This is a prologue to the previous chapter, includes the storyline of the Telltale game
Roland was fuming over the recent events. First the Starks were accused of treason then Eddard Stark was executed. Despite what his family claimed, Roland continued to hold Ned Stark in a high regard considering him a man of true integrity. He did his best to comfort Sansa, but he knew she might never recover from this.
In spite of changrin of his family and nobles Roland refused to set her aside and continued to treat Sansa well. Often taking her hand as they walked. The lords and ladies stared at the prince in disbelief, but Roland made it plain that he care little for their feelings and that he was batter then they were. Arya was nowhere to be found, his own mother thought she was dead but Roland suspected that Arya had survived. But now Sansa was along in a den of lions and rats "I'm all she has now," he thought sadly.
Behind him, Ser Barristan kept a close eye on the couple. When his Brother and Mother dismissed Ser Barristan from the kingsguard, Roland stepped forward and offered him to be Roland's sworn sword. The old knight agreed with a smile.
His mother of course protested. "He's an old man, he's not fit to protect you Roland."
Roland turned to her and cocked his eyebrow. "And this lot is?" Roland asked. "Meryn Trant? Borros Blount? They're not fit to guard a privy. Before him he could see that Ser Meryn was fuming, Roland didn't care.
A few days after Ned Stark's death, Roland went to see Sansa and noticed she had a bloody lip. Roland came up to her, his thumb gently touched the cut and demended who did it. Sansa would not say at first but after much coaxing Roland learned the identity of the man.
Roland stormed down the halls of the Red Keep, his stride was easy but his face was burning. Turning the corner he finally found the pest he was looking for. Ser Meryn Trant was currently off duty drinking Roland advenced towards him quickly. Ser Meryn looked up and before he could stannd Roland drew an dagger and plunged it into Ser Meryn's left hand. Ser meryn Opened his mouth to scream but Roland wrapped his fingers around the man's neck causing him to gag
"You struck Sansa," Roland growled, "now she's has a bloody lip."
"I was obeying your brother the king," Ser Meryn snarled between gasps of pain.
"I don't care," Roland snapped, "nobody harms Sansa." He leaned close to his ear and whispered. "You know what they removed from Varys. If you ever touch her again, I will remove something from you. And believe me, they will be things you will miss much more." With that Roland removed the dagger and called for Pycelle.
Roland was overjoyed what his uncle Tyrion arrived. Together Roland Tyrion began making preparations for war. Roland had door bolts and drop open bars installed for the door of everyons personal quarters. He also over saw the construction of balistas and catapults for the walls.
One Day while Roland was sparring with Ser Barristan, a servant rushed towards him and whispered something that filled him with dread. With great haste Roland rushed to the throne room. He arrrived in time to see Ser Meryn slap Sansa's legs with the flat end of his sword.
"STOP!" Roland thundered, his voice bounced off the walls magnifying the sound. The whole room devided to make way for the Black Prince, Roland knelt before Sansa, seeing her Tearstreaked face was more than he could bear. He unclasped his cloak and draped it over her. He had Ser Barristan look after her while he dealt with Ser Meryn.
"It seems I was right about you Ser Meryn," Roland said his voice dangerously calm. "You are a disgrace to the white cloak."
"I am a knight that serves his king Prince Roland." Ser Meryn retorted.
Roland laughed coldly, "You're no knight, you're just a pink little rat, who's far to slow in the mind." Roland looked at Ser Barristan, "take Sansa to my chambers."
"She is staying here until I've punished her," Joffrey protested.
"She has been through enough brother ," Roland growled. Joffrey opened his mouth to say something but the words didn't come out. Roland turned back to Ser Meryn. "Draw your sword Meryn Trant." Ser Meryn paled and Roland continued, "you're pretty brave when your beating helpless girls, let's see how good you are at beating something that can fight back." Ser Meryn didn't draw his sword and Joffrey gave no order. With that Roland wheeled around and left the throne room. Afterward Roland pulled Ser Barristan aside and told him that from now on, his first priority would be to protect Sansa.
That night Roland came to visit Joffrey. "What do you want brother," Joffrey asked.
"Come with me," Roland said, "I have something to show you."
