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Chapter 15: Lady is my Shield

In the little village of Shadyveil, about 10 miles northeast of Riverrun rode several hundreds of men. Their armor was crimson, like the blood, they spill for their Lord.

Leading them was a giant of a man, tall as anyone who ever lived. Instead of the men, the armor he wore was black, covering the important and unimportant parts of his body. Only his family crest was visible to tell who he is.

He was Gregor of the House Clegane. Lord of Clegane Keep. And Tywin's Mad Dog.

"As Lord Tywin said; No survivors, burn it all!" And his men rode forth.

Women, men, and even children were not spared as they were trampled by horses. Speared and stabbed. Beheaded and dragged from their homes and butchered, or burned inside because they've barricaded themselves in.

The village guards and the small Stark outpost put up a good fight, it is true. Yet they stood no chance against Gregor and his men, too many and were forced to flee into the woods. The Lannister's chased them like dogs and as they neared the edge of the forest, it happened.

The arrows were set free and killed dozens of men and their steeds, falling to the ground and bleeding like the lives they had taken.

The forest was an awaited ambush, it wasn't chance that they were preparing this, and at the head of this operation was a smiling Arthur who, with both Lady, Dusk, and even Nymeria were waiting for the enemy himself to arrive, his violet eyes peered through the oncoming riders until he saw the three dogs of Clegane.

He ceased and waved his hands for the archers to fall back behind 800 Northern and Tully horsemen, he unsheathed his sword and raised it as the war drums beat louder and harder. He's been waiting for this, to draw this man east as was the call from his brother, weeks of planning and much effort will be paid off now.

"Men of the North! Of the Riverlands! Today, we avenge our brothers, our sisters, our fathers and mothers! For them all!" It was a terrible thing, what he used those innocents in Shadyveil for, but they will all be avenged today as the day they died.

Because today, Gregor Clegane meets his end and at his sword. Then he will go North and slay one more traitor.

Days Before, Riverrun

"It cannot be."

The news came like a terrible storm, one that will break him and consume him in complete rage.

"I'm afraid it is. It was a miracle that the villagers from Wintertown were able to escape and tell the Cerwyns who sent ravens." That did not comfort him. Did not console him, it just makes him even angrier and more determined to slay Theon when he gets North.

Robb has to be told. He handed the raven message to Maester Vyman, "Send it to the King. I have to go." He exited the great hall, stopping and feeling himself breathing heavily.

His brothers are dead. Killed, heads beheaded and dipped in tar. Placed on the spikes at the gates of Winterfell.

The smiling images and memories of him, Robb, and Jon watching Bran practice his archery. Of him running with Rickon on his shoulders, laughing and having fun in the Godswood. These are now too painful to think about, and he can't stand the heartbreak of knowing that he won't see them when he goes home.

So, he has to put himself towards a task like he had always done when under stress. That is hunting Lannister's and their allies.

He wished his sister hadn't been there to hear it herself before he had, she was helping Vyman in the rookery when it arrived and had run off to her chambers, crying her eyes out. He should be by her side but what can he tell her, that they'll have revenge? He'd already sworn vengeance on the Lannister's for their father's death and he no less close than he was a few months ago.

They are both feeling the same pain, the same loss and grief. He is wondering if he shouldn't just leave for home with the remaining family he has, even thinking about going far North to see his twin brother whom he hasn't heard from in what seemed like years, everything was so much better before Robert and his ill-fated people came to tear his family away from one another.

It's done. He is done. No more will he deal with the South, his brother will see to this when they are finished making the Lannisters, and now the Greyjoy's pay.

Heard stopped as he made it to his chambers and saw Lady and Dusk laying by one another, Dusk was restless and he could only wonder why, their companions know the pain they are feeling for they too most likely lost their own siblings, Shaggy Dog and Summer.

Theon probably had them skinned and made into a fur cloak, the bastard would insult the family who had treated him so kindly like that.

Yes, his betrayal hurt him and that it was Theon, the pain in his heart is severe and demands the fiercest of punishments. Theon was his, Robb and Jon's brother in all but blood, he'd known this was a mistake and regrets that he didn't argue it further with Robb in the Westerlands after the Battle of Oxcross.

