Chapter 32: The North strikes back

299 AC

Bran

He walked through the halls of his home. He whistled an old song Old Nan had thought him when he was younger. He had only learned to whistle a few weeks ago by his friend Alyn. Since then he couldn't and wouldn't stop anymore.

He rounded the corner and came upon the nursery. As he entered, he saw Arya standing there with little Eddara in her arms. Jonelle was watching them with her youngest Edric in her arms. Her other two children, Lyanne and Martyn, where playing in the corner with Rickon and some of his new toys.

He greeted Jonelle happily and said hello to his little brother and the Cassels, before walking over to his sister and niece. It was funny to see them together, as they looked somewhat alike. At first, he had been a little jealous of that, but his mother had comforted him. She reminded him that he and his other brothers and sister looked like her and Arya had felt quite alone because she didn't. Arya deserved to have someone that looked like her and little Eddara was pretty. There was Jon, but he was south with Robb so that didn't really count as they were never here.

He smiled at Arya as he softly caressed little Eddara's head. "Do you want to sit down? I can tell her another story?" He asked his sister. She nodded and sat down in a wicker chair at the other side of the room. As she sat down, she hit her arm against the chair. He saw an expression of pain go through her, but it left just as quickly as it came. He knew his sister was still healing from the attack and hoped she would be okay.

He sat down in the chair next to her an called for Rickon. He and Lyanna Cassel quickly ran over with little Martyn waggling behind his older sister. Jonelle sat down with Edrick below their chairs and put both her sons in her lap while Lyanne and Rickon sat next to her.

"I will tell you the story of the Symeon-Star-Eyes." He said with a smile and his little brother smiled back.

(The next day)

He ran across the inner battlements with Alyn as they both enjoyed the light snowfall. The snow was not really sticky enough to have a snowball fight with, but that didn't discourage them from trying. He laughed as Alyn grabbed some snow from a nearby merlon on the wall and threw it at him. It had dissolved in the air and the wind had blown all the snow particles in his friend's face.

He even heard a guard chuckle at the sight, some ways to the left. Alyn just shrugged and joined in after he had cleared most of the snow from his face.

After a while, they looked over the battlements to the Wintertown in the distance. It had changed much in the last few weeks. A reinforced wooden palisade had been erected around the town and three small gate houses had been built. Craftsmen were still working on the large gates, but they would soon be ready. One thing that he had noticed was that the palisade had been built some ways of the edge of the current buildings, as if it was expected the town would grow.

Alys, his mother and Ser Rodrik had been implementing these changes, and many others, ever since the attack happened. His mother hadn't joined in much at the beginning, he had noticed. After Arya got better, she started taking care of her tasks a lot more and that was really good timing as Alys gave birth soon after. They sort of switched positions like that. He liked it like that, because that meant there were less discussions happening.

Lord Halys was also still here and he helped his family a lot for which he was glad. He quite liked the head of House Hornwood, even if he often looked at him with sadness in his eyes. Mother had whispered to him that it had nothing to do with him. He apparently reminded Lord Hornwood of his son Daryn, who had died fighting with Robb in the Riverlands.

Lord Halys helped out with a lot of things and had lead men out of Winterfell twice already. They had patrolled along the Wolfswood villages sworn to his family. To their relief, only one had been attacked and burned out by the ironborn attackers on their retreat. He had heard Ser Rodrik tell they had marched north towards Deepwood Motte.

The Cassel knight had inspected the progress on the palisade every two days until the work had been finished. Even now he still checked on the gatehouses regularly. A small townguard of fifty men was established and was being trained within the castle. Soon they would patrol the palisade, until then Ser Rodrik has sent men from the castle's garrison there. The garrison itself was also being expanded and the new guards joined the watchmen in training every morning.

The drills Ser Rodrik and Lord Halys gave them every morning were impressive to see and sometimes he and Alyn snuck off to the Godswood to try and imitate the guards moves with their stolen practice swords. It was really fun, but most of the times they were caught before reaching the safety of the hearth tree.

Once a week, the whole levy that was stationed at Winterfell joined the exercises. Seeing hundreds of men in Stark and Hornwood colors was very impressive to see. Lord Halys had told him they needed to stay sharp for when they would march on the ironborn. He had entrusted him that they could march soon if an opportunity presented himself.

Maester Luwin had told him him Houses Cerwyn, Flint, Dustin, Locke and Manderly were also drilling their men. Soon they could unite and march on the Greyjoy forces. Another army of Mountain Clansmen was closing in on Deepwood Motte every day now he knew. Apparently, some Umbers were also joining them after Allara had died. Lord Halys had grunted "They want revenge, and rightfully so".

He looked towards Alyn together and they went back to playing. After a while, he missed Summer and went to search for him. "Maybe he's in the Godswood?" His friend asked helpfully. "No, I think he's with Nymeria right now."

