Leaving Smalljon behind was harder than Sansa expected. They'd been side by side for most of the last seven weeks, ever since her nameday. The first kindlings of affection had steadily built into a cautious romance. It may not have been dressed in courtly finery or poetic overture but Alys and Eddara were convinced that Smalljon was truly besotted. They'd exchanged small gifts and gestures: Sansa's collection of songs and poems had been shared with most of the Umber family, and even if Smalljon was no artisan, he took her riding and brought fine hides and furs from the hunt. Arya had joked in her letters that despite Sansa's disappointment at a Northern match all those years ago, fate had thrown her into a marriage out of song.

Sansa replied that her relationship with Smalljon wasn't all a fairytale. Her betrothed's head was harder than a bull's. If he thought someone had insulted him, nothing could dissuade him from demanding "due justice." When he was a stripling, more than one visitor to Last Hearth had beaten Smalljon bloody in the yard over such demands. Once he hit his growth spurt, the beatings started going the other way. Similarly, if they disagreed on some matter, Smalljon demanded to be proven wrong before he considered compromising. Even Greatjon had difficulty bending his son's ear.

Nevertheless, Sansa did her best to hide a few stray tears when Smalljon tied two amols around her neck on her last day in Last Hearth. He was no man of great words, but all Umbers felt very strongly that partings should be taken seriously. More than one kinsman had left the castle only to die in a Wildling raid. Alys had left for Karhold with Dacey already, leaving her alone except for her guards and attendants. Smalljon kissed her cheeks, she kissed his brow, Shepherd Yarrick gave a blessing and Sansa was on her way.

The celebration had been exhausting but most of the guests had taken the time to complement the festivities. Mari assured her more than one House had found new friendships and tentative allies that distance and weather typically stymied. Dacey was confident that before the year was out a handful of marriages would be announced, all thanks to Sansa's idea. Hopefully, more events like it could bring the next generation of Lords and Ladies to support Robb like the older nobles did her father.

Speaking of her brother. She returned to Winterfell during a rainstorm and Robb welcomed her home with warm tea and an entire platter of lemon cakes. He'd done well managing Winterfell on his own, though she could tell he'd been lonely.

That evening, she sat with Robb in Father's solar and explained the truth Jon had learned on Skagos, as well as his new destination. Robb nearly leapt to his feet, the wish to follow their brother on the tip of his tongue. Common sense prevailed and instead Robb resolved to look back through the Stark Histories for more information on this mercurial threat. Maester Luwin was confident that their winter calculations were reaching a final stage. Hopefully, they would have a tentative prediction once Father returned. With all the excitement over, they settled back into their routine.

Peace only lasted until a letter arrived by raven from White Harbor with shocking news from Lord Manderly: King Robert was dead. No sooner than Robb had begun drafting an urgent message to their father another letter followed, from the man in question. It described the sad extent of King Robert's injury on a hunt and a private fear that His Grace was not long for this world.

The birds were delayed and often messages sent days or weeks apart from each other arrived simultaneously. Ravens' wings flapped in a desperate cycle, arriving and departing every day. With letters and missives flying back and forth so frequently, Maester Luwin requisitioned two of the household servants solely to keep the birds well fed and rested.

No sooner than they'd grappled with the sudden death of the King then Stannis Baratheon's declaration arrived. Lord Baratheon claimed the Iron Throne for himself as Robert's heir, declaring Prince Joffrey, Prince Tommen and Princess Myrcella, bastards of incest. Not to be outdone, Joffrey Baratheon penned his own announcement, labelling not just his uncles Stannis and Renly as criminals, but their father as well!

"King" Joffrey accused Stannis, Renly, Eddard and the late Jon Arryn (what a shock it was to find out that the Lord of the Vale had also perished) of scheming to usurp his birthright. In a royal order, Robb was told to present himself in King's Landing to swear allegiance in place of "their traitorous patriarch."

Robb and Sansa had no clue as to their father's whereabouts and none of their letters to Riverrrun were returned. The latter mystery was answered by an urgent word from Seagard. Lord Jason Mallister alerted them that the Lannisters had marched out of Golden Tooth and laid siege to Riverrun.

