guyz, read this prior reading this story, i took time to revise the whole story,though most content is same and thats why there weren't any updates, but those who were already following this fic, i have made few changes in this chap, so u might want to read it again, or not depends on u. actually i splitted last chapter in two parts, and second one is this one, so check it out

Chapter 6: Raise the Banners

RECAP

She was glad that ser Dayne was there but his shoulder got fractured last night, although maester pycelle assured that it would heal soon enough, she was worried nonetheless. She looked at him once more then went to balcony along with Jon and Daenerys not wanting to wake him up.

Next two days went by without much, other than obvious preparations for war that already begun, armors, swords being forged day and night. Seize weapons being mobilized for the check.

A War meeting had been called by Viserys before the final move. The meeting was to take place in the war chamber. Lord Stark was walking toward war chamber for the meeting. As he entered the room, he saw a huge table likely with a map with different insignia pieces representing distinct kingdom forces. He also recognized most men inside the chamber. Ser Arthur, Lord Varys, Lord Tully, Lord Arryn but then the last men whom he couldn't recognize. As he moved inside, the man rose and walked before him.

"It's good to finally meet you lord stark. I am Monterys Velaryon." He introduced gracely.

"It's good to see you too, my lord," Ned spoke warmly, he didn't know why, but he got some irrefutably good vibes from this man.

As greetings were in order, Viserys entered the chamber along with ser Delen. It was rare to see ser Delen in the meeting but since its war meeting so that makes sense.
As Viserys entered he walked the upside of the table, others too hemmed in the table. First, one to speak was Viserys,

"What do we have on traitors. Lord Varys" his voice was firm,

"I apologize your grace, but my little birds are being troubled in reach and Westerland. There is not much information " Varys said in his humble tone bowing, kind of apologizing, trying to soften the blow, Viserys was getting heated, but the Arthur boarded just to save the day as always.

"ur grace, Lannister, and Tyrells combined hold about ninety thousand swords and about quarter are cavalry, but nothing's sure about storm lander's, Tyrells still hold storm's end along with Renly and Stannis Baratheon" Arthur informed in his regular stern tone, Varys was in jolt but quickly came out of trance.

"I met Stannis before so I know, he may not hold a great love for his brother, but he will fight for his honor, even if it means fighting alongside the Tyrell, so it's better to prepare for worse, your grace" lord Velaryon raised his voice.

Viserys brows creased, he completely left out Baratheons, but then he saw faces all around him and quickly regained his serenity, They still had numbers. "How many men do we have in the north, lord stark"Viserys asked staring at Ned.

"Forty thousand maybe less, your grace but it will take time to gather up the forces, north is large but scattered" Ned spoke while placing the wolf insignia over north on the map.

Viserys looked carefully and then looked toward the other lords present in the room.

"And what about Riverland, Vale, and Crownland," he asked pointing to respective lords,

"Roughly forty thousand your grace," Jon said placing falcon insignia over Vale on the map.

Viserys turned his gaze to Lord Tully "Riverland can host March of thirty thousand currently. Your grace" lord Tully said looking at Viserys.

Viserys wasn't really impressed by the number he expected a lot more. Finally, he turned to lord Velaryon.

"How many men could be expected from crownland," Viserys asked Monterys

"fifteen thousand at most, your grace" Monterys answered plainly,

"Quite a large force, we have, your grace, more than hundred thousand" Lord Varys spoke,

Suddenly ser Arthur came up "Yes that we have, but every single life is precious….. And we need to ensure as much we can "Ser Arthur said rather coldly at Varys. Viserys glanced Arthur "what do you have in mind ser Arthur, if you have something good, we are all ears" Viserys knew he surely had something in his mind.

Arthur nodded at Viserys "we shouldn't go for field battle... Discreet should be our element. riverland being closest to Lannisters, they will lay seize on Casterly rock, soon knights of the Vale will join them, when knights of Vale arrive about quarter will join Riverlanders at Casterly rock, others will march on high garden so Tyrells won't be able to host their banner to support Lannisters and at the same time crownland forces will join knight of the Vale and lay seize on high garden. High Garden isn't a great defensive holdfast like Winterfell or Rock, it's rather a modest castle. Furthermore, Highgarden lies at lower sea level, so royal fleet will provide major blow making seize even shorter so it won't take long for our forces to take Highgarden. Once Highgarden is secured, remaining forces will March to Casterly rock. In meantime, the northern army will meet others at Casterly rock and finally seize Casterly rock once and for all" Arthur finished with his stare on his mates. He knew its lot to take in but possible, and he didn't wish for a slaughter for sure.

