Robb Stark was pacing around the table where a large map of Westeros was placed. On it were carved wooden heads. Wolf heads marked his position along the northern areas of the Riverlands, they had the Twins, Seagard and Oldstones within their firm control. While House Tully had declared its support, the Lannister army had effectively cut their forces in two.

Lannister forces were represented by lion heads, which were forming an arc around their opponents and had effectively stalled Robb's advance. Stag heads painted black represented Stannis while those painted light brown represented Renly. The young brother had proven to have a strong following in being able to stalemate his older brother and the Lannisters.

Trouble is we are all fighting each other Robb sighed. So far neither brother had attempted a treaty with him and or each other, so despite the size of their enemies the Lannisters managed to take advantage of the free-for-all that seemed to be engulfing the northern and middle regions.

The Riverlords are with us, but one ally alone will not secure independence or help in pushing south to find Arya and Sansa. Frustrated, Robb slumped into his chair at the head of the table and fell into wondering about what it would be like as King of the North. Although his ruling now seemed to include the Riverlands as well, but that was if he could hold his positions.

Robb's thoughts were interrupted when the tent was entered by his mother, Theon and several of his bannermen. From the look on everyone's faces there was news which could be really bad or really good.

"We have just received news from Riverrun" Catelyn started then gave a quick glance to Theon before continuing. "They have located a supply for the Lannister forces that are cutting us off from the southern Riverlands, it is based around a mountain fort not far from Stony Sept".

"So we can deal a blow to their army and perhaps rout them from the land" Robb said with some enthusiasm. However Catelyn stil looked apprehensive. "What else is there?"

She took a deep breath. "House Greyjoy and the Iron Islands have declared their independence from the Iron Throne. They have already raided several Lannister holdings within the Westerlands".

Another group throwing their lot into the battle. Robb stood up. "I suppose we shouldn't be surprised, they're finishing what they started nearly ten years ago now".

"And seeing as the Iron Throne is busy putting down other rebellions they may succeed in sedition" said one of the bannermen

Robb walked over to Theon who looked somewhat uncomfortable with the discussion of his family and home. "Would your father… be open to negotiations?"

Theon blinked, and then sighed. "I have no idea. It would make sense to have allies with land strongholds but… House Stark played a part in our defeat and the death of several family members… he may strike out of spite".

"It doesn't mean we can't try" Catelyn suggested. "We don't have to be allies but neither do we have to waste resources killing each other".

"We are both after independence" Robb said. "We should at least talk… Theon, will you go to your father and ask for alliance? Support against the Lannisters, and for each other in our goals. Failing that, a peace between our forces?"

There was some mumbling among the bannermen until one of them stepped forward. "No offense my lords but… is this truly wise?"

"We need allies in order to secure ourselves" Robb said, though from the man's face he realized that the alliance with the Iron Islands is not what he was questioning.

Theon realized it too. "If you have something to say sir then say it, do not hover about like a scared pup".

The man clenched his fists and glared at Theon. "You were taken as hostage by the Starks. Your father wishes to return to the raider ways of the past. You both wish to leave a mark… I question the wisdom in sending such a man back to his power base".

Theon walked right up into the bannermen's face, returning the glare. "I've spent nine years of my life with the Starks. They are as much my family now as House Greyjoy is to me." He faced Robb. "We are brothers, and as your brother I will deliver this message to Balon Greyjoy and try in earnest for his support."

Robb smiled. "Then you'd best start preparations for the journey".

Clearly still dissatisfied, the bannermen stepped away as Theon left the tent. Everyone's eyes returned to Robb who was walking around the table again.

"I'm not going to lie or play to any egos, our position is tenuous. We may be able to hold the Lannisters at bay, but what if Stannis or Renly punch through? We can't afford a war on two fronts." He looked at his mother. "Which is why we need negotiate with the one of them".

There was some more mumbling, but Catelyn remained focused on her son. "They have made no effort to contact us"

"Then the one who accepts our invitation to talks will be the one closer to an understanding" Robb replied.

