Chapter 28:

Author's Notes: Please don't hate me!

Riverrun appeared in front of Spencer. A sigh of relief escaped her. There had been no trouble of the roads and now her journey was almost complete. Alongside her Jhogo peered at all in his surroundings. Ashley had insisted that if Spencer was to take this journey then she needed a bloodrider with her, as there was no else Ashley would entrust Spencer's care to but her Dothkari warriors.

"This is the place?" Jhogo asked as they approached the main gates.

"Yes. Once we arrive at the gates, let me speak. I fear your hair may cause some shock amongst the guards." Spencer teased.

"That is no surprise to me that they be all cowards. What manner of a home has such walls? There is no space to ride the horses or feel the wind in your hair as you charge onwards."

"Some do not enjoy riding as much as the Dothkari, Jhogo. Hush now, we approach."

The bloodrider silenced himself but a scowl remained on his face. Nothing Spencer said would change his belief that Westeros was made of cowards and dishonourable men.

"Who goes there?" A voice shouted from above the gate.

"I seek the council of Lord Tully."

"And who are you to seek his council?"

"Someone he believes is long dead. He will be interested in knowing what information I have."

"Name?"

"Spencer Carlin, first daughter of Lord Arthur Carlin and Lady Paula Carlin. The lord of the house is my grandfather."

Nothing was heard after her announcement. Instead, the gates opened revealing three soldiers with their swords at the ready.

"If you are who you say you are," the first man began, "then what company have you been keeping?"

"I will not explain this to anyone but my grandfather. Now, will you let us through or should we try some other means?" Spencer demanded with a bravery she did not feel. These soldiers could kill them, hide them away and no one would know the difference.

The man watched her silently for a moment, thinking. "Follow me. You must relieve yourselves of your weapons to my men if you seek council with our lord."

Spencer nodded to Jhogo, silently bidding him to not cause any trouble and to relinquish his sword peacefully.

As they entered the gates, Spencer's gaze rose. She had never been to Riverrun although it was her grandfather's home. She had only heard tales of it from her mother. How it sat at the fork of the Tumblestone River and the great watchtower that prevented any from ever surprising those at the walls. There were people in the streets but no one seemed to beat ease. They hurried to wherever they were going and did not stop to talk to anyone. A few would glance at Jhogo quickly, the bloodrider being difficult to ignore, especially with the disdain showing on his face, but even those glances were short and fearful. The soldier in front of them led them towards the castle gates silently and banged on the gates.

"Who goes there?" a voice called out.

"I have some visitors here, seeking council with the Lord."

"You know the Lord is not receiving any visitors at this time, now more than ever with Lord Edmure's tidings."

"One of them claims that she is a Carlin."

"A Carlin? Well Lady Carlin is here so we shall see how truthful these people are."

Spencer's heart sped up. She had not known who had survived the treachery of the Lannisters but knowing that her mother was still alive gave her joy and hope.

"I will leave you here now. Good luck in your endeavours."

"Thank you," Spencer replied before heading into the castle's courtyard, Jhogo trailing behind.

Another guard stepped forward and appraised them slowly. "Follow me."

Around the edges of the courtyard, soldiers parried and thrust and practiced their art. A few stood to the side, cheering their comrades on while others were seated, polishing their armour as if preparing for war. The castle itself was different from Winterfell. The walls were a dark grey and apart from the soldiers in the courtyard, everyone else seemed to reside within the main rooms of the castle.

"The herald will announce you. Then step forward and make your claim. If you are true to your word then we will not cast you into the dungeons and execute you in the morning." The soldier stated, a grim smile on his face.

"Thank you for your help," Spencer said.

Without another word the soldier turned and went to join the others in the courtyard, a grimace on his face.

"Do not do anything unless I tell you, Jhogo. The Dothkari make people uneasy, thus they will treat you with suspicion. Once I have explained all, we will be free to return."

Jhogo grunted his obedience. He was not pleased with being surrounded by armed men and not having a sliver of metal to protect himself. At least this land was warmer than the last. He found nothing that amazed him in this dreary land and he wagered he probably never would. The walls were a dull grey with banners lying silently on torches which were dimmed during the day.

A herald walked up to them and bade them to follow him into the main hall. Spencer grew more anxious. She was not sure how her return would be taken, nor the news she brought with her. She hoped that her family, what was left of them, would listen to reason and not dwell on the past. No matter the outcome, she would return to Ashley's service, with or without her family's permission.

"Wait here. Once I announce you, the lord will call you forward. Then you may state your claims once he gives you leave." With that, the herald strode forward and announced their presence.

Spencer took a deep breath before stepping forward. In front of her was a high chair placed a few steps above where she stood. On the chair was a man she vaguely remembered. Next to him sat her mother.

"Spencer," her mother asked, almost unsure.

Spencer smiled and ran forward to embrace her mother. She felt warm tears on her shoulder and smiled through her own. Her mother was mumbling into her shoulder and they stayed so until a throat was cleared.

"So I gather she is who she says she is Paula," Lord Edmure Tully spoke up.

Paula Carlin turned to face her brother, "I do not know how, although I am sure Spencer has much to tell us, but, yes, the gods have returned my daughter to me."

"And this man that you have brought into my presence child? What say has he in this?"

"He is with me, Uncle. He was commanded to keep me safe until I reached Rivverrun and told my tale."

"A Dothkari is your personal guard?"

"Yes. I can assure you he is of no threat to us."

"Edmure, can this not wait." Paula interjected. "They both seem tired from their journey and I am sure they would want to fill their stomachs. Besides, my daughter and I have much to catch up on, as does her sister I am sure."

"Kyla is alive?" Spencer asked.

"Yes, Spencer. She made it her before I. She told me of what had happened in King's Landing but I think you may know than she does."

Spencer nodded, "There is so much I have to tell you."

"Hush, let us get you, both, seen to then I am sure you can begin your tale this evening."

"So it shall be as you have asked, sister. I believe that there is much to know."

"Follow me now," Paula said then turned the Dothkari behind her, "you as well, ser."

Spencer retold little of her tale, hoping to say it all at once without having to repeat it for those who were not there. Kyla was stunned with her arrival but soon recovered from her shock and almost felled Spencer to the ground in her elation. Their mother stemmed the flow of questions that followed Kyla's embrace, seeing to it that Spencer ate and rested first. Jhogo stood just outside the room, watching over as always. Spencer could not wait for her food to arrive, so with a sigh she slipped into a deep sleep.