Chapter 30

Dorne

Jon

They spent the night inside of the town inns before finding the ship to take them upriver in the morning. They got a few odd looks while they were in the town but Jon just waved it off. In the morning they were on their way to Starfall.

The ship they hired wasn't expensive and the rooms they got were decent enough, each room having to be shared by two of them. The crew was a bit warry of the wolves but Ghost and Lady kept to themselves mostly due to not being fans of sailing by the looks of it. Sailing was nice, the waters of the river were calm and the wind was strong, the captain saying that they would reach Skyreach in no time. Sailing wasn't so enjoyable for some others as it was for him. Grenn had never been on a ship before and even if they weren't at sea he still got the sickness. Right now he was emptying the contents of his stomach over the side of the ship with Robar making sure he doesn't fall overboard,

Robar was used to traveling by ship, Runestone was close to Golltown so whenever he or his family would need to travel to Kings Landing or somewhere on the east coast they would use a ship. Loras was good as well, Jon and Loras both had experience traveling by ship due to lord Maces love of traveling up and down the Mandar river. The only bad part was the heat which was practically killing him at this point, the others were fearing much better. Robar too wasn't used to much heat being raised up in the mountains of the Vale.

It took them four days to sail up the river and reach Skyreach. Job looked at the castle that was carved into the stone overlooking the river and the prince's pass. The castle had a lofty preach and soaring towers, it looked impressive for sure.

"That's Skyreach?" asked Grenn.

"Yes it is," said Jon.

Loras grunted, "I could probably take it with fifty men."

"Sure you can," Jon said sarcastically.

"It was a formidable keep considering the fact it still stands. Aegon the first burned it to the ground with his dragon during the first Dornish war," Robar chimed in.

"Like Harenhall?" asked Grenn.

"Yes like Harenhall, the only difference is that this castle was rebuilt, to rebuilt Harenhall would take years and the corporation of most of the realm to do it," Robar added.

"The Dornish always were a stubborn lot, never accepting defeat until Robert Rebellion that is," said Loras.

"Well if Aegon's dragons could not bring them to heal I doubt the Lannisters can," Jon said.

"The Martells hate the Lannisters, I doubt that they will accept the rule of one as their king," Loras said. "I'm surprised that they have not rebelled yet, this seems like a perfect opportunity to me."

"It is a good opportunity but remember that the Dornish lost a lot during Roberts rebellion, they might not be so keen on fighting again," Robar said.

"We will fight if need be," a voice like gravel said behind them and they all turned to see the captain. "The lions don't scare us, we are only waiting for the prince to give the order," the man said with a chuckle.

"And when will the prince give that order?" asked Jon.

"When he wants to," the captain said. "The Red Viper will have revenge for his sister and so will we for the others we have lost."

Jon looked confused at the captain. "The Red Viper? Prince Oberyn?"

"Yes boy, him."

"Isn't prince Doran the ruler of Dorne?" asked Robar.

"Technically he is but everyone knows the real ruler is his brother. Oberyn is the one who has been leading Dorne since the rebellion. Doran has not been seen out of the Water Gardens for a year. Prince Oberyn is the man who is ready to do what is needed, he is not afraid to wage war," Jon was surprised that the Dornish held one prince in such high regard and yet the other in such low, the one who was actually their ruler. Jon knew that prince Oberyn was a friend of Willas's who too spoke highly of him but Jon never expected the Dornish to love one prince over the other.

"Well if that happens, I wish him and anyone who follows him luck against the Lannisters," Jon said.

"And what do you got against the Lannisters? They did something to you as well?" the captain asked interested.

"That does not concern you, captain," Loras said annoyed.

"Fine, don't need to tell me," the captain grunted and left for his cabin.

