Benjen hugged Howland Reed, not seeing each other in many years. The last witness to what had happened at the tower of joy all that time ago, there was something about Howland Reed that made him and his bond with House Stark as strong as blood. He was there when Lyanna died, and he was the only one outside of the family besides Ashara who knew of who Jon was.

"How has everything been since my absence, old friend?" Benjen asked him.

"Well, much, Benjen," Howland answered him. "My children went on a grand adventure throughout the North and in the lands beyond the Wall, had experiences with the Free Folk, encountered a foul threat that we have not seen in thousands of years, and came back, but with Brandon's abilities exceeding everyone's expectations."

Benjen nodded. "And Meera is safe with you?"

"Yes. She is currently with me here in White Harbor, along with Brandon's direwolf Summer. Brandon can warg into Summer from time to time, and you'll know when he will be there."

Benjen had encountered wargs before during his many ranging missions beyond the Wall, but he was aware that Brandon was much more capable than that. People are saying that he is going to be the next Three-Eyed Raven, and that's terrifying to think about, Benjen thought, as all he could remember was the boy who was still trying to live his life after getting crippled.

"What about Jojen?"

"He's with Brandon, along with the Mormonts and the northern mountain clans. I hear that they're making good progress."

Benjen had nothing but respect for House Mormont, especially after meeting all the warrior women of Bear Island. If Lady Lyanna is even half her mother, then she will be a force to be reckoned with, he assessed.

"And the Neck has seen bloodbath, huh?"

"The Lannister reinforcements are struggling in the swamps, and my people are making quick work of them. Those who even manage to get across, are cut down at Moat Cailin. So far, none of them have been able to do so."

"And that could change easily?"

Howland shrugged. "Well, Ser Jaime Lannister is leading a force that will try to bypass the Neck by sea, but it is a long journey from Maidenpool to White Harbor. And if the rumors are true, your ships will make quick work of them."

"You have no idea, especially with Prince Kaijin at the lead," Benjen pointed to Kaijin.

"What's a Yi-Tish prince doing all the way?" Howland asked Kaijin.

"I am an exile, but on my accord," he answered him. "I need to see a different way of living, and being here, in the land of the white devils, is quite refreshing for me."

"White devils?" Howland asked Benjen.

"It's what they call anyone with white skin," Benjen explained.

"That's a… very simplistic way of looking at things, Prince Kaijin. Not all Westerosi have white skin."

"That's merely how I know to address you, my lord. I apologize if it caused you any offense."

"It did not," Howland waved off. "I just got… curious.

Then, Benjen shook hands with Lord Wyman Manderly, who was walking with them in the hallways towards the solar. "I am sorry about your son, Wendel. I know that he was a loyal man, and for him to die at the Red Wedding… rest assured, Lord Frey will pay for what he has done."

"With you here, I have no doubt about that," Lord Wyman nodded with confidence. "The last one of the brood of Lord Rickard, who was alive during the Rebellion. With you here, we can finally bring the North to heel."

"Of course. It's time that we end this nonsense, starting with the problems at Winterfell. Is it true that Ramsay Bolton killed his own father in order to retain his control over the North?"

"Yes, that is true. He said differently, but we all know the truth," Lord Wyman spat on the ground. "I cannot believe that the bastard was able to last this long in Winterfell."

"Worry not, Lord Wyman. The Boltons will finally pay for their betrayal of House Stark. There is only one fate that awaits turncoats."

"But is it true, Lord Benjen?" Lord Manderly's tone took on a different tone. "Robb Stark survived and has returned?"

"Yes," Benjen answered straight. "He is not here with me, obviously, but in the south, where he will help make preparations for the armies that will rise up in support of House Targaryen against the Lannisters."

Lord Wyman sighed. "If Robb Stark ever comes back here, he will find that the North will not be so welcoming towards him, given that his own naivete cost us everything."

"Not everything," Benjen pointed out. "And my nephew has learned much ever since he fled Westeros. He knows that he is not welcome here in the North, so that is why he is being useful someplace else. He will not come back until he is ready."

"Let us see if his escape and him surviving for so long in the Free Cities taught him a valuable lesson in humility."