Everyone was going through the whole plan, even though strategy rather impressive, but still, it was something odd or, maybe looking too easy.

"I think that's a brilliant plan, but isn't it better to assemble our full force and then attack" Viserys spoke up.

"Assembling big host attracts more heed and slow the pace. It would be for nothing if they foresaw our strategy. Also, the northern army will take time to arrive, and we can't give Lannisters time to strike or counter, the sooner it starts, the sooner it'll be done." Arthur answered plainly, since giving Lannisters more time was more dangerous than attacking with lesser men force. Soon Viserys acceded in favor.

"Then send out words out to Riverland, vale, and north, discreetly as soon as possible," Viserys commanded.

Not long after, meeting called off, the war was inevitable. Lannisters and Tyrells were going to pay for their iniquities but also there were few who weren't much pleased with current arrangements. Jon Arryn being one of them, he was a peace-loving man who would want nothing but to get back to Eyrie and be a carefree man among his own people. Words were already sent to Lord Royce to lead an assault on Casterly rock and Highgarden thereafter. He just hoped it to be over soon. He was little relieved that there is not an open-field battle. Seizes takes time but have lesser casualties while battle pits a mass havoc. Although the chances of their victory were swift, but still tides could turn either way at any moment.

The whole day was tiresome but, finally, Ned was inside his chamber in his bed. It was comfortable, but still, he hated the stink of king's landing. He missed Winterfell and godswood more than anything, but Lannisters and Tyrells were an urgent matter, he cannot leave knowing that there might be danger lurking around Jon, but that didn't make his stay any more pleasant or agreeable. Benjen was governing north in his stead, for the time being, and 'Catelyn...' she was pregnant with his child,

' you are way too brood for a wolf, my lord' words rang inside his head, her voice, mane of her dark hair, her haunting violet eyes, always there to torment him. He knew it shouldn't be like this. He has a wife now and soon would have a child but still, it's not like he could just pull her out of his head 'or heart'.

He was sure, she would have heard of his marriage, it was better, she wasn't there for the coronation. He doesn't know what he could possibly say to her or even meet her eyes after betraying her trust so callously. 'But Gods know he truly loved her. It's only her whom he wanted to spend his life with. He never asked for any of this but her only her, his Ashara.' Thoughts running and fighting like wild wolves he tried to shook them off, to think about anything except her but in the end only sleep eased his mind.

[At Winterfell]

Winterfell, the largest castle in the Seven Kingdoms, sporting several buildings, keeps, and granaries within its walls, plus an extensive wood area, the godswood that is surrounded by not one, but two really high walls.
The pure size of the castle clearly suggests that its main purpose was not defense but survival in harsh winter. Now since Ned was at king's landing, he had to be the lord of Winterfell, he really never thought of being a lord or anything, he never meant for those things, he had two big brothers, but no one could have predicted how far circumstances would change, his brother, sister, father dead and Ned at capital. He himself wanted to meet lya's kid. However, he can't leave Winterfell. Someone has to govern the north, as his father always said 'There must always be a Stark at Winterfell'.

He received raven from Ned about Lannisters and Tyrell's betrayal, including about the war north have to come into play. Ned asked him to call all of their banners immediately.
He didn't know what's happening for clear, but he trusted his brother and Ned would never endanger the life of his fellow northerner on futile wars, so he commanded maester luwin to send ravens to northern lords at once.

Currently, other than himself only Catelyn remained at Winterfell. He knew Catelyn didn't like north much, and it's obvious, no one expects a southerner to accept north in few weeks.
During the day, he didn't have much free time, mostly busy with running the estate. So only time they get to talk was at dinner or lunch. Though they didn't talk much, and he understood, she might feel uncomfortable with him as they never knew each other before, Brandon was betrothed to Catelyn for quite a time, but still, he never visited riverrun anymore than her Winterfell. They only met when she came to Winterfell after the war with Ned. He knew she's pregnant, and he felt sorry for seeing Ned wasn't here, 'but at least she wasn't complaining.' he cognitioned.

