AN: First of all, I am so sorry for keeping you all waiting for this update. I had a severe case of writers block that kept me back, and I was forced to rewrite the entire chapter as I did not like what I had initially done. But I am now finally able to get this story updated. I hope you can forgive me for being so slow with this.

I am still going to be getting chapters written slowly, but I do hope that I won't be as slow as I was before.

Anyway, here is chapter 6. A little warning for a very uncomfortable scene at the beginning of this chapter, as well as some smut later on.

And as always, I do not own GoT or ASoIaF, they belong to GRRM and HBO.

Chapter Six

Alys Karstark

The horse was a gift from her father when she had her thirteenth nameday. It was a beautiful brown and white mare that cost her father quite a bit of gold, which she named Swift. She has had her for the last five years, and has loved her ever since her father got her. Swift was Alys's companion, and in a way her best friend. And right now she trusted Swift to help her escape the horrors happening behind her. Alys urged her horse to run as fast as she could. The fighting in and around Hornwood was getting worse. They had travelled there for her to get married to Daryn, but now that would not happen. Alys's brother Torrhen told her to ride away from there, telling six men to get her either back to Karhold or to White Harbour. They had fled a minute ago, but Alys felt that their flight began hours back. She kept her eyes on the road in front of her as she and her guard rode through the woods.

"This can't be happening, this can't be happening," she kept repeating to herself. As they rode Alys could not shake the feeling that they were being followed. She looked over her shoulder and saw the six guardsmen who were to protect her. Further behind them were about ten men, dressed the same as the men who her brother was fighting back at Hornwood. Alys's eyes widened with fear; her heart beat faster than before. She looked back in front of her and urged Swift to gallop as fast as possible.

For fifteen minute she rode on as her guard were cut down by the enemy. Three were picked off by archers, one after the other. She saw one of them go down when she looked over her shoulder. At that point she also saw an enemy thrust a spear into the back of another of her guards. One of her two remaining guards hacked his sword at the man, knocking him off of his horse. Alys turned back to concentrate on outriding her pursuers. They were persistent, not giving up on their chase. Alys decided to ride into the woods proper. She only had two guards left, and she felt that they would not last long. She shouted to them anyway to let them know what she was going to do. If she could lose her pursuers in the woods then she could get to safety. She urged Swift into the woods and began to weave past and around the trees, occasionally ducking to avoid any low branches while hoping her guardsmen would do the same and hoping the enemy would not be lucky. She heard the shouting of the men behind her as she rode ahead. She rode for one big tree with several low branches, ducking down to avoid the heavy branches. She looked behind her and saw one of her men riding straight into the branches and being knocked off having not ducked soon enough. The other man was nowhere to be seen. The men pursuing her did not give up even though two failed to duck low enough. One rode his horse straight into the tree itself after losing control, forcing another to careen into one of his fellows and forcing both to forget what they were riding towards. When they realised it was too late. Their horses continued to ride on without them as they were flung from their saddles. Alys laughed despite the situation she was in. She turned to look in front of her again and to her horror saw that one of her pursuers had gotten ahead of her and was now riding towards her. He was only several yards away from her. Alys panicked; she did not know what to do, how to get out of this situation. She froze with fear, and before she knew it she was falling from her horse.

Swift continued to ride on while Alys landed with a dull thud. Her whole left side felt stiff and sore, both with the fall and from being hit with by the man who rode towards her. She tried to get back up after lying on the ground for what seemed like forever, but as she made to stand she felt a boot kick her in the side. She grunted in pain as she landed on her side. She looked up and saw that she was surrounded by several men.

"Someone grab that bloody horse!" a man called out. Alys tried to see who spoke but she felt a hand pull her by her hair. She screamed in pain as she was yanked by the hair over to a fallen tree.

"Put the bitch over the trunk there," someone called out joyously. The men gathered around her began to laugh. Alys struggled as much as possible, but it was no use; her attackers were too strong. The men pinned her over the fallen trunk and began to tear her skirts. She still struggled, but the scum held her down, forcing her to stay over the trunk. She felt rough hands grab and squeeze her rear. She whimpered as a hand travelled down the back of her thigh.

