Game of Thrones: Tragedy and Reunions

Next chapter of my Game of Thrones story, enjoy.

Reviews

jau0062: Thanks, glad you enjoyed it, well, there is more to come.
magnus374: Thanks, glad you enjoyed it, yeah, Sansa is back, but that won't be happening. There is no one they need that would require Sansa to be married off. The only possible allies they could still gain only have female heirs.
HarryPotterLover1996: Well, more of the family will be returning, glad you enjoyed it.

Now onto the story.

Disclaimer: Game of Thrones belongs to George R.R. Martin.

Catelyn

Catelyn smiled as she listened in on her daughter's finally making peace with each other. Her happiness was slightly marred however by the admittance from both girls that they had killed someone. That thought still in her mind, she watched as Arya left the tent and headed to where that boy Gendry was. Catelyn quietly slipped into her tent to find Sansa still sitting there. She noticed that her daughter looked anxious.

"Sansa, what troubles you?" She asked; fearful of seeing her daughter in such a state.

Sansa looked up at her mother and contemplated before answering. "It's about Arya, mother; she...she doesn't need the bandages anymore but...Her right eye..."

Catelyn nodded sadly.

"I heard. I also heard her response, she seems...accepting of it at least." Catelyn paused and then added. "It doesn't seem like it going's to stop her from doing anything. We should be happy for that at least."

Sansa slowly nodded. "Yes I...I guess you're right."

Catelyn smiled. "Come, Robb and his army will be heading out to battle tomorrow; we best make the most of the rest of the day."

Sansa stood up.

"So soon? We only just got here; where is he...?" She stopped when she realized. "The Twins, he's going to exact revenge on the Freys."

Catelyn nodded. "Yes."

Together they left the tent; they spotted Arya coming towards them.

"Arya, I take it you've come to see Robb before the army leaves tomorrow too."

Arya smiled. "That's right; just wish I could help them in some way."

Sansa bit her lip and replied. "You shouldn't Arya, it's too dangerous. This is a full battle, not like anything even you've seen before."

Arya sighed.

"I guess. I guess you're right. Let's go."

They agreed and spent the night in each other's company with Robb. Catching up and revelling in their reunion.

The following morning the three Stark females went to the edge of the camp where the army was positioned.

The army was in prefect formation and was beginning to advance. As agreed, Sandor Clegane was leading the Vanguard. The men in ranks, slowly but steadily, made progress as they left camp for the Twins, just on the horizon. They could see Robb, fully armoured, his face grim before he set his helmet in place. Sansa then noticed something.

"Arya, I thought your friend Gendry would be with them?" She questioned. "I know he's an armourer's apprentice but surely he would know how to fight?"

Arya sighed. "Gendry does know how to use a sword but...He claims he's not skilled enough to help Robb in this battle." She paused and then added. "Not stopping him from trying to improve though." Arya smirked at that. Finally the army left and Catelyn led the girls back to the tent to await news. As they did she then heard the girls talking again, what she heard caught her attention.

"Arya." Sansa paused and then asked. "That sword you have...I was wondering, your dancing lessons in King's Landing weren't...dancing lessons at all were they?"

She heard Arya laugh before replying. "Actually they were...in a way. I was being taught Water Dancing. It's a form of fighting, much smoother and more dangerous than the way knight's fight."

"So, Syrio Forel was a Water Dancer?"

"More than that," Arya replied. "He was the First Sword of Braavos...I don't even know if he's still alive." Silence followed as they finally arrived at the tent.

They sat restlessly as they waited for news. At that moment however a soft voice broke the silence.

"My lady."

They looked up and Catelyn smiled as Jeyne walked in. She stood up and went to greet the young queen.

"Your Grace. What an unexpected surprise." She said cheerfully.

Jeyne smiled back and replied. "I am happy for you my lady. Your daughters have been returned to you. I hoped to meet them, properly."

Catelyn nodded and soon they were all seated she made the introductions.

"Sansa, Arya, this is Jeyne, Jeyne Westerling."

Sansa smiled warmly. "A pleasure."

"How did you end up here?" Arya asked, skipping the formalities.

Jeyne smiled and then explained, surprising both girls. "I am married to your older brother, King Robb."

They gasped and Sansa then stammered. "So...So you're...You're the Queen of the North then."

Jeyne smiled. "Yes, but please, I've wanted to meet you for so long, ever since Robb told me about all of you. So I'd rather you speak to me as you normally would to each other."

Catelyn had been slightly tense at first but then relaxed. It seemed that they would all get along very well together.

It was then a messenger arrived to see them.

"What news of the battle?" Catelyn asked.

"It has gone well, my lady; we are already in possession of one of the two castles. The Frey's have been forced to retreat to the second one; we are besieging them now."

Catelyn heard the girls let out a sigh of relief and then Jeyne spoke.

"Half a victory for now!" She exclaimed. Catelyn agreed with her.