"How do you know?" Alyn asked surprised. He shrugged. "I just do." He didn't wait for his friend's reply and ran down the stairs into the courtyard. He heard his friend race behind him.

"The last one at Arya's room is slower than a Frey." He called out towards his friend with a laugh. He hoped the two Walder's hadn't heard him, but he didn't really care. They were mean and nobody liked them. If even a famous knight like his uncle Brynden disliked House Frey, then all of them were probably stupid.

He reached the keep first and ran inside. He took the stairs two at a time and was sure he would win the race when he suddenly knocked into someone. He fell onto the ground, although his fall was broken by the person he had hit. Confused, he looked up. All color in his face quickly drained as he recognized his own mother.

"Brandon Stark, what is the meaning of this?" She scolded him, just as Alyn came running up the stairs. "You boys should not be running like that, especially not in here!"

He felt so embarrassed that he could only nod, as his face felt hot. He was probably as red as his hair by now. Alyn also looked baffled and excused himself quickly. His mother stood up and dignified herself before looking at them sternly. "As punishment, both you boys will help me with my work tomorrow. Your lessons will be rescheduled to the rest of the week and the time will be taken from your free hours. Am I clear?"

He nodded. He didn't like it one bit, but it could have been worse, so he held his tongue. Alyn looked more annoyed but he also nodded and responded with a "Yes, my lady."

Mother seemed pleased with that at least, as she walked past him down the stairs. "Summer is inside, you'll want to see him. I'll see you at dinner." She said without turning around.

When she was gone, he and Alyn looked at each other. "Almost no free time this week? Really, just for running around? At home my brothers and I did nothing else."

"I know." He responded sadly. "If we manage to do well in our lessons, Maester Luwin and Ser Rodrik might give us some more free time to sneak off to." He proposed.

His friend nodded. "It's worth a shot, at least. Now go find your oversized pet." He grinned.

He smiled back and turned around, eager to see Summer.

(Three days later)

Halys Hornwood

He was sitting in the Stark solar. In front of him sat Queen Alys and Lady Catelyn. The Queen still looked weak from giving birth, so they had decided to keep this short. Together with Ser Rodrik and Maester Luwin they had gathered to discuss the news that had come from Deepwood Motte.

The Clansmen had arrived and managed to attack the ironborn. Instead of attacking them head on, they had circled around the enemy and attacked their ships. They had managed to burn them all and had killed around one hundred ironborn in the attack.

Apparently, the idea had come from Hother Umber, who had joined the clans with over one hundred greybearded veterans on horseback. He was looking for revenge for the dead of his great-niece and was certain to get it. His plan was clear, now the ironborn had nowhere to escape too.

The Greyjoys had realized that too, as they had lifted the siege and disappeared inside the Wolfswood. This pleased him greatly. The clans and Umbers had joined up with a few Glover scouts and were already hot on their heels. They knew those woods as the back of their hand, the Greyjoys didn't stand a change and it was only a matter of time until they were caught now.

The letter also told him of Larence. His bastard son was fine, just as the Glover family. He would be sent to Winterfell with a guard once the Greyjoy forces were destroyed. This filled his hearth with joy. It would give his house a much-needed heir, but most of all he longed to see his estranged son again. He had thought of him daily, ever since he returned to the North.

"Will you move to intercept the Greyjoys?" Lady Catelyn asked him and Ser Rodrik.

"No, my lady. I don't feel the need to do so." He replied. This got him surprised looks from both his lady and his queen. "No need to?" Her grace asked.

"No, Your Grace. The clans and Umbers outnumber the Greyjoys almost three to one. They have the support of the local population and are properly provisioned and organized while the Greyjoys lost a lot of their supplies with their ships. Most importantly, the clans have Glover guides. I know some of these men, they belong to the clans of the Wolfswood. No men, living or dead, know those parts as well as they do. The Greyjoys simply have no chance. Before long they will be ambushed and reduced to nothing. The survivors will be hunted by the local clans and none of them will see their damned islands ever again I'm afraid." He stated matter-of-factly. He thought of men like Ned Woods and Rickard Bole and almost pitied the ironborn stuck in those woods.

This seemed to shock most of the other attendants, only Ser Rodrik looked deep in thought. After a while the knight added. "Aye, I think Lord Halys has the truth of it. I've known some of those men briefly during the wars I served under Lord Stark. Those men know their craft. I think that only the crannogmen are better in ambushes and no one beets them in hunting. Be it deer or man, I see no difference. The ironborn might endure for some time, but they will never make it."

"Their only real hope is Moat Cailin and they will never make it over there. Even if they try, we can still block them here around Winterfell. Their second possibility is their ships along the Stoney Shore, although they will never be able to carry all of them to their home. I suspect they will try nonetheless, certainly when they start bleeding manpower in the Wolfswood. I propose we send worth to the Ryswells and Tallharts to be on high alert and to send out scouts to locate their ships on the Stoney Shore. Even if they manage to get through, which is highly unlikely, we can still trap them there."

