NOTE:... Hi?
I'm so so SO sorry about the delay! I know it's being a very VERY long time and I know you must all hate me by now! Hell, you'll probably hate me even more by the end of this chapter!
But something horrible happened to me guys! My computer broke! It crashed down! Just like that! And as I am a very smart person I didn't save any of my works on any flash drive or something like that. So I lost everything! All the preparations I had for every story I wrote this past year! Including this chapter! I was so angry I can't even start to tell you how angry I was! At myself mostly, but damn!
So to be quick, I had to write back everything, the plans for the end of this story, the ones for the other books that'll follow -to be frank, I barely started this part...- and of course, this chapter...I wasn't really satisfied with it the first time I wrote it, and I still don't like this new version. I am far more interested int he next one xD. But I had to write this. I couldn't just skip it and be done with it...
So, for those who guessed what is about to happen, Just wait a couple of more weeks ^^' I tried to write as quickly as I could, but I still need to edit it and erase as many mistakes as possible ^^'
Anyway, I'm very sorry again to keep you waiting all this time. I'll try not to do that again promise!
Now let's get going with the reviews! Thank you all for your support and all the lovely things you had to say about my work! I really appreciate it!
To be more precise:
M: Thank you so much! I'm glad you liked the three sisters ^^ I love those girls! I hope this chapter will please you as much!
Guest: Oh mon dieu! Du français! Yay! Je suis très contents de voir une compatriote lire mes betises ^^ J'espère que ça te plait toujours autant! Je suis ravie de voir que toute cette histoire te fais réagir ^^ J'essaie de rester la plus fidèle possible aux personnages de base, mais j'ai toujours peur d'en faire trop ou pas assez! Je pense aussi que Tyrion aimerais beaucoup discuter avec Kyria ^^ Après reste a voir si je vais les laisser avoir ces conversations (niark)
Ton commentaire m'a fait très plaisir ^^ Merci beaucoup! Pour ce qui est du reste, eh ben je ne vais pas en dire plus ^^ Même si je te répond en français, certains lecteurs peuvent toujours comprendre ^^ Ce serait méchant de spoiler l'histoire! Allez, bonne lecture!
Shade: Thank you so much ^^ I'm glad you think Kyria is doing good by keeping her sisters close to her. As for Tyrion, you're not the only one mentioning him. And, well, let's say things might be interesting ;) Maybe!
I hope this chapter will please you!
Chapter 18: Something about the North's good memory...
Year 298 after the Conquest, Ninth Month.
Winterfell
Robb
Robb Stark was exhausted.
It would do him no good to deny it. He would gladly shout it loud and clear to anyone who dared ask him how he felt.
Exhausted.
To think there was one time, an eternity ago when he yearned for the time when he would finally take his father's place as the Lord of Winterfell Warden of the North. What a fool.
There was no glory in the position. No satisfaction either. Father once told them that being the Warden of the North was like being a Father for hundred and hundreds of people. He could never go to bed peacefully. He had to worry about every single one of them. All the time.
He used to find the idea silly. Well, now he wished he had paid more attention to his father's many lessons.
How could anyone find any kind of joy in such a tireless thankless job? Gods he could not wait for Father to finally come home.
Since he had left, with Sansa and Kyria and Arya, things had been from bad to worse and worse with glimpsed of good sprinkled here and there. Like tasty little fruits on top of a very ugly and disgusting cake.
Someone tried to kill Bran, bad. His mother thinks there is something else behind the boy's first accident. Bad. She decides to go investigate by herself. Or to go talk to Father he wasn't sure anymore. Bad. Bran woke up. Good. He won't ever be able to walk normally let alone run for the rest of his life. Bad. Tyrion Lannister shows up. Bad. He offers something to help Bran riding his horse. Good. Bran is attacked by Wildling in the Wolf woods right under his nose. Bad.
And it goes on and on and on. Every day was another succession of bad or worse. Sometimes good. Rarely good.
He could not wait for Father to finally come home. For the girls too. The news Kyria kept sending him was worrying him. She was not saying anything per se, but the tone of her letters… And with what happened to Lady. He did not want to know where those people were ready to go in the name of their twisted politics. The glimpse he had when they were here was enough to bother him greatly.
He could not help him. He did not like those people. Every single piece of him was screaming danger. Mistrust. Caution.
Maybe he was thinking too much. Too many things in his head?
He couldn't say. He was exhausted. He didn't want to think about all of this.
"You're quiet this morning little Lord." Rumbled Theon from the sit in front of him.
Robb shrugged; his mouth puffed with food. He wasn't really in a talking mood.
"What's the matter? Bored with your new responsibilities already?" continued the older man, his usual mocking smile on his face.
Robb's jaw twitched. Theon's smile grew. How did he do that? How could he always find the perfect way to push the right buttons to have the reaction he wanted from him? He was gifted with the art of annoying him to no end.
The worst part was that he loved him for it. Annoying squid.
