Chapter 11

Robb looked up at Maester Luwin entering. He sighed happily. It was probably another letter from Nysa. Though he followed his mother's orders and did not respond, he treasured hearing news from her. Though the last letter about his father was unsettling, he liked that she corresponded with him. Despite whatever it was she was going through, she had taken the time to offer him words of encouragement. He knew that she needed it just as much as he did and that fact alone - that she was writing to him, forgetting about her own comfort to offer it to him - gave him strength, courage and most importantly it gave him hope.

Theon snickered beside him, knowing full well that Robb enjoyed receiving letters from Nysa. "Is the letter for me this time, Maester," Theon teased, shaking his head. "Perhaps she's grown bored of you, Stark."

Robb smiled, regardless of the teasing and opened the letter.

"So, what is it, Stark," Theon questioned after some time, "did she find a Southern Lord to tickle her fancy?"

Robb wordlessly handed the letter to Maester Luwin and felt his stomach drop.

"What's going on?"

"I should have gone South when you told me," Robb turned to Theon, "my father has been arrested."

"Under what charges," Theon narrowed his eyes.

"Treason," he replied.

"Is that what Nysa is saying?"

"That is what Sansa is saying," Robb answered before turning towards Maester Luwin. "How can we be sure that Sansa wrote this?"

"It is your sister's hand," Maester Luwin nodded, showing the letter to the young Greyjoy.

"It has no word of Arya or Nysa," Theon scanned the letter, "or the rest of them."

Maester Luwin sighed, "Because those are the Queen's words. You're summoned to King's Landing to swear fealty to the new King."

"Joffrey put my father in chains," Robb snarled, "and now he wants his ass kissed?"

"This is a royal command, my Lord," Maester Luwin said slowly. "If you should refuse..."

"I'll not refuse," Robb stated. "His Grace summons me to King's Landing, I'll go to King's Landing," Robb took the letter from Theon, held it in his fist before handing it to Maester Luwin, "but I won't be going alone. Call the banners," he instructed as Theon nodded his head in approval.

"All of them," Maester Luwin asked.

"They've always wanted to defend my father, have they not," Robb questioned as the Maester nodded.

"They have," he answered.

"Then we'll see what their words are worth," Robb said.

"Bring me a horn of ale, Snow. Pour one for yourself," the Lord Commander instructed Jon after he walked in.

He was holding a letter - a letter that Jon knew came from King's Landing. He thought immediately about his father, his sister and Nysa. It could have been news from Yoren. Jon knew that there were new recruits coming to the Wall. It could have been a number of things.

"The King is dead," he announced as Jon paused.

He continued to pour the ale and then handed it to the Commander. "Is there any word of my father?"

"Just this," he held up the letter. "Lord Stark has been charged with treason. They say that he conspired with Robert's brothers to deny the throne to Prince Joffrey."

Jon reached for the letter and looked over the words. He shook his head. His father would never do such a thing. He already knew that this was bad - he just did not think it was this bad. There in letter his eyes saw the word treason, traitor to the Crown and Lord Stark's name - his father's name. This couldn't be true. He thought quickly back to Nysa's letters. The last thing she spoke to him about was that there was a disagreement between his father and Ser Jamie Lannister. Some guards had been murdered and that was all that she could say on the matter.

Someone has been reading our letters. It's not safe anymore.

He remembered her words and immediately went to stand up. They were in danger. If his father was being charged with treason, then there was nothing that would save Nysa and Arya now. Something had to be done, something had to be done quickly.

"I hope you're not thinking about doing something stupid," the Commander warned. "Your duty lies here now."

"My sisters are still in King's Landing."

"I'm sure they'll be," he paused and sighed, "they'll be treated gently."

Jon pushed the door open and left the Commander's room, hurrying towards the top of the Wall. He past several of the Night's Watchmen along the way but didn't acknowledge anyone. Once he was there at the top, he felt like he could breathe again. He looked in the direction of Winterfell and screamed at the top of his lungs. He wanted to help them! He wanted them to come back home.

"What is it, Ser Rodrik," Catelyn stood up from her chair.

"A letter from King's Landing arrived this morning," he stepped into the room.

She smiled and looked down at the desk. "I just finished reading a letter from my husband."

"Your husband," Ser Rodrik questioned.

"Yes," she nodded. "It seems that he had given a letter to your niece and she had it sent here. She was cautious of the Queen but she met a friend who was able to get the letter out secretly."

"Did he speak of any plans," he asked urgently.

"No," she laughed, "only some information that I am to pass on to Jon and Nysa when the time is right. There were other things he mentioned that I believe are privilege between a husband and wife," she smiled at the letter before turning back to Ser Rodrik to see him frowning. "Was it too late in the evening to jest with you?"

"My Lady, he did not mention any plans to denounce Prince Joffrey?"

"Denounce Prince Joffrey," Catelyn repeated, her face lit with confusion. "What are you speaking about?"

Ser Rodrik held up the letter. "King Robert is dead, my Lady." Catelyn took the letter from his hands. "And Lord Stark has been charged with treason."

Catelyn thought about the letter from Nysa. Perhaps the Queen did discover the letter Ned wrote to her. Perhaps this friend that she had made in the Capital was no friend at all. With shaky hands, she took the letter from Ser Rodrik and read through it - more than once. She tried desperately to make sense of what was being said. Then she realized a grave error on her part. They had just released Tyrion Lannister.

"When did this come in?"

