"The King in the North!"

"The King in the North!"

"THE KING IN THE NORTH!"

It took several minutes before the lords' cries began to die down. Several of them gave him strange looks, as if they knew something was amiss. "My lords," he began, "there's been a raven from King's Landing . . ." Dark wings, dark words. His father used to say that, but perhaps this raven's words did not need to be dark. The words caused much uncertainty in Robb, and even more questions, so many that if he paused too long to think on it his head began to ache.

"Well, are you going to tell us what the bloody bird says?" The Greatjon had been Robb's staunchest supporter, ever since Grey Wind had bitten off two of his fingers. He was a huge man, and extremely strong. Truth be told, the Greatjon scared Robb, not that he would ever admit it.

Robb unrolled the scroll and began to read. "To Robb Stark, the traitor and rebel against the Iron Throne." Several of the lords laughed at that, while other scoffed and scowled. "In the name of His Grace, Joffrey of the Houses Baratheon and Lannister, the First of His Name, King of the Andals, the Rhoynar, and the First Men, and the Lord of the Seven Kingdoms, the Iron Throne demands you return the traitor, Lord Eddard Stark, to King's Landing immediately. Upon Lord Stark's return, you and all of your vassals will swear fealty and be allowed to return home, pardoned of all crimes."

There were several gasps and even more laughter than before. "Robb . . ." Catelyn stepped up beside her son and took the scroll. "It can't be . . . I feared I'd never see Ned again." She broke into tears and wrapped Robb in a tight hug.

More stepped up to read the scroll, first the Greatjon, then Maege Mormont and her daughter Dacey, then Rickard Karstark, then the lords Bracken, Mallister, and Blackwood. Finally the letter had made its way around to all the lords and knights present and was returned to Robb. Most were too stunned to speak. Robb understood them best, he was stunned as well, and utterly lost on what to make of such a letter, but he needed to put on a stolid face. "Pick up your weapons, my lords," Robb commanded. "You do me a great honor, but I do not want to be a king. We came south with a simple purpose; to save my father, your liege, but it appears that he has seen fit to save himself." Robb laughed and several others joined in, mainly northmen. The river lords looked anxious.

The Greatjon gave Robb a hearty slap on the back. "Well then let's get to Winterfell and give him a proper welcome."

Jonos Bracken stepped forward from among the throng of lords. "Your Grace, you can't mean to abandon the riverlands, surely. Lord Tywin and his mad dogs still run free, burning everything as they rape and pillage their way across the land. Your lord father is safe now, and I believe I speak for all when I say it brings great pleasure to learn of his escape. But we need the North more than he does right now."

Tytos Blackwood stepped forward. "Bracken is right . . . heh, never thought I'd say those words. The riverlands needs you, Your Grace. If Lord Stark has escaped he'll surely join us here at Riverrun. He may even be on his way here at this very moment. If you march north with all your strength then Lord Tywin will move to cut you off from returning south. The riverlands will be lost."

Robb looked into the eyes of his mother, but found no answer there. What would Father do? he asked himself.

"The raven could be false, Your Grace," Ser Brynden Tully said from where he stood by the wall. "It could be a Lannister trick, meant to draw you north and give them the time to trap you there."

Robb drew himself up. I need to be Robb the lord now, not Robb the boy. "My lords, I thank you for your wise counsel. I will not abandon the riverlands, I swear it, but I am not your king." The lords all began shouting at once, some at each other, most at Robb. "MY LORDS!" They quitened down, although it took several moments. "I was not born to be a king . . ."

Catelyn cut him off. "Neither was Aegon V, he was the fourth son of a fourth son, yet he was king all the same. You are the-"

Robb silenced her with a look. "I was not born to be a king, and in truth, I don't want it. I'll never yield to the Lannisters, and I won't lay down my sword until the blood of Tywin Lannister is upon it. If it is a trick, then we continue as planned, and free my father. If it is not a trick, my father, your liege, is heading north. He will send word when he is safely away, of that I am certain." He paused and looked into each of their eyes before he spoke again. "We will hold here until there is word." He turned and strode out before anyone could object. The lords began talking amongst themselves but before long he was out of earshot.

Someone followed him all the way back to his chambers, but neither said a word and Robb didn't care to look back. He sat behind the desk in his solar, filled two goblets with Arbor gold, and waited for whoever had been following to catch up.

