Chapter 8
Family, Duty, Honor
King Robb Stark was livid.
He stood in front of one of the first castles approaching the Eyrie alongside his army of Vale lords and their forces now numbering close to 20,000 after two weeks of hard marching which saw more and more men joining his cause upon the summons of their lords who had sworn their loyalty to him.
His enemy had neither unnoticed that or ignored their own preparations against the same.
For in front of him now stood the entire might of House Arryn itself- all 10,000 infantry, cavalry, archers and other smaller units in all their glory and strength.
They manned the three castles approaching towards the Eyrie and had already issued him an ultimatum.
"This is an outrage!" hissed Lord Karstark murderously,
"It would seem Lady Lysa will not be supporting our cause, Your Grace" suggested Lord Mallister disappointedly,
"Then we get rid of the crazy woman. Can't she see we have the support of nearly all her bannermen? One more week and we shall have another 10,000 to 12,000 more forces under our ranks. We can storm her castle then!" proposed Theon fiercely,
The dangerous suggestion made all the Vale lords including Lord Royce blanch in shock and glare at the lone Greyjoy furiously. Before they could chastise Theon, their King raised his hand silencing everyone.
"We are not here to fight House Arryn. Also Theon, Lysa has my mother hostage alongside our own men whom I sent with her. Most importantly, storming the Eyrie is nearly impossible without catastrophic losses. We will lose our army here and start a civil war in the Vale that may last years" explained Robb gravely,
"To do such a thing to one's own sister and kin...Lady Lysa is lost" whispered Lady Anya Waynwood disappointedly,
"What do we do now, Your Grace?" asked Lord Royce seriously, making Robb pause.
Mya Stone watched the new and young King become unreadable for several long moments. It was true the forces of House Arryn were lesser in numbers against the combined strength of all their bannermen now standing against them. It was why they were not sailing out in force to crush them and instead fixated on holding the castles leading towards the Eyrie knowing they could crush larger armies easily in such a position.
They wanted Robb to attack here and cause major damage to his army before they launched their own counterattack to crush the rebellious Vale lords.
Robb couldn't afford a siege which would take months or years depending upon the supplies the Eyrie had stored for such a situation, certainly not with the War still ongoing against the Lannister's where he was desperately needed.
If he retreated, the Vale lords would lose faith in him and flock back to House Arryn begging forgiveness for their rebellion. Most importantly, he would be abandoning his mother as a hostage alongside the men he had sent with her.
The King's father was dead, his sisters trapped in King's Landing, his mother now held prisoner by her own sister in the Eyrie. His two youngest brothers stuck in the North facing the possibility of a Greyjoy invasion, and his half brother currently waging a war in Robb's name against Tywin Lannister himself..
Mya didn't know how she could deal if her own family was in such peril everywhere. She saw sadness and a fleeting look of reminisce flash across the King's eyes as he looked at the letter delivered to them this morning by a Knight of the Eyrie's household guard this morning. A message sent by Lysa herself.
"Treason?" asked Theon hesitantly as he read the letter after coming near Robb,
"Lady Lysa wrote this?" questioned Lord Royce in disbelief,
"She plans to consider pledging the Vale to Jofferey and demands our surrender or my mother shall face the consequences alongside our men trapped in her Castle" replied Robb bitterly,
"Lord Arryn would be spinning in his grave now" spat Lord Gilwood Hunter furiously,
Robb didn't reply to that remark knowing he didn't have any military option to exercise in this situation, nor could he retreat. He was stuck without any options.
His lords started bickering and even started trading accusations amongst themselves soon enough as he contemplated what to do until he saw Mya come near him.
"Your Grace" she said with a respectful little bow sitting upon her horse,
"Mya, was it?" he asked, earning a nod and a brief smile for remembering her.
"It would seem I am in a tough situation. My first one as King" said Robb with bitter amusement,
"Talk to them, Your Grace" suggested Mya,
"Lysa? Nothing can persuade my aunt, she has lost her wits and loyalty to family and her own bannermen" refused Robb angrily,
"Not her right now, Your Grace. Them" replied Mya patiently, and showed him something else.
Robb looked at her pointed finger which was directing towards the first way castle where majority of House Arryn's forces were stationed to deter them.
"These men are loyal to House Arryn, Mya. Not me" reminded Robb with a sigh, regaining the attention of most of the bickering lords who now looked at Mya including Lord Royce.
She gulped a little under such scrutiny but didn't look away from King Robb and said what was in her heart.