Oblivious to any gdanger, Joffrey followed Roland to the black cells. Roland opened one cell and showed Joffrey in. Within the cell was a man bound to the wall, his body covered in hideous scars and a sack over his face. Roland took a whip from the ground and cracked it. The whip lashed against the man's body creating a fresh scar. The man screamed in agony.
Joffrey watched the scene unfold with mild interest. "Why are you showing me this?' He asked.
Roland would the whip into loops and handed it to Joffrey. "Take it," he said with a smile. Joffrey looked at Roland confused.
"Why should I?"
"Do you know what is more satisfying than watching someone scream in agony.?" Joffey waited for the answer. "causing the agony personally." Roland gestured with the whip again and whispered, "do it."
Joffrey took the whip cautiously he unraveled it, raised his arm and cracked the whip with all his might. The whip created a new scar and the man screamed in pain. After the man stopped Joffrey did it again.
"How does it feel?" Roland asked.
Joffrey grinned, "it felt exhilerating," he said.
Roland smiled again. "then why are you stopping?" Joffrey swung the whip again and again, over and over. Each crack was followed by a scream. When Joffrey began doing it fast Roland stopped him. "Ease up Joffrey, wait between lashes or the old pain will dull into the new."
Joffrey nodded and continued the whipping. Finally Roland walked over to the man and pulled the sack off his head. Joffrey stared at the face of Meryn Trant, Joffrey reeled back in shock, "That man is one of my kingsgaurd," he exclaimed.
Roland nodded in acknowladgement, "yes he is, but he is not fit to guard you." Joffrey turned to his brother as Roland continued. "He is cowardly, simple and weak, he backed away from me when I challenged him. Is that the kind of man you think can protect you.
Joffrey thought on it and nodded. "You're right, we are Baratheon's, and Baratheons have no room for weakness such as his." Roland's smile broadened and pulled out a flaying knife and handed it to Joffrey. "He may die from his injuries," Joffrey frowned.
Roland nodded, "I suspect so, but there are rats all over Kings landing, I dout you will ever lack for flesh in the future."
Since that day the brothers reforged a bond that had been lost so many years ago. As a result Joffrey had not bothered Sansa again, not that he could since Ser Barristan always shadowed her. Roland played on Joffrey's thirst for blood to rid the city of miscreants. Murderers, thieves and rapists were arrested by the city watch, taken to the black cells of the Red Keep never to be seen again. Even some risen lords were not safe, Janos Slynt and Boros Blount later became among Joffrey's victims. In Lord Janos' place Bronn was named lord commander of the city watch.
In their free time the two brothers pushed around Lancel Lannister. Neither brother had forgiven their cousin for his part in the death of their father and Lancel became the roast of the family. Lancel had always been terrified of his cousins who were both physically more powerful than him. Though he was their elder, Lancel could hardly stand up to Joffrey let alone Roland. He was well aware of Joffrey's cruelty and Roland was like a miniature version of his father. He may have been a knight but what is a green knight compared to the King and the Black Prince.
Ever since Roland and Tyrion exposed Pycelle, the brothers even made Pycelle the subject of ridicule, tripping him, and mocking his unbearably slow stride and stutters. Roland was always annoyed by the old fool's ass licking as well as his performance of being decrepit. It he was going to act like a fool it was only fair that he be treated like a fool
Roland stayed in Kings Landing and fought in the Battle of the Blackwater. He was present when his grandfather Tywin was named hand of the King. Since Tywin's arrival, he and Roland spent time together discussing the state of the kingdoms over a game of Cyvasse. Roland had his own version of the pieces. His light horse was mounted archers, his crossbowmen were longbowmen, his catapults were scorpions. When Tywin asked him about the scorpions Roland replied that it was a scorpion that slew the mighty dragon Meraxes.
"You mutilated one of your brother's kingsguard," Tywin stated as a mere fact.
Roland shrugged, "the little parasite had it coming."
"Aye?" Tywin questioned. "But it is difficult to find replacements for a kingsguard Roland."
Roland chuckled, "any simpleton with a sword could beat three Meryn Trants, and five Borros Blounts, finding more suitable replacements will not be difficult if you know where to look."
Tywin nodded and changed the topic. "Your mother wants break your betrothal to Sansa Stark. She and the other nobles don't think it would be proper for a prince to marry the daughter of a traitor."