She then added. "Hopefully, before long, it will be a complete victory."

The messenger left and they resumed waiting. Passing the time by relating their stories of how they came to the camp to Jeyne. In turn Jeyne informed them of what had occurred before they arrived, including the trial and its aftermath.

It felt like an eternity before the good news was finally delivered, that the army was victorious, the Twins had fallen to the Northern army and they had now taken over both castles. Many Frey warriors had died; including several of the conspirators of the Red Wedding. Two of them, Lord Walder Frey being one, had even been captured alive. With a small escort to deal with any stragglers, Catelyn, Jeyne, Sansa and Arya all made their way to the southern castle of the Twins, along with everyone else in the camp. When they arrived Robb had already beheaded the other captured conspirator. That just left Lord Walder Frey. The aged lord glared sullenly at Robb as Robb stood over him, sword in hand.

"Pretty speech you made before you killed him," Lord Frey remarked bitterly.

Robb's face didn't even flicker, it was a stony mask. "I stand by my word. With your death, the last person who plotted to have me killed, that is in my reach, will be dead."

He paused before continuing. "I have no wish for needless bloodshed. Those who wish to re-join may, those who do not, have leave to flee. Those who wish me ill, be aware that you will only be serving yourselves unto death. I will not harm any innocents, the women and children will be spared from any atrocity."

With those words Robb stepped forwards and, once Lord Frey was pushed down onto the block, carried out the execution. Following that Robb saw to the removal and interment of the body before seeing that his declaration was carried out.

A full day passed since the attack and now the northern army had fully settled the Twins. A fair few had remained to join the army while most of the survivors fled, taking their families with them. On Robb's stern instruction no woman or child was harmed and now there was a moment of peace. Catelyn had just finished breaking her fast when Sansa came rushing into the chamber Catelyn had been given for the duration of their stay.

"Mother, quick, you must come to the north gate." She cried out breathlessly.

Startled by this Catelyn followed her daughter.

The drawbridge was down and a small crowd had gathered; including Robb, Jeyne, Arya and Gendry. Catelyn hurried over to Robb.

"Robb, what is going on?" She asked, confused.

Robb smiled and gestured. "Look."

She turned and froze at what she saw. Walking across the drawbridge, entering the castle was a small group of people. One she recognized right away as Hodor, the Winterfell stable boy. There was a woman with him, dressed in patched ragged clothing. Catelyn guessed this was the Wildling woman Robb had told her about. Also with them was a young boy of around thirteen clad in green clothing. His height and build made it clear he was a Crannogman from Greywater Watch. She also recognized the two Direwolves of her youngest sons. Then she saw him and her heart skipped a beat; riding on Shaggydog's back was Rickon. Her youngest child, she could scarcely believe it, the news from Winterfell had been false? Rickon wasn't dead! This sparked a hope in Catelyn, if Rickon was alive, then surely Bran was too.

The moment he saw his mother, Rickon slid down from Shaggydog's back and rushed to her. Catelyn caught him as he threw his arms around her; Catelyn fought back tears as she revelled in the joy of being reunited with another of her children. Robb and the rest of the family all gathered round too. Finally Rickon's travelling companions came up to them.

"Rickon." Catelyn breathed happily. "The Gods truly are merciful." She then looked to his companions. "I cannot thank you enough."

"Just doing the duty we owe to our Prince, m'lady." The Wildling woman declared. Catelyn searched her memory and remembered Robb had mentioned her name: Osha.

"Hodor," the gentle giant replied, although Catelyn noticed he had some reserve about him.

Finally the young Crannogman stepped forwards. "Your Grace, my lady. I am Jojen Reed; son of Howland Reed of Greywater Watch. No doubt you are curious about our arrival, the story is long."

Robb nodded. "You can tell us inside, but...I recall the messages I heard from Winterfell, I must ask...Where is Bran?"

Jojen bowed his head and sighed. "The Prince was with us, but we were attacked on the way by men loyal to House Bolton. My sister, Meera, she was carrying Prince Bran on her back, to allow Hodor to recover. I could tell we were in danger so I told her to run."

He paused and then straightened up.

"She did so, she took Prince Bran away from that fight and to safety, but we were unable to find them."

Catelyn felt her hope disappear. What chance did Bran have out in the wild north; not being able to walk amidst such hostile surroundings was nothing short of a death sentence.

Jojen however seemed to sense her unease.

"I wouldn't fear, my lady. I'm sure Prince Bran is safe." He soothed her. "My sister will ensure it; Meera is an expert hunter and tracker. I left a trail that only she would know the significance of. They'll find their way here, I promise."

Catelyn nodded slowly, her hope returning slightly. If Jojen's sister really was as capable as he claimed then she would hold onto that hope. Therefore it was decided that, while recovering and before planning their next move, they would wait for Bran.

End of chapter, hope you enjoyed it, read and review please.