"So, you are bored, aren't you?" he said. "Do not try to lie to me my friend I know that look."
"I'm not bored Theon."
"Oh, but you are Robb."
"Not at all."
"What, so now you don't want to talk with me anymore? What are you afraid of?"
"I am not afraid to talk to you."
"I certainly hope so!" he stopped for one second. Then started again, of course. "So what is it? If not bored."
"Nothing."
"No there's something. I know that face."
"I'm eating Theon. There is no face."
"And I am no Iron-born! Come one I see your face, Robb. You're grumpy."
"I have a lot of things in my mind."
"Oh pardon me, my Lord, how could I dare take so much of your precious time!"
Did he ever shut up?
"My Lord."
Thank the gods!
Saved by the Maester. Robb abruptly turned to oblige the old man.
"Maester Luwin, what is it?" he asked promptly.
The man looked pale. But then, maybe it was him? It was a bit early for a disaster.
Oh, who was he kidding...
"Ravens my Lord." He said. "From your sister."
"Ravens? What happened that could deserve more than one Raven?" asked Theon because of course, he was listening. Noisy man.
Maester Luwin didn't answer. He held the pieces of paper still rolled up with the familiar seal of the Stark shining on top of it. Daring him to open it quickly. Robb felt his stomach drop inside him. He had a very bad feeling about this...
As if summoned, Greywind brushed against his side, pushing his massive head in Robb's shoulder. Robb took a deep breath and allowed himself a minute to bath in the strength his faithful companion was giving him. His eyes closed, he could almost taste it, the savage bravery of the wolf. He could do this. This was just paper after all. besides he wasn't the one with the mystic powers of sight.
He took the letters, and broke the seal on the first was short and immediately, Robb felt his face twitch. Something was wrong.
Robb,
I write to you in great distress brother, for things, unfortunately, turned for the worst in Kingslanding. Father committed treason against Joffrey Baratheon and the Queen. He had been arrested. I do not know much, for ladies as ourselves are not allowed to pier in those conversations, but I am asked to invite you, my dear brother, to come here to the capital, and solve this situation personally so we can all go home, assured that justice is served and the wrong is made right again, between our family and the crown.
I pray you to come as quickly as you can. You must choose wisely the path you will take brother. Be careful not to burn the bridges that could lead you to us, brother. I hope for the best.
Sincerely,
Your sister Kyria.
"My Lord?"
"Robb? Is everything alright?"
"Give me the other one." He said. His voice sounded odd. Like it was someone else talking.
"What is it?"
"Give me the Letter Maester."
The man finally obeyed, his face crumpled with worry. Robb couldn't make himself more composed. He needed to know everything she had to say. Barely breathing, he opened the second seal. This one was longer.
Robb,
I do now know when you will be able to read this. I do not know if I ever will send it. I wrote to you to warn you brother. Things are going wrong here. It is worse every day.
I was stupid to ever think I could do something alone in this place.
You were right brother, I should have stayed with you. But it's too late now. I can't go back home, they won't let me. I tried everything I could think about to bring Father home. To protect Sansa and Arya as much as I could. But I am nothing to them and I have no power over anything. I fear the worst brother. Nothing I tried worked. Father didn't listen. I failed Robb. I failed and I am scared of how much I did.
The only thing I have left to do now is to warn you. I don't know what else to do Robb.
The King is dying as I speak. He may last a couple of days if we are lucky. But soon, Joffrey will be King. I'm afraid of what he'll do with a crown on his head. He is already instable as a prince. With the power that goes with the Iron Throne... it is a disaster waiting to happen. No one would be able to control him, not even his dear mother.
With any hope, we'd have another Mad King. Or worse.
If you revive this letter, things had turned for the worst. I don't think they'll let us go. Father is searching for something. I don't know what it is, but I know it is important and dangerous. If he discovers it and if the wrong people know, they'll never let him go easily. If it happens, Robb, I beg you, think carefully.
Prepare for the worst brother.
I think Sansa and Arya will be safe. They are young and the Queen likes to think she can manipulate young spirits into malleable dolls. I don't think the same thing can be said about me.
Robb, if you receive this letter, remember our last conversation. You will be our last hope brother. Mine and the girls. Father too if we are lucky. But I know the Queen fear Father. Maybe she'll be smart enough to know that killing him would cost her the North.
I'm not sure. I'm not sure about anything lately. Prepare for the worst Robb. I won't be able to help you now.
Always think before you act brother. Your actions will soon engage more than just yourself. You'll have to think of us too. Think and never, ever, forget why you move.
You won't be alone. You are allowed to take advice from someone else. But be careful. If you lead an army, the consequences of your decisions will engage you before anyone else. You'll have to face them, and live with them for the rest of your life. Think of the long run. Always the long run. The bigger picture.
A purpose is often the only thing that keep an army going. Think carefully of your purpose. A wrong one could be our end.
Beware your heart brother. It could doom us all. Beware the Red of ancient Kings who still lust for a throne. Beware the dark eyes of the weasel. He'll want more than you are willing to offer.