"They are, Your Grace. But they also loved Lord Jon Arryn dearly and are proud fighters. They would not let anyone harm his family and your actions while not intentional have led in that direction. Most importantly, they have no love for the Lannister's or the Crown. I know many of them and they are good men, appeal to their honor directly- promise them you mean no harm to their liege lord's kin despite everything that has happened and why they must stand beside you and not against. Show them a King worth dying for"
Robb's eyes widened a little upon hearing that and made him glance at the Arryn defenders looking right at them from atop their castle's walls.
In this moment, he truly felt the weight of the new crown atop his head.
Very few kings in the history of the Seven Kingdoms were truly loved by their soldiers, even fewer who could inspire genuine respect and loyalty among the masses. It was nearly impossible but that was exactly what he had to do.
He had to be a King worth believing in.
"What are you doing?" asked Theon worriedly, when Robb gripped the reins of his horse.
"What a King must"
Theon never hesitated for even a moment as he gripped his own horse's reins and brought it closer to the King's own.
"This is my fight, Theon. Don't endanger yourself like this" implored Robb, but the older Greyjoy shook his head.
"You are the brother I chose. I won't let you go out there alone!" swore Theon bravely, making Robb smile genuinely.
"They might just kill us before we even speak to them" warned Robb again, earning a faint smirk from Theon.
"You're all I have left, Your Grace. The only family that remains to me after my own has probably forgotten me completely. If I am to die, then I would like to do that by your side. I am your brother, Now and Always" swore Theon earnestly,
A warm feeling engulfed Robb's heart as he clasped the older Greyjoy's hand confidently even as Greywind arrived by their side.
Robb didn't miss the impact Theon's decision had on the other Lords who were looking at the Greyjoy in a new light. Even so..
"Are you sure you want to do this, My King?" asked Lord Royce hesitantly,
"My father once told me: The Man who passes the sentence should swing the sword. My lords, you all chose me as King. That makes those men standing there as my subjects as well even if they hold steel against me right now. How can I ask them to follow me into War and trust me if I don't even have the guts to face them and talk man-to-man. There is only one Robb Stark and only one man shall get to kill me. All that remains is seeing whether I'll find that man here"
Lord Yohn Royce was not a man to be swayed with words easily, his opinion of Kings had never been much positive after all he had seen in his life. Yet Robb Stark had continued defying his expectations time and again, first with his military victory, then his ascension to Kingship by personally swaying the Vale nobility with his charisma and determination.
He displayed those invaluable traits again in this moment as he saw the impact the King's decision and words had upon their army, as thousands upon thousands of warriors cheered as their King marched forward alone to confront the Arryn defenders with only his beastly Direwolf and Theon Greyjoy holding a white flag alongside the Crowned Stark Direwolf flags in each of his arms.
You are crazy, Robb Stark. But also truly Brave...
Ser Damon Vardon had barely settled into his role as the Captain of the Eyrie's household guard when his predecessor- Ser Vardis had met an unfortunate end during a Trial by Combat conducted on behalf of Tyrion Lannister.
Being a veteran of the Rebellion that overthrew the Mad King, and the subsequent one launched by the Greyjoy's- he was no stranger to wars or combat. Like any loyal Vale knight, he had sworn to defend House Arryn against all enemies be it their own countrymen.
He had never imagined such a thing to happen however, but his luck was terrible and within weeks of his appointment he was informed the rest of the Vale lords had defied Lady Lysa- their beloved Lord Jon's widow openly and declared their support for Robb Stark and were now marching towards the Eyrie.
Such a thing had never happened before as far as he could remember history atleast, nonetheless he gathered the entire strength of House Arryn and the minor lords still loyal to them amassing 10,000 warriors quickly which was worthy enough in its own right as Robb Stark marched his new army to their doorstep.
They were all that remained standing against this massive army.
He bore no ill will towards the Stark boy, in fact he admired the lad for inflicting crushing defeats upon the Lannister's who murdered their liege lord- something which Lady Lysa herself confirmed during Tyrion's trial. As much as he and the other Knights of Arryn wanted to punish the Lannister's for their crimes, they were bound to obey their Lady and Lord Robin who would be their leader one day when he came of age- even he was unhinged to an extent.
Robb's actions now directly threatened Lord Jon Arryn's family and he alongside the 10,000 defenders would die before they would allow a single enemy to touch their beloved lord's family.
"What are they doing?" asked Harun, the Captain of his archers standing beside him.
Damon saw the cheering erupt among the enemy army and was himself stunned when two young men marched forward upon their horses. The one in the back was holding the flag for Parley alongside the Crowned Stark Direwolf, but the one marching in the front was unmistakable.
If the crown atop his head didn't reveal his identity, then an actual large direwolf marching by his side was all that was needed.
