"I beg your pardon ? I think my mind just .. I wasn't paying attention .." said Robb , looking at his son then the healer .
"They said they were married ." spoke Thessana , in a cold tone .
"Gods , I heard that too … "
"I thought you would be happy .." stated Tommen , looking angry .
"Happy ? You just ruined this war and our chances of winning . Can't you see my happiness ?" snapped back Thessana .
"Tell me how I ruined this war by wed the woman I love ?!"
"Because you were supposed to marry Roslin Frey ! That's how we got to cross that fucking bridge Tommen ! You broke an oath we made , you put shame on us , you make us liars and oathbreakers . " yelled Thessana , losing control . "How do you want me to announce that to Lord Frey ?!"
"You shouldn't have make that oath , for a beginning . You said father was a fool but you are .." he was cut short by the slap his mother gave him .
"I am your mother and I am your queen . Speak to me like that again and I'll have your tongue cut . You are no longer prince . You are nothing but a soldier . "
"You can't do that to him !" said Talisa , trying to protect Tommen .
"Oh sweetheart you don't know what you just put yourself in . Something shall happen and I'll kill you . I don't need any men to do my dirty work . I'll kill you with my bare hands , wench ."
And she stormed out . Robb looked at his son , angry , full of rage even .
"You heard your queen ? You are not my son anymore . Go live with her with the other soldiers . I don't care anymore ."
And he turned his back . Tommen swallowed back his sadness and rage and left the tent with Talisa .
The news was known by everybody the next morning . Before any reactions and comments from his councilmen , Robb decided to lead his troops to the Harrenhal . But did not expect what he saw . The yard was full of corpses , rotting dead bodies . The smell was unbearable and make him want to vomit . His men were tired , starving . They needed all sorts of things that he couldn't provide . He looked up and saw his banner , the grey direwolf floating in the wind then looked back at the corpses . He felt even more bad and guilty . All those deaths were his fault . All those men who will never go back home , to the warmth of their families . He came in the castle , asking his men to leave him alone and that the queen was in charge . Thessana did not follow him as he gave his last order , to put his mother under surveillance before he disappeared . First thing was to burry the bodies since some of the deads were northmen . Then every soldier will have a warm meal , she promised herself , going to the kitchen with some of the cooks to see what was left . Then she did the same but this time in the Maester's office . The Harrenhal was in ruins and gloomy . She hoped that they will soon leave this place , even the woods seemed safer . Late in the afternoon , Robb reunited all his closest bannermen to discuss strategy and the next move . So Thessana was surprised to see Lord Bolton , walking towards her , two letters in his hand . Bad news . Roose Bolton only brought her bad news . He bowed , gave her the letters and left without a word . She read the first one and immediately thought about Catelyn . Her father died at Riverrun where Edmure was still protecting the castle . She would fetch someone else or even Robb to tell Catelyn the letter . Then she opened the other one .
"We need to help Lord Tully first of all . If , your grace , wants to secure Riverrun of course .." stated GreatJon , looking one more time at the map . "Maybe the Asgardians could bring some help .. I mean the Queen is Asgardian after all .."
Robb was ready to answer that never he'll bring people from another realm and this war wasn't theirs but he was interrupted by screams . The door flung open and he saw a wild Thessana , hair floating behind her , her eyes were bright green because of her magic . She held Robb by his clothes with a strength , he never imagined she had .
"You're a liar . A fucking liar ! You're stupid , so stupid ! What have I done to be hated by the Gods this much ?! I have an oathbreaker for a son and a stupid husband !" She was striking his chest so hard , he winced at every hit . "You blind prick ! I'm going to kill you ! I'm going to fucking kill you !"
"You can't talk to your king like that !" shouted GreatJon .
"I can , I am ! I hate you ! I lost everything because of you ! I lost everything because of a war you started against a young boy that you can't even beat ! You're a pathetic boy, a stupid man , a foolish king . So full of shit , so full of yourself , you proud brat . And you're going to die because of that , trust me . I lost everything because of you .. I lost everything the day I married you . I rather die than do the same mistake once again ! Oh Gods stop starring at me ! Do something prick !" And she slapped him . Robb almost fell on the ground , if the table wasn't behind him .