Now the queen smiled. "That sounds perfect. Thank you both. I promise you that you and your families' sacrifices will not be forgotten. House Stark remembers and rewards its most loyal subjects."

"I live to serve, my queen." Ser Rodrik immediately responded in his gruff but loyal tone.

"House Hornwood serves the Starks of Winterfell, Your Grace, now and always." He added seriously.

Now it was Lady Catelyn's turn to smile. "Thank you. You both served my husband and even his father loyally. Seeing you do the same for my son fills me with gratitude. As Her Grace said, we will not forget it."

He just nodded in his head in thanks and Ser Rodrik did the same.

Robb

Finally, all his troops were united once more. Well, if you didn't count the garrison of Freys in the Crag, but he rather liked it without them here. Five thousand men were once again under his control. Most of them loyal and veteran Northmen, the rest equally veteran Riverlanders.

He couldn't wait to announce his plans to his lords and march, but there was something he needed to do first. He had to confront the Greatjon about his deeds and he didn't like it one bit. At least it helped that no other acts of cruelty had taken place while he was under Jon's command.

He sat down at the wooden desk in Ashemark's solar. He positioned Ice in the left corner and Grey Wind to his right and waited on the giant lord's arrival while thinking of the words he wanted to say to him.

At last, a knock was heard on the door. "Lord Umber is here to see you, Your Grace." Desmond called out while sticking his head between the door. "Thank you, Desmond. Let him in." The guard nodded loyally and the Greatjon strode in the solar not long after.

"You wanted to see me, Your Grace?" The man boomed all confidence until he looked around the room.

"Yes, Lord Umber, please take a seat." He responded cordially, giving nothing away.

"Lord Umber is it now huh? What's this about then?" His father's friend replied gruffly, although he did as he was asked.

"Reports have reached us of your … behavior while having your own command. Do the villages of Whitesept and Coalwich ring a bell?" He said evenly, while looking in his eyes.

"Phuh, so that's what this is about." The man scoffed, as he straightened himself before continuing. "They were our enemies, I gave them what they deserved. I could have been a bit more delicate, aye but this is war. You kill your enemies, that's what I did. I obeyed all your orders and took out all targets and even more. I think my command was quite successful." The Greatjon defended himself.

"You are not here because of your effectiveness on campaign, or your qualities for command. Both of us know you are a very capable commander and you did well in securing all the objectives I gave you." He replied honestly. The man in front of him was one of his best commanders, that was without a doubt. If he could reign in his rashness, he could even be an exceptional one.

He could see the Greatjon nod and agree with what he had said. Seemingly pleased at the praise for his objective. "But … you did not obey all my orders. On the contrary, you clearly disobeyed one. I told you and all my commanders I didn't want too many civilian deaths, especially not women and children. You slaughtered two whole villages, maybe even more if you count the small farmsteads you passed on the way. That kind of subordination can't stand. Nor do I want to be seen as another Tywin Lannister who burns and destroys everything he wishes just because he can." He continued firmly.

Now Lord Umber jumped up. "Your Grace, I did everything you asked and more! I took out all you wanted me to take and after I followed your brother faithfully. Together we took Sarsfield and after that Galbart and I even managed to take Stackspear in a night attack as well. Took the whole castle by surprise, bringing you even more prisoners and loot than I already did. Aye, I burned down the villages and let my men hurt their smallfolk but that was only after I heard my daughter died for fuck's sake! Any man would have needed an outlet at that time! I took it out on the enemy, as you do in war!" The man bellowed as he rose to his full length.

He patiently let the man finish, knowing he wouldn't actually hurt him however scary he might look. When he looked finished, he only replied with five words while scratching Grey Wind's head. His direwolf growled lightly when he spoke. "Lord Umber, sit down ... now." He said as he emphasized the last word greatly.

The Greatjon looked surprised at him and glanced between him and his direwolf. Realizing that he was not joking, the lord sat back down again. He wanted to speak again but he raised his hand. "Now concerning what you said. You did great in your individual tasks, under Jon and together with Lord Galbart and I thank you for it as it greatly helps our cause. However, that doesn't mean you don't deserve to be punished for your other deeds." He began.

"The fact of Allara's passing is the only reason we are having this conversation in private instead of in a meeting with all other lords. Do you understand?" He added seriously.

Seeing the giant man nod silently, he continued. "That you needed an outlet and took it out upon the enemy is understandable, but, even if so, your conduct was unacceptable. Your own son, the man who looks most like you in this whole world, needed the same. He immediately asked me for a command when he heard. I gave it to him, and he did take it out on the enemy as you should have. Could Smalljon have acted more honorably? Yes, and I might have liked it more, but he didn't cross any of the lines you did. No mentions of rapes or murders of innocent women and children, a thing I explicitly stated I would never agree with. I will never tolerate it, not then and not now. We are not Lannisters, do you hear me?"