The ship docked at Skyreach and after they unloaded their horses from the vessel the four of them started the ride towards the Torrentine. It took them two days to reach the second river, during those three days the further they got from Skyreach the hotter it got, the harsh Dornish sun not making it any easier as they went on. There was no more greenery like one that surrounded the great river while they were on the boat just dry earth, dried vegetation and sand. When they reached Torrentine and Blackmont, Grenn was the first who threw himself in the river.

"Aahhh, finally," Grenn said as he dipped into the water most of his clothes still on apart from the upper armor.

"Come on it wasn't so bad," Jon said.

"Three days tracking through a damn desert isn't bad for you?" Grenn asked. "I got sand where the sun doesn't fucking shine," Jon held back a chuckle.

"Well, we had water food and were on horses so no, it could have been worse."

"The water was so hot it felt like piss," Grenn replied.

"Well, we are here now, so no more hot water then," Jon said.

Loras sat on the beach removing one of his boots, once he did so he tilted it only for sand to come out. Robar smirked and Jon wondered how did sand get in there.

"I hate Dorne," Loras said with slight contempt, a malcontent look on his face.

"You are not the only one," Grenn said.

"Seriously, what are Jon and I supposed to say, you two grew up in warm places, well Jon did too but at least he knows cold of the North and I grew up in the mountains," Robar said.

"The nights were cold," Grenn said getting out of the water.

"Not as cold as the nights it the North, believe me. I might have been a boy but I still remember it, the winds, the snow, everything," Jon said.

"Doesn't matter anymore anyway, we are close to Starfall now," Loras said. Jon looked at the fast-flowing river in front of him, to a normal person it might look dangerous to sail down this river but he hoped that Ser Cletus's words help true. They spent some time to rest, water the horses and to have a meal before going to find a boat to take them downriver.

At the castle that overlooked the northern part of the Torrentine they found a small pier where few ships were docked. After asking several people questions about how to find a ship to Starfall one of the castle guards pointed them in the right direction.

After finding and paying for the passage to the home of house Dayne, The ship took them to the castle that according to legend, Starfall was built where the first Dayne found a magic stone after he followed the path of a shooting star. From the deck of the ship, Jon could see the pale walls of the island castle and its famous Palestone Sword tower.

He felt a mixture of emotions, the joy that he is finally here, fear because he didn't know what to expect once he walked through the gates, will they be greeted warmly or tossed outside as soon as they enter and eagerness to find out about the woman people said was his mother. Everyone said that she was a beauty but he wanted to know what kind of a person she was, would she have loved him, would she be proud of him?

The ship came to a stop at a small dock at the island and Jon and the company got off the ship. On the dock they found several guards watching over it.

"Excuse me but we would wish to have an audience with lord Dayne," said Jon to the guard.

"Who are you exactly?" the guard asked.

"We are knights, we come here due to a personal matter," the guard eyed Jon and the rest of them for a moment before grunting and telling them to follow. After a short walk, they arrived at the main gate. The castle was properly maned with guards on all sides. Once in the main courtyard, the guard talked to the man who Jon realized was the captain of the guard, the man taking over and leading them further inside the castle, six men with him. As they walked the halls, Jon had to admit that the castle was lavishly decorated, it was obvious that the Daynes were once king, not just lords. They proceeded to talk through a large wooded door that led to the main hall. There at the high table sat a man with what looked like silver hair wearing a purple doublet, beside him sat a young girl, younger than Jon, Robar, Loras or Grenn.

"My lord you have visitors," the captain said and the man looked from his meal to them. They stopped about a dozen meters from the batle.

"And who might you be?" asked the lord raising an eyebrow. Jon looked at the man, his hair was blond, almost silver and his eyes dark purple. Is this how the Targaryens looked Jon wondered. The lord looked him in the eye and there seemed to be something there, but Jon could not place what.

"My lord, my name is Jon Snow, Ned Starks son. The men behind me are my companions."

The lord's face hardened but there was surprise in his eyes. "Why do you come here, Jon Snow?"