Such an insult demanded an answer. Sansa was to remain behind and rule as the Stark in Winterfell while Robb called the banners to assemble at Moat Cailin. Robb knew that time was of the essence and every account he found in the Stark Histories about mustering included some complaint about how marshalling the Lords to Winterfell involved entirely too much annoyances. When King Torrhen set out for The Trident to treat with The Conqueror, he ordered his vassals to meet him in the Neck. The most southern Houses could take more time to properly equip themselves, and the most far flung vassals would be too harried to make trouble upon their arrival.

The stressed Starks were given a modicum of relief when just as the armies of the North began to move, a message came under the Tyrell seal, in Ned's own hand:

My dearest children, I pray to the Gods that you are in good health. War is in the air and I fear the winds will bring nothing but woe with every new sunrise. I'm unsure when my words will reach you but I shall do my best to explain all that has happened…

Ned wrote about his flight from King's Landing with Renly and the devastating circumstances of Jon Arryn and Robin Arryn's death. Their father was the "honoured guest" of the newly crowned King in the Reach, and would accompany him on the march to King's Landing. They also learned that Lord Yohn Royce had been elected Lord Paramount in absentia. Supposedly the hosts of the Vale were heading to King's Landing to find an answer for their liege lord's death; though no one was sure if King Joffrey or the Queen Mother were in a position to appease them. Rumors had already reached White Harbor that the Lannisters had sent the Mountain to kill both the infirm Jon Arryn and strangle the Young Falcon in his sick bed.

I have only just learned of the Lannister invasion of the Riverlands. Though the term invasion may be ill-suited. According to the Tyrells, Jamie Lannister departed King's Landing shortly after my escape and rode hard with a host of Redcloaks. He broke off from the Gold Road then defeated two small hosts of rivermen near Pink Maiden and Acorn Hall. The Kingslayer joined with Lord Tywin's army and together they laid siege to your grandfather's hall. The rest of the Riverlands have been left mostly untouched, though a party of House Piper was taken prisoner when they approached the Lannister camp. I'm convinced that the Old Lion means to capture your mother, Arya, Bran, Rickon and the Tullys. He could force the North and the Riverlands to sue for peace, leaving them free to confront Renly and Stannis.

It is my shame to admit I can do nothing. Our force is under strict guard and King Renly is adamant that we Lords stay close at hand.

I must place faith in you, my children.

Robb, you must call the banners. The Lords of the Riverland are hesitant to enter into this conflict, especially against the Lannisters and King Joffrey, even if the Tullys are in danger. In this instance, your mother's blood will be nothing but a boon. Drag the loyalists along with you and make for Riverrun. You MUST break the siege and rescue your mother. I know you will make me proud. Know that this retaliation will likely lead to open war with the Westerlands. I do not order this lightly.

Sansa, Winterfell will be in your hands. Not only the castle, but the morale of the people left behind. Uncertainty in the field ripples back to home surprisingly quickly. Even under the best of circumstances, men of the North will die, and it will be up to you to keep the peace.

Jon, I know you will support your brother and sister in this, but now is the time to begin accepting the responsibility of your future title. Robb will need all his focus for the forseeable future. You will be his eyes and ears when he is otherwise occupied. Much the same as I was for Robert during the Rebellion.

I shall pray everyday for you all, as I know you will pray for me. Be safe.

Your Father, Lord Eddard Stark

Sansa's heart cried out to know that Jon was too far away to reach. They could not afford to waste men and horses gallivanting off into the Gift. Unfortunately, he was on his own.

/

The walls of Moat Cailin once again witnessed a Northman's warpath.

The official letter from Lord Stark assuaged many of the Northern Lords' anxieties. The branding of their Warden as a traitor was a disturbing echo of a similar royal decree made many years ago. King Robert's death, Stannis' accusations, the Vale's uncertain emergence into the war; things were moving at a pace, Robb and Sansa would not have their kingdom left behind.

It was fortunate that with their father's excursion to King's Landing and the aftermath of the Battle on the Stones, very few Houses were eager to sit out yet another chance at glory. Robb's final count was 26,000 soldiers at the ready, composed of heavy cavalry and a strong core of foot and pike. He'd been reassured by his advisors that Riverrun could hold out under siege for weeks, giving him time to muster a strong force.

Grey Wind prowled in front of Robb as he made his way through their camp. The main hall of the Gatehouse Tower was filled to brim. Robb stood in the doorway, at his flanks were his future good-brothers, Harrion and Smalljon. Robb noted the Greatjon arguing with Lord Hornwood, saw Maege Mormont laughing beside Lord Glover while Lord Ryswell spoke intently with The Nott and The Liddle. Lord Karstark was mired in his own personal circle which contained most of the Bolton vassals who had marched uneasily with their Lord absent. The Manderlys were in full force, their livery standing in stark contrast to the muted tones of Lord Reed and his lieutenants.