Be smart. Be strong.
Don't let them destroy us, Robb. Never let them destroy you.
I love you. I miss you. I hope it'll be enough.
Kyria.
For an agonizing moment, Robb's heart stopped. His brain tried to process everything behind Kyria's words. The implications. The consequences, of this very letter between his hands.
When it started again, the panic his him with the strength of a punch. Right on his face. Cutting his breath and every sound that could come out of his mouth. The worst. The worst had happened.
If Kyria took the risk to send such a thing, the worst had happened. The letter had been sealed when he had it. So no one read it before him. The Seven blessings for small hands shacked under the pressure of everything hitting him at once. He needed to prepare. To send ravens to-
So many things to do. So many couldn't stay here. His father, his sisters. They had them. He had to do something. He couldn't let them here.
It took a long time for his hands to be stable enough for him to put down the letter. The words were still floating inside his head. Her voice echoing in his hears.
Too many things at once. There was so many things to think about, to process. Decisions to make.
"My Lord?"
Robb didn't answer. He took back the first letter and read it again. And again. But the words didn't change.
"Maester Luwin." He said finally putting the shit of fragile paper back in the old man's hand.
The man read it silently, dutifully and Robb waited for him to voice his opinion.
"What is it?"
"The King is dead." He started hollowly.
"What? What happened?"
"I don't know."
Theon fell back on his sit, silently processing the meaning behind those simple words.
"What about- what about your Father? Your sisters? Are they going to come back here?"
"Lord Stark has been arrested." Answered Maester Luwin. "this letter is about it. Lady Kyria is asking Lord Robb to come to the capital to answer the King's summon and assure his loyalty to Joffrey."
Theon blinked.
"Kyria said that?"
"Well, from what I understand."
Anger was quick to arrive in Theon. Like it always did.
"How could she? Her father is arrested and she think you are going to run straight to the capital to kiss that prick's feet? Who does she think you are?!"
"I don't think Lady Kyria had much choice when she wrote this letter."
"What do you mean? She wrote it didn't she?"
"I think the Queen might have a hand in this letter. The tone is odd. Nothing like I ever saw Lady Kyria write."
Robb stood up suddenly and asked for the letter again. Something in all this wasn't right. He read it one more time, part of his brain looking for something, anything that could mean more than what it was.
It took him a moment. But eventually he get it.
Oh. Oh of course.
"She's asking me to come for them." He said slowly.
"That's what I said." Answered Theon sharply. "But I still don't get why she would do that. Sansa would have listen to the Queen easily but Kyria is supposed to be less interested in a crown on top of someone's head!"
"No, She's asking me to come for them."
"You've said that already-"
"No Theon, she's not asking me to come to kiss Joffrey's boots. She's asking me to come for them. The Lannister."
"She want a war?" supposed Maester Luwin, his voice shaking barely on the last word.
Robb shaked his head.
"She want a rescue. She want us to come for them and Father and put them out of here. Here, listen, 'I am asked to invite you, my dear brother, to come here to the capital, and solve this situation personally so we can all go home, assured that justice I"s served and the wrong is made right again, between our family and the crown.' Justice she said."
"It can be the King's justice." Said Maester Luwin.
"Or it can mean Justice for our family."
Theon blinked. Once, twice, and Robb could almost see the thought inside his head, slowly moving to process what Robb was implying.
"So what are you going to do?"
"I'm going to go to Kingslanding. With every single Northman we will be able to gather around us."
"Do I call the Banners my Lord."
"Do that." He said solemnly.
The man nodded one last time and slowly walked out of the room. Left alone with his friend, Robb slowly sat back, his eyes glued to his hands, pressed against his legs.
"That's… there is a lot of things to think of." Said Theon close to him. "Things are going to be difficult from now on."
"They will indeed."
Silence. Robb couldn't look away from his hands. What was happening?
His mind twirled and twirled in the thousands of thought filling his head without sense or purpose. Ideas, plans, solutions. Anything.
He felt himself spiraling out of control, panicking and gasping like his lungs were filled with water.
Greywind pressed his large nose against his back, and suddenly, he could breath again. He grabbed his massive neck and took a deep gulp of air bathing briefly in the feeling of the thick fur under his fingers.
"How do you feel?" asked Theon and couldn't he shut up? Just one minute?! "Are you afraid?"
He didn't want to answer. He wanted to snap at him and go hide somewhere far away from everything else.
But he couldn't do that. He had responsibilities, things to do. He just accepted another one he couldn't hide now.
He had no right to do so. Admit he was afraid, saying the words was the worse idea he could have. So he didn't say it. Instead he showed his shaking hands to his friend, who cracked a smile.
"Good." He said proudly.
"How is it good?" asked Robb.
"It means you're not stupid."
Robb didn't know what to say to that. He pressed his hand in Greywind's fur and the wolf nudged him again.