Roland's eyes darkened, "If my mother thinks I am backing down then she best be prepared to be sorely disappointed. As for the ass kissers that call themselves nobility they can shove their heads up each other's asses."
Tywin had to fight to hold back a smile. "You love her, truly."
Roland nodded, "that is the main reason I am marrying her, being the daughter of a great house is merely a bonus to me."
"You should tread lightly with that," Tywin warned. "Men who marry for love often ruin their house. Just ak Aegon the Fifth."
Roland looked up at his grandfather, "You married for love," Roland pointed out, "and it turned out well enough for you."
Tywin studied his grandson carefully. "Sometimes I believe you are too clever for your own good, one day it might get you killed."
Roland sighed, "all men must die grandfather, nothing is immortal."
Tywin nodded in approval, "What of Ice?"
Roland looked at his grandfather confused, Tywin elaborated. "The Stark sword, you stole it from Ilyn Payne."
Roland shook his head, "stealing requires ownership, you cannot steal what was already stolen. Besides I need a gift for my bride in any case."
Tywin had wanted to melt the sword down to make two for his own house. But it wasn't worth fighting Roland over it.
Roland laughed, "don't worry," he said. "You'll get your valyrian steel soon enough. I just need a few things."
"What would that be?" Tywin asked suspiciously.
"Your leave," Roland said. "After I wed Sansa, give me your blessing so I can raise an army and deal with the Ironborn."
"Your brother's wedding will be soon though," Tywin pointed out.
Roland nodded, "To my great regret, however when I am through with the Ironmen I will be sending him valyrian steel as well. The ironborn have two, I'll take them both and send them to you. One shall be my brothers and one shall be House Lannisters. Besides, since I shall inherit the north it is in our best interest that all obsticals are removed when I take it."
Tywin took a sip of wine and thought for a moment. Should Roland prove successful then they would be another step closer to total victory and he would be getting the one thing he had been trying to obtain for years. In the end Tywin Lannisters agreed.
Roland and Sansa's wedding was a small ceremony. Comprised of only a handful of the people that mattered, including the Lannisters and Tyrells. They married in the Sept as tradition dictated. But unknownto everyone, Roland and Sansa were already married. They had done so in secret in the Godswood. Sansa was smiling, which Roland was glad for. It was the first genuine smile she had snce her father's death.
The dinner went on relatively smooth until the end. Joffrey clapped His hands "Time for the bedding ceremony!" He announce gleefully.
"There won't be a bedding ceremony Joffrey." Roland declared darkly.
Joffrey waved him off with a laugh, "Where is your respect for tradition brother?"
"I killed it along with the rest of the vulgar, primitive customs such as this bedding ceremony.
"The Bedding ceremony is an age old practice, Prince Roland." Pycelle objected.
Roland scoffed, "so is the First Night, there is a reason we rid ourselves of that." He turned to the crowd and his voice thundered around the room. "I never understood why any man would let other men lay their perverted hands on their wives." He turnd to Joffrey, "Would you let lesser men touch your queen Joffrey?" Joffrey tok a look at his wife, Roland leaned close to his ear and whispered. "As the vow says she is yours and yours alone, share her with no one Joffrey she belongs to you."
Joffrey's annoyed face broke into a smile, "very well Roland, have your wife." Roland returned the smile and patted him on the shoulder. "Enjoy the feast brother, I will enjoy the desert." Roland took Sansa's Hand and led her to their temporary chambers.
Once they had secured the door Roland let out a sigh of relief. "If I had to stand those leeches for a single moment I'll cut my heart out with a cheese knife."
Sansa looked at her new husband. She had seen this moment in her dreams but in her dreams her family was there also. Roland had written to Robb explaining the situation and hoped that they won't bear him any ills. He also requested that he sent a someone to act as Sansa'a sworn shield. Sansa couldn't stand the waiting any longer. No sooner had Roland turned around then Sansa rushed over to him and pressed her lips to his own.
Roland was taken off guard but before long he returned the affection their hands running over each others clothed bodies. fingers entangled in their hair. Roland broke the kiss and he caressed her cheek gently. 'His hands are callous,' she thought, 'these are the hands of a warrior, who has held swords, fought men, taken lives.'