There is no doubt in his mind that Robb will blame himself for this, hells, even he somewhat blames Robb for what happened.

He just hopes, hopes that his brother keeps a much cooler head than himself.

Elsewhere

In another side of Riverrun, Mya was comforting a crying Arya Stark. Holding her close as she sobbed into her dress.

She wished she was with Arthur, he must be feeling so much pain, often during this campaign, he told her tales of Bran the Climber and the Wild Rickon. He laughed and seemed genuinely content when speaking of his family, then his father perished, and Theon Greyjoy who was like a brother to him betrayed Robb, now a boy of eleven and seven are dead.

"My brothers... I don't want it to be true... I want my mother."

She pulled Arya closer before she felt sick, quickly pulling away and hurrying to vomit into a bucket. She's still dealing with, everything, being with child is horrible that's including the strange appetites for apples or fish.

"Mya, are you alright?" Arya asked in between sobs. She smiled weakly as she got back to her feet, the wet floor making stains on her dress around her knees.

She seemed to have forgotten to tell Arya, actually, no one knows besides Arthur and Gendry. And now Arya will wonder, maybe even search for answers and it will be nice to tell another woman, even if she is only a child in the eyes of everyone. With a smile, she walked back to Arya and took one of her hands and placed it by her stomach.

"What is it?" She was asked by Arya, shortly after wiping away her tears.

"That, Arya... Is your nephew or niece." She said and Arya slightly understood and slightly didn't. Such innocent naivety, guess that's why she's Arthur's favorite sister. "You see, Arya. Arthur and I love each other very much, though he might not be public about his affections, and from that love, we have created something." She added and Arya seemed to understand but is still confused.

"Why would that make a nephew or a niece?" Arya asked and she smirked shyly.

"Just know. That if I have a boy. I will name him after one of your brothers, to honor their young memories." She said and Arya offered her a kind smile, but looked to be hiding a question that she doesn't want her to hear, that alone made her want to know even more, "What's on your mind, Arya?" She asked the younger girl, curiosity getting the better of her.

"There's an aunt. My father never talked about her as much as my two uncles. Her name was Lyanna, and I think that would be a nice name for a girl... " Arya said shyly, almost bashful with the tears ceasing. Lyanna? That name sounds so familiar... Wait.

That name. Her father when often deep in his cups would speak her name, with a mournful longing that lovers have. This was the woman her father spoke of so fondly, Lord Eddard's sister, the very woman who drove the Demon of the Trident to take the entirety of Westeros.

A cursed name. It was all she could think of, the name was cursed if it had caused so much strife and chaos. She didn't want to tell Arya this, didn't want to insult the dead no matter what they did at the time of their life. So, she held a gentle smile on her face and nodded at the little girl, lying that she will think about it.

"I think it's a wonderful name for a girl. I'll keep it in mind." She promised her, then taking a deep breath. "Now, no more tears. We have to be strong, for your brother's memory." She encouraged Arya who nodded in agreement, the sobbing long forgotten and a bright smile taking its's place. "Let's go train. Just because I'm with child, doesn't mean I can't swing a blade."

Later on, after spending roughly half the day to cheer the young girl up, she left to bathe and go see Arthur and how he was doing.

When the news from the North came, Arthur told her to leave, to console Arya. She felt terrible, she was supposed to be with Arthur and make sure he was alright but he pushed her away in a time of grief.

Yet not today, she wouldn't leave him in his sorrow. She entered the room and saw it was emptied, he was nowhere in sight and the bed was hardly slept sat on. She thought it too peculiar and turned to go and find him but bumped into the very man she was looking for, except his shirt had bits of blood on it.

"What is this?" She asked him and he didn't look well, only more hateful.

"I was paying a visit to the prisoners. Lessoning the people we have to feed." She didn't like hearing that, catching his arm as he tried to pass her and Arthur tore his arm away.

"What is wrong with you, why do you reject my touch?" She wondered heatedly, he turned back to her with undimmed suspicion.

"I want to say this was the Greyjoy's fault, that they were the ones to kill my brothers." He spoke to her and she didn't like where this was going.