Outside, the raven started flying furiously for the North's bannermen. He was scared. He wasn't sure if it was a good thing…
OoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOo-GOT-oOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoO
Everything went very quickly from there.
The first men arrived a couple of days later. Raging loudly and very passionately about those southern Lords who dared attack the North and the Stark.
The anger in the air could be tasted in the air, around those aging lords slowly burning with a fury some would have expected to see in young green boys eager to see their first battle.
Robb tried to ignore the fear always present in the back of his mind, but the pressure of the responsibilities behind the leadership of a war, of a quest like that was almost too much for his already tired mind. He didn't complain however. He couldn't afford it. Nothing would have change the situation now and even if it did, what else could he have done?
Stayed safely inside his keep while the rest of his kingdom went to fight for his Father and their honor?
He couldn't do that. It wasn't even thinkable. This was about his father, his sisters, his family. He couldn't let others do what was his duty. So he kept his mouth shut and took the lead of their growing army.
Not everyone was eager to listen to a green boy like him. But Robb was quickly becoming very good in the art to fake confidence until it actually came to him. The many lessons he had since the early years of his life were fussing in his mind.
He needed to make them believe he knew what he was doing. He needed to know what he was doing, to believe in it.
The long letter his sister had send him was always with him. It was a mockery of what Kyria could have been had she stayed home with him. But it was enough for now. It had to be.
They left Winterfell one small week after his call. They couldn't afford to lose more time waiting for everyone to come. The situation asked for quick move and even quicker campaign. He felt his heart squeeze at the idea that he was leaving his two little brothers behind. Both of them were in good hands with Maester Luwin watching over them. But Bran was still recovering for his wounds, and Rickon had already seen too many people leaving him. He didn't want to be another one.
But he had no choice. At least his mother would come home soon. She had no reason to stay South. Even less with him marching for war and Father locked up in Kingslanding's cells.
"Why do you have to leave Robb?!" wept little Rickon the night before his leave.
"I have to save Father, and our sisters, you know that Rickon."
"Why does everyone leave?! All the time! Everyone leave me!"
The cries were heartbreaking and Robb hated himself for doing that to his little brother. But he had no other choice. What else could he do?
"I'll come back. I promise. And I'll sent you Mother if I find her on the road."
"You won't!"
He cried himself to sleep that night. Promising Bran he would send their mother didn't help much. The boy was growing angrier by each day at the woman since he woke up without her. He felt unimportant.
"We will come back Bran." He said again the night of their departure.
The boy blinked painfully, his bad leg wrapped in wet clothes and melted slow like the Maester often did to ease his pain.
"Will you?"
"I promise you Bran, I'll do everything I can to bring us all home again."
He had nodded. A harness in his eyes that had no place in a face so young. Robb had felt bad for hours after that conversation. He still felt bad sometimes, when he thought about it too much at night.
They walked quickly while they were still far North. He knew not to take this for granted. Once on the other side of the Neck, things were going to be way harder. The couple of men he had send South as scouts had reported movements and activity from the Lannister Army. Already, he had heard of the Siege of Riverrun, and the damages of the Mountain in the Riverlands. Things were bad.
He knew he would not be able to pass so easily through the Lannister defenses. Jaime Lannister was a seasoned soldier and that was nothing compared to the old lion himself. Unfortunately being so far North had the disadvantage of stopping most of the news from reaching them.
He knew Tywin Lannister was on the move. He knew Jaime Lannister with half of his Father's army on tow ha terrorized the Riverlands before his siege. But that was all he knew.
As they reached closer and closer from the Neck, Robb felt the pressure of a decision pushed on his shoulders. He had to find something.
He was aware of his own capacities and limitations, so that morning he had decided to aboard the subject in a war council. With every Lord present around the table, finally Robb felt like he could go somewhere.
He felt painfully young surrounded by those men. But he couldn't show it. Theon's eyes from one end of the table were heavy on his side, studying every twitch of his face, the contraction of his jaw, the pressure between his eyes. But he couldn't look at him. He had to stay focused.
It was in this state, in the middle of a council, talking about battles and strategies, that came the person he had wished to find on the road since the day he left home.
"Mother!"
The men stood around him, all at once, and bowed to their Lord's wife. The woman smiled tightly, her eyes not leaving Robbs.
"Pardon me My Lords, would you mind leaving a mother with her son a moment?" she asked softly.
"But, of course my Lady." Bowed the GreatJon a wide smile on his face.
They all were very quick to leave the room, mumbling welcomes and apologies to the lady with rumbling voices and ruffing noises.
Robb waited anxiously for them all to leave them. It seemed to go on forever. Finally, the tent closed itself behind the last Lord, Lady Catelyn threw herself right into Robb's arms.
Robb closed his arms tightly around her, bathing in the sent of his mother, the softness of her hair against his cheek. Gods he missed her. He was so glad to see her. he hadn't realized how much. She pressed herself against his chest, her hand petting the back of his head gently like she used to do when he was little.