Benjen could not blame Lord Wyman for what he was saying, but he had to put an end to his disrespect. "My lord, by all rights and blood, Robb Stark is now the legal heir of Winterfell. I would suggest you show him respect, no matter what you feel towards him. And he has done more than I ever thought of him, meaning that he needed to endure pain and suffering before he could truly become the man that the North will need."

"I am touched that you defend your family so unconditionally—"

"Not because of that," Benjen finally adopted a very firm tone, which surprised Lord Wyman. "You know, he didn't have to come back here. He could have just counted his blessings and stayed in exile. And he would have done very well for himself, far from home. But he chose to return, and do you wish to know why?" Lord Wyman remained quiet, prompting Benjen to continue. "He will never leave from something that he failed in. He doesn't want the last thoughts anyone thinks of him to be the one who ran away. He knows that he must put in double the effort if he wants to gain back the respect of the North, and he is willing to do that and more. And you might think, 'We gave him a chance to lead us, and he failed miserably.' Well, have you really fared better ever since the Red Wedding?"

Lord Wyman lowered his gaze in sadness. "No."

"When Robb comes, he will come with much help on his side. And he will be the changed man that the North will need at its helm. Do not dismiss him."

Benjen never expected to enter a long speech in front of Lord Wyman, but he needed to cease the thoughts of a man who was continually going to give dishonor to his nephew. No more. No more, he promised himself.

They finally arrived at the solar. Sansa invited Benjen and Kaijin into Lord Manderly's solar, along with Harrold Hardyng and Petyr Baelish. Also invited were Ser Harrold Hardyng, Sansa's betrothed, Peter Baelish, Jeor Mormont, and Howland Reed.

Benjen did not think much about Harrold Hardyng, the only legal heir of the Vale after Robin Arryn. He was no different from all the other arrogant knights who thought too much of themselves, and he could recognize the sort that Harrold was. And he has a bastard child already, meaning that he will bury his fingers into any woman he finds, and he will not be faithful to Sansa, Benjen knew too well, from what he had seen from Robert Baratheon. But without the betrothal, the Valemen would not have any reason to support her.

Benjen loathed Baelish, especially after that altercation between his dead brother Brandon and Catelyn over the issue of their betrothal, but he understood how he was able to claw his way into Sansa's circle. Benjen wanted nothing more than to take Baelish, tie him up, and drown him in the cold waters off White Harbor. However, his time as the First Ranger of the Night's Watch and then as a general in Yi-Ti taught him much about self-discipline, which he found very useful in making sure that he did not make any mistakes. As much as I want to kill him, Baelish is the one who has the ears of the Valemen who are with Sansa. If he dies, so does Sansa's vale support.

"Lord Benjen, may I start by expressing my relief that you are alive?" Ser Harrold began. "You are precious in my betrothed's eyes, and for you to survive has brought great relief to us all."

"I am glad, Ser Harrold," Benjen remained respectful.

"But there are two things that must be addressed," Baelish interrupted. "One, as you were the First Ranger of the Night's Watch and you came with a group of foreign soldiers, are you not a deserter?"

Lord Jeor Mormont expected that. "No, that is not the case. I have." He brought out documents that he took with him from Castle Black. "He is not a deserter, for I have released him from service. Here is the seal, which I as the Lord Commander of the Night's Watch confirmed."

Baelish examined the documents, while Benjen was expecting the response that Littlefinger would give.

"It seems that a vow to the Night's Watch can easily be invalidated by the Lord Commander's whims," Baelish jested.

Lord Jeor was not amused. "There were good reasons for me to do that, and those reasons turned out to exceed all expectations, for who could have imagined that the supposed bastard of House Stark was a Targaryen prince all along?"

"And that brings us to the Targaryens," Baelish said. "Do the dragons really expect the north and the Vale to bend the knee so easily?"

"No," Benjen was straightforward. "But it is not like that both kingdoms have prospered under the stewardship of the Lannisters. The North has been heavily damaged, the Vale will not be spared from retaliation, and the Lannisters have brought this land into the ground. You might think that the Targaryens are a bad option, but if you think that, you'll have to choose the lesser bad in this instance."