"Robb," Catelyn said as she took the seat opposite him. Robb gestured to the second goblet, not saying a word. She took it and drank a few sips before setting it aside. "You shouldn't have done that."

Robb sighed. "What would that be, walking off, or ordering a hold until word arrives?"

"Both . . . and for refusing to be crowned."

"There is nothing I should have done more. I don't want to be king, Mother. Father is alive, I can feel it. I would go home today if it didn't mean abandoning the riverlands to Tywin Lannister's wrath." Only two battles had been fought, yet Robb already felt like he had been fighting for years. His cause was just and he would never yield, but he could not find joy in battle, even in victory. Theon helped somewhat, always there with steely conviction or a bawdy jest, but it was Jon he wished was here, not up at the Wall. Perhaps I could send for him . . . if he's sworn no vows he could come, and he would, if I asked it.

"Much as I wish it were true, you can't know that Ned is still alive-"

"He is," Robb objected.

Catelyn shook her head. "That raven is a Lannister trap, no doubt. How could Ned escape? He is imprisoned in the middle of the Red Keep, surrounded by Lannister guards, in King's Landing, that has thousands of gold cloaks all paid for by the crown. I pray to the Father night and day for Ned's safe return, but he will not be returned to us through some cunning escape. He will be saved by swords, your sword, your bannermen's swords, and all the men who follow them. It is foolish to sit and hope for Ned to delivered to you." Robb scowled, but Catelyn continued on as if she hadn't noticed. "And you must accept the crown. If not you, then who? Would you declare for Stannis or Renly, against your own bannermen's wishes, I might add. They wish for a king to follow, and they want you." Catelyn raised her goblet. "To Robb of House Stark, First of His Name, the Young Wolf, King of the North and the Trident."

Robb ground his teeth so hard that for a moment he feared they might break. Not you, Mother. Why can't you see I don't want a bloody crown? He took a deep breath and calmed before he spoke. "Mother . . . Father is alive. He is. I'll grant you that it is most likely a trick, but what if it isn't. You would have me take the title of King in the North while Father still draws breath. Well I won't . . . he is still the head of House Stark, as you seem to have forgotten. When Father has been saved, either by my sword or his own cunning, he will decide what the North does, not me. Whether he declares for a king of his own choosing, or is crowned himself, it makes no matter."

"And what if, gods forbid, Ned is killed? What will you do then? What if the lords no longer want you for a king? What if-"

Robb slammed his fist onto the desk, shocking Catelyn into silence. "Enough, Mother. I am done discussing this. I hear your words, I do, and I will heed them, but we only just received this raven. If Father has not sent word within a fortnight I will take the crown, if the lords still wish it so. Lord or king, it makes no matter, I will protect mine own, as any wolf would for his pack. Now leave me, I wish to gather my thoughts."

Catelyn gave a tight, curteous nod and strode from the room. Robb slumped in his chair and a few tears fell. Come soon, Father. Grey Wind padded into the room and pressed his muzzle in Robb's hand. Robb couldn't help but laugh looking down at his faithful companion. Everyone thinks me a fool but the wolf. If I'm wrong, my bannermen are more like to dress me in motley than a crown.

A day passed with no further word, and another, and another. The lords were getting increasingly anxious. Some still nodded as he passed, but most ignored him. Robb forwent all war councils in favor of praying at Riverrun's godswood or sitting in his chambers with Grey Wind as his only constant companion.

The next day Edmure Tully gave the riverlords leave to depart and defend their own lands. Robb watched from the battlements but made no attempt to stop them. Edmure's their lord, Robb reminded himself. I made my choice, just as all men must. "My lord, a raven has arrived for you. It is most peculiar, I must say," a voice said from behind him.

Robb turned back to Maester Vyman, who held out a letter sealed by the direwolf of his own House. The Maester was an old man, lined and wrinkled as one would expect, yet he still moved with the deftness of a man twenty years his junior. The seal was broken, but it was not peculiar for a Maester to read the messages they receive, unless ordered otherwise. Dark wings, dark words. Robb read the scroll anxiously.

Lord Robb, your father has sent word from Eastwatch-by-the-Sea. He is safely away from the Lannisters, but is headed for Castle Black, not Winterfell. He has asked for an odd item from myself; a Targaryen seal, which I have already sent to Castle Black. The letter also sent a request for Mikken; three full sets of plate armor, two enamelled white, the other black. Three cloaks were ordered as well, two white and one red. Apologies, my lord, but no mention was made of when he might return or why he would need such items.