"Robb Stark is coming to greet us in person" whispered Damon,
Harun was quick to order their archers to take aim and even launched warning shots towards the Stark boy for Lady Lysa had ordered no negotiations to take place.
Even as arrows rained just a few feet away from him, Robb Stark never faltered and continued looking at his attackers bravely. Even his direwolf just glared at them even as its master only soothed his horse who started getting nervous amidst the next volley which came even closer.
The lad was either brave or plain stupid when he didn't stop even as Harun ordered arrows to narrowly miss his body.
"Knights of Arryn!"
The firing stopped when Robb's loud and confident call reached the defenders and for a moment the new King looked directly at Damon himself.
"I am Robb Stark and I want to speak to everyone of you. In the memory of Lord Jon Arryn and Lord Eddard Stark- the men you loved and respected...allow me this chance" implored Robb sincerely,
Harun was about to launch a final volley to end the new King but something within his eyes and those words made Damon stop him.
"Captain? Lady Lysa said-" reminded Harun, earning a scathing glare from Damon.
"I know what she said. But we are Knights, not butchers. The courage this boy has shown today is enough to let him speak atleast" said Damon frankly,
"We can end this rebellion right here! One arrow and that will be it!" protested Harun angrily,
"So you want to be called Kingslayer and follow in Jaime Lannister's disgraced footsteps by repeating history in a cowardly manner?"
Those words hurt his men when he saw Harun and dozens other flinch, if that wasn't enough the Stark King now stood very near their Castle's walls ignoring the protests from his only companion.
"It seems there is still honor left in the noble Knights of the Vale" called out Robb respectfully,
Theon tensed when he saw a few archers were not yet convinced and were itching to send their arrows to skewer Robb mercilessly. It made him step forward to shield his closest friend and King...
"Your Grace!" he implored urgently, and tried to pull him back behind his own body only for Robb to gently push him away and glare straight at the aiming archers fiercely.
"I am King Robb Stark, shoot me if you wish in a manner like this. There is only one King Robb Stark and only one man's name shall be remembered in history for killing me like this. Who wants to be that coward?" challenged Robb bravely,
The King's blue eyes remained unwavering and his words made the last of the archers aiming at him to look away hesitantly. Seeing them back down made the remaining defenders to adopt a relaxed stance and even earned respectful nods from dozens of Arryn men for his frankness and bravery.
"Speak, my lord" commanded Damon with a nod, earning a similar one in return from Robb respectfully.
"My war is not against anyone of you, my aunt Lysa, her son-my cousin or any innocent citizen of the Vale. My only enemies are the Lannister's who murdered my father and your Lord Jon Arryn, ones who crippled my brother in cold blood to hide their crimes against the realm. The ones who are butchering hundreds of innocents across the Riverlands as we speak- has Lady Lysa forgotten the lands and citizens of her birth? Once the Mad King ordered similar atrocities by calling upon Lord Jon Arryn to hand over my father and King Robert Baratheon for execution! What was his and the Vale's response then?" thundered Robb,
Damon and many of the veterans from Robert's Rebellion flinched as they remembered that history, of how Lord Jon Arryn rebelled to protect his wards against the Targaryen dynasty itself. It was the Vale that started the revolt first by disobeying that royal command.
"They fought for justice! They fought for honor! They fought to protect their families and people from a tyrannical King! History has repeated itself years later and all our heroes- Lord Jon Arryn, Lord Eddard Stark and King Robert Baratheon have been murdered or disposed off by the Lannister's through treachery. I speak to all of you today-warrior to warrior, I did not wish to be King but it was the people of your kingdom who chose me as such. I do not want to repay that faith and loyalty with bloodshed. If you and House Arryn do not wish to support me, then return my mother and her guard. I shall return back to the Riverlands with the support I have so far to avenge my father and Lord Jon Arryn" offered Robb,
Theon was stunned and so were hundreds of others upon that declaration. What was Robb playing at for they needed House Arryn's allegiance to truly have the entire Vale behind them and lend legitimacy to his Kingship over this very Kingdom!
"We cannot do that, my lord. Lady Lysa-" replied Damon respectfully, only to be cut off by Robb.
"What good is a Knighthood if you break your vows to fight for justice? All of you sworn to protect House Arryn against all enemies- the Lannister's murdered your liege lord and all you can do is hide behind his wife's fears! I thought you were warriors!" said Robb with a heavy frown, making Greywind growl in anger as well.
Theon made his peace with the Drowned God when he saw many of the Arryn defenders murderously glare at Robb for that remark but the King either didn't notice or worse refused to care.
But there were hundreds more among the defenders who looked away in shame or guilt and Robb continued his assault on that single shred of hope.