"They're not bad choices," Sansa declared. "I have already stated my promise to support my cousin and adopted brother, Daeron Targaryen, against the Lannisters and help and his family reclaim the throne. And he will never abandon the North, so we can count on him to support us."

"But with foreign support?" Baelish asked. "And that brings us to the other area of concern, your foreign woman."

Benjen grinded his teeth. He brought Mingyu with him, to show how much he valued her, and Sansa acquiesced.

"It is quite unbecoming of a senior member of House Stark to be involved with a foreign-born woman," Harrold stated. "After all, the last one who did so lost his crown."

Sansa looked at him with a glare, while Mingyu unsheathed her dagger and threw it to the wall next to Harrold, who was stunned.

"Yes, I am foreign," Mingyu surprised Harrold, Sansa, Baelish, Howland, Jeor, and Lord Wyman by speaking the common tongue. "But there are things that I can do that not many of you can. And if it were not for Benjen, I would be stuck in my ways and thus be less polite to you all. How about you extend me the same courtesy?"

Sansa smiled, impressed, as was Howland, Jeor, and even Lord Wyman, while Harrold was stunned, and Baelish looked at Mingyu with those eyes that Benjen hated. He had the same eyes when he was plotting to get Catelyn in this hand.

"How about we begin the planning session for the North?" Kaijin suggested.

"Of course." Sansa was clearly glad to move forward. "At this point, we should consider Deepwood Motte a non-issue, as the Mormonts and the northern mountain clansmen have besieged it. Without the presence of Lord Glover, it will fall. And that leave Winterfell."

"We must capture it, then," Benjen knew already.

"And with Winterfell's capture, we can start to wheel the forces southwards towards the Neck, both to fight off the Lannisters and break through into the riverlands," Kaijin added. "Meanwhile, my ships will intercept the Lannister transports trying to move from Maidenpool. With our weaponry, we shall prevail."

"Confident, aren't you?" Harrold was skeptical while trying to challenge Kaijin. "You are new here, so what makes you think that you will win so easily?"

"The only way for a victor winning many things is downwards. For the Lannisters, the time for them to go down has come."

Even Baelish looked surprised at how he answered it, for he showed that he was not going to play Harrold's game and did not even threaten Harrold at the same time.

"Beautiful words, Prince Kaijin," Benjen approved. "The plan is for the north to coalesce and unite before we smash into the riverlands. And once that has been accomplished, we can link up at King's Landing."

"How good are the men from Yi-Ti and the other sellsword companies?" Sansa asked Benjen.

"Let's just say… they will follow me into the ends of the earth," Benjen answered his niece. "I'll explain more later."

"Fair enough. But in order to do that, we must start fighting," Sansa recognized.

"And we also must include the Free Folk, for their numbers instantly give us an advantage," Jeor added.

"They will be included," Sansa assured him. "It will be difficult for the northmen to fight with them, but it's either we fight each other, or we take Winterfell."

"And thus unite the North," Kaijin finished.

"How many men have you brought?" Lord Wyman asked Benjen.

"Twenty thousand men, mostly infantry who can fight in cold weather. And they are men who I trust, and who trust me as well."

"Let us coordinate our efforts with Lady Mormont, and then we can take Winterfell together," Howland offered.

"Good thinking," Sansa agreed.

Once the meeting was adjourned, with Harrold sharing another moment with Sansa before he and Baelish left, Benjen and Mingyu remained.

"So… you know how to fight?" Sansa asked her.

"More than that, my lady." Mingyu knew to be respectful, as she knew that Sansa saw her a stranger.

"How did you become so smitten with my uncle?" Sansa eyed Benjen. "From what I heard from those around my father, he was not the best with ladies."

"That's not true," Benjen was defensive. "I merely… never had the chance to pursue a serious marriage with another lady."

"It is a long story, if you are willing to listen," Mingyu wanted to oblige her, but she knew to give a simplified version since Sansa would be lost in the details.

"I have time." Sansa invited them to sit down. "Please, tell me."

"But before we do, what about the north?" Benjen asked. "What will we do about Rickon?"

"I don't know. I want to take Winterfell, but Rickon is a prisoner. Ramsay might kill him."