"I come here for answers to questions I been asking myself for a long time," Jon paused. "I need to know who my mother is. Most people say it was lady Ashara, so that brought me here. I-I came here to find out the truth," Jon said the last sentence unsure of himself.

Lord Dayne looked at Jon for a long moment. "Captain take my sister to her chambers, Ser Jon would you follow me to my solar. We will be better able to talk there."

Kings Landing

Sansa

Before she came here she always envisioned that one day she would marry a good lord, be the lady of his castle and have many beautiful children with him. That she will have a husband that she will love and that he will love her, that their children would be her pride and joy, that she would teach her daughters how to be proper ladies like herself and that her husband will teach her sons how to be lords. When father and the late king Robert informed her that she is betrothed to Joffrey she felt like she grew a pair of wings and could sour the sky, that's how happy she was. She was to marry the crown prince and become a princess herself and one day a queen.

All of her hopes came crashing down after her father was killed by Joffrey, after he was arrested she still believed that it all will be cleared up and that once it's done all will be as it was before but that didn't happen. Instead, she became a prisoner of the Lannisters, being forced to watch her father get killed and get to see his severed head. Joffrey would beat her every time Robb would win a battle against his grandfather until lord Tyrion stopped it. She felt so scared and alone until Margaery arrived, at first she was angry with her but Margaery promised to get her out of here, a promise that gave her hope once more.

But that hope vanished as soon as the queen informed her that she will be marrying Tyrek Lannister, the king's cousin. She cried herself to sleep that night, there truly was no way out of his accursed place. Now she will be forced to marry someone she knows nothing about, worse yet a Lannister. She had seen Ser Tyrek a few times around the keep mostly with his Lannisters cousins and other knights. She didn't want to marry him, she didn't want to marry any one of these people here, people who would keep her trapped. Lady Margaery came to her after the news was made public and apologized for acting too slow, promising to be there for her when she needs her. Sansa was now ready to marry a beggar now if he could get her back to her family.

For days tailors worked on her wedding dress and once she received it she thought it was beautiful, she cried but not out of joy, she wanted to wear this dress for a true wedding, instead, she would now be forced to wear it so she could marry another of the cruel lions. She always envisioned how she would look on the day she was to marry, how she would look regal in every way possible, how her mother would proudly cry tears of joy as her father walked her towards the future husband and how her brother would all stand up front happily looking at her and the man that would be their good brother.

Now, there won't be any of her family here, not her mother, not her father to walk her down the aisle, not her brothers, not even her little sister. She missed Arya, yes they would fight often and almost never agree on anything but Arya was the stronger one of the two, braver, not one to give up as easily as she did. Father always said that Arya was like that due to the wolf's blood of the Starks, if she was here Sansa would at least have someone to lean on to but she was not. She didn't know if she should be happy or sad because of that, Arya did manage to escape the Lannisters by all accounts but she could have also been killed. Sansa just hoped that her little sister was alive and well somewhere out there.

Her thoughts were broken when the handmaiden finished her hair, it looked beautiful but she could not help but feel sick because of it. Soon she was escorted through the keep halls by Ser Meryn and Ser Arys until they reached the main courtyard, the queen was waiting there.

"You look wonderful little dove, an image of beauty," Cersei said.

"Thank you, your grace," Sansa said, trying her best to hide her fear.

"Don't worry it's going to be a wonderful day. I remember my wedding day, it was the only good day of my marriage. I remember my father walking me through the great sept, Robert standing at the altar with the high septon, he actually looked like a king back then not a drunken whoremonger he actually was," Cersei said, the last words holding venom in them. The queen paused for a moment before continuing. "My father will be the one who will be handing you over to cousin Tyrek, do try to look normal, we wouldn't want people to start talking about how unhappy or unsatisfied you looked while my father held your hand. You are going to be a Lannister soon, you wouldn't want to embrace the family now would you?"

"No your grace," Sansa said shaking her head.

