He had not slept long that night, but what sleep he had managed was reviving. He and Margaery had been slumbering for only a few hours, entwined together beneath the sheets of his bed, when a hand had rapped at the door to his chambers, disturbing their rest. A guard brought news that a raven had arrived to Riverrun from Lord Vance. Lannister forces had marched on Wayfarer's Rest, demanding entrance into the castle. Lord Vance had declined, and the Lannisters were preparing a siege. The bait had been taken.
"I have to go," Robb lamented, sitting on the bed and leaning over his lover. He was dressed, but Margaery remained lying unencumbered beneath a sheet, bits of tantalizing skin escaping here and there for Robb's eyes. Her hair was a wild halo around her head, but even in her drowsy state, she was the most beautiful thing he had ever seen.
"I know," Margaery whispered, drowsily. "I'll be here when you return."
"Right here, in this exact place?" Robb grinned at her.
"Whatever brings you back," she smiled. He leaned down and kissed her one last time. They broke apart, and Robb stood reluctantly before walking to the door. He took one look back, trying to memorize Margaery's face, then left her alone behind a closed door.
Dawn had not yet broken when Robb reached the courtyard. Torches and braziers led his way as he searched for familiar faces. Many of those within the castle walls were knights sworn to House Tully or its bannermen. Some had squires who were assisting in preparing them for battle. Robb was still taking in the scene when a young boy with a mop of brown hair on his head and wide eyes, maybe twelve or thirteen, approached him.
"Lord Stark," the boy garnered Robb's attention. "Lord Tully tasked me with assisting you in preparing to leave. I have your horse and armor over here my lord." Robb followed the boy to where a great black warhorse was tethered. It was much more suitable than the one he had ridden from Ravetree Hall. The boy helped him attach his armor, and as each piece was fitted on his body, the reality that he was riding into war for the first time started to sink in. He had killed before, but this was different. He would be leading men, many men, and his actions could determine whether they all lived or died. He wished his Father were there to speak wise words of advice to him.
The boy finished tying on Robb's breastplate, and then reached for something wrapped in piece of cloth. "What is that you have?" Robb asked curiously.
The boy pulled away the cloth to reveal a round shield. Robb did not think much of it at first, as the handle side was facing him, but then the boy turned the shield to reveal a fierce-looking grey direwolf had been painted over a background of white.
"Lady Margaery bid that it be painted for you," the boy explained.
"She did, did she?" Robb asked grinning, taking the shield and admiring the work.
"Yes my Lord," the boy nodded nervously, shifting his weight between his feet. "I hope it is to your approval. I did it myself, my Lord."
Robb made the boy squirm for a few more seconds, pretending to examine every detail on the shield. Finally he responded, "It is fine work. What is your name?"
"Alfred, my Lord."
"Alfred," Robb repeated "Do you wish to be a knight one day?"
The boy looked away, embarrassed. "Yes, my lord. But I'm just the stable master's son."
"Don't give up," Robb said, patting the boy on the shoulder. "I'm sure there is a knight willing to take on a squire who does such fine work."
"I won't, my lord. Thank you," Alfred stated, running off reluctantly to whatever other task awaited him.
"Making friends with the locals, I see." Robb turned and saw Theon and Jon approaching, each adorned in borrowed armor they had managed to scrounge up.
"I thought we could use another man. I've seen you use a sword before and it was not encouraging, Greyjoy," Robb quipped.
Theon grumbled at the slight, always proud of his ability with a blade. "We'll see who's laughing when I'm cutting a path through Lannisters."
"Prove me wrong, Theon, truly," Robb nodded, knowing that the heir to the Iron Islands would do just that. Though, he was just as likely to get himself killed trying to make a name for himself. If Theon was anything, it was not humble.
Robb walked over to his brother, who seemed even more quiet and introspective than normal. "Are you ready for this, Snow? No more training swords with Ser Roderick in Winterfell."
Jon offered a reluctant grin. "I've had ever story father has ever told us about the Rebellion running through my head all night, as if it is going to impart some secret to me on how not to die."
"Before the tourney in King's Landing, Robert told me to always believe that I was going to win a fight," Robb imparted. "It worked well against one Lannister, so hopefully it works against a whole army."