"Perhaps not," Mingyu offered. "I can help."

"How?" Sansa asked.

"By infiltrating the castle and rescuing him."

Sansa was skeptical, while Benjen came to Mingyu's defense. "She can do it. As someone who is… skilled in sneaking and smuggling past lines, she can help with Rickon."

"I figured as much, after seeing you throw that knife, but will that be enough?"

"Allow me a chance to explain, and I shall get your brother out."

Sansa thought about it, before nodding. "My ears are open."

Benjen was also eager, as he wanted Mingyu to be accepted and rescuing Rickon would ensure that. And Rickon needs only the best to get him out, so Mingyu is perfect.


Gendry and Shireen both arrived at Storm's End, the castle giving off a gloomy feeling that had not been felt since he reckoned in a long time. They were accompanied by Davos Seawoth, along with the three thousand marines from the Jade Company supported by a freedman brigade. Accompanying them were the banners from the marches, Houses Swann and Caron. Probably more of the stormlanders will be rallying to us later. They just need some more confidence, he knew.

Gendry wanted to go to Storm's End, as he knew that if they took over the castle, they would become a force to be reckoned with among the stormlords, all of whom were hardened against the Lannisters and thus would have all the reason in the world to help them, especially after Robert, Stannis, and Renly all died either because of the situation they created or because of their direct hand in their demise.

Some of the marine commanders, even Davos, advised against that, since there was no way that they would survive a direct assault on Storm's End without taking catastrophic casualties. Gendry was aware that any stronghold assault would end up as much, especially against a mighty fortress like Storm's End. With even fifty men, any attack on the castle would be disastrous.

"Maybe not as crazy as you would believe, Lord Gendry," Ser Lomas Estermont told him. House Estermont had also declared for the Baratheons and the dragons. And as the former and temporary master-of-ships during Ser Davos' absence, Gendry welcomed his services. "The castellan that the Lannisters put in command there, a certain knight by the name of Ser Axel Trant, is—"

"Meryn Trant's brother?" Shireen couldn't believe it. "They put him in charge of Storm's End?"

"For the time being. It was only a temporary measure until House Lannister could decide what to do with the castle. They would not give it to any of the bannermen, since they couldn't trust the stormlords. Well, unless that stormlord happened to be related to Meryn Trant."

"I'm sorry. Who's Ser Axel Trant?"

"Right, you lived a lowborn existence, so you're not aware of what is happening among those with substance," Ser Lomas said aloud.

"My lord!" Shireen's voice was raised, surprising both Gendry and Davos. "You will treat my cousin with respect. He might not be a lord, but he is my blood."

"As you wish, my lady. I apologize," Ser Lomas offered fast.

"It is all right, Ser Lomas. Please continue," Gendry wanted to move past that since there was more important business to conduct.

"Ser Axel Trant is the younger brother of Meryn Trant and Lord Orryn Trant of Gallowsgrey. The Trants are among the most powerful houses in all the stormlands, but they are among the most reviled, especially since their sigil is of a hanged man."

Now that Gendry could remember, he recalled seeing a sigil of that same description pass by Flea Bottom one time, and he remembered that for bad reasons. "All right. I can guess. What about Ser Axel that makes him so deserving of hate?"

"Ser Axel is a murdering and greedy thug, whose only claim to any achievement was made because of his brother. Despite Meryn Trant being the second oldest in the family, Lord Orryn is not capable of leading their house and Ser Axel is merely the run of the Trant litter. Meryn was the only successful one among their brood, and the most accomplished, while Ser Axel ran up gambling debts. You know how he was able to avoid his debtors collecting?"

"Meryn Trant?" Gendry remembered him very well.

"Meryn Trant was somehow able to bully them by saying that King Robert and Joffrey would listen to them, so they did not dare touch Ser Axel. And then, something entirely unexpected happened: Ser Axel made a fortune by being one of King Joffrey's tax enforcers in King's Landing," Ser Lomas explained.

"Tax enforcers… I am correct to guess that he pocketed much of that money?" Gendry figured out what he did.

"And he bought an estate with that amount of coin, along with a holdfast and many thousands of acres. Not only that, he had a rather nasty habit of beating squires severely if they misbehaved, so his holdfast became known as 'Whipping Castle.'"