"My boy…" she said. "My grown-up little boy…"
Robb stiffed against her. He blinked. Suddenly, the magic of their reunion was gone. Everything he had thought about his mother, about the situation and the consequences of her decisions slapped him right on the face.
He took a step back and tried to control the muscled of his face, schooling his expression into something calm and welcoming. As much as he could given the circumstances.
"I didn't expect you on the road when I last saw you." She said with a tired smile. "Leading an army… Ready to fight a war… I would lie if I said I wanted that for you."
The occasion couldn't have been more tempting. Everything in his wanted to confront his mother for what she did. For the consequences. But he kept his mouth shut. He smiled tightly and pressed her hands.
"Mother... we have a lot to talk about," he said slowly.
How to begin this discussion?
"Of course we have. Leading a war is no game, you'll need all the council you might find. I'll help you in any way I can you know that." she said tenderly.
That made him twitch.
"I am not sure I want that help, Mother."
"What does it mean?" she said, losing all trace of happiness.
He sighed.
"You know what I mean."
"No I don't think I do," she said coolly. "Speak your mind son."
"You can not be ignorant of your own actions and the consequences they had, Mother."
"Robb-"
"And for what? What convinced you to take Tyrion Lannister, the second son of the most powerful man in the Seven Kingdoms, into custody? What were your reasons?"
"My reasons? Robb how can you! You know why I did that! I have in good intelligence it was this man who is responsible for what happened to Bran! Twice had he tried to kill my little boy. And you think I would have let him leave freely?!"
"Two attempts? So what now he pushed Bran from the wall too?" said Robb with barely restrained sarcasm.
"Oh don't be absurd of course not! But he did light the fire that made him fall," she said harshly. "I do not know what poor Bran might have witnessed in this damned tower for the Lannister to want his death, but it has to be something!"
"Mother he didn't witness anything! Have you lost your mind? He didn't even reach the window? What could he had witnessed?"
"I- I don't claim to know what happened in their heads. I just know that he did it."
Robb sighed and stood, passing nervously around the table.
"Mother, do you even stopped to think about all of this?" he said, praying for his mother to just admit maybe she had not all the information. "Who told you this?"
"Petyr did Robb, and I have every reason to trust his word on the subject."
"Baelish? So you what- you went to Baelish and he told you Tyrion Lannister had paid a man to kill the son of the Lord Paramount of the North in his home, in his bed with a Valeryan steel blade? The very same type of blade his father lust for almost since he became Lord of the Westerlands? One of the most recognizable blades in the entire kingdoms!"
She opened her mouth, but Robb didn't let her talk.
"Tell me it is not true. I dare you, Mother, tell me I'm wrong."
"I do not wish to discuss this with you, Robb. What is done is done."
"Aye, what is done, is done, mother. Father almost lost his leg to Jaime Lannister and lost his occasion to leave this blasted city. Had you not made your move, they would be home by now."
She sighed and stood too. Her back turned on him, she took a deep breath and lowered her head.
Robb didn't join her. He stayed back, one hand on the table to hold himself in check. It was astonishing, truly to see his mother, usually so clever and wise, make such a mistake. A part of him understood the need to know, to have answers. He yearned for it too. But there was a big difference between searching answers and acting on the words of one man, not even remotely trustworthy. He couldn't understand how it was possible for her not to see the dept of the mistakes she kept making.
"Robb... nothing can change what already happened, no matter whose fault it was," she said slowly. " We can't lose ourselves on quarrels and distrust. You will fight a war against the Old Lion himself. You can't act retlessly Robb."
"I know." he said.
Catelyn moved her head. Her gaze didn't meet his, but Robb caught a glimpse of her expression. The tension on her face gripped Robb's heart. He felt bad. He shouldn't have attacked her like that. Not when he just found her again. No matter their differences of opinions. She was still his Mother and he had missed her. He had wished for her to come back for days now.
They stayed silence for a moment longer, then finally, Robb spoke again.
"What will you do now?"
"What do you mean?" she sighed, still tensed.
"I promised Bran and Rickon I would send you back to them if I found you on the road. You should go home, to them. They are waiting for you, you know."
"What? You want to send me back? While you are fighting for my home country? How could I abandon you like that?"
"Mother-"
"Besides, my girls are locked up just as much as their Father, what kind of mother would I be if I abandon them like that?"
"Mother, I will take care of this. You should go be a mother for those who need you. The ones you can help right now."
"You need my help too, Robb," she said, distressed by the discussion. She grabbed one of his hands, and pressed it, " you are so young still. No matter how brave you are, you'll need advice from someone you trust."
It was a good point. The only problem was that, no matter how painful it was to admit, if only to himself, he wasn't sure to trust his mother. Not with this kind of thing at least. She had already shown how bad could be her decisions in a situation as such.
"I have plenty of people able to advise me who are already traveling with me, Mother." He said calmly. "Bran and Rickon need you more."
"They are safe at home, you are not."
"You won't be able to protect me in the battlefield mother."