"Arthur, it is- " He cut her off, taking a step towards her.

"I wished I could completely blame the Lannister's for killing my father, for imprisoning my sister, Sansa." He uttered while taking another step towards her.

"But they did, you know it was- " She was cut off again, noticing his clenched fists and angered expression getting more and more irritant. She was also getting tired of the attitude she was being given by her lover, the man she had fallen for and wasn't appreciating his tone.

"NO!" He shouted, closer now and it was then that she noticed he smelled of wine. "It started when 'your' father came to Winterfell. It was him, who forced my father to be his Hand, who had me beaten for a son that wasn't even HIS! And now, I am having the bastards grandchild, a price paid for by the lives of two brothers, and a father... " He was finished with his rant, and now she was angry. And hurt, and all the emotions of anger were too much.

So, she slapped him in the face. He staggered back in shock.

"You will NOT insult my father. Nor put the blame of Theon on our child. Now get out." She said slowly at the end, he hesitated to move, so she shouted, "GET OUT!" She screamed and he ran out of the room shortly thereafter. Once alone she let out a frustrated scream, tired of, well, everything.

The Next Morning, Harrenhal

Tywin Lannister was leaving Harrenhal.

He reminisced about the events that led him here, and not all of it was good.

First, his monster of a son is captured by Eddard's wife, a crime of itself when a man allows a woman to snare him. Second is when Jaime fails to take Lord Stark captive, another blunder to his expectations for his children. Lastly is his daughter, the one who on many occasions compared herself to him had let her son not only lose two hostages, and was injured by a spear.

It only took a bad turn after the Battle of the Whispering Wood where his eldest son got himself defeated and captured. Then news came of Stannis and his youngest brother making moves in the south to take King's Landing, in his attempts to fix it all, he sent Tyrion and his Hill Tribesmen to the capital so that he may handle the defense until he deals with the Young Wolf and his brother.

He will give Robb this though, he is a sharp tactician, for a green boy. Taking the Golden Tooth, Ashemark, and now the Crag, he's almost unchallenged. That and his brother who has done a successful job in halting a portion of his supply movements, using his hit and run strategies to lessen his authority in the Riverlands.

It is a true shame that Jaime taught the bastard how to fight, even had him captive for a time before letting him flee, on the pretense of friendship and honor. Bah! He should have cut off the boys feet, then skinned his wolf who came to his rescue.

Jaime's cowardice allowed his grandson to be injured, wounded by a spear.

They've disappointed him beyond belief, unable to take their incompetence any longer.

"Ser Gregor Clegane!" He called around the table, and the giant got to his feet, "I charge you the command; burn everything from the God's Eye to the Green Fork. Show this, Dread Wolf and his companions that the Lion still has claws." He commanded, and Gregor nodded with a smirk.

"You can count on me, Lord Tywin. The rivers will run red before I am through. And I will bring you the head of the Dread Wolf."

With that, he agrees with full confidence.

Riverrun, Seven Days After

"Say what?"

Another village was attacked. The people butchered and burned, children orphaned or slaughtered. He felt utter disgust for Tywin Lannister's tactics. He ran a hand through his hair, unable to control his anger of what he was hearing.

Edmure and Brynden felt the same, possibly more than himself because this is their home, these are their people that are being killed.

"We need to find this man and kill him! And all of his bandits!" Edmure shouted in the hall with so much emotion, so much passion for his people and pride for the Riverlands.

Can that same passion defeat Gregor Clegane when most honor-bound men fell, yes, he believes it can be done.

Looking at the map he saw the attack patterns of Gregor's intention, seeing when and where they will cut him off. "They are heading up the Green Fork, possibly to cut us off at the Twins which are undermanned, barely two hundred men in either tower." He started and placed a piece near Fairmarket, "To go further, they'll need to cross the Blue Fork, and Fairmarket." He deduced, Brynden hummed in agreement.

"There is a small town not far from there, Shadyveil I believe it is called. We will fight them there?" It wasn't a full question, but he agreed nonetheless.

"Aye. Gather what men we have, Gregor's life ends here!"

Later on, he visited his sister, to see how she was doing as he had done the past seven days since he and Mya had that fight.