Sun set long ago. He had work at winter town so entered the Winterfell in dark, he walked straight to great keep, he knew Catelyn would be waiting for him for dinner, having someone really did give him head up during these times. He was walking toward his chamber when he encountered Catelyn.

"Ur back, seem a lot of work today," Catelyn said warmly,

"Aye, few thing to settle up," Benjen replied looking at her. She was beautiful without a doubt as said by many, red rosy white skin, red Auburn hair and blue Tully eyes, wearing a pretty dress, particularly for northern eyes, with raised collar along with fish design.

"So get freshen up, dinner is ready," Catelyn said with her straight face.

"Yeah, I'll be back" Benjen gave a last look and then walked straight to his chamber.

Not long after, he arrived at dining Room, Catelyn was already there, he too joined her and took a seat opposite to her. Maid served the food and then left, and not before long, two of them were alone in the room, but finally, Benjen broke the silence.

"I presume, maester luwin informed you about Raven that came from kings landing." He said looking at her, making sure if she knows, he does not want her to feel like an outsider.
Catelyn shifted and raised her head up at Benjen just to give him a nod. But continued eating.

" So How do you feel about it, sister," Benjen said,

"There's nothing to feel or think about if Ned thinks it's right, then there's nothing for us to worry" Catelyn words were plain with straight face.

he took his time to swallow the piece in his mouth but then again can't keep his mouth shut "u really don't know how you feel about it, do u"

She looked at him, with somewhat of an odd look. Though she really doesn't know what to say in the matter, but one thing was clear in her mind 'a good lady should respect her husband's words and never question them', septa's words were as clear as snow in her head. " I trust Ned and my father, and if they both agree with it, then surely there's a reason for it," Catelyn said firmly, but he sensed a little bit of grimace in her tone.

Benjen gave a deep look at her but then couldn't help his chuckle "u know what... that's exactly the thing I keep telling myself when I don't know what to do" she too giggled at that, Benjen was surprised but glad to finally see her smile for the first time since Ned left. He just hoped this war to be over soon and his brother back at Winterfell.
Well, it took time, but on the third day, most of the lords responded to call and arrived at Winterfell. He also received another message from Ned, but this time not a raven. Jory came bearing the message. Message was about the plan strategized by Council, though the bigger problem was to convince northern lords.

At Great Hall, Lord clover, lord manderly, lord karstark, Umbers, flint, Cervin, Bolton, mormont and other lords all were seated along, chattering about the reason for the instant call. Catelyn, maester luwin, both were on his sides at the high table. Benjen was nervous, he never really prepared for it, he was third in line, 'but he doesn't have any choice now' "My lords" He spoke with a loud, everyone silenced waited for him to speak.

"I am grateful to all of you, for answering the call… two days back, I received a raven from kings landing by my brother" as soon as words were out, chattering began but not loud ones,

"On the night of coronation, Tyrells and Lannisters plotted assassination of my nephew and our King Jon Targaryen, even though no harm came to king but Lannisters and Tyrells fled the city before they could be apprehended and judged for their crimes. Now Lannisters and Tyrells are declared traitors, and crown declared war upon them. Vale and riverrun support the crown, as do my brother, your liege" Benjen spoke heavily biting his nerves down. He was clutching his sword in an attempt to calm his nerves.
Clamour filed the hall. The first voice that ascended was of lord flint.

"No offense my lord, last war ended not long before, I don't wish to fight another war without reason." his said with cranky melancholy looking at Benjen.
Lord Cervin stood up just after lord flint" I agree, why should we fight someone else's war, let southerners fight their war themselves"
Abruptly, Benjen voice echoed the Hall "it's not someone else's war, It's our War, it's for our family, it's for our blood." He was having a hard time with all those stubborn lords he never had the talent or anything with speeches or talks.

Again, clamour and babel filled the hall, but Catelyn understood well that things weren't going well, so she stood up,

"My lords,... I understand your concern but this war isn't for any Targaryen, it's not for any Lannister or Tyrell. It is for Stark blood, the blood of lyanna stark, the blood of first men, For centuries, north have been isolated, distant and ignored, but now we have a chance. Our ancestors made an oath… but we stand in this war not only for ancestor's words but for family….north have stood beside house starks for thousands of year, and once again we ask you to stand beside us to protect our own" her voice was composed but unyielding piercing the thick skull of every stubborn northern Lord sitting there.
There was a deep silence succeeding Catelyn words but, first one to break it was Jorah mormont, lord of Bear Island.