"Why would Ser Axel be appointed to be castellan of Storm's End? He doesn't seem to have the qualifications for it," Gendry asked.

"You are correct, but qualifications didn't matter when Ser Axel knew whose ass he had to kiss. And Ser Axel being appointed to his current position added to his unpopularity, which is why no one paid taxes ever since Stannis died."

Gendry rubbed his chin, while Ser Davos came up with something. "Perhaps… we can use Ser Axel's character to our advantage."

"How so?" Shireen asked him.

"Well, the Lannisters are not going to send him any help. They will have bigger things to worry about given what is happening in the Blackwater Bay, the North, and then the advance from the south that they don't know about yet. And Ser Lomas, since you said that no one paid any taxes, that would effectively isolate Ser Lomas in Storm's End, correct?"

"Exactly, Ser Davos."

"So… changing my original thought on attacking Storm's End, I say we march on it. None of the stormlords will support the Lannisters and especially their puppet, so they will not stop us as we move on the castle. And perhaps we can take it without the need for violence."

"Without violence, you say?" Ser Lomas was confused.

"Who will the men rather be on the side of: the last of the Baratheon brood, or a greedy and abusive knight who enjoys no loyalty from anyone?" Gendry asked him.

And that was the plan that they had come up with. Assembling in the rainwood, where Ser Davos had lands, they were able to muster up a few thousand more men besides the men provided for by Lord Caron, Lord Swann, and the marines. Gendry, with Shireen and Ser Davos at his side, rode at the head of the army along the path that led to the gate of Storm's End.

The gate was shut, as expected, but none of the garrison was giving them any resistance as they went closer. Gendry, Shireen, and Davos looked up at the ramparts, not seeing the sigil of the Baratheon stag flying above, while the men above aimed their crossbows down at them.

"Good men of Storm's End!" Gendry called out. "Is this what you want to be doing? To be aiming your bolts against the last of the Baratheons?"

"You're a bastard, bastard!" one of the men shouted down at him. "What right do you have in calling yourself part of House Baratheon."

"You're right. I am not a Baratheon, not in the traditional sense, but I have one next to me. My cousin, Shireen. I'm sure you remember her!" There was no response, which Gendry used to continue speaking. "Well, do you want to be aiming your crossbows at the last of the brood from the stags?"

"We might have problems aiming our weapons against a girl, but the Baratheons are no more," an older voice called out. "This is my castle, and I shall see to it that it remains so."

"Really?" Davos called out. "Ser Axel, I presume?"

"That's right… Onion Knight."

"You think those men will fight to the death for you?" Davos posed to him. "They're only there because they think that we will kill them. Nothing could be farther from the truth, especially since we will treat them better than you have treated them!"

"That's not fucking true!" Ser Axel yelled back.

"Well, everyone else knows the truth, the ones outside these walls, but while you are scum, Ser Axel, I will give you a chance," Gendry called out to him. "Surrender, and you will be spared. You don't, you will die."

"I take the latter, bastard."

"I'm sure you would, but would your men do that?" Shireen challenged him. "And it's not just me that you must be concerned about. We have dragons at our back, their riders going to take back Westeros. Are you willing to risk your life for a man who will have you all burned into ash?"

There was a silence being brought down on them, followed by some screaming. But the horses were startled when a body fell in front of them, the blood splatter over the horses while Shireen gasped.

Finally, the gates opened, and some men approached them. "Let's just say… Ser Axel fell after making poor judgments."

"Why did you do that?" Gendry asked him.

"To live, not die."

Gendry appreciated his honesty. "And you swear your loyalty to House Baratheon, from this day forward?"

The guards all got on one knee. "Yes."

Gendry, Shireen, and Davos nodded to teach other before they entered through the gates of Storm's End. So, this is what it looks like, he thought, as he prepared himself to get comfortable in the home that housed his ancestors.


Robb sat across Lady Ashara Dayne and her daughter Dyanna, having never felt more awkward when compared to when he knew the truth about Jon's parentage and then seeing his family were all alive and well. Then came a discovery that Robb had never expected to come across, which should have made sense with hindsight but the very thought of it had been so remote that Robb did not even consider it. Well, mother did think that Ashara was Jon's mother, but we just left it at that. We should have thought about another possibility, who is standing in front of me now.