The giant man looked at him silently. They locked eyes for a long time before he finally relented. "Aye, I do … Your Grace."

"Good! Now because of the circumstances and because you did so well on the campaign you will come away with this with a warning only. If this happens ever again you will be stripped of all command and sent towards the infantry to serve under Lord Karstark. House Umber has shown itself very loyally and as such its place will never be open to discussion. Your honored position will be given to either your son or brother. Smalljon has shown himself capable and loyal and he could lead in your place, so could Rodrik. Your house will never be shamed as I owe you much, but you can be replaced if you do not follow my orders do you understand?" He finished, the threat clearly hanging in the air.

He considered the Umbers his most loyal bannermen, just after the Karstarks. Shaming them would be a horrible mistake but that didn't mean he could not put the Greatjon in his place and the man needed to realize this. He looked at the lord and awaited his response.

They locked eyes once again, the man clearly sizing him up. At last he responded, a lot more silently than usual. "I understand, Your Grace. It brings me and House Umber great pleasure you value our loyalty so much. It also pleases me personally to hear you praise my son and brother in that way. I will not make the same mistake again, rest assured."

It was clear he had difficulty speaking the words, but no disloyalty could be found in his eyes. Now he had sufficiently humbled him, he needed to pick him back up. He didn't want any resentment to follow this. "Good, for me this concludes this business. Now if you would be so good to accompany me?" He asked, as he stood up from behind the desk

"Follow you, Your Grace?" The Umber lord questioned, both surprised and a little reserved. He probably expected some form of immediate punishment.

"Yes, I intend to call for a meeting with all the commanders to decide our next moves. Your presence as one of my most loyal and trusted lords is expected." He responded, softening his features to his normal posture once again.

The Greatjon looked at him surprised, before standing up as well. "Aye, I can do that. Lead the way, Your Grace." The man boomed, his usual self once more.

They left the solar once he had gathered all the maps he needed. He ordered some of his guard to bring all his commanders towards the small hall. The Marbrands had two halls in their castle, a great one for feasts and guests and a smaller one for immediate family and allies. Their solar was too small for all his lords so they would have to gather there. He especially asked for the Smalljon, Torr and Dacey to accompany their kin, as they had commanded their own troops by now and their council would do fine. It also helped in keeping the Greatjon on his toes, although he seemed proud of his son's achievements.

After going towards the Maester's office to pick up today's letters. The man gave him three letters, two came from Winterfell and one from Riverrun. One had the signal he and Alys had pre-arranged to mean it was personal. The other would be state business. He put his wife's personal letter in his pocket and carried the others towards the meeting. He would open them with his nobles present to show them of his trust in them.

Soon they reached the hall and many of his men were already there. He knew some would have to come from the army encampment and so he talked with those already present until everyone had arrived.

He opened the maps of the Westerlands and spread them across the table. "I thank you for all coming so quickly, my lords. I have decided upon the next strategy and would like to share it with you. I would also appreciate any of your insights or improvements upon it but first we have some news from both our homefronts." He responded, as he presented both letters.

He opened the one from Winterfell first and was disappointed to see it only contained Maester Luwin's words and not his wife's delicate hand. After reading it through quickly, he smiled. "Lord Galbart," he addressed his faithful vassal, "it seems your keep has finally been freed from the ironborn. Your family is all fine. It is notable to mention that your keep stood standfast under multiple attacks." He praised the head of House Glover, as he handed him the letter. The man smiled at the praise and his family's health and quickly started reading the letter.

Not waiting on him, he addressed the rest of the room. "The Mountain Clans, together with some help of Hother Umber, circled around the ironborn and destroyed their ships and most of their supplies. In the meantime, killing the scum's entire rearguard. Asha Greyjoy and her force have packed up all they could carry and left quickly. She has fled into the Wolfswood with all her men.

"She did what now?" Owen Norrey exclaimed. "That's a death sentence right there. My mother comes from clan Woods, my uncles and cousins will bleed them dry until nothing is left."

"Aye, they will." Galbart said with a smile. "Although most of the Wolfwood clans' men have joined me in my march and are either below these walls or with my brother Robett at the Twins. Among them are many of your uncles and cousins. Still, some like your cousin Ned and men from other clans remain. Even if they are not numerous enough to ambush them themselver, they will be more than enough to guide your father's kin to the slaughter." The man looked finally happy again, now that he knew his brother's children and keep were safe. The knowledge that revenge for their suffering was imminent also helped, he imagined.

"So, that takes care of Balon's daughter and her thousand men then?" Maege Mormont asked.