Roland spoke first, "I know what my family expects of me and I couldn't care less." He stroked her face, "I will not force this upon you Sansa, we can wait until you are ready. For as long as it takes, doesn't have to be tonight."
Sansa shook her head, "I waited long enough my love," she replied. "I have loved you ever since I kissed you during at my father's tourney. I use to like your brother, but I was young, foolish and soft. I learned my lesson the hard way, If it weren't for you I might of flung myself from the traitor's walk. You gave me strength Roland," Sansa took his hand and placed it between her legs, "so now I give you this."
Roland and Sansa took it slowly, disgarding their clothing and laying in the bed. The nights had grown cold, They pulled the covers over them and there looking into each other's eyes they made love in the light of the fireplace. Sansa let out a gasp of pain Roland stopped his movements until Sansa urged him to continue. Their bodies moving in sync, as their hands explored each other for the first time.
After their wedding, Roland began making preparations to leave he called the banners to Storm's End, a he said farewell to his family. Robb had sent Dacey Mormont to the capitol to be Sansa'a sworn shield. Joffrey cheekily remimnded him of the promised gift. Roland nodded in agreement. Secretly Roland took their highborn captives with him as well, these included Robett Glover, Harrion Karstark and Wylis Manderly. Roland claimes that he intends to imprison them in Storm's End safe from any rescue attempts by the Starks or the Brotherhood without Banners. He left Ser Barristan in the Red Keep to look after Tommen.
By the time he had reached Storm's End, the banners had already gathered, 10,000 men. Roland chose to leave Sansa in Storm's End were she would be safe and away from the Lannisters. Sansa begged him not to leave her, but Roland kissed her deeply and vowed that he would return. His dog Shadow ever by his side.
Roland's army took ships provided by Paxtor Redwyne to join up with the Tyrell fleet stationed at the Shield Islands. Mace had sent Randyll Tarly with 60,000 men to aid Roland in his invasion. Roland led the force from his flagship King Robert's Hammer, behind him were 200 warships of the Redwyne fleet as well as trading vessels filled with men. Since the Iron fleet was currently in Moat Cailin Roland knew the isles were vulnerable. He made short work of the longships defending the islands before launching his invasion. He sent Paxtor Redwyne to trap the ironfleet in the fever river while his army stormed ashore.
Roland divided his army into 7 forces each containing 10,000 men. Each force would attack a certain island. Roland had simple rules for the engagement. Kill all men, the rest shall be exiled to Essos. They were to strip the island clean of everything that wasn't nailed down.
The smaller islands Old Wyk, Blacktyde and Saltcliff were easily subdued. At Old Wyk, Roland slew Dunstan Drumm in single combat taking his sword Red Rain for his own and renaiming it. The other Islands Great Wyk, Harlaw and Orkmont put up much greater resistance but eventually they too fell to Roland's army while he took the sword Nightfall.
Just as he began laying siege to Pyke, Roland learned about the Red Wedding. Deep down Roland burned with anger over the death of one of his closest friends. But instead of lashing out he bottled up his rage and saved it for later. He also learned of the titles given to the architects of the red wedding, including the Boltons being named warden of the north. Roland was glad about that. By making Roose a rival claimant to the north, Roland would be able to eliminate him without incurring grandfather's wrath. Not that he cared if he did. Roland gathered his stormlords and tasked Randyll Tarly with taking Pyke.
Roland landed in Torrhen's Square where he made short work of a force of Ironborn led by Dagmer Cleftjaw. After Torrhen's Square, Roland liberated Deepwood Motte before marching to Ironwrath. Ironwrath is the seat of House Forrester, loyal bannermen to the Starks, they were currently in a strife with House Whitehill who served the Boltons. Roland send Harrion to rally the Karstarks and Wylis to rally the Manderlys.
Roland gave Robett command of the bulk of his men and send him to Highpoint to deal with the Whitehills, while he took the rest and marched to Ironwrath. In a stroke of luck Roland arrived about the same time that Lord Ludd Whitehill and Ramsay Snow were visiting the castle.
Robet sent a raven to Ironwrath explaining the situation so the sentries at Ironwrath opened the gates to Roland and his men. When he noticed Whitehill men about his eyes burned. He approached the leader of them.