"Once more , your grace , he's your king !" repeated GreatJon . Thessana slapped Robb again and faced GreatJon .
"Did my hand fell of my wrist ? Did the Gods kill me because of that ? Is Rickon back ? Is he alive ? No ! You , Robb Stark , are no king of mine , I rather die than bow to you . You and your stupid decisions made me lose all I cared about . Now I'm a mother without children . You took me everything and never I will forgive you this . I want a fucking divorce when that shit is over ."
And she stormed out the room , leaving the men shocked . Robb look at the letters at his feet . In less than a minute , he lost everything . His wife , his grandfather , his youngest son and his youngest brother .
"Lord Bolton , I want you to send men and your bastard to Winterfell . I want Theon Greyjoy's head . I want him to die for the murders of my son and prince Rickon Stark and my brother , Lord Bran Stark ."
"It'll be done , your grace ."
"Leave me alone now ."
She only had an hour or even less before somebody would come in her room . She had to be quick . Gathering all her magic , she teleported herself back to Winterfell . Dizziness overwhelmed her and she had to sit for a minute , to gather herself . She looked around . She was in the Godswood near the Heart Tree and she could hear someone breathing with difficulty . Making herself invisible she walked to body of an old man . She gasped when she recognized Maester Luwin . Becoming visible , she kneeled next to the old man who looked at her with pain and surprise . His hands were covered in blood and he had a wound in his stomach .
"Your Grace … I'm sorry .." whispered the Maester .
"Ssssh it's nothing .. Who did that to you ?"
"One of the Greyjoy's men … Theon isn't at the head of the castle anymore … He was just a lost boy .. "
"Nothing will change my mind about him . He killed my son .."
"The Prince isn't dead … Him and Lord Bran are hiding in the crypts with Hodor and Osha … It was the safest place for them , never Theon would have thought of that ..."
"He's alive ? They are alive ?" , tears rolled on her cheeks at the news .
"They are . I promised you and the King I will watch them and protect them .. "
"The Seven Heavens are waiting for you , Maester .."
She heard noises coming from the woods and her dagger appeared in her hand . But she let it go when she saw a dark direwolf then a little boy . Her little boy .
"Rickon ..."
"Mother !" He ran to her and jumped in her arms .
"I thought you were gone my love .. I thought I lost you forever … Bran !"
She stood and kissed the boy on his forehead . He smiled at her with sadness and relief .
"Thank you for this .. To the both of you .." said Thessana , looking at Osha then Hodor .
"Hodor !"
She smiled and hugged once again her son . Then he went next to Maester Luwin as Bran .
"We can't stay here .." said Thessana , looking at Osha while the boys were talking to Maester Luwin . "This is too dangerous and going South is even worse . "
"What do you suggest your Grace ?" asked Osha , looking worried .
"Nobody can know that they are still alive . If someone learns that they are , all our enemies will try to find them and kill them . Jon can help us . Him and the Night's Watch .."
"They burned everything !" said Bran , crying .
"Not everything . Not you ." replied Maester Luwin .
"We need to go ." stated Thessana , looking at the boys and the Maester . " We can't go back to Robb and Catelyn . Jon will be more able to protect you and give you shelter ."
"I don't want to leave you .." whispered Bran , holding Maester Luwin' hand . Only looking at the injury and the blood loss , Thessana knew there was nothing to do . Osha was thinking the same , she could see it in her eyes .
"Go on kids .. I'll be right here .." said the old man . Bran and Rickon started to cry .
"Come on boys we need to pack food and warm clothes ..." whispered Thessana taking Rickon as Hodor took Bran . " You'll never be forget Maester . Never . I can't thank you enough for what you've done ."
"May the Gods protect you child .. Protect you all .. Osha wait .."
Thessana nodded at the Maester and gave her dagger to Osha before leaving back to Winterfell . Everything was burnt and sacked . After packing stuff for the road , Osha joined them .
"So ?" asked Thessana .
"It's over your Grace .."
"May the Gods have his soul .. Look Osha , I trust you . You protected the boys against Theon , risking your own life for it . I want you to go North with Bran and Hodor and find Jon . I wrote him a letter to know the situation . He'll protect all of you . There are enough food and warm clothes to arrive to the Wall . Be careful though .."