"Stop squirming girl," a man said. "It'll be easier for everyone if you stop yer squirming." Some of them laughed while Alys began to shake with fear. She was paralysed; she knew what they were about to do but she did not know what to do herself. She whimpered as she felt a finger touch her between her legs and stroke her womanhood.

"You ever been fucked before?" a man asked. Alys shuddered at the man's words, but that only made him laugh. "Oh, a maid we 'ave here lads!" he called out.

"Well get out the way then," a deep voice boomed. "If she's a maid then she should get the biggest cock rammed into her first." Alys's trembling continued and she redoubled her efforts to escape, but the men just gripped her harder. After struggling for a few moments someone grabbed her by her hair and lifted her up. Alys screamed as the pain tore through her scalp.

"STOP IT! PLEASE JUST STOP IT!" she wailed. In the next moment a fist struck her on the side of her face. Alys felt her cheek split open from the force of the impact. Blood trickled from the cut and she was forced back over the trunk.

"Stupid whore," someone muttered. A pair of hands grabbed Alys around her waist and raise her body up slightly.

"Time to fuck you bloody," another said as Alys felt something hard and fleshy rub against her thigh.

"No," she moaned. "Please, no." Tears began to run down her face then as the fleshy hardness rubbed up her thigh. The men laughed as Alys trembled even more. She tried to wriggle free from them but it was no use. She jammed her eyes shut and waited for the inevitable pain.

Just as her attacker's length had reached her entrance there was a whooshing sound, followed immediately by the sound of flesh being torn open. The hands that held her waist let go of her and Alys felt herself drop as the man who had held her yelled out in pain. She looked over her shoulder and saw her would-be-rapers drawing their swords as a group of mounted men engaged them. It was a one-sided fight. Alys watched as the scum were mercilessly cut down by the mounted soldiers. The man who had nearly raped her was screaming as two more spears punched through his back and out of his chest; a man had just got his sword free of its scabbard as a mounted man took his head off at the neck; another began to run away only to be trampled into the ground by one of her rescuers. The slaughter was quick and brutal; none of the scum survived. The last man to die was the man who punched Alys's face. He was on his knees surrounded by spearheads levelled towards his upper chest. One of the mounted men dismounted his horse and drew his sword.

"Please Ser," the scum began. "Please…" He was cut off as the sword was thrust into his gut.

"You and your fellow cretins tried to defile a noblewoman," he snarled. "For that your life is forfeit." In the next instant the sword was drawn from the scum's gut and then swung overhead and sliced through his neck, parting the head from the body. When the last of the scum had died the mounted men turned to Alys. The one on foot approached her as he sheathed his sword. Alys looked at him, taking in his appearance. The man was quite fat, to the point that his plate armour seemed to strain against his bulk. When he removed his helmet he revealed a bald head and round face; the only hair on his head was a large moustache. His eyes were kind, and he gave Alys a warm smile. "Are you hurt my lady?" he asked as he offered his hand to her. Alys gratefully took his hand and the man helped her to her feet.

"Just this cut to my face Ser," she answered. "You and your men arrived just in time. If you were a moment later…" Alys trailed off as the realisation of what nearly happened to her sunk in. The man placed a hand on her shoulder and gave her a firm squeeze.

"It's okay, you're safe now," he said. "I am Ser Wendel of House Manderly. My lord father sent me with many other knights, cavalrymen and men-at-arms to deal with what was happening on the Hornwood's lands." Alys looked at Ser Wendel with a confused look.

"You knew of what was happening?" she asked.

"The Lady of Hornwood is my lord father's cousin," he answered. "We had received a raven with a request for help some time ago. Trouble with a large band of bandits." Alys shook her head as Ser Wendel spoke.