"You lot are Whitehill men yes?" He asked the leader. The Whitehill man nodded, "Then I have something for you." The man cocked an eyebrow as Roland drew a Red Rain and plunged it into the man's stomach. The man gasped in pain before Roland opened up his stomach completely spilling his guts on the ground, the man died slowly and in agony.
Roland raised his sword to the shocked people in the castle. "Bolton and Whitehill are the enemy," he declared. "REMEMBER THE STARKS, REMEMBER YOUR LORD, REMEMBER THE RED WEDDING!" At this Roland's men drew their weapons and the Forresters did the same. Out numbers and off guard the Whitehill soldiers stood no chance as they were hacked to pieces. Roland grabbed one whitehill soldier by the neck and had him show Roland to the Great Hall at sword point
Ludd Whitehill and Ramsay Snow were talking with Ethan Forrester discussing terms of fealty. "You can't trust a forrester," Lord Whitehill said smugly, "they murdered our men."
"Don't worry Lard Whitehill, you shall be joining them soon enough."
Everyone in the hall turned to see a whitehill man staggering forward with his hande up. Before he could say anything a red blade pierced right through his body came upwards cutting the man nearly in two. Behind him a young man in black armour removed his blade letting the man slump to the floor. The man looked up and grinned, "well, well, well," he said in a delighted tone as he slowly waked towards the group. "This is an unexpected but most welcome surprise. I come to Ironwrath for food and rest as well as enjoy some honorable northern hospitality. Yet I happen to stumble upon a pair of gutter rats as well." Roland eyed Ludd and Ramsay as he said this. "But it's not just any rabble it's 'Lard' Whitehill and the Roose Bolton's bastard bitch."
Ramsay nearly snapped at being called a bastard as well as a bitch. But from behind Roland an large black dog emerged snarling and it's teeth bared. the snarling hound caused Ramsay to pause for a moment.
"I'll gut you where you stand you insolent boy," Ludd roared and that's when he noticed Ethan Forrester kneeling before the newcomer. Ethan smiled and said, "Prince Roland, we did not expect you to arrive until tomorrow."
Roland smiled, "The ironborn proved to be weaker than I expected. Allow me to offer by sincere condolences for your loss. Your Father and brother were good loyal man just like their king." Roland glared at Ludd Whitehill disgust evident, "which is more than I can say for this degenerate lot."
Upon nrealizing who Roland was Ludd's face paled and he instantly dropped to one knee. "Forgive me good prince," he tried to apologize.
Roland laughed, "it's far too late to beg forgiveness I fear, but it's good to see you in your rightful place, Roland landed a heavy kick right into Ludd's face sending him spawling on the ground. When he tried to get up, Rpland placed his foot on Ludd's neck and continued. "Underneath my boot-heel." As Ludd struggled Roland began thinking. "Ludd, gods what a stupid name. who named you? Some bloated simplton with a mouthful of shit."
"Y-you wont get away w-with this." Ramsay declared though his eyes were fixed on the Shadow. When my father hears of this he'll flay you alive."
Roland smiled in amusement. "Will he now?" He mocked, "but how will he do that without an army. If I recall correctly, most of his army as well as Whitehill's are trapped south of the neck. I have 10,000 men as well as most of the north on my side. So I ask again how will Roose Bolton accomplish such a feat."
Ludd's face paled, "why are you doing this?"
Roland laughed, "it's quite simple really. See Roose Bolton was recently named warden of the north. Unfortunately that creates a problem since MY son by Sansa Stark is to inherit the north. Due to Roose Bolton is holding the title that belongs to my son, that makes that Roose is a threat to me. Since he stabbed his liege lord in the back, I must not take chances. Thus I have decided to exterminate the threat as well as the allies of said threat."
Roland snapped his fingers and dozens of baratheon men swarmed the hall they seized Ludd and Ramsay. The bastard tried to fight but one man knocked him out.
Ludd Whitehills began shaking when he realized what that meant. "What of my family?" He cried out. Roland's smile broadened, "and now the rains weep over your halls with not a soul to hear."
Ludd struggled, "please good prince have mercy," He begged, they didn't have anything to do with the red wedding, please spare my children I beg of you."
