The Winter King
Author Notes:
Chapter 08: Birth of the Winter King
It has been two long years since the start of the war. The Northern Kingdom was winning. The Lannister Army face defeat after defeat. Robb Stark was known to send messengers to King's Landing for peace but all his peace proposals have been rejected. All by Cersei Lannister, who went back to using her birth name.
Currently, the majority of the Northern Army was camped in Riverrun.
Harry was in the Tully's War Room with King Robb Stark, Lord Edmure Tully, and Ser Brynden Tully; the Blackfish.
"Things are looking good," Harry reported. "Moral is high, and the men are in good spirits."
"We've lost the Karstarks," Robb said as he tosses their banner of the table.
"We'll make do," Harry said.
"We need to do something that will force the Iron Throne to submit to the Northern Kingdom." Lord Edmure Tully said.
"We also have to retake many of our castles as the Greyjoys are in open rebellion against, well…everyone," Blackfish stated.
"We don't have the men," Robb said.
"Not yet," Harry said.
"What do you mean?" Robb said turning to Harry.
"Do you remember that time I went with your father to visit the Iron Bank?" Harry said, Robb slowly nods his head.
"Well during my trip to Braavos, I discovered something that your father made me swear to secrecy. Due to the fact that the Iron Throne would not be happy hearing of this. There is an Army is Essos. An Army, without a King. This presents a fine opportunity for us. As we seek to separate ourselves from the Iron Throne, we can open up trade with Bravos and Essos. Expand our horizon."
"This army, will they fight for us?" Robb asks.
"The real question is can this army be trusted?" Blackfish asks.
"They are remnants of the Valyrian Empire. They are not sellswords. They will test Robb to see if he's a King they are willing to follow. We only need to impress their commanders. I could go to them and bring them here. That way, we not only have a trade route but a larger Northern Army. One that could both defend the Riverlands and retake our keeps in the mainland."
"How do I know you won't just stab me in the back like Theon?" Robb asks.
"Because you know me, Robb. Do you really think I would do something like that, against the only family I've ever had?"
"Theon Greyjoy made a choice. He instead chose to side with his family instead of doing the right thing." Blackfish stated.
"Give me a week, and I'll return with this army. And they will serve you." Harry swore.
Robb looks down and he places his hand down.
"Go, if you think we have a chance of success then take it. In the meantime, we'll go to the Frey's to get their men to support us." Robb said.
"Be careful of dealing with the Frey's. I do not trust them. Do not accept any offers they make as they did not hold up their end of the bargain."
"What do you mean?" Robb asks.
"Do you remember when we first went to them. We ask them for their support, in exchange for your marriage to Lord Frey's daughter. Despite the marriage being agreed to, Lord Frey did not lend his support to your cause."
"A good excuse to explain my marriage," Robb said.
"Exactly. Just be careful. Lord Tully, I would advise being cautious as well. Something tells me the Frey's are up to something." Harry said.
"You think they are plotting Treason? They are sworn to House Tully." Blackfish stated.
"I don't know. Something in my gut tells me they cannot be trusted. Just be careful." Harry said.
"We will," Robb said.
Harry turns to leave, knowing he wouldn't see his brother for nearly a few weeks. He had a long journey ahead of him.
Getting to Braavos was easy. Going past the mountain range was not as easy.
Harry climbs the mountain range in search for the army that could help change the war.
"Don't move." A figure said jumping down in front of Harry.
Harry turns around him and could see some armor soldiers cutting off his chance to escape.
He found them alright.
Harry was stripped of his weapons and he dragged through the mountain.
He was lead into a large camp where lots of soldiers, men, and women gather to see him.
"We don't get visitors." An officer stated.
"I know who you are," Harry stated. "And I have come to swear your armies' allegiance to the Northern Kingdom," Harry said in a bold tone.
Several men walked forward and Harry knew at once these were the Commanders.
"Harry Potter, or is it Harry Stark? It's been a long time. Almost five years." The lead commander said.
"You know why I am here."
"We are, our spies told us."
"Then you know I am here to have you swear allegiance to my King, Robb Stark," Harry stated.
"Why didn't Robb Stark himself come?" the female Commander asks.