"Aye, that seems to be the case. She can march south towards Moat Cailin which she will never reach. Lords Hornwood and Cerwyn, together with my family's men will stop them around Winterfell if they try. They most likely won't as they don't have enough supplies for the march. Her other chance is to move west in a circle towards the Stoney Shore and meet up with the remnants that attacked Torrhen's Square. They might be able to ferry some home to their despicable islands, but, even then, half her force would be left for us to destroy. My queen has already sent worth to Lord Ryswell and Teobalt Tallhart to scout out their ships position." He answered, looking at Roose Ryswell at the end.

"My father and brother will find the ships, Your Grace, of that I have no doubt." The man simply responded.

"Aye, I do too. Even if they don't it might not matter. Ser Rodrik and Lord Hornwood assure me that they will never leave the Wolfswood alive."

"They're right. None can move quicker through those woods than the clans. They use paths even I don't know the existence of." Lord Galbart smiled.

"That's settled then. After they destroy the force in the Wolfwood, the clans might join the march on Moat Cailin. Hopefully we can rid the North of those raiders once and for all." He shifted the conversation.

"I intend to send words to all the Houses between Winterfell and Moat Cailin to start preparing their troops to march. If they unite under the banner of Lords Cerwyn, Hornwood and Ser Rodrik they can march on the Moat from the North, while Robett Glover comes from the south. Together with some help from the Reeds and Dustins, we can maybe surprise attack their ships on the Saltspear. When they are stuck, we siege the ironborn out from both sides until they surrender." He explained the plan he and Jon had constructed over the last week.

"Couldn't they just march on the northern force in strength and defeat it while a token force holds the causeway?" Robin Flint asked him.

"Aye, they could … if we didn't give the northern force to retreat and come back every time they try. At the same time with help from House Reed we could try to take Moat Cailin. If we succeed, we catch the ironborn force out in the open without supplies. If we fail, we continue sieging them out without engaging.

"It will be bloody. They will not surrender easily. Even caught out in the open they will still charge one army or the other. I realize the other army can surround them then but many of our men will still die in the fight." Lord Flint warned and rightfully so.

"Aye, but it's the best we can do right now." Jon replied. Now Lord Flint nodded sadly, as did most of the other lords present."

"Then that's agreed, the ravens will leave on the morrow." He finalized.

"Another letter has arrived, this one from Riverrun." He continued and he saw Ser Brynden, Ser Lucas and Lord Deddings perk up, Black Walder and his father doing the same.

He opened the letter and read through it. He couldn't believe his eyes. This changed everything.

To King Robb

News has come from King's Landing. Stannis Baratheon has attacked the city and seems to have almost succeeded in taking it. Tywin Lannister seems to have showed up together with seventy thousand Tyrells. A long and fierce battle seems to have erupted which ended in the death of Lord Stannis and his cause.

If I know more, I will send it to you immediately.

Your uncle,

Ser Edmure Tully, the heir to Riverrun

He read the note again and again until he finally looked up at his awaiting vassals. Not knowing what to say, he just read the letter aloud. Immediately the hall erupted with all men shouting their opinions.

He had to think. He had planned to march on Lannisport. This Ser Damion Lannister seemed capable but slow and his green troops were outnumbered by his veteran men. If he could swiftly ride for the city, he could catch them off guard and destroy them beneath the walls. This would have given him the opportunity to assault the city, maybe it would even surrender after the defeat. Now this was all in jeopardy.

He looked upon the big map of the Westerlands and noticed Old Oak and Red Lake, among other keeps, directly south of its border. If the Tyrells and Lannisters had allied, an army could already be moving north into the west. If they managed to gather and organize the scattered remnants, he would be horribly outnumbered and could be pinned in the west.

The worst thing was that he had no way of checking this. He could not scout anything south of Lannisport because of the army that was in the way. They needed to get out of here or risk all their loot and prisoners, as well as his army. The same that could happen from the south could also happen to the east. If Lord Tywin managed to beat his uncle or Lord Rickard, they could march into the Westerlands and pin him without a way to escape.

He couldn't leave without another trophy though. His men were ready and expected another victory. He needed to do something but Lannisport and through it most of the Westerlands was out of the question. He could march on the Banefort or Kayce and Feastfires but he risked being pinned between them and a Lannister and Tyrell force from the south.

As his lords kept shouting at each other, he saw he had only one option. A victory that would cement his campaign in the west as a major victory, as well as give him a means to get all of his soldiers, prisoners and loot safely towards Riverrun.

He looked up and only now realized how badly chaos had erupted in the room. Ser Ryman Frey even suggesting that they needed to negotiate with the Lannisters now. A thing which no other lord took kindly.

Ser Brynden, Jon and Harry looked at him stoically, expecting him to put an end to this. He would do just so. "My lords", he said loudly, but his voice was drowned out in all of the shouting. Sighing, he signed the Smalljon. His friend quickly understood his task and bellowed like only an Umber could. "Attention for His Grace!".

The noise quickly calmed down, while the Greatjon grinned at his son's antics. His friend seemed to wink back at his father. Umbers … a different breed entirely.