"Good, not get into the carriage little dove, we can't be late," Sansa did as told and proceeded to climb into the carriage with the queen, Tommen already being inside. As soon as Cersei entered she closed the doors and the carriage started moving. Sansa could not do anything but stare through the windows at the city streets, thought running through her mind. Before she knew it they stopped and were in front of the steps on the Great Sept of Baelor. The queen opened the door and exited with her youngest; Sansa following close behind.

A kingsguard lead her up the steps, walking right behind the queen and her son. As she climbed the steps fear engulfed her more and more until she reached the entrance of the sept and was walked inside. The sept was filled with people, nobles, knights, septas and septons were present. The queen walked to the front while she waited next to Ser Maryn. She looked towards the altar where a young man with golden hair she knew as Tyrek Lannister was waiting with the high septon standing beside him.

"Lady Sansa," a cold voice of Tywin Lannister was heard from behind her. She turned to see the Lion lord approaching her, he stopped and offered her his hand which she took immediately not wanting to make lord Tywin wait. He walked her down the hall, eyes of every one of them. This was not how it was supposed to be, the man next to her is wrong, the man waiting for her at the alter is wrong, all of this is wrong. But she could not bring herself to say anything she just followed lord Tywin lead until he brought her to the end of the sept and handed her to his nephew, she was doing her best to hold back tears.

She looked at Tyrek who gave her a small smile, then she looked at the people in the first row, Lord Tywin remained stoic, the queen had a satisfied smirk on her lips, lord Tyrion had a look of pity on his face and Margaery had a look that said I'm sorry.

The high septon sang prayers, said the vows which both she and Tyrek accepted, with the final act of placing a Lannister cloak over her shoulders the ceremony was complete and she was not a Lannister.

The feast was great although some could see that it was a bit rushed. Music was playing, lords and lady were eating and drinking, they all seemed to be having a good time but all Sansa want was for the ground to open up and swallow her whole. People congratulated them on the marriage to which both Sansa and Tyrek thanked them. The king had been in high spirits and so was the queen. As the celebration went on suddenly the music stopped and the king stepped in front of the high table.

"Lords, ladies, it's time for the bedding," Joffrey said cheerfully. Sansa could not help but feel uncomfortable, she knew what was about to happen. She didn't want to be stripped naked and be looked at by other people.

"Your grace I think it would be better if the newlyweds went to their chamber without such inconvenience," said Lord Tyrion as he walked over to the table.

"I said that there will be a bedding ceremony and there will be a bedding ceremony," the king said a bit louder, annoyance at his uncle clear to everyone present.

"Your grace all I'm saying is…" Tyrion started.

"No discussion dwarf, the bedding happens now," Joffrey said glaring at his uncle and Tyrek got up, Sansa doing the same. She looked at him, she could see that he too felt a bit uncomfortable at the prospect of having his clothes torn apart but they had no choice, the king commanded it. So he offered her his hand as she took it. As they walked she noticed that he was a bit unsteady on his feet. He didn't drink a lot Sansa remembered, maybe he just isn't good at tolerating alcohol as his cousin is. They walked to the large crowd of people with women on one side and men on the other. As they started walking through the crowd, she felt being grabbed and her clothes being torn apart. At that moment she felt self-conscious, if her clothes were completely torn then everyone would be able to see her body. Men grabbed her and tore off her clothes while the women did the same for Tyrek. It was an unpleasant ordeal, one that made Sansa afraid once more but as they reached the door she thanked the gods for it is over. Her clothes were indeed ripped but not too bad while Tyrek had lost his doublet and shirt.

"I'm sorry for that my lady," he said and she could bring herself to say anything, she just nodded politely. Once more he offered his arm and she took it, following his lead to their new bed-chamber. She could not bring herself to look directly upfront but she looked at the ground. She noticed that Tyreks walking had become harder than before. Finally, they reached the chambers that were to be theirs. She looked at it, there were a table and a set of matching chairs, various decorations, wardrobes, shelves but what caught her eyes was the large bed. She knew what was about to happen, she despised it, she wished she could run but she knew there was nowhere to do so.