He'd be a fool to say he didn't regret it, all that he had said to her and about blaming her father for what happened, but is he wrong? All this trouble started when Robert wanted his father as Hand of the King.

She was in the right to shut him out, but he was in the right to question everything. If his father wasn't brought to King's Landing, then he wouldn't have died, Theon wouldn't have been sent to the Iron Islands and turned against them, a lot of things could have been avoided and Bran and Rickon would be alive.

"Your leaving?" She asked and he grimaced, a sharp assumption and a correct one.

"Yes. Yes, I am." He started and sat down, pulling her in with one of his arms, "I won't be gone long, a few days at least." He added, Arya wasn't very convinced by his words.

"Why don't I believe you?" He grimaced out a response to her question, unable to argue that because speaking of fighting the Mountain is harder than actually doing it.

They've seen Gregor in action, how he took that horses head off with a single swing of his sword. Gregor will be hard to kill, but what makes men fear him is his height, if he can get the man off his feet and on his back, that's when he'll be able to slay the Mountain That Rides.

What will kill him, is arrogance. One misstep, one wrong move and he will be dead. He can't afford to let himself mess it all up, can't let his sisters, Robb, Jon... Mya, he can't let them down.

"Listen to me. I won't dare die. I will come back to you, to Robb and Jon- " She added another name to the list, and he didn't want to disagree.

"And Mya?" He sighed softly, nodding his head slowly.

"Yes, even my Mya." He felt proud to say she was his, mainly because she was, and he was hers.

"Then you two shouldn't fight." She said and before he could ask her how she knew, Arya responded with this, "She told me. And anyone can hear you two from how loud you's were." He scratched his chin embarrassingly, thinking that his sister isn't as intelligent as Sansa or Mordane thought. "Promise me, promise that you two will stay together... " She pled Mya's case, and his face softened at his little sister.

"I promise."

Shadyveil Woods

The charge was slow, horses going into a trotting motion and hastily sped up as the seconds winded down. Arthur looked to either side and saw his protectors, Lady and Dusk as they followed him to battle.

The archer battalion behind him let loose another volley of arrows that were piercing the foot-soldiers and horsemen that followed the lion banner, dying in mud and grass and hanging onto trees for steadiness. His heart raced as they came ever closer to the fighting that will ensue.

His heart, however, laid to the one woman who gave him the courage to take this stand with his head held high... Mya.

Reconciliation is hard for him, he is hard to forgive and harder to forget. Yet he walked into his and Mya's chambers that day to fulfill his sister's request.

Days Before, Riverrun

She looked beautiful as he entered the room, and he was unable to keep his eyes off of her as she put on her robe. What almost deterred him was the look she was giving him, cold blue eyes like a summer storm.

"What do you want?" She asked icily, an expected reaction after their fight a few night past. Her arms were crossed and stood in a waiting position.

"I came... " He felt the words get caught in his throat, fearing what she may tell him when he apologizes.

No, he can't be afraid, was his father ever afraid? A stupid question, he thought as he remembered his father telling him and his brothers that a man is his bravest when he is afraid. It's because the man has much to lose if he were to lose, and in this case, he can possibly lose Mya.

"Well? Arthur? What do you barge in here for?" She asked him once more and he threw caution into the wind, no more fear.

He stormed right up to the woman he loves and hoists her into the air, she yelped in surprise and resisted by hitting him to let her go. It ceased when he locked eyes with her and kissed her softly, then that soft kiss became wild, passionate, and it made them both shiver at the sheer contact. He let her back onto her feet and placed his forehead to her own, further shocking her.

"What was that for?" She whispered as her cheeks flushed, eyes beginning to water and swell. He smiled and cupped her right cheek.

"An apology. I blamed you and yelled at you, I hurt you and in my time of weakness will regret that night forever. But, I can't die knowing you and I are angry at one another." He uttered and she gulped, he let out a shaky breath and put a hand on her belly, "The next battle I fight might be my last and I want to do this right." He added and Mya was left a little confused.

"What are you saying- " She was going to ask him before he had cut her off.

"I asked for Edmure to make it happen, tonight I officially make you mine, and you make me yours." He whispered, her haunting violet eyes catching her stormy blue.