"This is not the point Robb."
"Yes it is Mother. Your younger sons need you more than me right now. I need you to go to them."
"I won't leave you in the middle of a war Robb. I won't be moved in this."
"Mother-"
"Besides, I refuse to let my Brother and Father assaulted by those Lannister's skum!"
Robb argued with her for almost like an hour, but she refused to listen. While he was still trying to talk her through his point of view, she started advising him on the best way of dealing with the old Lion. In the end, Robb gave up. His mother was stubborn, and he hadn't the heart to tell her no. Not any more than he already had at was tired of fighting with her.
He knew it was hard to change her mind when she was decided. It was a trait she had given most of their children. Him included. But for now, he would let her do as she pleased. He could understand her worries for her family. He shared it.
He just needed to find a way to show her uselessness by his side, so that she could finally do as he said, and go home. Putting it in a way that would sound like her idea instead of his.
If it worked, he could thank the gods for Kyria and her obsession with books. And manipulation.
OoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOo-GOT-oOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoO
It took them a couple of more days to arrive at the Twins. Once close enough to watch without being watched, they start planning. The couple of scouts they had sent had brought back the news Robb was expecting. Tywin Lannister and his twenty thousand men were waiting for them. As were the other Lannister Lion with the other part of his army, farther by the Riverlands.
Robb was truly glad for his last order to Ser Rodrick, before leaving Moat Cailin. They were going to need anything they could get. The Riverlords, even free, couldn't save them the trouble of an army smaller than the other ones. He knew he couldn't think of everything, but the fact was that as big as his army was right now if this war grew longer, -the gods forbid it- he would need other men, to replace the wounded and the fallen.
He hated those thought. He shouldn't bother with this now. But he couldn't not think about it. Not while he was planning his strategy against Jaime Lannister and certainly not with the few idea he already had. All of them including great loss and sacrifices.
So many things. So many possibilities.
He couldn't think about this now. He needed to concentrate on the present time.
With the Lannister preventing any other option, they had to cross the Twins. They stayed around for a couple of days, watching every single Raven coming out of the keep. Trying to know if the old Frey had ratted them to Lannister. He hadn't.
Now they needed to know what to do.
So here he was, in his tent, who also served as a war room, surrounded by his lords, planning the best way to force the old man to let them go without telling on them like a little boy.
"We should burn this place to the ground! Problem solved!" boomed the Greadjon slapping his large hand against the table.
"We have to move fast Lord Umber, we can not afford to lose a week in a siege against the Frey when other solutions are possible." Said softly Lord Bolton, from his corner of the table.
"That's rich coming from you Bolton!"
"What do you mean?"
"Please my Lords, now is not the time for your quarrels." Said a third Lord.
Robb didn't bother looking who it was. His mind was rolling fast, thinking. He may have to go himself, talk to Frey. He knew it was his responsibility. But it was also a risk. Nothing prevented the guy to sell him right to the Lannisters. He had learned along the road, that the man had a connection with the Lannister Family. One of his sons. Robb hadn't bothered with the details, this lone piece of information had been enough to know what it meant.
Frey needed to be won on their side. The other alternative would lower his chances of winning, and he couldn't afford to lose. So they needed Frey to let them go through his home. Preferable to give them some of his men. It was known the man had very little loyalty for his Liege Lord. But Robb hoped he had enough for him to play it.
Hu. Wasn't it strange to think like that? His eyes fell on the wooden figures on the large table, all posted around the map. It felt like a board game.
Only, more real. And Bloody. And dangerous. But still, a board game.
"I will go talk to Walder Frey."
All the voices shut down at the same time. It was almost magic, the way they all just stopped in one single motion. Even Robb's thought stopped.
His mother slowly made her way inside the tent, her back straight and strong. From her being pulsed an aura of steadiness, of determination. Something Robb only witnessed one time. Back when Father had left them to fight the Greyjoy's Rebellion. The steel of a woman in charge of an entire keep.
It was impressive. It would have pleased Robb to see this, had she not tried to do his duty.
"Lady Stark-"
"I have known Lord Frey since I was a girl. If someone here is qualified to talk to him, it is me my lords." She continued, as if no one had even tried to interrupt her.
"My Lady this is not a good idea, Lord Walder is not known for his loyalty. To anyone or anything except himself."
"I know how to talk to him Lord Glover." She said, full of assurance.
"Even if you did my Lady it's been years since the last time you-"
"I think this is a task for someone who was born in those lands my Lord."
Robb didn't wait for the conversation to end. Frowning, he stood abruptly, gathering the attention back to him.
"I have decided." He said with assurance.
Worried glances found him almost immediately. Several of the lords stood with outrage, ready to protest and be indignant at anything he might have to say.
" I will go talk to Lord Walder."
"My lord-"
"Robb!"
"Have you lost your mind?!"
"Robb you can't risk it!"
He held a hand, stopping all the protestations around him. He waited for them to compose themselves, before he talked again.