"My lady, you should probably move to the bed, I know it might not be pleasant but it has to be done," Tyrek said gently, although she could tell something was off about his voice like he was exhausted. Sansa was thankful that at least he was trying to be nice. She turned to him, he was pointing to the bed with his hand. His eyes looked tired, he looked like he was drunk, barely able to stand. Sansa was about to comply when Tyrek made a step and then fell face-first on the table in front of him and then falling to the ground. Sansa let out a gasp as it happened.

She looked at the unconscious man, he wasn't moving but Sansa could see that he was still breathing, although his breathing was shallow. Panic started to engulf her, she didn't know what to do, should she call the guards to tell them what happened, that he fell, that he was drunk. Her worried line of thought broke when the door opened and a Lannisters guard entered the room, he looked at her and then at the unconscious Tyrek. A smile apprised on his face.

"I'm glad to see that worked," he said leaving Sansa worried, shocked and confused.

Riverrun

The Blackfish

House Stark had sent the message for the Twins that they were ready to offer the hand of his nephew lord Edmure Tully to house Frey in marriage in exchange for an alliance and forgiveness for the broken oath they owed. Old Walder accepted and is sending Black Walder, Lothar and Edwyn, they were to negotiate terms with the Starks and Tullys. He knew that this was only a formality to sell the ruse so the Northmen would come to the Twins for the wedding and betray them. The deal Tywin Lannister made with old Walder, was to get rid of the Starks in exchange for Riverrun and the title of lord Paramount. Robb broke his oath to House Frey, insulted them by marrying a Westerlands girl who kinsmen they were fighting and now many believed that he is going to lose the war to Tywin due to the additional forces the Lion that at his disposal. Brynden never liked the late Walder Frey as he dubbed him after the battle of the Trident but not even he expected that the old weasel would be ready to kill people under his own roof, people that should be his guests.

Robb did make mistakes, Brynden was annoyed by them but could not blame the boy too much, he is young as his father was when the Robert Rebellion started. The victories against Tywin so far were all well and good, excellent even but to win a war you need more than just to win battles, you also need support, people you can trust and a lot of luck. He still remembers the day of the last great battle of the war of the Ninepenny Kings, he remembered the smell of blood, sweat and too much death. The battle was going in the favor of the Golden company, the loyalists were about to break, that's when he saw a young knight from the Stormlands charging towards the Blackfyre line by himself, riding like a madman. That same knight fought his way to Maelys Blackfyre and killed him in single combat, after the death of their leader at the hands of Ser Barristan the Bold the rebels didn't last long and the loyalists the war even when all seemed lost. It proved that even if you win every battle you can still lose the war due to something so unexpected.

Robb learned that in this case, that unexpected factor would have been the betrayal of the Freys and the Boltons but they took care of lord Roose who was currently lying unconscious in his room, being drugged with sleepwine. To everyone outside to the select few who knew the truth, lord Roose fell ill due to a strange illness and the Riverrun maetser was taking care of him. Now it was the time for the Freys to be taken of Tywin Lannisters board.

After long deliberation, Brynden, Robb, Edmure, Catelyn, Rynmun, GreatJon and Wendel Manderly, the latter two being told the truth after Rooses capture. They were both surprised by the news of Darrys survival but welcomed it, having another ally at the table. Greatjon was so enraged by the treason that he had to be restrained so he would not kill Roose in a way that would make even someone like the lord of the Dreadfort beg for mercy before his death. The Umber demanded that they march their troops on the Twins and kill every weasel they could get their hands on.

"I will personally behead every last one of them," bellowed Greatjon in anger. "Starting with those cunts here," Greatjon was ordered to stay away from the Freys just in case.