Maester Luwin

"Maester, no mention is to be made of this raven. Should the northern lords find out, there will be outrage, and panic. They are not soon to forget what the last Targaryen in Westeros did." What is Father thinking?

"Yes, my lord. Do you require anything further?"

"Yes, send for Lady Catelyn to meet in my solar. Do not give reason for the summons, but tell her it's important."

"Of course, my lord." Maester Vyman strode away, his robe dragging along the cobbles as he went.

Robb turned back and looked out at the Tumblestone flowing past. A Targeryen seal? What could possibly await at Castle Black that would require such a thing? Robb shook himself and started towards his solar. He passed through the godswood on the way back. It was bright and airy, the exact opposite of the godswood at Winterfell. At its center was the heart tree, a slender carved weirwood. The ladies Dacey and Maege Mormont knelt before it, praying silently with their eyes closed. Robb knelt beside Dacey and sent up his own prayer, asking the old gods for answers on what the letter might mean. He finished and stood to find both of the Mormont ladies looking at him. "My ladies, can I assist you with something?"

Maege stepped forward with a mixture of worry and understanding upon her face. "My lord, you look distressed and I see you have a raven scroll. Has there been word from Lord Stark?"

Robb cursed himself for being so foolish as to not stow the scroll. He thought about lying, but quickly decided against it. The truth, whatever it may be, will come out eventually and the Mormonts could be trusted. Both had fought bravely in the Whispering Wood and again at the Camps; Maege with her men, and Dacey at Robb's side. "Yes, there has been word. My father is alive and safely on his way to Castle Black."

Smiles broke out on both the Mormonts faces and Dacey stepped forward and wrapped Robb in a tight hug. When she backed away, Robb noticed a quizzical expression on Maege's face, where a smile had been only moments before. "Excuse me, my lord, but did you say Castle Black? Why would Lord Stark go there? Does he intend to take the black?"

Robb sighed and held out the letter. "I do not know, though I doubt he intends to take the black while his people are fighting in the south. The raven came from Maester Luwin at Winterfell, not the Wall. Read it, perhaps you can make better sense of the words."

Maege read the letter silently, then passed it to her daughter. Dacey looked clearly confused, but Maege's face was less clear. "My lord," Maege began, "I have known your father for many years. I cannot speak to the meaning of these words, but I trust him with my life. If he thinks this is the best course, then he can count on us." Dacey nodded in confirmation.

"You both have my thanks. I must ask that neither of you speak of this letter again. The other lords might not take the suggestion of a Targaryen in Westeros as well as yourselves."

"Yes, my lord." Dacey turned and walked away.

Maege laid a hand on Robb's shoulder. "Keep faith, my lord. Lord Stark has more wits than the southron give him credit for." With that she was gone as well, striding off after her daughter.

When Robb got to his solar, Catelyn was already seated in front of the desk. Robb took his seat and watched her for moment. She had been avoiding him since he refused the crown, only offering basic courtesies if she spoke at all. Robb held out the letter without saying a word. He drank two goblets of wine while she read. The warmth settled in his chest and made him feel more confident then when he had first seen the cold, courteous look on Catelyn's face. That look was gone by the time she had finished the letter.

"Your father is alive," she said in disbelief.

"Yes, mother. It is just as I said."

"But why would he head for Castle Black?"

Robb shrugged. "Perhaps he wishes to bring Jon south."

Catelyn's face curdled like sour milk. "I won't have that bastard within these walls. I won't! He belongs to the Night's Watch, I told Ned he had to go. He can't just come back . . . it-it'd be desertion!"

Robb recoiled from his mother's sudden fury. "Mother! Enough! We don't even know that is what Father is planning. But if it is, you will not turn him away. Did you even notice the mention of the Targaryen seal?"

"What of it?" Catelyn said, seemingly unfazed.

"You don't find it odd that Father would request a Targaryen seal and three full sets of plate armor?"

"Why would I? It is a trick to win support to our cause, most like. Nothing to concern ourselves with."

Robb took the letter from her and tossed it into the hearth. "Trick or not, the other lords cannot find out until we know more. The last Targaryens and their deeds are not soon forgotten. The North remembers." He looked up to see Catelyn almost at the door. "Mother," he called.