Roland glared at the man, "you should of thought if that before you betrayed Robb Stark." Ludd began to weep and Roland leaned towards him. "Do not fret, I won't kill all of them just you and your remaining sons. Your daughter will be wed to a loyal bannerman of House Stark I hear that she use to love Asher Forrester. Why don't we bring those two lovebirds back together shall we? He'll even get Highpoint since their won't be any of your family left to object." Roland laughed as Ludd was dragged away weeping before he turned to the Forresters
"Well," Roland clasped his hands together, "I think that makes your dilemma here much more simple. Ethan stood up, "you have out utmost gratitude for your help today. The halls of Ironwrath are yours, It would honor me if you would be our guest.
Roland smiled, "It is I who is honor to be among people with integrity."
After the incident in Ironwrath, Roland continued to help stablize the North. He feasted with the Northern Mountain clans, gaining their loyalty, Highpoint had been captured and Gwyn Whitehill was sent to Ironwrath until Asher arrived. Roland's men stopped a thenn raiding party from attacking a farming villaige, and stumbled across another one that was hidden in the cliffs. most were killed save for two a large bearded man and a red haired took them captive and told them to deliver a message to Mance Rayder saying the King 'behind the wall' wished to discuss terms.
Roland arrived to Castle Black where he helped Jon deal with mutineers. During their attack on Castle Black Roland released his wildling captives to deliver his message. He would let the wildling through the wall if they helped to man the wall against the White Walkers, Mance and most of the wildling accepted and the deal was made. Alliser Thorne and many of the night's watch tried to object but Roland's men prevented them from acting against him. During his time at the Wall, Roland was joined by his uncle Stannis, Stannis bent the knee to his nephew and Roland welcomed him with open arms.
Roland smiled warmly, "I'm glad to see you again uncle Stannis, I believed you had betrayed us all."
"I believed you were a captive," Stannis replied.
Roland shook his head. "It takes more that a fancy castle to hold me." Before Roland could say more, Stannis bent the knee to his nephew.
"Why do you bend the kne to me uncle, Roland asked confused. "I am not the king." It was then that all of castle black fell silent. Roland looked around and realized something was amiss.
Stannis rose and placed a hand o his nephew's shoulder. "Roland, Joffrey is dead, he was poisoned at his own wedding."
Roland was shocked to learn about Joffrey's death and was more shocked to learn of Tyrion's trial and conviction. The fact they convicted his uncle infuriated Roland, though he wasn't surprised that it happened. Everyone seemed to hate his uncle for no reason at all. Thus complicated things greatly for him Tyrion had always been the one he could trust, now he had one less reliable person to turn to.
Roland spent a few days at Castle Black to rest before heading back south. One day Roland stormed out of the King's Tower his fists clenched and his eyes burning.
Stannis took notice and approached him, "What is ythe matter Roland?"
Roland was fuming. "that red whore dared to suggest that I sacrifice Shireen to her God."
That enraged Stannis that she would even say such a thing, "she should not of said that," he said grimly.
Roland however was still angered. "We must rid ourselves of her uncle or she will lead us to utter destruction." After a moment of thinking, Roland spoke again. "I shall bring Shireen with me when I go south."
It was then that Lady Melisandre walked over to the two Baratheons. "Your cousin must stay," she insisted. "The lord of light has need of her-."
Befire she could finish, Roland grabbed her by the throat and squeezed. She gasped for breath as he lifted her up from the ground.
"I don't care what you or your fire god want," he growled. "Whatever you had planned for Shireen, she will not be a part of it." Roland threw her aside causing her to flee and he turned to his uncle. "This is no place for Shireen uncle and I don't want my cousin near that fanatical bitch."
Stannis looked between Roland and Melisandre before nodding to Roland. "Take care of her," he said quietly.
Roland nodded, "always." He took another look at Melisandre, "We must rid ourselves of her uncle."
Stannis stared at his nephew as he realized what Roland was implying. "She has already done so much," he reasoned, "we need her."
Roland shook his head. "all she has done benefit her and her alone. The Tyrells are screaming for your blood uncle but I may be able to pacify them If I get the right scapegoat. One in red and whispering lies. "Do what you need to Uncle and bring her to me."
Roland and Shireen said their farewells. Roland tasked his uncle with dealing with the Boltons and their allies. Roland assigned Jon with the task of acting as a Steward to Winterfell until the remaining Starks could be found. "There must always be a Stark in Winterfell Jon," Roland told him, "and you may be the last."