"I think that not even your sword arm could handle that many," said Wendel with a smirk. "But Greatjon is right, something has to be done about them."

"That's why I called you here. As I told you before we called the Freys here to make it seem like we are desperate, that we need them," Robb said.

"We did discuss it amply and so what will be our next course of action? Do we take them prisoner, they are three of the most valued Freys and demand old Walders loyalty?" asked Wendel.

Robb shook his head. "No, for this we are going to a different route. It seems that I'm forced to take a page out of Tywin Lannisters book. The best way to deal with the Freys and to have them on our side is to install a new lord, one loyal to us."

"And who would that be, all the Freys are the same," said Greatjon.

"Not all of them. We know that the Rosby Freys were and are still loyal to Robb and according to the messages I received there might also be more of them that would be less than likely to go with the plans of their family," Darry said.

"Who exactly?" Wendel asked.

"Ser Arwood, Sandor and Cynthea who are currently being fostered with Harry Harding in the Vale, there might be a few more but those are the important ones," answered Darry.

"So we install one of them as the lord of the Twins?" said Edmure.

"We could but that would be messy, Olyvar might be a good choice but he is young and older members won't look too kindly on him being named lord. We need someone older, who would keep the rest of them in line and guarantee his loyalty," said Brynden.

"We will have three Freys here with us, best start with them," said Darry.

"Edwyn is already second in line after his father so there is no reason for him to betray his family, Black Walder however hates both his older brother and father and would do anything to become lord of the Twins. And finally, we have Lothar, the steward of the Twins and Walder's right-hand man. Each of them is a slimy son of a bitch, I don't know who I distrust more," said Edmure.

"You say that Black Walder hates his father and brother," said Robb looking at Edmure.

"Yes, Edwyn is also known to hate his brother, those two never got along, even when they were children."

Robb tapped the armrest of the lord chair with his finger. "Lothar is too loyal to his father so he won't betray him, the same goes for Edwyn but it seems Black Walder might be the one we are looking for."

"What makes you think he will be better than the other two?" Cat said. "What makes you trust him more?"

"I don't trust him, I trust his greed," Robb said looking at his mother. "If we persuade him to join us and pledge his house to us, we will make him lord of the Twins."

"And if not?" Cat asked with an uncertain tone.

"We leave him to Greatjon, he can persuade him or we can say that an accident happened," said Robb while looking at the giant lord who had a large grin on his face.

If the plans works then they will have the support of the Freys and their army and if they can not persuade any of them then Wendel's idea of holding them prisoner just might work. But with the right words and maybe even a bit of mummery they would be able to get the Freys back on their side, at least long enough until Richard finds the boy and Tarly finally get the Reach on his side. The plan was not honorable but desperate times call for desperate measures.

Black Walder

He and his brothers came to Riverrun to talk on their house's behalf so ensure the loyalty to house Stark by having the oath the boy broke made a new but with his uncle instead. Lothar did most of the talking, made it seems like they were really going to go with it. The talks didn't last long, it was obvious that the boy king was desperate and he agreed to the terms old Walder set. After the talk was over, he and his brothers were shown to their rooms only moments later a knock came from his door. Lord Edmure came to the room saying that king Robb wished to talk to him again. He didn't really care what the young pup wanted to talk about because he knew it would be something on the lines of new terms and oaths but Walder knew that he had to put up with it at least for a while longer. The pup and his ilk will agree to the terms, come to the Twins and fall into the trap. He only hated that Lothar was the one in charge of the damn thing. He almost hated the man as much as he hates his older brother.

Once he came to the solar he was bid to sit down in front of the king. The Blackfish was there, as was lord Umber. Walder never felt safe around the giant, it was well known that the man had a temper and that he was basically Robb Starks attack dog at this point, being fanatically loyal to the wolf pup.

"What can I do for you your grace?" he asked politely. Robb Stark looked at him, his face showing no emotion, the Tully blue eyes staring at him.

