Chapter 2: The Banners Of Winterfell.
The Lords of the North arrives in Winterfell.
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299 AC
THE NORTH
WINTERFELLROBB STARK
Robb adjusted the strap of his fur cloak before checking the sword strapped firmly to his waist, before taking a deep breath to calm his racing heart.
The servants of Winterfell had reported that the many of the lords had already arrived with there men and they are now waiting for him in the Great Hall.
He took another another breath to calm himself, he had to be in his best because he knew that many of the Lords only answered his call because he was a Stark. The respect his Stark name, but they do not respect him.
They see him as nothing more than a green boy playing at war.
"Well"he smirked coldly"I just have to prove them wrong".
He is not a boy playing at war, he is a wolf.
"Forsake Honour"The words of Theon Stark seemed to echo in his head, like the whisper of winter winds.
Fastening his doublet for the last time, he walked out of his room.
"Now time for some greets and greets and meets".
As he entered the Great Hall all the bickering between his lords ceased immediately.
His icy blue eyes scanned the room looking at all the Lords assembled around the table.
Lord Roose Bolton of the Dreadfort and his son and heir Domeric Bolton.
Lord Greatjon Umber and his sons Smalljon and Hothar Umber.
Lord William Dustin of Barrowtown.
Lord Mark Ryswell of the Rills.
Lord Medger Cerwyn of Castle Cerwyn.
Lord Galbart Glover of Deepwood Motte and his brother Robett Glover.
Lord Rickard Karstark of Karhold and his sons, Robb's distant cousins, Harrion, Torrhen and Eddard Karstark.
Lady Maege Mormont of Bear Island and her daughter Dacey and Jorelle Mormont.
Lord Gregor Forrester of Ironrath and his son and heir Rodrick Forrester.
Lord Halyns Hornwood of Hornwood and his son and heir Daryn Hornwood.
Then there is his cousin Wulfric Seastark, heir to Wolf's Den, sitting in the table with a flagon of Northern ale. His father Cregan, Lord of Wolf's Den had not come as he was busy preparing the Northern Navy for war.
He regarded them all with a nod before speaking "My lords, my ladies" he began "I am happy that you have all answered my call to arms and it warms my heart to see you all came here to help me to rescue my father"
They all nodded in return, satisfied at the praise.
"Now" Robb began " Let's begin".
So for the next 2 hours they discussed various strategies on how to best respond the situation in the capital.
"With the arrival of Lord Karstark and Umber the total number of our host is 25,000 give or take" Wulfric Said.
"Only 25,000, that's only half number of men the North can muster" Galbart muttered.
"We can't leave the North defenceless now can we Lord Glover" Lord Horwood pointed out cautiously.
"Fear not Lord Glover more men will join us in the way" Wulfric assured " The banners of Wolf's Den and White Harbour are still mustering and they will meet us at Moat Cailin"
"My Uncle Benjen is also mustering his men and preparing the defences of Moat Cailin" Robb added.
"Even still it will only be a force of 30,000 men" Roose said in his quite whispery voice "The armies of Casterly Rock alone will outnumber us two to one and if the banners of Stromlands join them, it will particularly be a death sentence for us"
"And let's not forget who is leading them" Mark Ryswell said grimly " Tywin Bloody Lannister"
At the mention of Tywin, everyone quietened down immediately. Tywin Lannister, The Old Lion of Casterly Rock, is famous for his battle prowess and his ruthlessness with dealing with his enemies. The Reyne-Tarbeck Rebellion and the Sack of king's Landing comes to everyone's mind.
Robb coughed loudly to gain his Lord's attention. He was losing ground in this conversation he cannot allow to let that happen.
"Now that we have taken care of that" Robb began, his annoyance abundantly clear "I have decided that Galbart Glover will lead the vanguard in our first battle with Lannister forces" He noticed Galbart looked giddy with excitement at the prospect of such an honor, but nearly groaned when he saw Lord Umber bristling with anger.