"House mormont will support house Stark as it has for centuries," he said with the grim face looking at Benjen and then lady Catelyn.

"Same blood run in our vein, I will fight beside my blood" Richard karstark also proclaimed in patronage.

"House Bolton will also keep their oath to house stark, as we have done for thousands of year" Roose Bolton also declared,
Not long before, all the northern lords averred for house Stark as expected, Benjen remembered his father 'northerners are nothing like southerners. They may be harsh but more loyal to their own.'

soon, the great keep was left mostly idle, lords left for their holds to gather up forces and prepare for war. Ser Rodrick too commanded to gather the forces. The day was tiresome, but he was glad things worked out right but then again, he had to thank Catelyn for it, if it wouldn't for her, he still be arguing with northern lords.

[At Riverrun]

Riverrun was a modest castle by the standards of the great houses in Westros. This could be attributed to the history of the Tully's. As they are not an old house, and for most of their history, they have been vassals to the kings of the Riverlands, not their overlords. But when they bowed to Aegon, they are rewarded with the stewardship over the Riverlands. Their castle isn't exactly grandiose. It does, however, serve its purpose.

At riverrun, Lord Edmure Tully, heir to Riverrun, brother to Catelyn Stark, had already raised his banners and hosted an army and was ready to March over Casterly rock. He previously received words about the battle plan that Riverlanders will strike first, in few hours they will march at the Casterly rock as preparations were mostly complete.

[At Runestone (vale)]

Runestone was a castle located east of the eyrie, lied on the peninsula north of the bay of crab. Royce were a major vassal of house Arryn. Current lord of Runestone Yohn Royce, He received words from lord Jon Arryn from kings landing about war as being the most distinguished military commander in Vale as well as Jon's most trusted man. He already raised banners of House Arryn, and as soon as preparations were done, forces would gather up at bloody gates.

[King's landing (next day)]

Kings landing was an overpopulated city, words still haven't reached common ears about war. Although tension could be sensed. Viserys had received the news that Riverlanders had begun seize at Casterly rock, Knights of the Vale would be joining the race soon, and words are, northern army may arrive sooner than expected. Furthermore, Crownland forces were being hosted at duskendale. Overall, things were just as Viserys prognosticated He was in his chamber when a guard arrived in his chamber.

"Ur grace. Lord Varys requested a council meeting, urgently" he said to Viserys, Viserys just gave a nod, and guard left his chamber. He wondered 'what it is that Varys wanted to talk so urgently'. He changed and then walked outside his chamber, straight to the council chamber. As he entered he sensed heavy tension but couldn't figure out what, so he just walked toward the table took his seat, other stood up and bowed as a formality but again air wasn't right.

"What's the urgency lord Varys," Viserys asked bluntly

"Lord Edmure Tully took casterly rock, your grace," Varys said with grim face looking a Viserys, a smile crept on Viserys face, he was waiting for this news ever since he got word about seize, but then his eyes wandered to others.

"So what's the matter," Viserys asked,

"But Not much of Lannisters forces were at Casterly rock. Your grace, more like abandoned" Varys said others eyes were also scourging Viserys possible reaction. But Viserys spoke casually. "What difference does it make if Lannisters are at Rock or at Highgarden our forces will crush them all the same" Viserys said with a smirk. He was confident in their strength as they obviously had numbers.

But, Arthur was bored with all these riddles, he spoke up" Lannisters army weren't at Rock or at Highgarden…. Along with Tyrell and storm landers, they are already at our gates, your grace." Arthur said straight at his face.

"What do mean at are gates," Viserys said, his mouth went dry
Arthur looked at Viserys "enemy forces and fleets are at the shore of blackwater rush in front of mud gate, your grace" Viserys got numbed, he planned to take Lannisters and Tyrells stem and root out of westros, but instead, tides turned against him.

hello guyz, oofff, this is my longest chapter ever, so as always hope u like it, tell me if u did or even if u didnt ,,,,,,,it doesn't take much time to post a review..

until next time. also vote counting is still on, i am including every pairing, i ever wanted, like ashara/ned, if u like it tell me(revised).