Robb saw Jon about to respond, but his brother's attention was suddenly drawn to something over Robb's shoulder. Turning, Robb quickly noticed what had distracted Jon. An armored figure drew closer to them, walking somewhat awkwardly and labored. However, what drew Robb's interest the most was the bull shaped helm adorning the figure's head, that instantly clued Robb into the identity of the man.
Gendry came to a stop before them, pulling up the visor on his helm. "Sorry I was delayed," he gasped. "I am used to making armor, not so much wearing it."
"You are fine, Gendry," Robb assured. "Are you certain you wish to ride with us."
Gendry nodded. "I am my lord. It's time I did something meaningful with my life other than sitting holed up in a blacksmith's shop. As much as a bastard can anyway."
"A bastard is just as capable of doing great things as any other man," Robb said, making sure to catch Jon's eye as well. "I'm pleased you are riding with us. We will need all the fighters we can get."
"Is that a blacksmith's hammer?" Jon asked, looking at the common black tool attached to Gendry's belt."
Gendry shrugged, somewhat abashed. "I've never had much formal training with a sword, but I've had a hammer in my hand everyday for years. If it can make armor, it should dent it just as well."
"I promise we'll work on your sword skills after we win the day," Robb stated.
"Robb," another voice called behind him, interrupting their conversation. Looking back, he saw his Uncle and Jason Mallister approaching, each equipped and ready for battle. "We need to get moving," Edmure stated. "I've raised as many men as possible on short awareness. There may be more that trickle in, but we cannot afford to wait any longer with the Lannister army on the move from the south."
"How many men?" Robb asked.
"Lord Mallister and I will lead a host of around five thousand. My hope is that Lord Piper and Vance will add another thousand or two when we join our hosts together. I've left you a force of two hundred horsemen."
"That's not many," Theon worried, looking doubtful.
"It is not,"Edmure agreed, "but we cannot risk being caught with a small force so far away from Riverrun. When we engage the Lannisters, we will send up signal arrows to alert you. It is crucial you do not make your attack too soon. You'll be overwhelmed quickly if they have time to turn and meet your charge."
"We will stay back a safe distance," Robb agreed.
"That is it then, Nephew," Edmure frowned, holding out his hand, which Robb took. "May the gods be with you. I will see you again on the field."
They had watched together as Edmure led his army, a mix of archers, infantry and horsemen, south, hugging tight to the Red Fork on their left. When they were finally out of sight in the distance, Robb turned and faced the force of riders that he was about to lead into a fight. They were a mix of all sorts, experienced veterans, young boys, and a few hedge knights and sworn swords. For some reason, Jon, Theon, and Gendry had remained in line with the others, leaving him alone out front, all eyes focused on him. He realized that most of these men had no idea who he was.
Steeling himself, he projected his voice as best he could. "My name is Robb Stark. I am the son of Lord Eddard Stark and the heir to Winterfell. You may be wondering why a northerner is here, ready to lead you to war. Well, I may be a northerner, but Tully blood runs through my veins just as true. Your liege lord is my grandfather and I am the son of Catelyn Tully. We are all tied together." Robb paused a moment, seeing that he still had the attention of his men.
"The Lannisters murdered our King and have usurped the throne with a false heir. Now, they have marched on the Riverlands, laying siege to Wayfarer's Rest...all to try and silence the truth of their crimes. Well I will not let them. I will ride south and I will send them back cowering to their homes, knowing that justice has been meted out! Who will ride with me? Who will defend their homes from these invaders?!" A nervous second ticked by before a roar of support rippled through the crowd. Robb did not feel the need to say anything more. His blood was pumping rapidly, and he was ready to ride. Turning his horse, he set off, knowing that the others would follow.
He rode by himself out front of the pack for a while, until Jon sided his horse next to him. Grey Wind and Ghost were behind them acting as their shadows. "That was a good speech," Jon complimented, his usual serious self.
"I'm glad," Robb responded. "I was fucking terrified the entire time. I cannot even remember a word I said."
"I shall write it down for you after the battle," Jon added. "It will go down as the greatest speech ever given...by a man of seventeen who has no idea what he is doing."