Robb listened well when Ashara told him about his father laying with her during what would become the tragedy surrounding the Tourney at Harrenhal. They promised to marry each other, but the Rebellion forced his father to honor the marriage pact that the Starks made with the Tullys and while it brought the riverlords to the side of the rebels, his father was forced to push Ashara aside, to his great pain.

"I remember hating your father for a time, Robb," Ashara told him. "Well, hate is too strong of a word to describe my feelings towards him. But betrayal is just as powerful of a word, since he promised me, and he broke it by marrying your mother."

Robb could say nothing towards that, since his father's shame of breaking a promise as important as marriage was his own as well. I promise to marry the Frey girl. Even if that would not have ended well if I followed through with it, it seems that I am my father's son after all, given that we broke promises that would have serious impacts, he thought.

"Before he left the tower of joy, I never expected him to come to Starfall before he went north to King's Landing and then home. My first response upon seeing his face was to throw a wine jar at him and yell 'Get out!' What happened next, I never expected for it to happen. He went on his knees and begged not for me to forgive him, but for me to listen and to leave forgiveness to me only after he finished what he had to say," Ashara continued. "I listened, and what he said made me realize that your father was truly a good man. Protecting his nephew when his mother died, his father killed, and everyone else who could have helped him either in exile or scattered. But alas, we could have been together no more, not after what had happened."

Robb exhaled heavily. "I am sorry, my lady."

"Not that it matters now. I've made my peace with it, your father did, and he took your cousin up north. You can't have everything that you want in your life, no matter how much you wanted it to be so."

"Wise words from a wise woman," Robb approved, but with sadness and bitterness lacing his words from his own experiences.

"Afterwards, I found that I hadn't bled, and there was only explanation to me being pregnant."

Robb eyed Dyanna, who had the traits of the First Men, and he could see a hint of their father from her cheekbones and her ears. "After I gave birth to Dyanna, Robert Baratheon legitimized her in order to curry favor with House Dayne. And the rest, you know."

Robb was worried on how Dyanna would take the story, only to notice her impassive looks.

"Worry not, Lord Robb," Dyanna addressed him formally. "My mother told me this story when I was a little girl, on how my father was an honorable man. Imagine my response when I heard of how he died."

Robb closed his eyes, remembering how he swung his sword at the tree after hearing of their father's death. "I am sure that your pain must have matched my own, because you wanted to spend time with him, hear his voice, feel the warmth from his hugs, and look at him with your own eyes. But you never will, something that I too will have to live with."

Dyanna was stoic, but Robb could tell that he hit a chord in her and she looked away and breathed out, as if to control any tears. I know I would if I was in her position.

"I have nothing against your father, because he did what he had to do. Am I angry that he couldn't keep his promise? I am," Ashara admitted. "But he had good reasons, and I know that your father would not have done that if not something serious at stake. And eventually, it led you to come here."

Robb smiled sadly. "Indeed, my lady. Perhaps, once everything is settled, you and Dyanna can come with me to Winterfell, meet the family that you never met until now. I am sure that Arya and Sansa would love to see another sister, one that they never expected to have."

"I wouldn't miss that chance for the world," Dyanna said to him. "And while you are here, maybe I can know you, talk with the brother that I only heard about but never laid my eyes on."

"Of course," Robb answered quickly. "You are family. You deserve nothing less from me and the others."

Ashara gave him a warm expression. "With that being said, I believe that we should get to official business."

"That is, when the Tyrell ladies arrive." Robb knew that Grey Wind liked especially Margaery, as he rarely let anyone else pet him. He heard much about Margaery Tyrell, but it was an entirely different matter to see her up close and personal. She is quite the beauty, as everyone else said, while her grandmother exceeded expectations. It made Robb be reminded of his grandmother Lyarra, who was said to be quite sharp-tongued and demonstrating a degree control over Winterfell that were both matched by her warmth and capacity of caring for the people in Winter Town. I wish I met grandmother Lyarra, Robb thought.