"This morning, my Lady," he answered and as quick as she could, Catelyn made her way to her sister's chambers.

A guard bowed her head but Catelyn kept walking. She barged in to see Lysa tending to Robin.

"You've had this," she held the letter for her sister, "since dawn?"

"They sent it to me," Lysa smiled, "not to you. I allowed them to be shown it to you as a courtesy."

"Courtesy," Catelyn screeched as Lysa seemed unyielding. "My husband has been taken prisoner. My son intends to declare war!"

"War," Lysa questioned, "your son against the Lannisters? You should go to him," she spoke softly. "Teach him patience."

Catelyn could not believe her sister. "My husband is locked in a dungeon and you speak of patience," she shouted as Lysa cradled Robin closer to her. "He is your brother by law! Does family mean nothing to you? Or did you so easily forget when you were in King's Landing - the words of our father's house?"

"I did not forget, sister. Family means everything to me," she gripped onto Robin. "But I will not risk my son's life for another one of your husband's wars."

"I'm hungry," Robin tried to move his mother's dress.

"Hush darling," Lysa told her son and Catelyn tried to hold back her anger.

She remembered the first time she walked in here. Lord Tyrion had been correct on that matter. Her sister was not the same woman she once was. She wondered what had happened in King's Landing, what had caused such a madness. Her sister seemed more concern on other matters.

"You will not support us then, do I understand you correctly," Catelyn demanded to know.

"But I'm hungry," Robin screamed louder than before as Lysa again kept her attention on her son.

"You're always welcome here, Sister," Lysa replied once she got Robin settled. "But if you're asking me to send men from the Vale to fight..."

"That is what I ask," she stated in a firm tone.

Lysa looked down at Robin and kissed his hand. "Come on sweet, time for your bath," she urged him. "I'll feed you after."

Catelyn watched as Robin got up from her sister's lap and walked out with Lysa's nurse. The boy was as old as Bran. She looked away from her nephew and back to her sister. "If you truly fear for your son's life..."

"Of course, I fear for the safety of my son," Lysa began to raise her voice. "Are you an idiot? They killed my husband. You say they shoved your boy through a window. These people will do anything..."

"And that is why we have to stop them," Catelyn demanded.

Lysa got up and walked towards her sister. "The knights of the Vale will stay in the Vale and protect their Lord," she concluded.

Catelyn watched as she walked away before departing also. She hurried towards Ser Rodrik and announced that they were to leave immediately. She had to speak to Robb and it was not about patience.

After he had quenched his thirst, Lord Stark turned towards the Spider. "What of my daughters?"

"The younger one seems to have escaped the castle with some of your guards. Even my little birds cannot find her," Lord Varys replied.

"And Sansa," he asked.

"Still engaged to Joffrey," was the answer he was not looking for. "Cersei will keep her close."

"And you say that some of my guards are with Arya?" Varys nodded under the fire's light. "What of the girl?"

"The girl," he questioned.

"The bastard I brought here from Winterfell," Lord Stark explained.

"Ser Meryn claims that he and the Hound got rid of her," Lord Varys said with wide eyes. "She shot an arrow at one of his legs and stabbed him in the other. He repaid the favor and slashed his sword through her back. She threw a torch at the Hound and you know his feelings on fire. He as well repaid the favor and threw her into a room of fire."

"So, she is dead?"

"Who is this girl?" Ned looked away and so Lord Varys continued. "I will tell you that the girl escaped, walked out of the tower and shot an arrow at one of the Lannister men as they rode the Lady Sansa back to the Red Keep."

"Is she alive?"

Varys tilted his head. "We cannot confirm her death. She did her best to save your daughter but I was told that her injury became too much so they left her be, collapsed in the yard. Whoever this girl is, she killed many of the Lannister men. The Queen wanted her head. And when they went to retrieve her, her body was gone."

"She's alive," Lord Stark nodded, "Jory and the others?"

"The rest of your men, I'm afraid they have been slaughtered or are with your daughter."

"Did you watch them do it as you did in throne room?"

"No, but I would stand by and watch it happen again," he answered truthfully as Ned snorted. "We were surrounded by Lannister guards. I had no weapon, no armor. Do I look like a hero to you, Lord Stark?"

Ned shook his head and drank some more.

"What madness led you to tell the Queen you knew the truth of Joffrey's birth?"

"I wanted to spare Cersei's children," Ned told him.

"Ah the children," he noted. "It is always the innocents that suffer."

"Nothing stopped him from allowing the Lannisters to murder the Targaryen children," he sighed. "Robert would have done the same to those three and he'd never look back. I wanted to show them mercy."

"It was not the wine or the boar that killed Robert. The wine slowed him down and the boar ripped him open. But it was your mercy that killed your friend," Varys said as Ned turned away and closed his eyes. "I trust you know you're a dead man, Lord Eddard."

"The Queen can't kill me. Cat holds her brother."

"The wrong brother sadly," he almost chuckled, "and lost to her," he added causing Ned to turn to him. "Your wife has let the Imp slip from her fingers."

"If that's true, then slit my throat and be done with it," he dared.

"Not today, my Lord." Lord Varys went to leave but then looked back one last time at the man. "Tell me, who is Nysa Snow, Lord Stark," Varys asked him.

Ned looked up at him, staring into his eyes. "You are certain that she and my daughter Arya escaped?"

"They are nowhere to be found," he nodded, "my little birds have tried. They may still be in the Capital somewhere. The Queen had the gates checked but there are other passageways. And if your guards and those girls are smart enough, they have used them."