Robb turned and stared at his brother incredulously. Jon offered a grin and Robb could not help but laugh. Leave it to his ever-serious brother to lighten the encompassing tension.
They rode on, initially staying close to the Tumblestone until they reached the mountains that created a natural barrier between the Westerlands and Riverlands. Robb slowed their pace, as they got closer to the seat of House Vance. Eventually he brought the host to a complete halt, afraid that such a large group would be easily noticed even from a distance. Instead, he slowly trotted his horse along the base of the mountain until he was just able to see the shape of Wayfarer's Rest before him. Robb did not know much of the castle, so he was unsure of what measures would be needed to assail it. He could just make out the Lannister encampment. There appeared to be a line of catapults and archers in the front, followed by infantry in formation, ready to charge the gates at a moment's notice. Behind them all were a sea of tents and baggage.
Robb sat and watched for what felt for a while, just watching as the sieging force made little progress. Then suddenly Robb was sure that he heard something, a sound echoing through the mountains. He strained his ear to hear, and then there it was again, the sound of a horn, he was certain. He trained his eyes on the siege before him and noticed a sudden flurry of activity, as the archers were running south and the infantry lines turned as well. Robb turned his horse quickly, riding back to his men. Some men had dismounted their horses, or had drifted away from the pack. "Formations!," Robb shouted as he got closer. "Everyone in formation! The attack has started!"
The Tully soldiers scrambled together quickly, forming lines three men deep. Robb was in between Jon and Theon, and all nodded to each other. He gripped the straps on his shield tightly with his left hand while his right held a death grip on the reins of his horse. They waited silently until finally a stream of flaming arrows permeated the otherwise clear blue sky. Taking a giant breath, Robb screamed, "Charge! Charge!" He kicked his boots into his horse, and then he was galloping across open fields toward their target. Grey Wind and Ghost were outpacing them all, grey and white blurs over a sea of green grass. Robb grabbed his reins with his left hand, while his right pulled his sword from its sheath. The Lannister host grew closer and closer, their backs to Robb and his approaching swarm. He was so close now that he could see his Uncle's army even further in the distance.
Then they were practically on top of them. Robb could swear he could feel Grey Wind's furor and blood lust as the wolf leaped into the first enemy he reached, his fangs ripping into the soldier's neck, blood pouring over the animals muzzle. Robb's line of cavalry smashed into the rear of the Lannisters, pushing its way deep into their infantry line. Horses trampled and spears impaled unsuspecting targets, while Robb's sword slashed and stabbed at everything moving that it could touch. Specks of blood flew off of his sword as he swung, covering his helm and horse.
The initial charge had completely shaken the Lannister infantry. Many stayed and fought Robb's host, but others ran straight into Edmure's own lines or towards the castle where they were picked off one by one by the archers on the towers and walls. However, there was a sudden shift in momentum as a force of Lannister horsemen emerged from the tents in their encampment. Robb shouted for his men to shift their lines right. He was able to get about fifty of his host into a line and charged forward to meet the enemy cavalry. Horse crashed into horse and the fighting turned fierce. A Lannister with a spear charged at Robb, intent on piercing him. Timing it just right, Robb raised his direwolf shield and deflected the blow. The attacker stopped himself, trying to turn back around, but Robb had already encouraged his mount sideways and swung his sword. The blade found its mark as it sliced below the man's helm and separated the rear portion of his neck from his back.
Grey Wind and Ghost had again made themselves known in the fray, as horses began to whinny and rear at their presence, riders being thrown off in the process. Robb had been distracted for a moment and failed to notice as a foot soldier approached and shoved the tip of his spear into the belly of Robb's horse. The horse cried and reared back. Robb had little choice but to slide off his saddle or risk being thrown without any control of how he landed. His feet hit the ground and immediately he set upon the spearmen. The man was still trying to extract his spear from Robb's horse, so Robb had little trouble driving his blade into the man's side.