He thought that giant of a man might shout or curse but Umber only smiled grimly and spoke with obvious humor. "For 30 years I've been making corpses out of men, boy. I'm the man you want leading the vanguard." Despite the breach of formality, Robb quite agreed with him on that. Lord Umber and his Berserkers armed with Axes and Greatswords would create quite a bit of chaos in the enemy lines, but he knows that he could not back from his decision now. Not without losing what little respect he had earned from his lords.
"Galbart Glover will lead the van." Robb replied humorlessly. If he bowed to Lord Umber's demand, then there was no chance of the northern lords ever respecting him, especially with a southern lady as his mother.
"The bloody wall will melt before an Umber marches behind a Glover!" Lord Umber exclaimed still in seemingly good humor, until his face darkened and he leaned forward. "I will lead the van or I will take my men and march them home."
Robb's face darkened and his eyes glinted furiously and beside him Grey Wind, who was laying at his feet, began to growl and snarl no doubt sensing his master's distress.
Robb began to absentmindedly ran his fingers through his Direwolf's smoky grey fur, as he looked at the Lord Of The Last Hearth.
"You are welcome to do so, Lord Umber." Robb said coldly, nodding his head as he began to rise to his feet. "And when I am done with the Lannisters, I will march back north, root you out of your home, and hang you for an oathbreaker." In the corner he saw Wulfric cringing at his words and looked to the Greatjon, just as every other set of eyes at the table did.
The only man who appeared to match Robb's anger was Lord Umber, who knocked his cutlery to the side and jumped to his feet. "Oathbreaker is it?!" The man bellowed. "I'll not sit here and swallow insults from a boy so green he pisses grass!" Robb took a step forward with his hand grasping down towards the hilt of his sword. But before anyone in Hall can drow their weapon, he saw Grey wind jump at man.
He watches with grim satisfaction as the Direwolf tore of two of Greatjon's fingers
There was a tense silence in the hall before Robb spoke again in a mocking tone "My Lord father taught me it was death to bare steel against your liege lord. But doubtless the Great Jon only meant to cut my meat for me."
Everyone around the table tensed at Robb's words. The Great Jon had just been humiliated by Grey Wind and now Robb was mocking him? Knowing he was one of his principle bannerman.
Unsurprisingly, the Great Jon kicked his stool across the room and stood up angrily. Everyone was waiting for him to storm out, damn Robb's threats, but instead he started speaking angrily.
"Your meat-" He began before looking around and smiling, holding up his bloody stumps where his fingers once were. "is bloody tough". The Lords, led by Jon Umber, began laughing loudly, while Robb only grinned before joining in what may have been the fakest laugh he had ever made.
After another hour of debate, the council was finally dismissed. Everything is now clear and ready and the they will began their march from Winterfell in two days.
On their way south they will be joined by the Manderly forces, before making their final stop at Moat Cailin, and join with the host his Uncle Benjen Whitestark is gathering there.
It was also decided that Helman Tallhart of Lord of Torrhen's Square and Brandon Forrestor will stay in the North and raise another host, which will act as reinforcement, and if the war ever takes a turn for the worst then the force will defend the North. As everyone agreed that leaving the North defenceless is too risky.
With the council dismissed, all the lords left the chamber with the exception of Robb, his cousin Wulfric and four more individuals, three males and one female.
The tallest person in the room suddenly chuckled before speaking "Damm Robb, I didn't thought you would stand against my father".
"Yeah no shit, If I was you I would have probably pissed myself" The person beside him spoke.
"Aye, me too" The third individual spoke.
"That's because both of you are Cowards" The only female in the group said tauntingly.
"Hey who are calling cowards Dacey" The second individual yelled causing the girl now named Dacey to smirk in amusement.
"Harrion, Domeric that's enough" Wulfric sighed.
"But she started it" Domeric protested.
"That's enough" Robb repeated his cousin's words with a little steel.
Both of his friends calmed down instantly, knowing very well when to stop.
Robb then turned to the tallest individual in the room before saying "I apologise for what I said to your father Smalljon and please forgive Grey Wind, he is a little aggressive with protecting me"
The heir to The Last Hearth waved his apology "If anyone should apologise it should be my father not you" then he grinned "and besides I think you just earned his respect".
"So whoever chops your father's fingers will earn his respect" Wulfric said drily.