"It depends on how much guards are left, they would need horses to leave," Ned whispered. "But they have not been taken?"

Lord Varys shook his head. "They are safe for now. As safe as they can be - since they are not within the Queen's clutches."

"Then I will tell you that the girl is more important than she seems," he described.

Varys straightened out and looked the other way. "Then I will call off the hunt."

Ned watched as Lord Varys walked towards the open door. "Who do you really support?"

Lord Varys looked at him one last time, "I support whatever is good for the Realm. Someone must."

Ser Preston looked both ways for what was probably the hundredth time before he walked into the small home. A few of Winterfell's guards stood upon his entering, ready to draw their swords. It had taken a lot for them to believe that he was providing assistance. He hurried towards the bed where the young lady sat up, drinking water eagerly. Her brother said that the moment she was awake, they'd depart. And as much as Ser Preston wanted her to stay, he knew that it was not possible. They had to get to safety.

"How is she," he asked.

Nysa stopped and let some water drip down her chin and over her throat. "Ser Preston," she coughed before giving him a smile.

"You must save your breath," he told her as he was permitted to walk nearer to her side. "I have prepared horses," he nodded before turning towards her brother, "for every man. I thought that the young ladies would not be able to ride on their own."

"Why are you doing this," Jory narrowed his eyes at him.

"I have my reasons," he replied before looking at Nysa. "I suggest you leave tonight."

"What about Sansa," Nysa questioned.

"And what news of my father," the young Stark girl asked.

"The Queen keeps Sansa close to her," Ser Preston replied. "I'll do my best to watch over her and see how she is doing every now and then. But," he paused and shook his head.

"Something is wrong," Nysa reached for his hand and he reluctantly sat on the bed, "tell me."

"The Queen has dismissed Ser Barristan and," he looked towards the door.

"We cannot take him with us," Wyl protested. "He could have been the one to betray Lord Stark!"

Ser Preston shook his head. "Ser Barristan defended him, expressed shock and outrage that the Queen ripped up the King's decree. Ser Barristan wanted to uphold King Robert's last words, his dying wish," Ser Preston explained. "The Queen Regent - as she's calling herself - had him removed from serving as a Kingsguard."

"The Kingsguard is a service for life," Nysa shook her head, "she can't dismiss him!"

"But he supported Lord Stark," Ser Preston replied.

"What of my letter to Lady Stark," she asked him. "Were you able to..."

"It was sent out before everything happened," he nodded.

"Good," Nysa lay back. "I felt that was the most important one." Her head moved towards her brother. "Lord Stark gave me three letters to deliver. But the other two are lost - back in my trunk at the tower of the Hand. No doubt, they've gotten rid of them." Ser Preston confirmed it with a nod of his head. "Lady Catelyn's letter had to get out of here before we did. Thank you, Ser Preston."

"I really was hoping that you'd take Ser Barristan with you," he stated before turning to the men. "The Kingsguard service," he shook his head, "that's all that he had. He's loyal to the Crown, yes. But he also does the honorable thing. What he said in there," he sighed, "he was right. He could best all of us and still walk away without a scratch. They made jokes at his expense when he was dismissed. Lord Baelish humiliated him."

"Lord Baelish," Nysa took hold of Ser Preston's arm, "what did he do to defend Lord Stark?"

Again, Ser Preston shook his head. "He didn't."

"What," Arya shouted.

"He held a knife to your father's throat," Ser Preston described the scene, "and the City Watch turned on him after that, placed him under arrest." He shook his head and looked away. "I was hoping to get assigned to retrieve the rest of you," he nodded to Nysa, "but the Queen sent Ser Meryn instead and I was to escort Lord Stark down to the cells."

"So, we wait for my father," Arya decided.

"Your father said that we were to leave," Jory told her.

"You are sworn to protect my father! We stay," Arya concluded.

"And for what purpose," Ser Preston questioned. "I can only keep you all hidden for so long. If you stay any longer the chances of you leaving the City will be disastrous."

"What about Sansa? What is she doing to get my father released," Arya asked.

"She pleaded in court after Ser Barristan was dismissed. But you could see the pain in her eyes, especially after King Joffrey accused the knight of supporting Lord Stark. I believe that to her - Ser Barristan was the last supporter she had in King's Landing."

"Can't we wait," Arya looked around at all the guards.

"I promised your father that I would get you out safely," Jory shook his head. "If we don't take this opportunity to leave now..."

"Please," she begged and turned to Nysa. "Nysa, please? What if they release my father? What if there is a way that we can get him out of here? What if they release Sansa? We can do something. There is still time."

Nysa sighed and looked at Jory. "A night or two for me to rest would help also. It would be better - safer even - if I could lift my bow."

"Torrhen," Robb nodded to him as he sat down at the table. Theon cast him a quick look before sitting next to Bran. He had received a letter from Nysa the day after Sansa's had arrived.

I understand why you have not written back to me. You may care about me but it is obvious that I am an unsuitable wife. I did say not to birth hope where there is none. And yet a part of me did hope.

"Robb," Torrhen nodded in return.

I will accept your father's offer of Greenhall as a bridal gift for Lord Karstark's son and me. I pray that the Gods bless you with a wonderful lady wife. You deserve someone who is worthy of becoming Lady of Winterfell.

"Lord Stark," the eldest Karstark son nodded and went to sit as well.