Margaery and Olenna Tyrell finally arrived, with the granddaughter escorting Olenna closely, before they both sat down at the table in Starfall's solar.

"Would you like some wine, my ladies?" Ashara offered.

"Not now," Olenna said quickly. "We're here to discuss important matters, and wine will distract us from that."

Ashara shrugged. "As you wish. So, at this point, Starfall is the crossroads of three forces all aligned against the Lannisters controlling the throne. A raven from Sunspear, with a letter written in Princess Arianne's hand, told me that Dorne will raise their banners in support of House Targaryen. It will take about a few weeks to get the men together, as Prince Oberyn was wise enough to not let the bannermen all go home after Stannis was killed. Once the forces of Dorne have assembled, the plan is for the banners to enter the Reach, unite with the Reach's forces at Highgarden, and march towards King's Landing and protect against any advance from the riverlands and the westerlands."

"Is that it?" Olenna asked while directing her question at Robb.

"No, my lady. What Lady Ashara has explained is true, but it's not the entire picture. We are but the southern prong of the entire strategy. There are two other prongs that will strike at the Lannisters, one from the Blackwater Bay and the other from the North. My uncle Benjen along with a portion of our forces will unite with the northern houses, fight House Bolton and his Lannister reinforcements attempting to breach the Neck, and then march south. Meanwhile, King Daeron and Queens Daenerys and Rhaenys will concentrate the core of their forces on the Blackwater Bay, to cut King's Landing off from the sea and then starve it."

"But they are not going to attack it immediately?" Margaery asked.

"No, Lady Margaery. Everyone will expect an attack on King's Landing, so it will be heavily defended. One of the things that we learned is that we make the enemy think that they will be attacked at the most obvious target, when the less obvious ones have more strategic value," Robb explained. "And that's not including sending Robert's natural son Gendry and his trueborn cousin Shireen to rally the stormlords against the Lannisters."

"Good choice," Olenna approved. "You can count on them being hardened against them, and they will fight for the last of House Baratheon."

"But the southern prong will not be successful unless we have the Reach fully on our side," Robb emphasized. "Can we count on that?"

"Of course you can. They will listen to me, and the Reach houses like Tarly have their share of grievances against the Lannisters that will be serious enough to warrant an uprising," Margaery told him.

"But what about the Hightowers? And the Redwynes?" Robb asked.

"Lord Paxter is my cousin, and he trusts me, so he'll listen to me. But the Hightowers… they will indeed be a thorn against us," Olenna admitted. "They have been wanting to supplant us as the overlords of the Reach, so this is their chance."

"So, should Lord Paxter move for us, we can easily besiege Oldtown so that it becomes manageable," Robb suggested. "Meanwhile, we'll get the Reach banners, especially House Tarly, assembled, and we can start marching on the crownlands while defending the Reach against any incursions."

"Sensible, except that you left out something," Olenna pointed out. "While this strategy is all well and good, you think that Lord Tywin will not respond and thus send an army to fight?"

"Of course we expect him to fight," Robb was incredulous. "You think that he will give up his power so easily?"

"But he still has many thousands of men to call upon. They'll be motivated by fear of dragons as much as what they can gain from supporting House Lannister," Margaery added. "And he also has the Faith Militant to use, the fanatics. They will be tough to fight."

"Like when I first fought them, I am not illusioned as to any war being easy to conduct," Robb said. "But unlike the last time, I've learned from my mistakes. And let me tell you this. Despite what the Lannisters can throw at us, we will win, because we have superior state of mind and superior focus. And our forces can more than handle what even the most hardened veterans commanded by the Lannisters will struggle against and fail."

"Quite confident, aren't you?" Olenna was impressed. "Let's see if the former King in the North can succeed where he failed and got both his mother and wife killed."

"Grandmother!" Margaery was shocked. "That was too much."

"No, you're right," Robb was not going to be cowed by the Queen of Thorns. "Just as death taught me much about what I had to, I sincerely hope that death also taught you the same. You have my condolences, on Ser Loras' death. It's a waste, when brave men die so senselessly."