"It is me who lead this army. It's my decision to call the banners." He said. "I can not in good conscience let someone else negotiate such an important place in our campaign."
"Lord Stark, with all respect, you are the leader of this army, we can not risk you falling in the hands of the Lannister."
"The situation would be the same if it were my Mother going to see the man. I will not let a man like Walder Frey think I cannot fight my own battles. That I need my Mother to fight for me."
"Robb this is not about that-"
"But it could be Mother." He paused, "I appreciate your support, but I cannot let you fight for me."
Even though he didn't say it, he felt the words pulse inside his head. This was not her place to do that. Not anymore. She couldn't treat him like a child while he was in his way to fight the entire Lannister army for their family.
"I have decided," he said finally.
No one argued much. There was something shiny in the back of some of those Lord's eyes. Robb wanted to called it respect. He knew it was judgment. They were judging him, his resolve. He was strangely fine with that. He knew what he looked like, with his mother in the war tent. A Green boy.
He also knew he couldn't afford this kind of thought. And he couldn't afford to win respect on the battlefield only. He wasn't planning to be a general. He needed to be a Leader.
Generals win battles. Leaders win wars.
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"Lord Stark! What do you want?"
Robb counted to five in his head, taking the time to study the old man in front of him. And was he old. The chair he sat in seemed to be the only thing holding him together. He was all long limbs and fragile bones, his face hollowed and haunted by years and years of life. His eyes, small and black on his face were holding all the life of his body, clear and quick. Studying him with sharpness one would have expected on a man twice younger. If not more.
Nothing about Walder Frey looked impressive. He was almost pathetic, the old man whose hand was gripping his young bride's arm, like a bird his prey. He reminded Robb of those creatures he read about. The one leaving in the warm desert of Dorne. Vultures. He had the same bald head, spotted with age and a patch of hair there and here. The same nakedness about his face and neck. Like the hair had deserted it so he could easily plunge his head neck-deep inside his prey's flesh, to find all the good pieces and feast on it.
The girl next to him was petite and pretty, in some way. Robb supposed she might have looked prettier had she not seemed frightened to be standing here, so close to that man. Or maybe it was the room. Dark and heavy with looks and breath from all the sons around. Some of them watching her with hunger, other with disdain.
Most of them with both.
"Lord Frey, It is an honor to meet you." He said finally, opting for the most polite approach.
No need to stark aggressively at the first sentence. He needed patience. Gods he could have given everything for Kyria to be here right now.
The man made an odd sound from the back of his throat. It sounded like a cough.
"Spare me boy. I have no use for your politeness. What do you want?"
He sounded as pleasing as he looked.
"F-Father you forget yourself L-"
"Who's talking to you? You're not Lord Frey yet, not until I die boy, do I look dead to you?"
Robb controlled his face not to react. His eyes followed Frey. Looking away would be seen as weakness. He couldn't appear weak.
Around him, his men twitched, uneased.
"I ask again boy, What do you want?" grumbled the old man.
Alright then…
"Courtesy for once my Lord. I am not your boy, nor will I ever be."
The man snorted.
"Aren't you a boy? You certainly are no Lord, you're Father is still alive!" Robb felt his jaw twitch. "that said, he may not stay that way for much longer from what I've heard."
Again, Robb counted.
"Why should I respect some green boy like you huh?"
"I respect you." He answered slowly. "I am Lord Robb Stark of Winterfell, Warden of the North while my Father is away. I am not your boy. I will appreciate you not calling me that way again. My Lord."
"Respect? Ha! None of you noble blood fools ever respected a Frey! Don't you know that boy? Do you think I don't? I'm no fool! I know! All those Lords, spitting on my Family for centuries now. Why would I bother kissing the ass of a green little Lordling who think himself better than me?"
"Because I do not care what others think of you, Lord Frey." Said Robb with his strongest voice.
"Father maybe we should-"
"You should nothing boy! This is not your place to talk. Learn to shut your mouth!"
Robb waited for the man to sit back in his very ugly chair before speaking again.
"If courtesy is not what you want then I will be blunt. You know very well what I want my Lord, I want the right to pass through your bridge, and travel safely to your Lands."
"And why would I allow that?"
"Many reasons." Said Robb with a bravado he was not sure to feel.
The man huffed but Robb didn't let it concern him.
"For once, you swore a vow to my grandfather. A vow you should very well try to fulfill now that he is in need of your assistance."
Another snort.
"And why would I bother with this old fool? He didn't bother with me. He didn't bother with me. He didn't came to my Wedding."
"My Grandfather is quite ill my Lord. I am not surprised he couldn't afford the trip."
"He didn't come for the last one either. Not that I'm surprised, the Frey were never enough for a Tully aren't they boy?"
"I do not know the reasons behind my grandfather's decision, but I know there must be one;"
"I don't care for reasons! Why would I need them? What I do need is less sons and daughters to feed! Look at them!" he said, throwing an arm around to show his many offspring all quietly sitting around the place.