"These aren't mere bandits," she said. Ser Wendel nodded at this. Just then a man in Manderly colours arrived on horseback, with another horse trailing behind. Alys looked at them and recognised the rider-less horse as Swift. She ran to her mount and wrapped her arms around her neck. "Thank you," she said to the man who guided her horse back.

"We should get to the castle soon Ser Wendel," one of the riders called out as Alys checked her skirts. They were torn at the back but not enough to fall off so she was still able to cover her dignity. With some help from Ser Wendel she mounted her horse.

"It's best if you stay with my men my lady," he said. "I will lead our forces to Hornwood and scour the curs from the lands." Alys looked at him as he spoke.

"I'm following you," she said. Before he could protest she quickly added, "My brother is over there fighting these fools, and I won't rest easy until I see him." Ser Wendel seemed to be unhappy by her declaration, but after a few moments he nodded his head, giving his consent.

"You shall stay with my men and watch from the safety of the woods," he said in a gentle voice.

Alys rode back with Ser Wendel's men as he organised his forces. She was worried that they would not get to the castle in time. It was during the ride back that she told him who she was and why she was at Hornwood. Ser Wendel seemed upset when Alys mentioned that Lady Hornwood and her family were killed. After she broke the news to him his resolve seemed to harden, and he commanded his men to assemble at the forest's edge. After a few minutes Alys and her guards rode to the trees, where she saw the castle looming over the dozens of men that were stood outside gathering for whatever reason that they were. As those enemy soldiers gathered Alys noticed Ser Wendel leading his men into battle. Her heart beat fast as the Manderly forces crashed into the enemy soldiers, running them down without mercy. Those men did not stand a chance. Alys smiled at the sight; to her it was justice for Daryn and his family. But as she looked up to the battlements of the castle her smile faltered. A lone figure stood by the battlements, and was then surrounded by several other men. Alys watched as they stood there for a short time, before the men who surrounded the lone figure moved as one. Then after another few moments she saw them fade from view as they stepped back, and then the lone man toppled over the battlements. It was as the man fell that Alys realised that it was Torrhen; even in the distance she recognised his features and his hair. Her heart stopped at the sight of her brother falling.

"TORRRRRRHEEEEENNNNNNN!" she screeched as the body of her brother plummeted to the ground. When the body hit the ground Alys sobbed.

"My lady," one of the knights guarding her said, but she ignored him and spurred Swift forward. The men called after her as she rode to her brother's body. She knew that they would follow her, but all she cared for was her brother. When she got there she got off of her horse and ran to Torrhen's body. She collapsed by his body, which was red with his blood.

"Torrhen, no, please no," she choked out as she shook his body, as if he were sleeping and she were trying to wake him up. But he was not sleeping; his eyes were wide open and unseeing, and that sight alone sent a shudder up Alys's spine. She felt a hand touch her shoulder and a voice speak to her, but Alys was numb to everything. She began to whimper as the reality sank in, and the whimpering turned to sobbing. And then Alys Karstark looked to the sky and wailed in grief over her brother's death.

Wendel Manderly

Wendel charged forward, his sword drawn. He slashed his sword down into a Bolton soldier, splitting the head in half from scalp to neck. He was angry, so very angry. Upon seeing the men outside the lands of his father's cousin he knew that they were Bolton men, and it angered him. Word came from Winterfell recently informing them of Lord Roose's murder by the hands of his bastard son, and it was clear that the safety of Lord Robb's wife was threatened as well. So when Wendel's father had received word from the Hornwoods about bandits on their lands he immediately knew that it was the Bolton Bastard. Wendel set out with his men and arrived just in time; Lord Karstark's daughter was about to be raped when he arrived. He and his men slaughtered the scum and after speaking with Lady Alys they set off to deliver justice to the enemy. That was where Wendel was now, killing Bolton men as he led the charge, roaring in fury as he hacked and slashed at soldiers. As he attacked the Bolton filth he saw several men on horseback ride out of the castle gates, and he knew that they were Ramsey Snow and his closest guardsmen.

