Robb at the Crossing, Part VI

Treason

Lady Catelyn held Lord Hoster's hand as she walked beside his palanquin. His eyes swept the Great Hall. She imagined the flood of memories that he must be reliving. He had been awake for the last hour and was unusually lucid. Ser Edmure had moved quickly to set up the trial. Maester Vyman would not guarantee that his father would remain alert but this was his first good day since the siege ended. The night before a rider brought news that the Blackfish was returning to Riverrun. Edmure hoped his uncle might appear in time, but he would not wait.

The court was sparsely attended with so many lords and knights afield. Guards, scribes and curious members of the Tully household composed what audience there was. Catelyn and Edmure sat either side of Hoster, both engaging him in conversation, thereby hoping to prolong his state of mind. "Walder was always late arriving. I pray this business does not take long. I would visit the field of battle today and hear your account."

"Cat saw more of it than I. Had the Freys come when called my point of view would have been different."

"Has the trial begun? I believe you are presenting evidence."

"Shortly, father. I instructed Ser Robin and Maester Vyman to make Walder presentable and he is not very cooperative."

"Where are the Mallisters, Brackens and Blackwoods?"

"All ride with Cat's son, Robb Stark, or with Brynden. Your brother may visit today."

"Brynden? Has he married yet? That girl over there by the door, she looks a fine match."

Catelyn and Edmure both then noticed Walda. She had entered after them and had not approached. Dressed in woman's garb for once she appeared quite fetching. Catelyn turned to her father and saw a smile on his face. Edmure, too, was entranced.

"Lady Walda, please come forward that I may present you to my lord father."

Walda walked demurely across the hall, the sheer fabric of her emerald gown accentuating her youthful form and graceful movements. The mostly male assembly observed with obvious pleasure. A few recognized her as the fierce huntress who had stopped cold a Lannister charge and they marveled at this transformation. When she reached the dais on which Lord Hoster's palanquin was set Walda curtsied to the floor and bowed her head, her golden locks shimmering.

"Please arise Lady Walda and sit here with me," said Hoster indicating a stool beside Edmure's chair.

"Walda is Lord Stevron's granddaughter. She has been my companion since leaving the Twins. She saved many lives during the battle. Mayhap even mine."

"A warrior! And unwed?" She nodded. "My child, surely you have many suitors?"

"Not so many my lord. I believe I am subject to a bargain between King Robb and Lord Frey."

Hoster took her hand. "Is this true?"

"That would involve us in more evidence, father; but, yes, Robb agreed to marry one of Lord Frey's girls."

"Walda … Walda. Do you stand to inherit the Crossing?"

"No, my lord. That would be cousin Edwyn's daughter."

Hoster smiled at her. "Whatever the bargain my dear, Robb got the best of it. For your service to my daughter and your beauty you shall have anything in my power to grant."

"Before your children I would ask naught but would serve House Tully."

Edmure stared at her, puzzled. "Excuse me, my lady; I saw you only briefly after the fighting, but your eyes, were they not amber? I only noticed because they were so striking. Now they are blue."

She turned to him and smiled dazzlingly. "It was none of my doing; a little magic perhaps? I pray you find them pleasing still."

He started. Did they just glow? "My lady, I could not have imagined it, but the change has only magnified their splendor." Catelyn looked imploringly to the ceiling. Hoster laughed.

Just then the doors opened and several guards entered carrying a litter on which a shrunken Walder Frey sat, his wrists and ankles shackled. He wore a bandage over his raw sockets. Ser Robin and Maester Vyman followed. The litter was placed in front of the dais. "You are before Lord Hoster; kneel!" When Walder failed to respond, Robin placed a heavy hand on his neck and forced it down.

"Lord Hoster … I thought you dead; the stench here would make it seem so, heh!"

Edmure leapt up and shouted, "Silence, insolent wretch!"

"I know that voice; it bleats like my farts."