"What about you and the little prince ."
"Rickon is the heir of the North . Tommen isn't considered as a Stark anymore . I'm going to take Rickon somewhere safe . I know where . He's going to be protected and raised if something happens to Robb or Catelyn or myself . Take care of Bran . Please ."
"I'll die protecting him .. Farewell your grace .."
"Farewell Osha .."
After explaining the situation to Bran and the goodbyes , she took a crying Rickon in her arms and disappeared .
"Where are we mother ?"
"Dorne ..."
Loki looked at the Twins with a grin . How Lord Frey could brag about this miserable ruin . It was ugly , not practical , the only thing important about it was the bridge . Loki smiled widely . This bridge was the key to his revenge against Robb . He always knew that one day he'll find a way to make him pay but never he thought that it would come from Thessana's son himself . The poor boy by marrying the wench Loki paid condemned his own family . He came to the doors and announced himself , waiting for an answer . The gates opened and he was led to Walder Frey .
"Why can't I see father before ?" whined Rickon .
"Because this is dangerous . He can't know you're alive or he'll just make this war even worse ."
"But the Martells are Lannister's bannermen … They're going to kill us ."
"I am close friend with one of the princes so don't worry .."
"How ? We never went to Dorne !"
"Stop talking ."
Thessana looked at the gardens , closing her eyes and letting the sun warm her skin .
"You miss the sun , Lady Thessana ..."
She turned and saw a tall and handsome man with a strange accent .
"And you are ?"
"Oberyn Martell . Prince Oberyn Martell ."
"Oh … My apologies your grace ."
"Don't . I guess it's weird for you . The sun . I bet you rather be in the cold now , with snow .."
"I am from Asgard actually .. I miss the sun sometimes .."
"What do you think about our realm then ? Is it your first time in King's Landing ?"
"Yes .. King Baratheon wanted the Starks to be there for this special day .. "
"I was forced too .."
"At least we can drink as much as we want ."
"Indeed !" said Oberyn , laughing . "But all the wine cannot make me enjoy this wedding .."
"Why ?"
"Let just say I don't enjoy the company of a Lannister .."
"Oh welcome to the club . Can't bear their presence . They are so full of themselves ."
"Do you want to go in the gardens with me , lady Thessana ?"
"Sure .."
She took his arm and left the room . People were still celebrating the wedding between King Robert and Cersei Lannister .
"I think we will have to come back before the bedding ceremony ." stated Thessana .
"If the King can consume his wedding . He's drunk as shit ."
"So Prince Oberyn , why do you hate so much the Lannisters ?"
"My sister Elia was married to Rhaegar Targaryen . During the battle of theTrident , Gregor Clegane , known as the Mountain , raped and killed my sister under the orders of Tywin Lannister . Her two children were killed too … "
"I'm sorry .."
"Your own parents were murdered if I heard correctly . I guess I'm luckier than you since I know who's the murderer and I still can have revenge .."
"Laufeyson . He's the one who killed my parents . But I never really tried to look after him . I was more focused on looking after the Tesseract ."
"The blue glowing cube ?"
"Yes . I lost a part of my memories and I read something like it could help me if I can channel the energy correctly … "
"I read that the Tesseract can bring people back to life if their body isn't decomposed . Anyway I hope you will find it ."
"I hope you're going to have your revenge . "
"Oh I will … I'm just waiting for the perfect moment … How did you lose your memories ? If it's not too private ."
"I don't know . Robb , my husband , told me it was probably Loki Odinson . But I have no idea … "
"You don't believe it's him ?"
"No .. Loki is my brother . Or at least one of my closest friend . He did a lot of bad things but I know never he will do something like that . Never ."
"Usually when people lose their memories they have some fragments coming back after some time .."
"I have this dream . I used to make it when I was a child . About a man with wolf head . And everytime he tells me to be careful . That death is coming right around the corner .."
"The Starks have this bad habit to do anything for the honor . You seem more clever than that . If you need anything ask me or come to Dorne . My family may be a Lannister's bannerman but if you are , or your future children , in danger , you can come to me ."