"Bring one of them down!" he ordered the man on his right who was drawing back an arrow. The man loosed off his arrow, which flew skyward before falling to the earth and striking one of the riders in the back and sending him tumbling off of his horse. Wendel turned to three of his men. "Bring that filth to me, and keep him alive," he demanded. As those men rode off to capture the wounded man Wendel rode on through the gates of Hornwood.

The scene of devastation was horrific. Wendel saw dead bodies everywhere he looked; the castle's old inhabitants lay all over the place, Karstark soldiers were scattered all over the grounds of the courtyard, and some Bolton soldiers littered the ground too. It made Wendel sick. There were still some Bolton men within the courtyard, and upon seeing him they readied their swords. As soon as Wendel was joined by his own men the Bolton scum became very afraid. The fight lasted several minutes, but it ended with only eight enemy soldiers dead. Wendel was struck on his armour several times, but the steel plate held true. He killed four Bolton men, and then he duelled an officer whose swordsmanship was severely lacking. He sliced that man's hand off and then the rest surrendered. As the fighting died down Wendel dismounted his horse.

"Ser Wendel!" a knight called out to him as he caught his breath. He turned to see one of the men he left with Lady Alys approach him.

"I thought I commanded you to stay with Lady Alys?" he stated, his eyebrows raised. The man looked at him.

"Forgive me Ser, but the Lady Alys rode off to the walls during the skirmish," he answered. "We saw a body fall from the battlements, and the lady rode off to it. She has identified her brother Torrhen as the man who fell." Wendel sighed as he realised that he had heard a woman wailing minutes ago. He turned around to look at the gate as he saw some of his men ride up to him dragging a wounded man with an arrow stuck in his back.

"Mercy Sers, mercy," he begged. Wendel walked up to him and threw him into the dirt.

"Where has Snow gone off to?" Wendel yelled at him. The man whimpered as he squirmed on the ground.

"Back to the Dreadfort," he stammered. His comrades began to curse him.

"Shut it traitor."

"Fool."

"Arse face." Wendel glared at the prisoners.

"SHUT YOUR MOUTHS YOU FILTHY LITTLE WORMS!" he bellowed. The men then fell silent. After a moment he turned to his officers who had gathered around him. "You, send word back to my lord father at White Harbour, and tell him what has happened here," he said to one man who bowed his head and left to do as he was ordered. Wendel then faced the next officer. "You, I want the lands around the castle secured. Organise patrols to scour the lands and bring any lawbreakers here to face justice, no matter who they are. You, go to the rookery and send a raven to Winterfell telling Lord Stark what has happened here." Wendel then looked at another man as the others left to do their duty. "You, get on your horse and ride hard for Winterfell just in case there isn't a raven or it never gets there."

"Aye Ser Wendel," that man said before walking to his mount. Wendel then turned to face the prisoners.

"And someone put those Bolton traitors into the dungeons," he barked out as he stomped off to find a drink. "Lord Stark shall decide their fate."

Robb Stark

The letter lay on the table in front of him. He was seething in anger, his hands shaking with his pent up rage. Theon was standing by the doorway of Robb's solar, watching his friend with worry. Robb had been quiet for the last couple of minutes, the news of the letter troubling. After several minutes Robb took a deep breath to calm down before he turned to look at Theon.

"Call everyone to the great hall," he ordered in a voice that he hoped sounded like the tone his father would use. Theon left without a word, knowing that when Robb was angry it was best not to question him. The last time that Robb was so angry was the time when Sansa was nearly raped by that Frey knight; his fury got the better of him then, and he had laid into one of the other Freys that was in the group for some foolish comment that was muttered after Sansa's ordeal. Father had reprimanded him appropriately after the Freys had left, but Robb did not care. Back then he was furious at the men for how his sister had been treated. Looking back though Robb realised how rash he had been in attacking one of Lord Frey's sons. He had to retain control of himself now that he was the Lord of Winterfell.