"Yes, my lord." She turned back with the same cold, courteous look from when Robb had first entered.

"Do not speak of this letter to another. When there is more details, I will tell the lords myself."

"As you say, my lord." She left, slamming the door behind her.

Gods help us if Father brings Jon south. He drank another two goblets of wine and staggered to his bed. The sun had not yet set, but Robb passed out as soon as his head hit the pillows.

A week passed with no further word. Catelyn was ever more cold, and once Robb had found her at the smithy, ordering a crown to be forged. He had stopped her and told the blacksmith to ignore any order for a crown. Robb had tried to speak with his mother afterwards, but she was like the Wall, cold and unyielding. "As you will, my lord," was all she offered when Robb told her that he would have no need for a crown.

The next day, Robb was sitting at his desk when there was a knock on the door. "My lord, there has been word from Castle Black. Might I come in?" Grey Wind's ears perked up but he did not move from in front of the hearth.

"Yes Maester, you may enter." Robb kept his voice level, though inside he was anxious, more so even than on the night before his first battle. Beside Maester Vyman was his uncle Edmure, the heir to House Tully. He had the classic Tully features; auburn hair, deep blue eyes and a fiery red beard. They took the offered seats opposite Robb, and Edmure poured himself a goblet of wine, looking grim.

"My lord, a raven has brought two messages from Castle Black," Vyman stated formally, but no letters were offered.

"Well . . . where are they?" Robb asked impatiently.

Maester Vyman reached up his sleeve and procured the two letters. Robb took them and looked at the seals; one was the direwolf of House Stark stamped in grey wax; the other was the three-headed dragon of House Targaryen in black wax. Robb looked up at the two faces, questioning, but they only nodded for him to read. Dark wings, dark words. He unrolled the Targaryen letter and began to read.

All men know me for the Bastard of Winterfell, Jon Snow, natural-born son of Eddard Stark, Lord of Winterfell. This was a lie to hide me from men who would seek to slaughter a newborn babe for the name they bore. Men that had already slaughtered my trueborn siblings, Rhaenys and Aegon Targaryen by the time I was birthed in Dorne. I am the last scion of House Targaryen, trueborn son of Prince Rhaegar Targaryen and Lady Lyanna of the House Stark. The Rebellion was based on a lie forged by the Usurper, Robert Baratheon, to take the throne and my lady mother. By right of birth and blood, I do this day lay claim to the Iron Throne of the Seven Kingdoms of Westeros. Let all true men renew their fealty and be forgiven for all past crimes wrought on House Targaryen, as House Stark has already done. Done in the Sight of the Old Gods and the New, under the sign and seal of Jon of House Targaryen, the First of His Name, King of the Andals, the Rhoynar, and the First Men, and Lord of the Seven Kingdoms.

Jon of House Targaryen? Trueborn son of Rhaegar Targaryen and Lyanna Stark? That would mean Jon is my cousin, not my brother. Gods be good, this is going to be a mess.

"Nephew?" Edmure's voice ripped Robb from his thoughts. He reached for his wine cup and knocked it to the floor. The room started spinning. Robb felt himself fall to the floor and then his thoughts blurred. Jon of House Targaryen.

Robb drifted in and out of conciousness. He heard his uncle shouting for guards. Why is he shouting? Did something happen? Next thing he knew, there were two pairs of strong hands hoisting him up and dragging him. Then something soft was beneath him and everything went black.

Robb awoke and surveyed the room. My bedchamber, he realized. He tried to speak but his throat was parched and it came out as a croak. The door opened and Maester Vyman entered. He rushed over when he saw that Robb was awake. "Wat'r." Robb choked out.

"Of course." Vyman picked up a cup from a nearby table and held it to Robb's lips.

Robb drank two more cups before he finally felt able to speak. "What happened? The last thing I remember was finishing the letter and then . . . everything blurred."

The Maester put a hand to Robb's forehead. Seemingly satisfied, he took a step back before answering. "It is my belief that you fainted, my lord. When did you last eat?"

When did I last eat? Robb struggled to remember but eventually it came to him. "I ate my midday meal yesterday, I believe."

Vyman nodded. "As I thought. You retched after you fell, but only wine and bile came out. That would attribute to why your throat was so parched, my lord."

Robb sat up and pushed himself back against the wall. "How long have I been out?"