Roland's first target was the Ironborn-held Moat Cailin. Moat Cailin may have been impassable from the south but from the north it could be easily taken. With the Iron Islands razed, the garrison surrendered without a fight. Roland then destroyed the army of 4,000 boltons and 2,000 Freys encamped in the south. The 400 Umbers encamped nearby were then allowed to march north to their homes.
Instead of traveling by land Roland used his ships to sail from the fever river to Seagard thus avoiding the Twins. Once he landed at seagard Roland fell upon Black Walders seige lines decimating them and freeing Patrek Mallister from their custody. With his son returned Jason gladly bend the knee to Roland.
The breaking of the siege of Seagard was just the beginning, Roland cut a bloody path across the riverlands killing freys and liberating castles. He smashed Jonos Braken's force of 500 men besieging Raventree Hall. House Braken followed the same fate as house Whitehill with the Braken male line extinguished and Lord Brakens daughters made hostages of House Blackwood. After Raventree Hall, Roland descended upon the Freys at Riverrun slaughtering the entire Frey host of 2,000 men. Roland freed Edmure Frey and renounced both the Freys claim to the Riverrun and the Lannisters claim to the Darry. During the breaking of the siege of Riverrun, Roland recovered Robb Starks crown. Roland decided to keep is and have Sansa crown him with it if she wishes.
The Lannisters watch as Roland slowly unraveled his grandfather's work. Tywin Lanniatser had died as Roland was taking Moat Cailin and without his leadership, the Lannisters were lost on what to do next.
During his time in the riverlands, Roland recruited other warriors to his side, Including Sandor Clegane who was with Arya Stark, and Brienne of Tarth sent to find Arya with Podrick Payne. He was joined by members of the Brotherhood without Banners. Among them were Thoros of Myr, Harwin, Lem Lemoncloak, Anguy, Pello Greanbeard, the Mad Huntsman, Edric Dayne and Tom of Sevenstreams. After the final death of Beric Dondarrion, the brotherhood was taken over by Lady Stoneheart. Since her leadership the brotherhood had splintered due to her irrational actions.
Roland also managed to capture the Spicers and Westerlings. Roland decided to question them personally. Jeyne was first, as she stood before the new king Roland came up to her. "Did you love Robb?"
Jeyne stared up at him her face was puffy and her eyes bloodshot. "I did," she said. Roland noticed that she was clutching something in her hand . Roland lifted her hand up and realized that it was a crown. "Robb...made it...for me," She heaved. as her hand clutched the crown tighter. Roland placed her hand around her neck and forced her to look him in the eye. She tensed as his fingers tightened around her throat ever so slightly. After a moment he released her and led her to a tent where her mother was being held. "Wait her and listen closely to what is said." He told her, Jeyne nodded her eyes down cast.
Roland entered the tent and Sybell Spicer looked up at him her hands were chained and she sat stiffly. "Why am I chained like some prisoner?" She demanded, her voice laced in ice.
"Because you are a prisoner, MY prisoner," Roland retorted.
"On what grounds do you hold me and my family?"
Roland gave her an amused smile, "why treason of course."
Sybell tried to stand but two guards pushed her roughly back down onto the chair. "TREASON?" She shrieked.
"The King in the North," Roland clarified.
Sybells mouth opened slightly as she realized what this was about. "Your grandfather and I had an understanding about that," she said finally.
"So you don't deny your involvement in Robb Stark's death," Roland continued speaking calmly.
"That savage northern boy was a rebel, he wasn't worthy of my daughter. I had to make certain that she didn't bear his child. Your lord grandfather bid me to do so."
"I suppose your brother and cousin were also involved."
Sybell nodded, "They were, my brother and I orchestrated the red Wedding along with Walder Frey, Roose Bolton and Tywin."
olands eyes narrowed as he gave her a cold smile. "Did you hear all of that Jeyne?" He called behind him."
Sybell looked in horror as her daughter stepped hin her puffy eyes now ablaze. "Y-you monster," her voice shaking. "I-I loved Robb and you MURDERED HIM!" She lunged forward and started pounding on her mother with her tiny fists. Roland allowed jayne to let her anger out before prying her away from the older woman.
"It was for your own good girl," Sybell said. "Lord Tywin would of executed you and all of us."