After standing in the solar for several minutes Robb turned to the letter and picked it up. He then walked out of the door, closing it behind him and going to the great hall, a guardsman falling in step behind him. He walked with purpose, his face stern; Grey Wind padded up to him, grumbling as he sensed his master's cold anger. The guardsman behind Robb no doubt held back slightly from him now that his direwolf was with him. Soon Robb was walking into the great hall, where he took the lord's seat and sat down, waiting for everyone to be present. First to arrive were Maester Luwin and Ser Rodrik, both walking up to stand before him. His mother soon turned up with Cassana alongside her, both women looking at him with concern. Cassana looked like she wanted to go to her husband and comfort him, but she stayed where she was beside Catelyn, standing close to where Robb sat. Little Rickon walked over to where their mother stood with Cassana, his direwolf Shaggydog trotting up to stand next to Grey Wind who was sat off to Robb's right. The hall began to fill with many other people then; senior guardsmen who had no other duties to see to, senior servants who would be required to attend any such gatherings, and any small folk who had nothing better to do but listen to whatever their liege lord was about to say. After a few minutes Theon entered the great hall.

"Everyone who needs to be here is here Robb," he said quietly when he was stood across from Ser Rodrik and the Maester. "What news was it?" Robb looked at his friend and then stood up. As he did the entire hall fell silent, everyone ready to listen to Robb's words. Upon seeing the stern look that Robb had Theon stepped back slightly.

"This morning I have received word from the castle at Hornwood," Robb began. "The raven was sent by Ser Wendel Manderly, the second son of Lord Wyman. House Hornwood has been massacred." At that declaration people gasped. "Lord Hornwood along with his lady wife and their son were murdered by Ramsey Snow and his men. The inhabitants of the castle I have been told were also put to the sword. Also among the dead are many men of House Karstark led by Lord Karstark's son Torrhen, who himself had been killed by Snow's men. They were escorting Lady Alys Karstark who was to marry Lord Hornwood's son Daryn. Lady Alys survived the attack by the Bolton men led by Ramsey, and the Bastard of the Dreadfort managed to escape. But Ser Wendel had learned from the prisoners that he took that the craven has retreated to the Dreadfort." There was murmuring from the gathered crowd. Robb could tell that the people were worried.

"What do you intend to do milord?" someone called out from the back. Robb drew a deep breath before he continued.

"This act of aggression cannot be ignored. Ramsey Snow has claimed responsibility for the destruction of several villages across the North, and has now attacked a castle and its ruling family. The destruction of a noble House cannot go unanswered. Ramsey Snow has broken the King's Peace, and for his crimes his life is forfeit. Maester Luwin, send out ravens to all the lords of the North. I call upon them to raise their banners and descend upon the Dreadfort." The Maester bowed to Robb as he turned to face Ser Rodrik. "Ser Rodrik, I leave you as Castellan until my return. Guard Winterfell and my family," he commanded. Ser Rodrik bowed his head. "I shall stay here for two more days before I march with men to bring justice upon Ramsey Snow and his accomplices for their crimes. I call upon all able bodied men to take up arms if they've the skill and the courage to see justice done. Otherwise you may return to your duties and your families. We may be in spring, and summer may well be returning to the land, but winter is coming, and we cannot let the work go undone." With that the people began to disperse from the great hall, while Robb sat back down.

When the hall emptied Robb found himself with Theon, Cassana and his mother stood before him. The three of them looked at him worriedly. He turned to Theon first. The Iron Islander would normally be trying to make a jape to lighten the mood, but looking at Robb now he remained quiet. Theon stood still, waiting for Robb's command.

"Theon, I want you to oversee the preparations for when we march in two days' time," he said. Over the last year Theon has taken more responsibility in regards to the handling of his duties, so Robb could trust him to do as he asked of him.

"Very well Robb," Theon said. He stepped away and headed off to do as he was commanded. Robb then turned to his mother.