"Two hours, or near enough as makes no matter. How are you feeling?"

"Better after the water. I neglected proper care of myself with everything going on. It won't happen again. Now where is Edmure? We need to speak on the letter."

"Lady Catelyn and Lord Edmure are waiting outside. Your mother is quite . . . distressed. Though whether from your fall or the letter, I could not say. I'll leave you to collect yourself."

Robb sighed when the Maester shut the door behind him. Great, I'm sure Mother is overjoyed to find out that Jon is coming south. Though it is not Jon Snow, the Bastard of Winterfell coming south, it is King Jon Targaryen. Robb failed to convince himself that his mother would appreciate the difference. He stood and filled his cup from the flagon of water on the table. Robb noticed his chest was bare. The vomit, he gathered. He grabbed a clean tunic and threw it on; it was made from soft brown leather with a direwolf emblazoned on the breast in white thread.

His mother and uncle were seated in front of his desk, the Maester had disappeared. Both sets of eyes followed him to his seat, but neither spoke. "Well I just awoke from a most glorius nap. How have you both been?" Robb cracked an easy smile and took a drink from his cup.

Catelyn frowned. "This is no time for jests, Robb. I assume you read the letter?"

Jon of House Targaryen. "What letter would that be, dear mother?" Robb asked innocently.

The frown deepened. "The one declaring the bastard a king. Edmure says you fell after reading it."

Robb's smile died. "Yes mother, I read it. The letter was only a factor to my fall, a very small factor. I have been neglectful in taking care of myself, largely in part to having to consistently stop my own mother from going behind my back and crowning me."

Catelyn looked a mixture of angry and desperate, an odd look by any means. "It is even more important that you are crowned now. Your father will march south with that bastard and you need to be a king before he reaches Riverrun."

Robb scowled at the word bastard. He had disliked Jon being called that before, but now that the truth was out it angered him further. "Did you not read the same letter as I? Jon is not a bastard. He is a king and Father has declared House Stark for him. You would have me go against my blood, father and cousin, for a crown I have already declined. Have you taken leave of your senses?"

Edmure spoke up, looking pointedly at his sister. "Cat, he's right. This boy, Jon, he is your nephew by marriage. Nothing is more reviled by the Seven than a kinslayer."

Catelyn subsided slightly. "Okay . . . but what if the lords don't want another Targaryen for their king? It will start a war amongst our own men. Only Tywin Lannister will profit from that."

"I know, Mother. It will not be easy but between me, Father, and Jon we should be able to assuage any doubts. Though you must remember that Father is their liege, and House Stark has declared for Jon."

Maester Vyman walked in with a platter of bread and cheese and set it on the desk. "Try and eat a few morsels, my lord, but don't engorge yourself. And stay away from the wine for a day or so, at least."

Robb nodded and took a small bite of bread. It was fresh baked, still warm and made him feel better as he ate more. He finished half the loaf before he set it down, remembering the Maester's words. "Maester, assemble the lords in the great hall, if you will. They need to hear of this letter from me and I would inform them sooner rather than later."

"Yes, my lord." Vyman strode from the room.

"Well, should we get to this meeting, nephew?" Edmure asked.

"I need to read the second letter. You both can continue on if you'd like. I'll be down shortly." Robb's tone left no doubt that he would prefer them to leave. Catelyn looked ready to protest but Edmure gripped her elbow and shook his head. She looked sullen but left all the same. Robb picked up the letter, cracked the seal, and began reading.

Robb, it's Father. Arya and I are safely at Castle Black and will be departing for Winterfell soon. I know that you may be confused by the letter about Jon. It is the truth, Jon is not my own. I need you to bring the lords to meet us at Winterfell. The lords need to see him, and I am not certain that we will go straight to Riverrun from Winterfell. That is for Jon to decide. Leave your men under the command of Edmure Tully and ride north with as small an escort as you can manage. It would be better if Lord Tywin did not know of your movements. I will explain everything when we meet at Winterfell, I promise. I love you son, and I am proud of you. Ride hard.

Eddard Stark, Lord of Winterfell

I will, Father. I'll see you soon. Robb finished his cup of water and ate a chunk of hard cheese before rising. Grey Wind joined him in the hall, silently keeping stride beside the young lord. Outside the Great Hall, Robb heard raised voices, all shouting to be louder than the next. Damn you, Mother. He pushed open the door and the shouts grew even louder.