

Jaime shook his head warily. "I don't know. They come to berate me as you do. What does it matter?"

"You said my father spoke of other things beside Rhaegar's kin, what were they?"

"I told you, things he knew. Things you know as well," said Jaime. "Then he told me of Jon's betrayal and we spoke of how your mother drove him away from your family."

Robb nodded, thinking on it all. His father spoke of what they knew of Jaime, meaning his affair with his sister and pushing Bran. Then they spoke of Jon's betrayal before his father spoke of Jaime's regrets, and then asked if he would aid a Targaryen against his own family. That was enough to make Jaime slay one of his father's men. Had Eddard planned to turn Jaime? Had it worked?

"So you murdered Amory because he plagued your dreams?"

"It's not as if he was of much worth."

"Then why not leave afterward?" asked Robb. "The guards your cousin brought before tried."

"Before I was kept here." Jaime motioned to the cell around them. "One guard is easy enough, but the dozen between here and the gate? Why bother when I'm too valuable to be kept like this for too long."

Robb nodded. "You're right."

Though shocked, Jaime put on a smile. "Finally some intelligence."

"Grey Wind, if he lies, rip out his throat."

The direwolf growled as Jaime slid back, looking from Grey Wind to Robb. "What are you doing?"

"Showing how important it is for me that you're honest right now," Rob said meeting his eyes. "Do you want Joffrey on the throne?"

Jaime kept Robb's gaze and shook his head. "I don't care."

"Do you care about any of your children with Cersei?"

His fear grew somber as Jaime shrugged. "I want them to live, but other than that… why should I?"

Robb laughed, asking dismissively, "You care more about my bastard brother than you do your own children, don't you?"

Jaime frowned. "He was my squire for a time."

"But I bet if I promised to spare Cersei if you kill him, you would stab him in the back wouldn't you?"

Jaime shook his head defiantly. "I'd help him stab yours."

Robb laughed. "At least he isn't lesser than your children. It seems odd to consider him so highly yet think so little of your own bastards. I bet you look down on my father, but at least he cared for Jon enough to acknowledge him. He was a father to his bastard, but you're nothing to yours. Just a guard who hung around them but did little to stop their elder brother from tormenting them, same as you sat there and let Aerys lock Rhaegar's wife and children away. Same as you let Amory Lorch murder a little girl. Same as you let Gregor Clegane murder an infant and rape his mother."

Rising to his feet Robb shook his head. "If only kingslaying was your greatest failure, you might be worth something as a man, a father or a knight." Turning, Robb closed the cell and locked it, meeting Jaime's eyes. "Let's see if your father thinks you're worth."

With that he left the dungeon, praying this would work as he went to go craft letters.

XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXO

Jon made his way to Tyrion's chambers for what had become a near daily bout of cyvasse when he found the small lord already finishing a cup of wine. "Starting early, my lord?"

Tyrion frowned as he looked to him. "Time already? I'd forgotten. I met with the council. You speak to the master of coin."

"Has Littlefinger abandoned the position?"

"To go and woo the Vale," Tyrion said sliding into his usual chair. "Meanwhile I'm left to learn how he turned sand to gold, or whichever trick he used." He watched Jon set the board before him and smirked. "Any chance you'd be willing to hand over some of your reward for the good of the crown?"

Jon offered an apologetic smile. "I'm afraid it's unlikely I'll have near as much for long. I've begun looking to man my ships."

"Is that coming along well?" asked Tyrion.

Jon was surprised at what seemed like genuine interest. Though he hadn't finished setting up the pieces so Tyrion hadn't quiet gone into his usual mode of play. "Well enough, I suppose. I have Aurane Waters helping me meet with the men Mace Tyrell suggested."

"Aurane Waters?" Tyrion asked. "Why him?"

"The Seahorse was his ship."

"Ah, of course, he's the Velaryon bastard." Tyrion chuckled. "Seems cruel to make him man the ship you stole from him."

"I've offered to let him captain others for me once he was released if he proved true now."

Tyrion nodded. "Buying later loyalty with current loyalty. Risky, but clever. You two share a bond as lord's bastards. Has that helped much?"