Olenna's eyes softened, while Margaery was taken aback. "Well said, Lord Robb. While my grandson Loras didn't die by Lannister blades, they created the situation where he died. They bear as much responsibility as the poor wretches who killed him."

Robb nodded. "On that, we are agreed."

After the meeting was adjourned for the day, Robb walked around the edges of Starfall, enjoying the warm waves and soft sand with Grey Wind at his side. He invited Dyanna to walk with him, wanting to know more about the sister he promised himself to cherish.

"It seems that Grey Wind likes you," Robb mused after seeing his direwolf rub his head against her hand.

"It takes some getting used to, for Grey Wind is very big."

"Direwolves are like that, Dyanna. They grow bigger than usual, but they are loyal. With him at your side, you will never feel in danger."

"I hope that the same could be applied to me." Both turned around and saw Margaery approach them. As if on cue, Grey Wind ran to her and allowed her to scratch his ears. "It seems that I'm not the only one to enjoy your direwolf's affections."

Robb had to remain cautious around her, for even though she was beautiful, he was hesitant to approach another woman with intimate intentions. And she's the younger version of the Queen of Thorns, so she'll know how to maneuver her way into a man's heart, he warned himself.

"To what do we owe this pleasure, my lady?" Dyanna was respectful, but she also was tense.

"It seems that we have much to discuss about, regarding what should make this work."

"What do you mean by that, my lady?"

Margaery took a moment to gather her words together. "I would suggest that we… incentivize the Reach houses to fight the dragons, especially House Tyrell. While we want vengeance against House Lannister for their role in causing my brother Loras to die, they're going to need more than that if you wish for them to give their all regarding the fight ahead."

"And what do you propose?" Robb asked.

"Well, this is my grandmother talking, but she proposed a tie between the families."

Robb and Dyanna glanced at each other, not expecting Margaery to be so audacious since they knew what she was talking about. "A tie?"

Margaery could see that Robb and Dyanna were not responding well, causing her to backtrack. "What I mean is that… House Tyrell, my family, would be more willing to fight someone who will be tied to them in blood and marriage. It is just… something to think about."

"You would talk about marriage so easily, given that Joffrey was your previous husband and he died at Tywin's hands?" Robb pointed out to her.

"My marriage was never consummated, because he was too drunk, and he could not get his cock up." Robb suppressed a snicker at Joffrey's supposed impotency, which Margaery noticed. "As far as anyone should know… I have retained my virginity."

"And who do you think should be tied to your family?" Robb asked her.

"Someone in House Stark, preferably. We know that House Targaryen's only male heir is already married, to two women, so the only eligible males will be from House Stark. And as you are the oldest…"

Robb blinked. "Your grandmother's idea?"

"I am not a blind follower of her wishes, Lord Robb. And I can tell that you are… hesitant to say the least. But I would seriously consider the benefits of such a bond, particularly since the Reach can help the North with food for the winter. And you need the Reach to be tied to the North, which is something that should have been accomplished long ago. Just something to think about."

"My lady, as you are aware, such a proposal cannot be taken lightly. And since we're both senior in rank in Westeros, may marriage between our houses would have lasting implications. I would not make such decisions without consulting King Daeron first."

Margaery bobbed her head in understanding. "But of course. However, I doubt that he would say no, as he needs the Reach to fight the Lannisters. And if they're smart, the Targaryens will see the benefits of a North-Reach bond."

Robb could see that Margaery was indeed her grandmother, in that she would not take no for an answer, but she was also being wise and persuasive at the same time. What else has she learned from her grandmother? he asked himself.

Robb nodded in agreement while he allowed Margaery to walk with them. He thought through what Margaery said, but he could not say that he was ready to do just that immediately. And he also had to be careful. One prick, and I will bleed, Robb thought.

But he did appreciate Margaery willing to be clear with her intentions, as he was tired to those who talked in riddles. And combined that with Grey Wolf taking a liking to her, Robb could only think, What is it about her that makes her so convincing? But he was still on guard.

A/N: Benjen is re-familiarizing himself with his home and northerners, especially Lord Howland, while on guard with Harrold and Baelish.

Gendry and Shireen are about to cause another rising in the stormlands.

Robb gets to know his half-sister and then make an impression on the Tyrells ;)