More and more of the mounted fighters had been displaced and were now skirmishing on foot. Robb hacked through two more men bearing the gold and blue colors of House Lefford. He looked left and right, trying to find his brother and other companions, but they were lost in the knot of flailing weapons and death. In the distance, he could see Edmure's force starting to break through what was left of the Lannister infantry lines. His concern though was for his own men, who were beginning to take losses from the Lannister counter. A group of Lannister knights were still on horseback and inflicting significant damage to Robb's host.
Just as Robb began to move in their direction, a riderless horse, apparently spooked by the crush of the fighting, charged straight at him. He could only move a step before the horse rammed into him and knocked him onto his back. His helm was lost in the fall, and he had a crystal clear view of the soldier who was about to take advantage of Robb's position. The man was above him, sword raised over his head and about to strike. However, before he could, a black mass whipped through the air and smashed into the attacker's helm. The force of the impact was so fierce that the man's helm bent inwards, smashing his skull and expelling his right eye from the socket. The body dropped lifeless to the ground, revealing the grimy, yet excited figure of Gendry. It appeared that the Baratheon blood ran through him strongly.
Gendry reached down, offering Robb a hand, which he took. "Much thanks," Robb exclaimed, getting his bearings again. "Have you seen Jon or Theon?"
"No, we were separated early on," Gendry said, swinging his hammer down on another foe. The victim stumbled toward Robb, who finished him off with a sword through the gut. "What now?" Gendry asked.
"Do you see them?" Robb pointed to the line of Lannister knights who were making their way closer and closer. One of them Robb could see bore the burning tree of House Marbrand, and Robb could only conclude that it Was Ser Addam Marbrand, the leader of the Lannister host. "We need to break them, or they are going to break us."
"Do you have a plan?"
Robb shook his head. "No, I am going to improvise. Guard my back." Robb looked around until he saw another horse abandoned in the melee. He ran to it and hauled himself up onto the beast's back. Robb searched through the haze of the fighting until he saw what he was looking for, a streak of gray ripping into another soldier. Robb called out to Grey Wind, and the direwolf stopped and turned where it stood. The two stared at each other, man and beast, and Robb knew instinctively that Grey Wind could read his thoughts. Robb looked away and back to the enemy horsemen. There were six of them left now, still hacking at the Riverlands soldiers.
Robb gripped his reins and spurred his horse forward, gaining speed. They saw him now, and turned to prepare for his charge. One of the riders pulled up a spear, ready to impale him, but before Robb could reach them, Grey Wind appeared from their flank and leaped. The wolf flew through the air like a giant deadly bird, landing on the back of one of the center riders. The man screamed as Grey Wind bit down, first on the man's shoulder, then, when his helm fell off, sinking his teeth into the face. The Lannister's horses cried and reared at the wolf's attack, and Robb took full advantage. He charged his mount on until he was right on Marbrand. Robb launched his shield into the knight's sternum, knocking him backwards and off of his horse.
Robb slid down from his borrowed horse, and faced the knight who had just managed to right himself. Marbrand propelled himself from where he was settled on his knees and swung his sword at Robb, who parried the attack. The Heir to Ashemark was both flustered and infuriated and his strikes at Robb were fierce. One of them Robb deflected too late, and his enemy's blade managed a shallow cut across his cheek. However, his opponent began to tire, and Robb now shifted away from defense and onto the attack. He brought his sword down in an overhead chop. Marbrand blocked high, both hands gripping his sword, leaving his midsection exposed. Robb struck Marbrand's stomach with the edge of his shield repeatedly, winding him, then slid his sword down the length of his opponent's, scraping the steel, and forcing the knight to turn to his left. Marbrand swung his sword wildly and blindly behind him, forcing Robb to crouch. When Robb rose up, he swung his sword low and it ripped into the back of Marbrand's thigh, slicing through skin and muscle. The man cried out, dropping to his knees and clutching the laceration as blood flowed.
The pain had distracted his opponent, allowing Robb to raise his sword and place the tip at the man's neck. As the cold steel touched him, Marbrand stopped and looked up at Robb, defeated. "Yield or die, Ser," Robb stated, pressing the tip of his sword deeper, enough to knick the flesh.
"I yield," Addam Marbarnd sighed. He grabbed his sword by the blade and offered the hilt to Robb. "You've won the day."