The last group was more conspicuous. A gaggle of men and women huddled by the hearth, decked in green robes with white masks. The Shepherds had been sent from Skagos and he knew many of the Lords had brought their own. Robb wondered how much say they would want in the council meeting. According to his father, no Shepherds had made themselves known in his own war sessions.

"Lords of the North!" Harrion called out.

The men and women continued to rouse and rabble.

Robb was about to call a howl out of Grey Wind when Smalljon bellowed: "QUIET DOWN!"

It took a moment for Robb's hearing to return.

"Be seated," Robb commanded.

The large table had been cobbled together and it was just large enough to squeeze everyone around it, with plenty more standing in the wings.

"You have answered the call of House Stark, for that I thank you. I shall be clear and straightforward. I plan to march through the Moat in three days. Lord Reed's guides will speed us through the Neck to the Twins. Once we've crossed, Lord Mallister and a number of River Lords are waiting to join us near Seagard," Robb laid out his plan. He picked up a long stick near his chair at the head of the table and used it to point on the large map laid across its surface. "We'll then follow the coast south to Pendric Hills, past Raventree Hall and make straight for Riverrun."

"Will the Lannisters not try and stop us?" Lord Manderly asked.

Lord Karstark stood, "We can expect some force to be sent to slow us down, but by all accounts the Lannisters have not fully committed to a campaign in the Riverlands. The Old Lion still has to worry about Renly Baratheon marching on King's Landing."

Lord Flint of Widow's Watch spoke next, "I want to know why we're not gathering our full strength to crush the lions!"

That earned some rumbling from the room.

Robb raised his hand, "On the advice of Lord Stark, I have ensured enough fighting men are left behind to properly defend the North. With Lord Royce leading the Vale, I have decided that we need not overcommit."

"What shall we do once we break the siege?" A Lord yelled out.

"Take the Rock!"

"March on King's Landing!"

Everyone in attendance suddenly needed to contribute.

"Are we declaring for King Renly?" someone shouted.

Robb wanted to cut that argument short: "Until my family is safe from the Lannisters, that will remain undecided. For all we know the kingship may be decided within the next few weeks. I personally hope that Lord Stannis and Lord Renly can come to an amicable resolution."

There, that should be political enough to keep the gossip at a minimum. Robb could nearly feel the wrinkles forming as the men went around and around in circles over the same subjects. He brought the council to a close after hearing the arguments for the marching order. Overall, his men were enthusiastic about the coming battle, Robb hoped their good cheer endured the long journey ahead.

"Harrion," Robb motioned the Karstark over to him, "go speak with the Shepherds, ask them if they have anything to share. I don't want any surprises before we depart."

None of the green-cloaked attendants spoke up during the meeting, not even to voice their own opinions. They had watched and listened, nothing more. Robb busied himself seeing a handful of Lords stop for a quick word with him before leaving.

Harrion returned wearing a puzzled frown.

"A Shepherd by the name of Lady Tilla said they have no official opinion on the council matters," Harrion told him. "Unofficially, she wished to inform you that the ears and eyes of the Great Shepherd will travel with you."

A loaded statement. Robb cursed under his breath. Old Gods save him from cryptic mystics. Jon had complained enough about the Shepherds' habit of keeping information close to the breast. Robb could only assume that Shepherds would be spread throughout his ranks, likely serving as footmen or even cavalry if they were wealthy enough. For all he knew, they were attendants and stablehands. It could be a good thing, Robb conceded, to have extra insight into his own force; if the Shepherds would deign to share their knowledge with him. Lady Tilla did emphasize it was The Great Shepherd whose influence was being spent.

Those worries were set aside, the campaign required his full attention and Robb couldn't afford to be distracted. The Moat had been well fortified by Lord Reed using the extra materials from the canal projects and he had agreed to partner with a selection of minor Houses to garrison the fortress against the south. If matters turned against them the army would need a safe place to retreat.