"With me away Rickon will be the Stark in Winterfell," he told Catelyn. "I hate having to put such responsibility on his shoulders at his age, but I need you to counsel him as you have counselled me in the past. Help the Maester to guide him in ruling Winterfell in my name. If all goes well I should be back within a few weeks." His mother looked sceptical at that last part but otherwise said nothing.

"Don't put yourself in too much danger," was all Catelyn said to him before she too walked out of the hall, leaving Robb with his wife. Cassana looked very worried.

"Robb," she said, taking a step closer to him. Robb stood up from the seat and wrapped his arms around her shoulders.

"I have to do this," he said. "I can't risk him attacking another castle and slaughtering another House, not while we have him cornered. I won't rest until I have put his head on a spike." Cassana put her arms around Robb.

"I wish you wouldn't leave me here," she whispered, her voice full of fear. Robb closed his eyes and held her tighter. He knew that she was afraid, even if she did not show it.

"Believe me, I wish I could stay," he said. "But I must do my duty for the people of the North. Snow has raped and murdered far too many people, and he has gone unpunished for too long. As Lord of Winterfell I have to go and do this, to keep the people safe as much as to stop the lords from grumbling." Cassana gave a half-hearted chuckle as Robb pulled away from her embrace. He looked into her blue eyes, those blue pools that he has loved for so long. They stared at one another for a time before Robb leant down to kiss Cassana on her cheek. Cassana however turned to kiss him properly, her sweet lips working against his own mouth. They broke the kiss after a few moments.

"I know you have to do your duty," she said, sounding sad. She looked up at him again and bit her trembling lip. "But as your wife I demand that you do your duty by me," she said as she trailed her hand up to Robb's face and cupped his cheek. Robb gave her a small smile before kissing her quickly. When he broke the kiss he took her arm and led her to their room.

They had barely gotten through the door to their room before Cassana threw herself at Robb, wrapping her arms around him and smothering him with kisses. Robb closed the door and kissed back furiously, his hands going to her hips. They kissed each other frantically for a good while before Robb pulled away to make sure he had closed the door properly. Once he did that he began to take his clothes off while watching Cassana do the same. Her dress came off quickly, the skirts and blouse falling off with practiced ease leaving only the shift over her body. Robb pulled off his doublet, then his undershirt before yanking his trousers down to his shins. He unlaced his boots before kicking them off along with his trousers and then approached Cassana, who left her shift on.

"Rip it off," she said as Robb pulled her to him.

"Are you sure Cass?" he asked her, not wanting to damage her clothing. She smirked as she looked up at him.

"I have plenty," she said with a mischievous tone. Robb then kissed her on the neck and then spun her around so that her back was to him. He grabbed the shift and then tore it along the back, the material tearing loudly, and Cassana giggled as her ruined shift fell off of her frame. Robb then grabbed one of her breasts and squeezed her gently, making her moan as he led her to their bed. He placed a kiss on the side of her neck before lifting her up and putting her onto the bed. Cassana spread her legs open as Robb climbed on, and in the next instant he pushed himself into her, his hard manhood entering her sheath fully. He looked down at Cassana as she moaned at his presence. He put one hand on her left breast while supporting his weight with his other hand. He began to slowly thrust into her, enjoying the feeling of her around his length. She was wet with arousal, moaning lowly with each gentle thrust. As Robb moved he felt Cassana begin to rock her hips against him. He loved the feeling of her sheath moving on his manhood. After several minutes of gentle thrusts Robb began to move at a faster rate, thrusting quicker. He trailed his hand from her breast to her side, sliding his hand up and down her body. Cassana giggled at the feeling of his fingers grazing her skin. He then lowered himself down over her body and kissed her full on the lips, his tongue pressing into her open mouth. Their tongues danced inside their mouths as Robb stopped his thrusting. When they broke their kissing Robb began to thrust again, moving his hips fast and thrusting hard into Cassana's sheath.