A kiss initiated and a wedding a day later, Mya and Arya watched him ride off with Edmure and Brynden to gather their army.

Shadyveil Woods

He opened his eyes to meet the enemy, as his forces horse met Gregor's people, a loud crash, and chaos of bodies colliding with one another.

Swords met spears, shield felt contact with the human skull and red was pooling onto the very earth itself as if giving the Riverlands its name.

His horse buckled and he was thrown from the saddle, falling into a small pile of bodies, both horse, and man. He came to in seconds by Dusk and Lady, seeing if he was alright. He smiled and gave them a nod as he got back to his feet and stumbled towards his horse, helping it back to its feet.

"Go." He ordered and didn't care as he turned the horse back towards the defensive line. After that, he gripped his sword, picked up a Bracken shield and went to fight.

He swapped away a sword with his shield, running the bastard with his sword, felling the man. He marched with Dusk and Lady being at his rear, giving him some security and safety to keep going forward.

Edmure was given the left flank, still holding strong on their horsemen charge. The Blackfish and Gendry on the right were on foot with some of their forces, giving the Mountain's men something to fight, he grinned and watched as the old war hero from the Ninepenny Kings can still wield a blade, and Gendry was also being resoundingly fierce. Just like King Robert.

Looking ahead he noticed the dead falling to swords of both Stark and Lannister, the blood popping up like a red mist and flying in the chaos.

He hasn't had bloodshed like this since Oxcross, he and Robb fighting together and the Direwolves digging into enemy throats, it was exciting.

He loved it. Not as much as Mya or his family, but the heat of battle gives him something, for every thrust and slash or shield bash he's given a sort of satisfaction that will build up towards his end goal... Vengeance.

"Dread Wolf!" Hearing the cries of the men behind him, and at the back with the archers and heavy shieldmen.

These men cried out for blood, and he would give it to them.

The Crag

Robb wasn't having the best of days, starting with what is most heavy on his heart.

Bran and Rickon were little brothers, he was supposed to look after them and now they are dead, he's failed his father enough already with letting Sansa be captive to the Queen.

The grief was numbing and painful. He searched for anything to quell the suffering and found it in a girl named Jeyne. His biggest blunder after failing his little brothers. He took her into his bed once and regretted it.

He dishonored her. Took her virtue and rendered her worthless. Maybe if he were born different then this wouldn't affect him so, but he is the son of Lord Eddard Stark, he has to repay Jeyne for her comfort.

Today, however, is not about him, or Jeyne but his mother.

"Why did you do this?" He asked her only once, he needed to hear it from her. She looked at him with blue eyes, his eyes.

"Robb... I lost my husband, I lost my two youngest boys, I refuse to lose my eldest daughter, or you, or Arya, even those Arthur." She explained but letting the Kingslayer go free doesn't ensure Sansa's survival, or his, or Arya's or Arthur's lives.

What his mother didn't understand, he shall speak for now.

"Mother. Releasing the Kingslayer aids Sansa's survival, in fact, it wrote our death sentence if we lose this war." His mother looked at him like he'd gone mad, just like she'd done when he first refused to trade Jaime for Sansa.

"You don't mean that. I know you don't- " He cut her off at the edge of what she was saying, he does 'mean' it.

"I do. Because all the Lannister's need is Arya, Me, even Arthur to be dead. And, after tonight, we will be without an ally when we march home." She was confused, so he clarified, "The night before you came back. When I heard of Bran and Rickon's deaths. I... I took the Lady Jeyne into my bed, for comfort." He confessed, "And now, now I have to make it right." He added, seeing that his mother finally understood.

"Walder Frey will take this as a slight, Robb. Despite his age, the man is too dangerous to cross." She told him, and he grimaced as many have already told him, and that was before he bedded Jeyne.

If he could take back the night he did it, from the kiss, the tearing of clothes, the- The moment he gave away his honor. He would, he would take it all back but he is no time traveler. He leaves this place and claims another Bastard of Winterfell, hurting Arthur, though he wouldn't react to it.

And Jon. What would Jon think of him? He hated being a Bastard all his life, resented it and raged about when he or Theon would tease too much about it, though Arthur would often come to Jon's defense, his half-brother still hated the fact and will hate him if he does leave.