Robb could hear them move and whisper, the discomfort tasting heavily in the air.
" Tully never allowed his blood to mix with mine. You think I don't know how they call me around there? The Late Frey. They love to laugh don't they! They feel better than me, all of them."
"My Lord."
"Why would I do anything for any of them when they never bother treating me with anything else than contempt?"
Robb breathed.
"I assure you My Lord, I do not care for anything else than my own observations. From what I understand your anger is justified. I do not want to add my name on the list of the numerous people who wronged you. I do need something from you and I am ready to negotiate it, if necessary."
It tasted sour in his mouth. To praise the man like that. He felt wrong to do so. But he knew it was the good way of talking to him. He wouldn't like a threat. But praises…
Gods, Robb felt like a master petting his dog. Like he felt the first month when they start training the wolves. Praises to soften the beast, just enough for it to learn the trick.
The mechanics were not the same with a human being, but close enough for Frey to change the way he looked at him. He seemed more curious than angry now. A strange look on such a face.
"Negotiate? Really? Very well. Let's hear what you have to say."
"You are very well aware we need to cross your bridge to join the Riverlands, and my grandfather's keep. I am ready to negotiate this passage with you my Lord but make no mistakes, we will cross this bridge."
"Oh really? And how do you intend to do that?"
"By force in last resort." He said naturally. "Of course I wouldn't dare attack you without a good reason and I am aware you might want payment for our safe travel. But make no mistakes my Lord, I will cross your bridge. The way depends on you."
"I see. And why should I let you pass my keep? Do not take me for a fool boy. I know why you want to go South. Helping you would mean commit treason."
"To the King maybe. Not your Lord."
"Why would I care about this old fool?" he snorted.
"He did not give you many reasons for sure. But helping your liege Lord would only help your reputation. No one could say you do not know loyalty if you show loyalty."
"I do not care about that. What I want is sons and daughters married. But then… maybe we could find an arrangement"
"Of what kind?"
Somehow, he knew the answer.
"I have many daughters. You are not married."
"I see…"
"I could be persuaded to assist you with some of my men if you would take one of them as your squire. Olivar for example."
"I see no problem with this arrangement."
"You have siblings don't you? One of your sisters will-"
"I will stop you right there my lord. I can not promise you this." He said immediately, one hand in front of him.
"What does that mean? I will not let you run for free with my men you stupid boy!"
"Oh I am confident you won't. And I see no problem with agreeing your two other conditions my Lord. However, as much as I am Lord with my Father away, I am not my Father. While he is still alive I can not in good conscience promise you something like that. I do not know my Fathers plans for my sisters." He took a deep breath, something painful in his chest as he prepared himself for his next words. "I can promise you my hand for one of your daughters, for this promise is mine only to make. But I can not do the same for my sisters."
This was a lie. He could make such a promise. But promising his own hand was one thing. To condemn his sisters to such a fate was something else. He would not allow that.
"What trouble could this cause you? You're Father is as good as dead anyway!"
"Father!" protested one of the sons.
"Who asked you Bastard?! Your mother would still milk cows have I not squished you out of her!"
Charming.
"My Lord do not forget why am I here. Until his body is back in our crypt I will not believe My father Dead. Not without proof. And I will fight for him and my family." He took a step forward. "Now I will marry one of your daughters when the time is right, and one of your son will be my squire. In exchange we will cross this bridge with your support on our side of this war and you will remain loyal to us."
"You think it'll be that easy boy?!"
Robb squared his shoulders. It will be. He wouldn't leave with anything else on his conscience but those two promises. No matter what this old man could think.
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It took one hour all in all, but they crossed the Twins. Robb acquired a new squire, the idea strange to him, as he wasn't even a knight, and a promise to marry one of Frey's daughters. He also swore the old man he would think about his proposal for his sisters if his father couldn't be saved on time. He didn't like the last one, for many reasons, but mainly because it meant he could fail in his rescue of his Father. He couldn't even think about the option. Unfortunately, it was a possibility.
As the Twins faded more and more behind them, Robb let his thought wander back on the letter safely hidden in his tunic.
Kyria…
Beware the dark eyes of the weasel she said… The weasel… smart weasel, cunning weasel…
Would this be… Was the Weasel Walder Frey?
He couldn't say for sure. But some people liked to compare him with the beast.
He didn't know what to think. He needed to be smart about this. About all of this. Fear gripped his heart. Father Kyria Sansa, Arya… He needed to be there for them. For all of them.
Please, let him be on time…
TBC.
Still there? What do you think? Good? Bad? Awful?
Like I said, I couldn't just ignore this part of the story. Even though it comes here in the middle of a very stressful situation ^^ But I couldn't put it after, you'll see why ;)
I'll try to post in two weeks like I used to do. I can't really do that earlier, because I still need to work back my things in order. But I'll try to go back to my usual schedule.
Hope you liked it. Don't hesitate to share your opinion, I always like it ^^
See ya!