"So do we give the same offer as the one proposed for the Greyjoys?" Catelyn asked.

"Something along the same lines yes" Robb paused for a moment. "Depending on our situation we may be able to help one of them seize the Iron Throne, in return we are recognized as separate from the Seven Kingdoms".

Catelyn nodded. "I will leave tonight then".

As his mother left Robb began moving the pieces on the map around. He placed another lion head at the small mountain area close to Stony Sept in the south. "Send twenty-five hundred men to reinforce Edmure Tully's advance party. While they take the Lannister supply hub we will harass their northern camps close to Oldstone. Once we receive word that the supply line is broken we shall make more bold attempts".

The bannermen were nodding in agreement and some were already taking pieces of parchment to send with ravens. Robb placed both his hands on the table and stared at the map which over the last couple of months had become fairly crowded.

He looked up again from the map. "And we're going to need some kraken figures to represent Greyjoy… just in case".

Winterfell

Bran had asked for what books they had on the Wall, the Long Night and any supernatural being to be brought to him. He had told Maester Luwin that he was taking a more active interest in the history of Westeros and the mysteries in them. The old teacher seemed to accept the answer.

The book he had in front of him now was called The Dark of Winter. It was a collection of what remained from the accounts of the Long Night. His Septa had brought this one to him. Bran found it interesting although he had no way of knowing how much of it was written in fear, from hearsay or guess-work from the original and damaged document.

Bran had found several entries on the White Walkers. Descriptions of them were vague but what could be made out was that they were tall, slim, pale and had deep blue eyes. Accounts said they wielded powers over ice and raised the dead. They came from the frozen north riding skeleton beasts and raided villages. One diary entry was from a man whose village was raided:

They came in the night, but we felt them at the edges of the wood during the day. Snow had fallen heavily and no matter how we tried we could only light the fire in the village hall. The demons made no sound as they fell upon the outlying barns and houses. It was the screams that woke us. Then shrill war cries sounded everywhere. The White Walkers whipped around those who took sword against them. It was as if they were fighting shadows.

Bryan told me to take Amera and run. May the Old Gods forgive me; I did as he said without looking back. Other villagers were also fleeing but not many of the Walkers were giving chase. I held Amera close to much chest and ran as fast as I could. Several villagers were close behind me, and then as unbelievable as it was another horror was unleashed.

A great grey spider burst from the snow behind me. I was knocked to the floor and Amera was thrown from my arms. The beast turned on the men behind him, its loud clicking fangs drowned out their cries. Again, I ran to my daughter and fled without looking behind….. I write this now from my brother's home which is east of the village. We are leaving within the hour….

Bran felt his heart beating hard again. He did not blame the woman, after all he only dealt with a dream version and he would have given anything to flee from the monster. He set the book aside and decided to look for something on that might resemble the strange forest woman he had seen.

The door to his room opened. Osha walked in with a tray of food, without even asking she brushed some of the books and papers of a close by stool and sat it down.

"You've been busy little lord" she said, running her hand over the papers. "Must have been a strong impression in that dream."

Bran reached over and picked a piece of bread. He picked at little bits before looking back at Osha who was now perched on the end of the bed.

"Can you keep a secret?" he asked.

"Depends if it's worth keeping" she replied.

Bran paused, and then told her his dream. Her eyes had become that same wild look she had when they first met after he described what he saw coming from the north.

"But then it all faded away when this song started. This woman stepped from behind the weirwood and reassured me that everything will be protected" Bran stopped to gauge Osha's reaction. She remained silent so he continued. "She was the opposite of the Walker. Do you… do you know anything that sounds like her".

It was then Bran noticed Osha had been scratching at her hand. Did she start doing that at the start of my story? He thought as where she was scratching had become red. Osha stood up and walked over to his side.

"What book you got there?"

He looked at it then read the title. "History of the Old Ways".

Osha knelt down and opened the first page. "I can't really read, but they got pictures of things right?" she asked. Bran nodded.

"So, we keep going till we both see something that seems about right" she suggested.

Bran began to turn the pages.