Robb felt an intense sense of grief overtake him as House Karstark filed in. He should have defied his mother and wrote to Nysa - at least once. She had been hoping for something all this time and he had not given her anything to confirm his feelings. And now she would be lost to him. When his father is released and back home, he'd follow through on his plan to wed Nysa to House Karstark. He looked over at Torrhen Karstark again and wondered if Nysa had been writing to him.

"What is this news about your father committing treason," shouted the Greatjon, breaking Robb out of his thoughts. The Greatjon's two brothers sat by him and his three sons stood at another table. One of them came to speak with Bran before going back to his father's side.

"It's false and we all know it," Robb threw down the letter from King's Landing. "That came from my sister, Sansa," he looked around the room, "stating my father's crimes and that I am to go to King's Landing to bend the knee to Joffrey."

"A royal command is hard to ignore," Lord Cerwyn suggested.

"And so, he is expected to do nothing since his father sits in prison," barked Smalljon.

"Perhaps your father did do something," suggested the eldest Karstark, "especially if the letter came from your sister. She would not lie to you."

Before Robb could respond, another spoke up. "My wife received a letter from the young Lady Nysa," Lord Karstark began causing Robb to clench his fist a little. "She said that the Queen was very good at manipulating your sister." He looked towards his eldest son. "I have followed Ned Stark into battle before," he turned back towards Robb, "I have no doubt that Ned is innocent of whatever charges he is being accused of. And there could be a possibility that despite your sister writing that letter, the Queen probably stood right behind her, supplying her the words."

"Our assumption as well," Robb nodded to him as Lord Karstark nodded back.

"There is truth to the accusation though, is there," asked Lord Tallhart. "Your father refused Joffrey?"

"There has to be a good reason for my father denying the crown to Joffrey. He would not go against the son of his best friend," Robb looked around the room. "I trust my father's instinct. I'll stand against Joffrey the same as he did, especially if Joffrey has thrown my father into the dungeons."

"And you want us with you," asked Lord Glover.

"I do," Robb nodded.

"This will mean war," Lady Mormont said.

"And you want us to fight for you," Lord Cerwyn questioned.

"I understand if you have your objections but you all have sworn to protect my father, defend House Stark," Robb replied. "Joffrey has locked me father up in the dungeons, accused him of a crime that I know he did not commit. Joffrey has placed my sisters in danger, murdered my father's loyal guardsmen and is defiling my father's reputation in the South. We all know my father to be kind, loyal, honorable and just. I will go there to defend my father, protect my sisters, avenge those who have fallen and claim justice not just for House Stark but every slander the King speaks about those in the North. You have sworn your lives and houses to my father and I ask that you answer that call now, do your duty to serve your liege lord."

There was a small moment of silence as the Lords mulled this decision around in their head. Robb knew that a lot of them had their doubts - what with his being young, too young to lead an army. But he was doing this for his father and reminded them that in turn, they were doing this for his father also.

"Ned Stark is a good man, honorable as they come," the Greatjon spoke up first. "My brothers and I will march down with you."

"I heard that this King is a royal pain in the ass," Smalljon chuckled. "I will also go with you against Joffrey."

"Nothing good has ever happened of House Stark marching South," Lord Hornwood spoke. "Let us hope that this is the last time any of us have to go," he nodded. "You can count on me and my bannermen."

"House Stark has been good to us," Lady Mormont added. "Your father has been good to us."

"Lady Nysa is a friend," one of her daughters stepped forward - Robb could not discern her name though, "I will go with you."

"We'll all go with you," Lady Dacey matched her sister as their mother nodded at them. "You have House Mormont with you, Lord Robb."

"We go South," Lord Glover added, "to King's Landing to get your father back," he lifted his cup in the air, "to Lord Stark."

"Lord Stark," all the men in the room shouted.

That encouraged Robb a great deal, he had the backing of his father's bannermen.

"Now," Greatjon began, "what are our plans, young wolf?"

Jon was massaging his hand lightly. If he did it too much then he would surely hurt it further. He thought about what the Maester said and a quick memory of Nysa came into his mind. She had always used the right healing cream whenever they got injured from playing too rough in the yard. It was odd to see Maester Aemon used the same techniques.

His head turned to see the Lord Commander walk in. "When does Aemon think you're going to use that hand?"

"Soon, he says," Jon answered.

"Good, you'll be ready for this then," he brought his sword out and displayed it for Jon. "I thought a wolf was more appropriate for you than a bear. So, I had a new pummel made. Called Longclaw," the Commander told Jon, "works as well as a wolf as a bear, I think."

Jon took it and moved it around for a bit. He pulled out the sword half-way and glanced over at Commander Jeor. "This is Valyrian steel."

Commander Jeor nodded, "it was my father's sword and his father before him. Mormont's have carried it for five centuries," he explained as Jon stared at the sword. "It was meant for my son, Jorah. He brought dishonor to our House but he had the grace to leave the sword before he fled from Westeros."

He began walking away and Jon shook his head. "My Lord, you honor me but I can't..."

"Oh, you can," the Lord Commander stated as he grabbed a pitcher, "and you will. I wouldn't be standing here if it weren't for you and your beast," he began pouring himself a drink. "A bloody dead man tried to kill me. So, you'll take it," he nodded to Jon, "and hear no more about it. Understood?"

"Yes, my Lord," Jon nodded.

"I don't think this means that I approve of this nonsense between you and Alliser Thorne," he sat down. "That's a man's sword. It'll take a man to wield it."