"Maester Vyman," said Catelyn, "you have worked a miracle. I could close my eyes and almost believe we are in the Twins, such were his courtesies."

"Little Cat, heh? I'd recognize your stink anywhere. Did you know, Hoster, your precious get let me suck her titties before I agreed to her deceit? The cow's left dug is smaller. Then she sucked my cock."

Ser Robin cuffed him hard. Blood filled Walder's mouth and dribbled from his lips. He spit out a blackened tooth.

"Ser Edmure, read the charges."

"Walder Frey, you are accused of treason in that you refused your liege lord's banner call, that you treated with the enemy, Tywin Lannister, seeking reward for following his banner, that you barred the Crossing to House Stark and House Tully until you extorted your toll, that you continued to conspire with the enemy to betray your oath of fealty, and … that by your insolent language you continue to show contempt and disrespect to your lord and his house. How so do you plead?"

"Lies. How could I obey you without committing treason against my King? Joffrey would have my head so I made Stark pay. Only just. Only he didn't pay. She and that get of hers tricked me. And then I was betrayed by my own son. What father would not have been sorely hurt? And what treatment did I receive in your dungeons?! Gelded and blinded! Who gave that order, Hoster? You thought that would make me crawl and beg for mercy? I am Walder Frey, Lord of the Crossing! And when Riverrun is ashes I still will be!"

"An unusual defense my lord," said Vyman. "If I understand him correctly first he professes a higher loyalty to the king on the Iron Throne. Then he renounces that loyalty in preference to collecting exorbitant tolls from that king's enemies. Then he claims offense by those he intended to cheat. Then he attacks Ser Stevron for upholding the honor of House Frey. Then he defames your prison and guards. I heard no denial of the facts."

"Maester Vyman, this matter of a "higher loyalty" what is the truth of it?"

"My Lord, practice and tradition are irrefutable. A vassal's fealty is to his liege lord, not the king unless the lands and titles devolve directly from said king. It is the bannerman's duty to obey a call and not question the reason. In the case of rebellion against the crown it has always been understood that the liege lord may be held to account for treason if the rebellion should fail, never his bannermen. A vassal's treason is always to his lord. The system could hardly function otherwise. A man cannot serve two masters; and to abandon one for another risks all."

"So I have always understood the matter. Walder is condemned by his own words. But it is also customary for at least two witnesses to attest to treason. Edmure have you any to present?"

"Lady Catelyn negotiated the terms of the crossing with Walder."

"Father, he made the same arguments to me. He also expressed displeasure with you for not appreciating his worth. Only when I agreed to everything he demanded did he deign to permit our army to cross. There was never the smallest suggestion that he felt any obligation to House Tully."

"It was young Robb who decided to turn the tables on Walder and elevate Stevron?"

"Yes, father. I must admit I did not think it proper at the time. I felt my good word had been sullied. But I have learned much of Walder Frey since and now I have no regrets."

"Truly it was a bold move. Anything more to add?"

"No, my lord father."

"All this you swear as true before the Gods, both old and new?"

"Yes, my lord father, I so swear before the Gods, both old and new."

"Edmure have you a second witness?"

"Brynden would have much to relate, but he has not yet arrived. I myself can attest to Walder's refusal to answer the banner call. Had he marched swiftly the battle may have ended in our favor. It can only be that Walder was already in Tywin's service."

"The first is self-evident. The second is speculation. Is there another witness to Walder's actions at the Twins?"

"Is that necessary father? The evidence is sufficient for a charge of treason."

"Yes, for us here; but these proceedings must appear fair to my bannermen. Treason is no small matter. They must believe in my justice. That is a lord's obligation to his vassals. Remember this, Edmure."

"Yes, father; and also justice for the smallfolk. Then we must adjourn until Brynden arrives. I pray that you will feel ready to resume when he does."

"So be it. I…"

"Lord Hoster, I was there. I can speak to Walder's intent."