"Some, I think," Jon admitted, sitting in the chair across from Tyrion. "Hard to know for certain."

"And your keep? Will you be riding off to claim that soon?"

"It seems not," Jon said watching Tyrion make his first move. "The castellan wrote to me pledging his loyalty to me and the crown."

"Who is it?"

"Seban Cartwell," Jon said with a shrug. "No house I know. He gave a list of the staff there as well, but I can't remember them all just yet."

"Make sure you do before you arrive." Tyrion watched Jon move his rabble. "Better to have them think well of you early on."

"You forget I lived among the servants, my lord," said Jon.

"Ones who kept their distance from you."

"Not those in Winterfell."

"This would be different though. You would be their lord, not some bastard stealing cakes from the larder." Returning his attention to the board, Tyrion moved one of his horsemen. "When will you leave?"

"After the wedding."

"Hm, you should meet with the Dornish then."

"Which ones?"

"Three hundred that ride to bring Doran Martell to claim his place on the small council," Tyrion told him a smirk. "Surely you should be able to convince one of them to bed you during the feast?"

Jon shook his head. "I'll find a woman to bed in time, my lord. I've no need of your concern."

While moving his piece, Jon saw Tyrion's face sink into a frown. "My concern is an order," Tyrion revealed. "My father has demanded I consider brides or he will find one for me. He suggested I wed Asha Greyjoy since her father has offered peace with us."

"Balon's offered peace?"

Tyrion nodded while drinking. With a sigh he set the goblet down. "He hoped to keep everything north of the neck and leave us the south. Which is why father left it to him or your brother to aid the Night's Watch."

Jon watched Tyrion stare at the board. "Aid them with what?"

"Wildlings," said Tyrion. "Apparently they're stirring thanks to someone named Mance Rayder. Father thought it best to break the knees of the gold cloaks who fled rather than send any to the Wall. Said they could aid the Watch themselves, or should the wildlings make it through he could make a deal with their leader.

"Of course he considered it as real a threat as the kraken Varys told us downed an Ibbenese whaler near the Fingers, or the three headed dragon in Qarth."

Unsure what to make of it, Jon looked to Tyrion as he made his move. "What does that have to do with your concern of my bedding someone?"

That seemed to remind Tyrion of what they'd been saying. "My bride is not the only one he told me to find. He means for me to find you one as well. Though he also told me not to tell you." Sitting back in his chair Tyrion shrugged. "Seems I've failed already."

With a laugh, Jon gave a nod. "Thank you."

Tyrion shrugged. "I won't force you to wed someone you don't care for, but I'd help you with any you consider. Bedding as well, though I doubt you'd need much help."

Jon was quiet for a few turns. Sam had offered to keep him in touch with Myrcella, but even if things went as he planned she was gone. She would be wed to Trystane once she flowered while Jon would be working to take over the Stepstones. He could wait for something that would never come, or he could do as almost everyone told him to.

"Will you be there to greet Prince Doran and his retinue?" Jon asked while moving his catapult.

"Most likely."

"Could I join you?"

Tyrion looked up from the board with a grin. "Think to find yourself a Dornish beauty?"

"Seems as good a place to start as any," Jon said evenly. "And it should help keep your father off your back."

Tyrion wore a sympathetic smile as he nodded. "It's for the best, Jon."

"I know," Jon said keeping his eyes on the board.

"Don't worry," Tyrion said with a smirk, moving his elephant. "I'll tell you all I can so you don't embarrass yourself."

"It should be easy enough to speak to one, shouldn't it?" Jon asked, already uncertain.

"I meant in bed," Tyrion said with a grin as he reached for the pitcher of wine, "but I can help with that as well."

When Tyrion finished pouring his glass, Jon took it from him and downed half of it, making Tyrion guffaw and reach for another goblet.

"If I'm not to whore I can at least pass on all it's taught me," Tyrion said setting the pitcher back. "First lesson, make sure they enjoy it too. Then they'll want it as much as you."

AN:

Next Chapter: Ned and Robb meet in Moat Cailin. Barristan speaks to Dany after helping her take Meereen.