But Jeyne would here none of it, "he was mine," she sobbed. "I don't even have a child to remember him by."
Roland placed a hand on her shoulder, "Your mother wronged you Jeyne Westerling, so I shall let you decide her fate."
Sybell's eyes widened as she looked at her daughter with desperate eyes. Jeyne returned the stare her eyes suddenly cold and filled with anger and pain. After a moment Jeyne turned to Roland, "do with her what you will, she is no mother of mine."
Roland nodded, "As you wish." gave a nod and the guards escorted Jeyne to another tent, her mother screaming after her. She took another look at Roland who was grinning at her. Despite her terror, Sybell still worrieed about her son and decided to ask Roland about it.
"Do you know the fate of my eldest son Raynald. He went to the wedding at the twins with the Stark rebel. He knew nothing of our plans. He may be captive at the twins-"
"Your darling boy is dead Sybell," Roland answered coldly. "Riddled with crossbow bolts by the very Freys you allied yourself with."
Sybell's mouth dropped open in shock and her eyes welled up with tears. Roland cupped her face lifting her face to meet his. "Your son was clearly a man of honor and integrity. When the Red Wedding started he sided with Robb and helped free his direwolf before he fell." Roland leaned forward. "I would have been content to wipe out both the Westerlings and the Spicers because of your treachery. If not for your son's act of courage and Jeynes genuine feelings for Robb, I would have done just that. But as a favour to your late son and Robb I will spare your precious brood."
Roland waved his hand and the guards dragged her out of the tent. They brought her to a clearing where a plateform had been raised. on the plateform were three posts. Rolph Spicer and Samwell Spicer were already tied to two of these posts.
Sybell exchanged glances between Roland and her family. Roland grinned, "you spicers have been nothing but a thorn in the westerlans since you arrived, fortunately there won't be any Spicers left after today."
As she was tied to the third post Sybell made a final plea. "Your grandfather promised us we would ba handsomely rewarded if we did this."
Roland replied in an all to sweet voice, "I am your reward Sybell, do you not find me handsome?" Instead of having a simple beheading, Roland released Shadow and the Mad Huntsman's pack upon them. The Spicers died screaming and in slow agony.
During his campaign in the Riverlands Roland aquired a large number of freys. They were Emmon, Ryman, Aenys, Jared, Edwyn, Black Walder, Rhaegar, Symond, Arwood, Big Walder and Little Walder. Roland used these hostages to wring out Greatjon Umber out of the Freys. To prove how serious he was, Roland executed several of his hostages. Black Walder, Ryman, Aenys, Edwyn, Jared and Symond Frey were all impaled in full view of the Twins.
Not even Emmon Frey was safe much to the shock of Roland's great aunt Gemma. "Roland," She tried to plea. Emmon is your great uncle by marraige to me, do you truly wish to become a kinslayer?"
Roland looked at Gemma with blank eyes. "House Baratheon recognizes no blood ties to house Frey. If you remember Aunt Gemma, Robb Stark was Tywin's grandson by marraige. Yet that meant little to your brother when he orchestrated the Red Wedding. Tell me aunt Gemma, if a marraige didn't stop Tywin Lannister, why should it stop me?"
"Because you are a better man than that," Gemma reasoned.
Roland face saddened as hs shook his head. "No Aunt Gemma I'm not, the Starks were better men."
With no one backing him, didn't take much for Roland to bully Old Walder into surrendering his captives. Roland declared that all Lannister forces were to leave the riverlands and return to their homes within the fortnight. Any Lannister that remained after this time would suffer the same fate as the Spicers.
With Tywin dead and their armies decimated, the days of the Boltons and Freys were numbered. In the North and the Riverlands, the people began to rise up against their treacherous overlords. Roland reinstated the Tullys as lords of Riverrun and Lords Paramount of the Trident. The Starks were another matter, most of the Starks were either missing or dead. Roland privately suspected that Bran and Rickon were still alive but nobody knew where they were. Until this was resolved, Roland had Wyman Manderly assist Jon with Ruling the north while Stannis dealt with Roose Bolton.
Now that the 'complications in the North and Riverlands had been taken care of, Roland finally marched back to King's Landing. Roland learned of the rise of a group of fanatics called the Sparrows. Roland sighed deeply. 'A king's work is never done.'