"I do not know the future and would not make promises I cannot keep. But I speak to you as a King today and swear upon my honor that I shall fight bravely to avenge Lord Jon Arryn and my father. I shall stand beside you in every battle at the front and face the criminals who have inflicted sorrow, loss and injustice upon our Kingdoms!" assured Robb without hesitation,
He saw Damon and most of the Arryn defenders pausing upon hearing his words and decided to make his final move. He had spoken what was in his heart, as any Northerner would. Whether it worked or not, only time would tell.
"Or you can hide behind these castles at the whimsical fears of a scared widow! But as history shall be rewritten- your courage and honor will be forgotten, your victories shall not be celebrated and it will always be remembered the true Knights of Arryn died on this day!"
"May Lord Jon Arryn forgive you all once you meet him in the afterlife"
Theon was shocked to hear such rage and heartbreak in Robb's voice, their enemies must have felt it too as he saw majority of the Arryn men lower their heads or not meet Robb's burning gaze that seemed to pierce through their very souls.
Without another word, the King turned his horse around and galloped off with Greywind running by his side back towards their army.
Theon lingered for a moment longer to see the supposed Commander of the defenders looking at Robb's retreating back with a myriad of emotions in his conflicted gaze.
(Several Hours Later)
It was the middle of the night and yet Robb couldn't sleep as he continued staring at the map of the lands in his tent to come up with any viable military solution. For the first time in his campaign, he found himself having none that didn't involve months or years of siege, or worse trying to storm the three way castle's and risk losing his entire gathered Vale forces.
That was not taking into account what would happen to his mother and her guards should he launch an attack against the men defending Lysa.
A nightmare indeed.
"We're fucked, aren't we?" muttered the Smalljon with a frown,
"Can we try to sneak in a small battlegroup by climbing the mountains? They can sneak into the Castle and try to take Lysa and her son hostage" suggested Owen Norrey,
"Too risky! Lysa is a paranoid woman, we cannot risk Lady Stark getting caught in such fighting" denied Theon,
"You can't scale that Mountain. Many men have tried and all died, it will be folly. It is as dangerous as climbing the Wall itself if not worse and there is no telling how many men such party will face if they do get inside. You will be sending good men to their deaths" warned Mya, who had been personally requested by Robb to join this meeting among his personal battle guard after her valuable suggestion in the morning.
She knew these lands better than them and Robb wanted her opinion even if he had already consulted the Vale lords a few hours ago only to end up with the same conclusion.
"Can we challenge the fuckers to a single fight? One fighter from each army fights to the death. The winner of that duel can claim victory like in the old days and settle this without thousands dying. I volunteer" suggested the Smalljon with enthusiasm,
"I doubt the Arryn defenders would agree to that unless Lysa approves it" said Owen Norrey with a sigh,
Was it his fate to face defeat after achieving victory after victory? Robb couldn't help but wonder.
He regretted his last words with his mother and how harsh he had been with her. Now he may never get to see her again...just like Father.
Before Robb could come to a dreadful decision, one of his guards entered inside quickly after announcing himself.
"What is it?" asked the King testily,
"Riders, your grace. From the Castle, they come under the banner of peace and seek to speak to you directly" informed the Stark guard, making Robb perk up quickly.
"Send them in right away. I will meet them" he commanded swiftly,
Everyone inside the King's tent held their breath and waited for painful long minutes before the Arryn man finally entered. Mya was the one who blinked in surprise as did the new arrival.
"Ser Damon?" asked Mya in surprise,
"It is good to see you, child. Although I wish it were in better circumstances" replied the Arryn Knight, before looking straight at Robb with an unreadable gaze.
"If you are the enemy commander...you are bold to come here" commented Robb carefully,
"I am. Truthfully, it is less in comparison to what you did today, King Robb" replied Damon,
Robb didn't miss the change in title compared to the morning or the respect he saw in the older man's eyes for him now.
"I bear no ill will towards you and hold nothing but respect for your father and love for our dear Lord Jon Arryn. Yet I and the men following me are sworn to defend House Arryn. We cannot allow your army to pass and threaten them" explained Damon seriously,
"You came all this way to say this?" asked Theon in disbelief and anger,
"Gods know I agree with you when it comes to this war, most of my men feel the same-the Lannister's must pay but we cannot support you until Lady Lysa commands us. Please understand that!" defended Damon,
"You're a good man, Ser Damon. You have always been kind to me and all the servants. You know what is right and wrong" begged Mya, making the Arryn Commander look at her sadly.