"Thanks Oberyn . Really … If you need someone for your revenge .. You know where to find me ."
"Don't worry about that . I could always use a pair of hands . Especially someone skilled as you . People talk about how fast and good you are with daggers and even magic .."
"If I can use my skills to kill a Lannister , that'll be great ."
"I think we have a deal then . Shall we go inside ?"
"Let's go .."
They went back in the castle and looked at the people still enjoying the feast and King Robert drinking his hundredth cup of wine .
"Which one is yours ?" asked Oberyn .
"There , behind the pillar .. Robb . "
"Mmmh he's an handsome man ."
"Don't tell him that , you would make him unconfortable ."
"The little lord doesn't like the company of men ? Too bad for him … His loss ."
"Indeed . You're an handsome man too Prince Oberyn ..." she winked at him and joined Robb .
Thessana looked at Sunspear , the Martell's castle , Rickon and Shaggydog by her side . The hoods of their cloaks were covering their heads as they came inside , being careful that no one recognizes them .
"Why should I listen to you ? You were raised with her and she's an oathbreaker ." stated Lord Frey , looking at Loki .
"Her son Tommen is an oathbreaker and Robb is responsible for his child not her . So I'm going to explain this one more time . Robb , at some point , will be stuck and will need your help . And that's when you'll get your revenge . Breaking an oath means death . "
"What about the guest right ?"
"Oh please don't tell me you believe in the Seven Gods . There's only one god and he's in front of you . I am God of lies and mischief , two things that characterize you Lord Frey . Pleadge allegiance to me and I'll protect you and all of your men . "
"And you'll help me get revenge on those miserables pieces of shit ?"
"You'll have to let Thessana live though . She's an Asgardian . "
"You want her to live but she'll be after us if we kill her family ."
"Thessana isn't stupid . She's a survivor . As soon as she'll understand there's nothing to do she'll run for her life ..."
"Lord Roose Bolton will help us . We already discussed of a plan to punish them but obviously yours is better I must admit .."
"Do we have a deal then Lord Frey ?"
"Damn yes ! I can't wait to see the Stark blood spilling on my floor ."
And he took a sip of his wine , smiling .
"Come on Oberyn , you told me you would help me !" urged Thessana .
"Thess' I thought people will kill your husband , end of the story but he started a war in the whole realm . If somebody sees you here , this is the end ."
"I'm leaving but keep Rickon . Tell people he's one of your bastard and that his mother died . I don't care find something but keep him here safe . "
"I can't keep the direwolf . Everybody knows this is a Stark thing ."
"He's little . He can be mistaken for a wolf and you have woods all around . The wolf need to stay . He's bonded to Rickon . "
"Thess you are a pain in the arse . Fine both can stay but if something happens ."
"I trust you to protect him . Don't play it like that I know you'll do anything for Rickon ."
"Don't die . This is Robb's war . Not yours . A boy can live without a father but not without a mother ."
"Don't worry . I'm a survivor . If I survived a Jotun's attack I can survive a war between children ."
Rickon joined them , dressed in yellow and his dark curly hair shorter .
"Thanks Ellaria . She's my paramour . She'll take care of Rickon as her own son . "
"You have to listen to them Rickon . They will protect you . Understand ? You can't say to anyone you are a Stark . You can't say that you are prince or that Robb Stark is your father and that I'm your mother . Now Oberyn is your father understand ?"
"Yes moth... I mean yes your grace ."
"He's a clever boy .." said Ellaria , smiling .
"Now your name is Doran Sand . Understand ?"
"Yes . I'm Doran Sand , bastard son of Oberyn Martell ."
"Perfect boy .." smiled Oberyn .
"So I guess I have to go .." said Thessana , smiling sadly .
"I love you mother …. Please come back ."
"I will my little boy . I love you so so much Rickon , never forget that my little snowflake .."
"I will remember it ..."
Thessana kissed her son one more time , held him against her then disappeared . Rickon swallowed back a sob and looked at Oberyn .
"Your mother will come back . I promise you that Rickon . Same for your father . They will be back . Now , Ellaria will show you your rooms while I tell about you to my family , little Doran ."