Two of Marbrand's fellow knights were still up, and the notion that they would rescue him was written on their faces. "Your leader has yielded!" Robb roared. "Drop your swords, and no one else need die!"
The effect of those shouted words were almost sudden. The sounds of fighting began to quiet, and only the sounds of the groans of the dying was left. The survivors from the Tooth, Ashemark and Sarsfield dropped their weapons before them. Some attempted to run, but the Tully forces were able to detain most.
"You there," Robb said one of the men who had been in his host. "Grab rope and detain these three men. No harm is to come to them."
"Yes my lord," the man responded, going off to find the bindings. Robb left his highborn prisoners in the care of his men, and began to take in the aftermath. Their initial charge had decimated the Lannister infantry. Bodies were strewn all over the field in front of Wayfarer's Rest. At some point, the defenders left in the castle had led their own attack as Robb could see soldiers of House Vance outside of the gate. They had managed to hit the Lannisters from three sides, and the damage had been done.
Robb walked carefully through the fallen bodies, ignoring the gore and severed limbs, seeking out his friends. Eventually he found them with the two Stark direwolves. The wolves were almost completely covered in blood, and men passing by looked at them in both reverence and fear. Jon and Gendry were each a haggard mess, but otherwise looked to be whole. Gendry still gripped his hammer, although it looked like the initial excitement from the battle had worn off. Theon was holding his shoulder, and there was blood staining his hands.
"Alright Greyjoy?" Robb inquired.
Theon smirked. "Nothing wine and a woman would not cure."
"I can promise the wine, but you are on your own for the woman," Robb answered, patting Theon on his uninjured shoulder. He realized that he was still holding his sword and moved to put it away. There was still an eerie silence that hung over the field. Whatever adrenaline he had been operating off of had fallen off, and the lack of sleep from the previous night had begun to catch up with him. He knelt down next to Grey Wind and rubbed his hands through the animal's coat. Grey Wind lowered his head, leaning into Robb's touch. "You were brilliant out there," Robb complimented.
Not long after, a mounted contingent led by Robb's Uncle approached. Robb stood and greeted his Uncle.
"Congratulation, Robb," Edmure began as he slid from his horse. "Your strategy was a success. We've won a great victory."
Robb had to stop from scowling at his Uncle's praise. They had won a battle, not a war. The war was marching to them from the south as they spoke. "We do not have time to celebrate Uncle," Robb chastised lightly. "This was just the beginning. We need to ride back to Riverrun and gather our strength again. Lord Tytos will not be able to hold back Jamie Lannister."
"Right," Edmure nodded, his initial excitement gone. "Hopefully Ned has begun his march south." Edmure turned to the other two men that were stood beside Jason Mallister. "Robb this is Ser Marq Piper, heir to Pinkmaiden, and Lord Karyl Vance." Robb shook hands with the two men as introductions were made.
"My Lord Father is going to keep half of our men south to guard the Mummer's Ford," Ser Marq advised. "I will lead the rest north and join with the force at Riverrun."
"Lord Vance is going to guard the pass to the Tooth, but we've done great damage to their ability to mount another attack from the west quickly," Edmure said.
"Let's hope so, for our sakes," Robb frowned. "We have to deal with Tywin and Jamie Lannister now."
"And we shall," Edmure nodded, in his usual flippant manner. "Robb, why don't you take the remainder of your horsemen to Riverrun, along with Ser Addam? There is dungeon there awaiting his presence. Lord Vance is going to handle the rest of the prisoners and wounded, and I believe Lord Mallister is going to ride with you as well."
Robb nodded. "I will see you soon, Uncle. Ser Marq, Lord Vance," Robb acknowledged the other two men, as the their parties split apart.
It took over an hour to gather his remaining horsemen, of which there were just over a hundred that were still able to ride. Addam Marbrand was still bound, but seated on a horse that was tethered to his guard's. They began to ride and Robb took a look behind, soaking in the images of his first battle. He had done better than survive, he had won, but there was little satisfaction. The men he had killed were just soldiers, soldiers doing the bidding of a crooked family they were pledged to. There would be no satisfaction until justice had been served for his brother, for the murdered king. With one final glance, he turned his attention back north. The direction that would always lead him home, yet seemed so far away.