"I know which is why I am here after consulting with my officers and men. While we cannot allow your army to pass, we can allow a small delegation under the banner of peace to enter the Eyrie to convince our Lady. You will be watched and barely armed, but it will give you a chance atleast to resolve this without bloodshed" explained Damon honestly,
Robb remained silent even as his battle guard erupted in denial and claims of treachery, ignoring their protests the King looked at the man who proposed this and to his credit, Ser Damon didn't flinch.
"Say we agree, and I enter with my delegation for negotiations under the banner of peace. What is to stop Lysa from imprisoning us or worse ordering our executions right away?" questioned Robb seriously,
"The thing with soldiers is: they'll obey their Commander over their leader. Especially when their leader is prone to make irrational and unjust decisions often" whispered Damon,
Robb's eyes widened upon realizing the underlying meaning behind those words and to lend further credence to his thoughts, he saw Ser Damon give them all a subtle nod without explicitly saying what was in his heart.
"You want us to place our trust in you. Then you must do the same, King Robb"
With those parting words and a brief but respectful bow, the Arryn Commander left leaving behind an even more conflicted Robb and his fellow companions.
(Next Day)
"This is madness!" growled Lord Karstark in disbelief and fury as he looked at Robb Stark and his small group comprised of Vale and Riverlords and his personal battle guard made up of the likes of Smalljon Umber, Theon Greyjoy, Owen Norrey and Stark household guards. In total, only twenty men and one woman-Mya stone were going to the Eyrie under the supposed protection of the Arryn Commander to meet Lysa Arryn herself.
"I am aware of this risks, my lord. But there is no other way and I will not send thousands to a pointless death when we need every man against the Lannisters" explained Robb patiently,
"We need you against them, Your Grace. Without you, our cause is lost!" replied Lord Karstark bitterly,
"The whole tree doesn't fall if one branch breaks off. I have made the line of succession clear should I perish due to treachery or madness at my aunt's behalf" said Robb and gestured towards the scroll containing exactly that in Lord Karstark's hands.
"Prince Brandon-" argued the older lord,
"Is my brother and your future King with Rickon as his heir if something happens to me. My brother Jon will lead our armies in Bran's name and the war against the Lannister's will continue until every last one of them faces justice for their crimes. Should anything happen to my trueborn brothers, then Jon shall succeed them as King of the North, Riverlands and the Vale. You have his legitimization decree as a Stark for such a situation, I will not leave my people in peril due to my risky decision" clarified Robb with great patience,
Lord Rickard Karstark didn't look pleased but was surprised when Robb came forward to look him straight in the eyes.
"You asked me to believe in myself. My brother Jon did the same" reminded Robb,
"Sometimes I wonder if you know enough to be afraid, Your Grace. This is a risky and nearly suicidal move" warned Rickard gravely, as he looked at the thousands of enemy defenders among whom his King would be trapped.
"Maybe you're right. In that regard I am no different from Torrhen or Eddard- your sons who fought valiantly against Jaime Lannister himself to save my life. They didn't know the future but they fought for me, our people, our lands. I will do the same even if it means my death. The Lannister's must pay!" swore Robb,
Lord Karstark's eyes widened a little upon being reminded of his slain sons and watching the determination and sheer bravery in Robb's eyes gave him some solace as his boys had died for a worthy man.
A fine King.
"May the gods be with you then, Your Grace. I shall fulfill your command should the worst happen" promised Rickard tiredly, earning a final nod from Robb before the first Stark King in centuries galloped alongwith his small entourage straight into the Falcon's very own stronghold.
Mya Stone followed after the King alongside his entourage and didn't miss the curious looks of the Arryn defenders when the Stark monarch was the first to enter their Castle and charged forward bravely to be joined by Ser Damon and other Arryn officers on the march towards the Eyrie.
The weeks past had not been kind to Catelyn in the slightest.
Arriving at the Eyrie to displeasure of her younger sister was one thing, finding out the lords loyal to Lysa had proclaimed Robb as their King was quite another.
Whatever sanity that was left in her sister disappeared when she heard the news as she screamed at her defenders to gather House Arryn's forces at full strength. Hearing that Robb was marching towards the Eyrie with an ever growing army of Valemen at his back made her imprison Catelyn with the threat of execution should her son launch any attack on her stronghold.
Once Catelyn would have refuted such claim without hesitation, but her son was changing right before her eyes.
All because of Jon Snow.
The Robb she knew would never take any action to harm his own family's position, even if he had never met Lysa in his life. And yet he had accepted being declared as King of the Vale, undermined his aunt and cousin's authority without a second thought and was now marching their own men to the Eyrie.
How had things gone so wrong?