"Cass," Robb breathed as he felt her tighten around him. Cassana gasped and moaned with his movements. He knew that he was coming close to his end, but he willed himself to hold on until he had brought her to her own end first. He thrust hard and deep, pounding into her and making her moan loudly.

"Oh gods Robb," Cassana yelled out as she squeezed around him. In the next moment Robb felt his manhood soaked with his wife's arousal as she yelled out in blissful pleasure. In that same instant he felt his manhood twitch and then he felt his seed explode from his length, filling Cassana's sheath. They both stopped their movements and just lay there on the bed, panting away. Once their breathing slowed down to a regular rhythm Robb pulled out from Cassana slowly before lying down beside her, stroking his hand up and down her belly.

Robb lay beside his beautiful wife for a long time, the two of them just staring at each other, smiling to themselves. All thoughts from earlier had been pushed to the back of his mind. He had two days to prepare for the march, but for now he just wanted to be with his wife. Robb looked at her and shifted closer to her before leaning over to kiss Cassana. He felt her smile as he pecked her on the cheek.

"We should probably get changed for dinner," Robb said, resulting in Cassana huffing. He chuckled as he sat up and began to move from the bed. As he moved he felt Cassana's hand grab him by the arm. He looked at her and saw her shake her head slightly.

"Not just yet please," she said softly. "Let us stay for a while longer." Robb sighed as he looked away from her. He was about to move when she spoke again. "Give me your hand." He looked back at her with a confused look and after a moment did as he was asked. Cassana took his hand in her's and placed it upon her belly. Robb's eyes travelled over her naked body, looking at her full breasts that he loved grasping and squeezing, her long slender legs that he loved sliding his hands along, her sweet womanhood that he loved being inside of, and her beautiful face that always made him smile. As he looked over her body Cassana spoke once more. "If you are gone for many weeks, then you will come back to hopefully see me looking fatter around my belly," she simply said with a smile that reached her eyes. It took Robb a minute to figure out what she meant, but when he did realise his eyes went wide with shock.

"What?" he managed in a small voice. Cassana's smile grew wider still.

"I have been to see Maester Luwin this morning," she explained as Robb leant in closer. "It is still too early to be certain, but I have not had my moon blood recently, and I have felt sick a few times after we have awoken over the last three weeks or so. Nothing proven by the good Maester yet, but I'm positive that our constant bedtime sessions have borne fruit." Robb just lay over Cassana for a few more moments. She was about to speak again when he silenced her with a quick kiss. Their lips locked briefly, and when they parted Robb was smiling himself, feeling incredible.

"You're pregnant?" he stammered. Cassana laughed at his voice.

"Don't shout it from the tallest tower of Winterfell yet Robb," she said. Robb laughed as he looked into her eyes. In that moment he felt pure love for this wonderful woman. He moved his hand from her belly and cupped her cheek. He gazed into her blue orbs before pressing his lips against her own. They kissed each other slowly, their love and passion igniting as Robb soon rolled onto his back, pulling Cassana on top of him. She shrieked with laughter as she straddled her husband.

"I love you Cass," he said to her as she lay on top of him, her face barely inches away from his own. She looked down at him with a blank expression that was soon replaced with a loving smile that made Robb smile wider himself.

"And I love you Robb," she said before giving him a brief kiss. "Now we should probably get ready for dinner," she said as she began to move, but Robb pulled her back down on top of her, her breasts pressed into his chest.

"What's the rush?" he asked coyly. "We have plenty of time." At that Cassana laughed before she sat up and moved herself so that her entrance was over Robb's manhood. She lowered herself onto him and soon was riding Robb hard as they both looked into each other's eyes. Only when they were done did they get dressed and head down to the hall to have their dinner, and for the rest of the night Robb had a smile on his face.