He took a deep breath and started talking. "As some of you might already have realized, an alliance between the Tyrells and Lannisters could mean that we get trapped here in the west with all our gains. I had prepared an elaborate plan to defeat the Lannisters outside of Lannisport and take the city but that is all for naught now. Reach forces could already be marching to reinforce the Lannisters there and that is not a position I would like to be in."

Some of his lords nodded at that, as they looked at his movements across the map. He was enforcing his words with the movements of the pieces of the armies, making it easier for them to follow.

"If we move towards Kayce and Feastfires or even the Banefort we could get pinned between Reach forces and a reorganized Lannister force and the keep. That would mean disaster for us. So that plan is entirely of the table as well." He explained, as he showed how they could trap them.

"That leaves only one viable option. We take the Golden Tooth. From there we can easily retreat back towards Riverrun. It would also give us an easy way to transport all our loot to the Riverlands. Maybe even more importantly, if we take the Golden Tooth, we deny the Lannisters the possibility to easily march in the Westerlands and take back their lands. They would have to march around, leaving King's Landing more vulnerable. We could also use it as a base from which to stage a new campaign, if need be." He stated, more and more confident of the plan as he thought about it aloud.

Most lords seemed to agree, glad for a sense of direction and a common purpose. Still some hesitated. "What if we get pinned between the Golden Tooth and the enemy army?" Domeric asked.

"We would know it long before hand, as they would march true the lands we have already conquered. This gives us ample time to either prepare for battle or more likely retreat the same way we came from." He replied.

"That would mean we would have to leave most of our loot." Wendel Manderly replied evenly. Many lords started grumbling at that, chief among them the Freys and Umbers.

"Aye, it would." He replied honestly.

The grumblings of the Freys and Umbers grew louder at that, with others like Dacey or Lord Flint joining in.

"I don't think it has to come to that." Lord Deddings jumped in on the conversation. "Not if we siege the Golden Tooth from both sides." He stated as he moved towards the map. "We could send word to the Pipers and Vances to gather their hosts and attack the keep from the east. Both houses were harmed by the Lannister force that included the Lefforts, they will be jumping at the opportunity for revenge on their hostile neighbor."

Now most lords perked up and he must admit, the addition showed value. "Aye, that would work." The Greatjon almost voiced his own thoughts.

He nodded, "Everyone in agreement? If we take the Golden Tooth from both sides, it will both be quicker and easier."

Moest agreed, but the Blackfish still delayed. "When I scouted out their lands, I noticed how the Lefforts were always quick to send forces after me to push me from the lands. Could we not use this to our advantage?" He asked, deep in thought. "If we send a raiding force of some two or three hundred men in their lands to get them to give chase, we could trap them like we did the Kingslayer in the Whispering Wood."

"Would they really fall for that?" Harrion asked.

"Yes, … I think so. Their commander Ser Humfrey lefford, a distant cousin of the late Lord Leo, seems overly eager to give chase. If we make the force small enough that he outnumbers it but big enough so that it's a threat to their villages, we could trap a lot of the forces outside. I only sported one hundred scouts and outriders and he chased me with over four times that number. If we send three or even four hundred raiders, he might give chase with close to a thousand men." His uncle explained.

"That's almost the entire force stationed there." Jon pointed out.

"It is." The Blackfish agreed.

Their prisoners from Oxford had told them that Ser Forley Prester, the survivor of the battle of Riverrun, had joined Ser Stafford with seven hundred veteran troops before Oxcross happened. They had apparently been the backbone of Ser Stafford's attempt to retreat while Ser Forley had been captured in the original battle. This meant that only some eight hundred men from Ser Jaime's force remained and they were stationed at the Golden Tooth. If you added the Leffort's personal retainers and hastily gathered extra levy the force there probably counted some twelve hundred men left, as they had discussed before.

"That would make capturing the castle a lot easier." The Greatjon said in thought, before smiling. "I like it, nothing comes close to slaughtering Lannisters in ambushes, except maybe doing the same to Greyjoys. Alas only my uncle Hother is the only Umber that can do that at the moment, but I'll gladly take Lannisters for now."

He looked around and saw that everyone agreed. "The plan has merit. Even if it fails, we can still storm the castle the obvious way. I propose you lead the raiding force yourself uncle, as no one can bait Lannister like you can." He responded with a smile. Most of lords laughed at that, as they all thought about the surprise of the Lannister force at the Whispering Wood.

"The army is ready, so I suggest you depart two days from now after we settle on a suitable position for the ambush. Then our army will be ready there seven days from now." At this his uncle nodded in agreement.

After all the men in attendance had agreed, they started trickling out. A lot of work had to be done as they would leave with the army in three days.

"Dom, would you stay with me for a moment?" He asked his friend, as he was one of the latter men to leave the room.