"I'll apologize to Ser Alliser..."

"No, you won't," Lord Commander Jeor shook his head, "I've sent him to King's Landing yesterday. The hand that your wolf tore off that thing's wrist, I've ordered Thorne to lay it at the feet of this King," he smiled at Jon. "That should get young Joffrey's attention and it, uh, puts a thousand leagues between you and Thorne." Jon smiled at those two statements. "Now go and put your sword somewhere safe," Jeor instructed, "and bring me my supper."

"Yes, my Lord," Jon nodded before walking out.

Jon passed several of his fellow watchmen on the way to the hall, they congratulated him, patted his back and told him that he earned it. He smiled and nodded to them. He had always wanted a sword like this - always wanted his father's sword. Nysa had a Valyrian steel sword that she received from her Lord Uncle as a name-day present. He said it belonged to someone in their family. He glanced down again at the sword and couldn't help but feel like he had found himself a family.

He walked into the hall and Pyp, Grenn and a few others jumped to their feet. "Alright, let us see it," Pyp said.

"See what," Jon asked.

"The sword," Grenn replied as the other nodded eagerly.

"Sword," Pyp began chanting and soon the entire hall filled with their voices, "sword, sword, sword, sword..."

Jon handled the sheath to Grenn who held it steady for him so Jon could pull it out. They all cheered and Pyp took it right away. "Let's have a look at it in the light!"

Jon laughed at their antics before looking at Sam who sat down at the table, looking glum. He walked there slowly and took a seat next to him. "What is it?"

"I can't..."

"You can't what," Jon questioned.

Sam stuttered a bit before shaking his head, "I'm really not supposed to say."

"And yet, you really want to say. You really want to say that," Jon encouraged him.

"There was a raven," Sam turned to Jon. "I read the message to Maester Aemon," he looked around before turning back, "it's about your brother, Robb."

"What?"

Sam shook his head.

"What about him?"

"He's heading South, to war," Sam replied. Jon turned around, looking distraught. "All his bannermen have rallied to his side. They'll keep him safe."

Jon thought about Robb then, about the memories of Winterfell, running through the Keep, playing in the yard and causing havoc everywhere they went. He remembered fighting with sticks, pretending to be Kings and soldiers of the tales that Nysa told them about. He remembered going on their first hunt together, learning to shoot a bow together, training Bran together and even going to the brothel together. They did everything - together.

"I should be there," Jon decided. "I should be with him."

There were men already camped at Moat Cailin. Robb looked around to see the sigils of bannermen who did not arrive at Winterfell. It was obvious they had received his call but waited for him here. It was a long journey to Winterfell as Lord Glover reminded him. For House Karstark, House Hornwood, House Mormont and House Glover the travel was indeed a long one. Other nearby Houses could handle the journey but not everyone. Lord Glover also reminded Robb that it would be easier on the men to prepare themselves here at the Neck. And for a moment, Robb was glad that he had someone there to advise him.

"Lord Karstark, Lord Umber," Robb nodded towards them before bowing slight at Lord Glover, "will the three of you follow me as I meet with the other Lords?"

They agreed and a few others accompanied them - including Theon who noticed that a few of the Lords had brought their daughters with them here to Moat Cailin. He winked at one of them but was quickly put back in his place by Smalljon.

"Lord Bolton," Robb stopped at the tent of Lord Roose Bolton.

"My Lord Stark," Roose bowed his head before turning behind him. "I have brought with me two hundred men from House Ryswell and another two hundred from House Dustin. They send their apologies that they could not attend themselves but hope that you know they will support House Stark and your father in any way that they can."

Robb nodded. "I understand that not every man or Lord can come," he nodded. "A Stark must always be in Winterfell," Robb declared straightening up on his horse. "And as such men must be here to guard their home and castle just the same. Whatever men or swords they can spare is always appreciated," he looked at the men who stood behind Lord Bolton.

"House Stark has our support," Roose nodded before noticing Lord Umber, Lord Glover and Lord Karstark were close to Robb. So, it began, he thought. The fight for the young Lord's attention and approval. "Might I beg a favor of my Lord, to be placed as a commander in your army?"

"You have brought House Ryswell and House Dustin with you," Robb nodded, "you may command them and more, once I complete our plans."

The Greatjon narrowed his eyes at Lord Bolton before turning his horse to ride after the young wolf. There was another large party gathered on the other end and Robb decided to figure out the numbers of every soldier that was to assist him. The more, the better.

"Lord Wyman," Robb nodded to the Lord of White Harbor.

"Forgive me. I would have met you in Winterfell, my Lord," Lord Wyman nodded, "but I thought it better that we wait until your departure."

"There is no need to apologize," he waved it off before noticing a few figures appear by Lord Wyman's side.

"My sons, Wylis and Wendel will ride with you," Lord Wyman told him. "And with them, I give two-thousand of my men," he gestures behind him, "pledged in service to House Stark. House Manderly will always pledge its loyalty to House Stark."

"And House Stark is grateful for it," Robb nodded.

"My Lord," a young woman stepped forward. Lord Wyman turned to her with a reproachful look. "Do you have room to spare?"

"I already told you, that you are not going," Lord Wyman advised.

"I do not speak of myself. It is just a small trunk that I wish to give to Lady Nysa," she pleaded, her eyes staring up at Robb's. He trotted his horse forward until he was next to her. "You see it was my name-day yesterday," she looked down. "It was our name-day yesterday," she finished.