"I called you here because I wanted to give you a unique offer," Robb Stark said and Wolder raised an eyebrow.

"What offer?" he asked intrigued.

"I'm ready to give you the lordship of the Twins in exchange for your loyalty," Walder was surprised for a moment but shook it off.

"The marriage between my house and house Tully will ensure loyalty, your grace. Why would you want me to usurp my own kin?"

Robb Stark leaned forward and continued to talk in an icy cold tone. "Because I know of your plan Walder, I know what you and your family intend to do once I come to the Twins for my uncle's wedding. I know what the Lannisters promised you in exchange for my death."

Walder was shocked, how did the pup know about it. The only ones who knew about it were select members of his family, Tywin Lannister and Roose Bolton. He tried to lie his way out. "Your grace, I swear whoever told you this is a liar. Yes, my father is insulted by you breaking your word but he would never result to such means. We came here to make amends after all."

"Do not lie to me, Roose Bolton tried to lie his way out now he is laying somewhere in his castle, barely breathing," Robb Stark said and Walder felt nervousness start to grow. How does he know about Bolton and how didn't anyone inform them about his capture. Then he left someones presents next to him, he looked up to see the Umber giant standing next to him, a murderess look in his eyes, on the other side was the Blackfish who just pulled out a hunting knife.

"You can't kill me, if you do that, house Frey will go to war against you," Walder said.

"I'm not trying to kill you, I'm just trying to make you realize your position here," said Robb. "I'm willing to forget the part you played in the plot to kill me if you agree to my proposal. Side with me and I will make you the new lord of the Twins, refuse and..."

The deal did pin his interest but the Lannisters and the Tyrells were still too powerful to not side with them. "Why should I take the deal, you are going to lose the war. You might have taken care of lord Bolton but Tywin Lannister is still going to crush you thanks to his armies. He outnumbers you four to one."

"That's where you are wrong," said Brynden.

"Tywin Lannister isn't the only one with new allies. While he was fleeing back to Kings Landing I have been in talks with the Martells who have agreed to side with me in exchange or the heads of Tywin, The Mountain and Lorch while the knights of the Vale have finally decided it is time to join the fight, something about Lannisters killing my uncle, their liege lord Jon Arryn."

Walder looked uncertainly at the king in front of him. Tywin Lannister didn't say anything about fucking Dornish and Valemen joining the war, this must be a bluff. "You are lying to me, trying to scare me."

"Oh, Am I lord Darry?" Robb looked over him and Walder turned around to see a cloaked figure stepping out of the shadows. The man removed his hood.

"Raymun Darry," Walder said shocked "But you are dead."

"Not dead just been trying to survive the Mountain and when I did so I went to Riverrun after which I was sent to Dorne to negotiate with Prince Doran. He is quite eager to join the fight," Raymun said with a smirk.

"Oh, you didn't know that," Robb Stark said a cruel smile on his lips. "Doesn't surprise me Tywin didn't say anything to you. He needs me dead and quick before the Valemen and Dornish attack that's why he got you to do it. You see even if you succeeded an entire army would come, an army loyal to my cousin and aunt. What do you think they would have done to you and your family once they found out that you killed me and mine. I'm sure you can guess," Fear started to engulf Walder but he refused to show it, instead he continued to talk calmly.

"You got yourself allies, so why do you need house Frey?"

"The Martells are in Dorne, they will attack the Reach and the Vale will take time to get here, I need troops now. I have already recalled half of the troops from the west, with them, the Riverlords, and House Frey I will have enough to counter what the Lannisters have to throw at me until the knights of the Vale don't arrive."

"And you wish me to get you the support of my house?" Walder had to admit he was intrigued by the proposition, he always wanted to be the lord of the Twins. The way the boy spoke he was certain about having new allies, Walder was sure of that. The Dornish hate the Lannisters ever since the rebellion and Lysa is a Tully so she would naturally support her family even if it was a bit late entry.