"My dear child, I cannot ask you to speak against your kin. We can wait until my brother returns."

"My lord, you just spoke of appearing fair, yet all your evidence comes from Tullys. Permit a Frey to speak."

"Father, let us hear what she knows."

"You may testify, my child. But you are under no compulsion to do so."

"My lord, there was a rider that came to the Crossing. This was before the Lannisters attacked at the Golden Tooth. That night at dinner Walder spoke with his sons. They all were free with their talk not caring that only women listened. One asked Walder what the lion had offered. "Not enough," he said; "only the paramountcy; but we just begin to barter." "What does he want?" asked another. "Nothing; that we do nothing. I am good with that!" They laughed. "And father," asked the first, "What do you want?" "All that the traitor Hoster forfeits, and a fitting marriage to bond our union. There are several possibilities." Then they asked what if he doesn't? "We'll see what the other side offers. Let them compete for Frey aid. They will learn what difference we make in battle. Then he will regret his meanness and come back with a better offer."

"My lady Walda, did Ser Stevron speak?" asked Catelyn.

"He was the one who asked what Tywin wanted us to do. To his credit he did not seem pleased with this business."

"And my child, who was most enthusiastic?"

"You would know him as the Bastard."

"All this you swear as true before the Gods, both old and new?"

"Yes, my lord, I so swear before the Gods, both old and new."

Hoster paused to consider. "Walder Frey, you have heard the testimony against you. What say you?"

"Was that you Walda, my little cunt? You remember well, but you missed one part. I sent word to Tywin that I would have Hoster's head! Heh!"

Edmure handed his father a parchment. Hoster glanced through it, nodded and then read:

"Walder Frey, I find you guilty of treason to your liege lord. I confirm the judgment of Ser Brynden Tully, that you are attainted, forfeit of all lands and titles, rights and privileges, but with no corruption of blood; that Ser Stevron Frey is fully invested as Lord of the Crossing with all rights and duties pertaining thereto. In the name of Robb of the House Stark, the First of his Name, King in the North and King of the Trident, by the word of Hoster of the House Tully, Lord of Riverrun and Lord Paramount of the Trident, I do sentence you to die."

Edmure motioned to Ser Desmond. Servants brought in the ironstone block and placed it in the center of the hall. Large baskets of straw were emptied around it making a thick carpet upon the floor. Guards carried a feebly resisting Walder and forced his head down upon the block. Desmond unsheathed his great sword; it had been finely honed and brightly polished in preparation.

"My Lord! You granted me what was in your power to give. I ask now."

Startled, Hoster looked down at the young woman kneeling before him. "My dear child, sentence has been passed; I cannot take it back."

"I do not ask for mercy; I ask to serve House Tully."

Catelyn gasped, suddenly realizing what was to come.

"I ask to wield the sword."

Walder struggled to raise his head. "Walda, Walda is that you?"

Catelyn clutched her father's arm. "No, by the Seven; no, father! This is wrong; she is just a girl. She hates the old man, but this is not natural. Children do not kill their parents!"

"Lord Hoster, you need not have Frey blood on your hands. My family's loyalty to you and King Robb is not strong; many would readily turn to the Lannisters given a good enough excuse. I can do this. Let it be on my hands."

"But my child; what Catelyn says is true. It would be unnatural, a burden on your soul you could never remove. You would become a kinslayer to all. Ser Desmond knows his work. It will be finished quickly."

"Unnatural?! HE RAPED ME! I was eight the first time. Then he passed me around for the others. Lord Hoster, you granted me the right before your court. You cannot take it back!"

A shadow seemed to pass over Hoster's face. He grimly nodded. Catelyn clutched Walda's shoulders and pleaded. "Walda, he will die; let it go. Robb would not want this!"

Walda stood up and gently but firmly removed Catelyn's hands. She turned and walked calmly to Ser Desmond, straight and tall, holding out her hand. Edmure said nothing but followed her. Desmond hesitated until Edmure told him, "Give it to her."