The Bolton heir nodded and walked over. Once they were alone, he asked. "What do you know of the current situation at the Dreadfort? Your father has written be a long while back that he was solving the situation there, but I heard nothing more. Nor does its new castellan respond to my queen's letters. No more attacks have happened, but if your bastard brother still remains in control of the Bolton lands … and troops that can not stand. He has attacked the Hornwood lands and even tried to assault a force that carried my own banners. I hope you can understand that that can't be allowed to pass?"

His friend sighed and looked angry. "I know, I never even met that … brother of mine. I had once thought of visiting him, after I heard of his existence but then he pulled that stunt a few years ago and father send me towards Barrowton. After that I wanted nothing to do with him anymore and I thought he had fled, my father told me so. Apparently, he lied. It seems he made him castellan of the Dreadfort after I left to take control of the Dustin forces."

"You don't defend your father?" He asked.

"No. How could I? He arranges a betrothal between me and the fattest granddaughter of Walder Frey without consulting me. I honestly think that he would have married me already if I weren't here with you. A Frey, really? An unimportant Frey from some future side branch at that, for what a pot of silver? House Bolton needs to cement itself in the North like it did with my father's marriage to my mother, not some fat Southron flower." His friend ranted.

"Then it seems he has made that bastard castellan without even telling me. To make matters worse he protects him even after he commits treason. If that wasn't enough, my aunt tells me she heard whispers that he is styling himself as Ramsay Bolton, not Snow as he should. If that isn't a direct attack on me and my birthright, I don't know what is. Still my father ignores my concerns and tells me not to worry but I don't believe any of it anymore. He should have sent his bastard to the Wall a long time ago, if not then he should do it now."

It surprised him to hear his friend talk like that. He was talking about his father, but he supposed they had never been close. Dom had lived at the Redfort or Barrowton for over half his life. It did prove to him how Dom was different from his father and the Red Kings from the past. He was capable, honorable unless the situation demanded otherwise, an excellent cavalry commander but most of all he was loyal. He was proud to call the Bolton heir his friend.

"Listen Dom, I don't blame you for this. You have proven yourself honorable time and time again and I will not forget it. I just want to make sure the Bolton lands will remain peaceful for now. If nothing more happens, we can march North together after the war and I will send the bastard to the Wall myself. Your father wouldn't dare to deny me if I am at his door with my men, least of all if you and your aunt join me. You will inherit the Dreadfort, one way of the other. It will do our families some good to finally have a Bolton and a Stark that can call themselves friends. Maybe those that come after us can finally leave history behind them. House Bolton can take its place as one of House Starks strongest and most honored houses then." He told his friend.

"You really mean that? Even with history as it is?" Dom asked in shock.

"Yes, why not? The Umbers were once kings of their own. It took many wars and conflicts until they bowed to the old Kings of Winter. Look at them now? They are strong, respected and valued highly. Many Starks and Umbers have married over the years and the Greatjon is basically guaranteed command here in the west. House Bolton is even stronger than House Umber, it would only make sense if you had the same. Yet, no marriages were ever recorded nor did your father propose one for you, it was your aunt." He explained, the position of the Boltons always having bothered them. They should've been reduced to loyal vassals or been destroyed. This thing somewhere in between that they had been doing for centuries was not beneficial at all.

"She did what?" The Bolton heir asked in complete shock.

"You didn't know? Lady Barbrey asked for a betrothal between you and Sansa on the Kingsroad, even after she had been betrothed to Joffrey. My father couldn't accept of course, but she still tried. Your father never asked anything, nor did he even inquire. The whole North inquired after me or Sansa, so that is curious on its own." He told his friend. Sadly, remembering all the letters his father had written him.

"No, I didn't. A Stark bride would be the best possible marriage I could ever make. For aunt Barbrey to try to achieve that for me, even with her … history with your house means a lot. Why did my father settle for a third tier Frey? We don't need the silver as much as most other Northern houses, truth be told. I just don't understand it."

"Nor I, I am afraid, but he has the right to do it. Although I promise you that if she is anything like Black Walder, I will find a way to get you out of your betrothal." He said honestly. That man made him shiver and the rumors told about him were … less than tasteful. He knew Domeric also disliked the man and maybe his resentment of the house was because of that.

"You mean that?" Domeric asked in thought.

"Aye, I do. I would never let one of my friends marry a person like that. Besides I don't think a female Black Walder will bring me the peace I want in the Bolton lands. She'd probably hang your smallfolk for sport."

This finally managed to crack a little smile from the Bolton heir. "How long would it take her to try her shot at flaying, do you think?"

He looked at Dom and responded as seriously as he could without laughing. "Three months, at most."

They looked at each other then and held each other's gaze before both started laughing. "Although it would mean that you had to arrest her. So, I'd be free of her then at least." His friend joked, before turning serious. "Still, I'd be stuck with my father in the Dreadfort then. Who knows who he finds for me from there. I'd half expect him to remarry me to a wildling for a pot of bronze by then." His friend scoffed.