"I do," Robb Stark said. "I need someone capable you run the Twins, someone worthy of that position, that someone could be you if you accept that is."

"To put me in charge you would still have to get rid of Edwyn and our father and grandfather," Walder said.

"No need to worry yourself about your brother, I can take care of that," said Darry.

"And my father and old Walder?"

"Walder is an old man in his nineties he can die tomorrow or the day after that, it's just a matter of time before the stranger knocks on his door. And your father well that depends on if you agree to the deal," Raymun said. The Young Wolf had not taken his icy cold gaze from Black Walder, not even now as he spoke with Darry.

Walder thought about it for a moment, the offer was tempting, the Starks will take care of his idiot brother and father and he would get the Twins. He could say not but doubtless that they would kill him or say yes and betray them once he gets back home but then he would have to take care of the succession himself. This way it would be assured that he would be lord of the Twins. It's not lord Paramount status but Robb Stark has spent the entire war winning and with the additional troops he just might win. Up until this point, he thought the Lannisters would be the ones who would win this war but it seems the tides have turned.

Black Walder gave the King in the North a large grin. "Your grace, house Frey will stand with you," he said in a joyful tone.

"That is good to hear lord Frey," Robb said emphasizing the title.

"I'm must ask how to do intend to remove my opposition out of the way?"

"Your father is at Fairmarket if I'm not mistaken," said Raymun and Wolder nodded, perplexed by how the man knew that. "As I said I will take care of that, the roads are dangerous during the war and everyone can be attacked even nobles. The same goes for your brother, just be ready to ride fast on your way back to the Twins. Also, you will help smuggle some men inside the castle after you arrive, they will take care of the rest."

He was honestly surprised by the ruthlessness of the plan and by the one who wanted to act upon it. He always thought that Robb Stark was a lucky green boy who clings to honor much like his father but it seems the boy isn't so different from Tywin Lannister. Walder turned his gaze back to the king, his face still emotionless and his eyes cold.

"Just keep your head low on your way back, lord Frey," Walder nodded and exited the solar, a large grin on his face. Lord Frey sounds good indeed.

AN: Lot of you guys really liked the Robb part and I'm happy about it. I honestly didn't think it would get that much of a response. Just proves that people like Robb. I always like him and rooted for him until he died. Still, that's what fanfics are for.

hateme: Glad you like it, I always liked Robb in the books and the show and think if he found out, he would have learned his lesson this is how it would go.

Yamajiji: I'm happy you like the Robb part.

Force smuggler: Tywin is a cunning guy, so I could see him doing what he did here.

nerdwarf: Robb does still need his troops, so it wouldn't make sense to kill Roose, just keep him contained.

BioHazard82: Thanks man.

Grunty: Not a bad idea but I think Robb will keep him as he is until he can publicly execute him to show what happens to traitors.

HaywireEagle: I'm glad you like it.

Prince Loki Stark: It won't be an outright civil war, more like assassinations.

LordStark92: Thanks mate, take care as well.

Supermun82: Yeah, there won't be a red wedding. Thanks.

Jaimerey7000: Its possible.

Denolotdn: Glad you like the Mire and Willas part. Olenna will live to the end and see just how wrong she was. There are decent Freys like the ones I named here. Lord Dayne will be introduced in the next chapter, I originally wanted him in this one but I thought it would be better for the character to have some spotlight and I didn't want Jon pov too long, I kinda wanted a few impressions of Dorne from the group and arrival at Starfall and meeting and talking with lord Dayne but just went with two and a half. The talk with lord Dyne will happen next. Arthur will appear in either the next chapter or the one after that.

Hewhohasreturned: I'm glad you like the story so far, the stops on the way will mean something later down the line. As I have started before Jons Povs take place before Robbs, Tarlys, Margaery's etc. I have an Essos plot in mind so that will take some time which will join Jons pov with the others.