She took the sword in her right hand and passed it flashing through the air. Standing behind Walder she waved the guards back. She kicked off her slippers and worked her bare feet through the straw onto the hard stone floor. Raising the sword to her lips she kissed it. With both hands she hefted the blade over her shoulder. "WALDER!" she shouted. The old man raised his head and turned. "Walda?" The sword swung around in a glistening arc. For an instant his severed head hung in the air, his mouth still forming her name. There was a brief gush of foul blood from his gaping neck. Then head and body dropped onto the straw. The Great Hall was silent except for the cawing of a raven. The sword fell from her hands. Walda knelt and covered her face. She wept. Mama.

Ser Brynden paused at the door. There seemed to be a conversation ongoing inside. "Tywin, Jaime, Tyrion, Kevan." It wasn't in his character to eavesdrop; instead he firmly knocked, "Lady Walda, it is Ser Brynden Tully. May I have a word?" He heard a chair being pushed back and a flapping sound. Wings? "Cruck, cruck, Jaime."

The door opened. She wore a simple white night shirt. She smiled warmly, "Ser Brynden, it is a pleasure to see you back safe from the field. Please enter."

He kissed her hand. "I pray I am not disturbing you at this hour."

"No, no; please be seated. Have you met my friends, Rhaegar and Elia? I was teaching them some useful words." The two ravens flew around the chamber and came to perch upon the bedstead.

Brynden sat down heavily. He was dirty and haggard. His beard was scruffy and hair disheveled. His eyes were red and burned. An unpleasant taste filled his mouth. There was a fresh scar on his face. But he laughed when Rhaegar said, "Blackfish, Blackfish." He raised his arm and the white raven flew to it.

"Would you care for some wine?"

"Yes, thank you; I would. When I arrived I went directly to Edmure. He told me about the trial. You are an astonishing woman."

She handed him a brimming cup. He looked closely at her face before taking the wine. "Does Vyman have some explanation for your eyes?"

"No; but he rather likes them this color." Rhaegar crucked and stole a sip from the cup. Brynden waved the bird aside and drank deeply.

"I am not so coy. I come to the point. The news from King's Landing has arrived. It changes everything. Stannis is King and the Lannisters are adrift. We must strike them hard before they recover. But Robb seems content to starve Tywin out of Harrenhal and strike only when he sorties. I would have you go to Robb's camp with my message and persuade him to act now. I would go myself but the Kingslayer has escaped to Casterly Rock and is marshaling a new army."

"You would have me, Ser Brynden? I am only a young girl."

"You test me? You of all people know the penalty for treason."

"I am not yet betrothed. Robb waits until the war ends. He knows what I am and so must you."

"He doesn't know what King's Landing has done to you."

"But you do. Is it pleasing?"

He stood then and looked down at her. She loosened her shirt and let it drop to the floor. She placed her arms around his neck. "There's a war. We could die any day, in battle or by stealth, arrow or sword, ax or hammer, poison or a fall from a horse. Even a white walker. Are you prepared to die without knowing? I'm not." She kissed him. He felt a spark leap between their lips.

"There is ice and fire in you, Walda." He picked her up easily and carried her to the bed. The ravens roosted that night above the hearth.

Catelyn broke her fast in her father's solar with Edmure and Vyman. "Father was himself again yesterday; a great lord in truth! Thank you Maester Vyman for what you did."

"I fear it took much from him especially how it all ended. It shocked him."

"As we all. Cat, do you think she planned this from the beginning?"

"I don't know. I had no inkling. There were hints I should have seen. No! She could not have. Her pain was genuine. It broke my heart."

"Her tears were real enough. I feared she'd botch it but that stroke was masterful. How could she have grown so under Walder's roof? I visited the Twins years ago and she was lost in a crowd of frightened children."

"I'd wager Walder never understood what he unleashed in his sick rutting."

"That monster is dead. And now the Lannisters. She said, blood for blood."