As he promised, three days later Robb raised Ice at the end one last valourous speech to the roaring of the northern army. He became the third Stark since the Dance of Dragons, to march to war in the Riverlands. Somewhat amusingly, before the Conquest it was a common sight for the Direwolf to come south in arms, especially during the cold leadup to winter. When supplies ran low, Robb's ancestors were not above raiding their Andal neighbours. Many Princes of Winterfell had gone south with their fathers, to come back bloodied and alone. Robb could only hope he would not return as the new Lord of Winterfell.

/

The Crossing was closed to them, as Robb suspected. The Twins blocked the road to his family's salvation. House Frey had not been totally idle during the chaos sweeping the countryside. Across the river a sizable camp hosted part of their army.

News on the road was sparse but Robb was able to find out that Renly had finally left Highgarden, though his pace was slow. Stannis had purportedly sailed from Dragonstone, though no one could confirm his destination. The Lannisters were rumored to be massing the rest of their armies in the Westerlands which was the reason so many River Lords had pulled back their forces, in anticipation of a full-scale invasion. That left Riverrun isolated, and the northern host, its best chance at rescue.

Robb was greeted outside the gates of the eastern castle by Ser Stevron Frey. The heir to The Twins was reasonable enough, despite his weasel-like appearance, though it was obvious to Robb the man was tired. Still being heir to your family's holdings at the age of sixty would strain anyone. Regardless of Stevron's hospitality, it still took two days of bickering through messengers to arrange a meeting with the Late Lord Frey.

The decrepit old lord's hall was cloyingly packed, with more tables than a tavern. Frey cousins and children bookended each and every place to sit. The Lord of the Crossing himself was scrawny, bird-like, with enough sagging skin to stitch a bag out of. Walder Frey's sharp tongue lashed fast and often, as if the old man's lungs were a hundred years younger.

He demanded much of Robb. At first, Robb offered wealth in the form of an exclusive trade deal for northern goods, but Lord Frey was unsatisfied. Robb's next offers were similarly based around payments, though the regular toll the Freys demanded for the army was unpayable. Lord Walder attempted to bargain for Robb to marry one of his dozen granddaughters instead. Lord Karstark nearly burst a blood vessel before Robb made it clear he was spoken for. They remained locked in a stalemate for another day and a half. Nothing would satisfy Lord Frey, and Robb refused to step on his grandfather's toes by making promises that only a Tully could keep.

Finally, in frustration and desperation, Robb offered a betrothal between his brother, Bran, and a Frey girl of similar age. He emphasized that as the heir, the betrothal could be drafted, but not finalized until Lord Stark agreed. Lord Frey seemed disappointed at the measly concession. Mind you, it didn't prevent him from also wrangling a new trade deal out of the proceedings. Robb began to suspect that Lord Frey's brood were getting nervous about the thousands of northmen sitting outside their walls.

Robb led his men across the bridge nearly a week after arriving, he was already mentally apologizing to his younger brother for using him like a bargain chip. As he got his first sight of Seagard, relievingly surrounded by a sizable force under the Mallister banner, an urgent message arrived from Darry.

The King of Highgarden was apparently headed to Storm's End and the Lords of the Vale were past the Bloody Gate and on the King's Road. Just as importantly, Lord Royce had publicly announced his support for King Stannis Baratheon.

As matters now stood, King Renly commanded the allegiance of Highgarden and nominally the Stormlands, King Joffrey had only the Crownlands and Westerlands, while Stannis had the Narrow Sea, Vale and potentially the North and the Riverlands. The road to King's Landing was open and Joffrey Baratheon was soon to be surrounded.

The bards were already calling it The War of the Three Kings, some called it the War of the Stags. No matter the name, the fate of the Iron Throne was soon to be decided.

/

A/N: We are now back in the south! Robb had made his march but with the Vale not in isolation things have shifted dramatically. Unlike in canon, the King's Road is not easily locked down early in the war as the Crownlands have been forced to turtle because of threats from both the south, west and now north.

Without the desperate need to get through the Crossing, Robb can take more time negotiating. While Walder Frey is a greedy bastard, he is very careful about who he pisses off. Robb is not the Lord of Winterfell, just the heir and his word is not final. Additionally, without Tyrion's capture setting off a war, Tywin does not have time to launch a full campaign into the Riverlands and is trying to get it done quick and dirty. Will it work out? Maybe?

Ned is with Renly heading to Storm's End, so we've got a bit of brotherly love in store for us next time.

Comments are always appreciated, let me know what you think of the chapter!