Robb swallowed a breath and turned around to look at Theon and then Torrhen Karstark. He had forgotten Nysa's name-day as well. They were in such haste to leave the North and get her back that they had forgotten about it. "You are Lady Wynafryd," Robb nodded as she smiled, "I believe Lady Nysa has spoken of you. You traveled to Winterfell two years, three years pass."

"Yes, my Lord," she nodded and looked back towards the Karstark banners. "I've always written letters to her before. We only just met in person during that feast but," she smiled, "Lady Nysa is one of my dearest friends. Her Lord Uncle always sends her gifts by ship," she gestured to the harbor before turning back. "She was so kind and generous - allowing me to choose a gown or material from among the many she received and I would place one I had sewn in its place for her. It's our tradition and I," her bottom lip trembled. "If you find her, would you please..."

"Of course, my Lady," he nodded. Robb turned around and caught Torrhen's eye before gesturing him to step forward. "I will have Torrhen Karstark in charge of it. He will make sure that it gets to her safely."

"Thank you, my Lord," Wynafryd curtsied to Robb before nodding to Torrhen, "thank you, cousin. And please tell Nysa that," she paused and closed her eyes as a tear fell down. "Tell her that she can have the rest of her gifts when she comes home," Wynafryd looked up and caught Robb's eye.

"Aye, I will," Robb promised. "She will come home."

Wynafryd turned away quickly and dashed back, causing Lord Wyman to chuckle. "She has been beside herself since news of your father arrived at White Harbor," he said. "It seems my granddaughter desires that we not only fight for Lord Stark but we fight for her friend as well."

"Believe me," Robb nodded, "I want them all to return."

"Why are you doing this," Nysa asked Ser Preston as he helped move another pouch of supplies into the room.

Ser Preston paused in his work and "How old are you, my Lady?"

"I," she looked down and smiled sadly, "seventeen, fine knight."

Ser Preston nodded. "My daughter would have been your age," he said causing her to look up at him. "My wife, she," a sad smile graced his face this time. "We were wed in a small, secret ceremony. She was to be sent to King's Landing and I," he shook his head, "there was nothing magnificent about the House I come from."

"I'm guessing her father opposed?"

"Aye, he did," Ser Preston chuckled.

"Who was the Lady?"

"Ashara Dayne," he answered as Nysa's eyes widened. "I'm assuming you've heard her name before?"

Nysa nodded. "There were quite a few people who said that I resemble her. Lord Stark said it was just my hair and eyes perhaps," Nysa shook her head, "I heard she was a great beauty though. There's nothing great about me."

"I would disagree," he told her honestly. "Ashara and I met at a youthful age - like many others I idolized her brother. You see, her brother and her father were fierce knights. Her brother, the Sword of the Morning, was magnificent. Have you heard of him?" Nysa smiled and nodded. "I was told that Lord Stark had killed him," he began, "whilst trying to get his sister."

"I've heard that as well," Nysa replied.

"With a son like that, I suppose he wanted only the best for his daughter," Ser Preston began. "We wrote letters to one another - letters of love. When I heard that she was serving as the Princess's lady in waiting, I did everything in my power to see her. During the infamous tourney at Harrenhall..."

"Where Prince Rhaeger crowned Lyanna Stark his Queen of love and beauty," Nysa assumed as he nodded.

"She danced with many a knight during the feast but she'd always glance over at me and I knew that she was thinking of me. Her brother was there and I couldn't approach her, we had to be quiet about everything. So, we met one another in the dead of the night, got a drunk Septon to wed us," he smiled. "Her brother found out in the morning and made up some ridiculous tale that she had been dishonored, sent her back to Starfall - where she remained until she died."

Nysa shook her head. "And the child?"

"A little girl," he smiled at her before frowning, "still-born." He looked away and sighed. "They say she had her mother's eyes."

"I'm sorry, Ser Preston," Nysa's eyes looked to the ground before she saw a wet spot form.

Ser Preston took a step closer to her, placed his hand under her chin and lifted her face to look up at him. "The night we went in search of the young Stark girl and you were talking to me, reminded me of how much I missed hearing my dear Ashara. And when you mentioned family, I remembered why I took the oath to serve as a Kingsguard," he explained. "I had nothing else to live for after Ashara and my daughter died. When Lord Tywin and Ser Jamie were suggesting names and I volunteered, I knew that I was giving up a chance to have a family, to own lands. It didn't seem so appealing to me as it had when Ashara was by my side. I rather live a life in service if I had to live without the two of them."

Ser Preston wiped her tears away and moved to press a kiss to her forehead.

"I imagine that my daughter would have graced the hall of King's Landing much like you did during the feast that was held here. I would have had to fight off Ser Merlon, Ser Lucion and even that Frey knight to protect my daughter's honor," he smiled as Nysa released a small laugh.

She realized then that the look of longing he had in the woods near the Inn was definitely not the same as Robb or Torrhen. No, it was a look of a father and daughter. He had seen his daughter in her that night.

"It's the reason why you've been so kind to me," she stated.

"I see my daughter when I look at you," he smiled kindly. "I see the young woman she might have become. I see the knights fawning over her like they did for her mother. I see her gracing the halls of King's Landing the same way her mother would. I see the family that I so desperately wanted - alive." He reached up his hand to cup her cheek. "Promise me you'll get out of here alive and safely."

"Then I consent," Robb stated angrily before storming out.