"I know." Was all he could tell her, a terrible response to a huge mistake.

"And you are going through with this, anyway?" His actions may be called pathetic, but he was raised to be an honorable man. And honor demands that he pay for his mistake. "You made a promise to wed Lord Walder's daughter, you cannot forsake it." She said and his face darkened at the mention of promises.

"Yes, you made the pact. I broke it, and I will pay for it." He said with regret, holding both of his own hands.

"It won't just be you, Robb. We'll need that bridge to return home and take back the North. Walder wants a King, who will we give to him now?" She asked and he found himself stuck, then thought of an idea.

"We give him another Stark, a Prince." He gestured and this time, Catelyn's face darkened. He's going to get an earful now.

"No." She said, and he sighed and tried to explain, she didn't let him, "I said, no. You two sister's, two trueborn sisters! Arya has yet to wed one of Walder's sons, Waldren, remember?" She reminded him but he doesn't believe a daughter is enough.

The old man wanted a King, just as his mother mentioned a moment ago.

"I'm not stupid, I know that. This is much more than a marriage to House Frey but our family." He started, getting his mother attention so she could calm down. "I don't plan on sleeping well in the next few years, being King is weary on the head nowadays and I fear for my House and Kingdom." He added, looking to the ground with a frown. His mother sighed and knelt to him, taking his hands into her own.

"Please, don't do this. Have Arthur marry this Westerling girl, keep your honor and word to Walder intact and marry his daughter." He turned away, like a child but he was. He was a child when he marched to war, a child when he fought in the Whispering Wood, then the Camps, and Oxcross, Ashemark, and finally the Crag, this war made a man of him. "Robb. If you treat your oaths recklessly, then your people will do the same." He turned sharply at his mother, the look of anger on his face.

"You of all people, have no right to call anyone reckless. You released the Kingslayer, and condemned us to live a life at war with no bargaining pieces to use." He seethed that she would act so righteous, he stormed out of the chamber Dacey, "She doesn't go anywhere without an escort. And send another forty men after the Kingslayer and Lady Brienne, with our fastest horses." He commanded and smiled ironically, Dacey also chuckled lightly.

"You sent Arthur with all the best horses. I'll find the second best, my King." He nodded and left, thinking about what is to be done in the next few days.

Shadyveil Woods

An hour and a half have past and the Mountain and his rabble, he evaded another swing and took the head of an attacker.

Where is he?! He thought angrily, swiping away another blade and bashing the bastard in the head.

He walked a little further, killing two more men and then heard a loud call, the noise like thunder striking stone.

"Dread Wolf!" He slowly turned around and saw the man he'd been looking for.

Gregor was taller than him, stronger than him with the way he held that greatsword in one hand, but he readied himself for the fight because unlike his opponent before him... He has a lot left to fight for.

Gregor swung his weapon at Dusk who bared his teeth, quickly moving to the side and avoiding the Mountain's attack. Next, the big man took a swing at Lady, he moved and took a big hit when raising his shield up and it almost took his damned arm off.

"Stand still!" The man was of a few words, not needed at the moment. Gregor came at him this time, swinging left and right and forcing him to take several steps back, leaving him to defend rather than to attack. "Quit running!" Gregor roared and it made him grit his teeth in frustration.

He took both of his hands in his sword, done waiting and readied for the clash.

His steel met Gregor's and the weight bared down on him, he grimaced at how heavy the man's weapon was. He narrowed his eyes and growled, using a lot of strength to push the sword off and attacking Gregor's stomach, the blade didn't even make a dent and cursed, the armor was indeed very thick.

He can do this. He fought a Kingsguard, he battled and defeated Thoros of Myr, countless soldiers, knights, and Lords during his time of fighting. Gregor might be the biggest monster of a man, but that is it, he's just a man and men can be beaten.

Getting the man's attention allowed Lady and Dusk to come at the man's side, it gave him a window to swipe away three attacks and wear him out. He slashed once and stabbed in twice, and the third time and he heard Gregor groan loudly, he smiled viciously, he's hurt the bastard.