Ser Brynden strode into the room. For once he was clean and groomed. "Good day."

"By the Seven, uncle, you've bathed. How many months was it this time?"

He smiled. "Too many. I had hoped Walda would be here. I have a matter to discuss with all of you. Tywin won't wait. When he hears of the massacre he will spend little time mourning. We must have the king's ear before the Lannisters." He looked at Catelyn. "You must go and treat for us. Robb spoke for Stannis at the Great Council; Ned died for his cause. He respects you. Make it clear that we are his natural and loyal allies. And search for your daughters."

"Walda found Sansa but naught of Arya. I would have her with me."

"And a score of my best men and whatever Robb can spare. You must see him first."

"Yes, he is our king, still. He might have an opinion about all this."

"Ser Brynden, you must know. She played a part in the Red Keep. I don't know what she did but it can be no coincidence that they all died that same night."

"It would not surprise me. She kills when necessary, as do I."

"She is different since her return, and not just her eyes. She had a scrape with death. It gave her a sense of mortality. She doesn't think she has much time."

"White walkers."

"What was that Brynden? White walkers?"

"I think they may have something to do with it."

Walda entered the solar. She was dressed trimly in azure doublet and hose. The two ravens flew in with her and came to rest on the back of an empty chair. "May we join you?" she said cheerfully.

"Please my lady, sit here," said Edmure indicating a chair beside him. "I don't believe I have had the pleasure of meeting your companions."

"The white is Rhaegar, the black Elia."

"How romantic. Good day Prince Rhaegar and Princess Elia."

"Cruck!"

"Remember your manners!"

"Good day, Ser Edmure, cruck."

"Good! You know the others."

The birds hopped down the table. "Cruck, Good day, Ser Brynden, Lady Catelyn, Maester Vyman." They helped themselves to a boiled egg from Vyman's plate. Everyone laughed.

"Well done, Lady Walda."

"That was but a fraction of what they know. The common tongue is easy for them."

"I'm pleased that yesterday's events do not appear to bear on you."

"It is futile to dwell on the past. Ser Brynden, you have some mission for me?"

"I have asked Lady Catelyn to meet with King Robb and if he agrees to then travel to King's Landing to treat with Stannis. Lady Catelyn wishes you to accompany her. I believe you know the way."

"King Robb commanded me to remain with Lady Catelyn. It is my honor to do so. I ask only to captain the escort. He promised me a troop of good riders and strong mounts."

"You shall have my best. I will assign an experienced sergeant to assist you." Brynden beamed. Catelyn had never seen her uncle beam. Walda smiled back. Did she wink or merely blink?

"Maester Cressen has sent me a warning from Dragonstone. Stannis keeps a priestess of R'hllor with him. He claims Stannis is in her thrall."

"A red priestess, I have never met one. And her name?"

"Melisandre."

"Shall I kill her?" There was an utter coldness in her words. None of them had heard anything like it from her before.

"Walda, we have not come to that! You are no assassin." He took her hand and kissed it.

"And you are a true knight, Ser Brynden." The warmth had returned to her voice. She brushed a stray lock from before his eyes. Catelyn and Edmure glanced at each other exchanging a single thought.

"Lady Walda, I did not mean to suggest Melisandre was an enemy. But she has influence with King Stannis. Learn what you can from her."

"Did not my responsibilities in Riverrun keep me near I would gladly join this embassy. Old Stannis may be more of a concern to Walda than his red witch. But uncle, fear not. My sister will chaperon Fair Walda."

"Your meaning Edmure?"

"I thought it quite clear. Walda is burdened by the folly of old men."

"Tread carefully, nephew."

Walda softly kissed Brynden on the cheek and squeezed his hand. "Ser Edmure, I believe you may find in my great aunt Roslin a most pleasant companion to help pass the time here at Riverrun. I will ask Lord Stevron to send her, chaperoned of course. She is 16."