With every step my horse took, I felt guiltier and guiltier. No doubt Anna would be enraged; I did leave without a single word or even a note.

Winterfell needed Anna more than I did. The baby did as well. I wanted, so badly, to take her with me. Somebody to warm my bed at night, to wake me up and to smile at me every morning. That was selfish.

I would not put my baby in danger. Not like what happened with Bran. Gods, if Theon wasn't there...

The name causes a stab of pain in my chest. Theon. Our baby would be named Theon, if it was a boy. Would I feel that stabbing pain every time is laid eyes on our son? Did my father feel that pain when he looked at Bran, who was named after his brother?

So many questions, so little answers.

We made it to Moat Caitlin, and I sat in a tower, strategizing with the other lords. My mother came then, and all I wanted was to hug her. Not in front of the other lords. I needed to prove to them that I wasn't a child, even though I was barely in my seventeenth year.

I did allow a word. "Mother." Even I could hear the longing in it. "You've grown a beard," I rubbed my jaw, feeling the stubble. Anna would probably scold me and make me shave it. "Yes,"

"I like it. It makes you look like my brother Edmure. All the lords greeted her formally. "I had not thought to be here, until I came ashore at White Harbour, and Lord Wyman told me that Robb had called the banners. You know his son, Ser Wendel. And my uncle, Ser Brynden Tully, who was left my sister's service for mine."

"The Blackfish," I said. Then, remembering my formalities, added, "Thank you for joining us, ser. We need men of your courage. And you, Ser Wendel, I am glad to have you here. Is Ser Rodrik with you as well, Mother? I've missed him."

"Ser Rodrik is on his way north from White Harbor. I have named him castellated and commanded him to hold Winterfell. Maester Luwin is a wise counsellor, but unskilled in the arts of war." I wanted to yell at her, right then and there. Annablyth is. Annablyth has every citizen of Winterfell at her command.

"Have no fear on that count, Lady Stark. Winterfell is safe. We'll shove our swords up Tywin Lannister's bunghole soon enough, begging your pardons, and then it's on to the Red Keep to free Ned." Greatjon reassured her.

"My lady, a question, as it please you." Roose Bolton began. I didn't trust him. There was just something there. "It is said that you hold Lord Tywin's dwarf son as captive. Have you brought him to us? I vow, we should make good use of such a hostage."

"I did hold Tyrion Lannister, but no longer. I was no more pleased than you, my lords. The gods saw fit to free him, with some help from my fool of a sister." My mother paused. "No doubt we will have time for all this later, but my journey has fatigued me.I would speak with my son alone. I know you will forgive me, my lords."

She sat down and took a sip of wine from a horn. "You are too young to be in a war." I shrugged. "I am seventeen, and married to a wife with a child in her womb. I believe I am old enough." She laughed. "If I wasn't so worried about you, I would go North to be with her. Having a child is like nothing else." I nod.

"I should send you home. You could have gotten somebody else to leave this army." I shook my head. "This army needs to be led by a Stark." She sighs.

"You are too much like your father, Robb." She said. For a moment, it was eerily quiet. "I have an idea. You won't like it, but we won't use it unless it is utterly necessary."

I nodded at her to continue.

"Annablyth is a Lannister. We are Starks. This war is between Lannisters and Starks." I didn't understand where she was going.

"They are treating Sansa as a hostage. Why don't we treat Annablyth as one?" I was aghast. "No! Annablyth carried my child within her! Do you want me to-"

Mother laughed. "We just say that she is one. Of course she isn't. The Lannisters wouldn't dare hurt Sansa, not with Annablyth with us." This actually seemed like a good idea.

"I'll have to check with Anna first." I say. She nods, and leaves me.

I fall asleep, and had a dream. I was walking with Anna, laughing, when we walked into the Godswood. Suddenly, Anna disappeared.

A different Anna appeared, playing with Rickon. Her stomach was very large. In a moment, her face contorted in pain. "What's wrong Annablyth?" Rickon asked. "Go get Maester Luwin and Hodor. Tell him the baby is coming." Rickon ran off.

Anna looked up to the sky, and screamed out in agony.

I woke with a start.