He had the confidence and went for the gaps in the armor, taking the left side of his waist, Lady going at the back of his left knee and Dusk at Gregor's right ankle. Gregor's sword swayed right and nearly cut his head, he got payback and stabbed his sword through Gregor's left foot making the giant scream in frustration. He took out his dagger, stabbing it just barely into the right side of his chest and sliced at the Mountain's sword-hand, making him let go and drop the weapon.

I'm winning! I can beat him! He thought victoriously.

He was wrong.

Gregor grabbed him by the neck, squeezing hard before throwing him on his back. The Mountain then used his right foot and kicked both Dusk and Lady away and he heard them yip in pain.

He didn't even have a chance to get up before Gregor's mailed hand collided with his face, he could have sworn about five of his teeth went out as he crumbled to the ground in a heap. "I'm going to kill you!" He heard the monster yell at him as the battle raged all around them, and he saw that even his own lines began to crumble.

Gendry was wearing out, Brynden was wounded, but fighting, Edmure, and his forces have all but fell back and it seemed like all was lost.

Gregor grabbed him and hoisted him in the air by his neck, he felt the very life leaving his body as he struggled against the man. His eyes became blurry as he thought of Mya, to never feel against him in the night or Arya, Robb, and Jon, to never see them smiling back at him.

Is this how he dies. Here, in some forest by the hands of a monster, he swore to kill, him, the Lannister's, the Greyjoy's, they would all die by his hands and he would return home with what's left of his family. To see Jon, his twin whom he missed so much for what seemed like years.

No! He isn't going to die here! He isn't ready!

He kicked, wriggled and clawed but Gregor's grip was strong. Then from behind the man, Lady jumped and lunged and bit into the Mountains exposed neck, yet the bastard still held fast dropped him to turn to Lady, he watched on in horror as he picked the now large wolf and crushed her. His vision blurred as he got to his feet with his sword and just as Gregor turned to him to finish what he started, he swung his sword so hard and fast that it took the Mountain's hands and fingers.

The bastard cried and was forced on his belly by an enraged Dusk, avenging his sister who lied breathing less and less.

Looking around, he saw that reinforcements for House Stark arrived in the shape of six hundred villagers and soldiers. The battle here was won.

With the help of Gendry and Edmure, they turned the wounded and dying Mountain over to face them.

"All the souls and lives you took will be waiting with you by the Stranger, any last words?" He asked while holding his side, it was pierced by a spear when he was thrown back.

Gregor said nothing, so he would spare none in response and let Edmure take his head. Remembering his savior, he ran over to Lady and knelt next to the animal, caressing it's fur as emotion filled him and birthed tears.

He will fervently believe this was Sansa, that she knew he was in danger and had her Direwolf save him. "I'll get her back for you, I swear it, Lady... " Lady looked at her with her eyes, then slowly closed them and breathed her last.

The battle was won. A great victory over Tywin, taking his top brute of a general out gives the Riverlands much-needed reprieve. They could regroup and take back much of the land they took and push what's left of Gregor's men across the Gods-Eye. Harrenhal is going to need to be taken, and they'll need an army to do it.

A raven has to be sent to the Westerlands, to get Robb here to fight-

"My Lord! Where is Lord Edmure!?" His eyes caught sight of the master-at-arms, Desmond Grell. Edmure rode ahead with Brynden, he and Gendry followed.

"What's happened?" A frantic Edmure asked the Knight.

"It's Lord Tully, my Lord. He has fallen ill and is getting weaker. My Lord, he is dying."

AN: So the Mountain is no more, doing so changes a bit for House Lannister and Martell.

I do want to thank everyone who stuck around, especially with the slow updates. I'll try harder to update

Pyre101, Thanks, hope this keeps you entertained. No, I made no mention of Dawn's disappearance but It will be explained in due time as Edric and his men are on the way. Yes, Arthur's Dornish blood has opened a few interesting conversations with House Martell and Dayne. Jon's pov will be coming up in a few chapters, as of now he knows nothing of what's happening, it remains as canon for now.

Celine, Sorry if you're not interested, I hope the other stories are to your liking. If not then there are far better tales to read.

RHatch89, Thanks a ton.