Her son's last words to her before she departed for the Eyrie continued playing in her mind as she was marched to the court of her sister by a set of Arryn guards with the haunting Moon door appearing at the edge.
My Father is dead. I am trying to win a War against enemies who have me outnumbered, I must do everything I have to in order to win and save my sisters. Have you forgotten that?
Is that an order? She remembered asking her stern son,
If it has to be.
Catelyn regretted the harsh conversation with her eldest and feared it would be the last she would ever have. Her daughters trapped in the Capital, her younger sons alone in Winterfell and her eldest son unable to reach her in this place for doing so alone would be suicide.
Is this how you felt, Ned? Dying away from most of your family?
Her only solace would be the fact that Robb had more supporters backing him and perhaps he would succeed in protecting their family, a task in which his parents had failed.
It was why her eyes widened in shock and horror upon seeing Robb himself standing in the hall with a crown atop his head alongside a dozen Vale and some Riverlords by his side.
Even Theon Greyjoy was there, all of them looking at the face of Lysa Tully who looked livid.
"I held you once when you were born, nephew. For a brief moment atleast, if I had known then that one day you would be threatening my own son's future- I would have ended you there. A mistake I shall rectify today!" said Lysa scathingly,
"My Lady, hear them out please. They come under the banner of peace!" urged Ser Damon politely, earning a murderous glare from his liege lord's widow.
"You will pay dearly for this betrayal as well! The Knights of the Vale were supposed to protect its liege lord and stay neutral by defending our own lands! Your actions have forced me to consider siding with the Lannister's to safeguard my son, our lands and people!" refuted Lysa bitterly, making Damon sigh and look away.
"Nobody is questioning your rule, Aunt Lysa. But you must also consider that your Lords want to fight for justice. To avenge your husband and my own father murdered by Lannister's!" argued Robb calmly,
"And you think you can defeat Tywin Lannister himself? Few victories don't make you a conqueror, Robb Stark!" chastised Lysa heatedly,
The Arryn guardsman in the halls alongside their leader-Ser Damon looked at the young King who merely gave a brief look of understanding.
"I have a better chance of getting justice with the brave men of the Vale by my side! The Lannister's murdered your husband and your Goodbrother by law, crippled one of your nephews, hold your nieces captive, hurt your younger brother and threatened to destroy Riverrun itself with your ailing father still inside of it! Does family mean nothing to you?" asked Robb furiously,
"It means everything to me! My son's safety is paramount! Anyone who threatens it will be executed, including all of you!" roared Lysa angrily,
The Vale and Riverlords bristled at the threat and edged for their swords making the Arryn guards do the same, before Catelyn could stop this madness it was her son who raised his hand stilling hostilities.
"Your bannermen won't support you if you decide to back the Lannister's! Not after they murdered your husband and their liege lord by your own admission! Would you kill your own people for standing up for what is right?" asked Robb seriously,
"If they threaten my authority and my son's rule, then every traitor shall be dealt with extreme prejudice!"
"The Mad King also saw threats everywhere and turned against his own people. Would you repeat that history, Aunt Lysa?" asked Robb sadly,
Catelyn saw Lysa get up from her seat and thunderously march down the stairs where Robb and his supporters were being guarded by a group of her guardsmen.
"For the sake of the blood we unfortunately share, go away nephew and take your treacherous mother as well. The Knights of the Vale shall stay in the Vale!" commanded Lysa and sent a hateful glare towards Catelyn as well.
"I intend to but the men who pledged themselves to me shall also come with me to War alongside all their fighters. Can we not see reason for once, Aunt Lysa? It is not my wish to threaten your son-my cousin in any form. Give me your strength and forces, and I will ensure no Lannister ever dares lay a hand upon our family for the rest of their lives" urged Robb sincerely,
He saw the way many of the Arryn guards looked at him after that pledge, Lysa saw it as well.
"We still love your family and would die for you if needed without hesitation! But let us fight for justice and your family, that is all we ask!" pleaded Lord Royce,
"We all still recognize you as our Lady Regent and Lord Robin as our future lord. But we cannot consider Jofferey as King or bow to the Lannister's ever again! King Robb shall be a far better ruler than any other! The fact that he is here talking to all of us shows he values the Vale and its friendship!" begged Lord Gilwood Hunter,
"My Lady, the Riverlands need your help desperately! Our people are suffering and dying by the thousands, if we lose this war...then I am afraid House Tully and all the loyal lords who stand by their side will be destroyed" urged Lord Mallister, making Lysa look away until Catelyn stepped forward ignoring the protests from her guards and a surprised look from Robb who noticed his mother's arrival.