"Of course, we are Umbers of Last Hearth, the giants among men, earning our respect is not an easy task" Smalljon boosted.
Robb shook his head in amusement, same old prideful Umber. He still remembers how he met them and how they all became friends.
It was during the Harvest festival that took place in every two years in Winterfell. His father had invited all the lords of the North to come and take part in the feast. And with the lords came their heirs.
Robb, Jon and their cousin Wulfric met them in the melee competition that there father had set up as a mini Tourey which all the heirs of the North took part in.
It was Robb who won the Tourney with his half brother coming in the second place and Smalljon receiving the third place.
After the Tourney all of them become fast friends and have maintained contact with each other since then, with the help of the Ravens.
Robb shook his head again before saying "I think we should all retire no, it is already late"
They all nodded before shuffling out of room with the exception of Robb and Dacey who stayed behind. Wulfric gave them a knowing look before closing the door.
As soon as the door closed, Dacey was upon him immediately, kissing him furiously. Robb eagerly returned the kiss, placing his hands on her hips and drawing her close to him before invading her mouth with his tongue.
After a few seconds of intense passion both of them separated with flushes on their cheeks.
"Damm" Dacey panted lightly before placing her head on his shoulders "I have been waiting for this since the start of this council"
"Me too" Robb agreed because he was, the last time he was with Dacey was during the harvest festival. It was during that time when he had taken the young She-Bear's maidenhead.
He had been Dacey's first though she was not his. He had been visiting the brothels of Winter City since he was eleven. It had been Theon Greyjoy who had first introduced him to a woman's touch and ever since Robb hadn't been able to get enough of it. Serving girls, whores, the daughters of lords of the North, where Robb had gone a bloody trailed followed of broken maiden heads and broken hearts.
This was the only thing his father ever disapproved, but he understood that despite the Tully Look he had more of the Infamous StarkWolf's Bloodthan any of his siblings, except Arya.
"So" Dacey began jolting Robb from his thoughts "Do want me to visit your chambers tonight" she asked seductively.
"As much as the offer is tempting, I have to refuse" Robb said "We will begin our march in two days and there is still work to be done".
Dacey pouted adorably and Robb couldn't help but kiss her again "Don't worry, we will get plenty of opportunities along the road"
Dacey's pout turned into a smirk "I will hold on to your offer" She said before kissing him again.
Robb looked at his siblings and Maester Luwin, who were all standing in the courtyard.
He looked at Bran who was being carried by Hodor.
"Remember" Robb said looking at Bran in the eye "You are a Stark of Winterfell and I have full faith in you that you will do well"
Bran nodded seriously knowing full well the responsibilities that has been dropped at his shoulders. His brother trusted him and he is going keep that trust and prove that he is a true Stark.
He turned to his sister next " I know how much you want to come with me, but believe me when i say that our brothers need you more than I" he paused before saying "And I know full well that you will protect them with your life"
Arya nodded furiously "If someone wants to hurt them, first they have to go through me and Needle" She said pointing at the thin sword strapped at her waist. Jon had given the sword to her as a parting gift, when he left Winterfell to join the Night's Watch.
He then turned to his youngest brother and tried to shake the feeling of guilt he felt. Rickon had tears in his eyes as he looked at Robb pleading him to stay.
"Always Listen to Maester Luwin and behave properly ok" he told his brother who only cried more before storming inside the keep.
Robb sighed sadly and turned to Maester Luwin "please take care of them", causing the aged Maester to nod in affirmation.
With a last look at his siblings he turned and towards the gate where his white Stallion is standing.
After Climbing his personal war horse he urged it forward and fell in line with his lords who were all ready to march.
With a nod his army began marching, in two great columns with Robb leading them from the front.
He never once looked behind him again.
And Done!
Now many of you are wondering what this Winterfell Tourney is about. Basically think of it as huge free for all melee with competitors fighting on foot. All the Noble children of the Northern lords took part in this and Robb ( unsurprisingly) came out of top as its winner with Jon Snow taking the second place. Hope it clears that up.
And Robb is a ladies man here, so don't expect him to be his canon honorable self.
Hope you like this chapter. Please leave a comment below as you all know than reviews are food for a writer's soul.