He heard Theon's laughter as he walked away. He was to wed one of Lord Walder Frey's daughters - he couldn't even meet her, talk to her, or know her name. As heir to Winterfell he always knew that he would wed. But a part of him - a very small part of him - wanted to choose the bride himself. And now, he was being given a bride, an army and a way across. It was this or find another way to his father and sisters - and to Nysa.

Closing his eyes, he thought of Nysa then. He thought of her smile, her hand in his, the feel of her body in his lap, and the way she offered him the right words at the right time. She was the one - the only one. And now he would be taking another. He thought of her letters - especially the last one. She had been his to desire. She was his, for a moment - even though they were apart - she had hoped for him as well. And now that was all gone.

"Is this truly about the girl's appearance?"

Robb opened his eyes at his mother's approach, quickly wiping his face with his sleeve to hide his grief from her. "No," he responded.

"I've heard the rumors and seen them myself. They may be plain but they..."

"They are not Nysa," he shook his head.

Catelyn smiled gently, realizing now why her son was so upset. "Robb..."

"She and I could never be. Father has been planning her betrothal for a while now and I've been blind," he tried to excuse - whether to her or himself, Catelyn did not know. "She was never mine. She and I just were not meant to..."

"Robb..."

"I love her, mother! I love her," he turned around and faced his mother. "Gods it feels so good to say that now," he shook his head, "to declare my feelings so openly and especially to you," he laughed. "But none of that matters, does it?"

"Your father and I always believed that there was a part of you that did care for her," Catelyn responded.

"And right now, she is at King's Landing, trapped like Sansa and Arya. Father and my sisters are not the only ones I march to the South for. Surely you know this," he looked his mother in the eyes."

Catelyn nodded. "I do."

"Then write to Lord Frey, tell him I consent," Robb turned away.

As a mother, she wanted to hold him, tell him that everything would be alright. "Robb..."

"I consent so that I can save her life and spend the rest of mine with someone I know nothing about!"

"Lords will wed the daughters of other Lords to secure men," Catelyn began. "It's been done for years before and will continue to be done again. Your father wed me to secure my father's men to save his sister and avenge his brother and father." Catelyn's hand touched her son's arm. "And despite our differences in the beginning, your father and I grew to love one another, Robb. This girl..."

Robb pulled away. "I consent to wed his daughter," he looked back at her. "But do not talk to me of love, mother. Not when I have already given my heart to another."

Jory and the other guards ran through the path they were to take - from the street in King's Landing to the gate to the road towards their freedom. Ser Preston informed them when the guards would change out and how many guards were posted at each.

"They are to bring Lord Stark before the King today," Ser Preston told them. "Now is a good as time as any to leave because every guard and every small folk will be there," he motioned to a spot on the map.

"Will be where, fine knight," Nysa asked, entering the room.

"Lord Stark is being presented to confess his crimes," Jory told her.

"But there are no crimes," she protested.

"Thank you, Ser Preston," Jory nodded to him as he nodded in reply.

Ser Preston stepped forward and touched Nysa's cheek. "I'll look after Lady Sansa. You must go now." He dropped his hand and left the room.

"Where are they taking Lord Stark," Nysa turned towards her brother.

"It does not matter. We need to leave. You heard Ser Preston."

"But there's still a chance..."

"Nysa," her brother shook her, "we need to go."

"We're leaving," Arya questioned.

"Yes, get your things," Jory told her as she nodded and went to get her sword. "I know you want to save Sansa, Nysa. But now is not the time. We have waited long enough. At least this way we'll have a head start on them. Every guard will be preoccupied with Lord Stark. We need..."

"He asked me to save both his daughters!"

"Sansa will be safe here. She is still betrothed to the King."

"They will keep her a prisoner," Nysa shouted.

"Go and get ready, Nysa. We are leaving," he yelled back.

She stomped her feet all the way out of the room, pouting like she usually did when she was younger. Jory refused to look at her. Wyl, Desmond and Cayn all turned away as well. They'd give in to her tantrums, they used to when she was younger. She had just exited the room and hid behind the door when she heard her brother command everyone not to say a word to Nysa or Arya about Lord Stark. She gasped when he said the direction as to where they were going because it was in the opposite direction of where Lord Stark would be. That only left one place, Nysa thought.

Arya walked inside. "I've got my sword. I am to ride horses with you again?"

Nysa didn't reply but took Arya's hand and went towards the horse. She began tying the saddle and preparing it quickly.

Arya stared at her in wonderment. "What are you doing?"

"Your father is being taken to the Grand Sept," Nysa whispered.

"For what," Arya asked as Nysa moved her towards another horse.

"To confess his actions," she answered. "The Queen will want to make an example out of him, in front of the people. Joffrey is said to forgive him if he confesses."

"Then perhaps we should be there," she nodded. "We must go and see him," Arya said as she jumped onto a horse. Nysa followed her, settling herself behind Arya. "Joffrey is a liar."

"I know he is. Now let's go get your father."

"What are you two doing," Wyl demanded to know as he walked out to meet them. "Jory! Jory, your sister!"

"Stop," Jory shouted but Nysa took the reins and pushed the horse forward.

It probably was not one of her smarter moments. But Nysa could not leave without taking this chance to free Sansa or even Lord Stark. There were a lot of people crowding the streets. Eventually they left the horse in the back and decided to push their way through the crowd on foot.

"I don't see him," Arya said. "I'm too short!"