Ignoring the gazes of the men, Catelyn surprised everyone including her younger sister by kneeling before her.
"We need you, Lysa. Now more than ever...whatever you require to give us your support, we will agree. I beg you to see reason and stand by our side. I don't know why but the last time I saw our Father, he was whispering apologies to you in his sleep. He seeks your forgiveness for reasons not known to me" requested Catelyn and watched Lysa blink in shock at the sincere gesture.
"Is that true?" whispered Lysa hesitantly, earning a firm nod from her elder sister.
Lysa clenched her fists tightly and looked at her sister for several long moments before looking at her nephew who surprised her more by offering her his own sword.
"It was the Valemen who crowned me King but without its Lady Regent's support- it means nothing. If you feel I am unworthy of it or wish to harm you or my cousin-Robin in any way then end my life right here" offered Robb humbly,
''You don't know the Lannister's, boy. Or have you never heard of the Rains of Castamere? Do you wish the lords of the Vale to face the same fate at the hands of Tywin Lannister?" challenged Lysa heatedly,
Robb saw the fear arriving in the eyes of many Vale lords upon being reminded of the dark tale of Tywin Lannister's butchery towards those who defied him.
"If you don't sue for peace and stop pretending playing a game you are not prepared for, then what happened to the Targaryen children will happen to all of our own at the hands of that monster!"
Even Lord Royce and Mya winced at being reminded of that gruesome fact which only made Lysa continue on.
"You need to surrender or run back to Winterfell. You are facing the richest house in the Seven Kingdoms! Their armies are well equipped and better trained than your own! Commanded by a veteran who would inflict untold brutality without hesitation of any kind! Who can field entire Sellsword armies on a whim to replace the losses you may have inflicted so far!"
"And what do you have to stand against that? An ill equipped and outnumbered Northern army being supported by already shattered Riverlords and their remnants. You do not even have the strength in gold or resources to fight a prolonged war but Tywin can! I will not let your belligerence and the foolishness of my bannermen bring ruin upon my house and son alongside the Vale!" finished Lysa decisively,
Dozens of more Arryn guards entered the hall earning a satisfied nod from Lysa , but she watched curiously as Robb calmly walked towards one of the windows through which even she could see the distant but faint silhouettes of the might of the Vale off in the distance.
"You are right, Aunt Lysa. We are the weaker side in this war, underequipped and outnumbered. But here we are, fighting a war none of us had ever imagined. The man we sought to protect through this war is gone, the world we once knew will never be the same again" spoke Robb honestly,
Catelyn couldn't help but hold on to every word of her son and saw every man and woman in the room were doing the same, including Lysa herself.
"Not a moment passes when I do not think about the lives of my lords, my soldiers and everyone who supports me. Every night I dream of the friends and comrades I have lost already, maybe some of them including my Father would not oppose if I sued for peace to protect those still alive" confessed Robb,
Theon was stunned again upon hearing that but didn't object as he saw Robb looking at the Vale army in the distance.
"All that I have left are those standing beside me"
Catelyn regretted being overly harsh with her son in the recent past after hearing that and upon seeing the grief and loneliness in his eyes in this moment.
She watched Robb turn towards them all once again and watched in stunned silence when a fierce determination arrived in his eyes. One that she had never seen before...was this truly her boy?
"All of our kingdoms fought together not long ago to overthrow a corrupt dynasty and a cruel King just like the one today. History does not remember us only for the victories, but also the bravery and duty that defined the North, the Riverlands and the Vale as they all fought side by side- battle after battle together. Where you see an underequipped and outnumbered soldiers, I see courage and honor- thousands of heroes who swore to fight their way through hell before they EVER turn their backs and run from the duty of protecting their Kingdoms and people!" challenged Robb fiercely,
Lysa blinked in surprise when she saw Ser Damon and all of her household guards stand firm and look at the young King with unflinching respect and pride as Robb walked forward to stand before her once again and looked right in her eyes.
"Where you see only a rabble of rebellious lords and relatives, I see Family!"
Lady Anya Waynwood smiled happily and saw most of the other lords shared that emotion as they stood even more tall and proud in the presence of their King.
"Men and women who will fight, bleed and die for the sake of FAMILY, DUTY, AND HONOR!"
Lysa flinched and looked away a little from those piercing blue eyes of her nephew that dug deep into her very soul, calling out to the values held dear by House Tully for generations.