"He has a war to fight. As the King of an Army, he can't just leave his army unattended." Harry stated.
"A valid point. So he has sent you in his stead. I am the acting Lord Commander of the Army. Defeat me in combat, and you shall have your army." Commander Cyrus stated. "Return his blade."
Harry's blade was drop at his side and his picks it up, unsheathing it.
"Remember, defeat me with honor. No magic." Cyrus stated. Harry nods his head as the Acting Lord Commander unsheathes his own blade. Everyone back away from the two.
Harry struck as did the Cyrus. Their blades echoing as they hit each other.
Harry was spinning and hitting with his sword to the best of his abilities. Then a noise caused him to back away.
His blade had a chip in it.
"Too bad your blade isn't made of Valyrian Steel. You can only afford a few more hits before it shatters." Cyrus stated.
Harry calms himself and blocks the blow from before jumping on top of Cyrus who was shock by Harry's sudden boldness.
Harry kept punching Cyrus who was trying to guard himself. Harry didn't stop, for Robb's sake for the North's sake he had to win.
Several people suddenly grabbed him and pulled him off. Cyrus turns over and spits on the ground. His face a bit bloody.
"You took a disadvantage and turn it into an advantage. You showed strength, valor, and honor in your duel. If this King is like you, then we will join your ranks." Cyrus said as he used his sword to stand up.
Harry said nothing as the men and women kneeled before him.
"I'm not King," Harry said weakly.
"You're our King," Cyrus said.
"How soon can we rejoin the Northern Army?" Harry asks.
"For everyone to be there. In about a month. We can send a vanguard party to join them that can get there in a week."
"It's best if I go with the vanguard party. That way the Northern Army won't attack you."
"Agreed, let's move out," Cyrus shouted.
"Where's Robb now?"
"Heading to the Twins, apparently, he's there to secure an alliance with House Frey." Commander Sabas said.
"You're in charge of the spy network aren't you," Harry said turning to him.
"I am my Lord."
"How soon can you move men into position at Kings Landing and Meereen?"
"Meereen my lord?"
"Daenerys Targaryen resides there. I want spies there to keep an eye on here and tell me what's she doing."
"I see, a potential threat." Commander Sabas said.
"An unknown at this point. I do not know if she's friend or foe. None the less, I want eyes on her." Harry said.
"I have reports coming in from Slaver's Bay. She's assembled an army and has set herself up as Queen."
"Keep your eyes on her."
"I have several agents already following her, I'll send more to continue the work."
"Very good." Harry said.
A week had passed, and the Vanguard has purchased several ships to sail for Westeros.
When Harry arrived, he met with a few bannermen under the Blackfish rule.
"What's going on?" Harry asks.
"Get the Blackfish." Someone reported.
"Ser Brynden, what has happened?"
"You were right. The Frey's did betray us. As did the Boltons. Our forces were nearly massacred by a joint attack by Bolton's and Lannister forces. The Frey's killed everyone else at the Twins." Blackfish reported.
Harry's throat became very dry.
"Robb…" Harry said in a hoarse voice.
"I'm sorry Harry. I know you were close." Blackfish said.
"I'll kill them. I'll kill every single one of them!" Harry declared.
"Your Grace." Commander Brise said. She was the youngest female commander there was. A skilled tactician and a great bowman.
"I'm not King," Harry said.
"You are our King. Avenge your brother. Lead us." She said.
Harry looks at her as he wanted to know what to do. It was times like this he would turn to his surrogate father, Lord Eddard Stark. But now… he was completely alone.
"Send word to the rest of our forces, and get our spy network to find out what happened. I'm going to start a war with these cutthroats, that will make them wish they never did cross House Stark." Harry declared.
"Hail, the Winter King!" Blackfish said. He bent the knee and his bannermen followed.
Harry looks at everyone.
"House Tully as kept faith with House Stark. House Stark will not abandon that faith. We will avenge our brothers and make the traitors pay for their crimes." Harry declared.
"Ser Brynden, tell me everything."
So he did, it took a long while to explain everything but he finally did.
"The Frey's wouldn't have done that unless they were already in contact with the Lannisters. Now they've declared the new Great House of the Riverruns? Unbelievable. Once my army arrives, we'll lay waste their forces."