"You know, Dom. If you're not happy there I could always give you a role in the running of the kingdom at Winterfell. I will need a council of some sorts after the war. You'd be more than capable to serve on it in some way or form. It would get you from under your father's wing and he couldn't deny it to you as it would be a great honor to House Bolton."

Now his friend looked completely flabbergasted. "R-really?" Was all he managed to get out.

"Yes, of course. Not alone of course and I can't promise you some big position yet, but even an advisory role would be seen as a big honor. It would force you to stay at Winterfell for most of the year. Or I could send you all over the kingdom if you like. It would take you away from that future Frey wife of yours." He shrugged. Domeric was capable and loyal and he needed men like that. Besides the man was almost in love with his horse. Sending him out on the road wasn't that bad of an idea, even if it only came to him now.

Still, only shock was seen in the pale eyes opposite of him. After a while, he took control of himself once more. "Deal!" He said strongly as he put his arm forward. He gladly clasped it and responded. "Deal."

He didn't want to know what his foster-father would say, him befriending a Bolton and all, but he felt like it was the right choice to make. Domeric bowed low and left the room and he pondered on the conversation some more. It were strange times indeed, but maybe he could help work on a better future.

This is it for this chapter!

More POV's than usual but the first part was too small to make it its own chapter.

We see the Starks (and Cassels) interact with Eddara.

The Greatjon gets what he had coming, but Robb manages to get him to heel.

The ironborn are steadily losing ground and Deepwood Motte is saved. Plans are made to start moving on Moat Cailin soon. They will not storm the fortress. It being manned by thousands of ironborn makes that clear suicide.

The news of the battle of the Blackwater arrives and the snowball is picking up pace. Stannis dies in the battle, why will be explained next chapter. I feel some suspense is allowed here. Besides, there is no way for Robb to be able to get this information now.

At last, Robb and Domeric Bolton have a very interesting conversation and the latter is not happy with his father.

Thank you very much for the continued support.

Fannic.

Reviews:

- Kingmaneana: Thank you! Here you hear from both the Greyjoys and the Lannisters, hope you like it.

- Force Smuggler: Robb will like that! ;-)

- Fahri Uchiha: Yes they are, or at least the northern part is. The wealth taken will be divided among the Riverlands and North after the war, or that's Robb's plan if he manages to win anyway. Yes, Winterfell is safe and booming now.

- Kuman: Thank you! Even if he becomes a warg, it will be restraint to very strong control over Ghost which has a lot of benefits on its own. The Starks strong enough to warg other animals than direwolves in my opinion are Bran and maybe Arya or Rickon. Besides if Jon is strong enough he simply doesn't have the time for it or teacher to learn it from. However, both his and Robb's control over their direwolves will massively increase still. They already suspect their abilities. Some magic will definitely happen in this fic but not insane amounts that blow up the whole game.

Robb does not have an extra hour a day for that. He is going to attack the Golden Tooth. Still, they make progress slowly. I'll be sure to show it off more in the future.

Yes, the Starks are all happy with their new pup. More direwolves is interesting but only possible through more direwolves coming south or through incest between the pack which is just weird and unnatural.

- Osterreicher97: Thank you! I thought so too.

- George Christian810: I will communicate the decision soon.

This already happened in a less organized fashion. Through the raid of Roose Ryswell, Harrion Karstark and Domeric Bolton a wave of refugees is already coming for Kayce/Feastfires I imagine, if it isn't already there. The same will now happen from smallfolk from around Stackspear and Sarsfield. The Golden Tooth has probably been swarmed as well. They don't need to destroy hundreds of villages for that. Just by taking away their food and having some acts (like the Smalljon/Dacey operation, the burning of Sarsfield or Greatjon's destruction) happen smallfolk will freak out. Doing this intentionally however on a large scale seems like to ruthless for even Robb right now ...

- Freakdogsflare: Don't we all? I won't spoil this.

Yes for now. However, I don't think its Robb's goal to keep them together. He would much rather see him die and the Lannisters scatter in disarray.

- Greatazuredragon: It will! The ironborn invasion is already imploding ... Thank you for your support!

- Beskar Alor'ad: Thank you so much! Yes, war is devastating. Even in the books it is mentioned by smallfolk that places are raided by "both wolves and lions". Soldiers want to loot and pillage. Only strong generals that actually care can withold them from doing the worst. Robb does so most of the time, but he can't be everywhere at once. He also sees the benefit of doing terrible things from time to time.

- Outcast's Redeemer: Thank you and welcome! Jon's marriage is a thing for the far future, although I already am considering candidates.

- Wolflord456: Thank you! Yes, you are right he did. Oberyn also came North, so perhaps he could take Edric under his wing if that still happens. Thank you for pointing that out, I almost forgot it would have an effect on Lord Dayne.

Your second question is answered in this chapter! :-)

- Guest: Wow to your dedication!