"If we don't stop the Lannister's today then we leave the realm and our families at the mercy of monsters who will come after us all one after another in time. They will oppress our people, insult our dignity, mock our customs and way of life under their false sense of arrogance and superiority! If you feel that is not something worth fighting for still, then take my sword and plunge it through my heart for I will never surrender to that tyranny!" swore Robb fiercely, his voice making Lysa flinch as she heard roars of approvals from the gathered Vale and Riverlords and shockingly even from Ser Damon and almost everyone of her household guards who were now looking at her with hope and subtle challenge.
Lysa looked at the sword and then at Robb for several tense moments before a tired sigh escaped from her lips.
She then looked at Ser Damon and many of her own household guards again challengingly to only witness their continued support for the young Stark King even when she glared bloody murder at them!
"Considering that you have already won the hearts of my countrymen leaves me with no choice. But I have my own demands if I am to support you in the name of justice" said Lysa sternly,
"Please tell us, my lady" agreed Lord Royce eagerly, earning a nod and relieved smile from Robb as well.
"First, I want a public apology from all the Vale lords towards my house for this little rebellion and repledge their faith in House Arryn and its future heir-my son!" commanded Lysa without hesitation,
The gathered Vale lords looked at each other and while a few looked uncomfortable, they all nodded one after another much to Robb and Catelyn's relief.
"Second, a sizeable force of atleast a few thousand defenders will remain in the Vale to protect our lands from any attacks. You must also eliminate the Mountain Clans in my name who have terrorized our people once this war is over"
Robb and the gathered Vale lords nodded without hesitation.
"Third, House Arryn must be granted favorable trade rights and war spoils alongside Vale lords once the war is over for supporting you in these desperate times and declaring you as King" stated Lysa frankly,
"Your support and those of your bannermen will be justly appreciated and rewarded, Aunt Lysa" promised Robb sincerely, earning a nod from his Aunt and favorable smiles from the Vale lords.
"Lastly, you must secure and protect Lord Petyr Baelish. He is a dear friend of mine and an ally of our side even if he is currently serving in Jofferey's court. Refuse this and I will not support your Kingship and forbid any support from the Vale even if it leads to a bloody civil war!" said Lysa murderously, and glared at everyone with dangerous ferocity daring them all to challenge her.
Robb frowned at the strange demand and looked at his mother who suddenly looked extremely uncomfortable, but after several tense moments Catelyn gave a tired nod sealing his decision.
"So be it. You have my word Lord Baelish will not be harmed once we crush the Lannister's" promised Robb, and his suspicions deepened when Lysa gave an actual happy smile at that.
"Then under these terms- I Lysa Arryn, wife of the late Jon Arryn, Lady Regent of the Vale accept you as King of the Vale, North and Riverlands alongside any future dominion of the Seven Kingdoms you conquer. The Knights of the Vale are yours alongside all our might" said Lysa seriously, and sighed before kneeling in front of Robb making the rest of her bannermen and knights follow suit swiftly as the warriors unleashed their swords to lay at the King's feet.
Catelyn had tears of joy and pride in her eyes as she too knelt before the finest and most worthy King she had ever seen in her life.
Your Father would be so proud of you today, my son.
"THE WOLF KING!" cheered Theon with a mad grin upon his lips as he too knelt and started a thunderous war cry from everyone in the room that would soon echo across the entire Vale and the rest of the Seven Kingdoms.
"THE WOLF KING!"
"THE WOLF KING!"
"THE WOLF KING!"
(Riverlands)
Jon looked at the older man standing before him in his tent, one he had grown up hearing great stories about from everyone he had ever known. Even his father respected the legendary knight despite the man fighting against him for the Mad King, and now the very same warrior was presenting him House Stark's ancestral sword- Ice.
More importantly, he was also carrying a supposed last message from Jon's father.
It was time to address the situation despite his personal misgivings.
"It is an honor to meet you, Ser Barristan Selmy"
Author's Notes: End of chapter.
Hope you guys liked it.
Sincere apologies for the extremely late update. I was busy finishing another story of mine which is now over, most importantly I found a wonderful woman whom I married and enjoyed travelling and spending time with these past few months. Now that things are a little settled in my life, my focus is going to be completely on this story alongwith another one as well.
I can't promise how often I can update, but I can assure that I will finish this story no matter what. And we are just getting started! Will try to give another update in this month itself if possible!
Honestly I am completely blown by the awesome support I have received from all of you so far, it gives me confidence that I can write a entertaining GOT story as well even if this is my first one in this fandom.
So please keep up your awesome support through Reviews, favs, PM's, whatever you like.
It took me quite some time to think and write this chapter as realistically as possible, and I enjoyed every moment of it. Would love to hear your thoughts...so please review.
Until Next Time,
Blackwolf501
PS: Sorry for the cliffhanger! Couldn't resist, hehe. But will try to give next update as soon as possible against that!