"You may have to act quickly. They're taking Robb's family bodies to King's Landing. We know the route, but we don't have the men to intercept them."
"You don't, but I do. Return to the Riverrun and prepare to take the fight to the Frey's. in the meantime, I'll take care of the Bolton's."
"What of the Lannisters?"
"Oh, I'm sure when the Boltons cry for help the Lannisters will come running. When they do, they will face the greatest defeat this world will ever see. For the time being, the Northern Army will rise again, this time, far stronger than it was during Robb Stark's war. The war is far from over." Harry declared.
Harry led his new 'Northern Royal Army' vanguard to intercept the Frey's forces that were transporting the bodies of his brother, mother, and sister-in-law. Finding them, was easy.
"What do we got here?" Commander Brise said as she sat on her horse next to Harry. She was acting as his second in command.
"Step aside, we have important cargo being delivered to King's Landing." Ryger Rivers stated. He was leading his men south.
"I know," Harry said.
"By order of the King, you are to step aside." Ryger River demanded.
"Take a look at our banners Frey," Harry said. He did so and a look of horror fell upon his face upon seeing the Direwolf Banner.
"We are House Stark. Your father declared us his enemies after we welcome him into our arms. Now, I think I'll cut the family tree from root to stem." Harry said as he urges his horse forward. His men followed suit. The Frey's look terrified. They were backing away as if trying to avoid a fight.
"Kill them." Harry orders.
His men charge as the Frey's bolted. It was over before it began. The Frey's offer no fight or resistance. Instead, they were cut down.
"Spread the word, the Iron Throne has unleashed the wrath of the Winter King," Harry said to Commander Brise.
She nods her head.
Two Days Later
"The war is over; Robb Stark is dead. Peace has been restored by my account." Tywin Lannister declared.
"My Lord, I'm afraid… the war is not over." Lord Varys said.
Lord Tywin Lannister slowly turns his head as if he was challenging Lord Varys.
"I'm getting reports that an army has landed in the Riverruns. An army, bearing the banner of the Starks. They attack several Frey camp and have left almost no survivors." Lord Varys said in a slow voice.
Everyone looks at him stunned. Cersei Lannister herself was beside herself as her nostrils flared up.
"The Northern Army is broken." Cersei Lannister declared.
"So we thought. Perhaps not all of them was at the Twins as we thought." Varys said.
"Who leads them?" Tyrion asks.
"They call him the Winter King," Varys said.
"His name, now." Tywin Lannister demands.
"I don't know. Only a select few know his name. However, one fellow did quote something the Winter King said."
"And?" Tywin Lannister said.
"He clearly is sending it to you, it says: You should not have killed Robb Stark. For Robb Stark kept me contained. Now I am unleashed. And I will bathe the land with Lannister blood. I will kill all your supporters, every child, and soul that hides a Lannister from my grasp. You will soon learn the meaning, of fear." Lord Varys said as he reads from a paper.
"He seeks to challenge me." Lord Tywin said.
"The Winter King loyalty is to the Starks. It's safe to say, he'll be after the Bolton's. that means he'll go North first." Lord Varys replies calmly.
"He won't face a war on two fronts. He can't attack us with the Bolton's at his back. Instead, he'll attack the Bolton's on his home turf. We have to respond immediately." Tyrion said.
"Agreed. How large is this army?" Tywin asks.
"I'm afraid my Lord, despite all the little birds I have, I do not know. One report came in, reporting a force of eighty thousand. Though I'm not sure how accurate these reports are." Lord Varys said.
"Have your spies find this army. I want information on their commanders and how to break them." Lord Tywin demanded.
"I've already sent word, I'm just waiting for a response."
"The war has taken a turn for the worse," Tyrion said.
"Keep your snide comments to yourself. Father will have this war over soon." Cersei Lannisters snaps at her brother.
"What of Sansa Stark?" Lord Baelish asks.
"What of her?" Tywin Lannister asks.
"She is the key to the North now that Robb Stark is dead. Perhaps we could use her to have the Northern Army to stand down." Lord Baelish.
"An excellent suggestion. We'll have her write a letter to the Winter King ordering him to stand down.
"Let us pray, he'll listen." Tyrion mocks.