Unfortunately for Robb the two days passed by far too quickly. Each day was spent gathering men and arms, horses and carriages and organising supplies such as food and extra clothing as well as medicines and other essential supplies. Robb spent much time with his family knowing that he would be away for an awfully long time. He made sure to spend time with Rickon to make sure he knew what he was doing. The morning of Robb's departure finally came, and Robb reluctantly left his bed to get dressed. Cassana had helped him into his armour after she had bathed. Once his armour was on Cassana got herself dressed, and it was only when she was dressed that he left his room, arm in arm with Cassana. He broke his fast with his wife, mother and youngest brother before he left for the courtyard, where Theon was stood waiting. They both wore steel plate armour over their bodies, protecting their torsos, legs and upper arms, but while Theon wore ringmail under his armour with boiled leather gauntlets Robb had steel plated gauntlets and boots, his own shirt of ringmail beneath his armour and a wolf's head helmet which he carried under his left arm. This helm had been a gift from King Robert on his wedding to Cassana. Both men were also armed differently from each other; Theon had a longsword on his hip along with his bow and quiver of arrows, while Robb had a bastard sword on his hip, and over his back was the Stark family's ancestral weapon, Ice. The greatsword was heavy on Robb's back, but being made of Valyrian steel it was lighter than other greatswords.

"Everything is set Robb," Theon said as Robb approached him.

"We all ready to march?" he asked.

"Aye," Theon replied with a savage grin, no doubt eager for a fight. As Theon turned away Robb turned to look at his family, who had just gathered to see him off. Robb knelt before Rickon and put a hand on his shoulder.

"While I'm gone you are Lord of Winterfell Rickon," he told his brother. "There must always be a Stark in Winterfell, just like father always tells us. Listen to mother, and Ser Rodrik and the Maester, for they will help you to rule in my absence." Rickon nodded his head. Robb then stood up and walked to his mother. "I'll come back mother. I promise," he said. Catelyn nodded her head before she stepped forward to embrace him.

"Just like all of the men in my life," she said. "First my father the few times he rode off to fight, and then your father whenever he had to go and fight, and now you my boy. You may be a man now, but you'll always be my little boy Robb." Robb could sense the worry in her voice.

"Calm yourself mother," he said soothingly. "I'll return to you all, I promise you." He placed a kiss on his mother's forehead and then he stood in front of his wife. He put his finger beneath her chin and lifted her head to look into her eyes. "Do not fret for me Cass," he said to her. "I'll see you soon." With that Cassana nodded her head before leaning up to kiss him. Robb returned the kiss, wrapping an arm around her back. Cassana put her hands on Robb's armoured chest so as not to be crushed into him. They parted their lips and gazed at one another for a brief time.

"Look after yourself my love," she said. Robb rested his head against her's for a moment, and then he stepped back from her. "I love you," she said quietly.

"And I you," he murmured before stepping back further and looking at all of his family. "I will see you all soon," he told them once more. With that he turned around and strode purposefully to his horse. He handed his helm to a soldier stood nearby and then mounted his horse. The soldier handed his helm back to him, and he thanked him as he took it. He looked at his family one more time; his mother had a tear running down her face, but other than that she looked calm; Rickon stood proudly in front of their mother, a slight smile on his face as he looked up to his elder brother; Cassana gave Robb a nod of encouragement, resting one of her hands on her flat belly. She also gave him a smile which he returned. Grey Wind padded over to him, whining at him. "We won't be away forever Grey Wind," he said to his direwolf. He was certain that the beast would miss Cassana. He looked up to his family and nodded to them. "Be safe, all of you," he said to them. With those words spoken he turned his horse to face the gate and rode forwards, calling out to his men to march, an order that was echoed by the various officers. As he rode out of Winterfell, with Grey Wind racing ahead of him, Robb prayed to the old gods to look after his family, and he also prayed that his wife and unborn child would be safe. He hoped that when he returned home he would find Cassana showing the more obvious signs of pregnancy.

Robb rode through the gates of his home and led his men to the Dreadfort, where Ramsey Snow waited. With a grim determination he rode on, to bring justice upon the Bastard of the Dreadfort, and to bring peace to the North. He rode on, knowing that when he returns to Winterfell that he will be able to look forward to becoming a father.