"We have to get higher," Nysa answered.

It was then that they heard the crowd shouting 'traitor' repeatedly. Nysa took hold of Arya and pulled her around people until they found the statue of Baelor and hid behind it. She looked around to see Lord Stark being navigated to the front. Nysa held onto Arya with one arm and braced them against the statue with her other. Lord Stark caught their eyes and smiled slightly at Arya.

"Father," she said softly before looking up at Nysa.

Lord Stark's eyes found Nysa's then. "Safe," he shouted over the crowd. Nysa nodded and pulled Arya to her. "Safe," he continued to shout as he was pulled along.

Nysa cast her eyes to the front where she saw Sansa standing, her eyes red and puffy - no doubt from crying. She had to get Sansa out of there. She had to. Her eyes scanned everyone else who was there and noticed Renly was gone, along with Ser Barristan. Ser Preston was right. She looked for him then and saw him standing right next to Sansa.

"They're wrong," Arya said as Nysa turned her attention to everyone in the crowd - everyone who was still calling Lord Stark a traitor. A few of the people began to hit him also and Nysa cringed at every step he took towards the front.

Lord Stark stood in the front now. Nysa did not miss the smirk of satisfaction on Lord Baelish's face. She pulled out an arrow quietly and thought about shooting him with it. Lord Stark trusted him and that was how he repaid that trust. She nudged Arya with her elbow so they could move on the other side and Nysa's arrow was hidden from sight.

"I am Eddard Stark," Lord Stark's voice began and Nysa lowered her bow, "Lord of Winterfell and Hand of the King." He paused and looked towards Sansa. Nysa knew at that moment that he was doing it to save Sansa. The Queen probably made Sansa believe that it was the only way. Nysa shook her head as Lord Stark continued. "I come before you to confess my treason in the sight of Gods and men. I betrayed the faith of my King and the trust of my friend Robert. I swore to protect and defend his children but before his blood was cold, I plotted to murder his son and seize the throne for myself."

"Traitor," the crowd shouted.

"Dishonorable!"

"Murderer!"

"It's not true," Arya shook her head. "It's not true!"

"Let the High Septon and Baelor the Blessed bear witness to what I said. Joffrey Baratheon is the one true heir to the Iron Throne, by the grace of all the Gods, Lord of the Seven Kingdoms and Protector of the Realm."

The crowd continued to shout and this time Nysa did raise her bow.

Grand Maester Pycelle stepped forward. "As we sin, so do we suffer. This man has confessed his crimes in sight of Gods and men. The Gods are just but the beloved Baelor taught us that they can also be merciful."

"Get ready to run, Arya," Nysa told her.

"What is to be done with this traitor, your grace?"

Joffrey raised his hand and Nysa turned her bow towards him. "My mother wishes me to let Lord Eddard join the Night's Watch, stripped of all titles and power he would serve the Realm in exile. And my Lady Sansa," he turned to Sansa, causing Nysa to lower her bow and narrow her eyes at Sansa. Maybe Sansa had encouraged him to release her father. "She has begged mercy for her father."

"They'll release him," Arya said, hope in her voice.

"But they have the soft hearts of women," Joffrey turned away, "so long as I am your King, treason should never go unpunished! Ser Ilyn bring me his head," he ordered.

The crowd shouted in agreement. Ser Preston grabbed Sansa and held her back. Lord Varys, Grand Maester, and the Queen tried to stop Joffrey but he shook them off. Arya looked about the crowd and jumped off, running towards her father. Nysa lifted the bow then and let it fly towards Joffrey. It was a second too late because his Kingsguard had already moved around him.

Ser Boros groaned as the arrow pierced his shoulder, mere inches away from the King's head. "It's that bastard girl," Ser Meryn shouted as he stepped forward.

Nysa saw the guards being sent into the crowd and turned to look for Arya but she was gone. She snaked off the statue and held up her bow again, aiming it this time for Ser Ilyn. He pulled out the sword - Ice - causing her to gasp and her eyes wet with tears. Her fingers released the arrow only to have someone hit her from the back.

"Get off of me," she kicked out her feet and moved her arms about.

Jory hurried to pick her up, covering her with a cloak to conceal the bow she had. Nysa struggled for a moment as the crowd murmured and shouted for the King's assassin. "Stop it, Nysa," Jory warned her.

"He promised Lord Stark mercy," she seethed. "He was promised mercy and he got the sword."

"And so you release an arrow at him," Jory shook her as they came to a crowded spot where they could blend in more easily.

"You wouldn't defend Lord Stark," Nysa responded as they met up with Wyl and Desmond, "so I had to!" All three of them formed around her and continued to lead her through the crowd to where Cayn had struggled to get Arya away. "He was murdered! Lord Stark was murdered!"

"Aye, and now I must protect you and Lady Arya," Jory told her. "We stick to the plan," he nodded to Cayn. "Lord Stark asked us to get them out of the City. We must hurry before anyone recognizes us."

Nysa looked back just as Wyl got on the horse behind her. Ser Boros, the Kingsguard who stepped in front of Joffrey got up and pulled the arrow from his arm. "I missed," she gritted her teeth. "I can't believe I missed!"

"Aye," Wyl said. "But enough blood has been spilled today." He kicked their horse before following the other guards - the shouting of the crowd disappearing behind them.

Even after the crowds had died and they were hours away from King's Landing, Nysa still had not shed a tear. No, she was overwhelmed with anger and hatred. She was too livid to cry.